Episode Two-"Finding the Answers"

<Quark's Bar, DS9>

"Quark I need to talk to you..." Ian started Quark raised a hand quickly.

"I am a busy person Cmdr, my time is not easily acquired." Quark looked at Ian with a sly grin.

"Quark, you know that I can make your life seriously painful. Drug trafficking is a serious crime in the Federation...especially when it ends up in our ENEMIES hands..." Ian paused to give Quark an idea
what he was talking about.

"Cmdr I have no hand in that...I would never betray the crew of DS9 they are my life blood." Quark looked worried and stammered a little giving Ian an edge.

"Why do you lie to me Quark? You know that I hate it when you lie. If it got you a profit you would betray your own mother...don't try to challenge my intelligence."

"Why yes Cmdr I understand, but Hawkeye..." Quark used Ian's nickname. Ian made sure that he knew it. "I have nothing to do with that."

"Maybe not Quark, but you know who is...I want an answer that will make it worth my time to investigate." Grabbing Quarks ear, the Ferengi flinched in pain...Ian laid seven pieces of Gold pressed
Latinum in front of Quark.

"If I can't get what I want by force then I can pay you. I have plenty of money...great thing teaching martial arts for profit." Ian let that last lie slip out to give Quark time to think that Ian had a lot of money. Suddenly not noticing that Ian had him by the ear.

"Well Commander. I may be able to find something out. Or have some information that you will be interested in." Reaching for the Latinum, Quark jumped when Ian grabbed his hand just as his hand got
over the money. Ian let go of Quark.

"I am glad to hear that you and I have an understanding. Always a pleasure to see you Quark." Ian said as he left, stopping shortly before he left walked back to Quark who was rubbing his ear slightly, "By the way Quark you have until tomorrow." Tossing another Gold Pressed Latinum piece at Quark, who fumbled it ensuring that he didn't loose it on the ground. As Ian left he saw Ezri.

"Ezri!" Ian shouted out waving. She waved back and began to walk to him.

"Ian I was wondering where you were...what are you doing here?" She asked.

Ian suddenly became aware that he wasn't supposed to tell her, he thought quickly, "I..uh came to have a drink real quick before I got off work." Ian hoped that she bought it, cause he knew that he couldn't lie to her for too long.

Ezri looked at him and shook her head, "Ian you know that I know you better then that.... you always say 'uh' when you are trying to think of something and can't tell someone something.... you can tell me." she looked at him with a look that melt his heart and he finally broke down.

 "Let's go back to my place and I'll tell you some of what I am doing...but you can't tell anyone." She agreed.

<Commodore’s Ready Room>

After seeing Quark the next day Ian finished his partial report, and reported to the Commodore, "Enter" Ian heard as he requested to enter.

"Sir I have something that you might like to know.... Ambassador Worf
will like this too."

<Intel Section>

Ian had told Ezri everything that he could about what the Commodore wanted him to do...He had to, she had more knowledge then anyone on the Ship or on DS9. "I just had to Sir, if I hadn't then maybe some of the Intel she gave me and leads that I have would not have come out." Ian said to the Commodore.

Rebel was lying by the Commodore’s desk he looked up at his master when he hit the table with his fist "Damn it Cmdr!" The Commodore began, "I said no one outside of
the Intel section."

Ian waited for the Commodore to allow him to speak and he began "Well sir Ezri is the Intel Officer for DS9, I would think that not only good relations with her, but DS9 personnel would be a good idea, but it would be imperative." Ian snapped his head back to look over the Commodore again to once again stand in the rigid Parade rest.

"Very well Cmdr, but no one else finds out you understand?" The Commodore glared at him, Ian nodded and began his report.

"Sir as you know since the fall of the house of Duras, the two sisters Lursa, and B'Etor have not been seen. They have been long thought dead, until now." Ian swallowed and sat down in the chair, "I
have reason to believe that the house of Krall is hiding them in their ranks. Mainly for the benefit of the House of Duras. B'Etor was known to have been very.... promiscuous and well known for her sexual appetites to help her and her sister gain favor in the other houses." Ian stopped for a second to let the Commodore ask any questions, having none he asked Ian to proceed.

"Well sir Lursa was well known for Blackmail, and it seems that our little friend Quark is one of the people who has a clientele that is on the Duras payroll...the drug Ketrisail White is somehow smuggled
through DS9. Not that security or Quark are paid off, but the ones smuggling it are Klingons and have ties to Security...I have no names as of yet, but I will soon. I have a meeting with Quark in a few hours and if he doesn't have anything Garak does." Ian finished his report and waited for the Commodore’s response, which was a simple nod and dismissed.

<Quark's Bar, DS9>

"That's not even the half of it Hawkeye..." Quark continued, "Ro'othu of the Sona is the main supplier. He sends it through a contact of mine...Ferangi by the name of Riclic. He is a small time Smuggler who will be coming here very soon...matter of fact there he is." Quark pointed to the entrance where a small Ferangi with about three Klingon bodyguards walked in. Ian noticed that the bodyguards all
carried Klingon battle knives and wore normal Klingon attire. "I will serve them drinks...uh be right back"

Quark quickly walked over to gather orders from the Quartet. "Major Grischelm, this is Cmdr MacMahathain, I think that you and about two of your best hand to hand combat boys should report to Quarks...there could be a situation if my gut is right." Ian said quietly and inconspicuously.

"Roger" He heard Grischelm say. Ian then felt a tap on his right shoulder, looking over he saw the three Klingons standing behind him, each of them were holding their knives in hand...'I better move really frocking quick' Ian thought as a knife came straight for his heart...

<USS Stonewall Jackson>

As Lt. Hines and his wife walked down the corridor, they knew this was going to be an enjoyable assignment. They both loved the taste of battle as much as each other. And they knew from the looks of the
ship, that there was going to be a lot of battle.

They had been shown aboard shortly after arrival, having found out that the Commodore had been kidnapped and found, and the changeling captured. They had also received an invitation for dinner, but also
orders to report to the Commodores ready room.

Standing outside the door of the ready room, Maverick looked at his wife, who nodded her head in encouragement. He reached up and chimed the door.

"Enter" came the quick reply.

As they walked in, they couldn't believe what they saw. There, next to the Commodore, was a dog. It was not standard for pets to be on a warship. "Sir, Hell's Fire reporting for duty."

"At ease, lieutenant. I've read all the reports on your outfit. You've distinguished yourselves greatly in the face of battle. It also says here that you have the lowest mortality rate of all of Starfleet fighter wings. How's that?" the commodore asked.

"Sir, I make sure my pilots play hard, so to speak. When not flying a mission, the personnel in my wing fly simulator missions. We always fly two missions a day."

"How do your pilots take that Lt.?" the commodore pressed.

"They don't care for it sir, but they understand it. They realize that I will make them the best they can be." came the Lt.'s cocky reply.

"Very well lt. You and your wife are dismissed. There will be a formal dinner this evening at 2000 hours. Dismissed."

The couple quickly left, and headed for their quarters.

"What did you think of him," his wife asked.

"He strikes me as a person who makes sure he gets the best. He won't accept anything less." came his reply.

"Good. I was hoping we would agree on that."

<Quark's Bar, DS9>

Grischelm looked off into the distance, and saw the fight breaking before his eyes. Fists flying and an Ian right in the heart of it all. One of the Klingon bodyguards thrust at Ian with a d'k tahg, a Klingon ceremonial fighting knife. Striking hard at Ian, the Klingon made him take it in the arm with a piercing strike to the upper triceps. Ian whirled around with a roundhouse to the head and knocked the Klingon into a nearby table.

"Let's Rock!", the Major said rallying the two men and the Klingon female behind him. The marines rushed towards the bar with incredible speed and entered into the fray with fists clenched. Grischelm had his teeth gnashed together as he told his orders to his troops. "Men, you take the smaller one. Vorga, you take out the troll, see if you can get him to be more cordial. As the Major gave her a wink. The Klingon returned it with enthusiasm.

"Gotcha, Sir!"

The major looking back at the taller Klingon said, "And me, I'll take 'Big Ugly'!"

As a third knife strike was about to hit him, Ian looked up and saw a giant Klingon hand, holding the wielder's knife in mid-strike. "Why don't you quit screwin' around with the boy, and take on a man,
BOY!" The thick deep southern drawl, cutting into the Klingon like the knife he wielded.

"QI'yaH!", the Klingon said in an insulting tone. Brandon taking this one personally gave the Klingon a quick 1-2-4 combo then shifted to a fighting stance and took a quick flash kick, a move he learned, and perfected, from a twentieth century movie "Street Fighter", at the Klingon as he was still dazed. As the Klingon fell onto the floor with blood trickling down his mouth.

Vorda belted out a quick warning to the Major, "BFG! On your six!"

The Major spun on his heel and executed a well-placed kick to the little Ferengi attacker. "Beat it kid! You're too short to ride this ride."

The Ferengi flew into a nearby table and shook off the haze of being struck with such force. As the Ferengi was getting up he was immediately forced back down by one of the male marines, Vander Gorn,
who had been thrown by the smaller Klingon bodyguard. Grischelm took note of this and barked a command at the marine, "Good! You hold the little troll, we'll handle the rest." Gorn let out a groan of
disappointment. Vorga joined the other marine in disabling the Klingon. Ian joined the Major in disabling Big Ugly.

After the fight the Major sat down as the security team took the gang away to a holding cell. Brandon looked around and assessed the damages. "Damn, I think we improved the decor a little too much
don't ya think?" Ian looked at the Major just cocked an eyebrow. "Drinks at table one please.", Brandon said with a teasing tone.

"How do you know that this is table one, Major?", Ian said with a dumbfounded tone about him.

"Look around, boy. Do you see any other table left standing?", as he gestured around the bar.

Noting there wasn't, Ian just plopped his head down onto the table and mumbled, "Check, please."

<Holodeck 1>

Alex was very upset as he entered the holodeck. He couldn't believe what had happened the last couple of days. First a changeling had captured him. Then when the had caught the Changeling and had found him the changeling wouldn't talk. Then just a few minutes ago. He had gotten word that his Chief Intel officer and his marines had been apart a brawl on board the station.

"Fight simulation 1 please." Alex said with a slight hint of anger in his voice.

A Klingon razor beast appeared in front of him and immediately attacked. Alex dodged the attack with skill and grace. Alex kicked his foot out and caught the razor beast across the face.

"This is to easy,” Alex thought to himself "Computer, skill level 10."

"This is unadvised Commodore." the computer replied.

"Skill level 10 computer." Alex repeated his command.

The razor beast charged slashing and biting at him. Alex dodged every attack and did a flip on to the beasts back. This was more like it. He wrapped his hands around the beast’s head and jerked his arms. The beast’s head snapped and the creature fell to the ground. Alex stood and brushed his uniform off.

"Maj Grischelm, please report to my ready room, and bring the LT Commander with you." Alex said as he walked out of the Holodeck and headed for the bridge.

<Quarks Bar, DS9>

Ian side stepped quickly, and took the knife in the upper left triceps. Without even blinking Ian connected a well placed roundhouse kick to the Klingon's chin, making his sprawl out over a table...jumping up into a spinning Crescent kick he caught the smaller Klingon in the throat and head with his second kick. Looking to his right he saw a knife coming down to his chest again.

Locking his hands around the hand of the knife bearer he threw the Klingon off balance and head first into the bar. After the fight the Marines took the instigators to the brig...along with Quark and the other Ferangi. Dr Bashir quickly healed Ian's wound when he had finished, Ian and the Major heard the Commodore’s voice, "Report to my ready room."

<Commodore’s ready room>

"Make sure we knock Major, you know what happened last time we didn't." The Major nodded and hit the doorbell. "Enter" Ian and the Major entered. When they entered the two saw the Commodore sitting at his desk, along with a female standing in front of the desk.

"Oh hello boys, Cmdr what happened to your arm? Anyway this is our new Diplomatic officer.... she has apparently she has been on board of DS9 and decided it better not to tell us." The Commodore seemed surprisingly calm.

'Must have been fighting razor beasts again...' Ian thought in his head.

"Well what do you have to say for yourself Diplomatic Officer? Tell me one good reason that I shouldn't make you a cadet again?" The Commodore glared at her, and nodded in the direction of the couch in his ready room for Ian and Grischelm to sit down. As the two sat down, Ian winced a little, a blow had landed to his right chest and it was a little sore. The Commodore started to chew out the Diplomatic Officer, who seemed unaffected by his repeals.

Ian cracked his neck, and while the Commodore looked at him he spoke up "Sir I have a few interrogations that I need the Major's help with. With your permission I will begin on the rest of my Intel gathering." Ian waited for a response. The Commodore and then turned his attention to the Lt. Ian stopped short of the door "Sir I might need Lt Seris's Diplomatic knowledge. We wouldn't want to break any Starfleet rules." Ian looked at the Commodore, the Commodore looked at Ian and slowly agreed. Upon leaving the ready room Ian looked at the Lt.

"You owe BIG Lt. and I always get my payment in full so you better do a good job in interrogation! This is a one time deal so don't look for it again, make sure that you report to me everyday and you will report to the Commodore all the time and you will apologize to him...understood?"

Ian Glowered over the Lt and waited for a response. "Yes sir." she said meekly...they went to the interrogation rooms and began, Quark was easy, Ian knew that he had him in one grab of his ear. Quark spilled everything to Ian...."Your on my crap list Quark so you better not make me upset..." Ian began

<Interrogation Room 3, Intel Section>

Grischelm, Ian, and the Diplomatic Officer had been interrogating the
prisoners for a good three hours when the word was given over the comm. "Major Grischelm, report the Commodore's Ready Room immediately.”

 'Great another bug hunt on the books!' the Major thought as he excused himself from the interrogation. Grischelm was getting tired of the interrogation anyways and it would be nice to
get back to the "ol' routine" as he often called combat. The Major tapped his comm. badge and acknowledged that he was on his way. Brandon entered the turbolift and took a place beside POFC Mazerick, the ship's head nurse.

<Inside Turbolift 6>

Karen pushed her glasses lightly back onto her nose as she looked at Brandon. A wisp of hair from her bangs falling out of place to drape her left eye in a flirting way. "Good afternoon, Sir." she said in
soft tone.

Brandon thanked God that Klingon pigment prevented her from seeing him blush at the words. "Would you..." both said at the same time.

"You first." Karen finally said after a shared laugh.

"Would you like to have, I mean if your not busy...'cause I can understand if ya are, and." Karen interrupted and completed his sentence for him.

"Yes, I'd love to have dinner. 2000 hrs, my place, I'll cook you a great Canadian-style meal. Don't be late."

Brandon stood there bewildered and relieved at the same time as he watched her leave the turbolift towards her quarters. Brandon finally shook himself to, and realized that the turbolift didn't know where he was going. Grischelm told the computer to take him to the bridge.

<Commodore's Ready Room>

Commodore Winger sat at his desk reviewing a routine logistics report from the ship's security force when he heard the tone from the door. "Enter." The Commodore said without looking up from the
PADD.

"Major Grischelm reporting as ordered, Sir!" Grischelm said with the usual force that gave testimony to countless battles and a glint in his eyes that he was expecting the blood that came from
war.

"At ease Major. Sit down, you'll need to." Winger said without hesitation. He slid a PADD to the Major. "This one's coming from higher-up. Hate to tell you this, but your orders are to "escort" the changeling prisoner back to the Gamma Quadrant."

"But..." Grischelm said without thinking.

The Commodore put a hand up to stop Brandon in his tracks. "Don't argue with me Major!" Winger said with the force of a freight train.

"Pardon the outburst sir, but in my opinion, and with battle hardened experience, this is a serious bad breech in security. What's to prevent this changeling from coming back to DS9 to complete his original mission? The next time may not go in our favor, sir."

The Commodore in a calmer tone replied, "Save it Major, I've already expressed the concerns with this operation to command, and they went unheard. Command feels that the best way to find out what the changeling knows is to follow him into the Gamma Quadrant."

The Major at this point trying to stifle his laughter, and failing miserably, said through choked breath, "So we're supposed to let the little shape shifter go, and hope that he won't comeback with greater numbers? That's insane, sir. If I was in his position I'd find anyway possible of leading the bull by the horns and making a break for it at the best moment."

"That may be true, but command has given us an order, and you will follow it. Understood." The last statement more an order than a request stung Grischelm like a knife.  “What I really want you to do Brandon is to let the changeling escape and see where he leads you to.  Go to engineering and have one of the engineers rig a new emitter that will slowly die out so he can revert to his normal form.”

Through gritted teeth the Major, having lost the battle and won it at the same time replied, "Understood...Sir!"

The Commodore taking in the full impact of the Major's words just said, "Dismissed."

The Major stood and left the ready room making his way to Engineering.

<POFC Mazerick's Quarters: 55274.83 >

Grischelm was poking at the grilled moose more than eating it. Karen was talking about an experiment that she working on, and Brandon were listening to about an eighth of what she was saying. His mind was stuck on what the next mission was and how idiotic it sounded to him.

Karen placed her hand on Brandon's, shaking him from his train of thought. "What's the matter Brandon? You look like a dog with his tail between his legs." Karen said with a soothing tone that just melted Brandon's heart to hear it. As if in one long blabbering outburst he told her what Command had put him in charge of.

By the end of it, Brandon was flushed in the face and his brown skin had turned a pale gray. Karen looked at him and with beautiful green eyes and kissed him lightly on the lips. "You finally showed your colors,” she whispered to him when they were done.

"Thanks, Karen. I really needed to get that off my chest." Brandon said with a deep exhale. "Do ya wanna dance?" Brandon said with a slight hesitation.

"Of course!" Karen said as she pulled Brandon out of his chair and into the middle of the living room.

"Computer, music selection. 'Bless These Eyes' by Terran Homestead." Brandon told the computer. "Music selection acknowledged." the computer replied. The two danced and talked into the late hours and when it was finally over the Major was surprised to hear Karen ask if he'd stay the night. Brandon, not wanting the night to end, accepted her offer.

<POFC Mazerick's Quarters: Stardate 55277.24 >

The Major sat up with a jolt. "Damn! I'm running late for formation!" Karen who was not used to getting up until 0800 looked confused and blissful lying in bed with the sheets just covering her breasts.

"What it's not even six, Brandon?" she said as she looked at the clock.

"I have formation in twelve minutes. I gotta go." Brandon kissed Karen as he pulled on his uniform and then bolted towards the door. "Call me. I'd like to see you tonight." he said as he rushed out the door in a double time down the corridor.

"Sure. Figures, I finally meet a guy I can be with and he has to go save the universe." Karen said as she caught the sheet from revealing her breasts before anyone could see into her quarters. The door shut as she started to cross her arms.

<MTF: Stardate 55277.24 >

The Major rushed into the training facility, and passed a mirror long enough to noticed the lipstick marks still on his neck and lips. Almost simultaneously, the rest of the detachment noticed the rumpled
looking Major and the lipstick stains on his collar and on his face. The marines started to make comments and give the Major congrats for his "achievement", knowing full well what had probably been the night's activities. Comments like, "Way to go BFG!" and "Did she leave claw marks?" were among the more popular ones. The Major just took the jokes with a proud and humbling grain of salt.

<MTF4: Stardate 55277.25 >

Grischelm called the detachment to attention and proceeded to for the next five minutes to tell the day's training schedule, and to brief the men on the next mission. A groan of disapproval came from the detachment and the Major conveyed his own personal feelings on the situation. He ended the briefing with repeating that the orders were from the "higher brass" and that it could not be contested. "We're just going to have to bite the bullet and drive on men. Any questions?" None came from the enlisted, but he noticed his officers had some and that they would wait until a proper briefing could take place. "Good. Squad Leaders take your teams to conduct physical fitness training. Dismissed."

<Maj. Grischelm's Office>

Grischelm knew he needed to tell Intel what was going on. Grischelm tapped his vidscreen and requested LtCmdr. MacMahathain. Within seconds the Lt Cmd's face appeared on the screen. "What can I do for you Major?" He proceeded to tell him the long and detailed story of letting the changeling go.

<Ian's Office>

"Are you freaking kidding me sir!!!???" Ian stood up as he said it, trying to give an overbearing intimidation affect without thinking about it.

"Yes Cmdr. I know it sucks, but we gotta do it." Major Grischelm was calm; Ian noticed some lipstick marks on his collar. Ian said nothing and sat back down.

"Might I request sir that I tag along, not only will you need Intel but my shooting skills along with tracking will come in handy I am sure." Ian was not going to take no for an answer, but to his surprise the Major heartily agreed.

"I will gather my equipment sir; a sniper rifle should be issued to me as well. I don't know if that is possible, but it will be nice."

Ian waited for a response "Will see what I can do." Major Grischelm nodded and blinked off the screen. Calling up Dax he waited till he saw her eyes,

"Hi Ezri, well I uh...oh." Ian faltered in speaking to her and turned red.

"Sure I would love to have dinner tonight Ian, and Hawkeye it's my turn to be the host..." Winking she continued "It's 1500 and we get off in about an hour or so, 1700 sharp Cmdr, and that is an order!" She laughed as Ian nodded and kissed his hand and placed on the screen.... Ezri saw this and did the same. Right then the Commodore walked in, Ian didn't notice him he was to busy staring at Ezri, he was in love.

"Well Cmdr, did I catch you at a bad time?" The Commodore smiled as Ian snapped to attention behind his desk. "At Ease Cmdr finish what you doing before I brief you, I know normally I ask you to my Ready room but I wanted to bring this in person, you know get out of the office now and again."

"Yes sir. Ezri I'll see you at 1700 ok, I'll work it out." Ian smiled as Ezri winked and waved goodbye.

"What can I do for you sir?" Ian showed the Commodore that he wanted him to sit, thanking Ian the Commodore took a seat and handed Ian a data pad.

"This is the orders from higher, I want you to see why they want them to do this. I was told to see where the Changeling goes and to start Diplomatic relations, so you will be bringing the Diplomatic officer with you," Pausing to shift in his chair "Use your resources."

"Well sir I will take care of that ASAP. One request sir, I would like to go on the mission. I have the Major's approval, he feels that my Intel experience and survival skills along with shooting will come
in handy." Ian was hoping the Commodore said yes, which he did to Ian's thankfulness. The Commodore left and Ian looked into the orders, and found nothing interesting and that what the Commodore was told. Ian still thought that it was fishy but reported to the Commodore and returned to his quarters to change and prepare for Ezri's date.

"I better tell her that I am going to the Gamma quad...but I need to be cautious." Ian said out loud as he headed to Ezri's quarters

                The next morning Ian found Ezri in his arm when he woke up.  He slowly slid out of bed not to disturb her and went to freshen up.  As he was wiping his face Ezri entered the bathroom.

"Hi Hawkeye!" Ezri came over and kissed him, and took the flowers that he got for her. Ian was stunned she was wearing a blue silk dress that was translucent in all the right places.

"Uh Hi." The dinner was great and Ian and Ezri spent the night.

"Ezri I got to go," Ian said as he got up, "I need to get some things done and workout before work." Kissing her on the lips and caressing her body.

She stopped him "We'll workout together, it has been a while." She winked at him, and put on a skintight spandex workout outfit.

'Today will be great no matter what happens.' Ian thought as they left for his quarters and got ready to workout.

<Holodeck 1>

At the Major's request Ian was asked to help instruct the Marines on basic ways to incapacitate the Jem'Hadar if they ever got to hand to hand.

"Now the first thing you want to remember about these boys is that they aren't overly smart," The Major paused to look around his men to see that they understood, "But they sure can fight. Had a run in with a couple of 'em in the last war. Cmdr if you will." Ian nodded and called for his program fighter. "Computer, begin program kick ass 3India Echo 1."

The computer beeped and put a Jem'Hadar in front of Ian, quickly and much to the surprise of the Major. The Jem'Hadar attacked Ian, who was in his stance so fast that all the Marines actually got wide
eyed. "Now...the.... main...thing...to...remember aruughh!!" Ian spoke between blows and stopped mid sentence to throw the Jem'Hadar half way across the room using his own momentum. "Is that the little tube
at the side of their necks is their life blood."

Pausing to proceed with taking out the Jem’Hadar with two swift blows and a yank at his
neck the tube. Instantly the Jem'Hadar went stiff..."That's what you do."

The rest of the day he was commended and fought with the Marines to help train them...

<Holodeck 3, That Evening>

Ian had gone to great lengths to ensure that the dinner would run smoothly. He was asked by the Commodore to help with it because Ian was asking about it. The Major and head Nurse were down at the Barbeque waiting for Ian to come back. Ian who had previously gone into the woods and killed a deer, even though it was not real just a hologram, while the meat was cooking the computer would replicate the meat on the grill! 'Wow,' Ian thought as he heaved the deer on his shoulders. He made sure that the blood was out of it so as not to mess up his uniform. 'This deer will feed all the Marines twice.' He continued down the ancient logging trail that one of his Great Uncles had made long before he was a twinkle in his great grandfathers eye. He had asked Ezri to make something and bring it with her and is prepared for some fun; Ian had set up a horseshoe throwing area, along with volleyball and a shooting range. Mainly Bow short ranged so not to hurt anyone.

Coming out of the clearing the Major waved happily, "Hello there Cmdr!! My that is a right fine animal you got there.... what you goin to do with it?" The Major knew but was asking anyway, Ian had gutted the deer previously and was now ready to string it up and butcher it. Getting out his skinning knife and big bladed combat knife he began to butcher the deer with ease. Remembering what his father taught him about Native American Lore, he took one of the choicest pieces of meat and threw it in the fire of the grill as a thanks to the Gods for this marvelous bounty. Continuing on he cut out the loins, front and back, and put them into the cooler so they wouldn't go bad. He then took the neck meat along with the rib meat that he could get without getting the nastiest pieces.

"I think that I will save these rib bones for Rebel." Ian said as he cut two out for the new Ship Mascot.

"I bet he'll think that they will make a great treat." Brandon said as he asked Ian to call him while out of uniform, agreed. Ezri walked in the holodeck doors carrying two big bowls of macaroni and potato salad. Karen rushed to help her and brought them to the table. After Ian had cleaned up and changed, he started the cooking. It was about that time that the Marine's and the flight team showed up. The Commodore came in with Rebel in tow close by carrying a pot full of some sort of stew. Ian knew the smell but waited as the Commodore had asked him, Kiera showed up along with Garak and Quark even made an appearance for a few minutes to say hello.

"You must have really made an impression on him Hawkeye," Kiera said with her mouth full of deer meat, "He never shows up to places like this."

"This is very fine, don't you think so Julian?" Garak piped up asking Bashir, "I mean Ian has only bought a few uniforms and custom made items and he wishes me to show up at his ba-r-be.... q??? Is that how you say it Cmdr?" Ian smiled and nodded yes. He was talking away and having a great time, when he decided that he should propose a toast.

"Hey everyone can I get you attention?" Ian stood up holding his glass of Scotch "I am not very good at this but I want to propose a toast." Holding up his glass, "To the Commodore and the best dang crew so far that I have served with. To the Marines and their fearless leader and to the DS9 crew. This mission we may all not come home from, but we will remember this time and make the best of it." HERE, HERE! Is all that Ian heard as he took a drink?

The day went on and late in the night...'I hope that we all make it home to have another one of these' Ian thought in his head. As Lt. Bowman and his crew walked through the door; he couldn't believe what he saw. He was looking at an old fashioned barbeque the likes of which he hadn't seen in several years. He smiled, looked at his crew, and said this was going to be fun. Maverick and his wife walked towards the table with the food, as the other members mingled with the crew.

Desiree had made a few pumpkin pies, her husband’s favorite desert. She set it on the table, as Ezri and Kiera came up and introduced themselves. As his wife walked off talking to the two women, Maverick walked over towards Ian and the Major Grischelm, whom he hadn't met yet. He had read their bios and understood them to be capable men, more so than he would have expected.

"Hello," he said as he walked up. "I'm Lt. Bowman, the CO of the Hell's Fire. My crew calls me Maverick."

"I'm Lt. Cmdr. Ian MacMahathain. I'm called Hawkeye." came the reply from one.
"I'm Major Grischelm. Command the marines on this ship." came the thick southern drawl from the larger man.

"Nice to meet you. I've reviewed your profiles, and I'm looking forward to working with you." came Maverick's reply. Hawkeye thought in the back of his mind that this guy was put together. Reviewed our bios before he came aboard. Not a normal thing for someone of his standing. I'll have to keep an eye on him.

"Are you guys up for some volleyball or football? Perhaps some sparring?" asked Maverick.

"Sure." came the reply from the gentleman.

"Give me one sec. Computer, Doorway." A door appeared in the setting.
Maverick walked over to it. "Computer, replicate a CD Boom box from the late 21st century. Then replicate a CD of 80's rock. Upbeat. Preferably from Bon Jovi, Cinderella, Poison and Twisted Sisters."
As he finished, both items appeared. He put the CD in, and then remembered he had no batteries. "Computer, replicate 21st century D-Cell sized batteries. 6 of them." When he finished 6 batteries materialized. He put them in the back and then turned the boom box on. "Sorry. Can't have fun with sports without music." Twisted Sister's "We're Not Gonna Take It" blared out of the radio. Maverick asked the commodore to be his volleyball partner against the two gentlemen. The commodore accepted and walked over to the net to get ready. Shortly after the game began.

Maverick tossed the coin as Ian called it. "Heads" he said. It came up heads, so Hawkeye and the Major got to start. Hawkeye served. After about twenty minutes of play the score was tied at 14. They were playing to 15. It was the Commodore’s serve, and he shot it off. After a great diving save by the major, Hawkeye spiked the ball.

Maverick saw it coming and popped it into the air, where the commodore set it. Maverick jumped and spiked the ball hard. It landed just inside the right corner.

"Good game gentleman." said the Commodore.

"Hey that was a great game Mav." Ian replied, he had placed a well-put spike but Maverick was able to counter and Ian and the Major couldn't respond in time.

“Oh well maybe next time we get em' eh Cmdr?" Brandon was sweating a little was the whole crew who played. The rest of the Marines were scattered between the mock up shooting range and some playful fighting going on off to the right. Ezri smiled as Ian came back and sat down, she sat on his lap and placed an arm around his neck and whispered something into his ear, "Let's stay here after everyone leaves and make sure no one can come in and see us." A big smile appeared on her face as she spoke...Ian who never could refuse her agreed. The dinner was great; the food was hot and fresh, as well as perfectly done. Not too much of it was left so Ian asked the Commodore.

Maverick walked over to his wife, who had a towel. "I'm ready to go to sleep," he said to her. "I know, but we still haven't eaten." came her reply.

After dinner, Maverick asked to be excused. The Commodore looked at him puzzled. "I'm sorry sir. I had a real good workout this morning, and combined with the volleyball, I'm tired. I need to get some sleep so I don't botch any flights, even if they are Sims."

"You are excused lt." David went and got his wife and left, saying good-bye to everyone. They went back to their quarters where David took a shower and kissed his wife goodnight and promptly fell asleep.

"Sir I have these rib bones saved for Rebel, you think it would be ok if he had them?" Ian saw Rebel's tail wagging a million light years a minute...

<Holodeck 3, Later that Evening>

"Computer, dusk light level. Fire in the fire pit, fairly large, and warm, time of year early fall Vermont." Ian made sure that the temp and the mood was set. Many of the Marines had turned in, their
bellies full of food, beer and fun. Maverick had went to sleep earlier he had something about needing plenty of sleep. With his wife in tow they left. It was down to Commodore Winger along with Rebel, still gleefully knawing on a rib bone. Major Grischelm and Karen the doctor. Col Kiera who had finally let the Commodore and Ian use her first name but only at times when formalities were left at the door.

Ezri who was sitting with Ian dozing happily on Ian's shoulder, both of them held each other with a lot of love. The Commodore smiled and nodded to Ian who looked at Ezri, she had feel asleep on his shoulder with a smile.

Kiera piped up, "Isn't it a tradition for you humans to roast...what were they? Marshmallow’s over the fire?"

Ian smiled and then agreed, Karen and the Commodore thought that it would be good. Some of the
Marines wanted to as well. "Computer." Ian looked up as he spoke, "Two bags of Stay puff marshmallows, two boxes of Graham crackers and 20 bars of Hershey chocolate."

Ezri woke silently, and shifted her head to snuggle closer to Ian's neck; he could feel her soft breath on his neck. Kiera looked at Ian, as did Grischelm; Karen smiled and giggled "S'MORES!!!" She said gleefully.

Ian nodded and sat with Ezri, pulling up a blanket so she wouldn't get too cold. She smiled and shifted a little when he placed it over the two of them. He knew that he was going to get really hot, but he would do anything for Ezri, "Hey." He whispered in her ear, "You want to help me make some s'mores?"

She smiled and shook her head, and placed her arm around his neck and her other one around his waist, to try and wrap around him. He shifted to help her find her comfort zone, "I think that I will pass but thanks." Ian said as Karen offered him a stick to roast.

She smiled and nodded, a little while later she was sitting on Grischelm’s lap in a similar manner, cuddled up under his neck. Grischelm ordered one of his en
to give him a blanket and wrapped her in it and held her close.

Ian could tell the two cared for each other very much. 'Good' he thought to himself, 'I am glad that he has found someone to help him live.'

"You aren't going to have one Hawkeye?" Ezri said as she woke up and sat up straight on his lap with her back to him, he just shook his head.

 "I didn't want to wake you." Kissing her on the left side of her neck, she tilted her neck that way because it tickled her; Ian knew this and liked to tease her sometimes, as she knew his weakness. So he figured 'why not exploit her's once in a while?'

Ezri had three s'mores much to Ian's surprise; she gave him a few bites but she ate more then her fair share. It was getting towards dark and the Commodore and Kiera thought that it was best that they turn in. The Major and Karen followed suit, Karen seemed so small in Grischelm’s huge arms. She was still asleep. The Marines left soon after. Leave Ian and Ezri alone as she asked him, all night they held
each other in passion.

EPISODE THREE