Rura Penthe #14"
By: Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58205.08 0125

=Teilani’s quarters=

It was late as Teilani woke from a bad dream. She remember it vaguely, it had been awful, she was covered with sweat and her heart was racing.

Getting out of bed she walked over to the replicator “1 glas of water, 5degrees,” she ordered. Slowly taking sips she sat down on the bed, trying to remember. She had been dreaming of home, her family.

Putting the glass at her night stand she walked to her desk and activate her console. “computer find the following members with the name Dane Joshua Alvin, Thompson Melissa Jade, Dane Eric Harris.

“This will take 20 minutes ,” the reply came. Teilani placed her elbows on the table and rested her head in her hands. She watched the information and the photos roll pass the screen until 1 of them came to a halt.

She sat up straight, looking into the face of her older brother Joshua Alvin. From what Teilani could remember he looked older on it. Fixing her eyes on his face she started to remember.

=== “No Josh,” I will not accept that assignment, Teilani said angrily. I don’t care if it is close to home, I want to see something of the world.”

“Lani,” Josh said, “you have no say in it. I am the head of the family now, you do as I say!”

“Yes well that is only cuz Mum and Dad are missing,” Teilani yelled. “Let me tell you, they are not dead. Mum wanted me to pursue a career in medicine and not become a housewife.

“Lani, it is my responsibility to keep this family together. You are not going,” Josh ordered.

“Yes I can and you can not stop me.” Teilani shouted. “I HATE YOU!!”

Teilani stormed out of the room. ===

Teilani blinked rapidly as she pushed some of the tears way. After this fight Teilani had left home and had never been back, not even for her sisters marriage. Teilani scrolled down the page and smiled as she looked into the face of her sister. The same green eyes and red hair as well as the same temper. Teilani knew that she had married Frank Thompson her old high school sweetheart so to speak and that they had got 2 children.

Teilani sighed she was an aunt and yet she had never seen the children for real. Some pictures were listed in the database but that was all. Teilani thought again back at the day she had left home.

===

“Lani, don’t be so silly, Melissa said. “You can not go run off every time you have an argument.”

“Look Mel,” Teilani said. “Ever since Mum and Dad are separated and missing Josh is acting like a tiran. Saying this is not allowed, or shouldn’t you do that. Well I am sick of it.”

“Teilani,” Melissa said, “get your temper under control before you say things you don’t mean.”

“Get my temper under control Mel,” Teilani yelled. “Look at yourself first, you are always agreeing with Josh, you never choose my side. Well not anymore I am going to make my own decisions and I am going to the Medical Academy.”

“FINE TEILANI,” Mel yelled back THEN DON’T BOTHER TO STEP 1 FOOT BACK IN THIS HOUSE. YOU ARE NOT WELCOME ANYMORE!!!!

“FINE,” Teilani replied as she stormed out of the room and made her way to her bed room.

In her bedroom Teilani stuffed all her belongings in a back pack, muttering to herself. ==

Briskly Teilani whipped the tears from her face as she shifted in her chair. She flexed her legs and straightened her back. She was a bit stiff and cold. She stood up from her desk and walked over to the little replicator.

“Coffee, Jamaican blend, double strong, double sweet,” she ordered. Waiting for the mug to appear she rubbed her temples. Come to think of it the argument she had had with her big brother was a silly one, but Teilani also knew from her self that she would never admitted it freely.

Taking the mug from the replicator she walked back to her desk and sat back down. She looked at the faces of Josh and Melissa and wondered how they were. There was a last page and Teilani smiled as she saw the image of Eric, or Squirt as she used to call him.

Eric was the only person who understood her, who understood her need to go out in the world and investigate, meeting new people, go out on adventures. In a way Teilani and he were the same.

A single tear ran down her face as she remembered the cries of her baby brother.

“Lani, wait you can not go,” Eric said sadly. “What about me?”

“Hey Squirt, she responded. “I have to go, you know that. Josh simply refuses to understand my arguments and I refuse to do what he wants. He always knows best so he says you know that.”

Eric walked over to her and put his arms around her. “I will miss you Lani, will you at least write to me?”

Teilani nodded as she desperately pushed away the tears. “I will Eric, I will I promise.” I will never ever forget you and if you need me no matter where I am I will come and see you.” By now the tears ran over Teilani’s face.

Teilani ruffed up her baby brothers hair. “Stay out of trouble Squirt.”

She slung the bag over her shoulder and left.

===

The last time she had spoken to someone of her family was when she got a message from Joshua saying that Eric has been missing. Teilani knew that indirectly Joshua blamed her for it.

Teilani took a sip of her coffee and touched image displayed on the console. “Where are you Eric,” she whispered.

Caressing the hot mug in her hand she stood up and watched out the window, stars were streaking by. She sighed despite her Zion colleagues she felt alone, alone inside. The only person who had managed to break a little piece of the wall around her had been Patia. But Teilani also know from experience that Patia also had her share of problems.

Despite her external control inside Teilani was still a little girl, wanting to be hold, wanting to have a family to go home to. She always managed not to let people get too close to her, not during her Academy years and not during any of her assignments. Nobody would ever know how many nights she had cried her self to sleep

She knew that during her Academy years some of her fellow students called her the Ice queen or cold hearted bitch but that did not bother her. As the other students when on breaks, she stayed behind, studying even harder. The only free time she allowed her self was going to the Japanese tea garden. An oasis of tranquillity.

Abruptly Teilani turned and walked back to her bed, she slit under the covers and curled up into a foetus position, crying herself to sleep.

Nightmare "
By: Riaan, Executive Officer, [PST]

Stardate: 58205.08 0530

=Riaan's Quarter's=

After a rather fitful sleep Riaan slowly crawled out of bed feeling some what sluggish; she had tossed and turned and the nightmares where never endless. She kept having dreams of death for some odd reason, and she began to wonder why, was this a premonition of some kind a warning, Riaan wasn't sure.

Riaan would wake up feeling as is she was suffocating and couldn't breathe and felt as if she was falling and before she landed she awoke in a pool of sweat. She felt as if she was pinned and couldn't move as she drifted in and out of her nightmare. No matter how hard she tried Riaan kept falling back into that trap being played over and over the same thing. It was never ending and each time she awoke it was always the same.

It was so vivid she could hear the screams from her crewmembers as the ship was torn apart by the pounding of the torpedos one after another as it ripped the ship apart. The bulk heads bulking, loud sounds of explosions, shields down, fires throughout, the scorch of human bodies; people being sucked out into space as the bulk heads gave in, cries of plea looking for help with no one in site to assist. One never forgets the smell of scorched bodies as she remembered her days of by-gone. Body parts and bodies strewn every where, some completely unrecognizable.

Riaan knew after having one of these nightmares she would be alert more so then before it was if it was something in here that kicked into survival mode. Riaan began to wonder if her past was haunting her as she mercilessly killed hundreds of people and was paid for it. Was someone that she killed or one of their families trying to haunt her and tell her something in her dreams, as she left a wake of devastation behind, children with no parents, wife without husband and vise versa as Riaan tried to struggle analyzing her nightmare. Riaan knew that she had to learn not to allow these nightmares get to her as they often did and she had to learn not to analyze them but accept them for what they were, nothing but a bad dream yet some how she couldn't prevent herself from analyzing them each time she had these reoccurring nightmares, Riaan contemplated about talking to Patia and see if she could make sense of them for her, but she wasn't sure if Patia would use them against her or not and report this to the Captian and declare her unfit or something.

Riaan knew one day she would have to tend to these haunting nightmares it was just going to be a matter of time she realized that they would come back and bit her. At least Riaan knew the counselor was always there and she could always drop in for a friendly hello or something and maybe bring these up casually, as she remembered last time how well her session went.

Riaan felt less hostile to Patia yet she wasn't sure considering she held her life in her hands and could declare her a threat to the ship and the crew at a whim. Riaan thought it was so ironic and weird holding someone else's life in your hands and having control over them. The check and balances of life was a little strange at times, Riaan had noticed. It was as you were a puppet on a string and someone else pulling you this way or that depending on each scenario was being played out.

Was Riaan a puppet as she thought to herself. Who was in control of her life, her or someone else? She knew everyone onboard relied upon each other to survive out in this vast universe. Without working as a team Riaan knew that no one could survive without watching and helping one another onboard.

After slowly making her way to the sonic shower she quickly hoped in and out. She felt some what refreshed but not completely. Riaan felt nauseous but wasn't completely sure if it was hunger or the nightmare that had caused this or not. An hour later after slowly getting herself together Riaan left and headed off to the mess hall to grab something to eat.

As Riaan neared the computer lift the doors opened and Riaan entered. Several crewmembers were already on the lift off to various destinations.

Riaan: "Computer, deck ten she replied."

A few minutes later the turbo lift stopped and Riaan exited and headed to the mess hall.

A few seconds later she arrived and entered the mess hall.

=Mess Hall=

It was fairly busy she noticed as she walked up to the replicator, "computer, coffee extra strong black, blueberry danish and a toasted western." A few minutes later she picked up her steaming mug of coffee and her plate and walked over to a vacant table, she wasn't much up to company this morning after that nightmare. After wolfing her breakfast she slowly drank her coffee and let herself relax and give her breakfast a chance to digest before she would start her day. At least she felt some what better but still felt some what nauseated eating didn't cure that problem she noticed.

Riaan slowly got up from the table stretching her legs as she picked up her cup and two plates. After a few seconds of stretching her legs she headed over to the replicator. She placed the dishes into the replicator to have them recycled.

Riaan decided to take a coffee on the road with her feeling some what sluggish still and lethargic. Riaan just hoped that today wasn't going to be to demanding but it was hard to prejudge as each day held its own unique challenges in their own.

Riaan: 'Computer, extra large coffee strong."

A few minutes later Riaan picked up her steaming mug of coffee and walked over to the doors of the mess hall. Riaan left and then proceeded onto the Operations Office to check supplies and see if there was any requisition forms that needed tended to or any series email. Riaan knew this was going to be a rather long day and she would need quite a few strong coffees to keep her going.

Rura Penthe #23"
By: Samantha Carter, Security Officer, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58205.08 1330

It was quiet on the bridge. Sam watched her tactical console, not much happened an occasional glitch but it was nothing out of the ordinary. From the viewscreen she watched the stars pass by. It wouldn’t take long before they reached Rura Penthe.

She wondered how her family was and were they were. Knowing them they would probably be in some dreadful place. The last place she had been with her parents was New Paris, her parents were assigned there to see if there could be established a society where people could be free, healthy and happy, where the arts would flourish, where love would grow and hate wither.

Unfortunate this had not been the case. New Paris was controlled by ganglords, who held power by the strength of their bodies, numbers, their fighting skills or their control over food and drug supplies.

Not even the Maqui could control them, there was no government, no security yet her parents were convinced they could make a difference. Sam sighed as she remembered that dreadful day she had gone out to play even though her mother had warned her about the gangs, but as all youngsters do Sam did not listen. Her parents did love her and her sister very much but they were so pre-occupied with their own work that they did not give many guidance, nor kept an eye out for danger.

It had been on a Wednesday night Sam remembered so vividly, she was on her way home as she had been spotted by one of the rape gangs and she was only too aware that this time they would not give up their pursuit. The one and only time they had caught her, she had been barely twelve. That time, they had used her for their own amusement, then laughed at her and let her go. She was too young and too skinny.

“We’re trowin’ ya back, gel. Grow up and get some bazooms!. Then it’ll be worth it, you ‘ll get nice clothe and lotsa pretties and plenty o’joy dust t’keep ya happy.

It was then when Sam learned to fight. Sam was determined to become strong and skilled. She turned her shock and fear into anger, her anger into determination. But determination was one ting, training was another. She could not go to her parents and ever ask about it or even tell that she had been molested. This was something she had to sort out her self.

At the place where she used to live there was an small narrow alley, this became her training ground. She could only do this in the early morning if her parents were still a sleep. Sam had a weapon an old knife she had found and made some targets out of old cargo containers. But then again there was a day that another gang had seen her practising, at that time the knife did her little good. Perhaps her eagerness had made her careless, inattentive to the movements from the early mornings.

The knife was wrenched out our her hand by a laughing man who used it to force her to submit. They had tied a hood over her head, so she could not see to fight, could not bite, could not see what was happening as she nearly suffocated while they took their turns at her. And then when it was over, the leader pulled the hood off and scornfully tossed her knife down beside her, knowing she was too weak and terrified to use it. They warned her that they would kill her and her family if she would ever tell anybody about what had happened.

Sam had learned from that experience. Sam thought her self to throw the knife, to kill from a distance. Within weeks she could hit a fixed target every time, and more and more often she skewered the rats she aimed at, even when they scurried in the dimness. It was then that Sam learned to love knives, the swiftness of a kill, the razor sharp edges.

Her mother knew that something had happened but Sam could not bring it up to tell her, not even her sister. So Sam grew up being a tomboy, never worn a dress, always cutting her hair short. Trying desperately to hide her femininity.

Suddenly Sam’s memory got interrupted by a small bleep on her console, she ran a diagnostic and smiled it was nothing. She turned her gaze back at the view screen and watch the stars pass by.

Detour"
By: Jeff Westfall, Tactical Officer, [PST]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58205.08 1600

As then entered sector 000-030-016 the long range sensors detected a ship. The Ops officer turned and reported his findings.

"Captain Hunter, Sir, I concur the ship on the Ops Officer's Long Range Sensor verifies as the Federation Warship USS ESSEX. Confirmed by her known warp signature and Transponder Ident Code, Sir.

"Raising shields to maximum. "

"Helm, change course to intercept the Essex."

Wright was a bit surprised that the Captain would alter their mission to intercept a Federation ship. "Shield up, Red Alert." There was no point in approaching them with our pants down.

"Belay that order Westfall, That won't be necessary Number one. Hard as it may seem, the Captain of the Essex is a very dear friend." said Hunter.

"Sir, they are still the Enemy, aboard a ship of war," Westfall said, coldly.

"Duly noted, Mr. Westfall, stand-by."

As the Zion came into range Hunter turned to Westfall, Hail them Mr. Westfall.

Aye-aye Captain Hunter," Westfall replied.

This is the Maquis Alliance vessel USS Zion, hailing the Federation Ship USS ESSEX, you are requested to acknowledge".

The image of the Essex's bridge appeared on the main viewer, the middle aged female captain stood up from her command seat, "Well, well, Captain Hunter, at long last we meet again." she said.

"Indeed it has been a long time, Miriam." Hunter smiled, "So shall we discuss terms of surrender?" asked Hunter.

She folded her arms across her chest and tipped her head definantly, "Your surrender?"

Hunter smiled, "Well..." he paused thoughtfully, "Why don't you beam over and we'll discuss that matter."

She looked over her shoulder, she'd have to think of a good explanation later for her bridge crew. "All right, but no tricks she said with a smile."

Hunter stood up as the transmission ended, "Number One, you are with me, Westfall, you have the bridge."

"Acknowledged Captain, Transferring Command console to Tactical Station".

Hunter had a good hunch that Wright was as uncomfortable about this as Westfall. As the turbolift closed, Hunter cleared his throat and said, "Its okay Commander, the Captain and I go way back. In fact, I almost proposed to her."

"That is interesting Sir."

Hunter greeted the Essex Captain, "Miriam, I'd like to introduce my first officer, Commander Jonathan Wright... Commander, this is Captain Miriam Munson."

Miriam introduced her first officer who accompanied her, "This is my first officer, Danison."

"Pleased to meet you," said Wright.

"Let's continue this discussion in my ready room shall we?" Hunter escorted her toward the bridge. "So what brings you into the neighborhood?"

"Neighborhood?" said Miriam with a chuckle, "this sector is a sensitive area and highly contested. We're just on patrol, trying to intercept supply runs to Maquis space." She paused,

"Oh? didn't you hear?" said Hunter scratching his head, just behind his ear, "We're getting our supplies from Romulans now." he said with smirk. "We decided we've had enough gaugh."

She squinted her eyes as if to see through his ruse. "So you say." she replied with a smile. "And what brings you to these parts?"

Hunter shrugged, "Oh, you know, just transporting some special passengers to Qon'os."

"Ugh, Klingons." she said. Hunter nodded.

They arrived on the bridge, stepping out of the turbolift, Miriam looked around, "very impressive Captain"

Hunter nodded, "Despite what you've been hearing, the Maquis fleet is every bit as good as a federation ship, if not better."

Sensing Hunter's confidence, she didn't reply. "This way," gestured Hunter.

Hunter brought her a cup of her favorite tea as they settled in to chairs. "How is the family?" asked Hunter.

Miriam sipped the tea, it was just the way she liked it, "They are fine. You know I lost Donald in the battle for the Vulcan passage?" Hunter nodded, "Yes I got the word, I'm sorry."

She nodded, "Its ok..." she said with a pause. "Word in the Federation is that you have captured the Lynx."

Hunter sighed, "Yes, the Lynx's crew revolted and surrendered." Setting her cup of tea down, she inquired, "..and Captain Rogers?"

Drawing a deep breath Hunter replied matter of factly, "killed in action." he said with a nod. "I see..." she said, "Rogers was a man of action." she said introspectively.

Hunter leaned forward, "Miriam, what is the deal with Jenkins?"

A look off confusion crossed her face. "Didn't he defect to the Maquis?"

Hunter shook his head, "No, he killed all my senior officers enroute to Qul Tuq."

Miriam looked genuinely surprised, "Sarik, is he?..."

"No he's fine, Silvio survived also, the rest are gone." Hunter paused to reflect.

"I'm sorry to hear that Ian." said Miriam.

Hunter dismissed his feelings and returned to the question at hand, "then he is indeed gone rouge..." he said turning to Wright. "Commander? what do we know about Jenkins to date that we can share with the Federation?"

'Nothing,' thought Wright. He was not sure what the Captain thought he was doing consulting with the enemy but he was certain that he did not like it one bit. "Jenken's seems to have become an independent contractor in the civil war. He is working with a crew of Cardassians."

Miriam sat back and looked over at Danison and then back to Hunter. "It seems he now has two enemies."

Hunter smiled. That's the way he wanted it.

Miriam changed subjects, "now lets talk about your surrender."

Hunter chuckled, "I must have given you the wrong impression ma'am. I thought you were going to surrender."

Miriam shook her head, "Well, thanks for the tea Ian, I suppose we should be going." She stood up. Her first officer did the same. He looked very uncertain about the situation.

Hunter motioned to him, "Its ok, don't worry." He turned to Wright, "Number One," would you please escort Danison to the transporter room? Miriam and I

will be along shortly."

"Yes sir," said Wright. Turning to Danison he said, "This way." The two first officers left the room.

As the door closed, Hunter turned to Miriam, they embraced for a moment, "It was a long time ago, Miriam" said Hunter.

"It wasn't that long ago," she replied letting go.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay behind?" asked Hunter.

"I can't" she said sorrowfully, "All I can do is hope the war ends soon."

"If you ever change your mind..."

Miriam touched her finger to Hunter's lips. "Don't worry, dear, you'll be the first to know."

They gave each other a last quick hug and headed down to the transporter room. When they entered the room, she joined Danison on the transporter pad and turned toward Hunter. "You should reconsider surrender, Ian, It is your last chance."

"Farewell Miriam."

"Oh and Ian?" she said, "give my regards to Sarik, tell him I wish I had more time to visit with him, but I must be going. I'm sure he'll understand the logic of that."

"Of course," replied Hunter nodding to the transporter crew, "energize."

As they dematerialized, Hunter and Wright returned to the bridge.

Where Westfall reported that the Essex had powered up its weapons and raised its sheilds.

"Westfall, sheilds up, engage the cloak and target the Essex's forward sheild with 1 photo torpedo, minimum yeild. Fire when ready"

"Aye Aye Captain, firing one Mark II Cluster Photon Torpedo Dispersion Pattern Westfall Echo Six Delta. That should give them just enough of a shock to spill the coffee. Thank you Captain, I was wondering how to safely dispose of those Mark IIs. They put out a good light show--for a museum piece".

The Essex's phaser glanced off the Zion's sheilds as a torpedo exploded on its shields sending a slight rumble through her decks.

Helm take us out of here, resume course to Rura Penthe, maximum warp, Westfall, re-engage the cloak.

"Cloak is engaged Captain," Westfall replied.

Hope you like Gagh "
By: Dr. Alyssa Caitlin Northrop, Intel Officer, [PST]
Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58205.08 1810

When she stepped out onto the bridge, she heard the Captain's voice....ordering them to fire on a Federation ship which was on the view screen. However.....it was with antiquated weaponry. How very odd. The Deck plating rattled a bit, but the Zion took no damage as the ships exchanged pot shots. She shrugged.....figuring that perhaps someone on board that other ship meant something to the Captain.

Once they were ordered away and under cloak, Northrop stepped forward, "Captain....may I have a word with you?"

Hunter, who had a distant look on his face turned to Alyssa, and drew a deep breath. "Sure."

He stood up and went to his ready room with Alyssa following.

Hunter sat down behind his desk and waited for Alyssa to speak.

"Captain.....I have a line on a possible destination for our would-be kidnapper, Sir. Apparently he's been dealing with a Ferengi named Garmoth. He in turn works for a man named Ramok. I wasn't able to get much on either of them. Apparently they've been able to make most everyone out this way very afraid of them. One of my informants, Zrek....he looked like he was about to lost control of his bowels at just the mention of the man's name. Anyway....Birkhoff may be headed for a planet called Pentara V. According to a Dr. Paul Sparrow, our boy had been making frequent transmissions to that planet. This was prior to Dr. Sparrow coming over to our side. From what I understand, it would appear that Mr. Birkhoff has a brother here in the Maquis...Garrett Birkhoff. I haven't been able to run down his personnel file as of yet, Sir. If it wouldn't be too much trouble....I'd like to borrow a shuttle and go see what I can find on Pentara V."

"Pentara V?" Hunter felt a little exasperated with Alyssa at the moment, Pentara V was 45 days away by shuttle. "Have you consulted with Atwood on this matter."

Standing at attention, "No Sir....I thought that you would want to hear this directly from me, Sir."

"Please, have a seat."

Leaning back, Hunter further interrogated Alyssa, "Do you know anything about Pentara V?"

"Not much, Sir. I haven't had the opportunity to consult the Database as of yet."

Hunter drew a deep breath, and tried to keep patient. "I appreciate your eagerness for justice, but you need to do some more home work on this matter. Atwood and Carter barely escaped alive from there. Talk with them.

Hunter could see Alyssa was disappointed.

"Besides," said Hunter, The high command has put a bounty out on Birkoff. I'm sure he won't get far, every ferengi in the universe will be looking for him."

Alyssa had never been one to take getting chewed out well. It was probably one of her more bull headed qualities....but none the less, there it was. From her chair, "Pardon my candor Captain.....but all the bounties in the universe are fine and dandy...but Birkhoff has something of mine that I want back. Very much, Sir. In addition to that....I don't appreciate him hijacking the ship I reside on as well as attempting to sell me into slavery. Add to the the beating I took at his order, you might say I have a very strong motive for wanting him in prison, Sir. And as for Commander Atwood and Lieutenant Carter....I read that mission report. They were sloppy and it nearly cost them. If I've learned anything in my life, it's when NOT to dive head long into something. I can handle myself, Captain. If the Maquis Fleet hadn't agreed with me, they wouldn't have put me on your ship."

She knew she was pushing her luck a bit with her comments. The little voice in the back of her head warned her off, 'Easy Lys.....don't go getting in the man's face.'

Reigning herself in, she mentally kicked herself. This sort of attitude didn't work in this particular part of the universe.

Hunter leaned forward and put his hands on his desk, This young lady definitely had a discipline problem.

"Alyssa," said Hunter as a frown creased his brow, "The Maquis academy may certainly have seen something in you, hopefully it was more than a pulse..." Hunter stood up and circled around behind her as he continued to dress her down: "...whatever they saw certainly doesn't make up for your lack of discipline which borders on insubordination. Your candor isn't your problem, it is your impulsiveness." Hunter circled back and continued, "Birkoff stole a lot more than whatever he took from you. Their may not be any way to recover from this mishap other than to move forward."

Hunter took his seat, he had a gut feeling she was right, there was unfinished business on Pentara V but nothing could be done about that right now. Hunter was about to dismiss Alyssa, but he considered that her irrational behavior needed to bare consequences.

"In less than 18 hours, the we're going to enter Klingon space. We'll be escorted to Rura Penthe for the prisoner drop.... now, traditionally, the Klingons like to exchange officers." Hunter smiled. "How would you like to spend 4 days on a Klingon Bird-of-Prey?"

She looked at Hunter like he'd lost his mind. "Excuse me, Sir? Did I just hear you say that you want me to spend 4 days on a Bird of Prey?"

The brunette bit back the last part....which would have been, 'Do I have stupid tattooed on my forehead?'

Not waiting for him to answer her first question, "Why me, Sir? Or are you simply trying to teach me a lesson here?"

Hunter deferred his answer, replying instead, "Seeing how our allies conduct their ships might do you some good."

Hunter sat back and entwined his fingers behind his head. "I will give you two options to help you adjust to life in the service and experience you suffered nearly becoming a slave: a half hour of counseling with Zoei and 4 days on the Klingon ship, or 6 hour-long counseling sessions with Zoei and remedial academy studies on ship-side procedures."

Hunter watched as Alyssa weighed her choices.

Her eyes narrowed upon hearing her 'options.' Neither of them sounded very palatable. Northrop glanced at the floor for a few moments. The more that she thought about it...the more she was beginning to regret making the decision to join the Maquis. She should have known that something like this would have happened. So...what would it be? Counselors and Klingons or More Counselors and More boring Military procedures?

The archeologist smirked a little, thinking back on everything she'd ever learned about Klingons. She wondered if living with Klingos for any amount of time would really make her less of a pain in Hunter's ass. Considering that if a decision that a higher ranking officer made was one that you didn't agree with....you could challenge. So long as you won.....things would go your way. Of course....they food was awful, the beds would be harder than sleeping on a rock at a dig, and it was going to smell....but was that worse than having your childhood analyzed by a Counselor? Add to it a bunch of work she had no interest in.....then maybe the safer bet was the Klingon Ship. Though in the end...that was giving Hunter what he wanted. Maybe she should just stay put on the Zion...and let him send someone else to the Klingons. Assuming he hadn't just made this up on the spot to beat her over the head with. What the hell was she going to do onboard a Klingon Ship? A human woman....she shook her head. "Ok Captain...I'll take your little field trip. Four days, you said?"

"Four days there nights." replied Hunter matter-of-factly.

"So...when do I leave? And should I pack my leather?" she quipped.

"Be sure to try the bregit lung its actually not to bad." said Hunter with a smirk as Alyssa headed out the door.

Rura Penthe #39"
By: Jonathan Wright, XO
, [PC]
Ian Hunter, CO
, [PC]

Stardate: 58205.08 1900