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Post by Tricorder on Feb 1, 2002 14:49:00 GMT -5
Johansson was still waiting in his office for them to come back. He didn't know why it was taking them so long. Did something wrong happen? He hoped not. He sighed
"Dammit", he said, startling Candy,"Why does every mission have to have suspense that could kill?"
He knew about the Ferengi, he knew about the Letheans, and according to his research, there was still one more piece of the puzzle missing. From what he could tell, this plan of theirs was even too subtle for Ferengi, and he was hoping someone on the away team would notice. He kept pounding at his console waiting for something to happen. Nothing did. But on the other side of the galaxy, while Johansson was trying to figure this puzzle out, someone was trying to put an end to Nitza, and possibly her species.
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The Letheans stood before an even more maniacal band of madmen.
"Answer me this, said the creature, "Why haven't we got that Nitza girl yet?"
"Ahem," the Lethean commander said as he was trying to search for words, "She's uh.... She's uh, she's on her way."
"You fool!, the creature said, "there's something wrong isn't there? Yes, there is... and you aren't telling me.... spill the beans...."
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Post by Tricorder on Feb 1, 2002 15:13:49 GMT -5
"She is!, She is!", the Lethean responded," Just as soon as...."
"Do not try to cross me! And you're the one who think Ferengis are cowards do you? Do you know what happens to cowards?"
The Lethean gulped. He didn't really know what was happening. In fact, he didn't want anything to happen.
"The Ferengis have failed, Mortis", he said, "The Enterprise is back in command of the Federation. A Federation Intelligence Officer has boarded and has cleared the Ferengi. Rumour has it, The Ferengi even gave up and tried helping the Federation in the rest of their Quest."
"I had my faith in you Letheans", Mortis said with his blue antannaed face contorting with emotion, "Yet you dare foul up and put the Ferengis in charge of our most important mission yet. How dare you! You'll pay for this... dearly."
"Wait.... I have the directions to The Enterprise and even The Archer which has dared get in the way of our mission.... We can ambush them...."
"Very well, you do this and then.... And then I will kill you .... with death!"
The Andorian council hall echoed as this madman said that. None of them spoke for at least 10 minutes prior to what had just been said.
Mortis spoke under his breath."Thram will never know... None of this will be uncovered....."
The moment Thram would be aware of this, he would realize why he was called to Andor in the first place and that his conscience had been right to stay on the Archer.
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Post by Ana Ng on Feb 1, 2002 20:14:23 GMT -5
Alia made it to the transporter room in record time once she heard the request from the away team to beam back over to the Archer. She met up with the team as they were exiting the transporter room and looked at them all, relieved.
"Sirs," she said, looking at Thram, D'Aaron and Zack, "Thank you for taking care of Nitza."
Zack and Thram nodded in acknowledgement, and Lt. D'Aaron shrugged. "That's our job, isn't it?"
Alia smiled faintly and looked at Nitza. "And thank you, too, Nitza."
"Ensign, we must report to Captain Jefferys," Zack said.
"Of course, sir. I won't detain you any longer."
Zack, Thram, and D'Aaron continued walking down the hall, leaving Alia and Nitza together. They stood awkwardly for a moment, until Alia finally broke the silence.
"Are you all right?" she asked. "Do you need to go to Sickbay?"
Nitza rolled her eyes. "Of course I'm fine. I've been through worse, you know." She smirked when she said it.
Alia smiled slightly and gestured toward the turbolift. "Wanna grab a bite to eat?"
"Actually, I have some practicing to do," Nitza said. "I still have a concert to perform."
Alia was a little disappointed, but nodded. "I'll walk you to your quarters."
They stood in silence in the turbolift for a few moments. "So, what songs are you going to perform?" Alia said, making conversation.
"I have a few in mind," Nitza said, sounding detached. "Of course, I can't tell you what they are. Would spoil the surprise."
"Actually, I'm not sure I'm going to be in attendance," Alia said uncomfortably.
Nitza turned and stared at Alia like she was insane. "What? Why in the world wouldn't you want to see my concert?"
"It's your moment, Nitza. And I- I am not sure I want to see the fact that you're so wholly separated from me on display for everyone's entertainment."
"You're jealous," Nitza said plainly.
"I am not jealous," Alia said, somewhat annoyed. "But to be honest, Nitza, I thought you'd played your last concert years ago. When you were-" Alia cut herself off, trying to refrain from saying things that would most certainly devolve into an argument.
"What?" Nitza demanded. "When I was what?"
"Never mind, Nitza," Alia said as the turbolift came to a stop. "Here's your deck."
Nitza refused to move. "Finish your sentence, Ensign."
"When you were still alive, Nitza," Alia said bitterly.
Nitza laughed in amazement. "I appear to very much alive still, Alia. So alive, in fact, I think I'd really like to make the choice of staying alive. Fate has given me new life, Alia, and you expect me to just give it back. I'm not prepared to do that. There's so much more I can accomplish! Symphonys that need to be written, music that needs to be made!"
"No," Alia said, frowning, "Nitza Kenek would never treat me like this when she was alive. I just don't understand your fierce determination to alienate yourself from me. It's disappointing. And it's shameful to my- to our symbiont. I thought you had more respect for our tradition, for the bond between symbiont and host. Jarid had that respect. I thought you did, too," Alia sighed heavily "Enjoy your concert, Nitza. You helped with the away mission, and in return we promised you your last show. But afterward, you will meet me in Sickbay to return to the symbiont, and to allow Commander Stirok to return to his body."
"How dare you drag Jarid into this!" Nitza said, visibly upset, "Don't you think I miss his presence?"
"No, I don't think you do," Alia said flatly. "And how dare I drag Jarid into this? Jarid is a part of [/i]me, Nitza, he's already a part of this."
Nitza stared at Alia, about to speak when a crewman stepped into the open turbolift and sheepishly spoke "Deck 6" to the computer. Nitza turned on her heel and walked off in a huff.
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Post by Ana Ng on Feb 1, 2002 21:55:15 GMT -5
Alia stood uncomfortably in the turbolift. "Bridge," she told the computer quietly. She didn't exactly know what to do with herself after that exchange with Nitza, but she did want know the details of the away mission. She needed to understand why all of this had happened.
Just as Alia was taking her first step out of the turbolift onto the bridge, Commander Zack was stepping inside.
"Ensign," Zack said sternly. "you are off-duty, your presence on the bridge is not necessary."
"I-I'm sorry, sir," Alia stammered, stepping back into the turbolift. "I just was hoping I could listen in on the mission debriefing."
"Deck 11," Zack told the computer as the turbolift doors slid closed. "The debriefing is finished. You should have consulted me before coming to the bridge, Ensign." He paused. "However, considering the circumstances, I will allow you to read my official report."
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." Alia said quietly.
"I am on my way to inform Nitza that Captain Jefferys will allow her to perform her concert in Ten Forward this evening, and to make arrangements," Zack said after a moment of silence.
"I'm sure everyone is looking forward to it," Alia said sadly, staring aimlessly at the turbolift wall.
"And you are not?" Zack asked. He didn't mention that he wasn't exactly starstruck by the idea of Nitza's concert. The concert was of little consequence to him, save for the fact that it was a chance to enjoy his planned date with Rhai.
"I think I'm gonna skip it," Alia said, "sir."
Zack detected something in Alia's voice. It sounded almost like... fear.
"Ensign," Zack said in a steady voice, "You cannot afford to be afraid of yourself. If you are, you will not make it far in life. And you will not make it far in Starfleet."
Alia's head snapped up when he said this and she watched him exit the turbolift after it came to a stop. She understood his meaning, and blinked as she watched him leave.
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Post by Ana Ng on Feb 1, 2002 21:56:27 GMT -5
Later, several members of both the Enterprise and Archer crews were gather in Ten Forward, chattering excitedly as they awaited Nitza's appearance. A wide variety of musical instruments were laid out on a makeshift stage.
Dr. Johansson sat in the front row, eagerly anticipating the performance. He'd admired Nitza's music for a long time, and regretted never having the chance to see her perform live.
Captain Jefferys also sat in the front row, and he smiled as he watched his crew. After the tumult of the last few days, some live entertainment was exactly what they all needed. There was still some more investigating to be done regarding the entire incident, but for a couple of hours, everyone would have a chance to forget all of that and enjoy the show. He knew from experience that a happy crew was an efficient crew, and he hoped this concert would be just the thing to lift everyone's spirits.
Lieutenant Brandt sat a few rows back, also looking forward to the performance. He was a little worried for his friend Alia that she had decided not to attend, but he could understand why she might not wish to be there.
Still further back sat Rhai and Zack. Although everyone else was too busy chatting among themselve about the concert, anyone who might have been watching closely would see that they were far more interested in each other than the event they were attending.
Thram stood in the back of the room, on duty. He didn't like the idea that Nitza's show was to go on, considering the events of the last few days. But, if the concert was to proceed, he needed to be there to be sure nothing else happened.
Lieutenent D'Aaron wasn't there. She had no desire to see Nitza perform live using Stirok's body, and besides, she had much more important things to do than see a concert.
The lights dimmed and a hush fell over the crowd as they awaited Nitza's appearance. Ensign Alia Kenek quietly entered Ten Forward and took a seat in the back. Commander Zack's words had gotten to her, and she felt a responsibility both to herself and to Nitza to be there.
Nitza played for almost two hours, enchanting the crowd with her prowess and versatility. She set down her flute after finishing a piece and addressed the audience.
"This... will be my last song of the evening," she said softly. "It's not my most famous song, nor my most complex tune. But... it has always been my favorite. I call it 'Muval in the Moonlight'. I hope you enjoy it, and thank you for sharing your time with me tonight."
Alia's eyes widened when she heard the song title. Muval was the name of a woman Jarid Kenek had loved dearly. As Nitza sat down at the piano and played a slow, mournful melody, Alia felt herself truly moved for the first time that evening. Maybe this song was Nitza's way of telling Alia she had not forgotten the bond between symbiont and host.
After Nitza was finished, the crowd gave Nitza a standing ovation. Alia stood too, clapping loudly as a tear ran down her cheek. She felt the warmth for Nitza all around her, but she knew that she was now Nitza's biggest fan.
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Post by Dohlman on Feb 2, 2002 20:21:38 GMT -5
Dayna sat in front of her monitor, the image of Marc Narison filling the screen. She had just informed him as to the day's events, culminating in the discovery of the location of the telepathic gene. That tidbit caused a wide grin to spread across Marc's face.
"Well done, Dayna. The Black Chamber will be pleased, I'm sure, for this will only further the plans."
"Humph. Just remember it come review time. I want a promotion," growled Dayna.
"Dayna, have a little faith in me," replied Marc.
"Yeah, well, I'm getting tired of running around the universe. I want a position that offers a more stable location."
"Oh? Thinking of settling down?" teased Marc.
Dayna scowled. "Just see that it gets done!" she snapped, before hitting the clear button on her console.
Gah! She had a headache. Just the thought of Nitza being in Stirok's body set her teeth on edge. And Nitza didn't seem to be in too much of a hurry to relinquish her position, either. Well, Dayna would just have to see to that.
It was quite late when Dayna rang the chime to Nitza's room. The door slid open to reveal Stirok, still dressed in a tuxedo, with a surprised look on his face. Dayna's heart skipped a beat, for she had a weakness for men in tuxedos. And she had a weakness for Stirok in general. Her mind was forced to recall her purpose for the visit, the surprised look on Stirok's face betraying the fact that Nitza inhabited his body.
"Lt. D'Aaron," said Nitza. "What a surprise. Somehow I thought you would be the last person to come visit me."
Dayna swept past Nitza and made her way to the middle of the room. She looked around at the papers sitting haphazardly on the table, containing original scores of music. Dayna picked one up and began playing the song in her head. She reluctantly admitted that Nitza was talented. She placed the paper back on the table.
"Nice tune," said Dayna.
"Thank you. I didn't know you were musically talented," replied Nitza, closing the door and crossing the room to where Dayna stood.
"Oh, I'm just full of surprises," said Dayna sarcastically.
"Is there a reason for your visit?" asked Nitza.
Dayna walked over to the keyboard in the corner of the room and began to softly play Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.
"You don't seem to be in any hurry to give up Stirok's body," said Dayna. "Which I can understand, I mean, being able to live out your dreams of composing music and playing it before audiences across the universe."
"Yes," said Nitza, using Stirok's voice and filling it with emotion. "You can't imagine what it's like...after all these years of having to learn astrometrics, engineering, physics. To break free of that environment. To finally accomplish what was left undone in the last lifetime."
Dayna struck a loud discordant note on the keyboard, startling Nitza. "That's just it," said Dayna. "It's not your lifetime to do with what you would. It's Stirok's."
Nitza turned around abruptly. "It's not my fault this accident happened."
Dayna stepped around from the keyboard and stood in front of Nitza.
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Post by Dohlman on Feb 2, 2002 21:27:49 GMT -5
"I think there's something you should know, Nitza," said Dayna.
"Oh? What could you possibly tell me that I would have the slightest interest in?" replied Nitza.
Dayna chuckled. The classic arrogant diva. "You see, Stirok is my mate."
Nitza's brow furrowed as she gazed at Dayna. "What exactly does that mean?" said Nitza.
"It means that every time I see you in Stirok's body, it drives me a little closer to the edge." Dayna moved closer. "It means that if I can't have him, you certainly won't have him."
"Is that a threat?" asked Nitza.
"Oh, no. It's an ironclad guarantee," replied Dayna. "I would have no problem...dispatching you."
"Dispatching me?" Nitza laughed. "Do you think you could dispatch the body of your mate?"
"If not me, then an associate. Think of it, every time you sat at a concert, a poisoned dart could shoot out of nowhere. When you sat down at your dressing table, a gloved hand could reach out for your throat. When you traveled in a runabout, a core breach could cause an explosion. Do you think you could be so creative living under such conditions? Think hard," warned Dayna. Then she turned and stalked out of the room.
Dayna returned to her quarters and paced the floor, trying to calm her anger. She decided meditation would serve the better purpose, and sat down on her bed. When she finished, she dressed for bed, and reclined on her red satin pillow. Life afforded a few luxuries now. She slowly drifted off to sleep and that familiar dream once again captured her thoughts.
Stirok's hands slowly moved across her back as he planted soft, wet kisses on her neck. His mind's tendrils reached out and slowly entertwined with hers. Dayna could feel the heat of Vulcan and breath its light, dry air. The dank prison cell was suddenly transformed into a room overlooking a Vulcan plain. She marvelled at the sensations and let herself fall further into Stirok's mind. As she straddled him, she cupped his face in her hands and tenderly kissed his mouth. He gently rocked her back until both were prone on the soft mattress. He took her, mind and body, and Dayna abandoned herself to him completely. Soon she found herself screaming in perfect Vulcan, understanding none of it.
She awoke the next morning on the hard, dank cot. She saw Stirok standing in the corner and she smiled. She arose and walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. She was greeted with a stony silence, and she withdrew, puzzled.
Dayna woke up, the heartache filling her chest once again. Months ago she would have woken up in tears, crying uncontrollably. But now the heartache was like an old friend, who kept her company through the day, rocked her to sleep at night, woke her up with a renewed vigor.
Dayna knew she wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. She dressed and headed for the holosuite, jiu-jitsu on her mind.
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Post by Tricorder on Feb 3, 2002 16:01:24 GMT -5
Johansson smiled at the afterthought of the concert he had just experienced, but then he also frowned because he knew that Nitza had to go. He understood the consequences, unlike Nitza that was quite reluctant to go back where she belonged. Being a doctor had responsibilities, and one of them was to be confused because of so many details. Johansson was slightly confused. He wondered if Alia's father was also Nitza's father. He thought long and hard and came to the conclusion that their father could talk some sense into Nitza. Nitza had to go. It was not her place in this universe. It was time for someone else to take her place. Stirok would take that place.
He contacted Alia and Nitza's father and had told him to stand by. He then hit his commbadge.
"Doc here. Alia, it's now time. Would you also bring Nitza along with you?"
"I'm not sure she's going to be willing to come, but i'm willing to try."
"Good. I have a little plan to help her along." Johansson smiled, but to his regret, Alia wasn't able to see it.
"Sickbay, here we come.", Alia responded.
Johansson stood in silence. Sickbay can be so quiet at times. Sometimes too quiet. But just in a few moments, his sickbay would become full of emotions. He knew it would be difficult, but it had to be done.
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Post by Ana Ng on Feb 3, 2002 16:41:57 GMT -5
Alia took a deep breath and headed for Nitza's quarters. The concert had left her with a renewed feeling. It seemed like, somehow, through Nitza's music, she felt she could understand her better. The fact that Nitza had performed that last piece, a song obviously written with Jarid Kenek in mind, that Nitza wasn't as far gone as she thought. Maybe, just maybe.
Alia sounded the door chime on Nitza's quarters. Nitza opened the door, looking pale. Well, even more pale than Vulcans normally look.
"Nitza?" Alia said, frowning in concern, "What's wrong?"
"I don't know what kind of people you surround yourself with, Alia," Nitza said in a worried voice, "But perhaps it would be best for you to return to Trill. I don't think you're safe here... and neither am I!"
Alia stepped inside Nitza's quarters, confused. "What are you talking about?"
Nitza sat down, flustered. "One of your officers came to see me a little while ago. She... she threatened me."
"Threatened you?" Alia said, folding her arms in confusion. "Who was it? Tell me what happened."
Nitza relayed her confrontation with D'Aaron. Alia listened, and the Stirok part of Alia's consciousness came to the forefront for the first time since this whole ordeal began.
"Nitza, I am supposed to take you to Sickbay now. However, I think it's going to have to wait for a little while. I'll be back in an hour," Alia said. She placed a hand on Nitza's shoulder. "Don't worry, it's going to be all right."
As soon as Alia was outside of Nitza's quarters, she tapped her commbadge.
"Kenek to sickbay," she said.
[Johansson here.]
"Doc, we're going to have a bit of a delay. I have some business I have to take care of before I rejoin with Nitza."
[Are you certain, Ensign?]
"Yes, Doc. I'm certain. Kenek out."
Alia stood up straight, her poise taking on a Vulcanlike rigidity.
"Computer, locate Dayna D'Aaron."
"Lt. D'Aaron is in Holodeck 3."
Alia took off for the turbolift.
**********
Dayna was engaged in fierce combat with a holographic Nausican when Alia stepped into the holodeck. Dayna was just finishing off the Nausican with brutal precision when Alia cleared her throat.
"Lieutenent... Dayna. We need to talk," Alia said plainly.
"Shouldn't you be in Sickbay?" Dayna asked as she adjusted the tape around her hands.
"Nitza is in no shape to perform a mind meld. She's too frightened to gain the mental clarity she will need."
"Who's talking now?" Dayna asked, sounding slightly annoyed. "It this Alia, or Stirok?"
"I told you, Dayna, we speak together," Alia said evenly.
"Alia never calls me Dayna. It's always 'Lieutenent' or 'sir'," Dayna said, eyeing Alia curiously. "Well, what is it, Stirok? Out with it!"
"Dayna... I understand your feelings must be in an agitated state."
Dayna sighed heavily and laughed lightly. "Now I'm really confused. Stirok doesn't talk about feeling that much."
"You shouldn't have threatened Nitza like that."
"And who's speaking now?" Dayna was obviously beginning to feel more tense.
"We both are," Alia said. "Lieutenent, I appreciate the fact that you were only trying to help. But this is my problem. Do you think I've ever intended to allow Nitza to just live out her days in Stirok's body? I've taken an oath, Lieutenent. An oath more sacred to me even than my Starfleet duties. I will protect my symbiont, and the memories it carries. You should have just let me handle it."
"It seemed like you needed some help," Dayna said, sounding angry. "I mean, look around you, Alia. You're supposed to be in Sickbay right now, but you're not."
"Dayna," Alia said evenly. "I.. appreciate your intentions. It must be very difficult for you to endure this radical change. You have not known Ensign Kenek long. But you have known Stirok for a very long time. You should have trusted his ability, at least to control the situation. And threatening the lives of everyone who gets in your way isn't always the best option."
Dayna stared at Alia. "You really do speak together, don't you?"
"Hopefully, not for much longer," Alia replied quietly. She walked closer to D'Aaron and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I know it has been difficult. But trust me. Trust us."
"I- I'm sorry," Dayna said.
"It is going to be all right," Alia said with a determined nod. "If you'll excuse me..."
Alia left the holodeck, and Dayna stared at the doorway as it disappeared into the holographic simulation.
"Some day," Dayna said aloud, "I'll have to find out just who exactly was saying all those things," she paused. "Computer! Resume program!"
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Post by Ana Ng on Feb 3, 2002 17:18:04 GMT -5
A bit later, Alia and Nitza stood in Sickbay.
"Are you ready, Nitza?" Alia asked.
"I don't know if I can do this," Nitza said quietly. I have no training for this sort of thing..."
"I will guide you through it," Alia said.
"I just don't think I can...," Nitza said doubtfully.
"Before we begin," Johansson said. "I have someone on the commlink who would like to speak to both of you."
Alia looked at the doctor curiously. The doctor pressed a button on the screen and the image of Morvo Brahn, Alia's father appeared on the screen.
"Dad?" Alia said.
"Hello, Alia," Morvo said warmly.
"Um, Dad, meet Nitza," Alia said. "Nitza, this is my father. He's a physician on the Symbiosis Commission."
"Yes, I know...," Nitza said, her voice trailing off. "I remember you.. you removed the symbiont from me... just before I- before I died."
"Yes, I did," Morvo said with a warm smile. "You were so content, I remember. You were dying, but you knew part of you would live on. I remember you saying you were glad you would be able to share in Jarid's experience. You said you always wondered what it felt like to join with someone new."
Nitza looked down. "But my music... there's so much more to be done!"
Alia placed her hands on Nitza's shoulders. "Nitza, don't think of it as giving up your life. You'll always be a part of me, a part of Kenek. We joined Trills.. we know we will continue to live after our bodies wear out and die. Part of us.. will live forever. If you stay in that Vulcan body, you'll have it all to yourself. But what happens once that body dies? You won't have a symbiont to return to. And who knows what will happen then? None of us does. But we do know that if you come back to me, to the symbiont- you will live on."
"Will you- will you continue with the music?" Nitza asked, her eyes welling up.
"I can't make promises," Alia said. "I am in Starfleet, and this is my life. But don't you understand that you're a part of it always? The feel of a ship, maneuvering and flying the space, it's like playing an instrument in and of itself. The tune is just different."
Nitza looked down at the floor. "All right, Alia. I am ready."
Alia cupped Nitza's face in her hand. "I knew you would be." She smiled.
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Post by Dohlman on Feb 9, 2002 13:54:40 GMT -5
Dayna walked back to her room after her rather grueling workout. She made a mental note never to talk about a Klingon's mother again.
Dayna didn't known why Alia had been so put out about her conversation with Nitza. She wouldn't have really killed Nitza...at least not yet, she thought. She unwound the tape from her hands as she strode down the hall to the turbolift, her mind stuck on the previous day's events. Who had told the Ferengi about the telepathic gene and Nitza? She figured she would have to cull all the subspace messages sent to Ferengar for the past 2 weeks just to get a clue.
As the turbolift door slid open, Dayna was greeted with the smiling face of Lt. Brandt. Dayna's eyes widened and she quickly lowered them and hurried onto the lift, immediately turning to face forward.
"Sir," she said. Her upbringing had taught her to respect her elders. Section 31 had amended that habit: Respect your elders, until they get in your way. But Dayna stood in awe of Lt. Brandt. Anyone who could obtain a degree in theoretical astrometrics was a genius in her mind. She had purposely avoided Lt. Brandt in the past, for fear he would try to engage her in conversation that would make obvious her ignorance of the matter.
"Lt. D'Aaron," he replied. He paused, then said, "Are you currently on permanent assignment?"
Oh, no, thought Dayna. "No, sir," she replied, inwardly cringing. "I only help as needed. It leaves me free for my...regular duties."
"Excellent. I need some help in astrometrics. Report there at say, 0900 Monday morning?"
Dayna sighed and bit her lip, then turned to face Lt. Brandt and managed a weak smile. "It would be my pleasure, sir," she replied.
Brandt nodded and smiled in return. "See you then," he said as the lift doors opened and he alighted. As the doors slid shut, Dayna rolled her eyes. Just great, she thought. This weekend she would have to read through thousands of messages, figure out who alerted the Ferengi, dispatch of them, and complete a full review of astrometrics. She figured the first part would be a lot easier than the second part.
She made her way back to her room and called Alpha Centauri to request message logs to Ferengar. They were sent forthwith and Dayna settled down for a long night of reading.
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Post by Dohlman on Feb 9, 2002 14:12:55 GMT -5
After scanning hundreds of messages, Dayna had now become fully versed in the Rules of Acquisition. Machiavelli had nothing on the Ferengi, and they were becoming more sophisticated in their business dealings with each passing transaction. She finally stumbled across a coded message from Andor, arranging a meeting with one named Norg. All of the other messages had used a simple coding pattern, but this one, this one had used a code she had only seen twice before. She had difficulty tracing its exact origin. Its maker definitely knew how to clean his trail, but SI had a few tricks of its own. She finally succeeded. Its source: the Andorian Council.
Andorian Council? Her brow furrowed in confusion. Why would the Andorian...of course. There was a Black Chamber member on the Council, Mortis. He must have used the Ferengi to arrange to have the gene delivered and used Nitza to divert it to Trill. But something must have gone wrong. And why hadn't he just purchased it directly from the Letheans? Dayna had to admit that the tactics of the Black Chamber puzzled her. She was just an errand girl for them, not a full member. And they definitely kept their secrets close to their chest.
She decided she was going to have to pay a visit to Andor. She immediately thought of Thram and rose from her chair.
She rang the chime to Thram's door and after a long while, he opened the door, wiping the sleep from his eyes.
"What are you doing here this time of morning?" he asked, obviously irritated.
"I'm going to Andor. I want to know if you want to ride shotgun," said Dayna as she squeezed past him and entered the room.
"Andor? What on earth for?"
"I'll tell you on the way. You game?" replied Dayna.
"No!" he replied. "Now if you don't mind, I'd like to get some sleep."
"Why not?" asked Dayna, disappointed.
"It's none of your business," he said. "I left Andor a long time ago, and have no desire to return."
Dayna stood looking at Thram and his twitching antennae. She knew he could not be persuaded.
"Suit yourself," she said resignedly. Then she left.
She made her way to the shuttle bay and commandered a shuttle craft. She asked permission from the captain to depart, and he gave it grudgingly. She had to admit that she hadn't seen the captain around lately, and wondered whether it was because of a busy schedule. She shrugged her shoulders and laid in a course for Andor.
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Post by Dohlman on Feb 9, 2002 14:47:16 GMT -5
It would take a while to reach Andor, and Dayna had two choices: sleep or review astrometrics. She reluctantly chose the latter, and told the computer to run a basic tutorial. In fact, she had to run it 5 times over. She was about to run it a sixth time when the computer announced they were entering Andorian space. She sat down in the pilot's chair and sent a coded subspace message to Mortis...and waited.
After a long wait, her console chimed and Mortis' smiling face filled her screen.
"Dayna, I knew you be along presently," he said.
"Oh?" she said.
"Of course. You've always been so resourceful."
"Mind if we talk?" she asked.
"Not at all, my dear. In fact, I look forward to it. Perhaps your position with the Black Chamber will...firm up and arise," he said, dangling the proposition in front of Dayna.
Dayna chuckled. "Just clear me through," she said.
******************************************
Dayna stood in Mortis' receiving chamber and looked around at the priceless oil paintings and 20th-century furniture that dotted the room. She sighed. Mortis certainly lived well. She wondered whether the average citizen lived half as well. Mortis presently appeared, dressed in a blue lounge robe and black silk pajamas, carrying two champagne glasses. He walked over to Dayna and handed her one.
"A toast. To a future properous relationship," Mortis said, then taking a sip of the bubbly liquid. Dayna put hers down on the side table.
"I don't like champagne," she said. "Let's get to the point. Why did you brainwash Nitza and use the Ferengi just to get the Lethean telepathic gene?"
Mortis laughed. "You are a clever one, my dear. And so pretty, too," he said and he took Dayna's chin in his hand. Dayna wrenched away from his touch.
"You used Stirok to get to Nitza," she said. "Why?!"
"No need to get upset my dear. Of course, I couldn't just buy the gene outright. I had to cover my path, and besides, it afforded some sport."
The hairs on the back of Dayna's neck rose and she closed her eyes, then opened them wide. "Sport? You endangered the lives of people and..." She almost said Stirok, then stopped. "For sport?"
"Yes, well, Nitza's programming had become...fuzzy after a particular emotional strain she experienced. We had to find another plan. Stirok was a perfect conduit," said Mortis. He paused. "Do you know him?" he asked.
Dayna glared at Mortis. She didn't know how much he knew, but she surmised that he knew of her relationship with Stirok.
"You sick b a s t a r d," she said. "Stay away from him."
"Is that a threat?" he asked casually.
Dayna hesitated. She knew she could never kill a member of the Black Chamber and live to tell it. She would at least be hunted for the rest of her days.
"The gene you seek is in Nitza's cello on Trill, the Dona Museum. Now go take it and leave Stirok alone. And give me the brain chemical levels that will allow the successful transfer of consciousness," she growled.
Mortis smiled. "You know I could never refuse you, my dear," he said. "But you owe me one."
Dayna grudgingly nodded. Mortis went into another room and returned with a PADD. "This contains the levels that will ensure a successful transfer. But do be careful," he said.
Dayna's eyes narrowed as she snatched the PADD. She turned on her heel and left. She boarded the shuttle craft and made her way back to the USS Archer.
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Post by Tricorder on Feb 9, 2002 19:18:25 GMT -5
"All right, now both of you hold hands", Johansson instructed Alia and Nitza. For Alia, it sure felt strange to hold the hands of Stirok when she knew she was also holding the hands of Nitza. They did as told without delay.
"Ready", they both called in unison. They chuckled a bit and then the time came.
"All right now, hold sti -"
At that moment, the doors violently opened and the sound of heavy boots came into the room with a hint of a pant in the air. Johansson startled, quickly turned his neck towards the door to see what the clatter was all about.
"Doc!", Dayna said as she went up to him and placed the PADD into his hands.
Johansson looked at the PADD and then looked up quizzically at Dayna. "Lieutenant, what is this?"
Dayna spoke into his ear, not wanting to alert everybody. Johansson smiled at Dayna. "Very well, Lieutenant. I can never always be too careful. Your risk should be commended."
He looked at Alia and Nitza. "I'm sorry for the interruptions, girls. This will only take a moment." He went to his computer and entered the information given on the padd for the process of reversing the transfer, then tapped his commbadge. "Thram, would you please join us in sickbay? I think there's something quite interesting you'd like to see."
"Very well", the voice of Thram responded.
Johansson stepped out of his office and towards his patients.
"Alright now. I think i'd like to proceed without further interruptions. Anybody in this room who wishes to object to these proceedings, do so now." He realized that he was sounding a bit like a priest doing a wedding with what he just said, only that this was some seperation and back into a joint. He grinned at the thought.
The room was silent and he heard no objections. Alia, hearing nothing of the sort was very glad, especially considering that Nitza, just a few minutes ago wasn't sure about going through with this. She sighed.
"Ok, Nitza, please concentrate. Concentrate on Stirok. Alia, concentrate on Nitza being back where she belongs."
They both concentrated very hard and for the next 5 minutes, it seemed like nothing was working, but suddenly the body of Stirok stood up. "What am I doing here? What happened? Can someone please explain?" To Johansson, it all felt quite like Deja Vue.
Next, Alia stood up and looked at Stirok. "Nitza?"
"Who is Nitza? Is this a Joke?" Stirok looked very calm, without emotion and everybody finally knew that this was Stirok.
"Ummm," Johansson said as he was trying to find the words to explain what happened to Stirok, "I'm afraid that there's been a little bit of a mixup, concerning you and Alia, and her Symbiont Nitza"
"A Mixup? How Illogical...."
Everyone in sickbay who was watching laughed out loud.
"Do Not Laugh. I fail to see the humour in this situation."
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Post by Tricorder on Feb 9, 2002 19:54:42 GMT -5
"Oh Stirok, it's you!", Dayna said as she approached him. Johansson told her to not come so closely as he wasn't over the shock yet.
"Of course it is me, who did you expect?"
Dayna grinned at the doctor and hesitated to give her reply. "Nevermind. All i know is that I'm glad for you to be YOU again."
"Yes, I suppose I should be glad too, but then again, Vulcans suppress our emotions..."
Everyone laughed again.
"I fail to see....."
Suddenly, Thram walked into sickbay. "Doc? You wanted to see me?"
"Yes", Johansson responded. "My Office."
Johansson walked to his office with Thram following close behind. "Look at this." He pointed at his computer. "Apparently Dayna got this on Andor. Do you know anything about this?
Thram's antannae wiggled a bit as he thought about the info the Doctor had just given him. "You remember the checkup you gave me after I had gotten that message from Andor? After that, I had thought about it thoroughly and decided not to go. Turns out I was right. That Bastard Mortis always had shady dealings and I knew that from his request, he needed me to do something for him. I know my loyalty is with Starfleet, and so I declined his offer. That's probably when he turned to the Ferengi for help."
"But you didn't know about this? You didn't know what he was behind all this?", Johansson replied.
"No, I didn't know. I knew he was shady, but I didn't know that he was behind all this. Had I known, I would of went along undercover with Dayna to get the information with her."
Johansson rubbed his chin, "Hmmm, interesting. Well, you can go now, but remember the debriefing," he said as he smiled at Thram."
They both walked out of his office when Stirok continued to ask questions...
"Will someone please explain?"
"Yes, the Captain will explain everything at the debriefing, Stirok", Johansson replied.
Thram walked over to Dayna. "Good job, Dayna! If I had known what you were trying to do on Andor, I would of helped. I'm sorry I didn't. Maybe next time?"
"Yes, there's always next time," Dayna said as she chuckled.
"Well," Alia said, "I guess everything is back to normal again.... that is, as Normal as things can get on this ship."
Johansson looked up. "Allright, everybody out of my sickbay!. The show's over.You two, stay for awhile. You'll both need to rest."
"Very Normal....", Alia said.
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