The SAREK was in the Terra/Sol System, traveling toward Earth and Starfleet Headquarters. And yet, everything was mysteriously quiet. Too, quiet, was the concensus of the bridge crew.

"Any word from Starfleet Command?" T'Leia Karia asked, strolling onto the bridge of her ship.

Katianna looked at T'Leia, a look of agitation on her face. "No, Captain. I've never known Starfleet to keep their silence for such a long time," she said.

"Indeed. Ensign MacPherson, bring us into standard orbit," T'Leia ordered.

"Aye, sir."

"Captain, I'm getting some unusual reading from the subspace near Earth. There's some sort of anomaly," Dantar reported from his aft science station.

"What kind of readings, Ensign?" T'Leia asked.

"I've never encountered these kind of readings before, but if I didn't know better, sir, I'd swear someone was trying to open an interdimentional gate," Dantar replied.

"The mirror universe?" Katianna questioned.

"No, sir, the temporal signature does not match any of those from the mirror universe."

An alarm klaxon sounded then.

"Captain, I've lost helm control. We're being pulled in . . . to wherever that anomaly leads," MacPherson said.

"Bridge to Engineering. Ensign, reverse all engines," T'Leia ordered.

"I do not recommend that procedure, Captain. The pressure on the warp core is already at dangerous levels and rising. If I do not shut down the core, a breach will occur," Travis replied.

"Understood. Ensign MacPherson, deactivate the engines."

"Aye, sir."

"Let's hope its a smooth ride from here," Katianna said, a hint of worry in her voice.

"If its not, don't blame me," MacPherson piped in.

_________________
 

"The opening of the gate was successful, Da'an."

Special Agent Sandoval came into the room to stand beside Da'an. Da'an acknowledged him with a nod. Boone also stood nearby as they waited for results of the experiment. Da'an's monitor beeped and the Taelon activated it immediately. The probe they had sent into the gateway was sending back data.

"It appears that the joint efforts of our worlds' respective scientists are to be commemorated," Da'an said.

Ne'eg, the most eminent of all Taelon's scientists, entered the room looking rather pleased at their success.

"The Synod will be most pleased, Ne'eg."

"The probe is detecting . . . a spacecraft. It has passed into the gateway," Ne'eg said.

Da'an appeared alarmed and he quickly changed his monitor to view the probe's data.

"It's not one of our own," Ne'eg said without necessity.

"The appropriate questions is: Who are they?" Boone stated.

"Indeed."

_______________
 
 

"Captain, that is Earth down there, but I can't raise Starfleet Command on any subspace frequency. I can't even locate Headquarters on the surface," Toruck reported.

"Can you confirm that is Earth, Lieutenant?" T'Leia asked.

"Yes, sir. That is Earth."

"The questions is, is that the Earth we know?" Dantar asked.

"What are you suggesting, Ensign?" Katianna asked.

"That we are in a parallel universe," he answered.

"Captain, we are being hailed," Toruck said.

"By Command?" MacPherson asked.

"No, not Command, and its not exactly on a subspace frequency. The technology is unfamiliar to me," Toruck answered.

"Can we reply, Lieutenant?" T'Leia asked.

"I believe so, Captain."

"Open a channel then, Lieutenant."

"Open."

"This is Captain T'Leia Karia of the Federation starship USS SAREK."

A strange, but handsome alien face appeared on the SAREK's viewscreen. The face was pale, but appeared a close match to a humans. The alien spoke flawless and quite elegant Federation standard.

"We greet you in peace, Captain Karia. I am Da'an, Companion Ambassador to North America," the alien said.

T'Leia signaled for mute. Toruck nodded.

"North America? Did he say North America?" MacPherson asked.

"He did, Ensign MacPherson. It appears we are at the very least, not in our time anymore. We must take precautions from hence not to pollute the timeline," T'Leia said.

"Captain, we're not in our universe any longer," Dantar said.

"Ensign, how are you able to arrive at that conclusion?" the Vulcan asked.

"There is no mention of humans having contact with alien races before 2063 when Zefram Cochrane few the PHOENIX and meet with the Vulcans," he answered.

"Your reasoning is sound, Ensign. Suggestions?"

"I suggest we call Commander Koram to the bridge," Katianna said. When T'Leia confirmed it with a nod, Katianna activated the comm. "Commander Koram, report to the Bridge."

"Lieutenant, open the channel."

"Open."

"As a representative of the Federation, I thank you, Ambassador, for your gracious welcome," T'Leia said. "But we are . . . curious as to how we came to be in your universe."

"Indeed, Captain Karia, as are we," Da'an replied.

"Perhaps we should meet to attempt to determine how this came to pass,"T'Leia suggested.

Da'an nodded to someone out of their viewscreens range.

"What is your method of transportation, Captain?" the alien asked.

T'Leia raised an eyebrow. "The fastest method of 'transportation', Ambassador, for us is to use our ship's transporters," she answered.

Da'an was apparently quite puzzled at this.

T'Leia summarily explained the process. "May we beam down a team to your coordinates?" she asked.

"Captain, I must confer with my superiors before any course of action is taken," Da'an answered.

T'Leia nodded. "We will await your signal, Ambassador," she said.

_______________
 

Da'an severed the link. "Commander Boone, make preparations to meet with representatives of the 'Federation.' Agent Sandoval will accompany you as well," Da'an said.

They both nodded and left Da'an alone. Da'an activated his communications and instantly Qo'on appeared before him.

"The experiment has brought unanticipated consequences," Da'an began. He then sent the probe's images to Qo'on and the communiques with the Federation representatives.

"I will alert the Synod immediately. You will not have any direct contact with these unknowns until the danger to our tenure here on Earth has been assessed. Your Implants shall investigate these unknowns," Qo'on said.

Da'an nodded. "I understand. My Implants will meet with them immediately."

___________________
 

"We've received the coordinates for our guests, Commander."

"Energize."

Lt. Commander Koram Kale waited as their guests materialized on the transporter pad. There was a delay and the Bajoran looked to the chief.

"Sir, I am reading some sort of weapons on them."

"Can you deactivate their weapons?" Kale asked.

"No, sir."

"Hold them in transport. Koram to bridge."

"Go ahead, Commander," answered T'Leia.

"Captain, the Ambassador's aides have some sort of weapons on them. The transporter chief is unable to deactivate them."

"Lieutenant Toruck, send a security detachment to transporter room two. Commander. await the arrival of the security team and then complete the transport," T'Leia ordered.

"Aye, Captain."

After Turock's team arrived, Kale nodded and the chief energized the beam. Before them stood two human males, both dressed in late 20th century style suits. Kale stepped forward.

"I'm Commander Koram Kale, Chief Diplomatic Relations Officer. Captain Karia sent me to escort you to the conference room," he explained.

The man on Kale's left was the first to step forward, offering his hand.  "I'm Commander William Boone, and this is Special Agent Ronald Sandoval," Boone introduced.  When Sandoval made no movement Kale got the hint.

"Ah . . . yes, Captain Karia is waiting. If you'll follow me, gentlemen . . ."

_________________
 

T'Leia had assembled her entire senior staff to meet with the aides of Da'an and to try to determine their presence in this universe. T'Leia stood to her feet as Kale entered with their guests close behind him.

"Captain T'Leia Karia, this is Commander William Boone and Special Agent Ronald Sandoval," he introduced them.

T'Leia nodded. "Please be seated, gentlemen," she said. She motioned to two empty seats.

Sandoval was seated first with Boone sitting down next to him. The two did not seem startled at the presence of some many alien races.

"First of all, allow me to greet you on the Federation's behalf. Welcome aboard the SAREK," T'Leia said.

Sandoval didn't miss a beat, however. "Captain, if I may be very frank, I am not a diplomat and Da'an is anxious to learn how you came to be here. He has instructed Commander Boone and I to cooperate with you fully to answer this question and of how to return you to your universe," he said.

Katianna watched Boone beside him and she could tell he was fighting not to say anything to Sandoval. She glanced at T'Leia and found that the Vulcan was not unsettled by Sandoval's apparent bluntness. She nodded her head.

"There is . . . logic to your words, Agent Sandoval. Let us proceed then to strive to answer these questions," she said.

Sandoval held up his global link. "I have data from a probe we used to analyze the gateway's progress. Perhaps one of your scientists may wish to analyze it before we proceed any further," he said.

"Ensign Dantar, I am entrusting you with this assignment."

"Aye, sir. It will take me a few hours to analyze all this data, assuming that we are able to download it from your computer first," Dantar said.

"That shouldn't be a problem. We were, after all, able to communicate with one another using Taelon technology. This shouldn't be anymore difficult," Boone said.

"If you'll come with me, Agent Sandoval, I'll take you to my work station and we will download the probe's data," Dantar said.

Sandoval nodded.

"I'll contact Da'an in the meantime and inform him o the delay," Boone said.

"Commander Nadira, would you escort Commander Boone for the remainder of his visit with us?" T'Leia asked.

Katianna nodded with a smile.

""This meeting is adjourned."

As everyone left, Katianna turned to face Boone.

"Do you need privacy, Commander Boone, to make your contact?" she asked.

Boone smiled, taking out his global.

"You can stay if you want. I'll only be a second."

Katianna nodded. She tried not to listen as Boone informed Da'an of the situation. She then heard the Taelon grant Boone permission to stay on board the SAREK until they had completed the analysis of the probe's data. Boone closed his link.

"Do you need to work with your friend, Commander?" she asked.

"No, I don't. In fact, I doubt Sandoval will even stay on your ship. He'll let your scientists do all the work and return  to the surface. And please call me Will," Boone said.

"All right. I'm Katianna, or Kat, whichever you're most comfortable with. Are you hungry? I cold take you to get something to eat," she said.

"Yeah, I guess it is lunch time."

"I'll take you to Ten Forward. It has a wide selection of food and the best view of the stars, or in this case, your Earth you're ever going to find."

_________________
 

"What happened to make you want to work for the . . . Taelons is it?" Katianna asked. She had shared lunch with Boone and now they were just talking. Their gazes turned toward the Earth.

Katianna was overwhelmed with emotions, as Boone's mind played over the death of his wife. The love, the pain . . . Everything he felt coursed through her as if it were her pain as well. Then, visions of Arturus began flashing through her mind, mingling with that of Will Boone's. She had lost him so recently that the pain was just as fresh and his. Tears misting her eyes, she gently laid a hand on his arm.

"I'm sorry I asked, Will," she said quietly.

"How . . .How are you -"

With a bittersweet smile, she replied, "My people are telepathic and empathic. Usually I try to block other's thoughts, but your memories . . . They are so strong in your mind, I couldn't help but see and experience them the way you did."

"Thank you . . ." he replied, knowing someone finally knew exactly how much pain he had felt over Kate's death. Something he hadn't been able to truly share with anyone.

For a moment they didn't speak, as Katianna withdrew her hand, both lost in thoughts of their lost loves. Finally, Boone cleared his throat and pushed aside the strong feelings raging within him. Kat instantly caught his hazel gaze and smiled warmly, reassuring him that all was well.

"You know, don't take this the wrong way, but . . . I thought you were human, too," he began, changing the subject.

"Well, I do have some human ancestry in me, but my people are called Tanzarans. We are what you would call shape shifters . . . able to change our forms into anything we please," she explained.

"Change into anything?" he said skeptically.

"I'll give you a demonstration," she said with a twinkle in her eyes.

Katianna stood from the chair and then changed her form to match what she had been sitting in. From there, she shifted into a white and orange tabby cat. But as she heard the sound of the door slide open, and she saw it was Sandoval with a security guard, she couldn't resist changing into a white bengal tiger. Just for flair, she let loose a roar. Sandoval paused in mid-stride and looked at her, his mouth open, as she shifted back to her normal form . . . but with one exception - she had changed her hair color to a shocking pink. Sandoval quickly regained his composure, and turned to face Boone.

"I will be returning to the surface. Da'an has requested my presence. He has requested that you remain on this ship, however, until the analysis of the probe's data can be completed," Sandoval said.

Boone nodded. Sandoval nodded to Katianna and left Ten-Forward. As soon as he was gone Kat burst into laughter as did Boone.

"I wish I had a picture of the look on his face. Lili would have loved to have seen it," he said as their laughter died down.

"Is she a friend?" Kat asked.

"Yes . . . and a co-worker. She and I have to work with Sandoval everyday."

"You have my sympathy, then," she replied with a smirk. With that, Katianna stood up and waited for Boone to join her. "There are some other places on the ship I'd like to show you," she said. "Our holodecks are very interesting."

"Holodecks . . . ?"

"Yes, they - "

"Karia to Nadira."

Kat smiled at Boone. She knew he understood. "Excuse me just a moment." Swiftly she tapped her comm badge. "Nadira here. Go ahead, Captain."
"Please bring Commander Boone to the Bridge."

"Aye, Sir. Nadira out . . . I guess the holodeck will just have to wait."

______________
 

T'Leia was about to open a channel to the surface to report Dantar's quick progress in analyzing the probe's data when Katianna came onto the bridge and halted her. Katianna looked back at Boone.

"Please tell the Captain what you told me," she said.

"Captain, there was a moment of your original communication with us when I observed you seemed to be talking among yourselves as though we could not hear your conversation. I want to warn you that we heard every word you and your officers spoke," he said.

"Apparently our mute button is not compatible in its function where Taelon technology is concerned. Thank you, Commander, for sharing this. It has been noted. Lt. Toruck, open a channel," T'Leia said.

"Open."

"This is the USS SAREK wishing to speak with Companion Ambassador Da'an," she said.

"No response," Toruck said.

"Captain?" Boone said stepping forward.

"Yes, Commander Boone?"

"I believe Da'an maybe in conference with the Taelon Synod. He won't be able to speak with you until he's finished with the Synod," he explained.

___________________

"What is your observation, Agent Sandoval, of our visitors?" Da'an asked.

he had indeed been in conference with the Synod, but he had summoned Sandoval upon his return to the surface.

"They are advanced enough to where they would pose a threat to the security of the Companions if they so choose to," he said.

"Please elaborate," Qo'on said.

"While one of their scientists and I worked to download the probe's data, I managed to access part of their computer's central data base. There is a rule that this Federation has of noninterference. This policy includes the internal affairs of any worlds their starship visit," Sandoval explained.

"Even parallel Earth?" Da'an asked.

Sandoval nodded an answer.

"What is your recommendation, Da'an?"

"I recommend that we permit them to visit us here on the surface, but restrict them to Companion Headquarters and other places hidden from public view," Da'an said.

"Proceed. They are, however, confined to ares that are not of high security. Da'an, it is the Synod's imperative that you learn from these visitors and then return them to their universe," Qo'on said.

Da'an nodded and broke the transmission. His monitor beeped and with a graceful motion he activated it. The face of the alien starship Captain appeared.

"Captain Karia, we were just about to contact you," Da'an said.

T'Leia raised her eyebrow . . .

_______________
 

"Indeed, Ambassador?"

"The Synod has granted permission for your people to visit us on the surface of Earth," Da'an replied.

"That would be . . . most welcomed, Ambassador. We were about to contact you to inform you that our scientist has made some progress in analyzing the data from your probe," T'Leia said.

"That is pleasing news, Captain. Perhaps, your scientists may join our own Companion scientist and finish analyzing the data together," Da'an said.

T'Leia nodded. "We would welcome that, Ambassador. Our Away Teams will be arriving within the hour at the coordinates you specify."

"Commander Boone will assist you in this endeavor, Captain. I greatly anticipate our meeting."

"As do I, Ambassador."

__________________
 

Doctor Awl had been enjoying a quiet day in sickbay, catching up with her collateral studies on Xenobiology. Indeed, she began to half-doze as she digested the chapter she had just read. But, catlike, she was aware of someone approaching her office. She elected to be alert as her visitor entered. It was Koram Kale, the SAREK's Chief of Diplomatic Relations.

"Doctor," he nodded a greeting to her. "I wonder if I could have just a moment or two of your time? Nothing too involved."

She rose. "Are you well, Commander?"

"Fine, thanks. I just need you to implant a subcutaneous transponder. I'm going down on Away Team duty."

"Expecting trouble?" the Caitian inquired, escorting her visitor to a biobed in the outer ward and motioning for him to sit.

"I don't know," he confided. "It's possible. While I'm prepared to hope for the best, these Taelons are an unknown commodity, and they have some pretty impressive technology."

"So you wouldn't mind having an extra edge, in case we need to track you or transport you out, Awl apprehended. "That makes sense, I suppose. Will I be seeing the rest of the Away Team soon?"

Kale shrugged. "I don't know. I checked with the Captain before coming down here. She thought this a sensible precaution, but didn't feel the need to extend it to everyone. So, probably not."

By this time Ora had the transponder mechanism loaded into a relatively large-bore hypospray. "Mastoid," she told him briefly. He held scrupulously still while she implanted the tiny device. "You don't leave for . . . Earth immediately, do you?"

"In about an hour," the Bajoran responded. "I was going to stop by Ten-Forward for a good breakfast first."

"Good," she said. "That will give me some time to make sure we're tracking you, and give your frequency to the Science Department as well."

"Works for me," Koram smiled. "Thank you, Doctor."

______________
 

Lieutenant Elizabeth Janeway shoved bits of the purple omelette around on her plate dispiritedly. "I'm jealous," she confessed. "This Away Team mission should be fascinating. Why do you always get to go on the good ones?"

Koram paused in the decimation of his Petrokian sausage and Owon eggs. "The SAREK is primarily a diplomatic ship. I'm Chief Diplomatic Officer. It just kind of works out that way."

Janeway made a noise, good-natured and disgusted at the same time.

"Anyway," Koram went on. "You'll be in Command of the ship. If some of those hyperspeed, intergalactic craft pop in and decide to attack, you'll be the one that has to cope with the situation."

"I should be so lucky," Janeway scoffed, facetiously.

"And how about me?" Xander Shinobi demanded, suddenly nearby. The hostess set down another cup of Lapsang Souchong tea before Koram as she remarked: "Some people get to go planetside. Others command an entire ship. What's the extent of my responsibilities? Glorified short-order cook and waitress!"

"I thought you liked your job?" Janeway observed quizzically.

"I usually do," Xander sighed. "But right now, I could use a little excitement."

"Well, stop down later," Koram suggest jovially. "Once I know the way around, I'll give you the grand tour."

Xander's purple eyes sparkled as she took the jest. "You know," she smiled, "I just might."

___________________
 

An hour later, the SAREK prepared to send its Away Team to the surface. Boone gave them the transporter coordinates. The Away Team consisted of T'Leia, Katianna, Dantar, Koram Kale and one security officer. Each were permitted tricorders, but all phasers were left behind as this was being classified as an Away Mission.

Boone took them immediately to meet with Da'an and Qo'on. Katianna couldn't help but gasp as Da'an arose from his seat and stepped down to speak at equal level with them. His movements were precise and were like that of a ballet dancer. Katianna caught Boone's eye as Da'an addressed T'Leia in a mysterious, exotic, and alien voice.

Da'an touched the middle of his chest with one hand and extended his other hand ever so slightly. "I greet you in peace, Captain Karia," Da'an said and his hands returned to their sides.

T'Leia raised her hand in the Vulcan salute.

Live long and prosper, Ambassador," she said.

Da'an's gaze turned towards the other members of the Away Team.

"These are members of my senior staff. My First Officer Commander Katianna Nadira, Chief Diplomatic Relations Officer Koram Kale, Chief Science Officer Ensign Dantar, and Security Specialist Immanuel Hernandez."

Each in turn nodded to Da'an as they were introduced to the Taelon.

"One of our scientists, Ne'eg, shall work with your science officer."

"Did . . . Ne'eg discover this gateway into our universe?" Dantar asked.

"Yes. He will join us shortly."

Kale cleared his throat and all eyes fell on him. "Forgive me for saying so, Ambassador, but as a Diplomat I am very curious about learning more about your culture and why your people have come to Earth," he said.

"You are not the first to greet my fellows and I with such curiosity. Perhaps you would wish for Commander Boone to assist you in study of the Taelon culture?" Da'an asked.

The Bajoran looked at Boone. "That would please me very much," Kale responded.

Da'an looked at Boone.

"I will take him to my office. We can access your office's computers from there," Boone said.

Da'an nodded his approval.

"Remain in your officer alone, Boone. Do not leave its confines," Da'an said.

Boone nodded and lead Kale out of the room, pulling out his global link as he did so.

"It'll take a minute while I call for our ride to my office," Boone said.

Kale looked out over Washington, D.C. as he waited. He heard Boone's link snap shut.

"She'll be here in a minute."

Kale nodded and looked back at Washinton.

"Looks like the Capital City on Bajor during the Summer festival," Kale commented quietly. He caught a glimpse of Boone's expression and smiled. "I'm sorry. I forget you're not from the Earth I know."

"That's all right. Is Bajor your homeworld?"

"Yes. But I haven't been home for a good visit in far too long."

Just then, they heard a boom and Boone stepped outside. He motioned for Kale to join him and then gestured to the shuttle, as Lili displayed her usual pilot skills in giving the shuttle a graceful landing.

"Let me introduce you to Lili Marquette," Boone said, as Kale followed him.

__________________
 

T'Leia studied Da'an as they walked together in the gardens of Companion Headquarters. His mannerisms were calm and passive. She saw great logic within his gaze and heard great comprehension of the universe in his voice when he spoke.

Da'an looked at T'Leia, he too observing her.

"Tell me, Captain, how is it that you and your fellows are now in a partnership with humanity?" Da'an questioned.

"Although we find humanity lacking in many areas of logic, on my world we are taught a philosophy which states 'infinite diversity in infinite combinations.' As Vulcans, we are taught to respect diversity of all the cultures we encounter. When my people encountered humanity centuries ago, we followed these teachings and treated them as our equals. They have grown since that first encounter and have become our equals."

Da'an was silent for a moment as he contemplated her answer.

"I too, have found humanity capable of being our equals. They are capable of such beauty . . . but they are also capable of great violence. Their beauty far outweighs their violence."

"Perhaps . . . " T'Leia said.

__________________
 

Later, in Boone's office, Kale pushed back in the chair and rubbed his eyes. The material he had been scanning was interesting enough, but the twentieth century Earth computer screens were optically more challenging than he was use to.

Hearing the door opening, he swivelled the chair to face it.

"Hi," Lili Marquette said, proffering a drink container. "Coffee?"

"Sure," he said, rising to receive it. "Thanks."

"It's just black," she told him, wandering past to look at the terminal screen. "Hope that's okay."

"Oh, I'll get high enough just on the caffeine," Koram smiled. "Dump sugar in that and I'd be absolutely incoherent."

Lili chuckled as she turned to inspect the screen. "History?" she asked.

"Comparative history," Kale motioned her to a chair. "I've gotten fairly conversant with Earth history - a lot of our crew on the SAREK come from there - so I was seeing if yours was any different."

"Is it?"

Kale shook his head. "So far as I can tell, virtually identical up to the time of the Companions."

"Mmmmm. Does that make us a parallel universe? Or you?"

"Both. It depends entirely on your perspective."

She scooted her chair a little closer. "From what you've said, your . . . Federation has explored a lot of your galaxy. And you've never run into the Taelons?"

Kale sipped coffee thoughtfully. "The Taelons come from another galaxy, don't they?"

Lili nodded in response.

"I guess, in our universe, maybe they just never came in our direction. Or maybe they don't exist . . . or aren't as advanced as they are in your milieu . . . or were assimilated earlier by the Borg . . ."

"Stop," she laughed, throwing her hands up in mock-surrender. "You're giving me a headache!"

"I often seem to have that affect on women," Kale smiled ruefully.

"I'm getting out of here, so you can work," the pilot said, rising. "But maybe you'd  like to go out for dinner later on; try one of our local places."

"You don't think I'll culturally contaminate your world?" he asked archly.

"We'll put a band-aid on your nose," she explained with smiling patience. "And you'll just have to promise to behave. I can bring Boone along as a chaperon, if you want . . ."

"Oh sure," he sighed. "That would be a dream."

The door swung shut on her trill of laughter. "Diplomacy," Kale muttered, taking another sip of coffee and turning back to the terminal.

__________________

Katianna found herself wishing she had gone with Dantar to work on analyzing the probe's data, but instead she found herself stuck with Da'an's charming attache, Special Agent Ronald Sandoval.

Part of being posted on a diplomatic ship, she realized, was being handed these terrible assignments and you couldn't always have the pick of the group to work with. Katianna sensed that Sandoval was just as thrilled as she was with his assignement, so she decided to have some fun with him.

They were outside in the gardens, walking in another section away from Da'an and the Captain, keeping rather quiet. Katianna was quite bored when an idea occurred to her. She altered her hair just ever so slightly, adding a shade of bluish gray. Sandoval glanced at her but kept his comments to himself.

Okay, tough guy. Let's see just how long it takes you to say something about my changing appearance, she thought. She added a little more gray to her hair and changed her eyes to an icy blue.

"Commander -" Sandoval began.

Yes, tough guy? she thought, but answered, "Yes, Agent Sandoval?"

"Am I imagining things or is your appearance altering?" he asked.

"I don't know what you're talking about," she said. Her face deadpan.

"Commander, I have a perfect memory/recall. Your appearance has changed since when I first met you a few hours ago on board your ship," Sandoval replied.

Suddenly she stopped. "Are you accusing me of lying, Agent Sandoval?" she asked, acting on the verge of being outraged and staring into his eyes.

"What do you think, Commander?" he replied with irritation.

"I don't believe you'd want to know what I think."

Instantly she changed her hair to a snow white and let it fall to her waist in ringlets. Her eyes turned silver and flashed menacingly.

"So we are to play this game then?" he replied, unenthused.

"Perhaps . . . " she replied, truly annoyed with him now. This man had NO sense of humor, unlike Boone. What was his problem? she wondered.

Suddenly, she heard the familiar sound of his communicator.

You just got saved by the global link, she mused.

"Excuse me, Commander. There is urgent business that requires my immediate attention," he explained and vanished back inside the alien building that was Companion Headquarters.

With a smile, Kat swiftly changed back to her normal appearance, her fiery trusses arranged in an intricate fashion on her head, as she continued on her stroll. It was much more enjoyable now that Sandoval had finally left her alone. After awhile, she saw a man kneeling near a flower bed, his hands in the soil.

The gardener.

Katianna decided to compliment him on his work. It was a beautiful garden, and she had serious doubts that Sandoval could appreciate the beauty around him.

"Excuse me . . ."

Suddenly, from behind, a hand was placed over her mouth and before, she could alter her appearance, something was pressed to her jugular. Instantly, drugs flooded her system and she lost consciousness.

Ten minutes later, Sandoval returned to the garden to speak with Katianna only to find an empty garden . . .

"Commander . . ." he called out with irritation. "This game of your's serves no purpose." She'd probably changed herself into a flower just to watch his reaction, he thought cynically. "Commander Nadira . . ."

As he gazed around the garden again, his CVI brought forth the image of a gardener from his memory of only minutes before. As he walked toward the stop the gardener had been, he saw the grass turned up a bit. It was slight, but it was signs of a struggle . . . Without hesitation, he pulled out his global link.

"Da'an, Commander Nadira has been abducted."

_________________
 

The Rathskeller proved an eclectic little bistro. At Boone's suggestion the trio had gone with the Mexican medley: "A hearty combination of south-of-the-boarder-comestibles." They sat combining and sampling various blends of meats, legumes, spices, ect.

"Ever had food like this before?" Boone asked jovially.

"As a matter of fact," Koram returned the smile. "Using some of these elements, I think I can simulate a popular Bajoran dish; Hasperat."

Boone grinner over at Lili, then said, "I think I'd like to see that."

Deftly Koram diced off a few chunks of red and green pepper. He then spread out a soft tortilla shell and lightly slathered it with cream cheese, sprinkled pepper-chunks across its expanse, then rolled it up. As he sliced off three centimeter cross-sections and forked them over onto the others' plates, he said, "Of course, Haperat is usually marinated in a special brine, but this will give you some idea."

Boone popped one into his mouth. "Not bad," he said. Turning to Lili he asked, "Why don't the Companions ever give us recipes like this?"

"I think the Taelons just do thing differently than we do," Kale suggested.

"I'll say!" Lili snorted in agreement.

"How do you do it?" Boone asked. "When you move onto another world, that is."

"Well, we make sure they've reached a certain cultural and technological level, so we won't warp their development," Kale began. "Then we open communications, make diplomatic overtures, establish an embassy. We can offer them things just slightly in advance of their culture that could be helpful to them: medicine, farming techniques, computer programs. They also will have things to offer: natural resources, land for spaceports. After awhile some of the more promising of the planet's citizens may be in a position  to apply for Starfleet, or a number of other opportunities within the Federation."

"Is that how it was on your planet?" Lili inquired.

Koram shrugged. "Actually, Bajor isn't even a member." As they looked startled he explained. "Bajor has only recently escaped being vassal state of the Cardassian Empire, so my people are a little cautious about joining anything beyond ourselves. The Federation has done well by us, though, and I think it's very likely we will become U.F.P. members - assuming, of course, both Bajor and the Federation survive the War with the Dominion."

"But you did choose to become a Starfleet Officer?" Boone queried.

"In a way," Koram equivocated. "I felt like that was what the Prophets were inspiring me to do."

"The Prophets?" asked Lili.

"Our . . . link to the divine," Koram simplified. "They dwell in the Celestial Temple.  I'd love to tell you all about them - as much as we know - but, before we get away from the topic, were you also volunteers for service with the Companions?"

The two earthlings gave each other a look, the Boone said, "Not at first. I had my doubts about the Companions. But, after my wife was killed, I signed up hoping to use their resources to help track down the killer."

"Did that work?" Kale asked, intrigued.

Boone's eyes hooded. "Yeah," he said. "I found him."

Koram waited for a moment to see if he would say more. Then, when he didn't, pressed on: "From what I've read, you have a Cyber-Viral Implant, which is said to somewhat . . . reorder your priorities; make the Taelons' interests the most important thing to you. That's your culture, now, and our Prime Directive mediates against us changing that. But, I am curious to hear if you feel . . . enslaved for lack of a better word, with the Motivational Imperative that comes as integral to the CVI"

Lili gave him a low-wattage dazzling smile. "I don't have a CVI," she said. "I'm just hired help."

Boone spoke slowly, carefully; considering his words. "I guess that the CVI does limit some of the options. Of course, it ups your brain power too. And does incredible things for your memory. And something to keep in mind, Kale: some people aren't nearly as free as they seem. Others are a lot more free."

Koram was just about to probe further when something caught his eye. Her purplish hair was done up and sparkled faintly with silver sequins. Her gown, long and form fitting; was also silvery. Boone followed Kale's gaze and gave a low whistle.

"You've got a good eye," he commented.

Xander Shinobi spotted Kale and his companions and approached. Kale and Boone stood as she drew near.

"Hello, Kale," Xander smiled, wine-tinted lips curving impishly. "You did say I should stop down and join you for the grand tour?"

"Yes, I guess I did say that," Koram sighed. He explained to the others: "I was being cute and clever at the time."

"I took him at his word," the Lounge Host shrugged eloquently.

"Xander," Koram began the introductions. "These are Commander William Boone and Captain Lili Marquette. Boone, Lili; Xander Shinobi. A . . . friend of mine from the SAREK."

Boone took Xander's hand, eyes glinting with suppressed interest. "You're not part of the official delegation, are you?"

"Just a tourist," Xander grinned at him. "You won't tell the Captain, will you?"

"Xander - who?" Lili shrugged and took a bite of pseudo-Hasperat.

"And, as for that tour -" Boone began just before the global link sounded off at his belt. "Excuse me," he sighed, and activated it.

"Commander Boone," the voice of a Companion - Koram thought, perhaps Da'an - was heard faintly. "A matter of some delicacy. Is Captain Marquette with you?"

"Yes, she is. So is Commander Koram from the SAREK."

"Ah. Let me first speak with you and Captain Marquette and we'll discuss how much may be shared with our guest."

"Yeah, all right," Boone agreed, with some reluctance. "Be right with you." He tapped off on his unit and shrugged. "Sorry."

"No, that's quite all right," Koram said. "I understand. Really."

"Okay, great. We'll get back with you as soon as we can." Lili also gave Koram and Xander an apologetic moue and followed Boone to the restaurant manager, then to a back room somewhere.

"They seem nice," Xander commented.

"I won't volunteer information about this unless the Captain has cause to ask," Koram informed her. "But this could, potentially, be a very bad idea. How did you find me anyway?"

"Well, first of all, you're the only Bajoran on the planet," Xander smiled. "Also the subcutaneous transponder Dr. Awl implanted made it really easy. I could have beamed into the spare seat right here at your table."

"Thank the Prophets you didn't!" Kale declaimed.

Xander grinned again. "Besides -" she began when the sound of an explosion came from just outside of the Rathskeller. "What's that?"

"I think it was a weapon's discharge," Koram said, rising to his feet and starting toward the door, through slower-moving restaurant patrons.

"Explosive - chemical weapons?" Xander asked, hurrying in his wake. "How barbaric!"

The two were through the outer door more quickly than anyone (indeed, many of the diners elected to remain safely in the restaurant). Angry shouts were heard from around the corner, so they made the turn onto a narrower side-street. Most of the people in sight were spectators only; but not sympathetic ones. About a dozen angry-looking men and women were the main celebrants of the event; in a rough circle around three others. In the circle's center one was down and bleeding; the other two hovered, uncertain, vaguely protective.

"Decimate the traitors!" yelled one woman in the circle.

"Frag 'em!" growled a man and began to advance with some sort of iron tool-shaft brandished in his hand.

"I wish I's brought a phaser," Koram sighed and pulled the lid from a nearby trash can. He slammed it against a metal lamppost to catch the crowd's attention. And as they turned towards the metal-on- metal crash, he called: "This is very unwise! If these people have done something wrong you can turn them over to -" (he almost said "Security" before catching himself) "- the police. They'll be here before long."

"The police won't do nothin' about this trash," an angry man in grubby overalls pointed towards the people in the circle's center. "The Aliens have taken them over! They'll just let this scum go!"

"They're from the clinic," a middle-aged woman in khaki added. "You know: the place where they put those computer chips into people's heads!"

"To make them slaves of the Tail-Ons!" another assailant proclaimed.

"But they're never going to do it again!" someone else yelled.

Kale pitched his voice at a soothing timbre and advanced slowly. "You don't want to do this," he said - he knew, perhaps, incorrectly. "It won't really solve anything. You'll have their blood on your hands. You'll be hunted for that. And it won't really change anything."

One large man stepped forward and pointed at the disguise band-aid on Koram's nose. "Looks like you've already been in one fight today," he growled. "Get mixed up in this, it's one you won't walk away from."

Koram drew a breath to make reply when he noticed a thin greasy man to the side was drawing something from his battered coat. As soon as he saw it was a projectile weapon, he spun his trash can lid discus-like, at the man. The gun went off, burying a bullet in the street as the man stumbled back with a broken arm. The large fellow before Kale swung a punch, but the Bajoran had been expecting it. He blocked the blow and returned a short jab to the solar plexus that robbed the man of breath.

Then Koram was blocking and back-pedalling wildly as the people in the circle, and some from the crowd, roared and surged forward.

A wide-beam phaser shot abruptly, blazing behind him, taking out several on-coming adversaries. The Diplomatic Officer got his back against the wall and looked over to his companion. "I'm glad you came armed," he said.

"Always," Xander smiled.

"That was a stun-shot you hit them with, wasn't it?"

Her smile quireked toward ascerbidity. "Gee, I don't know. I keep getting those settings confused."

"Okay, sorry," Kale grabbed for another trash can lid.

Then the crowd, momentarily stunned, started forward again. "They're working for the Taelons!" someone yelled. Tools, small blades, the occasional firearm came to hand as they advanced. There wee sirens, but distant.

Koram was just thinking to tap his commbadge and ask for a beam-up when a shaft of energy took out the foremost of the advancing crowd. In the alleyway Commander Boone stood with his arm straight-out, pointed towards the crowd. Some sort of node glowed on his wrist.

"A skrill!" someone in the crowd shouted.

"Right," said Boone. "And you know what they can do. Now, please disburse."

There was a buzz and grumble among the crowd, then one or two tentatively raised weapons. Xander caught one in the edge of her phaser field, sending him reeling to the pavement. Boone picked another one out of the midst of the crowd with a second skrill-shot.

Then Lili Marquette had come up on the crowd's flank. She fired a more conventional weapon into the air and called, "He said DISBURSE!"

In disorder the crowd disintegrated. Xander, Boone, and Lili kept them covered during their diaspora; Koram made his way to the three who had been in the mob's original victims.

"How bad is it?" he asked, kneeling near the one who was down.

"I think she'll be okay if we can get her to a hospital," one of the others said. Happily, the sirens grew louder as a police car and attendant ambulance approached. Koram left the downed woman's friends to oversee her treatment, passed Lili who was dealing with the police, and approached Boone who beckoned him. The Bajoran came up beside Shinobi and raised an inquiring brow.

"Bad news," Boone said. "Your Executive Officer has disappeared. She and Sandoval were in the gardens. He was called away for a moment; when he got back, she was gone."

"Commander Nadira has been known to . . . go off on her own from time to time," Xander suggested. "There may not be anything to worry about."

"Or there may," Koram stated. "Katianna would have said something to somebody, so we wouldn't worry.  Do you have any prime suspects for who might have wanted to kidnap her?"

"We have some thoughts," Boone nodded, noting that Lili was coming towards them. "We can talk about it in the shuttle. We're ordered back to Headquarters." He turned to Xander. "Do you want to come along?"

"No, than you," she replied. "I'd better make my own travel arrangements. But thanks for the adventure. Uh, and I"d rather not have my name mentioned in the reports. If you'd like, just say that you were assisted by ' a mysterious and breath-taking female who melted back into the shadows at the end of the incident'."

"Wouldn't work," Koram half-smiled, shaking his head. "They'd know who we were talking about."

"Guess you're right," Xander grinned at him. "All right, then, just don't say anything about me."

"Not unless directly asked," Koram qualified.

"Xander-who?" Lili put in, for agreement.

The Lounge Hostess turned suddenly, caught Boone's face between her hands and gave him a quick, deep kiss. "Thanks," she said. "I've never kissed a twentieth century parallel-universe earthman before!"

"My pleasure," Boone responded, a little numbly. "I think you're the first whatever you are - that I've kissed too."

"Oh, sorry," Xander smiled, purple irises sparkling. "I should have been more gentle. See you back on the SAREK, Kale."

"I hope so," he said to her retreating back.

______________

The blackness was that of a drugged sleep and Katianna fought her way towards consciousness. Slowly she came to and listened to the sounds which surrounded her body.

"Doors, she's awake."

Katianna snapped her eyes to see who the voice belonged to. Augur smiled at her and diverted his attention back to his computer. Katianna attempted to sit up and felt a wave of nausea hit her.

"I'd just lie there if I were you, Commander Nadira," a new voice said in a gruff, genuinely unconcerned tone.

"Why the hell should I?" Katianna shot back in an irritated voice.

The man whom the voice belonged to came into view and sat down in a chair some distance from her. He spread his hands in a gesture.

"Suit yourself. It's your stomach, Commander."

"Are you going to tell me who you are and why you've abducted me, or are we going to play a guessing game here?" she replied with irritation.

"I told you, you shouldn't have had that drug used on her," Augur murmured, never taking his eyes off his computer.

"My name is Jonathan Doors, and I would like to know who your people are and why you're working with the Taelons . . ."

"Oh-really," she replied with angry sarcasm, "And just why should I share this information with you? You  drug me, abduct me, and just expect me to tell you everything as if we were having a pleasant afternoon tea together?"

"Well, you're not exactly in a position to deny me the answers I want," he replied smugly as if he owned the world and her.

Kat's eyes narrowed and fixed on his. She could feel the drugs still in her system. "You have no idea what you're dealing with," she replied venomously.

"So enlighten me," he replied.

An evil grin crossed her lovely face. "With pleasure."

Instantly, her form melted into that of a long-haired Siamese colored cat with powder blue eyes. Doors was in shock and didn't move a muscle as she jumped from the cot she had been laying on and ran through the entryway where the force field has been brought down.

"Raise the field!" Doors ordered as he recovered his sense, though much too late to stop Katianna.

As the field came up, Kat was beyond it, but Doors was trapped.

"Lower the field! Lower it!" he barked.

Quickly the field was down.

As he stepped beyond it he shouted, "After her!"

The whole place erupted in activity as everyone began to search for her. Most had no idea what to do. Others had seen where she had run to, but it was as if she had vanished. This could prove to be amusing, she thought. But I have to find out what's going on here.

A man sat still, going over sensor readings on his computer. He didn't notice the daddy long legs crawling down the side of his computer.

This is not going to work, she thought to herself as the screen looked like a large blur. She needed to be in human form to see exactly what was going on. Slowly, she slipped down to the ground and changed back to the cat. She watched as the man, Doors, took a group of soldiers and lead them into another chamber to this compound. She looked again to the man at the computer. he hadn't seen Doors leave. This gave her an idea. Swiftly, walked to the wall behind him, so this man would not see, and then shifted into Doors' form. She walked up to the man at the computer and gazed over his shoulder.

"Don't you have bigger problems at the moment than to bother with me?" the man asked, with a hint of annoyance. He was dark complected, with black hair and he wore tinted glasses. Kat could not place his accent or his features.

"Well, I thought you might have more luck finding her," she said, with Doors voice.

"I'm not, " he replied. "This woman you brought here is like a ghost . . . You made a mistake bringing her here at all . . ."

Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Doors return. Swiftly, she changed to a chair so as not to be noticed.

"Augur, have any luck?" he called out.

Instantly, Augur's head shot up to look at Doors. "You were just over here," he replied.

"What are you talking about?" he answered with annoyance.

"You were right here, standing behind me!"

"You're seeing things . . ." He turned to his men and barked, "Keep looking!"

As they left the area, he went to Augur. The scans showed nothing.

"If she gets away, she could tell the Taelons exactly where we are," Augur reminded him.

"I know . . . " he replied a bit defeated, knowing he had made a serious error. He grabbed the nearest chair to take a seat next to Augur and observe the scan search. But as he went to sit, the chair was gone! He landed on the floor with pain. It was at that very moment, he knew that he was in more trouble than he could have possibly imagined.
 

____________________
 
 

Two hours had passed and Katianna had learned quite a bit about the nature of Jonathan Doors, but not of his organization. There has to be more than just the man, or else he wouldn't have so many followers, she reasoned. The man was not very likeable. So she found a quiet area, devoid of most everyone, but that still contained a computer terminal. With caution, she shifted her shape to that of a young, blond woman she had seen earlier, and walked to the terminal. As she accessed file after file, she began to feel a headache building. Oh-no . . . she thought, the drugs . . . Her memories of almost dying in the SAREK's sickbay after a Founder had drugged her leapt to the forefront of her mind. Her time was running out. She had gathered enough information about this group to share with her Captain upon her. Now it was time to leave, or her daughter would no longer have a mother. But getting past the genetic coded field was going to be a problem. As she stood, she became woozy, and her shape automatically shifted back to her true form. This was not a good sign. Utilizing all of her concentration, she shifted shape to a mouse and scurried from the room, at a slower pace than she would have had she been feeling well. The headache was growing more intense with every passing moment. Just as she made it to the main chamber, a man entered. Through the pain, she could see it was someone familiar. He was tall, with light brown hair and hazel eyes. It was Commander William Boone!

"Where is she, Doors!" he seemed to demand.

'"I don't know," the man replied from the far end of the chamber.

"I'm not joking," Boone replied, aiming his skrill at the offending man. "Where - Is - She?!"

Taking her cue, she changed into a blue colored bird and flew to her rescuer. Once at his side, she shifted to her normal appearance, more than just a little faint. Her auburn trusses cascaded down her back, as she fell into his arms, not intending to. "Will . . . you have to get me out of here," she pleaded.

"What did you do to her?" Boone asked with fury, looking at Kat's weakening form.

"We didn't do anything to her," he replied, angrily. "We never had the chance."

"The drugs . . ." Katianna whispered, "If you don't get me back to the SAREK . . . I'm going to . . . die."

Within moments her world turned to darkness.

Instantly, Will Boone checked her breathing. Sure enough, it had stopped. Gently, he rested her on the floor and began CPR.

"Get her to the infirmary," Doors ordered.

"There's no time!" Boone yelled between breaths.

After a few minutes, her breath returned, but it was shallow. Swiftly, he picked her up in his arms and headed out of the Resistance headquarters and into the church. Once there, he tapped her comm. badge.

"Uh . .  SAREK . . . this is Commander William Boone. I have Commander Nadira here . . . She needs to be taken to your sickbay immediately. She's not breathing well."

"Understood, Commander. Two to beam up."

Instantly, their forms melted away in a shimmering glance.

___________________
 

Dr. OraAwl examined Katianna carefully, while Boone watched from nearby. They had only known each other less than a day, but he had been able to share more with her than with anyone - except Kate . . . He couldn't bare the thought of this woman's death.

The Doctor held a hypospray to the woman's jugular and administered some type of medication. "Now we just wait and see," she replied.

"Wait and see?" he asked.

"Yes . . . The Commander is Tanzaran, so her physiology is very sensitive to tranquilizers and such. A few months ago she was drugged and it had taken almost a week to purge the drugs from her system. She had spent that time in a drug induced coma. But since then, I have been working on a serum that would neutralize any tranquilizers in her system. But since I can only hope it works, all we can do is wait and see." Boone nodded with understanding. As Dr. OraAwl completed one more scan she smiled at him. "Commander Boone . . . you might want to wait in Ten-forward. It could be awhile before I know anything, and the time would pass more pleasantly there," she offered with a soft treble in her voice.

"That's all right," he replied, "I'd rather wait here, I think."

"Of course," she replied with a soft smile, baring just a hint of fang. "I'll be back to check on her in 20 minutes."

As the doctor left, he approached Katianna's still form. Her breathing was still shallow. Would she make it, he wondered? Taking a deep breath, he took her hand, just to let her know a friend was nearby. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open. She was disoriented as she looked around. As she saw Boone, she smiled.

"My prince . . ." she whispered before falling into darkness again.

Immediately, Dr. OraAwl was there again, having heard the Commander's voice. She did another scan. Boone appeared even more concerned than before.

"What did she say to you?" she asked, "My Prince . . . ?"

Boone nodded. "Yeah . . ."

OraAwl looked troubled. "She must be hallucinating . . . She apparently mistook you for her husband - a prince."

"She's married?"

"Was . . . Her husband was killed," she replied. "Looks like I'll have to do an adjustment on this serum."

As she walked off, he finally understood the connection he had felt with Kat. The loss of Kate had opened that bond between them, for she had lost her husband . . . They shared the same pain. Gently, he caressed her hair.

As several hours passed, William Boone gained permission from Da'an to stay on board the SAREK with Commander Nadira, to find out if she would recover and then to find out what had happened. Of course, what would she say, he wondered. But he wasn't concerned. As his thoughts turned to Doors, anger welt up in him. The man had no care for anyone except himself. This time Boone was not going to let him go without consequences.

"Will . . . ?" a soft voice whispered from the bed beside him. It was Katianna. She was awake.

"Hi," he smiled. "Thought I'd lost you there . . ."

"Thought I'd lost me, too . . ." she replied with a smile.

Dr. OraAwl appeared with a smile. "Well, I guess the serum I came up with did worked," she grinned, looking at her scan in progress. "As soon as you're strong enough you're free to go. But I think I want you to take 24 hours off and report back here in 12 for a full physical."

"Sure . . ." she replied, as she slowly sat up, her head still spinning a bit. As the doctor walked away once again, she looked to Boone. "How did you know where I was?" she asked.

He sighed. "Can we talk about this someplace else?" he asked.

She smiled. "Of course. Besides, I have someone I want you to meet." She swung her legs off the bed and readied herself to stand.

"Are you strong enough to walk yet?"

"Sure," she replied, and added with a mischievous grin, "If you'll lend me your support."

He returned her grin. "Sure."
 

_______________________
 

William sat on the couch in Commander Nadira's quarters holding a sleeping little baby in his arms all wrapped in blankets. He studied the little girl's face and noticed the leopard markings on her head down her neck. But she was beautiful. A bit of light brown hair crowned her head in tiny curls. He found himself wishing that he and Kate had started their family. Maybe things would have been different.

Katianna had picked up on his feelings instantly. "I spend a lot of time wishing things were different, also . . . I was willing to die with my husband rather than leave him."

"If you don't mind me asking . . . why didn't he just go with you?"

She smiled bittersweetly. "He was the Prince of Temoun . . . he wouldn't leave his world and be the only one of his people to willingly leave . . . It's hard to explain . . ."

"Your daughter is beautiful."

"Thank you," she replied, taking the 1 month old bundle from him. "Kara, please take Laurissa and put her to bed."

Suddenly a young woman appeared and took the child. Boone was curious. The woman had the same spots as Kat's child.

"She's from Temoun," Kat explained. "She was sent to care for my daughter and I. After all, we're royalty."

"I don't know if I could get use to that," he replied with a smile.

"It takes time to see the advantages . . ."

"Oh . . . I think I do," he replied, as he could feel their connection.

Suddenly, the door chime sounded.

"Enter," Katianna called out.

To their surprise, Sandoval walked in.

"Commander Nadira, Boone," he said to each with a subtle bow. "Da'an wanted me to come in person to see if you have fully recovered from your abduction. He sends his sincere apologies that such a thing would happen to a guest of the Taelons. He also wanted me to question you about what you remember."

"I see . . ." she replied, "Well, please tell Da'an I have made a complete recovery. But I can't really help with what happened. I was in the garden when I was approached from behind and drugged. I blacked out immediately. After that, I remember very little, except . . . a man named Doors. I must have blacked out again, because the next thing I remember is waking up aboard the SAREK in sickbay."

"And that is it?" Sandoval questioned a bit skeptically.

"Yes," she replied, "For what it's worth, it was very interesting meeting you."

Suddenly, she noticed something at his ear, as he turned to leave.

"Wait . . ." Quickly, she approached him and dabbed at his ear. He was swiftly taken aback as she continued to hold onto his shoulder. She saw the blood, but as she touched him, the emotional wall that he always had up faded and something inside made its way to her mind. She saw hints of a man that was quite different from the one in front of her. This man had been kind, caring and loving. This man once had a wife and had feelings other than the ones she had seen. She suddenly realized the difference between Sandoval and Boone. Something was blocking the real Ronald Sandoval. As she looked at the blood on her fingers, she stared at him. "I think you should see a doctor," she stated seriously.

"Commander Nadira, I will see one when it is necessary for me," he replied harshly.

"It is necessary . . . now . . ."

"Good day, Commander." Puzzled and annoyed, he left.

Sandoval had not been the only one puzzled, as she took a seat once more next to Will. "Why the sudden concern?" he asked.

"That man wasn't always like that . . . What happened? He's cold now where he once was alive . . . full of real emotions . . ."

Boone sighed. "Remember when I told you about my modified CVI? If the Motivational Imperative hadn't been shut down I would be like him . . ."

"I don't understand . . . Why would the Taelons want to control humans?"

"That's why I'm part of the resistance. I'm trying to find the truth."

She nodded sadly. Things were very uncertain on this Earth in this universe. Too many questions and not enough answers. Suddenly, Boone's global link got their attention. He swiftly pulled it from his pocket. As he answered it, Da'an's face appeared.

"Commander Boone, I must request your presence immediately."

"I'm on my way," he replied, closing the link. He stood, a look of apology in his eyes. "It looks like this is good-bye."

She stood also and went to a nearby table pulling off a small wrapped package. "Then I managed to get this ready just in time," she replied, handing him the package. "Open it when you have a free moment, after the ship's gone. I guarantee it'll make you  smile."

Tenderly, they embraced. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm going to miss you."

"Believe me, the feeling is mutual, Commander William Boone . . . but maybe we'll meet again."

"I hope so."

As they parted, they exchanged smiles. "I'll walk you to the transporter room."
 

___________________

 . . . and so, happily, Commander Nadira turned up again just as a planetwide search was getting underway. Apparently Commadner Boone managed to locate her. Nadira says that her absence contained nothing worth reporting. Privately, I have my doubts about that. The Captain seemed satisfied, though, for a moment. I suspect that she, too, may know more then she's is saying.

END LOG

Koram stretched in his office shair. It wasn't like he could criticize his colleagues for being secretive, he thought. He, himself, hadn't said everything he'd known. He hoped the others' secrets were as innocuous as his own.

"Computer," he called lightly.

"Working," came the reply.

"Please scan the ship and let me know if the entire ship's company - crew and civilians are - is onboard."

There was a pause, then: "All personnel are present and accounted for."

"Good. Thank you, computer."

Xander had made it back he thought with relief.

"Commander, have you reason to think any member of our ships' comapny might not be with us?" Captain Karia asked from behind him.

How did she get in without me noticing?! Koram thought to himself. Was I that distracted? Aloud, he said, "Captain! Yes, uh, one reason might be I was concerned thjat somebody else might have disappeared . . . like Commander Nadira did. I wanted to make sure that we were all here before we left orbit."

The Captain nodded thoughtfully. "Very well," she said. "I thought that this time I would call for a debriefling in more comfortable surroundings. WOuld you care to join the senior staff in Ten_Forward?"

Koram took a deep breath and let it out. "Good idea, Captain. I think I could use a drink about now."
 
 
 

________________
 

After his debriefing with Da'an, Boone sat down at his desk. The SAREK had left orbit and had gone through the gateway an hour before. He contemplated the colorfully wrapped package before him. Suddenly, Lili entered.

"Hey, is it your birthday or something?"

"No . . . just a gift from a friend," he replied.

"Commander Nadira, I bet."

He nodded.

"Well, are you going to open it?" she asked.

"Yeah . . . "He replied. Slowly, he ripped the paper off and opened the white, rectangular box. Inside was a double frame. On one side was a picture of Sandoval's face when he had seen Katianna as a white tiger. It was just as amusing as he remembered and he couldn't help but smile. On the other side was a picture of Kat holding her infant daughter, Laurissa. He sighed.

"Can I see?" Lili asked.

"Sure," he replied, handing the frame over to her.

As soon as she saw Sandoval's face, she broke into giggles. "What happened?"

"Oh - Commander Nadira turned herself into a white tiger and roared at him," he replied, unable to stifle a small chuckle.

"I wish I could have been there . . ."

"I know," he replied, taking the frame back and looking at Kat's picture once again, and that of her daughter. He still had a job to do, he thought, as he saw the innocence on the infant's face. The child had no idea that her mother had almost been taken away from her.

"Boone . . . are you okay?"

"Yeah . . . I've got to take care of something. Let me know if anything comes up."

"Sure."
 

__________________
 

The resistance headquarters was buzzing as usual as Boone walked in. He was on a mission. As soon as Doors saw him, he walked over. Without thought, Boone hauled off and belted him in the face. Doors went tumbling onto a nearby desk.

"If you ever do anything so stupid again, I'll kill you myself!" Boone said, full of intense fury.

"What?!' Doors replied angrily, massaging his cheek.

"Commander Nadira almost died because of your negligence!"

"Her people are working with the Taelons," Doors replied in his own defense.
"That's just it! They're NOT, you idiot! A talon experiment pulled them here from an alternate dimension! YOU almost killed an innocent woman, leaving her infant daughter without a single parent! Next time, I suggest you find out what's really going on before you do something stupid like this again!'

He gave Doors no chance to respond, as he stormed out. Doors still massaging his cheek where it had already started to swell.

___________________

FIRST OFFICER"S PERSONAL LOG: STARDATE 9803.18

This misadventure has taken the cake. My whole experience has given me so much to think about. The Taelons are a strange bunch. I can't understand their motives for wanted to control humans. I can understand why there is a resistance, but cannot stand the leader. After all, he almost caused my death. Special Agent Ronald Sandoval . . . I couldn't stand him at first, but since I got that look inside of him . . . I can't help but pity him and what he's become. I only wish his true self could be restored. But if he doesn't seek medical attention immediately, I fear he'll die before anything could even be done for him . . . Then there's William Boone . . . He's very special - not just on his world where he has to live two different lives at once, but to me . . . We shared something that not many people can understand, and were able to draw comfort from that. I find myself thinking about him quite a bit still. I suppose it's not unusual since I do owe my life to him . . . but it's more than that. We connected in a way that I never have with anyone before. I hope somehow we can return there . . . For William Boone will always been a friend to me . . . no matter where I go.

END LOG

As she stopped her log, she looked at the photos on her desk. One of her parents. One of her brother. One of Arturus. One of Laurissa. One of herself with Kara and Laurissa . . . and one of William Boone.  Slowly she picked up his picture and stared into his hazel eyes. Though she had friends aboard the SAREK . . . none of them were as close as she had become to Will. She sighed and stood from her seat and stretched. It was time to get some sleep. Laurissa would wake up in a couple of hours for a feeding. She took one more glance at the pictures and retired to her bed, melting into a nightgown as she walked.