**** Laizia ****

After having to tell Odo the whole story of what had happened with Rafko, Okal and Nu'Daq and a checkup from Julian, Jadzia had taken her daughter back to her quarters and insisted she rest. This time, Laizia had not protested about going to bed early. She was tired, from all the running around and also the drug she'd been given.

But Laizia found to her annoyance that she couldn't sleep. She had slept for a couple hours, only to wake up, staring into the dark out her small viewport, after an odd dream where she heard the voices of the three who had taken her calling out something she couldn't understand. Then Nu'Daq's voice saying "we'll get rid of her"....which had jerked her awake.

He hadn't said such a thing of course....not that she remembered. So why was she hearing it in her dream?

Frustrated, Laizia kicked aside her covers and decided to just get up. She found her mother in the front room on the couch.

"What are you doing out of bed?"

Laizia shrugged; her creepy dream was too odd to explain. She crawled up next to her mother, resting her head against Jadzia's side. Her mother put an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close.

"Thank you for telling Odo everything. You did that very well."

"I told him exactly what happened," she answered proudly. After her mother had calmed her down, she had managed to tell him the whole story, start to finish. Of course, there was a lot she didn't know, due to being drugged but Odo had assured her that her part of the story was good enough.

"Yes, you did." Jadzia brushed a strand of hair off her daughter's brow ridges.

A thought popped into Laizia's head, one that hadn't really made itself known until this moment. "Are those people....coming *with* us?"

Her mother sighed. "Yes, they are, Laizia."

*Great, having that meanie Nu'Daq around is going to be like having a grown-up version of Kang around!* Laizia wrinkled her nose. "But will they be nice?"

"I hope so," her mother replied. "I really do."

*I hope so too,* she thought, closing her eyes again.

(-|-)

*next morning*

The hours between 0630 and 0930 were a flurry of activity for Laizia. Her mother was triple-checking everything she, her father and Laizia had packed to make sure they had it all before having it transported to their quarters aboard the Valjean. Kang was trying to make a last minute protest to be allowed to go, which Laizia privately tuned out, until he started annoying her by hiding the carryon bag she was planning to take aboard personally. Luckily, Kira's arrival at 0900 to pick up Kang interrupted what would have been Laizia's attempt to hit him. Upon seeing DS9's first officer and his mother's best friend, Kang grouchily resigned himself to the fact that he was indeed being left behind. He mumbled darkly in six-year-old fashion while his sister flung herself at Nerys for goodbye hugs, then grudgingly accepted the farewells from Laizia and his parents, as well as Kira's promise to take him to the holosuite at least every other day, her schedule permitting, before he left with her.

By 0945, Laizia and her parents were heading for the docking ring where the Valjean was waiting. The turbolift doors opened, revealing the waiting crew.

"Captain on deck!" came the call from Xenia Rafko and everyone straightened up. Laizia watched her father glance down the line before he left the lift and headed into the airlock and onto his ship. Laizia followed with Jadzia, shrinking back when she caught sight of Nu'Daq standing with Rafko and Okal on either side of him. Of all three of them, Nu'Daq scared her the most. She glanced up enough to see Lam're look over the trio coolly, from Okal to Nu'Daq to Rafko--with no outward emotion showing before she turned and guided Laizia through the airlock.

"So we're finally going, Lam're?" Laizia asked once they were in the corridor.

"That's right, Lai. We leave in about an hour."

*An hour....we'll be going away in an hour. And not coming back for a long time.* Part of Laizia was still nervous. But the rest of her knew this trip would be fun. At least she hoped it would be.

**** Rafko ****

The quarters assigned to Okal and I were spare and not particularly luxurious. We each had a shelf and a set of drawers for our belongings and of course, a bed.

"Know who that is?" I indicated the third bed. Okal shook her head.

"No," she said. "I suppose it's a last minute crew adjustment."

"Ah," I said. I finished putting away my things. I had brought only a few things, but it was all right; my possessions were few. Most had been lost or destroyed over the past five years and when this tour of duty on the Valjean was over, I was looking forward to settling *somewhere* for good and knowing that my things were not going to mysteriously disappear or be left behind.

"By the way, Catava," I turned around. "I saw the nightgown... anything you neglected to tell me?"

My friend smirked at me.

"You never know," she said. "You have to be prepared for all situations."

"Well, that will certainly get you *into* a situation," I answered and we shared a smile. It felt good to talk to Okal again; the last few hours, I had felt very detached from her and the rest of the crew. With the exception of Nu'Daq, of course.

Hopefully, how that we were all on the Valjean, that would change and I would get to know my fellow officers much better.

I was arranging my few toiletries when the lights went out.

"Damn!" I said, hitting my head on one of the bunks.

"Okal to Engineering. What's going on?"

"Looks like we lost one of the fusion generators," a thready voice came back.

"Already? We're still in space dock," Okal sighed. "This does not bode well. I'm on my way."

"An engineer's work is never done," I teased her.

"Tell me about it," Okal grumbled, but I knew she liked what she did immensely. "By the way, Xenia, can you check the transporter room for my package? It should be here by now."

"Sure, no problem. I have to go to the sickbay anyway."

We walked a bit of the way together before separating. I went to the sickbay, finding my way by following the emergency lighting on the floor and walls. Once in the sickbay, I took a quick look around; there would time for a closer inspection once the lights came on.

From sickbay, it was off to the transporter room to check on Okal's package. I saw it immediately on the transporter pad; it was about a meter long and maybe half a meter tall. I leaned over and examined the address. It simply read, "Okal Catava, USS Valjean." There was no clue as to who the sender was.

I tried to budge the package off the pad, but it was rather heavy.

"Computer, initiate site to-" hands reached around my waist, pulling me away from the package. "Nu'Daq, please, this isn't-"

A hand clapped against my mouth.

"Do not speak," a rough voice whispered in my ear. I jabbed my assailant in the stomach but his response was to grab me tighter, holding one hand against my mouth and the around my waist.

As he dragged me into a corner, I could see shadowy figures approach the transporter pad and a second later, the package disappeared in a shimmer of transporter beam.

I bit the assailant's hand and his response was to push something cold and pointed against my neck.

"Be quiet," the voice hissed again and I knew him. It was Ghanim, the security guard Okal had harbored earlier suspicions of. She had said she was going to check him out and at this moment, I sincerely wished she had.

The transporter room doors slid open and Ghanim dragged me behind some boxes.

"Where is it?" Okal sounded annoyed as she walked into the transporter room. "Damn Quark. I bet he didn't send it in the first place."

"Or Xenia got it as you suggested," another voice. Katja maybe? I could not tell.

"Perhaps," Okal said. "I'll check the transport logs though first. I can do that from my quarters." They turned and left.

Ghanim's arm tightened around my neck and I felt myself floating; this was unreal. After all I had been through, the crazy situations I had endured, this was where it was all going to end - in a transporter room on a ship filled with people.

There was sharp pain in my side; I cried out as he released me.

And then there were nothing.

**** Kazri Yal ****

The alarm sounded, I rolled over, "Computer, end alarm."

I really should be getting up, we are leaving today. Glancing at the chronometer, I shot out of bed!

"Good Gods! I still have to pack!"

My quarters were in a whirlwind of activity as I hurried to pack, and still get ready to go. Finished, I ran out of my quarters, my duffel bag hitting me on the back with every leap. As it was, I arrived right before the Captain and his family.

Once inside the Valjean, I pulled up my quarter assignment on the main computer. I wandered around, trying to find it, until I finally pushed the open button. To my surprise, I had roommates, Rafko and Okal.

"Good morning." I said cheerfully. "Is anyone using this bunk?" I asked, gesturing to the empty bunk. Rafko shook her head.

"Great, then I guess it's mine." I put my duffel down, and went in search of the Science Lab.

*** Mora Arisone ****

The room swam around me sickeningly as the shuttle craft's transporter was activated. It fuzzed out before my eyes and a moment later what I could only assume was the transporter room of the Valjean, my new ship, began to come into focus. My stomach lurched slightly and I felt my materializing legs go weak beneath me. It was a rare side effect of the transporter that sometimes hit those who had only used one a few dozen times ... like me. I struggled to remain standing as the transport completed. Once the room stopped spinning I surveyed the room quickly and then turned to pick up the two things that had transported beside me. The first, my small duffel bag, the second, my rapier... a weapon that normally existed only in ancient earth history, though I still preferred it to modern devices that I was also still not quite accustomed to.. though I couldn't let my head security officer know that phasers and I weren't quite friends.

As I reached down to retrieve the two items, I heard a cry come from behind me and I whirled around to see a young man bolting towards the door, and a humanoid hand peeking out from behind a stack of boxes. Jumping to conclusions and confident that I could stop the man who had hurt whoever was behind the boxes, I grabbed my rapier and lifted it to hurl it like a spear towards the man. I let out a battle cry, drew my arm back, and jumped forward eagerly. Still dizzy from the transport though, I suddenly lost my footing and fell headfirst onto the floor. I let out a frustrated groan, and then everything around me went dark.

**** Janor ****

As I awoke the next morning, the events of last night came flooding back and that warm, fuzzy feeling that I hate so much came to mind too. I don't really know if I should be complaining because I wouldn't have traded last night for anything. Maybe it was just the excitement that caused the warm feeling, but truth be told, I really didn't care. I did my necessities and left for the Valjean. As I entered the turbo lift, there stood Julian.

"Hello." he said as he moved a little closer.

"Hello to you too."

I dunno why, but things were a little tense this morning. Maybe we were both sub-consciously trying not to get too attached to each other before the mission. I mean, who knows how long we'll be gone?

"I was just coming to say good bye and good luck. I hope it all goes well." he said as he put his arm around me and pulled me a little closer.

"It'll be fine. Besides, I know how to look out for myself." I said with a wry smile.

"I'm sure you do, just promise me one thing?" he said as he looked into my eyes.

"Anything." I said. "Within reason!" I answered quickly, having learned the hard way what "anything" can mean to some people.

"Come back to me in one piece."

I looked him in the eye for a few seconds. This had me a little unnerved. I mean, I have been in my share of relationships before, but none of them had ever cared like this before. There was something in me that screamed that something was going to go wrong with this, but, for once in my life, I ignored my gut feeling.

"Of course I will."

And with that, he pulled me in for one last kiss. Wow! It was like those one's that you always hear about. The ones that touch your soul and leave a longing.

"Umm, can I interest you two in a room?" came a voice through the fog. We broke apart and for the first time that I can remember, I actually started blushing. This probably also had something to do with the fact that it was one of my science officers, Yal I think is her name, that caught us. Shortly after, we were waiting for our Captain and we were on our way.

"Don't forget," he called, "you promised!" That really did me in. I had promised myself that I would just get on the ship and leave, but, that damn doctor had to hold me up again.

"One more for the road." I said as I kissed him, then left for my date with destiny.

When I finally got on the ship. I looked back and he was still there. Good, I can barely go 5 minutes without him! Oh well, I can do this! I have to do this!

"So, wanna tell me how long that has been going on?" Yal asked.

"Never mind, Lieutenant." I said as I tried not to blush again.

"Hey, just wondering." she said as she smiled and walked off. When I got into the turbo lift, I just rested my head against the wall trying to calm down. The visions of the rumors that that one ensign could start was mind boggling. I finally gave up and called for my deck. When I got out, much to my dismay, I found that my quarters were right beside our illustrious Captain and First officers. Can my life get any worse?????

**** Katja ****

I walked into my quarters, relieved that we were finally on our way. For the first time, I had my own quarters-- something I greatly appreciated. As a telepath, I needed a refuge from everyone's thoughts, and as a counselor, I needed to be ready anytime a crew member needed me. I mean, if a suicidal crew member calls me in the middle of the night, I can't exactly say "wait until the morning," can I? I threw my bags on the floor, and headed back out into the corridor to see who my neighbors were. I nearly ran over Okal in the process.

"Oh, hey, Katja! I'm heading down to the transporter room, to pick up a package. Want to come with me?" she asked.

"Sure," I replied, falling into step with her. As we walked down the hall, we chatted idly-- mostly about Nu'Daq and Xenia.

When we got to the transporter room, nothing was there. We figured that Rafko had picked it up, and headed back to our quarters. However, nothing was there, so we walked BACK to the transporter room to see if we had missed it.

I started laughing, "Well! At least we're getting our exercise in!"

We entered the transporter room to find a horrifying sight. A woman-- presumbly one of our fellow officers- lay unconsious on the floor, and a Bajoran officer was sprawled nearby. Nu'Daq was in the corner standing over another prone body-- Xenia.

"What is going on in here?" Okal asked.

"No time to expalin," Nu'Daq said in a rush. "Get that man to the brig, but be careful. I will get Xenia to the sickbay.

"Wait, that's Ghanim. I knew I should have checked him out." Okal turned to me. "Okay, Katja, let's get him to the brig."

We grabbed his arms, and began to lift him up, but something was strange. I felt no thoughts from him, at all. That could only mean one thing... "I'm no doctor, but this man is dead. I think he has swallowed some kind of poison. His mouth is all foamy and his arms and legs are cramped up."

Nu'Daq wasn't paying much attention. He had picked up Rafko, and was heading out the door.

"Do you need any help?" I offered.

"No, I will taker her." Nu'Daq's reply was perhaps a little harsher than necessary, but I didn't blame him.

Okal's gaze had returned to the floor. "Hey, here's my package."

"I wonder what is," I mused out loud. "Or who it's from." My gaze returned to the floor. "Oh! We should get her to sickbay, too." I looked down at the woman in the Starfleet uniform.

The woman groaned. "Don't bother. I'm all right."

"Are you sure?" Okal asked worridly.

She nodded. "It's not the first time I've been knocked unconsious." She stood up. "Oh, I'm Ensign Mora Arsinoe."

"I'm Lt. Katja," I introduced myself. "I'm the counselor"

"I'm Ensign Catava Okal. I'm just a lowly engineer!" Okal laughed.

Arsinoe looked down at the dead man. "Shouldn't we report this to someone?" she asked. "The Chief of Security, maybe?"

Okal and I exchanged a glance. That would be Nu'Daq, and he would NOT be happy about an interruption right now.

"The Captain?" I suggested.

Okal raised her eyebrows. "YOU can contact him if you want to. Personally, I'm trying to avoid him for now."

I grimiced. "True, we probably don't want to call any more attention to ourselves."

Arsinoe was watching us curiously. "What are you talking about?"

"Trust me, you do NOT want to know," Okal answered.

"We have to tell someone," Arsione said.

"I suppose so." I groaned, than looked at Okal. "Well, I'm the senior officer, and technically, I didn't do anything wrong..."

"Except take a weapon from the crime scene," Okal murmured under her breath.

"Oh, yeah. But I don't think he knows about that. I'll contact him." But before I could even touch the commbadge, the body of Ghanim disappeared in a sparkle of light.

Okal sighed in resignation. "Now what?"

**** Nu'Daq ****

As Nu'Daq entered the ship, he felt happy, for the first time in many months. He looked at Xenia walking in front of him, and he was happy. He silently followed her and the other crewmembers heading for the living quarters on deck 5. Xenia and he exchanged smiles, before Nu'Daq turned and entered his room. A small one-man quarter with two rooms. Just his kind of place. He threw his duffel bag on the bed and hastily unpacked his stuff. He was eager to get to the bridge and start his preparations for their journey. He attached his mek'leth to his back, a mek'leth he had been lucky to get a dispensation to carry while on duty.

On the bridge only a few people were present. The captain was sitting in his chair, enjoying the seat, Nu'Daq presumed. Nu'Daq saluted the captain and assumed his position at tactical. He made his overview of the ship, scanned the immediate area of space for unauthorized ships, the usual routine taught to him by the best of the best in the Imperial Klingon Forces.

Suddenly the lights went out. "Report", shouted the captain. "Primary systems offline, cause unknown", Nu'Daq answered. His display beeped. "Captain, an unauthorized transport is taking place from transporter room 2."

"Stop it". There was no need for the captain to ask, Nu'Daq was already working on it. Since the primary systems were offline, Nu'Daq couldn't access transporter controls. Instead he chose to raise shields in order to stop the transport. He had no idea if it would work. He reported it to the captain.

"Nu'Daq, get to transporter room 2 ASAP", Worf ordered. Nu'Daq lowered the shields again.

"Yes sir. Nu'Daq to DS9. Emergency . One to transport to the following coordinates". Nu'Daq relayed the coordinates, and then he felt the transporter beam grip him, and then he materialized outside transporter room 2.

It was all silent. Nu'Daq listened carefully and heard commotion from the transporter room. As he moved closer, the doors opened, and a Bajoran security officer exited in haste. A loud cry was heard from inside the room, and then some sort of sword-like weapon came rolling out of the transporter room.

"Stop", Nu'Daq yelled, but he didn't. Nu'Daq ran after him, and within a few steps he caught up with the running man. As Nu'Daq came close, the officer turned with a drawn knife. Nu'Daq smiled, his blood started to rush, and within a split second he had his mek'leth in his hand.

"bIjeghbe'chugh vaj bIHegh", Nu'Daq whispered. The officer made a jab at him, but it was no challenge for Nu'Daq. Within seconds Nu'Daq had disarmed the man and incapacitated him with a hard blow to the jaw. Nu'Daq let out a loud cry, a warriors cry. He decided to drag the unconscious officer into the transporter room to keep an eye on him, while he searched the room.

As he entered, he saw an unconscious woman on the floor next to a Starfleet duffel bag and a really big package. She was a crew member, but he had never seen her before. He kneeled by her side. Her pulse was steady, no sign of injuries. He raised his hand to his communicator to get a medical team down here. "Nu'Daq to Rafko", he uttered, and a split second later he heard an echo... "Nu'Daq to Rafko" behind him. For a second he was puzzled, he turned to look and saw a person lying behind some boxes. It was Xenia. Nu'Daq got up and rushed to her side. She was unconscious and bleeding badly from a deep knife wound in her side.

He let out a loud "Noooooo".

Anger rose within him. He couldn't bear to lose her, not her! He attended the wound, gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead and whispered: "Don't worry, you'll make it!"

He heard the doors open. It was Okal and Katja.

"What is going on in here?" Okal asked.

"No time to explain. Get that man to the brig, but be careful. I will get Xenia to the sickbay", Nu'Daq said.

"Wait, that's Ghanim", Okal said out loud. "I knew I should have checked him out. Okay Katja, let's get him to the brig."

They grabbed his arms, but something was wrong.

"I'm no doctor", Katja said, "but this man is dead. I think he has swallowed some kind of poison. His mouth is all foamy, and his arms and legs are cramped up."

"Good", Nu'Daq thought to himself, "just too bad I didn't get to kill him".

Nu'Daq kneeled and picked up Xenia, as he had done so many times before. But this time it was serious, her wound was deep, she had lost a lot of blood. "Do you need any help?", Katja asked, but his reply was firm. "No, I will take her".

While Nu'Daq made his way to sickbay, he heard Okal say "Hey, here's my package", but Nu'Daq ignored it. All that mattered now was Xenia. She had to live, she had to survive. She was his reason to live.

In sickbay he was greeted by some ensign, who seemed to be in charge. Nu'Daq gently put Xenia down on a biobed, turned to the ensign and said: "Treat her. And know this; if she dies, you die!"

The poor ensign looked anxious, he was convinced Nu'Daq meant what he said. The ensign pulled out his medical tricorder and examined Xenia. It didn't look good.

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