Dangerous Distractions "
By: Quark , Entrepreneur , [NPC]
Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58206.27 1215

She had to find out for herself, to put her mind to rest so to speak. She had carefully thought out her plans. Find Quark and ask them, for a right price of course, if there were any prive ships going into the direction of Mars, and if those shuttles were prepared to take on a passenger.

She didnt had too many possessions, but in an old storage closet she found an antic little box, there was no name attached to it and Teilani had used it as a box for little trinkets in her quarters.

It looked old but somehow valuable and perhaps Quark would accept it as a form of payment.

With quick and strong strides Teilani walked on over to Quarks place, nodding to some other Zion crewmembers she met along the way.

Quarks place was a huge, three story facility, the largest private operation on QulTuq, Where the exterior of the promenade was banners and bunting, the constant rumble of the rabble, beggars miners and assorted nuts inside Quarks was a completely different universe; the casino had fewer of the dregs of the sector but was, if anything, more sleazy, dangerous and illicit than the promenade itself.

The bar was stuffed floor to ceiling with glitzy, flashing lights, the well dressed, and thousands of kilos of ersatz jewels though quark would have hotly disputed the adjective.

Any of the hoi polloi who wandered in were subtly steered towards a Dabo table in the corner, away from the pressed and groomed crowed in the rest of the club.

Quark bragged that anybody could get anything in Quarks place and when Teilani entered she felt out of place and noticed Quark shuttle directly for her.

"Hello Miss," hissed Quark in his usual manner. "Can I get you something to drink," he asked as he herded her toward the bar.

"Goodday Quark," she said as she was directed to the bar. "I wonder if I could ask you something?"

Quark stopped and turned to face her, "You can ask, an answer I can't guarantee."

"I am looking for a ship that can take me to Mars." Teilani whispered, while looking around her.

"Mah-Mars?" Quark looked concerned and took her by the elbow and led her away from the crowds.

When there was no one nearby he leaned in and with a hushed voice said, "are you in some kind of trouble?"

"That is not of your concern but they said you could supply anything. Where they wrong?"

"Yes, most anything but to find a ship to Mars?" Quark paused. "You can't get there directly from here you know."

"I know but at least you could try to get me in the direction or give me some contacts I could use to get to Mars eventually.

Quark regarded her, she was merely a female junior grade lieutenant. She neither looked affluent nor wealthy, "...and it is very expensive...."

"Well I only have this," Teilani showed him the box. "If it is not enough, I could try to get you something else.

Quark looked over the box. It appeared to be ancient. He tapped his finger on the old wood.

"I would accept this as payment for my finder's fees. But you will have to come up with much more for to pay the fare." He looked around.

"Come back tomorrow at 2300 and I will have a couple of people meet you."

He took the Box from Dane's hands and turned as if to go but then paused and looked back at Dane, "Don't be dressed like that either." he said referring to her uniform.

Teilani nodded. "I will.". And with that Quark handed her a drink and returned to his other customers.

Teilani sighed. The game she was playing was dangerous, if she got caught she would probably be considered a spy and put in the brig. But she had to do it, she needed to know about her family. She balled her hands in little fists and downed the drink in one go.

Counting to ten and with a quick look throught Quarks bar she headed back to the Seminar. If she was quick perhaps she could be in time for the last session.

Never Attribute to Malice.... "
By: Dr. Alyssa Caitlin Northrop, Chief Intel Officer, [PST]
Gavin McBride , Chief of Intelligence , [NPC]

Stardate: 58206.27 1600

Promotions "
By: Admiral Stone , Admiral , [NPC]
Dr. Alyssa Caitlin Northrop, Chief Intel Officer, [PST]
Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Craig Whitmore , Engineer , [NPC]
Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]
Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]
Jeff Westfall, Tactical Officer, [PST]
Kelly Forrester, Acting Operations Manager, [RNPC]
M'Ressha Mikat , Fighter Pilot , [NPC]
Maxine Lucinda Tapert, Computer Specialist, [PC]
Melissa Jarvis, Chief Security Officer, [RNPC]
Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]
Rita Marx , Roving Reporter , [NPC]
Samantha Carter, Security Officer, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58206.27 2000

The audience stood at attention as Admiral Stone, Captain Ian Hunter, Commander Wright and Major Madriani entered the auditorium. Attendance was light as they usually were for these things when it conflicts with shoreleave. Hunter looked around as he walked up the isle to the podium. Behind the stage were large viewing portals that looked out into space.

Seeing Rita Marx present, Hunter recollected his thoughts one more time. He cleared his throat.

"Good Evening, As you were."

The crowed relaxed and sat down in their chairs.

"Before we begin," said Hunter, "Admiral Stone has asked to say a few words."

Hunter stepped back and the Admiral stepped to the podium.

With a brazen face, Stone looked through out the room as if he could see into the soul of everyone there.

"Exactly four months ago this day, I stood here and watched as this ship and crew of the USS Zion left this station," he said pointing backwards with his thumb over his shoulder.

"And it was four months this morning that I heard Admiral Aldous dedicate this ship, the Zion, as an instrument of peace and diplomacy."

Stone took a long breath. Spying Rita Marx he held his tongue back a bit more than he'd like to have.

"But when diplomacy fails, and goodwill turns to blood letting, it is a testimony to all of what the Maquis and its Alliance are about."

Several Klingons up in the balcony began to hollar and shout inciting the rest of the crowd to stand and applaud.

Stone gestured for them to be quiet.

"By now, you have all read the accounts of this ship's brave crew and of its senior officers. The stories of its encounters with the Federation Armada and then fearlessly going on to a battle at Pacifica.

"It pains my heart to know that the battle has cost many lives of our Federation brothers, and I know how hard it is to wage such fierce conflicts..." Stone grit his teeth, "But I promise you, if we all follow in the example of this crew. This war *will* come to an end and the Cardassian-Federation union will fall."

A generous round of applause sparked up. Sarik stood in the middle of the crowd. Being tall he could see everything happening. A member of his department asked him what was going on. And Sarik just gestured to be silent at the moment.

Admiral Stone stood for a minute waving and then turned and relinquished the floor to Hunter.

"My crew knows I'm not one for long speeches, and tonight will be no different." said Hunter. "For the men and women of the Zion, who fought long and hard and still did not make it back, this night is for them. It is also for the returning.

When I took command of this ship, for many of you this was your first assignment. Now in just four short months you are seasoned veterans. I am proud of you all and you all deserve recognition.

It is important how ever to recognize those who have gone beyond the call of duty."

Hunter stood aside and let Admiral Stone take the podium again.

"As I call your name, please come forward."

"Doctor Teilani Dane," called out the Admiral. "Promoted to full Lieutenant."

Teilani stepped forward and smiled at both the admiral and the Captain.

Hunter greeted the doctor with a handshake and attached the Pips to her collar.

"Thank you Sir, Admiral," she responded returning the handshake. Then she wanted to step down but halted as Stone continued.

Stone continued, "And also, because the good doctor did not balk at signing on with the USS Zion even after being on a ship that was completely destroyed. Her unwavering nerves and steady dedication has earned her the McCoy cluster."

Teilani's eyes widened and blinked a few times.

Hunter placed a box in her hand, "Congratulations Doctor."

Wright smiled at the doctor and shook her hand, "Congratulations Doctor," he said.

Thank you Commander, Wow I don't know what to say Sirs, as she opened the box Teilani said in all honesty. It was true the compliment from the Commander meant a lot to her, but it was not only her who earned this award. She was going to dedicated to the rest of the medical staff as well.

She had wanted to say much more but this would have to wait. Glowing with pride she stepped down the podium and back to her place again.

"Let me see," Gloria her head nurse said.

Sarik nodded at Dr Dane who went down the podium. "Well done doctor." He said. "Your performance as chief medical officer has been more than satisfactory."

All eyes returned to the stage as Adimiral Stone called out the next promotion, "Giuseppe Silvio a promotion to full Lieutenant.

As Silvio approached, Stone added, "He also receives the Cochrane Medal of Excellence for his exceptional service in ensure the return of the Zion following heavy damage it sustained in the course of battle."

Silvio was all smiles as he left his seat next to Patia and made his way up to the front.

Hunter pinned the new pips on Silvio and shook his hand, "congratualtions," he said giving Silvio the little box with his medal.

"Thank you Captain," replied Silvio.

"Good work Lieutenant Silvio," said Wright with a smile as he shook Silvio's hand.

"Thank you Commander," said Silvio before returning to his seat.

"Next," said Stone, "Patia Zoei, promotion to full Lieutenant."

Patia looked straight ahead as she quietly stepped forward.

"...and a medal of Commendation for her outstanding role in the incident enroute to Rura Pente."

She inclined her head slightly, in acknowledgement of the words the offered by the Admiral.

Hunter pinned the new pips on her collar and shook her hand, Congratulations Counselor."

"Thank you, Captain."

He handed her the box with her medal.

She smiled and offered her thanks again as she accepted the box.

The Admiral smiled. "Jeff Westfall, promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade."

Westfall stood, marched to the podium, and stood before his superior officers, thumbs down the seams of his trouser legs.

Hunter pinned on the pips and shook his hand. "Congratulations Mr. Westfall".

Westfall saluted the Admiral, the Captain, the First Officer, and Major Madrani, and said, "Thank you, Sirs," after shaking the Captain's hand. "Thank you for a fine crew, whom I am proud to call Comrades in Arms," he said loudly enough so that even Rita Marx could hear, and not worry about being misquoted in the assembled company --there were plenty of witnesses he didn't *care* what lies she published. Then Admiral looked up and said, "Maxine Tapert, promotion to Lt. Junior Grade."

Maxine rose from her seat and stepped forward, managing not to look as nervous as she felt.

"she is also being awarded the Citation of Valor for her contribution in resolving the past conflicts."

That made her blink and look at the Admiral as a smile broke over her face. She hadn't expected *that*.

Captain Hunter shook Max's hand, "Congratulations, Max, job well done," he said pinning on her new pips.

"Thank you Captain, Sirs," she nodded respectfully to the Admiral and Wright and shook Hunter's hand with more exuberance than she'd meant to. "Thank you," she offered again and returned to her seat before she did something stupid.

Admiral Stone looked up as he called the next name, "Sam Carter, promotion to Full Lieutenant."

Samantha looked up as her name was called. She looked at Lt Jarvis and arched her eyebrows. Then Craig Whitmore pushed her forward. "Your name is called Sam." he said with a chuckle.

Sam stumbled on to the little podium and smiled.

Hunter greeted Sam with a handshake and then pinned on her new pips, "Congratulations Sam."

Now a big smile played across her face as she felt the smoothness of the little pips. "Thank you... Captain!." She then hurried off the podium, being in the spotlights was nothing for her.

Sarik noticed that most of the crew were awarded for their contribution to the ship and its mission. It was a good performance the whole crew did that past few missions, these recommendations were a good indication of it. He straightened his uniform to pay respect to those who have been awarded.

It pleased Teilani to see so many happy faces. This speech of Stone and the valuable words of the Captain did wonders for crew morale.

Stone glanced over at Hunter and then looked back at his PADD.

"Melissa Jarvis," he said, "promoted to full Lieutenant."

Melissa had not expected a promotion so soon. She stood up and walked to the front.

Hunter pinned the pips on her collar and shook her hand, "Congratulations," he said.

"Thank you Sir," she replied.

"And she is also being given a commendation for bravery for her role in the boarding of the Federation vessel, the Yamato."

The captain placed the small box in her hand, "good work Lieutenant."

The mention of the Yamato brought back a flood of memories. Sadness flickered in her eyes for a brief moment, until she pushed it away. Forcing a smile onto her face she accepted the award with a polite, "Thank you."

Melissa returned to her seat.

"Next, said the Admrial returning his attention to the list, "Dr. Alyssa Northrop, received a field promotion to Chief Warrant Officer and assumed duties as Acting Chief Intelligence Officer. She is hereby officially promoted and assigned that rank and position."

She had never expected to recieve any sort of official recognition for the work she'd done on Pacifica. That was the nature of the business she was currently in. Much of it was classified and people generally couldn't know about. So when her name was called out in the middle of the ceremony, she was honestly surprised. Alyssa rose from her seat near the back of the room and moved to the front to do what the others had done: shake hands with the higher ups. "Thank you, Sirs....for expressing the confidence in me to allow me to continue doing this job."

Hunter nodded and smiled, "of course chief," he said shaking her hand.

"...and while on Pacifica, Dr. Northrop fought along side our Marines. For that she is being given the Combat Merit."

And the hits just kept on coming it seemed. Apparently Madriani hadn't told anyone about her little stunt in the office building. She smiled to herself and told herself to remember to send the Major a bottle of something later. "Thank you, Sir...again. I don't know that I deserve this....but I suppose that decision was made by someone that thinks I do."

"Of course you do," said Hunter handing her the small box.

Northrop had never been very good at accepting awards....and part of her was worried that it was showing at this very moment. Never the less, she accepted the medal and returned to her chair as quickly as she was able.

"Ensign Kelly Forrester, promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade as well as a promotion to acting Operations Manager."

Kelly stood up and went up and accepted her pips.

"M'Ressha Mihkat, is being awarded a Commendation of bravery, for his actions in battle against the Federation armada. A purple heart for serious injury suffered in the line of duty and a medal of honor for rushing to the rescue of two squadrons of marines and a fellow fighter pilot."

Blitzer stood up, he was very surprised, he looked at Max who was sitting next to him, "I don't believe it," he whispered to her.

He walked down to the stage where Major Madriani handed him the awards. He saluted his senior officer who saluted back. "Good work," he said.

Admiral Stone smiled at Hunter, "Next, Commander Jonathan Wright, awarded purple heart for injuries suffered at the hands of an enemy."

Wright groaned inwardly. He was thankful that the Admiral has not mentioned that he was injured by a holographic shark. Wright forced a smile onto his face and stepped forward to accept the award. "Thank you Sir," he said.

"And to Captain Hunter, the Star Cross for his leadership in the Battle of Pacifica"

Hunter stepped over to the Admiral and shook his hand, "Thank you sir."

Stone turned to the audience, "Those of you who serve in the Maquis alliance, are invited to a reception at 2200 in reception gallery 5. Thank you all for coming."

***

The Spoils of War By Rita Marx

Today this reporter got to watch as the Crew of the USS Zion were given promotions and rewards by the Anti-Admiral war monger Stone. When the Zion was commissioned then Fleet Admiral Aldus proclaimed that the Zion would be a ship of peace. What has happened to that vision? Today we rewarded people for taking a beautiful ship and pretty much reducing it to scrap. Don't get me wrong though, I do not blame the hard working crew of the USS Zion, not at all.

In truth the blame can be placed squarely on the shoulders of Admiral Stone. He has taken the bold directive for peace that Admiral Aldus assigned to this ship and perverted it to his war making designs. The Admiral has indeed spoiled the good intentions of peace. Shame on you Admiral.

The Quick Fix "
By: Chester , Cat , [NPC]
Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58206.27 2230

The door of the ready room opened. With a few files and some unfinished reports in hand, Hunter stepped out on to the bridge. The lighting was subdued and all of the consoles were off.

He had not seen the bridge this quiet since the day before he took command.

He crossed to the turbolift and stepped in. "Deck two," he said instructing the computer.

It was a long 4 months. It seemed like they had been out for two years.

When the door opened he stepped out and walked the short ways to his quarters. The door opened. There wasn't anything he needed from his quarters other than Chester.

Chester watched as Captain entered the room. Captain made a strange whistling noise. Chester supposed that it meant that he should go to Captain and purr. "The things I do for food," he thought glimly as he jumped off the back of the couch and trotted across the floor to Captain. Chester jumped into his arms and started purring.

Much to Chester's surprise Captain did not put him down and give him food he turned around and took chester back to the outside. Captain took chester to the magic box and made his speaking sound. Chester was proud of Captain because he had such good control of the magic box.

When the doors opened Captain walked into another big room and then he just stood there. That is when Chester felt something really weird happen, something that made his fur stand on end, and when the weird feeling passed they were no longer in the big room that they started in. Chester shook his head and let out a soft wail. He did not like the big room.

They arrived at their new temporary quarters and Hunter set Chester down.

He went over to the replicator. He couldn't find any normal cat food in the replicator menu. Frowning, he said to Chester, "I'll have to see if I can get Silvio to pull some strings."

He tapped in a few things and it produced a plate of sushi and a bowl of milk.

He set the items down in a corner, "There you go, enjoy, I'll be back a little while. "

If a cat could smile, Chester would be wearing a huge one. He loved sushi. Chester wasted no time getting to work on his surprise meal. He did not even pay attention to the fact that Captain had left. He decided he would eat first and then explore this new world.

With that Hunter left the quarters.

Surprise "
By: Miranda, Lounge Manager, [RNPC]
Rosie , Miranda's Mother , [NPC]

Stardate: 58206.27 2330

==QulTuq Station==

Miranda moved quietly through the station. She had stayed at the awards ceremony long enough to offer her congratulations and then she had left. She planned to use as much of this shore leave as she could. She has plans.

Miranda crossed the promenade and entered into the habitation ring of the station. Staying in the main corridor she eventually found herself in the outermost docking ring of the station. She found her departure portal and sat down to wait.

The 4 moths on the Zion had been stressful even for her. She was not surprised when the rest of the civilian staff had decided to opt out of their jobs on the ship. She however, had no plans to leave her employer. Despite the stress of warship life she enjoyed the Zion and the many people she had come to call friends.

She thought of Silvio and Patia, their relationship has seemed so unlikely but it was needed by both of them. Melissa Jarvis was such a controlled and kept women when she and Charles Atwood arrived on the Zion. Now, she was regained control of her life and everyone around her knows it. Even Commander Wright has started to come out the shell of grief he has put around himself.

Miranda was so absorbed in her musings on the crew of the Zion that she did not notice the woman who exited the docking port several ports away from her. The woman, like Miranda, was attractive, however, perhaps a bit older. She looked around the docking facility, which was buzzing with activity. The woman's eyes fell upon Miranda. She was relieved to not have missed her, the woman smiled and began walking towards Miranda. She could se that Miranda was deep in thought, however, it must have been a good one because Miranda wore a smile on her face.

"And what is my daughter thinking so intently about," asked Rosie, Miranda's mother.

Miranda looked up with a start. "Mother," she exclaimed, "I thought I was meeting you on Risa." Miranda stood up to greet her mother.

"It is not every day that ones daughter turns 100 years old," she said wrapping her arms around Miranda. "I wanted to surprise you," she added, "Did it work?"

"Yes!" Miranda hugged her mother tightly. "It is good to see you."

"It is good to see you again too," said Rosie, "Now, tell me what has happened to TJ?"

Miranda looked at the docking port and saw that they had begun loading passengers for the trip to Risa. "Let's get our seats and I will tell you all about it."

Rosie nodded and the two of them made their way towards the docking port. They paused to place their hands over a scanner plate and then boarded the transport and found their seats.

"TJ was abducted and is considered missing in action," explained Miranda when they had taken their seats.

"Is that charming Zent fellow looking for him," asked Rosie.

Miranda shrugged, "I have not heard from him."

"I see," said Rosie with a hint of disapproval in her tone.

"Don't blame him," said Miranda sharply, "He has his duties on the Atlanta to worry about too."

"Don't get upset with me Miranda, " said Rosie with a smile. She looked at Miranda, "You did not bring any bags with you?"

The docking clamps hissed their release of the transport as Miranda shook her head, "I like to travel light," she said, "besides I am sure I can get what I need once we get to Risa."

Rosie nodded, "True she said, you may not even need anything. The Risians are not to particular about what one wears, or doesn't wear on their planet." Rosie winked at her daughter.

"Oh mother," said Miranda shaking her head, "It is good to see you again."

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