Lieutenant Commander Thoraz Brynaziir
USS Fearless
Stardate 0004.19

  Thoraz finished up quickly and then accompanied Chas to the Holodeck for a workout.  They started out with a Klingon 'exercise' program and ended up on the beach of Betazed's Lake Riix.
=============================================================
Ensign Chas'naH
USS Fearless
Stardate 0004.19

  "Betazed seems to be a very beautiful planet," Chas'naH said. She began to remove her clothing as she looked out at the clear water.
   Thoraz began to undress as well. "It is..i'll show you it when we're able to go there again. I want my parents to meet you."
   Chas'naH made sure the privacy lock was engaged and completely undressed. "What will your parents think of me?" She would never admit it to her husband, but she was really concerned of what they would think of their son marrying some ex con.
  Thoraz smiled and drew her close. "Don't worry, they will love you..just  like i do." They kissed briefly and headed into the water.
   They swam for a little while, then ended up back on the beach. They made love and then cleaned up, dressing and resetting the program.
============================================================
Lieutenant Commander Thoraz Brynaziir
USS Fearless
Stardate 0004.19

  As they were leaving Thoraz said, "Chas, i had a wonderful time; but i should stay and continue with the Holosim Series while i have the time for it.  I'll see you later."  Thoraz leaned over, kissing her passionately before she left.

Starfleet Advanced Command Holosim Series
-Academy Refresher and Department Basics

  Commander Brett Stardancer entered the lecture hall.  "Good day. Today we will begin by looking back on our Academy days.  After a short review we will proceed to each department in turn."
  The next hour or so was pretty much like a typical Acedemy first year. "OK people, we will proceed through the left stage door on to a typical Starship Bridge."  Stardancer bega the tour with the Captain's Chair and proceeded around to each station, briefly stating the function of each.  "Now we will proceed on to each Department proper for a more in depth study."
   Time passed as they were acquainted with the basic operations & duty stations in each department.  Commander Stardancer closed the session saying, "Next time we will start a series of more advanced training.  A Commander should be able to perform the basic duties in all essential departments."
============================================================
USS Fearless
Approaching Starbase 299
Stardate 0004.24

   “Captain on the bridge!” Chas’naH announced from her current station as acting tactical officer. Sortha came off the turbolift and lumbered across the bridge to his chair.
   “Report,” the Gorn said as he took his seat. The lift opened again and out stepped Commander MacLeod, who took his seat next to Sortha.
   “Approaching Starbase 299, sir,” Ensign M’Orta reported from the conn. “We’ll arrive in ten minutes.”
   “Commander, authorize shore leave for the crew,” Sortha said. “Sssee to it the ship remains at ready with around the clock rotating sshiftss.”
   “Yes sir,” MacLeod confirmed.
   Moments later, Fearless docked with the starbase and prepared for shore leave during their stay...

END TRANSMISSION

Lt. Blaine Veruna
USS Fearless
Stardate 0004.25

  After checking up on the crash survivors and making sure there were no serious cases on board ship, Blaine headed for his quarters to prepare a pre-programmed holosim relaxation session at his desk computer.  He programmed it for a package deal he once experienced on Risa with several native ladies from that great planet.
  After making sure there was an available suite (pleasantly noting the suite taken up by the good Lt. Commander and his woman), he sent in his program to be ready for him when he got there.  He also left a note for Thoraz to ask if they could meet for another session of mak'leth training, since the last was interrupted by the mission training session for Corinthas.  He also left a private note for Chas'naH, letting her know that the DNA sequencing reports would be ready once they got to Starbase 299.

  Once he slipped into his toga, he headed down to the suite & lowered himself into the steaming hot tub that was waiting, sighing with the relief that the warm spiced waters always brought to his soul.  After several hours of soaking and several sessions of deep muscle rubs from the attendant hostesses, he waved goodbye and headed for his quarters to prepare for the new day, docking with Starbase 299.  He would be very busy getting all of the Majestic survivors moved safely over to the base & to take on any new medical 
personnel, supplies and equipment.
=============================================================
Ensign Lumone Nege
USS Fearless
Stardate 0004.25

  Nege woke and felt as fresh as ever.  He got up, showered, and got into his uniform.  He made his usual breakfast, a muffin-cake, and a tall coffee, (Trill blend).  This morning he had two cups.  He missed coffee.  He first went to the check up on the survivors.  
  They seemed to be adjusting to their time away.  They appeared almost excited.  Nege couldn't blame them.  It was almost like going forward in time, and coming up on a whole new future.  He got to his duty-station on the bridge a short time later and began his duties. 
   Nege started to prepare diagnostics for each and every ship system.  He wanted to be prepared for the work crews on SB 299.  He had just started prioritizing what departments needed the most work when his comm-badge went off.  
   Before he even heard the voice, Nege felt that he knew who it would be, "MacLeod to Ensign Nege. Report to my office on the double."  Nege's eyes rolled.  He knew exactly that the Scot wanted to talk to him about.  It was inevitable.  He took a deep breath and made his way to the XO's office.  He was standing right outside MacLeod's office door.  He looked up as one of the crewmen walked by.  They made eye contact.  The crewman gave him that, "You couldn't pay me enough credits to be in your shoes" look.  Nege half smirked.   He signalled the door.  The was a long period of silence, then he heard, "Come." from inside.  The doors swooshed open and Nege stepped in.
============================================================
Commander Ian MacLeod
USS Fearless
Stardate 0004.26

   MacLeod was drinking his morning coffee, walking around his office, reading a report when the door chime sounded.
   “Come,” he said, looking up from the padd. Ensign Lemone Nege stepped through the door and stood at attention. The scot set down the coffee and sat on the corner of his desk.
   “Sit down, ensign,” MacLeod said. The Trill took a seat and maintain his gaze on the commander. MacLeod stared back at him a moment, then smirked. “I could turn this into one big, long lecture, ensign...but I’ll save us both the trouble.
   “The bottom line is you may have had an excellent idea down on Corinthas which allowed us to get the upper hand on the Jem’Hadar, but the way you handled it was, well, to put it simply...it was bloody stupid.
   “You acted without first telling me and Commander Brynaziir what you had in mind,” MacLeod said. “You just shot T’alok and started holographic imaging on his face. What if I wouldn’t have agreed with your plan? You never took that into consideration?”
   “Sir, I...” Nege started.
   MacLeod held up a finger to his lips, “I don’t want an explanation, ensign, I want you to follow the chain of command. What you did was take matters into your own hands because you were clearly impatient. If it happens again, we’ll see how you like life as a chief petty officer. I won’t tolerate such behavior again...do I make myself understood, boy?”
   “Yes, sir,” Nege said. 
   “Now, if you want to say something, you may,” MacLeod said. “But be advised, I am prepared to let this matter drop without further action...so I’d phrase whatever you have to say very carefully.”

END TRANSMISSION

Ensign Lumone Nege
USS Fearless - XO's office
Stardate 0004.27

  Nege was dumbfounded.  He had NOT expected MacLeod to be so lenient.
  There was no way that he was going to let this opportunity pass up.
  He just sat there with his mouth open, though.  MacLeod stood there for a second, musing.  He knew he caught Nege off-guard.  "Son, you keep it up, you're going to catch some flies like that."  
   "Excuse me, sir." Nege wasn't familiar with the earth saying.  
   "Never mind."  
   Nege thought for a second and finally figured out what the Commander meant by the remark.  He broke a smile.  
   "No sir, I think I think I will quit while I am ahead." 
   "Good idea.  Dismissed."
   Nege got up and headed out the door.  Right before he left, he turned around to say the those two words.  Before he could utter them, though,   MacLeod raised his hand up gently and slightly nodded, all the while with a soft smile.  They looked at each other.  For those few seconds, more was said between them in silence then the whole time they have known each other.  Nege walked out headed back to his duty station at OPS.
  Nege felt a sense of deja'vu.  The last time he felt that feeling was with Nagel, (his mentor).  MacLeod was a lot like him.  He always had that ability to surprise him.  That's not easy for someone with 12 lifetimes' worth of experiences.  But the great thing is that it still happens.
=============================================================
USS Fearless
Starbase 299
Stardate 0004.30

   Fearless was docked with Starbase 299, the same station she had departed on the Corinthas mission from. Shortly after the ship docked, Lt. Commander Brynaziir oversaw the transfer of General T’alok to a Starfleet security team, accompanied by two Romulan Tal Shiar agents.
   T’alok glared at Thoraz as he was taken into custody and escorted to the station’s brig. That matter over, Commander MacLeod and Lt. Veruna then met with station personnel who were to help reaclimate the Majestic survivors.
   The survivors were allowed to leave the ship after about one hour of meeting with counselors and administrative staff from Starbase 299. They were thn escorted from Fearless and were taken to special quarters arranged for them all to spend some time adjusting to life back among their people.
   That task out of the way, Veruna and MacLeod returned to the ship to await the captain’s orders regarding shore leave. 
   Meanwhile, Lt. T'Reija learned that Fearless had docked and she headed to the ship to report for duty.
=============================================================
Ensign Chas'naH
USS Fearless
Stardate 0004.30

     Chas'naH sat on the couch in her and Thoraz's quarters, holding the datapadd tightly in her hand. She hadn't been able to bring herself to look at it yet. She had picked up her DNA results from Veruna as soon as the  Fearless had docked at the starbase. The doctor had seemed guarded in his attitude..as if he was afraid of her possible reaction to his findings. She had decided not to look at the results in front of him. She wanted to do it privately.
   She had been sitting here for almost an hour now, suddenly feeling very nervous about what was on the padd. Why had she wanted to find out? Did she really need to know? She had hardly thought of the man who had fathered her most of her life, and suddenly she had felt this intense need to know. What was she getting ehrself into?
   "Stop it, you coward," she muttered to herself. She activated the padd.
   She took a look at the results..and her heart stopped for a moment.
   "No..it can't be." she said to herself. But it was true. She read it over half a dozen times. The results were conclusive. There was no doubt.
  Chas'naH suddenly felt overwhelmed. She had been staring at her father just about every day, and hadn't even known it. How could she have known? 
   The sheer odds of him being on the same ship as her...
   She hadn't heard the door open, or her husband walk in. "Chas, you ok?"
   She jumped a little and looked up at him. "Yes.." she quickly turned off the padd and slipped it into her pocket. "I have some business to take care of, I'll be back in a little while."
   Thoraz looked concerned. "What's wrong?"
   "Nothing." She knew it was stupid to try to lie to a telepath, but she was just so damned used to doing it.  "We'll go to the station when I get  back." She then rushed out the door.
   She stood in front of her father's door for a few minutes, unable to
 bring  herself to ring the chime. What exactly was she going to say to him? How would he react? So many questions went through her mind. She knew odds may be he wouldn't be very happy about this. But she had to know what had happened between him and her mother.
   She rang the chime and she heard a familiar voice say, 'enter'.
   Chas'naH stepped in, holding the padd in her hand. He looked a bit surprised to see her, but smiled.
   "Ensign, nice to see you," he said. "What can I do for you?"
   Chas'naH was frozen for a moment. She still wasn't completely sure what she was going to say. Finally she decided that she'd never been good at subtlety, why start now.
     "I came to ask you why you impregnated my mother and abandoned her," she said sternly. The look on his face was of pure shock. "Was she simply a one night stand, or did you pretend to care about her until you found out you were going to be a father?"
     "I..I'm not sure what you're talking about.."
     "My mother's name was KheSa. In the year 2350, you laid with my mother and she conceived a child. Me." She tossed the padd on the table in front of him. "See for yourself if you do not believe me. Do you even remember her, or was she just another conquest?" Her voice was angry. In a way she hated him. Her mother had suffered humiliation because of him.
   Still looking in shock, he picked up the padd and looked at it. "Oh my God," he said softly.
   "So?" Chas'naH barked. "What do you have to say for yourself?"
=============================================================
Commander Ian MacLeod
USS Fearless
Stardate 0004.30

  MacLeod stood silent for a moment, his mind reeling back to the past.
  Twenty-five years was a long time ago...but there had only been one Klingon woman in his past he could remember.
  Bloody hell, he thought to himself. How could this be?
  “Well!” Chas’naH snapped. “What do you have to say?”
  “I guess that pass I made at you the first day we met was really out of  line, considering this development, wasn’t it?” MacLeod smiled nervously.
   Chas’naH growled.
   MacLeod let out a deep breath and ran his hand back through his white, spiked hair, “I’m your father....well...that is a development. To be honest with you, Chas’naH, I had no idea your mother was even pregnant. In fact, I never even knew her full name.”
   “You mean you slept with her and then walked away?” Chas’naH growled.
   “Not exactly,” MacLeod said, walking over to his replicator. He opened a panel under the replicator panel and revealed several bottles of alcohol and glasses.
   He took out a bottle of brown liquid and poured some in a glass. “Would you like some Scotch?”
  “I’m still waiting for an explanation,” Chas said.
  MacLeod finished pouring his glass then stepped back and drank almost all of its contents before turning back to face the half-Klingon.
  “Twenty-six years ago I was working with a Ghost unit behind the Cardassian lines. We received some R&R and we stopped off at a border outpost called Oberia,” MacLeod began. “We were there a few days when a Klingon ship arrived and allowed its crew shoreleave. This was before we had begun to work closely with the Klingons, so there was some uncertainty on both sides.
   “My team and I had been frequenting a bar that was a little on the rough side. We went there because it wasn’t the typical Starfleet bar. We were special forces operatives. We lived our lives a little more on the edge than the average Fleeter,” MacLeod continued. “On the particular night, we walked into ‘our’ bar to find it overrun with Klingons. We decided to stay and got ourselves a table. nWe carried on like nothing was different than any other night, except for the fact we were the only non-Klingons there. As the night 
went on, we got a little boisterous and started to draw the attention of some of the Klingon warriors.
    “At one point I went to get up to go to the bar for a drink and I was pushed back in my chair by a particularly big Klingon fellow. He said I was too loud and needed to shut my mouth before he closed it for me. My response was to punch him in the mouth. We fought, but it was brief. I dropped him with a strong right hook.
 “After the brief fight I expected all hell to break loose, but the Klingons suddenly endeared us,” MacLeod said with a fond smile. “We drank Bloodwine and I introduced them to Scotch. By the end of the night I had met a beautiful Klingon woman and before I knew it we were discussing everything from combat techniques to Alpha Quadrant politics.
   “She told me to call her Kay, but we never got beyond that. I didn’t know if that was a nickname or just something she wanted me to call her,” MacLeod said. “She was fascinating. Beautiful, strong, intelligent. I was strongly attracted to her. She was the first woman I’d even looked at after the death of my fiance -- the mother of my son Steven -- a year and a half earlier.
  “Before I knew it we were back at her bungalow at the outpost,” MacLeod said, memories racing back to him as he now stared out the porthole in his room at the stars outside the ship. “In the morning I woke up and Kay was gone. I found out the Klingon ship had been called back to the Empire and had left earlier that morning. All your mother had left behind was a note saying ‘thank you for a wonderful night and for your insights on Federation/Klingon relations’.
  “I tried everything Chas’naH, everything I could to find her, to tell her I wanted to get to know her better,” MacLeod explained. “I even hailed her ship and tried to describe her to an amused Klingon first officer. He laughed at me when I told him the story and advised me to leave this mysterious Kay alone.  ‘If she wanted anything more to do with you, human, she would have told you so.’ It would be better to leave her alone, he told me.
   “I continued to check for Klingon ships on every port of call after that,  but I never saw her again,” MacLeod said. “I guess it was a taste of my own medicine from when I was younger, but it was difficult medicine to swallow. I was very interested in your mother. She apparently did not want to pursue a relationship with me. It took a long time, but I came to grips with that.”
   MacLeod walked toward Chas’naH, “If I would have known about you, I would have tried to have been part of your life. I wish she would have told me. I hope you will forgive me. And although this is a surprise, I am ready to be a part of your life...or not..it’s up to you.
=============================================================
Ensign Chas'naH
MacLeod's quarters
Stardate 0005.01

   Chas'naH sighed. "I would like that drink now."
   MacLeod poured her a glass and handed it to her. She downed it all in one gulp. MacLeod looked as if he wanted to caution her, but Chas'naH was an accomplished drinker. Apparently she could handle it.
   She paced a little as she spoke. "My mother..did not tell me that I was part human. She raised me on Qo'noS as a full Klingon. I never knew the difference until I was injured during a KDF training session. The physician saw my vital signs were atypical for a Klingon and ran a DNA scan. That is when i found out." 
   She sat down on the couch and held out the empty glass for him to refill. "I was furious with my mother. She had lied to me my entire life. I demanded to know who my father was...but she would not tell me, only that he was in Starfleet." 
   Chas took the new drink offered and downed it. "I have not spoken to her since then."
   "So..you don't even know if she's still alive?" MacLeod's tone seemed  remorseful.
   Chas'naH looked up at him. "You still wish to see her, after all this time?"
   "Yes," he said. "I'd like to..tell her some things I didn't get to back then."
   Chas'naH sighed. "She is probably still on Qo'noS. It would not be that difficult to locate her, if she is still alive. I have been considering contacting her for some time. Since I have been with Thoraz, I..have felt  the need to have a sense of family. Someday I hope to bear his children..but it is just not the same."
  MacLeod nodded. Chas'naH wondered how overwhelming this was for him..finding a daughter, and a new son in law.
  "I can guess why my mother behaved the way she did," she continued. "I do not know how much you know about Klingon society, but back then a  relationship between her and yourself would have been made difficult. It is not much better now. Klingon society as a whole frowns upon interbreeding. 
  “You can lay with a non Klingon, for satisfaction purposes..the male  warriors did it all the time, it was expected of them. But you do not marry them. And you certainly do not reproduce with them."
  "Do you think your mother..saw me as just a pleasure outlet?"
  She shook her head. "No. But i think perhaps she felt she had made a  mistake. Perhaps she was as fond of you as you were of her. But there was nothing that could be done. Her family would never have accepted you..and let’s be honest, relations between the Federation and the Klingon Empire have always been tenuous. What would have happened if you had gone to war?"
   "It must have been extremely difficult for her to leave you like that. And when she found out you had given her a child..I cannot imagine what must have gone through her head." Chas'naH sighed. "Halfbreed children were not welcomed with open arms..and although times have gotten better somewhat,  some children of such unions are still killed when discovered. Because they taint the Klingon bloodline. I suppose I can not blame my mother for lying to me. She did it to save my life."
   She looked up at MacLeod. "I have never had a father. I am not sure how to act with one. And now I find that I have a half brother as well? This is..no easier for me than it is for you." She looked down. "I..have not  done many things in my life to make you proud. I am ashamed of the life of promiscuity and lawlessness I led before I became involved with Thoraz. 
   “After I lost my first mate years ago, I stopped caring about  anyone..including myself. When I think now of how I carelessly let myself be used for other men's pleasure.." she shook her head. "I do not know if I am worthy to have you as a father.. But if it is what you wish..i will give  it a try. I want to meet my brother..and I want to find my mother again."
=============================================================
Commander Ian MacLeod
USS Fearless
Stardate 0005.01

It was a lot for MacLeod to fathom. He was still trying to figure out how all of this happened. As he watched her speaking he suddenly saw a little bit of himself in her 
face, her mannerisms. He also saw a little of KheSa...as much of her as he could remember..in his daughter.
Daughter. 
This morning he’d woke up with just a son and now he had a 25-year old half-Klingon daughter, who happened to be one of his subordinates on the Fearless. What were the odds of them being posted to the same ship? The odds of this happening boggled the mind. The ironic part was that if MacLeod had remained retired, Chas wouldn’t have found him because his DNA, along with his medical records, would have been left in the top secret database all former Ghosts were filed away in.
Finally, Chas said, “I do not know if I am worthy to have you as a father.. But if it is what you wish..I will give it a try. I want to meet my brother..and I want to find my mother again."
   MacLeod smiled, “I’ve never been much of a father, at least if you ask Steven that’s what he’d tell you. Always away on missions while he was growing up. I never spent enough time with the boy. He’s all grown up now. He and I get along fine, but not as well as I’d like.”
   “How will he react to the news?” Chas’naH asked.
   “He can be a pompous ass,” Ian told Chas. “But he’ll come to accept it even if he doesn’t at first.  Steven is a scientist. He’s never understood war and fighting. He’s thinks I’m an old warmonger.”
   MacLeod looked at Chas and smiled, “Wait till he meets you.”
   Chas smiled a little. 
   “As for not feeling worthy to have me as a father, that’s rubbish,” MacLeod said. “If you ask me, I think you’ve turned out just fine. I’m the one who doesn’t feel worthy. But as for your desire to meet Steven and find your mother, I want you to know I will endeavour to make those things happen for you, Chas’naH. I promise.”
    She smiled a little more and looked at him with a mix of continuing disbelief and some happiness beginning to show through.
    “Thank you,” she said.
    “Now...the hard part,” MacLeod said letting out a deep breath.
    “What?” Chas asked.
    “We have to tell the captain,” MacLeod said. “I don’t know how he is going to feel about his XO and the tactical officer being father and daughter.”
    Chas’naH looked at MacLeod, “I hadn’t thought of that.”
    “In fact, how do you want to approach all of this?” MacLeod asked. “I could care less what the rest of the crew thinks, but we have to tell Sortha...and you have to tell Thoraz.”
   MacLeod turned to his daugter to await her reply as the captain announced shoreleave for the crew on Starbase 299...

 END TRANSMISSION

<html><DIV>Ensign&nbsp;Chas'naH</DIV>
<DIV>MacLeod's Quarters</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.02</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I think we should just come out and tell Sortha," 
Chas'naH said. "There is really no other way."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod nodded. "How do you think he'll react?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "I am not sure. But I believe he trusts me to continue to be 
unbiased in my actions with this unit..even if you or Thoraz are in danger. That 
would be his main concern. I think."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And Thoraz?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chas'naH smiled slightly. "He will be happy for me. I do 
not think I have anything to fear from him." She stood up slowly. "I think I 
should tell him before Sortha, however. Perhaps he can give us an idea on how to 
break it to the Captain." She looked at MacLeod. "Perhaps you could spend some 
time with Thoraz and I on the station? Unless..there is something else you had 
planned?"</DIV>
<DIV>================================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Commander Ian MacLeod</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.02</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod shook his head and smiled, "I was just going to spend 
shoreleave walking my dog and tracking down a young attendant I met on a 
transport to Starbase 299 just before I came aboard Fearless the first 
time...but that can wait."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Chas laughed and shook her head. "Are you always like 
this?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Better get used to it lass," MacLeod smirked. "I don't think 
I'll ever change." He smiled again, this time a little sadly, and extended a 
hand to Chas'naH. "I don't know what else to say or do, Chas'naH....but welcome 
to Clan MacLeod. I guess we'll make things up as we go."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; He then hugged her, trying not to let himself become 
emotional. Klingons hated that.</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Ensign Chas'naH</DIV>
<DIV>MacLeod's quarters</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.03</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp; Chas'naH was surprised by the embrace, but did not draw away from 
it. She felt awkward..Klingons did not hug really, and Thoraz himself only 
embraced her like this normally when they were in the mating process. She 
thought with some amusement, that before MacLeod had known who she really was, 
her being this close to him would have been his middle aged dirty old man's 
dream come true.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That idea struck her as funny, and that made her laugh. 
MacLeod drew back and raised a brow, smiling slightly. "Did I miss 
something?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chas'naH shook her head, trying to compose herself, 
still smirking a bit. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "No, I just had an odd thought..it doesn't matter."&nbsp; She 
stepped back from him. "I should go speak to Thoraz..perhaps he has an idea on 
how to break this..news..to the Captain. And perhaps you can think of a way to 
tell Steven he has a half-sister who he's going to think is even more of a brute 
savage than you are."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod grinned. "Good idea. I'll see you soon."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She then left his quarters and headed home..</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Lieutenant Thoraz Brynaziir</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless - Quarters</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.02</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp; Thoraz was reading&nbsp; over some reports when Chas returned 
home.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; "Hi Chas.&nbsp; Ready to talk now?"&nbsp; Thoraz asked even though 
he could sense that she had something to say.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; "Yes", she almost whispered.&nbsp; Thoraz waited patiently for he to 
gather her thoughts.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "I received my DNA results today," Chas'naH said. "My father 
was onboard this ship. It was..Commander MacLeod."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; Thoraz was amazed by the news.&nbsp; Finally he said, "Small world, 
isn't it? How do you feel?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Thoraz listened as Chas told of her meeting with 
MacLeod.&nbsp; "Hmm, I know Sortha.&nbsp; I have an idea of how to approach him 
about this.&nbsp; I used to be his Ship's Counsellor; and though I was never 
comfortable with that role, I know how to deal with this.&nbsp; I'll go speak to 
the Captain right now.&nbsp; You go get MacLeod and come to the Ready 
Room."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; "Thoraz to the Captain."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; "Go ahead Commander."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; "Captain, I have a matter of crew relations to discuss with 
you.&nbsp; May I come to your Ready Room?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; Sortha's voice did not give any indication of amazement as he said, 
"Of courssse."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Thoraz headed for the Bridge and Chas went to Commander 
MacLeod's quarters.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; Thoraz prepared his 'speech' in the turbolift.&nbsp; When he reached 
the Bridge he headed straight for the Captain's Ready Room.&nbsp; The third 
watch briefly looked at him as went by.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; The captain was waiting for him as he entered.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; "Commander?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; "Sir.&nbsp; Since I used to occupy the role of Ship's Counsellor for 
you, I thought it best that I bring this matter up with you."&nbsp; Thoraz 
waited at attention.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; "At eassse Thorazzz.&nbsp; Sit down.&nbsp; Thisss sssoundsss 
ssseriousss.&nbsp; Iss there a problem?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; "It's not so much a problem as an unexpected occurence; one that 
should not pose any problem to the normal functioning of the ship, but you need 
to be aware of, sir."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; "Proceed."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; "Well, it seems that a member of the crew has been searching for her 
unknown father.&nbsp; Recently she had a DNA scan performed.&nbsp; To her 
surprise and due to his recent re-enlistment she discovered that her father 
is..."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; "Commander MacLeod?" Sortha finished, half standing.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; "Yes sir.&nbsp; But it is slightly more complicated than that, 
Sir.&nbsp; They should be outside the door right now.&nbsp; She is Shadow Ops 
also.&nbsp; It's Chas; sir."</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Captain Sortha</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.02</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; Sortha finished standing up. It was hard to surprise a Gorn, but 
Thoraz had done it.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Chassss?" Sortha asked again unbelievingly.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes sir" Thoraz replied.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!" 
Sortha exclaimed muttering several other uncomprehensible Gorn words as he sat 
down.&nbsp;&nbsp; Waving a clawed hand distractedly he ordered, "sssend them 
in."&nbsp; Thoraz went to the door and knocked softly giving the signal for 
MacLeod and Chas to come in.&nbsp;&nbsp; They entered, Chas looking somewhat 
nervous and MacLeod with a sheepish grin on his weathered face."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Ssssso Commander" Sortha began, "are there any of 
my other officers you are related to?"&nbsp; Sortha inquired.&nbsp;&nbsp; "It 
seems that your daughter is a security officer and your son-in-law is my 
security chief.&nbsp; If I was a Romulan I might expect an assassination attempt 
ssoon." Sortha stated.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod looked at Thoraz realizing that he was indeed 
his son-in-law.&nbsp; That thought hadn't fully registered on him yet.&nbsp; 
"Bloody hell" he muttered under his breath. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Sortha continued, "No doubt your dog is in on thiss plot too" 
Sortha stated as the trio looked at each other.&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod swore under 
his breath, the captain was having fun at his expense.&nbsp; MacLeod was used to 
intimidating most humans with his age and experience, but the Gorn was about the 
same age as MacLeod, although Sortha was young by Gorn standards. Sortha was 
about the only one in Starfleet that could get away with rattling his 
cage.&nbsp; Somehow he liked</DIV>
<DIV>that.&nbsp;&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Sortha continued chuckled in Gorn fashion,&nbsp; 
"Ssss-sssss-ssss-ssss-sssss.&nbsp; I am so glad that your earlier attempt to 
ssseduce your daughter was not ssuccesssful."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod's jaw dropped as did Thoraz's.&nbsp; "Word travelss 
quickly on a sstarship commander,” Sortha finished, "Just because I'm the 
captain doesssn't mean I don't hear thingsss."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thoraz looked at MacLeod, "You made a pass at 
her?" he asked incredulously.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well I, er,...look here boy..I had just came on 
the ship and ...wellllll...."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I can't believe it!" Thoraz said rolling his eyes 
and looking at Chas who took the opportunity to study a point on Sortha's 
ceiling. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "See here, I didn't know she was my 
daughter.....look, I enjoy a good looking woman as well as the next man" MacLeod 
said with a mortified expression on his face."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I am the next man!" Thoraz replied.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well, it was just a casual standard operating 
procedure boy,” MacLeod replied.&nbsp; "No offense."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thoraz smiled realizing the absurdity of the 
situation.&nbsp; "Okay,...... Dad." </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod cringed, rubbing a hand through his white 
close cropped hair hair.&nbsp; This would definitely take some getting used 
to.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finally Sortha broke in.&nbsp; "Look I'm happy for 
the both...three of you.&nbsp; Family iss important on my homeworld, very 
important.&nbsp; You all obviousssly have a lot to disscussss.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Think about if you can sserve together on the ssame 
ship without problem and let me know.&nbsp; If I detect a problem, I'll have to 
look into reassignment, understood?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sortha was greeted with a chorus of "yes 
sirs."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Good, dissmisssed.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The three turned to leave, "Commander MacLeod, can 
you please sstay."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thoraz and Chas left leaving the captain and his 
first officer alone.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Isss the situation acceptable?" Sortha asked, 
giving MacLeod a way out if he was uncomfortable with the situation.&nbsp; 
</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well it comes as a bit of a shock sir, but I'll 
manage."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Very well" Sortha replied.&nbsp;&nbsp; "Let me 
know if you feel otherwise.&nbsp; Dismissed."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Thank you sir, MacLeod responded, and turned to 
leave.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And Commander... congratulations on finding 
family" Sortha added as&nbsp; MacLeod left.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Thank you sir" MacLeod replied much on his 
mind.</DIV>
<DIV>============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Commander Ian MacLeod</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.04</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod left Sortha’s ready room in a haze. The events 
of the past hour had left him a bit ruffled and confused. This was indeed going 
to take some getting used to.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He returned to his quarters and sat in front of his 
terminal. MacLeod had called up an outgoing channel to send a transmission, but 
he took his time thinking about what he would say.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finally, he decided to just do it and get it over with. 
</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod sent a transmission to Earth and within a few 
minutes he had his son, Steven, on the monitor in front of him. Steven was at 
work in his lab at the Daystrom Institute.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Dad, I didn’t expect to hear from you again so soon,” 
the younger MacLeod said. “What’s up?”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod shifted a little uncomfortably in his chair, 
“Hello son. I hope you’re not too busy right now?”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “No. I’m in the lab alone,” he replied.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Good. I have something to tell you,” MacLeod said. 
“This isn’t going to be easy for you, but it is important that we discuss 
it.”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Steven looked a little uncomfortable, “What is it, 
dad?”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Son, I’ve just learned that I have a daughter. She 
found me actually,” MacLeod said. “She’s an officer here on the USS Fearless 
with me.”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Steven looked at him for a long time, then laughed, 
“Dad, you are hilarious. Stop folling around.”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “I’m sorry son, but this is no fooling,” MacLeod said. 
“Her name is Chas’naH, she’s an ensign. A member of the ship’s security 
force.”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “What...you’re serious?” Steven asked, rolling his eyes. 
“Christ dad, how old is she?”&nbsp;&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Twenty five, son,” MacLeod said. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “One of your infamous flings no doubt?” the younger 
MacLeod asked with sarcasm in his voice. “Chas’naH? That’s not a human name is 
it?”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; “She’s part Klingon,” Ian replied.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; “Klingon! Oh that’s just perfect,” Steven muttered. “She’s 
probably the son you always wanted, right?”&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod flinched a 
little and gritted his teeth. He could see where the boy was headed, “Look, 
Steven, I just found out and I thought you should know.”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Thanks for pissing me off really good, dad,” Steven 
muttered. “You just couldn’t wait to get back into skirt chasing after mom died, 
could you? And with Klingons? For crying out loud, what the hell was wrong with 
you?”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Steven, it was almost two years after your mother 
died,” MacLeod said.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; “Oh, so that makes it better? I was being taken care of by my 
aunt and uncle -- mom’s sister -- and you were off fooling around with some 
Klingon woman?” Steven said, hatred welling up in his voice. “This beats all. 
You are such a good example for Kyle. Can’t wait to explain where his 
half-Klingon aunt came from.”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod was getting angry now, “Look boy. Since when were you 
raised to be a bigot?”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; “How do you know anything about the way I was raised? You 
weren’t the one who raised me,” Steven barked. “I don’t care if she’s Klingon, 
Andorian or Vulcan...you were nothing more than a womanizing bastard back then, 
and you’re a pathetic loser of an old man today.”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; “Steven,” MacLeod rumbled.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; “Don’t call again old man,” Steven finally barked. “Have a 
great life with your new daughter.” He then ended the transmission.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod slumped back in his chair and grumbled under his 
breath. He’d expected a problem with Steven, but nothing like this. The boy had 
always harbored deep resentment toward Ian, most of it surrounding the death of 
his mother and MacLeod’s long absences when he was growing up.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; “Sorry son,” MacLeod whispered as he deactivated the 
comm-terminal. The Scot then got up and walked over to the sofa where he dropped 
before calling for the computer to begin playing some Beethoven to help ease his 
nerves.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; It had been a bloody long and eventful day...one he would 
certainly not forgot.</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Ensign M'orTah</DIV>
<DIV>Starbase 299</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.04</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp; Ensign M'orTa stepped into the hall of the starbase and walked at a 
slow pace towards the lounge. He wallked towards the bar and scanned the room 
and ordered a Synthahol. He took a sip off the drink and found himself a 
seat.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; He walked to the gym. He wasnt feeling like himself lately and 
thought a brisk workout would help him. After changing into his training clothes 
he stepped into the room. He was used to the strange look the humans would give 
him. Even those few Klingons he had met had offered sly comments and insults 
about his mixed Klingon heritage. He stepped towards one of the machine and set 
the controls to maximum settings and began and strenous workout.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; He stepped off of the machine and entered the locker room and 
stripped off and headed towards the sonic shower. He could hear two of his 
fellow crewman discussing him using harsh descriptions. A normal person wouldn’t 
have heard them. His implants allowed him to pick up sounds that normal people 
could not.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; He stepped from the shower and walked towards the two crewman and 
stopped. "I assure you gentleman. That part of my body has never now or ever 
held implants. That is all me. Is that understood gentleman", he said as he 
lifted his uniform up and placed in on. The two spotted his rank and froze. "Yes 
sir. We are sorry sir." the two said in tandum.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; "Perhaps some KP Duty will teach you manners.Dismissed Gentlemen." 
M'orTah said harshly as he reached the doors.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; He has a slight smile on his face.</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>Captain's Ready Room</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.04</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Captain Sortha had returned to his work when he was 
interrupted again. This time it was the bridge signalling that he had an 
incoming transmission from Admiral Erik Jaegar.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; The captain had the message routed to him and a moment later 
he was looking at Jaegar.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Good to ssssee you admiral," Sortha said.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Likewise, Sortha," Jaegar smiled. "Nice work on 
retrieveing the wayward Romulan general."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Thank you," Sortha said. "What can I do for you today, 
sssir?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sortha, the ship carrying your new science officer, 
Ensign Xavier Desalin, was caught in an unexpected Breen raid two days ago and 
it was destroyed," Jaegar said. "Desalin was lost."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That isss unfortunate," Sortha said.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Indeed," Jaegar agreed. "There is another new officer 
I'm sending your way, however. Her name is Bo Lesia, she's a Bajoran. In fact 
she is an officer in the Bajoran military. She is being assigned to Shadow Ops 
as an exchange officer. Bajor is working to establish it's own special 
operations force, and First Lieutenant Bo is to become part of your team to 
learn about special ops and to bring back her knowledge to Bajor in the 
future."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sortha nodded, "I sssee. Sshe is combat trained?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes," Jaegar said. "And she has been through Shadow Ops 
basic training, so she's not coming to you cold. I should also mention that she 
was recommended to us, and specifically to USS Fearless, by Colonel Kalhna 
Jarnell."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sortha smiled, "My favorite former crew member. 
Sssoundss like Jarnell is doing well for herself with the Bajoran military. 
Colonel."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "She is," Jaegar confirmed. "Lt. Bo will arrive in a 
couple of days. She is en route to Starbase 299 as we speak."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "We will await her arrival," Sortha said.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Good. Take care, Sortha," Jaegar said. "Get some rest. 
I'll be in contact in a few days with your next assignment. Jaegar out."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The transmission then ended....</DIV><BR>
<DIV>END TRANSMISSION</DIV><BR></html>
Captain Sortha
USS Fearless
Stardate 0005.05

  Sortha keyed the comm switch off and Jaeger's face faded from view.  He settled more comfortably into his oversized office chair within the sanctuary of his ready room.  
   Colonel Kalahna Jarnell he thought to himself.   She's come a long way since they had served together on the old USS Stealth.   He smiled again, barring rows of razor sharp incisors.   He'd been particularly fond of Kalahna, she'd had lots of spirit, and plenty of guts.  She would have made a fine Gorn Sortha thought to himself, and that was indeed a compliment.  Diminuative at about 165cm, she'd captured her captain's respect.  Sortha realized it had been more than that, the two had developed a special bond, one that only physiological differences had kept from blossoming into something more.   He'd connected with her both mentally and spiritually, but the physical differences had been too much. 
   Sortha realized that in some respects he was lonely.  Not only the natural loneliness all Captains faced, but also lonely from isolation from his own kind.   He made a mental note to take a long shoreleave back to the Gorn homeworlds after the war was over.   Reaching down he pulled out a holocube and activated it.  It was a parting message from his father who had been poisoned with a fatal debilitative disease to remove him from the Gorn council so that the council could be swayed to stay out of the war against 
the Dominion.   His father had been staunchly pro-Federation and had led the Council's faction that supported assisting the Federation in the war against the Dominion.  
  Sortha had discovered that the opposition leader was actually two changelings jointly impersonating the Gorn opposition leader.   Despite his illness, Sortha's father had managed to destroy both changelings, but only at the cost of his own life.    It had been a much better way to go, as opposed to slowly dying from the degenerative disease inflicted upon him.
  Sortha looked at the holo for a time, finally putting it gently away.  He turned his attention to his latest project, a feasibility study to determine if a Sovereign class vessel could be retrofitted with Gorn plasma torpedo launchers.   Sortha appreciated the graceful design and firepower of the Fearless, but he missed the bulky twin hulled Gorn battlecruisers bristling with menacing weaponry he'd been weaned on as a young officer.
=============================================================
First Lieutenant Bo Lesia
Approaching Starbase 299
Stardate 0005.05

   Bo sat in the pilots seat of the small bajoran shuttle, glad to be on the move again.  For some reason, she could never get settled socially.  Chalk it up to a screwed up childhood.  She was still reeling from the orders of Colonel Kalahna Jarnell.  
  She just showed up one day and started explaining things.  Bajor was going covert, and the military didn't know how to do it right.  Bo had orders to go to the Federation and learn.
  Lesia shrugged, “I guess that wouldn't be hard.  I never could get along with other Bajorans.  I didn't really share their hatred of the Cardassians.  Sure,I felt kinship with them and pity for them, but I never experienced the Occupation and the rape of my homeworld.”
   It caused many an aarguement with her peers.  They couldn't understand why Bo didn't feel like they did.  She always felt like an outcast anyway.  But this, this starfleet posting, this intrigued Bo.  The Federation was a grouping of many planets, among them Earth.  That little planet had been her home for her teenage years, and she had probably developed emotionally as a human.  No wonder, Bo thought to herself, the 'true' Bajorans couldn't relate to me and me them. 
 Still, Bo felt apprehension.  Now she was going from one extreme to the other.  From a society of one race to a ship manned by many.  And some were so exotic,I didn't know what to expect.  Gorn, Klingons, Cardassians....  I felt a little awed by it all.  That all these different races could work together without any hatred or prejudice sprouting up.  It was something I wanted to be part of.
   Starbase 299 loomed in the window as I piloted the shuttle into the great hanger doors.  Now all there was to do was wait.

FROM THE GM: Lt. Bo’s shuttle will be added to the Fearless’ complement of shuttlecraft. The Bajoran government loaned it to her for the duration of her stay with Shadow Ops -- in case she is ever recalled to duty on Bajor on the spur of the moment and has to leave to go back.
=============================================================
Ensign Chas'naH
USS Fearless
Stardate 0005.06

  Chas'naH had finally managed to stop laughing when they reached their quarters. She had started when they'd stepped out of Sortha's office.  Thoraz looked at her as if she was a little nuts and asked her what was so funny.
  "Just watching you two squirm," she grinned. "It's not every day you get to watch two of your superiors get it like that."
   Thoraz smirked. "Sortha enjoyed that WAY too much."
   They sat down on the sofa and he put his arm around her. "Why were you so surprised he made a pass at me?" She asked. "I told you about it the night it happened."
     "You did? Hmm, I didn't recall." He ordered drinks from the replicator and handed her one before sitting back down.
     "I told you when we went to bed that night..a couple days after we got married."
     Thoraz smiled mischeviously. "That's why i don't remember. I was too engrossed in our honeymoon."
     Chas'naH laughed. "I guess it doesn't matter. Even if i had been available, he wouldn't have had a chance with me. Besides, a man his age..I would probably give him a heart attack."
     "What a way to go," Thoraz smiled.
     She laughed and kissed him. "Why don't we get into some more comfortable clothes and see if my father wants to join us on the station?"
=============================================================
Lt. Commander Thoraz Brynaziir
USS Fearless
Stardate 0005.06

  "Sounds like a plan.  Wait till I can tell my parents,” Thoraz went and changed into acomfortable Betazoid style outfit.
   Chas looked at him.  She couldn't remember ever seeing him wearing anything of Betazoid design before.  
 "Getting dressed up?"
 "Hmm?  Oh, no.  Just thinking of home; and besides, it might make 'Dad' feel more at ease."  With that they both began to laugh again.
=============================================================
Commander Ian MacLeod
USS Fearless
Stardate 0005.07

   MacLeod finished his morning walk with Monty on the holodeck, then dropped the dog off at his quarters and went back to run some laps around a holographic track.
   After working up a good sweat Ian finished with a few rounds of boxing, battling a holographic sparring partner who gave him a good run for his money...but he finally KOed the opponent in the sixth round.
   Ian was pulling off his gloves and head protection gear when he heard someone behind him clapping. He turned to see someone entering and the holodeck door closing behind him. It was an old friend he hadn’t seen in years.
   “I see the Mighty Mac is still at it!” the older man laughed.
   “Tom Kozak,” MacLeod smiled as he wiped the sweat from his face with a towel and climbed down out of the boxing ring. “Long time no see, old friend.”
   “When I heard you were back in Starfleet, in Shadow Ops no less, I nearly spilled my coffee on me,” Kozak said. “And now I find you still fighting it out in the ring.... pretty damn good for an old man.”
   MacLeod approached and shook Tom’s hand, “I was a three time Starfleet Academy boxing champion. I still like to get back in the ring once in awhile. And before you go calling me old, take a look in the mirror, Tom. You’re only six months my junior.”
   “Captain’s preogative, I can call you old any time I want,” Kozak laughed. “So you’re back, you’re a commander and you’re still in special operations. I thought you were finished with Starfleet.”
   “I was...but I thought I’d come back and win this bloody war for the rest of you sissies,” MacLeod retorted with a grin. 
   “This is the war you always wanted, wasn’t it?” Kozak asked. “You always were a fighter, Ian.”
   “To be honest, Tom, yes it is the war I always wanted to fight...but I never knew it would have been such a deadly war,” MacLeod admitted. “Too many good men and women have died.”
   “I hear that,” Kozak said, somberly.
   MacLeod gathered enough cheer to smile again, and looked at his friend. Tom was almost bald on top and his once handsome face was now wrinkled...though the boyish gleem in his eyes were still present.
   “So what are you doing here?” MacLeod asked. “Last I heard you were commanding a bloody Galaxy-class ship.”
   “The USS Pompei,” Kozak smiled. “I still am. Though our science and exploration missions have been reduced to Dominion skirmishes and transporting Marines to the front lines. We were on our way to Rylok V to pick up a couple of Marine units and were ahead of schedule, and  I heard you were back in Fleet and that you were on the Fearless, so I had the ship detour here and came looking for you. I can’t stay long but thought I’d at 
least say hi to my old Academy roommate.”
   “They let you on the ship? I didn’t think they gave Starfleet regulars like you access to special ops ships,” MacLeod said with a grin.  
   “I spoke with your captain and he cleared me to come aboard and surprise you,” Kozak said. “Though he did have a security escort for me at the airlock. The fellow is still waiting outside the door.”
   “Captain Sortha. He’s a fine captain,” Ian said. “You could learn a lot from him.”
   “A real fighter, right?” Kozak asked. “You know how I feel about Starfleet. I got into the business because I’m an explorer. I don’t get into all this fighting the way you do, Mac.”
   Ian laughed, “I know, old friend. I’m just giving you a hard time...like I did back in the academy. Our paths were pretty clear cut back then. I always knew you’d end up exploring the cosmos....”
   “And I knew you’d be a warrior...though I figured you’d have been dead by now,” Kozak chuckled. 
   “Kozak...you always were such a pessimist,” MacLeod laughed. “So you’re telling me you took your ship eight hours off course to come talk to me about old times?”
   “Got a problem with that?” Tom asked. His face then grew a little more serious. “Actually, you are right, I have a little bit of a different agenda, Mac. I’d like you to come over to Pompei and have a look at something. Something we encountered on our last mission. I think it might be up your alley.”
   MacLeod raised an eyebrow, “After all this time, Tom, I can still read you like a book.”
   “I’ve wanted to see you for a long time Mac. It’s been what? Ten years?” Kozak asked. “But yes...I have other motives.”
   “I have to be over on Starbase 299 shortly to spend some time with my daughter and son-in-law, then I’ll make a stop by your ship and see what it is you’re keeping such a secret.”
   Kozak scowled, “Talk about secrets...since when did you have a daughter?”  
 MacLeod laughed, “Since yesterday. I just found out one of my shipmates is my daughter. It is a long story, Tom.”
   “You and that libido of yours,” Kozak rolled his eyes. “You have a daughter, huh? That’s great, Mac.”
   “If you’d like, you can have dinner with us?” Ian asked his old friend.
   “I wish I could, but I’ve got reports to deal with and some personnel issues,” Kozak said. “What time do you think you can come by the ship?”
   MacLeod gauged his plans for the day, then replied, “Say 2100 hours...is that too late?”
   “That will be fine. I’ll notify my security officers to see you to my ready room as soon as you arrive,” Kozak said. 
   “This matter must be pretty important...you’re being rather clandestine about the whole thing,” MacLeod asked. “What’s going on Tom?”
   Kozak pondered for a moment, then looked at his friend, “Something unusual. I’d like you’re input before I do anything, Mac.”
   “Alright. I’ll be there tonight,” MacLeod said. “Good seeing you again, old buddy.”
   “Likewise,” Kozak said. They shook hands and Captain Kozak left the holodeck for his ship. MacLeod dwelled on what could possibly be so important, then headed back to his quarters to shower and dress. He then left to meet Chas and Thoraz on Starbase 299.

END TRANSMISSION

Lt. Commander Sholek
USS Fearless
Stardate 0005.08

    Sholek to a look at the report he had just been handed. This shore leave was going to give him time to finish repairs and, hopefully, increase the efficiency of some of the ships systems.
    He was low on staff because of leave. Most of the crew wanted to get some time off. But that didn't bother Sholek. Back during the Romulan/Gorn war he had fewer able bodied engineers, so he was used to the low numbers. Also, the fewer Engineers around to work, the more he can do himself.
    The Romulan had never much trusted on others to do the tough work. He always preferred that hands on touch, getting to the real soul of the ship.
    Sortha was looking into retrofitting the Fearless with Gorn plasma torpedo launchers. Sholek would never understand that Gorn. While it would be logical to retrofit the ship for use in battle with the Dominion, Sholek new that there was more sentimentality involved in the decision. Also, there was more effective weapons that could more easily be integrated. Like Romulan torpedo launchers.
=============================================================
First Lieutenant Bo Lesia
Starbase 299
Stardate 0005.09

   Lesia walked along a corridor on the station, heading for the airlock where the Fearless was berthed.  She had a bag slung over her shoulder containing all the possessions that she felt she would ever need.  She had docked the shuttle inside the great bays of the starbase and intended to pick it up later.  
   Like the Provisional Government would be thrill with her misplacing a shuttle.  She could end up as a liason to Kreel for that!
   Instead, she meandered along the halls on a leisurely route to the docking area where the Fearless was listed, scowling sternly at anyone who passed. 
    One of her perverse pleasures was to make her face into a silent snarl that stretched the scar on her face and made her truly hideous.  Then she inwardly giggled at the looks of shock of those around her.  Perhaps not a very pleasant personality trait, but it brought her a tiny bit of solace.  Not many people would want to approach someone with half their face melted off.
  And like she cared what they thought of her!  She was proud of herself and who she was, and that was good enough for her.  Lesia couldn't understand some peoples obsession with what others' perceptions of them might be.  'What would the neighbors think?' indeed.
  She found the proper access hall and diverted herself from the main flow of traffic.  The people here, in this new area, were mostly starfleet officers, techies and engineers mostly; and a few off duty personnel who still stood with that Starfleet stance that gave them away, even without the uniform.
   As she passed several more people, Lesia read the plates beside each docking tube.  The tubes ran out to the different ships from this arm and the names were listed on the screens.
  Here it was, USS Fearless.  Lesia turned down this corridor and walked through the tube.  She passed an older human on his way to the station as she proceeded, and aside from a slight look of curiousity, he ignored her. She came to the airlock and stepped through to be greeted by a security officer on the other side.  He stepped forward in such away as to make it known that she could not pass without actually blocking her path.
  "Can I help you?" he asked.
  "Yes." Lesia replied.  "I'm Lieutenant Bo, Bajoran Militia.  I need to see your admittance officer."  The man looked at her with a slightly puzzled expression.  Lesia guessed at his meaning.  "You don't have admittance officers?"
  "What are they?" he asked.
   "The people who take care of new crew, get then settled, that kind of thing."
  Recognition dawned on him.  "Oh.  Well, the closest thing we have to that would Commander MacLeod, out first officer."
  She shrugged.  "All right, let me see him."
  The security officer shook his head.  "Can't, he's on the starbase.  In fact, you just missed him."
  "Well, who should I see then?"
  "I'll just contact the bridge, and see where they want to send you."
  "Alright."
  The man contacted the bridge and spoke for a few seconds and then smiled. 
  "They'll send someone right down."  He said.
  Lesia nodded.  She could wait a while, not a problem at all.
=============================================================
USS Fearless
Bridge 
Stardate 0005.10

   Most of the crew was over on Starbase 299 enjoying some down time, but there was still a skeleton crew staffing Fearless as it sat in dock. With MacLeod and Brynaziir over on the station, Sortha in his quarters and Sholek in engineering, Ensign Lemone Nege was in charge of the bridge.
   Nege sat in MacLeod’s chair reading over some reports, not willing to use the huge, oversized captain’s chair Sortha required for his massive Gorn body.
   As he toiled over the typical bridge officer work, one of the ship’s Starfleet regulars, manning tactical, looked up from his console. “Ensign Nege. Security reports a Bajoran officer named Bo Lesia is at the airlock. She wishes to come aboard.”
   Nege looked up and frowned, then checked over the padd he held and found the note MacLeod had left for him. 
   “Oh. I’ll go down and receive her,” the Trill said. He got up and started to leave when the doors slid open and a Vulcan officer stepped off the turbolift and came face to face with Nege.
   “Who is in command?” the Vulcan asked, looking around.
   “I am,” Nege said. “I am Ensign Lemone Nege.”
   “I see,” the Vulcan replied. “I am Lt. T’Reija. We have not met. I am returning to Fearless following personal leave. I was looking for Captain Sortha or the current first officer.”
   Nege nodded, “Everyone is either on shore leave or indisposed. I’m the ranking Shadow Ops officer.”
   “Not any more,” T’Reija replied with typical Vulcan stoicism. “I believe I would be in charge, as lieutenant.”
   She had a point. 
   Nege checked with the computer and it confirmed T’Reija’s identity, so he turned over the bridge to her.
   “I was just going down to welcome a new crew member,” Nege said. “Shall I proceed?”
   T’Reija nodded, “You may.”
   The Trill left and T’Reija settled back into the bridge of Fearless. Moments later, Nege arrived at the airlock and greeted Lt. Bo. He then escorted her on to her quarters...
=============================================================
Commander Ian MacLeod
Starbase 299
Stardate 0005.10

  MacLeod arrived at a restaurant on the station’s concourse area called Lontro’s. It was reputed to prepare the best Betazed cuisine in the sector and so it was a natural place to have dinner with Chas’naH and Thoraz, who was a Betazoid.  Ian had always been rather fond of Betazed food, so he had no objections to dining there. Though he admitted he was a little nervous about sitting down socially for the first time with his new-found daughter and her husband.  MacLeod entered the restaurant and walked over to a table where Chas and Thoraz were waiting. Both looked up, smiling as MacLeod approached.
  “You made it,” Chas said with a smile.
  “Wouldn’t have missed it,” he replied as he took his seat. He looked across the table as Chas and Thoraz and saw they were both looking at him with grins. “What’s the matter? Never seen an old man sit down for dinner?”
   Chas chuckled and Thoraz looked down, an amused expression on his face. 
   “Sorry sir,” Brynaziir replied. “This is just going to be difficult to get used to.”
   MacLeod picked up a menu and began to look it over, “You’re telling me,” he muttered. “My daughter is a security officer and my son-in-law the security chief. We’re all just one big happy family.”
   “I’ll admit, it is odd,” Chas said.
   “Well...I’m certain we’ll all get used to it,” MacLeod said with a smile. “So, what would you recommend, Thoraz?”
   Brynaziir turned his attention to the menu and studied it a moment, then looked up, “Afragassi steak in Lendaw sauce is very good.”
   “That is what I will have then,” MacLeod announced, putting down his menu. 
   Thoraz nodded, “So will I.”
   Chas’naH continued to peruse the menu. She continued to frown after reading descriptions of the meals. Finally she settled on a steak as well...though she asked for it to be done rare.
   After the waiter took their orders, they looked at each other again and all broke into smiles.
   “So,” MacLeod finally said. “Where exactly do we start?”

END TRANSMISSION

First Lieutenant Bo Lesia
USS Fearless
Stardate 0005.11

  Bo had a very short while to wait, for not a minute later did the airlock cycle open to present a Trill officer.  "I am Ensign Lemone Nege." he said.
  "Lt. Bo." Lesia replied, giving a brief nod.
  "I’ll be taking you to show you your quarters." he said, turning around to lead her into the ship.

   It was large, larger than most ships she had been on.  An the predominant colour was light gray or silver.  She was used to bulkheads coloured red or rusty brown.  And the lights were higher than she was used to as well.  Of course, most Bajoran ships were red and dark.
  "Most of the crew is on shore leave right now." Nege said, making conversation.  "That's why I’m here.  Got left behind."  he smiled.  They came to a door with 23-5A BO LESIA written on it.  Lesia looked at the Trill.  "Expecting me?"
  He nodded.  "Probably when the Commander learned you were joining us, he set up quarters for you."
  "How thoughtful." she said.  There was no sarcasm in her voice, merely satisfaction.  "Do I get to meet your Captain soon?" she asked.
  Nege shrugged.  "I don’t know.  Probably when he has time."
  "Ok," she replied.  "I’ll just go get settled then."  She opened the door and stepped inside, tossing her bag on the floor.  The door hissed shut behind her.  The suite was spacious, with separate rooms for the bed, the bath, and a walking closet.  Too bad she didn’t have a wardrobe to go in it.  Shaking her head in awe, Lesia got to unpacking.
=============================================================
Ensign Chas'naH
On the Starbase
Stardate 0005.11

    Chas'naH and Thoraz exchanged glances.
    "Well, I am still processing all this myself, "Chas'naH said. "Finding my father..and having a brother I have never met.."
    MacLeod's expression changed only slightly, but Thoraz felt the change in his mood. He gave Chas'naH a subtle telepathic nudge to let her know that she’d hit a tender spot.
    She jumped a little, still not totally at ease with her husband being able to touch her mind like that. Of course her father had no idea what had happened so he gave her a bit of a funny look. "Everything ok?"
   "Hmm? Yes." She shot her husband a look, and Thoraz grinned slightly.
    MacLeod eyed Thoraz for a moment, then down at her husband's hands, which were both above the table. Chas'naH almost laughed. Her father thought perhaps Thoraz had been doing something to her under the table. He didn’t know Thoraz well enough yet to know that he didn’t do things like that in public.
    Chas'naH wondered what was on her father's mind. She left her mind open as Thoraz taught her so he could read her thoughts. Thoraz rose from the table and excused himself for a few minutes so she could talk to her father alone.
    After Thoraz had left, Chas'naH said, "Did I say something wrong?"
    MacLeod raised a brow. "Hmm?"
    "You got a bit upset when I mentioned Steven," Chas'naH said bluntly. "I take it he did not take the news well?"
=============================================================
Commander Ian MacLeod
Starbase 299
Stardate 0005.13

  "You got a bit upset when I mentioned Steven," Chas'naH said bluntly. "I take it he did not take the news well?"

   MacLeod conjured up a smile from somewhere as he painfully remembered his conversation with Steven. "Well...you could say that."
   "What. Does he have a problem with having a half-sister who happens to be part Klingon?" Chas'naH grumbled.
   "I think it has more to do with the half-sister part, rather than the half-Klingon part," MacLeod corrected. "And really, Chas'naH, this is just typical Steven. It really has nothing to do with you. It’s about him and me. He and I have never gotten along well. 
   "You see, his mother died on her first mission back in our team after she gave birth to him. In fact, half way through that mission she informed me she was retiring when it was over. She wanted to be home with the baby, who was staying with her sister and her husband," Ian recalled, sadly. "Then, she was captured by the Cardassians and was tortured to death. I had to inform her  family via subspace when we finished the mission, because I couldn’t get back home. Another damned war like this one. And so he spent almost his first year with them.
   "For years I would leave him with his aunt and uncle for long periods of time," MacLeod said. "On top of the fact the boy already resented me for leaving him every time I had a mission to run off to, his aunt hated my guts and often shared her feelings around the boy. So in time he too came to blame me for the death of his mother.
   "By the time he was older I got a training job and settled down at New Berlin on the Moon," MacLeod continued. "But by then it was too late. He hated me with a passion for years. We fought constantly. It wasn’t until he was older that we semi-reconciled. But he still harbors a lot of resentment.    “This was another opportunity for him to make me out to be the bastard he thinks I am."
   Chas looked a little unsettled, "I see."
   "So it really isn’t about you, or the fact you’re half-Klingon," MacLeod said. "I came to the conclusion long ago that nothing I do will ever make the boy happy. So there’s no sense losing sleep over the things he says and does. I just live with it."
   "I had hoped to meet him," Chas said, then she scowled a little. "But now might not be a good time...for either us."
   "Probably not," MacLeod said. "But I want you to know that his reaction doesn’t change anything. I’m still happy about this Chas...I really am."
   He looked across the table to see her reactions....
=============================================================
Ensign Chas'naH
At the Restaurant
Stardate 0005.14

    She nodded slowly. "I believe you, but in a way I still feel I have done you a disservice.  I would not wish to enter your life only to destroy the life you already have."
    "It really doesn't change much, Chas'naH. Not with Steven, anyway. And as for the rest of my life..you're a grown woman. I missed your childhood, and I can't change that. But I'm here now. I want to be."
    Chas'naH looked down at the table. "Perhaps if you had been around when I was a child, i would have resented you as much as Steven did." she said softly. "I may have taken your infrequent presence personally..but then again, perhaps having you around even a little would have saved me from the life I led before i came to the Fearless." She shrugged and took a deep breath. "I try not to think about those things, however. And I do not blame you for my life. I chose my own path. I could have done much better things with my life."
    "And now you are." MacLeod smiled. "You have a position of respect and you are married to a good man."
    She glanced over towards Thoraz, who was picking up their drinks at the bar. "Yes. I am fortunate he does not judge me on my past, or see me as..used goods. I would not blame him." She suddenly felt a bit down, and she knew Thoraz could feel it. Her husband made his way back over to them, a look of concern on his face.
    "Everything all right?" He asked as he set the glasses down.
    "Yes, its all right," Chas'naH replied as she picked up her glass. "I was thinking of trying to contact my mother tonight..what do you think?"
=============================================================
Lt. Commander Thoraz Brynaziir
Starbase 299
Stardate 0005.14

  "I think that’s great,"  Thoraz just looked at her.  He could sense that something was wrong, but he knew Chas.  She would tell him when she felt ready to do so.  She always tried to hide her feelings from him, so he just played along and let her have the time she needed.  
  "So, what should we do after dinnner?"  Thoraz asked, changing the subject and the mood, hopefully.
=============================================================
Commander Ian MacLeod
Starbase 299
Stardate 0005.14
   
  “Do you have any idea how to reach her?” Ian asked as they were served dinner.   
   “I think so,” Chas said, prodding her food with a fork. “I know a few places I can start looking.”
   MacLeod nodded. “Whatever you decide, I’ll support you.”
   Chas’naH smiled.
   Ian then looked to Thoraz, “As for after dinner, I leave that up to you. There’s plenty to do on this station, so I’m fair game for just about anything.”

   They decided on finishing dinner before taking a stroll around the station. MacLeod suggested maybe stopping off at one of the more respectable bars or nightclubs and getting some drinks, taking some time to talk and get to know each other.
   With a lack of knowledge about what they each enjoyed doing, the bar suggestion became the best they had and after dinner they left to go check out one of the more upscale nightclubs on the Concourse.
   As they left the bar, MacLeod saw Ensign Nege seated at a table enjoying a glass of Betazed wine. Lemone was watching the three of them, a look of amusement on his face.
   <Bloody Trill,> MacLeod thought. <Mental note: Next time Nege is in trouble, remember not to cut him any slack.>
   Nege stood and made it obvious he wasn’t going to let them leave without first being nosy about why the three of them were here, together, having dinner.
=============================================================
Ensign Lumone Nege
USS Fearless
Stardate 0005.14

Nege was back in his quarters debating what to do.  He had only been here a few weeks before.  He wasn't impressed with the station then, and he wasn't impressed with it now.  
  Although, he had to go on the station to contact his financial advisors and check on his finances.  He hadn't heard anything from them, (he has several), since he boarded Fearless.
   He had investments he wanted to check on.  Nege had several accounts on several different worlds.  He had several investments involving his accounts on Ferengenar.  He had to call his agent on Ferengenar.  His agent was passing him off as another Ferengi.  Ferengi deal with their own differently than they do to other-worlders.  Nege was walking around the station where he made his way to the station's communication suites.
  He arranged for a private suite where he could make his communications in private.  He secured the line and made his call.  He was happy to learn that his investment came through.  He made an 18-percent profit.  He made about 10 to 15 other calls to about 4 different systems.  All of his other accounts were in order.  That brought his total earnings at about 27 million credits.  Most of which he made as a thief.  (A lot of which he made off the phased cloaking suit-that is the "other" one that he stole, and sold).  
  He walked around the station, now, bored.  He went to a clothing shop and bought several new suits, (all black).  It was a near perfect fit.  He had put it on and had the rest of them delivered to Fearless.  It was late.  He was hungry.  He went to the only restaurant he liked on the station and ordered dinner.  He did know people on the station.  He was just in the mood to be alone.  He was sipping on some Betazoid wine, which he had a particular taste for.  As he looked up, he saw Ensign Chas'naH in a stunning (as well as revealing dress), flanked by Lt. Cmdr Brynaziir AND Commander Ian MacLeod.  
   HMMMMM....went off in Nege's mind.  I wonder what this is all about.  They hadn't seen him yet, so Nege took the opportunity to take a long look at Chas'naH.  Nege never noticed it before, but Chas' body was incredible.  Almost forgetting about Thoraz, Nege started reciting a Vulcan mind mantra.  It allowed him to focus his thoughts, and cloud his mind from Thoraz' abilities.
   He did not want Thoraz to be able to sense Nege's admiration for his wife's physical appearance.  He did not want to disrespect him that way.
   They were walking towards his table now.  
   The Scot noticed him first, Nege noted, as well as the MOST uncomfortable look on his face.  They all looked uncomfortable now, but they all put on their best faces as they approached him.  Nege stood up, almost at attention. 
 
  MacLeod, very discreetly, motioned for Nege to relax.  Nege smiled.  He was loving this.  He extended his arm out toward Chas'naH.  She hesitated a second and then extended her hand out.  Nege took it and brought it up to his forehead.  She smiled warmly.  No matter what race you are, Nege thought to himself, a woman LOVES attention.  
  "Ensign, with all due respect to your husband, you look beautiful this evening."  Nege eyes never went lower than Chas' nose.  "As long as it pleases your husband."
   "That's quite all right, Ensign." Thoraz, in a very nice Betazoid suit, responded.   
   "Thank you, Ensign."  Chas chimed in.  
   MacLeod looked the most noticeably uncomfortable.  He smiled at Nege.  Nege asked the three of them, "So, how are you all this evening...
=============================================================
Commander Ian MacLeod
Starbase 299
Stardate 0005.14
  
   “We’re doing fine,” MacLeod said. “Just out having dinner.”
   “I see,” Nege said. “Where are you off to?”
   MacLeod began to grind his teeth. 
   “Just going to have a drink,” Thoraz replied.
   “Oh,” Nege said. “Mind if I join you?”
   Ian was becoming rather annoyed. Nege was becoming something of a nusiance. 
   Chas and Thoraz paused, not sure how to reply, but it was MacLeod who decided for them.
   “Normally I would welcome you ensign,” MacLeod said. “But we’re going to be discussing ship’s security issues. Maybe next time.”
   Nege knew he was getting the blow off, but it didn’t faze him, “I see. Well, I guess I’ll see you back on the ship. Have a nice evening.”
   The three nodded and smiled, then continued on their way out of the restaurant. Once on the Concourse, Chas’naH turned and looked at MacLeod.
   “He suspects something,” Chas muttered.
   “Indeed. He’s a bright chap. Almost a little too bright,” Ian said. “Of course, we can’t keep this sort of thing a secret for too long.”
   Both Thoraz and Chas’naH nodded, understanding what MacLeod said was the truth.
   They went on to spend the evening talking and getting to know each other better before returning to Fearless to get some sleep.
=============================================================
 Ensign Jenna Jacques
USS Fearless
Stardate 0005.14

  Jenna sat quietly in the officers' mess late at night, sipping on some bad synthehol. She was exhausted after the past week of analyzing the data from the fallen ship they'd scanned. 
  There was some fascinating technology there, the Federation could learn a lot, if they had time to study it. But with the Breen striking right at the heart, back at old Earth, there might not be time for study, she mused. 
   But then, there was this new Station Umbra, there was a message out asking for volunteers for the engineering section, perhaps she should talk to MacLeod. After all, Jenna thought, she wasn't exactly hero material for Shadow Ops, just did her job quietly, did what she was told, probably she wouldn't be missed.
  M'OrTa strode into the mess, "Why Jenna, it's been a long time...
============================================================
Commander Ian MacLeod
Stabase 299
Stardate 0005.14

   As they headed back to Fearless, MacLeod stopped Chas and Thoraz. 
   “You two go on back to the ship, I have some unfinished business to attend to,” MacLeod said.
   Chas nodded, “Everything OK?”
   “I forgot I promised a friend I’d pay him a visit before the night was over,” MacLeod said. “I’ll see you both tomorrow.”
   They nodded and continued on. MacLeod headed off to find the USS Pompei. After a few minutes he arrive at the docking port and was greeted by two Pompei security officers.
   MacLeod identified himself and the security officers immediately allowed him aboard. Captain Kozak had left word that he would be arriving.
   A security officer escorted him through the winding corridors of the Galaxy-class ship until they arrived at sick bay. MacLeod frowned and looked at the security officer.
   “Ensign,” MacLeod said. “Why are we at sick bay?”
   “This is where the captain told us to bring you,” the young officer stated.
   “Very well,” MacLeod said. They entered sickbay and found Tom Kozak waiting for them. He was accompanied by a woman, attractive, looked as if she were in her mid-thirties, a Vulcan male wearing a medical lab coat and a Bolian male in security gold.
   “Commander MacLeod, glad you could make it,” Kozak said. “Allow me to introduce my first officer, Commander Veronica Lassiter. My Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shuvak and my security chief, Lt. Commander Durg.”
   MacLeod shook hand with all three officers before Kozak motioned them all toward the back of sickbay. “I know we’ve got you in suspense, Ian, so why don’t you come along and we’ll show you why you’re here.”
   Ian noticed Kozak nod to the ensign who escorted him to sickbay. The security officer closed the door behind him and stood guard just inside sickbay, his hands folded behind his back. The whole thing was becoming odd, MacLeod thought as he followed the group of officers back to what Ian realized was the ship’s morgue.
   They walked along past the rows of containers built into the walls of the chamber where bodies were put in cold storage. MacLeod had been in many a morgue, but this was the first time he ever felt this uncomfortable.
   “Tom, I never knew you had such a flair for the dramatic,” MacLeod finally said as they stopped at the end of the row of morgue slabs. “Mind telling me what’s going on?”
   Kozak smiled thinly, “As I told you, the Pompei has spent much of the war ferrying troops to and from battle. On our last mission we evacuated hundreds of Starfleet personnel and Marines from a planet called Sympek III, located in the area of space around Chin’taka.
   “We were literally beaming people off the planet as Dominion and Breen forces overran their positions. One of our jobs there was to evac a medical facility on the planet which had been hit by orbital bombardment. We managed to beam out three survivors...all patients...everyone else died.
    “This is one of the survivors we beamed out. As you can see, he didn’t make it,” Kozak said, tapping a button underneath one of the wall cubicles.
   A door slid open and a slab rolled out, bearing the body of a human male.  The man was covered from the waist down with a sheet. Two disruptor wounds were visible in his chest.
   “A dead soldier,” Ian said. “A shame. But what does this have to do with why you asked me here?”
   “When we beamed him out of the infirmary, he was a patient there. We only beamed him out because we detected an active comm-badge signal. Sensors didn’t show he was even there,” Durk, the Bolian security chief explained. “Sensors cannot read him as a life form. His body naturally blocks efforts to scan him.”
   MacLeod let out a deep sigh, “Sounds like an Angosian.”
   “That is what we thought,” Shuvak said. “The Angosians built an army of genetically enhanced soldiers many years ago. One of the characteristics of this race was the ability to block sensor scans. But he is human....a genetically altered human.”
   “There’s more,” Kozak said. “We ran his DNA to see who he was. But his DNA is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. We couldn’t identify him. All we could tell is he is, or was, human. His DNA was manipulated at some point until it was almost unreadable as belonging to a human.”
   “That level of genetic manipulation is illegal in the Federation,” MacLeod said.
   “Yes it is,” Commander Lassiter said. “Unfortunately he never gained consciousness and died about 16 hours after we left Sympek. The other two people we rescued survived, but they didn’t know anything about the mystery patient.”
   “I was finally able to decode some of what was done to his DNA, enough to find enough of the original pattern that we could track down who he was,” Shuvak said. 
   “This is him,” Kozak said, handing MacLeod a padd. 
   Ian looked at the padd and saw the image of man who matched the man laying on the slab. He read over the bio and saw that the man was a Lieutenant Robert Sadler who served previously on the USS Manticore.
   “Says here Manticore was destroyed at the Battle of Chintaka...the first battle of Chintaka nearly one year ago,” MacLeod said, his brow furroughed. “It says here he was listed among the dead.”
   “Yes. And his body was recovered at that time and was later buried in space at the request of his family,” Kozak said. “That was, as you said, a year ago.”
   “So what’s he bloody well doing here?” MacLeod asked, becoming ruffled. “And who did this to his DNA?”
   Shuvak nodded, “I determined during an intense autopsy that Lt. Sadler was somehow rejuvenated. He was literally brought back to life sometime after his original death. All of his organs were cloned from his own genetic code...but none of them are the original organs. Everything has been replaced with improved organs.”
   “Improved?” MacLeod asked.
   “His heart and lungs are stronger, his liver is designed to filter out almost any pathogen entering his blood stream. He had enhanced renegeration abilities. Improved sight, hearing, reflexes,” Shuvak explained. “He was originally hospitalized with what appear to be two Jem’Hadar disruptor wounds to the chest. One of those is enough to kill any one of us...he survived two before finally dying on my operating table.  His body did not want to give up.”
   “This is incredibly bizarre,” Ian said. “Have you contacted Starfleet Command?”
   Kozak shook his head, “Not yet. We were hoping you might have answers for us. This looks like...well...it looks like...” 
   “...a black ops job,” MacLeod muttered. “Someone has built some sort of a super soldier, someone possibly in Starfleet.”
   “More than likely in Starfleet Intelligence,” Durk pointed out. “Regular Starfleet doesn’t deal in this sort of thing.”
   MacLeod nodded, “Point taken. I can assure you, Tom, this is news to me. I have never seen anything like this.”
   “I was afraid you hadn’t,” Kozak said. “Ian, you and I both know Starfleet will cover this up. If I turn over this body, it is going to disappear.”
   At first Ian wanted to object, but he knew how the Intel people worked. He’d been one for years. A dead Starfleet officer, dead and buried, resurrected by some twisted scienctific procedure and given genetic enhancements, then sent back into the field to fight as some kind of super-soldier. It was not the sort of thing Starfleet would want the quadrant to know about.
   “So, what do you want me to do? Take him off your hands?” MacLeod said.
   Kozak grimaced a little, then looked at Lassiter before looking back at Ian.
   “Oh bloody hell,” MacLeod muttered. “Tom. What do you think we’re going to do with him on Fearless? Promote him to lieutenant commander and stick him at tactical?”
   “I thought you and your Shadow Ops people might want to look into where he came from,” Kozak said. “That’s why I brought my ship here when I heard you were back in special ops and working aboard the Fearless.”
   “Thank you for thinking about me, Tom,” MacLeod said. He sighed deeply and shook his head, “I’ll have to talk to Captain Sortha. You’ll have to give me some time.”
   “We leave early tomorrow, Ian,” Kozak said. 
   “I can’t have an answer for you until morning, Tom,” MacLeod shot back. “Find a way to stall.”
   “Fine,” Kozak conceded. “Let me know as soon as you have an answer.”   
   MacLeod grumbled under his breath, “Who all knows about this?”
   “Just the four of us. We’ve kept it under wraps as best we could,” Kozak said.
   “I’ll contact you in the morning,” MacLeod said. 
   Ian then left without saying much more to the Pompei officers. He was escorted back to the airlock and sent on his way.

   Arriving back at the ship, MacLeod made his way toward the officers’ quarters. 
   “Computer,” MacLeod said. “Where is Captain Sortha?”
   “Captain Sortha is in his quarters,” the female voice of the computer replied.
   “Status of lighting in his quarters?” MacLeod asked.
   “Active,” it replied.
   Well, at least he was awake, MacLeod thought. He went to Sortha’s door and sounded the chime. A second later the door slid open and the huge Gorn stood there, looking down at him.
   “What issss it, commander?” Sortha asked.
   “Sorry to disturb you, captain,” MacLeod said. “Can we talk?”
   “Certainly, come in,” Sortha said. Once inside the room, MacLeod told Sortha the entire story of his visit to the Pompei. He then awaited Sortha’s reply....

END TRANSMISSION

<html><DIV>From: Admiral Sorvek</DIV>
<DIV>To: Ensign Cavanaugh P. Harrison</DIV>
<DIV>Subject: Orders</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.15</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Ensign Harrison, you have been assigned to the USS Fearless as 
a combat </DIV>
<DIV>medic. You are to report to Fearless, currently docked at Starbase 299, as 
</DIV>
<DIV>soon as possible.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; You are to report to Lt. Blaine Veruna, chief medical officer 
of Fearless.</DIV><BR>
<DIV>Thank you,</DIV>
<DIV>Admiral Sorvek</DIV>
<DIV>Shadow Operations Command</DIV><BR>
<DIV>CC: Captain Sortha, USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lt. Blaine Veruna, CMO, USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Ensign M'orTah</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.16</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; M'orTah spotted Jenna and allowed himself a smile.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; "Good day Jenna", he said taking a seat from her. He was still 
trying to to </DIV>
<DIV>logically figure his feelings out for the woman. She had a powerful 
exterior </DIV>
<DIV>which pleased the warrior in him and she was a gifted mind which intrigued 
</DIV>
<DIV>his Vulcan thinking. The borg aspect of him was totally confused.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "I would like to ask you something. Would it be possible. 
Would.. I</DIV>
<DIV>will be dining between 1800 and 1930 hours this evening and if it 
does</DIV>
<DIV>not conflict with your duty schedule I would like it if you would 
join</DIV>
<DIV>me.", he said with a nervous look to his face. He then leaned over</DIV>
<DIV>"Also I have a nice bottle of Whiskey I smuggled aboard and wouldnt</DIV>
<DIV>mind the company."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; He could not take his eyes off of her. His father had told him 
of the</DIV>
<DIV>hypnotic effects of women. He would have to contact his father for 
some</DIV>
<DIV>advice. No perhaps he could trouble the one person whom he was told was 
</DIV>
<DIV>always there to help his crew. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; He stood up and excused himself and stepped into the hallway 
and into the </DIV>
<DIV>turbolift. "Bridge", he said. The doors opened onto the bridge and visually 
</DIV>
<DIV>scanned those present. He stepped onto the bridge and headed for the </DIV>
<DIV>captain’s office and rang the chime and waited.</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Captain Sortha</DIV>
<DIV>Captain's Ready Room</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.16</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As Bo was surveying her spacious cabin, her comm badge 
chirped.&nbsp;&nbsp; The </DIV>
<DIV>gravelly voice of the Gorn Captain addressed her "Lieutenant Bo Lesssia, 
</DIV>
<DIV>pleassse report to the Captain'sss ready room." </DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Ensign Cavanagh Harrison</DIV>
<DIV>Starbase 299</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.16</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Bright lights met Cavanagh as he stepped through one of the 
many Starbase </DIV>
<DIV>299 airlocks, bright lights and people. Early evening station side lent 
</DIV>
<DIV>itself to heavy traffic, people 'eating out', shops doubling their efforts 
to </DIV>
<DIV>pull in the credits, excited crew members getting ready for a taste of 
</DIV>
<DIV>station nightlife. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; For Cavanagh though, it meant trouble. He was supposed to find 
his new </DIV>
<DIV>ship, USS Fearless, but with all of it's crew more than likely out and 
about </DIV>
<DIV>he was unlikely to find anybody waiting to escort him. Not that it mattered 
</DIV>
<DIV>though, with the amount of people flowing past him he wasn't sure he'd be 
</DIV>
<DIV>able to keep track of himself.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; Finding a gap in the crowds the ensign slowly made his way to the 
nearest </DIV>
<DIV>terminal and looked up the location of the fearless. Thankfully he wasn't 
the </DIV>
<DIV>only one looking for the ship and the information quickly appeared on 
screen. </DIV>
<DIV>Putting it's whereabouts to memory he decided to grab a quick bite to eat 
</DIV>
<DIV>before getting down to work. Taking his time to find a place to eat he 
</DIV>
<DIV>finally settled for one of the more respectable looking restaurants and 
</DIV>
<DIV>sitting down he ordered something green. While he waited for the salad he 
</DIV>
<DIV>took the time to watch the masses, it was all fairly boring until he 
spotted </DIV>
<DIV>a small group of people walking away from his restaurant. The human, 
Betazoid </DIV>
<DIV>and what looked to be a half-breed didn't seem to happy to be amongst the 
</DIV>
<DIV>crowds. That was proved when some Trill tried to latch onto them, the look 
</DIV>
<DIV>the human gave made him laugh, &lt;no matter where you go, everybody always 
</DIV>
<DIV>pulls that face when they're annoyed&gt;. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Not waiting to see the outcome of the scene he changed seats 
so his back </DIV>
<DIV>faced the restaurant doors and started on his food, wondering as he ate 
what </DIV>
<DIV>his latest home would be like.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; On finishing and paying a ridiculous price for his meal, the ensign 
smartly </DIV>
<DIV>made his way to the Fearless docking station and after registering his 
</DIV>
<DIV>presence waited for the promised person to, 'pick him up'. In most other 
</DIV>
<DIV>cases Cavanagh wouldn't have minded the wait but this was his first day, 
his </DIV>
<DIV>new home, he was tense. Not wanting to just stand around the human dived 
into </DIV>
<DIV>his duffel bag and pulled out a pad of paper, a precious gift from his 
</DIV>
<DIV>mother. Sitting down he picked his subject and started to draw. It only 
took </DIV>
<DIV>10 minutes to finish and he was going to give it to the lone Bajoran when 
</DIV>
<DIV>suddenly the airlock in loan to the Fearless hissed open promoting the 
</DIV>
<DIV>arrival of his escort.&nbsp;&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; Sighing he put his pad away and made a half promise to track down 
his </DIV>
<DIV>subject and give her the picture, so on settling his nerves the ensign 
</DIV>
<DIV>straightened his uniform and turned around facing his escort, and his new 
</DIV>
<DIV>home.</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Ensign Lumone Nege</DIV>
<DIV>Starbase 299</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.15</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Have a nice evening, then."&nbsp; The three of them smiled, 
Macleod, winning </DIV>
<DIV>the fakest smile contest,&nbsp; turned and left.&nbsp; Nege quietly giggled 
to himself. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;He didn't know what was going to get him killed, his past or</DIV>
<DIV>his sick sense of humor that his sense of humor.&nbsp; He could feel the 
old</DIV>
<DIV>man's temper boil.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; As he finished laughing to himself, he was overcome with a sudden 
feeling.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>Nege couldn't explain it.&nbsp; He looked back at the three of them walking 
away </DIV>
<DIV>until they were out of his sight.&nbsp; Macleod's demeanor towards the 
others, his </DIV>
<DIV>walk, were all different.&nbsp; It wasn't familiar.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; Something was not right.&nbsp; He suddenly thought back to Tinar, 
Lisha, and </DIV>
<DIV>Sorrel.&nbsp; A sudden mixture of feelings came over him.&nbsp; He felt 
longing, pain, </DIV>
<DIV>and sadness came over him.&nbsp; Tinar, Lisha, and Sorrel were</DIV>
<DIV>his children from Panel Nege, (his fourth host).&nbsp; She had given up 
her</DIV>
<DIV>career as a dancer to have children.&nbsp; This was one rule he hated as 
a</DIV>
<DIV>Trill Host.&nbsp; He could not make any contacts with Panel's former 
family,</DIV>
<DIV>and that included her children, or great, great, great, </DIV>
<DIV>great.....grandchildren.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Nege lost count.&nbsp; Nege missed them soo much.&nbsp; He 
gently smiled, hoping his </DIV>
<DIV>descendants were doing well.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well, well, if it isn't good old Nege." a raspy 
voice said.&nbsp; By the </DIV>
<DIV>mere sound of his voice, Nege knew who it was.&nbsp; And he knew the 
Andorian</DIV>
<DIV>was here to kill him.&nbsp; In one of his pockets, his probe's indicator 
went</DIV>
<DIV>buzzed indicating that Nege's guest was armed.&nbsp; Without alerting 
his</DIV>
<DIV>"friend", Nege slipped his hand in his pocket and put the probe on 
"standby".</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; With the same hand, Nege picked up his wine and said, "Hello 
there,</DIV>
<DIV>Turax, how's business these days?"&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Things haven't been going well for Mr. Laanar since you stole 
his</DIV>
<DIV>most precious Bolian sapphire.&nbsp; But things look better now that I 
have</DIV>
<DIV>found you.&nbsp; Nege returned there with a smile.&nbsp; "I don't know what 
you</DIV>
<DIV>are talking, but I can imagine how that might have strained Laanar's</DIV>
<DIV>relationship with the Orion syndicate."&nbsp; Nege hated Turax.&nbsp; 
Mainly because he </DIV>
<DIV>was an idiot.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Enough talk, Trill.&nbsp; You know, I don't have 
to bring you back alive.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;I would much rather kill you myself.&nbsp; For the mean time though, 
you</DIV>
<DIV>are coming with me."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm afraid I can't do that."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Don't worry about that, Nege, your Starfleet 
freinds won't miss</DIV>
<DIV>you in time to do anything about it."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nege looked past Turax to see three rather large 
Nauscicans sitting for</DIV>
<DIV>dinner.&nbsp; The next thing Nege did took Turax by surprise.&nbsp; He 
laughed</DIV>
<DIV>out loud.&nbsp; So loud that half the restaurant heard him, including 
the</DIV>
<DIV>Nausicans.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Shut your mouth, Turax whispered."&nbsp; The 
entire restaurant now looking </DIV>
<DIV>at Nege who was bellowing now, forced Turax to put his phaser back in his 
</DIV>
<DIV>pocket.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "HAHAHAH&nbsp; HA HA...That was the FUNNIEST joke 
I have ever heard.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;It just goes to show ya', (heh heh), Never make a Nausican think 
too</DIV>
<DIV>long! hahaahahahaha!!!</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Shut up, you fool.&nbsp; I swear I will 
kill..."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; An enormous hand grabbed Turax' shoulder as he looked up to 
the same three </DIV>
<DIV>Nausicans who had heard Nege's comments.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "What did you say about my race..."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Nausican pulled Turax up.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I didn't say anything....</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Suddenly, Turax, panicking, drew his weapon.&nbsp; He never 
had a chance to </DIV>
<DIV>fire.&nbsp; The other two Nausicans descended upon him, ripping him 
apart.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Nege was halfway out of the restaurant as he heard Turax 
screaming.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; So long, Turax, Nege thought to himself.&nbsp; Within ten 
minutes, he was</DIV>
<DIV>back on Fearless, and in his quarters.&nbsp; Nege looked around, and 
sighed.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;"Another boring night", he mused to himself as he began to settle 
in.</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Ensign Chas'naH</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.15</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chas'naH sat in front of the teminal in her and Thoraz's 
quarters, and </DIV>
<DIV>after a few moments hesitation, established a channel to Qo'noS to check 
</DIV>
<DIV>for her mother's whereabouts. She got lucky on the second try.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; When her mother appeared on the screen, Chas'naH froze for an 
instant. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; She&nbsp; didn't know how her mother would receive her. She 
had not spoken to </DIV>
<DIV>her&nbsp; since she'd discovered the truth about her heritage. And Chas'naH 
had to </DIV>
<DIV>admit, she had not exactly been a model daughter or honorable Klingon in 
the </DIV>
<DIV>years following. She braced herself for the worst.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KheSa stared at her, her expression hard to read. 
Finally she said, "You </DIV>
<DIV>are alive." She sounded surprised.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chas'naH found her voice. "Yes, mother, i am alive. It 
is..good to speak </DIV>
<DIV>to you again."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KheSa scowled. "You were the one who chose to disown me, 
not the other </DIV>
<DIV>way around."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I was wrong, mother. I was young and i was foolish. I 
did not understand </DIV>
<DIV>your deceit. But.." she paused. "I have had time to think about it..and i 
</DIV>
<DIV>realize now that you did what you felt that you had to. I can not fault you 
</DIV>
<DIV>for that."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KheSa's expression softened. "I have missed you. I 
regretted that i was </DIV>
<DIV>dishonest with you. I feared you would be ashamed of who you were." she 
</DIV>
<DIV>looked down. "And i feared what would happen to you if the others knew your 
</DIV>
<DIV>true heritage. I wanted you to be able to live as you deserved, as a </DIV>
<DIV>Klingon." She looked up. "What happened was as much my fault as it was 
yours. </DIV>
<DIV>I discovered that too late. And by the time i wished to try to fix 
things..i </DIV>
<DIV>had heard you had been killed by the Federation."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I would not have listened to you," Chas'naH stated. "I 
was foolish and </DIV>
<DIV>thick headed. I was that way for a long time. Many things have happened 
since </DIV>
<DIV>then. I have not done a lot ot make you proud in our years apart, until 
</DIV>
<DIV>recently. I hope you will find some pride in the fact that i have changed 
my </DIV>
<DIV>life."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KheSa nodded. "What are you doing? Where have you been 
living?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chas'naH took a deep breath. "I'm serving on a 
Federation starship, </DIV>
<DIV>mother. In a special operations unit."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her mother looked shock. "You are..working for the 
Federation?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's a long story, mother. After i left you and 
Qo'noS.." she then </DIV>
<DIV>relayed to her mother the story of her activities, her raids with the 
</DIV>
<DIV>renegade Klingons, the death of her mate TolagH, her imprisonment by the 
</DIV>
<DIV>Federation, the events leading to her coming to serve on the Fearless, and 
</DIV>
<DIV>her freedom from Palanar's manipulation.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It seems you have learned a great deal, Chas'naH." 
KheSa said. "I am </DIV>
<DIV>proud of you. You have realized that you needed to learn to trust others, 
</DIV>
<DIV>and not be consumed by your hate."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chas'naH smiled a little. She could see why her father 
had been attracted </DIV>
<DIV>to her mother. KheSa was a very articulate person, intelligent and very 
even </DIV>
<DIV>tempered for a Klingon.&nbsp; "More has happened as well, mother. First of 
all, i </DIV>
<DIV>have taken another mate."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KheSa raised a brow. "I have a son in law? How pleasing. 
I assume he is </DIV>
<DIV>not Klingon?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No, he is Betazoid."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Betazoid," her mother repeated. "I would not have 
pictured you with a </DIV>
<DIV>Betazoid. They tend to be rather passive creatures."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chas'naH smiled again. "He has a great respect for 
Klingon culture. He is </DIV>
<DIV>skilled in our martial arts and he has proven to be a properly aggressive 
</DIV>
<DIV>mate. I would not have accepted him otherwise."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KheSa nodded in satisfaction. "So," she said with a 
grin, "When will you </DIV>
<DIV>make me a grandmother?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chas'naH froze for a moment. For a painful second she 
relived the child </DIV>
<DIV>she had lost when she had been injured by the Federation when she was 
</DIV>
<DIV>captured. She had told no one about the unborn son who had died as a result 
</DIV>
<DIV>of her injuries, not even Thoraz. She knew she was probably projecting her 
</DIV>
<DIV>thoughts wide open to her husband, who was sitting just across the room. 
</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; She didn't dare look at him to see if he had picked up her 
memory..or her </DIV>
<DIV>fear that she may not be able to give him children.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "We have talked about it," she finally said. "But we are 
not positive </DIV>
<DIV>that our current line of work is a safe environment for a child." Her and 
</DIV>
<DIV>Thoraz had never deeply discussed children, but she thought it was an issue 
</DIV>
<DIV>that may come up.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KheSa seemed satisfied enough. "You are still young, you 
have plenty of </DIV>
<DIV>years to have children yet. Tell me, what other news do you have?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chas'naH paused again, trying to figure out how to say 
what was coming </DIV>
<DIV>next. Finally, she blurted it out. "I have found my father."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KheSa's expression was one of total shock. "You..you 
found him?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes, mother. I had my DNA analyzed recently. It turned 
out that he is </DIV>
<DIV>the first officer on the vessel i currently serve on."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her mother was speechless for a moment. Then she said, 
"Have you told him </DIV>
<DIV>that you know about him?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes. I confronted him as soon as i found out, just the 
other day."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KheSa said cautiously, "And his reaction was..?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chas'naH smiled. "He was happy, mother. He wants to be 
my father. He said </DIV>
<DIV>he would have been there for me had he known you were carrying his child." 
</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; She continued, in case her mother might be thinking 
differently, "I </DIV>
<DIV>believe he was telling the truth."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KheSa sighed. "I believe he was as well." She looked 
directly at her </DIV>
<DIV>daughter. "I was ashamed when i found out i was pregnant. I was afraid that 
</DIV>
<DIV>both you and i would suffer dishonor if the truth was found out. And i was 
</DIV>
<DIV>ashamed of what i'd done. I slept with a man after knowing him only a few 
</DIV>
<DIV>hours. That is why i left before he awoke. I was very young and i felt as 
if </DIV>
<DIV>i'd made a terrible mistake. And when i realized later that i had conceived 
</DIV>
<DIV>from that encounter.." she paused. "I did not know what to do. I made a 
</DIV>
<DIV>mistake, going about it the way that i did. At the time i thought it was 
the </DIV>
<DIV>best thing to do."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chas'naH nodded. "I can see that now, mother..and i 
believe he </DIV>
<DIV>understands that as well." she wondered if her father had any idea how much 
</DIV>
<DIV>younger than him her mother was. KheSa had given birth to Chas'naH when she 
</DIV>
<DIV>was 19 standard Earth years. She doubted her mother had told him her real 
</DIV>
<DIV>age, and why would he have questioned it? Klingon women matured very early, 
</DIV>
<DIV>it was hard to tell how old they really were.&nbsp; "Mother..he would like 
to </DIV>
<DIV>speak to you himself..if you would allow it."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KheSa looked surprised. "After all these years, he 
wishes contact with </DIV>
<DIV>me?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes..you were more to him than a one night stand, 
mother, much more. He </DIV>
<DIV>cared for you. He looked for you for a long time after you left but could 
</DIV>
<DIV>never find you. You were the first woman he'd cared about since he'd lost 
his </DIV>
<DIV>mate. You were special to him."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KheSa looked at a loss for words. "If..he wishes to 
contact me, he may," </DIV>
<DIV>she finally said.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chas'naH nodded. "I will tell him. And mother..i would 
like to see you </DIV>
<DIV>when i am next given leave, if you would allow it?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KheSa regained some of her composure. "Of course. I must 
meet this son in </DIV>
<DIV>law of mine. Make sure he is good enough for you."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well," Chas'naH smiled, "He has long hair and a 
beard..its a start."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KheSa laughed briefly at that. "Indeed." she looked 
intently at her </DIV>
<DIV>daughter. "I am glad you have returned to me, Chas'naH. I have had many 
</DIV>
<DIV>regrets."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It no longer matters. It is all past." Chas'naH 
replied. "I will tell my </DIV>
<DIV>father he may contact you. Goodbye, mother."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KheSa nodded. "Qapla', Chas'naH."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She broke off the connection and sighed, running a hand 
over her forehead </DIV>
<DIV>ridges. She suddenly felt very tired. She sent a short message to MacLeod 
</DIV>
<DIV>telling him how to contact her mother if he wished and headed back into the 
</DIV>
<DIV>bedroom. Thoraz watched her from the doorway as she undressed.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You all right?" He asked.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes, i am fine." She still couldn't quite look at him. 
She'd been </DIV>
<DIV>keeping secrets from him, and now he knew what they were. She didn't know 
how </DIV>
<DIV>he felt about it.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You've had a rough couple days, a lot has happened." 
Thoraz said gently.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'll be fine." she forced herself to smile. "I am 
regaining my family. </DIV>
<DIV>It is much to process, but i am happy." She slid under the sheets and 
</DIV>
<DIV>stretched. "Coming to bed?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I have a few things to go over first..then i'll be 
along. You get some </DIV>
<DIV>rest." he leaned over her and kissed her. "I love you, be'nal." he said, 
</DIV>
<DIV>using the Klingon word for 'wife'.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She smiled. "And i you."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thoraz stepped out of the room and lowered the lights. 
She lay awake for </DIV>
<DIV>a long time, thinking about the events of the last couple days..</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Ensign Cavanagh Harrison</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.16</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp; ...so on settling his nerves the ensign straightened his uniform and 
turned </DIV>
<DIV>around facing his escort, and his new home.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; His escort turned out to be a young ensign like himself. He 
introduced </DIV>
<DIV>himself as "Ensign Courtly" and after Cavanagh returned the courtesy they 
</DIV>
<DIV>both headed through the airlock.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "You'll have to excuse the wait," Courtly said explaining his 
lateness, </DIV>
<DIV>"all the crew are pretty much on shoreleave at the moment, there's just a 
few </DIV>
<DIV>skeleton shifts running the place."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Not a problem," he replied, "I was supposed to be docked 
directly with </DIV>
<DIV>the ship but my pilot said she didn't have the authorization." </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; The conversation moved on as did their journey with Courtly 
explaining </DIV>
<DIV>points of interest and the different aspects of the ship. So by the time 
they </DIV>
<DIV>pulled up in front of the Sickbay doors Cavanagh had a good idea about 
where </DIV>
<DIV>everything was.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Let me warn you," the ensign said on parting, "the good 
doctor likes to </DIV>
<DIV>kid around, most times you have to take things with a grain of salt so 
don't </DIV>
<DIV>get to upset if he digs at you, especially since you're the new guy."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; "Right, thanks for the warning." Cavanagh watched the ensign turn 
the </DIV>
<DIV>corner before he entered the Sickbay, he wasn't quite sure how to take 
</DIV>
<DIV>Courtly's last words. Did he question everything the Doctor would tell him 
or </DIV>
<DIV>did he just roll with the punches; for now he decided, he'd roll.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; Making sure he was in 'first appearance' order the Combat Medic 
entered&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>sickbay, and after being told by a rather up-start nurse that Lt. 
Veruna&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>wouldn't be available for at least another 10 minutes, sat down on the only 
</DIV>
<DIV>non-active bio-bed and waited...</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Lt. Bo Lesia</DIV>
<DIV>Personal Quarters</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.16</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; As Bo was surveying her spacious cabin, her comm badge 
chirped.&nbsp;&nbsp; The </DIV>
<DIV>gravelly voice of the Gorn Captain addressed her "Lieutenant Bo Lesssia, 
</DIV>
<DIV>pleassse report to the Captain'sss ready room."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; Lesia reached tapped the badge on her right breast and 
replied:</DIV>
<DIV>"Acknowledged."&nbsp; Then the channel closed.&nbsp; Making sure that the 
rust-colored </DIV>
<DIV>Bajoran Milita uniform was straight, she exited her quarters and followed 
the </DIV>
<DIV>computers instructions to the bridge.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; It was quite the place, with consoles and flashing readouts on all 
the rear </DIV>
<DIV>walls.&nbsp; Dark carpet, and several handrails seperating the aft bridge 
from the </DIV>
<DIV>main bridge.&nbsp; To the rear and off to one side was a door labelled 
'READY </DIV>
<DIV>ROOM'.&nbsp; Lesia made her way there.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; She tapped the chime and waited a moment, then the door 
spoke.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Enter." </DIV>
<DIV>came Sortha's voice.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; She stepped through the door and looked around.&nbsp; Seated behind 
the desk was </DIV>
<DIV>Captain Sortha.&nbsp; She looked him in eyes and smiled.&nbsp; "I'm&nbsp; 
Lt. Bo.&nbsp; You </DIV>
<DIV>wished to see me?"</DIV><BR>
<DIV>END TRANSMISSION</DIV><BR></html>
Ensign Cavanagh Harrison
USS Fearless
Stardate: 0005.18

   Waiting proved to be a 20 minute job, he was just glad The Federation looked after it's sick, the bio-bed was well padded. He used the time to touch up  the sketch of the Bajoran women he started earlier, which attracted some attention from the others in the room. After explaining what he was doing and who for he didn't have to wait long for his commanding officer to arrive.
  The first thing he noticed about Lt. Blaine Veruna was the blue eyes, the way they pierced everything but consoled at the same time. Immediately Cav felt this man suited a role as counselor but he quickly shunned the thought, he knew well it was better to start with no expectations rather than to hold others to ill-advised judgment. Standing to attention he waited while the same up-start nurse who had told him to sit in the corner explained the new ensign to the CMO. 
   Approaching Cavanagh, Veruna made it obvious he really didn't have the time to do what he was about to do.
   "Hello Ensign and welcome aboard the USS Fearless. I'm not really one for formalities so I'll make this brief. As your immediate supervisor and the Chief Medical Officer I wish to officially welcome you aboard and help make you feel comfortable."   
   The Lt. paused then and winked, "not really ensign, I'll probably end up putting you on the cleaning crew permanently." It was then that Cavanagh realized he'd really have to take everything this man said with a grain of salt. Veruna wiped the small grin off his face and got back to his welcome. "If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask." With that he took Cavanagh's hand and shook it. "Here's to working together on board ship and in the field."
   Somehow Cav felt he was the butt end of some in-house joke but not knowing quite what it was let it drop. The Betazoid must have sensed the thought because the grin returned to his face affirming to Cavanagh that he was indeed being dug at. The Lt. carried on the shake in silence making the ensign more uncomfortable before he started talking again. "The rest of the night is yours, but please report for duty at 0800 hours tomorrow for you 
complete physical and assignment to the duty roster."
   The Lt. then told Cavanagh where his quarters were and dismissed him. Not wanting to stay any longer in the bay, he quickly left and made his way to his room. He didn't quite understand what had happened in SickBay but he hoped it would be different in the morning, the ensign didn't really want to go through another meeting like that.  
   Unpacking his meager possessions he sent off a few messages inquiring when his extra gear would be arriving and after settling a time, lay on his bed and waited for sleep to visit.

   Sleep came surprisingly fast and he woke feeling refreshed and ready for the day. Making sure he had plenty of time Cav made an entry in his journal about what had happened since he left for the fearless and following that showered and ate. Looking at his chronometer he still had 15 minutes before he was due for duty, and this being his first day decided to turn up early. 
   Arriving at the Sickbay doors he stopped like he did the day before and collected his thoughts, after a few brief seconds he walked into work hoping there wouldn't be another repeat of yesterday.
=============================================================
Captain Sortha
USS Fearless
Stardate 0005.18

    The big Gorn stood up from behind his desk, and kept standing... and standing until his eight foot tall frame and massive body seemed to occupy the entire room.  Bo hadn't been next to a Gorn personally and couldn't help but stare at the rows of  sharp bristling teeth that comprised Sortha's "grin."   "Welcome Lieutenant, at easssse" Sortha said, his cavernously deep voice filling the room.   
    "Thank you sir" Bo replied, still mesmerized by the decidedly nasty looking teeth.   She wondered if this was the same Sortha that Colonel Kalahna Jarnell spoke so fondly of.   
    "I undersstand you come highly recommended by Kalahna Jarnell?" Sortha said and Bo jumped a bit, reminding herself Gorns were not telepathic.   "If you have asss much asss half her intenssssity, I'm ssure you'll do jusst fine." Moving around to stand near Bo, Sortha continued.  "We're a team here, and we depend on each other.  Do your duties well and you have nothing to fear.   The sship has a fine crew sso try to get to know them.  If you have any questions or problemss do not hessitate to ssee me perssonally."   
  Sortha's eyes wandered over her face and down to her fingers, but instead of the usual slight look of horror that most humanoids displayed at looking at her deformity, Sortha's cold black reptilian eyes showed nothing.  He did wonder why she had not had her fingers cloned and reattached but determined it was none of his business as long as she could still perform her duties.  He knew that Kalahna would not have recommended her if she couldn't so he said nothing.    "As ssoon as you are moved in, report to ssickbay for a 
basseline physsical, and see Lieutenant Commander Brynaziir for your duty assssignment.   Any questionss?"
============================================================
Lt. Bo Lesia
Sortha's Ready room
Stardate 0005.18

   Lesia shrugged softly.  "I need to get my shuttle; should I do that personally, or are there other arrangments for it's transport that are needed?"

   "No need to trouble yourself Lieutenant, I'll have it transported to Fearless.  Just get yourself acclimated, I'm ssure Admiral Ssorvek will have us in action ssoon.   Dismisssed."
============================================================
Captain Sortha
Engineering &  Station Corridor Epsilon 12-G
Stardate 0005.18

    Sholek's comm badge chirped for his attention.  It was Captain Sortha.  "Commander Sssholek, we have a new addition to our shuttle fleet, a Bajoran militia sshuttle.  It iss docked at the sstation, docking bay gamma 4.   Please see to it that it iss ssafely sstored aboard Fearless and that we have enough compatible partss on board to repair it sshould it be damaged as soon as Commander Brynaziir is done evaluating it.  Sortha out."   
   Sholek grumbled to himself, it was not logical inserting a nonstandard 
issue shuttle aboard Fearless.  It would cause him all sorts of logistical 
troubles most likely.   No doubt, it had come along with the new Bajoran 
exchange officer Sholek reasoned.
    Thoraz's comm badge chirped while he was on the station.  "Commander Brynaziir, we have a new addition to our shuttle fleet, a Bajoran militia sshuttle.  It iss docked at the sstation, docking bay gamma 4. Please closely evaluate the sshuttle on the sstation.  If it checks out, look into integrating it into Fearless' operaations including any away missions.   Inform Sholek when you are done and he will arrange for it to be brought 
aboard.  Sortha out."

   Just after that, Commander MacLeod arrived at his quarters and briefed him on the body the USS Pompei had found...
=============================================================
Captain Sortha
Captain's Cabin, USS Fearless
Stardate 0005.18
 
    The stoic Gorn looked at MacLeod for some time before replying, "Federation code iss not clear on thisss point Commander?" Sortha asked.   "Genetic manipulation is illegal, and insstances when it is discovered should be reported to the proper authoritiesss.  Our duty is clear, we sshould report this to Admiral Sorvek.   I will inform him of these findings immediately.  Thank you for bringing this to my attention." 
============================================================
Commander Ian MacLeod and Captain Sortha
USS Fearless
Stardate 0005.19

   MacLeod nodded, "Aye sir. What about the body? Shall I have it brought aboard? Or do we let Captain Kozak and his people deal with it?"

   Sortha thought a moment, "it may be better if we take posssesssion.  Place it in sstasiss in a ssecure area.  I take it Commander this corpsse doessn't have the power to regenerate itssself or ssome ssuch other theme ssso prevalent in your people's literature....?
============================================================
Commander Ian MacLeod
USS Fearless
Stardate 0005.19

   "Well, the Pompei's chief medical officer said the corpse showed signs of having the ability to regenerate, but the two Jem'Hadar disruptor blasts which seered his heart and lungs pretty much did him in. And then I guess he lingered a few days after that until he died shortly after Pompei rescued him," MacLeod explained. 
    Sortha grunted, "Intriguing. Have Lt. Veruna compile all data from the Pompei's CMO on thisss man and have him launch hisss own invessstigation."
    "Aye sir," Ian replied.
    "That will be all, commander," Sortha said. The commander nodded and turned to leav, as he walked out the door, Sortha stopped him.
    "Commander. How are thingsss with your new daughter?" Sortha asked.
    MacLeod sighed and looked back at him, "Coming along sir."
    "Carry on," Sortha said. MacLeod nodded and continued on his way.
    First he contacted Captain Kozak and told him to prepare to transport the body, as well as the autopsy records. Then he had a special containment area set up in Fearless' morgue as he briefed Veruna on what was going on.
    Veruna saw to the details of the containment area and when they were ready the body was transported to sickbay. The CMO told Ian he would begin his own investigation in the morning. MacLeod concurred and left sickbay.
    On the way he contacted Kozak again, "Everything is taken care of, Tom. We'll get to the bottom of this."
    "Let me know how it comes out, Mac," Kozak said.
    "If it isn't classified, I'll be happy to," Ian replied.
    "Thanks again....and it was good seeing you, Ian," Kozak replied.
    "Watch your backside out there Tom," MacLeod responded. "And try not to pick up any more mysterious, genetically altered corpses."
    "You got it," he replied. "Kozak out."
    MacLeod then retired to his quarters to get some much needed shut eye...
=============================================================
Lt. Commander Sholek
Engineering
Stardate 0005.19

    Sholek's comm badge chirped for his attention. It was Captain Sortha." Commander Sssholek, we have a new addition to our shuttle fleet, a Bajoran militia sshuttle. It iss docked at the sstation, docking bay gamma 4. Please see to it that it iss ssafely sstored aboard Fearless and that we have enough compatible partss on board to repair it sshould it be damaged as soon as Commander Brynaziir is done evaluating it. Sortha out." Sholek grumbled to himself, it was not logical inserting a nonstandard issue shuttle aboard
Fearless. It would cause him all sorts of logistical troubles most likely. No doubt, it had come along with the new Bajoran exchange officer Sholek reasoned.
    "Yes sir," Sholek replied.
    The next thing Sholek did was to see that he could replicate the right compatible parts for the ship. He then began procedures to have it moved into the Fearless shuttle bay.

    After getting the Bajoran militia shuttle into the Fearless shuttle bay, Sholek felt like a work out.
    Sholek approached holodeck 1. "Begin fight sequence Omicron Delta," Sholek ordered the computer.
    "Warning. Holodeck safeties have been disengaged," the computer replied.
    Sholek entered the ignored the warning and entered the holodeck.
    He glanced at his opponent. A large lizard walked out of the darkness. It has been over half a century since he last fought one. Not since the Romulan/Gorn wars has he had the chance to trade blows with one of the mighty Gorn.
    The large lizard was covered in Gorn battle gear, Sholek wore Romulan gear. The Gorn war powerfully bulky, strong but slow. His bulk slowed him down. That was their weakness. But in hand to hand combat, speed is not always an issue.  If the fight becomes up close, and they are locked in combat, the Gorn's strength will win out.
    Sholek moved forward and the battle began.
    The Gorn swung his right fist, but Sholek easily side stepped out of the way scoring a crushing blow to the big lizard's nose. The Gorn's thick, dark blood pored out. Before Sholek could step out of range, the Gorn backhanded him. Green blood oozed from Sholek's right cheek.
    Sholek quickly recovered.
    The powerful Gorn swung, and Sholek jumped out of his reach. He new he could not win this the way he was going.
    As the Gorn swung again, Sholek took the opportunity to jump on the lizard's back, putting him in a choke hold. While the Gorn's neck was to thick and scaly for a nerve pinch, it was not impossible to crush his throat.
    However, the Gorn was not ready to give up. He repeated tried and failed to grab for Sholek and pull him off. He also tried to break the lock Sholek had on his throat. All this while at the same time whirling about madly.
    The huge Gorn claws tore at Sholek's arms as the Gorn pounded the Romulan against a wall.
    Eventually the Gorn started to show signs that he was tiring from his attempts to break the hold as well as from lack of oxygen.
    Sholek pounded the Gorn in the back of the knee and he fell to his knees. Now that he was able to brace himself on the floor, Sholek twisted the Gorn's neck until he heard the deafening sound of bones breaking.
    With all his might, Sholek had managed to break the huge lizards neck, killing him.
    "Computer, end program," he managed to wheeze out.
    Stumbling out of the holodeck, Sholek made his way to sickbay.
=============================================================
USS Fearless
Bridge
Stardate 0005.19

  On the bridge of the USS Fearless, morning was ushered in with a chime sounding from the tactical board. Lt. T'Reija was currently manning that station as Captain Sortha and Commander MacLeod arrived.
   “Incoming transmission, sir. It is a general broadcast to all alliance ships, stations and outposts,” T'Reija reported. 
   Captain Sortha nodded, “On screen.”
   The face of a Klingon appeared. Sortha did not recognize him, but he appeared to hold some sort of rank within the Klingon Empire.
   “This is General Krembak of the Klingon Imperial Forces. This message is to inform all allied forces that this morning, Chancellor Gowron was killed. Details of his death will be released at a later time, but he did die honorably,” Krembak reported. “Supreme Commander Martok has been determined to have the legitimate right to claim the position of Chancellor.  His claim has been approved by the High Council and he assumes the chancellorship immediately.
   “Long Live Chancellor Martok,” Krembak stated. “May he rule with honor. Qa’pla!”
   
END TRANSMISSION

Lieutenant Bo Lesia
USS Fearless
Stardate 0005.20

  Bo followed the instructions fo the computer to the sickbay.  The first thing she'll have to do is memorize the layout of the Fearless.
  'Know you territory' was lesson number one.
  Inside she found Lt Veruna, the CMO of the ship.  "Hi," she said, "I'm here to poked and prodded."

  She sat in sickbay as Veruna did quick scans of her to make sure she was in good shape.  Suddenly, her badge bleeped and a voice interrupted them.
  "First Lt. Bo, report to Lt Commander Brynaziir in the Security Office."
  Bo looked up at the CMO, and he nodded.  "I'm in sickbay right now, sir, may I finish up here first?  It should only be a few minutes."
  "Alright, but come straight here when your done."
  "Acknowledged."
  When she was released with a good bill of health, she made her way down to the security office to find Commander Brynaziir's door closed.
=============================================================
Lieutenant Commander Thoraz Brynaziir
USS Fearless - Shuttle bay
Stardate 0005.20

   Thoraz was in the Security Office when Sortha paged him.
   "On my way, Captain." he replied into his communicator.
   Thoraz headed down to the shuttle bay where the new Bajoran shuttle was docked.  Thoraz took out his tricorder and entered the shuttle.  After checking every system thoroughly Thoraz tapped his commbadge.
  "Brynaziir to Sortha."
  "Go ahead Commander."
  "I have finished inspecting the Bajoran shuttle.  It is in good shape.  It is just a regular, warp capable shuttle.  Nothing special.  Should I have Sholek look into the possibility of refitting it with some special items?"

   "Not necessary right now, commander," Sortha responded. "We're just holding on to it for Lt. Bo."
   "Acknowledged," Thoraz replied.
=============================================================
Lieutenant Commander Thoraz Brynaziir
Lt. Bo Lesia
USS Fearless: Security Office
Stardate 0005.20

   Bo had to stand for a few moments outside of Thoraz's office as he finished reading through through her file.  Thoraz didn't have to try to 'read' her emotions; she was broadcasting them 'loudly'.
  "At ease Lt.  Please, pull up  a chair.  How are you managing so far?"

  "Fine.  The ships a little bigger than I'm used to, and the colors will take some time to get used to, but other than that..." She shrugged.

  "Since you're here to observe, that's how i'm going to assign you.  Due to the nature of your assignment with us, you will be attached to Security Team Alpha as an observer.  You will attend all Team training sessions.  You will report directly to me, however.  
  I am curious, you started out as an engineer;  how do you feel in security?"

  She felt a little shocked by that.  She still was an engineer, not a security guard.  She was a little uncomfortable with the idea of being thrust into a security team and being placed into that situation, but as she was at the disposal of the ship and her command staff, she had to deal with the assignment, regardless of her personal feelings and preferences.  She did, however, voice her opinion.  "A little out of place, like sticking a medic in the science lab.  I don't know much about security precedures and such, that's one of the reasons I'm here, but I guess I'll adapt."

  "I would like to see you incorporate your engineering skills into your security duties.  I will leave this to your judgement.For Away missions, you will accompany Alpha Team or myself, unless otherwise noted by Commander MacLeod or Captain Sortha.
   Do you have any questions?"

   "Not really.  I'll get back to you if I do though."  then she smiled softly.

   "I have read your file.  Success in SO depends upon teamwork.  Every member of an Away Team puts their trust in the others. Coming home alive depends on this.  You will be expected to pull your own weight.
   "Do you feel ready for this?"

   Bo started.  He was asking her if they could rely on her.  She sincerely hoped it was merely professional interest and not an attempt at offending her.  As it was, she felt a little offended by the possible impications of that statement.  Trying to keep the touch of indignance that threatened to creep up out of her voice, she replied.  "That's a given.  I didn't get sent here if it wasn't decided that I could live up to Federation standards.  I'm here not only to learn but as a representative of the Bajoran militia.  I doubt they
would've sent me if I was inept."

  "We have a series of training sims.  Feel free to access any of them."
  "Would you prefer to have some regular shifts in engineering as well as security?"

  She nodded.  Yes, she did.  Machines didn't judge or persecute, and she felt most confortable around them.  She'd prefer to have all her shifts in engineering, but . . . .  "If that would be permitted."
=============================================================
Lt. Commander Thoraz Brynaziir
USS Fearless
Stardate 0005.21

  "Don't worry Lt.  We're not here to judge you.  But you will be in the field, possibly in heavy fire situations.  It's really not something you can train for; but you must understand the potential environments.  All new recruits face the same challenge.  Don't hide your fears or anxieties. Confront them, or talk to someone else about them.  It helps, i know.  As for being assigned with a security team, i put you there precisely so you can gain first hand knowledge of how we operate.  Any away team is a composite of officers with different skills.  Think of it as a sort of Cadet Cruise.  Once you get a feel for field operations i'm sure you'll spend more time under Lt Commander Sholek."
=============================================================
Commander Ian MacLeod
USS Fearless
Stardate 0005.22

   MacLeod arrived in Sortha's ready room first thing the morning after the incident with the mystery body. He presented the Gorn with a detailed report on everything that had happened with the case so far and the Gorn took the report to peruse at his leisure.
   "Is there more, commander?" Sortha asked as MacLeod stood in front of his desk.
   "I've prepared some recommendations sir, for the team following the last mission," MacLeod said. "It was a rather uneventful mission, all things considered, but I felt a few mentions were in order."
   Sortha took the padd from MacLeod and read it over. He then looked up at MacLeod.
   "Honorable mentions for Commander Brynaziir, Lt. Veruna, Ensign Nege and Lt. Commander Ssholek," Sortha nodded. He then looked at MacLeod squarely. "But a promotion for Nege to lieutenant junior grade? I thought hisss actionsss were in quessstion during the Corinthasss misssion."
   "He did act without orders," MacLeod agreed. "But he did come up with a very viable plan and he took a great deal of risk. I see a lot of potential in him. I think a promotion is in order."
   Ian awaited a reply from his captain...

END TRANSMISSION

<html>
<DIV>Captain Sortha</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.22</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Thank you for the recommendation Commander.&nbsp; Give 
Nege the commendation, </DIV>
<DIV>but wait until he does ssomething good when following orders for a 
promotion. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; Rewarding him visibly ssso sssoon after dissobeying your orderss 
would not </DIV>
<DIV>sset a good example for the crew.&nbsp; If he'ss asss good asss you believe 
he'll </DIV>
<DIV>get it ssoon enough.&nbsp; Asss an officer he'll be ressponssible for more 
than </DIV>
<DIV>his own ssafety and I need ressponssible people in command 
positionss."</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Commander Ian MacLeod</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.22</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod nodded at the captain's orders. "Aye sir."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Issss there anything else, commander?" the Gorn asked.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "No sir," Ian said. "I'm off to my office to gather the 
morning reports </DIV>
<DIV>and then to sick bay to see if the good doctor has had a chance to look 
after </DIV>
<DIV>our deceased passenger."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Sortha grunted, "The mystery sssoldier?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod gave a curt nod, "I'll be interested to see what 
Veruna comes up </DIV>
<DIV>with."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Assss will I," Sortha said. "Keep me updated to hisss 
progresss. </DIV>
<DIV>Dissssmisssed."</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Ensign Lumone Nege</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.22</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Ensign Nege was in his cabin and could not sleep.&nbsp; The 
rush from the </DIV>
<DIV>“incident” at the Betazoid restaurant left him restless.&nbsp; So he got up 
</DIV>
<DIV>dressed, and decided to explore the ship.&nbsp; He barely had a chance to 
see what </DIV>
<DIV>the ship really had to offer.&nbsp; So now was his opportunity to 
explore.&nbsp; The </DIV>
<DIV>Sovereign class ship was different from its predecessor, the Galaxy class 
</DIV>
<DIV>starship.&nbsp; Fearless had only 26 decks.&nbsp; Nege knew the bridge, so 
he went up </DIV>
<DIV>to Deck 2 and started to work his way down.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; He went through each deck, familiarizing himself with the 
ship, as well as </DIV>
<DIV>the crew, who was going about their duties.&nbsp; He saw Mr. Bix, who had 
assisted </DIV>
<DIV>him with the remodulation of the shields during the mission to Corinthas 
VI.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; They spoke briefly, where Nege had the opportunity to thank 
him.&nbsp; They made </DIV>
<DIV>tentative date for a drink some time.&nbsp; Nege wandered the halls, 
checked out </DIV>
<DIV>the science labs, visited astrometrics, and revisited the holodecks.&nbsp; 
When he </DIV>
<DIV>had gone to about Deck 9, an idea came to him. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; It was about time to report to his station any way.&nbsp; When 
he got to the </DIV>
<DIV>bridge, he started with his normal duties.&nbsp; He looked over the ship’s 
</DIV>
<DIV>rooster, and started to prioritize duty assignments.&nbsp; Then he assigned 
refit </DIV>
<DIV>crews the day’s repairs, when he was done he pulled up the schematics for 
the </DIV>
<DIV>captain’s yacht.&nbsp; After a couple hours of studying them, Nege went 
over to </DIV>
<DIV>MacLeod, who had just walked in from the captain’s ready room:&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Sir, I would like to ask you something,”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Go ahead, Ensign.”&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “I would like to take the opportunity now that we are 
docked here at the </DIV>
<DIV>starbase to take the captain’s yacht out for a test run. We did not have a 
</DIV>
<DIV>chance to do so, since we received her right before the Corinthas VI 
mission. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;It would give us a good chance to run some diagnostics, and test out 
her </DIV>
<DIV>cloaking device.”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nege waited for the commander to reply…</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Commander Ian MacLeod</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.25</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod sighed. "Well...it is called the Captain's Yacht for a 
reason, </DIV>
<DIV>ensign. Let me check with Sortha."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Ian tapped his comm-badge and related the request on to 
Sortha. The Gorn </DIV>
<DIV>replied in the affirmative, but added, "sssend Ensign M'Orta with him. It 
</DIV>
<DIV>would be good if our chief conn officer wassss also acclimated with the 
</DIV>
<DIV>yacht."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Aye sir. MacLeod out." The Scot then turned to Nege. "Round 
up Ensign </DIV>
<DIV>M'Orta and take the yacht out for a spin. This is no game, though. I want 
the </DIV>
<DIV>two of you to conduct a full test of her systems and prepare a report for 
the </DIV>
<DIV>captain and I upon your return."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes sir," Nege said.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod felt like a father giving his kid the access codes to 
the family </DIV>
<DIV>runabout for the first time. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "And ensign...no hot dogging out there," MacLeod said firmly. 
"That goes </DIV>
<DIV>for Mr. M'Orta as well. You are in charge of this little outing...that 
makes </DIV>
<DIV>you responsible for anything that happens."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Nege nodded, "Understood."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; The Trill then left to find M'Orta, and MacLeod left to check 
in at </DIV>
<DIV>sickbay.</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>Docked at Starbase 299</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.25</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Captain Sortha was in his ready room when Lt. T'Reija signaled 
from the </DIV>
<DIV>bridge that there was an incoming transmission for him. He had the message 
</DIV>
<DIV>routed through to his desk and a moment later the face of Admiral Erik 
Jaegar </DIV>
<DIV>appeared on his viewscreen.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Greetings Captain Sortha," Jaegar said cheerfully. "Good to 
see you </DIV>
<DIV>again."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Likewissse," Sortha hissed. "What can I do for you?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "I am en route to Starbase 299 and will arrive sometime 
tomorrow," Jaegar </DIV>
<DIV>said. "When I arrive I'd like an audience with your Shadow Ops team. I have 
a </DIV>
<DIV>mission for you."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Sortha nodded, "Any idea when you will arrive?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Probably around 1300 hours," Jaegar said. "I am aboard one of 
our new </DIV>
<DIV>Tunimba-class tactical response ships, the USS Dragonfang."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "We sssshall await your arrival sssir," Sortha said.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Jaegar nodded and smiled, "Dragonfang out."</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Commander Ian MacLeod</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.25</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod stood in sickbay and handed Lt. Veruna all the 
information he had </DIV>
<DIV>on the mysterious corpse which lie in his morgue, preserved in 
stasis.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; "He's all yours, lieutenant," MacLeod said as Veruna took the 
padd.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; "Thank you, commander," Veruna said, then adding with a sly grin. 
"But </DIV>
<DIV>really...you shouldn't have."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Ian smiled, "Don't worry, doctor, this sort of thing has 
published medical </DIV>
<DIV>paper written all over it. You'll be famous."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Unless this turns out to be some ultra-secret government 
project we've </DIV>
<DIV>stumbled on to," Veruna remarked cheerfully. "Then I'll likely be 
dead."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Now lieutenant, Starfleet wouldn't send anyone to kill you 
over something </DIV>
<DIV>like this...though they might exile you to some far off base or deep space 
</DIV>
<DIV>exploration vessel."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Veruna smiled, "Again, thank you ever so much 
commander."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Let me know when you have something on this bloke," MacLeod 
said, </DIV>
<DIV>motioning with his thumb toward the morgue area. "Carry on, doctor."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod then turned and left sickbay.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; As he walked down the corridor, he looked over the padd 
containing his </DIV>
<DIV>morning checklist. He hated having responsibilities. It wasn't like the old 
</DIV>
<DIV>days when he was in the Ghosts. There he just had to worry about training, 
</DIV>
<DIV>requistioning weapons and supplies, and arranging transportation when the 
</DIV>
<DIV>team needed it. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Now he ran the personnel operations for a state-of-the-art, 26 
deck </DIV>
<DIV>starship.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Bloody bureaucrat," he muttered about himself. "Let's see 
what's next on </DIV>
<DIV>my list."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; He had to go meet First Lt. Bo Lesia, their new Bajoran 
observer. Whatever </DIV>
<DIV>had possessed Admiral Sorvek to send them an observer, he had no idea. But, 
</DIV>
<DIV>he would work with it.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Also on the list was a new medical officer, Ensign Cavanaugh 
Harrison. The </DIV>
<DIV>ensign had not been in sick bay when MacLeod had stopped by earlier, but he 
</DIV>
<DIV>would check back later after he was finished with Bo.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod rounded a corner and nearly ran into Ensign Chas'naH. 
She stumbled </DIV>
<DIV>backwards, then looked at him and smiled. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Oh...there you are," she said. "Did you get my 
message?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Um...I'm sorry Chas'naH, I forgot to check my personal 
messages this </DIV>
<DIV>morning. I guess I have a lot on my mind," Ian said. "What's up?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "I found her," Chas said excitedly.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Found who?" he asked, then he realized. "Oh...you mean, your 
mother?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes. We talked and I think things are going to work out 
between us," </DIV>
<DIV>Chas'naH said. "And she said it would be OK if you want to talk to 
her."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod let out a sigh, "Well...I don't know, Chas. I don't 
know what I'd </DIV>
<DIV>say to her after all this time. I mean, I don't hate her...but I'm </DIV>
<DIV>disappointed that I never knew about you until now."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well...she said you can contact her whenever you'd like," 
Chas'naH stated </DIV>
<DIV>again. "The information you'll need to reach her is in the message I sent 
</DIV>
<DIV>you."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod nodded, "I'll...think about it. But I am glad you and 
she made up."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "So what are you up to?" MacLeod's daughter asked.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Off to meet our new Bajoran observer," MacLeod replied. "And 
you?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Checking in at security to see what's going on," Chas said. 
"Free for </DIV>
<DIV>dinner tonight?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sure...who knows how much longer we'll be at Starbase 299," 
MacLeod said. </DIV>
<DIV>"Let's touch base tonight and make plans. I'll see you then."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Chas nodded, then walked away, leaving MacLeod to resume his 
trip to the </DIV>
<DIV>bridge.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; When he arrived he saw Lt. Bo Lesia looking over the shoulder 
of Lt. </DIV>
<DIV>T'Reija at tactical as the Vulcan oriented Bo with the controls. She was 
</DIV>
<DIV>apparently doing what she'd been sent there to do...she was 
observing.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod walked up and as he approached he noticed Bo wasn't 
too bad </DIV>
<DIV>looking. Her tight-fitting Bajoran uniform hugged her in all the right 
</DIV>
<DIV>places.&nbsp; Ian cleared his throat and as the two women turned, Ian 
applied his </DIV>
<DIV>best charming smile.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; It was then he saw Bo's face. She was an attractive woman — 
though the </DIV>
<DIV>cold, emotionless look on her face robbed her of what could be a greater 
</DIV>
<DIV>beauty. Then he saw that one side of her face was scarred. MacLeod was 
</DIV>
<DIV>surprised, but having once been a great poker player, he maintained his 
smile </DIV>
<DIV>and didn't flinch...his best poker face.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "You must be Lt. Bo?" MacLeod said, extending a hand. His gaze 
immediately </DIV>
<DIV>locked with her attractive blue eyes. "I'm Commander MacLeod, ship's first 
</DIV>
<DIV>officer."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "A pleasure to meet you," she said. Ian noted that Bo was very 
</DIV>
<DIV>stoic...very business-like. He also noted she was missing fingers and parts 
</DIV>
<DIV>of fingers on one hand.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; As he looked at her he couldn't help thinking to himself how 
much more </DIV>
<DIV>beautiful this woman would be without the coldness she exuded -- and 
without </DIV>
<DIV>the plasma burn scar on her face. In the 24th century, there was no reason 
</DIV>
<DIV>for anyone to bear a scar like that, or live with the loss of her fingers 
-- </DIV>
<DIV>unless the person with the scars wanted to keep them for some reason.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod guessed there were likely deep emotional scars there 
as well. It </DIV>
<DIV>was too bad, he thought, he saw great potential behind the mask of pain she 
</DIV>
<DIV>wore.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "So, lieutenant, I take it you've had the grand tour?" he 
asked. "Or would </DIV>
<DIV>you like to see more of USS Fearless?"</DIV><BR>
<DIV>END TRANSMISSION</DIV></html>
<html><DIV>Lt. Bo Lesia</DIV>
<DIV>Fearless, Bridge</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.25</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Lesia stood on the bridge, looking over the shoulder of the 
vulcan </DIV>
<DIV>tactical officer, T'Riejja.&nbsp; Suddenly, there was a cough over her 
shoulder, </DIV>
<DIV>and she turned to see an older human, obviously Commander MacLeod.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; He smiled.&nbsp; "You must be Lt. Bo?" MacLeod said, extending 
a hand.&nbsp; "I'm </DIV>
<DIV>Commander MacLeod, ship's first officer."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "A pleasure to meet you," she replied. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "So, lieutenant, I take it you've had the grand tour?" he 
asked. "Or would </DIV>
<DIV>you like to see more of USS Fearless?"</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; She glanced back at the console for a moment, and made sure 
she hadn't </DIV>
<DIV>missed</DIV>
<DIV>anything before answering.&nbsp; "Actually, sir, I've pretty much wandered 
around </DIV>
<DIV>by myself.&nbsp; I was shown to my quarters when I first arrived, but from 
then on </DIV>
<DIV>I was left on my own.&nbsp; Fortunately, your computer is an excellent 
guide.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>I've already begun to familiarize myself with the layout fo the Fearless, 
so </DIV>
<DIV>I should know my way around rather soon."</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Commander Ian MacLeod</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.26</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, Ian knew enough to stand down when he wasn't making any 
progress. </DIV>
<DIV>Lt. Bo obviously didn't want to get to know him better, so he wouldn't push 
</DIV>
<DIV>the subject. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Good," MacLeod smiled. "Well, then, let me know if 
there's anything you </DIV>
<DIV>need. Good day."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod walked away from T'Reija and Bo and started over 
to his chair </DIV>
<DIV>next to Sortha's to see if there was anything going on. Just as he got 
</DIV>
<DIV>seated, the captain emerged from his ready room and lumbered across the 
</DIV>
<DIV>bridge to be seated beside Ian.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Commander," Sortha said. "Tomorrow we will receive a 
visitor. Admiral </DIV>
<DIV>Erik Jaegar will be coming aboard. He wantsss to brief the team on itsss 
next </DIV>
<DIV>misssion. He isss expected at approximately 1300 hours."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod nodded, "I'll see to it the team is recalled 
from shore leave and </DIV>
<DIV>is aboard Fearless by the time the admiral arrives. Looks like our R&amp;R 
</DIV>
<DIV>session is about over."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "One more night," Sortha confirmed. "Tell the crew 
they'd better enjoy </DIV>
<DIV>it."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Aye," MacLeod said. "I'm on it sir."</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Ensign Lumone Nege</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.26</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Understood came Nege’s response to MacLeod.&nbsp; Nege 
went to the turbolift </DIV>
<DIV>and entered.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Computer, locate Ensign M’orta.”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Ensign M’orta is in Ensign Jacques’ quarters.”&nbsp; 
</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nege rolled his eyes.&nbsp; He HATED 
interrupting a good party, especially a </DIV>
<DIV>private one.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nege tapped his badge, “Ensign Nege to 
Ensign M’orta.”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Ensign M’orta here, go ahead.”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “M’orta, Commander MacLeod has given us an 
assignment.&nbsp; Please meet me in </DIV>
<DIV>engineering.”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Understood.&nbsp; M’orta out.”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nege could tell he was irritated.&nbsp; He’ll get over 
it, Nege thougtht to </DIV>
<DIV>himself, as soon as I tell him what assignment we have.&nbsp;&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Engineering.” Nege called out.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The turbolift swooshed down.&nbsp; Nege had to check in 
with Sholek before </DIV>
<DIV>starting out.&nbsp; Sholek was standing near the warp core as Nege walked 
up to </DIV>
<DIV>him.&nbsp; He took a deep breath and started, "Lt. Commander, I have been 
given an </DIV>
<DIV>assignment.&nbsp; Ensign M'orta and I are going to take the captain's yacht 
for a </DIV>
<DIV>test run.&nbsp; We need some drones that we can use as targets to test the 
phaser </DIV>
<DIV>banks.&nbsp; We also need drones to use for running some manuvering 
drills.&nbsp; We </DIV>
<DIV>will be performing diagnostics on all ships systems, could you also provide 
</DIV>
<DIV>for us a checklist that you think we should test out while we are 
conducting </DIV>
<DIV>our run.."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sholek paused for a moment to think, and at that moment 
moment M'orta </DIV>
<DIV>strolled in to Engineering.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nege looked at M'orta and said, We are taking the 
captain's yacht out </DIV>
<DIV>for a test run.&nbsp; The captain wants you to become more familiar with 
the ships </DIV>
<DIV>systems.&nbsp; M'orta's eyebrows perked.&nbsp; Nege could tell M'orta would 
like the </DIV>
<DIV>assignment.&nbsp; He even mentioned it.&nbsp; "I thought this would pique 
your </DIV>
<DIV>interest.&nbsp; Here are the schematics."&nbsp; They interfaced their 
PADD's and </DIV>
<DIV>conferred again with Sholek.&nbsp; During thier conference with Sholek, 
Nege made </DIV>
<DIV>a note in his PADD to inform Lt. Ku'Rel, Lt. Bill Dean, and Ensign Nancy 
</DIV>
<DIV>Adams to prep the captain's yacht for disembarkment.&nbsp; He also made a 
note to </DIV>
<DIV>send the commander their iteniary.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Lt. Blaine Veruna</DIV>
<DIV>Sick Bay</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.26</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Is everyone insane around here?" exclaimed Lt. Veruna as he 
examined </DIV>
<DIV>Sholek's injuries.&nbsp; "You know, I'm required to report this incident to 
the </DIV>
<DIV>captain.&nbsp; After the last incident, it's now procedure."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "I understand, doctor, please do what is necessary," came the 
Romulan's </DIV>
<DIV>short reply.&nbsp; Blaine just rolled his eyes.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; After fixing up Sholek's arm and face &amp; putting him on a 
day of light </DIV>
<DIV>duty,&nbsp; Blaine checked up on his new "patient" in the morgue and made 
sure </DIV>
<DIV>that the containment field was working properly.&nbsp; Satisfied everything 
was </DIV>
<DIV>OK, he started reading through the Pompei CMO's report on the remains, 
</DIV>
<DIV>including when the body was found and what treatments were attempted on him 
</DIV>
<DIV>before he died.&nbsp; Then he took a tissue sample to run a few tests, 
instructing </DIV>
<DIV>the computer to alert him when the tests were done.&nbsp; Having taken care 
of all </DIV>
<DIV>that, Blaine went to his quarters and caught a few hours of sleep.</DIV>
<DIV>============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Ensign Cavanagh Harrison</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless/Sickbay</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate: 0005.26</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; To Cavanagh's surprise Veruna wasn't in SickBay when he 
entered. The </DIV>
<DIV>ensign </DIV>
<DIV>couldn't help but wonder what kinda of a person the CMO was to be late. But 
</DIV>
<DIV>not letting the opportunity pass he introduced himself to the other staff 
and </DIV>
<DIV>familiarized himself with the configuration of the bay. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; One thing he noticed about the place was how quiet it was, he 
put it down </DIV>
<DIV>to the morning start but so many people and so little noise un-nerved him. 
So </DIV>
<DIV>when the bay </DIV>
<DIV>doors opened he was quick to look up relieved for the unannounced sound. 
The </DIV>
<DIV>door opening was followed quickly by the CMO, he walked in looking for 
</DIV>
<DIV>something and on spotting Cav walked over.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Good morning Ensign" he said in a casual manner, "hope you're 
ready for </DIV>
<DIV>your physical.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "I am sir" Cavanagh replied simply. He knew by the manner of 
the Lt. that </DIV>
<DIV>he wasn't going to get an explanation for his being late but then again, he 
</DIV>
<DIV>didn't need to give one. The Lt. then started with the physical, a very 
</DIV>
<DIV>complete physical. After the twenty minutes it took, Cav started to feel 
the </DIV>
<DIV>strain of being 'checked' so, but then it was over and the Lt. reported 
back </DIV>
<DIV>to him what his situation was. All in all he was very healthy and a fine 
</DIV>
<DIV>example of Starfleet material. Cav was sure he could have told him 
that&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>without all the testing but mused it wouldn't have been the Starfleet 
way.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Now ensign, wait here while I go get the duty assignments 
I've planned </DIV>
<DIV>for you," The lieutenant walked off into his office Cav alone, he 
reappeared </DIV>
<DIV>shortly carrying a PADD checking it for discrepancies. Cavanagh suddenly 
got </DIV>
<DIV>worried, what else but cleaning would a field medic do if he wasn't out on 
</DIV>
<DIV>the field, quickly pushing the thought aside he waited on the answer he 
knew </DIV>
<DIV>the doctor was about to give him.</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Lt. Blaine Veruna and Ensign Cavanagh Harrison</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless - Sickbay</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.26</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sorry for the workout, but we need to know what our recruits 
are made </DIV>
<DIV>of," explained the CMO.&nbsp; After giving Ensign Cavanagh a clean bill of 
health, </DIV>
<DIV>Blaine grabbed a PADD with the current duty rosters on it.&nbsp; "I would 
like to </DIV>
<DIV>place you on medical observation duty, Ensign.&nbsp; That entails following 
me </DIV>
<DIV>around while I'm on duty hear in the sickbay or out and about on medical 
</DIV>
<DIV>calls.&nbsp; You have any objections to that?"</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Cavanagh couldn't help but smile at his CMO, he sincerely 
thought he was </DIV>
<DIV>going to be placed on maintenance, "no objections at all sir."</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Captain Sortha</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.26</DIV><BR>
<DIV>Memo:</DIV>
<DIV>To: All Crew</DIV>
<DIV>From: Captain Sortha</DIV>
<DIV>Re: Holodeck Use</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; It has come to my attention that a number of the crew have 
been operating </DIV>
<DIV>the holodeck without the safeties engaged.&nbsp; While this is the ultimate 
combat </DIV>
<DIV>sim, it also results in officers either dead or unfit for duty.&nbsp; We 
will have </DIV>
<DIV>opportunity enough to fight again for real.&nbsp; As of now, no one is 
authorized </DIV>
<DIV>to operate the holodeck without safeties unless you have the express </DIV>
<DIV>permission of the captain.&nbsp; </DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Sortha hit the send button, sending the message to all crew 
consoles.&nbsp;&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>He'd gotten the report from his CMO and had not thought too much of it 
until </DIV>
<DIV>the doctor had informed him the extensive injuries Sholek had sustained and 
</DIV>
<DIV>the type of injuries.&nbsp; They had made him suspicious- either Sholek was 
</DIV>
<DIV>fighting saber toothed tigers or those had been Gorn claw 
marks.&nbsp;&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; He'd pulled the holodeck logs and viewed Sholek's 
simulation.&nbsp; He had to </DIV>
<DIV>fight to control himself.&nbsp; The sight of Sholek fighting a Gorn brought 
back </DIV>
<DIV>memories of the battles he'd fought against the Romulans.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Sholek had fought </DIV>
<DIV>an alpha Gorn, Sortha could tell from the size and coloration of the Gorn. 
</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; The Gorn had evolved on three separate planets that had been 
unified after </DIV>
<DIV>space travel had been invented.&nbsp; All three species had to have come 
from </DIV>
<DIV>common stock as they were very similar.&nbsp; The Alpha Gorn were big, but 
slow.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>Sortha's father had been an alpha Gorn.&nbsp; His mother had been a gamma 
Gorn, </DIV>
<DIV>the smallest of the three types, but also the quickest.&nbsp; The beta Gorn 
were </DIV>
<DIV>in between.&nbsp; Sortha as a hybrid, which were increasingly common these 
days, </DIV>
<DIV>had inherited traits from both his mother and father.&nbsp;&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; In general he moved slowly in day to day situations, but could 
lash out </DIV>
<DIV>like a Terran alligator if provoked.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Sortha viewed the tape with interest.&nbsp; He wondered how 
"tough" the Gorn </DIV>
<DIV>Sholek had programmed actually was.&nbsp; Either the Gorn was unusually 
slow or </DIV>
<DIV>weak or Sholek had developed some special techniques.&nbsp;&nbsp; A Gorn 
could be hit </DIV>
<DIV>with a huge boulder and not even flinch.&nbsp; Usually when his people 
boarded a </DIV>
<DIV>Romulan vessel it was a foregone conclusion who would win.&nbsp; In their 
phaser </DIV>
<DIV>resistant battle armor the Gorn would inexorably sweep through the ship 
</DIV>
<DIV>hopefully before some smart ass Romulan engaged the self-destruct 
device.&nbsp;&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If the fighting got hand-to-hand, after the battle the 
lower ranking Gorn </DIV>
<DIV>would be assigned clean-up duty that mostly consisted of collecting Romulan 
</DIV>
<DIV>body parts and wiping up green blood.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once again Sortha fought the inner rage that was brewing 
up within him.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>He'd had to fight hard to suppress his racial prejudices when he'd 
discovered </DIV>
<DIV>he'd been assigned a Romulan as Chief Engineer.&nbsp; While he and Sholek 
had </DIV>
<DIV>never gotten close, he'd proven to be a qualified officer.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; The fact that Sortha often considered Sholek more Vulcan than 
Romulan </DIV>
<DIV>helped, as Sholek had trained on Vulcan and had adopted a stoic Vulcan 
</DIV>
<DIV>demeanor.&nbsp;&nbsp; The fight with the safeties disengaged in the 
holodeck had not </DIV>
<DIV>been logical and was uncharacteristic of Sholek.&nbsp; Sortha wondered if 
there </DIV>
<DIV>was something bothering his Chief Engineer.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then again, Sortha had programmed Romulan opponents in 
the holodeck </DIV>
<DIV>before&nbsp; as well.&nbsp; He'd not done any recently, preferring to 
concentrate on </DIV>
<DIV>the Jem Hadar.&nbsp; The Cardassians were simply no challenge at all.&nbsp; 
As time </DIV>
<DIV>passed, he calmed his boiling rage, exerting control over 
himself.&nbsp;&nbsp; The </DIV>
<DIV>hatred between Gorn and Romulan was almost instinctual.&nbsp; As soon as a 
Gorn </DIV>
<DIV>hatched he was taught about the many boody battles the two races had 
fought.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; The Gorn, although numerically far inferior had held their own 
and their </DIV>
<DIV>borders contained over 98% of the territory they had when the first Romulan 
</DIV>
<DIV>war had started over 300 years ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; During the eighth 
war, in which the </DIV>
<DIV>Romulans had initially used the cloaking device, the Romulans had almost 
</DIV>
<DIV>reached the Gorn planetary system, but had been driven back in one of the 
</DIV>
<DIV>bloodiest battles in history.&nbsp; Over 75% of the invading Romulan fleet 
had </DIV>
<DIV>been destroyed along with over half the entire Gorn Starfleet.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; The next year, the Federation had become allies with the Gorn, 
due to </DIV>
<DIV>their common dispute with the Romulans, and this had fundamentally altered 
</DIV>
<DIV>the balance of power.&nbsp; No more could the Romulans amass a huge battle 
fleet </DIV>
<DIV>on the Gorn border, not without risking a weakened border with the </DIV>
<DIV>Federation.&nbsp;&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Over the next fifty years, the Gorn had retaken almost all of 
their former </DIV>
<DIV>territories.&nbsp;&nbsp; The past ten years had seen an uneasy equilibrium 
peace.&nbsp; Now </DIV>
<DIV>the Gorn were serving alongside the Federation, the Klingons, and even the 
</DIV>
<DIV>Romulans against the Dominion.&nbsp; It was all very strange.&nbsp; Sortha 
determined </DIV>
<DIV>not to raise the issue, but decided to keep a closer eye on his chief 
</DIV>
<DIV>engineer.</DIV><BR>
<DIV>END TRANSMISSION</DIV></html>
<html><DIV>Lt. Bo Lesia</DIV>
<DIV>Fearless, Bridge</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.27</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp; Lesia watched the retreating back of the first officer, and didn't 
know</DIV>
<DIV>whether to smile or scowl.&nbsp; There were probably two different 
conclusions one </DIV>
<DIV>could take from the encouter, and she had two distinct and opposite 
reactions </DIV>
<DIV>to each.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; The first conclusion, the one she had unconciously jumped to, 
was</DIV>
<DIV>that he didn't trust her and wished to assign her a 'guide' to show her 
</DIV>
<DIV>around - and ensure she didn't get into any mischief while she wandered 
</DIV>
<DIV>around - and she was mildly offended that he would choose that a guide was 
</DIV>
<DIV>neccesary.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; This made her want to scowl.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; But after seeing his reaction after she had politely explained she 
would </DIV>
<DIV>soon not require a guide, she realized that his motivation wasn't veiled 
</DIV>
<DIV>suspicion, but something more basic.&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; That was what made her smile.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; She decided that she was too busy being suspicious of everyone 
intentions </DIV>
<DIV>and their motivations to see the way the situation truly was.&nbsp; Lesia 
</DIV>
<DIV>wondered, as she went back to watching the Vulcan, whether the human's 
</DIV>
<DIV>enthusiasm would be dulled by her misunderstanding or not.</DIV>
<DIV>===========================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Ensign Chas'naH</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.28</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp; Chas'naH was bored. After she had spoken to her father she really 
hadn't </DIV>
<DIV>had much else to do. It seemed everyone else in the unit had been given 
some </DIV>
<DIV>kind of task to perform except her. She couldn't help feeling left 
out.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; She had been feeling that way a lot lately, ever since Sortha had 
demoted </DIV>
<DIV>her for not telling him immiedately that she'd known about Palanar's plans. 
</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; She had been humiliated on that day..had considered killing 
herself to </DIV>
<DIV>return her honor, in fact...but had decided that she would do better to 
</DIV>
<DIV>prove herself worthy of his trust once again.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; So far, it wasn't working out. She felt as if she was being 
purposefully </DIV>
<DIV>isolated, not given the chance to prove herself like she should have. She 
</DIV>
<DIV>once had been Thoraz's second in command of security, and now she was 
</DIV>
<DIV>nothing. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; She was just another Ensign. She felt humiliated and angry that she 
had </DIV>
<DIV>been reduced to this. Had she not risked her own life to uncover </DIV>
<DIV>Palanar's dealings? Had she not, in fact, saved the Fearless from him? And 
</DIV>
<DIV>what recognition had she received? None.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; It was a degrading thing for a proud warrior.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; She did not feel the best about having found her father, 
either. While </DIV>
<DIV>she was glad that she did, things about him bothered her. Mainly, his 
</DIV>
<DIV>womanizing. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; She had not been a saint herself in the past, but then again 
she was not a </DIV>
<DIV>62 year old chasing members of the opposite sex young enough </DIV>
<DIV>to be her own children. She wondered if her half-brother Steven felt the 
</DIV>
<DIV>same discomfort over it that she did. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; It was not a good reflection on her&nbsp; honor, to have a 
father who did such </DIV>
<DIV>things. She thought about speaking to her father about her concerns but 
</DIV>
<DIV>wasn't sure it would really do any good. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; She wanted to explain to him how it made her feel, but feared 
that her </DIV>
<DIV>opinion simply wouldn't matter. After all, he'd been doing it for many 
</DIV>
<DIV>years..and her mother certainly hadn't been the first.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; The thought made Chas'naH angry. She had hoped he would at least try 
to </DIV>
<DIV>talk to her mother. She had no illusions about them getting back together, 
</DIV>
<DIV>but it was obvious he was upset with her mother for not telling him she was 
</DIV>
<DIV>pregnant. </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Did he really understand the circumstances,&nbsp; the 
humiliation she would </DIV>
<DIV>have faced? He said he would have tried to be part of her life. But </DIV>
<DIV>how much a part would he had really been? He'd rarely seen the legitimate 
son </DIV>
<DIV>he had as he grew up. Exactly how much time would he have actually taken to 
</DIV>
<DIV>see his illegitimate half klingon daughter?</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Perhaps she was better off just having found him. If she 
had grown up </DIV>
<DIV>knowing of him, she may have grown to hate him as much as Steven seemed to. 
</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; She didn't want to dislike him. She thought of trying to 
explain all this </DIV>
<DIV>to him, how she felt, how these things hurt her..but she didn't know if it 
</DIV>
<DIV>would matter to him. She supposed she could only hope that having a </DIV>
<DIV>daughter himself now, he would look at women as a bit more than just a nice 
</DIV>
<DIV>shape in their uniforms.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then there was Nege's odd behavior when he had seen her 
and Thoraz and </DIV>
<DIV>her father together. What exactly had he thought was going on? He had been 
</DIV>
<DIV>giving her some odd looks when he spoke to her, though he had been 
perfectly </DIV>
<DIV>polite..charming even, had even kissed her hand. She knew things like that 
</DIV>
<DIV>didn't bother Thoraz..he was about the least jealous male she'd ever come 
</DIV>
<DIV>across..but her father hadn't seemed particularly pleased. She'd been 
holding </DIV>
<DIV>her father's hand when they first walked in..had Nege seen that and </DIV>
<DIV>thought..some unusual kind of relationship was going on with the three of 
</DIV>
<DIV>them?</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That was kind of an amusing thought. If he had thought 
that, Nege didn't </DIV>
<DIV>seem to mind, as he'd hit on her in front of them. It was nice to know she 
</DIV>
<DIV>was still attractive even though she was a married woman. And admittedly, 
the </DIV>
<DIV>idea of having two mates was kind of an attractive one..</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She shook her thoughts off and located Thoraz. She might 
as well see if </DIV>
<DIV>he had any work for her. She headed to him, wondering what kind of grunt 
work </DIV>
<DIV>was waiting for her this time.</DIV>
<DIV>========================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Lt. Blaine Veruna, CMO</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless, Sickbay</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.29</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp; After getting Ensign Harrison situated with following me around for 
the </DIV>
<DIV>rest of the day, I received a note from Ensign Nege concerning a diagnostic 
</DIV>
<DIV>test being run on the new Captain's yacht.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; Quickly keying up the level one diagnostic requirements for the 
yacht, </DIV>
<DIV>including the EMH and sending them over to Ensign Nege's duty station for 
him </DIV>
<DIV>to upload to te yacht.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp; Once done (and making sure that Ensign Harrison oversaw everything), 
I made </DIV>
<DIV>the rounds through sickbay, before going to the holodeck for a training 
</DIV>
<DIV>exercise before having lunch and heading back to sickbay to do some </DIV>
<DIV>"paper"-work.</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Commander Ian MacLeod</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.30</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; MacLeod rounded a corner on deck one and saw the ominous bulk 
of Captain </DIV>
<DIV>Sortha meandering down the corridor ahead of him. The Scot sped up and fell 
</DIV>
<DIV>in step with the huge reptillian captain.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; He still couldn’t get over working alongside such a physically 
imposing </DIV>
<DIV>being as a Gorn. Besides some fleeting encounters with Gorn in bars and on 
</DIV>
<DIV>the streets of some cities he’d visited throughout the quadrant over the 
</DIV>
<DIV>years, he’d never worked this close to a Gorn until he was assigned to 
</DIV>
<DIV>Fearless.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; And he was glad he’d had the opportunity, because Sortha was 
an </DIV>
<DIV>extraordinary captain. But the sheer size and mass of the captain was so 
</DIV>
<DIV>formidible, the Scot had to admit -- sometimes it was a little 
intimidating.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; “Commander,” Sortha stated as he glaced sideways and saw Ian 
walking </DIV>
<DIV>beside him. “What can I do for you?”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; “Nege and M’Orta just departed on the yacht test run,” MacLeod 
said. “I’ve </DIV>
<DIV>informed the crew that we’ll be briefed in person by Admiral Jaegar 
tomorrow. </DIV>
<DIV>And I have a personnel matter I’d like to discuss.”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; “Proceed,” Sortha said.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; “I’ve been reviewing the records for Lt. T’Reija and Ensign 
Chas’naH. Both </DIV>
<DIV>are experienced security officers, but Chas’naH seems to have the greater 
</DIV>
<DIV>tactical experience,” MacLeod explained. “Also, as an ensign assigned to 
</DIV>
<DIV>security, Chas is actually outranked by several of the security officers. 
As </DIV>
<DIV>a security team leader, that may make her ineffective in some ways.”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; Sortha nodded, “Continue.”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; “I would like, with your permission sir, to reassign Ensign 
Chas’naH as </DIV>
<DIV>tactical chief,” MacLeod said. “T’Reija is splitting her duties now between 
</DIV>
<DIV>security and tactical, but she may be more effective assigned strictly as 
an </DIV>
<DIV>assistant to Commander Brynaziir.”</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; “Issss there another reason for thisss request, commander?” 
Sortha asked.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; “Well, I know that since Chas’naH and I are related I 
shouldn’t even bring </DIV>
<DIV>this up as an issue, but I must question assigning her and Brynaziir as a 
</DIV>
<DIV>team, considering they are...” MacLeod said, until Sortha stopped in </DIV>
<DIV>mid-stride and turned toward him.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; “....married,” he said, completing MacLeod’s thought.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; “Yes. In many ways I feel a bit hypocritical bringing this up, 
considering </DIV>
<DIV>my newfound relationship with Chas,” MacLeod said. “But she and Thoraz are 
</DIV>
<DIV>married, they live together and their relationship is intimate. It might 
not </DIV>
<DIV>be a bad idea to split them up while onboard Fearless.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; “What do you think?”</DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>Captain Sortha</DIV>
<DIV>USS Fearless</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.30</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sortha took quite a few more strides before replying to 
MacLeod, so many </DIV>
<DIV>in fact that Ian wondered if he'd get a reply, but when Sortha spoke it 
</DIV>
<DIV>reflected the fact that he had given the matter some careful 
thought.&nbsp;&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I had been hoping that there would be a chance to 
promote Ensign </DIV>
<DIV>Chas'nah back to at least Lieutenant junior grade.&nbsp; Her tactical 
abilities as </DIV>
<DIV>you mention are... good.&nbsp; However it was necessary conssidering her 
</DIV>
<DIV>relationsship with Admiral Palamar to demote her.&nbsp; With the proper 
mentoring </DIV>
<DIV>I think she has the potential to become a fine and trustworthy officer, 
</DIV>
<DIV>perhapsss what sshe needed wass a mentor.&nbsp; I had thought I was 
providing that </DIV>
<DIV>to her, I'd developed a good relationship with her from the time we were 
</DIV>
<DIV>captured during the poisoning of the Jem Hadar white supply last year, but 
it </DIV>
<DIV>apparently wasn't enough to get her to inform about Admiral Palanar </DIV>
<DIV>immediately.&nbsp; I've always felt that as a great disssapointment.&nbsp; 
Perhapsss </DIV>
<DIV>what ssshe needss more iss a father figure." </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sortha stopped on that remark bending over to peer 
into MacLeod's eyes, </DIV>
<DIV>"I believe she hass that now."&nbsp;&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Err yes, well that's true" MacLeod 
answered.&nbsp;&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Then reassign her to tactical, and mentor her.&nbsp; 
She can benefit from </DIV>
<DIV>your experience."&nbsp;&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes sir."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "As for Lieutenant T'Reija, I am impressed by the 
organizational </DIV>
<DIV>abilities of our Vulcan officer and her academy training was in 
security.&nbsp; I </DIV>
<DIV>think that she would be a fine counterpart to Commander Brynaziir.&nbsp; 
Make her </DIV>
<DIV>the deputy security chief .&nbsp; Make the announcement."</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes sir."&nbsp; </DIV>
<DIV>=============================================================</DIV>
<DIV>From: Commander Ian MacLeod</DIV>
<DIV>To: Fearless crew</DIV>
<DIV>Stardate 0005.30</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp; This message is to inform all of you of some changes to the 
crew line up. </DIV>
<DIV>Effective immediately, Ensign Chas'naH will be permanently assigned as 
chief </DIV>
<DIV>tactical officer, reporting directly to me. Lt. T'Reija will be the 
assistant </DIV>
<DIV>security chief, reporting to Lt. Commander Brynaziir. </DIV><BR>
<DIV>Thank you,</DIV><BR>
<DIV>Commander MacLeod</DIV>
<DIV>CC: Captain Sortha</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>END TRANSMISSION</DIV></html>