"Deprejudiced"
By: Tebrianne Bancroft
Ensign Amy Reese

Location: Castari Alpha
Stardate 57911.04, 10h15

***

Tebrianne Bancroft had managed to keep her thoughts relatively Ben-free for most of the morning. As she moved between the various booths and stalls in the marketplace, she found that she was feeling happier than she had for a very long time. She adjusted the bags of purchases on her shoulder and moved away from the booth toward another that appeared to be selling some sort of jewelry. As she drew nearer, she realized it was a bracelets and bangles, and more of them than she'd ever seen in one place before. As Tebrianne started looking through, she noticed someone beside her and smiled. "You're from Sulu, right? I'm still bad on names. I'm Tebrianne Bancroft."

The red-haired girl's eyes grew wide with recognition and her face paled slightly. "I...I know who you are," she answered quietly. Unconsciously, the girl stepped aside to increase the distance between them. Her gaze returned to the beaded necklace she'd been handling as if quailing under Teb's scrutiny.

The happiness Tebrianne had been feeling melted as the young woman stepped away from her. Despite everything, the crew still distrusted her, to the point they didn't even want to stand within close proximity of her. She sighed and set the bracelet she'd been looking at down. "Sorry," she muttered softly, "I didn't mean to intrude. 'appy shopping." With that, she turned away and started in the direction she remembered the ship being.

Watching the sullen woman depart, Amy Reese sighed and set down the jewellery. Even she couldn't help sympathizing with Bancroft at the sight of her, shoulders slumped and filled with sadness. Grumbling, Amy thanked the vendor for allowing her to browse and scampered after Tebrianne. "Hey! Uh...Ms. Bancroft?"

Tebrianne stopped and turned back to where the young woman was calling and hurrying toward her. She raised a curious eyebrow as she approached.

Amy stopped a short distance from Tebrianne, still somewhat uncertain about the woman. She watched her own fingers twisting nervously as Amy gathered the courage to speak. "I...I didn't mean to be rude. I just...it's hard not to listen to the rumours on board and...and believe them."

"Which rumours are you referring to?" Tebrianne asked. "If they're the ones about T'Kal sleeping with anything that moves, that's definitely not true. If it's the same rumour about Lt. Tagliesh, I'm quite certain that's not true. If it's the one about a certain nurse aiding a psychopath, I believe there were extenuating circumstances there. But, if you're referring to the ones about me, well I guess those obviously have to be true, don't they?" She gave Amy what she hoped was a friendly smile.

"I never said I thought they were true!" Amy said defensively. "I just said that...well...even if you don't want to believe them, when you hear things enough you get a little...brainwashed, you know?" She smiled awkwardly, then began backing away. "Sorry I bugged you. I just wanted to tell you that...I don't think you're as bad as everyone says you are."

"Thank you," Teb said with a smile. "At least that's two people on the ship who don't think I'm worse than the entire Obsidian Order and Tal Shiar rolled together."

Amy giggled. "Well...at least it's taken all the attention off of me and what an idiot I am."

Tebrianne smiled. "I've always been one to cause a stir," she said. "It's not easy 'ere, not with everyone pointing fingers and talking under their breath. Kate was going to be coming out with me today, but when Remica was attacked, they put a security team on investigating. So, I 'ad to venture out on my own."

"Yeah...I'd heard about that," Amy said ruefully. "I'd hate to think one of the Sulu officers would be capable of that. I mean...to have someone like that loose on the ship? It's frightening!"

"It is," Tebrianne said. "Remica and Kirsha aren't bad. They're not good, but...I've done some bad things before, even before I got stuck in that hellish place. Remica didn't deserve that, no one does."

"I know..." Amy murmured, and the two fell silent, Teb seeming to stare off into the distance, and Amy occupying herself with staring at the tops of her shoes. Finally, her head perked up and Amy gave Tebrianne a beaming smile. "Why not buy her something? Like that bracelet you were looking at. I know presents always cheer me up."

Tebrianne grinned and nodded slowly. "That's a great idea," she said. "I'm sure Remica would love something like that. Thank you so much...er..."

Amy was puzzled for a moment, but understanding dawned finally. She blushed at her own absentmindedness. "I'm Amy Reese...but I think you knew that already, didn't you?"

"I had an idea," Teb said with a smile, "but I wasn't certain. I've heard the rumours, but I don't take much stock in rumours. Kit Markham speaks very highly of you, and I believe his views are more accurate than the others. It's been a very long time since I've had a friend like that."

"You and Kit are...you're friends?" Amy asked, eyebrow raised skeptically. "Are you two...close?"

Tebrianne laughed softly. "No, not really," she said. "We share a mutual love of music I guess. We've talked a couple times in the lounge. When I first got to the ship, he let me borrow a guitar. He's a fan of my music."

It was difficult for Amy to appear genuinely interested without coming across as jealous, or her smile forced. She hadn't prepared herself for the possibility that Kit just might be moving on. Clearing her throat, Amy laughed woodenly despite the enthusiasm she'd attempted to infuse into the gesture. "Oh, Kit's always looking for someone to write and play with. He's just passionate that way, I guess."

"He's very passionate about music," Teb said. "And, you. Makes it kind of hard for me, though. When your relationship falls apart, it's 'ard to be hopeful for someone else's without feeling a little hurt yourself"

Amy smiled demurely and studied her feet again. "Well...I sort of dumped him...so we don't really have a relationship like that anymore. But...you're right. I can't help feeling a little envious at the thought of someone else having him now."

"Ben dumped me," Teb said. "Though, I'm pretty much nothing in his life now. I'm free now, which for the most part is very nice. It's the freest I've felt in a very long time."

"Me too, actually," Amy told her with a curious smile. "I think I've always had a man in my life...one way or the other. Now...I'm alone, and I'm just not sure yet how I feel about that." She watched Tebrianne inquisitively. "Do you...well...want to go for a drink or something somewhere? I can tell you all about Kit, if you want."

Teb grinned. "I'd like that," she said. "I hope you know a good place, because I'm not quite familiar with the planet yet."

"Neither am I, but any place really is good," Amy told her. "As long as they serve that blue stuff." Smiling at Teb, Amy waved her along to follow as she started back. "And while we walk," she told the smaller woman, "you think you can tell me all about Lieutenant Commander T'Kal? He's sort of...cute." She blushed.

Teb grinned. "He's very cute," she said as they started walking, "but I think you'd need Romulan memory adjustors to make him forget about Commander Lyrr. Which is why I'm mostly single now."

Amy shrugged. "They're doomed anyway, I hear, so don't feel so bad. And being single isn't so bad, is it?"

"It can get a little lonely at times," Teb said. "Though, Kate's helped make things a lot less lonely when we feel like it."

"When you feel like it?" Amy snickered. "I didn't know you two were sort of an item. How long's this been going on?"

"Not so much of an item," Teb said. "We like each other a bit, but we give each other space. She didn't want to get too committed, so...we're taking it easy. No strings, and we can see others if we want, and we can back out at any time. It's been three days now."

"Oh, so the honeymoon's over already." Amy grinned. "I guess you're like me, then. Me and Kit...we never got past the engaged part. I guess kids our age just aren't ready for commitment."

"There's still a lot of life left," Tebrianne said. "No point rushing it. Besides, we're all Starfleet officers...it's 'ard to focus on career and relationship at this point. You can, of course...but it's never easy and you 'ave to make sacrifices. But, the companionship is nice. It's probably pretty rotten to say, but I don't think I could live without the sex."

Amy sighed wistfully. "Well, I'm trying to. All it's done is gotten me into trouble."

"It's not easy," Teb said as they found what looked like might be a good spot for a drink. "Finding someone special, who cares but is willing to give space, that's important. Or, finding someone you can just go to, like Kate. It helps take the edge off sometimes."

"I can go to Kit now," Amy told her. "Though...only now that we're not romantically involved." She pouted. "Why couldn't he have been more understanding while we were together? Maybe we still would be together now if he had been."

"Maybe it took 'im losing you to realize what a jerk 'e was," Teb said. "At least it sounds like he's woke up about it. Ben still 'asn't...'e's still a self-centred, narcissistic jerk. If you need to let loose, I'm sure things'll work out. If you need any, I've got a few little things that might 'elp you out...back on the ship."

Amy smiled with interest. "Oh? And what kind of things?"

Tebrianne smiled then leaned close to Amy and whispered into her ear. She stepped back and grinned at Amy. "Those kinds of things."

Blushing, but also wearing a mischievous smile, Amy nodded conspiratorially to Teb. "Maybe you can show me after our drink."

"I'd be 'appy to share," Teb said with a wink. "Come on, there's a free table over there."

They seated themselves across from one another, and immediately got the attention of one of the servers. Each got the most colourful drink on the menu. Once alone again, Amy looked around at their surroundings and sighed. "It's going to be hard leaving this place. Everything's so beautiful."

Teb sighed with satisfaction. "Yes," she said. "It'll be very difficult. It's paradise...especially after that other place. I hope we stay 'ere for another month at least. I 'aven't nearly seen enough of the planet yet."

"Will you be staying on the Sulu afterwards?"

"I'll probably stay on at least until we get back to the Alpha Quadrant," Teb said. "After that, I don't know. I don't think I can stay on a ship with Ben any longer. Working with him, it'd just be too difficult. I'd feel...too resentful, I think. But, I won't 'ave much choice until we get back."

Amy snorted. "Why should you have to leave because of him? You have every right to be on the Sulu! If he can't handle it, then it's his problem. And if you aren't brave enough to face seeing him every day, then..." She shrugged and let the thought hang between them.

"It's not a matter of bravery," Teb said. "It's a matter of not having the restraint to not kick his bloody teeth in whenever I see 'im. And beside that, most of the crew doesn't want me around. I'm glared at everywhere I go on the ship. And, worst of all, Lyrr despises me because of my past with Ben."

"But what does the Captain think of you?" she asked. "I mean if he's on your side...."

"I'm not exactly certain, but I think 'e is. I led the team that rescued 'im, and he did seem very thankful for that. I guess, I'll just 'ave to see where things are when we get to that point. For now, I'll just do the best I can." She raised her glass with a grin. "And, at least I've got my new friend Amy if things get rough."

She was momentarily taken aback at the title given her, then Amy chuckled and tapped her glass against Teb's. "If you don't mind being seen around the ship with the Sulu's former slut...."

Tebrianne smiled. "I don't mind at all," she said. "Regardless of who you've slept with and 'ow many times, I think you're a great person. If they can't see to the person beneath the reputation, let them eat plasma."

Amy giggled boisterously then took in a large gulp of her drink. Meeting Tebrianne now seemed a fortunate event. At least she was no longer the most hated individual on board when compared with the half-Vulcan.

***

They'd shared two drinks before leaving the small bar. On the way back to the ship, Tebrianne stopped by one of the vendors to pick up a necklace for Remica. They talked animatedly on the way back on subjects ranging from sex to music to best areas of the ship to get away to when things seemed to have gone from bad to worse.

When they reached Teb's quarters, she poured them each a drink of fruit juice and they talked some more before she disappeared into the closet to retrieve a box. She returned to the table moments later with a triumphant grin on her face. "A product of replicator magic and a few delights I found on the outskirts of the town. Everything a girl needs when she's alone and feeling a touch tense." With a flourish that would have made any magician proud, she whipped the led of the box away to reveal her small collection to Amy.

Her eyes went wide and one hand went over her mouth as Amy glanced over the various tools. She was holding back giggles, but one finally escaped. "Oh my...have you used all of these?"

"I've tried them," Teb said. "Mainly because Ben's brilliant at working you up, and then getting all honourable. They're very useful when you don't have someone to 'elp out." She grinned at Amy again, then closed up the box and set it aside.

Amy sighed ruefully. "Sort of sounds like a situation I'm in. Though, I think I'm the tease...but I don't think I'm trying to be..."

"Sometimes it's 'ard," Tebrianne said. "It always is when you start dealing with other people. I thought I was so 'appy with Ben, but...I guess coming back showed me a few things about 'im and us. He gave up on me about a month before I...I came back. It 'urt quite a bit to be...cast off in a way that seemed so easy for 'im. I think it's the worst that's ever been done to me, to be told that 'e loved 'er more than me...and that what we 'ad, couldn't even compare."

Amy winced. "Sounds pretty bad. At least I never did that to Dwayne - he's the one who wants to sleep with me."

Teb nodded. "And, you don't want to sleep with 'im?"

She shrugged. "Right now...no. We have before, but that was a mistake, and to do so again right now would be an even bigger one. He just...doesn't seem too happy about it. I'm just afraid I'll lose him as a friend if I keep holding out."

"That's not right," Tebrianne said. "You shouldn't have to sleep with a bloke to keep 'im as a friend. If 'e wants to bolt because you won't jump into bed with him, the friendship isn't worth it. If he can't accept no, 'e's got issues."

"But I guess I gave him the idea to begin with, by sleeping with him the first time," Amy insisted. "I...I deserve this. I made a mistake, and now I have to make up for it." She frowned, somehow not following the logic of her own argument. "...I think," she whispered.

"You don't owe it to anyone to 'ave sex with them, for any reason. And, 'aving sex with them once doesn't guarantee a second time, or more. You've got the right to back off at any time, and if he doesn't understand that, 'e'd better keep his trousers locked tight before 'e gets 'imself in big trouble. Sex is a joyful, pleasurable, fun thing. Don't use it as punishment, especially for a bloke who's so hot for it he'll dump your friendship if you don't put out."

"But he's already got Tchi and Kelli for sex!" she exclaimed. "Why would he want me? Why would anyone?" Amy frowned and dropped her chin onto her fisted hand propped upon her thigh. "Who wants a an ex-whore?" she whispered.

"You're a very attractive, fun person," Teb said. "And, it sounds like 'e's got himself an obsession. Just...if you ever 'ave doubts, just don't give in. You're a wonderful person, Amy...regardless of what you've done. Don't sell yourself short, especially not for some chap who wants to 'og all the women to 'imself."

Amy smiled significantly at Teb. "Same goes for you. You're better than Lieutenant Commander T'kal. I'd rather you stayed aboard over him. Promise you'll at least think about it? About staying?"

Tebrianne smiled. "Deal," she said. "I promise. And you promise not to sleep with anyone unless you really want to be with them, not because you owe it to them or any such rubbish?"

She laughed softly. "I promise. And if he tries to pressure me again, you mind if I tell him you'll give him a tongue lashing?"

"Might not want to tell 'im that," Teb said with a grin. "'e might get the wrong idea, there. But, you can tell 'im that I'll beat 'im senseless with my guitar."

Amy's giggles increased in timber and finally she had relaxed around Tebrianne. It was convenient having such an empowered female for a friend. Hers was just the kind of influence Amy needed in her misguided life. "Well...I should probably go. My friends will probably be looking for me."

"Alright," Teb said with a smile. "I'll talk to you soon, Amy. And, if you ever have a need to borrow from my collection, just let me know."

Winking knowingly at Teb, she answered, "I just might. Very handy..." And with a bright smile, she hurried from the room, waving vigorously as she went. "See you around, Teb!"

Teb waved to her with a grin on her face and watched her go. With a contented sigh, she decided having friends was wonderful.

---

"Repairs Underway"
By: Lieutenant j.g. Tchalla Mel'Chir
Commander Lyrr Tayla
Lieutenant j.g. Derran Casey

Location: Crash Site of Shuttle Gagarin
Stardate 57911.04, 11h20

***

Tchalla Mel'Chir looked up from where she'd been working on the lateral inertial enhancers. The comm systems were beyond repair and Commander Lyrr had given the order to abandon attempts to repair them shortly after they'd begun their work for the day. Corel had protested at first, but then had finally agreed. Though, in reality he'd adjusted the comm systems to a much lower priority.

"Everything going alright here," said a quiet but authoritative voice from beside her.

"Repairs are proceeding according to schedule, Lt. Casey," Tchalla said. "Thank you for your interest."

"Anything I can help you with?" Derran asked, his grin more of a leer. "I'm sure you and I could finish this little project in half the time. Give us a little bit of time to enjoy the paradise."

"I have no interest in enjoying the paradise, sir," Tchi said. "I wish to return to Castari Alpha where I may rejoin my girlfriend, and begin the study of the nebula based on the readings we will salvage." Why had she not mentioned Dwayne, she thought. Because, a voice in her head answered, it would interest Casey far too much. She did not wish for his interest to be piqued under any circumstance.

She quickly turned away from him. "I am uncertain," she said possibly more loudly than she should have, but Casey seemed to have picked up the hint, "if the polarity should be positive or negative. I have attempted this particular repair three times, but am still receiving no result."

"Perhaps," Commander Lyrr's disembodied voice stated from behind, "Lieutenant Casey can cease distracting you." She appeared beside the two, her one, mobile hand resting upon her hip. Her frown was focused solely on Casey. "And while he does that, I can join him outside of the shuttle for a brief...staff meeting."

Tchalla looked away quickly as Casey's back stiffened at the reproach. He stood briskly and nodded to Lyrr. "Carry on, Lt. Mel'Chir," he said, then strode from the shuttle. He could have sworn he heard snickering from behind him.

Finding a secluded spot out of ear shot from the other officers, Lyrr and Casey stopped across from one another. Lyrr gestured to a boulder if Casey desired to sit, but the officer chose to stand. She shrugged. "It probably hasn't escaped you why we need this talk, has it, Lieutenant?"

"No, Commander," Casey said, standing at attention in her presence. "I am aware that you do not like my methods. I apologize if the attention I've been giving to Lieutenant Mel'Chir offends you."

"I think it offends Lieutenant Mel'Chir just as much," Lyrr pointed out. "We're in the process of getting that shuttle up and running once again...and all you can seem to do is fish for a date. Does that not sound remotely unprofessional to you, Lieutenant? Or are you just really that desperate?"

"I was assisting her with the repairs, Commander," Casey said. "She is shy, but she has not yet asked me to cease my attention toward her. I will refrain from such actions while the lieutenant is on duty, Commander. I do not wish to hinder the mission."

"Or your chances of excelling in your position?" she added with a faint smile. "I doubt you care very little about this mission or Lieutenant Mel'Chir's discomfort. I fear you're far too self-absorbed to care."

"Commander, it is very likely that we will be remaining on this planet for a considerable amount of time. While I am doing everything within my power to get us off here, that shuttle is badly damaged and we lack resources. I would prefer to be on friendly terms with Lieutenant Mel'Chir because I find her to be a highly attractive and intelligent young woman. I am not looking to compromise our mission in any way, but if I can manage to get close to her, it will at least make my stay here that much more pleasant. And, if I can get in close to her, then I imagine everything will be much more pleasant for everyone else as well."

Lyrr lifted a single eyebrow. "And how do you believe your flirting with a fellow officer will help us all, Mr. Casey?"

"If Lt. Mel'Chir and I were to...become close," Casey said. "I would no longer need to flirt with her. With no need to flirt, the rest of you would no longer need to put up with my flirting."

"A circular argument and a bad one at that," she retorted. "Just do us all a favour and keep your libido in check until we can get off this planet."

"While not actively on duty," Casey asked, "am I banned from interacting with Tchalla Mel'Chir, Commander?"

"You are not," she answered bluntly. "But keep the conversation focused on work, not play."

"Aye, Commander," Casey said. "I will focus on the mission, and leave the flirting for later. I apologize for my behaviour and hope my duty for the remainder of our time here shows that I truly am a Starfleet officer with the mission and our success as a highest priority."

Lyrr narrowed her eyes at the man, studying his sincerity by the smile on his face. There was none. "Then stay out here and patrol. You're of more use to us while we're under your protection."

"Aye, Commander," Casey said, and very nearly snapped off a salute. "I'll make certain a defensive perimeter is firmly established."

She nodded curtly. "Lieutenant Commander T'Kal would be pleased." Then Lyrr walked past him towards the shuttle once again.

Casey watched after Lyrr wondering what Commander T'Kal could possibly see in her. Then again, if the rumours were true, it was probably that she was as loose as a Risan whore and it didn't take much to get her out of her clothes. He couldn't help wondering, as he started off to establish the perimeter around their camp, what it would take for Tchalla Mel'Chir to go up against a bulkhead with him. At least, it'll have to be a bulkhead the dear commanders aren't already making use of.

Stepping onto the shuttle's bridge section, Lyrr leaned over Tchalla's shoulder to study her portable display connected to the Gagarin's science station. "Anything yet?" she asked her. Then added in a whisper, "And you'll be pleased to know Lieutenant Casey won't be bothering you any longer."

Tchalla grinned up at Lyrr and nodded her silent thanks. "I think I've got the inertial enhancers repaired," she said. "We won't know for certain until the impulse engines are ready for testing though."

"We won't be going anywhere, however, without shields," Lyrr reminded her. "Though, I think I have a more important task for you, involving those spare probes we have."

"Of course, Commander," Tchalla said as she set aside the spanner she'd been using. Her antennae seemed to quiver with excitement at the prospect of a new project. "What will I be doing?"

"Is it possible to modify one to send a signal out strong enough for the Sulu to receive?"

"In theory it is possible," Tchalla said as she quickly ran through the parameters in her mind. "The nebula would pose a problem, but if the signal were boosted... I do believe it is possible, Commander." She grinned up at the Sulu's Bajoran first officer.

Lyrr smiled as she settled into the chair beside the Andorian. "So, shall we get started?"

Tchalla's smile brightened considerably. "Will you be helping me, Commander," she said, though the answer to the question appeared to be very obvious. "I am happy for the chance to work with you, Commander Lyrr. I know it is bad to say, but...in a small way, I am...am glad for this opportunity."

Lyrr watched Tchalla with pleasant surprise. "Well, that's the first time I've heard that. Most of the time, officers are trying to avoid me, rather than seek an opportunity to bear my scrutiny."

Tchi smiled brightly. "I think that's because most people won't allow themselves the chance to get to know you. And, you and Captain Salinger...you're not...not as approachable, not like our department heads are. I am glad that I do have the chance to get to know you, even though the circumstances are...not good."

"That's...nice of you to say," Lyrr told her awkwardly. With her free hand, she was idly tapping in commands on Tchalla's computer and calling up schematics, if only to cover her uneasiness. "I hope I don't disappoint you, Lieutenant," she said quietly. "I hope I meet your expectations."

Tchalla looked away and nodded. "I think we'll need to modify at least two of the torpedoes for this to work," she said. "One will not have the signal strength to reach the planet and the Sulu, especially through the nebula. The second can boost the range of the first...and I think it will be enough."

"Even if we get the comm systems online," Lyrr added, "we'd likely be unable to create a signal strong enough to penetrate that nebula. This'll have to do."

Tchalla nodded. "It would need to be a one-way communication, sent as a burst. We'll just require a highly-amplified signal in order to reach them." Suddenly she grinned. "Does the shuttle carry an emergency log buoy and distress beacon?"

"Of course," Lyrr replied. "But we have not been able to use either under these conditions."

"Their components may be of use for what we are attempting," Tchi said. "If we can salvage them."

"We can and we will," Lyrr declared confidently. She wore a bold smile. "Shall we show Lieutenant Casey just how self-sufficient we females are?"

Tchalla grinned brightly at Lyrr. "Gladly, sir," she said. Together, they turned back to the schematics that would send their cry for help out to the Sulu. Of course, that was down the road a bit...for now they had to find a way to make their voices heard.

---

"Beacon of Hope"
By: Commander Lyrr Tayla
Lieutenant j.g. Tchalla Mel'Chir
Lieutenant j.g. Derran Casey
PO Eric Corel

Location: Crash Site of Shuttle Gagarin
Stardate: 57911.04, 22h36

***

"Lieutenant Mel'Chir, status," Lyrr called out gently from her station at the shuttle's fore console. Although the systems were not fully operational, Corel and Chan had set them up with portable computers that networked with one another and allowed a sharing of information. Although Lyrr received frequent updates - and with the close proximity of all her officers nothing that went on escaped her notice - she felt it was imperative to give everyone a sense of value. With that in mind, she awaited the Andorian's report.

"All systems read within nominal parameters," Tchalla Mel'Chir said as she read over the information coming in from the small probe awaiting launch in the clearing just outside the shuttle. "Thruster systems show steady. Guidance systems online. Computer data integrity at one hundred percent." She turned back to regard the Sulu's executive officer. Her white hair had been pulled back and bound at the back of her head, allowing her to work without it getting into her eyes. Atop her head, her antennae twitched with excitement. "I think we're ready to engage in the test launch, Commander."

She nodded. "Then do it. Corel, monitor power flow. I don't want us blowing out the shuttle's reserve cells during the actual launch. I want just enough to give the probe a push, and nothing more."

"Aye, Commander."

Lyrr looked over her shoulder at Lieutenant Casey, who had remained sullen since his chastisement. "Lieutenant, are you with us?"

"I'm here, Commander," Casey answered. He tried not to glare at her, and had to make considerable effort to not respond with a snippy retort.

Nodding slowly, she returned her gaze to the computer screen. "Well, then. Mel'chir, let's begin."

Tchalla nodded, and her hands began to slowly work over the console. Outside the shuttle, lights began to glow brightly on the probe awaiting launch up through the atmosphere. "All systems responding normally, Commander. Ready to proceed to phase two." She tapped in another sequence of keys and turned for the go ahead from Lyrr.

Verifying the data on her own screen, Lyrr gave Tchalla permission to proceed. "Let's hope this works," she muttered.

Tchi grinned. "Aye, Commander," she said. "Proceeding to stage two." As the test moved into the second stage, a majority of what would be taking place would be taken over by computer. Thankfully, diagnostics were good enough to pick up any errors or problems. "Everything looks good, Commander. The board is fully green." She turned back again, grinning. "I think we're nearly ready to launch."

"Corel" --Lyrr's gaze shot to the engineer-- "how are the power systems holding up?"

"They're experiencing some strain, sir, but I think they'll hold."

"Good." Lyrr withheld a smile for now. "Mel'chir, how do you feel about sending a signal to the Sulu now?"

"That would make me very happy, Commander," Tchalla said with a grin.

"Then let's do it, Lieutenant." Lyrr winked surreptitiously at her, then turned back to her screen. "Reset launch sequence and prepare for the real thing, everyone. Casey" --again she glanced back at the bored officer-- "have a seat beside me and watch. Maybe this tedious science undertaking will spark some interest in you."

"Of course, Commander," Casey said then slipped over to a spot behind Lyrr. He found himself wishing she weren't sitting, and he could see how the uniform hugged against her backside. "This is a very exciting operation, watching you and Lt. Mel'Chir working. Do you suppose the probe will make it all the way back to Castari Alpha?"

Lyrr refrained from rolling her eyes at the intentionally absurd question. "Lieutenant, we're simply hoping it will clear the nebula, or haven't you been paying attention?" To Tchalla, she said, "Initiate pre-launch checks, Lieutenant."

"Initiating pre-launch checks," Tchalla said as computers and probe once again hummed with life.

"I've been paying attention," Casey said with a smile. "I imagine at this point, since we haven't been reporting in, the Sulu will be worried and looking for us. So, in theory, it really doesn't matter if it makes it all the way, since they should be able to spot it as it leaves the nebula, since they should be watching for us. The shielding should hold against the plasma storms, especially since it won't be staying in one spot for more than a nano-second."

"And now you're just showing off," Lyrr muttered, glancing back at him. "Eager to impress me?"

"No, Commander," Casey said with a smile. "Attempts to impress you would merely serve to reduce your opinion of me. You are impressed by those who just do what they need to do, rather than those doing so for praise and attention."

"Like you?" she shot back, smirking.

Casey chuckled. "Caseys do what needs to be done," he said. "It just so happens that in most of the cases, high praise follows us."

Lyrr shook her head. "You Caseys are a modest bunch, too, aren't you?" Sighing tediously, she called up Tchalla's latest updates. "Things are looking good. Power flow seems stable enough." Turning back to the Andorian, she smiled. "Ready to launch our beacon of hope, Lieutenant?"

"It looks like we've even got good weather, Commander," Tchalla said with a grin back at Lyrr. "Ready to launch on your order."

Without preamble, Lyrr gave the order. The few lights they had gotten online within the shuttle flickered as more power was diverted to the probe, preparing it for its flight. "Now, Lieutenant."

With a wide grin, Tchi sent the command through the probe. Outside the shuttle, the ground shook and the probe shot skyward, soaring high into the sky and off into the atmosphere. As it broke free of the planet's gravity well, and out into free space, it was nothing more than an orange glow on the scopes, but it was away.

"Readings are good, Commander," Tchi said with a wide grin. "All readings are exactly what we hoped. It's just like the simulations."

"Now we just need to keep an eye on it," Lyrr replied. "Is it encountering much turbulence?"

"Levels of turbulence are slightly higher than we expected," Tchalla answered. "However, the probe appears to be capable of withstanding them. It's still on course and steady, Commander."

"Twenty thousand meters until it clears the nebula, Commander," Corel supplied. "Readings are still within normal limits."

She spared a glance for Casey now. "Much more exciting than security, isn't it?"

Casey grinned. "It is pretty interesting," he said. "Considering the probe is designed to withstand considerable amounts of pressure, it should be fine through the nebula, but...but what happens if it encounters pressures it can't handle?"

"We'll try to divert power where necessary," Lyrr replied perfunctorily, "then watch as the probe either makes it by sheer force of will, or it implodes and we try again."

Casey nodded. "Do we have spare probes?"

Lyrr cleared her throat and shifted in the seat. "One...and damaged." Speaking lower so only Casey could hear: "This is our only shot."

He nodded, then smiled. "Looks like it's making a good effort so far," he said in a similar voice.

In reply, Lyrr simply raised an eyebrow at his apparent optimism, then chuckled dryly and returned her attention to the data scrolling across her screen. "Update, Lieutenant Mel'Chir. The signal-link with that probe seems to be weakening."

"It's degraded by five percent, Commander," Tchalla answered, "but it's still within the margin of failure. The loss of signal strength appears to be a product of distance from our location, and not a failure on-board the probe itself."

"Five thousand meters and closing until it clears the nebula," Corel announced.

"Begin broadcasting the distress signal," Lyrr told Mel'Chir. "I don't think we'll be able to maintain contact with the probe before it reaches normal space."

"Activating distress beacon," Tchalla said. A green light winked on in response to her command, and it began a slow, methodical blinking. "Beacon active and probe still reading on course."

Lyrr allowed herself a small sigh of relief.

"Probe edging towards the clearing, Commander," Corel read off his display.

"I hope this message finds you well, Ben," Lyrr whispered and sank back against her chair once the clear, high chirp sounded to announce the probe's safe egress from the nebula's stormy hell.

Corel smiled. "It's away, Commander."

She nodded. "Good work, everyone."

"You're welcome, Commander," Casey said with a grin. "And, now I'm exhausted. Permission to bed down for the rest of the day?"

Her irritation was held in tight check. "No," she responded. "You're on patrol." She eyed him staidly. "And if you're not careful, I'll choose to join you."

Casey chuckled. "Doubt I'll find anything out there," he said as he stood from his chair, "but it's always better safe than sorry. I'll check back in in thirty."

Lyrr tipped her head at him, giving the security officer leave to depart. Her hard eyes followed him as he did. "Alright, everyone," she addressed the rest of her crew. "You've done well. Continue monitoring the probe for another hour, then get some rest."

Tchalla didn't move from her seat, but did look up at Lyrr with a wide grin. "I think it was a success, Commander," she said. "It's so close now, and...I know I don't want to tempt fate, but everything is going so smoothly. Do you think...do you suppose we'll be sleeping in our own beds again tomorrow night?"

Lyrr smiled and answered noncommittally, "It's something to look forward to, now isn't it?"

"It sure is," Tchalla said with a grin. One of her antennae twitched happily as she continued to watch the probe's progress.

Not as content with such tedium, Lyrr sighed and left her seat. "I'll be outside, unless I'm needed," she said to Tchalla with a questioning look.

"We'll be fine in here," Tchalla said, though she needn't finish the sentence since Lt. Casey is outside as well. "I'll let you know if the status of the probe changes, sir."

"Immediately," Lyrr stressed, then added a faint smile before she exited the shuttle.

Daylight was beginning to fade, though it was not yet too cold for her to be wandering about. Of course Lieutenant Casey was nowhere in sight, despite his main duty being to patrol within the vicinity of their shuttle. Shaking her head disparagingly, Lyrr set out for the nearest boulder and perched upon it.

The stars were beginning to glitter above, and Lyrr leaned back onto her hands to observe them. Although she would rather be watching them from through a viewport in space, she was undeniably grateful for time away from the ship and everything that had transpired there. She felt oddly liberated, and couldn't discern if it was the respite from duty aboard the Sulu...or time apart from Ben. Lyrr closed her eyes in shame at the thought, but it had come unbidden; there must be some truth in it.

Their relationship was an all-consuming one, and it drained her, body and spirit. That she loved him wasn't in question...but that was not always the deciding factor in whether two souls were destined for one another. And allowed to finally breathe freely without the fear of she and Ben suffering another falling out, Lyrr remembered how comfortable she was alone. Without seeing Ben once more, she hesitated to decide whether she preferred solitude over his volatile love after all. She didn't doubt, though, that she yearned to return to Ben and the Sulu, that she would do anything to get her people home. It was what Lyrr would do when she got there that was in question.

"Go on, little probe," she whispered. "Find your way home so that we might, as well." And reclining upon the rocky ledge, Lyrr Tayla went stargazing.

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