MESSAGES FROM EARTH

Part 1: Making Plans

“You did a good job with the situation on Ekos, Captain.”  Admiral Ross declared, his image appearing on the desk monitor in Captain Shelby’s ready room.

Shaking her head, a derisive snort escaped Elizabeth as she made her reply, “I wish I could say that we did.  To be honest, Sir…it was a clusterfrinx.”  Gritting her teeth, the blonde starship captain continued her report.  “Professor Davin was murdered, and Lieutenant Rysyl, Ambassador Offenhouse and I were taken prisoner.  It was only through a combination of Commander Hobson and Lieutenant Atoa’s rescue teams and a good measure of luck that we were able to get out with our lives.”  Pausing for a moment to take a sip from her coffee, Liz continued her morose report, “And…to make matters worse, the pro-Federation government on Ekos is probably going to fall and be replaced by one that will rescind withdraw its status as an associate member of the Federation.”  No matter how you cut it, Sir…” Shelby sighed, “…it was a disaster.”

“I think you’re being too hard on yourself, Liz.”  Ross replied in a paternal tone.  “I know Professor Davin was very important to you…” Seeing the youthful captain taking a breath to speak, the avuncular admiral held up his hand, “No…Liz…let me finish.  I know you think you’re responsible for what happened to the Professor, but you have to understand it wasn’t your fault—there was nothing you could have done about it.  Nor could you have done anything about the political fallout.”

“I know you’re right, Sir” Elizabeth conceded, “And I am feeling better. It’s just that there are times…”

“I know.”  The admiral replied, acknowledging the emotional weight felt by the young captain, “And I’d probably feel the same way if I were in your shoes. I know the Professor was a lot more than just a teacher to you—he was a mentor…and a friend.  And I know you have damned few of those.  But I think I can understand a little about how you feel.  I might not be able to empathize—but I can sympathize.  The Professor’s goal was a good one—one that is still attainable.  I think the worst thing that could happen would be for his sacrifice to be in vain, wouldn’t you agree?”

“You’re right, Sir.”  Liz answered back, nodding her head.  Taking another sip of her coffee, Elizabeth’s face twisted in distaste at the flavor of the now cold beverage, “So…what happens now?  Ambassador Offenhouse is wondering when he’ll be leaving.  And…to be honest…” she confessed, “I’m looking forward to our next mission.  The sooner I can get away from Ekos…”

“The better.  I understand completely, Liz.”  Ross said sympathetically.  A smile appearing on his face, the admiral cleared his throat.  “I think you might like these orders, but I’m afraid they call for you having to put up with Ambassador Offenhouse for a bit longer.”

“Sir?”  The petite blonde captain interjected, surprised.  “I’d have thought that the Federation Council would have wanted him back as soon as possible…”

“They do.”  The admiral replied, his grin growing wider.  “That’s where the Sutherland comes in.”  Pausing for effect, Admiral Ross announced, “Your orders are to get Ambassador Offenhouse to Earth as soon as possible.”

“Earth?”  Liz asked, a smile forming on her face, “Are you serious, Sir?  I’d think that Starfleet Command and the Federation Council could get what they need from him through subspace rather than detailing the Sutherland on what amounts to a ferrying mission—not that I’m complaining, but still…”

“Switch to a secure channel.”  The admiral ordered as his image disappeared, to be replaced by the Starfleet emblem.  Moving quickly to comply, Liz touched a button on her console.  The Starfleet device replaced once again by Admiral Ross’s face, the admiral cleared his throat.  “What I’m about to tell you is classified—need to know only.”

“Understood, Sir.”  Liz acknowledged.

“A diplomatic conference with representatives of the Romulan Empire is being held on Earth even as we speak.”  Admiral Ross announced.  “The main topic of the conference will center on coordinated action against the Dominion threat.”  Immediately upon hearing the admiral’s words, Elizabeth sat bolt upright in her seat.  “I thought that would get your attention, Liz.”  Ross deadpanned.  “While, even going at maximum warp, you probably won’t be able to make it on time to get the ambassador to the conference; you’ll be able to get him there in time to participate in the nuts and bolts deliberations that’ll be going on afterwards.”

“I think I see…” Liz remarked, only to be cut off by the admiral.

“Right…”  Ross affirmed, nodding his head, “He’ll be able to give his insights on the situation regarding possible Dominion involvement and to answer any questions that might come up.”  Repressing a yawn, the admiral concluded, “Well…you have your orders, Captain.  Have a pleasant trip.”

“Thank you, Sir.”  Liz replied; a grin returning to her face as the admiral’s image on the computer monitor was once again replaced by the insignia of Starfleet Command.  Pressing the intercom button on her desk, Captain Shelby spoke, “Commander Hobson…report to my ready room, please.  We’ve got our new orders.”

****************************************************

As the tunes from an old torch song, ‘Stormy Weather’, filled the air in Rick’s, the Sutherland’s lounge decorated to resemble a 1940’s era nightclub; Sam Lavelle took a sip from his bourbon and coke, “So…what are you going to do once we get to Earth?” He asked the dusky skinned woman sitting at the table across from him.

“Go home…” Ensign Maria Django replied as she took a sip of her drink, an Antarean Sunrise, “See the parents…maybe hit the beach.  What about you?”

“Pretty much the same.”  Sam replied as Alec, the piano player who also worked in hydroponics, smoothly switched to a Cole Porter tune.  “I figured I’d go to Nairobi—see my father at the university…and then swing by Toronto and spend some time with my sister and her family.”

“You know…” Maria smiled shyly as she traced the edge of her glass with her finger, “…you could come to Rio with me—after you see your family, that is.  We could go to Ipanema…”

“Sounds good.”  Sam replied, flashing a roguish grin, “But what about this?  Why don’t you come with me to Nairobi and then we can go to Rio…”

“Hmmm…” Maria smiled as she considered her answer.  Finishing her drink, she replied, her voice now taking on a husky quality, “Sure…why not. Sounds like fun.”

******************************************************

Another couple, this one consisting of the Sutherland’s first officer, Christopher Hobson, and the operations officer, the lovely olive-skinned Deltan woman, Lieutenant Anara Rysyl, sat at another table in the bar, one close to the piano.  Sipping her Trillian aurea, Anara asked, her lyrical voice accentuated by the Cole Porter song being played on the piano, “What do you plan to do with your shore leave, Chris?”

“I don’t know…” The diffident first officer replied in his usual nasal tone.  “To be honest, I haven’t really thought about it.”

“You have family…” The beautiful Deltan suggested, “How long has it been since you’ve seen them.”

“It’s been several years…” Chris began, pausing for a moment as he took a sip of his scotch, “Not since…”

Shaking her head sadly, Anara interjected, “You mean to tell me you haven’t seen your family since…the accident?”  Sighing at Hobson’s slight nod of his head, Anara declared earnestly, “Then I’d say it’s past time that you did.”  Not giving her companion the chance to interrupt, the Deltan continued to speak in a gentle, yet persistent tone, “They’re your family, Chris.  You’ve been punishing yourself for too long.”

“Perhaps you’re right.  Maybe I should.”  Hobson replied diffidently, his lips turning up into a slight smile as he saw the pleased look on his companion’s face.  “What about you?  What are your plans?”

Shrugging her shoulders, Anara replied with a chuckle, “I haven’t really given the matter much thought.”

“You know…” Chris began hesitatingly, “…you could…come along with me…”

“No…” Anara said, shaking her head gently, placing her hand on that of her companion’s, “I’d be intruding…this is something I think you need to do alone.”

“You’re right…”  Hobson acknowledged, his usual poker face returning as he withdrew his hand from the table.  “…of course.  Please accept my apologies.”  Finishing his drink Chris stood up, “Now…if you’ll excuse me…I think I’ll turn in for the evening.”

Watching in stunned silence as the first officer strode out of the lounge; Anara vaguely heard the muffled voice of Jadon Tol, the Sutherland’s chief engineer and best friend of the icy Hobson, “Chris…whatever am I going to do with you…”

“Huh?”  The bewildered Deltan woman exclaimed as she looked up to find the Trill engineer standing next to her.  “Jadon?”

“My buddy, Chris…” The roguish Trill sighed, taking the recently vacated seat across from Anara as he gestured for the volunteer waiter to bring him a mug of synth-hol.  “I’ve got duty in a couple of hours.”  The engineer explained, making a face as he took a tentative sip, “You know why drinking synth-hol is like making love in a canoe?”

Shaking her head in bemusement at the free-spirited Jadon, Anara answered back, “No…why?”

“They’re both frinxing too near water!”  Jadon laughed, his joke eliciting an amused chuckle from his companion.  Seeing that his gag had the desired effect, the Trill engineer said in a sympathetic voice, “Don’t be too hard on Chris—he’s just a…”

“He’s an ass.”  Anara completed with a frown as she sipped her drink.

“Well…” Jadon quipped, “I was going to say dumbass, but…”

“I think I like dumbass better.”  Anara jibed back.

“Yeah…” Jadon agreed, then, his tone gentling, he pleaded, “But don’t be too hard on him…it’s just that…”

“He just keeps pushing me back.”  Anara interrupted, her humor disappearing.  “He’s so afraid of allowing anyone close to him…”

“I know…” Jadon concurred and then, leaning close, he spoke in a voice barely louder than a whisper, “Look, Chris has always been the sort who kept people at a distance.  When Natalie died…” Tol explained, “It was even worse.  He drew so far into himself that I wasn’t sure he’d ever make his way out.  It took a long time for him to finally come to grips with what happened, and to be honest, he still hasn’t completely.”

“I understand…” The Deltan woman replied, repressing a shudder, “I felt the pain that he went through…”

“Yeah…” Jadon conceded, “Your empathic link with him has probably made you closer to him than anyone else—including me—and I’ve known him longer than anyone else here.”

Shaking her head sadly, Anara interjected, “Not that much closer.  So much of him is still walled off.”  Sighing deeply, the Deltan woman added somberly, “And I don’t know if I can—or even if I want to—put up with the emotional baggage…”

“You shouldn’t have to.”  Jadon declared solemnly, “Chris has let this go on for far too long.”  Smiling a roguish grin at the lovely Deltan sitting across from him, the Trill engineer remarked, “You know, maybe what he needs instead of a shoulder to cry on is a good swift kick in the pants.”

Flashing a wicked grin of her own, Anara rejoined, “Ok, Jadon…What do you have in that twisted mind of yours?”

*****************************************************

“What are your plans, Mr. Varok?”  Ensign Candy Johnson asked, looking up from her computer console in the astrophysics lab.

“Excuse me, Mr. Johnson?”  The elderly Vulcan responded in his usual flat tone.

“Your plans…when we get to Earth?”  The bubbly ensign replied, “What are you going to do?  I mean I heard that we’re going to be laid up for a week or so as they do some work on the main deflector array…”

Long experienced in the human trait of incessant curiosity, Varok, bowing down to the inevitable, decided to indulge the junior officer, “I plan to meet my granddaughter—T’Pren.  She is a student at Starfleet Academy.”

“Oh?”  Candy responded, much to the chagrin of her Vulcan superior, “What year’s she in?  What’s her specialty?”

Taking a deep breath, Varok continued to humor the young human.  “She is a third year cadet.”  He declared; his voice and manner not reflecting the pride that he felt deep within him for her and her accomplishment, “And is a science specialist.”

“Just like her grandfather!”  Candy interjected with an infectious grin.  “You must be proud of her.”

“Pride is an emotional response.”  Varok replied flatly, “And as such is illogical.  But…” he added, “I do take…satisfaction…in her accomplishing her goals in the manner she has done.”

“You should.”  Candy responded with a wicked grin as she returned to her work, “You have every right to feel that way.”

Raising his eyebrow, Mr. Varok returned to his duties, silent as he remembered the conversation he had with his daughter, T’Prel, several hours earlier concerning T’Pren and some recent…illogical…decisions that she had made.  Decisions that affected not just her life, but also the family honor.  Decisions that he intended to discuss with his wayward granddaughter as soon as possible.

**************************************************************

The trite saying that goes ‘Time heals all wounds’ more often that not is a truism, Liz noted as the grief she had felt several days ago over the loss of Professor Davin had by now, for the most part, leaving behind mostly happy memories with only the occasional painful twinge to remind her of his passing.  Now, with the Sutherland’s arrival on Earth drawing nearer, Liz began to make plans.  Luxuriating in her tub, gently scented soapy bubbles tingling her skin, she smiled her fist truly contented smile in days as she sipped champagne from a long crystal flute.  “Computer…” The hedonistic captain ordered, “Establish a subspace communication with Sandy Moore and Jason Phillips…their subspace idents should be in my personal database.”

“Idents confirmed.”  The computer replied, “Connection made.”

“Display visual…bathroom wall monitor.”  Liz ordered as she set her glass down on the side of the tub next to her. 

“Lizzy!”  The woman, a stunning blonde wearing a blue bathrobe and lying on a large double bed grinned widely as she recognized the Starfleet captain.  “Jason!  Come over here! It’s Lizzy!”

“Hey Liz!  Long time!”  The man, a dark haired man with a goatee and wearing a towel around his waist, smiled broadly as he entered the room, joining his companion on the bed.  Leering, he quipped in an English accent, “You’re looking good—but aren’t you out of uniform?”

“Yeah…” Sandy interjected, speaking in a sultry voice, “You look absolutely scrumptious.”

“Hmmm…you two look delicious yourselves.”  Liz purred as she took a sip from her champagne.

“How long has it been, love?”  Jason asked.

“Eight…maybe nine months…” Liz answered back.

“I can’t believe it’s been so long.”  Sandy exclaimed, “So, Baby…what’s up?”

“Yeah…darling…” Jason remarked, “I hope it’s nothing bad.”

“No…” Liz replied, her body stiffening momentarily before she banished—for now—the memories of Professor Davin that had suddenly rushed into her mind.  “In fact…it’s good news.  The Sutherland should be at Earth in a few days or so…”

“Hey!”  Sandy cried out, “That means you’ll be able to make it to Raul’s party!”

“That’s right.”  Jason chimed in, “You have to come, Liz…you know it’s not the same without you.”

“Yeah.”  Sandy interjected, “I remember the last time…”

“That was fun, wasn’t it?”  Liz quipped, “I don’t think I ever…”

“Me either…” Sandy giggled.

“So…” Jason asked as Sandy began playing with his long hair, “We can count on you?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”  Liz grinned as Jason kissed the back of Sandy’s neck.  “Hmmm…” Elizabeth remarked, flashing a brief leer as she watched her friends growing more and more amorous, “I better let you go now.  Looks like you two are getting ready to have some fun of your own.” Mock pouting, she added, “I wish I could join you.”

“You don’t have to go, Liz.”  Jason protested as he undid Sandy’s bathrobe.

“No…don’t go.”  Sandy added with a wicked grin as her sultry voice grew even more seductive, “We know how much you like to watch.”

“Mmmm…” Elizabeth purred, “Much as I’m tempted to, I’d better not tie up this subspace channel too long.  But don’t worry; we’ll get together in a few days for fun and games.”

“Mmmm…We can’t wait,” Sandy replied in a husky voice as the man lying next to her continued his kisses and caresses.

“See you soon, Liz, darling.” Jason then said as he reached over his sensuous blonde partner to terminate the transmission. “Bye, love!”  Sandy called out as the monitor went blank.

Taking another sip from her champagne, Liz lay back in her tub, “Hmmm…now, what should I wear to Raul’s orgy?  I wore leather last time—I think this time I’ll go for lace.  Maybe the Andorian spider-silk teddy that Garak made for me?  Yes…that should do nicely.”

************************************************************

Walking briskly down the corridor towards the holodeck, Denise returned the greetings of various crewmembers with a courteous smile or a hello until she made out the form of Lieutenant Atoa approaching her.  Fighting down the butterflies in her stomach, the doctor smiled back as the burly security officer greeted her, “Mornin’ Denise,” Manuele called out with a grin as he took in the slender Japanese woman standing before him, “Going out for your morning run?”

“Yeah…” Denise all but stammered as she felt her whole body growing warmer while in the presence of the New Kauaian. 

“So…where are you jogging this time?  Boston Marathon?  San Francisco?  The Pythian Ridge on Alpha Centauri V?  The Taelian forest on Rigel VIII?

Smiling, Dr. Murakawa replied, “This time I thought I’d try out that program you loaned me…”

“The cliff trail overlooking New Honolulu?”  Seeing the doctor’s head nodding in confirmation, Manuele smiled warmly, “Yeah…I used to love hiking there when I was a kid.  I remember how my brother and I always got into trouble exploring the trails and caves…”

“You know…” Denise, forcing down the lump growing in her throat, ventured, “If you want…you can join me…”

Maintaining his smile, Manuele shook his head ruefully, “It’s tempting…but…I can’t right now...” He then explained, “I’ve got a departmental meeting in an hour…that gives me just enough time to get my stuff together and fire off a quick subspace letter to Mere…”

Upon hearing the name of the beautiful Ekosian security officer, Denise felt her heart sink as she all but tuned out the rest of Lt. Atoa’s words, “…but I’d like to take a rain check if that’s ok with you…” Seeing the faraway look in the doctor’s eyes, the New Kauaian inquired, a note of mild concern in his voice, “Denise?  Denise? You ok?  You look like you’re miles away…”

“Oh…” Dr. Murakawa, her face reddening with embarrassment as Manuele’s words brought her back, “I’m sorry…I get like this just before a run.  “I used to do it all the time just before a track meet back at the Academy…” Recovering her momentum as she spun out her lie, she further explained, “I’d get so focused on the race that…”

“I understand,” Manuele interjected with a friendly smile.  “So…what are you going to do when we get to Earth?”

Pausing for a moment, Denise responded, “I was planning on going to Rome…pray at the Tomb of the Saints.” 

“Tomb of the Saints?”  The New Kauaian security chief inquired.

“Yeah.”  Denise smiled shyly, crossing herself.  “It was built shortly after First Contact.” She explained in a reverential tone.  “It’s a holy site for all three branches of the Catholic Church—and even some of the Protestant faiths.  It’s where His Holiness, John-Paul III, lies—along with the cardinals who were martyred with him.”

“I see…” Manuele replied, and then, changing the subject, asked, “So…what else have you got planned?”

“I’m not sure.”  Denise answered back.  “I talked to my mother last night.  She mentioned coming to Earth for a conference and we agreed to get together and my father lives in Tokyo.  I haven’t seen him in years…”

“Sounds like the perfect opportunity for a family reunion…” Manuele began and then, seeing a dark look crossing the doctor’s face, the New Kauaian silently cursed himself, “I’m sorry.”  He apologized.  “I forgot.  I guess I really put my foot in my mouth this time, didn’t I.”

“Oh, no! Not at all!”  Denise quickly replied, shaking her head.  “It’s not your fault.  It’s just Dad and I never got the opportunity to get that close and well—me and my mother have just started talking to each other again.  So…getting all three of us together at the same place at the same time…”

“Might be a little awkward.”  Manuele interjected, nodding his head sympathetically.

“Right.”  Denise affirmed.

“Well…” The New Kauaian security officer suggested, “Maybe you can get together with them at different times…perhaps get an idea as to whether they’d be comfortable with each other—and whether you’d be comfortable with them at the same place at the same time…”

“Hmmm…” Dr. Murakawa responded, “Maybe…It wouldn’t hurt to give it a try.” 

“That’s my girl!”  Lieutenant Atoa beamed as he glanced at the chronometer.  “Oops!  I better get going or I’m going to be late for my own meeting.”

“Yeah…sure…go on…I’ll be ok…” Denise muttered under her breath as she entered the turbolift and began her stretching exercises, “Nothing like a nice solitary run in the country to clear your mind…”

*******************************************************

“Approaching Sector 001.”  Lieutenant Lavelle announced from his position at the helm as Captain Shelby, sitting in the center chair, nodded her head in acknowledgement.  “We should arrive at Earth in a few days at our current speed.”

“Very good, Mr. Lavelle.  Maintain course and speed.”  Turning to Lieutenant Rysyl, the captain smiled, “Lieutenant, you might want to inform the ambassador that he’ll be leaving us soon.”

“Aye, Sir.”  Anara replied, making her way to the turbolift as Manuele announced from his position at tactical.

“Captain…I’m receiving a coded signal from Starfleet Command.”  He then looked up from his console, “For your eyes only.”

“I’ll take it in my ready room.”  The Captain answered back as she vacated the center chair.  “Commander Hobson…” She commanded as she the doors to her office slid open, “The Bridge is yours.”

Taking the seat behind her desk, Elizabeth allowed the chair to mold itself to her features before commanding, “Mr. Atoa…open the channel.”  The monitor screen springing to life instantly following her security chief’s acknowledgment, the insignia of Starfleet Command was immediately replaced by the visage of Admiral J. P. Hanson, looking especially haggard.  I haven’t seen the admiral look this bad…Liz mused…since the Borg Incursion.  “Admiral?” The petite starship captain ventured, “Is everything all right?”

His lips turning up in an ironic grin, the balding admiral replied, “I’m not sure we’ll ever see all right again for some time, Elizabeth.”  Taking a deep breath, the admiral spoke, “You’re aware, of course, of the conference being held with the Romulans at Antwerp?”

“Yes, Sir.”  Liz responded, “We’re bringing Ambassador Offenhouse back for the follow-up discussions.  Why?  Has something happened?”

“You might say that.”  Admiral Hanson answered back, a grimace on his face.  “A bomb went off while the conference was in session.”  Ignoring the shocked look on his protégé’s face, the admiral steamrollered, “It has since been confirmed that it was a changeling that planted the bomb.”

“My God…” Elizabeth gasped, momentarily shocked by the news.  Recovering quickly, the headstrong captain asked, “What are our orders, Sir.”

Flashing a wide grin, the admiral exclaimed, “I knew I could count on you, Liz.” His grin vanishing, Hanson continued, “Admiral Leyton has made Ben Sisko head of planetary security…”

“He couldn’t have made a better choice.”  Liz observed.  “So…where does the Sutherland fit in?”

“We’re trying not to start a panic.”  The admiral stated, “So…for now, at least, there are no changes to your orders.  Proceed on to Earth.  When you arrive, you’ll receive any additional orders should they be necessary.”

“Understood, Sir.”  Shelby acknowledged in a grim tone.  “What should I tell my crew?”

“Have your doctor carry out blood screenings of all personnel at once.”  The admiral responded quickly.  “We’re not sure how deeply the changelings have infiltrated our ranks.”  Shaking his head glumly, the admiral ran his fingers through what was left of his hair, now an unruly tangle, “You know it’s bad, Liz, when you can’t even be sure that your best friend isn’t a changeling infiltrator.”  Pausing for a moment, Hanson’s lips turned up into a warm smile, “I’m glad you’re going to be here, Liz.  I’ll see you when you arrive.” 

Liz sat silent in her seat for several moments watching the blank monitor screen as she tried to wrap her mind around the news that she had just heard.  Shapeshifters—on Earth!  I suppose it was inevitable. She sighed as she considered the implications.  They’re probably on most—if not all—of the principle home worlds—you wouldn’t need a lot of them—just one or two on each world could create all sorts of chaos—and not just through sabotage.  She thought, shaking her head, even the rumor of a shapeshifter being on a starship or a major installation could disrupt operations.  Taking a deep breath, Liz touched her comm badge, “Dr. Murakawa, I need you to report to my ready room at once…Commander Hobson…Mr. Atoa…you’re to report to my ready room as well.”  Taking a deep breath, Liz walked over to the replicator and ordered a cup of coffee.  “Playtime will have to wait…” The starship captain sighed as she took her drink, “We’ve got work to do now.”

******************************************************

Part 2: Countdown to Crisis

As he sat down on the antique wooden bench, Admiral Leyton surveyed the almost pastoral scene before him.  Well manicured gardens courtesy of the chief groundskeeper, Boothby, buildings architecturally designed so as to appear to meld in with the landscape, rather than clash with it, a deep blue sky with fluffy white cumulus clouds thanks to the weathernet, and the sound of songbirds chirping all came together to give to the admiral the perfect picture of paradise. 

Sighing deeply, the bearded head of Starfleet Command grew even more pensive as he reviewed the events of the last week.  The conference bombing in Antwerp was the final nail…the admiral thought…now, more than ever, there can be no doubt.  I’m right.  A steely glare to his eyes as he gazed on a snowy egret standing next to a small pond near where he sat, Leyton gritted his teeth as he realized that he couldn’t be sure that that beautiful bird was in fact a bird and not a changeling  We have no choice…I have no choice.  If the Federation is to be saved…if this…he decided as his eyes once more took in the panoramic view before him, is to be preserved, then I have to act.  Standing up, the admiral made his way towards the Administration building where the Commandant of the Academy, a Bolian handpicked by Leyton, kept his office.  Soon, the two admirals would have a meeting…a most important meeting…a meeting with lasting consequences.

***********************************************************

“Assuming standard orbit, Captain.”  Lieutenant Lavelle reported as a familiar blue and white orb filled the Sutherland’s viewscreen.

“Starfleet Command is hailing us, Sir.”  Lieutenant Atoa then called out from his position at tactical.

“Main viewer.”  Shelby ordered automatically, smiling as the image of Admiral Hanson filled the viewscreen, “Admiral?”  Her smile disappearing, the petite captain reported, “Ambassador Offenhouse has just beamed down.  What’s the situation on the ground?”

“Stable for now.”  Hanson replied, a measure of relief in his voice.  “Concord, Eagle, and Potemkin should arrive within the next forty-eight hours to bolster our forces—just in case those rumors of possible cloaked Dominion ships are true.” 

On hearing the news of the Potemkin’s impending arrival, Lieutenant Lavelle’s teeth clenched.  Maria, observing Sam’s reaction out of the corner of her eye, raised an eyebrow in silent inquiry.  Receiving in return Sam’s unvoiced “Later”; the Brazilian junior operations officer nodded her head slightly as she returned to her duties. 

Ignoring the silent exchange going on between her junior officers, Liz concentrated on the admiral’s words.  “Also…” Hanson declared, “…the President has enacted limited security measures—ranking Starfleet officers and their families are required to undergo frequent blood screenings and we’ve instituted phaser sweeps of sensitive areas.”

“Understood, Sir.” The captain replied, “And our orders?”

“For now…maintain your current posture.”  His lips turning up into a wry grin, Hanson continued, “I know you and your people were hoping to just drop off Ambassador Offenhouse and take it easy for a few weeks, but until we get a better read on the situation here...”

“It’s all part of the job, Sir.”  Shelby responded with a smile.

Nodding his head approvingly, the admiral grinned back, “Still…I’m sorry to have to rain on your parade.  You all have earned a breather.”  Sighing, Admiral Hanson concluded, “Well, I’ll let you go now, Captain.  We’ll meet in my office at 1100 tomorrow and discuss things further.”

**********************************************************

Striding into the Commandant’s office, Admiral Leyton extended his hand towards the Bolian admiral getting up from his seat behind the desk.  “Keep your seat!”  Leyton exclaimed genially as he took the Bolian’s hand in his, shaking it vigorously.  “I’ll just take this chair over here.”  The Chief of Starfleet Operations said as he sat down opposite the blue skinned Commandant of the Academy.  “So…how’s it going, Barzhan?”

“Fine!  Fine!”  The Bolian replied, sitting down.  “And you?  How’s it going at your end?”

“It could be better.”  Leyton grumbled, “The President still refuses to face up to the danger of the situation we’re in here.  The security measures he’s authorized are nowhere near sufficient to deal with the threat.”

“So…” Barzhan inquired in a hushed tone, “You’re saying that we’re going to have to…”

“Move on to the next phase…” Leyton completed, nodding his head, “Yes.  I’m afraid so.”  Giving the blue-skinned Commandant a calculating look, Leyton asked, “Are your people ready to go?”

“Red Squad’s ready when you give the word.”  Barzhan replied with assurance.  “They’re good kids, James.  They’ll get the job done.”  Pausing for a moment, the Bolian admiral tentatively asked, “What about Captain Sisko?  Is he with us?”

“Ben Sisko can be trusted.”  Admiral Leyton immediately responded, his confidence in his former first officer coming through loud and clear in his voice.  Standing up, the bearded admiral gazed into the eyes of the Bolian admiral who had once served with him in his campaigns against the Tholians, “We’re now on the clock, Barzhan.  Operation Lights Out commences in twenty four hours.  Hopefully, then the President will then give us the tools we need to do our job.  Now, I’d better get back to the office.  Good luck.”

Watching as the doors closed behind the admiral, Barzhan activated his intercom, “Mr. Carroll?  Have Red Squad report to my office immediately.”

************************************************************

Operation Lights Out: T-minus 20 hours

Elliot Mitchell and his wife Sarah looked on fondly as their two children, Crystal and Andrew, ages five and eight, slept soundly in their beds.  “They’re really looking forward to seeing their Grandpa and Grandma tomorrow,” Elliot, a junior climate technician, remarked.

“I know.”  Sarah replied with a grin.  “Did you see the card that Crystal made for Mom at school today?”

“Yeah.”  Elliot smiled warmly.  “And Andrew…his first time going on the transporter without Mommy and Daddy…he’s been so looking forward to that…”

Chuckling softly, Sarah quipped, “Of course he is…as far as he’s concerned, he’s all grown up now…”  Putting her index finger to her lips as her little daughter stirred slightly in her sleep, the doting mother uttered a soft, “Shush,” as she tiptoed over to her bed.  Gently tucking in first Crystal and then Andrew, she kissed them both on the foreheads.  “We better go to bed ourselves now…” She whispered, “Tomorrow’s a big day.”

***********************************************************

Operation Lights Out: T-minus 18 hours

“Buy you a cup of coffee, Sam?”  Maria Django asked as the two ensigns assigned to relieve her and Lieutenant Lavelle at helm arrived at their console.

“Sure, Maria,” The dark haired helmsman replied as the pair made their way to the turbolift along with the rest of alpha shift, “I could use a cup right about now.”

Entering one of the Sutherland’s three galleys, Maria asked Sam to claim a table for the two of them as she made her way to the closest unused food replicator.  Ordering an espresso for her and a coffee, sugar, no cream, for her friend, the petite young ensign handed the coffee to the dark haired Canadian as she took her seat opposite him.  “So…you want to talk about it?”

After taking a careful sip of the hot beverage and setting the cup down on his table, Sam recalled, “Remember several months ago when I told you that my mother opposed my entering Starfleet Academy?”  Taking Maria’s slight nod of her head as assent, Lavelle continued his narrative, “Well…when my uncle Richard—you remember me telling you he’s captain of the DeRuyter?” 

“Yeah, I remember.”  Maria said as she blew on her espresso, prompting, “Go on…”

Taking another sip of his coffee, Sam continued, “She always tells my uncle and my Dad that the reason she was so dead-set against my applying was that she didn’t want to see me get hurt…that her and her brother laying it on the line in Starfleet were enough…but that’s not the truth…” He said solemnly as he lowered his head.  “The real reason is that she didn’t think I could cut it…that I wasn’t up to the job…that I wouldn’t take it seriously.”

“That’s ridiculous!”  Maria replied with a snort.  “Ok…yeah…you’re a nice guy and all and you’re fun to be with, but…” All traces of laughter vanishing from her face she regarded the man sitting across from her.  Taking his free hand in hers, the petite Brazilian ensign declared, “…you’re also an incredibly brave, loyal, and giving human being…” Squeezing his hand, she continued, “…and if she can’t see that…then it’s her who shouldn’t be wearing this uniform.”

“Thanks, Maria,” Sam replied, squeezing her hand in response, “I think I needed to hear that.”

“So…” Maria asked, “When are you going to give ‘Mommy Dearest’ a call?”

“I think I’ll talk to Dad first…” Sam answered back, forcing a grin to his face, “Start things off on a good note before tackling Mom.”

“Good.”  Maria declared as she stood up.  Bending over, she gave her friend a kiss on his cheek, “I’ve got to go talk to my parents and then try to get some sleep…that is if Treasure isn’t snoring up a storm!”

“Well…” Sam jibed, “If she is, you know you can always come and crash with me.”

“You know…” Django rejoined with a smirk, “I might just take you up on that…”

*************************************************************

Operation Lights Out: T-minus 16 hours

“Mrs. Patel…” The doctor explained in his rich Australian accent, “You’re right.  Even a century ago, this procedure would have been considered very risky, and I won’t lie to you, it is still major surgery—we’ll be engaged in some very delicate work in your husband’s brain, but he’s in very good health for a man of his years and he stands a good chance at making a complete recovery with the operation.”  Pausing for several moments to give the woman sitting across from him, a slightly built Indian woman, her dark hair now mostly gray, to take in what he had just told her, the doctor further admonished, “But your husband does need this operation.  The neural deterioration has reached the point where noninvasive procedures are no longer viable.  Surgery is our only option here.”

“I see.”  The woman answered back.  “When do you want to do the operation?”

“Tomorrow.”  The doctor replied.  “Just to be sure we could get him in as soon as possible, I took the liberty of putting him on the schedule.”  Holding out a padd for the elderly woman, the doctor requested, “I just need your authorization here and we’ll proceed.”

Pressing her thumbprint on the padd, the frail woman pleaded as she stood up, “Take care of him…please.”

***************************************************************

Operation Lights Out: T-minus 10 hours

“Oi Mae!”  Ensign Django smiled at the woman’s image on her computer monitor.  Even though her skin was more than a few shades lighter than her daughter’s, the older woman’s dark hair and fair features easily marked the pair as mother and daughter.

“Oi, meu filha!” Teresa Django replied; a broad smile on her face as she regarded her daughter.  “Where are you?  Are you still on your way here?”

Laughing merrily, Maria answered back, “I’m already here.  The Sutherland arrived in Earth orbit about fourteen hours ago.”

“And you’re still on that ship and not back home?”  Teresa mock scolded, her sly wink revealing that she was merely teasing.  “What sort of heartless person is your captain to keep a mother from her daughter?”

Her laughter growing louder, Maria joked back, “The type who’d have your daughter cleaning plasma coils for the next year.”  Her laughter disappearing, the young Brazilian added in a serious tone, “I wish we could come down, Mae, but we’re still on alert…”

“I understand, meu filha.”  The older woman replied, her laughter vanishing as well, “I haven’t seen people this nervous since the Borg Incursion.  We’ve had half a dozen cancellations at the hotel since yesterday and tua pai has had some of his charters cancel out as well.”  Her smile returning to her face, Teresa regarded her daughter, “But I’m glad you’re back and I know tua pai will be happy to see you too.”  Then, a wicked grin crossing her features, Maria’s mother asked, “So…you said that you wish that ‘we’ could come down.  Who is this other person, eh? A young man, perhaps?”

Her darkened complexion not completely hiding the blush coming to her face, Maria answered back, “Oh…all right…yes, Mae, it’s a man.” She stammered, “His name is Sam…Sam Lavelle…he’s a shipmate of mine.”

“Ah…” Teresa exclaimed with a laugh.  “Well…bring him with you; we’d love to meet him.”

Joining her mother in laughter, Maria replied, “I’ll be sure to let him know.”  Her laughter dying down to be replaced by a fond smile, the young Brazilian finished, “I’ve got to go now, Mae.  I want to grab a quick nap before my shift.  Tell Pai I love him and I’ll see you both soon.”

“Tchau! Meu filha!” Teresa quickly responded before her image vanished, to be replaced by a blank screen.  Getting up out of her seat, Maria slipped under the sheets of her bed.  Smiling contentedly at the fact that, for now at least, her roommate was not snoring, Ensign Django drifted off to sleep.

************************************************************

“Hey, Dad.”  Sam smiled as his father’s face appeared on the monitor screen.  With his dark black hair and neatly trimmed beard, Michel Lavelle looked every inch the stereotypical university professor.  “How’re you doing?”

“I’m doing fine, Sam!”  Michel answered with just a slight Quebecois accent.  “When are you beaming down?”

“Hopefully soon.”  The younger Lavelle answered back, his smile vanishing.  “Right now they want us to hold our position…”

“I understand, Son.”  The older man interjected, a note of sadness in his voice, “When I found out about what happened in Antwerp, I couldn’t believe it.  It’s…”

“I know, Dad.” Sam replied in a soft voice. “I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Mom’s ship should be here by tomorrow…”

“The Potemkin?  It’s coming in too?”  Michel exclaimed, his smile returning until he saw the distraught look on his son’s face, “Sam…don’t you think its time you and your mother settled your differences?”

“There’s nothing I’d love more…” The younger man replied, “But I’m not sure Mom wants to.”

“Now…whatever gave you that idea?”  The older man asked as his image gazed into the eyes of his son.

“To be honest…” Sam admitted, “I thought we were patching things up.  She seemed pleased when I got my promotion to full Lieutenant, but, when I told her I was transferring over to the Sutherland, she exploded.”

“Why?”  Michel asked, “I’ll admit, I don’t know that much about how Starfleet operates, but I get the impression that it was a good move for you.”

“It was.”  Sam confirmed, nodding his head, “A very good move.  I’m senior helmsman and…” He added with a note of pride in his voice, “I’m pretty sure I’m fast tracking towards my third pip.”

“Now that is good news!”  Sam’s father declared, beaming with pride in his son.  His smile disappearing, the elder Lavelle asked, “So, what has your mother so upset?”

“She hasn’t told you?”  Sam asked, surprised, “I thought you and Mom were getting along with each other.”

“We are…we are!”  Michel asserted, “It’s just she never mentioned anything about it to me—except to say that you were going to the Sutherland.”  Tilting his head slightly to the left, the anthropologist added, “She also said something about it being a…trouble magnet…yeah…that’s what she called it.”

Chuckling, Sam quipped, “Well, it certainly is that!”  His smile vanishing, the young helmsman continued, “But it’s a good ship…with a good captain and a good crew.”  Shaking his head, the younger Lavelle grumbled, “I wish I could get Mom to see that.  To see that leaving the Enterprise was actually the best thing I could have done.”

“Your mother can be very stubborn at times.”  Michel commiserated, “Believe me…I know.”  An ironic grin on his face, the Quebec born anthropologist added, “That’s both why I fell in love with her and why our marriage fell apart.”  Changing the subject, the elder Lavelle asked, “Do you think you’ll be able to come down before you have to leave again?”

“I’m pretty sure I will.”  Sam replied with a smile.  “If nothing happens tomorrow, I think we’ll be able to take some shoreleave.”  His grin growing wider, the young man added, “Besides, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

‘Oh?”  Michel grinned, “And this someone would be?”

“Her name’s Maria…Maria Django.”  Sam answered back with a shy grin, “And I think you’ll like her.”

“If you like her, Son…” The older man declared confidently, “Then I know I’m going to love her.”

*********************************************************

Operation Lights Out: T-minus 8 hours

“Come in Commander, come in!”  Admiral Leyton beamed as his aide strode into his spacious office.  Getting up out of his seat, he gestured towards one of the chairs facing the desk, “Have a seat.  How are things proceeding?”

“We’re on schedule, Sir.”  Commander Erika Benteen answered; the slightest hint of doubt in her voice.

Picking up on his aide’s unease, the admiral asked in a fatherly voice, “What’s wrong, Erika?  You seem a little…tentative.”

Sighing, the chestnut haired commander replied in a careful tone, “I do have one concern, Sir…”

Gesturing with his hand, Leyton prompted encouragingly, “Go ahead…you know I want my officers to feel free to express their opinions.”

“It’s just sir…” Commander Benteen began, “I’m not sure that we’ve fully taken into account the effect a total power blackout will have.  Remember, when we take out the power grid, our team will be taking out all of the backup systems as well—including the climate control and other emergency systems.  It could have quite a strong impact…”

“I know…” Leyton replied somberly, “I couldn’t get any sleep at all thinking about it. But…” the admiral declared, his eyes now taking on a fiery gleam, “…we don’t have any choice.  Unfortunately, the only way this President can be made to understand just how serious a threat we face is through a powerful—and drastic—demonstration.  Believe me, Erika, if there was some other way…I would take it in a heartbeat.”  Shaking his head sadly, the admiral concluded, “But we have no choice.”  Gazing into his protégé’s eyes, Leyton asked, “Do you understand?”

“Yes, Sir.”  Benteen answered back in a soft voice.

“Good!”  The admiral exclaimed as, getting out of his chair, he walked around to where Commander Benteen stood.  “Stand up please, Commander.”  The admiral requested in a grave tone, taking out a small box as Erika stood.  “I had these replicated yesterday.  I wanted to give them to you when you officially took charge of the Lakota later on today, but now’s as good a time as any.”  Opening the box to reveal two gold pips, Leyton beamed as he pinned the pips on Benteen’s collar, “Congratulations, Captain.”

**********************************************************

Operations Lights Out: T-Minus 6 hours

“That’s strange…” Third Year Cadet T’Pren, eyebrow raised, opined to her green-skinned Troyian roommate, Atris, also a third year cadet, as the pair walked down the corridor towards their room.

“What?”  Atris asked as she brushed back a strand of her luxurious white, mauve highlighted hair that had fallen over her right eye.

“Those two…” She said, tilting her head in the direction of two other third year cadets, both humans. 

“What about them?”  The Troyian cadet asked, shrugging her shoulders, “Lyman and DeWitt might be a pair of brownnosing toadies, but otherwise I don’t see what’s so strange about them.”

“They’re part of Red Squad.”  T’Pren explained, “I just find it interesting that while the rest of us are confined to the dorm complex, they’re sneaking off to the Admin building again just like they did last night…”

“They’re Reddies…” Atris sneered, “You know their drezhit doesn’t stink.  They get to do whatever they want.  Besides…” she questioned in a suspicious tone, “How did you know they snuck out last night?”

Her lips turning up into a slight smile, the Vulcan cadet responded with a shrug, “Because I followed them when they snuck out.”

“You’re joking…” Atris exclaimed.  “How did you pull that off?”

“It helps if you know how to slice into the computer…” T’Pren whispered.  “I waited until they left the dorm, used the combination I got from the computer to open the door without triggering any alarms, and followed them out.  They met up with that little nirak Shepard and the rest of their little clique and then they all went into the Admin building.”

“Damn…” The Troyian woman swore, “You’ve got more balls than an Elasian assault commando!”

“I hope so…” T’Pren replied with a snort, “Because I’m going to need them soon.  Grandfather’s coming to visit…”

“So…” Atris said, flashing a mischievous grin, “I get to see the legendary Varok.  I wonder how he’s going to respond to the new you.”

“It’s going to be grim…” T’Pren answered back, a dour look on her face, “When I confirm to him what my parents have already told him, that I’ve embraced V’tosh ka’tur, that I have accepted my emotional self, he will probably disown me…”

“It can’t be that bad.”  Atris countered, “You’re his granddaughter after all—wouldn’t that be an emotional response for him?

“Let me tell you something…” T’Pren replied with a snort, “Don’t believe it when people tell you that Vulcans don’t have emotions.  Believe me, we do.  We’re also notorious for keeping grudges.”  Sighing, the young Vulcan concluded, “Grandfather will disown me…and he’ll do it in a completely logical way.”

**************************************************************

 Operation Lights Out: T-minus 2 hours

Rematerializing on the transporter pad, Captain Shelby smiled as she saw her mentor, Admiral Hanson, waiting with outstretched hand to greet her.  “Welcome back, Liz…”

“It’s good to be back, Sir.”  Shelby replied as she took the admiral’s hand in hers.  Shaking her head, she commented as the pair made their way down a busy corridor to the Hanson’s office, “I wish we didn’t have to come under these circumstances though.”  Pausing for a moment as they reached the admiral’s office, the starship captain asked, “So…how are things now?”

“Better…” Hanson declared with a smile, striking a note of confidence. “I think we’re getting a handle on it.”

“Good.” Liz exclaimed as Admiral Hanson ushered her into his office, “My people will be glad to hear that.”

“I’m sure they will.”  The admiral replied, ordering two iced teas from the replicator.  “Here…” he said, giving one of the glasses to Elizabeth while he took the other for himself.  “Closest you can get to sun-brewed tea without it being the real thing.”

“Thank you, Sir.”  Liz answered back, relaxing in the comfortable chair across from the admiral’s desk.  Taking a sip from the cool drink in her hands, she asked, “So…what do we do now?”

“We’ll keep at our current level of alert for another day or two…” Hanson replied, “After that…if nothing happens…we’ll go back down to normal operations.”  Taking another sip of his tea, the admiral added, “That’ll give you time to see your parents…”

Her face hardening, Elizabeth responded carefully, “That’s probably not such a good idea, Sir.”

Sighing, Hanson addressed his young protégé in a paternal tone, “I might be overstepping my bounds here, Elizabeth…but…I’ve known you for a long time and your father for an even longer time…don’t forget, I served with him on the old Exeter.  You’re both two of the most stubborn, willful individuals I’ve ever met…which is probably why you’re both such good starship captains.”  Shaking his head sadly, the admiral added as he ran his hand through what was left of his hair, “But those two traits have also kept the two of you apart for years.  He’s not getting any younger, Liz…” Hanson admonished, maintaining his fatherly tone, “Not to mention your mother…Anna’s been caught in the middle between the two of you for far too long.”

“I’ll admit…” Liz reluctantly conceded, carefully choosing her words, “…that it’s been rough on Mom and…maybe…I’ve been unfair to her.”  Sighing as her old mentor looked on at her, Shelby grudgingly agreed, “Oh…all right…I’ll talk to Dad…if we get the chance.  But I can’t promise you anything.”

“That’s my girl!”  Hanson beamed approvingly as he finished his drink. Standing up, the admiral patted his protégé on her shoulder, “I’m afraid I’m going to have to let you go now, Liz.  I’ve got a late meeting with Admirals Shanthi and Paris…” he said with a sly wink, “…and I need time to firm up my shields before meeting those two…”

“Understood, Sir.”  Liz laughed as she made her way to the exit.  “And…thanks again, Admiral…”

*************************************************************

Operation Lights Out: T-minus 1 hour

Holding on to her husband’s hand, Rina Patel tried to smile through her tears as the doctor and his staff entered.  “Don’t worry, Mrs. Patel…” The Australian doctor consoled, “I promise I’ll take good care of him.”  Taking out a hypospray, the doctor injected it into the elderly man’s neck.  Nodding his head in satisfaction as he ran his tricorder over his patient’s body, the doctor smiled, “So far…so good.”  Nodding his head at one of the attendants who then touched a button on the biobed, the doctor once again addressed Rina, “We’ll wait awhile—give the anesthetic and the nutrients were putting into his system a chance to take effect and then we’ll perform the surgery.”

*****************************************************************

“Crystal! Andrew!” Sarah Mitchell called out in an exasperated voice as her husband, collecting the lunchtime dishes, placed them into the reclamation chute.  “Hurry up!  Your father has to go back to work!”

Pushing the button next to the chute, Elliot smiled as he turned towards his wife, “I’ll see you later, honey.” He said as he gave her a kiss.

“Don’t forget us, Daddy!”  Two voices called out behind him.

“Now, how could I ever forget my two angels!”  The doting father exclaimed as, kneeling down, he embraced both children in a tight bear hug.  “Now…you be good at Grandpa and Grandma’s, ok…”

“Ok, Daddy…” Crystal, the youngest, said with a shy smile as her father kissed her on the forehead.

“Don’t worry, Daddy…” Andrew declared proudly, “I’ll be sure she’s good.”

Laughing, Elliot mussed his son’s hair, “You just be sure that you behave yourself, young man!”  The father proclaimed with a broad grin.  Getting back on his feet, turned once again to his wife, “I better go now, honey.  We’re running a new program today and I need to get in on time.”

“Ok, honey.”  Sarah responded as she gave her husband another kiss, “I’ll see you this evening.”  Looking down on her children, the loving mother smiled warmly, “Ok guys…time to get changed out of your play clothes.  We’re going to have to get a move on if we’re going to get to the transporter pad on time.”  Clapping her hands, she commanded in a voice familiar to mothers, everywhere, “Now!”

******************************************************************

“Pretty day, Manoel!”  Joao, the first mate of the charter boat, Teresa, exclaimed as he looked up into the cerulean sky.

“It should be…” Manoel Django, an athletic, dark complexioned man, quipped, a toothy grin on his face, “The climate control net said it would be.”  Cutting the boat’s engine off, the charter boat owner/operator called down to the divers suiting up on the deck.  “This is the spot.  You won’t find better reef diving for miles.”

As the divers entered the water with a splash, Joao asked his employer and brother-in-law, “So, did you hear from minha irma?

“Sim,” Manoel responded with a warm smile, “She said Maria’s back.”

“She is?  Is the little firecracker at the hotel?”

“Nao” Manoel replied; shaking his head, “She’s still on her ship—in orbit.  She told Teresa that Starfleet didn’t want to take any chances so they’re keeping them on alert.”

“That’s probably for the best,” Joao agreed.  “Still…I hope they’ll let her spend at least a couple of days with us.”

****************************************************************

Operation Lights Out: T-minus 30 minutes

“You all understand your tasks…” Cadet Riley Shepard instructed.  “The Lakota will beam us into the global power distribution complex in Lisbon; we disable the power relay system and all the backups…”

“All of the backups?”  Cadet Dorian Collins asked in a shocked tone.

“All of the backups.”  Cadet Shepard emphasized, “Those are our orders.”  His eyes focused on Collins, Shepard demanded, “If anyone does not feel that they can carry out these orders, they need to say so now.”  Satisfied that Collins had dropped her questioning stance, Shepard smirked inwardly, “Good.  We’re all on the same page.”  Activating his comm badge, the young cadet spoke, “Shepard to Lakota.  Red Squad is ready for transport.”

********************************************************************

“Captain?”  Lieutenant Atoa reported from his position at tactical, “They’re here.”  Three starships came into sight in the Sutherland’s main viewer.  The Excelsior-class Concord and Potemkin and the Nebula-class Eagle appeared in a triangular formation with the Eagle at the apex of the triangle and the two Excelsiors at the bases.

“And here comes Mom…” Lavelle muttered sotto voce as he immediately picked out the Potemkin amongst the other ships.

“Focus, Sam…” Ensign Django whispered.  “Put ‘Mommy Dearest’ out of your mind for now.”

“Two Excelsiors and another Nebula…” Commander Hobson noted dryly, “We’re not bringing much to the table if there really is a cloaked Dominion fleet on its way here.”

“You go with what you’ve got, Commander…” Liz riposted in an equally wry tone before addressing her tactical officer, “Mr. Atoa, hail the Eagle.”  Picking up the padd which sat on her lap, she quickly glanced at the personnel entry for the Eagle, burning the name of the ship’s captain into her memory.  The images of the three starships now replaced by that of a brown haired, blue eyed man sitting in the center chair, Elizabeth smiled, “Captain Owens…it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Captain Shelby…” Owens responded politely, yet stiffly, “The pleasure is mutual.  What is the current situation?”  The Eagle’s captain asked, getting down immediately to business.

“We’re stable for now…” Shelby replied, matching the other captain’s detachment, “Admiral Hanson has ordered us to hold station until further notice—just in case.”

“Understood, Captain.”  Owens acknowledged in a formal tone.  “If there’s nothing further…”

“No…” Elizabeth responded in a cold voice, “That covers it. Shelby out.”

“So…” Commander Edison commented with a twinkle in his eye, “That was the infamous Captain Shelby.”

“That’s her.”  Captain Owens tersely acknowledged.

“You sound like you don’t like her.”  Edison observed, speaking in a low tone so that there conversation could not be overheard.

“It’s not a matter of liking or not liking her.”  Owens replied in an equally low voice, “It’s just that I don’t think someone like her has any business wearing that uniform—much less commanding a starship.”

"What do you mean?"  Edison gently probed, keeping his voice low. "It can't be just because she likes having a good time..."

"No..." Owens shook his head, "...it isn't...at least not completely."  Taking a deep breath, the Eagle's captain said, "Look, Gene...I don't want to talk about it right now.  Let’s just say I have my reasons and leave it at that."

“Ok…” Edison replied, respecting his captain's wishes, "Sure.  But I’d still love to score an invite to her next party.”

As he looked down on his padd, a slight grin appeared on Michael Owen’s face.  “Get me the Lakota.”  The Eagle’s captain ordered.  Turning towards Edison, he explained, “Erika Benteen’s finally made captain and got the Lakota.  It’s about time…” He then said in a much softer voice, “In fact, it's past time.”

*************************************************************

“Stuck up prick.” Captain Shelby muttered under her breath before putting the captain of the Eagle out of her mind.  Looking down on her padd, Liz memorized the names of the other two captains before addressing her tactical officer, “Mr. Atoa, get me Captains Taras of the Potemkin and Lynwood of the Concord.”

***********************************************************

Operation Lights Out: T-minus 0

“Ok…we’re in.”  Cadet Shepard whispered after he and his team beamed undetected into the Lisbon power distribution center.  Walking to the main console, the young cadet nodded his head at the duty technician, a former crewman of Admiral Leyton’s on the Okinawa.  Nodding his head in return, the technician turned around, exiting the facility.  “Let’s do this.”  The leader of Red Squad ordered as his people took their stations at the various consoles, inputting the codes that would soon plunge the entire planet into darkness.

*******************************************************

“We have to be very careful here…” The operating surgeon said; addressing the surgical residents as he carefully and skillfully manipulated the laser scalpel in his hands.  “Now…this is the most delicate part of the entire operation…”

****************************************************************

“Grandpa…Grandma…” Little Crystal shouted out with glee as she saw her grandparents on the communications screen.  “See what I did?”  She asked proudly as she displayed the card that she had made in school the other day.

“It looks beautiful dear.”  Crystal’s grandmother replied with a beatific smile.

“We can’t wait to see it, darling.”  The little girl’s grandfather added before addressing the little boy standing next to his sister.  “Won’t be long, Andrew and you’ll be taller than me!”

“I’m already taller than Frankie Munroe!”  The little boy responded with a smile, “And he used to be the tallest boy in my class.”

“Elliot and I thank you both for looking after the kids.”  Sarah chimed in as she gathered her children to her.  “We’re looking forward to spending our anniversary in the mountains this weekend.”

“You two deserve the time off, Dear.”  The elderly man replied.

“Charles is right, Sarah.  We’re only too glad to look after Crystal and Andrew.” The woman added with a smile, “You two go off and have a good time and don’t worry about a thing.”

“Thanks, Mom…Dad…” Sarah replied as she gave her children one last hug.  “Now, Andrew…Crystal…remember to be good for your grandparents and when you get home, you just might find a little surprise waiting for you.”  Smiling warmly as she gazed at her children’s faces, Sarah kissed them both before guiding them to the transporter pad. 

As the attendant guided the children to their positions, he smiled at the young mother, “Don’t worry, Ma’am…I’ve been doing this for years.”  Smiling at the children, he asked, “Ready?”

“Energize!”  Andrew ordered, acting just like the starship captain he was planning on being when he grew up.

“Bye, Mommy!”  Crystal called out; waving to her mother was the attendant manipulated the controls, surrounding the young children with its blue glow.

***********************************************************

“Now!”  Cadet Shepard called out triumphantly as he pressed the button.  Touching his comm badge, he ordered, “Lakota…beam us up.”

“We did it!”  The youthful cadet gloated, pumping his fist in the air.  “We brought down the entire grid!  Are we good—or what!”

***************************************************************

“Oh my God…” Lieutenant Smithurst, the beta shift helmsman for the Sutherland, uttered in a low voice as he saw the bright urban lights that dotted the night side of the planet suddenly vanish, plunging that hemisphere into darkness.

“Lieutenant Rysyl?”  Lieutenant Nyota Dryer called out from her position at tactical, “All communications with the planet have ceased.  Power readings have ceased as well.”  A note of alarm creeping into her voice, she further reported, “The planetary defense grid is down too.”

Anara Rysyl, sitting in the center chair as the officer on duty, immediately touched her comm badge.  “Captain Shelby to the bridge at once.”  Turning towards Lieutenant Dryer, she further ordered, “Take us to Yellow Alert and signal the other ships in the task force.”  Her voice taking on a grim tone, she declared, “This might be it.”

****************************************************************

“How are his vitals?”  The doctor called out as he connected another severed ganglia.

“All green.”  The nurse called back.  “Blood pressure is…”

Before she could finish her sentence the operating room went black.

“What the hell?”  The surgeon cursed, “Where’s the damned power?  If we don’t get life support back on now, this man is going to die!”

“There’s no power, Doctor!”  The nurse answered back in an alarm filled voice, “Communications are down too.”

“Damn!”  The doctor swore again; sweat pouring from his body as he struggled in vain to save his patient.  But without power to keep the life support machines that Mr. Patel’s body was tied into, his blood couldn’t circulate and his lungs could no longer take in air.  It took mere moments for Ajit Patel, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, to die.

*******************************************************

As the transporter effect surrounded the young children, beginning the process that would convert their molecules into data streams, everything went dark.  The communications screen…the instrument panel…the transporter pad.  Everything.  But the transporter pad wasn’t empty.  Knowing what was about to happen, the transporter attendant quickly turned the now distraught mother around, clutching her face tightly to his chest.

“Don’t turn around, Ma’am!”  The attendant ordered, “Don’t!”

“My children!”  Sarah cried out, sobbing into the man’s chest, “Where are my children?  Crystal?  Andrew?”

Turning his eyes from the two misshapen lumps of protoplasm sitting on the transporter pad where two innocent, laughing children once stood, the transporter technician, tears flowing down his cheeks, said in a soft voice, “They’re gone, Ma’am…they’re gone. I’m so sorry. I’m so…so…sorry.”

************************************************************************

Part 3: Unintended Consequences

Striding on to the bridge as soon as the turbolift door slid open, Shelby called out to Lieutenant Rysyl, who, at that moment was vacating the center seat, “Report.”

“We have a planet-wide power blackout.  Secondary and tertiary backups are down as well.” The Deltan operations officer reported as Commander Hobson entered the bridge, assuming his usual position by the captain’s side.  “The climate control net and planetary defenses are also down.”

“Contact the other starships.”  Captain Shelby immediately ordered, turning to Lieutenant Dryer, the tactical officer currently on duty.  As the other starship captains appeared on the main viewer in split screen, Liz addressed them, “I’m sure you’ve all picked up on what’s going on.  We need to coordinate relief efforts so that we’re not tripping all over each other.”

“I agree.”  Michael Owens, captain of the USS Eagle, promptly replied.  “What are your suggestions, Captain?”

“Lakota has made contact with Admiral Leyton in Starfleet Command.”  The newly minted Captain Benteen interjected, earning a raised eyebrow from Shelby and a pleased look from Owens.  “The President has authorized the Admiral and Starfleet to implement emergency measures.  We’ll be acting to transport security forces to assist in maintaining order, maintaining communications between Starfleet and other essential services, and otherwise acting on Admiral Leyton’s orders.” Benteen declared, putting special emphasis on the last phrase.

“Understood.”  Liz responded.  “As for the rest of us…” the captain suggested, addressing the four other captains on her screen, “I would suggest that we divide the planet into four quadrants with each ship taking responsibility for one quadrant.”

“Sounds good.”  Captain Lynwood of the Concord replied as he stroked his seal-brown mustache.  “We’ll take quadrant four.”

“We’ll take three…” Captain Taras of the Potemkin chimed in, his antennae twitching.

“Good.”  Shelby answered back.  “Sutherland will take one.”

“And Eagle will take two.” Owens interrupted.

“All right then…” Liz snapped, “Let’s do this.”

****************************************************************

Joseph Gannon Memorial Hospital, Houston Texas

“Dammit!” Dr. Mark Neal cursed as he continued administering CPR to his elderly patient.  “I’m not going to lose you too, Olivia.  Come on…you can do it.”

“Doctor…” A dark skinned nurse said in a low, sad tone, “It’s too late…there are others.”

“I know…” The balding physician replied, sighing as he reluctantly ceased his life saving efforts.  “Mark time of death…” He declared as he took out an antique windup watch out of his pocket, “…at 1315.”  Shaking his head as he moved down to the next patient, the doctor somberly noted, “If we don’t get power back on line soon, we’re going to lose all of them.”

Almost immediately after uttering his dire prognosis, the doctor, along with his nurse, heard the almost unmistakable sound of a transporter.  Looking up, they saw three figures materialize in front of them—all three wearing Starfleet blue uniforms, the one in the middle, an apparently Eurasian woman, with a human male on one side of her and a Denobulan woman on the other.  More importantly though to the exhausted doctor and nurse was what the three Starfleet officers were carrying—emergency power generators.

“I’m Doctor Denise Murakawa,” The Eurasian woman stated as she walked up to Dr. Neal and his nurse.

“Thank heaven you’re here, Dr. Murakawa.”  Dr. Neal responded with a sigh of relief.  “I’ve already lost three patients and I’ve got more on this wing that are going to die if we don’t get some power restored soon—not to mention the pediatrics stasis wards.”

“These power generators should restore your critical systems.”  Dr. Murakawa replied as she plugged hers into a recessed wall slot.  The biobeds springing to life once again, they resumed their primary function of providing the patients occupying them what they needed to stay alive as Denise watched, monitoring them to ensure their proper functioning.  Addressing the two medics accompanying her, the Sutherland’s CMO ordered, “Go to pediatrics and stasis and get the power going there.”

“Nurse Reynolds will show you where to go.”  Dr. Neal interjected, motioning with his hand for his nurse to accompany the Starfleet crewmen.  Turning towards the attractive Eurasian doctor standing in front of one of the biobeds, the attending physician uttered, “Thank you, Doctor.”

“I’m just sorry we couldn’t get here sooner.”  Denise replied as her eyes fell upon the covered body of the patient that had just recently died.  Turning her gaze away from the deceased patient, Dr. Murakawa continued, “I’m afraid I have to go now.  Is there anything else you need before I have to go?”

“No…” Dr. Neal shook his head, “I don’t think so.”

Nodding her head, Denise managed another slight grin, “I’ll leave Crewmen Phylis and Rogers with you for now…” she said as she handed the doctor a comm badge.  “If you need any more help, just use this to contact the Sutherland.”  Touching her own comm badge, the Eurasian doctor spoke, “This is Dr. Murakawa, beam me up.”  One down and too many more to go.

*****************************************************************

Somewhere off the Brazilian coast

“Manoel…I thought you told me that the climate net said that we were supposed to have clear weather today.”  Manoel Django’s brother, Joao remarked, pointing at the darkening skyline to the east of the charter boat that Manoel owned and operated.  “Looks like we’ve got a storm brewing.”

“Sim.” Manoel acknowledged as he stroked his chin.  “I’ll contact climate control and see what’s going on.”  Touching a button on his control panel, he grunted, “That’s weird.  They’re not answering.  I’ll try Teresa.”  His face now showing signs of concern, the dark skinned charter boat owner said, “Nothing there either.  It looks like all the comm lines are down.

As the clouds overhead grew darker, Joao commented as he began to suit up, “If the comm channels are down, we’re not going to be able to contact the divers.  I better go down and get them back up soon.”

“Good idea.”  Manoel agreed.  “Better hurry…the way those clouds are gathering, I’d say we don’t have much time before the storm hits.”

******************************************************************

Western Hemisphere Climate Control Net, Miami

Elliot Mitchell looked out the window at the Miami skyline, his face etched with worry as the rain cascaded down.

“It’s weird…” His coworker, Helena Thomas, commented.  “The rain…this is the first time I’ve seen naturally occurring rain…I mean rain that we didn’t have anything to do with.”

“Dangerous too.”  Elliot pointed out as he gazed about the darkened climate control facility.  “The weather patterns that we’ve controlled for so long are now beginning to reassert themselves. If we don’t get a handle on this soon—we could be facing some very…very…dangerous weather.”

Placing a hand on her friend’s shoulder, Helena observed, “That’s not all you’re worried about.”

“You’re right.”  Elliot confirmed.  “It’s Sarah and the kids…”

“I’m sure they’re ok.”  Helena comforted.  “Didn’t you tell me that Crystal and Andrew were going to their grandparents while you and Sarah took the weekend off?”  Taking her coworker’s single nod of the head as his answer, the dark haired woman continued, “Well…there you go.  They’re either at home with their mother or they’re at the grandparents.”  Pointing to the Starfleet security troopers who had suddenly materialized outside their building, she smiled, “See…Starfleet’s already on it.”

*************************************************************

Off the Brazilian Coast

Helping the last of the divers up on to the boat, Joao grinned as he looked up at the small craft’s skipper, “All present and accounted for Manoel!”  Feeling the stinging rain on his cheeks as well the increasingly choppy seas, the first mate shouted, “We better get back home now before it gets worse out here.”

“Sim!”  Manoel called back as he engaged the charter boat’s engines.  “Get our passengers inside!”  He ordered as he steered a course for home.  The experienced boater tried to negotiate the increasingly violent seas as waves soaked the deck, tossing the small boat about. 

“Damn!”  Joao cursed as a tall wave crashed on the deck.  “If we don’t get out of this soon!”

“We’ll make it!”  Manoel shouted as he guided his boat through the squalls, a toothy grin on his face as he pointed to the shoreline, “See!”

“I see!”  Joao called back, managing a shaky grin of his own as the small craft began to pull away from the storm, “But, I think, brother-in-law that I am also going to be very seasick!”

**********************************************************************

Midwest Power Distribution Node: Chicago

Materializing in the main complex of the power distribution complex, Lieutenant Commander Jadon Tol, along with four of his engineering staff, greeted the grey haired woman who approached.

“I’m Cecily Richards.”  The woman said by way of introduction as she held out her hand.  “Administrative supervisor.”

“Lieutenant Commander Jadon Tol.”  The joined Trill replied, taking the administrator’s hand in his.  “Chief Engineer, USS Sutherland.”

“While I’m glad to see you…” Ms. Richards remarked, “I’m not sure what you could do here.  All of our computers are tied into the main computers in Lisbon.  We can’t do anything until they’re back on line.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that.” Jadon answered back with a roguish grin.  “While you’re right in that we won’t be able to restore full power to the entire Midwest, I think we might be able to provide limited power to emergency facilities.”

“If you can even pull that off it would be great…” the administrator replied dubiously, “…but I don’t see how you’re going to be able to do it.”

Turning to his people, Jadon called out, “Treasure!  Get started on that power transfer relay.  Tompkins! You and M’rys tackle setting up the bypass system.” Clapping his hands, Tol commanded, “Let’s move it people!”

Turning back to the administrator, Jadon explained.  “We’re going to set up a power transfer between your node and the three other nodes in this quadrant with the Sutherland…”

“Can your ship meet all our power demands?”  Cecily inquired; a doubting look still on her face.  “That’s an awful lot of power to supply to a pretty large area.”

“That’s why we’re only going to be able to supply a limited amount of juice.”  Jadon replied.  “Also, we have teams with portable generators providing power to hospitals and other facilities which help take some of the load off.  Still, the lights are going to be out for ninety-nine percent of the population in your region,” the Trill engineer admitted as the sound of thunder boomed in the distance.  “But at least we’ll be able to get some power to those who need it most.”  Shrugging his shoulders, Tol concluded apolgetically, “It’s better than nothing.”

******************************************************************

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

“Mae Deo!” Joao swore as he leaped off the boat, mooring rope in hand.  “We made it!”

Helping his seasick passengers off the boat, Manoel surveyed the darkened beach and buildings.  “The power…” The ebony skinned skipper remarked, “What happened?”

“Changelings.”  A voice answered back.  Turning towards the voice, Manoel quickly recognized the form of an Andorian wearing a gold and black Starfleet uniform.  “Ensign Ta’var…Starfleet security.”  Taking note of Joao securing the small boat with the mooring line and then glancing at the lightning flashes off to sea, the young Andorian remarked, “You were fortunate to make it back.”

“We wouldn’t have…” one of the divers exclaimed, “…if it weren’t for Mr. Django here.”

“Yeah…” Another diver chimed in, “He saved us all!”

“That’s good.”  The security officer replied before inquiring, “Does anyone require medical attention?”

“Just for seasickness, I think…” Manoel answered back with a slight smile as the divers all nodded their heads.

Cracking a smile as he motioned for two other security troopers, both human, to join him, the Andorian instructed, gesturing at one of the two officers, “These men will take you all to a medical facility and then to wherever you’re staying…”  As the group prepared to leave, the young ensign advised, “Once you’re back at home, you’ll need to stay there—there’s a dawn to dusk curfew until further notice.”

************************************************************

USS Sutherland

“All relief teams have reported in and we have initial casualty figures.” Commander Hobson reported frowning as he handed his captain a padd.  “It’s not good, Sir.”

Glancing down at the padd her first officer had just given her, Liz frowned, “At least a thousand dead world-wide.”  She sighed, shaking her head, “And these are just the initial numbers.  I’m afraid they’re going to get much higher before all is said and done.”  Addressing her tactical officer, Shelby inquired, “Are you picking up any readings that might indicate cloaked ships?”

“No, Sir.”  Lieutenant Dryer responded.

“That’s odd…” Liz commented, cupping her chin.  “What about Andor, Vulcan, and Tellar?  Anything unusual going on with them?”

“Just normal chatter and communications coming from those worlds, Sir.”  Nyota replied, shaking her head, “Same thing from Trill, Betazed, Rigel, and Alpha Centauri.  No disturbances of any kind reported.”

“This doesn’t make sense.”  The captain remarked as she drummed the arm of her chair with her fingers.  “If one or more cloaked fleets really did sneak through the wormhole, then what is the Vorta or Founder in charge waiting for?”

“It is most illogical.” Lieutenant Commander Varok interjected from his science station.

“Exactly.”  Liz agreed.  “If I were the Dominion commander, I’d launch my attack a few hours after the sabotage.”

“In other words…” Hobson interjected, “Right about now.”

“Exactly!”  Liz exclaimed, her finger drumming ceasing as she gazed intently at the main viewer.   Once again calling out to Lieutenant Dryer, she asked, “Anything now?”

“No, Sir.”  Nyota replied, repeating her earlier answer.  “No signs of cloaked ships.”  Shrugging her shoulders, she added, “It’s just like normal.”

“Sir?”  Sam Lavelle ventured from his station at the helm, “Why would you wait a few hours?  Why not attack immediately?”  The helmsman asked as he stared at the placid image of the Earth in orbit currently displayed on the main viewer.  “I’d think that right after the sabotage would be better.  They’d have the advantage of surprise and shock.”

“There is that…” Shelby acknowledged, stepping into the captain’s role as teacher as she continued to carefully eye the main viewscreen, “But by waiting for just an hour or two, I’d still have all the advantages of an immediate attack plus all the Starfleet ships in the area would be tied up in relief activities, slowing their response times.  The trick, Mr. Lavelle, is to time your attack for just the right moment—you don’t want to wait so long that additional reinforcements could arrive before you secure your objective.”

“I think I see, Sir.”  Lavelle replied, taking in the impromptu lesson.  “So what do we do?  Cease or curtail our relief efforts?”

“We can’t do that.”  Liz answered back, shaking her head as the casualty figures that she had read earlier flashed back into her mind.  “We’ve got people down there depending on us.  Still…” she said, “Something’s not quite right here…” Turning to the ebony skinned woman manning the tactical console, the captain ordered, “Get me Captain Sisko. Maybe he has some ideas as to what’s going on.”

*********************************************************************

Western Hemisphere Climate Control Net, Miami

“I think that does it!”  Lieutenant Louise Hopkins, the chief engineer of the Eagle exclaimed from the main control console as she inputted a numerical code. 

“All systems reading optimal.”  The Eagle’s operations officer, DeMara Deen reported.  “Looks like your idea of using the Eagle’s engines to restore the climate control net worked.”

“I got the idea from the Sutherland’s engineer.”  Lieutenant Hopkins grinned before warning, “It’s only a temporary fix though.”  Turning towards the current duty supervisor, she said in an apologetic tone, “I’m sorry, but you won’t be able to have the complete control over the climate that you would normally have.  However, you can monitor conditions and you should be able to deal with any potentially dangerous climatic conditions such as tornadoes and tropical storms—provided you don’t get hit with too many at once, that is.”

“We’ll take whatever we can get, Lieutenant.”  The supervisor replied, a smile on his face.  “Thank you.”

************************************************************************

Starfleet Academy

“Something’s not right…” Cadet Second Class T’Pren declared, the flickering light of a single candle combining with the low light of her padd to provide the only illumination in the room she shared with her classmate, a green-skinned Troyian named Atris.

“Oh?”  Atris snorted as she circled her arm to encompass the dark room, “I wonder what gave you that idea?  Maybe the fact that the power’s out and we’re sitting here in the dark!”

“Well…that…” T’Pren chuckled, a sight her roommate still had not completely gotten used to, “And…” she said, her laughter vanishing as she handed her padd to the Troyian cadet, “…this.”

“This looks like a…”

“Transport log.”  T’Pren finished, “Yeah.  Check the last entry.”  The Vulcan said, pointing at the bottom of the padd.

“Hmmm…looks like the Reddies beamed on to the Lakota…” Atris thought for a moment and then gasped, “Wait a minute…we’re on lockdown!  So what are they doing beaming on to the Lakota and how the hells did you get your hands on the transport log?   No…”  The Troyian woman laughed as she shook her head in astonishment, “Don’t tell me—I don’t think I want to know.  Still…” She repeated, her laughter vanishing, “What were they doing?”

“That’s what I’ve been asking myself.”  T’Pren admitted.  “After we split up yesterday, I followed our two pet Reddies: Lyman and DeWitt.”

“So…” The Troyian woman asked, her curiosity aroused, “Where did they go?”

“Same place they went last time.”  T’Pren answered back with a smirk, “The Commandant’s office.”  Pausing for a moment, the Vulcan cadet continued, somewhat smugly, “I’ll bet not too many people have noticed this—the Reddies have done a pretty good job of covering their traces, but this has become something of a habit for them recently.  I’ve counted five meetings this week alone—with this last one being the third time since the lockdown.”

“So…” Atris remarked, shrugging her shoulders, “They’re ‘special’…” She said with more than a hint of sarcasm, “They’re always getting to do stuff we mortals don’t get a chance to do.”

“Yes…” T’Pren agreed before countering, “But don’t you think it’s more than a little…” her lips curled up into a smile at her next word, “…illogical…for them to be sent off on a ‘training’ mission in the middle of an Academy-wide lockdown?”

“Perhaps…” Atris conceded.  “But what can we do about it?”

“Hmmm…” T’Pren vocalized as she considered her choices, “I don’t think going to the Commandant’s a good idea—leaving out the fact that he won’t like my hacking into the computer system, his office was where the Reddies were all meeting at.”

“So…” Her Troyian roommate asked, “What other options are there?”

Shaking her head, the lithe Vulcan cadet responded with a wry grin, “There is someone…”  Calling up a saved article on her padd, she showed it to her roommate.

“Pava Lar’ragos?”  Atris questioned as she glanced down at the padd.  “Now I remember!”  She exclaimed, “He was the guy who went back into the Federation embassy during the Tsen’kethi crisis to bring back the flag.  How do you know him?” 

“I don’t.”  T’Pren admitted, “But Grandfather knows him.  They worked together several years ago on some project or other.  Don’t ask me what it was though—Grandfather never told me.”  Sighing, the young Vulcan remarked in an ironic voice, “Hopefully, Lar’ragos will at least listen to me before he has me sent to counseling.”

******************************************************************

Once in the safe privacy of her ready room, Captain Erika Benteen, after taking a cup of jasmine tea from the replicator slot, sat down behind her desk.  “Computer…” the newly minted captain ordered, “Connect me with Admiral Leyton at Starfleet Command.”

On seeing the image of his former aide in his monitor screen, the bearded admiral managed a brief smile, “Erika.  I was about to contact you.”  Letting out a breath of air, Leyton intoned, “Everything is going even better than we expected—President Inyo granted us full emergency powers, and the response of Earth’s population to our intervention has been exactly what we thought it would be—they see our security patrols as what they are—a source of security and safety.”

“I’m glad to hear that, Sir.”  Benteen responded before glancing down at the padd on her desk, “Admiral…” she began nervously, “…have you seen the latest casualty figures?  Five thousand dead.”

“Five thousand…” Leyton gasped, shaking his head in genuine sorrow, “We…I…knew that there would be…consequences…when we brought down the power grid, but I had no idea…”

“I know, Sir.”  Benteen interjected, speaking in a soft voice, “Most of the dead were elderly or critical care patients in hospital, with some deaths storm or weather related. Two of the deaths…” she said, choking back a sob, “…were two children who died when the power cut while they were beaming…” Shaking her head, Erika lamented, “It was a freak occurrence.  Under most circumstances, the transport would have been aborted or they would have been stored safely in the transport buffers, but...when the power cut out…”

“They were past the fail safe point…” Leyton finished in a somber tone as he shook his head.  Pausing for a moment, the admiral said, “You’re right, Captain, the loss of those children…as well as the others…was a tragedy.” Speaking now with increased resolve, the admiral’s deep baritone voice resounding through the monitor’s speaker, “But think of how many more lives would be lost if we didn’t do this—if the Federation remains placid in the face of the Changeling threat.  Instead of five thousand dead…it could be five billion dead… more as two entire quadrants are ravaged.”

“I realize that, Sir.”  Captain Benteen replied, “But…”

“It doesn’t make it any easier when you see those names…” Leyton interjected, smiling beatifically on his protégé.  “I understand, Captain.  But you have to remember…” the admiral continued, “…that those people…those two children…didn’t die for nothing.  Through their deaths…” he concluded as his eyes took on an especially sharp focus, “…the Federation will be saved.

As the admiral’s image faded out, Erika Benteen gazed intently at the now blank screen.  For the first time since she had begun her service under Admiral Leyton, she began to doubt the rightness of her cause.

********************************************************************

Lisbon, Portugal: Main Power Distribution Net

As he looked on at the technicians busy restoring the power distribution grid, Pava Lar’ragos shook his head.  “Whoever did this knew what he was doing.” The security specialist remarked to the engineer standing next to him, who was at that moment taking a quick break.

“Tell me about it.”  The engineer replied with a sigh.  “I don’t think I’ve seen such a professionally done job—the changeling that did this had an intimate knowledge of our codes and system layouts.”

“Yeah…” Lar’ragos answered back in a guarded tone, “…you’d think.”

“Well…” The engineer said with a smile as he stretched, “Time to get back to work.”

Spotting his relief approaching, Pava grinned back, “I’ll see you later.  I’m done for the day.”

“Some people have all the luck!”  The engineer quipped as he returned to the console he’d been working on, “I’ve been here forty eight hours straight.  It’d be nice to sleep in a real bed for a change instead of a cot.”

As he walked back to his own temporary quarters, Pava thought back to his brief conversation with the engineer.  Something’s not right. The suspicious El-Aurian thought.  Infiltrating the conference with the Romulans and planting a bomb? That’s easily doable for any shapeshifter worth their salt. But to take down the power grid while leaving the consoles intact…that takes a different skill set entirely. Getting in wouldn’t be a problem…Pava concluded as he mused over the problem, But our shifter would need to have either been here for a long time or would have to have been a very quick study to be able to take down the primary system and all the backups. Shaking his head as he opened the door to his quarters, Pava muttered to himself, “Stranger and stranger.”

********************************************************************

Starfleet Academy

“I hope they get the power back on soon…” Atris remarked as she stepped out of the bathroom, holding her nose, “…it’s starting to get kind of gamey in there—if you know what I mean.”  Her mischievous smirk vanishing, the Troyian woman brushed aside a strand of mauve tinted silvery-white hair from her eyes, “I know you’re worried about meeting up with your grandfather and all, but why can’t you just give the information to him?  Why go through the trouble of trying to reach this Lieutenant Lar’ragos?  It doesn’t sound very…logical…” the young cadet quipped, her smirk returning, “…to me.”

“No…” T’Pren replied, vigorously shaking her head, “…that would be a disaster.”  Pausing for a moment to take a breath, the Vulcan woman explained, “Even leaving out for now our…issues…it would still be a bad idea.  The first question Grandfather would ask is, ‘Where did I get this information?’, and then, after I told him, I’d have to endure an endless lecture concerning my violation of Starfleet regulations and about the impropriety of eavesdropping.  The next question would be, ‘Why didn’t I inform the Commandant?’ and when I tell him that I think the Commandant might be behind all this, he’d ask me what sort of proof I have and when I tell him it’s a hunch he’d…”

“Tell you that you’re being illogical.” Atris concluded nodding her head.

“And then we’d get into my embracing V’tosh ka’tur…” T’Pren added, her lips turning down into a frown. “And I really don’t want to deal with that right now.”

“I can see where that might cause problems.”  Atris commented sympathetically.  “So…” the Troyian inquired, “How are you going to tell Lar’ragos about what you’ve found? All communications are monitored.  If something really is going on…”

“Whoever’s doing it will know that we know…”T’Pren interrupted, completing her roommate’s thought.  “I’ll have to use non-verbal cues and choose my words carefully.  Hopefully…” the youthful Vulcan quipped as a smile returned to her face, “…the reputation that El-Aurians have for being listeners is a deserved one.”

********************************************************************

Lisbon, Portugal: Main Power Distribution Net

“We’re ready!” A technician called out.

“It’s about time!” The Starfleet security trooper next to Pava grumbled.  “Seventy two hours without power is long enough.”

Shaking his head, Pava retorted in a somewhat sarcastic tone, “This is nothing compared to what it’s like in the real Fleet.”

Chastened by the lieutenant’s words, the young human trooper apologized, “I’m sorry…I didn’t mean it that way.  It’s just…”

Recognizing the genuine regret in the trooper’s words and body language, Pava took on a more conciliatory stance as he placed his hand on the younger man’s shoulder, “That’s all right, Crewman.  No harm…no foul.”  His next words, however, were cut off as all of the consoles lit up with the primary lights coming on at the same time.  Feeling a cool rush of air as the climate control system started back up, the El-Aurian smiled, raising his voice over the loud cheers, “Well…looks we’ll get to take a hot shower tonight.”

“Yes, Sir.”  The crewman grinned, sniffing, “I think we could use it.”

“Smartass.” Pava retorted with a laugh as he made his way to a nearby security console.

“What are you doing, Sir?”  The crewman asked as he noticed the lieutenant perusing the data flashing on the screen.

“Just playing a hunch…” Pava replied, his brow furrowing as his eyes picked up on the transport log entry.  “I’m hoping that we might get an idea as to how our changeling got in here.”

“Any luck?” The crewman asked as he attempted to peer over the El-Aurian’s shoulder.

“No.” Pava lied as he turned.  Flashing a smile, the lieutenant asked, “Could you do me a favor?  Right about now I’d die for a cup of hot coffee…”

“Sure thing, Sir.”  The security trooper acknowledged as he turned away, “How do you want it?”

“Black.” Pava called out as he surreptitiously downloaded the information on the monitor to his tricorder.  “And make sure it’s Ethiopian!”  Watching as the download completed, the El-Aurian nodded his head.  Now that I’ve got it…Pava thought…the question is…what the hell I’m going to do with it.

**********************************************************

As the lights began reappearing on the planet’s night face, Lieutenant Rysyl smiled from her position at the center chair.  Activating the intercom, the Sutherland’s Deltan operations officer spoke, her lyrical voice especially cheerful, “Captain Shelby?  Power has been restored.”

***************************************************************

“Well…well…well…” Commander Eugene Edison, the first officer of the USS Eagle said; a broad grin on his face as he saw the Earth’s night side light up.  “Isn’t that a pretty sight, Laas?” He asked, addressing the ship’s tactical officer, the Bajoran Nora Laas.

“It sure is, Sir.”  The Bajoran woman replied, “It sure is.”

***************************************************************

Immediately after rematerializing in the same transporter hub that had days earlier claimed the lives of his two children, Elliot Mitchell saw Sarah’s grandparents, both with somber looks on their faces, standing next to a chestnut haired woman. “What’s wrong?” He asked in a voice strained by the fatigue of having worked almost nonstop for three days, “Where’s Sarah and the kids?”

Approaching the younger man, Sarah’s father placed a hand on his shoulder, “I’m sorry, Son…” He said in a grave tone, “But there’s been an accident.”

“An accident?”  Elliot stammered.

“Andrew…Crystal…” The elderly woman sobbed, “They…they’re…”

“They’re gone, Son.” The man finished, squeezing Elliot’s shoulder.

“How?”  Elliot asked weakly as he felt his knees buckle.

The woman rushing next to the stunned father, she, along with the grandfather, helped Elliot to a nearby bench.  “I’m Doctor Vance…” She said in a soft voice.  “Andrew and Crystal…” She said, keeping her voice soft and low, “…were killed in a transporter accident when the power went out.”

“NO!”  The stricken father wept as he covered his face with his hands.  “That’s not supposed to happen!”

Shaking her head, the counselor explained, “It was an unusual set of circumstances…the power went out at just the wrong time…”

“Sarah?”  Elliot asked, his tears still flowing, “Is she?”

“She’s at home…under observation.”  Doctor Vance replied.

“She hasn