Home Again "
By: Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Kelly Forrester, Assistant Chief Operations Officer, [RNPC]
Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]
Hardluck Harry , Ship Yard Operations Director , [NPC]
Jeff Westfall, Tactical Officer, [PST]

Stardate: 58206.25 1300

Ensign Forrester looked up from her LCARS console and announced "we're approaching Qul Tuq."

Hunter nodded, "Westfall, deactivate the cloaking device and signal the station that we're home."

"Aye-Aye Captain." Westfall Acknowledged.

Qul Tuq Approach Control this is Tactical Officer Jeff Westfall of the USS Zion. Identification Zeta Two Two Four Seven Alpha Squared, Requesting clearance to dock.

"Qul Tuq to the Zion, you are cleared, Dock 4."

"Clearance to Dock has been received Captain--how do you like Dock Four?," Westfall said.

"Under the circumstances, any dock on Qul Tuq will do. Helm, bring us in easy does it."

"Aye-aye Sir."

"Captain, I have subspace call for you from "Hard Luck Harry."

Hunter smiled, "Put him through."

The image of Hardluck Harry, the Director of the Maquis Shipyards flickered onto the screen. "What have you done to your ship," he asked. "It was brand new when I gave it to you. Now, it looks just like the last ship you brought back to me."

Hunter arched his brow and smiled. He expected no less from Hardluck. He cleared his throat with a cough and stood up. "Good morning Harry," he said looking back momentarily at Wright. "It seems we had something of a scrape with a couple of Federation ships."

"A scrape," said Harry with mock disgust in his voice, "You have shields, did you forget to turn them on?" Harry appeared to squint at them, "Where is Silvio, I will have words with him too."

Wright tried to hide his smile, Harry, ran the shipyards the way he wanted to and nothing would ever change that, "Look at it this way Harry," said Wright, "It's job security for you."

"Bah," spat Harry, "You are cleared for docking bay 4."

"Thanks Harry, USS Zion out," said Hunter turning to face his bridge crew. "Well, you heard the man, take us in."

"Aye-aye," said the helmsman.

Hunter sat back down in the command chair and looked over at Wright, "Well, that went better than I thought it would."

The giant station loomed before them on the main view screen. The massive bay door was open giving the station the appearance of a burst bubble.

"Slowing to one quarter impulse power," announced the helmsman. He slowly and deliberately directed the Zion towards the shipyard docking bay. The station grew larger in the screen making the Zion appear to be small.

As they approached the doors, the helmsman cut the impulse engines and engaged the maneuvering thrusters. Slowly, ever so slowly the Zion floated into docking bay 4 and came to a stop.

Outside in the docking bay several docking clamps extended and latched onto the Zion. Once the Zion was secured several men in EVA suits floated into the work area to begin assessing the damage.

Hardluck surveyed the Zion from the operations center and shook his head, he and his men had a good deal of work to do on this ship. He touched a button on his console, "Station Flight operations, to Zion, we have you under our control, welcome home," he said, "NOW, get off my ship so I can get to work."

Hunter tapped the comstation, "This is the Captain, we've arrived home. Those of you who have shore leave are dismissed. Please check with ops for your temporary quarter assignments. Hunter out."

Hunter stood up and looked at Wright. "I'll catch up you you later at Quarks?"

"Yes sir," said Wright.

Silvio? please meet me in transporter room 1

"On my way Sir," came Silvio's reply.

***

==Transporter Room 1==

Hunter stepped on to the padd as Silvio entered. "We're on our way to meet with Hardluck. I'm sure he's reviewed your reports already." said Hunter with a quick nod for good luck.

Silvio tried to hide a smirk as he stepped onto the pad, "This should make for an interesting conversation," he said.

"Yeah," agreed Hunter. "It can't be as bad as when we limped in with the Hood," he he added.

Silvio shrugged, "I am sure he will hold that against us too," he said. "Let's get this over with Sir."

Hunter nodded at the transporter crewman, "Engergize."

The transporter operator energized the transporter and watched as the captain and Chief Engineer disappeared.

Fly By "
By: Hardluck Harry , Ship Yard Operations Director , [NPC]
Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58206.25 1315

Hardluck Harry entered the briefing room and looked at Silvio and Hunter. He grunted, "You two, follow me," he said turning towards the door. "Try not to break anything."

Hunter arched his brow at Silvio as he stood up and followed Harry out the Door.

Harry led them out of the conference room and into the main operations center of the dockingbay. Technicians and controllers say at their consoles coordinating the work crews as they began to prepare the Zion for work. The entries wall of the room opened out into the bay, giving the occupants of the room a panoramic view of the Zion. Harry paused just long enough to stare at the gaping hole in the side of the ship. He shook his head and continued thought a door that lead to a small air lock. Entering and access portal the found themselves in a small shuttle.

"Do me a favor and seal that hatch," he said to Silvio as he sat down at the controls of the shuttle. "we need to have a closer look."

Silvio did as he was told and then sat down in the co-pilots seat. Silvio actually looked forward to getting a closer look at the damage now that the ship was secure.

Harry tapped his comm badge, "Cut me loose guys," he called to someone on his team. Moments later they were flying around the Zion. Harry started with the biggest hole, "That is a mess," he observed.

"You should have seen it after the battle," offered Silvio. "We have stabilized the power systems."

Hunter watched out the front window as the service shuttle continued to skimmed across the surface of the Zion. Large pock marks from enemy phaser fire were everywhere.

Harry looked over the gaping hole in the ship, he gave these guys a hard time, but inside he was filled with pride, the ship they had designed and built had done it's job. He could see the ship had been in a huge battle and it came home. For a ship designer and builder he could not ask for more. Harry gestured to the window, "We will need to rebuild this whole section, what's left of it anyway."

Silvio nodded in agreement, "We have been working on the internal EPS couplings and by the time you are ready to start everything will be ready for you."

Harry said noting but flew past the sensor arrays. He noted some damage to them as well.

Near the the base of the saucer section, near the deflector array, there was more severe damage where enemy torpedoes attempted to destroy the array. Because the array uses so much energy, its destruction often means the destruction of the ship itself. Because of the tremendous deflection power of the Zion, the torpedoes usually impacted the shields away from the defector. Hunter wasn't sure which of the assailants had even bothered to try that.

Harry added more to his rapidly expanding list of things to do.

The underside of the ship was also marred and scared from phaser fire.

As Harry maneuvered up to the nacelle pylons it was an amazing site. On one of the pylons much of the covering had been melted and blown away, revealing reinforced skeleton which was built differently from the Federation rivals.

Harry tried to hide his smile but he could not, "You guys are damn lucky."

Hunter looked at Silvio, and agreed, "...and you should see the other guys," he added.

Harry could not help himself and started to laugh, "I trust their ships did not hold up as good as yours did."

"Not only did they not hold up, they didn't hold *together*," replied Hunter.

"We were damn lucky," reiterated Hunter, "We were outnumbered 6 to 1 until Tango Fleet arrived."

"Good ship," said Harry, as he maneuvered the shuttle back to the docking port.

Delicious Desserts Require a New Uniform"
By: Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]
Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58206.25 1330

Up to now nothing..... only static noise

Teilani sighed and finished her last coffee. She tapped her combadge. Dane to Zoei

Zoei to Dane

Patia you got a few minutes," Teilani asked. "I need to talk."

If you can give me five minutes to wrap up some files, I can be free.

It took Teilani a few moments cleaning up her desk, putting the mug in the recycler and leave some notes for the night shift crew. Then she made her way to Patia's office.

Softly she hit the chime.

"Come in, Lani," she called.

"Hey Patia," she said as she walked in. "Sorry to disturb you around supper time."

"It is not a disturbance at all. Did you want to visit here? Or did you want to talk over dinner?" Patia asked.

"Dinner might be better, at least if you do not have a date with Silvio." Teilani answered.

"I have no plans for the evening. Either way works for me," Patia smiled slightly.

"The office makes me feel like a patient."

"Are you here to talk as someone who needs a friend? Or someone who needs to be a patient, Lani?"

"How about a little of both Patia." Lani said with a grin.

"Then, we shall have a little supper here. The replicator is at your disposal. We'll retreat to my office, rather than the treatment area. It will be the best of both worlds," Patia winked.

Teilani smiled. " Sounds good to me. Patia did you ever had a feeling that you needed to complete something and you didn't know what it was?"

She nodded. "I think most people experience it from time to time. It doesn't happen very often, but it is a most nagging experience when it does."

" Indeed it is and well what ever it is I got it .... Teilani said chuckling.

"Any idea what you are being called to do?" Patia asked

Lani shook her head. "Remember those coordinates you got from my uncle Brexen, those where I could reach my family?"

Patia nodded. "Yes, I do."

"I have been trying for days now, there is no response."

"Have you contacted your uncle again?"

" Yes, but he is not answering either, he must be out of range or simply not there."

"It could be that he was busy, too. Did he give you any indication he would be out of contact when you spoke with him," Patia asked.

"No not at all, so I am a bit concerned you see. I don't know what to do now. You know I just might get a shuttle when we are on QT and go visit them."

"I didn't think they had a shuttle service to that system now. Or what were you thinking you would try?" Patia asked.

Teilani grinned. " Yeah you right of course, however, I could of course try to hitch a ride on a freighter or another ship which might go that way."

Patia chuckled. "I don't think that would be the most legitimate way to travel. Do you seriously think someone would be able to arrange that?"

Teilani glanced in the distant, a bit absentmindedly. An dangerous idea formed in her head.

"Excuse me Patia, what did you say?"

Patia smiled slightly. "I asked if you thought someone would be able to arrange that. I wouldn't even know who to begin to speak with regarding something like that."

"Well Quark might know but then again the trip is much too dangerous."

Patia watched Lani speculatively. "What are you thinking?

"Well I could try to see if there is a ship going to Mars and perhaps give them a message or so?

"That would probably be a safer choice, although there are the questions of security and if the message would reach the destination. That one is a tough call, I have to say," Patia's eyes narrowed slightly as she considered.

" You might be right. Teilani responded. "So what are we having for dinner."

"I was thinking something light. How does a bowl of French onion soup and a fruit salad sound to you?"

"Sounds good to me. You know I have a brilliant idea!!. What if we, when we are back on the Zion, ask Miranda if we could have a cooking course?" Teilani said with a smile.

"Oh, that would be fun! I haven't cooked in years, but I do remember helping Mother when I was small. It was something that gave us time for just us." Patia smiled slightly.

"You don’t have any other siblings then, besides your brother?"

"No, just us, and he is significantly older, anyway. We had a lot of time where it was just us at home, but cooking gave us time to focus on each other." Patia smiled.

"Well I m not the best cook but I know my mom made these tiny little biscuits, with honey and lime... then topped off with ragellian fudge cream....Teilani rolled her eyes.

"Three of those and you need to have a new uniform." she said laughing as she helped Patia setting the table."

"I bet you would, but just one of those sounds delightful," Patia smiled. She shifted a vase of lilies from her desk to the small table, inhaling the scent of the pleasantly fragrant blooms.

"Well you know what, lets see if the replicator can re-create one, they will not be the best but its going to be fun." Teilani said walking to the replicator controls. She looked at the various recipes in the memory. "Now if I could combine that with option 2.... she mumbled, vigorously tapping the controls. " Then there we should have .... Dane creation number 1!!." She chuckled

Patia laughed at Teilani's obvious delight with her process. "I just don't think in a way that allows me to be that creative," she shook her head. "That will probably be the hardest part for me to learn."

"I can teach you?" Lani stated.

"I would be happy to try to learn. I am missing the creative gene, though, so it might be a tad bit difficult," Patia said in mock seriousness.

"Well what you think?" Lani asked as she showed the plate with a stack of cookies, cream in the middle, the smell of honey and nuts rose from them.. fudge was dripping on the plate. "If we let them cool down a bit it might make a nice dessert."

"It looks like it might require a new uniform," Patia giggled.

"Nah, we both can use a little comfort food. Besides we only have 1.." Lani chuckled and she could feel her stomach rumble.

Helping Patia set the table, Teilani could not get rid of the idea which now had formed firmly in the back of her mind. If only it was possible.

Out of the corner of her eye, Patia watched her dinner companion. She hoped this idea did not form any further than it had, for Lani's sake.

Propping her long legs under the table Teilani sat down. "You know I am exhausted. I spend all after noon in the infirmary, trying to make Ensign Barcley understand that having some skin blemishes were not the end of the world.

Patia nodded. "For some people, they certainly seem to be."

"Oh... but your not getting away that easily Patia.." Lani said with a grin. "I told him to go and see you."

With a chuckle, she replied, "After this week, working through issues related to skin blemishes sounds like something I would prefer. I am exhausted, too." She stifled a small yawn.

Then a soft ping indicated that the union soup was ready and together with some toasted bread and a fresh green salad both ladies were silent for a while.

"Oh boy this tastes awesome. I didn't realise I was so hungry." Teilani said while putting her spoon down.

"I was, too. There is something comforting about a bowl of warm soup, too, don't you think?" Patia asked.

"Oh definitely, Oh and you know there is a new place on the promenade."

"No, I hadn't heard. What is it?" Patia asked.

"Yes its a Bolian massage shop. Only saw the sign yesterday."

"Oh, that sounds divine," Patia sighed. "It has been years since I have had one of those."

"Well massages can be relaxing and after the holodeck adventure and Ensign Barcley I might need one.

"This will sound very strange, but ask the masseuse to pull your hair." Patia cocked an eyebrow at her.

"You can't be serious." Teilani responded with a chuckle.

"No, seriously. They use a consistent, gentle pressure. It stretches your scalp and loosens the locations where the muscles attach to your skull. Once that is done, it is easier to loosen up the trapezius muscles." Patia smiled.

"Hmm there is a sense of logic in there, but it sounds hilarious."

"People look at you kind of funny when they suggest pulling your hair. At one time, they had quick suggesting it, but definitely knew what to do if you asked for it specifically," Patia stretched slightly. "I think I will have to check into one of those for myself."

"Well if you have time perhaps we could go together tomorrow or so?"

"Yes, we should," Patia agreed.

"What time is it?"

"1900 hours," she replied.

"Oh shoot, I promised McIntyre to go over some crew's medical reports." Teilani said as she stood up. "I hope you don’t mind I 'm leaving you with the dishes."

"I think I can handle it," Patia winked.

"Thanks for the chat Patia, see you tomorrow."

"I am going to take a walk tonight and take a look for the shop. Then I will be ready for tomorrow," she smiled. "What time?"

"How about 10 am?" Teilani said walking to the door.

Good Bye Sir "
By: Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Ryan-Steven ‘Rusty Ryan’ Madriani, Marine CO, [PST]

Stardate: 58206.25 1400

Wright was in his office on board the Zion finished up some last minute paperwork before he, like the rest of the crew would disembark. He scanned his PADD and sent his final recommendations for crew promotions and commendations to the Captain. Wright looked around his office and his eyes fell upon a worn leather case. Smiling, he got up from his desk and picked up the case.

Opening the case he reviewed the various medical tools inside. The case had been a gift from an old women he knew on Bajor. After the loss of his wife Wright had spent some time with the people of Bajor. This case brought back many fond memories. He wondered how she was doing without him.

Wright's thoughts were interrupted by the chime of his door. "Come in," he said.

The door slid open and in walked Major Madriani. "Hello Major," greeted Wright.

Madriani stepped inside and saluted the Commander. "I just wanted to say that it has been a pleasure to serve aboard your ship and to let you know I will be taking an extended leave to be with my daughter."

"Is everything ok with your daughter," asked Wright.

"Yes Sir, its just this last mission made me think about things a little more."

Wright was a bit surprised, "Well, it has been a pleasure," said Wright setting aside his case and standing up to shake his hand.

"Thank you Sir."

"I am sure the Captain will want to speak with you," said Wright.

"I have already visited with Captain Hunter"

"Very well then," said Wright, "Take care of yourself Major."

"Good bye sir," said Madriani. The Marine turned and left the room.

Wright shook his head, this day was getting strange. Wright decided that he had worked enough for the day. He turnedout the light and left to go find his new quarters on the station.

Flowers for Patia "
By: Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]
Michelio Zoei, QulTuq Security Chief, [NPC]
Trina Zoei, Flower Shop Owner, [NPC]

Stardate: 58206.25 1600

Silvio had finished giving instruction to his staff about their role in the ship repairs. The good news for them was that because they worked so hard on the way home they would all be able to enjoy some of the show leave that the rest of the crew had. Silvio walked around the lower level of the promenade. It was fairly busy in here. He looked around, scanning the various shops and other establishments until he found what he was looking for. Up on the third level of the promenade there was a flower shop.

Silvio smiled as he headed for a turbolift. Once he was on the right level he quickly walked toward the shop. There were all kinds of flowers on display. Silvio hoped they had enough for what he hand in mind. Silvio entered the shop and waited quietly for someone to come assist him.

Trina smiled gently. Someone with special plans was in the shop. Romance wafted across the air, almost with its own floral scent. Quietly, she said, "Can I be of assistance to you?"

Silvio smiled, "I sure hope so," he replied, "I need flowers." Silvio paused and looked at the many flowers in the room, "I need a lot of them."

With a broad, sweeping gesture of her arm, she drew his attention to the nooks and crannies of the shop. "Flowers, and a lot of them, we have. For a lady, I presume?" One delicate eyebrow winged up slightly as she queried.

Silvio thought back to the conversation he and Patia in Miranda's regarding flowers. She had told him some of her favorite flowers. Silver Wings she had called them and Landoll Lilies. "Oh yeah," he replied, "They are for a very special lady."

Trina crooked a finger. "Follow me. Be careful, since where we are going is not a customer area, but I have something back here that just might be exactly what you want." She parted the soft material covering the doorway into her greenhouse. The heavy scent of blooms filled the large greenhouse room.

"Do you see those flowers to the left? The richest purple you could imagine?" Trina glanced at him to make sure he saw what she wanted him to see.

Silvio's eyes locked ontp he delicate purple flower. He could see right away why Patia liked them. They had a most relaxing quality to them. Silvio stepped closer to them and inhaled their perfumed scent. "Patia will love these," he said.

"Those are Landoll Lilies. Actually, those are just my newest hybrid of the lilies. One quarter of that wall is filled with them in various colors. And, there," she gestured toward the center work table, "are some Silver Wings. The name is a misnomer. While the most prominent color is silver, they also come in gold, bronze and copper. Very delicate, very much a lady's flower."

Silvio probably should have been surprised that she knew exactly what he wanted but he really did not give it much notice. He was on a mission. "I will take them," he said. "Are you able to deliver them?"

The serene look on her face didn't alter, but the name Patia did not escape Trina's attention. Patia was not the most common name, and the USS Zion was just due in today. Could it be coincidence? "We can deliver them. Where would you like them to be brought?"

Silvio's plan just hit a brick wall as he realized that he did not know. The crew could not stay on the ship so they all had been assigned temporary quarters. "I am not sure," he said, "We just arrived today and I do not know what quarters she has been assigned on the station."

"If you give me her name, I will have the delivery boy check for her assignment. He is just coming in now."

Silvio smiled, this person was an expert and taking care of her customer, he thought. "Her name is Patia Zoei." He paused, "Oh, ummm, She probably has not checked into her new quarters yet. Is there any way you can get them in there before she does? I want to surprise her with a room full of her favorite flowers."

A small smile quirked her lip as she heard the distinctive sounds of Michelio's steps on the parquet floor in the shop. "That can be arranged. Now, I will introduce you to our delivery boy." She again swept the cloth aside and stood back for Silvio to pass in front of her.

Her breath caught as she first saw the tall man in uniform. No matter how much time had passed, he still had that effect on her. Her eyes twinkled, "This is Cheil, first class floral delivery boy."

His eyebrow arched, quite similar to the way Trina's had earlier. "Cheil Z...," Trina's throat cleared abruptly and she burst into a coughing fit.

"It must be the dry air," she gasped, shaking her head.

"Dry air, eh, my dear Trina," Michelio replied, noticing the normal, heavy, moist air of the floral shop on his next breath.

"Can you help me find the quarters for a crew member of the USS Zion?" she quirked an eyebrow at Silvio in question, before continuing, "We need to make a delivery before she settles into her assigned location."

"I can have the area checked. Whose quarters am I requesting?"

"Patia Zoei, she is arriving today, on temporary reassignment from the Zion." Trina's eyes focused on him as she felt the thrum of joy jolt through him at the sound of his sister's name.

Long years of military training allowed him to hear the name without a visible reaction. "That can be arranged." He turned slightly. "For official records, the reason for this will need to be duly noted. The flowers will be delivered on behalf of...." the question trailed off into silence.

"Silvio, Giuseppe Silvio," replied Silvio with a smile. Had Silvio not been so focused on his mission to surprise Patia he might have noticed the fact that this shop used a Maquis Lieutenant as a delivery boy, but as it was Silvio was just pleased to have found this wonderful shop, with all of it's wonderful flower. "Thank you very much for doing this for me," he said.

"Always, it is our pleasure," Trina smiled in return. "We will fill her quarters. I hope it has the effect you wanted."

Michelio choked slightly, before stiffly nodding in agreement.

"It they makes her smile," said Silvio, "Them my mission is complete. Have a good afternoon," he said as he left the shop.

As the shop door closed, Trina swung into action. "Check your little reports quickly, Michelio, I will need your help in making this delivery happen. If you need his fingerprint, he touched the door frame on his way through into the greenhouse. Hurry, Michelio, I know you are going to do this first, but I can't deliver these by myself." She strode back into the greenhouse to begin arranging the flowers for delivery.

He shook his head as he watched her go. One thing Michelio truly had to give Trina credit for was understanding how his mind worked.

Roses and Knots "
By: Mr. Knott , Masseur , [NPC]
Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]
Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58206.25 1700

Running down the corridors Teilani rushed towards the Promenade. She was late, one of the disadvantages of being on a station was that time was some how irrelevant.

"Come on, come on." she muttered under her breath while the turbolift decended way to slowly in her eyes.

Then dodging some banners, Teilani saw Patia from afar already.

"Hey Patia, sorry I am late." she said trying to catch her breath.

"Lani, you are right on time. I was early. Are you ready?" she asked.

Teilani nodded. "Oh and help me remember I need to pick up some yellow roses from that cute little flower shop. I noticed they had some yesterday..

"I will do that. I would like to stop there as well. How did the training go last night?" Patia asked

"Oh that went fine, McIntyre is trained well." Teilani said with a chuckle.

"And that is a very good thing," she winked. Patia nodded toward the shop, "After you."

Teilani entered the small shop, it smelled nice, minty and fresh.. in the back there were fluffy white towels, even some bathrobes could be seen. It seemed like it had a Swedish orgine. At least thats what Teilani thought, remembering from pictures from Earth.

"Hello," she said anybody there?"

On silent feet, a pleasantly plump man entered the anteroom through a beaded curtain. The soft light reflected off of his pale, blue, bald head. "How may I be of assistance to you lovely ladies," he queried.

"Hello I m Teilani Dane and this is Patia Zoei and we were wondering if we could get a massage?"

"I am Mr. Knott. Your timing is perfect. I have had two cancellations. The next two hours are at your disposal. You must be Dr. Dane, of the USS Zion," he nodded toward Teilani. "And you," he cocked his head, "yes, you must be our intrepid Chief of Security's little sister. I can see the resemblance."

He paused, his finger stroking the PADD on his desk. He raised his eyes to appraise the two women. "Dr. Dane, you will be first. Lieutenant Zoei, if you would be so kind as to return in an hour, we will have your massage when your friend is finished."

Patia smiled at Teilani. "I will see you in an hour. Enjoy your massage." The man's back turned and she pointed to her hair. "Don't forget," she winked.

Teilani grinned. "I won't."

The atmosphere of the massage parlor was quiet and reflective. Patia's movements were slower and more graceful than usual as she turned and walked out the door. She had an hour to explore the promenade. On the level below, she spied Silvio leaving a shop. She locked eyes with him and waved.

Mr. Knott glanced through the window. "Your friend, she does not look disappointed that she needs to wait," he observed.

"No, I think she spotted someone she would like to have coffee with."

"Follow me, this way, please," he glided down the corridor. He paused to open a door. "After you," he gestured through the portal.

"Thank you."

"Have you had a massage before?" he asked.

Teilani shook her head, "Not a real one."

"I will leave you for a few moments. You can hang your uniform on the hook behind the door. Once you are ready, you can rest here until I return," he patted the table next to him. "There is a warming and cooling pad under the sheet. What temperature would you prefer?"

"Oh I don't know, you make the choise please." Teilani said with a smile.

He made an adjustment, setting the heat to a gentle warmth, patted the bed, and slipped out the door.

A bit reluctantly Teilani slipped out of her uniform, being a doctor she had seen her share of naked bodies but seeing herself in a mirror was something completely different. Quickly she covered herself wiht one of the white fluffy towels and laid down on the bed.

Moments later, the door slid open and Mr. Knott glided back in. From the base of the table, he pulled out a slightly warmed sheet and blanket. Gently, he drew them up until the rested just below her shoulders. "This should be a little more comfortable than the towel, for you. If you would like to give that to me, I would be happy to set that aside until your massage is over."

Teilani removed the towel quickly. "Thank you," she said.

"We offer several different concentrations during a massage. You can have an upper body, which focuses on your head, neck, arms and back. Another option is the lower body. This addresses your legs, ankles, knees and feet. Some pressure may also be applied to your hips, but that would only be if you are comfortable with that, since it is not actual muscle manipulation. The third option is a face, scalp, head and neck massage. The final choice is an all over massage. This provides a massage to all areas, but would be more abbreviated than a focal point specific massage since we need to cover more areas in the same amount of time. Which would you prefer?" he asked.

"Hmm its difficult to decide but I think an upper body massage will work out fine. I have a tendency of getting a bit tight in the shoulders."

"Please relax, and we will get started. How long have you been docked here, at the station," he quietly asked. The lighting lowered and a relaxing scent overshadowed the mint.

Teilani layed face down as she felt the hands of Mr Knott gently massaging her neck. "We have only been here a day." She winched as she felt a big knot being "attacked"

Starting with light strokes, he worked the tips of his fingers into her scalp. Gentle pressure found clusters of tight muscles at the back of her head. Surprisingly, they relaxed with minimal effort. It gave hope the roping muscles on her shoulders would also relax easily.

His soft, singsong voice asked, "Is this the first shop you have visited on the promenade?"

Teilani shook her head, "No I have already done my share of shopping."

"What shops have you visited?" he asked. His hands slid gracefully down to her neck. Starting at the points behind her ears, he rubbed gentle circles, slowly loosening the muscles.

"There is this lovely little book shop on the upper promenade. they have these exquisite books from the 21 century. I was trying to get a copy of the titanic but that is so rare." Teilani said softly.

"For that, you might want to try 'Rarefied Inks' on the lower level." He applied light pressure with his thumbs on her upper back, along the edge of her shoulders. "They specialize in seldom seen books, including some from Earth from several centuries ago. Ask for Remali, she will help you if she is able."

Teilani softly moaned as she could feel the pressure in her muscles being released. She shifted lightly on the bed. "Ah thats great, I never thought of that shop."

Slowly, he moved toward her left arm. Using his thumbs, he applied pressure down her inner arm, concentrating on the area just above her elbow. "Have you seen our Chief of Security's wife's shop? I understand she just received an order to fill a room with flowers."

"Really????? Teilain asked. "Wow it must be a special woman then who gets those flowers. Oh... and suddenly it dawned on Lani. " You know," she said turning her head towards the bolian, " I might know who the woman is.." She chuckled.

"Who might it be?" he asked as he applied gentle pressure on the palm of her hand. He worked the pressure from the center of her hand to the tips of her fingers.

"Well I have a good feeling that they are ment for the lady I came in with. She and our Chief Engineer have, well are starting to... You know what I mean."

"They are?" he wondered quietly. "How about you? Do you like flowers?"

"Oh I love flowers, I adore yellow roses but they are hard to come by. Sure you can replicate them but the smell and the texture of the peddles are some how not the same. Teilani yawned slightly.."Is this ment to make you sleepy?" she ask Knott.

"It is meant to relax you," he said. "For some people, it lets them sleep." He moved to the other side of the bed and started to massage her right arm. "If you would like to sleep, you are more than welcome to do that. I will wake you when it is time to roll over."

"Oh no no, I will be alright. I guess I just need a cup of coffee." Teilani grinned. "You know I do drink too much of the stuff."

"These knots you feel," he pressed slightly harder on several small clusters of knotted muscles, "are made worse by too much caffeine and not enough pure water. You should drink more water," he smiled slightly. "It is time for you to lie on your stomach."

"Oh ok, trying gracefully to flip on her stomach, Teilani managed to hold the sheet firmly. Looking up at the friendly bolian face she smiled.

He smiled slightly in return. He slid the sheet down to Teilani's waist. Gently, he ran his fingers along the muscle of her back. Knots on both shoulder blades felt like cherries. He lightly rubbed the first knot with the palm of his hand before positioning his elbow on the knot. "Breathe in deeply. On the count of three, exhale completely, please."

Teilani took a deep breath as much as her lungs would allow here, and then exhaled it firmly.

As Teilani began to exhale, he applied firm pressure to her back. The lump of tissue released with a light popping noise. He ran his palm over her back. Smooth, unknotted skin slid below his hand. "Does that feel better?"

Teilani flexed her muscles and indeed the tension was gone. "Oh this feels perfect, i wasn't aware I was so thight up.. You know is there away to do it yourself?" She asked the bolian.

"You need to put heavy pressure in the middle of the knot. Personally, I can't even do it to myself, but if you can figure out a way to do that, and market it, there would be a lot of latinum in it for you," he smiled. "We are going to repeat this on the other side." He stepped around the table, smoothed the place with his hand, positioned his elbow and said, "Same as before, breathe in as much as you can, then exhale until all of the air is out of your lungs."

"Yes Sir," Teilani said with a smirk.

There was another pop, as he applied the pressure of his elbow. Again, when he smoothed the palm of his hand over her skin, it felt smooth and unknotted.

Teilani wiggled her shoulders. "Wow this feels great." she said looking at the Bolian.

"Drink more water, you will have less knots. Today, I want you to drink only water. There are toxins that are released into your muscle tissue when those knots are broken up. If you drink enough water, those toxins will be flushed from your muscles. If you don't, they will remain and reform."

"I will try to but you know I am a coffee holic."

Gently, he moved his fingers over the skin on her back, almost tickling her. His practiced hands felt for more tension. Along her lower back, the muscles tightened reflexively as his palms brushed the area. With his thumbs, he worked the area, gently at first, and then with more pressure.

Again Teilani moaned, not that it hurted but she felt the tension removed from her muscles. She doubted that it was from too much coffee but the stress of the last few days could have been a factor as well.

"I am going to apply some cooling gel to your upper back and that area on your lower back. It will be normal to feel some muscle soreness, much like if you have spent too much time in a physical activity. The cooling gel will help with the discomfort." He reached for the jar. It smelled like old fashioned linament. Carefully he smoothed it on before briskly wiping it from his own fingers.

He drew the blanket up to the back of her neck. Again, he gently rubbed a few more times along the length of her spine. "You are done. Take your time getting up. After an hour of intense pressure on your upper body, you might feel a little light headed when you first stand. Don't think it won't happen to you either," he quirked an eyebrow at her, "because it can."

He stepped to the door. "I will meet you at the front counter when you are ready."

"Mr Knott, you have magical hands!." Teilani said really thankful. She closed her eyes for a while and let the coolness of the gel flow through her. Then slowly she sat up, legs dangling she took some deep breaths. Slowing moving her head from left to right, then she hopped off and started to get dressed.

By the time she got dressed and according to the mirror looked presentable again Teilani could die for a mug of coffee. She stepped out of the back and met Mr Knott at the counter.

He smiled slightly as he handed her an iridescent bottle of water, a slice of lemon twirling through the contents. "No coffee, at least not for several hours. Drink water, lots of water, or you will be in the same position you were in when you arrived."

"I will make sure to recommend you to my colleagues Mr Knott." Teilani said smiling.

He half bowed. "Thank you." As he straightened, he noticed the woman outside the door. "Your friend, she has returned, I think."

Teilani nodded and she left the room. "Patia, this is heaven...

Killing Time "
By: Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]
Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]

Stardate: 58206.25 1730

==QulTuq Prominade==

Silvio smiled as he exited an antique shop. It was turning out to be a good day. He had made flower arrangements and then as he was going to search for Patia something caught his eye in one of the many shops. He managed to find a very old piano. From the looks of it, it was the real deal. Now, he spotted Patia and waved at her.

Patia looked down and waved. Teilani would be enjoying her massage about now. There would be time for a stroll around the promenade before her scheduled time.

Silvio made his way towards where Patia was. When he got there he smiled and kissed her lightly on the forehead. "Hi, what are you up to?"

She smiled softly in return. "Killing time. Dr. Dane is having a massage. My turn is when her turn is over. How about you?"

"Just a bit of shopping," said Silvio, "I found a treasure."

"What kind of treasure did you find?" she cocked an eyebrow as she looked up at him.

"Come, I'll show you," he said taking Patia by the hand and leading her down one level to the antique shop. They entered the store. SIlvio nodded at the shop keeper and made his way over to a old beat up Piano that once was a Grand Concert piano, "Here it is."

Lightly, she stroked her fingers along the well loved wood of the piano. "It is truly lovely," she smiled.

"I think it is a real Steinway," said Silvio, "I have no idea how it could have gotten here. It needs a lot of work. I'll fix it up good."

"Will there be enough room in your quarters for it?" she asked.

Silvio shook his head, "I will have to find some place else to work on it," he said enthusiastically, "Maybe when it is all fixed Miranda will let me keep it in the lounge."

"Oh, you could be one of those lounge singers, with a wine glass on the piano top for your tips," she winked.

You can be the pretty girl who lays seductively across the top of my piano," suggested Silvio.

Patia glanced down, then chuckled. "Oh yes, that would be right up my alley." She shook her head slightly. "When are you going to have it shipped on board?"

"I am going to arrange to have it loaded into the Zion's cargo bay," said Silvio, "It should be ok there until wea re up and running again."

Patia and Silvio left the shop and strolled along the promenade, "So, you are getting a massage?"

"Yes, in about half an hour," she smiled slightly. Just the thought of deep muscle massage was enough to begin relaxing her. "Have you ever had one?"

SIlvio shook his head, "Not from a professional masseur," he said.

"Oh, that is unfortunate. You should try to get in for a massage before we leave. If Mr. Knott is as good as I have heard he is, this isn't going to be my only experience this docking," she winked.

Silvio was fairly sure that he could give her just as good of a massage as any Bolian could but he kept that to himself, "We will have to see," he said. "How long until your appointment?"

"Just short of a half hour. I have time for a glass of lemon water if you would like to join me?" she cocked an eyebrow in invitation. Obviously, Silvio had never met the Bolian.

"Lemon water," he asked with a bit of surprise, "That is not your usual drink." They headed towards a small café.

"No, but one of the purposes of a massage is to flush the toxins from your system. Caffeine, like what you find in tea, holds the toxins in. So, for today, I will drink icy water flavored with lemon," she signed. "It is so hard to be good."

They sat down at a table and a bajoran waitress came over. Silvio help up to fingers, "Two glasses of water," he paused, "With a twist," he added. After the waitress had left he looked at Patia, "Do you have plans tonight?"

"Drinking water," she chuckled. "I should probably visit my brother and his family, too."

The waitress returned with their drinks and set them on the table. "Are you looking forward to seeing them," asked Silvio.

She sighed slightly. "Yes and no. Michelio is quite the interesting man. I think the first time I see him will be a bit challenging. I can't wait to see my sister-in-law, though, and the kids. They are always fabulous."

"Sounds like you will get some time to spoil your niece and nephews," observed Silvio.

"I hope so. It has been a long time since I have seen them. They have probably forgotten their old Auntie Pati. Want to come along when I stop to see them tonight?" she asked.

"I would not want to intrude on your time with your family," said Silvio.

"You can be the buffer for me with that brother of mine, it won't be an intrusion at all," she winked. "My sister-in-law and I will make sure we have some girl time, too, so everything will be good."

"Okay," he said, "Then I would be happy to come along." The two of them started walking towards the Bolian's massage shop.

She smiled slightly. "I will call you when I am ready to go tonight, unless you wanted to meet for a light dinner ahead of time?"

"That sounds fine," he said realizing that he had not eaten, "Give me a shout when you are ready and we can get something to eat and then see your family." Silvio gave Patia a kiss and watched as she entered the shop. Silvio smiled, now it was time to see how things were going at the flower shop.

Special Delivery "
By: Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]
Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]
Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]

Stardate: 58206.25 1830

Trina stretched her back and swayed slightly from side to side. Her gaze swept the room, before alighting on Michelio's stiff back. Although the information he found was not anything that would indicate Guiseppe Silvio was a bad person, it was obvious to almost anyone Michelio was not exactly comfortable with the idea of his baby sister seeing him. He wouldn't say a word, but some times, thoughts didn't need to be spoken to be heard. She shook her head slightly. It was time for Patia to live a little. Silvio might not be a permanent addition to her world, but as long as he brought Patia a little sunshine and light, it was all right with her.

The door chimed as the man she had been thinking of entered the room. He appeared anxious, maybe even a little nervous. She smiled slightly as he approached.

Silvio smiled, "Hi, how are things going?"

She smiled softly in return. "Very well," her head inclined slightly toward Michelio. "The delivery man is almost ready to leave with your order. Were you concerned it would not be where you wanted it to be when you wanted it to be there?"

"N-No," stammered Silvio, "I guess I am just a little excited."

"That is understandable. It is not every day a man sends this many gorgeous blooms to a lovely lady," Trina smiled.

"I just want to make her smile," said Silvio, "Do you need any help?"

"No, Chel will be more than enough assistance," she nodded toward Michelio again. "Do you know if she is currently out of her quarters?"

"I saw her on the promenade," said Silvio, "I would say she is out of her quarters."

Watchfully, she nodded. "Do you know how long she plans to be out and about? We will be leaving here momentarily," she glanced at Michelio, who was now watching the conversation intently. "Would you be able to keep her away from her quarters for thirty minutes or so?"

Silvio nodded eagerly, a big smile spreading across his face, "I can do that."

"Somehow, I didn't think you would object to the assignment," she turned slightly as she heard Michelio set a vase down a little too hard on the glass countertop. "Chel," she called over her shoulder, "my counter isn't cracked, is it?"

A grunt was her only answer.

Her eyes shifted back to Silvio. She shrugged. In a voice that was low, but still able to be heard by the hunched figure across the room, she said "Men, they haven’t all left the Dark Ages."

Another slam and a louder grunt sounded. Her eyebrow shifted slightly upward and her eyes twinkled at Silvio.

Silvio looked at the delivery man and then looked back at Trina, "Is he having a bad day?"

She shrugged. In the same stage whisper as before, she said, "He is just being difficult. He has a hard job, delivering beautiful flowers, and it wears him out. I think he is trying to be fired so he can spend his spare time in Quark’s, causing trouble for the Chief of Security and his men."

Another grunt came from across the room. It almost sounded as though the man said, "Oh to be fired," but it was hard to be sure.

"I see," said Silvio, "Well, I am going to go find Patia." Silvio looked from Trina to Michelio and back again, "Thank you both, for helping me."

Again, the man grunted. Trina rolled her eyes. "It is my pleasure. We will be setting out to make the delivery when you leave. Please, come back and let us know what your lady thinks of her surprise." A rather strangled sound came from the man she called Chel.

"Well, now we know he has a vocabulary of more than one sound. Maybe, by the time you come again, he will be able to speak his first word." Trina snickered.

"Trin," the growled sounded a warning.

"Shoo, get out of here and enjoy your afternoon. The grizzly bear and I will handle your delivery." Trina smiled and gestured toward the door.

Smiling Silvio waved at them and left the shop. He needed to find Patia.

The door closed behind Silvio, and Trina turned on her heel to face Michelio. "Was that really necessary?"

He turned abruptly to face her. "I am not happy about this and don’t expect me to pretend to be."

"You don’t have to be happy, and you don’t have to pretend, but your behavior was appalling. It was not fitting a man of your stature and most certainly not the behavior of the man I married. I expect more than that from you, and I will not accept your petulant, childish behavior in my shop with my customers, regardless of your personal feelings, Mr. Zoei," she snapped.

A surprised look flitted across his face. "Trina, I am the Chief of Security, if one under my command spoke to me this way, they would receive a formal reprimand in their file."

"Considering you are working for me at the moment, I will take your advice under consideration, Zoei," she snapped again. Rushed movements gathered the flowers together as she prepared to leave the shop. "No matter your feelings for the man who purchased them, can you at least be happy your sister will be receiving such a lovely surprise?"

With her overflowing cart, she stalked toward the door. Michelio looked around the room. He gathered a few remaining bouquets in his arms, and followed Trina from the shop. He had the distinct feeling he was going to be even sorrier later in the evening. If only his wife didn't own the flower shop, he would be bringing them home for her.

Flowers and Family "
By: Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]
Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]
Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]

Stardate: 58206.25 2030

Patia strolled down the corridor toward her temporary quarters. The tension she had noted in her upper back had dissipated, melted away under the magic hands of Mr. Knott. The meeting that evening with her brother still left her unsettled, but the knots in her muscles were gone. Hopefully, they didn 't have enough time to reappear before the visit was over.

As she approached her room, she sensed something in the air. A heavy, heady floral fragrance hung, as though suspended in the very air she was breathing. A glance up and down the corridor revealed nothing. Not even a potted plant graced the hallway. The area maintained the rigid military protocol she had grown to know and love. She shook her head slightly. The meeting with her brother must have her imagining things. Her florist sister-in-law must be a stronger draw than she had thought.

Patia stepped forward and entered her clearance. The doors to her living area swooshed open. The floral scent no longer hung in the air, it now enveloped her. Entranced, she moved through the doorway. Every flat surface, and some that weren't flat, were covered in arrangements of her favorite flowers. Artfully arranged blooms, in elegant vases blended seamlessly with such casually arranged blossoms that she knew they had taken even longer to arrange than those in the vases. Here and there, a single flower rested, as though dropped. Again, though, to a practiced eye, there was nothing casual about the arrangements. Someone very obviously put a great deal of effort into planning this most delightful surprise.

Her heart swelled. Only one person could have arranged this, and only one person could have executed it. Two of her favorite people had to have worked together to make this happen. She shook her head as she softly smiled.

She made a slow circuit around her quarters. Her fingers softly caressed the petals. Her eyes crinkled as the smile spread across her face. Silvio was quite the gentleman.

She tapped her commbadge. "Zoei to Silvio"

"Silvio here," came the reply, "How are you?"

"Just fine, where are you?" she asked.

Silvio did not reply, he simply reached down and rang the door chime of Patia's quarters.

She chuckled lightly. "Enter."

As the door slid open Silvio could smell the wonderful flowers. The room was indeed full of them. The flower shop's delivery boy had done a wonderful job. He smiled as he searched the flowers for Patia.

She raised her eyebrow, and gestured around the room. "How were you able to convince someone to do all of this. It is quite impressive," she smiled.

Silvio took a moment just to look at Patia. On a normal day Silvio thought her to be a beautiful woman, however, seeing her surrounded by the flowers was incredible. "I found a flower shop on the station here. They were very helpful," he replied.

"Really? Which shop did you go to?" she asked.

Silvio shrugged, "Out on the promenade. The owner was very nice," he replied, "but her delivery boy must have a cold. He kept on coughing... or choking."

"Delivery boy?" she asked. It sounded like Trina's shop, and the work was certainly like hers, but she wouldn't have a delivery boy. She always worked the shop by herself. Michelio would help if it was needed, but she never had a staff.

"Yeah," he said, "He was not very happy. Probably because it was such a big order."

She shook her head and smiled slightly. Slowly, Patia crossed the room. She slid her hand lightly up his arm before letting it rest on his shoulder. Standing on tiptoes, she brushed her lips against his. "Thank you," she whispered against his mouth.

"My pleasure," he whispered back. He gently slid his arms around her and kissed her.

"It is time to go to Lio's. Would you like to come along?" she asked.

"Sure, thing," he said, "I'm ready when you are."

She shook her head slightly. "Well, I am as ready as I'll ever be." She turned to the door, paused slightly before the door and walked through as the door slid open.

Silvio started to follow after Patia, "Is there something wrong," he asked as he quickened his stride to catch up to her.

"I am nervous. Michelio didn't want me to know he was here. He hasn't been in contact with me since he arrived. He is my older brother, my childhood hero, and I guess I am afraid I am not going to live up to his expectations of me." She sighed heavily. "I know he loves me, but I am just a worrywart."

Silvio suddenly felt little nervous himself. What if her family did not like him? Her brother's opinion appeared very important to Patia,. Silvio pushed these selfish worries away from his mind. "You are the Chief Counselor on the USS Zion," said Silvio with a smile. "If his expectations are higher than that... Well, I find that unlikely."

"When you put it that way, it does sound a bit ridiculous. I am sure it will be fine. I just wish I knew why he hasn't told me he was here." Patia shrugged.

"Well, there is only one way to find out," said Silvio, "ask him." Silvio and Patia stopped outside of the Zoei Quarters.

As she raised her hand to ring the chime, the door slid open with a soft whoosh. A tall, distinguished man stood, framed by the doorway. His black hair, silver-tinged at the temples, glistened in the muted lighting. Patia stared at him, tears filling her eyes.

Michelio stared at the person outside his door. Little Tia, all grown up, stood stock still. Tears shimmered on her lower lashes. How she had known he was here, he didn't know, and to be frank, he didn't much care. Casually, his eyes flickered over the man accompanying her.

Silvio was stunned. The man standing before them, was the same man who delivered Patia's flowers, "Is... Is this... your brother," said Silvio.

The first smile on her face since she had left her quarters slipped onto lips. "Silvio, this is my brother, Michelio Zoei. Lio, this is Silvio." Her hand cupped Silvio' upper arm, just over his elbow.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance," Lio's voice was gruff as he nodded. "Come here, Patia. Let me get a look at you," he opened his arms wide and she rushed into them. Slowly, he spun her in a circle, lifting her off the ground.

Silvio just stood there and watched, his mouth stupidly gaping.

Patia smiled at Silvio. "Are you ok?"

With some effort Silvio closed his mouth. "Your brother and I have met," said Silvio.

She glanced from one to the other. "You have? When?"

Lio shrugged. "I am just the delivery boy. He can tell you," he nodded toward Silvio.

As they entered the Zoei's quarters Silvio whispered, "He is the delivery boy who brought your flowers."

Out of the corner of her mouth, she whispered, "He was what?"

"Your brother is moonlighting as a flower delivery boy," whispered Silvio.

"Should I ask him for the rest of the story," she whispered, confused.

Silvio shrugged, "It's up to you."

Michelio turned to look at the two who had lagged behind. "Everything ok?" he asked, one eyebrow arched.

"It's fine," Patia said, slightly shaking her head. "Silvio said he has seen you working in floral delivery."

"Is that so?" he asked. "Trina had a job she needed some help with, so I lent a hand. We had to fill some officer's rooms with flowers. I would say she has a zealous suitor." He winked so Patia could see, but Silvio could not.

"Speaking of Trina, where is she? And where are the kids?" Patia queried.

"They are in the other room, go ahead. It won't be hard for you to find them with all the noise they are making," he chuckled.

Michelio turned to watch her go, then turned back to look at Silvio. "Delivery boy, eh?" he chuckled.

Silvio chuckled, "Zealous suitor, huh?"

"If the shoe fits," he arched a brow, a hint of a smile quirking the corner of his mouth. "In all seriousness, I am not going to pull any punches. I have read your jacket. I have spoken with people who know you. As long as Patia is happy, I am happy, but I don't want to see her become another notch in whatever it is you have used to notch before."

"I assure you," began Silvio, "My only goal is to make Patia happy." Silvio realized that he was getting the protective brother lecture. It could have been much worse, he thought.

"It could be worse. Make her unhappy, it will be worse." He smiled tightly. "I am a reasonable guy. If I wasn't, those flowers wouldn't have made it to her quarters. I will trust Patia will be very happy."

"Yes sir."

"At ease, Silvio. Now, it is time for you to meet Trina, again, as well as the little ones," he chuckled. Inwardly, he wondered how the gentleman in front of him would handle the three rambunctious kids.

"After you," said Silvio with a smile.

"No, after you," Michelio stepped back and gestured with his hand. A grudging smiled played on his lips this time. Silvio definitely hadn't given any indication of anything that should cause Michelio to distrust him. It might very well be all right.

Highwaij Five-O"
By: Highwaij, Crewman, [PST]
Melissa Jarvis, Chief Security Officer, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58206.25 2200

Highwaij made his way though the almost abandoned ship. He entered Cargo Bay Five and moved to Section Zero and smiled a toothy smile. It would not be long now, he thought, soon he would have his profit. He needed to recover the stolen phaser rifles. They would fetch him a fairly good price.

His eyes scanned the numerous stacked cases. He noted that someone had rearranged the cargo bay since he last checked on his wares. It took a few minutes but his sharp eyes finally spotted the case. Standing on top of another container he pulled down the case. He looked around, there was still no one around. Highwaij carefully opened the case and looked at it's contents. Everything was as he had left it. He closed the case and turned to leave and almost ran smack dab into Melissa Jarvis who much to his surprise was standing right behind him.

"Hello Ensign," said Jarvis, "What have you got there."

Highwaij saw his profits evaporating, "what I have here..." he said slowly and with pause as he studied Jarvis closely.

*does the Human know what I have? Did she see me?*

"...is..."

His eyes squinted as he sought answers that could perhaps yet save the day: He smiled a toothy smile as he remembered the 239th Rule of Acquisition" Never be afraid to mislabel a product."

"...are..."

His hand patted the box, "...are some damaged things..."

He knew he was out on a limb. It could be the end of a yet-to-be profitable career.

"...I was going to take them to the station to see if they could be repaired."

Melissa crossed her arms over her chest, "Really," she said, "What kind of things?"

His eyes squinted again has he thought about his predicament. He knew he could be in serious trouble over this, but a ferengi without profit is no ferengi at all.

Melissa let her arms slide off her chest. Her hand came to rest on the hilt of her holstered phaser, "Ensign, please open the case," she said keeping her voice calm.

He unlatched the case and slowly opened it, "they are some phasers that could be repaired..."

The Frengi couldn't tell if the Security Chief was buying it. She had to buy it, she was only a female. Even though she was a *human* female, he was certainly smarter than she was...

"It would be such a waste if they were just destroyed..."

Melissa walked over to the case and picked up one of the phasers. She noticed that it's Maquis markings had been removed. She looked the weapon over and then activated it's power cell. "I wonder how much a person could get for a weapon like this," she mused, pointing the weapon at the Ferengi. "If it worked, that is."

Thirty-third rule of Acquisition: It never hurts to suck up to the boss. He smiled, it was good to be Ferengi.

He held up his hands defensively and slowly circled to the left around to the other side of the case.

"Such a good idea Melissa," he said putting his hands together, "we easily could get a few bars of latnium each if we sold them."

Melissa sighed, "Too bad they do not work, isn't it."

"Well," he gestured, "I'm sure they can be repaired, *that's* why I'm taking them...." he let his voice trail off to hide in vagueness.

Melissa shook her head, "And then you will sell them and be a rich Ferengi."

There was no longer the smell of profit in the wind. Instead the wind was suddenly blowing the wrong way again.

"Of course not..." he said exaggerating a shrug, "I-I would never dream of stealing property of Maquis." His lobes deepened as he feigned a frown, pretending to be offended, "surely you are not insinuating that I would ever do such a thing."

Melissa, still holding the phaser on the Ferengi aimed just above his left lobe and fired. The Phaser that was supposed to be broken fired. A red bolt arched thought the air and just over the Ferengi's head.

Highwaij ducked and held up his hands and cringed. More than loosing profit he feared death or dismemberment. "Don't shoot, don't..."

An unauthorized discharge of a weapon on the Zion will sound and alarm, and in this case it did just that. Melissa began counting. Her crew should be here in quick time. "Well would you look at that it works Highwaji."

Cowering sideways slightly, he replied, "how fortunate... that one won't need to be repaired." He said holding on to his lie.

The doors opened and 4 gold uniformed security guards entered with their phasers drawn. "Arrest mister Highwaji," she ordered them.

"Wait!" he exclaimed, "I found this..this female trying to steal these weapons for a profit. You see..." he said pointing, "she has a phaser which came from this case. She's cleverly removed the serialization from them to hide her tracks. But she's not so clever, I've caught her."

Melissa eyes the Ferengi with disgust. She used all of her self control to keep from knocking the little rodent back to Ferenginar. "Mister Simpson," she called out, "Come here please."

Simpson stepped out from behind a row of storage containers and stood in front of Melissa. "Yes Ma'am," he said.

"I asked miser Simpson to monitor tonight's events in case there was some misunderstanding," she explained. "Do you agree with the Ferengi's assessment of tonight's events," she asked him.

"No Ma'am," he said, "It is the other way around," he said, "You confronted him about the weapons. Caught him red handed."

Melissa smiled, "Mister Highwaji, I told you that I would be keeping my eye on you. Did you really think you would get away with my weapons?"

"I swear, I was just going to have them fixed." he said changing his story again.

"Take him away," she ordered.

Log Index | Go to Stardate 58206.26