92.0707 - The Benevolent Ones...

[chris]

As 'Q' snapped his fingers and the Jefferson hurtled towards and then stopped in the middle of battle. Chris then realized this is his first battle as Cheif Navigation Officer. Chris then started to turn them towards the battle at hand.

"Sir the Galaxy class style starship is hailing us. It's a Federation signal."

<Captain Zhuk>

Chris then began to patch it through to the speakers.

"Sir forward shields are down to 88 percent. The mysterious black ship has massive internal damage, shields gone, engines and impulse is gone, and also half of there phaser banks and torpedo tubes have been destroyed, Sir."

,Captain Zhuk>

Chris then began to check the ship for hull breachs or other things.

[darankeller]

Daran shook his head. This was an extremely ingenious dampening field around Lt. Darmek. He had finally figured out that it was powered by the lieutenants own neural field. The reason he couldn't move was because the field was selectively siphoning off energy required for motor functions. There was a fairly simple way to circumvent it.

Daran walked over to the replicator. "Computer, I need 15 cc's of Lexorin and 10 cc's of Cordrazine." There was a quiet hum and the needed substances materialized on the pad. Daran loaded up two hypos with the medicine and injected the Lexorin into Lt. Darmek.

The Lexorin was designed to inhibit many neural functions, included motor functions. Daran was hoping that without an energy source, the neural dampening field would dissipate on its' own. Once that was gone, he would administer the Cordrazine, which would restart the lieutenants' motor functions.

The hypospray hissed and the Lexorin entered his patients' system. Daran scanned him. The neural dampening field was gone. The real problem was how long to wait. This 'Q' being had extreme powers, and what was known about the Q Continuum was required reading at the Academy.

As such, there was no guarantee that this was going to work. If Q really wanted Lt. Darmek immobilized, there was very little that Daran could do about it.

After waiting about a minute, Dr. Keller administered the Cordrazine and continued to monitor with the tricorder. The security officers' vital signs were steady and neural activity appeared normal. Koshs' eyes fluttered and he sat up slowly. Daran helped to ease him up. "How are you feeling, lieutenant?" Dr. Keller asked.

"I don't quite know. What happened, where am I? You called me a Lieutenant, why?" Kosh was quite perplexed. It seemed that he had no idea where he was and what was going on.

*<Kosh>

*NOTE- Kosh will not reply...

[raleva]

Raleva watched this ... Q intently, there simply was no reading from him ... his strength of will was far greater than Raleva's and she simply couldn't break though. He was a curious creature to be sure, but he was not strictly malevolent, any psychiatrist worth their salt could tell that. He was a creature that simply knew too much to be kind and there was a hint of ... caring to him. It was not something she felt from him, it was something she observed from his actions. As if he was interested in curbing preconceived notions and correcting what he seemed to find ... annoying? There was that feeling, it was not an inner reading, it was an intrusion that was ... allowed. He was returning her gaze as he snapped his fingers. He delivered them to someplace out of their time and into a battle. The large black starship was more than strange it was twice as powerful and twice as complex as the Jefferson and far out gunned the two other, strangely older ships. She felt a wave of emotions from all the ships as well as the Jefferson. There was fear and desperation radiating from both the Galaxy and Sovereign ships, and a shocking amount of arrogance from the other. It was not nearly as damaged as all that ... it was pulling the Jefferson in to a trap.

"Captain, that large ship there ... it is not half as damaged as it appears to be. They are trying to deceive us just as they are trying to deceive the other two ships, but those two aren't fooled, they know this ship," Raleva said aloud vehemently.

Behind her the voice of a tactical officer came up loud and clear, "Sir, if the sensor readings are correct ... that black ship is a Federation ship, USS Ravenger NCC 5597804 ... 33rd Raider Fleet Flagship. It's marked on the outer hull. Sir, we don't have raider fleets! Do we?"

"And the other two?" the colonel replied quizzically.

"Independent vessels, no serial numbers, the sovereign is marked as the LFSS Kato and the modified Galaxy class appears to be the LFSS Calamy, they are both highly damaged but still operational and they are fleeing ..." he continued.

"Hail the Federation starship," the Colonel said blankly still obviously trying to grasp what was really going on.

"Channel open, sir," the TO said with just a hint of fear still almost fluid in his voice.

"Mark your tone carefully, captain," the Q said with a smirk, "They are still spoiling for a fight ... "

<Tag Zhuk>

[Deleted]

Nathan hovered close to the Romulan woman, keeping a constant eye on her. It seemed that the presence of the half-romulan marine was having a calming effect on her, which was good.

When the attending nurse finally moved off to attend to other matters, Nathan stepped closer, holding a scanner and medical tricorder. "It is non-invasive," he assured her, demonstrating what he was going to do on the marine, before turning the device back to her. "I am going to see how your baby is doing, and how far along you are."

The woman gazed at Leo, who nodded assuringly in response, then she finally nodded at Nathan, so he could proceed. Nathan smiled gently as he waved the scanner over her abdomen. "Looks good," he commented, his smile widening. "Your baby is in good health ma'am," he told her, "but you need to feed yourself more properly. I am putting a healthy diet together for you, as you are a little malnourished. You are approximately nine months pregnant, and assuming the Romulan gestation period is equal to that of a Vulcan, you should be due in about three weeks from now."

For the first time since her discovery, the woman smiled. She looked up again at Leo, her smile widening. To Nathan, it seemed that she was attaching herself to the young marine, and he wondered how the young man though about that. "Please excuse us," he told his patient, then beckoned Leo.

"She seems to be attaching herself to you...will you be able to care for her...temporarily? As you are part Romulan, she seems to relate to you. You are in no way obligated to do this, but it would help us greatly if you would. I do not know if she will survive childbirth, she is severely malnourished and she's very...small if you know what I mean?" Though he was a gynaecologist, and quite used to talking to women about this, he wasn't confident talking to fathers, or any men about the subject of childbirth. And he wasn't going to assume how the young marine may feel about it.

(Leo)

[ajohnson]

Johnson had been amused when Q appeared on the bridge of the Jefferson. He had studied the missions of the USS Enterprise-D closely and had always found Q to be an intriguing character. However, it seemed that Q's interest in humans was growing beyond Jean-Luc Picard and the USS Enterprise, for this was the second time that Alex had encountered him in Section 47.

When Q threw the ship into the middle of a battle, however, Alex became less amused, he didn't really have time to do anything except man his station as he coordinated battle reports from around the ship.

When the Galaxy class ship hailed them, Alex waited intently to see what would happen next.

<Zhuk>

[cptjeff]

Jeff was still a little out of it, but upon seeing the other ships he lunged into action, focusing an entire computer core on analyzing the three ships.

"We have an engineering report on those ships." he called out. "Galaxy and Sovereign are both overpowered, but otherwise standard. the Center ship is basically a mass of Engines, Shields, Weapons, and a cloak. And... I have an insignia image from her hull. It's etched on in another shade of black."

<zhuk>

Jeff put it up on a secondary screen as the ship was hit again.

It was an image of the solar system with a sword through it.

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

As 'Q' snapped his fingers and the Jefferson hurtled towards and then stopped in the middle of battle. Chris then realized this is his first battle as Chief Navigation Officer. Chris then started to turn them towards the battle at hand.

"Sir the Galaxy class style starship is hailing us. It's a Federation signal."

“Open the channel.” Zhukarak ordered.

Chris then began to patch it through to the speakers.

}={
This is the LFSS Calamy. Identify yourselves before we have no choice but to destroy you.
}={

Just then, the Jefferson rocked violently as she received another blow from the Sovereign ship.

"Sir forward shields are down to 88 percent. The mysterious black ship has massive internal damage, shields gone, engines and impulse is gone, and also half of there phaser banks and torpedo tubes have been destroyed, Sir."

Before Zhukarak could answer the hailing ship, Jeff added some more information.

Jeff was still a little out of it, but upon seeing the other ships he lunged into action, focusing an entire computer core on analyzing the three ships.

"We have an engineering report on those ships." he called out. "Galaxy and Sovereign are both overpowered, but otherwise standard. The Center ship is basically a mass of Engines, Shields, Weapons, and a cloak. And... I have an insignia image from her hull. It's etched on in another shade of black."

“Put it up in another screen.”

Jeff put it up on a secondary screen as the ship was hit again.

It was an image of the solar system with a sword through it.

Being in the midst of battle was cause for information overload, but Zhukarak had many seasoned years under his belt. Raleva was next with what seemed to be the most important information from all. She corrected Mr. Pemberton’s information that she must have sensed from her telepathic abilities. Grace gave a look of agreement to Zhuk as she was sensing it as well.

"Captain, that large ship there ... it is not half as damaged as it appears to be. They are trying to deceive us just as they are trying to deceive the other two ships, but those two aren't fooled, they know this ship," Raleva said aloud vehemently.

Behind her the voice of a tactical officer came up loud and clear, "Sir, if the sensor readings are correct ... that black ship is a Federation ship, USS Ravenger NCC 5597804 ... 33rd Raider Fleet Flagship. It's marked on the outer hull. Sir, we don't have raider fleets! Do we?"

"And the other two?" the colonel replied quizzically.

"Independent vessels, no serial numbers, the sovereign is marked as the LFSS Kato and the modified Galaxy class appears to be the LFSS Calamy, they are both highly damaged but still operational and they are fleeing ..." he continued.

"Hail the Federation starship," the Colonel said blankly still obviously trying to grasp what was really going on.

"Channel open, sir." The tactical officer said with just a hint of fear still almost fluid in his voice.

"Mark your tone carefully, Captain." The Q said with a smirk, "They are still spoiling for a fight ... "

“This is the Captain of the USS Jefferson, a Federation Vessel. Hold your fire as we have no qualms with you.”

The screen did not change to a view of the speaking captain of the Ravenger, instead only the voice came through.

}={
You’re vessel does not exist on our registry. We scan many hybrids aboard your ship. You are one of the rebels and shall be destroyed as such.
}={

“They are charging weapons!” Came the scream of the young tactical officer. Within seconds the Jefferson was hit.

Mr. Johnson made the dire announcement, “Our shields are down. Hull breaches on decks 15 through 17, starboard aft section.”

Zhukarak had enough, his ship was on the brink of survival. “Target all torpedo bays and phaser banks at maximum at that black ship.”

The tac officer voiced up once more. “The other two ships are charging their weapons.”

This was not good. What did Q get them into? “As soon as we fire our weapons, get us out of here as fast as you can Mr. Pemberton.”

The other two ships beat the Jefferson in the firing of their weapons, but they weren’t directed at them. Instead, all of their fire concentrated on the black Federation vessel.

Zhuk monitored his console for the results. The Ravengers shields went down, nearly completely. Some type of EM burst from the attacking torpedoes. Then he noticed as the Jefferson let loose of her volley of fire. The Jefferson’s weapons were not much of a match, but with the decreased shielding of the Ravenger, they were able to penetrate and help in causing some major damage. The black vessel turned tail and retreated. Now the Jefferson was at the mercy of the other two, if they had any.

}={
This is the LFSS Calamy. We are holding fire. We too scan many hybrids aboard your ship, and yet you appear to be a Federation vessel but not of a Raider type. Explain yourselves.
}={

Zhukarak wasn’t sure what to make of all of this. He looked over at Grace and then at Raleva. “What are they referring to as hybrids? Do they mean of mixed species?”

Grace was the first to answer her thoughts, “I think that would be very likely. I did notice the Ravenger being more pure, if you want to call it that, as opposed to what I am getting from those two ships.”

“I agree, Captain.” Raleva added. “I’m getting the sense that this is what the fighting is all about. I think we have gone a bit into the future, and considering that it was Q who sent us into this battle…”

It was then that everyone all of a sudden realized Q was no longer with them.

Zhuk turned his attention to the ships on his view screen. “I am Colonel Zhukarak Hrisvalar, Captain of the USS Jefferson, Starfleet Command of 2392. We had a little run-in with Q. I’m sure you have heard of him?”

There was a small moment of silence as if the Calamy Captain was conferring about who or what Q was, then his voice came back through the speaker system.

“I see. This is quite the predicament for you then. Your ship is in need of repair, but we must leave this area before the Raiders show up in force. Follow our heading into the Badlands. We shall meet then.”

Zhukarak looked over at Mr. Pemberton with an affirmative nod of his head. They were on their way…

[darankeller]

Kosh opened his mouth to speak, then his eyes rolled back into his head and started to slump backwards. Daran eased him back onto the biobed and re-scanned him with the tricorder. It seemed the the neural dampening field had re-established itself. The lieutenant seemed stable, just unable to move. Daran shook his head, knowing that he probably wouldn't be able to spend any more time on this case in the middle of combat. Turning, he activated a restraining field in case the ship was shaken badly, then turned back to Sickbay. Head Nurse Precoor had gotten two medical teams organized and they were grabbing medical equipment in case they were called into the ship.

The ship had shaken several times, as if weapons fire were being fired at them, but Daran had no time to check the monitors to see what was going on. After a few more shakes, and a loud, rumbling explosion that seemed to vibrate the very core of the ship, the sounds of battle faded.

Daran sighed thankfully. That had been the first non-simulated combat he had been through and it was quite unnerving, although not the terrifying experience that he had been expecting. He had been so busy that he had barely noticed. It was probably just as well.

The door to Sickbay slid open and the first casualties came in. There were three Starfleet personel, all seeming to have plasmal burns on them. They were being helped in by two from Security. "A plasma conduit exploded on Deck 17. These three were caught in the back blast and blown our way. There are hull breaches on Deck 15 to 17, and more casualties up there, but there's too much interference for the transporters" the security officer reported.

Dr. Keller looked over at Nurse Precoor and the rest of the medical teams. "Transport to Deck 17, stabilize whatever casualties are there and start getting them moved down to Sickbay." Nurse Precoor nodded as Daran tapped his communicator. "Sickbay to transporter room 1, beam one medical team as close as you can to the damage on Deck 17 and another to Deck 15, then standby to start transporting casualties back to Sickbay." Daran was acknowledged and the medical teams shimmered away.

Daran tapped his communicator again. "Sickbay to Bridge. I'm getting reports of casualties on Deck 17."

Captain Hrisvalar heard the call and responded.

=/\=
Understood doctor, do what you can!
=/\=

"Acknowledged. Sickbay out." Daran then walked over and scanned crewmember who looked to be the most seriously injured and shuddered to himself. Plasma burns were the worst...

[chris]

“I see. This is quite the predicament for you then. Your ship is in need of repair, but we must leave this area before the Raiders show up in force. Follow our heading into the Badlands. We shall meet then.”

Zhukarak looked over at Mr. Pemberton with an affirmative nod of his head.

Chris then input the cordinates from the Calamy. They then began to follow the two ships off into the distance.

"Sir what did they mean by hybrid's sir."

<Zhuk>

Chris then noticed that the two vessles were accelerating. Chris matched there speed.

"Sir the battle damages are in. Decks 13,14,15,16, and 17 have hull breaches. Shields are back online but only up to 30 percent. Weapons are online but phaser banks are at 75 percent. We have up to warp 6.4 for up to 12 hours."

Chris then began to realize that they were following to federation type ships that have no Federation insignia or Federation registration.

<Bridge Crew>

[cptjeff]

" I say we interact with them as little as possible. they don't exactly seem friendly. We got lucky with one ship, but We're not liable to get lucky again. They also attacked us first. without warning. but the way I see it, we have to get repairs soon. They gouged into our nacelle pylons, leaving them significantly weakened, meaning that we cannot exceed warp 4.74 without breaking them. we have the power and strength to reach warp 6.4, but if we did that, we would be able to maintain it for 6 hours safely- but we would not be able to go above warp 2 for the rest of the trip. We have impulse, but the RCS thrusters are shot out. so we can't maneuver quickly." Jeff paused, then took on a grim tone. "They knew exactly where to hit us to cause the maximum amount do damage with out destroying us." Jeff pulled up a diagram of the ship on the main engineering screen in the back. "The red and yellow areas are the areas on the diagram are the points with the most stress. the orange lines running through the center of the red areas are were they hit us."

<anyone>

"the way I see it," Jeff commented, " we ask for raw materials for repairs, and have every part assembled under the supervision of people from this ship. We don't' allow them access to any of our computers, and no personnel files. we lock everything out."

"I take it you don't trust them." an ensign on the other side of the bridge noted.

"This may be the future, though it's more likely one of Q's alternate universes. I don't trust it. And when it comes to this ship, I certainly don't' trust them."

[gracemitchell]

"Commander Pudlo is correct in saying we should limit access to the ship as much as possible. Time travel always gives me a headache." Grace commented. "I was not able to hear any of Q's thoughts. He is defintely one of those persons I need to touch to hear thoughts."

A look from Zhuk told Grace that he wondered if she had felt anything from Q, Grace just shook her head no.

"I am concerned about this Hybrid idea. It would seem to be of importance to either side in this conflict. I think it should be explored. Perhaps the Counselor and I could talk with someone on the Calamy." Grace turned to "Counselor De Silva?"

[Deleted]

Nathan lost his footing when the ship became under attack. He tried grabbing hold of the woman's biobed but lost his grip when the ship kept shaking and he tumbled back hard. Only the marine's swift reaction kept him from hurting himself and he muttered an embarassed thanks. It was really showing that he wasn't used to living aboard a starship and he certainly hadn't been under attack before.

Pale-faced, he turned back to examining his patient. "What is your name?" he finally asked, in his best Romulan (which is very little).

"Havraha," she replied, surprisingly in Federation standard, "it means traveler."

Nathan didn't miss Leo blinking in surprise, and he made no effort on hiding his own surprise. His brother Rick had told him enough about Romulan names to know that the woman was graced with a male name. He shook his head ever so slightly, indicating Leo shouldn't comment on it...yet. "That is a lovely name," he smiled, "my name is Nathan and this very polite gentleman overhere is Leo. Leo and I...and my collegue Daran shall be looking after you and your baby. Now, however you must rest. Your stress levels are off the scale and that won't do you or your baby much good."

The gynaecologyst held up a hypospray. "This will help you relax and sleep, it will not harm you or your baby. I have used this on pregnant women of all different kinds of species, including Romulan. It is very safe, and I have already checked you for allergies. It is safe, trust me." He pressed the hypo against her throat and she closed her eyes, relaxing as the drug took immediate effect.

"Stay with her untill ordered to go elsewhere by the Colonel," Nathan instructed the marine, then went to assist his boss with the other injured that were now crowding sickbay.

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

"Well Mr. Pemberton, I think they mean hybrids as in the result of interspecies mixing. It seems this is an important aspect of this timeline, and as Grace has said it warrants more investigation when we reach our destination."

Everyone was in agreement of this. Zhuk stepped form his command chair as Mr. Pudlo motioned for his attention near the master situation console.

The Jefferson was limping along, but the ships leading the way stayed slow and steady. They must have been aware of the dire situation they were in.

"Well, I do hope they can help us with the repairs. I understand about everyone's concern for our safety and keeping our records from them, but we are at their mercy if we have any hopes of returning home...with or without the help of 'Q'!"

Zhuk made a mock look into the air about the bridge, hoping that Q heard him.

[evoran]

"Sir, we've got the Kato and the Calamy on sensors, but they're being accompanied by another ship." Said the crewman working ops.

"What?" Said Voran, getting up from the command chair and going to the ops station. "Let me see their transponder signal."

Voran looked at the data as it appeared on the screen.

"No..." he whispered, how was this possible?

"Captain," said the crewman, "that's a Federation transponder code, but it's 600 years old."

"Yes," said Voran, "it certainly is."

He didn't know what was going on, but this wasn't going to be an ordinary day, he knew that much.

Once the ships arrived at the security barrier, the lead ship transmitted the signal.

"This is LFSS Calamy requesting admittance."

Voran replied, "This is LFSS Enterprise, submit your clearance codes."

"Acknowledged."

Voran let his crew perform the rest of the entry process and soon the three ships were inside the heart of Lorien territory.

This was going to be a very interesting day.

[gracemitchell]

As the Jefferson entered Lorien territory, Grace noticed the name of the ship that allowed them to enter. The name was Enterprise, somehow she knew that the crew she had known were not there now.

Both Grace and the Counselor were looking over the information they had regarding the hybrid issue. In essence, Grace was okay because she was all Human, but will she be accepted by the people in the Lorien Territory since she was human. Prejudice is such an ugly thing! Odd the majority of the crew of the Jefferson were all different species, the few that were totally human could be in danger with the people in the Lorien territory.

"Captain, we reccommend caution in regard to the humans on this ship. At least until we see what kind of reception from the people in this region. They may not be too happy with the humans until they get to know us."

[darankeller]

Daran straightened up from his latest patient and stretched his neck. They had been coming to Sickbay in a steady stream since he had sent out the medical teams and he had seen and evaluated dozens of patients already. Sickbay was swamped, so he had organized another medical group and sent them down to commandeer Holodeck 1 as an emergency hospital area. Things were hectic but remaining organized.

"Give him a 10 ccs of anesthezine for the pain, then set his broken leg using the knitter. When you're done, send him down to Holodeck 1 for observation" Daran ordered. The nurse nodded and set to her tasks, while Daran stepped back to take a look around. He could see that Nathan was looking after a woman who appeared to have some plasma burns and trauma to her right shoulder.

As he was looking around, the area that he had designated as a beam in area shimmered and Head Nurse Precoor appeared with her team. She was kneeling on the ground over a prone and badly injured human. He rushed over and she looked up.

"He was in his quarters on Deck 17 when the attack started. His compartment was opened to space during the attack. I think that he was hit by some of the blasts but managed to make it to the bedroom, shut the door and erect an emergency force field, which held enough atmosphere for him to breathe" the nurse reported regretfully.

Daran regretted it too. Gently, he and medical team moved the badly hurt man to the nearest available biobed. Daran gestured for Nathan to come over and help out. The human was heavily burned and had trauma to his head, torso and right leg. There were areas where skin and muscle had been burned off of the man and he had sufferred serious blood loss.

The biobed monitors came up and started to track the mans vital signs. They were actually better than Daran had hoped, so he quickly administered anesthizine and polyadrenaline compound while Nathan activated the biobeds' regenerative field. "You should try tricordrazine as well" Nathan suggested.

Daran looked up and nodded. "All right, grab a cortical stimulator and a cardiac stimulator as well. We might need them." Nathan turned and quickly moved over to the requested instruments while Daran administered the tricordrazine, the looked up at the biobed monitor. The mans' biosigns had stabilized, and were slowly getting stronger. He glanced up at Nathan, who nodded approvingly.

Daran now needed some history to be able to help the man. "Computer, pull DNA records and identify the crew member on biobed 12. Once you have his id, display medical history at this station."

There was a pause, then the computer replied. "The DNA does not coincide with any present member of the Jefferson's crew."

Daran looked up, startled. "What?" was all he managed to say.

"The DNA does not coincide with any present member of the Jefferson's crew." the computer said again helpfully. Nathan and Danna looked equally surprised.

Daran turned and walked over to the biobed containing the stranger. Incredibly, he had regained consciousness. Slowly his eyes focused on the CMO and he said "I request asylum aboard this ship."

Shocked, Daran tapped his communicator. "Bridge, this is Sickbay. We appear to have a prisoner."

<Bridge>

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

Zhukarak noted the concern in Grace's voice over the humans onboard. If this time period was indeed one where there was intolerance over pure species and hybrid's...not only were his human crewmen in potential harm, but what of himself? He was a pure Andorian. Did this war include intolerance of all pure species?

His comm badge came on.

=/\=
Bridge, this is Sickbay. We appear to have a prisoner.
=/\=

"Understood, doctor. Have Lieutenant Potter stand by for security. I'm on my way."

They were on final approach for docking. Zhuk looked over at Mr. Pemberton.

"How long before we are docked?"

"Twenty-two minutes sir."

"Notify me when we are within five minutes. Grace, Raleva, let's see what we have in sickbay. Mr. Johnson, you have the bridge."

The three of them entered the turbolift, heading for sickbay. Grace was the first to speak.

"How did we end up having a prisoner onboard?"

Zhuk looked at her with a concerned look.

"You have to remember, Q brought us here. Anything is possible whith him involved."

Upon entering sickbay, Zhuk walked over to Doctor Keller.

"Over there, on the biobed. I tried to get a positive biosignature from him when I found out that he wasn't one of the crew. When he came to he asked for asylum. Besides the medical forcefield, I have erected a security forcefield, and Lieutenant Potter is standing by as you ordered."

With Grace and Raleva in tow, Zhukarak approached the biobed. The badly burned figure looked into his direction.

"I...request...asylum..."

His head fell back down onto the pillow from overexertion. Zhuk tried to get him to talk some more.

"Who are you and how did you get to be here?"

[Deleted]

"Prisoner?" Nathan protested as he moved over to their new patient, "he's human, how do we know how he got aboard this ship....or when he got aboard. But first and foremost, he's our patient." He continued to apply bandages soaked in regenerative material which would aid the patient in the healing of his burnt skin.

It didn't take long for the colonel to arrive, with two telepaths in tow. He cast a glare at his immediate chief, disapproving of so many 'visitors' when their patient was still in danger. A forcefield and security field had been erected around the patient, preventing anyone from getting at him, but also effectively preventing the patient from leaving. ~as if he's in any shape to go anywhere~ Nathan thought angrily.

"Take it easy colonel," he warned the CO, earning an angry glance from Daran, "he's in a bad shape." Now that Potter was guarding their new patient, Nathan thought it better to remove himself from the scene and move back to his own patient. Havraha was still sound asleep, though it was evident she was dreaming. The expression on her face changed every few seconds, going from happy to sad and all shades lying between.

Nathan wondered what to do with her as he really doubted she'd survive childbirth. As she was alone on the ship, the rest of her group safely left behind on the station, there was nowhere to go for her or her child. He wondered whether the marine would care for the baby, otherwise he would until he could turn the child over to the group she had come with. He wouldn't leave the child behind in this era, it didn't feel right to do so.

The human wondered what was going on, sickbay seemed to be missing most of the key information. Grace'd had a worried look on her face, and the colonel hadn't seemed too thrilled about their situation either. Something was wrong, but he didn't dare asking. Instead, he focused on his patient, and pretended the rest wasn't present.

[darankeller]

"Prisoner? He's human, how do we know how he got aboard this ship....or when he got aboard. But first and foremost, he's our patient" Nathan said loudly as he continued to tend the new patient. Daran could see Lt. Potter scowling at Dr. van Breughel's words.

"I'm sure that Dr. van Breughel isn't implying the Jefferson's security isn't doing its' job" Daran said reassuringly to the lieutenant. "Do you have any security suggestions?"

"Yes" Potter growled. "Erect a security force field."

"That's fine, Lieutenant. However, Dr. van Breughel and I are going to need a personal neutralizer so that I can go through to care for him" Daran said.

Reluctantly, Potter nodded and the CMO erected the force field, then pulled two neutralizers out of storage. It was a band that created a particle field set to the frequency of the security field so that he and Dr. van Breughel could pass through.

Nathan was applying regenerative bandages to the stranger when Col. Hrisvalar, Cmdr. Mitchell and Ens. De Silva walked into Sickbay and joined them, all looking intently at the occupant of biobed 12. Daran filled the colonel in on what had happened so far.

Col. Hrisvalar stepped closer to the bed. "Who are you and how did you get to be here?"

"Take it easy colonel," Nathan said to the Andorian. "He's in a bad shape." Daran winced inwardly and glanced over at the other doctor. Nathan didn't seem to appreciate that the wounded man represented a significant security threat to the ship. Nathan took the hint and went to monitor the pregnant Romulan.

The patients eyes focused slowly on Hrisvalar. "My name is Comraan Brid. I was aboard the Ravenger when it attacked the Lorien ships. I was hoping that I could transport over. I got lucky when your ship showed up." Brid took a closer look at the Colonel and his very alien features. "What are you?"

Hrisvalar's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Andorian. Why would you wish to flee from the Federation?"

Brid looked around the room nervously, then said quietly "I'm one-eighth Betazoid..."

"You still haven't answered how you managed to get aboard my ship" Hrisvalar grated.

Brid looked to be about ready to pass out, but continued. "Federation weapons include a particle dispersion field in their emission matrix. It doesn't seem affect Lorien ships, but in others it disrupts small portions of their shields, allowing weapon energy to get through unimpeded. I was a weapons officer aboard the Ravenger. I saw where we were targeting and used a personal transporter and force field to get me here and protect me until I was rescued."

The refugee's eyes were beginning to flutter, but he still seemed willing to answer questions.

<Anyone>

[cptjeff]

Jeff Sat on the bridge, trying to make sense of the situation. Hybrids- inter species hybrids. Jeff was Human by definition, but he was partially descended form one of the 'superior beings' developed in the eugenics wars- one who had pretended to be normal during the wars. would that make him any less safe? was he safe as a slightly abnormal human? these people didn't seem too accepting of differences...

"Science." he snapped open a comm channel. "can we scan their computers without being noticed?"

"Depends sir." Came the voice on the other line. If it's a similar configuration vessel, we can use our sensors to look like a normal access. As long as we don't scan anything suspicious."

"I mean try and read files."

"if they're configured the same way, the Jefferson's computers should be able to analyze the data in the gel packs."

"that's a finely detailed scan."

"You could configure it to look like their own internal sensors."

"would we be close enough in configuration to that sovereign class out there?"

"from preliminary reports, we should be. Unless they're using different frequency codes and identifiers...."

Jeff pondered that for a moment, then slaved the sensors to his console. he pulled up his adaptive interface program, set it to an old constitution class refit bridge science console, and started adjusting the sensors to scan the other sovereign class ship.

"I think I'll take that risk. Pudlo Out."

At first, he just breifly scanned the energy blled. it seemed about the same as the Jefferson's, so he tried reading the core.

he hit a file index.
engineering systems
computer systems
sensor control
general database
control
monitors
backup
command functions
command backup.

Jeff selected the database, and downloaded up all references to hybrids. he cut the connection, an prayed that it wasn't seen.

then....

"Captain, I think you should see this." Jeff said over the comm.

<zhuk>

"I don't think that I should say over an open channel. you'd best come up here for yourself."

[gracemitchell]

Jeff's commuication to Zhuk had a ring of suspense about it. At least that is what Grace had picked up from his tone of voice. Grace turned to Zhuk "Go ahead and see the information Jeff has. The Counselor and I can talk to Mr. Brid. We'll try and get a little more information from him, but he looks like he may loose consciousness soon."

<Zhuk and Jeff>

Grace turned to the refugee, and asked "You did not recognize the species of our commanding officer. Exactly how many species are there on your ship and if you are 1/8 Betazoid, do you have any telepathic ability? The Counselor here is Betazoid and I am human with telepathic ability."

Grace could feel fear from Brid after she told him that she was human. Apparantly, humans are feared in this time. ~How I hate time travel~ Grace thought. ~there is absolutly no reason for this person to fear me except that I am human. What kind of Universe have we gotten ourselves into~

On the outside Grace listened to Brid give more information, but Grace kept quiet. It was obvious that Brid was afraid of her, so Grace let the Counselor handle the interrogation, being Betazoid made the refugee more relaxed.

<Raleva>

Grace stood and listened to what Brid had to say but part of her attention was on Dr. van Breughel. She could tell that something else was bothering him that didn't have to do with the refugee. When Brid finally passed out, Grace walked over to Nathan and asked "Is there anything you would like to talk about Dr? Even though I am in a command position, I still have two good ears that are available for listening if you ever need to talk?"

<Nathan>

[Deleted]

Nathan turned to look at the first officer, somewhat startled to find her in such close proximity. Unconsciously, he took a few steps back to put some distance between her and himself. "Yes," he answered, "I believe I would like to talk." He motioned towards the sleeping Romulan woman. "I fear for her life," he continued, "I am doing everything I can for her, and I can save her baby but I am in doubt about being able to save her."

He paused to check on his patient, then turned back to Grace. "And I don't like the way that refugee patient is being treated. He requested asylum, he is severely injured and in no shape to be interrogated like that."

After making sure the woman was comfortable, he stepped away from the bed, but made sure to keep his distance from Grace. As she wasn't a patient, he wasn't very comfortable being near her. "I heard something about humans being feared. Are we in danger from them?" He didn't care much for his own safety, he'd do his job no matter what, but he was afraid for his son. "There aren't many full-blooded humans on this vessel. Apart from yourself, on the senior staff it is only Doctor Keller. I am not part of the senior staff but I am full human. They may treat you differently because you have a non-human skill: your telepathy."

Nathan wasn't too overly fond of telepaths himself, even though he knew like no other human how to block them out. It had been one of the advantages of having a Vulcan sister who used to practice her telepathic skills on her poor older brother. Right now, he made very certain that his mind was closed to the telepathic first officer, even though he knew she wouldn't read his mind without his prior consent.

(grace)

[gracemitchell]

"If is any consolation to you Dr., I agree with you on how the refugee is being treated but sometimes certain situations call for extreme measures, I'm sure your sister would agree with me. if I remember correctly, she is Star Fleet and Vulcan isn't she?"

<Nathan>

"I've never had the pleasure of actually meeting her but I have read about her. She is a remarkable woman, whom I admire very much. Now in regard to your son, I believe if we keep him on the ship he should remain out of harms way. I actually am more concerned for yours and Dr. Keller's safety while we are with the Loriens, since you are both full human's and doctors you could be targeted. When we are around the other side the human's on the ship will be safe but the rest of the crew will not. I'll take my chances as a human with the Lorien's"

<Nathan>

[Deleted]

"If is any consolation to you Dr., I agree with you on how the refugee is being treated but sometimes certain situations call for extreme measures, I'm sure your sister would agree with me. if I remember correctly, she is Star Fleet and Vulcan isn't she?"

Nathan nodded, chagrined at having let that thought slip through to her. "Yes, and I would really appreciate it if you kept out of my mind commander," he scowled, "it is rude. But yes she is starfleet and Vulcan. My parents adopted her when she was orphaned at the age of three. She commands the gamma squadron flagship, and I'm very proud of her. She's a doctor too, did you know that?"

"I've never had the pleasure of actually meeting her but I have read about her. She is a remarkable woman, whom I admire very much. Now in regard to your son, I believe if we keep him on the ship he should remain out of harms way. I actually am more concerned for yours and Dr. Keller's safety while we are with the Loriens, since you are both full human's and doctors you could be targeted. When we are around the other side the human's on the ship will be safe but the rest of the crew will not. I'll take my chances as a human with the Lorien's"

"Would they harm a child then? Freddy's not even five years old, he won't be of any threat to them." Nathan truly was concerned for his son's safety, even more than for his own. The boy was all he had, despite having two siblings of his own. It was all he had left from his marriage to the man he had loved. "Daran and me are doctors. Ever since the early Earth wars, doctors tended to be safe. The red cross was somewhat sacred and nobody would dare shoot at a hospital. I believe we may be safer than we think and I'm certainly not going to hide on this ship when there may be wounded to help."

Nathan nodded towards the biobed that held the prisoner patient down. He scowled in held back fury as he saw that the patient was now strapped down. "Wasn't the security field enough?" he growled, "do they have to humiliate him too? He is a very ill person, what harm can he do. He isn't contagious in any form, does not wear any form of weaponry. He's harmless!"

He bit back his fury and glanced at Grace again. "Commander could you do me a favour? Talk a little to my Romulan patient. Her name is Havraha. She's very weak, but I think talking to another woman will raise her spirits. I fear for her life, she may not survive to see her baby grow up."

[leopotter]

(fast backposting, oh and i'm back for a while)


Leo was beamed down to sickbay with the 2 docters and the pregnat Romulan. He helped Nathan put her up onto a biobed. Leo stood by and watched Nathan scan her and her baby. He said some things to her and Leo smiled encouragly at her as she smiled.

He looked at the docter and he beckoned him over to the side with him.

"She seems to be attaching herself to you...will you be able to care for her...temporarily? As you are part Romulan, she seems to relate to you. You are in no way obligated to do this, but it would help us greatly if you would. I do not know if she will survive childbirth, she is severely malnourished and she's very...small if you know what I mean?"

Leo nodded and said yes. He went back and stood by the women as the docter completed his check up on her. Leo noticed that she kept on glancing at him.

He thought of what the docter had said to him. He didn't know what to think. He'd help anyway he could, but he didn't know if he'd know how to care for the child if its mother died.

He looked back down at the women and his trail of thought was cut off as the ship rocked under his feet. He kept his balance even as the ship rocked again even harder this time. He saw Nathen trying to grab the biobed as he fell but missed, Leo quickly stooped and caught him before he crashed to the floor.

The docter thanked him and went back to monitering the women. He heard the docter speak to the women in passable Romulan. He was even more surprised when the women responded in perfect Federation standered.

"Havraha," she replied,"it means traveler."

Leo blinked with surprise when she told them her name. Her name was usually reserved for Romulan males. He was going to comment on it when he saw Nathan shaking his head. Leo nodded and kept his mouth shut as the docter responded.

"That is a lovely name, my name is Nathan and this very polite gentleman overhere is Leo. Leo and I...and my collegue Daran shall be looking after you and your baby. Now, however you must rest. Your stress levels are off the scale and that won't do you or your baby much good."

The docter told Havraha that he was going to give her a sedative to help her relax and sleep. Leo watched as the drug took effect and she fell alsleep.

He was called over to the other docter and informed they had a prisoner. Leo was confused. He told them to errect a security field and allowed them to use personal neutralizers so they could treat them. He waited there until the Colonel and the first officer and the consullar walked into sickbay. He moved over to the side aways and hit his combadge.

=^= Sergeant Okuda, report to sickbay.=^=

He waited for a couple of minuites. He turned to the door as the sergeant walked in. He walked over to the sergeant and told him to stay and gaurd the prisoner.....person.

He turned and walked towards Nathan but saw that he was talking to the first officer. He turned and walked back over to the side of Havraha and stood there watching her face. He heard somone behind him and turned and saw Nathan standing behind him.

" Docter, I was wondering if there was anything more i could do for Havraha. And I would also like to take full responsibility for her and her child."

( tag Nathan)