Star Trek: Maverick_ RPG *Positions always open!*

[motom79]

*Ten Forward*

Cadet Kheyl: How was it like Rian? I mean being attacked by the Alien?
Cadet Freezal: Kheyl, you insensitive thwart let the girl be. She has been through enough.

[MooreSpino]

*Holodeck*

Lt. Barclay: S-sure... This way...

Reg takes Kezi's hand and leads her down a side road. They past many houses decorated for the Terran holiday of Christmas. Lights shone and glittered in rainbows on the snow. Eventually they stop at one house in particular. It was modestly sized but had at least twice the adornments of others in the neighborhood.

Lt. Barclay: T-this was the house I grew up in. My sister still lives here... Back on Earth, I mean. *watching the twinkling lights* I w-wonder if she put up the decorations yet...

[MooreSpino]

*Corridor*

Patton nods and continues down the hall with Sharpp following.

Capt. Patton: That's good... You wouldn't have anything to report, would you?

[motom79]

*Brig*

Lt. Li and Lt. cmdr. Shashar are preparing themselves for the investigation of the death of Cadet Pjort. Both men don't really know where to start, the death was unfortunate accident but all the same an official inquiring would most likely follow and it was to them to prove without a reasonable doubt that Lt. cmdr. Riddle had acted out of self preservation. But there was that small seed of doubt gnawing at the edge of their minds, was it really an accident? Was the teenager right about mister Riddle, did he have secrets or was it just crazy talk. Both men look at each other but didn't dare to speak their mind, an uncomfortable silence is finally broken by Lt. Li

Lt. Li: What do you think will happen to Lt. cmdr. Riddle?
Lt. cmdr. Shashar: I honestly don't know, it was an accident but seeing recent events things could get ugly for him.
Lt. Li: We should investigate the young man's quarters, see if we can find any clues to his erratic behavior.
Lt. cmdr. Shashar: Yes indeed, you think you can handle that task.
Lt. Li: Yessir.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Richie looked around Sickbay. Most of the remaining physicians were on the other side of the room and nobody was paying any attention...

Lt. Kimble: *whispering* Tara... You wanna blow this jumja stand and head back to your place...?

[motom79]

*Sickbay*

Lt. cmdr. sh'Raazh: gladly I can't stand sickbay, careful Richie let me help you.

Lt. cmdr. sh'Raazh would never admit this but she liked mothering her wounded lover. She gently helps him dress and helps him out of the biobed to sneak of.

[motom79]

((ooc: Mikoyo80 wanna help or lead the raid on Cadet's Pjorts quarters??))

[Mikoyo80]

*OOC* Why not? I think Raian's supposed to be resting though. Sorry anyway, hate writers block lol!

Cadet Pjorts Quarters

Although Raian was supposed to be resting, he found himself particiapting in a raid upon a cadets quarters. He had heard that he had been killed in the Brig although the details were unclear and everyone seemed to be confused. As he approached the door with the rest of his team, he noticed that it was locked and would need a command override. Whilst waiting for lt cmr Shashar to catch up, he tried the command codes he knew although for some reason they didn't seem to be working. Why would a cadets quarters be locked so tightly anyway?

Ensign Frasiers Quarters

Tiger approached her own quarters and sighed as the door opened with a hiss. It had been a long day and she was glad that her shift was finally over. As she appraoched the replicator, a rather angry looking cat approached slowly. His supper was late and this he did not tolerate as his Caitian owner knew. She smiled at the black and white as she replicated a feline supplement and a mug of hot cocoa for herself. Maybe now she could relax.

[motom79]

*Cadet Pjorts quarters*

Lt. Li and a team arrive at Pjorts quarters and see Ensign Zan fiddling at the locked door. Lt. Li grabs his phaser for the just in case.

Lt. Li: Ensign, what seems to be the problem?

Lt Li relaxes as he sees it is ensign Zan. Lt. Li had personally requested this young man because somebody with four lifetimes of experience as always an asset in the team. He lowers his phaser and walks towards the Ensign. He extends his hand.

Lt. Li: Sorry Ensign, with everything that happened lately I'm getting a bit paranoid.

((ooc: gotta call it a night, feel free to take limited control of Lt. Li if needed to move the story along or replace him with Lt. cmdr. Shashar))

[Mikoyo80]

*OOC* Ok. I'm going to bed about now anyway. G'night.

The ensign looked up and saw that it was lt Li, the man who had apparently requested him to join the team. He stood up and pulled out his own phaser, but lowered it upon the lietenant doing the same. As he did so, he gestured towards th door.

Ensign Zan: Don't worry about it sir. Seems the door's locked pretty tightly. I tried a manual override but it must need higher level clearance, which is odd for a cadets quarters. I've tried the ones I know, at least the for the Maverik as it goes without saying that the codes for the Athena don't work here. I did try them too though. Do you have them sir?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Holodeck*

Kezi follows Reg up the steps. She is both amazed and impressed by the detail in which he has captured his home town.

Kezi: You mean there is a version of her here?

*Corridor*

Sharpp had just recovered from a very unique situation, but he had no idea what the captain might want to know.

Sharpp: Oh... well, I'm not really sure what you mean, sir?

*Katian's Quarters*

Lennox stands by the window in his underwear. The lights are all out and he stares into space as he can hear the faint mewing of the kittens and the even fainter sound of Katian's breath. He had received the memo regarding the death of the cadet but decided to let Dr. Kerik handle the autopsy. He is aware of the racial implications involved in the case and wonders if the cadet managed to find out about Riddle's biological makeup. He hopes, for his sake, that this wasn't the case. Because in light of everything that has occurred recently, he knows they will nail Alex's bloodied carcass to the wall.

[MooreSpino]

*Corridor*

Capt. Patton: *rubbing the bridge of her nose* That's all right, Lieutenant. Just wanted to make sure there was nothing else to do before I turn in... If you don't mind my saying so, you even look better. *smiling* Keep it up and I'll have no choice but remove those restrictions...

*Holodeck*

Lt. Barclay: N-no... Rachel was actually very a-adament that I not recreate h-her... She hates holodecks...

Reg opened the door and the scent of cinnimon and pumpkin pie hit them. A fire was crackling in the hearth over which a trio of stockings were hung. A pine tree was set in the corner of the cozy living room, trimmed in red and green. A small smile lit up Reg's face.

Lt. Barclay: C-christmas was alway my favorite time of year. I think it was the only time m-my family was happy... Uh, I d-dont suppose you've celebrated it...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Holodeck*

Kezi warms her hands by the fire and admires the detail of the ornaments on the tree. It is really quite spectacular.

Kezi: No, we have a similar holiday on Vortika, though. Esh'mez K'rahk. It celebrates the birth of Vela, the first child of the great mother. From Vela's first menstrual blood, the Great Mother created her daughter a mate, Terak. Legend has it that Terak went on to be Vela's servant and companion, they started the Vorta race together. But Vela ended up killing and eating Terak in a fit of jealousy... anyway, in Es'mez K'rahk, families traditionally exchange gifts, play music, and participate in bloodletting, in the old days they practiced sacrifices. There is also a feast of berries.... and dancing, lots of dancing and berries. I'm talking too much, aren't I?

*Corridor*

Sharpp: *smiles* Have a good night, captain.

Sharpp keeps walking and ultimately decides to stop at his quarters before going to ten forward.

[MooreSpino]

*Holodeck*

Reg takes a poker from the stand and stokes the fire.

Lt. Barclay: N-no. I like listening to you... Es'mez K'rahk sounds a l-lot like Christmas... Without the s-sacrifices and bloodletting. We exchange presents a-and usually have a family dinner. On the night before, c-children leave letters t-to a man named Santa Clause telling him what they w-would like to have. If they've been good, they get it... *chuckles* It p-probably sounds silly.

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Holodeck*

Kezi: I don't think it sounds silly at all... every culture has its unique customs.

Kezi steps nearer to Reg and smiles as she studies his always bewildered expression.

Kezi: So, are there any human customs I should know about?

*Sharpp's Quarters*

Milo sits down on his bed and stares at the blank, gray wall. He finishes his only bottle of Romulan Ale, a gift from an admiral long ago and his perception is deeply altered. The sheets feel disgusting under his hands, even though he rarely ever slept there, he rarely slept period. Still, he has had an aversion to beds since childhood

So, he decides to do what comes naturally. He decides to destroy the damned piece of furniture and make some kind of use from it. He strips the fabric from the matress in one hailed flurry and rips apart the sheets. The metal is harder to take apart, so he replicates the necessary tools. Finally, when everything is reduced to scraps, he sorts the objects by texture. Metal, plastic, fluffy filling, synthetic cloth, natural cloth, all in strange piles around him.

It is then that he is struck with a most unusual impulse. He climbs over the mountains of debris to his dresser and opens a deep drawer, full of lots of worthless things like broken tricorders and lab equiptment he has been collecting since the industrial age. Finally, at the bottom of it all, he locates his camera. He dusts it off and turns it on and grins when he sees that it is still in working order. He brushes himself off as he walks to the door.

Sharpp: Computer, lights off.

[MooreSpino]

*Holodeck*

Lt. Barclay: W-well...

Reg looks up briefly, perhaps for divine advice, only to find a leafy green stem hanging over their heads. Of course his need for accuracy would come back to haunt him...

Lt. Barclay: You s-see that? *points upwards* That's misletoe. Traditionally, if y-you're standing under it w-with someone... You're suppose t-to kiss them...

Reg wondered if Kezi thought his face was permanetly red...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Holodeck*

Kezi is not one to argue with tradition, and seeing that Reg did not behave like most male humans, she decides to take the initiative and kisses him.

Kezi: I think I like human tradition... not nearly as much bloodletting or gorging ourselves on berries.

*Ten Forward*

Milo lurks in the back corner of ten forward with his tiny, hand held device. He looks through the lens, the whole camera is not much larger than a nail file and possesses a rather complex holographic display system and a 500x optical zoom. He looks around the room and begins snapping images at random. The Aenar waitress mixing drinks, the annoying Ensign Dudemeister trying to pick up women, a Vulcan couple discussing who knows what over a very plain meal, and three cadets gossiping about the recent death of their classmate. So many faces, expressions, angles. He takes photograph after photograph and no one even notices that he is there.

[MooreSpino]

*Holodeck*

Reg only smiles and kisses Kezi once again, caressing her cheek.

Lt. Barclay: *breathless* You... Are beautiful...

*Katian's Quarters*

Kati emerges from the bathroom draped in a silk robe. She stands by Lennox at the window and overlooks the starscape.

Katian: One thing about space travel, you always get a starry night... *smiles softly* Something on your mind, love?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Holodeck*

Kezi wraps her arms around the human in the thin, warm light of the fire.

Kezi: You are quite handsome... and a beautiful person as well I was serious about wanting to take you to Vortika some day, I hope I'm not being to forward.

*Katian's Quarters*

Lennox stares out of the window for another few fleeting moments before turning to Kati and realizing that he is standing around half naked. He decides to worry about dressing later, as there is nothing she hasn't seen at this point anyway, and contemplates just how much to reveal in his answer to her question.

Lennox: I am worried about Alex... he killed a cadet today, and there are some very serious implications involved.

*Ten Forward*

Milo continues to take photos when suddenly a young science officer with long blond hair and excessive makeup appears before him, grinning like an idiot.

Candy: Hi there camera man, you want to take some pictures of me?
Sharpp: Actually, I am taking pictures of everyone... which I would like to continue now if you don't mind.
Candy: Yeah, but these people aren't any fun, lets go back to my quarters... or yours, lieutenant.
Sharpp: Believe me, you do not want to see my quarters right now...
Candy: *bites her lip* but I can make it worth your while.

Candy somehow moves in under Sharpp's hyper vigilant radar and manages to get her hands on his shoulders, moving about like some kind of crazed Orion woman. She kisses him on the neck and Milo of course, jerks away from her in an anxiety fueled frenzy

Sharpp: Don't touch me!
Candy: Oh come on! Whens the last time you got laid, buddy? All I want is a good time!
Sharpp: Just leave me alone you crazy slut!

Candy scoffs and walks away, she can't understand why so many of the men on this ship play hard to get.

Milo watches as she makes her way down the line of the bar, hanging over every single male with a pulse. He is revolted by her behavior. Her lack of respect for others, her low standards and non existent social graces. He wonders if she bathes in between her little escapades or simply desires to contaminate the entire ship with her filth.

He shots several photos of her as she leaves ten forward with a drunken human, the engineer named Dudemeister. A ridiculous name for a despicable individual. She hangs all over him as he gropes at her like a bereaved animal. Disgusting.

So he follows them out the door shortly after and trails them through the hall, taking more pictures until they get onto a turbolift together.

[MooreSpino]

*Holodeck*

Lt. Barclay: You're not... I'd l-like to go with you.

Reg glances at the mantle clock and frowns.

Lt. Barclay: It's getting late... W-would you mind if I walked you back to your quarters...?

*Katian's Quarters*

Katian: How horrible... I couldn't see Mister Riddle killing anyone on purpose... He didn't did he?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Holodeck*

Kezi: I would like that very much.

*Katian's Quarters*

Lennox: No, I can not see him doing that... Its just that in light of everything involving the Romulans, I worry about him. The cadet was being held for a hate crime against a Romulan and... do not tell anyone I said any of this, but Alex is part Romulan... He lied about his genetic makeup all the way through his career in starfleet.

[MooreSpino]

*Katian's Quarters*

Katian: Of course... And if they find out, it will look bad on Alex...

Kati sighs heavily and walks closer to the window. The twinkling stars sparkled against the transparasteel.

Katian: 'From even the greatest horrors, irony is seldom absent...' And life is seldom fair to even the deserving... But Alex is a good person. He'll get through it. The Captain seems to be on his side...

*Holodeck*

Lt. Barclay: C-computer, end program.

The room disolves around them, taking the fire and snow with it. Reg once again takes Kezi's hand and gently leads her into the corridor...

[Mikoyo80]

*Corridor*

After a while of drinking cocoa and snuggling to her cat, Tiger had decided to take a walk to Ten-Forward as she fancied some fresh food before she went to bed. Replicator stuff just wasn't as filling and it often tasted like plastic whatever she said. As she exited the Turbo-Lift, she was practically blinded by the flash of a camera. When she recovered, she noticed the photographer (Sharpp) and flashed a wide grin as she spoke pleasantly with her usual touch of hyperness. She had noticed the couple entering the turbo lift behind her but thought little of it.

Ensign Frasier: Hey, snap happy! You coulda let me fix my hair first, tee hee.

[motom79]

Ensign Zan: Don't worry about it sir. Seems the door's locked pretty tightly. I tried a manual override but it must need higher level clearance, which is odd for a cadets quarters. I've tried the ones I know, at least the for the Maverik as it goes without saying that the codes for the Athena don't work here. I did try them too though. Do you have them sir?

Lt. Li: that indeed sounds strange computer open this door authorization Li Phi Kappa Lambda 54
Computer: Access denied
Lt Li: Dammit what is wrong now, I'm going to blast this door open, stand back people.

With a few well adjusted and controlled phaser burst Lt. Li finally manages to finally open the door. A horrible stench greets them, a young crewman begins to vomit as the foul stench begins to fill the corridor. Lt. Li holds his arm in front of his nose, the smell was all to familiar it was the stench of a decaying corpse.

Lt. Li: set your phaser to stun and keep your eyes and ears open

[Mikoyo80]

*Cadet Pjorts Quarters*

Raian crinkled his nose and turned to glance at the young crewman behind him. With a comforting pat on the shoulder, he entered and proceeded to look around the room with the others. The room reminded him of his own at the academy as clothes and other random possessions lay scattered in various places. He noticed the crewman of earlier standing outside but thought it best to leave him there. He also noticed that there had been signs of a struggle inside the room and he spotted a small patch of blood near the bathroom area. He held his phaser as he entered and stumbled straight back out. He resisted the urge to throw up himself as he addressed his senior officer.

Ensign Zan: S-sir. In the shower.

[motom79]

*Pjorts quarters*

Lt. Li looks at ensign Zan who had gone so pale his spots seemed to have disappeared. Lt. Li hesitates for a moment as he enters the bathroom. The stench is almost overwhelming but is nothing compared to the sight he is beholding. Blood is smeared everywhere and in the corner lays a mutilated headless body. The murderer had written profanities with the poor victims blood on the mirror. At first he doesn't spot the head until he trips over it. It's protruding eyes looking almost accusingly, it's mouth frozen in a horrible scream.

Lt. Li: Oh...

[Mikoyo80]

*Cadet Pjort's Quarters*

The young Trill contained himself enough to follow his superior officer, although he was the only one who had. The other who had entered with them had run at the sight of the mangled body and he could here her retching before calling Sickbay. He looked down and saw the head before reading what was on the mirrors. He noticed Lt Li paling and turned toward him.

Ensign Zan: Are you alright sir? Four lifetimes and I've never seen anything quite like this. The (gulps) body seems too badly decomposed to identify the race but it looks like a cadets uniform. There's so much blood though that I could be wrong. I don't think a teenager could have done this sir

[motom79]

*Pjort's Quarters*

Lt. Li steadies himself a little and takes a deep breath before answering.

Lt. Li: I don't know, lets get out of here for now there is nothing more we can do for him. I'm going to check his PADD's maybe they provide us some clues. Who was his roommate?

[Mikoyo80]

*Cadet Pjort's Quarters*

The ensign nodded and gladly left the room. He knew that sickbay had been alerted and he only hoped that they would send either the EMH or someone with a really strong stomach to recover the body. He didn't know anyone on the ship, never mind whose quarters was whose but there was one way he could find out.

Ensign Zan: Perhaps we should question the other cadets sir. Maybe they can tell us something? The poor soul's obviously been dead a while but no-one was reported missing, at least to my knowledge. Don't you find that odd?

[motom79]

*Cadet Pjort's quarters*

Lt. Li: I agree with your assessment, we should bring in all cadets for questioning. I'm putting you in charge of it, ensign Zan. I find this very queer indeed, ensign. I wonder how this didn't grab the attention from the ships security systems.

Lt. Li walks towards a personal computer he has to carefully sweep aside the clutter and begins hacking into the private life of Alex Pjort.

[Mikoyo80]

*Cadet Pjort's Quarters*

Raian shuddered at the thought but tried not to think about it too much. As the EMH materialised, he left the quarters and leaned on the wall outside. He waited for his commanding officer to join him before speaking again.

Ensign Zan: I think we should inform the captain. If this were my ship and there was a killing this horrific then I'd wanna know. Lt.Jg Diez informed Sickbay, who I imagine will perform a full autopsy of what's left and maybe with the aid of forensic officers can give us some answers. In the mean time I hope Ensign Dammers will be alright, he ran off in a hurry and looked whiter than a vortikan snowman. Who will be questioning the cadets sir?

[motom79]

*Pjort's quarters*

Lt. Li is shocked by what he finds in the young Cadet's personal files. Extensive biographies of several crew members and what appears to be a hit list. Also troubling is the fact that the young Cadet appeared to get his hands on several classified schematics of the Maverick. What the hell was this young pup doing?

Lt. Li: Ensign Zan, I want your opinion on this.

((ooc: Lt. Li put ensign Zan in charge))

[Mikoyo80]

*Cadet Pjort's Quarters*

Raian nods and takes the Padd from Lt Li. He scans the data and is also troubled by its contents. This was rather a lot of information for a single person to have been involved, let alone a cocky teenager. He realised that he had been put in charge of the investigation, something he was both glad and apprehensive over but it would be a good opportunity to prove himself. He shook his head as he looked back to the Bajoran officer.

Ensign Zan: It looks like this was carefully planned by someone. I'll need access to personnel and medical records, maybe they can tell us why these people were being targeted? Seems this goes a lot deeper than racist attacks upon Romulans and it was planned well before the recent events. I don't think the kid was working on his own though, if he was even responsible. I'll read up on Cadet Pjort and then question his classmates.

[motom79]

*Pjort's Quarters*

Lt. Li: My thoughts exactly, have you noticed his notes on the Mavericks schematics? We have to dig deep to uncover this mystery. I'm going to get in contact with some of my shady friends. I'm sure you'll do an excellent job Ensign.

LT. Li begins to wonder if Lt. cmdr. Riddle was set up to kill Cadet Pjort, but why?

[Mikoyo80]

*Cadet Pjort's Quarters*

The Trill nodded as he pondered these thoughts. What was the significance of the schematics and why had the cadet been acting so strangely? For all he knew though that could have been his normal behaviour although he was sure he'd find out when he questioned his classmates. He would first need to study the report of the earlier incident before he began questioning.

Ensign Zan: Good idea sir. Where's the best place for questioning? The last time I did something like this was in the captains ready room with Allis-I mean Captain Sharpp. That and the Brig but I don't think either are entirely appropriate in this case. I'll be in Ten-Forward for now looking through the report of the attack down there earlier.

[motom79]

*Pjort's Quarters*

Lt. Li: I suggest you use Lt. cmdr. Shashar's office. I'll inform the captain of our findings *taps combadge* Captain, I'm afraid I have more bad news we found a dead body in Cadet Pjort's quarters together with some very suspicious material on his personal computer. How do you want to proceed? Ensign I will join you shortly in Ten Forward.

[Mikoyo80]

*OOC* Gotta go, cya

*Ten Forward*

With a nod, Raian made his way to Ten-Forward and sat at an empty table in the far corner with the PADD containing their findings in Pjort's quarters. He ordered a black coffee but couldn't face eating after the horrific sight he had seen earlier. The more he studied the data the less sense it made. It would definately have been impossible for a cadet to get so much information, supporting the conclusion that perhaps he had been working for someone. First thing was first though, he would have to work out a connection between the listed personnel, as he was sure that there was nothing random about it. Second he would have to start the questioning to rule out or confirm the possibility of coercion in the cadets involvement in the case. It was possible that he had not been entirely responsible for his actions although for now this seemed a little far-fetched. He also failed to understand why the notes on The Maveriks schematics were so important or even relevant for that matter. He hoped it would all become clearer with a little more research.

[motom79]

*Pjort's quarters*

A team of forensic investigators begins to comb out the Cadet's quarters. Lt. Li feels sick, that image of the mangled mess in the bathroom will haunts his dreams forever. A young crewman approaches Lt. Li and trembles ever so slightly.

Crewman: Sir, I have the name of Cadet Pjort's roommate. It's Cadet Fouad El Maliki.
Lt. Li: Thank you, what department is this cadet assigned to?
Crewman: Experimental Psychology department Sir.

[MooreSpino]

Lt. Li: [I]*over comm* Captain, I'm afraid I have more bad news. We found a dead body in Cadet Pjort's quarters together with some very suspicious material on his personal computer. How do you want to proceed?
*Turbolift*

Capt. Patton: *taps combadge* Send the body to Sickbay for positive identification and go through the files, Lieutenant. I want the know if the Cadet was working alone or had connections with anything that has happend recently. I'll meet you somewhere to go over this... Computer, halt turbolift.

*Cadet Pjort's Quarters*

The EMH does a quick examination of the body. As of now, the identity was impossible to determine but cause of death was fairly obvious... Decapatation.

EMH: *taps combadge* Sickbay, I'll need a containment unit. Level four... And get the forensic scientist in here.

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Pjorts Quarters*

Lt. T'lei finishes recording the details of the scene and decides to approach Lt. Li.

T'lei: Sir, have the autopsy results for Cadet Pjort come in yet?

*Sharpps Quarters*

Milo sits in the middle of his floor, the image of Nurse Wyatt burning in his mind. What made a human being so shallow? So devoid of anything meaningful? There are predators in this galaxy, and she is one of them. Her tired serpent dance, feeding the illness, this ever existent need for flesh and self fulfillment. Candy is the type of person who enjoys using those weaker than her, she has no regard for their well being, or the well being of anybody but herself. Simple, sociopathic behavior.

He made prints of all of his photographs. He cut out all of the eyes and pasted them to the wall across from his bed. The rest he destroys, recycles them into the replicator system. But the eyes, they eyes can not be destroyed. There is something constantly fluid about them. All bloodshot and red and wild and alive. So together on the all they are one huge entity, ever vigilant.

He sits, tinkering with his camera. He had researched the case of the vulcan serial killer, Chu'lak on deep space nine. He used a device to view remotely, any area of the station. Milo, is working on a similar device for his camera so that he will not have to sneak around ten forward all day, waiting for that dreadful whore to make an appearence.

*Katian's Quarters*

Lennox: One could say that...
*over the comm* Dr. Kerik to Dr. Lennox, you are needed in sickbay. There has been another homicide.
Lennox: I'm on my way.

Lennox puts on his uniform, rather much in a hurry and stops by the bedroom to check on the kittens.

Lennox: I sometimes wonder if this isn't the Klingon barge of the dead.

*Outside of Kezi's Quarters*

Kezi: Thank you for a wonderful evening, Reg... you wouldn't care to join me for some tea, would you?
*over comm* This is Lt. T'lei to ensign Kezi, you are needed in crew quarters. Deck two, section twelve, room 18-B
Kezi: *frowns* I guess I have to go then...

[motom79]

*Pjort's Quarters*

Lt. Li: I'm afraid not Lt. T'lei. I must say when I signed up for duty on a space ship I didn't expect this. Any word on his roommate Cadet El Maliki, Lieutenant.

[MooreSpino]

*Outside of Kezi's Quarters*

Lt. Barclay: L-later, then... *smiles* I look f-forward to it.

*Katian's Quarters*

Katian: I'd hope not... *kisses Lennox on the cheek* Be careful, and I'll see you later, love.

*Cadet Pjort's Quarters*

Patton stepped off the turbolift and approached the officers.

Capt. Patton: Have you found anything yet, Lieutenant?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Pjorts Quarters*

T'lei: We have been unable to locate him so far.... I have an inclination that our corpse here is actually Cadet Pjort.

[motom79]

*Pjort's Quarter*

Lt. Li gives Lt. T'lei an inquisitive sorta look but before he can push the issue Captain Patton appears.

Lt. Li: Captain, I regret we always meet in such dire circumstances. We have found a mangled corpse in the bathroom and signs of a struggle. Ensign Zan is studying Cadets Pjort's personal files which are quite disturbing, several classified schematics were found and what appears to be a hit list. We are also planning to question every cadet on the Maverick about this matter, begining with his roommate a cadet El Maliki but I'm not excluding the possibility he is death ma'am.

Lt. Li wonders if the body they discovered isn't that of cadet El Maliki and what if Lt. T'lei was right. His head begins to spin.

[MooreSpino]

*Cadet Pjort's Quarters*

Capt. Patton: Of course... That's an acceptable plan, carry on. Has Sickbay reported yet?

[motom79]

*Cadet Pjort's Quarters*

Lt. Li: Not to my knowledge, captain.

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Pjorts Quarters*

T'lei: No, they havent.

Kezi walks into the room, she seems very very unhappy to be there.

Kezi: I have come to pick up the body, Lennox is waiting for us in the morgue.
*over the comm* Captain Patton... this is Alex. I am in your ready room, you better get up here... and bring security.

[MooreSpino]

*Cadet Pjort's Quarters*

EMH: Good, Ensign. Did you bring that containment unit I asked for? It'll be a mess, otherwise...

Capt. Patton: *taps combadge* I'm on my way... T'lei, your with me. Lieutenant Li, take care of things here... *marches back to the turbolift*

[motom79]

*Pjort's Quarters*

Lt. Li: Yes ma'am *turns to Ensign Kezi* Mind if I join the autopsy?

Lt. Li didn't have a weird fascination with the proceedings of an autopsy but for the sake of the investigation he wanted to monitor everything closely. He gulps when he sees the mangled corpse again but manages to keep his nerve. He had see horrible things but this must be one of the most gruesome crime scene he ever witnessed.

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Pjort's Quarters*

Kezi: Please do. *taps com badge* transporter room, we're ready.

Kezi, Li and the corpse shimmer out of existence and back into it again, in the morgue.

*Corridor*

T'lei is uncertain why Riddle is in the ready room, he isn't even supposed to be on duty.

T'lei: Do you have any idea what this is all about, captain? You and the science officer are quite close.

[MooreSpino]

*Turbolift*

Capt. Patton: No but I trust his judgement, Lieutenant. *to computer* Deck One, Bridge...

*Ready Room*

Patton and T'lei enter causiously, not knowing what to expect.

Capt. Patton: Alex...?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Ready Room*

Alex stands in front of the captains desk wearing a black Vulcan robe. In front of him, perched on the desk is the severed head of a young Hekaran male stares back at him.

Riddle: *pointing to the head* This is Cadet El Maliki.


OOC: For more information on the Hekaran. click here (http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Hekaran)

[MooreSpino]

*Ready Room*

Patton closes her eyes and turns away from the gruesome sight on her desk.

Capt. Patton: *taps combadge, slowly* Patton to Sickbay... I need the EMH in here...

Moments later, the hologram appears.

EMH: Please state the... Oh... Another one. The same purpertrator, I suppose...

He turns to the Captain for conformation, only to see the head door shut behind her.

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Ready Room*

Riddle just stares at the severed head. He's peaceful and he and the corpse are almost one.

Riddle: *calmly* I think the corpse is probably in the air duct. There seems to be poor ventilation to this side of the room.
T'lei: Lieutenant... you are on mandatory leave, why are you in here?
Riddle: I don't remember... I just sort of woke up here.

[motom79]

*Morgue*

Lt. Li is standing at the end of the room observing the proceedings, although he had see more than a hundred autopsies he could never get used to them. He closes his eyes for a brief moment and tries to think happier thoughts. His mind drifts of to Ensign Tahlandi, his young friend had turned into an attractive man. He soon buries that thought and focus his attention on the task at hand.

Lt. Li: So ensign Kezi were shall I stand, I don't want to interrupt your work.

[MooreSpino]

*Ready Room*

The EMH goes to the vent opening and pries off the cover. A headless body tumbles out at his feet.

EMH: What do you know? You were right, Lieutenant...

Patton reemerges from the restroom, absently wiping her mouth.

Capt. Patton: Mister Riddle... Follow me. T'lei, get somobdy in here to... Clean this up. Doctor, you know what to do with the body... *leaves quickly*

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Ready Room*

Alex gives the severed head one last long, hard look before following Sara into the observation lounge.

*Morgue*

Kezi: Anywhere is fine, Lt. Li, modern autopsies are not nearly as invasive as they are made out to be....
Lennox: This individual's DNA is denobulan... which explains a lot, because the corpse of what we thought to be Cadet Pjort was not.

*Observation Lounge*

Riddle stands in the observation lounge, staring out into open space. He is unsure what to say or do, but he can already sense the captains anger and frustration/

[motom79]

*Morgue*

The usually so composed Lt. Li is clearly shocked by the blunt statement of ensign Kezi. His dark complexion goes pale and as he addresses Kezi his voice trembles ever so slightly.

Lt. Li: Do you have a positive ID on the DNA of the other corpse Ensign?

[MooreSpino]

*Observation Lounge*

Patton focuses her gaze on the dull grey bulkhead opposite of the windows... And Riddle.

Capt. Patton: *restrained anger* You realize that if you can't give a damn good explanation as to what you were doing in my Ready Room with a severed head, Alex... I'm obligated to throw you in the Brig... *glaring at Riddle* So, let's hear it...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Observation Lounge*

Alex is calm, too calm. He clasps his hands behind his back and takes a deep breath. He can't remember how he ended up there, for all he knows, he could have killed the cadet.

Riddle: I was in a deep meditative state in my quarters.... and the next thing I remember is being in your ready room, staring at a severed head.... Sara, if I killed that cadet, wouldn't there be some indication of my doing so? Severing heads is messy business, and honestly, I had never even seen that kid before. But I understand if you must have me arrested. I know how this looks.... but please believe me, I am innocent.

*Morgue*

Kezi: No, I haven't. But, it possesses some similar genome markers to our genetically engineered vulcanoid....
Lennox: But why would the Romulans engineer someone to kill Romulans?
Kezi: Well, I am willing to wager that our corpse is either some kind of defective Ghost Order spy, or, the creation of one of their enemies.

[motom79]

*Morgue*

Lt Li: Or Daro is double crossing the Romulans, she is a typical Cardassian that way her credo is outlive your enemies and trust no one especially your friends and alleys.

[MooreSpino]

*Observation Lounge*

Capt. Patton: *quietly* I know, Alex... I know... This isn't something you would do...

Patton stands and requests a standard tricorder from the replicator. She runs the sensors over Riddle...

Capt. Patton: ...And there are no traces of blood on you. But there is one last piece of evidence I want to see... Computer, display security recording for the Ready Room, time index 0345. Authorzation Patton-Alpha-Seven.

The room's LCARS display switched from the Federation insignia to an image of the empty Ready Room.

Capt. Patton: Begin playback...

A tell-tale transporter beam energized over the desk, leaving behind the head. A short moment later, a figure in a dark robe, Riddle, materalized in a standing position only to collaspe to the floor.

Capt. Patton: Stop playback. *to Riddle* See? You wern't even in the room. That's why you can't remember goig there, someone brought you there...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Morgue*

Lennox: That sounds like the Daro I remember.
Kezi: Sounds like a real charmer... so, we have another body to add to the mystery list for the time being.

*Observation Lounge*

Riddle: Yes... but why? What is the purpose?

[motom79]

*Morgue*

Lt Li: Daro is the reason why I came aboard the Maverick I've been trying to catch that woman for five years now and bring her to justice but she seems to have more lives than a cat.

*Crew Quarters*

Ensign Tahlandi is reading Pride and Prejudiced by Jane Austen and doesn't notices that somebody has entered his quarters. A towering figure with a large kitchen knife approaches the young man.

[MooreSpino]

*Observation Lounge*

Capt. Patton: A frame job... Whoever it was knew what happened in the Brig, and used that to their advantage. Damn shame we're not that gulliable.*taps combadge* Lieutenant Shashar to the Observation Lounge.. *to Riddle, small smile* You know I never thought any of this was your doing...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Morgue*

Lennox: I believe that is all the information we can currently collect from this corpse. It seems that his official cause of death was blood loss.
Kezi: Now its time for the severed head...

*Observation Lounge*

Riddle: You have no idea how glad I am to hear that, Sara... thank you.

[motom79]

*Crew Quarters*

PO Tigan enters his quarters and sees a shadowy figure hanging over an unaware Tahlandi with a large knife, ready to take the plonge. PO Tigan shouts distracting the figure and alerting Tahlandi. The young ensign narrowly avoids being stabbed as he dives under his bed. Before the two men have time to react the shadow figure disappears in transport beam.

PO Tigan: Security please report to crewquarters on deck seven we just been attacked. Are you okay Rann?
Tahlandi: *a little shaken* Yes I'm fine, thank you.

[MooreSpino]

*Observation Lounge*

Lt. Shashar: *coming in, saluting* Captain, Lieutenant Riddle...

Capt. Patton: Lieutenant, security footage proves Riddle's innocence. He was transported in.

Lt. Shashar: Transported? *nods* Aye, Sir. I'll go over the transporter logs...

Capt. Patton: I want more than that, Mister Shashar. The ship goes on high alert, Security patrols on each deck. Chek every person coming and going off this ship. Also, scan the ship for any controband weapons and explosives.

Lt. Shashar: Aye, Sir... *turns and leaves*

Patton sighed and sat in a chair, rubbing her forehead.

Capt. Patton: Computer, time...

Computer: *beep* The Time Is 0428.

[motom79]

((ooc: goodnight))

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Observation Lounge*

A moment later, Lt. T'lei enters the observation lounge.

T'lei: Captain, I need to question Lt. Riddle.

Alex reluctantly follows T'lei out of the observation lounge, still somewhat in a state of shock.

A voice appears from the shadows as the doors close behind them.


Voice: I really don't know what you see in him, Sara. I hate all of those pointy eared bastards, they have no sense of humor.

A man walks out of the corner and grins at the captain.

[MooreSpino]

*Observation Lounge*

Patton stands slowly and faces the man.

Capt. Patton: *confused* Theo...? What the hell are you doing here...?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Observation Lounge*

Theo: Surprise! Aren't you happy to see me? You look positively glowing! How far along did you say you were? You know, it would be a pity if anything happened to that little half vulcan mutt you have growing it there.

[MooreSpino]

*Observation Lounge*

Sara instictivly placed a hand over her stomach.

Capt. Patton: *tapping combadge* Security to Observation Lounge. *angry* What do you want, Theo...?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Observation Lounge*

Theo: Oh, they can't hear you... That Alex, he's something, isn't he? I don't get it though, Sara, vulcans are terrible in bed, so passionless. Unless of course, they are actually Romulans in disguise. Tell me, Sara, did you like how I redecorated your office? I know how fond you are of the color red.

[MooreSpino]

*Observation Lounge*

Capt. Patton: Not really... You're advoiding my questions, Bennet. I always hated when you did that...

Mentally she was screaming for Alex, or anybody, to come back. Theo Bennet was never quite the safest person to be around...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Observation Lounge*


Theo: After you left me, I defected to the ghost order. I thought they were more moralistic, had the potential for more power. But I was wrong. They sent me here to try to get to you, that was my orders for this mission. But me and a couple of others got tired of the order and went on our own mission... I hate those damned Romulans, and you are sleeping with the enemy, pookie! This is personal.

Theo pulls the captain out of the chair and kisses her forcefully and rips her shirt.

Theo: *coldly* I guess you were right about me after all...

[MooreSpino]

*Observation Lounge*

Capt. Patton: *snarling* Guess I was...

Patton shrugged her arms out of his grip and mamaged to smash her elbow into his chest before running towards the door. It was locked and she collided into it. Sara spun back around to face Theo. She wasn't afraid of a fight... But never fought pregnant before...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Ready Room*

The corpse is gone and T'lei questions Riddle in her typical vulcan manner.

T'lei: Do you remember seeing anything unusual-

Riddle senses something from Sara, fear, danger. He instinctively acts.

Riddle: The captain's in trouble! Do something!
T'lei: Calm down lieutenant or we will have to restrain you.

Too late, Alex grabs T'lei's gun and shoots the lock on the door to the observation lab.

T'lei tries to catch him, but hes too fast and runs into the room and shoots Theo in the back as he attacks Sara, leaving him stunned in the floor. He runs up and hugs Sara, phaser still in hand.

Riddle: My god! Sara, are you alright?

[MooreSpino]

*Observation Lounge*

Sara leans into Alex's arms. She was shaking uncontrollably and on the verge of tears.

Capt. Patton: Alex... Oh, god, Alex... *closes her eyes, swallows* I'm not hurt... But, I think he was sent here to kill me...

[spiderviveka_SC]

An hour later...

*Sickbay*

Lennox takes the vital signs of the sedated Theo Bennett while Riddle and the captain speak to security chief Shashar in the corner of the room.

Shashar: Captain, we are figuratively tearing the ship apart looking for evidence, for whoever this person is working with.
Riddle: No offense sir, but that hasn't gotten us very far up to now. That bastard murdered two cadets and mounted them like trophies! He was hiding in the captains own ready room, he could have killed her too!

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Capt. Patton: *sternly* Alex... Keep it up, Mister Shashar. I doubt Bennett could have made it onboard, used the transporters and remained hidden without any trace. If I had a guess... He had inside help. Theo was always resourceful... *closes her eyes*

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Shashar: Aye sir, I need to go speak to Lt. T'lei, excuse me.

Riddle and Patton stand silently for a moment before Alex's curiosity finally gets to him.

Riddle: Sara, to be blunt, who is this psychopath? Why was he trying to harm you?

Sharpp wanders into sickbay, shaking of the last spell as what he has come to know as "radio static" in his mind. Its been there ever since the romulan attack, and thats it.No colorful bugs of clouds of purple smoke, just static. He can't tell if he has been fixed or damaged even worse. Still, he hopes his new love for photography can be of help to this investigation. He has already taken one thousand, two hundred and fourteen photos of Candy Wyatt. He feel certain that if there is anyone on this ship lacking scrupels enough to sell out to terrorists... or whatever these people were, its her.

Still, he knows he can't propose this evidence without looking like a complete maniac, and perhaps he is. But that is a debate for another day, right now he needs to speak with someone, to do something. He can feel the eyes all around him in the walls, he can almost taste the acrid flesh of the aliens in the walls. Its all so nearly tangible, but lacking so completely in actual evidence.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Sara is unfocused and is staring at the floor.

Capt. Patton: I knew him from my days as First Officer on the Stargazer. We were... Intimate. But he was unstable, a risk taker. I broke it off, he was angry. He left the ship and I haven't heard anything of him since... *takes a deep breath* In the Lounge, Theo told me he joined the Ghost Order and his mission was to get to me. He and a few others went against the Romulans and made their own mission plan... He's the one who put the body in the Ready Room... And he threatened our daughter...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

This sort of thing makes Alex wonder why women who get involved with mentally ill maniacs also get involved with him. His former flame, Natasha, had been involved with a two year abusive relationship before they got together. The guy ended up breaking half her ribs and putting her in a coma before they finally were separated. His highschool girlfriend, Amy's ex stalked him and left dead animals in his wall locker on the regular basis. He hopes this doesn't keep happening.

The last time he questioned a prisoner, they ended up with a crushed throat and in the morgue. And, once again he finds him self being surged with anger as he thinks about what he tried to do to Sara.

Riddle: We'll find who else is responsible for all of this, I promise you... I will not let anyone hurt you Sara.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Sara nods slowly as a single tear escapes.

Capt. Patton: *sniffling* I'm sorry, Alex... I'm just tired... *smiles weakly* Thank you. I know you'll be there for me...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Alex wraps his arms around Sara. For a woman who always seemed towering and powerful to him, she suddenly seems so weak and fragile.

Theo jerks against his restraints and looks up at the two standing at the opposite end of the room.

Theo: You really make a cute couple...*cackles* its a shame I'll have to sever that bastard child from your womb and feed it to your beloved little Romulan boyfriend while he watches you bleed to death in the floor!
Riddle:*charges towards the biobed* I will rip your beating heart from your chest and jam it down your throat, you pathetic excuse of a human!

Riddle would kill Theo right then and there, but Verrik and Vieth hold him back. Theo justs laughs as Alex fights to get to him with all of his stregnth.

Theo: I didn't get a chance to f*** your girlfriend in the observatory, but believe me I will! How could I forget a piece of ass like Sara-

This thought is interrupted by the sudden injection of sedatives into the subjects throat. Lennox glances apologetically for letting the patient regain consciousness.

Lennox:*to Riddle and Patton* I am sorry about that... perhaps you two should leave sickbay for the time being.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Capt. Patton: Of course... Thank you, Doctor...

Sara wraps her arms around herself and the tear in her uniform and numbly walks out of Sickbay. She's vaguely aware of Alex following her...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Corridor*

All Riddle found himself wondering was, "What the hell was Sara thinking when she dated this guy?" Still, he cares greatly for her, he is just at a bit of a loss for what to do at this specific moment.

Riddle: Sara... Sara, wait... I am just so sorry for... for everything.

[MooreSpino]

*Corridor*

Sara stops and waits for Alex to catch up. She gives him a small, tired smile.

Capt. Patton: Its not your fault, Alex... *pauses* Theo wasn't always that bad... But that was along time ago and he's obvisouly changed... *shakes her head* ...And i really don't feel like talking about it right now...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Corridor*

Riddle: No... me neither. Where are you going, anyway?

[MooreSpino]

*Corridor*

Capt. Patton: Normally after a day like this, for a stiff drink. But tonight I'll settle for some tea in my quarters... I could use some company... If its not to forward...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Corridor*

Riddle: I was hoping you would say that....

[MooreSpino]

*Captain's Quarters*

Capt. Patton: Computer, lights.

The room was the same since the last time, but Sara looked around in case another ex was hiding in the shadows. Not that it mattered... Alex was here, she felt safe around him.

She noticed how the billowing black robe conceiled the slim, muscular frame he had... And the color reflected the handsome sharp angles of his face. Sara realized she was staring and looked away for a second.

Capt. Patton: So... Can I get you something to drink...?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Captains Quarters*

Alex sits down in the main room and stares at the floor and then back at Sara.

Riddle: No... no, just talk to me, please. Its been a difficult week... for all of us.

[MooreSpino]

*Captain's Quarters*

Capt. Patton: *sitting beside Riddle* Sure...

Sara absently takes one of his hands and begins to rub each knuckle. She isn't in much of a talking mood, but is willing if it'll help Alex...

Capt. Patton: Is there anything in particular?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Captains Quarters*

Riddle: No... not really.

Alex stares at Sara's hand working over his own. There is a long silence, a space void of any real thought. Then, he acts impulsively, something he has been doing a lot lately. He kisses Sara rather passionately and then simply stops.

Riddle: Sorry, I have been wanting to do that for a while....

[MooreSpino]

*Captain's Quarters*

Capt. Patton: So have I...

Sara took Alex's head into her hands and gently pulled him into another passionate kiss. She let her lips linger and rested her forehead on his.

Capt. Patton: *half-lidded, breathless* I think I'm in love...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Captains Quarters*

Riddle: I'm glad I'm not the only one...

Alex pulls Sara closer to him as he leans back and blindly fumbles to remove her shredded tunic.

[MooreSpino]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Reg was clad in a pair of pajamma pants and dozing lightly on his bed. The door chime went off. He snorted in his sleep, drug himself to his bed, and shuffled to the door.

Lt. Barclay: *yawns* C-come in...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Kezi: Wake up, sleepy head!

The Vorta appears in front of Reg's bed with a handful of very strange, luminescent purple flowers.

Kezi: Sorry for bothering you Reg, I just can't be alone right now...

[MooreSpino]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Reg blinked at the new light and the cheery voice.

Lt. Barclay: It's no p-problem... Pretty flowers...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Barclays Quarters*

Kezi: They're a hybrid I've been working on... I'm glad you approve.

Kezi replicates a glass of water and puts the flowers in it and sets them on a shelf. When she is done, she sits on the edge of his bed.

Kezi: Thanks so much, Reg...

[MooreSpino]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Reg moves to sit next to her. He has the urge to wrap his arms around her, but ignores it.

Lt. Barclay: For what?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Kezi: For randomly showing up at you door in the middle of the night with flowers? Its just that... there have been so many murders. Its hard to deal with, they're just kids, you know. Autopsy after autopsy, corpse after corpse. Its almost like living in a war zone... Like during the occupation again.

[MooreSpino]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Lt. Barclay: I'm s-sorry its like that...

This time he goes with his feelings and puts one arm around her.

Lt. Barclay: If I could... I'd c-change for you... I don't w-want you to be sad, Kezi...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Kezi: Well, I'm just glad you're here... I already am feeling better. *kisses him*

*Sharpp's Quarters*

Milo sits on the metal frame of a chair chair that he stripped of upholstery. He peers through the green eyepiece of his headset, scanning through the crew quarters. Candy is actually sleeping alone for once.

He watches as Kezi kisses Barclay and the two embrace, and quickly changes the settings of his device. The last thing he wants to see is Lt. Broccoli have an all too intimate moment with the color me perky corpse collector.

[MooreSpino]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Reg relaxes into the kiss, even going so far as to wrapping both arms around her waist, before realizing he had a woman in his bed, in the middle of the night, kissing him.

Lt. Barclay: *pulling away* W-wait... A-are you s-sure you want t-to do this...? I m-mean... I don't w-want you t-to regret anyth-thing... *looking down*

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Kezi: Oh for the love of... Of course I want to do this! We Vorta women are known for being quite decisive in these matters! *grins* Now kiss me!

[MooreSpino]

*Barclay's Quarters*

The tone of her voice startled him into complying. He readjusted into the position they had before he interrupted, only he felt Kezi pushing him on his back...

Lt. Barclay: *in between kisses* Oh, m-my...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Storage Locker*

Milo lurks through a storage locker. The lives of his shipmates was too stifling. Everyone was sleeping, working, eating, or mating. None of which he wanted to see. He decides he needs something new. He decides he needs...

"Storage containers.... and lots of them. These will definitely correct my karma. I need lots and lots of storage containers."

[MooreSpino]

*Storage Locker*

M'Ress was absorbed in her report PADD and she took graceful steps into the Storage Locker. She had planned ot check weapons supplies when she noticed that the regular cheks had been negliected. Immeadetly, she sent a report to the surperiors and went to correct the oversight. There was an old Caitain saying, 'If you want something done correctly, you must do it yourself.'

Entering, a strange scent reached her nose. Someone was in there all ready...

Cmdr. M'Ress: *growliing* Show yourrself!

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Storage Room*

Milo is startled by the sudden voice and trips and falls against a rather old metal barrel. A piece of loose metal snags skin and rips a huge gash into his hand and arm. He stumbles into the light, dripping blood everywhere and rather confused, but ignoring his injury.

Sharpp: What the hell are you doing here? You scared the hell out of me!

[MooreSpino]

*Storage Locker*

Cmdr. M'Ress: Do you always speak to your superiorrs in such a mannerr...? *seeing the blood* You arre injurred. *taps combadge* Computerr, activate Emergency Medical Hologrram.

EMH: *shimmering to life* Please state the nature of the medical emergency.

Cmdr. M'Ress: *pointing to Sharpp* This officerr has rrecieved a large gash to his arrm. Trreat him.

EMH: All right... But a please wouldn't kill you... *to Sharpp* Let me see your arm, Lieutenant...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Storage Locker*

Milo looks down and realizes that he is bleeding profusely.

Sharpp: *calmly* Thats not good... i wonder if i severed my radial artery.

[MooreSpino]

*Storage Locker*

The hologram pulls out his ever ready tricorder and begins scanning.

EMH: No, but you knicked it. Hold your arm out straight and still... Yes, just like that...

He next pulls out a dermal regenerator and begins closing the wound. M'Ress flattens her ears and her tail flicks nervously. Watching medical treatments were never a favorite of hers.

Cmdr. M'Ress: I shall rreturrn at a laterr time to--

The lights flicker in the room as an odd wrring sound comes from the door mechasnism. Backup lights turn on soon after.

EMH: *somewhat nervously* What was that?

Cmdr. M'Ress: It sounded like a powerr surrge...

She approached the door but it refused to budge.

Cmdr. M'Ress: *growling* The doorr is malfunctioning...

[motom79]

*Security*

PO Tigan and Ensign Tahlandi are sitting in security both are shaken but fine. The last hours they have questioned and probed about why somebody would want to attack Tahlandi. Nor ensign Tahlandi or PO Tigan had a satisfactory answer to that question.

Lt. cmdr. Shashar: The ship and starbase 194 are placed on high alert and all crew quarters are being monitored. You two can back to your quarters I assigned an extra security team, just in case your visitor decides to show up again.
Ensign Tahlandi: Thank you, Sir.

[spiderviveka_SC]

OOC: Good Night!

*Storage Room*

Sharpp: For a carnivore... you certainly are squeamish- For christs sake, are you done yet, hologram?

Milo jerks his arm away and scowels at the EMH.

Sharpp: Ever have to dig through the guts of fifteen of your comrades just to hide from a damned drone with a vendetta? Theres a reason that I only eat clear, tasteless food suppliments... but you, a feline cant even stomach a little blood! I'm the herbevore here, but does it bother me? No...

[MooreSpino]

*Storage Locker*

M'Ress hissed at the human's slander. Her hackles rose as she barred her fangs.

Cmdr M'Ress: How darre you insult me! *growling* Perrhaps you would find it more acceptiable if gut you herre and now...

With a wrist flick, M'Ress unsheathed her claws and took a step towards Sharpp. The EMH quickly stepped between them as a makeshift barrier.

EMH: Now, now Commander... I'm sure Mister Sharpp didn't mean that... *whispering over his shoulder to Sharpp* Don't provoke her! I can only patch you up so much... *nervous chuckle* Perhaps I could go to Engineering and retrieve someone to fix the doors.

Cmdr. M'Ress: *snorting, resheathes her claws* Please do...

The EMH nods and stands straight. For a moment he flickers, but remains in the room.

EMH: Heh heh... *clears his throat* Computer, deactivate EMH.

Computer: *wirring* Un... Abllleee Ttttooo... Compllllyyy....

[motom79]

*Sickbay*

CPO Saron is steering as she is tittering between a wake and dreamlike state. Her vital signs begin to peek and with a violent thrust she sit up, bold right. Her face is filled with panic as she franticly clutches at the air.

CPO Saron: *panic filled voice* Help, I can't see what's happening where am I?

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Dr. Kerrik abandoned the PADD he was working on and went to Saron's biobed. He places a hand on her shoulder to ease her back.

Dr. Kerrik: Calm yourself, Officer. You are in Sickbay.

[motom79]

*Sickbay*

CPO Saron turns to the voice with a mixture of panic and confusion.

CPO Saron: Why am I in sickbay, why can't I see. Please what's happening to my.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Dr. Kerrik: You were admitted due to... Complications with an alien lifeform's telepathy. It specifically effected your Vulcan genetics and damaged your visual cortex. We will not know the full extent until given a chance to run medical tests...

[motom79]

*Sickbay*

CPO Saron: *blankly* I don't remember any of it, I can't seem to remember the last few days doctor. Please do whatever you have to do.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Dr. Kerrik: Memory loss has been common amongst those effected. Neither do I remember much of the past days... But your life sighns are stable, we will begin immeadetly.

Kerrik helped Saron sit up and walk to an optometrist dianogstics console.

Dr. Kerrik: Please sit here and lean your head forward until your chin reaches the bar... Very good. Doctor Rii, you have expertist in optometry. Please assist me.

[motom79]

*Sickbay*

CPO Saron does what she's been told, the initial panic reaction has subsided and she has regained her Vulcan cool. But underneath her now calm exterior is a war raging, bubbles of almost uncontrollable anger are clawing their way up. As she places her head into the optometrist diagnostics console she lets out a low growl.

CPO Saron: don't patronize me doctor, I'm in control of my emotions.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Dr. Kerrik: I am not one for 'patronizing,' Saron. I was mearly letting you know you have reached the desired position.

Dr. Rii came over and set the machine for the appropriate scans.

Dr. Rii: Now, Miss Saron. Please keep still and hold your eyes open...

A bright bluish light shone from the machine, bathing Saron and the doctors in its glow.

[motom79]

*Sickbay*

CPO Saron: My sincere apologizes doctor, my Klingon side got the better of my. My memory loss and blindness feel like a great dishonor.

CPO Saron doesn't notice the strong light at all and wonders what is going on but sit and waits patiently for the doctors to begin their examination.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Dr. Kerrik: No apologies are necessary.

Dr. Rii: *pointing to the readout* What do you make of this? It seems extensive...

Dr. Kerrik: ...But repairble. A tribute to your resilant genetics, Saron. With regenarative thearpy, your sight should return to almost normal. There will be some residual vision loss, but nothing too extreme.

[motom79]

*Sickbay*

CPO Saron: *sighs with relief* how extensive will the damage be doctor.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Dr. Rii: Hmm... With this information, I could estimate only a seven to twelve percent loss in visual accuity. *smiling* Nothing that will keep you out of work. We can begin in the morning, and the treatments will only last for a week. Then I would reccomend some simple eye excercises to strenghen the muscles, they tend to lose elasticty with the treatmens. Anything else you'd like to know?

[motom79]

*Sickbay*

CPO Saron: Only who is responsible for this *said with a very aggressive undertone*

[motom79]

*Ten Forward*

Ensign Amador walks towards Ensign Zan. The Trill officer has a look of deep concentration on his face.

Ensign Amador: Do you need some assistance?

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Dr. Rii: Well... We're not entirely sure. It was a genetically engineered telepathic Vulcanoid who was hellbent on killing all the other Vulcanoids on board...

Dr. Kerrik: ...But it has since died, releasing everyone from its effects.

Dr. Rii: Yes, quite...

[motom79]

*Sickbay*

CPO Saron: Do you mean I'm the only one who has residual after effects? Why me is it because of my physiology?

[Mikoyo80]

Ten-Forward

Raian frowned slightly as he poured over the data. He had decided to hold of questioning the cadets until he could narrow down the personnel who would have access to the ships schematics when he was addressed by his fellow ensign. He stood up and flashed a small smile.

Ensign Zan: No thanks, I was just leaving anyway.

As he stood up and entered the corridor, he tapped his comm badge as he walked towards the security section in order to access certain files.

Ensign Zan: Ensign Zan to Lt Li. Do we have any updates on our situation?

[motom79]

*Lt. Li's quarters*

Lt. Li: Yes ensign and I'm afraid it's not good. The corpse we found belonged to Cadet Pjort and his roommate has been found death in the Captain's lounge. The man that was accidentally killed by Lt. cmdr. Riddle was an impostor. If you are going to question the cadets I want a medical team present to verify their DNA, at this moment I don't wanna exclude any possibilities.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Dr. Rii: Your guess is as good as ours...

Dr. Kerrik: Actually, Doctor, I have done research into the Klingon brain and I can almost gurantee that Saron's unique physiology is the cause. A Vulcan/Klingon hybrid is, needless to say, rare in itself. It also creates a rare brain chemistry. Its all really quite fasinating in that...

Dr. Rii: I'll save us from the long version. Due to your Klingon genes, Saron, the Vulcanoid effected your brain differently than others. Mainly focusing on your visual cortex.

Dr. Kerrik: *frowning* I was about to say that.

Dr. Rii: *smirking* I'm sure...

[Mikoyo80]

*Corridor*

The ensign grimaced at the news. It certainly wasn't what he had wanted to hear. Perhaps it would be prudent to prioritise the questioning and thought that it would be best to get under way as soon as possible.

Ensign Zan: Understood sir, I'll start questioning the the cadets and everyone on the list. We should see if they know why someone would want to harm them. now. Zan out. (Taps comm badge again) Zan to Sickbay, I need a medical team to report to Lt Cmr Shashars office.

He then notices ensign Amador and decided that he will need his help after all.

Ensign Zan: Ensign Amador, is that offer still open? I need someone to find out who would have access to the ships schematics. I'm pretty sure that this was at least partially an inside job and I need to narrow down the suspects.

With that he made his way to the office of his superior officer to make preparations.

[motom79]

*Corridor*

Ensign Amador: What about Ensign Odan, she was cut red handed in the Shittu's quarters and tried to blow herself up. She is a likely suspect but so far questioning her has yielded nothing. But We can give it another shot before she gets transfered. What I don't understand is why parade the bodies like that, why not simply dispose of the evidence?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Lennox emerges from his office to find Dr. Kerrik and Dr. Rii speaking with CPO Saron. He decides to join them.

Lennox: Hello Saron, doctors... Have their been any changes in the Chief Petty Officer's condition?

*Storage Locker*

Sharpp:So... we're trapped? And you can't do any of your neat little hologram tricks... what a shame. I suppose we will be forced to cannibalize each other, there is nothing in these containers but isoliniar rods, which is precisely why they are so ideal for correcting ones karma.

*Barclay's Corners*

Kezi sits at Barclay's comm panel. He is currently sleeping and she has failed to put her clothes back on, because she feels she does her best work while naked. Unfortunately that usually wasn't possible during autopsies. She analyzes the results of the autopsies for the two cadets and the imposter. Indeed she agrees that the fake Cadet Pjort was similar in design to the telepath, but how long had he been there? The files in Pjorts computer dated back for years, but his corpse was not nearly that old when found in the bathroom of his quarters. When did this trade off of beings occur?

Neelix jumps on the table and obscures Kezi's view of the monitor. But, she decides to pick up the fluffy white cat and carry him to the replicator. She is in desperate need of something to drink, and he is in desperate need of a kitty treat.

[Mikoyo80]

*Corridor*

Ensign Zan: Hmmm, that doesn't make sense but I suppose the door of Cadet Pjort's quarters was securely locked. the other body had been stuffed in the captains lounge. I've just recently been transferred here and don't know much of the events here, how long has Ensign Odan been in the brig? It is possible that at least one these murders could have been commited before her incarceration. Still, she may know something but I don't think she'll talk. I met her briefly earlier today and lets just say the first impressions weren't very good. Do you know when she's due to be transferred? I have to take care of something else first. Odan...where have I heard that name before? Is the Ensign joined by any chance?

[MooreSpino]

*Storage Locker*

Both the EMH and M'Ress gave Sharpp a strange look.

Cmdr. M'Ress: *ears flatening, lowly* I would say we starrt with the Lieutenant...

EMH: There's no need to resort to cannibalizing each other. Though I'm doubtful of the nutritional value of photons...

The joke illicited no response.

EMH: Well, has anyone besides me think to attempt to try the communications system...?

Cmdr. M'Ress: *growling* The Storrage Lockerrs arre shielded. Both frrom transporterr beams--

EMH: *sourly* --And communications. Thats quite a security risk...

*Sickbay*

Dr. Rii: Doctor Lennox... As of right now, she is technally blind...

Dr. Kerrik: But the damage is reversable.

[motom79]

*Sickbay*

CPO Saron: Besides the fact I can't remember the last few days and that I'm temporarily blind I doing very well *said in dry Vulcan manner with a hint of sarcasm*

*Lt. Li's quarters*

Li is drinking his fifth cup of Raktajino when his door chimes.

Lt. Li: Yes who is it
Ensign Tahlandi: It's my Rann, I wanna talk to you
Lt. Li: come in Rann.

Ensign Tahlandi enters the room looking edgy and slightly terrified.

Lt. Li: What's wrong Rann?
Ensign Tahlandi: Can I stay with you tonight, I just don't feel like going to my quarters.
Lt. Li: Sure, you are always welcome.

Lt. Li walks over to Ensign Tahlandi unsure what is wrong with his friend. He takes his hand and pinches a little as to say if you wanna talk I'm here and then the two men's eyes lock together for a brief moment. The young ensign feels the butterflies fluttering in his stomach and his cheeks redding as Li's hand softly brushes a lost eyelash away form his face


Lt. Li: Are you familiar with the old earth costume that if you blow away this eyelash you may make a wish.
Ensign Tahlandi: I thought you didn't belief in tradition *smiling*
Lt. Li: Things change

[motom79]

((ooc: Ensign Odan could be joined, it's entirely up to you Mikoyo80))

*Corridor*

Ensign Amador: *shrugging* I have no idea

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Storage Room*

Sharpp: Are caitians always so irritable, or is it a charming quality unique to you?

Sharpp attempts to assuage the anxiety regarding his impending doom with a rather weak attempt at humor. But, no one else ever finds his humor amusing, and their silence and glares just makes things worse. There is nothing that Milo can seem to do to chase away the images flooding his mind of starving to death in a storage locker, or being ripped apart by an overgrown kitten with an attitude problem, all while that damned grinning hologram laughs and tells even worse jokes than usual.

Sharpp:*to a storage container* ...But I could think of worse deaths... i always assumed I would either be murdered or commit suicide. How do you deal with it, Mr. Milford Cubicle? You stay locked up in here all day.

*Sickbay*

Lennox clasps his hands together and smiles his almost too perfect, android smile.

Lennox: Excellent! That it is reversible I mean, It is not excellent that she is blind.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Rii tries to hold back a snicker.

Dr. Kerrik: Of course, Doctor...

*Storage Locker*

EMH: Uh, Lieutenant... Maybe I should adminster an antiseptic to your arm...

He brought the dermal regenerator back up and continued healing the gash. M'Ress ignores the insane statement and began searching for salvation from Sharpp.

Cmdr. M'Ress: *prowling the small space* Therre must be a Jefferries Tube access... Orr at least a ventilation porrt...

[motom79]

((ooc: goodnight))

[spiderviveka_SC]

OOC: Good Night Motom

*Storage Room*

Sharpp: You should consider meditation Miss Kitty... but I prefer the company of storage containers, they are great for my karma.

[Mikoyo80]

*OOC* It's goonight from me too.

*Corridor*

There was a small shake of the head from the Trill as he acknowledged his fellow ensigns reply.

Ensign Zan: No, of course you don't. Not that it was relevant anyway, guess I was just thinking out loud. Carry on.

Raian then continued on his way to Lt Cmr Shashar's office while wondering who to question first. He noticed that the list was in no particular order, as in not listed by name or rank, but he thought that they should be safe with security stepped up as it had been. He entered the office to find the medical team already present along with the cadets, each one looking more bored or even scared than the last. He decided to start with Cadet Woods and called the Caitian into his temporary office.

[MooreSpino]

(((OOC: Night to our friends across the pond! :howdy: )))

*Storage Locker*

With a roar that sounded like jaguar, M'Ress lept across the space and pinned Sharpp against the wall.

Cmdr. M'Ress: *growling, fangs barred* You will rrefrrain frrom comparring me to a Terran feline!

EMH: Commander, I don't--

Cmdr. M'Ress: Slience, Hologrram! *snarrling at Sharpp* Do I make myself clearr...?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Storage Locker*

Milo smirks, parltly amused and partly terrified. He isn't sure if he should obey her or provoke her.

Sharpp: *sarcastically* Aye aye, captain! So is this some kind of Caitian mating ritual, or do you actually intend to kill me? Either way...

[MooreSpino]

*Storage Locker*

The statement confused M'Ress. Her nose wrinkled as she retracted the claws imbedded in Sharpp's uniform.

Cmdr. M'Ress: You are bold, Human... But very foolish. *growls, drops Sharpp to the floor* You would do well not to begin a mating rritual with a Caitain woman... You would not live to see morrning.

EMH: *rolls eyes, to himself* For the love of all that is sane... Will someone please rescue me all ready?!

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Storage Locker*

Sharpp slides to the floor and rubs his shoulder, looking up at the angry Caitian.

Sharpp: *laughing* I don't want to start a mating ritual with any woman at the moment... but I think you and the doc here would be perfect for each other, its hard to kill a hologram. Nope, I prefer the company of Milford Cubicle and his friends here, sex is just so... messy.

Sharpp stands up and climbs on top of a pike of storage containers, inspecting the ceiling thoroughly.

Sharpp: What we need is... cotton balls, lots of 'em.

[MooreSpino]

*Storage Locker*

Cmdr. M'Ress: *grumbling* Crrazy fool...

EMH: *looking up at Sharpp* And how would cotton balls help here?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Storage*

Sharpp: Well... they probably wouldn't, really. But they do feel nice, and are quite versatile. The things you can make from them and a healthy amount of saliva is simply limitless.

[MooreSpino]

*Storage Room*

EMH: *frowning* Mister Sharpp, considering you behavior, I'd suggest you come down from there...

Cmdr. M'Ress: You idiot! *snarling loudly* I will shrread you when you step foot on the grround!

EMH: *looking at M'Ress* On second thought... Just stay there...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Storage Room*

Milo starts singing a strange earth song while scaling the tops of the storage container , looking for something.

Sharpp: *sings* A late april day and it's sunny outside and a red little girl's at the top of a slide and an an orange old man at the bottom wants to take her for a RIIIIIDE! as she slips and she tumbles the orange man mumbles, pennies crash down from the SKYYYYY!, and he tells her he'll take her away where it's safe, and of course it is a LIEEEEEEEEE!!! .... Eureka! Here it is!

Milo manages to crack open one of the containers and starts digging through it maddly.

Sharpp: It's got to be around here somewhere...

[MooreSpino]

*Storage Locker*

EMH: What? A Engineering kit? Some methond to communicate with someone?

Cmdr. M'Ress: *protecting her ears from the singing* If it is cotton balls, I will kill him...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Storage Room*

Sharpp: A medical kit!

Sharpp jumps down from the storage container and narrowly escapes falling straing on his ass during his landing. He opens the kit and removes the bag of sterile cotton swabs and a small saudering tool before sliding it in the direction of the feline.

Sharpp: So, Miss Kitty, think you can use any of your excellent command training to get us out of here using nothing but a med kit? And don't even think about harming my cotton balls! They are weak and defenseless against the likes of you!

[MooreSpino]

*Storage Room*

The EMH looked to be on the edge of annoyance and amusement. M'Ress was just annoyed.

EMH: Well, 'Miss Kitty?' You could use that to rewire the circutry...

Cmdr. M'Ress: *flattening her ears, lowly* We shall see...

She picks up the soddering tool and pries off a matience cover...

*Starbase 194 Promanade*

Ensign Joran: Look out! Coming through! Somebody stop that crazy thing!

The small purple creature was not sure why the Yellow Man was chasing it, but it knew to stay away from him. He and others like him had already threw stinging lights at it and tried to throw nets on it. They were trying to hurt it.

The Yellow Man flew at the creature, but unlike it, did not have wings. It jumped over the Yellow Man and up to the top of a plant. The Yellow Man instead crashed into the others like him. The purple creature laughed at this before flying to the upper levels.

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Storage Room*

Sharpp: Unless of course... you just want to spend more time with me and Milford and the girls. *holds up a handful of cotton balls and laughs* Its up to you, i can already feel my Karma being re-aligned.

*Starbase 194 Promanade*

Cadet Rian and Lt. Cmdr. Chase walk through the promanade. They can not show any public affection, as this would likely cause serious implications, but they still enjoy their respective jumja sticks.

Rian: Father is not pleased with our relationship.
Chase: *nearly choking* You told him about us!
Rian: Naturally, there is nothing he can do. I am an adult.
Chase: You're sixteen!
Rian: You didn't seem concerned about that last night when-

Rian's thoughts are interrupted by Ensign Joran chasing a rather strange looking, winged reptilian creature. She and Chase stop in their path and conversation and watch in amusement.

[MooreSpino]

*Starbase 194 Promanade*

The creature hid among strange smelling boxes as more of the Yellow People went by. They had followed it ever since he had broke the door to the 'bad place...'

Something blocked its way out. Another human. This one was smaller than the Yellow Man and didn't seem to be looking for it, so he remained still. The new human began speaking to another being in a soft, sweet voice... It was remined of the Kind One who was with him during the hatching...

Another Yellow Man approached its hiding place. There was nowhere to go except the way it came...

*Storage Locker*

The EMH leaned closer to M'Ress as she worked.

EMH: *whispering* Work faster...

Cmdr. M'Ress: *growling* I could if you would sedate him...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Storage Locker*

Sharpp sits in the floor and arranges his cotton balls in a military style formation as he sings to himself, all the verses of "the twelve days of christmas." M'ress works on cracking the door and her growling seems louder by the minute.

then, the door opens, Ensign Dudemeister stands, looking in the storage locker, rather dumbfounded.

Dudemeister: What are you guys doing in here? There was a power surge in this section, you could have all gotten trapped!

[MooreSpino]

*Storage Locker*

M'Ress leaps to her feet and brushes past Dudemeister without a word.

EMH: Actually, we were... Thank you for coming to the rescue, Ensign. *leaves*

Ensign Dudemeister: Uh... Sure... *to Sharpp, still dumbfounded* What are you doing...?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Storage Locker*

Milo looks up at Dudemeister, annoyed.

Sharpp: Shhhhhhhh! You are disrupting the cosmic order of their personal energy field!

He proceeds to scoop up all of the cotton balls and walks out the door. Often times, he isn't even sure what he's talking about, but it feels right and it keeps people from wanting to come too close. Thats where the real danger is, in trust.

[MooreSpino]

*Storage Locker*

Ensign Dudemeister: Weird little freak...

*Barclay's Quarters*

Reg turned over, expecting the warmth of Kezi... Only to find a pillow. He sat up and clumzily pulled on his sleeping bottoms then walked into the main living room. The thought that she had left afterwards was running through his thoughts...

When he came across a nude Kezi stroking Neelix on the couch.

Lt. Barclay: Oh... *blushing*

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Kezi looks up, surprised.

Kezi: Oh, hi Reg. I couldn't sleep, so Neelix is just keeping me company.

[MooreSpino]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Lt. Barclay: Oh... T-that's okay... *gulps, diverts his eyes* D-did you loose your cl-clothes?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Kezi: Oh! I'm sorry, I'm not trying to embarass you or anything...

Kezi gets up and walks to the bedroom where she pulls on her pants and bra and walks back into the living room.

Kezi: I just spend most of my alone time naked... probably just another sociological difference, *laughs* So, did you get any sleep?

[MooreSpino]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Lt. Barclay: Y-yes... Until I discovered you w-were missing...

Even afterwards, Reg can't help but feel intimidated by this gourgeous creature before him. So he mearly lowers his head and puts his arms behind his back.

Lt. Barclay: *quietly* You're very s-soothing...

*Turbolift*

The human female had stopped walking. The creature poked its head out of the bag she was carrying. The new place smelt like a lot of different people. Suddenly the wall moved, the female continued walking through the new opening. Curiosty got the best of the creature, and when it was sure she would not noticed, hopped out and scurried away...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Kezi walks nearer to him and sort of smiles. No one had ever said anything quite like that to her before. She puts her hand to his chin so he looks her in the eyes.

Kezi: Then perhaps I am working in the wrong field. But of course, you are far too charming and sweet to spend all of your time in the company of computers.

[MooreSpino]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Lt. Barclay: S-sometimes, I think computers understand me better t-than real people... *smirking* At l-least until I met you...

Reginald takes her hand in his and places a gentle kiss on the inside of her wrist.

*Sickbay*

The creature found that the Blue Ones were kinder than the Yellow. It followed one to a large room with many more people. The creature ducked behind a large nest-like thing as a pair of Blue Ones walked by. It slowly followed the edge of the room, watching what the people were doing. It finally reached a smaller room where many fuzzy animals were kept. Like the Bad Place... It shuddered and turned to run.

Until something caught its eye. Some of the fuzzy animals were glowing! The creature always liked shiny things, so he crept closer... It purred and put its claws on the glass as it watched the fuzzy things run around...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Kezi: So! I want to know everything about you, backwards, in chronological order! *smiles* But really, I do want to learn more about you. Everything.

*Sickbay*

Verrik feeds the Tellerite sand raptors when he looks across the room and sees what, initially looks like a large fluttering, purple insect. His antennae lay flat across his head and his heart flutters with terror.

Verrik: Gaahhhhhh! What the hell is that!

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

The creature looked up at the Extra-Blue Man as he yelled and screeched in response. It scurried father into the room and wedged itself between the cages. By now, many of the other fuzzy animals were also yelling. What had it done to anger everyone?

It tried to run farther, but its wings had gotten stuck on two metal bars. The creature cried louder. It was afraid to get caught again!

*Barclay's Quarters*

Lt. Barclay: Ok-kay... I c-could try.

He took her hand and sat on the couch. Reg had no clue where to begin...

Lt. Barclay: Before my t-transfer here, I was working on the Pathfinder Project. Our objective after Voyager's r-return was to establish peremant contact with t-the Delta Quadrent. *frowns* I had an idea to use deep space p-probes to strengthen the connection we used with V-voyager... But it didn't work out and they threw me off the project...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Lennox hears the noise from the storage room and decides to investigate. He see's
his andorian nurse cowering in the corner.

Lennox: Verrik, what is going on in here?
Verrik: A giant bug!

Lennox hears something struggling to move behind the cages. He approaches it cautiously and when he gets there, he sees some fleshy, terrified, winged purple thing, trying desperately to escape.

"Shhhhh... I won't hurt you."

Lennox reaches in and untangles its wings from the cage.

*Barclays Quarters*

Kezi: I read about that... I thought it was a good idea. Its hardly your fault that the Ferengi are a bunch of moral less, thieving trolls. What about your family?

[MooreSpino]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Lt. Barclay: Well... I've m-mentioned my sister R-rachel and cousin Frank... My parents are d-dead. I do have an Aunt Elane t-that lives in New Berlin, but w-we're not on speaking terms s-since my last visit... Neelix destroyed her d-doll collection.

Reg reached down and absently petted the cat in question.

Lt. Barclay: *smirking* We b-both thought they were ugly... But that's about it f-for me. You said Vorta families were multi-generational... D-do you have a big faimly?

*Sickbay*

The creature hissed at the Pale One. It jumped away from his hand and into a corner, spreading its wings to make it look bigger. In reality, it was only the size of an housecat and the shade of purple was hardly threating...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Lennox raises an eyebrow and looks at the strange organism.

Lennox: *to Verrik* It doesn't look like a bug to me... Any idea where it came from?
Verrik: None.

*Barclays Quarters*

Kezi laughs as Reg tells the story about his cat.

Kezi: I'm the youngest of seven, four surviving. The others were killed during the occupation along with my father. But my mom, two sisters, two brothers, three aunts, four uncles- and their spouses, twenty cousins, twelve female, eight male, and their children.... and of course the Matriarch- my grandmother.

There is a brief silence and Kezi takes Reg's hand.

[MooreSpino]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Lt. Barclay: *blinking* Er... T-that's a lot... And there all b-back on Vortika?

*Sickbay*

The creature snorted at the Pale One. He wasn't afraid, therefore wouldn't leave it alone. But the other one...

It charged past the Extra-Blue One and was rewarded not only with a way out but a satisfying squeal. More Blue Ones had gathered at the entrance but scattered at it's appearence. It became disorented at the chaos... Until it spotted her.

The creature bounded toward the female and leapt up into her arms. It began to purr and nuzzle into her warmth.

Katian: *holding the creature* Um... Lennox...?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Lennox: Hello Katian, do you know this organism? It has been terrorizing my nursing staff...

*Barclay's Quarters*

Kezi: Everyone but my twin brother, Reich. He works in the bio-engineering department.... Do you miss them? Your parents?

[MooreSpino]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Reg's eyes become unfocused for a moment.

Lt. Barclay: S-sometimes... *sighs* All the time... T-they passed away when I was eight... M-my sister was a legal adult and t-took care of me... *trails off*

*Sickbay*

Causiously, Katian held the purple creature at eye level. It looked for all the universe to be a minature dragon. It gave a happy squeak and wagged its tail not unlike a Terran cannine.

Katian: No... What is it?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Lennox: It looks like a lizard... But I really have no idea, Sharpp is the head of the exo-biology department. I wonder why it is so cooperative with you.


*Barclay's Quarters*

Kezi gives a knowing look to Reg as she tries to think of something reassuring to say. Her father had died when she was young too... he bled to death in her arms. Early versions of Jem H'dar soldiers were the ones behind the attack. More cruel and vengeful than their later decedents. They also butchered three of her siblings that day, including Marik, her eight month old brother. She watched the whole thing with horror from some secret hiding spot in a snow covered tree, holding on to Reich. She was only ten at the time.

Kezi: I'm so sorry Reg.... My dad and brother and two sisters were killed when I was ten. But I was so glad to have my brother there for me, family can really make all the difference at times like that.

[MooreSpino]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Reg released his hand from hers and ran it over his face.

Lt. Barclay: I'm s-sure it can be... *pauses* Rachel was bitter w-when she took me in. she had planned to go to Starfleet Academy t-that year... But good 'ole Auntie Elane c-convinced her that blood was thicker t-than water. Rachel hated me e-ever since... I s-still love her and she me... But I g-guess there are some things that can't b-be forgiven...

*Sickbay*

Lennox approached Katian and the lizard, only to have it hiss at him. Kati shushed it then scratched behind its creast.

Katian: He doesn't seem to like you... *smiles coyly* I guess Doctor Dolittle can't win them all.

The attention earned Kati another purr.

Katian: He is a cute little guy...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Perhaps this is how Katian feels about his spiders... but tarantulas don't fly around and attack his nursing staff.

Lennox: Since when do reptiles purr?

At this moment. Lt. Sharpp walks into sickbay and gives a strange but appraising look to the reptile.

Sharpp: What the hell is that?
Lennox: We were hoping you could clarify that.


*Barclay's Quarters*

Kezi puts her hand on the space between his shoulder and neck, trying to be comforting.

Kezi: Why would she hate you? It wasn't your fault, you were just a kid...

[MooreSpino]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Lt. Barclay: Supposidly... I r-ruined her career...

Reg leaned back into the touch and sighed.

Lt. Barclay: It d-doesn't matter... She b-became a teacher, got m-married, and is happier that she's e-ever been...

*Sickbay*

Katian: Reptiles are cold-blooded. He seems pretty warm to me...

The creature looked over at the whoosh of opening doors. It tilted its head, much like a curious bird, and pondered over the New Blue Man. Deciding he was no threat it left the embrace of the Kind One and stood at his feet, looking up at him with a curious growl.

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Sharpp looks down at the strange animal and it looks straight back at him.

Sharpp: Well... the term "cold blooded" is highly misleading. Reptiles, insects, fish, and other ectotherms simply possess a more complex metabolism than endotherms. And though an ectotherm's body temperature can drop greatly in colder environments, they have warm body temperatures most the time... there really isn't anything "cold" about them. They can even suffer hypothermia.

*Barclay's Quarters*

Kezi: *softly* Well... it wasn't your fault, if she thinks it is, she is sadly mistaken.... I am just so glad you're here.

[MooreSpino]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Lt. Barclay: Thank you... I'm g-glad to be here with you...

Reg leaned in with the intent of a peck on the cheek but gave in to impulse and kissed Kezi full on the lips.

*Sickbay*

Katian: My expertice is limited in this subject, Milo... But he doesn't seem reptillan. Not in the way he moves or his body posture...

The New Blue One stared at it and it stared back. He had funny things covering his eyes. The creature could almost see itself in them. Wanting a closer look at the reflective surface, it took flight and hovered in front of New Blue One's face.

EMH: *reappearing in behind Sharpp* Does anyone realize how big this ship is? It would have taken forever walking back-- What is that?

The creature was startled by a human coming out of thin air and hissed at him.

EMH: *sourly* Hello to you, too...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Sharpp: Well, it is an alien, and not one I am familiar with. There are billions of different species of lower animals in this sector alone. So, I am not really sure how a reptile is supposed to move.... But, for all we know, it could be another "Ghost Order" spy. Or it could be an alien dragon... thingy. If you want a definitive answer, let me run some tests.

Milo isn't an arrogant person. He isn't vain or self righteous... but he can not stand civilians with no scientific background who try to tell him about biology. He holds several degrees in the area, he was a straight A student in the academy, despite his psychological problems, science is his passion and life. He considers Katian a friend, but she, a bar tender, was trying to tell him that he was wrong, simply by looking at a specimen? How dare she!


*Barclay's Quarters*

Kezi smiles mischievously, she is quite happy that Reg has decided to take some initiative in his life by actually kissing her. He was actually acting the way humans are supposed to act, according to stereotypes and statistics, at least.

Kezi: Thats the spirit!

[motom79]

*OOC* It's goonight from me too.

*Corridor*

There was a small shake of the head from the Trill as he acknowledged his fellow ensigns reply.

Ensign Zan: No, of course you don't. Not that it was relevant anyway, guess I was just thinking out loud. Carry on.

Raian then continued on his way to Lt Cmr Shashar's office while wondering who to question first. He noticed that the list was in no particular order, as in not listed by name or rank, but he thought that they should be safe with security stepped up as it had been. He entered the office to find the medical team already present along with the cadets, each one looking more bored or even scared than the last. He decided to start with Cadet Woods and called the Caitian into his temporary office.

Cadet Woods enters the office looking resembling a scared Terran Cat, his ears lay flat on his head and he made himself small. He stands there his yellow eyes fixed on the ensign Zan's face accompanied by a nervous purring.

Cadet Woods: Sir?

[MooreSpino]

*Barclay's Quarters*

Reg blinked at Kezi's declariation, but the confusion melted into a smile.

Lt. Barclay: T-thanks... Y'know, this dating thing isn't t-that difficult, after all...

*Sickbay*

Katian: Of course, Milo... *looking up* If you can catch him...

The creature decided that if they can appear anywhere out of empty space, it'd be a good idea to stay out of their reach. It was now buzzing around the room. The Blue Ones, mostly female, were ducking when it was overhead, thought it was careful to stay well above.

EMH: *rolling his eyes* Why was it even allowed free reign? Computer, containment field Level Four...

The creature was now examining a circular part of the big room when the air began to crackle. It tried to leave the area but hit an invisible wall. It tried going lower, but it was everywhere. And it stung! Angry, the creature growled and released a bolt of fire, which colided with the invisible wall with a crackle.

Katian: My gods... *moving closer to Lennox* It really is a dragon...

*Captain's Quarters*

Computer: *beep* Incoming Message For Captain Patton. *beep* Incoming Message For--

Capt. Patton: Computer, route message to personal terminal...

The computer gave a confirming beep as Patton stood from the couch with her tea. She accessed the terminal and was greeted by the image of a woman in a Scince uniform and lab coat.

Dr. Belzer: *over comm* Captain Patton. I'm Doctor Leia Belzer, head of 'Base 194 Biological Labs. I'm afraid we have a situation...

*Strageic Ops*

M'Ress was still fuming from her experience with the fool Sharpp, but there was still a job to be done.

Cmdr. M'Ress: *tapping combadge* Commanderr M'Ress to Lieutenant Li... I have your 'rresults' for yourr Enginerrring assignment. Shall I send it to you?

*sh'Raazh's Quarters*

Richie wanted badly to turn on his side, but that damn phaser burn stung if he even thought about moving.

Lt. Kimble: Tara... as much as I enjoy your company, Imzadi... *groaning* Maybe I shouldn't have left Sickbay...

[motom79]

*Lt Li's quarters*

Lt. Li: *groggy* Yes, please Ma'am.

Lt. Li gently realizes himself of Tahlandi's embrace and puts on some clothes as he walks towards his computer. He rubs the sleep out of his eyes before sitting at his workstation.

*sh'Raazh's quarters*

Lt. cmdr. sh'Raazh: Do you want me to take you back Richie? *concerned* You look pale, are you in pain?

[MooreSpino]

*Strageic Ops*

Cmdr. M'Ress: I have narrrowed it down to thrree Engineers. Each have apprroprriate security clearence and spotless rrecords... You can make your final decision, Lieutenant.

She accessed the personel files and sent it to Li.

*sh'Raazh's Quarters*

Lt. Kimble: Nah... Just when I move... Or breath... *closing his eyes, weak smile* Sorry, Imzadi, but I did promise that cute nurse I'd be back...

[motom79]

*Lt. Li's quarters*

Lt. Li: acknowledge ma'am.

Lt. Li begins studying the list of engineers, he decides he wants to meet all three of them personally before making a decision.

Lt. Li: Ma'am, with your permission I would like to interview the candidates with you before making a finale decision.

*sh'Raazh's Quarters*

Lt. cmdr. sh'Raazh: the only nurse that will come in an inch of you is Verrik, my love.

[MooreSpino]

*sh'Raazh's Quarters*

Lt. Kimble: *sitting up, grimacing* Thanks, but... I'd rather not have a dude give me a sponge bath... *raising an eyebrow* Do you want the job...?

*Strageic Ops*

Cmdr. M'Ress: *checking chronometer* It is now 0657. I will prreparre and be available by 0800. Is that acceptiable?

[motom79]

*sh'Raazh quarters*

Lt. cmdr. sh'Raazh: Of course my love, do you want it now or later. You know a sponge bath by a 'dude' can be a very erotic experience. The new frontier so to speak *said in a teasing way*

*Lt. Li's quarters*

Lt. Li: I'll be there commander.

Lt. Li is relieved that the Felinoid Commander didn't shoot his proposition down, she seems a little to irritable for his taste.

[MooreSpino]

*Strageic Ops*

Cmdr. M'Ress: Verry well... M'Ress out. *satisfied purring*

sh'Raazh's Quarters*

Lt. Kimble: *smirking* Let's save the 'new frontier' for later, Imzadi... My side is coming unstitched... Or at least it feels like it... Hold still for a moment.

Richie leans on a nearby chair and Tara and manages to get to his feet. He begins a few tenative steps.

Lt. Kimble: This isn't so bad-- Oof!

A stray boot fells the cocky Lieutenant once more.

Lt. Kimble: *hissing* Ow...

[motom79]

*sh'Raazh quarters*

Lt. cmdr. sh'Raazh: Careful Richie, are you all right.

*Security*

Cadet Freezal and Cadet Kheyl are exchanging worried glances at each other as both are unsure of what is going on. Why were all Cadets but Rian dragged into security for questioning about Pjort and El Maliki. Freezal had barely even spoken to the two, Pjort was a bastard and El Maliki kept mostly to himself. Kheyl stands up and begins to walk for one end of the room to another. The only one that seems unaffected by all of this is Shras how is casually lounging around making small talk.

[Mikoyo80]

*Security Chief's Office*

Raian looked up as the scared looking Caitian entered. He smiled and nodded to the medical team, who confirmed that the boy was indeed Caitian and one Cadet Woods. . He was starting to feel very much at home as the office he was now sat in reminded him very much of Yulia's. He smiled gestured to the young man to take a seat.

Ensign Zan: You don't have to call me sir, I'm only an ensign you know. I'm questioning all the cadets about the recent murders of Cadets Pjort and El Maliki. How well did you know the victims?

[motom79]

*Security Chief's Office*

Cadet Woods: Their death *clearly shocked* I didn't know them that well. El Maliki was a loner, he didn't speak much with any of us and Pjort *takes a moment* He was a racist, who liked provoking people so most of us stayed away from him. My god they were killed.

[Mikoyo80]

*Security Chief's Office*

The Trill nodded as he gave Woods a moment to come to terms with the new information. It didn't sound like Pjort had changed that much but surely there must have been something different, perhaps something only their friends would know. He took a deep breath before speaking again.

Ensign Zan: I see. We're doing everything in our power to find their killers and to prevent more of these deaths. So you didn't notice any change in their recent behaviour? Can you tell me who their friends were?

[motom79]

*Security Chief's Office*

Cadet Woods: Cadet Shras is on good terms with most of the Cadets. I didn't really know El Maliki he didn't participate in any social gatherings at all. As for Cadet Pjort most of us just tolerated him, my god their death. I mean Pjort was annoying but ....

Cadet Woods is too distraught to go on he bites back his tears and tries to sit up straight.

[Mikoyo80]

*Security Chief's Office*

Raian bit his lip. Perhaps he should have been a little less blunt in his announcement, a trait he had gained from Yulia and perhaps Aeryn to a point. One of the nurses in the room moved forward and put a comforting arm around the sobbing cadet. The ensign realised that he would get no more from the young Caitian and stood up, moving around the small desk until he came face to face with Woods.

Ensign Zan: I promise everyone is doing everything in their power to find out who killed them. I'm going to arrange some counselling for the rest of you, I guess you could use it. Dismissed cadet...(smiling)and cheer up ok?

He then acknowledged his fellow security officer, who had been stood quietly in the corner of the room in case there was any trouble. As he sent for Cadet Shras, he remembered his breakfast date with Tiger but there was nothing he could do as he was on duty and hadn't slept all night anyway. He also hadn't reported to sickbay, nor had he heard from the Symbiosis Commition. It was starting to become unclear as to whether or not they had even received the transmission.

*Sickbay*

Knowing that there was no way Raian could turn up for breakfast, Tiger decided to turn in for work early whilst trying to hide her disappointment. As she walked in, she could see the chaos inside and what looked like a dragon. She let out a high pitched squeal, possibly startling evryone around her who had not seen her enter.

Ensign Frasier: (Squeal) Ohhhh, that is so cute! I want one.

[motom79]

*Security Chief's Office*

Cadet Shras struts in with a relaxed swagger and a slightly amused look on his face unaware of the faith of two fellow cadets. He takes a seat and nods at Ensign Zan with a smirk on his face.

Cadet Shras: Whatever it is I'm innocent.

[Mikoyo80]

*Security Chief's Office*

The ensign smiles as the medical team double checks the Andorian's identity. Once this has been confirmed, he nods to Crewman T'Vur in the corner before sitting back in his chair and trying for a little more tact this time.

Ensign Zan: Ha, noted. I'm questioning all of the cadets, not just you so don't worry. I'm sorry to tell you that both Cadet Pjort and his room mate, Cadet El Maliki, were found dead this morning. This is a murder inquiry and I have been led to believe that you knew at least one of the victims well?

[motom79]

*Security Chief's Office*

The smirk is wiped clean from Cadet Shras' face and his calm demeanor dissipates like snow for the sun.

Cadet Shras: What .... *after what seems to take forever Shras manages an answer.* Well I knew Pjort, the last time I spoke to him he was complaining about Cadet Rian and how she assaulted him. But we were never friends, he was a bigot I never could understand how somebody like that ended up in the Academy. As for El Maliki I spoke with him once about reaction times.

[Mikoyo80]

*OOC* G'night

*Security Chief's Office*

As Raian nodded, he was starting to think that perhaps the only people who knew, or even liked, the victims were the victims. Short of a seance, there was no way of questioning them so he would have to do the best he could, mentally calling upon Yulia for a little backup.

Ensign Zan: Right. Did you notice any change in their behaviour over the last few weeks? Anything odd? Do you know if they had any actual friends?

[motom79]

((ooc: good night and this is goodnight for my too))

*Security Chief's Office*

Cadet Shras: No I didn't sir, I mean El Maliki was so aloof that even if he had changed I don't think anybody would have noticed. As for Pjort well he was pretty much despised by all cadets and officers. I mean he has been put on report by virtually ever department head, he bragged about it frequently. The only change I noticed was that he was unusually silent before he assaulted that woman in Ten Forward. I'm sorry I can't be of more help Sir.

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Sharpp and Lennox watch as the thing bats its wings and flies into the forcefield.

Sharpp: Dragons are a myth... So calling this animal a dragon is much like calling a guinea pig an ungulate. This thing seems comparable to some of the flying reptiles of the Vulcan or Denebian paleolithic eras.
Lennox: Perhaps we should sedate it... it is likely it came from the star base.

*Captains Quarters*

Alex sits up and listens to the womans voice on the other end of the comm screen. He wonders why so many female scientists sound almost exactly the same, and what is so important that she must contact the captain at this hour.

[MooreSpino]

*Captain's Quarters*

Capt. Patton: What sort of problem is it Doctor? The Maverick has had more than its fair share within the past week...

Dr. Belzer: *over comm* I left on a scientific conference and returned today to find one of my specimin missing. According to Security, it managed to break the locking mechanism and burn two of my crewmembers...

Capt. Patton: Burn?

Dr. Belzer: *over comm* Yes... This specimin could be considered dangerous...

*Sickbay*

EMH: Doctor, I believe thats the best advice you've ever given... Computer, seventy parts per million of Anesthizine within the force field.

A hissing sound could be heard. The thing fluttered to the surgical bed before curling up and faling asleep.

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Lennox: Computer... deactivate EMH. Lets get this... organism into some kind of restraint field until we can figure out what it is, where it came from, and what to do with it.

[MooreSpino]

*Captain's Quarters*

Dr. Belzer: *over comm* ...It is also highly intelligent and mentally advanced for its age, and the only knowm member of its species. Scans have shown it is no longer on 'Base and the Maverick is the only ship in dock...

Capt. Patton: So logically its somewhere on board.

Dr. Belzer: *over comm* Exactly. Its important that it be returned as soon as possible. My experiments are time sensitive...

Capt. Patton: I understand... We'll begin searching and if it comes up, I'll contact you.

Dr. Belzer: *over comm* Thank you, Captain. Belzer out.

Capt. Patton: *sarcastic* Alex, dear... I think we have a job to do...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Captains Quarters*

Riddle: Oh yeah? This is exactly what I signed up for when I joined starfleet! Chasing someones run away science project!

Alex gets up and puts on his robe and boots. He left his uniform in his own quarters.


*Sickbay*

Sharpp scans the organism from outside of a restraint feild.

Sharpp: Not really sure how to classify this one... It has a very complex endocrine and para nervous system. It shows some signs of basic intelligence.
Lennox: Anything we should be worried about?
Sharpp: Not that I can tell.

[MooreSpino]

*Captain's Quarters*

Sara spins in her chair and steeples her fingers together.

Capt. Patton: As your Captain and future wife, I order you to take your assignments seriously... *wicked grin, raises eyebrow* Understood, Mister Riddle? 'Cause if I have to go on a wild goose chase, we all do...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Captain's Quarters*

Riddle: *sarcastically* Way to be a team player, Sara.

*Sickbay*

Everyone looks at Sharpp like they are expecting further explanation.

Sharpp: What? I don't have any further explanation... I'm not even supposed to be on duty.

[MooreSpino]

*Captain's Quarters*

Capt. Patton: You're comment is duly noted Lieutenant Commander... *stands, goes to replicator* Computer, Starfleet uniform, Science Division, specifications Lieutenant Commander Alex Riddle...

After a few seconds of sparkle, the replicator provided a neatly folded blue collared uniform complete with pips. Sara picked it up and passed it to Alex.

Capt. Patton: Pretty sure it fits... Hurry up and get it on. We have a scientific goose to find!

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Corridor*

A few minutes pass before Lt. Cmdr. Riddle meets the captain, in his proper uniform and with neatly combed hair.

Riddle: So, what are we looking for, exactly?

[MooreSpino]

*Corridor*

Patton was walking and looking over a PADD before giving it to Riddle.

Capt. Patton: While you were changing, Doctor Belzer sent over a base life sign scan and description to use in our scans. I'm no scientist, but do these seem a little odd to you? Purple, the size of a domestic cat, wings, horns... Breathes fire. The worst part is that I don't think its a joke...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Corridor*

Riddle: Well, In that case, I think we need to instruct security and sickbay to be on the look out for puff the magic dragon. I mean, seriously? This better be true, because I am not laughing... after all the security breaches we have had lately....

[MooreSpino]

*Corridor*

Capt. Patton: Please, don't get me started... *taps combadge* Captain Patton to Sickbay... *to Riddle* Actually, I'm kinda hoping it is a joke... We do not need a dragon on top of everything else...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Lennox: Yes captain, this is Lennox. We have a rather strange visitor here that you should probably know about...

[MooreSpino]

*Corridor*

Patton stops walking and closes her eyes.

Capt. Patton: Let me guess... Small, purple, has wings and breaths fire...?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Lennox: Breathes fire?
Sharpp: Pyrokenisis? Are you kidding me?

As the creature regains consciousness, it yawns and exhales one great, orange-blue flame.

Sharpp: Thats it! I quit!

Sharpp storms out of sickbay and Lennox shrugs.

Lennox: Yes captain, that is entirely accurate.

[MooreSpino]

*Corridor*

Capt. Patton: Congratulations, Doctor... You caught the runaway science experiment. Its part of a project by one Doctor Belzer on 'Base 194. I'll explain more when we get there... C'mon, Alex. Let's go see our stowaway...

After the turbolift ride to Deck 5, Patton and Riddle pass a very upset Milo Sharpp.

Capt. Patton: Lieutenant Sharpp? Your assistance may be needed in Sickbay...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Corridor*

Milo stares at his feet and shakes his head.

Sharpp: Fine! *sighs* I mean, yes sir... do I really have to?

He reluctantly follows Patton and Riddle back into sickbay.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

The creature yawns and streches its wings. It doesn't remember taking a nap... Everyone else in the room was staring at it unitl three others walked in. One was New Blue One (who was not very pleased to be there), then one with Pointy Ears, and a female Red One. It watches from the bed, as the invisible wall may still be there. The creature did notice the others respect the Red One. Perhaps females ruled in this hive...

Capt. Patton: *approaching the forcefield* So this is our Puff the Magic Dragon...? *to Lennox* Anything to report, Doctor?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Lennox: Is there supposed to be something to report?
Riddle: Its allegedly quite dangerous.
Lennox: It reminds me of a rather large fruit bat.
Sharpp: A fruit bat capable of pyrokenisis... can I go back to analyzing alien bacteria? This is a bit too "Beowulf" for my taste... is "Grendel" going to show up next?

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Capt. Patton: Don't push our luck, Mister Sharpp... Dismissed, then. Has it shown any dangerous tendancies? Attacked anybody?

Katian: Actually, Sir... He seems friendly. For the most part...

The creature was watching all of this with interest. It knew they were talking about it. It hoped down and approached where the Red One stood. She looked down and it looked up.

Capt. Patton: Hmm... Well, in any case, Belzer would want it back. *taps combadge* Patton to 'Base... Please inform Doctor Belzer that we have located and captured her specimin.

Adjunct: *over comm* Actually, Captain, the Doctor and her team are already aboard the Maverick and--

Capt. Patton: I didn't give authority for that! Computer, locate Doctor Belzer...

Computer: *beep* Doctor Belzer Is On Deck Fifteen, Cargo Bay Four.

Capt. Patton: What the...? *taps badge* Patton to Security, locate Doctor Leia Belzer and escort her and her team to Sickbay...

Security: *over comm* Aye, Captain...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Verrik: *pokes his head out of the storage room* Its not friendly! It attacked me!

Sharpp leaves and goes to Ten Forward while Riddle and Lennox appraise the creature from a distance.

Riddle: This is just way too bizare...
Lennox: Maybe Milo was on to something.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

The creature looked over at the Extra-Blue One and gave a apologetic cooing.

Capt. Patton: *raises eyebrow* Did it? Were you injured or burned?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

The Andorian's antennae flatten against his head as he gives a brief scowl.

Verrik: No, thankfully.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Capt. Patton: Then what did it do to you?

Extra-Blue One was scowling. The creature sulked and went to the other side of the space.

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Verrik: It dive bombed me!

At this moment, Lt. T'lei and her security team enter sickbay with whom can only be Dr. Belzer.

Belzer: I trust my specimen has been undamaged.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

The creature saw the Hated One and screamed. It tried once more to escape, but hit the invisible wall once more.

Capt. Patton: *glancing over at the field* It hasn't... Doctor, you never told me that you had planned to come on board yourself. We would have coordinated with your team...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Belzer: To be frank, captain, I doubt that your entire, combined ships staff would be capable of coordinating its way out of a wet paper bag. You don't exactly have the best track record...
Riddle: Doctor... didn't you say that this organism was a member of an intelligent species? Just what have you been doing to make it react to you that way?
Belzer: That is classified, lieutenant commander, not that you could begin to comprehend my work.
Riddle: There is not much to comprehend... expirementing on sapient species is simply unethical and immoral.
Belzer: Really, you are not one to talk.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Patton stood straghter and approached Belzer. If it was one thing she hated, it was a self-righteous, insulting b*tch.

Capt. Patton: I don't take kindly to insults, Doctor. And my Chief Science Officer is correct... If this creature is sapient, then any experiments are prohibited by Federation Law. What purpose does keeping it serve your research? Or better yet... What kind of research are you conducting?

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Belzer: That is classified, captain, but I assure you, my work bears the mark of federation approval. Now, do you have any more childish questions, or is it nap time yet?

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

The creaute poked its head around the corner of the biobed and hissed. Patton had a bad feeling about this woman. This was less than professional behavior for a Federation scientist.

Capt. Patton: *stiffly* No, no more questions... Just show me your permits for working with sapient creatures and its all yours... Classified or not, I have the right to at least see the approval...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Bezel: Actually, you don't have that right. Now give me back my specimen, or my team will take it by force.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Capt. Patton: Oh, but I do. And I consider that a threat, Doctor... Lieutenant T'lei, take Belzer and her associates into custody until this can be sorted out civialily. You'll be released once you decide to cooperate...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Belzer's team draws their weapons while T'lei and her officers do the same.

Belzer: Captain, you are digging yourself into a deep hole.
Lennox: What the hell is wrong with you! are you a federation scientist or some kind of sick Mengele wannabe!

The unarmed android rushes in the direction of Belzer, only to be shot by one of her men.

Belzer: Seriously, don't fight us. Someone might get hurt.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Katian cried out for Lennox but was held beck by Rii.

Capt. Patton: *calmly* All right, Doctor... You've made your point... We have civilans and medical personel in this room. There's no need for violence...

The pained cry of the Kind One angered the creature. The Pale One meant a lot to her... Sorrow and hurt followed the Hated One wherever she went. It growled at the invisible wall. The Hated One would pay...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

Alex's face is flushed with green at this point. How dare she storm into their sickbay and shoot the ships chief medical officer! Still, they were obviously out gunned and he has no desire for more violence. He stares at his fallen friend and comrade as his own voice calmly rings out.

Riddle: Computer, deactivate forcefield.

[Mikoyo80]

*Security Chief's Office*

Raian sat back in the chair and sighed. This was not going too well and it was probably pointless interviewing the other cadets. Still he couldn't rule anything out and with a nodded slowly.

Ensign Zan: Thanks cadet, dimissed. Send in the next one.

Each cadet, through no fault of their own, was less helpful than the last due to the natures of the victims. It seemed that neither were well liked and the Trill felt as though he was banging his head of a brick wall. He looked down at his list of cadets aboard the Maverik and Station 194, the list exhausted but one. This one had failed to show causing Raian to become suspicious. As he was about to ask the computer the young cadets location, there was a power cut affecting the whole deck. The emergency power didn't seem to be activating either for some reason. Zan drew his phaser and left the room to see what was going on.

[motom79]

*Security*

Cadet Freezal lets out a loud scream when the lights go out all of a sudden but quickly regains herself. She spots Ensign Zan, phaser at hand.

Cadet Freezal: Sir, don't shoot. I can try to reestablish power.

A loud banging sound startles cadet Freezal and Ensign Zan, the banging is followed by a loud Klingon curse. Cadet Kheyl stumbles towards them with a limp.

Cadet Kheyl: I tripped, what happened?
Cadet Freezal: I don't know the lights went out and the power went down.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

The air crackled once more. The forcefield protecting the creature was down. Two of Belzer's men moved to capture it. A beeping came from a third's comm device.

Bio Team Member 1: Doctor, power on the Security deck has be deactivated as planned and--

Bio Team Member 2: Aahh! Get it off!

The creature had latched on to two of his fingers and refused to let go. His partner leveled the phaser at it's head...

Dr. Belzer: *turning to face the man* No! Don't kill it! It's--

Patton took this small distraction to charge Belzer and slam her into the bulkhead. Phaser fire erupted between the factions as the Medical staff evacuated civilans and patients. The creature released the injured man, only to project another blast of orange/blue flame and setting their uniforms ablaze.

Capt. Patton: *rolling, tapping badge* Red Alert! Security to Sickbay!

[motom79]

*Strageic Ops*

Lt. Li enters Strategic ops unaware of what is happening in sickbay and security. He nods to the the only two officers present in strategic ops as he proceeds to cmdr. M'ress's office. He rings her door and awaits an answer. Both before the commander could respond he got called to arms.

Lt. Li: I'm on my way captain. *to the two officers* chop chop gentlemen you heard the captain.

As Li and the two officer approach sickbay the see an immense chaos. Li instinctively sets his phaser to high stun as he enters sickbay. For a moment he is dumbfounded as he sees a strange creature attacking a man.

Lt. Li: Captain? *at that precies moment a phaser blast intended for the creature hits and stuns him. Lt. Li fails down like a sack of potato's*

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

In all the chaos, Alex sees Belzer regaining consciousness and kicks her in the back of the head, feeling a satisfying crack as she colapses once more. He runs to help the captain when he is shot in the shoulder and slides to his knees with a rather mournful cry.

Riddle: For the love of logic! Hold your fire! This is a sickbay! Can't we just talk about this?

*Science Lab*

Sharpp watches as the red alert goes off shakes his head and continues analyzing the slides in front of him. He was quite glad that he had left sickbay while he had the chance, because he just knows that grendel must have shown up.

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Capt. Patton: Alex!

Sara crawls to his side and drags him behind a biobed. The fire suppression systems put out the now unconscious henchmen. A Security officer falls nearby and the phaser skids within reach. Patton jumps and grabs it, quickly set it to a wide beam, and fires. Half of the combatents fall, the others stop shooting.

Capt. Patton: *still behind the biobed* Officers, report!

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

T'lei stands from behind a biobed and looks around with her phaser drawn.

T'lei: Four casualties on our crew, all of the enemy team members have been disabled.

Alex clutches his shoulder which is bleeding profusely. The weapon discharge was quite unusual.

Riddle: The reptile thing is missing.... We better get these people in restraints and- *passes out from blood loss*
T'lei: *hits comm badge* T'lei to security! Where is that detatchment!

At this moment, Lt. Cmdr. Shashar leads a well armed security team onto sickbay.

Shashar: Right here, lieutenant, what in the hell happened here?

[MooreSpino]

*Sickbay*

Capt. Paton: Alex, dammit! *to Shashar* Never mind that now, Lieutenant! Computer, activate EMH!

EMH: *appearing* Please state th--

Capt. Patton: Shut the hell up and get over here!

Together, Patton and the EMH get Riddle on the biobed and the hologram begins stablizing the Vulcan. Meanwhile, the rest of the medical team returns and sees to the casualties with Security.

Dr. Rii: *kneeling beside Lennox, taps combadge* Engineering, report to Sickbay...

[spiderviveka_SC]

*Sickbay*

The security team secures sickbay and puts Belzer and her team into medical restraints as they are treated for their injuries.

The medical staff and patients are filing back into sickbay as the doctors and nurses work to treat Riddle and the other casualties.

Dr. Vieth goes to check on the captain after sensing her all too unobvious pregnancy.

Vieth: Captain, are you alright?

Rii: Damn it, where's that engineering team! This android is losing a lot of blood and I can't figure out whether thats serious or not!