A Personal Nightmare

[Daniel Schirra]

Home of Daniel Schirra ...
Marina Boulevard
San Francisco
Earth ::


He was sitting in the garden, earlier, he'd mowed the lawn using the almost ancient lawnmower he had salvaged and refurbished ..... Mackenzie, his six-year-old daughter had laughed as he'd pushed the iron-framed contraption up and down the lawn, making light and dark lines which she had liked. Despite him trying to explain that the heavy roller at the back of the mower was flattening the grass as it passed over it, she still thought the lines were something almost magical.

It had been just over a year since his wife Lana, and eldest daughter Kendal, had been killed, leaving him alone with his surviving daughter Mackenzie.

The Excalibur had been so damaged that for the first three months since their arrival back on Earth, it was very possible Command would decommission the Constitution Class Starship, in favour of the next incarnation of that vessel. The crew, apart from Department Heads and Senior Officers had all been reassigned, and he was leaving the refit, albeit unfairly, to his Exec' Karka Psonoir. Truth be told, he could probably count on the fingers of one hand, how many times he'd gone up to the skeletal remains of the USS Excalibur since they returned to Earth, so even when they had visited Daniel while on long-term leave to look after Mackenzie, wanting his input, he had simply told them to do as they deemed fit, wanting nothing to do with the ship or Starfleet.

For months, Mackenzie couldn't sleep, she would lay awake until the early hours, finally coming into her parent's bedroom to clamber in beside her father. He could feel her tears as they ran down his chest. She, much like him, had been under the care of the same grief councillor, something he, unfortunately, had no control over, given the loss of family members. He and Mackenzie, with his permission, had tried medication to at least allow them 'some' sleep. But it was quickly discarded in favour of mutual solace. Now, a year later, Mackenzie was still coming into his room, not that he would ever consider forbidding her to do so. The Doctor, ever the professional in Daniel's opinion, had even suggested his daughter stay in the hospital for a few days both to give him space and allow closer observation of his daughter, but he had been out the door before the woman had even finished the sentence.

Every few days, they would pack sandwiches, cake, and drinks and wander down to the beach at Chrissy Fields. They would swim, now that Mackenzie was able to paddle on her own, usually chasing her father around in a tight circle until he allowed himself to be caught. It was a double-edged sword in his mind - All the family used to come here when he was at home - Now it was just the two of them, and he sometimes caught an 'inward' expression on 'Kenzie's face, as if she was recalling something she couldn't quite remember.

For the first few months they hardly got any time alone, 'Kenzie was being home-schooled, not being able to cope with the attentions of her school friends, and even Daniel was getting sick of his crew paying him visits, never wanting to bring up the subject that had brought them to his home, but not being able to avoid it either, so it was always him who had to reassure them he was fine. It came to the point that he was being purposefully rude to make people understand his need for solitude, yes he had mourned the loss of his wife and daughter, and yes he would eventually return to something approaching normality, but that would be when 'HE' chose, not someone else who thought with all good intentions, that 'they knew better!

On Sundays, they would travel to the San Francisco National Cemetery. There, the pristine marble white headstone denoted where Lana and Kendal Schirra rested. Mackenzie would bring the same flowers, and the same soft drink her older sister liked, and would solemnly place them against the headstone. Daniel knew he would have to move away a few paces to allow his daughter her private grief, and once she was ready, 'Kenzie would stand, lean close and place a kiss on the headstone, before taking her father's hand, her signal that it was time to leave her mother and sister to quietly sleep alone. They would make their way back home, having a quiet meal on the way, and then the week would begin over.

It was a Tuesday morning, after their seemingly obligatory Doctors' appointments, that they again donned swimwear under their track clothes, packed lunch and headed for the beach .... They swam for a while and Daniel decided he wanted a little rest from the Sun, so he allowed 'Kenzie to remain in the water while he returned to the towel they had put down. He opened the cooler and selected a cool drink. He had been sitting reading when his daughter came running up to him almost hysterical!

"DADDY DADDY ... IT'S MUMMY AND KENDAL...!"

Daniel took hold of her, trying to get her to sit and calm down, but Mackenzie was frantic, pointing down the beach to a woman and young girl, who seemed to be looking out onto the bay.

"You're mistaken sweetheart, it's just someone who reminds you of Mummy and Ke ....." he began, but Mackenzie struggled from his grip and ran off towards the two people almost a hundred metres away ..... Worried she might be upset when she realises it's not who she wants it to be, he clambered to his feet and ran after her.

As the distance closed, he couldn't help but look at the two people, woman and child, both seemingly oblivious to his or Mackenzie's approach. He could hear 'Kenzie shouting 'MUMMY' but neither turned. Then, less than ten metres from the two, Mackenzie dropped to her knees, Daniel reached her, plucking her from the sand before looking up at the people his daughter had thought her Mother and sister. The resemblance was more than striking, it was as if they had somehow, miraculously risen from the dead. He held tightly onto Mackenzie, one hand supporting her weight, the other against the back of her head preventing her from turning to see what he was looking at, his eyes locked on the woman meters away.

He might have explained the resemblance away: Maybe both their memories were playing tricks, either on either a subconscious or conscious level, but then his world turned upside down when the woman turned:

"Hello Daniel," ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

His world spun, first the sand, then the sky, then the crystal blue water of the bay .....

"Daddy... Daddy... DADDY ..... PLEEEESE!"

He could hear someone, so far off it was difficult to believe, yet the voice was there, calling him. Fighting sanity, he forced himself to open his eyes, snapping them shut instantly as the midday Sun hit his retinas. There were faces over him, Mackenzie, tears running down her cheeks, others too, trying to help him into a sitting position. He could hear people asking if he was alright.

"Lana ....." he said, struggling to remember what had happened.

He was helped to his feet, a man and a woman were holding him making sure he didn't collapse, he reached down to stroke Mackenzie's hair, trying to reassure her he was ok.

"Daddy, you fell, I was crying," his six-year-old daughter was saying.

"I'm ..... I'm sorry sweetheart, Daddy must have felt a little faint, I'm alright now though. Did you get help?" he asked.

"Yes, I did just like you said and shouted to everyone, this lady and man ran over, they helped you like I did," Mackenzie said, still fighting her nerves.

"You did really good sweetheart..." Daniel said, eyes moving back along the beach where he'd seen his wife and daughter minutes earlier, but there was no sign they had even been on the beach, "... I'm just going to take a minute," he said, turning to the two who had helped, thanking them both for what they had done. They said, 'It was nothing, people faint, it happens, maybe he should see a doctor just to be on the safe side though' they suggested.

"Thank you again, and yes, I'll certainly get a checkup, I've been a little off lately, so maybe that's why I passed out. Strange though, I've never had it happen before," he said with a frown.

"Maybe you were a little hungry, it's warm too, so that could have contributed," the woman said.

"Yes ..... Maybe I'll take my daughter home and give my doctor a quick call,"

"You live local, I'm sure we could help if it's far?" the man said.

"No, our house is close by, but thanks again," Daniel said, suddenly wanting the two samaritans to leave them alone. After a moment he turned and knelt beside Mackenzie, hugging her tightly.

"You called Mummy's name..." the six-year-old said quietly, her head resting on his shoulder, "... Why Daddy?"

"I'm not sure sweetheart, maybe I saw someone who looked like Mummy ....." he replied, still convinced he'd seen his dead wife and daughter, and that it wasn't some low blood pressure hallucination. Wrapping an arm around Mackenzie he picked her off the sand and began walking home. Several times he slowed, turning to look back the way they had come before continuing towards the little marina picnic area .....

"Who are you looking for, Daddy?" 'Kenzie asked.

"No one darling... How about eating out tonight rather than me cooking?" he asked trying to sound cheerful and put his daughters' mind off what had just happened.

"Well, not that I'm a picky person, you understand..." Mackenzie said, putting on what she called her 'schoolteacher' voice, "... But eating out is always better than you're cooking unless it's flapjacks with syrup of course,"

"Cheeky mare, I'm a good cook, ask anyone," Daniel said, feigning hurt.

"Aww, ok Daddy, if you say so," his daughter replied, kissing him warmly on the cheek as she looked around at the many mobile vendors along the edge of the picnic area.

"So what's it to be, madam?"

"I think ..... Hot dogs, unions, and tomato sauce, none of that mustard yuck though,"

"OK, hotdogs it is," he said, heading for their favourite vendor: 'Tommys Barking Dogs' .....

They purchased what they wanted and found a ferr bench overlooking the yacht harbour, boats were coming and going, some under sail, some using outboard motors to move through the almost mirrorlike water.

"We should go out on the boat again Daddy..." Mackenzie said, using her napkin to wipe tomato sauce from the corner of her mouth before she continued, "... We haven't been out on the bay sin ....."

She fell silent and he too remembered the last time they had taken their twenty-six-meter Custom Sailing IMS maxi racing yacht out. They had bought the yacht five years earlier and had been planning a round-the-world vacation, something that might not happen now unless he and Mackenzie simply took off. A round-the-world venture was out of the question, but nothing was stopping them from going down the coast, maybe Santa Barbara, bypassing Los Angeles, before running down to Cabo San Lucas ... The single-masted yacht could be sailed pure, manually setting the sails etcetera, though it was a strain singlehanded. Luckily, the previous owner had fitted some discrete automation to help with the workload ...

The more he thought about it, the more inviting the idea seemed. He was brought out of his reverie by Mackenzie, who having finished her 'two' hotdogs, now wanted ice cream. Shaking his head as if he disapproved, he grinned, allowing her to run to the nearest vendor and buy herself what looked like the tallest cone he'd ever seen. She came back and held it out so he could take a lick, enjoying the sprinkles as they fizzed on his tongue.

They stayed in the picnic area for almost two hours, the sun was already setting and he could tell 'Kenzie was getting tired. Thanking Tommy as they passed, he took 'Kenzie home, telling her to shower and get ready for bed. Even at six, she was very independent, showering she could do on her own, but she still loved her hair being dried and brushed by her Dad. Now in pyjamas, Daniel carried her to her room and gently placed her in bed, pulling the quilt up to her chin. He leaned forward, kissing her on the forehead before lowering the nightlight.

"Nite nite Daddy, 'Kenzie said sleepily.

"Sweet dreams princess," Daniel replied, again fighting back tears. Leaving the door ajar, he returned to the living room and poured himself a brandy. He requested the audio system to play something mellow and sat in his favorite chair, eyes closed. But nothing could cloud the memory of him seeing Lana and Kendal earlier. Maybe he was tired as the strangers had suggested, maybe his doctor had a point, he needed rest, but he'd been 'resting' for the better part of a year, how come these problems were starting now, and not soon after his loss ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

The room was in complete darkness when his eyes shot open .....

For almost a full minute he sat in the armchair, eyes and ears straining ..... Something had woken him, he was sure.

He closed his eyes, as if restricting this particular sense would heighten his hearing, but the room was completely silent. He was sure something or someone was in the house, but for some unfathomable reason, he hesitated in rising from the chair, almost hoping the intruder would reveal themself without his having to force the issue.

He sat motionless for a full minute, yet still nothing, so he had little option but to open his eyes and rise. He looked at the window, shadows moving across the glass like ghostly tentacles as the tree in the middle of their lawn succumbed to the slight early morning breeze, but no ogre, no spectre, no ghost!

Slowly, almost imperceptibly, he took a step backwards, then a second, until he felt the wall against his back. He moved his eyes, trying to pierce the almost impenetrable darkness in every corner of the room, the archway leading to the kitchen was void of anything alien. The archway leading to the bedrooms was dark, almost forboding, as if daring him to trespass, beyond the arch, only darkness, seemingly black beyond black. Still, he listened, he was sure something, some 'sound' had brought him from his sleep, he could see the empty plate and half-empty wine glass on the small table. Maybe that was it, he'd had a drink, something he wasn't used to doing, he'd had abad  dream, it was that that had roused him.

Still unconvinced he was not alone, he took a step away from the wall and began to cross the room, he had to check on his daughter, she too might be in danger from this unseen intruder. He reached the corridor and approached the girls' bedroom, the door slightly ajar, was as he'd left it hours earlier. Reaching out, he tentatively placed his hand on the door, finger spread, and applied the smallest pressure, the door began to open, impossibly slowly until he could see Kendal's bed, empty, the door opened further, he could see the dresser that separated the two beds, then Mackenzie's bed.

His five-year-old daughter, an almost tiny form in the oversized bed, was curled up under the quilt.

Walking on eggshells, not wanting to disturb 'Kenzie from her sleep, he moved closer until he could kneel beside the bed. Reaching out he lifted the quilt a few centimetres and could see her sleeping, hair laying haphazardly across the pillow and her face, he tentatively reached out and used one finger to slowly move the hair from her mouth had eyes. It was like watching a sleeping angel, he thought. He looked once again at Mackenzie then pulled the quilt higher to cover her shoulders before tucking it beneath her chin. He leaned close, placing a kiss on her forehead.

He was convincing himself he was simply being paranoid about this unseen intruder when he was sure that in his peripheral vision, the blackness in the corridor changed imperceptibly. His head spun, eyes trying to probe the darkness, he dared not turn on a light as that would surely wake 'Kenzie. His heart was pounding, there was someone out there, waiting, obviously enjoying his discomfort, enjoying the growing fright within him.

Knowing he couldn't simply remain rooted to the spot, he rose and turned to the door ..... One step, two, three ..... He was at the threshold of the corridor before he felt the temperature change: Had it become suddenly colder, or was this another warped trick of his imagination, he didn't know, but if something truely 'was' waiting for him, he couldn't allow it, or them, access to his daughter, nothing must threaten her, of that he was certain.

For a second he found himself regretting his and Lana's decision not to have any weapons in the house, after all, was their family home, not some remote battlefield. He looked around for something to use as a weapon but was faced with only a multitude of soft toys, and realised he was going to search the house unarmed until something more substantial presented itself. He stepped into the darkened corridor, the rectangle of dark upon dark signifying the living room beyond the archway. Whatever, whoever, had been close to the bedroom door seconds earlier, had gone ..... He reentered the living room and quietly spoke:

"Lights. Thirty per cent,"

The inset lighting illuminated, bathing the room in an almost eerie glow, but thankfully, no attacker was to be seen, no spectre materialised from the darkness. Quickly, he moved to the kitchen and then back before going into his bedroom, each time bringing the lighting up enough to see each room was empty.

Glancing again into Mackenzie's room, he made his way around the house, emboldened now by the fact no one or nothing had attacked him thus far He checked the dining room, the office, the utility room, and lastly, the garage, where he kept his two twentieth-century classic cars: The V-Twelve, Nineteen Sixty-Seven E-Type Jaguar Convertible, and the Nineteen Seventy-Two Mini Cooper-S, both still only half restored, this too was devoid of phantoms.

Almost reluctantly he returned to the living room and dropped into his chair, the morning sky was just feeling the first rays of sunlight, the room taking on an almost caressing amber glow ..... Convinced it had been nothing more than a dream that had woken him, he almost laughed. The ornamental clock on the wall informed him that it was still before six, and Mackenzie wouldn't be up for at least another couple of hours, this was time he usually used to do household 'chores' as his daughter often called them with an almost theatrical pout when asked to do the smallest thing.

It was then he saw the wine glass ..... The now completely empty wine glass! ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

With Mackenzie in school, Daniel had gone to the appointment he had made that morning .....

Office of Junsuke Ito
Psychiatrist ...
PRIVATE CONSULTATION ::

"..... There 'WAS' someone in my house Doctor, if not, then who drank the wine!" he insisted.

"Daniel, you have to calm yourself. You have been through a lot, the loss of your wife and daughter has clearly taken its toll on you," Ito said reassuringly.

"No,"

"Yes ... You even said yourself that you rarely drink, and you said you had all but finished a full bottle of red wine..." Ito said, watching his friend, and patient, closely, "... I know it has been over a year since they passed, grief doesn't have a finite lifespan Daniel, some mourn for the rest of their lives, while some seem to come to terms with their loss sooner, you have to try to reconcile yourself that the deaths of Lana and Kendal were not your fault, it's the only way to begin forgiving yourself,"

"If they, hadn't been on the ship ....." Daniel stammered, but Ito held up a hand.

"Have Starfleet given you a timeframe for the completion of work on the Excalibur?" the Psychiatrist asked.

"There was a lot of damage, Command almost scrapped the ship given the level of reconstruction," Daniel replied, knowing Ito was changing the subject but not having the strength to argue.

"Your initial sessions with me were ordered by Starfleet Medical, but this, and the other appointments are private ....." Ito said, eyeing Schirra.

"Meaning you're not going to run to Command and tell them one of their Captains is seeing things, I assume?" Daniel snapped.

"That all depends on you. But at this point, I'm still of the opinion that you are still suffering from your loss, medication would help, but you've already turned that avenue down, so what would you suggest?"

"Hypnotism, Vulcan mind meld, Voodoo," Daniel replied, the sarcasm obvious, and ignored by Ito:

"Answer me this: If Starfleet were to recall you to active duty, let's say, tomorrow for example, would you be able to function in your role as Commanding Officer?"

"You're asking if I could hold up my Command?"

"Yes ..... I am," Junsuke asked. Daniel fell silent, eyes on the bridge crossing the bay, but after several minutes of silence, he looked up.

"No, I don't think I could," he admitted.

"Why?" the Psychiatrist probed.

"Mackenzie," Schirra replied instantly.

"Good, that's some way to admitting one of your fears of returning to duty. She's all you have left, no doubt the mere thought of leaving her here while you go off into the proverbial unknown, isn't something you're willing to consider, correct?"

"Yes, but taking her with me would be out of the question, Command wouldn't allow it,"

"You cannot say that for sure, exceptions have been made..." Ito replied, rising from his chair to refill their coffee cups before continuing, "... OK ... Well let's not dwell on speculations. You are still convinced that someone has been inside your home and that you saw both Lana and Kendal on the beach the other day?"

"I 'DID' see them!"

"May I ask if, Mackenzie too, saw her mother and sister?" Ito asked quietly.

"No, she didn't, she was..." Daniel frowned, trying to remember just where his daughter had been when he, when he, what, "... She was paddling, someone must have called her over when I ..... They said I, passed out," he said.

"..... And you don't think that is the case?"

"I was, unconscious," Daniel admitted.

"You are still not sleeping well?"

"No, I, no....." Ito picked up a PADD and began to read:

"Your last medical showed elevated levels of neurotransmitters: 5-hydroxytryptamine, and Gama-aminobutyric acid, both can inhibit sleep. The imbalance leaves the mind prone to REM activity. They can also contribute to both depression and anxiety,"

"If you say so Doctor..." Daniel said, shaking his head, "... So now I'm not only seeing things, but I'm an anxiety-riddled depressive ..... Command is going to love your report,"

"Both imbalances have been treated Captain, you do not need to be concerned. As for the mild depression and anxiety, that is to be expected after such a long lay-off period. I hear you have been somewhat reluctant to visit the Excalibur?"

"I'm not needed up there, there was practically nothing left of the Excalibur by the time we got back here, reconstruction doesn't require the Commanding Officers' presence,"

"No, quite right, though most Captains like to see what's going on on their vessel,"

"Well perhaps I'm the exception to the rule," Daniel replied dismissively. Ito was quiet for a long moment, seemingly studying the information in the medical report, and then he looked up.

"You didn't report your seeing your family to anyone, is that correct?"

"No, I didn't," Daniel conceded.

"Might I ask, why?"

"Let's say that for the time being I'd like to keep my impending fall into insanity to myself, how's that,"

Junsuke got up again placing the PADD on his desk he walked over to an ornate cabinet and opened it. A moment later he walked over to Schirra:

"I think we'll call it a day unless, of course, you have something else you wish to discuss?"

"No, thank you, Doctor," Daniel said, rising.

"I'd like you to roll up your sleeve if you would..." Ito said, holding a hypospray ready, Daniel did so while the Psychiatrist continued to explain, "... Don't worry, it's just to help you relax and hopefully help with your sleeping problem ... Off the record," When he'd done, Daniel pulled his sleeve back down, resisting the urge to touch the location of the shot he'd been given.

"Thank you, I appreciate you seeing me at such short notice," Daniel said.

"My pleasure, and please, don't be too concerned, physically you are fit and well, mentally, well just a little off-kilter, nothing that can't ready itself in due course. But you must stop believing that the deaths of your wife and daughter are your fault, until you can do that then we are stuck in this limbo if you will,"

"I'll try Doctor, but as you said - It will take time," Daniel replied before he left the office. Back in the sunshine, he walked to the nearest transport hub and caught a shuttle back to the Marina District and home.

In his office, Junsuke Ito lifted the PADD that leaned over his desk to pause the recording of the consultation, sealing it under doctor/patient privilege. These sudden events after a year were worrying him, he'd known Daniel Schirra for almost twenty years, and didn't believe for a single second that he was prone to hallucinations. He wondered for a moment about passing this information on to Starfleet Medical who would have the final say in certifying Schirra fit to return to duty, but felt that at this point there was nothing substantial to report.

He took the cold cups of coffee to the utility room next to his office to rinse them out before placing them on the rack ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

It had been four days since he'd visited Doctor Ito.
There had been no more nightmares, no more visitations from his dead wife and eldest daughter .....

Despite his reluctance to visit the ship, he was still a Starfleet Office, and still Captain of the USS Excalibur, as such it was he and not his Executive Officer who was required to oversee the refit. Karka had been more than understanding, knowing Daniel had needed time, both the grieve and to come to terms with his loss and the fact he was now sole parent to a five-year-old little girl.

Now though, he found himself on a shuttle taking him into orbit for the first time in almost a year, and to the ship he had commanded for so long .....

"She's looking pretty good Captain," the Pilot said as they approached the orbital dock where the Constitution Class Excalibur had been undergoing her extensive refit. The ship was practically brand new, and Daniel still couldn't see why they simply hadn't scrapped the old version in favour of constructing a new ship from scratch. 'It was hardly for sentimental reasons' he thought.

"Sir?" he turned to the Pilot confused.

"Sorry Lieutenant, miles away,"

"Sir?" the young woman said, clearly not understanding his reply.

"Apologies, I was, daydreaming, thinking about the last time I saw the ship..." he replied, wondering why he was explaining anything at all, but she didn't deserve his being discourteous, "... It was a little battered and bruised,"

"I'd say that was something of an understatement Captain, I was here when you got back, everyone thought it was a miracle the ship didn't fall to pieces," the woman said, seemingly relieved she hadn't overstepped some invisible line.

They fell silent, Daniel allowing the Pilot to concentrate on docking procedures ..... Finally he 'felt' the muted 'thud' as ship and shuttle connected. She locked off the controls and turned to the rear of the craft activating the inner airlock doors. They slid aside, as did the inner doors, light flooded into the darkened shuttle and he had to squint for a second before coming accustomed to the brightness.

"Permission to come aboard, Sir?" he asked the Duty Officer.

"Permission granted, Captain," the man replied. Daniel nodded to the Pilot:

"Are you staying aboard Lieutenent .....?" he asked as his Yeoman, Ensign Tanya Sands approached.

"..... Kay Moore Captain, I've been told to wait until you're ready to return to the surface, Captain,"

"Hello Tanya ... OK good..." he said, addressing the Pilot, "... At least I know I'll be in good hands on the way down. See you later, and thanks for the ride..." he said, walking into the nearest corridor, Sands two paces behind him,

"Welcome back, Captain," Sands said.

"Thank you ... I think ... Where is Commander Psonoir?"

"Engineering, Sir," Sands replied.

"Right, if you could go to my quarters and get the reports ready, I'll be there shortly,"

"Aye, Sir," the Yeoman said, walking away as he stopped at the first turbolift .....

Entering Engineering was like walking into another world - The layout had changed, not substantially, but enough to make him pause as the double doors silently closed behind him - The warp core was different, completely upgraded, as were practically 'all' the sub-stations arranged around the room, he had to admit he was somewhat impressed. He moved further into the Department, Junior Officers nodded as they passed, here was no place for standing on ceremony, and certainly not for saluting Superior Officers. You had work to do and unless directly addressed, you got on with it.

He found his Exec' talking to one of the Engineering Staff and walked over - He held up a hand, not wanting to interrupt as the two men turned as he approached. He waited, eyes moving around the seemingly much larger space than he remembered, Karak finished his conversation and turned to face Daniel.

"It's good to see you aboard,"

"Flying visit..." Schirra replied cryptically, "... Looks a lot different, have things changed 'that' much?"

"Most of the stuff here is upgraded, the core, as you can see, but a lot has been done since we docked, yes..." Psonoir said, watching his Commanding Officer closely, "... You want a tour?"

"Maybe next time," Daniel said.

"You don't want to be up here, I get that..." Karka said quietly, waiting for a reply that wasn't forthcoming, "... We're still at least four months, maybe more before we can begin shakedown,"

"Can I have a word?" Daniel said, walking towards Mark Unwin's office, once inside he closed the door and sat with his back to Main Engineering. After a pause, Karka took Unwins' seat and waited .....

"You've heard what's been happening?"

"Some,"

"I was sure I saw ....." Daniel began but fell silent.

"You're recovering Dan, it's not an exact science, no one can give a timeframe ..... I know Command practically ordered you to come up here. I told them I'd handle it, but you know the Brass," Karka said with a sympathetic shrug.

"You think I'm losing my mind?" Daniel asked after a moment's silence.

"No, I don't, and neither should you. There has to be an explanation, stress, overtiredness, you did say you're not sleeping. Medical will work it out, and so will you. They haven't officially relieved you of duty, so that should show you that Command is behind you, you're only on medical leave. Besides, they would be stupid to even consider losing someone like you,"

"Thanks ..." Schirra said, hoping his smile seemed genuine enough, "... Not edging towards that centre seat then?" he said with a grin.

"Not bloody likely,"

"Right, well I'm going to go to my quarters, I've asked Tanya to pull all the reports so far. I'll take a couple of hours going through them then maybe we can meet up before I go back down?"

"Whenever you're ready," Karka said as the two stood and shook hands.

Leaving Engineering, he made his way down to the Arboretum in the bowels of the ship, he always enjoyed walking in the damp air, then Sickbay, before he headed to his quarters. Tanya had already got what he needed - The desk was almost filled with PADDs, she gave an apologetic smile and then took the bulk in her arms:

"These can wait, those ..." she said, nodding at the desk, "... Are the ones you should look through first," she said, turning to leave. As the door closed he took the first PADD and scrolled through the long list, noting that everywhere that needed authorisation or a sign-off, Karka had done so. He was about to put the first PADD down when Tanya re-entered with a cup of coffee, he could smell it even before she was in his quarters.

"Thank you," he said. Sipping the hot liquid he continued to scan the files, nodding each time something had been completed and signed off. There had been a lot of work, but at least the proverbial 'finish line' was within sight he thought.

----------

He was reading when the door chime sounded:

"Come..." he said, smiling as the door opened, " Tanya ... Lieutenant?" he said, seeing the two women.

"Captain, I was wondering if you were planning on staying aboard for the night?" Tanya asked, glancing at the Pilot.

"Sorry?" Daniel said, confused.

"It's twenty-one thirty hours, Sir. I was wondering if you are staying aboard, if your pilot isn't needed with your permission she would like to return to the surface?"

"Twenty-one ..... Oh ..... 'HELL' ..... I'm sorry Lieutenant, I hadn't planned on staying so long. If you will give me five minutes, I'll be right with you," he tapped the comlink and asked Karka to come to his quarters. Minutes later the Exec' arrived.

"I thought you were settled in for the night," Psonoir said, winking at Tanya, who almost managed not to grin.

"I've been sat in here for nearly 'TEN' hours. You didn't think to ....." he began, realising he was already losing any argument he was about to start. He got up and headed for the door, the three others following him into the corridor.

Despite his objections, Karka and Tanya accompanied him and the Pilot to the shuttle bay. Thanking both of them he boarded and sat back as the shuttle eased off the deck. He watched as the craft left the Shuttlebay and into open space, the blue-green jewel of Earth gleaming below. He could see the Terminator of daytime and night as it moved over the United States, then suddenly jerked as the Pilot shook his shoulder:

"Captain, you're home,"

"Wha ....."

"You fell asleep Sir," Kay Moore said with an understanding smile, I've put down on the Marina Green, save you having to get home from Starfellt 'HQ' I hope that's alright,"

"It's fine Lieutenant," he said, clambering out of the second seat and towards the side airlock door. He could feel to cool easterly breeze on his face as he stepped onto the grass. Opposite was his home, on the lawn, Lana's mother, Barbara, was standing with an arm on his daughter's shoulder, before Mackenzie broke free and ran to him.

"WOW DADDY ..... You came all the way here in a 'SHUTTLE' ..... Can I have a ride?" she said as she jumped into his arms.

"Maybe tomorrow, it's 'Waaaayyyy' past your bedtime, what are you doing up?"

"Grandma said you would be late, and as it's not school tomorrow I could wait up," the five-year-old said, still eyeing the shuttlecraft, before taking hold of Kay's hand eagerly.

"Tell you what..." the Pilot said, kneeling, "... If your Daddy says it OK, I'll come by tomorrow and give you a little ride ... If that's acceptable, Captain?" she added hurriedly, realising she'd offered before asking.

"You don't have duty tomorrow, Lieutenant?"

"No, Sir, off duty all day,"

"YES YES YES!" 'Kenzie said, almost leaping out of her father's arms.

"OK, let's say, about ten?" he asked the Pilot.

"Ten's fine with me Sir ... Goodnight, Miss," she said with a nod to 'Kenzie before boarding the shuttle, Seconds later it lifted, made a three-sixty rotation for Mackenzie's sake, and then headed into the night. Daniel thanked Barbara as they walked back to his, she kissed 'Kenzie and said 'goodnight' heading off to the house she and Mackenzie's grandfather lived in just a few houses down the street. Inside he took 'Kenzie straight to her bedroom and dropped her on the bed.

"Pajama's ... You've had supper I take it?" he asked.

"Yes, and brushed my teeth,"

"Good, I'll be back in a minute to tuck you in," Daniel said before going around the house to check lights were off. He set the lock and the alarm, then went back to 'Kenzie's bedroom. She was already under the quilt and was waiting for him to read to her. Suddenly too tired to argue, he began from where they had left off the night before, but no sooner did he hear her breathing shallow as she fell asleep, his eyes closed, and before he could get up to go to his room he too was in a deep, restful sleep ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

Sunlight streamed through the window as Mackenzie woke him .....

"What is it, sweetheart?" Daniel asked as he swung his legs off the bed. Kenzie waited until he seemed awake.

"Daddy, Uncle Karka is here, he wants to talk to you, I said you were sleeping in..." the five-year-old said, arms folded as she eyed him up and down, "... Your hair is a mess, you know that, right,"

Daniel looked around the room, confused for a moment as to why he had been asleep in his daughter's bedroom, he squinted at the cartoon clock on her bedside table - 15 : 32 : 41 - I've been asleep, all morning?" he asked, puzzled.

"Yes, and you snored, a 'LOT' you woke me up so I had to go in your bed ..... Unkle Kara?" she asked, clearly unimpressed.

Dan got up, running a hand through his hair as he walked across the room and down the corridor to the living room. Karka Psonoir, his Executive Officer on the Excalibur, was sat on the settee sipping what Daniel instantly identified as coffee.

"Wow, don't you look like you've been dragged across the bay backwards..." Karka said, picking up the cup on the coffee table and holding it out for Schirra to take, "... I hear you had a bit of a lay-in," he said, winking at Mackenzie, who feigned annoyance with a pretend pout towards her father before picking up her tumbler of orange juice.

Dan was about to ask if his daughter had been up alone all morning when her grandmother came in from the kitchen with a massive plate of pancakes. Karka thanked her and took the offered fork, stabbing through three of the syrup-laden pancakes before moving them to a plate he'd taken from the try.

"Barbara," Daniel said by way of greeting.

"You looked like you needed the rest, Kenzie says you haven't been sleeping..." Daniel glanced at Kenzie, who raised her eyebrows almost daring him to contradict her, "... Don't worry, Mackenzie commed me when she woke up," his moth-in-law said.

"Sorry," was all Daniel could manage, the aroma of the strong coffee beckoning, as were the pancakes.

"About seventeen hours straight, if Mackenzie's right about the time you got home last night..." Karka said, seeing the five-year-old nod to confirm his maths skills, "... Which I'm not about to query,"

"Sevente ....." Daniel said, a fork full of pancake halfway to his mouth.

"It's about time you got a good night's sleep, Daniel, Kenzie says you're walking around the house at all hours in the night," Barbara said as she retreated to the kitchen, Kenzie a few paces behind her.

"Is there a problem with the ship?" Daniel asked.

"No, in fact, the news is good, Engineering had signed off on the new nacelle's, and with the core already run on test, they would like to take the ship out for an hour to run up the warp drive," Psonoir explained.

"..... Fine, If you'll give me half an hour ....." Daniel began.

"No, I just need your authorisation, there's no need for you to be aboard. I just thought I'd come down and ask," Karka assured him.

"You're sure?"

"You need the rest, though from what Kenzie says, you might want to get something for the snoring," Karka said, getting to his feet. Mackenzie ran and jumped into his arms as they walked out of the house onto the front lawn, "... You got any plans, you know my family have the lodge in Yusimite, you could take a few days while it's empty, it's always well stocked, there's good fishing up there this time of year,"

"Thanks, I was actually thinking of taking the yacht down the coast for a few days, just Kenzie and me," Daniel replied.

"Sounds good..." Psonoir said, genuinely pleased his friend seemed to be making an effort to get himself sorted, lowering his passenger to the lawn before moving a few paces away, "... Enjoy the break, I'll update you on the ship in a couple of days. With a wave, he pulled and communicator from his pocket and flicked it open:

=^= Psonoir to Excalibur =^=

=^= Excalibur =^=

=^= One to beam up .. .. Energise =^=

Dan watched as Karka de-materialised and vanished. He looked over to where Kenzie was sitting on a small bicycle. She waved towards the Marina Green opposite their home. Daniel walked over to her and looked in the same direction.

"Kenzie...?" he asked after a moment, "... Who were you waving at sweetheart?"

"No one Daddy ..... Can we go to the beach, I feel like a swim, well, paddle," his daughter said, peddling the back towards the house before running inside, Barbara a pace behind. Dan looked over at the Green, then towards the Yacht Club, but despite the 'Green being busy with picnickers, joggers, and tourists, he couldn't see anyone taking particular interest in himself or his daughter. With a frown, he too went inside to change ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

Daniel had been tossing and turning but had finally fallen into a fitful sleep .....

The room was in complete darkness when something woke him. For a second he remained motionless but then opened his eyes ... Adjusting to the darkness he saw a shadow at the end of his bed. Raising his head he could see it was small, too small to be an attacker, he raised himself onto one elbow and realised it was Mackenzie!

She was standing perfectly still, watching him, or rather, not looking 'at' him, but into the middle distance.

"Mackenzie.....?" he said, sitting up to swing his legs over the edge of the bed, all the time watching her.

Climbing out of bed he approached his five-year-old, her hair was ruffled as if she too had been unable to sleep. He knelt beside her, gently placing his hands on her shoulders to turn her, and then he heard the first splash and smelled the urine, his daughter's bladder had given in, he heard the fluid as it hit the carpet, pooling between her tiny feet, but still, there was no reaction.

"Sweetheart.....?" he said, knowing that it was not the best idea to try to wake a sleepwalker, but better to tentatively lead them back to bed. But Kenzie had never suffered from somnambulism, neither had her sister or mother, but something had compelled the child to come to his room, something she couldn't, or wouldn't explain.

He slowly picked Kenzie up and carried her to the bathroom, activating the shower, he lifted the damp nightie over her head, her long hair getting caught in the ruffled collar for a second before dropping down her back, then her sodden underwear. He slowly led her under the shower, bathing her to remove any urine that had remained on her legs, all the time watching her closely for any sign of reaction. Finally, he took one of the large towels off the rail and draped it over the tiny shoulders, wrapping it tightly around her before again lifting her into his arms, he paused for a moment, feeling fluid on his pyjama trousers, but looking down he realised it was simply water from the shower, not a reoccurrence of the previous nights' episode.

He had intended on taking her back to her room, but as they walked along the corridor he sensed rather than felt, his daughter tense, so he turned to his room. Avoiding the sodden carpet at the foot of the bed, he sat her down on the side of the bed, still seemingly asleep, and went to her room to pick out a fresh nightie and pants. Back in his room, he removed the towel and put the nightie over her head, lifting each arm in turn until it was on, then her underwear, once done he lowered her onto the cool sheets moving her hair out of her face. He pulled the quilt up to her chin, then went to the kitchen for cleaning materials to mop up the fluid. Every few seconds he lifted his head, eyes on his daughter, looking for any sign that she was awake ... Once the carpet was cleaned, but still damp he slowly climbed into bed, part of him not wanting to disturb his daughter, but part wanting her to wake.

Turning onto his side, he wrapped an arm around Kenzie and felt her tiny body relax. He glanced at the clock on the bedside cabinet - 05 : 23 : 47 - Sighing, he knew there was no chance of him getting back to sleep, even if he wanted to, he lay in the darkness, eyes on his daughter's long hair, feeling her shallow, restful, breathing as the Sun came up over the harbour .....

He glanced at the clock, surprised to see he had actually slept, then climbed out of bed, checking again that Kenzie was asleep, and then he went to her room to change the bedding and dry out the mattress. Once done he put the wet sheets into the machine for cleaning and then made coffee. He wasn't a fan of replicated coffee, to him it always tasted, bland, for want of a better word, so he had invested in the old machine and had arranged for a regular purchase of coffee beans to use. As the almost antique coffee machine worked on producing the first cup of the day, he went back through the living room, picking up a tricorder from one of the cabinets, then went back to his room to check on his daughter. He knelt beside the bed watching as her small chest rose and fell rhythmically in time with her breathing.

Activating the tricorder he carefully scanned Kenzie, looking for anything abnormal, but as far as he could tell she was simply asleep, not under some mysterious alien influence. Self-conscious of his worries, he returned the device and went back into the kitchen where his morning coffee was ready ... Taking the cup he added a little cream, then a sweetener, his only concession, and something Lana had insisted upon if he were drinking the 'black stuff' as she often called it.

He was pondering whether to call their family Doctor, Joyce Blackwell, she had been present at the birth of both of Daniel's daughters and was a close family friend when he heard the smallest cry:

"Daddy?" Almost dropping the cup as he quickly placed it on the countertop, he ran to his bedroom - Mackenzie was sitting up, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes as he entered. He went to the bed and sat down beside Kenzie.

"Daddy, what am I doing in your bed?" the five-year-old asked sleepily.

"You had a bad dream I think, so you climbed in here with me..." Daniel said trying to sound unconcerned, "... You haven't done that in a while," he said. feeling the first tiny sob as she lay against him.

"Daddy, I think I ....." Mackenzie began, clearly embarrassed.

"It doesn't matter sweetheart, accidents happen. You were tired from the skimming and maybe just didn't wake up in time,"

"I'm sorry Daddy," the little girl sobbed. All he could do was hold her until the crying subsided and she lifted her head, her eyes reddened by the tears.

"Listen, sweetheart, you have nothing to be upset about, OK, nothing at all. It was a little accident and it's all cleared up now," he said, trying to reassure his daughter. Finally, she replied:

"..... OK, did you have to, change me?" she said, reddening as she looked down at her nightie.

"Yes,"

"You put my Bugs Bunny nightie on, I only wear this one on weekends," she said, frowning. He almost laughed, inwardly marvelling at a child's capacity to compartmentalise issues and act on those that seem most important at that moment in time.

"Sorry, I erm, I forgot what day it was," he said with a wry grin, happy she returned the smile.

"It's Thursday, I think," Kenzie said, deciding to hug her father a tiny bit harder for a moment before freeing herself from the tangled quilt. Dan stood then leaned in to pick her up. Normally the strong-willed five-year-old was averse to being picked up, deeming herself no longer a baby, but this time she allowed it, resting her head on his shoulder as he carried her into the kitchen. She wrinkled her nose theatrically as they entered.

"Yuuk, you've been making that awful coffee again Daddy," she said, putting her best 'frown' on.

"Well, in my defence, you 'are' normally at school at this time, so there," he said, poking out his tongue, happy she laughed. He sat her on one of the counter stools, "... So, breakfast, what's it to be this morning Madamé?" with a bow.

"I think ... Cereal today, my good man, with strawberries, and orange juice ... Obviously," Kenzie said after a moment of deep thought.

"Then cereal it shall be for M'lady," Daniel replied, moving to prepare the requested breakfast. He was taking the orange out of the fridge when Kenzie asked:

"Daddy ..... Who was the lady in my room?" ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

..... The chill ran the length of his spine as he fought not to drop the cream he was holding! ..... Turning, he looked at his daughter:

"What lady, sweetheart?" he asked, trying to keep his question as casual as possible.

"I think there was someone, a lady, in my room after I went to sleep," Mackenzie said, her eyes watching him.

"You must have been dreaming, there wasn't anyone but you and me here all night," he said, inwardly shaking.

"Did grandma come over maybe?"

"No, like I said, just you and me, you 'did' have a busy day, I know I was very tired when we got home,"

"Oh, OK then, but I was sure ....." the five-year-old said as he put the bowl of cereal, complete with strawberries and cream in front of her.

"Eat up, any strawberries left I'm going to pinch off you," Daniel said, winking. He watched for a moment as his daughter tucked into her breakfast, then went into the living area and took out his communicator:

=^= Schirra to Psonoir =^=

=^= Psonoir =^=

=^= Karka .. Are you busy? =^=

=^= Nothing that can't keep Captain =^=

=^= Can you come down? =^=

=^= On my way =^= Daniel's Exec said, closing the comm, seconds later the door chime sounded.

"I'll get it..." Schirra said, seeing Mackenzie half off her stool, "... and I'm watching those strawberries young lady," he said with a grin as he went to the door and let Karka in.

"Problem?" Psonoir asked, seeing Schirra's expression.

"I'll get you a coffee," Daniel said as they walked into the kitchen, Kenzie welcoming her 'Uncle' by almost jumping from her stool into his arms. Karka caught the five-year-old while simultaneously plucking one of the strawberries from her bowl.

"HEY! ..... That was mine," she said, frowning. Karka opened his mouth, the half segment balancing precariously on his tongue.

"You want it back?" he asked.

"YUCK ..... NO!" Mackenzie said, pulling away, he put her back on her stool, threatening to finish off any cereal she left. With Kenzie preoccupied with ensuring there was nothing left for her uncle to pilfer, Karka accepted the cup of coffee from Daniel as they returned to the living room. After a moment's silence, Daniel began:

"You know I've been having, dreams...?" Schirra began, trying not to sound completely insane as his friend nodded but remained silent, "... I thought I'd seen ..... Lana, Lana and Kendal,"

"You said," Karka replied.

"I hadn't, obviously, but I went to see Doctor Ito at his private office, he said it was stress, I'm still in that remorse period, unable to fully accept my loss,"

"It's possible,"

"Well ..... Over the last few weeks, things have been happening, little things, items moving, pictures, that sort of thing. Easily explained, Lana's mother or father could have moved them ....." Daniel said, pausing.

"Again that's possible, no one can give a set time for grieving Daniel, you're bound to take time,"

"I know, but up to now it's just been me, but last night there was an issue," Dan said, glancing into the kitchen to see if his ever-inquisitive daughter was listening into the conversation.

"Oh?"

"Mackenzie came into my room, she looked as if she were in a trance, sleepwalking maybe... She wet herself at the end of the bed..." Daniel said almost apologetically. Waiting to see if Karka will respond. When he didn't Daniel continued, "... I changed her and let her sleep in my bed. This morning, she asked who the lady was in her room,"

"There was someone here?" Karka said, putting his cup on the small table beside his chair.

"No, at least, no one I could find. I checked the doors, the alarm was still on, so no one could have got in, then out, undetected," Dan again glanced into the kitchen as Karka took a tricorder from his pocket and got up. He walked around the room and then disappeared down the hall to the bedrooms. Kenzie had finished her cereal, including the strawberries, and had got down to place her bowl in the sink before coming into the living room herself:

"Where's Uncle Karka?" she asked as Psonoir came back into the room, replacing the tricorder as he did so.

"Have you left me any cereal young lady?" he asked tickling Kenzie.

"NOOOOO ..... aten it all, so there," she said with a pout.

"Go get dressed, any idea what you want to do today?" Daniel asked as she ran off.

"Swimming," Kenzie said before disappearing.

"I've scanned both bedrooms and in here. Nothing out of the ordinary,"

"If it were just me, I'd be tempted to think I was just losing my proverbial marbles, but this woman Kenzie saw ....." Daniel said worriedly eyeing the corridor leading to their bedrooms.

"She 'could' have imagined someone in there,"

"The Excalibur ..... Are you still taking her out for tests?" Dan asked.

"They can wait,"

"From her location, you could monitor this area?"

"You mean can we see this house? ..... Yes,"

"I ....." Daniel said, stalling.

"You want me to set up a continuous scan using the ship's systems?"

"I do, but it has to be confidential and puts you in a compromising position, if Starfleet gets word I'm surveilling my own home, they will have me assigned to the 'funny farm' in no time," Dan said, only half joking.

"I'll isolate one of the secondary systems for continuous diagnostics and put it on the 'keep off' list," Karka said with a conspiring wink.

"I know what I'm asking Karka, and you would be well within your rights to refuse, or report my request,"

"..... and what request would that be again?" Psonoir asked raising his eyebrows inquiringly.

"Thank you," Dan said, rising, Karka doing likewise as Kenzie came running back into the room, now dressed head to foot in pink - Shorts, T-shirt, ankle socks and matching pick training shoes.

"WOW, that's a 'LOT' of blue," Karka said, grinning as Kenzie, hands on her hips, pulled her tongue out.

"Are you coming swimming with us, I don't need my floats anymore, do I daddy?"

"No, you certainly don't," Dan said as Karka replied that he was busy today, but said tomorrow was his day off he'd said with a wink as he walked to the door with Daniel.

"Forty-eight hours," Dan said quietly.

"No problem," Karka said, walking on the lawn before contacting the ship, seconds later he vanished. Daniel eyed the Yacht Club, and the beach-front, then went back inside ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

..... Daniel was sleeping, albeit restlessly ..... After the night when Mackenzie had come into his room and asked about the lady she believed she had seen, Dan was eager to see what Excalibur's surveillance of his home had revealed .....

Barbara and Terry, Mackenzie's Grandparents, had taken her into the city on the pretext of doing some shopping. Daniel was waiting in the back garden when Karka Psonoir and Koni T'Seng materialised. Dan stood and poured the two glasses of ice-cold lemonade, made by Barbara herself and placed in the refrigerator when they had arrived earlier. He handed the two their glasses and then motioned for them to sit inside, out of the morning Sun.

"Have there been any more visitations?" Karka asked.

"Nothing, Kenzie has slept through the night with no problems she's woken later than usual the last couple of days, not a bad thing to be honest, some of us 'do' need a lay-in," Schirra replied, watching the two.

"As requested, under the guise of calibration checks, we locked Excalibur's sensors on your home two days ago..." Koni said, taking a PADD from the pack she had arrived with, "... Ma I Sir?" she asked, nodding to the large wall-mounted screen.

"Please," Schirra replied tentatively. Koni connected the PADD she had brought to the screen and brought up the data.

"As you can see, we have nothing for both days, according to scans - Apart from family members - No one entered this residence during the time we wanted to check,"

"Great ....." Dan said, almost disappointed.

"We 'did' however find something..." T'Seng said, making numerous inputs on the PADD before nodding to the screen, "... Early yesterday we picked up someone, there were plenty of people around given the time, but one seemed to be standing opposite this house. They remained there for almost an hour," the Tactical Officer said.

"What times?"

"Here..." she said, pointing to the screen and the time displayed in the bottom right corner, "... Arrived at eleven thirty, left twelve twenty-five ....." Daniel leaned forward trying to get a better look at the person, it was definitely a woman, but from the angle, there was no way to make out any other distinguishing features.

"..... And she just stood there for an hour?"

"Yes, she moved up and down the pavement, but always within eye-line of the house..." Karka said, eyeing his Commanding Officer, "... You in the garden around then,"

"We did the lawn, tidied up the flowerbeds, and then went over to the beach for lunch," Daniel said worriedly.

"She followed you," Koni said, allowing the surveillance to run.

"I didn't notice anyone following us..." Schirra said, frowning, "... How the 'hell' did I not see her?"

"You wasn't looking, and she didn't simply stand close watching you both, she moved around, keeping to the path but keeping you in sight," Koni said. Dan watched as the woman was highlighted on the large screen - Even from almost directly above it was all but impossible 'not' to see the woman as she watched Kenzie and himself. Even when they were swimming at Chrissy Field Beach, she was close by, still watching them, moving away only when they got out of the water and towelled themselves down before going over to the café at Little Marina Green Picnic Area.

Around twelve-thirty, Dan and Kenzie had returned home, the woman had again followed until seemingly satisfied, she walked away.

"I don't suppose ....." Daniel bagan but Koni was already working, the view on screen changed.

They watched in silence as the woman retraced their route along Marina Boulevard before she turned off into a side street. Excalibur had lost sight of her then for approximately forty seconds under the treeline, long enough in Koni's opinion to walk between the rows of trees alongside the picnic area towards Golden Gate Promenade where she met with someone!

The screen went blank and Koni returned to the settee.

"So?" Daniel said, frustration getting the better of him.

"Koni and I decided to transport down ourselves and take a liesurely stroll along the Promenade..." Karka said, "... We didn't want to get too close, for obvious reasons, but we managed to get a good look and get a few snapshots of our mysterious couple, you're not going to believe this ....." he said, taking a file from T'Seng before handing it over to Daniel.

They waited while he sat back and then tentatively opened the file. Dan's eyes widened as he looked at the first photograph!

"It's not her Captain...!" Koni said quickly, watching the corners of the file quivering slightly as Schirra tried to control his nerves, "... A bloody good likeness I'll give them that much,"

"But why, why impersonate my wife?" was all Daniel could come up with.

"We don't know ....." Psonoir said apologetically.

"Do we have any identification, other than these images?" Schirra asked.

"Not yet, but we know they have been staying locally... I've fabricated a Security exercise..." Koni began as Daniel turned to the next image, the man, he remained silent as his Tactical Officer continued, "... They are surveilling two separate suspects, one male, one female. They have no idea who their targets are and have been instructed not to approach or interfere with their target's under any circumstances. They will report progress directly to myself of Commander Psonoir only,"

"We are hoping to get close enough to scan both of them, but for obvious reasons, it's somewhat, difficult," Karak added.

"There's something else," Koni said, again rising to go to the large wall-mounted screen. She made several inputs then the screen changed - It was dark - The time index indicated it was six minutes past three in the morning - At first Dan didn't see anything, then he saw the man, he was approaching from 'behind' the house, which meant he had come from either Girard Road or Baker Street, the other thoroughfares in the plot where Daniels home was situated ... Cautiously the man had approached the back garden, disappearing beneath the California Buckeye trees, emerging a moment later to disappear, apparently either knowingly or unknowingly losing his watchers.

"He was in the garden," Daniel said, stating the obvious.

"Yes..." Koni said as her communicator chirped. She took the device from the pocket in her jacket and flipped it open:

=^= Go ahead =^=

=^= We've completed the search Commander =^=

=^= On our way =^= T'Seng said, standing, Daniel and Karka doing likewise. The three walked through the house and out into the back garden, there, two of Excalibur's Security stood beneath one of the trees:

"There's nothing here," one said, eyeing the metre-diameter earthenware plant pots which sat on either side of the patio doors.

"OK, return to the ship, we'll debrief when I return," T'Seng said.

"Were we 'supposed' to find something, Commander?

"It wouldn't have been much of an exercise if I'd told you in advance what the result would be, now would it Lieutenant," Koni said, grinning.

"No, I suppose not," the man said, the two walking away before requesting to be transported back to the Excalibur. Koni returned to the others:

"Had to check," she said by way of explanation. Daniel looked around the garden, the earthenware pots that Lana had fondly tended, the manicured trees and shrubs surrounding the pristine lawn, realising just how much he missed Lana and Kendal. He also realised just how close the people had been able to get to the house, and his surviving daughter Mackenzie!

"I want them taken!" he said defiantly.

"Sir..." Koni said, glancing at Karka before continuing, "... A surveillance exercise is one thing, snatching someone off the street without cause, could be, problematic, to say the least,"

"I think it would be prudent if we contact Command with what we have?" Psonoir suggested.

"No ..... Whoever these people are, I want to talk to them before handing them over to anyone, is that understood...?" he asked, frowning as his Exec' and his Tactical Officer both remained silent, "... Well ...!?"

"Captain, we need to report this, you're being targetted, Starfleet Security should be made aware..." Koni insisted, but seeing the look on her Commanding Officers' face she continued, "... It's for your own good Daniel," she said, hoping the familiarity of their friendship would how more sway in his decision-making.

Daniel looked from one to the other then without another word, strode back into the house, it was clear to both Psonoir and T'Seng that their presence was not required ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

Next Morning ::

Daniel woke earlier than usual, having slept fitfully, waking several times throughout the night ..... Three times he had climbed out of bed and gone across the hall to check on his sleeping daughter .....

It was eight o'clock when Barbara rang the doorbell, Daniel got up and let Mackenzie's grandmother in.

"So what's happening today then?" she asked, pinching a slice of bacon off Kenzie's plate without being seen.

"Museum, then swimming, I have my test this afternoon," the five-year-old said, frowning at her plate.

"OK, so shower, then we'll find you something to wear..." Barbara said, showing the girl off her stool and down the hall to the bathroom. Once undressed and soaking in the shower Barbara returned to the kitchen where Daniel was waiting.

"Any news?" she asked.

"We have surveillance of two people, I'm trying to decide how to proceed,"

"You need to inform your superiors or at least Starfleet security, they can't do this, it's ridiculous, frightening a child for no reason ....." the woman said, eyeing Schirra.

"I know, but whoever is doing this, won't tell security..." Dan said, pausing, "... The woman, she, she resembles Lana," he finally finished, glancing across the living room to where he could hear Mackenzie singing along to her nursery rhymes.

"What do you mean, exactly, by resembles Lana?"

"Just that, from what we have so far, the woman, who's been watching me, Kenzie, the house, looks a 'lot' like Lana," was all Daniel could reply.

"You've confronted this woman?"

"No ..... Not yet anyway, Karka and Koni want me to hand it over to Command, let them arrest the two and question them, but ....."

"But 'YOU' want to do that yourself, right?"

"Yes..." he said as he heard the shower stop and the patter of tiny feet across the corridor, "... I'll go and get her ready," he finished, leaving Barbara in the kitchen.

Late Afternoon ::

Dan had spoken to Koni and was waiting for her arrival. The Excalibur's Tactical Officer materialised in Schirra's living room, eight transport-inhibitor pylons stacked beside her. Without waiting she began to place the pylons around the house - When done she returned to the kitchen where Dan had made coffee:

"You're sure you want to do this, Daniel...?" Koni asked, taking the offered cup, "... Can't Lana's parents at least take Mackenzie?"

"She'll be fine here..." Daniel said, looking at his friend, "... I have to know what they want and why they're doing this," Schirra said defiantly. Koni took a small device from the pocket in the sleeve of her jacket and handed it to him:

"The inhibitors are placed. I've set them to activate if any incoming transport is detected and completed, so if anyone 'does' drop in uninvited, they won't be getting out without your say-so... You set the house security?"

"Yes, I've changed the access codes. Once the system is up they shouldn't be able to deactivate it before I can grab one or the other," Daniel said.

"..... And if they fight back?"

"You'll be close enough to react," Dan said with a wry grin, hoping to ease Koni's concerns.

"Sir, can I please ask you to reconsider?"

"I know you mean well Koni, I do. But I have to put a stop to this once and for all. I can't go on worrying something might happen to me, or Kenzie," he said, eyes on the table.

"I'm going to locate two teams, front and rear of the house, their communicator transponders will allow them to beam in if necessary, but like your intruders, they won't be able to leave without your letting them ..... I have to get back to the ship, we're recalibrating the forward phaser arrays and I need to know we can at least hit what we're aiming at,"

"It helps, " Daniel said with a grin as the two stood. He took the half-empty cup from Koni and she moved across the room flicking her communicator open.

'One to transport' she said, smiling as she disappeared. When she had gone, Daniel walked the house, checking each of the one-point-five metre tall inhibitor pylons in turn, repositioning two so they couldn't accidentally be seen if any uninvited guests turned up. Then he hid the activator in the bedside drawer where it could be reached if necessary. Barbara contacted him half an hour later to ask if it was fine that she and her grandfather took Kenzie out for tea after the swimming tests, he wanted his daughter home, but didn't want to overly alarm her grandparents, so said it would be fine, and he'd cook something for himself, but in the kitchen, he realised he had no appetite, and took an apple from the bowl as a filler.

Once he'd eaten the apple he again checked around the house, he didn't want there to be any chance his intruders would escape ..... Not this time ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

.. 02 : 47 : 22 ..

..... Something had woken him .....


Daniel lay perfectly still for a moment, listening to the sounds of the house. After a full minute, he risked opening his eyes a fraction - He could see the bedside clock showing it was close to three in the morning - Nothing attacked him so he assumed whatever had woken him was not in the room with him. Moving as slowly as possible, lifted his head a fraction to see the control Koni had given him, the indicator light was blinking silently.

Someone was in the house!

He brought his knees up, then swung his legs over the side of the bed, all the while listening for the slightest sound that would indicate the intruders had realised he had woken. Leaving the quilt in place as best he could he reached to the carpeted floor and picked up the phaser he had hidden under the edge of the bed earlier. He checked the power level and then inched out of bed. Bare-footed he stood still, almost statuesque, again listening. Something had woken him, maybe some subconscious sense, but whatever the reason, he couldn't ignore it.

Once his vision had become accustomed to the darkness, he looked at his feet, tracing the route to the bedroom door with his eyes before taking the first step, then the second ..... The house remained silent, so the intruders hadn't attempted to beam away, or 'All hell would have broken loose' he thought ..... With the phaser in his left hand, he used his right to reach out to the door and slowly began to open the gap between it and the frame. Once wide enough to allow him to pass through, he glanced at Mackenzie's door, mere centimetres ajar. He crossed the corridor and put his face to the gap to see his daughter in her usual curled-up pose, long hair spread over her pillow, still fast asleep.

The doors to the spare bedroom and his office were both closed, but he felt the need to search both rooms. Once sure they too were devoid of intruders, he looked back towards the living room, still in darkness. He strained to hear the slightest noise indicating 'where' the intruder could be within the house. Keeping his back to the wall, phaser held at waist level, he began to move down the corridor. The archway leading to the living room was a metre ahead, here he paused again, frustrated by the lack of anything to confirm there was someone in the house. Cautiously, phaser ready, and peered into the room, it was still empty - But he was still convinced that 'something' had woken him.

Trying to make his profile as small as possible, he moved into the room back against the wall, left arm panning back and forth, he moved across the room towards the kitchen area, still nothing to indicate an intruder... He was at the archway leading into the kitchen when he was sure he heard the smallest sound behind him, he spun, bringing the phaser up level with his chest, but the room was still empty... Taking several deep breaths he turned again to look into the kitchen area to satisfy himself that there was no one there. Silently he crossed the room and checked the door leading to the side of the house, still locked. He was about to turn and head back into the living room when in his peripheral vision he was sure he'd seen a movement!

He dropped, lowering his profile to anyone about to attack, but no attack came. Cursing himself, he moved quickly until he could once again see into the large living room. To his right were the large full-length glass doors leading out onto the back garden and the pool. In the darkness, they appeared closed, but he moved towards them to double-check. He was about to turn when he 'sensed' a presence!

The glancing blow caught him on the right side of his head and he stumbled, reaching out to stop himself from going through the glass doors he fell to his knees dazed. Pain lanced through his left wrist as this phaser was kicked from his grasp, a second blow from his attacker almost caused him to lose consciousness completely. His vision blurred from the kick to his head he could see only blurred shadows, one standing over him. He risked kicking out himself, hoping to catch the attacker off guard, but the kick was woefully off target. He could see someone moving across the room and fear swelled within him.

He tried to shout, make whoever was going towards the bedroom pause, maybe turn and gloat at their achievement, anything to slow the persons' approach to the corridor and Mackenzie's bedroom!

He tried to roll on his side, willing his clouded eyesight to clear enough to give him a chance, but his attacker realized he was still conscious and kicked him, hard, in the face, Dan heard, and felt, teeth grind. Blood filled his mouth, forcing his throat to spasm, he coughed up blood that was entering his throat realising he was fighting a losing battle to remain conscious. His attacker leaned over him, a 'snigger' escaping his lips as he punched Daniel hard in his temple, then a second time. Darkness was closing in on him but something, pure will, some survival instinct as he tried and failed to raise his head off the blood-soaked carpet. Then a fraction of a second before succumbing to unconsciousness, he thought he saw a light!

One Hour Later ::

"Commander... He's coming around,"

Daniel tried to open his eyes but couldn't, he felt a hand on his arm and then heard someone speaking:

"You need to lay still Captain..." he recognised the voice, doctor Wundt, but how, "... Yo are still in your home, we're working on your injuries, but if you keep trying to get up I'll be forced to sedate you again,"

Dan tried to relax, but every muscle felt as if it were tensed beyond breaking point. He felt something against his neck and his body relaxed.

"Mac ....." he tried, but his vocal cords wouldn't comply. He felt wetness on his cheeks and realised he was crying ..... It seemed to take an eternity, but finally, Wundt nodded.

"Take your time, I had to reset your jaw, it was broken in no less than 'five' places, impressive, what did you get hit with, a shuttle?" Wundt asked.

"Macken .....!" he stammered, trying to lift himself, but the Doctor put a hand on his shoulder preventing him from rising, Then he saw Koni looming over him.

"I'm so sorry. They've taken her Daniel, we were too late to prev ....." she said, falling silent as he turned his face away. Something within him took hold, he tried to rise, batting the Doctor's hand away as he rolled over. He could feel his legs slide off the bed then arms grabbing at him, he fought with every fibre of his being, he had to find his daughter, he had to get her back, and he had to make those responsible pay for what they had done!

Again he felt something pressed against his throat and felt the cold infusion of fluid before his eyes drooped, and all fight left his battered body. Then he thankfully slipped into the blackest unconsciousness ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

"..... Captain ....."

"..... Captain ....."

Daniel managed to open his eyes. Koni was standing over him.

"Wher ....." he croaked, fighting his dry throat. Koni reached over and took a beaker with a straw protruding, she lifted his head enough so he could get the straw in his mouth and sip.

"You're in Starfleet Medical Captain," his Tactical Officer explained quietly as she lowered his head back onto the pillow. He was about to speak when someone else entered the room and whispered to T'Seng. Nodding, she turned back:

"Excalibur picked up a site-to-site transport originating from your house to the Farallon Islands, moments later a shuttle left the surface..." she said, reaching out to place her hands on Schirra's shoulders as he tried to sit up, "... With no flight-plan logged, Orbital Control demanded it return to the surface or be fired on ..... They had no clue as to who it was or what the occupants had done, they were simply following procedures,"

"Mackenzie!"

"Excalibur scanned three occupants, we're assuming she was on the shuttle..." Koni said sympathetically, pausing before continuing, "... Sir, Starfleet Command picked up on what Excalibur was doing. They have instructed us to stand down pending an inquiry,"

"I don't care what Command think... Where's the shu .....?" Schirra demanded, again trying to get off the biobed, failing as one of the Medical Staff joined T'Seng in restraining him. She waited for the nurse to step aside then continued.

"As I said, it tried to leave orbit but given the limited options, it was forced back into the atmosphere,"

"Where, is it now?"

"We don't know, exactly. Excalibur lost contact with it somewhere above Thailand, best we could guess, it was approaching the surface somewhere in the Nong Bua Lam Phu region," T'Seng said, both she and the nurse finally giving in to Schirra's insistence that he be allowed up off the bed. He swung his legs over the edge, feeling a wave of nausea almost overwhelm him before he steadied himself.

"Sir, you need to rest. They have had to repair the breaks to your jaw, plus several ribs, not to mention the bruising. You took one hell of a beating, Sir," Koni said apologetically as if it were her fault he'd suffered the attack.

"..... Nurse ..... Can you give me something for this damn pain in my jaw?" Schirra asked, wiping spittle from his chin.

"I'll see what the Doctor says," she said, retreating from the room, but not before locking the door.

"Contact Excalibur, have them transpo ....." he began, but Koni was already shaking her head.

"I'm sorry Captain, but Commander Psonoir has been instructed to keep himself, and the Excalibur, out of this. When the order came in, Karka ignored it, he fought your corner to the point of almost being relieved of duty. I had to ask him not to push it with Command, fearing any official reprimand could affect his position as your Exec' not to mention his future in Starfleet..." T'Seng said, glancing at the full-length glass door, "... Sir... Starfleet Security are on their way to... To interview you,"

"Interview 'ME' what the hell for!?" Daniel demanded.

"Sir, they want to know why you didn't inform them of the situation, and why you used the Excalibur and Crew without authorisation. I did try to point out that as 'Captain' you had all the 'authority' you needed, and was asked how I might enjoy Civilian life,"

Daniel looked over Koni's shoulder... Beyond the glass, he could see doctors and nursing staff going about their duties. Worryingly, he could also see the nurse that had locked them in talking urgently to someone at the desk, she glanced in their direction every few seconds, clearly concerned.

"Can you get that door open...?" Daniel asked as he went to the wardrobe and plucked his clothes off the hangers, "... Well?" he demanded impatiently as he hurriedly dressed.

"Sir, I'd be breaki ....."

"Koni, my 'daughter' has been taken," he said in almost a whisper. She had known Daniel and his family for years, she was there when each of his daughters was born. Nodding she placed a hand on his arm:

"I'll try..." his Tactical Officer said, "... You 'do' know this is tantamount to releasing you from confinement?"

"I'll put a good word in at your Court-Martial... Now get on with it... Please,"

"A few seconds passed, in which time Danial had painfully managed to don his clothes. Pulling his sweater over his head he winced at the pain in his jaw. Bending down was too painful, so he slipped into his shoes, throwing the socks in the waste disposal.

"It's unlocked..." T'Seng said, eyes on the nurse who had confined them. Along the corridor, she could see two Starfleet Officers, both in Command Gold, "... They're here...! ... If we're going it has to be now Captain,"

"Right behind you," Schirra said, trying to grin, wincing at the resulting jolt of pain. Koni slid the door open, watching the nurse and her colleague for any signs their actions had been witnessed. Without waiting she left the room, turning right before walking away, she didn't look back, hoping Daniel was behind her. At the junction she paused, Schirra caught up:

"Which way?" he asked, looking back over his shoulder.

"Left, then the stairwell..." Koni said defiantly, moving before he could agree or disagree, "... We'll go down one floor, then consider options,"

Opening the door to the stairwell the two stepped out into the open, this floor was identical to the one above. She plucked a bunch of flowers from a vase and as they walked along the corridor she started looking at room numbers as if trying to find one in particular, hoping they looked like any other visiting couple and not possible fugitives trying to evade capture! ..... At the far end of the corridor, they turned right, then re-entered the stairwell moving quickly down another three floors.

"Why haven't they sounded the alarm..." Koni asked as they took the steps two at a time, "... Surely they must know you are missing by now!?

"They won't want to alarm anyone. I doubt they will want me screaming about my kidnapped daughter while they're dragging me off to the funny farm," Daniel replied, the comment almost freezing his vocal cords.

"There's a walkway over to the 'R and D' block on this floor, we should take it," Koni suggested as they stepped into the open a second time.

Given there was no comment regarding her idea, they walked as casually as possible towards the all-glass walkway suspended five stories above the ground. As they reached it Koni purposely paused, leaning into an elderly patient. She whispered some 'get-wells' and gave the lady the flowers before kissing her on the cheek. Hopefully, anyone seeing the pair wouldn't relate them to the two fleeing the hospital ..... Taking Daniel's arm, the two crossed the walkway. At the far side she risked a look back, but there was no pursuit in progress, again they found the stairwell.

Moving to the ground floor they left the hospital and walked through the gardens.

"Where now?" T'Seng asked.

"We need to contact the Excalibur," Daniel said.

"No, they are bound to be monitoring communications," she replied, eyes surreptitiously scanning their surroundings.

"Then we need access to a shuttle!"

"That's not going to happen, Captain, we would be spotted the second we tried..." she said, looking around, a thought occurring, "... We're tourists, act like it... Sir," she said, heading towards a row of unmanned, battery-powered rickshaws.

"Really?" Daniel asked a pace behind her. Had they not been trying to avoid incarceration, he might have laughed at the ludicrousness of their situation, Koni, in some approximation of a 'southern drawl' approached  and spoke to the contraption:

"Kirby Cove?" she instructed after climbing in, Daniel beside her. They remained silent for the ten-minute journey ..... Alighting at the Beach, the rickshaw began its return trip. Seemingly enjoying the afternoon Sun, Koni walked over to a nearby communications booth, manually tapping in the recipient of her call, she waited, a smile on her face, a second later a face appeared:

"Commander ....." Karka queried, cautiously glancing left and right to see if anyone was looking at him.

"Wow, very 'official' for a boyfriend .. I'm not happy .. You said you would be done by two .." Koni said, pouting like some upset teenager.

"Erm .. .. I've been a little busy .. Sorry .." Psonoir replied, confused, but realising this was important enough for her to be contacting him.

"Well .. Are you coming .. Or am I swimming on my own? .." Koni demanded with another pout.

.. .. OK .. Give me minutes .. I'll meet you on the beach .. Hunny .." Karka assured his 'counterfeit' partner. Koni theatrically blew a kiss at the screen and then closed the comm.

Turning she could see Daniel's expression.

"... We need help, right," she said defiantly.

Ten minutes later they saw Karka, dressed in civilian clothing, walking from the beachside amusements. He was looking around casually, trying to spot any unwanted attention as he crossed the road to the beach where Daniel and Koni were sitting.

"You two 'do know' that half of Starfleet Security is looking for you. Who the hell pulls an escape from a locked hospital room...?" he asked standing over the pair as two hundred metres away a small private atmospheric ship was landing, "... I'm going to assume you need transport?" he asked, nodding towards the craft.

"That?" Koni asked, eyeing the ship that definately looked like it had seen better days.

"Hey, beggers etcetera, etcetera," he said, eyebrows raised as Schirra and T'Seng clambered to their feet dusting sand off their trousers ..... Inside the shuttle was an elderly man He nodded, but didn't speak as he closed the hatch and lifted off the ground.

"You know where to go," Karka said as he dropped into a dusty seat, reaching underneath to pull a rucksack from the darkness as Daniel and Koni sat opposite. He handed each of them a phaser, keeping one for himself as he put attached a tricorder to his belt. He checked the power level of his phaser before securing this to his belt opposite the tricorder.

"You know where their ship landed," Koni said, making it more statement than question.

"Within a few kilometres, yes," the Excalibur's Executive Officer confirmed.

Daniel eyed the phaser in his hands, trying hard to dismiss the thoughts of ending the lives of the people who had taken his daughter from him ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

As they travelled, Daniel recalled what he knew of Thailand - Once known as Siam - In what was formally Southeast Asia, was festooned with National Parks, and designated a conservation region, thus protected, and was a popular holiday destination.
He had taken the Family there himself for a holiday some years ago ... But now ... The reason for his visit was something else entirely! .....

"I'm being asked for a flight plan," the old man piloting the decrepit shuttlecraft announced.

"Ignore them!" Schirra shot back.

"We can't do that and you know it, Daniel..." Karka said, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder, both to reassure Schirra and to prevent him from jumping out of his seat in frustration, "... Tell them we're on vacation," he told the old man.

"I'm going to have to land somewhere they will accept. So you might have a bit of a trek to get to wherever it is you're planning on going,"

"Fine ..... Just get us on the ground," Koni T'Seng replied .....

They finally touched down at the Wat Pa Nikhotharam Resort, on the shores of the Huai Luang Lake, some forty-five kilometres from the last known location of the kidnappers!

"I'm not staying, it's too dangerous!" the old man said as he opened the access hatch.

"You'll wait, or ....." Psonoir began, but Daniel interrupted him:

"No problem, thank you for getting us here,"

"Hmm ....." the Pilot replied, eyeing Schirra for a long moment, as if he thought he was being conned into something, but didn't know what. Then with a shrug, he re-entered the shuttle and closed the door. The four were forced to run out of the wash of the shuttle as it lifted shakily off the ground. Schirra looked at the craft again, wondering how the thing stayed in one piece, let alone in the air.

"I'll try to get us some local transport," Karka said, walking off. He returned five minutes later riding what looked like a maglev baggage carrier.

"..... Best I could do," he said apologetically as the others clambered aboard. They grabbed at the rail as it lifted half a metre off the ground and shot forward. Karka was working the controls, seemingly navigating manually as they left the resort and entered the jungle. It was easy going at first as they followed well-worn trails the treeline far enough back to allow them some speed, but after an hour the track became impassable and they were forced to land the carrier.

"We're on foot from here on in," Psonoir said, retrieving his backpack, the others following suit. Koni took a tricorder and accessed the last known coordinates of the shuttle they were looking for, she motioned ahead:

"Nine kilometres," she confirmed with a nod.

The walk took almost five hours of cutting through thick brush, and all four were exhausted, but all thoughts of rest disappeared as T'Seng held a finger to her lips:

"The shuttle is one hundred metres ahead, no lifesigns," she said.

Retrieving their phasers, they began to cautiously approach the downed shuttle. Once within thirty metres of the small patch of open ground containing the shuttle, they split up - Schirra and Psoloir moving left, while Koni and the Excalibur's Security Chief, Caryna Agosta, moved right. The canopy overhead was intact, so the shuttle hadn't come in fast, it had seemingly made a vertical passage through the treeline before landing in a small patch of ground barely large enough to hold the craft.

Koni scanned the shuttle, confirming it was empty.

Slowly, the four broke cover and approached, Agosta and T'Seng took up positions on either side, while Daniel and Karka circled to the rear ... The hatch was open, allowing them to see the full length of the shuttle and the jungle beyond the cockpit windows. Daniel was about to enter when Karka grabbed his jacket:

"I'll go first, they may have left a surprise," he said, but Daniel shook him off, stepping up onto the ramp, then entering the shuttle. Koni and Caryna came to the rear, standing with Karka as they watched Daniel's frustration build exponentially. It was clear there was no one here, but he couldn't help but check and then circle again as if he'd missed something vital. Finally, frustration getting the better of him, he kicked out at one of the lockers and exited the craft.

"They're on foot!" he said needlessly, eyeing the ground. Koni took out her tricorder and began a slow circumnavigation of the shuttle, scanning the ground ahead hoping to find something that could indicate a direction, but as she returned to the others she shook her head in dismay, eyeing the canopy as if it could help.

"Wouldn't they try to make their way to the closest town or city, or importantly somewhere they could get off the planet?" Agosta asked.

"The closest Spaceport is halfway across the country, so I'd say that's out," T'Seng offered.

"They're on foot, with a 'five-year-old' child..." Karka said, eyeing the treeline, "... Unless someone is carrying her, they can't get too far, even with the lead they have,"

"This track looks like our best option..." Koni said, pointing off to her left, knowing what any misjudgement could mean for Daniel's daughter, "... But to be honest sir, I've no readings to confirm it either way, just a gut feeling,"

"Well, I'd trust your gut before most other options Koni, so for want of a better alternative, we'll go that way!" Daniel said, checking the power supply of his phaser for the umpteenth time.

"Sir ..... What if they split up?" Agosta asked.

"There's only the two of them that we know of. I can't see them separating unless they've had some sort of disagreement, then one would have had to have taken Mackenzie with them... No ... They'll stay together," Karka said, less than confidently.

Daniel looked at the others in turn, then moved towards the track Koni had pointed out. T'Seng, as his Tactical Officer, wanted to take the lead, but knowing what was at stake, she fell in behind her two Senior Officers, Caryna taking the rear.

An hour into their passage along the barely worn track, the light was quickly beginning to fade as the Sun began to fall below the horizon. Though no one wanted to voise their situation, they had a decision to make - Continue in darkness, which would be at best dangerous, or worst-case, suicidal, or make camp until dawn. Either option was going to allow the kidnappers to put distance between them and their pursuers. As if reading their minds, Daniel stopped, swinging the rucksack off his shoulder:

"We need to stop," he said. Their collective frustration was well hidden as they unpacked sleeping bags and readied a cold meal, not wanting to light a fire that would undoubtedly signal their position. Schirra sat on the trunk of a fallen tree, eyeing the rapidly-darkening trees ... His daughter could be mere metres away, and unless she or one of the kidnappers made a sound to give themselves away, there was no way of him knowing ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

He had been almost motionless in the sleeping bag, straining to hear the minutest sound, but none had come, finally, despite his efforts to stay awake, he succumbed to a restless sleep .....

His eyes shot open as a hand went over his mouth!

Kneeling beside him, one finger on her lips, Koni T'Seng. She removed her hand when she was sure Daniel knew who she was and where they were.

"What's happened?" Schirra asked.

"Nothing Captain, we thought it best to get an early start," Koni replied.

"No signs?"

"No, Sir... Commander Psonoir thinks it best we have something to eat before we continue,"

"You're sure those ration packs are safe?" Schirra asked as he shuffled into a sitting position. Koni handed him a 'self-heating' pack and a pouch containing a supplement drink. Dragging his feet out of the sleeping bag Dan eyed the pack as if it were about to poison him the second he took this first bite, then he snapped the tab that began the reaction which would heat the pack's contents - Once it was hot he tore the top off and tentatively sniffed at the contents - It could have been porridge, soup, or a bacon sandwich for all he knew.

Once they had eaten they packed away their gear and readied to continue the search .....

An hour passed with little to show for it, then Caryna, taking her turn to lead, suddenly held up a closed fist, the others immediately stopped. The Security Officer pointed into the tree line, motioning for everyone to move forward They looked where Agosta was pointing. Koni was the first to see what she was indicating, she moved a few paces into the trees before pausing.

"What was it?" Schirra asked when she returned to the others... T'Seng held her hand out and opened her fingers, resting on her palm was a small bracelet made up of numerous small pink and yellow beads!

"That's Mackenzie's, she and her sister made matching bracelets for each other!" he explained as he took the bangle.

"At least we know we're heading in the right direction," Karka said, relieved, both for the others and for his closest friend.

"Why there?" Dan asked, looking into the tree line where Koni had found the bracelet.

"Perhaps she needed to, you know ....." Caryna began.

"We all 'pee' Captain, even little girls," Koni said with a wry grin.

"OK, let's go!" Schirra said, securing the bangle in one of his pockets meaning to return it to his daughter as soon as he could.

They continued, pausing every thirty minutes to get their bearings, they were moving through brush that had clearly been disturbed when Karka at lead stopped. Daniel, half a dozen paces behind him held up a hand to pause the others, before he was waved forward. Karka pointed ahead - Through the trees they could see a small village, children were running and playing, adults were busy doing various tasks:

"They must have passed through here," Karka whispered.

"Then let's go find out," Schirra said, stepping past his friend and into the open area surrounding the myriad of huts and shacks. Several people paused as they walked into the settlement, the children, curious, approached eyeing the newcomers. Once in the settlement proper, an elderly man who had been sitting outside one of the huts stood and approached:

"Welcome, visitors," he said in almost perfect English.

"Thank you," Koni said.

"You wish refreshments?" a woman asked.

"Actually, yes, we would. But before that, we need to ask you if you have seen anyone else coming from the trees?" Karka asked.

"Two people, possibly a man and woman... They had a little girl with them...!" Daniel said, impatiently and immediately sorry for his tone, "... I apologise for my sharpness, but the little girl is my daughter, she was taken without my consent," he finished as two women approached carrying large wooden trays, each almost overflowing with tropical fruits - Roseapple, jackfruit, lychee, dragon seed, and various others, while a girl poured out four beakers of juice.

"Sit, please..." the elderly man said, waiting while they did as asked, "... The people you ask of did come through our settlement in the late hours last evening, they explained they had been forced to walk after their craft suffered some form of engine problem,"

"What happened to them?" Koni asked, beating Schirra to the question by a fraction of a second.

"We fed them and offered to transport them to the city," the old man replied.

"You have transport?" Karka asked. The people sat with them, looked at Karka as if he were backward.

"Of course we have transport, how do you think we get everything we need in here?" one of the women asked, grinning.

"So you took them to the city?" Daniel probed.

"Indeed,"

"Can you give us transport to the same city?" Karka asked.

"We can, but I am doubtful you will catch up with them. My son said that when they arrived the man communicated with someone via the public communications network,"

"Who?" Schirra snapped.

"My Son nor I know, he does not make a habit of, what is it you call it, ah yes, 'eavesdropping' I believe," the old man said, annoyed at their visitor's sudden change of attitude.

"If they have called for associates to get them off the surface we're in trouble," Koni said, aiming the comment at the others, not their hosts. She stood retrieving her communicator from her jacket and moved away from the others.

"You said these people 'took' your daughter?" one of the women asked, concerned as she pulled a girl of about three closer to her side.

"Yes ..... They were after me, I think..." Daniel began, pausing as he felt his anger rising for a moment, "... They took Kenzie when they couldn't get to me,"

"That could explain the child's manner. She seemed fatigued, drowsy, listless. We offered shelter while they regained their strength, but they refused," one of the women said as Koni returned:

"I've spoken to the ship, they are sending a shuttle, they have scanned this area, and nothing has lifted off in the last twenty-four hours,"

"So they're still here!" Daniel said, rising.

"There's a chance they used the public transport system to get to another area before calling for help," Agosta speculated, the others nodding silent agreement.

"Can your Son take us to where he left them?" Daniel asked. The old man nodded to one of the children who shot up and ran to a nearby hut, a moment later she and a boy around sixteen approached.

"These visitors have asked if you could take them to where you took the others last nightfall,"

"Yes, of course," the boy said moving to what looked like a hut without walls, he pulled a tarpaulin off a small maglev craft. The thing was ancient, but after a moment's coaxing and several hits with his fist, the thing shakily rose off the ground half a metre. He boarded and used the two controls to move the bare platform forward before motioning for them to clamber aboard.

There was no safety rail or restraints, so they had to hold on to each other as the boy left the settlement and began heading, at what Koni was convinced, was a speed that would undoubtedly get them killed long before they reached their destination, but to her, and the others relief, they reached the edge of what looked more like civilisation and the platform came to a stop next to what looked like a supply market.

"They went to that hostel, I think to stay the night?" the boy said, hoping to be helpful.

"Thank you ....." Daniel said as they climbed off, silently grateful to have their feet firmly on the ground. Karka walked over to the boy and spoke for a moment before rejoining the others.

"I've told him we'll do something about that ramshackle thing of his as soon as we get back to the ship ..... Least we could do," he said as the platform raised a curtain of dust before it returned to the jungle.

They were about to cross the wide main street when someone spoke behind them:

"You're the people looking for the two with the girl?" he said, making the four turn around in unison.

"Yes, we are," Schirra said.

"They're not there, but I know where they are," the man said, sensing a profit coming his way, alas he was mistaken as Karka stepped forward, a hand going to the man's throat he pushed him back into the dark alley he likely crawled out of.

"Where are they?" he asked dangerously.

"Hey man, I'm just trying to make a liv ....." the man croaked.

"You won't be around to make anything if you don't answer my question..." Psonoir whispered, increasing the pressure around the man's throat, "... Now ..... Where are they?" he asked.

"Down the street, a café of sorts. I think they are waiting for someone," he said as Psonoir released his grip allowing the vagrant to slide down the wall to the ground.

"You move, or try to warn them, and we will be having a much more difficult conversation, understand?" T'Seng asked, her phaser pointing between the man's eyes. He nodded so much it was a minor miracle he didn't fracture several vertebrae.

"Daniel, I think it best if you and Karka go around the back, Caryn and I will go in the front..." Koni said as they looked down the street, "... If Mackenzie sees you she is likely to shout, I'd rather we surprise them before they can do anything,"

"Agreed ..... Daniel said after a moment ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

Stopping several shops from what the informer had said was a café, they scanned the building .....

"Three stories. Looks like the place has fronts on this street 'and' the one behind, that's awkward. The ground floor contains a café with what might be storage or kitchen at the back, the first floor is an open-plan, gaming room maybe, most Thai establishments have them in one form or another. The second floor looks like accommodation ....." Karka said, pausing, eyes on the tricorder.

"..... But?" Schirra prodded.

"I can't pick up individual lifesigns, there are eleven people in the café, including the two at the outside table, four of those inside are children,"

"They're not going to sit in the open, surely," Caryn said, shaking her head.

"What better way 'not' to draw attention," Koni commented.

"Mackenzie wouldn't just sit on her hands, she would try anything to get away from her captors," Daniel said.

"Not if you would suffer..." Agosta said, eyeing the building roughly sixty metres away, "... If they have told her they have you, and you will suffer if she doesn't do as she's told ....." she finished with a resigned shrug.

"It's what I'd do," Koni agreed.

"OK, we'll split up. Koni we'll wait for your comm to enter through the rear," Daniel said, crossing the street with Karka beside him. With a look back they entered an alleyway and disappeared.

-----

Waiting several minutes, Koni and Caryna chatted as if they were simply tourists who were visiting the small city, Koni and Caryna began to walk along the well-worn footpath towards the building they would enter. Almost there, Caryna surreptitiously scanned using her tricorder, frustrated that her readings couldn't pick out Schirra's daughters' lifesigns. She replaced the tricorder with her phaser but kept it hidden beneath her jacket as the two crossed the road. Someone approached, trying to sell them souvenirs from a cart, Koni ignored the man but Caryna turned, eyeing the goods on offer with interest.

Seeing her partner had stopped, T'Seng also turned as the man was holding out first long strands of beads, then switched to scarves. Caryna finally settled on a colourful scarf and made her purchase, seeing he was going to have no luck with her friend, the trader grasped the handles of his cart and moved on. Agosta made a show of putting the scarf around her neck, asking Koni what she thought of it.

"I'm dying for a drink, let's try here," Agosta said, stepping into the airy café before moving to a table close to the open windows.

"Ladies, you wish drinks?" the waiter asked appearing as if from nowhere.

"We'd like two Cha Yen's, oh, and one basket of Khanom khai nok kratha, please," Caryna replied with a smile. The waiter nodded and left as she looked at Koni, who was sitting watching her.

"Iced tea and a basket of sweet potato dough balls, fried," she said by way of explanation.

"I didn't know you spoke Thai,"

"My family used to holiday here when I was little ....." Agosta replied.

"I can't see them..." T'Seng said quietly as she reached into her pocket to check her tricorder, "... Six lifesigns above us, two children," Under the table, Caryna opened her communicator and tapped once, then twice in quick succession before returning it to her pocket. The first chirp indicated they were in place but didn't have sight of the kidnappers or Schirra's daughter, the second two indicated they had picked up lifesigns on the floor above.

She saw Daniel and Karka coming through the café from the other entrance, like Koni and Caryna they found a table and ordered two beers before the ever-present waiter could ask. The two pairs locked eyes, nodding almost imperceptibly as Caryna lifted her drink for a toast, eyes flicking towards a set of stairs on the side wall of the café. Casually picking up their drinks, the four made their way independently towards the stairs, Caryn spoke to another of the staff, nodding towards the upper floor:

"Tārāng kem?" she asked. the girl smiled and nodded.

"Games room," Agosta explained as they climbed, reaching the first floor which seemed packed to capacity with gaming tables offering a variety of gambling opportunities. Ten metres behind them Daniel and Karka reached the top step.

To their left a second flight of stairs led to the second floor, without waiting to attract any unwanted attention, all four climbed - The corridor led off left and right, doors along both walls indicated rooms - Karka quickly retrieved his tricorder as the others took phasers from their jackets. They waited while he scanned in both directions:

"Two lifesigns that way, both adult ..." he said, motioning to his left, five this way, three adults two children, I'll need to scan each room as we get to it to be sure which one we burst into," he said, shifting the tricorder to his left hand as he took his phaser from the pocket on his right side. Listening intently for any signs they had been heard, Koni and Caryna went first, this way, if the kidnappers 'did' suddenly open their door, they hopefully wouldn't be spooked by the two women passing their room .....

They were reaching the fourth door on their left when the one directly opposite suddenly opened!

Koni and Caryna were walking arm in arm, both turned as a Thai national stepped into the corridor. He eyed the two women disdainfully, Koni and Caryna, smiled and waved, saying 'hello' simultaneously while swaying from side to side as if drunk. The man looked at Daniel and then Karka, looked the women up and down, sneering at some private joke before he slammed the door closed in their faces.

"This one...!" Psonoir said, scanning the door closely, "... Two adults close to the outside wall, one child sat at a table right," he said, dropping his tricorder into a pocket before they took up positions on either side of the door. Nodding, Daniel stepped into the corridor facing the door, about to kick it in, when Caryna suddenly thought of something, she put a finger to the lips and then held up two more before heading along the corridor, Schirra returned to stand on the opposite side of the door to Psonoir, their backs against the wall. She returned a moment later with a tray containing two half-empty bottles and several glasses. She rearranged the contents so she could hold it easier in her right hand, the large napkin dropped over the rim, while holding her phaser against the underside of the tray, hopefully out of sight. She turned to the door and knocked:

"Kruṇā phnạkngān s̄eir̒f," she said cheerfully, telling the occupants that she was a waitress. If it worked, the door would open, if it didn't, whoever was inside was very likely to shoot right through the door without opening it first ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

..... The door was hinged on Karka's side, so he would see the person opening the door first .....

"Please, housekeeping?" Caryna explained in perfect Thai.

"Come back later," someone inside shouted.

"But please, I have fresh bedding," Caryna replied feigning upset. She stood perfectly still, eyes on the door handle. For a second she thought whoever was inside was simply going to ignore her, or had realised something was amiss and were readying themselves for someone bursting through the door. But as she was about to turn away, the door began to open!

The man looked Caryna up and down, eyes flicking past her before he returned his gaze, he was about to say something when his eyes shot down and to his left, kneeling, Karka shot the man in the chest, flinging his unconscious body back into the room. Agosta kicked the door open hearing it slam against the wall ... Inside, the second person was already crossing the room before scooping the girl off the chair into her arms. She backed towards the window as Koni, followed by Karka, Caryna and Daniel swept inside.

Daniel's eyes locked onto Mackenzie's, but also on the weapon pushed against her temple!

"Let her go..." Schirra said quietly, mouthing 'It will be ok' to his daughter as the woman shook her head, eyes darting to her companion then back at the intruders, "... Let her go, now ... Or I will shoot you both," he warned.

Mackenzie's eyes widened, as the weapon was pushed even harder against her head, forcing tears that began to run down her cheeks.

The others had been moving further into the room, no one spoke, allowing Schirra to do the talking.

"Give me my daughter and I will step aside, no one will stop you from leaving, I promice,"

"Leave now, or I will kill the girl!"

"Then you die too," Schirra said, his phaser, held at arm's length, unwavering, aimed directly at the woman's face as he tried to make the woman hesitate.

"Who is behind all this... Surely it wasn't something you two dreamt up alone. I don't know either of you, who hired you to kidnap my daughter?" he asked, but the woman ignored his comment, eyes moving to her associate then back.

"You have killed him," she said dangerously, glaring at Schirra's as if defying him to shoot.

"He's alive, heavily stunned that's all..." Karka explained,"... Let her go, you don't have a chance, you must realise that,"

"I will count to five, if you are still in the room when I reach zero, I will shoot. I care not what becomes of me, but you will surely lose your only daughter," the woman said.

Koni had seen the woman subtly changing her position, clearly trying to put more of Mackenzie's body between herself and Daniel, she was concentrating completely on Schirra now, her hand shaking as tension began to get the better of her nerves. She looked down at Mackenzie as if for a fraction of a second she was unsure of herself, before again locking eyes with Schirra.

Koni realised that the woman is on the verge of panicking, her hand was tightening on the grip of the disruptor she was holding, making it shake. Motionless, she watched as Karka again urged the woman to release Mackenzie. Breaking Schirra's gaze, the woman turned her head towards Psonoir, as she did so, Koni fired! ...

The beam lanced across the room hitting the woman at the base of her skull severing her spinal cord and instantaneously ending all nerve transmission. The weapon fell from her grasp and clattered to the floor as both woman and child began to tumble back and out of the open window. Karka, closest to Mackenzie, shot forward, grabbing her jumper as the woman disappeared. Screams erupted from the street as the kidnapper slammed into empty tables below ... Karka handed Mackenzie to her father and then joined Koni at the window as Caryna remained focused on the doorway.

The woman's eyes were open, but it was clear she was dead.

"I'm so sorry sweetheart, I'm so sorry," Daniel was saying as Mackenzie buried her head in his shoulder sobbing uncontrollably, he looked up at Karka and Koni, both shook their heads to signify the woman hadn't survived the fall. He looked over Mackenzie's shoulder at the man still unconscious against the wall where he had fallen. Both overwhelming relief and frustration fought for supremacy within him.

"It's OK Daddy," Mackenzie stammered between sobs.

"Take her downstairs," Koni said quietly, as Karka flipped open his communicator. Daniel nodded, lifting the five-year-old into his arms. In the doorway, he turned back, eyes on Koni for a long moment before he left the room and walked down the stairs.

People moved aside, allowing him passage, as he heard distant sirens approaching ... Not wanting Mackenzie to see the result of the woman's fall, he took her out the rear entrance of the café and into the sunshine. He found a table and sat down, positioning Kenzie so she could keep her arms around him while making sure she couldn't see anything around her.

In the middle of the street, four Starfleet Security personnel materialised, entering the café, before bounding up the stairs at a run. A moment later a shadow covered him. Daniel looked up, but the man was standing with the Sun at his back.

"Captain..." Daniel didn't reply as he looked up and realised the person speaking was holding a phaser trained on his daughter and himself, "... You think you have succeeded?" he said.

"No ..... I think you have failed," Schirra replied. The phaser's beam hit the man in the chest, vaporising him instantly! ..... Daniel placed hisphaser on the table, and put his arms tighter around his daughter. After a few moments, Koni, Karka and Caryna came outside, they took seats at a nearby table. Karka eyed the phaser and then looked at Daniel:

"They had called for help..." Schirra said by way of an explanation as he watched a shuttle from the Excalibur landing close by, "... I thought whoever had come for them wouldn't stand by once his associates had failed,"

"Security has taken the man into custody, the woman's dead," Agosta said quietly. Daniel adjusted his daughter, her sobbing spent, she had fallen asleep in his arms.

"They won't get anything out of him..." Schirra said as he slowly got to his feet and walked towards the shuttle. He barely noticed when his friends intercepted the Security detail who undoubtedly wanted to question him. In the shuttle he sat down, cradling Mackenzie as Koni, Karka then Caryna boarded - Time seemed to pause as the fragrance of the shampoo Mackenzie used invaded his senses - The shuttle landed at Schirra's home. No one spoke as he got to his feet and stepped out onto the lawn then entered the house. No doubt someone would want questions answered, but for now his only thoughts were of his daughter. Nothing else mattered ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

Schirra Home ...
Marine Blvd'
San Francisco ::

Daniel hadn't argued the previous night when Starfleet Security posted personnel - They were there to ensure his and his daughter's safety after all .....

Unable to sleep, he had risen well before the first rays of sunlight had begun to cross their lawn. Slowly climbing out of bed so he didn't disturb the sleeping Mackenzie, he had packed, then went into Kenzie's room to pack everything he thought the five-year-old would need, deciding that if he missed anything he could always purchase it during the trip.

At seven, he went into the bedroom, Mackenzie was waking, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she looked around the room.

"Daddy ....." she said as he sat on the side of the bed allowing her to climb into his arms.

"You snore, a lot," he said grinning.

"NO, I DON'T!" Kenzie said, playfully digging him in the ribs as he put her back on the bed.

"Come on, breakfast," he said, heading for the door.

"Are we going away today Daddy?" Mackenzie asked quietly.

"Yes, sweetheart, we are, but not if you don't have a shower and shave first,"

"HEY! ... I don't shave, what's for breakfast?" the five-year-old asked jumping off the bed and heading for the bathroom.

"Whatever you like," Daniel said, leaving her to it. Ten minutes later she appeared in the kitchen, clambering up onto one of the stools. They ate, Daniel kept her talking, not wanting her to dwell on what had happened but he needn't have bothered, marvelling at a child's resistance in circumstances that would terrify any adult. Once they had eaten she helped with the dishes, washing while he wiped, then she headed to her room to dress .....

Daniel looked out of the window and could see two Security Personnel standing on the back lawn, he went to the front of the house and could see two more on the front lawn, glancing back into the house he stepped out to speak to the two. He explained that their service would not be required from here on in, as he intended to take his daughter away for a holiday.

Both Officers had nodded, but it was clear they were under someone else's instructions and weren't about to leave simply on his say-so. Not that it mattered, there was no way, in Schirra's opinion, they were going to physically stop them from leaving.

He was putting their bags on the lawn as someone walked up the path.

"Captain," the man said, holding out a hand which Daniel took.

"Admiral," Daniel replied, knowing full well why Admiral Nagano Osani, Head of Starfleet, was on his lawn.

"I hear you are planning on taking a trip?"

"News travels fast," Schirra said, glancing at the two Security Officers.

"Anything we can do to help?" Osani asked, amiably.

"You can keep Security out of our way Admiral ..... I'm taking Mackenzie down the coast, I'll be gone for a couple of weeks, maybe longer, and I'd rather not have to constantly play 'cat and mouse' with unwanted guests,"

"Understandable, understandable. But we're still not convinced you are safe Captain," the Admiral said.

"Then I'll deal with any problems, if or when they arise, Sir..." Schirra replied dangerously, looking back into the house before returning his gaze to the Fleet Admiral, "... Now, with respect, Sir, I have a daughter I need to get ready?"

"No problem Captain, I look forward to your informing us as to when you feel you can return to duty. Have an excellent holiday, Daniel," Osani said, holding out a hand again.

"Thank you, Admiral," Daniel replied, taking the offered hand as Mackenzie came out of the house.

"Good morning young lady..." Osani said, releasing Daniel's hand so he could kneel in front of the five-year-old, "... I hear you are going on a trip?"

"We're going on Daddy's yacht boat. It has big sails that catch the wind and make us go 'soooo' fast..." Mackenzie said, glancing at her father before leaning close and continuing in a whisper so he couldn't overhear her, "... It has engines too, I'll tell you a secret, Daddy uses them... A lot!" she said, raising her eyebrows and shrugging. Osani laughed, putting a finger to his lips. Mackenzie grinned and then ran back into the house. Daniel waited.

"I'm intruding... Have a good trip, Daniel..." Osani said turning to walk away, "... And be assured, there will be no 'cat and mouse' necessary," the Admiral assured him before walking into the middle of the lawn and flicking open his communicator, with a nod he vanished as Kenzie's grandparents came up the path.

Later ::

On the dock, standing beside the family yacht, Daniel had made sure Mackenzie's life vest and safety harness were secure, doing to same for himself before they climbed aboard. He was patient as Terrance and Barbara made a fuss of their granddaughter before finally stepping back as the Yacht Club President, retired Admiral Eric Keel, came over to wish them a good voyage.

Keel waited, chatting to Kenzie's grandparents, as Dan secured a lanyard to his daughter's harness, this would allow the five-year-old to move freely around the stern well section of the yacht, giving her access to both of the ship's wheels, port and starboard, while ensuring she couldn't reach the wire rails positioned around the boat ... Once all was secure, Admiral Keel helped release the lines securing the yacht to the jetty.

Starting the engines, wondering why Kenzie was giggling to herself, he moved away from the dock and turned towards the harbour bridge, Kenzie waved as they left the Yacht Club and manoeuvred into the Bay proper.

If he was being honest, he had no idea how long they would be away, or even if they were going to come back ..... All that mattered was they were together and he was going to make sure to cherish every second of that time ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

..... Moving past the breakwater into San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island on their Starboard side, Daniel turned the large electric azipods beneath the yacht so they were heading for the bridge. Although the yacht could be sailed single-handedly, using manual inputs for systems throughout, he had had some modifications made to make it simpler for his family.

He checked the large navigation screen set above the stairs into the yacht then used the panel to raise the sails, Mackenzie loved watching the sails almost miraculously appear out of the booms. Dan too watched closely as the mainsail and then the headsail unfurled, ready to act if there were any issues. He pondered raising the spinnaker but decided against it for the time being ...

The breeze caught the unfurling sails as they rose towards the tip of the thirty-two-metre mast, filling with air, forcing the yacht to lean approximately fifteen degrees as he disengaged the azipods, feeling the vibration as they lifted into the hull allowing the boat to streamline through the water at her cruising speed of sixteen knots.

"Can I steer Daddy?" Mackenzie asked. Daniel had learned his lesson with his eldest daughter when minutes after allowing her to pilot the yacht she had realised that the autopilot was engaged. It had caused one of the only upsetting arguments that had happened between himself and his children. So afterwards, he had asked Mark Unwin to design a secondary navigation program that when activated, would allow the yacht to waver approximately five degrees port or starboard of the heading before gently moving the rudder to bring them back on course. He had explained that the large rudder was sometimes affected by the water running past it, and it was this his children could feel when they felt either wheel move.

Nodding to the Portside wheel he waited while Mackenzie got into place, dwarfed behind the almost one-point-five metre diameter wheel. She checked her footing as she had been shown, then grabbed hold of the wheel in her tiny hands. Daniel made a show of handing over control, then moved away from the Starboard wheel. He walked to the large navigation display screen and surreptitiously activated the autopilot before sitting down on one of the long faux leather-covered benches on either side of the yacht.

"Let me know if you get tired, and don't hit the bridge on the way out of the bay," he said, grinning as Kenzie glared at him for a second before turning her full attention to steering. He glanced at the navigation display, satisfied the new program was letting his daughter believe she had full control while keeping them on the correct heading that would take them into the Gulf of the Farallones and out into the Pacific.

After almost an hour at the helm, Kenzie decided it was his turn, so they swapped over. Daniel held their heading until they were approximately fifteen kilometres off the coastline, and then he turned South. He set the main autopilot to keep the distance from shore steady and adjusted the two massive sails' tensions so they would maintain around ten knots. Asking if she was hungry, Kenzie nodded. He moved away from the two wheels and unclipped Mackenzie's lanyard, allowing her to move below and into the cabin. They decided on sandwiches and juice for lunch. Kenzie had barely finished her first triangle of ham and pickle when her eyelids started to drop. He waited, knowing she was about to fall asleep, then scooped her up to take her to her cabin on the Portside.

Laying her on the bunk she opened her eyes briefly as she kissed him on the cheek.

"I miss Mummy and Kendal Daddy," she said, half asleep.

"Me too sweetheart, me too," he said, feeling tears forming. Pulling the cover over Kenzie he returned the the deck and deactivated the autopilot.

He'd decided that they would only make a small trip on their first day, so on deck, he radioed ahead to the Harbour Master at Pescadero to book a berth for the night. The trip was around forty-five nautical miles, so roughly four and a half hours give or take. They would go ashore and explore, then sleep aboard. Tomorrow they would head towards Pacific Cove at Monterey Bay and layover for the night... Then... Who knows.


Again he found himself wondering if he wanted to return, he had given, and lost, so much for Starfleet ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

They had sailed along the coast, down as far as Catalina Island, where they had gone ashore for two days sightseeing - But all the while, Daniel knew he was only avoiding his situation - Finally he told Mackenzie this was the last day. They would head back home, covering the three hundred or so nautical miles over the next week or so. If his daughter was disappointed, she didn't show it. After all, she had celebrated her sixth birthday on the ocean, what could be better she had said happily.

They had reluctantly taken up the offer of a suite at the hotel for the previous two days, the Harbour Master, whose wife ran one of the Hotel, had held a surprise birthday party for Mackenzie after she had accidentally 'let it slip' that she was now six, and consequently, all grown up ..... Their last day on the Island was taken up first with a day walking around the old harbour town, picking up gifts for her grandparents, and then shopping for supplies they would need for the journey home.

Several times Daniel had found himself backtracking, much to his daughter's annoyance. Every time he 'thought' he saw someone following, or even caught sight of a stranger's reflection in one of the shop windows, his heart missed a beat, but eventually they boarded their small dingy and he rowed back to the moored yacht ..... In the cabin he plotted the trip back, they would only make two stops, so there would be plenty of time away from the shore and any temptation someone might have to do either of them harm. It was late evening by the time everything was packed away and the yacht was 'ship-shape' and ready to go. They had only sailed at night once on their journey, and Mackenzie had slept through until the Sun had been rising on their Portside.

She had asked him a few days earlier if, as a 'birthday treat' they could have one full night of sailing so she could watch the stars, so despite him originally deciding they would sleep aboard and then leave in the morning, he had given in, saying that as long as she wasn't going to be overtired they would sail at sunset. They had sat on the deck as the Sun went down over the crystal clear ocean. He had prepared popcorn and soft drinks and then took turns trying to name the stars. During this quiz he registered a small power boat in his peripheral vision - It had been getting gradually closer over the last fifteen minutes and it was worrying him - Leaving Mackenzie securely tethered to the foredeck, he had gone below and taken the phaser he kept in their safe, checking the setting he tucked it into the back of his shorts then returned to his daughter.

The motor launch was still approaching at an almost leisurely pace, it wasn't moving between the countless other moored vessels as if trying to hide and he was convinced it was coming right at them!

He was about to unclip Kenzie and take her below when he heard someone trying to get their attention. He stood and watched the small craft approach, eyeing the two people nervously, grinning embarrassingly as he recognised the man at the bow waving frantically. It was the Harbour Master ... He waved asking if it were possible to come alongside, as Kenzie watched, Daniel moved to the Staroard rail and waited, one hand casually behind his back.

"Captain... Captain... Apologies for my late intrusion..." the man was saying as they reached the yacht, "... I had hoped to see you in the morning but my absently minded wife, informed me that you planned to leave after Sunset tonight. I just wanted to say have a good trip home, and bring your daughter her forgotten birthday present, along with some left-over cake, not much as my grandchildren helped themselves,"

Daniel helped the man climb over the safety wire struggling to carry the large stuffed donkey, complete with a long pink ribbon tied around its neck, and a small canvas bag which he handed to Daniel. Mackenzie, still tethered to the long safety wire that ran the length of the yacht, had seen the gift and was already making her way past the mast, eyes wide.

"KEVINNNN!" Kenzie shouted happily, taking the animal that when stood beside her, was almost half a metre taller than her. Thanking the Harbour Master, she hugged the donkey and then began to move towards the hatch leading into the cabin.

"Thank you..." Daniel said, taking the offered hand. The man shook it, almost distracted, "... Something wrong?"

"No... No... Nothing..." the aged Harbour Master said, frowning, "... My wife, she worries?" he said apologetically. "... Well, I will bid you and your daughter good night and again, a safe journey. I hope you will consider returning soon,"

"I'm sure we will, and hopefully next time no 'hints' at birthdays," Daniel said grinning.

"She is a lovely girl, very pleasant, it was our pleasure," the Harbour Master said, then clambered over the wire rail, almost toppling into the bay as he did so. He waved as the boat turned to return to shore .....

Daniel followed Menzie below, finding her rearranging the cushions to accommodate their new 'guest' visitor. He went to his bedroom, then slid aside a panel so he could access the yacht's surveillance system - He quickly ran back to minutes before they had left the previous day and checked the footage - No one had come within thirty metres of the moored yacht while they had been ashore. Relieved, he went back to the cabin where the donkey was now wearing a sailor's cap!

"You called it, him, Kevin?" he asked, trying not to laugh.

"He 'looks' like a Kevin," Kenzie said, eyeing her additions to the donkey cryptically.

"I thought it was well..." he began, hesitating as she turned to him, clearly waiting for what he had to say, "... Nothing, the hat looks good," he said, smiling.

"Hmm, I know what you were going to say, you thought that Kevin was a 'girl' donkey, right, because of the 'pink' ribbon and all?"

"Jenny, and well, sort of, yes," he admitted.

"Jenny?"

"That's what a female donkey is called," he explained.

"Hmmm ..... Jenny..." Mackenzie said, turning to look at the patiently waiting soft toy deep in thought "... I like it ..... Jenny it is!" she said, adjusting the cap, then the ribbon a fraction, before putting her hands on her hips to scrutinise her work.

"If we're going to see any stars, we might need to weigh anchor ... Pull it up out of the water," he added before having to go into why the nautical term for lifting the anchor was 'weighing' it,"

"Can I bring Kev... Jenny, onto the deck?" Kenzie asked.

"I think she might be better off down here unto we're underway, is that OK?"

"Alright," she said, pulling the donkey's head down so she could kiss it. Then she stood up and gave a jaunty salute before pulling her tether so she could head back onto the stern. She stood behind the Portside wheel eyeing the navigation display.

"Cast off, Captain," she ordered, grinning.

Daniel activated the automatic winch and waited while the anchor was retrieved, then he lowered the two azipods and started the engines, he turned the yacht towards the open ocean, enjoying the cool evening breeze.

.......... They were heading home ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

San Francisco ::


Daniel had taken his time returning home - Part of him didn't want to return to San Francisco, as in his mind, doing so confirmed his willingness to return to active duty and, as such, Command of the USS Excalibur .....

Passing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, he was sitting back but still within arms-reach of the Portside wheel ... Standing to his right, his now six-year-old daughter was steering the twenty-seven-metre yacht, a wide grin on her face as the breeze moved her long hair. He watched her, part of him still grieving for the loss of his wife and eldest daughter, but so proud of how his youngest, now only child, had coped with her own loss. The previous evening he had contacted the yacht club informing them of their arrival, anything moored in his berth would be moved well before they arrived. He had also contacted Lana's parents, who would undoubtedly be on the dock awaiting their arrival .....

Despite his lingering misgivings regarding his future, whatever direction that took - He was still a Starfleet Officer and as such had obligations - So he had contacted Karka, both to let his Executive Officer know he was on his way home and to check on the progress of the Excalibur's extensive refit. Part of him admittedly happy that the aforementioned refit was progressing, the installation of the ship's new warp core had been completed, and the ship had spent three days out of spacedock running tests, which the ship had passed with flying colours.

Once Karka had completed his report, Daniel finally asked about the man taken into custody following the attack at his home - Karka hesitated for a long moment before answering - Hardly surprisingly, he had pointedly refused to talk, and had sat in complete silence during the numerous interrogations that Starfleet Security had carried out. On the fourth day, he was taken ill and was subsequently transferred under guard to Starfleet Medical, where he underwent tests. It was ascertained that the man had a heart problem that was treated successfully.

"Tell me," Daniel had ordered .....

"During the night of his second day in hospital, the Security Officer was attacked...!" Psonoir had begun, "... He was found by the Duty Ward Nurse, who raised the alarm, unfortunately, he had succumbed to internal injuries and had passed away.

"How had he died?" Schirra asked during the lull in conversation.

"..... When the Duty Nurse noticed he wasn't at his post, she raised the alarm and began a search..." Karka began hesitantly, "... He was found in one of the empty rooms, he'd suffered numerous stab injuries ....."

"He was 'stabbed' to death!" Daniel asked in disbelief.

"Yes... Starfleet Command has contacted his family,"

"The prisoner?" Schirra hesitantly asked.

"Dead... Attacked the same way... The killer had attached a tricorder to the body functions monitor which had provided constant lifesigns readouts to the nursing station, given those readouts, there was no need to enter the secured corridor,"

"OK ....." Daniel had said after a long moment.

"I don't think whoever started all this is going to come after you again Daniel..." Karka continued confidently, "... They have to know that getting close to you, or Mackenzie would be almost impossible from here on in,"

"They failed the first time round Karka, so pardon me if I'm not as confident as you are. There's nothing to indicate who was behind the attacks I take it?"

"Nothing. The ones killed were all Human, that doesn't mean anything of course, they could have been hired, coerced, or even blackmailed into what they did by anyone from numerous races," Psonoir said, fighting the urge to shrug.

"Wow ..... Good to know that I have upset so many races that one felt it necessary to have me killed...?" Daniel had said, shaking his head, "... Are Starfleet Security ending their investigations?"

"They will keep looking of course, but from what I've managed to find out, they are not holding out much hope of finding out who was behind the attack,"

"Then I'll hire someone on a private basis... I'm not letting whoever did this just sit back and relax," Dan said, a cloud crossing his face.

"I already have the names of a couple of 'private contractors' you can look over when we meet. I'm assuming you will want that meeting to be at your home?"

"Yes, bring Koni. We should dock around fifteen hundred, Come around nineteen hundred, that will give Terry and Barbara plenty of time to fuss over Kenzie,"

"OK, see you then... Goodnight Captain," Psonoir had confirmed, closing the comm .....

Next day .....

"Have you contacted the Harbour Master to get permission to enter the Marina?" he asked Mackenzie.

"I'm steering Daddy, can you do it please?" Mackenzie asked, concentrating on the task at hand. Grinning Daniel reached forward and tapped the yacht's comm panel then spoke to the Harbour Master.

"You see the green trace line...?" he asked, pointing to the large navigation screen, Kenzie nodded, "... Then once clear of the bridge we'll slow and follow the trace into the Marina,"

"You will dock though, won't you Daddy?" the six-year-old asked nervously.

"Yes, I'm going to lower the sails and engage the engines, just let me know when you want to hand over the helm, Captain," Schirra said with a salute as he inputted commands to the auto-system which lowered the two massive sails. Once stored he lowered the azipods and set their speed at a leisurely five knots.

Thirty minutes later they were inside the Marina wall and Mackenzie handed control over to him while she knelt on the long seats on the Portside. She spotted her grandparents long before Daniel and began waving. On the dockside, Terrence and Barbara Thewlis returned the wave. Dan eyed the people moving around the dock, wondering if one of those working or relaxing was about to end his and Mackenzies lives, but he needn't have worried .....

One of the Club's Staff waited as he allowed the yacht to glide towards their mooring. As it made contact with the flexible edge of the jetty he threw a line so the yacht could be secured, once this was tied he moved forward to repeat the process. Terry and Barbara stood waiting as he unhitched Kenzie's tether and lifted her into her grandfather's arms. Once on the jetty they took her harness off and handed it to Dan, still aboard. He stored both harnesses and jumped onto the jetty. Mackenzie suddenly broke free and spun but Daniel had anticipated her and was already holding the stuffed donkey.

"You want her readying for your next time out Sir?" the young Staff member asked.

"No... Thank you, we won't be going out for a while,"

"I'll just complete the moorings and arrange for your bags to be taken to your home if that's OK," the lad said. Dan nodded, thanking the young Staff member again, and then the four walked along the jetty towards the Clubhouse, Kenzie finally allowing her grandfather to carry the stuffed donkey ... Inside they went over to the table Terrance had booked while Daniel signed their yacht in. They enjoyed a light lunch and drinks all the while, Mackenzie told her grandparents 'everything' that had happened on their adventure, both good 'and' bad!

When Kenzie said she needed the bathroom, Barbara accompanied her, despite Kenzie's assurance that as a 'six-year-old' she was more than capable of going to the toilet on her own.

"You're be meeting Karka tonight..." Terrance said, already having been informed, "... Kenzie can stay over with us if you like,"

"Yes, he and Koni are due around Seven, I'm sure Kenzie will like a sleepover, try not to give yourself an injury with that bloody donkey of hers,"

"Did she win it?" Terry said, eyeing the donkey.

"No... It was a gift... One I suspect they were happy to be rid of ....." Daniel said with a wry grin, sipping the last of his orange juice as Kenzie and her grandmother returned retaking their seats.

"Would you like to stay over tonight?" Terry asked the six-year-old.

"Yes, please ..... As long as Jenny can come too,"

"Jenny who?" Barbara asked frowning, then fighting not to laugh as Mackenzie got off her seat to hug the donkey that was standing beside their table, getting amused looks from various other diners.

"Oh, Jenny," Barbara said with a glance at Daniel, which he pointedly ignored, "... OK, Jenny can come too. Well, if you are finished, we'll make tracks. I think we can leave your Daddy to do the unpacking," Barbara said. Ignoring her Dan turned to Kenzie:

"Oh, thank you, and 'what' may I ask, happened to 'shipmates' ...?"

"We're ashore Daddy ..... Don't forget to wash everything," Kenzie replied, nodding to her grandfather to pick 'Jenny' up so they could leave. She clambered onto Daniel's knee, hugging then kissing him warmly before shuffling down to take her grandmother's hand. Dan watched as the three left the club leaving him alone, then he walked over to the bar and ordered something a little stronger than the orange juice ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

Schirra Home ...
Marina Drive
San Francisco ::


..... With the holidays over, Daniel had allowed Mackenzie to go back to school .....

He was finishing up moving the front lawn when his father-in-law arrived.

"Heard anything?" Terrence asked as the two walked around the house to the patio.

"Nothing helpful, no," Dan said, pouring out two tall glasses of iced lemonade.

"You think it's over then, you and Mackenzie are safe...?" Terrence asked, Daniel could only sip his drink, he had no way of knowing if those responsible would try to get to him or Kenzie, "... I spoke to Karka ....."

"You what?"

"He came to the house, the day before you got back. He's concerned Daniel, as are others on your crew who consider you not only their Commanding Officer but a friend,"

"So what did he have to say?"

"Not much, but what he didn't say spoke volumes..." Terry said, pausing for the comment to sink in before continuing, "... You're going after them," he said, more statement than question.

"..... I haven't decided what I'm going to do yet,"

"Don't give me that Daniel, I've known you long enough to know you won't allow whoever's responsible to sneak away into the night...!" his father-in-law said, trying to hold his temper, "... Let me ask you this: Have you considered that hunting them down might put you, and Mackenzie in even more danger?"

"More danger than almost being killed?" Dan said, instantly sorry for his snapped reply.

"You 'could' leave it the the appropriate authorities,"

"Yes... I suppose I could," Schirra answered, not meaning one syllable of his reply.

"What makes you think you could even find them...?" Terry asked, "... Where would you find the time for this crusade of yours? ... You have a role in Starfleet, a position of authority, or do you plan on resigning, leaving the Excalibur?"

"Like I said, I have no idea what I'm going to do ..... If you had asked me, even a couple of days ago ....." Daniel said, falling silent given he didn't actually know himself. After a moment Terrence spoke:

"Well, I know it's early, and your homemade lemonade is as refreshing as usual, but do you have something stronger?" he asked, grinning. Dan got up and walked into the kitchen, returning a moment later with a bottle and two fresh glasses.

"This is slightly more expensive than my lemonade," he said, pouring out two large measures.

"..... Mackenzie is safe here, we wouldn't let anything happen to her,"

"I know ....." Daniel finally replied ..........

USS Excalibur ...
Spacedock
Geostationary Orbit
Earth ::

"Hello Captain, good to see you,"

"Thank you, Commander..." Schirra replied as he stepped off the transporter platform, "... "How are you, I hear your sister has had her baby, a girl?"

"Edith, two-point-eight kilos, healthy with a good set of lungs,"

"Send my congratulations," Daniel said, walking towards the doors, finding himself genuinely pleased at the news from one of his Officers.

"Commander Psonoir is in Engineering, would you like me to inform him of your arrival?" Sarah Wentworth asked behind him.

"No, thanks, I'll surprise him," Dan said, leaving his Operations Officer to speak to the Transporter Chief .....

Engineering ::

Entering through the large double doors he looked around, surprised at the amount of refit and re-design that had gone on in his absence.

"Captain..." he looked up to see Karka one Level above, leaning against the railing around the ship's warp core, "... I'll be right down,"

"No rush," Schirra said, walking to one of the numerous terminals bringing up schematics. He was scrolling through each screen in turn as his Exec' spoke:

"Good to see you up here,"

"It's hardly like I've been gone since we developed warp drive Karka,"

"Feels like it..." his friend said with a wry grin, "... Want the tuppeny tour?"

"The what?" Dan asked.

"Never mind..." Psonoir said, glancing down at the schematics that were still scrolling across the screen, he motioned to them, "... I'd say that we've conservatively refit or replaced almost seventy percent of the main drive system,"

"It shows," Dan replied, eyes moving from the screen to the gleaming mirror-finish metalwork zig-zagging back and forth throughout the several Levels of Engineering.

"It's around the same for the rest of the ship's systems, even the Bridge has completely new consoles. Have you been up there yet?" Karka asked, not wanting to push his friend into doing something he might not be ready to do.

"No, I was met by Sarah, though just 'how' she knew I was coming aboard is beyond me. She tells me she's an Aunt, again..." Dan said, smiling, "... Her sister stuck with her liking for archaic names, she called the baby Edith,"

"Yes, no accounting for personal preferences I suppose," Psonoir replied.

"OK... Let's go on that two-penny tour you offered," Daniel said .....

It was almost twenty-one-hundred hours when they arrived back in the Transporter Room after what turned out to be a four-hour tour. Karka dismissed the Chief, saying he would see to the transport himself... He had surreptitiously watched his Commanding Officer throughout the tour, seeing what he hoped was a gradual reconnection with the ship and his role on it. For Daniel's part, he had to admit his surprise as he refamiliarised himself with Excalibur and the numerous Department Heads, Officers and Crewmembers he had spoken with during the tour. But there was still something holding him back, he knew what that was of course, and even though it wasn't spoken of, they both knew that recent events would have a massive sway on whatever decision he finally made.

He shook hands with Karka and stepped onto the platform.

"We're still not scheduled for our compliance certification for another few weeks..." Karka said, watching for any adverse reaction from his friend before continuing, "... It gives you a little more time, at least,"

"So Osani hasn't offered you the centre seat yet?" Dan asked as Karka went behind the transporter console.

"Nope," Karka replied with a grin as he began making entries on the panel.

"Good evening, Karka..." Daniel replied, shaking his head, "... Come to dinner tomorrow, I'm sure Mackenzie would 'love' to show you her new friend,"

"Hmm, this 'friend' of hers wouldn't be taller than her with four legs, would it?"

"That's the one ..... Seven O'Clock,"

"I'll be there... Psonoir said, placing his fingers on the transporter controls, "... OH!... I hear there's a house vacant a few doors down from you. Do you think a promotion to Captain would come with a perk like a new house?" he asked,
activating the transport before Daniel had time to reply.

Materialising on his lawn Daniel had to close his mouth in case one of his neighbours thought he'd finally lost the proverbial 'plot' by talking to himself. Kenzie ran from the house and hugged him before taking his hand to lead him inside.

"Ahh, the wanderer returns, had a good day I hope..." Barbara said, picking up her enormous cloth bag that contained her knitting needles and what Dan was convinced was possibly enough wool to circumnavigate the planet, several times, "Kenzie's eaten, there's a home-baked pie in the oven," his mother-in-law said heading for the door.

"There's ice cream too!" Mackenzie said.

"Isn't it past someone's bedtime?" Dan asked as he entered the kitchen, the aroma of the homemade pie evident.

"You're old, but as a treat I'll let you stay up a little late. We wouldn't want that ice cre ... Home-baked pie, to go to waste, now would we," Mackenzie said, adopting her most 'angelic' smile. Dan shook his head and pulled the pie from the oven ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

Schirra Home ...
Marina Drive
San Francisco ::


After their late meal, Mackenzie insisted on helping with clearing the table. Given his six-year-old didn't have school the following day, he agreed. Once everything was done, she headed for her bedroom and changed into her favourite pyjamas. She was coming out of the bedroom when the door chime sounded .....

Daniel looked at the monitor and saw Karka and Koni standing on the porch.

"I thought you had gone to bed," he said to Mackenzie as he headed for the door.

"I'll just say 'hiya' to Koni then I'll go, is that OK?"

"Fine," Dan said, opening the door to allow his Officers in. Both stopped short as they looked at Mackenzie standing beside her donkey. Mackenzie had one arm around the neck of the toy, and both grinned at the image - The thing was taller and wider than the six-year-old - Had it not been for the fact it was a pinkish-grey colour, and it was dark, you might have mistaken it for the real thing at first glance.

"Daddy said I could say nite nite, I wanted you to meet Jenny before I went to bed,"

The two approached, glancing at a seemingly bewildered Daniel as they knelt beside the animal.

"WOW ..... Now THAT'S some erm, donkey," Karka said.

"I have to go to bed now, but I wanted to say 'hello' before I went. Could you please carry Jenny into my room Daddy?" Kenzie asked her father, who stood and picked up the stuffed toy, Kenzie ran over to Koni then Karka, kissing them both goodnight, and then headed to her bedroom.

"I'll be in in a moment sweetheart," Dan said, heading for the bar. He poured out three generous measures of his finest Brandy, and placed them on the coffee table, then picked up the donkey, "... I'll only be a moment, make yourself comfortable," he said, then followed his daughter .....

-----

Back in the living room, he took a seat then picked up his drink.

"Cheers..." he said, raising the glass, Karka and Koni did likewise. He glanced at the corridor and Mackenzie's bedroom door, then continued, "... Have you heard anything?" After a moment's pause, Karka spoke:

"As I said, I know someone who is pretty adept at finding people who prefer to remain hidden,"

"..... And?"

"He needed access to the man we're holding....."

"We arranged for him, under the guise of a Defence Advocate, to have thirty minutes alone with him," Koni added.

"The man was initially less than forthcoming. But after some 'persuasion' he gave our man a couple of names, both Human. Following the meeting, he checked their locations - Both left Earth the day you went sailing, then disappeared," Karka said.

"Left, to where?"

"That's where things get a little tricky..." Kraka said, glancing at Koni, "... The person I hired informed me that a freighter left Earth orbit, approximately four hours after you left the Bay - Flight logs have it heading for one of the colonies, but mid-journey it changed course - Long-range monitors say turned and headed to a Planet called Donatu... On the Klingon-Federation border,"

"The Planet's location is under debate, we're saying it's in Federation Space, while the Klingons insist it's inside their territory," Koni said.

"So whoever hired these people are 'HUMAN' but went to a Klingon World?" Daniel summed up, seeing both his guests nod.

"Possibly," Koni said.

"..... Then we're going to Donatu," Schirra said defiantly.

"No... Sorry, Captain... Not going to happen...!" Psonoir said, eyeing Koni yet again before continuing, "... For one thing, we don't have a vessel. Another, and more worrying issue, would be the Klingon presence. The 'second' we enter the System the Klingons will know it, and it's a given any interaction won't end pleasantly, for us at any rate,"

"But you said that whoever hired the killers went there?"

"It's possible that whoever it is could be working with or trading with the Klingons," Psonoir explained.

"I want you both to return to the Excalibur. I want a means of contac ....." Daniel began, falling silent as the communicator in Karkas's sleeve pocket chirped to life. He took the device and flipped it open:

'I am in orbit' someone said. Karka looked at Koni, then Daniel:

"The person I hired is here. He wants to meet with you, but I thought it best to see what you think beforehand," Daniel's Exec' said, waiting.

"Have him transport into the back garden..." Dan said, standing, Koni tapped Psonoir as she saw Schirra retrieving a phaser from the cabinet.

"You won't need that," Karka said, pausing. Schirra replaced the weapon before heading through the kitchen to the patio at the rear of the house, then waited while Psonoir arranged the transport - A moment later a single male materialised. He walked over first to Karka, shaking the offered hand, then after a nod to Koni, turned to Daniel:

"Captain ..... My name, which you may use freely for the duration of our interactions, is Alper Timmons ..... It is good to meet you,"

"Call me Daniel..." Shirra said, accepting the handshake, "... Please come inside," he said, motioning for his guests to precede him. In the living room, Karka asked Timmons to take a seat while Koni poured him a drink.

"Excellent," the man said after sampling the amber liquid.

"You do this kind of thing for a living, hunt people?" Daniel asked.

"People yes ..... Among other things," Timmons replied cryptically.

"You told Karka that you have located those responsible for the attacks on my family?" Daniel began without preamble.

"I believe I have, yes,"

"..... And you are sure that are on Donatu?"

"My sources tell me that the freighter the two departed Earth on, is in orbit of Donatu, yes..." Timmons replied, holding his empty glass out to Koni, who took it to refill, "... Perhaps you would give me the name of your supplier Captain?"

"You said your 'sources' Just who are they?" ignoring the man's query.

"Alas, I cannot answer that Captain. My reputation depends on total anonymity, I'm sure you understand..." Timmons said, smiling as he took the refilled glass, "... Commander Psonoir tells me these people are directly responsible for the recent attempts to end the life of you and your daughter... Correct?"

"Yes," Daniel managed, eyes flicking to the corridor and Mackenzie's bedroom beyond.

"..... I myself find any overt actions against children thoroughly deplorable ..... What, may I ask, do you intend to do with those responsible?" the man asked. For the first time since all this had begun, Daniel was at a loss - Yes he had thought of a myriad of outcomes should he come face to face with those responsible, but now the question was in the open, he couldn't answer.

"No matter..." Timmons said reassuringly, eyeing the already half-empty glass, "... Perhaps you would prefer their fate be out of your hands?" ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

"..... Perhaps you would like their fate taken out of your hands?"

"I'm not sure I like where you are going with this... Mister Timmons," Schirra said after looking at his two Officers.

"You, or rather your associate, sought to hire 'me' Captain, I didn't come looking for employment..." Timmons said, holding his glass out for the second time. Sighing, Koni refilled it, "... If you simply wish them delivered, that can be accommodated,"

"What makes you think you can go to Donatu and we can't?" Daniel asked, getting more annoyed at Timmons' smugness by the second, but knowing he must keep his opinion to himself, it wasn't the first he had to deal with someone so disreputable.

"I think what I can, or can't do, is not the pertinent question here, Captain..." the man Schirra believed was nothing more than a Mercenary said, taking the refilled glass, "... I am simply enquiring as to how you wish me to proceed?"

"First thing first, You need to confirm their location," Koni said, seeing Timmons nod.

"As for what we do next ....." Karka began but paused as Timmons held up a hand:

"You must be aware that should I bring these people here, justice may not be served as you wish it?  The outcome is not, as the saying goes 'set in stone' ..... For example: Confinement in a secure detention centre could allow a means of escape,"

"That wouldn't be your problem though, would it," Schirra said.

"Indeed not," Timmons shrugged.

"What about if we wanted another alternative to confinement?" Koni asked, ignoring the glance from Psonoir.

"That is what we are discussing, is it not?" Timmons was saying as Karka's communicator chirped. Standing he moved to the kitchen and then flipped the device open. He returned a moment later, eyes locked on Timmons as he took his seat.

"There's been a 'development' ... For want of a better word,"

"Meaning?" Schirra replied.

"The man Security has in custody was found dead fifteen minutes ago," Karka said. Daniel shot to his feet, anger welling within him as he approached the Mercenary.

"You did this!"

"I assure you, Captain, I did nothing..." Timmons said, that grin reappearing, "... In fact, I have been here, with you, for almost an hour," he said with a shrug.

"You can leave, Mister Timmons, your 'services' are no longer required. You will be amply compensated for your time thus far," Schirra said, heading for the door. But Timmons, far from getting up to leave, remained seated.

"Sir... However 'abhorrent' he appears..." T'Seng began, glaring at Timmons as he raised his glass as if to toast the description, "... We 'NEED' him ..... Whoever sent these people after you and Mackenzie, they will undoubtedly try again," she finished quietly.

Daniel stood at the open door for a full minute, the pain building exponentially in his left hand as he tried to squeeze the life out of the handle, before finally pushing it closed to return to his chair.

"I think my friends and I need to discuss how we proceed from here," Daniel said, not surprised when again the man remained seated.

"You said we have a choice ....." Koni began, seeing Timmons divert his gaze from Daniel to her.

"You do, Miss..." the Mercenary said, seemingly coming to some unspoken decision. He stood, straightening his trousers before handing Koni his empty glass, "... As it happens, I have another appointment tonight, maybe, as you suggested, I should allow you time to discuss options. I can be contacted easily enough. But be aware, Captain, my time is not infinite, if you wish my further involvement, you may need to make some decisions that are less palatable than you would like,"

Finished, Timmons walked towards the kitchen, heading for the patio ... Daniel stood, plucking the half-empty brandy bottle off the table as he, Koni, and Karka followed the man onto the lawn at the back of the house, he handed the man the brandy:

"Call this a bonus," he said.

"Thank you, Captain. Much appreciated. I am still in hopes that you will reconsider giving me the name of your supplier," he said, walking onto the lawn, taking a communicator from his pocket with the other hand. A moment later he dematerialised.

Daniel, Koni and Karka reentered the house, Daniel taking an unopened bottle from the cabinet before cracking the seal. He poured out three glasses and then sat down, deep in thought ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

He walked through the gardens of Starfleet Academy on his way to a meeting he wasn't looking forward to .....

Entering the outer office of Admiral Osani - Head of Starfleet - He approached the desk:

"Captain Schirra to see the Admiral," he said.

"You can go right in Captain," the Lieutenant said, motioning towards a pair of double doors.

"Ahh, Captain, good to see you, please, take a seat... Can I get you anything...?" Admiral Osani asked as he entered, he nodded toward the other person in the room, "... You know Doctor Ito of course," Ito and Schirra exchanged nods.

"You're looking well Captain," Ito said, smiling.

"I've called you hear to ask about how things are. We are aware of course of the 'situation' you and your daughter have been facing, I trust Security is providing adequate protection?"

"I dismissed the Security detail Admiral, I didn't feel their presence was necessary and have made my own arrangements," Schirra replied. Osani seemed to take this in for a long moment before continuing.

"I have received Commander Psonoir's report on the progress of Excalibur's extensive refit, both he and the Corps of Engineers believe the ship will be ready to return to active status in approximately six weeks,"

"Yes, I've read the reports," Daniel replied, glancing at the impassive Ito before returning his attention to the Admiral.

"Given the timeframe, I would like to ask when you envisage returning to active duty yourself?"

"To be honest, Admiral, I'm not one hundred percent sure of a date. Mackenzie, my daughter, and I need some time," Schirra said.

"But you are, according to Doctor Ito, physically and mentally fit to return to duty, is that correct, Doctor?" Osani asked.

"Yes, Admiral..." Ito said, lifting a PADD to seemingly refresh his memory, "... The Captain's last medical and psychiatric evaluations were excellent. Though I fully understand his concerns,"

"But he is fit to return to duty?" Osani probed.

"I believe so," the Head of Starfleet Medical conceded.

"With all due respect Admiral, while I appreciate the Doctor's confidence, Commander Psonoir is more than capable of overseeing the final stages of Excalibur's refit and testing,"

I completely agree Captain..." Osani said, smiling, "... But you must agree that a Captain's place is on his vessel, be that on active duty in space, or while in spacedock... Is it not?"

"Yes... But given the recent loss of both my wife and daughter, Mackenzie's mother and sister, I feel we need more time to come to terms with our loss," Daniel replied, trying not to lose his patience.

"Mackenzie has attended several appointments with one of our therapists, who seem to think she is coping excellently with her grief," Ito said, eyeing Schirra.

"Well, again, Doctor, I think that I am in a much better position to say how my daughter is or isn't coping, with not only her loss but also the recent attacks on both our lives!"

"I am not trying to say otherwise, Captain, but ....." Ito began before Schirra interrupted him:

"But nothing... Doctor!"

"Please Captain, no one is trying to say we know better than a parent. We feel that both you and your daughter might benefit from returning to, let's say a more 'normal' routine. You back on Excalibur, Mackenzie back at school ....." Osani said.

"Are you ordering me back to duty, Admiral?" Schirra asked.

"Ordering is a strong word, Captain, let us say that I am 'suggesting' a way forward?" the Admiral replied.

"Then in that case, you will have my resignation from Starfleet by the end of the day," Daniel said, rising.

"Captain, please... I assure you, there is no need for such actions..." Osani said quickly as he got to his feet, the Doctor doing likewise, "... Please... Sit... I am sure we can come to some, mutual agreement?"

"I believe you have been making, unofficial, enquiries regarding who may be responsible for recent events," Ito said as Daniel finally returned to his seat.

"That is my concern, Doctor, and with due respect, none of your business!"

"I believe it 'is' my business, as you put it, Captain. Even you must see that such a course of action is not beneficial to either yourself or your daughter?" Ito persisted.

"Again ..... None of your business ..... That said. If you feel my actions are detrimental to my ability to Command, you are free to relieve me of that Command, or place me on indefinite medical leave, as you deem fit," Schirra replied with a shrug.

"We are concerned. Captain, and I feel rightly so..." Osani said, trying to ease the tension, "... Both yourself and your daughter have gone through a great deal,"

"I have approximately one hundred eighty days leave acc ....." Schirra began, but this time it was he who was interrupted:

"I'm afraid we cannot authorise leave while the Excalibur is still in Spacedock," Osani said a little too quickly, but Schirra had been expecting the denial.

"Then I request a 'Leave-of-Absence' effective immediately!"

"Captain, I'm not sure tha ....." Osani began.

"A leave of absence, four weeks, effective from when I walk out of this office... Or you can consider my resignation submitted!" Daniel demanded, all his patience gone. Osani and Ito looked at each other before seemingly coming to an unspoken decision:

"..... Your leave of absence request is granted, effective immediately, Captain," the Admiral said. Daniel stood almost to attention, ignoring the Doctor.

"Thank you, Sir. I appreciate your understanding,"

"I don't like being threatened, Captain. This leave is granted on the condition you will return to duty once it is over, is that understood?"

"Understood," Schirra replied, turning to head for the door.

"Captain, I do not wish to interfere with your personal life, but might I suggest you allow Starfleet Security, and the Law, to take its course?"

"Thank you for the advice, Admiral," Schirra said, leaving before either man could engage him in further needless conversation .....

Schirra Home ::

On leaving Starfleet Headquarters, he had contacted Koni T'Seng on Excalibur and asked her to come to his home while Mackenzie was with her grandparents. On arrival he poured them both coffee, handing a cup to T'Seng as he asked her to take a seat.

"Where did you find Timmons?" he asked without preamble.

"I spoke to a friend in 'JAG' regarding a hypothetical situation and who might help. She supplied a name, it wasn't Timmons then by the way ... I checked his records. Apparently, he is highly adept at finding both people 'and' information. Several governments have employed his services ... But after some, irregularities, he was arrested on Vulcan. The charges were mysteriously dropped before he could be brought to trial," T'Seng replied.

"Charges?"

"Several 'Agencies' had had him under surveillance for some time. He was, is, as I said, suspected of numerous crimes. Two of the witnesses set to testify against him had what they called 'a change of heart' and declined to appear, days later both went missing, and as of today neither has been found,"

"He was responsible?" Daniel asked.

"There's no evidence to say one way or the other, and I imagine he wasn't overly forthcoming when asked..." Koni said, sipping the hot coffee, "... Captain. You wanted these people found. I have to say, Sir, that Karka wasn't happy with my contacting this man, but I felt it was our, your, best option, we would never have found them using more 'conventional' means," Daniel looked at his Tactical Officer, Koni wasn't only a member of his crew, but a friend too.

"Agreed..." Danial finally said.

"How did your meeting with Admiral Osani go?" Koni asked.

"Not great ..... I've taken a 'leave of absence' ..... Four weeks,"

"Then we have four weeks," Koni replied, finishing her coffee ..........

[Daniel Schirra]

Private Docking Area
San Francisco Spaceport ::

"You're putting us all at risk, you must know that...!" Moran, 'Timmons' partner was saying, "... TELL HIM!" he said, glaring at the third person in the runabout, Franko.

"Not my concern..." the man said, raising his arms and grinning, "... As you are 'SO' fond of reminding me - I'm a 'junior' partner in this outfit. I pilot the runabout and keep my mouth shut,"

"Oh, so not you choose to keep quiet, bloody typical," Moran said, slamming his fist on the console.

"We are being well paid, I cannot see your objection,"

"MY 'objection' is the fact that we are parked in the middle of a damn spaceport where everyone and his dog can see us!" Moran spat.

"..... And what if anyone does see us? ..... We are a fully registered, privately-owned runabout, Customs can look all they like but everything is in order," Timmons said, slowly beginning to lose patience with his long-time partner.

"What if they decide they need to inspect us...?" Moran snapped back, "... This thing is hardly bloody standard spec - For one thing, phased weapons are prohibited on civilian-owned vessels, so finding two phaser arrays might be an issue!"

"I do wonder how you don't give yourself a heart attack. You stress too much when there is no need to do so. Once we have the go-ahead from our client we shall depart,"

"Oh, and when exactly is that going to be?" Moran said, knowing he'd already lost any argument he wanted to start.

"They are discussing it as we speak. I expect to hear from the young lady soon..." Timmons informed the others, "... In the meantime, it might be prudent to ensure we are fully supplied and ready for anything, unforeseen,"

With that, Timmons opened the door and left the runabout. The Sun was beating down as usual and he was forced to shield his eyes against the glare as he made his way to the main terminal. He had someone to speak to and didn't want them knowing that not only was he on Earth but had a warp-capable runabout at his disposal.

Main Terminal ::

Inside, he saw who he was looking for sat in one of the many cafés and walked over:

"You are early," he said casually.

"I always am, always better to get the lay of the land, as you Humans say,"

"You have the information I requested?" Timmons asked, ignoring the comment as he looked at the information he was handed.

"They are on the surface, my associates are watching them. The details are in your hand... Now... My payment!" the Tellorite demanded. Timmons grinned, then after a moment slid a data chip over to him.

"It's all there," he said standing.

"What do you want with these people?"

"That is not your concern, you were hired to follow and report, nothing more," Timmons replied, already turning to leave.

"You paid well for so little it seems..." the Tellorite said to Timmons' back, forcing him to turn around, he looked around the café trying to see if anyone was becoming interested in their conversation, then took a step towards the Tellorite:

"Be careful, Tellorite. You are no doubt well aware of my, reputation..." he paused, looking at the man, "... If you wish to remain, healthy, I suggest you take your fee and go," Timmons finished, the unspoken threat clear.

"You are correct, Human, I do know of your reputation, but like most other species, you bleed," Timmons sighed. He was used to empty threats from people who thought they had the better of him, it always ended the same way. The only thing in the Tellorites' favour was the fact they were in the open, and the Spaceport was full of travellers and staff, otherwise, he would have killed the man where he stood. Instead, he tried not to bite his lip as he walked away .....

Fighting to control his temper he returned to the shuttle, inside Moran and Franko were sat waiting:

"Well?"

"The people we are looking for are on Donatu, surprisingly, they have taken rooms in one of the less reputable sectors of the Main city,"

"I thought they were ....." Franko began only to be interrupted.

"You thought they were rich..." Timmons queried, "... Indeed so, but they also try not to be found. Thus their choosing the dung heap planet they are hiding on,"

"You've had a message," Moran said during the lull in conversation.

"The girl?"

"Yes... She and the Captain want to meet. They will be waiting at the Yacht Club,"

"When?"

"Half an hour ago," Moran replied. Annoyed, Timmons instructed Franko to see to the transport .....

Yacht Club ::

Moments later he materialised on the lawn beside the club, where Psonoir, T'Seng, and Schirra were waiting.

"You have those responsible under surveillance, correct?" Schirra asked without bothering with niceties.

"Yes," Timmons replied casually. Having already agreed that Koni could take time away from the ship given Schirra's concerns regarding the two people they were after, Karka watched Timmons as Daniel spoke:

"Commander T'Seng and I are coming with you," Daniel said.

"I'm afraid that is not going to happen... You hired me to do a job, I am doing that job. If you wish interaction with those you hired me to find, then say so and I will have them delivered to a location of your choosing,"

"I believe you have yet to be paid for work done so far, no...?" Koni asked, and seeing Timmons turn his attention to her continued, "... You might forfeit that compensation if you don't allow what we ask,"

For a long moment, Timmons, seemingly trying to decide on a course of action, looked from one to the next before settling on Schirra:

"I have been threatened once already today, something that doesn't usually happen to my face,"

"I feel for you," T'Seng said dismissively.

"Your vessel, a previously decommissioned Sydney Class Runabout, berthed in one of the private landing areas of the Spaceport..." Karka began, taking a step forward to get the man's attention. When Timmons didn't reply, Karka continued, "... We took the liberty of running a few scans, and it seems that several, unofficial, and possibly illegal, modifications have been made?"

Again Timmons didn't reply.

"I'm sure that Starfleet would be interested in asking 'where' you acquired certain elements, for example, your warp reactor, the two Mark-VII phaser arrays, and let's not forget the Class-VI shields," T'Seng commented.

After a moment Timmons sighed:

"I must congratulate you, Gentlemen, Lady... It is rare for me to be surprised, so while we are conversing freely, let me share: I take great care in who I allow myself to work for. My well-being is paramount in any agreement... So... As a courtesy to you all, I will say this just once - Arrangements have been made should anything 'untoward' happen to prevent me from contacting my associates after our contract concludes!"

"Meaning what!" Karka demanded, but Timmons remained silent.

"..... And if I choose to end our association prematurely?" Daniel asked.

"If you wish to dispense with my services, that would void any agreement, dependent on adequate compensation for services already rendered, of course..." Timmons replied with an exaggerated shrug as he glanced towards the yacht club, "... Might I ask: Do you allow guests?... I would love to toast our continued cooperation,"

"Timmons, I'm asking you. I want you to break your rule. We need to come with you to Donatu ....." Daniel pressed.

"As I sai ....." Timmons began, falling silent as a phaser pressed against his neck.

"It means that much?" the Mercenary asked after a pause.

"Yes," Daniel replied, nodding to Koni to remove the phaser.

"Then I think I will break one of my primary rules and allow you to accompany us..." Timmons said with a sigh, "... Now... About that drink?"

"I'm sure you will enjoy what the club has to offer," Schirra said, motioning towards the open doors

"Out of curiosity, but what makes you think I wouldn't just eject you out of the airlock for threatening me?"

"The thought never occurred to me," Daniel said, grinning ..........