2 Season 4 Page

Title: "The Long Awaited Words"
Author: Commander Jonathan Lataro
Stardate: 2459986
EarthDate: December 26, 2359
Location: USS Virgo

Lataro was laying in bed, K'Lara laying next to him. The darkness of the room relaxed him and the woman who he knew he loved, and now she knew it, slept next to him. It had been over a month, and the reality that Jonathan Lataro was going to be a father was just now sinking in through his hard head. He wasn't sure as to what he was going to do, but one thing was for sure, Lataro was going to be good father and a good...well, he wasn't sure of that just yet. Until a few hours ago Lataro hadn't professed, verbally, his feelings for K'Lara and as perceptive as he thought he was, Lataro sensed a little resentment coming from his future-baby's mother. *Maybe I should tell her how I feel or I just might lose her,* he had regularly thought, and finally he came to a conclusion. Over a romantic Christmas Dinner that the two of them shared the night before came the greatest gift that he knew how to give: the simple three worded statement that could either bring joy to a heart...or fear. The phrase "I love you" came over a bottle of champagne...
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...the crystal goblets glistened from the artificial light candles that made the centerpiece of their table. A roaring fire was going in a holographic fireplace which took hours to plan. Lataro had spoken to Lt. Loran, who set up a makeshift holoprojector against the wall. It was unorthodox, but original, and Lataro wanted this night to be
perfect. Christmas Day, the day of Jesus' birth, was also going to be a day of a new beginning for Lataro and K'Lara, or it was going to be an end. Either way, Lataro could no longer go on without letting her know how he felt.

After a perfectly cooked Terran turkey, unfortunately replicated, and all the trimmings, Lataro poured the bottle of champagne. So far the evening was perfect, just like he had planned it. By the light of twin candles, K'Lara was as beautiful as ever, so beautiful and mesmerizing, Jon had overfilled one of the goblets. The coolness of the champagne shocked him causing him to jump. K'Lara laughed. "Jon, I think the idea was to get the drink in the glass and not on the table."

He smiled. Finally, after drying his hand, he handed her a goblet and sat down. "My dearest K'Lara. Amongst the galaxy, I have seen beautiful sights: a colored nebula; a red, red rose; but none has ever come close to that which is sitting in front of me now. Until the time I came on board, the rose had been one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen, but a passing in the corridor changed that forever." K'Lara smiled and dropped her head demurely.

"Now you have created a feeling in me, one that I haven't felt for a long, long time a feeling of worth, of being wanted and even..." He paused. "...of love! You see the times of my youth were times of loneliness on a desolate planet. I had no family, no one but me, and it has made me independent and self-reliant, but now all I can do is think of you and your well-being. I have learned to feel something in my heart that I never imagined I could feel. That of being loved and giving love." Jon raised his goblet and looked her in eye.

"To the mother of my child and love of my life." He sipped his wine and looked at K'Lara. "I love you!" She sat there in awe. K'Lara couldn't believe what she just heard. Something that she wanted to here for a long time, and finally she did. She smiled. Lataro saw the light of the candle glisten on something that trailed from her eye. *A tear?* he thought. *No. Not from K'Lara.*

K'Lara, understanding the custom of a toast, took a sip and smiled not taking her eye of Jon. Once she sipped, she placed the goblet down and walked around the table. Jon looked up and saw that the glistening on her cheek was in fact a tear: one small tear that had traveled down. She grabbed his head with both hands and kissed him passionately. After a few moments, she pulled away and softly whispered, "I love you, too." Lataro got up and pulled her close and held her tightly.

"Jon," K'Lara said smiling. "Careful. You will hurt our child." They both laughed.
___________________________________________

Lataro wiggled out from under K'Lara and put on his uniform. It was 0230 and his turn for the early morning Gamma shift. So he put on his uniform and made sure his pips were on straight. In the bathroom, he looked at the red command uniform. *Damn. I sure look good in red,* he thought, admiring himself in the mirror. He still hadn't gotten used to the uniform. For a long time, Lataro wore the gold tunic or the black jumpsuit trimmed in gold, but the red trimmed jumpsuit or red tunic seem to suit him better. He liked the color, and from what K'Lara had said, she did too.

Lataro stepped out from the bathroom and bent over to give K'Lara a kiss. She stirred slightly. "Good morning," she said softly. "Where are you going?"

"I have to report for duty. It is my turn to have Gamma watch," he said as soft.

"'Duty calls' again, huh?" K'Lara asked sadly.

"Yes, Dear."

"Okay. You be good."

"I always do."

"Sure. I hear that Ensign Jakir in Science Lab Two has the hots for you."

"Really?"

"Yeah. You better behave yourself."

"K'Lara. Of course, I would never jeopardize are happy fa..."

"What, Jon?" K'Lara shooting up very interested in what he was about to say.

"I have to go. I will see you when I get off?"

With her attention peaked, she let herself down slowly. She smiled. "Of course, as a matter of fact, I will be right where you leave me, right here in bed completely naked," she said trying to seduce him, talking him into staying.

"Stop that!" Lataro said. "I have got to go. I will see you when I get off." He leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss. "I love you. Now go back to sleep. You are sleeping for two."

"I love you too," she said with a smile.
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On the bridge, Captain Maruu was sitting at his chair. He was looking over the previous day's reports when Lataro walked on to the bridge and sat down in his chair next to Maruu. Immediately, Maruu noticed that there was something heavy on Lataro's mind. Which was true. All the way from his quarters to the bridge, Jon was thinking, contemplating, the results of actually raising a family on board a starship. He knows it has been done, after all he was, but this time it was his family: his son or daughter and his wife? His wife? The question of the century. Should he or should he not, "to be or not to be...that is the question." He didn't know, and both in command... that is another question.

"Jon," Maruu said interrupting his First Officer in deep thought. "You okay?"

Shaking his head from an imaginary fog, he focused on the captain and his statement. "Sir, can I ask you a few things?"

Title: "Hidden Agenda"
Author: Captain Stephen Maruu
Stardate: 2460003
Earthdate: January 1, 2360
Location: USS Virgo

"Three...two...one...Happy New Year!!!" The whole crew chanted together. Everyone exchanged toasts. Captain Maruu and Commander Nori kissed each other's lips. Commander Lataro and Commander K'Lara performed the same action. Lieutenants Garza, Valdago, and Loran toasted the new year. Everyone was jovial. It was January 1, 2360.

The celebrations lasted until 1000 hours. By that time, everyone was so tired, they headed for bed. The ship was practically silent. Not a soul stirred. The *Virgo* lay inside a thick nebula where they would be safe. Additionally, the computer had been programmed to sound all klaxons and go to Red Alert automatically if any ship got within one million miles of the *Virgo*. They were not going to be caught unprepared.
____________________________

Valdago stirred in bed. It was 1100 hours. The entire ship was dead silent. However, Valdago could not sleep. He couldn't take it anymore. Valdago got up and headed for the faucet. He splashed some water on his face and looked at himself in the mirror. What he saw in the mirror frightened him. Out of the corner of his eye, Valdago saw movement behind him. He turned around. No one was there.

*It was only a hallucination.* Valdago sighed. *I have to go to bed. I'm starting to see things.*

He began to walk to bed when he saw something move in the shadows. This time it was no hallucination.

"Hello? Solacetta?"

Nothing.

Suddenly, the shadow jumped at Valdago. It delivered a blow to his face which sent Valdago down. Next, the figure pulled out a glistening knife. It brought the knife down on Valdago's chest. Valdago, however, rolled to the side. The knife got stuck in his rug. Valdago jumped up and grabbed the mysterious intruder. He sent him flying against a wall. The intruder fell on the ground. Valdago went to examine the intruder but was surprised when he saw the person was no longer there. Valdago turned around and saw that the knife, which had been implanted
in the floor of his quarters, had been quickly removed.
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"Alright, John. I'm sure we're all wondering why you put the entire ship on alert by activating every single klaxon at once." Captain Maruu was groggy. He had had very little sleep, as had the rest of the crew.

"Captain, Solacetta may be back on board. She attacked me in my quarters just an hour ago." Valdago was agitated.

Lataro rose. "If Solacetta is back, we need to take every precaution."

"I need security teams searching the entire ship. Use tachyon particles, take sub-space readings, blast holes in the walls, do whatever you need. I want that android found! Dismissed." Maruu paused. "Valdago, stay here."

The crew went to find Solacetta. Valdago remained in the conference room. "Yes, Captain?"

"What exactly did you see?"

Something about that question bothered Valdago. "I saw a shadow move about in my room. It came at me with a knife. I threw it against the wall, and it disappeared. That's all. It's in my report."

"You filled out a report?"

Another troublesome question. *What's wrong with the captain? He must still be asleep.* "Of course. It's basic procedure."

"Of course. It slipped my mind. Thank you. Dismissed."

Valdago left the conference room.
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Back in his room, Valdago decided the crew might get some answers if he reread his report. Maybe he missed something. Any detail would be helpful. When Valdago tried to access his report, the computer flashed a strange sign on the screen.

"Who classified my report?" *The captain!*

Suddenly, Valdago saw his doors slide open. Something slipped out. Valdago stood up immediately. As soon as he did, he saw a flashing red light attached to the force field over his bed. Valdago quickly flew out the door. "Computer, place a force field around my quarters now!"

The explosion was heard throughout the ship. Other than destroying Valdago's quarter, it caused no damage or casualties.
__________________________________

Maruu walked into Lt. Alysa Anne Sinclair's quarters. She smiled as he entered, "Captain!"

Before any other word passed between them, Maruu backhanded her across the face. He grabbed her uniform in a threatening manner. "You little..."

She pulled away from him and removed the blood from her lip. "How did you know?"

"I thought it very interesting that your records are classified by Fleet Admiral William Ross himself. Also, I noticed how you've been following Lt. Valdago around since he spilled the secrets of your undercover plot to expose the Starfleet cadets. You have absolutely no conscience." Maruu threw Sinclair on her bed. "I know who you work for. Ever since your agency's alliance with Doctor Bashir on DS9, captains are briefed on the activities and agendas of Section 31."

Sinclair got up and fixed her uniform. "Then you also know that you cannot interfere in our hidden agenda. If you think that everyone on this ship works for you, then you are extremely naive."

"I'm starting to become extremely cynical. Why do you want to kill Valdago? He is a very influential member of this crew."

"He knows too much about how we run. He's seen the inside of our interrogation chambers and has known to what extent we will go in order to make sure that the security and well-being of every citizen of the Federation will prevail. And he has revealed this information. We are preventing these unnecessary facts from coming to light."

"Unnecessary my..."

"You want Valdago safe, then shut him up yourself. You're the captain; you can do that."

"What if I bring forth the truth myself?"

Sinclair smiled. "Then, you'd be surprised to find out that there are very knowledgeable and treacherous people in your command." She paused. "Now, be a good captain and save your crewman."

"This is not over." Maruu began to walk out.

"It's only the beginning."

Maruu stormed out.
__________________________________

Valdago walked into the Captain's Ready Room. "Captain, there was an explosion..."

Maruu stood up. "Computer, lock door."

The door to the Ready Room shut and locked.

"Lieutenant, take off your com badge. This conversation is strictly off record."

Valdago reluctantly removed his com badge. "Captain, what's going on?"

"Section 31. They're on this vessel."

"What?! Oh my God! They know about the Rendex Geor don't they? I told you they'd try to kill me."

"I know. I didn't believe Starfleet could do these things. Now I do. I want to apologize."

"It's no problem, Captain."

"The head of Section 31 on this ship has promised to let you live. You just have to never tell anyone about the Rendex Geor again. I'll talk to Dana. She'll know what you know. No one is to know about Section 31, Rendex Geor, or anything else. We won't even tell the Starfleet Intelligence Officer unless it is absolutely necessary. Your quarters are being repaired as we speak. I've already filled out a report in which Solacetta infiltrates the ship and destroys your quarters using a bomb. I've also mentioned that you drove her off the *Virgo* again. To make the cover up more believable, I've decided to promote you to the rank of full Lieutenant. You deserve it. Congratulations." Maruu handed Valdago two gold pips. "The real report will be classified so far that not even I will be able to pull it up later. The truth cannot be known. Is this clear?"

"Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir."

Maruu sighed. "I used to think Starfleet was better than this. It turns out it's just as corrupt as the Cardassians." He paused. "Computer, unlock door."

Valdago grinned slightly. He replaced his com badge, left the room, and proceeded to inform Loran of his heroics in saving the *Virgo* from the evil of Solacetta.

Title: "The Proposal"
Author: Commander Jonathan Lataro
Stardate: 2460005
EarthDate: January 2, 2360
Location: USS Virgo

Commander Lataro had all ready spoken to the captain and arranged to take a few days off around the new year, but the search for Solacetta called him back to duty and proved fruitless. Lataro looked and looked, however with a hangover and grogginess, and with little to no sleep, he fought fatigue as well. Finally the search was called off. Lataro was now able to concentrate on what he was wanting to do for days, ever since Christmas night. He tried holding out a little bit longer but with the feelings now on the table, he couldn't wait
anymore. He went to the holodeck to prepare something so special, so perfect that it could never be surpassed. Finally, Lataro turned to the program he had just written and thought, *Perfect. She should be surprised.*
___________________________________

On the bridge, Lt. Commander K'Lara was at the helm. The Proteius Nebula the *Virgo* encountered had to be circumvented but the gravimetric disturbance kept pulling her towards it. This star system that the *Virgo* was travelling through was filled with different nebulae. It had been baptized the Antilles Star System. This particular one was only a parsec from the one they had hidden in yesterday and it was keeping K'Lara busy constantly adjusting course.

"Commander K'Lara, about another five minutes and we should be out of the wake of the nebula," Maruu said looking at his con panel. "As soon as we clear it, set heading 332 mark 2. Lt. Tara, prepare a class five probe and a beacon warning off passers-by."

"Aye, Sir," K'Lara and Tara said simultaneously.

The *Virgo* passed the nebula, and immediately sensors picked up a few planets, one Class M and two Class N. Class N was the category given to planets that maintained a hydrogen/oxygen atmosphere but temperatures were about plus or minus 20 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit beyond tolerable levels for humanoid life. Life was possible, but unlikely, at least life as Starfleet considered.

"Is that Class M planet within sensor range?" Captain Maruu asked.

"At the present we can just determine the makeup. Life signs can't be determined at this distance." Lt. M'Terrn said from the science station.

"Very well."

"However sir, the N planet closest to us is registering with life signs. As a matter of fact, it is teeming with it." M'Terrn said.

"Okay. K'Lara set a course for that N Class planet and establish a standard orbit."

"Aye, Sir."

Seventeen hundred hours came faster than realized, but it was end of the duty shift. Alpha shift began leaving their stations as Beta Shift came on. Finally Lt. Valdago came on the bridge, at 1703 to relieve the captain. "Captain. I will take charge whenever you are ready."

"Fine, Lieutenant," Maruu said getting up. He quickly briefed Valdago of where the ship was and what was happening. "I will be in my ready room if you need me."

[Commander K'Lara,] her combadge said.

"Go ahead."

[As soon as your shift is finished, come to Holodeck One.]

*Holodeck One? Why?* "On my way."

In Turbolift One, K'Lara wondered what was going on. Why did Jon want her at the holodeck? Maybe to work out? Hardly, for the baby had just started to show, and Dr. Nori had warned her to stay away from strenuous activity. *So why did he want her there?*

Just outside the door, K'Lara ran her hands down her uniform to take out any kind of wrinkles that might have formed. When her hands reached her stomach, she smiled as the hands sort of framed the little pooch that was forming. With the pooch and her pregnant state she still wanted to look her best for Jon. Finally she stepped forward and entered the holodeck.

In the holodeck, she immediately saw Jon sitting in a little canoe in a middle of a large lake filled with crystal blue water. The lake was surrounded with trees of different species except a small section that had a small pier and animals that she immediately recognized as a squirrel, rabbit, and even a doe. Some of her native animals from her home world were also present, flying in the cloudless sky. The holographic sun was at its 1745 position as the gentle splashing of the oars were heard.

"Watch your step K'Lara," Lataro said. "I don't want you to fall in."

"That wouldn't be good," K'Lara said. "Jon. This place is beautiful. Where is this?"

"Well, it really isn't anywhere. As you can see, I kind of intermixed a few of our native lands together to give us a taste of home. Most of it though is from a lake I used to spend time at in the Appalachian Mountains in Tennessee on Earth, but the animals well I just had to think of them. You like?" he said as he climbed out of the canoe and on to the small pier.

"Like I said," she said embracing him. "It is beautiful. But what do you want?"

"Come on." He grabbed her by the hand and led her to the canoe. Jon first got into the boat and made sure that it was stable before helping her into it. "Be careful. You can tip it very easily."

"Okay," she said, finding a spot and sitting down.

Lataro began to pedal away from the pier and out into the middle of the lake. The birds overhead chirped as it flew to the sanctity of their homes. K'Lara still wondered what was going on. "So Jon, what is this all about?" Without saying a word, Lataro slowed the canoe down and finally stopped in the center of the lake. He threw overboard what looked to be a small weighted anchor.

Finally he spoke. "K'Lara. You know that I love you. I have loved you for a long time and I know that I just recently told you how I felt."

"Yes," she said smiling. K'Lara lowered her head and smiled even more as she looked outwards on to the water. She thought she saw something but shook it off.

"You are the most wonderful woman I have met and think will ever meet. The days, and nights, we have been together has been the best times of my life. You have helped me through much, being there at the Klingon
battleship, our conflict with the Kirusans, and on Meridian. I owe you so much. Even though now you are with my child, you have always been someone I have deeply admired. I can't think of anything more then to be with you always." Lataro reached into his pocket and pulled a diamond ring. One that he had in his personal belongings for something, just not knowing it at the time. The ring wasn't replicated and would have easily cost him a fortune had money been relevant, but this ring was the real McCoy and was about to be placed on K'Lara's finger. He reached over and grabbed her hand. K'Lara's eyes had now widened to its greatest extent. She looked at Lataro with glazed over eyes. This time her Klingon side was not allowing her to cry, but she
was trying, but as Jon put the ring on her finger, the walls and barricades fell. K'Lara began to cry.

"Lieutenant Commander K'Lara. Will you marry me? Be the object of my desire for the rest of my life. Become Mrs. Jonathan Lataro?"

She looked at the ring and smiled. "Commander Lataro. I..."

The ship shook violently. The canoe vibrated roughly as Lataro and K'Lara both grabbed the sides to help stabilize it.

[All senior staff to the bridge!] The klaxon of red alert resounded through the ship.

"Damn. K'Lara you will have to give me an answer later. Computer, save program." Both Lataro and K'Lara ran out of the holodeck and into the halls.

Title: "Hidden Agenda"
Author: Lt. Commander Dana Nori
Stardate: 2460005
Earthdate: January 2, 2360
Place: USS Virgo

In her office in Sickbay, Nori remembered the events of the past day.
______________________________________

After Maruu and Nori kissed, Nori opened up her big blue eyes and looked into Maruu's eye's. "Kiss me again you fool," she said, smiling at him. "I love you so much, and I wouldn't want to be any place else right now without you..."

Maruu kissed Nori again this time for a long time.

It was 1400 hours. Nori woke up, got out of bed, and felt the top of her head to see if it was still attached to her body or not. It was pounding so bad she thought it had been removed with the dullest butter knife their ever was. Looking into the mirror she asked her reflection, "Did you get the name of the starship that used your head
as a landing pad?"

A few seconds passed.

"Me neither. Computer, locate Captain Maruu.

Nori closed her eyes and felt her way to the shower, after the shower she felt a little better came out and got out a clean black uniform. She got dressed and headed for the mess hall.
______________________________________

At 1445 hours, Nori entered the mess hall, ate two slices of toast, and drank a small glass of orange juice and a cup of herbal tea.
______________________________________

At 1510 hours Nori, entered Sickbay and went into her office. She sat down at her desk, held her head in her hands for a few minutes, then started working on her paper work.
______________________________________

The day was over so quickly. Too bad she couldn't sleep longer due to Solacetta's return. Strange, Nori didn't even notice Solacetta come back. And after she was silently kicked off the ship, no one made a fuss. Nori removed the thoughts from her mind and continued working.

Title: "El Zorro"
Author: Krystina Stressman
Stardate: 2360005
Earth Date: January 2, 2360
Location: USS Virgo

The scene was set. They sky was dark. Stars twinkled brightly. There was a slight breeze in the air. It was a beautiful night. Below the balcony of the hacienda torches lit the darkness. The sounds of music were carried on the air. A party was going on inside. But Jenara was on the balcony, in a long lace-covered dress. A proper style of a young senorita. Even her hair was arranged beautifully with a comb in it, trailing lace down her back. Suddenly, there was a commotion going on. A woman screamed, but it was short-lived. Then, out the doors came a group of soldiers falling all over each other after a caped figure dressed all in black. Easily, the figure knocked rapiers from the officer's hands. He did it with ease and grace, laughing as he went. Jenara watched, entranced by the drama in front of her... But suddenly, the soldiers got the upper hand! The man was then pinned to the side of the Hacienda out of her site. Quickly, she used her ability to change her dress into an outfit of black, like the man, with a sword at her side. The hair comb disappeared and in it's place was a hat. Quickly, she pushed herself over the banister and with the lithe, grace of a cat, she landed on her feet, pulling her rapier from its place at her side and readied before for the battle ahead.

"Now, now, now, boys. Do you call this a fair fight?" she asked, with a smile.

"There-there-there's two of them!" some of the men stuttered.

"So El Zorro has a vixen, does he?" she heard a voice call. Out of the Hacienda strolled the Capitan. He immediately pulled his sword from its sheath. "You must learn to chose better lovers."

"Oh really?" she replied, as she began circling around this new threat. "Such as who?"

He smiled. "You could have chosen me," he replied. "I may not know who you are, but I will..."

"You?" she replied, "I'm sorry, but I do not take pigs as lovers!" she replied with a strong thrust that he parried well. It was only a beginning. She could see his face redden and his face vanish.

"You would have at least lived past this night!" he replied, with his own thrust.

Easily she escape the trust, moving it away with her blade. For several minutes, they fought fiercely. While this fighting continued, the soldiers had turned their attention from their captive to watch the spectacle. Zorro used the opportunity to fight his way out and succeeded. As she managed to climb to the balcony, the Capitan lost
his concentration, watching the blunder of his soldiers. With that, Jenara took her rapier and sliced a "Z" into his uniform with a laugh. Just as quickly, she disappeared into the darkness. A whistle was heard from where Zorro stood. In moments, his horse arrived. He jumped onto the animals back and took off into the darkness with a smile and a cocky wave of his hand.

"Better luck next time, El Capitan!"

In frustration and anger the Capitan began yelling at his men about their incompetence.

Jenara knew Zorro would be there shortly. She waited and listened. Sure enough, Tornado's gallop could be heard in the darkness. As he arrived at the tree. He stopped. As he stopped before her, she smiled, still dressed in her black attire that matched his own.

"How did you know I would be here?" he asked, jumping from his horse and going to her. "And who are you, little flower?"

She smiled. "I have my ways of knowing...Don Diego de la Vega."

He was surprised to hear his real name. "What?"

With curiosity, she pulled off her hat and gently took off the mask.

He was greeted by a woman with sparkling eyes. The full moon was out, turning their skin into silver. He gently cupped her face.

"Senorita Jenara Tomme. But why? You have much to lose if you are discovered helping me . . ."

"Not as much as I'll lose if I don't," she replied.

Tenderly, he leaned toward her and took her lips in a kiss. It became passionate quickly.

Suddenly, the earth began to shake! The two pulled away from each other.

*What the...* she thought, but never completed it. "Holodeck, stop program. Save as Tomme 5 Alpha 3.

Instantly, the evening countryside of Old California melted away to the holodeck grid. Swiftly, she used her gifts to morph into her uniform and left Holodeck Two as the klaxon went off. She heading for her station to find out what had happened.

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