Erin knew something was wrong. Hallon never held her like this. Just as she was about to sit up, Hallon gripped her harder so she couldn't move.

"Hallon. What are you doing?" Instead of answering, she felt Hallon reach for something. Cold steel pressed against her throat.

"Scream and you die now." His voice was slightly more feminine and filled with evil. It made Erin's skin prickle with goosebumps. She kept her mouth shut, though all she wanted to do was scream. "Good girl. Now. . ."

Suddenly there was a pounding on the door. Erin felt herself being wrestled out of the bed and shoved into the cabin's bathroom. She was told to stay quiet while the imposter spoke with a couple security guards. Erin looked around for anything that she could use as a weapon. The bar holding up the towels was heavy but easily wieldable. Clasping it tight to her chest, she waited for whoever was impersonating Hallon to walk back to the bathroom. The voices stopped and soon Erin heard heavy footsteps approaching the bathroom.

"I have a real weapon now. I suspect it's much better than that feeble metal bar. Don't waste my time by trying to defend yourself."

Erin wanted to scream but her throat closed in on itself. She wanted to run but her knees suddenly locked. Hallon appeared in the doorway, holding a pistol aimed straight at her. His eyes were gleaming red. He cracked his neck and licked his lips before forming a sneer.

"You know, it's Olivia you should be wary of. Have you checked her records? No? You should know that she's an impostor like me."

"And who exactly are you?"

"You know me as Sarah, but that is merely a disguise. I am the Princess of the Tolar, your new lords and masters. When we finish our preparations, you all will be our new hosts and we will live in this dimension once again."

"Whatever or whoever you are, we will find a way to get you out of Hallon. You truly think I believe what you say?"

Hallon's laugh became ghostly. "Believe me or not, it doesn't matter. It's only a matter of time before the Kunda come for her and we'll all die. Safe in your bodies we will survive and sacrifice the lovers like the traitors they chose to be eons ago."

Erin looked into Hallon's eyes and immediately felt lightheaded. She shook her head and took a step backward. Her fingers grazed a switch, sending the room into darkness. She lunged forward and knocked the phaser out of the impostor's hands. By the time the impostor regained balance, Erin had alerted security. She used the time to take a couple scans while Hallon watched her with cold eyes filled with evil. Just as security was dragging him away, Hallon let forth a shrill scream. Smoke rose from his skin and out his mouth before quickly disappearing into the vent.

Erin ran to the wall and entered in a command sequence. Alarms started blaring through the ship and a voice repeated the quarantine status. Erin's communicator instantly went off.

Doctor Kolshar, report to captain's quarters.

"Get Hallon to the isolation chamber." She took off down the hallways as fast as her legs would let her. Her special access let her into the lift, though the ride up was slower than a snail's pace.

McCoy and Jackson were in a heated argument by the time Erin arrived. Spock was putting in his part, in the logical and calm demeanor that rubbed McCoy all the wrong ways. Jackson sat behind his desk while McCoy was pacing wildly around the room. When she entered, all three men turned to meet her with heated glares.

"Doctor Kolshar," Spock's steady voice began. "Why are we under quarantine?"

Her voice was surprisingly strong as she described Hallon's strange behavior and the smoke. When she finished, she added, "They mentioned making us hosts. Anyone can be a target. The only way to identify them is if their eyes glow. . .agh!"

A sudden pain erupted in Erin's side. She fell to the floor in a heap, screaming and writhing as the burning traveled to her side. When she looked down, she noticed the black blood was eating away her uniform shirt. She managed to get out of the thing before any of it transferred to her skin. McCoy was instantly by her side, scanning the unusual substance.

"What the devil?" McCoy's scans were all over the charts. Just as they were about to make sense, the blood evaporated into smoke and disappeared into the vent.

"Doctor McCoy. Any thoughts?"

McCoy studied the readings, but made no sense. "It looks like a parasite."

"Is it deadly?" Jackson snapped.

"Frustration is not necessary, Captain Jackson."

Erin stood, using McCoy as support. "No, sir. It doesn't appear to be deadly. It only seems to be able to survive in a body for no more than a few hours."

Spock stood and walked to the window where he gazed upon the Enterprise. "If they truly want to take over our bodies as hosts, it doesn't seem their plan will succeed."

"These readings suggest a higher temperature slows the organisms functioning abilities."

Jackson turned to Spock, "I'm afraid you can't return to your ship. Communicate the situation to your ship and please join me here. Doctor Kolshar, get to work analyzing this thing."

"You too, Doctor McCoy."

"Aye, sir."

Erin and McCoy got to work in her office. Hours later the quarantine alarms were down to a dull roar, but that didn't stop them from heightening the throbbing ache in Erin's head. The heat in the ship had been raised dramatically and the efforts appeared to slow down the organism. Reports of infections were slowing down. The two doctors were looking over the latest test results when Erin's eyes ventured to the crew's medical files. The words of the impostor haunted her mind. She sat in front of the screen and instructed the computer to bring up Olivia's files.

Error: Name not found

Erin's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. No matter how many times she said Olivia's name, the computer insisted a Lieutenant Olivia Gellar was not serving on this ship or had ever served in Starfleet.

"Look at this." She showed him the numerous attempts to access Olivia's files. McCoy scowled and tried searching himself only to be met with failure.

"The computer must be wrong."

Erin shook her head, "Unfortunately doctor, these machines don't lie."

Just then a message popped onto the screen. It bore both Captain Jackson and Spock's signatures. When they opened it, neither were expecting to read the three short lines.

All security units, Lieutenant Olivia Gellar is to be apprehended immediately for malicious espionage. Repeat, Lieutenant Olivia Gellar is to be apprehended immediately. Set phasers to stun.

Neither could believe what they just read. When McCoy contacted Spock, he confirmed the message. In the background Erin heard Jackson's voice edge to frustration.

All I know is Starfleet has sent a warrant for her arrest for the murder of a dozen Starfleet personnel. Keep analyzing Hallon's blood. I need a solution.

McCoy rubbed his temples in frustration. When he turned around, he dropped his scanner. When Erin turned around, she could barely register what she saw. The two figures held out a hand.

"There's not much time. Come back to me."

The Enterprise melted away as Olivia felt herself being pulled in several different directions. Waves of nausea crashed into her, leaving her knees crumbling under her weight. She blinked back tears and managed to keep on her hands and knees.

"I don't know what you want."

Sarah stood over her with that insufferable grin plastered all over her slimy face. All Olivia wanted was the strength to knock her clean in the jaw. As it was however, Olivia could barely keep herself from crashing into the floor. Sarah gave her a swift kick to the side, which sent her rolling across the room. Her laugh was like metal scraping against stone.

"You can save McCoy and the others. They don't have to suffer." She watched as Olivia struggled to get back to her feet. "Such a pity. Maybe we put you with those humans for too long."

"You say that like I'm not human," Olivia gasped, clutching her side.

"How many times must I explain this? You're not one of them!" For the first time, Sarah sounded almost offended. Before Olivia could see the rest of her reaction, Sarah turned and strode toward the exit. "You have two hours to prepare yourself before we take what is rightfully ours. After two hundred years, I will be free to conquer the humans' world."

As Olivia lie on the stone floor, her thoughts wandered to her life on Earth. Memories played like foreign movies in a weird language she couldn't understand. And yet, the more she thought about the Tolar and what they needed from her, the more it felt familiar. If she could find Cuahl, then maybe he could explain more. Sarah had mentioned Cuahl several times. Both him and the crews of both ships would be guarded, and she would likely get shot far before she could leave this room. Just as she was about to give up hope, McCoy's face entered her mind. His smile warmed her soul and brought strength back to her faltering limbs. Damn it, she wasn't going to give up.

While the guards switched shifts, there was only one in her room. Even in her weakened state, she easily overpowered him and took his weapon. The pistol felt familiar in her hands, almost as if she'd wielded one her whole life. The next two guards didn't know what hit them before it was too late to scream. After dragging the three into a corner, Olivia stole one of their uniforms and half-limped into the hallway. Her senses were suddenly on high alert, an instinct she'd never felt before. Her feet guided her with ease to a set of steel double doors. The access card she'd stolen from the guard got her into the room she needed.

The prisoner looked just as serene and sad as she'd seen him before. Checking to make sure they were alone, Olivia shut the door and approached the controls. The sequence came easily to her mind and suddenly the pod drained itself. Immediately the man began to heal. His hair turned black as space with flecks of gold. Life breathed into his youthful torso and his cheeks filled with warmth. Olivia's eyes were drawn to the man's body, especially when she realized he was naked.

"You never could take your eyes off of me."

Cuahl's amber eyes pierced her soul, making Olivia's whole redder than a chili pepper. She tried to stammer a response, but he was already climbing out of the pod. Quickly throwing him an extra pair of pants, Olivia focused her attention on watching the door. She was so focused she nearly jumped three feet when a hand touched her shoulder.

"So jumpy. It's only me," he purred. His eyes softened when they met Olivia's. "I can't believe you're really here. I thought I'd never see you again."

All she could manage was a muttered stutter before he placed a hand to either side of her face. Eyes locked, he pulled her close and kissed her. She felt tears pool and spill down her cheeks. A strange feeling bubbled from her stomach, like a prepubescent schoolgirl's butterflies only stronger. Deep inside, Olivia knew she once knew this man. Maybe Sarah's story had some truth to it after all. A part of her wanted to melt into Cuahl's arms, but the stronger and more sensible part of her pushed away.

"What's wrong, my love?"

Olivia shook her head, not exactly sure of what to say. Finally she managed a stammered, "I don't know you."

He looked almost hurt when she stepped away. "You sadden me. Olivia, you must remember something. No? Tell me, have you ever felt out of place? Have you ever felt like you've never truly belonged here? Let me show you your world. Will you allow me this?"

"Later. First, I need your help. My friends are in danger."

In a flash, Olivia could have sworn she saw cold anger flash within his eyes, but it disappeared before she could react. He nodded and grabbed a weapon from the guards. It seemed almost too easy but after a few minutes they reached what looked like a warehouse. She immediately spotted the pods in a far corner and ran as fast as her legs could carry her. Meanwhile from the second level balcony, Sarah watched Olivia head to the pods. The guard behind her asked for orders.

She waved a hand dismissively. "The preparations are complete. Once Cuahl finishes his part, it won't matter if the humans are disconnected."

One of the scientists licked his lips in anticipation. "We'll need Olivia for the rest of us, but your new body proves these humans have interesting reactions to integration. They're strong enough to withstand where our original bodies couldn't."

Sarah rolled eyes. "Yes, this body is quite pleasing. Now, go arm your men. If it's a fight Olivia wants, it's a fight she'll get."

Meanwhile Olivia was rapidly typing at the control panel. "What have they done?"

"Preparing them for transfer. The disease that hit our world affected the Tolar most. They devolved into parasites and have needed hosts ever since. These humans seem to provide the best resistance in this dimension."

"Quit saying 'these humans' as if I'm not one!" She ran among the pods until she found McCoy's. Under the water his face was distorted but she could still see the pain etched around his eyes. "What do you mean by resistance?"

"The Tolar and our people are from a different reality. The cure allows us to exist here." He placed a hand on Olivia's shoulder. "You know he doesn't really love you. Run away with me Olivia. We can get out of here and live the life I promised to you. We can still be happy."

Olivia looked at Cuahl with light behind her eyes. Somehow she knew he was speaking the truth. Suddenly her mind filled with images of bright skies and days filled with laughter. She saw her and Cuahl walking down the beach, hand in hand, kissing under a full moon. Swallowing the lump in her throat, Olivia managed to brush Cuahl's hand away and continued working on the machine. "Help me with this."

His smile was dark but sad, "Know now that whatever happens is your own doing."

They worked fast in the silence of the warehouse. Soon it was replaced by beeping as the sequence started to work its magic. The water in the pods drained, letting the machines breathe life into the bodies contained within. Wires detached and warning lights flickered off. Cuahl took off to keep watch in case any of Sarah's guards showed up.

Olivia knelt and placed a hand to McCoy's face. "There's not much time. Come back to me."

McCoy's eyes slowly fluttered open. He squinted against the bright lights but could faintly make out the face leaning over him. His head felt like the morning after a night filled with mint juleps and breaking up fights between Jim and the locals.

"What the hell happened?"

"Too long of a story. We need to get to the ship. Help me with the others."

Olivia was ecstatic to find Kirk was in one of the pods and in pretty good shape. As she pulled him out and gave him clothes, she heard the familiar powering of a phaser. Several security guards had weapons pointed on her. Jackson and Spock walked past them with their own weapons.

"You'll go the rest of the way under my supervision, Gellar."

Kirk looked just as confused as Olivia. "What's the meaning of this?"

Spock moved in closer. His eyebrow was raised. "Captain? We saw you die."

Kirk motioned to his dripping wet body. "Don't you know I'm too adorable to die? Now would you mind explaining why those phasers are pointing at us?"

"Starfleet doesn't have a record of Gellar serving on a military vessel. She impersonated an officer long enough to convince everyone she was part of Starfleet. Starfleet sent a warrant for her arrest."

Olivia swallowed the anger bubbling in her throat. "These pods tamper with your memories and your perception of reality. The people who captured us have altered your physiology."

"Why should we believe you?"

Kirk walked in front of Spock. "Lower your weapon."

"Captain. . ."

"That's an order, commander."

When he complied, Kirk grinned. "Good. Let's get out of here. Spock, take point. Bones, see to it no one has any severe injuries."

McCoy stumbled forward with an injured Scotty hanging at his side. "Aye, captain."

They took off running toward the exit. Everyone was accounted for, which was a relief considering every damn obstacle Sarah had thrown at them. Olivia pushed the thought again out of her mind.

"Liv." McCoy's voice cut through her thoughts. "What's going on?"

"Long story short, we were captured by these people and trapped in those pods. Sarah wants something from me. I don't know. . ."

"Olivia!"

Ah, hell. In her relief to finally be reunited with Leonard, she'd forgotten about Cuahl. Before she could react, Cuahl ran to her and threw his arms around her. His kiss was more passionate than normal, something that made Olivia squirm.

McCoy felt his heart drop clear to the floor.

She saw the crestfallen look in his eyes and immediately pushed Cuahl away. She ran forward, "Leo, let me explain."

"Who is this?"

Cuahl tilted his chin into the air as he looked down his nose at McCoy. "My name is Cuahl. You would do best to keep your hands off of my fiancée."

McCoy's blood boiled and his scowl grew deeper. Olivia looked just as shocked as Erin did. Only the hum of phasers broke through the tension in the room. Suddenly there was a crash of boots on the metal floor. Before they knew it, security officers from both ships had surrounded them. Jackson and Kirk barked orders for them to stand down.

Cuahl shook his head. "They're not human anymore. Just look at their eyes. The Tolar have taken them now."

A woman emerged from the security officers. Kirk recognized her as one of the new recruits assigned to his ship just before the mission. She was a young girl with plenty of ambition, cut short by these parasites.

"You would do best to surrender." Sarah's voice was still as screechy as before only with the added bad breath.

Cuahl staggered closer to Olivia until he could whisper so that only she could hear. "Do you trust me?"

"No."

He leaned ever so slightly closer until his lips were right next to her ear. He had a plan to get them out, but Cuahl needed Olivia to create his distraction. Sarah's shifty eyes caught what Cuahl was trying to do.

"Cuahl, the time is now. Do what we've trained you to do."

"You'll have to, if you want to save McCoy's life."

When Olivia nodded, Cuahl reached behind his back and extracted a knife, placing it to Olivia's throat. McCoy tried to leap at him, but Cuahl was far faster. The weapon was already poised to strike by the time anyone could react. Sarah and her minions cried for blood, cheering for their freedom.

"Yes," Sarah purred. "Do it Cuahl."

"I've waited my whole life for this moment. I'll not be a traitor again." Olivia closed her eyes and waited for the pain but instead heard Sarah's shrill screams. She opened her eyes and saw Sarah sprawled on the floor, bleeding but lifeless. Without a strong leader, the minions looked terribly confused and easily fell to the other Starfleet officers.

Unlike everything thus far, the rest of the plan was easy. After dodging numerous minions, they reached the ships. Each crew's engineers were able to get the ships working and with Cuahl's help, reverse the phase transition. Cuahl was taken into custody, something he didn't take kindly too.

Olivia and McCoy found a moment to themselves. She ran into his office and into his safe embrace.

"Cuahl is nothing," she told him over and over again. "I only care about you."

"I know. Jesus Liv, I thought you were dead or worse." His hand tilted her chin up, eyes searching for approval. Olivia realized no matter what Cuahl said, this was where she belonged. Their lips got closer and closer until they were barely touching when several security guards appeared at the doorway.

"Excuse me, Doctor McCoy. We're under orders from Captain Jackson and Captain Kirk to arrest Olivia."

She raised an eyebrow and tightened her lips. "Under what charges?"

"The captains will enlighten you when we escort you to the brig."

Olivia turned to McCoy and kissed him on the cheek. "Visit me?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world?" A nurse cried for McCoy. He sighed and ran out with his scanner, ready to fix whatever mess Kirk had gotten himself or the crew into.

Olivia allowed herself to be taken to the brig without a fight. Most of the crew gave her strange looks, which she wouldn't have minded if they didn't try to be sneaky. A few short lift rides and a five-minute walk and they reached the brig. Cuahl was at the opposite end of the cell, staring only at her. Before he could say anything, she grabbed a chair and sat in front of him.

"Show me my past."

His grin spread across his entire face. Ready or not, Olivia thought when Cuahl put his fingers to her temples, here I come.

What she saw next made her cry.

FOUR MONTHS OF WRITER'S BLOCK! Oh well, it has come back to me now. I'm sorry if my writing style seems a bit choppy. I went through a class where the teacher pounded that into our heads because he wanted us to be concise. So I figure this story will have one or two more chapters before I end it. Is there anything you guys want to see in the ending?

I want to thank all the people who have reviewed and stuck with me during this dry spell. I will try to update again this week.

Also, since it's been so long, have I cleared up at least more of the mystery for you guys? This next chapter is designed to bring everything to light and leave no questions.

Please please please review!

Much love

Trekky18