From: sks1@Ra.MsState.Edu (Sujay Shaunak)
Subject: DELPHI : Chapter 5
Organization: Mississippi State University
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1992 05:36:05 GMT




DELPHI : Chapter 5

"Tour of Duty"




        Commodore Albrit paced in his office. He was highly upset
at the apparent lack of respect that he had been receiving recently.
He was so disturbed, in fact, that he had contacted StarFleet command.
        He had decided that he should take a more active role in
overseeing the DELPHI project and had informed StarFleet that he should
join the DELPHI and 'observe'. As well, he wanted to assess any damage that
may have occurred as result of the incident in the Antillian asteroid belt.
Now, he was merely awaiting their reply.
        With a barley audible hiss, the door to his office opened.
Lieutenant Yarin, Albrit's administrative aide, stepped in.

	"I thought that you may like some more coffee, sir .."

        Albrit nodded. This was the type of treatment that was supposed
to be given to a senior StarFleet officer, not innuendos of incompetence
by brash young Commanders, or Captains for that matter.

        As Yarin stepped back out of the office, Albrit sipped his coffee.
It was very good coffee. His primary message console beeped, and Albrit
quickly went back around his desk and looked at it.

        --         Star Fleet communique                --
        --                                              --
        --  Re. Query Delphi Observation                --
        --                                              --
        --  Position as observation officer approved.   --
        --  U.S.S. Kiev en route for transport.         --
        --  Rendezvous Delphi at Starbase 89.           --
        --  Observation period 14 days.                 --
        --  Delphi being ordered to return to Starbase  --
        --  pending your arrival.                       --
        --                                              --
        --        End Communique                        --

        Albrit smiled as he read the communique. He went over a mental
checklist and remembered that the Kiev was an older Excelsior-class
starship. It was adequate for taking him to the Starbase. There he would
not only meet with Hrgon and Hause, but also, he would be able to
observe the Delphi. Of course, if Malory seemed to be making poor
decisions, Albrit new that he could take command by exertion of his
rank....
        Albrit had another sip of his coffee, and finally, finished his
cup. He was smiling as he exited his office for his quarters. He had
many preparations to attend to.



....


        Dr. Anne Mayak looked around the DELPHI sickbay. Currently
her sole patient, Lt. Eleyasan T'irna was still asleep. Mayak continued
looking at the routine medical readings that the computers displayed.
She noticed the change in stimulus levels instantly, as she turned
and looked at the now, slightly moving form of the lieutenant. She
looked on as T'irna opened her eyes.

        "Good morning Lieutenant, how do you feel?"

        Mayak glanced back at the readings, while keeping T'irna in
sight. Observing that the medical readouts were at acceptable levels,
she addressed her patient more thoroughly. She saw the Lt. struggle
against the invisible restraint field.

        "Dr., why am I restrained and in sickbay?"

        Mayak noted that the Lieutenant still had her cool voice, and that
she had stopped her vain struggles.

        "In due time Lt., first let me ask you some questions ...

        For starters, how do you feel ? ...."



........



        A portrait in space, two Romulan Warbirds loomed in the
foreground. Even then, they were dwarfed by the larger Romulan vessel,
the Karise. Shimmering into corporeality, two much smaller vessels
came into view.

        Aboard the Karise, Praetor Kh'arna sat calmly in his chambers.
He sat, staring at the holographic portrait of the great fire-falls of
Romulus. It was a luxury the Praetor could afford. Instinctively, he
knew it was time. He rose, and calmly proceeded to the briefing room
once again.

        In the main briefing room aboard the Karise, the Praetor sat in
his high backed chair and looked out over the stone table. On his
immediate left and right sat his two distinguished Warbird Commanders,
V'hozen and Gho'dan. As well, two more officers had arrived and had, as
required, taken seats farther down the table. Kh'arna knew the
accomplishments of these as well.

        "We are convened again", he began. With a touch, he caused a
holographic display to appear, centered over the table. He paused as he
allowed his officers to examine the display.
        "Here, is our greater purpose...." he looked slowly and deliberately
at all of his officers. As he expected, they were all silent, examining the
role that their respective vessels would play in the upcoming event.
        "Each of you will receive your exact orders, as always, upon your
departure. Is there any need for discussion ?"

        Commander V'hozen stared at the display before him. He had
already memorized it and was making mental notes. He was intrigued by the
appearance of his former subordinate, now-Commander Quarne. He knew that
Quarne was simply waiting for a WarBird now, he was very good.. 
	V'hozen knew that Quarne was a more than adequate
Commander. He thought about the mission of Quarne's ship, the
Vorthai. He ran some scenarios in his mind. 'QUARNE AND VYSLAN SHOULD
HAVE NO TROUBLE WITH THE DELPHI NOW..' he concluded. His thoughts were
broken, although he showed no outward appearance of it, by the Praetor.

        "Good. We shall re-affirm the might of the Romulan Empire then.
You are given leave. Return to your ships and make your necessary
preparations." The Praetor gave the small gathering a last long look
and departed, leaving the three Commanders and lone Sub-Commander alone.

        In space, the large Romulan ship Karise, eerily vanished.
As well, the two Warbirds both made smooth and graceful arcs as they
too shimmered out of view. Lastly, the two smaller scout ships began
moving. With the Vorthai slightly ahead of the Gathis, as one, the
ships disappeared, hurtling away from the paths of the other larger
vessels.


.......


        Aboard the Delphi, Anna Zalvosta sat on her bed, kneeding the
sore muscles of her calfs.

        'WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO NOW....' she thought, as
she continued her ministrations. Zalvosta was not a particularly
motivated person. In fact, she didn't even know why she had opted
for Starship Security, a trait that most probably singled her out
among all of the other starfleet security officers.
        Most security personnel were people from torn families, or
people who had grown up on a hostile planet. Zalvosta's life was the
antithesis of this. Both of her parents were still alive and well, and
she had endured no undue hostility while growing up in New Kiev. Still,
this was where she wanted to be.

        The good part about being selected by Meede as his 'second', was
that she almost alternated shifts with him, they were only together for
a few hours a day. The bad thing about the selection was that she only
saw Meede for a few hours a day. She was intrigued by the small man whose
self-confidence filled the room that he was in.

        She had been amazed at his sharp-shooting display. She herself
had been using phasers ever since she was a child, as her father
had worked with StarFleet on modifying phaser technology. She was curious
about her superior officer, another characteristic that marked her as a
different kind of security officer.

        She shrugged.
        Zalvosta finished her self-massage, rose and then stretched some.
Stifling a yawn, she lay back down on her bed, pulling the covers over
her. She curled up and instinctively hugged her cushion. She could
muse and wonder some other time.... She drifted off to sleep.



........



        Commodore Albrit looked around his quarters. He had
already finished packing a small travel case, and was now working
on filling a much larger travel locker. His room lights, as always
were on the slightly dim side. Strangely, the Commodore felt
slightly hot.
        He walked over to the climate controls and made sure that they
were adjusted properly. As he saw that they were, sweat beaded on his
brow. Albrit, moved towards the replicator.
        'WATER, THAT'S ALL I NEED'. His thoughts seemed muddled,
and he was having to wipe the perspiration from his forehead.

        *BEEP*BLEAOP*

        "Cc-ome", Albrit muttered as he sank to his knees on the floor.
He felt very weak now.

        Albrit never saw who entered his room. He collapsed to the floor
and blacked out .....



.........




        Across the stars, at Starbase 89, the Fangorn slowly orbited
the Starbase. The large vessel easily dwarfed the nearby Nebulae-class
vessel.

        Captain Tzyin Orgl stepped onto the bridge of the Fangorn, she
was not prepared for what awaited her. The entire bridge was only
dimly lit, red lights illuminated most displays, and there were
a pair of large transparent-sheet displays near the turbolift.
        Orgl stepped out, and then stepped down into the sunken
command area. From out of the shadows, she was accosted by a figure.
As her eyes adjusted, the figure stopped directly before her, looming
several inches abover her, she noted some movement above the head of the
figure.
        The figure firmly took her by the arm. By this time, however,
her eyes had accustomed to the darkness, and directly before her in a small,
raised, swiveling command chair, sat Admiral Hrgon.

        "It is good that you are here Captain. I see that you have met
my primary weapons officer, Commander Qh'sem", the Admiral gestured
towards the Andorian who stood near her.

        "Ahh, yes sir, I have, although he did not introduce himself ..."
Orgl responded curtly.

        "Excellent. Mr. Qh'sem, you have the bridge. Captain, in my ready
room. We have many plans to discuss ....."


.......


        Malory looked on as his ship entered the AR-24 star system.
He wondered for a moment at the name of the system, but then quickly
decided that it was the result of some astronomers' power struggle.
The dull-orangish star sat distantly in the forward viewscreen, closer,
one of the two planets of the system sat in the foreground. The Delphi
dropped into the system at a leisurely one-quarter impulse.

        "Sir, I'm getting some strange sort of reflection from the planet."

        Malory turned. This was one of the few hours of the day when
all senior staff were on duty, and as such, Lt. O'bourne was there.

        "What can you make of it Mr. O'bourne."

        "That's all sir, it's as if the sensors reach below the surface
and then  simply bounce back, although there is a slight shift."

        Malory faced his first officer, who was currently doubling as primary
ORACLE operator as well.

        "Mr. Assali, what do you make of the planet ?"

        "Well sir, it is on the verge of being an M-class planet. Atmosphere
is dust-laden and has a lower oxygen percentage. Surface temperature is
a very warm 360 Kelvins, only limited knowledge of the planet proper
can be obtained however. The signal seems to be either reflecting,
distorting or both. It is difficult to interpret these readings."

        Malory frowned.

        "Sir, I am receiving some form of garbled transmission apparently
from the planet, it seems to be calling something "VILLAGE ANTE"
possibly in reference to one of the "colonizing movements" of the early
23rd century." Penthrach monitored his console.
        Meede was at his secondary position, weapons officer, as he
looked at the message on his display.
        "It sounds more like VIGIL ANTARES to me Captain." Meede
informed the Captain. "In reference to the first explorer to
begin charting the neutral zone.... he was from Gralve IV as well ..."

        "Indeed.
        Helm, move us towards the planet, increase speed to three-
quarters impulse." Malory was interested.

        Malory again faced Assali.

        "What would be needed for an away team, anything more than the
standard hostile-environment suits ?"

        "No sir."

        Malory wondered for an instant. The difference was between letting
experienced people go down and verify whether the sensors were operating
properly, or whether to ignore the possible problem. Malory made his
decision.

	"Very well, minimal away-team.
	 Helm, increase to full impulse speed .. let's get this over quick."

        Assali rose from his position at the ORACLE 1 position.
        "Mr. Qhasmon, Mr. Meede, your with me ..."

        *vhoosh*

        The turbo-lift doors closed, taking Meede, Assali, and Qhasmon
to the transporter room.

        Malory looked around the bridge, as tradition had dictated, the
first and second officers had left. That coupled with Meede's absence
and T'irna's illness, left himself ,O'bourne, and Penthrach as senior bridge
crew. He did not relish that idea.

        "Sir ! There seems to be some energy discharge on the planet's
surface ! ... It's gone now. With the amount of reflection ORACLE
is receiving at this distance, it is hard to tell exactly what happened.
These readings really are a mess!"

	"Captain. I'm picking up some form of garbled communication again."

	< ...lante...twelve...survive...suits held..one day...failure..>

	"It seems to be originating from the planet, but there is an
enormous amount of distortion."

	Malory thought, "Respond ask for identification and offer
our assistance."
	Malory looked on as Penthrach hailed the planet.

	"Attention Planetside, this is the U.S.S. DELPHI, please identify
yourselves. We are prepared to offer assistance if needed."

	Penthrach scratched his head for a moment, and pulled the corners
of his mouth tighter.

        "I would speculate that we are getting 'sensor bleed' into our
communications sensors from ORACLE. The comm sensors are augmented
some by ORACLE..."
	Malory shook his head and gazed at the orangy-brown orb
before him. His gut was having a bad feeling, something
just didn't feel right. Malory looked back to his tactical console,
no one had reported yet. Inwardly Malory cursed, as he jogged around
the bridge and up to the console.

        "Mr. Penthrach, inform all decks that we will be going to yellow
alert.
	Inform the away team as to our status, and tell them to proceed
with dispatch."

        Malory paused.

        "Belay that, have the away team beam down as usual, but inform
the transporter room to tell Lt. Qhasmon to return to the bridge
as soon as possible. His abilities will be better utilized on the bridge
this time."

        Malory licked his lips as he glanced at the tactical console.

.....


        Yeomans Upaw, Bronsdale, and Albert stood at station in
transporter room 1. Albert and Bronsdale were dressed in full-containment
environmental suits, while Upaw stood  at the transporter controls.

        *vhoosh*

        The door to the room opened and Cmmdr. Assali, Lt. Qhasmon and
Security Chief Meede lumbered in, all dressed in suits similar to those
of Albert and Bronsdale.
        "Lt. Qhasmon, the Captain has ordered your immediate return to the
bridge", Upaw announced.

        Even through the visor of the containment suit, Upaw could see the
irritation building in the Andorian. Still the Andorian simply turned
and strode out of the room. Meede pointed towards Albert, and Albert joined
Meede and Assali on the transporter pad. Bronsdale stood at station, as
the gesture by Meede had indicated that he would be used only as an
emergency measure to provide backup.

        "We have landing coordinates. Activate your signal enhancers
when you are ready for beam-out. They will help the transporter achieve
a positive lock due to the signal interference which we are experiencing."

        Upaw looked at the scowl on Meede's face. In a glance it told him,
"Stop the lecture and proceed. Senior officers are aware of procedure
Yeoman."
        Upaw energized the transporter.

        The three figures shimmered away off of the transporter pad.


.....


        On the dusty and desolate surface of the planet of the AR-24
star system, three figures materialized. They looked around at the
desolation. The shortest figure and the tallest figure both
had tricorders in their hands, as well, the short one already
had a phaser in his other hand. The third figure merely turned slowly
from side to side, looking at the scenery.

        Meede and Assali looked at one another, the tricorder readings
that they were receiving were far different from the readings that they
had observed while using ORACLE.

        "This direction" the voice of Assali crackled on the suits'
comm system. Meede concurred with the assessment and all three figures
began climbing a small hill. As they climbed they encountered some
small fragments of grey 'metal', their tricorders yielded inconclusive
evidence as to its composition or origin.


.....


        "Captain, we are definitely receiving some form of distress call
from the planet. There is a large amount of interference, and it is hard to
determine the exact content. I think that whoever they are, that they
seem to be in some form of danger. I think that I heard something
about some critical medical conditions."

        Malory shook his head.
        "What?" he asked.

        Penthrach turned and faced his Captain.

        "I said that ..."

        Malory waved off Penthrach.

        "Don't you think that it is peculiar that we are now
receiving some form of distress call? From a planet that we know
next to nothing about?"
        Malory didn't like the situation at all.
        "Could you get a read on the coordinates of the transmission?"

        "Yes, I think so sir." Penthrach responded.

        Anticipating the next question, he added, "The away team,
by my estimates are roughly 400 meters from the source of the
transmission."

        Malory thought. He did not like unknowns like this, still
the time that it would take for the away team to reach the coordinates
could be critical if there were a medical emergency of some sort.

        "Have a security detail in the transporter room, notify medical
as well. Utmost caution should be used however. Continue full sensor
sweeps of the planet and system."

        "But Sir! we are still experiencing garbled sensor readings ..."

        Malory faced O'bourne.
        "Do it Lieutenant..."


.......


        Yeoman Upaw received the message on his console and
relayed the information to Yeoman Bronsdale. As Bronsdale took
a position near the pad, Yeoman Seneshal and Ensign Hamden
entered the room, as well as Dr. Mayak and a blue-shirted technician.

        Upaw looked around nervously.

        "Energizing", he said.

        With the sensor echoes, it was hard to distinguish the proper
pattern as he began the materialization process. Something didn't
look right however, and he altered the procedure somewhat and
tried adjusting the transporter locking sensors.

        "Materializing .... (I think)" he whispered.


        Six objects began regaining corporeality on the transporter
pad. It seemed as if there were 3 standing, 2 kneeling, and one
prone. They shimmered into existence and Upaw was shocked.
	A rust-skinned woman stood in the middle, a female
Klingon and a male 'klingon' with a smooth forehead also stood. Two human
males were kneeling over the form of a Vulcan. Green blood was oozing from
the Vulcan. They were all wearing skin-tight black bodysuits.

	The woman made a move towards a tricorder-like device in her
off hand. She managed to press one button with her thumb.

        Immediately Upaw alerted "Look out! She's got a weapon."
In his effort to transport, he had apparently been unable to screen the
transportees for any discernible weapons. Of course, it could be something
that the transporter did not think was a weapon ...


        *PHZZAT*

        Yeoman Seneschal wasted no time in shooting the female in the
arm. She winced and dropped the tricorder-like device.

        *vhoosh*

        The doors to the room opened and Lt. Qhasmon rushed in, phaser
in hand.

	The klingon female dropped into a crouch and began a lunge,
her black bodysuit rippling with the muscles underneath.
	The Klingon female made a move towards her belt.

        *PHZZAT*
        *PHZZAT*

        Qhasmon's shot hit first as Seneschal's was immediately following.
The Klingon grunted, and dropped to one knee.
	'I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE'S STILL UP', thought Seneschal,
'SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN OUT COLD BY NOW...'

	"Identify yourselves." Qhasmon hissed.

	Qhasmon returned her gaze, as the lead figure seemed to evaluate
him. He saw her eyes on his phaser as he increased the setting. The
room was beginning to become to cluttered, with man blue shirts and
yellow shirts entering.
	Qhasmon looked on as she dropped the device that she was holding
and made a hand motion to the rest of her team. They seemed to ease out
of their attack posture.

.......


        Assali, Meede and Albert cleared the ridge, only to observe
a craft of some kind. None recognized its material but it did appear
to be a  non-standard Federation drop-ship. Meede and Assali looked
at their tricorders, apparently, there was some kind of power surge ....

        Meede recognized it as an apparent breakdown sequence.

        "It's going to destruct..." he spoke over the comm system.

        *K'FLASH*


.....



        Qhasmon held his position, gaze fixed on the apparent leader
of the group. The group was a collage in itself, he recognized
the racial make-up as Klingon, Human, Vulcan/Romulan and even Kalonian.
He had some respect for the Kalonian.

        Qhasmon looked on as the apparent leader of the group spoke.

        "We have injured. Get your doctors to work."

        Qhasmon snarled as he motioned to Mayak and her assistant. He
began to address the female as Yeoman Upaw interrupted him.

        "Sir! Bridge reports that we have just registered a high
intensity explosion on the planet's surface."

        "Coordinates? The team? " Qhasmon was veritably snarling.

        Upaw looked at his console, the images that were being relayed
to him, were confused at best. He thought that he interpreted them
correctly.

        "Bridge reports no survivors, positive confirmation is difficult 
though."

        Upaw thought, his training kicking in.
        "Sir, I believe that she activated some form of detonation
device."

        The woman merely gazed at the Yeoman, speechless.

        Bronsdale piped in, "Sir, she just killed Assali, Meede and
Albert!"

        The woman did not deign to address the Yeoman, but remained
facing Qhasmon.
        "You had no business in putting an away team down there."

        Mayak busily attended to her patient, the Vulcan, she could
feel the tension in the air. Qhasmon motioned with his hand.

        "Add extra security, even to those in sickbay" his voice
deathly quiet, his gaze locked with that of the female. Mayak
began moving the others out.

        *vhoosh*

        "But sir !! She is responsible for ..."

        *PZAAT*

        Qhasmon's beam struck Bronsdale, sending him senseless. Qhasmon
stared back at the female remaining on the transporter pad.
        "That is quite enough Yeoman", Qhasmon hissed.

        "And that is quite enough as well, LIEUTENANT Qhasmon, you will
return to the bridge *NOW*, I will speak with you later."

        Malory stepped into the transporter room. Now, only
himself, Upaw, Seneschal and the woman remained, as well as the
prone form of Bronsdale.


        Whitecloud came to attention on the transporter pad as she
saw the pips in the man's collar. His features could have been
almost youthful, save for the steely glint in his blue eyes and the
firmness he had held in his voice.

        "Sir, the woman ..." Upaw began.

        "That is enough Yeoman. I am aware of the situation." Malory
was terse with the Yeoman.

        He looked at the woman, she appeared to be about as tall as
he, around 5' 8". She had darkly tanned skin and straight
black hair, her dark eyes were defiant. She had sharp angular
features that would be considered beautifully exotic in almost
any human culture, as well as some non-human ones. He addressed her.

        "Your name."

        "Andrea Smith."

        "Very well, 'Ms. Smith', Security officer Seneschal will
escort you to medical, then we shall meet. We have much to discuss."

        "Yes sir", she said reflexively.

        Malory stared ahead at the transporter. He felt older. He
was aware of the Yeoman at the transporter control panel.

        "Attend to Mr. .... Bronsdale..". Malory turned and left,
leaving Upaw to help a now groggy Yeoman Bronsdale.



.....


        Meede, Assali, and Albert shielded their eyes. Each knew that
they were dead....

        They opened their eyes. They were apparently standing on a
transporter pad. Each was in the same  position as he had been when he
had felt the icy grip of certain death.

        "You timed that awfully close ...." Meede stopped midsentence as
he looked around the transporter room. This was *NOT* one of the
transporter rooms of the DELPHI. Meede looked at the tall blonde
female human who was standing behind the transporter control panel.
She was wearing some form of dark baggy uniform which held no rank
insignia or other visible markings.
        "Who are you, and what kind of uniform is that."
        Meede's hand was already holding his phaser.

        With a helpful addendum, Albert spoke," Sir, I don't think that
this is the DELPHI."
        Both he and Assali were now holding their phasers as well.

        "I wish you wouldn't do that."

        All turned as they looked at a medium built, bald, pointed-eared
humanoid who was also wearing the same baggy black uniform. With him
were half a dozen others in similar garb. They all carried rather strange
phasers. The little insignia that they did wear did appear to be like
some of StarFleet's.

        Assali addressed the Vulcan, as the Vulcan appeared to be in some
position of leadership over the others.

        "Mister, I demand an explanation. Who are you people?"
        Meede worked on hailing the DELPHI, while keeping his phaser leveled.
The Vulcan addressed Meede.

        "That won't be necessary, this room is quite shielded."

        None of the three standing on the pad had lowered their weapons.
In fact, Meede had already decided on his plan of action, should worst come
to worst.
        Finally, they yielded. Not because of the phasers of the black-garbed
people, but because of the transporter chief, whose hand was over a button
on the console. Being on a transporter pad was not a good tactical position.
        As soon as they lowered their phasers, the six who had entered
with the Vulcan came and relieved them of their weapons and significant
equipment.

        As soon as the trio was out of their environmental suits, the
Vulcan spoke.
        "Now I'd like to welcome you aboard, I'm Commander Norton.
I apologize for the abrupt transport, but considering the circumstances,
the Captain did not see another viable option."

        Assali stepped forward. While still skeptical, he was not in a
position to dictate terms. He introduced his team.
        "I am Lieutenant Commander Assali, First officer of the
U.S.S. DELPHI."
        With a gesture of his hands, he included the rest of the team.
        "These are Lieutenant Meede, and Yeoman Albert."

        Meede spoke.
        "Now. we would like to know just who you people are, who's in
charge, and why we cannot contact our ship."

        "All in due time Lieutenant. Now, if you would follow these
men to your temporary quarters, I'm sure that after that storm, you
would like to get cleaned up."

        "Sir", Assali spoke sarcastically, "We are not going anywhere until
we get some answers."

        The Vulcan hesitated a moment, and then produced an older
style communicator. He spoke into it, nodding periodically.

        "Commander, All I am authorized to tell you at this time is
that the DELPHI stumbled onto a top-secret Star Fleet Project during a
training accident. Much information beyond that, would make you and your
crew extremely difficult to safely release, especially if you are going to
be stationed within this quadrant."

        "I'm sorry, but to us, that is not sufficient, Sir", Meede spoke
up.

        The Vulcan paused and then spoke.
        "If that's the way you want it.... Chief Swanson, I'd like you to
totally disable the transporter in this room."
        He turned and addressed one of his men,"Make sure that all computer
interfaces are disconnected as well, except for the Food Replicator.
        Gentlemen, this is not one of the more comfortable quarters
to billet in, and the head has minimal wash facilities. But
since this is where you wish to remain ... We are flexible."

        Meede nodded to himself. He was holding none of the cards in this
game. Assali turned and conferred softly with him.
        Assali spoke.
        "Understood Commander, your point is well-taken. Standard
quarters will be sufficient until such time as we are returned to the
Delphi."

        Vulcan Commander Norton smiled, "Very good."

        Meede and Assali noted the functionality of the corridors
and rather spartan design of the ship (what they saw of it) as
they were escorted away bay some more people clad in black. As
they passed one of the doors, Assali saw that there was apparently
another transporter pad in that room.
        'THAT CAN'T BE, THAT LOOKS LARGE ENOUGH FOR A HUNDRED PEOPLE TO
TRANSPORT ..', he thought.

        The trio was lead to their billet, and the door opened crisply.
One member of their escort spoke. "The quarters in this section were designed
for four occupants. The replicators can provide any of your needs, so make
yourselves comfortable.

        "We are confined to these quarters?" Meede spoke.

        "In essence ... yes. The Captain and First officer however, would
like to speak to you soon and hopefully, will answer some of your questions."

        Meede, Assali, and Albert stepped into their 'quarters' and the
door closed behind them.

..........

        "Sir, We have the transmission from Starbase 89", Lt. Penthrach's
voice rang over the communicator.

        "Thank you Mr. Penthrach" Malory spoke to his intercom in his
ready-room. He sat back in his chair and punched the files up on his
console. He had been awaiting this transmission since getting the
standard retina scans done. He hoped that StarFleet records could shed
some light on his new 'visitors'.
        Each file was accompanied by the usual poor quality visual
of the subject. Captain Malory browsed through the first page of each file.


        -- NAME         : William Jacob Collins         --
        -- RANK         : Ensign                        --
        -- POSITION     : Flight specialist             --
        --                U.S.S. AMBARTSUMIAN, NCC-3817 --
        -- NOTES        : Ship destroyed by engine core --
        --                failure, all hands lost.      --
        --                StarDate 46998                --

        -- NAME         : Joseph Franz                  --
        -- RANK         : Yeoman                        --
        -- POSITION     : Security Specialist           --
        --                U.S.S. El Cid NCC-534-B       --
        -- NOTES        : Killed in action during border--
        --                skirmish with Kardassians.    --
        --                StarDate 47310                --

        -- NAME         : S'Turlek                      --
        -- RANK         : Ensign                        --
        -- POSITION     : Junior Science Officer        --
        --                U.S.S. TONTI NCC-599          --
        -- NOTES        : Missing, assumed dead after   --
        --                shuttle disappeared near      --
        --                Neutral Zone.                 --
        --                StarDate 47329                --

        -- NAME         : Anndrea Clay-Dove Whitecloud  --
        -- RANK         : Lieutenant, Junior Grade      --
        -- POSITION     : Assistant Chief of Security   --
        --                U.S.S. REGULUS NCC-1840-C     --
        -- NOTES        : Killed in transporter accident--
        --                StarDate 47360                --

        -- From KLINGON Imperial Fleet HQ               --

        -- NAME         : K'Lerana Valerta Krogg        --
        -- RANK         : Commander                     --
        -- POSITION     : Command Pilot                 --
        --                Reconnaissance ship, TRARLON  --
        -- NOTES        : Ship lost while on classified --
        --                mission.                      --

        -- SUBJECT      : KALONIAN National             --
        --                StarFleet has no record of the--
        --                Kalonian subject.             --

        -- NOTE         : The Kalonian Defense Force    --
        --                (KDF) maintains its policy to --
        --                protect the privacy of all its--
        --                citizens.                     --

Malory reread the information, then made his decision. As he rose
from his chair and stretched, he heard the familiar piping sound of
the intercom yet again.
	"Go ahead Mr. Penthrach.."

	"Sir, we have a transmission from StarFleet Command, they
have ordered us back to Starbase 89 to await arrival of Commodore
Albrit. They have specified for our immediate return."

	"Thank you, Mr. Penthrach. Inform StarFleet Command that we
are en route."
	Malory ran his hands through his brown hair and looked out of the
viewport. He didn't like this, he didn't like this situation one bit.

	*BLEAP-BLOP*

	"Come in", Malory said, as he turned to face his visitors.

        "Sir, Lieutenant T'irna reporting for duty."

        Malory faced his "Vulcan" Oracle 1 operator as well as Dr. Mayak
who had accompanied her. Malory looked at the Doctor. Mayak merely
nodded.

	Malory clasped his hands behind his back. He had three of his
best officers missing and most probably dead on the planet below, one officer
awaiting disciplinary action, and six people whom he had beamed up from the
planet awaiting. Now he had an officer who had had a breakdown just
over a day ago reporting for duty.
	Malory turned around, closed his eyes, took a deep breath,
and turned around again.

        "Welcome back Lieutenant. We have confusing sensor readings which
you may be able to clarify, please proceed and give me a report with
dispatch."

        Malory nodded, dismissing the Lieutenant.

        T'irna turned and exited the ready room. Mayak remained.

        "I'm trusting your judgement rather quickly on this one Doc." Malory
smiled wearily.

        Mayak merely raised her eyebrows.
        "I *should* know best .. At any rate, the Lieutenant seems to be
fully recovered from whatever collapse she had. Quite frankly it astonished
me, but her tests all check out, and I think that getting busy is the
best medicine for cases like that anyway..."

        "Very well Doctor. I would like her condition monitored more closely
however. We can't afford to lose any more crew members...."

        Malory almost thought he saw a tear in the eye of the hardened doctor.

        "Yes sir."

        With that Mayak quickly left, and Malory was again alone in his ready
room.



......



        "CAPTAIN'S LOG : U.S.S. GALLANT   Resky Goduskin commanding ...

        We have just finished our initial sweep of this sector along the
Neutral Zone. The old space-dog that she is, the GALLANT is holding up
well. This sector has always been somewhat contested on paper by the
Romulans, but I can report that we haven't seen any sign of Romulan
incursion yet.
        Due to our position however, the Admiral has me only send
reports to StarBase 89 every two days. We have been spending our
'off-days' for the last week penetrating the fringes of Romulan space,
as stipulated by, and in accord with the treaty. I have just finished
sending him our report. All is well in this sector.
        It still makes me edgy though, I guess I'll never grow out of my
Orion ancestry.... Maybe I've been flirting along the Neutral Zone too
long....

        End Log."

        Captain Goduskin looked around his bridge. He really was pleased
with his ship's performance. It had been admirable to say the least. It had
proven (in his mind anyway) that it was one of the sturdiest of one of
StarFleet's most dependable classes of ships, the Excelsior Class.
        Goduskin smiled to himself. Everything was in order, the ship
was currently preparing to make a slower, more detailed sweep of the
sector, and everything was well within normal operating parameters.


...........


        Praetor Kh'arna sat calmly in his chair, looking at the
grey and blue form of the Federation Starship. He had seen many
battles and had commanded many ships. Now, he was ushering in yet
another new design of Romulan ship.

        "Commander, inform me when initial armings are completed.
Monitor the Federation ship's status and begin initialization of
subspace dampners."

        The Karise, a larger newer prototype version of the Warbird
sat cloaked, watching as the Gallant cruised slowly by. Moments
counted down.

        "Praetor ... All is in readiness ..."

..........

        "Sir, Romulan decloaking !!
         My God!! It's larger than anything I've ever seen....."

         Goduskin only nodded his head in agreement as the large
ship eerily shimmered into view before him.

        "Raise shields, Red Alert, inform StarBase 89, and hail the Romulan."

        Goduskin was inwardly cursing,
        "Prepare phasers and photons, maximum yield...."

        The Gallant's communications officer spoke , "Sir, they are
jamming our transmissions, I can't get a message out. The Romulan
as well, is not responding...."

        Goduskin licked his lips slowly ...
        "Helm, prepare for warp speed, on my mark."

        "Too late sir!" the Gallant's weapons officer spoke.

        Goduskin looked on as two huge balls of green energy hurtled
towards his ship.

        "Evasive Maneuvers ...."

        The balls of plasma impacted.

        "Shields down sir, casualties reported, Warp engines still
at full capacity thought."

        "Helm, continue evasives. Tactical Return fire.

.......

        Kh'arna watched as the Federation ship rocked underneath the
two balls of plasma. He knew the Federation ship Captain would not
expect another plasma ball so soon, even if he had correctly diagnosed
the first one.

        Kh'arna decided that his ship was ready.

        "Fire plasma .. Full strength."

.......

        As the photons and phasers impacted the Romulan ship, Goduskin
noted with disdain that there was little appreciable effect. And then,
he saw it again, a larger and smaller orb hurtling towards him.

        He almost had time to breathe a prayer.

......

        "Praetor, Federation ship destroyed. They were able to send no
messages out while we were decloaked."

        Kh'arna sat in his chair, he liked this ship's power.

        "Very well, set course for the rendezvous."

        The Karise shimmered again out of view, leaving only a pile
of space flotsam, where the Gallant once was.

--

'Sooge'
sks1@ra.msstate.edu