Wade Garrett sat in his small office in an unused building on the planet Lave 2. His current assignment for Starfleet Intelligence was to track down criminals of the Federation. Even in this age of self-improvement, people still committed crimes; crimes against their worlds, the federation, and against their fellow beings. Garrett reviewed the latest list. His gray hair was neatly cut and he wore the uniform of his fellow officers. Garrett was no longer a field officer, he'd been promoted to oversee a number of Intel teams. Though he could still do the job in the field, the powers that be deemed him too important to be used in the field. The walls of the office were bare except for starmaps of suspected ports the criminals are using. Garrett sat back and looked at a map waiting for the criminal to jump out of it for him when a beep came to his door. "Come."

A shapely Bajoran woman, Lorissa Stel, walked in the room carrying a box. Garrett admired her in her Bajoran militia uniform. She delivered the box to Garrett with a smile. "This just arrived for you by messenger." She explained.

"I wonder what it is?" He asked to no one as he opened the box. On top of the packing materials lay a PADD. Garrett picked up the PADD and played the recording it contained.

The recording said. "Look in the box."

Garrett rifled through the box until he came across something that didn't feel right. He pulled the contents of the box out. The Bajoran woman screamed as Garrett pulled a human hand out of the box. It had been severed at the wrist. Held in the rigid fingers was the owner's combadge. Garrett looked at the badge. Who would do something like this? That was his first thought. His next thought was to pick up a tricorder and scan the appendage that he held in his hand. The instrument beeped and returned its response to the small screen. The hand belonged to one of Garrett's men. A human named Sam Johnston. Johnston had been tracking a group of terrorist led by a former Starfleet cadet Nicholas Lorcano.

MacDermott tossed and turned in his sleep. The images in his mind would not stop. The Captain of the USS Missouri stood in a void of darkness. From where he stood he could not see any walls or ceiling or even the floor. Suddenly he saw Melora lying in the stasis chamber peacefully. As he approached the chamber she began to gasp for breath. The panic in her eyes bore holes in him as she scratched on the inside of the chamber trying to get it open. He could see her fingers start to bleed from the effort. Duncan pulled frantically at the panel that controlled the chamber. Duncan could tell she was screaming his name but he couldn't hear her. As suddenly as she appeared she was gone. Duncan was alone again in the void.

Though he couldn't see anything, Duncan heard a voice behind him. "Duncan, it's me Ian." The voice said as the owner of the voice appeared in darkness. He appeared to Duncan as he had the last time that he'd seen him. Tall, proud and strong. "How have you been, Brother?" Ian asked.

"I'm…" Duncan began. Another shape appeared out of the darkness. Duncan recognized him as Joret Dal the Gul of the Caltoo prison where his brother was held. Before Duncan could warn him. Dal stabbed his brother in the back. Dal disappeared in to the darkness laughing. MacDermott ran to his brother but as he got close he too disappeared. Confused MacDermott looked around the darkness for his brother. Duncan's eyes were wide in confusion.

"Son, come here." A voice MacDermott recognized as that of his father called to him. In the distance MacDermott saw him standing there.

Duncan walked toward him. "Dad?" He missed his father since his death. Just as he was about to grasp his father's hand, he too disappeared leaving MacDermott alone in the darkness.

Duncan turned again to see the Nausicans who killed Dina throw her to the ground again. The sound of her screaming his name pierced the darkness. Duncan ran toward her as she and the Nausicans disappeared.

MacDermott turned again to see Melora holding a baby in her arms. A strong baby boy. She smiled at Duncan as he approached them. He held his arms out to take their child from the woman he loved. The baby reached for his father, just before they touched the baby and his mother was gone. A baby's cry echoed in the void.

Suddenly Duncan twitched violently, tightening his embrace around her. Hardly able to take a breath, Melora woke in a panic and tried to pull his arms from her. MacDermott only pulled even tighter and fiercely whispered, "No!"

Melora kicked at his legs and pushed with all her might against his embrace. "Duncan!" she called out sharply. With a jolt MacDermott released her and bolted upright in bed unable to catch his breath. He was covered in sweat. His eyes held a look of panic. He'd just seen everyone he'd loved taken from him again, but there was something else; a presence he couldn't quite see or was even sure it was there at all.

Regaining her own breath, she turned to face him, stroking his forehead and holding his hand. "It's okay, I'm here." she said gently, caressing his cheek. "Was it those dreams again?"

Duncan closed his eyes for a moment, when they opened again they held the same panic they had a moment ago. "Worse this time."

"Lie down," she told him, gently easing him back to the pillows. Stretching out next to him, she pulled the blanket over them both. She propped herself up on one elbow and stroked his cheek as she looked into his eyes; the pain there invaded her as if it were her own. Melora gently kissed his forehead.

He closed his eyes and shook his head, trying to scatter the memories of his vision. He opened his eyes and ordered the computer. "Lights." The room brightened immediately. Duncan got up and went over to the sink and splashed his face with water. He looked in the mirror as his breathing finally came under control. As he walked over and sat on the edge of the bed and ran his fingers through Melora's hair; the speaker in MacDermott's quarters beeped and was followed by the voice of Lt. Olivette. Olivette was the officer of deck during the night watch. "Captain, I hate to bother you."

"Go ahead Lt." MacDermott said shaking the sleep from his consciousness trying not to sound as upset as he was.

Olivette continued. "There's a message for you from a Captain Garrett, Sir."

Hearing Garrett's name piqued his interest. He looked at Melora and shrugged. "Pipe it down here, Lt." MacDermott said. Duncan kissed Melora lightly on the lips. "Thank you, go on back to sleep. I'm fine." He covered her.



Duncan turned the monitor toward him. The image changed to show Garrett on the screen. Duncan hadn't seen him so cleaned up in quite a while. "Hey, kid." Garrett said forcing a smile. "You look like hell."

Duncan knew something was bothering him. "Thanks Wade." He said sarcastically. "Why do you still call me kid? I'm 41 for Christ's sake." Duncan continued.

"Sorry Captain." Garrett said with just as much sarcasm as he could muster. Then as if he remembered why he contacted MacDermott; he continued. "I was working on something and came across your name."

"Really?" They used to play the game of twenty questions when they worked together before. Duncan played along. "What was that?"

Garrett leaned forward. "Perez will have my ass, if he finds out; but I don't care. He's got me working in antiterrorism now. I'm in charge of six Intel teams. I received parts of one of my men by courier the other day along with this." Garrett said as he held up the Padd. "The bastards recorded the death of my man." Garrett said as his eyes burned.

"What's that got to do with me?" Duncan had grown tired of playing the game.

Garrett looked at him. "Does the name, Lorcano mean anything to you?"

The name struck Duncan hard. The former Starfleet cadet was expelled from the academy; he had taken over the Missouri and attempted to use it to launch a bio weapon at Earth. MacDermott and his crew stopped him, but just barely. That incident had almost cost him Melora who was severely wounded trying to protect him. Duncan's eyes narrowed. "What about him?"

"He did this. Johnston, that's the poor guy's name, he was on his trail. His last report had him getting close, but then I didn't hear from him." Garrett's voice trailed off. "Perez took me off this one. He said I was too close." Garret leaned toward the screen. "Duncan, take him. I know you. I've read your report. You want him. I know you can do it." Wade sounded almost as if he was begging.

Duncan did want him. Ever since he'd beamed off the Missouri after firing the bio weapon. "Wade, I can't just up and leave my command. I have a duty…" Duncan protested.

"I HAVE A DUTY TOO. A duty to myself; hell a duty to Johnston. I'd go myself. I'd like nothing better than to kill that sadistic bastard with my bare hands." Garrett wasn't the type to get this worked up. He was normally cool and detached from everything. "I'm going to send you what he did to Johnston. Maybe that will change your mind."

A few moments later the computer informed MacDermott that the file had arrived. Duncan brought the file up in a small window in the corner. Wade watched MacDermott as MacDermott watched in horror as Lorcano tortured and finally killed Lt. Sam Johnston. MacDermott was mortified. Lorcano seemed even more insane than he had been on the Missouri. "Wade, I can't just walk away from my ship to go after him." Duncan argued. "We're on our way to Starbase 325 for reassignment." Duncan explained.

"What if it was Melora or one of your crew? Huh? Duncan, I'm asking you to help me. I'm begging you." Garrett pleaded, playing his last card.

When MacDermott thought of Melora in that stasis chamber, how much he hated that and how he'd have given anything to get a hold of Lorcano. Garrett added. "I can pull some strings, get your ship pulled out of action. I know you have a new XO. Assigned to some rear convoy duty."

"I'll do it." MacDermott told him, giving in, as he watched the file of the torture again.

"Thanks Duncan, I owe you one." Garrett promised.

"No, I think we're even." Duncan said, thinking of the incident on Airmes. "Keep Perez out my hair." Duncan said not hiding his contempt for the Chief of Starfleet Intelligence.

"They won't even know you're there." Garrett promised, even though it would make helping MacDermott almost impossible. "I'll be in touch with more information for you."

"Alright. MacDermott out."

Garrett smiled and said. "Thanks again Kid and good hunting. Garrett out." The screen went blank.

Duncan wondered if he made the right decision or not as turned and walked back into the bedroom. He slid back into bed next to her. She rolled into his arms and whispered. "What did Garrett want?

A few moments passed. MacDermott lay with one arm curled back underneath his head. "Nothing." He lied.

---

MacDermott entered sickbay first thing that morning. It was quiet; the only person there was Dr. Meyer. So much the better for his plan. "Dr. I need to speak to you."

The CMO of the Missouri turned to see the Captain. "Of course, Sir. Please step into my office." She said gesturing for him to follow her. She stopped at the replicator and ordered a mug of hot chocolate. "Sir?" She offered.

"Tea, with honey, hot." He answered sitting down.

Meyer repeated the order and handed him the cup of tea. "What can I do for you Captain?" She asked rolling the mug between her hands.

Duncan slid a Padd across the table. "I need to be disguised." He said flatly.

She looked at the padd. "Of course captain. Could I ask the reason?" She inquired.

"You could ask." MacDermott smiled slightly. "I'm leaving the ship temporarily on a mission. I'm afraid the rest is on a need to know basis." He explained becoming serious again.

She picked up his tone. "Understood, Sir. When do you want to do the procedure?" She asked him.

"Now." His flat tone had returned.

She was a bit surprised at that. "Yes Sir. It will take me a little while to prepare. Say 0900?"

"That will be fine. Also keep this to only the people who have to be involved. Understood." MacDermott tapped his combadge. "MacDermott to bridge."

"Bridge here, Captain." Costello replied.

"XO, I have some things to take care of. You have the bridge." MacDermott told her. Even your XO couldn't know everything. He looked back to Dr. Meyer. "Very well Dr. 0900."

"Yes Sir" She said as he walked out of the office

MacDermott was relieved to find Melora out of his (or was it theirs now) quarters. He smiled to himself. He reached into the closet and pulled out the tools of a trade he'd given up long ago. The EM pulse rifle and other weapons had recently been returned to him by Garrett. He'd used them so many times to murder and put a stop to things in the name of the Federation. Now he was going to use them again, this time, in addition to ridding the galaxy of a terrorist, he was excising a personal demon. Duncan held the Klingon dagger in his hands and remembered how he'd acquired it. He held that thought as he put them in a bag and headed for the holodeck to practice. He tapped the holodeck panel. It read occupied. The program running was Counter-Insurgence-A. The only occupant was his chief of security T'Gerran Leonheart. MacDermott used his command override to open the door. He quietly slipped inside.

The inside of the holodeck was a recreation of the Missouri's bridge, right down the people in their normal stations. The computer said. "Ready to begin Level 34-Delta. Difficulty level Omega." MacDermott raised an eyebrow. Level Omega was the most difficult. Safety protocols didn't exist and there was only one command the computer would accept until the level was complete. Emergency cancellation order Archimedes. That particular order does an immediate shutdown of the hologrid and requires a reload of the holodeck software to bring the holodecks back into operation.

"Begin." The big Klingon said. Immediately several Jem'Hadar beamed onto this recreation. MacDermott watched as T'Gerran fired his phaser obliterating 3 of the invaders before he was disarmed. T'Gerran slipped his hold from one the Jem'Hadar. The other one holding him took the full brunt of the Klingon's hand right to his nose. The Jem'Hadar dropped like a stone. The Klingon turned just in time to see the holographic Melora killed by a Jem'Hadar. The Klingon let out a scream that could be heard all the way to Sto'vo'kor. T'Gerran locked his left arm around the right arm of the Jem'Hadar. The Jem'Hadar screamed in pain as his shoulder was broken. T'Gerran silenced him by ripping his throat open with his bare hand. The Jem'Hadar dropped to the ground as T'Gerran stood there holding a part of the creatures throat in his hand.

The computer said. "Level 34-Delta complete. There are no more levels to this program. To continue, you must restart at a lower level."

The Klingon snarled. "Freeze program." It was when the program froze that he noticed MacDermott standing there. "Captain?" The Klingon looked down at holographic corpse of Melora. Then looked at MacDermott and said in a deep voice. "My apologies."

MacDermott chuckled through all the carnage he'd just witnessed. "I don't think it's me you should apologize to." Duncan said pointing to the holo representation of himself locked in hand to hand combat with a Jem'Hadar.

"Yes Sir." T'Gerran said.

"That's some move you put on that Jem'Hadar." Duncan said referring to the one with the gaping wound where his throat used to be.

The Klingon said flatly. "It is an easy technique to master. Allow me Sir." He took MacDermott's arm as he had done with the Jem'Hadar. "You can immobilize your opponent like this." T'Gerran locked his arm and pulled back. MacDermott could feel the tendons in his shoulder starting to give. "Then as he attempts to pull away. Take your free hand and…" T'Gerran snatched his hand across Duncan's throat. His fingers grazed the Captain's throat lightly. "Your fingers actually tear out his larynx."

"Captain MacDermott, please report to sickbay." Meyer's voice said over the speaker.

The Klingon cocked his head to one side. "Captain, are you ill?"

"No." MacDermott answered ambiguously. Duncan left T'Gerran standing there with a puzzled look on his face.

---

Meyer handed Duncan the mirror. He studied the reflection for a long time. His dark hair was longer and pulled back into a ponytail. The beard and mustache covered his face. He didn't look like himself at all. His voice, through the use of a subdermal vocal modulator was made to sound lower and huskier. "Very nice, Doctor. I don't look much like a starfleet captain."

Costello entering sickbay interrupted MacDermott's answer. "Where is the Captain? I need to speak to him."

Duncan gave Meyer a look that told her to not give him away yet.

Amanda said staring at the disguised captain of the Missouri. "Captain?"

MacDermott decided not to drive his new XO any crazier than she needed to be. "XO, what can I do for you?"

Amanda did a double take. "Excuse me."

"Amanda it's me, Captain MacDermott." Duncan continued. "On Talos IV, we were in, how should I put this, a very awkward position."

Costello's eyes got wide. Nobody knew about the illusion that the Talosians put the two of them in, except for MacDermott and her. "Captain?" She said skeptically, wondering about the change in the Captain's appearance. "What's going on? I get orders to proceed to Earth, then I find you, well different?"

MacDermott's first thought was, Earth! The old man has more juice than I thought. Then Garrett never did cease to amaze him.

He told her just enough. "I'm leaving the ship for a mission. You'll be in command."

"Why Earth?"

"We were going to be given some rear area convoy duty anyway." He lied. But it sounded good.

"Where are you going, Captain?" She inquired as any good XO would. "Would it be something that someone else could do? You're well aware that a Captain's place is on the bridge."

"Yes, I know." His new face smiled. "But this is something, I'm suited for." Was all he said.

She knew when not to force an issue; this was one of them. "I'll set course for Earth then right away, Sir?"

"Very good, Commander. First however set a course for the moon of Lave 4. That's where this mission will kick off from."

"Aye Sir. If that's all?" She said before she left sickbay.

Duncan spent the remainder of the trip to Lave 4 in his quarters. This time gave him time to retrospect on the events, since his first meeting with Lorcano. He sat in the dark with his fingers steepled in front of his face and watched as the chervok radiation passed his window listening to the music. The singer sang of things once done. He listened as he sat there in the dark.

Once embraced, can't ever be let go
Once revealed, can't ever be not shown
Once believed, can't ever lose faith
Once shared, can't ever be separate
Once sown, once can't ever be not reaped


Like the dawn of a brand new day
With the power of deity
Well, I can feel it inside of me
Feel it. Can you feel it?


If he concentrated hard enough, Duncan could see Lorcano laughing at him. Duncan's eyes burned holes through the transparent aluminum window.

Melora entered the Captain's quarters without knocking. She didn't need to. The first thing she noticed was the ponytail that hung down MacDermott's back. Quietly she approached him wondering what was wrong, why he was sitting there in the dark listening to music. She listened to the words of the song.

Have you ever been touched?
Once whoa-oh really, really touched?
Could it ever be too much?
Whoa-ooh-oh oh, can you tell me?
Have you ever really touched love once?


"Duncan?" She said quietly.

Duncan turned at the sound of her voice. She stepped back when she didn't recognize him. "Who are you?" She asked, her hand resting on the butt of her phaser.

"Melora, look into my eyes. It's me."

She did and the recognition was instant. "What's going on? Does this have anything to do with that message from Garrett?" She asked looking at Duncan's bearded face and deciding she liked the old one better.

Duncan thought. She knows me too well. "I'm going after Lorcano." Was all he said. She could read the determination even in his new face.

"I'm going with you." She said.

"No. I'm going alone."

"Duncan you can't. I won't let you. Besides who is going to watch out for you while you're trying to find him." She insisted.

Duncan knew she was right and wondered why she didn't try to talk him out of it. "Melora, it could be dangerous."

She smiled. "That's why I put on the uniform."

"All right." Duncan gave in. "But you can't go looking like that." He pointed toward her uniform. "I've got an idea for a disguise though." Duncan told her with a wink.

"What kind of disguise?" She asked then added.

Duncan smiled. "My cover is that of an insider in the Orion Syndicate, Kellen Anik. He's in a federation prison colony on Earth. Wade talked to him and worked out this trade. I use his identity to get Lorcano and he gets a new face and released from the penal colony." Duncan smile grew larger. "As far as women, his likes lean to the green side."

Melora knew what he meant almost immediately. "Orion slave women! Duncan…I don't, I mean, I don't know if … you know."

"Sweetheart, you don't have to go, but if you do…Anik only has Orion women. Any other would give me away." Duncan explained.

"Alright…I guess." She said skeptically.

Duncan was sitting quietly in Meyer's office when the call came down from the bridge telling them they were in orbit of the moon of Lave 4.

"Very well, XO. Meet us in the transporter room." Duncan said. He turned as he heard the door open. MacDermott could hardly believe his eyes. From head-to-toe Melora was green. Her hair looked like it had never seen a brush and she wore just enough rags, you couldn't really call them clothes, to cover her. Meyer followed Melora in.

"Doctor you've done a remarkable job." MacDermott commended. Duncan rubbed his hand along her cheek. "The color is permanent?"

"No Sir. I can return her to her normal shade, when you return." Meyer explained.

"Melora, are you sure, you want to go?"

"Yes." She answered. "I want him as bad as you do." Melora added. She'd shown a lot of determination after MacDermott showed her how Lorcano tortured the Intelligence agent.

"Doctor," he glanced at Melora and in respect of her modesty, "clear the corridors between here and transporter room 2."

"Yes Sir." She disappeared into the passageway.

Duncan took Melora's hands in his. "If you don't want to go, tell me now."

"Let's go." Was her answer.

After a silent trip to the transporter room they waited for Costello. When she entered she apologized. "I'm sorry, Captain." She still hadn't gotten used to his new face. "T'Gerran picked up two small ships in orbit and a life sign on the moon; actually in a tunnel beneath the surface."

"That would be Garrett. He's meeting us with some information and a ship. We can't very well be undercover in a Federation shuttlecraft." Duncan explained.

"Yes Sir." Costello sounded perturbed. "Permission to speak freely, Sir?"

"Always."

"I don't like this Sir. You're cut off from the ship, from the Starfleet altogether for that matter. You and Melora will be alone." She laid out her case.

"I'll note your concerns in my log." Duncan thought about asking her if she had anything else then decided against it. "Energize."

A few moments later Costello stood alone in the transporter room. She made a decision then, it was a decision Tom Kern would have been proud of. "Bridge, this is Costello."

"Yes, Commander." T'Gerran's voice boomed in the intercom.

She knew the Klingon would back her up. "There will be a single occupant on one of those ships in orbit. I want to know where it goes. We're going to follow it and find out where the Captain is heading; then we're going to keep tabs on the Captain while he's off ship. Understood?"

T'Gerran sat at the tactical console and smiled. "Completely." He pressed a few buttons on his console and locked both ships into the Missouri's sensors.

"I'll be right up."

---

MacDermott and Melora materialized in the damp cavern beneath the surface of the moon of Lave 4. The cavern was dark and wet. MacDermott lit off a palm beacon. The beam pierced the darkness. MacDermott showed it in both directions. They were alone in the cavern. He shined the light on Melora. She stood there shivering in the cold. "Wade." MacDermott called out.

"Right here, Kid." Garrett said as he stepped out of a crevice in the rock. "It's good to see you, Kid, even if you don't look like yourself." Garrett said with a laugh as he put a hand on MacDermott and Melora's shoulder.

MacDermott was all business. "You have something for us?"

Suddenly serious himself. Garrett pulled a padd from his pocket. "There's an Belgorian shuttle in orbit and the last known location of Lorcano is on the PADD. These will get you aboard the shuttle." He handed each of them an armband similar to the one Garrett wore. "I wish I could stay longer, but Perez might miss me."

All MacDermott could really remember of Admiral Perez was the look on his face as he held the phaser on MacDermott that night on Airmes. "Yeah, you don't want him angry with you." Duncan deadpanned.

Garrett stood away from the two of them and touched the band around his upper arm. It activated his shuttle's escape transporter, leaving Duncan and Melora in the dark cave.

Melora shivered. "Can we get out of here? I'm freezing."

"Of course. We have everything we need." The two of them each pressed the button on their armband.

---

"Commander," T'Gerran began. "There is a single occupant in the shuttle breaking orbit. It's heading will take it to Lave 2." The Klingon looked at his sensor out put again. "Two others have just transported to the other shuttle. Its engines are powering up."

Amanda sat back and brushed the hair back from her face. "Very well. T'Gerran bring up the ASCM, I don't want that shuttle getting a return off of us. Helm, prepare to break orbit. Half impulse, same course as that shuttle." She ordered. Her purple eyes flared as she thought. I'll be damned if I can't get to the bottom of this.

"Aye Commander. Half impulse it is." Kelley responded.

The big Klingon growled from the tactical station. "ASCM is functioning within limits. He will not detect us."

"Good." She sat in the center seat for a while thinking. She got up and walked around to the tactical station. She watched the display as the small shuttle entered the atmosphere of Lave 2. "Helm," she called over her shoulder. "Standard orbit."

"Yes ma'am." Kelley replied wondering what was going on, he heard they were going to the rear to get some convoy duty. This didn't look like convoy duty to him. There were no other ships to be seen.

T'Gerran looked up at her from the console. "There is a small grouping of buildings on the southern continent. From the building materials and layout, it is a Federation colony or base." He brought up another display. "It is not listed on any registry though."

"T'Gerran, what are we getting into? Secret federation bases, secret undercover missions?"

T'Gerran grumbled. "We do know that Garrett is involved with Starfleet Intelligence. Maybe the Captain is also?" The Klingon speculated.

Costello thought. Maybe MacDermott is? "Prep a full security team. We're going down there and find out what is going on?"

"Aye Commander." T'Gerran's raised eyebrow gave him an almost Vulcan appearance

Costello walked over to the command chair and picked up a PADD from the seat. After typing out some instructions she approached Kelley. "Kelley, T'Gerran and I are beaming down to the surface. You have the chair." She said handing him the PADD. "Here are some instructions for you on my authority as commander of this ship."

"Yes Ma'am!" He answered.

"Good. I hope it won't come, but if it does we're prepared." She turned. "T'Gerran, have two armed security guards report to the bridge."

Everyone one the bridge head's turned when they heard Costello say 'armed'. Costello and T'Gerran stood at the back of the bridge and waited in silence for the lift to open. When it finally did two arm guards exited first taking positions on each side of the lift door. From there they could see the whole bridge and cover the turbolift too.

The doors closed to the sound of Costello saying. "Armory."



MacDermott piloted the small shuttle through space silently. Melora wrapped in a blanket worked the sensors and checked for other vessels. Neither of them spoke of what was to come. Finally she broke the silence. "We're coming up on a planet. The computer says it is Corliea." She told him.

"That's it." MacDermott said quietly. Beautiful name for the safe harbor of terrorists and criminals. As the planet grew larger in the viewport, Duncan said. "Prepare for atmospheric entry."

"Ready." Melora answered. She was at least ready to land the ship. She wasn't so sure about the rest of the mission.

MacDermott looked at her and smiled. "Here we go." Melora wasn't quite sure what he was talking about at this point. The viewport became obscured with the heat of re-entry as the ship entered the atmosphere.

---

As the Missouri entered orbit of Lave 2, Costello, T'Gerran and the security team entered the transporter room. Chief Percy was at the console. "Commander, the bridge reports the shuttle landed near one of the outer buildings of the complex. I can put you right outside the door."

Costello checked her gear once more and looked around at the others on the platform. They were all ready. The five of them all carried phaser rifles. In addition to his rifle T'Gerran also carried his Mek'leth. Just in case. Everyone looked ready.

"Do it." She felt the transportation effect before she finished speaking.

---

The small ship flew through the air of Corliea as it twisted around the mesas and plateaus of this desert world. MacDermott was still being very quiet. That worried Melora. She informed him. "The city of Ackbar is 400 kilometers to the northwest."

"Ok. We're going to sit down a few kilometers outside the city. You up for a little hike?" He asked, a trace of a smile passed his lips.

She shed the blanket showing her near naked Orion slave woman disguise. "At least it will be warm."

"About 60 degrees Celsius." Duncan said with a wink. "Here we go." The shuttle dipped a little as it passed a large outcropping of stone.

---

There were no guards at the entrance of the building when Costello and her team materialized on Lave 2. The security team fanned out checking the area before they entered the building. The doorway opened into a large reception area behind the desk sat Lorissa Stel. She recognized Costello and T'Gerran immediately. She reached down and pressed an alarm button on the desk. In another building the facility's security forces were made aware of the intruders. These forces also contacted Admiral Perez. A small man, balding, in his late 50's. To look at him, one wouldn't take him for one of the most powerful men in Starfleet.

"Where is Captain Garrett?" Costello demanded.

Stel looked at her and thought. Who the hell does she think she is? Does she know where she is and what she's doing? With a smirk she pointed toward the office door to her right."

Costello pointed to two of the security men. "Cover her and the entrance."

"Yes Ma'am" One of the gold shirted officers said as the other took his position by the door.

With a wave of her hand, she called T'Gerran along with her. As the two of them approached the door; it opened. Garrett stood there. "I guess you're here to see me?" Get in here." He ordered the two of them.

Costello and T'Gerran exchanged a nervous glance and followed Garrett into his office. Once the doors closed Costello spoke up. "Captain Garrett…" She began.

"Commander, I know why you're here. You want to know why and where I sent your Captain." Garrett looked at her. "Have the Klingon wait outside." He told her.

Amanda looked and saw T'Gerran's spine stiffen. "With all due respect, Sir. I have to refuse that order." T'Gerran relaxed, a little. She could tell the big Klingon was doing the best he could at not tearing Garrett apart.

"Have it your way." He said. "I just don't care for Klingons much."

She knew she was getting off the subject of their visit, but it was too compelling not to find out what was said. "Why is that, Captain? If you don't mind my asking."

"No I don't mind. In fact MacDermott is in this story too." Garrett started. "We were on Qo'nos to assassinate Governor K'tang."

"Governor K'tang was the last of the Klingon reformist group. He was trying to bring the Klingon Empire back to where it was prior to the explosion of Praxis." T'Gerran interjected.

"You're right, but he was also plotting to kill some high ranking Federation and Romulan officials. They're plan was to plunge the Federation and the Romulans into a war. They'd sit back and wait for the smoke to clear. Then attack and conquer the victors." Garrett explained.

"What happened on Qo'nos?" Costello asked.

"Well…"

---

It was dark on the Klingon home world as MacDermott peered through the sight of his EMPulse rifle. The infrared scope showed the outline of K'tang's home. Palace was a more appropriate moniker for this home. The main house covered nearly three acres. The surrounding grounds covered maybe another 3 or 4 acres. To make Garrett and MacDermott's job easier however, there was only one exit to the house or the property. MacDermott and Garrett had set themselves up nearly one thousand meters from the edge of the estate. That put MacDermott's muzzle right at 1500 meters from the front door. Security was extremely tight around the estate. There were guards every 50 meters along the wall with disrupters, at the corner of the walls were towers with two guards in each tower. In addition to those guards there were roving patrols. These patrols held a Targ at the end of a short leash. These animals resembled a dog. However these dogs were larger and meaner than the nastiest pit bull on Earth. MacDermott peered again through the scope. A group of Klingons had just left the house. Right on schedule. MacDermott thought to himself. One hundred meters away, Garrett took his eyes from his vidnoculars and thought the same thing.

"Two, this is one. Come in?" Garrett whispered.

"Two here." Duncan replied quietly. He was safely hidden under his Guillie blanket. This was similar to the blankets that snipers have been using for hundreds of years. One of the improvements that have been made however was the dampening field. It masked the user from any type of sensor scan. To all sensing devices it was just a pile of brush.

"K'tang should come out any second now." Garrett said. "Be ready."

"Roger." Duncan said as he put his eye back to the scope and the entrance of the house came into view. Then he waited.

As Garrett waited and all of his concentration was focused on the dacha below. One of the targs that belonged to the roving patrols caught a whiff of a scent that shouldn't have been there. The animal snarled and pulled his owner toward the smell.

Duncan watched as the door opened slowly and his target came into view. His finger tightened on the trigger, then Duncan let up. The target was obscured by a woman; the woman reached and kissed the man, MacDermott's target. When the kiss ended she stepped back into the house and the target was in the open again. Again Duncan's finger tensed on the trigger. He heard the EMPulse sequence start. Then all hell broke loose. The duranium shell was launched from the barrel at the same moment MacDermott heard Garrett scream. Not through his comm. device but actually heard the scream. Duncan watched through the sight as his target was struck. He didn't actually see the impact, but he saw the body falling, the blood on the wall and the hole the shell created in the stone wall. Satisfied his mission was complete he jumped up with the EMPulse gun and took off for Garrett's location. As he crested a small ridge he could hear Garrett screaming and the snarls of the targ that was trying to rip him apart. Duncan stopped long enough to bring his rifle up and take a bead at the closest Klingon. He fired. The Klingon looked surprised as his midsection disappeared. The other Klingon turned and fired a disrupter at the direction of the shot. It missed. Duncan moved to fire again, but nothing happened. He didn't know it but a small chip had broken, it prevented the EMPulse circuit from being closed.

Garrett's camouflage suit was covered in bright red blood as he wrestled with the targ. Wade screamed again as the Targ bit into his arm. Duncan pulled his phaser and fired at the animal. It let out a scream of its own as the phaser burned through its hide. Duncan stepped toward Garrett but was stopped by the biggest Klingon he'd ever seen. The Klingon backhanded him. Duncan was airborne for nearly 10 feet before he landed hard on his back, knocking the wind out of him and making him drop the phaser. As Duncan struggled to regain his breath, the Klingon advanced on Garrett with a Klingon dagger. MacDermott swung his useless weapon by the barrel; the composite stock shattered against the Klingon's bony head. The Klingon turned. The only thing Duncan had accomplished was to severely irritate the Klingon. Duncan took a step back as he turned toward him with the dagger. The two small blades on the sides of the main blade snapped open. He slashed the blade in front of MacDermott. Back and forth the blade caught the moonlight. Duncan lost his footing in the loose rock and fell backwards. The Klingon jumped on top of him and buried the blade in his chest. The razor sharp blade missed his heart by less than an inch. The Klingon pulled the blade out leaving a jagged hole that spurted blood. He was about to drive the blade home again when the area around the Klingon began to glow. Suddenly the Klingon was gone and the clearing was quiet except for the rasping breath of the two-starfleet officers.

---

"I used the emergency transporter on our runabout to get us out of the area before more warriors showed up." Garrett said about the Klingons, he had some other words in mind but it wasn't the time to start something. "Your Captain spent the next 2 months in a Federation hospital."

"Captain, with all due..." Costello began.

Garrett interjected. "Commander, Plain and simple. MacDermott went after Nicholas Lorcano. He did it because Lorcano's crazy, and he did it for me. Lorcano was last reported on Corliea. That's where he and Lt. Ito are."

T'Gerran glared at Garrett. "The Lt. is a friend of mine. If anything should happen to her or the Captain. You will have to deal with me."

Garrett could have pulled rank on the Leonheart, but he admired the loyalty. He just nodded at T'Gerran.

"Let's get back to the ship." Costello said. Her and T'Gerran turned to leave. Garrett stopped them.

"You won't be able to leave." He said

T'Gerran advanced on Garrett. "What do you mean?"

"I mean," He looked past the Klingon to Costello. "That you have encroached on a top secret installation. There are cloaked ships in orbit. They have orders. Federation vessels or not, unauthorized visitors are to be detained. They are to take any resistance as hostile. They'll blow your ship out of the sky." He said quietly.

"But?" Costello began.

Garrett looked at her. "No buts commander. You can't leave."

Costello got the message. "Come on, T'Gerran. We're leaving."

The Klingon just glared at Garrett as he backed out of the room.

The doors closed and Garrett took a deep breath.



MacDermott and Ito walked down the streets of Alabar City. It was a dirty place. Drunks and women who worked in the oldest profession were everywhere. Small children played in the gutters. The buildings held the sun's heat, making the streets an oven. The leather clothes he wore stuck to his sweaty body. Duncan was amazed that a Federation planet could be left to rot like this. He looked back at Melora. Their cover would have been blown had she walked with him. Orion slaves had to keep their place. He could see the sympathy in her eyes for the people of this planet as she watched a small girl playing in the dirty street. A scream from around the corner brought his head around. MacDermott picked up his pace as he moved toward the sound. Melora followed him. What they saw astounded them. Four men were surrounding a woman. She was obviously a prostitute. Her clothes, the way she was made up, the way she carried herself. Near the woman was a small boy, maybe 5 or 6 years old. The men were trying to solicit the woman's services. She had refused them. The men weren't that easily dissuaded however. One of the men had hit her; that was when she screamed. Duncan watched from the corner.

For a moment, he was ten years old again. Duncan and his father were walking home from Glenfinnen when they happened across a man and a woman arguing. The man didn't see Duncan or his father. He lost his temper with the woman and struck her after she had fallen to the ground that man spit on her. Before Duncan could blink or the man turn around, Duncan's father had struck him with a backhand that actually lifted the man off the ground. The man looked up at Duncan's father and as calm as a preacher on Sunday morning; the elder MacDermott told him that if he ever touched another woman in anger, it would be the last person he ever touched.

Duncan returned to the present and thought how his father would have jumped into the middle of the fray and God help those men. Part of Duncan wanted to do that too, but he had a mission and a cover to keep. He was about to turn when he heard another scream and saw the woman fall to the ground. To the boy's credit he jumped on the one that hit his mother and bit the man's ear. The boy screamed as he was thrown to the ground and kicked for good measure. That made up Duncan's mind for him.

He walked up to the crowd. "What's going on?"

Melora watched him incredulously. She couldn't believe he could be so cool and detached as he walked into this. He was outnumbered 4 to 1.

"Stay out of this." Duncan was warned.

MacDermott swarmed with false charm. "What did she do?"

Everyone stopped and stared at MacDermott. "She refused us." The woman hoped for assistance.

"Oh well then," He began. "She deserves whatever she gets then."

The woman's hopes were dashed. "What about the boy? Did he refuse you too or you just going to beat him up some more?"

The men realized something was up. So did the woman.

"We warned you not to butt in. Go on you just try something. Nothing I like better than taking a woman is killing someone who butts in where they don't belong. Go on you just try." The assumed leader of the men dared him.

"No." Duncan said thoughtfully. "You got me scared." In less then the time it takes to exhale Duncan had produced a small phaser. He held it on the leader. "Now, let her go." Duncan ordered.

One of the other men stepped up. "You can't take us all."

Duncan fired the weapon at the man who challenged him. It was set to kill. The man fell to the ground in a heap. "No, but I'll get points for trying."

MacDermott held the weapon on the leader but said to the woman. "Take your child and get out of here." Duncan turned his attention to the leader again and told them. "If any of you follow her. I'll hunt you down and kill you." Now back away or join your friend. It's your choice."

The three remaining men started to back away. Suddenly it the two of them were alone in the alley with the corpse. MacDermott sighed as the adrenaline began to wear off. It was Melora who spoke first. "Duncan, I can't believe you did that. You just killed him just like that."

"I know. There are times, and trust me this is one of them, that you have to act Sans Humanite'. " Duncan said staring at the corpse.

Melora looked at him. His eyes were cold and dark. "I don't know what that means, but I don't think I like it."

He turned and looked at her. Behind the darkness she could see the eyes she knew and loved. "It's a Cajun phrase. The literal translation is: I will give you no sympathy, you deserve no pity, and it serves you right." Duncan looked deeper into her eyes. "That's one of the reasons I left. I felt I was becoming cold to all the death and killing. It's so easy to fall back into it." He said gesturing toward the former thug.

She smiled. "I was right. I don't like it."

"Me either, but it keeps you alive." Duncan said as he started to walk out of the alley. He kept his eyes open, looking for anything and everything.

---

Costello sat on the bridge of the Missouri and watched the consoles trying to figure away to get away from this planet. They'd been there for 18 hours. She wasn't sure what she'd do after she got away, either help MacDermott and Ito (if they were still alive) or report this to Starfleet command. She didn't care who set the rules, holding a person against their will was wrong. Kelley and T'Gerran walked up to the big chair.

"What is it?" She asked tersely.

Kelley spoke up. "Commander, I may have a way to get away from here."

"Go on." She would listen to anything at this point.

"A shuttlecraft." He began. Kelley and T'Gerran had devised a plan to take a shuttlecraft and pilot it by remote control. Once away from the ship at least one of the ships covering the Missouri would have to follow it. That would leave a hole in their coverage net. The Missouri might just be able to get out of here. The keyword was might.

"What about their sensors?" Costello asked. "They'll be able to tell that no one is aboard."

"We can rig a tricorder to give off false lifesigns." T'Gerran responded.

Costello smiled. "It may just work. Get everything ready. I have an idea for some insurance." Costello said as she got up and walked toward MacDermott's ready room.

"Yes Ma'am" The two of them said enthusiastically.

Once the doors closed behind Costello, she opened the terminal on MacDermott's desk and brought the subspace transmitter online. A few moments later a face she hadn't seen in a long time greeted her. She recognized him instantly. He had sponsored her application to Starfleet Academy before an incident had forced him to give up his commission and Starfleet.

The man spoke in their native tongue. "'M'NDa', it's been a long time."

"M'K'N'Zy, it is always an privilege." She answered in her native Xenexian as well as she smiled at the man, who at 19 led their planet, Xenex, to victory and independence against the Danteri. Which was where he earned the scar he wore like a badge of honor on his cheek. After being recruited into Starfleet by Jean-Luc Picard himself, he changed his name to the more human sounding Mackenzie Calhoun. Calhoun now commanded the Starship Excalibur.

"How are you, Amanda?" He could see something in her eyes. "Forgive me but I've lost track of you with the war and all."

She smiled bashfully. "I understand, Sir."

"Mac." He corrected. "Where are you?"

"With a bow of her head and a smile. "Mac, I'm first officer on the Missouri."

Calhoun smiled and his eyes flared. "The Missouri, MacDermott's ship? I haven't talked to him in ages. Where is he?"

"That's the problem, one of the problems. He's offship on a mission for Starfleet Intelligence. He's cut off. I followed the officer who sent him to Lave 2. There's a secret Federation base there. We're being held in orbit by a number of cloaked vessels."

Calhoun rubbed his chin as he mulled this over in his mind. He muted the sound and Costello watched as he talked to someone off screen. A moment later he returned. "We can be at these coordinates in 6 hours. Can you?"

"I'm not sure. We think we have a way to get out of orbit, but we'll be followed by those cloaked ships for sure." Costello explained.

"Don't worry about them. Just get to those coordinates." He ordered.

"Aye, Captain, and thank you."

"My pleasure." Calhoun smiled before he turned. "McHenry, set course…."

"All laid in, Captain." Came a voice off screen.

"Engage. 6 hours 'M'NDa'. Excalibur out." The screen blanked out.

6 hours to get there and not get blown to bits. She thought to herself as she walked back to the bridge.

---

MacDermott stood in the corner of a dark and smoky bar. He watched the room as he nursed a drink. If anyone were watching him closely they would have noticed that he hadn't really taken a drink from the glass. Out of the corner of his eye he watched as Melora held up her part of the charade by dancing for him in the corner. A Tellerite walked up to her. His furry body covered in a leather suit. His pug snout sniffed as he looked Melora over. She ignored him and continued to dance. Maybe the Tellerite didn't notice MacDermott or he was just stupid, but he reached to touch her. Duncan almost jumped himself as she snarled and hissed at the Tellerite. He jerked his furry paw back, then raised his hand to teach this Orion slave a lesson.

Before the Tellerite could swing or Melora could react Duncan was out of his seat and had a large Klingon dagger at his throat. "You don't want to do that." Duncan warned. "I take my property very seriously."

The Tellerite backed down. "My apologies, Sir. I didn't realize she belonged to anyone. I'll know not to try that next time."

"See that it doesn't." Duncan threatened.

The Tellerite turned to leave. "It won't happen again." He mumbled as he walked away. "Because." The Tellerite turned quickly and had a knife in his hand. "YOU'LL BE DEAD!" He screamed as he threw the knife. Duncan ducked as the knife went wide. Before he could retaliate, Melora jumped and kicked the Tellerite in the face. She was playing the part perfectly. She spun and kicked him again. The Tellerite didn't know what hit him. Melora hit and kicked him four more times before Duncan could get there. He grabbed the Tellerite around the neck and held the dagger against his throat. "Before I kill you, maybe you could give me some information, or maybe I'll let her kill you. She doesn't seem too happy with you." Duncan taunted him. Melora stood there breathing heavily, bearing her teeth at the Tellerite.

"What do you want to know?" The coward answered.

Duncan thought to himself. That was easy. "I'm looking for Nicholas Lorcano, I was told he was on this planet, however it's a very big planet."

"Go to hell." The Tellerite spat.

Duncan laughed and poked the blade a little harder against his soft chin. "Have it your way."

"Wait!" The Tellerite said as he felt blood trickle down his chin. Either Lorcano would kill him, this man or his Orion slave would. What did he have to lose? "Lorcano has been using a warehouse on the other side of town. He's there most of the time." The Tellerite gasped.

"Thank you." Duncan said calmly.

---

Costello sat in the center seat as Kelley approached. "Commander, the shuttle is ready."

She looked up and Kelley noticed immediately how tired she looked. "Launch the shuttle, then go to red alert. Be ready to go to maximum warp as soon as it's confirmed that one of the ships pulled out of the coverage net."

"Aye. Commander, may I ask a personal question?" Kelley started.

Amanda looked annoyed but told him to go ahead anyway.

"How long have you gone without sleep?"

She stifled a laugh. "Seems like forever. Your post please, Mr. Kelley."

T'Gerran interrupted. "Picking up two tachyon surges along the same path as the shuttle."

This might just work. She thought. "Shields up! Red Alert." She ordered. As the red alert alarm wailed, Amanda turned to Kelley." Helm, get us the hell out of here."

The Missouri leaned hard to starboard and shot into warp in the opposite direction of the shuttle. The crews of the remaining cloaked ships were caught off guard. The Missouri was well on her way before they could react.

"Commander, sensors are picking up two tachyon surges to our stern. They are pacing us. Also, we've lost telemetry on the shuttle, I assume it was destroyed."

The command chair spun around. "Standard coverage procedures. Two ships following us." Will they be surprised? She didn't say.

Kelley turned. "Commander, two hours till we reach the coordinates."

"Very well. I'll be in the Captain's ready room. T'Gerran you have the bridge. Contact me if you need anything."

"Aye." T'Gerran said as Costello rose from the center seat and wearily walked across the bridge.

---

MacDermott chose a deserted building across the cobblestone street from the warehouse that supposedly held his quarry. From a room on the third floor he set up his equipment. The equipment he had kept on the shuttle since they landed. From the window he could see the two doors to the warehouse. He set the EMPulse gun up on its tripod and scanned the area through the sight. Since he was so close he had to back the magnification off some. It took him a while to get the adjustments perfect. It was then that he noticed that Melora hadn't returned. She had gone to get them some food. He started to worry, but she was a starfleet officer trained in security and hand-to-hand combat. Never the less he trained his sight up and down the narrow street hoping to catch a glimpse of her. Duncan's attention was drawn back to the warehouse by the sound of a door opening. The huge doors slid upwards. There was a small ship inside. It looked federation in design, but MacDermott had never seen anything like it. Duncan looked through the sight as four beings emerged from the cavernous warehouse. Duncan watched through his sight as one of the men shook Lorcano's hand and walked off. Lorcano was partially hidden by the structure of the warehouse. Duncan couldn't get off a clean shot. Duncan swore as he continued to watch his quarry. He said to no one in particular. "Come on, stick your head out." As if Lorcano heard him he stepped out into the open. Duncan adjusted the weapon on his shoulder and whispered. "That's it, stick you head out you son of a bitch." As his finger started to squeeze the trigger he felt the cool tip of a phaser emitter in the crook of his neck.

A voice went with the phaser. It was a voice MacDermott had heard before. "Don't do it. You're good but not that good." Duncan lowered his head to the floor and locked his fingers across the back of his head. Knowing he had won the voice mocked. "That was easy. Get up slow."

---

"How long till we arrive at the coordinates?" Costello asked as she emerged from MacDermott's ready room.

"Five minutes, Commander." Kelley said.

T'Gerran was studying his tactical display. "The ships have gotten closer, though they are still out of weapon's range. Also, Commander, sensor readings ahead are being obscured by the Solera nebula."

"Understood. Keep an eye on our friends back there." She ordered.

The next few minutes were very tense. The only sound on the bridge was that of the air system and the beeps and buzzes of the consoles. Kelley finally broke the silence. "We've arrived at the coordinates you gave me, Commander."

"All stop."

Kelley gave her a concerned look, but followed orders. "Answering all stop."

"T'Gerran, how about our friends?" Costello asked.

T'Gerran growled. "The will enter weapon's range in 30 seconds. Shall I open fire?"

"NO!" Only fire if fired upon. They are still fellow officers." She tensely added.

"Yes ma'am." The Klingon said. He was obviously itching for a fight. Then he added excitedly. There are two ships decloaking off our bow. "They are Prevaricate class." He said recognizing the ships from their missions with the Special Ops teams. Very formidable."

"We're being hailed." T'Gerran said. "It is a Captain Anderson of the Pegasus."

"On screen." Costello commanded.

The image changed to that of a man in the all black uniform of the SpecOps Group. "Commander Amanda Costello, first officer of the starship USS Missouri NCC-84784-A. You are ordered and required to stand down and prepare to be boarded. You and your command crew will be taken back to Lave 2 where you will be debriefed. You have one minute to lower your shields or we will be forced to open fire."

"COMMANDER!" Kelley exclaimed. "There's a ship coming out of the nebula." He looked at his display. "Ambassador class, USS Excalibur. What the hell?"

Right on time, Calhoun. Amanda thought to herself. "Hail the Excalibur."

"They've already hailed us, Commander." T'Gerran said. "And the other vessels." He added.

"Split screen. Put up the Excalibur and the Pegasus." Costello ordered.

"Aye." T'Gerran said. The screen changed as everyone heard Calhoun say. "…Derson, this is Captain Mackenzie Calhoun of the Starship Excalibur. The Missouri is leaving with us now." He added emphasis on the now.

Anderson retorted. "I have orders to not allow any unauthorized personnel to leave the compound."

"Captain. I really don't think you want me or one of my bridge crew," Calhoun cast a glance over to his first officer Elizabeth Shelby "to report the hijacking of a starfleet vessel and her crew in a time of war. That would raise a number of embarrassing questions. People would be inquiring about your base, why it doesn't show up on any records, what you do there, all kinds of things that you don't want the general public to know. Are you following me, Captain Anderson?"

Anderson just nodded. He knew he was beaten. He could have fought it out with the two starfleet vessels, but he didn't feel right firing on fellow officers and how would they explain the damage to their ships. "I'm following you, Captain Mackenzie." He turned and said something to someone off screen. The two Prevaricate class vessels turned back toward Lave 2, cloaked as they started to move off.

Costello breathed a big sigh of relief; she looked up into the purple eyes of Mackenzie Calhoun on the viewscreen. "'M'NDa', Calhoun begun. The bridge crew stared, as they had never heard Costello called by her given name before.

Before he could continue Costello began. "M'K'N'Zy, thank you. I am, as always in your debt." She told him casting her eyes toward the floor.

"'M'NDa' we are Starfleet, you do not owe me a thing. Get MacDermott back. Excalibur out." Calhoun said as the screen changed to show the Ambassador Class starship turning away gracefully.

Amanda looked up after a moment. T'Gerran and Kelley were standing in front of the command chair. Softly they asked her what she had meant about being in Calhoun's debt. They were looking out for the red haired commander.

She looked at the two of them and smiled. She appreciated the concern. "Twenty years ago, M'K'N'Zy of Calhoun saved a man from being killed by Danteri guerrillas. Alone, he killed seven men that day. That man was my father." She said quietly.

"That is a warrior." T'Gerran said respectfully.

Costello sat up straight. "Places gentlemen. Let's go get the captain and Melora."

"Yes Ma'am." The two men said enthusiastically.

A minute later the Missouri was warping toward Corliea.

---

The fist hit MacDermott again. The Captain's head lolled to one side. His eyes were nearly swollen shut. What he could see was tainted with blood. He was tied to a wooden chair. Across the room he could see Melora also tied to a chair. He couldn't be sure, because of his injuries and the way her skin was tinted, but it looked like her face was bruised too. He pulled against the nylon restraints that held him as the fist hit him again.

A voice said. "He's not talking."

MacDermott recognized it as Lorcano's. "I want to know what he was doing here." Lorcano continued.

There was another voice. "I have something that will make him talk. Now that we know who he is." The man waved something foul smelling under MacDermott's nose. MacDermott snapped awake instantly. "That's better. Now that I have your attention, Captain MacDermott. What were you doing here?

MacDermott looked up at the man. The face was the same. "I know you." MacDermott said. "Admiral Emilio Perez, CNC of Starfleet Intelligence." Melora gaped at one of the most powerful men in Starfleet. She wondered what he was doing involved with Lorcano. "It's going to be a shame when I take you down." MacDermott said defiantly and got a backhand for his insolence.

"What are you doing here?" Perez asked again. His patience taxed.

MacDermott sat there solemnly. Wondering what Perez had meant. He didn't have to wait long. Perez produced the plasma device he'd used years ago on Airmes. The Admiral pressed the actuator and watched as the plasma jumped between the two points. Perez brought the device toward MacDermott. The Captain of the Missouri recoiled from the hideous thing. "GET AWAY FROM ME WITH THAT THING!" MacDermott yelled. The device just inches from his face.

"Wait." Lorcano said. "You can do whatever you want to him, but if you want him to talk, try it on someone he cares about." He said with a glance toward Ito. The former starfleet cadet ran a tricorder over the green skinned woman. "Hmm funny, she looks like an Orion; but a physiology scan shows a human. Very interesting." He said sarcastically.

Melora screamed as Perez turned toward her. "It's quite painful." Perez told her.

"LEAVE HER ALONE, YOU SON OF A BITCH!" MacDermott yelled. Rocking and kicking at Perez. "So help me I'll kill you."

"All you're going to do is watch her die. You should have killed me on Airmes when you had the chance. You couldn't do it then and you're not able to do it now." Perez calmly told him.

There was one other person in the room with them beside Perez and Lorcano. He was the small Tellerite that MacDermott had threatened in the bar earlier. He was standing off to one side of MacDermott. He was rapt with fascination as he watched Perez get closer to Ito with the plasma disintegrater. He after a moment his attention was totally focused on Ito and the device.

Melora's eyes were wide with panic. "DUNCAN, HELP ME!" She screamed.

Since he hadn't secured MacDermott's legs to the chair, he stood up and charged Perez. MacDermott knocked the Admiral off his feet and into Lorcano. The two of them fell to the floor in a heap. The plasma device skidded across the floor. Duncan spun and smashed the chair against the wall. Duncan picked up one of the chair fragments along with the plasma device as he saw the Tellerite coming toward him with a phaser drawn. Duncan swung at the Tellerite's arm and shattered the bone as he hit it with the leg of the chair. His phaser dropped to the floor. Duncan spun and drove the pointed wood fragment into the Tellerite's brain. The pug-nosed alien dropped to the ground with a thud. Duncan picked up the phaser and pointed it at Lorcano as Lorcano pointed his at MacDermott. There they stood in the middle of the room a phaser in each of their faces.



MacDermott turned at the sound of a transporter. That was a mistake. As the transporter began to take shape, Lorcano hit MacDermott behind the ear. MacDermott fell to the ground. Lorcano and Perez disappeared through a door as the transporter released Costello, T'Gerran, and a full security team. T'Gerran ordered the security to fan out and check the building. He and Amanda went to MacDermott and Ito. MacDermott was shaking the cobwebs from his head. "Commander, it's an unexpected pleasure to see you." He said as Costello helped him to his feet as T'Gerran freed Ito from her bonds. "Lorcano?"

One of the security team entered the room and reported to the big Klingon. 'Sir, a shuttle launched from the warehouse."

"That would be Lorcano and Perez." MacDermott said.

"Perez, Admiral Perez?" Costello asked.

MacDermott looked at her. "Yes. How did you know?"

"We've heard of him." She said pointing toward T'Gerran. "Let's get the two of you back to the ship." She turned to the security man. "Finish checking out the building. Record everything. We're leaving orbit in five minutes." She knew that wasn't much time, but she knew MacDermott would want to go after Lorcano.

"Aye." The three security men hurried off.

Costello tapped her combadge. "Missouri this is Costello. Four to beam directly to sickbay." The blue transporter effect took them away from Corliea.

Meyer was standing by in sickbay when they materialized. She immediately went to work on MacDermott's eye; reducing the swelling and stopping any bleeding. Once he could open his eyes he looked for Melora. A nurse had already returned her skin to its normal shade and was now treating the nasty bruise on her face. Duncan looked at her and smiled. She smiled back.

"Captain," Costello said from the bridge. "The shuttle has just rendezvoused with two other vessels. Do you wish us to pursue?"

"Don't let them get away, Commander." Duncan said. He started to get up. "Am I finished Doc? I need to be on the bridge."

"You're free to go, but I'd like to do a physical on you later." She said, it was not a request.

"You have my word Doctor." Duncan said. "Melora, If you're OK, I'll see you on the bridge when you get back into uniform." He said pointing toward the Orion slave girl outfit she still wore.

She nodded and smiled.

A minute later the lift opened and Duncan stepped out onto the bridge. It felt different, invigorating somehow. He took the center seat from Amanda. "Good to have you back, Sir."

"Thank you. Status report." He said swiveling toward T'Gerran's station.

The Klingon nodded toward the captain acknowledging him. "The shuttle has appeared to have docked with one of the two ships. They are leaving the system at warp 7. The ships are of Orion design." T'Gerran said. "And heavily armed." He added.

Amanda said with force. "Shields up, Red alert."

"Helm, set an intercept course. Warp 8. Come up behind them and fire on their shield generators and weapons." MacDermott commanded.

The doors- to the turbolift parted and Melora walked out and took her seat at the Ops console. She looked toward MacDermott and waited for him to return her smile. It never came. Duncan just stared intently on the screen ahead of him. Staring at the two ships that were trying to take Lorcano and Perez away from him. She turned back to her console. "The two ships are turning. They're trying to flank us." She announced.

"They're firing." T'Gerran yelled just before all hell broke loose.

The Missouri shook to her very soul under the onslaught of the Orion's weapons. "Evasive maneuvers!" MacDermott yelled steadying himself against the rail. "Return fire!"

From the phaser cannons spat the graviton contained energy that struck the Orion hulls. It was followed closely by photon torpedo fire. T'Gerran announced direct hits on both ships.

Melora said from her position. "They've gotten behind us." As if to punctuate her words the ship pitched forward as her rear shields were struck once again.

"Kelley, come to 143 mark 21." MacDermott ordered.

The Missouri heeled to port even as Kelley acknowledged the command. The star, Eta Ritani loomed in the view screen as the Katana class starship sped directly toward it. "Route all available power to the shields." MacDermott said. "Kelley take us into the photosphere." He swiveled in his chair. "Melora status of the other ships?" He asked tensely.

"Four thousand meters off our stern. They're slowing, they don't want to enter the photosphere." She reported calmly. The life-support system was working hard to try to cool the air. The viewscreen dimmed automatically to save the eyes of anyone who may be looking at it.

"Aft tractor beam." Duncan ordered.

"But?" Costello started to say.

Duncan was adamant. "Aft tractor NOW!"

"We have them." T'Gerran reported. The Missouri groaned in response to the added tonnage that was now pulling against her in a vain effort to escape. "Their hull is going critical. It's beginning to carbonize." The Missouri lurched forward as the Orion ship in her grasp was vaporized. "They're gone." T'Gerran said solemnly.

MacDermott didn't bat an eye. "Give me a bearing on the other ship."

Melora brought herself out of a wide-eyed stare to report. "347 mark 58. Two hundred million kilometers."

"Helm match bearings. Weapons prepare to fire on the engines of the Orion vessel. I want that ship in one piece."

"Aye Sir." T'Gerran answered. Out of the glare of the star the Missouri flew toward her prey. The other ship was blind until just after the Missouri opened fire. "Direct hits, Sir. Their engines and weapons are down. They are drifting." The Klingon told him.

"Scan the Orion ship. Lock onto any human lifesigns and beam them aboard. Transporter room, leave them in the pattern buffer until the security team arrives."

"Aye Sir." Came the voice over the speaker.

MacDermott turned to his chief of security. "T'Gerran take a team and get to transporter room two."

The Klingon nodded and walked briskly toward the door.

"Transporter room to bridge."

"Go ahead."

"Something is wrong Sir. Someone is trying to pull them back it's destabilizing their patterns. I'm losing them Captain." Chief Percy said.

"Increase power to the pattern buffer" MacDermott began.

Percy broke in. "They're gone, Captain."

"Scan the Orion ship. See if they're over ther..." Duncan couldn't finish because the space in front of the Missouri lit up as the Orion ship exploded. MacDermott lowered the hand that shielded his eyes as the explosion dimmed to nothing.

"What happened?" MacDermott asked.

Costello looked up from her display. "A core breach, maybe a self-destruct."

"Survivors? He asked already knowing there wouldn't be any.

Melora turned to face and noticed the anger in his face. "Nothing, Sir. Nothing at all."

MacDermott was perturbed. "Very well then. Set course for Lave 2 maximum warp." He rose out of the chair and walked toward his ready room. "Commander, you have the bridge." MacDermott said as the doors closed.