Alyssa's Return "
By: Lt Tennyson NPC , lt , [NPC]
Dr. Alyssa Caitlin Northrop, Warrant Officer , [PST]

Stardate: 58205.14 0555

"The D'Kuul is hailing us sir." said the young female ensign sitting at the ops console. Lieutenant Tennyson stood up from the command chair, "On screen" he ordered.

"This is Darg... Where's Hunter?"

"Captain Hunter is not on duty yet."

The Klingon Captain grunted his contempt. "We have some of your crew who wish to return. Please make preparations. D'Kuul out."

The gruff Klingon disappeared from the view screen.

Tennyson watched over the ops officer's shoulder as the data transmitted from the klingon ship displayed on her console.

"Helm slow to 1/3 impulse, match course and speed of the D'Kuul." "Yes sir."

A rainbow colored streak blazed through space as the Zion decloaked and dropped to sublight speed, slowing to a stop.

The transporter crewman received the signal from the D'Kuul. He signaled his reponse.

As Alyssa materialized on the transporter pad, she felt tired once again. The brief respite inside the transporter's matter stream had been welcome. Once the process was completed, she dragged herself and her duffel out of the room and trudged off towards her quarters. The food, coupled with the atmosphere of the ship and the hard work regimen that they had on the Klingon ship were enough to make anyone feel bone tired. The overall smell of the place certainly didn't help matters either.

Once inside her quarters, she stripped down and made a bee line for the sonic shower. Alyssa hadn't felt this dirty in years...not even during her last expedition. After an hour, she felt sufficiently clean again so that she could go get in bed, which she did. It felt good to be back in a nice soft bed. She chuckled a bit, wondering if she was getting old or something. Within minutes, the sounds of the ship speeding along had lulled her to sleep...a deep, deep sleep.

Going home "
By: Samantha Carter, Security Officer, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58205.14 0700

It was quiet in the D-kuul transporter room. Sam had infact hoped that Zarg had come to say goodbye to her. Guess she was wrong. When he had left her quarters the night before he had given her the Klingon Poems. "See you around Samantha Carter," he had said. Sam hoped so, she had begun to like the big guy.

Stepping on the transporter padd she slung her duffelbag over her shoulder. "Energize" she said against the klingon transporter chief. She watched him disappear in a blue shimmer and only in a matter of seconds she reemerged on the transporter padd of the Zion.

"Welcome home Lt Carter," Brill the transporter tech said. "Thanks Brill," Sam replied as she stepped of the grid. "Have you all missed me?"

Brill laughed. "Only during pokernight Ma'am." Sam smiled as she left the transporter room. It was quiet in the corridors and Sam reached her quarters in no time.

When she entered it was dark and quiet. "Lights," she said while placing her duffelbag on the couch. First thing on her list was getting a long hot shower.

She walked to her bathroom and looked in the mirror. A small pale face looked back at her, decorated with a black eye and a bruise on her chin. =Tomorrow Sam decided tomorrow she would visit the doc, but first a shower, a peannut butter sandwich and sleep, not necessarily in that order=.

Stripping off her dirty cloths she stepped under the shower, enjoying the hot rays of it. After this she changed in a soft robe and ordered a sandwich from the replicator.

Taking her plate from it she made herself comfortable on her couch, and started eating. Feeling all comfy and warm her eyes fell close, and she slumped to the side of the couch.

Sam was vast asleep, dreaming sweet dreams.

Good night, Guiseppe "
By: Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]
Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58205.14 1800

Patia finished tidying her quarters. She was still in her uniform, but had slipped her shoes off. Her bare toes wiggled in the soft fibers of the carpet. Gently, she stretched her arms above her head. Her back made a satisfying crack just as the door chime sounded.

"Enter," Patia quietly called.

Silvio walked in, "Hello Patia. Are you free tonight?"

"Hello there. Depends on who is asking and what they have in mind," Patia winked.

Silvio chuckled, "I am asking, and I thought we could get a bite to eat."

"Since it is you, yes, I am free. Where would you like to go for a bite?" Patia smiled slightly.

"Well now, unless we go for another traditional Betazid dinner our only options are Miranda's or the Mess Hall. I guess, I like Miranda's. What do you think?"

"Miranda has the best soup, that would be my choice as well. Replicators are just not quite the same." Patia glanced down. "I should change first, or at least put my shoes back on."

Silvio looked down at her bare feet, "Would you like me to come back when you are ready?" SIlvio knew that Patia was a very private person and might not like having someone sitting in her quarters while she was changing.

"That would be perfect. If you can give me ten minutes, I will be ready," Patia smiled in relief.

"Sure," said Silvio, "See you in 10."

Patia watched him saunter out the door. Quickly and efficiently she went through her closet. After the dinner with Alyssa, when she couldn't find any civilian clothes but one outfit, she had reorganized what she had and made a place for her off duty apparrel. She pulled a silk, hunter green, button down shirt and a pair of soft, faded, denim jeans from the shelf. The cool silk whispered across her skin as she slipped her arms through the material. She tucked the tails into the waist band of her jeans and slid her feet into an old pair of sandals she had found in the bottom of a box. They were a buttery soft leather and had been her favorite shoes back at University.

A glance in the mirror left her satisfied with her hair. She dabbed a bit of gloss on her lips and lightly misted gardenia lily spray. As she turned from the mirror, she tucked her hair snugly behind her ears and brushed the palms of her hands against her thighs. Her chronometer showed six minutes had passed since Silvio left. Restlessly, she paced her quarters, waiting for his return.

Silvio had returned to his quarters and paced for almost exacly ten minutes and returned to Patia's. The thought occurred to him that he had never seen her not in uniform. He rang the chime.

"Enter," Patia called. She turned on her heel to face the door as it slid open.

Silvio started to enter and then stopped in his tracks. His mouth fell open slightly. He was right, he had never seen her out of uniform before. Silvio stuggled for words, "You look good," he leaned in and gave her a peck on the cheek. She smelled good too, he thought.

Silvio offered her his arm, "Shall we?"

Patia slid her arm through the crook of his. "We shall," she smiled.

Together they rode the turbolft to deck 10. Miranda's was busy tonight. Silvio took Patia by the hand as they made ther way to an open table. "Boy, it usre is busy in here tonight."

"People are starting to relax a little. This is a good sign for the health of our crew," Patia nodded, pleased as she looked around. "Ah, I shouldn't be talking shop, though, now should I?" Patia's laughed tinkled lightly.

Silvio smiled, "That is all right, what else woudl you like to discuss?" Silvio realized that he still help her hand across the little table they were seated at. Since she did not seem to object, he did not let go of it.

Patia glanced at their hands. Hers looked almost delicate nestled in his. "What are you plans for shore leave when we get back to Qul Tuq? Or will you be too busy making sure everything is ship shape before we set out again?"

"Well, if the trip back is the same as the trip here we should not have to do much work on the ship. It's engines took a beating and they held up better than I had expected. I have never really had a chance to explore the station. I suppose that you will go visit your brother?"

"I am considering it. I will definitely look for Trina and the kids, but I am toying with letting Lio come to me. My guess is Trina knows I am here and she probably has no idea the dingbat she married didn't tell me. I think I could get her to go along with giving him a hard time. As for my niece and nephews, Auntie Tia hung the moon and I am positive they wouldn't mind playing a practical joke on their favorite father. Yes, I am the evil corrupter aunt, but he will forgive me, eventually, anyway." Patia chuckled.

Silvio smiled, "I bet the like having a devious Auntie." Silvio sighed, "It must be nice having your family so close to you."

"You know, I don't know. I haven't lived near my family in more than 20 years. I went away to boarding school as a child. Other than school breaks, I haven't been near them since I left. We will have to see how it is. Lio is a typical over protective big brother. Sometimes it is frustrating. Maybe by now he will realize I am an adult. Maybe I shouldn't pull pranks that make him think I am still a child, eh?" Patia cocked an eyebrow and giggled.

Silvio laughed, "Nah, pranks will keep him guessing." He smiled.

"That is a good point, and it is always good to keep big brothers guessing. Keeping him off balance is definitely to my advantage. The terrible tortures you do not have to bear as a solo child, does that relieve you? Or do you wish you had your own, private tormentor?" Patia asked.

"I don't know, I think I might have liked having a little sister to tourment," said Silvio with a smirk. Their conversation was inturrupted as a waitress stepped up to the table. "Can I get you anything?"

Patia sat up straight, pulling her hands to her lap. "Could I have a cup of broccoli soup and a glass of raspberry iced tea, please?"

"Sure think M'am," said the waitress. "And you," she looked at Silvio.

Silvio looked at his now empty hand which now felt cold without Patia's hand there. "I'll have a Cherry Coke and a burger."

"Coming right up," she said as she walked away.

"Oh you think so? You will have to ask Lio about the tormenting of younger sisters. They become very cunning, they know all your secrets, and, this is most important, they do not hesitate to tell your wife all of your embarassing secrets. Or, so I have heard," Patia ducked her head, trying to suppress the grin tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Well then, I suppose it is good that I am a lonlely only then. I had no idea that little sisters were so treachous." Silvio also tried to surpress a grin.

"They are, take my word for it. Lio informed me my picture is by the definition for treacherous, evil, devious, and charming. I had to have one good quality to counteract all of my faults." There was no longer any attempt at hiding the smile.

The waitress came back and gave them their drinks. "So, tell me about your brother. What is he like?"

"In all honesty, sisterly joshing aside, he is an amazing man. He has been a career military man. His dedication is uncommon. I know I have never met another person quite like him. He has a black belt in karate. The image he projects to people is very gruff, quite stern, even. He does not believe in nicknames or getting close to people outside of his immediate family. On the other hand, you haven't met a gentler father. He treats Trina like the lady she is. Overall, he really has been a good brother." Her eyes twinkled as she spoke.

Silvio smiled, "It must be nice having someone to love like that."

"Yes, it is. It is also nice knowing he loves me the same way. There are a lot of people that come and go from our lives, but no matter what, he will always be there. Did you have other family you were close to? Or were there just your parents?" Patia asked.

"Nope, just Mama, Papa, and me." said Silvio feeling a bit envious. "I have not seen them in quite some time. If this blasted war would end I could go home and see if they are still angry with me." Silvio paused, "So, have you ever been to Rome, Italy?"

"Why would they still be angry with you? You are their son. I am sure they were just worried. We traveled through Rome, but visited longer at Vatican City."

"Rome is full of history as is the Vatican, said Silvio as their food arrived. "Did you like the Vatican?" Silvio picked the onion and tomoato off his burger.

"The history of it was very interesting. The study of religion itself is intriguing. I can't say I need to return in order to lead a fulfilled life, but it was fine. Have you been there?" Patia slowly stirred her soup.

Silvio Chuckled, "Of course I have. My parents are academics. There is a lot of histroy in Rome and the Vatican." Silvio did a quick impersonation of his father, "Giuseppe, it is important that you learn from our past." Silvio smiled.

"Oy, your father must know my father. That sounds very, very familiar." Patia faked a grimace.

Silvio laughed, "what would we do without our parents? How is your soup?"

"My soup is wonderful. It is my favorite food to eat here," Patia winked. "How is your dinner?"

"Good as usual," said Silvio, dropping a napkin on his plate.

"Thank you for the invitation to dinner. It has been very enjoyable, but, unfortunately, I have to wrap up some paperwork before bed." Patia rose gracefully from her seat and paused by the table as she waited for Silvio to rise.

Silvio smiled and stood up, "It was my pleasure." Silvio and Patia left Miranda's and headed for the Turbolift. The two of them made small talk all the way back to deck 2 and stopped outside Patia's quarters. Silvio's eyes locked with hers. "Well, have a good night," said Silvio.

"You, too," Patia smiled.

Silvio did not move; his eyes still locked with hers. He had a odd nervous feeling inside. Silvio reached out with his right hand and touched her face; gently he stroked the back of her ear. Leaning forward he pressed his lips against hers.

Patia startled slightly at the contact before she gently kissed him back. After a moment, she broke the kiss and stepped back. "Good night, Guiseppe," she whispered as the doors slid open behind her back. She stepped backward through the doorway. The doors whispered closed between them.

First contact "
By: Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58205.14 2306

In front of her on the bed lied a Padd with the coordinates of her Uncle Brexens ship as well as some Padds showing the latest pictures of her family. After long searching and with the help of a computer specialist Teilani had managed to pull the pictures from the Zion's database. Luckily Maqui command kept the information updated.

She took up the padd and looked at the faces of her brother and sister her finger ran along the contours. He looked so old, grey streaks along the sides of his temples, fine lines circling the eyes. Again tears started to drip from Teilani's eyes, she needed to do some serious soulsearching. She sighed. Why was she so darn stubborn, was it so difficult to forgive? She hoped that when they reached RP in the next few days Eric would be there. She wondered how he looked like, the picture showed him still as a adolescent. He probably was bigger now, still being a mischief.

She hoped that Patia could break the ice so to speak. It would not be easy to get in touch with them, what if they did not want to talk, what if they were not there when she contacted them. what if......... "To many what if's Lani," she said to her self.

As she had left home she had to grow up fast, perhaps too fast, learning to come up for her self. Even at her graduation her family had not been there, it had made her bitter, she did get a card from Uncle Brexen but that was it. It made her strong and independant but also lonely and hard and perhaps that is why she probably was still alone.

Perhaps she should get rid of the toughness, thinking that she could do it all alone and be more open more softer, allowing others to help her. Teilani did not know.

She smiled. She knew exactly the first question her sister would ask her. "Lani how many kids you have?" It would be a dissappointment for them to know she was still single.

Serving on a starship and trying to build a relationship was not easy. Oh how she envied Patia and Silvio they seemed to be hitting it off really good. The ships rumors ran at full speed and the latest gossip was that even the Commander and Miranda were seeing eachother.

Teilani took up another padd and lied down staring up at the picture. Her mum and dad, two faces lost, her hope to ever see them again had dissappeared with a big bang. Teilani brushed her tears away and took a tissue to blow her nose. She hoped that they died without any pain, at least they were found. Teilani rolled over and placed the padd on her nightstand. Lying on her side she kept staring untill finally her tears dried and she fell a sleep.

A sound sleep, the first in many days.

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