The Starfleet Academy Adventures By: Christine Schnell

Whirlwind

Jenifer Sandara and DeArra Kiljian were sitting in their dorm rooms separately studying as normal when the door chime rang. "Come." Jenifer called absently immersed in her notepad.

The door opened and to Jenifer's and DeArra's surprise Arron Steele stepped through them. DeArra jumped up and ran to him nearly knocking a chair down in the processes. "What are you doing here? I thought you were on the Yorktown."

"I was but we had to stop off at Earth, to pick up Admiral Jenkins." Arron told her and glanced at Jenifer then kissed DeArra quickly.

"Why is Admiral Jenkins leaving Earth?" Jenifer asked concerned, after all he was her father.

"Because of the situation on Beta Nomi. They wanted an experienced diplomat. So he volunteered." Arron and DeArra walked over to the couch and sat down opposite Jenifer.

"Why didn't he tell me?" Jenifer wondered.

"He probably didn't want you to worry. I heard the situation on Beta Nomi is pretty bad." DeArra told her. She turned to Arron. "So how long do you get to stay?"

"Not for that long. Just until he is ready." Arron explained.

"I should go talk to him." Jenifer stood.

"Jenny it's okay, he'll get back fine." DeArra reassured her.

"No, I just want to go talk to him. I'm not worried about him at all." Jenifer told her.

"Sure." DeArra murmured as Jenifer walked out.

***

Jenifer opened the hatch on her cruiser and hoped out. As she walked up to the door Admiral Jenkins walked out. "Where do you think you're going young lady?" The Admiral asked jokingly.

Jenifer smiled, "Nice to see you too, dad. I just came by to ask why you are going to Beta Nomi."

He put his bag down on the ground and walked up to Jenifer. "Because they need me there."

"That's not a good enough reason. There are plenty of experienced diplomats in the galaxy. Certainly, a lot that are closer to Beta Nomi than you are. So I ask again, why are you going to Beta Nomi?" She crossed her arms in her stubborn manner.

"I'm bored Jenifer. I've been confined to this planet for the past six years. Did you know that I have not left this planet not even for a vacation. Besides I know the culture on Beta Nomi and I can help more than any other diplomat the at hasn't even been there." He hugged her. "I've got to go."

"I'll drive you." They walked over to the cruiser but said nothing more until they approached the Academy. Jenifer spoke up, "How come I had to hear you were leaving through Arron and not you?"

"That's because I didn't want you to come to my house and give me a ride to the Academy." He said with a smile.

"Ha, ha. Very funny. Seriously, why didn't you tell me?" She asked as they started to slow down to park.

The admiral thought about this for a minute then said, "I didn't want you to worry about me. I don't know if I will come back." He looked at her to see her response.

"And what am I supposed to do while you're gone? Especially if I wouldn't have known where you went. Those people are dangerous. You could get killed." Jenifer stopped the cruiser and got out.

"You don't need to worry. I will have many security guards." He explained.

"I would still feel better if I could go with you." They walked into the Academy and to his office.

Admiral Jenkins smiled. "I wish you could go with me as well but I can't risk losing such a bright cadet."

Arron arrived to greet them on their way into the building. "Admiral. The Yorktown will be leaving in fifty minutes. Would you like me to take your bags to the transporter room?"

"Thank you Lt. I will be there in thirty minutes." Arron left and Jenkins turned back to Jenifer. "I still have some work to do, so I guess I will see you when I get back." He gave her another hug and she walked out not enthused about the entire situation.

***

"So what did your father say?" DeArra asked as Jenifer walked into their room.

"What I expected him to say. That he is going and there's nothing I can do to stop him." Jenifer said as she sat down on her bed. Stephanie walked in shortly after.

"Hi girls. What's going on?" Stephanie asked.

"You missed Arron, and Jenifer's dad is going with him on the Yorktown." DeArra reported the news.

"Why?" Stephanie asked looking at Jenifer.

Just as Jenifer was about to answer, the com bellowed out. "All cadets under command of Admiral Steele, report to conference room four."

"Looks like you're going to get your answer right now, Stephanie." Jenifer replied and pointed to the door.

The girls walked out into the corridor where they met Darian and Jason. "Hi girls." Jason said in his casual manner. "Why are we being called to the conference room?"

"Don't know." Steph said simply.

"I heard Arron was back on Earth." Darian told them.

"We know. We saw him earlier." DeArra said wondering off into space.

"What's with her?" Jason asked.

"She's probably thinking about him again. She does that every time his name is mentioned. Come to think of it I used to do that when I was going out with him." Stephanie informed them looking a bit nostalgic as well.

"Oh." Jason still didn't understand.

As they entered the conference room they saw Arron Steele, Admiral Steele, and Admiral Jenkins had already arrived. They were sitting around the table and gestured the five cadets to take a seat.

Admiral Jenkins spoke first. "I have been talking to Admiral Steele. He had informed me that all of you work very well together in tight situations. Therefore, I have concluded that the only logical action to take is to have all of you accompany us to Beta Nomi." As he finished, he watched the reactions of the "Integra Crew."

As the leader of the group, DeArra spoke for all of them. "We would be very delighted to accompany you Admiral. Although I must ask why." DeArra looked at her friends and got confirming nods from all of them.

"Are you questioning the Admiral's orders, Ensign?" Admiral Steele asked harshly.

"No sir. I am merely asking why us and not an experienced crew?" Her expression was solid and inquiring.

"Ensign, the reason I gave the order is because you are experienced. Your actions on the Integra were beyond compare." The Admiral's face turned into a giant smile.

"Thank you sir." Was all DeArra could think of to say.

"I will expect to see you all in the transporter room in an hour. Bring only what you need and nothing more. Dismissed!" Admiral Jenkins stood and left. Everyone else followed.

***

"I can't believe we are actually going on a real mission!" Stephanie exclaimed.

"Me too." Jenifer said excitedly, though in actuality it wasn't her first mission. "It's not going to be another boring mission delivering an old ship. It's going to be an actual mission in the middle of a war zone. I can't wait."

"Settle down you two." DeArra walked into the transporter room. "We'll probably get stuck up in the ship with nothing to do except routine mineral surveys."

"Not necessarily, the mineral surveys have already been done on Beta Nomi." Darian spoke up.

"I was just saying it will just be a regular training mission." DeArra said.

"They are ready to beam you all up." The transporter chief informed them. "You may get on the pad now."

As they dematerialized, Jenifer felt as if she was missing something. What ever it was it was too late now to think about it, for they were rematerializing on the Yorktown.

"Welcome to the Yorktown." Captain Miles Cortez stood in front of the transporter pad. On either side of him were the admirals. Behind the control panel was Arron Steele who had a warm smile on his face when he saw DeArra.

"Thank you, Captain." The five cadets stepped off the pad and in front of the Captain.

"Lieutenant Steele will show you to your quarters." The captain motioned Arron to the group. "We will meet in the briefing room at 1700 hours. Enjoy your stay." He said it so casually as if he were inviting them into a resort.

The assembly walked out into the corridor and to their rooms. At 1700 precisely they entered the briefing room. Seated around the table they watched as Captain Cortez entered and took his seat.

"This is the Admiral's briefing so I will let you, Admiral, take head of the meeting." Captain Cortez said.

Jenkins nodded his acknowledgment. "All right let's get down to business. First of all we will not be getting to Beta Nomi for another five days, so we will have plenty of time to get prepared. We all know the situation there; a member of the Federation for fifty years has become a war ravaged planet who has attacked the Federation colonies on Epsilon Nomi. We are going to negotiate an end to the skirmishes and the reinitialization of the government. When we get there I will need an away team and that is why the five of you are here, as well as Lt. Steele. The six of you will accompany me down to the planet and help me through the negotiations."

Jenkins looked at each one of the six separately as he mentioned their names. "Ensign Kiljian I will need you for your telepathic abilities. Nurse Koval, you will study every aspect of the physical and mental biology. Ensign Sandara, I want you to study all of their technology. You to boys," Pointing to Darian and Jason trying to remember their names, "Ah, yes. Mr. Evian and Setek, the reason you are here is the people of Beta Nomi like the Bijorians. They would find it a great surprise to see you among our people, and that will be to our advantage. Finally, Lt. Steele your command strength will come in handy."

He started to rise. "Well, you all know what you have to do so get to it. I will schedule another meeting for later in the week so you can tell me what you found."

As he left the room, Jenifer whispered into DeArra's ear, "Another boring mission studying mineral surveys huh?"

***

"Report, Kiljian!" Admiral Jenkins sat at the head of the conference table. Looking at the five ensigns and one Lt. plus their command leader Admiral Steele.

"Sir, the situation on Beta Nomi was bad before but now it is even worse. The Orions have all but taken over the planet. The government of Beta Nomi has not yet broken alliance with The Federation. But with the Orions influencing them, it will probably not be that long before they do. The only humans left on the planet are the ones that are traitors to the Federation or people that have deals with the Orions."

"Excuse me." Jason sounded a little perplexed. As a Federation member, wouldn't it have been our job to see to it that the Orions never came near this planet in the first place?"

"As a Federation member they are entitled to Starfleet protection. However, the Federation isn't in the habit of telling individual governments whom they can and can't do business with." Steele supplied the answer.

DeArra finished where he left off. "The Orion takeover was gradual and we were powerless against it unless the government asked for our involvement or something happened like the attack on Epsilon Nomi."

DeArra stopped for a moment. "As you know Admiral, but for the away team's sake, our mission is to try to get the people of Beta Nomi to accept us again. Bringing the government back to its original state and renegotiate their alliance with the Federation. Considering the influence the Orions have on them this will not be an easy task."

"Thank you, ensign." He turned to Stephanie Koval. "Nurse Koval, your report please."

"The people of Beta Nomi, or Nomies as they like to be called, are not very physically strong but are agile. The average size of a male is five feet, around 95 pounds, and females are five and a half feet about the same weight. We all know what they look like. Their long blond hair covers most of their body and the parts that are not covered is usually a dark green. With a mostly humanoid body they do have one outstanding physical trait, they have six limbs. Our normal two legs and two arms plus two extra arms. They use the extra arms for more climbing power, since their world is filled with mountainous terrain." As she finished her physical description she put a cassette into the computer terminal.

She searched through the file and found what she was looking for and resumed her speech. "They are very stubborn people. Once they have found something they like, they are not willing to change their mind. There for as De-- Ensign Kiljian mentioned this will not be a very easy task. Their mental shields are not very strong so Ensign Kiljian's telepathic powers will be a big help."

"All right. Now, Ensign Sandara, your turn to report." The Admiral said.

"Before the Orions arrive the 'Nomies' had achieved space travel. The Federation, naturally, let them improve at their own rate. When the Orions arrived, they improved upon that technology a great deal. Now the Nomies have the same technology as the Orions. However, they are not using all of it. For example most of the Nomies have not even considered using the Orion's space travel technology." As she finished, she looked up at DeArra. "There is something that Ensign Kiljian did not mention. The Orions hate the Bijorians, so the Nomies now hate the Bijorians. I think it would be unwise to bring Mr. Evian and Setek down with the away team." Jenifer gave an apologetic look to Jason and Darian.

"Are you sure about this, Sandara?" Jenkins asked.

"Yes sir. I know the Orions. And I did a lot of research to be sure the Nomies would agree with them. While doing this research I found out one more piece of information that I'm sure will be important to this mission." She stopped.

"And that is?" The admiral prompted.

"The leader of the Orions on Beta Nomi is Dijon Maris." As soon as she had spoken the name, DeArra and Admiral Jenkins looked at her in surprise. For they both knew Jenifer's past and the part Dijon Maris played in it.

"Perhaps this was not a wise choice to bring the crew along after all." Jenkins sat back with a worried look on his face. "First, we find out that Evian and Setek are here for absolutely no reason at all, then a ghost from your past show s up."

An alarm was going off in Cory's head warning him not to let his daughter go on this mission.

"Sir, just because Maris is on that planet, doesn't mean that my part in this mission is terminated." Jenifer protested.

"Ensign." Steele warned her to keep her place. He only very little about her relationship with Maris, but what he did know was enough to have her taken off the mission.

"Your enthusiasm is appreciated, however I believe it would be in our best interest if you remain on the ship." Jenkins word was final.

It seemed though that Jenifer wasn't accepting it. "Honestly sir, I believe I will be even more of an asset to you on the planet now. I know Dijon like the back of my hand. If he has influenced these people I could possible inform you on how to counteract that influence."

Steele wouldn't hear of it. "Ensign, it has been several years since you have had contact with Mr. Maris, people change. It's a dangerous situation to begin with I'm afraid..."

"Sir!" Jenifer said with such urgency, that it shocked both the admirals. "I admit that he could have changed, heaven knows I have. But he could not have changed so much that would affect this mission. Everything I have read in my research shows the same pattern he had used so many years ago when taking over planets." She took a deep breath to calm herself for a moment. "I am a Starfleet officer and no matter what Dijon does I will perform my duty to the best of my ability."

"Well then, that solves that problem." Cory understood what she was saying and trusted her judgment. Steele was about to protest again but Jenkins raised a hand to silence him. He was finished with that line of business. "But what about Evian and Setek?" Jenkins frown deepened.

"Sir, if I may?" Darian spoke up. The Admiral nodded and he continued. "We could make up a back up team consisting of Setek and me plus a security team. Just in case something happens."

"Thank you. I will keep that in mind. Let's just hope we won't need you." He looked at Arron. "Do you have anything to add?"

"No sir." Arron said stiffly.

"Well, that's all folks, dismissed." Jenkins stood and everyone began to leave. "Ensign Sandara." Jenifer turned abruptly almost bumping into Arron who was behind her. Jenkins waited until everyone else was out of the room. "Jenny, I have to know, are you okay with this." She began to open her mouth but he stopped her with a hand. "I understand what you went through with the Orions, and I just want to know what you're feeling right now."

Jenifer thought about this for a moment, and leaned on the back of one of the chairs. With a heavy sigh she looked up to him. "I don't really know what my feelings are. When we found out the Orions were involved I felt confident I would have no problem, their just another race. I even thought I could help even more because of my experience with them." She paused again. "When I saw Dijon's name on that screen, I have to tell you my heart sank. I went totally numb. I do still have feelings for him, some hate and some... I don't know. I believe I will be fine as long as I keep my distance from him." She paused again thinking about Dijon and the way he used to be. "I just can't account for what he will do. He was very protective of me. If he finds out I'm here..."

"Then let's be prepared to have you beamed out if he insists on being at the negotiations. I know you want to be in the middle of the action, but if you believe he's dangerous I don't want to risk your or any other's life."

Jenifer nodded. "He is dangerous."

Cory wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "Why do I think that things just got a lot more complicated than they were in the first place?"

***

As he sat in his office, Jan Bendise looked over his city. Through his gigantic picture window he could see the entire city. All the Orions that have taken over the city and the entire world. He hated the Orions but he hated the Federation even more. His Co-Rulers gave him a choice, either the Orions or the Federation. Naturally, he picked the Orions. But why that choice? Why not, some people he liked, such as the Bijorians. They were such nice little people. Nevertheless, his Co-Rulers gave him no real choice.

Now they chose him out of the Council of Rulers to get rid of the Federation. He had to actually talk to those pigs. Now the ship with the Admiral he was supposed to talk to was only a few hours away. All he wanted to do was blow that ship out of orbit, but he knew if he did more ships would come. And they would not be very friendly.

"Sir, a message for you from the Federation starship Yorktown." Jan's First Secretary Nak Sazin walked up to his ruler's chair.

"Thank you, Nak. You may take leave now." Jan waved him away. Nak bowed and left the room. Jan walked over to his computer counsel. "Computer begin message." He listened as the Admiral on the screen spoke some stupid nonsense about b ringing the Federation back to their good side.

Jan already did not like this human and he was going to see to it that this human does not live to see the Nomies separate from the Federation. He scowled and slapped a button on the side of the table.

"You buzzed, my ruler?" Nak walked in and bowed.

"Get me Maris. I must talk with him." Jan looked to the sky and smiled. Yes, he would soon be rid of the cursed Federation.

***

"Are you sure you don't want us to go down with you Admiral?" Admiral Steele and Captain Cortez walked besides Jenkins to the transporter room.

"Yes, we don't need all the senior officers down there. Adam. I would like you to lead the backup team. Just in case." He used Jason's earlier words.

"Yes sir." Steele responded in a crisp voice. They turned into the transporter room where the "Integra crew" were waiting.

"Sir, Ruler Jan Bendise reports he is ready for you to beam down." The transporter chief reported from behind his console.

"Good. Steele, Kiljian, Sandara, Koval on the pad. The rest of you stay behind. Be ready on my command to beam down. If I or any of us fail to call in once an hour, beam down immediately." Jenkins ordered as he walked onto the pad. "Engage."

***

Jan Bendise sat in his office knowing the Federation people would be there any moment. The sooner they get here the sooner we can get this over with. He thought.

The door opened and Nak Sazian walked in and behind him where five Starfleet officers. Jan stood and walked towards the group. "Bendise, Jan Bendise, Gentlemen... ladies." He nodded with a fake smile plastered on his face.

"I am Admiral Cory Jenkins. This is my away team, Lt. Steele, Ensigns Kiljian, Sandara, and Koval. Now let's get down to business, shall we?" Jenkins introduced them.

"Yes of course." Jan turned to Nak. "If the Admiral doesn't mind. Give his crew a tour of the city."

"Actually, I was hoping they would sit in on the negotiations." Bendise frowned and looked hurt by the rejection of his offer, so like any good diplomat Jenkins condoned the tour. "I don't mind at all. But I would like Lt. Steele to stay with me for the negotiations. The others may go if they like."

"I think we would like that Admiral." DeArra spoke for the three of them. "Just call if you need to talk to us."

"Follow me ladies." Nak said. Once gone, Admiral Jenkins and Lt. Steele sat at the table with Bendise.

"Now let's begin." Admiral Jenkins suggested.

"Yes, let us begin." Jan said for he knew in a matter of time this will all be over.

***

The small hover car zoomed through the city as Nak pointed out all the sites. "And that over there is our most famous Holzan Museum where our most priceless antiques are held."

"What's that building over there?" Jenifer asked pointing toward a building with a huge crowd around it. By the colors in the crowd, one could tell there were very few Nomies there.

"That is a public meeting place. I believe you humans would call it a single's bar, even though I don't see the connection." Nak said confused.

The girls shared a private smile. "Why are there so many people there?" Jenifer asked.

"I have no idea. But we must get on with our tour. Driver. Resume." Nak ordered.

As the car drove away, Jenifer watched the bar. For a moment she thought she saw someone she was hoping never to see again.

***

"That's ridiculous!!" Admiral Jenkins stood with anger in his eyes.

"I want nothing less than that." Jan stayed seated as calm as he could be.

"I see the Orions rubbed off on him." Arron said under his breath.

"I refuse to give you all the dilithium crystals you can use. Granted you don't need that much, but I am not willing to give you any at all." The admiral's eyes flared.

"Then I will not even consider letting any Federation people on this planet." He folded his fingers and laid them on the table.

"Perhaps we can compromise." Jenkins sat tired. This meeting had been going on for the past three hours. Every hour he checked in, there was nothing new to report. There was no progress being made. In fact he felt this negotiation was slipping through his fingers.

"How would you like to compromise?" Jan asked his eyes widening.

"500 kg's of dilithium a year. Furthermore, we will help build processing complexes." It was a bluff and he knew it. Starfleet would never accept that.

"That is unacceptable. I didn't ask for processing complexes. Plus we cannot live on only 500 kg's of dilithium. We need more!" Jan demanded.

"I'm sorry but that's my final offer." Jenkins growled.

"So it is." Jan said pressing the button on the side of the table. Jenkins looked perplexed at Bendise's last comment. And even more so when five Orion guards came rushing into the room with phaser rifles drawn and aiming at his and Arron's heads.

***

Driving through the city was really not that exciting to the three young ladies sitting in the back of the hover car. Speeding past most of the huge buildings and not being allowed to go inside. Nak Sazian, told them it would be too dangerous to let them go into some of the buildings.

Yet they did see some humans walking on the roads or into the buildings. But those humans were dressed in the native garb. And the three of them were wearing the regular Starfleet Academy uniform.

A small beep radiated from the control board of the car. Nak whispered something to the driver and he pulled over. Nak turned to the officers. "If you wish. You may tour the city yourselves, but I must get back to My Ruler. Behind yo u are three robes that will cover your uniforms so you would not be recognized as Starfleet people." He gestured behind them. DeArra opened a small cupboard and pulled out three, light green robes.

"Our driver, Kal Teru will remain with you for your security."

As the officers put on the robes and pulled the hoods over their heads DeArra talked to Nak. "Thank you, First Secretary Sazian. We appreciated the tour."

"You are most welcome. I will be back at the museum in three hours. I will meet you then and drive you back to My Ruler's office." Nak opened the door to let the trio and driver out.

The door closed behind them and the hover car sped away. "Well, what do we do now?" Jenifer asked looking around.

"I would like to see their hospital." Stephanie said energetically.

"Boring!" DeArra complained. "Why don't we go to that museum? It would tell us much about their culture."

"Sounds good to me. Steph?" Jenifer agreed.

"Sure." Stephanie said disappointed. They moved off with Kal silently in tow.

***

"What do you think your doing!?" Exclaimed Jenkins.

"Don't worry Admiral. You're in good hands." A tall dark figure stood in the shadows behind the guards. Dressed in a dark brown robe with the hood covering his face the figure walked forward.

"Who are you?" Arron demanded of the stranger.

"My identity is not important at the moment. But I need to know who you are my friend." The hooded figure said.

"Why should I tell you?" Arron asked arrogantly.

In response to this the Orions all put the rifles to his temple and released the safety lever. "Now what is your name young one?" The tall man asked.

Arron stared at him then at the rifles. "Lieutenant Arron Steele." He managed to get out.

"Ahh. Admiral Steele's son no doubt." Even though they could not see it the man smiled. Arron didn't give any response hoping he would let him go, so he could contact the ship.

"Please hand over your weapons and communicators." The shadowy figure said.

The Admiral got out his communicator and phaser and handed them to the man. Arron did the same but the communicator slipped from his sweaty fingers. He bent down slowly and picked it up as he did so he hit one of the small buttons that made a soft beeping noise. Arron shot a look at the tall man but obviously he didn't notice. He closed the lid and handed it to the guard.

They were lead out to a ground car and drove for about 15 minutes. When the car came to a stop, Jenkins and Steele were blindfolded. They were walked for what seemed a very long time. The blind folds were taken off and they found themselves in some sort of dungeon.

"Wonderful, just wonderful." Arron said and sat on one small wooden bench. He looked around the room. The walls were concrete with one window on the huge metal door. Two small benches were the only furniture in the room.

Jenkins looked out the window "Worse than wonderful. It's horrible."

"What do you mean?" Arron asked.

"Two guards are outside the door. We have no chance of getting out of here." Jenkins informed him.

"So they'll be no match for my father and the security team." Arron said with glee.

"How would they know we're in trouble?" Jenkins asked.

"Just call it a hunch." Arron smiled and lied on the bench.

***

"Those paintings were beautiful." Stephanie said.

"Better than seeing sick people? I did like the exhibits of their old technology though." Jenifer added.

"So where to next?" DeArra asked. Jenifer was already ahead of the group headed in the direction of the bar that they had seen earlier. "Where are you going?"

"I'm thirsty. I'm going to get a drink." Jenifer answered simply.

"That would be inadvisable." Kal, silent until now, tried to warn the girls away from the bar.

"Let's go Steph, if she's going to get herself in trouble we might as well be there to get her out of it." They quickly caught up with Jenifer. About a minute later DeArra's communicator beeped.

"Admiral Steele to away team. Please come in." Admiral Steele's voice came over the small communicator.

"Ensign Kiljian here. What is it Admiral?" DeArra answered.

"Thank God. Where's Admiral Jenkins?" He asked, somewhat hurriedly.

"He and Lt. Steele are with Jan Bendise. Why? Is there something wrong?" DeArra asked.

"Yes, we got an emergency signal from one of their communicators in Bendise's office." He said.

"Uh, oh." DeArra didn't like the sound of that. She thought for a moment. "Don't beam down yet Admiral,... um. Sorry sir. I mean we'll try to find them without your help. If we need you, we'll call." She held her gaze steady on Kal.

"Are you sure you can handle it?" Steele asked.

"Yes sir, I believe so." DeArra said.

"All right, if anything at all happens I want you to call immediately." He ordered her.

"Aye sir. Kiljian out." She looked toward her comrades. "Well looks as if we have a mystery on our hands. I say we go straight back to Bendise's office."

"I have a better idea." Jenifer resumed walking toward the bar. DeArra and Stephanie had no choice but to follow her.

***

As they approached the bar, they could see what all the commotion was about earlier. An ambulance was parked just outside and lying on a stretcher was a body of a Nomi. With all that fur you couldn't really tell if it were a male or female. But you could tell the cause of death.

A huge knife was sticking straight up out of where the Nomies heart is. On a human that would be around the lower stomach. On the knife's blade were two symbols. One of which was the Orion symbol. The other is the symbol of the family clan known as Maris. On the ground by the body was a small pouch. And embroiled on the pouch were the same symbols that were on the knife. Jenifer saw this and picked it up without being seen.

The trio ignored the scene and pushed their way through the crowd of several different types of beings. Through the open door and straight to the bar. There were several open tables around the room but Jenifer headed for the one empty bar stool. As she approached she touched the shoulders of an Orion and a Nomi that were sitting on either side of the chair. "Excuse me, gentlemen." And with one fast yank, pulled them off their seats. She motioned for Stephanie and DeArra to be seated.

"What will ya have?" Snarled the tellarite bartender.

"Three Romulan Ales." Jenifer told the man with a face like a pig.

He placed three glasses in front of the girls and filled them with a blue liquid. "What do you need to know?" The tellarite leaned forward so no one could hear.

Jenifer knew the customs of the Orions and she knew that Romulan Ale was illegal. So whenever you asked for Romulan Ale on any Orion planet this symbolizes you need information. "If, by any chance someone like Dijon Maris were to take any prisoners, where would he keep them?"

"Hmm. You know I don't even know if Maris is on this planet." Said the bartender, he seemed uninterested in touching the subject.

Jenifer knew what would make him talk. She reached into her pocked which held the pouch and pulled out two pieces of paper, which serves as money on this planet. She placed them down on the counter in front of him.

"Ahh... yes. Maris is on this planet." He offered gracefully. "He is residing in a mansion on top of the Mandgody Mountain."

"And where would he be keeping any prisoners?" Jenifer asked. The man kept quiet until she placed two more of the papers on the table.

"He would be keeping them in a dungeon. Naturally, it will be well guarded." He said.

"And how can we get through their defenses?" By now Jenifer had caught onto the pattern and placed another two papers down in front of him.

He took them graciously. "That, I honestly don't know. You would have to ask one of his people. Besides, I'm sure they will be expecting you, Jenifer." Now that shocked her, how did he know her name?

Anyway she said, "Thanks." And placed one last paper down, drank the entire ale in one gulp, and walked away. Stephanie and DeArra followed. Neither of them touched their drinks.

As they were walking out Jenifer felt something pointing in her back. She recognized the feel as a blaster. The person holding it spoke. "Just keep walking Jen as if nothing is happening."

"Hello, Devak, long time..." Jenifer said to the Orion.

"So, you still remember." Devak said.

"Jenifer, What's going on?" Stephanie whispered.

"Forget it Stephanie." DeArra took her arm and kept walking through the crowd outside the door.

"Of course. How could I forget Dijon's first official? And the worst of the crew in bed." This had the desired effect and he hesitated. Jenifer turned on him, but he had the blaster still trained on her.

"Nice try, now keep moving." Jenifer did as she was told.

"Why did Maris kill that man?" Jenifer asked.

"He was in my Master's way." Devak said. They reached Devak's hover car. "Get in." He pushed Jenifer in after the other two were in. Then he went to the front seat as soon as he closed the door he locked them.

"Okay, if he was in Dijon's way then why did he kidnap Admiral Jenkins?"

"Oh yes. Your father, well he was planning..." He stopped and realized he said something he shouldn't have.

Jenifer finished his sentence. "To set a trap to bring me to him."

Devak was quiet. She nodded putting the pieces together. "That's why he killed that one man and left his pouch lying on the ground. So I would follow his tracks and go to him."

Devak still was not paying any attention to her. She leaned back in the seat thinking. She just realized something. Devak didn't take their phasers away from them. She slowly reached down to her phaser and set it on cut threw. She shot a blast at the lock and the door flew open.

The jolt shocked Devak and he stopped the car. The three girls ran from the car. Devak drew his blaster and shot Jenifer to the ground. DeArra and Stephanie jumped for cover behind a parked ground car.

They exchanged fire with Devak but to no success. "We should go help Jenifer." Stephanie suggested.

"If we leave this cover he would just shoot us too." DeArra told her.

"But we just can't leave her to him." Stephanie said.

"She still has her communicator. So we can track it." DeArra told her.

"I guess. But I still feel like it would be wrong if we left her."

"It's too late now." DeArra pointed toward where the hover car used to be.

"Why don't we take this car and go after them?" Steph suggested.

"No. That would be stealing and I don't want to get arrested for it." DeArra argued.

"Then what do we do?"

"We beam up to the ship and track her that way." DeArra told her.

"All right, but only under protest."

With that DeArra took out her communicator and hailed the ship. "Captain Cortez here. What is it Kiljian?"

"Sir, two to beam up." She said. The feel of the transporter swept them away.

***

The turbo lift opened and DeArra and Steph walked onto the bridge. "Where's Sandara?" Admiral Steele turned to look at the two.

"Devak Beuner has her. I can only assume he's taking her to Maris." DeArra told him.

"What! That bastard has Jenifer? Now he'll take her to Maris." Steele exclaimed. 'Let's bring along the integra crew,' Jenkins said, oh boy!

"And the admiral." DeArra added. "We'll also be able to follow him."

"What are you talking about?" The Admiral asked.

"She still has her communicator."

"Now we're getting some place." Cortez stood from the center seat. "Kiljian take the science station and track that communicator."

"Aye sir." DeArra moved to the station and started scanning.

***

First the sounds of an engine could be heard. Then the blurred sights of the hover car's roof. Then everything came in bright and clear, even her memory. Jenifer turned her head and saw Devak in the driver's seat. "So, it wasn't a dream." She said to him.

"Afraid not Jen."

"Don't call me that." She hated that name, because of the very people she was with now.

"Why not?" He knew knowing why.

"Because no one has called me that since I left the pirates." She said.

"Things change." He shrugged then he held up her communicator and phaser in one hand. "By the way, you see these?" He threw them out the hover craft's window. "Now you don't." He laughed hideously at the joke, even though Jenifer did not see the humor in it.

Jenifer just now noticed that her hands were tied behind her back. "Well might as well lie back and enjoy the ride." She thought.

Soon the car came to a halt and Devak got out. He opened the door with the broken lock and helped Jenifer out. To the north was a huge mansion type house. As they walk up to the house, they passed several guards. Two of them joined Devak and his prisoner.

"So I supposed Dijon is holding Arron and my father here." Jenifer prompted.

Devak was still silent on this subject.

"Listen Devak. You already slipped so you can tell me."

"My master will talk to you about that." It was all Devak would say.

He led her up into the house and back to a small room where there was a big chair behind a desk with two smaller chairs on the other side. The guards forced Jenifer into one of the chairs. Devak took the other. And the guards kept their blasters aimed at Jenifer. From another door at the side of the room a hooded figure stepped through.

The figure walked until it was directly in front of Jenifer. It spoke. "Well Jen, I've been waiting for this moment for the past two years." Then he removed the hood. Jenifer was not surprised when she saw who it was.

"Dijon Maris." She spoke smoothly, but the name left a bad taste in her mouth.

"Hello love."

Jenifer sneered at that. She was not used to him calling her that. He leaned down on one knee and kissed her. She squirmed and struggled to get out of his arms. "I don't love you anymore." She growled. "Why do you think I left?"

"Come now Jen. You don't think I forgot about that." He said still holding onto her arms gently. He brushed his hand against her face. She moved her head away from his hand and if her hands still weren't tied she would have decked him.

"Now that you have me why don't you let my father and Lt. Steele go." It was no plead. It was a demand.

"Still thinking of business before love I see." He stood and walked to his chair. "I can't let them go. You see I promised Bendise I would kill him. Since your Lt. Steele was with him, and quite an arrogant little locnus. I'm afraid I will have to kill him as well."

"You know, don't you, that Starfleet will keep sending people until they catch you." She told him.

"Now Jen, you know me better than that. I can wipe out an entire starship with a press of a button." Dijon reminded her.

"You wouldn't do that. Besides you remember what happened the last time you tested that weapon." Jenifer reminded him of the incident they both regretted.

"So? Your starship will be my next test." He said and then pressed a button on his desk. "Or, I can use it in a different way." Through the side door, flanked by four guards walked Admiral Jenkins and Lt. Steele.

Jenifer caught on. "You wouldn't dare." She started to charge to Maris. One of her guards grabbed her before she moved two feet.

"Don't try anything Jen. I don't want my guards to hurt you. So pleas don't do that again." Dijon said with a sincere look of apology.

"Jenifer!" Cory looked at Jenifer happy to see her. But when he saw her hands tied behind her back his smile turned to a frown.

"I'm sorry dad. We were unable to help you. But DeArra and Stephanie are probably back up to the ship by now."

"Good..." Jenkins started but was interrupted.

"Enough. Take them. We will start the experiments shortly. Take Jenifer to watch." Dijon ordered his guards.

They started to take Jenkins and Steele away when Jenifer got away from her guard's grip. She ran to the other guards, kicked one right in the groin. Another she rammed into the wall with her shoulder. Before she could do anymore damage, a blaster went off and hit her square in the back.

***

"Do you have anything yet Kiljian?" Cortez asked.

"Sorry sir. There are many communication links in that area, more than I anticipated. It is hard to disguise her communicator from the rest." She reported.

Keep trying."

"Perhaps we should have followed her." Steph suggested.

"That would be even harder than what we're doing ensign." Steele said.

"I know sir, but I just feel like we could be doing more. For all we know they could be dead by now." Steph protested.

"I understa-" Steele didn't quite finish his sentence when they heard a confirming beep from the science area.

"Sir, I have something." Kiljian chirped.

"Good hail her." Cortez ordered.

A moment later DeArra said. "Sir there is no answer to the hair."

"Kiljian, Koval, to the transporter room. Order Evian and Setek to meet us there." Steele ordered as he headed for the transporter room.

***

Five sparkling forms appeared on the empty street. Immediately Koval and Evian started scanning the area with their tricorders. The others whipped out their phasers.

Stephanie followed her tricorder readings till she came into the middle of the street. She bent down and picked up two devices. Admiral Steele walked up behind her. "What did you find?"

"Jenifer's phaser and communicator. The hover car is nowhere to be found." Stephanie had a knack for stating the obvious. "I knew this wasn't a good idea."

"Don't worry Steph we'll find her." DeArra reassure her.

"Yes, but right now we need to get back to the ship. Steele to Yorktown Five to beam up." The beam enveloped them again and whisked them away.

***

Jenifer awoke, much like she had awoken many times before. She was lying on a huge canopy bed. The windows were covered with black heavy curtains. The sheets on the bed too were black with spots of gray. There was only one difference w hen she awoke now than the other times. Dijon was not lying beside her. She was not used to that.

Now being here in his bed brought back fond memories of when she was with the pirates. More of that little boy named Justin than of Dijon. But even some memories of Dijon evoked happiness in her. She still loved Dijon somewhere deep down no matter what had happened to their son. She never truly did stop loving him. But she couldn't let that get in the way of her mission. She had to save her father and Arron. As she started to sit up and rub her head, still a little cloudy from the stun she noticed her hands were no longer tied together.

"Damn you, Dijon." She spoke aloud. "You think you can win my love back by trying to bring back memories of being nice to me?" She said it more out of madness than for expecting an answer.

"No, Jen, my love. I don't." Dijon walked through the door opposite the bed.

"I gather you had me under surveillance the whole time." Jenifer said.

"No. But I was about to walk in when I heard you talking. You always did have that habit. So I thought I would listen then come in."

"That's eavesdropping." She said. He came and sat next to her on the bed and took her hand in his. She relinquished it. "What happened to my father?"

"Don't worry. They are not dead, yet. Of course there is a way to keep him alive." He said.

"How's that?" Jenifer asked.

"You can stay with me. Leave Starfleet and join us again." He told her with a flair of enthusiasm.

"Never!" She stood and started to pace.

"My love, please." He begged.

"Stop it! I'm not your love. And stop manipulating my feelings." She yelled.

"I never had any intentions to manipulate your feelings." He said.

"Bull! You set up this whole thing just to get me back. Then when you have me, you try to treat me like you used to. Because you know I will be more loyal to Starfleet than you." She told him.

"Perhaps you're right." He said.

"What?" Jenifer asked confused. He had never agreed with her like that before.

"Just let me show you something. Now that I know you will never love me again I can not keep any of you alive. But I thought I would be nice and show you something before you die." Jenifer knew there was a catch and there it was.

***

Dijon lead her into the dungeons. She thought he was taking her to her cell but instead to one that was already occupied. "Go ahead. Look inside." He told her.

She did and what she saw surprised her more than anything she had seen since she got here. At the same time she realized what she had forgotten before she beamed aboard the Yorktown. Jenifer looked at Dijon with pure hate in her eyes.

She turned back to the small cell quickly. The person in there was her mother, Shannon Sandara. She had just recalled about two months ago her father asked her to talk to her mother. She remembered the last time she talked to her mother eight years ago. That's when her mother told her that Cory Jenkins was her real father and after that Jenifer ran away with the pirates.

Now she came back to the present with her mother locked in the cell and her on the other side. "What have you don't to her?" She asked Dijon quietly. She feared she would blow up if she raised her voice.

"Nothing. Three months ago I had Devak bring her to me. Since you never came to rescue her I had to use other methods." He said proudly.

She thought about this. So if I would have talked to her when I said I would, I would have known something was wrong. Then said out loud, "Let me talk to her, please."

"All right." He opened the door and they walked in.

***

"We all know the problem. Now what's the solution?" Steele asked.

"I think we should just charge in." Said Darian.

"First of all, charge into where? We don't even know where he's keeping them. Second, he probably has very strong defenses." Admiral Steele pointed out.

"But we do know that he lives on top of the Mandgody Mountain." DeArra told him.

"And where exactly is that?" Steele asked. When he got shrugs and shakes of the head around the table he continued. "I think we should beam down directly into Bendise's office and get some answers first."

"But isn't that a little dangerous?" Stephanie asked.

"Yes, but no more dangerous than beaming into Maris' Mansion." He said everyone agreed with this and soon they found themselves beaming down.

***

"What is the meaning of this?" Bendise rose from where he sat.

"Don't try anything." Steele ordered him. All the away team's phasers were drawn and aiming at Bendise. "All we want is to know how to get to Maris' Mansion."

"Oh is that all?" Bendise seemed to relax. "Just take the main road till you get to the fork..."

"Coordinates, what are the coordinates?"

"Coordinates? I don't know?" He seemed to hesitate but not as if he was holding back.

DeArra whispered in the admiral's ear. "He really doesn't know sir."

"All right what's the rest of the directions?"

Bendise no longer hesitated and kept going where he left off. "Go left on the fork and take that straight up the mountain."

"You got that Evian?" Steele asked.

"Yes sir." Jason responded. "With these directions we can find the coordinates ourselves."

"Thank you, Bendise." Even as he began to activate his communicator the doors burst open spilling a dozen security officers into the room. Casually Steele talked into the device. "Yorktown, Beam us up." The beam took them right away from the phaser blasts of the security guards and the angry glare of Bendis's eyes.

***

When the door opened Shannon Sandara didn't know what to expect. Then she saw Jenifer. "Jenifer! You came to save me!" Shannon looked at Dijon. "Or did he capture you as well?"

"Not really. Mom I have to talk to you." Jenifer said.

"You actually want to talk to me?" Shannon asked her, almost as sarcastically as Jenifer would have herself.

If the situation wasn't so drastic she would have smiled. "Yes." Jenifer sat down on the bench Dijon sat next to her.

"Mom, I'm sorry I was mad at you. I talked to dad... you know, Cory Jenkins. Anyway he showed me how wrong I was to have run away." Shannon just watched her. "But I am even more sorry I got you into this mess."

"What do you mean?" Shannon asked, not putting the picture together.

"Well, if I wouldn't have run away in the first place, then I wouldn't have fallen in love with Dijon. If I wouldn't have left him, he wouldn't have wanted me back bad enough to kidnap you. And if I would have called you before, then I would have known you were in some sort of trouble. Plus if I would have been more careful all of us would be out of here by now." Jenifer babbled.

"But it's not all your fault." Shannon argued.

"Yes, it is." Jenifer said.

"There's nothing we can do about 'what if's.' It happened in the past. All we can do is think about the future."

A small beep emanated for the Orion's communicator. "I must go now." He handed Jenifer the communicator. "Call me when you're ready to leave." Predicting that show would not want to stay with her mother.

As he left her mother said, "Do you still love him?"

"I don't know mom. I woke up this morning feeling as if I did. When I saw you, I felt like I hated him. I just don't know what to do." Jenifer said. "And then there's Starfleet."

"Do what's right for yourself and Starfleet. Like I did." Shannon said.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"Well, when your father... I mean James got transferred I didn't work as well as I did when he was with me. The only way I could think of getting him back was to say I was pregnant. So I met Cory and I pretended to love him." She said.

Jenifer interrupted. "But that isn't right mom."

"No, but at the time I thought it was. So I did the best thing for me and Starfleet." She said.

"I don't understand how you did that."

"What I mean is I was lonely so I went back to James. By doing the best for Starfleet, I left because I was not doing a good job." Shannon became quiet.

"Where is James?" Jenifer asked.

"He left me soon after you left. So you weren't the only one holding a grudge against me." Shannon said.

"Listen mom. I'll get you out of here. I promise." Jenifer said. She pressed the button on the communicator. A minute later Dijon entered the cell. "Dijon my love. I have made a decision. I'm going to stay with you." She embraced him and they kissed. A long passionate kiss.

"What! Jenifer that's not what I meant." Shannon yelled. She was hopping Jenifer would stay in Starfleet and pursue her career. Jenifer left in Dijon's arm without another word. Shannon just stood there watching the door close behind them.

"Why were you called away my love?" Jenifer asked.

"Bendise called to tell me that your friends in Starfleet are on their way." He told her.

"I thought you said you were going to let them go?" Jenifer said.

Dijon stopped. "Is that the only reason you agreed to stay with me?"

"No, Dijon I do love you. I do." It was almost a realization. "I don't know what blinded me from seeing that before, but that is why I'm staying. Because I love you. Although I don't see any reason to keep your prisoners." She did after all still love her parents.

"Perhaps for you, my love, I will let them go." He said.

"Good. My love, I don't want you to worry. I will stay with you. My feelings about you are sincere." She said.

As they were walking down the hall Devak came running up behind them. "My Master. The Federation troop is attacking."

With this news the three ran to Dijon's control room. In there they could see everything that's going on in and outside the mansion and control the weapons to keep unwanted visitors away.

***

"Squad three and four, take the east wing. Seven and eight to south, five and six the west. Squads one and two with me to the North." The admiral told all the squads their position before they got near the mansion. "We'll get them out of there one way or another."

As they reached the house, weapons started blaring from different parts of the house. The officers fired back. Steele watched as two... Five... and more of his people went down. But they were moving closer to the house and with each step another of the Orion guards went down.

Squad two covered squad one as they made their way to the back door. But waiting on the other side of the door was more Orions waiting and willing to die for their master.

"Prepare the Maris Destroyer." Maris ordered. He had naturally named the weapon after himself. Why not he's the one that invented it.

"You're not serious!" Jenifer exclaimed.

"Yes. Don't worry I won't destroy them. Just wound them. So they know who's boss." He said.

"Are you still going to let my mother and father go?" Jenifer asked.

"Yes. As a matter of fact you may bring them up here. Take a phaser rifle just in case." He told her.

She took it and left. As she ran to the dungeons she saw a lot of guards running towards the North entrance. "So what the heck Jen. Go find out what's going on." She thought but had a second thought. "What if they're coming in that way? I can kill two birds with one stone. Free the prisoners and save the Starfleet officers." She resumed her course to the dungeon.

***

"Did you hear that?" Arron said.

"Sounds like someone's coming. Get ready to jump them." Jenkins said.

"But what if they're our people?" Arron asked.

"Either way we'll be free." Jenkins shrugged.

The door creaked open and Jenkins jumped for the door way. Jenifer moved aside just in time and he hit the floor. "Hi dad, Arron. Come on you're free." She said.

"Where's everybody else?" Arron asked.

Jenifer kept quiet not wanting them to know she's not going with them. "Come. We have to free someone else." Jenifer started walking down the hall as she came to the door she placed a card in the slot next to the door.

"Who else was captured?" Asked Arron.

"I hope it's not anymore of my officers." Admiral said.

Right might look bad on your review Jenifer thought wanting to say it aloud. As Jenifer opened the door she said. "It's okay. You can come out now."

The figure came out and hugged Jenifer. "You were lying to him. Weren't you, Jenifer? I'm so happy you came back for me."

"Shannon? Is that you?" Jenkins said in surprise.

"Cory. Why are you here?" Shannon asked.

"Mom, dad, you both are here because Dijon wanted me. Not for any other reason." She turned to Shannon. "Mom I'm sorry but I wasn't lying." The next part was hard for Jenifer to say. "I'm staying with Dijon. We've got to go otherwise he will destroy the ship." She started walking away leaving them to follow her.

In the control room Dijon watched his people work. The guards have gunned down at least a hundred Federation people already and more were going down. The bad news was a lot of his guards have died and the Federation was getting closer. Some were already inside. He had waited long enough. "Fire the Maris Destroyer."

A blue beam struck out from behind the mansion and sped out to space. It streaked up and hit the ship in the main saucer. It exploded straight through from the bottom up.

***

On the ship even with the shields up the bridge was rocked. All the sirens went off at once. The room darkened to a reddish hue. "Damage report." Ordered the Captain.

"Forward saucer is destroyed. Thirty-nine reported dead. One hundred missing. Hull breaches on decks 3 through 10 all have been sealed." Reported the helm officer.

"Sir, Maris is hailing you." The communications officer said.

"On screen." Cortez stood to give a larger appearance.

"That was just a warning shot Captain. If you don't remove your troops, your entire ship will be destroyed." Maris said. Then the image was gone.

"Get me Admiral Steele." Cortez said.

***

Jenifer did not go to the control room instead she headed for the north entrance. She turned to her friends. "You better get ahead of me so it will look like you're my prisoners." She said.

They did so. As they reached the crowd Jenifer ordered the guards to move out of her way. To her surprise they actually did, news of her leaving Starfleet travels quickly. Soon she reached the first of the Starfleet officers. "Where's Admiral Steele?" She asked the officers.

From the middle of the group Steele pushed his way through. "Thank God all of you are okay." Then Steele's communicator beeped. "Steele here."

"Admiral. Call off the attack..." Cortez begged.

"I already am. We've found the prisoners." Steele said. "Be prepared to beam up all survivors." He turned to the group. "Let's get out of here." They started walking out of the mansion. The Orions let them pass.

Right before Jenkins was about to call the ship he looked around. "Where's Jenifer?"

"She was here a minute ago." Said an officer.

"Sir look." Arron pointed toward the house. At least 100 guards charged from the house.

"Jenkins to Yorktown. Beam us up."

***

On the bridge Jenkins and the others entered from the turbo lift. "Hail Maris." Jenkins ordered.

"Ready sir." The com officer reported.

"Maris I order you to return my daughter." Jenkins said. Behind him Shannon put a hand on his shoulder.

"Leave orbit or I will destroy your ship." Maris wasn't playing games.

Jenifer got on the screen. "Please dad. I really want to stay. Mom, I'm sorry. Dijon means what he says so please leave." Then the screen went blank.

"Captain, order the helm to leave orbit." Jenkins said defeated.

"What? You're going to leave our daughter to that mad man?"

"It's what she wants and we have no other choice." Then turned to the helm. "Plot a course back to Earth. Warp six."

***

"How can Jenifer do his to us?" Stephanie asked.

"She wanted to stay with Maris. I guess she still loves him." DeArra said.

"What do you mean, love him?" Stephanie asked. "She never told me she loved the Orion leader."

"I didn't even know she was part of the Orion Pirates." Jason said.

"Well, she was. Unfortunately, she wants to stay with the Pirates. I only hope she doesn't give them any information about the federation." DeArra said.

"Is that all you care about. If she'll give them any information? DeArra she's in the hands of pirates. Who knows what they'll do to her." Stephanie said.

"She's happy. I feel that Maris won't hurt her. At least not physically." DeArra predicted.

"What about Eric?" Stephanie asked.

"Yeah, they were supposed to get married." Jason said.

"Well, that's her choice so he'll have to live with it." DeArra said.

In walked Arron. He walked to DeArra and sat down next to her putting his arm around her. "Hi guys." He said.

Everyone said hi. "So what's going on?"

"We're just talking about Jenifer." DeArra said.

"Oh. Why is she staying there anyway?" Arron asked. Everyone laughed. "What did I say?"

"We were just talking about why she is staying." DeArra said. "She loves Dijon Maris."

"What about Eric?" He asked.

"I guess she loves Dijon more." Stephanie said.

"Maybe we can change that." Arron said.

"How?" DeArra asked.

"By showing her how much she still cares for Eric." Arron said. "Come on. We've got a transmission to send to Earth."

***

Cory Jenkins sat at his control console trying to think of something to say in his transmission that he hasn't already said before. In the five days Jenifer has been gone he has sent eight transmissions to her. None of which has been answered.

"Cory are you still trying to get in touch with her?" Shannon walked up and sat beside him.

"Yes, I can't believe she's not answered me." He said

"She probably doesn't want to think about Starfleet anymore. When I talked to her on the planet she still had doubts." Shannon told him.

"So if anything reminds her of us, then she will become more confused." He concluded. "I just hope she had made the right decision."

"So do I Cory." Shannon said.

***

It had been ten days since the Yorktown left. To Jenifer those have been the best ten days of her life. Except for the transmissions from both of her parents. She didn't even look at them. Instead she stored them away where she wouldn't think about them. Unfortunately, they kept popping up in her mind and despite herself she couldn't forget where she put them.

She woke in the same bed as before without that one difference. She turned over and cuddled up next to Dijon. Soon she fell back to sleep. The next thing she knew, he was brushing her hair out of her face. "Good mornin' Jen." Dijon said softly.

"Good morning to you, my love." She responded.

"Today is the day. Soon we will be back among the stars." He said.

"Good. I've grown tired of staying on this boring planet." She said with just a hint of a smile.

"It's not always boring." He said as he kissed her.

She giggled. "I know. Nothing's ever boring when I'm around you." Jenifer loved flying with Dijon. Most of the time they would be on the bridge of the Aquious all alone just staring at the stars. Those were the times she loved and missed the most. Soon they will be sharing those times again.

A knock on the door interrupted her fond memories. Dijon rose as he started walking for the door Jenifer said. "Don't you think you should put some clothes on first."

He looked at her and smiled, then put on his brown robe. As he opened the door Devak took one step in. "I'm most sorry for the intrusion My Master, but there is an urgent call for Jen."

"You know what to do with it Devak." Dijon said as he started to close the door on Devak's face.

"But My Master. It is not from her parents." He said quickly.

"Who is it from?" Jenifer asked.

"It is from one called Quintero." Devak said.

"I want to hear it Dijon." She said almost pleadingly.

Reluctantly he let Devak in. "Just put the cassette on the table. She will tend to it later." Dijon said.

Devak rushed putting the cassette on the table then ran out.

Jenifer got out of bed and picked up the cassette. Dijon walked over and put his arms around her. "Who is this Quintero person?" He asked.

"A friend. If you don't mind, my love, I would like to be alone when I watch this." She said.

"Close friend?" He said with more curiosity than jealousy, then after a moment "I don't mind. I will be in the control room if you need me." Dijon got dressed and left.

Jenifer also got dressed then sipped the cassette into the terminal. "Begin transmission." She ordered.

A face appeared on the screen. She had always loved Eric's soft smooth face and dark hair. When she thought about it he reminded her of Dijon. Dressed in his Starfleet Academy uniform he looked devastatingly handsome. He was also so sweet. Never thinking of himself and always helping others. Perhaps that's why she loved him so much, because he was willing to put other's feelings before his own. As opposed to someone else she loved.

Eric started to talk. His voice soft and calm yet there was something different. Maybe she heard loneliness in his voice. "Jenifer, I don't really know what to say. Just I hope you are happy. I want you to know everyone here misses you, especially me. If there is no way to pursued you to come back then I will always remember you. And love you. I will also miss our long walks on the beach and your company. I love you very much Jenifer. Please remember that." The screen changed to t he UFP symbol and End Message appeared at the bottom of the screen. Jenifer stared at the screen as tears rolled down her face.

Now she really didn't know what she wanted. Whom should she pick Dijon or Eric? The Pirates or Starfleet? Both had good and bad points. With Dijon she had command over all the Orions. She had wealth and prestige. But she didn't like h ow she got it. To get the wealth the pirates would Steele from planets and kill many innocent people. Although she had gotten used to it before.

With Eric she may not be as rich or able to command people but she had many friends that would do things for her without her commanding them. And she knows that Eric loves her, but she also knows Dijon loves her. Both will do anything f or her even if she insisted on doing it herself. She knew though Eric would be lonely he would go on without her. While Dijon has already proven that, he would do anything to keep her with him.

The choice was hard and what was harder was not being around one of the two people she loves. After all she can't have them both. How can she ever decide?

***

Back on Earth DeArra and Arron walked hand in hand to the hover car garage. From inside the Garage Eric came walking out. "Hello DeArra, Lieutenant Steele. I'm worried."

"Why's that Eric?" Arron asked.

"Well five days ago I sent a message to Jenifer. She should have gotten it and responded by now." Eric said sadly. "What if Maris has hurt her in any way?"

"Probabilities are that he will not hurt her at all. They are in love Eric. She may not have even gotten the message at all since her father figures she has not received any of his." DeArra said logically.

"Eric, the Yorktown's leaving for Beta Nomi in a few hours and Admiral Jenkins is going with us. We're going to have another try at Maris." Arron said.

"But I thought that you would leave him alone because of Jenifer?" Eric asked.

"Maris is wanted for numerous crimes against the Federation, including murder. Since we know where he is, we're gonna go kick his butt." Arron said proudly.

"Where are you going anyway?" Eric asked realizing they were heading inside of the car port.

"I am going to drive him to HQ where he'll go up to the ship." DeArra told him.

"We'll see ya later Eric." Arron said as he walked towards DeArra's cruiser.

"Bye." Eric said softly and walked away.

Jenifer walked through the halls passing several guards as she went along. As she passed the guards each one came to attention. Soon she came to the control room. Dijon was standing talking to Devak.

She looked around the room. Monitors showed all around the mountain. It showed gunners monitoring the area and the surrounding space around Beta Nomi. As she approached Dijon she heard Devak talking. "The Aquious is almost ready for you My Master. The Nomies are begging us to stay since they have no one to govern their stupid people."

Jenifer walked up and put her arm around Dijon's. "That's just too bad, isn't it." She said hideously.

Dijon laughed. "Yes, my love. Why should I care about these little people? I have taken what I want from them."

"You are right as always My Master." Devak said.

"Dijon. I'm going up to the ship to make sure everything is prepared for your arrival." Jenifer said.

"Of course my love. You always know how I like my ship prepared." Dijon said. "You may go Devak. And I will see you on the ship my love." They embraced and kissed then she left to the ship.

***

Jenifer didn't waste anytime going straight to the bridge. Dijon in a way destroyed himself. He had made the ship almost totally automatic. Practically only one person could control the whole ship by themselves from the bridge. Not only that but he also had the crew put the Maris Destroyer on board already. This made Jenifer feel considerably calmer.

As she walked on the bridge she looked around. Two crew members prepared the bridge for Dijon's arrival. When they saw her they came to attention. "You may leave now." She told them.

As the door behind them shut, Jenifer spoke to the computer. "Computer simulate an antimatter overload. And start evacuation procedures." Jenifer paused. "Now."

Sirens blared all around her. The lights dimmed and turned red. The computer sounded over the intership com. "Evacuate ship. Antimatter overload in main Engineering. Repeat evacuate ship."

After a few moments Jenifer asked the computer. "How may people on board?"

"Two." The computer responded.

"Oh well. Looks like someone is going on a trip with us. Stop simulation and evacuation. Raise shields." She watched a monitor to her left which showed the shields going up. "Plot and execute a course out of orbit."

The computer responded with a couple of beeps then the small ship curved and left orbit. "We are now out of orbit around Beta Nomi."

"Good. Plot a course to Earth. Warp factor 6." Jenifer ordered. She sat down in the command chair. Then stood again after receiving memories of things that happened there. Whether the memories were good or bad, she couldn't tell.

"Course plotted." The computer said.

"Engage." Jenifer said.

"Belay that order." Jenifer turned to see Dijon walking down to the center of the bridge. "Thought you could leave me that easily, did you Jen? You may have once but I will not let you again."

"Dijon please. You're just making it harder." Jenifer said.

"What? Your decision to leave me? Or your decision to stay? Either way your life will never be easy again." Dijon snarled.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Jenifer asked not really wanting to know the answer.

"It means I am very angry at you. You are playing tricks with my mind Jen. First, you say you love me, then you left me. Of course I brought you back and you hated me, then you loved me, and now you're leaving me again. I do not appreciate that." He walked over and brushed her face with his hand. Just as his hand was moving away he slapped her.

She stumbled and fell to the ground.

"What about Eric?" He said mockingly. "Do you love him?"

"I don't know. Right now I don't know anything. I'm just really confused." Jenifer said trying to get far away from Dijon as possible.

"Jen, that's not a good answer. You must stay with me." He whipped out a blaster.

"You're crazy. You love me and yet you want to kill me." Jenifer said.

"I guess that's one of the prices you have to pay for love." He said as he adjusted the control on the blaster to kill.

"Listen Dijon. Can't we just talk about this." Jenifer tried to negotiate.

"I'm tired of talking. I want to see action from you." He aimed the blaster.

"Just put the blaster down and I'll see what I can do." Jenifer said.

"You're starting to sound like those Starfleet officers Jen. You've changed, and I don't like how you've changed." His trigger finger started to move a little.

A streak of energy shot out from the blaster. Jenifer ducked just in time. The beam lashed by and hit the wall of the ship. "Fije you want action and less talk. You got it." She drew her phaser that she had concealed under her jacket and shot out at Dijon. After all a pirate is never without her weapon, for that matter neither is a Starfleet officer in a dangerous situation.

Surprised by her attack he did not quite move right away. The beam hit his arm and he twisted and fell to the floor. He immediately ducked for cover behind the command chair. Jenifer was already hiding behind the helm console. "Come on out." He coaxed.

"Forget it. At least I'm giving you a chance. My phaser's set on stun." Jenifer said.

"That's cowardly. You never had used the stun setting before." Dijon said.

"That was before Starfleet." She reminded him.

"Yes, I noticed. You're wasting time." He said.

"So. What does it matter to you?" She asked.

"Are you waiting for your ship?" He asked.

"No. I told them to leave and they did. They shouldn't be back." Jenifer said.

"Are you sure?" His question left her silent. "How am I supposed to believe that? You were probably in contact with them the whole time." He accused.

"No. My loyalty to you was true. But after the message from Eric... well, I guess my loyalties are back with Starfleet." She said.

"And how do you think you'll get out of here alive?" He asked.

As they were talking, he never noticed that she had changed position. Now she had a clear shot at him. "Like this." She fired and hit him square in the chest.

His limp form fell to the ground. She walked over and checked his pulse that confirmed she didn't kill him. She took his blaster and changed the setting back to minimum stun.

"Computer, are course and speed still laid in?" She asked.

"Yes." Said the metallic voice.

"Engage." The ship responded and speed through the stars. She picked up Dijon's body, which wasn't an easy task, and carried him to the brig.

***

Lt. Arron Steele checked his monitor at the science station. Still nothing. They all knew that the Orions would be leaving the planet soon. So they were planning on catching the Orions while they were all on their ship and get Jenifer at the same time.

"Anything yet Lieutenant?" Cortez asked.

"Nothing yet sir. They might not even have come this way." Arron responded.

"We'll find her even if we have to search the entire quadrant." Jenkins said.

"We may not have to look that far." Arron turned to Jenkins.

"You have something?" He asked.

"I believe so sir. It's a ship of some sort, but it's too far away to get a positive id." Arron said.

"On screen." Cortez ordered.

On the screen a small speck mixed in with all the other stars, this one a little darker than the res. It was indistinguishable except for the fact that it started getting larger. "We now have a positive id." Arron said.

"It's a class IV blockade runner SI, Orion ship Aquious." Arron read from his screen.

"Who commands it?" Jenkins knew the answer but wanted to hear it for himself.

Arron checked the data banks. "The Aquious's commander is Dijon Maris."

"Red alert!" Cortez called. He wouldn't be caught off guard twice. "Hail that ship." He snapped at his communications officer.

"Ready sir." The officer said.

"This is Captain Cortez of the Federation Starship Yorktown. I command you to surrender your ship and crew. Dijon Maris, prepare your ship to be boarded." Cortez said.

The screen changed and on it appeared a familiar face. Smiling Jenifer said. "Greetings Captain. No need to take this ship and Maris captive. I've already done that for you. I am ready to come along side the ship and have your tractor beam lock on."

"Ensign? Are you all right? Where's Maris? How can you have taken the ship by yourself? Where's the crew..." Cortez sputter out all the questions.

She smiled and held up a hand. "One question at a time please. I'm fine. Maris is in the brig. The Orion's were stupid enough to fall for an old trick, and the crew is back on Beta Nomi." Jenifer completed the answers.

"I have one more question Jenifer." Jenkins stepped forward. "Why did you change your mind about Maris?"

"I found out, from a friend, that I had better things to do with my life than waste it with him." Jenifer said.

"Ensign. Prepare to beam your prisoner and yourself aboard the Yorktown." Cortez said.

"Aye sir. I will contact you when I'm ready, Sandara out."

***

Jenifer flipped a switch on the console to turn off the communication's link. Now came the hard part; turning in the man she loves to the authorities. As Jenifer walked down the empty halls she allowed herself one last brief remembrance of the wonderful times she had had with Dijon. But then she had to come back to reality. She picked up a phaser rife from artillery and headed for the brig.

As she walked into the holding chambers Dijon came as close to the opening as he dared. For the force field would shock him if he touched it. "Jen, my love. There's still time. Let me go free and we can roam the galaxy together."

"Stop begging. It's not becoming of a man like you. Besides, there's no place to go. The Yorktown's tractor beam is locked on us. If you kill me or at least capture me than the security team will come looking for you." She said. "Now stand away from the opening."

He stepped back as she turned off the force field. Anticipating his run for freedom she released the safety lever on the rifle and aimed it at him. Now he had second thoughts about making a break for it. "Let's go." She waved him out o f the cell with her rifle.

They walked to the transporter room without a word and beamed up to the Yorktown where a security team was waiting. As they took maris away he looked back at Jenifer. "You know I will never forget this my love. I will make sure that you live to regret it." He said sarcastically.

"I think not." Is all she said as the security took him away.

***

On the bridge Admiral Jenkins paced impatiently. When the turbo lift doors opened, Jenifer walked through. Jenkins ran up and embraced her tightly. "Did you miss me at all dad?" Jenifer joked.

"I don't ever want you doing anything like that again. You scared the living daylights out of me." He said.

"Admiral? Can we get this family reunion over with and get back to Earth?" Cortez asked.

"By all means Captain." Jenkins said. "Take us home."

"You heard the Admiral, helm. Let's get a move on." Cortez sat back in his seat and smiled.

"If anyone needs us we'll be in my quarters." The admiral and Jenifer left.

***

"And that's what happened." Jenifer finished telling her father the main events that happened in the last two weeks.

"Well, at least he'll be in a penal institution for at least 20 years. I just want to be sure you are okay." Jenkins pressed.

"I'm fine really. Now that a literal whirl wind of emotions has passed. I can see where I'm going and know what I'm going to do." Jenifer said.

"And that is?" Jenkins asked.

"I'm going to finish the Academy, marry Eric and perhaps later become Chief Engineer of the Enterprise." She dreamed.

"We'll see Jenifer. Believe it or not your mother really missed you while you were gone." Jenkins changed the subject quickly.

"Yeah? Where is mom anyway?" Jenifer asked.

"She's on Earth waiting for you to come back home. Just like everyone else." Jenkins said.

"Dad. I think I was wrong for being so hard to her so many years ago. Do you think she'll ever forgive me?" She asked.

"She already has. Besides you've grown a lot and not just over the years. You have in these past few days. You've learned how to control your emotions and help them work for you and not against you." Jenkins lectured.

Jenifer didn't mind. She liked his lectures. "But I thought my emotions were getting in my way?"

"No, you used them to get to his soft spot. Unfortunately, it was also your soft spot." He said.

"But not anymore. After that scene on the bridge I don't think I will ever love him again." She declared.

"Be careful that's what you said the first time you left him." He warned.

"Yes, but now he's different. He tried to kill me for God's sake! Isn't it amazing how people can change in a short time. Especially if an event makes them change." Jenifer said.

"Such as the message from Eric?" Jenkins asked.

"Yes, I suppose so." She said.

"Can you do me a favor?"

"Depends." Jenifer just a little skeptical of what her father wanted.

"I want you to start seeing a councilor."

"WHAT!? Why?"

He shrugged. "It was a condition of your admission into the academy. Starfleet had let you in barring no further incidents with the Orions. If there were, appropriate actions must be taken."

"They're not going to prosecute me are they?" Jenifer had always feared what would happen if she met the Orions while still in Starfleet, she was about to find out.

"They are concerned about possible security leaks."

"I came back didn't I? Even if I hadn't I still wouldn't have told him anything."

"Starfleet doesn't know that." He was being pulled between his daughter and his fleet two things he loved.

"I thought trust was the one thing they looked for in all their officers. Don't they trust me?"

He had to sigh it was hard trying to talk sense into his stubborn daughter. "I never said they didn't trust you. The reason you're not in a correctional facility, why you never were put in one, is because of that trust and the fact that you did come home of your own will, both times."

"So then why must I go through concealing?"

"Starfleet's not prepared to forget the fact that you left us for him this time. They see it as a sign of things to come if action isn't taken now. I'm asking you to go to concealing. I could make it an order, but..."

"Fine, I'll go, for you not Starfleet." Despite her words, her tone conveyed what Cory knew. She was doing it for all involved including herself.

***

"I hope Jenifer's all right." Shannon said.

"Mrs. Sandara, she'll be fine." DeArra reassured her.

"Good news!" Stephanie came running in.

"The Yorktown's on her way home. They have Maris in custody and Jenifer's coming home too." She said excitedly. "Oh, and Arron said hi DeArra."

"Oh, he likes you, DeArra." Darian said.

"Arron loves DeArra." Jason joked. Obviously with the new news everyone was now very happy and in a good mood. Amazingly DeArra didn't even snap back at the two Bijorians.

"Steph. When will the Yorktown arrive?" DeArra asked.

"In two days." Stephanie said.

"Hey, let's throw a welcome home party." Darian suggested. Everyone agreed and they made plans for the upcoming party.

***

Three sparkling figures appeared on the main transporter pad in Starfleet HQ. They turned into Admiral Jenkins, Lt. Steele and Ensign Sandara. "Welcome home." Said Adam Steele. "Where is Captain Cortez?"

"He wanted to go on to his next mission." Jenkins said. "But he did grant Lt. Steele shore leave."

"Good and welcome back Ensign." She smiled, then Steele continued. "They're throwing a welcome home party for you at the Academy. I'll escort you there." They all followed Steele to the hover car.

***

The party had already begun when they arrive. As soon as they walked in the door DeArra came running up to Arron and hugged him. Jenkins joined Shannon. Even Stephanie had found some new boyfriend to be with. Jenifer recognized him as Mike, but she couldn't remember his last name. As a matter of fact everyone seemed to be with another person except her.

Stephanie walked over to Jenifer. "Why don't you mingle a little Jenifer? Maybe you'll find someone." Stephanie had almost read her mind, but it was more likely she could tell by the way Jenifer was mopping around.

"Why do you like having parties Steph?" Jenifer asked.

"Because they're fun, and it's a great way to meet guys." Stephanie looked over towards Mike.

"I guess so. Where's Eric?" She asked.

"I don't know he said he would be here." Mike called to Stephanie. "I've got to go."

Jenifer got a drink then went to sit down. She was never bored at parties. "So why am I now?" She thought. "I should be having fun." She looked at the crowd. There in one corner was the entire "Integra crew." So go have fun." She ordered herself.

As she approached the group a soft hand was placed on her shoulder. "Would you like to dance Jenifer?" Eric looked deep into her eyes.

She smiled. "Yes, I would." They danced and partied for quite a while. Then before the party was even near over, Jenifer and Eric skipped out.

They found themselves walking along the beach and talking about old times. Life was now back to normal.