Exchange "
By: Samantha Carter, Security Officer, [RNPC]
Crew of the K-Duul , K-Duul , [NPC]
Dr. Alyssa Caitlin Northrop, Intel Officer, [PST]

Stardate: 58205.10 1000

Two Klingons stood with their arms cross as Carter and Northrop appeared. One of them shook his head in contempt as they realized their new crewmembers where human females. The other stepped forward, "Welcome to the D'Kuul. He looked at a padd, "Which one of you is Carter?"

Sam curiously looked around. "I am," she responded.

"You have been assigned to security." He glared at Northrup, "And you..." he said with a certain air of indignity. "Are assigned as First Officer. Follow me." he said in a gruff voice.

The corridors of the D'Kuul smelled dank and were poorly lit. They walked forward through the main corridor. The Klingon crew murmered under their breath as they passed by.

Then entered the Bird-of-Prey's bridge, the Captain stood up and turned. The Klingon introduced them, "Captain! Sam Carter and Alyssa Northrop"

The brunnette archeologist stepped forward, "Captain, Acting First Officer Alyssa Northrop reporting for duty, SIR!"

She stook ram rod straight, knowing that if she had any hope of impressing this man, she'd better show him some respect. As for the rest of the crew around here.....if they expected her to be soft....they were in for a rude awakening.

"Security officer Sam Carther reporting for duty SIR!. Sam said with tenacity. Her eyes darted back and forth, taking in the various faces on the bridge.

The brute-looking Klingon nodded slightly of approval.

"I am Darg," He spoke with long dramatic pauses as he stood with his arms folded across his chest. He regarded the two women. Then he gestured with his palm up toward the bridge crew. "My crew... they are ready to die if called upon to do so." His arms folded across his chest as he glinted menacingly at Northrup. "Are you?"

"Any day is a good day to die when a warrior goes into honorable combat, Captain. Should the order come down for me to give my life in service to the Empire, I shall do it and do so gladly." There was no trepidation in her voice, nor any hesitation. She risked her life all the time for mostly pointless things. Having a cause to fight for....well, that was a real reason to put your life on the line. Or even to give it up.

He turned and stepped toward Carter as if to intimidate her, "...and You?"

"Is there a need to ask this from me Captain, I am a security officer. Like my colleague said. Any day is a good day to die."

"You must realize that this is a battle cruiser, we have no luxuries. If you stay, we make no extra accomodations. This is your last chance."

Sam stood straight, looking the Klingon Captain in the eye not backing down nor even look slightly submissive. "No way Captain, I'm here to stay." Sam noticed the odd look the Klingon crew gave her and Northrop. Human females on a Bird of Prey. It was unheard off.

"I will stay, Captain. I will serve to the best of my ability." Still at attention, feeling the eyes of her new crew staring her down as well as those of her new Captain. She could also feel the more than slight amount of contempt that the Klingons felt for her. Afterall, she was a human woman. She must be weaker than a human man....which is no where near as strong as a Klingon. Well, she'd just have to show them. Alyssa Northrop could survive in the worst Jungles...she could survive here too.

"Very well." said Darg with a smug look. "Then Durg... will escort you to your quarters."

Durg led them back down to the corridor to the bunkers. They entered a bunkroom with 6 slabs for beds. Next to each bed was a recessed storage bin.

"I hope you find the arrangements satisfactory." he said.

Alyssa picked one of the slabs and dropped her duffel onto it. As predicted, it was just a slab....no blankets or pillows. Looking around, she was thankful for a few things...one being that Klingons liked it warm and two...that she'd brought a blanket for herself. Quickly, she crammed her things down into the storage bin then looked at Durg, "I'll be on the bridge if there's nothing else, Mr. Durg?"

Durg had a sour grimace on his face, "no....sir." he found it hard to sound respectful of his new XO.

Sam smiled as she noticed the so called arrangements. It was not so bad, New Paris had been worse. Dropping her stuff in the storage bin she looked at Durg. "Just tell me where I can find security"

Durg looked at Sam, "Report to Deck 2 Section 4." he said turning his head slightly. "Your superior officer is Krek. He awaits your arrival. It is best if you go right away."

Durg looked at Sam, "Report to Deck 2 Section 4." he said turning his head slightly. "Your superior officer is Krek. He awaits your arrival. It is best if you go right away."

Sam nodded. She quickly bend and touched her boot, her trusted fractile edge knife was still in place. With a last glance she left the barracks.

Welcome to the Zion "
By: Melissa Jarvis, Chief Security Officer, [RNPC]
Max , eXchange XO , [NPC]
Korg , Exchange Crewmember , [NPC]
Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58205.10 1000

Melissa wasted no time. "Welcome to the Zion. Which one of you is Korg," she asked.

A big klingon stepped off the pad. "I am Korg."

Melissa looked him right in the eye. "You are assigned to security. You will report to me. This way." Melissa turned and left the transporter room. Korg gave the other Klingon a sneer and followed her from the room.

Ensign Forrester escorted the other klingon to the captain's ready room.

Hunter stood up as Forrster entered with the klingon in tow.

The warrior gave a klingon salute. "I am Greg'garmax. I have been assigned to server as XO of your vessel."

Hunter gave a stern nod to Forrester who promptly left.

Hunter paused for a moment to focus. Having the Klingons come aboard would not be without challenges.

Hunter turned and addressed the Klingon, "Greg'garmax, as with any Maquis ship, our customs and regulations are...different from those of the ship you just left."

"Greg'garmax nodded, "permission to speak freely Sir."

Hunter nodded.

"Sir, I have served with humans before. I am familiar with your customers and manners. You will not have to worry about me."

"Very well, Greg'garmax. Please review our mission status and take your place on the Bridge."

"One more thing Sir." he said. "...Please, call me Max."

"A klingon with a nick name, this is too much." thought Hunter.

"Max?" repeated Hunter. "Yes Sir," continued the Klingon. "I find that is easier for the Human tongue."

"Very Well...Max." please take your post.

Max promptly left the ready room and sat made his way to the First Officer's chair.

Wright watched him approach. "You must be my replacement." Several of the bridge crew looked around in astonishment.

"I am," replied Max.

Wright stood up and smiled at the big Klingon. "Very well, the bridge is yours. If you have any questions let me know."

"I am sure there will be no problems."

"Excellent, I guess I am on vacation then," said Wright as he left the bridge. Wright made his way to his quarters. He was looking forward to a little down time. He would still be on call in case the temp XO could not handle the job, however, Wright doubted that would be the case. "4 days," he thought. "What shall I do first."

Duty Station"
By: Samantha Carter, Security Officer, [RNPC]
Crew of the D-Kuul, various ranks, [NPC]

Stardate: 58205.10 1030

Sam nodded. She quickly bend and touched her boot, her trusted fractile edge knife was still in place. With a last glance she left the barracks.

The surroundings of the ship were dark, smelly and could do with a good cleanup. It was indeed obvious that Klingons did not care for hygiene but then again you did get used to it in the long run.

Sam quickly made her way to deck 2, section 4. As she arrived she heard loud voices coming from an office. Apparently one of the security officers had made a mistake and was now being punished for it.

Sam put on her most neutral face and entered the office. There a klingon warrior, one of the biggest she had ever seen was indeed biting someones head off. Although he was big, she was not easily impressed by him.

Krek bluntly evaluated in unimposing humanoid female standing before him wearing maquis uniform. Even though he knew, he asked, "And who... are...You?" "Lt Sam Carter, reporting for duty Sir," she firmly said. Suddenly a thought ran true her mind, he reminded her about a drill Sargent back in the academy.

Krek's jaw thrust forward as he regarded her for a moment. "This must be some mistake" he said slapping his hand down on the desk. "I thought 'Sam' was a named given to males of your species."

Sam began to respond but before she could, Krek's hand came down again, "Do not speak." His glance darted back to the other klingon still standing at attention.

Krek stood up and walked toward the other klingon, in a loud and gruff voice he spoke in klingon tongue not expecting Sam to understand, "Your punishment will be severe Larch I will deal with you later." he yelled. "But for now I am demoting you below this terran female." Larch's face froze in a look of disbelief and humiliation. He dared not speak against his judgment. "Dismissed!" barked Krek.

Larch turned toward the door, he snarled at Carter as he walked by her.

Krek returned to his desk and sat down. "Please, have a seat, Sam Carter." he gestured toward the chair. His head nodded back as he explained: "That was a matter of discipline," he said pausing dramatically. "I do not tolerate the slightest insubordination...Do I make myself clear Sam Carter?"

"Perfectly," Sam bitched back

"Good... If my orders are not carried out to the letter there will be grethor to pay. I will treat you no differently."

"I don't expect you to, Sir." Sam responded. Looking Krek straight in the eyes.

"We are transporting 14 prisoners to Rura Penthe as well. You are assigned to the brig as watch commander. Report to your duty station now."

"Aye Sir," Sam responded. She got up and walked towards the door.

Krek smiled. He for one enjoyed stirring the pot, and this certainly was going to.

The brig was only 1 section down, and Sam had no hard time finding it. Loud noises came from it. As she entered she noticed some guards playing some sort of a Klingon game.

"Is this how you guard your prisoners," Sam barked at the 2.

One of the two stood up."who are you?"

"I'm your new watch commander, and if you disagree go see Krek. Now get your asses of those chair and check the security protocols.

"Watch commander? What happened to Larch?"

"He got demoted, now move it!!.

The two grumbled, one put the klingon dice into his vest pocket. They begrudgingly returned to their duties.

Sam let out a small sigh. Establishing rank was a tough job.

Day 1: Starting on the Ropes "
By: Various Klingons, By, [NPC]
Dr. Alyssa Caitlin Northrop, Intel Officer, [PST]

Stardate: 58205.10 1100

She stopped just before the door trigger and straightened her uniform, wondering if perhaps she should replicate something resembling their uniform. She had her d'k tahg in her duffel. Afterall....black leather went with lots of things. Anyway, that would be for later. She tugged down on her uniform jacket and triggered the door. It spread open and she walked onto the bridge. There was no place obvious for her to sit, so she went over to the Captain's chair and stood sort of behind and to the side of it. "Captain Darg....First Officer reporting for duty."

Speaking in Klingon Darg barked, "Move!"

The Klingon sitting next to the Captain stood up and spoke in english, "Please First Officer Alyssa Northrop. Take your seat. Can I get you a cup of tea?"

Several of bridge crew murmered and chortled together.

"No thank you Captain, I'm fine." She said as she took the seat he had cleared for her.

Darg leaned in Alyssa's direction, he reached over and tapped her command console "on." It came to life, displaying the D'Kuul's current mission profile. "We are ready to resume our mission."

"Aye Captain." After studying the profile a big, "Operations, notifiy the Zion that we're leaving.....bring the cloaking device online."

The operations officer responded, "The Zion acknowledges our departure. The cloak is activated."

Next, she turned her attention to the Helm officer, "Helm....resume course."

The helmsman responded, "Course laid in, warp ?"

She thought about it a moment, then consulted the profile again, "Warp 7, Helm."

The helmsman grunted his acknowledgment.

The ship shuddered and thrummed as it accelerated into warp speed.

Darg leaned back in his chair. He watched as Alyssa studied the console.

"Do you read klingon?" he said in the klingon tongue.

"Yes...I do, Captain," Alyssa admitted. Though her response was not in English, but in Klingon, with not accent.

"Have you Served with us before?" he asked in a jovial tone.

"No sir....I haven't served the Empire before." She didn't say more, not wanting to brag to this man. Somehow, it felt like he would perceive that as dishonorable.

Darg slung his arm over the chair. "The rest of the flight should prove to be uneventful. It is not likely you will find an honorable death here." he said with a belly laugh. "Please continue to study our command protocol." He looked about the bridge and continued, "Tonight the Commanding Officers gather in the officer's messhall. They drink and gamble and brag. It would be considered rude if you do not attend."

"Aye Captain.....I'll be there." Picking up a PADD, she made a mental note to look over the protocols.

"Very good." He waved his hand nonchalantly, "The Captain is never invited so you are on your own."

A Waiting Game"
By: Samantha Carter, Security Officer, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58205.10 1330

According to the information she had read the ship was distinctive in appearance, with it s bulbous command section and low slung nacelles.. Spartan by design and practical in philosophy, each is essentially a starship constructed around a mass of weapons. Also according to the Zion’s database the Klingon designers placed primary importance on the class’ weapon systems, and the ship is an even match with the Maqui constitution class.

The Bird of Pray uses phaser like phase disruptors mounted on hardpoint in the ship’s superstructure, while the main torpedo tube is located in the outer fore section. . Deflector systems are designed to withstand significant assault as they close range to bring their phase disruptors to bear. B the time torpedo salvos have found their mark, on or two well placed beam shorts are all that is required to finish the job.

Sam knew that the Klingons also had a cloaking devise installed which would greatly advance the Klingon tactics. When the Klingon commanders employ stealth to close to point blank range before discharging both torpedoes and disruptors for a quick and devastating blow. The ship’s improved hull makes up for the momentary lag between decloaking and raising shields.

Having made a tour around the ship Sam ended up in the messhall upon entering she noticed heads turned her way. To bad she could not read their minds but from their body language Sam instinctively knew that not all Klingons were happy with the exchange.

Walking over to the replicator Sam ordered some blood wine and a plate of Gagh. Carrying it back to a lonely table she began to eat.

Her eyes darted back and forth wondering what would happen next.

Sonata "
By: Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]
Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]

Stardate: 58205.10 1600

== Silvio's quarters and Holodeck==

Silvio yawned. He was tired but his shift was over and he was looking forward to some holodeck time. He needed to clear his head. He needed to focus and decide what to do. Miranda thought he was falling in love. He, naturally did not believe that, not for one small minute. Silvio believed that it took two people to fall in love, anything less than that was merely infatuation.

On his way back to his quarters he stopped off at the industrial replicators and replicated a complete tuxedo. He decided tonight was going to be convert night on the holodeck. After many years of not playing Silvio decided he was going to tickle the ivories again. Silvio returned to his quarters and donned the tux. He then went to holodeck on and called up a concert hall program. When the door opened he found himself standing on off stage at a concert hall.

Silvio took a moment to make sure he looked ok. He then stepped onto the stage containing a Baby Grand Piano. The hall pas packed with people waiting for his performance. As he make his way to the piano the audience applauded politely. Silvio sat down at the piano bench making sure that he did not sit on the tails of his tux. Silvio placed his hand over the keys and began to play. He started out with Piano Sonata in C major by Mozart. Silvio was amazed that he even remembered how to play it. It had been one of his favorites. At first his fingers missed some of the keys but by the time he was half way through the first movement he had relaxed and let the music take over. He closed his eyes and played. He did not even notice that someone had joined him on the holodeck.

Patia approached the holodeck with rapid strides. She had reserved the holodeck the day before for her lunch break. It was past time she practice her martial arts. If Lio knew how much she had been slacking off, he would read her the riot act. She could almost hear his voice echoing in her ears as he coached her through moves, drilled lectures about discipline into her and cheered her accomplishments. Moreso than anyone else in her family, she hated to disappoint her big brother.

She stopped abruptly at the entry to the holodeck. As she had attempted to enter her program, the console beeped. A message displayed across the screen. It stated "Holodeck session in progress." Patia slapped her hand against the wall, hard enough for her palm to sting, but not hard enough to cause any damage to the structure. She shook her head. It had been hard to clear her calendar for this appointment and now someone else had usurped her holodeck time. She tapped the console and the door slid open.

Her strides were quicker now, her frustration evident in her posture. As she walked through the archway, the soothing sounds of piano music wafted around her. Patia glanced around her. She stood at the back of a very large concert hall. People, in their formal wear, settled in row after row of plush, red seats. They all stared forward in rapt attention. She glanced down at her own attire. She was surprised to find she felt self conscious, and grossly under dressed. Slowly, she looked toward the stage. There was something familiar about the person seated at the piano. His dark hair curled wildly around his ears and brushed the top of his shirt collar at the back of his head. Almost without thought, Patia eased around the back of the concert hall. She reached the middle of the hall just as the pianist glanced toward the keys nearest to her.

Her gasp was audible in her ears. Actually, it must have been audible for several rows up since more than one person turned to hush her. Silvio had not been kidding when he had said he had trained as a classical pianist. She took several steps back and leaned against the wall. She crossed her right foot over her left ankle and eased into a comfortable position. Her eyes drifted shut as she felt the notes play along her spine.

Oblivious to anyone other than the holo-audience listening Silvio finished the first movement and began the second. IT was a more sedate movement and struggled to keep from rushing though it. Finally, after what seemed like a life time the second movement of the Sonata was done and he launched into the third and final movement. This was a much more upbeat movement. The truth be told, he enjoyed playing it the most out of the three. Silvio once again became lost in the music. In his minds eye he saw nothing other than the musical notes flowing by as he played them.

When the final notes of the third movement faded the audience began to applaud. Silvio stood up and accepted their applause with a bow. It was then that he noticed Counselor Zoei watching him in the audience. He spotted her because it appeared that she was dressed for a workout than a piano concert. Silvio felt panicked inside. He had not expected anyone, especially her to be listening to him. He did not know what to say.

Slowly, she raised her hands to clap in the polite, expected manner of the concert audience. When she saw he had noticed her, she nodded her acknowledgment of his performance.

"Oh, hello Counselor," he said. Silvio decided that given his confused feelings he would address her formally. The audience began to murmur and look around to see who he was talking to. The murmurs turned to gasps o astonishment when he came down from the stage to where they were and walked over to a woman who was clearly under dressed. "I did not realize you were here."

"Hello, Lieutenant. I have to say, I was a little surprised to find you here." Patia chuckled. "For all your claims of being out of practice, you play very well."

Silvio smiled happily as the compliment. "Thank you Pa... Counselor." Silvio noticed that the people in the audience were now becoming disturbed as the interruption. He shut down the program and the concert hall disappeared. "What brings you here?"

"I had reserved the holodeck for my martial arts practice. Imagine my surprise when, instead of blocks to break, I found you in the middle of a concert," Patia laughed.

"I am sorry, I thought I had reserved it." Silvio looked at his toes. "Perhaps I made a mistake."

Patia smiled slightly. "No worries either way, this was probably just as relaxing as board breaking, and less worries about breaking body parts. It is hard to say what happened. Accidental double booking is not unheard of here. I should let you get back to your program, though."

"That is ok, I am done," said Silvio. "How was your day today?"

"So far, so good. My last appointment of the day starts at 1700 and then I can wrap up my paperwork. All in all, it has been a nice day. How about yours?" Patia asked.

"I did not sleep well last night so it was a long day, but things are looking better now." Silvio smiled at Zoei.

"I am glad to hear it. I suppose I should get ready for my last appointment. Somehow, I don’t think I am quite prepared to be seeing anyone in my office," Patia glanced down. Although she was generally quite comfortable in her white uniform, today she felt exposed and unsure of herself.

"I think you look great," said Silvio. "But then I am not seeing you for a counseling session either." Silvio laughed.

"Ah, but that would be the rub," Patia winked.

Silvio laughed. "Well, I will let you get back to work. I will see you later tonight then. Perhaps we can have dinner in the mess hall." Silvio did not want to see Miranda, especially if he were with Patia.

"I had thought about coming back to the holodeck and having a traditional Betazid dinner. It has been a long, long time since I have had a meal from home. Would you rather do that?" Patia asked.

"I would love to. That sounds great," said Silvio. "What does one wear to a traditional Betazid dinner?" He looked at his tux, "Probably not a tuxedo."

"At my house, we wore our uniforms. My father was an ambassador, my brother was a military man, I was a private school attendee. My mother had her own uniform of sorts. My father was not a man that stood for informality," Patia chuckled.

"Ok, then." Silvio laughed. The two of them left the holodeck. "I will see you then."

"See you later," Patia replied. She turned down the corridor, headed for the turbo lift.

Silvio watched her walk away. It may not be love, he thought, but it was something. Something he had never felt before.

Rura Penthe #65"
By: Dr. Alyssa Caitlin Northrop, Intel Officer, [PST]

Stardate: 58205.10 1700

The archeologist stood up and then grabbed the bag she had brought. The sound of a zipper followed and the bag fell away when she reached inside and let go. In her hand was the curved blade of a Bat'leth. This particular blade was her favorite. It felt almost like a feather in her hands. Perfectly balanced and adjusted for her. Alyssa felt a small smile creep onto her face. It felt like the first that she'd had in quite a while.

Alyssa got into her stance and rolled her head around on her shoulders, feeling it pop and crack just a little. Shutting her eyes a moment, she centered herself and then placed her other hand on the second handle of the curved weapon. Slowly she began to move......left, then right, then forward and back, the Bat'leth swinging in graceful arcs around her body. A well done practice session was often compared to a work of art. Where grace and form met deadly power.

She was in her own little world as the she practiced the moves. Having done them for so long, she was able to accomplish them with her eyes shut, which Alyssa liked to do at times as it tended to make her feel better. Add to that the exertion of her muscles and the thin sheen of sweat that broke out over her body as she increased the speed of the maneuvers and the happier she became.

After about ten minutes, Alyssa brought herself to a stop and went over to the gym wall. On it was a small computer interface and she tapped it, bringing the display to life. These gyms were outfitted with holoemitters so that a crewmember could spar with an opponent and not worry about injuring or getting injured. This system wasn't quite as impressive as the holodeck, but it served the purpose and was perfectly fine for situations where the person involved didn't need total situational immersion.

Working quickly, Alyssa sifted through the myriad programs that were built into the system. After a moment or two, she found the one she wanted and activated it. Turning around, Alyssa watched as a Klingon in a Mok'bara practice uniform appeared in the middle of a circle on the floor. In the man's hands was a Bat'leth. The young woman looked at the Klingon. One of the downsides to this particular system was that it gave the opponent no real personality, only species specific strength with a variable skill level. Northrop always practiced on the relatively advanced levels. There was only one way to keep ones own skills up and that was to practice against those better than or equal to you. Of course, Alyssa was pretty good herself and seldom lost, unless she was trying to work on a specific aspect of her skills.

Moving over into the somewhat small area that was designated for sparring, Alyssa watched as the holo-Klingon's attention snapped to her. She got herself ready and watched as her opponent did like wise. And then it began. The Klingon charged and came in swinging. The sound of metal on metal filled the room as Alyssa brought her own weapon up to block and deflect. The attacking Bat'leth was diverted to the side, allowing Alyssa to counter strike, which she did.

Only problem was that this particular Klingon was quick and dodged out of the way...mostly. The very tip of Alyssa's Bat'leth caught the hologram and drew a bit of pinkish blood.

And so it went, the two fighters slashing and striking at each other, the sound of metal impacting metal echoing off the walls along with the occasional grunt of exertion. The speed of the spectacle was amazing. Blow, deflect, counter.....blow deflect counter. Each player matching the other move for move. Form and function were perfect, the blows designed to be deadly. Yet in the end, Northrop came out the victor as she was finally able to find a way in and adapted to the situation.

The final move played out with the Klingon hologram striking, getting deflected and then whirling around to bring the Bat'leth crashing down onto his victim. However, when he brought his weapon down, Northrop was no longer there....but was behind her, having rolled under the strike and popped back to her feet. Alyssa brought her own blade around and watched at the two curved, talon-like blades dug into the hologram.

The weight of the weapon and the sharpness of the blades sliced through a significant portion of the hologram, forcing it to the ground in defeat. Rather than die there, the computer simply ended the program.

Northrop stood in the sparring circle, panting. Her muscles burned and felt tired. Though it was a good tired. The dark haired archeologist stood there, her chest rising and falling under her grey T-shirt, for a few moments as she caught her breath......then turned back, "Computer....Reload Program Matrix......Level 15 this time."

Once again a Klingon appeared in the sparring Circle.....and once again the fight began.....Bat'leth impacting Bat'leth.

Oh Boy "
By: Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]
Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]

Stardate: 58205.10 1800

==USS Zion - various locations==

Patia finalized her last report. She glanced at the pictures on her desk. Lucio stared back at her, his eyes almost piercing her with their intensity. He had been such a serious child. Smiles came frequently, but they didn't always reach his eyes. Her chin propped on her fist, she shifted her gaze to the picture of Lio's graduation day. It had been so hard when he gone back home to continue his schooling. Even though they didn't see each other often because of school schedules, it was very different when she knew he wouldn't be home for breaks as regularly as he had once been. Suddenly, she sat upright. Slowly, she shook her head. There were no pictures of her parents, no pictures of Lio's family, no current pictures at all on her desk. Everything she had was from when she was a child. She pushed back in her chair and wiped her hands along the legs of her pants. Tonight, she would find pictures of her beautiful niece and handsome nephews, her aging parents, and her brother and his beloved wife. They were all her family, they all had a piece of her heart and they all belonged her. Looking at faces from the present, rather than focusing on times of the past, would help her move forward with her life.

She glanced at her chronometer. It was 1830 already. She had planned to be out of the office no later than 1745. If she was going to be on time for dinner, she needed to get a move on.

She stood, her chair scooting backwards behind her. Patia grasped the chair and slid it back into place. A glance across her desk showed her work area clear and uncluttered. She was ready to start fresh tomorrow.

She strode from her office, headed for the Holodeck.

***

Silvio got ready quickly. He had beed delayed in engineering but had gotten finished in time to make his dinner date with Patia. He dressed casually and then headed for the holodeck. As he rode the tubolift it stopped on Deck 8 and Patia got on.

"Are you going my way," quipped Silvio.

Patia smiled slightly. "I do believe I am." Patia leaned against the wall for the brief ride to Deck 10. The pulses of the engine seemed to reverberate through her body as she rested.

The two of them got off on deck 10 and made their way to holodeck one. "Here we are," said Silvio. "Any particular program that you want to run?" Silvio had no idea what was involved with a Traditional Betazid Dinner.

The edge of Patia's lips tipped up. She reached past Silvio to enter a sequence on the keypad. The doors slid open and they entered a garden. The back of a brick house, with a smooth, stone patio was to their left. The grassy expanse sloped down to the edge of a steep drop off. Several large trees edged the property. Their graceful, curving branches shaded the rear of the yard. The scent of lilacs wafted on the light breeze. As Patia gazed out over the yard, the Bay sparkled in the distance. Sailboats dotted the water close to shore. Further out, a large cargo ship slid into the Bay, under the bridge spanning the water.

Silvio looked around. It was San Francisco. It was not what he expected but he did not say anything. He was not sure but he felt that the counselor was setting him up for something.

"Wasn't what you were expecting, was it?" Patia asked. As her glance swept the garden, a sense of peace washed over her. It was so good to be home, even if it was in a holosuite.

Silvio shook his head. "I was expecting Betazid," he said.

"I didn't live on Betazid until I was in my twenties. My father was an ambassador. They came to Earth when Lio was small and they didn't leave until I was at school in Betazid. They spent close to forty years here. It is amazing to me to think of that much time in a place that is not your home. I guess you just make it your home, then." Patia shifted slightly from one foot to the other.

"So this is your childhood home then," asked Silvio.

"This is my parents' home. This is where I came home on holidays, but I spent most of my time at school in Washington DC." Patia strolled down the lawn. "This was my favorite place, though, when I was here. I could watch the boats for hours."

"It is a nice home," said Silvio.

"Thank you, my mother would be pleased to hear that. She was very proud of the home she kept," Patia smiled. "Are you hungry?"

"Yes," said Silvio. It was the truth. He had not eaten much today and was starving. "What's for dinner?"

Patia giggled. "A traditional Betazid dinner is what I promised. It is what you will get. Walk with me," Patia slid her arm into the crook of Silvio's arm and turned him back toward the house. Abruptly, she paused. She could be sending the wrong message to him, especially after the comments Sam Carter had made earlier in the day.

Silvio smiled as started to walk towards the house with her. When she hesitated Silvio said, "What's wrong?"

Patia tugged her hand free from his arm. She giggled nervously. "You know, someone said the funniest thing to me today. "

Silvio rather liked her hand there and missed it when she took it away. "What was that." He wondered if he had said or done something wrong.

"Do you know Sam Carter?" Patia asked.

"Yes, Security right," asked a confused Silvio.

"Yes. I ran into her, at Miranda's. She asked me about you. Actually, she asked me if it was 'true about us'. Then she said she thought you had a crush on me," Patia giggled, her voice a bit high pitched. "I was just thinking, if she had walked into the holodeck right now, she would have had a real reason to ask."

Silvio's heart actually skipped a beat. "Would it be such a bad thing if it were true?"

Patia's hands dropped to her sides. She balled them into fists and then she relaxed slowly. "Um," she cleared her throat. "Um, no, I guess I wouldn't say it was a bad thing." Her stomach knotted tightly and her breathing sped up.

Silvio tried without much success to control the beat of his heart. This was a very odd moment for him. What should he do now? He pulled himself together, looked her in the eyes and said, "Patia, I do have feelings for you."

"Oh boy, I don't know what to say," Patia felt shell shocked. Slowly, she raised her right hand to her chest. She rubbed the base of her throat. Her stomach lurched slightly. This certainly had not been something she had expected to hear tonight.

Silvio hoped that he had not made a big mistake. It was too soon. He should have kept silent about his feelings. He was committed now, however, there was no going back. "I am confused myself," he said. "All I know is I think about you several times a day, and look forward to spending time with you and am sad when I do not get to see you." Silvio paused looking at the stunned expression on her face. "I do not know what it all means and I have never felt like this about anyone before but I think these feelings are worth exploring... If you want to I mean." Silvio felt as if his heart was going to pound right out of his chest. He looked to her face for any sign of how she might feel about this issue.

Slowly, Patia shook her head. "We need to talk. Let's go back to my office."

Patia strode toward where the arch should be. "Computer, end program."

Silvio watched as the scene in the holodeck faded. "This can not be good," he thought as he followed the counselor out of the holodeck.

Oh Boy part II "
By: Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]
Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]

Stardate: 58205.10 1830

Silvio and Patia rode the turbolift in silence to Deck 8. Silvio felt like a failure. He was now certain that he should have kept his mouth shut. Patia had not said anything and he could not tell what state of mind she was in. Silvio had no idea what was going to happen next but he decided he would rather face a court martial than have this conversation.

Patia leaned against the wall of the turbolift, again. This time, the ride felt infinitely longer that just a half hour before. Silvio's news had blind sided her. She had thought he was interested in a friendship. Now, he says he has "feelings". Well, "feelings" is a term that can be rather loosely applied to many different types of feelings. He had already stated he had led a life where he had a girl in every port. She was not going to be the girl for this voyage.

At deck 8 they left the turbolift. Silvio followed her back to her office. A sence of dredd fill every fibre of Silvio's being. He did not know what came over him. He felt like a silly child. What in the world was he doing.

Patia slowly walked to one of the sofas. She slid off her shoes and tucked her feet underneath her. A large pillow was sitting next to her. She tugged it onto her lap and pulled it against her chest. She raised her eyes to look at him for the first time. Silvio stood next to the couch opposite the one she sat on.

Silvio looked at Patia, who still had not spoken to him. Silvio crossed the room and sat down next to her on the couch making sure that there was enough space between them so that he did not make her feel more uncomfortable than she already was. "Listen, I'm sorry," he began. "I did not mean to offend you."

Patia turned slightly. She had not expected him to sit on the same couch as her. With her back against the arm rest, she pulled her knees up in front of her. "I am not offended. I am very surprised and I am a little confused. What do you mean you have feelings for me?"

"I do not know how to describe it. It started when I first met you. Do you remember that day," Silvio asked.

"In Sick Bay?" Patia asked.

"Yes, it all started there withg that meeting." Silvio was not sure how to explain it.

"How so?"

"You rejected me. I tried to put a move on you and you put me in my place." Silvio smiled. "It is not the first time that I have been rejected, but it is the first time that it well... it hurt." Silvio paused as if reliving the memory. "After that I thought about you often, however, eventually I talked myself into believing that it was nothing. Then we had the prisoner revolt and I spent some time with you. All those feelings came back with serious intensity. I did not sleep at all after our talk last night. I don't understand it. I have never felt like this before."

"All of this because you felt rejected in Sick Bay?" Patia shifted slightly. "We have had a handfull of meetings, half of them have been counseling sessions, Silvio. I understand you have feelings, and I am not trying to downplay them, but we haven't had a chance to get to know each other outside of last night."

"Exactly, and I am looking forward to getting to know you, to becoming your friend." Silvio shrugged, "I do not know if we will ever become more than just friends but I hope so."

"You had contact with several people in Sick Bay. There is Dr. Dane, Ensign Favor, why would you feel this way about me and not them?"

Silvio shrugged again. "I don't know. They are both nice people but I do not feel for them as I do your you." Silvio paused. "Favor has spent a good deal of her time fixing me up but it has never crossed my mind that I might want a relationship with her and Doctor Dane is nice and all but to be honest, I do not think she and I would get along too well."

Patia shook her head. "I just don't see how you picked me, or why. Don't forget, we have already talked about your girl in every port, Silvio. That isn't my style."

"I am glad that is not your style. I wish it had not been my style." Silvio sighed. "Patia, I find you to be a intelligent and very attractive person. I like being with you and I care about what happens to you. That is something that I cannot say about those other girls. To be honest, most of them would probably have had a celebration if I had been killed by the Cardassian."

Patia pulled her knees closer to her chest. The pillow was wedged tightly against her. She pulled it out and propped it on top of her knees. She smoothed her hands over the top. "What are your expectations?"

"I have no expectations Patia. I hope that we will be come great friends and if that friendship turns into something more than that... Well, I can only hope. No expectations." Silvio smiled at Patia.

"There are a few things you should know about me, Silvio, before you think about a friendship, much less anything else. We talked, very briefly, about Lucio last night. You need to understand a little more about that. The harsh reality is, Lucio died because he was my bonded mate. He was cruelly tortured, then murdered, all to make a political point to my father. The worst part of this situation, for my mother, was that I knew when he died. When a Betazid is born, they do not have their empathic abilities. As a Betazid ages, those abilities develop. Any development, at all, before the age of fourteen, is terrible in our culture. Normally, it is a sign of a mental illness or deficiency. Silvio, I was nine when Lucio died. I was five years from the magic age where empathic abilities are acceptable." Patia's voice dropped, the intensity of her feelings and emotions were plainly written on her face. "Silvio, I knew when Lucio died. I felt his pain, I heard his screams, and I knew the moment he died. A part of me died, too. A blank, empty, gaping hole was fixated in my heart and soul where he used to be. Now, to tell you something I never told even my parents, because this would probably still kill my mother."

Patia shifted so her legs were in front of her, tailor style. She braced her palms against the inside of her knees. "This wasn't the first time I had experienced those empathic feelings. It was just the first time I was caught. Prior to Lucio's death, the occurrences were rare and usually centered on him and particularly emotional times for him. For example, I felt his joy at the time of his birthday celebration. Occasionally, I would feel snatches of connection to my brother. When he was at University and his anxiety was high prior to testing or the posting of his grades, I would feel it. Once Lucio was gone, the flood gates opened. Although how I deal with my abiliites is more refined, I can't say it is stronger now than it was when I was nine or ten."

Patia leaned forward. "I have been through a battery of psychological tests to ensure my suitability for what I do. I purposefully sought more than was required. My entire life, since Lucio died, I have lived with the knowledge that I am not normal, that I am a cultural freak that even my parents don't completely trust. No one, Silvio, gets too close to me because they do not want to be tainted with my stigma. I would never be able to bond with another from home. You need to think about that before you think about any relationship, even friendship."

Patia settled back against the arm of the couch. Her eyes were slightly narrowed as she watched him. Of all the people she had met, he was the one she wasn't able to get a firm reading on. She could feel emotions, but couldn't get a complete feel for what he was thinking or feeling. It was a little unsettling, if she was honest with herself.

Silvio studied Patia's face. He could see the sadness in her eyes. He could not even begin to comprehend the tragedy she had sent through. "Patia, I am sorry about Lucio, that is very horrible. I cannot even begin to understand what you went though." He paused searching for words, "Even having heard all of that I still see no freak." Silvio continued to watch Patia as he spoke. "I see a beautiful woman."

He has been labeled a freak most of his life as well. Actually, his label was "child prodigy". There were many times in his life he wished he could have been born dumb as a box of rocks. He never got to spend time with children his own age. He was always advanced and always too busy. He felt cheated out of a major portion of his childhood. Although this was different that what happened to Patia, he knew all too well what stigmas were all about.

"I am not concerned about being tainted by anything. If that is what being your friend gets me then, I will walk that path with you." Truth be told Silvio thought is was silly that a society would be so cruel to someone who had suffered such a tragedy and at such a young age. It was clear to Silvio, who looked at everything from the point of view of an engineer that the early onset of her "abilities" were caused by the nature of the bond she shared with Lucio and it's tragic disruption. There was a reason for everyting in Silvio's mind and he strongly suspected in his final hours Lucio had reached out to the one person he cared about the most. Patia. Silvio was no expert on the Betazid mind but he felt this strongly. It was not right that this tragedy should forever brand Patia a freak. Silvio moved closer to Patia on the couch and gently reached out and placed his hand over hers. "I am sorry."

Patia glanced down. Silvio's large hand covered her smaller one. Slowly, she raised her eyes until they met Silvio's. "Thank you," she whispered.

Rura Penthe #77"
By: Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58205.10 1900

The days on the ship seem to become longer and longer, she could not remember when she had a good night sleep nor had time to relax at the holodeck. Everytime she closed her eyes she could hear the cries of her brother asking her to find him, and she knew that it tore her apart. So burriying herself in her job was the only thing Teilani was good at.

"Evening Doctor, one of the waitresses said." How may I help you?"

I would like to have Spagetti al Fungi, Coffee Jamaican blend double strong." Teilani ordered when it finally was her turn.

"You just find a seat Doc, and I will bring it right over."

Teilani looked around the room, it seemed that all the seats were taken. Luckily she noticed a young crewman leave and quickly she walked over to the now empty place.

There was only one other person seated and judging from his body language he seemed to be enjoying some time off.

She smiled as she sat down. "Goodevening Commander."

"Hello doctor. How are you this evening," said Wright in a cheerful mood. He had not expected a vacation and had decided he was going to make the most of it. I am not a commander for the next 4 day doctor so it is just Mr. Wright." He beamed a smile at Dane as the waitress came over and placed Dane's food in front of her and gave Wright another drink. "Thank you," said Wright to the waitress.

"I am o.k. Comma..... Mr Wright, by the way how is your arm?" she asked while turning her fork around the spagetti which one of the waitress had place silently in front of her.

"It's doing just fine at the moment," he replied. "I will, however, be glad when I get my hand back."

" You will be glad to know it is still growing rapidly, so we might be even be able to operate before we are back on QT."

"I heard that you got "replaced" she said with a light chuckle.

"Yes," Wright chuckled. "Damn Klingons," he added with a laugh.

Teilani laughed. "You must be glad having some time off. Going to do anything special?"

"I am not sure yet, but it looks like I will start it by having a nice visit with you." Wright smiled at Dane. "How are things in sickbay?"

"Well," Teilani said as she took a sip of her coffee. "Besides our only patient Mason,Teilani smiled as she thought of her protege, I am afraid not much action there at the moment except for some minor incidents. I must admit but I have a darn fine crew."

"I'm glad to hear it,' said Wright.

"May I ask a personal question Sir," Teilani asked hesitantly.

"Sure," answered Wright as he took a drink from his glass.

"You said that you had expertise as a doctor, but I am a bit curious how come you became the ships XO then?

"I still am a doctor, I keep current on all my certifications," said Wright. Wright lifted up his damaged arm. "Although, depending on how well my surgery goes I might not be doing any more surgeries." He took another drink. "I was serving on the hospital ship Comfort when I made the switch to command. "Hospital ships need doctors who have a medical background in command. They would be lost without them. I wanted to be able to contribute my expertise to help the ship run more efficiently as a hospital."

"And yet you ended up on the Zion Sir." Teilani said. "Have you ever thought of going back to the medical profession, depending on your surgery of course."

"Someday, when this war is over, I think I would like to set up a small clinic. Maybe on Bajor. They have a lot of people who need medical care." Wright frowned briefly. "So, why all the questions? Are you thinking about switching to command?"

Teilani shrugged. "I didnt mean to pry Sir." She took her coffee turned the mug around in her hands before taking a drink.

"You're not prying. I do not mind at all," said Wright.

"Getting back to your question, I just would like to know a bit more about command, I mean learning new stuff keeps the little grey cells active."

Wright looked at Teilani she appeared to be rather worn out. He wondered if she was not working too hard. "Well, we can probably work something out about that Doctor. We can talk more about that after our Klingon guests have left." Wright paused to take another drink. "So, how are you doing? You are looking a little worn around the edges."

Teilani shot him a small smile. "Let's just say that lately Mr Sandman has passed my door. I have a bit trouble getting to sleep thats all." In a fact Teilani was dead tired.

"You know Sir, ever since this prison riot I have the feeling of being on the edge constantly. It's like I need to do something and I have no clue what it is. I just dont seem to able to relax." Teilani chuckled.

"Have you spoken to the counselor about this," asked Wright.

Teilani shook her head. "No she has enough to do and I dont want to bother her with it. I just need to find some holodeck time and wear myself out."

"She is the ships counselor Doctor. It is her job to help you with problems." Wright paused, "If I can do anything please let me know."

Teilani finished her coffee and put her almost empty plate to the side. "Well Sir, I think I better be going back to Sickbay," Teilani glanced at her chronometer. "Enjoy your days off, oh if you ever want to brush up on your medical knowledge feel free to drop by."

"If you ask me doctor, you already look worn out. If I were Commander Wright and not Mr. Wright I would order you to take some time off." HE smiled at her. "Try to get some rest Doctor."

Teilani laughed. "Well than I am in luck that you are Mr Wright for the next four days. Anyway I got to go now, it was nice talking to you Sir, perhaps we could do it again some time.?

"You have a good night Doctor," said Wright.

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