Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Arboretum- Gabriella and Elizabeth Wilson-Kirien & CO Captain Devan Sash - 2230)

When they had left the shuttlebay, Ella had been pullinghim along by the
hand.  Sash had given Beth a welcoming present he figured she'd remember for
a while.  Now it was Ella's turn.  They had headed for the hydroponics lab.

Sash had acquired a portion of the lab that he had renamed the arboritum.
Although he didn't grow any trees there, he did work on several species of
plants.  Most were edible, and some were purely for their beauty.

During peace time Sash had discovered, to his creators surprise, that he not
only had a talent for warfare, but also for farming and plants. His farm was
responsible for most of the food provided to the "refugees" of the Angosian
wars.  Working with the earth and plants gave him a sort of peace, and
reminded him of better times.

Now he had two teenage girls looking through his "personal" garden.  It was
nice to be appreciated for something other than captaining a ship. The girls
talked almost incesantly on the trip to deck 11.  He learned a great deal
about them, and their family dynamics.  Apparently it had only been the
girls and Michaella for most of their lives.  They definitely seemed
confused by Wilson's reaction to them.  They thought that he cared,but his
actions showed otherwise.

Although they had been informed that Sash knew of their predicament, he knew
that to not be a fact.  in fact the opposite.  he didn't like the idea of
appearing to be a liar due to somebody elses lack of action.  He would have
to take the mattter up with Captain Rofellian the next time he had a chance.

To be honest, Sash had no idea why he took such an interest in the girls.
There was just something about them.  He normally paid little heed to the
children on board.  He often thought that a starship was a poor place for
children, especially these days.  But he was not much to judge.  It was just
that these girls were so full of life and energy.

Ella squatted down by one of the flowers. "What is this?"  She said, as Beth
was examining an 'orange' tree. "What are these fragrant yellowish orbs and
why are they so large?"  Both girls turned their eyes to him.  Beth her
lovely blue ones, and Ella her impossibly dark betazoid ones.

"It's called an orange tree and those are oranges," Sash replied. "When
they're ready to be eaten they will change to an orange color.  They taste
very sweet."

He reached up and pulled a ripe one off with a twist.  He then proceeded to
dig his fingers into the fruit and rip off the outsides. Some of the juice
ran down his hand, and the sweet aroma of the orange spread through the air.
He handed a portion to Beth and then a piece to Ella. "Try it."

Beth's face smiled when the Captain peeled one and handed it to her. The
first bite was incredible, her mouth just exploded in flavors.  From the
look on Ella's face, she was having a similar reaction. "We've never had
one"  Ella said when the treat was gone and the last little bits of juice
wiped away.  "262 didn't have a very large hydroponics deck, mostly it was
used for making the air fresh.  They didn't grow treats like this."

Beth nodded. "And fruit out of the replicator never tastes right. Mom had a
small kitchen on 262, but getting the raw ingredients was next to
impossible.  When she could everyone would come over, and we would be
popular."

"We weren't very popular on Geneva."  Beth looked down at her hands.

"The people there didn't like that we were the First Officer's kids, and
that Mum had taken him away from the Doctor there."  Ella concluded.  "We
got beaten up a couple of times."

Beth's face changed to one of anger. "And the teachers didn't stop them.
And  didn't listen.  I got a couple of licks in, myself, but...."

"I hope our teacher here isn't like that."  Ella realized that she was
crying. They had never told their Mum how hard life on Geneva was for them.

"No she isn't," Sash assured them.  "You'll find Miss Katie to be a most
excellent teacher.  And a good friend.  She'll make sure that you're safe
and well treated.  I don't stand for that kind of bullying on the Nimitz,
and Miss Katie knows it."

He looked around his "garden" and smiled.  it was a source of personal pride
for him.  Then he turned to the girls.  "When you're settled in I'll let you
select a plant for your rooms.  But be careful what you choose, because some
of these require a little work."

Both girls nodded as Ella continued to explore the small space. Beth was of
course hanging onto Sash's every word. Ella shook her head in disgust as her
sister was fawning over the Captain. Better the Captain than someone
else.... Boys could be so cruel.

"Mr. Sash, Sir, what's this ?"  Ella pointed down at the pretty vines.
"I've never seen anything quite like it."

Sash reached around Ella's waist and quickly pulled her back.  it was just
in time too, the vine had moved slightly and was preparing to wrap itself
around her.  He looked form the plant to her, a hint of panic in his eyes.

"Are you all right?  Did the plant touch you at all?"

(reply)

"I'm so sorry, it's something I've been working on, and using it as a type
of security system.  Mr. Orkney knows about it so he always stays away from
it."  Seeing that everyone was fine he relaxed his grip on Ella and put her
down gently.

"You see, it is a carniverous vine.  Now true enough, it won't eat you up
but it also has a little bite to it.  It produces a toxin that if it comes
in contact to you skin could prove to be quite... painful."

He began examining every inch of Ella.  "Are you sure it didn't touch you?"

Ella nodded, frightened as the side of her arm erupted in little red bumps.
"They itch!"  She said, scared.  Beth came forward to examine them. "They
look scary."  Beth commented clinically.

"Mr. Captain Sir, do something!"  The note of panic in Ella's voice showed
her true age no matter how mature she acted most of the time.

Sash reached for a box at the entryway of the garden.  He pulled out a spray
applicator and began to spray Ella's arm.

"Just relax," he said gently, "it will sting for just a moment longer.  The
rash, unfortunately, will last about 8 hours. Just try not to scratch it."

He knew that the moment he said that he mmight as well have told her to
scratch it as hard as she could.  He took a bottle out of the box and began
to rub an ointment over the rash.  "That should help with the itch."

He looked into Ella's eyes, to get her attention off her arm.  "You'll be
fine Ella.  Next time you'll know to stay away from that.  It will only go
after something within half a meter from it."

The girls both looked a little frayed from the experience.  He must admit
that he was a little shook up himself.  Let's get out of here shall we.
Ella, you can come and look at more another day.  Besides, your mother might
be wondering where you've gotten off to."

Beth and Ella nodded.  Each took one of Sash's hands, as he led them back to
their Quarters.   Their Mum met them at the door, tears in her eyes, with no
sign of the girl's Dad in site. Michaella smiled at her Captain, and thanked
him for spending time with her girls.

(reply any, none)
(posted by Al & Melinda )

Stardate:2406.10.03
(USS Nimitz -  Observation Lounge   - TAC/SC Ensign Kateb - 0847)

Onyx didn't much understood why Kestra was this furious when all everyone wanted was to understand.  Also they needed to go throught steps and first was the Defiant after the crew of the trawler.

"I don't get it people"  She said as she stood up, "What were you told that we were suppose to focus on?  what is our mission?  Is it our mission to decided what the Nimitz should do or how the Nimitz is to do it?  NO!  Our mission is after we get aboard the trawler and you have been told that twice during this meeting alone.  If you have ideas or suggestions that the Captain could use then give it to him after we are done here and not before."  She shook her head and returned to her seat.

"You are right Ensign Kateb, it would be better for you to stay on board the Nimitz and Ensign Slytherwald you will take her place.  You are excused Ensign Kateb, you may return to your duties." She turned to Ensign Slytherwald not worrying to see if Onyx had left or not she had other priorities.

Onyx felt a bit of the coldness coming from the First officer again.  True that there was no time for gentleness. "Thank you... I will return to the preparation of the first phase."  Onyx left knowing that she would have to go and see Kestra.

She left the meeting and to the bridge.  She needed to maximise the speed and it would take time.  First part was done, she needed to see if the modification would help and if there was more she could do.  The Defiant wasn't a ship to laugh about, it is small but it is strong.  After a while working on her console, she decided to do a few simulations in the holodeck.

Stardate:2406.10.03
(USS Nimitz -  Observation Lounge   - Dorkin  - 0850)

"Major Dorkin, am I to be assured that you have enough marines that are capable with hand to hand weapons?  Also, do you have at least two combat medics, one for each of your teams?"

"For a certainty," He said. "The Marines stand ready."

(reply: any)
(posted by Trout)

Stardate:2406.10.03
(USS Nimitz - Holodeck 5 - TAC/SC Ensign Kateb  - 0910)

Once there, she was surprise to see Wilson, looking at what she had cook up this pass 12 hrs.  He barely turn but he knew it was her.

"Does it sit right with you?" John questioned not turning around.

"More or less, I'm just working with my instinct here.  That's why I need tactical to be ready or the away team will not leave the Nimitz."

"Something doesn't seem right, it just seems too easy, why if a resource was so valued would it be paraded with only one escort. With the knowledge we desire the resource so much. It just doesn't seem right, however with my standing with the crew and the lack of attention any one pays to intelligence I shall remain silent as always," John stated resting on the edge of the table, letting out a deep sigh John looked at the ceiling.

"You know me... I expect more then a battle.  What is going on with you Wilson?" Onyx went to the arch and implemented instructions to the holodeck.

"I don't know, maybe I'm getting to old for this," John stated pulling a strand of gray hair from his head, holding it to the light he looked for a moment and then let it fall to the ground. "I joined the surface after graduating university, that is 12 years ago now, out of my class 4 are captains, 6 first officers and the rest retired or dead. Look at me I'm a 33-year-old Intelligence officer on a rouge starship fighting a people I swore an oath to protect. Ahh maybe its time to take a step back, when I was a younger man I would have protested my demotion and fought every inch of that meeting to make myself heard. Now I find the echo does not outlast the voice for long in my life," John smiled, "Ahh the rants of a aging man, its shocking for me that Sash stated a lot of these people have never seen combat!"

"It's true, some never did and it's a challenge for command and for them as well.  I can't even say that I have been through combat, but I can handle myself."

"We are trying to convince a new breed of officer that even though you don't understand the ideologies, the break, the reason we are rogue. We still want you to go out there and die, best of luck ill sit on my ship in the middle of safety," John stated grinning. "It just doesn't have the flare it once did, maybe I've seen too much blood in my life. This intelligence posting hasn't done much to help, old age is supposed to be relaxing. I'm more wound up then when I was FO of a entire starbase," John stated jesting.

"The 2 are different, you need to solve your source of stress.  There's plenty of work!"

"Your probably right, any way on to larger issues. If the crew is relatively new and inexperienced why don't you suggest running simulations for the away teams to practice taking the trawler?"

"I was thinking of that, but I need to finish this.  I want to solve a few tactical problems."  Computer, input modifications and start program."  Onyx was watching how the simulation went and it was well so far and asked. "How about the future Mrs Wilson.  If you feel for her, you might want to be with her. You know love, care and understanding."  She gave a quick look at Wilson and refocus on the simulation.

"The future Mrs Wilson," John took a long pause, the change in topic was obvious but still uncomfortable. "I thought it was something that I wanted however after time apart on the Nimitz I've come to realize. I love the girls they are innocent and kind and caring, I'm just not sure I love the mother," John stated it was cruel words but it was the truth, it was the best of times that were the worst of times. John was still waiting for the best times.

Onyx was a bit surprised by the answer, but if he felt like that maybe he really didn't like the woman.  She needed to pick her words carefully now. "One day, you will find someone.  She might be far, she might be close but you will... just like I will one day.  Computer run simulation again but level 3."

The computer bip and Onyx could sens that Wilson was observing her.

(Reply from anyone)
(Posted by Laurence)

Stardate:2406.10.03
(USS Nimitz - FO's office - Lt.(jg) Saleke - 0955)

Saleke waited as Kestra sat down at the couch then crossed her legs before
speaking, her air was considerably lighter than when he had entered though
she still had an intense look about her as an instructor might have with a
hard to reach pupil.
"Lt. I was a bit upset with you and for the most part with everyone in the
meeting. We needed to talk about our mission aboard the trawler and not
about how the Nimitz would get us the chance to get on it." She smiled and
shrugged her shoulders, "but, it did not seem that was what we did."

"What I wanted you here for was to explain to you that as part of the
command staff, you need to make sure you are on the same line as your
superiors. We need to put forth a united front to the ones that we command."
She paused to scrutinize him for an instant though it was impossible to tell
exactly what she was seeing.

"Now, I know that you are not experienced in command and that will come in
time. I also know that you probably have not been in battle and in command
at the same time if either at all. As a friend told me today, it is hard for
new crew to go into battle with the confidence that us older ones do. We
know that there is not only the fact that each one is wondering if they will
do what is needed and not get anyone hurt but they don't really understand
what is going on between the 52nd fleet and the rest of starfleet. We have
to ensure them that they are doing the right thing and that is the hard
part."

"In fact, when I was on my first away mission, I was scared to death. The
difference was that there was only one other person on that mission, so, we
had to count on each other to do what was necessary. We did, but, it was
touch and go until the Nimitz came to rescue us."  "So, if there is anything
that you don't understand please ask me and I will explain it to you. Btw,
your suggestion had not fallen on deaf ears." She said smiling at him.

Saleke had listened intently to every word and nodded upon occasion, he had
known all this of course from the beginning of the meeting but because of
impatience he had spoken too soon which was inexcusable. Not understanding
an order and doing the wrong thing would have been easier for him to accept
but transgressing an obvious order was embarrassing to him. Can Vulcans be
embarrassed? Perhaps we ought to say he was merely contrite for his
tresspass? At any rate the talk Kestra was giving him was well earned and he
accepted it without reservation.

"Once again Commander I apologize for my actions, your orders before the
meeting were quite clear and I was aware of my responsibilities. Considering
the slowness of some of the others to participate and the open forum it
seemed logical to speak up but my comments were misdirected and premature.
Had I to do it over again I would keep my silence until invited by you to
speak."

Saleke watched her closely to see her reaction and she seemed satisfied by
his apology and explanation.

"My duties Commander are clear and I have no questions." With that he moved
farther back upon the couch and settled into the cushion.

(Reply: Commander Kestra Troi, any)
(Posted by Charles)

Stardate:2406.10.03
(USS Nimitz - FO's office - FO Commander Kestra Troi - 1000)

Kestra listened to Saleke and felt his sincerity which she did not have to
read his mind for but just read his body language.  She was glad that he had
seen the 'writing on the wall' so to speak and knew that he would try his
best not to make the same mistake again.

"My duties Commander are clear and I have no questions." he sadi as he moved
farther back upon the couch and settled into the cushion.

"Ok with that out of the way."  Kestra started, "Tagon has come to me with a
proposal that he go along with us.  He seems to think that Slytherwald may
not be up to protecting me and he seems to think that he could be useful in
possibly bringing the command codes being used.  I have sent him to see the
Captain to see if he has a use for him or if he would think that Tagon would
be better used with us.  I am going to inform Slytherwald that I want you to
be his target to protect and his team is to take the bridge.  I think we
will also need your expertise in the science department in case we run into
something that needs analyzing.  So, you will be wearing two hats, so to
speak."  Kestra paused to look down at her hands that she had inadvertantly
started to wring together. "And if anything happens to me you will complete
our mission at all cost.  Get the trawler to the river safely and intact.
The fleet needs this fuel, we can not fail."

Kestra stood up, as her tea had gotten cold, and started for the replicator,
but, turned around, "would you like something?"  She asked

(reply from Saleke)

As she was returning she was trying to remember something else she wanted to
say to him, but, it seemed to elude her at the moment.  Once she had sat
down, she remembered again what it was, so, after taking a sip from her tea,
she continued.

"Oh yes, now I remember, I will have Tagon also try and keep the good doctor
under his protection also as we really dont want anything to happen the him.
  Also, I would like for you to get with O'Neill, Kinkaid, and make sure
that they really understand what we are going to do.  Also, we need to find
someone that can pilot the trawler, so, we need to find someone to do that.
Do you think you can handle that?"

(reply from Saleke)

"Good then while you are gone, I will send for Slytherwald and discuss
things with him.  It was nice talking to you once again."  She finished and
stood up.

(reply from Saleke)

She watched him leave and after the door shut behind him, she walked back to
her desk.  Hitting the communications, "Commander Troi to Ensign
Slytherwald, please report to my office as soon as you can, Troi out."  She
then sat down and started to review what she had stated in the meeting about
what she expected them to do.

(reply from Saleke, Slytherwald, any)
(Pb Frank Rogers)

Stardate:2406.10.03
(USS Nimitz - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign (jg) Miles O'Neill - 10:01)

Having spoken Saleke turned and walked to the door then through, as he
entered the corridor he pressed his combadge, the order in which the names
had been given would be sufficient. =/\=Mr. O'Neill this is Saleke. Would
you please meet me in the CSO's office at 10:20 hours?=/\=

"Yes sir, I'll be there." Miles said. He was working in Engineering for some
time, making sure everything worked right. ~I wonder why Saleke wants me. It
must be about the trawler mission.~ He thought. He kept working, and left so
he'd be on time when he arrived at Saleke's office.

He entered the turbolift, and said, "Deck 6." The turbolift ascended, and
Miles was on his way.

Stardate:2406.10.03
(USS Nimitz - FO's office - Lt. (jg)  Saleke- 10:01)

As he settled back into the cushion of the couch in Kestra's office Saleke
considered the responsibility he had been asked to take on, this was
something he had never officially been trained for though he had done some
unofficial holowork during the Academy and although he knew real life
situations were filled with unforseen variables he was confident in his
abilities.

"Ok with that out of the way." Kestra began, "Tagon has come to me with a
proposal that he go along with us. He seems to think that Slytherwald may
not be up to protecting me and he seems to think that he could be useful in
possibly bringing the command codes being used. I have sent him to see the
Captain to see if he has a use for him or if he would think that Tagon would
be better used with us. I am going to inform Slytherwald that I want you to
be his target to protect and his team is to take the bridge. I think we
will also need your expertise in the science department in case we run into
something that needs analyzing. So, you will be wearing two hats, so to
speak." Kestra paused as she looked down at her hands she had been wringing
together. "And if anything happens to me you will complete our mission at
all cost. Get the trawler to the river safely and intact. The fleet needs
this fuel, we can not fail."

 Being a student of life forms Saleke was also one who could read body
language and inflection and as he watched Kestra he began to understand just
how much this mission was worrying her. That the fuel was needed was without
question, in order to power the bases and ships of the 52nd antimatter was
crucial and the 52nd had no supply line of its own therefore missions such
as this might have to be repeated in the future. The question of bodyguard
for the command crew was something he had not considered but Tagon was the
obvious choice for the First Officer, the Brikarian would be almost
unparalled in his ability to see to her safety through the coming battle.
Ensign Slytherwald was a promising young officer with no official Starfleet
experience in battle but Saleke was confident in his abilities and estimated
their chances for success to be excellent. Running the science post was also
not a problem as it would give him something to do while the FO ran the
ship's operations. Her "Final orders" were expected and would be followed to
the letter.

Kestra looked at her tea then stood to her feet and walked to the replicator
and asked, "Would you like something?"

Saleke shook his head, that had been part of his preparation for this
meeting and said, "No thank you Commander."

After reheating her tea she returned and began again.
"Oh yes, now I remember, I will have Tagon also try and keep the good doctor
under his protection also as we really don't want anything to happen to him.
Also, I would like for you to get with O'Neill and Kinkaid, and make sure
that they really understand what we are going to do. Also, we need to find
someone that can pilot the trawler, so, we need to find someone to do that.
Do you think you can handle that?"

Saleke nodded his head slightly. " It shall be done as you have stated
Commander."

"Good then while you are gone, I will send for Slytherwald and discuss
things with him. It was nice talking to you once again." After speaking she
stood to her feet.

Saleke stood also at the dismissal and bowed his head slightly to the FO. "
I will begin the preparations you have requested immediately Commander. It
is an honor to serve under you."
Having spoken Saleke turned and walked to the door then through, as he
entered the corridor he pressed his combadge, the order in which the names
had been given would be sufficient. "Mr. O'Neill this is Saleke. Would you
please meet me in the CSO's office at 10:20 hours?"

(Reply: Miles O'Neill)

Saleke listened to his reply and nodded, this would give him time to begin
his search for a pilot for the trawler as well as giving the engineering
officer time to wrap up anything he had been doing Saleke might have
interrupted. The Vulcan entered the turbolift and said, "Deck 4."

(Reply: Miles O'Neill, any)
(Posted by Charles)

Stardate:2406.10.03
(USS Nimitz - Outside CSO's office - ACEO Ensign (jg) Miles O'Neill - 10:20)

Miles entered Saleke's office to see Lt. Saleke already sitting in his
chair. "Hello sir. You asked for me?" Miles said.

(Reply Saleke)
(Posted by Matt Kirk)

Stardate:2406.10.03
(USS Nimitz - FO's Office - FO Commander Kestra Troi - 1045)

Kestra heard the door chime, "come" she had said and was pleased that Ensign
Tom Slytherwald had arrived in a timely manner.  She got up as he entered
and motioned the formality away then pointed to the couch.  Tom waited until
she had sat down before he also sat down on the couch.  She still had her
tea and did not want to seem unpolite toward him, "Please Ensign feel free
to get you something to drink if you would like."  she said to him with a
wave toward the replicator.

(reply Slytherwald)

Kestra smiled at him and as they both settled down, it was time for
business. "Ensign, I wanted to call you here to discuss a matter or two with
you.  What I say is in no respect undermining your duty or saying that you
lack the expertise to do it.  Lt. Tagon will be joining us on the mission as
long as the captain does not object to it.  He will be assigned to me, not
only to protect me but he could be useful in breaking any command codes that
we come across.  I want you to protect Lt. Saleke primarily and with Tagon,
keep an eye out for the good doctor that will be acompanying us."  Kestra
hoped that professionalism would prevail in the Ensign and that he would not
be offended that She had not wanted him to guard her.

Kestra had figured for one thing was that it would free him up to interact
more with his team on the bridge and the other reason was what Tagon could
do for her.

(reply from Slytherwald, any)
(Pb Frank Rogers)

Stardate:2406.10.03
(USS Nimitz - CSO's Office - Lt. (jg) Saleke - 13:30)

After the meeting with the Ass.. Engineering officer Saleke had been looking
over the list of names the ships' database had brought up on prospective
pilots for the trawler and they were all what humans would call a "Reach".
The one with the most current training and highest marks was an Ensign
Andrew Eseg`ne, a computer maintenance engineer who's origin was from Earth.
 The instructors notes for the man included a listing for an error he had
made on his last training assignment that the instructor had considered not
to be severe however the young man had dropped out of training after that
session.
  Saleke considered the matter carefully, this one had the greatest
potential for either excellence or disaster depending on his mental state.
This was the kind of problem the command crew handled and the Vulcan found
it a stimulating challenge.

"Computer send a message to ensign Andrew Eseg`ne that CSO Saleke wishes to
speak with him in the CSO's office at 15:00 hours."

[Acknowledged.]

Saleke saw that the time on the screen was 13:38, now would be a good time
to speak to the doctor.

"Computer, query location of Doctor Kincaid."

[Doctor Kincaid is in Medical]

Saleke stood up and strode purposefully from the room.

(Reply: Any, none)
(Posted by Charles)

Stardate:2406.10.03
(USS Nimitz - Sickbay - ACMO- Dr. Michaella Kirien- 1340)

"Hush now," he said softly, "don't talk right now.  You need to get your
rest."  Michaella felt Sash there, brushing the hair out of her eyes. She
clung to his arm, reading what she needed to know there, not that the
motional aura of the room wasn't confirmation enough.  Her baby was dead.

 She felt a hypo against her neck before the grief could set in, and the
world turned black.

(Dreamscape - A house in the Panora Province )

Michaella woke up, surrounded by love and warm bodies. She struggled out of
the covers, brushing her long hair back from her eyes. ~That's strange, I
usually brush and braid it before bed.~  She thought, getting up.  At the
foot of the bed lay a Golden Retriever puppy, and next  to  it two cats.

~Where am I?~  She thought, getting up and going over to the Bureau, picking
up a silver backed brush and beginning to tackle her hair.

"Let me do that for you, Misha."  Michaella heard, catching her breath and
turning around to see John there.  A little bit older, but  definitely him.
She handed over the brush wordlessly and sat on the sun-warmed wood floor,
reveling in the sensation of having another person brush her hair.

"John, what are you doing here ?  And where are we ?"  She wondered half to
herself.

"Well, we are in our house on Betazed, Misha.  Where else would we be ?"  He
asked, jokingly as he separated the sections and brushed them out.  "Misha,
you have silver hairs forming in this beautiful hair of yours.  I guess that
means you are getting old!"  He laughed, his voice like a tinkling bell.

~Something is wrong.~  Michaella thought to herself, getting up, and heading
out of the bedroom and down the hallway.  She opened a door to see her two
girls there, not much older, and then down the hall a baby in a small crib.
She moved over to the crib nad leaned down, seeing a perfect baby boy laying
there.

"And how is Daddy's little slugger today ?"  John asked,  moving over to the
bed and picking up the baby, cooing at him.

Michaella leaned against the door, trying not to cry.  John seemed oblivious
to how she felt, rocking the baby back to sleep. Michaella turned and ran
from the room, almost tripping over her feet as she struggled down the
stairs and out the door, to a beautiful, bright sunshiney day on Betazed.
Michaella took a step back into the house, the sun overwhelming her
sensitive eyes.

She turned back into the house, and saw John standing there, advancing on
her, a menacing look on his face. "It's all your fault."  He said, reaching
her and grabbing her and shaking her, pushing her against the wall. He got
right up in her face and shouted at her, spit forming and flying into her
face. "You couldn't even have a baby right. Why would I want to marry
someone that can't even manage to have a baby correctly ?"  He was shouting,
as loud as she had ever heard him speak.  She hugged the wall, trying not to
cry as he slapped her. "Got yourself off on slapping me, did you ?  Well,
here they are in return, with interest!"  She tried to move, to duck, to
avoid the slaps, but they came one after the other, rocking her entire face.

Then it was over and he was gone. Instead there was a little boy in front of
her. "Why didn't you want me Mommy ?"  He asked, before growing larger in
front of her very eyes.  "Was it because I reminded you too much of Daddy ?
Was that why you didn't want me ?  Why you rejected me ?  It's all your
fault I died Mommy. You robbed me of the life I was supposed to have."  And
with that the scene changed and Michaella was on a spaceship, a heavy battle
cruiser.

"Captain, The Klingons, they are firing." The Ops Officer spoke, in earnest.
He was a race that Michaella had never seen before.

"Dammit, get us out of here, Helm."  The Captain declared.

"Controls not responding."  The helm replied.

"Direct hit to the second warp nacelle.  Shields down to 15%"  The tactical
officer spoke.

"Weapons offline."  The engineering officer said.  "We're dead in the
water."

"Direct all power to life support."  The Captain said, watching things
explode on her bridge.  She got up. "Signal the Klingon ship with our
surrender."  The Captain tried not to cry.

"Captain, something is approaching at high warp."  The Ops officer said as
another ship took  up position between this one and the Klingon ships.

"Incoming hail."  The tactical officer spoke,

"Intrepid to Mystique, you looked like you needed some help."

"Captain Winters-Dark  here, yes we did, Captain Kirien.  Thank you for your
assistance."

"We'll beam over supplies and repair crews, Mystique.  Kirien out."  The
dark haired betazoid man spoke.  The brown haired brown eyed Captain of the
Mystique took her seat with a heavy thud, and held her face in her hand.
They had almost died in this war...they would die if this Federation-Klingon
War that Admiral Doenitz had instigated continued.

The arrogant boy turned to his mother. "Her name is Jennah WInters-Dark, and
she and her ship would have been destroyed if I hadn't been there.  Others
will die because of you, mother."  He spat at her.

Michaella's eyes were wide and she finally began to cry. "I am sorry. It's
not that I didn't want you."  She said, trying to explain.

"Liar."  The boy spat.  Suddenly his father was behind him and both were
shouting at her, calling her all sorts of foul names.

She woke with a start, looking around sickbay.

(reply none)
(posted by melinda :-)

Stardate:2406.10.03
(USS Nimitz - Sickbay - CMO- Lt. (Dr.) BigWill Kinkaid- 1352)

Dr. Michaella Kirien was going to have a baby NOW and fast! Kinkaid already
made the necessary preparation and had Nurse Janet Sanders on standby at the
adjacent biobed with the incubator to stabilize the new life.  The
painfulness of the contraction caused Michaella to blackout into an
unconscious state, but her vitals were stable nevertheless.

Kinkaid positioned himself between Michaella's bent legs to see if the head
of the new life was protruding out to at least grab hold as the contraction
were coming at a very fast forceful rate.  At that very moment the sickbay
doors slid opened and appeared was Capt. Sash. When the captain approached
the biobed area, the medical scanners were showing a different reading than
Kinkaid was prepared to deal with.

The new life's bio-readings were very faint. Kinkaid had to do something to
expedite the birth or be face with a remorseful task.  Then Sash spoke only
to realize what was going on.

"Ah doctors, I'm so glad I caught you togeth..."

Kinkaid moved back pulling his gloved hands from Michaella and replied to
the shocked and embarrassed Sash.  "Captain, my apologies I did not know you
were in sickbay." Kinkaid turned his focus back to Michaella as he continue
to speak to Sash; "Dr. Kirien is going the have a baby now, but something is
going wrong with the baby's vitals!"

Kinkaid said to himself in thought, ~ Damn it! Come on stay with me! I'm not
going to loose you nor your mother! Damn you come on!!! ~

Suddenly Sash turned his back and said apologetically.  "Oh, I'm so sorry.
I had no idea you were... Umm, I'll come back at a better time."

Kinkaid regained his marbles and turn back to Sash, "Captain, there's no
need to leave. Here, my office is your office, please stay!" Kinkaid
signaled to Nurse Sanders to escort the captain to his office for the time
being.

(Reply CO, Sash)

Knowing the baby was not coming out like it should and a "C" section was out
of the question. The only possible way was to transport.  Kinkaid's proposal
has only been done at Starfleet Medical with livestock, but not on a
humanoid.  Time was fading fast and the baby's vital had a matter of seconds
before arrest occurs.

"Computer, engage the emergency medical transporters to the following
coordinates authorization Kinkaid Gamma 5, 4 Mike.  Energize!!"  Kinkaid
ordered.

The computer compiled the request and said, [Acknowledged.  Energizing.]

The transporter beam materialized over Michaella's abdomen area and faded
away. A nanosecond later the beam reappeared over the biobed with incubator
and de-materialized a small male life form that was not showing any vitals.
Kinkaid was worried that he was too slow in his assessment or was it a
forgone conclusion to the enviable.

Kinkaid took his medical tricorder and began scanning.  ~ Nothing. ~ Kinkaid
thought as he changed the scan settings and rescanned again.  "Nothing!" He
said out loud.

Captain Sash appeared from the CMO's office after hearing the commotion and
went over to Kinkaid's location.

(Reply CO, Sash)

Kinkaid took a deep breath then slowing exhaled. He took a moment in silence
before making the final decision that would cause him anguish and heartache
to the point of crying himself.  In his entire medical career in Starfleet
has this type of situation been the challenge to Kinkaid feared of failing
on.

"Computer, activate the ship's medical log." Kinkaid said as he inputted his
authorization code into the adjacent medical console.

[Acknowledge.  Ship's Medical Log activated and ready.]  The computer voice
stated.

Kinkaid clinched his hands into fists as if he was going to strike something
when he made the log entry.

"It is now, 1400 hrs on Stardate: 2406.10.03.  I, Lt. (Dr.) BigWill Kinkaid,
Chief Medical Officer of USS Nimitz, annotate with a heavy heart in front of
Captain Devan Sash, CO of the Nimitz, as my witness; declare that a male
Betazoid child born on this date decease due to complication of delivery.
An autopsy will not commence hence forth out of respect and custom for his
mother, Lt. (Dr.) Michaella Kirien, Assistant Chief Medical Officer USS
Nimitz.  End log transmission."

Kinkaid removed his gloves and facial mask and turn to Sash as he wipe his
forehead of sweat.  The computer voice computed the log and made a further
request,

[Acknowledge. Awaiting final approval from Capt. Sash]

(Reply CO, Sash)

Kinkaid turned and saw that Michaella's life signs were still stable.  He
applied a hypospray to her neck.  Kinkaid was happy to see his assistant was
still with them as her eyes started to flicker to focus in the brightly lit
room.

(Reply Dr. Kirien and Sash)
(Posted by Nathan M. Williams)

Stardate:2406.10.03
(USS Nimitz - Sickbay - CO- Captain Devan Sash- 1355)

"Captain, there's no need to leave. Here, my office is your office, please
stay!" Kinkaid signaled to Nurse Sanders to escort the captain to his office
for the time being.

Sash nodded, wondering why the doctor would want him to stay, unless he
simplyneeded some moral support.  The captain knew he couldn't give that
from an office so he stood and watched from a safe distance.  What ever was
going it wasn't looking to good for Michaella and her baby.

"Computer, engage the emergency medical transporters to the following
coordinates authorization Kinkaid Gamma 5, 4 Mike.  Energize!!"  Kinkaid
ordered.

[Acknowledged.  Energizing.]

Sash heard the characteristic hum of the transported and watched as an
infant appeared in a small bio chamber.  Kinkaid worked on the chamber
leaning Michaella unconconscious on the bed.  Sash moved over to her and
picked up her hand.  She looked so vulnerable.  Gently he stroked her cheek.
The sound of Kinkaid's voice made him turn his head.

"Nothing!" he said out loud.

Sash went over to the doctor.  "What is it?"

Kinkaid didn't look up but Sash knew what it was.  The sound in the doctors
voice was heartbreaking.

"Computer, activate the ship's medical log.  It is now, 1400 hrs on
Stardate: 2406.10.03.  I, Lt. (Dr.) BigWill Kinkaid, Chief Medical Officer
of USS Nimitz, annotate with a heavy heart in front of  Captain Devan Sash,
CO of the Nimitz, as my witness; declare that a male Betazoid child born on
this date decease due to complication of delivery. An autopsy will not
commence hence forth out of respect and custom for his mother, Lt. (Dr.)
Michaella Kirien, Assistant Chief Medical Officer USS Nimitz.  End log
transmission."

Kinkaid removed his gloves and facial mask and turn to Sash as he wipe his
forehead of sweat.  The computer voice computed the log and made a further
request.

[Acknowledge. Awaiting final approval from Capt. Sash]

Sash blinked, looking at the baby.  His mind flashed back to a time when he
held another dead baby in his arms.  His own baby.  He fought back the same
tears that he fought back 40 years ago.

"Confirmed," Sash replied.  It was the only word he could get out.

They both turned their attention back to Michaella, who was stable.  Sash
could see her eyes start to flicker as she came back to the real world.  She
tried t speak.  Sash was there at her head and brushed the hair from her
eyes.

"Hush now," he said softly, "don't talk right now.  You need to get your
rest."

(reply Kirian)
(posted by Al Muir)

Stardate:2406.10.03
(USS Nimitz - Sickbay - CMO- Lt. [Dr.] BigWill Kinkaid- 1425)

The complex nature of losing a life took Kinkaid back to his youth on board
his father's ship, the USS Texas Star.  Dealing with emotion was not easy
for Kinkaid when it came to this type of situation.  While his father was
away on business on a distillate M class planet delivery supplies to the
colonist encampments, it was hard for Kinkaid to understand why the crew
chief did not return from the planet surface or why a certain member of the
crew had sustain a life threatening injury as the result of delivery cargo
in a hostile climate.

As the sound of Nimitz's main engines hum through the silence of sickbay,
Kinkaid took a moment to reflect on the past hour events in his office.
Kinkaid had dealt with countless situations involving death before, but why
should the lost of a child during delivery be any different.  He was a
doctor and a good one matter of fact.  Kinkaid needed to talk with someone
to help him understand his confusion.

Kinkaid moved his left hand over to the communication panel on his desk.
With a few key strokes, Kinkaid spoke.

=^= Dr. Kinkaid to Counselor Harrison.  I request a moment of your time to
discussion matters of a difficult situation with you.  Can I see you in your
office? =^=

(Reply Harrison)

While waiting for a response from the counselor, Kinkaid realized that he
needed to see the FO about the current medical reports from his section and
to go over the needed medical supplies for the away team on the Trawler
mission. Kinkaid had so much to do, but too little time to accomplish them
in.

(Reply Harrison)
(Posted by Nathan M. Williams
Stardate:2406.10.03
(USS Nimitz - Counsellor's Office - COUNS- Ensign John Harrison- 1427)

Harrison hadn't had much to do so far. He'd gotten bored of reading PADDs
mid-morning, so he'd been tidying his office and reading a good book. He'd
already made counsellor's log entries concerning his session with Dr. Kirien
the previous day.

He'd gotten to a particularly gripping part of his book, when he
communicator activated.

=^= Dr. Kinkaid to Counselor Harrison.  I request a moment of your time to
discussion matters of a difficult situation with you.  Can I see you in your
office? =^=

He tapped his Comm badge.

"Certainly, Doctor," he said, his voice unemotional. The doctor sounded
concerned, perhaps troubled. The last thing you want when you're troubled is
a chirpy counsellor having a better day than you. "Come straight down," he
finished.

He tidied his office once more and waited for the doctor to arrive. He
hadn't met the CMO yet (at least not formally) but he had a feeling this
would be a tense session. There had been something in the doctor's voice
that concerned him.

(Reply Kinkaid)
(Posted by James Batchelor)

Stardate:2406.10.03
(USS Nimitz - Counsellor's Office  - COUNS - Ensign John Harrison - 16:52)

Harrison was sitting in his office, the stack of PADDs now getting smaller,
when the door chime went off.

"Come in," he called, without a hint of irritation in his voice. ~Finally,~
he thought, ~Something to do~

A woman walked in. He recognised her from the staff meeting but couldn't
remember her name. Obviously hadn't read her profile yet. She stood in front
of his desk, shifting from foot to foot. There was a look of surprise in her
eyes, as if she had been expecting someone else.

"I don't think that we have been formally introduced, Counsellor," she said,
"My name is Michaella Kirien, and I have  been assigned as the ACMO. Let us
just say that there is a mess about to be dropped into your lap, and I
really need someone to talk to."

Dr Kirien took a deep breath and, from what Harrison could tell, tears
appeared to be forming beneath her eyes. "If you are available ?" she asked.

"Free as a bird," he said, rising. He led her to the comfortable sofas
beneath the window in his office. He knew that people felt isolated if there
was a desk between them and the counsellor. He motioned for her to sit, and
once she had done so, sat down next to her.

"What can I do for you?"

(reply Kirien)
(posted by James Batchelor)

Stardate:2406.10.03
(USS Nimitz - Counsellor's Office  - ACMO - Dr. Michaella Kirien - 16:55)

"I don't think that we have been formally introduced, Counsellor," she said,
"My name is Michaella Kirien, and I have  been assigned as the ACMO. Let us
just say that there is a mess about to be dropped into your lap, and I
really need someone to talk to."

"If you are available ?" she asked.

"Free as a bird," he said, rising. "What can I do for you?"

She found that she had difficulty speaking. "I  don't think you have
had a chance to review my file, otherwise you wouldn't be asking me
that."  She said, making an attempt at a lame joke.  "Where would you
like me to start?"  She thought for a second. "At the beginning would
be the best place to start."

She leaned back and got comfortable. "When I was 22 I attended a
medical conference on Risa. While I was there, I met  a starfleet
officer who had just graduated from the Academy and was out for a bit
of Holiday. We enjoyed several days together, never giving each other
any details other than our first name.   When we parted, I slipped my
contact information into his luggage.  I never heard from him again."
She sighed softly, thinking back to that wonderful time and wondering
how they had gotten here, now.  "Several months later, I learned that I
was pregnant. As he was the only person I had ever had relations with,
it was quite obvious by whom.   I spent several months trying to reach
him, even going so far as to have Risan authorities search their
records. There was no human starfleet officer there those days by the
name of John."  She shifted, trying to get comfortable.

"I gave birth to my girls, naming one after him.  We lived happily on
the Starbase that I got my degree on, until one day Starfleet
Intelligence came to me and told me that the man I had been dating was
a slaver.  I helped them catch the leader of the ring, the 'hit' went
out on me and my girls, and  Starfleet protected us, by giving me a
commission and assigning me to Geneva.   When I went to report in, my
Imzadi was sitting beside the Captain, apparently the First Officer."
She shivered with cold, realizing how hard this was for her to tell.

"We had an..interesting meeting...He was dating the CMO of the station,
my boss.  The Captain was forced to leave the station suddenly, as was
the Counsellor, and I was promoted to be the Counsellor by the First
Officer.  There was a ...mishap...with time, and shortly later, Wilson
was transferred to the Nimitz, leaving me and my girls on geneva, but
promising that  we could join him.  We got engaged.  We .. had
relations."  She flushed  a bit. "He left...the captain came back...
the Counsellor came back...and then I was out of a job.  The Captain
didn't think enough of me to give me the CMO position, instead
preferring that the CMO/FO continue.  He also didn't think enough of me
to allow me to be the Counsellor either.  I was pregnant, and pregnancy
is hard on me....  and lost my temper in the middle of a senior staff
meeting. I hadn't heard from John for weeks.  All my letters were
returned as undeliverable."

She leaned back, a headache forming. " I spiraled out of control, had a
breakdown, my girls were taken from me, and still, when the social
services person tried to contact Wilson, he didn't reply.  Geneva's
staff accused me of using my telepathy  to cause the Counsellor to go
on a drinking binge, which I of course did not do.  I was relieved of
duty, and forced to go through Counseling with the fool who took my
job."  And with that Michaella made her opinion of Johnson known.

"And that brings us to now, when my Imzadi is ignoring me and my girls,
and blocking our bond. I don't know what to do."  And Michaella held
her head in her hands, trying very hard not to start crying again.  "I
need him, and he hates me and I do not know why he does."

(reply Harrison, any)
(posted by melinda)

Stardate:2406.10.03
(USS Nimitz, Engineering Lab 3, CEO, Lt(sg) Zzt, 18:46)

Zzt sighed and scratched his snout with one claw as he looked over the
results of his latest attempts to accomplish what Captain Sash had tasked
him with.  ~Unacceptable.~  Zzt thought as he added the failure to the long
list of other failures.  ~He wants the impossible.  Nimitz wasn't designed
for this, but he won't listen.~

Zzt's paws moved over the console as he cleared the data and started over
from scratch, pulling up a schematic of the Nimitz current system
configuration. ~Lets try working this from the other direction.~


(Reply None, Any)
(Posted by Wes)