TIES THAT BIND

The Federation-Cardassian border near the Argaya system.  Stardate 47566.7

As the Galor-class cruiser Aldera cut through space, its deadly form resembling, more than anything else, a scorpion, or perhaps the sting rays of Earth’s oceans, Gul Danar frowned as he addressed the soldier currently manning the primary sensor station. “Time until intercept of Federation shuttle?”

“Four minutes, thirty seconds.” The soldier crisply reported.             

“Hmmm…” Danar vocalized, his right hand cupping his chin as his left rested on the arm of his command chair, the amber lighting of the bridge lending an almost mystical aura to his pose.  Turning to his first officer, the Gul mused aloud, “I find it interesting, Lennock, that this bounty hunter should have been able to escape in a Starfleet shuttle from a Federation starship…the USS Enterprise no less…and with his prisoner…a Bajoran terrorist.” 

“He is either very good sir…” Lennock proffered with a sardonic grin.

“Or he is not what he seems…” Danar concluded his expression a thoughtful frown.

“So…what are your orders, sir?” The first officer inquired as the helmsman announced that the Aldera was two minutes from intercept.

“We’ll let the situation unfold.” Danar decided as he signaled the communications specialist to once again open hailing frequencies.  Addressing the Federation shuttlecraft, he declared.  “Federation shuttlecraft…this is Gul Danar of the Cardassian Union cruiser Aldera.  We will be at your position in two minutes.  Come to an immediate halt and we will tractor you aboard.  Failure to follow instructions will result in your immediate destruction.”

On hearing the Gul’s message, Joret Dal turned his head back, his eyes filled with compassion as he regarded the shackled young Bajoran woman seated on one of the benches.  “It is time.” He said simply as Ensign Sito Jaxa slipped her wrists out of the unlocked fetters and stood up.  “You must go in the pod now.”

“Good luck.” Sito answered back as she brushed back a stray lock of blonde hair.

“And to you as well.” The Cardassian responded his lips a grim line as the all too young officer disappeared inside the tiny escape pod.  The chance of success for him was slender enough, but to expose someone so young…so full of life…to such danger.  Death…or…capture and interrogation…and worse…were the possible fates faced by the brave Bajoran who had just sealed the door to the pod.  Taking a deep breath, Joret pressed the button ejecting the pod into space, its small thruster jets providing a brief boost separating it from the shuttle.  Sito Jaxa’s fate now laid in the hands of her Prophets, may they watch over her, the Cardassian officer thought somberly as he prepared to play his part in the coming drama.

Sito knew that the plan was a forlorn hope at best and that for it to have even the slightest chance for success, it would depend on a large measure of luck…luck that some sensor technician or scan sweep wouldn’t pick up the pod…or if they did pick it up, would simply disregard it as space debris…luck that the Gul commanding the cruiser would just simply buy Joret’s story without investigating too deeply…luck that the Enterprise would pick up her tiny escape pod.  What was that expression Sam was so fond of regarding hopeless situations…Sito thought, a warm smile coming to her face as she recalled the rakish grin, dark hair, and boyish looks of her good friend… slim and none?  Yeah…that’s it!  Her warm smile quickly turned into a worried frown though as she remembered the rest of the saying…and slim left town a long time ago.

Unfortunately for both Sito and Joret, luck would be with neither one of them this day. 

“Sir!” The soldier manning Aldera’s primary sensor console announced, “A small object has been detected near the Federation shuttle.

Could be just a rock…Danar thought, or it could be something else.  Coming to a quick decision, the Gul ordered, “Scan the object.”

“Object has the dimensions of a standard Federation shuttle escape pod, sir.” The technician reported, “One lifesign…Bajoran.”

“So…this bounty hunter is a traitor...” The first officer growled, “Shall we destroy the pod and shuttlecraft, sir?”

Shaking his head, Danar ordered, “No…But put a lock on to the pod.  I want an intensive scan of the shuttlecraft.  Any signs of anything unusual?”  On hearing the negative report of the sensor technician, the Gul further ordered, “Then tractor it into our shuttle bay and after we’ve retrieved it, beam the occupant of that escape pod into a security holding cell and then destroy the pod.”

“What about the ‘bounty hunter’?” The first officer asked his distaste for the probable traitor in the Starfleet shuttle obvious in both his facial expression and voice tone.

“For now…confine him in a security cell as well.” Danar directed with a sly grin.  “After we’ve fetched our prizes, withdraw and launch a sensor probe.  I’m curious to see if the Enterprise or someone else comes looking for our pod.  If no one does…then our ‘bounty hunter’ might be who he claims to be.”

“And if someone does?” The first officer asked.

His lips turning up into a sly grin, Gul Danar replied, “Then we will have captured both a spy and a traitor for the good of the State…not to mention our careers.”

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

As Sito rematerialized, her eyes quickly took in the cramped spartan surroundings.  The exposed waste facility, hard bed, and force field barrier immediately telling her she was in someone’s brig with the Cardassian soldier standing guard at once informing her as to the identity of her captors.  Seeing the Cardassian speaking into what was obviously an intercom, the young Bajoran sat dejectedly down on the bed, her head down. Slim had indeed left town a long time ago.

Some time later, a Cardassian strode into the brig.  Judging him to be an officer by the way in which the guard snapped to attention, Sito struggled to her feet as he approached her cell.  Recognizing his insignia marking him as a Gul, the young Bajoran forced herself to look squarely into his eyes as he glared down at the younger woman.

“I am Gul Danar.” The Cardassian announced, identifying himself as he spoke in a stern tone.  “You are under suspicion for committing an act of espionage against the Cardassian Union.  Your cohort has been arrested and has undergone interrogation and is now making a full confession.  He will be charged with treason, tried and executed according to Cardassian law.”  Moderating his voice slightly, the Gul now offered a carrot to his youthful prisoner, “However, there is no need for you to share his fate.  You are young…with an entire lifetime ahead of you.  You should have the opportunity to live…to fall in love…raise a family…to be honored in old age.  I am not without some influence.  If you cooperate with us…tell us who you are…what your mission is…I will see to it that you are spared the rigors of interrogation and that your captivity will be as moderate…and even pleasant…as possible.”  His lips turning up into a smile, he added as further incentive, “We might even be able to arrange an exchange for you.”

Figuring that her Cardassian captors wouldn’t be making this offer if they had actually broken Joret, Sito stared silently into her jailer’s eyes, her lack of words saying volumes.

“I see…” Danar responded, his voice bearing the slightest tinge of sadness.  “We will be arriving at one of our military garrisons within a few days.  You have until then to change your mind.  I would urge you to do so…once we arrive at the outpost then your fate will be decided.”  Turning to walk away, he added one final note, “Should you wish to speak with me at any time, just inform the guard.”

Arriving at the outpost, Sito saw Joret one last time.  Shackled with his hands behind his back as she was, his face was puffed and bruised from numerous beatings with one of his eyes lacerated.  She watched in sadness as he staggered to the transporter pad, roughly handled by his two guards.  Turning his head to take a look at his young Bajoran companion, the former Cardassian officer lowered his head, shaking it apologetically.

Addressing Sito, Gul Danar stated, “This is your last chance, Bajoran.  Cooperate now or…” His eyes told Sito all she needed to know.  Seeing that the young woman was intent on maintaining her silence, the Gul responded with a disappointed shake of his head.  “You are too young…and far too foolish.  But you will learn…” He said as her guards urged her on to the transporter pad next to Joret.  “…and I am sorry to say, you will learn most painfully.”  He concluded as the hum of the transporter beam all but drowned out his last words.

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

Immediately after Sito rematerialized on the planet’s surface, new guards took custody of her.  Brutally manhandling her, they almost literally threw her into a chair, binding her hands and feet.  A Cardassian then approached as another grabbed her head and yet another forced her mouth open.  Sticking an instrument into her mouth, the Cardassian pulled her tooth.  Then, taking a medical tricorder, he ran it over her body.  Nodding his head, the guards undid her bindings and then grabbing her roughly, threw her into a dark cell.  A few hours later, the door opened as six Cardassians entered the room.  That was when the beatings and the rapes began. 

She never knew when they would come…day…night…sometimes they would skip a day or two…other times they would come for her several times within the same rotation.  She tried to fight her tormentors at first, but after being beaten down several times she finally gave up.  Now, whenever they came for her, her body just went limp as her mind traveled elsewhere.  Almost always, as rough Cardassian hands slapped, hit, and pawed at her…as Cardassian boots kicked her…as her captors violated her, she would go back to the one place where she felt truly safe.  As she smelt the hot breath reeking of fish juice coming from the mouth of the heavy Cardassian body pressing on her as the other Cardassians laughed waiting their turn, her mind drifted elsewhere. 

She was once again with her friends on the Enterprise.  She laughed with Alyssa Ogawa as the Japanese nurse talked about Andrew Powell.  She consoled Sam Lavelle as he worried about the upcoming evaluations and whether Riker was out to get him or not or she laughed as the roguish helmsman cracked a joke, making her giggle no matter how depressed she was.  Taurik, Sam’s roommate, whose precocity both impressed and infuriated Lt. Commander LaForge was with her, giving her his quiet calm and strength.  Finally, when she was at the point of succumbing, Lt. Worf would appear in her thoughts.  Her superior officer…mentor…sensei…and friend.  He gave her his strength and dignity when she needed it most…when it appeared that she was about to break.  Alyssa’s serenity…Sam’s love of life…Taurik’s steadiness…Worf’s strength…all kept her alive and sane while she dwelt within her Cardassian hell.  

One day, her guards came.  But this time they didn’t come to beat and rape her as usual.  Instead they grabbed her and, dragging her out of her cell, threw her against a wall.  One of the guards turned on a hose, blasting her with a steady stream of water.  Working the hose up and down her body, he and the other guards laughed as the stinging jet of water cleansed the caked filth and blood and grime from their victim while at the same time tormenting her further.  Curled up into a fetal position, Sito cried as the water cleansed her even as its force hammered her body even more.  Finally tiring of their fun, two of the guards picked the Bajoran up off the floor, practically dragging her out of the building where a Gul stood watching.  As they approached the Cardassian officer, he advanced toward Sito.  Placing a hand under her chin, he raised her head up, gazing intently into her eyes.  His lips turning up into a satisfied grin, he nodded his head, motioning for the two guards to take her to a nearby shuttlecraft.  Feeling a hypospray against her neck, Jaxa slipped into blessed slumber.

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

Regaining consciousness, Sito found that she was hanging by her wrists from a crossbeam, her feet dangling a foot off the deck.  Looking down, she sighed as she saw that she was still unclothed, but there was now a long scar under her left breast where previously there wasn’t.  Her eyes scanning the room, she quickly spotted the Cardassian Gul whom she had been dragged before earlier seated at a table, a serving of Regova eggs before him.

“Ah…you have awakened.” Looking up, the Cardassian plastered on an insincere smile as he regarded his prisoner.  “Give me a moment, if you please.  Regova eggs are such a delicacy and not easy to attain in this sector.”  Cracking the egg’s shell, he proceeded to calmly eat his meal as Sito, not having eaten in at least twenty six hours, watched.  Taking a sip of a peach colored liquid from his glass, the Gul sighed with contentment, “And nothing washes down Regova eggs better than freshly squeezed Rokassa juice.”  He then frowned, “Unfortunately…this is replicated.  But still…not bad.”

Rising to his feet, the Gul picked up a flat object roughly the size of a padd.  Approaching his Bajoran prisoner, he stated in a matter of fact tone.  “Ensign Sito Jaxa…Bajoran…formerly of the USS Enterprise.”  Looking up at his captive, his voice now took on a slightly menacing edge.  “As far as Starfleet…Bajor…your family…the universe…is concerned, you are dead.  For all intents and purposes, Sito Jaxa no longer exists.  You will remain here…in my custody…until I decide otherwise.  The terms of your confinement will depend on you.  Cooperate and you will earn privileges…refuse and you will be punished.  You are no longer Sito Jaxa…henceforth you will be referred to as and you will answer to the term slave as you are merely property.  His eyes glaring at the young Bajoran, the Gul demanded, “What are you?”

Looking down at her new tormentor while picturing her old friends in her mind, Sito’s eyes never wavered as she looked into the Gul’s eyes saying weakly, “I am Ensign Sito Jaxa of the USS Enterprise.  I am a Starfleet officer and demand treatment according to the Treaty of…” She never finished her statement as she screamed, fiery pain coursing through her body radiating from the scar under her breast, pain so intense that the young woman lapsed into unconsciousness. 

Slowly regaining awareness, the young Bajoran saw the Gul still standing before her, holding the flat object in his hand up.  “This controls a device that was implanted in you while you were drugged.  The pain setting that you experienced was level one—the lowest setting.  I can see that this will take some time, but that’s all right…” He said, his lips turning up into an insincere grin.  “We have plenty of time…all the time in the universe.”  Turning away from Sito, the Gul motioned for the two Cardassian soldiers standing guard at the door to come forward.  “This creature is yours for the rest of the day.” He stated, jerking his thumb in the direction of the tormented young woman.  “Short of causing permanent harm, you may do with it as you will, but I want it back here cleaned and fully conscious in the morning.”

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

USS Sutherland Stardate 49026.5

As the doors to his quarters slid open, Sam Lavelle pulled off his red and black duty shirt as soon as he entered, crumpling it into a ball and tossing it carelessly on to his bed as he walked to his desk.  Seeing the flashing light on his monitor, the young helmsman commanded in a tired voice, “Computer list messages.”

“One message—sender and location unknown.  Time received—1300 hours.” The ship’s computer replied in its usual feminine voice.

Cocking his head slightly to the left, Sam ordered, “Play message.”

Lavelle looked on in shock as he saw an image of a woman he had thought long dead, Ensign Sito Jaxa.  She was naked; her hair stringy and matted.  Cringing as he saw the purple bruises on her body, Sam uttered in a soft voice, “No…” He watched in horror as one of the Cardassian guards punched her in the side and then, along with his companion, manhandled the frail woman, dragging her into the presence of another Cardassian, a Gul by his appearance. 

As the image of the Gul’s face faded, that of a Dopterian appeared on the screen.  “If you wish to know where your friend is…” The alien said in a low raspy tone somewhere between a whisper and a growl, “…then come to Deep Space 9 with fifty strips of gold pressed latinum.  You have no more than three standard weeks or I go…and you will never know the fate of your friend.”

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

Starfleet Medical, San Francisco Star Date 49026.5

“Alyssa?”

Immediately on hearing her name, an attractive bronze skinned woman with oriental features and jet black hair looked up from her computer screen.  Turning her attention to the source of the voice, Lieutenant Junior Grade Alyssa Ogawa smiled, “Yes Dr. Crusher?”

“A subspace message has just come in for you.  You can take it at your desk if you’d like.” Beverly offered graciously.

“Thanks, Doctor,” the nurse responded as she instructed the computer to play the message.  As she played the message, her face reflected the torrent of feelings rushing through her.  Surprise…disbelief…shock…anger…sadness all played out on her face as she saw that poor abused creature on the screen which was her friend Sito Jaxa.  As she watched the same horrible scene her former companion on the Sutherland saw, the nurse’s practiced eye immediately caught the probable signs of sexual abuse on the poor woman along with the multiple bruises and contusions afflicted upon her body.

Observing her subordinate’s…her friend’s…reactions, Beverly’s forehead creased with worry.  “Alyssa?” She asked solicitously, “Is there anything wrong?”

Wiping away her tears, Nurse Ogawa sobbed, “It’s Jaxa…Ensign Sito…” She voiced as she replayed the message for Dr. Crusher, “She’s alive…”

As she replayed the message, Dr. Crusher’s face took on a stern countenance.  Shaking her head, Beverly stated in a somber tone, “She’s been…”

“I know…” Alyssa said her voice barely above a whisper.  Her face taking on a determined expression, the Japanese woman announced, “Dr. Crusher…I have to…”

“Are you sure?” The auburn haired physician asked, placing a supportive hand on her friend’s shoulder.  “What about Andrew and Noah?”

“They’ll be ok.” Alyssa replied, choking back a sob.  “Andrew’s family lives in Seattle and mine are in Nagano and both sets of grandparents just love Noah…”

“I’m sure they do, Alyssa…” Dr. Crusher interjected with a note of regret in her voice, “But what about you?  I can’t let you go off on some suicidal rescue mission by yourself into Cardassian space.”

“I promise, Doctor…” Nurse Ogawa declared, “…I won’t do anything stupid.”  Her face taking on an earnest expression, she implored, “Please Doctor Crusher…you saw the video…you saw what they did to her.  Jaxa’s my friend.” Her voice now taking on a determined edge, she asked, “What would you do if you were in my place?”

Sighing in reluctant resignation, Beverly responded, “I’d try to find out what was going on.”  Taking a deep breath, she came to a quick decision, one that she prayed she wouldn’t regret later.  “All right…go home and spend some time with Andrew and Noah.  By the time you get back here, your authorization to go on extended leave will be waiting.” Looking into Alyssa’s eyes, the auburn haired doctor said, “I just hope you know what you’re doing.”

“Thank you…Beverly.” Nurse Ogawa said, her lips turning up into a warm smile as she stifled her sobs.

“Be careful, Alyssa.” Dr. Crusher pleaded as she hugged her long time nurse and friend.  Watching as the door slid closed behind her friend, Dr. Crusher spoke, “Computer, connect me with Captain Picard at Starfleet Academy.”

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

As Captain Jean-Luc Picard observed the tortured image of the young Bajoran woman that he had sent on that ill fated mission over a year ago being dragged by two Cardassian guards, his jaw muscles tightened as he gazed on the face of the Gul before whom Sito had been dragged.  The captain couldn’t help but note that, while a different individual, that Gul reminded him in so many ways of his old tormentor, Gul Madred.  The video now replaced by the visage of his old friend, Beverly Crusher, Picard asked, “Are you sure that poor woman is Ensign Sito?”

“Pretty sure, Jean-Luc.” Dr. Crusher responded.  “Image enhancement verifies…of course it’s always possible that she’s someone else who has been surgically altered, but my gut tells me that this is Sito Jaxa.”  Taking a deep breath, she continued, shaking her head in remorse, “And I can’t believe I let Alyssa go off by herself like that!”

“Why did you let her go?”  Picard gently inquired, knowing from personal experience that his old friend and former CMO needed to understand and accept in her mind the reasons for her actions as well as the possible consequences that might come with them.

“Honestly…” Beverly began and then hesitated for a moment, “…I remember how bad I felt leaving you behind on Celtris III and then later on how we all felt when we found out you were captured.  When Alyssa asked me what I would have done…” the auburn haired doctor stammered, shaking her head, “…I realized I didn’t have any choice but to let her go,” reluctantly concluding, “I don’t think I could have stopped her if I wanted to.  Had I rejected her request I think she would have resigned her commission and gone anyway.”

“You’re probably right.” The wise captain agreed, granting his old friend what she most needed at the moment—absolution.  “I can’t tell you this officially, Beverly…but off the record, I don’t think you had any choice. She would have gone regardless of what you would have said or done.”

Sighing in relief as she heard her friend’s words of support, Dr. Crusher looked the former captain of the Enterprise in the eyes as she asked, “So…what can we do to help?”

“I’ll contact Captain Sisko at Deep Space Nine to let him know that she’s coming and why, but other than that, there’s not much we can do right now, Beverly…” the captain reluctantly admitted, “…except watch, wait, and hope that everything works out ok and that Alyssa…and hopefully Ensign Sito…makes it back safely.”

“And be there for both of them…” Beverly responded as Picard nodded his head in agreement. Flashing a slight smile, she ended their conversation, “Thanks Jean-Luc…for everything.”

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

USS Sutherland

Slumped in his chair, Sam had drifted off to sleep, the message playing in a repeating loop. Waking up with a start as he recognized the sound of the door chime, he quickly masked the Dopterian’s image now on his computer monitor as he called out in as uninviting a voice as possible, “Come in!”

“About time!  I’ve been leaning on that door chime for the past five minutes.” Ensign Maria Django huffed as she entered her shipmate’s quarters.  “Must be nice being a department head…your own quarters and all…” The young ensign groused as her eyes swept the lieutenant’s much larger room, “…while I’m stuck sharing space with Treasure.  Did you know she snores louder than an Alporian mammoth? I guess that comes from sleeping on her back ‘cause of her giant tits.”  Shaking her head at the strewn about clothing and unmade up bed, she sneered, “I’m not sure who’s the bigger slob—you or her.”

“Maria…” Sam began in a tired voice, “I’m not in the mood for…”

Cutting him off quickly as she saw the haggard expression on her friend’s face, Django asked, “What’s going on here, Enterprise? You’re wound up tighter than a Vulcan going through the Seven Year Itch!”  Seeing the look in her friend’s eyes, the fiery young ensign softened her voice, “What’s wrong, Sam?”

Wordlessly activating the monitor, Lavelle played back the message that he had just received.

“That’s your friend—isn’t it? The one you were telling me about…”  Maria asked in low tone, receiving a single nod of the head in response.

“Damn…” Maria muttered almost inaudibly, “Those bastards really did a number on her.”

“Yeah…they did.” Sam agreed as he lowered his head.

“So…what are we going to do about it?”  Django asked.

“What do you mean, ‘We’?” Sam retorted as, getting out of his seat, he made his way to the replicator and, ordering a fresh shirt, put it on.

“If you’re planning on doing what I think you’re going to do…” The dusky skinned ensign remarked, “…you’re going to need all the help you can get…”

“No…” Sam responded, shaking his head as he took his seat once again, “I can’t…and won’t…ask you to do this.  Leaving out the fact that this is probably going to end up in death, a court-martial, or a Cardassian labor camp, you don’t even know Jaxa…”

“No…” Maria replied in a soft voice as she placed a comforting hand on her friend’s shoulder, “…but I know you…and that’s enough for me. Like it or not…” She declared, a sly smile crossing her features, “…you’re stuck with me.”

Shaking his head, Sam uttered in a soft tone, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but…all right, Django…you’re in.”

“So…” Maria replied with a conspiratorial wink as she sat down beside the handsome young lieutenant, “You got any ideas how we’re going to pull this off?”

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

After Liz looked first at the recording showing a horribly beaten Sito Jaxa and then at the most recent subspace message sent by the Dopterian, she regarded the man standing before her.  Cupping her chin with her right hand, she asked, “Lieutenant, are you sure that woman in the recording is really your friend?  What if she’s a fake…a Cardassian agent surgically altered to look like Lieutenant Sito?”

“She might be…” Lavelle reluctantly admitted, “…but I have to be sure.”  Looking down on his commanding officer, he pleaded, “You understand…don’t you? She’s my friend.”

Gently nodding her head, Liz replied, “Yes, Lieutenant, I do.”  Then, taking a deep breath, she inquired, “So…what are you planning on doing?”

“I was planning on going in and getting her, sir.”  Sam responded flatly.

“I see…” Shelby drawled and then stated, “You do realize that means probably going into a war zone.  If that is her, she’s most likely being held in Cardassian territory.  You’ll have to dodge not just the Cardies, but the Klingons as well.”

In a somber tone, the helmsman answered, “Yes sir, I understand…but like I said, I don’t have a choice.”

Looking her subordinate squarely in the eyes, the captain declared firmly, wincing inwardly as she saw the despondent look on her officer’s face. “I cannot officially authorize any missions into Cardassian territory, Mr. Lavelle…regardless of the reason.”

“But sir…” Sam began to protest, only to be silenced by his captain’s upraised hand.

“Lieutenant…” She exclaimed in a sharp voice, I said that I cannot officially authorize a mission into Cardassian space!”  Exhaling deeply, she looked compassionately at the young officer standing before her, “Now, if you want to take some leave time…I’ve noticed that you’ve gotten quite a bit stored up…”

“Sir…” Sam replied, a quizzical look to his face, “…what does that have to do with…”

“Mr. Lavelle…” Liz interrupted, “…Sam…” She said, using Lavelle’s given name for the first time, “As I said, I noticed that you have a great deal of leave time accumulated.    I was just thinking that you might want to take that time…get away from the ship for awhile…”

Picking up at last on Captain Shelby’s intentions, Sam’s lips turned up into a grin, “I think I do, Captain.  You’re right…” He said, “I have been feeling kind of burned out recently…some time off would be nice.”  Pausing momentarily to take a breath, the young lieutenant launched himself on his second request, “Sir?  A friend of mine found out about my…plans…and well…” the roguish helmsman drawled, a crooked grin on his face, “…my friend is a very stubborn person.  She insists on coming along with me…”

“Uh huh…” Liz vocalized, instantly seeing where her helmsman was headed.  “So…who is this friend of yours—as if I need to ask?”

“Well…” Sam replied, “Ensign Django was telling me just a while ago that she was going stir crazy here and when she found out about my…plans…she wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

“I see…” Shelby responded thoughtfully.  “Are you sure she fully understands the nature of your ‘vacation’ and the possible…problems…that could happen if the two of you have a bad trip and that I might not be able to help you out?”

“Yes, sir.” Sam sighed, “I explained everything to her, but…like I said…” he repeated, the crooked grin returning to his face, “…she still wants to go.”

Taking a deep breath as she stood up, Liz took her helmsman’s hand in hers, shaking it.  “All right, Mr. Lavelle.  I’ll approve your leaves effective 1830 today.  You’re authorized to take the Loire as transportation.” As Sam turned to leave, the captain added, her voice a mixture of warning and concern, “I expect the two of you to come back here in one piece with your…souvenir…and don’t you dare get my runabout scratched—or else.”

Watching as the doors to her ready room slid closed behind the young officer, Liz sighed as she activated her comm unit.  “Lieutenant Dryer…First, I want you to contact Captain Sisko at Deep Space Nine and then Captain Picard at Starfleet Academy and Admiral Glover.  Tell them I need to arrange a private subspace conference with them as soon as is convenient.”  Taking a deep breath, the captain further ordered, “And after that I want you to inform Counselor Freedman that I want to see him in my ready room as soon as possible.”

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

“Well, here we are…” Sam said solemnly as he and Ensign Django entered the hangar bay, spotting Commander Hobson standing at the control console.  A grave expression on his face, he pleaded one more time, “Maria…I have to do this, but you don’t.”

“Sam…” Django warned, “…we’ve been through this already.”

“I know…” Lavelle acknowledged with a sigh, “I just don’t want anything to happen to you…”

Reaching up on tip toes to kiss her friend on the cheek, Maria smiled, “Who said anything’s going to happen to me…I’m coming along to keep you out of trouble.  Speaking of which…” she whispered in his ear as Commander Hobson cleared his throat, “The Iceman’s waiting…”

“Our leave authorization, sir.” Lavelle stated plainly as he handed a padd to the first officer.

“Thank you, Mr. Lavelle,” Hobson acknowledged in his usual patrician voice, “Captain Shelby informed me about your leave.” Lowering his voice, he advised, “I’d suggest that if you need anything special that you see Garak, the Cardassian tailor.  Tell him I sent you.”  Then, fixing both Lavelle and Django in his gaze, he cautioned, “Just remember when you deal with him, caveat emptor.”

“Let the buyer beware”,” Sam replied in an equally low voice, “Yes sir. Thank you, sir.”

“Well…everything seems to be in order.” Chris said, adding in a sincere voice as he cleared the Loire for departure, “I hope you two find what you’re looking for.”

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

“So Max…” Captain Shelby prompted as she observed the Sutherland’s swarthy ship’s counselor, who was at that moment reviewing for the third time the tape of Sito Jaxa, “…what do you think?”

Lieutenant Commander Maximilian Freedman ran his fingers through the curly hair on his forehead, buying time as he collected his thoughts.  “I think Captain…” he drawled, a slightly nasal quality to his voice, “…that this poor woman is going to need a lot of help putting her life back together and that we’re going to need someone much better qualified than I to begin what will prove to be a long process of mental and emotional restoration.”  Taking the slight tilt of his captain’s head in his direction as a signal to continue, the counselor explained, “Ensign Sito is obviously undergoing a great deal of physical and mental abuse…I think it’s safe to assume sexual abuse as well.  If she follows the typical pattern, she will be distrustful of males in general…and especially of strange males—myself included.”

Nodding her head in understanding, Liz asked, “So…what would you advise, Max?”

“I’d suggest…” The counselor recommended, “…that if everything does work out well…that a female counselor begin the therapy process…preferably one that Ensign Sito knows and hopefully trusts…”

“Hmmm…” Liz mused, “Ensign Sito’s last posting was the Enterprise…”

His lips turning up into a slight smile, Max declared, “Deanna Troi.  I don’t think we could have found a better person for this task.  Besides being a familiar figure—someone the ensign could feel safe with, Counselor Troi’s empathic senses I think will prove invaluable in beginning the long, slow, and painful process of rebuilding her psychological and emotional structures.”

“Do you think there’s a chance she might recover from what she’s been through?” Liz asked, her voice tone edged with concern for the young Bajoran.

Sighing, Max grimly replied, “I don’t know, Captain.  Just from what little I saw, I’d say she’s been severely traumatized…both physically and emotionally. No offense to Dr. Murakawa and her fellow physicians…but while the physical scars can…if not entirely, then for the most part, be healed…the psychological and emotional scars…” Shaking his head, the counselor continued his diagnosis, “…are going to run much deeper.  It will take a great deal of time and care…and I can’t promise you that she will recover.”  Getting up out of his chair, Max concluded with a slight grin, “But from what little I’ve read of her…she’s a strong woman…and well…there’s always hope.”

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

Sitting at the table, Sito quietly observed the other patrons in Ten-Forward, the crew lounge of the USS Enterprise, the ship to which she had just been assigned.  Her only friend on the ship, Sam Lavelle, who was supposed to join her, had been called in for an extra duty shift, leaving her all by her lonesome—alone in a crowd.  The chief engineer, Geordi LaForge, sat at the bar talking with his friend, Lieutenant Commander Data as the El-Aurian bartender, Guinan, wearing an elegant blue dress, her usual outlandishly high hat covering her head, served drinks.  The same Commander Riker who, just eight hours earlier had, with stony face and forbidding countenance, warned the young Bajoran that he was well aware of her Academy record and that he would be watching her closely, was now laughing and flirting with a young lieutenant from astrophysics.

 Sito Jaxa didn’t have to worry about anyone flirting with her though—or having much of anything else to do with her either for that matter.  I can’t say that I blame them, Sito thought morosely as she sipped her drink.  Who would want to associate with one of those who disgraced the name of Nova Squadron?

“Hey…this seat taken?”

Looking up, Sito saw an attractive human woman with jet black hair, almond eyes and a broad smile wearing the teal of the Medical branch and the single pip of an ensign.  “Ummmm…” The young ensign stammered, “No…”

“Great…” The woman exclaimed, “Mind if I join you?”

Nodding her head in assent, Sito managed a tentative grin as the other woman sat down across from her.  “Hi…I’m Alyssa Ogawa.  Sam Lavelle asked me to come by and keep you company.  He told me that you’re with the new group of replacements that just came in…”

“Yeah.” Sito replied softly, “My name’s Sito Jaxa…” The recent Academy graduated admitted, fully expecting the person sitting across from her to get up and walk away now that she knew who she was.  However, much to the surprise of the young Bajoran, the human woman stayed and talked with her…and talked…and talked…and by the time she’d left, Sito had made a new friend.

With a grunt, the Gul Rejak rolled off of the limp and unresponsive body of Sito.  Fingering the radiation scar on the right side of his face, courtesy of a photon grenade tossed by a member of the Bajoran resistance, the Cardassian Gul sneered as he pressed the button controlling the pain device implanted in the tormented young woman.  As the pain stabbed her body, Rejak commented, his voice a silky urbane tone, “You should be more appreciative of your status, my pet.  After all, I could just as easily sell you to the Orions—and still might if your behavior doesn’t improve.  Oh well…” He sighed as he released Sito from her pain, “Perhaps some time with the guards will make you more appreciative of your position…”  With that, he opened the door, jerking with his thumb towards the whimpering prisoner, “She’s yours until I call for her again.” He stated as the two guards roughly picked her up, laughing the entire way as they dragged her back to their barracks.

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

Addressing the blank screen, the Dopterian reported, “The message has been sent and received by two of the three individuals…the helmsman and the nurse.”

 “Good.” The voice declared.  “You are to wait until they both arrive at the space station and then you will contact them and deliver the information.  Once you have completed your mission you will be appropriately rewarded.”

“Understood.” The Dopterian confirmed as their employer cut off the subspace connection.  Turning towards his Bardeezan confederate he gloated, “Five hundred strips of gold pressed latinum each for us doing nothing more than delivering messages.  This is the easiest money I’ve made in some time.

“I know…” The Bardeezan replied, his lips turning up into an evil grin, “But there’s no reason why we can’t turn this into even more money…”

“How?” The Dopterian asked, his greed warring with his caution.  “Our employer might not appreciate us deviating from the plan.”

“How’s our employer to know?” The Bardeezan retorted.  “I know this Tellarite on Persis IV who’s connected with the Orion Syndicate…” he whispered.  “We deliver them to him and he’ll cut us in on a nice finder’s fee.  Everyone makes money—Barl from selling them at the slave auction and we clean up from our employer and Barl.  Not a bad rotation’s work if you ask me,” he concluded with an evil grin.

His greed winning out in the end, the Dopterian asked, “So…how much do you think we can get for the humans?”

Unfortunately for the Dopterian and his partner, their planned double-cross did not go unnoticed.  Observing the scheming pair through a viewscreen, the shadowy figure cynically shook its head as its lips turned up into a sly grin.  Typical…the figure thought its lips turning up into a wry grin…but you needn’t worry.  I have every intention of rewarding your loyalty appropriately.

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

As Deep Space Nine grew ever larger in the transparent aluminum window that Alyssa looked out, her thoughts drifted away from the space station, its mixed angular and curved structure marking it as a product of Cardassian architecture.  Gazing outward, the young nurse’s thoughts returned back to Earth, to her last night alone with her husband, Andrew.

“That was nice of your parents to take Noah for the night.” Andrew said, his lips turning down into a worried frown as he noticed his wife picking at her food.  “Alyssa?  Earth to Alyssa…”  He nervously quipped, forcing a grin to his face as he waved his hand at his wife.  “You there, Aly?”

“Oh…” Alyssa, startled, exclaimed as she laughed uneasily. “I’m sorry, Honey.”  She apologized as she took a sip of her wine.  “It’s just that I’ve got a lot on my mind…”

“Sito?” Andrew asked as he reached across the table, taking his wife’s hand in his.

Alyssa nodded her head in response.  “Everywhere I look, Andrew…” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, “…I see her face…looking like she did in that message.”  Daubing the tears from her eyes with a napkin, she lowered her head sadly, “Her eyes, Andrew…they were so…so…empty.”

Not really knowing what to say, Andrew commiserated, “I know, Aly.  When you showed me the message, it broke me up too to see her that way.”  Squeezing his wife’s hand, Andrew emphasized, “And don’t worry about me and Noah.  I understand why you have to do what you’re going to do.”  His voice now edged with worry, the concerned husband pleaded, “All I ask is that you don’t do anything reckless and that you come home to us safe and sound, and if you can bring Sito back you do it.”

Managing a shaky smile, Alyssa squeezed her husband’s hand back.  “I will, Honey.  I promise.”

Alyssa jerked up in her seat as the voice from the shuttle’s intercom startled her out of her reverie.  “We will be docking at Deep Space Nine in thirty standard minutes.  Please return to your seats and remain there until docking procedures have been completed.  Thank you.”

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

“Well…” Sam smiled as he turned to his copilot, “That does it…we’re cleared for landing.”

“Great.”  Maria quipped as she got out of her seat, “I was getting tired of being stuck in a damned holding pattern.” She complained as she looked out one of the transparent aluminum windows on the Loire, pointing at the variety of Starfleet vessels near the station.  “Looks like the entire fleet decided to come here.”

“Yeah…” Sam agreed, pointing out, “It’s been pretty busy out here since the crap hit the fan with the Cardies and the Klingons.”  Clenching his teeth, he concluded, “Let’s hope things stay quiet long enough for us to find Jaxa and get the hell out.”

“Yeah, well…” Maria jibed, “Knowing our luck, I wouldn’t bet on it.”

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

Sighing in relief as the circular airlock door opened, Alyssa Ogawa, along with the rest of the passengers of the shuttle she came in on, strode out on to Deep Space Nine.  Immediately spotting the two people who were supposed to meet her, Alyssa waved to them.  “Over here, Chief O’Brien…Keiko!”

“Nurse Ogawa!”  The burly Irish chief greeted as he and his wife rushed to greet their friend, dodging the incoming passengers on the way.

“Konnichiwa Alyssa-san.” Keiko said, happy at the opportunity to speak her native language, “O genki desu ka?”

“Konnichiwa Keiko-san.” Alyssa replied in equally fluent Japanese.  “Hai, genki desu.”

“It’s good to see you again.”  Miles interjected as he offered to take the nurse’s carry bag. 

“Same here, Chief.” Alyssa responded, smiling as the chief took her bag.  Walking down the Promenade with her friends, the Japanese nurse noticing the light traffic observed, “I read the reports about the Klingon attack…”

“It was touch and go for awhile…” The chief confessed, “…but the captain pulled us through.”  Taking his wife’s hand he further admitted, “I’m afraid we haven’t seen the last of the Klingons though.”  Then, in an effort to dispel the gloom that had gathered amongst the threesome, his lips turned up into a broad smile, “However, there was one good thing that came out of all this…Commander Worf’s here now.”

“He is?”  Alyssa asked, pleasantly surprised at the news of her former shipmate’s assignment to the station.

“Yeah.”  Miles exclaimed, his grin growing even wider.  “He’s our new Strategic Operations Officer.  Chuckling, he added, “And he’s already making an impression here…”

“I’m sure he is…” Alyssa grinned and then inquired, “So…who do I see about temporary quarters?”

“Already taken care of.” The chief replied.  “We’ll take you there right away and after you settle in, you can join us for dinner.”

“And we’re not taking no for an answer.” Keiko interjected, “I’m fixing my special yakizakana and domburi with miso soup.”

“Mmmm…” Alyssa vocalized hungrily, “Sounds good.  I can’t wait.”

“Well…here we are!” Chief O’Brien proclaimed as they reached the door to the quarters that had been assigned to the former Enterprise nurse.  “We’ll leave you alone for now, but if you need anything, just let us know and we’ll see you later on for dinner.”

“Thanks Chief, I think I’m going to take a nap.” Alyssa smiled as the door to her quarters slid open.  “I’m feeling kind of tired now.”  Flashing a bright smile as she pressed the button opening the door, she added, “I’ll see you later.”  However, Nurse Ogawa’s nap would have to wait as the first thing the youthful nurse saw as she entered her quarters was the blinking light on the monitor indicating that she had a message.  Her heart racing, she dropped her carry bag on a chair.  Sitting down on the sofa she commanded the computer to replay the message.

 

“Go to the Ferengi’s bar at the twenty third hour.” The sound of the Dopterian’s voice causing the Japanese nurse to sit up straight, her attention focused on every word as the voice spoke.  “You will be contacted there.  Do not attempt to trace this message.  If you do, we will know and you will never recover your friend.”

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

“I guess this is where they’ve assigned us.”  Sam Lavelle proclaimed in a roguish tone as he and his companion approached his quarters.  “Not exactly the honeymoon suite…” he remarked, noticing the spartan accommodations, “…but it’ll do.”

“Don’t get any bright ideas, Enterprise.” Django replied jokingly as the pair entered.  “We’re here on business remember.”

 His smile vanishing, Sam answered back, all trace of humor gone from his voice, “Yeah…Maria…I know...believe me, I know.”

Taking her friend’s hand in hers and giving it a comforting squeeze, Ensign Django assured, “Don’t worry, Sam.  We’ll get her back.”

Thanks, Maria…” Sam responded in a soft voice and then, dropping his friend’s hand, pointed to the monitor where a blinking light indicating an incoming message was flashing.  “Didn’t waste time, did they?”

“You sure it’s our guy?”  Maria asked somewhat dubiously.

“Got to be,” Lavelle responded.  Ordering the computer to play, the screen came to life with the Dopterian who had first contacted Sam appearing on the screen repeating the same message calling for him to meet at Quarks at the twenty-third hour.

“Twenty-third hour, huh…” Lavelle vocalized as he stretched, “That’s pretty late.  It’d probably be a good idea for us to get some rest before we meet up with this guy…”

“Sounds like a good idea to me…” Django replied as she made her way to the master bedroom, staking her claim to the space.  “I get the big bed…” She joked from the door, “You can take the other one.”

“Thanks a lot, Maria…” Lavelle answered back grumpily as he stretched and yawned.  “I’ll see you later.”

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

As the pair neared the entrance to the Ferengi’s bar, Sam eye’s widened.  “I don’t believe it!” He exclaimed with a wide grin as he recognized the oriental woman wearing a teal Starfleet standard shipboard medical branch uniform approaching the bar.  “Alyssa! Alyssa Ogawa!”  He called out, waving his hand, “Over here!”

Turning towards the voice calling out her name, Nurse Ogawa’s face broke out into a happy smile of her own as she recognized her old Enterprise comrade.  “Sam!” 

“Long time, Alyssa.” Sam uttered as he embraced his friend in a tight hug.

“Too long!” Alyssa acknowledged as she returned her friend’s embrace, holding it until a cough interrupted the two friends’ reunion.

Breaking away from his old shipmate, Sam introduced his two female friends to each other, “Alyssa…this is Ensign Maria Django…she’s a very good friend of mine from the Sutherland.”

Flashing a friendly smile, Nurse Ogawa held out her hand to the dark skinned young ensign who, after a moment, took it in hers.  “Hello, Maria…” Alyssa greeted, “Anyone who’s a friend of Sam’s is a friend of mine.”

Chuckling, Maria quipped in an only slightly sarcastic voice, “Yeah, well…We’ll see if you still think that way once you’ve gotten to know me better.”

Flashing a slight smile at the confused look on his former Enterprise companion’s face, Sam jibed as Django punched him hard on the shoulder, “Don’t mind Maria…you’ll get used to her.”  Then, turning towards his moody shipmate, he winced, “Did you have to hit me so hard?”

“You’re lucky…” Maria replied with a snort, “…I was going to kick you in the balls.”

Quietly observing the byplay between her two fellow officers, Alyssa smirked inwardly.  Looks like Sam’s met his match, she thought to herself as she observed the couple before her.  Her smile vanishing as she remembered her purpose for being on the station, Alyssa told her former crewmate in a quiet voice, “Sam…I got a message…” Taking a deep breath, she looked up into Lavelle’s eyes, “Jaxa’s alive.”

“Yeah…I know…” Sam replied in an equally hushed tone, “I got the same message.”

“From a Dopterian?” Alyssa inquired.

Nodding his head, Sam relayed his account of the message that he had received.  “I saw Sito being…” His teeth clenching with rage, the young Canadian could proceed no more.

Reaching out with her hand, Alyssa grasped that of her friend’s as she acknowledged in a sad voice, “I received the same message Sam.  That’s why I’m here…I’m going to get her back.”

Gently squeezing Alyssa’s hand, Lavelle replied, “Looks like we’re here for the same reason, then.  We got another message from our Dopterian friend.  This one was to meet him at Quark’s on the twenty-third hour.” Cracking a wry grin, he added, “I got a feeling you got the same message here too.”

I did…” Alyssa responded, “I was on my way when I ran into you…”

“Well…” Sam drawled as he motioned chivalrously for the women to precede him, “Why don’t you join us…Maybe we’ll get some answers.”

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

“Captain…” Odo reported via his comm badge as Benjamin Sisko sat down at his desk, apparently gazing intently at the baseball in his hands, “They’re here and are about to enter Quark’s.”

“Thank you, Constable.” Sisko replied, “Continue monitoring them, but don’t interfere.”

“Understood.” The shapeshifter acknowledged as he smoothly morphed into the form of a Raphalian mouse, scurrying undetected into the bar.

Turning towards his monitor screen, Benjamin addressed the visages of the two captains occupying split screens on the display, “Did you catch that?”

“Yes, Captain…” Captain Picard replied, sounding a note of caution, “However, I must confess to still having my doubts as to this venture.”

“I understand your concerns, Captain Picard…” Captain Shelby responded, “But we don’t have a choice.  Remember, when Admiral Glover signed off on this scheme, he insisted that Starfleet and the Federation have to be able to maintain plausible deniability.  That means…” she sighed ruefully, “…that they have to be considered as acting outside orders…”

“Still…” Picard protested, “The three officers in question…while eminently capable individuals…” he emphasized, “…are young…and inexperienced.  I’m not sure they’re ready to carry out an operation such as this.”

Flashing a sly grin, Benjamin chimed into the conversation, “I think I can do something about the experience problem at least…” Seeing that he had caught his fellow captains’ undivided attention, he announced, “I’ve arranged for them to run into someone who I think will help in that department…”

Immediately picking up on the identity of the ‘someone’ mentioned by his fellow captain, Picard’s lips slowly turned up into a grin as he nodded his head, “I agree…I think that his presence will prove most helpful.”

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

As the trio were about to cross the threshold into the bar, they were met by the owner, Quark. “Oh no…” the Ferengi declared, pointing at Ensign Django, “You’re not coming in here!  You’re a menace!” The bartender exclaimed, his voice rising by at least two octaves.

“What do you mean you’re not letting me in this dive?” The fiery young ensign spat out as she balled her fists. “You gonna try and stop me, frinxface?”

“Frinxface?” Sam mouthed sotto voce and then, in much more placating voice, addressed the Ferengi barman.  “Quark…I thought Captain Shelby took care of everything before we left the last time?”

“She did…” The Ferengi admitted before qualifying, “But I’m making a special exception in her case!”

“What is going on here?”  A deep voice resonated from behind the three humans seeking entrance into the bar.

“Lieutenant Commander Worf?”  Alyssa Ogawa, immediately recognizing the voice, called out with a smile as she turned in the direction of former Enterprise shipmate.

“Nurse Ogawa…” The burly Klingon acknowledged and then, recognizing Sam, further greeted, “Mr. Lavelle…”

“You know, I’m getting sick and tired standing out here.” Django, tired of being ignored, growled as her eyes shot daggers at the Ferengi.

Turning towards Quark, Worf glared menacingly, “Why are you keeping these officers out, Ferengi?”

“It’s not the two of them…” The bartender said, gesturing at Lavelle and Ogawa, “They can come in.  It’s her!” He declared, pointing his finger at Ensign Django.  “That female is a troublemaker!”

“What did you do?” Alyssa, eaten up with curiosity, asked the young ensign.

“She ruined my bar!” Quark shouted.

“It wasn’t my fault!”  Maria protested, raising her voice as well.

“Enough!” Worf bellowed, immediately silencing everyone within range of his voice.  Turning towards the petite human female whose skin complexion was only slightly lighter than his, the Klingon demanded, “Who are you, Ensign, and what did you do?”

“Ensign Maria Django…USS Sutherland.”  The ensign replied with just the faintest note of insubordination in her voice.  Shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly at the glare the Starfleet officer sent her way, she continued, “You want me to tell you what happened…no problem.  It was a few weeks ago while the Sutherland was here…” She explained, her eyes locked on to those of the Klingon officer, “…before your buddies came in and trashed this place.  We were all in the bar minding our own business and having a good time and then some ridge-headed Klingon decided to come on to our operations officer…”

“The Klingon…” Lavelle helpfully provided, “…had way too much bloodwine.  Combine that with the fact that the Sutherland’s operations officer is Deltan and the air filtration system in the bar was on the fritz…” He added, casting an accusatory glance in the direction of the Ferengi bartender.

“Hey…it wasn’t my fault,” Quark protested, “I’d been after Chief O’Brien for weeks to fix that system.”

“Anyway the Klingon wouldn’t back off…” Django related, continuing her story, “So I kicked him in his ‘nads,” she smirked, “Hard.”

Lavelle and Ogawa looked at each other, then at Ensign Django and Quark, and finally at Worf as the Klingon stood silently for what seemed an eternity.  Then, unexpectedly, he broke out into a rich, deep belly laugh.  “I read the security report on what happened soon after I agreed to stay on the station.  When I was informed that your runabout had docked…” he said, looking down on Maria, his lips turned up into a smile, “…I had to see the little warrior who caused such a big fight.”  His attention now focused on Quark, Worf declared, daring the Ferengi to challenge him, “They are with me.”

“All right…” Quark agreed, throwing up his hands in a gesture of futility, “…all right! But if anything gets damaged here…I’m billing the station.”

“Thanks Commander…” Nurse Ogawa smiled as the foursome made their way to an empty table.

“It was my pleasure,” the Klingon replied with a wicked grin as the group took their seats. “However, I did not come just to meet Ensign Django…” Noticing the worried looks on the three humans’ faces, he further elaborated, “You need not be concerned; the captain does not intend to prevent you from carrying out your plans…” As the trio let out almost simultaneous sighs of relief, the Klingon warrior continued to speak.  “However, he has been in communication with Captains Picard and Shelby and has asked me to…join you…”

Nodding his head appreciatively, Lavelle responded, “Thank you, Commander…I know Jaxa would want you with us.”  Taking a deep breath, he asked, “Have you seen the video of Sito yet?” Seeing the Klingon shake his head in the negative, Sam, fighting to keep his voice from choking up, stated, “Commander…you should.  They’ve done a number on her.”

 “Mr. Worf…” Alyssa interjected, barely repressing a sob, “They’ve hurt her…bad.  She had bruises and marks all over her body...and…” her voice taking on a sharp edge as she fought back her anger, “I’d say also…from what I could tell…and Dr. Crusher will back me up on this…that she’s been sexually assaulted….”

“Yeah…I was afraid of that, but I couldn’t tell for sure.” Sam interjected, his own anger rising as he imagined rough Cardassian hands on his old friend. 

“I want to see this recording,” Worf demanded in an even voice as Lavelle wordlessly handed him a padd with the message recorded on it.  As the Klingon warrior sat silently watching, his blood boiled.  Not only had his subordinate…and his friend…been denied an honorable death in battle, she had been captured and abused…horribly…by cowards lacking in honor.  Then, as his eyes fixed on the image of the Gul before whom his lost comrade had been brought before, his fist smashed down on the table, knocking the glasses on the table on to their sides, spilling their contents in the process.

“Cardassian Pet’aQ!” He growled.

“We know…” Alyssa said in a soft voice as a Ferengi waiter quickly arrived at the table to clean the mess.

“We’re going to get her back.”  Lavelle said in a soft, yet uncompromising voice. “I don’t care if we have to cut through every single damned Spoon-head in the quadrant to do it.”

“Good,” Worf replied grimly as he took out his d’k tahq. “Then we shall swear a blood oath on it.” He pronounced as he made a small incision into his palm with his honor blade.  Turning his hand palm down, his blood to dripped down on to the table as he recited the ancient formula.  “I swear upon my blood and the blood of my ancestors that I shall not rest until Sito Jaxa has been freed from her captivity and her honor restored.”  Handing the d’k tahq to Lavelle, the Klingon warrior nodded his head once.

Taking the d’k tahq, Sam, following Worf’s lead, slit his palm as well, repeating the oath as his blood joined that of the Klingon’s.  Wordlessly, he then handed the blade to Maria who, cutting her palm as well, added her words to the blood bond.

Taking a deep breath, Nurse Ogawa announced as she took the honor blade from Ensign Django, “I’m coming along as well.”

“Alyssa…” Sam responded, shaking his head, “I don’t think that’s such a good idea.  I have a feeling that this is going to be a bad one.  You’ve got Andrew and little Noah to think about.”

“Mr. Lavelle is right, Nurse Ogawa.” Worf added, his baritone voice carrying a surprising gentleness, “You have people who depend on you.”

“I know…” Alyssa conceded, “But Jaxa’s going to need medical help…and…” she added, her expression taking on a grim demeanor, “Sam…Commander Worf…she’s my friend too.  I have as much of a right…and a responsibility…to do this as you do.”

“Yeah…” Sam acknowledged in a low voice, “…I know.  I just don’t want you to get hurt…you’ve got so much to lose now.” He added with a smile, “You’re my friend too, you know.”

Her lips turning up into a sad smile, the beautiful Japanese woman replied as she cut her palm with the knife, turning it down so that her blood mingled with that of her friends’, “Thanks Sam…that’s sweet of you to say.  But I’m still going.  “I said I wanted to help get Jaxa back, Sam, and I meant it.  I’m in this all the way—no matter what happens.”  Taking a deep breath, she then repeated the blood oath, binding her to the same path as that of her friends.

“Ok, now that that is over with…” Lavelle sighed.  “…all we have to do is wait until our friend decides to contact us.”

Getting up from the table and sheathing his dk’tagh, Worf stated, “While you are waiting for this Dopterian, I will make the necessary arrangements with Captain Sisko for our departure.”

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

“Lieutenant Lavelle?” A Dopterian asked in a low voice.

Immediately recognizing the Dopterian as the one who had sent him the subspace message, Sam replied as his hands went to the hand phaser concealed underneath his coat, “Yeah….”

“Do you have the latinum?”

“Yeah…do you have what I want?” Sam demanded, keeping his voice tone as measured as possible.

“If you have the latinum…I have the information,” the Dopterian declared and then instructed.  “You and her…” he stated, pointing at Nurse Ogawa, “…meet me in Cargo Bay Four in two hours.” His eyes then swept the bar, “I will wait no longer.  If you do not appear… or if you appear with anyone else…you will never see me again and you will never find your friend.”  He then stared into Lavelle’s eyes, “Do you understand?”

“Yeah…” Sam confirmed, “We’re to show up in two hours alone with the latinum. You just be sure you’re there with the information.”  His eyes narrowing into angry slits, he grabbed the Dopterian by his shirt and, drawing him closer, threatened, “You better be on the level…’cause…if you’re not…if this is a double cross, I’ll make sure you live long enough to regret it.”  Then, releasing the alien, Sam made a production out of smoothing out the Dopterian’s shirt, “Do you understand me”

Nodding his head once, the alien immediately made his exit.   Flashing a wry grin, Maria praised, “Not bad, Sam…didn’t think you had it in you.”

“Well…” Sam said, standing up, “…we need to get ready.”  Turning towards Ensign Django, the Canadian helmsman requested, “Maria?  Could you contact Lieutenant Commander Worf and tell him what’s going on?”

“Right, Sam.” The petite Brazilian acknowledged, and then, giving Alyssa a dismissive snort, added, “But I don’t like the idea of you going in there with just Mary Poppins over there as backup.”  

Glaring at the young Brazilian, Nurse Ogawa bit back, “I’ve probably been in a lot more dangerous situations than you’ve ever thought of being in.  So you can just sit back and cool out, Ensign…” She growled, emphasizing Django’s lower rank. “I can take care of myself and back up Sam just fine.”

Speaking quickly before Django could utter something that would in all probability result in a full scale fight between the two women, Sam declared in what he hoped would be a peacemaking gesture, “We’ll be ok, Maria.  Don’t worry…” he said, flashing a wicked grin, “…we’re not going to go in there blind and dumb…”

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

“Everything’s set.”  The Dopterian said to his compatriot as he returned to the quarters the two shared.  “Did you contact Barl?”

“I did.” The Bardeezan replied.  “He said he would be waiting for us and promised us an equal share of what he gets when he sells them at the auction.”

“Excellent.”  The Dopterian smiled as he slapped his companion on the back.  “You see…nothing to it.  We did what our boss told us to do and we made a tidy profit on the side.  Easiest money we’ve ever made.”

As the shadowy figure silently monitored their conversation from its screen, its lips turned up into a slight smile.  You shall indeed receive what you have earned.

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

“You sure this is going to work, Sam?”  Alyssa asked as she injected the subcutaneous transponder first into her friend’s neck and then into her own.

“Yeah…it’ll work,” Sam replied, putting forth as confident a front as he could muster.  “If our guy sticks to his word…we give him the latinum and he gives us what he’s got on Jaxa and we go on our way.”  His voice now taking on a grim edge, he completed his thought, “And if he does try something, we’ve got Worf and Maria waiting on the transporter pad to back us up.”

“Ok…” The Japanese nurse reluctantly agreed, “Sounds like we’ve got everything covered.”   I hope…she didn’t say as the pair walked together down the corridor towards their appointment.  Approaching the cargo bay door, Sam pressed the button.  Entering the dimly lit storage area, the two moved carefully between the cargo containers, watching carefully for any sign of an ambush.  Finally, reaching the center, Sam spoke up in a clear voice, “Ok…We’re here and we’re alone like you said.  Now show yourself!”

Coming out of the darkness cargo boxes on either side, a shadowy figure approached, pointing what appeared to be an energy weapon of some sort at him.

“Are we going to do business or are you just point that thing at me?” Sam asked in a nonchalant voice.

Laughing, the Dopterian asked as his Bardeezan companion, also carrying a phaser appeared behind the two Starfleet officers, “Do you have the latinum?”

“In my pocket,” Sam replied, “Do you have the information?”

His lips curled up into a sneer as he and his companion both fired their phasers, laughing as the two humans crumpled to the deck, “We’ve received a better offer.”  Touching a button on his wrist, the two aliens with their human prisoners disappeared in yellowish transporter beams.

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

“Dammit!” Ensign Django cursed as the transponder signals disappeared from the cargo bay.  “I knew something like this would happen.”

“Are they on the station?”  Lieutenant Commander Worf asked his facial expression remaining stoic even as he worried about his two former shipmates.

“Scanning…” Maria replied, looking down at the console, her thoughts solely on the task at hand.  “They’re not on the station…” she reported and then added, “I’m extending my scan to the ships docked and in orbit around the station.”

“Very good.” The former security chief acknowledged, nodding his head in appreciation at the junior officer’s professionalism as his concern for his friends mounted. “Continue scanning.”

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

Groaning as consciousness returned to him, Sam nudged his companion, receiving an answering moan in return.  “Wake up, Alyssa…” He said as he took in his surroundings.  The two were apparently in the rear of a small scout craft with what looked like a force barrier separating them from the front of the ship.  “I think we’re in bad trouble.”

“You don’t say…” His Japanese companion remarked in a rare display of gallows humor.  Feeling her neck, she then flashed a genuine smile as she nodded her head.  Repeating her actions, Sam nodded his head as well as the pair signaled to each other that their subcutaneous transponders were still implanted.  As to whether they were transmitting or not…that’s another story entirely.  Sam thought as Alyssa asked, “So…where do you think we are?”

“You are in our scout ship…” The Dopterian answered as he and his companion appeared before their prisoners.

“Why are you doing this?”  Sam asked, “You said you had information about our friend…why take us prisoner.”  His eyes narrowing into slits, he queried in a low, threatening voice, “You’re not with the Cardassians…are you?”

“Hardly…” The Dopterian laughed. “It’s nothing personal…we just got a better offer.”

“Don’t we get a chance to match it?”  Sam asked hoping to appeal to the greed of the alien.

With a snort, the Bardeezan replied, “I don’t think you can.”

“You see…” The Dopterian said with an evil grin, “The better offer was for you.”

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

“Got ‘em!”  Maria cried out triumphantly as she lifted her head from the console.  They’re on that Petarian scout freighter.” She reported as she punched in the transporter coordinates.  Leaping on to the transporter pad and drawing her phaser, she addressed the Klingon warrior still standing by the console.  “Well…are you coming or am I going to have to do this myself.”

Flashing a feral grin as he took his place on the transporter pad and drawing his weapon as well, Worf looked down on the young ensign, “I think I like you,” he smirked before addressing the computer, “Energize.”

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

Materializing behind the Dopterian and his associate, Worf growled, “Drop your weapons.”

“Better do as he says…” Maria smirked, “Better yet…don’t.” Addressing the large Klingon beside her, Maria quipped, the smirk still on her face, “You know, Mr. Worf…I’m not sure what setting my phaser’s on.  I thought I set it for heavy stun…but you know…” she shrugged her shoulders, “…I get excited easily.  I might have cranked it up to max.”  She then flashed an evil grin, “You think they’ll let us find out?”

“I hope so…” Worf replied a toothy grin on his face as the Dopterian and his friend dropped their weapons.

“Awww…” Django cried out, “Guess we’ll never know.”

“I guess not.” Worf answered back, a note of sadness in his voice.  Addressing the Dopterian the Klingon commanded, “Release the confinement field on our friends…now.”

“All right…all right.” The alien whined as he pressed the buttons that deactivated the forcefield imprisoning Sam and Alyssa.

“Thanks, guys.” Sam grinned as he and Alyssa stepped out of their makeshift prison.  Looking the Dopterian up and down, Sam said to his friends, “Excuse me for a moment, I’ve got to pay someone off.”  Striking quickly, his fist connected with the lower jaw of the Dopterian, knocking him down to the deck with a thud.

“Feel better, Sam?”  Maria asked with a twinkle in her eye as she approached the roguish Canadian.

“Yeah…I do.” Lavelle replied with a self satisfied smug.

“Good!”  She smiled, “So you won’t mind if I do this!”  She said as the palm of her right hand impacted on the young Canadian’s cheek, causing him to shake his head in surprise at the slap. 

“What was that for?” Sam cried out.

“That was for being an idiot.”  Maria declared.  “I expected Mary Poppins to get caught with her panties down.” She sneered, drawing a glare from the Japanese woman.  “But I thought you had more sense…”

Wheeling rapidly on the dusky young Brazilian, Nurse Ogawa spoke in a low voice, “I’ve about had it with your snide remarks, Ensign.”  Balling her fists, she threatened, her voice barely a whisper, “Next time you call me Mary Poppins…”

Her lips curled up into a sneer, Maria responded, “Any time you’re ready…Mary…”

“That’s enough!” On hearing the booming voice of the Klingon Starfleet officer, both Maria and Alyssa froze in place.  “You can settle this later.” The lieutenant commander declared as, turning his attention on the two prisoners,  he glared at the Dopterian still on the deck, while his Bardeezan companion stood next to him, a look of bemusement on his face. “We have more important things to take care of…”

“I’m sorry…” Alyssa apologized, stepping away from Ensign Django.  “You’re right, of course, Commander…”

“Stuck up bitch…” Maria muttered under her breath only to be silenced by Lavelle’s elbow digging into her ribs.

“Thanks Mr. Worf.” Sam remarked, sending a pointed glare Maria’s way before turning towards the Dopterian sprawled on the deck.  “Ok…I want that information you said you had about our friend.”

“On one condition…” The Dopterian said, trying to salvage what he could out of the situation.

“You’re not in any position to make conditions.” Worf replied with a sneer.

“You want to know where your friend is…” The Dopterian responded in a wheedling tone, “I know where she is.  But I won’t tell you unless you let the two of us go.”  He then smirked at the burly Klingon standing before him.  “And don’t think you can beat the information out of me…”

“Mr. Worf…” Lavelle said in a low voice, “Much as I’d like to take him up on his challenge...I think we’re going to have to give him what he wants.  We don’t have the time to waste.”

“You are right, of course…” Worf conceded reluctantly.  Turning to the Dopterian, he declared, “Very well…if you give us what we need, you can go free. But be warned…” The burly Klingon threatened in a low, menacing voice, “If you are lying, there will be no place in the universe where you can hide from my vengeance…”

“No lies…” The Dopterian promised; an unctuous smile on his face.  “I’ll tell you the truth.  But first…” he added in a calculating tone as he staggered to his feet, Ensign Django watching his every movement. “I want your word both as a Starfleet officer and as a Klingon warrior that you will keep your promise and let us go.”

“You have it.” Worf agreed reluctantly and then swiftly added, “Provided you are speaking the truth.”

Revealing a secret compartment, the Dopterian punched in a complex code sequence, unlocking the container.  Presenting an isolinear rod, the alien said as he tossed it to Lavelle, “It’s all here.  Everything you need.”  Then, squaring his shoulders, he declared, “Now…I’ve kept my end of the bargain…”

“And I shall keep mine.” Worf stated his voice and facial expression revealing his distaste at the deal he had been forced to make.  Nodding his head at the other Starfleet officers, he activated his comm badge, “Worf to DS9…four to transport.”

As the Klingon and his human companions disappeared in the reddish orange station transporter beams, the Dopterian turned to his companion, “I think it’s time for us to go…”

As the shadowy figure watched the whole tableau unfold on its viewscreen, it smiled as it came out of the shadows, revealing itself as the blonde human-Romulan hybrid Commander Sela. “Follow the scout craft…”

“Yes, Commander…” The Romulan helmsman acknowledged, setting the cloaked warbird on a parallel course to the departing vessel.

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

 As Captain Sisko, sitting behind his desk, listened to his strategic operations officer’s report, he nodded his head.  “You did what you felt was best, Mr. Worf.” He commented sagely, “Sometimes you have no choice but to make the best deal you can…”

“You are right, of course, sir…”  Worf reluctantly agreed, “But still…”

“It grated to have to watch while those bastards got away, laughing…” Ben commiserated.  “Believe me, Lieutenant Commander…I understand.”    Taking a deep breath, the dark skinned captain continued, “But if, in the process, they give you what you need to recover your friend safe and sound…I’d say it’s worth it.”

“We think they did, Sir…” Lavelle interjected as he handed Captain Sisko the isolinear rod that he received from the Dopterian.  “This is what he gave us.”  The helmsman commented in a flat tone that barely hid his excitement.  “He told us that it would lead us to where they were keeping Ensign Sito.”

“Well…” Ben said as he placed the isolinear rod in the computer, “Let’s see what it has to say.”  On the screen a star chart appeared with the name of one system in red. 

“Pullock V.” Worf growled.

“Anything special about Pullock V?” Ensign Django asked as she stared at the monitor, her chin resting on Lavelle’s shoulder.

“Nothing that we know of.” The Klingon strategic operations officer replied, “Before now, the only thing important about it was the fact that it was the target for the Bajoran Resistance’s first off planet raid.”

“So…” Alyssa inquired, “…what do we do now?”

“What the four of you are going to do…” Benjamin declared, “…is get the hell out of my office.”  He then gave the group a conspiratorial wink, “You all are on leave…aren’t you?”

“Yes, sir!” The foursome replied in unison as they quickly left the office.

“Then go!”  Sisko ordered as he watched the foursome depart his office.  As Lieutenant Commander Worf exiting last of all, joined his companions at the elevator, Ben activated his intercom.  “Major Kira?  I need you set up another subspace conference connection between me, Captain Picard at Starfleet Academy, Admiral Glover, and Captain Shelby on the Sutherland as soon as possible.”

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

“So…what do we do?”  Alyssa asked, repeating her earlier question as the foursome walked back to Lavelle’s quarters.

“We go to Pullock V, kick whoever’s ass happens to be there, rescue Sam’s friend, and then go home.” Maria declared definitively.

“I only wish it were that easy.” Lavelle remarked dryly and then shook his head, “No…we need to plan this out carefully.”

“You are correct Lieutenant,” Worf interjected and then looked pointedly at Ensign Django, “It is a foolish warrior who rushes headlong and thoughtless into combat.” Taking the dusky skinned young woman’s slight nod of the head as a sign that she had gotten the message, the Klingon continued, “We should first gain as much intelligence as possible on Pullock V and the area around it and I can only think of one person on this station who might have the information we need…”

“I guess…” Sam quipped, “…that it’s time I got a new jacket…”

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

As Admiral Glover gazed into the eyes of the three captains on his monitor screen, he sighed, “It’s a risky plan, but I agree, Captain Shelby, we don’t have any choice.”  Taking a deep breath, he ordered, “Very well…I’ll authorize Sutherland and Defiant to take up patrol stations on the border area near Pullock V.”  Further clarifying his orders, he stated, “You are not to enter Cardassian space unless expressly invited by a duly authorized representative of the Cardassian government.  Do not do anything that might draw us into a shooting war with either the Klingons or the Cardassians.”  His facial expression taking on a grim demeanor, he growled, “Do I make myself clearly understood?”

“Aye, Sir.”  All three captains acknowledged as the viewscreen went blank.

“That poor girl…” Samson Glover muttered in a low voice as he shook his head, “What am I going to tell Terrence? And should I?”

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

Once the subspace conference call had been terminated, Captain Jean-Luc Picard turned towards the dark haired woman entering his office, taking a seat on the couch near his desk.  “So…Counselor Troi…what came of your conversation with the Sutherland’s counselor?”

 

“Max…Counselor Freedman…” Deanna clarified, “…is correct.  Should Ensign Sito be rescued, the recovery process will be a difficult one and I cannot guarantee even partial success…the psychological damage might well prove too deep—remember, she’s been held under conditions of extreme duress for over a year.”  Exhaling deeply as Captain Picard took two hot cups of Earl Grey tea from the replicator, the Betazoid woman tried to interject an optimistic note, “However, that doesn’t mean that we’re not going to try.  But it will be a hard road for her.”  Gratefully taking one of the steaming cups from her long-time captain, Counselor Troi took a moment to inhale the fragrant aroma given off by the oil of bergamot before sipping from the cup.  “Counselor Freedman brings up another good point in that it would be most advisable to have someone she feels that she can be safe with and trust during the all-important initial recovery phase.”

“I quite agree…” Captain Picard stated as he returned to his seat, carefully sipping his tea.  “That is why I would like to ask you…Deanna…to rendezvous with the Sutherland.  Both the Sutherland and the Defiant have been assigned to patrol the area near where it is believed that Ensign Sito is being held.  Should everything succeed according to plan, Lieutenant Commander Worf’s team will exit Cardassian space near these ships’ patrol areas before setting course for Deep Space Nine…”

Catching on to her former commanding officer’s plan, Deanna interjected, “And if they do, the Sutherland will be able to intercept allowing us to begin the recovery process that much sooner.”  Nodding her head, the counselor observed, “And the sooner we can begin the better.”  Rising to her feet, the Betazoid woman flashed a brilliant smile, “I’ll make preparations to depart immediately.”

“Excellent.” Jean-Luc smiled back.  “Captain Shelby has already been apprised of the situation and concurs—as does Counselor Freedman.”  Watching as his subordinate and friend turned to leave, the former captain of the Enterprise quickly added, “Good luck, Counselor.”

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

Entering the Cardassian’s shop, Lieutenant Lavelle quickly spotted the tailor standing at his table sewing a sleeve on to a shirt.  Motioning for his companion, Alyssa Ogawa, to remain where she was, Sam approached the merchant.  “Ah…” Garak exclaimed, his lips turned up into a wide smile as he noticed the Canadian helmsman advancing towards him, “…what can I do for you Mister…”

“Lavelle,” Sam supplied his face an expressionless mask.  “We have a mutual acquaintance…” The Starfleet officer remarked, “…Commander Hobson from the Sutherland.”

“Ah yes…” Garak vocalized with just a touch of humor, “I believe I recall seeing you about the station several weeks ago…” His eyes revealing a mischievous twinkle, he jibed, “I trust you weren’t too…inconvenienced…by that little disruption at Quark’s?”  His smile vanishing, the tailor’s voice tone took on a slightly mocking tone, “I hear Captain K’Temoc was most…humiliated…by his participation in that melee.”

“Commander Hobson said that I should…” Sam interjected somewhat impatiently only to be interrupted in turn by the Cardassian.

“I trust the Commander is pleased with the jacket he purchased the last time your ship was here?”

“Yes he was…” Sam replied, “In fact, he was so pleased that he told me that I should see you.”

“I must thank the Commander the next time I speak to him.” Garak responded as he made his way towards a rack upon which hung shirts.  “Word of mouth really is the best form of advertisement.”  Then, picking out several shirts, he returned to the young officer, “You know, young man…one must always be careful when…and where…one shops…”

“That’s curious…” Sam riposted in a dry tone, “…the Commander said exactly the same thing.”

“Commander Hobson is a most shrewd consumer…” Garak replied with a knowing grin. “You would be wise to emulate him.”  Laying the shirts out on the table, the tailor stood back.  Motioning with his hand, he continued, “One’s clothing should match the occasion…and environment.  This shirt, for instance…” He declared, holding up a white shirt, “Is made of Andorian spider-silk.  Very fine…but not something I would wear into a rugged environment such as Pullock V.”

His ears pricking up at the mention of the Cardassian world, Lavelle ventured, “So…what would you recommend?”

“Oh…” Garak replied, “…you would want something very durable—something like this…” He said, displaying a dark blue shirt made of a very thick and course fabric.  “Feel the material…” The Cardassian encouraged, “Feel how thick it is…just what you need to avoid potentially…catastrophic…rips and tears.”  Almost as an afterthought, he added, “Also, dark colors are most definitely in fashion on worlds like Pullock V.”

“I see…” Sam voiced, “Do you have any other suggestions?”

“Only one…” The tailor answered back, “If you’re seeking admission into any…entertainment facilities…you should understand that they all have rather strict…entry requirements.  If you just show up at the door, you might find that they won’t grant you access…or worse…” He added, a strong note of warning in his voice, “…you might find that they’d be all too willing to let you in…but that they’d want to keep you so…entertained…that you’d never leave.”

“So…what would you advise?” Lavelle cautiously inquired.

“Hmmm….” The Cardassian vocalized as he cupped his chin, “I would suggest stopping off at Persis IV before you go to your final destination.  Look for a man named Lynn Pierson.  Here’s a little something on him you might find helpful…” Garak said as he handed an isolinear rod to the dark haired human.  “The last I heard, he can be contacted at a little establishment near the port.  If you catch him in a good mood and ask him nicely enough—he might be willing to help you out with any potential difficulties you might have entering…or leaving…Pullock V’s entertainment facilities—for a price, of course.”

“Thank you…” Sam said as he picked up the dark blue shirt, “I think I’ll take this…”

“A very wise choice, Mister Lavelle,” Garak replied as he took the shirt and placed it in a bag.  “I hope you and your friends have a safe…and productive…journey.”

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

Her lips turning up into an icy grin as she observed the scoutship containing her two erstwhile employees through her warbird’s viewscreen, Commander Sela queried, “Sensor technician! Are we far enough from the space station and any other vessels to avoid detection?”

His face illuminated by the green glow given off by the scanner, the Romulan technician crisply replied, “No vessels within scanning range, Commander.”

“Excellent…” Sela’s grin grew even icier as she ordered in a calm, emotionless voice, “Weapons Officer, target the scoutship.  Destroy it.”

“Yes, Commander.” The Romulan Centurion acknowledged as the D’deridex class warbird decloaked before her prey, twin green disruptor beams lancing out from its head, immediately impacting on the barely shielded scout craft, giving the poor Dopterian and his Bardeezan companion just enough time to utter a single loud, “NO!!” as their tiny vessel disappeared in a fireball through which the warbird emerged unscathed.

Smiling smugly in satisfaction at a job well done, Commander Sela addressed her helmsman, “Resume cloak and set course for Pullock V—maximum warp.”  Maintaining her icy grin, the blonde hybrid spoke in a low, inaudible whisper, “Now it’s time to see whether my trust in my unwitting allies has been well placed or not…”

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

“Hi Andrew!” Alyssa Ogawa beamed as the image of her husband came through the viewscreen, “I just called to see how you and Noah are holding up.”

“We’re doing just fine, Honey.” Andrew replied with a smile of his own as he held up the couple’s year old child.  Looking down on his son, Andrew cooed, “Wave to your Mommy, Noah.”

“Hi Baby…” Alyssa waved back, her eyes tearing up.

“Honey…” Andrew interjected, seeing his wife’s reaction, “Is everything ok?”

“Yeah…” Alyssa assured, nodding her head, “It’s just…I miss you both so much.”

“We miss you too, Alyssa,” Andrew replied and then asked, “Do you think you’ll be coming home soon?”

“I’m not sure,” The Japanese nurse answered honestly.  “I hope so.”

“We do too.” Her husband responded gravely and then changed the subject, “So…what’s Deep Space Nine like?”

“Well…” Alyssa drawled, “Things are still pretty tense around here since the Klingons attacked.  The damage has been cleaned up and all…but…well…the people here are still kinda nervous…”

“That’s understandable…” Andrew replied with a nod of the head, “…with the Klingons canceling the Khitomer Accords and a shooting war going on between them and the Cardassians, I have to admit to being more than a little worried myself.”  A grave expression overtaking his face, he then asked, “Are you sure everything’s ok with you?”

“Yeah…” Alyssa quickly replied as she recognized her husband’s worried countenance, “Everything’s fine.”  Smiling, she quickly added, “I’m going to be all right and I’ll be home soon…promise.”

“I’m keeping you to that promise, Dear.” Andrew answered back and then, with a regretful look, added, “I’m afraid we have to go now, Love.”

“I do too.” Alyssa responded, “I love you dear…” and then gave a quick wave and blew a kiss, “Love you too, Noah…”

“We love you too, Honey…” Andrew replied, “Come home soon.”

Brushing the tears away from her eyes, Alyssa finished packing the non-issue hiking gear that she had replicated earlier and, zipping shut the carry pack and slipping the pack’s sling over her shoulder, exited her quarters to begin what she hoped would not be a one-way trip.

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

“Ready to go, Sam?”  Ensign Django called out.

“Yeah...just a moment, Maria,” The roguishly handsome Canadian helmsman answered back as he finished the last of his packing.  Appearing moments later, he regarded the dusky skinned petite young woman standing before him, the carry strap to her pack slung over her shoulder.  “Let’s go…” He simply said as the pair walked side by side down the corridor towards Runabout Pad “A” and the Loire.

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

Catching up to the quickly striding Klingon warrior, bath’leth slung across his back, mek’leth sheathed at his waist, Jadzia Dax queried in a level tone, “Are you sure about this, Worf?  They’re awful young.  You sure you don’t want me or the Chief to go with you?”

Looking down at the Trill science officer, Worf managed a quick grin, “They are young…but they’re quite able.  Thank you for offering, though.”

“Ok…if you insist” Dax grudgingly conceded and then added a heartfelt, “Qapla’”

Nodding his head once in acknowledgement, Worf proceeded down the corridor, joining up with first Maria and Sam.  Walking together, the trio then met up with Alyssa becoming a foursome.  Together, they strode silently towards the pad where their runabout waited.  Taking a deep breath, Sam regarded his comrades, looking each of them in the eye.  “Ok…last chance for anyone to change their minds…”

Entering the runabout first, Ensign Django called back, “Let’s get this show on the road.”

“Agreed.” Worf simply stated as he entered the small craft.

“Sam…” Alyssa said in a soft voice, placing her hand on her old friend’s shoulder, “Jaxa’s waiting…”

Nodding his head grimly, Lavelle joined his companions in the runabout.  Taking his position in the pilot’s chair, he activated the comm. “Loire to Operations…request permission to depart.”

Placing his hand on the communication’s officer’s shoulder and shaking his head, Captain Sisko spoke, “Loire…permission granted.  Good luck and come back soon.”

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

As she strode on to the bridge, Elizabeth sighed with gratitude as her operations officer, Lt. Anara Rysyl, presented her with a steaming hot cup of coffee.  “Thank you, Mr. Rysyl. That was just what I needed.” The captain remarked in that languorous voice that Jadon Tol, the Sutherland’s chief engineer had once described, with a leer, as being the Captain’s ‘I just got laid’ tone.

“Did you enjoy yourself last night, Sir?” Jadon asked in a perfectly deadpan voice from his bridge station.  “I hear Rome in the holodeck is pretty this time of year.”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Liz riposted with a wicked grin as she took a sip of her coffee, savoring the aroma as the warm fluid rejuvenated her.  Turning to her first officer, the captain inquired, “Anything to report, Commander?” 

“No, Sir.” Commander Hobson replied in his usual patrician voice.  “We are on course towards the Federation-Cardassian border as per orders and should rendezvous with the Defiant in seventy-two standard hours.”

“Very good,” Shelby acknowledged as she made her way to her ready room.  “Maintain course and speed until further notice.”  Then, after entering her office and taking her seat, the Sutherland’s captain activated the computer monitor on her desk, “Computer…” Liz ordered, “Connect me with Captain Jean-Luc Picard at Starfleet Academy on Earth.”

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

“Next stop Persis IV!” Sam declared as he punched the course in on the runabout’s navigational computer.

“’Bout time we got this show on the road!” Maria groused as she got out of the co-pilot’s seat and made her way to the replicator.  “Espresso…double shot,” she ordered.  Taking the demitasse out of its alcove, Django inhaled the aromatic fragrance.  “Just the thing…” she sighed as she took a sip of the strong brew.   Turning her head towards Sam, she queried, “What’s Persis IV like?”

Shaking his head, Sam replied as he put the information up on a computer screen, “It’s a K Class planet…one settlement under a pressure dome…” His lips turning down into a frown, he observed, “It’s a good thing we brought some latinum with us…the Orion Syndicate pretty much controls everything there.”

“Lovely place,” Maria jibed as she sipped her espresso.

With a low growl, Worf asked, “What do we know about this contact that the tailor talked to you about?”

“Garak gave me this isolinear rod…” Lavelle replied as he stuck the rod in an open data slot, “…let’s see what it says.”

The image of a dark haired human male, approximately thirty years old, wearing a red and black Starfleet uniform appeared on the computer screen.  “Lynn Pierson, formerly lieutenant commander…last duty posting USS Devonshire.”  Lavelle read further until, pointing to the screen, he exclaimed, “Take a look at this!  He served on the USS Phoenix under Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Stardate 44429.6.” Lavelle read aloud his voice now barely above a whisper.

Turning towards her former Enterprise shipmate, Alyssa recalled, “I remember—you were still in the Academy at the time.  Captain Maxwell claimed that the Cardassians were rearming.  He destroyed two Cardassian ships and was about to attack another when the Enterprise intervened.”

“You are correct, Lieutenant.” Worf reminisced.  “I was on the bridge when it happened.  Captain Maxwell wanted the Captain to send a boarding party to the Cardassian ship.  He claimed that it was carrying arms, but Gul Macet wouldn’t grant permission for Captain Picard to board and search it.  Captain Maxwell wanted to attack, causing Captain Picard to…” The Klingon warrior grimaced, “…come to the aid of the Cardassians.”

“Yeah…” Nurse Ogawa sighed, “If it hadn’t been for Chief O’Brien talking Captain Maxwell down, we might have had to fire upon the Phoenix.”

“Was the freighter carrying arms?” Lavelle asked.

“We don’t know.” Worf admitted, “But Captain Picard suspected that it did.  He gave Gul Macet a warning and took Captain Maxwell into custody.”

“Figures…” Django said with a sarcastic snort, “Picard frinxed up.”

“What did you say, Ensign?” Worf asked pointedly, glaring down at the dark skinned woman.

“You heard me,” Maria countered, matching the Klingon glare for glare.  “Picard screwed up.  Maxwell was right, Picard knew it, and he still let the Cardassians get away with it…”  Shaking her head in disbelief, the fiery tempered Brazilian continued her diatribe.  “Picard deliberately lets the Cardies get away with murder…while Maxwell rots in the New Zealand Penal Colony because he had the guts to try to do something about it.”

 Her eyes pleading with the burly Klingon to allow her to speak, Alyssa looked into Maria’s eyes.  “You’ve got Captain Picard all wrong if you think that….”  Taking a deep breath, she explained, “If he’d have done that, we’d be in a war with the Cardassians right now.”

“Alyssa’s got a point, Maria…” Sam intervened speaking quickly to avoid yet another exchange between the two strong willed women.  “If he’d have gone along with Maxwell, he’d have had to fire on Macet’s ship and that would have started the war all over again.”

“Maybe it would have been better.” Maria countered, “At least we would have had it out once and for all.”

Surprising the headstrong ensign, Worf actually nodded his head thoughtfully before replying, “Perhaps you are right, Ensign…”

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

“Good morning, Captain Shelby…” Captain Jean-Luc Picard, cup of Earl Grey tea in hand, greeted, as he smiled paternally at the petite young captain looking at him in his viewscreen.

“Morning, Captain Picard…” Liz greeted back in a flat tone as she took a sip from her own cup of coffee.

“Rough night last night?”  Jean-Luc gently inquired as he noticed both the voice and bleary eyed expression of his fellow starship captain.

“Anything but…” Liz, replied, a wicked grin coming to her face as she gently shook her head.  “Just broke in a new holodeck program last night.  I’m just not what you’d call a morning person.”

“I see…” Picard, well aware of Captain Shelby’s reputation for her rather exuberant and hedonistic lifestyle, remarked, his own lips turned up into a prim smile before getting quickly to the point, “I want to thank you for contacting me…I was about to call you.”  Taking a deep breath, he stated, “Counselor Troi concurs with your counselor’s recommendations and has agreed to rendezvous with the Sutherland in the border area.”

“Excellent.”  Liz responded, striking an optimistic tone.  “Counselor Freedman is looking forward to working with her.”  Setting down her coffee cup, she added in a slightly prayerful voice, “If everything goes well, I hope between the two of them they can help Ensign Sito.”

“I do too…” Picard concurred, adding his prayers to those of his fellow captain’s.  His smile returning, Jean-Luc continued, “The counselor and Commander Data…”

 “Commander Data?”  Liz interjected, the android officer’s name taking her off guard.

“Yes…” Picard replied.  Raising an eyebrow, he asked, “Is there a problem with that?  With all that’s going on in the border area, I felt it would be safer for the counselor to have someone accompanying her and, as Commander Data is currently free and has had some experience with the Sutherland, I thought it would be a good idea to have him join her…”

“I see…” Liz drawled.  Then, putting the best face possible on the situation, she stated in a definitive voice, “No…there’s no problem.”  Setting down her coffee cup, she added, “Thank you for letting me know,” the subtext of her statement, being, You should have let me know about this first.  Forcing a smile to her face, Liz concluded the conversation, “Well...Captain…unless there’s anything else…I’d better get busy…”

“I understand, Captain. There’s never enough time on a starship, is there?”  He remarked somewhat envious of the blonde captain’s responsibilities.  Taking a deep breath, Jean-Luc concluded the conversation, “In any event, thank you for all you’re doing.  Commander Data and Counselor Troi have taken the runabout Amazon and should be in touch with you soon to set up a rendezvous.”

“We’ll be waiting for them.” Liz assured as she shut off the transmission.  Looking into the blank monitor, Picard’s lips turned down into a worried frown as he pondered Shelby’s reaction towards Commander Data’s accompanying Deanna to the Sutherland.  “Computer…” He ordered, “Retrieve Commander Data’s official log entries for his time in command on the USS Sutherland, Stardate 45020.4 and the current personnel roster for the Sutherland.”

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

“I can’t believe you’re agreeing with her, Commander…” Nurse Ogawa exclaimed, her face reflecting her surprise.  “To deliberately choose to go to war…”

“The Cardassians have repeatedly broken the treaty,” Worf declared.  “They tortured the Captain…”

“And are probably torturing Jaxa right now, Alyssa while we’re squabbling…” Sam interrupted somewhat peevishly and then, taking a deep breath, attempted to deflect the argument. “Why don’t we table this discussion for now? I think you guys might want to hear this…” Reading from the record displayed on the computer he noted, “Pierson resigned his commission a year ago and has since been tied into Maquis and a variety of other criminal activities acting as a sometime facilitator for the Orion Syndicate.”

Gritting his teeth, Worf growled, “So he is a terrorist and a criminal.”

“Maybe…” Sam agreed, “But we’re going to have to deal with