"Captain to the bridge."

Captain Alex Zukoft came out of her ready room and onto the bridge of the USS Explorer. "Report," she said.

"We've picked up a ship just at the edge of our long range sensors," reported First Officer, Cmdr. Ian Lancaster.

"Identity?”

"Just now coming into range, Captain,” said Ops Officer, Lt. Hal Jaffa. “It’s a Ferengi cargo ship. Type three.”

“Type three?” asked Commander Lancaster.

“Yes sir,” responded Jaffa.

“This is a long way off the beaten path even for a type three ship,” responded Lancaster.

“Type three cargo is just like any other cargo, Commander,” said Zukoft.

“Yes sir,” Ian remarked.

“What is the status of their shields and weapons, Lt. Cmdr. Jax?” asked Zukoft.

“Their shields are down and they only have phaser weapons, Captain. None are active at this time,” responded Security Chief Jax.

“Hail them,” ordered Zukoft.

"Aye Captain,” answered Communications Officer, Ensign Caroline Harris. “They are not responding, sir.”

“Repeat hail, Ensign.”

“Repeating hail, sir.” After a few tense moments, Harris said,” Still no response, Captain.”

"Open a channel,” said Alex, standing in front of the viewscreen, hands clasped behind her back. " Ferengi vessel. This is Captain Alexandra Zukoft of the Federation starship, Explorer. Refusing to answer our hails is a violation of the Federation Ferengi treaty. If you do not respond to our hails, we will be forced to board your vessel.”

Everyone waited, not saying a word.

“Very well. Ferengi vessel. Stop and prepare to be boarded,” spoke Alex. “Channel off.”

“Captain, the ship is not stopping or even slowing their speed, “ reported Lt. Jaffa.

“Scan for lifesigns Lt.,” ordered Alex.

“I detect six lifesigns, sir, but there is inside shielding blocking our scans and I can’t tell exactly where they are.”

“Active shields?” asked Zukoft.

“No sir. They appear to be static. As though they were turned on and left.”

“We will need closer scans, then, remarked Zukoft. “Commander Lancaster, prepare an away team to board the Ferengi ship. And take Dr. VanBriggle. Someone may need assistance.”

“Aye sir,” said Ian, turning to leave the bridge.

“And Commander,” said Zukoft.

“Use the camera and keep your comm channel open.”

Ian stopped in his tracks, a tiny bit irritated. “Yes Captain. I am fully aware of the proper procedures for an away team.”

“Good,” said Zukoft, without turning to him. “Proceed.”

“Aye sir,” he said. “Commander Jax, you’re with me. Have two security guards meet us in Transporter Room two.”

“Aye sir,” said Jax, following the commander into the turbo lift while at the same time, contacting two of his security guards on his comm badge.

“The ship is  still not stopping, Captain,” said Lt. Jaffa.

“Helm, match their speed and come up beside them, port side,” ordered Zukoft.

“Aye sir,” responded Lt. Jg Darby Azar, the Explorer’s navigator and helm officer.

“Commander Lancaster from Captain Zukoft.”

“Yes Captain,” responded Ian.

“Board at your convenience.”

“Yes sir,” responded Ian. “Comm channel and camera now open.”

The away team materialized on the bridge of the Ferengi cargo ship. Everything appeared normal except for the Ferengi laying on the floor of the bridge. Dr. VanBriggle quickly hurried over to the Ferengi, taking out her tricorder. “He’s dead, Commander.”

“Can you tell from what, Doctor?”

“Well, at first scan, it appears he died from natural causes—heart failure. Shall I have his body transferred to Medbay?”

“Not yet. I want to check out the rest of the ship first. Jax, where are those life signs?”

Jax pointed his tricorder around the room. “Down three floors, sir. The cargo bay.”

“All right,” began Lancaster, “let’s see what we have in the cargo bay.”

As the team made their way to the large cargo bay, they inspected the rest of the Ferengi Cargo Vessel. It appeared normal, but with no crew.

“Doctor,” asked Ian,” is it normal procedure for a ship this large to be run by only one crewman?”

“I’m afraid so, Commander. It appears that no one likes duty aboard this ship.”

“Because of the cargo?”

“Precisely.”

When they walked into the large cargo bay, they saw along two walls cubicles measuring three meters long and 1.5 meters high, stacked 100 high and five thick. There were thousands of them. In the middle of the bay sat a large transporter platform. The controls were near the entry doorway.

“What are these?” asked Ensign Tim Winder.

Jax turned to his security officer. “Ensign Winder, those are the remains of people.”

“Sir?”

“This cargo vessel buys bodies and sells them for medical research … and probably other reasons. That’s why no one wants to serve aboard them.”

“Creepy.”

“Jax, the lifesigns?” asked Ian.

Jax pointed his tricorder around the room. “They appear to be coming from the right wall, three cubicles in and 27 rows up. They are all together, Commander.”

“So the Ferengi was dealing in more than just dead bodies,” reflected Lancaster.

“It appears so, sir,” said Jax.

“Commander, we need to get those people out of there right now,” said Dr. Van. “I’m reading their lifesigns are fading. Possibly the air is running out in their cubicles. I would guess that they weren’t supposed to be in them for this long, but since the Ferengi died…”

“Yes,” said Ian. “It looks like the only way to get them out is through the transporter. Jax, can you operate it?”

Jax went over to the transporter control station. “Yes, sir. It’s standard Ferengi technology.”

“Good. Then get them out now.”

“Aye sir.” Jax ran his hands over several controls and within a minute had the six bodies laying on the transporter platform in the middle of the room. Dr. Van and her team hurriedly went to the group of what appeared to be Terran women.  Four were unconscious and the other two were just coming around.

“What?,” said the first woman to wake. “Where am I?”

“I’m Doctor June VanBriggle from the starship Explorer. We’re here to help you.”

The woman suddenly sat straight up and looked around the bay. “Starship? Are you Federation?”

“Yes,” said Dr. Van. “We’re with the United Federation of Planets.”

“Praise be the Goddess! She has delivered us! Are my sisters all right?”

“Your sisters?” asked Dr. Van.

“Yes,” she said looking the other women over. “They are not hurt are they?”

“We haven’t had time to examine everyone yet, but it appears that everyone is fine for now. But you had a close call. If we hadn’t come along when we did, all of you would be dead by now.”

“What do you mean? Aren’t we in Federation territory? The Ferengi … he…”

“I’m sorry to tell you this, but the Ferengi Captain is dead. He died of natural causes. And no, we are not in Federation territory.”

“Then where ARE we???!!! We are in danger here! We MUST get to Federation territory!” she screamed, jumping to her feet. As soon as she did, her head starting spinning wildly and she started to fall. Ian was there to catch her, but instead of being grateful to him, the woman wrenched herself away from his grasp.

“Never touch me!” she yelled. “No male will EVER touch me again!”

“Commander,” said VanBriggle, “let me.” Dr. Van gently took the woman aside.

“Commander Lancaster,” came Captain Zukoft’s voice. She had been watching the whole scene and knew what was happening.

“Yes, Captain?”

“They’re Prylars.”

“Prylars, sir? But we’re no where near their territory. They must be refugees.”

“Escapees more likely, “ said Zukoft. “Have Dr. VanBriggle and her staff look after them. Transport them to Medbay while you and Lt. Cmdr. Jax continue your investigation. When that is completed, beam the Ferengi’s body to Medbay.”

“Aye sir,” responded Lancaster.

Ian relayed the Captain’s instructions to Dr. Van, taking care not to approach the women, who were by now, all conscious and standing close together with VanBriggle and her med tech.

“Explorer from away team,” said VanBriggle, eight to beam directly to Medbay.”

After Dr. Van departed, Ian and Jax continued their investigation including downloading the ship’s logs.

Zukoft watched the investigation for a few more minutes then turned and headed for her ready room. “Lt. Jaffa, continue monitoring the away team. You have the Bridge.”

“Aye sir,” replied Lt. Jaffa, taking the captain’s chair.

“Computer, display all data on the planet Prylar and its inhabitants,” ordered Zukoft, sitting at her desk.

“Working,” came the cool voice of the computer.

Alex read all the data the computer displayed about Prylar and its inhabitants which wasn’t much.

Prylar was settled in 2299 by colonists mainly from Earth. It began as a democratic society of 750 people governed by a council of administrators elected by the populace. Males and females were considered equals, and served equally on the Council. Communication and trade with the Federation and others was frequent and productive.

In 2373 the Prylar government, without any explanation, decided to severely restrict trade with off world societies and disallowed new settlers to their world. In 2378 all contact with Prylar ceased and trade was all but discontinued entirely with few exceptions. No Prylar citizen was allowed off world.

It is unclear as to what happened to change the Prylar government and society. However, what little data obtained was obtained by the few traders permitted to trade with Prylar. According to these sources, Prylar became a totally male dominated society, presided over by one mysterious individual who is rarely seen in public. This individual, presumed to be a male, is known as “The Master”. Prylar is now a male dictatorial society.

All efforts to obtain further information have been unsuccessful. The United Federation of Planets is still trying to establish communications with Prylar. All efforts to this date have failed. The Federation is currently conducting investigations into this matter.

Zukoft sat back in her chair, thinking and then came to a decision.

“Computer, send coded message to Starbase One One Four. To Artimus, from Boadicea 22,” she began. After sending her message, Alex headed for Medbay.

When Captain Zukoft walked into Medbay, she found Dr. VanBriggle and her female staff busy examining the new arrivals.

“Report, Doctor,” she ordered.

Dr. Van walked over to the Captain. “Captain, this is incredible. I can’t believe these women are still alive with what they’ve been through.”

“Which is?”

“All the women have numerous scars on their bodies, indicating past and present physical abuse. Some have fractures that are barely healed. Others have bones that were set incorrectly. All are malnourished and all are terrified of males.

“They are Prylars, doctor.”

“Yes I know, but that doesn’t make any sense. Prylar is supposed to be a highly advanced society.”

“It was until 10 years ago. Now it is a strictly male dominated society, ruled over by one individual—a dictator.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“No reason you should, doctor. This is not widely known unless your interests lie in non-Federation worlds. The Federation is still investigating the matter, albeit slowly.”

“Captain, these women tell me they are seeking asylum in the Federation. They claim--and from what I’ve seen, I would have to agree—to have been severely abused on Prylar by those in power, meaning males. They say all women are abused as they have been and have no rights at all. They also tell me that if they are sent back, they will be killed.”

“I see. I need to talk with them. Are they up to it?”

“They’re all very weak, but they can talk. In fact, they requested to talk with you. Dreema is their leader.” Dr. Van pointed out a dark-haired woman seated on the nearest biobed.

“Very well. I will talk with her,” said Alex walking over to where Dreema sat.

“Dreema. I am Captain Alexandra Zukoft. You are on my ship, the USS Explorer. I understand you are requesting asylum in the Federation?”

“You are really Federation?” asked Dreema, still not quite sure if she believed it or not.

“Yes. Can you tell me how to came to be aboard the Ferengi cargo vessel?”

“Yes, Captain Zukoft I can. But first, my sisters need food. We were supposed to be taken out of status as soon as we left Prylar space, but something went wrong.”

“Yes. I’m afraid the Ferengi captain died from a heart attack.”

“That would explain things then. I was afraid… Anyway, may we be given food?”

“Of course. Just as soon as Dr. VanBriggle and her staff finish their examinations.  Are you running from the law, Dreema? Have you committed any crimes on Prylar?”

“Yes. We escaped. Aside from that, no. But that is enough for The Master to have us killed if it were to become known.”

“The Federation will keep this as quiet as possible. Now, tell me how you came to be here.”

“The six of us paid the Ferengi to smuggle us aboard his ship into Federation space. We heard the Federation treats all as equals, males and females alike.”

“That is true,” replied Zukoft.

“Yes, Captain, I see that. Anyway, my sisters and I pretended to be dead on Prylar by taking a drug that simulates death for a short time. On Prylar when females die, the government doesn’t care what is done with the bodies. Usually the dead females are burned while only the males’ bodies are treated with respect and buried in the ground. The Ferengi captain transported us from our coffins as we lay upon our funeral pyres.”

My God, thought Zukoft. If anything had gone wrong, they would have been burned alive! “Go on,” prompted Alex, careful to keep her emotions hidden.

“Captain, we request asylum in the Federation. We CANNOT go back to Prylar! It would mean our deaths—our REAL deaths.”

“Don’t worry, you won’t be sent back. The Federation will be anxious to talk with you though. I have no doubt that you and your sisters will be given asylum and allowed to live anywhere in the Federation that you choose.”

 “I remember what life was like before The Master took control. I was nine when he came to Prylar. After his coming, things began to change for the worse. Men became more aggressive. No one knows why. After that all females were taken out of governmental positions and all other powerful positions. Things got worse and worse and soon no female had any rights at all. We were treated as property of the males. Even the males who used to treat us well, started abusing us. This is why we escaped, Captain, to tell other what is happening on our planet. Prylar used to be a wonderful place to live, for males and females alike. Now it is no better than a prison for females! Worse than a prison. We hope that something can be done to make our planet like it was before this master took control.”

“Perhaps can find out why, Dreema, if you will cooperate with us.”

“Yes, yes, we will cooperate. But Captain, some of my sisters, still do not believe males and females are treated the same here. It would be wise not to have to deal with males at this time if that is possible.”

“Dreema, all people are treated as equals in the Federation and on board my ship. But I understand how you feel. I will order that no males be allowed to approach you.”

“Bless you Captain Zukoft!” said Dreema, starting to kneel before the captain. Alex quickly caught her by the arms and gently pulled her to a standing position.

“No Dreema. No one kneels to ANYONE here.”

“Even to the males?”

“Even the males. Now, I must go and make my report to Starfleet. I will talk with you later. Dr. VanBriggle will see to your needs now and I will have Dr. Chin, our ship’s counselor come by and see you too.”

Alex noticed the scared look on Dreema’s face.

“Counselor Chin is female,” said Alex.

Relief washed across Dreema’s face. “Thank you again, Captain Alexandra Zukoft,” said Dreema, smiling.

Zukoft nodded then went to make arrangements with Dr. VanBriggle for their care.

Later Counselor Emmie Chin entered Captain Zukoft’s ready room, a padd in her hand. “Captain, I have talked to the six Prylar women, and I must confess, I’ve never encountered such brutality inflicted upon people before.”

“Your recommendation?”

“These women have been extremely traumatized by men. They will not trust any male easily, if at all. At least two of the women--I feel-- will never adjust to a world that has both females and males. I recommend they be isolated from all males completely. At least for several months, perhaps longer until they can grasp the concept that not all males are like the ones on Prylar. I know this is not possible aboard ship,” continued the Counselor. “They really need to be moved to a world where men do not live. That is my recommendation.”

“I suspected as much, Counselor. I want you and Dr. VanBriggle to continue to stay with these women as much as possible for the time being until I can work something out. Isolate yourselves in Medbay or, if you prefer I can have a section of the ship restricted for your use.”

“I would suggest we don’t move them around right now as they are much too apprehensive. Dr. Van said she can have part of Medbay cordoned off for their use.”

“Fine. See to it. Is there anything else?”

“No.”

“Very well. You may return to your duties, Counselor.”

“Captain…”

“I will inform you and Dr. VanBriggle as soon as I know something, Counselor.”

Emmi nodded, turned and left.

Zukoft made her report to Starfleet and her recommendations as to what should be done for the Prylar women. She had no doubt Starfleet would agree with her plans.

PERSONAL LOG—CAPTAIN ALEX ZUKOFT—It’s been three days since we first encountered the Prylar women. Things aboard ship have been more tense than usual and I’m not sure why. The men on the ship appear to be more aggressive than usual, but perhaps this is just my imagination. Time will tell.

I have decided to send the Prylars to the all-female colony planet of Amazon to live as long as they feel the need to do so. Escorting them will be two security guards, one counselor and one engineer.  Due to scientific experiments that cannot be interrupted, I will be sending the Prylars and their escorts to Amazon in the runabout, ‘Pathfinder’.  The Pathfinder will rendezvous with the Explorer in nine weeks in sector 40012.

 After their mission is completed, the runabout and its crew will rendezvous with the Explorer at a pre-determined area of space. The crewmembers—if all goes well—will be absent from the Explorer for approximately six months.

End Log

“Security to Ten Forward!” called bartender, Gene Gideon as he jumped over the bar and pushed between the two fighters. “Hey! Hey! Stop!” he yelled, trying to push Commander Ian Lancaster and Lt. Cmdr. Jax apart. Both men were off duty and in civilian clothes and neither had ever fought in public before.

Gene heard them speaking earlier in loud tones and then suddenly both jumped up from their seats and began pummeling each other.

“Stay out of this Gene!” yelled Ian, “unless you want the same!”

Gene was in the middle now, holding both Jax and Ian at arm’s length. “Cool down Ian! You’re a commander for God’s sake. And you Jax. How would it look to your crew, your being the chief of security and engaging in a barroom brawl?”

Both men seemed to calm down at Gene’s words just as two security officers appeared.

“Commander Jax?” asked one of them “What’s the problem here?”

“Nothing Ensign, “ answered Jax, rather gruffly, “everything’s fine.”

“Sir?” asked the puzzled security officer.

“I SAID everything’s fine here, Ensign!”

“Ah … yes sir.”

Gene dropped his arms as Ian and Jax relaxed. This was the third fight tonight, thought Gene. Something was not right here. He noticed there seemed to be a lot more tension aboard ship lately, and that included himself.

“That’s it for tonight,” he yelled. “Bar’s closed. Everyone out!”

Among the many moans and groans heard, one man asked, “Why Gene? You never close the bar this early.”

“I am tonight,” he said. “Now out!”

Later that night---

Captain Zukoft was sitting at her dining table going over Dr. VanBriggle’s test results on the Prylars when her door sounded.

“Who is it?” she asked, perturbed at being disturbed this late at night.

“It’s me, Gene.”

“Enter,” she called out.

Gene stepped into Alex’s quarters and went straight towards her.

“What’s the matter Gene? Why are you here so late?”

He said nothing, but instead put his arms around her and began kissing her on the neck.”

“Gene, I'm busy right now. Maybe later, okay?”

“No Angel, right now!” he said, pulling her from her chair and kissing her hard on the lips.

 “Gene, what are you doing?  Let me go,” she said, pulling back from him. “I think you need to see Dr. VanBriggle or Counselor Chin.”

He grabbed her shoulders again, tightly. “Alexandra, I mean it!” The fire flashing in his eyes was starting to scare Alex. She had never seen him like this. He was always so gentle.

“Gene, let me go.”

“No! Never. You will do what I want for a change!” He grabbed her by her wrist and pulled her along to her bedroom and pushed her down onto the bed.

Alex knew something was terribly wrong as she watched Gene rip off his shirt. This was barbaric! As he came to her she put her foot up and pushed him back, hard and jumped up from the bed. “Stop this Gene, now!” she yelled.

“How DARE you push me away!” He lunged at her, attempting to grab her around the neck. She put up both arms, pushing his arms aside and palmed him in the nose. “Gene, I don’t want to hurt you, now stop this.”

He lunged at her again. She tried the same maneuver but he was ready for her this time and blocked her arm, grabbing her throat by his other hand and taking her down onto the carpet, straddling her. Holding her neck in one hand he attempted to tear off her uniform with the other. She palmed him in the chin, once, twice until finally he relaxed his grip on her throat. She pulled up one leg while pushing at his shoulders with her hands and managed to turn him over on his back. Using both hands she smashed her fists into his cheek, knocking him semi unconscious. She jumped up rubbing her throat and slapped her comm badge. “Security from Zukoft.”

“Security here,” came a female’s harried voice.

“Security guards to my quarters, now!”

“Sorry sir, there are no security guards available at this time. We’re having problems all over the ship.”

Alex could hear the sounds of fighting in the background as the security guard spoke.

“What’s going on down there?”

“Sir, the whole ship has gone crazy! All the male security guards have gone nuts and are attacking each other and anyone else!”

Just then, Gene came up behind Alex and grabbed her in a tight bear hug. “Thought you’d get away THAT easily?” He picked her up and attempted to take her again to her bed.

Alex tossed her head back swiftly and hard, hitting his nose causing him to lose his grip on her. Turning around she kicked him in the gut  and spinning around kicked him in the head. This time he was down for more than a few minutes-he was out cold.

Alex went over to Gene and checked his pulse. “Good, I didn’t kill you. Sorry about this babe,” she said, kissing his forehead, then standing.

“Medbay from Zukoft.”

“Medbay here sir,” came a calm voice.

“Get VanBriggle and all the sedatives you have and sedate all the males on this ship at once.”

“Sir?”

“Do it! Immediately. I’ll be on the bridge. And send someone to my quarters. Gene Gideon is injured. Out.”

The young medical technician who answered Captain Zukoft’s call had no idea what the problem was, but it was a direct order from the captain and she had no alternative but to obey it. Even if it did sound odd. “Dr. VanBriggle from Medbay, emergency.”

Dr. Van was asleep in her quarters when the call came in. The ensign explained the Captain’s orders and VanBriggle was up and dressed in seconds, and heading her way into Medbay.

The Captain had to fight two more aggressive males on her way to the bridge, after securing the lock on her door. She knew medbay could override it when they got there. She was also afraid of what she would find on her bridge!

Alex didn’t know what to expect when she reached the bridge, but her imagination began to run wild. She could imagine men fighting over the captain’s chair; fighting over the helm control and just plain fighting for the hell of it. Whatever she imagined, it wasn’t what she saw when the turbolift doors opened.

Zukoft saw …  all bridge positions being manned calmly by women. There was no fighting at all. There were also no males.

“Computer, secure bridge and all controls.”

“Bridge and all controls secured,” responded the computer.

“Ensign Remiraz, open all ship comm channels.”

“Aye sir,” said Ensign Pepper Remiraz.

“Attention all Explorer personnel. This is your Captain speaking. All personnel both Starfleet and civilian are ordered to report to their quarters immediately until further notice. All doors should be secured. If anyone attacks you contact the bridge immediately. Await further orders. That is all.”

“Captain, we’re getting reports of violence from all over the ship,” said Remiraz. “What’s going on, sir?”

“It seems the men on this ship have suddenly become violent, Ensign.”

“Dr. VanBriggle from Captain Zukoft.”

“Dr. VanBriggle here Captain. My staff and I are doing our best to sedate all males as well as taking care of the injured, but it is almost impossible to get to everyone. We can’t control the males to even reach many of the injured!”

“Understood doctor.” Zukoft thought for just a second. “In one minute I will flood all decks with Anesthezine gas until we can sort this out. Be prepared. Zukoft out.”

“Computer, flood decks 2 through 42 with Anesthezine gas on my mark. Wait ten seconds then clear the atmosphere of the gas.”

“Awaiting mark,” said the computer.

“Computer, mark.”

“Anesthezine gas now flooding decks two through forty-two. All humanoids will be rendered unconscious in five seconds. Decks two through forty-two now flooded with Anesthezine gas. “ The computer counted down ten seconds and then announced, “Anesthezine gas now being removed from atmosphere on decks two through forty-two. Atmosphere now returned to normal.”

“Everyone grab a medkit,” ordered Zukoft as she retreated into her ready room to retrieve the one stored there.

“Computer, automatic control”, she ordered.

“USS Explorer now under automatic helm control,” responded the computer.

“Follow me,” said Zukoft, heading for the turbolift.

Captain Zukoft and her bridge crew went immediately to the Security and medical decks, reviving all security and medical female personnel. After Dr. VanBriggle was revived, Alex took her aside. “Doctor, can you explain what has overtaken the men on my ship?”

“Not exactly. But I suspect it has something to do with our escapees.”

“How?”

“When I first examined them, I noticed their hormonal levels were slightly higher than normal.”

“How does the Prylars’ hormones have anything to do with this?”

“I’m not sure yet. I just have my suspicions. I’ll need to do more tests on them, the men and also the females on this ship.”

“Why the females?” asked Zukoft.

“Because if my suspicions are correct, whatever has affected the males has also caused some changes in our females.”

“Very well. As soon as you discover anything, inform me. In the meantime, keep all the men sedated and all injuries attended too. I’ll want a full report in three hours. Have Chin, T’Aera, Anis and yourself meet me in the observation lounge at that time. Until then I’ll be on the bridge.”

“I’ will do my best Captain.”

“I expect no less, doctor.” Zukoft turned and left medbay.

Three hours later Captain Zukoft was in the Observation Lounge with three of her five department heads, Dr. June VanBriggle, CMO, Lt. Cmdr. Jair Anis, Science, Lt. T’Aera, Engineering and the Second Security Officer, Lt. Prin.

“Security, report,” ordered Zukoft.

“Captain, we’ve managed to get everyone back in their own quarters. Right now, we have only female security officers on duty. No other problems were located.”

“Good. Now, Dr. VanBriggle, your report.”

“First of all, all the injured have been treated. There were no serious injuries, just mainly bruises and a few broken bones. Everyone will recover. Now for the virus, it is as I first suspected Captain, the whole ship is infected with a type of hormonal virus which was apparently brought aboard by the Prylars.”

“Why didn’t the transporters filter it out?” asked Zukoft.

“That’s because hormones are a natural chemical in humanoids. This virus is of a type I’ve never seen before. It appears to be a mutation, but I will need additional time to figure that out for certain.”

“Is that what has caused all this violent behavior from the males on board?”

“Yes, absolutely. This virus has triggered an abnormal growth of the hormone testosterone. All humanoids have this hormone but in much smaller amounts than what I have discovered in testing only a few males.”

“But don’t women have testosterone too?” asked Lt. Anis. “Why weren’t the women also affected?”

“Females have a much smaller amount than the males. The testosterone levels are also higher in females, but at a much smaller growth rate. Most women should not even notice any difference. This is what first caused me to become suspicious.”

“Then the females on this ship are not dangerous?” asked Alex.

“No more than usual,” smiled Dr. Van.

“How did this virus begin, doctor?” asked “T’Aera.

“From what I have discovered so far, a chemical was artificially introduced into the population on Prylar which has somehow mutated into the air-born virus we have on board ship.”

“You mean someone did this on PURPOSE?” asked Prin.

“Yes, I am afraid so,” replied Dr. Van.

“Then those in power on Prylar were the ones responsible,” concluded Zukoft.

“I don’t know that for sure, Captain, but it would seem logical.”

“Yes, it is logical,” agreed T’Aera. “If Prylar is now ruled by males, then this would seem to be a logical way to achieve absolute power in a short amount of time. Prylar was a democratic society until ten years ago. That is not enough time for a dictatorship to develop naturally.”

“You’re probably right,” said Dr. Van. “Captain, there is another thing.”

“Go on.”

“I need to do more tests to be absolutely sure, but I think this virus is … Orion in origin.”

“Orion?”

“Yes. There is evidence that the original chemical came from Orion testosterone. Like I said, I want to run more tests just to be sure.”

“The Orions have been quiet for decades,” said Jair.

“Yes, perhaps a little TOO quiet,” remarked Zukoft. “Since their practice of slavery is now widely unaccepted. But that problem will have to wait until we get our people back to normal. “

“Doctor Van can’t you just give the men a shot to restore their normal T levels?” asked Jair.

“Ordinarily that would be the solution, but this isn’t just a rise in their hormone level, it’s a virus and that is a whole lot more complicated.”

“How do we eradicate this virus?” asked Zukoft.

“I’m working on an antiviral serum now. I should have one in about 24 hours.”

“Can we keep the men sedated for that long?”

“I wouldn’t recommend it, Captain. The maximum time for safe sedation would be 12 hours. After that, in some species there could be brain damage.”

“That presents another problem,” said Zukoft. “Very well, proceed with your work. We’ll worry about what to do with the men in 12 hours. Needless to say, Doctor VanBriggle, I would rather NOT have that particular problem to worry about.”

“Yes Captain. My staff and I will work just as fast as we can, but some things can’t be rushed.”

“Understood. Any questions?”

“What about the Prylars? What are we to do with them?” asked Lt. Prin.

“One crisis at a time, Lieutenant. I’m working on that at this moment,” said Zukoft. “Dismissed.”

As the others filed out of the room, Dr. VanBriggle came up to the Captain. “Captain, I need to speak with you.”

“Yes Doctor?”

“I personally treated Gene Gideon. He had a broken nose and fractured jaw.”

Alex’s stomach tightened. She was hoping it wasn’t that serious. “I see. Will he recover?”

“Yes, absolutely. His jaw will be tender and stiff for a few days, but other than that he will be fine.”

“Thank you Doctor,” said Alex, thinking of the conversation she and Gene would have later.

After Dr. VanBriggle left the room, Alex shook her head. “Damn, I hate that,” she said to herself as she walked out of the observation lounge.

Seventeen hours later, Dr. VanBriggle and her female staff came up with a cure for the VanBriggle Virus as it was now known. Viruses were generally named after their discoverer and it was an honor to have one named after you.

The men were awakened at twelve hours after their sedation and the solution as to what to do with them once they were awake was a relatively simple one. Zukoft had them all locked in their quarters. This resulted in several of the rooms being heavily damaged due to the tempers of the men, but all was repairable and the Explorer’s engineers began their repairs soon after the cure was administered.

Captain’s Log-Alex Zukoft

The virus has now been eradicated due to Dr. VanBriggle and her staff. All male personnel are back to normal after having received hypos of the serum and the ship is much quieter than it has been in the past several days.

All injuries to personnel have been attended to and the engineering staff is currently still working to repair all damaged caused by the men during their brief incarceration.

I have also informed Starfleet of our findings indicating the Orions are responsible for this virus and most likely with the current situation on Prylar.

Tomorrow the Pathfinder will leave on her mission to Amazon and the Explorer is continuing its scientific experiments of this area of space.

Log Out.

Personal Log-Alex Zukoft

I have made arrangements for the Prylars to be met on Amazon by friends of mine who understand their situation. It is my feeling that they will also want to investigate the situation on Prylar for themselves-quietly of course. I wish them luck.

Log Out.