3.3 - The Other End of the String

[gracemitchell]

As Melain was talking, Grace began to whisper. She was so quiet at first no one noticed.

Lani had come to the bridge and went directly to Grace. He strained to listened to her when it dawned on him what she was saying or rather singing. He remembered it was a song that her and another crewmember would duet on. The problem was that crewmember, Gary was his name, had died in the line of duty.

"Lani, do you know what Grace is saying?" Harrias asked.

"Yes. She isn't talking, she is singing. No wait!" Lani listened again.

Now Grace was talking, more like a one sided conversation. Lani repeated everything she said.
"I don't understand Morath! How can you be here on the Nevada?"
"How could you have been here all the time and I haven't seen you before now?"
"Gary, I was there with you when both of you passed away. I need to think. I need to get back to the real Nevada."
"No, I am not. This isn't the Nevada. You shouldn't be here."
"Of course, I have missed you, all of you! Even you Dedrea. Now, I need you to tell me where we are!"
"What an absurd question to ask Kenton! There is a good crew on the Nevada and I have every confidence in them to get us out of here."
"They are trying. They don't need this extra worry about me. Please let me leave the bridge, so the very competent crew can get back to the real work at hand."
"Thank you, Gary! I appreciate it and I am sure the rest of the Nevada's crew appreciate it, I can feel it."

By the time Lani had finished repeating what Grace was saying, Grace had stood up and walked off the bridge, without a word to anyone. Melain followed, somehow knowing that Grace was headed to sickbay.

"Can you explain what that was about, Lani?" The Captain asked.

"I can only tell you, that all the names Grace mentioned were crewmembers who had died in the line of duty, and Grace was with each of them at their passing. My best guess is that somehow they contacted her. How and why, I don't know. We'll only find out that answer after she comes out of her trance. This vision is not like any I have never seen before"

"Very well, let's all get back to work and find a way out of here." Steve said. Both Harrias and Steve noticed that the crew had started back to work more cohesively then before, almost as if Grace's words of her confidence in them, brought them all more together then before.

[Harrias Jira]

Harrias was about to turn back to the crew completely, but before he could do so, he looked at Lt Cmdr Talla.

"Lani, could you go with her. I am fully confident of the doctor's abilities, regardless of her beliefs, but I think Grace would want you there, as a friend if nothing else?"

"Of course sir. I'll do what I can."

"Thank you Commander."

He took a breath, and then looked back up at his crew.

"Mr Thelev, are we stationary?"

The andorian looked down at his console, and then across at a small screen showing at external view.

"Sir, from the external viewer, I would say that we are drifting, although not at a fast rate. However, the sensors say that we are stationary."

Harrias looked at him slightly confused. "Right, I want someone to fix our damn viewscreen. Mr Thelev, I want something firm, rather than two conflicting answers, even though one is based only on a visual guess.

"Mr Hrisvalar, I want you to scan for any black holes, wormholes, anything that could get us out of here. Although the black hole option isn't top on my list.

"Mr Jenkins, if you could try and find some planets, any source of life, warp trails, inpulse trails, anything that could be an indicator of ship's. I'm sure there is going to be someone around here, even this far in the past.

"Mr Bonar, I want you to read up on the history of our universe, try and find out what should and shouldn't be around at this time in our universe, it will help us know for sure if we are in an alternate one or our own."

[fthelev]

With Melain taking Mitchell back to sickbay and Talla accompanying her, the bridge seemed rather empty again. Everyone was working in silence trying to come up with some answers. Frek had combined his efforts with T’Fat, first fixing the sensors. Without sensors properly working he would get nowhere. Fortunately in as stroke of luck the sensors were fixed rather quickly.

The first time Frek had run his calculations he had based the time on the distance of other galaxies to their own. He still believed the computations to be accurate. The problem was their exact position. A lot can change within the universe in a couple of billion years. While running new scan Frek noticed several star systems on locations where no stars existed in their own time. On his charts they showed up as gas clouds or nebulas. Stars that had gone supernova a long time ago, but were still alive where they were now. They might even hold planets, accommodating civilizations which had undoubtedly vanished without leaving a trace over the course of billions of years.

Within there own systems Frek found accumulation of rocks and gasses clustered together. It was hard to imagine that these would form the nine planets of the Sol system in while. What puzzled Frek most was the fact that some galaxies simply weren’t there. Star could not have been born in this time and have died in there own. But it was unlikely that was possible with entire galaxies.

Frek cross-referenced the data provided by Bonar with his navigation sensors and made some adjusted. At least now they would be able to do some decent navigation and positioning that would comply with their current situation.

“Captain, I put the ship in synchronise orbit around the sun at the distance of one AU,” Frek reported.

“Thank you Mr Thelev,” Jire replied.

“Sir there are some inconsistencies.”

“Try to do some more research on it. We’ll put together our findings later in a briefing.”

“Aye sir.”

[Deleted]

Back in sickbay nearly all the injured crewman had gone back to their duties, although Crewman Tiller had remained for observation. Tom was working at the computer terminal and it looked like Racheal was doing inventory with the help of the emergancy medics. They looked up curiosly at the trio consisting of the councellor, Lana and Melain.

"I'll put you up in the corner where you might manage to find at least a little privacy. If you want ward three will probably remain vacant so you could stay there." Melain offerd.

"I think it would be best if I weren't seperated from others. The corner bed will be fine." Grace replied.

"You know more about your visions then I do, so the corner bed it is. Lana, you are most welcome to stay and keep her company. Oh, If you guys need anything don't hesitate to ask." Melain turned to Racheal and Tom. "We appear to have dropped out of the wormhole. From what I've seen and heard we are in an area of space unfamiliar to everyone. Infact our best geuss from the sensor readings is that we have been propelled back billions of years, before the Milkyway galaxy and several others have even formed."

"Is that even possible!" Racheal exclaimed, it seemed Tom was doing his best to appear calm.

"I'm really not sure. The bridge crew is doing their best to figure out how to get back." Melain replied helplessly. "But in the meantime we still have lots of Medical files to update and lots of time to do it in."

Rachael seemed to see right through Melain's mask of composer. "Doctor, you've been here for far over your shift hours. I'm not even sure you've unpacked yet. Tom and I can handle the files, you should take some time to rest."

Melain was about to refuse when she realised that what she needed then, more then ever was time to think, pray and meditate. "You're right, I could use a break. Adara, are you on scheduald duty?" It was always more comforting to meditate with someone else.

"I'm afraid so Doctor, in fact I should be getting back to astrometrics now that you won't be needing me." Adara put down the viles she was organising. "Come on Edward, T'fat will be furiose if you don't report back to Engineering."

The two medics headed out the door, and Melain followed shortly after.

A short walk and turbolift ride later she enterd her rom and took a deep breath. Her variose luggage was sitting on her bed, and her instruments where still in their cases. But the music and sleep could wait, she needed a different kind of revival at the moment.

A flat circular package lay on top of the others. She unwrapped it carefully revealing the bronze plaque. A second package contained her candles and insence. The wall already had a multi-purpose hook on which she hung the shrine. She arranged the candles and insence on the shelf.

It was a little higher then she would have liked but it would do for now. Lighting the candles she half wonderd if having lit candles in her quarters was allowed. Oh well she would find out soon enough, after all she'd already created quit a stir when she spoke out on the Bridge.

She backed up and lifted her hands in prayer. "Jia kasha tren tolaren lapur ila nekos ina" She repeated the phrase several times, wondering if the Prophets would here her plea for aid and help the Nevada Crew go home.

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

Zhukarak was once again asked to go over the science station and help come up with solutions to their whereabouts. Zhuk looked at the Vulcan ensign, Ensign Rubor, at the station and the ensign understood. He was to help in processing the captain’s request.

The ensign was the interim Chief Science Officer, but not officially part of the command crew. Zhukarak would let him use the science station to get the information and then Zhuk would relay it to the captain. In the meantime, Zhukarak would be observing and learning.

There wasn’t much out there except…

“Captain. Ensign Rubor has found a nebula. Bearing 297, mark 48.”

Ensign Rubor sent the data to the command chairs and science PADD's as needed.

[Deleted]

(O.O.C Well I wasn't going to post till someone else did, but things are pretty slow so here it goes)

Melain continued to pray for what seemed like hours. Her arms were tired, her mouth dry and her throat sore. She let her arms fall to her side, and stared at the Mandala. Something was missing; she just didn't feel the same as she normally did while praying. It wasn't because the Mandala was higher then at home; it was as if it was all without purpose... all hopeless.

She knelt and began to meditate, desperate to restore her restless pagh to peace. She struggled to calm her thoughts, but one rose to the surface again and again. Almost as if it had escaped the bonds she used to try and keep it away the message she'd left for her parents leapt to the surface. If the Nevada crew never did get home she'd never be able to ask her mother about what she'd learned on Bajor, she'd never learn the truth.

Frustrated she stood up and headed to the replicator. "Jumja tea" she ordered. A second later a steaming hot cup of her favorite beverage appeared. Cupping it in her hands she took a sip and headed to her desk. The PADD she'd taken with her from Bajor still sat in front of the computer screen. Maybe she was wrong; it was worth a second look. Sitting down she picked it up and activated it.

The first entry she'd downloaded from the archives was a photo of a Bajoran couple and their three children, her grandparents and their family. She'd gone to the archives hoping the find some information on her ancestors, and maybe bring back some photos for her parents. This picture had begun her unrest, the two oldest children where quite obviously identical twins. One she recognized to be her mother and the other, an almost prefect replica if you factored out the birthmark on her cheek. Her mother had never mentioned having a sister.

The second entry was of two newly weds, her father and what she'd thought at first to be her mother, yet there again was the birthmark. When she'd first seen this she had double checked her suspicions on a more resent picture of her parents, only to see no birthmark.

Melain remembered feeling a sudden rise of panic and anger at this which was what turned her relaxing vacation on Bajor into a quest for answers, and she had found few.

The third and final entry was a simple news report during the end of the occupation. Two Bajoran terrorists had been seen installing a listening device inside the Bar of Terak Nor, known now as Deep Space Nine. They where immediately tracked down and executed. What had interested her about this article was that the two Bajorans were married, and a small footnote mentioned that the female had been working as a nurse in the station infirmary, just like Melain's mother claimed to have done. But Melain's research revealed only one Bajoran working in the infirmary during this time and things just did not add up.

Melain sighed and put down the PADD, it still didn't make sense and her greatest fear was still the most likely. She glanced down again at the news article where the name Glinn Demat seemed to glow. He had ordered the execution without trial, and he was also Danara's grandfather

[rex]

Rex had noticed that when the report came in they were in some other timeline, alternate or past, he became quite nervous.

He had seen many things in his days, mostly the obscure and dark side of our own galaxy. But now a feeling of inadequacy, almost powerless, fell over him. Nothing around and no clue as to how to get back into their own place in time and space.

No threat, no enemies, no use of weapons. No place for Bonar.

As Jira had given him the order to read up on the history of the galaxy, he straightened himself out. There was nothing he could do, other than to follow the Captain's order.

Oh, how he hated history. Now more than ever. Semi-interested he crossreferenced sensordata with the ships database. He exchanged some remarkabilities with Thelev. But he hoped that the sciencestation would come up with something more substantial.

[gracemitchell]

Grace started to come out of her trance. When she turned her head and saw Lani, she knew it had not been a good vision. For the first time that she could remember, she was embarrassed about her vision.

"Well, looks like I really did it this time, didn't I Lani?"

"It wasn't that bad, Grace. It is general knowledge that you have visions."

"I know, but this time was different."

"You are right there. Those of us who have seen you having a vision, knew it wasn't normal. How do you feel it was different?"

"Normally I don't know what is going on around me. This time, I could see everyones reaction to my vision during her vision. I could see what I was doing. I know that I was speaking to ghosts. I don't believe that I have ever done that before."

"Dr. Lorre, thinks you were speaking to the Bajoran Prophets. Were you?"

"I don't know if I was or not. I must admit I don't know much about the Prophets. I will have to speak to her about them for insight."

"She has stepped away. Do you know where we are?"

"No, I don't know exactly where we are at. I remember the viewscreen when I was on the bridge. I had a strange sensation that I have seen that sight before, but I can't remember where."

"I think it would be best if you go to the bridge and tell the Captain and Commander Steve that bit of information."

"I couldn't go to the bridge. I have to admit that I am a bit embarrassed about my behavior during my vision. You know me Lani, I usually get a kick out of people's reaction to my visions, but this one is was very strange."

"Grace, I think you know deep down that the crew will be very forgiving. Maybe your feeling out of sorts over the strangeness of your vision."

"Have you been taking Counselor lessons? You just said my line."

With that they both laughed. The EMH, Tom, had been watching the exchange and came over to them. "Hope I am not interrupting. I just thought Lani missed his calling. All this time the ship needed a counselor and here you were all the time."

Now, all three of them were laughing, just like old times.

"Well, gentlemen, I guess I'd better go face my own fears. Besides maybe another look at the viewscreen may jog my memory. I just know I have seen that sight before." As Gace was getting off the biobed she looked at Lani "Don't worry, I will report what I know to the CO and FO. I don't know how much the information will help, but it's better then nothing."

"Good idea, Grace." Lani said "Maybe you'll remember more when get to the bridge."

"I hope so. I would like to help as much as possible."

Grace headed to the bridge.

[leojenkins]

The Nevada slowly moved through the void that was space towards the system Frek had found on sensors. The ship looked so out of place, with it's gunmetal grey hull only illuminated by it's own running lights. It was an eire sight, as a small percentage of the ship was actually the colour it was supposed to be, with the light reflecting from it's hull as it travelled from the stars which is normally travelled between. Yet here, it looked almost menacing. Like a predetor hunting it's prey.

As the ship drew closer, it's image started to change. As light from the crab nebula, or the star that would become the crab nebula started to spread across it's hull, it started to become less of a predetor, and more a thing of beauty. It's dark grey hull plating took on a much lighter tone, and the ship looked like fish swimming through an invisable sea.

---on the bridge---

Leo continued to run scans on the sun which they were approaching. He wanted to make sure there was no chance of it going nova while they were in it's orbit, or that there were any other surprises hidden away for the unsuspecting Nevada. As the ship eased closer to the sun, it passed by three planets. The first was a deep blue colour, and from the scans Leo ocnducted he could tell it did not have a solid surface, rather it had different thicknesses of gas. The second was a small planet, very similar to Mars in the earth solar system. As Leo ran a scan on the third planet, he got a shock.

"Sir! The planet cloest to the sun! It's inhabited. I'm picking up artifical satlites in orbit, and there are radio wave signals as well."

Leo continued his scans, trying to get as much information as he could about both the satelites and the planets inabitants.

"If I'm not mistaken Sir, those satelites are Iconian!"


OCC: Again, sorry for the long time between posts, I really am trying to speed things up guys. Hope this fits in with the plans people had for the mission.

[steve]

Steve stood up "The Iconian's?" Steve asked outloud.
"Yes sir. scans show that the satellites and structures on the surface are made of the same materials the Enterprise D found on the Iconian homeworld." Mr Jenkins informed the command staff.
"Scan for any signs of warp technology, our information on the Iconian's is limited at best and there are only two known encounters with them in the Starfleet database." Steve ordered
Leo looked up "Commander from these reading they are at a stage of pre warp much like Earth was towards the late 20th / early 21st century.
Steve thought back to his days at school where he learnt about this time period. "Are they able to detect us?"
"Not at the moment Sir, but they do have the means to."
"Cloak sir?" Steve asked looking at Harrias
The captain look towards Mr Jenkins "Cloak us asoon as you feel we are being scanned or are close to detection. Don't wait for the order just do it."
Mr Jenkins nodded and Steve turned to the Captain "Sir, I have parts of the Star Fleet Intel database downloaded into the ships database and there is alot of information there to do with what we have found out and been able to guess at to do with the Iconian's. I suggest that I go and do some research and report back in say an hour and have a staff meeting where we can pool all of the knowledge we have gathered.
The captain nodded and Steve walked to the turbo lift. When he got there the doors opened and Grace walked out.
"Commander, are you ok?" Steve asked
"I am feeling better, I need to meet with you or the captain right away."
Harrias looked up over hearing the convocation "Commander, glad to see you up and about, please come into my office."
Steve saw his CO and Counsellor walk into the ready room. "Major, you have the bridge... continue to gather information and make sure we are not detected. Any problems contact me or the captain."
"Yes Sir" Zhuk replied
Steve walked into the turbo lifted and made his way to his quarters.

[gracemitchell]

In the ready room:

"Captain, I must apologize for my behavior earlier. My visions can be disconcerting for people and this time is was for me." Grace continued before Harrias could speak "The difficult part to explain, is I usually don't know what is going on around me during visions, but this time I could see everyone's reaction and what I was doing."

Harrias "Grace, everyone is aware you have visions. It was interesting to see one. If this one was different, do you have an explaination for your vision?"

"I believe I was contacted by persons that I had served with before. I was told by Lani, that the doctor believes it was The Prophets. I don't know much about The Prophets, that is something I will talk to the doctor about. It is worth looking into. After her and I have talked I will examine the vision more at length."

"Is that all you have to report?" Harrias asked.

"My biggest concern, is I could see the viewscreen during my vision and for some reason, the view seemed familiar. I can't put my finger on it. It's like I have seen it before. Maybe there is more about my past then I have been told. I had been involved in a mission before where the ship had time traveled, but it wasn't like this!" Grace explained.

"Commander Steve is currently doing some research on the data we have about where we are and Star Fleet intel on the Iconians. Perhaps it you should join him in his research, it might help you remember more."

"Good idea! I hope he won't mind the intrusion! I'll go there now."

"Very well, keep me informed of your progress."

They left the ready room, Harrias to his chair, GRace to assist Steve in his research.

[fthelev]

“We are parked in a fixed high orbit sir,” Frek relayed to Commander Steve, “It’s unlikely we will be detected, by whoever is on that planet, visually or non-visually.”
“I’ll alert the captain,” Steve responded, “We call a meeting in the conference room in two hours. We need to determine how to progress.”

Frek used the situation to grab a bite. It has been a while since he had eaten and he was feeling rather peckish at the moment. No point in starving himself to death, whether it was in the present, future or past.
He let his mind go over the Iconian thing. As far he knew it was a powerful technologically advanced race that thrived two-hundred thousand years ago. It was believed the Iconians were wiped out by enemies who feared their powerful technology. But two-hundred thousand years in the past was not the Five-and-a-half billion years they were thrown back through time.

Frek made a quick stop at sickbay, looking for Melain. He found his former classmate sitting at her desk reading some PADD.
“Hey.” Frek stuck his head around the corner.
Melain looked up from her PADD. “What’s wrong with you this time?”
“How do you mean wrong with me.” Frek gave her a shocked look.
“I’m perfectly alright.” The shocked expression changed into suspicion. “You guys haven’t been betting on my misfortune again, huh?”
“Nah,” Melain replied, managing not to burst out in laughter, “We haven’t had the time yet to put together a new pool. Don’t worry.”
“Hmm,” Frek said not entirely convinced, “Anyways, I was on my way to get something to eat. If I don’t feed myself soon you might have to treat me for under-nourishment. I stopped by to see if you were heading the same way.”

[steve]

Steve walked into his room and walked over to the replicater "Coffee, black, three sugars" He called out and a steaming cup of hot sweet coffee appeared. Just how he liked it Steve thought to himself.
Walking over to his computer coffee in hand he sat down and tapped a few buttons a few moment later the screen lit up and in large letter 'STAR FLEET INTEL' appeared. Steve enter his security code in and search for any and all information on the Iconians.
'SEARCHING' the computer screen read and with that Steve lent back in his chair and took a sip of his coffee that had cooled down enough now not to burn his mouth
*BEEP BEEP*
The door buzzer went off and Steve sat up straight wondering who that could be.
"Come it" Steve called out and with that the door opened.

OFF: Grace soz this is so short but thought it would be a good idea if u were to explain why you had come to join me and a little about your visions ect.

[Deleted]

Melain had headed back to Sickbay, figuring she had had enough of a break. But things where quiet there and the checkups had been stopped for the rest of the day. Instead she sat in her office looking over the PADD for what seemed like the hundredth time. Frek gave her a much needed distraction.

"I took a break about half an hour ago, but things are quiet for the moment so I'm sure I could sneak away for a bite." She put the PADD down and followed Frek to the mess hall.

"So how's your new assignment going?" Melain asked as they rode the turbolift down to the mess hall.

"It would be going a lot better if we hadn't ended up here." Frek replied. "How about you?"

"It's alright, I hadn't expected so much work, but I'll be fine. The size of sickbay took me by surprise and I must admit the skill of my staff almost makes me feel inferior." Melain laughed, being around Frek helped her forget the day's former conflicts.

"I almost envy you though; being on the Bridge would give you a better idea of what's going on. After everything I said earlier to the bridge crew, I'm not sure they'll want me up there anymore." Melain sighed. "By the Prophets they probably think I'm a religious fanatic."

<Frek>

Melain wasn't sure how to take what Frek has said, but figured her friend was being honest and there was no need to suspect him of lying to her. "Retamba Stew, extra salt" Melain ordered. A moment later a bowl of green stew appeared in the replicator.

[gracemitchell]

"Hello, Commander. The captain told me you were researching Star Fleet's intell on the Iconians and looking over the data we currently have, I thought I could be of assistance?" Grace said.

Steve replied "I am not sure that we both need to do this, Grace. Does this have something to do with your vision?"

"Well, my vision has something to do with why I am here. As I told the captain, this vision was very different than usual. Normally, I am not aware of my surroundings or what is going on around me. This time, I could see everyone's reaction to my vision and I could also see the sight from the viewscreen. During my vision, I had the strangest sensation that I have seen that sight before."

"Are you hoping that looking into itel records, it will jog your memory as to where you have seen that part of space before?"

"That's what I hope. Maybe it was in a history or science class way back in high school and a projection of what space may have looked like. I don't know, but I feel it is worth trying to find out!"

"That makes sense. I read that you were born in the past, it maybe a good idea for you to assist. You might see something differently than I do"

"Wonderful! Now, is that coffee I smell?"

"Coffee, black, three sugars!"

"Add some cream and I will be in heaven!"

Steve gave the order to the replicator as it materialized, he asked "I have to ask, are you able to hear thoughts?" Then handed the cup of coffee to her.

"As a matter of fact, yes. If I do not keep control on my mind I can hear everyone's thoughts, all the time. And not just on this ship, when I say everyone's I mean in the universe."

"Ouch! Doesn't that hurt?" Steve asked as they made their way to computer console.

"It could drive a person insane, and almost did. Thanks to Star Fleet medical and a Vulcan healer, I have learned how to control it. Now I only use my telepathy if I am ordered to." Grace said as they sat down. "Why don't you tell me what exactly are we looking for?"

[steve]

"Well to be honest Grace... May I call you Grace?" Steve asked
"Ofcourse commander" Grace answered
"Grace seeing as you outrank me and I am allowed to call you Grace please its Steve" Steve said with a little laugh and they both smiled.
The computer beeped to let the user know that it had finished it search and they both looked at the screen.
"Grace just so you know everything you will read here is classified and you cannot tell to anyone unless I say its ok or unless I have talked about it at the staff meeting."
"Understood"
Steve read down the screen and thought that it was a good idea for the captain to send someone to help. The main thing Steve missed when working at Star Fleet Intel was the fact that alot of the work was on your own and he missed having someone to bounce Idea's off. After reading a page or so Steve stopped and turned to Grace.
"Just as I thought"
"What?" Grace asked looking puzzled
"Well everything I have looked at and from what I remember from learning about them is that they were destroyed about 200,000 years ago by orbital bombardment of their home planet, Iconia."
"Yes I do remember reading something about that, the Enterprise D, found the home world and decided to destroy it rather than let the Romulans get their hands on it."
"That's right Grace but who is to say that the planet we found had always been there home world?"
"I don't quite follow Steve"
"Well Starfleet has no idea or have even tried to guess the birth of the Iconian people. We then travel back five-and-a-half billion years in to the past and we find a pre warp plant full of them. Now this may be a long shot but is worth considering" Steve paused
"Go on" Grace said listening rather interested
"What if the Iconian homeworld was located in the same system well, the same place that Earths system will be. We know from many different sources that they believe the Sol system (Earths system) was created five billion years ago from nebular dust and interstellar gasses. Well we are in the middle of a nebular and there is only half a billion years to go."
Grace looked at him and took over as she had understood what he was getting at "So you are say that the home world of Iconia, well the first homeworld was where Earth is now and in about half a billion years their planet gets destroyed and they use the gates to get to there new home world."
"Well I think it is worth considering don't you?" Steve asked as he took a sip of his coffee

[fthelev]

“Well, the bridge isn’t everything.” Frek still remembered the panel and the falling lamp. “Besides, we have a meeting in the conference room in two hours, so you will be filled in anyway.”
“I suppose so,” Melain replied.
Frek gave her a pad on the shoulder. “Don’t worry,” he reassured her, “Nobody will think you’re a religious fanatic. Not more than any other average Bajoran anyway.”
Melain looked at him. “What do you mean by that?”
“Nothing really. It’s just that…” Frek paused for a moment to search for the right words, “Bajorans are a very spiritual people, more than most species. A bit like the way the Ferengi are with latinum.”
“The Ferengi?” Melain stopped and stared at him.
“Uhm, well. Perhaps that wasn’t the best comparison.” For a moment Frek was bit lost for words.
“Anyway, like I said: Don’t worry,” Frek told his friend. “I’m sure everybody would agree with me if I say you are a nice person. I surely would.”
“What? Agree with yourself?”
“In this case, yeah.”

Frek stared at the green stew in the bowl Melain was holding. He thought it had a certain resemblance with some things he didn’t consider eatable.
“You really gonna eat that?” Frek inquired, “It looks like…uh”
“Yeah,” Melain cut him off, “It’s good. Better than your minced Betazoid-reindeer hamburger you are eating. Wanna try?”
Frek looked at the spoon she was holding in front of him and hesitated. It was like in those familiar situations he was sure everyone has so now and then. You know you shouldn’t do it because you know it will end up badly. But it has a weird attraction so you do it anyway and then find yourself tied to a lamppost in the middle of a city in your underwear.

“Alright,” he said. He closed his eyes expecting the worst. The stew actually didn’t taste as bad as he expected. It wasn’t nearly as bad as the Rigelian snail stew he once had. Except for the colour it pretty much had no resemblance to it.
“Well?” Melain asked.
“Not bad,” Frek admitted.

[Deleted]

"Not bad" Frek replied.

Melain grabed back the fork. "I told you it was good. You can't judge a stew by it's colour." She took another sip, it was almost like the Retamba stew her mother used to make, but not quiet. "You know, I've got a free hour untill that staff meeting, and I'm pretty sure they won't miss me in sickbay. I hear they've got a very good springball court on board. Have you ever played?"

Frek was about to reply when the doors slid open. "There you are, I've been looking for you!" Danara chastised taking the seat next the Melain.

Melain closed her eyes and tooka moment to seek her center. "Danara, I thought you where running simulations with the rest of your team."

"We were, but the whole wormhole, time travel thing kind of took the fun out of it. Speaking of which I heard that The Counsellor had some sort of panic attack." Danara settled into a gossipy pose that Melain had never seen her in, she must have started to settle in faster then Melain expected.

"It wasn't a panic attack, she had a vision." Melain replied flatly. "It's an after effect of her attempted assimilation."

"Maybe so, but right in the wormhole, wouldn't you find that suspicouse." Danara pressed.

"I'm not sure what you're talking about, now If you'll excuss me I'm needed back in Sickbay." Melain stood up and headed to the replicator. "Computer recycle" she orderd, shoving the unfinished stew into the replicator.

"Melain, is something wrong? I thought you and Danara had... settled out." Frek asked, following Melain down the corridor toward the turbolift.

"It's difficult to explain." Melain replied, she wasn't sure she wanted to talk about it. she stepped into the turbo lift "Let's just say that thing have gotten.. complicated between us. Deck 7"

[gracemitchell]

"I think you are right, Steve, it is worth considering. Do you think we could locate the gates to find our way back home?" Grace asked.

Steve replied "I am hoping we can. It's a long shot, but worth a try."

Grace sat thinking for a moment "I know the Iconian's are currently pre-warp, but they may have the technology to have located the gates already. Would it be possible for our sensors to access any data they may have without them knowing or is that unethical?"

"Hmmm, that could be a possibility, Grace." STeve looked at Grace and noticed she was staring "Grace are you alright?"

"Yes, it's not a vision, just a feeling of dejavue." Grace said.

Steve looked perplexed "Dejavue, how do you mean?"

"Well, I have the overwhelming sensation that I have seen this system before. I wonder?" she thought outloud.

Steve grew more interested "What are you thining?"

"I didn't see the wormhole we entered. I think I want to have a look at it." Grace said.

"Computer, show a picture of teh wormhole just before we entered it?" Steve gave the command to the computer.

The look on Grace's face told Steve that she had seen the wormhole before.

"This is only a guess and I can't be 100% sure but I think I went through the wormhole when I was on the Borg ship. I Have no memory of when I was on that ship, but that is my only explanation." Grace said.

"Is there anyway for you to be certain? Also, if you were here before how is it they didn't assimilate the Iconians, and how did they get back?" Steve asked.

Grace shook her head "It seems, I have created more questions then answers. Generally, most of my memories come back randomly. I must admit, though, I don't intentionally try to remember much about my time on the Borg ship. The memories might be buried because they may be painful. I am willing to try but under control conditions. Although, I don't know how helpful the information could be?"

[fthelev]

“Complicated isn’t word,” Frek said leaning against the back of the elevator. “You two are just weird.”
“Weird huh? Thanks.” Melain give him a which-one-of-us-is-really-weird look.
“Perhaps a bit,” Frek said making an effort of studying the ceiling.
“So what about spring-ball?”
Frek gave her a difficult. “I dunno. I never cared about sports much. They make you sweaty and tired.”
“And that’s probably why you’re in no form at all,” Melain said prodding her finger in his side, pushing him out of the lift.

Frek tried to argue with her for a while, using all his arguments to convince her sports and too much physical exercise was dangerous. The discussion lasted for about two minutes.

A deep sigh echoed in the empty court. It reminded him of the empty gyms where they put students to do their final exams. The smell of faded sweat, the died down scream of an unfortunate student who didn’t know the answer to question 8b.

“C’mon, it’ll be fun,” Melain said throwing him the ball, “I’ll let you start.”
Frek put on his glove and let the ball bounce on the floor a few times. With a good slap he send the ball hurling towards the target-zone, missing the oval completely. Quite easily Melain finished it off.
“Point for me,” Melain said triumphantly grinning.
The game went on for a while. Melain making somewhat more points than Frek.
“What’s the score?” Frek panted. He almost could already feel the muscular pain he would be suffering the following day.
“Forty-seven to thirteen for me. My turn to serve,” Melain said still grinning.
"You're just lucky," Frek replied.
"Nah, you just suck at this."
The ball barely hit the wall when the intercom sounded. Frek straightened up to pay attention to the message. In time he remembered the ball bouncing of the wall and managed to evade it just in time.

[Deleted]

Melain cought the ball and snickerd at Frek who had dived out of the way.

"All senior Staff is to report to the conferance room" The intercomm droned.

"I geuss that means this game is over. Next time we'll play a sport of your choice." Melain took off her glove and headed to the exit.

"You mean we'll sit around trading jokes and eating?" Frek asked.

"I hardly think that counts." Melain rolled her eyes. "Just drop your stuff off in the locker room. We'd better get going, it wouldn't look good if we were late for our first staff meeting."

"Couldn't we just transport there, I'm not sure I can take another step." Frek moaned, stumbling over to the men's locker room.

"How exactly did you get through the Academy?" Melain called after him.

A few minutes later they were back in their daily uniforms and heading to the conferance room. "I don't suppose Commander Steve will tell me how my team did in his little senerio." Melain wonderd aloud.

"He might have forgotten, it's not like he's had loads of free time to think about it." Frek replied, he seemed to be walking better, but chances are he would be incredibaly sore the next morning. He' be in sickbay before noon complaing, perhaps she'd set up a pool on that.

The door of the conferance room slid open. "To true." Melain agreed stepping over the threshold. "Looks like we're the first ones here. Any idea where we are supposed to sit?"

Frek stood beside her. "I have no idea, I geuss we stand till everyone else has taken their seats."

[rex]

As soon as Rex had been releaved on the bridge, he made his way to the conference room.

He too was feeling quite hungry, so he stopped at a replicator and had the machine prepare a cheese/lettuce-sandwich. While walking over to the room, he quickly ate the thing. With the last bite the doors to the conference room opened up. Rex had expected to be first, but the doctor and Frek already were standing, somewhat uncertain, in the room.

Rex immediately saw the problem, since it was the same problem he faced on his first meeting. He could easily have told them which were the usual seats, however he chose to enjoy the puzzeling looks.

However once he had taken his seat, he saw the questionly look on the young andorians' face. And because he was feeling a bit sorry for the man, he told him and the docter where they should sit.

Once they had taken positions, Frek pointed at the corner of his mouth: "You have something here lieutenant", he said to Rex.

As Rex whiped his face, it became apparent that some butter had sticked to the corner of his mouth.

'Hmm, it serves to be nice once in a while' Bonar thought to himself.

"Thank you lt. Thelev"

With that said, the rest of the senior staff entered in rapid successions.

[gracemitchell]

Grace had left Steve's office with the intention of going to her office when the call came to report to the conference room.

As she entered the conference room, instead of taking her usual seat she walked around touching chairs here and there, smiling, remembering other times in this room.

Rex asked "Commander, are you unsure of which seat is yours?"

"Thank you, Lt. I do know which seat to take, I am just remembering some happy times in this room. And, please Lt Bonar and Lt Thelev, call me Grace!"

"But you have the rank of Commander!" Frek exclaimed.

"Yes, and I remember very well the celebration that took place right here when I received that pip. I prefer to be less formal, however if your are uncomfortable with using my name, Counselor will do. I can count on one hand how many tmes I have given a command."

Rex asked "I am curious, Grace, why haven't you pursued a command of your own?"

Grace thought for a moment, took her seat, then answered "Good question, Lt Bonar, I have never been interested in being in command of even an away team. I feel I can do my job better if I am more secondary. Just think, what if I had a command and had a vision that incapacitated me for a very long period of time, it could undermine the confidence the crew would have in me."

"If your crew knew that you have visions, they would step in at that point. Aren't you selling your crew short?" Rex asked.

Grace replied "It may seem that way, but think how all of you reacted during my last vision. I saw your reactions on your faces, and you all knew I have visions before you saw one. Please don't misunderstand me, I am very aware that my visions are not easy to get used to. Every crew I have served with have had to adjust to them, I can't stop them, if I could I would. SOmetimes they help, sometimes they don't."

To Melain, Grace seemed a little sad during her speech "Grace, you don't want to have these visions, do you?"

"Sometimes yes, sometimes no. I realize I seem a little sad. That is because I am remembering those my visions haven't helped." Grace answered, then said "Okay, enough about my idiosincricy, what are yours?"

[Deleted]

Melain laughed. "Not to subtle with the counselling are we? Oh well I like that better then the sneaky discreet way. My idiosincricy... While I suppose that's something others determine. I geuss one could call my devotism a idicyncracy, but I'm not sure about that."

Out of the corner of her eye Melain saw Frek rolling his eyes. He seemed to like avoiding the topic of religion.

"The unpleseant conversation aside, Lieutenant Bonar I don't believe we've met yet." Melain extended her hand toward the cheif of security, and could not help but have her doctor eyes drift over his badly healed. scars.

(O.O.C Short post I know, but I have to go to school)

[rex]

(OFF: Melain, I'm still a humble Lieutenant ;D)

The bald lieutenant's hand met the doctor's in the middle.

"No, indeed I didn't have the pleasure of meeting you yet in person. But I have read your personnelfile. So in a way I already feel somewhat acquinted."

The female lieutenant seemed a bit distressed by Rex' last remark, but she quickly regained herself.
"Well you've got an advantage on me there Mr. Bonar, an advantage I hope to neutralize soon."

"I'm sure you will doc.", Rex laughed at her prompt response.

Captain Jira interupted the socialtalk the senior staffmembers were engaged in.
"Gentlemen...and ladies, I have called this meeting to summarize what we have so far and to discuss the plan of action...."

The meeting was underway.