"Blackout"

Lieutenant Corran "Spots" Rex (Vanguard Leader)
Pilot Kell "Wraith" Tainer (Vanguard Two)
Flight Officer T'Shani "Forgehammer" A'Akledorian (Vanguard Three)
Pilot Sanoe "Sunshine" Nani (Vanguard Four)

----------

... "Alright everybody, listen up. This is a search run through an asteroid belt, so I want you to have your deflectors set to maximum. Target's one of ours, the U.S.S. Pallas Athena. She's an Excelsior-II class ship, so she ought to be big enough even for you blind youngsters. When we get out there, you'll break by flights first. Flight Leaders have the search routes already programmed into navigation. When you get to your search zones, break by wings. You clear one part of the grid, move on to the next."

Corran looked around as he finished talking. "Everybody clear?" Once they'd all nodded or given some kind of affirmation, he spoke again. "Well, what the hell are you all still doing here? Let's get out there and fly already." he said with a wide grin.

***

"Yes Sir!" The pilots of the Vanguard Squadron--now dressed in their gray with blue shoulderboard flight suits, with the new white tunics--resounded in unison. Not a moment later, they all broke formation and ran--with the exception of Kettch, who kind of scuttled/shuffled/waddled--to their individual fighters, all of which had been prepped and warmed-up by Chief Sergeant Stalansky's ever-efficient Flight Crew.

Although Tish was still pissed at Rex and Heloi for the little stunt they had pulled on her--not even two hours ago!--she knew she had a job to do. And *finally*, after all of the boring and routine simulator 'rides: this was the *real* thing! Well, it *wasn't* a dog-fight...but it was better than nothing. Plus, there were plenty of asteroids in the Lhoranth Belt to take her angst out on.

She chuckled to herself as she imagined what Cassius must have thought about her "proposition". Truly, she really did hope that he'd be willing to come along with her, to search for the U.S.S. Hellfire.

**And why is that? Are you attra...** with the flick of an antenna, T'Shani quickly banished *that* thought. ~No, he's the XO, for Umarin's sake!~ No, she needed him because, like-it-or not, he had viable contacts from his spy days that could come-in very handy during the mission. Quickly, though, she banished all of those thoughts away, instead focusing on the task-at-hand.

Her blue-blood flowed quicker with anticipation as she momentarily stopped to help her wingman Sanoe--"Sunshine"--get her PLSS attached to the receptacle on her flight suit.

"Hey, leave me the hell alone," Sanoe said, swatting the other woman away, "God, I can do it myself!"

T'Shani's antennae folded back down on her head, but, in an amazing display of self control - at least, that's what Corran tthought - she didn't rip the younger pilots arms off. Not wise to antagonise an Andorian, Sunshine, he thought to himself, then chuckled as he thought of his own encoutner with the blue-skinned pilot earlier that day.

"Bitch," Sanoe murmured under her breath as she hooked herself up and ran beginning systems checks. "Always treating me like some stupid kid." She glared at her wingman. "Prejudice, racist skank." She shook her head. "Vanguard Four, good to go," she stated, into the communications.

Lowering himself into the cockpit, Corran checked next to im to find that Tainer had actually beat him to it already - the kid was ready to launch before he was, and grinning like an idiot about it.

"Smartass." Corran muttered to himself, and pulled down the transparisteel canopy. Not even a full minute later, Vanguards One and Two were out into the black, after going through the launching rigamarole. The small Bonzai-Class fighters zoomed out into space, the asteroid field not far ahead.

Next out were Vanguard's Three and Four--Tish and Sanoe.

Pressing one of the myriad buttons on his panels, Lieutenant Rex activated the all-squadron comm frequency. ["Allright, Vanguards. The asteroid belt's dead ahead. Break by flights. First wing-pair to find the Pallas Athena gets an extra weekend's worth of leave of the next shore leave. Leader Out."]

The TAC-COMM lit up briefly with chatter as the Vanguard pilots gave a well-felt comment on *that* subject. Especially Angelienia, who *offered* a prize of her own, in return...

~Figures~ Tish thought absently as she remembered the rumors--most likely false--that Angelienia, herself, had boasted of.

["Copy Lead. Forgehammer breaking left,"] Tish said as she banked hard: around, down, and under a huge, tumbling asteroid that was as big as the Galaxy, herself; hoping that the 'Kid' would stay on her tail and not fuck-up...

Nani followed her wingman, shaking her head and muttering in Hawaiian. God, she hated that woman. Passionately. Loathed her. Probably as much as 'Tish' loathed her. They just didn't click. Hadn't since day one. Sanoe despised Tish because the woman treated her like a stupid, inept, blind little kitten, and Tish despised Sanoe for reasons still unknown. Frankly, Sanoe didn't even want to know. She made a mental note to talk to Rex about it. This just wouldn't do. There just wasn't any energy between the two of them. Sanoe felt like she was being led around by her nose, and Tish felt like she was doing the leading. It was either transfer or beat-down time.

Tish switched-on her HUDD and anti-collision sensors. Then, addressing Nani:

["Sunshine, standby to activate side-scanning sensors. Set 'Max-Q' to ten, HI-RES to DP-Standard Penetration. Standby to launch S/R Drones on my mark,"] she said as she toggled the appropriate switches and waited for Nani's reply.

"I gotcha Forgehammer, ready for your mark," Sanoe replied, wrinkling her nose. This was fun -- she hadn't piloted in an asteroid belt for quite some time, it was nice to be back in the saddle again, doing something other than dodging phaser blasts.

Corran had to admit, he'd always loved the challenge of flying in an asteroid field - there was always so much going on that it was always a test of any pilot's skill. ["Leader to Two. Let's tackle Search Grid 001. Three and Four, you go for 002."]

["On your wing, Lead."] came Kell's young voice.

["Forgehammer acknowledges."] came Tish's voice, quickly followed by Sunchine's acknowledgement as well.

Scanners activated, Corran's fighter - quickly and carefully followed by Tainer's - rose up over a massive asteroid that was the size of a very small moon, and skimmed over it's surface. When he broke the horizon on it, the Trill was suprised to find that the field seemed to be much, much larger than the prelim scans had suggested. This search might end up taking a while.

------------------

In actuality, it only took about twenty minutes. Putting the juice on his impulse engines, Rex and Tainer sped through an narrowly avoided being smashed between two large asteroids. And...

"There she is." Corran whispered, seeking the wreckage of the Excelsior II Class starship ahead of him. "Vanguard Leader to Vanguard Squadron. All fighters, break off our search and report to grid 062. We've found the Pallas Athena."

Various acknowledgements came back over the comms, but leader of vanguard Squadron wasn't paying any attention. Seeing the Pallas Athena brought back memories from his past host Baledra - one of the first Trills in Starfleet, and one who'd been Chief Engineer of the Excelsior herself. Seeing the Pallas Athena was like seeing a ghost from the past - literally, given the ship's state.

"Two, keep a watch position. I'm going in for a closer look."

["Yes sir."]

Focusing his scanners, Rex brought his fighter down close enough to skim the hull of the old Federation starship, close enough to see the chips in the paint on the hull once he slowed down for a leisurely pass.

"Vanguard One to USS Galaxy. Galaxy, We've found the Pallas Athena. I'm transmitting course data now."

Cass Henderson, the Galaxy's XO, was the one who's voice came back over the comm. ["What've you got, Lieutenant?"]

"She's in bad shape, Commander." Vanguard One replied. "Ship's taken a lot of damage - Romulan type IX disruptors from the burn signatures on the hull. There's some power still in her, But engines are definitely offline. Whole lot of hull breaches. I can't get a solid lock on any life signs. Do you want us to try to board her?"

["Not just yet, Lieutenant. Establish a defensive perimeter, and then sit tight and wait till we get there."] Henderson's voice came back, crackling with subspace interference.

"Acknowledged, Galaxy Vanguard One out." he replied, and switched back to the squadron frequency "Everybody got that?"

["We hear and comply."] Came Kettch's squeaky voice, the first to acknowledge.

"Well allright then. Defensive sphere Omega-Nine." rex ordered, and moved his own fighter into position. Then he followed orders.. and waited.

NRPG: The long awaited (or perhaps not) continuation of the Karyn/Victor/Curran subplot. Sorry it took so long to send it out, but I do hope people like it. The plan is to have these issues come up again in future plots. Two more posts are coming as well. ~Lori

"The Pendulum Swings... Counter-Clockwise, Part Two"

Principal Characters:

Legate Kylar Curran

Commander Karyn Dallas, RN

Dr. T'lan

Lt. (JG) Victor Krieghoff

*******

USS Galaxy
Deck 7
Victor Krieghoff's Quarters

"Disgusting human blood. Or is that tears? I can never tell with you Terrans. I would be exalted to be in the position you are in, Ms. Dallas. Why do you not ask for peace in death?"

The scream died in her throat at the sound of the door chime...

He clenched his jaw and hesitated as he held her head in his arms. Flashes of imagery passed before him, and he stumbled back on his haunches. He threw an arm up to block them from assailing him. A cold body laying on ceramics, Karyn Dallas' pleading face, a low grumble in his chest, scarlet smears on the walls, streaks on the floor. He saw his hands covered in blood. The whiteness overlaid on top of the dim room, flashing on and off in a dazzle of frames. He smelt... sweat... and something else...

"What are you doing to me, Dallas??" He lunged out towards the body lying on the floor and wrapped his hands around her neck. "What... have... you... done... to... me?!"

Her eyes grew wide at the sudden change of events, but she had absolutely no strength or time with which to react. Her last thoughts were of the man who had ended her life and just how stupid she had been.

The 'shush' of the door opening was followed by a fractional second's hesitation as Dr. T'lan saw the tableau in front of her, processed the three most likely responses, discarded them as too time consuming as she took three steps forward, and finally chose the simplest option. She dropped her hand onto the Legate's shoulder and clamped down on the nerve bundles at the base of his neck.

The Kelvan stiffened, and then went limp, his hands relaxing and falling away from Karyn's throat. T'lan hoisted Kylar up by his tunic and unceremoniously dumped him to one side as she reached for Dallas with a scanner to determine the extent of her injuries.

As the small device warbled, the Vulcan's eyes moved across the scene, reevaluating her initial impression that Curran and Krieghoff had fought, with Krieghoff defending Dallas from the Kelvan, when she saw the hypo next to the unconscious security officer. The situation was more complicated than she'd thought.

He scan complete, she adjusted her hypo and gave Karyn a series of injections for the pain and tissue damage and a mild stimulant to bring her around enough to answer the questions she needed answered.

Karyn's eyes fluttered open slowly, but as soon as she caught sight of T'lan's dark eyes, she awoke with a startled scream; unsure of who it was she was looking at. Her vision blurry, she wasn't even sure where she was, and when she jerked her head to look away, she groaned when she realized she was still in Victor's quarters. Staccato sobs soon followed.

"Counselor," T'lan said calmly, but with just enough firmness to penetrate to Karyn, "you are safe now. No one will hurt you. But I need you to help me. Can you do that?"

Karyn slowly turned her head, and allowed her vision to solidify. She was in too much shock to feel embarrassed by her mistake. She swallowed hard, fighting panic. "I...I think so." Her voice was unrecognizable even to her own ears.

"Concentrate on the sound of my voice, Counselor. I need to ask you just a few questions, and then I will transport us to a private room in Sickbay. No one besides myself will see you like this. Do you understand?"

"Yes," she gasped out, nearly choking on a sob. She took a moment to collect herself and put her hand to her forehead, trying to recall what had happened. She jerked it away when she felt and saw blood on her hand. Her eyes filled with tears, but she would not let them fall. Her voice quivered with every syllable. "Um...I...I'm...not sure I can recall much. Vic...Victor and I...we were talking about...the pheromones, and the next thing I know..." Her eyes clouded and tears began to fall. "He was on me. I couldn't get him off of me." She frowned, "I kept blacking out, but I think I grabbed something and knocked him unconscious. And then Legate Curran was there, and he was...was choking me. I thought...I thought he was going to kill me..." The last was spoken in a whisper and more hitching sobs.

"Lieutenant Krieghoff is unconscious," T'lan confirmed. "You appear to have tranquilized him with a hypo. I rendered the Legate unconscious when I entered and found him choking you. Neither of them will hurt you, now. I will not permit it. Do you understand that? They will not hurt you again."

This seemed to bring her up short, though she wasn't finding the comfort in it that T'lan intended. "I won't survive it." was her disoriented reply.

"You are still in your chair, Commander. Did either of them remove you from it?"

She closed her eyes against the pain. "I...I don't think so. I think Victor tried, but failed."

"But you are not certain?"

Karyn mentally reached into the depths of her memory and tried to recall what had happened to her, but could not think of much besides the pain she was in. Her head was pounding and she felt sick to her stomach. She shook her head which made her dizzy, she thought she had a concussion. "I can't be certain of anything. I know I blacked out. I'm not sure for how long."

T'lan nodded. "Then I will need to examine you once we reach Sickbay in order to eliminate the possibility that something was done to you while you were unconscious. Again, I tell you that no one will see you like this but me, and no one will treat or examine you but me. Do you understand, Commander? The possibility must be considered and proved or disproved given the severity of the potential results."

Karyn frowned. "The possibility of what, Doctor?" Her voice came out as a croak. Honest to gods, T'lan's words were not getting through. She would remember that sense of naiveté for a long time afterward. She would wonder if in fact if it was a return to childish protections.

T'lan's voice continued calmly, albeit somewhat more quietly. "The possibility that one of them, did, in fact, assault you in the manner prompted by the android's pheromone production, Counselor."

It took a moment for all of that to sink in, and when it did, she could not speak for what seemed an eternity. She would open her mouth to speak and nothing would come out. Inwardly she was screaming. "You... you think I was... raped?"

Crumpled in a heap on the carpeting near the two officers, the Kelvan's eyes fluttered to life. His neck was stiff as inflexible duranium, and he couldn't move without serious pain.

"Don't believe her lies." He rallied against the pain enough to give pause to the Vulcan nearby who was examining the counselor. His voice came out as a harsh whisper to keep the resonance to a minimum.

"Considering the Counselor's condition, Legate, I compute the possibility that she has lied to me to be insignificant thus far," T'lan countered without looking up.

"This is her fault. She is using deceit and trickery for some unknown purpose." He felt his fingers begin to wiggle. Whatever hit him was wearing off.

"I fail to see what she would accomplish by allowing you and the Lieutenant to do this to her, Legate." The Vulcan paused. "The pain will diminish faster if you cease fighting it, Legate. I will attend to you in a moment." She looked down at Karyn. "To answer your question, Counselor, no I do not believe that you were assaulted in that manner. Given your positioning, your state of dress, and the condition of the Lieutenant, the chances of such a thing having happened are barely worth mentioning. The possibility must, however, be eliminated, so that you may be treated properly."

Karyn nodded, closing her eyes against the possibility. A single tear made its way down her cheek. When she opened her eyes again, they were filled with the weariness of someone who knew better. Again, she could barely speak above a whisper. "I know that was what he intended, Doctor, and I know that because I was unconscious, you don't know what the hell happened for sure, do you?" She swallowed hard. "If I was unconscious, there would be no need for force, correct? And therefore no signs of force..."

"There would still be signs, Counselor, you know that as well as I," the Vulcan countered.

Laying nearby, Curran still couldn't prolong the feeling of helplessness and déjà vu. He'd been in this situation before, and could almost see it. The memory flashbacks that surged through him before had ebbed away, with only the rare imprint coming to the surface.

But this was different. This felt real. He'd been in this situation before, and the thought of where just hovered out of reach from him. He struggled to rise, but his body felt like lead. He could move, but only with the speed of one under the weight of at least 5 G's.

"There is no sense helping her, Vulcan. She's a detriment to this ship and its efficiency. She brought about this violence. It is her fault for it. Don't let your vaulted logic block itself from the levels of human ingenuity to cover up faults. Suppressing your emotions does not mean you understand them. Try to see past that, and the truth will reveal itself." The urge to lie down fell on him, but not near this parasite of a human.

Karyn was hardly listening anymore. She knew her injuries were life threatening and if she stayed here much longer, she would die. Why was he doing this to her? What could he possibly hope to gain by hurting her like this? This was her fault?

Dallas slowly turned her head in the Kelvan's direction, she could barely make him out. One eye was completely swollen shut and vision was blurry in the other. She tasted copper in her mouth and her tongue felt swollen three times its normal size. "Is that a confession, Legate?"

"A confession to what? That you don't qualify for your position on this vessel and as Second Officer? I believe I've already recorded that grievance, Commander. There is no need to rehash that. It is common knowledge. If that is the confession you are looking for, it is too late for it."

Karyn smiled grimly. "Did you decide to have your way with me, Legate? Huh? Figure you'd humiliate me while there wasn't a damn thing I could do about it? I bet you'd like that. Did you re-gain control of me, Legate, hm? Try to kill me to cover up the evidence?"

T'lan continued to monitor her scanner, but kept her attention divided so she could also watch the Legate for any sudden movements.

"If I'd have had my way with you, Counselor, you'd be dead. Humiliation is something I leave in your more than capable hands. You managed to humiliate the entire Federation; you don't need my assistance."

Her vision was going grayer by the moment. She looked T'lan in the eyes, pleading. "We need to go, NOW."

"Oh, yes, go, Doctor. Counselor. Run away so she can think about her story to tell." He'd regained enough in his legs for feeling to be able to get up and walk. T'Lan kept a steady focus on him to be wary of sudden movement.

"Remember, Counselor, *I* am the law on this ship. If you are going to bring this situation up and into the open by carrying on with your lies, you will be laying charge against a representative of the Federation in the matter. I do hope you are prepared for that." He dragged his heels to the exit.

"Now, if you don't mind, I have to get this horrible stench of Terran off me."

"You should know, Legate," T'lan said as she reached up to tap her combadge, "that I have scans of the room, its contents, and the positions of its occupants as I entered. Whether or not you assaulted her in that manner, you certainly were assaulting her in another. Should she choose to press charges, as I will recommend she do, you will find it difficult to explain yourself. I suggest you consider that while you are making your way to your quarters." The Vulcan reached out and dropped a transporter tag on Victor's unconscious form and another on Karyn. =/\= T'lan to Transporter Room. Three for a site to-site transfer to Sickbay. Myself and Tag 714 to Quarantine Room Three, Tag 715 to Quarantine Room Four. =/\=

A wash of transporter particles covered the three, leaving Kylar alone in the room.

"Maybe so, T'Lan, but you just made yourself an uncreditable witness leaving an injured Federation Officer behind." And making it appear you have chosen Dallas' statement to be true, Curran thought. He hurriedly exited the quarters, just in case Security had been called.

He'd be sure to check the Security logs. If no one appeared here in the next several minutes, or even came to question him within the hour, then whatever the Vulcan says will never hold. Not very responsible of her to leave an 'attacker' behind alone without Security escort.

****

Commander Karyn Dallas, RN
Chief Counselor/Nurse
USS Galaxy - A

Lt. Carolyn Shaw, Ph.D.
Chief Counselor
USS Arizona

"The Morning After The Night Before, Part One"

Commander Karyn Dallas, RN
Chief Counselor/Second Officer

Ensign Anya Ivanovna [Written by Kate]
Medical Officer
USS Galaxy - A

"Please state your name." She knew the request was coming even before it was asked. It always came first in these situations.

"Karyn Elizabeth Dallas." She made sure to enunciate her words for the record. The computer would be recording her every word for part one of the 'forensic exam.'

Funny how those words made her sound like a corpse. It certainly matched how she felt. What little pain medication they felt comfortable giving her prior to the exam made her groggy. She felt almost like she had before she had been found, but she was just aware enough to know what was going on.

"Please give your security code. This certifies that I have told you what to expect from this forensic exam and that you consent to this exam freely, with the understanding that you are not obligated to file a complaint with ship's security should this exam yield evidence of an assault." What a mouthful! On the rare occasion that Karyn had had to impart this information, Dallas always chose to paraphrase it. This girl had to be new.

"Dallas-alpha-seven." The computer beeped in acknowledgement. This was really happening.

"Karyn, have you brushed your teeth, bathed, or relieved yourself since the assault?"

"No." Another anticipated question followed by a robotic response.

"Have you had consensual sexual intercourse within the past seventy-two hours?"

"No."

"Are you currently on birth control?"

She was startled. Clearly this question had caught her off guard. Karyn knew it shouldn't have, but it did. "I never needed to be..." she whispered quietly. "No, I'm not currently on birth control."

Ensign Anya Ivanovna raised her eyes from the padd. Most women of Karyn's age were, nowadays, unless there was allergy or extreme religious objections. She took a deep breath, this made it so much more complicated. "Are you and a partner trying to get pregnant?" she questioned. "Because it is now procedure for me to administer birth control unless there are extreme religious or moral objections to it."

Karyn simply shook her head. She never thought she would have to face this situation and so was wholly unprepared for it. She considered herself to be Episcopalian and against abortion, but my God, could she refuse under these circumstances? She felt sick. Birth control at this point would amount to an abortion. "I don't have a partner, which is why I'm not on anything, but I'm Episcopalian, Doctor, and against abortion."

Anya sighed softly. That complicated things. "I cannot force you into this, it is a personal decision. But if we do find evidence of rape, I would strongly encourage it before a pregnancy would be able to take hold. Now is the time to deal with it and decide if you really want to risk a rape-related pregnancy."

She sighed, swallowed hard and closed her eyes. "Doctor, right now you can't even tell me if a rape took place, can you? Just finish the exam and then I will decide what I will have to do. There's not a damn thing about this I *wanted* to risk."

"Alright, I'm going to do a topical examination first. I am going to have to take photographs of any lesions on your skin, including bruising and scratches. Afterwards, I am going to have to conduct a rape kit; I will have to do a swab of the vaginal area, take fingernail clippings, blood and hair samples, and conduct a thorough scan. I will also need to use black-light photography to look for any fingerprint he has left on your skin." Anya paused a moment. "Do you understand and consent to the procedure?"

Dallas hadn't realized she was biting her lip until she went to reply and tasted blood. "Yes. I've given this speech." she muttered. And she had... Rose, Electra, Ronni. It seemed like a lifetime ago. She couldn't begin to process what it was like on this side of the biobed. This just couldn't be happening to her. She couldn't possibly find anything, could she?

Anya carefully set to work, ensuring that the curtains were firmly closed before she bagged Karyn's clothing and slipped on her gloves before beginning to take the photographs. She concentrated on the severe bruising around Karyn's legs and her hips, which only seemed to darken as time went on. On one hand, it could have been from her chair toppling over, on the other, it could have been from harsh hands. Karyn had not said who had done this, but whomever it was, they were large and strong for sure.

"I know how hard this is," Anya said, "I've been on that side of the table too." She snapped the first photograph.

Karyn was no longer looking directly at anything. Her eyes remained fixed on the ceiling until the snap of the camera jolted her. "I'm sorry, what?"

"I've been on that side of the table too," Anya replied. "Three years ago, when I was nineteen, I was raped by a fellow cadet. We grew up together, in Moscova, and he was having a difficult time adjusting to the academy. He was thinking about dropping out when things hadn't gotten better in the second year, and I went up to see how he was doing. He was pretty drunk, and he attacked me. I thought I could make it better by staying, but that just hurt both of us."

Anya, what are you doing? she chided herself. This isn't about you and it isn't your place.

She took another photograph, then a third, then a fourth in quick succession around the Commander's pelvic area. There was a large scrape on the left hip, and she took a fifth of that; there was a small piece of hair in the blood there, which she would collect during the extensive body comb.

"I'm so sorry." Dallas replied, forgetting where she was for the briefest of moments. "Did you report him?"

Anya shook her head, catching her voice. "No," she said, "I didn't want to hurt him more. I thought it was my fault, because I couldn't just leave him alone; because I insisted on being there even though he told me he didn't want to see me. And I was embarrassed too, for not being able to defend myself, from not being able to keep it from happening. I... I didn't even go in for a medical check until three days later, and by then, there wasn't any evidence available, even if I'd wanted to. Which..." She shook her head. "I wish I had though. Reported him. Even though I think it would have helped him more than me." She finished the photographs and put the camera down on the table. "Do you need a minute before I do the black light?" Anya asked, resting a hand gently on Karyn's shoulder's, meeting the other woman's eyes.

Karyn couldn't even look at her, especially once the tears began to well. Wasn't that exactly what she was doing? Protecting Victor because she didn't want to hurt him? He hadn't wanted her there and she had gone anyway. She sure as hell hadn't been able to stop him, and she knew that added insult to bloody injury. She realized Anya was talking to her. Dallas wiped at her eyes, snifled once, and shook her head. "Let's just do this." She tried to smile wanly. "No sense prolonging the suspense."

"I'm going to turn off the regular lights now. I will use a special camera that will take photographs of any fingers prints revealed by black light and upload them into the computer. The prints will then be analysed and matched. I am turning off the lights now." She did so and illuminated the light attached to the camera. "Karyn, close your eyes; I need to get your face first." She cast it over the woman's face, finding a few smudged prints on her cheeks, on her neck, and she moved down from there. None of those that she found were in particularly good condition, but there were actually more than she thought there would be. Even given the fact that 90% of them would be the woman's own fingerprints, there was a good chance there would be prints from the attacker. "Okay Karyn," Anya said, turning off the camera. "I'm going to turn on the lights and conduct the rape kit now. I'm going to be collecting hair and fiber samples, and do the vaginal swab and examination. It's going to be very uncomfortable; if you feel any pain, tell me so I can stop."

Somewhere along the line, she had begun to shiver. Trembling naturally aggravated the pain she felt and frustrated her more. Tears trickled down her cheeks, and she fought to prevent the hitching sobs threatening to overwhelm her. Karyn knew if she started crying, she might never stop. She tried to inhale and realized her nose was stuffed. She put her hand up to her mouth as if to ward off another sob, closed her eyes and replied, "You're going to have to help me with the stirrups." She opened her eyes and exhaled slowly.

"Of course," Anya replied softly, finishing the topical examination, slipping the final fibers into the small evidence bags. She then drapped the shivering woman with a thermal sheet before helping her into the position. Fighting her own memories raging through her consciousness, Anya concentrated on the task at hand, trying to look at it as a medical school test; as something not real in the least. It was just a test, just an exercise.

What was it she always told people to picture during this part of the exam? Beaches? The stars? It was all Karyn could do to keep from crying out, from tensing so much the exam would be impossible to complete. A stomach cramp more painful than any she'd ever experienced settled in her lower abdomen and refused to leave her until the pelvic was completed.

"Almost done, Karyn." called Anya.

Deep breaths barely staved off the panic, and the tension made her eyes water.

She finished quickly, finding nothing specific. Perhaps he'd used protection; perhaps nothing had happened. There was no bruising around the immediate area, nor was there any other evidence of intercourse. That might be because it hadn't happened, or it might be because of Karyn's unconsciousness. It was hard to struggle when one was unconscious.

Anya helped Karyn into a more comfortable position after the examination, and returned to the woman's shoulder. "Do you have any other concerns? If not, I am going to run the dermal regenerator and take care of these lesions. Then I'll get you a change of clothes. You are free to stay here as long as you need to. If you have any problems or questions, you can talk to me, or I can get you a counselor if you would feel more comfortable with that."

Anya had very gently eased her into a sitting position and her legs were now dangling off the side of the biobed. The sudden change of position and her concussion made her disoriented and nauseated, so she took a moment to orient herself. "Thank you, Doctor," she whispered. "I'm assuming you need blood from me?" She cleared her throat and forced herself to utter the words. "In case he...gave me somethiing worse than a baby."

"Yes. And I'll be injecting you with some strong antibiotics to counteract known, transmitable viruses. If he's serving upon this ship, I doubt there is much cause to worry, we keep medical records, particularly of that nature, very up to date. But better safe than sorry. Are you hanging in there, okay, Karyn?" Anya was supporting the woman with a strong hand to her upper back, essentially holding her up. "Don't be embarrassed, this is natural, particularly in respect to the injuries you sustained. I'm going to save the blood and antibiotics for last, so you can lay down. Sometimes people get a little queezie afterward. I'll also need to better treat you for your concussion. We'll be keeping you over night. I know it's a lot to digest right now. Just take it easy. Can you sit up on your own now?"

"I..." she exhaled, "I think so, I'm dizzy." she added. "I'm waiting for it to pass." She kept her head down and her eyes closed. "Tell me, Doctor, was I raped?"

"I don't know," Anya admitted. "I can't tell. Honestly, I don't think so, but I cannot be sure one way or the other. You were physically asaulted within an inch of your life, Karyn, even without rape that is very serious. And even without a rape, it is very evident that is the direction the assault was taking." Anya paused. "I'm going to withdraw my hand and start patching you up now. If at any time you feel you need to lay down, let me know."

She felt all the remaining color drain from her face. "You don't know." she echoed. What the hell kind of answer was I don't know? Didn't she get it? She swallowed hard. "I think I might be sick. I...I need to lie down." Her head swam, and her limbs tingled.

"Okay, I'm going to support you Karyn, I want you to put your head between your knees and take slow, deep breaths, okay, concentrate on my voice and your breathing... just take slow, deep breaths, in and out, clear your mind..."

She did as she was told, but nearly laughed aloud. Clear her head? Images came unbidden, images much worse than anything she remembered him doing. All of it was possible, all of it. "I really thought... I really thought you'd tell me nothing happened, you know? I just, I just can't believe it." She looked up at her then and regained some of the control she'd lost. Her voice steadied. "Let's wrap this up, Doctor."

"If you need me to stop, let me know; I want this to be as comfortable as possible," Anya said, slowly moving her hands away, making sure the other woman was steady before she took up her tools and began to heel the burises, cuts, and scrapes decorating Karyn's skin. "As, ah... as someone who's been there before, Karyn, I would recommend talking to someone about what has happened to you. I would recommend it even if there was conclusive evidence to say there hadn't been intercourse. Simply because it's so traumatic. You feel as though all your power has been taken away, I understand, and... you should talk to someone about what you're feeling. They can really help."

Dallas turned her head slowly so as not to aggravate her injuries or interrupt the healing process. She was about to tell her who she was, and then thought better of it. Why open that can of worms? She simply nodded. "I'll keep that in mind, thank you..." A moment later she said, "Earlier you said this," and she gestured vaguely, "might have helped him more than you. Why do you say that?"

Anya took a slow, deep breath. She hadn't allowed herself to think of Alexi for so long now. "Because, if I had reported him, it would have forced him to confront his own demons. He would have had to get help, and he wouldn't have self-destructed. He wasn't a bad guy. He just had problems. And if I'd reported him, he would have been forced to deal with them sooner than he was, and perhaps he wouldn't have gotten into worse trouble later on."

"But you don't understand," she replied, "Victor...he didn't mean to do this. He wasn't even all that aware of what he was doing to me. He was under the influence of the damn pheromones and just simply couldn't control himself. He's not to blame for this. Not really. I'd have no reason to report him, even if I wanted to."

"I said the same thing about Alexi," Anya replied. "He didn't mean it, he wasn't aware; it was the stress and the pressure from his family who made him drink, and it was the drink that made him do what he did; he didn't even remember in the morning, the next day. And it was true. But it was his choice to deal with it as he had; to drink, to let the anger out while he was drunk, directed toward me. And for Alexi, he discovered that it worked. And he used it as an excuse again. But toward another woman, and he ended up killing her." Anya took a deep breath. "And maybe that won't happen with your... Victor. But maybe it will. There's always some amount of control, even in strange circumstances. He could have stopped himself. Or he could not have let you get into the situation. But he did. Just like Alexi allowed me to and allowed the next woman to." Anya's voice had progressively become softer, and now she was no longer looking at Karyn, rather focusing on the bruise on the woman's inner thigh. "You have every reason to report him. Especially because, in cases like this, the best of intentions often fail. Afterall, that's how you got into this in the first place."

That brought her up short, and the anger came bubbling forth. "No, dammit, I got into this because I didn't bother to think. I had been trapped in my quarters for days because of some stupid allergic reaction and instead of stopping to understand the situation, I went barreling in like I always do. Alexi chose to drink, Anya, but Victor, he didn't choose to be exposed to those pheromones, she came knocking on his door. And he didn't stop it, he tried, but it wasn't good enough! I wish to God it was! But it wasn't! *I* wasn't! What would you have me do? Punish him for something neither one of us could prevent?" She hadn't realized she'd been screaming, and once she had, she was mortified.

She took a few deep breaths and when she trusted herself to speak, she replied, "Look, I'm sorry. But you and I... We're not at all the same, ok? I just need to go home."

"You're not going to be able to go home tonight, Karyn, you know that; not with your concussion," Anya replied. "And you can think what you want. I hope that you can come to terms with this and realize that it's not your fault."

She tried to keep her voice steady, to keep herself from bristling. But frankly, Anya was angry at Karyn Dallas, angry for her refusal to stand up forself, angry for her determination to make the same mistakes Anya had and many, many other women before her. Anya didn't care what they said about a society of equality, it was rediculous; when women were in such a position as to be second officer of one of the most impressive ships in the fleet, she had to stand up for herself.

"I'm going to draw the blood now and give you an antibiotic injection. Then you'll need to change into the scrubs laid out for you and lay down. Don't bother arguing."

Had she forgotten she couldn't leave? Her concentration was shot to hell. "Fine." she replied with a sigh of frustration. "But I'll need you to contact Julia Monsoon, she's my personal assistant who helps me to dress and such. She'll worry if I don't come home tonight." Gods, what would Julia say? What would she tell Adrian?

"I will," Anya said, giving her the injection directly following the blood withdrawal. "I will do that now. If you need anything, let me know." Anya smiled softly and handed Karyn her the folded scrubs. "Good night."

With that, she backed carefully out of the private room, leaving Karyn there, alone.

****

Commander Karyn Dallas, RN
Chief Counselor/Nurse
USS Galaxy - A

Lt. Carolyn Shaw, Ph.D.
Chief Counselor
USS Arizona

"The Morning After The Night Before, Part Two"

Principal Characters:
Commander Karyn Dallas, RN,
Chief Counselor/Second Officer

Julia Monsoon
Karyn's Personal Aide

Dr. T'lan
Medical Officer
USS Galaxy - A

****

USS Galaxy
Deck 12
Sickbay

"Where the hell is she?" demanded an all too familiar British personal assistant, mere yards from the private room which housed her lone charge.

*Julia's here.* thought Karyn wryly as she watched the chronometer strike 0800, the time Dallas was slated for release from sickbay.

She focused her attention on her feet dangling off the biobed and smiled apologetically to the nurse currently helping her remain upright. They had to make sure Julia could transfer her in and out of her chair without assistance. Given Karyn's sprained wrist, concussion, and overall physical discomfort, this would prove challenging.

Despite the excellent care she'd received, it would take another couple of days before she'd be feeling like herself again. The bruises were beginning to fade and the scrapes were no longer visible, but she was still quite sore and unsteady on her feet from her pulled back muscles and concussion. The most obvious injuries remained her swollen left eye and nose. The eye was open now and responding to stimuli, but her vision remained a bit blurry and the skin black. Karyn would have to see the ophthalmologist at a later date to make sure things had healed properly.

Mentally, she counted the seconds until Julia would come bounding through the doors, face etched with worry and anger about being left in the dark, and she frowned when the moment didn't come when she'd expected. Finally the door swished open, and Karyn knew instantly what had happened. Monsoon had needed a moment to put on a happy, calm face.

Karyn knew immediately it was false, and she watched as Julia's face fell and tears sprang to her eyes upon seeing Karyn for the first time. Hearing Jules' breath catch on a strangled sob brought home just how upsetting this was.

"Jesus, Mary and Joseph, what have they done?" she muttered, rushing to embrace Dallas, who winced slightly at the mere force of the embrace.

"Careful," the counselor admonished gently, taking a moment to swallow the lump in her throat. "If you think this is bad, you should have seen the before holos. *Or the other guy,* Karyn thought grimly.

Julia pulled back and muttered an apology, and effectively pushed the nurse from her position of physical supporter. "Thanks, hun, I got this." she added in her thick British accent. The nurse moved out of the way, but made no effort to leave the room.

Karyn looked at the fellow RN apologetically. Julia was fiercely protective of Karyn, having cared for her ever since she'd joined Starfleet. Monsoon deftly picked up the PADD containing Karyn's chart with the other hand, started reading it, and sighed impatiently. "I don't know what the hell we're waiting for, I can take care of a few bruises...I..."

Monsoon gasped, and this time, the sob escaped. When she looked up at Karyn, her eyes were filled with disbelief. She was stopped cold by two words: rape kit. Julia looked from Karyn to the nurse and from the nurse to Karyn. She realized then that her hands were shaking and she quickly hid them from Karyn's sight.

Karyn wanted to say something to reassure her, to tell her things were fine, that it was just a precaution... But Anya's words came back to her and the uncertainty stuck in her throat. They couldn't be certain.

"I brought you some clothes," Monsoon said, sounding very far away, almost mechanical, "I thought yours were just..." She was going to say "dirty" but thought better of it. "I brought you some clothes." she repeated.

Before Karyn could reply, the door swished open and Dr. T'lan entered.

"Counselor Dallas. Nurse Monsoon." T'lan greeted the two women coolly, and gave a nod to the staff nurse, who departed. The Vulcan stopped at the side of the bed and set her PADD down. "I have found it to be beneficial when dealing with patients who are, themselves, medical personnel, to conduct a final review before discharging them. It minimizes the opportunities for self-diagnosis and alteration of the prescribed treatment regimen by 17.65%."

Julia regarded the Vulcan doctor coolly. She would have said something further, but she didn't want to upset Karyn. "By all means, Doctor." Karyn simply turned her attention to the Vulcan. A part of her was grateful for the emotionless delivery.

"First, your medication." T'lan withdrew a container from her lab coat and presented it to Monsoon. "The Counselor receives one of these for pain every twelve hours. She requires food with the medication. The only side-effect she should experience is a slightly decreased appetite. If any other symptoms appear, discontinue the medication and contact me immediately. She will need to take all the medication provided. If the pain persists after the end of the medication, contact me immediately."

"Understood," Karyn and Julia answered simultaneously. Karyn was a bit annoyed at being treated like she wasn't in the room, but for Julia, it was like talking to a colleague. "What about a sedative? I think she might need something to help her sleep, don't you think?"

Before T'lan could say anything in reply to Monsoon's question, Karyn interrupted. "*No,* I don't *want* a sedative, I don't *want* contraception, I just want to go home. I think I've made that point quite clear. Now, what else must I know before I can do that?"

"You should remember that the results from the kit were inconclusive, Counselor. There still exists a 9.6789 % chance that the result was a false negative. I will need to examine you again in forty-eight hours, and at that time I can eliminate the remaining margin of error. I have taken the liberty of placing this appointment on your schedule already."

She couldn't look Jules in the eye in that moment. Karyn wanted to ask how she would be able to determine in forty-eight hours what they couldn't determine now, but another part of her wanted to spare Jules and herself the details. Dallas felt Monsoon's trembling hand on her shoulder and shivered upon feeling the chill. Jules was afraid for Karyn, tentative. *Shit.* was all that came to mind when she realized the sudden change in interaction. This was definitely not what she wanted. "I understand, Doctor, thank you."

T'lan regarded her for a moment, as if deciding something. "I also recommend strongly that you take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that you are not alone or unescorted with either of the individuals involved in the incident for the foreseeable future. It seems... unwise."

Jules felt Karyn's entire body stiffen, and for a moment she thought Dallas was simply going to come unglued, blow her top like she usually did, but she didn't. And that scared the hell out of Julia Monsoon. Tears sprang to Karyn's eyes, angry tears that would be hidden by the limp auburn hair, curls long gone, hanging in her face. She refused to let the tears fall. It would be the first of many such suppressions to come. Karyn waited until she was in control of her emotions and then took that moment to tuck her hair behind her ear. When she spoke, it was with irony, bordering on self-reproach. "You don't have to worry, Doctor, I think I've learned my lesson on that score, don't you?"

Had she been looking in her direction, Karyn would have noticed that Monsoon's face had gone gray. Still she felt the need to salvage the moment. "Karyn, she didn't mean..."

"I don't need a translator, Julia." It was a quiet reply, a dismissal of sorts, but Jules knew Karyn too well. Dallas made a move to slide off the biobed but was overcome with a wave of dizziness. She swallowed hard, fighting the rising bile, and looked up at T'lan. "I trust I have spectrum wide antibiotics to take?"

The Vulcan, closer than Karyn remembered, nodded once as she steadied Karyn with a hand on her shoulder. "Yes. The antibiotics are cojoined with the pain medication so you will only require one set of medication to keep track of. Since you prefer not to take a sleeping aid, I suggest a long hot bath instead."

Karyn nodded. "I should have no trouble sleeping, Doctor, I...didn't get much sleep last night. Sleeping in my own bed should help tremendously." She offered a reassuring smile for Julia's sake and decided then there was no point in mentioning the nightmare which had kept her awake all night.

T'lan nodded. "There is one more thing, Counselor." She picked the PADD up and reversed it, handing it to Karyn. "I would like your signature on this."

Karyn took the PADD and had to re-read it twice before she could comprehend what it said before she could formulate a response. "A transfer request from the Medical Department to the Counseling Department?" Dallas frowned. Had they discussed this before? Karyn couldn't remember.

"I have already cleared it with Dr. Malgin, Counselor. It requires only your approval."

Karyn frowned and closed her eyes for a moment, trying to remember any conversation they might have had, but her memory remained fuzzy. She opened her blue eyes, but her vision remained blurry. "I didn't realize you were a licensed therapist. Forgive me, but have you and I talked about a transfer previously?"

"No, Counselor, we have not. I have considered it for some time, however. It seems… logical." She pointed to a line on the transfer. "You will notice that I have done what I can to make the transfer seamless by using Provisional Transfer Clause 346 - 24A in making the request. Should you decide that my talents are better suited elsewhere, you need do nothing but wait for the 90 day provisional period to expire and I will automatically rotate back to Medical. If you wish to retain me, you will need to complete Transfer Approval Form 346 - 25 at the end of the 90 day period. I have attached the form to the transfer for your convenience."

"Why?" Were she in a better frame of mind, she might have chalked things up to simple Vulcan arrogance, but as it was she was barely following the conversation.

"Because," T'lan began immediately, having apparently decided the question was logical to prepare for, "I find that simply healing a broken physical body offers no challenge to me now. Healing a broken mind and spirit, however, is a challenge. Surak taught us that to ignore a challenge is to fail to meet it, and that failure without striving for success is not logical."

Karyn simply nodded, her mind had wandered, and she wondered quietly whether Surak would think she had succeeded or failed today. After T'lan's comments, she wasn't sure she cared to know. "Report to Lt. Commander An'quinsos. He'll be filling in for me until I return."

The conversation was interrupted by an exaggerated clearing of the throat. What was this Doctor thinking? "If you're finished begging her for a job, Doctor, I'd like to take the Counselor home. Now, how shall I transfer her given her injuries?" The British nurse was clearly over it.

"Site-to-site transport," T'lan replied blandly as she positioned herself to assist Monsoon in getting Karyn to her feet. "I have already arranged it with Operations. There will be no official record of the transport, as there will be no official record of the Counselor's presence here."

Monsoon looked up in surprise, but it wasn't for reasons T'lan might expect. "You're not required to report this, Doctor? I would think in a situation like this you'd have to report this for the safety of the ship, I mean my God, these people have to be stopped... If someone could do this to Karyn..."

Dallas' hand on Julia's arm finally alerted her that Karyn was actually still in the room. Her grip was firm, but her voice was uncharacteristically soft. "I asked her not to, Jules. In this case, it wouldn't do any good. He didn't mean to do this Jules."

Monsoon looked at the counselor as if she'd grown a second head. "Oh well, that's just great, Karyn. Will you arrange a meeting with those responsible, hmm? Get them to give you a hug perhaps?"

Karyn's voice took on a harder edge. "You're not listening to me, Julia, the man primarily responsible was under the influence of Mudd's pheromones. He couldn't control himself, Victor-"

"VICTOR," Monsoon interrupted, wrenching her arm from Karyn's grasp. "That son of a bitch," she spat, "that son of a bitch. He's security for Christ sakes. I knew there was something wrong with him, everybody knows it. He acts like a damn predator, a caged animal. Did he threaten you? Is that why you won't report this? Because I swear, Karyn, I won't let you take this victim's status lying down..."

She turned to T'lan, still livid. "Did you or your people allow him to threaten her?"

T'lan regarded her with the annoyingly coolness that Vulcans greeted all human emotional outbursts. "The Counselor has been threatened by no one since she entered my care. That would be illogical, and counterproductive to the healing process." She raised an eyebrow at Monsoon. "Much the same as your outburst just now is. I have explained the logic of the situation to the Counselor, and it is her choice, given the circumstances, to not report the incident. I may disagree with her reasoning, but that is irrelevant - the choice is not mine to make." She glanced at Karyn. "You have not changed your mind, have you, Counselor?"

"No," Dallas replied quietly. As good as it might have felt to see Victor Krieghoff suffer, what good was there to come of it? She was still going to have to live and work on the Galaxy, what would be the point of bringing it all up for the rumor mill and ruining the reputation of a man who probably didn't know what he was doing? This was no one's fault, at least not the fault of anyone in reach.

Julia exhaled in frustration. "Fine."

Karyn looked up. "I'd like to go home now, Doctor."

”Very well,” T’lan nodded. “If,” she looked to Julia, “the Counselor has any difficulty that arises after you depart, I will continue to treat her off the record to resolve it. You need only contact me directly and I will take care of the rest. I am available at any point during the day or night for such a call.”

"Christ," Karyn swore forcefully, breathlessly, "I'm in the room! I'm in the bloody room! For God's sake, this is exactly what I didn't... Look, *I'll* call you if *I* need you."

Julia, being human, had the good sense to look appropriately chastized.

“Very well, then.” T’lan tapped her combadge. “Two to beam to Counselor Dallas’ quarters.” She stepped back and nodded once to the pair.

****

Commander Karyn Dallas, RN
Chief Counselor/Nurse
USS Galaxy - A

Lt. Carolyn Shaw, Ph.D.
Chief Counselor
USS Arizona

"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?"

By
Legate Kylar Curran,
Chief Liaison Officer

Lt. Commander James Corgan
Chief of Security

Sub-Commander Savar ir-Aihai tr'Khellian
Acting Chief Tactical Officer

Guest Stars:
Rihannsu Ambassador Ramir Omar,
Junior Senator

Lt. jg Ahdjiia D'Tinya,
Security Officer

Lt (JG) Victor Krieghoff
Security Officer

Major Saladin Bolivar,
Chief Intelligence Officer

Boatswains Mate Melinda Tracy,
Shuttlebay Guidance Control

Atole Tekri,
Tal Shiar Officer

*****

Deck 13,
Center Pylon Junction,
Auxiliary Shuttle Bay 2
Shuttle Guidance Control

*****

From the smallish Shuttlebay observation balcony, Kylar Curran watched as the shuttle glided itself around the rear of the gargantuan Phase Cannon, swooping in under the nacelle in its descent towards the deck below.

Ambassador Omar, decked out in his best apparel befitting a member of the Senate, awaited the arrival on the deck plating below him, unaware the Kelvan was watching.

[Shuttle Fethraie requesting permission to dock] The curt tones of the pilot who was delivering the Tal Shiar officer betrayed no emotion. Strictly business.  Boatswain's Mate Melinda Tracy looked to the Liaison Officer from behind her guidance window, awaiting his signal. Kylar gave her a sharp nod to signify the grant.

"Shuttle Fethraie, you are cleared to land.  Disengage your engines, activate your magnetic moorings.  We'll guide you in."  The shuttle glided to a calm stop several meters outside the azure screen that kept out the fatal vacuum of space beyond.  Immediately, twin beams of lavender light emitted from the tractor emitters located on each side of the bay outside to connect with the shuttle.  It gently glided the arrival in.  Tracy gulped as she guided the former enemy ship into the home stretch.  As the moorings lined up, an audible click resonated throughout the bay.  The shuttle locked into its place on the deck plating and towed off to its berth aside.

Melinda let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.  She'd guided many a shuttle in, but never with the Diplomatic Officer in attendance, and certainly not for a Romulan Shuttle.  She searched for Curran to formally announce the arrival, but he was already gone.

This was one hell of a story to share with her bunkmates later off-shift. The life of a Boatswain's Mate was never excitable.

Kylar took the external exit to meet up with the rest of the 'welcoming committee' he knew were on their way or had already arrived below.

*****

Deck 13,
Center Pylon Junction,
Outside Auxiliary Shuttle Bay 2

*****

Curran found Corgan and company, tr'Khellian, and Bolivar waiting just outside as he'd expected.

"What quarters have you assigned the visitor, Major?"  Curran strode up to stand aside the Intelligence Officer as he held out the route they would take.

"I've assigned her quarters on Deck 9." The gruff genetically enhanced human traced a finger over the path they would take.  "Visiting delegates receive limited Level 2 data access clearance.  I've refined that to a further limitation.  Any access to Starfleet data will be flagged and analyzed.  All ship layout access will also be locked out.  She and Omar have access only to civilian locations only.  Any other requests will be simultaneously relayed to both our offices, with a tagged addendum to the Captain's daily access reports."

"Very good.  Are you prepared for meeting our guest, Sub-Commander?"

Savar nodded once. If he felt any nervousness at the imminent arrival of a Tal Shiar assassin, none of it was betrayed in his demeanour. He carried in his hands a bowl of scented water, and a soft cloth. "I am prepared, Legate."

"'Commander Corgan.  Lieutenant D'Tinya is to make the Sub-Commander her first priority.  Lieutenant Krieghoff will monitor Atole Tekri at all times." 

He focused on the two security officers in the preparations.  "Make sure you have those scanners operating on silent mode."  Back to Corgan. 

"You and I will entertain the Ambassador.  Any other questions from anyone?"

"No... that should cover it." Corgan tugged uncomfortably at his collar. Like the ambassador, the security staff was obliged to wear their white dress uniforms. The collar almost chafed as much as Kylar Curran's micromanagement.

Not appreciating the Ambassador's control of the situation, James could only hope for the best, and pray Curran's arrogance didn't get the better of him!

"Then let us meet our guest."  Kylar reached around and depressed the terminal that allowed them entrance into a whole new world.

"Romulan Roulette"

By
Legate Kylar Curran,
Chief Liaison Officer

Lt. Commander James Corgan
Chief of Security

Sub-Commander Savar ir-Aihai tr'Khellian
Acting Chief Tactical Officer

Rihannsu Ambassador Ramir Omar,
Junior Senator

Lt. jg Ahdjiia D'Tinya,
Security Officer

Lt (JG) Victor Krieghoff
Security Officer

Major Saladin Bolivar,
Chief Intelligence Officer

Guest Stars:
Atole Tekri,
Tal Shiar Officer

*****

Deck 13,
Center Pylon Junction,
Auxiliary Shuttle Bay 2

*****

The shuttlecraft completed its docking procedures, latching down to snuggle into its niche in the bay.

The dull green scout, a short-range ship, was devoid of markings save the symbol describing it as a diplomatic envoy. Its shape and form were unrecognizable if not for the close resemblance to the Scouts of the Dominion War past.

A hiss of air, and lines formed where none could be seen previously on the side of the craft. The hatch raised outwards, and steps fell through. A dark boot resonated on the dull metal step as a short thud, then, slowly, resolutely, a form emerged.

A female, attired in highly provocative clothing of the Northern Sector of ch'Rihan, was hardly a show of diplomacy. Even less of being a bodyguard. But then again, illusion and diversion were art forms finely honed by the Rihannsu.

"Greetings my lord. I am Atole Tekri." Her voice, soft, yet hardened by resolution, denoted confidence and power.

From Ramir's standpoint, the woman certainly did not seem to be a bodyguard. Her clothing was in great contrast when compared to the brown robes of a traditional senator. Her physique was streamlined, though it hardly appeared to be the physique of a warrior.

Tekri greeted him with a slight bow. He responded to her gesture by nodding to her.

"Are You Tal Shiar?" he asked of her, unshaken on the outside, but internally it was a different story. He was not so sure he liked or even believed in the reasons she was here.

"I Am Tal Shiar, Junior Senator. I am to survey the traitor for possible danger, amongst other reasons."

"What if the veruul is dangerous, then?" Omar suspiciously asked of her.

"Colonel Omar has not allowed for me to discuss that occurrence with you." Tekri very calmly stated to the senator. A smile tugged at the corner of her lip; thankfully her training kept the façade from showing through.

This was her first assignment. She could hardly fail her training. Since the decimation of the Tal Shiar at Cardassia, the need to replenish their numbers had been great, and training accelerated. The mental hardening curriculae had to be shortened in her graduating class, and the pressure to succeed increased. It wasn't uncommon for other classmates of hers to have gone 'missing' after a failed assignment. She had known one personally.

Hers was the first class to graduate the enhanced course, therefore under the most pressure to establish the status quo of the new order. She would not fail.

"Imirrhlhhse! (F***!)" The senator hissed at her. Tekri though did not flinch at his reaction to her statement.

"I am not allowed to discuss with you that occurrence."

"What are you allowed to discuss with me then?" Omar calmed himself. The senator greatly hated the fact that his father put his ambitions ahead of his only son. Though if the traitor were to be dealt with via his family then they would be put into the aristocracy.

"I shall have to nearly constantly accompany as your diplomatic attaché and especially when you are meeting with the traitor."

"What?" Omar was not going to be spoken to with that tone! "Get out of..."

The sentence was very abruptly ended with the arrival of a team of security officers. Legate Curran and the traitor were accompanying the officers.

"Hello Legate!" Tekri was eyeing the Legate with delicious delight at his rather surprising arrival.

"Jolan'Tru... how may I address you?" Unsure of her status, the Kelvan wanted to stick as close to protocol as possible. First impressiona meant everything.

"Sub-Centurion will suffice." Her Tal Shiar position was Sub-Centurion and therefore the statement was not entirely false. Though the Legate would assume that she had been referring to her position inside of the Imperial Navy.

Kylar tilted his head at an angle in assent, warily keeping an eye on the assassin. "As you wish."

She looked away from the Legate to level her gaze at the target. The Sub-Commander had an acceptable physique for his age though obviously his military training could not possibly compete with what she had gained from her enhanced training.

She should not dismiss him so easily, though. The traitor had been an important military nobleman prior to his decision to argue with nearly all of the senate. His behaviour would not normally be associated with the behaviour of a high-ranking officer. It also should not be forgotten his stature carried many privileges. Connections not easily lost by being sent into exile. He may even have connections with the Tal Shiar itself. She would need to take care not to over-estimate his capabilities.

The Junior Senator, agitated and obviously irritated, was looking directly at her. The Omar family consisted of capitalists with egos larger than most colonized planets and gas giants (not that she didn't think the overbearing Seantor was full of hot gas himself). For that singularly large reason she greatly despised the rather overly wealthy senator.

Her choice of wardrobe was already impressive by Corgan's unsophisticated standards. Her alluring dress complimented her physically toned body. He likened the look to the consort ninjas of medieval Japan, a description more apt considering her profession. His eyebrow raised, though his face was stone.

~"Interesting."~ He kept his thoughts short and simple, to prevent her piercing green eyes from boring into his ashen gray's. Affording a glance at Omar, he could tell that the Romulan Ambassador was flushed. This brought a slight amusement he couldn't hide. He would allow the new arrivals, Omar and Curran interpret that as they wished.

"Jolan'tru, Atole Tekri," Savar intoned, with a smile, and giving a bow which was rather too deep for someone of her social status, which was low, relative to his. He allowed his eyes to linger for a moment too long on her ample chest before returning his gaze to her amused eyes, and extending his hands to her.

The woman calling herself Atole Tekri, returned the bow, bending her sinuous torso, then dipped her hands slowly into the scented water, maintaining a seductive eye contact with tr'Khellian the whole time.

"Jolan'tru, Sub-Commander tr'Khellian," she replied, in a strong voice. A few drops rained back into the bowl before she took the soft, fine cloth and wiped them dry with long, suggestive strokes. The ritual was ages old, a custom to offer refreshment to guests after an arduous journey. Her journey had been neither long, nor arduous, but the custom was always honoured among the Rihannsu.

Tr'Khellian watched her, allowing himself to almost leer at the woman, masking his contempt for her base strategy with a lewd expression. Whilst Tekri was clearly a shapely, fine young woman, with a toned body and curves in all the right places, the desire he was displaying was artificial. He preferred class, not crass - and the tight, revealing clothing Tekri was trussed up in was more befitting of a high-class whore on a provincial colony world than a diplomatic attache assigned to a member of the Senate. She had obviously dressed like this purposely, and it suited his own purposes to make her believe that it was working. She had every reason to believe so - she was indeed attractive: Corgan had already been eyeing her up.

"It is a delight to welcome another Rihana onboard this vessel," tr'Khellian said, with another smile.

"Thank you, Sub-Commander, for your charming welcome," Tekri returned, with a smile which displayed her straight, white teeth. "I had not expected to be greeted in the manner of our people." Her eyes flickered like daggers towards Ambassador Omar, who had been rude enough to forgo the ceremony and not even greet her. Tr'Khellian smiled knowingly, in unspoken sympathy, though her implied criticism of her superior rankled deep within him.

Victor watched the exchange with the detachment he displayed towards everything now. The woman was young, and wore her desire to do well like a cloak. If she lived long enough, she might make a wolf - or whatever filled the pack predator niche on Romulus in the past - but for now she was too eager, too untested. Dangerous, yes, just like any animal just into adulthood and eager to prove themselves, but not a true predator, not yet. She would always work better in a group, following orders and obeying her agency's rules, and that was where she would, ultimately, fail: because she would expect Victor to do the same.

Idly, Victor wondered if she would make her move before he was transferred, or if he would have to leave before that. Perhaps he would deal with the threat before he left, regardless of what she had done, perhaps not. That was in the future, and there was no future for him anymore. There was only now.

OOC: took place right after the Galaxy left Wolf 359

"...Not My Cup Of Tea"

Lieutenant (jg) Michael McDowell
Engineer

***

Deck 7,
Junior Officers Quarters,
Section 29B

***

"Hot chocolate."

The Replicator hummed while it processed the request and moments later a steaming cup filled with one of Michael's favorite drink materialized in the small alcove.

He took the cup out and carefully took a few sips. It tasted good, as always. ~Just what I needed.~

"Computer, start Personal Log. New Entry."

The familiar response of the computer followed shortly after Michael gave the command and now waited for his input. However, what followed was silence. Instead of talking Michael was looking out the window watching the stars go by while the ship was at warp. He never grew tired of looking at such a scene. It always had a calming effect on him, something he could use right now. Seen from that point of view it had been a good idea to place the couch opposite to the window.

Michael took another sip of the hot chocolate and then sat down on the couch. He let out a long sigh and let his mind ponder over all what had happened in the last few months.

"Where to start? So much has happened. The Mission to Quentin, the refit at Wolf 359 Advanced Tactical School,...oh yes, and lets not forget our Quick virus troubles. Really, it does haunt us. By now I could write a book about all the reported incidents. Sometimes it amazes me that no one has been severely hurt yet."

He paused a few moments while taking another sip of the hot chocolate. An itch at his chin suddenly became almost unbearable and it took some scratching to get rid of it. It was probably because of the two days old beard.

"And then there are those extra shifts Ethan is letting me cover for him. I find it hard to adjust to that, and that's an understatement. I haven't even shaved for two days. I think that says enough. There's one other thing. It's not that I don't understand why he needs his shift covered, but why he let me do it? Why didn't he appoint Grey to lead Alpha shift? Or Jillis? They all outrank me. So, again, why? If I didn't know better it's like he's giving me a special treatment. But that's ridiculous, and in this case it's all far too obvious."

Ethan's strange decision kept nagging Michael. In fact, most people in Engineering wondered what had motivated the Chief to bypass his own Assistant Chief. It had created an awkward situation. Every time Michael showed up on Alpha shift he felt the staring eyes in his back, and he imagined they asked themselves questions like 'What is going on?' and 'Why is he here instead of Lieutenant Grey?', and more of the same kind.

"Something is not right, of that I'm sure. But I'm hesitant to ask Ethan about it. Maybe there's something wrong with Grey, something on a personal level, and if that is true then it's none of my business."

~Personal problems,...yeah, who doesn't have them?~ Michael thought and considered his own troubles for some moments. Of course, some problems are far more serious than others. Now that he thought of it, he hadn't seen Grey for some time now. ~Lets hope she's doing okay.~

"Talking about personal problems; Lieutenant' Dhanishta Eshe is still struggling with her own. I try to help her in any way I can but it seems nothing works. Most of the time she doesn't even want my help. It's even worse. I don't even know what exactly her problems are and where they come from. She simply doesn't tell me."

Michael sighed and drank the last of his now lukewarm chocolate. Meanwhile he stood up and moved over to the replicator. "I hope the Counselors have more success, because I'm running out of options. ...Computer, end personal log."

After placing the empty cup into the alcove Michael tapped a single time on the small console of the replicator and the cup dematerialized.

"Tea, Darjeeling, hot." Michael's request came as soon the as cup had disappeared. It looked like the Replicator had trouble with the quick succession of commands as it suddenly started functioning in an erratic way while powering off and on.

The end result was a monstrous deformed ceramic teacup containing some strange brown goo that looked a lot like mud. Michael frowned and carefully stuck a finger in the brown substance.

"Computer, what has just been replicated?"

["Tea, brandname 'Darjeeling'."]

"Yeah,...I knew you would say that." Michael said and tried to wipe off the goo from his finger back onto the malformed cup. He reached for his combadge. "Here we go again."

"And So It Begins"

by
Ensign Barnabas Tukino,
Chief of Xenology,
U.S.S. Galaxy - A

Unauthorized use of Captain M'Kantu and Cutter Ka'ranin.

Stars drifted in horizontal streaks against their palette of darkness as the Pacifican leaned against the frame of the window port, still dressed only in pajama bottoms. A soft chime helped to bring his thoughts back to the present, and he blinked, his daydream passing as might a chill or an itch.

"The time is now 0700," the computer announced politely.

Time to get ready: a shower and a quick dial-up of breakfast (fruit and grains, some juice, but no coffee) helped immensely. He'd been unpacked since boarding at Wolf 359, but he'd treated his quarters as if they were a hotel room. Decorated in standard Starfleet straight-lines-and-right-angles, the room cried out for his personal effects to break up the placid tones of the room, but he hadn't yet taken the time to decorate. His transfer had been a split-second decision, but he'd delayed his actual activation to duty to use up his accumulated leave time. Not that it had helped that much. Sure, he'd managed to finish the necessary notations on both the research he'd brought with him and that he'd abandoned on the Explorer; he'd written individual, careful letters by hand to his parents and siblings (who might receive them in six months, if they were lucky; it was at such times he wished desperately they might deign to buy a computer port or at least a communications terminal); and the only places on board he'd visited were the mess, the library and one of the crew lounges. And, of course, he'd sent messages to some of his former crewmates.

K'iana.

He missed K'iana Dav terribly. Their relationship, so up-and-down, so out of the norm, had been a spiral of missed cues and bad timing. It had started on Carpathia. Their friendship and mutual respect had grown into something more special, but K'iana had been involved with someone else at the time. Unconsciously, his face screwed up into a frightful scowl. He hadn't wanted to admit it (out loud, at least), but there had been a primal fear about indulging in a romantic pastime with her. Not only was she his commanding officer, she was Caitian, and his family (who had never seen an extraterrestrial, not even a Vulcan) could hardly have been blamed for an inability to welcome a humanoid feline (albeit a highly attractive one) into the family. Their small village was not a cultural Mecca; growing up, it had been hard enough having friends who were Pakeha. Aliens were something incomprehensible.

Then Carpathia was attacked; he'd been injured severely and almost died. He 'd been delirious at one point, and K'iana reported to him later he'd professed to loving her. He didn't remember it; the doctor treating him wasn't surprised. "Your temperature was 105 degrees. You wouldn't have remembered your own name, much less your serial number or what planet you were from." The ship, their ship (much like their fledgling romance that wasn't) had been damaged beyond repair, decommissioned, the majority of her crew reassigned to Explorer.

"Maybe, on the Carpathia," K'iana had told him, "we would have had a chance. Captain Reaper is a man who understands loss. He would have sympathized." He remembered like yesterday the deep breath she'd taken, and then her voice cracked. "But this is a new start. And I think I need it. But I haven't decided yet if I'm going to transfer. Everything is just so confusing right now." Even then, he hadn't been able to admit to her his feelings; she had to come to Explorer with him. He'd kissed her passionately on the lips, telling her whatever she decided was okay when it wasn't . and the next time he saw her, they were both on board Explorer as if nothing had happened. Distance and professionalism were keys to the game.

True, things changed, and as most of their former crewmates were present, it hadn't taken long for the sparks to rekindle once again. And K'iana had been correct as well: the Explorer was not Carpathia. Their new captain, a Vulcan, expected nothing less than detachment between department heads and their subordinates. Romance was forced to congeal into friendship and mutual adoration, much to his frustration.

The recent turn of events had come about so suddenly, there hadn't been any time to process it all. His tired mind, still reeling from his insomnia of the night before, rattled off the events as if they were a grocery list: receive change of orders, abandon U.S.S. Explorer, say good-bye to K'iana, meet transport to Wolf 359, arrive U.S.S. Galaxy - A.

As his commission orders had clearly outlined that he was on leave upon boarding in order to see to personal business, no one had gone out of their way to say "hello" or welcome him outright. He'd checked in via computer, received his assignment of quarters, and merely moved in. He'd filed messages with both his new captain and commanding officer; both had returned polite responses looking forward to their initial face-to-face meeting. During his few sojourns about the ship he had received tacit nods of acknowledgement, as well as outright stares of curiosity. Neither was unexpected.

"The time is now 0745," the computer reminded him.

It's time for work, he thought. One last glance in the mirror allowed him to brush off his uniform, the blue sciences stripe standing out starkly against his skin. He carefully studied the whorled tattoos on his face and neck, the tribal earring (also sporting the small Caitian chain K'iana had given him) dangling in his left ear, and the carefully-groomed mane of black, wavy hair which reached down to the small of his back. Dispensations notwithstanding, he was the picture-perfect visage of a Starfleet officer.

"Computer," he said, his husky oil-on-gravel voice grated into the room, rich and robust with the New Zealand sounds he loved, "please send message to Captain M'Kantu and Lieutenant Ka'ranin that I'm en route."

"Acknowledged," the computer responded primly. "You are expected in the Captain's Ready Room on Deck 1 in ten minutes."

He clipped his commbadge to his uniform, peeked in the mirror once more, and was gone.

::::::::::

M'Kantu slowly scanned the personnel dossier while Ka'ranin stood impassively by his side. In front of the desk, Tukino also stood at attention, eyes riveted forward. Ka'ranin was studying him speculatively, taking in the obvious exceptions to regulation dress and grooming, but made no comment. Finally, the captain looked up and gave a faint smile. "At ease, Ensign."

Tukino dropped his gaze to meet the captain's. "Ensign Barnabas W. Tukino. It's a pleasure to have you aboard." M'Kantu referred back to the dossier, shaking his head slightly at one entry. "You seem to have had a wide range of adventures in two-plus years: pirates, engineered viruses used for ethnic cleansing purposes, assassination attempts, ectoplasmic life forms . the list goes on and on."

He gave a nod of acknowledgement.

"It says here you have a remarkable aptitude for sciences," M'Kantu continued. "That's quite unique given your upbringing."

"Just lucky I guess, sir," Tukino responded, with a small of air of self-satisfaction. Ka'ranin raised an eyebrow.

"Apparently," M'Kantu replied dryly, eyes riveting back onto the dossier. "Unfortunately you also seem to possess a gift for impetuous behavior, a lack of tact, and losing your temper. What's this entry about the destruction of a barbershop on Deep Space 23? It says you had to be restrained by four security officers." Ka'ranin smirked as Tukino's face fought to resist a scowl. He recovered quickly, though, Ka'ranin noticed. He was a large man, in good shape, and if he was truly as smart as he looked strong, there was definite promise here.

"I've had some setbacks," Tukino responded grudgingly. "But I take my licks like a man and start again. That's in there as well," and he made a vague pointing gesture at the desk computer before resuming his stance.

M'Kantu nodded, leaning back in his chair. "I'm glad to hear that, Mr. Tukino. I like to think I run an organized, tight ship. I wanted a Chief of Xenology who could fit in with that mold, someone who could do their job clinically and professionally, while also being able to appreciate what it means to be an outsider, or different, or new. I specifically requested that when I put the requisition in to Starfleet. Both Captains Reaper and Tyvok thought you would fit the bill superbly, as did your former commanding officer."

K'iana. He bit his lip. He couldn't think of her now.

"I hope you won't disappoint me, Mr. Tukino. I'm expecting great things from you."

"Do my best, Captain," he replied, refusing to waver or look weak.

There was a pause, and the captain nodded thoughtfully.

"Lieutenant," M'Kantu said, turning to Ka'ranin, "please exercise the necessary protocols to bring Mr. Tukino up to speed: ship's tour, physical in Sickbay, orientation to the science labs, security preferences, meetings scheduling, staff introductions, and the like. You know what to do."

Ka'ranin nodded acknowledgement. "Of course, sir."

The captain fixed him with a solid stare. "So it begins. I'm hoping you will be very happy here, Mr. Tukino. If there is anything you need, you may contact the lieutenant or me right away."

"Aye, sir," Tukino responded.

"That said," M'Kantu stretched slightly in his chair, "you're dismissed."

Ensign Barnabas Tukino

Chief of Xenology

U.S.S. Galaxy - A

"Breaking the Mirror, Part I"

OOC NOTE: This post takes place after "Rubbing Salt In The Wounds", and just before "Born to Fly".

Primary Characters:

Lieutenant Commander Cassius Henderson
Flight Officer T'Shani A'Akledorian

****

USS Galaxy
Deck 11
Holodeck 4

~Okay, so checking in with Rima was probably a stupid idea,~ Cass thought, running his hands through his hair, disheveled as it was after his latest 'conversation' with the Queen of Self Pity. ~And, come to think of it, this is probably also a stupid idea. More stupid, in fact. To the Nth degree.~

After talking to Lieutenant Rex, who'd related some of his conversation with Flight Officer A'Akledorian, he decided to check on the latest of the ship's problems. ~Why is it that every woman I meet is massively dysfunctional? Then again, Pennington's only punch! ed me once. I get the feeling that A'Akledorian would like to do far more than that to most people. Especially Rex.~

Checking her location, he started down the turbolift. ~Holodeck 4, eh? Taking out her aggression no doubt.~

Arriving at the holodeck, he stood in front of the door. ~Ookay... You're the XO, you can do this.~ After a few minutes, he got up the courage to confront the other officer, and stepped in the door, then carefully off to one side.

***

"VERK'IREI'EEL!!!"

The cold steel of the the Andorian's chaka sliced through the cool night air as the Warrior's Cry burst from her chest.

~That *FUCKING* Rex! Of all the nerve!~ She slashed at the figure again as it backflipped and threw something at her. Quickly, Tish's powerful legs sprung her up and over, as the tossed blade impaled itself on a Zlek tree behind her.

Breathing smoothly, yet rapidly--both hearts beating furio! usly--the Andorian warrior quickly doubled-back into the dense brush, drawing the foolish attacker into the open as *it* persued.

~What is it about the psyche of the Federation officer that makes them seek out a fight when they're irritated,~ Henderson said, ~The only thing that keeps Pennington from doing it is her complete lack of a spine, or combat ability to speak of.~

Raising her antennae high, she *saw* the holographic attacker move closer...closer...she was so focused on the re-enactment that she didn't even notice Cass standing behind her, hidden in some of the jungle brush...

The figure was Rihannsu, and he was holding a dagger, as well as his midsection, where a nasty cut marred the alien's skin. No doubt inflicted by T'Shani's chaka. Finding his position to be safe, Henderson crept a little closer.

In a silent motion, Tish held her breath and rolled onto her back, chaka gripped to her chest. Next--as the figure inadverta! ntly walked right over her--, she kicked her legs straight up, connecting with the persuer's chin, as a loud **CRACK** sounded in the thick, nighttime air. She leapt and spun to a low, spread-eagle leg-stance in front of him. As the Romulan fell forward--and before he had any time to react--Tish spun her blade in her hands--her yellow eyes almost glowing with hatred--as she brought the blade up, into, and clean through the attacker, bisecting him bilaterally.

~She moves so fast,~ Cass noted, crouching again, ~A Grandmaster... Truly frightening.~

Tish raised her blade high, the green, wet blood on the cool bluish-steel of her chaka glistening in the light from the twin moons in the sky above.

She was about to sound the Cry of Victory, when, all of the sudden, she noticed something out of the corner of her antenna. ~What the? That's not in the simulation!~ Quickly she leapt closer to where it was standing: behind her, to the left in a thicket of d! ense foliage...

"Flight Officer, Hold!" Henderson said as he rolled to one side, his insertion training kicking in. He really didn't feel like being attacked, even if the safeties would keep him from any real, permanent harm, "Just wanted to talk."

"Grrrrrrrr!" she actually *growled* at him as she held her chaka high and in front of her, prepared to strike, until she saw who it was...

~Fuck! What the fuck?!~

She stood still for a second, her right antenna twitching with great annoyance at Henderson's intrusion. Slowly, she lowered the weapon and stood to her full height.

Cass propped himself up on one arm. Ridiculous. He knew how stupid coming here was, but then again, part of that came with the new job. Making sure the whole crew is... safe.

"Computer, freeze program." the distinctive tri-tone chirp of the computer indicated its compliance. She took another step closer to Henderson, who was still lying-! -though now propped up, somewhat--on the ground.

"Raise lighting level by fifteen percent and remove holographic entities." Gradually, the ambient light increased from the deep-night black to more of a dark pre-evening dusk as the holographic corpse of the dead Romulan dissolved from existance, along with the green blood on her blade.

Eyeing Henderson cooly, "You are fortunate, 'Commander. This is not a holographic chaka; no safeties," she explained as her strong arm reached down and easily plucked Cass from off the ground by his jacket, standing him up straight.

"Don't touch me," Henderson brushed off his tunic as she put him down, "Your chaka. I'm familiar with the customs. You still have some room left on the blade." He examined the runes inscribed on her weapon. Each rune told the tale of a specific battle in which it had been wielded by a member of her clan. When it was full, it would be retired... Though to wh! ere escaped him, as T'Shani's clan had been killed. But she did still have some room left, right near the hilt.

"Hrrmph" she grunted. "That is correct, 'Commander," she confirmed as she absently ran her finger over the backside of the smooth, perfect blade. She looked back up, eyes and voice chilled. "However, *this* blade will never be retired."

"I see," Henderson said, nodding. Maybe this was what fueled her. He'd met Andorians before, obviously so. His partner in his early intel career had been Andorian. But this one was the extreme. The far end of the spectrum, as Andorians went. She personified all that her culture was.

Tish's voice softened, the fire in her eyes dying a little. "As you are aware, the Fifth House of A'Akledor...is no-more." Her antennas drooped ever so slightly as the pain, remorse, anger, and vengeance all coursed through her, for the second time that day.

He was taken aback.&nbs! p; She never let her guard drop. Yet here she was. Any fool would have been able to tell that the loss of her clan was a hurt that ran deep, but Cassius suspected that it was only the foundation for other things. ~Dear god, another Rebecca Von Ernst. Pushed too hard, too fast. A burnout.~ he thought about his predecessor. "You know..."

Quickly, she flipped the blade in the palm of her hand; up and over her head and slid it into the sheath on her back. The coldness returned to her eyes as she stared at Henderson.

"What do you *want*, 'Commander?"

"What do I want?" Cass asked, crossing out of the foliage and into the clearing. It was uncomfortable in there, "I want everyone on this ship to come home safely at the end of the day. And the next day. And the next. I don't think what I want is the question here, Flight Officer. The question is what do you want, and I don't mean just here and now?" Tish actually laughed. Not loudly; just a chuckle. "Mister Henderson..." She started with an amused tone to her voice, fully-aware that calling a Senior Officer 'Mister' was considered disrespectful, but she didn't care. She was still pissed enough to take on--and probably disembowl--anyone who dared challenge her, right now. She continued as she smiled and sat down on a large Zlek root that arched out of the thick jungle floor.

~Never misses an opportunity to get in a dig, does she,~ he thought to himself. If she wants to play, Henderson would play. He was just as on edge as her.

"...it is--how do you Humans put it? Silly? Happy?--No--*funny*: that *exact* question was posed to me by Tanner Houghton a few years ago: 'What do you *want*...'," her eyes became distant for a brief moment before she snapped herself back to reality.

~Or she could be opening herself to me,~ he thought, ~But why?~ He considered using this as an oppor! tunity to press her about General Houghton, Red Division, Captain Blackar, and especially Captain Worthman, but quickly thought better and waited. "It's a hard question."

She laughed again, this time sadly. Looking back up to Cass, who was standing over and in front of her, "There was a time, Cassius..." her voice softened from the ice-cold tones as she paused, catching herself inadvertently using his first name...

Cassius listened to her as she spoke. T'Shani A'Akledorian was such a strange dichotomy of a person. Her soft side was normal, but her hard side was extreme. He doubted she'd ever seen a counselor. No, she was exactly the kind of person who thought counselors irrelevent.

She watched Henderson closely, deciding that it was safe to continue, yet not fully understanding *why* she was telling him this: something that she hadn't even shared with Tron...

She took in a deep breath, let it out, and continued. "! ...that all I wanted was to find love; find my mates and start the *Sixth* House of A'Akledor. There was a time, so long ago..."

**A'Akledorian! No! Keep this from him!** a part of her mind screamed. But she had already started.

"...a long time ago..."

She was lost in it. As Cass watched, the different emotions played across her face. Hurt, pain, anger... Her antennae were dancing, arching, coiling, writhing... He stood silent. Any comparison between T'Shani and Celias was gone. Celias had been more controlled. T'Shani had given in to her emotions, and they boiled below the surface.

Quickly she sprang up, startling Cassius again with her speed. She drew the chaka once more, flipping it over from its hilt, so that it lay flat on both her open palms, with the blade facing *her*, in a gesture for Cassius to take hold of it...

That was surprising. When Celias had described the order of Grandm! aster Warriors, she had always said that no Andorian would surrender her blade under normal circumstances. Celias herself had only done so once. It was a great indication of trust. He accepted the chaka. It was huge, and heavy, just as he remembered it.

Turning the weapon over in his hands, he read the runes, using the limited knowledge of Andorian that Lieutenant JG sh'Veltaysa had taught him. He noted many great battles in the blade's past. But there was also a blank space, between runes. Odd for a chaka.

"What does this space represent?" he asked, angling the blade toward her so that it was obvious what he was speaking of.

"*That*," Tish emphasized as she watched as Cassius respectfully turned the long blade in his hands, "is *here*," she responded, almost cryptically.

"*Here*?" Cass asked.

"*Here*," she began to clarify, "is my homeworld--or what *was* my homeworld: Seltax Seven. Back that ! way, " she hitched a thumb over her shoulder, "is the city Raath Ra'Chuul, the Planetary Capital; where I grew up. Behind you," she now pointed over and behind Cass's shoulder, from the direction the Holo-Romulan had come from, "a Romulan invasion garrison is stationed on the banks of the Koruus'S River."

"I see," he said, understanding now. This place was a... sort of grim reenactment of her colonial homeworld's destruction. He remembered reading about it when he'd been doing a background check on her after their initial encounter.

She stopped and drew in another calming breath, "what you *saw* was what *should* have taken place at this spot. What you *see*," she pointed a finger to the blank spot on the blade, "is what *did* happen: I failed, and as such, myself and many others paid the price for that failure...some with the Ultimate sacrifice..."

Henderson nodded, thought about what to say, considered the tack he'd taken with Rima, cons! idered the fact that unlike Rima, T'Shani could kill him, and decided to go ahead with it anyway, "And I suppose *that* is what you're so angry about? There was nothing you could do to avoid that. God's sake, you were 10! You could never have fought them all. You're lucky to be alive."

"HAH!" she belted out, angling her antennae back in barely-controlled rage. Taking one *HUGE* step towards him, she stood face-to-face...mere inches from Cassius.

Cassius stood his ground. The move had been designed to make him show fear, or weakness, to invade his personal space. He awaited more of a responce, having said his peace. Still... He was unsettled, though collected.

"Lucky!...LUCKY?!" the disdain and red-hot anger clearly showing in her voice as her face flushed violet-blue while she yelled:

"Having *FAILED*, I should have *DIED*!"

She was very, very close to him. Her gold-yellow eyes smol! dered with all the collected emotions, hidden for years from most of the world. Anger, pain, and deep, deep, sorrow. He shook his head and began a reply, "No, It's not..."

She cut him off, again, "Instead, my scouting party was *captured* and killed, all except Tron and I..." she paused, her eyelids squeezing shut for a moment, forcing away the awful memories of what was done to them; to *her*.

"Tron K'Eiyathial? Not to belittle your pain, but why would they have spared him?" Cassius recognized the name from SFI. Another field agent, like the one he had been.

"Because," she growled, "they thought they could break him with *my* torture..." she trailed-off, saying nothing further.

"You know, there was very little you could do, especially once you'd been captured. I know I keep going back to this, but you were ten," he said, his pulse quickening, like when he argued with Pennington. He hated argu! ing.

She drew in a deep breath and commanded her hearts to stop pounding. Standing back to her full height, she deftly plucked her chaka from Cassius's hands. She turned the blade easily, stopping to run her fingers over the empty spot between the markings, on the flat of the sword.

Bowing her head and antennae, "No, Cassius: there was *everything* that I could have done. Great clans--hundreds of people--died that day because of our capture..." she trailed-off as she remembered the Clans that had fought so valiantly at the Battle of Koruus'S:

~Andrini'siithka...Oot'hoorhoaffth...Enes'theklarmaa'th...~ And of course,

~A'Akledor~

He frowned, but held her gaze. "But you've come so far since then. You are your clan's living legacy. Through you, they live on. Why dash that by causing problems for yourself here? Is working for Houghton's scavengers really bringing glory to their memory?"

"So far, 'C! ommander, I have followed every *rule* to the proverbial 'Tee'."--the incident with Rex and Heloi, aside. "And you are so quick to judge the merits of Tanner's division. Where do you think the new battle suits were developed? Or how about the ablative armor? Or maybe the quantum torpedoes? Hmmmm?"

He nodded, and found that he could not find the words.

She steeled herself away again, composing herself as she looked Cassius straight in the eye: "I *need* you, Lieutenant Commander. And I think, you know what I mean..."

"You want me to go on your fool's errand against the Hellfire," Henderson said. This was the chance he'd been waiting for. The chance to go after Brenna Worthman, to aide or protect her from T'Shani and from the rest of Intelligence. It wasn't what he'd planned, but it was something, "I'll do it. But I'll do it for my own reasons, on my own terms, Flight Officer A'Akledorian."

S! he stepped closer to him again, face-to-face...

OOC: Continuation to Part 1 posted some time back, sorry folks, had email troubles, so shoot me!

"One on One" Part 2

By
Legate Kylar Curran,
Chief Liaison Officer

Lt. Commander Ethan Suder,
Chief Engineering Officer

As the transporter beam took a startled Dhani away, Curran appeared to relax somewhat, whilst maintaining his mental guard. Last thing he needed was a Betazed intruding on his thoughts.

"My faith in your engineering team is wavering, 'Commander. I expected more out of a top-rated technician. Do you let your personal feelings interfere with your duties?"

"Only in the shower." Ethan wittingly replied.

"Are you in..." he shivered at the thought, "love... with this Eshe? Officers in her state will only be held back from promotions and tarnish your own record." He crossed his arms in tempered defense, boring a laser thin hole into a point between Suder's eyes.

"Love?" Ethan raised an eyebrow and scanned the room before meeting Curran's gaze. "Ah, because of my defensive attitude towards Lieutenant Eshe, that's what you conceive love to be? No I do not love her." he said through clenched teeth, almost insulted at the suggestion. "I treat her as I would any of my officers who were being assaulted in such a manner by someone who needs something removing from his...." Ethan paused a moment and almost smiled and shook his head, continuing his stare.

"Now, if you wouldn't mind... I need this communications array implemented immediately. Unless of course, you would like to explain to the federation Council and my superiors why I have not met my scheduled appointment with them?&q