Captain's Log Stardate 49034.7: After yesterday's close encounter with a convoy of Kazon battle cruisers the ship is on constant yellow alert until we are sure that we are clear of Kazon space. Long range scanners have detected a planetary system with traces of M-Class atmosphere; I have ordered a diversion to this system to search for supplies and am hoping that the Kazon do not discover us here.
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"I want a detailed scan of the system as soon as we are within range Mr. Kim."
"Yes, Captain," Ensign Kim replied promptly. "The M-Class Atmosphere appears to be on the fifth planet of the system, but I am also detecting K-Class atmosphere on the same planet."
"I believe that the mixed sensor readings are due to the radiation being emitted from the star," Tuvok stated.
"What kind of radiation?" Captain Janeway asked.
"Sensors are picking up high levels of E.M. and tachyon radiation and lower levels of photonic radiation. Our shields should be sufficient to protect the ship," Tuvok replied. "However, we will need to be closer to the planet to get a true atmospheric reading."
"Very well, keep an eye on those radiation levels."
"Yes, Captain!"
"How long to orbit Lieutenant?"
"We have just entered the system; thirty minutes and we will be in orbit of the fifth planet, Captain." Reported Helmsman Tom Paris.
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The mess hall was loud with the buzz of conversation; the crew didn't like the idea of a constant yellow alert status as it would keep them from relaxing. There was always the chance that you were going to get the call to battle stations that everyone was dreading. The conversation in the mess hall this evening was the same as it had been for the last couple of nights, but with the addition of the tension caused by the previous day's attack.
The Kazon had been the topic of conversation ship wide, but there was one person on the ship who was not stressed by the Kazon problem. Nelix was glad to have more duties as moral officer. He had been called to the Captains ready room after the convoy had been evaded and told that the doctor would be sending anyone who he believed to be suffering from stress or anxiety to him for counselling. The Captain also had Chief Engineer Torres convert Holodeck One into a temporary counsellor's office for him.
But right now, Nelix was at his normal station- the kitchen. He enjoyed listening to, and occasionally joining in with, the conversation in the mess hall and he believed that it helped him understand the needs of the crew. But he had another problem tonight. The crew had not only been discussing the Kazon, they had been commenting on the repetitive meals that were being served. This probably upset Nelix more than anything, but he had heard from the duty shift, which had just ended, that they were approaching a planet where they were hoping to pick up some new food supplies.
"Kes?"
"Yes dear, how can I help you?"
"Can you watch the kitchen? I need to go and talk to Captain Janeway. Everything is done- you just have to serve the hungry crew."
"I can do that, is there a problem?"
"No, don't worry. It's just about this planet we are approaching."
"Ok, just don't be too long."
Nelix kissed her then left the kitchen for the bridge. Kes watched him leaving with a smile, until a cough at the service window brought her back to reality. She turned with a start to find a hungry Lieutenant Kerry at the window.
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AN – oops... this was supposed to be a one-shot... lol. Well I guess it's not, I will try not to make it too long, and I will try to update it soon, before classes start at the end of January, no promises tho.
