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Something terrible can haunt a person even when they are not aware of it. Fara Phoenix was haunted.

She still remembered that day...the deafening noise...the slight drop of atmospheric pressure. She dug her claws into the master systems display and held on as tight as she could until the atmospheric pressure was restored by an emergency force field. Everything was hot, as if the deck had conducted a tremendous amount of heat from wherever the explosion had occurred. She stepped out into the core room of main engineering. Her heart sank when she saw two people who were stationed on the upper deck were now gone. In the upper starboard part of the engineering compartment, she could see stars through a rent in the hull.

In a daze, she went to check on the three people who she'd just sent out through the starboard door to engineering, but as she touched the door, it was ice cold. The computer warned her to step back because there was a hull breach. Her ears were still ringing from the sound of the explosion as Jenna Rydel came up to her and said something, but Fara was still in a daze. She'd just sent three people to their death. There was something that had to be done...the ship was still under attack....

An engine was gone, possibly both. She had to see what was going on. She walked over to a monitor by the core. There was a massive breach in the Raptor's hide from what she could tell.

That damn primary conduit, Fara thought, the weakness...we couldn't find until it was too late...

She quickly started the core back up ,trying to ignore anything else but that. She had to get the ship mobile again. The intermix chamber was still charged, so it would only take a few seconds. There had to be at least eight people on duty in that section she realized.

The computer was not being responsive. Fara slapped it out of frustration and put in her commands again. Soon the reaffirming thrum of the core resounded through the core room once again.

Afterwards

She was numb. She couldn't feel anything but anger and she did her best to repress it. Everything just seemed to move on without her, like she was just stuck in her own bleak reality, going through the motions.

Bury it...all the rage...in work. Bury it...leave it that way.

And then the nightmares started.

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Title: Pieces

IDP 2009,2021

By Vakash Darkbane

Edited by Saurex Conoway

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The damage done to the Raptor had been worse than she had initially thought. As she and her crew assessed the damage, they were all counting their blessings that the ship had even made it home at warp speed. The space dock was practically crawling with repair vehicles as technicians tended to the ship's damages.

Fara Phoenix and her assistant Knackt, in vac suits, standing on the edge of the gaping hole in the Raptor's hull. The explosion had torn the ship open from the top deck clear down into Deck 4. If it wasn't for the heavy shielding around the antimatter pods, the whole ship would have gone up in one bright flash and no one would have survived.

"Sheesh," Knackt said, looking down into the hole, "we should be goners."

Fara nodded in quiet reserve as they watched the others down inside the hole, scanning the structural damage to the ship.

"It's going to be as big of a project as putting together the first time isn't it?" Knackt sighed, looking at Fara, who still didn't respond. Not getting an answer out of her, he popped her environmental suit's arm with his fist.

"What?" Fara started.

"Wow toots! You're about as fun as talking to a bulkhead dis morning. Sumpthin' wrong?" The rat asked.

"I'm really busy and you are interrupting me," Fara said, glaring at him. "Don't you have an analysis to do?"

"You kiddin' me," Knackt scoffed, "I already got that done. We're gonna to have to rebuild the entire plasma conduit end to end. No point trying to graft onto what's...well...what's left."

"So, instead of fixing it, why are you bothering me?" Fara growled, going back to her work.

"Already on it toots," Knackt said.

"Stop calling me that," Fara snarled. Usually Knackt's colloquialisms didn't bother her, but today he was really, really getting on her nerves. "Just go bother someone else!" She shouted loud enough that the mask on her suit's helmet vibrated.

"Ok ok," Knackt said, "sheesh! Don't be blowin' a gasket! I'm gone." Knackt kicked off the deck and floated down the hole.

Fara watched him go and muttered to herself as she paged one of the repair crews. "Kurtzman, does that antimatter containment center need to be replaced?"

"Negative Chief," Kurtsman responded over the speaker in her ear. "It looks like the shielding stood up to the blast. We've been over it about three times and it seems ok."

"Good," Fara sighed. At least that was one less thing to replace.

It was going to be one hell of a project to just get the ship back in working order. The starboard nacelle was going to have to be completely rebuilt and at this rate she was really hoping that the heat from the blast hadn't warped the frames. If it had, the Raptor was going to be out of commission for a while longer than she thought. After the repairs, it was going to still need thorough servicing. There was going to be a lot of work ahead for her. She was hoping Starfleet would send adequate reinforcements so she could have time to get the ship properly mended.

She noticed something out of the corner of her eye and looked to see the station's bay doors slowly parting. A Tri-Nacelle starship was slowly gliding into the bay to dock beside the Raptor. She recognized it as an Akira class and she could barely make out the name "Aether" on it. The ship was a little large for the station, but it could fit inside adequately enough. Akira class ships were pretty stout and she figured that it must be the Raptor's current replacement for the moment.

She brought her attention back to the task at hand and sighed.

* * *

Midday

"Fara, you are just the perfect picture of quiet despair." Terri Lu said quietly across from her.

"I'm fine," Fara grunted, wolfing down her food.

"Uh huh...." Terri said, her voice still scratchy from the wound from nearly a week ago. "You haven't spoken to me since I called and asked if you wanted to go to the replimat?"

"Sorry," Fara said, taking a drink, "but I've got a lot of work ahead of me. How's your singing voice?"

Terri smiled, finally getting Fara to focus on something other than the datapad she had brought with her. "It's doing fine," she said, "the scratchiness will go away in another few days if I'm careful."

"At least you get a break," Fara sighed.

"You know Fara, you'll only run yourself down like this. You have a good group of people working under you. You don't have to constantly be there."

"It's my ship Terri, I built it, I don't trust anyone with it," Fara scowled.

"That may be, but you didn't build it all, piece by piece. You had your people helping," Terri said, gesturing with her fork. "Everyone on your team works just as hard as you do and even they don't spend every waking moment on that damn ship. You need to live a little Fara."

"I don't have a life...just work," Fara said.

"Well, maybe you should try to get one," Terri said patiently.

"Speaking of life outside the ship, how did your date with stupid go?" Fara asked.

"That was a little uncalled for," Terri glared, "but it went fine. It was just like old times again," she said, smiling sweetly. "Almost like we just picked up where we left off."

"The guy is an airhead. I don't know why you'd waste your time with him," Fara noted sincerely.

"Well, maybe if you'd talk to him more, besides berating him all the time, you'd learn differently, that's all I'm saying," Terri said curtly, taking a bite of her food. "Look, I know a new ship just came in, which means there'll probably be some cute guys on board..." she said twirling her fork into her food.

"Terri..." Fara sighed, "I don't need--"

"You need to do something other than spend time on that damn ship for once Fara," Terri said, cutting her off. "Michelle and I are going out tonight and I want you to come along."

"Going...where?" Fara asked warily.

"Anywhere that looks fun! What does it matter?"

"Terri, I really don't--"

"God Fara! You are such a wet blanket sometimes! Just take the night off, put on something other than that damn lab coat and uniform, and go out with us! It'll be fun, I promise," Terri pleaded with her.

Fara thought about it. It was better than going to sleep, which would be the first thing she did if she got home.

"Fine..." Fara scowled.

"You won't regret it," Terri grinned.

"We'll see," Fara sighed.

"Good! We'll swing by to pick you up around 1800."

* * *

"Ah, Commander! Thank you for being so punctual," Captain Stiles said as Harry arrived in his office in the station's operations center.

Harry nodded and noticed there was a dark brown female echidna sitting at Stiles' desk with captain's pips on her collar. She looked to be maybe ten years older than him and her dark fur was like his, meaning they probably came from the same part of Termia.

"Sir," he said, appropriately acknowledging her.

The other Captain stood up and said, "Lt. Commander, I've heard a lot about you from Captain Stiles here. You seem to have gathered yourself quite the reputation so far."

She offered him her paw.

He shook it. "It's never been my intention to gather a reputation sir," Harry said levelly.

"I want you two to spend a lot of time comparing notes. Captain De'sol is going to be doing your job for the next few weeks, until the Raptor is up and operational again," Stiles elaborated. "I'm sure you will make sure Captain Jayna De'sol is more than properly informed."

"I've read as much as I can from your reports about Commandant Xox, however; I would prefer working with your first hand experience in dealing with him," she said, smiling.

"You want me to accompany you on the convoy?" Harry asked.

"Not exactly her or me, for that matter," Stiles said. "Starfleet HQ wants you to do it. Since your arrival, you've been about as much of a pain to him as he's been to us the last several months, so they want you to keep being a pain. Since his behavior seems to show that he's more interested in you than harassing our convoys, they think it would be best if you accompany Captain De'Sol on the Aether for a while and provide your expertise."

Harry raised his eyebrow. "There's something else, isn't there?"

"I'll let her tell you son," Stiles said with an amused smirk.

"I currently need a first officer," Jenna said. "Due to circumstances, I want you to fill that position. It'll include a promotion and the paperwork has already been filed. And," she added with a sly smiled, "possibly a new posting on board the Aether. If you want it, that is."

Harry nearly fell over. A chance to get out of this mess just presented itself.

"Really?" He said, flabbergasted.

"I'd hate to lose you," Stiles said, "but, yes, the paperwork has already been done."

"I don't know what to say..." Harry said.

"Well, a thank you would be nice for starters," Captain De'sol grinned.

"Thank you sir, I'll think about it," Harry stammered. "This is just so sudden...I need a bit to process this."

"Take all the time you need. You have until the Raptor is back up and running again," Stiles said, "but for now you and Captain De'Sol should get acquainted."

"I'm not doing anything at the moment. How about I give you a tour of the ship? You are going to be on board for a few weeks, so you may as well get to know her," Captain De'sol suggested.

"Yes, sir. I'd be delighted," Harry said, suppressing his excitement.

* * *

"Come on people! Get that damn coil remounted!" Fara barked over her com-link to her crews. "I don't want to be here all damn night!"

She watched the operation from her perch on top of Deck 1 as they lowered the replacement warp coils into the Raptor's starboard nacelle.

"Knackt! Are you and your team ready to mount that thing?"

"Don't worry about us," the rat replied. "We'll get it taken care of."

Fara looked down into the hull and saw that the framework repair process was coming along well. The main bulkheads were being welded back into place. It was a slow, arduous process. She glanced at the time on her datapad. The end of her shift was approaching.

"What's the deal, Chief?" Knackt said on a private com. "You've been in a hurry ever since you got back from lunch."

"I had something else come up and I need to take off as soon as I can after quitting time," Fara said.

"What? Wait...my god...are you taking a break?"

"Something like that," Fara quipped, "I've already arranged for the station crew to take over tonight."

"So, you are taking some time off!" Knackt crowed. "Well about time!"

"Knackt...just let it go. Shut your trap and do your job," Fara sighed.

"Yeah yeah yeah," he chuckled.

Fara switched channels to her computer techs. "Jenna, how are the systems looking? I want the second shift to be able to start doing simulations on this coil."

"Remick and I have already got the main optical data network trunk re-wired, so all they have to do is shunt the connections over to the mainframe."

"Great," Fara said. "I'm going to knock off for the night. It seems like the whole engineering crew has everything under control."

"Ok, Chief, see you later when I get off duty," Jenna replied.

"Wait...what do you mean?" Fara said after a moment, but the channel had already closed.

"Chief," Kurtzman's voice suddenly interrupted her, "we're having some issues on Deck four with the power system. We could use your help."

Fara sighed. "Fine, I'll be down there in a moment."

A bit later

It was later in the day when Fara finally got home. She still had plenty of time before Terri was going to meet her. She showered and grabbed a nice little cat nap before she got up and stumbled over to her closet.

It was unusually barren for a woman's closet. It was stuffed with more tools than apparel. She glanced around her quarters and noticed they were pretty spartan. Every table had some sort of component that she had taken home and worked on over the last few years on the Starbase. It looked more like a junkyard than someone's quarters.

Perhaps Terri was right. Maybe that damn ship was her life. She couldn't remember the last time she spent the night with something that didn't have a capacitor or a resistor. Knackt would still occasionally come over to talk shop and raid her liquor cabinet, then go home.

The only physical contact that hadn't been a machine had been with Harry, but that, along with the already complicated nature of their pre-existing relationship, a bit much to even dwell on at the moment.

She sighed heavily, staring at the stacks of tools, blue prints, and datapads filling her closet. She literally didn't have anything to wear.

She walked over to the com panel and called Terri's quarters.

"Hey Terri," she said, "I got a problem."

"Yes? What is it?" Terri finally answered.

"Terri, I don't have anything to wear other than uniforms...and I don't know where I stuck my outfits from when we were back on Termia."

"You're kidding me," said Terri. "It sounds like you are trying to get out of this."

"I'm not trying anything! I'm stating a damn fact," Fara growled. "When I told you I didn't have a life outside that ship I wasn't joking!"

"Oh dear," Terri said, "alright, we still got an hour or so, I'll head down there."

"Ok, whatever," Fara said, signing off.

She picked up her quarters as best she could. It was bad enough Terri thought she was slightly strange, but if she saw the piles of parts scattered throughout it, Fara imagined her opinion would only sink lower. The soiled and dirty uniforms were tossed into the laundry receptacle. It at least looked like she sort of lived here. Although, without the clutter, the space looked pretty stark.

Terri soon arrived.

"Ok, this isn't a problem," Terri said, stepping into the quarters with a small data chip in her hand. "I'd loan you something to wear, but you are a bit taller than me. I've got some outfits here we can replicate."

"I don't know," Fara grumbled, "if this is going to be a pain in the ass, I'd rather just--"

"You're going out with us and you are going to have some fun if it kills you!" Terri said, wagging the chip in her face before sticking it in the receptacle spot. "Now, flip through this and pick out something we can make in your size."

Fara reluctantly did so. As Terri searched the quarters for anything to help the situation, she finally gave up. "Fara, you are utterly hopeless!"

"I'm well aware of that," Fara grunted, flipping through the outfits on the screen. "Here, what about this one?"

Terri was busy replicating a few things and looked at the selection. "Looks good. Those slacks will look good with those legs of yours."

"Right," Fara said, replicating the outfit. "Now what do you got going on over there?" She asked, looking at the little cases Terri had replicated.

"It's called makeup and, no offence Fara, we got to do something about those rings under your eyes," Terri said.

"No way! I am not wearing that stuff," Fara growled. "It's a pain in the ass to get off!"

"Fara, have I ever led you wrong yet?" Terri said, feigning hurt.

"No," Fara admitted begrudgingly, "I guess the more of a fight a put up, the more you're going to fight back."

"Exactly! Now grab a seat," Terri smirked evilly.

* * *

Harry was quite impressed. He had forgotten how much more spacious larger ships were. His quarters were nicer than the ones he had on the station. The ship even smelled nice and new and didn't have the occasional bizarre odor wafting through the corridors like the Raptor. Also, the faint acrid smell of burnt electronics was thankfully missing. The Aether was designed primarily for exploratory missions in deep space with the ability to provide military support if needed. Although he'd be assisting Captain De'sol, it should be a fairly quiet trip. Xox wasn't even aware of this going on as far as he knew. Although, he was certain he was lurking somewhere just outside of sensor range.

The tour had been interesting. He had yet to be on one of the newer classes of ship and he had to admit he was definitely impressed. The bridge was larger too. He felt like you could probably hold a track meet in that thing. It was a nice change from his own fairly tight and claustrophobic bridge. The corridors were spacious and always seemed to be alive with people. Harry had to catch himself not doing the little step-to-the-side maneuver as people walked past.

To him, this assignment was almost like waking up from a bad dream. They had told him he may stay aboard if he wished. So far he was fairly tempted. A chance to go out exploring the stars again instead of having to deal with alien madmen and constantly diving into harm's way. Captain De'Sol was very friendly too. She was intelligent and he did admit he liked working with her. Her crew respected her and admired her greatly. It was all very, very tempting.

When he arrived in his quarters on the Aether, he noticed his new pips with the three solid gold bars resting on a table. That part still had his head spinning. It wasn't that he felt he didn't deserve it, but the suddenness was a bit overwhelming. Someone in the admiralty was looking out for him or he was just having a lucky couple of months.

The com chime sounded and Harry answered it. "Yes?"

"Ah, Commander, I hope you found your lodgings to your liking," Captain De'Sol's voice said over the com.

"Yes, I did," Harry replied.

"Good. We're going to have a staff meeting about our Urthean problem at about 19:00 hours. I was wondering if you would care to join me for dinner, so we could go over a few things first."

"It'd be my pleasure," Harry replied.

"I'll expect you by 18:00 sharp, Commander," Captain De'sol said, "don't be late."

"Aye, sir," Harry replied with a smile.

It was definitely going to be a very different couple of weeks. He walked over to the couch and plopped down in it with a contented sigh.

* * *

Michelle O'mara and Jenna Rydel had arrived at Fara's quarters and were sitting on her couch as Fara got ready.

"Ok, come on out," Terri said.

"No! God damn it...I look ridiculous," Fara growled from behind the wall.

"You don't look ridiculous, you look great," Terri prodded her. "Besides, we're running late, so quit dragging it out."

"Terri just wants to get her drink on before someone else can hit the bar first," Jenna said jokingly.

Terri stuck her tongue out her and made a gesture. "I'm on leave, I can do whatever I want." She reached in and grabbed a hold of Fara's arm.

"Let go!" Fara shouted.

"Come on! Quit being a pain," Terri said, dragging her out into the open. "You look nice."

"Well...maybe," Fara fumed.

She was dressed in a nice red blouse with a ruffled collar and a pair of black slacks and heels. Terri had even conned her into putting some clip on earrings on her ears. As Fara stepped out, Terri slipped into change real fast.

"Wow! She can look normal!" Jenna laughed. She had to dodge out of the way of a quickly launched hairbrush. It bounced off the couch and skidded across the floor.

"You look very nice Fara," O'mara added. "I'd try to not scowl though, the drooping ears make you look mean."

"I'll try," Fara sighed. "Can we just get this over with, please? Why are you coming along? I thought you had a boyfriend?" She asked Jenna.

"I'm going to meet him later tonight, but when Terri called and said you were coming along, I didn't want to miss it for anything," Jenna giggled.

"Ready," Terri announced, stepping out in a small form fitting little black dress which she was still adjusting herself into. She'd even done something to her head fur to shine it up a little bit.

"Good god," Fara gasped. "You're going out like that?"

"Of course," Terri said, applying some lipstick. "You girls ready?"

Michelle and Jenna both nodded and got up.

"Then let's go," she said motioning to the door.

The four made their way through the promenade towards Hanger 97, one of the more well known social spots on the lower part of the cargo bay.

"We're going in there?" Fara whined, suddenly regretting going on along with this.

"Do I have to sedate you?" Terri asked, hooking her arm through Fara's. "Lighten up a bit Fara! Yes, we are going in there and if we have to haul you in, we'll do it."

"Yeah, between me and Terri, I think we could muscle you in there," Jenna snickered doing the same.

"You really want to test that theory?" Fara growled.

"Um, they can be very persuasive, Chief," O'mara smirked. "They are way stronger than they look."

"Come on, it's go time," Terri said, winking to Jenna and then easily dragging Fara forward, even with her trying to drag her heels.

"This isn't fair!" Fara whimpered and then, realizing the ridiculousness of her own actions, she then started to laugh.

"That's better," Terri said. "Now stop fighting us."

"Ok, ok," Fara laughed, trying to catch her breath. "I give, I give."

They both let her go.

"You damn echidnas and your stubborn persuasiveness," Fara grumbled.

"Girl, you have no idea," Terri said with a wink as they arrived at the entrance.

Fara gulped at the sight of the two large Chyrosparsian's guarding the door. They were large humanoids who looked almost like living rocks. There was a line outside, yet they seemed to be mostly a various mix of the local male populace who were paying to get in. Since the place was a private business, it was expected that some credits were to be spent to get in. Terri led them right by.

"What," Fara wondered, "they aren't charging tonight?"

"Ladies night," Michelle explained.

"Ah, ok," Fara said, still not too sure. This wasn't her usual forte. Anyhow, she was being hauled along with the flow of things, literally.

"You know I can make you pay for this," She said, nudging Jenna Rydel.

Jenna giggled. "Yeah, but it'll be worth it."

The club was a strange mix of organic themes and modern styling, with lots of actual living trees and plants adorning the space, making it look like someone had built a club in a jungle. There was even a faux waterfall running down one of the walls, splashing down some fake rocks sticking out among the cascading waterfall. Fara had to admit it was a nice effect. It seemed like the place was slowly filling up with people and they grabbed a table. Terri went to go get some drinks.

"Don't you dare get me some sort of concoction that's going to knock me out of my wits," Fara hissed.

"Aww...ok! One mind eraser coming for the new gal! And the rest of us will have our usual."

"Terri!" Fara groaned.

"Just relax Fara," Jenna giggled.

Fara again contemplated running for it, but she was blocked in by O'mara and Jenna. "So what's the plan?"

O'mara laughed. "We've never really had a plan! Usually we sit here and have some drinks and a nice little visit and then eventually Terri drags me out there and tries to get me to talk to guys."

"Hey, don't knock it," Jenna said. "Kai and I have worked out ok."

Fara put her head in her hands. "Please tell me you are joking?"

"Nope. One's saying you need to have a boyfriend," Jenna said dismissively.

"Just maybe if you...well...you know...let loose for once..." O'mara added

smoothing her plumage. "Maybe you won't be so angry and grumpy all the time."

"I am not grumpy," Fara pouted, rubbing her temples. "I have a lot on my plate!"

"You are grumpy...like all the time," O'mara spat back. "You just suck the life out of the room when you join us for lunch!"

"Pfft! You are one to talk, Michelle! I thought you said most of the time you sit at home and read if you aren't puttering around in the lab," Fara said. "You hardly talk at all!"

"I d-d-do too talk!" O'mara spat back.

"Fine whatever," Fara frowned, "I just thought you were a bit of a recluse."

"Well, yes...usually," O'mara replied. "Counselor Modorro said I should be more sociable. Turns out, she's right. I like doing things like this."

"My god...she's gotten to you," Fara sighed, "you poor sweet thing."

"What's that s-s-supposed to mean?" O'mara said, a little irked.

"You were one of the good ones and you let Terri corrupt you," Fara said.

"It's not really corrupting if I agreed to it," O'mara smirked.

"You know, I really need to be writing the next day's work schedule," Fara said offhandedly as she attempted to slip away, "not killing time here."

"Fara, you go home every day covered in starship lube and grease and everything else and all you do is work on that ship," Jenna said empathetically, though she had a solid grip on Fara's shoulder. "Then you go home and eat something and go to sleep. That's all you've done every day since I've known you. Believe me, you are the only one that their whole existence is that damn ship."

At that time, Terri arrived with the drinks and from the look of the big red one she was handed, Fara guessed she was facing down something with enough alcohol to kickstart a warp drive. Terri gave the others their glass and then set the other one in front of Fara.

"What is this?" Fara asked.

"Altairian Starburst," Terri said, taking her seat, "you'll like it."

Fara sniffed it and pinched up her face. "It smells like parts cleaner!"

"It won't taste like it," Terri said holding up her glass. "A toast! Oh, and Fara? You have to take a drink."

"A big one," Jenna teased.

"To friends and to the hunt," Terri giggled.

"The hunt?" Fara asked with her glass in the air.

"Just shut up and have a drink," Terri said, rolling her eyes. "Cheers!"

* * *

"Ah, Commander," a young ensign answered, "right on time! If you'll follow me into the Captain's dining room."

"She has a dining room?" Harry said to the steward, raising a brow.

"Of course," the steward said, "she is very busy and I take care of a lot of things she rarely has time for and preparing a meal is one of them."

"I'll be damned," Harry shrugged as he followed him into the small dining room.

"Commander," Captain De'Sol greeted him and sat at one side of it. "Do have a seat. I see you already have your material prepared."

"Yes, it took a little effort, but I have been preparing something like this for months now," Harry said proudly.

"I have to come clean with you Harry," Captain De'sol said. "There is no meeting until tomorrow. We're doing a brief rotation of shore leave and I'm giving a few of my best people time off to fully enjoy it. I wanted to see if you were as punctual and prepared as Captain Stiles said you were. You didn't disappoint...Commander. Now, at ease and sit. Call me Jayna, by the way."

Harry sat his datapad down and grabbed a seat, somewhat thankfully to not have a staff meeting to look forward to for once.

"We'll be leaving for Starbase 200 tomorrow to escort a shipment of colony supplies to Renna 5," she said, "we'll have plenty of time to cover our bases on the way over there."

"Ah...so right into enemy territory then," Harry said.

"Yes, that is the idea, to draw Xox out," Jayna said, "but that is tomorrow, like I said. Now is now."

The steward came out and poured him a glass of wine and then went about bringing out their food.

"Thank you," Harry said as Jayna nodded.

"Well, now that we're on more informal terms," Jayna said, taking the barrettes out of her hair and letting her black as night hair cascade around her shoulders. "Tell me a little about yourself Harry."

"To be honest, as sudden as this is, my head is still spinning. The Raptor hasn't exactly been my most glorious assignment and it's been the complete opposite of what I signed on for."

"The Fleet was established primarily for exploration," Jayna said, sipping her wine before cutting into her food, "but the part you play is equally as important." She took a bite and chewed.

"I understand that," Harry said as he began eating too.

"It's not everyday a young Lt. Commander gets his first command so early in his career. The Raptor is a giant responsibility as well as a burden. Do you know that Starfleet is constantly keeping an eye on that little ship of yours to make improvements to the rest of the fleet?"

"I'm aware that we're supposed to be a test bed for new technologies in the next few months, but I didn't think it was anything that well known," Harry shrugged.

"There are many eyes watching what goes on out here Commander," Jayna said quietly. "Probably more than you are aware of."

Harry stopped, mid swallow, and had to get a drink of wine real quick.

"I'm not going to lie to you, your assignment was a pick out of you and two others. They picked you because you showed you could be cool under pressure and had demonstrated that, even with your lack of experience, you have done quite remarkably well."

"Thanks," Harry said and Jayna nodded.

They ate in silence for a few moments. Jayna then caught her steward by the arm, thanked him and asked him to leave. The ensign nodded and excused himself.

"So, your beads and your fur color, I take it you're from old Ketha province?" Jayna asked.

"Actually, yes." Harry replied.

"What part?"

"Western part. Yourself?"

"I was born and raised down by the shore," Jayna replied, "I'd go surfing or swimming everyday. It was nice."

"I didn't get to go to the shore that often," Harry said. "Mom didn't like going near the water, but my aunt used to take me once in a while when I was real little. Do you ever go back?"

"When we go to Termia once in a while. I try to get down there and see the old place if I can," she said. "It's still as beautiful as I remember it."

"Can't say the same for my home. Lots of hills and fields, but it never changes," Harry shrugged.

"Have you been back lately, to see the kin?"

"No, not for a while. I keep in touch with my aunt. My brother lives with her on the homestead, but we don't get along too well."

"At least you have family," Jayna said with a hint of sadness. "It's just me anymore."

"Why?" Harry asked. "If you don't mind..."

"Victims of Reechi's Syndrome," Jayna replied. "My family wasn't able to get treatment, there was no cure when it happened.."

Harry stopped eating and set his fork down. "My mother had that...it took her from me when I was five. The next year, my brother and I were able to get treatment when the cure became available."

"I'm sorry to hear about your mother."

"I appreciate that," Harry replied, "but it was a long time ago."

"That stupid plague killed a lot of our people...all because of some stupid accident over a centuries ago," Jayna said thoughtfully, taking a drink.

They were quiet for a moment and they both resumed eating.

"It is said every piece has its place Harry," Jayna said, carefully gauging his reaction, "and all of them are shaped to form a purpose..."

Harry stopped eating for a second and put his silverware down. "And each never aware of the greater picture." He dabbed his muzzle with a napkin. "It's been a long time since I've heard those words."

"Prove you've heard them by letting me see your tattoo," Jayna said.

Harry rolled up his sleeve on his left arm and on it was a puzzle piece with two gaps and one peg cut out of it. Jayna did the same and they compared them.

"Interesting," she muttered, "your piece mates with mine. What class were you?"

"Class of 37," Harry said.

"31, myself," Jayna said, rolling her sleeve back down. "They call us legends...you know that?"

"The Fab Fifty Five," Harry nodded, "yeah, I've heard. I'm glad to be one of the few. Admiral Kramer was probably the toughest, but best, instructor you could have."

"That he was. So few passed his tests and he tended to be hard on students." Jayna said. "Eccentric, but a genius in his own way."

"I won't argue that," Harry said, feeling a lot of tension seep away from the evening.

What had made his course so challenging was that he selected you whether you wanted it or not. He was a much older echidna, well into his later life, but as sharp and guileful as any cadet under his teaching. It was an advanced two year class at the academy and those that didn't pass under him would usually end up having to take the instruction over again under another teacher. However, up until the end his term at the Academy only 55 cadets ever successfully passed his class.

The pieces represented passing their final test of command, which was usually a rather surreal experience to say the least. Most broke because they couldn't make the tough, necessary decisions to overcome the test. It wasn't that it was unbeatable, it was just when it happened, you were never really aware it was happening. Admiral Kramer believed in using holographic technology to its fullest so he could observe his students reactions under real stress and situations.

He tended to construct the test around overcoming the one thing that would be a liability to the student in an actual situation. If they passed, they received their small little marking as a reward, as well as their papers to graduate the Academy with the highest honors. If not, it was a repeat course under another instructor for another 4 years. It wasn't easy. You had to work your butt off to even maintain a passing grade.

The pieces, however, represented something other than overcoming their weaknesses. It represented a bond between the students. It also meant that regardless of ranks, they were equals. Also, how they fit together, depending on the people, caused Harry to raise an eyebrow at the interesting possibilities that presented.

Apparently to Jayna, who was acting less formal by the minute. She was mulling them over as well

"I was one of his earliest students," Jayna said, taking a sip of wine. "One of the first to pass his tests, actually. It was an experience that to this date I have none to compare too yet."

Harry nodded in agreement.

"Believe it or not, there are three of us on the station," Harry said, remembering.

"Oh?" Jayna asked, intrigued.

"Yes. Sonya Jax, do you know of her?"

Jayna scowled. "I know of her. I know what she did. I thought she was off making us all look bad being a smuggler last I heard of her."

"Well...she was, but she's a part of my crew now," Harry elaborated. "She's currently a security/tactical specialist on the Raptor. She's doing well. She works very well with Lieutenant Jakar and between the two of them I don't ever have to worry about my weapons systems."

"It's good to hear she's cleaned up her act," Jayna mused, standing, then walking over to a cabinet in the wall. She opened the drawer and pulled out an ancient record player.

"What's that?" Harry asked.

"This is an authentic, antique turntable, several hundreds of years old." She flipped through some sleeved objects sitting beside the player. "I found it in a trade bizarre a long time ago. I've read about one stumbling upon this little beauty I had to have it."She pulled out what looked like black waxen disc and set it on the player and started it. "How about some music? I never did like the sound of digital recordings. They are too clean."

"How'd you get the records?" Harry asked, genuinely curious.

"I have to have them replicated," Jayna replied, "unfortunately. With it being a long abandoned technology, it's not something you are just going to find laying around."

Soon the sounds of string and wind instruments filled the little cabin.

"That's wonderful," Harry said.

Jayna smiled and sat back down across from him. "It's been a while since I've had anyone over...it's nice," she said quietly. "Usually I eat here alone and Boward fusses over me."

"I've had many a meal alone, myself," Harry said, "usually in my ready room and not nearly as nice."

Jayna smiled. "It comes with being a Captain."

"Ah," he grunted, "about this promotion..."

"Harry, don't worry about it," Jayna said dismissively. "With everything you've accomplished, minus the one setback, you have earned it. I know it seems sudden, but the closer you get to the top, the faster things happen. Your life will become more focused around what you're doing and not what you might do. Someone up in the upper echelons is watching you and thinks you can handle it."

Harry nodded. Even with her reassurance, he still felt like it was a bit rushed. "I'll take your word for it."

"Good. I don't need my potential first officer sitting around second guessing himself. You should know better, like any of us."

"I'm not perfect," Harry said in his defense, finishing off his wine.

"Few are," Jayna said, reaching for the wine pitcher after finishing off her own. "More?"

"Yes, please," Harry replied.

* * *

After about half a glass of Altairian sunset, Fara was feeling pretty good. The club had managed to get pretty packed full of people within the last hour or two. The music was playing and Fara seemed happily dazed by all of it.

"Yesh...I think he's cute..." she slurred "...even with those weird eyebrows."

This got a laugh out of the other girls. Fara took another drink, not knowing what else to do. She was drunk enough that she nearly blurted out her little secret to her friends.

"If I'd known the Chief would be like this, we shoulda drug her out here a long time ago," Jenna giggled.

"Wheresh...where...Terri at?" Fara asked.

"She'll be back around in a moment," Michelle said. "She's looking for someone."

"Good evening ladies...whoa!" Kai Remick said, seeing Fara as he came up. "Is that..."

"Yes!"

"HI KAI!" Fara called, a bit wobbly.

The Catarian tried to smile, but it looked like he was terrified. He wasn't expecting to run into his boss in this of all places. But soon it turned into a mischievous smirk. "Wow...how much as she had?"

"Enough," Jenna said, scooting out of the booth. "Thanks for being on time," she said, kissing Kai on the cheek. "Tell Terri I had to go will you?"

"Don't worry about it. I'll keep an eye on Fara," O'mara winked. "You two have fun. See you later."

"They're a cute couple," Fara observed as they walked off.

O'mara sighed and ran her hands over her head feathers.

"Ah...c'mon...what's up with that? I thought this was my party," Fara said, hiccupping.

"It is. I just get a little lonely sometimes," O'mara said. "I'm fine."

"Pssh! Believe me, it's better than having the baggage that comes with that crap," Fara said.

"Haven't you ever wanted to have anyone special in your life?" O'mara asked.

"I don't think about that shtuff," Fara slurred dismissively.

"Oh," O'mara said, "that's kind of sad."

"All I need in my life is more people to lose," she said, smacking her lips. "Where...where's Terri? I want another one of them damn drinks!"

"I don't think so," Terri said tapping her on the shoulder. "Come on! I got something for you."

"Ok, ok! Don't get pushy," Fara mumbled, getting up as Terri led her away into the crowd. They wandered through the crowd to one of the little sidebars where Terri sat her down.

"What the hell did you drag me over here for? Another drink?"

Terri ordered two drinks and paid for them. "You'll see. Look over there, in the corner."

Fara took a sip of her drink as the bartender handed it to her and looked where Terri was pointing.

"I see a palm tree..." she grunted.

Terri popped her on the shoulder. "To the left of that!"

Fara looked again. She saw a dark green colored Altarian male sitting off by himself, working diligently on something.

"What about him?" Fara asked.

"Well, I talked to him a little bit. He's an engineer, like yourself," Terri said, stirring her drink. "He got pulled here by his friends too. You might want to go introduce yourself."

"Terri...c'mon..." Fara whined.

"Fara, just do it," Terri sighed, irritated.

"Ugh! I don't know! I mean...he is cute...for a reptile...but...."

Suddenly she felt a pair of hands on her shoulders that gave a gentle squeeze

"Hey babe, how about you and me get acquainted?" She heard a voice say behind her. She smelled some really bad cologne at work behind her.

Fara tensed up and found a bull dog attached to that arm.

Terri already knew what was going to happen and tried to keep a straight face.

"Babe?" Fara said flatly.

"You heard me gorgeous," The bull dog said, trying to be suave.

Fara's eye darted at the paw on her shoulder. "One second. Bartender? Can you get me a bag of ice."

The bartender looked a bit confused, but nodded in acknowledgement.

"What's that for?" The canine asked.

"You'll see," Fara said. The bag was soon delivered.

"Ok I'm ready," she said, hopping off the barstool, much to the canine's surprise. She then reeled back and punched him in the nose. He stumbled backward and fell into a table, yelping as blood burst from his nose. Fara grabbed the bag of ice and tossed it to him.

"Don't ever touch me again, or I'll do worse," she snarled, giving him a solid kick to the ribs.

The whole bar went quiet, but then everyone went back to having a good time. Apparently things like this weren't uncommon. She sat back down next to Terri as security rushed in and the bartender had them haul off the brash canine.

"Wow...." Was all Terri could say as she started laughing.

"I hate jerks," Fara said tersely, "now, where were we?" She asked, the adrenaline pumping through her system mixing with the alcohol, making her feel pretty bold and a bit more sober at the moment.

"Well, I was going to goad you into talking to the Altairian, but now I'm afraid you'll kick his ass." Terri chuckled, "I know we spar in Jakar's class, but I had no idea you were that strong."

"Try hauling around drive components for a few weeks. It's a good way to build up some muscle," Fara smirked as she downed the rest of her drink in one gulp, wiped her mouth and slammed the glass on the bar. "Fuck it! I'll do it."

"You will?" Terri said, dazed and still trying to process what happened.

"I feel like I could do anything at the moment."

Fara wobbled a little bit and then caught herself.

"Well good luck," Terri said, smiling. "Try not to kill anyone on the way over there."

"The night is still young!" Fara bellowed, making her way around the people who were wisely getting out of her way.

She approached the lone Altairians table.

"If you're looking for a fight, I will advise you against it." The Altairian said, not looking up from the pad he had in his hand. His voice was heavily accented, deep gravely, with precise enunciations on each word as he spoke.

"You saw that?" Fara said.

"I saw someone getting what they deserved," he said with a slight hint of amusement as he looked up at her, holding her gaze with his golden colored eyes.

"Well, if you aren't a jerk you don't have anything to worry about," Fara said confidently. "Name's Fara, Fara Phoenix," she said, sitting across from him at the booth.

The Altairian eyed her and then smiled with amusement. "Nikolai, Nikolai Korova."

"Are you a fleeter?" Fara asked.

He stopped what he was doing and sat his pad down. "Why yes, I am."

"What ship?"

"The Aether. I'm the Chief Engineer."

"What are you doing here in this god awful hole of all places?"

"I am on shore leave for the next few weeks," he said. "The Captain decided that I needed a break from my assistant."

"You got an assistant that drives you crazy?" Fara asked.

"Yes, but she is my twin sister," he said flatly. "She thinks she knows everything."

"Mine is just a giant pain in my ass who's good for getting into tight spots. He complains constantly. Wanna to trade?"

"What is it you do Fara?" Nikolai asked.

"Well, that big hulk of metal in bay four you saw is my ship," Fara said, "the one with the giant gaping hole in it." She sighed, trying not let that little thought eat through her buzz. "I built it and am the Chief Engineer on board it."

"Ah the Raptor, yes," Nikolai said nodding.

"Yup! That's what I got to look forward to for the next few weeks," she said, thinking of a way to change the subject. "What do you got there Nikolai," she asked, snatching the datapad and stylus before he could say anything.

He flushed a bit out of frustration, but then sighed. "I am having trouble trying to get the Aether's dilithium matrix to align properly. It's a brand new core and I've had nothing, but problems with it since we got it."

"I know what the problem is," Fara said, skimming over it. "I had the same problem on my ship. I had to build a computer controlled adjustment assembly just to get the damn thing to work right. Strangely enough, with all the other problems the Raptor's been having, that one hasn't come back."

That got Nikolai's interest. "Really?"

"Hell! I'll build you one! I just need to know what type of core you got," Fara said, shrugging.

"It would be appreciated."

"No worries," Fara said, handing the pad back to him, "so, enough about work then, huh?"

Nikolai nodded in agreement. "I really appreciate it. It's nice to meet someone who isn't intimidated by how daunting a starship can be to maintain."

"Or look at you like you're crazy when you bring schematics everywhere you go," Fara chuckled.

"Exactly," Nikolai smiled a toothy, but nice grin. He couldn't help it, being a reptilian humanoid. "So, why are you here?"

"Friends drug me here...told me I work too much."

Nikolai laughed pleasantly at that. "Same here, but they all ditched me."

"I don't think mine were planning on it, unless I was utterly hopeless," she admitted, looking over at Terri, who was trying to be as un-interested as possible.

"That woman, is she a friend of yours?" Nikolai asked.

Fara could feel the bile in her stomach at that question and clenched her fist. Typical, ask about the prettier girl. Fara thought.

"You could say that," Fara said, trying to remain pleasant.

"She is quite pushy and obtrusive. I never have liked that about some Termians," he said, "and I'm sure she's well aware of it."

"Yeah, that's Terri alright," Fara smiled, unclenching her fist. "She's our com officer."

"A job very suited for her if she likes to talk," Nikolai said, smiling.

Fara nodded in agreement. For some reason, as she breathed, she kept smelling something sweet, as if it was almost just on the edge of being detected.

"Well, since I have been ditched, may I suggest we continue this somewhere less noisy?" Nikolai suggested.

"You know? I couldn't agree more," Fara said.

They walked side by side along the upper level of the promenade, which was much quieter compared to the rabble below. They'd been taking a stroll for the last half hour, just quietly talking to each other. Fara was starting to sober up a little bit. Various things were talked about, like their home worlds, their families, and amusing stories were swapped. Fara was relaxed and had even put her paw in his taloned hand as they talked. The feel of it was slightly cooler than hers, but his scales felt like silk. The more they talked the more she liked him, and she felt that Nikolai felt about the same way.

Despite being a bit bigger than her, he was very gentle and intelligent, two qualities she had liked since she had started talking to him. She was more surprised she still found herself attracted to him even as the alcohol started to wear off.

The night went on and finally he took her back to her quarters.

"Fara, my dear, it has been wonderful getting to know you," Nikolai said.

"Yeah...you too," Fara said pensively, contemplating what to do now the sweet scent she had smelled earlier she had determined must be him because it had been with them the whole night. It was driving her nuts the longer she was around it. She wasn't sure if it was the pheromones or the fact that she actually felt desire for the first time in a while that was driving her nuts.

"So..." she hesitated, trying to make up her mind and gently touching his arm. It felt nice and muscled under the fabric of his clothes. "Do you...want to...?"

He put his hands on her hips and she felt a shudder as he did so. It wasn't a forceful gesture, but it sent a thrill down her spine.

"Only if you wish too," he whispered, his tail flicking back and forth

Fara took a deep breath. This was going to be different. Perhaps, she reasoned, it would be nice to just let go for once

"Yes," she said, hitting the door panel, making the door swish open, "I do."

* * *

The Next Day

The Aether had left space dock the following morning. At brunch, Harry had been introduced to most of the senior staff and they had their meeting about Xox. They discussed some strategies in dealing with some of Xox's ploys and tried to develop counter strategies against anything the Urthean may throw at them. To test the water, they had agreed to take the ship close to the border in an attempt to draw him out.

Harry's mind was still swimming with memories of the night with Jenna. He had to admit, it had been quite memorable. He was in high spirits until they started to leave. He saw his ship on the viewer and his posture changed ever so slightly as he sat beside the Captain's chair.

"Penny for your thoughts number one?" Jayna said, snapping him out of it. "Something wrong?"

Harry smiled and looked at the console beside him. "Oh, it's nothing, just thinking about the future," he said dismissively. Despite what had transpired the night before, Jayna was keeping herself detached and professional.

She did smile though. "They always say the first command is the hardest to forget," she said, looking at the ship. "Don't worry, you'll see her when we get back," she said, stepping down from the command platform and walking up to the helm. "Once, we're out helm, set course for Starbase 200, warp five."

"Yes sir," The Catarian Lieutenant replied.

Harry lost sight of the Raptor as they cleared the doors of the starbase and the ship began a gentle 180 turn moving out of the way as another starship moved to dock with one of the outer moorings. It was comforting to know that for once Fleet HQ was actually providing effective support for Starbase 186 other than the Raptor for once. He tried to push the strange feeling in his gut aside as best he could. Here he was at a crossroads, making a decision that would change the direction of his career, and all he could do was miss that damn ship.

The trip was uneventful for the first hour or two.

"Coming up on a course correction for Starbase 200, sir," the helm officer reported.

"Belay the course correction. We're going to take the shorter, scenic root," Jayna said. "Commander Martinez has already sent you the route we are to take."

"Sir, this will take us dangerously close to the Urthean border."

"The captain is aware of that," Harry said levelly.

"Proceed, Mr. Pasky," Jayna added. "Increase speed to warp eight."

"Aye, setting new heading new speed," the Catarian said.

"Think this will work number one?" Jayna asked.

"Oh, I'm sure anything we do, especially a Starship tearing through a shortcut, would definitely get his attention. I know he's out there...somewhere."

* * *

Xox was enjoying his mid day meal when his com went off.

"Yes D'jonn, what is it?" He rumbled.

"That battlecruiser that left the starbase you've been having us track has now cut though the Septoris sector, travelling at a high speed of warp."

"Really now?" He said, tapping his fork on the com unit. "Any theories as to what they are up to?"

"Considering the damage that the Raptor suffered, I can only assume that they are filling in for it on escort duty," D'jonn said flatly.

"Hmm...could be...could be." Xox mused. "What do we know of this one?"

"It is commanded by a female named Jayna De'sol. The ship is barely a year old, but other than that, not much."

"A woman? Very interesting," Xox said, "follow it at maximum distance and set the Scutta commanders about laying traps for this new Captain. New battleship or not, it makes no difference. Understood?"

"Affirmative. Should we follow it?" D'jonn replied.

"Of course!" Xox said thoughtfully, "take the usual precautions."

* * *

Fara awoke later in the day and found herself with her head on Nikolai's chest. They were both naked and she had one of her legs coiled around his and his tail around her. At first she panicked and then she remembered what had happened.

She smiled as the activities of the night came back to her and then felt a little embarrassed. She had drooled on him in her sleep. He felt his hand gently caress her chest as he shifted in his sleep. The sensation drew a smile out of her.

She looked at the clock and realized she had missed Jakar's class and decided she'd make up for it later. Even though she felt a little sore and tired--in a good way--she didn't feel like working out. Nikolai was not only a good engineer, but from what she could tell, a pretty good lover as well. It was a wonder they ever got to sleep. She sighed contentedly and decided to let Knackt deal with mending of the Raptor for a while. The best part was she actually got some rest. Her dreams were calm and she was content. She had no idea how long that would last, but for the moment it was nice.

"You're awake," Nikolai said sleepily.

"Yeah," Fara said, nuzzling him.

"Don't you have to get back to your ship?"

"I don't have to be there immediately," she said quietly, "I just need to show up sometime today."

He kept up his gentle caress and Fara sighed happily.

"Well, I have nowhere else to be my lovely," he said, grasping her paw and kissing it. "My ship left a few hours ago and they're going to be gone for nearly a month."

"How terrible for you," Fara grinned.

"How will I ever pass the time, my sweet vixen?" Nikolai wondered.

"We can pick up where we left off for starters," Fara suggested, crawling up to give him a kiss.

* * *

"Excuse me," Jakar said as he came up to the table in the replimat where Terri, Rydel and O'mara were having their breakfast. "I am looking for Chief Phoenix. Have any of you seen her?"

"Not since last night," Terri said. "Why?"

"She assaulted a merchant and he wishes to press charges," Jakar grunted. "I have to speak to her immediately, but she is not responding to hails.

The three exchanged glances.

"Well to be honest, the jerk had it coming," Terri said. "He just walked up and started touching her out of the blue and she didn't take kindly to it."

"Yeah, she broke his nose," O'mara said with a slight grin.

"That may be, but I do need her statement," Jakar said, still not amused.

"Well, if she isn't answering she's probably preoccupied," Rydel smirked.

The others started to snicker as well.

Jakar was still not amused. "If you see her, tell her to come to my office. If any of you would like to submit statements, it would probably help, if you have nothing better to do."

"We'll be down there after we're done," Terri said reassuringly. "I was right beside her when it happened."

"That will help," Jakar said with some gratefulness in his voice. "I hope she is ok, she wasn't in class this morning."

"I'm sure she's fine," Terri said with a slight smirk. "Probably better then fine."

All three of them started to laugh.

"Very well. I have other matters to attend to. Please pass the message along," Jakar said as he turned to leave.

"So, did you have any luck last night ?" Jenna asked Terri.

"Not really looking, Jenna," Terri said, annoyed. "Jack and I are seeing each other again. Just went home and fed the furball."

"Oh, why didn't you go see him?" Jenna asked curiously.

"Because he was asleep. I tried to page him, but he didn't answer. It's not unusual. Once he's out, he's out for the night."

"You sure he's not avoiding you?"

"Everything is fine Jenna. We're just taking it slow," Terri said, taking a bite of her melon.

"Wow...first Fara, now this. I think the universe is coming to an end," Jenna sighed.

"Look, I've been a bit impulsive when it comes to relationships and made a few mistakes. With everything that's happened, I'm just being cautious is all," Terri sighed

"Well I think you two make a cute couple," Jenna said. "Plus, with the boys being friends, it means we can spend more time together!"

Terri smiled. "We'll see, just give it some time."

* * *

Harry was taking a casual stroll around the bridge. He had gotten tired sitting and forgot how easy it was to get bored when you weren't in the big chair. He was standing by the tactical station when an alarm sounded.

"Commander," Tactical Officer Serin said as he walked by, "I've picked up an unusual reading on long range sensors."

Harry stepped over beside her and looked down at the terminal. The red feathered avian female looked frustrated at the readings and Harry wondered if looking jittery was just something Avians seemed to do. Although, unlike his science officer, she didn't stutter and she definitely had no problem with self confidence.

"At first I thought maybe we were throwing off some unusual warp field energies, but I checked with engineering and they say nothing is wrong," Serin said irritably. "I can't really tell what it is."

Harry checked the readings and made a few adjustments to the sensors. Soon, a faint image of a ship appeared following about a half light year behind in their warp eddy.

"Captain, our guest is following us."

"Are you sure?" Jayna said, looking over at them.

"Yes. He's using his field scattering device he thinks makes him invisible to our sensors, and it works if you don't know what you're looking at."

"What do you advise?"

"Well, usually by this point we start shooting," Harry said. "I'm sure he's curious as to what this ship is doing out here and thinks he's just being sneaky about it. "

"What do you suggest we do?" Jayna asked again.

"Stay alert, but since you're new to the block he'll probably be cautious at first."

"Noted," Jayna said, "tactical, go to yellow alert. I don't want us getting caught with our pants down if he does get a bit too curious."

"Aye, sir," Serin acknowledged.

Harry folded his arms behind him and returned to his post.

"You seem worried, number one," Jayna said.

"Pensive is more like it, sir," Harry said evenly. "I've learned to not totally be at ease when he's out there."

"Probably not a bad strategy," Jayna mused, writing in her log and handing it off to her yeoman. "We'll be at Starbase 200 in an hour or two. Let's just try to enjoy the quiet while we can. I'm sure it won't last long if he's already poking around."

Harry nodded in agreement.

"I hope you do know, number one, I hope he does try something," Jayna said quietly. "I've been itching to break this new ship in."

"I'm sure you'll get your chance, sir." Harry said.

Everything, however, went as quietly as planned. The convoy ships were rounded up and the Aether was joined on the escort by seven other ships. Harry attended to his duties and made sure all the convoy ships were aware that Urthean activity had been spotted in the area and that they were to maintain formation regardless of what happened. A few of the cargo ship captains already knew him from prior convoys and they said they'd keep the new guys in line.

The convoy was a big one; the containers were transporting a lot of equipment, people and supplies to Renna 5. Harry had been there before and it was a fairly prosperous settlement thus far. Where it sat allowed for a lot of trade and interaction between the Confederation and some of the non aligned worlds outside of its borders. Because of this, a new Starbase was being constructed to support the planet, since there was always a Confederation presence in the sector to keep the Urtheans at bay.

Within a matter of hours, all the various cargo ships had been rounded up and the Aether, the other escort ships, and the freighters were well on their way towards Renna 5 at warp six.

Captain De'sol called for a quick meeting before they got too far along on their journey.

Harry was sitting to her left in the conference room with the Acting Chief Engineer Donnika Korova. If asked to describe Donnika after the few moments of interaction with her, he would have chosen "Feisty". She was a greenish colored Altairian female who seemed a little too twitchy at times.

Lt. Commander Serin sat across from him, as well as the young pilot, Lt. Pasky. The rest of the command staff was there, but Harry was embarrassed that he couldn't remember their names.

"Now, there is a high possibility we'll be attacked during this convoy. On our way here, Tactical Officer Serin spotted a sensor anomaly that, according to Mr. Martinez, was the local trouble maker, Commandant Xox. What I need to know is, since this ship is fairly new and for a few of you in here this is your first command with me as you superior officer, what I need to know is are we ready? " She looked over at Donnika. "Chief?"

"Been all over ship, ewerythink is fine! Systems check out. I pity anyone who would ewen take a ..." Donnika started rattling.

"Donnika," Jayna said, cutting her off and then smiling. "A simple answer is sufficient."

Donnika flushed under he scales and then nodded. "Ewerythink is good," she said as she sunk down a little bit, looking slightly embarrassed,

"Ms. Serin, what's our weapons status?" Jayna asked.

"We have a full complement of photon torpedoes and I have personally inspected every weapon this ship has since the transfer," Serin said proudly. "I've even managed to get a few test shots off the new mark seven phaser banks. I think you will be pleased with the results."

"Tests," Jayna asked, "when did you test the new phaser banks?"

"I did it during the night shift last week when we were passing through that asteroid belt," Serin replied.

Jayna raised a brow and then smiled at something. "Very well, your thoroughness has always been greatly appreciated, Kelly."

"Thank you, sir!" Serin said.

Harry looked over the others reports as Jayna continued doing her own verbal discussions with the other senior staff. He scanned through the articles again, trying to remember something he had seen in one of the reports until finally he found it. At this time, Jayna was pretty much done and turned to him.

"I just have one question to ask, Lt. Korova," Harry said, looking at the report. "You didn't mention the point five phase invariance in the forward shield generators. Why didn't you mention it?" He said turning towards her.

"Vell Commander, I didn't think it vas important."

"Urthean repulsor beams can breach a shield bubble easily with that much variance. Weren't you paying attention during my debriefing earlier?"

Donnika looked like she'd just shrunk about five sizes. "Vell...I...I...to be honest...shield generators aren't...really my...."

"That's enough Lieutenant," Harry snapped, cutting her off. "Were you going to mention it or not."

Donnika glared at him, but finally conceded. Harry felt like he was kicking the group's puppy, but an oversight like that could prove fatal.

"No sir," she finally said.

"Then I suggest, Ms. Korova, that in the future if there is anything that important that you notice and you are not comfortable with handling it, you need to bring it to your Commanding officers attention."

"Yes, sir," Donnika said quietly.

"Fortunately, my Chief on the Raptor has lectured me enough times that I can show you a thing or two about shield generators," Harry said. "When we are dismissed, I will help you correct the problem." Harry then loosened his expression slightly in a well practiced movement. "No one is perfect Lieutenant. If you need help, don't be ashamed to ask. I suggest if you have nothing better to do on this mission, you take the time to study up on them. Is that understood?"

Donnika nodded, not feeling the world crashing down on her as hard as she first felt when he called her out. "Yes, sir. Thank you sir."

Harry nodded and settled back in his chair.

Jayna gave him a slight nod of approval. "Thank you number one. I trust, Donnika, you will do as asked."

The Altairian nodded curtly.

"If there's nothing else then, let's hope for the best, dismissed people."

Everyone got up and left, but Jayna motioned for Harry to stay behind. He did and Jayna waited until everyone else was gone. Harry told Donnika to wait for him outside; he had to have a few words with her captain.

"You did a good thing there Harry," Jayna said. "Donnika can be a bit of a know-it-all sometimes and she's been gunning for her brother's job ever since we got the new ship."

"I take it you let her slip up to see if I would catch it," Harry said.

"Perhaps," Jayna smirked. "She's generally well liked by the crew, and her eagerness can sometimes be a bit disarming. It gets to me sometimes. I look at her and I see a lot of myself in her when I was her age."

"Well, if she wants to be Chief Engineer on any ship, she's got to be very thorough," Harry said. "Anything else, sir?"

"No," said Jayna, "you'd better get those generators fixed."

Harry nodded and headed for the corridor.

* * *

Fara and Nikolai finally managed to get around to getting showered and dressed. It was already midday, so they went ahead and ate lunch together. Nikolai asked if he could come see her ship and Fara agreed to take him on a small tour. However, he had to go in uniform, even if he was off duty. He didn't really seem to care either way.

They went together down to the ship and entered through the airlock. Immediately, Nikolai's nostrils flared and he covered them.

"My god! What is that smell?"

"It's bio gel pack residue," Fara laughed. "Mixed with standard starship lubricant, coolant, probably some singed electrical components, and various other sundry items the ship is made out of. Here," She said, taking a small tube of mint scented petroleum jelly and handing it to him, "not to mention it's gotten worse after the explosion. Put some of that under your nostrils. You won't smell it as bad."

"Agh...it's terrible! Please tell me you get used to that?" Nikolai said, doing as instructed.

"Most people do within a week. Don't worry, I'm not insulted," Fara said. "It's just particularly bad when we're not underway. "

Nikolai sniffed. "That's better."

"Ready?"

"Lead the way," he said. "What's your performance on this ship?"

"We can maintain warp 9.6 for about six hours, tops," Fara said as they walked deeper into the ship. "Watch the port way," she said, hopping over a part of the floor paneling that had been removed.

"9.6 is pretty good for something this small. How do you do it?"

"Well, I managed to wrangle a much better power core than what this ship had originally."

"What model of ship was it?"

"It used to be a Darrian class, but it's heavily, and I stress heavily, modified."

"Ah, I had wondered. What model."

Fara scratched her head. "I think it was a Mk 2B. I managed to get the shell from a scrap yard. It used to be called the Phoenix, so you can see why I picked it. All it was doing was rusting when I found it."

"I do hope you thoroughly gutted it first," Nikolai said as Fara came to a ladder. "Those old Darians had lots of wiring problems."

"Of course we did. After you," she said, holding onto the ladder. "Go up to the next deck and then head right.

Nikolai nodded and climbed up the ladder. Fara followed him. They arrived on Deck 2 and Nikolai helped her up to the next deck and she thanked him.

"I noticed there isn't a lot of activity around here. Is there anyone on board?"

"Not anywhere near where we're going," Fara said. "The engine room is probably deserted right now. Come on."

They arrived in the main engine room and the motion sensors kicked on the lights. The room was cool and the core sat dormant. As they walked past the master systems display.

"This is my home most of the time," Fara said.

"It's very quaint," Nikolai said, checking out the console. "You have several subsystem displays I'm not familiar with. What are these?"

"The Raptor has an 'Attack Mode'," Fara replied, "it's not normal for starships, just this one. Due to a lot of the experimental items on this ship, I can't really go into it, but I can tell you this: it basically changes the whole operation of the starship."

"Interesting," Nikolai said "well, if it's classified I'll mind my own business then."

"Yeah, you probably should," Fara shrugged. There was a dull thud as something crashed into the hull. Sounds of heavy equipment could be heard resonating through the hull above them and through the walls near the gaping hole in the Raptor's body.

"Well, the rest of the ship isn't hardly anything to look at," Fara said, "pretty typical, except we do have a gym and a holo-deck."

"It's impressive. I've gotten too used to my rather large engineering deck...it's spoiled me. It's much easier to misplace tools and equipment on a larger ship."

Fara laughed. He had a point. On the Raptor, if something was misplaced it didn't take long to find it.

"Well, do you want to see the repair work first hand?"

"Sure," Nikolai smiled, "like I said, I'm on vacation."

Fara smiled and hit the dimming switch on the lights before stepping into the main room. She opened up one of the floor panels. "Just slide down the ladder and follow me," she said, sliding down the hole.

They arrived in another room below the core which had two large strange pieces of equipment with many different colored lights as well as green. On the starboard side of the room, the walls had been repaired and sealed with a temporary permasteel patch. The room was cooler than the rest of the ship. Nikolai landed and looked at the door with the strange symbol on it. It had two triangles pointing in opposite, vertical directions on a red chevron.

"What's behind this?" Nikolai asked.

"Trust me, you don't want to know," Fara said. "Come on," she said eagerly.

They went to the airlock, changed, and went outside. Within about 20 minutes they were out walking along the hull towards the damaged part where all the equipment and vehicles were zipping about trying to rebuild the damaged section of the ship. As they approached, Knackt spotted them and came over.

"Hey Chief! Where've you been and who's the lizard?" He said indignantly.

"Lizard..." Nikolai glared. Fara put a gloved hand on his arm to urge him to have a little restraint.

"I don't have to be here every waking moment Knackt," Fara said evenly, "and this is a guest of mine. He's the Chief Engineer of the Aether and he's on shore leave. I'm giving him a tour."

"Oh," Knackt said unperturbed, "well we do have everything going pretty smoothly. We had a little snag though. I tried to call, but you wouldn't answer, but I figured it out anyway."

"Well good. I'm sure the Raptor is in very capable hands," Fara said. "What's done so far?"

"Ah...we got most of the Deck 4 and 3 damage patched up. We're going to put in the new plasma transfer conduit later today." Knackt said. "You really don't need to be here unless you want to terrify the troops, but I'm doin' a good job of that as it is."

"No, that's fine, that's great," Fara said. "I'll just do a visual inspection and make my presence known, that way they keep up the good work."

"Whatever works for you," Knackt said, suddenly looking like he was distracted. "God damn it! I gotta go. They're having problems getting the shield generator loaded in."

"Go ahead," Fara said. Knackt quickly turned and used his suit's boosters to maneuver him towards the hole and then he slowly floated down into it and out of sight.

"That was a little uncalled for," Nikolai snarled. "I'm not a lizard! Do you...think that of me?"

"No," Fara assured, "just ignore him. He can be a bit of an ass sometimes."

"Hmmph," Nikolai growled. "If you insist. I'd still like to give that little rodent a thumping."

"Trust me, he wouldn't learn anything from it," Fara said, leading him towards the edge of the hole.

As they slowly walked side by side, she could see on his reptilian features he seemed bothered.

"Tell me," he said as they walked, "this isn't some cheap thrill is it? Or, are you actually interested in me? We're from two different worlds and I do have a fondness for you, even in such a short time."

Fara nodded with a slight smile. "I do too."

"I have not met many women who have such knowledge of starship technology. I find it refreshing...very refreshing."

"Thank you," Fara said, blushing.

"I've had women approach me before simply because they think we Altairians are exotic...a cheap thrill...and they don't want to deal with me when I have my duties to attend to. It often leads to aggravation," he said with a slight growl. "I am hoping that this is not the case. I find your company very pleasing."

"Yeah...no...that's not...I meant...ugh," Fara shrugged, embarrassed. "I'm mulling it over. I'm not looking for anything too stressful at the moment, but...I wouldn't be opposed to seeing you again, when you are in the neighborhood." She smiled at him.

"Is that because of the job?" He asked.

Fara motioned to the ship. "A lot of it is, yeah. I don't really need a lot of pressure put on me from something else. I'm afraid it'd result in me doing something really, really stupid." She nudged his suit in the arm with her own.

"I can understand that," Nikolai chuckled. "When you have a ship to look after, it may as well be a lover."

"It seems that way sometimes," Fara agreed, "but I could use someone less cold in my life, even if just for a little companionship once in a while...someone I could relate to as well as the other stuff."

"The gymnastics, as you called them earlier today," Nikolai snickered.

"Yes of course..." Fara blushed, turning visibly red even through the mask of her pressure suit.

"Then I think, Chief, we have an agreement on how we should proceed about this." Nikolai said with a wink. "My sentiments are very similar to yours. The Aether, not to mention my sister, keeps me extremely busy. It would be nice to have a place to come to after a long tour."

"Well I'm usually here," Fara smiled.

"If you wouldn't mind, to be perfectly honest with you, would you mind my assistance? At least, maybe part time?"

"Sure! Why wouldn't I? Having another Chief around would make my life easier. We could maybe go over it this evening at supper."

Nikolai looked relieved. "Much appreciated. Up to this point I'm caught up on reading my technical journals and I've pretty much run out of things to do."

Suddenly, Fara heard a com chime and she answered it. "This is Phoenix, what is it?"

"Chief, I need you to come down to Security. I need to discuss what happened last night," Jakar's voice said, slightly irritated.

"I don't know what you're..." then it dawned on Fara. "Oh yeah...that. Ok, I'll be there shortly. I'm on a walking inspection at the moment."

"Very well, but do not dally. The man you assaulted is wanting to press charges, however," he paused, "it doesn't look like he will have much success. I already have testimony from the people you were with last night. I just need you to come in and get this resolved. I would appreciate it greatly."

"No problem Jakar," Fara said, shutting off the channel.

"I guess we gotta go back," Nikolai sounded disappointed.

"So back to...well us I guess," Fara said. "How far do you want to go with this?"

"Let's just see where it takes us and go from there," Nikolai responded with a smile.

They made their way back to the airlock, got out of their suits, and when Fara stepped into the shower. She found Nikolai had snuck in behind her and shut the door.

Oh the hell with it. She thought as he started kissing her while the water rained down on them. Jakar's waited this long, he can wait a little longer...

* * *

On board the Aether

"Just a little bit more," Harry said as he stood beside the console of the shield generator.

A loud clang was heard as a tool slipped out of a hand and a yelp followed by a long string of Altarian curses flowed out of the small crawl space of the field generator.

"That isn't going to finish this project," Harry said patiently, "just another .07 to go and you've got it. This is the last one."

Donnika cursed some more inside the cylindrical object and made the adjustment. Harry checked his readings and nodded approvingly. "That did it. Come on out."

Donnika crawled out of the generator, dragging her tools behind her.

"Now was that so hard to do?" Harry asked.

"No," Donnika said, looking at a cut in her hand that oozed orangish blood. "I tell you vut, I am not doing zat again."

"You shouldn't have to. It's just when Fleet ship's roll off the line they don't bother to make the adjustment. I don't know if it's an oversight or just laziness," Harry said, logging off the station. He hit his com badge. "Captain, the adjustments have been completed."

"Excellent number one," Jayna said, "just in time. We've just detected several Urthean ships approaching. You'd better get up here."

Donnika looked a little perturbed as the klaxons started sounding, but she tossed her tool kit into the locker and quickly bandaged up her hand with some gauss. Harry went on out and headed for the bridge.

Harry exited the turbo lift and walked down into the lower half of the bridge.

"Tactical, how many ships?" He asked.

"It looks like four Scutta class," Serin replied, "they're coming in hot too."

"This is only a probing run. Helm, maintain formation. Ms. Serin, this is all your show. Target the lead ship and fire with phasers full force."

"Shouldn't we hail them first?"

"Negative," Harry replied, "transmit an audio warning only for what good it will do. After that eng--" He had to stop himself. The Aether didn't have an attack mode. "Fire as soon as you see the whites of their eyes."

"Yes, sir," Serin said, glancing at her captain, who nodded in approval.

"Acquiring target lock," she said, typing away at her console.

"Engineering, equalize all power to all forward shields. They are going to try to nail us as they pass from behind." Harry said hitting a com button.

"Aye, sir," Donnika's voice said over the com.

"After that, when they make their first pass, give the other two ships a taste of photon torpedoes." He then walked over to his station and hit the ship to ship communication button. "I advise we stick together and keep moving," he said to Jayna. "They expect one of us to give chase."

Jayna nodded. "This is Captain De'sol to the other escorts: hold formation and fire on the Urthean vessels when they get within range."

The four Scutta's dove right for the Aether and opened fire with their repulsor beams. The Aether opened fire and a quick barrage of continuous phaser fire disabled the lead vessel. It tumbled out of warp space. The other three pounded away at the Aether's shields, as predicted, but found that their attacks were ineffective. One of them took several solid phaser hits on it's aft shields, followed by a direct hit to its stern with a photon torpedo. It tumbled out of warp space, spinning end over end. The other two passed the Aether and started to target the freighters, but the other two escort ships made quick diving maneuvers to intercept them. One Scutta took several direct hits and broke off its attack. The remaining one exploded as two phaser beams from the escorts coupled, with the freighter's minor defenses, breached its shields, overloaded it, and caused it to explode.

"That was ineffective, on their part," Jayna said amusedly.

"That was just round one," Harry admonished. He was not used to being on a ship large enough not to get jostled by repulsor beams like the Raptor did. "He'll send the Hunter Class cruisers next and he'll probably send a few of them with more Scutta's to boot."

"Wonderful. How tough are those Hunters?"

"The Raptor can handle at least three of them," Harry said, "but we have to employ non-traditional tactics."

"Well then, this will be a refresher course for you on starship tactics," Jayna said.

Harry nodded in agreement before he headed back to his station on the command platform and started to give out instructions to the other ships. Two of the vessels were Darrian Class ships (the Torris and Agemon), three Ishaka Class ships (Fearless, Dauntless and Prowler), and one the newer eponymous Tobor.

Harry had to admit it was a pretty motley crew. The two Darrians were a well overused and fairly common type of starship, used for many things. The Ishakas were equally old, but reliable. The two newest vessels were the one he was on and the Tobor. Hunter Class ships weren't anything great compared to what they were on, but they could take a hellacious beating sometimes. He checked the convoy's ETA.

They still had many light years to go and a few round trips and this was only the beginning.

* * *

"Ok, all I need is your statement," Jakar said, looking at the two of them rather annoyed that Fara had been intentionally putting him off. The security office was rather small, but fairly busy today.

"He touched me and I retaliated," Fara said flatly.

"He did lay his hands on her and made an unwanted advance," Nikolai added.

"Did you warn him first or did you just haul off and hit him?" Jakar asked.

"I got him a bag of ice. It's not my fault his dumb ass couldn't put two and two together."

"Chief, ordering a bag of ice before you break their nose and expecting them to know it's coming is not logical," Jakar said drolly.

"He probably had it coming," Nikolai nodded sagely.

"As well as the bruised ribs?" Jakar asked.

"He slipped," Fara shrugged.

"You kicked him," Jakar said flatly.

"He fell violently...on my foot," Fara shrugged.

"Fara," Jakar growled as he rubbed his temples, "you aren't taking this seriously."

"I shouldn't have too. Now, quit screwing with me and tell me, am I going to be in the brig or not?"

"No brig for you," Jakar said, mildly annoyed. "You are fortunate that enough witnesses collaboration is on your side. I would suggest in the future you exercise a little restraint."

"I did. He still has his teeth," Fara sneered.

"Just sign the damn datapad and get out of my office," Jakar snapped. "We're done. You can go."

Fara signed the pad and slid it back across the desk. "So, we go?"

Jakar nodded. Fara and Nikolai got up and left.

"Well, that was exciting," Nikolai said as they left station security.

"That will be the end of it," Fara said, "if it isn't, I've got people who'll make sure it is."

"You have some connections? Nikolai asked.

"Obviously! My name doesn't ring a bell with you?" Fara was curious, but also glad. "But, yes I do."

"I apologize," Nikolai said.

"Don't worry about it," Fara said, grabbing onto his arm affectionately. "Let's get some coffee."

She led him off into the crowd of the promenade and they both disappeared into it as they walked away.

To be continued in the next story....