The USS Spock

by Six2VII

Bonnie is joining a new crew for a one year mission to the delta quadrant. Unfortunately, her academy rival has joined the same crew. What daring new adventures will they find? Klonnie in Space. Star Trek AU.

1. Knock on Wood

A/N: I suppose this is a an after effect of Klonnie week, and my obsession with spuhura fanfics. So here is Klonnie in Space. Bad Grammar and language as usual. No smut. Sorry. Fluffy and corny.

Disclaimer:Not Mine.

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"Knock On Wood"

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USS Spock | Captains Log-Star Date 53249.17

The new crew is settling in. The rest of the crew is still mourning the family and friends we lost on our last tour to Andor. Remarkably, they all signed up to continue this journey into the great unknown instead of taking the shore leave they were offered. We are all anxious to honor the memories of our USS Spock brethren and make them proud. Although, the Delta Quadrant has been explored extensively since the war there is still so much we don't know. We are still awaiting our specific orders as we prepare to launch. Both Admiral Mikaelson and Admiral Bennett have offered their assistance this last week while they visit the departing crewman.

=/\=

"Here you are." Admiral Esther Mikaelson said coming into the stellar cartography lab.

Lieutenant Niklaus Mikaelson sighed inputting the last estimated coordinates of the J class planet Aset-4. He was looking forward to making his mark literally, as he mapped unknown parts of the Delta Quadrant. When he wasn't working he would continue his foray into mixed media art. Space and undiscovered planets would be the ultimate muse. But first he had to make it through this week, and his mother's visit.

He would think he was a newly commissioned officer the way she was behaving. This wasn't his first mission, but it was his first mission out of the quadrant. And also the first since…

"Mother, I'm busy." Niklaus said finalizing data and re-running diagnostics on his equipment.

"Doing what? The Spock doesn't even have its orders yet." The Admiral said looking around the small somber space. It was nothing like the bridge where it was bright and so full of life. On the bridge you felt as if you were on the cusp of something great. Mikaelsons belonged on the bridge not computer-filled broom closets.

"Mother. I'm trying to acclimate to the space. I have big shoes to fill." Nik said aware of the phenomenal job Commander Lockwood did before his untimely death. His logs were immaculate. His work was used as real world examples in advanced cartography classes. He was a legend in the making. Too bad that legend was cut short in the rings of Andor.

"Yes. Commander Lockwood was a fine officer. He was sure to make admiral one day."

"Esther, is that all you care about?"

"Niklaus, I don't understand this. You were top of your class. You should be the first officer on this ship right now." Nik slammed down the pad he was using. Esther was used to his tantrums. She watched him try to ignore her and move to the gravimetrics panel.

"Mother, I joined Starfleet. I specialized in command as you wished. When do I get to live the life I want?" Niklaus asked after he got himself under control.

"This is the life you want?" Esther said her arms going up, gesturing about the room. "Some second tier officer drawing pictures of space?"

Niklaus sighed and responded. "You do realize that without stellar cartographers command officers would have no idea where it is you are going."

"I'm not saying your job isn't important." Esther said moving closer to him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"That sounds exactly like what you're saying." Niklaus says moving away from his mother.

"This was not the plan. Why didn't you tell me you also specialized in operations? Don't you want your own ship?" Nik ignored her trying to code the last part of his sequencing algorithm. When he didn't answer she tried to broach the topic she had came here for.

"Is this about your father?" She watched her son close his eyes in frustration. "Niklaus, he saved a planet."

"Mother, not now." He hissed. After a moment he added, "You have another son on the ship, you know? And he's even Chief of Security. I can page the commander if you would like."

"Finn is busy."

"Ah. He's busy and I am not. I'm only drawing."

"That's not…He's a senior officer… We will have to talk about this you know."

"No, we don't." Niklaus said going back to the gravimetrics panel. She watched him for a moment wondering how she could get through to him. She knew he thought she was overbearing, but really her family had just experienced the shock of their lives. Niklaus had barely spoken at the ceremony, and then he enlisted to go to the Delta Quadrant for a year as a stellar cartographer. He had to know she could not let this stand. Besides she wasn't the only family here onboard. Admiral Bennett was here in almost the same capacity.

"I bet Bonnie doesn't treat Sheila like this. There's a good girl. Top of her class. Already Lt. Commander. She definitely wants a ship of her own and I bet's she gets it before 35."

"If I have to hear that name one more time." Niklaus said after erroneously thinking his mother was getting the point.

"Get used to it. She's already your superior officer. She'll be chief of engineering before you know it. And you, my sweet boy, will be here drawing, beautifully, but only drawing."

=/\=

"Are you really thinking about retiring Sheila?" Captain Washbourne said pouring a cup of tea for her old mentor. The elder officers relaxed in her ready room waiting for official orders from starfleet.

"Yes. I've explored for decades. Now I think it's time for me to settle down and plant that garden I've always dreamed about. I finally have someone who will continue the Bennett legacy. Space wasn't for Abby. I think she got tired of being cooped up in quarters all her life. Maybe I'll settle down near her and Rudy." Sheila said picking up her cup of tea once it had steeped enough.

"What about Lucy?" Bree asked remembering the precocious little girl Sheila raised after her parents died on the Epperson-4. Little Lucy had the run on the USS Hightower.

"Lucy couldn't stand Federation life. They academy had to invent new rules just for Lucy to break. She's running a civilian frater business at Deep Space 3 now. She hardly calls, but of course I keep my eyes on her, and that Maquis boyfriend of hers. How's Hoban?" Sheila said biting into a tea biscuit.

"Pissed that I signed up for another tour. It's only a year. I want to finish what we started. He wants a family, and a wife who lives on the same planet as him. He keeps sending me academy job postings, and pictures of our nieces and nephews. He was the best pilot in starfleet, and now he wants to fly flight simulators." The Captain said shaking her head. Her husband's biological clock had started ticking but she was the one who felt like she was running out of time.

"Give him a baby." Sheila advised.

"Sheila? I love this life. Is it fair to have a child when I would be leaving it all the time?" Captain Bree said shocked and a bit disappointed.

"I wondered that about Abby, but Silas stepped up. He loved me and understood what Starfleet meant to me. Abby, and me we don't always see eye to eye but she's a great kid and my Bonnie is my heart. Hoban would make a great father. So give him a baby."

"You don't think I'm too old? Bonnie's old enough to have her own now."

"Don't say that…" Sheila chastised her protégé. She eyed the woman. "You must know something. Spill." Bree smiled coyly but shook her head.

"I don't know anything. What I do know is she is a beautiful and brilliant young woman locked up in a ship with 75 equally brilliant crewmembers. Someone's going to catch her eye. My money is on Lieutenant Gerard." Bree said biting into a cucumber sandwich. It was delicious. The science crew had finally delivered a varied and abundant vegetable harvest right in time for launch.

"Really? He's too smiley." Sheila said considering the young man she had just met earlier that morning. "He is handsome." Sheila said thinking about cute great grandchildren.

No. She wanted Bonnie to focus on her career for a little bit. Give her time to grow into the young woman she wanted to be, but ultimately it wasn't up to her. Bree has a point.

"I know one thing. If you are any friend at all you will keep her away from Esther's boy, Lt. Mikaelson." It was all she had heard for the last week at the academy. She knew Esther was having a fit.

"The blue-eyed rebel. Famous parents. Top of his class. Turned down several first officer positions because he wanted to follow his passion. That's a tall order even for me. Alaric has to beat the ensigns and yeomen away from the cartography lab, and he's only been here two weeks."

"Sounds like a spoiled brat." Young folks these days had no sense of honor and loyalty. Imagine killing yourself to be Valedictorian of Command class and then turning down every position offered in command. Maybe the boy would snap out of it after he has had time to process his father's death.

"He's that too, but I don't think you have to worry. From what the Doctor Zhu tells me they avoid each other like the plague. Nurse Salvatore was at the academy with them and they apparently hate one another's guts. Some rivalry."

"I think it might be a tradition. There have been Bennetts and Mikaelsons at the Academy for generations. Our families have never meshed well. How has it been with Admiral Mikaelson on board this week?" Sheila asked being terribly petty. She knew the woman could be demanding and mulish.

"Sheila, we don't have enough hours in the day." Bree said groaning. She took a sip of tea. "Poor Commander Mikaelson. He's such a sweet boy. It must come from the father."

Sheila looked at the Captain doubtfully, "I can tell you now. That isn't the case." Both women laughed until the door chimed.

"Come," Captain Washbourne said, smiling over at Admiral Bennett. Their eyes widened when the older blonde stood at the entrance.

"Admiral Mikaelson, so nice to see you. Please join us for tea."

=/\=

Bonnie punched in her order for Galaxian Tea. She sniffed when the cup and beverage materialized in front of her. It smelled great. She had yet to test the replicators on board the Spock. She turned to find a table. They were all full except one.

Lt. Commander Katerina Petrova ate alone in all of her green glory. Bonnie walked over slowly slipping through tables and conversing crew. Before she reached her destination she set her come badge to filter. It was an upgrade she added herself. She didn't need the Orion's pheromones convincing her to do or say something stupid.

"Hi. Can I sit here?" Bonnie asked smiling down at the security officer.

"I don't want to sleep with you." Katerina said looking up at Bonnie. On second thought, the woman thought looking at the sexy officer before her. No. She had a strict no crewman rule. She wanted her security expertise to outweigh Terran stereotypes. She hoped they had plenty shore leave, if not her toys and the herbs Dr. Zhu provided would have to do. She concentrated on muting her scent while the woman was so close.

"Oh," Bonnie said embarrassed. "I don't want to sleep with you either. I mean…there's nothing wrong with you…you look like that…I like to get to know folks better before…my culture attaches socially constructed meaning to…" Bonnie exhales. Her comm badge couldn't filter out cultural misunderstandings. "I just wanted a seat. All the others are taken, and to you know…say hello." Bonnie finished smiling politely.

"Sure. Take a seat." Katerina said moving her tray over slightly so the awkward woman had room. Bonnie sat, again smiling.

"You don't eat?" Katerina said trying to see if the girl was Terran like she assumed or another humanoid species that subsisted on liquids.

"No, I do. My Grams is here. She cooked a huge southern breakfast this morning and She's cooking my favorite tonight, fried chicken, cabbage, sweet potato soufflé, and mac and cheese. I'm saving my appetite."

"All that on a replicator. She must be a great coder."

"She is, but she is actually using a stove. Her quarters have a kitchen. She's an admiral, Admiral Sheila Bennett." Katerina eyes widened at her fellow crewman. Sheila Bennett was an engineering icon.

"So your new here?" Bonnie asked putting down her cup. She had studied the crew roster like it was an engineering text. It was hard being new crew to a ship crew that had already sailed, fought, and mourned together. She wanted to get the lay of the land before she stepped foot on the ship. She was one of nine new crewmembers. The Spock had lost five officers, two civilian scientists, and two ensigns.

"Yeah. I came from the Kirk." Katerina responded impressed. Bonnie had obviously done her research.

"That's pretty neat."

"What is?" Katerina asked confused finishing her Lucky Charms cereal.

"You served on the USS James T. Kirk and the USS S'chn Spock."

"I didn't even put that together." Katerina smirked.

"Did you ever take classes in the S'chn Nyota Uhura Linguistics building at the Academy?"

"No. I hate linguistics. It took me forever to learn how to speak standard."

"Well, this is awkward." A blonde woman said standing at the table with a tray.

"Hi, I'm Forbes…I mean Lt. Caroline Forbes. Anthropology, Archaeology and… Linguistics. I was wondering if I could sit with you?" Katerina looked over to Bonnie who smiled then back up to the blonde.

"Yeah." Katerina said mystified, concentrating harder.

This was the first time in starfleet people didn't avoid her like the plague or hound her about her sex life. There had been several Orion officers since Cadet Gaila Hexis-Kyse. She had inspired a generation but they were still too few and far between to be the norm. Katerina concentrated on her work at starfleet and satisfied her biological urges on the civilians of Berkeley. After a survey of local communities around San Francisco she found they were most amenable to her proclivities. Most of her weekends at the academy were spent in Berkeley at the local university. Now she was stuck on a starship for a year. Her resolve had proven effective on the USS Kirk with shorter diplomatic trips. Now she was testing her control for a longer science/exploration stretch on the USS Spock.

"I'm so hungry, and so excited! I can't wait until we get our mission, and get off this rock." The blonde said tearing of a piece of bread and dipping it in her plomeek soup.

"Me too. This will be the first time I've been to the Delta Quadrant." Bonnie said sipping her tea. It wasn't as strong as she liked. She would have to ask her Grams or her dad to ship her some.

"The Kirk was at Deep Space Nine last year for a two week conference. I got to patrol both sides of the wormhole."

"Cool. I've been stationed on New Vulcan for the past year. A sister planet in their solar system went warp. I got to be a part of preparatory team for the first contact."

"Wow." Bonnie exclaimed.

"Yeah. I was already living on the home planet of my hero, the linguistic goddess herself and then I got to test her morphologic theorem on a pre-warp species. I was living the dream. When I saw the job posting for the USS Spock I knew it was fate. Where were you stationed before here?"

"The Intrepid." Bonnie said quietly.

"You were aboard the intrepid when it imploded?" Katerina choked out looking at the engineer with new interest. Was this the Lt. Commander Bennett? Bonnie sighed. Several people were looking over at their table now including Niklaus Mikaelson, and his entourage.

"Yeah, in engineering. It's how I got this stripe, and a bum knee." Bonnie said.

"I think it's great they are retiring the ship's name."

"Yeah, at least I can say I served on the Final Voyage of the USS Intrepid."

"What was he like?" Caroline whispered aware that others were listening including the late admiral's sons.

"Admiral Mikaelson?" Bonnie whispered, sneaking a glance at Nik. "Larger than life."

=/\=

"I can't believe you didn't sit with your brother." Nurse Salvatore said biting into his Bregit Lung. He glanced over to the table with most of the senior officers.

"Why would I do that when I can sit here and watch you chew with your mouth open?" Nik said pushing his replicated shepherd's pie around on his plate.

"I'm just saying. He's a Senior Officer. You could get in good with the Captain."

"Why didn't you sit with Commander Saltzman? He was almost your brother-n-law. He's the first officer."

"I can't talk to him without thinking about Damon." Stefan processed what he said, and then added, "Oh."

"Oh what? Don't put your feelings off on me Salvatore. My brother is an idiot and my mother's spy. If I must be babysat, I'm not going to help him do his job." Niklaus said glancing at the table at the front of the room. Finn looked like he belonged. He returned to his shepherd pie when he spotted Bennett going to sit with Orion Security Officer.

"They're worried about you man."

"Why?" Nik said getting annoyed with his friend.

"You turned down First Officer on the Enterprise. I know your father's death…"

"Why does everyone assume it has something to do with my father?"

"I lived with you for four years."

"You're point?"

"Nothing." Stefan said shaking his head. He knew his friend was hurting, but Niklaus was never good with bad emotions, hell good ones either.

"What up grunts?" Lt. Marcel Gerard said grabbing a chair an Andorian ensign had just left and swung it around to sit with Niklaus and Stefan.

"I can not believe you are the helmsman?" Nurse Salvatore said take another bite of his Klingon dish.

"I'm the best pilot in starfleet." Marcel said nodding to the senior officer table where he usually sat. He decided to slum it with Salvatore and Mikaelson.

"Yeah, now that Captain Washbourne is retiring and Damon has gone out to the black." Stefan said sipping his root beer. The replicator always used too much sugar.

"Sorry about your brother man. We just couldn't get to him in time. He locked us all in. He didn't even think about." Stefan nodded.

"That sounds about right." Nurse Salvatore said smiling.

"And your dad, of course."

"It's all good, mate. What about you? Are you 100%? You are flying this thing." Niklaus joked.

"I'm ready to make her mine. If only you're mum and her pals would give us our orders."

All three men turned and looked over when they heard the Orion shriek about the Intrepid. Nik momentarily caught Lt. Commander Bennett's eye. She couldn't even look at him. He was tired of the pity.

"One year locked up with an Orion. This is going to be interesting." Marcel said biting into his slaw dog.

"Don't get your hopes up. I hear she has a no starfleet rule." Stefan said finishing the last of his lunch.

"Won't she like... die without sex?" Marcel said horrified, such a beautiful body going to waste. He was a 26th century man he could respect and fuck her at the same time.

"No, but she will get very weak." Stefan informed.

"She's the assistant chief of security how will that work?" Marcel said truly bummed that they got a celibate Orion.

"Don't be a dick. She'll be ok. Mikaelson stop staring at Bennett in your peripherals." Nurse Salvatore said smiling.

"Shut it Salvatore. I am not. That woman infuriates me. She's a know it all self righteous…"

"Yeah, all I know is if you guys start fighting again, I'm going to recommend Dr. Zhu sedate you. I thought I had escaped you two at the academy. Whose idea was it to put you two on the same ship?"

"The same geniuses who let you practice medicine."

*ALL SENIOR OFFICERS REPORT TO THE BRIDGE*

"I bet we have our orders." Lt. Gerard said eating the last bite of his sandwich.

"Finally." Nik said standing. He grabbed Salvatore's and Gerard's tray because he knew they had to report to their stations.

"Thanks, Man." Marcel said taking a swig of his drink.

"Just get us the fuck out of here and away from the Admiral." Nik said smiling. Marcel nodded and headed for the bridge. Stefan went down to Sickbay to take the Doctor's place.

Bonnie was rushing to get down to engineering since Chief Jordan was probably on his way to the bridge. She was about to put her cup into the sonics when someone knocked into her. The last bit of her tea sloshed out of the cup and onto her uniform. She couldn't report to her station like this, and now it would take longer to relieve the Chief.

"Crap." Bonnie said.

"Sorry Bennett. I wasn't watching were I was going." Nik said looking down at her ruined jersey.

"Lt. Commander Bennett." Bonnie barked.

"What?" Nik said confused.

"My name is Lt. Commander Bennett, and I have a hard time believing you could not see the gold uniform in front of you."

"Are you saying I bumped into you on purpose? You're delusional."

"I can't with you right now. Go draw something."

=/\=

"I fried the chicken, the soufflé and mac and cheese are still in the oven. The cabbage is simmering on the stove." Sheila said putting the last of her toiletries into her bag.

"Grams you don't have to go. Captain Washbourne invited you along. You could get off at Delta Vega when we refill." Bonnie said turning off the pot and stove. It would be a while before she got to eat now that they were launching tonight at 2200 hours.

"You just want me here cooking for you every night." Sheila said smiling zipping up her garment bag. She had changed out of her civilian clothes into her uniform since she would be piloting a shuttle back to earth alone.

"Yes, but you have so much you could teach me in engineering." Bonnie said thinking she was going to get more time than this with her grandmother. She actually wished her pawpaw had come too.

"That's not my job, sugar. That's Chief Jordan's and Captain Washbourne's now. You watch her. She's one of the best captains we have right now. In 100 years there will be a USS Breana Washbourne."

"I knew you got me stationed here so she could watch me." Bonnie pouted.

"Did I make a call? Yes, but not to watch you. You were one of three survivors of the Intrepid. The other two will never serve again. It's hard living with pain like that. And, I know you're going to say your fine, but survivor's remorse is a bitch. You need some people around you who can understand that. This ship has gone through tragedy as well. And Bree would throw herself into the sun to save her crew. So I knew this is were you needed to be. So I knew that you were fine."

"Grams." Bonnie said fighting tears.

"You scared the living daylights out of us Bonnie: your pawpaw, Mom, dad, and me. We thought you were on that ship." Sheila said wiping her baby's eyes.

"No, I was just planet-side trying to fix the stupid shield generator." Bonnie said. How did the conversation take this turn?

"And you fixed it, and saved a race of people from being annihilated." Sheila said putting her hands on Bonnie's shoulders.

"My crew died. Matt won't talk to me. Mom's mad at me."

"Your mother is scared. And a lot of that is my fault. And as for Mr. Donovan, He's a sweet boy Bonnie but he doesn't understand you. You have to find one who understands the pull of adventure."

"Like pawpaw."

"Like my Silas. He's waited 40 years for us to settle down. He's found some dilapidated Victorian home in Virginia of all places." Sheila said loading her bags on the cart Yeoman Young had brought up for her.

"Virginia?" The Bennetts had lived in San Francisco and on ships all their lives.

"He claims his ancestors lived there. Mystic Falls he called it. We'll see." Sheila said checking the room for anything she had forgotten.

"I know you. You're going to go stir crazy. While he's having the time of his life fixing up that house." Bonnie said helping her Grams make the bed.

"Probably, but he deserves it. It's his time. I don't know. Dr. Zhu found me this ancient apothecary book. I'm going to plant a garden and play around."

"You've been saying that for years. You're going to start tinkering." Bonnie teased. Her Grams used to love to fix or upgrade things at their house. It's where Bonnie had gotten her giftfrom.

"I might pick up some classes at the academy to keep my space legs strong." Sheila said finding some truth in Bonnie's words.

"I'm going to miss you Grams."

"I'm going to miss you too, baby. The Spock will be your home before you know it. You won't want to visit a tired old lady." Sheila said hugging her granddaughter.

"Please…three words-Macaroni and Cheese."

"You silly girl. Your pawpaw will come up here if you don't call."

"Silas Salvatore vs. the Jem'Hadar. They would quiver with fear."

"Absolutely. Be sweet. Be safe. Be daring."

"Like my grams."

=/\=

Niklaus smiled when the shuttle bay door closed. Finn looked over to his younger brother.

"She's our mother. You don't have to look so happy she's gone."

"Tell me your not relieved." Niklaus said looking to his older brother. Finn smiled. Then walked out into the hall.

"Try not to get us lost." He said as he headed for the bridge. Niklaus would be feeding maps straight into the Spock's navigational control. In a lot of ways he had control of where they ended up.

"Try not to get us blown up by the Kazon." Nik answered stepping in the hall behind him turning the opposite direction for his lab. He rounded the corner and met the Captain, Admiral Bennett, Dr. Zhu and the Lt. Commander.

"Captain. Doctor." He said nodding to the older women. He turned his attention to the woman in the center of their party, his hand shooting out.

"Admiral Bennett, it's an pleasure to meet you sir." Bonnie tried very hard not to roll her eyes. The Captain watched her crewman very closely. Dr. Pearl Zhu smiled at the exchange.

"Lt. Mikaelson. Your reputation precedes you. I'm sorry for your loss. Your father was a great Admiral, and even greater man."

"Thank you. I myself am honored to meet one of the greatest engineers of our time." Sheila smiled at this young man. He was too charming for his own good.

"Some would say that was debatable. My granddaughter here still has a poster of B'Lanna Torres-Paris on her wall at home."

"Grams!" Bonnie said looking at her grandmother embarrassed. Captain Washbourne and Dr. Zhu laughed heartily. Nik smiled at the older woman, and then mumbled.

"Lt. Commander Bennett." He said through clenched teeth.

"Lt. Mikaelson." Bonnie said a little too sharp. The Captain and Doctor exchanged looks. Sheila looked between her granddaughter and Esther's boy.

"Have a safe trip, Admiral." Niklaus said nodding to the woman.

"The same to you young man. And, I didn't get to say goodbye to your mother. Please send her my regards when you speak to her next."

"Will do." Niklaus nodded to his superior officers. "Sirs." The Lieutenant said continuing to his lab.

"Grams, I have to go too. I'm going to be late for my shift." Bonnie said hugging and kissing her grandmother. "Sirs." She said nodding, and then heading for engineering.

"I told you." Pearl said walking into Sheila's shuttle. "I was doing their on-boarding physical at the same time last week and you could cut the tension with a knife. Luckily, Nurse Salvatore came on shift and things got more relaxed."

"Something must have happened at the Academy. He's only one class ahead of her. She's never mentioned this boy before Sheila." The Captain responded.

"No. She's been dating a organic farmer since she finished undergrad." Sheila informed them.

"Are they still dating?" Pearl asked.

"He broke off their engagement when she re-enlisted."

"Oh that's sad." Pearl said checking the emergency medical simulation data. Sheila had a long flight back to earth. She wanted to make sure she could get medical attention if anything were to happen.

"He didn't deserve her." Captain Washbourne said stowing away Sheila's bags.

"He was a good boy, but Terran through and through. We all thought she had died. He thought he could make her stay with an ultimatum. He doesn't understand how powerful the allure of space can be." Sheila said rechecking the coordinates.

"So that means she's single. For the first time since she finished college." Pearl said smiling at Captain Washbourne.

"Sheila, I have always tried to comply with your wishes…" Bree started.

"I know. Their either going to kill each other or marry each other." Sheila said shaking her head. Of all the men it had to be a Mikaelson. Sheila had tried to push Stefan on her at the academy but Bonnie was weirded out that she and Nurse Salvatore were distantly related. She was also fiercely loyal to her farmer.

"Either way, Alaric is going to have his hands full. It's good being a captain."

"I wouldn't know." Pearl says finishing up the last of her recalibrations.

"You will." Sheila said assuredly. She was so proud of both her former crewmembers. Bree was a great first officer, but born to be Captain and Pearl transitioned into one of the best doctors starfleet had ever seen. They were even comparing her to Crusher, Bashir, and McCoy himself.

"It's better being an admiral." Sheila joked. She hugged both women. "Let me get out of your hair. You've got a planet to explore. Be careful. The Kazon and Jem'Hadar are a recipe for disaster."

"Finn can handle it, and if not, Lt. Commander Petrova has a lot of energy she needs to work out."

Sheila laughed. "God bless you Bree. Take care of my girl."

"Like she was my own, Sir."

"Dr. Zhu, Captain Washbourne, preparing for departure."

"Fly safe, Admiral."

=/\=

USS Spock | Captains Log-Star Date 53256.52

It will be another day or two before we reach Deep Space Nine, and the gate to the Delta Quadrant. We are ahead of schedule due to a shortcut Lt. Mikaelson has charted so I have permitted a 24-hour shore leave. The crew is on edge, one crewmember in particular. We are stopping at the new facilities at Delta Vega while we refill. Perhaps the bazaar and nightlife of the ice planet will ease crew relations.

=/\=

"Are you going down?" Lt. Forbes said stepping into engineering.

"I don't know. It's only 24 hours and I could get a lot done while the ship is empty and quiet." Bonnie said checking to see how far the crew was to finishing the repair and maintenance list for the week.

"Ah yes, the Bennett Compulsion system. The Bazaar will probably have a bunch of parts you can't get anywhere else. Some may trigger an idea about how to reach and stabilize Warp X."

"Maybe… You are such a bad influence." Bonnie said flagging Ensign Martin's work for accommodation. The crewmember was a machine, his work outstanding and efficient.

"Everyone is going. Katerina has already left. Some economist she knew from Berkeley is here studying the bazaar. She has been sending messages to nem all week. We won't see her until 1200 hours tomorrow."

"Good for her. She was struggling this last week." Bonnie said powering down her pad.

"Honestly, I was about to do her myself. She looked like she was in pain. She's not going to make it once we get to the Delta Quadrant. She needs someone to take the edge off. I get what she's trying to do, but having one mate isn't an Orion norm. She doesn't have to do everyone on the ship."

"Are you volunteering?"

"No. She's my superior officer." Caroline said inspecting the console suddenly.

"She's also smoking hot."

"Wow, I thought you were only sexually attracted to warp engines and nacelles."

"Stop. You're turning me on." Bonnie deadpanned.

"Imagine how hot finding a classic engine coil would be."

"Okay. I'll be ready in five. But, I'm not spending the night. I want to get up early and work on my engine design."

=/\=

"Nik, your fucking crazy. Yeoman Young would do anything and I mean anything to get your attention." Marcel said hopping off the transporter pad.

"I know, and it's not attractive at all." Nik said surveying the city before him. He hadn't been to Delta-Vega since they had developed it.

"Since when?" Marcel said remembering all the things they got up to at the Academy.

"Since he laid eyes on Bennett third year." Stefan said. Marcel had to admit the nurse had a point. Their fourth year there was significantly less sex and more books. He thought they were getting serious about their careers. Of course, he was serious about Rebekah until she decided she wanted to stay planet side.

"What is your obsession with the Lt. Commander? Who's always bringing her up? You are. Besides, you can't say shit to me until your wife takes your balls out of her medicine bag. Then we can talk."

"How the hell did you bag Pearl Zhu?" Marcel asked voicing the wonder he often felt when he saw the couple. Stefan graduated a year after them, and promptly got married.

"That's Dr. Zhu to you, and I was her favorite student. In more ways than one." Stefan smirked.

"Couldn't be that much of a favorite, your only a Nurse." Niklaus teased. Marcel laughed.

"Nurse Practitioner, and I am authorized to do everything she does without the five extra years at school instead of in the stars." Stefan explained.

"Also without the stripes and command." Marcel pointed out looking at the map of the new compound. He was happy they had excellent environment controls. It felt like the beach instead of the dark side of the moon.

"Command was always you guys' thing. I just wanted to practice xenobiology." Stefan answered.

"Where is the wife?" Marcel said looking at other crewmates heading towards the city main entrance.

"Shopping. We plan on catching a show and dinner later."

"I guess your not coming to the bar." Marcel said.

"Nope."

"What about you Mikaelson? A few steins of blood wine and April could be the one." Marcel quipped.

"Yes, to the bar and liquor. No, to the headache. I don't need Finn reporting to my mom."

"You're going to let your brother spoil your fun?" Marcel asked.

"Excuse me." Katerina said squeezing through the three friends to run up to her own special friend waiting for her on a hover bike. She hopped on and they took off in a blaze. Several pedestrians jumped out of the way to avoid being hit.

"Jesus Christ, look at that lucky son of a bitch." Marcel said watching the supple shape of Katerina Petrova's bottom on the back of the bike.

"I think she has the right idea. On the ship it is all business. On shore leave, anything and anyone is possible. No ship gossip. No drama. No Starfleet." Nik said continuing their trek into the city.

"No Bennett finding out that you fucked her entire year class."

"See what I'm talking about Gerard. Obsession."

"Hmm, says the man who goes out of his way to avoid her. I wonder what your afraid of? I also wonder what Bennett's dating rules are?" Stefan said pointing out the Lt. Commander and her cute science officer friend heading for the gates of the bazaar.

Nik glanced at the friends and rolled his eyes.

"Probably still saving herself for the hick." Nik said.

"They broke up. The wife told me. He gave her an ultimatum, him or starfleet. I guess we know her choice." Stefan informed.

"Shame. Gerard, what's the first item on our Itinerary?" Nik asked ignoring Stefan's smirk.

"Quark's Casino of course. I'm so glad they put one here."

"Sounds like a plan."

=/\=

The Bazaar is just as Bonnie imagined. It was a chaotic mix-one part a whirlwind of color, one part dizzying scents, and one part cacophony. Numerous alien species from the Federation crowded into narrow lanes filled with an unimaginable amount of novelties, everyday wares, and food, so much food. Everything from grubs to filet mignon was on sale. Bonnie had spent a week's worth of credits on foodstuff she could keep in her quarters and decor. Her quarters were small but she finally ranked high enough to have her own space on a ship.

While she bought everything she knew she didn't need, she still hadn't found hardware that sparked any creative ideas in her design. Most parts were either used or outdated which she could work with. Or they were suspiciously high-tech and cutting edge, which meant they were probably ill gotten. Ill gotten was a definite no-no in starfleet. She saw a few parts she was thinking about going back to get, just to have, once she traversed enough of the bazaar to see all that it offered.

Which was a lot, especially to Lt. Forbes who had to rent a xorlax to carry around all her newly obtained treasures. Bonnie had no idea where she was going to put it all being that she shared quarters with two other shipmates. Bonnie pitched in on the Trillian slugs to feed the thing since it was carrying some of her things too.

"Ooh. Is that an Orion food stand over there? Katerina is going to be upset she missed it." Caroline said moving towards the booth. Bonnie doubted anything was as important to Katerina right now than her current paramour.

"Maybe we should get her something." Caroline added looking at the offerings.

"Maybe you should tell her about your genius plan to help her acclimate, and that you volunteer as tribute. Be daring." Bonnie said walking up to the stand with the blonde. Orion cuisine appeared to be made entirely of treats and candy. How in the world did they manage to look like that?

The booth attendant smiled at them and handed them two samples. Both women eyed the small cups of pink goo with suspicion. Orions were still notorious slave traders despite their change in government and cultural laws.

"There are no mind altering substances." The gorgeous woman said with a blinding smile. Lt. Forbes smiled but still took out her tricorder and ran an analysis.

"Hmm. It's a complex compound of glucose, dextrose, and polysorbate-5 shifting between solid and liquid matter due to nanotubes stimulating chemical reactions. It's harmless." The Blonde said putting away her tricorder. Bonnie shrugged and downed the fluff. A dopey smile immediately pulled at her face.

"It's wonderful. It's. It's so hard to describe." Bonnie said smacking her lips. "Yum."

"We Orions strive to make all experiences pleasurable for all species we encounter."

"Do you feel different, Bonnie?" Caroline asked a little worried. She took out her tricorder again and scanned the woman. The readings were normal. Well they were better than normal. Her dopamine and testosterone was up but not alarmingly so, and her stress and cortisone levels were down. Her heart, lungs, and kidneys were operating at maximum efficiency for a human.

"No. No, I just feel great!" Bonnie said dreamily. Caroline still decided to hold off on trying hers until they were back on the ship. They needed one of them to have their wits about them.

Caroline brought four jars worth of goo, another for Bonnie and her, and two for Katerina. They could have a party one night on the ship. Of course it will have to be in Bonnie or Katerina's quarters, but that was fine. She was sure they would let her come and decorate.

"This was fun." Bonnie said stopping at a booth with beautiful Vulcan art. The rich warm colors would go lovely with the other décor she brought today.

"I'm glad you asked me to come." Bonnie said stowing away another purchase. She held another slug out for the xorlax to slurp up his trunk. The beats whiskers curled with satisfaction. He really was a good boy. He would make a great pet if he weren't so large. The attendant said he would grow five more feet before he reached full maturity.

"Yay! I was afraid you would be disappointed because you didn't get any parts for your compulsion system."

"Oh, I think I'm going to swing back by a couple of booths on the way to the ship and buy some things I saw there, if they still have it. I just wanted to see all that they offered."

"Well's there is one more short row over by the casino. I think I saw some parts there when I went to use the laboratory."

"Really? Let's go. Then we have to find some food. That Orion marshmallow stuff was good but it seems like it made me hungrier."

"We can stop by the booth. Head back to the ship to stow our shopping, grab a snack and then get changed for the bar. I hear they serve traditional Terran food. Fried chicken wings, spring rolls, pickled eggs, platanos, tacos, and fish and chips."

"Sounds great. Let's hurry, I can taste the spring rolls now."

Caroline and Bonnie made their way to the booth but when they got there Caroline spotted a woman selling garments made of Venetian silk.

"I'll be right back." Caroline said pulling the ear of the xorlax and leading him up the path. Bonnie did not hear her. She had zoned in on a Cardassian biopod splicer in almost mint condition. Bonnie examined the tool. It wasn't starfleet regulation but it wasn't prohibited either. It would make her work much faster because of the nanotubes and the precision cuts it could make. Starfleet splicers always did a ham-handed job. With this and the other parts she wanted she could really be onto something. She could even start phase II of construction in weeks.

"How much?" Bonnie asked looking at the Ferengi merchant. His ears twitched as he smiled.

"Three bars of gold pressed latinum."

"Three bars?" Bonnie said eyeing the man flipping over the decades old equipment. She looked up at him doubtfully.

"Two bars and no less." The man said.

"I'll give you one bar." Bonnie countered.

"Robbery. Chief O'Brien himself used this splicer. It was a gift from Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge." Bonnie pursed her lips. He saw a starfleet comm and started spinning his tells. Too bad for him she knew the history of Starfleet engineering like the back of her hand.

"Why would La Forge be giving the Chief a Cardassian splicer that was put into production sixty years after he died?"

"If you don't have the money. Maybe we could work out some other form of payment." The Ferengi whispered.

"Dream-on."

"Is that a Cardassian biopod splicer?" A Bajoran woman said coming up to the booth. She tried to grab it out of Bonnie's hands but the engineer was too quick.

"Two bars of gold pressed latinum. You have a deal." Bonnie said reaching for her bag. She cursed when she realized she had hung it on the xorlax's spike after she had consumed the Orion drink because it was tickling her neck.

"Could you hold it? While I get my money." Bonnie said looking around for Caroline. She could see the woman viewing Andorian jewelry 5 stalls away.

"I'll take it for three and I have my latinum now." The Bajoran woman said insistently.

"Sold." The Ferengi shouted.

"No, according to the Ferengi-Federation alliance once a deal is struck it can not be reneged."

"But you don't have your money." The haughty Bajoran replied.

"If you could wait two minutes." Bonnie said trying to wave Caroline down.

"Two bars of gold-pressed latinum." Bonnie heard the most annoying British accent say. She turned and Niklaus Mikaelson had his hand out filled with bars. Bonnie looked at his hands, and then back up to him.

"I don't need your money." Bonnie said dismissing him. She turned back to the merchant. "My friend is right there. If you could just wait…"

"I'm afraid if…" The Ferengi said reaching towards the money the Bajoran woman was holding up.

"Why won't you take my money?" Niklaus said pushing to the front of the stall forcing the Bajoran woman out of the way.

"I'm afraid of what you might want in return." Bonnie replied coolly. Niklaus shook his head and smirked.

"You know what. Get over yourself. Here." Bonnie watched Lt. Mikaelson press two bars into the Ferengi hands. It was the first time she had seen a Ferengi look unhappy to be paid. The Bajoran sniffed and turned on her way. When she turned to yell at Nik he had gone. Bonnie grunted.

"You found something. Yay!" Caroline said as she and the xorlax appeared with Bonnie's bags. The blonde took in her friends face.

"Not yay?"

"Let's get out of here." Bonnie mumbled.

"What was that all about?" Caroline said looking at her friend who before she left her was sailing on clouds. Now she looked like a rain cloud.

"Nothing." Bonnie said stowing away her splicer. She hardily noticed the wind blown blonde curls moving through the sea of alien life.

=/\=

Niklaus and Marcel walked into the dark bar that had been carved out of the Delta Vega Mountains. It was essentially a cavern whose only source of light were bioluminescent creatures and fauna. Gelatinous neon globs hung from the ceiling oozing towards patrons. They would spring back up in time with the music. It was a mesmerizing sight to behold. The music was a mix of classic Terran hip-hop and some unknown alien instrument? Niklaus didn't know what he was listening to but he certainly felt the bass vibrating through his bones.

Almost the entire crew was here. Even the Captain sat on a ledge above them playing dabo with the commander in charge of Delta Vega and Chief Engineer Connor Jordan. He spotted Commander Saltzman and Finn at the VIP bar behind her laughing at some joke.

"Hey man. You should go up there. I can hang out with Davina and Sophie."

"Why because it's VIP? Nah, I don't need everyone to see what I'm up to. Besides, if I did want to go, you would be coming with me."

"I'm not a senior officer."

"I know. For some dumb ass reason you chose not to be one. But you know Finn would wave you through. The captain wouldn't say no to Admiral Mikael Mikaelson's son."

"Exactly. I'll get there one day but it will be on my terms."

"So Serious. Look around you Nik. Beautiful women from all the Federation planets are waiting for us…in the dark. Most of them are not enlisted in Starfleet." Marcel said pointing out a beautiful Betazoid walking by.

"I'm going to let her read my thoughts." Marcel said blowing a kiss at her. The woman smiled but kept walking. Nik shook his head at his friend.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea." Nik said laughing.

"Shut up. What are you going to do?" Following the woman with his eyes.

"Find the blood wine." Nik said heading over to the translucent bar. More of the bioluminescent creatures swam inside.

"What'll you have?" A Ferengi said from behind the bar.

"Blood wine." Niklaus said sitting down on a stool that looked like a glowing mushroom. He looked up at his brother and his friends once more before downing the drink the Ferengi put in front of him. "Another."

The Ferengi rolled his eyes. Hu-mans.

Niklaus was in the middle of enjoying a pickled egg and his fifth stein of wine when Marcel returned with two Kzinti females. Niklaus was drunk and he was nodding to the music as Marcel introduced his feline friends.

"This is Fava and Erida. They are from Kzin. They work security for the bar, and they got off fifteen minutes ago. I told them we were scientist and explorers and very interested in other cultures. They offered to tell us all about Kzin at their apartment."

"I dons know man. I'm petty wasted." Niklaus said drinking another sip. He hiccupped a second later, and then his eyes started to water.

"Oh, he looks sick. I have a hypo spray back home." Fava said as her tail flicked back and forward. The room began to spin for the stellar cartographer.

"Let's get you up before the brass sees you." Marcel said grabbing Niklaus. Fava grabbed Niklaus coat.

"His tab is on me, Zag." Fava said swishing her tail as she walked after her roommate, and the two handsome starfleet officers.

=/\=

Bonnie and Caroline danced out on the floor scrunched in between tentacles, antenna, and bouncing globs. A few crewmen had enough courage to come dance with them. Of course, senior staff was upstairs in VIP so she had only been dancing with ensigns and yeomen. They were very polite to their superior officers.

"Want to go sit at the bar?" Caroline said dying of thirst. Her feet were starting to hurt as well.

"Let's try to find a table." Bonnie said in Caroline's ear.

"There aren't none, but there is plenty of room at the bar."

"You go ahead. I like this song."

"Okay? What's with you?"

"What? Nothing. I'm in my zone."

"So, it doesn't have anything to do with Lt. Sexy over there."

"OMG. He is not sexy."

"OMG. You are so into him."

"What? I said he was not sexy."

"Which means you're a liar because he clearly is, and the only reason you would lie is if you were into him. He's what happened this afternoon isn't he. I saw him at the booth."

"Caroline. I don't want to talk about this. Look there's a table. Let's get it." Both women bee-lined for the table Lt. Gerard and two Kzinti women had just left. When they sat their feet sighed.

"I hear Gerard is such a playboy."

"He is if he is anything like he was at the academy."

"You went to school with him?"

"He was a year ahead but we stayed in the same dorm. You should have been at the academy at the same time right?"

"I was but the science dorm is all the way on the other side of campus. It's like we went to two different schools which sucks because we would have had a blast."

"We would have. Hey, try to get the waiter's attention."

"We could just go to the bar… and we totally should now. Unsexy is leaving with Gerard and his Kzinti friends."

"Niklaus!?" Bonnie asked. Ugh! He was such a loser. He has sat there all night and got pissy drunk instead of socializing with any of his crewmembers. Bonnie had watched ensign after ensign approach him. It served him right. She didn't care if he went into anaphylactic shock. Who died from cat allergies right? Most people didn't know that the Kzinti had a surprisingly similar DNA to Terran cats. She only knew because her cousin Lucy was allergic cats and grew ill when the Hightower visited Kzinti one year. They had to med-vac Lucy out of there.

Bonnie was up before she knew. Caroline followed her moving through the throng of bodies and out on the promenade. Bonnie reached the elevator just as the doors were about to close. Niklaus was sneezing and his skin was turning red. Both women were touching his face trying to figure out what was wrong. Niklaus was slurring his words.

"Hey, Lt. Gerard. Ladies. Lt. Mikaelson is allergic to felines." Bonnie said watching their eyes pop open. Both women moved out of the elevator away from him. Nik slumped to the floor.

"Oh god! I'm glad you stopped them. I couldn't get down stairs in time. Mom would have killed me!" Commander Mikaelson said winded, climbing on the lift and pulling his baby brother towards him, checking his vitals.

"I didn't know." Marcel said bewildered, looking at the hives growing on Niklaus skin. Caroline pulled a hypo out of her purse and set it. She put the device to the Lieutenants neck.

"You happened to have that?" Bonnie asked eyeing her friend.

"I planned to turn-up tonight." Caroline shrugged putting it back in her purse.

"We are so sorry." Fava and Erida said stepping back further from the gathering crowd embarrassed.

"I didn't know." Marcel said again looking up at Commander Saltzman who had followed his friend outside.

"It's not your fault." Finn said watching Nik start to stir. "I watched my brother drink himself into a stupor." Nik closed his eyes and sighed. "You could have died if Lt. Commander Bennett hadn't stopped them." Niklaus eyes fluttered up to Bonnie's concerned face. Pity. Again.

"I can take care of myself." Niklaus said trying to sit up.

"Good. Let's have a conversation about the conduct of starfleet officers on and off duty in my office." Commander Saltzman said heading for the transporter pad. Marcel and Finn helped Nik to his feet. They walked beside him afraid he was going to fall as they followed the commander back to the ship.

"That was crazy." Caroline whispered to Bonnie as the crowd began to disperse. "How did you know that?"

Bonnie shook her head. "It doesn't matter." She said looking at her friend. "Got any more hypos."

"Two more."

"Good, I need a drink." Bonnie said, looping her arms through Caroline's turning back to the club.

"Turn-up." Caroline said.

"Lt. Commander Bennett, is that right?" Fava said stopping them.

"This is his coat can you return it to him?"

"Me?" Bonnie said looking around for anyone else that could do it instead of her. When she didn't spot anyone she sighed.

"Yeah, sure." She said taking the jacket. She watched the two Kzinti women board the elevator.

She smiled at Caroline. "Hey, can you give this…"

"Nope." Caroline said to Bonnie before she could finish.

"I hate you." Bonnie said opening the doors to the club.

"What is it you said to me earlier? Be daring." Caroline smiled wiggling to the music.

=/\=

USS Spock | Captains Log-Star Date 53254.28

Satellite Delta 548 has been discovered between the home systems of the Kazon and Jem'Hadar. It is awaiting our analysis to be recategorized as a small m-class planet.

Ruins on the planet are indicative of former life. The pictograms and designs found in caverns match the prehistoric markings of the Jem'Hadar. Bones have also been discovered on the planet. Preliminary DNA analysis link the remains to the Kazon. The world is virtually a paradise with untapped resources. It has been lost for centuries. Now both the Jem'Hadar and Kazon wish to lay claim to this prize citing ancient rights.

As new members of the Federation, both races have agreed to receive the USS Spock to confirm the preliminary findings, chart the unexplored section of space, and try to come to an agreement about colonizing the satellite. The planet will be explored for animal and plant life. Archaeological digs have been scheduled. Studies will be conducted to see the extent of both cultures' ancient footprint. Engineering will meet with both societies to share technology as approved by the Federation.

According to their Federation applications, The Jem'Hadar and Kazon societies have undergone drastic changes to their cultures since their first encounters with the Federation. The Kazon have united under one leader and flourished, especially technologically. The Jem'Hadar are no longer dependent on the mind-altering substances engineered by the Shape shifters to make them fervent brutes. The once violent race has channeled their passions into rehabilitating themselves through music, art, philosophy, and various forms of martial arts that relieve stress.

I pray that these reports are true, and this conference will be successful. I certainly don't want to stereotype races of people but old habits die-hard. In any case, the crew is rearing and willing to show what they can do. Both societies were nearly impossible to defeat in battle. Together they would be unstoppable.

=/\=

Bonnie ducked just as the phaser beam streaked past her ear. She crouched behind the rock out of breath. Katerina dove over her head, tucked and rolled until she was in a crouching position beside Bonnie, her phaser shooting two of their attackers.

When no one shot back both women peaked around the rock and a huge warrior charged them. Katerina sprung into action, blocking swings from a bat'leth, and pulling her own ax from it holster on her back. Bonnie shot down another assailant as he tried to stab Katerina in the back with a sword. She swung around looking for any other enemy combatants in the area.

*LT. COMMADER BENNETT YOU ARE NEEDED IN THE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM.*

"Thank God." Bonnie said panting. She looked up in time to see a Klingon charging her. "Computer end program." The hologram stopped just before the blade of his sword pierced her midsection.

"Hey. This was fun. Great workout." Katerina jogged over not a hair out of place, her face cool as a cucumber. Meanwhile Bonnie was trying to tame her curls, and could feel sweat sliding between her shoulder blades.

"Yeah. Great work out." Bonnie said wiping her face with a towel. "Next time, maybe… let's try something like…bicycling."

"Bicycling?" Katerina said puzzled.

"Caroline will explain it to you." Bonnie said as they walked out of the holodeck.

"Where is the Lieutenant this morning?" Katerina said casually. Bonnie took note of the change in her voice. Maybe…

"She's in charge of the dig in the northeast plains on the satellite. She's been gone since 0400 hours. We're meeting for dinner tonight. You should come."

"I do not want to infringe upon your time. I understand you two have become… how do they say it…beasties."

"It's Besties, and I'm sure Lt. Forbes will be stoked if you are there." Bonnie said climbing on the lift. "Bridge." Bonnie added when the doors closed. She once again tried to wrangle her curls into an elastic band.

"But… you already know that she likes having you around. How many pheromones does she give off?" Bonnie said smiling at the woman. Katerina's skin went from Kelly green to a deep moss. Apparently, Caroline was affecting her too.

"A lot. She is testing my resolve. I try to slow my biological functions to the bare minimum when she is present but it seems it only gets worst." Katerina said perplexed.

"That's because it's not your pheromones, Kat. It's you. She thinks your kickass and awesome, which by the way, you totally are. See you at dinner tonight." Bonnie said as the door opened.

This was the third time she had been on the bridge, but it was still just as exciting. She noticed that all the senior personnel were missing which meant she was about to walk into a meeting with all of her bosses in her gym clothes. She was sweaty, dirty and probably bloody, but it could not be helped.

She stood by the door until she heard the captain say, "Come."

When she walked in, it was just as expected, except Lt. Mikaelson was in the room as well. Wonderful. Everyone was polite enough not to stare at her appearance.

"Bonnie, I see you're getting in some time in the gym." The Captain said smiling looking up from her pad.

"The holodeck, sir." Bonnie said sitting in one of the empty chairs at the far end of the table. Who knew how she smelt?

"Really? May I ask what program? I've been doing Zumba, but it's getting little boring."

"The Battle of Traris 3 led by Kwor, Son of Faza." Bonnie said hesitantly. Everyone looked up at her amused. Even Nik, who mostly ignored her, turned to her.

"Me and Lt. Commander Petrova work out twice a week. It's her week to pick." Bonnie clarified.

"Ah! Battle simulations as cardio. That sound like our Assistant Chief of Security. We are waiting on our first officer. He is meeting with the science team." The door slid open. "And here he is. Let's get started. Alaric, what do we know?"

"So far the tests have been inconclusive. There have been some strange anomalies. Tools have been going missing and showing back up later. Crewmembers report strange noises, but we still do not detect any other life signs on the planet. They have a day or two left on the dig. The linguistic team is working on the caverns. When Lt. Forbes is finished at the dig. She will be consulted. She has done extensive research on Jem'Hadar children's speech acquisition. "

"I am not comfortable with missing technology, Captain. I request permission to beam down to the dig site." Finn said.

"I agree that we should beef up security, but we have been invited to the Jem'Hadar Camp to discuss Federation matters. Most of the senior personnel will accompany me. Send Lt. Commander Petrova. Maybe she can get in some more exercise." The Captain said winking at Bonnie.

"While we are gone, Marcel you will have the comm." Marcel smiled brightly at the captain. He smirked at his friend. Nik nodded excited for the lieutenant.

"Save that smile for the ensigns, Lt. Gerard. Unfortunately Lt. Mikaelson, you will not be here to witness the first time your buddy has the comm, but I'm sure there will be other times. You, Lt. Commander Bennett, and Commander Saltzman will beam over to the Kazon vessel to discuss sharing technology. Bonnie as Assistant Chief Engineer you will have authority to speak on behalf of the Spock. For all intents and purposes you will be Chief Jordan. Nik, Can I call you Nik? Your job is to see what data they have on the Delta Quadrant that we don't. See if they can give us a head start on future missions, and if they are willing, Bonnie you will be more forthcoming with our latest technological breakthroughs within Federation guidelines. I hear they are interested in compulsion engines." She said smiling.

"Yes, sir." Bonnie nodded.

"Yes, sir." Nik said not to be outdone.

"Good, you leave at 1100 hours. Everyone dismissed." The Captain said watching everyone leave her conference room except the good doctor. Pearl waited until everyone was gone before she started.

"We should hack into the camera in the cockpit." Pearl said laughing.

"You are horrible. I thought you had something important to say." Bree said smiling at her old friend.

"I do. Sheila is going to kill you. It's been a month and you give them a mission together?"

"Hey, my hands our tied, and Alaric will be there."

"He probably wants to kill you too."

"Come on. We are just bored old ladies looking for some juicy gossip. Nothing is going to happen."

"I am not old. My husband has to keep up with me."

"I still can't believe you married that youngen."

"He's young, and hung, and has an old soul."

"Girl, TMI. TMI."

"So, I have permission to hack in."

"Pearl, Bye."

=/\=

Alaric smiled to himself. This must be what it was like babysitting him and Damon. The Captain was paying him back. He didn't think he and his ex-fiancé were this bad, although for a while, people would leave the room if they were both in it. He hoped it didn't come to that for these two. Apart they were two very accomplished crewman together the tension was inescapable. Alaric looked down at the photo of him and Damon on Risa. He sighed. To be angry that Damon sacrificed himself was a dishonor to his partner and his uniform, but he couldn't help the irritation. He exhaled. Somers was keeping his bed warm at night, but he knew he was being unfair to the communications officer. Kind of like Lt. Mikaelson and the lunches he was having with Yeoman Young. It wasn't a matter of if. The question was when was the shit going to hit the fan? Gods, he needed another promotion.

"We're approaching the Kazon Vessel, Commander."

"Hail them. On Screen."

Bonnie, Nik, and Alaric watched as the screen filled with the image of two Kazon men. Their nest like hair was filled with the stones and timbers of their ancient tribes, kept in place by mud from their birthplace.

"Welcome. I am Maj Kargen and this is Jakur, chief engineer of the Fokto. We look forward to working with you. If you lower your shields we will beam you over."

"I am Alaric Saltzman, First Officer of the USS Spock. This is Lt. Commander Bonnie Bennett one of our best engineers, and our Stellar Cartographer, Lt. Niklaus Mikaelson. We are excited to get started. Lt. Commander, if you will lower shields."

"Shields lowered, sir." Bonnie said inputting the orders.

"Lieutenant, initiate standby sequence for the shuttle."

"Standby initiated." Nik answered.

"We are ready to beam over."

"Excellent. I'll meet you in the transporter room." The Maj said as the screen went black.

=/\=

Bonnie was taking mental notes of the layout of the ship and every computer console they passed. When she was hired for the Spock. She had taken a crash course in the culture and languages of the inhabitants of the Delta Quadrant. She was proud to say she could recognize over half these words. She hadn't been paying full attention to the conversation. Most dignitaries didn't even see you if you weren't bridge crew or a senior officer. She snapped back when they stopped suddenly.

"I actually wanted to sit in on the meeting, Maj." Alaric said looking between Bonnie and Nik. He could not leave them alone.

"Nonsense. Jakur and Niklaus can handle the engineering stuff."

"Actually, Lt. Commander Bennett is the engineer. Lt. Mikaelson is the stellar cartographer."

"Yes. Yes. Come commander, I want to discuss some Federation regulations I am not familiar with. The Lieutenant is in good hands."

Bonnie watched their first officer get pulled away to the bridge and then, Jakur led them to a lab with a conference table in the center. Engineering specs were already pulled up on the screen on the wall. This was going to be interesting. One of the few things she remembered from the culture portion of the course was the Kazon, although evolved, still held pretty prehistoric ideas about women.

For the next hour Jakur spoke at length about basic Kazon technology. He seemed ruffled when Bonnie would stop him to ask a question or inform him that both she and Niklaus were familiar with whatever aspect he was explaining condescendingly. When he finally got to the good stuff-experiments and space trials, he began speaking rapidly. Which is fine, but this meeting was supposed to be about partnership between the Kazon and the Federation. Jakur was being dodgy at best. When she looked at the specs for their newest space station she understood why.

"This design is awe-inspiring, but with the gravity variance on Kazon prime and its colonies, I don't understand how this could work. Is there an adapter that can regulate and overcome gravitational pull?" Bonnie asked looking at the study and the design specs for the first Kazon Space station they were building planet side on Kazon. The Kazon feared the prototype would be unsecure in space. Bonnie could understand wanting to protect their technology, but this was going to be a waste of time. If they continued any more construction that thing was never going to make it to space.

"We have already designed the ships to launch it." Jakur said contemptuously.

"With this much mass? Those ships would have to have tetrawarp capabilities with your atmosphere." Bonnie calculated aware that the Kazon had barely just achieved tri-warp capabilities.

"This may a bit over your head." Jakur said pulling the pad away from Bonnie. It took every piece of home and diversity training not to bite his head off.

"You would be wise to listen to her." Nik said not even looking up from the station he had been working at. His Kazon scientist had left him alone with the computer after Nik sweet-talked him. The grump could be very charming when he wanted to be.

"I don't know half of what she knows, and I can tell the gravimetrics are off."

"Lieutenant, if you look at appendix g. You will see…" Jakur said walking over to Nik flipping through the pad.

"I'm not the expert, mate. She is. Her understanding of a ships mechanics could only be described as innate. It's like she's a techmage. She's building a Warp X compulsion engine from old scrap for fun."

"Warp X has been proven impossible. I believe your Admiral Tom Paris proved that point."

"He proved it was possible, the technology just needs to be stabilized." Bonnie said looking at Niklaus's back. He still hadn't looked up from his work.

=/\=

Alaric was so relieved when he rematerialized on the shuttle. The Maj would not shut up about Kazon's plans for the satellite and how it would benefit the Kazon and the Federation if they were given land rights. The commander had tried to explain that he had no say in the decision, which was technically true. The scientist would make their recommendations and present their analysis, and ultimately the captain would make a decision. Of course she would ask for input from all parties involved including him, but the Maj didn't need to know that. Wait…something was different.

Alaric looked up from his thoughts. Bennett was smiley, and Mikaelson was…brooding as usual, but with considerably less angst. He was proud they were able to do their jobs today without any quarrelling. They were professionals after all, both top of the line, but something had happened in that lab.

"Thanks for that in there." Bonnie said checking the shuttles systems. Alaric looked between the two officers in front of him.

"He was being a dick. I'm surprised you didn't yell at him. Your xenocultural training must be doing its job." Niklaus said plotting a course to rendezvous with the Spock.

"Yeah…He's Kazon so he gets a pass. Plus, you know I like my job." Bonnie joked.

"Yeah." Nik said smiling.

Alaric smiled to himself as he went through the data the two crewmen had acquired and compiled so far. For some reason he wasn't surprised that they worked really well together. This data was comprehensive and loaded with information they would need as they completed their one-year mission. Beyond cartography and engineering, there were sociological notes from Mikaelson about the Kazon's misogynistic behavior that complemented Bennett's notes about the ships structure and a psychological theory behind the design. This technological report also painted a sociocultural picture of the modern day Kazon society. All he had observed is that the Kazon really want this planet. Alaric relaxed into his chair. Maybe everyone was making too much of their cold war. Maybe they just needed to get it out of their systems.

"Did you get your coat?" Bonnie said keeping an eye on the ships systems while working on finishing her engineering report.

"Yeah. Thanks. Yeoman Young gave it to me when we met for lunch last week."

Oh shit. Alaric thought.

"Oh. Yeah. You and Young. No wonder she volunteered to take it to you. I didn't know. I hadn't heard." Bonnie trailed off. The tension slowly crept back into the small cockpit.

"Commander." Bonnie said after a few minutes.

"Yes, Bennett. One of the ships biocell readings is abnormal in the cargo bay. Permission to run tests, sir." The truth is she had run tests the moment she stepped into the shuttle. She was just tired and needed a little space after her day. Also men were stupid.

"Permission granted." Alaric said rising, taking the seat the Lt. Commander had just vacated. When the door leading to the bay closed the commander looked over to his junior officer.

"Your brother told me you were smart. Says you were top of command class. Finn says he busted his ass to get were he is today, but you breezed to the top because your gifted. He's very proud of you."

"Thank you, sir."

"I'm not done. Gifted or not, you have a problem, son."

"A problem sir?"

"Yeah…from what I've seen your biggest problem is you. You want to keep dicking around, getting pissed in bars, turning down once in a lifetime opportunities, that's fine when it's on your time. When your shit starts to affect me and my day. You're going to have another problem. You understand?"

"I understand, sir."

"And Mikaelson?"

"Yes, sir?"

"You're dumb as hell." Alaric said setting the shuttle on cruise control so he could take a nap.

=/\=

Caroline was about to start categorizing all the bones and matter she had found but her tricorder was missing. This dig was fascinating but it was also kind of creepy. This was one of numerous times something would go missing to be found in another location within an hour or two. They had done scan after scan for life forms but they all came back negative. Caroline touched her comm badge.

"Lt. Commander, I need you in the tent." Caroline eyes closed in embarrassment. God she would love to have her in the tent. At first she thought she was being affected with the officer's pheromones but after two bioscans she knew this was just an old fashioned crush. She was such a dork.

"Lieutenant?" Katerina said stepping into the makeshift lab.

"I need to report another missing item." Caroline said her hands going up. Katerina swallowed trying to resist the irresistible scent of Caroline's attraction. Why did she ever think she could do this? The woman's scent was so strong. Bennett had said it had nothing to do with her Orion biochemistry. It was just her personality arousing Forbes.

"That's number 23 in 48 hours." Katerina said looking for any signs of an intruder. She was using her tricorder to sweep for heat signatures, gas, anything out of the ordinary. She got zilch. She didn't notice any footprints or paw prints. This was turning out to be one of the most curious assignments she had ever had, in more ways than one.

"Well, we have everything we need here. We are breaking down the site now. I guess I will have to wait to analyze these in my own lab on the ship until my tricorder pops up again. I hope it appears before I have to go to the caverns."

"If it is following the timeline it should. We leave at 1600 hours correct?"

"We? You're going too?"

"Yes. I am to escort you when the other crew members beam aboard the ship."

"Oh, okay. We're in for a long night." Caroline rolled her eyes. I am a dork.

"I'm Orion. Long nights are sort of my expertise." Katerina said, catching herself smiling at the blonde. She cleared her throat. "I'm going to get out of here so you can pack."

=/\=

"Computer, Lights." Bonnie said sitting up in her bed and turning off the alarm. She padded over to her replicator and punched in the code for coffee. It was 0200 hours and she had work to do.

The observation deck was always too busy to do the necessary repairs during the day so Bonnie saved the maintenance schedule for night. She put herself down for a shift to show the ensigns she wasn't giving them all the shit work, just most of it. Rank had to mean something, right?

Bonnie pulled on her uniform. She sipped at her coffee until her brain begrudgingly started to wake up. She was climbing down a Jefferies tube five minutes later. Bonnie loved crawling through the ship. She was new here. Her and the Spock had to get to know one another. What better way than up close and personal. According to the layout, this hatch should lead to the observation deck. Bonnie released the ceiling grate and jumped down into the space. She almost jumped back through the opening when she felt a hand touch her shoulder. Spinning she recognized her assailant immediately.

"What the fuck, Nik?" Bonnie half shouted.

"I scared you. I apologize. Although, someone jumping from the ceiling surprised me as well." Nik said amused.

"What are you doing?" Bonnie said looking around at the abandoned room. She spotted an easel and tarp at the far end of the deck. Of course.

"What am I doing? Why are you playing ninja in the middle of the night?"

"I scheduled maintenance on the hydraulic coils in the observation deck tonight."

"Aren't the hydraulic coils in the aft wall? Why were you in the ceiling?"

"I used the Jeffries tubes to get here from my quarters."

"On C deck? Have you never heard of doors?" Nik said walking back over to his easel. He started packing up his supplies.

"You know where my quarters are?" Bonnie asked.

"What?" Nik said cleaning off his brush on the tarp.

Bonnie shook her head. He had heard me.

"I forgot you were nocturnal. What are you painting?" Bonnie said walking over looking over his shoulder."

"Nothing, I'm just messing around. I'll probably paint over it." Nik said shyly. Bonnie gasped when she saw the painting. He had captured the essence and excitement of discovering a new planet. Greens swirled on the canvas. They bled into an oceanic blue that washed into inky black. Ancient Jem'Hadar ruins were littered throughout as well as the stones of five Kazon tribes. And in the center was a tree that looks like it was alive and moving.

"It's breathtaking. I knew you were good, but I had no idea. Where did you even come up with this?"

"I had a dream. I couldn't sleep." He said putting his brushes away.

"Hey, like you said the hydraulic coils are across the room. You don't have to go."

"I should probably head back. Try to get some sleep for once."

"You haven't been sleeping?" Bonnie asked concerned. Nik sighed but continued to put away his things.

"Hey, I know we don't always get along, but…" Bonnie started.

"You're sorry about my dad." Nik mumbled annoyed. Bonnie just watched him shut down. He wouldn't look at her. It's like she had disappeared into thin air.

"I'm trying to be decent here." Bonnie tried again. They weren't very nice to each other most of the time, but she didn't like to see anyone hurting.

"Bennett, I don't need your pity. I can take it from everyone else, but you." Nik said taking down and folding his easel.

Bonnie eyes watered. Her chest filled with a rage and sorrow only Niklaus Mikaelson could inspire.

"We used to be friends." Bonnie whispered.

"Friends. Is that what we were?" Nik laughed sardonically.

"That was a misunderstanding." Bonnie responded.

"A misunderstanding? It was a year. A year, Bonnie." Nik said folding the tarp.

"I told you I had a boyfriend." Bonnie stated calmly.

"Once. Maybe twice that whole year." Niklaus shot back.

"Once is enough, Nik. You wouldn't listen." Bonnie defended.

"You're telling me you felt nothing beyond friendship?" Nik demanded.

"I told you upfront he was the one and only"

"Is he? Only? I got pretty close to making that a lie. Besides, from what I hear he got the boot also." Nik said arranging his supplies to carry.

This is what he does, Bonnie. When he is hurting he attacks. Do not kill him with your splicing sequencer. You will never make Rear Admiral like your great grandmother. He's hurting, and you know it, and he needs to face it. You are friends despite what he says. Sort of. Bonnie thought watching Nik.

"I'm sorry about your dad. He was…Extraordinary. I feel like I understand you more by being able to work with him. It was one of the biggest honors of my life. You're so much like him." Bonnie said as tears slid down her face. She thought of all the friends and family she lost on the Intrepid. The ship was aptly named because Nik's father was fearless. Just like the broken man before her. Nik rose, his eyes watering. His boots were clacking against the floor as he moved quickly towards the door.

"He was very proud of you." Bonnie finished just as he reached the opening. Nik turned to Bonnie with tears falling from his eyes.

"Yeah, for once in my life."

=/\=

Bonnie sat down at the lunch table, digging in to her replicated chili. She had a cup of Orion marshmallow goo on the side. After last night she needed a pick me up. After she finished her repairs, she went to her quarters and cried and cried. She almost thought she was going to have to sedate herself. She missed her friends from the Intrepid but she had found some friends here too.

Katerina sat down with a plate of what looked like a piece of a child's birthday cake and Twizzlers. Caroline had Trillian stew. Both women looked like they were deep in conversation.

"So how would this work?" Katerina said sprinkling more pink sugar crystals over her cake. "Hey, Bonnie." She added taking a bite.

"Kat, Caroline." Bonnie said eyeing the woman's plate. It made her teeth hurt.

"Well, when you need to satisfy your urges. I would make myself available to you." Caroline said matter-of-factly. Bonnie eyes widened.

"Hey guys, I think I'm going to sit with Sophie and Davina."

"Why?" Katerina said confused.

"It's because we are talking about sex. It is not the norm to discuss such topics in polite conversation on Earth." Caroline informed.

"But we are Besties. The holovids I have watched show woman conversing about these topics quite frequently." Kat responded.

"Yes…but usually…everyone involved has a platonic relationship. And though Forbes and me are besties. And you and me are besties. The relationship you two are entering into with would change your status, and that would make this a private conversation between you and Lt. Forbes."

"Caroline said that besties tell each other everything." Katerina said tearing into a Twizzler. Dear God. Did she have chocolate milk too? Bonnie eyed the blonde for help. Caroline happily ate the carvarks out of her stew.

"Yes, technically that is true, but again, because of the nature of your relationship that does not apply here." Bonnie said.

"Terran culture is confusing, especially when it comes to sexual interactions. Why is it taboo to want to have an orgasm and share that experience with others?" Katerina said, as a few crewmembers turned towards their table.

"I-" Bonnie looked at the anthropologist to help her out. Thankfully, the sound of loud sobbing, and the sight of Yeoman Young running out of the mess interrupted them. A hush came over the room as everyone zoned in on Lt. Mikaelson.

Nik sat at his table alone, red-faced. Lt. Gerard, and Nurse Salvatore were snickering at the table in the corner.

Bonnie looked over at the senior table. Finn was shaking his head. Somers was scandalized, and Commander Saltzman did not look happy. He stood, and gestured for Nik to follow.

"Yikes." Caroline said taking a bite of her stew.

"Whatever you guys decide, don't do that." Bonnie said smiling.

=/\=

"Care to tell me what that was all about Lieutenant?" The Commander said sitting at his desk in his office. He picked up the small football his daughters had given him before he left for this mission.

"I was trying to follow your advice sir." Nik said sitting down in the chair across from him. The commander's office was sparse. He only had three pictures on the wall: one of his twin girls, one of him and his deceased wife on their wedding day, and one of his recently lost partner, Damon in a classic black Ferrari.

"My advice? Did I tell you to make a girl cry in the middle of the mess?" The commander said exasperated.

"No. You told me to stop dicking around. I am trying to do that sir. I was taking advantage of Yeoman Young's feelings to make myself feel better. And I explained that to her today, and told her I did not want to do that anymore."

"So you broke a young girls heart and embarrassed her within earshot of her co-workers and friends." Alaric said.

"When you put it like that. It sounds like I'm an asswhole."

"It doesn't just sound like it." Alaric said putting his feet up.

"I didn't want to bring her back to my quarters because I didn't want her to get the wrong idea."

"Hmm. I guess your office was occupied." Saltzman said eyeing the Lieutenant. Nik pursed his lips. I am an asswhole, Nik thought.

"It won't happen again sir." Nik said somberly.

"It better not. Report to Chief of Operations and tell her you just volunteered to do scut for a week."

"Yes. Sir." Nik said rising from his chair.

"And Son…"

"Yes. Sir."

"I went to school with Lucy Bennett. Bennett women can kill you and make it look like a engineering accident."

"I'm aware, sir."

"You better be."

=/\=

USS Spock | Captains Log-Star Date 53261.44

The results are in. All departments are preparing to submit their analysis today at 0900 hours. From there we will know what steps to take next. Of course, both the Jem'Hadar and Kazon have asked to meet with senior officials today. According to what the data says, one side will be very upset. I have asked Lt. Commander Somers, Dr. Fell, and the rest of the xenocultural team to submit some ideas. Because I was so impressed with their mission logs, Lt. Commander Petrova, Lt. Commander Bennett and Lt. Mikaelson have also been asked to attend to report on their observations.

=/\=

Nik walked into the conference room that was packed with senior officers and the science team. Nik nodded to his brother who was discussing something with Petrova, and Dr. Fell. He wasn't surprised to see Bennett in the corner of the room. She and Forbes were getting coffee and bagels.

"Damn Nik, you turned down command but you still seem to make it in the room." Gerard said to him softly as he passed. He clapped the man on his shoulders then went to take his seat at the table.

A few minutes later the Chief of Communications, The First Officer, The Doctor, and Captain walked into the room from the Captain's office. Everyone quickly found a seat. Bennett sat behind Chief Jordan. Forbes sat with the science crew. He went and sat behind the Chief of Operations.

"Alright, Dr. Fell. It's your show." The Captain said taking a sip of tea.

"Great. I'll get straight to the point. After hours of analysis, the science crew has come to a consensus. Satellite Delta 548 should be reclassified as an M-Class planet despite the fact it is orbiting a larger X-class planet. As far as the ancestral rights claims, we believe both the Jem'Hadar and Kazon claims should be denied. There is little evidence that either race established a colony here. Although there is some veracity to there declarations, most evidence has been planted. It is of my opinion that both cultures have had shipwrecks on this planet, but took pains to remove all indication of that. There is just not sufficient data that points to a civilization small or not. As Lt. Forbes points out, we didn't even find any trash surrounding the remains. Humanoids make trash."

"Those bastards." The Captain said looking over to Saltzman.

"What about the markings in the cavern?" Lt. Commander Somers asked.

"Again forged. Someone used a Beryllium synthesizer to age the markings. The linguistic structures are based on modern Jem'Hadar language. Again, Lt. Forbes traced the speech patterns using the Uhurian morphologic method."

"Well done, Lt. Forbes." The Captain said smiling at the woman. Caroline nodded back. Bonnie smiled at her friend. The Captain observed a strange look on Lt. Commander Petrova's face. Oh God, was that pride? Poor Alaric.

"Commander Mikaelson. What did we find out about the thefts?"

"With the help of Dr. Fell, we were able to finally detect faint life signs, Captain."

"Why wasn't I made aware of this?" The Captain said seriously.

"We just located the information moments ago." Finn responded.

"What do we know?" The Captain asked.

"Not much ma'am. Either they live in the trees or they are the trees."

"Are the trees?" The Captain said looking over at her Chief Science Officer.

"We changed the grade variance in our tricorders when Lt. Commander Petrova noticed a slight temperature increase in the forest. When we did, we detected faint energy buried deep in the trees." Dr. Fell informed.

"Kodoma." Dr. Zhu said smiling.

"What's that Doctor?" The Captain said to her old friend.

"It's an old Japanese fairytale my grandmother used to tell me. The Kodoma are tree spirits. Like the Dryads."

"Kodoma. Sounds like a fitting name for Satellite Delta 548. Wouldn't you agree?" The Captain said to the room. She watched everyone nod, except Lt. Commander Bennett who was staring at Lt. Mikaelson. He was doing his best to avoid her eyes.

"So what are we going to do about the Jem'Hadar and Kazon?" Commander Saltzman asked.

"Vinegar and Honey?" Dr. Pearl said smiling at Captain Washbourne. Bree nodded.

"First were going to explain very sternly how close they came to being kicked out of the Federation for violating regulations 647-b and 1894-k. Their probationary period will be extended by a year. Then we are going to present them with some benefits of being in the Federation. What do we got?"

"Lt. Commander Bennett and Lt. Mikealson noted in their exceptional mission log that Jakur, the chief engineer of the Fokto was very interested in compulsion systems and in need of a tetrawarp capabilities." Commander Saltzman stated.

"Where are they now with the project? Chief Jordan what do you think?"

"I also read their report. Excellent work Bennett. Mikaelson. I say give it to them. Pentawarp is already in most starfleet ships, and I hear Admiral Miral Paris is finalizing hexawarp. They will be able to launch their first space station sooner and they will owe it all to the Federation."

"I agree. Chief, make it happen."

"With your permission sir, I would like to put Lt. Commander Bennett in charge of this project."

"Permission granted, Chief Jordan. Congratulations Bennett." The Captain said.

"Sirs, if I may? I don't know if that is a good idea. The Kazon are hesitant when working with women." Bonnie interrupted.

"Hmm. I read that in your report. How about this? You are still in charge of the project, and you will take every woman engineering officer with you when you meet with Jakur. Lt. Commander Petrova will accompany you as security detail. Take Security Ensigns Lexi Branson and Alexandria St. John when you go. It's the 26th century and they just joined the Federation." The Captain said. Dr. Zhu couldn't help her laughter.

"How about the Jem'Hadar?" The Captain inquired.

"Based on the reports. I don't believe the Jem'Hadar actually wanted property rites. They just wanted to keep the Kazon from getting them." Chief Somers said looking at the linguistic data.

"So there happy anyway." Alaric said.

"Yes, but we can't look like we are playing favorites. Can we give them tetrawarp capabilities as well?" Finn said worrying about the fallout.

"They have it. They could possibly have hexawarp. I don't think they are interested in our technology." Chief Jordan responded.

"They are not. And Dr. Fell and Lt. Forbes can back me up. There culture has really shifted towards the arts. If we had some giant statue to gift them like when the French presented the US with the Statue of Liberty. I believe such a gesture will go over well." Lt. Commander Somers said.

"Or we can just give them our art history archives." Nik mumbled.

"What was that Lieutenant?" Commander Saltzman asked.

"Sorry, sir. I didn't mean to speak out of turn." Nik said to the room. The Captain eyed the Doctor and smiled.

"Speak up, son." The Commander said.

"I said we could give them Starfleet's Art History Archive." Nik repeated.

"Perfect. We could give them film and music too." Somers said.

"That's a great idea, except I wish we did have some sort of statue or something to give them. To symbolize our friendship." Dr. Zhu said.

"Like a painting." Lt. Commander Bennett blurted out, eyeing Nik. He frowned at her.

"Do we have a painting?" The Captain said looking between her and Lt. Mikaelson. Everyone followed the Captain's eyes. Bonnie didn't say anything.

"You do paint Nik? Don't you? Isn't Auntie Gloria displaying your work in her Gallery right now."

"Gloria Halpern's Gallery in San Francisco?" Dr. Zhu said eyeing their stellar cartographer. "Are you Klaus Mikael?"

"Jesus Christ, I have two of your paintings in my apartment back home. I work with Klaus Mikael." Dr. Fell said astounded. Nik eyed Bonnie annoyed. She mouthed. "I am so sorry."

"He really is good, Captain. Dr. Fell outbid me at auction. I only have a print of Green Eyes in the Moonlight." Dr. Zhu said noticing the color of Lt. Commander Bennett's eyes for the first time.

"What else can you do, Lt. Mikaelson?" The Captain said. "Per chance do you have a painting we could replicate and gift to the Jem'Hadar from the famous Klaus Mikael. You will be paid list price.

"I do, but it would be my honor to donate "Knock on Wood" to starfleet to do what you will."

"Isn't that noble." Commander Saltzman said smiling. Bonnie smiled at Nik until he fixed her with a death stare. She decided there was something interesting on the floor right then.

=/\=

"I hope that isn't blood wine, Lieutenant." Commander Saltzman said coming up behind Nik. Both men were decked out in their dress uniforms for the dedication ceremony.

"No Sir. Punch." Nik said. Gerard laughed beside him. He was busy searching the room for a Jem'Hadar female willing to teach him some martial arts moves.

"The bloke hates me." Nik said watching the Commander walk over to Finn and Lt. Commander Somers.

"He thinks you have potential, and he's going to chip away at you until you've reached it." Gerard said.

"So he did the same to you." Nik said looking over to his friend.

"Rode my ass, and not in the way he would have liked." Marcel said frowning remembering his first year on the Spock.

"You are such a ass." Nik said watching the three amigos enter the room. All three friends were stunning and most people in the room took notice when they entered.

"If I known Petrova was into blondes, I would have died my hair." Marcel said looking at the newly formed couple. He would have settled down for Petrova.

"Wouldn't have worked." Nik said. Petrova and Gerard were cut from the same cloth they needed someone to balance them.

"Fuck you dude." Marcel quipped. A classical quartet started playing at the front of the room where the paining was displayed. Nik had signed it as Klaus. He asked all senior and science personnel to keep his identity private.

I need you to teach me how to paint. All anyone is talking about is that painting you did." Marcel said changing the subject.

"I don't know why."

"My guy. I hate art and shit and I thought it was dope." Marcel said watching the Captain show the Jem'Hadar Commander and Chief the painting. Was he crying?

"How many science ensigns have propositioned you since your art debut?"

"A lot." Nik said taking another sip from his punch. Nik watched Bonnie ooh and ah over the food. Marcel followed his gaze.

"Except the one you want." Marcel noted. Stefan had been right all along. He looked over to the Nurse dancing with his wife. The lucky bastard.

"She's never going to ask." Nik said more to himself than his friend.

"I don't know. She's curbing everyone's that has tried her. Kind of like… you." Both men watched Bonnie spot them, and walk over.

"Hey Nik. Can I grab you for a moment?" She said smiling at him and his friend.

"Sure."

"Are those hors d'oeuvres?" Marcel said slipping into the crowd.

"I just wanted to congratulate you on being nominated for Starfleet Artist Laureate. Your painting is beautiful." Bonnie said looking at the finished work.

"I suppose I have you to thank for that."

"No. I had nothing to do with that." Bonnie said gesturing to the popular piece. "You made a Jem'Hadar commander weep." Bonnie teased. She touched his arm guiding him to the window away from the crowd. "How did you know about the trees? Isn't that weird?"

"I actually don't know. I just chalked it up to some déjà vu." Nik said truthfully.

"Déjà vu, huh? I've been feeling some of that myself lately."

"I know what you mean." Nik said looking at her. Bonnie cleared her throat. "And Bonnie, thank you."

"Nik, I shouldn't have blurted out about your painting…"

"Not that. For that night on the observation deck."

"The night I yelled at you?" Bonnie laughed.

"Yes. You were the only one brave enough to make me face some things that I didn't want to face. But you've always been brave. Or shall I say, daring. I've missed being your friend."

"I've missed you too, Nik." Bonnie responded coyly.

"This is really sweet." Stefan said from behind them. Bonnie jumped.

"You ass." Nik said playfully punching his friend in the arm.

"Oh my god, Salvatore!" Bonnie said laughing. "I feel like I'm back at the dorm."

"Like Déjà vu, huh?" Marcel said coming up to them.

"You guys are terrible." Bonnie said shaking her head.

"Whose terrible?" Caroline said stepping out of the crowd handing Bonnie a glass of champagne.

"Mikaelson and his friends." Bonnie said giving them the stank eye.

"Are they besties, like we are?" Katerina said eyeing the three men curiously.

"I would love to be your Bestie." Marcel said to Katerina.

"She doesn't want to sleep with you." Bonnie and Caroline said in unison. The friends watched the senior officers schmooze with Jem'Hadar command. Every now and then Commander Saltzman would check on Nik. Somers amused by his side. Pearl would whisper something in the Captain's ear tat would make both women giggle, and Finn would nod to Marcel. He was thankful he was here to help his little brother get through tough times.

"So…Bonnie whatever happened to that hick you were dating? What was his name?" Marcel asked.

"Matt. Matt Donovan, and we broke up. I love being out in the black, and he loves his farm on Earth." Bonnie confessed.

"That's too bad." Caroline said eating a lobster puff.

"It is." Stefan said feigning sadness.

"Maybe you should find a starfleet officer to satisfy your biological urges. It is working well for me and Lt. Forbes." Katerina observed.

"Thank you, Katerina." Bonnie said examining her dress. Her face barely showed signs of embarrassment, but Nik could tell the difference.

"I think she has the right idea. What do you think Nik?" Marcel said smirking.

"I think this is going to be an interesting year." Nik responded.

"Don't jinx it." Caroline said alarmed.

"I suppose we better knock on wood." Bonnie said looking up at Nik with a smile. He looked down at the Lt. Commander, and for the first time in a long time. He was looking forward to the future. His knuckles softly rapped against the table, just in case.

---

So here's the deal. I am marking this as complete, but I really want to add more "episodes" later. Much later. What I want and what happens are always two different things. I am currently working on The Devil's Companion, and more stuff for Klonnie Goth week! So...let's just say this is done for now. Anywho, I hope you enjoyed it! Shoutout to my fellow Trekkies and Browncoats!