SURVIVOR: PROLOGUE

Admiral Walters, requested entrance to Ambassador Dovenka Atylori's VIP 
quarters at Starfleet Headquarters in San Francisco. She admitted him 
and he explained the situation on Mars. He looked grave, "You have to 
understand this looks quite bad and could threaten our current peace. 
We appreciate your candor in this matter, but we also request that you 
help us further in this investigation."

This had all more or less been said in the Ambassador's doorway. She 
regarded him silently for a moment, before saying, simply,

"Won't you come in, Admiral? Perhaps sit down for a while?"

Admiral Walters was, for only a moment, at a loss of what to say. True, 
Ambassador Atylori had a reputation for never allowing anyone or 
anything to get in the way of decent manners. However, the sneaking 
suspicion that, in doing so, the shrewd Cardassian was actually amusing 
herself with such gentility always came to mind, as it did now.

"Would you care for some tea, Admiral?"

Admiral Walters made only one concession to etiquette, and that was to 
sit on one of the greyish-blue-upholstered chairs. "Ambassador," he 
said. "You do understand the gravity of this situation, don't you?"

If such a question rankled his host at all, no one but a Betazoid 
telepath would have been able to notice it. "Of course, Admiral," 
Ambassador Atylori responded, seating herself on the couch opposite the 
chair the Admiral occupied. "The highest security Starfleet has to 
offer has been breached by a renegade former member of the Obsidian 
Order. Thus, you come to a representative of the Cardassian government 
for aid in an investigation into his motives."

There was a pause as the Admiral waited.

"Officially, the Obsidian Order has been completely dissolved, its 
secrets lost forever. Officially. My government can neither help, nor 
hinder in any investigation into the Order's former members. It cannot 
become involved in any trial a former member may be taken to."

"Officially?" the Admiral prompted.

She smiled. "A government is comprised of individuals, Admiral. And an 
individual citizen is under no such restrictions whatsoever. The 
information you seek can be found for you, though I cannot tell you by 
whom."

"I ... thank you, Ambassador," Admiral Walters replied. It had been a 
string of typical Cardassian double-talk, but he reckoned he'd gotten 
the gist of it, at least.

The Ambassador nodded. "The information can be taken to the Cochrane 
itself, as it so happens that I'll be boarding there today. Fortuitous, 
don't you think?"

Of course.

Admiral Walters stood. "Again, you have my thanks, Ambassador," he 
said, heading for the door.

"Not at all, Admiral," the Ambassador replied, her smile now looking 
downright inscrutable. "Not at all."

"Good afternoon, then, Ambassador."

"Good afternoon."

The Admiral left the VIP quarters, then, satisfied that he'd managed to 
get his request granted, a little pleased with himself that he'd 
managed to get something resembling a straight answer out of a 
particularly obfuscate specimen of Cardassian, and more than a little 
worried as to just what such a deal might entail....



SURVIVOR: PART 1

The USS Cochrane has completed its transfer of crew at the Utopia 
Planitia fleet yards. Command has formally been changed from Commander 
Nganga to Captain Starkin. The ship is now in orbit about mother Earth 
(mother to some of the crew that is). Visiting dignitaries are boarding 
and the crew is preparing for show off the ship's abilities and baby-
sit for the next two weeks.



<<Bridge>>

Commander Nganga has the Conn, enabling Captain Starkin to welcome the 
visiting dignitaries. In the brief trip from Mars the ship preformed 
above expectations. Mr. Argyle and the engineering team came through. 
Ensign Paxton is at the helm, and the ships orbit is stable. 

<< Security >>

The Romulan and Klingon VIP's have arrived at the boardwalk for 
welcoming ceremonies. They are having a heated discussion that 
resembles a bar-brawl. 

<<Transporter Room>>

The captain is awaiting the arrival of delegation from Bajor. Ensign 
Salex brings abroad Vedek Tow his aids and the ambassador from Earth. 
Before beaming completes a containment field erects around the 
transporter pad. The bio-filter has detected a dormant virus in the 
Vedek's blood system. 

<<Sick Bay>>

Dr. Jayngo is completing his chart for a recent treatment of Ensign 
Reginald Hurt, when he (the Dr.) received a summons to the transporter 
room from Mr. Salex.

<<Boardwalk>>

Preparations are underway for welcoming ceremonies that will be held in 
the park. Things are being slowed down by the VIP's. The Andorian 
ambassador disapproved of seating arrangements. The Klingons started a 
brawl in Quarks, The Betazoids required new accommodations, Klingons 
started a scuffle in the Soj eatery, the Earth ambassador wanted 
different lighting on the stage, and now the Klingons were currently 
engaging in a disagreement with the Romulans.

<<10 Forward>>

Dr. Jayngo had taken Reg off duty for the rest of the day, Lt. Klaus 
had given Reg a dressing down about safety, and to add insult to injury 
(literally) the LBH only had Synthehol in stock at the moment. Reg was 
nursing his synthetic drink, sore shoulder, and injured pride. He was, 
however, enjoying the full effect for the synthetic alcohol while he 
could. He tapped his glass with his finger while looking at the Long-
term holographic bartender, "Another!"

The LBH look concerned, "Perhaps you should shake off the effects of 
your current state before consuming additional synthehol."

Reg look unimpressed, "I'm off duty until tomorrow. If only it were as 
easy to erase the effects of first impressions. I'm afraid that Lt. 
Klaus will never really give me another chance. You know that I called 
him Mr. Clause for my first several duty shifts. When my roommate 
arrived, he informed me that the Lt. pronounces his name Klaus, like 
mouse. The Lt. Never said a word, how embarrassing."

Grabbing the bottle from behind him and moving over closer to Reg and 
pouring into his glass more synthehol. "You know Reg, first impressions 
are not always the best way to judge a man so I wouldn't be putting all 
your worries into that just yet"

Reg just looks up at the LBH and shakes his head as he couldn't believe 
what the LBH had just said and quickly takes up his glass and starts to 
drink it again but the LBH puts out his hand and stops REG right before 
it reaches his mouth spilling a little onto Reg hand from the sudden 
stop.

"Now I know must people don't care for synthehol as was evident on your 
face when that was all I had at the moment, but look you have let that 
go and now drink from it eagerly, so that first impression of it was 
washed away by what you knew you would get from another glass"

Reg quickly looks from his drink, that has spilt over his hand to the 
LBH again and star with wide eyes. The LBH smiles and continues "So now 
that he knows you, changes his view by offering him something else Reg" 
and with that the LBH lets go of Reg arm and turns to walks back of to 
a small rack that he places the clear bottle of synthehol in and picks 
up PADD from nearby and starts tapping on it and begins to speak off 
various names of alcohol as he reviews the PADD in his hand.



Jayngo sat at his desk and leaned back a little. It was a nice chair, 
made out of Earth oak, which was the strongest wood available for 
replication. It held up fine, and the craftsmanship put into the chair 
was a work of art. He reached forward and pressed the record button on 
his console.

=^=Medical Log. Chief Medical Officer Jayngo reporting.=^=

"Over the past 48 hours, I have conducted over 100 exams of crewmen and 
boardwalk personnel. Overall, all of the medical exams went as 
expected. Captain Starkin is a very interesting person. I look forward 
to working with her. By Garman standards, she is in perfect health, and 
was surprisingly cooperative during the interview. The Captain has 
asked that I also set up physicals for the non-Starfleet personnel 
aboard once the preliminary checkups are finished, including her wife. 
I must admit, however, that I am scientifically eager to see the 
Captain's next season."

"The Boardwalk Manager is also an interesting case. Skepti has suffered 
many physical deformities and injuries. While I made known to him that 
with current Starfleet medical technology we could probably replace and 
remove all of the damage done, his gruff nature refused to allow him to 
take the assistance. I ended the discussion with an open-ended offer, 
which I sincerely hope he will consider once he becomes more acclimated 
to being a part of our society aboard the Cochrane."

"Today we start working on Engineering and Security. I have already 
received two postponement requests from Klaus on his appointment. He is 
going to be a tough one to get on the examining table. Ensign Hurt, on 
the other hand, has seen me twice already. According to his medical 
record, he has had a fairly clean bill of health, but has also not been 
involved in much either. I hope that this streak of klutziness can be 
attributed to nerves, and will pass once he settles into his routine."

=^=End Medical Log. Begin Chief Medical Officer's Personal Log.=^=

"It was good to get a chance to see T'vala again. A familiar face is 
always helpful when acclimating to a new environment. I am impressed 
that the meditations have been helping her, though I still wonder how 
healthy it is for her to stifle her Klingon passions in favor of the 
Vulcan training. But that's something for Dekelley to address, once he 
gets a chance to meet her. Anyway. I'm glad she's aboard. I'm looking 
forward getting to know her, now that it's not just job-related."

=^=Ensign Salex to Doctor Jayngo.=^=

=^=End Personal Log.=^= "Go ahead, Salex." He had already told Salex to 
just call him Jayngo, but the young Vulcan had refused to give in.

=^=Doctor, we have a containment situation in Transporter Room three.=^=

Jayngo sprang to his feet and began to pack his medical kit. "Who is 
currently in the transporter?"

=^=Vedek Tow, his three aides, and Ambassador Charles.=^=

"Are you the only other person in the room?"

=^=No, sir. The Captain is present as well.=^=

"Did the containment field activate in time?"

=^=Unknown.=^=

=^=Computer. What activated the containment field?=^=

=^=Sensors have detected signs of Cavora Virus in the transporter bio-
filter.=^=

::Cavora is a Cardassian disease, of which the natives have built up a 
natural immunity to. However, when the Cardassians occupied Bajor, such 
viruses swept through the encampments and wiped out the prisoners. And 
even though the Cardassians had vaccines for the virus, they felt it 
was a waste of resources. In its active state, it would wipe out a 
village in 96 hours. The fact that its a Bajoran, it is probably safe 
to assume that its in its dormant form, probably picked up during the 
occupation. But no harm in double-checking.::

=^=Computer. Is there any trace of the Cavora Virus outside of the 
containment field?=^=

=^=None.=^=

::Good. I'm fairly certain that the virus wouldn't have any effect on 
copper-blood-based life-forms, but better safe than sorry.:: Jayngo 
went to the replicator and ordered six batches of Cavora Antibiotics, 
specifying four for Bajoran immune systems, one human and one Atlarian. 
"Salex, I'm on my way."



Moments later, Jayngo entered the Transporter Room. Five men were 
standing patiently on the pad, the glimmer of the force field around 
them occasionally flitting into view. After a nod of hello to both the 
Captain and Salex, Jayngo stepped up to and through the field. 
"Gentlemen. I'm very sorry for the delay." Upon looking at the four 
Bajorans, it was not only clear which of the men was the Vedek, but 
also that he was clearly the only one capable of being the virus 
carrier. The other three were too young to have survived an outbreak of 
the disease. "I am Doctor Jayngo, Chief Medical Officer. We seemed to 
have detected a virus when you transported over. I have with me a 
vaccine, and would be very happy to treat you." The look of recognition 
in the Vedek's eyes showed both that he knew exactly of what Jayngo 
spoke, but also appreciation for finally being rid of the disease. He 
stepped forward, extending his arm for treatment. Once the hypospray 
had been applied to their religious leader, the others stepped forward 
as well. The four Bajorans were then allowed to exit the field.

The human, on the other hand, was not as cooperative. "I thought we had 
all been cleared for known diseases. If I had known I was going to be 
taking my life into my own hands by coming aboard this ship, I would 
have hired a private transport."

The Captain was ready to jump in, but Jayngo reacted first. "I'm sorry 
ambassador. The virus that was detected was in a dormant state, and 
therefore probably not detected before this point. It is really 
completely harmless, even more so than the Earth common cold. With this 
vaccine, even in the one-in-a-million chance you would have been 
exposed, this will take care of it. Of course, if you would like to 
pass ..."

"No, no. That's OK. I'll take it. Better safe than sorry."

"Exactly, sir." Applying the hypospray to the human's neck and stepping 
aside to allow him exit before leaving himself. Jayngo looked through 
to Salex. "OK. You can reset the filters to expel any airbornes and 
continue."



Commander Nganga was mildly bored. He wanted to go talk to Argyle. Even 
though the Cochrane was performing better than expectations, he 
couldn't shake the feeling that things could be better. And there was 
very little quite like watching a planet turn under you as you orbited 
it.

::And on your left, if you look really, really close you'll see Mt. 
Kilimanjaro.::

It dawned on him, they really were getting close to being directly over 
Kenya. His parents would be beaming aboard soon. He would like to meet 
them as soon as they beamed aboard. ::I wonder if I could have Lt. 
Commander McGlintly take the conn while I went to meet them. Probably 
too early in the cruise.::

"Bridge to Transporter Room Four," Nganga said, calling the auxiliary 
transporter room.

=^= Gordon, here Commander, =^= came the reply.

"Could you contact me as soon as you get word that Saul and M'tilda 
Nganga are ready to beam aboard?"

=^= With pleasure, sir. Family sir? =^=

"Yes, Mr. Gordon. Bridge out."

"Your parents are coming aboard?" Lt. Norallah asked.

"Yes," Nganga replied. "They've retired, and with me stationed on Mars 
for the past few years they've gotten used to me being close. Besides, 
this is supposed to be a family ship. Even more so than the usual 
Galaxy Class ships."

"Aye sir," Norallah said, "especially since during the Dominion War, 
many of the Galaxy Class ships were converted to troop transports. My 
cousin, Astora, is ..."

"Excuse me, Lieutenant," Nganga interrupted, "I'd rather not hear about 
those types of things. It seems contrary to Starfleet's mission of 
peaceful exploration. What do you think, Ensign?"  Nganga was now 
addressing Paxton.



Ensign Rebecca Corbin exited the turbolift and had to will her body to 
exert the amount of force needed to walk to her cabin.  She had never 
been so exhausted in her life.  And this was only her third day!  Just 
another glorious day as a SERRT grunt.  Boot wasn't this grueling on 
her.  That was okay, because she loved every single minute.  It wasn't 
the mental or physical challenge....that's what Boot is all about.  
What weighed on her mind was the responsibility.  Having to make 
decisions that not only affected the lives of her men but of 
civilians....she wondered if she was up to it.  While she didn't have 
her answer yet, it certainly looked promising.

Trying her best to stay upright and alert, Rebecca walked down the 
hallway to her quarters.  The doors whooshed open and the room was 
dark.  Well, she thought, I guess that I beat Jack home today.

"Lights," she sighed.

As she reclined on a couch admiring the view of Mars, she thought back 
and recalled the events in the security office.  As she massaged a knot 
out of her shoulder, she considered changing tomorrows hand to hand 
training schedule.  She quickly reconsidered.  What would the platoon 
think?  No.....better to suck it up and not lose the respect of her 
troops.

After a while, she became concerned about Jack....where is he?

"Computer, locate Jack Corbin."

"Jack Corbin is located on deck 5 just 3 meters aft of the security 
office entrance."

Oh, no!



Lt. Commander Dekelley sat at the desk in his spartan quarters, and 
reviewed the data on his PADD. He was impressed that Dr. Jayngo and his 
staff had been able to perform nearly 500 physicals per day over the 
past 48 hours. Of course, Dr. Jayngo had a full medical staff and three 
duty shifts per day to accomplish that daunting task. As counselor, 
Dekelley, would rely on the medical staff's determination for full 
psyche reviews. He decided to meet in double session with each of the 
bridge crew and command staff in order to make his own evaluation of 
their mental fitness.

He put down the PADD he was reviewing and picked up one with his 
current orders. He sighed. He understood that his qualifications made 
him a top candidate for babysitting the visiting VIP, but that did not 
make him happy about it. He wanted to be a counselor first and diplomat 
second, yet his first assignment was back unto the breach. He thought 
of an old human proverb, sometime you wake up the butterfly sometimes 
the man. And then he realized that he wasn't entirely sure what that 
meant.

He would have to head back to the civilian habitat soon. He had only 
come to his quarters to in order to refresh his dress uniform. The 
Klingons had managed to cover him in blood wine, gagh, and targ bits, 
while giving patronage to the Soj establishment. Fortunately, Dekelley 
was enough of a diplomat to know that he had to return the favor to the 
Klingon General. He wondered how the Klingon enjoyed the taste of Key 
Lime Pie in the face. 

Counselor Dekelley realized he could not delay the inevitable and 
headed back toward the Boardwalk. He shared the turbolift with a 
nervous 4th year cadet who had been posted astrometrics for a brief 
tour aboard the Cochrane. He thought that Starfleet cadets looked 
younger every year. With a smile, "Relax, Starfleet does not post you 
to a starship before your ready." Now the cadet was nervous and 
embarrassed. "Sorry, I'm Rory. If you need anything just let me know."

The cadet relaxed, a little, "Cadet Santiago, sir. I guess I'm a little 
overwhelmed." The turbolift doors opened both its occupants could see 
several officers in grey and yellow run from the Boardwalk's security 
check point into the habitat. 

DeKelley did not even need to see into the boardwalk to feel the rising 
tension in both the Klingons and the Romulans. He looked at the cadet, 
"This is my stop. Stop by my quarters later and we can discuss you 
situation." With that he headed past the remaining security officer, 
who nodded in acknowledgement and let DeKelley pass. DeKelley could see 
civilians fleeing the vicinity of the diplomatic delegates. He sighed 
again thinking ::this is going to be a long day:: .



Jack was loitering around the security office.....again.  The only 
reason that Jack knew that particular word was because Lieutenant Klaus 
introduced him to it the first time they met.  Only later on, when Jack 
was at home, did he learn the meaning.  He didn't ask his 
mother....heavens no!  He was much more resourceful (another new word) 
than that.  Jack knew how to use computers, so he used them.....and he 
often used them to find the location of Lieutenant Klaus.  Not because 
he had any affection for Klaus.  He followed the Lieutenant for one 
reason.  Simply because he knew that he would get to see exciting 
things because Klaus was in charge of security.

Ever since the beginning of time, children have played games like cops 
and robbers or cowboys and indians.  It's not a matter of emotional 
development or even civilization.  No, in human boys, it was simply 
testosterone.  Some people justify this behavior by saying, "boys will 
be boys" or some other ridiculous phrase that's been handed down 
generation after generation.  The one thing these sayings had in common 
was that they describe the biological drive that makes males 
compete.....for everything.  Whether it's sports, grades, women or 
simply kicking the crap out of someone to see who's the toughest, 
testosterone is always there.  Jack is a good boy at heart, but if you 
asked his mother, she would say that Jack has more than his share of 
the stuff.  Now at Jack's age, he had limited outlets.  Let's be 
honest.... Sports haven't been organized on the ship yet, school hasn't 
started, women (girls) are gross, and kicking the crap out of people 
leads to ...discomfort.  All that is left to Jack is playing 
adventurous games like cops and robbers.  Since the Lieutenant was WAY 
more interesting than a bunch of "kids", Jack selected Klaus to have 
his undivided attention.

Jack could only hear Klaus and not see him.  That was because since 
their "second meeting," Jack decided that the "direct approach" was 
out.  Most 10 year olds don't know anything about the "direct approach" 
but Jack knew computers and had a lot of free time sitting quietly at 
home after the "second meeting."  Jack also learned about the "indirect 
approach" which is what he was trying to do now.

"Kais to Lieutenant Klaus. You may want to get down here, sir. A storm 
front of activity is moving in, and its going to be ugly."

Klaus cursed to himself.  Jack would have to look that one up later.  
"Get down where Mr. Kais?"

"The boardwalk, sir."

"On my way.  Keep the fight contained but don't get directly involved 
until I arrive."

"Aye, Sir."

Jack could not believe his luck!  Now, if he could just find a way down 
to the boardwalk....quickly....without the Lieutenant seeing him....



With the bio-scanners in front of the door and voice-recognition 
protocols on the turbolift leading to the boardwalk, the two Starfleet 
Security officers stationed on either side of the entrance seem to be 
no more than window dressing.  Save for the warm greetings the two men 
provide to visitors of level 10, they maintain friendly parade rests, 
like relaxed versions of 20th Century Buckingham Palace guards.  The 
only things that move at those times are the men's brown eyes.  But 
looks can be deceiving.  Beyond appearances, the two men are old 
friends, having grown up just two blocks apart in a province on 
Betazed. 

:: one, two, three ::               :: one, two, three :: 
:: rock ::                          :: rock :: 
:: one, two, three ::               :: one, two, three :: 
:: scissors ::                      :: scissors :: 
:: one, two, three ::               :: one, two, three :: 
:: scissors ::                      :: paper :: 

:: Hah! :: thought Crewman Richard Kais, the striking officer on the 
left.  Though he hair was bordering on the maximum length expected from 
Starfleet and an uncharacteristic goatee, he was well groomed and a 
good representative of the Federation for the visitors aboard.  Both 
his uniform and the man's beside him hid the fact that both men were 
very strong and well-built.  :: You get to do up the shift report 
tonight. :: 

:: Yeah, yeah. :: his cohort admitted.  Unlike his friend, Crewman 
Roland "Roy" Rien was clean-shaven and well-trimmed, though just a bit 
more bulky in his mass.  :: I'm going to have to run by my quarters 
first, though.  My eyes are killing me. :: 

Richard - :: The doc on Utopia Planitia said there shouldn't be any 
side-effects of the color change.  I'm not having any problems. :: 

Roy - :: Probably nothing a few eye drops can't cure.  I still say it 
was worth it.  Our eyes seemed to be a dead give-away on our last 
mission, and people started focusing on us first in fights to take out 
the telepaths. :: 

Richard - :: Agreed.  By the way, have you heard from Steph lately?  
When is her current tour of duty over? :: 

Roy - :: In six months.  Then she's going to apply for a transfer to 
the Cochrane.  It would be nice to have my wife actually serving on the 
same ship as me. :: 

Richard - :: I know the feeling.  Jillian is doing the same in nine.  I 
just hope that there are suitable openings in the science department 
when they get back.  :: 

Roy - :: I'm hoping to get the chance to get to know the Chief Science 
Officer once he gets aboard.  Try to feel out the possibilities.  :: 

Richard - :: Sounds like a good idea. :: 

The turbolift doors opened, allowing two Romulans to disembark with a 
pair of crewman carrying their bags and working as escorts.  It was 
Richard's turn to smile and say, "Welcome aboard the Cochrane, 
gentlemen."  As was expected, the Romulans barely grunted an 
acknowledgement, not even truly registering the two men in their heads. 

Roy - :: Did you catch that? :: 

Richard - :: You mean the Klingons down the walkway?  Yeah, I got it. 
:: 

There had already been two brawls involving the Klingons that day, once 
in Quark's, the other in front of H'gak's.  Now, as the Klingons 
approached the Romulan party, the two men knew that a third was about 
to commence.  Fortunately, a security detail was already present, as 
was Lieutenant T'Vala, the Chief Tactical Officer.  While it was 
somewhat out of her jurisdiction to deal with security matters, the two 
men could tell that her help was probably going to be needed.  As if 
silent calls had gone out, both races began to converge on each other. 

:: You want to call it in? ::       :: You want to call it in? :: 

Richard reached up to touch the communicator on his chest.  "Kais to 
Lieutenant Klaus.  You may want to get down here, sir.  A storm front 
of activity is moving in, and its going to be ugly." 

Meanwhile, Roy was already in route, leaving Richard to cover the 
doors.  Knowing before the doors opened that Dekelley was on the other 
side, he only nodded as the Counselor exited and headed toward the 
impending fray, paying attention to the Lt. Commander only long enough 
to catch, :: this is going to be a long day. :: 



Counselor Dekelley quickly followed the security officers heading 
toward an ongoing disagreement between the Klingons and Romulans. He 
recognized General Melorf of the Klingon High Council and Sub- 
Commander Serino of Romulus; they were in sort of unarmed combat. Aids 
for both the General and the Sub-Commander were present but were not 
attempting to join the battle. In fact the Klingon appeared to be 
wagering. Ambassador Henry Charles of Earth was trying to order the 
security officers to stop the battle, as if his input would help the 
situation at all. 

The Klingon had advantage in size and strength in this match. Yet, from 
his brow there was a slow trickle of pink/purplish blood flowing. The 
Romulan was quick and cunning. He was obviously using some form of 
martial arts and using the Generals own size and movements against him. 
Nevertheless, the Sub-commander had taken his share of blows also; his 
lower lip was split open and he was spiting out gobs of green blood. 

Security was keeping the civilians and dignitaries from any harm. One 
of the VIP's, Commander Veral Jackson recognized his fellow Betazoid 
and came over to address Dekelley. He thought ::Today is a good day to 
die…::

Dekelley smiled and replied, :: We both know that no one is going to 
die here today. This is just posturing for both sides. ::

Henry Charles was done yelling at the security officers and frustrated 
at getting nowhere. He decided to try his charm on the Counselor. 
Before he reached the Betazoids, Jackson thought, :: Yes but I have 
wagered 10 slip of latinum on the Sub-commander. Oh look, here comes 
the charismatic ambassador from Earth. Where do they find these 
relics?::

Both Betazoids could feel the rising tension in the ambassador. He was 
not terribly fond of being out of control. Mr. Charles addressed the 
Commander, "Commander Jackson, I must insist that you order Mr. 
Dekelley to stop this madness. The Klingons are out of control! He does 
have diplomatic credentials… "

Dekelley interrupted, "You are correct sir, and if you recall your own 
for just a moment, I'm sure you will recall that any interruptions 
would be dishonorable to the General. This combat is simply to 
determine position among our honored guests. You will notice that 
security has everything efficiently in control."

The Commander continued, "I agree with Mr. Dekelley's assessment of the 
situation…" With a Hrumph, the Ambassador tersely excused himself. He 
had spotted the boardwalk manager. If he could not get satisfaction 
from Starfleet personnel, then he would try and pressure the civilians 
aboard. Commander Jackson thought, :: I almost feel sorry for Mr. 
Skepti, but he is on his own with Ambassador Charles. ::

Somehow Moss Salvitor had managed to slip past security and was heading 
toward the ongoing combat. It looked as if sick bay was going to have 
its hands full with these two. The Klingon was moving with a noticeable 
limp, and the Romulan had fingers turned at an uncomfortable looking 
angle. Moss was trying his best to act nonchalant, which in and of 
itself was enough for Dekelley to know the Bolian was up to something. 
Moss was holding up some sort of giant blossom, it was purple and 
yellow with oddly translucent stripes. Another unusual plant that Moss 
happened to turn up with, something unrecognizable. When security 
finally noticed Moss and tried to stop him, he was apparently startled 
and lost his balance. The blossom went flying into the air and 
conveniently landed square between the two combatants. Whereupon it 
burst open releasing some sort of pollen or spores in a widely 
dispersed pattern. Suddenly Klingons, Romulans, Humans and Betazoid 
alike found themselves on the ground in uncontrollable fits of 
sneezing. Oddly enough, the Bolian was quite unaffected. The General 
and Sub-commander were however unable to continue their combat….



<A Few Minutes Later...>

Jayngo had not been able to get started on the report the Captain had 
asked for.  The moment he arrived back in sick bay, he found his 
support staff hard at work, scrambling to find the proper allergenic 
cures for four different races.  Marlo was on the display as Jayngo 
stepped into view. 

"Jayngo.  Good to see you again." 

"What's going on, Marlo?" 

"We had a slight accident down here on the Boardwalk.  I had a plant 
that I was transporting get knocked out of my hands, and it's spoors 
exploded over a large crowd of people.  I've told your people the 
proper medicine to bring down for the different races affected.  I'm 
also sending a Klingon and Romulan down to you.  I think they may have 
several broken bones, though I'm not the doctor." 

"You could have fooled me.  I haven't heard of any plants that cause 
spontaneous fractures." 

"Oh, the breaks weren't caused by the plant.  They had done that to 
themselves in the fight." 

"And I imagine it was difficult to continue throwing punches as the 
itching, coughing and sneezing set in." 

Marlo smiled his mischievous smile.  "Have a good day, Jayngo." 

"You too, Marlo.  Thanks." 

As the viewscreen shut down, Jayngo noticed that both Yures and Simon 
were ready to head out, each carrying a pair of cases filled with 
hyposprays.  Just as they were about to step out the door, a half dozen 
security personnel burst through the door carrying a large Klingon and 
a volatile Romulan, both deep in the throws of an allergenic fit.  
Directing them to the nearest tables, Jayngo grabbed a spare set of 
hyposprays that Simon had set out in preparation. 

As he applied the hypospray to the Klingon first, the general attempted 
to launch himself off the bed.  He was caught off guard, however, as 
Jayngo's large hand came down on his chest, pinning him to the table.  
The Klingon began spitting violent expletives in the doctor's 
direction, and while Jayngo's Klingon was not up to par, he could have 
sworn it was something to do with his mother.  The general fought with 
all of his might to get up while Jayngo casually reached over and 
grabbed another hypospray, this one filled with a sedative.  As he 
reached for the Klingon's neck, his patient attempted to smack away the 
doctor's hand, only to shake his hand as if he had punched a brick wall 
before falling into unconsciousness. 

As the doctor turned back to the Romulan on the other bed, the sub-
commander had a look of surprise on his face.  Jayngo smiled and said, 
"Now, I'm not going to have any problems with you, am I?" 

The Romulan shook his head no before calmly turning his head and 
accepting the hypospray.  As the doctor began working on the broken 
hand, he heard the doors open once more.  Turning his head and 
wondering what the two nurses were doing back already, only to be 
greeted by the sight of Vedek Tow being carried in by two of his aides. 

"Don't tell me that the Vedek was involved in the fight as well," 
Jayngo said in surprise, looking between the new arrivals and the 
Romulan in front of him. 

While his current patient shook his head fanatically, one of the aides 
replied "he was in the holodeck, but apparently the safety protocols 
had been reset to a much higher level of pain." 

"How bad do you feel sir?"  Jayngo needed to reevaluate the health care 
priorities, but didn't want to turn his back on the apparently 
complacent Romulan if he didn't have to. 

The Vedek grimaced, but managed to maintain his pleasurable attitude.  
"I'll be fine doctor.  Continue with what you're working on." 

"If you gentlemen would be so kind to put the Vedek on table three," 
motioning to the one next to the unconscious Klingon, "I'll be over 
there in a second."  :: Campbell told me that working aboard a galaxy-
class would be interesting, but I wasn't expecting it to be this busy 
this soon. :: 



<Earth, Starfleet Academy>

Bruno was in his office, packing his last box, being off-duty he wasn't 
wearing his uniform, but an outfit the cadets always loved to see him 
in, his 20th century Naval dress white. His cadets always laughed when 
they saw his large body in the uniform that was built for thin people. 
He grabbed the last box and walked out of his office, nearly running 
his now former aide, Ensign Brooks, down.

Brooks: Sorry, Professor, I was just coming in to tell you that you 
need to get your luggage to the Cochrane, sir.

Tiny: *Laughing* Ginny, I am not "Professor" anymore, I was, but now 
I'm just plain Tiny. Call me Bruno, I'm not in uniform.

Brooks: Um...uh...Professor, I just can't. I mean, I've been working 
with you since I was a second year cadet, it just wouldn't feel right.

Tiny: Okay, but if you call me, I expect you to refer to me by either 
rank or name. I've got to stop by Medical before I transport, but 
inform them I will join them before the day is up.

Brooks: Medical, sir?

Tiny: Twitching hands and a few good-byes.

Brooks: Ah, yes, sir. You have to say good-bye to your pets.

Bruno laughed and smiled as he walked out the door.

<Medical, Ten Minutes Later...>

Tiny walked into the Genetic Sciences department and headed for the 
holding area. He smiled as he saw his pets...well, his mother's 
observations. They were natives from Theta-Omicron-IV or as Bruno had 
nicknamed it, 2-4. The large quadrupeds looked basically like terran 
wolves, but they stood five feet high and had foot long fangs. Despite 
the vicious look, they had puppy-like attitudes if trained. He walked 
into the cage and smiled as Ranger, the adult male, got up and ran over 
to him.

Tiny: *Kneeling down* Come here, alright, Ranger. Good boy* Petting him 
and hugging his neck* Now, Ranger, I have to go, you take care of mom, 
and of Starlight and of the pups, I'll be back as soon as I can. 
Behave, and be good until mom gets back, you know how she gets if you 
do anything wrong. *Standing back up and heading to the puppies* You're 
a good father, Ranger, I'd be proud. But poor Junior looks like he's 
still a bit small, take care of him. I'll see you boys later. *Leaving*

Bruno sighed as he left, when he got to the ship he would have to ask 
the CO if he could bring one of the puppies on board with him. His left 
hand started to twitch and he veered over to see Cmdr. Foster about 
meds. He walked up to Will's office and knocked, the man opened the 
door and smiled.

Foster: Let me guess, your mother forgot to refill your prescription 
before she left and the replicators won't replicate it. *in a slight 
British accent*

Tiny: Correct, I've only missed one dose, so it isn't that bad, but I'm 
going to need it before I leave.

Foster: I heard you got a new ship, Cochrane, I believe. Fine ship, 
lots of civvies though, you'll have to be careful, old chap. *Tapping 
it out and frowning* Bruno, I'm afraid you'll have to talk with your 
new CMO, my access has been denied because I'm not one of your Doctors 
anymore.

Tiny: *Sighing* Great, I have to go to sickbay first thing when I get 
on-board, that sounds fun. Is there anyway you could skirt that rule?

Foster: *Laughing* With your prescription? The way you and Paul take 
Capritonsce by the pound? No way, you need to have your current CMO 
evaluate you, and get authorization from a member of the Genetic 
Sciences Department of Starfleet Medical, that, Brute, I can do.

Tiny: It's not by the pound, Will. But it's not my fault the 
*Cardassian expletive deleted* Cardassians thought Paul and I were 
prime targets for genetic alterations.

Bruno left with Cmdr. Foster laughing, he headed for the transporter, 
ready to meet his new ship.



Vedek Tow spent many years in the Bajoran resistance, as such he had 
seen his share of medics. Although rarely did he see facilities as 
accommodating as the Cochrane's sickbay. Usually he had seen field 
surgery (and the survival rate in those situations was quite low), Tow 
had been quite lucky. He preferred to think that the prophets favored 
him. The doctor was busy patching up the Romulan dignitary, while the 
Klingon slept soundly beside him. The noise starting to form outside 
the sick bay doors made it quite evident that the security officers 
that had left moments before were keeping the dignitaries' aids out the 
way. 

The Vedek chastised himself for being careless in the ship's holodeck. 
He looked at his fellow occupants in the sickbay and realized that 
could be him. He wanted to understand the minds of his fellow 
'ambassadors', but understanding a Klingon could become quite painful. 
However, the Vedek took this opportunity to reflect on the positive, 
now he had able time to meditate while waiting for the doctor to free 
up. He thought of the prophets and of the Orb of Spirit. He had seen 
the Orb once while still in the resistance and the prophets had visited 
him with a vision. He had seen the coming of the Emissary and the 
Cardassian withdrawal from Bajor. This vision had renewed his faith and 
he had taken on with his order. He continued to fight only he found new 
ways; he was able to hide fugitives, smuggle medical supplies, and be a 
messenger for the resistance. 

Shortly, Dr. Jayngo interrupted his medication scanning by the Vedek 
with his medical tricorder. He noticed that the Romulan ambassador was 
massaging his left hand and glaring at the doctor's back. The doctor 
was obviously aware of this action, as he responded with "I told you 
that you will not be allowed to leave until I have fully treated your 
'colleague'. Glaring at me will not change that decision." Jayngo then 
turned his attention completely on the Vedek. "It must be painful to 
sit in that position with the torn ligament in your leg." 

The Vedek smiled, "The prophets bring comfort to those in need."

The Doctor glanced at his tricorder, "I can see that you've been in the 
need quite a bit. At least one rib wasn't broken. Didn't you want a 
perfect set?" Jayngo smiled to show that he was just joking and hoping 
that it would add a level of comfort to the Vedek. "Severe scaring all 
over. You have a plate in your head, what kind of butcher did that?"

Tow's express changed to sorrow, "His name was Hamok Torin, he taught 
neural medicine on Delta Vega before coming to Bajor as an aid worker. 
The Cardassians caught him with medicines banned to Bajorans, he was 
executed as a spy. The trial displaying his guilt was quite 
spectacular. When asked if he would like to apologize for his crime he 
agreed, he said that he regretted that he had been caught before he had 
been able to give out the medicines and apologized to the Bajorans for 
not doing more. He was a field surgeon and good friend." 

Dr. Jayngo was nearly speechless, "I apologize for your loss."

"That time is passed. We can only move forward in our lives in 
forgiveness of past wrongs. The human's have a saying, 'Turn the other 
cheek.' Even the Federation fresh out of war with the Cardassians is 
willing to have an ambassador travel on this very ship."

The doctor went back to his instruments, "Well said. Although I deal in 
physical matters, it sounds as if your mental health is quite sound. 
However, if you have any doubts, feel free to contact Counselor 
Dekelley for a second opinion. Now straiten you leg please, this may 
cause a bit of discomfort." He moved an instrument over the Vedek's leg 
and a blue glow appeared over the skin of his damaged ligament. 

The Vedek's smile quickly turned to a wince was he realized just how 
stiff his let had become. The instrument brought some cooling relief. 

In a few moments the doctor finished his work, "That should be as good 
as new. You will still have pain for several hours. Please stay off the 
leg as much as possible, and elevate it for no less than six hours. And 
NO more Klingon combat exercise!"

"It's a promise. I think that I will head to your… 10-forward. I should 
be able to spend several hours off my feet there." He stepped off the 
biobed and again recoiled from pain, however it was much less than 
before. He continued into the corridor, his aides doing their best to 
clear a path through the increasingly volatile aliens. Accessing the 
nearest counsel, "Computer locate the Cardassian Ambassador."

"The Ambassador has requested privacy mode."

"Very well, please record a message and deliver it when privacy mode is 
complete. Begin Message, 'Ambassador, this is Vedek Tow. I will be 
spending several hours in 10-forward. I would like to informally invite 
you for refreshment. I'm sure you don't have the opportunity to talk to 
many Bajorans without facing scorn, and I would like to offer you a 
hand in friendship.' End Message, and send."



<Several More Minutes Later...>

Salex stood at his control panel. Several waves of crewmen and 
ambassadors had arrived since the doctor's departure, including the 
Cardassian Ambassador that everyone seemed to be talking about. While 
his outside remained ever stoic, he was unable to remove what the 
doctor had said from his mind. Ranging between outrage that the doctor 
would question him about his health in such a public forum, to outrage 
that he would care about such matters, to outrage about feeling 
outraged. Salex didn't need the doctor to tell him that he was entering 
the second stage of Pon farr. The scary part was that he really wasn't 
sure if he cared, and that he was capable of feeling fear.

The raging turmoil of emotion inside was not evident to the two crewmen 
who had taken the Captain's place as official greeters to the Cochrane. 
The rotation went through rather quickly, new crewmen replacing those 
who were leading guests to their quarters. The two crewmen currently in 
the transporter room were Frankes and Neroon. Unlike his fellow 
Andorian on board, Neroon had seemed very polite and pleasant to be 
around, if you cared about such matters.

The message came through from Starfleet command that another group was 
prepared for transit, followed by warning commands that Salex had only 
seen once before, two days ago. Not having seen the doctor leave the 
ship, he found the codes odd, but adjusted none the less. Activating 
the transporter, a large mass began to appear on the pad, and as the 
Chief Engineer shimmered into existence aboard the ship, he heard 
Crewman Frankes utter "Oh no, not again."



Bruno appeared on the pad smiling as he heard two greeters sigh in 
relief, this confused him a little, but he shrugged it off.

Tiny: Good afternoon, I'm Lt. Commander Bruno Tiny, *Handing Salex a 
PADD* Ensign Salex, I haven't seen you since you left the Academy, 
Professor Bryant sobbed for almost an hour over losing someone of your 
skill. *Grinning*

Salex: Commander, welcome aboard.

Tiny: Um...Salex, could you point me in the general direction of 
Sickbay?

Salex: Just ask the computer, sir.

Bruno sighed and walked out, the young Vulcan seemed a little uneasy. 
He slowly headed for Sickbay, dreading the fact that he would have to 
explain everything again, in technical terms, and then wait for 
authorization...a logistical nightmare. He smiled lightly at the stares 
he got, because of his large mass and his 20th century dress whites.

<Sickbay>

Bruno walked in and spotted the Doctor, a man almost as big as he is, 
with a boy's face. He was tending a Bajoran. Bruno started walk up, 
then his instincts got the better of him and he left. He headed for the 
Bridge, where he would hopefully meet the Captain and XO.



Jayngo watched as the Bajoran Vedek exited the sick bay. He could have 
sworn that he had heard someone come in moments before, but found 
himself alone with the two ambassadors now. He now turned his attention 
on the Klingon. Within minutes, he diagnosed that the general had not 
only suffered from a broken femur, but also several torn ligaments and 
blood exuding from multiple cuts on his arms and face. The doctor would 
never admit it out loud, but he would have to judge the Romulan as 
victor purely on damage levels.

After several minutes of work with a cellular regenerator, the Klingon 
was ninety percent healed and ready to be woken up. As Jayngo applied 
another hypospray to the general's neck, he prepared for the worse, but 
was pleasantly surprised when the Klingon simply opened his eyes and 
sat up. Backing away towards the middle, Jayngo stated "you have both 
suffered from fractures. As such, you should take it easy for the next 
twelve to eighteen hours to allow the regeneration to fully mend the 
wounds." As Jayngo turned his head to face the Romulan ambassador, he 
knew what was going to happen before the Klingon did.

Launching himself off the biobed and trying to run the short distance 
between himself and the doctor, the general thought to strike while his 
opponent's head was turned. He was not, however, expecting Jayngo's 
lightning-fast reflexes.

The Vulcan Nerve Pinch is as much a mental attack as a physical one. By 
applying pressure to nerve clusters on the neck, a Vulcan is capable of 
sending a mental command up to the victim's brain, essentially putting 
them to sleep. Much like the mind-meld, however, it is a mind-to-mind 
interaction that causes the response. As such, no matter how hard a non-
psionic individual tries, they would never be able to pull off the 
pinch. Even solely telepathic races like the Betazoids are incapable of 
mimicking the attack. It is the strength of the Vulcan mind which makes 
it so dangerous if not controlled.

The same nerves used, however, also run down the body, carrying signals 
from the brain. Centuries ago, Asian doctors on Earth learned how to 
use these nerves - also known as pressure points - to manipulate the 
body to heal and provide relaxation using acupuncture. While the human 
hands are also able to provide some stimulation through massage, they 
lack the strength to do any real harm to the nerve cluster. 

But Jayngo's hands are not human. Problems could occur if not managed 
properly: too much strength causes the neck vertebrae to shatter, or a 
misplaced hold could cause severe shoulder damage. It is also standard 
that these cluster's locations can vary from race to race. But Jayngo 
learned several years ago the limits of his strength and made sure that 
his surgeon's hands could be controlled. He has also been trained in 
various alien physiologies. As such, when the doctor caught the moving 
Klingon by the base of the neck and applied the proper level of 
pressure, the entire left side of the general's body went limp.

Jayngo slowly turned his head to look at the Klingon face-to-face. "As 
a doctor, I have taken an oath to do no harm. I have, however, been 
trained in 253 ways to incapacitate a person without doing them harm." 
He turned his head again, this time looking at the surprised Romulan. 
"I do not want to see the two of you, or any members of your party in 
my sick bay over such menial matters as a fist fight again. If I do, I 
will confine you to your quarters under quarantine for the remainder of 
the trip. I don't want to have to continually patch you up after the 
quarrels."

Letting go of the Klingon, he stumbled to the floor before the nerves 
fully recovered. As he crawled to his feet, the Klingon spat "You are 
without honor!"

Jayngo shrugged. "In your mind, everything I stand for is considered 
dishonorable. I fight to save lives, not take them. So you'll pardon me 
if I don't get insulted by you declaring me without honor."

The Klingon stood and started for the door, his body finally obeying 
his commands. "You will pay for this insult, you and that TlhTb VeQ on 
the boardwalk."

As he stormed out the door and his men followed after him, the Romulan 
stood calmly, said "thank you, doctor," and left sick bay.

With the sick bay finally clear of patients, Jayngo turned back towards 
his office to get to work on the Vedek's medical report.



The comm chirped and Starkin stood in the hallway for a moment, 
pondering. She then set of back to the turbolift to head to the bridge. 
::I want to see that news for myself.::

The Captain entered the bridge. Upon seeing a cocked eyebrow and a 
slightly uneasy look from some of the crew, she put up her hand in 
'comfort' kind of gesture. "I'm fine. Doctor Jayngo gave me a clear 
bill of health." She walked over to Nganga. "So Commander, what's the 
situation? May I see that report from Starfleet?

Commander Nganga rose to his feet when he was the captain, and as she 
came down the blue carpeted walkway, he stepped back and to his right, 
clearly making way for the Captain to get to the command chair. "Lt. 
Jefferson was just bringing us up to speed on a scuffle in the Arcade 
between the Klingons and Romulans. And it's on your console, sir."

Nganga indicated the monitor that flipped up from the armrest.

As the captain went to read the report on the Cardassian Skepti had 
encountered on Mars, she handed a PADD to Nganga, "Here. You should see 
this."

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Memo from Starfleet Command

TO: Captain Uriell Starkin USS Zephram Cochrane, Commander David Nganga 
USS Zephram Cochrane

FROM: Admiral Het'va Uklik 

RE: Rank Assessment Review

Please note that Dr. Lea Brahms has specially requested your chief 
engineer, Lt. Commander Argyle, for her new slipstream engine design 
team. As you know Dr. Brahms carries some weight to her requests. 
Although it is unusual to reassign a chief engineer before the 
commencement of a ship's first assignment, we have agreed to this 
request. Since your current assignment brings you to Earth, we will be 
assigning the Cochrane an engineer currently "visiting" Starfleet 
Command. Lt. Bruno Tiny will be joining you shortly after the arrival 
of diplomats on your current mission. Please not that Mr. Argyle will 
remain aboard in a strictly advisory capacity until Dr. Brahms has 
assembled the remainder of her team. Orders, personnel files, and 
transfers are attached to this transmission. You have assembled a top-
notch team, best of luck!
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dave felt a lump form in his throat. He'd developed a pretty good 
relationship with Biff. And being from an engineering background 
himself, he'd had to 'let go' and let Argyle run Engineering. Like most 
engineers, Dave was inclined to think of the ship as his, but he had to 
let it be Argyle's. Now there was a new Chief Engineer coming in. 

He couldn't begrudge Argyle's reassignment. Being personally chosen to 
be a part of Lea Brahams' team was akin to... Alan Sheppard choosing 
you to be on his crew.

But how would this new engineer be? Would he or she understand that the 
first officer had been one of the design engineers on this ship. Would 
he and Nganga be able to develop a good rapport like he and Argyle had?

"Have you told Biff, yet, Captain?"

There was a SSSHHHHHWWWWOOOT as the turbolift opened. The technology 
was developed centuries ago that would have allowed the doors to open 
silently. Years ago, though, bells would signal when a lift was in 
operation. By not deadening the sound, the doors themselves served the 
same purpose, doubling the operational service.

Nganga was talking through the captain, and only glanced at the new 
arrival. He wore 20th Century Naval Dress Whites with that neat little 
hat and was huge, far taller and broader than the typical humanoid. 
::Must be the doctor.:: Nganga thought, without looking closer.

Bruno walked onto the Bridge and smiled, on a Galaxy it was nice and 
comfortable, he walked over to the command chairs and saw two people, 
one a African man with Commander pips and the other a woman with 
Captain pips.

Norallah turned and her mouth dropped. ::Two of them?::

"Doctor, did you get the ambassador mended?" Nganga said, without 
looking at the new arrival.

Tiny: Mind if I interrupt? *Holding out a large hand* Lt. Commander 
Bruno Tiny, MD, and Engineer extraordinaire, I was ordered here, and 
I'm checking in.

Nganga turned and faced the new arrival, protocol causing him to defer 
replying until after the captain spoke. ::That was fast.:: Nganga 
thought, looking at the PADD he was still holding. :: An engineer and a 
doctor!? There can't be more then a handful of high gravity worlds with 
humanoid populations, and even fewer of them have members in Starfleet. 
What are the odds we'd get two doctors from two of them???:: Sizing (as 
it were) up the newcomer, Nganga realized he was even taller and 
heavier than Jayngo. ::The one person who Jayngo would have to worry 
about stepping on his toes...::

Bruno smiled again, he put his hat on his head and then with that evil 
little grin he replied to the XO's first comment.

Tiny: No, sir, I did not get any ambassador tended, though I did see 
the Doctor working on a Vedek, and I think there were two other 
patients there too, one Klingon and one Romulan, when I stopped by 
there, for a second. *Putting his shaky hands into his dress white 
pockets* Didn't stay long enough to ask about it. By the look of things 
I'd say they were in a fight, though the Vedek might not have been in 
the fight, Bajorans rarely get in between Romulans and Klingons.

"It does help one live longer, or at least in less pain," the Captain 
said, still looking at her console. She stood up and looked at the new 
arrival, her face doing a minor 'take.' It wasn't because of his size - 
that was just how he was. And had he not introduced himself, she might 
have thought him to be another ambassador in some dress uniform. But 
since he was a Starfleet officer, she was expecting to see some kind of 
Starfleet issue uniform. Or else normal casual clothes. But this was 
obviously some sort of uniform (vaguely reminiscent of Starfleet's 
current dress uniforms.) She eyed the hat and then gave him a slightly 
incredulous stare, followed by a slight smirk, for all of about a 
second or two. ::Maybe in their culture, this kind of thing is a 
special occasion and this is what they wear for it.:: This was 
peculiar, but didn't need to be an issue at the moment. The smirk 
quickly transformed into a [seemingly] genuine smile as she extended a 
hand to the large visitor. "I'm Captain Uriell Starkin. This is my 
first officer, Commander David Nganga. Welcome aboard, Commander Tiny." 
They exchanged firm handshakes. "Pardon us if we seem a bit off guard 
by your arrival -- I gave the Commander here the news about you just 
before you walked in, plus I haven't had the official news that long 
myself. So we're still processing it all."

Norallah, who was still turned, following the exchange, caught the 
captain's eye and arched an eyebrow. The captain gave a small nod with 
her eyes and said, "This is Lieutenant Norallah, our chief ops person. 
Lieutenant, Commander Tiny here is going to be our new Chief Engineer."

Tiny: *extending his oversized hand towards Norallah* A pleasure.

"Biff's leaving?" Norallah asked. (And then shook Bruno's hand.)

"Soon, yes," Starkin replied. "He's got a tremendous opportunity, 
working with new slipstream technology. He told me that the possibility 
was there, but he really didn't sure it would.. pan out." (She hoped 
she used the human term correctly.) She looked right at Nganga. "He 
didn't want to say anything until it was official and he knew for 
sure." She pointed to the PADD. "I was going to send him the report 
right after I showed you, Commander. You'd be welcome to give him the 
news yourself if you want." She deliberately took any trace of an edge 
out of her voice, to make sure he knew this really was his preference, 
not an implied request. Nganga knew Argyle better than she did, but she 
wasn't sure if that would make Dave more inclined or less inclined to 
want to pass the news on to him. 

She turned back to Tiny and asked, "So, I assume then by your sick-bay 
report that you've met Doctor Jayngo?"

Bruno sighed, how was it that CO's had the knack for hitting the wrong 
questions.

Tiny: Well...um...no. He looked busy tending the patients, and I really 
didn't want to bother him...as I have a slight aversion to physical 
examinations.

Starkin: Slight aversion?

Tiny: Yes, ma'am. Not enough to where I won't go in there kicking and 
screaming, but enough to tell you I won't go in unless absolutely vital 
to my health, sanity and survival...and regulations. Besides, what can 
I say? I've had my mother as my Doctor ever since I went back to the 
Academy.

Nganga: Your mother?

Tiny: Vice Admiral Susan Belov, Head of Genetic Sciences, Starfleet 
Medical.  She didn't change her name to Tiny when she married dad 
because she was already a full Lieutenant.

Glancing at her PADD, the Captain replied, "Well, considering what you 
double majored in, let alone your familial ties to medicine, your 
reluctance strikes me as a bit odd." She noticed the outfit again, but 
said nothing. "But I suppose it means you know better than most what an 
examination might entail. Nonetheless, I think you'll enjoy meeting the 
doctor."

*His face lighting up a little as he pulled out a PADD* I have a 
request for a pet.* Handing the PADD to Captain Starkin* Which if you 
needed an official reason, could also double as I need to observe him 
as part of a genetic experiment. An animal adapted to fit in a rough 
terrain and live in bad conditions, are there any genetic changes when 
you domesticate them and treat them like a normal house pet? Mom's 
still trying to figure that out, so far, all we really know is that 
they act like well-trained puppies when domesticated.

Starkin: Theta Omicron Saber-toothed Wolf?

Tiny: Yeah, want to see a picture of the one I want to keep? Scroll 
down until you find a round little Wolf pup with three inch fangs, 
isn't he so cute?

Starkin paused for a little bit, a little stunned (but mostly kept it 
off her face.) This was not at all what she was expecting. 
Occasionally, Starfleet personnel have had pets. She smiled slightly - 
she couldn't help but be reminded of when her children begged to be 
allowed to have a narget as a pet. The smile faded. ::But this wolf 
doesn't look nearly as docile as a narget...::

"Commander, I must admit, I'm not familiar with the nature of this 
particular animal; but it hardly looks like the domesticated type. 
Given the number of families and children onboard, I really don't want 
them put in any unnecessary risk. Are you sure it's wise to bring an 
animal like this on board?"

Tiny: It's quite safe, we've been taming them since I was about ten. 
And since this little guy was born in captivity, and already knows the 
basic commands, yes I would say it is safe to bring him aboard. If you 
need a second opinion just ask anyone in the GS Department. I've only 
seen them growl once while domesticated, and that was when Lt. Trent 
tried to deck me, while we were in the area, after I told him he could 
not do experiments on my pets. Ranger stopped approaching Trent after I 
told him to stay, but that's the only time I've seen him act in a 
aggressive manner.

Starkin: "Taking care of this won't interfere with your duties, will 
it?"

Tiny: No, ma'am. They do well on their own despite the fact that in the 
wild they do tend to stay in packs. Despite the fact that we've been 
trying to get them to eat more, they have only progressed as to eat a 
full meal every other day, snacking occasionally in between, they can 
comfortably last a week without food, it won't be a problem.

Starkin: "Do you already have one, or is this something you're planning 
on acquiring in the near future?"

Tiny: I have several to choose from, the one I will be taking is Elroy, 
the one in the picture.

Starkin: "Where is it now?"

Tiny: Where is HE, ma'am. He is in a containing area in the GS 
department at Medical, ma'am. Just been weaned, so he won't be too big. 
You'll have to meet him, he is so sweet. But I warn you, he'll lick. 
*Smiling*

Starkin: I will have to get back to you on this, Commander.

Tiny's mind had begun to wander, he brought his mind back into line and 
blushed.

Tiny: Sorry, I let my mind wander, I'll talk to you later about this, 
ma'am.

With that he walked off in search of the good Doctor, he had a few 
things to get prescribed.

As Tiny was leaving the bridge, Nganga called to him, "Lt. Commander, 
you may also want to consider changing into a regulation Starfleet 
uniform."

Nganga's own training as an engineer had caused him to notice the new 
arrival's size and bulk before he had noticed that he was out of 
uniform. He found himself annoyed with this new arrival. He just hoped 
that first impressions wouldn't be lasting ones.

Ensign Bak had just returned to the Bridge. "Captain, was that Bluto I 
just saw leaving the Bridge?"

Unfortunately for Xiam, no one else on the Bridge had the same in depth 
interest in 20th Century media that he had and his comment went without 
reply.

The Captain did, however, frown, give Ensign Bak a look that was both 
quizzical and disapproving. She may not have understood his comment, 
but he was obviously making some sort of comparison (though it was 
unclear if it was meant positively or negatively.) While she wanted her 
officers to speak freely (to promote a more friendly and comfortable 
atmosphere,) she also knew that sometimes casual comments without 
knowing the circumstances could be out of line and might cause 
disastrous results. If Tiny had been a diplomat with highly developed 
hearing....

"Ensign?" Nganga said.

"I summoned him," Norallah said. "Captain, I request permission to 
accompany Commander Nganga to Engineering."

David smiled. He hadn't actually said he was going to accept the 
Captain's offer, but apparently, Norallah was fairly certain he would.

"Commander?" the Captain asked.

"That would be more than fine with me Captain?" 

"Go ahead." Starkin had already realized that Nganga had already formed 
some close ties with the crew, before she arrived. There was a small 
part of Uriell that was a little jealous. ::You're not here to be their 
friend, you're here to be their captain.:: she reminded herself. She 
then amended, ::Then again, they don't have to be mutually exclusive. 
Just not a top priority.::

The two left the bridge, and Starkin went to her console to read more 
about the incident in the Arcade. She was nearing the end and she 
suppressed a chuckle. ::Well, that was a unique way for it to turn out. 
Such a convenient 'accident' for Chief Salvitor. But effective.:: She 
thought about the Bolian, what a splendid job he'd done. With the 
Boardwalk being one of the Cochrane's best unique traits, having the 
grounds look good was most important.

Her mind then wandered back to Commander Tiny and his request. ::Yes, 
sometimes this is like taking care of children.:: Fortunately, 
Starfleet officers are usually be more responsible than children. And 
this wolf sounded pretty self-sufficient, if Bruno occasionally got too 
busy. So as long as he took responsibility for it, it's safety, and the 
safety of others, she didn't see a problem with it. Unless of course, 
it likes to dig...

She thought again of the immaculate grounds. ::Maybe I should talk to 
Mr. Salvitor...::



Doctor Jayngo sat at his desk, pouring over three different reports, 
bouncing between the scan of Vedek Tow taken minutes before through the 
biobed, the bioscans from the transporters, and a report on Cavora.  
After reviewing all of the materials, he was prepared to record the 
report the Captain had asked for. 

"Computer.  Begin Chief Medical Officer log.  Re: Vedek Tow's medical 
examination." 

"Upon Vedek Tow's arrival on the U.S.S. Cochrane, transporters picked 
up a strain of Cavora Virus in his system; a virus introduced by the 
Cardassians into the Bajoran ecosystem during the occupation.  Due to 
an encounter with a former Obsidian Order Cardassian on Utopia 
Planitia, Captain Starkin requested me to investigate the infestation 
further to ensure it was not an attempt at biological warfare against 
this ship." 

"According to Starfleet Medical records, Cavora Virus has an incubation 
period of 78 hours unless treated, at which point the infected person 
breaks out into severe hives which turn into open sores within six 
hours.  The victims throat swells shut minutes afterward.  If the 
victim is capable of surviving for the next two hours, the heart swells 
until constriction against the ribs causes the heart to stop.  In 92% 
of cases, the disease is fatal.  In the few cases in which the disease 
goes into remission, the subject is capable of living a normal life 
without any further side effects." 

"Judging by the bioscans taken from the transporter files, as well as 
those taken during the Vedek's second emergency treatment, he had been 
exposed to the virus during the occupation.  Scar tissue on his body 
from the sores correspond with the time frame proposed, as well as 
scars formed from various other physical traumas he endured during the 
same time span.  Due to his treatment in the transporter room, however, 
all dormant Cavora cells have been eliminated from his system.  The 
exposure to the Cavora Virus was not recent, and obviously not an 
attack on this ship or its mission." 

"In conclusion, I would like to recommend to Starfleet Medical that a 
shipment of Cavora antivirus be sent as a humanitarian offering to 
Bajor.  As the medicine is easily reproduced, it only makes sense that 
we make it available for survivors like Vedek Tow to avoid any further 
outbreaks in the future." 

"Computer, end report.  Transmit a copy to Captain Starkin for review 
at her convenience." 

Pleased with his work being finished, Jayngo leaned back slightly and 
debated checking in with Tarses and Kuehl to see if they needed any 
additional help in issuing the inoculations.  At that point, however, 
the doors to sick bay once again opened as a large man cautiously 
stepped through the doors.  Even seeing him from this distance, Jayngo 
could tell that the man was even larger than he was.  :: So, :: Jayngo 
thought, :: that's what it feels like. :: 

Standing, Jayngo walked out of his office to meet the new face. 

"Can I help you?"

Tiny: *Only looking down slightly* Um... yes, I believe you can. 
*Reaching a PADD out* I need this prescription filled, and would be 
much happier if we could skip the physical.

Doctor Jayngo takes the PADD from the large man, smiling all the while. 
Looking at it.

Jayngo: New engineer, huh. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lt. Commander.

As Jayngo further examines the information, he slowly starts moving 
towards the biobed area, waving for Tiny to follow.

Tiny: *his mind being leashed back in* You know, this really isn't 
necessary, Doctor.

He ran his hand through his hair, but forgot about his hat, it fell to 
the floor and he hurriedly picked it up, blushing a deep red.

Jayngo: This is a very interesting set of chemical needs you have, 
sir. By the looks of the dosage, you must have been taking them for 
some time. I also see that you have been in regular contact with 
Starfleet Medical directly.

Tiny: I've been taking it since I was five, when my mom realized the 
problem. And yes I have, kinda hard not to when your mother is head of 
the Genetic Sciences Department.

Jayngo: Handy, that. As far as necessity goes, you know, by your 
credentials, that a physical profile needs to be developed upon arrival 
of all Starfleet personnel, especially those who need such strong 
chemicals in their system. But, all things considered, if you will 
allow me to take a few simple scans with a medical tricorder to verify 
the information in your file, I believe that I can make due with that.

Tiny: *Grumbling and sitting down* Why can't I ever completely skip the 
exams. Just because I have certain genetic problems caused by 
Cardassian manipulation.

The only response Jayngo gives to the last comment is a raise of one 
eyebrow. After first tapping in a few commands into the nearest 
computer terminal at a surprisingly-fast speed, the doctor picks up a 
medical tricorder.

Jayngo: To be honest, Lt. Commander, it isn't about the medical 
situation, but about protocols. This will only take a minute. Please 
sit still while I take these readings.

Bruno was all about fidgeting during tests, something not even his mom 
could cure.

Tiny: And why are they protocol's there? I ask you. I wouldn't even be 
here if it weren't for those stupid protocols, I'd be in my quarters 
unpacking. But no, once authorization is changed your old Doctor can't 
prescribe something that powerful, you have to go to the new CMO and 
get his prescription, even if he doesn't know everything about it. Now, 
Cmdr. Foster knows the whole story.* Handing Jayngo another PADD* And 
here is authorization from Medical.

Jayngo smiles once more, hoping to sooth the patient in front of him. 
Taking the PADD, he sets it down beside him on the tray.

Jayngo: Not everyone is as used to being seen by a doctor as you. 
Therefore, protocols are needed to ensure that they do not endanger 
themselves or their crewmen with their poor health habits. Therefore, 
rules have been put into place for all to obey. Even Admirals have to 
be examined when relocating.

Tiny: Ah yes, but everyone knows that Admiral's work too hard and don't 
take care. One with a Medical degree, now that is an equine of a 
dissimilar pigmentation, and if we have a former family Doctor giving 
the prescription what is all the fuss?

After running the tricorder slowly from head to toe, the doctor pulled 
the scanner away. and set it down on the tray.

Jayngo: There we go. See, absolutely painless. *His fingers once 
again ran over the controls, discontinuing the scan.* Give me another 
minute, and I'll have a hypospray prepared for you. I will provide you 
with dosages two weeks at a time, and all you have you do is give me a 
call when you need a refill. Just make sure that you remember to take 
it every day. You know what happens if you don't.

Tiny: All too well. Oh, can we get that in a pill form, it works better 
that way. I know, after three years on the hypo continually adding to 
the dosage mom realized it goes better in pill. Takes longer to 
dissolve so I get it equaled out.

Jayngo: Certainly. *He moves over to the replicator, typing commands 
into the console.* Now, on to your field. I have a question about the 
engineering aspect of the sick bay.

Tiny: And what would that be?

Jayngo: With the dissolution of the EMH program, I'm not sure if holo-
emitters were installed in the sick bay. Could you find out if there 
are any, and if not put in an order to install some?

Tiny: I'm fairly certain there are, but I will check to make sure. 
*Getting off the biobed* And now, I make a run for the door and stay 
out of here for hopefully two weeks. *Grabbing his pills* Thank you, 
Doctor, I will contact you later about the emitters.

Jayngo: I would appreciate that. *Jayngo notices the shake in Tiny's 
hands as he reaches past to remove the pills from the replicator.* 
Make sure you take one of those immediately. Take care of yourself, 
Chief.

Tiny: I always do, Lt. I always do. *Heading for the door*

Bruno got out of sickbay and sighed, one of the few things that 
differed between him and Paul was that Paul won't tell every little 
thought he has while being examined. With that last, slightly annoyed 
thought, Bruno headed for some lunch to take his pill with.



Captain Starkin felt a surge of pride as she walked along the Boardwalk 
grounds. Sure, she wasn't directly responsible for the park's 
remarkable display - that credit belonged to her upcoming appointment. 
But this was on the ship under _her_ command, and no other Starship 
could boast such a place. And protecting it (along with the rest of the 
ship) was her responsibility.

"It still needs some work, but I think it's coming along alright."

If she was at all startled, she kept it from showing as the Captain 
turned to face the Bolian.

"I'm thinking of adding some Carthanias over by the Juva ferns, to give 
them more color."

"It's amazing what you've done, Chief."

"I'm glad you're pleased, Captain. You wanted to see me?"

"Yes. First I wanted to talk to you about the incident with the 
Romulans and the Klingons."

"Oh yes, I'm terribly sorry about that, Captain. Please give my sincere 
apologies to the commanders. I'm just glad there's not much honor in 
revenge against clumsy gardeners."

"I wouldn't worry too much, Chief. I thought you handled the situation 
very well. One might think you had experience in security."

"Captain, please.. I'm really just a simple gardener whose clumsiness 
cost him an Eronian Sproza. Those plants aren't easy to come by."

"Well, then I guess we were just fortunate for your.. clumsiness." The 
Captain was a little surprised at how disarming the groundskeeper was. 
They started walking and Starkin added, "It is appreciated."

"You're welcome. Was there something else?"

"Yes. We're getting a new engineer, who has made a peculiar request."

"Oh?"

"He wants a pet."

"There's nothing especially peculiar about a Starfleet officer wanting 
a pet."

"Well, this one is a Theta Omicron Saber-toothed Wolf." She handed him 
a PADD with the animal's information.

"Hmmm... I'm not familiar with that one."

"They're not usually domesticated. And I don't know how good it would 
be for it, to be cooped up in a Starship's quarters all the time. So I 
was thinking about the Boardwalk, but I don't want it tearing up 
anything you've done here."

"Oh it's no problem. I'll research it and write a new program."

"Excuse me?"

"A new program for the pet park." The Captain still had a look of 
confusion on her face. Salvitor explained, "Come over here."  They 
walked over to a wooden fence. "This is the pet park. With all the 
families on board, I figured some were bound to come with pets. So I 
made this area specifically for them, so they won't mess up or tear up 
the rest of the park."

"Yes, I noticed the fence.. but isn't it just part of the park?" 
Starkin opened up the wooden gates, looking in.

His blue cheeks widened into a grin. "It's supposed to look that way, 
yes. But this one section opens up into one of the holodecks. I've 
designed each holodeck program to blend in perfectly with rest of the 
park, to not disturb the ambience." Marlo started adjusting the 
controls of a nearby, remarkably inconspicuous computer terminal. The 
surroundings started to change, from woodsy areas to plains to rocky 
terrain, to a pond. Yet as he said, each setting seemed to fit the park 
exactly. "Different animals have different needs - some may need to 
explore.  Some may need to hunt.  Some may need to scrape off their 
scales.  Or some may just need to do their business."  The Captain 
nodded, understandingly. "Doing it this way can also help with the 
clean-up, converting it back into usable matter... Although I'm 
thinking of disabling that.  Folks need to learn to clean up after 
their pets, you know."  He set it back to its original configuration.  
"In any case, they can all get what they need, without having to 
interfere with each other.  We wouldn't want H'Gak's targ to eat some 
Earther's kitten, would we?"

"No, we wouldn't. This is wonderful, Chief."

"Please, call me 'Moss'. Everyone else does."

"Well... Moss... I think you've done an excellent job.  One might think 
you had experience as an engineer as well."  He gave her a mock scowl, 
and she smiled. "So a program for this wolf won't be a problem?"

The two started walking back towards where they met. "It shouldn't be. 
Just have this engineer check with me when the pet's on board, so he 
can sign up and make sure the program is ready."  Moss paused.  "I 
would be very upset if I catch anyone's pet disturbing my flowers."

"I'll make sure he gets the message. Thank you, Chief."

"Oh Captain, before you go..."

"Yes?"

"I have something for you." Salvitor hurried to where they met and 
picked up a potted bouquet of flowers that had blue leaves with white 
streaks.  "They're Chameregalias.  An interesting plant.  Unlike many 
flowers, which rebloom according to their cycles, this plant stays in 
perpetual bloom, all year long.  But it changes mode - its color and 
function - depending on the climate and season.  If it's hot, its 
leaves get more cactus-like, and the petals turn red.  If it's in cold, 
the leaves are more mossy, and the flowers shift to white, while 
internal chemical reactions of its food-stores keep it warm enough to 
survive."  He handed the Captain the flower.  "Many people mistake its 
different modes for different types of plants.  But it's really the 
same flower, no matter how it looks."  He added, "It makes a nice 
gift.  Instructions are there.  There's code for the computer to do it, 
but I recommend the personal touch if you really want it to thrive."

"Oh.. Moss.. this is... really beautiful, but.. I don't know how 
appropriate..."

"Actually, Captain, I was thinking more along the lines that it might 
be good if you knew someone to give it to yourself."

Understanding crossed Uriell's face.  ::Oh. OH. Is it time already? It 
is...:: "Alright. Chief... I need to go."

"Not a problem.  I'll start researching on this Theta Omicron Wolf 
thing right away."

"It's not too critical at the moment, but that would be good.  Oh, and 
Moss?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

"My pleasure, Captain."

With that, the Captain carried her plant and headed towards the 
turbolift.



Klaus walked down the corridor and pushed the open button to his cabin. 
Only the light spilling into the cabin from the corridor lit his way 
into his living room. As the doors hissed shut, he was immersed in 
almost total darkness and quiet. He reached under his tunic and pulled 
out a chain with a medallion highly polished from years of wear. His 
thumb and index finger began to rub it once again. As was his 
tradition, and as a first step towards calm concentration, he reflected 
back to when his mother gave it to him.

Klaus had just finished boot. He was home on leave and had just learned 
of his appointment to Star Fleet Special Forces School. Mom and Dad 
greeted him warmly and, as always, fed him until his stomach hurt. His 
mother surprised him with a gift. Upon opening the box, he discovered a 
medallion of St. Michael. His mother explained to him that St. Michael 
was the patron saint of a type of soldier known as a paratrooper - a 
subset of special forces in the 20th and 21st century. She said that it 
was given to her by her father and that she wanted him to have it for 
protection. Klaus had never felt so close to his mother....until 8 
years later.... Saints are often patrons of many things. St. Michael is 
no exception. In his grandfathers case, St. Michael's duties were as 
patron of mariners. With Klaus, St. Michael serves as patron of 
paratroopers and police. It is only ironic that St. Michael is also the 
patron of sickness.....knowing the battle his mother began a few years 
after giving the medallion to him.

With those thoughts pushed aside, the security chief began to think 
about the days events. Normally not a man to swear, he thought to 
himself, what a clusterfuck! His security team had shown very little 
ability to prevent anything. He knew that he was being too hard on 
himself but, damn it, security life is about preventing fires and 
extinguishing them. He had done too much extinguishing today. Luckily, 
he was Chief of security and could remedy that situation.

He grasped a PADD and started jotting down notes.

1. All ambassadors and dignitaries will have STARFLEET security escorts 
   while on board
2. All ambassadors and dignitaries will be moved to the VIP section on 
   deck 10
3. Security personnel will be stationed on the above mentioned deck at 
   all times
4. All security personnel on the VIP deck will restrict access and 
   conduct weapons inspections
5. Access to the VIP deck will be restricted to security, essential 
   personnel and the command staff only
6. Tactical scenarios will be created and drilled concerning the 
   following possibilities
	a. Hostage situation
	b. Environmental hazard (e.g. biological, chemical, etc) - 
           note: coordinate with medical
	c. Bomb threat/discovery
	d. Wildcard (e.g. Obsidian Order) - discuss further 
           possibilities with Ensign Corbin and Starfleet intelligence
7. Discuss level of computer security protocols with Lieutenant Sulu

Well, he thought, at least that's a start. Now to remedy to 
implementation.....

"Klaus to all security personnel. All staff are ordered to report to 
the security conference room at 0600."

After receiving acknowledgements, Klaus lay in bed holding his 
medallion and promptly fell asleep.



Bruno sat at a table, alone, with a large steak, baked potato, green 
beans, corn and lots of good stuff. While eating he reviewed a PADD 
about the Cochrane's Engineering design, coming to the end he noticed 
that Nganga had been mentioned as an Engineer who designed the ship. 
Bruno smiled, he had to give the man credit, he did a fine good job, 
and didn't look jealous about having a new Engineer. Bruno played with 
his food a little before getting back to eating, he wondered why the XO 
had gotten annoyed at his costume/uniform, Bruno still wasn't 
officially on duty. Bruno pondered this as he ate.



SURVIVOR: PART 2

Time passes… It is now the early AM ship time.

<<10 Forward>>

Power problems have continued throughout the day. This had not kept the 
crew and dignitaries from using the facility. In fact, the Bajoran 
Vedek and Cardassian ambassador meet for several hours, before the 
Cardassian excused herself. Afterwards the Vedek and LBH, had a 
discussion on spirituality and Holograms beliefs in the afterlife, etc… 

Around 3 AM, 10 forward experienced a complete power failure causing 
the LBH to become inactive for almost 15 minutes.



Commander David Nganga lay restlessly in his bed. He had at least 
gotten a few hours of sleep though. With the news of Biff's new 
assignment and the arrival of his replacement had managed to make the 
arrival of Saul and M'tilda Nganga aboard anticlimactic. His parents 
were off in their own quarters now. 

He had been dreaming while he was asleep, and the memories of those 
dreams were mercifully already passing. And due to having watched those 
twentieth century "cartoons" of Xiam's, he found himself hungry for 
spinach. He looked across the room at the food replicator that came 
standard in each set of quarters on larger ships. Presumably it had a 
spinach recipe. 

He rolled over, and started wondering where he had left his pajamas 
that morning, ::I really ought to pull something on.::

There was a very faint amount of light coming in through the view port. 
He could see a female figure putting on a Starfleet uniform. "Do you 
have to go?" he asked.

"I need to get some real sleep before I go on duty, and if you've woken 
up too, that isn't going to happen if I stay here."

David chuckled. "Okay. Good night."

"Good night. I had a wonderful time."

She turned and walked to the door. The door automatically slid open. 
David sensed there was something wrong. There was more hall traffic 
then one would expect when it was after 0300. After the door closed 
again, and he was alone, he started wondering if maybe it wasn't his 
pajamas he needed to pull on.



Jayngo rolled over in bed, feeling fully refreshed after a full nights 
rest; at least as much of a full night as he needed.  Still working on 
which side of the standard night shift he preferred, the doctor had 
retired to bed around 22:00 standard ship time.  He rolled over to see 
the clock and noted that he had actually slept in a little; it was now 
a bit after 02:45 hours.  Knowing that his shift wouldn't officially 
start until 08:00, Jayngo decided to pursue his search for 
entertainment once more. 

When he had first sat down to talk with Ensign Bak, the ops officer 
highly recommended twentieth century television as a way to pass the 
time.  Unfortunately, the "cartoons" were not particularly to his 
liking, especially those that tried to derive enjoyment out of animals 
defying gravometric laws.  Jayngo still had other television options, 
however, and other mediums to experiment with, not to mention other 
races.  "Computer, what forms of entertainment were available during 
twentieth century Earth?" 

=^= Television, radio signals, novels, magazines of various forms, 
video games, athletics of various forms, bowling ... =^= 

"Halt list.  Computer, tell me more about these radio signals." 

=^= Radio waves began being used to deploy information and 
entertainment during the late 30's, and became a popular medium during 
the Earth's World War II.  In the 1950s, television made its debut, 
replacing it as the primary source of entertainment, though radio 
maintained fulfilling the requirements to a more limited audience. =^= 

"Sounds interesting.  Give me a random sample, say from the latter part 
of the century.  Begin."  Jayngo swung his legs over the edge of the 
bed and started moving towards the bathing facilities. 

=^= We love you Howard, but not as much as we love loving each other! 
=^= =^= Well now, girls, don't let me slow you down. =^= 

Jayngo stopped at the doorway and glared in the general vicinity of the 
speakers.  "Computer, pause playback.  What was that?" 

=^= A popular radio program from the late twentieth century. =^= 

"Well, lets try something a little bit older then.  Try from the 1940s 
instead." 

=^= Acknowledged. =^=  Jayngo stepped into the bathroom to the sound of 
=^= Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts and minds of men? =^= 



<<Engineering>>

Problems in 10 forward have been persisting all day, and engineering 
has had difficulties isolating the problem because all of the equipment 
is in fully functional condition. Each diagnostic run and all tricorder 
scans show no abnormalities. It has taken many hours to track the 
problem to software. Someone has used a standard civilian interface to 
create a looping diagnostic program. Since running a low level 
diagnostic does not require security clearance, no alarms were set off. 
The programs would take equipment offline for a diagnostic and then get 
set in a repeating loop.

When an engineer would run a high level diagnostic, the looping program 
would be interrupted and the equipment would function normal until the 
next loop was reached. At 3:01 AM, all 10-forward systems 
simultaneously went into a looping diagnostic routine, effectively 
disabling the entire section. The program is quite easily deleted. 




Bruno jogged over a console, he hadn't been able to sleep and was 
reading 2 Samuel when Engineering called to tell him there was a 
problem, so he raced over, to find the problem solved by Mr. Argyle. 
But with the problem came the side-affects of the looping system, it 
was reeking havoc on the internal sensors.

Tiny: Williams, run a level 2 diagnostic and find the problem, if it 
doesn't work, we'll have to try it again.

Bruno could feel a dull throb in his head start. He focused his 
attention on what he was doing and continued to work.



<<Arcade, Boardwalk>>

A groggy Mr. Falan is awakened by the Arcade night shift for a so-
called emergency. Sleepily, he arrives at the stage set up for 
speeches. He sees one of his men in gray and green holding a torch 
(i.e. flashlight) looking under the stage platform. A second crewman, 
the one who awoke Mr. Falan was solemn, "You better have a look."

As Mr. Falan approached the stage he could see the problem, a pair of 
legs under the platform was light by torchlight. He bent down and could 
see the attached body, still and lifeless, hidden in shadows. He tapped 
his comm badge, "Mr. Skepti you better come to the stage we have a big 
problem. Come quick, we've found a body." 



Calvin Skepti, a scarred, battered veteran of too many fights and too 
many stories, sleeps fitfully in his quarters. His right hand and 
forearm gleam dully, like black onyx, in the few lights apparent in the 
narrow confines. On the single desk, a PADD containing his report of 
the discussion between he and the Federation Ambassador at 10-Forward 
some time earlier. Apparently, the man has a history of keeping record 
of his goings on. One never knew when information could be used for, 
or, against you. Skepti was a long-time veteran of that sort of 
conflict as well. Dreams and nightmares, not so very different from 
each other. In some ways, the relationship of pleasure and pain might 
be used as an accurate allegory. Upon the bunk, Skepti's ubiquitous 
grimace signifies which area of the spectrum his sleeping consciousness 
might lie. Split second images of confinement among the Cardassians 
flits across his mind's-eye. One of the more unpleasant terms of his 
life. Fortunately, Calvin Skepti's dreams, or nightmares, of the night 
shall be shorter lived than expected.

<..Mr. Skepti you better come to the stage we have a big problem...>

Already on the verge of wakefulness, Calvin bolts upright. His right 
palm thunks loudly against the edge of his cot. The sound echoing about 
his cabin and momentarily stealing his attention as he swings his feet 
to the floor. The surreality between the waking world and the sleeping 
ebbing at his focus. 

::Concentrate Skepti. This sounds important.::

<..Come quick, we've found a body...>

"On the way, Mr. Falan." Skepti pauses only to throw on his jacket and 
heads out the door. Only the twisted metal along the edge of his bunk 
in the shape of finger and thumb depressions belying his agitated 
state. 



<<Security>>

The night watch can be tedious and boring. But when your communicator 
chirps and you hear, "Mr. Falan to security. Please send a team to the 
boardwalk immediately, we're at the stage platform and we've found a 
body," it is not time for excitement. Although it his quite natural to 
feel and adrenaline surge.



Klaus was actually sleeping soundly tonight. Perhaps because he had 
finally been proactive about things. Was he in for a big surprise....

"Security to Lieutenant Klaus."

Klaus grumbled as he glanced at the time. 3am!!! What was going on? 
Klaus reached for his communicator on the nightstand. "Klaus here."

"Sir, sorry to bother you but we have a situation on the boardwalk. A 
body was just discovered by Mr. Falan. He reports that it is of Vedek 
Tow."

Blast it! Only hours before he planned to implement security measures 
that would prevent this. Coincidence, probably, but with everything 
going on he wasn't so confident. "I'll be right there. Send Kais, Rien 
and a security team to secure the crime scene. Notify the captain and 
pull all sensor logs of the area and the Vedek's quarters for the past 
8 hours. Also pull Mr. Skepti's surveillance logs for the past 8 hours. 
Notify the forensics team and have them meet me down there. I also want 
to know the current location of all ambassadors and dignitaries. Any 
other disturbances reported?"

"No, sir. According to sensors, all dignitaries with the exception of 
Vedek Tow are located in their quarters."

"Have a security team visually confirm that computer report. Carry on."

"Aye, sir."

"Klaus to Doctor Jayngo."

"Jayngo here. I am assuming you are also on your way to the boardwalk?"

"That's affirm. Let's just say that I'm glad you have a security 
background."

"Ahh. Worried I'll disturb your crime scene? Don't. I plan on running a 
scan to determine if anything can be done. If not, then the show is 
yours."

"Thanks, doc. Klaus out."

Klaus stood, arched his back and felt the joints articulate. He quickly 
got dressed and left his cabin. One more item of business before he 
arrived on the scene. "Computer, limit all access in or out of the 
boardwalk except for security personnel and command staff. 
Authorization Klaus omicron 2 beta 3."

With that, Klaus entered the turbolift and proceeded down to the 
boardwalk.



<<SickBay>>

The comm chirped, "Mr. Falan to Sickbay, Please send a med-team to the 
boardwalk immediately, we're at the stage platform and we've found a 
body.



Fifteen minutes later, Jayngo was exiting the bathroom dressed in his 
uniform and ready to begin his day.  The show he had been listening to 
had been enjoyable; a murder mystery with a protagonist with powers 
beyond those of normal men.  The show was getting ready to reveal the 
identity of the killer when the communicator chirped. 

=^= Sickbay to Doctor Jayngo. =^= 

"Go ahead, Sule." 

=^= There seems to have been a problem up on the boardwalk.  Mr. Falan 
has asked for a medical team.  He believes that Vedek Tow is dead, sir. 
=^= 

Jayngo stopped where he was and leaned against the wall.  :: How could 
this have happened? ::  The shock and dismay was forced back down into 
Jayngo's subconscious, realizing that no matter how hard he will try, 
some people would die.  :: But why did if have to be this soon? ::  
"I'm on my way, Sule.  Call and wake up Kuehl.  Tell him to swing by a 
transporter room and pick up at least four portable transport emitters, 
just in case, and meet me on the boardwalk.  I want you to ready a 
level three containment area around one of the biobeds.  We may need to 
be prepared to do an autopsy, and I want a sterile environment." 

=^= Affirmative.  Sick Bay out. =^= 

"Computer, pause auto playback and store into memory.  I'll want to 
hear the rest of it, but it sounds as though I have a mystery of my own 
to figure out." 

Jayngo grabbed his tricorder and stepped through the door.  His 
communicator sounded again as he did so.  =^= Klaus to Doctor Jayngo. 
=^= 

"Jayngo here.  I am assuming you are also on your way to the 
boardwalk?" 

=^= That's affirm.  Let's just say that I'm glad you have a security 
background. =^= 

"Ahh.  Worried I'll disturb your crime scene?  Don't.  I plan on 
running a scan to determine if anything can be done.  If not, then you 
get next look.  As soon as you are done with your preliminaries, I'll 
have the body transported so I can begin the autopsy." 

=^= Thanks, doc.  Klaus out. =^= 

As Jayngo headed down the hall, he swore that he would do whatever was 
needed to find out what happened.  



David grabbed his replicated silk robe and put it on. The door to his 
quarters had shut again, but reopened when he stepped to it.

Heading into the hallway, he stopped a crewwoman wearing blue who was 
hurrying towards the turbolift. "What's going on?"

"Commander. Someone's died ... been killed." she replied. "One of the 
dignitaries. The Bajoran, Vedek Tao or Dow or somesuch. In the civilian 
arcade."

"Vedek Tow." Nganga corrected. "Dammit! Thanks. Go."

As the crewwoman hurried off, David returned to his quarters. He 
started talking to himself as he removed his robe and then pulled on 
his uniform. "Well, THIS is going to be a short mission. 'Have a large 
civilian section. Bring dignitaries and ambassadors aboard.'"

He chose the 'command vest' variant over the 'jacket' variant and 
pulled on his vest. Making sure his comm badge was in place, Nganga 
headed out and started for the arcade.



<<Bridge>>

The ship had its all its crew and visiting dignitaries aboard. All was 
well except for some damn nuisance of a power problem in 10- forward. 
The Cochrane was well underway toward its first destination. Lt. 
Commander McGintly noticed that the bridge had new carpet smell. He 
knew that the carpet had been replicated, so he did not understand why 
the programmers had included the "new" smell. 

McGintly watched the bridge crewmen as they preformed their various 
functions with typical Starfleet efficiency. He was proud to be chosen 
as part of the Cochrane's historic crew. Although this mission was 
purely diplomatic, he looked forward to showing of this vessel. A 
Galaxy class cruiser was impressive, indeed. Typically, the main viewer 
shows a visual starscape, but at the moment the Commander was looking 
at a Navigation view. It showed the ships course, it's ETA, and other 
vessels and places of interest along the current course. 

They would reach their destination just before 0600 hours, and he would 
place the ship in a standard orbit. Within long rangers sensors the 
viewer indicated an Oberth class science vessel, an Akira, two 
runabouts, several civilian transports, and a Klingon d-10 cruiser. All 
on their registered flight paths. Business as usual until the comm 
chirped. 

=^= "Security to Bridge." =^=

The commander tapped his comm. and responded, "This is McGintly, Go."

=^= "Sir, you should come to the Boardwalk, their night crew discovered 
a body. Medical has identified the remains as Vedek Tow." =^=

"I'm on my way, out" McGintly looked at the blue skinned Andorian named 
Indigor, and couldn't believe what he was about to say, "You have the 
bridge." The commander stood up and walked toward the turbolift. Before 
entering, looked back at the Andorian and added, "Don't break my ship, 
ok?"

He entered the turbolift, when the doors shut he sighed heavily. "Deck 
10." He tapped his communicator, "McGintly, to Captain Starkin…."



Uriell Starkin slept peacefully, with one arm draped over Danielle, 
Uriell's wife. They had been apart for quite some time. They both had 
careers to keep them busy, but it didn't stop them from missing each 
other terribly, so it was good to be together again.

The past evening went well. The rendez-vous with Danielle at the 
transporter pad was without incident (although on an almost side note, 
it was nice to meet Commander Nganga's parents there as well.) Danielle 
really liked the Chameregalias Uriell brought her, and thought it was 
especially thoughtful and romantic to bring them to her right there. 
Uriell showed Danielle some parts of the ship, swinging by the 
Boardwalk. The Captain introduced Danielle to 'Moss', telling her that 
he was responsible for the plant. Starkin was just about to fess up to 
it being his idea when he intercepted and deflected in his disarming 
way, not giving Danielle's spouse a chance. Uriell then promised to 
give a more detailed tour the next day.

They spent several hours catching up, talking about important things, 
talking about not-so important things, and doing some no talking at 
all. But having Danielle there gave Uriell a sense of completeness to a 
gap that while often ignored, was never really forgotten. 

=^= McGintly, to Captain Starkin…. =^=

It took Uriell a moment to process the call. Was it an anxiety dream? 
Did she really hear that? She groggily turned her head. "..huhhh..." 

=^= Captain, are you there? =^=

Yes, she really did hear that. Calls at 3am are almost never good, and 
have a tendency to cause a sense of panic. The surge woke her up 
instantly, causing her to sit up. She took a breath to calm down. 
::This had better be important.::

"I'm here, Commander," she said in a low but authoritative voice. "What 
is it?" ::He's a Starfleet officer. He wouldn't call if it weren't 
important.::

=^= Captain, you'd better come down to the Boardwalk. We have a 
situation. =^=

"What happened?"

=^= It's pretty bad, sir. You'd best come right away.=^=

There was an annoying tendency in Starfleet culture for officers to 
sometimes not answer direct questions directly. Maybe it was because 
they don't know who else is listening. Maybe it was because they often 
feel that words cannot adequately describe the situation. Or maybe they 
like being cryptic and overly dramatic. But given Starkin's current 
sense of just waking up and quelling the reflexive panic that problems 
of the unknown at 3am can cause, Captain Starkin wasn't in the mood for 
it. "I asked you a question, Ned: WHAT HAPPENED."

=^=Vedek Tow's body was found on the Boardwalk. He's dead, sir.=^=

It was as this point that Ned McGintly was first introduced to the 
muttered sounds of Garman vulgarities, until Danielle hand reached 
behind and mildly slapped Starkin's knee.

"All right, Commander. Thank you. I'll be right there."

With one more under the breath Garman curse, Uriell got up to change 
into her uniform. "Well, I was going to be getting up in a couple of 
hours, anyway..."

Danielle rolled over. "Your own wake up call. How nice of them, 
'Captain.'" She dug her head into the pillow and opened them to look at 
her spouse. "We won't have to deal with this kind of room service every 
day, will we Uri?"

After rinsing her mouth out, Uriell splashed some water on her face and 
dried it with a towel. She then was running a brush quickly through her 
hair as she bent down and kissed Danielle on the cheek. "I certainly 
hope not." She grabbed her comm badge and affixed it. She gave a quick 
check in the mirror then turned back to Danni. "I've got to go to work, 
Hon."

"I know. Come back when you can."

"I will." Uriell lingered. "I'm glad you're here. I love you."

A quick kiss later, "Love you too."

With that she turned towards the door, and Captain Starkin left to face 
this ship's first major crisis.



Skepti's mood hadn't changed as he strode from the turbolift and across 
the Promenade gallery. As he stood silently on the turbolift he'd 
realized he'd forgotten to pull on his glove while his cybernetic 
prosthetic hung limply at his side, gleaming dully. A horrid, lurking 
growth disseminating the light in its alien depths of curves and 
swirls. 

::Perhaps, I should have taken the Atlarian's advice and have the thing 
removed along with his scars and fix his missing eye. No, these are all 
trophies and reminders of a past life. The measure of a man's self-
worth is what he's learned.:: He lifted the thing and eyed it closely, 
still not completely certain how it worked or what it was capable of. 
The lift stopped and the doors whooshed open and Skepti moved out and 
across the Boardwalk towards Ten-Forward.

Mr. Falan noticed him just as he entered and Calvin watched as his gray 
eyes flitted towards the arm and widened slightly. Skepti took in a 
deep breath, ::It doesn't matter. Keep to the task at hand.::

"Mr. Falan, you've something to show me?"



"Slow down, son." said Saul Nganga standing in the hallway and wearing 
a turquoise coloured nightshirt.. 

"I can't talk right now, Dad." David said walking purposefully past his 
father.

"The hell you can't, boy." The older Nganga turned and trotted briefly 
to catch up and then matched pace with the first officer.

"What are you doing up and wandering around?" David asked.

"Your mother and I have been ... initiating ... our new home, but she 
wanted some sleep so I decided to take a walk. And I saw a bunch of 
people come by." He added, "Including my son."

David rolled his eyes. His parents were in their upper sixties. He 
didn't like thinking about them doing ...

"You know, Dave, you seem awfully alert for it being oh-three- thirty." 
The older man grinned a knowing grin.

The commander winked at his dad. "Wild oats, Dad." Then his expression 
sombered. "But seriously, something's come up and I have work to do."

"I understand, Son." Saul stopped and watched his boy enter the 
turbolift.

"Deck Ten." David said.

::Deck Ten. The boardwalk? I wonder what happened?:: Saul thought as he 
headed back to his room.



Moving through the halls at a full tilt, Jayngo's mind raced between 
the situation on the boardwalk and the safety of any crewmen who may 
step out in front of him.  Fortunately, the halls were fairly clear 
between his quarters and the turbolift.  He would have taken the 
auxiliary stairs except he didn't want to set off any security measures 
that had been set in place on the boardwalk.  Therefore, he waited 
impatiently for the turbolift to carry him the rest of the way. 

As the lift doors opened, he was confronted by two security guards 
checking ID.  A flash of fear entered their eyes when they realized 
that Jayngo could have just plowed over them, but faded quickly with a 
smile from the medical officer.  He complied for the check, then made 
his way to the platform.  A security team had surrounded the area and 
was in the process of taping off the crime scene.  Failing to see 
Klaus, he knew that he had beaten the Security Chief to the scene.  
McGintly stood to one side supervising.  He noted that Skepti was in 
the process of speaking with his assistant.  Stepping over the nearest 
section of tape, he walked over to the officer in charge. 

"You must be Doctor Jayngo.  My name is Ensign Corbin.  Lt. Klaus is on 
his way." 

"I know," Jayngo responded.  "He called me.  Who are your forensics 
officers?"  The Ensign pointed him in the direction of the three 
officers hovering around the body.  "Thank you." 

Moving over to the three officers, his shadow cast over them from the 
lighting, drawing all three away from their work.  "Good morning, 
gentlemen.  I am Doctor Jayngo.  What have you found?" 

The middle officer was the first to speak.  "DNA scans show a great 
deal of traffic in the area, leading to an inconclusive determination 
as to how or who brought the body to this position.  We have been 
taking samples and will have to take them to the science labs to date.  
We have also taken holoscans of the entire area for reproduction of the 
crime scene if needed." 



Klaus approached the boardwalk and proceeded through the doors. What 
lay before him was at best organized chaos.

He had enough experience to not get upset by this. The proper 
investigation of a suspicious death scene required the talents of many 
specialists. It just never failed to shock him at first that anything 
remotely organized could come out of a tangle as this. He scanned for 
the tightest concentration of personnel and headed that direction.

Jayngo was already there. Good, he thought. Perhaps we'll be lucky and 
get some preliminary information. Corbin caught his eye and met him 
half way. "Ensign, report."

"Sir, we pulled the sensor logs as you requested. Apparently, according 
to engineering, some kind of self-repeating diagnostic loop was started 
effectively disrupting audio and video sensors in the entire area. 
There is no record of any event on this subsection of the deck since 
3:01am."

"Blast! What of the LBH? Was he still active?"

"No sir. There was a complete power failure for approximately 15 
minutes. I have already spoken to engineering and they are trying to 
trace back to the precise time and terminal that this program was 
inserted."

Klaus pondered this for a moment. So much for the capabilities of a 
starships security scanners. "Okay. How is site security?"

"Excellent, sir. Kais and Rien secured the site and I activated my 
early response team as soon as I heard."

"Well, that answers my question about the level of firepower in the 
room right now." Klaus smiled slightly remembering a saying from his 
days as a special forces grunt.....no such thing as too much firepower. 
"Thank you, Ensign."



Heads turned as Klaus entered the boardwalk.  "You men need to give a 
report to your chief, and I need to examine .... the body."  Jayngo 
looked over the three men to see Vedek Tow's legs sticking out from 
underneath the platform.  The doctor knew that he had to remain 
professional; that the man he had treated the previous day and had 
grown to admire in that very short time was now the body before him.  
The three security officers moved away, allowing Jayngo access to the 
body. 

Under normal circumstances, Jayngo would have simply moved the platform 
out of his way to gain better access to the body, or even easier pulled 
the body from underneath the stands.  However, he couldn't disturb the 
crime scene.  Instead, the doctor was forced to drop to his hands and 
knees in order to see the Vedek fully, making a heavy indention in the 
grass beneath him.  He felt bad about disturbing Marlo's work, but saw 
no choice in the matter. 



Klaus continued toward the body and saw Mr. Kais questioning one of the 
local patrons. "Mr. Kais. Have you uncovered anything?"

Even though Klaus approached him from behind, he was not surprised. 
Being a betazoid often had its advantages.... "Yes, sir. It appears 
that the last 2 individuals to see the Vedek alive were the LBH and 
Ambassador Atylori."

"Have either of them been questioned?"

"The LBH was briefly questioned, sir. He merely stated that they had a 
spiritual discussion. Apparently the Vedek left without incident and 
the LBH was deactivated when the power failed. As for the ambassador, 
no, she has not been questioned at this time."

Klaus thought about the LBH for a moment. "Mr. Kais, please place the 
LBH program in a protected memory core and coordinate with Lieutenants 
Tam and Sulu regarding possible altering of the LBH's program. Have 
them report to my office first thing in the morning."

"Aye, sir."

"Security to Lieutenant Klaus."

"Klaus here."

"Sir, we have confirmed the whereabouts of all dignitaries is accounted 
for. They are presently all in their assigned quarters."

"Very well. Please restrict access of that corridor to only authorized 
personnel and place security officers at the turbolift and each of the 
dignitaries doors."

"Aye, sir."

Klaus sighed and continued on. Coffee would help right about now.....

3 men whom Klaus recognized as the forensics team approached him. 
"Lieutenant Klaus, we have some preliminary information for you."

"Proceed."

"Sir, we have found no preliminary cause of death. DNA evidence is 
inconclusive. No trace material such as hair, fabric, skin, etc was 
left behind that we can find."

Damn! Leads were not very forthcoming. "Thank you, crewman."

He walked to where the doctor was working. The body lay just as it was 
described. No blemishes, signs of struggle. Nothing.




The situation was not good. It was so very not good. And it was not 
good in a multitude of different ways. These different aspects kept 
flashing through Captain Starkin's mind as she headed towards where the 
Vedek's body was found. She was fortunate to have enough years of 
experience to handle various crisises in her past, so she was able to 
keep a level head (Starkin would never have made it through the command 
track, otherwise.) But it didn't stop panic from at least trying to 
edge its way in.

She thought of the ramifications ::This ship, it's maiden voyage, to 
have this happen...:: She indulged for a few seconds to worry about her 
career ::They're going to use this to take it away from me:: then 
pressed on to more immediate matters ::Are the other ambassador's safe? 
Are the civilians safe? Danielle?:: And at that point a sense of 
violation kicked in, a sense of anger at whoever or whatever did this.

As she entered the Boardwalk, the reality set in that someone who was 
on this ship under her protection, someone she had started to know, 
someone she talked to that day, was dead. A peaceful, spiritual man, 
taken away from the universe. ::I hope he's with the Prophets now.::



The boardwalk door opened and Klaus turned to see who it was. The 
Captain. While he knew that, as a professional, he could not control 
everything. But some part deep down inside couldn't shake the feeling 
that he had some explaining to do.



David had hung back, out of the way. Since he wasn't on duty, and the 
captain was here, he didn't want his presence to cause problems.

::What was the Vedek doing down here at 0300 anyway? There are 
replicators in the suites if he was hungry. He must have been meeting 
someone. Someone must have scene him.::

Nganga started looking around for the holographic bartender. Then an 
idea struck him, and he stopped one of the engineering crewmen working 
on the investigation.

"Find the outer edge of the areas affected by the sensor blackouts. 
We'll need the sensor logs for the regions adjacent, both concurrent 
and afterwards."

"Aye sir, I'll get right on it." replied the crewman.

"Nganga to Bridge." David said, tapping his badge.

=^= Yes Commander? =^=

"It occurs to me that our murderer may have arrived on board and/or 
possibly left again in very short order. Transported under the cover of 
the sensor failures. Please prepare a list of what space traffic has 
been like in this region of space." 

=^= Aye sir. =^=

::Now where is that bartender?::



Withdrawing his medical tricorder, Jayngo began running scans and 
examining the body.  "No signs of struggle, no external contusions, no 
signs whatsoever of cause of death."  As he drew closer to the head, 
Jayngo's vision was seriously obscured by the lack of light and started 
to crawl out from underneath the platform to ask for a hand torch.  
When he emerged, he found a crowd had gathered around him, including 
Starkin, Skepti, McGintly, and Klaus. 



Security briefly stopped Starkin as they confirmed who she was. The 
mild inconvenience didn't bother her; she was glad security was already 
in place. She secured her resolve and walked towards the gathering of 
people. She could see that Mr. Skepti was there talking to Mr. Falan. 
Commander McGintly was there, looking like he was managing/coordinating 
efforts. Good, Klaus and Jayngo were there already too, working. It 
looked like Klaus was giving instructions to security, while Jayngo was 
scanning the body. She stared at the remains for a moment as Klaus 
finished up. When Klaus saw the Captain he walked over and Starkin 
asked him, "Are the other ambassadors alright?"

"The computer says the rest are all in their quarters. I've got a team 
verifying that now."

"Good." She took a step in. Jayngo looked up as attention drew towards 
her. She looked around at Skepti, McGintly, Jayngo, and Klaus as she 
slowly deliberately, and authoritatively asked the inevitable question: 
"What... happened?"

Jayngo was the first to answer.  "Medically speaking, I can't be sure 
until I get him back to sick bay and can begin an autopsy.  There are 
no clear signs of foul play.  The forensics team has taken their scans, 
and until the body is removed they will not be able to fully examine 
the crime scene."  Jayngo looked to Klaus for confirmation as Kuehl 
entered carrying the teleport emitters, followed quickly by Commander 
Nganga.  "With your permission, Captain, I'd like to teleport the body 
directly to sick bay and begin the autopsy." 

"That's fine by me," Starkin said, "assuming that all the necessary 
scanning and information has been gathered before any of it's 
disturbed."

"A detailed holoscan has been taken, Captain." replied the (middle) 
officer.

"Very well." She looked at Jayngo. "I want to be updated regularly. 
Depending on where things are at, either you or one of your staff 
should in my ready room at 0800 to report on what you've found out." 
Starkin made eye-contact with Kuehl, who was looking for a definite 
confirmation. Starkin then turned past Nganga towards Klaus. "Unless 
you have any objections, Lieutenant..." 

"Not at this time," the security chief replied. "All information that 
can be obtained here has been done."

"Very well, Lieutenant. Doctor, you may proceed."

"Jayngo to sickbay. Place a level 10 forcefield around the Vedek's body 
immediately after transport. Doctor Jayngo to transporter. Please beam 
the body of Vedek Tow directly to sickbay." The doctor looked toward 
the captain and the Lieutenant. "Now if you will excuse me, I have a 
lot of work to do."

After confirmation from Starkin and Klaus, Jayngo and Kuehl placed the 
transporter emitters around the deceased body. 

"Jayngo to Doctor Sule.  Vedek Tow is ready for transport.  Activate 
the containment field around the Vedek's body immediately after 
arrival." 

=^= Confirmed, sir. =^= 

"Doctor Jayngo to transporter." 

=^= Gordon here, doctor.  Go ahead.  =^= 

"Please beam the body of Vedek Tow directly to sickbay."  

The doctor looked toward the captain and the Lieutenant as the body 
disappeared from view.  "If you will excuse me, I have a lot of work to 
do." 

With that, Jayngo and Kuehl left the Boardwalk 



Captain Starkin watched Jayngo and Kuehl leave, then turned back 
towards Klaus, staring intently. She then stepped toward Skepti, giving 
him a similar look. She let the silence linger and the awkwardness 
increase. She opened her mouth, inhaling as if to say something, then 
stopped and looked down, pondering, keeping them waiting.

Finally, she turned and spoke in a soft but forceful controlled voice, 
"This should not have happened. We already know this." Her eyes went 
back and forth between them. "What we need to know is HOW this 
happened... how this COULD have happened... and WHY. And we need to 
know it soon." She took a step back and started to pace. Her voice 
remained even. "In a few hours, most of this ship is going to wake up, 
and news and rumors of this is going to spread. I want to be sure the 
people on this ship are safe. Safe and unafraid. But I don't think I 
can do that until we figure this out." She stopped and looked firmly at 
Klaus. "And know this can't happen again."

She backed up again. "Lieutenant, I want you to devote whatever... " 
(she paused at the word) "... manpower.. you can or need to work on 
this. I suggest bringing T'Vala in on this to help - I'll send her back 
to security. Right now I need this solved a lot more than I need a 
tactical officer."

"Mr. Skepti, I'm sure we'll need to determine the whereabouts of all 
the Boardwalk personnel, particularly those with after-hours access. 
Work with and help Mr. Klaus as much as you can with that, and anything 
else he may need."

Skepti's lip curled oh-so-slightly as he nodded in agreement.  The rest 
of his features were stony. He'd gone through too much not to have 
learned a great poker face. ::Wonderful. Just wonderful.::

"Like I told Jayngo, I want to stay informed. Be in my ready room at 
0800 to report on where things are at.. if at all possible." She took 
in a deep breathe. "We have a lot of work to do. I won't tell you how 
to do your jobs." Some edge crept into her voice. "I'm just telling you 
to do them. Dismissed."



The brow visible just above Skepti's black eye-patch flutters 
momentarily as it rises slightly. ::I see. Now, I'm to be involved in 
Starfleet business. "You're not good enough to be there unless you've 
done something wrong, Cal. Of course. Wonderful. Just wonderful.::

As the Captain and the other officers moved about on their duties, Mr. 
Skepti motioned for Mr. Falan to join him. Falan's eyes flicker at the 
dull, black of Skepti prosthetic.

"Concentrate, Mr. Falan. It seems our first task is at hand." Skepti's 
voice was a barely controlled, low growl as he reached up to grab 
Falan's shoulder. The other man barely flinched as the cold weight of 
it fell on his deltoid muscle. "I want you a detailed investigation 
conducted on all Boardwalk Personnel activity. Extra detail on the ones 
with after-hours access."

Mr. Falan gave a quick nod, suppressing his relief as Skepti lowered 
his hand. Skepti growled as he stalked off, leaving Falan to his 
duties, "I've got other business."



Shit.

Klaus knew that this was a VERY unprofessional thought to be having at 
the moment....he just couldn't help himself. It's not that he has never 
been at the receiving end of a senior officer's negative stare before. 
It's just that it was starting to feel a little personal. Not that 
these events were being targeted at him. That was just an unwanted side 
effect....catch me if you can! No wonder cops had a habit of keeping a 
little alcohol in their desk drawers. Enough of this, Klaus thought to 
himself, rubbing his temples. THINK!

What was going on here was obviously WAY beyond anything petty 
squabbles or revenge. Politically motivated probably. But to what end? 
He needed more information. That would take time. The captain made it 
clear she wanted answers now. Well, this was going to be fun....

"Klaus to Lieutenants Sulu and Tam, please report to the security 
office on the double."

"Klaus to Ensign Hurt."

"Hurt here."

"Please have a security team escort Ambassador Atylori to the security 
office at once."

Hurt could tell by the Lieutenant's tone that only compliance would be 
acceptable. "Aye, sir."

"Klaus to security. Inform all senior security staff to report to the 
security office in 15 minutes." Klaus thought for a moment. The captain 
was concerned about safety and the perception of safety. So was he. It 
was about time security was seen. "I am also declaring a level 2 
security alert."

He reviewed in his mind what that entailed. Armed security guards will 
be placed in all vital areas, transporters, hanger bays, and other pre-
designated areas. Computer access and communications will be restricted 
and all personnel will be tracked. Maybe a little overkill....but it 
was time for some counterintelligence. Maybe by dropping the hammer he 
could get lucky.

"Very well, sir."

Klaus walked over to Ensign Corbin. "Ensign."

"Yes, sir?"

"For the immediate future, your team is on babysitting detail. Until 
further arrangements can be made, I want your men as personal guards 
for all of the ambassadors. I also want them quartered in the same 
corridor and I want that corridor restricted. I also want all 
replicators in that corridor inspected for tampering and isolated from 
the computer network. Also, coordinate with engineering to have a 
transport inhibitor field placed around the corridor. Every room is to 
undergo random sensor sweeps. I would also like you to coordinate with 
the doctor and see what trouble it would be to have tracking 
communicators outfitted with biosign relays. In short, Ensign, I want 
the security for the....remaining....VIP's to be as tight as we can 
make it. Understood?"

"Absolutely, sir."

"Very well, dismissed."

Klaus left the boardwalk and headed for security. Time to make a call 
to Starfleet security headquarters....



As he looked for the bartender, the Commander walked over to the one 
person on board who out ranked him, "Captain."

The captain turned and acknowledged her first officer.

"Keeping you in the loop, I'm having Engineering look into the sensor 
logs for the area beyond the blacked out field. And I've contacted the 
Bridge about..."

=^= Indigor to Commander Nganga =^=

"Excuse me, Captain, this may be part of what I asked for." David 
tapped his badge, "Nganga here."

=^= Commander, during the period of the sensor blackout in Ten Forward, 
we weren't in transporter range of any vessel on short or long-range 
sensors. We're still researching ship contacts since we left Earth. On 
our present heading and speed we'll be in visual and transport range of 
the IKC H'tennek at 0430 hours. =^=

"That's almost an hour away, so that could still change. Thank you 
Lietenant."

The captain looked at Nganga, "You contacted the Bridge about what 
ships have been nearby in case the murderer escaped by transporter."

"Or arrived, or both." Nganga said. "Although, mentioning the H'tennek 
reminded me that routine scanning won't pick up cloaked vessels, 
dammit."

Starkin sighed. "I know, you're right. Perhaps we can run a more 
detailed scan - see if we can detect any anomalies or warp signatures." 
She looked at her first officer and wondered if he felt as tired as she 
did. "I must say, Commander, I wasn't expecting you up and here 
already." 

"I was already up." The faintest of smiles crossed David's face. 

Starkin raised her eyebrows. "I'm impressed, Commander. It's good to 
know you stay on top of things." 

Remembering earlier in the evening, David's smile became a little less 
faint as he suppressed a chortle. "Thank you, sir." They started to 
walk together. He sobered again as she spoke. 

"This is bad, David. Very bad... Bad for us, bad for this ship, bad for 
Starfleet..." She glanced at where the body was found. "Obviously bad 
for Vedek Tow..." She closed her eyes. "And for Bajor." 

"We'll find out who did this. We have a good team." 

Uriell wiped the unsure statement off of her face and forced a smile. 
"Yes, we do." She changed the subject, "Did your parents seemed quite 
nice. Did they get settled in alright?" 

"Yes, they did." ::Maybe a little too well...:: "How about your wife?" 

"Oh fine, fine. But she didn't appreciate the rude awakening... any 
more than I did." 

"I'm sure there will be a lot of rude awakenings this morning." 

"Especially for the Vedek's entourage... and any family he may have." 

"Do you want me to talk to them?" 

She shook her head. "No, I'll handle it." She walked towards McGintly, 
Nganga beside her. "But I will need something from you. Both of you." 
Ned turned to listen. "As news of this spreads, there are going to be a 
lot of questions - a lot of people nervous, unsure, afraid. Both from 
the civilians and possibly the crew. We need to be ready for and handle 
it." 

"I can take care of that, ma'am. I'm great with people," McGintly said, 
flashing a smile. It wasn't nearly as charming as he thought. 

Starkin said politely, "We'll all have to deal with it, Commander, 
especially while you're sleeping. But I appreciate you spearheading 
that. Have Counselor Dekelley assist if necessary." 

"David, I want you to keep with what you started - see what you can 
find and share it with Klaus. Give him and Jayngo support if they need 
it, and help coordinate our teams' efforts." 

"Yes sir." 

"Ned, since I'm up, you should get some sleep. You'll need to talk to 
people during the day." McGintly nodded and Starkin turned to Nganga. 
"David, you're technically not on duty yet, so you can get a little 
sleep too, if you want." 

"Not likely, but I'll try." 

"I'm having a meeting in my ready room at 0800, getting reports from 
Klaus and Jayngo, so I'd like you to be there." She turned to face both 
of them and inhaled deeply. "And now..." she said quietly, "I have some 
people to talk to." 



Doctor Jayngo and Yures Kuehl moved through the halls in silence and in 
a fast pace to the nurse's standards.  The aide had worked with the 
massive doctor for less than a week, but had seen his current attitude 
before in others; the disdain for the loss of a life.  He knew that the 
doctor was beating himself up, even though there was nothing to be 
done.  However, he also knew that there was nothing to be said to 
comfort, so they continued to move in silence. 

As soon as the pair had cleared the sick bay doors, Jayngo moved 
directly to biobed one and got ready to start working.  Moving gently 
through the status field, he started to reach for a tricorder while 
looking down at the body.  Doing a double take, Jayngo turned to Sule 
and said "Was there a transporter malfunction in beaming the body 
over?" 

"Not that I know of, Jayngo.  Nothing was reported.  Why?" 

"Grab the Vedek's medical PADD and come on over here." 

The two assistants looked at each other questioningly, but followed 
directions, stepping into the status field.  As Sule handed the Chief 
Medical Officer the PADD, he tried to see what he was talking about.  
Jayngo held the PADD next to the Vedek's face, showing the picture.  
"You two see the difference?" 

Kuehl answered first.  "There's something different." 

"He's missing the gray hair and wrinkles," stated Sule. 

Jayngo nodded in the affirmative.  The scattering of gray hairs in the 
Vedek's temples and the crow's feet from around his eyes.  "OK, lets 
take this by the numbers.  We have an oddity to deal with, but we need 
to go about this in order.  Computer, analyze and sort any and all DNA 
other than that of Vedek Tow." 

=^= Processing.  Twelve variant forms of DNA have been discovered and 
cataloged. =^= 

Jayngo had begun doing scans of his own while the computer worked.  
"Send those results to Lieutenant Klaus in Security and Lieutenant Sulu 
in Science, marked as forensics."  Plugging the tricorder into the 
computer terminal, the doctor continued working.  "Computer, display 
bioscans just taken and those on file logged yesterday at 17:34 
hours."  As ordered, the display above the bed showed two sets of 
scans.  While Jayngo studied the results of the two scans, he asked the 
computer to switch to DNA results. 

Kuehl asked the question on all three men's minds.  "So what killed 
him?" 

Jayngo looked over at the aide and said straightforwardly "His heart 
stopped." 

"But what caused his heart to stop?" 

"That's the one million gold-pressed latinum question.  All scans show 
that this man should not be dead.  The only reason he is not alive is 
because his heart is no longer pumping.  In fact, his heart is 
currently in better shape than it was yesterday.  Computer, zoom to 
identical strands."  Following direction, the screen switched. 

"What are we looking for?" 

"If this were a clone, a DNA strand would still show a difference.  As 
advanced as cloning technology had gotten before being outlawed, it was 
still based on taking a sample and modifying it.  Therefore, even a 
clone's DNA would be different from the originals.  These, however, are 
identical.  This is truly Vedek Tow.  I need you gentlemen to assist me 
in disrobing the deceased." 

After several minutes of careful and considerate work, the three 
medical personnel watched as the scanning platform moved back into 
place.  "According to his medical records, when did Vedek Tow contract 
the Cavora virus?" 

Sule, who was currently holding the chart, replied "nineteen years ago 
during the Cardassian Occupation." 

"That helps narrow things down.  He is missing both the scar tissue 
from the virus sores and the torture.  Computer, compare a tissue 
sample taken now with that of one taken from log file and make an age 
comparison." 

=^= There is a difference of twenty years, two months, eight days, ten 
hours, twelve ... =^= 

"That's enough.  A twenty year differential."  The doctor had slowly 
been gaining a perplexed look on his face.  "Computer.  Run scans for 
tachyon emissions on both the body and the boardwalk." 

=^= No tachyon emissions found on either the body or the boardwalk. =^= 

"I cannot go to the Captain with this big of a question unanswered.  Do 
you gentlemen have any idea of what could have caused this man to 
regenerate twenty years worth of tissue?" 

Both men looked toward the ground, essentially answering Jayngo's 
question. 

"Computer, download ALL accounts of age manipulation and tissue 
regeneration to my office computer.  Gentlemen, redress the Vedek and 
lower the status field to surround the biobed only.  We will need to 
put him into a level five status field for future examination and 
transport back to Bajor." 

Jayngo turned and entered his office while the two subordinates got to 
work. 



Dekelley was pleasantly dreaming of his boyhood home on Betazed. He was 
remembering the day he first met his bonding partner. Many on Betazed 
no longer practiced the ancient ritual of childhood bonding pairs. 
Evory was proud and happy that his family followed the old ways. But he 
was lucky, his bonding partner would be his Imzadi, his beloved. As a 
child he did not understand this, but he knew they became fast friends 
long before they would grow up and become lovers. Even in his dreams 
she was his perfect mate, but in real life she was even more perfect. 

He did not want to be awoken from his sleep. Whenever awoken from sleep 
shipside, no good news would follow. Why didn't Starfleet ever wake its 
officers with good news, "Wake up Dekelley, you just won the Ferengi 
national lottery, there is a ship arriving with one million bricks of 
gold pressed latinum." But he knew who ever just woke him, would have 
work to do and it would likely be unpleasant.

The comm. beeped again, =^= "Starkin to Lt. Commander Dekelley." =^=

He tapped the comm. badge resting at his bedside, "Dekelley here, go 
ahead."

The Captain's voice continued, =^= "Sorry to awaken you with bad news. 
We've had an incident on the Boardwalk. Vedek Tow has been discovered 
dead. We're still investigating the circumstances of his death. Please 
come to my ready room, and I'll brief you." =^=

"Understood. I'll be there momentarily. Dekelley out." The Lt. 
Commander replicated a fresh uniform and nearly tripped while dressing 
on the departure from his cabin. 



David had received a direct order to go back to bed, and to try to get 
some sleep. So he headed into a turbolift to head back to his quarters 
on Deck 8. As David Nganga stepped off the lift, he nearly bumped into 
Lieutenant Norallah Tam. 

"Good morning, Commander." the Trill said.

"No, it hasn't been." David replied, "What are you doing up at this 
hour?"

"Klaus called me to his office. Almost didn't recognize the call, 
though." Norallah said.

"Eh?"

"He asked for Lieutenant Tam," she said.

"Ahh" David said, recognition crossing his face, "And ever since you 
started your training to receive a symbiant, you've answered primarily 
to 'Norallah' since eventually..."

"I thought I'd be giving up the name 'Tam'." she finished. "Any idea 
what it's about? Why I was called?"

"Vedek Tow was found murdered."

Norallah gasped.

"Klaus is, presumably, tightening security, and wants to coordinate 
with Operations." David finished.

"What about the murderer?" the lieutenant asked.

"We don't know much yet." 

=^= Engineering to Commander Nganga =^=

"Yes?" David said, looking at the ceiling.

=^= The dampening field diminished beyond Ten-Forward, at a roughly 
inverse geometric rate. It was down to 70% effectiveness a meter out 
from ten-forward. 50% effectiveness at three meters and 25% at seven 
meters, with a consistent rate of effectiveness between points. After 
seven meters the effect is negligible. The overall area of effective 
distortion was a ten meter diameter circle, within a larger circle of 
lessened effect. =^=

"Anything else?"

=^= We had assumed the distortion was limited to Ten Forward, but right 
before the blackout ended, the distortion field did move through the 
boardwalk. We were able to track it to the VIP deck, but we have sensor 
blocked on the VIP deck... =^=

"... To ensure the ambassadors privacy." Nganga completed the 
explanation. "Thank you. You'll be routing this information to 
Security?"

=^= And Science for further examination. =^=

"Good. Nganga out." He looked at Ops Manager, "Well, you'll have 
something to share with Klaus."

"Yes. I better run, though. Get some sleep David." Norallah disappeared 
into the turbolift and Nganga continued on to his quarters.



------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stardate 3478.2 

A landing party from the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 find that 
accelerated aging has taken place, killing most of the colonists of 
Gamma Hydra IV. When the landing party returns to the U.S.S. 
Enterprise, the aging acceleration begins to affect the entire crew. 
Doctor Leonard McCoy discovered an antidote to the aging sickness ... 
adrenaline. McCoy distributes the antidote and restores everyone to 
their normal state. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stardate 41309.5 

As the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D progresses on a diplomatic mission, 
Admiral Jameson, who is a terminally ill man in his eighties when 
beamed aboard, inexplicably begins to look not only healthier, but 
younger as well. When confronted by Captain Picard, Jameson admits that 
he has taken an enormous dose of an experimental alien drug from 
Cerebus II to treat his disease, which has resulted in a rapid de-aging 
process. The process, involving herb and drug combinations, was known 
to have high mortality rates. After Jameson leads an aborted rescue 
mission for the hostages, he collapses in pain. Dr. Crusher reports 
that the de-aging drug has put an unbearable strain upon his internal 
organs and that his death is imminent. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stardate 42494.8 

Upon visually scanning the bridge of the U.S.S. Lantree, the crew of 
the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D learn that everyone on the vessel is 
dead. Dr. Pulaski determines that the crew members, who had been 
examined and found to be in perfect health eight weeks earlier, have 
all died of old age. The Lantree is immediately placed under quarantine 
and the U.S.S. Enterprise heads toward the ship's last port of call, 
the Darwin Genetic Research Station, who are suffering from the same 
mysterious affliction. Captain Picard is asked to evacuate the children 
of the station, who have been engineered to become super-specimens 
through genetic research and show no signs of infection. To further 
eliminate any danger to the crew, Data and Pulaski board a shuttlecraft 
and have one boy beamed to that vessel so that he can be evaluated in a 
safe environment. Moments after Pulaski begins to examine the boy, she 
is stricken by the mysterious disease. In an attempt to save Pulaski's 
life, Picard orders the crew to modify the transporter unit so that it 
can filter out any changes in the doctor by using a sample cell of 
Pulaski's DNA taken before her exposure to the infection. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stardate 46235.7 

En route back from vacation, Captain Picard, Ensign Ro, Keiko O'Brien 
and Guinan run into danger aboard their shuttlecraft. Transported onto 
the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D, a molecular mishap brings them back 
as 12-year-old children. While their bodies have changed, their minds 
remain intact. Lt. LaForge tells Dr. Crusher that the transformed 
crewmembers were affected by a molecular reversion field, and that the 
transporter can be used to reverse the effects and bring the group back 
to normal. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Doctor Jayngo read through the files presented by the computer. 

:: Well, we can rule out the radiation / adrenaline case, as his aging 
was natural.  Both transporter cases can be ruled out because the 
sensors would have registered it and we would have received a report 
from Ops.  But the Jameson case ... :: 

"Computer.  Download the herbal and chemical compounds used in the 
Cerebus II process and check for the same compounds on file in Vedek 
Tow's system." 

After a few seconds had passed, the computer answered =^= All chemical 
and herbal compounds have been found in Vedek Tow's system. =^= 

"Tremael!" (The Atlarian version of "Bingo".)  "We now know how, that 
just leaves who." 



SURVIVOR: PART 3

<Engineering>

The problem in 10-forward has been solved. However, the looping 
diagnostic program was very sophisticated. It was designed to be hidden 
among the regular ships routines and not picked-up by security systems. 
Whoever programmed it had a very sophisticated knowledge of programming 
and ships systems. The program was not present in spacedock, and must 
have been added in the last several days. There is very little chance a 
program of this level could have been done as a prank; there is a high 
degree of likelihood of sabotage.  Additionally, there is a high 
likelihood that the program was downloaded from a computer counsel in 
the VIP section of deck 10, the only unregistered computer access was 
on that deck. 

<Security>

The powers problems in 10-forward appear to have effected local audio 
and visual sensors readings during each of the "malfunctions." Further 
sensor research will reveal an abnormal energy spikes coordinated with 
each of the malfunctions. Engineering will be able to confirm the 
energy spikes were not cause by faulty equipment or EPS relays (all 
function normal) and appear to be external to the equipment.

Dr. Jayngo has determined that the Vedek died as a result of chemicals 
and herb derived from Cerebus II. Admiral Mark Jameson died as a result 
of these same chemicals while on duty at Mourned IV. Obsidian Order 
member, Retell, was last believed to be selling weapons on Moden IV, 
before his capture at Mars. 



Dekelley entered the ready room, "Captain…"

Starkin stood up and pointed to the chair across from her desk, 
"Counselor, please have a seat."

"Sir before you brief me on the ongoing situation, I'd like to know how 
you are. What is your state of mind?"

The Captain offered a somewhat weary smile. "I had a bit of a rough 
start this morning, so I'm a little on the cranky side."

Dekelley looked at her with just a glint of rebuke in his dark, 
understanding eyes. Though he said nothing, Starkin responded like SHE 
was reading HIS thoughts. She shook her head and stated tersely, "I 
appreciate your concern, Counselor, but I assure you that I don't need 
to be counseled now." She looked at his unwavering stare and answered. 
"You and I both know Starfleet captains face life and death every day." 
She turned away. "It was just so… senseless." 

At the opening, the counselor spoke, "Senseless, unexpected, trying, 
painful, yes? I can sense you're having doubts about your commission, 
the ships security, engineering… You're tying to find someone to blame. 
Its not necessary to find someone to blame, Starfleet is not in the 
habit of finding scapegoats. Death can come naturally, by accident, or 
by intent, but it is inevitably for all of us."

Uriell was clearly frustrated by the counselor's message, "This wasn't 
some sort of accident, this was murder. He was under MY protection and 
he was murdered... on MY SHIP!" Her words were accentuated as she 
pounded on her desk.

"Fine if that's true, then we'll find the killer and bring him justice. 
This is no ship of fools; we are trained and skilled officers. Don't 
start second-guessing yourself on your second day in command of this 
vessel. Your officers are going to be looking to you for strength. They 
are just a hurt and surprised as you are. If you have doubts they will 
too."

The Captain reflected on the counselor's words, "You're right of 
course." She started to relax, "But it's far easier said than done."

Rory smiled, "Then do what all of the other captain's before you have 
done: Fake it, until you make it."

A smile from the Captain eased the tension on the room. "Alright. But 
you know," she said, pointing right at him, "I'm not doing this alone."

"You're not alone."

Her eyebrows raised as her tone became somewhat exaggerated. "No, I 
mean I'm bringing you personally in with me, Counselor." She relaxed 
her expression and explained, "To help field questions from the crew 
and civilians, to help the people on this ship deal with this."

"Of course - that's part of MY job. But I'll need to know what 
happened."

Starkin took several moments to explain the situation. She finished 
with, "Now you know what I do. I've been studying the Vedek's file; he 
had quite an amazing life. This is going to be a major loss for Bajor."

Dekelley solemnly responded, "I'm sure that's true. Each life has a 
value that cannot be measured in latinum. But I'm sure the Vedek was 
worth more than his weight in latinum."

"True enough, true enough. I would like you to join me; I'm going to 
the Vedek's quarters to break the news."

The counselor nodded, "It never gets easier, does it? Not at least if 
your doing your job right. I'd like to bring a nurse, we may need 
sedatives or antidepressants for the Bajoran party."

Shaking her head, "Agreed, we'll meet the medical staff outside the 
Vedek's quarters."

Dekelley tapped his comm. badge, "Counselor Dekelley to sickbay…."



Doctor Jayngo was reviewing his notes on the Tow case when Ensign 
Corbin entered the Sick Bay with a purpose.  "What can I do for you, 
ensign?" 

Stepping to the entrance to his office, she laid eyes on the doctor for 
the first time as he arose to greet her, practically having to pick her 
jaw up off the ground in her own mind.  Bringing herself back to the 
task at hand, she returned to the peak of professionalism, even though 
to the common observer there had never been a difference.  "Lt. Klaus 
asked me to come and see you, sir." 

"Is there a problem with the DNA specimens I sent him?" 

"I wouldn't know, sir.  This is on a different matter." 

"Well, then, once again, what can I do for you.  And please call me 
Jayngo." 

Corbin found herself smiling at the doctor, though she didn't know when 
she had started.  "The Chief sent me to see what kind of trouble it 
would be to have tracking communicators for the ambassadors outfitted 
with biosign relays." 

"Actually, it would be quite simple, as long as they all agree to wear 
them.  Your standard communicator is equipped with something similar to 
enable ships to do quick locks on away teams.  All we would need to do 
is replicate communicators that will do constant scans, along with a 
limited communication directory and clearance levels.  I'm sure Klaus 
doesn't need the ambassadors bothering the captain with any little 
thing.  I'll assume he wants the readings sent to his office."  Jayngo 
walked over to the replicator and programmed it for the communicators. 
"How many does he want?" 

"Better make up about three dozen, just to play it safe.  How much work 
would it be to make those things subdermals, so we could just hypospray 
the ambassadors?" 

Jayngo turned to look at the security officer.  "Much more.  I doubt 
you are going to find very many ambassadors that are going to be 
willing to have a homing devise put into their bodies, especially among 
the Klingons, Romulans and Cardassians." 

"There isn't anything that says they have to know." 

"Yes there is.  If the Klingon Empire, or any of the others, ever 
discovered that people put under Federation protection were bugged, it 
could cause an intergalactic incident." 

"Hmmm.  Good point." 

The replicator next to Jayngo hummed to life, depositing three cases of 
communicators on the pad.  "Here you go, Ensign.  Anything else I can 
do for you?" 

:: Take me out to dinner tonight. ::  "That should do it, Doc .... er, 
Jayngo.  Thank you."  She managed to control a shiver as their hands 
brushed against each other in the passing of the cases.  "Have a good 
day." 

"You too.  I'm sure I'll be seeing you again soon." 

"Why is that?" 

"You are probably scheduled for your introductory exam sometime today." 

"I'll look forward to it. See you then."  The ensign turned on her heal 
and sauntered out of Sick Bay. 

Jayngo smiled to himself as he started to take his seat once more, only 
to be interrupted by his communicator being activated.  =^= Counselor 
Dekelley to sickbay.  The Captain and I are preparing to speak with 
Vedek Tow's staff.  Do you have a member of your staff available to 
assist in case sedation is needed? =^= 

"Yes, Rory.  Yures is just finishing up with the preparations for 
transport of the body.  I'll send him to assist immediately.  Jayngo 
out." 

Yures was the best choice, so that if any questions needed to be 
answered, he could be on hand to answer them.  Plus, with him being 
half-Bajoran himself, it would provide a friendly face, even if he 
didn't overly embrace that heritage.  Stepping out of his office, 
Jayngo said "Yures, I have another job for you." 



SURVIVOR: PART 4

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report from Science:
To Captain Starkin, Commander Nganga, Lt. Commander Tiny, Lt. Commander 
Klaus

We received notice from Engineering of strange EM readings within Ten-
forward during the sensor blackout. We have reviewed the data and 
determined that someone onboard is using a personal cloaking suit 
similar to those used on Star Fleet observation missions.  Although the 
suit is not Starfleet issue, we can modify standard visors to piece the 
cloak. The specifications have been given to Engineering and they 
should be able to replicate the modified visors within the hour.
------------------------------------------------------------------------



<<Engineering>>

At the request of Security, all replicators in the VIP corridor have 
been inspected for tampering. Good thing too, the replicator in 
Ambassador Atylori's quarters has been modified. A devise has been 
added to the materialization system. It appears to change the chemical 
structure of food and drink items and is activated only when particular 
items are ordered. A check with the Medical Dept. has confirmed that 
these chemical changes are consistent with substances found during the 
autopsy of Vedek Tow. Additionally, an inspection of ten-forward, 
revealed that replicators have been similarly modified. 

The equipment requested by Science has been replicated and delivered to 
security.



Bruno was up to his neck in things to do, and now, reports to fill out. 
He managed to delegate authority, and hide(Well, detach himself from a 
station) long enough to start a full report to the Captain. Including, 
scans, confirmation, the whole 10-forward thing, the whole shanigan. 
Sighing Bruno realized he would have to wait some more to see Elroy.



Klaus stared at the screen in his office. Only a few minutes had passed 
since his conversation with Starfleet Intelligence. He tried security 
headquarters first. They were no help. SI on the other hand, they had 
given him some interesting information. He would have to consider what 
they told him VERY carefully. Well, onto the problems at hand.

The security chief stood and walked into the briefing room. He was glad 
to see all were there ready to discuss the evening's....incident.

"Room, ten hut!" All members in the room stood at attention. While not 
required by Starfleet, Klaus liked discipline.

"As you were. Ensign Corbin, report."

"Lieutenant, Doctor Jayngo gave me a supply of modified communicators 
with biosign monitoring and relay capability. He was reluctant to use 
the implantable variety for political reasons."

"I agree....was worth a shot though. Have the ambassadors agreed to 
wear them?"

"All but one sir. Ambassador Atylori."

"Can't say I am surprised. The Cardassian methods of keeping tabs on 
their populace made the Stasi look like nosy neighbors."

"Stasi, sir?"

"Secret police....part of Germany's history. Point being that now the 
Cardassians are getting to know privacy and like it. How is your team 
holding up?"

"Very well sir. I am compiling a rotation schedule of regular security 
personnel that should begin within 48 hours. All of the ambassadors are 
accepting the additional body guards."

"Excellent. Thank you, Ensign. Lieutenant Norallah, I owe you an 
apology. I completely forgot my Trill etiquette concerning address."

"That is quite alright, sir. I do have some very interesting 
information for you. It appears as though your hunch paid off. 
Replicators in ten-forward were tampered with and add the substance Dr. 
Jayngo described when certain items are ordered. We found a similar 
device in Ambassador Atylori's quarters as well."

Klaus was stunned for a moment. "Please send the modules recovered to 
the forensics team. What type of food items would set off the device?"

"Unknown sir, analysis is continuing."

Klaus thought for a moment. Could the Vedek have been collateral 
damage? It wasn't out of the question that he and Ambassador Atylori 
would share some tastes in food. Was the real target Ambassador 
Atylori? Was the device in her replicator placed there only to remove 
suspicion? So many questions. "Has the doctor been informed of your 
findings?"

"No, sir."

"Klaus to Jayngo."

"Jayngo here, Lieutenant."

"Doctor, I was just informed that replicators were altered in Ten-
Forward and in Ambassador Atylori's quarters to produce the substance 
you mentioned. I think it would be a good idea to determine if 
Ambassador Atylori, or any of the ambassadors, have been exposed."

"I concur. Thank you, Lieutenant. My office will schedule examinations 
immediately. Jayngo out."

"Anything else, Lieutenant Norallah?"

"One other item, sir. But I will let Lieutenant Sulu discuss that."

"Thank you. Lieutenant Sulu?"

"Sir, after detailed analysis of sensors operating just outside of the 
blackout area demonstrate an EM variance consistent with a personal 
cloaking field. While similar to Starfleet type suits, these readings 
indicate another manufacturer. The good news is, is that Lieutenant 
Norallah has had engineering start to produce a modified visor that 
should be able to see through the field."

Again, Klaus was impressed. Someone very well funded was behind all of 
this....further deepening his suspicion of a politically or 
governmentally driven operation. We don't want to tip our hand to this 
too early.....

"Lieutenant Norallah, would it be possible to produce these devices 
that look like standard tactical optics used by Ensign Corbin's team?"

"Easily sir."

"Excellent. Ensign Norallah, issue them as soon as they arrive. I want 
to keep whoever this is comfortable so that they will show themselves 
again. This time we will be watching. I don't have to tell everyone 
that this department is looking pretty poor right now. Over the next 
few days, I will be asking a great deal from all of you. We need to 
focus now on not just reacting, but being proactive and stopping 
whatever is going on. Questions?"

For a moment, all in the room sit still. Then Ensign Hurt spoke, "Sir, 
Ambassador Atylori just arrived."

"Show her to my office. The rest of you, good luck. We should reconvene 
in 6 hours....at....1000. Dismissed."

"Room, ten hut!"

Klaus left the room without a sound.



David Nganga lay in his bed. The lights were out in his quarters. He 
lay with his eyes closed. He tried to sleep. 

Suddenly, there was a noise in the darkness.

David Nganga began to snore. Not at all McClellan like. It was a quiet 
snore, but a snore just the same. 



Jayngo sat in his office, frustrated.  He had already fulfilled all of 
his official obligations in the murder case, but felt as though there 
was something else he should do.  He had already conducted the autopsy, 
filled out the proper reports, and submitted them to the Captain and 
Security.  He wasn't sure if it was his fondness for the departed Vedek 
or flashbacks to his days in security, but sitting around didn't feel 
natural.  Using his computer terminal, he accessed the case files 
already available to senior staff and learned that engineering had 
discovered tampering with the replicators in both Ambassador Atylori's 
quarters and in ten-forward which transformed certain orders into 
chemicals used in the "rejuvenation" elixir.  Running a profile of the 
chemicals, he worked out that it was the equivalent of a triple dose.  
Records indicated that Admiral Jameson had taken a double dose to enact 
his quick transformation that eventually led to his death.  As such, 
the triple dose was a quick death sentence. 

:: So, the Vedek was last seen in ten-forward talking with the LBH 
after having a meeting with Ambassador Atylori. :: 

Jayngo stepped out from behind his desk, grabbed the Vedek's datapad, 
and walked out into sickbay.  "Sule, I'm stepping out for a while.  
I'll be back to start my duty shift after the meeting with the 
Captain." 

"Understood," was the Gallamite's only response. 

As Jayngo made his way down the corridor, his communicator chirped  =^= 
Klaus to Jayngo. =^= 

"Jayngo here, Lieutenant." 

=^= Doctor, I was just informed that replicators were altered in Ten-
Forward and in Ambassador Atylori's quarters to produce the substance 
you mentioned.  I think it would be a good idea to determine if 
Ambassador Atylori, or any of the ambassadors, have been exposed. =^= 

"I concur.  Thank you, Lieutenant.  My office will schedule 
examinations immediately.  Jayngo out."  A set of taps later, and 
Jayngo was in touch with Sule once more.  "Schedule appointments with 
all ambassadors for as soon as possible.  Correlate with Yures, who is 
currently with the Captain, as to when to get in touch with them, 
however.  Give the Captain an opportunity to break the news of the 
Vedek's death before you call, that way we have a controlled panic 
instead of widespread hysteria.  Get back in touch with me once you 
have put together the schedule.  I'll conduct the exams personally.  
Make sure, however, that the Vedek's staff and Ambassador Atylori are 
at the top of the list." 



Pale indigo light cast eerie shadows about Skepti's quarters as the man 
himself worked long into the night. An uneasy communiqué chirped, 
rousing Calvin's visage from its usual grimace.

+<>+Mr. Skepti... It's Falan. I've got the transmission from this 
strange communicator you requested I monitor. I'd also like to announce 
that using this Ferengi communicator makes me feel a little strange.+<>+

(Skepti's voice is a low growl)+<>+Announcement received and 
discounted, Mr. Falan, dire times require dire deeds. I'll meet you in 
the pre-decided location.+<>+ ::Perhaps I'm too hard on the boy.:: His 
ungloved left hand moves up to scratch idly on the scruff gathered 
about his pockmarked eye. ::Either way, this mystery is solved... Now, 
how to pass on the evidence without subverting my own position?:: He 
stands with a grimace, ::Regardless, it's time to meet Mr. Falan. 
Perhaps, an idea will come on the way. The Captain's meeting isn't far 
off:: Skepti proceeds to dismantle the various jamming devices and 
dismantles them into innocuous pieces of decor and moves off to 
rendezvous with Mr. Falan. 



Between the two conversations, Jayngo found getting to the boardwalk 
and ten forward had taken no time at all.  Upon entering the lounge, he 
was taken back by the significant changes this particular hologram had 
taken with his programming.  As opposed to the EMH's he had encountered 
at Starfleet Academy, who were very businesslike and to the point, this 
one was whistling a little song while cleaning a glass.  When he 
noticed the hulking CMO, however, he stopped and crisply asked "What is 
the nature of the libation desires."  The smile crossing his lips 
showed that he found humor in his own joke. 

"Why don't you give me a Vantara Tea, 48 degrees Celsius, with three 
ounces of Atlarian honey." 

"Ahh, the culprit finally steps forward," was the hologram's response. 

"I beg your pardon?" 

"The other day, I had several requests of this drink, which I 
researched afterward and found it to be an Atlarian delicacy.  As none 
of them were Atlarian's, and you are, it is only safe to assume that 
you were the one that introduced it to them.  Therefore, you must be 
Doctor Jayngo." 

"Very good."  Jayngo brought the PADD he had carried along with him up 
to the bar and called up a section of the file as the LBH set the drink 
before him.  "As long as you are in a deductive mode, I was wondering 
if you would be willing to answer a few questions for me." 

"Certainly, Doctor." 

"I understand that you were the last one to see Vedek Tow alive this 
morning." 

The LBH looked slightly surprised at the bluntness of the question.  
"That is what I have been told, yes, though I don't have any memory of 
his departure.  We were discussing various beliefs of the afterlife and 
debating such for the holographic race.  The next thing I knew, an 
engineer was reactivating my program, informing me of a power 
blackout." 

"Was there anything amiss that you recall?  Did the argument get heated 
in any way?  Was there anyone else present?" 

"Are you a doctor, or a security officer, sir?" 

"We all seem to wear multiple hats aboard this starship.  You yourself 
are programmed for medical, we have an engineer who doubles as a 
doctor, a first officer who is an engineer.  Why can't I also pull 
double-duty?" 

"Well, as you so quickly pointed out, I was primarily a medical 
program, and are therefore sworn to do no harm.  It is an intricate 
part of my programming." 

Jayngo stopped, realizing that things were not going the direction he 
had desired.  "I'm sorry.  It was not my intention to accuse you of 
anything.  I'm simply trying to figure out what happened to a good 
man." 

"This is something we can both agree upon." 

Jayngo held the PADD up so the hologram could see it.  "When you saw 
the Vedek, did he look different from this picture in any way?" 

"As a matter of fact, he did.  When he first entered ten-forward, he 
looked exactly like that.  After several minutes of privacy with the 
Cardassian Ambassador, however, she left and he joined me at the bar, 
and looked several years younger.  I thought I had scanned his entrance 
in error, and didn't give it much thought from then on." 

"While he and the Ambassador were speaking, did either of them place an 
order from the replicator?" 

"Yes, Ambassador Atylori did." 

Jayngo shook his head.  "Thank you.  In case of a medical emergency, my 
I assume it would be fine to summon you down to sickbay to lend a 
hand?" 

"It is no longer my primary function, but yes.  I'd be happy to help 
out in extreme cases." 

Jayngo finished his drink and paid his complements to the bartender, 
then excused himself to the replicator.  Calling up the logs, he asked 
the replicator to reproduce the order placed the night before, sealed 
for removal from ten-forward.  When the computer complied, he set out 
for the Captain's office for the meeting. 



SURVIVOR: PART 5

<0800 hours - staff has assembled in the Captain's Ready Room>

<<Engineering>>

Modifications to the security visors are completed and have been 
distributed to security. The modules found in the replicators in 10-
forward and the ambassadors quarters are activated by specific energy 
patters are activated. Thus far several Cardassian beverages have been 
identified to activate the module. Wherein the module will contaminate 
the beverage with the chemical compound used to kill Vedek Tow. 

<<Security>>

All ambassadors have agreed to wear the modified comm badges with 
biosensors. 

<<Medical>>
In your meeting with the LBH you have found that Ambassador Atylori 
ordered two drinks from the 10-forward replicator before the Vedek 
died; 1) Bajoran Sweet fruit ale chilled, & 2) Cardassian Hempik tea 
hot.



David stirred from his sleep... "Whoa. That was one weird dream."

Commander Nganga wasn't that surprised his sleep was fitful. Still he 
thought he'd better make some kind of recording of it...

"Computer. Personal Log. I just had a very strange dream. The images 
were strange, perhaps even frightening. I should probably talk to 
Dekelley about them. Maybe Jayngo as well.

There was fire, and death, and hospitals. Lots of hospitals. Some being 
closed due to "money problems". Did they really once treat cancer 
patients with radiation? And computers were unreliable machines. If our 
computers were as unreliable as those in my dream, the whole Cochrane 
would be at risk. And through it all though there was hope. A sense 
that through it all there would always be new life."

Nganga checked his chronometer. Good there was time for a nice long 
quiet sonic shower.



Bzzzz ... Bzzzz ... Bzz

**WHAM!!!**

Although the ship had automated alarm functions installed in all the 
sleeping quarters ready to "serve its crew in all the necessary 
capacities in order to provide a natural extension of the daily living 
activities and structure of regular routine while serving onboard a 
starship" ... David always felt partial to something that reminded him 
more of a "real home" ... something he could physically touch.

"Urhhhmm mmhruur ..." David removed his hand from the bruised and 
battered shell of the clock next to his bed. Cracking open one eye, 
(his other buried in the soft darkness of a pillow) he stared at the 
numbers on the screen, as though trying to intimidate them into being 
wrong.

The numbers stared back at him in unblinking protest.  Slowly, the 
numbers advanced on his position, adding another to their count ... and 
then another.

**I'm losing this battle ... I really should get up**

"uurrmmg hmmmrrrs"  David instead pulled the sheet over his head, 
retreated to the other side of his bed, and curled himself into a 
ball.  **He who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day**  
D.J. began drifting off again.  **Just another couple minutes ...***

Zzzzzzzz ... zzzzzzz



Bruno was yet again unable to sleep, it was nearly time for him to get 
up and he had slept maybe ten minutes. But, he now knew there was two 
hundred and 12 screws visible in his room. He sat up in his bed and 
rolled over to find Elroy sound asleep. He walked over to his desk and 
sat down again. He picked up a small puzzle box and examined it 
closely. Paul, his twin, had given it to him on his last birthday, it 
was said to be just short of impossible to figure out. Bruno opened the 
box, you were suppose to be able to change it from a box to a perfect 
sphere, with the right code, however, the code changed at random.

<Ten Minutes Later...>

Bruno's alarm beeped, and he put down his box, all it had been doing 
was frustrating him. He walked over to his nightstand and opened his 
prescription bottle. He took one large pill inside than nearly jumped 
out of his skin as Elroy put a cold wet nose on the back of his elbow.

Tiny: Watch it, boy, *Scratching him behind the ear* You scared me.

Elroy licked Bruno's hand and Bruno attached a leash onto the large 
puppy's collar.

Tiny: Want to go for a walk? Want to? Speak, boy.

Elroy barked lightly once, then gave a loud bark.

Bruno smiled as he scratched Elroy behind the ears again. Bruno put the 
leash over his chair and walked to his closet to find a jogging out-fit.

<Five Minutes Later...>

And they were off, well they had always been a little off, but now it 
shows. Bruno and Elroy were off jogging, getting their blood pumping, 
and nearly squishing poor passersby as they did.



After leaving 10-Forward, Doctor Jayngo began to debate his next move 
when he realized that it was time to attend the Captain's meeting. 
Knowing that both Klaus and Tiny would be present, he started down the 
hall.

Upon reaching the Ready Room, Jayngo stopped and waited, hoping to run 
into either the Chief Engineer or Chief of Security before they had the 
chance to enter. Leisurely leaning against the bulkhead, he waited.



Bruno had taken Elroy back to his quarters after their quick jog, and 
slipped on a new uniform just before he had to leave for the meeting. 
He ran down the corridor and saw Dr. Jayngo leaning against the 
bulkhead just outside the ready room.

Tiny: Good morning, Doctor.

Jayngo: Good morning, Commander. How are you doing this morning?

Tiny: Pretty good, though I am thoroughly convinced my brother has an 
evil sense of humor. I spent over an hour on one of the puzzles he gave 
me and I still haven't cracked it. How are you?

Jayngo: A bit perplexed by the puzzle that has been put before is as a 
crew. I must say that I do not like the idea of a murderer running 
around the ship freely.

Tiny: Yes, that does complicate things. And my mom said this would be a 
pleasant change. My team has been working with Security all night long 
and are still pretty much clueless. I got to my quarters about 0300.

Jayngo: May I ask what you've come up with so far? Do you know what 
foods were poisoned?

Tiny: Cardassian beverages, makes me glad I never developed a taste for 
them.

Jayngo: That's odd. I just finished speaking with the LBH in 10-
forward. He said that Ambassador Atylori ordered two drinks, a Bajoran 
Sweet fruit ale and a Cardassian Hempik tea. Unless they switched 
drinks, it should have been Atylori that we found, not the Vedek. Not 
that this brings us any closer to the killer.

Tiny: Either that or they just had odd tastes. I've met a few 
Cardassians who like Bajoran drinks. But you're right, it doesn't bring 
us any closer to the killer. But if he steps foot in my Engineering I'm 
going to get mad.

Jayngo: And something tells me that they won't like you when you're 
angry.

Tiny: Probably not, I've been told I'm just awful when I get mad... I 
dunno, I've never seen myself from anyone else's point of view. Though, 
if I'm as bad as my brother, I would have to say they wouldn't like me.

Jayngo smiled. He wasn't quite sure what the statement made reference 
to, but Xiam had said it to him the day before, and it fit in so well 
again here. He'd have to as the Ops Officer what he was referencing.

Jayngo: Well, we better head inside. I'm sure the Captain must be 
waiting.

Tiny: Yeah. *Walking into the Ready room with his fellow giant*



"Hold," David Nganga said. The turbolift doors stopped their closing 
motion and reopened. "I assume you're headed my way."

"Yep," Ned McGintly said as he stepped into the lift. "Bridge. So did 
you get any sleep?"

The little lights in the wall panels started moving downward, 
indicating that the turbolift was headed upwards.

"Yes, but I had some strange dreams. Have you ever been to Chicago, on 
Earth?" Nganga asked.

"You could say that," Ned replied, "I'm from right around there. My 
family has lived around Milwaukee and Chicago for at least four hundred 
years. Why do you ask?"

"Well, in my.." Nganga started to say right as the lift stopped, "I'll 
talk to you later about it. Are you headed to the meeting?"

They stepped off the lift after the doors opened.

"No. With you two in the meeting, someone should be on the bridge," Lt. 
Commander McGintly said. "Who knows what else could happen? I don't 
want to take chances."

"Thanks McGintly," Commander Nganga said, as he headed towards the 
Captain's ready room. 



The meeting with the Vedek's entourage went about as well as one would 
expect; that is, difficult and unpleasant. Yures' presence and 
Dekelley's empathy and training greatly helped the situation. But 
nothing could stop the pain, the hurt, and the outrage they felt. 
Starkin kept her own anger at the situation in check, quelling her 
defensiveness to "How could you let this happen, Captain?" She felt 
that she couldn't really blame them, and she did her best to reassure 
them, pushing away her own uncertainties with a smoldering 
determination.

Danielle had stopped by Starkin's ready room, bringing a warm cup of 
tarkanay (a Garman drink made from tarkan bark/pulp). She could tell 
how upset Uriell was. Uriell was in relative control of her anger, 
showing a quiet resolve. And as much as Danielle wanted be with her and 
soften her partner's mood, she knew Uriell would want to use that 
determination to stay focused. And neither one of them wanted the 
Captain's ire accidentally misdirected towards her. So she left 
quickly. Nonetheless, Uriell greatly appreciated the gesture, was again 
reminded of why she loved her so much, and hoped that things would 
resolve soon so they could get more time to actually enjoy being 
together again.



Klaus entered the Ready Room first, followed by Skepti, waiting 
quietly. It was no surprise when Jayngo walked through the door, but 
she wasn't expecting Tiny to be following him. Starkin quickly realized 
that given the nature of the technical glitches that were involved in 
the incident, it made perfect sense for him to be there. Nonetheless, 
the sight of a large sentient followed by a slightly larger sentient 
through a relatively small door into a relatively small room, crowding 
the relatively small humans was somewhat humourous. ::They fill these 
rooms pretty quick. When I have these two in the same meeting, I'll 
have to be sure to do it in the conference room. :: Nganga then found 
his way into the seemingly crowded room, and the meeting began.

"Good morning," the Captain began and started pacing behind her desk. 
"You are all aware of why you are here right now. We've had a rough 
morning. I've given Vedek Tow's entourage, as well as Starfleet 
Command, my assurances that we will find and stop whoever is 
responsible for Vedek Tow's death and bring them to justice. I hope 
you've been able to find the information we need to shed some light on 
this matter, and prove my assurances to be true." She looked across at 
her crew. "While I already know some of the information, I want to be 
sure we are all at the same dataentry. Your reports, please."

Tiny began, describing the sophisticated looping program that caused 
the problem in 10-forward, and that it was likely to be sabotage. His 
crew is still trying to figure it out (with security.) He also reported 
that the replicators in 10-Forward and Ambassador Atylori's quarters 
had been modified to cause the chemical changes that poisoned the Vedek.

Jayngo then explained the exact cause of the Vedek's death: the triple 
dose of the Cerebus II "rejuvenation" elixir that the tampered 
replicators produced. He also said how they would be examining all the 
ambassadors for exposure. Tiny mentioned that the chemicals were found 
specifically in Cardassian beverages, and Jayngo described his 
conversation with the EMH, particularly what drinks were ordered.

Klaus conveyed his suspicions that Ambassador Atylori may have been the 
true target. He also told how he's tightened security, particularly 
with the dignitaries and their use of the modified communicators with 
biosign monitoring and relay capability.

When asked of the likelihood of the murderer still being on board, 
Nganga reported that thorough short and long-range scans gave no 
indications of any kind of any other starship activity in the area, 
cloaked or otherwise.

Klaus then explained the indications of the perp's use of the cloaking 
suit, and security's use of the modified visors to detect it.

Starkin gave a positive nod to Klaus. "That's good, especially if our 
murderer makes any kind of move." She paused. "But if possible, I'd 
want us to get this one before any move is made and any more harm is 
done. Do we have any leads? Any suspects? What about the Boardwalk 
personnel, have they all been cleared?" She looked towards Skepti.

Commander Nganga spoke up, "Excuse me Captain, but there are a few 
matters I'm still trying to understand.

"The Vedek was found partially under a platform. And this was while the 
power was out to Ten-forward. But he was killed by, effectivly, a 
poison that was put in his drink as it was being replicated, if I 
understood correctly.

"There is a major flaw here. He had to get the drink before the power 
went out. Even if the poison was replicated earlier, and added to his 
drink as they sat, why the power outage. Isn't poisoning suppossed to 
be a stealthy kind of murder? Why draw attention to it with the power 
outage and moving the body under the platform.

"Unless he crawled there in his death throes, the location of his body 
would suggest that it was partially hid. But why? Or why not do a 
better job of it? 

"And the only people around were the Cardassian ambassador and the LBH. 
Given that the history of Bajor and Cardassia, this alone seems odd. 
But as far as I know, the Cardassians didn't hate the Bajorans. They 
were cruel and inhumane, certainly, but I thought that it was because 
of indiffernce and neglect, not hatred. At this point, what would the 
sloppy murder of a Bajoran Vedek gain Cardassia?"

Realising he was running off at the mouth, David shut up so people 
could answer.

Doctor Jayngo raised his hand politely, waiting to be called upon. Once 
the Captain acknowledged the large doctor, he turned to the First 
Officer.

"As for the who's and why's, I wish I knew, and hopefully we will all 
learn soon enough to stop them. But as far as the poison goes, it was a 
relatively slow-acting chemical compound. The chemical's intended use 
was to decrease a person's age, but often caused great strains upon the 
subject and is considered highly dangerous and unpredictable. But, in 
its intended form, it was meant to work over a period of several days 
or weeks. The dosage the Vedek received was tripled, but would still 
have caused at least a fifteen or twenty minute delay between ingestion 
and death."

"If it was truly the Cardassian ambassador that was the intended 
target, as has been supposed, then it is quite probable that the power 
outage and hiding of the body was done as an afterthought, in an 
attempt to cover up the error made. As to why it was done in such a 
sloppy manner, I can't say, though I would guess that it was because 
the killer was also in the dark and was unable to fully tell how much 
the body was exposed. Of course, this is all just supposition on my 
part. I could be wrong."

"Doctor," Commander Nganga said in response, "The logisics of getting 
the stealth suit aboard and preparing the diagnostic/blackout 
programme, I think, indicate that they were needed for more than just 
cleaning up after a missed 'hit.'

"If treated within that fifteen minute period, is there an antidote to 
the effects of that compound?"

Nganga looked over to the Captain, and then to Skepti, and back to the 
Captain.  Nganga didn't want her question to Skepti lost. 

"Can the body be scanned for signs of the fruit ale or the hempik tea?" 
He added quickly.

Doctor Jayngo was slightly confused, but bounced back smoothly with, "I 
suppose we can pump the stomach for contents, though we avoided that 
through the toxicology scans.  Before we go that route, however, I'll 
want to get permission from the Vedek's assistants to begin the rights 
of burial.  According to Bajoran traditions, there are steps to be 
taken before funeral preperation can be started, and removing contents 
from the stomach falls under that function.  I will get on it after the 
meeting, sir."

"Good," the Commander said.

He looked at Skepti. Rory could probably get a reading off of the semi-
civilian. But Nganga wondered if he liked being off the spot. 
Temporarily.

"In order for Jayngo's supposition to work," David continued, "the 
killer would have needed to bring the stealth equipment on board, and 
have had some training in how our ship systems work. If its someone on 
the crew, or even any of the civilians, the latter isn't an issue. But 
given the limited uses of a stealth suit on a starship, that and the 
poison would indicate that the killer had at least two premeditated 
potential murder methods at his or her diposal. 

"This would indicate a serial killer, or a person on a very dark 
mission. Given the fact that the victim, and possible potential victim 
are both ambassadors, I'd be apt to favour the latter." 

Klaus was beginning to look uncomfortable.  The Captain immediately 
picked up on this.

"Something to add Lieutenant?"

"Yes, Captain.  Commander, with all due respect, I must disagree with 
your appraisal."  Klaus really hoped he wasn't stepping on toes.

"By all means, Mr. Klaus.  What are your thoughts."

"Well," Klaus started, "we have no indication of a serial 
killer.....yet.  There has only been one death, and because of that, we 
have no pattern to study that might indicate this IS a serial killer we 
are dealing with.  There are almost always ritualistic type behaviors 
associated with them that we have not seen in the evidence so far.  Let 
me review the evidence as I see it.  I cannot explain why the body was 
disposed of so poorly.  Perhaps the energy disruption did not last as 
long as anticipated or perhaps the murderer was interrupted.  Here is 
what we do know.  Prior to departure from Mars, a former Obsidian Order 
member was arrested.  Someone on board this ship had the technical 
knowledge to smuggle a stealth suit on board, reprogram 2 replicators 
and tamper with the energy grid.  We have one witness with potential 
ties to the Obsidian Order and access to classified information and 
military technology.  This person also happens to be the one who was 
with the Vedic just prior to his death.  My prime suspect in this 
situation is Ambassador Atylori.

"I do not think it beyond the realm of possibility that the Ambassador 
could have reprogrammed her own replicator to remove suspicion from 
herself.

"Captain, you should know that the Ambassador has not yet been 
questioned.  I would like your permission to have her quarters searched 
while that interview is taking place at the security office."

With that, Lieutenant Klaus looked to his Captain for a reply.

"Lieutenant," Nganga said, "I suggested 'serial killer' as the lesser 
of two options. And given your own additional knowledge, I'd concede to 
discount it completely. That doesn't remove my second option.

"I agree that Ambassador Atylori should be a suspect, but not the only 
one. It was the Cardassian drink that was poisoned, not the Bajoran. 
Unless she reprogrammed the replicator, there on the spot, in front of 
the Vedek and the LBH, how would she know ahead of time that the Vedek 
would drink a Cardassian drink. I could see where she might gamble that 
she could use her diplomatic skills to convince him to do so. But that 
would seem to be a huge gamble, for a fairly minor benefit."

"But you did hit upon another point," Nganga continued. "Galaxy class 
starships have been around for a decade and a half. As much as it may 
gall us, it is likely that many or our enemies may have learned its 
standard specifications. The Arcade is not standard. That's the one 
part of the ship that an assassain or spy could not study well in 
advance. That could explain why the assailant was lost in the dark." 

Skepti cleared his throat a moment, "In this sort of situation, I can 
only wonder who would have the most to gain from their deaths? I'd also 
report that all Boardwalk Personnel and personnel files seem to be in 
order."

Starkin gave Skepti a small nod, grateful he finally had the chance to 
answer her question.  "Thank you, Mr. Skepti." She turned to the 
officers.  "The Cardassians are known for having their own agenda.  
Given all the tensions between the Cardassia and Bajor - and with the 
whole Federation for that matter - I honestly wouldn't be too surprised 
to find a Cardassian responsible for a Bajoran's death.  Who knows?  
Maybe Ambassador Atylori's replicator was tampered with because it was 
her practice run."  She glanced at Tiny.  "Maybe it was networked 
through that console that the other console was sabotaged."

A thought hit Nganga, "Cardassians kill Bajorans, yes.  But Cardassians 
have also been known to kill other Cardassians.  We've seen that before 
too.  Who else would have access to Atylori's replicator?"

The Captain nodded.  "Her entourage, yes.  We don't know that much 
about them."  

"I was planning on questioning them as well.  They shouldn't be there 
if and when we search those quarters."  Klaus again looked towards the 
Captain for her approval.

Starkin turned and continued, "On the other hand, we can't just assume 
that _any_ of the Cardassians are responsible, just because they're 
Cardassians.  This is a diplomatic ambassador and her entourage we're 
talking about.  If we start making assumptions just because of their 
race..."

"It's NOT because of her race, and we have to start somewhere." Klaus 
said. "Whether she's an intended victim or a suspect, she was the last 
known person with the Vedek, so we have a reasonable reason to question 
her and search her quarters.  If she _wasn't_ an Ambassador we would 
have been able to do this already.  She could be using her 
ambassadorship as cover."

"So could any of the other ambassadors.  And the Federation has 
certainly had its share of troubles with some of the other races as 
well.  Maybe the Klingons want to prove how weak we are by getting away 
with murder on a Federation vessel.  Maybe the Romulans did this to set 
to look like the Cardassians did it - A feint to distract us while they 
do something somewhere else.  Or maybe someone wants to throw the 
Federation off by increasing the tension between the Cardassians and 
Bajorans AGAIN.  Or maybe someone just wants to tarnish this ship and 
the whole Federation by having something like this happen."

The Captain sighed, then pressed on.  "And what if she's not 
responsible?  Ignoring her diplomatic status and doing that search 
could look like we're singling Ambassador Atylori just because she's a 
Cardassian, which could cause a major diplomatic incident, setting back 
Cardassian relations who knows how far.  I'm sorry Mr. Klaus, but your 
request is denied."

Klaus was clearly frustrated.  What the hell's wrong with her?  She 
cares more about diplomacy than safety?  How am I supposed to do my job 
if she won't let me?!?  It was his discipline that restrained him from 
blurting anything out something he might regret.

"However," she continued, "It occurs to me that if she was in fact, the 
true target, the assailant may try again.  For that matter, there may 
be more than one target.  Any or all of the ambassadors could be in 
danger."  She looked right at Klaus, as if to beckon him to follow her 
train of thought. "The assailant managed to get a cloaking suit on 
board.  Who knows what else they managed to bring."  She turned to 
Nganga.  "I want you to assemble all of the ambassadors and their 
entourages.  Bring them together to..."  She paused, realizing a tiny 
irony, she gave a slight laugh-breath and shook her head. "Under normal 
circumstances, I'd bring them to Ten-Forward.  But given the 
circumstances..."

"We could use the conference room," Nganga said. "At least for the 
Ambassadors themselves - the rest may fit, too."

"There's always the holodeck," Tiny added.  "We could whip something up 
in there, they'd have plenty of room."

"Perhaps.  I'd still prefer the conference room if possible.  We'll 
have to see."  She returned to face Klaus.  "Anyway, Lieutenant, we can 
bring them together and then talk with them about what they know, one 
by one."

Klaus eased up.  "And while we question them..."

"..you can have security teams do detailed searches of ALL the 
ambassadors' quarters to - of course - ensure that there's been no 
other sabotage that we might have missed before.  We can't be too safe 
now, can we?"

"We can start with Atylori?  She needs to be questioned about what 
happened... and... might especially be in danger."

"Of course.  I leave the order entirely to your discretion, Mr. Klaus."

"I also suggest that we do in fact, use the holodeck as a meeting 
place, where we can have security officers concealed in a holographic 
'duck blind.'  That way we can.. protect... and monitor our guests 
unobtrusively."

"Yes... that seems reasonable, given the circumstances.  Very well."

"I'll get Ensign Corbin's team on that."

Nganga shifted his weight.  "Some of the ambassadors won't be too happy 
about all this."

"I'M not too happy about this, Commander." Starkin replied.  "I can't 
single out any one ambassador.   If I'm going to annoy one, I have to 
annoy them all."

Doctor Jayngo waited patiently for a pause in the conversation.  
"Captain?"

Once he had their attention, he continued.  "I just wanted to point out 
that Ambassador Atylori did not arrive with an entourage.  In fact, she 
was the only one who didn't."  When caught in the questioning glance, 
he continued "I made note of the fact when they all came aboard.  It 
always helps to know who your potential patients may be.  In an 
official capacity, she is the only Cardassian that should be aboard.  
However, if you wanted to be doubly sure, you could probably have the 
computer scan for Cardassian life signs." 

"Well, Captain," Nganga said, "Something that may cheer you up to a 
small degree, but we should keep from the ambassadors, is that I have 
an idea that may allow Mr. Klaus to narrow his search."

The Captain nodded, "Go on."

"As you know, the security sensors have been disabled down 
'Ambassador's Row', to allow the ambassadors privacy.  But, for fairly 
obvious reasons, we haven't disabled the passive sensors used by the 
Environmental Systems and Engineering."

"The controls that keep the temperature stable?" the Captain asked.

"Exactly."

"And with the different races having different comfort zones, that 
system is active a lot." The Captain added.

"It's standard procedure, in fact, for Engineering to increase the 
sensitivity of the temperature sensors in the rooms where diplomats will 
be," Nganga said. "A comfortable ambassador is a pliable ambassador."

Tiny nodded, even though it was his predecessor who had done the setup 
for this mission.

Nganga continued, "Every warm blooded being gives off some heat. If I 
have my quarters set to a temperature of 23 degrees, and I'm out, and 
then come into the room, with my body maintaining a 37 degree internal 
temperature, the room is warmed just a little. The EV system detects 
this and adjusts the controls to cool the room just enough to 
compensate.

(Kenn's note - The temperatures given are in degrees Celsius, which 
would be understood. They are the equivalent of 73.4 F and 98.6 F .) 

"Assuming the ambassadors don't pay many diplomatic visits to one 
another at 0300, the bulk of the nighttime hours should give us a 
baseline. Between the temperature sensors, and data from the power 
systems and the routing couplings, we should be able to detect the 
murderer's movement when he moved to that section of the ship."

"Of course," Starkin said, "Telling us where the assailant stopped 
moving. Could we extrapolate from ... the amount of change in heat, the 
race of the killer?"

"We'd be able to tell how much heat was added, and that's going to vary 
between the size of a particular individual and his internal temperature 
and metabolism. I don't know the specifics of the various races, but I 
believe there are some wide variances. If someone from medical, 
familiar with the races," Nganga looked at Jayngo, "coordinated with 
Engineering when going through the Environmental System data," Nganga 
looked at Tiny, "we'd have a pretty good chance of deter- verifying the 
race of the killer."

"It sounds like a viable premise to me sir.  I'd be happy to work with 
Commander Tiny on it.  But," Dr. Jayngo catches himself, "I know that 
Commander Tiny is also Dr. Tiny, and could probably conduct the 
investigation himself.  I will leave that up to him," turning to the 
other large man.

Bruno looked at Jayngo and smiled slightly.  "I wouldn't mind your 
help, Doctor, I lean more to genetic sciences than the general area."

"Then it will be my pleasure." 

"That sounds reasonable to me, Doctor," Starkin said.  "Be sure to 
assign someone to determine which drink the Vedek had, so you are free 
to work with Commander Tiny on this."

"Yes sir."  Jayngo turned to Nganga. "To answer your earlier question, 
Commander, I have generated a counter-agent to the rejuvination formula 
and have it on stock, so I could administer it anywhere from two to ten 
minutes after ingestion and hopefully stop the process.  But it would of 
course depend on the original dosage given and how quickly the counter 
agent could be applied."

"Oh yes.  That's good to know."  It took David a beat to recall the 
question.  In all the discussion, it was a question that was all but 
lost.  "So, the body might have been hidden where it was to make sure no 
antidote could be given to him in time..."

"Commander," the Captain interjected with authority.  The time for 
conjecture had clearly ended.  "With the Doctor working on the 
temperature analysis, I want you to run the scan to check for additional 
Cardassian life signs.  In fact..."  Starkin paused.  "Belay that.  Work 
with Ops and run a shipwide scan for every sentient on board, Cardassian 
or otherwise.  Cross reference that with the ship's manifest, and see if 
there's anyone on board who is not accounted for."

"Yes, sir," the Commander replied.

"Lieutenant Klaus, have Lieutenant T'Vala run the detailed searches in 
'Ambasadors Alley'.  I want you to be in charge of the questioning in 
the Holodeck after Ensign Corbin sets it up.  Get Counselor Dekelley to 
be there as well - he's still counseling the Bajorans as well as some 
nervous civilians on board.  His presence should hopefully help smooth 
things out with the ambassadors."

"He may also help take their focus off of security," Klaus added. "Very 
well, Captain."

"As far as the hows and whys, I agree that it's a safe assumption that 
the killer had multiple avenues of murder; but we can fly around in 
circles debating all the possible motives and reasons it happened the 
way it did.  We won't know the specifics until we catch and question the 
murderer ourselves.  Which means we all need to get back to work.  You 
have your assignments.  Dismissed."

As the group could start filing out, the Captain said, "Mr. Skepti, a 
word please?"

The rest of the group left, leaving the officer and the civilian.  The 
tension was evident.

"You seemed rather quiet during the meeting."  Starkin paced towards the 
man.

"Yes sir."

"Any particular reason?"

"Not much to say."

The Captain sighed.  "I was hoping you would have... contributed a 
little more, especially given your unique perspective and different 
background."

"I gave my report, Captain."

"Well, I hope that if you ever have more to report, that you will do 
so."

"You should have more faith in your crew, Captain," Skepti answered.  
"If there's anything you need to know, you'll know."

Starkin paused, taken slightly aback.  "Very well.  Dismissed."  After 
Skepti left, she took a moment and stood there, contemplating what the 
enegmatic man had meant.



After filing out, Commander Nganga headed over to the command chairs. 
Then an idea hit him. He headed back towards the Ready Room, but 
avoided getting close enough to trigger the door chime.

When Skepti left, Nganga stepped close enough to the enterance that the 
door would stay open. 

The Captain was standing, pondering something. 

David waited several moments not wanting to interupt his captain.  When 
she looked up, Nganga uttered a simple, "Excuse me, Captain."

The Captain broke from her reverie, shaking it off. "Oh... yes, 
Commander. What is it?"

Commander Nganga walked in, allowing the door to close.

"As you know, we disabled the sensors in 'Ambassadors Alley'. While 
accessing the evironmental sensors may give us some information, it is 
untried. Then it occurred to me, the runabouts."

Nganga paused.

"I thought I might take the Mozart out, and use its sensors to scan the 
Cochrane." 

The Captain considered this for a moment.  It would be a little while 
before the Ambassadors were herded to the holodeck.  Besides, if the 
sensors remain off, an extra person could possibly remain hidden 
there.  This way, they wouldn't have to break the agreement with the 
ambassadors unless they really needed to.  "Yes.. good idea Commander.
When you're ready, have McGintly drop us out of warp.  You'll have to 
be relatively quick about it.  Once you're back onboard, we'll continue 
traveling to Camp Khitomer.  We'll also increase our warp speed to 
compensate.  Meanwhile, have Ops still run the internal scans, then we 
can cross check the results.  We'll also run an internal scan again, 
once the ambassadors are in the holodeck."  

"I should probably bring a pilot."

"Agreed, if you're going to be running the scans."  She tilted her head 
down with her eyes looking up to David.  Almost hesitantly, she said,  
"You might consider Ensign Paxton."

With a raised eyebrow, Nganga replied, "Is that order, sir?"

"No no, just a suggestion.  You can run this however you want, 
Commander."  She looked at her desk then back at Nganga.  "I have faith 
in you."

A slight smile came to his face.  "Alright, Paxton it is."  He tapped 
his comm badge and looked into the air.  "Nganga to Ensign Paxton."

=^= Paxton here, sir. =^=

"Ensign, meet me in Shuttle Bay One."  He looked at the captain and 
widened his smile.  "You've got a ship to fly."  Starkin nodded 
slightly in return.

=^= Uhh.. Yes sir.  On my way! =^=

Nganga straighted himself, his body language asking for his dismissal.  
"Captain."

The Captain nodded in reply and watched her first officer turn and 
leave.  After the doors closed, she muttered to herself, "I have faith 
in you."



Cal barely saw the second as he swept past him, his features set 
stonily. After a dozen steps he rounds a corner and glances around with 
an angry glare. Seemingly assuaged for the nonce, Skepti keys his com.

Striding purposely from Quark's, Mr. Falan paused as his communicator 
chirped =^=Skepti to Falan=^=. Xavier answering smile faded away and he 
blew out a deep breath before responding, **What now? What else can I 
do for this guy?**. "Falan here, Mr. Skepti."

=^=The Captain still had some questions, Mr. Falan. Some pointed 
questions, Mr. Falan. I'd know why.=^= 

"I don't understand Mr. Skepti. I did all that you asked." Falan 
glances around with suspicious eyes, the young waitress passes his by 
with a questioning stare. "Something the..." Falan cuts her off and 
stalks away.

=^=Very well, Mr. Falan. Perhaps, our duties require a little more... 
coercion. Skepti out.=^= 



SURVIVOR: PART 6

<<Engineering>> 

As Lt. Commander Tiny and Doctor Jayngo go over the file logs for the 
time of the assassination, they find that temperature readings were set 
for four people's comfort level (three if one person is in a stealth 
suit, as pointed out by the Doctor). Since the LBH did not need the 
comfort levels, conclusions could be taken that a fourth entity was in 
the room at the time of the Ambassadors' meeting. Following such 
temperature changes, the two have worked through the following twenty 
minutes up until the hiding of the body. Further examination of the 
files will take a more time. 

<<Medical>> 

Upon receiving permission from the Bajoran Aides to the Ambassador to 
begin the rights of burial, Doctor Sule has exhumed the contents of 
Vedek Tow's system. He reports that the Vedek had consumed the 
Cardassian Hempik tea. Doctor Sule then continues the burial 
preparation. 

<<Holodeck 3>> 

After Ensign Corbin had programmed a meeting hall in the holodeck - 
complete with duck blinds containing Security Officers - twenty-one 
ambassadors and staff (including Dovenka Atylori) entered and took 
their seats, prepared for the meeting with Lieutenant Klaus, Counselor 
Dekelley and the security staff. 

<<Ambassador Alley>> 

Lt. T'Vala, Lt. JG Jefferson, and Ensign Hurt begin the searches of the 
Ambassadors' quarters, beginning with Dovenka Atylori, Berg San and 
Berg Cliffe's suite. 



=^=chirp=^=

=^=Nganga to Ensign Paxton.=^=

David reached up and punched his communicator.  "Paxton here, sir."

**waitaminute … didn't the commander just come onto the bridge from the 
captain's meeting room?** David looked over his shoulder to the meeting 
room door, which was now closed, with no sign of Nganga on the bridge.

=^=Ensign, meet me in Shuttle Bay One. You've got a ship to fly.=^=

**Huhhh?**
"Uhh … yes sir.  On my way!"

**Calmly D.J. … calmly …**
D.J. composed himself … he had no idea what was going on, but it had to 
be more exciting than what he was doing now. He still didn't understand 
why he even needed to show up for duty most of the time … considering 
the ease of the flight so far, there's no reason the computer couldn't 
just do his job for him.

Swiveling away from the console, D.J. stood. Catching McGintly's eye, 
he nodded before heading up the ramp to the turbolift. He tried not to 
run …



-Shhhh-

D.J. looked through the open door, and into the shuttle bay.

Despite being aboard for several weeks already, he hadn't yet had the 
time to inspect any of the shuttles first-hand **of course, I don't 
have the authority to be near them most of the time, either** … not 
that he hadn't kept up his practice in the holodeck.

Entering the bay, the doors "sshhhhhd" shut behind him. D.J. walked 
over to the Mozart, and punched the door key. **Wonder what it's all 
about anyway? Does it have anything to do with the Vedek's murder … how 
could it?**

Smoothly, without a sound, the ramp lowered. Looking aboard, David saw 
nothing but gleaming, spotless, smooth equipment, lots of buttons, and 
a very inviting pilot's seat. Grinning, D.J. hopped onto the ramp from 
the side and launched himself into the seat.

Taking only a moment to examine the controls around him, he began the 
start-up procedure, running diagnostics and starting the pre-flight 
warm-up. **I wonder why Nganga picked me, anyway?**

Lights flashed on, and the hum of the engines rose softly. **There've 
gotta be more experienced pilots onboard …**

Already D.J. sensed a change in the environment, feeling the very 
slight vibrations running across the controls as the ship powered 
itself. **McGintly didn't tell him about my game in the sim before I 
came on board, did he? …***

Readouts of the power levels and systems check displayed on the 
monitor. **So far so good … reading are normal. Man, I hope Nganga 
doesn't know about that …**

As the controls and lights flashed a rainbow across his moving hands, 
David saw Commander Nganga through the viewport entering the shuttle 
bay.  Subconsciously, he gulped. **Okay, enough. The Commander doesn't 
care about you … this is a job. And no matter what made him pick me, 
unless I want … Indigor … to get the next assignment, I'd better pull 
together …**

D.J. heard the commander's footsteps approach the runabout. **Take it 
easy … it's not like you've never flown before …**

David stood and straightened his tunic before walking back to meet the 
Commander. ** … just never with the 1st officer before … **



<<Bridge>> 

Through computer monitoring, Norallah Tam has determined that all comm 
badges are registered and on board (or on the runabout.) An internal 
sensor scan registers 949 humanoid life signs aboard, 15 non- humanoid 
(pets). According to the crew manifest, there are supposed to be 953 
aboard, excluding the now-deceased Vedek Tow. This scan obviously does 
not include the three security officers in Ambassador Alley. 

<<Mozart Runabout>> 

Nganga and Paxton's external sensor scan registers 952 humanoid life 
signs aboard, 15 non-humanoid (pets). 



Ensign," Nganga said nodding towards the younger man. "Shall we?" he 
gestured back to the hatch of the runabout.

"Yes sir." D.J. replied. Walking with the commander, he mentioned, 
"I've taken the liberty of beginning a warm-up and pre-flight 
diagnostics of the Mozart, sir. All systems appear to be functioning at 
full capacity."

The Commander motioned to the pilot's chair for D.J., while sitting 
himself down as well, in the other forward seat. He also mentally noted 
Paxton's taking initiative, and was glad for it. "Very good, Ensign." 
Nganga paused as he considered his next words. Catching D.J.'s eyes, he 
opened his mouth …

"Uh, if I may, sir," D.J. interrupted, and then noticed the commander 
about to speak anyway.

Nganga raised an eyebrow, both at D.J.'s interruption, and then the 
awkward pause. "Ensign?"

D.J. hesitated. "Sorry sir. I was just … confused. We're not scheduled 
to be pulling out of warp anytime soon, and even if we do, according to 
the charts there aren't any inhabited systems nearby …"

Nganga responded, "This trip won't be far. We'll be making a few passes 
around the Cochrane. It may be tricky since we'll have to take into 
account her velocity. I'll be taking sensor readings as we go."

**may be tricky** D.J. held back a grin **yea, we'll see … shouldn't be 
too difficult. Still, it seemed an odd procedure** "Is there anything 
wrong with the sensor readings onboard, sir?"

"For the most part, no. However, we do have one area where we've 
dismantled the sensors: the ambassadors' living quarters. I was against 
it, but being 'diplomatic' for the sake of the mission..." Nganga's 
voice trailed briefly.  "Anyway, all indicators are that whomever 
killed Vedek Tow took refuge in that area. And an external sensor sweep 
will be faster than resetting everything." 

"And if you don't happen to find anything, you can avoid an incident 
with the ambassadors since they won't know their quarters were ever 
scanned in the first place," D.J. chimed in.

"Nganga to bridge. The Mozart's ready to head out. Please prepare to 
slow down the Cochrane." Nganga said into the air.

=^= Aye sir. =^= came the reply. 

"Actually, I'd welcome the confrontation," Nganga said in reference to 
someone objecting to the scans. "We've already had a serious incident. 
I suspect only the guilty would object to our searching."

The sensation of the Cochrane slowing down was muffled somewhat, being 
onboard the runabout. 

"Mister Paxton, let's get under way."

"Yes, sir," D.J. said. Blowing out a breath, he cocked his head to the 
side and leaned over the controls. **Here I go … let's hope I do better 
than my last sim flight …**

D.J. checked his board, noting that all systems were at 100%. Powering 
up the anti-grav generators, the runabout lifted from the deck. D.J. 
heard a "hmmmm" as he passed the Mozart through the docking bay's 
shielding, and then it was open space. 

Linking to the Cochrane's computer, D.J. pulled up the starship's 
current impulse speed, and set the runabout's inertial compensators 
before they got left behind by the larger ship. 

"Have some fun with it, Ensign." Nganga said, waving his hand in a very 
general motion towards the front screen.

"Sir?" D.J. looked at the commander incredulously.

"I told you what we need to do, but it is a trifle unorthodox. 
Therefore, there aren't any really set procedures," the Commander said. 
He looked at D.J. and smiled, "I'll tell you what. Why don't you 
pretend I'm not the person who will be doing your crew evaluations for 
the foreseeable future? You don't have to 'impress' me. Just fly 
comfortably around the Cochrane a few times. If I need you to do 
something specific, I'll let you know."

D.J. raised an eyebrow, stifling a grin at the same time. Nodding to 
Nganga, he replied with a "Yes, sir."

**Comfortably, eh … well, not very exciting, but I might be able to 
improvise a little , " D.J. thought. Commander Nganga set the sensor 
array for as thorough a scan as possible.

The runabout still faced the opposite direction of the Cochrane, having 
just exited the shuttle bay. D.J. allowed the starship to almost 
outdistance the smaller vessel. When the Mozart was at the tip of the 
Cochrane's aft section, he accelerated and turned toward the starboard 
nacelle.

Dipping low, he sailed the ship around the rear of the nacelle's 
support structure. The ion glow of the nacelle shown above, bathing the 
two officers in red light through the viewport as they flew underneath. 
Arcing gracefully around, D.J. faced the shuttle to the fore of the 
starship. Matching speed for a moment, the two paralleled each other's 
flight.

**Now, where should I take us …** D.J. thought. Accelerating, the 
runabout began to outpace the starship. Initiating a slight dive, the 
Mozart dipped under the saucer section. Although D.J. wanted 
desperately to "buzz" the larger vessel as close as possible, 
discretion suggested that he should control himself a little. Keeping 
his distance he sailed the runabout past the Astrometrics lab and under 
the saucer section.

Reaching the fore of the Cochrane, the Mozart sailed ahead and looped 
upwards while simultaneously turning to port. Heading back towards 
"home," he sailed over the top of the saucer section. As D.J. reached 
the tip of the Cochrane he dipped to his starboard to run parallel 
along the side of the starship, a pattern of light & dark windows 
playing in his peripheral vision as an assortment of crew and civilian 
quarters flew past. Keeping his distance so as not to alarm anyone (and 
respect their privacy), D.J. still couldn't help accelerating as he 
approached the rear of the saucer.

Hoping he remembered the location correctly, D.J. put on a burst of 
speed as the runabout sailed over the rear of the saucer and past ** … 
you watching this, Indigor …** the other flight controller's quarters, 
before diving down and heading straight aft between the starships twin 
nacelles. Dropping the speed back to normal, he sailed over the 
starships port nacelle, dipped the runabout downward, and looped around 
the back.

Completing his first circuit, the Ensign glanced at Commander Nganga. 
"First revolution completed sir. I thought I'd take us underneath the 
Cochrane this time, if you don't mind, to give you a chance to scan 
down below."

David Nganga was enjoying the flight. As an engineer, he enjoyed it 
when vessels were pushed beyond their 'norm'. At least that's how he 
rationalized it. He was also glad to notice that Paxton had relaxed 
some. The younger man seemed far less nervous. "Sounds good to me, 
Ensign, go for it."

"Yes sir," D.J. replied. Attention back on the controls, he continued 
the flight.

Shortly, they had skimmed the belly of the Cochrane, as well. The scans 
were complete, and Paxton's route had allowed for rescanning from 
multiple angles.  "I have what we need. Let's head back in." 

"Yes sir." Altering his path, D.J. dropped speed and programmed the 
coordinates to head directly for the shuttle bay.

**Well, that wasn't so bad … I guess. Hope the Commander feels the same 
way …**

The Commander was feeling disturbed, but not at the Ensign or the 
flight.  **I'm not liking these numbers.**

As Ensign Paxton went through the process of piloting the U.S.S. 
Mozart, one of the Cochrane's three runabouts, back onto its parent 
vessel, Commander Nganga sat quietly thinking. 

* 956 names on our Manifest. The Vedek is dead, 955. Paxton and I are 
out here, 953. *

He looked back at their sensor readings of the larger ship.

* 952! Damn. * the commander spoke to the comm system. "Norallah. How 
many did you get?"

The trill's voice came back from the Bridge, =^= 949. But there are 
three security guards in the blacked out field. So 954 counting you 
two. =^=

"Same as what we have. Start the computer on cross-referencing our two 
sets of sensor logs with our medical and transporter logs. I'll be up 
to the Bridge right away."

=^= Aye, sir. =^= 

Dave really didn't expect much from Jayngo and Tiny yet. He knew what 
they were trying to do would be time consuming. But as he waited for 
Paxton to finish parking the Mozart, he couldn't help but wonder how 
the search of the Ambassador's quarters was going, and the 
interrogation.

He tapped his comm badge, "Nganga to Captain Starkin. Any news, ma'am?"



<<Ready Room>> 

Captain Starkin receives a communiqué from Starfleet Security on Utopia 
Planitia. Based upon an anonymous tip, they reviewed the security tapes 
and found that the Obsidian Order agent known as Retlev has been caught 
tampering with a storage container due for U.S.S. Cochrane. While 
unclear what was put in, they did get the transit code (case #4257478) 
and destination (Cargo Bay 5 - a minimum security area located near 
Ambassador Alley). The communiqué also stated that surveillance on 
Reltev's quarters on Mordan IV revealed an encrypted coded message that 
appeared to be Romulan in origin. 



Uriell Starkin sat in her ready room. She had recently returned from 
the holodecks, where she said a few words to the ambassadors to help 
smooth things over. Given their overall attitude, she was perfectly 
happy to turn the proceedings over to Klaus and Dekelley. Given how 
long and tiring the day had so far been, she didn't want to take the 
role of diplomat any longer than she had to.

On her return back to the ready room, she stopped by engineering to see 
how things were going. Tiny and Jayngo were working diligently, and 
Starkin was pleased. She left them to do their work, as she did 
similarly with Dr. Sule, who was at this point working on the burial 
preparations. Sule told the captain that it was in fact the Vedek who 
had consumed the Cardassian Hempik tea. 

In a slightly morbid sequitor, the thought of the Hempik tea made 
Uriell realize she was thirsty.  Trusting that her replicator had been 
cleared from any signs of tampering or wrongdoing, she made herself a 
warm beverage and sat back down.

Taking a minute to relax, Starkin leaned back in her chair and looked 
out the window. The lack of warp lines with the starts only confirmed 
what she had already felt, that they were currently out of warp.  So 
she wasn't surprised when she saw the runabout out the window flying 
towards the port side. ::It must be going well,:: she thought, smiling 
slightly. But her ruminations were interrupted by the comm.

=^= Captain Starkin? =^=

"Go ahead."

=^= We have an incoming message from Utopia Planitia.=^=

"Patch it through." One chirp later, she was looking at a dark skinned 
man on the view screen. "Greetings, Commander."

"Captain, I'm Kent Terrell, U.P. security. I'm transmitting a report to 
you now, which details some troubling news we've recently made about 
some of your cargo. It seems one of your storage containers has been 
tampered with by an Obsidian Order agent known as Retlev. We're not 
sure what he put into it, but we do know which one and where it was 
going. It's all in the report."

"We had heard that an Obsidian Order agent had been arrested at 
Planitia... This may explain a few things. I appreciate you letting me 
know, Commander. We'll look into it at once. I think there's a good 
chance this information will help answer some questions we're both 
currently dealing with."

"Captain, one more thing. We looked into some surveillance done on 
Retlev's quarters back on Mordan IV. It picked up an encrypted message 
that seemed to be Romulan in origin."

::Romulan? This will make negotiations with those diplomats so much 
more interesting than they've already been. Klingons too, if they find 
out::  "That's certainly good to know. Thank you again, Commander. It's 
much appreciated. We'll be in touch."

"Captain." The screen went back to the blue Starfleet emblem and 
signage. The Captain pulled up the report and started reading. Soon, 
the comm chirped again.

=^= Nganga to Captain Starkin. Any news, ma'am? =^=

"Yes. I just received a report from Utopia Planitia.  I just started 
reading it now... It seems that Obsidian Order agent there was somewhat 
busy before we left." She paused, remembering that the Ensign was 
probably still there. "Plus, there are indications that some other 
parties may be involved in all this.  Parties that will certainly 
complicate matters."

=^= Wonderful. =^= The sarcasm came through the comm, loud and clear.

"I take it you're back from your little joyride?"

=^= Yes ma'am. You'll have to watch it, Captain -- Ensign Paxton can 
fly circles around your ship. =^=

That drew a smile from her. ::(Our ship, Commander.):: "So I noticed. 
Did your scans find anything?"

Nganga's voice sounded instantly serious again. =^=Yes. The numbers 
aren't looking right. Someone seems to be missing.=^=

"Missing? Do we know who?"

=^= Not yet. Norallah is cross-referencing our various logs as we 
speak. =^=

"Very well. Check up with her, then come to my ready room. We can 
discuss these details in person."



"Will do, Captain. I'll see you soon. Nganga out."

Commander Nganga stood from his seat on the runabout. He  looked at 
Ensign Paxton, "You should probably head back to your post on the 
Bridge."

Nganga turned and headed for the hatch, but stopped and turned and 
looked at the younger David. He smiled, "By the way, thank you D.J. You 
made an unpleasant task fun."

Assuming that Paxton would be right behind him heading for the bridge, 
he didn't feel rude in heading out the hatch. 

He tapped his badge, "Nganga to Bridge."

=^=Yes Commander?=^= came McGlintly's reply.

"Ned, Mozart's docked. Let's get moving again."

=^=Aye, Dave.=^= Nganga could hear Ned's smile.



D.J. saw Commander Nganga rise from the seat next to him. "You should 
probably head back to your post on the Bridge."

"Yes, sir," said D.J. Sighing softly, he turned back to the controls, 
and continued the shut-down procedure. Nganga turned and headed behind 
him, presumably for the hatchway. D.J. only heard him take 2 or 3 steps 
…

"By the way, thank you, D.J."

D.J. blinked. Looking up and turning to face his superior, he saw 
Nganga about halfway down the runabout.

"You made an unpleasant task fun," Nganga finished.

D.J. widened his eyes, but held himself composed. Nodding to the 
commander, D.J. said "Thank you, sir." As the Commander about-faced and 
headed once more for the hatchway, D.J. also turned to again face the 
controls, a grin on his face.

Logging his flight time into the Mozart's records, D.J. checked the 
console for status of the shut-down procedure. Noting that all systems 
functioned at peak capacity during the flight, the computer had 
finished backing up all operational data, and the engine had finished 
its cool-down, there was nothing further for David to do here. Shutting 
down the interior lights, D.J. stood and headed for the hatchway.

On the flight deck, he noticed the commander had already departed. 
Underneath his feet, D.J. felt the vibration that indicated they were 
all probably back in warp speed, now.

**Well, guess I should head back. Just a few more hours of sitting at 
the helm doing nothing while the computer flies the ship …**

David walked to the doorway. **Still, having the ship fly itself is 
probably better than Indigor doing it for me ...**

D.J. headed for the bridge, the shuttle bay door closing behind him.
-Shhhh-



The Commander Nganga arrived on the bridge via the turbolift, Paxton 
having stayed behind to take care of some runabout maintenance. 

Lt. Commander McGlintly stood up, preparing to hand over the Bridge. 

"At ease, Ned," David said, extending his right hand out flatly, palm 
down. With his left hand he gestured towards the Captain's Ready Room. 
"Norallah, are those cross-checks...?" 

"Yes, Commander." the Trill said. She leaned back so Nganga, coming 
down the ramp, could see the results on her screen. 

"Thank you." Forcing to keep his facial expression blank, Nganga turned 
and walked to the door of the Captain's Ready Room. The chirp on the 
other side of the door could be heard. 



Talking to Ambassador Atylori had gotten him nowhere. All his instincts 
told him that she had nothing to do with the Vedek's murder. She simply 
had a conversation with him, shared a drink and returned to her 
quarters.

Now what, he asked himself. The answer came quickly enough. He must 
continue questioning the ambassadors.....delicately....and await the 
sensor reports from Nganga and Tiny. As he thought to himself, he 
couldn't help but think something was out of place....but he couldn't 
quite figure out what.

Ensign Corbin caught his eye from across the room and ran her hair over 
her left ear. Klaus immediately excused himself from a conversation he 
was having with a Federation ambassador. This was the update he was 
waiting for.....Corbin's gesture signaled that. He headed back toward 
the restroom that had been created for the meeting. He thought it a 
natural reason to excuse himself mid conversation. And for that reason, 
he installed an entrance to one of the duck blinds there. Klaus made 
his way to the last stall, closed the door and entered the blind. Once 
inside his communicator chirped.

"Starkin to Klaus."

"Klaus here Captain."

"I have some interesting news for you Lieutenant. Firstly, it seams 
that both Commander Nganga's and Norallah's scans agree. There is one 
person missing. They have yet to identify the species. You will also be 
interested to know that a transmission from an Obsidian Order agent 
named Retlev was intercepted at U.P. Lieutenant, the transmission was 
Romulan."

Lieutenant Klaus felt as if had been physically struck. All he could do 
was think.

"Lieutenant?" the Captain inquired.

Klaus' eyes scanned the holodeck and came to rest on Ensign Corbin 
interviewing the Romulan delegation. Romulans, he said to himself, of 
course! Who else would be experts in cloaking technology.

"Lieutenant?!" the Captain asked, more forcefully.

Suddenly, that funny feeling he had been having crystallized into 
rational thought. One, two, three, four.....where was the fifth.....he 
scanned the room. No other Romulans could be seen. He double-checked 
his manifest. Yes! Five Romulans were on board.

"LIEUTENANT!!!"

"Sorry Captain. I have identified the missing individual. It's a member 
of the Romulan delegation. I suggest we target our search to their 
quarters and seal the holodeck. We do not know what this person's 
intentions are next. I also suggest that we begin an internal scan that 
looks for any signs of cloaking use. Captain, I strongly advise placing 
force fields over all vital areas including the bridge. Armed security 
teams should also be in these same areas."

"Very well, Mr. Klaus."

Klaus depressed his communicator. "Computer, place a level 10 force 
field around the holodeck. Klaus to security, concentrate your search 
to the quarters housing the Romulan delegation. Security alert, level 
1."

With that, Klaus headed down to the holodeck and toward the Romulan 
delegation.



<Engineering> 

After giving their report to the Captain during her rounds, the two 
large men return to their work tracing the heat signature through 10-
Forward. 

Jayngo sat looking at the readings. "What is the normal body 
temperature increase while wearing a cloak suit?" 

Bruno looked up at Jayngo and thought. "Depends on the suit, a normal 
suit would be five, ten degrees. But they might be lighter or heavier, 
depending on where it was made." 

"That would be if it was a Starfleet cloak suit, which is based upon 
borrowed Romulan technology. Logic would dictate that they would have 
better tech, seeing that they originated it, correct?" 

Bruno nodded, thought he wasn't all that sure about whether the 
Romulans would bother. 

"These readings are very strange. We've already determined that the 
suit is giving off enough heat to warrant two bodies, or 123 degrees. 
If it was a human in that suit, that would mean it is adding 24.4 
degrees, far too warm for human comfort levels." 

"Then our player probably isn't human..." 

"True. What we need to figure out is a) what race is in the suit, and 
b) who developed the suit. What races have developed cloaking 
technology besides the Klingons and Romulans? Do the Cardassians have 
it?" 

Bruno shook his head "I don't think the Cardassians have cloaking 
technology. They don't have it on their ships at the very least." 

"Then that leaves the Romulans and Klingons. Let me check something 
real quick." Pulling a datapad from his coat pocket, Jayngo began 
searching for some data. 

"You looking for Romulans? Klingons would never assassinate someone 
without showing their face first, it goes against their code of honor." 

Moments later, he found what he was working on. "Exactly my thoughts. 
We don't use Romulan physiology that often, but I have it in the 
database because of this assignment. Something wasn't adding up for me. 
Then it dawned on me that they have a much higher rate of metabolism, 
and a physiology similar to Klingons, though they would be hesitant to 
admit it." 

Bruno laughed once, "That makes sense. But it would have been easier to 
check Vulcan records, you don't have to have missing links there" 

"But that is the strange part. Romulan physiology and Vulcan physiology 
isn't overly similar. Yes, they have the same background and genetic 
makeup, but evolution due to their surroundings have changed them. 
Anyway, Romulans body heat is much higher than that of humans. The 
average body temperature is 104.9 degrees. That would make a variable 
of 8.1 degrees, well within the parameters of someone who is agitated 
or angry." 

The Engineer nodded, "Yes, it would. So we're looking at a Romulan 
here?" 

"Or a Klingon, whose normal body temperature is 103.5. But, as you 
said, it would be 'dishonorable' to kill an opponent in this fashion." 

Bruno nodded again, "So we either have a Romulan, or a dishonorable 
Klingon traitor doomed for Grethor.....look for the Romulan." 

"I agree. I'll continue going through these logs to try and support our 
theory with tangible evidence. Why don't you give a report to the 
Captain." 

Taking the PADD "Alrighty then, now we know who we are looking for." 
Bruno tapped his comm badge, "Cmdr. Tiny to Captain Starkin, Doctor 
Jayngo and I have our results, we think we're looking for a Romulan, 
I'm coming up to give you the full details now." Heading for the exit. 



Starkin was pacing, considering the implications of her message from 
Utopia Planitia. Could the Romulans really be involved in murdering a 
Bajoran Vedek? It wasn't a good scenario, that much was certain. She 
wanted to wait until she could talk with her first officer, hopefully 
having more information, before letting Klaus know. But Starkin's 
impatience got the better of her, so she decided she would let Klaus 
know about the communiqué first, before Nganga got there. 

"Starkin to Klaus." 

It was of course at that moment that the door chirped.

=^=Klaus here Captain.=^= 

Not wanting to interrupt herself, she walked over to the door while 
speaking. "I have some interesting news for you Lieutenant." She 
pressed the manual door controls. "Firstly, it seams that both 
Commander Nganga's and Norallah's scans agree." With a tell tale SHOOSH 
the doors opened, allowing Nganga's entry. "There is one person 
missing. They have yet to identify the species." Nganga stepped forward 
as if wanting to interrupt. The Captain, however, continued. "You will 
also be interested to know that a transmission from the Obsidian Order 
agent named Retlev was intercepted at U.P. Lieutenant, the transmission 
was Romulan." 

Nganga leaned in. In a quiet yet urgent voice he said, "Captain, 
Norallah's cross referencing indicates that the one person we weren't 
able to scan _is_ one of the Romulans." 

Starkin's eyes grew in concern. The security chief needed to know this, 
but as of yet made no reply to her first statements. "Lieutenant?" 

Upon still getting no reply, Starkin started wondering what was 
happening. "Lieutenant?!" the Captain asked, more forcefully. 

She was still feeling impatient, and at this point a little worried. 
She needed to tell him this but had no indication he was listening or 
even still there.  Had something happened? "LIEUTENANT!!!" 

Some of her tension eased when Klaus finally replied.  =^=Sorry 
Captain. I have identified the missing individual. It's a member of the 
Romulan delegation. I suggest we target our search to their quarters 
and seal the holodeck.=^= 

So Klaus had come to the same conclusion. That left very little in the 
way of doubt, and Starkin felt something almost like relief -- at least 
they now knew who it was and could deal with it.

=^=We do not know what this person's intentions are next. I also 
suggest that we begin an internal scan that looks for any signs of 
cloaking use. Captain, I strongly advise placing force fields over all 
vital areas including the bridge. Armed security teams should also be 
in these same areas.=^= 

The Lieutenant's suggestions struck her as being a little extreme, but 
seeing as they were dealing with a very crafty killer, it was certainly 
understandable.  Starkin looked over at the Commander, her expression 
silently asking if he agreed with Klaus' recommendations. He cocked his 
head, his eyes indicating yes, it was probably a good idea. 

"Very well, Mr. Klaus." 

A small blip indicated that the transmission had ended. "Let's go." The 
door to the bridge opened as Nganga and Starkin walked towards it when 
the communicator chirped again. 

=^=Cmdr. Tiny to Captain Starkin. =^= 

Slightly exasperated, Starkin stopped. With a pointed finger she waved 
Nganga to continue to the bridge.  The door closed as she responded, 
"Go ahead." 

=^=Doctor Jayngo and I have our results, we think we're looking for a 
Romulan, I'm coming up to give you the full details now.=^= 

He too came to the same conclusion. That settled it.  She gave a slight 
smile. "Yes, we..."

Captain Starkin was suddenly thrown into the wall. 



Lt. T'Vala stood in the quarters of Ambassador Atylori. She had already 
conducted a full scan of the room, including a physical search, but 
showed nothing for her efforts. She felt her stress levels rise, and 
smoothly ran through her Vulcan mental exercises to calm down and 
maintain control. She knew she was missing something. When she had 
entered the room twenty minutes ago, she had "felt" as though she was 
being watched. The room was visually empty, and by the time she was 
able to begin the scans, nothing was to be found. She once again began 
to feel her anger rise, and once again squelched it with the time-
honored exercises of her people. She was about to leave the room when 
her eyes glanced across the replication unit.

Walking over to the unit, T'Vala saw in greater detail what had drawn 
her attention; the control panel had been put back into place slightly 
amiss. She had known that engineering had been in to fix the unit from 
being tampered with before, but they wouldn't have bothered pulling the 
control panel open. Grabbing hold of the edge, she yanked the panel off 
with a bit more force than she would have preferred and looked inside. 
The various chips inside meant nothing to her. It would take an 
engineer to come down and examine the panel to tell if anything was out 
of place.

Taking a step back, she said "Hempik tea, hot." The pad glowed in the 
typical radiance of combining atoms save for, upon completion, a 
Federation phaser sat where the mug should be. The high-pitched hum 
coming from the devise was a telltale sign of what was to come, giving 
the Lieutenant mere seconds to react. Slapping her communicator she 
stated in a clear Vulcan tone "Security to Transporter room one." 
Fluidity of movement matched her speech as she removed her communicator 
and placed it atop the overloading phaser. "Lock on my signal and beam 
it into space, NOW!" She noted the agitation in her voice at the end, 
but allowed herself the moment. The phaser beamed out of sight as it 
began its crescendo. At the same moment, she heard from a communicator 
in the hall, =^=Klaus to security, concentrate your search to the 
quarters housing the Romulan delegation.  Security alert, level 1.=^=



On the bridge, Lt. Indigor sat at the helm awaiting the inevitable; the 
return of Paxton to take over "his" position. In the middle of his 
internal rant over how ineffective it was to be wasting his own 
personal skills, the ship pitched slightly to the right, caused by an 
unexpected explosion in space.



There is an inherent lag time with inertial dampeners. Usually, during 
routine flight on a large starship, the passengers and crew don't feel 
the effects of the ships motion. But sudden changes are felt. 

Walking towards the Bridge, David stumbled; Newtonian physics keeping 
him going the same direction even as the deck under his feet (and the 
rest of the ship) pitched to the right. 

Glancing over to see that the bridge crew was all right, Nganga called 
down, "What was that?" 

"We're checking it now, sir," was Norallah's hurried reply. 

The Captain walked in. "What happened? Are we under attack?" 

"It was an exploding phaser..." was Norallah's reply, as data from 
various departments and systems flowed into the Operations Console, 
"...that T'Vala had beamed off the ship." 

"Next time, beam it further," Nganga said wryly, picking himself up. 

"It came out of Ambassador Aytolori's food repli..." the Trill 
continued, becoming confused, "...cator?" 

"Red Alert," McGlintly said loudly. Red lights started flashing from 
various side panels. 

"We have a murderous Romulan roaming our ship in a stealth suit. We 
have to find him. Start scanning for any signs of him," the Captain 
said. "Start with the Ambassadors' quarters. Look for anomalous heat 
signatures and any energy spikes or drops in the systems."

"And he's clearly familiar with our systems.  Normally, phaser 
replication is restricted; he must have done some serious rewiring with 
that food replicator. Level ten security fields around all vital areas 
of the ship." Nganga had agreed with Klaus' plan though he thought it 
was a little extreme. He decided Klaus was right. "And get some armed 
security teams in those areas as well."

The captain's nod of approval indicated that she agreed. "Do it."



Calvin Skepti moves along the Promenade. In one hand he holds a 
Tricorder affixed with an extra nodule on its forward projection. He's 
just moving past one of the small shops. He taps his communicator.

=^= Mr. Falan? You getting a reading yet? =^= 

Down along the garden area, Xavier Falan looks up from the tricorder, 
similarly enhanced as Skepti's. He can see the surly man moving slowly 
towards Ten-Forward. **What did he do to these Tricorders? This can't 
be Starfleet regulation. What would we do if we found the guy?**

=^= No, sir. I haven't seen the reading you exp...=^= 

The floor lurched sideways and rushed to meet Falan as he was thrown 
bodily from his feet.  A strange appearing plant catches his eye as his 
last thought of wonder fades to black.

Skepti's gruff voice cuts across the screams of the Boardwalk passer-
byes. "What in the sam hell was that?!" A few of the panicked quiet, 
stunned by his cursing shout.

=^= Mr. Falan... Falan?? =^= 

All around Skepti children were sniffling and some adults were glancing 
around wild-eyed. Then, the red lights went off.

"What next?" Skepti growled as he turned his eyes to his Tricorder once 
more and began to move towards Ten-Forward. **Where in the hell is this 
frickin' Romulan?**
 


D.J. walked the hallway, heading to the turbolifts. Being mid-shift, 
traffic was almost non-existent; the only sound the ever-present "hum" 
of the ship.

From further down the corridor, he heard a door open, and noticed 
another Starfleet uniform step out and turn in his direction. Not 
paying any attention, D.J. kept walking, wrapped in his own thoughts.

**I wonder …**

Suddenly, the ship lurched. Head snapping up, eyes wide, mouth agape, 
David kept his balance from the sudden jolt, only to be knocked down as 
the other crew member walking by him lost it, datapad spilling across 
the deckplates. **Whoah**

"What was that," the other crewperson said.

D.J. sat on the deck, left hand behind him propping him up, his right 
hand massaging the back of his neck. "I have no idea …"

Looking at the engineer, D.J. stopped. **Her again?** David recognized 
the young ensign that was slowly getting back to her feet across from 
him as the same one he had seen in the transporter room on Utopia 
Planitia. **I assumed she was stationed on the starbase …**

The other ensign looked around **her hair's nice … I always liked 
blondes**.  David followed her gaze, and spied the datapad she had 
dropped. Before she could take a step for it, D.J. half-stood/half-
stumbled to retrieve it.  Picking it up, he straightened himself and 
handed it to her. "Uh, here …"

"Thanks. Sorry about the tumble … guess I was too caught up in …" she 
said.

"Oh, don't …" D.J. began, only to be interrupted by the young woman.

"Oh, we'd better get back to our stations."

Her eyes **green** were looking over his shoulder to the wall behind 
him.  Glancing around, he saw the "red alert" light flashing. **Oh, man 
…**

The woman was already hurrying down the corridor away from him. David 
sighed and turned the other direction, heading more briskly for the 
turbolifts. **Still don't know her name …**



Klaus began walking towards the for Romulan diplomats when the decking 
suddenly lurched beneath his feat. Most of the ambassadors in the 
holodeck fell off their feet. The chief of security promptly followed 
suit. While picking himself off the floor, he noticed that the Romulans 
were just as confused as everyone else.

"Klaus to security."

"Security here, sir."

"What just happened?"

"A phaser just exploded in close proximity to the ship, sir. Lieutenant 
T'Vala found a phaser rigged to explode in Ambassador Atylori's food 
replicator. She ordered its emergency beam out."

Klaus pondered what to do next. "Expect some visitors shortly. Klaus 
out."

The Romulan delegation, along with Ensign Corbin, started their way 
toward Lieutenant Klaus.  Struggling with their names for a moment, 
Klaus realized that it was one of the Ambassador's aides that was 
missing.  The one known as Karlic.

Aid Tavalin spoke first.  "What is going on Lieutenant?"

"It appears that Karlic may be implicated in the murder of Vedek Tow."

While saying this, Klaus noticed something he did not 
expect.....surprise....in all of the Romulans.  Their diplomatic 
training quickly took hold and their faces became unreadable.

The Ambassador took over the conversation.  "That is quite a charge 
Lieutenant.  Unsubstantiated accusations of this magnitude tend to have 
outcomes that are most.....unfortunate for all those involved."

Klaus wasn't in the mood for diplomatic verbal fencing.  He looked at 
the Ambassador and said, "All things will be made clear in time.  My 
concern now is twofold.  One, your aide has been implicated in a murder 
and you four gentlemen have yet to be cleared of any complicity.  
Second, once word spreads concerning the aide, others attitudes towards 
you may not be so friendly.  For these reasons, I need to place you in 
protective custody.

"Klaus to security, beam the four Romulans to security and place them 
under guard."

"You can't do this!  I will report you --"  Sub-Commander Serino's 
objection ended in transport static.

"Klaus to security, make sure you check the Romulans for weapons and 
cloaking technology. Also send two security teams to the holodeck and 
security the ambassadors."

"Aye, sir."

"Bridge to Commander Nganga and all Security forces. The suspect is 
fleeing the area of shuttlebay 1, heading in the general vicinity of 
..." Norallah double checked her internal sensors. "... of Ten Forward."

Klaus smiled approached Ensign Corbin. "Get your team ready and follow 
me."



Allowing herself a half-second to regain control, T'Vala moved toward 
the door to "borrow" a communicator. As the door slid open, she saw 
Ensign Hurt lying on the ground across the hall. Rushing over to him, 
she fell to her knees, placing one hand against his neck and the other 
against his comm badge. "Lieutenant T'Vala to Lt. Klaus and Doctor 
Jayngo. Medical emergency. Ensign Hurt is down. His pulse is slow and 
shallow and, if I did not know any better, he looks a bit younger."



"Captain," McGlintly said as he stepped to his left, allowing the 
Captain access to the Center Chair, "Romulans aren't known for their 
lone wolves or kamikaze tactics. Recommend we raise shields and scan 
for incoming Warbirds along with signs of cloaked ship."

David smiled slightly, Ned had beaten him to that suggestion. He was 
distracted. Klaus had said that they didn't know the Romulans 
intentions. Yet, now in two separate attempts the Cardassian Atylori 
appeared to be the target. The poisoned drink was a Cardassian beverage 
after all. And the phaser in the replicator... Nganga shuddered at that 
one. He started wondering about the kamikaze statement of McGlintly's. 

"Yes, do it," Starkin said to McGlintly's suggestion. "Make sure the 
transporter rooms and shuttlebays are on that list of vital areas," she 
added.

Then again, an overloaded phaser exploding would take out most of 
Ambassador Alley. Depending on the timing, that would kill most of the 
delegations. And the ensuing study would undoubtedly indicate that the 
Cardassian's quarters were ground zero. "Target and/or frame victim." 
he said aloud. 

"Sir?" Norallah asked.

"Atylori. She seems to be a target on some level. What was she trying 
to make when...?"

Norallah tapped a few keys, "Hempick Tea."

"Again?" Ned asked.

Dave had made up his mind. He walked over to one of the concealed wall 
panels and opened it. Inside were a row of phasers, he grabbed one. 

Nearby, Ensign Bak, there as Norallah's relief looked at the commander 
and at the phaser row. At a nod from Nganga, he also grabbed a phaser. 

"Permission to leave the Bridge, Ma'am?" Nganga said to the Captain.

"Permission granted," she replied.



Doctor Jayngo sat in engineering, examining the temperature logs from 
the night before. His communicator chirped, followed by his friend's 
voice. =^= Lieutenant T'Vala to Lt. Klaus and Doctor Jayngo. Medical 
emergency. Ensign Hurt is down. His pulse is slow and shallow and, if I 
did not know any better, he looks a bit younger. =^=

Springing to his feet, Jayngo quickly worked the averages in his head. 
Even at his accelerated speed, he knew that he couldn't clear the 
length of the ship in time. "Jayngo to Transporter Room 1. Emergency 
beam-out of Ensign Hurt to Sickbay."

=^= Yes sir. =^= was Ensign Salex's only reply.

"Jayngo to Transporter Room 2. Beam me to Sickbay immediately."

=^= Sir? =^= replied Ensign Gordon.

"It's an emergency, LaVar. Now."

The large doctor glittered out of sight as the heat signature entered 
"Ambassador Alley".



Getting into the Turbolift, Commander Nganga checked the setting on his 
phaser. "Heavy Stun should do it." Once Ensign Bak was on, Nganga said 
"Deck Ten" into the air.

The lift car started moving. Bak was setting his phaser and humming a 
melody that Nganga couldn't place. "What..." he started to ask.

"Who's the black private dick who's a hit with all the chicks." Bak 
said in a vaguely poetic fashion, then slipping into a falsetto he 
added "Shaft!"

Nganga looked at Bak, "Shut your mouth."

Bak replied "I'm just talk..." until he noticed the expression on 
Nganga's face. 

The overall effect left Bak Xiam wondering if Nganga was putting one 
over on him or not.



Norallah's fingers flew over the computer system with fluid motion, 
first running the suggested heat signatures, energy spikes and drops in 
the systems. That failing due to the vastness of the ship, she switched 
tactics to the same ones being applied outside the ship. "Captain, 
short and long range scanners and tachyon readings indicate no other 
ships in the area."

"Any luck with the cloaked Romulan, Lieutenant?" asked McGintley.

"Switching to tachyon readings within the ship now, sir." Continuing 
her work with peak efficiency, she redirected a low-level tachyon burst 
throughout the entire ship by reversing polarity on the deflector 
array; low enough to keep from doing any harm to the crew of the 
Cochrane, but just enough to cause the cloak suit to stick out like a 
sore thumb.

"Got him! Bridge to Commander Nganga and all Security forces. The 
suspect is fleeing the area of shuttlebay 1, heading in the general 
vicinity of ..." Norallah double checked her internal sensors. "... of 
Ten Forward."



Rounding a corner, David stopped suddenly. In front of him, marring the 
otherwise spotless, clean and sanitized "regulation Starfleet corridor,
" a security guard lay slumped against the wall, listing to his side. 
He was armed, though his phaser was still holstered.

Running to the man, D.J. crouched to feel for a pulse. Unlike David's 
own racing heartbeat, the security guard's was slow, and maybe a little 
unsteady.

Looking up and down the hallway, ear straining for any other sounds, 
D.J. punched his communicator. **who should I contact first … ?**

"Ensign Paxton to Sick Bay. I … uh, … have a medical emergency. 
Security officer down. He's … he's unconscious, and his pulse is weak." 
D.J. continued scanning the corridor, in-between worried glances at the 
crewman.

=^= Thank you, David. =^=

D.J. recognized Dr. Jayngo. Even to David's ears, the usually calm 
voice seemed a bit rushed. =^= I will have him beamed to sickbay 
immediately. =^=

"Thank you, Doctor." D.J. replied.

Within seconds, David could faintly sense the rising pitch of the 
transporter as it locked onto the security officer. Not realizing what 
he was doing, or why, D.J. quickly reached down to the guard before he 
became immaterial.  Grabbing the phaser from his belt, D.J. stood and 
backed away to watch the other crewman dematerialize. The hall was once 
again spotless … ship-shape.  But D.J.'s unease continued.



Another civilian had kept his feet better, but stumbled near where 
Skepti's aide had hit the deck plates hard. He immediately checked 
Xavier, who was knocked cold.

"Help. Help. It's Falan, and he can't get up."

L. Q. Clemonds emerged from his bar, a full beer in hand. "Well, 
tarnation, folks. What in the sam hill is goin' on?" Looking down, he 
saw the civilian and Falan on the floor. "Awe, shoot." Looking around, 
he spotted Marlo working his way along the sidelines. "Mr. Salvador! 
Git yerself overhere now, son! We need some help!"

Moss moved quickly over to the group forming around the downed Falan. 
Checking for a pulse, he hit his communicator. "Moss to Jayngo. We got 
a downed man, Doc."

=^= Give me a description, Moss. =^=

The groundskeeper could tell the hurried tone to the doctor's voice. 
Something was going on besides the typical post-accident casualties. 
"It's Mr. Falan, the Assistant Manager of the Boardwalk. He seems to 
have been knocked unconscious in the shaking of the ship. His pulse is 
steady and strong."

=^= OK. We have our hands kinda full down here, Moss. Can you manage to 
get him to sickbay for me? =^=

Marlo looked up at the civilian and Clemonds, who both nodded. "We're 
on it, Jayngo."

=^= Be careful. Grab the first security officer you find and have him 
escort you. Make sure he has the modified visor on him. =^=

Marlo looked back over at the two men, fully realizing that they had 
volunteered to help before they knew there was hazard involved. They 
hesitated, and nodded again. "Will do. Moss out."



Red emergency lights flashed in the hallway.

D.J. stood alone in the corridor, body erect, phaser gripped tightly in 
his hand, pointed down. Still staring at the spot where the security 
guard used to be, he reached up with his left hand and pushed his 
communicator.

"Ensign Paxton to Security"

=^= Security here Ensign. Go ahead. =^=

"I … uh, I'm on level 10, near junction 19. I came across one of your 
team, unconscious. He's been beamed to sickbay."

=^= Do you know what happened? =^=

"Uh … no. I didn't see or hear anything." D.J. turned to look behind 
him, and then back again.

=^= Understood Ensign. I've just confirmed Lt. Rickard's communicator 
and bioscan in sickbay. I'll notify Lt. Klaus and have a team sent to 
investigate the area. Is there anything further you can tell me? =^=

"Uh … no. No."

=^=Security out. =^=

D.J. just stood for a moment. Looking down, he checked the phaser in 
his hand. **If I read this right … this button ** (beep) **should set 
it to stun. ** The ensign raised his head. Turning his head left to 
right ** all clear ** he let out a breath and headed for the bridge.



Getting off the turbolift, Nganga and Bak looked around unsure of which 
way to go.

"Which way, sir?" Ensign Bak asked.

"Well, he could be planning an escape, or he could be planning another 
attempt on ... " Nganga started to say when he felt a slight tingle at 
the base of his spine. "Heh. Good Girl."

"Sir?" Bak said, confused.

"Nothing," was all the Commander said.

=^= Bridge to Commander Nganga and all Security forces. The suspect is 
fleeing the area of shuttlebay 1, heading in the general vicinity of 
... of Ten Forward. =^=

"Well, now we know which way, Ensign," Nganga said. "C'mon."

They broke into a run heading toward Ten Forward.

"Sir?"

"Yes, Bak." Nganga responded.

"What was that be..." Bak took a breath "...fore, about a ... 'good 
girl?'"

"Norallah reversed the ... deflectors. Hit the ship ... with some 
offbeat ... particle. Those suits were ... designed to move about with 
... pre-warp societies. Not work so well ... against sub-atomic part... 
icles or cosmic radia ... tion. Subsonic .... hum from deflector ... 
was tip-off."

Bak Xiam had heard of engineers getting to know their ships so well 
that they could pick up subtle nuances in their operation. This was the 
first time he had experienced it. And he wondered if he'd ever know any 
ship that well. 



As opposed to their normal positions on the interior of 10-Forward, 
Officers Kais and Rien stood in the outer corridor, phasers in hand and 
visors on their head. Neither of these things gave them the advantage 
as much as their empathy, which was currently focused down the 
entryway. Therefore, they knew exactly when the cloaked man was about 
to come around the corridor. Unfortunately, they were both a little on-
edge, and both squeezed off a shot seconds too soon, sending the 
cloaked Romulan spinning on his heel.

:: You go after him, and I'll stay behind in case he doubles back. ::

:: I was just about to suggest that. ::

:: I know. ::

Roland stepped back into the doorway to use it for cover while Richard 
took off running after the phantom. Within seconds, he saw a blur round 
the corner. As he did the same, he saw the Commander and an ensign 
running toward him.

"Sir..." Bak called, "There's someone up ahead."

"He just ran past you, on your left, Commander."

Nganga whirled left, swinging blindly, even as his brain finished 
realizing that 'he' was the invisible Romulan. However, Nganga saw no 
better than someone in a pre-warp civilization and the Romulan heard 
Roland shout as well. He casually sidestepped Nganga's fist. 

Too casually. Stealth suits are bulky and roomy.

Nganga hoped to feel his fist connect with the Romulan. He was 
disappointed. However, the feeling of fabric covered wire mesh was an 
adequate consolation prize.

Calvin Skepti, modified scanner in hand, had detected the cloaked 
Romulan, and had headed out following the path taken by Kais and Rein 
moments before.

D.J. approached the next junction when he heard voices ahead of him.

"Sir, get back," Rien called.  Skepti ignored him and kept going. He 
came up on Kais, Bak and Nganga. 

The voice wasn't panicked, but it sounded urgent. Something was going 
on up ahead. With a sharp intake of breath, D.J. set his jaw and 
steeled his resolve. Hand gripping the phaser, he lunged ahead into a 
run.

In the intersection before him, facing to D.J.'s left, was a security 
officer, along with ensign Bak. Calvin Skepti was quickly approaching 
them from D.J.'s right. The two Starfleet personnel had phasers drawn 
and pointed down the hall.

Nganga was pulling his left arm back. In front of him, a figure in 
orange appeared to be flickering into existence. A tongue of his suit 
was pulled out, still partially showing where Nganga's fist had pulled 
the suit, damaging it.

David followed the phasers. Just past the intersection junction, 
Commander Nganga was trying to grapple with … someone. **What the he 
…** The blurred form jerked left and right, fitzing in and out of view. 
Nganga pulled his left arm back, his right still holding a phaser. 
Bouncing on the balls of his feet, he appeared to be looking for a 
solid opening shot.

A stampede of security footsteps; Klaus, Corbin, and their team; could 
be heard from further down the hall.

Hearing tramping coming from the corridor on the right, D.J. backed up. 
**It's gotta be security … it better be security …**

From a branch hallway, a blond haired ensign in red, recently acquired 
phaser in hand stepped into the corridor. D.J. Paxton was still on his 
way to the Bridge. With the Romulan on his left, and hurried footsteps 
on his right, he stepped backwards out of the corridor, but stayed 
close enough to watch. 

D.J. didn't take his eyes off of Nganga and the flickering assassin. 
Orange flared in and out, until the cloaked figure took a step away 
from the enraged officer. Suddenly, his head appeared **Romulan!!** at 
the same time that a pistol found its way to his right hand. Nganga 
stopped his movement, planting his feet solidly on the ground. Left arm 
still prepared to either block or launch a physical pounding of its 
own, the commander's right arm straightened before him, phaser pointed 
at the Romulan.

Removing his hood with his left hand, the Romulan used his right hand 
to produce a disruptor pistol.

"Give it up, Karlic!" Klaus called, coming into view. Corbin and the 
rest of the security team were right behind him.  D.J. heard Lt. Klaus 
as he approached the junction.  Peripherally he saw him and a security 
team as they approached the fight.

"You're trapped," Nganga said, his voice a deep rumble.

Karlic snarled, and didn't flinch. "Oh, really?" Left eyebrow raised, 
he looked over the faces before him. Straightening, he aimed his pistol 
directly at Nganga's chest. "Who wants to be the one to sign the 
commander's death warrant?" A sneer crossed his face. "Lower your 
phasers!"

The security force hesitated, their phasers wavering as some of them 
questioned whether the Romulan would really shoot the commander. Karlic 
and Nganga, however, had a standoff, neither budging in their aim.

Watching for phasers being brought to bear, the Romulan barked out, 
"You, pilot!"

D.J. blinked, a twinge going through him. **Wha …**

"You will be flying the commander and I back …"

<<<FrrrzzzAAAAcccckkk>>>

A wild bolt of electricity arced erratically past the Romulan. 
Surprised and half blinded by the flash, Karlic spun toward its source 
only to see a glimpse of a grey jacket flashed with green disappearing 
around the corner, trailing acrid smoke.

David's skin tingled as his ears registered the sound. **What was 
that?**  D.J. squinted from a flash of light. The assassin did the 
same. Reflexively bringing his left arm up to shield his face, the 
Romulan's right arm left Nganga's line of sight. David glanced briefly 
at the pistol's new trajectory, only to see someone **Skepti??** 
sprinting down the adjacent corridor, smoke following behind him. 

SMACK!

Nganga reacted as Karlic spun, knocking the disruptor away.

Jerking his head left, D.J. saw the pistol fly from the Romulan's hand 
and clatter off the wall. Nganga's left arm now arced behind him from 
its momentum. Nganga's right didn't budge. Before Karlic could make 
another movement, a half dozen beams of phaser fire, from myriad 
directions, brought the Romulan down.

D.J. couldn't tell whose beam hit the Romulan first. A split second 
later, the Romulan was knocked off his feet as more of the security 
force opened fire. D.J.'s phaser remained at his side, the ensign not 
having the skill or reflexes to try shooting when the commander was so 
close to the target.

In one short moment the light show was over. The Romulan lay on the 
deck plates. A few last sparks flickered across his body as the 
cloaking suit released its last burst of energy before it ceased 
working entirely. Pushing his way through the corridor, Lt. Klaus stood 
next to the Commander. With Klaus as his guard, phaser still aimed at 
the former "assassin", Nganga punched his communicator.

Glancing down, Bak Xiam noticed a large black glove on the deck plate.

"Nganga to Captain Starkin," he said, never removing his eyes from the 
body, "it's over."



On the bridge, the crew started to lightly cheer, and Starkin blew a 
sigh of relief.  "Excellent."  Looking around, she said to the 
immediate crew and over the comm,  "Good job, people."

Ned asked, "Norallah, has there been any indications of any cloaked 
ships?  Any minute anomalies or such?"

She looked at her screens and pushed a few buttons to double check.  
"No -- No sign of anything out of the ordinary."

"Is everyone now accounted for?"

She smiled.  "Yes."

"Cancel red alert!" he said, a little too loud.  "Keep us at yellow, 
and keep scanning for a while, just to be on the safe side."

The red flashing lights stopped flashing.  "Aye, sir."



When Klaus was satisfied that the Romulan was unconscious, he holstered 
his phaser and retrieved the Romulan's weapon.  Before touching him, he 
performed a detailed scan which revealed a small hypo containing the 
poison and the non-functional cloaking suit.  These he removed 
carefully and placed in evidence pouches that a security member 
provided.  Klaus then motioned to Ensign Corbin.

"Ensign, see to it that this Romulan is placed in the brig under 
watch.  I don't want him dying under mysterious causes."

"Aye, Sir."

Klaus turned to Nganga.  "With your leave, sir, I have a lot of work to 
do."

"Is there any assistance you need, Lieutenant?"  Nganga replied.

"As a matter of fact, I was just notified that the storage container 
Utopia informed the Captain about was just discovered.  I would like to 
request that Lieutenant Sulu accompany Lieutenant T'Vala to investigate 
it."

"Request granted.  Good work, Lieutenant."

Klaus began making the arrangements as he made his way for security.

Commander Nganga smiled as Klaus' security people hauled Karlic off.

He wasn't really surprised that the rest of the Romulan delegation also 
showed up to watch, and to complain about how Klaus had treated them, 
since they *ahem* knew nothing of Karlic's actions.

"Well, I wasn't there, Ambassador," Nganga had said, "I don't know 
anything about the behaviour of Lt. Klaus or any of the security team."

It was a pathetic jab, but it was still a jab. He'd probably hear about 
it, since it was a sure bet they'd take their complaint to Starkin, and 
Starfleet, and anyone else who would listen.

"David Timothy Nganga!" a voice called out. 

Only one person on this ship would use the Commander's middle name in 
such a fashion.

"Mom..." David said in an exasperated tone that Terran offspring had 
been using for centuries, "You really shouldn't be here. We're still 
cleaning up after a diplomatic incident."

"You may be able to tell most of the people on this ship what to do," 
M'tilda Nganga said, "but I'm still your mother. What's this I hear 
about you getting in a fist fight with the murderer?"

"It wasn't a fist fight. He brought a disrupter. I had a phaser. Not 
that I actually used it."

"THAT doesn't make me feel any better about it."

"It's a part of my job. That killer and saboteur was creating havoc on 
this ship. And I have a responsibility to this ship, its crew, and its 
passengers."

"Oh... I know that." M'tilda hugged Dave. "But I'm still going to 
worry."

"I know, Mom."

"Now I'm going to find your father." M'tilda said, releasing her 
embrace. "You go fill out all of your reports and such."

"Yes, Mom," Dave grinned. He then produced a PADD from his vest pocket. 
**Hmmm. I was wondering where I put this one.**

Dave started tapping away at it, even as he headed for the Bridge.



Skepti grunted, an animalistic sound of thought and pain. His quarters 
were dark, only his desktop lit with a bright work light. Along the 
left side of his desk, light winked off of clean tools of all shapes 
and sizes. Just under the light, was the arm. The prosthetic hard won 
from his time as a Maquis supporter lay before him. Sweat dripped from 
his brow and his nose scrunched at the smell of burnt flesh.

The 'arm' was all curves and sworls. Where it attached, near Calvin's 
bicep, the flesh was an oozing mess. Skepti mutters, "The power cell I 
bypassed to enable the low-level spark must have heated up the entirety 
of the prosthetic." Shaking his head the grizzled man continues his 
work.



<A Half hour after the fight in the corridors>

Doctor Jayngo applied the final hypospray dosage against the neck of 
Ensign Hurt. Having been exposed the longest, the antidote to the 
Cerebus II "rejuvenation" elixir had to be applied slower to keep from 
causing the exact complications that were being avoided. In the end, he 
now looked as though he was back in his teens, but given enough time 
the side effects would pass. The other four victims were resting 
comfortably on the other biobeds.

Doctor Sule, Nurse Kuehl and Simon Tarses were all hard at work on the 
various cuts and bruise victims from the ship being bounced around. Mr. 
Falan was the last one brought in, and was occupying the last table in 
Sickbay. He had suffered a mild concussion. He would need to stay the 
night for observation, but would be fine.

Doctor Jayngo moved to his office, sitting for the first time since 
leaving engineering. Word was already circulating that they had caught 
the murderer. Jayngo was torn between wishing he had been there and 
grateful because he was not. But he had his own work to do now. 
"Computer, begin Medical Log."



"Mr. Skepti, MR. SKEPTI." 

Calvin turns obviously unable to ignore this person forever. It was 
Moss Salvitor, the groundskeeper. "There is something I can do for you, 
Mr. Salvitor?" he inquires. The scent of the Garden, usually so 
soothing to others seemed to tap the Manager's ire.

"Yes, Mr. Skepti, I believe so." He pauses slipping a modular device 
from a pocket of his overalls, "I thought you may want this, as Mr. 
Falan works for you.  I'm not quite sure what he was doing with a 
Romulan scanner adapter, and I don't think I need to know," he said 
winking conspiratorially.

Calvin's own brows rise in surprise as he takes the adapter. "Well, Mr. 
Salvitor, I don't quite know what to say..." 

Moss smiles and waves his words away, "I know you're busy with that 
meeting and all. Just so long as you got the adapter, I think 
everything will be fine."

Skepti finds himself walking away lost in thought. With a backward 
glance at the smiling Salvitor. **How did he know about the meeting?**



Klaus had been questioning Karlic for 2 hours....and was getting 
nowhere fast.

"Let's try this again, shall we? Who are you really?"

"My name is Karlic, aide to Sub-Commander Serino."

No surprise there.  "What organization do you work for?"

"The Romulan Ambassador division."

Riiiight.  "What was the purpose of your assassination attempt?"

Silence.

Can't say there is any surprise there.  "Am I correct in assuming that 
the Vedek's death was unintentional?"

"Innocents will be lost. It is an unfortunate side effect of battle."

So their suspicions were correct.....The Vedek was not the intended 
target.  The only thing that doomed him was a taste for Cardassian 
beverages.  "Do you work for the Obsidian Order?"

"Obsidian Order is Cardassian," he says with disgust. "And the Order 
has been officially disbanded. Its what makes their former agents so 
easy to hire. The animals."

Interesting...."What can you tell me about a Cardassian named Retlev?"

Silence.

Well, Utopia security will have to deal with that end of things.  "Who 
else assisted you on Utopia?"

"I believe an Ensign Frankes carried my bags to my suite. Other than 
that, I have no idea what you are talking about," he says with a smile.

Smart ass.  "Do you work for Romulan Intelligence?"

"That is an oxymoron, you know."

"What were your intentions after the assassination? Did you have a 
contact? What was his/her name? How were you supposed to contact them?"

Again, silence.

Big surprise there.  "Where did you acquire your cloak suit?"

"The Romulans created the cloak, you fool. Don't you think we would 
have created the cloak suit as well? I brought it with me. In case the 
Federation's paltry security would be incapable of protecting me."

"Where did you acquire your weapon?"

"Again, personal security. It is amazing what you can sneak aboard this 
ship."

Klaus immediately thought of the storage container.  He wondered how 
the investigation of that was going.  "Where did you learn how to alter 
our food replicators and power grid?"

"Federation technology is antiquated. A Romulan child could alter your 
technology."

Yeah, right.  "Where did you acquire the poison you used?"

Silence.

Klaus strongly suspected Retlev.  "Did you have any accomplices on 
board?"

"A person would need no accomplices to fool a backwards race like your 
own."

Well, that's about all the information I am going to get, thought 
Klaus.  The rest will have to be up to Starfleet Intelligence.  Klaus 
stood without a word and exited the interrogation room.

He tapped his communicator.  "Klaus to T'Vala.  Status report."

"Sir, I was just about to contact you.  We discovered the storage 
container and with the help of Lieutenant Sulu, we have discovered some 
interesting things."

"Proceed."

"Firstly, we found traces of Romulan and Cardassian DNA on and in the 
container.  Secondly, an unusual energy signature found in the 
container matches that emitted by the cloaking suit.  The seal on the 
vial of poison must have been faulty because we found traces of that in 
the container as well."

"What about the disruptor?"  The security chief inquired.

"That is what I don't understand, sir.  We found a small chip of 
material that matches the disruptor housing.  I can't explain how it 
got here."

"Perhaps when Mr. Skepti ran into Mr. Retlev, the Cardassian 
accidentally dropped it....causing the chip.  Thank you for your 
efforts.  Please secure all that material into evidence.  Klaus out."

Almost on cue, his console beeped at him.  The results were finally in 
on the background check of Mr. Karlic.  Klaus sat at his desk and began 
to read.  He leaned back in his chair and massaged his temples.  
Revenge.  That's all this was about....revenge.

"Klaus to Captain.  I am ready to give you my report."



Captain Starkin, sitting in her chair, pleaded to the individual on the 
screen. "Do you have really have to? Won't they reconsider? The summit 
will be much less effective without a Cardassian presence there."

"I'm afraid the High Command is quite clear on this, Captain. They feel 
that given this incident, Starfleet's security has proven to be less 
than secure."

Starkin refused to let her feathers get ruffled by the jab. Instead she 
countered. "The conference is at a Klingon planet."

"Still, Command feels it would be inappropriate to attend under these 
circumstances."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Rukan. Atylori will be missed there."

"I'm sure you'll manage. We do, however, appreciate the zealousness and 
dedication of your crew in finding the assailant. I'm sure Dovenka 
could have taken care of herself and was in no real danger, but we are 
grateful for your efforts nonetheless."

::They can't even just say 'Thank you.':: "You're welcome."

"We also appreciate the fairness of your investigation. I wouldn't have 
been surprised if, with a Bajoran Vedek killed, Starfleet mistakenly 
assumed that we Cardassians are to blame."

"Starfleet looks for truth and facts -- not prejudiced assumptions."

The Cardassian smiled. "Of course. So tell me, Captain, what do you 
plan to do with the Romulan assassin?"

Starkin hesitated a moment, thinking of how to give a vague answer 
without being rude. If this Cardassian wants to find out about how both 
the Romulans and the Bajorans want dibs on Karlic, he'll have to find 
it out from some other avenue of information. "He'll be transferred to 
a facility and in time will face justice, as offenders should. But his 
exact fate is yet to be determined." 

"As are all of our fates."

Starkin held her gaze, fighting the urge to roll her eyes at the 
Cardassian's melodrama. "Perhaps we will know more by the time we reach 
the summit..."

"And if we were there, then we'd know find out, I know. But my point 
is, if Starfleet needs assistance in dealing with the Romulan, we would 
be happy to help. Cardassian justice is very fair and swift."

"I'm sure we'll manage."

"Very well. Just be careful, Captain. The Romulans are a most 
duplicitous race."

She held her gaze again. "Thank you for the advice.  Please let us know 
if your government changes its mind on the summit."

"It is doubtful, but I will let you know if there are any changes. 
Until next time, Starkin -- Rukan out."

Starkin got up, paced a little bit, and let out a big sigh. ::So that's 
that.:: She began to rub the bridge of her nose - a human trait she 
picked up years ago. The door chirped. "Come in." 

Her first officer walked into the ready room, and held his ubiquitous 
PADD. Looking at her face, Nganga asked, "How bad?" 

"It could be worse. The Cardassians aren't blaming us for anything. But 
they are pulling out of the summit." 

"Both them and the Romulans, then?" Nganga asked. 

"Yes. They're saying that they were treated badly by our security and 
have filed an official complaint. And for that, they're withdrawing 
from this meeting." 

"Never mind that it was one of their delegation that killed a Bajoran 
Vedek," David added wryly. 

"Oh, they assured me that they knew nothing about that." She finally 
allowed herself an eyeroll. "But yes, the embarrassment has probably 
made them look for any reason to pull out." 

Nganga refrained from making a crude comment and continued, "Well, 
they're not the only unhappy diplomats." 

"You mean the Bajorans?" the Captain asked. 

"No," Nganga frowned. "Actually, some our own.  Ambassadors Charles and 
Femel have gotten together and filed an official reprimand with 
Starfleet. It's in this report." He handed the his PADD to the captain. 

Uriell's face fell slightly. She felt betrayed. 

Dave continued, "On the plus side, though, Ambassador Tem and Commander 
Jackson both filed commendations for us." He smiled, "So it looks we 
about broke even with Starfleet." 

That cheered her up a little bit. "What about the other Federation 
ambassador?" 

"Solen? He thought that what happened to the Vedek was only the fault 
of the Romulans, not anyone on this crew. But he also thought that our 
handing of the situation was also just what he would expect, nothing 
extraordinary." 

"Sounds fairly logical." 

David swirled an upraised index finger in the air.  Resuming a serious 
_expression he added, "What isn't logical is why the Romulans would 
want to kill a Cardassian ambassador." 

"Actually, Lt. Klaus' report shed some light on that." She reached to 
her desk, trading Nganga's PADD for her own, and handed it to the man. 
"It appears that Karlic had a brother who was also involved in Romulan 
politics." 

Nganga scanned the report. "Senator Vreenak. He was killed in a shuttle 
explosion." 

"Outside of Deep Space Nine. The report said that it was done by the 
Dominion, because Vreenak had received information of an impending 
attack on Romulus. This brought the Romulans into the war." 

Dave lowered the PADD. "But Karlic thought differently?" 

"Karlic used his brother's connections to the Tal Shiar and found some 
kind of contrary information.  The rumor was that Vreenak's shuttle had 
actually been destroyed by the station's captain and a Cardassian 
tailor there named Elim Garak." 

"A tailor...?" Nganga was incredulous. 

"Well, also another 'former' Obsidian Order agent. Makes the rumour a 
bit more credible." 

"And Karlic believed this rumour?" 

"Apparently so. And he wanted revenge." 

Nganga thought for a moment. "And if the Cardassian died here, it would 
make Starfleet look bad as well." 

"So he was partially successful, in that respect." 

"I can't believe a Starfleet captain could ever do something like 
that." Nganga shook his head. 

"Nor do I. I checked it out a bit with Starfleet. They said it was 
ridiculous. When I tried a little further, Admiral Ross' office told me 
they had heard the rumour as well, and even looked into it. But they 
found it completely baseless." 

"That's good to know," Nganga replied. "So do you think Karlic really 
was working alone then?" 

"Perhaps." She shrugged. "I don't think we'll ever know for sure." 

"With Romulans, I'm sure we won't," Nganga said. "We should be reach 
Starbase 24 tomorrow." 

"Very good." Her first officer turned to leave, but then heard, 
"David?" 

Nganga turned. The captain continued. "I just wanted to say, good work 
in that hallway. You handled yourself well." 

"Thank you, Ma'am." Nganga nodded slightly and smiled, "I'll be sure to 
pass that on. The others deserve it too." He turned and returned to the 
Bridge. 

::Yes, they certainly do at that.:: She sat that down and pressed a 
button on her desk console.

"Captain's Log, Stardate 56011.8

"Things are finally settling down as we deal with the aftermath of 
Vedek Tow's murder. The Cochrane will be making a detour to Starbase 
24, where we will be transferring, Karlic, the murderer we finally 
caught.  The Romulans want to take him back to Romulus to try him there 
for his crimes, but Bajor of course wants to try Karlic as well and has 
already petitioned such.  Seeing as it was one of their Vedeks who 
died... a good person too, from what I saw... I feel sympathetic to 
their wants. They've also officially asked the Federation to act as 
arbitrator, which the also Romulans strongly object to. And since 
Karlic is already in Starfleet's custody and committed his crimes on a 
Starfleet vessel, not to mention he assaulted several of my officers, 
there are also those in Starfleet who feel we should try him ourselves. 
But there are also those who want to pass Karlic off to be someone 
else's problem. It's bureaucratic mess which I will gladly let the 
various diplomats and officials figure out. I just want him off my ship.

"We will probably be leaving the rest of the Romulan delegation there 
as well. It seems they didn't like the way they were treated, despite 
the fact that it was one of _their_ aides who did all the damage. As 
such, they have pulled out of the Camp Khitomer meeting. The 
Cardassians have as well, though their reasoning is more security 
based. 

"Given the circumstances, it's not too surprising, but nonetheless 
disappointing. Those two groups are probably the ones who most need to 
be there. Still, the remaining parties can still get a lot 
accomplished, so I'm certain won't be a waste of time.

"At least our hosts, the Klingons, are still in it.  While they are 
confident nothing like this would _ever_ have happened on a Klingon 
vessel, they've kept their gloating to a minimum. They also viewed the 
Romulan's summit withdrawal as dishonorable, and will probably feel the 
same about the Cardassians.

"I am relieved that the crew was able to uncover this plot and prevent 
anyone else from getting killed.  Doctor Jayngo assures me that all 
those others who Karlic infected with the Cerebus II elixir will make a 
full recovery, as will those who might have gotten hurt from the 
jostling around the phaser explosion caused.

"The critics of this ship and its concept have already started to use 
this incident against us. It was certainly a less than ideal starting 
run for this ship, and I hope things will be smoother from here.  But 
I'm confident we will prove them wrong. When I think of the crew and 
how quickly they adapted and how well they handled themselves during 
this unfortunate situation, I cannot help but be proud of them. Their 
resourcefulness and dedication solved the problems we faced, and I know 
they will be able to do more in the future. I look forward not only to 
leading them, but to working and serving with them."