The Story - Episode 3

Episode 3

Family

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15

Back to the story

Chapter 1

{Conference Room - 0900 hours}

Priscilla took her seat and looked around the table at her senior staff. As usual everyone was present for the daily meeting. They had done a great job of holding ship and crew together this past week while the Griffin had waited for the replacement ship and then traveled to the starbase. She was proud of them all.

"Just a couple announcements today," she said, beginning meeting. "First, Happy New Year!"

"Happy New Year, Captain!" Jaquelle replied, being the only officer in the room having served with Priscilla before, and therefore the only one who knew the Captain liked to celebrate the rolling over of the stardate.

"Happy New Year," Yuri, Scott, and Ralph also chimed in a second behind Jaquelle, all of them knowing the old Earth tradition of celebrating the change of numbers of the calendar, whether or not they understood why people did so.

Marina, Ryan, and Rinali, having been raised in other cultures, didn't reply. Once they had figured out what to say, it felt like the moment had passed. They looked at each other, wondering if they should respond anyway. Ryan just shrugged.

Priscilla moved on before anything else could be said. "Second of all, this marks four months since the Griffin was launched. I am very pleased with how well things are coming together. We should all be congratulated!" She paused a moment, smiling at each officer in turn. When she reached Yuri, she had a twinkle in her eye. He nodded in agreement with what he knew was coming next.

"I am also very please to announce our first promotions. In recognition of their exemplary hard work since we launched, Rinali Travin is hereby promoted to the rank of Full Lieutenant and Jaquelle Daem is hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander." Priscilla stood with a broad smile and walked over to each officer, handing out their new pips.

"Thank you," each woman said in turn.

Priscilla then headed back to her chair as she moved on to the next topic. "Finally, we will docking at Starbase 351 in about 22 hours. I received word last night that arrangements have been made for all of the Goddard's crew. Captain Teraga and her Executive Officer are seeing to the preparation of her crew's disembarkation as we speak.

"Also, as many of you already know, the fleet has granted our request for the crew's family and friends. I just received the final list of expected visitors," she said, picking up a PADD. "Many are already at the station waiting. I'm told the starbase is almost filled to capacity. We must be a popular ship!" she said with a slight chuckle. "Many will have to come aboard the Griffin for the duration of their stay to relieve the pressures we're placing on the station. Commander," she said looking at Yuri, "please co-ordinate with the station on those arrangements."

"Yes, sir," he said, making a mental note.

"Now, just so you know, here's who's coming," Priscilla said, beginning to read from the PADD.

"Captain Myst- your sister." She stopped for a moment, surprised, but also quite relieved. She had hoped Victoria would come, but hadn't gotten her hopes up because she had expected her sister wouldn't be able to get away from her new assignment so soon. She smiled to herself, and then continued.

"Commander Ivanof- both your parents."

Yuri didn't seem to have a visible reaction, either positive or negative, he just nodded in agreement.

"Lt. Commander Daem- your father."

Jaquelle smiled. She loved being able to spend time with her father.

"Lieutenant O'Roarke- your mother, three fathers, brother, and two sisters."

Marina seemed happy and worried all at once. Those around the table who didn't know the history and arrangements of the Bringloidi and Mariposans looked strangely at the Captain when she said ‘three fathers.' Priscilla gave them a "it's natural" look.

"Lieutenant Travin- your mother, your brother, and... the Klingon family of Trosk."

Rinali's expression had visibly soured at the mention of her mother. She was about to reach an outward show of disgust, when Priscilla mention the name ‘Trosk.' Rinali's emotions suddenly swung back to the other end of the spectrum. She was happy and excited to have her adopted family coming, especially her mentor and "grandfather."

"Lt. J.G. McInnis- your uncle."

Scott had spent the last few days coming to grips with that fact, and he showed no outward sign of any emotion. At that moment he may as well have been a Vulcan. The only indication of anything he may have been feeling was the immaculate state Engineering was in, in preparation for the unwanted visit.

"The rest is too long to go through now," Priscilla finished. She picked up the PADDs which lay under the one she had already picked up and began handing them out. "Department heads, please inform your staff members who they should be expecting. Lt. Daem, if you would take care of the Science Department?"

Jaquelle nodded.

"Cmdr. Ivanof and Lt. Stembridge, please inform the civilians. And I shall take care of the remaining command officers."

Everyone nodded as they began to look through the list they had just been handed. Priscilla sat down, clasped her hands in front of her on the table, and took on a serious expression.

"Now, I know it happens that people are not on good terms with their families. The invitation was a general one, sent out by Admiral Star's staff to everyone noted as immediate relations in our Starfleet records. There was no screening, and I apologize if this puts anyone in an unwanted situation.

"Therefore, if anyone wants to be ‘occupied with official ship business' while their family is here, Commander Ivanof and I will arrange it for you without letting on. Just let us know before we dock tomorrow."

Priscilla looked around the table. She didn't expect anyone to speak up now, though she did note a few of her staff seriously thinking on the offer.

"Make similar offers to your staff if you feel it's warranted," she finished. "That's all people. Dismissed!"

After the meeting was adjourned, Priscilla walked over to Ryan and gently touched her arm to indicate she wished the Lieutenant to stay a moment. Once everyone else had left, Priscilla turned to face Ryan directly.

"I'm very sorry. I assume you know there's been no word from your parents."

Ryan just nodded and said, "I know," in a quiet distracted voice.

Priscilla looked at her Conn officer, expecting more, but not sure exactly what more she should be expecting. Then she realized for the first time that this idea would actually cause some of her crew more harm than good. It pained Priscilla to know that, and for a fleeting second she wished she hadn't agreed to it. But she also knew there would be more good for more people than there would be harm for a few. It was unfortunate, but she still believed these family visits were the best recovery medicine for her crew, overall.

After a few tense moments, Priscilla softly said "Dismissed."

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Chapter 2

Ivanof's headache had begun just as the bridge walks made their connection seals. The station managers were very restrictive in allowing family members to reside on their side of those bridge walks. Ivanof had to fight for every stateroom but eventually the corridors on the thinned and everyone had a room assigned. He was breathing a deep sigh as someone approached him from behind.

" Excuse me Commander. I'm looking for me Nephew." Came a thick Scottish accent.

"Captain Scott. I had heard you were expected to arrive but I wasn’t sure I was going to have the honor to meet you. Welcome to the Griffin. If you'll follow me, I believe Lt McInnis is in Engineering. We've been having some issues with our Gel Pack systems due to our previous mission."

"I see." Captain Scott said seriously. "Otherwise, how has she run since she left spacedock?"

"Your nephew has done admirably. Starfleet couldn’t ask for a better engineer. I feel he works a bit too hard, but from stories I've heard I'm sure it's all in the Family."

"Commander Ivanof." Chirped the commander's comm badge.

"Ivanof here."

"Commander, your presence is requested on the Starboard Bridge walk."

Ivanof groaned.

"Acknowledged. Ivanof out." He said closing the channel. "Captain Scott I'm afraid I must direct you to engineering rather than leading you there myself. I hope to be able to continue our conversation but if I cannot, allow me to welcome you once again. If you follow this corridor down to turbolift 3, go to deck 36. He should be there."

"Thank you commander." Mr. Scott said as he went in search of his nephew. When he was out of earshot, Ivanof tapped his comm badge. "Ivanof to McInnis. He's on his way down."

"Acknowledged commander...OKAY GET THOSE PANELS BACK ON-."

Chuckling to himself as the channel closed, Ivanof made his way to the Starboard Bridge walk.

When he arrived he was greeted by the warm smile of his mother, Elena.

"Hello mother. Good to see you. Where's Father?" Yuri began as he headed down the corridor to his mothers assigned quarters.

"Starfleet Engineering called him to discuss integrating the J series into current designs and they are attempting to schedule a fleet wide implementation. He's going to try to catch up in a few days."

"That’s excellent. It's good to see you. This last mission was very difficult. But we'll have time for that later. Let's get you into your quarters. I do have a few more things to work on, but i get off duty at seventeen hundred and we can meet for dinner."

"That’s fine Yuri. You don’t need to spend all of your off hours with me."

"But I'd like to spend some time. It's not everyday that I get to visit with you. And this is probably the closest I’ll get to home for a year or more. I would like to visit as long as possible.” With that he had reached her quarters. “Eighteen hundred?”

“That’s fine.”

{Eighteen Hundred, Deck Nine Forward}

“—And chief McInnis has been pulling double shifts to repair the damage I caused. When I was informed what the solution was doing to the Gel Pack system I was filled with guilt over damaging you and dads’ work. I know it makes no sense, but I felt like I had damaged your reputations,” Yuri said in hushed tones.

“Why? You were in a high stress, dangerous situation. You took a chance with a theoretical solution and implemented it. I think a few Gel Packs being damaged is a small trade off,” replied his mother.

“Mom…Nearly the entire system needed to be isolated and replaced.”

“That’s what engineers are for. Besides, your mistake has shown where improvements can be made. I’m sure your father and I can find a way around that. Plus with modifications being made in the overhaul Starfleet is planning, Theoretical Holographic Programs will be updated to take Gel Pack systems into account. In fact I’m going to go over that in detail when I get back. I’m sure your father and I can find a defense mechanism to counteract problems like this.”

“I hope you can. Well. I know it’s not up to your skills but the replicators do an adequate rendition of beef stroganoff. Did you like it?” he asked.

“Yes it was fine. But I will send some of the real thing to you when I get back.”

“Thank you mom. Oh! The Captain is planning a senior staff family banquet in two days. Do you think father would be able to make it? I know someone on board who he must meet., And yourself as well,” Yuri said excitedly.

“Who?”

“Montgomery Scott. He is uncle to our chief engineer. He decided to pay a visit to his nephew. I’m sure he will probably be there.”

“Well I’ll contact your father and see if he can get away. I’m sure he will be able to. But it is late and I am tired.”

“Of course. We can talk more tomorrow. I’m on duty until seventeen hundred tomorrow.”

“Alright. I think I will visit engineering tomorrow and see if I can offer a hand.”

“I’m sure McInnis will be open to any suggestions you may have.”

They walked back to Ms Ivanof’s quarters discussing little of any consequence.

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Chapter 3

Though the darkness of their recent mission had passed, and things had turned to their relative normal, Ryan was still haunted. The images of those fateful days years ago had always been apart of her, bordering on the edge of her dreams and waking moments, replaying the moment that a world had been torn and defiled for more than just her; and with those memories like companions she had lived, bringing to bare an optimism and cheer not easily defeated, separating herself from despair. But with the dreaming that was forced on them all only days ago, she found her head hanging, the violent realism of those dreams laughing for its cruel victory upon her heart. She was not the sole officer on board this ship that would not be visited by her family, she knew; and yet she felt utterly alone, this absence of something deeply cherished and wished for further shadowing her heart.

It was in this drowning moment of disheartening that Ryan was found roaming the halls, the chatter of delighted relatives echoing upon the walls and falling on her ears like distant sounds and memories. Her head was not hanging, but her distracted semblance was enough and as she made her way through the crowds by mere habit, a foreign hand was laid upon her sleeve, halting her stroll. For a space of time unmeasured, Ryan stood with that had gently grasping her arm and staring far into the corridor of her depression before, with an effort she brought herself to look upon the face of the one who held her from her march in darkness of self pity; and at her side, an elderly woman looked up, her smile shining like a bright star after a storm.

"You carry too much, child," the woman's voice sang.

A hurt look coursed across Ryan's despair shadowed face and a tear threatened to break her control. "How did you know?" Ryan hoarsely asked, like one who had been crying for long hours.

The mother's smile seemed to deepen. "I have my gifts, as do you." The woman was quiet for a moment her grin softening. "You are not alone," her voice still singing, "your family surrounds you."

Ryan laughed lightly in sudden frustration. "Ma'am my family is far from here, lost long ago," she spoke and the horse quality was brushed away by an edge.

The woman's hand left Ryan's sleeve and an almost admonishing look came upon her. "Your family is here also, do not ignore it or you will truly be alone."

Ryan was silent, frustration now overcoming her despair and boiling deep within her, and at the moment she felt she would burst, she spoke. "But they have their own families, they cannot hope to give me their attentions, how ever little, and ... " she spoke as a child, knowing all points their parents would give and ready with the argument beforehand, "it would not be right for me to include myself in their time. It would not feel right; even if they invited me. I would be a stranger and burden."

"How can you be so sure?" the woman countered, knowing well the arguments of children. Ryan could not give an answer, and so the woman continued. "Come, we will test this theory of yours," the woman smiled again, taking Ryan by the hand to lead her.

"Where are we going?" the Conn officer asked, startled by this new turn.

"You will have dinner with us tonight," the mother answered, glancing back with a cheerful gleam in her eye.

"Oh but I could not ..." Ryan began to protest.

"Posh," was the mother's interruption. "Of course you could." And this ended any arguments Ryan might have concocted to continue her lonely march about the halls.

{Station Docking}

Already, the station had been filled to its capacity, and still more arrived, filling the rooms being vacated only hours before upon the arrival of the Griffin. How the station would survive this crowded nightmare? None of the station staff knew, but that they must survive somehow; and so they performed their best, greeting the newest arrivals with smiles and courtesy.

Here, they met the most mysterious creature they would remember. Tall and proud, carved by many years, he wore a cloak of deep color with its drowning hood pulled over his head; and beneath the hooded shadow, his eyes shone brightly, seeming dim only against the glow of a crystal that protruded softly from his fore head. In stunned awe, the female officer stared up, speechless.

He smiled. "Do you know where I might find the Griffin?" he questioned, his voice rich and smooth.

The woman, for pity should be upon her in this hour of such need, could only nod; a reaction for which she would later kick herself so to speak.

"Lead on then, youth. I will follow," he replied, laughing for her.

And so, she lead the tall cloaked being through the maze of people for the Griffin's proud halls in cheerful hours.

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Chapter 4

{The Captain's ready room}

Captain Myst, sitting at her desk looked over the padd given to her by Counselor Daem. Jaquelle was sitting across the desk.

"This list of family on board is a veritable 'Who's Who' in science and engineering," said Myst. "The Ivanof's who developed the Bio-gel pack technology, Montgomery Scott, the legendary chief engineer of the Enterprise, surviving for 80 years in a transporter buffer, and talk about survival, THE Krasinski's. Their survival on the barren planet of Clarius for two years with two small children, a bag of grain and no replicators! They genetically engineered that grain to provide all the basic nutrition for a growing family and even made birthday cakes, so the legend goes."

Captain Myst seemed so pleased, but Jaquelle thought about Anna Krasinski. Anna rarely talked about her famous parents. Of course she didn't have to. Everyone one knew their accomplishments. Not only did they survive, they actually gave birth to twins during the ordeal. Then they became the foremost experts on genetically engineered food. They have single handily saved billions of lives by allowing planets without the resources of replicators to stop starvation. They have not only won the Daystrom award, the Nobel prize in at least three categories, the Volcan Science award, had countless other honors and several university's named after them, but even the Klingons invented some type of Kahless award to honor them for saving their Gagh food source.

"And you know" continued Captain Myst, "they are the most popular speakers on tour in the federation. Major universities and science groups line up to get them, and here they are. Along with some of our other family members, do you think that we could set up a small symposium and have them speak?"

Oh, NO thought Jaquelle. The Ivanof's aren't too happy about what was done to their Bio-gel packs. Lt. McInnis' worst nightmare seems to be having his famous uncle even on the ship. Lt. Commander Sable has such sorrow in her heart. And Anna...well, being one of the three children born after the Krasinski's got off the planet, made her a spare all her life. The only saving part for Anna was that her sister, born a year after her, was coming. The two of them would seclude themselves in the background and became each other's best and only friends.

"Captain," Jaquelle stated calmly, "I believe we wanted to keep this a low keyed R & R period for our crew, a symposium would possibly cause performance pressure, not to mention heighten security. Also, some people are not as comfortable with their family as others, I would hate to make this any more stressful for them than it already is."

Captain Myst knew she was right but couldn't help feel that a great opportunity was missed.

{Turbo lift closest to Counselor Daem's quarters}

Jaquelle stepped off the turbo lift. Ahead she could see Lt. Commander Sable with an older woman. Jaquelle sensed that Sable had lost the feel of sorrow. She wondered if she had missed some long lost family member that Starfleet had found for her. Jaquelle tried to get a sense of the woman, but could not read her at all. Jaquelle thought about catching up to them, but really had no reason to interfere. Just as Jaquelle got to her quarters, Sable and the woman turned the corner, the older woman glanced back and looked directly at Jaquelle.

The door opened to Jaquelle's quarter's and as she walked in her curiosity about the older woman and the stress from having to worry about being a family therapist to half the visiting guest melted away. There was her father with her favorite flowers from Betazed and a colorfully, if not artfully wrapped package. The smell of cider and cinnamon wafted from the flowers and the gentle robust smiling face of her father made putting up with all the families on board worth it.

(It's so good to see you sprite,) he thought, and his thoughts filled her head. Sprite was his affectionate name for her ever since she could remember and ever since she could remember she collected sprites. Jaquelle hugged him as if she was not going to let him go. Then she smelled another scent. She looked past her father and saw a table set for dinner.

(Oh you made dinner,) she communicated back.

(Well, how else was I going to celebrate your wonderful achievement,) her father thought. (Those command pips look like they were meant to be on our collar.) Jaquelle beamed. She was so proud of her promotion and was equally determined to be sure that Captain Myst would look on it in the future as one of her best.

(Is that clam chowder I smell,) she communicated? She could hardly believe it. The replicator had never been able to quite get the gist of real clam chowder.

(Well, I know it's your favorite, so when I heard I could come, and your mother could not, I guilt tripped her, and had her swing by Earth to pick it up.) He thought.

"You could handle Mother like no one else in the universe." She actually said. "And I remember why she used to give this to me. I was such a talker. She could not understand how I talked so much when I was a cross between a listener and an empath. Once she found out that I actually loved it, she would give me clam chowder and told me that it was made of real clams so that I would 'clam up.'" Jaquelle and her father laughed for a bit, then he handed her the package.

Jaquelle opened the box, and there was a sprite sitting on the USS Griffin, dressed in a Starfleet uniform with Lt. Commander pips.

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Chapter 5

Ralph liked the reprieve the ship wide R&R had granted him. Not because his family was visiting, they wouldn't arrive for another couple of days, but because it drastically lessened the demands of his duties as Operations Officer. With most of the departments running on minimum or shut down completely, there were very few conflicts arising between them that would require his attention. And that gave him more time to focus on what he loved doing: his job.

{Griffin, Bridge}

Ralph stepped out of the turbolift and onto the Bridge. It was the first time he had seen it undermanned. There wasn't anyone at Conn or Ops, in fact there were only three other people on the bridge currently: Captain Myst, Commander Ivanof, and Lieutenant Travin. The Command Staff (Myst, Ivanof, and Sable) would be on duty for their normal shifts everyday during the Griffin's stay, and right now Myst and Ivanof were in the middle of a shift change. Travin was still monitoring security for the transfer of visitors from the station to the ship. As her mother had already arrived, Ralph knew she'd be there either until her Klingon friends arrived or everyone else was finally settled in. Captain Myst had kept true to her offer to help people avoid any family they didn't want to see.

Ralph took his station and began sifting through requests and messages. Just as Commander Ivanof was heading to leave, Lieutenant Travin spoke up.

"Incoming message on a secure channel from Starfleet Command," she announced.

"In my ready room," Myst said as she stood to start heading for the ready room. Ivanof stopped in his tracks and turned around. If he wasn't to be present at the conversation, he would at least remain on the Bridge in the Captain's absence, just in case.

"Intelligence?" Travin said aloud, reading the specific department of Starfleet Command the communication had been sent from. It was Myst's turn to stop in her tracks. Ivanof saw her frown just before she turned her face from his view. Ralph also turned in his chair, until he and the Captain were facing each other.

"It's for Lieutenant Stembridge," Travin said, finishing her report on the incoming message.

"Captain?" Ralph said, knowing she understood what he was asking.

"Yes, Lieutenant, take it in my ready room," she replied. Ralph stood and headed for the ready room as Myst returned to her chair and sat. The other three officers could tell she was not pleased.

After the door had closed behind Ralph, Yuri walked back down the ramp to the front of the Bridge. He stopped a few feet away from the Captain and stood looking at her, waiting. She soon looked up at him, a scowl disappearing from her face.

"Captain?" he asked.

"Yes, Commander?" she replied.

Yuri had hoped she fill him in on her own, but he rapidly realized that would not be the case and that prodding probably wouldn't get him any answers either. He tried anyways.

"Is there something wrong?"

"No, not at all," she answered. Yuri knew she wouldn't outright lie to him. After a thoughtful pause, he tried again from a different angle.

"But something is bothering you," he said.

Priscilla looked away from him and sighed. "Yes," was her only response.

"Care to tell me what?" he asked, trying to get any bit of information from her. She looked back up at him

"I *would* like to tell you. I don't like keeping things from my First Officer," she said as her only explanation. Yuri was becoming frustrated. He didn't like it either.

Ralph returned to the Bridge with a scowl of his own on his face.

"Captain, may I speak with you privately?"

"Does this have to do with your message?" she asked him.

"Yes," was his only reply.

"Very well," she said and then stood. As she walked past Yuri, towards Ralph and the ready room, she didn't even look at Yuri.

"Commander-" Priscilla said over her shoulder. Yuri turned to take the command chair, expecting her to say that he had the Bridge. "-please join us," were her actual words, surprising both Yuri and Ralph. "Lt. Travin, you have the Bridge."

{Ready Room}

Both men eyed each other warily as they followed Priscilla into the ready room. She moved to her chair behind the desk and sat. Both command officers offered Ralph the seat opposite her, so he sat. Yuri stood at the end of the desk so as to be between the other two.

"What do you wish to talk about?" Priscilla asked Ralph.

"I only wanted to speak with you, Captain," he replied, making his unhappiness at Yuri being present clear. Yuri decided to let it slide and let the Captain handle things for now.

"I'm tired of keeping secrets from my Executive Officer," she replied with displeasure of her own in her voice. "He should be aware of everything that affects this ship and crew, and is just as much entitled to be so as I am."

"Starfleet does not seem to agree with you, sir," Ralph argued. "For if that were true he would have been informed at the same time you were."

"And it's my right to run things on my ship the way I see fit in order to keep my crew safe," Priscilla retorted.

"This does not fall under that situation," Ralph replied.

"Clearly the Captain feels it does," Yuri threw in.

"Keeping important information from my Executive Officer certainly does fall under that category!" Priscilla agreed.

"I disagree," Ralph replied with a tone of finality.

"That's too bad," Yuri said to him. "Because it's not your decision to make. It's the Captain's, and it sounds to me like she's already made it."

Both officers looked expectantly at Ralph. He grit his teeth for a moment before acquiescing.

"Very well," he began and leaned forward in the chair. "Starfleet Intelligence is sending me on an undercover mission in two weeks."

"I see," Priscilla said.

"Why you?" Yuri asked.

Ralph continued to look at Priscilla, refusing to answer. Priscilla didn't turn her gaze from Ralph as she answered the question.

"Because he's a member of Starfleet Intelligence," she replied.

{Five minutes later}

"You approved this!?" Yuri exclaimed with a mix of disbelief and anger. "A spy in our crew!"

Priscilla looked up at Yuri, forcing herself to be patient with him. (He's only echoing the same emotions I had when I found out,) she reminded herself. Ralph had been dismissed minutes before so that Priscilla could deal with Yuri in private.

"I didn't have much of a choice," Priscilla explained. "Special Operations recommends an Intelligence Officer on all their ships, and after our first mission the higher ups decided we needed one ASAP and I agreed." She said this last part with a distasteful tone that Yuri almost missed.

"Why does that bother you so much?" he asked, realizing he was finally getting to what had been bothering his Captain.

"Because," Priscilla said standing. She stepped over to the vertical window and looked out at the stars. Yuri waited for her to respond in her own time. "Because," she finally said, softer than before, "Starfleet Intelligence knew about the existence and potential threat of the nanites, but did nothing before or for the conference. If we had have had an Intelligence Officer on board at the time, we may have been able to stop all the murders, even the first..."

(So that's why she hasn't been pleased with Stembridge since his arrival. She resents him,) Yuri realized. "But why the secrecy?" he asked.

"That I did not agree with," Priscilla said with a sigh before turning to face him. "Intelligence likes to keep their secrets, and supposedly it keeps their officers safer if they work under other pretenses. Besides, we needed a Chief of Operations," she explained.

"So now what?" Yuri asked.

"You mean about Stembridge leaving?"

Yuri nodded.

"I don't know," Priscilla replied. "That would leave two positions to fill. The fleet is pretty tight right now, and despite everything, Stembridge is good at what he does. I wouldn't like to loose him."

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Chapter 6

{Griffin}

Marina waited nervously for her family to come onboard the ship. (Please don't bring the pig, please don't bring the pig, please don't bring the pig.) The thought repeated through her mind. Jeorge had never left his prize pig, Betsy, to anyone else's care in her life. Not even when they moved, not even when they had come to her graduation from medical school and the Academy. She could still remember with a sort of horrified wonder looking down from crossing the stage to receive her diploma and doctorate and looking out across the audience and spotting the large pink pig sitting in the chair next to Jeorge, a large Blue bow around her neck. She had been so embarrassed, and yet taken pride in the uniqueness of her family.

She heard noise coming towards her, and looked up to see her brother Jason rushing towards her on gangly legs. He had gone through a growth spurt since she last saw him.

"Marina!" He cried, leaning down to pick her up in a tight bear hug.

"Put me down, you lug!" she cried, laughing. "You must be at least 6' 2"!" she exclaimed.

"6' 3". " He told her happily.

"Your going to be tall like Da." She said. He smiled. Just then her sisters Janice and Sari rushed up. They hugged her. Both of them were going to be small like their mother. Marina was glad she somehow got the balance between her father's 6' 5" frame and her mother's petite 5' 3". Her sisters were jabbering madly away, talking fast enough to break the warp ten barrier. Finally her mother, followed by her three dads, came into view and rescued her.

"Don't talk your sister to death," Margery admonished, and Marina smiled and went to hug her mother and then her Biological dad Heath and then her two other fathers, Nathaniel and Jeorge. "Marina, love, how are you?" Jeorge said, leaning up to give her a peck on the cheek. At 5' 8" he had to look up to see her.

"I am great now that I have my family about me." She said, lapsing into the slightly Irish accent that was prevalent among their people. She smiled, since she saw no hint of Betsy.

"If you will follow me, I will show you to your quarters. There were some, umm, problems in assigning you rooms. The only way we could fit you all in was to give you one of the suites usually reserved for visiting ambassadors. I hope you don't mind." Marina said, leading the way down the hall with her entourage. They got a few strange stares, but by the time they reached the rooms Marina had all ready adjusted to it.

"Here we are." She said, stepping into the rooms. Her family followed. "We can dump our bags, and then do what ever you want."

"I think your brother and sisters and I will get settled in. You and your fathers go on a tour of the ship. Go on now." Margery said, shooing them out of the room. When the door shut behind them they all looked at each other. Three men married to the same woman seemed destined not to get along, but Heath, Nathaniel, and Jeorge were good friends, though not close. It was an odd arrangement, but it somehow worked well.

"So, where to now?" Marina asked, looking at the three men.

"I would love to have a look around your Sickbay." Nathaniel said. Marina smiled and nodded. They had began to walk in that direction when Jeorge stopped and spoke.

"Marina, girl, do ya think we could go down to the cargo bays first?"

"Uh, sure," she replied, not sure why he asked.

"Betsy is in a pen some fellow I met at the space station rigged up for me. I want to go check on her. Couldn't leave my best sow at home, now could I?" He said, walking on.

Marina shook her head as Heath and Nathaniel laughed at her.

"Come on, Betsy is waiting!" Jeorge called, gleefully.

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Chapter 7

{Hallway near guest quarters}

(What are you up to, mother?)

Adoni Travin sighed at the suspicious thought from her daughter. It was typical, but every time they came in contact, Adoni held out the hope that Rinali would be a little more civil. It was never the case.

(I'm extending my companionship to someone who could use it,) she replied. (Certainly you don't see any harm in that?)

(Lieutenant Commander Sable is a Starfleet officer. Any problems she has she can deal with without your help.)

(Do you honestly believe that, child?) Adoni was not so much annoyed as genuinely saddened. (Not everyone is so stoic as you act. If you would only open up to the other officers...)

(I have work to do, mother.)

All Adoni could sense from her daughter was the dark mental wall which Rinali had perfected over the years. Typical. At least Creenan would be able to talk to Rinali. They had always been close and Creenan had always been the charmer, a natural diplomat. With luck, those charms would at least help to cheer up Lt. Cmdr. Sable, if not convince Rinali to dine with her real family.

Adoni started back down the hall to her quarters. It was nearing dinnertime and she wanted to change into something more formal. Despite Rinali's continued cold shoulder, Adoni was enjoying herself. She had spent the last few months performing geological surveys, mostly in contact with the same group of people. It was good to get out, to feel the presence of less familiar minds. She was hoping to meet some of the more well known guests at dinner, but even the people passing through the halls were fascinating to her. A young ensign walked beside an earth woman, a baby cradled in his arms. A small group of Cardassians were heading into the holodeck. And was that man actually walking a pig?

Adoni grinned to herself as she came to her door. Daughter or no, this would certainly be an interesting vacation.

{Ten Forward Lounge-Lower Level}

Rinali sat by herself watching the crowd that had gradually assembled in the lounge. Some families were waiting to meet people who were still working, other were just mingling to kill time before dinner. Creenan had already introduced himself to Montgomery Scott, the Ivanofs, and the Krasinskis with his usual easy grace. Now he was just talking to random people and making them feel equally important to the celebrities he had just conversed with. He was doing well, not that it surprised Rinali. Creenan always did well and, much as she loved her brother, she envied him for it.

"Lieutenant Rinali Travin,"

Rinali was grinning even before she turned around. There was no mistaking that gravelly voice, still so stern and authoritative that other people had stopped what they were doing to look. Rinali stood and turned to face them, the people who had been and were still a family to her. Seven of them had made the journey here, all of whom she knew well. But her eyes were on the central figure, bent and wrinkled with age but still a commanding presence. She smiled at him with pride.

"Full lieutenant now," she beamed.

Trosk's grin spread across his face. Rinali reached out and took hold of his arm as he did the same. They embraced, slapping each other on the back until both were winded. The other Klingons gathered around and were soon all talking at once. People started to filter over to greet the Klingon entourage, with Creenan in the lead. But Rinali barely noticed. The stresses of the last mission were melting away. Her family was here.

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Chapter 8

Scott flew around Engineering as if he had wings for feet; barking out orders and making last minute changes to things before his Uncle gets here. This had been the day he had been dreading since the first day he entered the Engineering Track in Starfleet.

The chirp of communication entered the room.

"Ivanof to McInnis. He's on his way down."

"Acknowledged Commander. Alright, get those panels back on!"

Scott slapped closed the communication to the commander. In an instant every panel, every spec of anything, every tool, was in it's place. The place had to look better than it did when they first left space dock.

A few moments later, Scott had lined up all of the engineering staff for a brief chat before his Uncle arrived.

"Alright folks, in a few moments, the best engineer in the history of Starfleet is about to walk in here. This man helped to create just about every design concept and protocol in engineering to lead us to where we are today. On top of that, he is my Uncle, and I expect him of course to be treated with the respect he deserves..."

It was a rare moment for Scott but somewhere deep down inside, he knew he had to add one last thing.

"In the last few months, I know you have all put in a lot of work, and have worked more than your fair share of shifts, and for that I thank you. Until further notice, as of now engineering will be working with a skeleton crew of one, per each rotation. Take the time the captain has arranged for us, to enjoy it with your families. You don't get this often, and it won't last long before I become your slave driver again."

One or two of the engineering crew actually smiled.

Then the door opened, and in walked one of the most decorated and honored engineers in Starfleet history.

The awe of the rest of Scott's staff was in utter awe as he walked in.

"Well then, they still make da walk to engineerin the longest one on the boat don't they."

Scott replied with: "Well when dey drive ye like slaves, they want to keep ye hidden so the important folk don't see ya." In a moment Scott had slipped back into his Scottish Accent, a trait no one on the ship had seen as of yet.

"Aye, ain't it da truth. It's good to see ya Scott. This place looks like it ain't been used yet, you expecting some brass down here?"

"Aye, he just arrived, care fer a tour?"

"I suppose... She isn't as big as the Enterprise so it shouldn't make me as winded when we are dun."

Scott smirked a bit, and showed his Uncle the entire Engineering section as well as anything else he wanted. The scrutinizing eye of Mr. Scott scoured things; at least that is what Scott thought. He looked over everything, asking questions as if quizzing Scott, like back when he was in the Academy. Scott did his best to answer long enough to appease his uncle's curiosity, but not too long to sound long winded.

When they were through, they arrived back at the entrance of engineering where the crew still stood.

"Sir, my engineering crew was hoping to set aside some time to talk with you, and hear some of yer stories."

"Alrighty then, everyone find a comfy place to sit and fire away."

"Well I was hoping we could schedu..."

"Or ferget it Scott, now's as good a time as any. Can you do me a favor and grab my bag from my room, I brought a couple things fer the crew, call em good luck charms..."

"Well, Sir, I was..." In an instant Scott's mind and persona flashed from Chief engineer to 12-year-old boy, caught in the aura of his Uncle again. It almost looked to him like the crew was looking at him as if to say, "Yeah, get going Scott, your Uncle is trying to talk here."

With that, Scott turned to leave, and just as he exited his Uncle started in.

"Well you see, I started the Montgomery Scott School of Engineering, whose first rule is always multiply any time giv..."

The door closed behind Scott and he turned to walk quietly out of Engineering, through the corridors. He was lost, and mostly stunned. He was sure he had planned for every technical contingency in Engineering on the off chance that his Uncle might see something odd and ask about it or something new and be curious about it. The one thing he had never been able to plan for, to this day, was the Montgomery Scott Mystique, and it had overwhelmed him yet again. Here he was, a Lt JG in Starfleet, walking down the hall to go get his Uncles things for him...

He quietly entered the quarter his Uncle had been given, retrieved his bag in a huff, his emotions for the first time since he left Starfleet swelling over and getting the better of him. The anger, and humiliation were immense, as well as the pain and the hurt of being a child... again.

In a glorified huff he exited the room in a bull like walk, no concern for where he was going. When he hit the ground after the collision he realized what had happened and tried to gather himself again emotionally before looking to see who's day he had just changed by running over them.

His face went a starch white and his stomach knotted in an instant, there were a few people you never want to run over, this one was on the top of the list.

"I'm sorry Captain..."

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Chapter 9

{Corridor outside McInnis' quarters}

She looked up at McInnis and smiled. (This should be fun,) she thought.

Scott exhaled. (Okay, it's not that bad... she's smiling,) he thought, and offered his hand to help her up.

"That's alright, Lieutenant," she replied, taking the offered hand.

(What are you up to?) Priscilla mentally spoke to her sister with a suspicious tone.

(Oh, just *bumped* into one of your officers. A Lieutenant Junior Grade, human male, a couple inches taller than us, sandy-red hair-)

(Scott McInnis, our Chief Engineer,) Priscilla informed her.

(Ah, my counterpart! Thanks, he thinks I'm you.)

(You're right, this should be fun,) Priscilla replied with a mental chuckle.

All that took place in the span of time it took Scott to help Victoria to her feet.

"So, Lt. McInnis," she began, knowing her sister always referred to her officers by rank unless in a casual setting, "where are you heading in such a hurry? And with a duffle. Planning to jump ship?"

"Oh, uh," Scott stalled while retrieving his Uncle's bag from the floor. He wasn't sure if his Captain expected a witty reply or if that would be out of line. "It's not mine," he decided he could safely go with. "I mean, no. My Uncle wanted me to retrieve this for him."

(His uncle?) Victoria prompted.

(Montgomery Scott,) Priscilla replied almost in the same instant.

"Ah," Victoria replied to Scott. "And-"

(From all indications, he doesn't like his Uncle being around,) Priscilla added before her sister could say something to blow the game.

"-what do you plan to do once you've dropped it off with him?" Victoria finished without missing a beat.

"I don't know," Scott said with a shrug. "Probably just stay in Engineering with him until he's done impressing my staff."

Priscilla mentally sighed to her sister. (I wish I could help him, but he saw to it that anything he might have to do was done before Mr. Scott arrived.)

(Perhaps I could help?) Victoria offered. (I'm itching to poke around all the systems you've got here to compare them with mine on the Goldeneye.)

(Oh, if you could-)

Victoria spoke without waiting for her sister's reply. "Well I'm headed to Engineering myself," she said to Scott. He look inquisitively at her. "Care to join me?"

Surely she didn't want to inspect it, he hoped. Did she want to meet his Uncle? Great, another one-

Then he noticed something strangely out of place. Like when you stop paying attention to the main subject in a picture and finally notice all the detail surrounding it:

The Captain was wearing a gold uniform...

Scott stepped back and looked her up and down.

...and she had the rank of Lieutenant Commander marked in pips on her collar. But otherwise she looked identical to Captain Myst!

"You look just like her," he said with a bit of amazement.

"Found me out, I see," Victoria replied.

Priscilla laughed in her sister's mind. (He's too clever to fool for long,) she said.

(Next time I'll wear the proper attire!)

{Engineering}

"Just put it down 'ere, laddy," Mr. Scott said upon seeing his nephew bearing his duffle. Then he turned back to his waiting audience with a smile. "So there we were..."

Scott sighed and did as he was told. He was then about to lean against a bulkhead and get comfortable for the looooong wait, when Victoria tapped him on the shoulder. He turned to see what she wanted.

"So can I get the grand tour?" she asked.

He looked at her for a moment, trying to process her request. "You want to tour Engineering instead of listing to... him?" he said pointing to his Uncle.

Victoria looked over for a moment. "-I canna do it! I told the Captain. But he's a stubborn man-" Mr. Scott was saying.

She looked back to Scott. "I know all those stories," Victoria replied with a shrug. "Why hear them again?"

(Because they're being told first hand by the man himself!) Priscilla cried in her sister's mind. What she wouldn't give to be off the Bridge and down in Engineering hearing Montgomery Scott tell a tale.

(You'll have plenty of time to hear them on your own later,) Victoria told her flatly. (I don't have any inclination right now to listen for you. I want to see those engines! Besides, I thought you wanted me to help Lieutenant McInnis.)

(Yes, yes,) Priscilla replied with only a slight bit of disappointment. (I suppose I can corner him later-)

(You're the Captain. I'm sure Mr. Scott would love to regale you with his stories for as long as your able to listen.) And with that she tuned out her sister and turned all her attention to Scott.

"Where do you want to start?" he was asking.

"The engines," she said as they began to walk further into Engineering to the warp core. "No," she corrected herself immediately. "I'd like to know how you're reconciling the load the TCD places on power consumption with the distribution demand from the Bio-neural circuitry you're running."

Scott raised an eyebrow to her as he directed her to the workstation in his office. "I take it you're an Engineer too, but how'd you know about the TCD?"

"Chief Engineer of the U.S.S. Goldeneye, also from the Special Operations division. We've all got one," she said off-handedly.

"I see," he said with a nod. He began to call up schematics as he continued: "Well, I have my own theories on how to handle that situation which go against the Engineering Corps recommendations."

"As do I," Victoria added.

"Care to share?" McInnis asked. "I'm having a bear of a time getting much to work the way I want it too.

"I'll show you my ideas if you show me yours," she offered with a smirk.

Scott smiled back at her. (Finally! Someone to talk shop with!) he thought. (And perhaps with her help I can get things working properly around here despite all the people!) He knew was going to enjoy having his Captain's sister around.

{Bridge}

Priscilla smiled to herself at all that had happened. Then she was thankful she wouldn't have to constantly keep part of her attention on her sister to make sure she was staying out of trouble. Victoria never messed around when it came to anything engineering related. Priscilla never quite understood her sister's fascination with all that "high-tech stuff." But then again, Victoria had never quite gotten the hang of people like Priscilla did. Except for their physical appearance and sense of humor, the two were as different as night and day.

And speaking of different, that was exactly what Priscilla saw when she turned at the sound of the turbolift door swishing open. Not expecting to see someone other than a Starfleet Officer, she did a double take to make sure her eyes weren't deceiving her. Nope, they weren't. There was indeed a man shrouded in dark shades standing on her bridge with a glowing crystal on his forehead.

Priscilla found herself standing and turning to face him, but could not yet find any words for him. It wasn't that she was shocked, but that she had been thrown into a childlike sense of awe. She didn't have the presence of mind to politely inform him that only officers were allowed on the Bridge without permission. Instead she felt more inclined to say:

"May I help you?"

The man's eyes literally shined as he smiled at her. For some reason Priscilla found the smile inspiring. Suddenly she noticed herself feeling happier and more energetic... and it concerned her. Who was this being that could sway emotions so easily?

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Chapter 10

{Main Bridge}

Ivanof stepped onto the bridge. Before him stood the captain with the oddest smile on her face. Standing before her was a humanoid, wearing a cloak and the only outstanding feature was a crystal in the middle of it’s forehead.

“Captain?” He asked. He was slightly concerned because it seemed as if her entire attention was not in the here and now. “Captain?” he asked louder. She started at that.

“Commander. Excuse me.” She said as she came back to the here and now. “This being is a friend of Sable’s. He has known her for several years.”

“I am Emir, Predire of the Starship Tristra.” Said the man. “I have known Ms. Sable since she was a little girl. My people came in contact with her while she was little. It has been some time since I’ve seen her. I wished to speak with her captain before I re introduced myself. It may be a shock. It’s a story of a personal nature and before I relay it, I’d like to speak with her.”

“I see. I was coming to inform you that all is prepared for the banquet this evening.”

“Thank you Commander.” She nodded her appreciation. “Predire, would you like to meet Sable before this evening? I can arrange it if you like?”

“No. I will attend your gathering. I’m looking pleased to it. After I would like to speak with you privately Captain.”

“Of course,” replied the captain.

With that they all entered the turbolift headed for Deck 10.

{9 & 10 forward lounge}

The doors swooshed open to reveal a room filled with a collection of some of the finest minds on board. Priscilla was proud of her crew. This visit was exactly what they and she needed. Elena smiled seeing her son enter the room.

“Captain, this is my mother. Elena Ivanof.”

“I am pleased to finally meet you,” said Capt Myst. “I don’t know how I’d ever keep this ship running without your sons help.”

“And I’m glad he’s been a help to you,” said Elena.

“We’ll I’m not sure how much of a help I’ve been,” Ivanof said. “Speaking of keeping ships running, where is your sister captain?”

(Torya?) Myst called out telepathically.

(-but the coefficiant of the lateral engine layout keeps..) was the only response Priscilla received.

“Let me see if I can find her. Excuse me,” Priscilla said.

She began to walk around the lounge, then she spotted her sister. Sequestered in a corner, four or five PADDs on the table and two steaming coffee cups of coffee between them. Her sister was sitting having an excited conversation with her chief engineer. She smiled and approached them.

“But if you place the warp core laterally along the y axis of the vessel it allows for a 3.5 percent increase in the efficiency of the warp field,” McInnis said.

“But where do you keep the deuterium tanks? In the starboard nacelle?? Or the foreword Sensor array?” Victoria countered.

“If I had a nickel for every time I had heard that one!” The captain interjected.

“OH! Hello Captain. Your sister and I were discussing starship design.”

“I know. Torya, can I borrow you for a minute?”

“Sure. I’ll be back. I know how we can settle this. Get your Uncle. He can settle this,” Victoria said sarcastically.

“Alright. Deal!” said McInnis with heavy sarcasim of his own.

“What’s all that about?” Priscilla asked.

“Scott is trying to convince me that older starship designs with horizontal warp cores were more efficient. Shop talk. He doesn’t seem to get enough. Shop talk I mean.”

“I think interaction is what you mean. He’s been known to keep to himself except for being in engineering. No one ever sees him except between engineering and his quarters. I’ve been concerned. But maybe this party will help him."

They crossed the room and introduced Ms. Ivanof to her sister. Victoria, was pleased to meet one of the pioneers in gel pack research. But after a few minutes she went back to find McInnis and his uncle deep in conversation with Gabriel Ivanof, Yuri’s father.

“Well I was able to fix the problem that the gas caused in the Gel packs. In my opinion the commanders decision was not an informed one and I’ll leave it at that."

“I see. Well it’s good to see everyone made it back alright," Gabriel said. As Victoria was walking up, Yuri was also reaching his father.

“Dad. Good to see you. Glad you could make it,” Yuri said.

“Son! Glad to see you made it back too. Lt. McInnis was telling me of the troubles you’ve been having.”

“Troubles?” Yuri asked smiling. “What troubles?”

“With the gas you used to try to wake the crew. And the issues it caused with the Gel Packs.”

With that Yuri’s smile slipped. “We did have a few tense moments there. But dad I want to introduce you to the Captain.”

“Isn’t this her?” Gabriel said pointing to Victoria.

“No. Excuse me. Pardon my manners. Victoria Concord, this is Gabriel Ivanof my father. Dad this is Victoria. She’s the captains sister.”

“Pleasure to make your acquaintance. So son. Where is Captain Myst?”

“She’s over there with Ens. Krasinski’s parents.”

“The Krasinskis? From Clarius?” Gabriel said excitedly.

“The same. Excuse us.” Yuri said. Then his Gaze fell on McInnis…hard. “Lieutenant.”

McInnis knew this had been coming. It had only been a matter of time.

The Party continued well into the evening and a good time was had by most. Occasionally McInnis would look over and see Ivanof glaring at him. But then Ivanof would turn and continue his conversation.

{55001.9 oh nine hundred hours}

Mcinnis had been preparing for his shift in engineering. It was the first one in a day and he almost felt ashamed to have been gone so long. Then his badge chirped.

“Ivanof to McInnis.”

“McInnis here.”

“I’d like to see you in my office,” Yuri said.

“On my way.” McInnis tapped his badge. (It Starts) he thought.

{Ivanof’s Office}

“Lieutenant. Come in. Sit down,” Yuri began.

McInnis did as he was told.

“I think you and I need to have a conversation.” McInnis cocked an eyebrow. “You made several comments last night that were questioning an order I had given on our previous mission. These comments were made in front of other officers, and are enough grounds for me to put you on report for insubordination. But I thought we should discuss this first.”

“Commander is this on or off the record?”

“I’m willing to handle this any way you choose. I’d prefer not to have to mar an otherwise exemplary career with a reprimand.”

“Then permission to speak freely. Sir,” McInnis said pointedly.

“Granted,” replied Ivanof.

“The comments I made were done so while I was off duty, and at an informal gathering. My opinions are still my own and I have issue with anyone who says I’m not entitled to them. Your father asked me my opinion and I gave it to him. I’ve had to keep my opinions to myself when I had to order my teams to work double shifts, just to repair the damage. I think I’ve done a good job of keeping my mouth shut.”

“Agreed. But the comments are completely disrespectful and degrade my authority. It was a crisis situation to vent the compound. Both ships were affected by an unknown hostile alien ship and I had to make a decision with all the available data.”

“But you didn’t have all of the available information. You didn’t consult the engineering staff, which keeps your ship yours. My people do a damn good job at covering up for mistakes when they are made. But your knee jerk reaction caused more damage than help.”

“Look when you trade engineering for the command chair, and you know what it means to make a command decision then you can lecture me on knee jerk decision making. Half the engineering staff was unconscious and the other half was trying to hold both ships together during a battle. Hell, My parents didn’t even know that the compound I initiated would have that affect, and they build the thing. It may not have been the right decision, and for what it’s worth I’m sorry. But you should not question a superior officers authority to anyone, unless it’s for a damn good reason.”

Yuri took a moment to compose himself. McInnis was pleased. He had at least gotten the apology he had been looking for, and without the bravado he’d been expecting.

“What would you have done?”

“What?” McInnis said slightly confused.

“You have an opinion and I want to hear it. What would you have recommended had I been able to consult you?”

“I would have recommended taking the compound and bringing it to the doctor so she could synthesize a non reactive form that wouldn’t have affected the Gel Packs. The only reason I would have thought of that is because I had been working on them earlier in the day, and they were forefront in my mind. I can accept your apology, because I know you’re human. We make mistakes.”

“Agreed. All I ask is that you bring concerns to me. You do not make objections where anyone can hear them. It was only my father this time. But if it was an ensign or another junior officer it begins to degrade the authority. Agreed?”

“Agreed.”

“Good. Dismissed,” Ivanof said smiling.

They shook hands as McInnis was standing. And Mcinnis began to leave.

“Oh Lieutenant one more thing. Get out and enjoy more of this ship than its systems and specs. You may find if you don’t that you’re wondering where the time went,” Ivanof said.

“I already do commander...” McInnis said as he left the commanders office.

Ivanof wondered which it was, that he got out, or that he we already wondering. Maybe the counselor should talk to him…

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Chapter 11

Ryan smiled distractedly, her eyes gracing the stars through the windows about her, focused on some dreamed or remembered place beyond her mortal vision, their luster of curiosity, laughter, joy, sorrow, wonderment ... Her mind pondered the woman who had reached out for her, and within her mental eye she saw wisdom and love radiating like the sun to warm her troubled soul; the shine of blessing she had long forgotten existed in the cruel, dark depths of space, left unmarred in the warm strength of pure hearts.

"What is it, youth, that causes you to stare and ponder so?" he called to her; the sound of his voice did not tarnish nor distract her thoughts, in effect laying them gently to safe keeping.

She smiled, her cheeks warming. "Humanity, Emir. Human care, kindness; love ..." she trailed off, and her voice quieted, a shadow of sorrow before her face. "It has been long since I have felt the comfort of such things."

Emir's face wrinkled in doubt and concern, the light, freed by the removal of his hood, played shadows on his brow, swimming in the cool colored gem upon his head. "You misjudge the time, Ryan. It has not been long since you were loved in some form, by someone. Indeed, you have never been without such care or kindness." He stepped toward her, his face shifting to mimic a soft chiding tone. "And if you speak of Mrs. Travin, you do her some injustice. She is not Human, but Betazoid."

"I know, I know," she smiled at the mention of the woman's name, and shrugged her shoulders. "I was speaking in general." His eyebrow raised, and he was posed to lecture to her the dangers of generalization, when she blushed, her hand placed against her mouth in shock, a sudden realization of slight horror coming upon her. "Oh, but I have stepped a line of protocol! Forgive me, Predire." She bowed her head, for it was uncouth to name a Predire by their given name without company of their title.

The Predire smiled, his eyes enhancing the inner laughter and joy ten fold. "It is but a small thing, and easily forgotten, youth," he chimed.

She raised, grinning, then yet thoughtful. "If you are now the Predire ..." she paused, unsure of what she would ask, and her expression darkened. "What happened to Predire Kuaren?"

Emir stood still, his smile fading but for the echo of it still upon his countenance, his eyes dreaming in sorrow. "She was murdered," he spoke in a strong voice.

"By whom?"

The Predire's crystal flashed dark upon his brow, and he quickly hid it with one hand, the other thrusting his hood upon his head. He turned to the side as he spoke, bitterness drowning his eyes. "Struer," he spoke simply.

Confusion and disgust pooled about Ryan like a heavy rain. "You mean, she is still alive?"

The glow of his eyes and gem were gone, shrouded by some echo of a shadow's evil; a memory of some devilry the Predire had experienced, and the deep fear and dismay he had buried with that memory. "And what, youth, in proof do you have that she ever ceased to exist?"

"But I saw her die!" Ryan spoke with sudden indignation. "I was the one who drew the last stroke ..."

"Yes," he replied. "You saw her die." He turned to her, a flash within his countenance sinking Ryan's heart. "But what of the things you cannot see?" The Predire's gaze softened and his voice turned to expression of his old wisdom. "I believe your people have a saying, 'Do not judge a book by it's cover?'" Ryan nodded. "Then in this wisdom learn: You may burn the cover, yet the text remains unchanged." Ryan raised an eyebrow, it did not seem like the most logical of wisdom, but Emir continued. "Struer was powerful and had many followers. She is yet unconquered," he spoke, and then in even softer voice, "and we . . . are no longer."

A silence passed between them like it was a burgeoning river, stretching over it's banks until it could reach no more, then shrinking to crawl its carved path in solitude. Ryan did not look to the Predire, a hand rubbing a clasped fist in anxiety as she let it rest against her chin.

"I know of what you imply, Predire," she spoke to her hands.

"Understand, dear youth, it was not an implication," he replied sorrowfully.

"But you are a Predire now," Ryan disputed, looking to him and dropping her hands to her sides.

"It is but a title, Ryan. I am as mortal as ever before, and will remain so until I pass from this time."

"But the Predire are immortal!" she seemed eager to argue, sure that in someway, it would change what could not be undone.

"Yes, they were immortal, but," he went on to explain, "the chain is broken. Having lost one of their order, the Predire as they once were will diminish, though the duties of their callings will continue; and those who take their places will carry the name of the Predire, but none will be as the Predire." He frowned. "And my people will soon diminish, for we are lost with out them. We, the saviors,* will be no more."

It seemed now, like all the world had become backward and confused. In tears long held by stoic reassignment, Ryan grasped for the Predire Emir, and in a sorrowful smile he comforted the 'youth,' laying a fatherly kiss upon her head as she buried her face in the folds of his robe.

"But ah!" he chuckled in dismay, "I have distracted you from the true purpose of my visit."

Ryan quickly released the Predire, the tears vanishing without trace. "What is it?" she asked in strength.

"A note," he explained, pulling a device from within his robes. "From your father."

"My father? You saw him? Where?" she inquired, doing her best to hide her excitement.

The Predire smiled. "It is all explained within his note to you."

Ryan gazed up slowly. "Did he find my mother?"

"In the note," Emir gently reminded.

Ryan smiled; then in respect, bowed low with her hands placed palm up, one on top of the other, just below her bowed head. And in rising she said, "Thank you Predire." And softly to herself, "Thank you Emir."

Emir laughed his eyes and gem glowing vibrantly. "I did say it was a simple thing and easily forgiven, youth, but I do not recall advising nor implying that you make it a habit." He winked, and Ryan laughed.

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Chapter 12

Jaquelle sat at her office desk reviewing personnel files. It was 0800 hours the day after the family banquet. Her father had to leave late the night before and she had intentionally scheduled no appointments. She did not want to interfere with the family events of others. Besides, she knew that part of her duties would be to sit down periodically with the first officer and make performance reports for the captain and thought it would be a good time to record comments on her files for making decisions later.

Jaquelle also thought it would be good to assess if there were problems she needed to deal with those whose family did not attend. Jaquelle noted first that of the Senior Staff, only Lt. Stembridge's family had not come. They were scheduled to be a day or two late, but never did attend. In fact after Stembridge had received that message on a secure channel from Starfleet Command Intelligence he had made himself scarce the whole time.

(Maybe she needed to pay him a visit,) Jaquelle thought. Then she realized that she had not had much time to review his file as he had been reassigned in the middle of a mission.

"Computer, open file Stembridge, Ralph." The view screen in front of her showed a picture, Stembridge's name and rank, date of birth and not much else. Jaquelle realized that all she really knew about him was that he and Commander Ivanof did not exude warm feelings when dealing with each other. In fact there was always an icy demeanor between the two. Of course she also recalled that Commander Ivanof was not getting along well with Lt. McInnis or Lt. O'Roarke either.

(May be I should talk to Ivanof first), she thought, then realized that she might want to do more preparation when talking to the first officer.

"Computer, " she said. "Where is Lt. Stembridge?"

"Lt. Stembridge is in the Operations office," came the reply.

(Good) thought Jaquelle. (That should be a non threatening place to talk.)

{Operations Office}

The door to the operations office opened automatically as Jaquelle came to it. Inside the office was exceptionally clean with nothing even on the desk. Stembridge looked up as if he expected Jaquelle to come through the door.

"Good Morning Counselor," Stembridge said has he put down the PADD in his hand. "May I help you?"

"I just thought it was about time that I paid you a visit." Jaquelle said.

"Is this a professional or personal visit?" Stembridge said coolly.

"Well it is actually a bit of both. I am responsible for personnel reviews periodically along with Commander Ivanof." Jaquelle specifically used the Commander's name and sure enough she could sense Stembridge's disdain at just the mention of it. But she continued with out a beat. "And I make it a point not to judge a person without at least looking them in the eye and talking to them. But, I also never miss the chance to make a new friend," she added.

"Well Counselor, I suspect that you won't have to waste your time on personnel reviews for me," he reported.

"Lt. I don't know what has come between you and Commander Ivanof, but I have worked in the past with Captain Myst, and I find her to be very fair and formulate her own opinions, I am sure she will not let the Commander interfere..." Before she could finish, Stembridge could not hold his anger and interrupted her.

"Counselor, you may not know Captain Myst as well as you think, " he stated pointedly. "It seems that she lacks the ability to command on her own." Stembridge looked back down at his PADD. Jaquelle did not have to be an empath to know that she had been dismissed.

Jaquelle left the office. She hesitated at the turbo lift. It was clear that there was something going on more than just the disdain between the two men. She was not happy that this had not been brought to her by Captain Myst or Commander Ivanof. The problem was who to talk with first.

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Chapter 13

{Marina's family's quarters}

For the past two days Marina had been torn between being overjoyed at seeing her family and wishing they would leave. They were quite content to keep to themselves and only see her, but they wanted to spend all their time with her, talking and acting like they were at home instead of enjoying the pleasures the ship had to offer. Her mother, Margery, had kicked them out of the quarters a few moments before to give them a proper cleaning.

"Ma, the ship will clean it's self. You don't need to do anything. Relax, go do something fun," Marina had told her.

"You expect me to believe that a machine can do a better job cleaning up than good old fashioned elbow grease? BAH! Now go on with you, and leave me to my cleaning," she had said, shoving them out the door. Marina sighed.

"So, what shall we do now?" she said, turning to her family. She saw a familiar gleam in Jeorge's eye.

"Can we-" he started to say, but she cut him off.

"Go see Betsy? Sure. I wonder what the wee little porker has been up to anyway," she said, smiling indulgently. "Maybe we can take her to the holodeck to enjoy a program I have made of being back home on the farm. She can't be too comfortable in that cargo bay, all alone."

"Oh, but she isn't alone." Her sister Janice said. "Last night Da was so worried about her getting lonely he took a blanket down there and spent the night next to her stall. He spends most of his free time with her."

"Really now?" Marina said, raising an eyebrow and looking a Jeorge. "Has anyone ever told you that this borders on obsessive behavior?" she said, smiling. He grinned at her, and Nathaniel and Heath both rolled their eyes. They were used to his adoration for his prize pig. They all chatted calmly on their way down to the Cargo bay, with Jeorge showing more and more elation the closer they got. He entered the room before the rest, and Marina was just walking in the door when she heard him cry:

"Betsy! She's gone! Betsy!" He came hurrying towards her. "Betsy is missing, she is no where to be seen. She isn't in her pen!" He was terribly upset, wringing his hands, his twig thin frame bent with worry.

"Don't worry Jeorge, I am sure she is fine, we'll find her," Marina said, walking over to one of the consoles. "Computer, scan life signs on the ship for a Sus Scrofa Domestica." She said, giving Jeorge a quick wink. He smiled, slightly.

"I never thought Nate here teaching you all those scientific names for the animals would do you any good, but looks like it might," he said.

"No life signs matching the specified species are found on board," the computer informed them just then.

"Perhaps I spoke too soon," Jeorge said mournfully. "Where is my Betsy?" He looked ready to cry. Marina patted him on the shoulder and Janice walked over and gave him a hug. Sari, Jason, Nathaniel and Heath just stood back and watched.

"It's okay Papa," Janice said, "We'll find her, right?" She looked at the others who nodded in agreement. Marina took charge again.

"Okay, we need to go search for Betsy. Jeorge and I will check decks 3- 13, she couldn't have made it any farther up than that. Da, you and Janice take this deck and decks 34-42. Nathaniel, you and Sari take decks 24- 33. Jason, call Mum and get her to come with you to check decks 14-23. If they won't let you into a secured section, just ask them and explain what has happened. Okay? Let's find Betsy then," she said, taking the bereaved Jeorge's arm and leading him down the corridor to the turbo lifts.

{An hour later}

Marina and Jeorge were on deck 9, having checked all the above decks, and were entering the lounge when they over heard a piece of a conversation. An older Klingon was speaking to Lt. Travin.

"There are not many things I can say I enjoy about earth food, but Pork is one of them. It is a most interesting meat. Not the stuff your replicators make, but fresh meat, that is almost as good as fresh Gagh. I had some fresh Pork earlier today, it was delicious."

Jeorge looked up, a look of horror and anger crossing his face. Before Marina could stop him Jeorge marched angrily over to the Klingon and had turned him around.

"YOU KILLED HER!!! YOU MURDERER!!!!!" He screeched.

Momentarily surprised by Jeorge's actions, and haveing no clue to what the man was referring to since Trosk had killed a great many things in his life, Trosk just stared down at the small man now before him.

"WHAT are you yelling about?" he bellowed, intentionally louder than Jeorge had been. Rinali knew that if this had not been a Federation ship, Trosk probably would have done something quite different. The other Klingons in the area quickly approached the scene of evident hostility. Rinali stood and took up position next to Trosk to prevent any fighting.

"MY BETSY!" Jeorge screamed and then began poking Trosk in the chest in time with his words. "YOU MURDERED HER! YOU *ATE* HER!!!" By now Marina had caught up with him and pulled his arm back.

If Jeorge had not have touched Trosk, all the Klingons may have found it funny that a small, thin, quivering twig of a man that any one of them could snap in two with only one hand was practically challenging their leader. But what he did was an intentional invitation to fight. It seemed Jeorge knew that as well, for he raised his fists and took up a sloppy fighting stance.

"COME ON YOU-" Jeorge began. Marina cut him off before the insults began.

"Jeorge!" she said sharply.

Rinali had quietly placed a on Trosk, and he understood she was asking him not to fight. He held up a hand to stop the rest of his family from descending on the little man.

"What is going on, Lieutenant?" Rinali asked Marina. Marina easily held Jeorge back as she spoke.

"My father here brought his pet pig, Betsy, with him and about an hour ago we discovered she's gone missing." Marina was quite embarrassed by the explanation, but she refused to show it under the circumstances.

"He killed her! He ate her!!" Jeorge lamented from behind Marina.

Rinali looked from Marina to Jeorge, and then to Trosk. "Is this true?"

"How am I to know?" he replied with upraised hands. "I got the animal from a ship I had delivering it to the station this morning"

"There now, see?" Marina immediately said, turning to Jeorge in an attempt to calm him down. "That couldn't have been Betsy. She's been on the Griffin for the past two days, right?"

Jeorge narrowed his eyes at the Klingons before him and thought a moment. "Yes, that's true."

"Good then, we'll keep looking," Marina replied and began to "guide" him out of the lounge. "Very sorry to have bothered you," she said back to Trosk and Rinali, still worried about a confrontation until the doors of the lounge closed behind them.

{Engineering}

"What is that doing here?!" McInnis asked, appalled at what his Uncle had brought in tow with him into Engineering.

Mr. Scott looked up at his nephew. "I found this wee lit'l gal wanderin 'round the airlock in the station attached to the ship, scared as a farm mouse!" he explained. "Dinna want to leave 'er all alone. Thought perhaps you could do somethin for 'er."

"ME?" Scott said. He was in utter shock at the idea. (Of course me,) he thought, shaking his head. (That's all the respect I ever get.) "Very well," he replied with a heavy sigh. Then he tapped his communicator.

"McInnis to..." he began, and then realized he had no idea who to contact about something like this. "Counselor Daem." He finished. He figured she was the one who dealt with the most non-standard and non-ship related things.

"Daem here," his communicator replied.

"Counselor, we have a lost... creature of sorts here in Engineering. Could you kindly come and take care of it?"

"Her!" Mr. Scott corrected him. "She's a her."

"Her," Scott said, trying his best not to roll his eyes.

"On my way, Daem out" came the reply.

{Cargo bay 2}

The doors parted to reveal Jaquelle and Betsy on the other side. Jeorge was both relieved and ecstatic and see her again. He practically dove in his attempt to give her a hug.

"OH, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!" he exclaimed in Jaquelle's general direction.

"You're quite welcome," Jaquelle said and looked to Marina.

Marina looked on with a mix of horror and relief of her own.

Jaquelle smiled a smile of understanding and turned to the cargo bay attendant. "Perhaps we could get some better attention over the things being stored here? If she-" Jaquelle said pointing to Betsy "-was able to wonder out on her own, it seems likely anyone could wonder in and take things."

"Yes, sir," the young man replied. "Sorry-"

"That's alright," Jaquelle and Marina said together. They looked at each other and smiled.

"Thank you for bringing her back," Marina said. "How did you know?"

Jaquelle shook her head. "I didn't. I called around to quite a few departments before discovering that some family members had brought livestock with them that was being stored here."

(Oh great,) thought Marina (now *everyone* knows!) She sighed before thanking the Counselor one last time.

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Chapter 14

{Lt. Travin's Quarters}

Rinali watched like a nervous child having her room inspected as Trosk looked around her quarters. Her teacher's approval was invaluable to her and she wanted him to be pleased with every aspect of her life in Starfleet. Trosk nodded in approval at Rinali's spare furnishings and she began to relax a little.

"You are keeping up your exercises," Trosk said in a tone that meant a 'no' answer was not expected or welcome.

Rinali nodded. "Every day, unless my duties keep me away. Then I make up for it the next day."

"Good." Trosk sat down in one of the two chairs in Rinali's quarters. As she joined him, Rinali couldn't help but notice that it was taking him a little longer to move around and to get settled. It worried her, but she said nothing.

"Your staff is doing well," Trosk continued. "They have a ways to go before they are really up to standard."

"A lot of them are still new to Starfleet," Rinali agreed. "Since our encounter with the Goddard, they have a better idea of what their jobs really mean. Give them a few months; they will learn."

(Or be weeded out,) she thought to herself. Most of her staff was adapting admirably to the challenges of security on a special ops vessel. But there were a few who Rinali believed were in the wrong profession. If they didn't decide to leave on their own, Rinali would have to speak to them about it.

"The Cardassian though, what was his name?" Trosk was asking.

"Zosin."

"Yes. That one has potential."

"I like him too. He was invaluable during our last mission. Security would have fallen apart without him."

Rinali sighed a little and looked down.

"I'm beginning to think he should have been promoted instead of me."

Trosk took hold of her hand, his face stern.

"Starfleet does not hand out promotions without merit. I am told that you were able to restore order to the Goddard without any loss of life. I imagine that made some impression on your captain."

Rinali smiled. Trosk's approval made her promotion seem more official, more real. She knew she wouldn't worry about whether it had been warranted anymore.

"Has the man with the pig calmed down?" asked Trosk, changing the subject. Rinali smiled. Now that that particular dilemma was over, it did seem rather funny.

"He has his pig back," she responded. "Apparently, she was wandering around the airlock and no less a personage than Montgomery Scott found her. Which reminds me..."

She tapped her communicator.

"Travin to Edward."

"Edward here," the ensign's reply came. "What do you need, Lieutenant?"

"I need two men down to the cargo bay. See if they need any help keeping it secure. If they do, keep a rotating shift down there until further notice."

"Is there a problem?"

"Nothing worse than an escaped pig, but I want to see that it stays at that."

"Understood. Edward out."

Rinali turned her attention back to Trosk, who was looking thoughtful.

"He made quite a scene over the animal. Strange, being so concerned about something that will end up as food."

"They come from an agrarian society," Rinali explained. "Breeding an animal that big is a status symbol of sorts. And good business, since she will likely produce large offspring. She may even be a pet pig; I'm not sure."

Trosk grunted. If he understood, he clearly didn't think much of the arrangement.

"I wanted to thank you," said Rinali, "for not fighting with him."

Trosk shrugged. "Our family has long divided our attentions between the warrior arts and the business of trade. It is an old saying of ours, 'If you must deal with alien races, do not put aside your honor, but temper it with a sense of humor'."

Rinali grinned at this amusing advice and Trosk returned the grin.

"Were he a guest on my ship, I would have expected him to face the consequences of his challenge. But as we are both guests of Starfleet and your captain, I stayed my hand. Besides, you would have stopped me from attacking him."

"As if I could!" Rinali scoffed. Trosk's smile faded slightly and his eyes grew distant.

"I am not so certain of that anymore."

Rinali fell silent, struck dumb by the idea that Trosk would even imply that one of his pupils could possibly best him in combat.

"I have grown old." Trosk continued. Rinali shook her head and started to protest, but Trosk held up a hand.

"Do not lie to me out of pity. You do it badly anyway. I know that I am not far from death and I have no plans to meet it from any sickbed."

Rinali nodded. Trosk was a warrior and she had long known that he intended to die like one.

"As you may have already guessed," Trosk continued, "Arsu is barren. My son loves her and will not take another mate and I will not ask him to. Should they die, you shall be my next heir."

Rinali's mouth fell open and it was several moments before she could speak.

"B...but what about B'ros?" she asked.

Trosk's face grew dark.

"B'ros still lives in the shadow of his mother's dishonor. He is not welcome in our family."

Rinali stammered for another moment, searching for words to convey what she felt.

"jIquv," she said at last.*

"jIbel SoH, puqbe'" said Trosk.**

OFF:
* - "I am honored"

** - "I am pleased (with) you, daughter."

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Chapter 15

{Captain's Quarters}

Things were finally winding down from the week long family "vacation" on the Griffin. There was still another week before the ship would be getting underway for whatever mission Starfleet next saw fit to give them, but only a few family members were staying. Or rather, only a few compared to the masses that were on their way home from their visitations. The Griffin's crew needed this week to relax after all the hype and get back into the swing of things. And the ship would be undergoing final touch up repairs and testing.

Priscilla had just finished showering and ordered a steaming mug of tea. After the holo-adventure she and her sister spent five hours working through, she needed the relax time. It kept amazing her that after all these years Victoria still had the stamina of a teenager. She herself sure didn't.

(If you trained three or more times a week, you would too Cila,) Victoria thought to her sister. Priscilla shook her head with a small smile. Though Victoria couldn't see it, she felt the emotion, and smiled in return.

(I have a call to make,) Priscilla told her sister. (Torya, if you could please-)

(I'll stay out of the way,) Victoria agreed to her sister's request. She walked into the main room and gave her sister a tight hug. Then Victoria left the quarters. (I'm supposed to meet McInnis anyway.)

Priscilla smiled at that. She liked that her sister was finally getting close to someone. And while she knew it wasn't a romance, (At least not yet,) she corrected herself, it certainly seemed to be doing both her sister and her Chief Engineer a world of good. In each other they had finally found someone who understood how they operated and why. Someone they could talk to about everything they couldn't talk to anyone else about, though the case of these two that was almost exclusively advanced engineering concepts. They had even gotten comfortable around each other, if the habit McInnis had begun of calling Victoria "Tory" was any indication. Victoria would not have stood for such a 'girly' nick-name from anyone else. Priscilla could sense a possibility of something more happening between Scott and Victoria, but not if they were left to their own devices. She wondered if, or rather when, she should give her sister the push needed to get the two together in more than a professional way.

Priscilla shook her head with a soft smile, and stowed her thoughts before her sister began paying attention again. Then she went and sat at her desk in front of the console view screen, and tapped in a communication request. After a few moments a smiling face appeared.

"Hello Sweetheart," the man said, his smile carrying over to his voice. Priscilla smiled lovingly in return. "How are you?" he asked.

"After this week, better," she replied with a half content sigh.

"I'm sorry I couldn't be there," he said sympathetically.

"That's alright," Priscilla assured him. She momentarily looked away as she said: "Victoria's here."

"Yes, and of that I'm very glad. She's the only person other than myself I'd trust to take care of you in a time like this," he replied. Priscilla just nodded as she looked into the screen's representation of his eyes. She knew she must look sad to him, but she actually felt wistful. This was one of the few times in her life she found herself missing him, and the life they could have if they were together. His face turned to one of concern. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"Yes," she replied. "I'm sure."

"You're not very talkative. What's on your mind?"

"A dream I had... during the mission," she replied hesitantly.

"A dream?" he asked. Then realization hit him. "Oh! As in... your ideal..." his voice trailed off. His wife had a far off look in her eyes. He sat back patiently to wait for her to be ready to tell him, he wasn't going rush anything.

After a long silence, Priscilla placed her right elbow on the desk and her head in her hand. Her gaze returned to the present, to her husband.

"Alex?" she began.

"Yes my love?" he asked.

"When are we going to start having children?"

To say Alexander was surprised wasn't exactly and understatement. On some level he knew that question would be coming. But Priscilla knew his feelings on children, so he hadn't really expected it at this time in their careers. He nearly choked on his reply.

"Children?!"

"Yes...," she replied, his reaction to her question not fully registering through her memories of her dream. "When are we going to start a Family?"

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