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A knowing smirk formed on her face as her eyes found the man in a blue Starfleet uniform on the opposite side of the room. “I don’t want to,” she declared. It was simple and direct; Hector would appreciate that. Hector shifted his weight in the chair, crossed his arms across his chest, and shifted his weight back to how it had been. For a moment, he sat in silence, staring back. His eyes worked their way around her face, measuring everything in the systematic method he applied to his work. But she wasn’t supposed to be work. Is that what I’ve become? A project? Her smile melted away as her gaze drifted down to her arms. She hadn’t remembered crossing them. She shifted her gaze to the pair of cut daffodils in water beside her bed. “You’re lying,” she heard him say, but her mind was still on how exactly he saw her. When she looked back, Hector was standing; he strode toward her, up the length of the bed, and ended up standing right at her side with mischief in his eyes. She inquired what he was doing with a glance. He’d know what she was asking. But he just leaned down over her, resting his arms on the bio bed to either side of her. Just a few years ago she had pined for them to be in this position. His unshaven face – it’s my fault; he doesn’t even have time to care for himself – was just inches away when he started again. “You’re lying, Karla, and I won’t have it.” Karla stifled a laugh. “I’m lying?” She slowly lifted her arms and draped them over his shoulders. “What am I lying about?” “About not wanting to dance.” Before she knew what was happening she was out of the bed; in the air, more precisely, with solid arms wrapped behind her. Karla whooped with surprised delight, unaware of what would happen but in well-trusted hands. At length she felt the cold deck beneath her bare feet; but it was a feeling she’d not had in so long that the cold was welcomed. It seemed Hector had found a way to take her mind off of things. I’ll have to remember not to ruin this, she thought as she closed her eyes and allowed her head to rest on his shoulder. Who knows if we’ll ever dance again? The music filled her mind, though the only sounds were medical devices and an EMH in the next room. It was reminiscent of a summer afternoon, lying on the grass at a festival with a warm breeze blowing through the air. Karla could even feel the breeze; her hair swayed back and forth. But that was just Hector, it turned out, playing with what little of her hair remained. He caressed the once-full mop of golden threads and she felt him sigh. Before long they danced no longer; he stood holding her against his barrel chest as her tears fell silently down his sleeve. When she opened her eyes, the pip of a petty officer loomed before her. The magic had not been lost, but the moment that contained it was over, now present only in memory. Karla’s joints creaked as she stepped back toward the bed. Her handsome attendant helped her back down and lifted her legs up onto the bed. “The doctor said I’m not to do things like that,” she commented as he sat down beside her. “You needed it as much as I did.” “That’s no excuse.” Karla felt his hand slide over hers, clasping it gingerly. Hector screwed up his face in what Karla could only make out to be mock seriousness. “Whatever happened to ‘quod est necessarium est … legitim’?” He held the face for a moment as Karla shook her head with a chortle. Reaching up, she pushed his shoulder with her good arm. “It’s ‘licitum’, you dunce!,” she said breaking into laughter. “And I don’t think doctors care about that.” Legal principles from Hector? She wondered. I may die of shock if I make it through this alive. Her lips parted to say it, but as she looked at him smiling down at her, she couldn’t quite bring herself to say the words. Instead, she settled on a pleasant smile. It was a good decision; the peace of silence was much more soothing. As Hector slid closer, the light caught his pip again, and Karla sighed. “Your shift starts soon. Want something to eat before you go back?” It was painful to say, but if he had to leave, she at least needed some transition time. “No, I’m not hungry yet.” “Well won’t you be later?” Breaking from routine was not something Hector often did. “I’ll eat when I’m hungry. With you.” Hector paused as a smile more tranquil than she remembered seeing on him grew on his face. “I’ve arranged for my duty shift to be covered. I’ll be here with you.” Comfort took hold of Karla, but it gave way soon enough, as though the bed had dropped out from beneath her. “Oh. Is it that bad?” Karla knew they had increased the dosage of two of the medications last week, but they hadn’t changed her prognosis, so far as she knew. “No, no, it’s not that.” The reply was quick, and he reached over to take her hand again. “I don’t know any more than you do. But we needed some time, right?” Karla’s smile returned. “Hector Adler, is this your idea of a date?” Hector walked around to the other side of the bio bed and lay next to her. It was a position in which they had been so often before, but as time had progressed ever onward, lying beside him took on ever evolving meanings. There was a time, long ago, when it left her feeling giddy. Now she was too tired to feel giddy; having him beside her was a tremendous comfort. She reached to the bedside table and found the vase of daffodils. He’d even brought flowers. “Yeah, I guess it is,” answered Hector. “Isn’t it romantic?” ----- Ensign Ben Livingston Assistant Chief Engineer Starbase 118

The afternoon sun was starting to dim... The grounds on the tournament were now ruffled and damp in some places. Since mid day when it started it had been stepped on by more man and horses then it should. Most of the crowed were gathered around the fence, and only those of high position had seated places on the bench. But the smelly and harsh air from the place did not bide itself with social distinction and was sensed by both nobles and serfs, knights and stable boys, princesses and... ladies with the oldest profession in the world. The sixth joust was about to begin. The final contenders were praised by their Ceremony Butlers, who started their own joust of mockery and deeds as they rose their voices to the crowd, but always giving more attention to those seated. The first contender mounted his horse. A dark stallion that made a high contrast with the dirty white colors of its rider. His spear was painted in white and red, the shield had a red eagle with opened wings, but it was like a child painted it. The beak had teeth and one of the wings was bigger then the other. The armor plate was dented and worn out, and in some places lost the white color. The helmet only had half the plumes. Vitor was tired. Although the holodeck safeties were on, and even if he did cheated by assuring he would win against all opponents, fighting with the previous five knights was not easy. Only one conceded defeat after the joust itself. He had to finish fighting with the others on the ground. His muscles were soar, his legs hurt, and that hit he got on the ribs in the third fight was starting to bother him and he was having trouble raising his shield higher. Still as he had done before he waved to the crowed all around and mounted his horse. His dented unpainted armor, simple helmet and spears were in sharp contrast with his shield. Although it was damaged and dented it had started perfectly painted. It had the Starfleet command insignia in silver over a gold background. As they rode to their starting positions, passing by the seated nobles each turned their spears to their chosen Ladies. Behind his helmet Vitor couldn't suppress a laugh as he turned again the tip of his spear to Violet. She was the most out of place person. Her clothes were the cleanest of those around her, and she had her hand in front of her face most of the tournament. Her expression was something between disgusted and sick. But as before she tied another one of her cloth ribbons onto Vitor's spear. The knights passed by one another and nodded in respect. They got to their positions and were given their shields. As the trumpets started and the signaler went to the middle of the ground Vitor readied himself and in a few seconds rode, with the spear aimed at his rivals shield. The pain on his ribs was making it harder to lift the shield, so he just leaned forward to try and make himself smaller. The clash of the spears against shield and armor echoed in Vitor's helmet. He felt the impact on the upper corner of the shield and lowered his head the opposite way fighting to stay on top of the horse. In what felt like minutes the seconds when he dropped the spear and lowered his shield he tried to maintain the grip, but the pain and the balance of the hit and the motion of the horse was turning him to the left side. Getting his foots from the stirrup, he let himself fall, and heard the scream of Violet. "Computer end program... NOW..." The fall ended up being smaller the he thought, but the weight of the armor still payed its due. Vitor let himself stay down for a moment, but Violet had other ideas. "YOU BLOODY FOOL, ARE YOU CRAZY?" She was shouting and screaming at his side. Vitor took his helmet off still on the holodeck floor. with a tiresome look he shouted back. "I AM FINE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONCERN." Violet was blushing from anger, she tossed her hair piece to Vitor. "You are completly out of your mind... I should have left hours ago..." Vitor rose himself from the floor and faced Violet. "OK... What's wrong? I told you I had the perfect program. You were treated like a princess..." "Princess... In this filthy place? With everyone sweating and the horses... doing there things on the ground... And people being cut open and... What the..." Vitor opened his arms. "Are you kidding me? I got you into the most realistic simulation of a medieval tournament, just for you. I am hurt all over and finding muscles I did not knew I had... And you complain about the smell? No... You must be kidding me..." He turned his back to her and went after his shield. "Oh no... Don't use your blame games with me Vitor" Violet went after him and turned him around. "You told me we would be enjoying a nice romantic date..." With a smile Vitor interrupted her "Yes. But it looks like you don't like my idea of romance. Lets just finish this, your not worth the trouble." Violet slapped Vitor. "You..." She turned and left the holodeck. Vitor dropped the shield and sat down. "Too bad... She looked good with that cleavage..." - Ens. Vitor S. Silveira Tactical Officer Starbase 118 Ops

Lt Commander Dara O’Doyle met his true love on Stardate 237909.03, he was just an ensign then, fresh from the academy. Now he was a Lt. Commander, he had conquered the ranks but refused to leave her. She was his light in the dark, his every breath was for her. Now he had to leave her to die. What could he do, she was injured with no chance of being saved. Dara stared at her, he knew she would stare back if she could, but she couldn’t. Her injuries were to great. Lt Commander O’Doyle just stared at her think of their relationship together. The first time they held hands, his fingers running gently across her skin, he treated he as a lady. As a goddess. “Self Destruct in 5 minutes” The eerie cold voice echoed across the bridge like the howl of a wolf, ready to attack it’s pray. Lt Commander O’Doyle looked out across the bridge one last time. Looked at his own true love, helplessly scream, she had survived worse in the past, a skilled team of medics pieced her back together, Lt Commander O’Doyle had refused to leave her side. The turbo lift doors, where about to close. O’Doyle flashed a look at the rest of the bridge crew and in a spit second he jumped through the doors, just before they closed, he heard the call of his Captain, calling him to come back. It was two late now. O’Doyle and his lover would be together until they die. He couldn’t ever live without her, there would never be another. O’Doyle stroked her, gently but still assuring her that it would be okay. It was not. He did not want her to fear in her remaining minutes. He wanted to remind her of when they met, of there time together. “Self Destruct in 3 minutes” Now alone on the bridge O’Doyle broke down in tears, she deserved more than this. Her life was cut short, to Dara that was unfair. His love for her had kept him from his career. He had been offered positions all over the fleet, but he chose to stay as the helmsman of the USS Dakota. O’Doyle closed his eyes and thought of the happy times that he and his lover had had together, but his mind was focused on the present. Opening his eyes he say escape pods and shuttles on the view screen, he knew that she could see them to. Her friends and comrades would survive, but they would leave her but not O’Doyle. His love for her kept him from so much in the past and know he would die because of it. “Self Destruct in 10 Seconds” O’Doyle closed his eyes once more, this time tight. “9, 8, 7, 6” All the time O’Doyle had known here he had never proclaimed his love, the feeling gripped him on the inside like the hangmans noose. “5, 4, 3” O’Doyle, stood up and looked around. “2” He opened his mouth “1” “Dakota… I love…” Lt JG Jorus Cogud Helmsman USS Discovery-C

((Stardate 238609.27, O'Leary's Pub - San Fransisco)) ::Drinks all around had been the first order of business. For Liam it had been seven hours since he'd received the news. For Sidney, it had been two. Upon confirmation of Brian Deacon's death, a memo had been sent out along with the official cause of death: systems malfunction. His brother Edgar had been notified on duty and their parents had been called. Their class all liked Brian, and quite a few of the students were taking advantage of the available grief counseling. Pierce felt a growing sense of concern regarding Frost. He was staring off somewhere, his eyes blank and his jaw set. He slid his drink closer to him.:: Frost: You guys don't get it. That was supposed to be my slot. I switched with Brian so I could go home for Liz's birthday. *I* should have been the one on that shuttle. Pierce: It was all scheduling. Timing. Someone should have been more careful monitoring the repair schedules, too. It had nothing to do with you. Frost: I'm here, and Brian's not. And it's my fault. ::Oliver Weston leaned back into his chair and stared at the ceiling. He hadn't said a word since they arrived. Sidney watched Liam, brow furrowed. They had known each other for nearing three years, and in all their time together she'd never seen him this upset. The guilt he was feeling was taking him over, taking all of the care and concern for his well-being and throwing it into the trash. At times like this, she wished she had the empathy that her upbringing on Betazed would have brought her, had she been of the namesake race. As it stood, she couldn't read minds and had only her Terran power of communication to help make a dent on the situation.:: Pierce: What are you thinking? :: Liam looked into his glass for a long time.:: Frost: I just... I can't stay here. I'm going to see the Commandant tomorrow. ::Pierce slammed her glass down on the table with such force that Liam jumped. She was several drinks in; too far in to keep her calm. Whiskey sloshed everywhere, coating her hand. She shook it off and gave her counterpart a hard stare.:: Pierce: What! What the hell is wrong with you? That's career suicide. It's bad enough that Brian's gone, but now you want to go and throw all your hard work away? And for what, your misplaced feelings of guilt because you wanted time off to see Liz? That's garbage, and you know it. Weston: Sid's right, man. You know Brian wouldn't want this. Frost: How do I deal with this? How do I just keep going like this just didn't happen? Pierce: You get through today, and then you go to sleep. You wake up, thank whatever you believe in that you're alive, keep up with your training and get cracking on your work. You do that day after day, one day at a time, until you can accept that you are still alive and should be thankful for that. Brian can't be here to see his dreams out, so it's your duty to honour him. ::It occurred to Sidney then that she had been crying for a few moments.:: Pierce: You fill those days with your experiences like each one a god-[...]ed prayer wheel to Brian until you've worked out your issues and can understand that we are all grieving, but if it were you, we would be so far in our cups that we would never come out. ::Her chair flew backwards across the room in her haste to escape. She tore away from the bar, out into the courtyard, and threw herself down in a dark corner where she couldn't be seen. It had started to rain while they were inside, because of course it had. That was the way things were slipping today. Head in her hands, Sidney let out a few alcohol-scented sobs before combing her soggy hair back from her face. Her Counseling professor would be asking her to write down a word for this feeling. The only words that formed themselves in Pierce's mind were all profanity; half-scrawled guttural noises made for a lack of effective expression. She was furious with Brian Deacon, furious that he had stepped onto that shuttlecraft without triple-checking the engines before takeoff, furious that he'd let himself be killed, and furious that he could wreck their group so selfishly while doing so.:: ::Something splashed over her leggings and lace-up boots. She looked up to see Liam standing over her, breath fogging in the cold rain. He held out a hand to help her up, and after a moment of silent contemplation, she spat at his feet. Liam jumped back.:: Pierce: Get the hell away from me. Frost: What did I do? Pierce: I'm sorry, aren't you too busy throwing your career away? ::Her friend looked at her, his own brow knit. Sidney could see the flush on his cheeks. He wasn't just red from the effort of finding her. He was angry.:: Frost: Is that what this is about? Wanting to make things right? Listen, Sid, I know how you feel, but - ::Pierce scrambled to her feet and threw her arms out, palms connecting with Frost's chest and shoving him backwards. He stumbled and looked for a moment like he was going to throw a punch. None of that mattered to Sidney. This was happening. She had spent too long keeping her calm and being the level head.:: Pierce: You don't ever deem to tell me how I feel, Frost. You don't get to command those feelings, or me, like everyone else. I'm not part of your schooling, or part of your job. Frost: ::voice raised:: God [...] it, that's not what I meant. I just can't sit by and watch this all happen. The services, his funeral, everyone going to the grief counselors... How do you think that makes me feel? It should have been me. I can't sit idly by and let this happen. ::Message begins: A memorandum for all staff and students of Starfleet Academy. Today marks the passing of a bright and promising young star, sadly taken from us all too soon. Liam Frost, twenty-two. Killed while on assignment. Cause of death is has been established as a shuttlecraft engine malfunction. Majors: Spacial Dynamics and Astrophysics. Leaving behind his parents, Trevor and Serena. Brother, Tyson. Sister, Elizabeth. Donations to be made to the Missing Man Foundation for the families of pilots killed while on duty. A service will be held on Stardate 238609.29. Message ends. :: ::She saw images of the memo, of the preparations for the funeral services, of his school record. Over every Brian Deacon, she saw Liam Frost. Over every mop of Brian's dark brown hair, Liam's face.:: Pierce: Death is going to happen! ::Her hands balled tightly, her feet wide apart. Jacket and skirt soaked in the rain.:: Pierce: You're going to go into active duty, and people in your crew are going to die. Some of them are going to die on missions, some of them are going to die of age or illness. And that is an absolute fact. ::pointing at him:: You can't cry every time someone on the same duty rotation bites it, because it 'could have been you'. You should be thanking God that it wasn't you. ::His hands thrown up in the air. Hair pressed against his face, in his eyes.:: Frost: With that attitude you'll make a great counselor. Pierce: And with that death wish I'm sure you'll make a great pilot. ::She turned on her heel and headed towards the dorms. Shoving her hands into the sleeves of her jacket, she hunched her shoulders against the rain. Her entire body was shaking with fear and with the cold. The new plan involved going back into the bottle of amaretto that was stashed between mattress and wall. It was full. She would remedy that. Footsteps came up behind her; she crouched and turned, taking a swing. Liam grabbed her by the fist and shoulder, sending a whipcrack of pain through her arm. She pushed him a second time, staggering back. Her chest heaved with the effort of keeping a steady breath in her lungs. The two of them looked at each other, fog in the air between them. His hair was sending water coursing down his face. Liam's hands were together, apart, fists, in pockets.:: Frost: I... don't have a death wish. ::Sidney said nothing. Sliding her cuffs over her palms, she dug her nails into the soaking fabric and looked at the ground.:: Frost: Are you listening to me? :: taking a step closer:: Because that's what this is really about, isn't it? I said I don't wish I was dead. ::Her eyes snapped up to meet his. She felt a tightening in her chest and for a moment struggled to find her voice. It came out in a cracked whisper.:: Pierce: ::quietly, aside:: … well, good. ::Rain on concrete drowned out the sound of his voice. Liam tilted his head towards her, leaning down.:: Frost: Sorry, what? ::Pierce looked up at him through rain-soaked hair and wrapped her arms around herself, shivering.:: Pierce: I said good. Good. Because you can't. You. ::biting her lip, anxiously:: You can't. Frost: Can't what? ::Something passed through both of them, and Sidney threw herself into Liam's chest, hands digging into his collar. You can't, you can't, you can't, she repeated over and over as she sobbed without mercy. Liam pressed his head against hers and said things to her, things she could barely hear, about being sorry. He wrapped his arms around her. The force knocked all of the remaining air out of her lungs and she struggled to breathe. I wouldn't, he told her, I couldn't. She pushed back away from him, still holding him by his jacket, and took a long look at him. Another number in the Starfleet book of the dead, but not his. Not today. The moment blurred. Sidney pulled him by his jacket. Liam moved his arms. The kiss took shape in a matter of seconds, before either of them had time to give it any consideration. It was not passionate, but it felt desperate. Pierce threw her arms around his neck and leapt; not to be disappointed, Liam picked her up. She held his face by his jaw and enjoyed every second; they couldn't stay like this forever. They had been friends for too long. After another long kiss, they broke for air and Frost put her down. :: ::They walked back to the dorms in silence, Liam with his hands in his pockets and Sidney with her arms around her shoulders. They went back to Liam's quarters in silence, both of them trailing clothing as they pressed towards the bed. It was a memory that didn't blur, that couldn't. That can't. And in the morning, when dull light came through the window, Sidney Pierce slid silently out of bed. She re-dressed herself into her damp clothes. A quick search of the room turned up a pen and a piece of paper on which she scribbled a note. She signed it. She wrote three x. She left.: ::Never bring this up. -S xxx:: LtJG Sidney Pierce Counselor USS Apollo with permission from, but apologies to LtCmdr Liam Frost First Officer USS Apollo

The Perfect Moment July. A month filled with promises, glorious weather and new beginnings. The Academy campus at San Francisco had taken on a very different atmosphere as its final year students made preparations for the graduate ball. Brightly coloured banners decorated the residential buildings, bearing a wide selection of emblems belonging to the Federation's members races; committee members bustled around in groups, frantically dotting 'i's and crossing 't's. Everyone from engineers to tacticians was bathed in their own aura of excitement, each with specific plans for how they would make their evening memorable. An expensive dress here, a gorn costume there, the inevitable practical joke threatening to pop up at an unexpected moment. For Diego Herrera, the ball represented a wonderful opportunity. His academy-based studies had come to an end, to be replaced in the fall with an internship at Starfleet Medical. He had sacrificed countless hours and social gatherings to keep on top of his studies in pursuit of that goal, and he felt proud that he had reached it. In equal measure, he was proud that his sweetheart since high school, Holly deVries, had secured herself a place on the USS Senegal. She was a scientist, and had wanted to land a deep space assignment for as long as he could remember. He had always loved the sparkle he saw in her eyes whenever she talked about it. It brought a special warmth to her already spellbinding face that was so easy to get lost in. There had been discussions, of course, initiated by Holly, about how they might manage their relationship across half a galaxy's distance. Diego felt confident that he had reassured her. He was prepared to wait for her, maybe to see if he could earn his own spot on the Senegal's crew once his assignment to Starfleet Medical was complete. After all, they both had busy lives and their careers were important. He had lost count of the times that she had been understanding about his considerable commitments to his studies, his family, Parrises Squares... the list went on. It was only fair that he should be prepared to grant her the same consideration. In fact, he was prepared to prove just how much she meant to him. He allowed himself another look at the diamond ring he had saved all of his credits to buy. It reflected not just the morning sun, but his hopes that tonight would be the most important moment in their relationship so far. Pocketing it once more, he set off with a smile to tackle his sizeable to-do list. There was still a lot of administration to be taken care of to finalise the internship, he owed his sister a call, and there was the small matter of the final day of the Squares season. Everything would fall into place. He knew it. Inevitably, six o'clock turned into seven. Seven turned into eight. His trip back to the family home had taken a little longer than planned as his sister had caught the Aldebaran flu and there had been complications in mixing her medication with her regular dose of pills. Eight turned into eight-thirty. He had called Holly to let her know that things had gotten a little too much on top of him again, but that he fully intended to make an appearance. Once again, she had been understanding; Diego had taken heart from that, and from the fact that the ball had sounded a little quiet over the comm. It seemed that things weren't quite in full swing anyway. As an insurance policy, he had arranged for them to meet at ten in their favourite lunchtime haunt in the academy gardens. By then, darkness would be falling and the decorative lights that had been festooned throughout the grounds would make the setting for his proposition all the more perfect. He imagined her stood there, her golden blonde hair falling elegantly onto her delicate shoulders, those deep brown eyes wide with surprise and delight. Nine o'clock, and his ailing sister was finally settled, his mother reassured and his journey back to San Francisco and the rest of his life ready to begin. By nine thirty, his nerves had begun to take hold. Was this really enough? They had, after all, intended to eat together at the ball, and while there would still be time for dancing, he felt as though he needed to make up for the time he had missed. He had taken just enough time to make sure he looked smart in his tuxedo, splashed on some of Holly's favourite cologne and shone his shoes. The ring, secure in his pocket, seemed to cry out for a little more than just a conversation in private. A few minutes' deliberation led him to the replicator, which he left shortly afterward with a bottle of champagne with two flutes and a punnet of strawberries. Loading them into their usual hamper along with a tricorder, primed to play a selection of string quartet music, he took a deep breath and bustled through the door. Ten o'clock, and he was right where he had promised he would be. The picnic blanket was set up on a perfectly trimmed section of lawn, the champagne and strawberries laid out and ready. The tricorder hummed the perfect accompaniment, and the dusky sky was offset by a million pin[...]s of softly glowing light. Everything was perfect, leaving Diego to rehearse the exact lines he would deliver when Holly arrived. He wanted them to be memorable too, and to truly convey how much she meant to him. All he needed to do was practise, and wait. And wait he did. Ten turned into ten thirty. Confused, he tried to contact her to check if she had been held up, but there was no reply. Worried, he thought about going to look for her right away, but he knew that he had just made her wait longer than a half hour for him. Besides, it was possible that the noise of the ball, which had to be in full swing by now, had prevented her from hearing his call. He sat on the blanket and waited some more. Ten thirty turned into eleven. This really wasn't like Holly. Even if she was having a good time, she wouldn't have just forgotten about him. Running an inquiry with the Academy's computer told him that she was now in her quarters. Was she drunk? Bruised pride taking a back seat to concern, he started to pack away the picnic just as a fellow graduate walked by. He grinned wide enough to show all of his teeth, and offered Diego a party-crazed thumbs up. "Heeey, it looks like you've got quite the set-up there, man. Your girlfriend's going to love it!" "Yeah," the deflated Spaniard answered, "isn't it romantic?" Wasting not a second more, he left at a jog for Holly's quarters, the re-packed hamper carrying his diminishing hopes within. After the third chime at the door in as many seconds, Diego was greeted by Holly's roommate Kari and a thoroughly unimpressed expression. Her Bajoran nose seemed even more wrinkled than usual, and her mouth was stretched into a disapproving frown. "I knew I was going to have to be the one to mop this up." It was the first time Diego had found himself having to make excuses. Holly had never asked for one before. She knew how dedicated he was to all aspects of his life, and they had made their relationship work through thick and thin for years. "Is Holly awake? Is she OK? Just let me in, I can explain why I didn't make the ball in time. I just want to see her." One gesture caused Diego's heart to sink, and as Kari shook her head, she finished the job of crushing him with a piece of unwelcome news. "She just left, Diego. She spent the day packing to transfer to Starbase 12, and she's planning on staying there until she boards the Senegal. By now, she's on the transport." Seeing his shoulders slump, her tone softened as she attempted to explain. "Look, it's not because you were late again if that's what you're thinking. Everyone who knows you can see how much time you spend wearing yourself out doing the things you care about, and she knows she's one of them. She wanted me to tell you that she's sorry, but it's just not enough any more. She's on a five year mission, and given that you're both on tight schedules you might not even have a chance to talk to each other more than about twice a year, and she needs more than that. I'm sorry." The ring was cold in his pocket, and it was all he could think about. Letting go of the picnic basket, he choked back his reply. There was really nothing he could say. Nodding once, he turned on his heels, his feet guiding him as quicky as they could back to the safety and comfort of his own quarters. July. A month filled with promises, glorious weather and new beginnings. The Academy campus at San Francisco had taken on a very different atmosphere as the final year cadets stumbled bleary-eyed into the early morning sunshine. At times like these, it was easy to pick out the medical majors; they were the ones who didn't look they'd been beaten to within an inch of their lives in a back-alley. It was amazing just what a hypospray could cure, including tequila-fuelled all-nighters designed to blot out all form of human feeling. Around campus, the banners and lights were being taken down, and the academy was returning slowly to normal. He allowed himself another look at the diamond ring he had saved all of his credits to buy. It reminded him not just of Holly's eyes, but of the fact that things probably would have been different if he'd thought less about empty gestures and more about real commitment. Stooping down at the edge of one of the flower beds, he dug a small hole with his fingers, and dropped the ring into it, burying it and his feelings beneath a layer of dark earth. Tallis Rhul Guest Federation Embassy Duronis II

Hi everyone! Welcome to the September/October round of the Writing Challenge! Please read this post carefully for new guidelines on entering your submissions! Following in challenge traditions, the September/October round uses a TOS episode title as inspiration for entries. Joining us on the judging panel for this round is the September/October winner, Lieutenant Saveron, who has decided on the following topic for this round: "Where No Man Has Gone Before" You're free to interpret that however you like for your entries - will it be something traditionally space-oriented, or will you come up with something that involves more lateral thinking? Guidelines: To participate, create a new thread. The subject of the thread must be the title of your story, preceded by the tag [2011: SEP/OCT], which is a requirement for entries that will be used when we archive the entries at the end of the round. If it is a Work In Progress, denote that at the top of the post itself (in the body text, not in the thread title). As with last round it will be the final draft posted in your topic that will be read and taken into consideration. Any unfinished entries marked as Work In Progress will not be considered for judging and will be moved to the "Character Cafe" forum at the end of the contest. Your work must be entirely your own. No co-authoring. You are welcome to create any character you so desire, but they must be from the Star Trek universe. No "canon" characters allowed. (i.e.- No one who has been on a show.) Length: No more than 3000 words accepted. Beginning Date: Monday, September 5th Ending Date: Saturday, October 29th See Also: the Writing Challenge Website Challenge: “Where No Man Has Gone Before” Good luck everyone!

To go Where no Man has gone Before The shuttle slowed as it entered the planets atmosphere. As it did the craft shook due to the slight turbulence that was a recognized part of the transition from empty space to planetary atmosphere. From there it shifted it’s flight path to allow it to land outside the city high up in a sheltered alcove on the side of the mountain that towered over the valley below. Once it had landed safely and the dust had started to settle the rear hatch popped open and 3 figures stepped out. They were radically different from each other. The first walked with a graceful stride that spoke of agility and restrained power. As he turned to look up at the night sky the light from the interior was absorbed by his short brown fur. His face was a subtly mix of animal characteristics and humanoid intelligence. The next one out had pale skin and short sandy hair. He was also humanoid, a perfect example of the terran species. Next came the tallest member of the group. He had large compound eyes, antenna and a dull reddish skin tone that resembled well treated leather. His body was abnormally thin for his height but his legs and arms were unusually long and they both had an extra joint in them. They all moved to where they could look down upon the city. Once there the furry one lifted a set of enhanced night vision binoculars to his face and swiftly adjusted them to the desired setting. “Don’t you think it’s a little weird that the one member of the team who has perfect night vision has to use night vision binoculars to get the job done?” asked Adam. “Not really,” replied Cavaarr in his soft fluid voice.“Unfortunately the company that manufactures these for Starfleet happens to be on Earth. Your home world. They were designed with you in mind.” “Actually over 94% of all species within the Federation lack true night vision capability. Considering those statistics it is only logical that Starfleet uses night vision enhanced binoculars as standard equipment.”The slight clicking of the mandibles around his mouth made it plain that the tall insect like member of the team had spoken. “Thanks for that little bit of info Kritik. So how does it look Cavaarr?” “It seems you were successful in bringing the shuttle down undetected.” “That’s good to know. How about our contact?” “According to the signal they are in the heart of the city,” replied Kritik. “So what now?” asked Adam. “Now we wait. Then tomorrow I will enter the city and see if I can make contact,” replied Cavaarr. “Why can’t our contact just bring the data out here and hand it over?” “According to the files I read prior to our leaving the ship,” explained Kritik, “They can not travel anywhere with out an escort. The farther from the Haran, their place of residence the larger the number of guards assigned.” “OHH. Ok.” Adam replied. He stood and waited with them for a bit but when they did not say anything else he returned to the shuttle. Once inside he double and triple checked all the systems then climbed into one of the bunks and fell asleep. ************** When Adam woke up he could hear some movement. Sitting up he saw that Kritik was busy checking a number of medical supply cases. Most of the items he could see were beyond his understanding of simple emergency medicine. Fortunately the regal insect was an excellent doctor. “Where is Cavaarr?” “He entered the city late last night so as to be able to reach the target at first light.” Having said that he turned and glanced outside before speaking again. “Unless I am mistaken he should be back soon.” “Good. Something about this place gives me the willies,”Adam replied. “Willies? I do not remember that subject from the Academy. What is a willies?” Adam could not help but smile as he responded. “The willies are an irrational fear based on instinct and gut feelings.” “Ahhh. I see.” He replied as he shook his head. “It’s a terran thing Kritik,” spoke up Cavaarr as he stepped soundlessly into the shuttle. “Just another example of how far down the evolutionary ladder they still are.” “Did you get it?” Adam asked eagerly. “No.” Cavaarr replied. His tail swished as he removed the concealing robes that had hidden his furry alien form. “Our contact is restricted to the Haran. Unfortunately neither me or Kritik may enter there.” “What about Ensign Borders?” “With a few slight modifications he should easily be able to pass as both a native and as someone who has the right to enter the Haran.” “Good. Get to work then Kritik. I will use the replicator to fashion appropriate clothing for him.” At that the tall slim insectoid turned and spoke to their pilot.“Ensign Borders if you would kindly get undressed.” “Sure but is that really necessary in order to make me look like one of them?” Adam asked. “No. However it is necessary in order to make you into a female.” At that Adam stepped back. Both of his hands dropped down to unconsciously cover up and protect certain physical characteristics that he was very attached to as he replied in a startled and abnormally high tone. “WHAT!!! Are you two nuts!” “Not that I know of,” replied Kritik. “In fact I have passed all my mental exams.” “There is no way I am letting you two turn me into a female. There has to be another way. There just has to.” He pleaded. “Unfortunately this is the only way. Only females are allowed into the Haran Ensign Borders,” explained Cavaarr in a soft tone.“Even all the guards are female.” “But I like being a guy,” Adam mumbled. “Do not worry Ensign Borders. With the current level of technology it is fairly simple for me to make the necessary adjustments to make you look and scan as a female of this particular species.” “Well I am not doing it. No way. Not a chance.” “This is important Ensign Borders. As such I am giving you a direct order. Let Kritik perform the alterations or else.” As he finished speaking Cavaarr let out a low sinister growl that left his fangs exposed and the full deadly potential of his species shine from with in his eyes. Adam stepped back and bumped into the bulkhead. He almost fell down but managed to recover. It was the low purr like rumble of soft laughter that let him know he had never been in danger. With his cheeks red and feeling like an idiot he started to get undressed. As he did he had to ask the question. “You can change me back right?” “Yes. Ensign Borders. Otherwise I would not perform this procedure.” “All right then. Lets do this before I chicken out.” As he said it Adam pulled off his pants and tossed them aside with the rest of his clothes. Right now he wanted to be anywhere but here. “Excellent Ensign. Just lie down here and I will get started.” In response Adam did as he was told. Seconds later a mask was slipped over his face and he drifted off to sleep. **************** He woke up feeling no different than always. That is until he sat up and saw what they had done to him. “Did you have to make them so big?” Adam asked as he stared at his chest. “Actually Ensign they are average size for this species,”replied Kritik from where he stood examining the data on his tricorder. “If this is average then I got to come back here sometime for shore leave,” Adam responded. “That will be enough of that Ensign. You have a job to do,”said Cavaarr as he stepped forward with the alien clothes. Adam took them and just stared at them for a moment. He had no idea how they should be worn. It took Cavaarr stepping forward to help him before he even started. **************** “Well how do I look?” asked Adam. “Are you sure he is still male?” responded Cavaarr.“He sounded an awful lot like my mate just then.” “Thanks a lot Cavaarr. Just what I needed to hear right now.” “I assure you Lt. Ensign Borders may appear to be female but his mental and biological essence is still fundamentally male.” “I will take your word for it Kritik. Anyway you better get going Ensign. You need to be back before nightfall as no females are allowed into or out of the city after dark.” “Understood Lt. Wish me luck,” Adam said as he turned and left the shuttle. “What do you think his chances of success are Kritik?” “Honestly Lt. I believe it is a good thing that my species do not gamble.” “That’s what I thought…” With that said Cavaarr moved to the open hatch and looked out. His mind was a whirl as he considered the mission that Ensign Borders had to perform. He should be ok as long as he remembered that he was suppose to be a female. Simple really. At least he hoped so. ***************** Adam scrambled up the last few feet and rolled over the edge onto the ledge that was not very far from where he had parked the shuttle the previous day. He was exhausted, dirty, sweaty and covered in grime. Just as he was scrambling to his feet he heard the low purring voice of Lt. Cavaarr. “Did you get it Ensign?” “Yeah.” Adam responded as he struggled to his feet. “I got it.” “Good lets get out of here.” “Leave now? What about this?” Adam asked as he pointed down at his barely covered form. “What about it?” responded Cavaarr. “What do you mean, what about it. Look at me. I’ve got breasts! “I noticed Ensign. Your not my type. However if you ask really nicely maybe Kritik will let you keep them as a souvenir after he changes you back. In the mean time we need to get off this planet and back to the Captain as fast as possible.” “”All right.” Adam responded as he stomped past heading towards the shuttle. Soon the shuttle took off, its engines a silent roar that propelled the small craft up, up and away.

((Stardate 237511.23)) Nothingness, and then… HISS! The pod door opened and the boy opened his eyes, squinting at the light. It was a strange place. Bright lights were everywhere, even on the walls, but those were multi-colored and blinking. “My god, he’s alive!” The boy turned his head stiffly to see who had spoken. His vision was blurry; all he could make out was that it was a man wearing a blue and grey shirt. “Where am I?” he thought to himself. “Who am I?” He put out his hand, and unknown hands grasped it, pulling. The boy allowed himself to be led out of his cold pod into the warm room. He could see now there were other people there. He thought it odd that they were all wearing the same blue and grey. “Easy son,” he man said. “It’s always a shock when you wake up from stasis.” The boy just stared. “What’s stasis?” he thought. “I’m Dr. Stevens. What’s your name?” the strange man asked. “I’m, I’m… I don’t know.” The boy said. The man was holding a strange box in front of the boy. It was blinking and making beeping noises. The boy wonder what it was for. The man helped him over to a bed and had him lie down. He kept moving the box over his body and muttering to himself. ((Later that day)) The doctor was sitting in his office with his commander, Captain Farrell. “The boy John Doe has no memories. He knows how to talk, walk, eat… But when you ask him who he was or where he came from, he has no idea,” the doctor said. Captain Farrell looked out the office window into Sickbay. “Could he be faking? Lying?” “No, I did a deep brain scan while asking him about his past. There was no activity indicating deception, nor memory node activity. He’s a blank slate, for lack of a better term.” The captain sighs in frustration. “I guess the next step is to find a place for him. We’ll set a course for the nearest starbase, but that’s two weeks away.” He looks again out the window. The boy was gone. “Where the hell did he go!?” Unbeknownst to either man, the boy had snuck out the door. He was now running down the corridor, blindly running into people. Tears ran down his cheeks. He had no idea where he was going, all he knew was that anywhere was better than that place they called “Sickbay.” He was so confused. He didn’t know what was going on, and no one was telling him anything. He found an open hatch low in the wall and crawled in. It was a small cramped space with lots of tubes and more of those blinking lights. The tubes glowed and gave off heat. Lieutenant Commander Alfons Vess was coming off shift and was on his way to get some food. The New Caledonians job as Chief Helmsman was challenging, and he loved it, but like most days, he felt a strange feeling of incompleteness. Sobbing noises lead him to an open access hatch. Getting down low to look inside, he sees a crying boy of about 10 years of age. “Hey, laddie! Get outta there! That’s no place for wee kiddies to be playin’!” His voice, thick with a Scottish accent, sounded gruff. The boy crawls out of the hole. He’s covered in dust from the hole he had been hiding in. He wipes the tears from his eyes, streaking the dust down his cheeks. He peered up at the man wearing red. “Are you taking me back?” Alfons looks quizzically at the tall boy. “Back? Back where?” “They called it Sickbay,” the boy replied, “but I don’t… I don’t know who I am!” Another tear escapes his eye. Alfons suddenly knew who the boy was. He had been on the bridge when the away team had reported finding an occupied stasis pod on the ancient abandoned station. This must be the boy from the pod. “Easy, laddie. Ah’m not gonna take yeh back ‘til yer ready.” The boy was shaking quite violently. Alfons realized he needed to calm him down. “My names Alfons. Ah was just about to get a bite t’ eat. Wanna join me?” The nameless boy nodded his head. He felt like he could trust this man, and a deep rumbling in the pit of his stomach told him he was hungry. Wordlessly, he followed Alfons, who lead him into a strange room. There were tables and chairs everywhere, many of which were occupied. Alfons lead him over to a small box stuck into the wall. He turned to the boy. “What would yeh like t’ eat?” The boy just stared for a moment. “I don’t know.” “Well, what’re yer favorite foods?” “I don’t know.” The boy wasn’t being snotty, he really didn’t know. He couldn’t even name something edible, that much of his memory was gone. Realizing he wasn’t getting anywhere, Alfons speaks to the replicator. “Macaroni an’ Cheese an’ apple juice.” The boy literally jumped back from what he saw. Shimmering lights were followed suddenly by food appearing from no where. It smelled good. Alfons hands it to him then makes his own order. With food in hand he leads the boy to a table. He picks up a fork and begins eating. After a bit of a pause, the boy follows suit. “So.... Ah’m guessing this is all kinda scary to yeh.” The boy looked up from the fork halfway to his mouth. For the first time all day, someone was asking him something he could answer. “Yes! I have no idea what’s going on! Everyone keeps asking me who I am, where I come from, what I was doing on that station! I can’t take it! I just don’t know!” He was breathing heavily, and the blood was pounding in his ears. Without realizing it, he had been waiting all day to say those words. Alfons said nothing, merely chewing his food. He sensed deep down that this was what the mystery boy needed, and he let him talk. “I wish I could tell them. I really do. But I can’t. I dig deep down inside myself, looking for the answers. But their not there! Just blackness…” He quiets down, spent. In silence the two finish their meal, then Alfons takes the boy back to Sickbay. Unbeknownst to either of them the Sickbay staff had been scrambling, searching for the boy. For some reason they never thought to check the mess hall… ((One week later)) The week passed as the ship, the USS Rodimus, traveled to a nearby starbase, and slowly the boy called John Doe was becoming more comfortable with his new surroundings. A major factor was the kindness and friendship of Alfons Vess. He had taken it upon himself to work with the boy. He ate meals with him, and taught him about the Federation and Starfleet. He had even begun to teach him to read and write Federation standard, as well as Gaelic, the primary language of his homeworld New Caledonia. He even took the boy to the holodeck, laughing cheerfully at the boys wonder as he showed him different locations from around the Federation. Thinking back to when he met the boy, he suddenly realized what the feeling of incompleteness was about, and went to speak with Captain Farrell. The nurse brought John Doe to the conference room. There were only two occupants, the captain and Alfons. Captain Farrell smiles. “Have a seat son.” John complied and took a seat next to Alfons. There was an awkward silence. The captain is the first to speak. “John, we asked you here because we have to make a choice. You need a home. We’re on our way to a starbase, where we can transfer you to an orphanage.” John was terrified. He didn’t want to go there. He was just starting to make friends here, and now he would have to go somewhere else. Alfons cleared his throat. “There’s one more option, laddie. Ah care about yeh like a son, and Ah want yeh t’ prosper.” He falls silent for a moment. “Ah want yeh t’ stay here, and be my son.” The boy looks from Alfons to the captain, wondering if it was some sort of trick. The captain nods. “Yes! Yes, I’ll stay!” The broadest smile breaks across Alfonses face. He had been so nervous about what the boy would say, and was truly happy that the boy would stay and be his son. “That’s wonderful laddie. But… we canna call yeh John Doe the rest o’ yer life,” he things long and hard for a moment. “Yeh know, Ah’ve always been partial t’ the name Alucard. What’ya say?” The boy smiles widely. “I like it,” he says. And he did. He didn’t know who he really was, or where he came from. But the future no longer looked scary to Alucard, because now he had a father who would guide him through the unknown.

Earth 2012 ** Today ** Derik Wells flicked the pan tossing the ingredients in the air. He chopped a few veggies, wiped his hands on his apron and turned his head to the kitchen door. “Alli!” he called “Go wash your hands, honey. Dinner’s nearly done” Fetching plates, Derik waited for a reply from his daughter. Receiving none he pulled the pan off the flames and went to look for her. Entering the living room, he saw her sitting amongst old photo albums. “Alli! No!” he called Derik rushed around the sofa while his daughter jumped up at his sudden arrival. “Allison Grace Wells .” he scolded “Why did you get these out?” “I found ‘em while I was looking for my drawing book.” Derik took up the nearest album feeling the pain return as he looked at the grinning youth. He felt a tugging on his apron and looked down at the little blond haired angel. “What’s wrong daddy?” ** The Past; Day 432 ** Cole opened his eyes, saw the familiar walls and stopped wondering where he was. ‘The Gwyneth Davis Memorial then’ he thought. “Dad?” “Hey there big guy!” came a familiar voice. Cole turned his head and saw Doctor Harry Ellis walking up to his bed. The dark haired young man had a good natured grin on his face. He checked briefly on the teenagers reactions and then looked at the equipment monitoring the 16 year old. “Good to see you back Cole. Your dad’s on his way...should be here soon.” “What happened? I was about to tackle Taylor Evans and now I’m in the clinic....” The young Doctor looked at his young patient as the flow of speech wound down. “The drugs have stopped working haven’t they.” “Yeah.” Came the soft reply, “Your body has grown use to the dosage; it can’t be increased anymore. We’ll try a new therapy. The Professor is also on his way, we’ll talk when your dad gets here. Right now mate ... well you know the drill. ” Even as the Doctor spoke three nurses arrived pushing trolleys. Cole sat quietly on his bed letting the Doctors revelation sink in while the nurses got to work. He understood what losing the medication meant, but couldn’t grasp why he felt so calm. It felt as though he was reacting the wrong way; he should have been screaming with rage but there was nothing there that he felt remotely angry about. His father arrived some half hour later. Derik opened the door and rushed to his son’s bed. The mid thirties man took the teenager and hugged him tightly. “Cole... I came as fast as I could.” his fathers voice was hung with relief. They parted and he sat down on the bedside “So, what did the Doctor say?” Cole looked at him silently and Derik read the face he seen every day since his birth. He felt his own expression fall as realization dawned. “Oh Cole...” “The Neurozin isn’t working any more. Dad ....” ** The Past; Day 398 ** “I don’t care dad. I WANT TO GO HOME!” cried Cole “Lad, they can look after you here.” “I don’t like the clinic; I want things back to normal.” “I’ll talk to Professor Hein and see what we can do.” ** The Past; Day 357 ** Even though he had been against bringing Cole home, Derik had to admit his son was right in wanting to be at home. The house had felt so empty during the four weeks Cole had been in the clinic. He heard the juvenile voices upstairs and then the thumping on the stairs as the teenagers came down. The group of 5 teens trouped through the kitchen and Cole took up his coat while his friends left. Turning to his father the well built youth spoke up. “Dad, we’re going down the field to make a few passes, okay?” “Sure lad,” he placed a hand on his son’s shoulder as he passed, “Cole?” “Yeah dad?” “Just ... just be careful.” Cole looked at his father and grinned. To Derik’s surprise Cole hugged him quickly. “I will, I promise.” grinned the teen. ** The Past; Day 295 ** Derik sighed as he pressed an ice cube filled towel on Cole’s bleeding jaw. He looked at his son’s torn clothing and the other cuts and scratches and shook his head. “Cole, what the hell were you thinking of?” he cried in exasperation “Taylor Evans needed 14 stiches!” “He started it!” “That’s no excuse to ....” Cole growled angrily and made to get up only to be held back by his father, who also tried to calm down himself. “Lad, talk to me. Tell me what happened.” While the angry teenager calmed down a little, he fetched another load of ice and made another cooling towel. Passing it to Cole, he continued. “So what happened?” “We argued. I fumbled a pass, so I says we all make mistakes and then he said.... he said....” Derik quickly swallowed the desire to explode on hearing that Cole was still playing rugby. “What did he say?” he asked softly “He said ‘yeah look at the mistake your dad made’....” Derik listened to his son’s words and felt a mix of rage and sorrow rise from his heart in an attempt to take over his mind. Most friends knew that Cole’s condition was the result of a genetic defect passed on solely through the male genome. “I see.” Two words. Emotionless. “.... so I punched him and then we were both fighting and I was so angry and ....” Cole words dwindled away and the teen looked silently to the floor. “It’s okay to be angry Cole. What Taylor said was way out of order.” Cole didn’t answer but pressed the cooling towel to his jaw. ** Day 239 ** Derik went upstairs and knocked on Cole’s door. Entering after hearing the call from inside he found his son looking out of the window. The house had a good view of the town and its many parks. Two cases stood near the door, the crutches the hospital had given them lay forlornly in the corner where Cole had thrown them a week ago. “We have to be goin’ lad.” “What was it like when Mam went?” The question hit Derik like a brick in a dark alley. A few moments passed before he could answer. “Hard.... unbelievably hard.” Cole didn’t turn but continued looking out. “How did you get through it all?” There was another pause before his father answered. “She was gone, Cole. But you were there. There’s always a tomorrow, a today and a yesterday.” “But how are you going to get through this?” Derik looked briefly to the floor and then crossed the floor and joined Cole at the window and placing a hand on his son’s shoulder and squeezing gently. “With you of course.” “What if it doesn’t work dad?” “Cole...” The teen turned and made his way to the cases; it was evident that walking was becoming a problem, but it didn’t stop the teen from taking up both cases. At the door Cole turned back. “Do you think I’ll ever look out of that window again?” “Of course.” Came the reply “By the way, you should tell Terry Jones she should buy some curtains for her window.” ** Day 174 ** “Can you call the nurse?” said Cole “Of course lad,” said Derik pressing the button. Getting up he added diplomatically, “If you don’t mind, I’ll go and get myself a coffee.” Cole lay in his bed waiting until the nurse finally arrived. The situation was quickly clear and the woman silently left the room, returning with fresh linen. The nurse helped him out of the bed and sat him in a nearby chair. “I’m sorry Janice.” “What for? Its not your fault Cole.” The teen sat watching her change the sodden sheets, angry at not being able to help. He no longer felt as ashamed as he had done the first time. The job was soon done and as she helped the young man back into bed Cole spoke up again. “How do you do this everyday, Janice, looking after sick people. After sick kids?” “Its rewarding in a way Cole.” Pillows were fluffed and replaced. “You always wanted to do this?” The nurse stopped her work and looked at the lad. His condition had worsened in the last few months and the once well built teen was visibly dwindling. After effects of the therapy. “I had thought of stopping once. Then a girl said something to me and it all made sense.” “What did she say?” His voice was weak. “Rest up a little Cole you had a hard day. I’ll tell you tomorrow.” ** The Present ** “Daddy? Hey Daddy, whats’up.” Alison tugged at her fathers Apron. Derik looked from the album down to his blond haired angel. “Daddy’s just thinking about yesterday, honey.” This was given due consideration. Then Alli looked up in innocent confusion. “What’s special about yesterday? We went to the park and then to Auntie Port.” Derik looked at the pictures of smiling lad and then gently closed the album. Deep down he didn’t want to forget, but sometimes he wished he could. Placing the photo-book on the desk, he hunkered down to his daughter. “Alli,” He said, smiling at her innocent face, “Yesterday is important because we can go there whenever we want to.” Young eyes widened as she listened to her fathers words. “Really?” she breathed “Of course.” He said, adding in the privacy of his thoughts, ‘Sometimes without us even wanting too.’ ** Day 126 ** Derik Wells was snoring gently as Cole awoke. The lad lifted a heavy hand and nudged his father. “Dad? Wake up.” Derik came to in a series of snorts and grunts. He looked at Cole’s gaunt face and smiled. “Hey,” he spoke weakly; due to the therapy loud noises hurt Cole’s ears. “I’ll see about breakfast, okay?” “I’m not hungry.” Derik nodded and returned to his son’s side, sitting on the bed. He felt his forehead and smiled in relief. “You’re temperature is normal again.” What was normal these days was debatable. “Dad?” Cole spoke weakly, “Back then on the field, Taylor Evans, when I said I was angry I...” “Yeah. It was okay Cole.” “No, I mean ...” There was a pause, but Derik was getting use to them. Then Cole struggled up on his arms “I wasn’t just angry at what he said. I was angry at ...” “I know Cole. I saw it in your eyes that night.” “You knew?” As Derik saw the ashamed tears he was already rising and leant over Cole, holding him. “It’s okay lad. Everything is okay.” He stood a few minutes holding and comforting his son and waiting for the sobbing to stop. “But you know, I could still be annoyed with you.” said Derik, seeing the querying look he continued, “After all you only gave him 14 stitches.” A weak smile appeared on his son’s face and the day was saved. A good day. There were so few of them now. ** Day 108 ** It was night and Derik lay on the lounger next to Cole’s bed trying to get some sleep. The door opened quietly and one of the hospital nurses came in. Derik kept his closed and remained still as he didn’t feel like talking. There was movement around the room as the nurse went to work. “Hi Janice.” Said Cole quietly “Hey there.” The nurse came up to the railing. “How y’ doing?” There was a pause as Cole struggled to look at his sleeping father. “Is dad asleep?” “Yup” said the nurse “Janice... don't tell dad...” Cole whispered, “... I think I’m gonna lose the match.” ** Today ** The meal now served, Alison sat picking at the hated veggies. Derik read his newspaper in silence while nearby the radio ran quietly, some female singer howling out the latest song of love deprival. “Daddy you said we can go to yesterday all the time.” The words came slowly and thoughtfully and there was a rustle as the newspaper was lowered. “Sure honey” “Then I wanna to Disneyland again. Right now.” “It doesn’t work like that honey.” “Why not?” “Can you remember when Mickey hugged you?” “Yeah. It was great!” “You see by remembering you can always go to yesterday.” There was a pause as Allison considered this. “Daddy! You’re there as well ... and Mummy!” ** Day 66 ** The window was open and spring air came into the room. Outside a mild shower had become a downpour that now pattered on the window sill. Cole lay in his bed while the gently spraying water fell on his face. The door opened and Janice and Derik rushed in. “I’m sorry Cole, I forgot the window was open!” said Janice hurrying into the bathroom. “Oh hell.” Cried his father as he made for the window where further rain pattered in. “Its okay dad.” Derik closed the window and turned to his son's gaunt figure who continued weakly. “It ... it was the first time ...I ... I felt the rain in months, it was good.” His father sighed and made for his bed and wiped away the rain. He smiled briefly. “Okay lad, I’m off to see professor Hein. I’ll be right back.” His father made for the door and Janice came up to the bed and smiled at the teen. “Let’s get you dried then.” Cole called up on his dwindling strength and painfully dragged himself up until he was sitting. “You never did tell me why you still do this job.” Janice remained silent gently continuing to dry his face and arms. “I get it now.” persisted Cole “Do you now?” The 17 year old smiled weakly at the mid forty woman and then continued, his voice feeble and breathless as he called on his reserves of strength “Shall I tell you?” “Tell me what, love?” “You’re still doing this job because of the thankfulness.” He breathed, “Thanks Janice.... for everything. All the times you came when I called. For staying calm when I get annoyed and angry. For being there when I'm scared, just for ... for everything. ” It was rare that Cole spoke so long these days and Janice listened to his words, feeling her own grief rise. In this job you could never became totally detached; it was impossible. She reached out and hugged him, while gently lowering him back to the sheets. In the corridor near the half open door Derik fought with his emotions, finally deciding to leave his forgotten mobile on his son’s bedside cabinet. ** Today ** Having put Alli to bed for her afternoon nap, Derik cleaned up and then returned to the living room. He opened the drawer and pulled out the album. He went through the pictures, went back to yesterday. Time must have past because he heard quiet steps and looked up from the photo album to see a sleepy angel coming to him, dragging her comfort blanket. “Sleep well honey?” “Uh-uh.” “Bad dream?” “Uh-huh.” Putting one child aside carefully, Derik opened his arms and took up his daughter, cuddling her while gently rocking to and fro. “Daddy?” “Hmm?” “Who is that boy?” Derik looked briefly at the open album and then carried on rocking her while he answered. “That’s Cole, your older brother.” “Older? How much older? Where is he?” “He’s 24. He’s somewhere else now.” “Oh, that’s old, He’s a grown up.” “Yeah, honey. A grown up.” The tired child didn’t hear the change in her father’s voice. “Can I see him?” “No love. Cole is somewhere else.” “Where?” “I don’t know. Cole has gone somewhere none of us have ever gone before.” There was a pause as Alli fell asleep. Derik looked at nothing, cuddling his sleeping daughter while swaying back and forth. She didn’t see his tears.

Starfleet Academy 238009.01 The auditorium was filled almost to capacity with the best and the brightest. And while Velana had never considered herself to be either, somehow she was still there, sitting in the dark, surrounded by her fellow first-year Starfleet cadets as they watched a projection of Zefram Cochrane. "Imagine it," the legendary warp engineer compelled them from 260 years earlier. "Thousands of inhabited planets at our fingertips. And we'll be able to explore those strange new worlds, and seek out new life and new civilizations. This engine will let us go boldly where no man has gone before." The lights came on a second later, the projection disappeared and Admiral Gilmore stepped up to the podium. "Your exploration of new worlds and new civilizations begins today." The silver-haired Human paused as he swept his gaze across the room. "But the most important exploration that you'll undertake in the next four years will answer the question...who are you? Not just as a future member of Starfleet, but as an individual.” He smiled. “We look forward to taking that journey with you.” All around her, cadets began slapping their hands together; Velana joined them, although the gesture felt foreign and even a bit painful after a few moments. “Now, you should all have your quad assignments as well as your schedule of classes. If you have any problems with either, please see your faculty adviser,” Admiral Gilmore continued. “Welcome to the Academy.” PADD in hand, Velana filed out of the auditorium and into the bright sunshine that warmed the pristine gardens and lawns. She could see the Pacific Ocean, blue and shimmering, beyond the buildings that made up the campus. The sparkling waters were hypnotic; she had to tear her eyes away from the gorgeous glare. One of the buildings blocking her view of the ocean was Scott Hall and as she had been assigned to live there, it seemed only logical that instead of exploring the campus, she should locate her quad and meet the students with whom she would be sharing living space for the next two semesters, specifically Sen Alaxa, her roommate. She was Bajoran, according to Velana's housing notice. Velana had only ever met one or two Bajorans in passing during the handful of years she'd been on Earth prior to her Academy acceptance, but she'd always admired the complexity and mysticism of their religion. It would be more than agreeable to get to know one personally. Velana located the right floor rather quickly, thanks to the directions on her PADD, but when she reached what she thought was the correct door, she found it slightly ajar, as if inviting passing students to enter. The sound of laughter drifted out into the hallway. She hesitated. Perhaps she was in the wrong place. But then, she heard a female voice break through the giggling. “At least none of you got a Vulcan. I'm the one who's going to spend the next year getting lectured about the logic of making my bed in the morning!” It shouldn't have bothered her. Having encountered the same preconceptions almost from the day she and her mother had arrived on Earth, she should have dismissed the statement as nothing more than understandable ignorance. Yet...this was supposed to be an environment of acceptance, tolerance and education. She hadn't expected to find prejudice in her own living quarters. The laughter died when Velana made her entrance. A handful of cadets were gathered in the communal room that connected the four bedrooms; all eyes immediately shot to her. Three Humans, an Andorian and a Bajoran, presumably Sen Alaxa. “Excuse me. My name is Velana. Am I in the correct place?” The girls exchanged looks as the Bajoran unfolded her legs and stood up from the couch. “Yeah. You are.” Her smile was tight-lipped and although Velana had never been as sensitive to emotions as her father had been, she could sense the girl's apprehension. Or was it irritation? “I'm Alaxa.” She crossed her arms. “I guess we're roommates.” “It would appear so.” A few seconds of awkward silence passed. “Do you want to see the room?” Alaxa finally asked. Velana inclined her chin. Despite making the suggestion, Alaxa seemed pained by her affirmative response. “It's this way.” Like she was crossing an asteroid field, Velana wove her way though the other cadets and followed Alaxa into the far bedroom. One half of the room, arguably the better half as it possessed a window that looked out over the ocean, was already decorated with framed pictures, a potted plant and a hand-sewn blanket thrown over the regulation sheets. Arms crossed, Alaxa seemed prepared to defend her claim. After glancing around, Velana afforded her new roommate a cool look. “This is fine,” she said. “I'd rather stay out of the sun.” “I thought Vulcan was always sunny.” “I've never been to Vulcan,” Velana murmured. Alaxa stared at her. She might have said something eventually, but after a moment, the other second-year cadets appeared in the doorway. “Allie,” the Andorian said to Alaxa. “We're going out for a drink. Are you coming?” “Wouldn't miss it.” With that, her roommate took off without so much as a farewell...and certainly without issuing an invitation to join them. ***** 238010.01 It was well after midnight when Velana emerged from her room on quest to find something to eat. She had a xenobiology test in the morning and she'd skipped dinner in order to study. The common room was vacant; her quadmates were either in bed, or in the case of her roommate, out at a bar or a party. With a sigh, Velana crossed to the replicator. “Vulcan tea,” she ordered. But before the cup could materialize, she added. “And a slice of cake. Chocolate with vanilla icing.” She took her mug and plate over to the table, moved a stack of PADD's off one of the chairs and sat down with her snack. Before she could take her first bite, the front door opened and Alaxa entered, clad in black pants that were hardly regulation and a top that only covered the front half of her body. “You're up late.” Alaxa didn't give her chance to answer; she stumbled to the replicator. “Coffee, strong.” Velana expected the Bajoran to head straight to their room, but Alaxa surprised her by approaching the table with her drink. “Are you eating cake?” “Yes.” She forked up a bite. “Is it not a Human tradition to consume baked goods on the anniversary of one's birth?” Alaxa blinked. “It's your birthday?” Velana nodded. “How old are you?” “How old are you?” she countered. “Twenty-one,” Alaxa shot back. “Older than that,” was all Velana would admit. Most of Alaxa's face was hidden behind her mug as she sipped her coffee, but Velana was almost certain she was concealing a smile. “I didn't think Vulcans celebrated birthdays.” “I doubt most of them do.” She stood up with her plate. “It's not exactly logical.” “Then...why are you?” Velana kept walking away even as she replied, “Because I'm not a very good Vulcan.” Fifteen minutes later, Alaxa slipped into the room. Lying in the dark, Velana could hear her covers rustling as she climbed into her own bed. Another minute later, she heard a quiet, “Happy birthday.” Unsure of exactly how to respond, she closed her eyes and waited for sleep to find her. **** 238010.29 “Cadet Velana?” Glancing up from her PADD, Velana put her hand to her eyes as a shield against the sun. It was an unnecessary gesture as she'd long ago learned that her eyelids were biologically engineered to see clearly even in extreme sunlight...and if anyone was aware of that fact, it would be the two people standing over her. “Cadet Sylek. Cadet T'Val.” She should have stood up from the bench as a sign of respect for the older cadets, but Velana chose to remain seated. “Can I help you?” The two Vulcans looked down at her, their faces perfectly, identically blank. “We've been instructed to issue you an invitation to dine with Commanders Voltok, Kular and Shtan this evening.” Velana's jaw twitched. The Pointy Trinity, as they were not-so-affectionately referred to around campus. The three highest ranking Vulcan instructors at the Academy...and they wanted to have dinner with a first-year cadet of absolutely no standing. It wasn't the first time she'd received this invitation and it likely wouldn't be the last. “Please tell the Commanders that I am very, very sorry,” she said with as much emphasis as she could get away with, “but I'm afraid I have a prior engagement tonight.” It was a lie, and a bad one at that, but the only time she saw any flicker of anything in the eyes of the two cadets when when she used the phrase “I'm afraid.” T'Val's tilted her head to the side. “Even an individual with your background must be aware of the significance of this invitation.” “Must I? With my background?” Velana smiled with artificial sweetness. “Perhaps you could take my place then.” “So.” There was the fainest hint of a sneer in Sylek's tone. “You continue to maintain this...illogical course.” “This course, as you call it, is my life,” Velana informed him with more vehemence than she'd intended. “And neither you, nor Cadet T'Val are the final authority in what is logical and what isn't.” T'Val's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, a surprising display of emotion for her . “Your admission into this institution was a mistake. Commander Voltok is offering you a chance to...” “To what? Purge my emotions?” “Before it's too late,” Sylek finished for her. Velana stood up, putting herself at the same height as him. “As I said, please express my regret to the Commanders. And if it wouldn't pain you too much...which I know it won't...please inform them that they needn't bother in the future. I have a very busy schedule and it doesn't allow for fraternization.” She quickly walked away, willing her hands not to shake before she was far enough out of their sight. ***** 238011.15 “How are your classes?” On the screen of her computer console, Velana's mother, T'Lan, seemed concerned, if the slight pull on her slanted eyebrows was any indication. “You're doing well?” “Very well. My studies are going...well.” “Having taught you myself, I'm fully aware that you have a greater vocabulary than you're displaying right now.” T'Lan paused. “Something is troubling you.” “Nothing is troubling me, Mother.” But she clearly wasn't convincing enough. “Are you having nightmares? Have you been meditating?” “Every day.” Velana sighed. “And my dreams have been normal. I'm fine. Can we please change the subject?” T'Lan shook her head. “You just seem different. Your hair is longer. You look thinner. I'm worried, Velana.” “Please don't be.” She glanced to her side, as if she spotted someone. In truth, she was alone in the quad. “I have to go, Mother. We'll talk soon.” With that, she ended the transmission. It didn't feel good, cutting off the only family she had left, but what was she supposed to say? That she was excelling her in classes and failing in her personal life? That she didn't have a single friend on campus because the Vulcan cadets regarded her as some sort of heretic and the rest of her peers assumed she was an emotionless robot out to ruin their fun? Standing up, Velana walked to the full-length mirror Alaxa had attached to the wall. Was she losing weight? She couldn't tell. It was true, however, that her hair was getting longer. Parted down the middle, it now reached just past her shoulders and had a tendency to wave that she'd never noticed when she'd kept it shorter. She grabbed a strand in the front and pulled it down over her nose. She had no idea what possessed her to reach for the hair trimmer on Alaxa's dresser unit, but only seconds later, she chopped the strand in half and kept going until she had a thick, but uneven fringe of bangs. It was just her luck that Alaxa returned right then. She froze in the doorway and for a long moment, the two women simply stared at each other. “You cut your bangs.” One of the things that had grown to bother Velana the most about Alaxa in the past two and a half months was her tendency to state the obvious. Under normal circumstances, she would let the comment roll off her back, but she'd barely had any meditation time in the past few days and her emotions were so close to the surface that there was no hope she'd be able to hold them in check. “Yes,” Velana snapped, balling her hands into fists so tight that her nails dug into her palms. “I cut my bangs. And I know...I should keep going. Vulcans always have short hair, don't they? And I wouldn't want to disappoint anyone by being different!” The girls just kept staring at her, probably not shocked so much by her outburst, but by the fact that she capped it off by hurtling the hair trimmer across the room. “I think it's a good look,” Alaxa said after an awkward silence. “It frames your face. It just...it needs to be shaped a little.” She carefully picked up the trimmer from the floor where it had landed, like if she moved too quickly, Velana might explode again. “Is it all right if I...?” She gestured to her hair and Velana nodded. A few minutes later, the Bajoran girl had successfully evened out the edges of Velana's new bangs. “Thank you,” Velana murmured. “I apologize for using your appliance without your permission.” She paused. “And for throwing it.” Alaxa's lips twitched into a smile. “It's all right.” With the trimmer in hand, she walked back to her side of the room, only to turn around a second later. “Can I ask you something?” Velana braced herself for whatever might follow. Would it be about her childhood, her lost family, her emotions...or something else equally painful to discuss? But when she finally nodded, all Alaxa asked was, “Do you know Cade Whitman?” After a moment of thought, Velana shook her head. “That's good. For you.” She explained, “He's been dating my friend Jah'lia. You know Jah'lia? Well, apparently he was just trying to check 'Andorian' off his list.” Alaxa scowled. “He dumped her yesterday like the past two weeks meant nothing to him.” “Anyway,” her roommate continued, “We're all taking her out for a drink and some commiseration. I just stopped by to change.” Velana had absolutely no idea what had prompted this disclosure, but she tried to smile anyway. “That's fine.” She moved to the door. “You can have the room.” “Velana, wait!” Puzzled, she looked back. Alaxa took a step towards her. “You...wouldn't want to come with us. Would you?” “Are you asking me or telling me?” “Asking,” Alaxa said after a second. “Do you want to have a drink with us?” Velana frowned. “I don't understand. You've all but ignored me for ten weeks...yet all of a sudden, you want us to socialize?” She touched her bangs. “This is nothing more than hair, shaped in a different style. It hasn't changed who I am.” “No one's asked you to change...” To her credit, Alaxa stopped herself with a sigh. “I realize we haven't exactly gotten off to a great start, but...” Velana could feel her temper rising again. “Before we even met, you not only assumed that you already knew who I was, but that you weren't going to like me.” “Well, let's be fair!” the Bajoran girl argued. “All they told me was that you were Vulcan!” “And you assumed that such a limited description as my species provided all the information you would need in order to know me as an individual?” Alaxa folded her arms. “Well. When you put it like that...” She let her arms fall back to her sides a second later. “I'm sorry. Please...come with us?” “I will have a drink with you and your friends,” Velana eventually decided. “But I don't know how good I'll be at...was it 'commiseration'?” “It's not hard,” her roommate assured her. “Just nod a lot and occasionally chime in with something along the lines of 'you're so much better than him'.” Ten minutes later, after they had both changed out of their uniforms, Velana asked, “Would it not be logical to remind your friend that there are 5.4 billion male humanoids on Earth alone, any one of whom would be a suitable mate?” “You know...that just might work.” Alaxa stopped just at the door that led out of their quad. “I probably should have said this a long time ago, but welcome to the Academy, Vee.” “Vee?” “Like it?” Alaxa asked. “I thought about Lana as a nickname, but...” “It's fine.” Velana tried to be restrained, but she couldn't keep a smile off her face as they headed out of the dorms. “Vee is...more than acceptable.”

"Welcome to Delta Station!" Jeremy walked under the threshold of the airlock and saw the large holographic sign projected on the wall of the station. Everything seemed so clean and the mood so friendly. It was a far cry from the transport he'd used to reach this brand new outpost on the edge of explored space. Jeremy Wilkins was a short and stocky man in his late 30's with a balding scalp and steel gray eyes. His clothes consisted of a light blue button-down shirt with a single breast pocket, a pair of gray cotton trousers, and canvas shoes. The trip hadn't been kind to Jeremy, since he was unshaven and his clothes wrinkled. But here he was. The last stop to the great unknown: Delta Station. Jeremy had been reading about this place since it's conception ten years ago. Stardate 238710.23 was the day a joint venture of several space-faring civilizations to share the newly discovered Iconian Gateway. The gateway, a piece of incredible technology leftover from the ancient Iconian Civilization, had the ability to take it's passengers to seemingly ANY point in the galaxy. The facility was named Delta Station, a Federation-designed space station, which was decided to be the housing of the gateway. After years of debate and squabbles, it was finally decided that all citizens of a newly formed alliance of Federation, Klingon, Ferengi, Cardassian and Romulan Remnants could use the portal to explore the galaxy and reap the riches that lay beyond. That was exactly what this down-on-his-luck Terran was preparing to do. Of course, such a piece of technology needed to be regulated and protected. One had to pass a rigorous background screening and medical examination before being given the OK to use the gateway. Most people, usually in large groups, wanted to find a world to colonize and begin a new life. Others were sex explorers wanting to get their names in history books. Jeremy was neither. He just wanted to get away. Away from his nagging ex-wife, his annoying kids, his unfulfilling job... it was just time to go and never come back. All he had was a bag of clothes, some meager provisions, a few how-to books and a small hand phaser for protection. "This will definitely be a big change," he thought as security scanned him with a Tricorder. He had already shown his permit to carry the weapon and was allowed to pass through the checkpoint with no fuss. Jeremy then carried his possessions, along with his own hefty weight, through the next series of checks on the way to the gateway. It seemed like several hours had passed, but Jeremy finally made it to the final stop. Through all the last-minute medical checks, questionnaires, liability waivers and planning offices, it was time to get going. It was time to begin his life again. This time on his own terms. There was a family of four in front of the balding man that were very eager to get going as well, and it showed with every step they took. Jeremy had overheard they were joining an agricultural colony somewhere deep in the middle of the Gamma Quadrant. Though he was happy for them, he was also annoyed with how upbeat they were. He thought about how glad he was not to be joining them. The gateway chamber was about as big as a school auditorium and full of Stafleet security officers wielding large phaser rifles. The cue formed to get to the gateway controls snaked around at least five times. Jeremy, who's feet were very much getting tired of all the standing, knew he was almost there. Just a few more minutes and he'd be going away from all his troubles. It was a remarkable feeling. Eventually, the family in front passed through the gateway, instantaneously arriving at a green and luscious planet and were greeted by several people. They all waved back to the overweight Terran and he put on a fake smile to show his acknowledgement. Jeremy was glad they were gone, because it was now his turn to go. "Destination please," the gateway control operator demanded. Jeremy handed the man a PADD. The operator looked at it, then to Jeremy, then back to the PADD once more before looking at the large-ish man standing before him. An incredulous look was painted across his face. "Risa? That's it? You went through all this trouble just to go to RISA?!?" Jeremy remembered the similar looks he'd gotten while applying to use the gateway. He only had so much money and it would've cost too much to charter a transport to Risa from Cestus III, where he'd left his former life behind. In contrast, the ferry to Delta Station and the subsequent use of the gateway were all free if you could pass the background screenings. With a small shrug, Jeremy's lips opened and he confessed, "I've never been there before. I've heard it's nice." The operator just shook his head, sighed, and tapped his controls. The gateway changed to show a beautiful beach with gorgeous oceans and Jeremy could smell the seaside air. The balding Terran nodded his thanks to the operator and reached into his breast pocket. Taking out a pair of sunglasses, he put them on and took a deep breath. "Time to get away," Jeremy said as he stepped through the gateway... and smiled when the dual Risian suns touched his face. And just like he'd heard, it was very nice indeed.