On> The Holodeck

Domina walked onto the bridge and looked around. She was worried what Tarmis and Hogah would think of her running out on the miniature golf outing, but she knew she had to see the Commodore... she had to make sure she was all right. She saw Rafe sitting at the command chair and figured that the Commodore was in her ready room. She composed herself and walked over to the door and pressed the buzzer.

"Enter," Elsie said absently as she studied the Ferengi Trade Laws.

Domina walked in. "Commodore? Are you... Do you have a minute? I need to speak to you."

Gratefully, Elsie shut off the document and gestured to a chair. "Please, have a seat."

Domina sat down. She clearly had a look of worry and concern on her face.

"What's on your mind, Counselor?"

"You... your future... I think..." Domina said as if she had seen a ghost.

Elsie sat up straight, surprised. "My...future? Explain."

"I... I saw something... I had... A day... daydream... I think... I saw you and shadows, on the bridge... here in the ready room... and two faces... one stern and cold, the other... was a face of hate and rage...

"Could you identify them?"

"I... maybe... If I saw pictures... One was cold... he hated the Gashta... I think... He was on a Ferengi ship... The other... he hated you... and Rh'vaurek... And someone named Kane... and someone named Sephroth..." She said, tears coming to her eyes.

"Kane and Sephroth? These were the two people you saw in the shadows?"

"Yes... There was a battle on a bridge... this bridge... Kane... he wore a fiery mask and fought the one who hates you... Sephroth was there too... He kinda reminded me of Capt. Rafe... and... I don't know... I shouldna come here... this is screwy... you won't believe this..."

Elsie smirked. "Oh, I believe it." Could she tell Domina about the other timeline? Not yet. But why was she seeing this? HOW could she see this?

"Well, there’s more... The cold guy... He's using the Ferengi... I didn't see clearly, but there were drills... big drills... And the one who hates you... he's... he's dancing some kind of black spiral dance... he blames you for a lot of things..."

"Dear Goddess," Elsie whispered. "The Rift. Starfleet never closed the Rift."

"What rift?" Domina asked. "I don't know what the cold guy had to do with this dream I had, but this other guy... he really has it in for you... pretty crazy, huh?" She continued.

"It's not as crazy as you think, Counselor. The Rift is located at the other end of the slot." She brought up a map and showed Chiara. "This rift was caused by a warp collision with a photon torpedo. It spans not only time, but I believe it also may span timelines. I cannot tell you much more about it, but it was supposed to be closed. Starfleet in its "infinite wisdom" has seen fit to leave it open for further study." Elsie said sarcastically.

"So I'm not going crazy?" She asked, hoping the Commodore would confirm it.

"No, Counselor, you are not going crazy. In fact, you may have just forewarned me about a possible....situation."

"I don't know how... it was only a dream... a day dream... its not like I'm psychic or anything, I don't think... Nebari don't usually have all the wicked mind powers the Vulcans and Betazoids have." She said

"There are individuals in most cultures who manifest abilities beyond those of their people. It may be you are one of them. Premonitions are one of the more common of those abilities. I don't take premonitions lightly. They often have an element of truth to them."

Domina bowed her head. "Then I'm some kind of freak... Nebari usually look at people among our people who are different as freaks..." She sniffled. "I won't be able to go home."

"No one can look at you and see that you have premonitions. What you don't tell them, they won't know."

"I guess so... what do they know anyways..." Domina looked around. "So what do we do? I mean if its a premonition, then its bound to happen, unless we do something to prevent it, right?"

Elsie sighed. "I know someone I can talk to about this. The fact that we now KNOW some kind of confrontation may take place, may help us prevent much of it."

"Chiara, why don't you go back to your outing with Tarmis?"

"Ok... How did you know about my outing with Tarmis?" She asked.

Elsie smiled. "It's a small ship, especially when it comes to matters of...romance."

Domina smiled. "Yeah." She stood up. "So like if I see anything else, I should tell you?"

"Please do, Counselor."

"Ok... I will." Domina turns and leaves.

After Domina left, Elsie sent a thought, ~ Rafe, we have a big problem. ~

Seconds later, Rafe walked in and took a seat, not bothering to ring the bell. "What's going on? Problem with the Counselor?"

"More like what the Counselor saw...on my bridge...Kane, Helmsly, and Sephroth." Elsie's face took on a worried frown. "Do you sense anything wrong with this timeline?"

Rafe closed his eyes and centered himself.

"I sense nothing in particular wrong... but what ever Domina told you has a chance to happen."

She saw an event that happened in the other timeline, and she thinks it will play out again in this one. Of course, she doesn’t know about the timeline I came from. She only sees premonitions. But she described enough for me to be able to identify who she saw. Starfleet has not closed the Rift yet. We may be getting incursions into our own timeline."

"Or we may be dealing with a threat that already exists in this timeline."

Elsie didn't like what she was hearing. "Domina said that Helmsly blames me for all his problems. She also said she saw a battle involving all three on my bridge. Something is going to be played out here. Why or when I do not know."

"Then we will have to be ready for it when it does happen. I want to continue your sword training immediately... but I am stepping up the ante." Rafe took from inside his crimson a new Migichinan lightsaber. "I will begin to train you with this. If there is a chance Helmsly is going to return to haunt you once more, conventional weapons will not be enough."

Elsie's eyes opened wide. "I remember now. Sephroth had such a weapon. And he used it against the beings that appeared on the ship in the other timeline. So. We are dealing with extra-ordinary forces again. I suppose I must face the truth. I must learn how to use the lightsaber."

"We will begin training tomorrow morning... before breakfast."

Elsie nodded. "It is going to be the only free time I have. With the USS Peary arriving and a meeting with McKenna and preparing to leave for Zeevavok, my day will be full!"

"Then I suggest retiring early tonight."

Elsie got a gleam in her eye and she tilted her head impishly. "Yes, that is a good idea."

"I will remain on the bridge until the evening watch comes on duty."

"All right, Luv. I have much to do here. I'll meet you after shift then." She rose slightly and bent over the desk, giving Rafe a gentle kiss. Sitting back down she sighed, then turned on the screen to display the Ferengi Trade Laws again.

Rafe stood and headed back out to the bridge.

OFF>

JP

Commodore Elsie Veritas
CO USS James Cook
&
Capt. Rafe Oosha
CIO - USS James Cook
&
Counselor Chiara Domina
Chief Counselor - USS James Cook
 

ON>
Cassie's quarters>

Once Cassie had gotten back from visiting Vierna she had gone immediately to Rakhan's quarters. He was not there but Cassie was so badly rattled from her trip planetside that she didn't care. She shed her clothes and put on one of his large shirts. She snuggled into it and climbed into Rakhan's bed and fell asleep.

<Dream>
Cassie looked about. She didn't recognize the place. She took a few steps forward before she noticed that her pregnancy was further along. She also noticed that she wore a long dirty tunic of some sort and leather boots that seemed to be falling apart at the seams. A huge cape covered her shoulders and head. "I must be dreaming again," Cassie muttered. "Hallo?" she called but didn't get an answer.

She walked a little further along the rocky barren path. It took her another moment before she realized she heard no sounds. It was eeriely quiet.

In the distance Cassie could faintly hear voices calling. Picking up the pace she walked faster, winding her way down the treacherous path. As she got near the base of the mountain she realized it was the twins.

"Aymee! Serena! What are you doing here?" she cried out shocked to see them in her dream as they ran into her arms sobbing.

"Please Aunt Cassie," Serena cried, "You have to get out of here," Aymee finished as they tugged on her clothes.

"Remember, it's not your fault," Serena said, "Our destinies are our own," Aymee completed as they led her to a shuttle that was hidden by a boulder. The twins urged her to get in.

"I'm not getting in yet. Both of you, in the shuttle now," Cassie said as she resisted the tugging on her arms. The feeling of danger was prickling along her senses. The twins looked at her and then together, using their telekinesis they froze Cassie and placed her inside. The mentally strapped her in and activate the controls over her screams of protests and pleadings.

~We love you Aunt Cassie. Tell Daddy we love him too~ Aymee and Serena's voice echoed in Cassie's mind.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!" Cassie screamed as blackness engulfed her.
<dream ends>

"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!" Cassie screamed herself into consciousness, sobbing she climbed out of bed and rushed to the bathroom where she promptly threw up, her stomach roiling in disbelief and pain. Finally she stopped and sat on the bathroom floor sobbing for sometime.

About fifteen minutes later Cassie had composed herself and was cleaning up around Rakhan's quarters when the announcement was made. Sighing she quickly packed all of his stuff and left the bags by the door before going to her quarters and packing her things. She sent a thought to him. ~Rakhan love, I've got our stuff. I'll see you aboard the Merriwether Lewis. Your stuff will be in my quarters.~

Cassie made her way to a transporter room. She thought for a moment of Commodore Veritas. ~I wish you good luck and god speed Commodore~ Cassie sent to Elsie. ~Remember to watch your back and that things are not always what they appear to be.~ Cassie added after she felt a stirring of premonitions when she sent her best wishes to Elsie.

The transporter chief looked at Cassie who nodded. "Energize."

The Cook's transporter room disappeared and the Merriwether Lewis' appeared. Cassie smiled at the transporter chief. "Thanks," she said as she got off and was told her room assignment which she grateful headed to. "I need sleep and lots of it," she mused as she left for her room.

OFF>
LT. Cassandra Knowledge
CMO, Former USS Draesoneth
 

On>
Genesis looked about the Cook's transporter room. She sighed. Then squared her shoulders. She was the shortest person on the transporter pad. She listened carefully to her room assignment before walking off to find it.

Once she arrived she quickly put away her things and climbed into bed. She was tired from her long journey.

"Computer set alarm for 0600. I'll swing by sickbay then," Genesis muttered as she climbed into bed and slept.

Off>
LT Genesis Aquamara
ACMO USS James Cook

ON - Tac/Ops Station, James Cook Bridge

Rh’vaurek watched the ops screen on his console, little federation com badges marked the Federation personnel on the planet, the transporter chief had Orders from him to beam them up ut the first sign of trouble, he also had an open comm. link to all the personnel on the planet.

The map of the Migichinan capital was marked with the patrol routes and restricted areas, so he could inform patrol leaders if they were straying off course or going to enter a restricted area.

His Comm badge beeped, "Commodore Veritas to Erei'Riov tr’Radaik"

Tapping his comm badge in response "tr’Radaik here ma’am"

"We will be leaving Migichinan orbit tomorrow, recall all planet side personnel, effective immediately"

"Understood ma’am, tr’Radaik out"

Rh’vaurek watched the screen a moment longer "All Starfleet Personnel, report to the transporter coordinates for beam out, effective immediately"

Rh’vaurek watched as all the little markers indicating Starfleet personnel made their way to the beam out coordinates, Rh’vaurek allowed himself a small sigh of relief that nothing had gone wrong and also that they were leaving, Migichina had seriously bothered him, with the Cybernetics but like always he would keep these thoughts to himself, never knowing who was listening

OFF

erei’Riov (Cmdr.) Rh’vaurek tr’Radaik

CTAC/SEC Exchange officer
USS James Cook
PFCD
 

On> Bridge

The 1MC came to life. "Bridge to Commodore Veritas... The Lord Prime of the Migichinan Alliance is signaling a request to come aboard."

Elsie answered from the ready room, "Have Transporter Room one ready to receive him." Elsie took the turbolift to the transporter room and stood before the pads. "Energize," She ordered.

McKenna appeared on the transporter pad. He was not dressed in his typical fashion, but in a black leather Migichinan Uniform. His long brown and white hair was tied back into a ponytail, with a long braid falling freely from just behind his left ear. He looked almost younger as he stepped off the pad "Permission to come aboard, Commodore."

Elsie smiled, "Permission granted, Lord Prime."

McKenna stepped down from the pad. As he did, his Migichinan Knight's lightsaber dangled from his belt. "This is the first time I've stepped foot on a Starfleet ship as a civilian."

"And, Lord Prime, you are the first dignitary to set foot on the USS James Cook as the Flagship of Python Fleet!" Elsie gave a small bow then said, "Shall we go to the main conference room?"

"Yes, lets." McKenna followed her out of the transporter room. "Tell me, what is the status of Lt. Edderly?"

Elsie frowned. "He is receiving counseling from Mr. Rafe. He tried to assault our Chief Counselor. I am holding a hearing later today to determine his fate."

"That would be Domina... the only Nebari in Star Fleet, correct?" McKenna asked.

"As far as I know. Ah here we are." Elsie ushered the Lord Prime into the conference room, while guards posted themselves outside the door.

McKenna sat down. "I'm not going to keep you too long, Elsie. I know there is a situation brewing on Zeevavok."

"Yes. What can I do for you, Lord Prime?" Elsie folded her hands on the table and leaned forward slightly, giving him her full attention.

"I am here to simple give you a send off... and to give you a message to send back to the Federation. In one month's time, The Migichinan Alliance will declare her sovereignty in this sector and begin establishing and patrolling our borders."

Elsie nodded. "And I will make sure to have the Federation grant passage through our space to all Migichinan immigrants heading home from exile."

"Thank you. Otherwise we would face war. A ware that the Federation would not be able to fight for long.

Elsie heard the undertone of the veiled threat. "Understood, Lord Prime. Remember, there are those here that have supported the project and kept it safe. We have done our best to support you in your efforts to re-establish your home world."

"And to all who have helped support the rebirth of my nation, my people will be eternally grateful." He sipped a glass of water provided for him. "I will be sending an ambassador to Starbase Python very soon in order to represent the Migichinan Alliance."

"The sooner the better. I understand there will be two hundred more of your people needing transport from Starbase in three weeks. T'Anna can arrange that through your ambassador."

"As long as Migichinan Starships are given clearance through to Starbase Python, we will pick up our own."

"Fair enough."

"So... how does it feel being a flag ship?"

"It's exciting, it's almost overwhelming when I think of the responsibility. But I believe we are ready."

"I hope so. Its going to much more of a challenge then what you are used to... but then again, you've already been through a lot."

"This time around we will be prepared and outfitted for anything that comes our way, too. I have a feeling, from our first meeting, that Admiral Holloway will keep us pretty busy."

"Admiral Holloway will do just that. He's a good man." McKenna looks at his wrist chronometer. "Well, look at the time. Commodore, I hate to cut things short, but I've got somewhere I need to be. I'd like to wish you good luck in your future, and don't be afraid to drop in from time to time."

Elsie rose with McKenna and walked him to the transporter. "May the Goddess be with you, Lord Prime." She said as he stepped onto the pad.

"And with you as well, Elsie. Farewell." McKenna fades in a shower of transporter energy.

OFF>

JP
Commodore Elsie Veritas
CO USS James Cook
&
Lord Prime Zendista McKenna
Lord Prime - Migichinan Alliance.
 

================
Lord Prime Zendista McKenna
Migichinan Council of Lords

On> Brig Conference Room .

Rafe ushered in George Edderly and had him sit in a chair at the end of the table. Rafe leaned up against a wall and proceeded to wait for the Commodore to arrive.

Elsie entered the conference room, reading over the formal charges against Edderly. She looked up at Rafe and glanced at Edderly before she sat down at the other end of the table.

"This hearing will now convene." Rafe said. "Commodore, I present to you Lt. George Edderly, who is held on one count of assault, with the victim being Ship's Counselor Doctor Chiara Domina. The Counselor has since declined to file charges against the accused, stating that it would be detrimental to Mr. Edderly's treatment to do so, however, the incident cannot be dismissed."

"Who speaks in the accused's defense?" Elsie asked.

"I do, Commodore." Rafe said.

"Then the defense shall now be presented."

"Mr. Edderly's actions speak of a childhood filled with abuse and torment on the part of his father, Colonel James Edderly, who is presently serving a life sentence for murder at the New Zealand Penal Colony on Earth. As a child, George Edderly was subjected to fights against his father in what he claims was training from his father with the goal of 'toughening him' and preparing him for the real world."

"In addition, George Edderly was subject to seeing the abuse of his mother on a repetitive basis. This abuse made her very quiet and withdrawn, to the point where she feared both her husband and her son."

"Does the Counselor feel that this past upbringing contributed to his misbehavior towards the victim?"

"Yes, Commodore." Rafe replied. "The Counselor feels that his upbringing is directly responsible for his actions. He has a profound disrespect for women and authority. Psychological profiles from Star Fleet Command show a number of past relationships during his time in service where he has been moderately abusive, as well as a number of abuse complaints against him that seemed to have never been followed up."

"In the opinion of the Counselor, can Mr. Edderly's behavior be improved?"

"The Counselor does believe that Mr. Edderly's behavior can be improved, but only with proper and constant guidance. The Counselor herself did not feel comfortable nor safe working directly with Mr. Edderly, so she has asked me to see to his therapy."

Elsie looked hard at Lt. Edderly. ""Mr. Edderly. Are you willing to continue therapy under the guidance of Captain Oosha until such time as he feels you have shown marked improvement?"

Edderly stood and put his chin up, masking his nervousness, "Yes, Ma'am, I am willing."

Elsie nodded slightly and decided. "Mr. Edderly, you are on 6 months probation. You will not approach any female personnel except in the line of duty. You will continue your sessions with Captain Rafe until he releases you from therapy. You will deal with any anger in an appropriate manner befitting a Starfleet Officer. Should you break this probation, you will be court-martialed. Do you understand the terms of your probation?"

Edderly swallowed hard, glanced at Captain Rafe, and answered, "Yes, Ma'am. I understand."

"Captain Oosha. Do you have any further statements?"

"No, Commodore."

"Then this hearing is ended."

The door slid open and Counselor Domina walked in with a PADD. "I'm sorry I'm late, Commodore. I had an appointment which I could postpone." She took a seat next to the Commodore.

Elsie frowned at the Counselor. "Counselor, the hearing is concluded. However, if you have evidence you want appended to the testimony given in this hearing, then it will be added to the record."

Domina looked up at Capt. Rafe, then back over to her. "No ma'am... I'm certain the Captain has covered everything."

Elsie glanced at Captain Oosha and Lt. Edderly. "You two are dismissed."

Rafe motioned for Edderly to leave and then followed him out.

Elsie turned her full attention to the Counselor. "Explain your presence here if you were not going to enter any more testimony."

"I had another dream..."

"Oh..." Elsie's disapproval at Domina's lack of protocol vanished. "What was it?"

"The man... the cold one... He's got some kind of god complex... I saw him hurting and abusing the Gashta with some weird machines... harvesting some kind of glowing green liquid." She said.

"Can you tell where this was taking place?"

"Brown walls." Domina replied.

"Close your eyes, Counselor."

Domina did so. Elsie could immediately see that Domina probably hadn't slept well in a few days. The normal dark blue shades around her eyes were even darker.

Elsie placed a hand on Domina's, even though the mental connection would not be any stronger. She wanted to reassure her. "Now, bring that picture up in your mind, and verbally describe what you see."

Domina's mouth opened slightly...

"I'm on a ship... I can feel... I can feel it moving underneath me... and it smells funny..." Her nose wrinkled in response...

"Klingon?" Elsie asked, "Does it smell Klingon?"

"No... Klingon is a distinct smell of shit and other bodily fluids... this smells more like... like... rotten food and sex." Domina described.

Domina's vision was indistinct, so that Elsie could not identify the type of ship. "Does it feel like a slaver? Can you feel other beings aboard?"

"I'll have to look around... wait... I hear footsteps... and talking.... have to hide!" Domina's body wiggled and twitched... "They're coming this way."

"Relax, Chiara. You are seeing it, but you are not really there. Breathe deeply, relax your body, and see."

Domina's tension eased. "There’s some writing on the walls... and computer panels... and a wrapper on a desk..."

"Who is coming, Chiara? Turn around and look."

In her vision, Domina turned around. "WHOOAAA!!! They just walked right through me... That felt nasty!!!"

Domina's breathing became more distressed.

Elsie realized that if she could feel them, then she was actually projecting herself onto the ship. "Look at them, Chiara. What are they?"

"They're... they're brown... no, tan... I think that's the color you call it... They're Ferengi! They were talking about Gashta!"

"The door is opening... a man is walking in... a human."

"They're talking to him..."

"Can you pick out a name? Any name?"

"Ra's... Ra's Al Ghul... I think... They are talking science stuff with him... Hey! Its the cold guy!"

"All right, Chiara. I want you to see yourself moving outside the ship. Don't worry, you won't suffocate. Move outside the ship."

"Ok... I'll try..." In her vision, Domina, left the room and started walking through the walls... It was a very odd experience for her in that she had never tried it before. Moments later, she was outside the ship.

"Ok... what am I looking for?"

"Describe the ship as you see it from space."

"Its big... and round... I think." In her vision, she pushed herself away from the ship. "And it's Ferengi... a marauder."

"You are doing very well, Chiara. Now one last thing, and you can come back. Look around you in space. Are there any other ships, vessels, planets, or spacedocks nearby?

"Just a planet... with two moons.... Wait... There looks like some kind of orbital facility nearby... with cigar shaped ships."

"You did very well, Chiara. You can come back now."

Domina slowly opened her eyes. "Wow... that was wild!"

"You do what Terrans call astral projection. I cannot see exactly what you see, because we don't have the same brain configurations. That is why I had you describe them to me. I would like you to tell Captain Oosha what you saw."

Domina tried to stand but fell out of the chair instead.

Elsie grabbed her and sat her back on the seat. "Whoaah. I guess that trip made you a bit weak. Can I get you something to drink?"

"Well, it would help if I could actually see to stand up." Domina said with frustration. Domina opened her eyes wide, which showed Elsie they had been covered over with white. "I can't see anything..."

Elsie gave her a sharp look. "Chiara!" Elsie grabbed a medical tricorder from the medkit on the wall and began to scan her.

"Commodore? Don't be too concerned... it happens on occasion, whenever I see things in depth, anything more then a flash and I go blind."

"How long till you recover? Your psi levels are nearly off the scale."

"Could be an hour or two... its been getting progressively longer with each vision."

"When I was kid, I'd have vision and loose my sight for a few seconds to a few minutes... but its gotten worse over the years... but the visions have gotten clearer..." Domina said. "I know I'm used to it... but...."

"But, it is scary?"

"Yes... I'm so afraid..." Domina reached out into the air, hoping to touch the Commodore. "I didn't ask for any of this... I didn't want any of this... why does it have to be me?"

Elsie took Domina in her arms and held her close." I don't know, but it looks like we need to do some research into this, especially among the Nebari. There must be a way to counter the side effects of your astral travel." Elsie tapped her combadge, "Site to site transport. Two to Counselor Domina's quarters." They re-materialized in her quarters, and Elsie took her to the bedroom and set her on the bed.

"Thank you, Commodore." She felt around on the bed and laid down. "Its just soooo freaky... you know? And what will Tarmy... er... Capt. Tarmis think? He won't want some freak to be his girl, you know?"

"Captain Tarmis is not going to think you freaky. Those of us in Starfleet have seen or read about many different manifestations of abilities. Astral Travel is not uncommon among humanoids."

"It isn't?" Domina asked as she curled up on the bed.

"No, it isn't. In fact many humanoids don't even know they can do it, but with training learn how to do it safely." Elsie pulled a soft blanket up around Domina and tucked her in. "I will have your appointments rescheduled. You sleep now."

"Ok... thanks... I think. Umm... don't bother turning off the lights."

Elsie chuckled. "I will turn them off anyway, so you can sleep. Lights off." She ordered the room as she headed to the door.

The door opened to reveal Rafe standing outside, leaned up against a wall.

Elsie smiled grimly at Rafe. "Fancy meeting you here."

"Figured you'd want to see me after the hearing. Thought I'd save you the trouble of calling me."

"C'mon. I could use a drink right about now." She led the way to the turbolift to the Officer's lounge. Wearily she leaned against the turbolift walls.

"Edderly is already changing his outlook on life." Rafe said.

"That is good to hear," Elsie said absently. The turbolift opened to Deck 4 and they headed for a corner table that had a privacy field.

Rafe sat back and rested his clay jug on the table. "So, what's on your mind?"

Elsie rubbed her eyes. "The Counselor has been experiencing visions. This time she saw a man in a Ferengi vessel performing biological experiments on a Gashtan. I have a feeling we are going to run into this...person."

"Can you be any more specific?" Rafe asked.

Does the name "Ra's Al Ghul" mean anything to you?

Rafe searched his memory. "No, not off hand, but when I get back to the office, I'll start looking him up."

"Also look for a planet with two moons, and an orbital facility that docks cigar-shaped vessels. There would be some association with the Ferengi, since this person was on a Ferengi ship."

"That would be Zeevavok. The Inquisitor is already there. The Gashta are more then pissed off about it, too. Gashtan Authorities have are also reporting that a number of citizens are disappearing."

"Damn! We better head out maximum warp!"

"That would be a good idea." Rafe replied.

Elsie tapped her combadge. "Veritas to bridge. Lay in course and head for Zeevavok maximum warp!"

Jeram's voice answered, "Aye, Ma'am."

"Y'Know, that brew of yours is beginning to look inviting." Elsie gestured to the Jug.

Rafe pushed the jug across the table to her.

Elsie lifted the jug and took a swig, shuddering at the nasty taste. "Well...maybe not." She pushed it back across the table. "So if Domina's visions hold true, we have a mad scientist experimenting on Gashta and is in league with the Ferengi. I don't see this helping the trade negotiations any."

"Orbital scans from the S.S. Sandee Westgate last month showed considerable amounts of dilithium, trilithium and latinum on Zeevavok, as well as extreme quantities of titanium. The Ferengi are interested in obtaining mining rights."

"I see. It is going to be difficult to remain impartial while I mediate this. I know what my answer would be!"

Mediation may be a moot point if what Domina says is true. The Ferengi may only be there as a cover for this Ra's Al Ghul fellow."

"I was unable to get a picture of what this person looked like for the Counselor's mind, so you are going to have to research him by name and occupation. He must exist somewhere in the database."

"I'll see what I can do." Rafe replied.

"I had better get back to the bridge. We will be coming up on Zeevavok shortly." Elsie rose with a sigh.

"I'll head to CIC and see what I can come up with."

Elsie nodded and led the way out of the Lounge.

Off>

JP
Capt. Rafe Oosha
Chief Intelligence Officer
&
 

Commodore Elsie Veritas

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

 ON>

Laura Allen sat quietly in the meeting. The two crews of the Cook and the former Admiral’s would be combined, a prospect too likely to cause problems far beyond the cramped conditions that are likely to follow. The senior staff of the other staff is not likely to like sharing duties or being under the Cook’s existing senior staff. At least this was a problem that she did not have to worry about. She would only receive ten additions to her squadron. Six junior shuttle pilots and four low ranking engineer. Not the personnel nightmare like it was going to be in engineering or in tactical. Laura was tired she was pulling double shifts as punishment for her involvement in the bar fight back on Starbase Python, but she had gotten off easy since she did try to stop it. She listened to the Commodore talk about how the Cook was now the flagship of the fleet. A statement that made very little difference to her. A ship was a ship, as long as she was in the pilot’s seat of a fighter she was happy. At the conclusion of the meeting Laura headed for the shuttle bay. Moments later she strolled across the deck and entered her office. She sat down and brought up the additions to her squadron. She summoned the officers to her and she sat back and waited for them to arrive. One by one the stood before her looking like any other Starfleet Officer, still and rigid.

Laura: At ease gentlemen * looks at the only woman * and lady. I understand that you were the shuttle pilots for you last assignment.

They nodded in unison.

Laura: I would be lying if I told you I need you here. I do have two openings but not six. I want you all to qualify for fighters. Every last one of you. The two with the best scores will be admitted into the regular squadron. The rest will be place on reserve. I would suggest that those of whom that do not make the cut move on to a different assignment. There is not a whole lot of a career for those who sit on a waiting list. * Taps her combadge* Cat could I get you to come in here?

Cat: =/\= Yes Hotty, be there in a moment/\=

The officers looked at their senior quizzically for a moment.

Laura: *seeing their confusion * My call sign is Hotshot. Its been shortened to Hotty because Hot nor Shot have any kind of a ring to it.

They smiled in understanding. Suddenly Big Cat Stevens entered the room

Cat: Yes ma’am?

Laura: Cat would you show these new recruits to the holodeck and train them how to fly the birds.

Cat nodded and led the officers out of the room. Laura looked at the pile of reports she needed to take care of. She sighed and went to work on the clerical side of things. The one thing in this job she could leave.

OFF>
 

Laura J. Allen

Squadron CO
USS James Cook
"My What Big Teeth We have"

ON>
When the computer promptly awoke her at the designated time. Yawning she got up and dressed. She checked the schedule and speed read through the profiles of the medical staff so that she could identify everyone on sight. Even though she was on Beta shift she decided to go in early to see how this sickbay's crew worked together.

She walked out of her quarters and headed down the hall taking her time looking about and greeting any crew members that walked by her.

She arrived and noticed that Delta shift was still there. Smiling Genesis walked over to Dr. T'Khat.

"Good morning. You are Dr. T'Khat?" Genesis asked the Vulcan female in her soft pleasant voice.

T'Khat eyed the extremely short human female. "Yes that would be me. Can I assist you?"

Genesis smiled and projected calmly and unthreatening thoughts. She felt T'Khat relax. "My name is Dr. Genesis Montana Aquamara. I am the new Assistant Chief Medical Officer on the Cook."

T'Khat once again looked the new doctor over. ~She looks young but of course being short would lead one to that conclusion.~ "We are in need of some more doctors so you are welcome here."

Genesis smiled and eased up on her mental projection. "I know. I heard this ship has lots of families aboard? That is why I took this assignment. Family practice and pediatrics are my specialty fields."

"If I may I just want to take a quick look around. I promise not to touch anything."

T'Khat nodded and Genesis walked around. Here and there she stopped to talk to a couple of patients.

T'Khat watched the small female in fascination. ~She moves about so graceful and quiet. It immediately puts a patient at ease. I think she will do well here.~ T'Khat turned back and resumed her duties.

Once Genesis made her rounds, she told T'Khat good bye and headed off to Ten Forward to get herself something to eat.

OFF>
Lt. Genesis Montana Aquamara
ACMO
USS James Cook

 

ON >

Quarters of a Junior Science officer>

Jenny, Karla and Kris sat on the big bed in Karla’s room. They were dressed in Pajamas, talking girl talk.

Jenny whispered loud enough for everyone to hear, “Did you SEE B’Ren? She’s only eight and she’s got BOOBS!”

Kris giggled, “Yah! Man, out to HERE!” She exaggerated the size with her hands.

Karla said, “But she’s part Klingon. They grow up faster.”

Jenny frowned down at her barely budding mounds. “I wish I would show something. I look like a BOY!”

Kris countered, “Maybe it’s cause you exercise so much! They say women who are too athletic don’t get very big.”

“But, I GOTTA work out if I wanna be a good gymnast!” Jenny wailed. “None of the boys look at me, cause I look like one of THEM!”

“Wait. Let’s try this.” Karla went to her bureau and pulled out a training bra. “Put this on.”

Jenny wiggled out of her PJ tops and with Karla’s help, got the stretchy training bra on. “ I still look like a boy!”

“Just wait,” Karla promised. “She went back to her drawer and retrieved two small foam breasts, the kind that were used as temporary replacements in surgery patients. “Here, stick these in.”

Jenny meticulously tucked the prosthetics into the training bra and looked at herself in the full-length mirror on the wall. She shoved one a bit higher, then scrutinized herself from all sides. “Well....” she grimaced. "I don’t know.”

“Put on your top.” Karla tossed her the PJ top.

Jenny slipped it back on and posed in front of the mirror. “What do ya think?” The prosthetics gave her enough of a figure to make her look two years older.

Kris grinned, “Hey, Jenny, the boys are gonna notice you now!” All three got the giggles.

Karla said, “You keep those. I got more.”

“Thanks! You’re so cool!”

“No problem. Hey, Karla, I saw Hernel looking at you in gym yesterday. I think he likes you.” Kris said slyly.

“Yeah? OH MAN! He is SO dreamy! You really think he likes me?”

“Yeah..”

The girls giggled and compared boys long into the night.

OFF>

Karla, Kris, & Jenny
 

Commodore Elsie Veritas

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

On> Security Office
Shi was in her office reading reports and making up the schedule for the next day. She was glad all the confusion was over and that the Security Forces had been pulled off Migichina.

She was excited about the new status of the ship and their first mission. Security scores were slowly improving and the instructors were doing a fine job.

Well she had better make the meeting announcement it was almost time for shift change.

She picked up the all-ship comm “Attention all Security Personal, There will be an important general meeting at 0700 hours tomorrow. The only people excused will be those on Gamma shift, if they cannot be released early. All others are to attend. The meeting will be held in Cargo bay 2

Anyone skipping this meeting or reporting late will be disciplined.
ASEC ereiRiov t’Radaik out

She replaced the comm in its holder and went back to reading reports. She noticed that the 16 year old son of one of the Science Officers had been involved in another fight broken up by Security. That must be at least 12 fights he had been involved in. She would try and talk to him before he got himself in real trouble.

She looked at her desk Chron and realized her shift was over.

erei’Riov (Cmdr.) Shiarrael t’Radaik
ASEC, Exchange officer
USS James Cook
PFCD
 

On>
Jeram Quarters>

Tarmis sat at the console, going over reports. His eyes stared blankly across the screen as if he were lost in some other universe or time.

Hogah sat on the floor in front of the couch, playing with his Kelakin Dratya, Dratya was a Khafiri shogol. As they played, rough housing about Hogah stared at Tarmis, and his blank empty eyes.

~Father what is wrong, your smile hides the empty hollowness inside you. I know you like Ms.Chiara father but how or which way or something. Do you do this all for me? I love you Father, but please dad PLEASE DON'T PUSH ME AWAY!~

As Tarmis sat there his mind in some unknown distant void he heard his child's scream, and spun around, " Hogah what happened are you alright?" Hogah looked into his father's eyes with strange curiosity, " Yes Father, why?" Tarmis moved next to Hogah, looking him over, " I thought I heard you yell son." Tarmis exclaimed as he pulled Hogah tightly into a hug.

Hogah fell into his father's arm as he enjoyed Tarmis' strong embrace, ~Could Father hear me? No he couldn't.~ Hogah smiled widely as he and Tarmis hugged for some time. Daratya ran around them both softly barking and jumping about playfully. Tarmis swallowed hard as his thoughts pushed to the back of his mind, ~Worry and concern has no place here, only love.~ With that Tarmis kissed Hogah's forehand, as they both began wrestling about.

Off>

 

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

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

On>
Jeram's Quarters>

Jeram slept restlessly in his bed, tossing and turning back and forth. Sweat beaded and poured off his face. His dreams no longer came pleasantly, instead they were terrifying nightmares he never understood. Waking from his nightmare he screamed out, sitting straight up in his bed.

Hogah stood by the side of Tarmis' bed, leaning against Dratya as he rubbed his eyes. In a hush of a voice Hogah spoke, " Father, I heard screaming, it scared me so I came in here. You were screaming father it was you. Tarmis eyes began to tear up as he reached for Hogah, as he did Hogah began melting in Tarmis' hands.

Tarmis sat bolt up in his bed, screaming as loud as he could. His body was covered in sweat, as he looked about the room. His chronometer said it was 0300. Tarmis got up, stripping his bed and clothing, placing both in the recycler. He put fresh linen on his bed and pulled on a pair of boxers as he crawled back into bed. As he was about to turn off the lights Hogah and Dratya, walked in. Hogah rubbing his eyes," Father I had a bad dream. People were screaming like crazy."

Tarmis smiled softly as he patted the bed and moved aside to let Hogah crawl in with him. Hogah crawled under the covers, and Dratya jumped onto the foot of the bed. Hogah curled up against Tarmis as he began falling back to sleep.

Tarmis smiled as he looked over Hogah's sleeping body, and Dratya's soft snoring. As Tarmis looked over the scene he thought to himself, ~ I truly am the luckiest man alive.~ With that final thought Tarmis fell back to sleep with his arm over Hogah.

Tarmis slowly drifted off to sleep, but this time no nightmares came. In his dream he awoke on a strange but some how familiar planet. Tarmis slowly opened his eyes, as he looked about the terrain he felt as if he knew it somehow someway.

Tarmis started to get up when a sparkle caught his eyes. Reaching out he picked up the fragment of crystal which strangely entered his life. Once he took the crystal the scene before him began to change and swirl about. Everything began to change, almost as if time itself was being rewound.

Tarmis watched in awe as the plants slowed fell back into bulbs, then back into the ground they sprang forth from. Everything swirled, gaining momentum as it went. Almost as quick as it started, everything came to a crashing halt. Tarmis stared at the crystal fragment then looked about his surroundings. He heard a loud booming pair of voices off in the distance.

Walking towards them them seemed to surround Tarmis, but he was not afraid. Clearing the top of a familiar mountain top his mouth fell open. Before him stood Lisius himself. He was sending his first child off into the world. Once the figure had left Lisius turned towards Tarmis, " You are also my son. You are of my body and mind. Many things in the universe change, as many stay the same. Change will come Tarmis be prepared or the future will destroy YOU!"

Tarmis stared for a moment, then suddenly everything swirled, rippling about, as if Tarmis were being sucked away from the vision before him. He felt as if he was being slammed back in his body. He sat up in bed, not scared but surprised to be in his own body and bed. Looking at the Chronometer he realized it was time for work. ~What, why how. I was on Ullia, but how?~ Tarmis' alarm went off, bringing his thoughts back to reality as he began getting ready for the day ahead.

Off>

 

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

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

ON>
School room>

Marina just finished her calculus module and downloaded the next-day's homework on one of her PADDs. She set the PADD on her stack with the others and turned back to the computer.

It was time to leave for the day, and the students began to file out. An older boy shuffled past her, pushed her with his elbow and scattered her PADDs onto the deck. Marina blushed, and squatted down to retrieve them.

Hogah saw what Jonas did, he walked to Jonas knocked his books out of his hands, then a low growl told Jonas, " Do that again you coward and I will stomp your face into space dust." Hogah turned walking to Marina, he knew Jonas would do nothing, most of the kids heard rumors Hogah was the crazy boy from Halfday and no one ever messed with him. Kneeling down by Marina he smiled strangely. "Uh Hi am sorry for that jerk." Hogah helped her pick her stuff up, grabbing for the same book as her when he touched her hand. He froze as if he knew not what to do.

Marina's face blushed darker gray underneath her eye orbs as his hand touched hers. "No reason to be sorry for HIM. He's a jerkoff." As Hogah helped her restack her PADDs, Marina sneaked a look at him. His softly etched Cardassian features contrasted with her fully raised ones. She found his half-Cardassian features.....appealing. Marina lowered her eyes and blushed even darker. "Thank you, Hogah." She said quietly.

Hogah sat, staring at the pretty girl he had imagined about for so long. ~She knows my name!~ Hogah felt as if he wanted to jump and dance and sing. A strange feeling began churning in his stomach, like butterflies all fluttering about. He felt his cheeks get hot as he blushed for the first time he could remember. " Ya..You're welcome Marina. Uh if you want I could walk you home. That is just to make sure Jonas doesn't bug you anymore." Hogah scratched the back of his head, unsure of what to do.

Marina's heart fluttered and she caught her breath. She stammered, "I..If its not too much trouble." She wrapped her arms around her PADDs and stood up. She came just to Hogah's height, a bit small for her age, a bit behind in her physical development. She looked at Hogah shyly, then back down to her PADDs.

Hogah stumbled about some what, like his body was unsure of what to do with itself. " I uh ok sure." Hogah smiled as he turned towards the doors. As they began leaving school Hogah kept smiling, unsure of why he was. " So what you think of that teacher, Mr.Darpin, he is tough." ~Oh man i am dumb asking about a teacher sheesh.~

Glad of something to talk about, she answered. "He is really strict! But Momma told me he is just trying to make sure we study and not waste ship's school time."

Hogah smiled, glad she didn't tease him about what he said. " Yeah maybe but I wish he was more fun like Ms. T'aki, I really like her. She makes learning fun. With Darpin I can't seem to catch on to the work or something. How about you?"

"Oh, he's OK. You having trouble? I could help you." She picked up the PADD with the Ecology homework on it. "Ecology is fun once you get the hang of it."

Hogah slowly let his fears wash away as he became more interested by Marina's teachings. " This is pretty good, You a good teacher." Hogah gave a childish chuckle as they walked on.

As they cam to her door she offered, "Maybe I can show you an ecology holovid. Mom can book us some time on a holodeck. It will really explain things!"

Hogah looked at Marina, unsure of what he should say. He dragged his toe along the ground nervously as he thought for a moment. Finally Hogah slowly smiled, looking into Marina's eyes. " Sounds great, when do you want to do it?"

"How about tomorrow after school?"

Hogah's smiled spread across his face. Almost surprisingly quick for him he answered, " YEAH I mean yeah that sounds good." His cheeks burned red as he gazed back at the floor once again.

Marina's eyes widened in surprise as his skin tone changed from pale to red! She had never seen a Cardassian blush red before! It made her blush, too. "I...uh....I'll see you in school tomorrow." She palmed the lock to her door and quickly disappeared inside, exhaling in relief as the door swooshed closed behind her.

Hogah stared at the door for a long time, eventually turning to leave for home. As he went home he realized he was skipping, ~What in the universe?~ With a growl he stopped skipping then smirked as he continued on his way home. ~ Marina and I going to study, alright!~ His smiled warmed the corridor as he walked on.

Off>

Joint Post

Marina Turrel
&
Hogah Jeram

ON: Quarters of Brandon And K'marh

Kmarh and Brandon had yet to get to engineering. Since the Loss
of Draesoneth, and before that the Constitution, its Kmarhs second loss
in damn near a month.

Kmarh and Brandon were given a few days of leave. They were given a few
choices with the loss of the ship. Remain on Starbase Python,
Get Re Assigned to Uss James Cook, or another ship. Or Take a long
Leave until another ship required a Chief Engineer.

Brandon And Kmarh were Sharing Quarters for the time being, it wasn't their
choice, it was decided they worked so close together on the same
ship that for a few days they can share quarters.

Kmarh Decided to come aboard the Uss James Cook, as did Brandon.

The time spent on the ship they didn't leave their quarters, they simply rested.

K'Marh stood, looking out the window, and Brandon was in a chair staring at him.

"Do you not do anything but stare?"

Kmarh simply Grunted.

"Ok fine...We report to duty in an hour, what do you figure?"

Brandon, ever since he met this guy, tried to get him to engage small talk.
It wasn't an easy task.

"It is a Ship, in which i do my Job"

"Your Hopeless you know that?" Brandon said to him, shaking his head smiling.

* * *

Tarmis sat down behind his desk, feeling as if he hadn't been there in ages. Keying up information on his console he realized the new Chief engineer would be taking over for Torbin today. Tarmis smiled slightly as he thought of his meetings with the Klingons of the Viper. ~This time I will do it as Elsie had shown.~ Opening the comm, " Lt.Kurz, Lt.Red Talon , and LtJg. Metchooyeah. This is Captain Jeram, come my office as soon as you are able. That is all." With that Tarmis sat back waiting their arrival.

Torbin slapped his badge, as he crawled out from under a conduit. " On my way." Torbin initiated a site to site transport, materializing in Tarmis' office. "Here Capt.Jeram." Torbin smiled jokingly.

* * *

"You know..." Brandon began again.

Just then they were summoned.

"Ok then never mind" he finished. "Lets go"

They both got up and headed out of their quarters.

* * *

Torbin had sat down in a chair making himself at home with a cup of Raktajino. Tarmis shook his head at Torbin's nonchalant attitude. "One day Torbin you know someone will try to change you." Torbin smiled and shrugged.

* * *

Brandon fallowed K'Marh as they arrived at the quarters to which they were summoned.

Kmarh Rang the door chime.

Tarmis sat forward, " Enter". Torbin turned to see the new guys who were to be assigned to the Cook.

Kmarh walked in, Head held High, He was only 1/4 Klingon, and 3/4 Human, His barely
noticeably ridges on his forehead were now standing out a bit more noticeably then normal.
His shoulder length black hair was in a ponytail.

Brandon walked in Casually with spiked gold tipped hair.

They both stood in front of the desk.

Tarmis waited to see what the new officers would do first. ~First impression are extremely important, what will they do to make this a good one?~

Torbin sat in his chair, nodding at both as the entered with a sly smile across his face.

Kmarh simply looked at him. "Sir, is there something needed?"

Kmarh looked at him in the eye, not moving a muscle. Not because he was afraid, Kmarh would be damned if he was to be afraid of an officer. He seemed to hover over the guy...almost Intimidating like.

Tarmis slowly, methodically stood up. His expression slowly changing to all business. Locking eyes with Kmarrh, never wavering his gaze. He knew to show fear or concern to a Klingon even only 1/4 one was a mistake. In a very authoritative voice Tarmis began, " Lt.Red Talon, LtJg.Metchooyeah, when you enter my office, unless expressly told not too salute, I expect you both to show me the respect for the office I hold. For now we will dismiss this, but do not let it happen again. Now down to business, both of you take a seat." It was more and order than a request.

"No disrespect Intended SIR!" Brandon let loose an almost Cocky Salute.

Kmarh just smiled as they both Sat down.

Torbin looked over at Brandon smiled, ~I think I may like him.~ Chuckling softly to him self Torbin sipped his drink. Tarmis gave Torbin a scolding look then returned attention to Brandon and Kmarrh. " You have both been assigned to the James Cook, just recently we have been honored as the new flag ship of Python Fleet. I know you both came from the Draesoneth, I will expect excellence from all of you here as I do with any officer's. One thing I will not tolerate is fighting amongst ourselves or our peers. Now that said Torbin, effective immediately Lt.Red Talon will be taking over as Chief Engineer, you and Ltjg. Metchooyeah will act as his Assistants. You each have you specialized fields and I expect you to help each other fit in here on the Cook.

Torbin smiled, sitting very relaxed, " Sure I will help any way I can."

"Always happy to give our best sir" Kmarh said in an almost not so sure tone.

Tarmis coldly looked at Brandon, then about the room. " Lt.Red Talon engineering is now officially yours. You will have one week to settle in, I expect however you will not need the full week. If you have any thing you need see Lt.Kurz or myself. Are there any questions Gentleman?"

K'marh and Brandon looked at each other and shrugged.

"No Sir, all is well" Kmarh stated.

Torbin smirked smugly, " Nope I am fine."

Tarmis looked them all over, " You are all dismissed."

Brandon and Kmarh got up and headed out for Engineering.

Torbin began out but was stopped by Tarmis, " Torbin stop." Torbin turned around. Tarmis gave him a hard look, " Torbin I have given you space on how you are at times relaxed about things. Do not try taking any specialties. Get to engineering and ensure it a smooth transition." Torbin smiled and with a nod turned and left.


OFF: JOINT POST

Lt. K'marh Red Talon, Son of K'Tec
Chief Engineer
USS James Cook
Also NPC'd
Lt Jg Brandon Metchooyeah
Assistant Chief Engineer
USS James Cook

AND

Capt. Tarmis Jeram

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A


"Better A Patient Man Then A Warrior, A Man Who Controls His Temper
Than One Who Takes A City"
~Proverbs 16:32
 

ERE ZIJ GOD IN DEN HUGE VREDE OP AARDE, IN DE MENSEN EEN WELHAGEN

On>
Corridor>

Torbin left Tarmis' office, none to happy about what Tarmis said. " I will not change, heck no I like who I am ." Torbin muttered. He was getting on the lift to go to engineering.

Bridge>

Rh'vaurek reached out across the chip with his mind ~Lt. Kurz, I have a proposition for you~

Torbin stopped in the lift, looking about wildly. He saw no one around. ~What in the universe is going on? Am I going crazy hearing voices?~

~ NO It is Rh'vaurek, I am on the Bridge, where is a convenient place for us to meet privately? ~

Torbin smirked slightly, ~ Uh ok Rh'vaurek, any where is good, what do you suggest?~

~ Head to the Security Chief's office, wait out side for me ~ Rh'vaurek replied

~Ok sounds good, I will be there.~ Torbin said as he started the lift for Security office, once there he stepped off the lift and waited outside the office as Rh'vaurek had said.

Rh'vaurek motioned for one of the junior Officers to take his place at the Tac Console then left for his office, he arrived a short while later and entered his office "Follow me"

Torbin walked in, wondering what Rh'vaurek had in mind. Torbin walked to the replicator, turning to Rh'vaurek as he gestured to the replicator. " You mind?"

"Help yourself" Rh'vaurek sat behind his desk

"You want anything?"

No thank you" Rh'vaurek replied

Torbin grabbed a Raktajino, his second today. Taking it to a chair he sat down. " So tell Rh'vaurek what you have on your mind?" Torbin smiled his normal relaxed way.

"The Time porthole"

Torbin leaned forward, completely serious. " You mean that damned Rafe's rift, what about that damn thing."

Rh'vaurek unpinned his Comm badge and lay it on the table "From now on, everything is off the record"

Torbin nodded as he took his badge and shoved it in his pocket. " Understood go on."

~ Just think your replies, I will hear them. Starfleet are dragging their feet in closing the rift, and I know your feelings about the rift, so I am enlisting your help, I intend to close the Rift ~

Torbin looked up at his eyelids as he thought hard, ~ Ok, yeah i hated that rift it did nothing but bring trouble. I mean I love Roma but I saw all the bad it caused. What ever you need I will do it. That rift needed closed long ago.~

~ Good, I have deep pockets and a long reach, I can get that Rift closed, I know you had a a plan to do that, I look forward to that input"

~I had a few ideas, if the ships are still in the area we could hack into their weapons systems and use them, no one would ever know. Or there are many other ways, but I would have to get my drawings and schematics to give them too you.~

~ Understood, How long would that take? ~

~ To hack the surrounding ships of the rift you mean?~

~ No, get the things you need ~

~Oh that is no big deal i have the schematics in my quarters.~

Torbin thought for a moment then, turned running to his quarters, a moment later he returned with the schematics and laid them on Rh'vaurek's desk. Some what out of breath he stated, ~ Here is everything I have on the ships assigned about the rift as well as their armament and some slightly used codes which i am sure are still good.~

~ Excellent, I can get a Ship there in a few days, hopefully we will no longer have to worry about that disturbance of the balance again ~

Torbin smiled widely, ~ With what we have here and my ideas about exploding both sides of the portal at once and such, there is no way it could fail. That Rift will be gone for good.~

~ Music to my ears ~

Rh'vaurek gave a Torbin a sly grin ~ Good to have you on board ~
~ You have any problems Ask Llaiir ~

~ Thank you, would you like to keep the schematics or shall I ? And I will, Llaiir is a fine person to work with.~

~ You keep the schematics, she can translate it into Rihannsu for you ~

~Ok good idea, I will see her after shift tonight, unless you think later is better? Personally I would rather have done it months ago my self.~

~ So would I, see her later tonight ~

Torbin nodded, ~Sounds good to me. I better get going I have shift and the new boss just started today, he gonna be a real jerk.~

Rh'vaurek held back a snicker, knowing exactly how Torbin feels

Torbin gathered his things and put his badge back on. Smiling widely " Thank you for the Raktajino, have a good night Rekkhai" Torbin gave a small wink as he left the office.

Rh'vaurek put his Comm badge back on and left back for the Bridge

OFF

Joint Post

erei’Riov (Cmdr.) Rh’vaurek tr’Radaik

CTAC/SEC Exchange officer
USS James Cook
PFCD

"A little chaos is good for the soul"
&
(Npc'd Lt.Kurz)

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

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

ON> Cargo Bay 2

Rh'vaurek had been up for a couple of hours and now stood at the end of the empty Cargo bay waiting for Security to file in.

Security filed in quietly and lined up standing at attention. Rico watched them carefully and scowled at two or three who were talking.

Shi walked in right after Rh'vaurek she sat at the table in the front of the room. She looked around and was pleased to see Security lined up at attention.

Rh'vaurek watched as the security officers filed in they were quiet and organized. He was pleased.

Shi smiled at him over their heads.

Once they had all filed in Rh'vaurek spoke up "Good, I am glad to see such a marked improvement from the last time. Your response times are up and you have shown an all in all improvement in all areas"

there was a chorus of "Thank you Rekkhai"

Shi was taking the roll so she could present it to Rh'vaurek when he joined her at the table.

Rh'vaurek allowed himself a slight smile at the chorus.

Shi nodded, they sounded really enthusiastic.

She stood up "Squad leaders inspect your squads" she ordered.

They finished taking notes of infractions then returned to their positions at the head of their squads.

Rh'vaurek walked down to the table and stood beside Shi.

She handed him the PADD with the roll call on it.

Rh'vaurek looked over the rollcall, ~ hmm only two missing ~

just then someone slipped into the bay quietly and took his place in line. Rico glared at him.

Rh'vaurek also scowled ~ all right one missing ~

"Ensign why are you late? I asked everyone to be here at 0700, it is now 0710?

The Ensign turned red and said in a real low voice “Sir my wife.. he could not go on as he turned even redder.

There was a low murmur of suppressed laughter in the bay. Quickly silenced by Rico's scowl.

Shi covered her mouth for a minute to disguise the fact that she was smiling

Rh'vaurek gave a sympathetic look to the young ensign then scowled at the rest of the squad.

Everyone quieted down, you could hear a pin drop as Rh'vaurek continued his talk.

"We are heading into a possibly hostile situation, I will be running another invasion drill. The invasion squad will be picked by Erei'Riov t'Radaik and I will be leading the Security forces.”

“The only warning you will get is that it will be sometime this week"

A lone hand was raised by another Ensign who was new to the squad. Former Draesoneth Security officer. Lt Varn.

"Yes Lieutenant, what is it?" Rh'vaurek asked Gruffly

"Sir will this be a silent alarm or will the Intruder Alert siren sound?”

"Silent" Rh'vaurek replied. Lt Varn replied "Sir yes Sir"

Another hand was raised by one of the Cook officers

"Yes, Lt. Faraway"

“Sir will the penalty for being caught by the intruders be the same as it was last time? Transport to the Brig"

"Yes, it will be exactly the same, and to make sure the intruders do not go soft on you people, they will be put in line for squad leader positions if they succeed.”

There was a low murmur of appreciation of this opportunity soon silenced by Rico's scowl.

"Any one ending up in the brig will be on double shifts. One shift on patrol the other on training”

Silence reigned as the force digested what he said.

“Put it this way, Rh’vaurek continued, You can either do this, or when a real boarding party comes you can end up dead. Take your pick?”

Silence again reigned, as the force understood that they are not playing games. The threat is real.

One more hand is raised Lt. Rankin.

"Go on Lt. Rankin" Rh’vaurek replied

"Sir will the new status of the Cook as Flagship affect Security in any particular way?

"Yes i expect you to perform better than you ever have. You are now on display for the rest of the fleet" Rh'vaurek replied

"You will also go into diplomatic/first contact situation away team training"

There were no more hands raised so apparently all questions had been answered.

“If there are no more questions. You are dismissed”

The force files out of the Cargo bay as orderly and quietly as they had entered.
OFF>

erei’Riov (Cmdr.) Rh’vaurek tr’Radaik
CTAC/OPS Exchange officer
USS James Cook
PFCD

&

erei’Riov (Cmdr.) Shiarrael t’Radaik
ASEC, Exchange officer
USS James Cook
PFCD
 

ON> Bridge

Elsie sat in the Center seat, musing over the visions Chiara had seen, wondering if they were possible futures or absolute futures. Even Chiara herself didn’t know.

Navigation spoke up, “Ma’am approaching Zeevavok.”

“Standard orbit, hail the Gashtan space authorities and put it on the screen”

“Aye, Ma’am”

Elsie pressed the com on the arm of her chair. “Hoova, please come to the bridge.”

“Hoova come, Essy, quick , quick!” Hoova answered as he felt the ship shift out of warp. The group of Gashta not on duty elsewhere chittered and giggled, excited at being close to their home world. Hoova would stand beside Essy and help interpret, just to prevent misunderstandings.

Hoova chittered to himself in Gashtan as he took the turbolift to the bridge. The guards smiled at him as he stepped onto the bridge and marched to the lower bridge to stand beside Elsie. “Hoova here, help Essy speak space police. No worrys.” He climbed up into the Counselor’s seat and faced the screen.

Just by chance, both Elsie and Hoova assumed the exact same positions in their seats, legs crossed, arms on the armrests, chins held level at the forward screen. Bridge crew who could see them, smiled and looked down at their consoles.

Elsie felt a wave of amusement sweep the bridge. As for herself, she had a content feeling, waiting for the Gashtan to answer her hail. If these Gashtan were like Hoova’s group, they would get along just fine. Half the battle was being comfortable with some of the people in the negotiations.

The Gashtan that appeared on screen took a long look at the crew on the bridge and became very unfriendly. Yelling and gesturing too rapidly for the universal translator to keep up, all Elsie could pick up were a few words, mostly derogatory. She flashed a worried look at Hoova, who stood up on his seat and spoke to the Gashtan on the screen. Elsie picked up more words she knew, her name, the names of those she had aided, words that meant friend and family.

A good fifteen minutes passed in heated conversation, then the translator finally kicked in. “Hokay, Oo ess ess Jamo Cooko. You stay orbit. We come aboard, talk trade on cooko. Gashta talk to Hoova, Essy talk to Frengo. Hoova, Essy talk, make treaty.”

“All hokay, Essy,” Hoova said happily as he jumped down from the chair with a grunt. “Hoova go meet. Make happy.”

Hoova waddled off to get the Gashtan negotiators settled.

Elsie gazed at Hoova, somewhat bewildered. “This is going to be very interesting,” She murmured.

OFF>
 

Commodore Elsie Veritas

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

ON - R&D Office

Llaiir sat at her desk going over some of the Schematics Torbin had left her to translate, he had also told her about the new Engineering Chief, she wondered who he was, Standing up from her desk she wrapped the yellow coat around her and left for main engineering, She walked over to the main office, one that had once been hers and knocked softly on the door "Hello?"

Kmarh sat in the office, engulfed in work. He hadn’t been on duty for more then an hour and someone was once again interrupting him.

He didn’t even look up. "Who are you?"

Llaiir Scowled "Lt. Llaiir t'Rehu, Chief of R&D"

Kmarh, Unimpressed stated "What do you want, I’m busy."

"To busy to even meet your own Staff?" Llaiir huffed

Just then The doors opened and Brandon came through. He handed a PADD to Llaiir. and gave a report to Kmarh.

"Hello there" Brandon said, and then left.

Kmarh looked up nodded to Brandon as he left. and Then stood up. "Kmarh Red Talon" He extended a hand.

: Llaiir looked over the PADD handed to her by Brandon and held back a snicker, The Padd reads....

"Just thought id save you trouble...Don’t take Kmarh’s bad attitude personally, hes a grump."

she took his hand "Llaiir t'Rehu"

"Now, Is there anything I can do for you?" Kmarh said, sitting back down.

"I just thought you would like to meet some of your Staff, some of the established officers in engineering, and learn about some of the modifications that have been made" Llaiir replied

"If you wish." Kmarh figured that he could probably learn a lot form Llaiir, and accepted the offer. "Lets get started then."

Llaiir took a seat opposite Kmarh "Well, there have been generators added to some systems, like transporters and weapons, so they can be used while we are cloaked"

Kmarh simply looked at the person. ~ Almost as annoying as Brandon when I first met him ~ But it was then she caught his immediate attention...."We can fire while Cloaked?"

Llaiir scowled as she picked up that thought "Yes, indeed, and we have the Tactical officer to utilise it, you served on the Constitution right?"

"I served on the Constitution for a short time" Kmarh stated. "While cloaked how much power do the generators put out?"

"Enough to run weapons at full efficiency for half an hour" Llaiir stated "Your Predecessor on the Constitution came up with the Idea"

"That is quite Intriguing I must say." Kmarh was actually quite amused with the prospect. "Is there anything else I should be aware of?"

"Yes, while we were on a previous mission various traps were set, anyone not wearing a Starfleet comm badge entering certain areas will be trapped in a forcefield until security can arrive, a sleeping gas is also deployed in the area to subdue the occupant in the forcefield"

Kmarh looked at him. "Quite unusual...But I like it...what else does this ship have?" Kmarh really seemed like he was having a good time with the new ship he was now serving on. For the first time realising that this ship...Unlike the other ships, was something he would actually enjoy.

"Security occasionally run silent drills, where they capture a certain part of the ship, I believe engineering is the next target, so just be weary, it is not a real take over" Llaiir explained

Kmarh frowned for a second. "Yes, thank you for the information." Kmarh made a mental note to lock and seal engineering.

"now, I must ask, what is our current mission and status?"

"I am not completely sure, all I know is we are helping the Gashta"

"Helping them in what way?"

"Negotiating a trade treaty I think"

"Good, I should have lots of time to familiarize myself with the ship then, I will set up Emergency drills within the next few hours, I need to see how the engineering crew react to a situation"

"They react very well, thank you, I and Lt. Kurz have had no problems with them and they are extremely well organized and disciplined"

"I shall see when the time comes" Kmarh said in a low tone voice. "When the time comes, I want you to coordinate evacuation procedures, emergency shut down procedures and the like, I will observe"

Llaiir raised an eyebrow "that almost seems like a challenge Mr. Red Talon"

Kmarh Smiled...A very Human like Smile. *Hmm...I like her...* He thought to himself. "If it is a challenge you want...It is One you will get..."

"Mr. Red Talon, I may be seven months pregnant, but I can take any engineering challenge you throw at me" Llaiir replied in a cold calculating voice

"Good...Main Holodeck in one Hour...Ill see what you got Accept or Decline"

"Agreed, one hour" Llaiir locked eyes with Kmarh

Kmarh gave a sly smile "Now, is there anything else?"

"No I will see you in one hour on the holodeck"

"I look forward to it...Dismissed"

Llaiir stood up, turned leaving the office

Brandon awaited the lady outside Kmarh’s office as Llaiir nearly ran into him. "Ahh, good to see you survived your first encounter with Kmarh" Brandon said beginning to walk along side her.

"I have suffered worse, he was nothing" Llaiir dismissed with a casual laugh, "he is challenging me to a test of my skills as an engineer, I graduated with honours from both SFA and the Rihannsu Astrophysical Academy" She explained

"Ohh is that all" He smiled and laughed. "Kmarh is a difficult person to get used to...Just thought you could have used a hand in there, Oh, I’m Brandon by the way" He said, a little late for the introduction.

"Llaiir" Llaiir replied

"I look forward to working with you" It was then Brandon’s comm badge chirped and Kmarh Summoned him to his office.

"The Devil calls" Llaiir giggled

Brandon smiled as they both parted.

off:

Lt Kmarh Red Talon
Chief Engineer

Also Brandon Metchooyeah
Assistant Engineer

&

Lt. Llaiir t’Rehu
CR&D
USS James Cook
PFCD

 

On> Bridge

Rafe and Counselor Domina walked onto the bridge from the turbolift. Rafe took up a position just behind Rh'vaurek at the tactical station while Domina sat herself in the Counselor's chair next to Elsie.

"Commodore... we are being hailed. It's the Ferengi ship, identifying herself as The Inquisitor." Rh'vaurek announced.

"On Screen." Elsie ordered. She nodded to Domina, acknowledging her presence.

A Ferengi appeared, sporting a Daemon's tattoo on the forehead. "I am Daemon Tork of the Ferengi Trade Commission. We are hear on official business of the Ferengi Alliance and you have no authority here, hewmon. I suggest you leave or face the consequences." The Ferengi hissed. A man was visible in the background. He was tall and lean with a stern face. He had tufts of white hair at his temples, contrasting with his raven black hair and long sideburns. His dark eyes suggested a long and shady past.

"It's him!" Domina gasped under her breath.

Elsie flashed Domina a quick look, then faced the screen. "I am Commodore Elsie Veritas, Commanding the USS James Cook. I have been asked by the Gashtan government to act as negotiator in this Trade Agreement. Negotiation are to be held on this ship, neutral ground for both parties."

"We have brought a negotiator already, Hewmon. The Gashta agreed to a moderator from the Federation and we have brought one. You are outside your jurisdiction, Hewmon. Why don't you go back to where you came from and worry about Cobra." Tork snarled.

"And who is this Federation moderator?" Elsie asked

The man from the shadows stepped forward. "That would be me, Commodore. Ra's Al Ghul... Attorney At Law, at your service. I am a member of the UFP Bar Association, The Klingon Council of Barristers and the Ferengi Trade Commission Bar. I am quite capable of handling these negotiations. I assure you that there is no need for a Star Fleet presence here. Everything is running smoothly and I assure you there is no danger." The attorney said. His voice was quite calm.

Elsie peered closely at the man. "I received no authorization from the UFP of your appointment as moderator."

Ah, but this was not processed through Star Fleet, dear Commodore. This was handled on a civic level, and not a military level. I have met with the Gashtan Council already and they have agreed to my presence as a moderator in the trade discussions." He replied.

Elsie turned to Hoova and signaled for communications to be muted. "Hoova, he speaks truth? What you think?"

"Hoova no believe Gool-hagga. Gashta no trust Ferengo." Hoova replied from his hiding spot behind the command chair.

"Domina?" Elsie asked the Counselor.

"He believes what he is say, Commodore. He does believe he is what he says he is. I don't sense he is hiding anything revolving around the trade discussions, but there is something else going on..." She closed her eyes and collected herself. "He's hiding something. I'm certain of it."

Elsie hit the com. "Hoova, bring Haukva onto the bridge. Let's find out who the Gashta really want." Elsie signaled for the audio.

The audio came back to life. "Are you finished with consulting your crew, Commodore? The Daemon is correct: You have no jurisdiction out here. You should return to Federation space."

"I am waiting for confirmation, Mr. Ghul." Eslie explained. Apparently both of us have received orders."

"That's Al Ghul, Commodore. Your orders are invalid. You may have not received the retraction as of yet, and that is a matter I will overlook for now, however, if your continued presence hinders the proceedings of the negotiation, the Ferengi Trade Commission will lodge an official complaint against you with the Federation Council. I am certain that would not be very good for your career, wouldn't it?"

"Lodge your complain, Mr. Al Ghul. Until Starfleet rescinds my orders, We remain here and I act as mediator."

"I am sorry to hear that, Commodore. I had hoped that you would have been wiser... but very well. The negotiations will continue, but the Ferengi will not recognize you as an official negotiator. They will not deal with you on two counts." He said.

"And those counts are?"

"One, you are Star Fleet and the FTC does not trust Star Fleet... secondly..." He looks over to Tork and then back to Elsie. "...secondly, you are female and the Ferengi are adamant about not doing business with a female." He said as Hoova came back onto the bridge with Haukva.

Haukva walked to the center of the bridge with Hoova. He was quite younger than the elder Gashta and wore the brown robes that signified a position on the council.

Elsie waved Haukva to a spot in front of the screen. "Hauvka. Tell this man who is to mediate the Trade Agreement."

Haukva looked up at Elsie then to Ra's Al Ghul. "A-gool hagga... Gashta consil hire Commdoor Essy to speak for Gashta... Commdoor Essy make dealo. Speak with Commdoor Essy or no deal... Gashta make war on Ferengo, kill all Ferengo."

Elsie stared at Al Ghul. "I think you have your answer, Lawyer."

He frowned. It was obvious this was not the way he wanted it to go. "Very well, Commodore. I will see to it that you are supplied with the necessary documentation you will need to act as a representative of the Gashta." He said, then the monitor shifted back to the scene of Zeevavok and the Inquisitor.

Elsie glanced at the Counselor, then spoke to Haukva. "It looks like you and I will be doing business with the Ferengi."

OFF>

JP

Capt. Rafe Oosha (as Hoova, Haukva, and the bad guys)
CIO USS James Cook
&
 

Commodore Elsie Veritas

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

Brandon entered Kmarhs new office. "You called?"

Kmarh looked up at him, put his feet on the desk and layed back in his chair.

"I see you met the R&D Cheif" Kmarh stated coldly.

"Yeah, Seems like a nice person." Brandons said sitting in a chair on the other side
of Kmarh.

"We will see"

"Whats that suppost to mean?"

"I gave her a challange, she accepted" Kmarh smiled and chuckled.

"A Challange? What the hell did you do to her?"

"Nothing, she thought i was challanging her, so I offered her a challange, she
accepted"

"Ohh, this could be interesting." Brandon smiled, he liked where this was going.

"I need your help.....on creating a holodeck program"

"Sure, ill be happy to, whens it gotta be done by?"

Kmarh looked at a chrono.

"54 minutes" He said.

"WHAT? 54 minutes to create an entire holodeck program?"

"Yes, that is why i asked you here, if you feel incompetant, ill get someone else in here"

Brandon frowned at him. "I am suprised, all this time we been working together,
and this is how it is?"

"All this time?" Kmarh repeated..."we only been working with eachother for 2 weeks."

"Yes well....lets get started shall we.?"

"Yes.." Kmarh jumped to the computer and open up the holoprogramming.

Brandon went to another computer, a portable one, he pulled from a storage area.

"Look up Llairs family, i want her mother and her father in this program." Kmarh ordered.

Brandon did as ordered and called up some pictures of Llaiirs Parents.

"We will start with the Cook being attacked by a Dominion Battleship"

"Ooo the hard stuff" brandon replied, almost sarcastically.

"am putting 36 engineers in main engineering, that is where she will be."

"The dominon will fire, causing a warp core breech...How bout that?" Brandon offered
a few suggestions.

"Yes...after 3 minutes into the battle...a warp core breech will be started...
destroying the ship if not fixed in 6 minutes."

Brandon and Kmarh kept working on their computers programming up the information.

"Just a warp core breech? I figure if you want to test her...really push her....
i am thinking....sacrifices...Dillemmas and stuff"

"I like where you going...continue" Kmarh stopped working to listen to Brandon.

"Well i figure if you really want to test her, something has gotta happen....
Lets say shes trapped with 20 of her officers...after the battle been going on,
and there has to be no power, their trapped in an air tight area."

"Yes...And thers limited air for so many people....she will have to sacrifice some to save
the rest..."

"Or they all die" brandon finished.

"Ok it works like this...Once she fixes the warp core, the dominion makes a final attack
collapsing the engineering deck on top of her and 20 officers....main power would
have to be offline, and most of the crew dead, leaving a large time for when
they have to be rescued."

"Ill program 5 minutes of air for the 20 men."

"Thats good...a time limit...Program the crew to make the rescue at 1 hour and 12 minutes."

Brandon looked at Kmarh..."Sir?"

"She wanted a test...im going to give it to her."

"But...Thats not exactly legal is it?"

"Its very legal...she accepted the test i had to offer"

"Yes sir...but you think she will like the idea of sacrificing her officers.?"

Kmar ignored the question. "Transfur her parents images to me"

Brandon hit a few buttons and did so.

"What are they for?"

"They will be critically wounded in the collapse...only to use up air."

"She will have to sacrifice them!" Brandon sounded a bit disturbed.

"Yes...she will"

"This test isnt fiar sir!"

Kmarh looked at him.

"Ok then...recap...warp core breech...then the deck collapses and causing her and 20 officers
to become trapped...2 critically wounded."

"I programmed for 18 men...they have 15 minutes of air...16 men...20 minutes...15 men
25 minutes...10 men...45 minutes of air...with 6 men 1 hour and 10 minutes."

"Umm...sir...thats a little excessive.."

"Thats ok...its only a test...How long?"

Brandon looked at a chrono.

"10 minutes left."

"Good, transfur program to the Holodeck."

"Kmarh to Llaiir, you test is ready, I will be awaiting your arrival at the main Holodeck"

OFF:

Lt Kmarh Red Talon
Cheif Engineer
Also
Lt. Jg Brandon Metchooyeah
Assistant Engineer

ON> Conference Room

The negotiators had been beamed aboard from the Inquisitor. Elsie waited for both parties to be seated. They sat on opposite ends of the table, glaring at each other. Elsie looked at them both and said, "Shall we get started, Gentlemen? Tork, you start first."

Tork was about to speak when his advisor, seated to his left, whispered into his ear. They both looked at Ra's Al Ghul.

"Commodore. It is the wish of The Daemon Tork, member of the Board of Trustees of The Ferengi Trade Commission that I, Ra's Al Ghul, speak for them."

Elsie nodded. "Proceed."

"As you are no doubt aware, Zeevavok is a world rich in dilithium, trilithium, titanium and duranium. These are all elements needed in shipbuilding, and they are elements that are for the most part not used by the Gashta. Upon seeing the reports from civilian survey ships, my clients wished to extend offers of trade to the Gashta in hopes to acquire mining rights to the said resources."

Elsie turned to Haukva. "Haukva, What is your reply?"

"Haukva state concern from consil. Think dig holes hurt home. Concern for home." Haukva replied.

"Mr. Al Ghul, what environmental protections will your clients institute to protect the natural habitat of Zeevavok?"

"The Ferengi Trade Commission planned to hire experience Cardassian mining companies with a contract that would clearly indicate an express concern for the environment and that the mining process should be done so with minimal affect to the environment, but in a way that would save money as well."

"Can you be more specific? What measures will the Cardassian mining company take to remediate the damage open-pit mining would have on the ecology?" Elsie countered.

"It would be provided for that the Cardassians companies would use inexpensive procedures that would cause a minimum of destruction to the ecosystem. We would also ask for civil and environmental consultants from experienced terraforming companies in the Federation to be brought in to monitor the procedures and plan for a reclamation phase after mining operation are completed as various sites." Al Ghul offered.

"And who would pay for those remediation operations?"

A trust fund would be set up from the earnings of the resource sales to fund the remediation." Al Ghul said. It was becoming obvious that Tork was not pleased.

"So, the Gashtan will have to wait until the profits are earned to remediate their ecology?"

"Unfortunately so, I'm afraid."

Elsie looked hard at Al Ghul. "The miners will have to pay for remediation during mining operations and recoup their expenses when the ore is sold."

"Mining costs money, Commodore. The operations will not turn a profit for at least a year." Al Ghul countered.

"Meanwhile erosion makes the open pit even worse, and it destroys the natural beauty of the world." Elsie argued.

"There are technologies available to the miners to counter that."

"Such as?" Elsie raised an eyebrow.

"I am not a miner, Commodore. I am not familiar with the trade. I have assurances that there are technologies available."

"Then you yourself or your clients here cannot guarantee the remediation of Zeevavok during mining operations."

"We can guarantee the remediation after the mining operations, but during is another question. We will place in the contract that the mining companies are to use minimally invasive techniques in order to preserve the environment, but it will be up to them to use them otherwise the will be held in breech of contract." Al Ghul countered.

"The Gashtan would like to see a holovid of how that is to be accomplished and what the mining operation would look like at each stage."

"That can be provided, Commodore." Ra's Al Ghul opens his brief case and pulls out an isolinear chip. "These should suffice."

Elsie took the chips and placed them into a slot. A miniature of the operations showed up on the table..

Haukva watched in fascination of the big machines as the processes involved. The clips also displayed how the Cardassian Nor class mining facilities operated with efficiency.

Elsie watched, scrutinizing every detail. "Haukva, what you think? You want mining?"

"Haukva need to make talk to consil." He said. He was enamoured by the big flashy machines.

Elsie frowned. She needed to talk to them in private later about ecological concerns. Turning the conversation, she asked Al Ghul, "What would your clients pay the Gashtan government in rent and due compensation for the ores taken from their home world?"

"A nominal fee. 10 percent of the base earnings, in addition to additional resources and technology that can be made available to the Gashta." Al Ghul replied.

"You must pay rent while using their land for your profit. And the Gashtan need a list of what technologies will be available to them and how they will be made available." Elsie felt a lot of this so-called payment was quite vague.

Tork was steaming. This was beginning to get expensive.

"I will consult with my client and the contractors to see what we can afford." AL Ghul replied.

"You can inform your clients that 10 percent is unacceptable for the vast amounts of ore they will be mining. They can easily afford 40 percent." Elsie pushed.

"20 percent." Al Ghul countered.

Elsie answered, "35. That is a standard payment for raw ore, especially ore that is as rich in content as what you will find on Zeevavok."

"30 percent." Al Ghul countered.

Elsie shook her head. "34. I have seen the scans. I know what the ore is worth."

Domina, who had been sitting quietly in the back next to Rafe watched with a bemused look to see Ra's Al Ghul and the Commodore squabbling over the percentages. Rafe did not share the amusement.

"Commodore," Ra's Al Ghul continued. "10 percent alone will be enough to make every Gashta alive very rich... but what will they do with the profit? The money should be used wisely then to turn the fuzzies into another Terran Middle East Oil Empire." The Federation Trade Commission managing their resources, the money will be used wisely and the wealth will be spread to places where it is needed... imagine, the Federation with a new source of shipbuilding materials... the possibilities are endless. We can be that provider... especially with the coming war against Cobra... you will need these resources."

Elsie sat back and folded her hands in her lap. "You think I am unfamiliar with Cardassian Mining remediation? There is none, Mr. Al Ghul! They mine out every rock they can find and leave it a barren wasteland. This money will allow the Gashtan to rebuild the forests your clients are going to lay to waste. And no, The FTC will not be managing the Gashta's money!""

"ENOUGH!!!" Tork said, slamming his fist on the table. "NEGOTIATING WITH THIS... THIS... FEMALE IS POINTLESS!!!" Tork roared. Rafe slid his hand inside his crimson kimono to take hold of his Migichinan lightsaber. He would not draw it until absolutely needed.

Domina shook her head in disgust, knowing that the Ferengi was bound to burst.

"Daemon, please." Al Ghul said.

Elsie stood. "I do believe we need a break. Perhaps we need time to discuss what we have laid on the table so far with our clients."

Al Ghul placed his hand on the Ferengi's shoulder, which immediately calmed him. "That is a very good idea, Commodore. We will be in contact to resume the negotiations. We will return to our ship now." He said, standing.

Elsie nodded to the guards by the door. "Please escort our guests to the transporter room."

The guards escorted Al Ghul and the Ferengi away as a junior intelligence officer came in to hand Rafe a PADD. He started reading, and his collar covered his frown.

Domina looked over at Rafe with some concern. "What's wrong, Captain?"

"Nothing for you to be concerned with, Counselor, just business." Rafe replied.

Elsie spoke to Haukva, "I speak to you later, much we talk, Hokay?"

"Hokay Commdoor Essy." Haukva replied and strolled off to the door.

Elsie nodded to Domina, "A moment alone with the Captain?"

"Yes ma'am." Domina said. She stood up and headed out the other door towards the bridge.

Elsie gestured to a nearby chair. "What do you have, Rafe?"

"My dailies." Rafe replied. "And some information I requested on Al Ghul."

"Let's head to CIC. It’s more secure there."

"I gather from your expression it isn't good." Elsie rose and followed Rafe to the shielded Intelligence Center.

"Is there ever any good news in the Intelligence field?" Rafe countered. Soon, they were inside the massive former Astrometrics Center which Rafe now used as his CIC. He punched a button on the console and downloaded the data from the PADD. He looked very much at home standing in the middle of the starfield and LCARS environment.

Elsie passed through a holographic LCARS to stand beside Rafe.

"Cobra is massing forces near Solotec... and near Espiritos Marcos." Rafe said

"They are planning to attack the Federation?" Elsie was astonished! "That would kill any chance they had in gaining recognition in Council!"

"It seems that way. Either that or they are going to use threats of war to get their way... but there is more." Rafe entered some commands and the starfield shifted and zoomed in on a CGI of the Migichinan Homeworld.

"Ships!" Elsie exclaimed

"The alliance is also getting very active. Starships are arriving almost hourly... and look at this. "He zoomed in on a section of dark space near the homeworld. Dozens of Migichinan warships were lined up in sections. There were frigates through heavy cruisers like the Draesoneth.

Elsie flashed a worried look at Rafe. "The last I heard, they were only planning on defending their airspace. You don't suppose they are going to enter the fray with C.O.B.RA. do you?"

"McKenna does not have the manpower to send his ships to sea, but he has the droids... and there is this... there is a secret to the Migichinan battleframe you probably don't know about."

"And that is?" Elsie dreaded the answer.

"McKenna confided this in me... and since he considers you a friend, he allowed me to confide information with you. The new generation of Migichinan warships can function crewed by a single Migichinan warrior. The starship interfaces with the warrior's battleframe systems and in effect, turn into one gigantic battleframe. The ship may not have the crew resources, but in theory will be a hundred times more agile then anything ever seen in the galaxy."

"A cyborg fighter!" Elsie breathed. "We could defeat the Borg because they could not think independently. But how would we fight against the Migichinan warrior? I hope they do not get any ideas about becoming our enemies!"

"It is unlikely. McKenna helped build the Federation. He knew this day would come and would not initiate any hostilities." Rafe said. "I think the Migichinan will most likely move to supplement our forces in the sector."

Elsie was only partly convinced. "Let's hope they don't hold us hostage to any negotiations in Council."

"The Migichinan love politics." Rafe replied.

"And if they don't get their way, will they threaten us with their fighters?" Elsie gestured angrily towards the display.

"Why are you being hostile?" Rafe asked calmly.

"Because both T'Anna and I have seen McKenna change, Drastically, in the past few weeks. We know nothing about the mindset of the Migichinan. We cannot trust what we used to know about McKenna. He is Migichinan. I do not trust what I do not know. Any force this powerful is going to seek power. They could become very dangerous, indeed."

"The would you automatically not trust any new race we'll encounter as the flagship of Star Fleet in Python Sector? We can no longer think of McKenna as a Fleet Admiral who left us to go rebuild his lost civilization. We must think of him as the leader of that civilization, and we most importantly cannot forget our friendship with him." Rafe said.

"It saddens me that you are so quick to toss him to the wolves." He added.

Elsie rubbed her arms as if a chill had come over them. "Perhaps you are right. There is something that is bothering me, and I can't put my finger on it. Perhaps I am reading too much into this. And perhaps I am projecting my concerns on a known threat rather than one I don't know about."

"McKenna is not our enemy, Elsie. You must realize that. He himself has stood up for you many times. He has given you the benefit of the doubt on a number of occasions when others would not have been as forgiving. McKenna had and still does have faith in you. What you speak dishonors his faith in you."

Elsie closed her eyes for a moment, centering herself. "I cannot argue your logic, Rafe. I hope he remembers that we were his friends, someday down the line, when he has to make a choice."

"He will." Rafe replied. "What is the known threat you are concerned of?"

"We have nothing to match the abilities of their starships. Right now, they are amassing the most powerful fleet known to the Federation. Add to that the fear most of us harbor against cyborgs, and we are most vulnerable, should McKenna not be able to control the power-hungry factions that are bound to arise in his government."

Rafe nodded his head. "We are here to seek out new races and new civilizations. If we are going to begin to perceive threats and cower at the sight of robots, then we have no business being out here." Rafe said.

Elsie paced in a circle, her hands on her hips, staring at the deck. "I know, I know." She abruptly dropped the subject, knowing that further debate was fruitless. "You said you had information on this Al Ghul." Elsie stopped pacing and looked at Rafe.

"Star Fleet Intelligence has found references to Ra's Al Ghul dating back to 19th Century Earth." Rafe said. He was not happy that Elsie changed the subject as he knew there was much more going on in her mind.

"19th Century? What did you find out?"

"Ra's Al Ghul is some kind of immortal, though not like us. He has stayed alive using other means... and what they are remains a mystery, thought there are references to something called a "Lazarus Pit." SFIC thinks it might be some kind of technological process used to rejuvenate a body and reduce or stop aging."

"If this is the same person, why would he be involved in a Trade negotiation?"

"That is a factor which I will need to do some detective work on. He's here, alive and breathing... The last time he was seen was in Gotham City, on the eastern North American seaboard in the late 21st century."

"We cannot discount Domina's visions. She seems quite frightened of him and said Al Ghul was the person who was harming the Gashta.

"Perhaps... but the profile states that he himself is not of a science mind. He is more or a politico and legal expert, as well as an accomplished historian."

Elsie raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps it is a coincidence that his person looks like the one in Chiara's visions, or this Al Ghul could be a descendant of the other one."

"There are a number of possibilities." Rafe replied.

"I wonder why such a man would do business with the Ferengi?"

"Only if there is something in it for him, I would imagine." Rafe said.

"What, I wonder?" Elsie mused. "Perhaps that will be revealed in these negotiations." She smiled, "My being female certainly has flustered the Ferengi, hasn't it?"

"It usually does." Rafe replied.

"And a Clothed one, at that! Oh, well, I better try and educate Haukva on the ecological ramifications on his world if they accept the trade agreement."

"That would be advisable." Rafe replied.

Elsie pecked a kiss on Rafe's cheek and said as she left, "Thank you for being by logical side. I tend to think too much with my heart."

"Yes, you do. I still have work to do here. I will see you later." He said.

Elsie flashed a dimpled smile over her shoulder as the CIC door closed behind her.

OFF>

JP

Capt. Rafe Oosha
CIO - USS James Cook
&
 

Commodore Elsie Veritas

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

On>
Engineering>

Torbin looked over, seeing Kmarrh leaving with a strange grin on his face followed by his shadow Brandon. He decided he would take a break and go see Llaiir about the rift. Going to a nearby console he quickly found out she was in R&D. Turning about with a smile Torbin left engineering whistling a happy tune. As he entered R&D he was still happily whistling as he walked over to where Llaiir was working.

Llaiir looked up from her desk a little concerned, she soon realized it was Torbin "Oh hello Torbin, Glad you could stop by" Llaiir gave a confident Smile

Torbin smiled with a slightly goofy grin. " Oh I haven't visited with my favorite R&D person in some time, a little birdie gave me the idea I should come visit you." Torbin winked with a sideways grin.

"Let me guess, Rh'vaurek?" Llaiir grinned

Torbin nodded, still smiling. " So how you been Llaiir? Sure miss your cooking, we need to get together again, but this time I cook for you all."

Llaiir smiled "that sounds good" she glanced at the Chrono ~ 50 minutes left ~

Torbin looked at her strangely, " Am I interrupting something? You got some where to be or something?"

"No, not for another 50 minutes" Llaiir replied rather nervously, she was reaching out with her mind using a new technique taught to her by Saren to try and find out about the Test

"Have you met the New Engineering chief?"

Torbin gave a snide smirk as he chuckled sarcastically, " Met is putting it nicely. I think he is gonna be a real pain in the rear section."

Llaiir giggled "I agree"

Torbin took a seat at a nearby stool, " So have you had time to look over my work Llaiir?"

Yes I have and I have started on the Translation for the Romulans, I have another idea though, incase the Codes do not work"

Torbin smiled, " Sure what you have in mind" Torbin turned up some Rihannsu music loudly to cover their talk." With a nod he told her to go on.

Llaiir smiled and nodded along with the music "Well, if the Romulan ship Rh'vaurek has sent can send out a decoy distress beacon drawing away the federation ships they can fire the torpedoes needed to close the rift, leaving the federation ships out of harms way and the Romulan ship knowing what will happen will also have time to get out of the area" Explained Llaiir

Torbin smiled widely as a verse he heard before played, then looked at Llaiir, " Yeah that is a great idea, if we sent out two separate beacons in opposite directions it should pull all the Federation ships away and they would never know for sure what happened to the rift besides the explosion of the torpedoes."

"Exactly, leaving all out of harms way" Llaiir smiled

Torbin shook a finger at her smiling, " You have good ideas, I knew I liked you for some reason. It must be the devious mind we share." Torbin laughed as he finished.

Llaiir grinned as she started to relax

Torbin sat with Llaiir chating for some time. Looking at his Chrono, " Hey Llaiir you got bout another 10 minutes before your thing. I better let you get ready besides if Kmarrh doesn't find me working on that plasma relay he is gonna explode. But hey that could be fun." Torbin laughed heartily.

"I'd like to see him explode too" Llaiir laughed out loud

Torbin continued laughing as he got up turning the music down. "Well Llaiir i am gonna run back before the slave driver returns. I am serious though we need to have another night out. I am really thankful you and you husband were there for me at the beginning with Roma. Thank you."

"You are most welcome" Llaiir flashed Torbin a smile then picked up her engineering lab coat, walking to the door with him

As the reached the door Torbin smiled at Llaiir, " Good luck on your thing, and I hope what ever it is you come out smelling like roses." Torbin chuckled as he walked away down the corridor going back to engineering.

~ I'm Going to knock him flat on his arse ~

OFF>

Joint Post

Lt. Llaiir t’Rehu
CR&D
USS James Cook
PFCD
&
(Npc'd Lt.Kurz)

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

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

ON:

K’marh arrived at the Holodeck and as well asked Brandon to join him. They began the start of the program, which started in the Engineering Room of USS James Cook. K'marh would then Watch from a viewer from the outside of the holodeck.

Llaiir came at a run down the corridor and entered the Main holodeck, she looked at her wrist Chrono ~ 2 minutes to spare ~ she thought to herself

Kmarh turned to Llaiir, and then Brandon stood back a bit.

"Right On time...You do not have to do this" Kmarh said, with a chuckle.

Llaiir glared at him "as long as this is not the Kobayashi Maru, I am ready"

Kmarh Smiled and Brandon chuckled. "Not Impossible...As real as anything could ever get. The program will begin as soon as the doors Close."

K’marh and Brandon left the holodeck and watched from a viewer outside, showing every one of her Actions and Movements.

The program came into motion. 30 engineering officers crawled about in engineering doing their daily tasks, diagnostics, check ups, scans, repairs.

Llaiir took a tricorder out of her lab coat pocket and started Scanning the programming, she watched the engineering crew busy themselves.

An officer came up to her. "Sir a report on the weapons systems" The young male officer handed it to her and looked at her with anticipation.

Llaiir looked over the report, all power couplings were functioning all batteries were charged "Get those shields on maximum efficiency too"

Llaiir Calmly ordered a few Technicians

"Yes Sir...and about the Warp Core...Were still seeing Fluctuations in the Matter Anti Matter Containment Field…Maybe you should take a look?"

Llaiir stepped lively over to the console "The injectors are out of alignment, get them realigned ASAP, and check the Integrity field grid, make sure that is running smoothly"

"RED ALERT ALL HANDS TO BATTLE STATIONS" Came the Computer Voice

The emergency red lights began to flash and alarms sounded, Engineering turned a Cold, Blood Red Colour.


"SIR readings from the Bridge...A Dominion Battleship.....INCOMING!" The Young male officer shouted from a console not far away.

A barrage of torpedoes and phasers Hit the Cook from the Battleship.

"REPORT ON SHIELDS NOW" Llaiir Shouted

"70 % AND FALLING"

A Barrage....rocked the ship...explosions sent 3 officers flying into a wall and falling to the floor motionless.

"EVERYTHING WE CAN SPARE TO THE SHIELDS AND WEAPONS NOW!!!" Llaiir yelled.

"Shields Holding at 43 Percent!...Power fluctuations in the Main grid..." Came a voice from a different officer monitoring shields from a different console.

The ship rocked again...not so hard this time.....probably only a minor phaser hit on the shields.

Llaiir ran over to a console and started doing a few energy Bypasses on the energy grip to avoid overloads.

Main engineering went Black as Main power suddenly went off line.

"Hull Breeches decks 13, 14, 17, 19, 22, 23...emergency fields not responding!" Came a voice shouting from no where.

The ship continued to rock…fire hit engineering from somewhere, smoke filled the room, the stench of burning flesh and metal filled engineering.

"VAH'AREINNYE" Llaiir swore, "Get Power back on Line now" She ordered calmly as she Ran from console to console to try and spark some life from them.

The ship was rocking violently, from internal malfunctions, and weapons fire. Some flashlights came online.

"Main Power just not working Sir!" An officer was going frantic trying to get power online form a console he was at.

She reached out with her mind to K’marh he seemed to be enjoying the spectacle "THEN USE AUXILIARY POWER"

Power came back online, lights and consoles came to life....

More explosions in the background of engineering as the battleship hit full force....6 more guys were in the blast radius, One hit Llaiir and fell dead.

"Shields 11 Percent! Warp Core Overheating!" A shouted cry of panic and fear came from somewhere.

"Vent the Plasma through the Nacelles"

"Acknowledged...Its working sir!!...Temperature falling within nominal radius"


The battleship sent torpedoes right into the belly of the Cook. They penetrated the Hull and seemed to explode inside the ship.

Coolant began venting from the warp core.

"Warning Warp Core Breech in 6 minutes"

Llaiir Grit her teeth ~ Rh'vaurek is obviously not the Tac officer in this simulation ~ she thought to herself, "get a containment field up around the warp Core, PRONTO"

"Warning Warp Core Breech in 5 Minutes 45 Seconds"

"Trying Sir...We Need AAAhhhhhh" An Explosion Killed the young male officer relaying the Information to Llaiir.

Some of the crew were becoming hysterical, some screaming in pain. Some tried Running out of engineering for cover.

Llaiir coughed as smoke filled engineering, She ran around ordering the Technicians to there various tasks "Everyone get an Oxygen mask from the MEDKIT"

A few of the officers did as ordered....

More coolant kept leaking....and seemed to be filling the room slowly....

An officer ran to the assistant that was hit by an explosion...."he’s Dead Sir! What do we do now!"

Llaiir grit her teeth again, she hated working with holographic people who did not work as the team she was use too, "I told you to get a containment field around the Warp core"

Someone else ran to the core...."Trying Sir....I need Help!"

Llaiir ordered two crewman to assist the officer

"Warp Core Breech in 5 minutes"

"Containment Field Operational!" Cried an officer...."But integrity us unstable Strength is falling...We got about 2 minutes before Containment field goes off line"

Llaiir's slender fingers flew over a console stabilising the integrity field, and slowly strengthening the Containment field

"SHUT DOWN THE CORE"

Power once again Was cut from Engineering....The room was black...This time more people had flashlights.....

"Containment Field Lost!"

"We Cant Shut it down!! We got no power!"

"Core Breech in 3 minutes!" The warnings from the computer never seemed to end.

"EJECT IT THEN"

"Yes Sir!" An officer hit the Eject Button...Nothing happened.....he hit it again…Nothing...He grabbed his tricorder....."Warp core Ejectors are off line! its not responding!"

Llaiir slammed her fist against a console "Shut the Fvadt Core down manually"

Warp Core Breech in 2 minutes

Storming off to the manual override, Llaiir started the shut down sequence

The console Llaiir was at was dead...No lights...no sound.

The ship rocked again...Power seemed to come back on but went off again.

"SIR THERE’S NOTHING WE CAN DO!" came a shout

"WE GOTTA GET OUT OF HERE!"

"EVACUATE ENGINEERING" Llaiir yelled

Core Breech in 44 seconds

Blast doors suddenly came down to seal engineering

Llaiir looked around frantically for the manual eject" she rushed over through the crowd of fleeing engineers to the warp core manual override and slammed her fist down on the button

The Core shot out from the ship, and out into space.....soon all was quiet in engineering.

The Battleship exploded right outside the sheildless Cook, and a piece slammed into the engineering section of the Cooks Hull, collapsing 1 and a half decks above main engineering.....Llaiir was caught in the collapse along with 20 other officers

Llaiir stood up her head hurt, she dusted herself off and surveyed the situation, debris was everywhere

They were trapped...20 officers trapped under 2 decks work of debris. An officer scanned the situation...."Sir...were trapped....And Trapped Good....we have 5 minutes of Air!!" one of the officers was a security guard carrying a phaser.

"SIR" Came a cry....2 officers were critically wounded and bleeding profusely under the debris.

Llaiir walked over to the officers, their wounds were terminal, he put a nerve pinch on them they would die peacefully

"Sir...3 minutes of air...."

The air was very warm...getting stale.... and full of CO2.

"sir...what do we do...were gonna die!!!"

Llaiir turned to the Security officer "Hand me your Phaser, NOW"

The security officer stood there Baffled, obviously in shock from the happenings going on.

"Well do not just Stand there, Hand me your Phaser"

"Sir...why?" He did so anyways....

Llaiir put the Phaser on setting 16 and narrow beam, "We will all die if we do nothing", she scanned the Out side hall from the blast Door

There was a corridor filled with fresher air, Llaiir took aim at the blast door and fired cutting a hole big enough to let the air in"

The program ended and Llaiir was there by herself standing In a Empty room.

The Doors opened and Kmarh stepped in. fallowed by Brandon

Kmarh simply stared....Eyeing Llaiir with a Hot Fiery Glare.
He waited for her to speak first.

"So Mr. Red Talon, Mr. Metchooyeah, tut, tut, tut" Llaiir waved a finger at them both "trying to get me to kill some of my crew?"

Brandon spoke first...."So you think you did good do you?" trying to make her think she didn't do as well as expected

"Of course, But I was a little slower than I wanted to be" Llaiir replied calmly

"Things like that Happen" Was all Kmarh could say to that.

"You stood there...Hardly moving form your spot the whole hour you were in there....You think to be a Good officer you just stand there and Bark orders? Have you not Thought that...maybe to get your crew to respond better, you have to do a little work yourself? The point where your assistant died, you sat there, and barked orders...have you not considered that MAYBE if you reacted yourself...maybe you could have saved a life Or 2?" Kmarh said in an unhappy tone of voice.

"Well, if I had the engineering crew and not a bunch of holograms it would have run a lot smoother"

"That IS NOT the point...The whole point of this simulation was to Test your ability...and in this case your ability in an uncontrolled crew of engineers!"

Brandon sensed the angry tone of Kmarh, and he himself backed off a bit.

Llaiir stared hard at Kmarh but held her tongue, she was not about to back down from this one "But I did not panic Mr. Red Talon"

"But you did not Act Either!"

His voice seemed to Echo the room

Llaiir's cheeks flushed green with anger, "perhaps you only Saw that you wanted to see Mr. Red Talon" Llaiir snapped back

Kmarh Began to Laugh..."You came up with a solution I did not anticipate..." Kmarh Patted her on the back..."You did good my friend."

Llaiir allowed herself a small smile as she felt his pat on her back

Kmarh Turned and left the room leaving Brandon and her alone

Brandon stood in confusion..."That...Is a good sign specially coming from him!"

Llaiir looked at Brandon with a raised eyebrow

Well if there is nothing more, I have important work to finish for the Security Chief

Brandon Extended a Hand..."Good Job, don’t expect he will be treating you like crap any more!"

Llaiir lightly shook his hand "thank you, Mr Metchooyeah

"Please...Its Brandon"

Then he turned and left as well.

Llaiir left the holodeck for her office to finish Rh'vaurek's task

OFF:

JOINT POST

Lt K'marh Red Talon
Chief Engineer
Lt Jg Brandon Metchooyeah
Assistant Engineer
USS James Cook

&

Lt. Llaiir t’Rehu
CR&D
USS James Cook
PFCD

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

ON - s'Radaik quarters
Rh'vaurek sat in the easy chair muttering to what seemed himself, he was in a dazed State having a one-sided conversation.

Shi walked into their quarters. Rh'vaurek was sitting in the easy chair. She looked at him he seemed to be in a daze. "Rh'vaurek what is wrong?" She stood in front of him

"Yes Aroveen. “I am doing something" there was silence until Rh'vaurek's next response "I am trying Aroveen, these people have different laws and rules to what you and I are used to" once again he went silent listening to an unheard conversation "I am doing it as fast as I can"

Shi realized he was either having a dream or conversing with an unknown. She moved over and sat on the lounge.

Rea padded over and purred loudly wanting some attention from someone

Shi motioned Rea to come her. He jumped up in her lap and she petted him.

Aroveen, I will not have this argument, I am doing the best I can" Rh'vaurek’s eyes were blank, almost lifeless

Shi did not know what to do. She did not like the look in his eyes. She spoke to him. "Rh'vaurek, do you hear me. What is wrong?” She spoke louder

Rh'vaurek's eyes seemed to dilate and refocus. The life returning to them but he looked disoriented. He looked at Shi "Aroveen?"

"Rh'vaurek, What is wrong? who is Aroveen? This is Shi”

Rh'vaurek shook his head and saw Shi "How do you know about Aroveen?"

Shi looked at him "you have been conversing with her or him for several minutes."

"Oh, sorry" Rh'vaurek slumped back into the easy chair "Aroveen was the Druid Queen"

Shi looked at him again "What is a Druid Queen?”

"Queen of a Druid’s enclave" Rh'vaurek replied

"And what is a Druid?" Shi asked she was very confused.

"Keeper of the balance one who looks after nature and destroys all its abominations" Rh'vaurek replied.

"Like the Element of Earth" Shi asked.

"yes" Rh'vaurek answered

Shi did not fully understand but at least she had a reference point. She waited for him to continue

"they have powers over nature, controlling and communicating with plants and animals"

Shi replied "like Elementals?'

"yes very much so, they can also control the elements too" Explained Rh'vaurek

Shi looked confused "They are higher than the Elements. Are they gods or goddesses?

"No, they work side by side with them"

Shi was still confused "And what do you have to do with them?"

"I was once in love with her" Rh'vaurek answered in a monotone voice, as if he was reflecting on that lost love

Shi was shaken at this statement. Was it Aroveen that was your love?"

Rh'vaurek nodded blankly "She will not try and take me, she is dead."

Shi did not know what to say she just looked at him. Who was he really? Was he one of these creatures he had described? One of the Divine Hierarchy who worked with the gods and goddesses.

Shi asked "Rh'vaurek e'lev please explain I am totally confused."

"Explain what?" to Rh'vaurek it was all perfectly clear.

"I do not understand what you are talking about and how you are involved in it e'lev" she said with tears in her voice. "I understand that such creatures exist in the Divine Hierarchy but what does that have to do with you?"

"Remember I told you about Mielikki taking me to her realm?"

Shi looked up "Yes I do I did not understand it. You are a mortal but I did not question it and i do not question it now.”

So this is where you fell in love with Aroveen?"

"Yes Shi, I am mortal, and yes it is where I fell in love with Aroveen"

Shi looked straight at him "And are you still in love with her even though you said she was dead?

"Shi, My heart belongs entirely to you"

Shi closed her eyes "Thank you e'lev that was all I wanted to hear. Your past is yours as mine is mine we share what we want to share. I will not question you further on this.”

"She died, Giving birth to our daughter"

Shi looked at him this time with sorrow. "I am so sorry it must have hurt you deeply. But I am glad that I am bearing your son."

"This is why i am so protective of you"

“Rh'vaurek i never understood. I thought your protection was for the child not for me"

"No one has ever protected me. I have always been considered tough enough to protect myself" After all my field is Security.

"I was not there to protect her when she needed me"

Shi had tears in her eyes but this time for him "I am so sorry Rh'vaurek that is a hard burden to bear. Sometimes it is out of our control."

"I was hunting her killer at the time"

Shi exclaimed! "Oh no that must have made it even worse for you."

She got up from the coach and went over and knelt beside his chair. She wrapped her arms around him in silent commiseration. Then she went back to the couch.

“Did you fulfill your revenge?”

"Yes" Rh'vaurek replied softly

Shi replied softly "it is good"

"the disease ridden flea bag, now rots in one of the nine layers of Areinnye"

Shi replied "That is fitting"

Rh'vaurek muttered "to Areinnye with all Lycanthrope"

Shi heard his mutter "he was one of the unnatural. His death was indeed fitting"

“they are one of natures abominations”

"I am ready if Helmsly makes another appearance" Drawing his disrupter and taking aim at a target on the back wall, he fired, not releasing bolts of energy but bolts of pure silver.

Shi looked at him "Yes that is what is needed it is the only thing that will kill any of natures abominations"

Rh'vaurek smiled

He placed the replica Disrupter down on the table beside him.

Shi smiled.

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> The Ship’s Dojo

Rafe sat in the middle of the dojo in a lotus position, meditating on the conversation he had with Elsie. It had disturbed him that she was so quick to write off Zendista McKenna as an ally. Her mistrust of him now that he was fully Migichinan was even more disturbing… it betrayed the faith the former fleet admiral had put in her.

He meditated on the ship’s new status as the sector flag ship. It meant new responsibilities and those responsibilities were already being seen in action in the negotiations with the Ferengi and Ra’s Al Ghul…

Ra’s Al Ghul…

The man was as odd as his name. He was an enigma. An immortal that isn’t. Rafe reflected on the SFIC reports that showed references to Ra’s Al Ghul going back to the western United States of 19th century Earth. The reports were that of a sheriff by the name of Jonah Hexx. A law man in a small southwest town who came across a man who was building in a hollow mesa what could only be described as a Lazarus pit… a device that would bestow immortality.

It sparked Rafe’s curiosity. His own immortality was natural… as it was in a select few other individuals in the galaxy. Was Ra’s Al Ghul’s immortality not?

Other references came from news papers from Earth’s Gotham city… once known as a center of high technology and gothic architecture… also known for a few certain vigilante crime fighters who did their best to support the city’s law enforcement. The reports spoke of a fellow calling himself the Batman and his efforts to bring to justice Ra’s Al Ghul… but further reports indicated that Al Ghul was neither a criminal, nor a law abiding citizen… for that matter, he had never shown any citizenship to any nation.

That was the extent of the information that was available to Rafe… information that he had committed to memory. Ra’s Al Ghul’s motives on Zeevavok were still as much a mystery as the man’s past.

The doors of the dojo opened. Rafe was expecting it would be either Elsie Veritas or George Edderly, but instead he looked up to see Counselor Domina enter. She wore a full length blue dressed that almost perfectly matched the color of her skin. She sat down in front of Rafe.

“Hello Captain.” She said softly.

“Chiara… please, address me only as Rafe here. There is no rank in this dojo other then master and apprentice. To each other, we are neither.” He said.

“Okay.” She replied. “I wanted to talk to you… about things. Of all the people on the ship, you seem like you are the most together person there is.”

“I hadn’t thought of it that way.” Rafe replied, “But I guess that might be so. What is on your mind?”

“A lot of things.” Domina said. “Capt. Tarmis, the Ferengi, Ra’s Al Ghul, you.” She said.

“Then pick your topic.” He said.

“I know you were kinda instrumental in getting Tarmis and I ‘together.’ Why?” She asked.

“Tarmis was in need of someone who could help bring balance to his life. His son, as much as they love each other, cannot do it alone. A person needs a companion at their own level to guide them, support them and nurture them.” Rafe collected his thoughts. “Back when we had that victory party, I saw how you interacted with Tarmis. It seemed like you were throwing yourself at him. It was unnatural.”

“I was drunk. He was cute.” Domina replied.

“That’s what I had assumed. I also could see that you were out of place on the USS Viper. I appealed to the Commodore for a transfer, under the guise of mandatory training on the Cook. When the Viper went rouge, that transfer became official.” He said

“You got me on board just to be with Tarmis?” she asked with some disbelief.

“Not entirely. The Cook was in need of a good counselor. Your were originally trained for that role, but your medical training took you elsewhere. Your record even showed that originally you wanted to be posted to the Cook as the ship’s Counselor.” Rafe replied.

“Yes… I had forgotten about that. So… umm… do you think Tarmis and I are meant for each other? We are two different species after all.” She asked.

“Race, color, creed and gender are never boundaries when true love in involved as a factor in a relationship. For example, the Commodore and I. We are two completely different people with two completely different views on the world around us. While we contrast each other, we compliment each other, making us stronger. Fate brought us together… and while I feel responsible for the death of her pervious husband Merril, it does not hinder the love that I have for her.”

“I see, I think. So you think it will work out between Tarmis and I?” Domina asked.

“I believe it will if the both of you believe it will, believe in each other and truly want to be with each other.” Rafe replied.

Domina smiled. “Thank you, Rafe. I needed to hear that.” She looked around. “What about Ra’s Al Ghul… he seemed kinda slippery.”

“I was considering that when you came in. His past is as much a mystery as his name. He seems to be an immortal by science and not by nature… and it is the science behind his existence that will need to be uncovered if we are to figure out what he is up to and why he is here at Zeevavok.” Rafe said.

“In my visions, I saw him speaking to the Ferengi on the Inquisitor… they seemed to bow to him and his words. Do you think he might be controlling them somehow?” She asked.

“It is a distinct possibility. Al Ghul does seem to be a controller… but he has not demonstrated scientific capabilities in the past. I think he might be using another as a resource.” Rafe replied.

“Another scientist, perhaps?” Domina added.

“Precisely. While the Commodore was meeting with Al Ghul via the viewscreen, Rh’vaurek and I ran passive scans on the Ferengi ship… we detected life forms aboard that were not Ferengi… in small quantities, though.” He said.

“You should tell the Commodore.” Domina said.

“Yes, I should, but I need to examine the readings more… and we do have some time. I doubt Daemon Tork will leave until he either gets what he wants or is forced away.”

“What about sneaking onto their ship?” She asked. “I know Ra’s Al Ghul is hiding something, and we should find out what it is.”

“Hmm… while an official boarding and inspection of the ship may not be an option… sneaking might just be.” Rafe said… “I will speak with the Commodore about it.”

“Okay.” Domina said.

“You said I was on your mind as well… May I ask why?” Rafe said.

“Yes, but it is a topic that can wait till later.” Domina said as she stood up. “Thanks for the chat.”

“Anytime.” Rafe replied as she left the dojo.

Off>
 

Capt. Rafe Oosha

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

ON>

Elsie ordered a chamomile tea from the replicator and sat on the couch, her favorite robe wrapped around her. As she sipped the comforting hot beverage, she thought back on her conversation with Rafe.

One thing stuck out in her mind, his disapproval of her feelings towards McKenna. He seemed to feel she was writing him off as an ally. He felt she was betraying McKenna’s trust in her. But that was not what she had intended, nor was she dismissing Mckenna. She was concerned that their rising power might become a threat to the Federation someday.

Simply put, Elsie was afraid of McKenna. The last two times he had been on her ship, he had broken Starfleet protocol and engaged in a violent action, once during an interrogation and once in the martial arts competition. It was no secret that he was part machine, now that people had seen his metallic arm during the competition. Few, however, had seen McKenna in battleframe.

Knowing that the Migichinan could interface with a small fighter and fly in space without life support solidified that fear. And T’Anna’s encounter with a security droid demonstrated to Elsie that machines could not make the necessary judgments to avoid inappropriate actions, like T’Anna’s interrogation. What kind of people programmed interrogation droids, anyway? It was one thing to have domestic and construction robots, but droids to conduct interrogations? Elsie shuddered and drew her robe closer about her.

How could she make Rafe understand her point of view? Perhaps she never would. Men and women perceived the universe differently. It had always been so, and one gender might, MAYBE, gain some understanding of how the other felt, if one tried hard enough. But a true understanding of the core of ones being was difficult to relay to someone else, even among Betazoids.

Elsie rose and sat down at her personal console. It was time to do more research into the trade agreement. She had a job to do, and she needed to be prepared.

OFF>
 

Commodore Elsie Veritas

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

On> The Dojo.

Rafe continued to meditate after the visit from Counselor Domina. Her visit gave him even more to think about and sort through, as if he didn't have enough already.

Lt. George Edderly approached the dojo five minutes early. As he stepped in, something about the manner of Rafe's meditation, and the serenity of the dojo made him place his hands against his thighs and bow formally, as he had been taught at the Academy. This officer deserved that much respect, anyway. Quietly he waited for Rafe to acknowledge him.

"How are you today, George?" Rafe asked.

"I am doing all right, Sir."

"That is good to hear." Rafe replied. "Are you ready to continue?"

"Yes, Sir," George said solemnly.

"How has your own meditation been going?" Rafe asked.

"It's been...well, I am not used to feeling stuff, y'know? And sometimes it makes me feel guilty." He blushed a bit, and dropped his gaze.

"There is nothing to feel guilty about. This is a journey for you, and I am your guide. The path before you is one of self-discovery. You do not know who George Edderly is, at least until you meet him on your path. Once you meet him, you will get to know him and he will join you. You will learn together." Rafe said.

George squirmed, not knowing how to approach what was bothering him.

"We will begin today by discussing Bushido... the way of the Samurai. I am samurai. I will teach you what it is to be samurai. Your questions and concerns will all be answered in due time. What weighs heavy on your soul will be confronted in time." Rafe continued.

George frowned, puzzled. "Samurai, Sir? I don't know nothing about Japanese stuff."

"You will learn. The Samurai have a creed... we will begin by discussing the creed, for it is the foundation of Bushido... the way of the warrior."

"The creed begins like this: I have no parents; I make the Heavens and the Earth my parents." Rafe said

George tried to force his mind into the two meanings. "But...I got my Dad," he said, puzzled.

George could only grasp the first sentence. The rest blew over his head.

"This says that we are not tied to a family. A family is a made thing, not natural. The Earth and Heavens are natural, and the warrior is one with the Earth and Heavens, relying on the Earth to survive and the Heavens for inspiration. Does your father and his deeds inspire you?"

"Well, Yes, Sir...and.....no." His guilt returned at admitting the "no" part. "I mean..he was in Starfleet! He was the first of our sorry line of losers to make it. He had medals all over his chest. I was so proud of him, and Maw was, too."

"Honor and prestige are also made things. While your father may have been successful in Starfleet and earned medals, that only spoke of the man on the surface and displayed what others should think of him. A career officer respected and decorated. It served to hid the man inside... the man who would take out his anger and frustrations on his wife and son. Anger and frustrations that have been built on a life of being labeled a 'looser'." Rafe replied. "Only his shell inspired you... not his heart and ideals."

George's forehead creased. He knew what the Captain was saying was true. His Dad had been a brutal man in the end. And he wasn't so sure he had much respect for his Dad anymore. But that was a hard thing to admit. It seemed...wrong...somehow.

"We all want a father to admire, to teach and guide us, but there is a point when we learn enough to examine the teachings of the father and question them... there is a point where you must separate good and bad and see the sins of the father." Rafe replied. "In the first line of the Samurai creed, it tells to separate biological family from natural family. You will come to no longer consider yourself a member of the Edderly family, but a son of the Earth and the stars above. There will begin your path to inner peace and redemption."

Edderly spoke low, almost ashamed to say anything. "He's all I got, Captain. I got no one else in the universe. Just my Dad. If I turn my back on him, I got nothin', nothin' at all."

"That is not true, and you will see that you indeed have someone..." Rafe countered.

Edderly slowly breathed a sigh, not really understanding, but held his tongue, hoping this would become clearer.

"The person you have is yourself. You would feel as if you had no-one if you turned your back on your father simply because you do not know yourself." Rafe said.

Edderly wasn't so sure he wanted to know himself. What if he wasn't good enough? What if he was a looser just like all the rest?

"Why are you afraid of being labeled a looser?" Rafe asked.

"Cause that means I didn't try hard enough, that I'm no better than the druggies and the thieves and cheats in my family. It means there is no way out."

"There is always a way out, and there is honor in loosing when you learn from your loss and mistakes and move on." Rafe replied. "Meditate on this. We will continue with another lesson tomorrow." Rafe bowed to George, dismissing him.

"Yes, Sir." Edderly rose from his seated position, Bowed to Rafe, and walked out. He felt like he had missed something the Captain was trying to tell him. "Yer a eff'n looser, just like your uncles." George told himself. "Yer never gonna understand." He headed for his quarters, and just for something to do, sat on the rug and started to meditate.

OFF>

Lt. George Edderly
Security
USS James Cook

&
 

Capt. Rafe Oosha

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

On> Rafe & Elsie's Quarters.

It was midnight when Rafe finally arrived at the quarters. Instead of going to the bedroom, he sat down at the desk and accessed the SFIC database and called up information on the Ferengi Maurader class starship and began familiarizing himself with the internal layout.

Elsie heard Rafe and slipped on a robe. "what's up?" She asked as she stepped up behind him.

"There is too much about Ra's Al Ghul that is unknown, my love. I intend to find out why he has come to Zeevavok."

Rafe looked over the schematics. Some of the information had not been updated in over twenty years.

Elsie draped her arms over Rafe's shoulders as she peered at the screen. "What do you want to do?" She asked.

"Infiltrate and access their library computers... and plant some bugs. Domina and I spoke of the situation and we both agree that there is more going on here then what is being brought to light. Look at these." Rafe handed her a PADD showing the data from the passive scans on the Inquisitor that he and Rh'vaurek had taken earlier in the morning.

Elsie looked over the lifeform readings and cast a dark look at Rafe, "Slaves?"

"Possibly. There also does appear to be some Gashta onboard as well, and some technology that does not match known Ferengi equipment. I'm guessing this ship too the long way around the sector to avoid Federation patrols."

"Then we are obligated to investigate. Contraband, slaves. I know the Gashta would not voluntarily board a Ferengi vessel except to destroy the crew and free the slaves."

"We can only assume that the possible Gashta onboard are slaves themselves." Rafe said. He unlocked and opened the desk draw to pull out his personal phaser and his Migichinan Lightsaber. He started to check the charges of both weapons.

"Who are you going to take with you?"

"I was going to take Domina... but I changed my mind. I'm taking Edderly." Rafe replied.

"Llaiir has a personal cloaking device. Edderly can wear that." Elsie offered.

Rafe thought for a minute. "Perhaps... yes. Edderly needs to be subjected to stressful situations, but I cannot jeopardize the mission. I will need that device."

Rafe walked over to his closet and took off his kimono, revealing his form fitting leather armor and muscular arms. He opened the closet and started pulling out various things.

Elsie said, "It is the only way you can get him aboard unnoticed. There are too few crew to go on as a Ferengi. Besides, you two are too tall," She smirked.

"And you, my Love are far too comely to pass as a Ferengi."

"Comely?" Rafe asked.

"Yes," She smiled. "I like your rugged looks." Elsie cleared her throat and came to herself. "Back to work. Yes."

Rafe put on a bandoleer, which carried a utility pocket for a number of various items. Towards the bottom he hooked a tricorder. On his arm that would be strapped into the kimono he placed a grappling hook launcher.

"I've never been called 'comely' before. To be honest, I've never heard the term." He said.

"It is a term that is used when the man is not particularly handsome, but is sexually attractive anyway." Elsie smiled, eyeing the accessories he was donning.

"Thank you." Rafe said as he started to put the kimono back on.

Elsie smirked, thinking how she would love to unstrap all the stuff he was wearing from his body. ~ OK, focus. Not now, Elsie ~ She thought to herself.

"I'll get Edderly and we'll head over to the Inquisitor. I can disguise our transport as a transporter malfunction." Rafe said.

Elsie nodded. "If I show up on the bridge, I will draw attention to you. I will watch from here."

"Very well. You will not be able to contact us until during the caper." Rafe said.

"Understood."

Rafe kissed her and then walked out into the hall and towards Edderly' quarters.

Elsie sat at the monitor and coded in a secure channel.

Rafe arrived at Edderly's Quarters and rang the buzzer.

Edderly was thinking about heading for bed when the buzzer rang. He padded in his bare feet and his sweats to the door, palming it open. "Sir! He exclaimed as he saw Rafe standing in the corridor."

Rafe walked in, looking at his attire. "Get into some straight black clothes."

Rafe pulled a pinch phaser out of his kimono and checked the charge.

"Yes, Sir. Give me one minute." Edderly strode into the bedroom and slipped on black spandex pants and a long-sleeved t shirt. He recognized that Rafe was taking him on a mission."

"Ready, Sir."

Rafe handed him a pinch phaser. "We are going on a little trip. Come with me."

Rafe head back to the door.

Edderly dampened down all emotion and followed the Captain, tucking the phaser into a small pocket in his pants.

They arrived inside in a transporter room much to the surprise of the petty officer on duty. Rafe put a finger up to his mouth and his other hand on the enlisted man's head and made a 'shhh' sound. The petty officer fell to the floor unconscious. He went to the panel and started typing in commands. "Edderly, get on the pad."

Lt. Edderly complied, all business now. This kind of work he understood.

Rafe set the beam in coordinates and joined Edderly on the pad. "Ever been on a Ferengi ship before?" He asked.

"Only in simulations, Sir. Same class as what is out there." Edderly patted the pinch phaser in his pants pocket, then stood straight and still, waiting for the transport.

"Energize" Rafe ordered. Seconds later, they appeared in a dark corridor of the Ferengi ship.

Rafe pulled the tricorder out of his kimono and scanned the area. It was devoid of life forms in the general vicinity. He noted several Ferengi in a dormant state... probably sleeping.

"The area is clear." Rafe said softly. "This way." He led Edderly down a corridor.

Edderly crept silently behind, Rafe, keeping a low profile.

Rafe stopped at an opening. The markings on the wall indicated it was a backup computer room. He looked back at Edderly and pointed to his own eyes, then to the alcove across from the door.

Edderly nodded and moved to the alcove, watching for anyone who might come upon Rafe.

Rafe took out a small device and placed it on the lock. The device started to run through security codes until it found the one that would open the door.

Rafe slid inside the vacant computer room and went to the access panel. He used the same device to access the ship's computer.

Edderly opened his mouth slightly to allow for better hearing. He watched and listened for any movement in the corridor.

Rafe placed his tricorder on the computer terminal and started downloading relevant information.

Edderly heard footsteps around the corner. Quickly he moved to the computer room door and tapped twice, then returned to the shadow of the alcove.

Rafe went to a shadowy corner and hid in the shadows.

A Ferengi on patrol keyed in the code to the door and walked in, giving the place a cursory examination. He did not want any furries running around in this part of the ship. His careless examination missed the tricorder sitting in plain view, and he turned, exiting the room and disappearing down the corridor.

"Weak minds." Rafe reminded himself. The masking technique worked and covered the tricorder's presence.

A dim red light signaled that the download was complete. He looked back out the corridor over to Edderly.

Edderly stayed absolutely still in the shadows, waiting for his next order. Only his eyes betrayed any movement at all.

He flashed an "all clear" with a finger.

Rafe nodded and pointed down the corridor.

Edderly nodded 'affirmative' and led the way.

Edderly's nose told him of the location of the Gashta. He pointed to the door and made a sign of big round eyes.

Rafe nodded. He walked inside and crouched down. They were all asleep. He placed a tiny transporter beacon in a corner to mark the room. Rafe ducked back out.

Edderly crouched, listened, then flashed 'all clear.'

Rafe pointed down another corridor.

Edderly nodded, and slipped silently from door to door. He heard a noise and stopped, motioning to Rafe, and pointing at a small door, probably a closet.

Rafe took out his tricorder and scanned the room.

A small whimper of a child in a bad dream could be heard, very faint.

Rafe tucked the tricorder away and pointed to the door. He took out his lightsaber, but did not ignite it.

He waited for Edderly to open it.

Edderly pressed the lock on the door and it slid open. It was in fact nothing more than a small utility closet, and crouched in a corner was a boy about 8 years old, ragged and dirty.

Edderly looked at Rafe questioningly.

Rafe nodded and made a motion for him to bring the boy with.

Edderly knelt down and gently woke the boy putting his fingers to his lips. The boy's eyes opened wide, but he somehow understood this man was here to take him away. He put his arms around Edderly's neck, and was hoisted onto the Lt.'s back.

Rafe motioned for them to follow him.

Edderly carried the underweight boy on his back as if he wasn't there. The boy clung tighter to Edderly, immediately trusting him.

They retraced their path back towards the beam in point. Rafe was careful to watch for patrols or other threat traffic.

Edderly looked around once more, listening, then nodded to Rafe.

Within a few minutes, they were back at the beam in point.

Rafe took out an old style Star Fleet communicator and flipped it open. He pressed a button which signaled the Cook to beam them back out.

The boy buried his face in Edderly's neck as the bright lights of the Cook assailed his eyes.

"Lets get him to sickbay to be examined." Rafe said.

"Yes, Sir," Edderly spoke over his shoulder to the boy. "It's all right, Son. You are safe now."

Rafe looked over to the petty officer, who was still out cold on the deck. Rafe walked over and thumped him on the head, leaving a welt to make it look like he had been struck... at least he would not get in trouble.

Rafe took out his standard issue communicator and pressed it. "Rafe to Veritas."

Edderly and the boy chuckled. "Lets go have the doc look you over."

"Veritas here," Elsie called to the com.

"Meet me in sickbay. Rafe out." He said, tucking the combadge back in his utility bandoleer.

Elsie threw on a uniform and took the turbolift to Sickbay. There she found Edderly, Rafe, and a ragged boy, who was being lifted onto a biobed. "Well, hello! Who do we have here?" Elsie spoke sweetly.

The boy looked at the pretty officer and stammered, " Benjamin, Ma'am."

"We found him on the Inquisitor. We did not want to leave him behind." Rafe said.

"What else did you find over there?"

"30 Gashta... being held in an otherwise empty room with bread and water." Rafe replied. "A number of them looked very sick... almost as if they had the life drained out of them."

"We should beam them out of there immediately!" Elsie was horrified.

"We should be careful, Commodore. We cannot afford to let the Ferengi and Ra's Al Ghul onto the fact that we know one of their secrets." Rafe countered.

"You want to LEAVE them there?"

"I have no intention of leaving them there, ma'am. They will be extracted... but as I said, taking immediate action may jeopardize our mission."

Dr. T'Khat continued to look over the boy, taking all kinds of readings. Benjamin kept peering around the doctor's hand trying to see the front of the tricorder.

Counselor Domina walked in, still looking half asleep.

"I was notified there was a child in sickbay... what's all the hubub?" She asked with a yawn

Elsie frowned, but knew Rafe was right. "All right, Captain. I leave their extraction to you."

"Thank you." Rafe replied.

"HEY!!! A BLUE LADY!" Ben yelled with glee!

~Here we go again.~ Domina thought to herself. "Corpsman, I need a cup of coffee please." She looked over to Benjamin. "Hey there kidstuff... what's your name?" She asked.

"I'm Benjamin. And they took me away!"

"They did!?!" Domina gasped in mock horror. "Who took you away?" She asked sitting next to him on the bed with the cup of coffee."

Ben wiggled over to give her room. "Well, first the Ferengi, and then they did!" He pointed at Rafe and Edderly. "I like it here better."

"Hold still. I am almost done," The doctor said.

"Tell you the truth... so do I." Domina said, putting her arm around Ben. "The food is much better." She said with a giggle. "So, the Ferengi took you... were they mean to you?"

Rafe turned to Edderly. "You did well over there George. I'm proud of you."

Edderly blushed. "It weren't nothing Captain. I know that kind of work."

Rafe nodded. "All the same, you did well. I'm considering moving you up from security. I could use someone I can count on in Intelligence."

Edderly stood straight, and looked Rafe in the eye. "Yes, Sir! I would be proud to work in Intel."

Rafe nodded. "I'll speak with the Commodore in the morning... Go get some sleep, and then we'll talk about Ben over there tomorrow."

"Yes, Sir." Edderly took a look at the boy over his should as he left. His face had a wistful look. "You do what these ladies tell you to, y'hear?"

Ben grinned at Edderly then looked up into the blue Lady's face. "Th..they..." His eyes welled up with tears and he threw himself into Chiara's arms, sobbing.

Domina stroked his hair and looked over to the Commodore and Capt. Rafe. She wanted to cry too, but held back the tears.

Elise gave Rafe a knowing look and left sickbay

Rafe followed her out.

"I don't know who had bigger puppy dog eyes on that caper... the boy or Edderly.

I was not about to leave him behind." Rafe said

"Did you feel the bond between those two? "

"I think there might be... and I'm certain there will be." Rafe replied. He looked back in to see Domina still holding the boy. "I think he's in good hands now., though."

Elsie chuckled and took Rafe's arm. "So are you."

"I'm tired... and I have a load of work to do now..." Rafe said.

"I want to talk to you tomorrow about transferring Edderly to Intel. He has the security stuff down pat, but I want to challenge his mind." Rafe said.

Elsie sighed. "You NEED some recreation! Your work will wait!"

"Recreation..." He thought. "I've not taken any time off since the circus we staged."

Elsie had a feeling the recreation he was talking about was not what she had in mind. but she was game. "Name it."

Rafe took a swig off of his jug. "I'll settle for a cozy bed and you for right now. Perhaps tomorrow night we can spend some time together on the holodeck." Rafe suggested.

Elsie's face broke out into a wide grin, "I was hoping you would say that." She began to lead them to their quarters.

Off>

JP

Capt. Rafe Oosha
CIO - USS James Cook

&
Commodore Elsie Veritas

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

On>
Jeram's Quarters>

Tarmis walked into his quarters, beat from the long time he spent on the bridge. ~ I forgot how busy it can get when Elsie is gone. I hope this negotiations do not drag on for months, I may need a vacation if they do.~ Tarmis looked about surveying the dark quarters.

~Hogah must be in bed already. That is strange it is only.~ Looking at his Chrono Tarmis realized it was almost 2400. ~Wow time got away from me with all those reports I did. Oh well, I better look in on Hogah.~ Tarmis went to Hogah's room, he was asleep in bed. Tarmis gently kissed his forehead and pulled Hogah's covers about him some more. " I love you Son." Tarmis whispered to Hogah, then exited silently to the living area. Tarmis dropped down into the chair, after sometime he fell into a restless sleep.

Tarmis opened his eyes, finding himself once again on Ullia. Tarmis slowly stood, carefully looking about. Something was different this time though. As Tarmis stood there he heard sobbing come from over the ridge, he went to investigate. As Tarmis topped the hill he found a small child, as he neared the child appeared to look like Hogah, but it wasn't him. Something was different, after a moment Tarmis realized this figure had a strange glow about him. Tarmis went to the boys side and sat on the cool grass next to him.

The child looked up, wiping away the tears as his eyes rested upon Tarmis'. As the child stared at Tarmis he began to speak, his voice having a strange musical quality to it, " Hello my sweet child." Tarmis stared at the child in disarray, " Who are you?" The child smiled slightly, a sparkle in his eye. The sun began to peer out from the clouds as the child smiled and a soft warm breeze blew across the land. The child's smile some how filled Tarmis with a feeling of love and comfort, " My son, You know me. You must look with your mind, clear and open, not your heart which is troubled and in turmoil."

Tarmis tried to hide his emotions and thoughts as he straightened his posture, " What would make you think I am in any kind of turmoil?" The child slowly raised his left hand. The breeze became more intense, as the clouds began to cover the sky. The child looked at Tarmis then eyed his hand, in it appeared a small glowing orb of some sort. Tarmis began staring into the glowing object, which began to churn with clouds, eventually showing times in Tarmis' life. The child began to speak as Tarmis sat transfixed by the view inside the orb, " My son, your life has been in turmoil sense your birth. As you see your birth was troubled by complications. Your mother and yourself both nearly died. You both would have been lost if I had not blessed you with my own hand."

Next the orb showed Tarmis' time at the academy, when he nearly lost control of his training shuttle while doing tight area drills, then at his first mission for Intel when his target spotted him warning the guards. A phase cannon turned to fire upon him, but malfunctioned as it began to fire. The blast exploded the cannon disintegrating the guards in the area. Tarmis looked up from the orb, his mouth hanging open, unable to speak. The child just smiled, speaking in a calm tone, " Yes my son every one of those times and many others I stepped in, blessing your fate."

Tarmis slowly found his tongue, trying to speak he stammered, " B...Bu..But why, why me what have I done, I am no one special?" The child's eyes became sad and filled with remorse. "My child, my son. I intervened in your fate because you are the one, your path will lead others, to the destiny of Light. But by doing so and intervening I have brought about a punishment for my actions. I should have never intervened, you would have lived on each occasion most likely and your path would have been of your own accord, but by intervening I punished all our kind. To repair the balance Taulius has seen fit to release Deriam's spirit onto this plain, she will need a body to live within but she will be able to begin her attempt at power once again. My subjects are not ready for this, not now not yet. I need you Tarmis, you must begin your path."

Tarmis suddenly realized a giant storm had blown in. Tarmis began to cover his eyes from the debris flying about and the snowball sized rain blowing down at enormous speeds. Tarmis struggled to reach for the child, but could not a huge bolt of lightning struck the child in the chest, sending a large explosion about the area. Tarmis was thrown back, as his eyes snapped open.

Looking about he realized it was only 2 hours before shift, ~ What in the name of all holy and sacred has happened?~

Off>

 

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

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

On>
Jeram Quarters>

Once Tarmis realized what time it was he jumped up from his chair. Something had him spooked really bad about the dream he had. As he looked about he became more hyper, almost frantic. He circled about until he was somewhat dizzy, resting against the desk he noticed his hand layed on the information his sister Deona had sent him about their religion. ~What is, oh maybe this will help me along my path.~

Tarmis quickly placed the information disk into the console. As the disk began to play it showed Ullia and all it magnificence. Tarmis read the information completely, he came to a paragraph which he thought may help him and his strange circumstances. It read :

In certain extreme conditions, individuals of Ullian decent have used recent upgrades in technology to aide in their personal Journey Of Solitude. In this extreme circumstance said individuals may use up to date surface and geological scans of the planet to install and execute a Holo program which will show the individual the location of their mind crystal.
*******Warning*********
Usage of this technic is extremely rare and in most cases does not allow the individual sufficient contact with Ullia or the individual mind crystal. In conclusion, one should only use this technic in dire circumstances and even then there is an extremely high rate of failure.


Tarmis reread the paragraph once again, breathing deeply he realized this could be his one and only chance to save his degrading mind. Tarmis grabbed a jacket of his, running off to Holodeck 1. Once inside, Tarmis began current downloads from satellites orbiting Ullia. Feeding the information into the Holo computer he activated the program.

The scene changed to that of Mt.Saldri. Tarmis stood before the alter atop the mountain. There was a chill in the air even though the sun shone brightly. Putting his jacket on Tarmis felt something hard inside. Removing the object he realized it was the Crystal fragment. Tarmis awkwardly held the crystal before him. He began his journey as vibrations from the crystal fragment showed him the way. Tarmis climbed many rocky cliffs and treacherous chasms in search of his crystal. After many hours of deadly searching Tarmis came to a dark ominous cave. The cave was hidden and Tarmis would never of found it if he had not had the fragment with him.

Moving inside the cave Tarmis felt the hair on his neck stand on end and chills run along his spine. Pushing back his fear he ventured forth. After much time passed Tarmis came to a great opening at the end of the cave. In the center of the area sat a rock the size of a large Terran grapefruit. One edge of was jagged, Tarmis removed his fragment and felt compelled to move forward with it. Once he stood next to the rock he found he placed his fragment against it, grabbing the now whole crystal on either side. As he held the crystal the face of Lisius himself appeared,speaking in a booming,loving voice," You Have begun your Journey my son."

In a blinding flash of light and energy, an explosion hurled Tarmis back, slamming into the wall of the Holodeck. The Program was offline, everything fell silent.

Bridge>

The officer at the Tactical station begins running his fingers over the console frantically as an alarm sounds on his console. Once confirming the readings, " Ma'am there was an enormous power surge in Holodeck 1, surrounding area as well as the Holodeck are offline."

"Get someone in there right now! Was anyone in there?" Elsie stared at TAC.

Looking at his console once again he types in a few commands. As the readings came in his face showed great concern, " Ma'am medical, security, and engineering teams dispatched. There was one person inside Ma'am." The officer swallowed a lump in his throat, " It is Capt.Jeram Ma'am."

"By the Four Goddesses!" Elsie swore and headed off the bridge as Helm slipped into her seat. Elsie ran out of the turbolift and stood in the corridor watching the rescue team force its way into the Holodeck.

As the team finally forced the door open a strange light shown through the doors, Tarmis layed inside not moving, a strange object grasped tightly in his hands. The object gave off the bright glow, seemingly pulsating.

The Medical team ran in first, crowding Elsie out. "How is he?" She demanded, her heart pounding fast.

A nurse reached him first, letting out a stifled gasp as she stared at his motionless body. Tarmis had burns along his hands, and up his arms. The object pulsated almost in the rhythm of a heart beat. As the nurse looked she noticed Tarmis' facial features beginning to change.
The team moved inside, beginning to do their respective duties, the nurse stared at the Doctor then Elsie as they allowed her to enter.

Dr. Merlose knelt down and ran his tricorder over Tarmis. As he watched, The Ullian temple ridges deepened, and his forehead enlarged slightly. Merlose thumbed back an eyelid and watched with amazement as his eyes lost their dark Betazoid pigment and lightened up to emerald green. "Get him to sickbay, now!" Merlose ordered.

A nearby officer informed the transporter room for an emergency beam out to sick bay. The beam began, but fizzled and dispersed almost immediately. Looking on in shock a crew of officers grabbed Tarmis, carrying him to sick bay. Once in sick bay they gently layed him on a Biobed, and quickly returned to their duties.

Elsie arrived with the medics and stood back as Merlose continued to scan Tarmis. "The best I can tell is that his Ullian DNA is asserting itself. I have never seen this happen so quickly with any species. Maybe it has something to do with that." He pointed to the orb now sitting in a clear isolation container.

Merlose held out his hand to the nurse. "Dermaline Gel." Since Tarmis was unconscious, he did not want to risk shock by administering an anaesthetic. The nurse and a corpsman removed Tarmis's shirt and the doctor sprayed the Dermagel over the burns on his arms and hands.

Tarmis' eyes snapped open, he began screaming wildly and thrashing about as pain ravaged his mind. The orb pulsated in rhythm to Tarmis heart.

"HQM, Stat!" The nurse slapped a hypospray into the Doctor's open hand and he injected Tarmis in the neck. "Easy does it Captain. Relax. You are burned."

Tarmis began to relax, he fell back onto the biobed as the pain began to subside. His eyes moved frantically about, coming to rest staring at Elsie. As he stared into her eyes an image of immense power flashed through his mind, followed by two words, ~Ullia Danger.~ Suddenly a surge closed barriers about his mind tightly and he fell into a deep sleep.


Sometime Later>

Tarmis eyes slowly opened, the orb pulsed in perfect harmony with his heart beat. As he looked about he asked in a dry hoarse voice, " Where am I, what happened?"

Dr. Merlose bent over Tarmis. "Captain, you are in sickbay. You were in the Holodeck and something burned out the relays and you were burned." He hesitated to tell him more. "Just rest. You have been through a lot."

Tarmis stared at Merlose for moment, knowing there was more than what he was telling. " Where is the Captain?" Tarmis asked with a cracked voice.

Elsie stepped forward into Jeram's view. Her face did not betray her surprise at his transformation. "I am here, Number One."

Tarmis struggled to compose himself before Elsie, he wanted to appear in control in front of her. " Ma'am, Please tell me what happened? The last thing I remember is I went to the Holodeck and." A vision began to slowly pass through his mind. "The crystal something about the crystal."

"Tarmis, I don't understand," Elsie pleaded.

Tarmis took a breath, his throat was sore and dry. He reached for some water and took a drink. "Ma'am, I was trying to follow a religious journey for my people in the Holodeck, I finished the journey then everything went black. What happened, why can't i remember?"

"I don't know. Maybe that had something to do with it." She gestured to the glowing orb inside the isolation box on the console.

Tarmis turned looking at the orb, shock across his face. " Ma'am...Ma'am that can't be it can't be here, I only had the fragment." Tarmis mind raced as he began to get excited, " Hogah where is Hogah, he is not here is he ok?"

"Hogah is in school. He is fine. Only, I think he may have a problem when he sees you." She held up a mirror.

Tarmis covered a scream as he stared at the strange person looking back at him. Turning to Elsie with tears welling up in his eyes, " Ma'am what is happening to me?" His voice struggled for control.

"The doctor says your Ullian DNA has asserted itself over your Betazoid DNA. He thinks the orb may have accelerated the process."

Tarmis wanted shrink away from the orb, but something would not allow him. Tarmis looked at Elsie with great fear, " Help me, Please Help me Ma'am." Tarmis was confused and afraid.

Elsie Placed her hands on his shoulders so as not to touch his healing arms. "We will get though it, Tarmis. You need to calm down so we can get Hogah in here. He needs to know, but not while you are upset. Do you want the doctor to give you a sedative? It will calm you."

Tarmis took a deep breath, pushing back his emotions, trying to keep control. In a proper crisp voice , " No Ma'am, I will be fine. I have to be strong for my son now." The love Tarmis had for Hogah calmed his fears and eased his pain. "Thank you Ma'am." His words echoed with more meaning and gratitude than he could ever say.

Elsie turned to the guard in sickbay."Please get Hogah from school and bring him here."

"Yes, Ma'am," the guard said and left to retrieve Hogah."

Moments later the guard returned with Hogah, they walked over to Elsie. The guard nodded as he returned to his post. Hogah stared at Elsie. In a child like Federation protocol Hogah Saluted and stood at attention, " Here Ma'am."

Elsie stood between Hogah and the biobed." Hogah, your dad has gone through a change. He is still the dad that loves you, but he looks more like an Ullian now. Are you ready to look at him how and not be afraid?"

Hogah tried to struggle with his fear as he only nodded at Elsie. His mind imagined so many possibilities, and his fear grew.

Elsie moved so Hogah could see his dad. She kept a hand on his shoulder.

Hogah shuddered as he looked at his father, or was this his father. He stared at the man unknown to him. In a shaky emotional voice Hogah stammered, " Father?" As the tears began to fall from his cheeks, turning he buried his face in Elsie's body and wept.

Elsie ushered him over to the biobed. "Be brave, now, Hogah. Remember he is Ullian AND Betazoid. His Ullian side decided to show itself, just like your Cardassian side did."

Dr.Merlose turned staring at Elsie with a strange look. He shook his head and mouthed, " He is no longer Betazoid." He handed Elsie a padd showing all Betazoid DNA had been eradicated from his body.

Hogah slowly walked to the bed holding Elsie, once beside his father he stared into his eyes, they locked eyes for sometime then father and son tightly embraced each other. Both saying " I love You."

Elsie nodded to Merlose, projecting a thought ~ One step at a time, doctor~ Then she slipped out, leaving Hogah and Tarmis alone.

OFF>

Joint Post

Commodore Elsie Veritas
CO USS James Cook
&

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

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

ON: Engineering
Kmarh was walking circles in engineering, perturbed on how well Llaiir did on his well thought up test.

"She had you beat the moment she stepped in there" Brandon said trying to keep up with Kmarh.

"How could she have done it...." he muttered till trying to get over the fact she passed. Other engineering officers just gave him an odd quick glance.

"She's smart what can you say?"

"She is a smart one yes...I can admit that"

Brandon just laughed at him and walked off. He looked up at an upper deck to watch an officer open a wall conduit. "Stick your hands in there with power on Ensign and I'll......"

It was too late the Ensign stuck his hands in with all the wiring and got zapped. "Ahhh" He squealed and took his hands out..they were burned a little.

"I need to get to sickbay!!" he cried frantically looking at Brandon down below.

Kmarh came up behind Brandon. "Screw that...Finish the job you started...with stupidity like that you can work with a burned hand." Then Kmarh walked away.

Brandon grabbed a dermal regenerator out of a medikit he grabbed and tossed it up to the Ensign. He missed the catch and it fell hitting Brandon square in the nose. "Ahh damn..." He grabbed his nose as it started to bleed.

"uhhh...Sorry" came from the Ensign. Brandon just walked out of engineering and into a turbolift to Sickbay. Although he didn't need to, it was only minor, he wanted to get out of Engineering. he needed a quick stroll.

Sickbay>
Genesis was bustling about sickbay checking on some patients. Tension and stress levels were a little high but it was nothing unexpected considering the current situation. Genesis sighed. The children seemed to be doing better than their parents. She had just taken a PADD and laid it on the CMO's desk. As she walked back out the doors to sickbay whooshed open.

Brandon came in blood was still coming out of his nose, the strange part was it was all over his hands...his cheeks...and his forehead.

Genesis had to crane her neck a little to look up at the tall crew man. "Maybe you would like to sit on a biobed crewman while I patch you up?" she said in her soft but firm voice.

"Uhh you the doc around here?" Was all Brandon said...and sat down.

Genesis smiled. "Yes I am and before you make any short people comments let's take a look at you." She quickly and efficiently scanned him with a tricorder. "Hm. Just how were you injured crewman?

"Well it goes something like this..." He began....I was working and then this guy got really mad at me and ripped a door panal out from a wall and threw it at me"

Genesis grinned and looked at the crewman. "What is your name? That way I can know to duck anytime someone comes after you."

"ok ok, someone dropped a dermal regenerator from the level above me...whether it was on purpose or not, I'm not sure" he laughed. "Brandon Metchooyeah, Lt Jg....yours?" Brandon ran his hand through his short brown and gold hair...embarrassed now that he smeared his blood over his face. "Sorry for the blood...Just wanted to make it look worse then it actually was"

"Lt. Genesis Aquamara. I'm ACMO here. And don't worry about the blood. It is easily cleaned up."

"Just wanted to make it look bad, so no one asks why I am leaving...wanted to make it obvious...you know" Brandon realized he was babbling on and on about nothing in particular.

Genesis could sense Brandon's nervousness and she started giving off soothing emotions. "It's alright. I wouldn't want anyone to know about having such a minor accident. If it helps you can tell them I cussed and ranted at you for putting yourself in danger," Genesis said, flashing Brandon a killer smile.

Brandon strangely started to feel like he was calming down again, and gave the doc a weary smile....Like something wasn't right...."N-no that's ok."

Genesis smiled again. She liked Brandon. He was giving off soothing emotions himself without realizing it. She quickly patched him up. "All better. Would you like a lollipop too?" she said teasingly.

Something in Brandon was telling him to be careful...he was getting a strange feeling about this girl. But....She was cute. "if you insisit"he said.

Genesis walked over to a drawer and pulled out one. Brandon was a gorgeous looking guy and Genesis was having decidely unprofessional thoughts about him and the biobed. She handed him one. "How about strawberry?"

Brandon simply watched her. There were a few other people in the room as well. Then Brandon realized the time....Kmarh would no doubt be wondering where he was. "Umm....Thanks for the fixup"

"No problem." Then impulsively Genesis asked, "Maybe we could meet later in Ten Forward for a drink? I'm new here and I would like to start meeting my fellow crew mates."

"We will have to see...Depends on how work goes...I'm new and still have to get to know the ship....it's a big ship." Brandon almost sounded as if he was trying to deviate from the offer.

Genesis kept a disappointed smile off her face. "I know. Who would have ever dreamed that we'd be serving on the flagship of the fleet? I for one look forward to the challenge."

"Well....not me...I guess it's just chance I got on this ship....but oh well..I'm here" Brandon almost caught himself staring and looked around at the walls.

Genesis sensing his agitation decided to let him go. I will definitely find out more about him. "Well Brandon you are patched up so I release you. My only warning is be careful next time and try to duck," she said smiling to take the sting out of her words.

"Uhh, Thanks, I should get back to work" Brandon got up and headed for the door. Genesis watched him leave a smile playing on her lips. She was definitely going to enjoy this new posting.

OFF>

Joint Post

LT Genesis Montana Aquamara
ACMO
USS COOK
Python Fleet

&

Lt Kmarh Red Talon
Chief Engineer

Lt Jg Brandon Metchooyeah
Assistant Engineer
USS COOK
 

On> The Dojo.

Rafe sat in the lotus position in the middle of the dojo. The doors in front slid open and Chiara Domina once again entered. This time she bowed, paying proper respect to the dojo and the master inside. She walked up to Rafe and kneeled in front of him.

“You are here to continue our conversation.” Rafe said.

“Yes Rafe.” Chiara replied. She had not gotten much sleep due to the arrival of Benjamin from the Ferengi ship.

“What is it you want to know?” He asked.

“Well, I didn’t get to really talk to you about you yesterday. I see our conversation sparked an operation, though.” She said.

“It did. There was too much about Ra’s Al Ghul that needed to be questioned. Now I have more information.” Rafe replied.

“Good. I hope it’s put to good use.” Chiara said. “But what about you? Who are you, besides the legendary Rafe Oosha, warrior extrodanaire who single handedly rescued most of the crew of the original James Cook, to have apparently died in the battle only to seemingly come back to life months later. I want to know who Rafe Oosha is.” Domina said.

“That is a tall order, Chiara.” Rafe replied. “And to be perfectly honest, Rafe Oosha is just a man… a Ronin. Nothing more, nothing less.” He replied.

“I don’t buy it. I’m sorry, but that is too simple of an answer for such a complex man.” Chiara countered. “Where did you come from?”

“Where did I come from? I come from a planet destroyed by war. My Homeworld, Tyrusia, was destroyed in a civil war started by Chancellor Draggit. He sought to depose the Oosha family, of which he was the Uncle of the our King, Cale Oosha. Cale went into exile on Earth and took a human wife. They bore a son, David, who would succeed Cale as king.”

“Are they relatives of yours?” Chiara asked.

“In a sense. I am actually a clone, you see. I was actually created, not born of a mother and father. I was cloned from Oosha family genetic material as groomed to be a bodyguard of the Oosha family… a super-soldier or Ubermensch, if you will. I took the last name Oosha only to honor my creators.”

“You’re a clone?” Chiara gasped. Rafe nodded.

“After my training, I was given charge of a group of specially selected individuals to form into a fighting unit. We were called the Ooshati, and charged with the protection of the royal family. We fought bravely and with honor… up until the very end.”

“And what happened?” She asked.

“Davaid, with whom I was very close too, died in a final battle against the Draggit. Even with the Exotar, the glove that symbolized the authority of the Oosha and possessed super-psychic powers, could only fight Draggit into a stalemate. Draggit opted to destroy Tyrusia rather then to give up the fight. It was on that day that all Tyrusians perished… except for one.” Rafe said sadly.

“You.” Domina added. “You survived. How?”

“The destruction of the planet sent a psychic shockwave across the galaxy that killed every living Tyrusian. It killed me, but I got better.” Rafe said.

“Got better? That does not make sense.” Domina said wrinkling her nose.

“In the Oosha gene pool were latent genes of one Oosha who had been immortal. Those genes activated when I was killed for the first time on Earth. After I recovered, the battle that was being waged secretly on Earth was over and I was left alone on the planet. The shockwave killed me once more and that was when I knew for certain I was immortal.”

“I traveled the United States, drifting from town to town until I came across another immortal. He trained me in the ways of the game that the Terran Immortals played… A game which I found I was part of.”

“When he was defeated by another immortal, I left for Japan and entered a Buddhist monastery, where I learned the ways of Zen and Bushido. I remained there for 150 years, spending much time in meditation. When space travel evolved, I left Earth and journeyed back out into space. I traveled for a long time… until I reaced the Cardassian world of Monastery where I was accepted into the Jase’dasis, the warriors of the Emerald Order. There, I trained to become a Jase’dasis knight.”

“Kinda like a Jedi from those 20th and 21st Century Star Wars movies.” Domina said.

“Yes. The Jase’dasis are something like that.” Rafe said. “We fought for peace and harmony, and were shunned by the Detepa Council because of it. For the longest time, the Emerald Order was considered an order of rouges.”

“Then you returned to the Federation?” Domain asked.

“Yes. I joined Star Fleet and became a fighter pilot… using my Jase’dasis training, I became one of the best. I served aboard a couple of carriers until the James Cook was commissioned and I was assigned there. I served as both Chief of Security and Acting Executive Officer until the battle at Rafe’s Rift.”

“Into which you died again, but this time…” Domina added.

“This time I became lost in time because of the rift. I spent time in medieval Japan, where I became a true samurai. The rift then saw fit to pull me from that time and place me on a world known as Spira… where I spent ten years questing to defeat a creature there known as Syn. There too, I made a powerful enemy in the Lady Yunalesca, when I found that the religion the people there embraced was false and fabricated. I tried to teach the ways of Zen and was marginally successful… until once again the rift pulled me away.”

“Where did you end up? Here?” She asked.

“No. I ended up in the middle of space, to be picked up by Jonathan Archer and the Crew of the USS Enterprise, NX-01. It was there I gained enough strength to use telepathic abilities to contact Commodore Veritas. She traversed the Rift and came to pick me up. The rest is history.”

“Wow.” Domina said… “So you’re like, really old?” She asked.

“You could say that.” Rafe replied.

Domina tried her best to process the information. “Do you feel alone? All of the people you ever knew, grew up with… all dead?” She asked.

“I am never alone, Chiara.” Rafe replied. “I have Elsie, my wife. I have my friends, like you… but most of all I have myself.”

Chiara nodded. “So all of that is who you are? A warrior lost in time. Do you think the rift will take you away again?” Domina asked.

“Not likely. Elsie broke the cycle at much expense to herself. Her actions changed history to some extent, and robbed her of her first husband. He was alive and well and with Elsie when I destroyed the Klingon ship, but when we returned from the Rift, we had found that in this new timeline, he had infact died in the battle… other people I knew on the Cook never even existed upon my return… forever lost in time.” Rafe said. Tears began to well in his eyes. “My actions robbed Elsie of a man she loved, and extinguished the life of Kane… a young man who like Edderly was trying to find himself and escape his past with the help of love from a young woman… I see her occasionally on the ship… and she lives with no knowledge that she had ever loved a man like Kane.”

Domina wanted to reach out to Rafe, a man who seemed incapable of crying was now openly weeping. She held back, but changed her mind and embraced him with a hug… he looked like he could use one.

“It’s all right, Rafe… no one else is going to disappear…” She rubbed his back as her commbadge chirped.

“Domina here.” She said.

“Counselor… could you come to sickbay please?” The voice asked. “Are you going to be all right, Rafe?” She asked.

Rafe collected himself. “Yes. I’ll be fine.” He replied. “I do not get like this very often.”

“Okay… but I’ll be back to check on you.” She said as she left the dojo. Minutes later, she arrived in sickbay and was directed to a private room where she found Tarmis on a biobed, embracing Hogah. She picked up a report PADD to see what had happened, and smiled as she watched them both together. She waited at the doorway, not wanting to disturb them.

Off>
 

Capt. Rafe Oosha

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

On> The Main Conference Room.

Out the window, the Inquisitor hung in space between the Cook and Zeevavok as Elsie Veritas entered, flanked by Rafe Oosha and Counselor Domina. Rafe handed Elsie her morning intelligence briefing which among other things included a full report on last night's excursion to the Inquisitor and the medical condition of the boy they returned with.

Rafe sat down to Elsie's right, and Domina took the left as security officers entered, escorting Ra's Al Ghul, Daemon Tork and his advisor. Hauvka sat near the Federation team and glared at Tork.

Elsie looked around to everyone. "Shall we begin? Mr. Al Ghul, you have consulted with your clients. What is their decision?"

Ra's Al Ghul looked over to Tork, who appeared to have not slept very well. "My clients are... shall we say... less then satisfied with the proposal you've put forth. It cuts into the profits my clients had guaranteed the FTC." Al Ghul stated. "We will be willing to negotiate further, however."

Elsie nodded, "Very well. Haukva, you have had time to speak to the Council. What have they decided?"

"Haukva make hagga speak with consil... consil fur stand up. No trust Ferengo, think Ferengo make hurt to Zeevavok." Haukva said.

George Edderly walked in quietly. He no longer wore the gold uniform of a security officer, but the gray of an Intelligence officer. He smiled politely to the Commodore and Counselor Domina then walked over to Rafe to hand him a PADD, then excused himself just as quietly.

Elsie flashed a curious look at Edderly and Rafe, then continued, "Council wants Al' Ghul Hagga to speak to Council, directly?"

"Consil give Haukva make speak for consil. Consil trust Haukva." The Gashta replied.

Ra's Al Ghul cleared his throat. "Surely one cannot speak for all. It just isn't done these days, Commodore."

Elsie thought, ~ I still don't have their language down. ~ She turned to Al Ghul, " The Gashtans are communal, they agree then choose one to speak for them." Elsie paused, then said as if intensely curious, "Mr. Al Ghul, I am curious. What is a man of your long and varied background doing on an insignificant Merchant Vessel, engaging in what to you must be a trivial pursuit?"

"I am merely living my life, Commodore." Al Ghul replied.

Domina's mouth twitched. She seemed to be gazing off into space.

Elsie flashed a look at Rafe ~ Be ready to tractor the Ferengi Vessel ~. "And what life would that be?"

"Whatever I decide it to be, Commodore. I live by my own means, doing whatever interests me. Law happens to be one of those interests." He replied.

"And does that include conspiracy to fraud?"

"I do not know what you are talking about Commodore. This is a simple negotiation for the purchase of resources... nothing more, nothing less." He said. His smile left his face. "Are you intending to accuse me of something, Commodore?"

Elsie glanced at Rafe. ~ It begins ~ " Mr. Al Ghul, I have evidence that not only are your clients here to secure mining rights to Zeevavok, but also to obtain slaves."

"That's preposterous! We are not in the slave business!" Tork growled. "You feddies are all obsessed with slavers, aren't you!?! Do not listen to them, Al Ghul! It is a trick to divert our attention away from the planet!"

Elsie looked at Domina, "Counselor, would you please bring Benjamin in?"

Domina stood up and walked out.

"Commodore, even if we were in the slave business, you would not be able to do anything about it. You are outside of your jurisdiction. You have no real authority out here." Al Ghul said.

~I've got my authority right inside my kimono~ Rafe said telepathically to Elsie.

Elsie said, "Zeevavok is a protectorate of the Federation. The Gashtan have agreed to an alliance with the Federation for mutual protection. We are authorized by the Gashtan Government to be here and to enforce Federation law."

"The Gashtan Government has yet to be recognized under intergalactic law as part of the community." Al Ghul countered.

Domina returned with Benjamin, who had been cleaned up and was wearing new clothes. He immediately hid behind Domina when he saw Tork, though.

"They have sent an ambassador to Python Sector Council and are in the preliminary stages of recognition. As their designated representative in this negotiation I am also prepared to protect the Gashta during the negotiations. The taking of members of the people whom you wish to form a Trade Agreement is, in fact dealing with impunity."

Elsie motioned for Domina and Benjamin to approach her.

"I beg your pardon." Al Ghul said.

Benjamin walked over to the Commodore and climbed up on her lap.

Eslie wrapped her arms around Benjamin and said softly, "Would you please tell everyone about the furry people aboard the Ferengi ship?"

Benjamin looked over at Tork, who sneered back at him.

Elsie whispered, "Don't look at him. You are safe now. Tell the truth. Tell everyone what you saw."

"They... they had fuzzies... and they used the fuzzies for experiments." Benjamin managed. "A man did..."

"Which man, Benjamin?" Elsie asked.

"A white one." He replied.

"You'll be in serious trouble for this, hewman." Tork growled.

"Keep your threats to yourself Tork." Rafe replied calmly.

Elsie set Benjamin back down on his feet near Domina. "Counselor, please take Benjamin back. Thank you Ben. You did very well."

"What is the meaning of this?" Al Ghul asked. "How did you acquire Tork's cabin boy?"

"You sent a boarding party, didn't you?" Al Ghul replied. "Unannounced, obviously, which is a grave violation of interstellar law." He added.

Elsie slammed her hand on the table for attention, "SILENCE!" She demanded.

Elsie said, glaring at Al' Ghul, "Since this negotiation has been assembled under false pretenses, the negotiations are now declared null and void. Tork, you are under arrest for trafficking in sentient beings and your ship and all its contents are confiscated!"

"Commodore... it is also apparent that you ordered a covert boarding party aboard the Inquisitor. That is a violation of the Federation's own privacy act. I'll see you stripped of rank for this." He said.

Elsie glared back at Al 'Ghul, "If you like, Lawyer, I will process your formal complaint myself!"

"Please, Commodore. Do you think I would trust a Star Fleet officer who would blatantly violate laws in order to botch civil negotiations? I will send my complaints and charges directly to Star Fleet Command once I return to the Inquisitor." Al Ghul said.

"I am sorry, Lawyer, but you are under arrest as an accessory to the fact. Guards, escort these gentlemen to the brig!"

"You are making a mistake, Commodore." Al Ghul said as security came in.

"We will not be taken prisoner!" Tork shouted.

"Not as big a mistake as you have made, Mr. Al' Ghul! Get them out of my sight!" Elsie growled.

Rafe stood and took out his lightsaber, making sure he was in between Elsie and the others.

"I bid you farewell, Commodore. I'm sorry this didn't work out for the better." Al Ghul said as Ferengi transporter beams embraced them.

Elsie swore and looked at Rafe. "Is their ship tractored? We get the Gashta off?"

Rafe looked out the window. "The ship is tractored and the Gashta are being seen to." Rafe replied.

The Cook shuddered as the Inquisitor started to struggle against the force of the tractors.

Elsie headed for the door at a run, "If you all will excuse me, I have a situation!"

Rafe and Domina followed her to the bridge.

The ship shuddered again and the lights flickered. As she got onto the bridge, the Inquisitor was firing disruptors at the Cook.

"Rh'vaurek, target those weapons and take them out!"

"Working on it Commodore!" Rh'vaurek replied. The Inquisitor fired again, taking out the Cook's tractor beam.

Rafe took Tarmis' seat as Tarmis was still in sickbay.
The Cook's shields came online finally as Rh'vaurek unleashed a spread from the phaser banks.

"Commodore, the main cannon has been knocked off line. Engineering reports that it will not be online for several hours!"

"We are too close to use it anyway. Firm up that tractor beam! Get a lock on all lifeforms aboard that ship and beam them to the brig!"

"There’s over five hundred lifeforms on the ship Commodore." Ops reported.

"The tractor beam is completely out." Rh'vaurek reported.

The Inquisitor began to move towards the Cook.

"Commodore... I'm reading an energy spike from the Inquisitor." Rh'vaurek reported. "They're charging their own tractor beams."

"Evasive maneuvers!"

"Going Evasive!!" The helmsman replied. The Cook nosed down as the Inquisitor passed overhead. The helmsman tried to bring the Cook around, but with her size, the turn was not quick enough. The Inquisitor locked her tractors onto the Cook's center nacelle.

"They're launching Drone missiles." Rh'vaurek said as he activated the ADD12 anti missile defense system.

The Cook began to shudder under the shockwave of missiles detonating in space.

"They're firing again." Rh'vaurek said.

"Lay in a course to Migichina, warp six. As soon as we break free get us out of here!" Elsie shouted over the noise

"Shields are failing." Rh'vaurek announced.

"Fire all Phasers! Get those shields back up!"

Rh'vaurek responded by firing all available phasers. The volley was exchanged as the Inquisitor fired as well, concentrating their weapons fire on the nacelle its self, cutting through the hull and tearing the engine free of its mounts. The Cook lurched forward, now loose from the tractor beam and the Inquisitor began to power up for warp speed.

"Those shields up yet?" Elsie demanded.

"We have 25% field coverage, Commodore." Rh'vaurek replied, "But the Ferengi ship has just gone to warp."

"All power to deflector shields, warp power, best speed, follow them! They aren't stealing MY equipment!"

The Cook revved her engines for warp, but then the power died off.

"What happened!" Elsie demanded.

"The Engines died. We're leaking plasma." The Ops officer replied. "I'm trying to compensate by closing off conduits to the missing nacelle."

"Time to repair?"

"I can close off all the conduits quickly, but it will take some time to reroute power." He replied.

Elsie knew that every second, the Ferengi vessel was farther away and harder to trace. It was too late. "Shut down Warp power, maintain standard orbit and begin repairs. Lets get The Gashtan on this. They seem to know how to work magic on my systems."

"Aye ma'am." The helmsman replied and started to turn the ship on thrusters to settle into a standard orbit.

Elsie wiped the sweat from her face and grimaced at Rafe. 'Well that could have gone better."

"We are lucky it did not go any worse." He said.

Elsie nodded and stood up. "Captain, to my ready room. Helm, you have the conn."

"Aye ma'am. Helm has the Conn." Rafe stood and followed Elsie to the ready room.

Elsie headed for the replicator and ordered a pitcher of ice water and a couple glasses. She brought them to the table and sat down heavily. "Suggestions?"

"We lick our wounds. We beamed aboard the Gashta. The deal went south, but it is very likely that there was no deal to begin with."

"I agree. It was a ruse to cover the presence of the slaves. Now, if this Al' Ghul is involved, and is indeed the same person you researched, his little quest is not going to end here."

"No... but what his quest is, is still uncertain, and now there is a third person involved. The records I recovered from the Inquisitor offered no information."

Elsie sipped her water. "The "white" person Ben mentioned?"

"Yes." Rafe replied.

"When Benjamin is up to it I'd like to get more information from him, maybe Domina or I could scan him for a picture of this person."

"That is a good idea." Rafe replied.

Elsie gestured with her chin, "What did Edderly bring you?"

"A report from SFIC. The Migichinan are dispatching a ship to Zeevavok to negotiate for the resources."

Elsie's face went from dismay to amusement, then she started to chuckle. "I suppose we won't be leaving any time soon, will we?"

"Probably not." Rafe said.

"They are sending Ambassador Vin Tamar." He said

"Vin Tamar," Elsie said to get the feel of the name. "When is his transport arriving?"

"Within the hour." Rafe replied.

Elsie's face went back to dismay again, "WHAT?"

"Within the hour." Rafe said again.

"I think I had better shower and change." Elsie rose. "Arrange for Tamar's entourage to be beamed to Transporter Room one. I will be there shortly." Elsie headed for the door.

Rafe nodded and stood up to leave.

"There is more going on to Ra's Al Ghul then we know, Elsie... its just a matter of figuring it out." Rafe said.

Elsie glanced back over her shoulder, "That much is obvious." Then the door shut behind her as she stepped onto the bridge and to the turbolift.

"And it's a game you like to play, isn't it, Elsie?" A familiar, but disembodied voice said.

Elsie leaned against the turbolift wall and groaned. "This is NOT a good time, Helmsly!"

"Any time is a good time to play the game, Elsie." He replied...

"You got bored with your mundane existence as a pirate, huh? Time to mess with the Betazoid?" Elsie exited the turbolift and entered her quarters.

"Yeah... its getting kinda lonely being stuck in a coma... so I thought I take a little vacation from my dark hell and come see what yours is looking like..." He said.

Elsie stripped and hopped in the shower. "It's a lot sunnier in mine than yours," She spoke conversationally as if he were one of the family.

"Yeah... well we'll just see how long that lasts. You screwed me over, bitch. You paid to play the game and its far from being over."

Elsie dried off and donned a clean uniform. "Can it wait, Helmsly? I've got something more important than your games right now."

There was no answer.

"Good." Elsie gruffed. She put on her pips and headed for the transporter room to await the Migichinan Ambassador.

Inside the quarters, a ghostly vision of Hunter H Helmsly appeared... He laughed as he faded....

Off>

JP
Capt. Rafe Oosha
CIO USS James Cook
&
 

Commodore Elsie Veritas

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

ON> Security Office

Shi sat at her desk reading reports from yesterday's activities. Oh no there was that name again Daniel Carrington cited again for fighting this time he had sent his opponent to sickbay.

She pulled up the report that Saren had turned in after his visit to Daniel's home.

Daniel is 16 years old and the son of Roger and Linda Carrington. Roger is a LtCmdr and CCartography in the Science Dept. Linda is a Computer librarian for the Cook Academy.

On 23/06/2378 I visited the home of the Carringtons to discuss the misbehaviour of their son Daniel. Both parents were home.

They were very concerned when I told them that we could have brigged Daniel for assault and injury of a fellow youth one Steven Cane 17.  They could not believe that their son would do such a thing. They have had trouble with him at home. He is disrespectful, arrogant and is only interested in fighting other youths.

His father has disciplined him several times to no avail. He is a mild-mannered scientist and can in no way understand his son.  His mother is very defensive of Daniel and feels that he is being picked on.

They were both very upset when I told them that if Daniel was picked up one more time for fighting he would be brigged for disorderly conduct. They begged me not to do it.

In my opinion it would be good for him. A little hard time in the brig has straightened out many youths.

I also suggested that he be placed in therapy including meditation. The parents were more amenable to that.
Signed LtCdr Saren

Shi read the report and decided it was time she had a conversation with this young man.

=/\= To all Security on duty, locate and bring to my office Daniel Carrington.
ASAP =/\=

<<1 hour later>>
Security Officers Brand and Del Rio brought a struggling, swearing youth into Shi's office.

She looked up glared at the youth and told the officers to "place him in the chair on the other side of my desk" He was still struggling with them so she addressed him. "Young man settle down and curb your language or I will have you put in restraints"

He knew from looking at the fire in her eyes he had better obey. So this was the She Dragon that security was always talking about. He could see the resemblance. He stopped struggling and sat calmly in the chair. She dismissed the 2 officers.

Shi still glared at him "that is better stay that way" She walked around her desk to confront him. She suddenly swung his chair viciously, almost dislodging him, around to face her.

"Daniel get one thing straight or learn the hard way, When you are in this office you are respectful to both my officers and myself. You will answer all questions adding the word Sir to your reply. You will also give truthful answers to my questions.  Lie and I will have you interrogated in our interrogation room. Do I make myself clear?"

Daniel was sweating he knew she meant every word she said. He humbly replied "yes Sir.

Shi walked back and forth in front of him studying him like he was a bug under a microscope.

"What was the reason for your conflict with Steve Porter last night?"

Daniel answered "Sir there was no conflict. I challenged him to fight because he thinks he is a great fighter. I have a pretty good reputation myself so he accepted my challenge"

Shi thought for a moment then said "Do you challenge all the youth that are considered or consider themselves great fighters?"

Daniel answered "Of course Sir I am a Warrior and that is what warriors do. It is a man thing you would not understand." he grinned at her in a superior way.

Shi controlled herself she wanted to backhand that grin off his face. In the RSN she could have but not in Starfleet.

"Daniel I understand the Way of the Warrior. You are the poorest example of even an apprentice warrior I have ever seen. You understand nothing of the Way. You go around challenging your fellow youth to fight you so that you can feel you are a warrior.

You do not even know the definition of the word" She gave him a scathing look and walked away before she forgot where she was.  She made up her mind there was only one thing to do. This boy had never really been punished for what he did. It was time.

=/\= come in and get this young man. Brig him for disorderly conduct and public fighting give him hard brig time.. Inform his parents I will release him in 2 days only if they see me.=/\=

Daniel shivered this did not sound like it was going to be fun. The 2 guards came in roughly grabbed Daniel by the arms and hurried him off to the brig.

Shi sat back and thought ~lets see if a couple of days of hard brig time can soften him up a little and make him a little more pliable~
OFF>

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


"We are Rihannsu, that is the only truth."

ON - brig
Rh'vaurek strolled into the brig. He wore civilian clothes, black pants, emerald green shirt and full-length black leather overcoat. His commbadge hidden by the jacket. He nodded slightly to the brig officer, who pointed him to the cell Daniel was held in. Rh'vaurek walked over to the cell "So you are the bully Daniel Carrington"

"I am Daniel Carrington but I am no bully" and who the hell are you?"
"Who I am is of no concern right now" Rh'vaurek replied

Daniel looked at him. "I don't talk to people I don't know."

All the time he is measuring Rh'vaurek for build and size maybe he could be a potential challenger

"You will talk to me Master Carrington, or you will be cleaning the brig for several weeks" Rh'vaurek replied

"Says who, you don't look official to me"

"Are you a shrink"

Rh'vaurek pulled aside his coat revealing his disrupter and gave a sly smile "I am no shrink"

Daniel backs away his eyes wide open staring at the disrupter. "I can see your not"

"So Master Carrington, if you are not a bully then what are you?" Inquired Rh'vaurek

Daniel threw his head back and said proudly "I am a Warrior"

"Says who?" Rh'vaurek inquired again

"Dor tag son of Torg. he is teaching me to be a Warrior," said Daniel proudly.

Rh'vaurek covered his mouth in a thoughtful pose to hide the smirk.

"I am doing very well I have defeated 12 challengers" bragged Daniel.

"They challenged you?" Asked Rh'vaurek

"in a way I tell them if your so good why don't your challenge me? I have a pretty good reputation built up so they do" Daniel said cockily

"they all want to beat me but no one has so far"

~ If he wasn't sixteen, I'd dearly love to knock this kid on his arse ~Rh'vaurek thought

"Ok Master Carrington, What is the difference to you between a warrior and a bully?" Rh'vaurek asked, intrigued as to what his answer would be

"Oh that's easy, Daniel said. A bully fights those who are weaker and smaller than he is because he wants them to be his slaves. He doesn't even fight he just beats them"

A warrior fights those who challenge him or who think they can beat him."

"Do you go around looking for fights, Master Carrington?"

Daniel shrugged "not exactly but if I hear someone is supposed to be a great fighter I usually look them up and get them to challenge me"

"Just like if you weren't so old I would get you to challenge me. But it is only for kids."

"I could beat you too easily it wouldn't be fair"

"In your dreams little man" Rh'vaurek laughed.

"you don't think I could said Daniel in a tough voice "why don't you find out"

"Because I to am a warrior and I choose my fights, I choose who I fight and when, and you little man would be way out of your league"

"you are a Warrior?" Daniel asked, "Were you trained by a Klingon?"

"I am the Chief of Security, I do not need Klingon training"

Rh'vaurek wanted to throttle the boy for even asking such a question.

"You are Rh'vaurek I have heard of you. I did not recognise you" he is backing away

"Really, I thought the disrupter would have given it away, not very observant are you warrior?"

"I thought you were just an off-duty guard. I have never seen you before. But I know your reputation. I apologise if I insulted you"

He was backing even further away until he was up against the wall.

Rh'vaurek stood grinning at Daniel like a cat looking at a mouse.

Daniel was decidedly uncomfortable. He dropped his head and shuffled his feet. He did not like the way Rh'vaurek was looking at him. And he did not like that grin.

"Master Carrington, I do not know what your Klingon friend is telling you, but you are falling well short of being a warrior, and no amount of fighting will get you there" Rh'vaurek explained coldly

Daniel looked puzzled "I do not understand then how do you become a Warrior if it is not through fighting and beating others. And drinking bloodwine to celebrate your victories

Rh'vaurek cringed at the mention of the foul liquid "Discipline, and patience" Answered Rh'vaurek "Knowing when to fight and not fighting because you want to "
"But you need to, like self defence"

"So you fight only in self-defence. How then do you know who is the greatest fighter"

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

"it matters a lot how can you know you are #1 if you haven't proved it.?"

"What does it matter if you are number one or number ten?" Rh'vaurek inquired

"Of course it matters" Daniel answered. "I guess it doesn't to you at your age but it does to the young guys. Every one wants to be #1 you get more chicks and more of everything if you are numbers one. No chick will turn you down"

"You really think so?" Rh'vaurek inquired.

"I know so they sure don't turn me down. I have my own little harem
But it is because I am #1.

Rh'vaurek shook his head slightly at the thought

"Even my dad wants to be #1 in his department" stated Daniel "He is CCartographer but he wants to be CSCI.

"Master Carrington, there is always someone out there who is better than you"

"Then you just have to knock them out of your way, one way or another"

"Then you have challengers for your position"

"oh sure there are a lot of them. You just have to beat them or you lose your position and that is like death you lose everything"

"you can't let anyone beat you no matter what you have to do to stop them"

"By your own words, you have just made your self the bully" Rh'vaurek explained

"How many times do I have to tell you that I am not a bully. I have never picked on any one smaller or weaker than I am. Only those who challenge my position and they sure aren't smaller or weaker."

"there are two types of bully, the coward who acts tough, and then there is the showoff the one who bullies because he can. Not all bullies pick on the weak and defenceless. There are ones who go about proving their strength to others with shows of force, provoking fights just to do so until someone comes and knocks them flat on their face"

"I never heard of that kind being a bully. We just call them a show-off and make them prove it."

"Last night Porter almost took me. I had to do something I did not want to do but I had to do it or he would have been #1. I could not live with that Besides Dor Tag would never speak to me again. I would lose everything"

"Then he is no friend of yours"

"He is a Warrior and he has no respect or liking for someone who can not make the grade"

"Do you know about my Martial arts classes?" inquired Rh'vaurek.

"We thought they were only for Security. A lot of the guys would like to join I know that"

"I love martial arts I would really like to learn it"

"I run a class for children, and I have a few in that class that could quite easily defeat you" stated Rh'vaurek "how does that make you feel Number one?"

"I don't believe it"

"I want to see the day a child could beat me. It would not even be a challenge"
besides I can not fight a child I am 16. That would really be being a bully

"Master Carrington, you are no better than a street fighter, a thug, these are properly trained in Martial arts

"you better get rid of that superior attitude before someone comes along and gets rid of it for you"

"Daniel walks toward Rh'vaurek his eyes are blazing. "I told you I am a Warrior now I challenge you"

"I can not fight you, you are a child" replied Rh'vaurek.

"I am no child is that an excuse?" Daniel goes into a fighting stance.

Rh'vaurek notices several flaws in his stance "if you want to fight me at least stand properly"

Daniel looks down at his stance it really isn't that good?

He blusters "Ok then you show me how to stand"

~if my stance is wrong then how come I have beaten so many potential no. ones"
~Dor Tag never noticed that~

Rh'vaurek lowered the forcefield "come on lets get this over with I have somewhere to be"

Daniel followed him.

Rh'vaurek took up an open fighting stance

Daniel took his usual stance. Feet slightly apart fists clenched

"Come on, I do not have all day" Rh'vaurek stated

Daniel waded in both fists flying right hooks, left hooks, jabs. His whole arsenal of weapons. Including underbelt level blows

Rh'vaurek took up Stelam's method of fighting, not wanting to hit the boy, dodging the punches he steps up close rendering them ineffective then places a heavy hand on his shoulder, performing a nerve pinch dropping him to the floor

One minute Daniel was fighting the next he was out like a light. He came too and looked blearily at Rh'vaurek.

"rule number one, Know your opponent" Rh'vaurek picked the boy up and placed him back in his cell then reactivated the forcefield as he stepped out.

Daniel lay on the cot slowly coming back to reality. A reality he did not want to face but was forced to. He did not know how he did it but Rh'vaurek had beaten him. His body did not feel bruised and he had no cuts the only thing he had was a buzzing in his head. Well that was the end of the good life perhaps he should have listened more to what Rh'vaurek was saying to him.

"Good night Master Carrington" Rh'vaurek said as he walked out of the brig and back to his quarters

"Good night ereiRiov tr'Radaik" answered Daniel
OFF

erei'Riov (Cmdr.) Rh'vaurek tr'Radaik

CTAC/SEC Exchange officer
USS James Cook
Flagship - Command Division

&

erei'Riov (Cmdr.) Shiarrael t'Radaik (as Daniel Carrington)

ASEC, Exchange officer
USS James Cook
Flagship - Command Division

"The fool on the hill sees the sun going down, and the eyes in his head see the world spinning round"
 

On> Transporter Room

Rafe and Domina joined Elsie as she waited in the transporter room for the arrival of Migichinan Ambassador Vin Tamar. Elsie pulled on her tunic and stood straight, waiting for the Ambassador to materialize.

"The Migichinan Starship Mara Callivare is signaling ready for transport, Commodore." The transporter tech announced.

"Energize." Elsie ordered

The transporter hummed to life and a cascade of blue light appeared, depositing a tall man of long white hair wearing brown and white robes. Next to him was a shorter woman, wearing similar garb. Both sported lightsaber hilts similar to the one Rafe carried.

"Greetings, Commodore Veritas. I am Vin Tamar." He said. "Permission to come aboard."

"Permission Granted. Welcome to the USS James Cook, Ambassador, Lady. Please, let us go to the conference room."

"Please lead the way, Commodore." He said. His voice was soft and mellow, almost like Rafe's. There was an aura of peace and tranquility about him.

The young lady had her head on a swivel as they walked down the corridors, familiarizing herself with the insides of the unfamiliar Federation Starship.

Elsie and her two guards escorted Tamar to the conference room. She gestured to two seats near the head of the table. "Please, have a seat." Elsie sat at the head.

"Thank you, Commodore." Tamar offered a seat to the lady first and she accepted, then seated himself. "We are here on behalf of the Lord Prime to discuss with the Gashtan Council the mining rights to the resources on their planet."

Haukva walked in, escorted by a young security officer. He promptly climbed up onto the table and sat with his legs crossed.

Elsie smothered a smirk. "Ambassador Vin Tamur, this is Haukva, speaking for the Gashan Council."

"Greetings to you, honored Ambassador Haukva." Tamar said.

"Same you, bub." Haukva replied.

Elsie flashed Tamar an amused glance.

"He's been hanging around the humans too long, Commodore." Domina whispered to Elsie.

Tamar smiled. "I would like to start with a custom. In the Migichinan Alliance, we have a custom that a gift is brought and given to the parties dealing with a negotiation. I have for you cut sapphires from the Migichinan homeworld. I'm afraid they have yet to be appraised on the Federation Market, but they come to you as a gift straight from the Alliance coffers."

The lady took from a pouch on her belt two sapphire pendants. She presented one to Haukva and the other to Commodore Veritas.

"Oooo... sparkly!" Haukva said. He put it up to an eye to examine it.

Elsie bowed her head in thanks. "I am honored, Lady."
The lady bowed and smiled politely.

She returned to her seat. Tamar spoke again. "The Callivare's sensors detected a Ferengi ship in orbit, and a battle. My apologies that we were not here in time to stand at your side, Commodore. Is there anything we can do to assist you?"

"We lost a warp nacelle. They ran off with it, but that is insignificant. We rescued the Gasha they had enslaved on the ship, plus one small terran boy. As for repairs, The Gashtan on board are working with my engineers on that."

"Such brutes, those Ferengi. I am certain the Alliance will deal with them accordingly should they have the misfortune to cross our borders." The Ambassador replied. "Were they in negotiations for the resources?' he asked.

Elsie frowned. "As a ruse for engaging in slavery, yes. I declared the negotiations null and void when we found out what they were up to."

"The bastards." Tamar commented. "May Migichina fall on them with vengeance for their
crimes." He said.

“ventually I hope to catch up to them.. They have stolen Federation property. It should not be difficult to pick up the traces of my missing nacelle. It was unique."

"I'm certain you will find it." Tamar replied.

Elsie glanced at both ambassadors and said, "Shall we begin, Gentlemen? Ambassador Tamar, what is it that you ask from the Gashtan?"

"The Migichinan Alliance is interested in harvesting the resources on Zeevavok in order to help rebuild our world. We understand that the planet is sovereign territory of the Gashta, and are willing to reimburse them for what we use. "

"The main concern here is that Zeevavok's ecology be return to a pristine state, and that remediation be a continual process throughout the mining process."

"The Migichinan have developed mining procedures over the years that will ensure that the processes are minimally invasive." Tamar replied. "We would use a combination of phasers and transporters to remove the material, and replace the material with asteroid debris to ensure the stability of the ground. Surface mining would be terraformed immediately after to ensure that no permanent damage is done to the ecosystem."

Elsie was impressed. Using Transporters to remove ore was certainly minimally invasive. She turned to Haukva, "Haukva, what do you say to allowing the Migichinan to mine minerals from Zeevavok?"

Haukva stroked his chin. "What in for Gashta?"

Elsie looked at Tamar, "What do you offer in compensation for mining rights and for use of their land for your equipment?"

"The Lord Minister of the Interior has estimated that the Migichinan Alliance would only require 25% of the Gashtan resources to bring us up to full operating capacity, giving us time to scout out new sources of materials. After which time, the mining companies would have the option of continuing to work exclusively for the Gashta, or if the Gashta decide so, pack up and go home. The mining operation would be willing to provide the Gashta with immediate resources as well."

"And what resources are you willing to offer?" Elsie asked.

"The Alliance is prepared to provide military support to the Gashta, in addition to paying fair market value for the resources harvested, and rent for the land used."

Elsie pressed, "How much do you consider fair market value?"

"The Minister of the Interior has insisted that we go with current Federation Market values." Tamar replied. "I do not have those figures."

Elsie brought up a previous point, "You said that the mining operation would be willing to provide immediate resources. Precisely what resources were you referring to?"

"We are aware that the Gashta do have some shipbuilding capabilities, but they are limited by knowledge and resources. The Migichinan mining operations can provide the Gashtan shipyards with materials to construct starships in addition to civilian shipwrights who can be brought in to help the Gashta refine certain processes."

Elsie asked the Ambassador. "Your operation is willing to manufacture the parts the Gashtan need to build and maintain their ships and their few machines?" The Gashtan, after all were mostly a low-tech culture, and most of their parts had been purchased on the open market.

"Precisely, Commodore." Tamar replied. "This will be pure profit for the Gashta. The Migichinan will do all the work in exchange for the resources we need and the money we are willing to pay."

Haukva nodded.

Elsie liked what she heard. "Haukva, what do you say to this offer?"

"Hokay." Haukva replied. "Fair fair."

Domina looked up. "Commodore."

"Yes, Counselor?" Elsie said.

"May I ask a couple of questions?" She asked.

Elsie looked at the two parties, saw no objections, and nodded, "Continue, Counselor."

Domina turned to Tamar. "Ambassador, with regards to the Migichinan Military presence, what will be involved with the operation?"

Tamar nodded. "An excellent question, Counselor. The Alliance Navy will station a battlegroup here for the duration of the operations. They will be rotated every 6 months."

Domina nodded. "And what about after the operation is complete? Is the Alliance planning a permanent presence?"

Elsie raised an eyebrow, thinking ~ She brings up a valid point! ~

"Only if requested, Counselor." Tamar replied. "The Migichinan Alliance recognizes the sovereignty of Zeevavok and will not... what is the word... umm... outstay... ummm... Ah. We will not stay if we are not invited to."

"Surely, Ambassador, the Gashtan navy, as small as it is, has done a good job of protecting their own interests. Why the addition of a battlegroup?" Domina countered.

"The Migichinan Alliance protects her interests and her allies, fair Counselor. As stated, we will overstay our welcome over Zeevavok. We have not plans to build a permanent military installation, nor do we plan to establish any bases on the ground... however, we do expect operations to last a minimum of twenty tears."

Domina nodded, satisfied with the answers.

Elsie asked Haukva one more time, "Are the Migichinan terms acceptable to you?"

Haukva nodded. "Haukva say Hokay."

"The official documents shall be drawn up according to the recording of this meeting and presented to both parties at 1500 tomorrow. Is this acceptable?" Elsie asked them.

"Absolutely." Tamar replied.
"Hokay." Haukva said.

Elsie grinned, "Then these negotiations are closed. There will be a reception in Ten-Forward this evening at 1900 to celebrate this new Trade Agreement.

"We look forward to it." Tamar said. He stood and walked over to Haukva to shake hands.

Elsie rose and with the help of the guards, ushered them out of the conference room and on their way. She stepped close to Chiara and whispered in her ear, "You did very well in there, Counselor. Thank you."

Domina nodded.
"Counselor." Tamar called out. "It is good to see you again." He said. and left.

Domina stopped but didn't look back. She then started walking again towards the bridge.

Elsie raised an eyebrow and stared at both in curiosity. She thought, ~ I wonder what transpired between them. ~ Finished with her main duty of the day, she walked onto the bridge, looked around at the people working on repairs, and headed for the ready room.

Off>

JP

Capt. Rafe Oosha
CIO USS James Cook
(also s Tamar & Haukva)
&
Lt. Chiara Domina
Chief Counselor
USS James Cook
&

 

Commodore Elsie Veritas

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

On> Bridge.

Domina plopped herself down in the Counselor's chair and watched the scene on the view screen. Zeevavok was a majestic world with three moons, two of which were visible. Off in the distance, the primary Gashtan Shipyard and spacedock could be seen. She did her best to relax while watching the image.

In the Ready room, Elsie ordered a Raktajino, then changed her mind and ordered Chamomile Tea. She needed to relax. The warm mug of tea was comforting in her hands and she cupped it in both hands as she sipped and sat in her chair. With a sigh, she put her feet up on the table.

The sapphire pendant slipped out of her pocket and landed on the deck.

Elsie set her tea down and reached down and picked up the pendant, stretching the chain out and cradling the sapphire in one hand. She wondered what the significance of the pendant, and the choice of stones, was.

"Bridge to Commodore Veritas." Came a call over the office comm.

Elsie tapped her combadge, "On my way." She tucked the pendant back into her pocket and headed for the center seat. "Report," She said.

"We are being hailed by Commander Richard Hertz, USS Greg Boyington." The duty tactical officer said.

"The Boyington!" Elsie exclaimed, "On Screen."

Richard Hertz appeared on screen. He was a tall lanky fellow of short blonde hair and an Iowa native. He smiled when he saw the Commodore. "Howdy Commodore."

"Richard! What are you doing in these parts? Last I heard you were patrolling the RNZ!"

"Yeah... Old man Holloway pulled me from the RNZ and told me to get my butt out here... They got me patrolling near Tortuna." He said... "Hey, who was crazy enough to go and make you a Commodore anyways?" He asked.

Elsie chuckled, "It was McKenna's idea. Sometimes I think it was his way of laughing at SF command."

"Musta been. When we were on the Aruba together, Jack Garrity was doing his best to train you to be more then just a Counselor, don't recall you being much good at it, but how times change I reckon. Look at you now... lookin' all pretty and such... wearin that there Commodore's pip..."

Elsie kept the smile on her face, but something inside her frowned. "What can I do for you, Commander?"

"Well... if you look out my back window..." He stepped aside to reveal his ready room window. "I seemed to have picked up something belonging to you."

Being towed behind the Excelsior Class Greg Boyington was Cook's missing nacelle.

"My nacelle? How did you track that down?"

"I'm cruising with the Red October's battlegroup and we jumped a Ferengi ship that was tractoring it. It was headed for Tortuna and the October's skipper figured that that it just didn't pick the nacelle up at a local junkyard... so we chased him down and he dropped it to make a run for it. October told me to take it in to two and run it out to you."

"I'm mighty grateful, Commander. I was afraid we were going to have to chase it down all over the sector." Elsie looked over her shoulder at tactical, "Lock tractors on the nacelle and bring it in closer. The workbees can move it in position."

"Sure thing, Commodore. Boyington out." The viewscreen reverted back. In the distance the Greg Boyington was coming into view.

As the Boyington approached, it swung around to Starboard, pacing the Cook in standard orbit. It deactivated its tractor and the cook latched on.

Domina sat silently and watched the proceedings unfold.

Tactical announced, "Nacelle secured, Boyington clear."

"Engineering to bridge. It will take some time to get the nacelle back up and running. We'll need to inspect it for damage before we can actually reconnect it to the ship's systems."

"Understood, Veritas out."

Domina is still staring off into space.

Elsie felt Domina's distraction. "Counselor, is there something wrong?"

"No, not really, Commodore... thanks for asking." She replied quietly.

Elsie felt if there was anything that Domina wanted to talk about, she would tell her. She turned her attention to the screen, watching the Boyington move away from the Cook.

Domina stood up and left her chair for the nearest turbolift.

The doors opened and Ambassador Tamar stepped out. Domina backed up to the wall to allow him to pass, but he stopped and looked right into the young woman's eyes.

"My how you've grown, young Chiara... you still have your father's eyes." he said with a smile. Domina looked happy and frightened at the same time.

Domina slipped into the turbolift as Tamar's attention was diverted away. "Ah, Commodore. I was told could find you here. I wanted to ask you a few questions..."

Elsie invited Tamar into the ready room, "We can talk in here."

"After you, Commodore..." Tamar replied extending his hand...

Meanwhile>

Domina leaned on the wall of the turbolift and allowed herself to breathe again.

The turbolift stopped at Deck 3 and Lt. George Edderly stepped into the lift. "Deck Seven." He said.

Domina stopped breathing again.

~Oh goddess, not him!~ She smiled politely.

Edderly glanced at the Counselor, then looked down, his mouth suddenly dry. "Uh....Good day, Ma'am."

"Good day... Lieutenant... how are you?" she asked.

"I am doing better, thank you. I am on my way to see Captain Rafe." He blushed and stammered, trying to get the next words out, "Ma'am?"

"Yes?" She asked.

"I..uh...I owe you an apology. I won't make any excuses for what I did. I just didn't know any better."

Domina was outright shocked. She didn't show it though. "You scared the hell out of me Mr. Edderly... You shouldn't do things like that to your fellow crew members... but I'll forgive you this time." She smiled. "But before you try it again, better ask how I treated my patients when I was the CMO on the Viper... and remember: they were all Klingons."

"Apology accepted." She added.

"Yes, Ma'am," Edderly said, miserable. The turbo lift stopped at Deck 7 and he quickly strode out, feeling distinctly uncomfortable.

Domina walked out after him. "Lieutenant... what's wrong?"

Edderly averted his eyes. "Nothing, Ma'am. Just stuff I gotta deal with." He kept walking to the dojo.

Domina followed him. "I am the ship's Counselor, you know... and I can also be a friend if you allow yourself to have one."

"I ...uh..gotta go Counselor." He pointed to the dojo door, then entered.

Domina stopped at the door of the dojo as the doors closed before her. Inside, Edderly found Rafe, eating a bowl of chicken ramen.

Rafe looked up at Edderly, then back down to his bowl of noodles.

Edderly checked his chronometer. Yes, it was the correct time. He bowed formally, slipped off his boots, and waited quietly, looking around at the dojo walls, at the pictures and the weapons displayed there.

Rafe finished his bowl and set it aside. "You may wait for time, but time will not wait for you. Come or go... it is your choice."

"Sir, I am here, as ordered." He suddenly felt like he was out of his element again. What was he missing?

Rafe bowed to him. "Come then, not because I order you to, but because I invite you. Come of your own free will."

Edderly nodded and followed Rafe to the center of the mat.

"Remember our last chat?" Rafe asked.

"Yes, Sir. You told me to meditate on Earth and the Heavens being my mother and father."

"And where did your meditation lead you?" He asked.

Edderly took on a faraway gaze. "My dad..he was wrong. And my maw, too. But I don’t think they knew how to leave each other. They didn’t know about being their own individuals. Me, now maybe I don't hafta be a looser. Maybe I don’t hafta follow in my Dad's footsteps. Maybe I can find my own way."

Rafe smiled, "Good. You are well on your way, now we can continue. Now that you know who your true parents are, we can build your home. The Samurai Creed says this: I have no home; I make the Tan Tien my home." What does this mean to you?"

"Tan Tien." Edderly placed his hands on his lower abdomen. "I remember what the martial arts teacher at the academy taught me. My center of being. I never understood that before, but y'know, when that kid put his arms around my neck, I felt something I hadn’t felt since I was very small." Edderly looked at Rafe's face. "Peace. Like that was where I was supposed to be, and that was what I was supposed to do. Y'know what I mean?"

"Yes George, I know what you mean." Rafe replied.

Edderly allowed himself to smile, just a little bit.

"No matter where we go, we always have a home. That home is in our heart and soul. As long as we have both, we are never far from home. That includes the company you keep. When they let you into their heart and soul, they invite you into their home, to share their lives with them."

Edderly frowned. "Ain't never had that."

"You will find it, George. You will find your home on your path." Rafe replied.

Edderly thought about the boy. "Sir, what’s gonna happen to the boy?"

"I am working with SFIC to try and find the boy's parents, but there are few clues to work with. For the time being he will need a place to stay on the ship and someone who can be trusted to look after him." Rafe said.

Edderly swallowed hard, "I know I haven't been very sociable, and maybe I'm not the right kinda person to be trusted with a kid. But I'd like to try, Sir. I'd like Benjamin to stay with me, and go to school with the other kids, and have all the things maw tried to give me."

"It will not be an easy task, George. Taking care of a child is a great responsibility, one that must be approached delicately."

"I heard there were classes...y'know, parenting classes? We got those here?"

"I believe so. If not, courses are available interactively through the holodeck from Star Fleet Academy and Xavier's Institute." Rafe replied.

Edderly's eyes held a glint of hope. "I'd like to go. Maybe if I do good, I can take care of Benjamin."

"I will speak to the Commodore and Counselor Domina. They are currently the legal guardians of the boy by default." Rafe said.

Edderly nodded. "Understood, Sir."

Rafe nodded.

"There is one more line from the Creed I want you to mediate on: I have no divine power; I make honesty my Divine Power." Rafe said. "Go in peace."

As the new thought made his way into his mind, he realized he had been dismissed. He rose and bowed to Rafe, then headed for the door with a small smile on his face.

Off>

JP

Lt. George Edderly
Security Officer
USS James Cook.
&

Counselor Chiara Domina
Chief Counselor - USS James Cook

&

Capt. Rafe Oosha
CIO - USS James Cook

&
 

Commodore Elsie Veritas

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

On>
Jeram Quarters>

Tarmis sat in a robe in front of the console, his mind calm and strangely serene. Tarmis read over the medical information the cook had about Ullian physiology, his mind slowly absorbed every bit of information as he passed over it almost nonchalantly.

Hogah opened his eyes, praying it was all a bad dream. He was almost afraid to go find his Father. Slowly Hogah crept out of bed, peering around the corner of his door he saw Tarmis at the console in the living area. ~Father why, how? I wish I had never found that ugly glowing rock!~

Tarmis without budging spoke, " Hogah my son it is not your fault. This is my new destiny my new path. No matter what you could or would have done nothing would have changed it."

Hogah walked around the corner, his mouth open as he stared at Tarmis. Once he was at Tarmis side, " Father I did not say that, it was in my mind." Hogah's word trailed off.

Tarmis turned to Hogah with a loving smile, and slowly picked him up putting him on his lap. " Son I know I do not look as I did, but the crystal did not change the love I have for you or joy I get when you call me Father, or Dad. There is nothing in the universe my son that could ever take the love I have for you away or change it. I love you and that is the one absolute you will always be able to count on."

Hogah peered into Tarmis' face as he listened intently to his words. Slowly Hogah rose his fingers to rub Tarmis more pronounced ridges. " Father did it hurt?"

Tarmis smiled lovingly at his son, shaking his head. " No son it did not hurt, the burns on my hands did at first but the doctor gave me something for that and now I feel a strange calm loving feeling all about me."

Hogah continued touching and feelings Tarmis' ridges, " What about that thing Father can we destroy it now? It has to be bad it hurt your hands." Hogah said as he looked down at Tarmis' hands, gently touching them.

Tarmis gently ran a finger over Hogah's head. His hands hurt somewhat but the pain was now bearable, " The crystal was not bad son, it just released enormous power, and that is why I got burned. But what it did for my mind is astounding, I can now focus and think clearer. You see the crystal and I are now one son. We are bonded in a way and that is truly a good thing."

Hogah stared at Tarmis, his child eyes seeing the same love his father always had for him. Hogah threw his arms about Tarmis' neck hugging him tightly, " I love you daddy."

Tarmis' heart began to melt as his son held him. Tarmis hugged Hogah back, ~I love you so much Hogah, you are my heart my whole universe.~

Tarmis and Hogah talked throughout the day, sometimes laughing, sometimes crying. The wrestled, and hugged played games and watched ancient images of Cartoon characters. Their love for one another found itself once again and blossomed as if they had never changed in the least.

Off>

 

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

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

On> Elsie's Ready Room

"Bridge to Commodore Veritas, incoming message from Starbase Python... marked from Python Sector News. Two-way comm is available."

"Patch it through"

The image of a young man in a suit appears. "Commodore Elsie Veritas?" He asks.

"Yes?"

"My name is Brant Channing with Python Sector News. I was wondering if you would have time for an interview?"

"I can spare a few moments"

"You are most gracious, Commodore." He replied. "Commodore, how does it feel to be in command of the Sector's newest flagship?"

Elsie flashed a smile; "We all are, of course, quite proud of The James Cook."

"Of course, as is the rest of the Federation. You are the first Betazoid to take command of a Federation Starship. Normally we see Betazoids in Starfleet serving as counselors or medical officers. Why the departure from tradition?"

Elsie shrugged, amused, "I have often asked myself the same question. I really do not know why the former Fleet Admiral gave me a command."

"What was your relationship with former Fleet Admiral McKenna?

Elise got a faraway look on her face, "Mostly he was my superior officer. I only had occasion to see him in person a few times."

"Rumors have it you were close to the Fleet Admiral at the time of his resignation from Star Fleet. Can you give any in-depth indication on why he left?'

"Zendista McKenna left Starfleet to become Lord Prime of his people. It was a higher calling, and he followed it."

"Do you think his decision was a wrong one?"

"No, I do not. His heart was with his people. One must follow the dictates of one's heart."

"Do you think the James Cook will be able to fill the slot left open by the Admiral's departure?"

"Admiral Holloway is filling that slot, I believe. I am not the Fleet Admiral!" Elsie smirked at the imprecise question, teasing the reporter.

"I'm sorry, I misstated my question. The Fleet Admiral seemed to be one with his ship, can we expect to see the same from the Cook?"

Elsie answered, "A ship reflects the personality of its commanding officer. In that way, I feel that the James Cook and I are comfortable with each other. Of course, there are adjustments to be made when new crews come and go, but for the most part, I feel the Cook and I get along."

"And how do you plan to adapt from performing straight colony support missions to a broader scope of operations?

Elsie laughed lightly, "The colonial missions so far have been far from routine. The ship, and its core crew, have experienced far more than 'straight colony support.' We have a broader range of missions now, and that allows better use of the many talents and abilities of the crew."

"And who do you consider to be your star player on the ship?"

"My star player, sir?" Elsie was confused.

"Your top officer."

"My crew work as a team, Mr. Channing. None of us is an island. No one is the hero here."

"It is said that the Cook is giving birth to new legendary officers. Many are likening your senior staff to that of the USS Enterprise when it was under the command of James T Kirk. What are your thoughts on this?"

Elsie stifled another laugh, but the amusement was clear on her face. "We are just doing our jobs, Mr. Channing. Nothing more. There are ships in this fleet on deep space assignments that never see the spotlight, who never see a reporter. Yet their duties are as important, if not more so, than mine."

"What are your thoughts on the legendary Rafe Oosha? He is a man with very little background on record with Star Fleet. He seemingly sacrificed his own life to safe the crew of the Cook in battle only to come back to life a few months later. As his commanding officer, what are your views?'

"Mr. Oosha is a valuable member of my crew. I am grateful he is on my team. He is versatile and has filled several roles on the Cook." Elsie knew the reporter was looking for a hero to fire his story. She was not going to elevate her crew to that status.

"Its well known that there are two Romulans serving on the Cook and have been for some time. How are they adapting to service on the Cook, even in the light of increasing tensions between the Federation and Romulan Star Empire?

"The officer exchange program is one of the most important steps to maintaining a peaceful relationship with the Romulans and with other non-federation cultures. I have found our exchange officers to be loyal, trustworthy and honor-bound."

"Do you think the spirit of cooperation will continue even if relations with the Romulans worsen?"

"I was not aware that our relations with the Romulans were at risk. We have bigger concerns, piracy, slave trade, and illegal trade of federation parts on the black market. We see prejudice and hate, greed and corruption. These are our enemies, not the Romulans."

"And what about Cobra, who seem to be very close to winning their sovereignty?"

"C.O.B.R.A. Like any other power seeking sovereignty, must adhere to diplomatic protocol if it wants to be taken seriously by the Federation and its allies. Whether they take the diplomatic route or the route of war remains to be seen," Elsie hedged.

"Analysts are speculating that the Migichinan Alliance, even in its fledgling state, will play a factor in relations with Cobra."

"It is far too early to make a determination on that. The culture has only just begun to rebuild itself. If they do enter into the picture, the Alliance will be a great asset to our allied forces."

"Some say that with the rumors of the Alliance's heavy reliance on robots for work, they may be no better than the Borg."

Elsie held her temper and put on a professional face, "The Borg are a hive mind. The Migichinan are not. Their culture is millennia old. They have lived with robots for a very long time and have incorporated them into their culture in a manner that compliments their way of life. The Migichinan to not assimilate other life forms."

Elsie checked her chronometer. "Mr. Channing, I have duties to attend to. You have five more minutes."

"Thank you Commodore. What direction do you think the USS James Cook will go as a ship. Do you see yourself as being a contender for the Enterprise's top spot?"

Elsie smirked. "I am quite happy on the flagship of Python Fleet, Mr. Channing. I only seek to serve where I am needed. Prestige means little to me. I do not see myself sitting in the Center seat of the Enterprise."

"Thank you for your time, Commodore."

Elsie closed the comm and breathed a sigh of relief. She thought, ~ Let's see what they do with THAT!~

Off>

JP

Cmdr Elsie Veritas
CO – USS James Cook

&

The PSN Action News Team
“Bringing you the latest events from around the sector and around the galaxy… as they happen!”
 

Capt. Rafe Oosha

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

ON > Ten Forward

Trays of fruits, fresh vegetables, and finger foods were laid out banquet-style and a bartender manned the bar, with a display of fine wine from around the Federation.

Elsie arrived in full-dress uniform, late enough so most of the officers were present, but not so late she would appear rude.

Counselor Domina walked in wearing a stunning evening dress. Her hair, while normally worn in a careless style, was now well groomed. She looked around and smiled as she chatted with some of the other officers.

Rafe entered not long after Chiara. He sported a full dress uniform, complete with all his ribbons. on a belt at his hip dangled his stainless steel lightsaber. A number of people were quite shocked to see that his face, scared as it is, was not hidden behind a collar, though he still wore sunglasses to cover his one eye. His hair was tied back with bands and hung down to his waist.

Elsie's spotted Rafe and flashed a wide smile. She had never seen him all decked out in Starfleet dress. She wandered over to him and whispered, "You are going to steal my heart, Captain."

"I thought I already did, Commodore." Rafe replied.

Elsie stifled a giggle, "I suppose you did. But you are irresistible tonight." With a final lingering glance, she headed back to the Migichinan Ambassadors.

Rafe followed behind Elsie as she walked over to Vin Tamar and his aide. Domina was keeping a noticeable distance from Tamar, however.

"Good evening, Ambassador," Elsie greeted him warmly.

"Greetings Commodore. This is a lovely reception... ah, I remember the reception we had when the Saurian Galactic Commonwealth formally allied with the Migichinan Alliance... it was a grand event." He said.

"How long were you allied with the Saurians?"

The alliance unfortunately lasted only a few short years. It began shortly before Zendista McKenna succeeded Awrann as our Lord Chancellor. It was not long after when the Humanis Federation allied with the Meridians and the Borg appeared on the scene. Three years later was the final battle in which the Migichinan Alliance fell. The Saurians were unable to help us in time."

Elsie frowned in sympathy. "I hope your culture fares better in this era than the last one, Ambassador. With the Federation as your allies, we may be able to prevent it from happening again."

"Times will change, alliances will be formed and dissolved, Commodore. Only time will tell what path our fates will lead us on."

"That is true. As in all things, nothing remains the same." Elsie sipped her wine.

Tamar's aide remained quiet. She was not drinking, nor was she mingling. She simply remained at Tamar's side and watched the room.

Elsie nodded her head to both, "Please excuse me." Elsie casually wandered over to the Counselor. "Good evening, Counselor."

"Commodore." Domina said, turning around with a smile.

"You look charming! Expecting someone ...special?" Elsie asked with a glint in her eye.

"Capt. Tarmis, actually." She said.

"He will be along soon. It is about time people saw him the way he is now."

"I agree. He's come along way." Domina replied.

Elsie eyed Domina critically. "Have you visited him since his accident in the holodeck?"

"Only briefly, when Hogah was visiting him. I didn't get a chance to go in and see him. I've been busy working with Ben."

Elsie smiled. "How is the boy doing?"

"He's coming along. He's an orphan, though. From what I gathered, the ship he lived on with his parents was a freighter that was raided by Keldon'nar pirates. He's going to have some mental scarring, but I think he'll heal a little better then if he were an adult."

Elsie nodded, then paused. "Chiara.....there's something you need to know about Tarmis before he arrives."

"What is it?" She asked, becoming concerned.

"The accident in the holodeck activated his latent Ullian DNA. They took over his Betazoid characteristics. Completely. He looks different, but inside, he is still the same Tarmis you are getting to know."

"How... different?' She asked.

"According to the doctors, he is totally Ullian now." Elsie watched her carefully for her reaction.

"I don't understand... what is a Ullian?" She asked.

"Humanoid, like you and me, ridges at the temples, a little bit higher forehead than us, and they are telepathic. Their people specialize in memory retrieval therapy, but one needs a great deal of training to go into that practice. Most likely, Tarmis will be able to read surface thoughts directed at himself."

"Really?" Domina said.

Elsie nodded, "And he needs you to be strong and calm when he comes in. There will be enough surprise as it is."

"I will try to be... does he look really different?"

"Not that much, really. Just the facial features I told you about."

"Ok." Domina still seemed concerned.

Elsie gestured to the Migichinan aide with her chin. "What is with the Lady? She just seems to watch everybody. I cannot read them. Is she a body guard?"

"I'm not sure." Domina replied. "Her mannerisms would suggest being a bodyguard, but Tamar did address her as being an assistant."

"They are also both wearing weapons similar to that energy sword Capt. Rafe carries."

"Hmm, that would indicate an elite group. Chiara, You have been avoiding them since the negotiations, and you seem uncomfortable around Tamar. Are you sensing a threat? Or is there some history between you two?"

"I... I know Tamar..." She said, averting her eyes.

Elsie spoke in low tones, leading Chiara to a corner of the room. "Tell me about it?"

"Vin Tamar... He was a friend of my father... They served together in the Nebari Diplomatic Corps and were both instrumental in forming our treaties with the Klingons." She said.

"What is this apprehension I feel in you?"

"I... my father... well... I am... was supposed to be married to Tamar.

"Ah, I see. And do you still have some feelings for Tamar?"

"I... no!" Domina exclaimed. "I didn't like him then and I still don't like him... I only tolerated him because he was a friend of my father's... and he did other things... you know." She said as her face turned to anguish.

"Other....things?" Elsie was puzzled.

"Other things... I'd... rather not talk about..." She said, folding her arms.

"Personal. then, nothing that might be a threat to the Federation?"

"No... just, well, just my reputation maybe." She said quietly. "Tamar is a good guy... He loves the Federation and his people, and was quite fond of the Nebari... maybe a little too fond..." She said.

Elsie said soothingly, "That is all right, Chiara. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. But you seems to know a bit more about the Migichina than I do, so if you can add anything useful to our Intel database, please see Captain Oosha."

"I don't know anything about the Migichinan, Commodore, honestly. I didn't know Tamar was a Mig until he showed up on the ship... the bastard..." Domina was starting to grow angry. "He said he was human. He lied to my father."

Elsie countered, "Until two years ago, we didn't know the Migichinan existed. We were not even aware that Mckenna was one. The way they were scattered throughout the galaxy, not knowing if any more of them existed, or if their enemies still were out to get them, I can understand why Tamar did not reveal his true identity. The Migichinan had powerful enemies ten millennia ago, and some of them may still be around."

"That's no excuse..." She growled. "He still lied to my father... about his origins and about other things."

"Do you think he lied about the Migichinan obligations in the Trade Agreement?"

Rafe could was still chatting with Tamar. Domina looked at the lightsaber dangling from Rafe's belt and then up to Tamar.

"No, Commodore. Tamar is honest when it comes to political matters. He wouldn't screw the Gashta or the Federation... just his friends."

Elsie gave Domina a questioning look. But she sensed the Counselor's curiosity about Rafe's lightsaber. "Yes, Domina. Rafe carries a Migichinan lightsaber. McKenna made it for him as a parting gift."

"Do you wanna know the truth, Commodore?" Domina asked. Her face was turning flushed with anger.

Elsie answered, "Always, Counselor."

"That man... when Father told him he would give my hand to him in marriage, he... he decided to see what kind of package deal he was getting..." She hissed.

"What did he do?"

"He..." Domina lowered her eyes. "He raped me." A tear streamed down. "I told my father and he gave me the benefit of the doubt, but when he confronted Tamar, the Ambassador denied it, saying to do such a thing was against his religion and punishable by death."

"Father... believed him over me."

"Oh Dear Goddess..." Elsie breathed. She placed a comforting hand on Domina's arm. "I am so sorry!"

"Its something I've had to live with for ten years now... and its something I don't want to live with any more." she said.

"What do you mean?" Elsie was concerned.

"I'm..." Domina cocked her head and strengthened her voice to the point it cracked. "I'm gonna get some payback." She took Elsie's hand and placed her combadge in it. "It's been nice knowin ya, Commodore. You're the closest I've come to having a real sister, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do."

Elsie's mouth dropped open as she stared speechless at Domina, then the combadge in her hand.

She turned and walked towards Rafe and Tamar. Tamar's aide turned and locked her eyes on the approaching Domina.

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.

"Guards!" Elsie yelled!

"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.

Elsie glared at Rafe. ~Stop this! Take that weapon away from the Counselor! ~

~Let this play out, Elsie.~ Rafe sent to his wife.

"You don't understand what kind of animal you work for!" Domina shouted at the aide.

"He is an ambassador, not an animal." The aide replied. "You should not mix biology with politics.

~No, Elsie... something is not right. I sensed it when I first saw Tamar look at Domina.~ Rafe replied.

"He's a criminal!" Domina shouted.

Elsie was furious! Fighting on her ship, and between an Ambassador and a member of her crew!

The aide and Domina circled each other.
"Calling him a criminal is a serious charge, Counselor." The aide replied.

Tamar watched in utter amusement. Rafe watched Tamar. ~Elsie... what happened? ~ Rafe asked.

Eslie sent ~ Tamar raped her ten years ago. ~

"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 who 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..

~Elsie... no.~ Rafe said. ~Not yet at least.~ He added.

Elsie's eyes flared as she looked at Rafe. ~ She broke Federation law! The command stands!~

The aide looked at the raven haired woman and her eyes went wide. Tamar saw her to and his smile turned to a frown and he went very pale.

Elsie signaled a guard to scan the newcomer. He ran his tricorder and shrugged. There was nobody there. Whoever was standing there did not register on the tricorder.

~We can deal with it later, Commodore. Domina needs support right now, not a brig... and besides, something else is going on here.~ Rafe replied. He set the lightsaber to stun, ready to use it if the guards approached.

Elsie again waved her hand in warning at the guards. They stopped their advance on Chiara.

The aide turned to Tamar. "Is what the Nebari said true?" She asked. "Do not lie before the Goddess." She warned.

"Who would you believe, Kara? I am a respected ambassador. She is a simple peasant. She is not noble like you or I. She is nothing, and her father was a mediocre politician at best." Tamar replied.

"Mediocre! Why you lousy son of a bitch! Domina lunged again but Rafe restrained her. "LET ME GO!" She screamed. "I GOTTA KICK HIS ASS!" But Rafe turned her around and looked right in her eyes, putting his finger up to her mouth.

"Shhh... Chiara... its going to be all right."

Domina looked in his eyes. "Daddy?" She said before she fainted.

Elsie ordered. "Get her to sickbay and clear this room, now! I want her guarded."

The aide looked to Tamar with defiance. "You answer is not acceptable, Vin Tamar. Your answer betrays you with falsehoods. You are not worthy of your title or position, and your crimes by law deem you not worthy of your life!" The aide growled.

Security began to clear Ten-Forward of people. Two of the guards collected Chiara and put her on a stretcher to get her to sickbay.

"Are you making that a challenge?" Tamar asked his aide.

"You're damn skippy that's a challenge, jackass!" She growled. "By the way, I QUIT!"

The raven haired woman nodded with approval.

"Vin Tamar, I, Kara Fenori of the House Fenori challenge you to Rite of Ascension, to be carried out immediately. Accept or die!"

"You're an acolyte... you cannot possibly even dream of defeating me." Tamar chided.

"Gotta move up in rank sometime now, don't I?" She replied.

Elsie stepped back to the wall, eyeing the two Migichinan with anger. She flashed an angry look at Rafe. ~ What is this? ~

~A Rite of Ascension, apparently. The aide, Kara, believes Domina's charge and is apparently taking up her cause. We are seeing Migichinan martial law in action. From what McKenna has described to me, a Rite of Ascension is where an underling deems a superior no longer capable of performing his or her duties and makes a challenge of combat for the position. He said.

Elsie thought wryly, ~That sounds familiar.~

"The Klingons practice a Rite very similar to it, I believe.~ Rafe replied

The aide re-ignited her lightsaber, and Tamar followed suit.

~Yes. ~ Elsie, though unhappy with the fight on her ship, watched each combatant carefully. What would their moves be like? She remembered that she, too had to learn how to use such a weapon.

Rafe looke over at Tamar. "Ambassador, if by chance you defeat Kara Fenori... you will face me under the same charges." His voice was calm.

Tamar only snorted at Rafe's comment.

"Let's dance!" Kara Fenori said, and the two engaged each other in combat.

Elsie was astonished! How could Rafe partake in a Rite of Ascension? As far as she knew, he had no rights in this.

The pace was fast and furious. Both were accomplished in the martial arts and in swordsmanship. Kara had the advantage of smaller size and faster speed, however. Her attacks soon overtook Tamar and forced him onto the defensive.

Tamar found enough of an opening to kick Kara in the crotch, causing her to double over. He then brought the hilt of his lightsaber down on her head, knocking her to the floor. Her lightsaber tumbled away.

Tamar laughed. "Silly little girl... had there been no spectators, I'd have my way with you as well!"

Elsie grimaced. The man was obviously what Chiara had charged.

The raven-haired woman was still watching. Her face went dark. She looked over at Rafe...

Rafe looked back...

Tamar brought his lightsaber high over his head. "Nice knowing you, Fenori!" He said. He brought the lightsaber down, but found it blocked by another blade. Rafe stood in control of the blade and positioned himself over the fallen Fenori.

"Your actions are dishonorable." Rafe said. "Your Goddess deems you unworthy of the honor of participating in a Rite of Ascension and considers you life forfeit. Surrender."

Tamar pulled his sword back. "I will do nothing of the sort." He said and attacked Rafe. Rafe responded with fluidic motion, blocking Tamar's attacks with ease.

Where Fenori had used moves that were precise and calculated, Rafe was pure poetry in motion. His movements tied together, and no energy was wasted. Tamar found it hard to calculate Rafe's moves.

Elsie, as untrained as she was, could see the difference in styles.

Rafe's pure grace gained him the advantage. He extended out his free hand and Fenori's blade flew to it. He activated the lightsaber and attacked Tamar with both. The lights of the blade flipped and twirled around. Fenori, who managed to recover enough, crawled out of the way. She made her way over to Elsie.

Elsie squatted down and helped Fenori to her feet.

"Thank you, Commodore." She said, using Elsie as leverage to stand. "Tamar is scum... I hope you man can defeat him."

"He can," Elsie said with confidence.

Rafe and Tamar continued their melee, but it was apparent that Tamar was beginning to wear down considerably.

"Do not be harsh on the Counselor. She did what any Migichinan woman would have done in her place."

"With all due respect, Lady, the Counselor broke Federation law. There are established procedures to challenge a rapist in the Federation. Attacking an Ambassador, good or evil, is not our way." Elsie countered.

With that, Rafe's blades broke through Tamar's defenses and cut into the ambassador's belly.

Tamar staggered back. Rafe jumped and spun in the air, bringing both blades down and through Tamar's neck. The ambassador's head fell to the deck below.

Rafe stepped back as the body fell to the deck.

Elsie averted her eyes.

He disengaged both lightsabres and watched as energy began to sparkle and course around the body.

Elsie put her body between Fenori and the energy writhing in the room. "By the Goddess, he was an Immortal!"

The energy crawled and writhed like snakes until it found Rafe's feet and began to climb up his body. He began to twitch and jerk as the energy took hold of him. "aaaaahhhhh...." Rafe cried as the energy entered his body.

Energy sparked around and began to bounce off walls, breaking glass and shattering computer displays.

"No, Commodore... He was Migichinan... and so apparently is Rafe. Only another Migichinan would be able to absorb the energy of a battleframe matrix when it is released." Kara said.

On the other side of Rafe, the raven haired woman still stood, watching Rafe intently as the energy ebbed and then subsided, leaving Rafe to collapse onto the deck.

Elsie's head swam with confusion! Instead of running to Rafe as she would have, she stood uncertain, staring at the man she thought she was finally getting to understand!

"What ARE you, she whispered!"

Rafe moaned in pain on the deck. The raven-haired woman walked towards Rafe and knelt down. She whispered something to him and then vanished from sight.

Rafe rolled over, breathing heavily and stared at the ceiling.

"Commodore..." Kara said. "What race does your man hail from?" She asked.

"Tyrusian," Elsie said sadly.

"Tyrusian... Commodore... The Tyrusians are... were descendants of the Migichinan. Zand Tyrusia, a noble of the house Tyrusia, during the reign of Callivare, convinced The House Oosha and a number of minor houses and clans to secede from the Migichinan Alliance. They left the quadrant to remove themselves from Migichinan influence.

"And why did they secede?"

"Religious and political reasons." Kara replied. "Zand Tyrusia did not think the Council of Lords was a logical and stable government. He thought we would be better ruled as a monarchy. He added some religious issues to make it more palatable to the Oosha." She said.

"The last Intelligence report to ever come from Tyrusia indicated that they were erasing Migichinan history from their own... and expected within a few generations that the Migichinan would become nothing more then a myth." She added.

Elsie saw Rafe pale. "Excuse me for a moment, I have to get something. Watch over him for me." Elsie hit her combadge, :Site to site transport, Veritas to Veritas quarters." Elsie disappeared, then moments later reappeared with Rafe's clay jug. She brought it to Rafe and squatted down beside him to help him drink some of the potion inside.

Rafe looked up at her through his one good eye. "th... thank you..." He said in between sips.

Elsie sat back on her heels, a cold fist gripping her heart. "Continue, Fenori. This grows more interesting by the minute."

"There's not much more to say, really. The Tyrusians seceded from the Alliance and rewrote history. If your man never revealed any of this, it's likely because he did not know.

"This...man...is my husband, Fenori." Elsie's emotions swirled in her head.

"He is a brave warrior." She said.

Rafe struggled to sit up. "Jeezz... oww. oww.."

Elsie stood and backed off, her face impassive despite the questions crashing against her mind.

Rafe stood up slowly, collecting his lightsaber and Fenori's He offered her weapon back to her. Tamar's body had since vanished, but his weapon was still there.

Rafe looked at Elsie, then Fenori. "It seems you are the ambassador now." He said.

Rafe took his combadge off. "Commodore, I'm placing myself under arrest for the murder of former Ambassador Vin Tamar."

Kara spoke up. "Commodore, Mr. Oosha was not acting of his own free will. It was the will of our Goddess that guided his words and actions and should not be held accountable. He was simply an instrument of policy." She said in his defense.

Rafe was weary and tired, looking as if he had just been run through Hell Week at the academy's spec ops training facility.

Elsie took his combadge, and added it to Domina's. Coldly she said, "I need time to think about this. Report to the brig with Domina." Elsie spun on a heel and slapped the doorframe of 10-forward as she left, heading for her quarters. She was not in any condition to resume her duties.

Rafe nodded and walked out the opposite way towards the brig.

Off>

JP

Counselor Chiara Domina
Ship's Counselor - USS James Cook

&

Capt. Rafe Oosha
CIO - USS James Cook

&
 

Commodore Elsie Veritas

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

ON >Veritas Quarters

Elsie sat in a chair and cried for a while, letting her emotions run their course. What was she going to do? She was over her head and she knew it. She needed help.

Elsie dried her eyes, finger combed her hair, and sat down at her com. She keyed in her command codes and patched a link to Adm. Ezekiel Holloway.

The Starfleet Command Emblem showed up on the screen with a connection progress indicator

A minute later, Adm. Holloway appeared on screen. He handed a PADD to a person who was just off screen. He took a puff of his cigar and set in down in the ashtray. "Commodore Veritas... what can I do for you?"

Elsie took a deep breath and began. "Admiral, I have a problem. My counselor is in my Brig for attacking a Migichinan Ambassador, and my....husband....is in the brig for murder of the same ambassador."

"What!?!" Holloway exclaimed. "What the hell is going on!?!"

Elsie slipped the recording into the transmittal slot. "Here is the entire situation, Sir."

Holloway watched the recording on a separate monitor.

"I'll tell you what... Rafe's not one I'd want to be on the receiving end of." Holloway commented.

Elsie frowned. "Normally I could sit the preliminary hearing on this, but I cannot be an impartial judge in this. I need help, Sir."

"That's understandable. It seems that this lady, Kara Feroni, is the new Migichinan Ambassador now. What's her position on it? Seems she was pretty ticked off after Counselor Domina made her charges... rather forcefully I might add."

"Her testimony is on the recording, sir. She would be our defense witness, if she agrees." Elsie's face was haggard. She had pushed her emotions away, just so she could function.

"Let me review that." Holloway said.

After a few minutes he looked back up. "So, this Tamar fellow was a real bastard, eh?

"Apparently so, Sir. We have Chiara's testimony, plus his own words when he threatened his aid."

Holloway looked over the data.

"Well, Domina attacking the Ambassador is bad enough. I'd bust her down a rank for that one and send her to the rear... but given the circumstances and the Migichinan stance on the matter here it reminds me of a lesson my mamma taught me a long time ago, and that's you never mess with a woman scorned. Domina should have gone through proper channels on this. Remind her of that, will you. I will recommend an official reprimand for her, nothing more.

"That is....generous, Sir. I would have not been so lenient."

"The girl was in a bad way. You can't blame her for that, I wouldn't. I got two lovely daughters, Commodore, and I think I can understand where she's coming from. She broke the rules and that's what the reprimand is for." Holloway said. "If you feel further need to discipline her, make her go scrub carbon off the shuttles or something."

Elsie, in spite of her anguish, managed a small smile.

"Now then, with Domina taken care of, what about Rafe?"

Elsie sobered. "I.....I have too much to deal with personally, with the revelations he is Migichinan, my own qualms about their technology, and my relationship to Rafe to be able to even sit the case. This is murder of an ambassador, if we go by the book. It was committed aboard a Federation Vessel, and therefore falls under Federation Law."

"And again I'll ask, what is the Migichinan stance?" Holloway asked.

"Its one of their people he killed."

Holloway looked over the recordings again.

"Elsie took a breath and turned her memory towards the facts. "As I understand it, Chiara was in her rights to challenge Tamar over the Migichinan crime of Rape. When Tamar's aide challenged Tamar to the Rite of Ascension, it became a matter of Migichinan Law. Rafe took up the challenge when it appeared she was going to be defeated. At the time neither one of us knew Rafe was Migichinan." Elsie's face took on a small smile, "But, the fact that he IS Migichinan, gave him the right to intervene, to execute Migichinan Law!"

"The penalty for Rape is death."

Holloway drew from his cigar. "Well, that's better then going to New Zealand and getting the shit beat out of ya for 20 to 40 years straight by other inmates for the same crime... Now what's this you say about Rafe being Migichinan? According to his records he's Tyrusian...

Elsie reversed the recording to just after the quickening and adjusted the sound on the aide's history lesson.

Holloway listened intensely.

"Well... where's the problem then? Sounds like he did what he was supposed to do. My only question was what was he looking at. He seemed to keep looking off to the stars."

"Sir, he... oh how to I explain it...he centers himself in the stars when he fights or practices. Its is a meditative technique."

"Ok, I'll buy that." Holloway said. "I heard that he's some kind of Zen Master. We do follow a Prime Directive, which states we cannot interfere unless invited. It was a Migichinan matter, which was dealt with in a Migichinan manner. I don't know about you, but I'm not about to start going around and telling Migichinans how to deal with their problems. Rafe acted as he was supposed to, with the only thing being that it occurred in an uncontrolled environment on a Federation starship. That right there did make it to some extent a Federation matter, but as ranking officer, I'm going to dismiss and deny the Federation's involvement in it and refer it back to Migichinan authorities, which in this case appears to be Kara Fenori. Now, since she seemed pleased with the outcome of Rafe doing the right thing by saving her skin and executing Migichinan law, I'm going to leave it at that and call it case closed. Yes, Tamar was a respected ambassador. Yes, Tamar decided he wanted some Nebari flavored treats ten years ago, and now he's paid for that crime. Personally, what Rafe did was noble and chivalrous, and I'm glad he's on our side. Personally, I wish there were a few more of him. I'd get better sleep at night if there were. My judgement in the matter is official reprimand for failure to use discretion in exercising personal duties on a Federation starship." Holloway said.

"Yes, Sir." Elsie sighed. "Thank you, Sir."

Holloway looked at Elsie. "Elsie, you look like you could use a stiff drink. Why don't you go down to the brig and spring your husband and go relax."

"I plan to do just that, Sir." Elsie gave a small relieved smile. The screen returned to the UFP symbol. Elsie rose and headed for the brig.

In the brig, Rafe and Domina shared a cell. They sat on the floor across from each other playing Fish with a deck of cards.

"Any 2's?" Domina asked."

"No, go fish." Rafe replied.

Elsie entered the brig and stood before the cell they were sharing.

"Gin." Rafe said.

"Gin? This is the Fishy game, not Gin!" Domina said.

"No, I could use some Gin right about now." Rafe replied.

"You know, so could I." Domina said.

Elsie cleared her throat and the guards stifled grins.

"Got that number for the Truck Driving School on Altair 8?" Rafe asked. "I might need a job when I get out in 60 years." He asked Domina.

Domina chuckled. "What happened to running away and joining the circus?"

"I don't like elephants." Rafe said.

Elsie felt her conflicting emotions melt away under her amusement. She cleared her throat again, trying to get their attention.

Rafe looked up. "It’s the warden."

Rafe and Domina both stood up. Rafe was looking better then he had. Domina stood fairly close to him, making her feel safer.

Elsie began, "I spoke to Admiral Holloway, as I could not be an impartial judge in this case. Rafe, he agrees with the Migichinans. This was a matter covered under Migichinan Law, even though at the time you were unaware that it applied to you. You will receive an official reprimand for failure to use discretion in exercising personal duties on a Federation starship.

Counselor, you will receive an official reprimand for not following proper channels in your grievance against the Ambassador. That being said, I think we all need to go have a drink or three.

Elsie signaled for the forcefield to be dropped. The Brig OD hemmed and hawwed a second, "Uh, Ma'am, the juice was never on."

The first officer said. "Um Ma'am, with all due respect, we just couldn't bring ourselves to turn the power on... you see... well, Rafe... he just this guy, you know... and Counselor Domina has such pretty eyes..."

Elsie grinned, "Don't let t'Radaik hear you say that! C'mon, you two, lets get out of here!"

"We'll finish the game later." Rafe said.

"Okay. Strip poker next time?" Domina asked.

"That might not be appropriate... I don't think the Commodore or Capt. Tarmis would approve." Rafe replied.

"Don't be so sure," Elsie muttered under her breath as they headed for Ten-Forward.

"Then I guess 'spin the bottle' is out too." Domina said.

"You were pretty good with a sword." Rafe said to Domina.

"I don't know what came over me. All I wanted to do was hurt Tamar." She replied.

Rafe looked over at Elsie. "I'm sorry..."

"So am I, Commodore... do ya forgive us?" Domina asked.

Elsie knew Rafe was not talking about the battle. "You didn't know. But you acted in the manner your heart told you to." She ignored the forgiveness part. She would have to think about that.

Domina bowed her head. "I joined Star Fleet to try and get away from Nebaru. So I could escape the pain, so I could escape him. I never thought I would ever see him again... and when he came to the ship, it was like my heart was torn up all over again. I wanted to try and like him at first, you see, but then he did what he did and..." She stopped.

"Halt turbolift. So, Chiara Domina, now that justice has been served, do you want to remain in Starfleet?" Elsie asked

Yes, Commodore. I like it here. I've always liked Star Fleet. I like this ship, and you and Rafe and Tarmy... Its my home. I don't have a home on Nebaru anymore. Momma remarried, and I don't like the guy she married. My place is here." She pleaded.

Elsie smiled and handed Domina her combadge. "Welcome home." She said.

She put the combadge on and hugged Elsie. "I didn't think I was going to survive attacking Tamar... I though I would die trying."

Rafe looked up and around. "Can we resume the turbolift please?" He asked.

"Resume turbolift. Let me guess, you need to use the facilities." Elsie smirked as she handed Rafe his combadge..

"No." He replied. He looked a little nervous.

"What, then?"

"I... never mind." He closed his eyes.

The turbolift opened to 10-forward and they stepped out, the mess from the battle already cleared away. 'What?" Elsie asked.

"I...." He leaned to her ear. "I'm claustrophobic... I don't like turbolifts." He whispered.

OFF>

JP

Counselor Chiara Domina
Ship's Counselor - USS James Cook

&

Capt. Rafe Oosha
CIO - USS James Cook

&
 

Commodore Elsie Veritas

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

ON:
Jake was sitting in his office when he saw the ACMO walk into sickbay. He hadn't had a chance to talk to her yet, which was pretty bad seeing as how he was supposed to meet all of the people in his department. He walked out of his office and over to her. "Hello, I am Commander Jake Merlose"

Genesis started and glanced up at the doctor. "Good day sir. Lt Genesis Montana Aquamara reporting," she said with a sincere smile and held out her hand.

Jake shook her hand, "Would you like to join me in my office? I would like to get to know you a little better"

"That would be fine sir."

Jake headed back into his office and sat down in his chair. "Would you like anything to drink?" He said as he motioned to the replicator

Genesis entered the office and continued to stand. "I'll talke some Earl Grey, hot."

He ordered an earl grey for her, and an orange juice for himself. He handed her the earl grey and sat down in the chair. "Have a seat Lieutenant." He motioned to the chairs

Genesis made herself comfortable. She studied the CMO thoughtfully. "Sorry I didn't report in sooner but we were rushed out here so fast and well sir, everything has been hectic. I've been trying to study all files on all children and families aboard."

"It is alright Lt. I am also at fault. I should have contacted you as soon I heard you were on board." He thought to himself about how the children and families had changed since before the tear in space occurred.

Genesis could sense that the CMO's thoughts were on other things and she smiled gently at him. "It's alright sir. I've had fun adjusting. This post has allowed me to be around children again and for that I am grateful."

"Yes, this ship is different then any other. The civilians onboard give it a family touch. One of Python Fleet's Generals once called it a `Nursery with Nacelles'"

Genesis eyes raised at that then she laughed. "I like that and it means I'll get to practice my craft more."

"You're a pediatrician, correct?" asked Jake.

"Yes sir and I also specialized in ob/gyn as well as family medicine. I love working with children, their parents and just families in general."

Jake smiled, "I enjoy the kids, they give you a real different look on life. But I didn't decide to specialize in that. I sorta fell into medical"

"Really. How did that happen, if I may be so bold as to ask?"

"I was sort of confused when I joined the academy. My father was an admiral and I wanted to be like him, and I still sort of do. But Medical and Counseling isn't the fastest way to getting a command. But I needed different types of classes to make my academy years look better. I just sort of attached myself to Medical/Counseling." he is sort of in dreamland as he thinks about the academy days.

Genesis grinned. "I had a good time at the Academy too. I always liked children and maybe because I'm so short they don't feel intimidated by me."

Jake chuckles,"Did you choose to come aboard the "mighty" James Cook or were you assigned here?"

"Assigned sir. I was at loose ends. I have no complaints," Genesis said smiling hugely at him.

"Well that's good, people around here seem to have nothing but good things to say about you. So I'm sure you could have my job if you wanted it." Jake winks as he says this.

Genesis suddenly became flustered. "Your job sir? I don't think so. I still have things to learn."

Jake laughs, "I didn't say you could have it" he said in a playful tone.

Genesis smiled hestitantly and then looked at Jake Merlose sheepishly. "You startled me sir. I would like to make a request sir."

"A request? Go ahead." looked at her slightly confused

"I think going by titles is too formal. You may call me Genesis if I may call you Jake."

"That's fine. Actually, I don't believe I call anyone in sickbay by their rank, except in official meetings or other official circumstances. Like I said earlier, this is more of a family than a crew."

Genesis sighed in relief. "Thank you Jake. I've been on ships where they are strict about such things. I thought I would err on the side of caution and ask."

"It's fine, I thought I would call you by your name at first. Some people are just taken aback by it and don't understand why its done."

"It makes it more personal calling a person by their name. I like to be a name basis with everyone. Sometimes it's easier to treat a patient that feels you are truly worried about their well-being as oppossed to it just being your job to heal them if you can."

Jake smiles, "I think you will be a great addition to my staff Genesis. I can already tell you have a great personality. Of course being telepathic does help."

Genesis blushed bright red. "Sorry I didn't say anything. I have some ability but not a huge amount. I'm more empathic than telepathic."

"Well I'm one of the rare Betazoids that are both telepathic and telekinetic. So I could tell you were."

"Please sir. I don't let people know about my abilities. It creates too much tension."

Jake was about to say something about her odd statement when his console beeped. "I apologize Genesis, but I have to go. I leave sickbay in your capable hands." Jake stood up and gestured her out.

Smiling Genesis walked out of the CMO's office. "Things are looking good," she said to herself as she watched Jake leave.

OFF>
LT Genesis Aquamara
ACMO
USS James Cook

&
Commander Jake Merlose
CMO
USS James Cook

On>
Corridor Outside 10 Forward>

Tarmis adjusted his dress uniform. He tugged at the neck collar repeatedly. ~ I have never liked these damn things much.~ As he neared the reception he noticed a large commotion, and people seemed to be exiting the reception. Tarmis looked at his watch, ~What is this, it is too early for this gala affair to be ending.~ Before anyone could see him He ducked back into the alcove which housed the entrance to a Jeffries tube.

Hanging far in the back of the alcove Tarmis waited as the people filtered out, and began walking by him. As they walked by Tarmis began hearing the noise, but it was not from the people passing. The noise was thoughts in his head. As the crowd passed him the voices began overlapping talking over and under each other all at once. It sounded like a thousand voice were screaming inside his head. Tarmis squatted down pressing his hands against his head. The pain was almost unbearable, he gritted his teeth tightly, as he tried with all his might not to scream out.

As Tarmis crouched in the corner the veins along his temple region began to protrude, they expanded as the explosions of thought rampaged through his mind. He could not stop the voices or what they were doing to his mind, al he could do was pray they would be done soon.

As the crowd eventually began to disperse the voices slowly started to sound like normal speech within his mind. As Torbin and Roma walked by their love seemed to reach out, caressing and soothing Tarmis' mind. Tarmis never meant to her their thoughts of love making, but he did. He felt shame as the couple ran on to their quarters preparing for a splendid night ahead. Tarmis tried to stand, but in his weakened state he stumbled against the wall many times before finally he stood, resting against the wall.

Taking long deep breaths Tarmis felt his crystal pulsating and vibrating a soothing feeling of peace about him. His mind slowed and eventually returned to normal as the thought of his crystal helped center his being. Still weak Tarmis slowly made his way to the mouth of the alcove. As he was about to move into the corridor Tarmis felt the minds of the security guards about him. Their minds seemed to replay the incident inside 10 forward like a Holoprogram which had been rewound to play again and again.

Tarmis looked on in amazement as Elsie stopped for some reason, not ending the duel immediately. Seeing Rafe was involved Tarmis knew the reason she did not. He knew it had something to do with Rafe. ~Now I see, it is her love for Rafe. A love with such might and force it can change your own being your own beliefs. ~ Tarmis sadly shook his head, he knew if this is what love, the type of love you have for a spouse could do he did not want such love.

Tarmis stood there for some time, deep in his thoughts, He knew his love for Hogah was the one true thing he had. The love a Father has for a child is the love greater than any type before or yet to come. Tarmis began to leave when he felt Elsie's mind for a split second. She was full of turmoil and questions. Questions Tarmis knew only she could find the answers too.

Once Elsie had gone Tarmis made his way back to his quarters. Once inside he dropped exhausted on to the couch. He had been through much tonight and knew his body needed rest. As he began to drift off to sleep he had one final thought. ~ Love thy Son.~ He knew what it meant and agreed completely. The love for his child was truly his ultimate concern and he would forsake it no longer.

Off>

 

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

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

ON - Somewhere near Rafe’s Rift

Sitting cloaked near Rafe’s rift the Ourai waited for the Federation ships to leave the rift hoping the distress beacon would work

"Rekkhai, lloann'na ships are leaving the rift" the Tac officer reported

"Gonaiih, Warp 5 to the Rift" the Leih Ordered

"Ie Rekkhai!" the Gonaiih'Saehne answered as her fingers danced on the console making a course for the rift

"Hnahn!" the Leih once again ordered

The Gonaiih'Saehne hit the power and the Ship Gracefully Sped of to the Rift at Warp five leaving the false beacon behind slipping unnoticed by the federation ships more intent on the distress call.

Reaching the rift the Gonaiih'Saehne announced "Rekkhai we at the Rift"

"All Stop" the Leih announced "Amnei, ready torpedoes, fire on my mark"

"Ie Rekkhai!" the Amnei’saehne replied carrying out his task as the Gonaiih’Saehne brought the ship to a smooth stop

"Amnei, drop cloak, fire torpedoes NOW!"

with out a reply the Amnei’saehne dropped the cloak and fired the torpedoes into the rift "Rekkhai, the rift is becoming unstable and is collapsing in on itself, the result we were after, it looks like a success" the Afwe’saehne announced

"Gonaiih, get us out of here Maximum warp, head for Feh'rengi Space, make sure we are giving off the merchant ID"

setting a course and entering the speed the Gonaiih'Saehne activated the warp drive and set off for Ferengi space

<< An Hour Later, in Ferengi Space >>

"Rekkhai, the Rift has closed, the lloann'na ships were no where near it when it collapsed, the collapse also masked our weapons and Warp signature"

"Good, khhae, send a message to Rh’vaurek, using both encryptions tell him we await his orders weather to return to the empire or if he has something special for us to do?"

"Ie Rekkhai!" he replied and sent off the massage

<< Later on the Cook >>

Rh’vaurek stood at the Tac\Ops Console watching over tactical scans making sure the Ferengi did show their ugly heads again while the repairs were going on he would be ready for them this time, he was annoyed at himself for not picking up the signs quicker that they were going to fire in the last attack, when a message blipped for him, he quickly downloaded it to the PADD he was carrying and deleted it from the ships communication record, he decoded the Tal Shiar encryption code and read the message that was in Sylvan, he managed to smile to himself reading the report, balance had been restored, no longer would the Rift serve to mess up the time line, no more trouble would it cause.

~ Torbin, care to join me for a celebratory drink after shift? ~

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 - James Cook Gym

Llaiir walked into the Gym dressed in her gi, smiling at the young children as they prepared for the evenings class she stood at the end of the mats "Good evening class"

The children all stopped what they were doing and turned to face Llaiir and bowed "Good evening Lieutenant t’Rehu" the chorus of children’s voices replied

Llaiir returned their bow and stood smiling at the children, She enjoyed filling in for Rh’vaurek on this class, the children really liked her "Take your Special friend and start your exercises" Llaiir told them.

The children busied themselves finding their friends when she noticed one little girl standing in the corner looking very upset, walking over to the little girl she crouched down "What is wrong little one?" Llaiir asked

"My Special friend is not here today, she has the chicken pox she is in sickbay tonight" the little girl sniffed wiping her nose and eyes with the sleaves of her gi.

"My special friend is not here either, he has to work, would you like to be my special friend for tonight?" Llaiir asked with a soothing sympathetic voice

The little girl looked at Llaiir with a half smile and tear filled eyes "You want to be my friend tonight?"

"Yes" Llaiir said smiling and wiping away the tears from the girls eyes

the little girl smiled back and nodded, "I will be your special friend"

for the rest of the class Llaiir and the little girl playfully rolled and tumbled while Llaiir still managed to teach the class

At the end of the class the parents came to pick the children up Llaiir watched as the little girl ran over to her mother and gave her a big hug, as they turned to leave the gym she looked back at Llaiir and smiled giving her a very happy wave goodbye. As the last child left, Llaiir left the gym and headed back to her quarters, very happy with the events of the night

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> Security Office
Shi was seated at her desk going over the roster for the Security Dept. Rh'vaurek had assigned her the responsibility for selecting the team that would play the invaders in the forthcoming Intruder Alert Drill.

She had scanned the names on her computer screen and accessed the record of the person named. She had finally chosen six with 4 backup.

She requested the computer "Send message"

To: ereiRiov Rh'vaurek tr'Radaik C/TAC/SEC
From: ereiRiov Shiarrael t'Radaik ASEC
Subject : Members of Invader team for Intruder Alert drill.

LtCmdr Saren as team leader.

Roger Diamond was her first choice. He had ranked 3rd in the Security Course at the Academy. He had also served with distinction on the USS
Excaliber.

Shawn Grady was her second choice. He too had ranked high in the Academy Security Course. He had served as ASEC on the USS Lexington.

Third choice was Branson Tyler. Again he had ranked high in the Security Course. He had served on the USS Potemkin.

Her fourth choice Bran Mar was new to Starfleet. He had served in Bajoran Intel and Security with a distinguished record.

Fifth choice was Lyle Cartwright. He did not have a distinguished record he had graduated recently from the Academy Security Course. This was his first assignment but he was highly motivated, disciplined and duty oriented.

Sixth choice was
Han'gor. He was also new to Starfleet but had served in Andorian Intel and Security. He was commended for his leadership abilities and his ingenuity.

Backups if needed

Jo'Mar
Hunter Crandal
Tor Cwan
Lance Cutler

"Computer sign and transmit" Shi ordered

Computer replied "Signed and transmitted" was the computer's reply.
OFF>


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

ON> Security Office
Shi was seated at her desk going over the roster for the Security Dept. Rh'vaurek had assigned her the responsibility for selecting the team that would play the invaders in the forthcoming Intruder Alert Drill.

She had scanned the names on her computer screen and accessed the record of the person named. She had finally chosen six with 4 backup.

She requested the computer "Send message"

To: ereiRiov Rh'vaurek tr'Radaik C/TAC/SEC
From: ereiRiov Shiarrael t'Radaik ASEC
Subject : Members of Invader team for Intruder Alert drill.

LtCmdr Saren as team leader.

Roger Diamond was her first choice. He had ranked 3rd in the Security Course at the Academy. He had also served with distinction on the USS
Excaliber.

Shawn Grady was her second choice. He too had ranked high in the Academy Security Course. He had served as ASEC on the USS Lexington.

Third choice was Branson Tyler. Again he had ranked high in the Security Course. He had served on the USS Potemkin.

Her fourth choice Bran Mar was new to Starfleet. He had served in Bajoran Intel and Security with a distinguished record.

Fifth choice was Lyle Cartwright. He did not have a distinguished record he had graduated recently from the Academy Security Course. This was his first assignment but he was highly motivated, disciplined and duty oriented.

Sixth choice was
Han'gor. He was also new to Starfleet but had served in Andorian Intel and Security. He was commended for his leadership abilities and his ingenuity.

Backups if needed

Jo'Mar
Hunter Crandal
Tor Cwan
Lance Cutler

"Computer sign and transmit" Shi ordered

Computer replied "Signed and transmitted" was the computer's reply.
OFF>


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

ON - Ten forward

Rh'vaurek Sat in Ten Forward waiting for Torbin and Llaiir to arrive to share a drink at the recent success

Torbin crawled out from a jeffries tube looking at his chronometer. ~Damn and I am late and I was planning on drinking Rh'vaurek under the table tonight.~ Torbin grabbed a rag, wiped off and ran off for ten forward.

Llaiir gave a Sharp whistle as Torbin ran past the corridor she was in "Hey wait for me"

Torbin stopped almost running into another crewman. With an apologetic smile he turned to Llaiir, " Well come on can't let that baby slow you down." Torbin chuckled lightly as he joked with her.

Llaiir giggled, she hasn't done that so far, you saw what happened in the Test K'marh gave me" as she broke into a jog to catch up to Torbin

Torbin laughed, " Test you mean that little thing he thought could stop you." Torbin gave a wink. " Should have known better. Let's go girl." Torbin could almost feel the drink in his hand already.

Llaiir ran along side Torbin as they entered Ten Forward she saw Rh'vaurek and led Torbin to his table

Torbin followed Llaiir with a huge smile, he knew tonight the celebration would be one for the books.

Rh'vaurek nodded to both "Glad you to could make it" he said with a smile

Torbin looked about smiling widely. " Not an explosion could keep me away from good liquor and friendship." Torbin dropped down in a seat.

Rh'vaurek pulled out a bottle of Rihannsu wine but it was bottled differently as not to raise suspicion, Pouring three glasses he finished off by saying "Enjoy"

Torbin smelt the drink for a moment then offered up his glass, " To Friendship and bright futures. Salute."

"To Friendship and bright futures" Rh'vaurek and Llaiir replied raising their glass to the toast then taking a sip

Torbin not realizing the strength of the drink turned his back and drank it down. Placing the glass on the table again he let out a ," HOLY COW!" Torbin smiled widely as the burning sensation traveled down.

Llaiir and Rh'vaurek sipped on the wine like it was water "What year is it from Rh'vaurek?" Llaiir asked

Torbin smiled enjoying the ale's taste. "That sure is some good stuff." Torbin slowly slides his glass forward with a large smile.

"One of your fathers first ones, 2340 federation calendar I think" Rh'vaurek replied as he Poured Torbin another glass

Torbin looked about, deciding to enjoy it a bit slower. He took a smaller drink this time. " This is very good, your family makes it?"

"Yes, and has done for hundreds of years" Rh'vaurek informed

Torbin leaned in some what, " If my family did this I would never make it out of the brewery." Torbin chuckled as he took another drink.

Rh'vaurek poured himself and Llaiir another glass then held back a smile as he took another sip of his Ale

Torbin leaned back, enjoying the ale. His mind pondered the look on the officers faces about the rift when they realized it was gone.

Llaiir finished off her second glass then stood up "I better go i have to instruct your class tonight" Llaiir announced

Rh'vaurek nodded "Go on, I leave some for you"

Llaiir smiled, "I'll leave you boys to it then"

Torbin looked at Llaiir, " Time to go so soon?" Shrugging he tossed back his drink, the heat from the drink not as hot this time.

"Sorry" Llaiir said with a shrug then turned and left for her quarters to get ready

Torbin turned to Rh'vaurek, " You not gonna leave yet are you? I sure like this stuff." Torbin holds his glass out before him.

"No, not yet" Rh'vaurek leant over the table pouring Torbin another drink and whispered "Thanks to your input, the rift is now closed, and for that input 250,000 credits will be in your account tomorrow morning"

Torbin leaned back, thinking of the money for a moment then shook his head. " I couldn't." Leaning close he whispered, " Give it to the people who need it. The orphanages."

"Very well, 50,000 will be in you account and the other 200,000 will go to the charities of your choice?" Rh'vaurek replied "You deserve something for your input, and I know you will need the money later, you can put it into a trust fund for any children you will have" Rh'vaurek finished explaining

Torbin began choking on his drink, coughing loudly as it went down the wrong pipe. " Children.....You know something........ I .....Don't?" Torbin suddenly felt unsure and nervous.

"No, why?" Rh'vaurek Raised an eyebrow as he took another sip of his Ale

Torbin wiped his brow, visible signs of sweat. " Oh nothing, just kids scare me. I am still a kid myself in ways. I am unsure if Roma could handle 2 kids." Torbin winked and took a long drink.

Rh'vaurek snickered at Torbin's response toping up his glass

Torbin smiled as he finished his third drink. " How bout you do you have any kids?"

"Not yet, but I will soon" Rh'vaurek informed, but i have looked after several, i looked after my brothers children and then Llaiir and.... " Rh'vaurek's voice trailed off

Torbin felt the sorrow as Rh'vaurek's voice trailed off. " I am sorry I did not mean to bring up old memories."

"That is ok, I killed the Bastards who took her away from me" Rh'vaurek replied then mumbled "Bloody Lycanthrope"

Torbin leaned in closer, then looked at his glass unsure. " Did you say Lycanthrope. I thought they were only a myth?"

"Depends where you are" Replied Rh'vaurek coldly as he skulled the contents of his almost full glass

Torbin shook his head slowly. " What do you where you are?" Torbin leaned in closely.

"In another part of the multiverse" Rh'vaurek replied
he poured himself another glass then skulled that too

Torbin nodded, somewhat understanding. " One of those places that seldom travel." Torbin reached his glass towards Rh'vaurek.

"Indeed" Rh'vaurek's voice was cold as he poured Torbin another glass and one for himself

Torbin took his drink then gesture a nod with it to Rh'vaurek. He then turned it back drinking it completely. ~Wow it may not be as hot but boy that sure feels good.~

"It is a place with beauty and wonder that you could never dream of and with horrors worse than you most horrific nightmares"

Torbin eyed Rh'vaurek, " It sounds like the Terran Heaven and Hell all in one." Torbin twirled his glass slightly.

"I have been to those places too" Rh'vaurek replied still sipping at his drink again

Torbin looked down, " Those are memories I am thankful my symbiote has not passed on to me."

"How would it, unless it the host was still alive"

"I lived through both" Rh'vaurek explained taking another sip of his drink

Torbin looked up, " Sometimes memories are not always known until much later." Torbin slid his glass slightly. " I prefer the life we have here. The Cook is a pretty good ship."

"Yes it is, it is like nothing i have ever experienced in the Star Navy" Rh'vaurek replied as he emptied the Bottle into Torbin's glass

Torbin looked at the drink, " Thank you." He drank the glass down, feeling pretty good. " Well it seems our liquor is gone. Should we buy some more and crawl home?" Torbin chuckled slightly.

Rh'vaurek handed Torbin another bottle "you go on, i have some meditations to attend to"

Torbin smiled as he took the bottle. Placing his hand out. " Thank you Rh'vaurek. I hope you find peace in your mediation. May the Elements hold you in their hands."

"Rh'vaurek nodded to Torbin as he stood up "Wind to your wings Torbin" then slowly started to make his way back to his quarters to meditate

Torbin nodded as Rh'vaurek left. He turned and quickly made his way home. Once inside he smiled widely seeing his lovely woman. " Come my love tonight we reignite our love once again."

OFF>

Joint Post

erei’Riov(Cmdr.) Rh’vaurek tr’Radaik

CTAC/SEC Exchange officer
USS James Cook
Python fleet Flag ship
&
Lt. Llaiir t’Rehu
CR&D
USS James Cook
Python fleet Flag ship
&
(Npc'd Lt.Kurz)

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

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

ON - Sickbay>
Jonny Rico walked into Sickbay holding his arm. His shoulder is at an unnatural angle, through gritted teeth he spoke "Who is the Doctor on duty?"

Genesis came out of one of the offices and made her way over to the injured crewman. "That would be me crewman. My name is Doctor Aquamara and I see you've been having a little fun," she said gesturing to his arm.

"Pleased to meet you Doctor, I am Lt. Cmdr Jonny Rico, slight mishap in running security excersise on the holodeck." Jonny extended his uninjured hand to Genesis.

Genesis shook his hand. "Well Lt. Cmdr. Rico if you would have a seat on the biobed, I'll patch you up." Genesis walked over and began looking for a hypospray to give him something for the pain while she did a reading on him. Rico sat on the biobed waiting for the Doctor to return, he smiled watching her walk around sickbay.

Genesis hummed to herself as she gathered what she needed and walked back over to 6 ft Rico, sitting on the biobed. Genesis looked up at him and smiled as she ran the tricorder over the injured area. "Hmm seems you have dislocated your shoulder again, Rico. May I ask what you were doing?"

"Yes ma'am, it is at least the fourth time, we were doing training drills, I was caught on some unsure ground and fell over in a bad position, landing heavily on my shoulder" Rico explained still smiling at Genesis

Genesis shook her head in mock exasperation. She was going to have to talk to the chief of security. They had had several patients in sickbay suffering from accidents that had occurred during training drill exercises. "What am I going to do with you guys?" she smiled. "Ok Rico. I need you to lay down. I'm about to use a very old technique on you but I can guarantee you that you will a whole lot better once I'm done."

Rico lay down on the biobed and waited for further instructions. Genesis walked to where his head was. She took the hypospray and gave him injection. She waited a moment before asking, "Can you feel anything in your shoulder?"

"No doctor" Rico replied

Genesis smiled down at him. "Good." Positioning herself, Genesis got a good grip on his shoulder and his arm. With a quick jerk and slight pop, she put his dislocated shoulder back into place. "Now that wasn't so bad was it?" she said and grinned again at him.

Rico smiled back up at her "No it wasn't, but I didn't need the Hypo Ma'am"

"Maybe but I"m a firm believer in it never hurts." Genesis walked over to a drawer and came back with something in her hand. "You can go ahead and sit up. Here's you a lollipop. This one is grape flavored. And Rico, next time be careful," Genesis added as she handed him the lollipop.

Rico laughed "Thank you doctor, and usually I am more careful" he sat up and hopped off the biobed, he hoped Carl had kept the rest of Security in line while he was gone.

"Have a good day Lt. Cmdr. Rico," Genesis added cheerfully as she started filling out a PADD on his injury.

Rico walked out of Sickbay smiling. He though to himself ~ Wow she was cute ~

Genesis frowned down at the PADD she had just completed. I think I need to give our chief of security a call. =^=Chief of Security, this is Dr. Aquamara, if you have a moment I would like to speak to you sir.=^= Genesis sighed. I hate it when officers run themselves into the ground, she thought as she went into an office to look over some more of the reports for sickbay while she waited on the chief of security.

Tactical Station>
Rh'vaurek groaned =/\= I'll be there shortly =/\= he left the Tactical station to one of his underlings and left for Sickbay and marched straight in.

Genesis walked out of the office to meet him. "G'day. I'm Dr. Aquamara and you must be the Chief of Security? May I ask your name sir?"

"Rh'vaurek tr'Radaik" he answered

Genesis smiled and projected soothing thoughts. She could sense that Rh'vaurek was not one to trifle with and so she decided to tread carefully. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I was wondering if we could have a chat about the drills you've had your security teams running?"

Rh'vaurek stood tall "Go on Doctor"

Genesis straightened her five feet frame and smiled pleasantly at the towering security chief. "We are seeing an increase in accidents in the security department because of this drills. I know it is necessary sir to keep the security force in shape and alert but the injuries are occurring because people are getting tired and very little rest and are making silly mistakes and getting injured. Can you not ease up even a little?"

"I am not keeping them in shape, I am trying to get them into shape, their earlier testing scores were well below par, once they reach a level I accept as competent, I will ease up" Rh'vaurek explained

Genesis sighed. ~Why did security always have to be so stubborn?~ "Alright sir. I was just letting you know the risk you are running. I cannot tell you how to do your job nor would I try. Just remember, a day off to relax never hurt anyone. I'm sorry for keeping you from work sir. That's all I have to say unless you have any more insights to add?"

"I will be running one more drill, that should be the end on the hard regime, unless they completely mess up, but i'll take your advice, I'll slowly start to lighten up the training schedule," Rh'vaurek explained

"Thank you sir. I don't know much about security but I do medicine. I'm sure you want all them in the best of shape so I'll try and keep them healthy for you. Hmm...before you go I have something for you." Genesis walked over to the drawer and pulled out a cherry lollipop. She walked back over to Rh'vaurek and handed it to him. She quickly explained what it was. "Here sir is an old Terran favorite. It's called a lollipop and keeps in different flavors. Go ahead, try it."

Rh'vaurek raised an eyebrow "Maybe when I am off duty"

Genesis smiled up at the officer. "If it suits you sir. Thank you for coming so promptly and addressing my concerns. I appreciate it."

"You are welcome Doctor, talk to you later"

"Goodbye sir." Genesis watched Rh'vaurek leave and sighed. "Lord I hope he eases up on them a tiny bit," she muttered as she went back into the office to finish her report.

OFF>
Joint Post

LT Genesis Aquamara
ACMO
USS James Cook, Python Fleet
&
erei’Riov (Cmdr.) Rh’vaurek tr’Radaik

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

On> CIC

Rafe walked into what he had come to call “The Star Chamber,” The Command Intelligence Center’s massive holodeck which once served as the Astrometics lab. He activated the systems and all around him stars appeared, mapping out the area where James Cook was currently.

Standing in the center was like standing outside of the ship. Off to his left was the planet Zeevavok, and in distant orbit was the lone Gashtan spacedock and shipyards facility where the Migichinan Warship Calliavare was now docked. LCARS readouts marked positions of other stars and small icons showed the relative positions of other ships, allied and enemy alike. He was glad that for the time being the allies in the area outweighed the presence of enemy and neutral ships.

Rafe watched the displays silently as he still struggled with the fact that he was no longer Tyrusian, but Migichinan. His true origin revealed by Kara during his battle with Vin Tamar, it was still sinking in. He wondered that if the transfer of energy at the end of the battle would mean additional Migichinan abilities, or something else in what was now becoming an increasingly uncertain future for him.

He also considered the offer of knighthood the Lord Prime McKenna had offered him. Before, it seemed a trivial matter, but now the possibility was more real. He carried still the Migichinan lightsaber given to him by McKenna. And now possessed the blade of Vin Tamar. He had already made a decision of what to do with that blade.

Almost as if on cue, the alarm sounded to alert Rafe to a visitor to CIC. A floating holographic screen unfolded before him to show the visitor… Chiara Domina. Rafe pressed a few buttons to secure any information being displayed marked as “confidential” and opened the doors for Domina. She walked in through the front office and on to the archway that led to the Star Chamber.

“Oh gosh oh golly oh WOW!” She said as she walked in. Rafe turn around to meet the petite young lady halfway on the catwalk, which suspended Rafe’s perch in the middle of the chamber.

“Welcome to my parlor.” Rafe said.

“This is NEAT!” Domina exclaimed. “I’ve never seen anything like it before!” She said. She looked up and down and all around. “It’s like walking in space without a space suit!”

“It serves my duties.” Rafe replied. “What can I do for you?” He asked.

“I wanted to talk to you… about the other day… the fight.” She said, calming to an almost sullen mood. “I got you in trouble. Its my fault you got reprimanded.” She said.

Rafe nodded with the apology. “Its not necessary, Chiara. I did what I did of my own free will. I saw you needed an advocate.” He said.

“Yeah, but I could have gotten myself killed, and you along with me.” She said. “It was my own stupid action, not to wait for the Commodore to do something.”

“You responded out of emotion, not out of logic.” Rafe said. “Hell hath no fury then of a woman scorned. Vin Tamar truly got what he had coming to him. Had you and I not confronted him, his past would surely have caught up with him.”

“Yeah, but picking a fight like that, we could have both gotten kicked out of Star Fleet.” She said. “You’ve had an amazing career and life… I would not have been able to live with myself had I been the one to bring that to an end.”

“I would have moved on and adapted, as I’m sure you would have as well.” He said. “Life will take us where we are meant to go.”

Chiara nodded. In the short time she had known him, she could tell he was one of the wisest men in existence. “Well, you stood up for me, and I really appreciate that, Rafe. No one’s every really done that for me before.” She said.

“It is my duty to you not only as a senior officer, but as a friend, Chiara. It is the way of the warrior to defend those who cannot defend themselves. Honor compelled me to stand at your side, as did the will of the Migichinan Goddess.”

“Regardless the cause and reason, thank you.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. “You standing up for me… it was like having my daddy back.” She said.

“You father, he was killed during the Dominion War, was he not?” Rafe asked.

“Yes. A Cardassian unit had landed on Nebaru, my Homeworld. They did some considerable damage in trying to force us to submit to the Dominion. My father died trying to defend my mother and I from a pair of Cardassian soldiers. A group of Klingon warships responded to our distress calls, and when the Cardies broke into our home, they were going to try and rape my mother and I. The had my mother’s clothes torn off and were working me over when daddy arrived. They killed him instantly. Then the Klingons showed up and rescued us. After the battle, we were taken to a Federation Starship for medical treatment… Mom and I left Nebaru and never looked back. We ended up moving to Earth and settling in western Canada. It was a lot like home, but much more peaceful and beautiful.”

“How old were you?” Rafe asked.

“I was 17. It was only two years after Vin Tamar did what he did. Tamar had left at the beginning of the war. No one had heard from him since only a few days ago.”
“And now, no one will hear from him again.” Rafe said with finality. “I have something for you.”

Rafe took from his kimono Tamar’s lightsaber. “Amongst Migichinan warriors, it is tradition that the blade of a fallen adversary is to be claimed by he or she who is victorious over the adversary. Since I have no need for another of these, I would like you to have it.”

“Tamar’s lightsaber?” She said as she looked at the weapon. “I don’t know…”

“Kara has executed the rituals of cleansing on it. It is free from any influence he may have had on the blade.” Rafe said.

Chiara took the lightsaber from Rafe and activated it. With a shriek and following hum, the white light of the untainted blade appeared. The weapon seemingly read Chiara’s aura and changed in color to a light blue.

“Oh wow!” She exclaimed, absorbed by the light.

“I will train you how to use it.” Rafe offered.

“Ummm… ok. It will take some getting used to.” She said. The hilt was large and clumsy in her hands. She deactivated the blade. “I don’t know how I will handle it…” As if on cue, the metal plates and devices of the blade began to fold and merge. The weapon changed its shape to fit Chiara’s hands better. It no longer resembled the blade of Vin Tamar.

“Wow!” She exclaimed once again. Domina looked at the time. “Hey, I should get going. I’ve got morning appointments starting soon.” She kissed him on the cheek again and smiled, then jogged away to the door.

Rafe watched her as she left. He then turned back to the consoles and opened up his mail system. He composed a short letter.

From: Capt. Rafe Oosha – CIO – USS James Cook
To: Lord Prime Zendista McKenna

Re: Knighthood

I accept .

End of message.

Rafe closed the message and sent it to the Migichinan Homeworld. Now that his heritage had revealed itself, there was nothing stopping him from learning about it and becoming part of it.

Off>

Capt. Rafe Oosha

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