USS Sulu - Data Log Archive

"Slumming"
Ensign Mason Farrell - Operations Officer
Chief Warrant Officer Sikara - Head Chef

Location: Risa, "Long Tall Sally's" all-night tavern
Stardate: 57907.04 02h15

***

"Here, Farrell!" Krunt boomed as he and Vort staggered ahead through the nearly deserted streets of Tulip City. "This place open all night!"

Farrell blinked back fatigue and liquor, and wondered again at what a dichotomy Risa offered. The Siguenza district of Tulip City was tailored for the tourists: bright and shiny, with no trash on the ground, no drunks in the gutter, and no criminals in the alleys. The other side of town was a hellhole. Krunt and Vort had already beaten down a quartet of would-be muggers. They had also gotten themselves and Farrell thrown out of a couple of bars. A part of Farrell was grateful he had hooked up with such obvious protectors. Another part couldn't believe they were still dragging him from seedy dive to seedy dive in search of booze. Still, they had kept Hyl honest; they were probably worth one night of alcohol poisoning.

The lurid neon sign above the door boasted an incomprehensible glass-tube sculpture that Farrell thought was probably supposed to resemble a woman with incredibly long legs. "Long Tall Sally's," the sign proclaimed. Farrell almost groaned.

Krunt missed the door and bumped into the wall. He fumbled around trying to stand, and finally fell through the open door Vort was holding for him.

Sikara, who was already in the tavern supping down his 13th pint, looked up from his drink as the Nausicaan fell into the tavern. Everybody tensed. They all knew what a drunk Nausicaan was like and didn't want to suffer under a large fist.

Sikara was shocked however to see a human enter the bar. Most humans on Risa were tourists who stayed out of the slums. The human appeared bored and slightly less drunk than the other two. Sikara was alone at the small bar and so the trio wound up next to him.

"Ale! Your besht!" Krunt slurred, interrupting Farrell. Farrell simply looked at the bartender, a ludicrously tall alien of indeterminate type that he could only assume was Sally, and nodded, tapping the bar meaningfully. The stool creaked beneath Krunt, who proceeded to slump over the bar and begin snoring like an asthmatic bear. Vort calmly took both his and Krunt's drink, and continued loading himself.

"Mason Farrell. Pleased to meet you," Farrell mumbled to the sullen young man next to him. Not waiting for the response, he added, "Buy you a drink?"

Sikara looked at his empty glass and feeling his empty pocket nodded.

Farrell knocked on the table to get the bartender's attention, and gestured to Sikara.

When the drink appeared, Sikara looked at the human. "Sikara," he grunted.

Farrell nodded, and looked blearily around. Of all the low-class bars in Risa, this had to be scraping the bottom of the barrel. The floor was uneven; the feet of his stool wouldn't all touch at the same time. There were three drunks huddled together around a table in the corner. Something unconscious was laying on the floor in a mysterious puddle. Several hologames were lined up along the wall, but none appeared to work. One had a hole punched through its top.

"So," Farrell chuckled ironically, "do you come here often?"

"Not really," Sikara replied. "It's the only all-nighter for a while around here, don't like the idea of my flat so here I am."

Sikara was quite drunk at this point and asked something that he wouldn't usually have asked, not until he knew this person more.

"What are you doing in here? You're human, humans stay in Touristy hotel areas," he managed to slur out.

"Well," answered Farrell, who paused to sip his drink. He grimaced, looked at his glass sideways, and put it down before continuing. "I let Captain Krunt here," he absently indicated the comatose Nausicaan, "set our course this evening, and he's flown us to the toilet bowl nebula at drunk factor nine. Still, this place has a certain" --he waved a hand in the air, as though motioning his brain to get on with it-- "charm." He seemed pleased with his word choice. "Back at ya. What are you doing here? What's wrong with yer flat?"

"If you think that this is the toilet bowl nebula, what if I told you that this is the one and only place that I go now?" Sikara looked at the look of compassion from Farrell. "I was a chéf. An excellent one actually, but no one wants to employ someone like me. I'm a slummer."

"Chéf, ya say?" Farrell squinted conspiratorially. "Maybe I can help ya out. If I can figure out if yer as good as ya say. Tell me somethin' impressive."

"You can make a wedding cake using a phaser and a few main ingredients," Sikara replied, laughing. Farrell gave a chuckling snort. "No, really you can. Uh, how about, give me a kitchen and I'll make a meal?"

Farrell thought for a moment. He took a long appraising look at Sikara. Finally he nodded.

"Okay," he said.

"End Program"
By: Ensign Ethan Storm - Security Officer

Location: Storm's Quarters, Corridor, and Holodeck 4, USS Sulu
Stardate: 57907.04, 04h00

***

Storm bolted awake in bed as if from a nightmare but he couldn't remember dreaming. He was aware that the chronometer had not chirped and that he was probably up early once again but slid out of bed anyway. Silently he opened his bureau and pulled on a training uniform in the dark, considerate of Steele in the next bed. So far, Steele had been the ideal roommate for the moody Storm. The man worked beta shift, was gone by the time Storm got to their quarters after alpha, came in after Storm was asleep, and was asleep himself when Storm woke up. In five days, they hadn't said two words to each other.

Half a fist full of fish food for the grouchy Skipper and whoosh of the door later, Storm was in the corridor on his way to one of the gymnasiums. The corridors were nearly deserted at this hour and wouldn't see many people until 0530 or so, as the various crew made their way to the messes and gymnasiums themselves before their shifts began. Today it might get busier a little earlier: The Sulu was set to arrive at Risa this morning so there would probably be a plethora of people getting to their stations early in the hopes of getting off the same. Ethan figured these corridors would be deserted again by noon as the crew rushed planetside.

Mentally, Storm went over what was to be his day while he walked. He'd be pulling his morning duty in the Main Security Office. Most of his fellow security officers would want to take leave as soon as possible so he was reasonably sure of getting a little time at the Tactical station before getting with an engineer and taking care of that power bleed in the aft phaser array. Maybe after his shift, he'd cover for someone else or beam down to some remote location on Risa for a little solitude. He'd have to try to finish his workout early so he would have time to peruse the geographic and cultural database and try to find someplace on the planet where he was unlikely to run into any other crew. Especially Shyla. And Sefton.

Storm slowed to a stop in the empty corridor, in front of the turbolift. He hadn't seen either since his blowup in the holodeck that night. Ethan had known Shyla would keep her distance but he was a little surprised that Sefton had stayed away. From what he knew about Cris, Storm would have bet the farm that Sefton would have been on his case the next day, either pushing him further or trying to apologize or doing a little bit of both. Storm told himself he was relieved to have Cris out of his hair but the thought of the Betazoid had his mind moving in an unexpected direction.

"Computer, are there any holodecks available?" Storm asked aloud.

"Holodecks Three and Four are available at this time," the computer answered.

Storm stepped onto the turbolift. "Deck Four," he requested as the doors whisked shut.

***

The bridge of the Hikaru Sulu was littered with the corpses of its skeleton command staff just as it had been the other night when Storm and Sefton's group had played "Intruder Alert." Not surprisingly, Sefton had left his program unsecured and available for everyone's use. Storm had instructed the scenario to freeze immediately after the computer cores were destroyed and he stood on the simulated bridge, looking around at the destruction. He hadn't given it much thought during the original game but he'd seen destruction like this before. The Yeager's bridge staff had been wiped out during his cadet cruise and Storm was stunned that he hadn't recognized the morbid similarities during the original game. Had he grown so jaded already?

"Computer," he said in a low voice. "Delete Commander Lyrr."

The holographic corpse of Commander Lyrr shimmered out of the Captain's chair and Storm eased into the seat. He looked around the tattered bridge, finally focusing his gaze on the two Alliance members, Trill and Romulan, spread over the conn. His vision slowly blurred as his eyes began to water and a realization struck him to his core.

"I have no place here," he said softly. As he lived with the realization for a moment, his jaw clenched and his face set itself in stone even as his eyes teared freely. He pushed himself out of the chair. "Begin program."

The Romulan came off the console at him in a rush. Unlike the original simulation, Storm was ready for him and dispatched the holographic intruder with a single crushing blow to the throat. As the Romulan collapsed on the deck Storm shouted: "Computer, repeat! Begin program."

The collapsed Romulan dematerialized, then reappeared on the console. Again, it rushed the furious security officer and again Storm was ready. This time, a roundhouse knocked the wildly swinging Romulan back against the conn. Storm followed up this punch with a steady combination of jabs that pummeled the hologram until emerald blood flowed from its mouth and nose. A final punch sent the Romulan to the deck once again and Storm once again shouted: "Computer, repeat! Trill and Romulan attackers! Begin program!"

As the Romulan dematerialized and reset its position, the Trill came off the console at Storm, swinging its disrupter into aiming position. Storm locked on to the Trill's arm and used its momentum to fling it into the Romulan now coming after Ethan. They collided violently and the Trill lost its grip on the disrupter as Ethan wrenched it from its hand. Two quick, well-aimed shots dispatched both holograms efficiently and they disintegrated into nothingness.

"Computer, repeat!" Storm shouted breathlessly, the disrupter dematerializing from his hand. "Trill and Romulan attackers. Safeties off! Begin program."

And this time, either due to fatigue or anger or misery, Storm missed his disarming kick at the Trill's disrupter. The Romulan connected solidly to Ethan's jaw and the unbalanced security officer tumbled to his knees. The Trill simply took careful aim and pulled the trigger as Storm shouted: "Freeze program!"

When Storm opened his eyes, the Trill hovered over him with no motion. A thin green disrupter bolt hung in mid-air like the blade of a sword, about six inches from his chest. Storm, gulping air with deep breaths, looked at it for several seconds before letting himself fall backwards onto the deck. He covered his face with his hands.

"Computer. End program."

"Disappointments"
by: Lieutenant Samantha Ashbury
Lieutenant Michael Ashbury

Location: Lounge; Ashbury Quarters, USS Sulu
Stardate: 57907.04 09h30

***

"I just don't think we can take her," Sam said quietly. "She wants to see the ocean again but at the ocean..." Her voice trailed off.

"Is where all the people are and where all the 'activity' is," Michael finished. "I know, I know. But the holodeck isn't the same thing as actually going for real. Would it really be so bad for her?"

"Seeing a half naked Ferengi lying on a beach surrounded by Dabo girls isn't what I'd call a healthy experience for a five year old," Sam said acidly.

Michael grinned into his drink. "I wouldn't call that healthy for anybody," he replied with a chuckle. "But you're right. What about a park or the mountains?"

"Same thing. Risa isn't a place advertised for kids. It's an adult pleasure planet, Michael. I don't think they have any quiet spots."

Michael frowned slightly. "How do we tell her? She'll see everybody else leaving for shore leave and she'll want to go too. Just to see all the people if nothing else."

"I'm not sure yet." Sam stared out the window at Risa. She had to admit it was a beautiful planet. But not exactly suitable for a five year old. This was the biggest problem with trying to raise children in Starfleet. Even more so on the Sulu, because the Sulu didn't have any other kids on board. Sam wasn't sure how that had worked out. Most scientific ships these days had a small contingent of crew members with kids. It probably had something to do with the small size of the Sulu. Sam shrugged slightly.

"I think we should get some info on Risa and see if we can locate anything for her. In the meantime, we'll just have to tell her."

Michael sighed and nodded agreement. He hated to see something like Risa go to waste but right now he couldn't see any help for it.

***Ashbury Quarters***

"But Mom..." Madison's eyes filled with tears. "That's not fair! I want to see the ocean!"

"I know you do," Sam said firmly. "But you'll have to settle for something else right now. If we can, we'll get to the ocean. But not right away."

"Why?" Madison asked tremulously.

Sam sighed. "Because Mom and Dad don't think it's appropriate for you right now. I'm sorry, munchkin. I really am." Sam reached forward but Madison bounded off the couch, crying.

"I hate you!" she cried bitterly. Fortunately, doors on the Sulu weren't capable of slamming.

Sam looked at Michael somberly. He shrugged slightly.

"She'll get over it," he said as he sat down. "We've been through this before. Remember Yellowstone?"

Sam groaned slightly. That hadn't been a pleasant trip. Madison had thrown a temper tantrum in the middle of the trail surrounding Old Faithful. She'd only been two and a half at the time but that had been just a bit embarrassing.

"I think I'll talk with some folks on Risa though. Maybe they can suggest some place for kids. There have to be other couples here with kids, right?"

Sam looked at him skeptically. "Well," he amended. "Maybe not. Worth a try though."

"Arrival At Risa"
By: Captain Matthew Salinger
Commander Lyrr Tayla
Lieutenant Sam

Location: Main Bridge, USS Sulu
Stardate 57907.04, 10h03

***

"Standard orbit in two minutes," Giles McKenzie announced.

"Thank you, Helm," Matt answered.

Before he'd gone on shift that morning, he'd taken a quick tour of the ship. The mood at the time, and he could sense it was even greater now, was eager anticipation of their arrival on Risa. As soon as they arrived, leave would be distributed to those that wanted it. He imagined that for the next few days the ship would be run by Vulcans, Qyazar, and a Bajoran.

He glanced to his side where Lyrr sat. Things were still tense between them, though eased slightly from their last argument. Each was completely professional and they avoided matters that tended to flare out of control. Still, to Matt it was obvious there was a problem between them. He said as little as he could to Lyrr, and she was nearly sarcastic in her over-politeness.

At least things with Xayella were beyond stellar. He had a night on the planet planned for just the two of them, and if he could swing it into a couple nights, that would be better. She'd been trying to get the information out of him this morning, but he'd only dropped her vague clues. She'd already sent him three text-only messages with guesses, each incorrect.

"Now entering standard orbit," McKenzie announced.

"Take us to a stationary orbit above the main province," Matt said.

"Stationary orbit, aye sir." McKenzie's hands deftly adjusted the helm controls and soon the ship settled into place. "Helm at station keeping, Captain."

"Thank you, Giles," Matt said with a smile. "Excellent parking. All department heads, begin releasing your crews to shore leave for those that want it. Release in groups of ten every five minutes. We don't want to jam up the transporters."

As the crew began to prepare for shore leave, Matt approached Sam. The android turned and gave the captain an obliging nod. "How may I help you, Captain?"

"Sam, go ahead and begin supervising the transfer down to the planet. Check in with Commander Lyrr if necessary."

"Aye, Captain."

As the android moved off to begin coordinating the transfer to the planet, Matt turned back and regarded Lyrr. "You sure you won't be going down for some time off?"

Lyrr nodded. "I figure I can stay behind with the skeleton crew and get some system diagnostics run, that sort of thing. Besides, whatever would I do on Risa?"

Matt chuckled. "Well, relaxing is always nice," he said. "And, if you haven't been to Risa, there's a lot to see."

"Like what? Foreigners shamelessly flirting with the Risans and whoever else glances in their direction?" Lyrr shrugged. "Not for me. Besides, I would spend my entire shore leave alone down there, and if I'm going to be alone, I'd prefer to be so on the ship."

"Well, if you change your mind, I'm sure Sam would be happy to join you. And, I've heard that you and the dear doctor have patched up your differences."

Lyrr's lips pressed thin in an expression of indignation, though she only did so to conceal a smile. "We've agreed to be civil to one another. I'm certain he'll be just fine without me on Risa."

Matt chuckled. "I'm sure he will," he said. "Though, if you do get the urge, don't neglect downtime. It's important, even for Bajoran commanders."

"Thank you for your concern, Captain, but I think I'll manage." She shot him a playfully stern frown and nudged her head towards the turbolifts. "Now, off you go. Let me have the reins for once."

Matt chuckled. "After this, maybe we can try another hockey game. I think you owe me a few red hots."

"Really?" she asked uncertainly. "I mean...you still want to do that with me? After all, things haven't been too...pleasant lately."

"They haven't," Matt said. "But, we're going to be out here a long time together, and I think we should do what we can to make them pleasant. I know we see things differently, Lyrr, but I want to try to come to an understanding. And, hopefully we'll eventually both be able to better understand each other's points of view. It's not always easy to see things the way another person does, especially when two people come from different parts of the quadrant."

"And completely different pasts," she reminded him. "I was born into a world ravaged by war, Matt. I had to fight to survive, and I certainly didn't live through that time by letting my guard down, by trusting someone because of the kindness in their smile." The thought of Sean accomplishing just that came to mind, and Lyrr chuckled wryly. "It's hard to change one's ways. I hope you won't ask me to do that, Captain."

"I won't ask you to do anything you don't want to, Lyrr," Matt said. "However, if you decide to on your own, I'll be very pleased. And, perhaps I'll even learn to be a little more...guarded about things. We'll see. So, how does a game and red hots sound to you, Commander?"

Lyrr cocked and eyebrow at him. "Now? Aren't you eager to get down to the planet?"

"Not now," Matt said with a laugh. "How about after our shore leave is over and we're on our way to wherever Starfleet wants us next?"

"Well...of course," Lyrr replied. "I mean, you must defend your honour, after all. I beat you badly the last time."

"Only because you stuck a hot dog in my eye! And, you'll see how badly you get yourself beaten when you're not allowed to cheat."

Lyrr gasped. "I do not cheat!" she protested, loudly enough to draw all eyes upon she and Matt. "You got mustard in my eye!"

Matt chuckled and shook his head. "You really don't want to know where I found relish and onions. Now, I think we have settled on a rematch."

Lyrr shot Matt a challenging smile and held out a hand to him. "That we have, Captain."

Matt clasped his hand into Lyrr's and laughed. "May the best command officer win," he said. "Now, I should get moving if I expect to get down there before the crowds. Everything will be alright here?"

Lyrr playfully narrowed her eyes at Matt in a menacing stare-down. "Don't make me chase you out of here with a phaser, Salinger."

Matt backed away, holding his hands up in the universal gesture of surrender. "Alright," he said. "I'm going, I'm going." With that, he started toward the turbolift. At the door, he turned back to Lyrr. "Commander, the ship is yours."

Lyrr chuckled deeply. "It's about time! Now, get outta here. I'll take good care of her."

The turbolift doors opened, and Matt slipped inside. He gave Lyrr a quick wave as the door to the lift closed, and he was whisked off to the start of his shore leave.

"Wonderful Morning"
by Ensign Kelzira Rax
nd Ensign Dwayne Sanchez

Location: Dwayne & Amy's Quarters, USS Sulu
Stardate 57907.04 10h32

***

Kelzira Rax shuffled out of Amy's room in the quarters her friend shared with Dwayne. She wore a large shirt she'd replicated last night. There was far too little sleep for her taste, though spending the night talking with Amy, at least until neither of them could keep their eyes open any longer, had been fun. And, fun always overrode the need for sleep. At least until it was time to wake up.

She found herself standing in front of the replicator just staring at its surface. In her mind, she was going through all the possible options for her breakfast, even though it was too many hours too early for breakfast. Amy was off working already, though Kelzira couldn't imagine how much work there was in sickbay when the ship wasn't in a crisis.

She turned away, and decided to wait for inspiration to strike. She couldn't help smiling at the thought of seeing Amy and Kit's band performing in the lounge, though Amy indicated that it would be a little while before they were ready for that. She sat down at one of the terminals and quickly scanned through her messages. Nothing important yet. The sound of a door opening behind her sounded, and she figured that Dwayne had finally awoken. "Morning, Dwayne," she said as she closed down the terminal interface.

All last night, Dwayne had heard the girlish laughter as it escaped from beneath Amy's bedroom door. He was almost jealous of the relationship she had with Kelli, and wanted to have a friend much like that. And right now, he wasn't thinking he had one in either of the two girls.

It hadn't taken him long to fall to sleep. But, prior to him going to his room, and Kelli's exit of the lav, Amy had told him about the rehearsal times for the band and he just about fainted. No way was he going to be able to make the rehearsal schedule. After Kelli had left the head, he made his way to his room.

Now it was the next morning and Amy was away already. She seemed to be leaving earlier each day since their night together, and that worried him. If she'd requested a shift change, he wasn't aware of it. He'd just stepped from his room, in nothing more than a pair of shorts, when he heard Kelli speak. He responded, "Morning, Kelzira."

"I hope we didn't keep you up last night," she said, turning around to face him. "I have no idea how Amy manages to work alpha shift with so little sleep. I think she has a singularity tucked inside somewhere, and that's where all her energy comes from."

"I'll survive." He walked to the replicator and ordered himself a cup of raktajino, then moved to sit at the table with it. In order for him to avoid speaking of the thing that happened with Amy, he had to keep his mind on other things. "So, what's been happening in the labs lately?"

"Labs have been slow lately," she answered. "Since we're heading for vacation central, there's not much happening on the science front. Though, there should be some data gathering happening today in astrometrics." She glanced at him and grinned. "Shorts today, hmm?"

"At least till I go on duty, yes." He sipped on the coffee he'd asked for. "I guess that's a normal thing anyway, isn't it? I mean, it getting slow after a scientific mission like that." He didn't know anything about being a scientist, but he thought he was right.

"Pretty slow," Kelzira answered. "When we're just going from place to place, there's not as much. Though, we find ways to keep ourselves busy. So, what about Ops? What's big and exciting in the Sulu's Operations department?"

"Mostly just the new crew transfers and the new cache of supplies." He'd finished his coffee and went to the replicator again and set the thing to recycle and placed the mug on the platform. Then he ordered himself something to eat. Pancakes with sausage and eggs and a glass of orange juice and syrup for the pancakes. He took the plate and the glass from the platform and made his way back to the table. "You want anything to eat?"

Kelzira looked at his plate and paled. "No thank you," she said. "I'll wait for the slug to tell me what it's hungry for. The joys of eating for the newly-joined. I've heard that people who go through the Initiate training all the way don't have those sorts of problems, but a guy I met on the shuttle to reach the Sulu...he said that he loved Klingon parfaits before, and after he was joined he couldn't stand them. Had a severe love for Bajoran springwine though."

Dwayne shrugged and started to eat. He cut a triangle of the stack of pancakes and shoved the slice into his mouth. He chewed it a moment and then swallowed before responding. "I wouldn't know; I don't have that kind of problem. But I guess his new preference for Bajoran Springwine was something a previous host liked and it filtered down from the symbiont to the new host." He shrugged again not really knowing a thing about Trill biology.

"Something like that," Kelzira said and looked around, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable. "I should probably grab my clothes and head back to my quarters. Need a shower and...and I have some things I need to do before I have to go on shift."

"Kelli, if you have something on your mind, spill it." Again, he took another bite of pancake from his plate and watched her.

She sighed and shook her head. "It's nothing, Dwayne. Alright? It's just absolutely nothing. I thought we were friends, but it seems like you could care less. You're more interested in your damn pancakes and sipping your coffee and logically explaining to the Trill how you believe Trill biology works. Fine! I get it, alright? I'm going back to my quarters where at least the walls and furniture will provide me with better company!"

He looked at her, confused. "What the hell crawled up your butt and died? All I'm doing is getting my breakfast and talking with a friend, or at least I thought I was talking to a friend, then she bites my head off for nothing." He shoved his plate aside and rested his arms on the table, one on top of the other.

"The way you've been talking to your friend as if you don't even care. Half the things you've said have been accompanied by a shrug, or at least a tone of voice that indicates you'd rather be elsewhere. You don't even seem happy to see me here! Yeah. Some friend." She pushed away from the table and started toward Amy's room, but stopped in the doorway. "Does this have anything to do with what happened between you and Amy? Are you treating me like nothing because of you two?"

" 'Because of you two?' What in the hell do you mean?" He stood up and walked to her. He wasn't very far, but he did give her her space. "What do you want me to do, the moment I see you walk up and give you a hug? Kiss your cheek? What in the hell do you want from me?" He sounded somewhat bolder than he had a few days ago.

"I don't want you doing anything you don't want to, Dwayne. Don't put yourself out on my account. The least I would have hoped for is that you would have at least acted like you were happy to see me, rather than I was boring you to death." She reversed the direction she'd been moving and started toward the door out of the quarters. "On second thought, I'll just talk to Amy later and have her bring me my things."

"Where do you think you're going? We're not done talking. The only way we'll get this solved is to talk. If you and Amy taught me nothing else, it's that I need to talk things out before they get way out of hand. What's got you acting like the Queen Bitch anyway?"

"Before you start calling people names, Dwayne, you should look in the mirror first. From the moment you came into the room with me here, you've been cold and distant and interested in everything but the company you were sharing. I get the hint, alright? I'm going back to my quarters. Just...just finish eating your meal, Dwayne. I'm just going to go, and eventually Amy will return, so you can be around someone who actually interests you. Bye, Dwayne." With that, she hurried for the door.

Now he was confused. He called her a name and she still didn't react. Well, not the way he thought she would. He chased after her, in just his shorts and he ignored the admiring sounds and glances he got as he chased after her.

"Kelzira Rax, just talk to me. What did I do wrong?"

She whirled around and glared at him. "If you don't realize what you did, Dwayne, then I don't think my explaining it to you is going to make you understand it any better. Think back over what was said and done here this morning, and see if you can realize remotely why I might be upset. Especially considering what you and Amy did. And, then you just give me the cold shoulder and shrugs. Nice, Dwayne. Really nice. Now...just go back to your food before it goes cold." She took a step back and the door opened. "Maybe your mama should have spent more time telling you how to make people feel welcome and appreciated around you, rather than to keep your pants zipped up."

"Is that what's got your panties in a bind, that I didn't take you up in my arms as a lover would?" He leaned in, lowering his voice to a whisper. "Or that I had done it with Amy and not you?"

"Dwayne, you are far too full of yourself," she snapped back. "It has nothing to do with you doing it with Amy and not me. It's you doing it with Amy, and then treating me like I'm about as important and interesting as furniture. I thought we were friends, Dwayne! If this is how you treat your friends you're not sleeping with, then I want no part of it! You made me feel like I wasn't welcome in there, you asshole!" With that, she was off again, hoping to reach the turbolift and get inside before he did.

Dwayne halted a second. That hurt, and if she turned she would see the pained expression in his eyes. He had no plans of repeating what happened with Amy, and he had to let Kelli know that. He caught up to her and held the lift doors before they closed. "I'm sorry, Kelli. I...it's just a new sensation for me. I've never done anything like that before. Sleep with a woman I mean...and when it happened with Amy, it wasn't my idea. I'd tried to wish her good night and go to my room, but she wouldn't let me." His explanation flowed from his mouth before he even could stop it. "I know, that's not an excuse." He felt like crying, but he put a halt to the tears before they could flow. "I...I'm sorry."

Kelzira glowered. "And, because Amy forced you to have sex with her, you decided to take it out on me by treating me like I was worthless and didn't even matter. Thanks a lot, Dwayne. What a friend you are."

"Damnit Kelli, what do you want from me? I said I was sorry. I'm sorry for treating you like shit. I'm sorry for calling you names." He dropped his voice to a whisper again. "Hell, I'm even sorry for sleeping with Amy."

"So, which time were you sorry for, Dwayne? The first time or the second? Both? Did she force you to sleep with her the second time as well? Wouldn't let you out of her bed, and held you down while she had her way with you?" She shook her head, and spat out several harsh words in her own language. "You may be sorry for them, Dwayne, but you did them. All of them. You slept with Amy. You treated me like-- Hell, Dwayne, Ferengi get treated better than you treated me. It won't be easy to forget what you did, Dwayne. If this is what I can expect from friendship from you, especially if it's this difficult to get you to realize what you're doing... "

"I'm sorry for both. No, it wasn't something I'd easily forget. Amy almost literally forced me the first time. And no, she wouldn't let me leave. I was trying to leave her room, honest." He rested his head on the 'jam' of the lift. "Kelli, I asked you how work was, I asked you if you wanted something to eat, you can't tell me that meant I didn't care."

"It isn't what you said, Dwayne," Kelzira answered. "It's how you said it. You asked me if I wanted something to eat after you'd ordered your food, and walked back to the table. It was an afterthought. And, then when I told you why I wasn't eating, you shrugged and told me how you didn't have that problem. Oh, yes, Dwayne, how very caring and considerate of you. At least you managed to murmur something before you started jamming your food into your face. You didn't ask me how I was either; I'm not my work. And the way Amy describes it, you initiated the second time, Dwayne. At first, she said you were thoroughly pissed at her for some unknown reason, seething with anger and jealousy, and then you really didn't protest much the first or second time. Stop blaming Amy, Dwayne. Stop passing the credit. If you didn't want it, you could have gotten out of it. Stop blaming Amy because you're feeling guilty about going against mama's wishes."

"This isn't about me going against what I was taught; this is because I did something with a woman who's already involved. I said as much to her when it started." He was losing his fight against the tears forming in his eyes. He glanced down so she wouldn't see them. He knew she was upset but he wasn't exactly sure why. He'd asked about her. He'd offered her something to eat. Okay, he wasn't too bright first thing after waking, he knew that, but how did one explain that to someone who had more than one personality running through her? You couldn't, not really, not and have her understand. The old twentieth century author is right, men are from mars women are from venus...or, in this case, Trill.

"I can't pretend I understand what's got you all riled up, but for whatever it is, I'm sorry. What do you want me to do, what can I do to make it up to you...if anything?" He doubted there was anything he could do. He'd pissed her off something terrible but he was willing to try.

"As for it feeling good, yes, it felt good. I'd be stupid or dead to not have noticed how that felt. But my guilt isn't stemmed at Amy. I know it's partly my fault, it takes two to screw this up and it's not all Amy's fault. I know this. But I'm not going to change everything just because you feel I don't care. I care. I'm just very uncomfortable right now about this and it's not easy for me to admit that at all."

"That's great, Dwayne," Kelzira said sarcastically. "So, I get to look forward to you treating me like I don't matter whenever things get too uncomfortable for you. I'm going through some extremely difficult changes in my life right now, and I don't need that kind of stress. Now, if you don't mind, I need to go take a shower and get ready for duty."

Dwayne stepped from the doors of the lift, for only a short moment, then he stepped inside and the doors closed. A glance at Kelli and he knew she was probably still angry, and maybe a little confused. Well, he wasn't about to leave without making this right between the two of them. He wasn't sure if doing it this way was the best way, but he was going to do something.

"Kelli, I'm sorry, I don't mean to stress you out. I'm so confused now. You're right, I was being a bastard and I'm sorry. But I guess it doesn't matter now does it? You hate me now and I don't blame you." At the next deck he keyed in for the doors to open and when they did, he stepped out and watched as the doors closed again.

When the next car arrived, he stepped in and sent it back to his deck.

Kelzira sighed to herself once he was gone. She just hoped Amy and Kit had fun on Risa. Work would keep her busy though, and her mind off Amy and their night together. Just as long as I'm as far from Dwayne as possible, she thought.

"Homecoming"
By Ensign Saris

Location: Transporter Room 3, U.S.S. Sulu; Risa
Stardate 57907.04, 10h34

***

Saris stood just off the transporter pads and watched as the shimmering effect of the transporter beam took the molecules of six fellow crewmembers and sent them on their way to Risa.

She smiled to herself as she looked forward to seeing her parents again. Saris had asked the transporter chief to enter coordinates closer to her parents' hotel so as to save her a little time and effort. Luckily several other members of the crew had decided to go to that area of Risa, so she only had to wait a few minutes extra onboard.

Taking her spot on the transporter pad, she saw the others quickly take their places. The anxiety of the fun ahead was quite evident on their faces.

The familiar whine of the transporters took hold of her and soon she felt the change of her body from its solid state to its immaterial state and shortly thereafter, back to its solid state. Glancing around, she saw the chief had done an admirable job, having placed her no more than fifty feet from the entrance to her parents' hotel.

Making her way into the hotel, she saw a familiar face at the hotel front desk. Her father Varmos looked up from his paperwork and could barely contain his smile. Moving quickly from around the desk, he came face to face with his daughter before giving her a big hug.

"My beautiful daughter, how I have missed you," he said to Saris as he motioned for a bellboy to take her things. "We have arranged for you to have your old room, and I am sure our bellboy will make sure your belongings make it to the proper place."

Saris smiled and asked, "It's so good to be home. How is mother?"

Varmos got a sly grin on his face, as if he was keeping a little secret as he said, "She's been tired lately, but given what she has been through, it's to be expected."

A look of fear crossed Saris' face as she asked, "Is mother okay? She's not sick is she?"

Varmos chuckled, "No no, nothing like that. She does however have a big surprise for you. Perhaps we should go and find her?"

Saris smiled and nodded. "Yes...yes we should."

As father and daughter passed through the hallways of the hotel, they reminisced about the days of Saris' childhood and her current Starfleet adventures. In no time at all they had arrived at her parents' private quarters.

Entering into the room, Saris looked around the room and saw the back of her mother's head facing a freshly painted wall. Calling out to her mother, Saris was taken aback when her mother Rinara turned to face her. Rinara's hand rested comfortably on her heavily swollen abdomen. The reality of it all hit Saris and she could only stare in disbelief.

Rinara waddled slightly as she made her way over to Saris. Smiling contentedly, she exclaimed, "Surprise," as she extended her arms to give her daughter a hug.

Saris couldn't contain her excitement anymore and gave her mom a big hug. After they had embraced, she stepped back a step and gave her mother another lookover. Turning to face her father she asked, "This was a very nice surprise."

Varmos smiled at his wife. "It was also a surprise for the both of us. It was a little unexpected to say the least, but we are both looking forward to having a child around the house now. I guess you could say we were getting a little lonely without you."

Saris smiled at her mother then asked, "When are you due, mother? By the looks of you it could be any day now."

Rinara shook her head. "The doctor says it will likely be another month or so, I'm just one of the unlucky ones to gain more than the usual weight associated with pregnancy. I seem to remember being a bit unlucky about the weight issue when it came to being pregnant with my other child." Rinara said the last part with a slight wink at her daughter.

Saris just shrugged. "Not like I did it on purpose, mother."

Rinara nodded. "I know, dear. Well, there's no sense staying in here the entire time you are on Risa. Let's say we go and have some fun."

With that the three of them headed out to see some of the sights and sounds of Risa.

"New Friends"
By Lieutenant (jg) Samantha Ashbury
and Crewman 1st Class Shyla Lynn Moreau

Location: Astrometrics, USS Sulu
Stardate: 57907.04, 11h33

***

Sam sat in the Astrometrics lab, finishing up the reports on the Dorvali system. The xenobiology report was almost finished and Sam was currently checking the xenoecological data gathered by surface parties. On the huge viewscreen, Risa hung like a beautiful marble.

The double doors whisked open and Crewman Moreau entered, nearly starting at Lieutenant Ashbury's presence. Since coming on board, Astrometrics had been her domain nearly exclusively. Except for Ensign Mel'Chir's occasional check-ins and Lieutenant Tagliesh's semi-frequent scowling inspections, Shyla spent most of her duty shift alone with her work. She welcomed a new face.

"Hello, sir," she greeted the officer with a bright smile. "Were you waiting for me?"

"Morning," Sam replied with a smile. "Sorry, I was just looking for a quiet place to finish up some reports. My daughter isn't too happy about not being able to go to Risa."

"You must be Lieutenant Ashbury," Shyla realized instantly. When she also realized she had the Lieutenant at a disadvantage, Shyla extended her hand. "Crewman Moreau, sir. I remember your name from the personnel manifest. I was looking for crew members who had children on board. I used to volunteer at the school on Starbase 163 and was hoping to continue aboard the Sulu."

Sam's ears immediately perked up. The twins, Kate and Rachel Hansen, were the ones who usually babysat Madison. They'd volunteered to baby-sit but Sam had immediately vetoed that idea. She had no intention of taking shore leave away from the twins.

"How long did you volunteer at the starbase?" Sam asked with some curiosity.

"For a year," Shyla said with a wistful look. "I miss the kids terribly. My transfer here was submitted and approved so quickly, I barely had time to tell them all goodbye."

"I know how that feels," Sam replied sympathetically. "I used to baby-sit some neighborhood kids when I was fifteen, just before I went to the Science Academy. I still keep in touch with a couple of them. Any plans for the shore leave?"

Shyla made a face somewhere between disgust and curiousity. "I don't know if Risa's exactly my type of place, sir. We're supposed to be here for awhile so I imagine I'll get planetside eventually. I'm in no hurry though."

"I feel the same way," Sam said with a small laugh. "Michael, my husband, would like to go but taking Madison to Risa isn't a good idea. There aren't very many places suitable for a five year old."

Shyla took a seat at the console, practically beaming. "Madison is such a cute name. It's always been one of my favorites. How'd you decide on it?"

"We ended up choosing it from a list of names we both liked. That was the really hard part, deciding on names that we both liked." Sam laughed. "Madison Rebecca Ashbury if the baby was a girl. Deklan Connor Ashbury if it was a boy."

"Well, it's precious," Shyla said genuinely. "I wish I could give you some advice about Risa but I have to plead ignorance about the planet itself. If you wanted to talk about its star system, I could speak intelligently for about an hour straight and none of it would reveal a family friendly place to visit while we're here. But I have to imagine there are such places."

"There are a few places here and there but most of them are either nature parks or in the mountains," Sam said seriously. "Our problem is that Madison really wants to see the ocean again. So far we haven't been able to find any places at the ocean that are suitable for children. We'll keep looking though."

Shyla seemed to consider this for a moment. "Well, I don't know how Madison takes to strangers but I could watch her for you, so you and your husband can get down to the planet for a little alone time. I could probably even whip up a holoprogram for her of a Risan beach. Sans the nude sunbathers and body surfers, of course."

Sam thought it over for a minute. She'd hardly met Shyla but then again, that wasn't unusual, especially on a Starfleet ship.

"Sure you wouldn't mind?" Sam asked tentatively.

"Not at all, sir," Shyla said with a grin. "If you want to check my references, you can probably reach Commander Urias at 163 by subspace. I imagine I could even look after her during my shift, if you like. Most of the science officers have taken leave and there's not a lot for me to do in orbit."

"Why don't you come by this afternoon and I'll introduce you?" Sam suggested. "She's a bit shy at first but she opens up after she gets used to you."

"Sounds great, sir. I'm off at 1600...do you want to meet here and we'll go together?"

"Sounds good." Sam grinned. "I'll see you then."

"The Walk"
By: Ensign Ethan Storm - Security Officer
and Lieutenant Mark Thaine - Chief Engineer

Location: Main Engineering and the Outer Hull, USS Sulu
Stardate 57907.04, 12h33

***

Storm walked into Main Engineering to find it mostly deserted except for a few dedicated souls. The Sulu had been in orbit around Risa for the last couple hours and everybody in a rush to get off the ship had apparently done so in quick order. Most of the departments were already down to their skeleton crews with even fewer personnel set to take over on beta shift. Planets like Risa definitely had their selling points but they always made Storm a bit nervous. Any passing aggressor would know that a Federation starship in orbit around Risa was not in an optimal state of readiness. Storm was barely comforted by the fact that even Starfleet's decreased states of readiness were still high enough to respond to nearly any challenge.

Fortunately, it appeared that one of the dedicated souls was the Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Thaine. Storm had perused the ship manifest obsessively so he instantly recognized the newly promoted officer. Thaine looked up at the ensign, and gave him something akin to a questioning glance. Storm approached him.

"Lieutenant Thaine?" Storm assured, even though there was no doubt. Storm extended his hand. "Ensign Storm. Security. Congratulations on the promotion, sir."

Thaine nodded. "Thanks," he said, shaking the hand in a firm grip. Then his dark eyes narrowed into a suspicious look. "What are you after?"

Storm handed the padd he was carrying to the Engineer, suddenly a little self-conscious of the slight bruise on his jaw. "We've got a persistent power bleed in the aft phaser system. I believe it's being caused by a structural flaw in one of the arrays. We tried creating a binary flow into the EPS relay but it was only a stop gap solution. We were losing power again less than twenty hours later."

Thaine nodded. "That explains why my engines are working harder than they should be." He considered the problem for a moment, studying the PADD. "Are we leaking plasma? And if not, where the hell is this energy going, and what as? Heat?"

"I wouldn't want to touch any of the couplings with a bare hand," Storm affirmed with a slight smile. "But let's be honest: This is the kind of malfunction that usually only elicits the attention of the Captain, the Chief Engineer, or an overzealous Tactical officer. We could function for months before this would grow into major problem. I just wanted to nip it in the bud. Do you feel up to taking a walk outside?"

Thaine sighed. "Looks like you're right. Okay then, go prepare two EVA suits, and make sure they can handle the heat that's gonna be radiating out from those couplings."

Storm nodded as they both went in separate directions. "Aye, sir."

***

Risa, brilliantly lit by its sun, silhouetted the Sulu as it crept along in orbit. The ship had slowed to minimum orbital speed and had moved into a geosynchronous pattern with the spinning planet to keep it from crossing into night. One small figure, dwarfed by the size of the ship to which he clung, moved carefully about on the hull.

Storm was couching in his environmental suit above one of the aft phaser strip recesses. A gravity pad had been adhered to the Sulu's hull and a collection of several parts from the phaser array were already laid out on it and held in place. The occasional flash of light reflected in Storm's faceplate while the unseen Lieutenant Thaine disassembled the array from inside the recess. Every so often, Thaine's gauntleted hand would emerge to pass another liberated part to the waiting Storm. Ethan had little doubt that the Lieutenant would soon come up with the source of their grief but the waiting was giving Storm a little too much time to think about his holodeck experience earlier that morning.

"Sir?" Storm asked, his voice sounding tinny over the comm.

"Yeah?" came the typically blunt reply back.

"How long have you been in Starfleet?"

There was a pause, followed by, "Nearly sixteen years, including the Academy. Why?"

Storm didn't speak for a moment as he wasn't really sure why he'd asked the question. "I was curious how someone with a bit more time in service reconciles their personal life and their professional life. How can one avoid getting close to the people on the ship?"

There was silence from the other end of the comm-link.

"Sir?"

"You don't," said the engineer at length. "It's impossible not to get close to the people you're working with. And it's damned important you do get close to them; you may end up putting your life in their hands one day." There was another pause. "Were you on active duty during the war? Or were you still at the Academy?"

"Still at the Academy," Storm affirmed, looking down at the hull. "But there were ships still finding renegade Jem'Hadar in the Alpha Quadrant for years. They didn't know the war was over. I was on the Yeager at B'Twill."

"The Yeager? You were one of those cadets? Fine job you did there. Very nice trick with the warp core, though if you try it on my engines you'll have hell to pay."

"It could have turned out better," Storm said trying to put a smile in his voice in spite of unpleasant memories.

"Well, you understand then about what it means to serve in the 'Fleet." He paused. "I don't think I can help you on this one. You know as much as I do, and you have to reach your own decisions. What works for me might not work for you."

Storm was silent while he considered the Lieutenant's words. Thaine had a certain kind of direct wisdom that had quickly earned Storm's respect. Of all the younger officers he'd met on the Sulu, Lieutenant Thaine seemed the least likely to rub Ethan the wrong way. That counted for something.

What arrived next over the comm-link, however, was a curse, followed by a brief yell of triumph. "Found it!" came the engineer's voice over the intercom. There was movement from the recess, and then Thaine was walking out, backward. It was strange to hear no clunks from the heavy, magnetic boots of the EVA suit, but in space, with no atmosphere to carry the vibrations that made up sound, about the only thing you could hear was the voices over the communications channel, and your own breathing.

Thaine had wanted company for a reason; space was a damned lonely place.

"Here," explained Mark, "is the cause of all our problems." He held up one, environmentally sealed hand. In it was a small, cylindrical component, barely more than six or seven inches long and a couple of inches in diameter. It was also looking a little melted, in certain places. "Probably someone putting too much juice through the phasers. Or not enough to the cooling systems. Or a combination of the two."

Storm reached out for the phaser function command processor and examined it closely. "Aye, sir," he agreed. "See that worn spot? This little sucker was rubbing up against one of the prefire chambers. That's why the array was sucking power. And when it never fired, the couplings just couldn't hold back the juice."

Thaine nodded. "Damned right. So, we'd better get cracking on replacing it." He gave a mixture of a scowl and a sigh at the pile of parts on the gravity pad. His ship was having problems already, and it wasn't a good sign.

Storm began to kneel down to the parts on the grav pad, his movements slow and deliberate. Although the grav boots made this kind of operation perfectly safe, Storm found it hard to forget his zero-G training where a sudden movement could send you hurtling right off the hull and into space. Storm knew that Thaine was perfectly capable of doing the job himself but Ethan was finding himself in a rare mood where he was thankful for some company.

"Aye, sir. What do you need first?"

"First, hand me a new PFC processor, and then that EPS conduit...it's gonna be a long haul, I'm afraid." Thaine looked up at the stars above, and around him, and gave them a glare. "Which is typical, isn't it?" he said, to the universe at large.

Storm looked to the stars himself and found himself smiling. For the first time in awhile, it didn't feel completely forced.

"Aye, sir."

"Discovering Sanctuary"
By: Captain Matt Salinger
Lieutenant Xayella Tagliesh

Location: Risa
Stardate 57907.04, 15h05

***

Xayella cursed as she tripped yet again, though the arms around her waist kept her upright. She hadn't been on Risa more than fifteen seconds before she was blindfolded and whisked off by Matt to some "surprise location," which was all he would tell her. She had planned to come down to Risa and take in all the exotic sights and wonders it had to offer; stumbling over her own two feet wasn't what she had in mind.

"Matt, do I really have to wear this thing?" she complained. She brought her hands up to pushed down the fabric covering her eyes, but Matt tsked at her and gently pulled them away.

"The surprise will be utterly ruined," Matt said, "if you see it before we get there. Now, it's just right up ahead, so we're almost there. Once we're there, I promise you can take off the blindfold."

"Oh really?" She chuckled. "So, I'm not keeping this on during sex? It might spice things up, you know."

"Oh, if you want to put it back on, I'm sure we can arrange that. I wouldn't be surprised if we found some cuffs around here to spice things up as well. If that interests you, of course."

Xayella blindly turned her lips into Matt's cheek and replied, "What interests me more is getting to wherever we're going so I can finally see this surprise of yours."

"Can you handle steps with the blindfold? There's only ten of them, straight up to a door. Come on, this way. Up up up."

Xay laughed softly and wrapped her arms around Matt's neck as he guided her carefully up each step. "This is a pretty elaborate build-up, Salinger. If you take this blind-fold off and I'm staring at a puddle of water, you're sleeping alone tonight."

"What if it's a really big puddle of water with waves, and umbrellas, surfers and a host of other things that belong in large puddles?" He led her through the front door and out to a balcony. With that, he removed her blindfold. "Someplace kind of like this?"

Xayella blinked rapidly, allowing her eyes time to adjust to the strong sunlight. When the sparkling waters, pristine blue sky, towering trees, and golden sands below came into focus, Xayella gasped and grasped the railings before she swooned. "Oh my God," she breathed. "What-- This is--" She laughed joyously and threw herself into Matt's embrace. "This is definitely not a puddle!"

"It's a beach house that they rent out. This particular one comes very highly recommended, and so I grabbed it up." He gave her a warm smile and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind as she turned to take in the view again. "I figured we could have some privacy out here in a home of our very own."

"A home of our own, eh?" She leaned back against Matt, pondering on that thought for a moment, then she chuckled. "It's frightening, but I think I really like the sound of that." Her fingers brushed idly over his hands as she scanned the scene sprawled out below them. Laughing gently, she finally said, "You know what else is frightening? That I'll wake up and realize none of this is real, that I never met you and fell in love... I think I'll go quite mad if this were to all of a sudden end."

He turned them so they were facing one another, and slipped his arms around her. "As much as you fear that," he said softly, "you don't have to worry about it, Xay. You'll wake up in my arms, knowing that we have yet another day ahead of us to be together, to love one another, and to share our life and travels together." He kissed her slowly and, once the kiss broke, smiled. "There are those who would really be upset that we're together, but they'll have to realize that it can't be stopped...not without destroying both of us in the process. They'll just have to get used to the idea. Though, I believe the latest rumour was...in the Ready Room while dressed up in clothing from earth's 'wild west' era."

"What?" Xayella chuckled and shook her head. "Who makes these things up, I'd like to know. I think that's the most outlandish one yet." She gazed up pensively and added, "Although...I think we could find plenty of things to do with a pistol and a cowboy hat."

"Now that you mention it... Though, the one that had us enacting the ascension of Arani the Third of Betazed was an intriguing idea. Though, I do prefer to keep our relationship somewhat...exclusive. You did read that one? And, I thought parts of earth's past was decadent."

"I do think, my love, that our relationship is soon to become just as legendary." She smiled and added, "Which means it's going to become very difficult keeping this under wraps. Especially if someone finds out you've hidden us away in some secret love nest."

"If that's what happens, then that's what happens," Matt said. "There are only one hundred fifty crew on our ship, so keeping something like this a secret for long is going to be very difficult. However, they'll eventually realize that our exploits really aren't as interesting to those who aren't you and I. We're just two people who are hopefully in love, and looking for whatever happiness we can find."

Xayella gasped and playfully swatted Matt's chest. "Hopefully in love? Not so certain anymore?"

Matt laughed. "Oh, I'm very certain," he said. "And, very hopeful about what our future will bring us."

She gently began pushing Matt back into the cottage, grinning inquisitively at him. "And what do you see in our future, Matt Salinger? Enlighten me."

"Well, I can only see the future I'm envisioning, so I can't vouch for any authenticity. But, I see us together, happy, and loving each other very much. I see us working side-by-side out here, finding those things that drive us to find more, both within ourselves and without. I see us ignoring those who try to detract from our relationship, and just being us for you and me."

Xayella chuckled fondly and brushed her lips against Matt's. "Is your talk always this sweet? I wonder how many other ladies you've won over with that mouth."

Matt chuckled and kissed her more deeply. "None other," he said. "And, even if I had, you're the only one who matters."

"Now that's what I like to hear." She laughed and coyly slipped out of Matt's embrace to survey the room. It was coloured in deep pink and purple hues, with finely tailored fabric adorning the bed and pillows. A strong, musky incense clung in the air and seemed to draw her towards the canopied bed, where she slowly reclined back and stared above at the sheer, draping fabric curtaining it. "Beautiful," she whispered.

Matt approached the bed, his eyes never leaving Xayella. "You can say that again," he said with a crooked smile. He slipped onto the bed beside her, manoeuvring closer as she watched him lazily. "So, do you like it here? Silly question?"

Xayella smiled slowly and nodded her head. Still not saying a word, she rolled over onto Matt and straddled his waist with her thighs. "We're going to like Risa, aren't we?" She chuckled and gave him a fleeting, teasing kiss. "You brought me here to seduce me, Salinger. I know how your scheming mind works."

"I plead innocence," Matt said with a grin. "Though, that does sound like a very nice idea. Are you in the mood to be seduced, my love?"

Xayella sat up straight and haughtily flicked her loose hair back over her shoulders. "You can try if you like, but I doubt you will succeed."

Matt traced a finger along Xay's arm and smiled. "You know, my dear, that almost sounded like a challenge. Are you challenging me to see if I can seduce you out here in paradise, with our own little private love nest that overlooks the beach, and several bottles of chilling champagne waiting for us?"

Xayella cocked a single eyebrow at Matt, and echoed, "Champagne?" She growled playfully at him and pinned his arms back against the mattress. "You're evil! Bringing me to this place, tempting me with bottles of real alcohol... What else have you got hidden away to surprise me with?"

Matt only grinned. After a few moments, he kissed her, though the grin was still in place. "How would you like to go out for dinner tonight, then we can do some dancing, and then come back here for a long, moonlit walk along the beach?"

She settled comfortably atop Matt and idly twined his hair around one finger while pondering his offer. "There'll be some of the crew from the ship, you know. They'll see."

"At least they'll have a real story this time rather than having to resort to making one up. Though, the stories are amusing."

"Quite," Xayella agreed with a single nod. "So, does this mean you're ready for the unveiling? Everyone on the ship will know after this, along with your dear commander."

"You're a member of the crew too, so she's your dear commander as well. But yes, I'm willing to accept the public scrutiny our relationship will bring."

Xayella grinned as she nuzzled her nose to his. "It's because you love me, isn't it?" she teased. "You'd do anything and everything for me. Isn't that right?"

"You aren't secretly a Betazoid, are you? And, yes, that's exactly it. I love you and I would do anything for you. And, I don't care who knows or what they say. You're what matters to me, not gossip or any of that. As long as I capably handle my captaincy and running the ship, who I am with should not matter to anyone else."

"You're right, it shouldn't," Xayella said seriously, "but it does and you know it. A captain involved with a junior officer is bad enough. If Starfleet command catches wind of you in a relationship with a junior officer who has a history of insubordination, it won't be pretty, Matt."

"I'll deal with it when it happens. I will prove that my command is not being affected by this relationship and that I won't be doing anything untoward in my duty. If they still have a problem after that, then...then we'll have to see what happens. I won't give this up though, no matter what pressure we find ourselves under."

Xayella nodded thoughtfully, pushing a hand through Matt's hair. "A dangerous path you're treading... Are you sure you're not already being blinded by your emotions?"

"You sound like you're trying to talk me out of this," Matt said with a laugh. "I'm not blinded by my emotions, but I will fight for those things I believe in. And, I very strongly believe in us, Xay."

She smiled. "Just making sure..." Then, she kissed him tenderly. "So," she whispered, still brushing her lips against his, "where's that champagne?"

"I'll be right back," Matt said with a grin. With that, he slipped out from under Xay, and off the bed. He was gone for just under a minute when he came back carrying two glasses and a bottle. "I hope the vintage meets with your approval, my love."

"Considering I'm not as cultured and sophisticated as you seem to believe I am, and know nothing about champagne, I doubt I'll have a problem." Xayella scooted to the far end of the bed and rested her back against the headboard. She accepted one glass from Matt, and shifted over to make room for him. "So...am I always going to get such special treatment?"

"Well, as long as you stick with me," Matt said with a grin, "this is what you can expect. What's the point in living if you're not able to do it in style? Or at least to the point where you enjoy it. I happen to find enjoying life to be a very important part of life, especially if you're spending it with someone you love."

"I take it that's a 'yes,' " she surmised. "Not that I mind. I just don't want to be disappointed if, one day, instead of champagne, I start getting apple juice. Though, I do happen to like apple juice..."

"If you get apple juice, it will be only because apple juice is the most appropriate drink for the occasion. Or because I feel like sharing a glass of apple juice with you."

Xayella chuckled gently as she curled up against Matt. "You're too charming for your own damned good, Salinger."

Matt grinned. "You really think so?" With a laugh, he kissed her. "I think you bring out the best in me, unless this is the worst. In either case, I like it."

"Oh, Matt Salinger, I don't think you've been bad a day in your life. Which means that bringing out the best in you isn't such a difficult feat."

"Maybe not," he said. "But, being with you makes it that much easier. So, what kind of food do you want tonight? I think we have our pick of just about anything."

Xayella sighed and held out her glass to Matt for some champagne. "Anything at all. I mean, everything always tastes better when I'm sharing it with you." She grimaced playfully and added, "And I always seem to get disgustingly sentimental as well."

Matt laughed. "Well, there's nothing wrong with sentimental if that's what you're feeling. If you're able to feel that way within our relationship, then that's a good thing for us. Though, there are many ways to express love, not just through endearments. I guess as long as the love is clear, then everything's good."

Xayella pushed one hand under Matt's shirt and slowly slid it up his chest, smiling silkily as she did. "I'm pretty sure I can make it clear enough. It would mean, though, that we'd have to miss out on another dinner..."

"Who says we have to miss out," Matt said with a chuckle. "We can catch a late dinner if you'd like. Give you time to make things extremely clear and take a walk before dinner."

Her hand smoothed over the defined curves of his chest as she slung one leg over his thighs, elucidating that the hunger in her eyes wasn't from talk of dinner. "All that is ours is yours, isn't that what they say on this planet?" she asked in a husky whisper. "I wonder what that means."

"I think it's an expression used to indicate an extension of hospitality," Matt said. "Are you about to be hospitable with me, Xayella Tagliesh?"

She grinned slowly at him. After tossing back her champagne, she threw the goblet over her shoulder and climbed fully onto Matt's lap as the glass bounced to a stop on the carpeted floor. "Let's find out, shall we?"

"I like the way you think, my dear," Matt said. "Now, I'm all yours. All that is mine is yours."

Xayella chuckled throatily and eased Matt's goblet out of his grip. Setting it aside on the nightstand, she pushed her lips against Matt's ear, and whispered something especially lewd to him involving a claim of ownership on his genitals, and what horrors he would suffer if he ever loaned her property out to another. "All that is yours is mine," she sang, slipping a hand between his legs. "Remember?"

"Oh yes," Matt said with a wide grin. "Oh, that's yours alright."

After kissing him slowly, deeply, Xayella raked her fingers back through Matt's hair and regarded him with desire and love, and complete certainty expressed in her gaze. Laughing softly to herself, Xayella embraced Matt fully. "I'm glad you're mine," she said quietly.

"That makes two of us," Matt said with a grin. "And, I'm glad that we have this time together. I know we can't keep this from the rest of the crew, but here we have our time to ourselves, and the freedom to just do whatever. I think from now on, I want all of my shore leave to be with you."

"Well who else would you share it with!"

"Well there's...no...no, there's... You know, I keep trying to think of other people I could spend the time with, but the only person I want to spend it with is you. And, maybe Monica Gainsborough, but only because she's fun to watch when she's had her usual dose of raktajino in the morning."

"Ah...so that's why you never invite me to serve a shift on the bridge!" She gnawed playfully at his neck and tugged roughly at the button on his pants. "I think you require a good reason to stay faithful only to me, Matt Salinger," she purred.

"Oh, I think I'm beginning to understand, though sometimes I have been known to be slow to pick things up. Sometimes it takes two or three times before I get it."

"Maybe even four?" she asked with a raised eyebrow. She smiled and nodded decisively. "I think so too."

"Four. Yes." Matt chuckled as she pushed his shirt up over his head. "Oh, I promise I'll learn. I promise to be really really good."

Xayella pouted playfully. "But I thought tonight you were supposed to be bad? Stick to the storyline, Salinger!"

"Bad, that's what I meant. I'm bad. So very bad." Matt laughed at the look she fixed him with. "Sorry. Would it be bad of me to tell you that you're extraordinarily beautiful?"

Xayella laughed and nipped at Matt's chin. "Very smooth, Salinger," she whispered, spreading kisses along his neck. "Any man can say that to a woman. Tell me something far naughtier."

Matt raised his lips to her ear and whispered something about their time together in the holodeck representation of Bajor. He felt her shiver and smiled, knowing that he'd managed to succeed in her request.

"Very good," she said, suddenly breathless. She didn't think her desire could rise any higher, but in one instant, Matt had managed to send it soaring. With a gentle whimper, she gripped his shoulders and pulled him down on top of her as she reclined back onto the bed. "Show me that one again," she whispered.

With a wide smile, Matt Salinger did just that.

"Reporting"
Ensign Mason Farrell - Operations Officer
Commander Lyrr Tayla - Executive Officer
Lieutenant Sam - Operations Manager

Location: Transporter Room; Bridge, USS Sulu
Stardate: 57907.04 16h30

***

Ensign Farrell faded back into existence, and stepped off the platform pad. He saw the stern Bajoran immediately, and moved to attention. The motion was fluid and obviously well-known; he did not snap it.

"Ensign Mason Farrell reporting for duty, sir." His deep voice was marked by a twanging accent.

Lyrr inclined her head slightly at the man and held out a hand to receive the padd with his profile and official transfer orders for review. Normally, Lyrr would not have bothered to greet a new arrival with merely the rank of 'Ensign,' but this one was a special case, and Lyrr wanted to give him a meticulous assessment before she let an officer with his past roam the ship freely. After a cursory glance at the information, which she was already familiar with, Lyrr regarded him again with a cocked eyebrow. "Ensign Mason Farrell.... I've reviewed your file before your arrival, Ensign. Quite the interesting read. I trust your stay on the Sulu will be less...enterprising, shall we say."

"Yes, sir." He spoke with certainty, but his face was a blank. Totally unreadable. "May I inquire as to my shift schedule, sir?"

"You're currently on Beta shift," she replied tautly, thrusting the padd towards Mason. With a slight smile, she teased, "A little on the late side, aren't we, Ensign?"

"Last night was a long one, sir," Farrell said, his lip twitching to return Lyrr's smile as he accepted the padd. "Am I on bridge watch?"

"Certainly," Lyrr replied. "I'm on my way there now. If you wish to take a tour of the bridge, you can escort me there, find an empty station and have at it. And while you're there, you can introduce yourself to Lieutenant Sam. I'm sure you've come prepared and are well aware of who your superior is," she said with a pointed look.

Farrell grinned widely, but slyly. "Are you quizzing me, sir?"

Lyrr shrugged her shoulders eloquently and replied, "Do I need to, Ensign?"

"Not at all, sir." Farrell's grin did not slacken. "Crewman," he said to the transporter operator. "Signal the hotel that I'll take care of my kit later. Now then" --he turned to Lyrr-- "if the Commander would be so kind as to follow me, we'll be on our way."

Farrell led the way directly to the turbolift, and confidently called for the Bridge once he and Lyrr were within. "I do love the Intrepid," he murmured to himself as the lift commenced its journey.

Lyrr tilted her head to one side and regarded Farrell with a hint of a smile. "All Intrepids or just this one, Ensign?"

"I must admit to never having been on an Intrepid-class vessel before, sir, though the specs I found were very thorough. It's an impressive class of vessel, and that's a fact. Of course," he spoke with mock thoughtfulness, "I imagine this one will be the best of them all."

The lift doors opened on the bridge, and Farrell followed Lyrr confidently into the nerve center of the Sulu. The skeleton crew looked up, obviously hopeful for something to enliven the somnolent duty when most of the crew was ashore.

"Good evening, gentlemen," he announced to the room, nodding to the duty officers in turn. "Lieutenant McKenzie, sir? Ensign Mason Farrell. A pleasure. Crewman Hamilton? Evenin', ma'am. Petty Officer Ner'c." He nodded respectfully to the dour tactical officer. "Lieutenant Sam, sir." He turned again, presenting himself specifically to the stoic android rising from the captain's chair. "Ensign Mason Farrell, reporting for duty, sir."

Sam inclined his head in greeting. "Welcome aboard the USS Sulu, Ensign," he answered. "I will have Crewman Hamilton begin making arrangements for your quarters aboard ship."

"Very good, sir. Where would you like me to sit, sir?"

Sam inclined his head in the other direction. "The back up operations console is currently available. However as soon as Crewman Hamilton is finished with her current task, if you are eager for work, you may begin working at the primary Operations station."

"That won't be necessary, sir," Farrell replied, moving to the backup console. "I'll be fine here for today. I'll" --he paused to check the wallchrono-- "start on the bottom-of-the-hour checklist, then?"

"That will be acceptable, Ensign," Sam answered. If you have any questions, I will be available for the remainder of this shift."

"Well," Lyrr interjected, "since you two seem to be getting along just fine, I'll leave you be." She shot Mason a stern look and said, "Welcome aboard, Ensign. Let's hope your time here passes without incident."

"No worries, sir," Farrell smiled and nodded to Lyrr as he sat at the console, swivelled the chair, and got to work.

"Waking Up On the Wrong Side of the Bed"
By Doctor Sean O'Shea

Location: Risa
Stardate 57907.04, 18h00

***

Sean looked around the bustling, festive streets, filled with scantily clad revelers and sighed.

Shore leave.

On a pleasure planet.

It was asking for trouble.

He remembered all too well what happened on his last two shore leaves. He swore silently to himself it was not going to happen again.

He was going to find a nice beach and relax with a good book. He was going to drink fruit juice and sip tea instead of imbibing the hard stuff.

And he was going to save himself for-- He stopped and pondered that one for a moment. For who? Tayla? She'd moved beyond her youthful infatuation. The new counselor perhaps? "Getting way ahead of yourself, Boyo," he muttered.

He rubbed his palms together and looked around. "Ok, mate, just take it slow, have a good time but not too good a time. Stay out of trouble, and go back to the Sulu in a few hours. Simple."

***The Blue Targ Motel, A Few Hours Later***

At first, Sean thought it was the sound of the construction workers outside of his window that had awakened him so early in the morning after his evening drinking binge. But then he realized that there weren't any construction workers and that the sound he was hearing was his throbbing skull protesting the massive hangover he was carrying.

At this point, Sean had yet to open his eyes. The dim light seeping through his closed lids was more than enough. He relied on his other senses. He smelled alcohol and perfume. Felt rumpled cotton bed sheets beneath his backside. His knuckles hurt and his ribs hurt. And, oh yes, lest he forget, there was an arm draped over his chest.

Sean slowly opened his eyes and turned his head. "Please god, let it be an attractive species at least," he whispered.

He needn't have worried. She was Human, young, but not too young, and quite lovely. He ran his hand through her long blond tresses and smiled. He had vague memories of meeting the woman in some fleeter bar, getting in a brawl and then stumbling back to her motel and having wild uninhibited sex. As for her name, he was completely dumbfounded.

Slowly, he removed her arm and sat up. He looked at his hands and saw the tell-tale signs. He must have punched someone in the jaw that had a day or two worth of stubble. He massaged his temples to no avail. The pain wasn't going to go away without some artificial inducements. Fortunately, being a doctor had its advantages. He reached over the side of the bed until he found his pants. Fumbling, he found the small medical kit attached to the belt. He hauled it up over the side of the bed and took out a roll of dermal patches. Selecting three of them, he slapped them on the back of his neck. Almost immediately, the throbbing and mild nausea began to subside.

"Always come prepared," he said quietly. "Now, let's see who you are, love." He took out a small cylindrical scanner and held it above his sleeping bed-mate. The instrument made a low buzzing sound, causing the woman to stir.

Sean looked at the readings, somewhat relieved. "Human, age approximately twenty four, recently digested alcohol but no signs of drug abuse. No known sexually transmitted or other communicable diseases, thank Jaysus. Recently had intercourse, big surprise there. Not her first time." He continued his scan. "Now this is interesting. Genetic patterns indicate physiology has undergone multiple transporter reconstructions. She's been inoculated against all known Romulan and Dominion bio warfare agents. Must be Starfleet." He scratched his head. "Not one of ours, I would have remembered. Wonder who else is in the system?"

The woman's eyes fluttered open and a smile crossed her face. She scooted across the bed and snuggled against Sean's side. "Running a diagnosis, Doctor?" she asked coyly.

"Just making sure that I'm actually awake and not dreaming that there's an angel in my bed," he said, dodging the details of his scan.

"That's sweet," she said. "But you don't need that thing to figure out what's ailing me." She plucked the scanner from Sean's fingers and tossed it over the side of the bed. "I think I need another physical, Doctor." She rolled over on top of him, straddling his hips.

Sean still had a lot of questions. Who are you, where are you from, how did we meet... But he decided they could all wait. "Well, you've come to the right place, love," he said with a mischievous grin. "The doctor is most definitely in."

They made love for nearly an hour, Sean finding himself hard paced to keep up with the young woman's appetites, not that he was complaining. He was blissfully unattached and she was more than willing. And seeing as she was a fellow fleeter, chances were they would be light years apart within a few days, so no baggage and no regrets.

Exhausted and still mildly hung over, they fell back asleep in each other's arms, tangled in their sweat drenched sheets.

Sean awoke two hours later to the distinctive sound of a comm-badge being activated. He could still feel his companion nuzzled against his body, meaning someone else was in the room. Laying still and keeping his eyes shut for the moment, he listened to the hushed conversation.

"We found her, sir. What are your orders?"

"Is she alone?" came the voice of an older gentleman through the badge.

"Negative, sir."

"Detain them both. I'm on my way."

"Aye, sir."

Sean sat up and stared across the room. By the foot of his bed stood a pair of Starfleet security officers, each holding a phaser pointed directly at his head. Although they only wore the standard uniform, they were each dressed and groomed impeccably. Their hair was perfect. Their boots shiny and their collar pips polished within an inch of their life. Sean hadn't seen such attention to detail since the UFP President visited the academy during his junior year.

"Point those things somewhere else, will you?" Sean muttered. "And just who the bloody hell are you and what are you doing here?"

"Please remain where you are," said one of the officers, in a tone that was both polite and threatening at the same time.

Hearing the commotion, Sean's female companion sat up and rubbed her eyes with one hand while holding the sheets around her naked body with the other. She looked at the two officers and groaned. "He didn't. Tell me he didn't!" she said, exasperated. "What am I saying? Of course he did. I swear, sometimes that man really infuriates me!"

"What man?" Sean asked. "What's going on here?"

As if on cue, the room hummed with the sound of transporters. Two new figures appeared. The first was an older man, with silver hair and a thin but trim figure. His red collar bore the four gold pips of a Captain. The creature standing next to him was huge, at least seven feet tall and as wide as any two humans. His dull gray skin appeared to be chiseled out of living rock. His face, while lacking the proper muscles to display human emotion, had no trouble relaying to Sean a sense of dislike and menace as the two obsidian colored eyes glared at him.

"A Brikar!" Sean said in surprise.

"Do you hear that, Lieutenant Commander, Tragon?" the older gentleman spoke. "This Neanderthal actually recognizes your species."

"I heard him, sir," the large security officer replied in a gravelly voice.

"Daddy, what are you doing here?" Sean's companion demanded. She leapt out of the bed and tied the sheets around her body. "This is so unfair!"

"Oh great, Daddy," Sean muttered.

"That's Captain Thomas Kincaid to you, scum," the older man said. "The only person who gets to refer to me as daddy is my sweet little girl and the man she eventually marries."

"I'm hardly little any more!" the woman protested.

"Karyn, get your clothes on, we will discuss this back on board the Majestic."

Sean had a flash of recognition. "Wait a minute! The USS Majestic? The ship that won the Starfleet Excellence Award?"

"For two years running," said Kincaid. "We also have the highest number of decorated senior officers in the fleet, five distinguished combat citations from the Dominion War and have consistently placed in the top 1% of the annual all fleet service review."

"And you all look absolutely marvelous," Sean added sarcastically. "I mean, who does your hair? Can I get his name?"

"Defiling sweet innocent girls may be a laughing matter to dirt bags like yourself," growled Kincaide. "But I take my daughter's welfare very seriously."

Sean burst out laughing. "Sweet and innocent? No offense meant, Tom, but your daughter, while sweet, is about as innocent as a four armed Ferengi working a dabo table."

The frown on the Captain's face turned even further downward. "I will hear no more of this!"

"Spoken like a typical delusional parent," said Sean. "So, are we done? Can I get my clothes on and go now? Oh, and while I'm on the subject, would you mind if I called on your daughter again?"

"Would somebody please stun this piece of filth and dump him in the street?" Kincaid roared.

"Daddy, you can't!" Karyn spoke out. "He's a doctor. A Starfleet doctor."

"Starfleet, eh?" Kincaid said, rubbing his chin. "That changes things." He motioned for his officers to lower their weapons. Sean took the opportunity to climb out of bed and pull on a pair of boxer shorts, all under the watchful glare of the towering Brikar. He spotted the discarded medical scanner on the carpet and palmed it.

"Do you really want to see me again?" Karyn asked.

"If you are in the neighborhood," Sean said with a grin.

"You're a sharp one, are you?" said Kincaid. "You probably think a lot of yourself and your prospects."

"I get by," said Sean with a shrug.

"Well, you can kiss those hopes and aspirations goodbye," said Kincaid. "I have no idea where you are currently assigned, mister. But I intend to find out, and once I do, I'll have your transfer orders processed within twenty four hours."

"A transfer?" said Sean. "You'd do that for me? Tom, you're the best! I've always wanted to be head of medical research at Starfleet. Think you pull enough weight to land me that?"

A cruel smirk formed on the Captain's face. "Joke while you can. Let's see how you like being a medical orderly in the most remote outpost in the Federation!"

Sean stared blankly at the older man for a few seconds, then he began to titter and was quickly overcome with a fit of laughter. He had to brace himself against his end table to stay standing. The officers in the room looked at each other in incomprehension. Meanwhile, Captain Kincaid's face was turning scarlet.

"Why are you laughing? Stop that!" he ordered. "I can end your career!"

Sean caught his breath and looked Kincaid right in the eye. "Like I bloody well care? I almost resigned my commission last week until my XO talked me out of it. I was dreaming of reopening my practice on Bajor. Ever been to Bajor? Lovely place." His smile faded and his eyes flashed challenge. "So you can puff up your chest and bug our your eyes all you want, Tom. You're not phasing me."

"Lieutenant Commander Tragon!" Kincaid barked. "Would you please get this idiot to shut up?"

"With pleasure, sir," said the Brikar. He flexed his fingers and began to lumber forward.

"Daddy, he's a Starfleet Officer!" said Karyn. "You can't just order him beaten!"

"He's a no-name doctor and I'm the Captain of the Majestic," said Kincaid, brushing off the protest. "Who's going to care?"

Sean leapt out of the way as a rocky fist put a hole in the wall near where he was standing. He landed on the carpet and grabbed his jacket and began frantically fumbling through the pockets. A cold rough hand grabbed him by the back of the neck and lifted him in the air, holding him with his legs dangling.

"I've seen all I need to see," said Kincaid. "Tragon, follow us back up to the Majestic when you are through." He motioned to his daughter to follow him out of the motel.

"So you'll call me?" she asked. "I had a great time."

"Oh sure. Me too," said Sean, who was then summarily tossed across the room, impacting four feet up on the far wall. He tumbled to the floor, half draped over a couch. Tragon closed the door after everyone else left.

"If it makes you feel better to fight back, I'll let you get in a few swings," the Brikar said as he stalked across the room towards Sean.

"Bloody considerate of you," said Sean. He finally found his comm-badge in his inside jacket pocket and jabbed at it furiously. "O'Shea to Sulu! One to beam up!"

"Understood, Sir," the transporter chief replied pleasantly. "Lots of folks heading back to the Sulu this morning. Should be able to get to you in about five minutes. Please hold at your current coordinates."

Sean tried to dodge, but the Brikar caught him by the leg and swung him around, bashing him into the wall again. Sean saw stars and dropped his badge. "Listen you Banjaxed pillock! You beam me out of here right now!"

"I heard you the first time. Don't go getting your britches in--" The transmission was cut short as Tragon stepped on the badge, crushing it. He reached down and picked up the scrambling Sean with two massive hands, holding him out before him like a puppy.

"You realize this is nothing personal," said Tragon. "Captain Kincaid is a great man, and he really cares about his crew, especially his daughter." The Brikar followed the statement with a brutal headbutt that knocked Sean nearly senseless.

"I'm touched, really," Sean mumbled thorough the haze.

Tragon looked impassively at his victim. "Now, this next part might hurt a bit." He balled one of his hands into a fist and reared it back.

Which was when Sean heard the most welcome sound of his life, the hum of the transporter.

He rematerialized in Transporter Room 1, hovering two feet above the floor, wearing nothing but his boxers and a multitude of bruises. In the room, the transporter chief and some of the recent returnees stopped their conversations and gaped as the light faded and their CMO was dropped unceremoniously to the carpeted floor.

"I take it you had a good time?" the Chief inquired, cocking an eyebrow at the half naked, bedraggled looking doctor.

Sean got unsteadily to his feet, wiggled his nose and his teeth with his fingers to make sure they were still in one piece. He unclenched his right hand and looked at the small, cylindrical scanner and smiled. "Yeah, I guess I did at that."

"All That Is Ours Is Ours"
by Ensign Kit Markham
Ensign Amy Reese
Ensign Cristobel Sefton
and Corran Quezith

Location: USS Sulu, Transporter Room One; Risa, Uisce Resort
Stardate: 57907.04, 18h05

***

"Please tell me we're going to one of the good resorts on Risa," Sefton practically begged. "I'd like to spend my vacation avoiding those slums where backward-thinkers actually expect payment for their offered goods and services. I suppose the slogan 'All that is ours is yours' is competing with 'All that is ours is yours for the right price' on Risa these days."

Wearing a sheer emerald short-sleeved top that opened down the front, and fitted forest-green swimming trunks, Cristobel folded his arms over his chest, clearly signalling impatience, as he waited for the others to catch up.

"Yeesh, Cris," Amy complained, "slow down! I'm not used to walking in sandals."

She smiled at Kit, taking extra long strides to keep up with her as she hurried forward. She couldn't help thinking how they were all inappropriately dressed for dinner, wearing nothing more than swimsuits. Amy had chosen a one-piece, strapless suit that was the same shade of orange she'd dyed her hair. The glittering, diaphanous jacket she wore over it swayed as she scurried to catch up to Cris, who seemed either far more excited than usual, or more anxious to get the double-date over with. "So, what's this place called again? 'The Flaming Horga'hn'?"

Cristobel shrugged dramatically. "I just said I wanted to eat someplace more fun than formal. I thought you were making the arrangements."

"Me?" Amy shook her head briskly. "I'm just along for the ride."

Corran simply walked behind them, his brow furrowing continuously as he wondered just how 'fun' this place was. Cris had been cryptic and mysterious about it, hidden it in some blocked area of his mind that Corran wouldn't breach into. They liked surprising each other every now and then...granted, his surprise for Cris was his bathing suit which had originally been: nothing. Now however he was sadly dressed up in black skin-tight diving suit style swimming trunks and a shirt similar to Cris' but with light blue hues across it, jogging and walking to keep with the group, and secretly smiling about Cris' friend.

Responding to Corran's curiosity, Cris 'pathed, I don't know where we're going, darling, but I can assure you, it won't be a sex club.

Kit laughed and shook his head. "I wouldn't trust any arrangements Amy's made, even if she did make them. Who knows where we'd end up at. Probably a game of springball wearing diving suits with quillrat spines attached. Or hovergliding into a Klingon bat'leh fighting convention. Or naked spangee jumping from the top of one of those spires outside of the city." He was wearing a pair of blue and black trunks that came to the tops of his knees and a matching blue tanktop.

The doors to the transporter room opened for Cris, who ushered everyone in with lively hand gestures. "I suppose we could go to the Uisce Resort for dinner. The chief facilitator is a friend of my family from way back when my father worked there for a year...cooking. My Dad prepared food - wasn't really involved in the, y'know, "hospitality" or anything like that."

Amy snickered and lightly elbow Cris in the ribs as she strode past him. "Sure he wasn't...." She grinned sweetly. "I mean, who else would you have inherited your 'eager to please' attitude from?"

As Amy surged ahead him, with a sigh, Kit finally gave up on trying to keep up with her. It was obvious she didn't want him walking near her anyway judging by the pace she was setting. He could only imagine what it would be like once they got down onto the planet.

Corran came close to the man named Kit and set a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Give it a little time." That was all he said as he moved up onto the transporter padd next to him. He'd been opening his mind up as an exercise to see if Risans would relax him or not, so he caught Kit's brief thought, and even Amy's... What complicated lives people lived.

Kit gave Corran a glance and raised eyebrow, then nodded. Time, he thought. Eventually she'll get tired of walking so fast and maybe slow down to walk next to me. He shook his head and chuckled, then moved toward the transporter pad next to Amy.

Cristobel helped the transporter chief with the co-ordinates, having been to the Resort several times before, sent a quick text message to the chief facilitator, and then skipped up onto the transporter pad. "And off we go." Following an uncertain look from the transporter chief, Sefton ordered, "Energise."

Kit glanced at Amy and grinned when he found her watching him. As the transporter started to disassemble their molecules, he mouthed the words "I love you" to her before his body was completely converted to atoms.

When they materialized on the planet, Amy was still looking in Kit's direction and answered his endearment with one of her own. She smiled tenderly as she moved towards him and slipped her arms around his waist. Her eyes wandered to the lush, exotic surroundings, and she detected a hint of incense hanging in the air, which was surprising considering they were outdoors. She imagined it was the smell of love and arousal, and in a place such as Risa, there was a lot of that to go around.

"This is great," she said in awe. "Just standing here I feel like I want to have sex with someone."

Kit laughed softly as he pressed his lips briefly to hers. "Well, I certainly hope that someone is me," he said. "And, before we have sex right here, I think we should check on the local laws. They might not like sex with people just standing out in the open."

Amy grinned and said silkily, "Well, we'll just have to see about that, now won't we?"

Corran couldn't help it, he grimaced at the words that Amy said but made sure he had looked away from the group before he looked over to Cris and smiled embarrassingly. For someone that was open to exposure to words and thoughts of that kind normally, this reaction to Amy's words was strange. She's right, this place seems to have a touch of pheromones or god knows what in the air... Don't mind me, I'll just keep blushing. His eyes flickered naughtily as he moved over to Cris, stretching his hands out to him.

Cristobel meandered into the groping range of Corran's hands. "Shall we find ourselves a restaurant?" Cris asked them all. Before waiting even a moment, he continued, "Good. I'm hungry."

"I would say follow our noses," Amy said, "but considering what's in the air right now, I don't think it'd lead us to dinner." She grinned at the three men, then took Kit's hand and started forward at a leisurely pace and in a random direction. "Wow," she said as they moved along, "this place is like a paradise... How long are we supposed to be staying?"

With Corran's arms draped over him, Cristobel pointed Amy in the direction where he knew the restaurant, Soitheach, to be. "Almost three weeks, I believe," he informed, "and according to the Resort's advertisements, this is paradise."

"Three weeks!?" Corran couldn't help it, it escaped his lips as some dismay settled into his mind. He'd thought they'd be here no more than a week, and had scheduled the construction of the arboretum accordingly... He sighed to himself and then cleared his emotions up and just smiled. "Well, might as well make the best of it." He slowed down a bit and wrapped his arms around Cris from behind, forcing them to walk funny for a moment as he nuzzled the side of his neck and then kissed it. "You guys work too much anyway."

We could always take some day trips back to the ship to get your arboretum started, Cris said to Corran telepathically. Smirking, he added, I'll have to come along to help you make it feel more like home... I'll do whatever you need me to do to accomplish that goal.

Amy giggled at the display and couldn't help teasing them with smooching sounds. "You two are so sexually charged. Is it some telepathic thing?"

Corran glanced over to her and winked playfully. "A little bit of this, a little bit of that..." His answer came out musically too as he hugged Cris tight and then wrapped one arm around his back as he walked next to him.

"Well, just don't get yourselves thrown into some cell because your little bit of that got out of hand," Kit said with a laugh. "Can you imagine the captain's reaction to having to spring officers from custody on charges of public indecency? Though, I guess we could always just tell him the horga'hn made us do it."

"The laws here aren't terribly strict..." Cris shared.

"Well, I guess we could at least look for some bushes to hide behind..." Corran teased and joked about it by putting on his most innocent look, but his eyes cheated him by shining and changing colors. He looked at Amy and Kit and raised his brow. "I guess I can try to make this group behave until we get somewhere private or something, 'cause you three are steamy hot. I gotta get away from here!" He waved his free hand around in the air as if he'd just burnt it.

Amy laughed boisterously and playfully swatted Corran on the rear. "Behave yourself! I don't think Crissy's doing a good enough job of reining you in. He really could use a lesson or two from me," she said, hugging Kit close. "I've got this one completely under my spell."

Kit gave them a wide, proud grin. "Completely," he said.

Corran grimaced jokingly and rubbed his ass jokingly, pretending to have been punished, before he turned and stole a firm kiss from Cris. "Hmm, 'course he's got me, you guys just don't know the intricacies of love through telepathy..." He grinned along with Cris, naughty images bouncing through their connection.

Rolling his head over to rest against Corran's shoulder, as they walked at a leisurely pace, Cristobel stated, "Besides, Corran can do anything he chooses. No leashes here. Well...except for that one time... But, in the non-literal sense, who'm I to impose boundaries onto his life?" For the

briefest of nano-seconds, surprise could almost be seen in Cris's eyes. He hadn't intended to make such a pointed comment towards Kit and Amy, and yet, there it was. Cris then simply grinned, satisfied with the truth of his statement and quickly forgetting that brief shock and worry.

Amy glared at Cris, hoping Kit hadn't picked up on the true meaning underlying his insightful words. She changed the subject quickly by pointing up ahead at a restaurant approaching. "Is that the one? It looks nice enough."

Cristobel needed only a quick glance at the open-air restaurant, which was overflowing with vividly coloured plant-life, to determine, "That's the one: Soitheach."

Always the naughty one, Cris... Corran smirked lightly before kissing his beloved on the cheek, and then nodded to Kit and Amy. "After you."

Amy obliged readily and pulled ahead of Cris and Corran, with Kit hurrying to keep up, towards the entrance. They were greeted by a Risan male with a dazzling smile and who wore nothing more than a long robe over his skimpy shorts.

"All that is ours is yours," he recited smoothly and with a slight bow. Before coming up again, he gently took Amy's free hand, turned it over and placed a gentle kiss onto her palm. Amy giggled and buried her blushing face into Kit's shoulder.

"You never act that way when I do that," Kit said with a laugh. "I'll have to do the officious kissing of the palm more often, I think."

"Do not be jealous, sir." The man flashed Kit a smile next, and dipped low to give his hand the same treatment. "All deserve to experience the pleasures our planet has to offer." After shooting Kit a desirous, piercing gaze, he stepped aside and extended his arm towards the dining area. "Come. All are welcome."

Kit chuckled as they started forward. "Oh, I have all I need in my Amy," he said. "I wonder if they have regularly scheduled orgies here."

Amy snickered and gently elbowed Kit in the ribs. "Don't make fun. We have to be respectful of others' cultures...or else he won't be going home with you tonight!"

"Hey! Ow! And, I can't go home with him. We have a date to try out that bed in our hotel room. According to that information padd they had near the bed, you can tell the computer to do various things with the bed. Magic Fingers. Rolling Waves. Pleasure Uprising. And, my personal favourite, Nookie Time."

Amy laughed as Corran and Cris came up behind them, only to be intercepted by the man at the doorway. He gave them both appraising glances, then grinned enticingly and gestured into the restaurant. "All that is ours is yours..." he repeated with a hint of suggestion in his voice. "Do you care to partake?"

"Certainly," Cristobel responded, in his most sultry voice. With sudden urgency, charm fading from every word, Cristobel clarified what he required, "What I'd most like is your food."

"Of course," the Risan male said with the slightest hint of a smirk. "You will undoubtedly need much energy," he added to Cris, giving a subtle nod towards Corran.

The Risan handed each guest circular palm-sized padds that detailed the foods and beverages available in this season and time of day. With all of their eyes on him, he instructed, "Choose whichever table you would most enjoy."

Amy glanced between the three men, then shrugged and steered them all towards a cozy spot in the corner of the terrace with a perfect view of the line of dancers entertaining the diners. The dance was sensual enough as it was without noting how the women were bereft of tops. Amy felt a stir of excitement at the sight, and grinned at the men as she imagined how it was affecting them...well, Kit anyway, though she never had asked Cris whether he leaned both ways. She giggled at the thought of seducing him just to find out.

The four took their seats, with Kit gentlemanly-like pushing in her chair for her. The Risan attendant who'd escorted them to their table took their drink orders, then departed to fill them...giving both Cris and Corran a lingering gaze before he left. Amy snickered and nudged Cris' arm. "So...how are you liking it on Risa? Or will you know for certain when you spend a night in those scrumptious hotel rooms?"

Looking up from skimming through the menu, Cris responded, "The breeze isn't the only thing that's sweet here; the mental atmosphere is superb. It doesn't feel as if there is any anxiety or pretences in the entire resort. That I am loving. It should be good for Corri." Cris gave Corran's shoulder and upper arm a quick rub.

Corran tilted his head sideways to rest it on Cris' shoulder briefly, but then he sat up straighter than before to wrap an arm around his shoulders. He was relaxing more than usual, but that didn't stop him from giving Amy a naughty glimmer. He'd 'heard' her thought of seduction about Cris. No wonder Cris had gotten along with her.

"It's nice here, but I am so going to have to get off the planet after a little while. As horny a guy as I am, and as much as I enjoy seducing you, love..." He turned his face to look at him, then kissed his lips softly before pressing his forehead to Cris'. "This is a bit much to put up with for too long." He chuckled.

"There's nothing chaining us to the Resort. Maybe one day we could borrow a floater, and head south where it's more secluded. There are supposed to be some astounding natural diving pools there, which I'd love to explore." Cristobel took Corran's hand, and placed it on his hip, in a gesture that seemed to simply be an intimate moment, but was actually Cris' reminder for Corran of the commbadge attached to the waistband of his shorts. "As well, the Sulu is always only a touch away."

Corran slid his hand upwards a little and brushed his fingers into Cris' shirt, over his skin as he smiled warmly. Exploring sounded good, and going back up with the ship running on a skeleton crew was even better, so he was happy.

Cristobel grinned at Corri, and slowly extracted himself from his grasp by sitting up straight. "Hungry. Must order," Cris affirmed, and picked up his touch-order menu to skim past the appetisers right to the list of entrees.

Amy sighed happily, aroused by the scene before her. She scowled playfully at Kit then, and said, "Why don't you ever do that to me?"

"Because, my dear," Kit said with a playful smile, "you are more concerned about what's happening with everyone else, and would hardly notice your boyfriend trying to get your attention. Besides, you know how we are: one touch, and then they'll be throwing us out of here for lewd and indecent behaviour, and that's saying something considering we're on Risa."

Amy grinned as she pressed up against Kit, trailing one finger down his chest. "But...maybe I want to get thrown out," she whispered.

Kit slid a hand down her thigh. "Oh I bet you do," he said with a low chuckle. "Should we clear the table, my love?"

Cringing, Cristobel softly asked, "You're not going to have sex with barn-yard animals, are you?"

Amy shot Cris a playful glare, then smiled sweetly. "No, that's more your thing, now isn't it?"

Cris rolled his eyes, but then abashedly said, "Sorry. I actually did read the Risian indecency laws. Thoroughly." Losing his appetite for meat, Cris scrolled through the menu to the vegetarian dishes.

Giggling, Amy said, "You mean they actually need laws to dissuade people from doing that?"

Looking up from the menu only briefly, Cris deadpanned, "You don't want to know the extent of what they need laws to dissuade people from doing on Risa."

"Well...then we have something to strive for!" she exclaimed cheerfully. "I imagine we can find something to do that will encourage some new laws to prohibit behaviour they've never thought of before."

Terrible people, terrible... The conversation that the group had taken on had caused Corran's face to contort into one of disgust. He'd always had a colorful imagination, and this was one instance when he didn't appreciate it. He reached for a napkin and held it to his lips as he stood up and left the table to seek out some form of natural and lung filling air that would make his now green eyes and green face return to normal.

"I'll be back, yuck..." he complained half jokingly.

Simultaneously, Corran 'pathed a message to Cris, Let me know when you two are done being disgusting... Barn animals, for God's sake... I am soooo not gonna eat right now. Ugh... With that, he turned a bend and went out for fresh air, which unfortunately wasn't half as fresh as he'd hoped.

I'm not making this stuff up, Corri. It's in the laws, Cristobel tried to explain, without following him. But we're done now. In fact, I was just about to give you your surprise -- the one I've been keeping secret -- once everyone finished ordering.

Amy watched Corran's flight with slight perplexity. "What's wrong with him? Kit and I didn't even have a chance to go at it on the table yet. Why's he running away already?"

"Overactive imagination. He just bestowed on me the resulting mental-images. Isn't sharing fun?" Cris asked rhetorically with entirely false enthusiasm.

"He's a little finicky and sensitive, isn't he?" Amy asked. "How ever do you put up with him?"

"He's my Imzadi," Cris answered, as if it were obvious. With slight hesitation, he continued, "He...uhm...he wasn't this sensitive before."

Amy snorted and playfully slapped his hand. "What'd you do to him!"

Well excuse me, some of us actually have "manners" for dinner conversations, let alone some semblance of decency. With his telepathic senses completely open on Risa, he'd heard the conversation and pathed her and Cris a message, then only pathed to Cris, I'm not going back to that table, love, too graphic, too gross. I'm going for a walk. Enjoy dinner with your friend if you so please.

Corran was an open minded guy, but he had his limits, and apparently closing his telepathic senses yet again was his only option as usual, so he did, and just walked down a path that led to some large garden not far from the restaurant, expressing a loud "yuck" as he did so.

Cristobel stared down at the table seriously, wondering if he'd pushed Corran into this double-date too soon, considering his social apprehension of late. "I have to go check on him," Cris announced, clearly sounding as if his thoughts were already elsewhere. He gave Amy a hug, Kit a warm handshake, and jogged off to find Corran.

"But--" Amy watched helplessly as Cris disappeared into the darkness outside of the restaurant, then unhappily leaned her cheek on her fisted hand. "I talk too much, don't I?"

"I happen to like how much you talk," Kit said. "It just so happens that I guess Corran has a very vivid imagination and delicate sensibilities. Don't worry about it though, Nathanial Kitridge Ozymandius Markham will help cheer you up."

"Really?" Amy pressed up against Kit again and gazed amourously up at him from beneath her glittered lashes. "Were you gonna do it now or--"

A throat cleared gently, but enough to interrupt their moment. When Amy gazed up at the attendant standing before the table with four drinks on a tray, she thought she detected a hint of disappointment in his expression. "Have the other two departed?" he asked.

" 'Fraid so," Amy replied. "But...we'll gladly take those," she said with a greedy smile.

He sighed wistfully, undoubtedly about a missed opportunity with Cris and Corran, and proceeded to set down the drinks. "When you're ready to order," he said with diminished enthusiasm, "call me over and I shall be at your service."

Though I bet he'd rather service Cris and Corran, Amy thought with amusement, and even giggled at the thought.

The man lifted an eyebrow at her, then bowed and quickly took his leave.

"This place is pretty wild," Kit said as he looked around, using the moment to slide even closer to Amy. "So, after we eat, how would you like to find some aquatic activity that might strand us on an uninhabited island?"

"So late?" Amy asked. "We could just go back to our room..." She smiled at him suggestively, while her hand moved up his thigh. "Couldn't we?"

"Now there's an idea," Kit said with a salacious grin. "Me, you, and all the Nookie Time we can handle!"

"You're gonna regret saying that," Amy laughed. "You'll soon learn that I can take a lot."

"Well, don't worry," Kit said. "I'll keep up. We won't have to bring in a second team to keep my Amy satisfied."

Her smile faltered momentarily, but Amy stretched her lips to their limit and kept her cheerful facade firmly fixed in place. "Not at all," she whispered. "No one else, Kit. Just you and me. I promise."

Kit kissed her then, content to let the rest of the universe just slip away. "So, do we order food? Or go back to our hotel?"

"After that kiss," Amy sighed, "I don't think I'd be able to sit still through dinner. I'd rather be with you...only you."

"Let's get out of here then," he said, his voice already lowering with the excitement Amy instilled in him. "And, who needs Nookie Time? I've got Amy Time."

She laughed softly and slipped her arms around Kit's neck, holding him tighter than she'd intended, but knowing definitely that she didn't want him to slip away. "I love you," she whispered. "I do, Kit. I really, really do."

Kit quirked a lopsided grin. "Come on, let's go back to our room so you can prove it to me. And, while we're there, I'll prove it to you too."

Amy dragged her lips across his cheek and rested them against his mouth for a brief, yet tender kiss, then gave him a sultry smile as she slowly rose. As Kit stood up to join her, Amy giggled wildly and pushed him back down, then made a run for it. "Catch me if you can, Nathanial!"

"Hey," Kit called as he scrambled out of the restaurant after her. He was quick, but Amy's longer legs were an advantage. "No fair!"

"I'm always fair, Kit Markham!" she hollered back amidst her laughter. Not always faithful, she wanted to say, but always fair.

In one hour, she'd thought four times of her affair with Dwayne, accompanied by a heart wrenching guilt she was unable to shake. She couldn't cope with such inner turmoil for long without watching her light fade a little each time. Kit was her light now, and every time she kept the truth from him, the more painful it would be for him when the truth finally came out, as it inevitably would. But, tonight was just for them, and there was no room for remorse or fear, not yet anyway. Tomorrow she'd worry about that, but tonight she'd focus on their love for one another...while it lasted.

"Meet the Slugs"
by Lieutenant JG Arthas Hex - Deputy Chief of Security
and Ensign Kelzira Rax - Science Officer

Location: USS Sulu
Stardate: 57907.04 18h20

***

Kelzira Rax was wandering through the corridors of the USS Sulu, paying more attention to the padd in her hand than where she was going. She was scheduled to start her shift, and was hoping to grab a fruit juice from the lounge before heading to the science labs. Fortunately, she was working Stellar Cartography today and helping out with some mapping Starfleet wanted done in the area.

As she rounded a corner--her feet knowing the way without her having to watch where she was headed--she suddenly came to an abrupt stop. She glanced up at the obstacle that she had run into, and for a moment thought it might have been a wall. It was when she found that the wall was topped with a head and was now turning around that she realized that the wall was actually a person.

"Oh," she said with a sheepish grin as he looked down at her, "sorry."

"It's not a problem," the wall said. "Hey, you're Trill aren't you?"

Kelzira grinned. "All my life," she said. "I find the spots tend to give it away."

"Well there aren't many of us, are there?" the wall said. "I'm Arthas Hex, Deputy Chief of Security."

"I'm Kelzira," she said as she held a hand out to him. "Kelzira Rax. Science officer."

"Nice to meet you, I have to go back to my duty station, but would you like to meet later in the lounge?" Arthas asked as he shook her hand.

Kelzira was slightly startled, but it didn't stop her from giving him a smile. "That sounds great," she said. "I was just swinging by the lounge before heading off to the labs. I guess I'll see you then, Arthas."

"I'll see you there," Arthas replied as he headed for the bridge.

***

The end of beta shift had arrived, and Kelzira found herself in the Lounge with a large glass of tomta fruit punch and the padd she'd been reading earlier. She sensed a presence above her, and glanced up to see Arthas there. She gave him a grin and indicated the seat across from her. "Hi there," she said, deactivating the padd and setting it aside. "Shift go well today?"

"Very, thank you." Arthas sat down opposite Kelzira and ordered a Tencil's Urprises.

"Pencils what?"

"It's the drink that Stencil has gotten me hooked on; it's quite tasty," Arthas replied as the drink was placed in front of him. "Here, have a taste," Arthas offered.

A little hesitant at first, Kelzira did taste the drink and nodded. "Very nice," she said. "I like the aftertaste too. It tastes...it's very similar to fresh tonzaberries."

"You're right, it does taste a little like tonzas. You'd have to beat the recipe out of Stencil though. He won't tell me." Arthas laughed.

Kelzira laughed and shook her head. "Well, I guess it's like magic. You can never get a magician to reveal his tricks, though they really hate it when you bring a tricorder to their shows."

"For once I stopped myself from looking at someone's Starfleet profile before meeting them so the only three things that I know is that your name is Kelzira Rax, you're a female Trill and you have a tendency to walk into security officers," Arthas said.

She laughed again. "I've only ever done that once. And, it was an accident. And, just so you don't have to go snooping through my Starfleet files: I was born and raised in Kil'khuda City. My parents were scientists, and they were somewhat distraught when I chose to become an artist. I went to Gil'gane. After that though, I guess some of their influence did affect me, so I entered Starfleet Academy to become a scientist who acted on the side. My family name was Pren before I was joined, and most foods I used to love now make me nauseous."

"So you are joined. When did you become joined?" Arthas asked. He was really interested in how another Trill was experiencing being joined; in fact, that was the reason he had asked Kelzira here in the first place.

"How long have I been on the ship?" she asked with a laugh. "I was joined about a month before I reported for duty. It was...was an emergency procedure when I was on shore leave before my first assignment. It was a surprise, to say the least."

Arthas raised his eyebrows. "That's odd. I wonder how many emergency joinings there have been. The Hex symbiont was implanted into me after it was wounded when the previous host, my superior, died. That was almost a year and a half ago now."

Kelzira shook her head and laughed. "I just hope we're extreme cases," she said. She didn't tell him how...strange, her own joining had been. Had she been in the frontier with no other Trill around, it wouldn't have seemed so strange. But, she'd been on Trill when it happened, and they'd transferred Rax to her. She quickly put the thoughts out of her mind, not wanting to think too deeply on the potential shady possibilities. So far, she assured herself, her relationship with Rax was great...with the exception of some occasional queasiness. "So, how are you adapting to the changes? I find it strange to hear things that sound wise coming from my own mouth."

"In my case, it's often unwise sounds coming from inside my head. I seem to have the four most argumentative, egotistical people in my stomach." Arthas laughed. "I'm not sure how it is for you, but they keep thinking aloud to me and it can be distracting, especially when it's nothing to do with what I'm doing at the time."

Kelzira raised an eyebrow. "No, they don't really...I mean, they haven't done that yet. I remember things they've done, and how they felt and things like that. But, they don't really talk to me, like you or I are talking. Mostly, it's thoughts and images. Have you talked to the Commission?"

"Yes, they're baffled. I seem to have made a whole new type of connection with my symbiont. It's odd really, but not too discomforting. I'm talking to you without them interrupting. It's just strange when they do say something to me."

"Do they have interesting conversations at least? Julanna was a diplomat. Epharyn was a scientist -- one of the best terraforming scientists at the time. Kyrii was also a scientist, though she was more of an activist. And, Looryx was an engineer, but after he was joined he also took on a lot of science duties as well. Quite a collection in there."

Arthas sighed, remembering the endless arguments inside his own head. "Well, the previous Hex hosts were: firstly, Ashly Hex, who, if you dug around for a bit might find out was Trill Prime minister for a number of elections; Clavain, who is not well-known, but was apparently the best pilot of his time, according to him; there's Gredala Hex who was the leading tactician in Stafleet's Admiral ranks for a number of years; and finally, Craz, who was my superior on the Blizzard."

"They sound like a fairly talented lot," Kelzira offered. "Especially a Starfleet admiral."

"It may sound good, but it really isn't when they have continuous arguments," Arthas replied with a sigh.

"Yeah, I can see where that might cause some trouble." She was silent for a few moments, then looked up at him. "You know, being joined has really thrown my life out of balance. Things I always believed before are now nebulous, things I've never thought about are solid beliefs, and everything I do and don't like is all mixed up. I don't even know if I prefer men or women anymore."

Arthas smiled and looked at Kelzira. "You know what? I am so pleased that there's somebody on the ship that knows what I feel like. It's odd isn't it. Noticing both sexes when they walk into a room."

"It's very strange," Kelzira said with a laugh. "Though, it definitely does free up all the options when you're looking for a date. Of course, it doesn't help at all when she's already got herself a boyfriend."

"Ouch. I'm not going to ask for names, I'm not looking for gossip. I know how it feels for that to happen; I've had it happen to myself many times let alone my symbiont's experience," Arthas said.

Kelzira grinned. "I didn't think you were," she said. "But, I think she knows already. I haven't exactly been subtle about it. But, enough about my failed romantic aspirations. So, have you ever done any acting, Arthas? I've been trying to find other people on the ship who might be interested in getting involved in a small theatre troupe during our off-duty hours."

"Acting?" Arthas said. "Never thought of it."

Say yes, Arthas, say yes, the voice of Ashly spoke into Arthas' head.

Arthas tilted his head as if in pain but soon returned to how he was. "Sorry, that was another voice in my head. She says to say yes, so I guess I'm in." He laughed.

Kelzira was a little taken aback, but she recovered quickly. "That's great! I don't really have anyone else yet, but we'll find some people and start working through stuff. I don't know what level of talent everyone will have, so we'll have to find that out. Oh this is going to be so great. Oh! Amy would love to do it, I bet. And, maybe Kit can do music. Thankfully, Dwayne will keep far away."

Arthas finished up his drink. "You want to go somewhere else?"

Kelzira grinned. "What'd you have in mind?"

Arthas smiled. "I've got two hours of Holodeck time. You can choose a program if you'd like."

"Holodeck," she mused. "Well, let's go see what's available. What sorts of things are you interested in doing? If we're both going to do something, then we should both at least enjoy the activity."

"Well, I enjoy riding a shemlok; I find them relaxing and I only wish I had a real one with me. Card-playing and most sports. Take your pick." Arthas smiled as they got up from the table and headed for the holodecks.

Kelzira frowned. "I'm...I'm not sure about that," she said. "I'm not big on shemloks, and well...so, do you like springball?"

Arthas laughed. "Never heard of it, but I'll give it a shot. Or a serve for that matter!"

Kelzira laughed. "Great! Come on. It's a really fun game. I play it with my bunkmate all the time. And, rumour has it that Commander Lyrr is a champion-ranked player. They say that she serves it so fast that people have a hard time hitting. They've even named that particular type of serve after her: the Lyrr Maneuver. The ball moves so fast that it looks like it's in two places at once."

Arthas smiled. "Well, I'll have to start practicing."

With that, they were off.