Kimberly sighed with great frustration and headed into the officer's lounge. She had to get out of her office for a while. Everyone, or so it seemed to be everyone, wanted to take shoreleave. Most of the crew, she reflected, were from Earth and she understood how eager they were to visit home. Even those not native to Earth wanted to take advantage of time to rest on the beautiful planet. Commander Sinclair needed help coordinating shoreleave clearances and Kim had volunteered to help. Only now did she realize that the job was bigger than she had anticipated. Quickly Kim ran through a mental list of people in her department. Yes, she decided, no question about it. She would have to enlist their help clearing everyone for shoreleave. They probably had schedules just as busy as Kim's own, but there was no way around it. At least she could count on Mr. Suvek not to offer complaint. Just as she finished that thought, the Vulcan schoolteacher entered the lounge.

"Lieutenant," he nodded as she stood to greet him, "I trust you have been informed in the latest development concerning shoreleave?"

More bureaucratic nonsense? A delay? What could it be now? "I haven't," she shook her head.

"It seems that everyone is being offered three months leave if they so choose."

THREE MONTHS!! Kim sank back into her chair. How would they ever coordinate that? It was nearly impossible to handle three weeks of leave. But three months? Crewmembers would scatter to the four corners of the galaxy... as if the galaxy could have corners there would be so few as four. There'd be no keeping track of them. Kim was working herself into a dark and sarcastic mood when something occurred to her. Philip's wedding. If she could somehow get transport to Betazed, she could attend the wedding. She'd have to leave in two weeks, it would take extra hours and longer shifts to get everything ready on time.

"Is there some problem lieutenant?"

Kimberly had all but forgotten Mr. Suvek. "Not at all," she smiled suddenly, "But I do have a favor to ask."

* * *

Two and half weeks later Kim found herself standing on the transporter pad of the USS Magnum. As she stepped down from the transporter she was struck by two thoughts; first, that it was incredible that she had managed to complete clearing everyone for leave and still arrange last-minute travel plans and second, that Oberth class ships were comically small. The transporter room was no bigger than her quarters on the Endeavour and the corridor beyond it was startlingly narrow. A young ensign escorted her on a very brief tour which took only a few minutes. He showed Kim the location of the ship's very small gymnasium, even smaller single holosuite, and a miniature lounge that served as a ten forward.

"And here are our guest quarters," the ensign stood aside from the doorway so Kimberly could walk through into a closet- like room.

"Thank you," she said out of politeness. The room was so small!

"You're lucky," the ensign offered as he looked for enough space to set down Kim's travel bag, "If there were any guests besides you, you'd have to stay in one of the storage holds."

"There's actually room for storage on this ship?" Kim asked of the silence when the young man had gone. The small ship, with it's small crew, felt cramped and claustrophobic after her time on the Endeavour, but she couldn't complain. It was exhausting to think of the past two weeks, fourteen days of nonstop frustration and work, but now it was finished and she was on her way. She hadn't found time or room to unpack before a transmission came in.

"Miss Cloke, there's an incoming message for you."

"Can you put it through to my room?"

"Of course."

"Where's the console?" she wondered.

"At the desk."

"There's a desk in here?" her eyes searched the sparsely furnished room. After some looking she found it and sat down to activate the miniature viewscreen.

"Kimberly!" a warm, familiar voice brightened her stranger's quarters.

"Philip," she was glad to hear from him, but frowned, "You'd better not tell me the wedding's off."

"Of course not!" he paused, "but we are delaying it three weeks."

"What?!"

"Hey, it's all right," he assured her, "You said you're on three months leave, and the Magnum will be here for six weeks anyway."

Kim had only expected to spend two weeks on Betazed. Now Philip was telling her it would be five?? A definite scowl crossed her face. "I don't want to spend over a month-" but she stopped herself. The look in Philip's eyes told her what she was too far away to feel. With an offhand shrug she changed her tone, "Oh well, you're right. I have to find something to do with three months anyway."

Her younger brother smiled, but his eyes betrayed that too. He knew, as she did, that her words were not honest. Kim hated staying on Betazed, but he went along with her anyway. "Great, I'll tell Mom you're coming."

After they had said goodbye, Kim sighed and folded the desk back into it's cubbyhole. Five weeks. How could she ever bear it? All that time spent with her relatives, with their insufferable kindness and acceptance of 'Tharyn's troubled daughter' as they had called her. Putting up with her grandmother's constant criticism and the tension between her divorced parents. And the memories, being too close to past tragedy and a silence. A silence held by everyone of voice and of thought... Kim shut her mind against it even now. Philip's happiness was important. And if having his sister at his wedding made him happy, then so be it.

Finding no place to unpack her things, Kim tossed her travel bag to the foot of the bed and left, deciding to check out the Magnum's version of ten forward. As she walked in she noticed that it was larger than she first thought but it couldn't compare with the spacious, comfortable lounge on the Endeavour. Getting something to drink, she took a seat and sat back, wishing she had managed to catch a bigger ship. Or at least a ship with more than one holodeck. A few minutes passed when Kim noticed someone coming near her table. Still studying her drink, Kim didn't bother to look up until the person sat at her table. He just sort of fell into the seat across from her, looking over towards the bar in the opposite direction.

Kim realized he had sat down, probably at his favorite table, without even seeing that she was here. She took this moment to admire him. He had dark, smooth skin and a sturdy, athletic build. Neither too tall nor too short. Suddenly, as if aware he was being watched, the officer turned and finally saw Kim. His brown eyes looked quite startled as he said, "Oh, I'm sorry!"

"It's all right," Kim hurried to assure him as he stood up, "Please, sit back down."

With an embarrassed smile, he sank back into the seat. "I didn't even notice you sitting there."

"I know," Kim returned the smile, "But I'm glad you did... I'm a guest aboard your ship, my name's Kimberly Cloke, I'm just travelling with the Magnum to get to Betazed."

"Anders Tudor," he replied, "Nice to meet you."

"So," Kim held back a yawn, "What do you do on this ship?"

"You must've tried to get on the holodeck."

"How did you know?"

Anders shook his head and laughed, "It's a fight just to reserve the holodeck two weeks in advance. We do have a gymnasium complex."

Kim raised a critical eyebrow.

"You're the one from the Endeavour!" he remembered, "No wonder."

"What?"

"Well, you're obviously accustom to things being a little more..."

"Interesting?"

"Luxurious was the term I was considering," he dared a grin.

"Okay, so the Endeavour is luxury by comparison," she allowed, "but I'm afraid I'll die of boredom here."

"Well, you can always go jogging in the corridors," he thought for a moment and added, "but after a while even the best routes get old... and then you begin to wear a trail into the flooring and people start to complain..."

They laughed at this and Kim asked, "So you like to jog?" Anders nodded, "But when that gets dull I round up a team and go to the gym for some dodge ball-"

"You're kidding!" Kim was delighted, "I just started a team on the Endeavour."

"Are they good?"

Kim thought of Ensigns Fletcher and Sauter crashing into each other as they dove for cover at their last game. And there was that dent in the back wall no one would claim responsibility for. After a moment's consideration she answered, "They're shaping up quite well."

He laughed at this, "Maybe we should meet at the next Starbase tournament. Shall we see if we can round up enough players for game right now?"

"I'd be honored," Kim smiled, thrilled at the prospect of having something to do.

Through the next week Anders set up more games in the gym, went jogging with Kim, even shared his reserved holodeck hour with her. She found him to be very well mannered and gracious and she deeply appreciated that he made her feel so welcome. With no friends on board and nothing at all to do, Kim met Anders in ten forward each day when he came off duty. With only one more week before they reached Betazed, Kim found Anders in quiet mood when he arrived one day. They sat at the same table where they had met the week before, but Anders was not his usual jovial self. Kim regarded him with patient curiosity. Something was wrong, something that the preoccupied him greatly. While she would be hesitant to call him a friend, she did recognize and care that something troubled him.

"Trouble in your department?" she asked at last.

He glanced up in surprise, "How did you know?"

Anders didn't know that Kim was half Betazoid. For some reason she didn't want to tell him. "You know," she shrugged, "You look like you have work related stress."

He laughed at this, relaxing and enjoying himself, if only for one moment. Shaking his head, Anders said, "Clever. Honestly though, it's- wait," he interrupted himself, "You're sure you want to hear me complain?"

"I'd like nothing more," she said in mock seriousness. He sighed then, glad to share his worries. "You've heard of Itanik?"

"No."

"Okay, it's this little planet in a system not too far from here. Kind of out of the way, it's inhabitants are pre-warp, but they have had contact with the Federation," Anders was getting ahead of himself, "but that's not what's important. Itanik's moon has some strange properties that I would love to study, but Starfleet isn't interested because it's only theories and nothing of real consequence. My interest there is little more than a hobby, but Captain Hulse said she would give me permission to take a shuttle over there since we're going on leave anyway."

Kim considered this. Aside from missing out on one of the most popular shoreleave stops, she couldn't see what the problem was. "And?"

"Well, she said I could go if I could find another crewmember who wanted to go. Something about new safety protocols or something," he waved a dismissing hand to the mysteries of command bureaucracy, "I don't know, but she can't let me go unless another officer trained in shuttle operations agrees to go too."

"And no one wants to miss shoreleave?" Kim guessed, knowing the answer even before he nodded.

"I was scheduled to leave first thing tomorrow," he said with a sigh, "but I'm going to have to cancel it."

They talked a few minutes more and then Anders left, on his way to speak with some more of his crewmates in hopes to change someone's mind. Kim watched him go, the beginnings of an unlikely plan forming in her thoughts. On a daring whim, she contacted the bridge and asked to speak with the captain.

* * * *

Captain Gretchen Hulse listened patiently, tugging on a lock of her greying hair as it escaped from a simple braid.

"You see," Kim continued, "my own plans have changed and I don't need to be on Betazed for at least another month. I would be glad to accompany Lt. Tudor so that no members of your crew will have to sacrifice their shoreleave time." Kim sensed the doubts of the woman before her and tried to assess them clearly. Was the captain worried about taking responsibility of an officer from another vessel? Was she doubting the abilities of a stranger? Unwilling to endanger people on an unnecessary excursion? Or was it - yes, doubt at the reason behind the request.

"Captain Hulse," Kim added, "I also want you to know that I have no ulterior motive in making this offer, outside of trying to avoid spending a great deal of my time on Betazed. My presence puts something of a strain on family relations and I would just as soon delay my arrival if possible."

Tucking the errant lock of hair back into the braid, the captain seemed satisfied by Kim's explanation and asked, "Are you Betazoid then?"

"Only half," Kim admitted.

"Intriguing," Hulse wandered off of the matter at hand, "I had a Betazoid friend at the academy... I thought Betazoids maintained strong family ties," but before this issue could unfold she said, "However, it's not that I'm unwilling to let you go, or Mr. Tudor either... what do you know of Itanik?"

"Nothing, I'm afraid," Kim was not embarrassed to reveal her ignorance of the situation. "Only that they're pre-warp."

"Yes... some years ago a Starfleet vessel happened upon a damaged ship from Itanik. A ship that barely mastered the rudiments of space travel. They were attempting a simple orbit of their world and something went wrong. Starfleet rescued the vessel from deep space and repaired it, something that they're still debating on the protocols of the prime directive."

"The ship should not have been rescued?"

"Who can say?" Gretchen Hulse would not suppose to know answers so profound, "but I do know that we should be cautious in any dealings with them."

"But if they already know of Starfleet-"

"They just aren't advanced enough yet," the older woman said with a shrug, "but that depends on who you ask." Almost to herself, the captain said, "Lt. Tudor only wishes to study the moon, which would cause no harm..." Minutes later she dismissed Kimberly on the promise that she would consider the matter.

An hour later Kim found herself seated beside Anders, listening quietly while the captain approved their request. Hulse ran through the usual list of cautions, but added an extra at the end. "You're just going to the Itanik moon," she reminded sternly, "Nothing more. Don't go near the planet itself, don't contact them, don't even skim past their atmosphere."

"Has Starfleet given us permission to go?" Anders tried to contain his excitement.

"The moon is not off limits to us - neither is the planet, for that matter, but let's not invite trouble," she made eye contact with them both in turn, "I trust you'll both use your best judgement as Starfleet officers."

The two nodded solemnly and were then dismissed. "She didn't answer our question," Kim pointed out when they had started down the hallway.

But Anders was too happy to bother with that. "Thank you Kimberly," he stopped to thank her graciously, "I can't tell you how much I appreciate this."

"Believe me, I'm getting the better of this deal," Kim turned to head for her guest quarters, "Meet you in the shuttle bay at six hundred hours."

The sun burned bright and hot over the dry Itanik desert. Somewhere in that blazing turquoise sky, masked by the sun's brilliance, was a moon. The moon that Kimberly and Anders had been headed for when a minor malfunction had become a grave and serious problem that forced them to crash land on the planet Itanik. Captain Hulse's stern order not to go near the planet echoed in their minds as they sat in the precious little shade of the downed shuttle. They had travelled a few kilometers, skimming above the sand, before the craft gave out entirely. Now they sat, saying nothing, having long since discussed and abandoned every feasible plan. They could only hope that someone on the USS Magnum would miss them soon. But with the Magnum en route to Betazed and shuttle not expected to return for three weeks, they were in for a long wait.

"Kim," Anders broke the silence, "did you hear the one about the camel-"

"No," she interrupted sternly, "if you tell one more joke about the desert I swear..." the rest of her threat dwindled down to nothing.

Anders laughed, genuine, carefree laughter that Kimberly found contagious. "You Betazoids," he snickered, "no sense of humor."

"I have wonderful sense of humor," she insisted, "I just don't want to hear that joke again." Kim closed her eyes against the brightness of the sun, "Is it this hot in Africa?"

Anders' dark brown eyes danced, "That depends... which part of Africa?" but she didn't answer. She had turned to crane her neck around the corned of the shuttle. "Kim? What is it?"

"Shhhh!"

"What is it?"

"Listen," she whispered, standing up to investigate, "come on."

They peered around the corner of the shuttle, blinking against the blowing sand and the brightness. A curious vehicle, twice the size of their downed shuttle, trundled towards them on treaded-track wheels. The Starfleet officers looked at each other, then back to the approaching object.

"The Itanikans?" Kim asked, rubbing the grit from her eyes.

"Must be," Anders nodded. He knew it would come to this, but he couldn't stop the sinking feeling of apprehension.

"Captain Hulse is not going to like this at all."

The vehicle had stopped a short distance from them and sat, doing nothing, for several minutes. Kimberly and Anders stood beside their shuttle, having agreed to wait patiently. Neither knew much of the Itanikans, but they were reputed to be non- violent. Finally a door opened and a man climbed out into the desert heat. He looked human, except that his eyebrows grew back along his temples and blended into his hair. As he walked up to them, Kim resisted the temptation to take hold of his head and give this feature closer scrutiny.

"Greetings to Starfleet," he gave a slight bow, "welcome to Itanik."

Both were surprised and Anders spoke first. "Our gratitude," he gave a similar bow in return, "how do you know we are from Starfleet?"

"Come," he gestured to the vehicle, "Let us escape the heat and I will explain. Unless your star craft would rather escort us?"

"It's badly damaged," Anders told him.

"Ah... this way then."

The three of them climbed aboard the vehicle, which was cool and comfortable. The officers were grateful for the cool air and the shading affect the vehicle had. Their eyes were no longer pierced by the sun and they found themselves the only passengers.

"Someone reported seeing a strange craft in the desert," he explained to them, "we sent a scout to confirm and learned of the exterior markings. They matched those on file, belonging to a ship of Starfleet. Once we knew who you were I was sent to find you."

"It was good of you to come for us," Kim offered.

"How is it you have come to Itanik? Have you come to educate us, share your technology?"

Kim turned to Anders, her eyes expressing more than words could have. What now? A world of implications could come of this. A thousand mistakes waited to be made and their next words had to be carefully selected.

"We were on our way to do some research," Anders said, "but our shuttle suffered a malfunction and this was the closest planet for us to land on."

The man nodded, satisfied, if disappointed, by the answer. He said, "My name is Lawenont," and offered them a smile.

"I'm Lieutenant Anders Tudor and this is Lieutenant Kimberly Cloke."

Kim, knowing that this man was willing to help, leaned forward, "Can you help us to repair our shuttle?"

Lawenont shrugged, "That will be for Magistrate S'Reym to decide... it may not be possible for our mechanics."

"Is this vehicle," Anders regarded the lumbering craft's interior, "the height of your technology?"

Lawenont laughed, genuinely amused, "No, do not worry. We are capable of something more. This one is very old, but the design is so reliable we have maintained its service," he paused to check a time keeping device on the instrument panel, "we should reach the main township by tomorrow."

* * * * * "Kimberly," someone interrupted Kim's dreams, "Come on, wake up."

"What?" Kim grumbled, blinking against the pale darkness. Lawenont's vehicle was slowing down, they must have finally reached the city.

"Here," Anders handed her a heavy jacket

"Are you crazy?" Kim got up and followed him towards the front, "Why would I-" the rest of her sentence seemed frozen by the blast of cold wind that swept in to meet her.

"Come," Lawenont held the door open for them, "this way."

Kim hastily pulled the coat on, amazed by the drastic change in climate. But she had no time for questions as their guide was leading them down a flight of stone stairs. Glancing up, they could see a towering formation of rock, out of which stood an ornate building. Lawenont explained as they hurried through the cold, "The rocks are part of an underground network of caves. Many of the cities private houses are connected this way."

He took them through a large door and down a well lit hallway lined with beautiful plants and miniature statues. The floor was finely carpeted with a thick, insulating material that cushioned their steps. "What is this place?" Kim could not help but ask, appreciating the grandness of the hall.

"This is the meeting house of the counsel," Lawenont led them now up stairs and they found themselves soon climbing back above ground level. Crystal clear windows gave them a view of a cold, dry landscape. Dark blue clouds swirled above the sharp peaks of darker blue mountains and buildings, also rising from rock.

They walked down another hall and Lawenont took them to a room where a man sat behind a large sculptured desk. All the room's furniture was elegant and impressive and the man sitting there wore an expression that said he felt himself more than worthy of such luxury.

"Magistrate S'Reym," Lawenont nodded, "I was successful."

"So I see," the magistrate observed and listened patiently while Lawenont explained where he had found them and the state of their shuttle.

"Starfleet officers," S'Reym raised one of those strange eyebrows, "crashing here? All-powerful Starfleet with its remarkable technology and celebrated directives, leaving two officers abandoned on our backwater little world? I can hardly believe it."

Kim and Anders looked at each other. The man was practically choking on his own sarcasm. "Pardon us," Anders began, "but-"

"No, no," the magistrate waved a hand, appearing almost apologetic, "rather I should be asking pardon. When Starfleet refused to establish any relations with us because of our lesser technological advancement... it was..." he struggled to express the incredible insult, "...not appreciated by our people."

"That was thirty years ago," Kim blurted out, telling herself too late to shut up. "Correct, and not so much as cursory greeting in all that time since," he seemed to realize how nervous his guests had become for he added, "but no concern. I have no intentions of blaming either of you for their lack of foresight."

After an awkward pause, Anders said, "Well then... if we could just contact our ship," he stopped, thinking that over, "you do have subspace communications here?"

S'Reym looked unamused, "Only in our wildest dreams."

Kim wanted to fidget from the tension building around them. "Perhaps," she dared to venture, "you could help us repair our shuttlecraft."

The magistrate laughed, not the gloating laughter of a vengeful man, but mildly sardonic laughter. "Even if we could," he answered, "I would not waste the materials and time. If your Starfleet believes in its lofty principles, they will come looking for you. If, as I suspect, they do not, you will have to live here among we simpletons."

"I'm sorry that Starfleet disappointed your people," Anders would not abandon diplomacy, "but we-"

S'Reym cut him off with that grim politeness again, "I don't wish to give you hardship. But I will not do Starfleet any favors." When no one spoke he said, "we will integrate you into our society for however long you will be here. First you must take the exams..."

The two officers were sent back out into the hallway. While they waited Anders explained to Kim that the Itanik society was divided neatly in two. Citizens were given a test, something like an ancient Earth IQ exam, and the results declared their station in life. Those 'intelligent' lived in luxury, those considered 'lesser' lived as peasants. "It's another reason Starfleet felt it best to delay relations," Anders whispered, "they were hoping the Itanikans would come to a new way of thinking on that."

"Apparently we didn't give them enough time," and before Kim could say any more, Lawenont returned for them.

They were taken to separate rooms and provided an instructor to present the test to them as neither read the Itanik language. Their universal translator made it possible to take the exam verbally. It was much like the archaic IQ evaluation, presenting a wide variety of information, some so obscure that Kim couldn't even guess at it. An hour later she and Anders waited together to learn of their results. This time S'Reym and Lawenont came to meet them.

"Mister Anders," the magistrate greeted, "you will be pleased to learn that you have won a place among our higher order."

Anders struggled to control a patronizing smile. He tried to appear impressed and grateful. "You will be taken to your private house and hold the honored position of assistant to our chief astrologist."

"My thanks," Anders answered, "And...?" he looked to Kim.

"Ah, yes. Miss Kimberly," it was Lawenont's tone that became immediately condescending, "you will take your place among the lower order-"

"I- ," Kim's jaw dropped, "What?!" she could see Anders fighting to keep from laughing, "Stop it!" she scolded him, "this isn't funny!"

"You will be given a bunk in the commonhouse and begin your apprenticeship at the baking shop."

"But I don't know how to cook!" she gave Anders a scowl and he tried to smother his laughter behind his hands.

"Perhaps Starfleet does not take Itanik seriously," S'Reym's grave voice silenced them, "but you have become members of our culture now and it is our expectations that you respond accordingly."

"It's only for a week or so," Anders whispered before he stood up and he didn't have to say he was sorry, she could tell.

"If you'll come with me then..." Lawenont turned to go, "I will show Miss Kimberly to the commonhouse."

"And I will introduce Mister Anders to his new colleagues," S'Reym nodded. The two officers gave each other a shrug in farewell. They had nothing to do but wait for Captain Hulse to come for them.

* * * * *

The Commonhouse was packed. Sparsely furnished bunks were provided for all, but Kim could not sleep here. Others did. They slept as they had all their lives, snoring away despite the noise and activity all around. Every square foot was occupied and the stale air rang with too many voices. And worst of all, everyone knew, could see by Kim's little terran eyebrows, that she was from Starfleet. From a society that refused to accept them. Now it was the Itanikans turn to pull up the welcome mat and they cast her suspicious, withering looks. Bumping intosomeone with each step, Kim fought a sudden suffocation of claustrophobia. She had to get out! Grabbing an armful of blankets, she fought her way to the door and escaped into the freezing night air. It was so cold! Hurriedly she wrapped the blankets around her shoulders. It wasn't so cold she could freeze to death... not so cold as to drive her back inside.

"You must be the Starfleet one."

Kimberly whirled around to find a man, just younger than herself, bundled up as she was. He sat against the outside wall, regarding her with very little interest. "Hello," she said at last, after determining that he was no threat.

"Don't like it?" the question came neither mocking nor kind.

Kimberly Cloke, distant and strong, never needing anyone, found herself sitting down beside this stranger. Her heart ached to share this burden that weighed heavy after so many troublesome days. And this man, unlike the others, radiated none of their typical resentment. "I hate it," she spoke without seeking sympathy, just needing to say the words, "I can't stand it in there. It's so crowded, the beds are hard, the showers are cold. And the clothes," she paused to tug on the standard issue shirt she wore, "What is this fabric?!" Kim, for the sake of those around her, had worked herself into a fierce state, "I'm not an idiot! None of these people are!"

The young man beside her nodded simply, "Such adamance. But your Starfleet will come to take you away soon."

And Kim, having released some of her misery, found herself reading the same emotions from him. It broke her heart all the more, understanding so well his unhappiness and having nothing to offer him. "My name is Kimberly," she could only give him friendship.

"I am DeSolc," he answered with a simple nod. And, in a gallant gesture, he removed one of his blankets and gave it to her.

"I- I- can't take this," she protested, "You need it."

"No," he refused to take it back, "I am accustom to the nights, you are not."

Kim smiled her gratitude, "You always sleep out here?"

"I can't breathe in there," he told her simply, "I would die."

"Haven't you always lived this way?"

DeSolc's laughter rang in the cold air. "Me?" he shook his head, "I am a nomad, an outcast," he grinned in mock roguishness, "I refused to take their exam and have no place in their society."

"But you are here," she protested.

"When harsh weather comes I stay near the town, help the workers and they share with me. They are good people."

Kim was silent a long time. Finally she said, "Hasn't there ever been a revolution here? Haven't the workers ever demanded fair treatment?"

"It is not our way."

"It seems to be your way."

"I am but one, one of a few free spirits here," he pulled the blanket tighter, "and why should it worry you so?"

A panicked voice shouted in Kim's mind. The Prime Directive. She had no right exposing these people to a new way of thinking. But what if no one came to get them? Would they live their lives feigning ignorance in a society they could help to advance? They couldn't help but have some impact if they were to stay for many years. The question loomed over Kim, huge and imposing. She only gave DeSolc a shrug and hoped he wouldn't give any more thought to her words. She pushed the Itanikans' strange culture from her mind, she had enough worries of her own. * * * * * * Kim's fellow bakers had given up trying to teach her anything. After breaking four bowls and wasting a weeks' worth of ingredients they had suggested she take over running delivery errands. When she burned ten loaves and caused a small fire, their suggestion became an order. Carrying loaves in a heavy satchel, she delivered fresh loaves to the ungrateful members of the 'higher order'. By some stroke of luck she reached the last door and met a familiar face. "Anders!" she was so glad to see a familiar human and hear untranslated, natural english, that she sagged with relief and smiled. "Have they come yet?"

He laughed. That perfect, contagious laughter that Kim had so enjoyed. "They aren't even missing us yet," he grinned, "but I missed you."

It was their third day of living as Itanikans. Kim wanted to be jealous of Anders, so carefree and comfortable... clever enough to land a place among the 'privileged.' But she knew that he would have been just as happy in her place. And it wasn't the crowded commonhouse or the uncomfortable clothes or the job that Kim disliked. It was being stuck here, unable to help these people or herself. It was being snubbed and insulted and treated coldly with no place to seek refuge at the end of the day. And knowing she had travelled so far to get this close to Betazed and not make it only made her feel worse.

"Come in," Anders led her into his small, but quiet and lavishly furnished apartment.

Kim slung her satchel to the floor and nodded to a door in the corner, "Is that the bathroom?"

"Yeah," he answered, preparing to give her a tour of his alien quarters. But Kim had already disappeared into the tiny room. The people of Itanik used showers much like any other water shower, and in moments he could hear the familiar sound of a facet running. "Kim?" he knocked on the door.

"Just a second..." she called.

Anders took a seat on the plush sofa and waited patiently. Minutes later Kim returned, wrapped in Anders' green bathrobe. "I like blue better," she told him.

He studied her in puzzlement.

"The showers at the bunkhouse are cold!" she exclaimed, indignant though she had just enjoyed hot water, "Ice cold, Anders! Those poor people don't even get to use warm water!" "Shall I invite them over?"

"This isn't funny."

"I know, but we can't do anything about it."

"Didn't you ever think that Starfleet has already violated the prime directive? They've already made contact here, the damage has been done."

"That doesn't free us to cause more." "And they hate me," she sat down, enjoying the comfortable cushions, "I wouldn't mind so much, but sensing that animosity all the time..."

"They'll come for us," Anders assured her, "they will. And in the meantime... I really don't get to do much. My new colleagues don't like me much better than yours. I'll come visit you at the bakeshop tomorrow, maybe we could go to S'Reym and convince him to let you stay here." * * * * * * The next morning, as Kim was preparing her delivery satchel, Anders kept his promise. He helped her prepare the delivery list and stood, telling his usual jokes and making her laugh. None of the Itanikans protested his presence, but they seemed curious and paused in their work.

"Is this how you live?" a young woman, one of Kimberly's many co-workers, paused beside them, "the higher order making friends among the lower?"

Kim sighed, exhausted by the explanations and the conflicting ideas. "I told you before, we don't have higher and lower orders."

The girl shook her head, "Amazing..."

"Kim," Anders waited until the Itanik girl had left them, and looked mildly alarmed, "What have you been telling these people?"

"Nothing!" she defended and felt an immediate sting of guilt. She didn't want to lie to Anders. "Well, not much," she revised, "but they keep asking me things and sometimes I answer just so they'll leave me alone."

He said nothing. The look on his face spoke plenty. "I'm sorry," she offered, "but what if we really are stuck here? We can't just forget who we were and pretend that this is our life."

"But we can't interfere with theirs," he pointed out.

"There she is!" a voice called out, another worker hurried over to Kim, gesturing for others to follow, "she is from a place where everyone is equal!"

Anders turned to Kim with a look of pure shock. "What have you done?"

"I didn't do anything!" this time it was true. She didn't recognize the man before her. But she did recognize one of the people behind him, the one who had given her a blanket that first night outside the commonhouse. "DeSolc?" Leaving Anders, Kim went over to address the young man, "DeSolc, what have you been telling these people?"

"I know about Starfleet," he told her, "I know your people are more fair and just," his words were attracting the curiosity of all the Itanikans within earshot, "and you can help us become like that."

WHAT??! Where had anyone gotten these ideas?

"Nonsense, back to work!" one of the head bakers laughed, inviting everyone to return to their tasks. Activity resumed and a disappointed DeSolc wandered away with his few comrades. Anders and Kim regarded each other with growing alarm.

"Anders, I swear, I had nothing to do with that."

He nodded, believing her, but she went on.

"I answered a few of their questions, but I never suggested anything of the sort, I- I- Anders?"

"Huh?" he snapped out of thought, "What?"

"Are we in trouble?"

"I don't know," he swallowed uncomfortably, "the people I work with are resentful to Starfleet for not taking an interest in them. It seems they insist they don't have any concern for Starfleet out of spite, but they have been asking me questions too."

"About our technology?"

He shook his head, more worry shadowing his cheerful eyes, "Like these people, they're curious about why we don't divide our society, wanting to know what value we could possibly place on the unintelligent."

"What do you tell them?"

"I try to just avoid the issue altogether... but it isn't easy."

Suddenly Kim knew what he was getting at. "It's not about violating our prime directive," she realized, "it's about theirs."

Anders nodded, "I don't think they'd tolerate any kind of dissent... not that they've ever had any before..." he glanced around, suddenly more grave and serious than Kim thought he could be, "we need to be careful."

He had hardly finished speaking when the door flew open. A young woman spotted Anders and hurried over.

"It's Liell," Anders told Kim as the newcomer made her way through the crowd, "I met her yesterday, she's one of the counsel's messengers," when Liell reached them he said, "did the astrologist's guild send for me?" "No," Liell nodded towards Kim, "they have sent for her."

"Me?" Kim fought back the urge to step closer to Anders, "what for?"

"It is not your place to ask, come with me."

"I'll come with you," Anders fell into step beside Kim.

"No," Liell gave him a cold glance and went on.

Anders watched as Kim was led towards the counsel meeting house. A furtive movement caught his eye and he recognized the man Kim had spoken to. "You," he reached out and caught the man by his shoulder, "what is going on? What did Kim call you, DeSolc?"

The young man nodded and in a low voice said, "I can help you."

"What if I don't want your help?"

"You need my help," his words came with as much sincerity as Anders had ever heard.

Kimberly Cloke... assistant crewmaster of the USS Endeavour, guest passenger on the USS Magnum, anticipated guest of a traditional Betazoid wedding, survivor of a shuttle crash and breaker of the prime directive, sat alone in cold prison. It was a cell unlike any she had ever seen - or been in. It was underground, a natural hollow in the rock beneath the Itanik city. The very city where she had been accused of instigating open revolt. As if anyone had really tried to oppose the Itanik government, as if she had done anything more than answer a few innocent questions. And now she sat in the cold, stale silence of her prison, staring up at the perfectly round hole overhead - the only way out.

She had lost track of time. Had she been in here an hour, a day? Three days? Her empathic abilities could only reach out so far... but far enough to know that there was no one nearby. Where was Anders Tudor? Where was Captain Hulse? Where was that prissy courtier Lawenont, who was at least supposed to bring her some water?! Drawing her knees up to her chest, Kim wrapped her arms around her shins, trying to stay warm. The artificial lighting bounced of the slate blue rock surrounding her, its eerie glow making the trap seem even colder. She held onto the dim hope that Anders was safe and well and would somehow get her out of here. * * * * * "Kim!" something jarred Kimberly's shoulder, rousing her from fitful dreams. What now? Squinting, she gazed up, her eyes protesting against the cold light. Was someone down here with her?

"Anders?" she blinked, thinking they must have captured him as well and she fought back the despair. If she could not have her own freedom, she would have wished that Anders could find safety.

"Kimberly," he put out a hand to help her up. His strong, brown hand clasped her pale fingers, pulling her to stand beside him. Impulsively, he hugged her tightly, "you're alive."

"Yes," she answered drily, hugging him back, enjoying the human contact after the loneliness of her confinement. And suddenly, Kim's empathic abilities set off a silent alarm in the back of her mind. Anders was in love with her.

"Hurry," he released her from the embrace and led her to the center of the chamber, to stand beneath the entrance in the ceiling.

Kimberly's mind raced, she had met Anders only a few weeks ago... she hardly knew him. And yet-

A thin rope unravelled down from above and Anders caught it, handing it over to Kim, "Let's go."

And yet, here he was, risking imprisonment to rescue her.

"Anders," she regarded him blankly, "what-"

"Go! Go! Start climbing!"

Kim grasped the rope and as she began climbing she wondered what had been happening above ground. She asked herself how she felt about Anders, and pushed the thought aside until a more convenient time to ponder that. Fear and determination drove her on when her shoulders felt ready to tear loose from their sockets. When she got close enough, someone reached down, pulled her up to safety and dubious freedom with one easy motion. Scrabbling away from the edge, Kim breathed a sigh, not realizing how much she had hated being underground until she was free.

"Here," she reached to help Anders up and then stood, glancing all around for any sign of danger, "you came for me," she said to Anders, watching him coiling up the rope, "How..."

"I got us past the guards," a smug voice explained.

Kim turned to find a young Itanikan man standing behind her. "DeSolc!" she took a threatening step towards him, "How dare you-"

"Kim," Anders placed a hand on her shoulder, "there's no time, come on!"

The three made their way up a narrow tunnel, creeping single file until they reached a rusted door. DeSolc opened it and beckoned for them to follow. The three stepped out into the cold night, turning their backs to the icy blast of wind. Though a network of warm tunnels lay beneath the city, such routes were reserved for citizens of the higher order. To avoid detection the three would have to travel the commoners' streets above ground. DeSolc closed the door and paused a moment before saying, "No one's been alerted to our actions."

"How did you two get in?" Kim wanted to know.

"Service tunnels," DeSolc answered, "and the location of prison cells are a secret. Only prisoners and guards know-"

"You're a guard?" Kim interrupted, "but you told me-"

"I was a prisoner once," the native handed her a heavy jacket, "here."

Kimberly was grateful for the protection against the wind, and for her rescue. Angry as she was, she found she could not hold a grudge to DeSolc and followed the two men as they headed to the heart of the city. They paused to rest once and found shelter from the wind by a sturdy tree. Leaning against the cold, rough bark, Kim asked, "I don't suppose the ship has come for us?"

Anders shook his head, "But they must have realized something's gone wrong by now." He rummaged around in his pocket and came up with a crumbled piece of bread which he handed to Kim.

"No matter," DeSolc broke in with exceptional cheer, "we'll be leaving soon."

Kim, gnawing away at the old bread Anders had given her, looked up. Even through the shadows she could see DeSolc's grin, "What do you mean," she paused to swallow, "we? Who ever said you-"

"We made a bargain," the Itanikan boasted, nodding towards a very quiet Anders, "and I will be leaving with you."

"What?!" Kim turned to Anders, "after all that talk about the prime directive you, you..." she scowled at her fellow officer, upset at what he had done. There was no way they could honor such an agreement.

"I needed his help to get you out," Anders shrugged, "I had no choice." "Choice! You could have left me there a few more days! You know Captain Hulse has got to come for us eventually!"

There was a deep and chilling silence. The wind swept past them, making the darkness feel somehow colder.

"What?" Kim demanded of their silence, knowing they were hiding something.

"I waited Kim," Anders voice was somber, "but we couldn't wait any longer, I didn't have any choice."

"The execution is set for tomorrow," DeSolc put in helpfully.

EXECUTION?!!

"...that's not all though," DeSolc was still talking, "I helped gather materials and we've already taken them to your starcraft and as soon-"

"Execution?" Kim finally managed to say. They had planned to kill her, for nothing. The Itanik government feared change and challenge and so would have killed her in the hopes of stifling any form of opposition. The off-worlder brought dissent and disrespect, they would say. And they would dispose of the scapegoat to delay the inevitable. And Kimberly Cloke would cease to be. She turned to Anders with a look of wonder. If she had been scheduled for execution then Anders had risked much more than imprisonment by coming for her. They would have killed him.

Anders placed a comforting hand on Kim's arm, "Let's go."

The three continued their journey to the edge of the city. Through the long hours that they walked, winding a path past towers and shops and commonhouses, Kim's mind went over again and again what Anders had done. Risked his very life... for what? The honor-binding duty of protecting a fellow officer... or something more? But Kim, stealing a glance at him in the moonlight, realized that Anders would have rescued her no matter who she was. And knowing that caused her to admire him all the more. Again she pushed these thoughts aside, hurrying into the night through the dark and foreign city.

The moon, the initial cause of all their trouble, appeared in the night sky, casting a silver glow across the land. At long last they reached the city's edge. Despite the cold temperatures, a crop field lay before them, waist deep with something that bore a vague resemblance to wheat. DeSolc promised them an escape vehicle lay just beyond the field... they were almost free! Suddenly Kim turned, knowing something even before she was really aware of it.

"What is it?" Anders followed her gaze into the shadows.

"Someone's coming."

DeSolc, not knowing of Kim's empathic abilities, went to ask how she knew, when a voice came through the dimness.

"Stay where you are!" it came as a gruff and serious order.

A command with the authority of one who did not tolerate disobedience.

With no discussion, the three began to run. They hit the waist deep crop, slowing until they found a narrow foot path.

"You!" a shout came from behind, "Stop!"

Suddenly a man stepped out on the path before them, brandishing some kind of weapon. They'd fallen prey to an ambush! DeSolc dodged around him with Kim on his heels. Anders was not so lucky. The weapon, a sturdy rod that sent some kind of electrical burst, struck him hard on the side. He cried out and fell at the static crackle of energy. Had Kim known her own history better, she might have called the device a cattle prod. History was the last thing on her mind as she paused and came to a halt.

"No!" DeSolc grabbed her arm, determined to drag her along, "Don't look back, it won't help us now!"

"I won't..." Kim struggled to break free and succeeded, "I won't leave him!" She started back to where Anders lay at the feet of his attacker. In those two seconds she cursed herself for not realizing sooner that she did indeed consider Anders a dear friend, that she did love him.

The man turned, "Stay where you are," he warned.

Suddenly he toppled over with a yelp. DeSolc had snuck around and tackled him. Using the man's own weapon, DeSolc subdued their would-be captor and regarded his new friends with worry. Anders was not moving and Kim knelt there, trying to wake him, fighting back tears of relief that he was still alive.

"Kim," DeSolc cast a glance over his shoulder, "They'll be coming..."

She ignored him, trying to lift Anders off the ground. If she had to, she would carry him. But DeSolc intervened.

"Out of my way," he said gruffly, hoisting up the officer onto his shoulder, "Let's go." Kim scooped up the weapon and hurried after him. At the edge of the field DeSolc led Kim to a vehicle, much like the one they had travelled in before. It was smaller than the first one, but still accommodated them comfortably. It was loaded with supplies and mechanical bits of junk. They dragged Anders on board and DeSolc left Kim to tend him while he rushed to the driver's seat. The vehicle trundled away from the city, much too slowly to suit Kim.

* * * * *

"I stole it," DeSolc seemed very proud of his accomplishment.

"And all that equipment?" Kim asked, having joined him in the forward section after twenty minutes.

"Yes, stole that too. We'll be able to repair your craft and escape!"

Kim doubted that. She heard a noise from the aft section and hurried back to check on Anders. Reaching up, she switched on the dim overhead light.

"Rrrraaaughhh," Anders groaned in protest of the illumination, squinting and shielding his eyes, "thanks a lot."

"Sorry," Kim set it to a lower setting, "it's not that bright."

He sat up, rubbing his scorched ribs, "We made it to the vehicle?"

Kim nodded and asked, "You all right?"

"Of course."

"You're lying," she accused.

"You Betazoids..."

"It's nothing to do with that," she took off her jacket and folded it into a pillow, "DeSolc told me how those weapons work. You're lucky it didn't kill you. Here," she gave him the makeshift cushion, "go back to sleep."

Anders didn't argue and Kim turned the light back off. Before she returned to the forward section, she very quietly said, "Anders?"

"Huh?" he sat halfway up again.

"Thanks."

He paused, something unspoken question standing between them.

"For coming to get me," she clarified, "thank you."

There was another pause before he asked, "You didn't think I'd leave you there... did you?"

"No, I..." she struggled to explain, "I... nevermind," she fumbled again with the words, "but thanks."

She wondered if she were mistaken about his feelings for her. And she wondered if she were mistaken about her own feelings. Kim fervently wished that she had been born an ordinary earthling with only five senses. Embarrassed by her confusion, she hurried away. Alone with the darkness, Anders wished he had even the smallest shred of empathic ability so that he might have some idea of what Kim's feelings were.

* * * * *

Midway through the night the temperature began to rise as they came closer to the desert. By morning they had shed their jackets and found themselves bemoaning the lack of shade. They reached the shuttle and began repairs, sweating beneath the sun they had cursed days before for not being warm enough. Anders had a knack at practical engineering and worked quickly with DeSolc's bits of junk. Kim, versed only in the rudimentary essentials of repair work, paused to study the sky and the horizon.

"Why haven't they come looking for us?" she asked of DeSolc.

"Oh, they will," he assured her, "we must work quickly."

But the sky and the land remained empty. In another hour's time Anders announced the shuttle ready for flight.

"Very funny," Kim observed drily, gesturing to the missing transparent front panel.

"Well," Anders was quick to clarify, "I didn't mean we could leave the atmosphere, but it will fly under its own power so we can get further from the city."

"And then what?" Kim wanted to know, "how are we suppose to-"

DeSolc let out a yelp that startled the two officers.

"Quickly!" the native began scrabbling into the shuttle, "they have found us!"

Kim spun around, too blinded by the sun to find what had frightened DeSolc. Finally her eyes focused on some dark specs in the sky, just above the horizon of sand.

"Aircraft," Anders observed, "probably like that found on Earth in the late-"

"COME!" DeSolc's shout came with such force that Anders and Kim hurried aboard.

As they pulled the hatch closed an explosion blasted the sand nearby, filling the doorway with dust and dirt. Coughing, Kim sealed the hatch and stumbled after Anders to the forward section. "They're firing on us!" she pushed past DeSolc to get to the co-pilot station.

"Of course," DeSolc snapped, "hurry!"

Another blast hit just in front of them, blinding them with sand pouring in through the missing transparent panel. Anders managed to get the shuttle off the ground and the dust began to clear. "Do we have sensors?" he began flying at a good pace just above the desert floor.

"No!" Kim braced her feet and reached around to awkwardly fasten Anders' combat harness and then her own. No sense in getting thrown out the window if they could help it. She brushed dirt off the console, trying to get any reading and finding half the systems malfunctioning or not responding, "I thought you said-"

"I was wrong," Anders took the shuttle into tight turn and sharp incline, narrowly escaping another attack. He was flying with nothing but the view ahead to guide him and Kim didn't sense even a hint of panic. "Hang on," he advised simply, taking the shuttle into a sharp dive, flying with every possible hazard to avoid a predictable pattern.

Far ahead on the blinding horizon, they could almost see a broken line of grey. Kim dismissed it, but Anders regarded it a moment, glancing in that direction between dives and turns. After a blast slammed into their shuttle, spinning the craft around and nearly throwing them into the ground, Anders said, "DeSolc!"

"What!" the Itanikan's voice came from somewhere behind them.

"What is that up ahead?"

"The sky?"

"No," Anders righted the vehicle, pointing to the horizon, "That. What is that?"

"The Meridian Trench," he answered.

"Can we go there," Anders dared to turn and look back at him, "can we hide there?"

Before he got an answer a deafening bang rocked the shuttle, metal tearing under the stress of another attack. DeSolc's answer would have no value at this point. Either they could seek refuge in the trench, or perish.

* * * * *

The grey line came closer into view. Kimberly wondered if it might be a great fault line. She wanted to ask DeSolc, but the middle of a battle was not the best time for conversation. Anders did a magnificent job evading the Itanikan fighters. They pulled ahead, just out of reach of the weapons, and had a moment to confer with their 'guide.'

"We cannot go into the trench," DeSolc warned.

"Why?" Kim's mind went back to fault lines, "Could there be an earthquake?"

DeSolc frowned at the unfamiliar term, but didn't bother to pursue it. "Floods," he explained, "the trench was created by the floods of each season cycle. The floods could came any day now."

"Couldn't we just hide there until-"

"They," DeSolc indicated his compatriots that chased them, "will not follow us into the trench, but they will wait until we leave it... and we cannot hide there forever."

"We can hide there until we get the shuttle repaired," Anders spoke with grim confidence, "and then they can chase us all the way to the upper atmosphere."

Kim wanted to know how he proposed to repair the shuttle in the bottom of a trench with no supplies... but she kept silent. Minutes passed and the trench grew closer. They crossed it, all three craning their necks for a glimpse at the bottom of the crevice. "Perfect," Anders announced, bringing the shuttle around to head down into that waiting sanctuary.

Without warning, another blast shook the shuttle. Already failing systems went off-line and Kim felt the first real fear in Anders since the flight began. This problem he could not solve. He tried to compensate for the sudden, fierce grip that gravity held them in, but it was too late. Their repairs could hold out no longer and the damaged craft fell like a stone. It angled sharply towards one wall of the trench and Kim held her breath, knowing they would be killed. That moment stretched before her forever... as if Fate would compensate for the loss of her life by making that last moment, no matter how awful, last an eternity. She closed her eyes, willing the second to pass, reaching out with her empathic senses to bid her brother a farewell he would never hear.

With a sound so loud their ears could hardly perceive it, the shuttle slammed into the rock wall. But the rock, while tearing out a portion of the hull, crumbled under the impact. In a shower of breaking rock, loose gravel and dirt, the shuttle jostled its way to the bottom of the trench. The three passengers, held in place by their combat harnesses, screamed in a morbid chorus until the nightmare ended. By a stroke of luck or Anders foresight, the shuttle's side and not its front, had scraped along the wall. They were all bruised and scratched and badly shaken, but alive. The dust was slow to clear and more rocks rained down on them from above.

"Kimberly?" Anders dared to call when all was quiet.

"Right here. DeSolc?"

"Here," came a reply from behind them. It took several minutes to unfasten their harnesses and Anders led the way out through the missing front panel. He was amazed that no large debris had come flying in to kill them. A few meters down a slope took them to the bottom, where a worn floor spoke of stone washed clean by seasonal flooding.

Staggering out of the debris, Kim gazed up at the steep sides of the ravine. The rock, dark grey and layered like shale made no offers of escape. And the sky beyond showed no signs of enemy craft. Kim could see now what DeSolc meant, when the floods came they would be washed away like rats down a drain... not that they would be here to see the floods. She turned to see Anders looking up as well. They'd done their very best and could do no more than that. Kimberly stepped over to his side and placed a hand on his shoulder, glad that if she were to die, she wouldn't be in the company of strangers. Anders turned to face her with an expression, with emotions, that she could not read. DeSolc joined them, defiant even in having lost.

But no attack came. The three waited, even grew impatient, for the aircraft to storm down on them. Kim wondered if they had managed to out-smart their pursuers, but Anders discovered the truth. "Look," he pointed skyward.

"Another starcraft!" DeSolc crowed, "we are saved!"

"It must have scared them off," Kimberly smiled to see the Starfleet shuttle coming down, at last Captain Hulse had come through for them. Then her smile faded. How would they ever explain? She regarded the scratches on her hands, felt the bruises on her face... and didn't care what Hulse had to say. As long as Kim could have a hot shower and decent meal, Captain Hulse could throw her in the brig for all she cared.

The shuttle landed several meters away, settling with a steady gracefulness that seemed to mock the shambles of the demolished shuttle. The hatch opened and the Magnum's rescue team tumbled out: Vulcan security chief Commander K'tivan, Lt. Commander Ross Hancey from engineering, an ensign wearing science blue, and a crewman. K'tivan surveyed the wreckage, regarded DeSolc, studied the disheveled state of her missing colleagues and raised one eyebrow. Her Vulcan heritage would not allow her to give in to human curiosity or surprise, but she did admit to herself that Captain Hulse would be most interested to receive a report on whatever had happened.

Ross Hancey, giving in to his very human curiosity, stared for a long moment and finally asked, "Tudor! What the hell've you done?!"

Anders smiled, the smile of a man so weary and so relieved that he couldn't help but find humor in the situation. Kim glanced at him, at their Itanikan clothing, now so torn and dirty they looked like beaten refugees. But they were alive. She smiled too, wondering by what good fortune they had survived.

Kim realized they were looking at DeSolc and said, "Allow me to introduce DeSolc," she gestured to the native standing behind her.

"An Itanikan?" Hancey confirmed, "you've made contact with one of the native people here?"

Kim and Anders shared a glance, how would they even begin...?

"This could take some time to explain," Anders began, but before he could say more one of the Itanikan aircraft sped past overhead.

DeSolc frowned, "We should go," he advised, heading towards the shuttle.

"One second," Hancey held up a hand, looking to Anders.

"He's... uh..." Anders dark eyes looked to Kim for help.

"Coming with us," Kimberly stated boldly.

K'tivan's jaw would've dropped open if it could have. She unholstered her phaser and said, "Mister Tudor, Mister Cloke... board the shuttle immediately, you," she turned to DeSolc, "will remain where you are."

"He has to come with us," Anders protested, angry at K'tivan. She took her job far too seriously, even by Vulcan standards. Refusing to take DeSolc along was one thing, pulling a phaser on fellow officers was entirely another. Not that it surprised him.

"You have your orders, Mister Tudor," the security chief reminded him. As the ranking officer, she expected no arguments. A glance at the crewman sent him scurrying aboard with the ensign on his heels.

"Come on Anders," Ross said, his friendly tone almost compensating for the Vulcan's coldness, "Hulse is gonna have all our hides as it is now."

"I gave him my word," Anders refused to move, not only his honor, but DeSolc's life at stake. "Fortunately," K'tivan pointed out, "you alone do not speak for the entire Federation. Granting passage to-"

"You don't understand!"

"He saved our lives," Kim put in, "if he stays here his people will execute him."

"While I am fascinated to learn of how many local laws you have broken, to say nothing of the prime directive," the Vulcan remained impassive, "this is not the most suitable time. You both will board the shuttle now," she gestured with the phaser.

Kim had never been threatened by a fellow officer before. But she guessed K'tivan had a good reason for it. Hulse must have notified Starfleet and they were probably in for some very serious trouble. "At least give him some supplies," she bargained, "some rations and water, at least."

Hancey sighed and hurried to the shuttle, returning with a supply pack that he handed to the stricken DeSolc. The young man had not said a word, just stared at Kim and Anders. They had betrayed him very deeply and found it all but impossible to met his eyes.

"Come on," Hancey began herding them to the shuttle, with an urgency that they couldn't dispute against.

"I'm sorry," Anders called over his shoulder.

The shuttle hatch closed and K'tivan ordered them to leave with all due haste. She turned to Kim and Anders, holstering her phaser, "My apologies," she offered, "but your resistance has put us in a rather undesirable position."

"We weren't supposed to land on the planet," Hancey explained, "we assumed the two of you had been killed in a shuttle accident."

"What exactly were your orders?" Kim demanded indignantly, her anger over DeSolc finding its way to the surface.

"When we didn't hear from you, we assumed the worst," Ross, who had known Anders a long time, shook his head, "we were sent to find out what had happened... but told not to land on the planet."

"So you've gone against orders?" Anders asked.

"Within the bounds of extenuating circumstances," K'tivan pointed out, as if trying to convince her Vulcan logic they had done the right thing by saving lives while disobeying orders. "You were going to leave us there?" Kim nearly shouted.

"Well we didn't did we?" Ross snapped, not so much angry as afraid of what would happen, "but we were supposed to turn the matter over to Starfleet."

'And by the time they got around to us...' Kimberly thought bitterly, 'we'd have been killed.' "Did you have contact with more than that one man?"

Kim and Anders looked at each other. They could lie... which might be all for the best. But such an elaborate lie would be hard to construct. They remained silent for so long that Hancey guessed the truth on his own.

"You're both gonna have a lot of explaining to do," Hancey told them somberly. "Should we have left the crashed shuttle down there?" the ensign wondered, instantly wishing she had not pointed out this additional implication.

"Don't worry," Anders told them with patronizing sarcasm, "it'll be buried in the annual flash flood... lost and gone forever."

"Let's hope your right."

EPILOGUE

Kim entered Anders' quarters with a dramatic sigh. "Think our careers are over?"

"You know what?" he answered with a mild combination of belligerence and regret, "I don't care."

"Oh, really? Would you care if they sentenced us to a prison colony?"

"They won't."

"Well, they could," she pointed out. But both had grown tired of the long discussions with Captain Hulse, the hours of explaining, the conference with Starfleet headquarters... Neither wanted to discuss it further. Hulse was still waiting to hear of Starfleet's decision on the matter, leaving Kim and Anders to wait and worry. With any luck the matter would be easily resolved and Kimberly could return to the Endeavour without delay.

Much to Kim's surprise, Philip's wedding had been postponed because of her disappearance. And though the Magnum was leaving Betazed in two days she was expected on the planet in an hour to attend the ceremony. She didn't expect to actually enjoy the event, but it would at least be a distraction from the worry over her future. Impulsively, Kim had wondered if Anders would like to join her.

"Anders, have you ever been to a Betazoid wedding?"

He shook his head. He had known about her brother's wedding, but had not expected an invitation.

"Would you like to accompany me?"

"I'd be honored," he went to his closet, "what should I wear?"

"Well, that's actually a very good question..." Kim began.