**** Nu'Daq ****

Nu'Daq felt awful. His whole body was aching. He could barely remain conscious, drifting in and out of a bad dream. For a moment, he thought he saw Xenia and Catava, talking about changing his appearance. He wanted to shout out "Never," but couldn't manage the strength to do so.

He heard Xenia leave the room. Catava came over to him to examine him.

"I'm no doctor", he heard her say, "but this guy is _not_ well."

Nu'Daq wanted to nod in agreement, but couldn't.

Nu'Daq felt really bad. And it could not be due to the injuries. He had been injured before, and never had he been this ill. Something was wrong, something was very wrong.

---

Xenia materialized in the sick bay with Katja. She pulled out her medical tricorder, her reliable little friend, which was always nearby. Bashir looked at her with his usual smug grin: "We got to stop meeting like this," but one look from Xenia made him shut up and leave her with her patient.

"Strange", Xenia said aloud to herself. "I can find no apparent injuries or illness. A plague, she said?" Xenia went to get a microcellular scanner. "This gotta do it. If there is something wrong with Katja, this will find out..." Xenia initiated the scan. "Hmmmmm, what's this? Some kind of sub-DNA residue?" Xenia looked at the scan for a few moments and was stunned. "Oh my god! This is bad, this is really bad. I got to talk to Nu'Daq......"

She rushed off towards Catava's quarters...

---

Nu'Daq was sitting in Catava's chair, halfway conscious. Catava did her best to help him, brought him water, tried to make him comfortable.

"What's taking Xenia so long? She has to come back and look at Nu'Daq...."

At that moment the doorbell chimed.

"Enter!" Catava said out loud with a slight shivering voice - this had been a really strange evening, so she would not be surprised, if it was a Jem'Hadar soldier looking for her... Luckily it was Xenia.

"Good to see you, Xenia, you have t.."

"Not now, Catava, this is urgent." Xenia responded with an unintended harsh voice.

Xenia went to Nu'Daq and pulled out a hypospray. "Okay, Catava, I have to wake him. It is probably dangerous, it could kill him, but I must talk to him..."

Catava opened her eyes wide in astonishment. "What are you talking about? It could kill him? What are you doing?"

Xenia looked at her with her beautiful eyes, a look that said: "I know, I'm worried to, but I have to do it."

She put the hypospray to Nu'Daq's neck and pushed the release button. At that moment she heard herself think: "What have I done....."

{a moment of suspense.....}

Nu'Daq opened his eyes, he felt stronger, but definitely not well. He looked into a beautiful face with a pair of pretty eyes. And slowly Xenia's face appeared. Once again a strange mixture of feelings overwhelmed him, but he was a Klingon. He managed to hide it!

"Commander!" he saluted silently, almost whispering.

"Nu'Daq, my friend. We are not on duty, call me Xenia., Xenia responded.

"As you wish, commander, I mean Ma'am, Xenia...."

Xenia looked at him. "You have to help me, Nu'Daq. I just found Katja very ill and probably dying in her quarters. She talked about 'the plague'. And I found a sub-DNA residue in her blood stream. What's going on?"

Nu'Daq considered the situation for a moment. These information were classified, how could Katja know about the plague? Had she scanned him with her telepathic powers? If so, this was not very honorable. Should he tell Xenia? Giving up classified information to save himself from a dishonorable death? And risk being dishonored for breaching his word to Klingon Intelligence? He decided to tell Xenia.

"It is a genetically engineered sub cellular viral agent. It attacks the neural pathways in the brain, it is very deadly and kills within 24 hours. It was manufactured by the Cardassians during the Klingon-Cardassian war many years ago, and it only affects Klingons. La'Zra must have brought it to kill me. It seems also to affect half-Klingons....."

Xenia was astonished. How could this be?

"How do I treat it?" she asked Nu'Daq.

"I do not know, I'm a warrior, not a doctor", Nu'Daq said with a smile, that lasted only for a brief moment. Xenia and Catava looked at each other. What now?

**** Laizia ****

From the door of the Andorian's shop, Laizia watched her mother head back towards the Infirmary. She wondered why her mother looked worried and why Dr. Rafko had insisted on scanning her when she wasn't sick. There had been some whispers about "mita-een", whatever that was.

Laizia hoped it didn't mean she was sick with some new disease! Then she'd have to stay here after the Valjean left! Not that she minded Aunt Nerys and Odo--she liked them both, even if Odo often acted like that "Grinch" from an old Earth fairytale Julian had read to her once. Except around Aunt Nerys when they were alone....then they acted like she'd seen Lam're and Daddy act. But she'd be stuck here with Kang!

Laizia's train of thought was interrupted when she caught sight of Dr. Rafko and two others she didn't recognize leaving the Infirmary. Her turquoise eyes narrowed thoughtfully. *If Dr. Rafko's supposed to be talking to Lam're, why is she leaving with those people?* Her promise to Jadzia temporarily forgotten, Laizia left the Andorian's shop and started to follow them.

**** Rafko ****

Okal spoke first, breaking the silence.

"Okay, we don't know what's going on here," she said. "But we do know that Nu'Daq could be dead in less than twenty-four hours and that is not an acceptable outcome."

I arched an eyebrow at Okal and she shrugged.

"So we need a cure," I stated unconvincingly, my eyes glued to the crazy readings on my tricorder.

"That's your job, not mine," Okal said. "If you want to hotwire a ship or force open a holodeck, now that I can do."

"Well," I eyed my patient with trepidation. Nu'Daq had been acting strangely for the last few days and it really irked me that he had known so much about this curious plague which had affected Katja but had never bothered to tell me about it. "You have anything else you want to share with me, lieutenant?"

The formality in my voice got Nu'Daq's attention and he said, "I cannot tell you more without dishonoring my house and my family."

"You'd rather die?" Okal spat out the words.

"Today is a good day to die," Nu'Daq said firmly.

"Oh please," Okal rolled her eyes. My friend had very little use for Klingon rituals; I agreed with her.

"I should get back to Katja," I said. "I left her so suddenly, Julian must be confused."

"What about a cure?" Catava asked.

"There is a cure," Nu'Daq said unexpectedly. "It is in the possession of Sirella."

"Sirella?" I frowned. "Why, in the Prophets name, would Sirella have such a cure?"

Nu'Daq's expression grew very serious, "It is well-known among my people that in her quest for power, Sirella will do anything. She is determined to rule Kronos herself, without Martok."

Not being up on Klingon politics, none of this made sense to me, but I could tell by the look on Okal's face that she understood everything Nu'Daq was saying.

"And so she is killing off those who don't support her..." Catava realized.

"And that's what Katja was trying to tell me," I said softly.

"That doesn't explain La'Zra or the other woman," Catava shook her head. "All too many Klingons and Cardassians for me..."

"Given La'Zra's dubious past and connection with Sirella, I don't think it's an accident she showed up on the station at precisely the same time as the plague. That's a little too perfect for me," I said.

"We must have a plan," Nu'Daq said stiffly.

"You, lieutenant, are in no shape to go anywhere," I told him. "In fact, I'm confining you to the Infirmary. I don't want you or Katja running around this station anymore than you already have."

Nu'Daq bristled, obviously hating my suggestion.

"What's the plan?" Okal asked, obviously excited and wanting to proceed.

"You and I go ask Sirella for the cure," I smiled.

"I'm sorry I asked," Okal groaned, but she was grinning too. Nu'Daq didn't seem happy to be excluded, but in his present weakened condition, he would be more of a hindrance than an asset.

I injected Nu'Daq with some painkillers and helped him to his feet. He leaned heavily on my arm as we walked out of Okal's quarters.

"So what are we going to do, steal a runabout?" Okal asked in a low voice.

"That's the general idea," I smiled. "You said you could do that..."

"That was a joke," Okal objected. "One you should not have taken seriously."

"Where are you going?"

The three of us stopped in our tracks and turned slowly around. Laizia, Daughter of Worf, stood there, her hands akimbo to her hips.

"Nowhere exciting," I said.

"You said something about stealing a runabout," she pointed out. "That's not right. You have to sign them out. You can't just steal one. I'm going to tell."

Before she could reach for her little communicator, Nu'Daq had grabbed Laizia and injected her with a sedative. The girl immediately slumped. I stared at Nu'Daq, my eyes wide with shock.

"Where did you get that?" I asked, trying to restrain my fury.

"I took it from your medical kit," he said. "She would betray us."

"This is not good," Okal groaned.

"You're telling me," I answered.

"We take the child with us," Nu'Daq said gruffly.

"We?" I asked. "We? You're not coming with us..."

"I am now. You will not leave me behind when my honor is threatened."

Okal shrugged; no support from her. I didn't blame her - who wanted to argue with an angry Klingon?

"All right," I shrugged. "Let's go."

**** Okal ****

I had grabbed a uniform from my sofa before we exited my quarters.

In the hallway, I just witnessed something that could possibly get us all expelled from Starfleet and serving time on the penal asteroid Rura Penthe. We kidnapped not only our Captain's daughter, but the daughter of Chancellor Martok's closest friend.

"This is not good," I groaned.

"You're telling me," Rafko answered.

"We take the child with us," Nu'Daq said gruffly.

"We?" Xenia asked. "We? You're not coming with us..."

"I am now. You will not leave me behind when my honor is threatened."

I shrugged; I was not about to argue with an angry, drugged up Klingon.

"Well, we better get going... where ever that is." I headed us in the direction of the turbolift, cautiously peeking around every corner on the way there. Xenia was carrying Laizia. It merely appeared she was resting her head on the good doctor's shoulder while asleep. Nu'Daq would stumble a bit here and there, and you could hear him utter some vague Klingon profanities, which I'm sure couldn't be picked up by the universal translator.

Once inside the turbolift I needed to get out of my sleepwear. It certainly wasn't Starfleet issue, and I wasn't prepared to explain my nightly satin attire to every passersby. Odd enough we may have to explain Laizia's presence.

"Okay guys. Turn around please." I feigned a smile.

As quick as I could I disrobed. My knee-length satin gown was rumpled on the floor. The straps were getting caught in between my toes while I dressed.

"How do you propose, doctor, that we steal a runabout?" Nu'Daq asked. He didn't turn to look at her. Instead his gaze was fixed straight ahead.

"Well, Okal could override the security protocols, and transmit a false signal through the computer system to make it appear that nothing is amiss." She sounded confidant in my abilities. I desperately hoped that would rub off on me.

"Well, first we have to get to a runabout, let alone steal it." I interjected. Nu'Daq looked back at the sound of my voice but quickly changed direction when he glimpsed the bare skin of my left arm. I finished with the upper torso part of my uniform in a second, reached into the inner pocket and retrieved a simple hair tie. Always good to be prepared. "And I think I know how to do that,." I said with the hair tie in my mouth.

With that my two conscious companions looked back at me.

"How?" was all Nu'Daq asked.

"Last year, Quark was getting into arms dealership. As always, he was misinformed, duped you could say. When I found out through a freighter captain friend of mine that his shipment of Andorian mind-bombs were actually defunct shells, I saved Quark from the wrath of a rowdy Naussican sect. He owes me a favor for that, and I think now would be the best time to collect."

"I never knew you had such a ... criminal ... background," Xenia stated, almost in shock.

I shrugged as I pulled my hair back. "It helps keep me on my toes. It was all accidental anyway. If I hadn't overheard Quark talking with his cousin Gant about his dealings I'd never have had this favor to collect. I just fell into it." I paused a moment. "What should we do with Laizia?"

"We can't take her to her mother. She'd demand why she's unconscious. What about Vic?" Xenia asked.

"Does he even like children?" I asked.

"It makes no difference. The child stays with the hologram. It is the only choice until we can secure transport," Nu'Daq stated. This was obviously important to him. I just hope it could all be resolved with out a prison sentence. Maybe Vic could convince her she had wandered off and was just dreaming.

I sighed, somewhat heavily. All my dreams of being in Starfleet, working for something good and noble, seemed farther and farther out of reach as the prospect of a vagabond life of an outlaw permeated what seemed to be my near future. I glanced at my friend. Her expression held the same despair. But despite all that, we were willing to risk it all to go to the aid of a friend whom we knew innocent.

As we stepped out of the turbolift, I opened a small panel inside. I threw in my night gown and comm. badge. "Give me your comm badges. We don't need security tracing us."

Nu'Daq handed me his, dropping it first. Xenia gave me hers as well. I put them in and resealed the hatch. Nu'Daq started down the hallway. Xenia gently rubbed Laizia's head while she slept a dreamless sleep. As we rounded the first corner, I vaguely saw the figure of a man turning right a few meters ahead. He didn't see us, but I recognized him instantly. It was our friendly neighborhood security officer Ghanim.

"Nu'Daq, Rafko, I whispered, motioning them back around the corner. "This way."

Once we were a few halls down Xenia asked "What was that all about?"

"Don't you recognize him? That's the security officer. Remember the one I told you about, Ghanim?" I was getting antsy and waving my arms in the air.

"Ah.." was all Xenia had to say.

"I didn't have much time to check up on him, but while Nu'Daq was drifting in and out of sleep while you were with Katja, I did a little background check. His name is Ghanim Waalid." Xenia stopped in her tracks and the look of complete astonishment adorned her face. She apparently knew the background of this character. At this point I was pretty much filling in Nu'Daq on the sketchy details. "He goes by the name Ghanim Tamiron ... supposedly due to some vision with the prophets. I think it conveniently hides his military track record. He was rising in the Bajoran military until a scandal broke out about him helping the Cardassians during the occupation which caused the deaths of fifteen resistance leaders. He was kicked out of the military and tried to pursue a life in the Religious society of Bajor, until he disappeared. He's been everywhere from Romulus to Kronos in that time, until three days ago when he..."

"...arrived on Deep Space Nine, at the same time La'Zra did." Xenia finished my sentence for me. "Well, this just keeps getting more interesting," she said.

Laizia started to stir a bit in her sleep.

"I think we'd better hurry. I hope Quark has some good tricks up his sleeve." She said. With that we hastened our pace. She held on to Laizia, and I supported Nu'Daq. I hoped we weren't running out of time.

**** Nu'Daq ****

Okal, Rafko and Nu'Daq headed for Quark's, but Nu'Daq was still concerned. Since Katja was only half-Klingon, the illness might be more serious and harmful to her, it might even kill her quicker.

"Xenia, let me see your medical scan of Katja."

Xenia looked at him with a curious look on her face. "Now?"

"Yes, now!" Nu'Daq replied. Xenia handed it to him while pointing out the obvious fact, that he was not a doctor. Nu'Daq just grunted in return.

Nu'Daq looked at the scan as they walked, and it concerned him. It seemed, the plague had progressed more rapidly in Katja. And although he was not a doctor, as Xenia had pointed out, he was convinced Katja had less than 24 hours to live. Maybe even as little as 18 hours. And it didn't take a math whiz to figure out, that they would never make it to Qo'noS in time in a runabout. Nu'Daq stopped walking....

Okal and Rafko looked at him. "What's wrong?" Okal asked. "Are you ill?"

"No", Nu'Daq replied untruthfully. He could feel the viral agent work in his body, but he had to shut out that feeling. And his shipmates' concern for him was making him uneasy, especially _hers_. All in all he was feeling as bad as never before, and only his strong will kept him on his feet.

"We have to change our plans. Follow me." Nu'Daq started walking in another direction. Okal and Rafko, with Laizia on her arms sleeping peacefully, followed him.

"Where are we going, Nu'Daq? What's going on?" Rafko asked, but Nu'Daq was silent. Suddenly she stopped. Nu'Daq and Okal turned to look at her. She looked _very_ mad. Who would have known, that the gentle woman they all knew as Xenia Rafko could look so dismayed.

"Either you tell us everything you know, or it all ends here. We are in this together, and I demand, that you tell us everything!" she said harshly, looking Nu'Daq straight in the eyes. Had it been anyone else, Nu'Daq would have been silent, but he felt, he had to tell her....

"Okay, Commander, as you wish." Nu'Daq didn't look to happy about the situation, Rafko thought to herself, feeling a little grin coming to her. Sometimes she even surprised herself.

"Of course I have no evidence for all of this, but here is the situation as I see it. Sirella has for a long time sought to rule the Empire single-handedly. And she has proven, that she will do anything to get the power. She has been speaking against the peace agreement between the Dominion and the Federation, urging Martok to take the war into the Gamma Quadrant in order to destroy the Founders. I believe she has made a ploy to disrupt the peace talks. She is using La'Zra to carry out her plan, to plant a bomb on the Valjean. However, La'Zra didn't succeed, because I recognized her. Unfortunately, Sirella believes I am a threat to her plans due to some details in our common past, so La'Zra furthermore brought the virus in order to kill me - and it was mere accident, that Katja also was infected. As far as I can tell Katja only has about 18 hours before she dies. And in order to get to Qo'noS before that, we have to take the Valjean. If we can get to the bridge, we can release a sedative into the air, making the skeleton crew unconscious. We beam them off the ship, beam Katja onboard and head for Qo'noS as fast as we can."

Okal and Rafko seemed ready to faint. To steal the flagship of the Federation the three of them. That was plain crazy. But Katja's life was at stake. And explaining the situation to Odo, Sisko and Worf would just take too long. And who would believe them.

"Can you get us to the bridge?" Rafko asked, looking at Nu'Daq. He nodded.

"What about Laizia?" Okal asked. "We can't bring her with us..."

Nu'Daq looked at the little girl. "We have to bring her with us. If she's onboard, the Captain will be more reluctant to attack us, if he should catch up to us...."

"Oh my god, what are we doing here?" Rafko thought to herself.

But the four of them with little Laizia resting on Rafko's arm started to walk towards the Valjean. Without being noticed the reached the ship and entered through the docking bay. One of Nu'Daq's security officers was guarding the entrance, but her merely nodded at Nu'Daq and let us pass.

Inside the ship they headed for the nearest turbolift. "If only none of the senior officers are on the bridge, everything should work out fine. But who should be there at this time of day?" Nu'Daq said, as they entered the turbolift.

"Bridge". The turbolift started it's gentle trip to the bridge. It hummed soothingly, making Okal and Rafko almost forget the precarious situation they were all in. The turbolift stopped, and the doors opened. And they looked right into the face of Captain Worf. Worf's expression changed from surprised to angry, as he saw little Laizia on Rafko's arm.

"What are you doing here? And what is my daughter doing here with you?" Worf asked harshly, the anger in his face growing....

**** Worf ****

Worf would never, ever, EVER admit it...well, perhaps to Jadzia...but he couldn't wait to get on the Bridge of the Valjean. Finally, his Captaincy.

Jadzia and Laizia hadn't been gone long before Worf stood from his seat. "Kang, come here."

The boy stood from where he'd been doing some homework in the room he and Laizia shared. "Yes, Vavoy?"

"I am going to the Valjean for a short time. If you finish your homework, you may go to the Holosuites." The boy nodded, grinned, then returned to his work.

Worf was on the Bridge of his ship within a few minutes. He was very near to smiling...had Jadzia been there, she most certainly would have accused him of it.

He was sitting comfortably on the Captain's chair, going over pre-departure reports when the Comm chirped on.

The Klingon immediately caught the worry in his wife's voice. He slapped his combadge. "Worf here. What is it, Jadzia?

Worf stood up and began heading for the turbolift. "I will check with the Security officers--" He stopped short as the turbolift doors opened.

He found himself looking at three officers--three of HIS officers, no less--the names of Rafko, Nu'Daq, and Okal immediately leapt to mind.

His surprise quickly turned to anger, seeing Rafko carrying a sleeping (Or is she unconscious? Worf thought) Laizia.

"What...are you doing here? And what is my daughter doing here with you?" Worf growled.

<Worf, what's going on?> came Jadzia's voice, from the still-open commlink.

"I found Laizia."

**** Rafko ****

There's a point when an evening gets *too* exciting.

Heck, it wasn't even evening anymore; the last time I had checked the time, it had been close to 2600 hours. And for what was supposed to be a fun, relaxing evening, there had been just way too many revelations - so many so that my brain was starting to reel from information overload.

Plus, I had fully expected to spend the night dancing, not running all over Deep Space Nine lugging - and I do mean, *lugging* - the daughter of my commanding officer all around the station.

When this is all over, I vowed, Okal, Nu'Daq and I are going to have a *serious* conversation.

But that would be after Captain Worf threw us all into the brig, of course.

I had very little interaction with the Captain and his wife since coming on board Deep Space Nine eighteen months ago and part of that was because of my own hidden agenda.

Thinking back about Okal's sudden confession about her shady background made me realize that my friend and I had more in common than she knew.

I had been in bad situations before and somehow always managed to get lucky, to remove myself from danger. However, I didn't really see a clear way to explain the current situation to Captain Worf, who very obviously did not have a sense of humor. He certainly would not appreciate us planning to steal his ship.

"Can you explain what's going on?" Worf growled as I thankfully deposited Laizia into the First Officer's chair.

Nu'Daq and Okal both looked at me. I sighed.

"Doctor?" Worf asked sharply.

They say it's often best to tell the truth; however, I didn't even understand the truth myself. So I decided to dissemble instead.

"We just wanted to check out the ship, Sir," I said. "Prior to our departure tomorrow. Wanted to make sure everything was as it should be."

"And Laizia?" Worf growled.

"We found her asleep," I answered, hoping that Worf didn't ask *where* we had found Laizia sleeping. I was starting to get really irritated with Nu'Daq because his actions had put us in a very bad spot with our commanding officer.

I can't say that I wanted to be a loyal Starfleet officer; Starfleet simply is a means to an end and accepting the posting on the USS Valjean brought me closer to my goal. Up until this very moment though, my service record had been good and now because of a Klingon's irrationality, I could possibly face a court martial.

I felt especially bad for Okal since I knew her career meant everything to her. Me, I would just go join the Maquis again. I didn't know what Catava would do though. As for Nu'Daq, well, he was a Klingon and would probably fall on his bat'leth or something to prevent dishonor.

"I'm waiting, Doctor," Worf said impatiently.

"I understand how this must look," I said smoothly. "I can explain everything, I promise."

"We do not have time for this!" Nu'Daq thundered. I turned towards him and put my hand lightly on his arm. "Lieutenant," I said. "Please."

"The evening just got a little out of hand," Okal said pleasantly. "It's hard to explain."

At that moment, I felt the familiar grip of the transporter beam and a second later, I materialized on the bridge of a Klingon ship.

I turned to see Nu'Daq and Okal standing with me.

"Lieutenant," I said angrily.

"There is no time," he said tersely. "Katja has only eighteen hours and Sirella must be stopped."

"Whose ship is this?" Okal wondered out-loud.

Her question was answered a second later when General Martok appeared.

**** Jadzia ****

Generally, I'm a calm person. I've even, on occasion, been accused of being unperturbable. That was before Laizia and Kang were born. After leaving the woman who might or might not be my sister in Julian's tender care I headed into the Andorian shop where - no doubt - Lai had found some little trinket or candy or something... She wasn't there.

After running next door to double-check the infirmary and even Garak's - for some reason my baby girl and the spy/tailor got on very well. Not there.

"Computer locate Laizia Rozhenko." Why didn't I do this first? Honestly sometimes I'm -

The computer interrupts my reverie, "Laizia Rozhenko is not on the station." Worried obscenities in about 20 different languages flash through my mind. Panic sets in. I do the only thing I can to.

"Dax to Worf, please respond."

I bite my lip and tell him simply, "I can't find Laizia! She was in the Andorian's shop while I was in the Infirmary. And the computer tells me she isn't even on the station. Do you think she accidentally wandered on to the Valjean?"

PLEASE let her be on the Valjean... please... any God who's listening make my little girl be ok... please...

"Worf, what's going on?" That just sounded ominous as anything.

"On my way..." I closed the link. "Computer locate Captain Worf."

"Captain Worf is not on the station." In another situation I'd have smiled... he was on his new ship... sentimentalist...

"Dax to Ops, one to beam to the Valjean." Ok, so it was sort of taking advantage, but I was frightened for my baby.

I materialized just outside the Bridge. I could hear the conversation carrying on inside.

//"The evening just got a little out of hand. It's hard to explain."// someone was saying pleasantly.

Well, sweetheart, you'd better try because I want explanations and I want them right now! I clasp my hands behind my back to give the appearance of calm and enter the Bridge.

Three people dematerialize right in front of me. Its instinct - I leap the four or five steps to the science console and get a lock on where they went.

"They're on the Rotarran, parmachai..." I can see Laizia laying in my chair, unconscious and my eyes narrow. No way could she have fallen asleep that quickly. Someone had a lot of explaining and possibly some bleeding to do. I've been around Klingons too long...

**** Takei ****

RED ALERT, RED ALERT, blazed over the ship's intercom. Lt. Ruk Takei springs out of his bunk.

"Lights bright," he states. The room is engulfed in brightness all at once, closing his eyes tight for a few moments he opens them slowly. Moving over to the table where his cloths await, Takei dresses quickly, exiting his room on the run, moving toward the sick bay on the deck above this one.

Dashing into the sickbay, he spots his boss Lt.Commander Doug Kolkman ( the first Betazoid CMO that went through Starfleet Academy Medical branch in only two years instead of the four years most cadets endure.) "Computer Emergency Medical Program," says Kolkman.

"Doug what is going on?" asks Takei. With the sound of alert in the background others enter the room. "Kolkman to bridge," his fingers tapping the combadge on his chest.

"Bridge " replies the First Officer.

"Ben, what is going on up there?" "

The fleet is under attack form a Borg sphere" Ben explains.

The fleet consists of the U.S.S. Repulse, U.S.S. Lexington, both excelsior class. U.S.S. Zhukov, the only ambassador class ship left from the battle of Wolf 359. The U.S.S. Compenicus, U.S.S. Yosemite, both oberth class. And the medical ship U.S.S.Endeavor, which now is on full alert, with its medical crew on standby.

Takei moves around the sickbay, placing hyposprays and other medical equipment on the trays next to each medical bed. With the sickbay now fully staffed, including the EMH being activated, they are now ready for what ever comes there way.

"Ben" Ruk asks.

"Yes?"

"I want to be on the first response medical team."

"Why?"

"I need the experience Ben."

"Ok Ruk, you're on the first team."

A few moments pass by, and then, "Sickbay medical emergency on the bridge!"

"Lets get moving people" shouts Ruk.

"Lt.Takei, Lt.Takei?" in a loud voice "LT.TAKEI!" Quark almost shouts. Moving his head upwards Takei comes out of his trance. "Lt. Takei would you like another ginger beer?"

Brushing his hands over his forehead that's drenched in sweat.

"No ..No thank-you."

Standing up moving out of Quarks bar. Takei walks into the promenade and looks around. Taking the stairs two at a time, he moves to the portal. Looking out towards the wormhole, then drifting back into his memories. The ones he tries so hard to forget.

**** Nu'Daq ****

"Whose ship is this?" Okal wondered out-loud.

Her question was answered a second later when General Martok appeared.

Nu'Daq kneeled before him. "Sir, I am honored by your presence", he said, looking down to the floor before Martok. Okal and Rafko were a bit amazed, they had never thought Nu'Daq would kneel before anyone. But then again, Martok was the Chancellor of the Klingon Empire. "Get on your feet, Nu'Daq", Martok said with a slight grin. "Explain all this to me. What is going on?"

Nu'Daq rose to his feet and looked at Martok. Nu'Daq had always admired Martok, to Nu'Daq Martok was a great warrior, a war hero from the Dominion War and the ruler of the Empire.

"Sir, I did not expect to see you here. I don't want to trouble you with my personal dealings.", Nu'Daq said, but was interrupted by Martok, who put his arm on Nu'Daq's shoulder, as if they were brothers. "Our houses have been good friends for centuries. Of course I will help you in your time of need. Especially if Sirella has something to do with it. My, my. Sirella can be hardheaded sometimes. That's what makes her so attractive, you know?!" "Yes, sir. She is a powerful woman."

"So tell me. Your message said, that she was planning to sabotage your mission. What has she been up to now?", Martok asked.

"I sent you a message because I recognized one of Sirella's old 'friends' on the station. She was meeting with strange people and plotting against us. And I wanted to inquire, whether you knew anything. I was at the time not sure of her plans, but now I know more. In her effort to stop the peace talks she has infected me and one of my friends with 'the plague' ", Nu'Daq said. "And I'm afraid you have just been infected too. You shouldn't have come here" Martok removed his hand abruptly from Nu'Daq's shoulder. "Not very honorable of her, I must say", Martok said with a grinding voice. "How do we cure it?"

"I believe Sirella herself holds the anti-dote. In case she got infected herself by accident."

Martok looked relieved. "We must get to her at once then. To cure the plague and to face her. We cannot allow these peace talks to be futile. I know a part of the Klingon Empire wants the war to continue, but we would be warring ourselves to death. The Dominion War was hard on our fleet, only half of it is left. And a continuation would mean the destruction of the Empire."

Martok uttered some quick orders in Klingon, and moments later the seemingly lifeless body of Katja appeared on the bridge. The familiar sound of a Klingon cloaking shield engaging appeared, and seconds later the ship took off at high speed towards an unknown destination.

****

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sound of a Klingon cloaking shield engaging appeared, and seconds later the ship took off at high speed towards an unknown destination.

To be continued....

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