S3 - M2 The Butterfly Effect Pt. II

[John Saxon]

Solluk touched a control on his chair's console.  You may have the use of any personnel you need for this mission, Mister Saxon.  We'll beam him over to you as soon as he's parked.

At the good news, Saxon nodded in response regardless of the purely audio channel. "Thank you Captain. We should be ready for departure as soon as Mister Murselas is aboard, sufficiently comfortable with our condition and a new approach vector finalised. Starstalker out. "

Just as he closed the channel, a spell of exhaustion and dizziness came over him, as his usually rodinium will wavered briefly, a palm suddenly braced against the bulkhead to steady his stance. Almost immediately, with a growl to himself, and an unvocalised (yet no less communicated) one to an engineering specialist that glanced in momentarily concern before scurrying off to their next repair task, 'Century' buried the ramifications of his recent ordeal beneath layers of decades of built-up resilience and stood straight again. He'd rest when the job was done - not before.

"This is the captain of Starfleet freighter Wonderland. Alter your course or explain why your heading straight for us."

The voice of one of the freighters, the 'Wonderland' came through to the attack ship's communications buffer, and Yelgrun allowed himself a smile at the challenge to their approach. Of course, no reply would be forthcoming; the Dominion - the True Dominion - didn't concern themselves with such trivialities under such circumstances, especially as the absence of apperception fostered fear far more effectively than tiresome threatening language. Indeed, it was hardly going to matter to either side if this freighter knew just who it was that tore through their laughable hull with polarons. They were certainly not worth the effort and expense of even a single quotric warhead. Then again, he was momentarily surprised that this was a Starfleet transport. There had been no indications of military-level ordnance in the detection sweeps.

Regardless, with the range of the beam emitters being 100,000km - more than twice that of Federation equivalents - these targets could be destroyed with minimal fuss. But...the Jem'Hadar felt very strongly about such things, preferring - for reasons only the Founders knew in their wisdom - to be, as Humans were wont to say, 'in your face'.

As long as the job was done, he didn't mind imagining the look of terror as the attack ship bore down upon them.

After all, it was not their instruction to go about their business completely unnoticed...

[Solluk]

Katra Station - Zoology Lab 3

As Tess gave her instructions, Jessica diligently copied them down.  She hadn't considered the use of radiation.  But before she could acknowledge her instructions, a new figure walked into the lab.  It was Doctor Hagen.

"Good.  You're all still here.  I've just gotten new results from Zoology Lab One, and we have a new issue."

She walked over to a console on the wall, and brought up some images.

"The latest necropsies have shown death caused by mineral accretion in the respiratory system of dead Honey Capers.  Copper and Zinc are accumulating in the alveoli, congesting them and resulting in rapid asphyxiation.  The agent of action seems to be bacteria, but this is a completely different type than the bacteria than you have observed in your samples.  This is a type of bacteria commonly found in the lungs."

Jessica shook her head, "Wait... two completely different types of bacteria, which reside in different parts of the body, but both of which mutated to gather minerals onto body tissues?  That seems... unlikely."

Doctor Hagen looked uneasy, "I am becoming increasingly concerned that this emerging illness is the result of some kind of intentional action.  It is almost unprecedented for two types of bacteria to mutate into exhibiting identical odd behavior at the same time, while acting on different body tissues.  There must be a common factor... a specific factor."

Jessica frowned, "If some factor is mutating different strains of bacteria, then even if we kill off the bacteria we've detected, we may not have solved the issue.  For all we know, additional bacteria will be mutated soon enough.  Maybe even a strain of bacteria to which humanoids are susceptible.  If that happens..."

She trailed off.  Everyone in the room knew exactly what that would mean.

[Beja]

Katra Station - Etrosian Refugee Camp

Beja struggled with finding the correct words to answer Adryel's question about Klingon Religion. It was a difficult question to answer because yes the Klingons had what some would call religious beliefs but it wasn't quite the same thing as the Etrosians had. The Etrosians were deeply spiritual from everything Beja had observed. Their faith was intertwined in everything they did, and for the Klingons it was more like an explanation supporting their warrior culture.

"œI don't know if you can say that the Kligons have a religion like your people Adryel, but I'm happy to share their beliefs. I will be honest, I'm not sure what I believe myself," Beja confessed to her friend. After spending a lifetime in the stars, it was hard to think there was something else out there for people in a spiritual manner. Everything was explained so well with science and technology that to think of religious belief was difficult for Beja.

Beja knew as a counselor that most people had a foundation of belief underneath them that they built themselves upon. Most people needed that grounding in belief of something to help them construct themselves and their views. She always encouraged her clients and fully supported them with their beliefs. As long as it was not harming others, she saw no issue with it. People for the most part just wanted to fit in with others and live a happy and satisfying life.

Beja observed Adryel, and copied his manners. She bowed low to the small shrine in the house, before following outside. "œI hope you don't mind me asking questions in return as well Adyrel. I am curious about your Wise One above. Do you have a wise one below as well? Or is your wise one only above?"

"œThe Klingon's creation belief has some similarities to humans. I've found there are threads of similarity that run through most religions. But for Klingons they believed in many gods. These Gods forged the heart of the first Klingon, which we call Kortar out of steel and fire on Qui'Tu, which is the place Klingons call the place of creation.

But Kortar was lonely by himself, so the Gods created a mate for Kortar called Shelka. Things were fine for a time until Kortar and Shekla were tired of the Gods' demands and meddling. So Kortar and Shelka destroyed all of the Gods that had created them. This act had a price, and Kortar was forced to pilot the barge of the dead for eternity. And Shelka was bound to walk the world forever alone.

They say that the two Klingon hearts were forever separated, never to be one again, and that is the divide is what separates life from death.

I will admit in this tale, I always wondered who was the one to punish Kortar and Shelka if they Gods were all destroyed by them. But that is never really spoken about by my people.

"œThat is the Klingon's creation belief. We have a very important Prophet Kahless, that is what the new Klingon government in this quadrant is named for, The Republic of Kahless. When I was a small child I used to imagine and fantasize about finding the great prophet Kahless' sword and finally becoming accepted as a worthy Klingon. Of course that was just a child's silly notion."

[Kirok]

Katra Station - Zoology Lab 3

Zex was feeling pretty good about the progress she and Jessica had made.  Mostly Jessica, of course.  But the Deltan could honestly say 'and I helped."

Tess, of course, was 100% correct in her assessment of the situation.  Starting the search for antibacterial was the right course of action.  And radiation was a unique solution to the question of how to deliver the treatment.

Then Dr. Hagen entered the room with bad news that seemed to take them two steps backward.  The Deltan's shoulder's slumped.  But she continued to listen.

"If this was an intentional act, we are looking at a version of biological warfare.  So the question really become who is behind such an attack.  To get there we need to know why they would attack" Zex said.

"Who would have a reason to attack the Meridian's?  There might be an answer in the communications logs to see if there are any recent threats made against them.  Unless, of course, there is some internal conflict that this is related too" she surmised aloud.

[Rayek trLhoell]

NPC Latihk tr'Kheiin
[RFS Narvasam - cloaked - on approach to the Bajoran Wormhole]

Task Force 12 - On approach to the Bajoran Wormhole

"Operations," T'Sil said, glancing to the Ops station, "advise Deep Space Nine that we are about to transit."

"Aye, Captain.  Transmitting message... they confirm we are clear, and wish us safe travels."

Safe travel in the Gamma Quadrant was never assured, but recent intelligence reports suggested an even greater than usual amount of danger due to Thinker activity in the region.  Most recently, the Thinkers had attempted to submerge the entire Trialus system into an alternate dimension.  For this reason, Bradbury class cruisers had been selected for this mission rather than simple warp-tugs or tenders.  Their towed cargo was too valuable to trust to ships which were not well-armed enough to defend it.  As an added bonus, once the current mission was complete, the cruisers would remain in the quadrant to ferry cargo and protect civilian shipping lanes.

Captain T'Sil nodded, taking out her PADD.  "Helm, steady on, one-quarter impulse."

"Sir," Kota spoke from the Sciences station, "I'm reading something on sensors.  It looks almost like an 'echo' of our own position and heading."

T'Sil considered this, "Most likely a sensor artifact created by the multiple tractor beams in operation within close proximity of the task force.  Gravitic-wave effects on sensor returns."

"Yes, of course," Kota replied, embarrassed to have brought it up.

T'Sil noted his embarrassment, "Careful diligence is always laudable, Ensign."

The repurposed Romulan scoutship - and more recently blackmarket freighter had arrived in the vicinity of DS9 some 6 hours earlier.   Knowing that his ship's cloak had its limits and that certain sensor scans could detect things amiss, the Narvasam had come into the system in the wake of a Federation transport vessel.  He'd hoped that the ship would be continuing on through the wormhole but the ship had approached the former Cardassian station, now held by the Federation to unload passengers.

Latihk had expected traffic through the famed wormhole would be rather constant but he and his 'passengers' had been stuck waiting for the past several hours for any movement through the wormhole that they could piggyback.  And now finally when it came it had to be in the presence of not just on Federation vessel... no... but four of them!   The ships however were occupied towing some unfamiliar piece of equipment - so when they moved through the system towards the wormhole, Latihk made the decision to go for it.   He carefully brought his small craft in close the last large cruiser, hugging the larger ships underbelly.  What he was planning was dangerous since he wasn't privy to the Federation ships flight plan and so basically Latihk was flying by the seat of his pants throughout this entire close contact maneuver.

"This is it Kemala, Taheen.  One short hop through the wormhole and we'll be in the Gamma Quadrant.   Ha!... one place I never thought my travels would take me. Told you I'd be able to get us here.   Once through, it's just another 11 days to Katra."

Eleven days.  That felt like forever.  They'd left Romulan territory well over a month ago and he'd been running his small craft to her limits nearly the entire time.. ever since hearing that the RFS Nei'rhh had left Tryka IV on their way to Federation space and through on to the Gamma Quadrant.  Latihk hoped that being an official ambassadorial ship that the Nei'rhh would be delayed with stops along the way - otherwise their hopes of making it to Rayek before the assassin was slim.   They all knew that but none dared to suggest that his entire attempt was in vain.

"Taheen, continue monitoring the Fed channels for any coordinating communication.  They've got to be in close contact in order to pull off this joint tow maneuver...  if we can figure out their comm frequency then we've got a good chance of listening in and an even better chance of not being detected."

Soon the cloaked Romulan ship, hidden under the Federation vessel, entered the stable wormhole and made its first passage through and into the vastness beyond.

NPC Cathy Daniels
[SS Wonderland - Bridge] [DAY THREE]

SS Yadyam - Bridge

Asile listened as the SS Wonderland made its challenge to the approaching Dominion vessel.  Then she opened a private, tight-beam transmission to the ship.

"Captain Asile for Captain Moreno... we are seeing the Dominion ship, and we are hearing what you are saying.  Together, we are strong... but maybe we are being strong enough to run away somewhere?"

The fear was clear on her features.  This Pakled family had run afoul of the Dominion before.  Asile herself had nearly died.  Only chance- and a real Starfleet vessel- had managed to save them.

The voice of one of the freighters, the 'Wonderland' came through to the attack ship's communications buffer, and Yelgrun allowed himself a smile at the challenge to their approach. Of course, no reply would be forthcoming; the Dominion - the True Dominion - didn't concern themselves with such trivialities under such circumstances, especially as the absence of apperception fostered fear far more effectively than tiresome threatening language. Indeed, it was hardly going to matter to either side if this freighter knew just who it was that tore through their laughable hull with polarons. They were certainly not worth the effort and expense of even a single quotric warhead. Then again, he was momentarily surprised that this was a Starfleet transport. There had been no indications of military-level ordnance in the detection sweeps.

Regardless, with the range of the beam emitters being 100,000km - more than twice that of Federation equivalents - these targets could be destroyed with minimal fuss. But...the Jem'Hadar felt very strongly about such things, preferring - for reasons only the Founders knew in their wisdom - to be, as Humans were wont to say, 'in your face'.

As long as the job was done, he didn't mind imagining the look of terror as the attack ship bore down upon them.

After all, it was not their instruction to go about their business completely unnoticed...

After receiving the callback from the Pakled Captain, Cathy checked that the comm line was still open to the Dominion ship.  Which it was.  "They are hearing you.   Just not responding."

Her voice wavered as she spoke and she had to keep her eyes fixed on her console, or let the men see how frightened she was.

"I think the Yadyam has the right of it.  We need to run... hide if can... and call for help."   

[Sirol]

< Katra Station / Deck 6 / Omnilab 2 >
[DAY THREE]

Sirol & Chysik ch'Talvin (& Arrhae)

NPC Lt JG Saqa7 Mountain-Kahn
[Katra Station - Deck 6 - Sciences Department] [DAY THREE]

Saqa7, more familiar with Rayek's rather reserved and wary personality towards strangers, was pleased when her welcome was accepted readily and with a bow.   Accustomed to acknowledging a bow with a bow in return, Saqa7 folded at the waist in response.  This was a cultural trait learned from her mother's side of the family.

Up until then, Saqa7 had always just assumed Rayek had picked up the bowing from her because she'd never seen Eli offer bows.. but then Eli was raised among the Federation - on Earth she believed.   She supposed that would make his mannerisms less Romulan and more Human.

At the offer to come in and make herself comfortable, Saqa7 did so smilingly but finding a space to sit was more difficult than she imaged. In fact, the Saqa7 remained standing while her Romulan hostess cleared a proper space for her to sit.   "Thank you!"

Saqa7 set the basket of bannock down on the desk in front of her, where it perched precariously atop a pile of datapadds.  Hearing the Ensign actually wanted to hear the Welcome Song.. well that just elated Saqa7.  She didn't often get opportunity to do her drumming.  Nodding, she pulled out her drum.   A hand-crafted elk hide hand-drum that she'd made herself when she was 14, following the teachings of the St'at'imc elders that lived in the community.

There had been some resistance when she first indicated that she wanted to learn to drum.  Her father had opposed the idea.  He had stated that women were not allowed since traditional teachings describe how the drum is female, and a gift from the women to the men a very long time ago, so that men could experience a resonant connection to the Earth Mother that naturally occurs with women.

However, Saqa7 was persistent and argued with her father that traditions can change to fit their people better.   It took her pointing out to him the many other women drummers in their community in the past, including his own grandmother who had been elected Chief for nearly 10 years, to convince him to let her learn - and even then he was sour about it.  Drumming was just one of the many things she did that he found fault with.

Curling her fingers around the leather ties that was used to hold the hide taut around the drums wooden frame, Saqa7 hand the drum in her left and while in her right she held the leather padded drumming sticking.

She looked to her audience of two.  "This is the traditional Welcome Song of the St'at'imc people of Earth."

Her eyes widening with both, noticeable curiosity and excitement, Sirol loosely folded her hands and leaned a little forward, closely studying the lieutenant.
The basket of Bannock she had placed on the desk certainly gave of a tempting smell. Sirol was not entirely able to pinpoint i
What it smelled like so far (as it was with most Earth food so far), yet was curious to try it. She however - for now - did not. She did not want to simply reach out and take something before the Lieutenant herself did; not wanting to appear rude or demanding.
Instead, the scientist loosely leaned onto the desk and paid attention to her superior.

ch'Talvin by now had joined her, yet - just as Sirol -, he did not make any moves yet. Truth was, he had little idea about Humans and their traditions. Before his family had moved over to Katra (and by that he meant: dragged him through the wormhole...), he had not even met more than a handful of them. He usually let his wives - who were both Starfleet officers - or his husband - who gathered his fair share of alien experience as a merchant - handle interaction with foreigners. Officially to avoid any "˜situations', but essentially it was for him to have more time for himself and his countless little projects"¦
Tilting his head he shoved his hands into the pockets of his - slightly crumpled - lab coat. Ah! There was the devious little pin that fell off his lab coat yesterday and he had yet to repair!...

As the Lieutenant began to play the drum and sang, Sirol could not help but awkwardly smirk a little. Despite the previous overall positive and friendly welcomes towards the Romulan, seeing someone so openly sharing with her - a complete stranger - stood out to Sirol. For a moment, she seemed to loosen up a little, focussing on the rhythm and melody; visualising the structure and geometry of the music around her.
While it might not have been something particularly special to ch'Talvin or Saqa7 [Sirol at least was not sure about either here], to Sirol this moment certainly felt remarkable.
It was downright rejuvenating for the time being, and a moment worth to keep in vivid memory.

NPC Lt JG Saqa7 Mountain-Kahn
[Katra Station - Deck 6 - Sciences Department] [DAY THREE]

After finishing her Welcome Song, Saqa7 smiled towards the other two a moment before turning her attention directly to Ensign Sirol.  "I hope your time with us is productive and that we get to become good friends."

It was strange to think that years ago when she'd visited Romulus during her time on the USS Bradbury, that she'd had to beg her wife to cut their shore leave early because she was intimidated by just the few Romulans passing by their picnic spot in the park.  Now she was welcoming them.   'Rayek certainly changed my way of looking them,' she thought to herself.

To Sirol she commented, "I probably shouldn't stay long I don't want to interrupt, unless you need help setting up? But in either case, perhaps later after work, you might be interested in getting together for a drink, we might even be able to convince a few others to join us."

As the Lieutenant had finished her song, Sirol - just as she learned was custom among most humans - gave her an applause; a sign of appreciation, signalled by her clapping her hands.
"œThat was remarkable." The scientist complimented, and slightly nodded at the other Starfleet officer. "œI dare say, it might have been the most intimate so far, and I thank you for that, Lieutenant." She tilted her head at the other officer, then leaned forward again.
"œNo worries though. You are not interrupting my work. I have compiled a list of things I consider installing, but I also wanted to have a look at the lab first and see what I am working with here. If you like, recommendations are always welcome"¦"
She now got back to her feet and walked over towards the holo table in one of the corners of the room. Activating it, she began to fiddle around and loaded some of the programs she had saved on her little PDA.
She began to casually test out and calibrate the device; by trying out a holographic drawing program that permitted the user to "˜draw' in all three dimensions. It was in actuality a children's game, yet surprisingly sufficient at testing out holographic devices and their handling.
She drew a few neon blue lines into the area above the table, loosely connecting them with her index finger, creating  shape that vaguely looked like a snowflake.
"œVery decent reaction time"¦" She calmly mumbled, then looked at the Lieutenant ag ain, and politely nodded towards her offer.
"œI would appreciate the chance to meet for a drink later. I have not yet had much time to get acquainted to many people, you and the rest of our staff included.
Is there a location you can recommend? I have compiled a list of the station's bars and restaurants, and am looking forward to try out as many of them as possible."
She smirked a little, then - still within the holographic drawing program - drew a conic shape with a pin and a stand - a shape to resemble a drinking glass.
"œWhen and where, Lieutenant?"

Mid sentence though, Sirol was actually ripped out of her thoughts as she could hear the beeping alarm of her comm badge.
"Sirol here?"

"Commander... I mean... Ambassador's assistant here..." The tired voice of the child on the other end could be heard.  "I had a bad dream and grandfather is still working... Can you come and read me a story?"

Sirol raised an eyebrow, then looked fourth and back between the holograms and the Lieutenant, almost even as if evaluating whether or not she had the permission...
"I am currently at work myself. But I will gladly read you a story over the comm channel if that is acceptable as well..."

[John Saxon]

NPC Cathy Daniels
[SS Wonderland - Bridge] [DAY THREE]

After receiving the callback from the Pakled Captain, Cathy checked that the comm line was still open to the Dominion ship.  Which it was.  "They are hearing you.   Just not responding."

Her voice wavered as she spoke and she had to keep her eyes fixed on her console, or let the men see how frightened she was.

"I think the Yadyam has the right of it.  We need to run... hide if can... and call for help."

Bearing down upon the two freighters, with the virtual viewscreen depicting preferred weapons range in under 5 minchets, Yelgrun's strategizing as to their next course of destabilising action after this was rudely interrupted by a series of alarms that echoed around the control room, a visual indicator flashing in the corner of the monocle at the same time. The Vorta turned to the First with a look of incensed displeasure. "Why have the shields dropped?" he snapped, secretly wondering if this was another attempt to circumvent his authority. At this rate, he'd end up being the only living member of this ship; a prospect that was certainly beneath him.

The First, Ilomon'otol, moved swiftly to the side of the Second (who had, until recently, been Third) to glance over the output readings. "There is interruption to the grid; damage caused by the Federation counter-assault." it reported, looking at Second with disappointment at their failure to anticipate this situation. "Fifth. Sixth. You will investigate and effect repairs."

With a nod, two Jem'Hadar immediately departed from their posts; Yelgrun thought the wisdom of the Founders never ceased to be awe-inspiring: unwavering footsoldiers of the Dominion in one moment, industrious technicians the next. While admittedly they could never hope to match the cognitive apex of the Vorta themselves, they were certainly capable engineers, scientists and medics should the need arise. Who needed to rely on a diverse mix of crew, when the Founders' divine perspicacity accommodated all that was needed in but two of their sublime creations. It merely left the composition of the Dominion's membership to enjoy the...warm embrace of order & protection...

Yelgrun felt the First bristle, as if he fought with the desire to speak. The Supervisor found a scrap of benevolence to permit it. "You wish to speak, First?"

Ilomon'otol came over, slowly, almost as if stalking prey. "Do you wish to halt the attack?" it asked carefully, as if there was a right answer...and one that it did not wish to hear. Yelgrun intuited the unspoken challenge, and shook his head, both in a manner of arrogance, and self-preservation.

"I do not think this will be necessary" he replied, earning a look of respect from the First. "Dominion technology need not fear two poorly armed Federation transports, even without shields. Continue the approach and standby to achieve victory."

[Tess tLhoell]

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 18 - Wildlife Research & Rescue Center - Zoology Lab 1] - DAY THREE

Katra Station - Zoology Lab 3

As Tess gave her instructions, Jessica diligently copied them down.  She hadn't considered the use of radiation.  But before she could acknowledge her instructions, a new figure walked into the lab.  It was Doctor Hagen.

"Good.  You're all still here.  I've just gotten new results from Zoology Lab One, and we have a new issue."

She walked over to a console on the wall, and brought up some images.

"The latest necropsies have shown death caused by mineral accretion in the respiratory system of dead Honey Capers.  Copper and Zinc are accumulating in the alveoli, congesting them and resulting in rapid asphyxiation.  The agent of action seems to be bacteria, but this is a completely different type than the bacteria than you have observed in your samples.  This is a type of bacteria commonly found in the lungs."

Jessica shook her head, "Wait... two completely different types of bacteria, which reside in different parts of the body, but both of which mutated to gather minerals onto body tissues?  That seems... unlikely."

Doctor Hagen looked uneasy, "I am becoming increasingly concerned that this emerging illness is the result of some kind of intentional action.  It is almost unprecedented for two types of bacteria to mutate into exhibiting identical odd behavior at the same time, while acting on different body tissues.  There must be a common factor... a specific factor."

Jessica frowned, "If some factor is mutating different strains of bacteria, then even if we kill off the bacteria we've detected, we may not have solved the issue.  For all we know, additional bacteria will be mutated soon enough.  Maybe even a strain of bacteria to which humanoids are susceptible.  If that happens..."

She trailed off.  Everyone in the room knew exactly what that would mean.

Katra Station - Zoology Lab 3

Zex was feeling pretty good about the progress she and Jessica had made.  Mostly Jessica, of course.  But the Deltan could honestly say 'and I helped."

Tess, of course, was 100% correct in her assessment of the situation.  Starting the search for antibacterial was the right course of action.  And radiation was a unique solution to the question of how to deliver the treatment.

Then Dr. Hagen entered the room with bad news that seemed to take them two steps backward.  The Deltan's shoulder's slumped.  But she continued to listen.

"If this was an intentional act, we are looking at a version of biological warfare.  So the question really become who is behind such an attack.  To get there we need to know why they would attack" Zex said.

"Who would have a reason to attack the Meridian's?  There might be an answer in the communications logs to see if there are any recent threats made against them.  Unless, of course, there is some internal conflict that this is related too" she surmised aloud.

Tess turned her gaze to Dr. Hagen as she entered the lab. The expression on her face made Tess forget the friendly greeting that had been on the tip of her tongue.

Her announcement of a new issue inevitably piqued Tess' interest. While Dr. Hagen described the problem, Tess looked at the images on the screen. It didn't take her long to realize what they were looking at. However, she also noticed that this was not actually where they had originally found the mineral accumulations in the dead animals.

The ensuing conversation between Dr. Hagen and Jessica made Tess' hackles stand up. Jesicca's conclusion was absolutely correct. It was going to turn into a disaster if the worst happened.

Tess nodded to Zex as she shared her thoughts with them. She hoped they didn't get caught up in a biological war. However, she couldn't imagine the Thinkers would shy away from such a thing. "I'm not aware of any threats against the Meridians", Tess replied, "but maybe it would be really good to go over the logs to make sure we're not missing anything."

Tess bit her lower lip as she ran a hand through her hair, thinking. "I agree with you, Dr. Hagen, that there has to be a common factor. The probability of two different strains of bacteria evolving in this way, and then at the same time, is astronomical. But maybe ..." she narrowed her eyes as she tried to put her train of thought into words, "maybe the factor, whether it's intentional or not, is our chance to track it down. We need to compare the original strain of bacteria with the mutated one, and do that with both strains. Maybe that way we can draw conclusions about what caused the mutation."

She looked around the room. "We're going to need every lab available, and every staff available, to work on this. Because I want us to start working on our plan to find an antibiotic at the same time. We need every advantage on our side on this."

NPC Riov (Captain) Kemala t'Lhoell, NPC Arrain (Centurion) Taheen t'Raghaellh
[RFS Narvasam - cloaked - on approach to the Bajoran Wormhole]

NPC Latihk tr'Kheiin
[RFS Narvasam - cloaked - on approach to the Bajoran Wormhole]

The repurposed Romulan scoutship - and more recently blackmarket freighter had arrived in the vicinity of DS9 some 6 hours earlier.   Knowing that his ship's cloak had its limits and that certain sensor scans could detect things amiss, the Narvasam had come into the system in the wake of a Federation transport vessel.  He'd hoped that the ship would be continuing on through the wormhole but the ship had approached the former Cardassian station, now held by the Federation to unload passengers.

Latihk had expected traffic through the famed wormhole would be rather constant but he and his 'passengers' had been stuck waiting for the past several hours for any movement through the wormhole that they could piggyback.  And now finally when it came it had to be in the presence of not just on Federation vessel... no... but four of them!   The ships however were occupied towing some unfamiliar piece of equipment - so when they moved through the system towards the wormhole, Latihk made the decision to go for it.   He carefully brought his small craft in close the last large cruiser, hugging the larger ships underbelly.  What he was planning was dangerous since he wasn't privy to the Federation ships flight plan and so basically Latihk was flying by the seat of his pants throughout this entire close contact maneuver.

"This is it Kemala, Taheen.  One short hop through the wormhole and we'll be in the Gamma Quadrant.   Ha!... one place I never thought my travels would take me. Told you I'd be able to get us here.   Once through, it's just another 11 days to Katra."

Eleven days.  That felt like forever.  They'd left Romulan territory well over a month ago and he'd been running his small craft to her limits nearly the entire time.. ever since hearing that the RFS Nei'rhh had left Tryka IV on their way to Federation space and through on to the Gamma Quadrant.  Latihk hoped that being an official ambassadorial ship that the Nei'rhh would be delayed with stops along the way - otherwise their hopes of making it to Rayek before the assassin was slim.   They all knew that but none dared to suggest that his entire attempt was in vain.

"Taheen, continue monitoring the Fed channels for any coordinating communication.  They've got to be in close contact in order to pull off this joint tow maneuver...  if we can figure out their comm frequency then we've got a good chance of listening in and an even better chance of not being detected."

Soon the cloaked Romulan ship, hidden under the Federation vessel, entered the stable wormhole and made its first passage through and into the vastness beyond.[/color]

Although they had been traveling for a month, the level of familiarity among the three of them had not noticeably increased. Taheen didn't know how to act around Kemala. Rayek had broken the engagement that her parents had arranged. Otherwise, Kemala would be her sister-in-law now. But so they had lost sight of each other, and Taheen now faced the unprocessed pain that Rayek's disappearance had caused her back then. She didn't know Latihk at all and had only met him when she boarded his freighter about a month ago. As far as she understood, he was a friend of Rayek's from his youth. She couldn't really judge him yet, but his concern for his childhood friend seemed genuine if he was putting so much on the line to help them.

When he approached her, she nodded, "I'm on it."

Kemala stayed in the background, just watching as they got to the most difficult part of their mission. Even though Latihk was the captain of this freighter, she had a hard time putting aside her demeanor as a commanding person. From her position, Kemala watched Latihk. It was a difficult maneuver he had to handle here. Would he be able to master it? With only one eye? It might seem pathetic, but she was about to ask him if someone with full eyesight shouldn't take the controls of the freighter. But she held back ... and trusted him.

The last four weeks together on this freighter, they had tried a few times to connect to the past. Kemala had tried to find out details about his disappearance 15 years ago, but Latihk, who was actually so talkative, had not said a word about it. As soon as she was back on her ship, she would do some research.

Her gaze slid from Latihk back to the action before them. Just then they slid into the wormhole to start the last part of their journey. Hopefully they were not too late.

[Solluk]

SS Yadyam - Deep Space

Asile - Captain Odelot - Engineer, Cook Aldo - Security, Cargo Specialist

Asile reached out to touch a button on her control panel.  It handled most ship functions from a single console, although Aldo had Tactical at his station.

"This is being Asile, the Captain.  The Dominion is coming.  It is looking like it will be a fight.  Odelot, make the things ready."

Momentarily, a voice came back through the intercom.  "This is being Odelot.  I am making the things ready.  Aldo, don't be letting anyone hurt my sister!"

Aldo touched his console, "This is being Aldo.  I will be protecting Asile.  You do not be worrying, Odelot."

But it was clear from the tone of everyone's voice that they were, in fact, very much worried.

After a moment, another call came from Odelot, "The Workbugs are being ready, Aldo.  And the guns are having one shot, I think, before they are on fire.  Also, when you want it, I can be making us loud."

Aldo touched his console again, "Okay, Odelot.  I am having it all here.  Good luck with the damages."

Asile waited for them to finish, then touched the control that would activate ship-to-ship.

"Wonderland.  This is being Asile on the Yadyam again.  We are being ready.  There is a cloud of star-stuff not too far, but I am not thinking we can get there in time.  I am thinking... it will be a fight."

Katra Station - Zoology Lab

"I will of course have all six of the Zoology labs assigned to this," Doctor Hagen said, "We will definitely welcome all of the medical labs the station can spare, Commander."

"I'll begin running comparisons right away, to see if we can determine what the common factor might be.  This will definitely keep our hands full.  I wonder if Zex might be able to coordinate with Security to run the angle of this possibly being intentional?"

Jessica glanced to Zex half-apologetically given that she'd just volunteered the Deltan for a task she might not enjoy.

[Kirok]

Katra Station - Zoology Lab

"I would be happy to work that angel.  With your permission, of course.  Commander" Zex replied.

"I do have to go feed Mon, thought.  But I could do that pretty quickly.  Then I could head up to the control center" she added.

[Eydis]

Lt Cmdr Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Healy - Deck 1 - Bridge]  [DAY THREE]

Solluk's response to Saxon's request was as expected.  That left the helm position to Ensign Maserik, the sole remaining flight officer on the ship.  The Bolian officer, Maserik - a recent transfer much like Murselas - was an unknown to Rayek.  Given the importance of the helm position in what they were about to attempt, the Romulan officer was truly regretting his neglect in"‹ studying the personnel records of the new crew more thoroughly.

The Captains' call to the Engineering department no doubt would prompt a few choice words from Lieutenant Goodspeed.   But Rayek knew that if anyone could keep the ship together during such maneuvers, it would be Goodspeed.

Watching his console, which was tied to the tactical sensors, and keeping an eye out for any sign of approaching vessel or activity from the conduit, Rayek didn't notice at first the Captain leaving his Command chair.  His attention to drawn to this, by the Captain's remark and Rayek glanced up to see Solluk relieving the Bolian.   It said a lot about how crucial this moment was that the Captain took over for the other officer.   Rayek nodded his understanding.   "Agreed, sir."

As part of his earlier tactical prep work, Rayek had spoken to Lieutenant Falleg pointing out his need of determining the operational frequency of any enemy vessel's sensor array.  "I need you to be able to make that happen, Lieutenant. It could be useful in 'blinding' them to an attack at a critical moment."

Rayek didn't imagine figuring out how to obtain the correct operational frequency would be easy but he trusted Hrafn to be able to do so for when he needed it.

NPC Ambassadorial Aide Rhienn tr'Hei (Telmuk tr'Lhoell undercover)
[Katra Station - Deck 11 - Romulan Embassy]

In his role as Rhienn - the Ambassador's Aide,  Telmuk nodded with understanding at the Commander's explanation of the situation.  "I see.  That is unfortunate, but I will be sure to inform the Ambassador that all talks and negotiations will be conducted through you."

He had taken note of what Commander Eydis had said in regards to 'unnecessary movements' and its effect on the Tholians, yet Telmuk was undecided if he should pass that along or not.  His mission directive, other than its scope of his brother, wasn't clear on it what was expected of him - just that he should guide the Embassy towards the Tal'Shiar goals.  However, nothing in his mission overview mentioned what those goals were in regards to the Gamma Quadrant.  Would it benefit them in the organizations rebuilding phase to have good relations with the Tholians?  Or were the crystalline species becoming too 'buddy-buddy' with the Feds.. and therefore, best to be avoided and not worthy of a Romulan alliance?

For now, Telmuk decided to keep the intel to himself.

When Eydis mentioned hir (the non-gender pronoun was very unfamiliar to the Romulan) interest in pursuing possible trade of technology, Telmuk suspected that the Tholian would like be interested in obtaining Romulan cloak technology or perhaps their singular drives, but he couldn't see the Tholians having anything the Romulan people would want.

But for the moment, he didn't need to worry about any secrets being given away.    "I will note that as a topic for discussion later."

The role of aide prompted him to 'tie down' a meeting date, time and location with the Tholian Commander.

"Since we are the one seeking to meet with you, I believe it is only fair for us to come to your Embassy, unless that would be disruptive to Director Tseyn.  If so, then I'm certain I can arrange to have the Ambassador host you here.  Is there a preferred a day and time that works best for you?"

Do not be mistaken Romulan, in thinking you are dealing with a lesser species with inferior technology. The Suliban Cabal had learned the hard way. And believe me when this new romulan alliance goes the way of the empire it replaced, the assembly will still be.  And the Romulan alliance is not the only ones who might have what the assembly needs. Remember this romulan we have a exist alone in sea of carbon based humaniod life for some time. I

That should work existing in cooler environment causes me some minor discomfort but it is manageable, however I will not waste my time.the director has directed me to open other avenues should the endeavour with the romulan alliance prove to be fruitless. .

Eydis then waited wanting perhaps to see how the romulan would respond. They were related to Vulcans and both had deep emotions the romulans were more open with it then the Vulcans. And Eydis wanted to rattle the romulan for further talks. After a few minutes shi turns from the communication link and ends it. Looking over the bridge of the Etain shi would close the star chat after having chosen a course for hir new command. Shi paused and wondered how hir friend zex was fairing but had confidence in the deltans abilities and will to see things through.

Zex was proving to be quite interesting and did represent her people well. Then Eydis would head off the command bridge of the Etain to hir personal chambers. There hir grand parent Loskene had left a stowaway pet for her offspring. It was like to humans what a dog might be. And this particular pet had been there in hir First year of development after hir creation. Shi was eager to see it and be reminded of simply times.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Lt Cmdr Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Healy - Deck 1 - Bridge]  [DAY THREE]

It felt awkward to be sitting in the XO command seat of the Healy, with a tactical display on his chair's console, and see the Captain manning the Helm in front of him.  Rayek understood the reason, it just felt unnatural.

Pushing the feeling aside, the Romulan called for a confirmation of the ship's readiness (such as it was) by each department.  He also checked in with the Starstalker confirming their readiness.

With this complete and all as prepared as they could be, Rayek spoke ahead to Solluk.  (Again, it felt odd to need to project his voice more than the usual foot or two to be heard.)  "Any inspiring words to offer the crew, Captain?"

NPC Cathy Daniels
[SS Wonderland - Bridge] [DAY THREE]

Bearing down upon the two freighters, with the virtual viewscreen depicting preferred weapons range in under 5 minchets, Yelgrun's strategizing as to their next course of destabilising action after this was rudely interrupted by a series of alarms that echoed around the control room, a visual indicator flashing in the corner of the monocle at the same time. The Vorta turned to the First with a look of incensed displeasure. "Why have the shields dropped?" he snapped, secretly wondering if this was another attempt to circumvent his authority. At this rate, he'd end up being the only living member of this ship; a prospect that was certainly beneath him.

The First, Ilomon'otol, moved swiftly to the side of the Second (who had, until recently, been Third) to glance over the output readings. "There is interruption to the grid; damage caused by the Federation counter-assault." it reported, looking at Second with disappointment at their failure to anticipate this situation. "Fifth. Sixth. You will investigate and effect repairs."
...

Ilomon'otol came over, slowly, almost as if stalking prey. "Do you wish to halt the attack?" it asked carefully, as if there was a right answer...and one that it did not wish to hear. Yelgrun intuited the unspoken challenge, and shook his head, both in a manner of arrogance, and self-preservation.

"I do not think this will be necessary" he replied, earning a look of respect from the First. "Dominion technology need not fear two poorly armed Federation transports, even without shields. Continue the approach and standby to achieve victory."

SS Yadyam - Deep Space

Asile - Captain Odelot - Engineer, Cook Aldo - Security, Cargo Specialist

Asile waited for them to finish, then touched the control that would activate ship-to-ship.

"Wonderland.  This is being Asile on the Yadyam again.  We are being ready.  There is a cloud of star-stuff not too far, but I am not thinking we can get there in time.  I am thinking... it will be a fight."

Cathy, who was monitoring the Wonderland sensor feeds (unlike on a starship there were no dedicated tactical sensors just the ships overall sensors), watched with growing dread as the approaching continue to close the gap between them.   It looked like Captain Asile wasn't as slow as she might otherwise seem.  They both couldn't reach the nebula.

"Finn, the star-stuff Asile is referring to is a small nebula.  There's no way both ships can reach the nebula in time but... it may be possible, if we sacrifice one ship... perhaps remote operate it to put up a fight?  Then other ship - with the sacrificed ship's crew on board - could possibly make it to the nebula before the Dominion closed the gap.  The gases and natural radiation in the nebula would give us some chance of hiding until maybe Starfleet arrives?"  That was assuming that they were able to send out a Mayday.

"Should I send out a distress call and put my suggestion to the Pakleds?" she prompted.

She glanced back to her console and had to do a double take.   "Captain?  I think their shields just went down.. "

If the Dominion ship had weakened defenses... then a fight might be possible.  If they could avoid getting hit.  Cathy bit at her lip in thought.   What would Niles do?

NPC Ambassadorial Aide Rhienn tr'Hei (Telmuk tr'Lhoell undercover)
[Katra Station - Deck 11 - Romulan Embassy]

Do not be mistaken Romulan, in thinking you are dealing with a lesser species with inferior technology. The Suliban Cabal had learned the hard way. And believe me when this new romulan alliance goes the way of the empire it replaced, the assembly will still be.  And the Romulan alliance is not the only ones who might have what the assembly needs. Remember this romulan we have a exist alone in sea of carbon based humaniod life for some time. I

That should work existing in cooler environment causes me some minor discomfort but it is manageable, however I will not waste my time.the director has directed me to open other avenues should the endeavour with the romulan alliance prove to be fruitless. .

Eydis then waited wanting perhaps to see how the romulan would respond. They were related to Vulcans and both had deep emotions the romulans were more open with it then the Vulcans. And Eydis wanted to rattle the romulan for further talks. After a few minutes shi turns from the communication link and ends it.

The Tholian Commander's unprovoked defensiveness about hir species technology was unexpected and for a moment Telmuk was slack-jawed at being named 'Romulan' in hir outburst.  The term was clearly spoken in a derogatory manner.. and the comparison of the Free State alliance to the Assembly obviously meant to be offensive.   His urge was to insult the Tholian back or better yet just pause the comm and just leave the Commander hanging waiting for a response... but had Telmuk knew his persona Rhienn would do neither of these.. ugh.. so he managed to gather the control enough to refrain.

His voice was dripping with feigned apology over the comm. "There seems to be some misunderstanding or miscommunication, Commander Eydis.  Forgive me if my words have offended you somehow.   I meant no disrespect to you or your people.  I will pass along the words to Ambassador Jarok, you can be sure.   So, just to confirm... the meeting will be held at your Embassy...  but you have yet to state a preferred time.  WHEN would you like to meet with the Ambassador?"

NPC Lt JG Saqa7 Mountain-Kahn
[Katra Station - Deck 6 - Sciences Department - Omnilab 2] [DAY THREE]

< Katra Station / Deck 6 / Omnilab 2 >
[DAY THREE]

Sirol & Chysik ch'Talvin (& Arrhae)

As the Lieutenant had finished her song, Sirol - just as she learned was custom among most humans - gave her an applause; a sign of appreciation, signalled by her clapping her hands.
"œThat was remarkable." The scientist complimented, and slightly nodded at the other Starfleet officer. "œI dare say, it might have been the most intimate so far, and I thank you for that, Lieutenant." She tilted her head at the other officer, then leaned forward again.
"œNo worries though. You are not interrupting my work. I have compiled a list of things I consider installing, but I also wanted to have a look at the lab first and see what I am working with here. If you like, recommendations are always welcome"¦"
She now got back to her feet and walked over towards the holo table in one of the corners of the room. Activating it, she began to fiddle around and loaded some of the programs she had saved on her little PDA.
She began to casually test out and calibrate the device; by trying out a holographic drawing program that permitted the user to "˜draw' in all three dimensions. It was in actuality a children's game, yet surprisingly sufficient at testing out holographic devices and their handling.
She drew a few neon blue lines into the area above the table, loosely connecting them with her index finger, creating  shape that vaguely looked like a snowflake.
"œVery decent reaction time"¦" She calmly mumbled, then looked at the Lieutenant again, and politely nodded towards her offer.
"œI would appreciate the chance to meet for a drink later. I have not yet had much time to get acquainted to many people, you and the rest of our staff included.
Is there a location you can recommend? I have compiled a list of the station's bars and restaurants, and am looking forward to try out as many of them as possible."
She smirked a little, then - still within the holographic drawing program - drew a conic shape with a pin and a stand - a shape to resemble a drinking glass.
"œWhen and where, Lieutenant?"

Mid sentence though, Sirol was actually ripped out of her thoughts as she could hear the beeping alarm of her comm badge.
"Sirol here?"

"Commander... I mean... Ambassador's assistant here..." The tired voice of the child on the other end could be heard.  "I had a bad dream and grandfather is still working... Can you come and read me a story?"

Sirol raised an eyebrow, then looked fourth and back between the holograms and the Lieutenant, almost even as if evaluating whether or not she had the permission...
"I am currently at work myself. But I will gladly read you a story over the comm channel if that is acceptable as well..."

Saqa7 beamed at the compliment to her drumming, and was relieved to hear that she wasn't interrupting.

However, despite the words to the contrary, when Sirol walked away to a holo table and began tapping away at her PDA doing something which she gave no explanation of, Saqa7 felt the statement that she wasn't interrupting was a bit of a lie or a platitude.   She didn't know what Sirol meant by 'recommendations were welcome' - recommendation of what exactly?

Feeling that she was intruding, the native woman began putting away her drum, intending to return to the main lab to see if Lt Moreno needed any assistance since she had no open experiments as the moment - having cleared them all just prior to her taking leave.

Yet just as she was preparing to leave, Sirol looked up and commented belatedly on her offer of a drink after work.   "Um... I like Blue Belles."  Saqa7 had begun frequenting it the strip club bit more regularly following Tess' bridal shower.  "But it's not for everyone... so perhaps Gamma Brauhaus?"

The when and where question, Saqa7 didn't have the opportunity to answer before Sirol received a call from what sounded like a child.    Saqa7 thought it was so sweet of the Romulan woman to offer to read the young girl a story over the comm.   She hadn't known the woman was a mother.

Placing her drum bag over her shoulder, Saqa7 silently mimed that she was going to head out.   She would message Sirol a bit later with the location at time for the meeting.    She gave a wave to the Andorian in the background then turned to head out.

[John Saxon]

After reporting to the Healy that the spyship was ready to depart, the subsequent minutes were much of a blur to Saxon as they were to everyone but the helm. The approach wasn't so much as 'novel' as it was 'stomach-churning'; but after prising the fingers of a terrified Science specialist off his arm, 'Century' had to admit, by virtue of evidence more than just not being destroyed by the defence platforms, that this approach - in more than one sense of the word - was absolutely spot on. "Good work" he said, with a appreciative slap of the console.

So, they were now within safe transporter range, and neither shields nor weapons of either platform showed any sign of activity. And yet... John was still cautious. As the saying could be paraphrased: it could be quiet...too quiet... The Starstalker's powerful passive sensors, what was left of them anyway, reported an intact environmental seal but said sensor damage was unable to determine if there was a breathable atmosphere; there shouldn't be, of course.

"I'll beam aboard first" he told, rather than asked, and began suiting up, somewhat pleased to climb into one so fresh-scented, quite different to his prior adornment at the end. "I'll assess the situation and establish life support before signalling its safe to come across.". A phaser was taken by a proffered hand, and he thanked with a nod the very same Science technician that had clung to him like a Tiberian beetle.

What he didn't mention was the very real chance of enemy transporter scramblers ready to activate the moment a signal was detected. Still, he had dodged the beak of the Great Bird many times already; surely his sinewy body wasn't worth repeated efforts to gnaw upon.

The purple scarab-like craft bore down on the two transports without pause or fear, ice-blue lances puncturing the Pakled freighter with rapid strikes like frenzied wasp stings.

As the attack ship sailed past, the Vorta turned his head to allow the virtual viewscreen to observe the burning wreckage it had left in its path. A twitch of the mouth indicated that the results were not as expected. He could see burning plasma fires, but no detonation.

Flipping the monovisor up, Yulgrun glared hard at the First, who - in only a way Jem'Hadar could - returned a powerful glance that merely communicated a shrug and passed along the received glare to the Second. The Second, for their own part (and perhaps wisely under the circumstances) did not look up from their control pillars, instead read out tactical reports with a sense of bafflement and perhaos even a touch of respect. "All critical targets were identified and struck correctly" it said, thick-hide fingers prodding new refinements. "But the Pakled vessel's systems seem have a more dispersed interconnectivity than expected." Only then did the Second look up. "The hull is severely compromised, and yet functionality seems to be only moderately affected."

Yulgrun sighed venomously. Pakleds(!) The adventitious savants of the galaxy." Bring us about and target the second vessel" he instructed. The Pakleds were going nowhere now regardless, and he'd relish taking his time with them again once the Federation transport 'Wonderland' was abruptly dispatched.

[Hrafn Falleg]

Lt Cmdr Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Healy - Deck 1 - Bridge]  [DAY THREE]

It felt awkward to be sitting in the XO command seat of the Healy, with a tactical display on his chair's console, and see the Captain manning the Helm in front of him.  Rayek understood the reason, it just felt unnatural.

Pushing the feeling aside, the Romulan called for a confirmation of the ship's readiness (such as it was) by each department.  He also checked in with the Starstalker confirming their readiness.

With this complete and all as prepared as they could be, Rayek spoke ahead to Solluk.  (Again, it felt odd to need to project his voice more than the usual foot or two to be heard.)  "Any inspiring words to offer the crew, Captain?"

[Bridge - USS Healy]

Back in her seat after interviewing Saxon (she was glad to see him still as wily as ever!), Hrafn was glad to see Rayek back in the XO's seat, it was perfectly 'normal' for her to see that and anything more routine than the last few days and weeks had been around Katra was a blessing in her books.

"All systems show green, nothing unusual that we don't already know about out there, from what my scans are saying anyhow!" she remarked.

[Tess tLhoell]

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 18 - Wildlife Research & Rescue Center - Zoology Lab] - DAY THREE

Katra Station - Zoology Lab

"I will of course have all six of the Zoology labs assigned to this," Doctor Hagen said, "We will definitely welcome all of the medical labs the station can spare, Commander."

"I'll begin running comparisons right away, to see if we can determine what the common factor might be.  This will definitely keep our hands full.  I wonder if Zex might be able to coordinate with Security to run the angle of this possibly being intentional?"

Jessica glanced to Zex half-apologetically given that she'd just volunteered the Deltan for a task she might not enjoy.

Katra Station - Zoology Lab

"I would be happy to work that angel.  With your permission, of course.  Commander" Zex replied.

"I do have to go feed Mon, thought.  But I could do that pretty quickly.  Then I could head up to the control center" she added.

Tess nodded to Zex. "Thank you for your felixibility, Zex. That is exactly what we need right now", she said with appreciation.

At Jessica's words Tess paused for a moment. "Actually I would prefer if you in the Zoology lab could work on getting more samples of the animals and running the simulations for the antibiotic for the animals. I will round up all available medical staff in the medical labs to work on tracing back the bacteria strains."

With her orders given she nodded at the assembled officers before she left the zoology lab.

[Katra Station - Deck 22 - Medical lab] - DAY THREE ... Late Beta shift

Tess had briefed the medical team about the new, mutated bacteria strains and that they most likely dealt with deliberately induced mutations to make the bacteria behave the way they did. If that was the case, it was extremely advanced knowledge and technology at work here. Which would match the Thinkers. Tess had forwarded their current findings to Starfleet Intelligence, just stating facts since and left the conclusion of the probability to them.

The rest of the day, Tess had spent in medical lab 1 to help with the massive amount of work they had to do. She saw Fvienn only briefly in between to feed him and it seemed like the infant became more fussy the longer Tess' work day became. Benjin had joined his brothers after his shift to look after baby Lhoell. Tess resisted the urge to check on them every hour or so, imagine what ideas the boys might get. But whenever she called or dropped by, everything was well, of course. Her father had offered to do some groundwork in the sicence labs for the medical team that was working on the task.

With modern technology, it was relatively easy to decode the genome of a bacteria strain since it only existed on a single double stranded circula DNA molecule. Bacterial genes with similar functions like the ones they were dealing with here (the 'original' and the mutated one) shared one promoter and were transcribed simultaneously; this system was called an operon. Typical operons consisted of several structural genes that code for the enzymes required for the pathway. Regulation occured through transcription factors binding to a short sequence of DNA between the promoter region and the structural genes (operator).

A mutation was a change in the nucleotide sequence of a short region of a genome, phenotypic results varied on the severity and location of the mutationand. Mutations could be induced by exposure to mutagens like chemicals and radiation. If they found out what had indusced the mutation of the bacteria strains they were dealing with here, they might be able to reverse the effect. The mutation here obviously had produced a change in structural charasteristics of both bacteria strains in a way that it made them accumulate certain minerals in the location they were found, which made them being regulatory mutants - they had disruptions on regulatory sequences like promotor regions.

That was what they knew so far. Now they needed to find out what kind of agent had caused the bacteria strain to mutate.

Tess looked up from the screen she's been staring on for what felt like forever. She rubbed her eyes. "Alright", she said tiredly. "Let's go for biological agents first. Computer. Compare DNA sequences of the original bacteria strain MD16S870 and the mutated one MD16S987-n that show a transposition of transposons. Focus on short regions of nucleotide repeats on either side of the transposition sequence. Give out replicative, conservative and retro transposons."

The computer bleeped in acknowledgement.

"How long until the final results?"

"3 hours and 7 minutes."

Tess glanced on the chronometer. That was enough time for a nap.

Adryel of Etros
[Planet Meridian - Emerald Peninsula - Ihmana Refugee Camp] - DAY THREE

Katra Station - Etrosian Refugee Camp

Beja struggled with finding the correct words to answer Adryel's question about Klingon Religion. It was a difficult question to answer because yes the Klingons had what some would call religious beliefs but it wasn't quite the same thing as the Etrosians had. The Etrosians were deeply spiritual from everything Beja had observed. Their faith was intertwined in everything they did, and for the Klingons it was more like an explanation supporting their warrior culture.

"œI don't know if you can say that the Kligons have a religion like your people Adryel, but I'm happy to share their beliefs. I will be honest, I'm not sure what I believe myself," Beja confessed to her friend. After spending a lifetime in the stars, it was hard to think there was something else out there for people in a spiritual manner. Everything was explained so well with science and technology that to think of religious belief was difficult for Beja.

Beja knew as a counselor that most people had a foundation of belief underneath them that they built themselves upon. Most people needed that grounding in belief of something to help them construct themselves and their views. She always encouraged her clients and fully supported them with their beliefs. As long as it was not harming others, she saw no issue with it. People for the most part just wanted to fit in with others and live a happy and satisfying life.

Beja observed Adryel, and copied his manners. She bowed low to the small shrine in the house, before following outside. "œI hope you don't mind me asking questions in return as well Adyrel. I am curious about your Wise One above. Do you have a wise one below as well? Or is your wise one only above?"

"œThe Klingon's creation belief has some similarities to humans. I've found there are threads of similarity that run through most religions. But for Klingons they believed in many gods. These Gods forged the heart of the first Klingon, which we call Kortar out of steel and fire on Qui'Tu, which is the place Klingons call the place of creation.

But Kortar was lonely by himself, so the Gods created a mate for Kortar called Shelka. Things were fine for a time until Kortar and Shekla were tired of the Gods' demands and meddling. So Kortar and Shelka destroyed all of the Gods that had created them. This act had a price, and Kortar was forced to pilot the barge of the dead for eternity. And Shelka was bound to walk the world forever alone.

They say that the two Klingon hearts were forever separated, never to be one again, and that is the divide is what separates life from death.

I will admit in this tale, I always wondered who was the one to punish Kortar and Shelka if they Gods were all destroyed by them. But that is never really spoken about by my people.

"œThat is the Klingon's creation belief. We have a very important Prophet Kahless, that is what the new Klingon government in this quadrant is named for, The Republic of Kahless. When I was a small child I used to imagine and fantasize about finding the great prophet Kahless' sword and finally becoming accepted as a worthy Klingon. Of course that was just a child's silly notion."

Adryel started to walk beside Beja as he led her through the camp towards the edge of it where a piece of forest lay. Her statement that she didn't know what she believed herself left Adryel somewhat bewildered. Uncertainty about your own faith was something he just couldn't imagine. But maybe it was a trait of technologically advanced people. The Atrosians - and that really was the only way, if at all, he wanted to compare Beja to - didn't have faith in something that was bigger and wiser than them, either.

After Adryel had been quiet for a moment he turned his head to look at the Klingon fondly, intending to say something encouraging to her to maybe study her own people's beliefs, but she beat him by asking a question. Her inquiry made him chuckle. "Forgive me, Beja of Starfleet. I am not laughing about you. It is just that a question like that never occured to me." He looked ahead, regarding the sun rays that were breaking through the canopy of leafs above them as they walked through the idyllic forest. "We call our deity The Wise One Above because he is above everyone and everything. While at the same time being inside of everyone and everything. He is just omni-present and guides us through our lives in the best way possible. We must keep our eyes open, be attentive to the things he wants to tell us. That is the purpose of our lives. If bad things happen, then it is because we haven't paid attention enough."

Adryel then listened with interest as Beja told him about the Klingon beliefs and he was intrigued by it. "This is very different", he commented. "Your gods are many. They have been created. And they have been destroyed." Adryel actually was saddened by this. "I think I do understand now why you are uncertain about your belief, Beja of Starfleet", he said quietly and turned his head to look at her fondly.

When she told him about the sword of Kahless, Adryel was fascinated again, as he has never learned about such stories. "What does the sword mean to your people?", he asked curiously. "Is it a tool or a weapon? Does it mean power for the person who finds the sword?"

After they had walked for a while, they reached the temple that was still under construction. Apparently it was a priority for the Etrosians to build it before building proper homes for themselves. "Here it is", Adryel said almost solemly.

Soon, there would be found several of such buildings on Meridian. Even if they needed permission from the Meridian President, the Etrosians didn't seem to care. This was more important to them.

NPC Juraan Ren
[Wonderland]

Juraan followed the developments as they were happening. He didn't like that Finn hesitated for so long. They needed to get out of here, quick! The Pakleds were damn right, it looked like there was about to be a fight. And they would lose it. Hiding in the nebula seemed like their only option but just if they made a decision now.

"Finn!", Juraan growled, urging him to say something.

Then Cathy said their readings showed that their shields were down. A feeling of euphoria welled up inside former member of the Bajoran underground. They got a chance to hurt their enemy. They had to take the chance. It shouldn't make him feel the way it did but it was almost an absurd sense of satisfaction that the notion brought him. "If we fire at them together with the Pakled ship we might be able to destroy them!"

The visual of the Dominion ship approaching in what was undoubtedly an attack maneuvre drew Juraan's attention away from Finn. He swore loudly in Bajoran, checking readings. "The Yadyam is heavily damaged!"

There was no time to ask for the crew's well-being. "We will be next, we need to fire now!" Juraan charged the weapons and locked target on the Dominion ship. It took all his self-control not to pretermit his Captain. He counted down from three in his head. His fingers hovering over the button that would open fire.