"A Cry in the Night"
by Remica Clarion
and Kirsha Dublai

Location: Kirsha and Remica's Shared Quarters, USS Sulu
Stardate 57911.03, 08h15

***

"So they're letting you work," Remica said from where she was lying on her bunk as she watched Kirsha pulling on her coverall, the garment they gave her to work in. It seemed as if the crew still had big problems with allowing them to wear a uniform. She wouldn't be surprised if she found out that most of the crew would prefer they weren't allowed any clothing at all...or food, beds, or air. Considering what had happened, Remica wasn't certain if they didn't exactly deserve such treatment...except neither of them had mistreated the crew. She'd just done her job, and Kirsha had pleasured one of the crew! "They still say there's nothing for me, but I'm sure I'll be here when you get back."

"It's only four hours," Kirsha told her with a smart tug on her zipper. It went up smoothly and Kirsha let it stop just below the hollow of her neck, exposing only a hint of blue flesh. "So, maybe we can venture to that lounge of theirs once I'm done," the Andorian suggested. She smiled charmingly at her friend as she reached back to knot her hair. "How about it, Clarion?"

"I'm definitely up for that," Remica said. "And, I'm sure our chaperones would love to accompany us there. So, four hours?" She grinned and stood from the bed to approach Kirsha. "It'll be so nice to get out of here for an hour or so."

"Stir crazy already?" Kirsha sighed with mock sympathy and squeezed her friend's shoulder. "At least you're not the one stepping into the fray. I can only imagine the insults that will soon fly at me."

"So, what's so great about this universe again? The only difference I see is that they're not as good at stabbing you in the back," Remica said with a sigh.

Kirsha smirked. "Which means we'll be able to see it coming lightyears away." Chuckling, she patted Remica on the cheek then strolled off towards the door. "Wish me luck out there!"

"Luck," Remica said with a smile. "And, remember, if they throw anything at you, don't throw it back. Don't know if their people will get in trouble for doing anything to us, but I'm pretty sure we'll get in trouble if we try to defend ourselves."

Kirsha paused in the doorway to shoot her friend a reassuring wink. "I'll try not to spill blood," she only half-joked, then she was gone.

Once Kirsha was gone, Remica smiled to herself and returned to the bed. If nothing else, the time alone would allow her to read more of the engineering journal she'd finally managed to borrow. She settled onto the bed and opened the padd. It'd only be a few hours, then she and Kirsha would get out of their quarters and have a drink. She couldn't wait.

***

She wasn't sure when she'd drifted off, but the chime at the door brought Remica Clarion back into wakefulness. She sat up and looked around, then slipped off the bed and started toward the door. She wore a Starfleet issue tanktop, courtesy of the replicator, a pair of lightweight exercise pants, also courtesy of the replicator, and otherwise appeared to be a somewhat rumpled mess from her nap on her bed. She padded to the door and hit the release button to open it.

The other side of the doorway was empty. Remica frowned and took a step forward. She poked her head out into the hall and glanced down the corridor to the left. Empty. She turned to the right, and a body surged into view.

Before she could make a sound, a hand clamped over her mouth and someone was pushing her back inside. She tried to scream, but no sound could escape the hand firmly placed over her mouth. She tried to see who it was, but a mask obscured his face. She twisted her body and nearly broke his grip on her, but a fist slammed into her temple. Her vision clouded and went dark. With her balance wavering, Remica nearly collapsed, but he was holding her firmly.

She tried to shake her head to clear the sudden ringing and the irising darkness of her vision, but she could not move her head. He shoved her backwards, propelling her before him. Remica's legs hit the edge of the bed, and she fell backwards. She managed to get her arms back in time to stop her fall, but then he was on top of her. Before she could scream, her attacker forced her jaws apart and shoved a cloth in place, blocking any sounds she could hope to make.

"Shut up, mirror bitch," he rasped, a hard slap cracking over her cheek. "You don't belong here. You don't deserve freedom. You deserve the same pain you caused us. Suffer!"

He ripped the pants from her body and Remica felt a panic like she'd never felt in her life. She tried to scream, but only produced silence. The tears finally fell as, with a grunt, the violation began.

***

The stares she'd gotten throughout her shift didn't bother Kirsha Dublai; she was used to the leering of men aboard the Windsor and could easily tolerate a few glares. But it was the menial tasks assigned to her that had Kirsha fuming. She was better than resupplying a few toolkits and restocking equipment. Those were jobs given to a first year cadet, not an engineer of her caliber. But, she had resisted raising a fuss on her first day. It was necessary to ease her into her new role aboard the ship, not for her own sake, but for that of the Sulu's crew. They were such a sensitive bunch.

Most of them still didn't trust her, and sharing a work space with the other engineers, performing the same important tasks they were, would likely not go down well. She understood where their hard feelings stemmed from, their distrust and resentment, and Kirsha truly could identify with them. She only wished they'd stop being so damn childish and stubborn and recognize her talent for what it was, acknowledge the contribution she could make. "Just a little time, Kirsha," she told herself as she covered the distance towards her shared quarters. Her fisted hands relaxed as she did. She would shine soon enough, though until then, a drink with Remica would assuage her woes.

But nothing could possibly alleviate the anger that now rose at the sight she was greeted with.

Her hand balled up once again as she stood frozen in the doorway, staring at the limp and naked form of her only friend sprawled atop the bottom bunk. Blue eyes, now as hard as ice, narrowed to furious slits. Remica wasn't simply sleeping, not unless she'd torn her clothing to shreds before doing so.

With a low growl, Kirsha launched herself forward into the room, long legs carrying her easily towards Remica. Dropping to her knees upon the mattress, Kirsha hesitated momentarily to touch her friend, worried she would find only a cold and stiff body under her fingertips. But the steady rise and fall of Remica's chest quelled her fears. Still, she was too stunned to make another move.

Blood, not quite dry but already congealing, marked a trail from Remica's broken lip to her chin, where purple bruises were spreading up towards her cheek. Blue and black splotches of mishandled flesh were evident on her arms, chest and thighs, some even creating the outline of those hands that had inflicted the injuries. Kirsha caught a glimpse of blood staining the rumpled sheet beneath Remica's out-turned legs, and her arms were splayed away from her, resting where the assailant had likely pinned them. If she hadn't been restrained, Kirsha held no doubt Remica would have fought her attacker, likely to his death. And if she had been there, Kirsha would have done the same.

A pang of guilt hit the Andorian in knowing she hadn't been there to protect her friend, the grief made worse by the glisten of tears coating Remica's cheeks. Kirsha emitted a choked sound, a mixture of a sob and a growl, and pulled her friend's small, limp form into her arms. Remica groaned softly as her head rolled forward onto Kirsha's shoulder, the sound amplified once the gag was removed from her mouth. Kirsha whispered something soothing in Andorian into the human's ears, then coordinated in retaining her hold on Remica while also bringing each end of the bedsheet up around the girl's shoulders.

"Computer," Kirsha called, and was surprised at unsteadiness of her voice, "we need a medical and security team in here...now!"

As the computer complied to her request, Kirsha moved her hand to Remica's head and stroked the girl's hair gently. Whoever had done this would pay, Kirsha vowed that. First she had to uncover who would face her wrath.

The sound of booted feet indicated the arrival of the security and medical officers. They entered the room and quickly took charge. Revenge would have to wait. Remica's life was not in danger, but her body was still brutalized. Revenge would wait until after the doctors had cared for her, patched her wounds, and undid the physical trauma of the attack. Payback...that would come later.

---

"Crash"
By: Commander Lyrr Tayla
Ensign Marp
Lieutenant j.g. Tchalla Mel'Chir
Ensign VT Chan
Lieutenant j.g. Derran Casey

Location: Approaching Nebula S574-G
Stardate 57911.03, 10h45

***

Even though they remained a disciplined, organized crew, the shuttle was still abuzz with activity that Lyrr did nothing to contain. They were on approach to the nebula and it seemed there was collective excitement in finally discovering what all the talk had been about. Science was busy with checking over their equipment with Corel offering aid, while Lieutenant Casey remained on high alert for any potential interlopers. Ensign Marp was focused on his steering, while Ensign Johnstone seemed content simply watching the streaking stars. Lyrr did the same from time to time, dividing her attention between her crew and the viewscreen. All the while her thoughts would drift off to the Sulu, and to Ben. There was no longer a doubt that he was well and happy for the most part. It would make the rest of the mission that much easier on her.

Marp, having nothing more to talk about, had become absorbed by his job again as the shuttle continued towards the nebula. Marp made a slight course correction and checked their ETA. "We are two minutes away from the nebula, Commander," he reported.

"Lieutenant Mel'Chir, Ensign Chan...is everything ready on science's end?" Lyrr asked.

Tchalla looked up from her instruments. "Yes, Commander," she said. "Probes 2 and 3 are standing by for release. All sensor systems are reading within nominal levels."

Lyrr tipped her in silent approval. "Lieutenant Casey, is anyone waiting for us on the other side?"

"No, ma'am, everything is in the green. Long range scan is useless through the nebula, but there's no one on close range scans that we can pick up. Degradation is cutting range by sixty five percent." He tapped a few strokes against the touch sensitive LCARS. "Shields are at one hundred and four percent. I'm bleeding energy from the nacelles and extending the field by seven percent to reduce buffeting. I recommend launching a navigation drone at the edge of the nebula to fix our exit point of reference."

"Agreed," Lyrr concurred, then smiled aside at Marp. "Well, you'll get your challenge soon enough, Ensign," she told him. "Excited?"

"Yes, Commander," said Marp as he studied the readings from the nebula. He was not sure what was so important in here but it should make for a nice ride. Marp smiled.

The navigation system beeped as they reached the end of their journey and Marp pulled the shuttle out of warp. Before them, laid out across thousands of kilometers, was the most stunning starscape Lyrr had ever witnessed. She leaned forward in her seat, drawn in by the vision. The welcoming swirl of pastel stellar dust dotted with glittering stars belied the danger within, yet still its beauty was undeniable. Lyrr smiled. "Mel'Chir, Marp...you know what to do. Get working on finding an entry point for us."

"Of course, Commander," Tchalla Mel'Chir said as she moved forward so she could interact with the Ferengi helmsman. She glanced at Marp, and then at the sensors. "We'll need to find a location where the gamma radiation index is lower than the particle flux count. I think quadrant seven has the most likely entry points."

Marp nodded and brought the shuttle towards quadrant seven so they could get better readings. "Right here," said Marp pointing at the latest sensor readings. "This is the best place to enter."

Tchalla studied the updated readings and then nodded. "Confirmed," she said with a nod. A slow grin formed on her lips, and as she did one of her antennae seemed to curl in anticipation as well. "I think that's the best entry point as well." She turned back to where Lyrr was watching. "Commander, we believe we've found a suitable entry point into the nebula."

Lyrr looked over at Marp's console and studied their sensor map. "We have no way of knowing if it will still be in a few moments with all the internal fluctuations," Lyrr mused. "Marp, take us in. Casey, prepare to launch your navigation drone."

"Aye, Ma'am," came Casey's reply.

"Aye Ma'am...ah Sir," said Marp absently as he directed the shuttle into the turbulent nebula. He was certain that this was going to be a challenge. The shuttle entered the nebula with a jolt. Streams of plasma fire stormed around them. Marp smiled, the fury of the nebula was a magnificent site. The Ferengi banked the shuttle sharply to avoid a large column of plasma. The shuttle shook as it moved past the column further only to find another column in his path. The shuttle shook as he threaded his way deeper into the nebula searching for a safer spot to put the shuttle.

As the shuttle lurched, Tchi quickly shot out a hand to steady herself. She was suddenly happy that bumpy shuttle rides didn't make her queasy the way they did with Kelzira. She wished Kelli could be here now to see the view. Maybe even Dwayne would like it...though she wasn't certain if he would. She didn't really know what he did actually like. She grinned as the shuttle dropped about a meter amidst the turbulence. On second thought, she decided, maybe Kelli wouldn't like it here after all.

The shuttle was now sitting between four columns of plasma fire, and with Marp's excellent flying, they were out of reach of the stray energy tendrils lashing out at them. The cockpit was flooded with light, and although the shields did much towards dampening the heat issuing from their surroundings, the nebula's orange glow made the interior deceptively warm. Laid out before them was an expanse of fiery plains; they were alone in this infernal, yet wondrous place and there was no other way to explore such a marvel. Smiling to herself, Lyrr no longer regretted her decision to leave Ben behind.

Tchalla Mel'chir couldn't bring her attention away from the view out of the forward canopy. "Wow," she whispered, the word unnecessary as her body conveyed the awe she felt as she gazed at the streamers of plasma arcing all about the shuttle.

"Lieutenant Mel'Chir," Lyrr spoke with a softness to her tone, "is this a good spot to launch your probes from?"

"I believe this is a suitable location," Tchalla said. "Preparing for launch." She blinked rapidly at data that was scrolling over her screen. "I'm detecting a very large sensor shadow within sector twelve. I'm going to add that to one of the probe's targeted scanning parameters." She grinned happily, her excitement obvious. "Ready to launch on your mark, Commander Lyrr."

Lyrr nodded. "Launch, Lieutenant."

Tchalla nearly shivered with anticipation as she reached and touched the button that launched the probe. She turned back to the others, a wide grin on her face and her antennae curling happily. "Probe away, sir."

The torpedo-shaped device sailed away from the ship, weaving around the plasma disturbances expertly as its automated piloting system guided it safely through the nebula. Soon, it had escaped their sight and became only a blip on their sensors.

"Chan," Lyrr asked, "are we getting readings?"

"Probes are good, Commander," Vincent said, looking at the screen in front of him. "Sensors show all probes are within the nebula. Data coming in now...and it seems to be normal and clear."

"This is the science department's lead now, you two," Lyrr reminded Tchi and Vincent. "Are we set to begin your experiment?"

Sitting on the edge of her seat, Tchalla watched the incoming telemetry data from the probe. A large smile was plastered on her face as her antennae curled and uncurled excitedly. Suddenly, she sat upright and gave out a squeak. At first, she couldn't put into words the information her brain wanted her to convey. Suddenly, she managed to splutter it out. "A planet! The probes, they've found a planet. It correlates with the sensor shadow I detected earlier. Commander, there's a planet inside the nebula!"

Lyrr cocked an eyebrow at Marp over Tchi's very vocal excitement, then swivelled in her chair to face the Andorian's station. "Do we have anything else on this planet, Lieutenant? If it's inhabited, we'll need to step lightly and we're hardly equipped for a fight if it comes to that."

"We have another probe, Commander," Tchi said. "I can program it for a normal planetary scan. That should provide us with all the data necessary to determine how careful we'll need to be."

Lyrr deliberated momentarily, then nodded. "Alright...but not too close. If that planet is occupied and its culture advanced, they may have the sensors necessary to detect our probe."

"With Ensign Marp's assistance," Tchalla said, "I am certain we can find an optimal trajectory for keeping ours and the probe's presence hidden. With your permission, Commander Lyrr?"

"Of course," and Lyrr rose, offering her chair to the Andorian.

Tchalla grinned and slipped into the seat vacated by the Sulu's executive officer. She turned to Marp. "I believe a high elliptical flightpath will give us the highest scanning range as well as the least chance of being spotted. Do you agree, Ensign Marp?"

Marp scanned the sensor readout and calculated a projected flightpath. He came to the same conclusion as Tchalla, "I agree," said Marp. Marp began putting the new course into the shuttle's navigational computer. "I'm ready when you are."

Tchalla quickly adjusted the trajectory data and fed it into the probe. She rechecked the information, once satisfied, Tchalla launched the probe. Now it would just be a matter of waiting for the data to return.

Seated between Corel and Chan, Lyrr waited patiently as Tchi and Marp deliberated. With arms folded, she sighed tediously. Although exploration had its exciting moments, it also had its periods of utter boredom. This was one of those instances. Corel seemed uncomfortable with Lyrr's proximity, so she had turned slightly away from the engineer to ease his anxieties. Chan on the other hand was ignoring her entirely. He was under close scrutiny, and knew it; putting forth his best behaviour was a good way to divert at least some of the flack he had been receiving of late. The mission wasn't over yet, so there was still time for him to slip up, and while Lyrr was watching.

As the last of the information from the burst transmission from the probe filtered off her screen, Tchi grinned. "The planet appears to be uninhabited, but capable of supporting life, Commander," she said as she looked up from her sensor report. "It is a Class M planet, but only barely. We might be able to get closer for a better look."

"That would mean temporarily putting on hold the mission we were assigned to perform," Lyrr mentioned. "Do you believe this finding is of exceedingly significant value compared to our original task?"

"It is within the nebula, Commander," Tchi said. "Its presence here, and as an inhabitable planet, is intriguing. If our mission is the investigation of the nebula, the planet is well within the boundaries of the nebula. Though, it is your decision as mission commander. There's a small particle fountain in sector seventeen that is giving off a lot of radiation that I would also like to examine." She turned and glanced back at Lyrr.

Lyrr sighed and swivelled her chair to face the whole of the away team. "I guess it's up to all of us, which we think is the most intriguing prospect. A particle fountain, or a planet. All those in favour of the planet, say Aye."

There was almost a unanimous chorus of agreement.

"Alright...and all those in favour of the particle fountain," Lyrr continued.

Any who had intended to declare their concurrence either changed their minds, or was too timid to oppose the others, for there was only silence.

She shrugged and pushed out of her seat. "It's settled. Ensign Marp, set a course for the planet."

"Yes, sir," said Marp.

>From her own seat, Tchalla swivelled herself around as much as she could to be able to see the approaching planet. While she'd never really considered spatial phenomena on a scale of cuteness, she couldn't deny that the planet they'd found in the middle of the nebula had a particular cuteness to it. It took considerable effort on her part to keep from bouncing in her seat. It was truly an exciting find.

Still chuckling at the Andorian's enthusiasm, Lyrr returned to the co-pilot's seat and settled in. "Let's make this a smooth one, Ensign," she told Marp jokingly, and the young Ferengi bared his jagged teeth in a smile.

Then they were off once more, zig-zagging around the columns of fire, banking left and right while the inertial dampeners attempted to compensate by keeping them in their seats. Most, however, were enjoying the ride, Lyrr included. As they rounded an outcropping of billowing nebular gas, the planet they had detected came into view. It was small for a class-M, and resembled a moon rather than a planet itself, but its other characteristics confirmed it as a planetoid. Its gravity resembled that of all other Terrestrial planets, its atmosphere nearly perfectly suited to their physiologies, and although traces were scant, bodies of water were visible on the sphere's surface. Lyrr wondered how something so stable and conducive to life could have formed within such a torrid, chaotic spatial phenomenon. Lyrr would almost call it a miracle.

"I guess we need to give it a name," Lyrr mused.

"How about Chelthri," Tchi suggested. "It's an Andorian word for a fire-made gemstone."

Lyrr nodded pensively. "That seems fitting enough." She smiled at the Andorian, then returned her focus to her console. "Marp, bring us in a little closer. If we're going to study this thing, let's at least get some good readings."

"Aye, Commander," the Ferengi answered and inched them closer to Chelthri.

"Lieutenant Mel'Chir, how are things looking?" Lyrr asked.

"All readings are within nominal limits, Commander," Tchi said. "Sensor signals are strong, and we're getting good clean readings. There is an increasing amount of tetrionic radiation, but it's still within acceptable levels. Due to the plasma activity, I would not recommend getting nearer than one hundred thousand kilometers from the planet."

"You heard her, Marp," Lyrr told the Ferengi. "Bring us to within one hundred fifty thousand kilometers, just to be on the safe side."

The shuttle continued moving forward, making the deceptively small planet larger than it had first appeared. Encountering mild turbulence, Marp compensated quickly enough, levelling them out again. "Approaching one hundred fifty--" The shuttle lurched and various lights flickered, while warning lights on the piloting console flashed.

"All stop!" Lyrr ordered, and after recovering himself, Marp cut the engines. Illumination returned. Lyrr looked around to ensure everyone was safe. "What was that?"

"Plasma streamer," Tchalla called out.

"Port nacelle is showing some damage," Casey said calmly from the tactical station. As the tension rose, and the crisis became clear, it was time for the Iceman to be the calm in the storm. "Power is fluctuating, but hull integrity is firm. Raising shields to protect against another such incident." A faint hum ran through the ship as the shields were activated. Casey turned to Corel and nodded as the man made his own assessments.

"Impulse power is down by thirteen percent," the engineer said. "Warp power is temporarily offline. I recommend avoiding another hit like that; I don't know what sort of affect it will have on the shuttle's systems at this stage."

"Let's put a little distance between us and this area of the nebula," Lyrr suggested. "Marp, back us away slowly."

"Aye, sir." The Ferengi seemed jittery as he inputted the commands; he was fairly bouncing in his seat. "Course laid. Taking us back to three hundred thousand kilometers, Commander."

No sooner than they had begun moving again, the shuttle took a jolt, jerking Lyrr into the edge of her console and forcing out a grunt as her abdomen connected. The engines hummed loudly and again the shuttle began to quake. "What's going on?" she snapped, still recovering from having the wind knocked out of her.

"Commander," Marp announced anxiously, "I don't know how, but it seems we've been caught in the planet's gravitational field. I-It wasn't there before!"

"Tchalla," Lyrr hollered, as the lights began flicking once again and the turbulence worsened, "how is that possible?"

"I can only present a hypothesis, Commander," Tchi called out as she clung to her seat. "The planet's gravity well appears to be magnified by the plasma within the nebula, effectively causing gravitic distortions all around the planet." She turned to face Lyrr. "I am uncertain as to why it does not register on sensors."

"I'm no longer considered with the why," Lyrr shouted. "We need to pull free. Marp, full reverse!"

The ensign complied, but all they accomplished was in straining the hull and weakening the shields. Lyrr was gripping her console to remain upright.

"Commander!" Marp squeaked in a panic. "Engines are having no effect!"

"Shields are at 40%," Casey supplied in a loud, projected voice that was devoid of alarm.

"Ensign Marp, cut engines," Lyrr ordered. "We'll only succeed in tearing the shuttle apart."

"A-Aye, sir!"

The whine of their overtaxed engines waned, but was easily outdone by the blare of klaxons as the shuttle lurched forward in the planet's grip and quickly hurtled towards it.

Always remain calm in the face of danger. That had been the axiom of his great grandfather, Admiral William Derran Casey, and Lt. jg Derran Casey clung to that thought with all of his will. As the ship was pulled deeper into the planet's gravity well, he diverted the power from the weapons into the shields bolstering them against the sheering forces of the plasma storms, and soon the atmosphere of the planet itself. If they were going down, the Iceman was going to make certain they were protected.

"We will enter the atmosphere of the planet in twelve seconds," Tchalla called out, her antennae flat against her head, a sign of the terror she felt inside, but refused to express. She let out a low, growling hiss as she rescanned the area around the ship, turning the fear into anger, and something she knew how to control. "Ten seconds."

"Deploying crash harnesses," Casey called out, and heavy-duty straps unrolled from the sides of each chair in the shuttle. With practiced movements, he pulled his own harness into place and secured it.

Lyrr slipped her arms through her own and secured hers adeptly. The shuttle rocked violently, knocking her head forward. If she had been a moment late in buckling in, her forehead would have easily crashed into her console. Tchalla's countdown was in the back of her perception as she issued a prayer to the Prophets for protection. It was only then that her periphery caught Marp fumbling with his restraints.

"Five seconds until atmosphere," Tchalla cried out as she buckled herself into her chair. A moment of panic filled her as she saw the buckles slip once more out of the Ferengi's grip.

"Ensign!" Lyrr shouted and reached aside to aid him. His eyes were wild and panicked, and the young Ferengi was panting. Her own arms were hardly long enough be of any use, and she, too, was unsuccessful in fastening his harness. The Ferengi squealed as the ship slammed into the upper atmosphere, fire sheeting over the shuttle's exterior. Marp was thrown forward into his console, catching Lyrr's forearm under him as she continued with futility to restrain him. Her wrist bent at an awkward angle and Lyrr cried out.

The ship dropped through the atmosphere, out of control and tumbling. It was everything Derran Casey could do to keep the shields in place to protect the shuttle from the violent forces attempting to tear it apart. Tchalla Mel'Chir's fingers scrambled over her own console, desperately trying to do anything to help their situation. Suddenly, the ship lurched, and leveled. Tchi had managed to reroute flight control to her station, but the ground was flying up at them far too quickly. "Impact in seven..."

"Marp," Lyrr spat, her voice thick with pain. "Strap in, dammit!" Gritting her teeth, she wrenched her hand from beneath his torso and choked on a scream as a sharp stab shot through her entire arm. Her hand was hanging limply from her wrist. She couldn't even shake the Ferengi as she'd wanted to. "Marp!" she screamed at him, and the groggy officer groaned, finally showing signs of rousing. "Ensign" --Tchalla's countdown interposed Lyrr's desperate command-- "strap in, now!"

His eyes flickered open and focused dazedly on Lyrr. "Commander?" he murmured.

Tchi looked up at Marp, her eyes filled with sadness. "Please," she whispered before continuing her countdown. She tried to pull the shuttle up, but it wouldn't budge. Tchalla Mel'Chir closed her eyes. "Three...two..."

And all Lyrr could do was look away as the shuttle ploughed into the rocky surface. Even among the deafening groan of metal buckling and hiss of sparks exploding from the shortcircuiting electronics, Lyrr could hear her crew scream. Marp's seemed the loudest, until it abruptly stopped. She dared not look back.

There was a deep, low rumbling as the shuttle skittered, crashing into rocky projections and veering off into different directions like a pinball. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Ensign Johnstone's head flopping on a seemingly rubbery neck; she also caught a glimpse of her arms dangling by her sides limply. Lyrr willed the shuttle to stop, to end its jarring trip through sand and rock. Her prayers were answered, but not without one final, cruel misfortune as the nose of the shuttle crashed into a cliff-face, sending bits of shattered viewscreen spraying the disheveled crew. Lyrr could feel one sharp piece slicing her cheek, but that was the least of her troubles.

Overcoming vertigo, Lyrr raised her head, and first surveyed the damage before her - a blown out viewscreen and the anterior portion of their vessel crumpled inward - then examined her crew. Or what was remaining of it. Grief struck her at the sight of Ensign Marp's tiny body hanging over the frame of the viewscreen, resting where he had been thrown. Blood and matter were leaking from a large crack in his skull. Lyrr gasped and turned away. She quickly tore off her restraints. "Is everyone accounted for?" she shouted groggily and staggered from her seat, favouring her left arm.

Tchalla's only response was a choked sob. Derran Casey managed to remove himself from his restraints and immediately checked on Alexia Johnstone, but it was futile and her condition was obvious. Using the tricorder clipped to his belt, he ran a quick scan of the interior of the shuttle. "Two dead, one unconscious, Commander," he said. "Ensign Chan and Lt. Mel'Chir appear shaken up but are otherwise fit. PO Corel is unconscious, but should recover."

It took a moment to shrug off her shock, but Lyrr managed it knowing that at least most of them had survived. "Mel'Chir, check the shuttle's status. I'm not sure if we'll get her up and running, but I want comm systems online. We need to get out a distress call as soon as we can. Casey...we need to move Marp and Johnstone," she said quietly.

Casey nodded gravely. "Ensign Chan and I will take care of it immediately, Commander," he said, and then moved to do his best to gently and carefully lay both officer's to rest.

Tchalla looked up from her station after a quick diagnostics. "There appear to be several stress fractures in the structure of the hull, including a breach in the aft section. Electrical systems are mostly offline, including communications. Status indicates the exterior transmitter was damaged." She frowned slightly. "I'm not an engineer, Commander, but it appears as if it can be repaired. Ensign Corel would be able to determine that better than I."

Lyrr sighed, passing the back of her hand over the trickle of blood running down one cheek. "We'll wait until he's conscious, then. No need to push ourselves. We'll collect rations and thermal blankets, set up camp." She winced as the adrenaline began wearing off, and her pain became very real. "But first...how good are you with a dermal regenerator?"

"I was trained in the use of one," Tchalla said, noting the gash on Lyrr's cheek. "I believe my skills are adequate for the task of first aid, Commander." She reached over and pulled a medkit from beneath the console.

Lyrr sank into the chair Chan had vacated and turned it to face Tchalla. She nodded, bidding the Andorian to proceed.

Tchalla set the now-open first aid kit on the flat surface behind her. She pulled the dermal regenerator from it, and quickly set about repairing the damage done to Lyrr's face. "I...I am sorry, Commander," she said softly, almost fearfully. "I should not have recommended moving closer to the planet. I accept any consequences due to my actions."

Lyrr sighed. "I shouldn't have left the decision to a vote," she told the Andorian. "This wasn't your fault. You couldn't have known this would happen. We need to focus on getting the shuttle's comms repaired. There's no time to dwell on mistakes."

Tchalla nodded. "Of course, Commander," she said. She reached over and pulled several more devices from the medkit, then ran a tricorder scan over Lyrr. "I will need to splint your wrist; it appears to have been fractured in the landing."

"I figured as much," she said with an attempt at a chuckle. Trying to flex her fingers seemed a horrible idea as a fresh wave of pain spiked through her forearm. She grit her teeth to fend off a cry. "Do what you have to," Lyrr told Tchalla, still struggling against the agony. "No pain killers. We need to reserve all the medication we can."

"Of course, Commander," Tchi said, then set to splinting Lyrr's wrist. "The planet may have some natural medicines we can use. Once we have set up our camp and all injuries have been attended to, I will begin a search, if that is alright."

Lyrr closed her eyes to compose herself, and cleared her throat before speaking. "I want a search party to scout the area for any signs of life we might have missed," she said breathlessly from the effort of controlling the pain. "If you go anywhere, take Casey with you."

"Of course, Commander," Tchalla said, though not sure if she liked the prospect of spending time with the security officer. "I will have phasers distributed to all officers from the weapons locker, provided it was not damaged. There, the binding on the wrist should keep you from reinjuring it. Does it feel alright now?"

Lyrr bent her forearm into her abdomen and sighed deeply. "I just need a sling to hold it in place and it'll be fine." She smiled tightly at Tchi. "Thank you, Lieutenant."

Tchi rummaged inside the kit, then let out a squeak of excitement. She held aloft a span of cloth. "This should work for a sling, Commander," she said as she held it out for Lyrr.

Chuckling inwardly at the Andorian's display, Lyrr accepted the material. "I can manage on my own. You should get out there with the rest and start surveying the area. I'll stay behind and help set up camp."

Tchalla nodded. "Aye, Commander," she said then stood. "Once we've scouted the area, I'll return to assist with the communications." With that, she slipped out the door and moved quickly outside to help make certain they were alone, and that they'd be able to survive on the planet...at least until a distress call could be sent and a rescue team arrive.

Once alone, Lyrr allowed her strong front to dissolve and slumped forward into her chair, shoulders sagging in utter grief. "Prophets, Ben," she whispered. "What am I going to do? And how am I going to do it?" And in the end, she more than anything wished he was there with her right now.

---

"Stowaways and Shuttles, Part 1"
By: Ensign Monica Gainsborough
Lieutenant Xayella Tagliesh
Captain Matthew Salinger

Location: USS Sulu
Stardate 57911.03, 12h05

***

Monica Gainsborough had opted to take a shift today, monitoring the sensors aboard the Sulu while the rest of the science staff enjoyed themselves upon the planet. She had a slight headache and the pinkish colouration that covered her entire body was only made bearable by a tube of ointment obtained from Sickbay and liberally applied. While she could usually stand a little time in the sun, she'd clearly overdone it yesterday.

She promised to thank Jeff Davies again tonight for helping to slather her body with the cream that now made it so that the feeling of her uniform against her skin didn't make her want to crawl out of said skin. Of course, the hangover she felt was partly his fault from all the native beverages they'd sampled together the night before. They both had started to laugh at their predicament when they woke up, stark naked and entwined together down on the beach, but that's when the pain of their liberal drinking kicked in.

Now, she stared at the empty screen on the science monitor. She'd been staring at it for nearly ten minutes now, and her frown had increased with each passing moment. She'd finished one raktajino and was working on the next, but still no data had come through.

A sudden sound of someone coming through the door to the science labs brought her attention around (possibly a little too quickly as the room spun a little, then snapped back around and nearly plopped Monica out of her chair). She blinked slowly, then her gaze settled upon Lt. Tagliesh framed in the doorway. "Good morning, Lieutenant," she said, trying to make the words sound bright and cheery. "How are you today?"

Although her normal demeanour usually expressed disdain, today was completely different for Lieutenant Tagliesh. Now, she simply appeared perturbed. She marched directly towards the young woman. "Ensign, is your console functioning properly?"

"I just ran another diagnostic," Monica said and turned back to it to stare at the blank surface. "There's...there's no data coming in from the shuttle mission. I ran a scan of the coastal area of the planet here--" She did so again, for Xayella's benefit, and data immediately popped onto the screen. "--and it's fine. I was trying not to get worried, but...I've been checking for solar conditions that might cause a temporary blackout of transmissions, but it currently appears fine."

"The fools could have hit some turbulence that knocked out their communication systems," Xay mused. She'd pushed aside Monica's hands and was now inputting commands into the console herself. Nothing changed. "I guess we should let the captain know," Xayella sighed. "If those idiots have gotten themselves killed, it'll be my head on the line."

Monica nodded as she watched Xay's hands at work. She knew most of the team that had gone on the mission. Derran Casey was one of the biggest jerks to ever walk the decks of a starship; Corel was possibly one of the nicest people she'd ever met, though hadn't really had a chance to work with; Vincent Chan was an odd person, but still a very good science officer; and of course, Tchi... She didn't know Tchalla Mel'Chir as well as she wished she could have, but the Andorian scientist kept to herself. Though, they'd had drinks a few nights earlier, and had talked for a bit. Tchi was in some sort of relationship dilemma, and wasn't sure what to do. They'd talked, and in the end it was decided that following one's heart was best, though following the head was safest. She felt a spike of worry over the seeming disappearance of the shuttle. They'd all lost enough friends on this mission... "Would you like for me to speak with the captain, Lieutenant?"

"I can do it." Xayella sighed irritably and stalked away. "Just don't say a word until I do!" she shouted back at the ensign, then was gone.

Monica nodded and watched as the science office door closed behind the lieutenant. She just hoped everything was alright, even though, deep down she knew something bad had happened.

***

"Very good, Yeoman," he said. "Keep me apprised of any further troubles with the port nacelles. And, see if you can get Lt. Bennett to get her report to me this evening about the intruder that bowled over Lt. Thaine." Matt had just finished signing the third of the engineering repair reports and was moving toward the Ops station for a report from Sam when he was stopped in his tracks.

"Captain," the curt summons came from the back of his bridge. When he looked back, Xayella was striding towards him, her face barely hiding her disconcertion. "Matt," she said more quietly once she drew closer, "can we go to your Ready Room?"

"Of course," he said, mood shifting by the uncharacteristic concern expressed in Xayella's gaze. Very little seemed to phase her, at least when it came to duty. There were several personal matters that he knew would cause similar emotions within her, but something told him this was different. He led the way to the Ready Room, and stepped through. In most cases, he'd move immediately to his desk and sit, but with Xay it was unnecessary. He turned to her, concern now on his own face. "What is it?"

She sighed and threw up her arms before crossing them over her chest. "We've lost contact with the shuttle. Now, I know there's nothing to panic about yet, but I knew you wouldn't be pleased to hear it so I came to tell you myself."

Matt took in a deep breath has he watched her, then let it out slowly. "I see," he said. "Any idea when contact was lost? I'm not sure if we should run out a shuttle yet, or the runabout. We'll need...well, as much information as we can gather. I might be able to check with the Castari officials and see if they have any science equipment that was also monitoring at that time. While their sensor equipment is most likely not as advanced as our own, you never know."

"No, we won't need their help," Xayella assured him tartly. "This is my project, my responsibility. I don't want anyone interfering." She took a moment to calm herself, then smiled tightly at Matt. "I'll find them. I will."

"You know you're not to blame if anything happened," Matt said gently. "I don't want to hear of you taking blame for anything, at least not until an investigation is conducted and the result is: It was Xayella's fault."

She smiled wryly. "When isn't it my fault, Matt? I'm the ship's scapegoat, remember?"

"That's what some people say," Matt said. "But, when have I ever let you take the fall for something that wasn't your fault. I don't know what's happened to the heart of Starfleet, but many have lost their spirit of adventure and want to point a finger of blame as soon as we get a bloody nose, and then give up and hide under the bed."

"Well I'd rather take the blame," she told him, stepping closer, "then let you." Xayella slipped her arms around him. "You've been through too much already. Let me take some of the burden."

"Xay, we need to find out what happened before any blame can be placed," he said. "I won't blindly assign fault, not without any facts. Not without any information whatsoever."

"Well, then I'll have to stay on board and get some information so that everyone can have a good reason to blame me." She grinned facetiously. "Better?"

"Getting there," Matt said. "But, don't think for a moment I'm going to let you be a martyr for this, not without knowing the truth. And, if you hear of anyone pointing their finger at you and laying blame, tell me. I'm getting tired of that sort of behaviour. And, Xay, I'd recommend staying away from Commander T'Kal."

She sighed. "Agreed. He's far more unstable than I ever was. Though why you haven't reprimanded him for what he did to me, I'll never understand."

"Just remember, the woman he tried to kill himself for was on that mission," Matt said. "And, he's your least favourite fan, and will more than likely find fault with the mere idea of sending a shuttle into a potentially dangerous situation, and lay the blame entirely at your feet...all the while forgetting where we've been or where we are."

"And because he tried to kill himself, he's completely lost his credibility," Xayella reminded Matt. "Nothing he says will hold any weight with anyone now." Smiling, she kissed the tip of his nose. "I'm not worried about him, and you shouldn't be either."

"If he's gone over the edge," Matt said, "and you push him too far, do you suppose, after he's just finished plunging a knife into his own gut, he'll be satisfied with just choking you a little? He's off-duty, Xay. Make sure you avoid him. I know that you and he will never get along, and I don't want to test the limits of his sanity or temper right now, not the point of losing you."

She chuckled and stepped away from Matt. "A little dramatic, isn't it? He's not going to murder me, Matt. And if he does, you won't miss me too much, will you?" Xay asked coyly.

"Did you think he was being too dramatic when you reported that he tried to strangle you before?"

"Look, Matt, let me worry about all that. I won't have to interact with T'Kal since he's not on duty. And if you keep him that way for a while," she told him with a persuasive nod, "then there won't be any attempted murders, right?"

"Right," Matt said with a smile. "So, what do you need to help find out what happened to the shuttle?"

"I need all the systems in my science labs up and running fully." Then she sighed. "But with Thaine now out of commission, who the hell is going to do that?"

"I'll get every engineer I can spare working on it," Matt said. "We'll get it done. Until then, we can use the sensor systems on the Rio Grande from orbit if necessary."

She chuckled. "Thanks. I knew having the captain for a boyfriend was a good idea. The perks are wonderful." Leaning in towards him, Xayella gently kissed him. "I'll get back to the lab and see if I can give you anything more on their sudden disappearance."

"Good," Matt said. "Pull back any staff you need to. Whatever resources you require, you've got them. Sam will make any arrangements necessary."

Xay nodded. "I'll get right on it." Before exiting, she turned back to Matt and smiled wanly. "I promise to make this right, Matt. For you, I'll fix this." Xay chuckled. "That's love for you..." And shaking her head, she departed.

---

"Stowaways and Shuttles, Part 2"
By: Captain Matthew Salinger
Ensign Blake Corrigan

Location: USS Sulu
Stardate 57911.03, 12h20

***

Matt watched her go. A part of him wanted to chuckle, but the weight of a possible missing shuttle with missing crew had settled into the pit of his gut. Instead, he silently wished her luck, then turned back to his desk and prepared for a late morning meeting with the Rajs. Before that though, he'd need to check in with engineering and see what could be done to speed up their progress.

All his plans, though, were stalled with a sudden comm from security. "Captain, Ensign Corrigan here. We've...uh...had an incident. Would you mind coming down to security?"

Matt glanced down at his desk, as if it might be able to answer the unspoken question, "What now?" Instead, he tapped open the channel. "Salinger here," he said. "I'm on my way." With that, he left his Ready Room and the bridge, heading for the security office where at least the chaos appeared to be controlled. "Report, Ensign," he said, once he'd spotted Blake.

The young officer gulped noticeably, standing at attention for Matt. "Well...sir, you see...we didn't know at first because...well...it was a standard issue hot weather uniform. None of us really knew the person wearing it wasn't exactly who should have been wearing it...."

"So," Matt said, trying to pick up a thread in the ensign's words that might make some sense. "Who was wearing the uniform, Ensign?"

"Oh...right." Corrigan smiled bashfully and stepped aside...to reveal a rather petite woman draped in someone's oversized uniform, and occupying a brig cell unhappily. She glowered at Matt as their eyes met. "Won't say a word, Captain. She just keeps...sulking at us."

"Do you know which lieutenant she managed to get out of his uniform?" Matt asked, then making sure his voice was loud enough for her to hear: "And, I'll need someone to get Raj Daheel and Der-Raj Monil on the comm; I'm sure they'll want to hear about this."

The girl's green eyes widened detectably, and she sucked in a breath as if to protest, but managed to compose herself. Now, she looked to Matt with clear venom in her eyes.

"Seems Lieutenant Fletcher was the unfortunate victim," Corrigan replied. "We sent a party out to search for him."

"Any luck yet?" Matt asked, watching the young woman with interest.

"They haven't been at it long, sir, but I know they'll come up with something soon." The ensign's gaze wandered towards the woman in the cell, then returned sidelong to Matt. "So...are we to interrogate her, sir? I don't know...she seems harmless enough."

Matt glanced toward the girl, and then back toward Corrigan. "Have you asked her where she stashed my Chief Medical Officer?" At the ensign's assurance that they'd tried, but she refused to answer, the captain took a step to the security officer's side. "The man you took that uniform from," he said, "where did you leave him? And, the punishment for your actions will be much more lenient if you are cooperative."

She turned her nose up at him and defiantly turned away on the cot. "She did the same thing to us," Corrigan notified him from behind. "I don't think she's scared of us, sir."

He studied the girl for a moment, then decided to play a hunch. "Ensign, get me Der-Raj Monil. I don't care if he's in a meeting, at dinner, or entertaining, get him on the comm immediately." His eyes never wavered from watching the young woman, and it took some effort to keep from smiling as it seemed she was playing right into his plan.

At first she noticeably stiffened, then her body began trembling, either with fear or rage. Which emotion she was reacting to became clear when the young woman sprang from her cot and whirled on Matt, her tanned skin darkening in colour as her cheeks suffused with hot blood. "You will not! As Chawla's royal heir, I command you to release me at once, human!"

"As captain of the starship you've entered without authorization, and as the commanding officer of the man whose uniform you're wearing, I'll do no such thing. Not until I've spoken with Der-Raj Monil." He started to turn to Blake, but then paused, and then turned back to face her. "But, you don't want me to do that, do you?"

She pursed her lips tightly and glowered at him. "You know nothing, Captain. Nothing at all. Nothing of what my people have been hiding from you."

"True," Matt said. "But I have a few suspicions. Right now, what I do know is that one of my crew is somewhere out on your planet without his uniform, and I can only imagine what state you left him in. And, I've an attempt made to hinder and harm the repair of my vessel, and you're the second person to attempt to stow away here. The politics of your planet, the ones the leaders are trying to hide, I can only guess at. But, what I do know is that the longer we stay here, the more is spilling over into my ship and my crew."

"Your friend is not harmed," she told him bitterly. "Only sedated. The most he will suffer is a sunburn once he awakens." After a short pause, the young woman's features softened and her eyes became downcast. "You must understand, Captain, that your ship is our only salvation. We had to do what we did for our freedom."

"Salvation," Matt said with a raised eyebrow. He took a step closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "Whose salvation? Yours and who else's? And, this planet is a paradise...why would you need to escape?" Based on his talks with the Rajs, and now the testimony of the young woman, pieces of the puzzle were falling into place. But, the captain needed confirmation, information that could support the hypothesis forming in his mind.

She smiled wryly. "See? It is as I said. You know nothing, Captain Salinger. You have listened to the Rajs, to their lies, yet now I am here before you as evidence of my planet's shortcomings." Although a rather small woman, when she straightened her back and proudly stood taller, she seemed to acquire a grand presence and regal bearing. It all made sense when she announced, "I am Nolana, first daughter of Raj Monil and I am telling you, Captain Salinger, that I wish to seek diplomatic sanctuary aboard your vessel."

"To what end?" Matt asked. "And, for what purpose? The Rajs have told me no lies...they have told me nothing. Every matter is an internal matter to be handled behind closed doors. You keep telling me that I know nothing, but you're telling me nothing more than the Rajs have."

"I am telling you, Captain," she snapped, "that Fortin and I wish to live upon your ship! We wish to be together!"

"And, you're unable to do that here, despite the style of life the people here lead, where seeking pleasure is as important as anything else?"

Nolana chuckled derisively. "Seeking pleasure is not illegal, Captain." Holding his gaze, she continued severely, "Seeking pleasure with one not of your kind is."

Matt raised an eyebrow. "And...what's your kind?"

She sighed impatiently. "I am Chawla, Captain. Fortin is Norkrck. He is not my kind."

"I see," Matt said. "And, you wish asylum here so that you and your chosen, who your planet forbids you to be with, may be together." He watched her for a moment, taking her nod of assent as an answer, then asked: "Do you happen to know why your people have been segregated?"

"I do not," she sighed. "It has been so long...I don't believe anyone really knows anymore."

"Have you tried discussing this with the Rajs?" Matt asked. "We can try to help you, and if nothing else we might be able to figure out why. In many cultures, there are health reasons why different peoples aren't allowed to mate."

"The Castari are not 'many cultures', Captain!" she hollered at him. "Do you not think we have attempted to reason with the Rajs? Why do you believe we are going to such lengths now?"

"Do you believe that the Rajs will just allow us to leave with you aboard?" Matt asked as he regarded her. "If they can't be reasoned with, how do you think they'll take us just leaving with two of their people?"

Nolana stepped abruptly towards the forcefield and exclaimed, "They do not have to know! Do not tell them, Captain. Please!"

"It's not the way of our people," Matt said. "We can't just steal you away here, not without at least trying to speak with the Rajs. I can allow you to stay here, until I've spoken with them."

Nolana seemed slightly relieved. "But...what of Fortin? Can he not stay as well? Just for a little while?"

"If he comes aboard again with one of the work crews," Matt said with a nod, "we will allow him to stay. Will that be acceptable?"

Her radiant smile appeared and bespoke much joy. "That would be acceptable, Captain...as would be my release from this prison facility."

"You will not be allowed to freely roam the ship," the captain said. "We will prepare a room for you, but you will need to stay here until then. I will see you to it when it is ready for you."

"And in the meantime you will find Fortin?" she asked hopefully.

"We'll see if we can find him," Matt said. "But yes."

She sighed and bowed her head in gratitude. "I am forever indebted to you, Captain. I am certain Fortin will feel the same way."

"Don't thank me yet," Matt said with a smile. "I still need to speak with the Rajs, but I'll see if I can get Fortin here before I do."

Her soft features seemed even more beautiful as she smiled elatedly. As Nolana sank down onto her cot, gazing dreamily into space, Corrigan came up beside the captain. "Sir...should I continue treating the prisoner as hostile?"

"Not hostile," Matt said. "Stay wary though. We're still not being told everything, and until then everyone who isn't a member of this crew should be handled with caution."

The ensign frowned in puzzlement. "Well...do I feed her, sir?"

Matt nodded. "Yes, I think giving her food is fine. Though, after what they offer on her planet, I can't imagine her finding our replicated food all that appetizing."

"Yes, sir," he answered dutifully. "Though, sir" --his voice dropped to a whisper as he confided to Matt-- "will you really be contacting the Rajs? Do you think they'll be happy about this?"

"Oh, I'm quite certain they'll be very upset," Matt said. As he met the young security officer's gaze, there was a glint of fire in his eyes. "But, I'd like to see them come close to how upset I am over this. I've been lied to and misled; one of my crew was assaulted; another was assaulted and had his uniform stolen. If they think I'm going to back down from this, they've got another thing coming. Though, we need to find this young man she's looking for, this Fortin."

"I'll have a team get right on it, sir," Corrigan assured him.

"Good work, Corrigan," Matt said with a smile. "Keep me posted."

With a nod of acknowledgement, he moved off to the nearest console to assemble a team.

Matt took one more look around the security office, then turned and started back toward the bridge. He just hoped this mess could be resolved quickly and soon. He had a feeling they'd overstayed their welcome here on Castari Prime.

---

"Probing Deeper"
Lt. Brennyn Scott, RN - Chief Counselor/Nurse
Dr. Terrence Fletcher - Chief Medical Officer
Remica Clarion
Kirsha Dublai
Lt. j.g. Taylor Bennett - Assistant Chief Security/Tactical Officer

Location: Sickbay, USS Sulu
Stardate: 57911.03, 12h33

***

She wasn't exactly sure what she was going to do when she got there, but upon hearing the news, her body and mind seemed to be drawn to the scene of the crime of their own volition. Brennyn had nearly vomited when she'd received the urgent page, but instead of being granted any such release, her body simply shook imperceptibly as if chilled.

Hurriedly she'd gathered her medkit, not thinking about the fact that medical personnel would already be on scene, and her role was decidedly less functional. Instead she'd made her way to sickbay, where Remica Clarion had been taken. She was poised to issue orders, poised to offer comfort, poised to do anything but think about how one of their own could do something like this.

Sickbay was its usual ordered chaos as Brennyn Scott entered. A small group had gathered around one of the biobeds, and the presence of the blue-skinned Andorian female from the Mirror Universe gave a clear indication who was behind the huddled collection of nurses. From within, the sound of muffled sobs could be barely heard. The mood was dark and somber, and it was clear that something dreadful had happened.

"Well, here she comes." The bitter remark came from Kirsha Dublai, who had looked aside for a brief moment to watch the counsellor's approach. Her focus had been on Remica and nothing else for the last thirty minutes, and there was a moment of relief when she finally turned her gaze to something other than her inconsolable friend.

"So, Counsellor," Kirsha drawled. "Come to tell us we're not the enemy after all, as I've been insisting since the start?" She gestured a blue hand, one visibly trembling, towards the biobed, and stepped aside to reveal the woman. The human's body was shaking uncontrollably from the intensity of her emotions, and her eyes were nearly swollen shut, both from her tears and the abuse dealt her.

Bree ignored Kirsha's remark as she took in the scene before her, knowing it was neither the time nor place to get into such a discussion, but more than that, she did not trust herself not to give into her emotions. All that mattered was doing her job in this situation, again. "None of you are my enemy," she replied quietly to Dublai.

"And you're not the one who raped Remica, but someone on this ship did, someone who doesn't agree with you on that," she rasped.

Scott looked to Dr. Fletcher, immediately protective of Clarion. "Doctor, perhaps it would be best if we reduced the number of nurses for the moment." It was a quiet request, one meant to respect and honor the needs of the sobbing young woman on the biobed.

Terrance had been sitting quietly in the corner, not willing to show any emotion, knowing, as he did, that pity in his eyes would only make things worse. He nodded to the Lt. Scott and with a quick wave of his hand at a random group of nurses, he muttered, "Go on... Get out of here..."

As soon as the last nurse retreated, Bree turned her attention to Clarion, not quite sure how to begin since she couldn't say she knew the woman overly well (their sessions had remained rather formal under the circumstances), but feeling compelled to put her at ease as the only other woman in the room besides Dublai. "Remica, it's going to be alright, sweetheart, we're going to help you. We promise not to do anything you don't want us to, and we'll always let you know what's happening, but it's important that we examine you to make sure you're ok and that we collect any evidence in order to identify those responsible. Do you understand?" she asked gently.

Scott was maternal with everyone, but something about Remica made her that much more protective of her. Perhaps it was guilt. How the hell were they to make any of them feel safe? And then there was Kirsha Dublai, also traumatized, but not likely to leave Clarion's side.

"Just do what you have to," Remica said, her words a rasp, though it was most likely due to the beating she'd received at the hands of her attacker. Her eyes were dark, filled with the anger and pain of her ordeal. She looked up to meet Scott's gaze then shifted it to somewhere in the distance where she didn't have to focus on anything. "Just...just get it over."

Her lips thinned into a grim line, and Bree looked over at Dr. Fletcher, nodding slightly. Understanding passed between them. Terrence would monitor Bree's progress, but under the circumstances, she was ready to take the point on this.

After running her own scans to make sure there were no immediate internal or neurological injuries to address, Bree turned to her left and discovered everything she needed was discreetly set up: holocamera, deep tissue regenerator, forensic tricorder, and an evidence collection kit.

Quietly, Bree helped Clarion slip into a gown, making sure that trace evidence was not lost as she packed the shredded clothing into air tight containers. Facing the battered woman who had now begun to tremble slightly, Scott explained apologetically, "I need to take some pictures of your injuries before I can heal them, Remica. After that, I'll heal your wounds and collect some blood for analysis. I'll also need to do a pelvic exam in which I'll heal your wounds and collect any DNA I find. I'll try and make it as painless as I can, but if you need a break, just let me know."

Scott turned to Kirsha, grateful now that she was in the room. "I can't allow you to touch Remica until after I've taken the photos and scanned for trace evidence on her skin, but you're free to hold her hand when I begin the internal exam, if it's alright with you, Remica," Bree added.

"It's fine," Kirsha replied for them both as she clasped Remica's hand once again. Her hardened gaze remained fixed to the counsellor warily.

Scott turned and picked up the holocamera. "Alright, Remica, just take some deep breaths for me and try to relax."

"Easy for you to say," Remica muttered under her breath. She took a moment, then looked up at Kirsha and her friend's gaze made things a little better. She took a deep breath and let it out, then another. Some of the tension faded slightly, though it would be awhile before it faded completely.

No, it's not easy for me to say, thought Bree grimly, before double checking to make sure the privacy field was erected.

***

"You can sit up now, Remica," replied Scott, turning off the deep tissue regenerator and shedding her gloves. She and Kirsha helped Clarion move from the rather humiliating position, especially under these circumstances, and covered her with a sheer blanket.

"Thank you," Remica said without emotion as she settled herself back down on the biobed.

"Are we done, then?" Kirsha asked. "I think she's been through enough."

Scott turned to Remica and Kirsha. "I'd like to brief you on my findings, and I know Security would like to speak to you at some point. I promise I'll be brief, but feel free to ask me any questions."

This duty was never an easy one, but under these circumstances it was especially difficult. "First, I was able to document quite a few physical injuries, including abrasions and tears, not to mention the bruising to the rest of your body. I know it was awful, but the holo photos I took will go a long way to prove the assault in court."

"A court?" Remica rolled her eyes. To think that they gave their criminals such luxuries, and then claimed the mirror universe was barbarous. At least there, when someone was violated thus, vengeance was swift and decisive.

Kirsha smirked, shaking her head disparagingly. "A court, where they can expose us as the real criminals and call that bastard's actions 'justice'?" She sighed in disgust.

"You both have every right to be angry," Bree offered sympathetically, "and believe me, I'm just as disgusted as you are. But if we can find some direct evidence linking this son of a bitch to his crime, there might not even need to be a hearing. It's my experience that people who commit these hate related crimes, once caught, aren't usually smart enough to conceal their own bias. With a little clever interrogation, it might not take much."

And here, Scott stopped short, unsure at first how to continue, and ultimately deciding it was best to soldier on. "However, I was unable to collect a single shred of DNA evidence from inside you or from fingerprints on your body. Do you recall whether he wore gloves or a condom, Remica?"

"I don't...he...he wore a mask, and I think his body was...covered in a synthetic polymer. Down there, he wasn't...but...but after, he...he sprayed something..."

Kirsha was stroking Remica's hand, but eyeing the counsellor sharply. "I think that's all she knows. You can ask her more questions later, when she's had time to rest."

Scott nodded sympathetically. "I've healed your wounds, but you're going to be sore for awhile. I can give you some pain medication, and if you agree, I can give you birth control and antibiotics just in case." These issues were particularly sensitive, Bree knew.

Remica nodded, then turned away. To those watching, they could see a visible shiver run down her spine.

"Birth control?" Kirsha nearly advanced on the counsellor for even suggesting her friend had been corrupted by a Starfleet bastard. "She's not going to get pregnant. Do what you have to, but don't ever imply that again."

Scott took the other woman's anger in stride. "I'm not going to lie to either of you. Pregnancy and disease are a possibility," and here she searched for Remica's gaze. "But there are preventative measures we can take. I'll take care of it right away. If you're up for it, Taylor Bennett from Security would like to interview you, but I can tell her to come back later if you want."

"It's alright," Remica whispered. "It's better to get it over with now."

Bree nodded and before turning to leave, she looked to Dublai and Clarion. "You're not responsible for any of this. This bastard doesn't speak for all of us, and I want you to know you're not alone here. If you'd like, I can sit with you during the interview. They'll need you to stay over night and after that we can sit down and talk about where you'll be most comfortable."

"Thank you," Remica said softly. "Will...will Kirsha be able to stay if she wants to?"

"I'm sure that can be arranged." Bree replied.

Her own guilt was overwhelming her, but she knew there would be time for that later. Like when she was pulling out the cot in the duty nurse's office tonight.

"Will there be a guard out tonight?" Kirsha asked gruffly. "In case that jerk comes back for her?" Her smile was feral. "For his own safety, there should be."

Scott didn't want to remind Kirsha they didn't know who the attacker was and that if he wanted to kill her, he would have done so when he had the chance, not in front of Remica. She settled for the simple answer. "I'm sure Security will post someone female around the clock, and Dr. Fletcher and I are going to limit the people who are in direct contact with you while you're here. You have my word that no one will harm any of you again. If you need anything, just let me know."

"You can do one thing for me," Kirsha told her. "You can tell the captain I wish to have a word with him."

"I will certainly let him know, Kirsha, but I think it might be best to do that in the morning. I think Remica would like you here right now."

Scott would be sure and speak to Dublai before that meeting. The woman's anger though understandable, was palpable.

The Andorian smirked. "He can come to me, can't he? Or does he do that only for his most cherished and respected officers, Counsellor?"

"If that were the case," a new voice in the conversation added, "then you would more than likely still be in the brig." Taylor Bennett stepped forward and nodded to the Andorian and then to the young woman on the biobed. "I'm Lieutenant Bennett, currently acting security chief aboard the ship. Captain Salinger is as fair and decent as any starship captain you'll find in Starfleet. If you wish for him to see you here, I'm certain he will oblige." She held Kirsha's gaze for a moment longer, then said: "If you'd like, after I speak with Ms. Clarion, I can request that the captain come to speak with you."

Kirsha tipped her head at the small human. "That's precisely what I wish."

"I'll see that he's sent for once we're finished then," Taylor said. She turned her head toward Remica, giving Kirsha a view of one of her pointed ears and the hint that she wasn't quite completely human. "If you're ready, I can ask a few questions now. I'll try to get the information I need quickly, so I can be out of your way and let you get some rest."

Remica nodded. "Thank you," she said.

"As I understand it, you were alone when the attack came. How did the attacker get inside your quarters?"

"Kirsha had left just a little bit before," Remica said, her voice shaking slightly as she spoke. "I'd fallen asleep, and woke up to the chime at the door. There was...was no one there...and then...he was there. He pushed his way in, and...and...and covered my mouth and...I think he hit me then."

Taylor nodded her understanding. "And when he forced his way inside, neither of the guards were outside?" Her frown indicated she didn't like that particular detail since it could mean....

"I didn't see them," she whispered. "There was nothing, and then...then there was him."

Taylor's expression softened as she regarded Remica over the top of her padd. "I know this part will be difficult, but please describe as best you can, what happened once he was inside. Did he say anything?"

"He...he told me to shut up," Remica said, visibly shaking with the memory of his voice. "And...and then he...he told me...he told me to suffer. I...I didn't belong here, and...and I deserved to suffer." She quickly wiped away a tear. "I don't think he said anything else."

Taylor chewed her lip for a moment, then finally nodded. "Do you remember any distinguishing features? Birthmarks, scars, tattoos or the like?"

Remica shook her head. "No," she answered. "I didn't really get a chance to see, and...and his body was covered, and...and his face."

With a sigh, Taylor Bennett gave Remica a grim smile. "I believe I just have one further question," she said. "According to the medical report, there was no DNA evidence left behind after the attack. Do you remember him using anything in particular, either before or after? It might have been a spray or cream..."

Remica thought for a long moment then looked up. "I think...I think he used a spray...after...I...I don't really remember."

"Haven't we already gone through this?" Kirsha snapped. "I thought the counsellor had covered all this."

"Perhaps," Taylor said as she turned her gaze on the Andorian, "but I'm the one conducting the investigation of the attack. To do my job, I'll require information...information that will be vital to finding the person who did this. We'll most likely require additional toxicology tests, searching for whatever compound was used to remove DNA traces. I'll also begin a thorough combadge trace for the last twenty-four hours. I guarantee we will find the person responsible, and they will pay for what they've done."

"With a slap on the hand, no doubt," Kirsha muttered.

Taylor's eyes narrowed as she turned a slow, burning gaze on the Andorian. "Not if I have anything to say about it," she said darkly. "While we're not nearly as brutal as where you come from, for those who deserve it, we have some very harsh penalties, and I'll be pushing for the maximum on this one. I don't know where you get your ideas about how we operate, but you're going to need to reassess them if you believe for one instant that the bastard who did this is going to be coddled and protected in any way."

"The bastard who did this shouldn't have had the opportunity to do so in the first place!" Kirsha snarled. "What happened to the surveillance on our quarters? What happened to the security guards who were supposed to be stationed there? This was a damn conspiracy and with others covering the bastard's tracks, you'll never find him!"

Bree's eyes focused momentarily on Remica, whom she sensed was getting more upset by the moment. Quietly, Scott replied, drawing in Bennett's gaze. "I know it's really hard to know whom to trust right now, and I know you're angry and frightened, but Taylor and I have not hurt you, and we assure you we won't. We don't know who did this, but we will get to the bottom of it. We're going to need your help, and in the meantime, we'll do everything we can to help you both get through this. Taylor and I know you didn't ask for it, and we don't condone this behavior."

Taylor's eyes never left Kirsha. "My deepest apologies," she said, "but I am only half Vulcan and my telepathic abilities are rather unformed. So, until I am able to conduct a full investigation, I cannot answer your questions. I do hope that you can find the patience within yourself to allow me to actually investigate this matter, as I will be unable to just pull answers out of the minds of the crew aboard the Sulu. And, despite your complete lack of gratitude, civility, or restraint I will be doing my best to investigate this matter." She leaned closer to the Andorian. "I know you're upset over this, and I will find the person responsible...however, you'd best change your attitude as of five minutes ago. That may have worked where you were before, but it won't work here. I don't want to have to put you in your place."

"And this has nothing to do with stations," Kirsha whispered harshly back. "This has to do with one of your comrades brutalizing my friend and half this ship probably applauding his work. So you're wrong," she added with far less rancor, "this place is exactly like where I come from. I was wrong to think it was any different, I was wrong to assure Remica things would be better, and because she believed my foolish notions, this happened to her." Guilt-ridden, Kirsha averted her eyes, but not to look at Remica - anywhere but at the girl she'd failed.

"I'll find the person who did this," Taylor said, her voice full of conviction. "Please, all I ask is that you trust me. If not as a Starfleet officer, then as a woman who will do everything within her power to see that the scum who did this suffers one hundred times over for what he did."

Kirsha's eyes flicked to Remica, who was watching her pleadingly. The Andorian could hardly argue with that look. "Fine," she sighed, watching Taylor again. "But I ask that I be allowed to aid in this investigation...somehow. I need to...do something."

Taylor nodded. "I'll speak with the captain," she said.

She bowed her head, displaying the first sign of reverence she'd offered anyone on board. "I thank you, Taylor Bennett."

"Of course," Taylor said with a smile. "I just hope I'm able to do enough for you, to help you both feel safe here again. I'll go see if the captain is available to stop by." With that, she quickly slipped out of the room and hurried off to try to contact the captain. And, then she'd need to begin her investigation in earnest.

---

"The Root of the Matter"
By: Captain Salinger
Faelen Metah
Raj Daheel
Der-Raj Monil
Fortin
Nolana
Ensign Corrigan

Location: Castari Alpha; USS Sulu
Stardate 57911.03, 13h30

***

Matt Salinger strode through the foyer of the Castari Alpha government building. At the end of the long corridor ahead of him, he knew he would find the Rajs. Things were reaching a boiling point, and if something didn't break soon, Matt had a suspicion that ties between the Sulu and the Castari would seriously break down. He took a deep breath and continued walking. "Something needs to break and soon," he said to himself as he reached the door.

Behind him, two of the Rajs' aides came scurrying behind, trying to catch up with Matt. As the captain of the Sulu reached the large double doors, he reached up and banged on the door.

"Captain Salinger," one of the aides called, finally catching up to where the captain now stood. "Captain, the Rajs, they're extremely busy. You can't just barge in--"

Matt turned to face him. "There is a situation," he said. "And, it needs to be cleared up now. Now, I'm going in there to speak with Raj Daheel and Der-Raj Monil, or I will be forced to prosecute the Castari citizen in my brig for trespassing aboard my ship without any input whatsoever from the Castari government." With that, he turned away and banged on the door one more time.

"What is this ruckus!" a familiar voice hollered from behind. Metah halted abruptly when Matt swung to face him. His beady eyes grew wide at discovering the source of the disturbance. "Captain Salinger," he whispered, aghast. "What is the meaning of this?"

"There is a situation," Matt said, any humour that had been present before was now vacant from his tone. "I will not be turned away again, I will not be shunted aside. It's time for answers, and if I don't get them the young Castari woman in my brig will be brought up on charges of trespassing, assault, and will be punished by Federation law. Now, I need to speak with the Rajs right now, or I will lose whatever semblance of a temper I have remaining."

"You have one of our people in custody?" Metah asked accusatorily. "You have no jurisdiction here, Captain Salinger. If she has committed some crime, it is the Castari's place to punish her." Although Matt had not achieved the desired response from Metah, he still accomplished his goal. The corpulent aide swept past him and pushed through the doors. He bowed low before his planet's leaders. "Forgive me, my lords. But it seems we have a situation."

"The matter becomes a Federation and Sulu issue when the transgression took place upon my ship," Matt said from behind Metah.

Monil looked up from where he'd been studying a series of charts and frowned at Metah and the Federation captain. "Situation? Transgression? Metah, what is going on here?"

The small man cleared his throat, and remained with head bowed. "Captain Salinger has one of our people under detainment aboard his vessel."

Daheel pounded a fist upon his arm rest and sprang upright. "How dare you! You have already overstepped your bounds once, Captain. This will not be abided!"

"Until you show some consideration for the harm your people have caused to my crew, you'll just have to abide it," Matt said. "A member of my crew was assaulted, his uniform stolen, and his assailant then snuck aboard my starship in the guise of a member of my crew." Matt leaned forward. "You should have heard some of the things she had to say about this place."

Monil narrowed his eyes into an even more glowering glare. "That is beside the point, Captain."

"You will remand this woman to our custody, Captain," Daheel told him, a hard edge to his voice. "If she has been hurt..."

"Oh, she hasn't," Matt said. "But a member of my crew has been. Until this matter is settled, I will not release her. And, until the member of my crew whom she assaulted has been found, she will remain in my brig, on my ship. If you don't like it, I'm afraid there's nothing that can be done. I will not allow your people to act on whatever whim strikes them, while my people, guests upon your planet, are forced to suffer for their actions."

Daheel narrowed his pale eyes. "You are setting the stage for conflict, Captain. Either you bring the woman to us, or you take us to her so that we may judge for ourselves if she has been harmed."

"By all means," Matt said. "We can walk, or I can have us all beamed directly aboard my ship."

"Beamed?" Daheel questioned.

Metah nodded and explained the process. The Rajs' eyes grew wide with surprise, then turned aside to silently converse. As they did so, another commotion erupted outside the royal chamber, drawing all attention towards the doors. It was then a young man burst into the room, frantic and desperate.

"Fortin!" Daheel bellowed. "What are you doing?!"

Matt raised an eyebrow. "Fortin?"

"She's gone! She's missing! I can't find her anywhere! Something's happened...she wouldn't...she's just... Father, you must begin a search at once! Please!"

His gaze darkened. "Find whom, Fortin?" he asked, though from his flat, cool tone it was apparent he knew. Daheel's eyes cut to Monil. "I thought we had agreed you would keep her at bay, and I would do the same. Was that not the agreement?"

"It was, but...but she's gone. Nolana, she's gone! I know I wasn't supposed to, but...but that's beside the point...she's gone!" (maybe indicate this is Fortin, since he was just talkign to Monil)

As if his mind had been working at the mathematics of the situation, Monil turned his gaze to Matt Salinger, the expression alternating from a glare and confusion. "You will take us to your ship, Captain Salinger."

Matt smiled. "Looks like all the pieces of the puzzle are starting to fall into place, doesn't it?"

"This is hardly the time to boast, Captain," Daheel said harshly, descending the stairs towards his son.

"Oh, I'm not boasting, though I am pleased to know that perhaps I'm finally going to get some information here. Shall we go to my ship?"

Speaking quietly to his son for a time, and once the young man grew calm, Daheel regarded Matt and offered a curt nod.

"Do you wish to transport there immediately? I assure you it's a completely safe process."

"Have we not already discussed this?" Daheel snapped. "Do it!"

"The discussion was never finished," Matt said with a pointed look at Daheel. He then tapped the gold shield on his chest. "Salinger to Sulu. Five to beam aboard. Lock onto my signal, the four bio-signatures around me."

"Aye, Captain," came the voice of Chief Riley. "Got all five of ye."

"Energize, Chief."

With that, all five of the room's occupants were whisked away to the transporter room of the Sulu.

Once reassembled on the platform, Monil blanched. "Remarkable," he rasped, though his skin was taking on a somewhat greenish complexion.

Daheel was similarly unsettled, but held up better. "We will see the girl now."

"This way," Matt said, and led the way from the transporter room. It was only a few twists and turns, and a quick turbolift ride, but they managed to find their way to the security office. "Ensign Corrigan, these gentlemen wish to see our guest."

The security officer stood gaping for a moment at the planet's leaders standing before him, then nodded and quickly led the way into Sulu's brig. Two steps inside, a joyful cry rang out from Nolana's cell. "Fortin!"

"Nolana!" the young man raced forward. "You're alright! You're safe! Oh...what happened to you? Why are you in there, and why are you wearing those odd clothes?"

Nolana smiled fondly at him from behind the force field. "I was trying to find a way for us to be together, that is all."

"That is why I love you so," Fortin whispered.

"Nolana," Monil said as he stepped cautiously forward. "My daughter, what...what is happening? What have you done?"

Her eyes flashed with defiance as she regarded her father. "I am opposing your wishes, Father. I love Fortin, and I can no longer obey your command to cease my involvement with him." Softening her hardened expression, Nolana whispered, "We wish to be together, and we don't understand why we cannot be."

"Fortin," Daheel hissed. He stormed towards his son and jerked him back by his arm. "How dare you disgrace our family name -- our entire planet! -- by engaging in relations with this girl."

"There are laws, Fortin," Monil said. "The laws must be obeyed, and if we, the ruling families, are unable to follow them, then we cannot enforce them for the rest of our people."

Fortin narrowed his eyes. "Maybe that's for the best," he said.

"Nolana came to me and requested asylum aboard my ship, from the Federation." (matt?)

"Keep her then," Daheel answered brusquely. "She has been nothing but a nuisance. I blame her for leading Fortin astray!"

As Monil gasped in shock and sputtered to form a response, Fortin stepped forward. "Then I wish to request asylum from the Federation too," he said. "I wish to remain aboard your ship, with Nolana."

Daheel shook his son abruptly. "Don't be foolish! There are other women, Fortin. If you are ready for marriage, I know of many offers you might entertain."

"Fortin, no," Nolana whispered in anguish.

"I do not wish to be with another, Father," Fortin said. "Nolana and I are doing this because we wish to be together. The laws won't allow us, but our love transcends the petty laws that serve no purpose than to divide us. If you deem this foolish, Father, then so be it. But, I would rather die than live without Nolana."

"As would I," Nolana added, smiling fondly at her lover. "Besides...I'm bearing his child. There's nothing to be done about it now."

"Fortin!" Daheel bellowed. His open-hand landed in a sharp blow across his son's cheek, spinning the young man away. Nolana screamed.

Somewhere lost in the chaos was a command for phasers to be set on stun, but in the middle of the scuffle no one heard or cared.

Monil shrieked and lunged at Fortin, both hands aiming for the youth's throat. "How dare you," he shouted. "How dare you touch my daughter!"

"I love her," was Fortin's continued cry as he tried to avoid any abuse against his body. "Please, Captain, grant me asylum with my future wife, with the mother of my unborn child!"

"He will do no such thing!" Daheel raged. His face was a particularly deep shade of red. Metah, meanwhile, was mumbling worriedly and wringing his hands.

"Captain, please!" Nolana shrieked tearfully. "You must help us!"

"Raj Daheel," Matt Salinger called out, using his command voice as he did, "I give you one last chance to come clean with us."

He shifted his angry glare to Matt. "This is your doing, Captain. You are in no position to be making demands now."

"Don't blame me for this," Matt said. "I had nothing to do with this forbidden romance; I had nothing to do with this young woman stealing the uniform from one of my crew and sneaking aboard this ship; and I had nothing to do with her request to seek asylum aboard my starship. All that has happened here has been instigated by members of your own planet. If you are unwilling to work with me, and maintain your current antagonistic stance, then I will grant both Fortin and Nolana political asylum aboard the Sulu."

"You cannot!" Daheel boomed. "Fortin is heir to my title as Raj of Castari Alpha. You will be damning our planet to political turmoil if you grant him what he asks!"

"Have you listened to a word he's said? They've both resorted to attempts to get into my ship over the last couple days. Do you believe that if we go away, the problem will vanish? I believe that my chief medical officer is wandering your planet naked because of Nolana, and my chief engineer has a nasty bump on his head because of Fortin." He glanced at the young man who blushed and looked quickly away, confirming Matt's suspicion as truth. "As much as you'd like to just sweep this problem under a rug, it's not going to go away and it's only going to get worse. Open your eyes, Raj Daheel, and truly look at the situation."

He did, passing his flinty gaze over Nolana, with some derision, and then his own son, where now he expressed only grave disappointment. "Fortin," Daheel whispered, "it is forbidden, you know it. You will bring disgrace to our family, and to yourselves. Do you wish to pass such a legacy onto your own child?"

"I cannot deny my heart, Father," Fortin said. "If my own people cannot support me in this, then I will find a new people. I love Nolana, and I see no reason why I cannot share that love with her...not any longer."

"She is Norkrck," Metah supplied unbidden. "It is forbidden." Daheel shot him a scathing look at divulging such information, which quickly silenced the Faelen.

"Look at these people here," Fortin snapped, casting an angry glare at Metah. "They have intermingled and interbred, and they are strong. They are happy. Several of them are of multiple species and heritages. They survive. There is no reason why we cannot, except for this forbiddance, this desire to keep that which is different apart. Think of how it would bring our people together."

Monil let out a sound that indicated his despair but said nothing.

"Our people already live in harmony and joy, Fortin," Daheel reminded him stolidly. "Such segregation has taught them discipline and respect for their own race. If there is to be intermingling, Castari Alpha will no longer be the home of the Chawla and Norkrck, for they will no longer exist. What, then, are we to call ourselves?"

"We will be Castari," Fortin said. "We will be ourselves. I love Nolana, Father, and she carries my child." He beamed at her, then looked back to Daheel. "She carries our Castari child."

"Father," Nolana called out gently, "can you not see it will be so? Do you not see the possibilities? A truly unified Castari Alpha. You do not travel among the people, Father, you do not see how they strain against the laws you have imposed upon them, ones that have stolen their freedom to choose whom they will love, regardless of whether one is Norkrck or Chawla." She smiled proudly. "We are Castari, Father. What does it matter? Other than that you and Raj Daheel will soon have a rebellion on your hands if our people's desires are repressed for much longer. Please...will you not at least consider the possibilities?"

"But it has always been this way," Monil said with a shake of his head. "We have always remained separate, yet friendly. How can our people be so upset, so...it's been this way for so long..." He peered at his daughter. "You truly believe it will come to rebellion?"

She looked sadly upon her father. "If their happiness is continually denied them...what else would you have them do? I do not mean for Fortin and I to be their example...but soon enough we will not be the only ones to take such measures to ensure their love. And you certainly know, Father," she reminded him with a pointed gaze, "that we really are not the first. To date, we have simply proven to be" --here, she grinned at Fortin conspiratorially-- "the most inventive."

Fortin grinned back. "We do not wish to destroy our culture, but we cannot deny what we feel for each other any longer. And, we no longer wish for our feelings for each other to be a secret."

Matt glanced between the Rajs. "Is there a medical or biological reason that keeps your people separate?"

Daheel, with mouth set in a grim line, grudgingly answered, "None that we are aware of. The separation is based on history, traced back to when our people first inhabited the planet. There was the Norkrck, who inhabited the southern continent, and the Chawla." He seemed hesitant to relate any more information, and this was where Monil picked up the tale.

"In the beginning, we didn't live together," Monil said. "And, when we first encountered each other, there was little harmony. This all happened roughly five hundred years ago. Our first war lasted for twenty years. The next, after a brief period of seeming peace, was around five years more. Finally, tired of fighting, our leaders met. We resolved to live here together in peace, and our laws were set down, amongst which was that the genetic sanctity would be retained, for our own cultures. Additionally, not being bound emotionally to each other, the chances for conflict were lessened. We would be able to live together in peace and harmony, but many of the problems of the past would be eliminated."

Matt nodded. "It appears now, though, that the segregation may be the cause for fighting. As civilizations advance, they must adapt to the changing times. I believe now may be one of those times. You need to look at where you are, and decide if you truly believe the conflicts of the past will be returned if these two are allowed to be together, and others. Judging from what I've seen over the last several days, I'm afraid I don't see the potential there. Your people seem to truly like one another."

"We cannot simply abandon our ways this easily," Daheel told them strenuously. "What of those who abide by and put much stock in the decree laid down by our ancestors? Should we so easily discount them for the love of two wayward children?"

"We are not children," Nolana protested, and although the Raj's resentful glare was upon her, she had eyes only for Fortin. "We are adults, and in love. Let those who do not wish to mix to maintain their supposed sanctity. Fortin and I would gladly be labelled sinners, as long as we are free to be together."

"Just because they don't agree with us, doesn't mean they have to follow us," Fortin said. "All we ask is that they allow us to live the life we desire."

"All we ask," Nolana added, beseeching her father with piteous green eyes, "is to be allowed the choice. Is that so hard to do?"

"Change, young lady," Daheel informed her gravely, "is always hard. You would do best to learn that now before this foolishness goes much further."

"Change is only difficult for those unwilling to do so," Matt said. "At some point in your past, someone decided that a change from the constant fighting was a good idea. Maybe the time is right for a change from the segregation and separatism."

"That cannot be decided so quickly," the Raj stressed through gritted teeth. "There must be a council. We must deliberate on the matter." He frowned at Fortin and Nolana. "Until then, you will not speak of this to anyone. Have a care for your fathers' reputations."

"Of course not," Fortin said. "Until the matter is resolved, we will remain here." He smiled at Nolana, then glanced at Captain Salinger and nodded firmly.

"Though, if I may," Nolana interjected politely, "might I be released from this cell and given new clothing?"

The captain nodded. "Yes," he said, "I believe that can be easily arranged."

Daheel seemed displeased with the arrangement, but refrained from raising a protest. Instead, he nodded curtly at the captain and swept from the brig with Metah obsequiously bowed in humility and scampering behind his Raj.

Monil didn't move for several moments as he stared at his daughter. "I am sorry, my sweet Nolana, for my failure as a father."

She bowed her head under his grief and succumbed to guilt in inflicting it upon him. "No failure, Father," was her whispered reply. "You simply wished to protect me too much." Her head raised to show him her tearful smile. "I love you for it, Father. Please, love me enough to allow me freedom to follow my heart."

Monil met her eyes and held them for several moments. "You truly do love him? And, you would be unhappy without him at your side?"

Her eyes met Fortin's and both smiled with adoration. "I have only ever loved Fortin. There could be no one else."

Monil nodded and then smiled at his daughter. "I will see what I can arrange then. I love you, Nolana, and I will do whatever I can to make things right again."

"I love you too, Father," she breathed, and once the forcefield was disengaged by a smiling Corrigan, Nolana rushed into her father's arms.

Monil held his daughter for several moments before disengaging. He turned to Fortin, then held out a hand which the young man took willingly. "When we have this matter settled, perhaps we can have a dinner together, one fitting for an entire festival."

"I would like that very much," Fortin said with a large smile.

"I believe I should go now," Monil said. "There is much work to be done, and not much time to do it."

Smiling gratefully at her father, Nolana nodded and stepped back. Fortin's arm slipped around her waist to offer comfort. "Thank you for this, Captain Salinger."

"I'm happy to be able to help," Matt said.

Their involvement was tricky, though Matt had a feeling that the Federation's policy of non-interference wouldn't get the Sulu into trouble. They had, after all, been pulled into the incident against their will. And, once pulled in, it would have been difficult to get out of it without hurting someone. He just hoped that with Monil's assistance, matters could be handled amicably. As he watched the Der-Raj, his daughter, and the young man who would eventually become the new Raj, it appeared things were moving in a good direction.

---

"Right at Home"
By: Commander Lyrr Tayla
Lieutenant j.g. Tchalla Mel'Chir
Lieutenant j.g. Derran Casey
Ensign V.T. Chan

Location: Crash site of Gagarin
Stardate 57911.03, 18h25

***

Having abandoned her efforts to assist Corel in repairing the comm systems, Lyrr wandered outside of the shuttle and sought a cave or other existing structure for shelter during the night. With one useless arm, she was better served setting up camp than hovering over Corel and Chan while they attempted repairs. After her endless suggestions and interference, she had only succeeded in unnerving the two men, and Lyrr even detected a hint of annoyance from them. So, she set out on her own, with a phaser in her good hand, and explored.

The planet itself was all craggy rock formations and sand with patches of greenery shooting up here and there. Although it had all the elements of a desert world, the climate was cool and the air moist. Mel'Chir had indicated a body of water was located within walking distance. That showed promise, in case they ran out of rations. Water would keep them alive for at least another few weeks or so...if it was ingestible. But she owed it to the remaining crew to keep them all healthy and safe. She had been the very person, after all, that led them to this hell to begin with. Lyrr shook her head disparagingly and trudged on, kicking up sand and rocks in her agitation.

Her first mission and she'd failed, had undermined Matt's confidence in her. In her haste to prove to the captain she was a competent first officer, despite her relationship with Ben, she had gotten careless. Before she knew it, her thoughts had dragged her into despair, and down onto a conveniently placed boulder. She sat there, losing track of time, and dwelled on her failure until her mood had darkened to match the sunless sky.

***

"No, I will not," Tchalla said quickly, her cheeks reddening as she hurried along the path.

"But it will be warmer during the night, and you know it," Derran Casey countered. "The body heat alone would keep us from dying of exposure."

"Exposure is exactly what I'm worried about," Tchalla added quickly and quickened her pace even more. She just hoped her voice hadn't been too squeaky in her response. She was trying to sound authoritative, but she wasn't certain if she was doing a good job of it or not. "Come on, I think there's some movement over this way."

"Movement," was Casey's incredulous reply. "The planet is deserted. There's nothing here that's going to move. Unless you really want to investigate some tree limb swaying in the overly muggy breeze." But, despite his arguments, he followed after her.

It was five minutes later when Tchi stopped and concentrated, then checked her tricorder. She nodded and pointed toward the west. "Over there," she said. "There's movement."

"Like I said--" His argument was cut off by a tricorder being shoved under his nose. He studied it a moment and, in a non-committal voice, said, "Oh."

They moved quickly but cautiously, trying to be as silent as they could. Tchalla repeatedly held her finger to her lips as Casey tried to speak, including a few times when he'd barely even opened his mouth. In the distance, they suddenly heard it: the cracking of a twig followed by cursing in a language neither of them could hear clearly.

"There," Casey rasped. "That's a harsh, guttural, Gamma-quadrant language if I've ever heard one." He pulled his phaser from his belt and started forward.

"But," Tchalla started, but he cut her off with a finger to his lips (which incidentally was covering a mocking smile at being shushed so often by Tchalla). He started forward. "I thought it sounded like--"

"Not another sound, Lieutenant, Mel'Chir. That is obviously some alien presence on this planet, something our sensors failed to notice. Need I remind you that we're in the Gamma Quadrant. The Gamma Quadrant that is the home of the Jem'Hadar. We very well could have a shrouded Jem'Hadar on our hands. Now, come on."

With a sigh, Tchi followed after him. The small blip on her tricorder drew nearer and nearer, until they were just about on top of it. "Just through those trees," Casey whispered to her. "Stay behind me. I'm trained for this. You're a scientist."

With that, he slipped ahead, moving as a hunter stalked its prey. They could hear the being on the other side of a row of bushes. Casey looked back at Tchi and nodded, then lunged through the bushes, his phaser ready. "Alright, no quick movements and--" Tchalla couldn't help but giggle at the look on his face, or the one on his target. "Commander Lyrr," Casey said, trying to sound casual, as Tchi came up behind him.

"Like I said, I thought it sounded like Bajoran," she said, still stifling her giggles. "We are happy to have found you unshrouded, Commander, or we may not have found you at all."

If looks could kill, the one Casey shot Tchalla would have wiped all of Andoria out of existence. But, the smile she gave him as she turned his direction put out the fire that had swelled inside of him. He turned away, trying not to appear too embarrassed.

Scowling a moment longer for good measure at the security officer, Lyrr asked the man, "Hunting violent prey, are we, Lieutenant?" She smirked. "Catch anything?"

"We thought that you might be a hostile entity hiding on the planet, Commander," Casey said. "I...I apologize for almost shooting you."

"It would seem," Lyrr drawled, sharing a smile now with Tchalla, "Lieutenant Casey requires more protection from himself than he could ever offer you, Lieutenant. I'll remember that the next time I need to assign an officer to a security task, I'll consider a more capable man." Noting Casey was sufficiently rebuked, Lyrr sighed and nodded to Tchalla. "So, what have you found in your travels?"

"Very little that poses a danger to us," Tchalla said. "Much of the planet life appears to be edible, I've been making a list of that which we might be able to use to supplement rations. There are three water sources, though I would only recommend one of them for our needs. There appear to be no higher life forms, but smaller varieties are around. None of them appear to pose any threat. I will make a second assessment when the sun has set. There may be nocturnal predators we will want to be careful of."

"Oh, I'm certain Lieutenant Casey will protect us," Lyrr assured her, though in her tone was a trace of ridicule.

Tchalla giggled. "Now that the scouting of the area's been completed, Commander," she said, "I'm available to help locate a suitable spot for a camp."

"Good. That's just what I was doing. Lieutenant Casey?" She smiled slyly at the man. "Would you care to return to the shuttle while Lieutenant Mel'Chir and I scout?"

"Commander, as the security officer on the mission, I must insist that I be present for any such scouting. I am best qualified to handle any hazards we might come upon."

"By shooting first and asking questions later?" Lyrr reminded him. "You're hardly qualified to handle a phaser, let alone protect someone, Lieutenant Casey."

The security officer's back stiffened, but he made no other indication of his displeasure. "Aye, Commander," he said, pride obviously wounded. "I shall return to the shuttle."

Tchi suppressed a giggle and quickly found great interest in her tricorder casing.

As Casey marched rigidly away, Lyrr turned to the Andorian officer, his gaze not severe, but not overly kind also. "You'll help me find a shelter. It's getting dark and colder. With the shuttle's environmental systems down, I doubt it would house us comfortably."

"Of course, Commander," Tchalla said. "My tricorder scans indicated a potential cave structure head. Is that where you were going? I believe we have enough blankets in the storage cabinets." She looked up at Lyrr thoughtfully. "Do you believe it would be wise to risk a fire for warmth tonight?"

"No fire, not yet," Lyrr decided. "We can use our phasers to heat up some stones...that should provide enough ambient heat." Following Tchalla's suggestion, Lyrr led them towards the cave she had been eyeing. While walking in silence, Lyrr sighed and asked, "So, is Casey bothering you? I've noticed he was flirting overtly with you and Ensign Johnstone while aboard the shuttle."

"He has made suggestions," Tchalla said with a frown. "I have rebuffed his advances, though. I am already involved in a relationship, and do not think it would be fair to either Kelzira or Dwayne for me to take on another partner without their knowledge or consent."

Lyrr simply cocked an eyebrow at mention of her two lovers. It seemed all things aboard the Sulu were convoluted in some way. Shaking her head imperceptibly, she continued forward to the mouth of the cavern. "Scan the interior first, then we can venture inside." She watched the Andorian sidelong. "If you're up for it, of course."

Tchalla started forward slowly as she watched her now-scanning tricorder. Her brow furrowed in concentration as she focused on the readings, but her thoughts were instead focused on a similar cave from just a few months ago. She tried to tell herself that it was different, that her tricorder could scan this one. She could feel her antennae twitching atop her head and she looked up, trying to force the memories of her encounters on Dorvali away, of her time trapped in the caves there. She took a long shuddering breath and glanced back at her tricorder. "It is clear, Commander."

"You're certain?" Lyrr asked with slight amusement. "Don't be afraid, Lieutenant. I'm far handier with a phaser than Casey is at courtship." She winked at Tchalla. "We'll be just fine." And she stepped into the gaping entrance with only her phaser in hand. "Do you have a hand lamp, Lieutenant?"

Tchalla fumbled in the science kit strapped to her hip and clipped the hand lamp onto the back of her wrist. "I'm certain, Commander," she said. "I was just...just remembering. The cave, it reminded me of the one on Dorvali. I'm alright though, I think."

"Ah." Lyrr nodded slowly. "I was there, too. I remember. But, as Starfleet officers, we're bound to encounter such situations, unfortunately, more than once in our careers. I hope you're dealing with what happened on Dorvali. It's the only way you'll truly recover."

"I am, Commander," Tchalla said. "I have had several meetings with the counsellors on the ship. It is...it is unnerving to be in a similar situation again. I was unprepared, but I will be fine." She smiled to Lyrr to show she was feeling comfortable with the present situation, though there was a hint of forcing to the expression.

"Hopefully you already are," Lyrr told her gently. "There are few of us left. I need everyone at their best if we're to get through this. That means you as well, Lieutenant. I need to know you can handle this."

The smile Tchalla was giving Lyrr became more genuine. "I can handle it, Commander," she said. "The feeling was as of having cold water suddenly splashed in your face when you were not ready for it. I am ready to enter the cave to ascertain its suitability for our needs."

Lyrr chuckled then waved Tchi forward with her phaser. "Then let's take a closer look." And even without the pretentiously chivalric Lieutenant Casey to protect them, Lyrr and Tchalla scoped out the cave, finding the most suitable location for the crew to rest.

An hour later, and ignoring the fact that their duties had been rather domestic ones for independent, empowered women of Starfleet, Lyrr and Tchalla still took pride in their accomplishment. Thermal blankets had been laid out for each officer, and rocks had been gathered in the center of their semicircle to act as a hearth. Setting their phasers to a low enough setting, they heated, rather than pulverized, the stones, and now they radiated their orange glow to those surrounding the hearth. Emergency rations had been passed around, though done so sparingly, and in silence the gathered officers ate.

"If the night becomes too cold," Tchalla said as she watched out the cave entrance, "we can hang a thermal blanket in the entrance, I think. Hopefully we will not need to, however."

"We can send Lieutenant Casey out there to accomplish the same with his body as he posts watch," Lyrr quipped.

"How long do you suppose it will be before the captain realizes something's happened?" Tchalla asked.

Lyrr sighed into her mug of water and shook her head. "Hard to say. Although we were supposed to maintain communication, it would be reasonable for them to assume any loss of contact is due to interference from the nebula. I'd say they wouldn't truly know anything's amiss when we don't report back in a week's time."

Tchalla nodded slowly. "If we don't get the shuttle repaired by then," she said, though she wasn't certain the sort of odds they had in successfully repairing the shuttle and making it spaceworthy again. "I hope everything is alright there."

"I'm certain it is," she assured the Andorian. Then raised her head to the human science officer sitting quietly in one shadowy corner of the cave. "Ensign Chan?" Lyrr called to him. "How are your repairs with Corel coming along?"

"We're... progressing," Vincent said, selecting the word carefully. The repairs were underway, but as yet nothing had been accomplished. This was not due to lack of effort though, and Vincent was reluctant to say anything negative about the situation.

Lyrr nodded her head slowly, but avoided inflicting any more damage to their morale by appearing disappointed. "It's only been a day. Once we've all had some sleep, I'm sure we'll be able to make far more progress in the morning. And," she added, consciously smiling to appear less intimidating as many had characterized her before, "if you and Corel aren't yet tired of my presence I could make an attempt to assist you once again."

"I would like to assist as well," Tchalla said with a smile. "I am a very fast learner."

"Then it's settled," Lyrr announced. "Tomorrow morning we engage in a cooperative effort to repair the shuttle." She forced a smile. "It'll be...fun."

Tchalla smiled. "I'm looking forward to it," she said. "I just hope that my skills with technical things aren't lacking too greatly...I have never repaired a shuttle before, but I think I will be alright as long as I work on sensors." A slight blush suffused her cheeks as she looked away from the others.

"Sensors," Lyrr repeated skeptically as she watched the girl. "If you'd like... Well, although I can't do much with an injured hand, I think I can still manage to direct where needed. I used to do repairwork on one of my first assignments," she confessed.

"If you require an additional pair of hands, Commander," Tchi said, "I would like to assist however I can."

"Thank you for your enthusiasm, Lieutenant," Lyrr answered. She smiled to take some of the unintentional edge from her voice. Tired and still in pain, Lyrr soon realized she wasn't handling either as well as she could. Sighing, she rose from her makeshift seat. "I think I'll try to catch some sleep. You two should as well in case Lieutenant Casey comes calling for one of you to relieve him."

"Thank you, Commander," Tchalla said. She stood up and moved deeper into the cave where blankets had been set aside for her to sleep. With a contented sigh, she curled up and let sleep reach up to claim her.

Lyrr had far less ease in finding rest. She lay awake for what seemed hours, allowing various thoughts to consume her. Would they succeed in repairing the shuttle, or at least getting a message into space? If not...would anyone come for them? But Lyrr knew Ben and Matt would send out a search party the moment they noticed something amiss. Ben would never let her rot on some deserted planet. With that thought to comfort her, Lyrr closed her eyes and found that sleep took her quickly now, and a restful one at that.

---