A Vacation on Risa

CAPTAIN'S LOG:  STARDATE 87917.31





We have arrived at Risa.  It's been two years since I've taken a holiday, and, while technically Cmdr. Kaa, Counselor Pouget and I are attending a conference sponsored by the Federation Academic Corsortium for the Study of Psychology, the lecture series is mercifully spread out over the next four mornings.  This leaves the rest of the afternoons and evenings to take in everything Risa has to offer, and I plan on making the most of it.  Hopefully, this will be my last log entry until the Conference is complete. 



"What a magnificent view.  I've never been so glad to leave my pheremone inhibitor injections, and my Starfleet rank, at the door." 

"Speaking of magnificent views....."



"Greetings Admiral Croft.  My name is Elayni.  What is ours is yours."

Croft:  ::broad smile:: "Please, I'm on holiday,  my name is Ethan.  Leave it to the Risans to be even more beautiful than their planet."

Elayni:  "What is your pleasure Ethan?  A mudbath?  A massage?  Kirback riding on the western shores?"

Croft:  ::enthusiastically:: "Yes!"


LATER THAT DAY.....



Female Vacationer:  "Oh excuse me, I was about to offer my new friend Ethan Jahmah'haron."

Male Vacationer: "As was I."

Croft:  ::smiles broadly and takes both of their hands::  "I'm willing to share if you are."


NEXT AFTERNOON....




"Oh what a night!  This is the perfect vacation.  I'll just rest up here for a bit...."



::giggles::  Hello Ethan.  I'm Mira and this is my twin sister Haeress.  We're friends with one of your companions last evening.  We were wondering if you would like to share our bed?  We've never experienced intimacy with a Bacchi before."

Croft:  ::Stretches::  "Twins hmm?  Well, I -am- a big advocate of the benefits of intercultural exchange.  Lead on."

DAY THREE...



"Okay let's just put this Horgon away today and try to relax a bit.  Yes, there we are peace and quiet for my aching muscles.  By the holy elements I'm not the young buck I used to be."

Female Vacationer:  "Oh you're the Bacchi Ethan right?  Oh you delicious man!  You -have- to join us for our beach dance party."

Ethan Croft:  ::considers his aching muscles, then looks over the woman::  "Will there be lots of bouncing type dancing?"

Female Vacationer:  ::bounces up and down enthusiastically::  "Oh yes yes there will be!"

Croft:  ::getting up slowly::  Well, how can I say no to that?"



Female Vacationer:  "Oh, and this is my new friend Drounn."

Croft:  "Nice antennae!"



PERSONAL LOG:  STARDATE 87921.33

My time away from The Serenity has already ended, as quickly as it begun.  The conference was immensely interesting, though I find my most memorable experiences were interacting with the cosmopolitan population of the very aptly named "Pleasure Planet."   I can't remember ever having more fun, or more of a marathon work out session, than this holiday.  I almost find it a relief to return to active duty!"



Handsome Male Vacationer:  "Hello, my name is D'chash, would you like to..."

Croft:  "...Let me stop you right there buddy.  My vacation is over.  ::rubs his neck in pain::  Maybe next time."

Runabout to Risa

CAPTAIN'S LOG:  STARDATE 87914.88

We have broken orbit from Vulcan and are on course to the Gamma Orianis Sector to begin our new charting assignment.  Commander Baxter informs me that she has authorized a request from Cmdr. Nox and Lt. T'ien to test a new method of harmonic distribution during our travel time that may make our shields more effective.  I am looking forward to the results.  Stellar sciences reports a new protostar developing on our course.  I am on my way to consult with Commander Kaa on this new development, and seek his feedback if this discovery warrants a course correction.



Rear Admiral Croft:  "Mare, I'd like to speak to you for a moment about the new protostar discovered by Stellar Sciences."

Cmdr Kaa:  "Ah yes, I was very excited.  I'm looking forward to seeing Lt. Varush's analysis when I get back."

Croft:  "Get back?"

Kaa:  "Yes Admiral.  Counselor Pouget and I are taking the runabout to the Psychology conference on Risa.  Lt. Varush will be leading the protostar study.  Had you forgotten the conference?"

Croft:  ::looking disoriented::  "Um, yes, I must have.  My apologies Commander.  Serenity has been involved in many back-to-back high profile missions.  The stress must be more powerful than I realized."

Kaa:  ::nicitating membranes slide rhythmically over his eyes::  "Understandable.  ::looks anxiously back at the data streaming by on his sciences console::  "If there's nothing else?"

Croft:  "Sure Commander." 

::Admiral Croft walks over to talk to Counselor Pouget::



::thoughtfully::  "Counselor, I understand that you and Dr. Kaa will be leaving for Risa soon.  Who exactly is speaking at this conference again?"

Counselor Pouget:  ::slight Provencale accent::  "Deanna Troi-Riker is keynoting on the rapid acculturation work that is being done with the Federation dual-citizen program."

Croft:  "Oh I loved her earlier paper on the Enterprise's encounter with the Tamarians.  ::sighs::  I hope you and Kaa have a wonderful time."

Pouget:  "There's room on the runabout if you want to join us sir."

Croft:  "No, thank you Counselor, there's too much work to be done here."

Pouget:  ::folds her arms::  "There's always going to be work to do here sir.  Do I really need to tell a former Contact Specialist how important it is to change your routine occassionally?  Risa -is- lovely this time of year."

Croft:  "You know damn well that Risa is -always- lovely.  ::thinking for a moment::  "I suppose you're correct."  ::turns to address his First Officer::  "Commander Baxter, you will command The Serenity during this survey mission.  I'll be joining our Contact Specialist and Chief Science Officer on Risa."

First Officer Robin Baxter:  ::clipped London west-side accent::  "Very good sir."


CAPTAIN'S LOG:  SUPPLEMENTAL

Cmdr. Kaa, Lt. Cmdr. Pouget, and I are en route to the Psychology Conference on Risa.  I am looking forward to hearing Deanna Troi-Riker speak, as well as a welcome few days of not having to take my pheremone inhibitor injections.




Commander Kaa:  "Admiral I'm getting a distress call.  It's from the Federation Freighter 'Good Fortune'."

Rear Admiral Croft:  ::looks up from his pleasure reading and sits up in his chair::  "Put it through."

"This is Federation Cargo Transport Ship Good Fortune.  We have experienced severe navigational problems and have collided with two other vessels in our convoy.  Require immediate assistance."

Croft:  "Good Fortune this is Admiral Ethan Croft onboard the Federation Runabout Liffey.  We are en route to your position."

CAPTAIN'S LOG:  STARDATE 87915.08

We have arrived at the Good Fortune's coordinates.  This portion of space is frought with subspace eddys left over during the sphere builder's influence in the expanse.  It appears several of the stationary navigational beacons in the area have malfunctioned.  Counselor Pouget and I will beam over to the freighter convoy while Commander Kaa will take The Liffey to repair the beacons.



Counselor Pouget:  "There isn't as much debris as you would expect from this kind of collision.  Hopefully that means things aren't too bad over there." 

Croft:  "We'll find out soon enough.  Kaa, beam us over to the Good Fortune's bridge."



Commander Kaa:  "Liffey to Admiral Croft.  I've repaired the last of the beacons.  On my way back now.  Liffey out."

CAPTAIN'S LOG:  SUPPLEMENTAL

The USS Lantree has responded to the Good Fortune's distress call.  With my thanks to Captain Parillo and her crew, Counselor Pouget, Commander Kaa and I will proceed to our original destination of Risa.

A Summons to Vulcan

CAPTAIN'S LOG:  STARDATE 87906.11

Following our sojourn to Andoria Prime The Serenity has been summoned to Vulcan so that I may be debriefed regarding my recent attempt to broker peace with the Undine.  I will be debriefed by Ambassador Jean-Luc Picard.  To say that I am intimidated at the prospect of meeting the man responsible for saving the Federation so many times over is an understatement.  It has been many years since I studied on Vulcan as an undergraduate, and despite my time among their ritual driven society, I still find myself dreading the formal pomp and circumstance that accompany the debriefing almost as much as the debriefing itself.






CAPTAIN'S LOG:  SUPPLEMENTAL

In full dress uniform, I have beamed down to the Circle of Ceremony where I am to meet Ambassador Picard.  Now surrounded by the dust clouds and crimson sandstone, I find myself remembering a calm and tranquility that does not come easily for a species as emotionally driven as the Bae-ae-kai.  Hopefully, there will be time to socialize with the ambassador amid all of the ceremony.



Croft:  "I am Rear Admiral Ethan Oberon Croft.  I am here to meet Ambassador Jean-Luc Picard.  I exist to serve."

Ceremonial Guard:  "Your service honors us.  You will proceed to the Tower of Diplomacy to begin your appointment."



Croft:  "Odd, the ceremony is 2 minutes overdue.  Nice to know Ambassador Picard is able to hold onto his humanity around all this logic and precision."



"Ambassador Croft, I am Admiral T'Ress of the Starfleet Command Vulcan Adjunct.  Ambassador Picard has been recalled to Earth for an urgent matter.  You will debrief me.  You have 57 minutes for this meeting.  Begin."

Croft:  ::looking disappointed::  "Understood."

CAPTAIN'S LOG:  STARDATE 87912.67

My debriefing complete, I am preparing to return to The Serenity.  While I was not able to meet Ambassador Picard, I was told by the Commanding Officer of Starfleet Operations on Vulcan that my career so far has been "satisfactory."  I cannot remember ever receiving a higher compliment.  Commander Baxter informs me that The Serenity has been ordered to chart several newly discovered systems in the Gamma Orianis Sector.  However, we will not need to leave Vulcan for 50 hours, so I have extened shore leave for the crew.  On a personal note, I will use this time to connect with Faculty with whom I studied during my tenure at the Vulcan Science Academy.



"A perfect synergy of function and aesthetics....I had almost forgotten how remarkable this place was.  It was nice to see again."

Andoria Prime and Family Ties

CAPTAIN'S LOG:  STARDATE 87902.55



We have arrived in Andorian space to allow two of my science officers, Ensign Darke ch'Vene and Lt. Anyse zh'Vene, to begin their family leave so they may participate in the mating rituals necessary to begin a pregnancy cycle.  Although we will be short an astrobiologist and paleontologist, as Andorian mating requires all four genders of the parents, I am happy to give my permission.  As is customary in Andorian tradition, I will be beaming down as The Vene's commanding officer in order to bless their efforts.



Ensign ch'Vene:  "Ah smell that crisp Andorian air!  We have been away too long!"

Admiral Croft:  ::shivering slightly::  "We're going indoors at some point, right Ensign??"




"So much ice!  This planet is beautiful, but remind me to bring my Captain's Jacket next time!"

Q and the Art of Time Travel

CAPTAIN'S LOG:  STARDATE 87871.25

The Serenity is in orbit of a previously undiscovered planet in the Gamma Orianis Sector.  The planet is M class, and our Science Chief Kaa Mare is positively flustered with excitement over a possible life form reading that appears to be naturally emitting tachyons.  Dr. Kaa has orchestrated away teams, and we will beam down shortly.  This mission is a welcome change from our recent diplomatic intrigue, and a good opportunity to observe how the new crew will function together.






Admiral Croft:  ::smiling::  "It seems our eagar science chief has gotten lost in his work again.  Have you seen him recently Nox?"

Cmdr Nox:  "Not since his team checked in an hour ago.  This could be a dangerous place Admiral, and Dr. Kaa is -not- good at keeping his lobes to the ground."

Croft:  "It's natural to get excited about something of this magnitude Commander.  I think we can give him a little leeway.  After all, you were positively giddy after uncovering that True Way subterfuge last month."

Nox:  ::eyes narrow in annoyance::  "THAT was important and tangible.  Crawling around in the underbrush and ferns of this forest for some lemur that throws off radiation is dubious at best.  He would be better off if he observed Rule of Acquisition 102, 'nature decays, but latinum lasts forever.' "

Croft:  ::chuckling::  "You could be right."  ::taps communicator::  "Commander Kaa, your status?"

Xenobiologist:  "Sir, Ensign Baatu here.  Dr. Kaa is halfway up a tree trying to coaxe this lemur species down."

Croft:  "Understood Ensign.  Please remind him that his team needs to change rotation in the next hour."

Xenobiologist:  "Yes sir."

::Communicator Chirps::  "Croft here."

Operations Officer Asiro:  "Sir, Admiral Quinn is hailing."



Croft:  "Put him through Yamilè."

Admiral Quinn:  "Rear Admiral, The Copernicus reported that it engaged the Borg less than 5 minutes ago.  You are the closest ship.  I've ordered reinforcements, but they may not arrive in time.  Get The Serenity to that system as fast as possible!"

Croft:  ::face paling::  "Yes sir!  Serenity, beam up all away teams immediately and set course for The Copernicus, maximum warp!"

-------------------------------------------



"FEDERATION SCIENCE VESSEL USS COPERNICUS REGISTRY NUMBER NCC-98954.  WE ARE THE BORG.  THE FEDERATION WILL NO LONGER RESIST US.  YOU WILL BE DESTROYED!"

::USS SERENITY WARPS WITHIN RANGE OF THE ADVANCING BORG CUBE::

Strategic Opeations Officer Nox:  "Borg in firing range Admiral.  Copernicus is badly damaged.  Hull integrity 17%.  Shields down to 5%."

Admiral Croft:  "Attack pattern Omega Three.  All weapons fire!"

::MASSIVE SUPSPACE DISTURBANCE::

::BOOMING DISEMBODIED VOICE::  "Oh no no no, this won't do at all!  One cube is no challenge.  THIS IS BORING!  There, let's add some more and make it more interesting!"



First Officer Robin Baxter:  ::London West-End Accent:: "Sir.  I don't believe it!  It's a Q!  Two more tactical cubes have just materialized out of nowhere."

Cmdr Nox:  "Sir, we're being targeted now on multiple vectors.  Shields down to 50%"

Croft:  "Ok, change of plan, Transporter room, prepare to beam all of The Copernicus's crew to Cargo Bay 5.  I refuse to be a pawn for the Q continuum's amusement.  We're cutting our losses and getting the Hell out of here!"

::Q appears on the bridge::

Q:  "Tsk tsk mon capitaine, like you can ruin my fun so easily.  Aunt Kathy would have known better."

::HUGE FLASH AND ALL GOES WHITE::

---------------------------------------------

DECK FIVE OF AN UNKNOWN FEDERATION VESSEL.  A FIERCE BATTLE BETWEEN THE FEDERATION AND THE BORG WAGES ON OUTSIDE THE TRANSPARENT ALUMINUM WINDOW.



Croft:  ::looking puzzled::  "What the??!  Q!  Where?  When?  My crew??  And, what the in the name of the holy elements happened to my uniform?"

Q:  "Hmm, not exactly the Picard level of elocution to which I'm normally accustomed.  Relax dull horns.  Your crew is safe, for now.  And, I changed that ghastly uniform choice.  Seriously, you might be good with the ladies, and the men, and all the other genders for that matter, but fashion sense is not your forte, so I helped you out.  Like I'm helping you now.  Frankly, you have bigger concerns than your threads my exotic friend."

Croft:  ::takes a deep breath::  "Q, I'm sure you know that my species LOVES a good prank, but this is a bit too far, even for us."  ::looks around::  "And how are you helping us exactly?  Where are we?"

Q: "Oh, and here I had hoped you'd be a bit more fun.  Now, your ancestors that visited ancient Greece, THOSE were satyrs who knew how to party!  ::sighs::  Oh well, if you insist on indulging in your human side's mediocrity, I suppose I can oblige.  You are on the USS Saratoga, and, ....this exciting period....is Wolf 359.  Just look at all that magnificent carnage going on out there."



Croft:  ::EYES WIDE::  "This was Sisko's ship!"

Q:  "Oh good you're not completely useless after all.  Yes, it appears some other powers of wind and darkness have a little beef with "The Sisko,"  and have cracked the space/time continuum just enough to ensure his destruction.  That is, unless you and your hapless crew can stop them."

Croft:  "I see.  And, what's in this for you?"

Q:  "Oh, amusement really.  I -was- perfectly content to sit by and watch this all unfold, but, my dad told me what a great left hook Benjamin Sisko threw, and I -do- love a human that has the audacity to try and clock an omnipotent being.  So, my horny friend, you have -one- chance.  Stop the borg boarding parties long enough for the crew to get to their escape pods, and you preserve history.  Then I'll send you and your team back to your present."

Croft:  "And if we fail?"

Q:  "Oh well then you die and your existance changes irrevocably.  Toodles!"

::Q DISAPPEARS IN A VIOLENT FLASH OF WHITE LIGHT::



::CROFT AGAIN JOINS THE ACTIVE TIMESTREAM.  KLAXONS FLARE AND A CORE GROUP OF CROFT'S BRIDGE OFFICERS APPEAR NEXT TO HIM::



Dr. Movaak:  "Agh!  I HATE THE Q!"

Security Chief T'ien:  ::WITH TYPICAL SHAOLIN TRANQUILITY::  "What is our situation sir?"

Croft:  "I'll shorthand it for you all.  Q.  Wolf 359.  The Saratoga.  Destroy Borg boarding parties.  Let survivors get to the escape pods."

T'ien:  "Let us get to work then."
------------------------------------------------------------

CAPTAIN'S LOG SUPPLEMENTAL: 

A member of the Q continuum has transported us to Wolf 359, where we are to stop what sounds like a pah-wraith plot to wipe Captain Sisko from existance before his assignment to Deep Space Nine.  They have interfered sufficiently to allow borg boarding parties onto The Saratoga, which, according to my Security Chief, never happened.  We have fought several waves of borg invaders, as well as our own fatigue.  Despite overwhelming odds and particularly viscious borg, I am pleased to report that all escape pods have successfully launched from The Saratoga.  Question is, will the Q live up to his promise to return us to our timeline before The Saratoga's warp core goes critical?



Q:  "Well played mon capitaine.  You amuse me.  I may just have to come back sometime and visit you again.  Back to your timeline with you, and, please, trim that pretentious goatee, will you?"

Klingon Diplomacy

CAPTAIN'S LOG:  STARDATE 87838.10

We have arrived at the designated coordinates.  There is no sign of the Klingons.  We will hold this position for the next 12 hours.

USS SERENITY:  BRIDGE



Nox:  "Sir, Klingon Negh'var cruiser decloaking off the port bow."

Croft:  "Tactical Analysis Mr. Nox."

Nox:  "Sir, ::looking surprised:: shields and distruptors at green sir.  They're not targeting us either."

Croft:  "Well, that's a good start.  What is their registry?"

Nox:  "Uh sir, ::looking apprehensive::  IKS Kang.  It's Ja'rod's ship sir, and they're hailing."

Croft:  ::bites lip::  Well, let's hope he's put the entire tribble incident to the side.  Open a channel...."


CAPTAIN'S LOG:  SUPPLEMENTAL

With some further diplomatic effort, I have convinced Captain Ja'rod and his delegation to meet on board The Serenity.  Counselor Pouget will be joining me in welcoming our guests in Eight Forward.

USS SERENITY:  EIGHT FORWARD



Ja'rod:  "Ha!  Your humility over my honorable defeat at Minos Korva is typical of the Federation.  I will forgive it Ambassador.  But let us not pick meatless bones.  We are here to discuss the Undine.  If you are not prepared to submit to our way of dealing with this threat, then these "peeeace talkssss" will end quickly."




"You have a glorious view of space Admiral.  I will enjoy it for myself when I take this ship in our next battle."

CAPTAIN'S LOG: STARDATE 87836.42

The Kang has departed for Klingon space after our brief meeting with the Undine. While no tangible benefits were achieved with the meeting, I have learned much about the motivations of our opponents. Perhaps someday all will learn to embrace our mutual differences. I just hope we all live long enough to see it. Special commendations to my Contact Specialist, Counselor Pouget, and the manager of Eight Forward, Paruul Varsi, for their contributions to our efforts.

Setting the Stage for Diplomacy

CAPTAIN'S LOG:  STARDATE 87834.91

Despite his misgivings, Admiral Quinn has signed off on my efforts to mediate peace between the Undine, Klingons, and Federation.  While chances are low for any sort of progress, we can never be deterred from our efforts.  The Klingons have responded, and The Serenity is en route at Warp Six to meet with the Klingons in the Triegas system, on the border between our two empires.




USS SERENITY:  EIGHT FORWARD



Bar Manager Paruul Varsi:  "Is there something I can get for you sir?"

Admiral Croft:  "Only your time Paruul.  Serenity will be hosting a Klingon delegation, and I've chosen Eight Forward as the location.  I need your gentle expertise to make this peace negotiation go as smoothly as possible."

Varsi:  "Of course sir, I always try to make everyone feel as comfortable as relaxed as a I can while they're in my establishment."

A Return to Service

AMBASSADOR'S LOG:  STARDATE 89154.33

I have returned from the Memorial Service.  It was a beautiful ceremony, but no amount of beauty or speeches can make up for the destruction of the Zakdorn homeworld.  I have expressed my sympathies to the survivors and have attempted to give them comfort, but I am distracted by my own sense of loss.  If only we knew more about these "planet killers."  I feel I have lost my way, and much survivor's guilt for being off world at the time.   It has been over a year since I took this posting, but the depths of connection I have experienced in this assignment makes it feel more like ten.  I need a change of pace, and to feel like I'm contributing to the understanding of creatures like this planet killer.  Perhaps now is the time to rejoin Starfleet?


AMBASSADOR'S LOG:  SUPPLEMENTAL

I have spoken to my old friend Admiral Quinn and discussed my motivations for returning to Starfleet, as well as my concerns.  I have been transferred to Deep Space Exploration, and will be taking command of the USS Serenity, a Luna Class Deep Space Science Vessel. I have turned in a few favors, and am pleased that many of the officers with whom I have served in the past have enthusiastically agreed to transfer to the Serenity.  There will be some new faces as well; in particular I am looking forward to getting to know my new Executive Officer, Commander Robin Baxter, as well as my new Contact Specialist, Lt. Cmdr. Camille Pouget.   Although from London, I hear Cmdr. Baxter spends much time hiking in the mountain ranges of New Zealand where I was born.  I'm sure we'll have much to talk about. 

-----------------------------------------------

First Officer Cmdr Robin Baxter:  ::London West-End Accent::  "Sir, we've received clearance from spacedock to disembark."

Admiral Croft:  "If you would then do the honors Commander."

Baxter:  "With pleasure sir.  Helm release docking clamps and set thrusters at station keeping.  Ahead 2 kph until we're clear of the station."



Helm:  "We have cleared spacedock."

Croft:  "And so it begins again.  Let's see what's out there...engage!"



"Space, the final frontier.  These are the voyages of the Starship Serenity.  Her continuing mission, to advance knowledge... to discover new cultures... and to serve as a valiant beacon for peace and equity in all her encounters."

Leaving Starfleet

CAPTAIN'S LOG:  STARDATE 87812.95

I have successfully lobbied Admiral Quinn to transfer me to the Starfleet Diplomatic Corps.  I am looking forward to my new position as Federation Ambassador to the Zakdorn.  I leave for the Zakdorn homeworld in two days.

A Transfer of Power

CAPTAIN'S LOG:  STARDATE 87805.61

This will be my last log entry as Commanding Officer of the USS Psyche.  While I will miss The Psyche, I know that she will be in good hands, as my former Contact Specialist Ngone Mwasaa has been promoted to Captain and will relieving me at 0800 tomorrow morning.  Captain Mwasaa and The Psyche will then transport me to Sol station to my new assignment.

Admiral Promotion

STARDATE 87800.03

"Captain Ethan Croft, for your continued contributions to the advancement of exploration and the safeguarding of the Federation by uncovering the True Way / Jem'Hadar connection, I grant you promotion to Rear Admiral; with all the commesurate responsibilities and privileges thereof.  Congratulations Admiral!

Wormhole Aliens a Go-Go

CAPTAIN'S LOG:  STARDATE 87965.23

We have arrived at the Bajoran Wormhole.  I am looking forward to relax....



...What the hell!???

Wormhole Prophet:  "We are of Bajor."

Captain Croft:  ::resigning sigh:: "Of course you are.  What do you want with me?"

Prophet:  "We do not understand this 'want'.  Balance is threatened.  Balance must be restored.  That which threatened balance before shall do so again."

Croft:  "Uh huh crystal clear as always.  Please continue."

Prophet:  "Seek to restore the balance.  Those who are linked are not in unity.  You will be placed so that balance may be restored.  The Sisko deems you to see it done."

Croft:  "The Sisko?  I would like to speak to The Sisk....wait!!"

CAPTAIN'S LOG:  STARDATE 87972.34

It has been a trying few days to say the least since the Wormhole Aliens transported us to this sector.  They were correct about balance being threatened at least in that we have uncovered a plot by the Changeling Lass to unite Alpha Jem'Hadar with the True Way Cardassians.  We have had several incursions with both the Jem'Hadar and the True Way, and, based on intelligence gathered by Cmdr. Nox, we are en route to an unknown planet in the Vanden Sector.  To my surprise The Nagus has been quite accomodating over this detour, and even pitched in at times to conduct repairs.  I had no idea he was such an accomplished engineer.  His counsel has been even more valuable, but even his reassurances have not helped the anxiety I feel over the possible discovery of an Alpha Changeling Link developing.

CAPTAIN'S LOG: SUPPLEMENTAL

We have entered orbit of the suspected Alpha Link planet and have successfully engaged a squadron of Jem'Hadar attack ships.  The away team is ready and about to beam to the surface.



CAPTAIN'S LOG:  SUPPLEMENTAL

We have uncovered the truth behind the Changeling Alpha Link.  A small colony of Changelings have established themselves on this planet in peace and disavow any association with the actions of Lass.  They have chosen to allow us to take Lass into custody.  I have decided to leave this fledgeling colony in peace.  We are en route to DS:9 to turn Lass over to Starfleet Security as well as to part ways with The Grand Nagus.




"I am always amazed how potentially dangerous things in the universe like the Changeling Great Link can also be so beautiful."

Dinner with the Nagus

PERSONAL LOG:  STARDATE 87958.29

I have just returned from a very, interesting, formal dinner to celebrate our success at mediating the Dosi dispute.  While I found the Nagus's lectures on the Rules of Aquisition, "illuminating," I must admit I found his servant Maihar'du's anectodes about his history serving the station of Grand Nagus more interesting.  To be honest, I'm not certain if my head is spinning more from that conversation, or the Hupyrion Beetle Snuff.  By the elements that man can talk!

Summons to Ferengenar

CAPTAIN'S LOG:  STARDATE 87956.18

The Grand Nagus has asked the Federation to mediate a growing dispute between between the Ferengi and the Dosi over their Tulaberry Wine trade agreement.  After the Dominion War, maintaining cordial relationships with the citizens of the gamma quadrent is a high priority, and Admiral T'Nae has ordered The Psyche to transport the Grand Nagus and his entourage through the wormhole and assist in negotiations whenever possible.

The Great Tribble Hunt

CAPTAIN'S LOG:  STARDATE 87824.79

We have completed taking on supplies at Asteroid Station K-5562-Beta and are making preparations to get underway to the Minos Corva system to check on a Xenobiologist whose research station has gone emissions quiet three days ago.  Our orders are to reestablish contact with a Doctor Cyrano Jones.



CAPTAIN'S LOG:  SUPPLEMENTAL

We have arrived in the Minos Corva system and have established a geosynchronous orbit above Dr. Jones' research station.  The station fails to answer our repeated hails; despite Ens. Asiro's report that their communication equipment is undamaged.  My Science Chief reports numerous life signs in the vicinity of the base; so dense in fact are the readings that it is impossible to isolate Dr. Jones's biosign or even to establish more specific data.  I have assigned Dr. Movaak, 010 and 101, Nox, and T'ien to the away team.






Dr. Movaak:  "You are KIDDING me!  Like this mission couldn't get any worse!"

Captain Croft:  ::smiling:::  "Well, I think we've found the source of the tribble, err, I mean trouble with the biosign readings."

::Shakes an amorous tribble off his foot::  "I take it you're not a fan of polygeminus grex, Dr. Movaak?"

Dr. Movaak:  "Yeah, because this scowl on my face means I love the filthy freeloading vermin.  If you weren't my Commanding Officer, I'd say your stupidity is only matched by your ugliness....if you weren't my Captain, of course."

::Captain Croft looks amused by the Tellarite's candor::  "Noted Doctor.  Now, given we know why our biosensors are being overwhelmed, try accessing the tribble genome from The Psyche's library computer and reconfigure your tricorder to filter out their readings."

Dr. Movaak:  "Aye Sir."

::Commander Nox returns from his recon looking serious::

Captain Croft:  "Report Commander."

Nox:  "Captain, I think I have found the main research lab, but we have company, and they like Tribbles even less than Doctor Movaak."

Nox and Captain Croft (in unison):  "Klingons."



010 and 101:  "Captain, the lab door is..."
010:  ".....blocked by...."
101:  "Tribbles.  It will take approximately...."
010:  "6 minutes 14 seconds to...."
101:  "Clear the blockage."

Captain Croft:  ::sigh::  "Best get started then, and keep an eye out for our Klingon friends."

--------------------------------

"STAND ASIDE YOU HONORLESS  petaQ!!!  WE WILL CLEAR THIS INFESTATION AND KILL YOU FOR HARBORING A MORTAL ENEMY OF THE KLINGON EMPIRE!"



Captain Croft:  "Ugh!" ::Personal shield flares wildly::



CAPTAIN'S LOG:  SUPPLEMENTAL

We have found Doctor Cyrano Jones safe and dispatched the Klingon aggressors.  Dr. Movaak reports I will make a full recovery from my bat'leth injuries; though my ribs seem to disagree.  Dr. Jones has been involved in a recovery effort and breeding program for the endangered tribble species and was preparing to resettle the colony he has established on the second moon of this planet.  010 and 101 will coordinate with Lt. Asiro to interface transporter enhancers with The Psyche's transporter system and relay the tribble colony signals to the transporter buoy Dr. Jones has established between the two coordinates.  We are in the process of setting up the transporter enhancers, and guarding them from further Klingon incursions.

Doctor Movaak:  "Captain, we will need to complete this ridiculous task quickly.  According to my calculations, there are currently one million, seven hundred seventy one thousand, five hundred sixty one of these filthy creatures to be transported.  Given their rate of reproduction, The Psyche's transporter will be unable to handle the load in 12 minutes."



Ens. Asiro:  "Serenity to Captain Croft."

Croft:  "Croft here, go ahead Ensign."

Ens. Asiro:  "Captain, transport complete, but the Captain of Deep Space Nine reports a squadron of Klingon warships led by the IKS Kang will arrive in this system shortly.  He is preparing The Defiant to assist us, but has ordered us to hold the system until his arrival."

Captain Croft:  "Understood Ensign.  Six to beam up."





Cmdr. Nox:  "Captain, forward phasers and torpedo bays inoperative."

Lt. T'ien:  "Intruder alert Captain.  Klingon boarding parties on decks two and eight."

Ensign Asiro:  "Shields down to 20%!"

Captain Croft:  "T'ien get your security teams down there and isolate both decks with force fields.  Mr. Asiro, begin rotating shield nutonals and transfer power from the forward weapons array to the shields.  Helm, hard about!"

Commander Kaa:  "Sir, I believe I can readjust the aft sensor array to emit a polaron beam.  If I can find the correct frequency, it might weaken the Kang's Shields long enough for us to disable them."

Captain Croft:  "Do it!"

Helm Officer Ensign Ooani:  "Sir!  IT'S THE DEFIANT!"



"Captain Croft to Defiant. See you back at Quark's Bar Captain. Drinks are on me. Psyche out."



CAPTAIN'S LOG:  SUPPLEMENTAL

With the timely intervention of the USS Defiant, we have successfully driven off the IKS Kang and preserved the colony of tribbles; as well as Dr. Jones' research.  As soon as minor repairs are complete, we will return to Deep Space Nine for debriefing and our next assignement.


------------------------------------------

Commander Nox:  "Captain, Doctor Jones is hailing us from the research station."

Captain Croft:  "On screen."

Dr. Cyrano Jones:  "Captain, before you leave the system, I need to see you back at the research station at once...."



Dr. Jones:  ".....it looks like we missed a tribble Captain.  No one in your crew would be interested in adopting a tribble or two, or, err, a hundred, would they?"