"I hope two devices are enough," he said to himself. This must succeed!

*********************

"Did I tell you that I love your hair that way?" asked Simon McRaney as he held his fiancee, Mira Montgomery in a tight embrace.

"Yes, you did, but I can't hear it too often," she responded with a smile. Mira had decided she wanted to change her hairstyle and opted for bangs, a slightly shorter cut, right at the shoulders, and lightened it a shade so that it wasn't quite so black. It gave her a softer appearance. Since becoming engaged, Mira had softened a bit too. Funny how being in love can change a person, she thought.

She and Simon were standing on a moonlit beach watching the waves crash onto the shore. It was nice to feel the sea breeze on her face and see the moonlight reflecting off of Simon's most handsome face. Even if the light was holodeck generated!

After splashing around in the waves for a bit, Simon and Mira took a seat on a beach towel they had spread across the sand earlier. They sat leaning against each other, staring at the dark ocean waves for a time until Simon spoke.

"Mira, I know you don't want to, but just humor me and take a small hand phaser with you tomorrow, will you?" Both of them were scheduled for away team missions to the planet of Spartus, specifically the Cardassian mining colony there.

"Simon, I can't very well go into the Spartus medical facility armed to the teeth," she said. "Besides, why is it so important that I take a phaser on this mission? You've never asked me to do so on all the other missions I've been on and most were far more dangerous than this one." Simon had never been this insistent before and Mira knew there was something more than he was telling her.

"Mira, these are Cardassians you will be dealing with, that's why."

"So?"

" So, take a phaser. I don't trust Cardassians and you shouldn't either!" He sounded adamant about this. Strange. What was it he wasn't telling her?

"What is it about Cardassians, Simon. I mean, besides the obvious of course." The obvious being that they were known to be violent and untrustworthy, thought Mira.

"Isn't that enough?"

"No. There's more you're not telling me."

Simon turned and stared out into the ocean again, the sea breeze gently ruffling his hair. "Tell me," Mira said softly, "tell me what happened."

"I've seen a lot, Mira. You might not believe that a geologist could see such horrors, but I have," he began.

"Can you tell me about it?" she asked, wishing she knew the right words to say to ease his obvious pain.

"It was while I was stationed aboard the LaSalle. I went with an away team to investigate seismic activity on Exeter III. "My friend, Paul and I were sent to chart the western region and determine the stability of that area. We were finishing up for the day when I fell off the side of a large hill, breaking my leg and putting a gash in my arm. Paul beamed up with me and after he assured himself that I would be well taken care of he beamed back down to the surface. He said he wanted to check out a small cave we had discovered a short time before. I suggested that we wait until morning to explore it, as it was getting dark by then.

Paul was the impatient kind, Mira, he didn't like to wait for anything, so he went exploring by himself. About an hour later, he was beamed up to sickbay. He had stepped on a mine. He was in terrible shape! The doctor did the best he could, but there was so much brain damage that there wasn't much he could do for him other than heal his broken bones and cuts.

Later we discovered it was a Cardassian mine. The Cardassians had found the planet some time before and were planning on mining it for its valuable minerals, but for some reason never did. They left mines all over the planet so that no one else could mine it.

"The mines were made of some kind of new material that our sensors couldn't pick up. The Cardassians never came back to Exeter III and never bothered to retrieve their mines. They didn't care who got killed or maimed by those damned mines, Mira! Don't you see? The Cardassians don't value life the way we do. They consider life expendable, especially when it's not their own kind!"

Mira gently touched his shoulder, "Go on," she encouraged.

"Paul's brain was severely damaged. It couldn't be repaired, not completely. He's more like a child now, although there has been some improvement over the years.

"Is this the same friend you write to every week?" asked Mira.

"Yes. And every time I do . . ."

"It reminds you of what the Cardassians did to him," she finished for him.

"Yes! It does! The Cardassians killed my closest friend that day! " he said turning to look at her.

Mira had never seen the kind of anger and hatred she saw in Simon's eyes when he turned to look at her. He was such an easy going man that it was easy to assume that he didn't harbor any strong, negative emotions.

"I'm sorry," he said, "I didn't mean to shout. I know that was before the Federation befriended the Cardassians. But believe me, they are still the same violent, evil people they were then! If I never see another Cardassian again it will be too soon!" he shouted as he suddenly jumped up and headed toward the water's edge.

Mira sat for a few moments, then got up and stood beside him, gently slipping her hand in his. "I'll carry a phaser", she said softly.

Simon didn't say anything, he just squeezed her hand.

***************

Dr. Mira Montgomery and her team of Nurse Samantha Beckett and a security guard, Ensign Vance Pickworth were greeted at their beam down site by a Cardassian doctor, Gortok and his Terran assistant, Emily Suskind.

They were in one of the four main medical facilities on Spartus. The other three were scattered around the planet and were being visited by more of the Endeavour medical staff simultaneously. Mira looked around the small area, which was only about one third the size of the Endeavour's sickbay, and sparsely furnished-- containing only five beds--none of which were bio-beds, a couple of tables and one supply cabinet. There was a door leading to another room at the back and another to the left.

"Dr. Montgomery?" asked Gortok.

"Yes," she said, introducing her team.

"This is my assistant, Nurse Emily Suskind. As you can see," Dr. Gortok said gesturing around the room, "this facility is not on a level with Starfleet Medical. We have not had a chance yet to upgrade this facility. We're hoping you can help us with that."

"Yes, well," Montgomery said, glancing around, " we'll do our best." She noticed that Nurse Emily stood behind the Cardassian doctor and never said a word, but closely watched them. She had the feeling that Nurse Emily didn't miss much. I get the feeling that she doesn't like working with Cardassians either, thought Mira. This could turn into an interesting assignment after all.

"Okay, the first thing we need to do is check out your supplies and see what you need," said Montgomery.

"Certainly," answered Gortok, "this way please," he said leading them to the room at the back.

********************

Ensign Terry Sauter was anxious to begin her away team mission. She was excited to be working with Cardassians as she had never met one before, much less worked with any! This would be a new experience for her and although she had heard all the terrible things they did during their wars, she preferred to believe that now, since they were friends with the Federation everyone could work together peacefully.

She was assigned to evaluate the mining operations power plant' conduits and make the necessary adjustments for the more efficient operation of the facility. She knew that the plant was powered by many fusions generators, all of which had many connections and conduits and her job would probably keep her on the surface for many hours at a time. That didn't matter. Terry loved hard work and the good thing about it was that she wouldn't be working with Taggert! Unfortunately, she wouldn't be working with her friends, Audra and Hyper either as they each had their own assignments.

Terry beamed down with her team of Crewmen Pedro Rodriguez and Anna Childress to the main power plant where she was met by two Cardassians. One was older and large, while the other was younger and not as big.

"Hello, I'm Ensign Terry Sauter, Utilities and Auxiliary Specialist and this is my team. . ." before she could finish her introductions, the older Cardassian interrupted her.

"No time for introductions Ensign. Follow me." He turned leaving Terry with her mouth open. She wasn't used to such rude behavior! The younger Cardassian looked at her and gave her a slight smile.

"Okay. Fine. Pedro, Anna, let's get to work," she said, falling into step behind the Cardassians.

They were led to a power conduit in a large, noisy room. "It shouldn't be this noisy in here," commented Terry.

"The noise is not a problem," responded the elder Cardassian, gruffly. "The fusion conduits are not working properly and must be adjusted immediately. Are you capable of performing this task, Ensign?" he asked loudly, questioning her abilities.

Terry straightened her shoulders and answered him in a clear, strong voice," Yes, I can fix any problem you might have. I am an expert in . . ."

"Good," he said, cutting her off again, "I will leave Durek to assist you.

Heptor turned to face his assistant, "Report to me when you have completed your repairs."

"Yes, Gul Heptor" responded Durek bowing slightly as he watched the Cardassian turn and leave.

"Whew! For a minute there I thought he was talking to me!" said Terry.

Durek laughed, a small laugh. "You are not accustomed to Cardassians, are you Ensign Sauter?"

"No, I'm not. In fact you and your boss are the first ones I have actually talked to," she answered.

" Gul Heptor is not all bad. Once you get used to him."

"Maybe not, but I don't think I would enjoy working with him!" said Terry.

"It's a good thing that you will be working with me then, isn't it?" a smiling Durek said.

"Yes, I guess it is," responded Terry with a smile. "Say, how long have you been stationed on Spartus?"

"Oh, about six months now."

"Do you like it?"

"It is tolerable. The southern region is the best as it is very hot there."

"Oh, that's right," responded Terry, "Cardassians like hot weather!"

"Yes, we do, don't you?" he asked with a smile.

"No, not really. I like milder climates myself."

"I supposed we had better return to working before Gul Heptor decides to make a return inspection," responded Durek.

"Yes, you're right. I would hate to get on his bad side! said Terry with a grin. Okay, Pedro, Anna, get out your equipment and let's see what needs fixing in here," she ordered.

Cardassians aren't all that bad, thought Terry, especially Durek. He seems rather nice and polite, and I guess one could think he was good looking--for a Cardassian, that is.

**************

Simon McRaney stood, sweating in the hot sun of Spartus. He wiped his forehead with the back of his hand as he looked across the hot, sandy desert. This was a barren area of Spartus, uninhabited except for a few sprigs of a desert plant and small animals that resembled Terran rabbits.

He and his science team were surveying a spot in the desert which was considered for another mining shaft if the land mass was stable enough.

So far, Simon had been able to avoid dealing directly with the Cardassian science officer who was working with them. He would always relay information he needed the Cardassian, Keertoc to know by telling either Crewman Finch or Henrich. They would in turn tell Keertoc. The Cardassian noticed this and choose to ignore Simon's behavior, at least he had so far, but now it seemed Simon's behavior was getting to Keertoc.

The Cardassian who up until now had kept his distance from Simon, came up to him, standing at Simon's back. "Lt. Commander McRaney," began Keertoc, I have been very patient with your rude behavior, but I insist that it stop now!"

Simon slowly turned around and faced the Cardassian, a look of hatred on his face Keertoc could not help but notice. "Look, Cardassian. I will say this only once. I do not care to talk or associate with you in any manner whatsoever. I do not take orders from you. I will do my job and anything which I need to say to you will be relayed through my assistants and vice versa. Do you understand what I am saying?" Simon's voice was low and steady. To those listening, he sounded very much in control of his temper, but was in fact close to losing it.

"Yes, I understand quite clearly, Commander." replied Keertoc. "I have no more desire to work with you, humans than you do with Cardassians! I suggest that we get on with our work so that we finish as soon as possible!" Keertoc turned and walked away while Simon gritted his teeth and returned to his job.

After about two hours of steady work, Simon decided it was time for a break. He was about to call his team together and return to the ship when an explosion shook the ground beneath them, causing everyone to loose their balance and go tumbling to the ground! Simon quickly got up and ran over to where his equipment had fallen, righting it. The machine registered a level 2 explosion approximately 100 meters underground, close to their position.

"Finch, Henrich! What are your machines registering?" he yelled.

"Level 2 explosion sir," replied Finch.

"Level 2, right. Natural?" asked Simon.

"No, sir. The explosion was not caused naturally."

Then what caused it? Simon mumbled to himself.

Keertoc came running up to where Simon was studying his readouts, brushing the dirt from his uniform, "What was that?" he yelled.

Simon ignored the Cardassian. Crewman Finch came limping up to them and answered him.

"That was a level 2 explosion underground which was not caused by natural means," he answered. Simon glanced up at the both of them, saying nothing.

"If it wasn't natural, then it must have been planted!" concluded Keertoc.

"Obviously," stated Simon, just now noticing Finch's limp.

"Finch, are you all right?"

"Twisted my ankle, sir. Nothing serious," he replied.

Simon noticed that Crewman Henrich appeared to be unharmed.

"McRaney to Endeavour," called Simon.

"Ensign Skye here, Commander. Go ahead."

"Did you pick up that explosion on your scans, Ensign?"

"Negative, sir. We're scanning the opposite side of the planet from your location. Please elaborate on the explosion."

"We just had a level two explosion approximately 100 meters underground from our location. Explosion was not naturally occurring. Request instructions."

"Understood, sir, please stand by."

"Commander McRaney, this is Commander Sinclair. Prepare for immediate beam out. Bring what equipment you can carry."

"Yes, sir. McRaney out."

"Finch! Henrich! Prepare for immediate beam out! Grab what equipment you can, now!"

"What about me?" asked Keertoc.

Simon grabbed his seismograph and field pack along with his tricorder, turned and looked at the Cardassian. "I suppose you will have to come too." he grimaced.

"I should think so!"

A few seconds later, the four scientists were beamed aboard the Endeavour.

****************

"Well, that's about all we can do for now," said Dr. Mira Montgomery, as she placed her padd inside her medkit. "I will take this list of needed supplies back to the Endeavour and procure what you need. As for the biobeds, well, I'm afraid you'll have to wait until the supply ship, Bragden gets here in about two weeks. The supplies I will give you will be more than enough to hold you until then."

"Unless we have trouble with the Maquis," Dr. Gastok replied.

"Are you expecting trouble, doctor?" asked Mira.

"Well, no, not exactly, but you never can tell what that group will do when they want something."

"Do you think they want something from you, Doctor Gastok?"

"There have been rumors, Dr. Montgomery about an impending Maquis raid on our medical supplies. This rumor has persisted for about a month now. The only reason I can see that one hasn't taken place so far, is because we haven't had any supplies worth taking."

"Do you think after I send you these supplies, the Maquis will attack and try to steal them?" asked a concerned Mira Montgomery. Mira noticed that his assistant, Emily was glancing at him while pretending to be busy. She knows something, thought Mira. Perhaps I can talk with her alone later.

"I don't know. Frankly it wouldn't surprise me in the least bit! The Maquis are just a bunch of self centered ruffians who love to fight. They don't care who they hurt just as long as they get what they want to continue fighting and harassing us Cardassians!"

"Have you had much contact with them, doctor?" asked Montgomery.

"Well, no. Actually, I haven't. But that doesn't mean I don't know what they're like! No good if you ask me!"

Sounds familiar, thought Mira. Only it was someone speaking of Cardassians who were no good.

"I must be getting back to my ship now, Dr. Gastok. I will arrange to have these supplies delivered to you at 1930 hours tonight. Where shall I have them beamed to?"

"Right here, in this area would be fine, Dr. Montgomery. The facility will be closed at that time and I will be the only one here. I plan to work through the night to get things in order. My assistant, Emily will work the day shift tomorrow."

"All right," said Montgomery. She slapped her comm badge, " Endeavour, three to beam up.

************************

Endeavour Bridge Science Station

"Have you found any evidence of the explosive device, Ensign?" asked Commander Sinclair.

"Negative, sir. Whatever it was left little to scan."

"Keep trying. We need to know what kind of device that was so we can determine who was responsible for putting it there and why." Sinclair turned to Lt. Cmdr. McRaney. "Commander, in the conference room," ordered Sinclair heading that way.

"Yes, sir," Simon replied, following her.

As Commander Sinclair and Lt. Cmdr. Simon McRaney took their seats in the conference room they were joined by Captain Forrester.

"Report Commander Sinclair," ordered the Captain.

"Sir, we've had reports from all over the planet that the Maquis is expected to attack any minute."

"Any evidence of that?" asked Forrester.

"No, sir. No hard evidence, just rumors and speculations." "McRaney, do you think the Maquis is responsible for the explosions?

"No way to tell. There were no unauthorized personnel in my area, Captain. At least not while I was there. None of our equipment was tampered with and I noticed nothing out of the ordinary," replied McRaney.

"One thing is certain, Captain," began Sinclair.

"And that is. . .?" asked Forrester.

"The Cardassians believe the Maquis to be responsible."

"I see," replied Forrester, leaning back in his chair.

"Dr. Montgomery also reported that the Cardassian doctor, Gastok is expecting trouble as well."

"Hmmm.. . ." mumbled Captain Forrester. "It seems the whole planet is expecting Maquis trouble. Until we have positive proof who is responsible for these explosions, we are to announce this as a 'natural' explosion. Meanwhile, we'll keep scanning for remains of the explosive devices. Also, I want extra security on all our away teams, effective immediately."

"What about our science investigations on the surface, sir?" asked McRaney.

"Before your team returns to that area, I want a security team with tricorders scanning for other explosives. When they determine it's safe, then your team may return to the surface."

"Sir, that may be a problem," said Sinclair.

"What is Commander?"

"Scanning for the explosive devices. They seem to be made of a type of material that is not scannable. At least not on any wave length we have them programmed for. We scanned the entire planet before we sent teams down and nothing turned up."

"McRaney, after you get checked out in sickbay, I want you to return to the science department and began work on attuning our scanners for the explosives' frequency settings. Coordinate your efforts with the Bridge and see if you can come up with something we can lock onto. Until then, no team is allowed on the planet outside of the immediate mining facility. I don't want any more of my crew injured. Is that clear everyone?"

"Yes, sir, but it may take several hours to modulate the scanners and work through all possible frequency settings, " replied McRaney.

"Then you had better get started as soon as possible," replied the Captain.

"Yes, sir," nodded McRaney.

"Good then, dismissed."

As Simon proceeded to sickbay, something was gnawing at the back of his mind. Something important from long ago but he just couldn't put his finger on what it was.

*******************

"Whoa! What is this?! exclaimed Ensign Terry Sauter as she lifted a containment panel off one of the power conduits in the main mining generator. She was supposed to be off duty now, but Terry wanted to check out just one more conduit before returning to the Endeavour.

She was positioned inside one of the large conduit tunnels which were about two meters in diameter and ran from the main power generator. She had crawled about three meters in and was planning on adjusting one of the many modulators in the conduits.

"Now this is unusual. She pulled out her tricorder and began scanning a small round, metal device she had found there. I've never seen this type of material before. I wonder if there's anymore of these devices around here, she wondered. Just then Terry's tricorder began to register an energy buildup coming from the strange little device."Oh, no!" Terry slapped her comm badge. " Endeavour! Emergency beam out now!" she screamed.

"Unable to comply," came the reply. "Move away from you present position!"

"Oh God!" yelled Terry as she turned on her hands and knees, heading back towards the tunnel entrance as fast as she could crawl, her tricorder in her hand, slap, slap slapping against the tunnel floor. The entrance looked a mile away to Terry and she felt as if she were crawling in slow motion! I'm not gonna make it! she thought. Just as she reached the opening, the device exploded, the noise deafening! The shock wave reached Terry slamming her out through the tunnel end. Just as she thought she was done for, she felt the familiar tingling of the transporter beam as it caught her, taking her safely back to the Endeavour!

"Are you all right, Terry?!" asked Lt. (jg) Audra McKay as she finished beaming her friend onto the transporter pad. "I couldn't get a lock on you because you were too close to the power emitters!"

Terry collapsed, falling to the floor in a heap, her head ringing. "Oooo, that was too close!" she panted.

"What happened?" asked Audra rushing to her friend's side.

Terry pressed her hands over her ears, trying to stop the ringing, "I've got to talk to Taggert, Audra!" she yelled, "Someone planted a bomb in that conduit and it almost blew me into the next galaxy!

"Take it easy, Ter," replied Audra. "You need to see a doctor first! I'm gonna transport you directly to sickbay."

Audra ran back to her station, slapping her comm badge, "Sickbay, prepare for incoming wounded!" she yelled as she completed the beam out.

*******************************

Endeavour Sickbay

Simon McRaney sat on a biobed watching Mira taking care of Ensign Sauter. He had only had minor wounds--a few cuts and bruises and the most serious injury on his team was Finch's twisted ankle which Mira had already repaired.

"Well Ensign Sauter, it looks like you have a bit of hearing loss due to that explosion. But don't worry, it isn't permanent. All we need to do is remodulate your stapes and you should be back to normal in a few days. Until then, stay away from loud noises."

Simon jumped from the bed, snapping his fingers, "That's it!" he yelled.

"Simon! What is it?" asked a startled Mira.

"You've just given me the answer to what has been bothering me, Mira! Thanks, dearest!" he said kissing her and heading for the doors of sickbay.

"Hey, wait a minute!" called Mira, "I didn't release you yet!"

*******************

Science Lab One

"Are you sure about this Simon?" asked Lt. Cmdr. MacLaughlin.

"Absolutely. I know it has to be the same type of material we discovered while on the LaSalle. We had to recalibrate all our sensors to pick the mines up on our scanners. I remembered it when Mira mentioned remodulating something. It's a seldom used frequency, so it's not standard practice to use it in a routine scan which is why the Endeavour's scanners didn't pick up the devices."

"All right, if you're sure. After I get the records from the LaSalle, I'll go to Captain Forrester with this information. This could answer a lot of questions for us. Good work, Commander!"

*******************

Cargo Bay Four, 1900 hours

Dr. Montgomery was apprehensive about beaming supplies to the clinic. She knew something was going to happen and this was also felt by her Betazoid Nurse, Salena Tristar. She reported this to Captain Forrester, but he decided to continue with the transfer of the supplies. After all that had happened today, she wasn't sure this was a good idea. But nevertheless, he was the Captain!

"Salena, are all the supplies ready for transport?"

"Yes, doctor. Everything is in order."

"Good." Mira looked at the transporter operator, "Begin transfer, Crewman."

"Aye, sir, " he responded.

As Montgomery watched the transporter beam grab the load of supplies, she was hoping she was wrong about there being trouble. But as it turned out, she wasn't.

"Sir," began Crewman Sutton, "Dr. Gastok reports he didn't receive the shipment!"

"What?!" exclaimed Montgomery, "then what happened to it, Crewman? Where did it go?"

"Checking sir." Crewman Sutton punched several buttons into his transporter panel while Montgomery waited impatiently close by watching him. "Sir, the sensor logs show an unusual concentration of anti-graviton particles in the emitter coils."

"Anti-graviton particles?" repeated Montgomery. "A tractor beam?!" she exclaimed.

"Yes, sir. That is consistent with my readouts."

Montgomery slapped her comm badge, "Dr. Montgomery to Captain Forrester."

"Go ahead, Doctor."

"Sir, we have a problem with the medical supplies shipment."

"Very well. In the conference room, Doctor."

"Yes sir," repeated Montgomery as she headed out the cargo bay door.

************************

Captain's Conference Room, 1935 hours

Seated around the conference table were Captain Forrester, Cmdr. Sinclair, Dr. Montgomery, Lt. Cmdr. Remington, Lt. Cmdr. Taggert and Lt. Cmdr. Cam MacLaughlin.

"Cmdr. MacLaughlin, proceed with your report," instructed the Captain.

"Yes, sir. Thanks to Lt. Cmdr. Simon McRaney and Ensign Terry Sauter, we have managed to isolate the scanning frequency to detect any more devices which may be on Spartus. We can begin scanning immediately."

"Excellent. Cmdr. Taggert?" asked Forrester.

"Ensign Sauter managed to scan one of the devices before it exploded and brought back those readings. We have analyzed them and found them to be Cardassian in origin. This is comparable to Cmdr. MacLaughlin's findings."

"Do we know the person or persons responsible for placing these devices, Remington?" asked Forrester.

"No sir. Not at this time. The devices left too little remains to make a DNA trace. The only thing we do know is that it had to have been someone with access to both areas where the explosions occurred. That would tend to rule out the Maquis as no unauthorized personnel were reported in those areas prior to the explosions."

"They could have been planted earlier, couldn't they?" asked MacLaughlin.

"No, I don't think so," replied Remington. "Planting them too early would risk detection. I think they were planted shortly before they exploded."

"Any suggestions how we can detect the culprit, anyone?" asked Forrester.

"Sir, Dr. Montgomery has a plan which I believe is viable," offered Sinclair.

"Good, but before we hear it, what is the status of the investigation of the missing medical supplies?"

"We have determined that the supplies were stolen by a tractor beam, Captain," responded Taggert. "We have narrowed down the location of the beam, but will need ground based security to search the area."

"All right, Commander Taggert. You and Commander Remington will work together on finding the supplies and whoever is responsible for stealing them."

"Sir," began Montgomery, " may I have permission to first talk with Dr. Gastok's assistant, Emily Suskind before any action is taken? I believe she may know something about the missing supplies. We may be able to avoid a search if she knows anything and thus avoid possible violence. She was acting very suspiciously while I was inspecting the medical facility."

"Permission granted," spoke the Captain, "but I want two armed guards to go with you, Dr. Montgomery. I'm not taking any more chances with my crew's safety on this planet!"

"Understood, sir."

"Now, what plan have you and Remington come up with to catch this culprit?" asked Forrester, leaning back in his chair.

*********************

Main Medical Facility #1

"So, Dr. Montgomery, do you know what happened to my supplies or not?" asked an irritated Dr. Gastok. He was planning on working through the night to get the supplies checked and in order and now he was stuck doing nothing.

"We are investigating that right now, Dr. Gastok and hope to have information soon. In the meantime we are investigating an explosion at the mining power plant. That takes precedence over the missing supplies, I'm afraid."

"Yes. I heard about that. Do you know who is responsible?"

"One of our officers managed to scan the device before it exploded. That scan contains the DNA signature of whoever planted it. The only problem is that her tricorder was lost in the explosion. Captain Forrester is organizing a search party right now to retrieve the tricorder. They should began searching for it in about two hours."

"Ah, I see. Very efficient of your officer. As soon as that is finished you will find my supplies?"

"We'll do our best. But in the meantime, do you know where I can find your assistant, Emily? I might as well get some nursing duties assigned while I'm here."

"I believe she likes to frequent a bar on the other side of the compound after work, called 'The Mining Authority. If' she isn't there, someone will know where she is."

"Thank you, Dr. Gastok. I'll be sure to let you know as soon as I have any information on the supplies."

"I certainly hope so!" replied Gastok.

*******************

Simon McRaney and two security guards beamed down to the former site of his surveys, expecting to find Keertoc keeping watch, which he was.

"Lt. Commander, McRaney, back so soon?" Keertoc asked sarcastically.

"I'm just here to retrieve the rest of my equipment, Keertoc. I have no time to spar with you. In case you haven't heard, the mining power plant was also bombed today and everyone is being recalled to the Endeavour."

"Yes, I had heard about that. I hope your captain has the Maquis trouble maker in custody by now?"

"Soon. An Ensign found the bomb and managed to scan it before it exploded. From what I heard, there was some kind of identifying print on the bomb to indicate who planted it. The tricorder with the information was lost, but Captain Forrester is planning to retrieve it in about two hours now. After that we should be able to return to work, although I don't know if I will be coming back to this particular area."

"Ah, what a shame if you don't, Commander. I've have enjoyed your pleasant company so much!" Keertoc said with a sneer.

"As have I, Keertoc," replied Simon after directing his team to the last of the equipment.

"So long Keertoc. Hopefully we won't be seeing each other again!" replied Simon. "Endeavour, three to beam up."

********************

Endeavour Bridge

"Gul Heptor, this is to let you know that as soon as I can get a security team together and down there I will know who is responsible for the explosion," stated Captain Forrester standing before the main viewsceen on the Bridge.

"Any how will you do that Captain Forrester?" asked a skeptical Heptor. "I see no way of determining who is responsible for this."

"I can assure you Heptor that our medical staff is one of the finest in Starfleet. The officer who discovered the bomb managed to scan it before it exploded. As soon as we find her tricorder we will be able to download the DNA print she found there. All we need do then, is print everyone who had access to that area and match them with the print. Very simple and efficient."

"Captain, if you think that any of my staff had anything to do with that explosion. . ."

"I am not accusing anyone, Gul Heptor," Captain Forrester said with a wave of his hand, "but it is necessary that everyone be scanned in order to rule out those who are innocent as well as finding the guilty party. Surely you can understand that?"

Heptor hesitated just for a moment. "Yes, that is acceptable. When will you begin your search of this area, Captain?"

"It will take approximately two hours to get my search team and equipment together. I would suggest that you let no one into the area before then."

"That has already been taken care of Captain Forrester! No one has been allowed back into that area since the explosion." Heptor was offended that the Captain would think he was so inefficient as to let people wonder around in a secured area!

"Just as I thought, Gul Heptor, you are very efficient," replied Forrester noting Heptor's offense and trying to placate him.

"As you wish, Captain. I will expect your team in two hours. Out."

"Now," began Forrester turning to his crew, "the trap was been set. Let's see who wanders into it!"

**********************

Dr. Montgomery and her two security guards beamed in at the entrance to The Mining Authority bar. "Wait outside, please," she ordered.

"But Doctor, the Captain ordered us to stay with you at all times," Ensign Lennox responded.

"And you will, Ensign, just stay will me a little farther away. Look, I can't go into this bar with two armed security guards with me and expect to get any answers from anyone. If I get into trouble, I will call you. Is that ok with you?"

The two security officers looked at each other. "Okay, but be sure and call us if there's any sigh of trouble. And, Dr. Montgomery, if you're not out within 15 minutes we will have to come in a get you," spoke Lennox.

Mira sighed. "All right. But give me the full 15 minutes!"

Mira walked into the dirty, dusty bar. The dim lighting took a little getting used to. The room was small with a long bar to the left, running about two meters toward the back with several tables and chairs to the right and a couple at the back. As she walked into the place, the few patrons there all turned, glanced at her, then went back to their drinking and talking.

Mira noticed Emily Suskind sitting at one of the back tables with two other people, one male, one female. She looked up when Mira walked in and looked quickly down again as if trying to escape notice.

Montgomery walked over to where Emily and her friends sat. "May I join you?" she asked Emily.

"Dr. Montgomery. It's a bit late for you to be out isn't it?" she asked.

"Not really. Starfleet officers are used to working all hours of the day or night. I really need to discuss some medical matters with you, if you don't mind," she said, still standing. The other two looked at Emily and she nodded at them to leave.

"If you'll excuse me, Dr. Montgomery, my friend and I were just leaving," spoke Emily's male friend as he and the female got up to leave.

"Of course. I'm sure medical matters would be very boring to those not in the field," she replied smiling.

After the two left, Montgomery sat down across from Emily. "Would you like a drink?" Emily asked. "They serve a good Bajoran ale here."

"No thank you. Emily, did you hear of the missing medical supplies?"

"Yes. Everyone knows everything on this planet, doctor. Secrets are rare here," she said taking a sip of her drink.

"Somehow I doubt that," responded Montgomery.

"Dr. Montgomery, can we get to the point? I know you didn't come here at this time of night to discuss 'medical matters' as you put it. What is it exactly that you want?" she asked, irritated by Montgomery's presence on her off duty hours.

"Emily, I feel that you know more than you're letting on about those supplies. In fact I think you know exactly where they are and who is responsible for taking them."

"And what do you base this on?" she asked.

"We traced the tractor beam origins to a known hot spot for Maquis activity in the Plutor community. We know the Maquis is responsible for this."

"So? What has that got to do with me? And what do you care about finding those supplies yourself when you have the whole Endeavour security force to search for them?" she asked motioning the bartender for another drink.

"Because this search could easily escalate into a bloodbath with loses on both sides. I would like to avoid that if at all possible."

Emily sat back while the bartender brought her another drink. She held her glass between her hands, staring at it in silence, pondering what Montgomery had said. Finally she spoke.

"Dr. Montgomery. I know you have good intentions, but I'm not involved with the Maquis," she said, sipping her drink.

"Emily, please! Tell me where those supplies are! Surely they're not worth dying for? Mira said leaning across the table, coming eye to eye with Emily.

"Doctor, the Maquis need those supplies desperately! There are already people dying without them. Even if I knew where those supplies were, I wouldn't betray the Maquis by telling you!"

Mira slumped back in her chair, frustrated. She was torn between her Starfleet duties and her sympathy for the Maquis who were injured and dying. Suffering on any side was intolerable to her. She sat quiet for a moment then spoke. "Emily, what if we didn't find all the supplies?"

"What do you mean?"

"If I were to find the supplies tonight, there would be no need to send a large search party, would there? And if by some means the Maquis had already transported most, say two thirds of the supplies out, then I think Captain Forrester would accept that loss and that would be the end of it. No search would be needed. Provided of course, there were no further incidents."

"And what about finding someone to arrest?"

"We can't arrest someone who can't be found, can we? Someone who lays low until the Endeavour left Spartus."

"How do I know you're not lying, Dr. Montgomery?"

"Simple. Ask your leader."

"What? Who are you talking about?"

"Prator Kyres. He's my cousin. He'll vouch for me."

"Wait here," Emily said, getting up. She went over to the bartender, speaking a few words to him, after which he disappeared through a door to the back of the bar.

Mira glanced at the front door of the bar, noticing her security guards starting to come in.

"Oh, great!" mumbled Montgomery. "They're going to mess everything up!"

Emily was headed back to their table when she notice the guards, then turned to face Montgomery. "What are they doing here?" she yelled.

"They're here for my protection only. Captain Forrester ordered them to escort me after the bombings. She was hoping Emily could tell she wasn't lying and wouldn't take off.

Emily stopped where she was and watched the guards approach them.

"Dr. Montgomery, are you all right?" asked Ensign Lennox.

"Yes, but I'll need a few more minutes."

"Okay. Would ten more minutes be sufficient?"

"Fine." The guards turned and proceeded back out the front door.

"See?" said Montgomery to Emily.

Emily sat down. "If I didn't know a little about Starfleet security measures, I would have been out of here when they first walked in," she replied.

"I imagine there are a few ex-Starfleet officers in the Maquis?" ventured Montgomery.

"How would I know?" asked Emily innocently.

Just then the bartender returned and motioned to Emily. She went over, spoke a few words, then motioned for Montgomery to join them.

"You come with me, but no security guards, " said Emily.

"I can't do that," responded Montgomery. "If you know Starfleet procedures as you say you do, then you know that I can't go anywhere on this planet without them."

"Damn! All right!" responded Emily, "but only one!"

"Agreed. Ensign Lennox, report to me please, Ensign Pickworth, remain at your post until further orders," responded Montgomery.

Lennox cautiously stepped inside the bar, her hand on her phaser.

"No need for that, Ensign. You and I are going on a little field trip." Montgomery turned to Emily, "Let's go," she said.

Emily led the way across town through back alleyways to an abandoned warehouse where she stopped at the back entrance. "Only Montgomery goes in," she said to Lennox."

"No way!" responded the Security officer.

"Ensign! I'll be fine. You are to wait here. I'll be out in ten minutes."

"Yes, sir," said Lennox reluctantly. It always made her nervous when a senior officer went into an unknown area unescorted, but an order was an order!

Montgomery eased into the darkened warehouse and stood just inside the door. From the little light which filtered in through the windows high on each side, she could see nothing except for a large bunch of crates about three meters to the right of her position. She walked over to them, taking her tricorder out of her pocket, beginning a scan to insure herself these were the missing supplies.

"One third, right?" spoke a male voice.

Montgomery was startled and jumped at the sudden sound in the quiet warehouse. A male figure stepped from behind the crates.

"Kyres?" asked Mira.

"In the flesh, cousin. It's good to see you , Miranda!" he said, coming to stand in front of her.

Mira took a step towards him, her arms in a wide embrace. He did the same, hugging her tightly. "You've lost weight since last we met, Kyres!"

"And you've gotten engaged!" he responded, releasing her.

"Wow! The Maquis really do keep tabs on things, don't they?"

"Only when it's important."

"I only have a few minutes, Kyres," began Mira, "I hope you will lay low until we've gone?" she asked tentatively.

"We plan to do just that, Miranda. I don't want bloodshed any more than you do. After the Endeavour leaves orbit, we're outta here, never to return. All we wanted was medical supplies, nothing else. And by the way, we didn't plant any bombs."

"I believe you, Kyres. Now, you'd better get going. I'm going to call for transportation of these supplies now."

"I wish we could have met under more pleasant circumstances, Miranda, but you know how it goes."

"Yes, Kyres. I do know," she said sadly. "I miss you, you know."

"Me too. Tell Breena I am well and congratulations on her recent marriage."

"I will. Take care of yourself and may the Prophets walk with you," Mira said, hugging him again, and kissing him on the cheek.

"You as well, cousin Miranda. And by the way. I recently placed flowers on both our mother's resting sites. I know how you like that."

Mira nodded and smiled. She watched as her cousin disappeared into the shadows from whence he came.

Mira sighed and slapped her comm badge, "Ensign Lennox, come in here please. Dr. Montgomery to Endeavour, two to beam up along with medical supplies," she ordered.

**********************

The main power plant was dark and empty except for the one figure searching through the debris with a palm beacon. As he pulled a twisted metal fragment away, he found what he was looking for. "Ah! Success!" he exclaimed, picking up the tricorder. Suddenly he was hit with the blinding light of a large beacon. Durek stood, holding his hand up, shielding his eyes.

"Who is there?" he yelled.

Gul Heptor, Captain Forrester and two Endeavour security guards stepped forward. "Gul Heptor and Captain Forrester, Durek," responded Heptor. "Would you mind explaining your presence inside a restricted area? he asked sarcastically, already knowing the answer.

"Gul Heptor! I can explain!" he cried.

"I doubt that Durek, standing there holding the incriminating tricorder in your hand!" Durek was caught and he knew it. There was no way to explain his actions other than his being the one who planted the bomb.

"Gul Heptor, shall we take this conversation to my conference room?" asked Captain Forrester.

Heptor nodded.

"Endeavour, five to beam up," ordered Forrester.

The five were transported to Captain Forrester's conference room and seated themselves along with Commanders Sinclair and Lt. Cmdr. Remington.

Durek sat at the table, placing the tricorder down. "I had to retrieve this as it was imprinted with my DNA signature, Gul Heptor. I overheard Captain Forrester telling you that."

"You fool!" shouted Heptor, "There was no DNA signature! That was a trap for you!"

"What? Then there was no evidence to identify me as the one who planted the bomb?" asked Durek incredulously.

"No hard evidence, but we suspected you when we discovered you had recently been to the southern region," offered Forrester.

"Ensign Sauter," spoke a despondent Durek.

"Yes. She remembered you mentioning it being rather hot there."

"She wasn't supposed to be working at that time. I didn't want anyone injured, Captain. I just wanted the Federation to take the Maquis threats to us Cardassians, seriously!"

"So you manufactured Maquis trouble where there was none," said Remington.

"Yes. I planted the two bombs. I tried to make sure no one would be hurt by them. I failed," Durek said, bowing his head in shame.

"Well, " began Forrester standing up, " I will leave him in your hands, Gul Heptor. And since we have recovered at least some of our medical supplies, we will be leaving Spartus within the next 12 hours."

As Heptor and Forrester were speaking, they didn't notice Durek slip a pill from under his uniform into his mouth. Suddenly he groaned in pain, doubling over and falling to the floor. Captain Forrester called for emergency beam out to sickbay.

*****************

"I'm sorry Captain, but there was nothing I could do for him," said Dr. Montgomery, folding her tricorder. "It seems that Durek ingested a Cardassian suicide pill for which there is no antidote."

"It is a common solution to a problem," spoke Heptor calmly.

"Then you were expecting this, Gul Heptor?" asked Forrester.

Heptor ignored his question. "If you would have his body transported down to the mining office, Captain?" he asked.

Forrester replied tightly, "Certainly."

********************

Captain's Ready Room

Dr. Mira Montgomery stood in front of Captain Forrester's desk, facing him, her hands clasped behind her back.

"Dr. Montgomery. I've read yours and Ensign Lennox's reports on the stolen medical supplies. I find yours to be crisp, clean and to the point."

"Thank you sir."

"However, don't you think it's a bit. . .brief?" he asked.

Montgomery shifted slightly on her feet. "Brief, sir? There wasn't much to tell. I talked with Emily Suskind who overheard someone mention where the supplies were taken. Ensign Lennox and I went to that location, found what was left of the supplies and had them transported up. That's all there was to tell sir."

Captain Forrester leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "Off the record. Dr. Montgomery. . .Mira, don't mistake the Maquis' intentions."

"Sir?" asked Montgomery. Mira was a bit nervous by the Captain's use of her first name. He had never addressed her as Mira before and it made her a bit nervous.

"Most of the Maquis are terrorists, Mira, nothing more and I would hate to see your excellent record tarnished by associating with them."

"Captain, may I speak freely?"

"Go ahead."

"I don't believe that all the Maquis are terrorists. Most are good people, fighting for their homes. But I will say this, I would never betray my oath as a doctor or a Starfleet Officer in any way. I hope this eases your concern regarding my record," Mira stated calmly, with little emotion.

Captain Forrester sat up in his chair. "Good. In that case, you are dismissed, doctor."

As Montgomery turned to leave, Forrester added, "But Mira . . ."

"Yes sir?"

"Be careful."

"Yes sir," she answered as she turned and walked out of his office.