Deep Space Guardian: Season II-Episode 32

[Founder]

Captain's Log. Stardate 58565.54

Several says have passed since the debacle with the Nautolians in the vega system. The USS Achilles and Magellan and Guardian had taken HEAVY damage. Suffice it to say, their crews have claimed they would never allow their ships for wargames ever again. Speaking of the latter, the wargames proceeded and went great. The crew and civilians enjoyed the show very much and spirits have lifted. There haven't been many new ships coming to the station, but baby steps is what I say. We're making progress, slowly.

With the past events, I've gotten to know the major a little better. He is a lot more complicated then I gave him credit for. Perhaps...I'll have lunch with him, as I did my former first officer.

As for our newest resident, Niro Coron, I've allowed him to stay on the station. He was seeking asylum and that is what got us in this mess in the first place. I'm not sure if he will choose to stay here forever, but for now, he is resting from the experiances he has gone through. I can't say the station's residents like him being here, which is why I've ordered Blake to have a security officer follow him for the time being, to prevent any...hate crimes.

I'm please to say that all injured crewmen, including T'Sa, have made full recoveries. We didn't get out of the fight without casulties, but they were minimal. We had more wounded than anything. I've given everyone involved in the battle a commendation. I was surprised at how well everyone did, especially the acting captains-Ziona Andreas and Blake Robitaille. I better watch out, anymore of that and they'll be offered command of the station over me.

Engineers were sent to the colony to ascertain the status of the shields and to find a way to maintain it around the clock. Governor Al-Firdos and admiral Donatra are working with them now...

Speaking of the Romulan admiral, I've recieved rather strange news. The Romulans stole Federation technology...from the future. I've run into this before with a Cardassian that was trying to give the technology to the Obsidian Order. It's obvious now that news of the Federation destroying the future technology was a complete and utter lie. Donatra implied that it would be in my best interest NOT to report it to Starfleet and that she would allow us to dismantle and destroy the technology, including all knowledge of it. With Donatra and N'Tran, I helped stage the destruction of the ship through the holodeck and sent Starfleet all records of it. We simply lied and said it had been destroyed against the Nautolians. In reality, the ship's technology was dismantled and quickly destroyed, including schematics and any records of it. A part of me felt bad for lying, but I wasn't going to let innocent people, Romulans or not, suffer for the crimes of Sela and the Tal Shiar. Besides, they helped us against the Nautolians and want to shed their old lives. I can't argue with that. Not to mention, I've seen the corrupt justice system in the Federation being used with Fito. God knows what they would have done with them.

Anyways, I find myself now in the most unlikeliest of places. The empty marine OPS, on the marine deck. The room was relatively dark and no console were on. In a week or so, the place would be converted to a security deck. Not much would change, considering that both marines and security had a lot of tactical stuff on their respective decks. I'm sure that Blake is going to take advantage of the shooting range here. The only real thing that will change is that it will be filled with security officers, more that are heading to the station to replace the marines, and that Blake will now have two offices to recline in. Lucky little... End log.

-DSG, Marine OPS-



Ian was sitting at a random console, alone and staring at a dedication plaque. It was made for the first colonel of the station when Ian had taken over: colonel Tidus. The Bolian had become possesed by a Ghoto and tried to take over the station using the marines. It had erupted into a bloody debacle, killing over a hundred officers. Ian was forced to kill Tidus, who allowed his death to stop the Ghoto. He sighed and placed the plaque onto the console's surface. Things were changing so fast on DSG. He remembered when he first beamed over from the USS Titan. The station was a mess because it was just being completed. He'll never forget beaming onto the promenade and seeing so many people. Fito and Tidus came out to meet him. Both the Nautolian and Bolian were so proud of the station and their position. Things were different then, they were more simple.

"Much more simple..." He whispered to no one.

Then again, he didn't know Ziona back then and that is not something he would trade. She was special and not like anyone he had ever met. Despite the frowning on of a captain dating his crew, he didn't care. He would do it, because he needed happiness in his life. Ian had always been so...career oriented. It gave him little time to meet women. He had, had feelings for Ziona for a while, but never really acted on them. Not until she revealed her feelings for him. Things clicked and at that moment, Ian didn't care about duty and honor anymore. He wanted to live. That is what she represented to him: life. The two hadn't really had a chance to be alone together, minus the rather strange events on Risa, a planet he vowed never to return to. Ian hoped to be with Ziona more. If it wasn't for this damn war, he would. It seemed like it was the only thing on his mind. Perhaps moreso because it was personal for Ian. He wanted to kill Fito, even if that was what it took to end the war. Then...then...he could focus on being with Ziona...perhaps much more than a casual relationship. Ian could feel it, it was so much more than that...

[Ziona]

DSG, Marine OPS

Ziona had awoken that day with only one person on her mind... Ian. She hadn't heard or seen him much since the end of the wargames and after the debacle with the Nautolians which had downed the Achilles. But ever since she had crashed that ship into the side of Elerra Prime, she had wanted to talk to Ian. A near death experience like that can really change a person if the person embraces the situation correctly. With a resolve as strong as steel, Ziona got up, got dressed and asked the computer to find Captain Xavier. The prompt reply had been "Marine OPS".

A frown crossed Ziona's lips, as she hadn't been down in Marine OPS in quite some time... a very, very long time. A time when she was still with Tidus, the Marine who Ian was forced to kill to save the crew and the station. She had forgiven Ian for that. In truth, she had never really blamed Ian for what had happened. It wasn't Ian's fault and it was Tidus' honor and resolve which had led to his death, not the actions of a Captain like Ian, who was thinking of nothing but his crew. Ian must have suffered greatly for having to end his friend's life in such a way.

The Turbolift doors swished open and Ziona stepped out into Marine OPS. It was nearly silence with all the Marines now off the station, but Ziona found noise in every room. She heard the hum of machinery, she heard the sound of the station creaking with rotations, she heard her own heart beating quickly. There was no one else down here... save for herself and Ian, hiding somewhere amongst the machines and lattice work. Ziona moved through Marine OPS, looking about and listening for any motion within the alcove.

Her eyes finally found Ian, his back to her, staring at the dedication plaque that had been put up in honor of Tidus. She moved quietly towards her Captain, standing quietly next to him, watching as he sat before the plaque in silence.

"That was a long time ago." She whispered finally, after a few moments of silence. "I miss him, I must admit." She glanced over at Ian. "But I knew I had to move on and... and I think I have. I know I have." She tried to smile but it didn't come out quite right and instead came out as a half-sad grimace, a poor attempt at hiding the weeks and months of pain and grief she had suffered over Tidus' death. "I hope you know... I don't blame you, Ian." She whispered, her voice cracking slightly as she held back tears. "I never did..."

[Lord Borg]

-DSG, Star's End-

T'Sa hesiteated outside the door for a moment. She wasn't to sure if she really wanted to go in. It had been several days since the events of fighting the Nautolians. She had almost died from the lost of blood, and strangly, had found time to consol Ziona. Now, while she was thinking of her mid day meal, but she had also wanted to thank Nic for those flowers. It was quite obvious they were from him. she took a deep breath and entered the resturant, looking around. The area seemed so... soothing. There was an almost angelic appearnce to the white haze of the current display on the walls, along with Music. A very relaxing inviroment indeed. T'Sa's mind went back to Nic. His feelings towards her? Just what were they? It had been so long since T'Sa had considard...compainionship. T'Sa knew that jumping conculions would just be illoogical and pointless, but when did anyone ever sent flowers and be 'just friends'? or rather, one of those...complexion. She looked around and found Nic. She sighed and walked over towards him...

[Ziona]

DSG, Star's End

Nicodemus turned as he heard someone enter and he smiled widely over at T'Sa.

"Captain! What brings you here today?" He leaned against the low counter that he was standing behind and smiled widely at her. "I've returned from my trip with stories to tell and gifts to give." He laughed lightly and reached under the counter to grab a small box, wrapped in the same pearl wrapping that the flowers had been wrapped in.

Inside, nestled amongst silver-gauze lay a small pendant necklace made of a silver material. On the pendant, sitting dead-center, was a blue crystal that seemed to glow and gave off a cool feeling to the touch.

Nic slyly pushed the box towards T'Sa.

"Please, take a seat and tell me what you'd like to eat, Captain. And open this while you wait."

[Founder]

-DSG, Marine OPS-

Ian had been surprised that someone found him here, alone on this deck and in this room. Ziona's voice pierced the darkness of the room, giving way to something more. For a moment, Ian wasn't back there with Tidus' dead body or fighting Fito to the death on the holodeck. There wasn't anymore anger, pain, death. There was only her. She pulled Ian from reality and made him remember that there was so much more. She reminded him of why he fought so hard, day in and day out. A wave of emotions exploded within him and for a moment, Ian felt like a happy kid again. Like he used to, when he didn't know how evil the universe really was or how cold it could be. Ian rose from his seat and faced her, standing a few inches taller than her. He hadn't replied to her comment, not so much that he didn't care, but because he couldn't express in words how happy she made him or how grateful he was that she never truly hated him. Ian took a step closer, throwing his duty and honor to the wind, and kissed her...

[Ziona]

DSG, Marine OPS

Ziona's body went rigid at first, unsure how to deal with this suddenly... motion. But after a few seconds she relaxed into his arms, letting her emotions go and she kissed him back, tears welling up in her eyes. She felt warmth, love, affection, sadness... everything just overwhelmed her and she broke the kiss, resting her head on his shoulder and crying gently.

"Ian... I've missed you. I've waited for you to... to..." She couldn't find words so she kissed him again, pulling him closer to her, her eyes shut against tears. She broke their kiss again, this time looking deeply into his eyes.

[Founder]

-DSG, Marine OPS-

Ian held her close, feeling the same way she was. He had wanted to see her, but it seemed like there never was a chance.

"I know Z..." He said, calling her by the nick name he used.

He shut his eyes for a few moments, relishing in all of this, the sheer rarity of it all.

"Z?" He whispered, "Have you ever...wanted to run away from all of this? Not just the war...the station....Starfleet?"

[Lord Borg]

DSG, Star's End

T'Sa took the box with interst and looked to Nic,

"Uh... A Pok tar, Please."

T'Sa sat down, wanting to thank him for the flowers, she looked at the box, unsure of what to do.

OPen it... Open it infront of him, it's the logical thing to do...

T'Sa removed the cover to the box and pushed aside the pearl paper on top. She looked down at the necklace and gasped. She had never recived something like this before. It was...beautiful. She looked to Nic.

"Thank you..."

[Spellbinder Marik]

DSG, The Gemini Consortium

Tessa had kept the shop closed because she hadn�t been feeling well. She still came in to make lists and finish some records. A middle aged women walked in.

Laura McKnight had been happy to have a shower and get a new uniform. She�d received a call from a Tessa Plymouth wanting to talk about something.

Tessa looked up.
�Come in. Please. Can I get you anything?� Laura smiled.
�Nothing, thank you. You wanted to see me though?� Tessa nodded.
�Yes, you�re the officer that ordered my Boyfriend and your son to work together, right?� Laura sat down.
�That�s correct.� Tessa sat down too.
�Did they�get along?� Tessa was curious. She hadn�t seen much of Cory since they got back to the station. Laura nodded.
�They did, in fact they are in a holosuite right now designing some program.� Tessa stood up.
�Can we go see them?� Laura nodded and stood up.
�If you like.� Tessa closed the place and walked with Laura down a corridor.
They walked a short way before Tessa stumbled and fell. Laura helped her up.
�I feel dizzy and a little queasy.� Laura pulled a Tricorder off her belt and scanned Tessa. After a moment Laura had a look of confusion on her face. Laura sighed and finally spoke.
�I'm not sure if congratulations are in order or not. You�re pregnant miss Plymouth.� Tessa looked a little shocked and didn�t know what to say.

[Ziona]

DSG, Marine OPS

Ziona nodded a few times, her eyes shut, her head resting on his chest.

"I've thought of it, Ian. I have." She pulled back slightly to look into his eyes. "But where would I go? I don't have a life outside of this. There's nothing for me out there. This station... it's... it's my home. This crew is my family. You... You're my family." She watched him a few moments.

DSG, Star's End

Nic put in the order for T'Sa's Pok Tar before sitting down nearby, watching her quietly as she opened the box.

"I hope you like it. Don't fake it if you don't like it. I can always find something more... more beautiful. Something better if you want." He stumbled for a few moments for words, something he rarely did. "I found it on my trip and thought you'd enjoy it."

[Founder]

-DSG, Marine OPS-

Ian slowly nodded, looking down to stare into her eyes.

"You wouldn't leave alone," He said, "I'd go with you. I'd gladly give up my commisssion...the station, everything for you. I feel...like this war is swallowing me whole..."

He shut his eyes, feeling the pain well up again.

"I don't know whats happening anymore," He said, "But Fito...I feel like it is all I can think about it. Him and this damn war. I don't want to think about that anymore...I want to be with you..."

[Ziona]

DSG, Marine Ops

Ziona couldn't help but smile.

"Ian, you belong here. This crew needs you. This universe needs you. You're doing something good... something very few people can do." She gently took both his hands in her's. "I couldn't let you give up something like this. You can still be with me." She whispered. "You can still be here, making a different, and you can still be with me. I promise you that."

[Lord Borg]

-DSG, Star's End-

T'Sa looked to Nic. The poor man, he had to have been nervious.

"No... it's...it's fine."

T'Sa decided right then and there to put it on to show that she liked it. She took it out of the box carfully and started to fumble with the connecting parts.

"I...have never recived a gift like this...or...the flowers. Thank you..."

T'Sa looked down and tried to hide any blushing she'd do.

I have got to see Doctor Shoran about controlling these emotions!

She looked to Nic.

"Perhaps...you could help me with this?"

[Ziona]

DSG, Star's End

Nic smiled and seemed to have composed himself again.

"Definately, Captain." He went over to her and helped her put on the necklace. He smiled gently as he connected the clasp. "I thought you would like this.. and the flowers. I hope you don't mind that they were sent to your room. I hope I wasn't intruding or anything."

[Lord Borg]

-DSG, Star's End-

T'Sa stood still as he worked on the clasp.

"It's quite alright. It was not an intrusions. It was pleasent to go back to my quarters and find them waiting."

T'Sa looked to the table. Why have him sit at another table if their going to talk?

"Would you...like to join me? So that we wouldn't have to continue our discussion across the room..."

[Founder]

-DSG, Marine OPS-

Ian returned her smile, unable to help himself, despite the seriousness of his conversation. He gave a quiet sigh and slowly nodded, knowing she was right. Could he really give up his father's legacy for her? Yes, yes he could, but no one would really do the station justice. At least, not during this war. This wasn't just a battle between the Federation and the Nautolian empire. This was a battle between Ian and Fito. The latter may not have made it as personal, but it was so for Ian. He wanted revenge for Fito's betrayel.

"I'm happy to hear that," He said, "I know it may seem like we're rushing things...but...I'd like for you to move into my quarters. Hell, with our duties...it seems like the only way we'll ever really see each other. I know its bold...I know it's soon...but like I said, I feel we never see each other minus the times the bulkheads are falling on our heads and Nautolians are trying to kill us."

He smiled, "Waddaya say?"

[Ziona]

DSG, Star's End

Nic smiled gently and turned to get T'Sa's food, pacing it on the table before her before sitting down opposite of her.

"Yes, I agree... shouting across the room is no way to carry on a conversation with a lady." He smiled gently and began to relax again. "Please eat, and enjoy."

DSG, Marine OPS

Ziona sucked in a breath and hesitated a moment. Moving in with the Captain? How would the other crewmembers feel about that? They're not married... they aren't even engaged. Maybe she should relinquish her title as Tactical Officer. But that didn't make sense either.

Somewhere in Ziona's gut a feeling was rising and she decided to go with her instinct.

"Of course." She finally whispered. "I... I think that's an idea that's worth following." She smiled gently at him, feeling relieved and slightly apprehensive about the move she was about to make... but she knew in her heart that it was a decision that was the best for the both of them.

[Lord Borg]

DSG, Star's End

T'Sa sat down, unsure if she should actually eat infront of him, when he wasn't even though he invited her to. Then again, he had invited her to do so. She moved the plate slightly, setting it so everything was in the proper place. She took a nervious sip of her water.

"I..."

T'Sa looked down. Making small talk was always hard. It took Ian many years growing up to learn this. Eventually, T'Sa learned how to make 'small' talk with certain people. It took some time, of course. She looked down to the plate, the Pendant from the necklace was in her vision. Having no real idea what to say, T'Sa took a bite of her meal and chewed slowly. It was...authentic. When she swalloed, she made mention of it.

[Spellbinder Marik]

Romluan Shuttle, Klingon Border

N�Tran and T�Rell had taken a small shuttle and went to collect on a debt that a Klingon owed N�Tran. T�Rell was fidgety.
�The Cloak is stable sir.� N�Tran smiled. T�Rell had volunteered to go with N�Tran. He didn�t want to but he also didn�t want N�Tran to do anything to foolish.
�If they wanted to find us commander, they wouldn�t have to try very hard. Their cloak detecting technology is the same as ours.� T�Rell shrugged.
�Can�t be to careful sir.� There was a beep on the console.
�We�ve arrived. I�ll beam down alone. Keep a transporter lock on me if you�re worried.� T�Rell smiled.
�As always.� The small shuttle de-cloaked for about 5 seconds then immediately re-cloaked.

Unknown Klingon Moon

N�Tran materialized on a rocky ledge overlooking a deep casm. N�Tran approached a building and knocked on the door. There was no answer. N�Tran heard rustling on the inside.
�Kor�Tahg, get your Sa �Hut out here before I blast the door off.� N�Tran heard more noise. Then the door opened and a Klingon with grey hair and a scowl that could have scared the paint off a warship looked out.
�You wouldn�t.� N�Tran smiled.
�I would have if you didn�t open the door.� Kor�Tahg invited N�Tran in.
�What brings an old petaQ like you here?� The Klingon inquired. Ignoring the insult N�Tran replied.
�I�ve come to collect on a debt.� The Klingon put his goblet down.
�Have you now?� N�Tran nodded. The Klingon poured something into another goblet and pushed it to N�Tran.
�Then let us discuss it over a drink.� N�Tran picked up the goblet and sampled the drink. It had a slight burning sensation as he swallowed it. He coughed slightly. Kor�Tagh laughed in an uproar.
�What do you think? It�s my own special blend.� N�Tran sat the goblet down. �It�s very interesting but not what I came to ask about.� After taking a sip from his goblet again the Klingon spoke.
�What is it you want?� N�Tran thought about it, then answered.
�I want a core system alterterer. I happen to know you have one.� The Klingon frowned.
��and how do you know that?� N�Tran sampled the drink again.
�You don�t think I know you took it from my cargo bay the last time we met?� The Klingon drank again.
�Planning on stealing a ship and changing it�s registry?� N�Tran had promised Admiral Donatra and Captain Xavier that he would never again speak of the events that led him to this need. N�Tran thought up a quick lie.
�No, I need to change the registry on my ship. I�ve fallen out of favor with the Empire. I need to reacquire something in Romulan territory but my ships registry is a most wanted target right now.� The Klingon studied N�Tran for a moment then disappeared into a back room. A moment later he came back with a small box and placed it in front of N�Tran.
�I now consider my debt to you repaid.� N�Tran opened the box and looked inside. It was there. He stood up and smiled.
�It�s been a�an honor doing business with you.� The Klingon handed N�Tran a bottle.
�This one is a little more potent best keep an inoculation handy when you decide to start drinking it.� N�Tran accepted the bottle and nodded. He opened his communicator.
�Ditex to shuttle. One to beam up.�

[Republican_Man]

Special Forces, DSG Regiment Commander�s Log, Stardate 58565.54
[[Holds the guitar in his hands, leaning it against his thigh, and plays guitar lick]]

The past few days have been astounding to me. Not only have they flown by fast, but they have immersed me in the past like I have not been for some time, even with my past few missions into Nautolian territory.
The encounter with the Nautolian defector, Niro Coron, and my meetings with him since have brought back a number of memories of Mystical Master Sev Ejal, the Nautolian monk I trained under as a young man, prior to my acceptance into Starfleet Academy.

It is quite different, encountering a Nautolian who still follows the old ways, who remains a follower of the Light and of the Gods. I�ve been greatly enjoying the experience, and am actually having lunch with the man in the Promenade in a few minutes. I have helped him to get acquainted with and accustomed to the station and Starfleet life, and he has discussed his thoughts of remaining on DSG indefinitely and setting up some sort of shop of his own in the Promenade.

[[Plays another guitar lick]]
I think that would greatly benefit him, and it would be nice to have a Light-minded Nautolian to interact with. I think he would have the same sentiments in terms of being in Federation space and needing an understanding Federation citizen to work with him.

[[Plays another guitar lick]]
Unfortunately Niro�s presence here came at great cost. Initially, three Nautolian Assault Cruisers arrived in the system to recapture the �criminal,� as they called him. The Captain, thank God, didn�t let them take him, but it cost a number of lives and great resources, as well as much ship damage. The Guardian was practically destroyed in the assault, and the other ships were highly damaged, with the station taking a beating as well.

One benefit of this, however, is that I have now begun to form a relationship of higher quality and greater clarity with the Captain, who is--to an extent, it seems--beginning to appreciate my knowledge of the Nautolians and the fact that I am present on the station. I sense a great weight has been lifted off his shoulders, and I sense a greater level of security from him towards me when we are operating together.

I hope this relationship can continue to grow and my presence here becomes less and less unwelcome and I can fully adjust to the station. I really hope that it will be some time before my regiment needs to return to an operation. The Hawk was undergoing repairs during the battle and was therefore inoperable, for one, and is still undergoing some repairs, and it may unfortunately be a prelude to a new assignment for my regiment. I hope that doesn�t come soon because, as I said, we need a break, especially after our last assignment...

[[Pauses; then plays another guitar lick]]
In all honesty, while I do like this job, it�s still a pain in the ass. Whenever I carry out a mission there�s always something deadly there. I�m always criticized for the classified nature of this assignment, and this and that. What I really want is a command of my own, on a Starfleet vessel, like I was pushing for before Special Ops. But, sadly, it doesn�t look like that�s going to happen. At least, not for a while.

This damned war has got everybody on edge and is killing people left and right. I haven�t seen such a wave of darkness flood over the galaxy like I have now, and I don�t like it one bit. I visited Nautolia Prime once with Master Ejal and it was a beautiful place. I can�t even begin to imagine it covered in Darkness.

[[Plays another guitar lick]]
I�m also concerned that Starfleet isn�t putting as much focus as it should on the Romulans I encountered during my last assignment. The information I provided them is vital, and yet it doesn�t appear that there�s been much conversation between the Romulans and Starfleet, and that troubles me. I know what I know, and if Starfleet doesn�t take action soon, Romulus could fall. I have made it a personal point to ensure that Starfleet takes action and does what it needs to do to get the Romulans to prepare for invasion.
[[Plays another guitar lick]]

At any rate, I�ve got to be going. I�ve got lunch with Niro in a bit, and I need to get started for it. End log.

After completing his log Major Kyle Katran stood, set down his guitar, stretched out his right arm, and let out a tired yawn. He then began to exit the Special Ops desk, where he was currently seated, and headed for the Promenade.

Five minutes later he arrived at the restaurant known as Cheers. It was based almost entirely off of the 20th century comedy of the same name, based in the bar. Staffed by none other than Sam Malone, Diane Chambers, Woody Boyd, Carla Tortelli, Rebecca Howe, and �Coach,� the latter two added due to need for a larger staff, despite the incorrect time context, the bar is a place for humor, as was in the show. With other key characters like Cliff Clavin, Norm Peterson, and Frasier Crane, Cheers is the real deal and was a hit amongst the DSG staff from the start, giving them an opportunity to relax, eat food (menu expanded for business purposes), and enjoy a good laugh while there.
The reason: not only to relax himself, having watched ancient recordings of the program and enjoyed them, but to further immerse Coron in human culture and humor.

The half-human, half-Betazoid stood outside the bar, waiting for the Nautolian to join him. Niro soon did, a moment later, and greeted the other with a bow. He donned his Mystical Knight robe, a classic design Katran had not seen in some time. �Greetings, my son,� the Nautolian said immediately before his bow.
�Good afternoon, Niro,� Kyle said, returning the bow. �How are you this day?�
�I am good,� Niro replied. �I have settled in quite well, having adapted to the station sufficiently. My meditations are relaxing, and I feel much more at peace. I must thank Captain Xavier for his continued support for me since my arrival, especially considering past circumstances with my people.�
�And you will get that chance, my friend,� Kyle said. �I am glad to see that you are doing well.�
He then began to walk directly towards the stairs leading down to the old-style door. He turned to the security guard assigned to the Nautolian and ordered, �Wait outside. He�ll be alright with me.�
The officer nodded and began to wait in a guard posture.
�This restaurant is an authentic replica of an ancient Earth entertainment program known as Cheers. It was a program on an entertainment system known as the television in which actors portrayed several characters who were placed in humorous situations usually related to or within the bar,� Kyle described. �The station�s restaurant is almost entirely operated by holographic replicas of the program�s characters, and is merely adapted for our space station. It is not a holographic program, nonetheless, and is a fully operational venue for food.�
The Nautolian nodded. �I think I understand. I will be eating human food, then?�
�You will,� Kyle said, but he smiled broadly. �But it�s good food, nonetheless.�
Niro gave a pleasant smile. �I�m sure it will be interesting,� he said, kindly.
Kyle then walked down the stairs to the old-style door, which he held open for Coron. He positioned his hand in a welcoming motion, and the alien entered the hologram-operated restaurant.
The alien was quite intrigued by what he saw and heard inside the venue...

[Spellbinder Marik]

DSG, Cory Taylors quarters

Tessa had just told Cory that she was pregnant. Cory didn�t say anything for the first few seconds, then words started to come in scared, confused and tones of awe.
�You�re what? When? How?� Tessa looked at him frustrated.
�I wonder how.� Tessa said angrily. Cory composed his thoughts.
�How far along?� Tessa laid back.
�A little over 8 weeks.� Cory put his hand over his face. He should have known. All the signs were there. He just hadn�t seen it.
�Who else knows?� Tessa sat back up.
�Commander McKnight and�� Tessa stopped. Cory looked at her.
��and who?� Tessa looked down for a moment, then back up and exhaled.
��and your father.� Cory stood up and started to pace.
�You told my father?� Tessa stood up and put her hand on his shoulder.
�Right after I found out today.� Cory turned around.
�Why didn�t you call me?� Tessa grabbed his hands and held them with hers.
�You were busy. I didn�t want to bother you.� Cory couldn�t believe this. �I wouldn�t have minded. What did my father say?� Tessa smiled.
�He said he�s proud of you and is looking forward to having a grandchild.� Cory kissed her. After they parted Tessa spoke again.
�He also said he�d like our wedding to be at the resort. He seemed adamant about it.� Cory got tense. He�d planned on proposing but not this soon. He stumbled toward the door.
�Wedding?� Cory pressed the button to open it.
�I have to go for a walk.� Tessa sat down. She didn�t know what he was thinking.

DSG, Corridor

Cory was breathing heavily. He had so much on his mind right now. He needed to talk to someone. He stopped at a nearby panel.
�Computer, where is Lt. Ditex?� The computer chirped.
�Lt. Junior Grade Kiris Ditex is in his quarters.� Cory got into a lift and went to the deck of Ditexs quarters. He hit the doorbell.

DSG, Kiris Ditexs Quarters

Kiris was sitting at his desk going over some specifications for the holo program he and Ensign Taylor had started working on. Since they came back from the Magellan they seemed to be getting along. It was Cory in fact who�d asked for his help. The kid took the first step in reconciling their differences and he wasn�t complaining. There was a chirp at the door. Kiris looked up.
�Enter.� Ensign Taylor walked in and sat down immediately. He was breathing rather rapidly. Kiris raised an eyebrow.
�Is something wrong?� Cory looked at him.
�I need something to drink.� Kiris was unsure of what was going on but was willing to go with it for the moment.
�What would you like?� Cory shook his head.
�Anything, I don�t care.� Kiris got up and opened a closet. He pulled out a bottle of blue liquid and 2 glasses. N�Tran had given him a bottle of Romulan ale before he left. Laura had said that he shouldn�t have it because it was illegal in the Federation. N�Tran had replied by saying that they themselves had drank it on occasion. Laura didn�t say anything after that. Kiris poured two glasses and handed one to Cory. Without thinking Cory downed the glass in one gulp. Kiris sipped at his.
�Want to tell me what�s going on now?� Cory sat the glass on the table.
�Tessa is pregnant.� Kiris didn�t know anyone by that name.
�Who is Tessa?� Cory started rocking back and forth.
�She�s my girlfriend.� Kiris then remembered that Tessa was the name of the young women who�d called security on them and the same person who�d left a PADD on his door. Kiris thought about it. He was puzzled as to why the kid had come to him. Kiris really didn�t know what to say.
�Hmm. Congratulations Ensign. I wish you well in your parental efforts.� Cory stood up and began to pace.
�That�s just it. I don�t know anything about being a parent.� Kiris finished his glass.
�I�m afraid if you�re looking to me for parental advice you�ve come to the wrong person.� Cory sat back down.
�I know. I just wanted to talk to someone.� The kid was on edge and nervous as hell.
�Perhaps you should see a counselor.� Cory shook his head.
�I don�t want to see a counselor.� Kiris stood up.
�There may be something I can do.� He motioned for Cory to follow. They entered a lift. �Holodeck 3.�

[Founder]

-DSG, Marine OPS-

[Spellbinder Marik]

Elerra Prime Orbit

The small Romulan Shuttle that carried N�Tran and T�Rell dropped out of warp. An opening appeared directly above them. They de-cloaked and flew into the opening.

Romulan Warbird M�istal ((Will change after today.))

�Welcome back Admiral.� An officer helped him out of the shuttle. He still had a little trouble moving around but was told his full movement would return with time. T�Rell climbed out behind him. N�Tran handed him the box.
�Take that to engineering and get started. I�ll be there shortly.� T�Rell took the box and left.

DSG, Outside Holodeck 3

Kiris tapped the panel began sifting through a list of programs. Then he stopped at one and activated it.
�Program complete. Enter when ready.� Kiris stepped back and motioned Cory toward the holodeck.
�What program is this?� Kiris turned around.
�They didn�t have holodeck technology when I was born. So, as soon as they did my father collected all the data he could on being a parent and created this program incase he and my mother ever had another child.� Cory nodded and walked toward the holodeck. Kiris stopped him.
�Why don�t you just ask your mother and father for advice?� Cory turned around.
�My father is on Risa and my mother died when I was born.� Kiris took a step back.
�I�m sorry.�

[ILoveHarry]

DSG, Guardian City; Sophia's Quarters

Sophie lifts Demetrius into his high chair as she prepares to feed him his breakfast. The child squeals with delight, bringing a smile to his mothers face. "That's right, Rusty. We're happy on our own, aren't we? I'm going to see to it that you stay happy. Even if I do have to do it alone." She had hoped Ian would have been true to his word when he agreed to be a father figure to his MU counterparts son. However, he'd only ever stopped by for one brief visit in the several months Sophia and Demitruius have been in the city and that was some time ago. She shakes the feeling of neglect and strokes her son's cheek. "You're going to do great things, Kido. I'll see to that."

[Ziona]

Unknown Location

Ziona blinked once, then twice, then squinted, looking at the "Ian" before her, rather puzzled. The white around Ziona suddenly started to hurt her eyes and she took a step back, putting a hand up to shield her eyes from the glare.

"Ia... Ian?" She stammered, trying to figure out what had just happened to her. She wasn't on Deep Space Guardian anymore... at least not on Marine OPS. The area surrounding her was too white to be the holodeck. And there was just a sense of aura around her that was too calm and too... too holy to be DSG. "Wh... where am I? And what do you mean the future is in my hands?"

Ziona managed to open her eyes fully, putting her hand down from her eyes and looked directly into the eyes of the "Ian" standing before her.

Star's End

Nic smiled quickly and nodded once.

"I always am looking for those who are used to the food to give me a satisfactory approval of my cooking style." He watched T'Sa.