This was going to be fun, Katianna thought to herself as she let Ensign Shania Martinelli pilot their shuttle away from the Sarek. It was her turn to do a training mission. It wasn't something Kat particularly enjoyed, but it also wasn't the worst thing she had to do either. At least this allowed her to meet some of the crewmembers. As she observed Shania, the young girl seemed nervous. She was new to the Sarek, or any starship for that matter. She was straight from the Academy. Her chestnut colored hair was pulled back, away from her face in a pony tail, and her warm brown eyes hinted at her nervousness. As the Ensign stole a glance at her, Kat smiled, trying to make the young girl feel a little more at ease. After all, it was only a training mission . . .
 "All right, let's go 5 parsects out and run some scans," Katianna said, "Remember, this is just a training mission. I'll be showing you the procedures for participating in a mission focusing on scientific study."
 "Yes, ma'am," the girl replied.
 After a relatively short period of time, they had reached their destination.
 "Good," Kat replied with a smile, "Now I want you to conduct a scan of the surrounding space and tell me if you find anything unusual."
 "Yes, ma'am," the girl replied, still nervous. "I'm not showing anything."
 The girl had just a hint of a terran southern accent, Kat thought with a smile. It was cute, and it fit Shania's quiet personality. "What kind of scans did you con -"
 Suddenly, the shuttle began rattling. Within moments, Katianna was analyzing the situation. But it didn't take long for the rattling to turn into violent shaking. This was not good, she thought.
 "What's happening?" the Ensign cried.
 Katianna could see the fear in her eyes. Gazing at the control panel, she could see what had happened . . . they had been pulled into a sub-space temporal rift! Things were going to get a lot worse, before they got better.
 "Let me put it to you this way," Kat replied, trying to stay as calm as possible, "When you're asked to do a scan of the surrounding space, that includes doing a scan for sub-space anomalies as well. Right now we are being pulled deeper into a sub-space temporal rift."
 "Oh-no!" Shania cried, "What can we do?" She was near tears.
 "Right now, there's not much we can do, except boost the shield integrity as much as we can and pray . . ."
 But things were even worse. Katianna knew the shields wouldn't last long. The stresses in the temporal rift were tearing the shuttle apart. Suddenly, they were thrown from their chairs. This was getting serious.
 "Shield integrity down to 18 percent," the computer announced,
 Katianna could see Shania sprawled on the deck of the shuttle. She wasn't moving. Kat crawled to her, dodging sparks that leapt at her from bursting panels. Just as she was about ready to roll her over, a panel from the overhead of the shuttle came crashing down, making everything turn black . . .
 

 The sound of birds chirping made its way into Katianna's consciousness. So did the fragrance of blossoms drifting on a warm, gentle breeze. As she slowly opened her eyes, she found herself in unfamiliar territory. She was in a room decorated in nice pale colors. It had a homey feeling. But she noticed behind her was some kind of monitor, reading her vital signs. It was unlike anything she had ever seen before. On the far end of the room, there was an over-stuffed couch and two end tables. Beside her bed, which was soft and comfortable were more tables. There was also a sliding glass door, which was partially open, making the sheer, white curtains flutter in the warm breeze. There were also flowers surrounding her. All kinds, but many of them she didn't recognize . . . Where was she, she wondered. How did she get to this place? Did something happen to her?
 Then she became aware of the bandages over her body. They were all over her arms, her back, her legs . . . she could even feel a bandage around her head, where a dull ache was coming from . . . what had happened?
 Suddenly, she heard footsteps. A large door opened and in walked an older man with gray hair, a young woman with black hair and topaz eyes and another man, with dark brown hair and emerald green eyes. He was very well dressed and was very handsome. He almost reminded her of her holodeck image of King Arthur. The only difference was that he had leopard-like markings from his temples down his neck. It reminded Kat of the trills. The other two also had the same markings. Had she somehow ended up on the Trill homeworld, she wondered, but somehow doubted it. Something wasn't quite right.
 "It's good to see you're awake," the older man said with a smile, scanning her with some kind of small device. "I am Doctor Taborick."
 Katianna's mind was still confused, and she found it difficult to form her words. "W-wh- where . . . am I?" she asked, realizing she was no longer in her uniform, but in a pink, satin nightgown. She could feel the weakness and exhaustion in her body and still wondered what had happened.
 "You are in Marwatak, the Royal City of Temoun," he replied.
 "Temoun . . . ?" she echoed, "I don't understand . . . Is that a planet?"
 "Yes, my lady," replied the younger man, stepping closer to her bed.
 "I've never heard of it," she replied, wearily, her eyes half closed. "I don't understand."
 "What is your name," the young man asked, gently taking her hand.
 For a moment, Katianna stared into the distance, not seeming to remember, when suddenly, the events in the shuttle came rushing back. "No! NO!" she cried, struggling to sit up.
 "Doctor, what's wrong with her?" the green-eyed gentleman asked.
 The nurse stepped forward with a hypospray, filled with a sedative. She handed it to the doctor and stepped back, out of the way.
 "I believe she is remembering what happened to her." Instantly, he placed the hypospray against the right aetery in her neck and injected the medication. It didn't take long for Katianna to calm down.
 "Where is Shania Martinelli?" she asked, as images from dreams played before her eyes. With each passing moment, her eyelids were growing more heavy.
 "Your friend rests well, dear lady," the young man replied, "But you still haven't told me your name."
 As her eyes closed, she saw an image of King Arthur before her, asking her for her name. "It's . . . Katianna . . ." She whispered. Seconds later she had drifted into a medicated slumber.
 The dark haired man looked to the doctor with concern. "Is she going to be all right?" he asked.
 "Yes, in time, I think she will recover fully . . ."
 "But the drugs . . . she's not from around here. Will they harm her?"
 "I believe not, your highness," the gray-haired old doctor replied. "I made a quick study of her physiology and I believe I picked a tranquilizer that will not cause any serious adverse affects." He sighed and smiled. "She is magnificent and fragile, my lord. But I have a feeling she is full of more surprises than we can possible imagine."
 The young man pulled a chair from the corner of the room, set it next to Katianna's bedside and sat down, taking her hand.
 "I believe you're right, friend," he replied, "Tell me, Taborick . . . do you believe in destiny?" he asked, staring at this young woman with hair the color of Batan leaves before the Karoot snows.
 The doctor stared at the regal young man and back to the unconscious young woman and smiled with a sparkle in his deep blue eyes. "I think I do," he replied and turned to walk out the door. "I am going to check on your other guest, and then leave. I will return tomorrow to check on them again. My nurse will stay here in my stead and will notify me at once if there are any changes for the worst."
 "Very well, doctor. I will see you on the morrow."
 The doctor gathered up his bag and began to leave, stopped at the door to take one last look at the mystery woman - Katianna, and the Prince. The prince is smitten, he thought with a grin and left.
 
 

 The shields were failing, she realized frantically, staring at the control panel, trying to find a way to compensate for the lost integrity. But there wasn't a way. Suddenly an explosion to her right got her attention. It had been a control panel. The shuttle was tossed around like a feather on the wind, and they were at the mercy of this . . . this rift they were caught in. Suddenly, she realized that someone was missing. The chair next to her was empty.
 "Ensign Martinelli!" Katianna cried, "Shania!" But there was no response. Suddenly, as she looked to the floor, she saw her crewmate, in an unconscious heap. She could make out traces of blood on the Ensign's uniform and on the deck around her. Kat tried to stand from the chair, but the out of control shaking of the craft tumbled her off her feet. As she landed on the floor, she began to crawl. She couldn't see the Ensign's chest moving! Was she dead, Katianna wondered with worry. She had to get to Shania. Maybe she could do something for the young woman. She knew a bit about medicine and first aid. But suddenly, a deafening ripping sound got her attention. It was coming from above her. As she turned to the noise, she saw it . . . There was a large crack in the overhead and it was getting larger! Then, as if in slow motion, she saw the cracked overhead panel begin to fall . . . It was falling right at her! But she was grounded to her spot! She couldn't move!
 Oh-God . . . Please no! she thought, panic taking over.
 Mustering all her strength, she pulled herself up to a sitting position, and felt hands on her shoulders. Instantly, the confines of the shuttle melted away and the images of a room appeared. As her senses returned, she remembered where she was and relax a bit.
 "It's all right, my lady," a soft, male voice whispered, "It was nothing more than a bad dream . . . You're safe."
 The hands were gentle, as they guided her shoulders back against the pillows once more. She looked toward the voice, and saw the handsome, young man she had seen earlier. His bright green eyes burned into her's with concern and compassion.
 "You're quite safe here, from any kind of threat, Katianna," he said, with a warm smile.
 "You know my name?" she asked, with curiosity.
 His smile grew. "Yes . . ." he replied, "You told me just before Dr. Taborick's sedative overcame your senses."
 Slowly the memory resurfaced, and she nodded. "I remember now, but you didn't have a chance to tell me who you are."
 Taking her hand, a twinkle entered his eyes. "Do you really wish to know?"
 "Yes," she replied with cautious certainty.
 "My name is Arturus Pentragon."
 She brow furrowed, "You're kidding, right?" she asked. "Arturus Pendragon?"
 "No . . . Pen-TRagon."
 "That's unbelievable," she replied, stunned and still cautious. There were too many similarities for her to feel comfortable just yet. The name . . . the man . . . her holodeck program. It was too much for her to deal with.

 "Why is that so unbelievable?" he asked, with his own brows knit together, but the smile still present on his face.
 "On a world far from here, there was a King by the name of Arthur Pendragon. In another language called Latin, Arthur is pronounced Arturus. And on my ship I have a holodeck program of him, and the image . . . looks striking like . . . you," she explained.
 "Was that your ship you and your friend were in?" he asked.
 She shook her head. "No, that was just a shuttle. Our ship is much larger than that."
 He looked very curious. "Where is this ship?" he asked.
 "First, tell me how my friend is doing . . . please."
 "Of course, my lady," he smiled. "Your friend, Shania, was it? Well, she's still unconscious."
 Emotional pain crossed Katianna's face and her shoulders hunched forward, and she raised her hands to her face to cover her misting eyes. "Oh-no . . ." she cried. "This can't happen . . ."
 He placed his arm around her. "The doctor thinks she has a good chance for recovery, if she pulls out of this coma.'
 "If . . . ?" she cried. "She was just out of the Academy . . ."
 "Academy?"
 "I'm responsible!" Tears trickled down her cheeks as she looked into his eyes once more. "I was in charge of the training mission! I was training her . . . I should have told her to scan for sub-space anomalies! It's my fault."
 "There, there . . ." he tried to sooth, as he pulled her into his arms.
 Katianna had no sense of reality. Everything felt like a dream. Here, before her was her Arthur. He felt real with his comforting embrace. But could she trust her eye sight and her feelings? After all, being a Star Fleet officer, she knew things happened on missions . . . Even training missions. But she felt so overwhelmed by her emotions. Perhaps it was a reaction to the sedative, she thought, still taking comfort in Arturus' arms.
 "Where is my friend?" she finally asked, pulling herself away and trying to dry her eyes.
 "She is in another room in this wing of the palace," he replied.
 "Palace?" she asked, startled.
 "Yes," he replied, "I'm a prince of this world."
 "Prince . . ." she echoed. "Oh-kay . . . could I go see her, your highness?"
 She could feel the concern he had for her.
 "Do you feel well enough to walk?"
 "Don't worry about me," she replied, "I'll be all right."
 

 Shania was laying quietly on the bed, not moving, except for her chest. There were bandages covering her body as well, where she had been injured. Her chestnut hair had been fanned out on the pillow and her tattered uniform had been removed. In its place was a peach colored, silk nightgown. Katianna approached the biobed that looked as comfortable as her own was and stared down into the Ensign's face. Within moments, Arturus brought a chair to her, so she could sit and be comfortable.
 "You have to pull through," she said, as tears misted her eyes once more. "Do you hear me, Ensign? You have to come through this with me . . . That's an order!"
 Grief took hold, as she placed her arms on the mattress, next to Shania and lowered her face into her arms to try to hide her feelings. But the sounds of her pain were too great as a sob escaped her.  Prince Arturus watched on helplessly.
 

 Days passed, and there was no change with Ensign Martinelli, but Katianna had recovered from most of her physical injuries. When the healing bandages came off, there were no scars from her wounds, and she could see Arturus' eyes light up. He liked what her saw. Of corse, She was now certain that her intense emotional reactions reguarding Ensign Martinelli were due to the sedative. Her body never re-acted well to them, but she suffered little less from this one. She had also taken the time to learn about this world and it's people.
 Prince Arturus was the 270th generation of the Pentragon dynasty and his father King  Utureus was greatly loved and respected. Though she had spent most of the previous days either in her chamber, or at Shania's bedside, she had come to know Arturus. Every morning, he greeted her with a single, light pink flower that resembled a rose, but smelled far more sweet and pungent. They often had talks about his world, and she had successfully dodged questions about herself. But as the days wore on, it became more difficult as her feelings for him grew . . . and she never felt so at home anywhere. Would they ever get back to the Sarek, she wondered? She didn't know, and certainly, it would not happen while Ensign Martinelli was in her present condition. Katianna felt so helpless as she sat beside her crewmate's bed, talking to her about what she had done that day and what they would have to do once they were back on ship, but there was nothing she could do. Her medical knowledge was limited, and even more so, after this horrendous incident. The blow from the panel had scrambled part of her brain, she thought, since many of her memories were now fuzzy. But maybe, in time, something would return . . . some bit of information or knowledge that would help Shania recover. After all, she was a Commander. She was in charge of the mission, and it was her responsibility to do everything in her power to protect and help her crewmate.
 As the red sun set on the Eastern Horizon, she reluctantly left Shania's side, but her stomach was growling, and she needed to take some time for herself to rest. She was still not completely healed on an emotional level. Perhaps, she never would be. But as she entered her chamber, she noticed that it had been filled with lit candles. In the center of the room was a table, beautifully set for two with fine china and gold-rimmed goblets. A bottle of liquor, which reminded her of a bottle of Terran champagne, was chilling in a gold bucket of ice. On her bed were a dozen of the pink rose-like flowers tied up with a matching silk ribbon.  The smell from the covered dishes on the table was heavenly, but she didn't see Arturus anywhere. Then, on the couch, she saw, spread out with care, a beautiful full length, satin gown. It was in shades of pink, with embroidered roses all over. The style reminded her of something found from the Terran fairy tales. It was exquisite. Picking it up, she held it close to her body. It seemed like the right size. There were even embroidered slippers to match. Tonight was going to be very special, she thought, as she readied herself. She wanted to know more about Arturus . . .
 Without much thought, she slipped into the beautiful apparel that she had been given, and took great care to make herself look stunning. She used her gifts to shift her flame colored hair into just the perfect, intricate bun, with golden chains laced in, and she accented her facial features with just a hint of color . . . Especially around her eyes, to enhance their bright emerald green. As time went by, she wandered to the gently, billowing curtains, and discovered, that just beyond them was a balcony. She had never cared to look before, since her mind had always been on Shania. Slowly she walked to the edge of the balcony, and saw a breathtaking view. The sun was setting in all it's golden orange glory, turning the sky into a painter's pallet of color. The land was lush and stretched for kilometers, dotted with living structures, but these structures didn't detract from the lovely scene.
 Suddenly, her attention was drawn to the entrance way. There stood Arturus. He was so handsome in black, well fitting trousers, and a loose white shirt that opened just enough down his chest to see the leopard markings also appeared there. The sleeves were also loose, but gathered in at the wrists. Around his head, he wore a gold band, crusted with a few green gems that seemed to be emeralds. It was enough to state his rank in life without being pretentious. Their eyes met. A soft smile crossed Katianna's face, as she saw that he had brought her, yet, another rose. He approached her.
 "You look absolutely stunning," he smiled, giving her the rose.
 "Thank you . . ." she replied, "You look quite handsome, yourself."
 "Thank-you," he answered. "I was hoping you wouldn't mind having dinner with me this evening . . . I . . . really enjoy your company."
 "Dinner smells wonderful," she said, taking a look back toward the chamber, before sniffing the perfume of the flower. "And I have to thank you for the dress and for going to so much trouble for me."
 "It's no trouble at all," he replied, taking one of her hands in his, "For someone as lovely as you." Tenderly, he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it.
 Again their eyes locked. The air around them was filled with electricity. But Katianna wasn't ready for anything closer . . . Not yet. She slowly drew awayand took a deep breath to still her racing heart. He could sense her reluctance for further physical intimacy, and he was not surprised. With everything she had been through recently, it was amazing to him that she had not become totally withdrawn. For a moment, he retreated back inside the chamber. She heard the sound of a cork pop open and liquid being poured into glasses. When Arturus returned, he held two gold rimmed goblets filled with golden, bubbly liquid. She took a glass and sniffed the contents. It vaguely reminded her of apples and grapes. She tasted it and found it sweetly intoxicating.
 "Do you like it?" he asked.
 "Very much" she replied.
 They enjoyed the view a bit longer and then returned to the chamber, As a proper gentleman, he pulled her chair out for her. She sat down. Then he pulled off the covers of each dish one by one. They all looked wonderful and smelled tempting.
 "These are the finest dishes my world has to offer," he explain.
 "You should tell me more of your world and universe," she replied, as he served the food. She tried a little of everything with great curiosity.
 "What do you wish to know, my lady?"
 She sighed and wondered for a time, having him fill her goblet once more with the golden drink. There were so many things she wanted to know, but how to ask . . . "Do your people travel beyond your own star system?"
 "Yes," he nodded, "We have been very fortunate. Our neighbors have been kind and open to trade. We have not encountered any hostile races as of yet and we have explored about 2/3's of our known universe."
 "So you have warp power?"
 "Indeed," he replied. "If we didn't, we would have never reached your shuttle in time to execute a rescue. You and your friend would have been lost."
 Suddenly, her mood became somber as she thought of Shania. The girl was so young. So unexperienced at life, unlike Katianna.
 "Have I said something to offend you?" he asked, concern clouding his eyes.
 "Forgive me. I was just thinking about my friend . . . How she hasn't even had time to really live yet." Katianna forced a smile and took another drink and then a bite of what looked like a chicken dish. It was made from some kind of fowl, that was for sure and it's taste was sweet and pleasing.
 "Tell me about yourself," he asked. "You already know so much about me, and my world, and all I know is that you were in charge of some kind of training involving your friend."
 "What would you want to know?" she asked, feeling her heart beat quicken with excitement. He wanted to know her!
 "Well, your full name . . . where you come from . . . how old you are . . . I want to know everything there is to know about you."
 Suddenly, she stopped breathing. He really wanted to know about her, but how much should she tell him? She smiled once again. This time, with nervousness. "Well . . . my full name is Katianna Elise Nadira. I'm from a world called Tanzaria and I am 128 years old."
 She watched his jaw drop to the floor and was slightly amused.
 "My people live a VERY long time," she smiled with a hint of laughter underneath.
 "I guess the do," he replied, still shocked.
 "I am also a shapeshifter."
 He gave her a curious glance. "A what?"
 "Let me demonstrate," she replied, feeling the warmth of the drink making its way through her body. Instantly, her form melted into a Burmese cat. She purred as she jumped off her chair and wandered to the Prince, leaving the dress and slippers behind. Then she jumped up on his lap.
 He was stunned, but not afraid. She could sense his emotions. They were strong. In another moment, she returned to her form, wearing a white chemise and sitting on Arturus' lap.
 "That is quite extraordinary," he replied, staring into her eyes. They were only an inch apart. He could feel her warm breath on his cheek as his arms went around her. "You are a breathtaking and bewitching beauty," he whispered with awe, "And I would do anything for you."
 The moment was too much for Katianna and she kissed him. She hadn't meant for it to happen, but it had. She could no longer fight the impulse she had for him and as she felt the emotions running through his heart, she knew they were the same as her's.
 Their kiss deepened, love filling them with wanting. Never before has she been swept away into such a wave of passion. She had never been one to believe in love at first sight. It didn't happen in real life . . . but it had happened. It had happened to her. Instantly, Arturus stood, and carried her to the bed. For tonight, this fantasy would be real. She would worry about tomorrow when the sun rose. Until then, the veil of night wrapped them in her web of dreams and wouldn't let go.
 

 
 The light from the morning sun filtered in through the curtains to brighten the room. As Katianna stirred, she felt the presence of Arturus next to her in bed, his arm around her waist. She sighed with contentment. I could stay like this forever, she thought to herself. For the first time in her life, she was at peace and felt she was where she was suppose to be. She turned over to face him. His hair was tousselled a bit after last night's tryst, but he was still just as handsome as ever. She watched him sleep. But within a few minutes his eyes opened to meet her's.
 "Good morning," she greeted with a playful smile.
 "Good morning to you, my love," he replied, pulling her close. "You know, I could get use to waking up with you beside me."
 Her smile brightened, but she didn't dare say a word and give away the depth of her own feelings.
 "Is there anything that must be done this morning?" he asked.
 "Only you would know," she replied, trying to steady her heart.
 "Then I have an idea of how we could spent the morning."
 "Oh-really?" she said with a hint of knowing, "And just what would that be?"
 "This," he answered, raining kissed from her cheek down her neck. "Katianna, you are my heart and I will love you over and over again . . ."
 He rolled her onto her back, as he towered above her. Then he took her lips in a kiss blazing with passion and his hands forged new paths over her body. She had to face it. The night was gone and yet, her love for him was just as strong as before. She had indeed been hit by cupid's arrow. She was in love with him . . . it had been . . . love at first sight.
 

 Time passed pleasantly at the palace. Though Katianna still kept a vigil with Shania for a good portion of every day, she had built the beginnings of a new life there. She wasn't sure if she wanted to return to her universe and to the Sarek. She was happy here, with Arturus. But Shania had a choice . . . If only she hadn't been injured . . .
 "Anyway, yesterday Arturus took me riding on the beach about 3 kilometers from here. They call the animals Gatwaths. They look very much like Terran horses, except that their hooves are cloven and their manes are curly and thick. In fact, he presented me with my own Gatwath - a black one. He's a strong, beautiful creature . . . I named him Tempest. Today, Arturus wants to take me on a picnic on the grounds surrounding the palace. He says there's a spot, right near a large fountain in the garden . . . Oh - Shania . . . he's wonderful," she spoke, holding the Ensign's hand. "When you recover, you might be returning to the Sarek alone . . ."
 "Whhh . . . what . . . ?" a strangled, whispered voice replied.
 Instantly, Katianna jumped up from her seat and looked down at Shania Martinelli. The girl's eyes were open, though she looked like she would fall back to sleep any moment.
 "You're awake!" Katianna cried. Quickly, she yelled down the corridor, "Get Dr. Taborick!"
 "What did you say . . . about the  . . . Sarek?"
 "Don't worry about it. I'll tell you everything later, I promise . . . And I have a lot to tell you!"
 As a nurse entered, Katianna ran out. She had to find Arturus and give him the good news. They had been on Temoun for over a month and Shania was finally awake from her coma. Things were wonderful. Katianna knew this meant she had a lot to consider. She needed to think about whether she seriously wanted to stay here or leave. It was now, finally an issue. But she was just happy that Shania Martinelli was finally on the road to complete recovery.
 She rounded several corners. Over time, she had learned most of the palace. She needed to find Arturus and judging on the time, felt she could find him near his own chambers. But just as she rounded another corner, she saw several people exiting a conference room. There were about seven men and six women. They all looked unhappy. After that, exited, Karook, the King's advisor, followed by the King and Prince Arturus. They were steeped in serious conversation. She could sense something was very wrong. There was fear, hopelessness and dispair. Suddenly, Arturus' eyes glanced Katianna standing still like a statue against the corner where she had first seen the procession exit the room. She was in a long, white gown with a pink, satin, sash tied at her waist. The sleeves her long and trimmed with white lace. She looked like an angel to him . . . something he desperately needed right at that moment. A smile, lit his face, as he approached her and took her hands in his.
 "Darling, you are a bright star in a dark sky," he said, raising her hands to his lips and kissing them.
 "What's going on?" she asked, her brows knit with concern.
 "Nothing for you to worry over," he answered.
 "Arturus, please . . . tell me . . ."
 Arturus stole a look at his father and then gazed back at the woman he loved with all his heart. "Our sun is dying," he explained. "It's on the verge of collapse."
 "It's going super nova?"
 "Yes . . . But we don't want to leave our world . . . We have been trying to find a way to stabilize it for years now . . ."
 "And you haven't had any luck," she finished for him.
 "Exactly," he replied, "Our scientists believe that we may have ten months . . . probably less, to find a solution. I don't want to believe it, but . . . our situation might be hopeless."
 "Let me help," she offered, "I was trained in science and stellar mechanics at the Academy. Maybe I could come up with some ideas your science team can use."
 "I don't know . . . This isn't your problem."
 She took one of his hand and tenderly nuzzled it with her cheek. "Perhaps it is . . . I love you, Arturus. I'm thinking about staying here, on this world, for the rest of my life," she explained, "If you'll have me."
 Gently, he pulled her close and kissed her. "I'll have all the current data transferred to the monitor in your chamber. You can study it and see if anything come to you."
 "Good," she replied.
 "Now . . . you seemed to be looking for me when I first saw you. Is everything all right?"
 "Everything is fine," she replied, "I just wanted to tell you that Shania has come out of her coma."
 "That is good news," he replied.
 "Yeah . . ." she echoed, still filled with concern, "Good news."
 

 Katianna poured over the data on the star for days on end. She hardly ate or slept. Once Shania was feeling up to par, she decided to try to help Kat in any way she could. It wasn't easy, but together they had correlated data and formulated theories, only to discover they had been tried and had failed. There had to be something that would work, they kept telling themselves. Katianna had explained to her about this world and the wonderful people in it. As Shania relaxed a moment and took a break, she thought back to what Commander Nadira had told her of their rescue.
 Somehow, one of them had managed to get out a rescue call. But the shuttle had been so damaged by the temporal rift that even life support was failing. However, the Temounites had picked up the sub-space surge and had been there to greet or fight whatever appeared. When they had found the shuttle, they had beamed the two survivors to their ship and had what was left of their shuttle towed to their space dock. She had never quite gotten a straight answer about how they had ended up at the palace, but she suspected it had something to do with Prince Arturus seeing Katianna for the first time. She shuttered to think she had been in a coma for so long. But at least, Temounite medicine was very comparable to the Federation's.
 "I don't feel so good," Katianna said, standing from her seat at the monitor, holding a hand to her stomach. Suddenly, she grabbed a nearby waste receptacle and wretched. Her face was pale white as she collapsed back into her chair.
 "You know, maybe we should quit this for tonight," Shania offered, "You don't look so good . . . and you ain't going to able to get anything done if you keep this pace up. You can't work when you're sick."
 "Just watch me," she replied, stubbornly. But suddenly, she was reaching for the receptacle once again.
 Suddenly, Arturus entered. The sky had long since been dark and it was around the time they usually spent together. As he looked at Katianna, worry filled his face. He was at her side instantly.
 "Are you all right, my love?" he asked.
 "I don't know . . ." she replied, "I'm not feeling so good."
 Within moments, he was lifting her into his arms. "You're going straight to bed. I'll call Dr. Taborick and have him come at once."
 "Don't go through so much trouble . . ." she said, weakly, "It's probably just something I ate. You know, Tanzarans do get sick from time to time . . ."
 He covered her with the blankets and took her hands in his. "Well, I'm not going to take any chances on that," he replied. Taking one of her hands, he opened it and kissed her palm, closing her fingers over it. "Keep that till I return . . . Shania, please stay with her."
 "Don't worry, sir, I will."
 Within an hour, the Doctor was there.
 "Hello, Katianna, I didn't think I would have the pleasure of seeing you again so soon."
 "Well, surprise, surprise," she replied, "It's probably nothing, you know."
 She watched closely as he conducted his scans, and smiled.
 "What is it?" Arturus asked, "What's wrong?"
 "Has your highness been busy with this young lady as of late?" Dr. Taborick asked.
 "What do you mean?" she asked, this conversation having gotten her attention.
 His smile grew brighter. "I know what love does, young lady. I believe you and Prince  Arturus are more than just friends. Am I correct in assuming this?"
 "The entire palace knows that," Arturus replied.
 "Well, anyone who didn't know, will find out in roughly eight months."
 Arturus and Katianna were dumbstruck
 "Are you telling me that I'm . . ."
 "Going to have a baby," he replied, completing her sentence and grinning from ear to ear.  He then turned to Arturus and took his hand in a firm shake. "Sire, you are going to be a very proud father, I suspect."
 A smile crossed Arturus' face immediately. "I already am," he replied, taking Kat in his arms and kissing her. "We're going to have a child!"
 Katianna was still in shock, but as it wore off she thought about her plight. She was carrying a child created in love. Now she had an even greater desire to stay. She had to find a way to help this world's sun from collapsing.
 

 Months passed, and with each passing month, Katianna's stomach grew. Also, being pregnant placed her ability to shift her shape on hold. Once a Tanzaran woman was with child, she was stuck in humanoid form until after the child was born. But she didn't mind. There was no real reason for her to utilize her ability. If she wasn't working on theories, she was with Arturus.
 One day, as she entered her sixth month of pregnancy, Arturus came to get her from the lab, where she had begun working with the other scientists on the project. He had arrived in a gatwath pulled carriage. It was getting close to sunset, and each day brought her the same troubling thoughts. Would this world survive for their child to see? But this evening, something was different. As their carriage neared the palace, it suddenly turned down a small road winding West toward the beach.
 "What are you doing?" she asked, with pleased curiosity.
 "It's a surprise," he replied.
 As they neared the beach, she could see a bonfire burning, lighting up the night. There was also a blanket spread out on the sand and a picnic basket nearby. There were also other blankets piled on a corner of the spread blanket and there was also a chilled bottle of sparkling fruit juice and crystal goblets to drink from. As they exited the carriage, Arturus whispered something to the driver. Within moments, the carriage was gone.
 A gentle breeze brought the salty smell of the sea to them as they took a seat on the blanket. Arturus poured glasses of juice and pulled from the basket a tray of fruits and cheeses. Gently, he reached out and caressed her cheek.
 "Kat," he began, "These months with you have been the best in my entire life, I can't imagine what my life was like without you, anymore. I can't seem to remember. You are my soul mate . . . What I'm trying to say," he said, pulling something small from a pocket in his pants. "I want you to be with me always . . . Will you marry me?" He asked, showing her the gold and diamond solitaire, set with emeralds on either side of the large gem.
 Katianna's eyes widened with surprise. "Marry . . ." she had never considered marriage. "I love you . . . with all my heart and soul! Yes, I'll marry you," she replied, embracing him with tears in her eyes. Swiftly he slipped the ring on her finger.
 "Then it's done!" he rejoiced. "We'll have the grandest wedding our people have ever seen."
 "As long as it doesn't take too long to pull together," Kat giggled, tenderly patting her blossoming belly. She was instantly rewarded with a strong kick.
 "You're quite right," he replied, "Do you think two weeks will be too long?"
 Surprise filled her. "You work very quickly, don't you?"
 "Only when I'm in love," he replied. "We have a future together, and I'm not about to waste a moment of it." With that, he lovingly pounced her. Their hearts intertwined as their lips met.
 Katianna was sure this was paradise and she would never leave it.
 
 

 Two weeks passed in a blur as plans for the wedding were made. Shania was Kat's maid of honor and would walk beside her down the aisle, as was done in this culture. Arturus would be lead by his father, the King, holding a beautiful, jewel embedded sword before them, as if clearing the way for true love.
 The chamber they chose was very large and could accommodate two thousand people easily. It was bright and airy with many windows and walkways that lead out to the gardens, where the reception was to be held. Everything was decorated in pink and white, from the ribbons and flowers to the wedding party's attire.
 Katianna, herself, was dressed in a beautiful white gown bedecked with pearls, sequins and lace. The train was two yards long and her veil was made from pink and white roses entwined with matching ribbons, covered with sheer, white fabric. She felt like the princess she was becoming.
 Shania was dressed in a pink, tea length gown covered with lace. In her hair was weaved pink roses. She looked stunning and got several appreciative looks from the men in the crowd. The women both carried bouquets of flowers in shades of white and pink.
 Arturus and his father were already standing by the priest. They were both dressed in their regal best - white suits trimmed with gold. The music was soft and sweet, and Katianna could hear the birds they planned to release as soon as her and Arturus were legally bound to one another. It was another tradition of this world . . . Their cooing made a sweet, natural music. As she finally reached the priest, everything became quiet, except for the gentle, lulling of a soft ballad. Prince Arturus took her hands and her heart skipped a beat. This was it, she thought. This was the first day of the rest of her life. From this day on she would be Princess Katianna Pentragon.
 The words of love and commitment passed between them, as their eyes reflected the moment. As the final touch, they exchanged rings, and the priest wound a pink, silk rope around their wrists as a signal of their union.
 "Together, the fires of your love shall burn for all time as two hearts become one," the priest announced. "You are joined in marriage."
 The birds flew from the walkway just outside, into the open sky and everyone clapped. But just as the happy couple were to address the crowd, a loud rumbling began, and it grew until the chamber shook with such force that guests were knocked from their chairs.
 "What's happening?" Shania cried.
 "I'm not sure," Katianna replied, as her and Arturus quickly unwound the rope.
 "Let's get to the lab," Arturus replied, as the rumbling died down. "Father, we'll return as soon as possible and we'll continue with the celebration then."
 Without another word, the three disappeared from the chamber.
 It didn't take long for them to reach the lab, via a transporter beam, and just as the trio had suspected, the sun was getting closer to collapse. It was now causing planetary disasters - earthquakes, floods and tidal waves.
 "I don't think we have much time left," Katianna said, as she looked toward Arturus.
 He went to her and took her hands. "If this world is doomed, I want you to go back through the temporal rift and return to your universe."
 "I can't do that," she cried, "I couldn't leave you! We'll find a solution. We have to!"
 "Kat," he reasoned, "You can't just think about me . . . You have to think about our child growing in your womb."
 She looked away as tears sprang to her eyes. She knew in her heart that he was right.  The science team would wait until the last possible moment to leave Temoun, if they did at all, and would probably parish. In fact, most of Temoun's people did not want to leave their home and it made evacuation impossible. The only chance would be to save the sun, and if it couldn't be done . . . many would die. But she didn't want to leave him. She wouldn't let that happen. She would, however, plan for the worst case scenario . . . for his sake.
 "Fine . . ." she replied, "Shania and I will repair the shuttle and boost the shield power, just in case."
 "Do you promise me?"
 "Of course . . . I can deny you nothing," she replied, her heart breaking with pain.
 

 That evening,, they laid each other's arms. Arturus' hand gently rested on Katianna's stomach waiting to feel the life inside her. Suddenly, he smiled, having felt the strong movements of the child within. Taking a deep breath, he moved his hand to her cheek and guided her lips to his.
 "This is the happiest day of my life," he smiled.
 She returned his smile and kissed him in return. "I'm officially one of your people now."
 "You are," he agreed.
 "So this is now and forever more my home . . ."
 "Of course," he replied, concern clouding his green eyes, "Why are you questioning this?"
 She looked away trying to hide her own feelings of concern and fear. "I don't want to leave here . . . Not for any reason . . . Ever . . ." she said, staring directly into his eyes, trying to touch his soul. "I would rather die with you than live without you."
 "Ohhhh," he replied, "This is about the sun . . . Because I want you to leave here, if it comes to that . . ."
 "You're my husband now. You expect me to live without my heart?" she asked, tears welling up in her eyes.
 "Yes," he replied, "I do . . . But not for me . . . For our child. She deserves a chance at life . . . And I want you to live. I would be able to pass into the next world if I know that you are alive and safe."
 "But-"
 Quickly, he silenced her with a kiss. "You must vow to me here and now that you will live," he said, gently runnning a hand through her auburn tresses. "Promise me, my love."
 Tears trickled down her cheeks. "I . . . I promise . . ."
 Tenderly, he began kissing away her tears. For tonight, the outside world was far away, and he was determind to make her forget about it. "I love you, my wife."
 

 "You have to leave now!" Arturus cried, pulling Katianna toward the shuttle followed by Shania and a young servant named Kara.
 Moving wasn't easy for her, since she had entered her eighth month of pregnancy, and her stomach was the size of a watermelon, and just as heavy. Shania and Kara carried several bags filled with mementos from their time on Temoun. She couldn't believe it was coming to an end.
 "Arturus! I can't leave you!" Katianna cried breathlessly, tears streaming down her face.
 "You must!" he replied with urgency.
 "But our life . . . You're my husband . . . my love!'
 When they stopped, they were before the Sarek's shuttle.
 "My dearest Kat," he began, tenderly cupping her face in his hands. Tears had been falling from his eyes like a stream of sorrow. "You must go! I'll take comfort in knowing that as long as you live, so will our love."
 "We'd better hurry," Shania said, rushing into the shuttle followed by the servant.
 "She's right," he agreed.
 "But Arturus . . ." she cried, "My heart will die without you . . . You are the only man I have ever loved!"
 He embraced her. "But I won't be the last," he replied. Gently, he laid a hand on her stomach, to feel his child kick one last time. He smiled and kissed her hands. "You were a breath of fresh air on this world, and you gave your best to save us. You became one of us on the journey . . . Now, you made me a promise to live . . . Please . . . Keep your promise."
 Words were lost to her.
 "Come on, Commander," Shania cried, "We only have about 1 hour to reach the rift before the sun goes super nova!"
 Commander . . . she thought. She hadn't been called that for almost nine months. She took one last look into Arturus' eyes and saw him silently plead with her to leave and be safe. With one final, sweet kiss, she entered the shuttle and didn't turn back. If she did, she knew she would stay.
 "All right, Ensign," she said, her voice cracking, Swiftly she took a seat at the helm. "Let's get out of here."
 The shuttle quickly took off and entered the upper atmosphere in a matter of moments. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Katianna had wanted to live there . . . and die there.
 "Lay in the coordinates to the sub-space temporal rift," she commanded, trying to keep her tears at bay.
 "I really am sorry . . ." Shania said quietly.
 "I know . . ." she replied. "Are you secured in, back there?"
 "Yes," came the young girl's reply.
 As Katianna stole a glance at her, she could see how frightened their passenger was. She couldn't be more than 21 years of age, with, long brown hair pulled back away from her face and large, frightened aqua colored eyes.
 "Everything will be fine," she assured the girl.
 "Of course, your highness."
 Katianna's heart broke a little more at the sound of her Temounite title. Suddenly, the shuttle began to shake. They had entered the temporal rift.
 "Boost shield integrity to the maximum," she commanded.
 "Done," Shania replied.
 The shuttle stabilized. After several minutes, everything quieted down.
 "We made it," Shania announced.
 "Yeah . . ." Kat replied, "But I wonder if anyone will be around to pick us up . . . We have no idea how long we've been gone from this universe."
 "Should I send out a signal?"
 She nodded.
 "This is the shuttle Curie, is anyone receiving this?"
 "This is the USS Sarek to the shuttle Curie, is your training mission complete?"
 "You might say that," Katianna replied, gently patting her belly as bittersweet memories played across her mind. "It's been an adventure."
 

Commander's Personal Log:
Stardate 9802.14

It's strange being back among my fellow crewmates, though in an odd way it eases my heart a bit, especially since I know Arturus has died. It still surprises me to think that in this universe, we were only gone for four hours. I can still see the faces of the bridge crew as they saw my swollen belly. I have made out a full report, and got Kara settled into my quarters, since she was sent with me to care for me . . . and my child. After all, we're royalty. But I would rather be in the worst gutter of the universe with Arturus than be without him. Only time with ease my pain, and I can only hope that this precious child growing within me will do the same. After all, as long as our child lives, a part of him does as well.

 Suddenly, Katianna felt a sharp kick and smiled. "My you're a feisty one,"
 "I do not mean to interrupt," came a small voice from the entryway.
 "Not at all, Kara. What's the matter?"
 She approached Kat and knelt before her. "Why was I chosen, my lady?"
 "Are you already unhappy here?"
 "No, by no means . . ." she replied quickly, "But my family . . . they're dead now, aren't they?"
 "I'm afraid so."
 Tears welled up in the girl's eyes turning them into pools of sadness. "We have both lost much in this,"
 "Yes . . . we have." Tenderly, she embraced the young girl. "But as long as we continue to remember our loved ones, they will always live within us."
 Kara forced a smile as did Katianna. At least they both could share their grief together, and perhaps heal in the same way . . . they could only hope.
 
 
 

ANNOUNCEMENT: Laurissa Artemis Nadira-Pentragon was born on 9803.18 at 14:22 hours weighing in at 9 lbs. 0 ozs. and being 19 inches long. Aunt Shania and Kara Lac were there to welcome this little angel onto our ship. Mother and daughter are doing exceptionally well.