Chapter 6

Captain's log; stardate 58080.2: The fleet is ready to depart Romulus for our Borg hunt. I have been over every system and crew department. I feel confident that my crew is as ready as we possibly could be for a fight with the Borg.

However, I am personally not ready to take on our Romulan guests.

Lindsey took a deep breath. "Energize." Five transporter silhouettes appeared on the platform and transformed into five Romulans.

"Welcome on board the Orion," said Adm. Janeway who stood directly in front of the Romulans. Lindsey stood on Janeway's right, while Henry stood on her left. Thrim and Frank were further back.

"We appreciate your welcome, Admiral," said a Romulan male in senator's clothing. "I am the Romulan Tribune Slavak, representing our honorable Praetor Tal'Aura. These two are my security guards."

Janeway nodded her acknowledgement, and Slavak graciously stepped aside to allow the next group forward, although Lindsey could see that Slavak was also flaunting his privileged spot of going before the next Romulan group. The next pair of Romulans wearing military uniforms ignored the gesture and stepped forward.

"Greetings, Admiral, I am Sub-Cmdr. Matech, of the Romulan military." Matech indicated the woman next to him. "This is Sub-Lt. Ta'Sem. She is my advisor and clerk."

"Welcome to you as well," said Janeway. "Cmdr. Hickensen here, will see you to your rooms. We depart Romulus at 0900 hours. You are welcome to join us on the bridge." The Romulans all gave a nod and walked towards Henry, who lead the contingent out.

"Bring on the next group, Commander," said Janeway.

"Yes, Admiral," said Lindsey. "Ensign, energize." Three more Romulans appeared.

"Welcome on board the Orion, gentlemen." said Janeway again.

One of the Romulans came on down from the platform. "Your welcome is acknowledged, Admiral, but I take no pleasure in coming on board a ship that killed so many of my people. I am Rudal. I represent Senator Durjik and the warhawks."

"Would you wish to be on board a different ship?" asked Janeway. "The Hercules has never participated in any actions against Romulans. In fact, it fought side by side with Romulans during the Dominion War."

"No," said Rudal. "I would rather stay here, closer to my enemy. Senator Durjik told me to keep a very close eye on you and your murderess whom you call Captain." This time Lindsey knew what to expect, so she remained still in her formal pose.

"Very well. You will find no ill intent on board this ship, Mr. Rudal," said Janeway. "But let me reiterate something. We have allowed you to bring armed security guards for your protection. They are permitted to carry sidearms while on board, which is rare on a Federation starship. But those sidearms are to remain in their holsters. If they are drawn in any situation other than the enemy boarding our ship, it will be taken as a hostile action. My security staff will act accordingly."

"If my guards draw their weapons it will be a hostile action, Admiral."

"See to it that it doesn't happen," said Janeway in a hard voice. "Cmdr. Thrim will show you to your quarters. Feel free to inspect them thoroughly. There are no hidden weapons or surveillance equipment in them. We depart Romulus at 0900. You are welcome to join me on the bridge."

"We will be there, and we shall be more thorough in inspecting our quarters than you expect," said Rudal. He and his two companions followed Thrim out the door. Lindsey had requested the Andorian's presence to remind the Romulans that the Federation was made of much more than just humans. She also feared that she would be assassinated if it was her escorting the warhawks. She made a promise to Henry never to be alone with that group.

"One more to go," said Janeway. This time Lindsey just nodded to the transporter ensign. One last silhouette appeared. This time it resolved itself not into a Romulan, but a Reman. "Colonel Xiomek!" said Janeway in surprise. "I did not expect you to come personally…and alone."

The Reman Colonel stood proudly straight. "Why would I, a military commander, send someone else in danger when it is my responsibility? As for my lack of escorts, Spock has told me that you are trustworthy, and I trust him."

"I hope to live up the Ambassador's good word," said Janeway. "And I welcome you on board the Orion. We will be leaving Romulus at 0900 hours. You are welcome to join us on the bridge at that time. In the meantime, the Commander here will see you to your quarters."

"Colonel Xiomek, I am Cmdr. Lindsey Lander. Please follow me to your quarters" said Lindsey. The Reman towered over Lindsey's short stature, but followed silently behind her. Lindsey noted that his eyes seemed irritated in the bright hallways.

"You are the captain of this ship, are you not?"

Lindsey was surprised at the question from the Reman colonel. "Yes, I am."

"But you only bare the rank of commander."

"Correct, Colonel. I was given command of this ship based on the past merits of one particular incident."

"The attack of Col. Gaiath on your ship."

"Yes," replied Lindsey, wondering how much this Reman knew about her. "Starfleet felt that I needed a trial period before making the command permanent."

"Adm. Janeway is in command of this ship now?"

"She declared this her flagship, so yes, she is in command."

"And she will command it in battle?"

"Yes, along with the rest of the taskforce."

Xiomek made some sounds that Lindsey took as thoughtful noises. She knew the command structure of the Orion was being evaluated. What she didn't know was what the Reman military commander actually thought about it. Or, for that matter, what she herself thought of it.

When they arrived at his quarters, Lindsey showed Xiomek in. The room was too dark for Lindsey to see. She was sure that her eyes would adjust eventually, but she knew that the Reman was already able to see quite clearly. "The environment controls are all on voice command. If you wish to adjust the lighting or any other settings just ask the computer to do so."

"You have adapted my quarters to suit my species?"

"The Federation is made up of many species with different needs and preferences. While we can't accommodate them all in the common areas, we try our best in their quarters."

"It is appreciated. But I may increase the light. I must not let my eyes become too content in the dark, when I will have to fight in the light."

"Understood, Colonel. If there is anything you need from me, don't hesitate to call me. I have a communicator for you." Lindsey nearly slapped herself on the forehead for her silly mistake. "But I can't see it. It's on the stand next to your sleeping platform."

"I see it. Thank you, Commander."

Ser'rek Thrim stood at the tactical station on the upper level of the bridge. Here he was comfortable; much more comfortable than walking alongside the warhawks. Ser'rek's hatred of Romulans originated in the Dominion War. Ser'rek blamed the Romulans for the destruction of his ship the Woodrow Wilson when they failed to assist during a Dominion attack. Only a few years ago Ser'rek would have not hesitated to kill any Romulan he saw. But Ser'rek had learned to let go of his need for vengeance. That didn't mean that Ser'rek had forgotten what they had done to him.

The turbo lift opened, and Capt. Lander walked on to the bridge. "Are we ready for departure?"

"Yes, Captain," said Lt. Ryan. "All systems checks are green."

"And our guests are settled?"

"Yes, Ma'am," said Lt. Cmdr. Hickensen as he gave Lander her chair.

Ser'rek also replied, "They got to their quarters, but Rudal and his men seemed determine not to be happy."

Lander replied by walking up to Ser'rek, "I gave you a tough assignment, Commander. How are you?"

"I am fine, Captain," said Ser'rek. Lander gave him a small knowing smile. Lander had as much reason to hate Romulans as Ser'rek did. It was Lander who had saved Ser'rek's career. She showed Ser'rek the value of putting personal feelings aside and not letting them get in the way of the job that needed to be done. If he had to work alongside the Romulans, there was no other captain in Starfleet he would rather follow.

The turbo lift opened again, and Ser'rek felt his antennae move involuntarily as Rudal walked on to the bridge. Lander turned to face the Romulan and his two guards. "Mr. Rudal, you are early."

"Am I not welcome?" Rudal looked like he was ready to pounce on Lander. Durjik had certainly picked a man with as deep seeded hatred of the Federation as himself.

Lander merely smiled. "Certainly, you are welcome. As long as you don't interfere with my crew."

"Of course," replied Rudal. Lander returned to her chair and ignored Rudal. Ser'rek also tried his best to ignore the three Romulans who were clearly trying to distract the bridge crew. But it was security's job to watch the Romulans, not Ser'rek's.

After ten annoyingly long minutes, Janeway came to the bridge. She engaged in a brief conversation with Rudal which was filled with more fake courtesies. After Janeway came Colonel Xiomek, then Sub-Commander Matech and his aid, and lastly Tribune Slavak and his two guards. It was a crowded bridge.

"Commander," said Janeway. "It is 0900 hours. It is time we get underway." Janeway sat in the captain's chair. While Lindsey stood up and spoke.

"This is the Federation taskforce to Romulus orbital command, requesting permission to break orbit."

"Romulus orbital command to Orion and Federation taskforce, you are free to depart," said a Romulan voice over the speaker.

"Break orbit and proceed towards the Terabon's last known location," ordered the Captain.

"Course laid in," said Lt. Mikkelson.

"Warp 7. Engage," ordered Janeway. Ser'rek watched on his tactical display as the Orion, the Hercules, and the Lakota all broke orbit and jumped to warp. Ser'rek let out a sigh of relief as Romulus was behind him.

Janeway stood and addressed the guests. "Gentlemen and ladies, feel free to remain on the bridge if you wish. We intend to operate transparently. But if you lose interest on the bridge feel free to take advantage of this ship's amenities, including the mess hall and the off-duty lounge."

Lander stood up. "As ship's captain I recommend our mess hall. I have instructed our chef to attend to your requests. He is an expert in many different culinary arts. He has even done some Romulan cuisine."

"You will never get us to trust Federation food," said Rudal. "We have brought our own sustenance."

Ser'rek shook his head. It was going to be a long shift.

"Lieutenant, have you found anything interesting?" Alivia entered the science lab.

"Welcome, Commander," answered T'Sel. "I presume you are referring to our collection of Romulan listening devices."

"Yes, I wish to take them to Engineering for our study soon, but I was wondering if you learned anything first."

"In fact, we did. Ens. Rikka, join us. Tell the Commander what you found."

Ens. Rikka Samae came forward. She seemed a bit nervous around Alivia, which led Alivia to believe that she might still be avoiding her sister Nolean. "Yes, Lieutenant." Samae brought Alivia to the bug-like listening devices which were stored in a communications dampening field. "These devices are almost identical to the ones that Titan crew found, at least as far as I can tell. I suppose your engineers will learn more once they dismantle them."

"Sounds like we will not learn much," said Alivia.

"There was one oddity," said Samae.

"Do tell, Ensign."

"One of these devices was not like the others." Samae expand the dampening field to encompass the three women. Then she picked up one of the bugs in its small glass jar. Alivia took it from her and held it to her eye. "At first glance it is the same, but under closer analysis differences can be noted."

"What kind of differences?" asked Alivia. She couldn't see any.

"Its design is the same," said Samae. "But there was some discrepancy in the materials. All these bugs required for their fine tune circuitry a metal that is difficult to replicate. This one's compositional analysis came back with different results from the others."

Alivia looked at Samae. "Are you telling me that this bug contains a different metal?"

"More accurately, the same metal, but mined from different places," answered T'Sel.

"So, they are mined from different quarries. Why is that a big deal?"

"Not different quarries," said Samae. "Different star systems."

"Can you narrow that down?"

"Yes," said Samae. "The device you're holding is made of refined metal whose ore contains a signature unique to the asteroid belt in the Bolarus system."

"The Bolian system?!" said Alivia in surprise. "That's Federation territory! How do the Romulans get metal mined from within the Federation?!"

"We have no answers for you, Commander," answered T'Sel calmly. Apparently, she did not share Alivia's emotional outrage.

"Well, what can we do? We're just scientists and engineers. Leave the detective work to the security and intelligence types," said Alivia. "Write up the full report and send it to the Captain and the Admiral. Send it to me as well. Oh, and send it to Cmdr. Grant. He can't resist a good mystery. I will take a look the bug myself. We will learn more when my engineers take it apart. In the meantime, I am going to get something to eat. Anyone care to join me in the mess hall?"

Ens. Rikka didn't answer, but Lt. T'Sel nodded her head. "Yes, now is an appropriate time for lunch. I will accompany you." Alivia and the Vulcan lieutenant left the science lab together and walked to the turbo lift. As it was in motion T'Sel spoke, "Commander, I am curious. Why did you send the listening devices to my department? Your engineers are qualified."

"Before your assignment here, the Orion's science team was nominal at best," said Alivia. "And often the yellow shirts and the blue shirts are divided by petty rivalries. I wanted to stop any such silliness before it began. I thought a joint project would help us to bridge our departments."

"Logical," said T'Sel, and Alivia took it as a compliment.

"I also had another idea in mind," said Alivia. "An idea to help interdepartmental work."

"I am open to ideas," said T'Sel.

"I believe you are, but this one is a bit unconventional," Alivia prepared herself for the pitch. "There is a group of women officers from various departments that meet on a regular basis. I am extending an invitation for you to join us."

"For what purpose do they meet?"

"It is a social gathering."

"I fail to see the logic in such a gathering or why you would propose it to me."

"The primary purpose is for our relaxation, a way to ease our emotional stress in a social environment, and to provide a group of people that can support each other in difficulty. I know that might not be convincing to you, but there is another logic to it. This could be an opportunity for you to get to know a good cross section of the Orion's officer corps; well, at least a cross section of the women."

"I am not sure that off duty familiarity with other officers would help us work together," objected T'Sel. "It may, in fact, be a hinderance."

"That's what I thought when I first came on board the Orion, but I found it to be otherwise." T'Sel seemed hesitant, so Alivia added, "We don't meet when the ship is on yellow or red alert, so I don't expect any meetings while we are in Romulan space. I don't need an answer, now. You have time to think about it."

"I will do that, Commander."

Alivia and T'Sel came to mess hall. Alivia choose an Andorian fish dinner while T'Sel took a Vulcan salad. Alivia spotted Frank and Selina Chaput-Mikkelson sitting at a table together. "Would you mind if we joined my husband's table, Lieutenant?"

"Not at all, Commander," replied T'Sel.

Alivia set her tray next to Frank in the mess hall. T'Sel sat across from her alongside Selina. "Lieutenant, how are you feeling?" asked T'Sel of Selina. "I imagine you are in your final stages of child bearing."

"I feel like a discarded data pad," answered Selina bitterly.

"I do not understand," said T'Sel.

"She's upset at being benched," answered Frank.

"I am a fully qualified and experienced operations officer," replied Selina. "And we are going into battle. Yet I am sidelined."

"Selina, you're due in three weeks." Alivia pointed right at Selina's womb.

"Three weeks is not today."

"But it could be," said Alivia. "You know better than I do that a due date is only an estimate. Three weeks is easily within the margin of error."

"No, it is not. Most children are born within the week of the due date."

"You haven't calculated the addition of high pressure situations, such as battle," Alivia pointed out. Selina was about to object when a slight grimace came to her face. Her hands went to her womb as the baby kicked. "See, I think your little lady in there agrees with me," said Alivia.

"It's a boy," said Selina.

Alivia was surprised at Selina's sudden admission of the sex of her child. "I thought you weren't going to find out beforehand. I thought you wanted to be surprised."

"We do. We asked Dr. Randle to keep information of the gender of our child from us. But I know; I just know."

"Why would you not want to know the gender of your child? That does not seem logical." asked T'Sel. Before Selina could answered two men approached.

"Sorry we're late," said Luke Ryan, the Orion's helmsman. "Janeway wouldn't allow the alpha shift bridge crew to leave until our Romulan guests all left the bridge." Following him was Johnathan Mikkelson, the ship's navigator. Johnathan sat down next to his wife Selina.

"I know what you mean," said Frank "I have been going over the security measures on the ship endlessly. I am trying to think of every Borg and every Romulan contingency. I am lucky that the human body needs nourishment, or I might never get a break."

"I can't say that things are so bad in Engineering," said Alivia. "We worked tirelessly before getting to Romulus with our anti-Borg measures. Now that they are in place, we simply need to maintain them. The only ones working overtime are Lt. Raklok and Chief Shelton. If they are not searching for Borg signatures that are looking for Romulan ghost ships."

"I wouldn't know anything about being busy," complained Selina. "I have been relieved of duty."

"You haven't been relieved of duty," said Johnathan. "You are on maternity leave. There is a big difference."

"Then why are you not on paternity leave?" countered Selina. "Why can you work, and I can't?"

"I'm not the one carrying our child," said Johnathan. "And if we were not in such important circumstances, I would take paternity leave." Johnathan put his hand to his wife's womb. "Do you really think that I would rather be on the bridge than with you and our child." Selina soften her expression and allowed Johnathan to give her a gentle kiss on the lips.

Things became subtly quieter in the mess hall. It wasn't obvious, but still Alivia noticed. She looked around expecting to see Adm. Janeway but instead she saw a trio of Romulans. They paused to scan the room, before taking a seat at a table near the window. A second later came another pair of Romulans. These two spotted the first set and deliberately choose a table far away from them.

"A friendly bunch," stated Ryan.

"The one's near the window are Tal'Aura's people. Whereas, that pair is from Donatra's military," supplied Frank. "They don't have to like each other for this mission. They just need to maintain a level of civility. If sitting across the mess hall from each other helps, then so be it." Alivia knew that Frank was still tense from his experience of Romulan debate on their home world. He clearly had no desire to have any such experience on this ship.

"Where are Senator Durjik's people?" asked Selina.

"I expect the warhawks to avoid all contact with us," replied Frank.

Alivia's attention was torn away from the Romulans when she saw a large Reman enter the room. She knew that this had to be Colonel Xiomek. Alivia was also aware that she was not the only one watching Xiomek. He was the first Reman that she had ever seen, and that was likely true of the rest of the crew.

"I wonder what he will order?" asked Selina.

"Selina, is that appropriate?" spoke Johnathan.

"What? Do you know what Remans eat?"

"I guess not," answered Johnathan.

"I find it to be an interesting question," said Frank. "Much of the Reman culture was probably destroyed during their long slavery. They will have to rebuild, perhaps from scratch."

"How?" asked Selina.

"I don't know," said Frank. "Perhaps they can search through Remus for old records of their previous culture, or perhaps they will adapt other cultures to serve them."

"Not Romulan culture, I suspect," added Ryan.

"You might be surprised," said Frank.

"Maybe they will pick up some Vulcan culture from Ambassador Spock," proposed T'Sel.

"Or maybe some practices from their Klingon allies," added Alivia.

"May the universe forbid!" said Johnathan. "One race of Klingons is enough."

"Either way this is a very important time for the Remans," said Frank. "A time for them to discover themselves. It won't be easy. But it will be interesting."

Selina looked at Frank with surprise. "That sounds like an intellectual interest, Frank. When do you become the anthropologist?"

Frank laughed. "I'm not just a brute with a gun, Selina. My father was an anthropologist. He and I have had many conversations about different species in the Federation as well as Earth's historic cultures."

Selina shook her head. "Did you know this about your husband, Alivia?"

"Most certainly. If he is not talking about weapon designs, he is talking about history and cultures," said Alivia. "And I had to remind my father-in-law countless times that I was raised on Earth. He kept asking me about Orion culture. I think he was disappointed that I actually know very little about the Orions. He has promised me a study on the cultural history of my species."

"One part of Reman culture that I have heard of," said Johnathan. "Is how their military leaders are always the first on the battle field and the last ones to leave."

"Indeed," said Frank. "For the Remans to lead is to be in front. Their battle commanders have been known to always be in the first ship or in front of the charge. They believe that the commanders should being more willing to fight than their subordinates. I suspect that is why Colonel Xiomek came himself."

"That is illogical," said T'Sel. "We need our leaders to be organizing and orchestrating. If battle commanders recklessly through away their lives in battle, then there will be no leadership in an army."

"The counter logic is that the soldiers will be more willing to rally behind a leader that is willing to endure the same danger as them," said Frank. "The army will perform better and be more loyal to their leader."

"Perhaps," said T'Sel. "Even if such an emotionally driven loyalty is achieved, it is meaningless if the leader is killed."

"True," said Frank. "And I do not hold the Remans' ideology in full, but only in part."

"Please explain," said T'Sel. Alivia loved watching her husband work his logic. Of course, working it in front of a Vulcan was the true test.

"You're right. Leaders should not throw away their lives so lightly. Their responsibilities to their subordinates requires them to remain alive. But they are also responsible for the lives of their subordinates. At times that may mean risking their own lives to save another. I wouldn't hesitate to risk my life for one of my officers if I thought I had a reasonable chance of success."

"In a case of necessity, I can see your point," said T'Sel. "But would it not be wiser to send someone else?"

"And ask them to risk their life for my responsibility?" countered Frank. "Yes, at times you're right. But my subordinates need to know when it comes to my responsibility for this ship and its crew I am willing to put even my own life on the line. If I am willing, so will they. And if I ask them to risk their lives, they know that I understand what I am asking them to do."

"You contradict yourself," responded T'Sel. "You say that you would risk your own life, but that you would also order a subordinate to risk his or her life. Which is it?"

"Depends on the situation. Sometimes you need to hold back and let someone else take the risk; other times it's you that needs to jump into the fray."

"How do you know the right response in the right situation?"

"Sometimes you don't," replied Frank simply. "You do the best you can to analyze the situation and make a decision. But you don't always have all the information you need or the proper amount of time to make a good decision. You just have to do the best you can."

T'Sel still looked skeptical. "You make some curious arguments, Commander. I am not sure I agree, but I am not willing to dismiss them yet."

"Maybe we should pick up this discussion again at our debate club," said Alivia.

"Debate club?" asked Ryan. "This is the first I've heard of it."

"I just made it up," replied Alivia. "But at the rate these two are going, we might as well start one."

"I don't want to bore you will all my musings," said Frank.

"You bore me with them. Why not everyone else?" Alivia took her shot. "Besides, you would love it."

"I would find it very curious," said T'Sel. "I would like to hear Earth logic."

"There, see." Alivia smiled at her husband.

"Honey, what have you gotten me into?"

Ta'Sem suspiciously used the two wooden sticks that came with her Earth cuisine. She was told that it was a form of raw fish from Earth's oceans. She had performed her own scan of the food to make sure it didn't contain any toxins that were harmful to her Romulan biology. She tried her best to pick up the piece of food but failed to work the two sticks appropriately.

The master chef of the mess hall, a tall human whose name Ta'Sem recalled was Richard Matthews, approached. "How is the food?"

"Fine," was all Sub-Commander Matech said, but Ta'Sem had seen his face light up at his first taste of the Romulan dish he had ordered.

"Good," replied the patient human who seemed impossible to offend. "I see you are having a little trouble, Sub-Lieutenant."

Ta'Sem set down the wooden sticks. "How do your people eat with these primitive utensils?"

"Not all of us are very good at it. The sushi you ordered is a regional dish that is common on the eastern shores of our eastern continent. The chopsticks take some practice." The man picked up a nearby four-pronged utensil. "You can use the fork if you wish."

"Thank you. I appreciate it," said Ta'Sem with a grateful voice and a smile. The man bowed at the waist and proceeded to check on the other Romulan table.

"He seems friendly," said Matech. "And so do you."

Ta'Sem gave Matech the same smile she had given the human. "It pays to be friendly. You can learn so much from friends."

Matech gave her a scowl. Ta'Sem kept smiling as she lifted the sushi to her mouth. As soon as she bit into it, its exotic flavors filled her mouth. She had never eaten anything like it before. She had to prevent herself from expressing her amazement aloud.

"You are indeed here to learn, aren't you?" asked Matech.

"Of course, I am. We all are here to learn about the Borg."

"You know what I meant," replied Matech.

Ta'Sem dropped her smile and polite tone. "Of course, I know what you meant. But I don't go talking about it either."

"You know it wasn't my choice to have you accompany me?" said Matech.

"I am aware of that, Sub-Commander. I am here to help. What I learn I will pass on to you."

"What have you learned so far?"

"On my first day? Well, let's see." Ta'Sem had resumed her polite and friendly tone. "This ship's crew is inexperienced yet closely knit. Adm. Janeway at least appears to be more concerned with the Borg than with us. That could however be a clever mask or her diplomatic skills at play. The crew on the other hand are far more concerned with us."

"How do you figure all that?"

"Just observations. Everyone in this room is paying attention to us, even if they are trying to hide it. They are suspicious, and given their past experiences with Romulans, who could blame them?"

"That's all you got?"

"I also noted the presence of Capt. Shelby, a Federation expert on the Borg. However, she is currently the captain of a Defiant class starship named the Resistant. Its last known location was on Earth defense, but I would wager it is on the Neutral Zone as we speak, waiting for a call."

"A call to attack Romulus?"

"Possibly. Or maybe to rescue this small fleet if someone were to attack it, or maybe to come and fight the Borg on our behalf. Your guess is as good as mine, Sub-Commander."

"I doubt that. Tell me more about this crew."

Ta'Sem took a subtle glance around. She spotted a young Bajoran woman in a blue uniform sitting amongst other blue uniforms. Across the mess hall was another Bajoran woman, this one in a yellow uniform. The yellow clothed woman approached the table, but a subtle look from the other caused her to turn away and sit at a table of yellow shirts, with her back to the first table. "Do you see those two Bajoran women? They are sisters, but they are not getting along."

"What? How would you know they are sisters?"

"They have same first name, which for Bajorans is the family name. And they listed each other as nearest kin on their service records."

"You memorized the service record of everyone on this ship?" asked Matech in surprise.

"Almost," answered Ta'Sem casually.

"What bearing could a sibling spat have on our mission?"

"Oh, nothing. Just a fun fact."

Matech moaned. "Any other observations you would like to share, Sub-Lieutenant?"

"Yes," Ta'Sem pointed with her utensil at her plate. "This sushi is really good. I took it just to look diplomatic, but it is fabulous. You should try it." Matech gave her a disgusted look and stopped asking questions, which was exactly what Ta'Sem wanted. She returned to her meal, enjoying every last bite of sushi.

Samae sat down at a table with a number of scientists and medical officers. She joined in the conversation immediately and was enjoying her lunch break. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Nolean approaching. Her heart raced a little faster. She didn't want her sister to sit next to her while she was with her colleagues.

Samae looked up at her sister and tried to put a smile on her face. But she must have been too slow, because Nolean stopped in her tracks. A sad look came to Nolean's face, and she turned and moved towards another table.

The sense of shame in Samae was intense. She might as well have stood up and slapped her sister in the face. The expression of pain on Nolean's face broke her heart. Nolean merely wanted to be with her sister, but Samae didn't want to be with her in public. Nolean was right, Samae was ashamed of her sister.

Samae decided that she needed to apologize to her sister. She needed to let Nolean know that she loved her.

But not right now.

"Commander, how are our Romulan guests?" asked Adm. Janeway as she entered the conference room.

"Fine as far as I know," answered Lindsey. She had taken the conference room as her own office since yielding the captain's ready room to Adm. Janeway. At the moment she was looking at a display screen.

"Where are they now?" asked Janeway. Lindsey tried to fake a confused expression, but it didn't fool Janeway. "Commander, I can see that you are watching them on the internal sensors."

Lindsey gave the Admiral an innocent shrug of her shoulders. "I just want to keep an eye on them. I can see their Romulan life signatures on this screen. I can't tell who is who, but I can guest. The warhawks haven't left their quarters all day. Tal'Aura's group have also returned to their quarters, while Matech and his clerk appear to be on a tour of the ship. Colonel Xiomek is heading to the bridge. He had asked to stand watch on the night shift."

"I appreciate your diligence, Commander," said Janeway. "But I need you to get some sleep tonight. I am about to retire myself."

"I understand, Admiral." Lindsey was just about to close the screen when she saw something that wasn't right.

"Good, Commander, I need everyone at their…Is something wrong, Commander?"

Lindsey looked up at Adm. Janeway. "No, nothing, I just thought of something else I need to do before going to bed." Lindsey quickly closed the screen. "Besides, Lt. Cmdr. Grant probably has one of his security officers watching the Romulans all night long." Lindsey stood up and indicated her intention to leave.

"Very well, Commander. You are dismissed." Lindsey walked towards the door, but Janeway called after her. "You will keep me informed if you notice something amiss about our Romulan friends.

Lindsey could tell the Admiral was suspicious of her sudden change of tasks. "Of course, Admiral. If our Romulan guests act out of line, you will know immediately."

"Thank you, Commander. As you were." Lindsey turned and walked out the door. What she hadn't told the Admiral was that it wasn't the Romulans who had disturbed her, but Vulcans.

The young Vulcan woman entered the science lab and walked straight to a computer terminal. She was hoping that no one would notice her, but she was more than prepared for whoever would approach her.

"Ensign, identify yourself."

The young Vulcan woman turned to see an older Vulcan woman addressing her. "Lt. T'Sel, I am Ens. T'Kem, a science officer on the Hercules."

"Please state your reason for being on the Orion and in my lab in particular," said Lt. T'Sel.

"I was assigned by Capt. Jenner to study the Borg threat. I heard that the Orion had access to more advanced research on the Borg, in particular Ens. Annika Hansen's works. I wish to access those reports for my study."

"You are correct, Ensign. But I would be surprised if you had the clearance to access those files."

"Could you grant me access, Lieutenant?"

"No, Ensign," said Lt. T'Sel. "I have clearance as the Orion's science officer. But I do not have the permission to grant others access. If you wish to open those files you will have to ask Capt. Lander, Adm. Janeway, or your own captain."

"Understood, Lieutenant. I have observed that humans do not always follow their own rules. I thought maybe this was one such case. I stand corrected."

"Very good. You are dismissed, Ensign." Lt. T'Sel returned to her work and the young Vulcan woman slipped out of the science lab. As she walked down a hallway, she had to forcefully unclench her fists. The hard-wired access points that were supposed to give her access to the Orion's main computer were offline. Someone had found them and disabled them. This was preventing the Vulcan operative from doing her job. It was frustrating. The woman ducked into a storage room and forced herself to go through some Vulcan meditations to suppress her growing emotions.

T'Sel was just finishing for the night when Capt. Lander walked into the science lab in a hurry. "Lt. T'Sel!"

"Yes, Captain," reported T'Sel. She noted that her captain was a bit alarmed.

"Was there a Vulcan woman in this lab besides yourself?"

"Yes, Captain. An Ens. T'Kem from the Hercules."

"Have you ever seen her before?

"No, Captain."

"What did she want?"

"To access Ens. Annika Hansen's research on the Borg. Curious, Captain, why are you interested in the ensign?"

"That's my concern, Lieutenant. Which way did she go?"

"Out that door and to the right. Beyond that I do not know."

"Thank you, Lieutenant." Then in a rush Capt. Lander was out the door. T'Sel stared at the door for a while in confusion. But after a while she decided to let the Captain worry about whatever it was. Human emotions were confusing.

The Vulcan operative had calmed her emotions sufficiently. There was more than one way to access a starship's main computer. She straightened her blue uniform and walked towards the door that led back to the hallway.

As the door opened there was a figure blocking her way. Before the Vulcan woman could identify the person in front of her, she was suddenly pushed backwards violently. She landed on her rear, but instantly was back on her feet. She then found herself staring at a human woman holding a phaser in her hand. "Ta'Prim! What are you doing here?!" barked the woman.

Agent Ta'Prim slowly raised her hands in surrender. "Capt. Lander, I am merely doing what I always do. I seek to protect the Federation."

"Not good enough, Ta'Prim," said Lander.

"Holding me hostage will not gain you anything, Captain."

"Does it feel bad to be someone else's prisoner, Ta'Prim?" said the Captain sarcastically.

"I have no emotional reaction to this situation," answered Ta'Prim. "I am merely stating a logical fact."

"Okay, try this logic. You and Section 31 have proven yourselves to be untrustworthy in the past. Therefore, I do not trust you now. Thus, I asked you again. What is Section 31 doing on board my ship?!"

"Information gathering," answered Ta'Prim. "If we are to protect the Federation against the Borg, then we need to know more about them. I came to get access to Ens. Annika Hansen's files."

"I am surprised that you don't already have access. Wouldn't Section 31 be able to get such information from Starfleet Command."

"All things related to Voyager and their encounters with the Borg have been locked down. Very few people have access."

"And Section 31 is not one of them," said Lander. "I intend to keep it that way." Lander had a smile on her face. The human woman was for some reason receiving emotional pleasure from Ta'Prim's situation.

"How about an exchange of information?" asked Ta'Prim. Lander gave a noncommitting shrug. "What if I were to tell you that this Borg threat is not a Romulan invention."

"How would you know that?"

"Section 31 still has a few friends in the Tal Shiar, and I have checked myself with the warhawks. None of the big players on Romulus are behind any fictious Borg conspiracies."

"How did you check on the warhawks?"

"Section 31 has its methods."

"Methods like planting your own bugs in the Romulan Senate Chambers," said Lander. "It was clever of you to disguise them as Tal Shiar bugs, but next time try to use Romulan metals."

"Good advice," said Ta'Prim, and she meant it. She had seen Ens. Rikka's report on the bugs. She had not anticipated the Orion's science staff performing a compositional analysis. "I have shared what I know. Now is the time where you share, Captain."

"It was certainly nice of you to share, although I suspect you have not shared all you know," replied Lander. "I am certainly not about to give you access to those documents. I simply do not know what it is you plan on doing with them, and I do not trust you, Agent Ta'Prim. If you want to lend your help to this situation then do so openly."

"That is not how Section 31 works," said Ta'Prim. Throughout the whole conversation Ta'Prim had been thinking of a way out of this situation, and now she was willing to try something. She moved her eyes quickly to a location behind Lander and slightly tipped her head in that direction. Lander fell for the trick and turned her head in the same direction. She also moved her phaser away from Ta'Prim. It was only a slight movement, but it was enough. Ta'Prim quickly double tapped her combadge and a preprogramed transporter whisked her away from the Orion and placed her safely in her quarters on the Hercules.

Lindsey clipped her phaser back onto her belt and stared at the empty storage room. Section 31, the organization that had kidnapped her and tried to start a war with Romulus, was now on board her ship! What would they do? How could Lindsey stop them?

Lindsey realized that she needed to tell someone. But who could she tell? She couldn't risk a transmission to Adm. Rose or Capt. Picard, less the Romulans intercept it. Adm. Janeway had not been read in on Section 31's existence, but didn't she as flag officer of the fleet have the right to know?

Lindsey decided to inform the Admiral in the morning. That night Lindsey dreamed of the Orion fighting the Borg. But in the captain's chair, instead of Lindsey or even Janeway, Agent Shepherd of Section 31 sat.

Ser'rek Thrim sat in the captain's chair. It was the gamma shift, when all the main officers were asleep for the night. Adm. Janeway, Capt. Lander, and Cmdr. Hickensen were all getting their rest. This left Ser'rek in command.

"Status report. How long until we reach the Terabon's last known location?"

"Another five hours," said the gamma shift navigator. "That puts our arrival during the alpha shift."

"Not looking forward to being the one on the bridge when we find the Borg, Ensign?"

"No, sir." The young man hesitated. "There is a part of me that wants to be in that glorious fight, but the more cautious part of me hopes we don't find a Borg cube at all. It that alright, Commander?"

"That is fine, Ensign. No Starfleet officer should ever want to fight." Ser'rek recalled his own warmongering ideas only a few years ago. He was a much better officer after giving those ideas up. Ser'rek resisted the urge to look back at the Reman Colonel Xiomek. He wondered if a Reman military man would agree with his statement. "However, every Starfleet officer needs to be ready to fight. His ship, his crewmates, and the entire Federation is counting on it."

"They can count on me, sir," said the ensign.

"Good," said Ser'rek. He could tell the young man meant what he said, but he could also tell the ensign had no idea what he was really saying. Then again that was true of all of them at one time.

A call came in from Engineering. "Lt. Raklok to the bridge. We have a strange sensor reading ahead."

"This is Cmdr. Thrim. Is it Romulan?"

"Not sure, sir. It is at the edge of our range. I do not believe we could detect a cloaked ship at that range. I believe we will know more as we get closer."

"Where is it?" asked Thrim as information arrived on the captain's chair's data screen that folded out of the arm rest.

"It is ahead and 30° to our starboard. Its heading is further to our starboard at an angle of…" Raklok stopped speaking.

Ser'rek waited for a bit. "Lieutenant, is something wrong?"

"The object has just changed heading. It is now on an intercept course with us."

"Intercept course? Are you sure?"

"Yes, Commander."

"Keep the bridge informed, Lieutenant." Ser'rek stood up. "Helm decrease speed to warp 3. Red alert." The alarm sounded, and red lights flashed across the bridge and throughout the ship. Ser'rek tapped his combadge. "Adm. Janeway and Capt. Lander report to the bridge immediately. Possible hostile craft on an intercept course." Both the Captain and the Admiral acknowledged. "Ensign, you might get your chance to be in battle after all."

"Do we know if its Borg?" asked Alivia who had arrived early for her shift just as the red alert sounded.

"No, not yet," said Lt. Raklok. "But it does not look Romulan."

"Systems check. Is this ship ready for battle?" asked Alivia, and all her subordinates were giving her status reports on the warp core, shield emitters, phasers banks, and whatever other systems she requested. Also, the main shift was entering Engineering. Red alert was an all hands on deck situation, and the best officers were getting to their posts.

Chief Petty Officer Shelton arrived. He and Raklok had been covering all shifts, each taking a shift individually and working together for the third. He immediately stood next to the imposing Klingon. "Any update?" asked Alivia.

"I still cannot tell if it is Borg or not," said Raklok. "Ens. Annika Hansen said she was reporting to the bridge. She will look at our data from there. If it is Borg, she will know."

"Good. In the meantime, we must assume it is Borg and prepare ourselves." Lt. Raklok and CPO Shelton exchanged a strange look, which promoted Alivia to ask, "Is there something else?"

Raklok stood straight and proud. "Requesting permission for Chief Shelton and I to arm ourselves."

"You are engineers, not security personnel. I will not have my crew running off to battle, when there is a ship to run."

"We will not leave our posts," said Shelton. "We will only defend ourselves, those nearest us, and the equipment itself."

"Cmdr. Grant once told me the responsibility of an engineer to protect the ship'svital systems," said Raklok

"Did my husband really say that?"

"On my honor," replied Raklok.

"Commander," spoke Shelton. "There have been reports of the Borg drones transporting into Engineering. The Enterprise's Engineering section was overrun with Borg drones in the Battle of Sector 001."

Alivia gave thought to the request. "Permission granted." She then walked to a security box on the wall. "Security access, O'Hara, Alivia, Omega, Theta, 5-5-9." The box opened, and she removed a phaser. After a moment's thought, Alivia clipped the phaser to her own belt, then grabbed two more.

But when she turned to face her two engineers, she saw Raklok lay a Klingon bat'leth near his station and Shelton clipping a d'k tahg to his belt. Alivia was so surprised to see the timid human wearing a Klingon combat dagger, that she spoke out loud. "Chief, what are you doing?"

Shelton merely looked up at her and said in a calm voice, "It is a good day to die, Commander."

"Yes, sir," said Agent Ta'Prim to the image of a human male in a black leather uniform fasten at the shoulders. "This does not appear to be a fake. The sensors on the Hercules have detected what is likely a Borg cube in Romulan space. The Orion and the Lakota have also detected it."

"So it's not a Romulan deception as we first thought," said the man transmitting from Federation Space in a deeply encoded frequency. "We need you to get on board the Orion."

"Sir, I cannot hide well on the Orion. My cover is blown. Capt. Lander already knows I am here, and there is only one other Vulcan on the Orion. Once they see me, they will know I am not a member of the crew, and Lander will find me."

"Then don't be seen, Agent. The Orion holds both Adm. Janeway's and Seven of Nine's information on the Borg. If there is a way to eliminate the Borg threat once and for all, then we need you to take it. Even if Janeway or Lander object. The Federation must be protected at all costs."

"Understood, sir. It is logical." Then Ta'Prim ended the transmission and remotely programed a transporter to beam her to the Orion.

"Johnathan!"

"I know. Red alert. I'm going to the bridge." Johnathan Mikkelson had just pulled his pants on and was pulling his uniform over his head.

"Johnathan!" shouted Selina a second time from their shared bedroom.

"What? You hear the sirens. I gotta go."

Selina walked out of the bedroom. "Johnathan, it's time."

"No, it's not. You are on maternity leave. There is no way I am allowing you on the bridge."

"Johnathan, you don't understand. It's time."

"It is time for you to go back to bed." Johnathan tried to escort his wife back to bed, but she grabbed his shoulder with surprising strength.

"Honey, sweetie, my water broke. It's time!"

Lindsey faced the turbo lift as it opened. Rudal and his two guards came on the bridge. He spoke in a loud demanding voice. "What is going on here?"

Lindsey walked up to him and faced him squarely. "A possible Borg ship is coming for us, Mr. Rudal. There is a station for you over there. Stay there and do not interfere with bridge operations. You are an observer here, and I will not allow you to do anything that will endanger my crew. Do I make myself clear?"

"Very clear, murderess," replied Rudal, but he and his two guards went obediently to their places next to the other Romulans and Colonel Xiomek. Sub-Commander Matech gave Lindsey an assuring nod, implying that he would make sure the Federation-hating Romulans behaved.

Lindsey walked down to the lower bridge and sat next to Adm. Janeway. She gave Lindsey an eyebrow raising smirk that indicated she approved of Lindsey's handling of the situation.

"Seven, do we know anything more about the inbound vessel?" asked Janeway.

"It is most certainly Borg," said Ens. Hansen. "A cube to be exact. It is entering visual range right now."

"On screen," said Janeway who stood up to see her enemy.

On the viewscreen appeared a large cube shaped vessel. It had no discernable front, back, top, or bottom. Nor did it have an obvious bridge. The whole vessel appeared black with greenish lights emanating from various places within its hull. Lindsey, along with everyone on the bridge, stared at the frightening vessel coming towards them.

Admiral Janeway slowly sat back down and initiated a fleet wide broadcast. "Attention all Starfleet crew and personnel on the Orion, the Lakota, and the Hercules. We have encountered the Borg. All hands to battle stations."