2 Season 6 Page

Title: "Crash: The Trelanians"
Author: Commander Jonathan Lataro
Stardate: 2560008
EarthDate: January 3, 2360
Location: Trelane/USS Virgo

"Hello, ladies," Commander Lataro said, coming up from the thicket. He had his weapon at the ready but pointed towards the ground. He didn't want to appear threatening to the women who were sitting on their blanket seemingly enjoying the sun. But the sun was harsh on him. As he came out of the shade the first thing he thought was how hot it was. Sweat again began to pour out of his skin.

The women were startled and tried to quickly get up. One did and ran to the nearest tree furthest from Lataro's direction. The other tripped and got tangled up in the blanket that they were sitting on. "Ladies! I am not going to hurt you."

They didn't listen. The one on the ground panicked and tried to free herself, but before she even got unwrapped from the blanket, Lataro was there and outstretched his hand. "Please. I am not going to hurt you." He laid his weapon down and freed her legs. She stopped thrashing around but calmly got up and ran. Lataro plopped down on to the rumpled blanket and looked at them. They were now peering out from behind a tree that did little but give them some kind of security. Lataro just looked at them and smiled.

The sun now beat directly on Lataro's exposed head, and he almost thought that he could feel his hair searing in the heat. No longer protected by the shade of the trees, everything seemed to get spin in his mind. The women just looked and then started to smile. He saw this, then tried to smile as well, but as he did, he got light headed and then darkness. Lataro now collapsed on the blanket. The last thing he heard was a the soft smashing of grass and sand as someone or something approached him.
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"Captain Maruu. The *Lambda Flier* is ready whenever you are," Lt. Loran said tapping his com badge. In the shuttle bay, he had just come out of the shuttle and reset the inertial dampeners to take the impact of the hot belt around the planet. The modifications were complete; all he needed was the captain's go ahead.

On the bridge, Commander K'Lara was at the science station testing and plotting the trajectory the shuttle might have taken. As she entered the last set of variables, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and saw Captain Maruu. "K'Lara how is everything?"

"Fine, Sir," she said coldly.

"K'Lara. Please don't be mad. You have got to understand the position that I am in right now. If you weren't...well you know, then of course I would let you fly that ship down there and get Jon. But now you are in no condition to be doing anything like that." He sat down in the extra chair at the adjacent station. "I know Jon means a lot to you. Understand he means a lot to me as well. He is my friend, and I want to see him back safe and sound as much as you do."

"Sir, I know that. I am a big girl, and I can take care of myself," K'Lara said turning to him. "It is just that I am the best pilot here. I know that he is alive down there, and I need to be the one to get him."

"I am not doubting your ability, not in the least. But the baby..."

"Sir with all due respect, please don't concern yourself with the baby. I, we, can take care of ourselves."

There was a moment of silence, a silence that made K'Lara wonder what he was thinking. She returned her attention to the monitor.

"Listen. Go to Dana. If she okays you, then I will let you fly this mission. However if you do, I want you to have a medical officer with you. Understood?"

K'Lara smiled and looked at him. "Captain. Thank you." She reached over and gave him a hug.

"Commander," Maruu said.

"Sorry, Sir," she said, smiling.

The trajectory plotted the course of the shuttle into a swamp that the sensor picked up as making up most of the planet. After launching a disposal probe, as suggested by Lt. Valdago, the telemetry sent back to the *Virgo* showed one major continent. The planet was mainly made up of over 83% water and most of that swamp or wetlands. The life that the initial sensors had picked up were that of amphibious creatures and swamp-dwelling creatures mirroring the Terran Swamps of Louisiana and Mississippi. However, a few cities were present suggesting an industrialized people and from the attack earlier, a pre-warp or even warp capable civilization.

The ship that attacked the *Virgo* never made known the motivations for doing so. Lt. Tara was still trying to analyze the data about the attack, however, the only thing that they had come up with was that the ship originated from this planet. But where was the prevailing question on the minds of Tara, Valdago, and even Captain Maruu. There was no evidence of a space dock where a ship that size could be constructed. If that was the only ship this planet had, then the *Virgo* was responsible for the destruction of the planet's only space
vehicle. Unlikely as that may seem, Maruu didn't bother himself with those details, but the retrieval of his first officer.

"Okay, Captain. Here are the possible coordinates," K'Lara said as she punched them into the computer which sent them to the captains con panel. It also sent them to Tactical and Ops.

"Very well, K'Lara. Put them on screen, and let us all take a look at them." With a push of a button the main view screen was filled with grids and a projected trajectory.

"All right. Good work. Now go to sickbay, and have Dr. Nori take a look at you. Remember, you can go if she says so. Understood?"

"Yes, Sir. Thank you," K'Lara said as the she entered the turbolift, and the doors shut. In his mind he hoped that Nori would say no. He never wanted to be responsible for something like this again. *Mental note: Put Commander Lataro on report for putting me in such a precarious position.* He laughed as he walked around and sat in the command chair.

"Um, Sir. Something funny?" Lt. Valdago asked turning to look at Maruu.

"No, Lieutenant. Carry on."

"Aye, Sir."
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"Come out of there you little bugger," Jonny yelled putting his hand in a burrow. He was hunting dinner, and the "hare" ran into the said burrow. He had needed to recharge his phaser, and, obviously, he had no way of doing so, so he was out of luck. Now he had to rely on some things that he had learned from off the street, and what he might've read.

Hunting and gathering for Jonny came easily. He had survived this ordeal now for 18 months. Things were happening to him that he couldn't quite identify, things like getting hungry all the time, facial hair, even his clothes became smaller. The obvious reason was that he was growing up. This he knew, but he didn't know all that it was to entail. Well a philosophy he learned to accept now was made reality for him, *DEAL WITH IT!*

The poking and prodding in the burrow finally resulted in something. His fingers from within the burrow felt something. It was furry and warm so he tried to grab it. As he did he felt a prick that caused him to jerk his hand out quickly. On his hand, he saw four puncture wounds, two on top and two on the bottom. The pain intensified the longer he stood there looking at it. "Oh man! I don't believe it," he said to himself. Amazingly, he remained calm. He cradled the bitten hand and walked back to the pod that was about 200 meters away. Jonny never traveled far from it for a rescue team might come, but in all this time, not one but for that one creature who had tried to have him for dinner. Jonny walked briskly, but not to much so whereby his heart could beat any faster and move the venom that much faster.

Now he felt a burning pain in his wrist. It was tingling and burning at the same time, and he knew he had not a lot of time. Jonny finally made it to the pod and the venom now was 1/3 way up his arm. He frantically looked for the med kit which he couldn't find, then finally he remembered something he had learned. Jonny found an old sock and tied around his elbow and grabbed a knife. He went outside to his campfire and placed the knife's blade into it. Keeping the arm dangling, he grabbed the knife and cut a cross at each of the puncture
marks. Then, where he still felt the venom, he cut himself deep enough so that he could draw enough blood to allow the venom to be carried with the seepage of blood. The cut was made about an inch above the proposed site of venom. He noticed as the blood was pouring out from the cut, a greenish-yellow substance started to come out. It was working but he was also starting to feel a little lightheaded and Jonny knew that he couldn't keep this up for too much longer.

Finally, the blood started coming out a deep red, no traces of green or yellow. Jonny put the knife back in the fire and held his arm up over his head trying to keep the blood now from flowing. He applied pressure and saw that it was working. *Come on knife. Heat up,* Jonny thought frantically. He was yelling in his mind. The knife finally starting to glow red, and he was starting to feel light headed again. So Jonny grabbed the knife and tried to cauterize the wound. He screamed in pain, but the bleeding stopped. "I am going to have one hell of a scar. I am tired. Forget food." He laid down and closed the door ensuring it was secured and fell fast asleep.
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Commander Lataro woke up being nursed by one of the woman he tried to approach. He was inside something, didn't look to be a building, but dug out of the ground or earthen. Lataro was lying on a bed, or a
makeshift bed that was quite comfortable. It was a far cry from the rock he slept in last night. He also noticed that his clothes were off. Lataro immediately shot up. "Where are my...whoa!" The room suddenly flip flopped.

"Shhh. Lay down," his pretty nurse said as she patted his forehead with a wet cloth. "You have experienced tangfur."

"Huh? 'Tangfur'? What is that?"

"That is when our god touches you with his hand. When we have been bad or not obedient to the overlords, we are experience tangfur."

"This tangfur: headaches, dizziness, thirst?"

"Yes that is tangfur."

Lataro smiled. *Tangfur is a heat stroke!* "Where are my clothes?"

"They are over there on the chair. We had to get your temperature down so we had to remove them."

"Okay. Am I well now...? Uh. I don't know you name." Lataro said with a charming smile.

"My name is Nalia. Yours? And yes, you are well, but I would like you to rest for a few more hours."

"I am Commander Jonathan Lataro of the Federation Starship *Virgo*."

"Starship? What is that, Commander?"

"Just call me Jon. A starship is a ship that travels between planets."

She stopped and looked at him almost in fright. "You are an overlord?"

"What is this 'Overlord'?"

A older man, as dark as Nalia comes into the shelter carrying Lataro's phaser rifle. "Nalia. Outside. Let me have a word with our 'guest'," he said forcefully. Nalia grabbed the bowl of water and hurriedly left the room. "I am Janti, the proprietor of this village. And you are?" he said sitting on a chair.

"I am Commander Jonathan Lataro of the Federation Starship *Virgo*."

"I see, Commander Jonathan Lataro of the Federation Starship *Virgo*."

Lataro laughs, "Please call me Jon, or even Lataro. But Jon would be better."

"Okay Jon. Who are you and what are doing on Trelane?"

"You get right to the point, don't you? Okay. I told you I am Commander Jonathan Lataro. My shuttle crashed on, I guess the name of this planet is Trelane, Trelane the other day and I am waiting for my crew to pick me up."

"Your crew?"

"Yes. I there are about 500 hundred of us up there in a starship."

"I see. Well...Jon...we don't like visitors so you must go."

"Janti, that would be great. I would love to but I can't get in contact with my ship. My fiancee...well I think...my fiancee is up there and I would like to get back up to her."

"What is fiancee?"

"The woman I am in love with..." They heard a bowl drop from just outside the door. Janti and Lataro both looked and saw Nalia frantically trying to pick up her mess. Lataro smiled. "...and whom I am going to marry."

"I see. Well good. You must leave as soon as possible," Janti said getting up. "If the overlords find you here they will kill us all."

"Who are the overlords?"

"You just rest. The sooner you rest, the sooner you leave," Janti said leaving the room.

*I need to find out who are these overlords,* Lataro thought as he laid back down.

Title: "Crash: Enter the Overlords"
Author: Commander Jonathan Lataro
Stardate: 2460008-60011
EarthDate: January 3-4, 2360
Location: Trelane

January 3, 1999

"I see. Well good. You must leave as soon as possible," Janti said getting up. "If the overlords find you here they will kill us all."

"Who are the overlords?"

"You just rest. The sooner you rest, the sooner you leave," Janti said leaving the room.

*I need to find out who are these overlords,* Lataro thought as he laid back down.
____________________________________

*A ship?* Jonny said waking up to a thunderous roar. He had been sleeping for days, and his body was weak. The bite had left him so weak that he couldn't even get up. As he laid there, he heard talking. Harsh, grunt-like words. Jonny mustered as much strength as he could and got the phaser which was useless. He aimed it at the door.

"Captain Q'tar. A federation escape pod," Jonny heard from outside.

"Search for survivors Klang," another husky voice said.

"K'Pla."

The door suddenly burst open and, in the door way, a large Klingon stood. He immediately saw the phaser and leaped forward out of the way of the nonexistent phaser blast. Klang jumped up with his dagger in hand and put it at Jonny's throat. Instead of cutting Jonny, he knocked the phaser away. As the phaser flew to the other side of he pod, Jonny laid back down and drifted in and out of consciousness. The last thing he heard was, "No. He is just a boy. Look at him."

"But, Captain, this Human boy, he tried to kill me."

"Klang, there was no shot. If there had you would be dead now."

"Yes, Sir."
____________________________________

A few hours later, Jonny woke up in a Klingon sickbay. He felt his strength was back as he tried to get up, but the Klingon physician who attended him pushed him back down. "Lay still, boy. You are badly injured." She walked over to the control panel. "Captain. He is awake. You instructed me to inform you when he awoke."

[Very well. I will be down there momentarily.]

"Yes, Sir."

"Ma'am," Jonny whispered. "Where am I?"

"You are onboard the *T'Pau*, a Klingon Bird of Prey. I am a healer here to see to your welfare."

"How did I get here?"

"The *T'Pau* was passing by the Xylieus Star System when it picked your distress beacon. It was barely audible. The captain ordered an away team to investigate and here you are. How long were you on Xylieus VII?"

"I don't know. Almost two years."

"Two years?" A husky Klingon said in amazement as he entered the healer's quarters. "Were you alone?"

"Yes,"Jonny said.

"Captain Q'tar. He still needs some more rest. I recommend that..."

"Bah! Tell me young one. What is your name?" Q'tar said cutting her off.

"I am Jonathan Lataro. My family and I were on the *Vixen* when it was attacked and destroyed."

"And where is your family now?"

"Sir, my mother was killed as she got me to the escape pod. My father was onboard when the *Vixen* exploded."

"Ah. Died as warriors. How honorable! You say you were on that planet for two years by yourself. That is impressive, young Lataro. We will take you to nearest the Federation outpost and drop you off. You are a strong one. You have the fighting spirit," Q'tar said getting up and walking out.

For once he actually had time to recollect the events of the past two years. His parents' death now hit him, and he cried. The healer saw this and looked away. She understood how he must feel for she too was orphaned at a young age but had to survive on her own. *Cry, young Lataro. Cry get it out, then you must never cry again.*

*I have finally been saved. No more being alone,* he thought as he fell asleep. The venom was gone as was the loneliness.
____________________________________

January 4, 1999

Early the next day, Lataro was sleeping soundly in the bed that the Trelanian gave him, but now he was shaken roughly by Nalia. "Jon! Wake up! Jon! You must hide!"

Groggy, he squinted his eyes to the woman. "What? What is it?"

"The overlords! They are coming!" she said frighten. "Please hide." She frantically looked around, but there was no where he could hide in this little place. The dark, cool walls had nothing on them. There were no baskets to jump in, not a closet. "Here! Hide under the bed." Nalia lifted the bed up as Lataro rolled out of it. He wore nothing but a pair of thin nylon underpants, that complimented the uniform by not showing lines. As his feet hit the floor, the cool, dampness sent a shiver up his spine.

"Please. Get underneath!" Nalia said lifting the bed up over her head. Lataro crawled underneath and was covered by the bed. Then out of nowhere, his uniform, boots, and his gear was flung underneath and hit him in the face. He winced at the pain but understood the importance of being quiet. He positioned his gear in front of his face to block the clear site. Just as he did, he heard someone enter the dwelling.

"Nalia," an unfamiliar voice said. It was husky, raspy like...like Marsung's.

"Yes, Overlord," Nalia said, her voice shaking with fright.

"My lovely one. We are looking for a hideous creature about five thiles tall. It has dark hair and is pale. Have you seen it?" he said walking around. Lataro heard squishing sound as if the overlord was walking on sponges. Then he saw why. The footprints where it walked welled up with green water from his foot. *They are 'swamp creatures',* Lataro thought.

"No, Overlord. I have not seen anything like that. I am but a humble servant to the wishes of the overlords."

"That is good to hear my dear," Marsung said as he sat on the bed. It dipped on to Lataro's back causing him to exhale quickly. The ground was cold on his bare stomach and chest, but Lataro couldn't do anything. He couldn't even put on his clothes now with the overlord sitting on top of him. Jon was not going to risk revealing his presence. "May I have a drink, a P'Nash?"

"Of course. Your wish is my command," Nalia said bowing. She left the room and prepared his drink.

Almost as if Marsung knew Lataro was there somewhere he spoke into the air. "Creature. You are here somewhere, and I will find you. Why risk the lives of the simple peasants? For if I do find you, they die. If you come out, I will spare Nalia and the others."

"Overlord? Here is your drink. Did you say something?" Nalia said handing him a tall earthen cup. He drank it in one swig.

"Ahhh. My dear Nalia. You make the best P'Nash." Marsung got back up and walked up to her and gently brushed his slimy hand against her face leaving a trail of slime down it. "You are sure you haven't seen this creature?"

"Yes, my Lord," she responded repulsed by the feeling of the slime dripping from her cheek.

"You wouldn't be lying to me would you?" he said grabbing her by the face puckering her lips.

"No, Overlord," she said.

"You had better not be, because if you are..."

She pulled away. "I am not!"

"Of course."

Marsung squished his way out of the building and into the courtyard. Lataro quickly crawled out from underneath the bed and put on his uniform. He had intense experience doing so after all the numerous red alerts while he tried to sleep on the *Virgo*. In a moment he looked at Nalia who was balled against the wall, crying. "Nalia? You okay?"

She sniffed. "Yes. They are such horrid creatures, the overlords."

"Listen to me!" from the courtyard yelled Marsung. Lataro ran to the door jam and peeked around the corner.

"Nalia," Lataro whispered. "Come here!" Nalia came and looked around his shoulder and she gasped. Marsung had pulled a villager to the courtyard and had him down on his knees. The villager was pleading with Marsung, but he didn't hear.

"That is Go'mesh, the town elder," she said, noticing him right away. Go'mesh's wife stood in the crowd crying, "No! No! We don't know what you are talking about!"

"The hideous creature we look for is a threat to us all, and I know it is here. I don't know why you harbor it. It will only kill you all," Marsung yelled looking down at Go'mesh. With a lunge of his hand, Marsung tore out Go'mesh's heart and squeezed it, blood poured from both the open wound and the handheld heart. "One way or another." Marsung threw the heart to the ground and signaled for his troops to follow him as he walked away. Go'mesh's wife immediately ran to her husband's side and cried.

"NO!"

Janti looked toward Nalia's hut and met the gaze of Lataro. A look of contempt formed on his face as Lataro ducked back into the hut. "I am sorry."

"It is not me you need to apologize to," Nalia said, turning away.

Title: "The Search"
Author: Lieutenent Garek Loran
Stardate: 2460010
EarthDate: January 4, 2360
Location: USS Virgo

"Bring planetary and atmospheric sensors online."

"I'm beginning data feed from the *Virgo* now." Lieutenant JG M'Terrn sat at the Science/Ops console in the *Lamda Flier's* cockpit area. "I'm getting all of the planetary readings. All information is coming through. You know, you really did an adequate job of putting in a sensor suite aboard this craft. Almost as good as a starship's ones. I thought you were just making some sort of hot rod fighter craft."

"Who says it isn't?" Garek smiled, and turned to look at the science officer.

"Hmph. So I see." M'Terrn grinned and shook his head. He then returned his full attention back to the science console.

"That reminds me. Where's Valdago and Galen? They were going to come with on this mission."

"Beats me. Galen is probably kicking a food replicator trying to get it to work." M'Terrn smiled to himself.

"I'll be sure to tell him you said that." Garek ran his hands over the flight console, bringing the warp core an impulse engines online.

"If you do, you'll be a dead man."

"Watch yourself, Lieutenant." The two then started to laugh.
____________________________________

Lt. Commander K'Lara walked quickly down the corridor. A clear sign of anxiety across her face from the captain's new decision. The man she loved was down away on this planet. Possibly dead. This, was the worst
case scenario, and she hated it.

K'Lara was steaming down the corridor towards sickbay. She was hoping that if she received medical clearance from Dr. Nori, she would be able to accompany the away team on this mission.

"K'Lara, what brings you to Sickbay?" Dana stood up as K'Lara walked briskly into Sickbay.

"I need you to okay me for the away mission. Please. I try not to ask for much, but John is down there and..."

"I know, I know. I can imagine how your feeling right now. Please, sit down on a biobed, and I'll check you over." Dana started walking over to the beds, picking up some supplies along the way.

"I don't know how to thank you, Dana." K'Lara was almost coming to tears.

Dana smiled warmly, and pulled out a tricorder.
____________________________________

[Warp core status is at 99.9 percent efficiency.] Ensign Galen was sitting at a small engineering console in the personnel area of the craft. The terminal was wedged into the front left corner of the area. It was a nice wrap around console with everything needed.

"Good, Ensign. Keep me updated. I also want you to make sure that we have enough reserve power for shields. If that enemy ship is out there looking for us, I want to destroy it, and not be destroyed."

[Can do, Lieutenant. Galen out.]

Garek smiled at the Ensign's enthusiasm. He had never seen Galen so "pumped up" about a mission. *He must not go on many away missions.* "John, status of the weapons array?"

"Weapons are functional. Phaser cannons charged. Torpedoes ready. Cloaking device is nominal." Valdago read over the list of items that were scrolling down on a panel.

"Excellent. Let's see what this baby can do." Garek looked over his shoulder. "Alright everyone. Let's rock and roll!"
____________________________________

The doors to Shuttle Bay Two had already been opened and the *Lambda Flier* had been given clearance to launch. The massive shuttle lifted off the shuttle bay floor, and headed off into space.
____________________________________

"Commander Nori to Captain Maruu." Dana put away a medical tricorder as she tapped her com badge.

[Go ahead, Dana.]

"Captain, Commander K'Lara came down here asking for a physical as to see if she is in good health to go on this mission. I have examined her completely and have found no reason as to why she cannot go on this mission."

There were a few moments of silence. Capain Maruu sat in his chair on the bridge. *Should I let her go, and endanger her life and that of her child? John could already be dead. The last thing I want to do is lose another officer.*

[Tell K'Lara that she has permission to go on the mission. Have her report to Transporter Room One. I'll have Lieutenant Loran and the *Flier* head back from the planet.]

"Aye, Sir. Nori out." Dana looked over at K'Lara. She saw that an ear to ear smile was already forming on her face. "I don't see any reason for you not to go on this mission. Just be sure to take care of yourself. Please."

"Of course I will. Dana, I don't know how to thank you." K'Lara smiled and left Sickbay heading for the transporter room.
____________________________________

"Aye, Sir, we're coming back around." Garek hit the control that cleared the communications view screen. That view screen was located in the upper left corner of the front of the cockpit so that the pilot, and the rest of the "bridge" crew could see the person that was speaking. "We're heading back, guys, to pick up a passenger."

[Who would that be?] Galen asked from the personnel area. Garek could see him from another view screen located on the "dashboard" of the *Flier*.

"Commander K'Lara. She has received permission to come with us on this one."

Garek brought the *Flier* into a tight loop, until the *Virgo* came into view in the main view port. He then accelerated, heading towards the mother ship.
____________________________________

"They are within range, Commander," said the ensign behind the transporter control.

"Energize." K'Lara stared blankly ahead, waiting for the sensation of transportation to overcome her. The view of the transporter room faded, and she was then in a tube of bluish white light. Then, the personnel area of the *Lambda Flier* came into view. The first person she saw was Ensign Galen.

"Welcome aboard the *Lambda Flier*, Commander. I wish it were under better circumstances." Galen offered a smile.

"As do I, Ensign," K'Lara replied. She walked towards the door that led to the cockpit of the *Flier*. It opened, and she walked down the small ramp and took position in the copilot's seat of the *Flier*. "So, what did I miss?"

"We're heading back in," Garek replied. He pulled back on the flight stick on the right console. He sat on the left, while K'Lara was on the right. This gave either pilot an equal chance to pilot the craft with the flight stick.

"Lieutenant M'Terrn, can you please transfer Ops to the copilot's terminal?"

"Right away, Commander." M'Terrn tapped a few buttons.

"INCOMING!!!" Garek yelled out. The enemy vessel that was reported inside the the atmosphere of the planet had showed itself.

"Should I engage the cloaking device?" Valdago asked.

"No time. Raise shields and fire!" K'Lara yelled out in return. Her Klingon rage was starting to show.

The *Lamda Flier* shuddered from enemy fire. "Return their fire!" Garek yelled out. Phaser cannons, phaser array fire, and quantum torpedoes rained forward on the enemy craft. It then exploded in a brilliant flash of light and debris. The *Flier* ran forward through the debris.

"HA! That was nothing!" Garek smiled at the craft's performance.

"Hmph. Too easy. Let's find, Jon." K'Lara's mission was definitely noticeable.
____________________________________

Arriving at the crash site, the rescue team found nothing. No life signs. K'Lara was understandibly hurt. Tears could almost be seen starting to form.

Garek, trying to offer a ray of hope spoke up. "Maybe he's in the surrounding forest or something. Let's try looking for a complex or something." He pulled up on the flight stick, and brought the craft forward. M'Terrn began his scanning again.

Nearly 20 minutes later, a building was found. "I've got a structure bearing 320." M'Terrn yelled out with excitement.

"I'm bringing us around for a pass," K'Lara said, taking the controls. She brought the craft around.

"OK," Garek offered. He eased off, letting her fly. They made a few passes of the structure. It was somewhat modest. The structure was squared, about 100 yards long and 100 yards wide. It stood about 300 feet tall. The top was domed off, and a small control station could be seen at the top of the dome. Garek also noted large doors on three of the four sides of the building. The only thing he could deduce would be hanger for space crafts of some sort.

Near this main building was one slightly smaller. It was probably a barracks of some sort. He could make out some equipment which appeared to be unmanned anti-craft phaser guns.

"Any life signs?" Garek asked.

"Not that I can detect. There might be a dampening field around the complex." M'Terrn looked over his readouts.

"Well, let's get out of sight before they find us. K'Lara, the *Flier* is yours."

K'Lara nodded and brought the fighter out of the area.

*I can only imagine what she's going through. God be with her on this one.*

Title: "Crash: Training of the Trelanians"
Author: Commander Jonathan Lataro
Stardate: 2460011
Earthdate: January 4, 2360
Location: USS Virgo

"NO!"

Janti looked toward Nalia's hut and met the gaze of Lataro. A look of contempt formed on his face as Lataro ducked back into the hut. "I am sorry."

"It is not me you need to apologize to," Nalia said, turning away.
______________________________________________

Commander Lataro sat at the table where Nalia had prepared him a small bowl of fruit indigenous to the area. He played with something that looked like a cherry mulling over the occurrences of the morning. Marsung had, in cold blood, murdered a man because of him and Lataro couldn't stand it. It angered him to see this, a peaceful, solemn people held captive by such a ruthless warlord.

"Please, Janti, no!" Nalia yelled being dragged by Janti who entered the dwelling. He was armed with what looked like a pitch fork; its prongs were serrated. It was a type of farming tool, but presently it was something that could mean Lataro's demise.

"He must be turned in!" Janti said approaching Lataro. He looked at Lataro with resentment and anger as he poised the pitchfork at Lataro. "You, my unwelcome friend, are coming with me. The overlord may be grateful that I turned you in and have mercy on my village."

"Janti, Sir. Please put the pitchfork down. Whether or not you turn me in, you will be at the mercy of Marsung," Lataro said confidently putting a piece of fruit in his mouth.

"Get up!" Janti yelled. A small crowd of villagers, men and women gathered at the entrance to Nalia dwelling, but that didn't concern Janti. All he wanted was Lataro to come with him, even if he had to kill him. Bloodlust was in his eyes. Lataro had no wish to harm him, but the pitchfork was thrust even closer to his face.

"Janti. Please. Put the pitchfork down," he said, getting up and placing the parchment he used as a napkin on top of the earthen bowl. Lataro walked up against the pitchfork, its sharp edges now pressing at his chest. "Janti, I have no intention of letting you bring me to the overlord, but I will not fight you. You will just have to kill me."

"I will not have another's death on my hands."

"If you kill me then you will. You will have my blood on your hands."

"Then so be it!" The rage welled up inside of Janti now manifested itself in his actions. He pulled the pitchfork back and lunged it forward with all intention of piercing Lataro's torso.

"No!" Nalia yelled as the pitchfork met lunged forward, but it made contact to nothing but air as Lataro sidestepped it and deflected it with his hand. As Janti was fully extended, Lataro yelled aloud with his leg extended high above his head. The crowd watched in amazement and Janti saw the backside of Lataro's leg, as it came down quickly and smoothly in a perfect ax kick that broke the pitchfork in half. The fork end was now in Lataro's hand, and Janti was disarmed. He was on his knees, sobbing as the Lataro turned to him. There was a loud "klank" as the pitchfork was hurled to the far side of the room.

"Get up, Janti," Lataro said, softly offering his hand to help. Janti grabbed his hand and stood up. "I could have killed you if I wanted to, but I have no wish to do so. You have taken me in and helped me. Now I must do the same for you."

Nalia looked out into the crowd, who were still in awe at the spectacular feat they just saw. Nalia waved her hands. "Go on now. The show is over." The crowd slowly dispersed whispering and talking to amongst themselves.

"Now what was all that about, Janti? Why the sudden hatred?" Lataro asked.

"That...that man who the overlord executed," Janti began to say, "was my brother."

Lataro got up and walked a few paces away then turned around."I am very sorry."Janti nodded his head as he grabbed a cup from Nalia who had ran to the well and retrieved some water."Janti. Tell me about the overlords. Who are they?"

"Jonathan. They are race of people who came to our planet many moons ago," Nalia said sitting next to Janti with her arm around him. "Our forefathers settled this world many many years ago. We survived here by hunting and living of the swamps. But it came at a price, the swamps killed over three-fourths of our population, so when the overlords came, we welcomed them with open arms and thought them as gods, for when the came, they gave us promises of prosperity and freedom in return for us to provide them with a portion of what they gave us. They showed us how to cultivate the land and transform the swamps and dangerous lands into fertile ground yielding food. For years we harvested the crops and gave the overlords a portion. But over time they started demanding more and more until now we barely have enough to survive. The swamps have become more treacherous and dangerous for any of us to enter. The y'lberer..."

"The y'lberer?"

"Yes," Janti said looking up at Lataro. "They are small creatures about a meter long that spray venom up to 10 meters. The venom is so toxic that it will kill a man instantly."

"I think I have seen them in action. It took out one of Marsung's men instantly."

"Well, the y'iberer are not indigenous to this world. We think that they came with the overlords. They flourish in the swamps, but outside of it, where it is dry, they cannot survive."

"So that is why you are so far inland. Away from the swamp and away from the y'Iberer."

"Yes. We have the knowledge to live off the swamp, but we can't get there. So we have learned to farm and cultivate the land. The overlords take what they want to include conscripts for the army, and well..."

"Women like yourself," Lataro interjected.

"Yes. I have been lucky to be favored by Marsung...I mean the overlord."

"Nalia. Please fetch me some more water. I need to have a word with the commander," Janti said with a smile.

"Of course, Elder." Nalia left the dwelling.

"Commander, please sit down."

Lataro sat down at his seat at the table.

"You are man with great many talents. You survived out there in the swamp and survived my attack."

Lataro smiled. "It is just my time in Starfleet."

"Starfleet? Well, that is of no consequence," Janti said looking at Lataro square in the eyes. A smile formed on his face. "Commander, we have about 50 men in this village who are strong and able to fight. Will you, can you train us to resist the overlords and regain our freedom?"

That caught Lataro off guard. The "Prime Directive" suddenly popped in his mind which was telling him no. He couldn't in good conscience interfere with the lives of the Trelanians. But his morality was saying yes, they are humanoids who deserve to live the way they want and not under these overlords. Lataro thought about it. "Listen, Janti. I can't decide now. Will you let me think about it?"

"Of course, Commander. But please don't take too long. I don't want to see another death unless it is of the overlords."

"I understand," Janti said as he got up. "You may stay as long as you need, but please..."

"I know. You will have my answer when the suns are at their peak."

"Thank you." He left Nalia's hut.
______________________________________________

In the *Flier*, K'lara, M'Terrn, and Garek searched systematically the planet's surface. From the crash site to the complex, they hadn't seen any sign of Commander Lataro. From the moment K'Lara took the helm, she frantically scanned every millimeter, scouring the surface for anything.

*How can Jon just disappear?* K'Lara thought continuously adjusting for thermal readings. The heated methane gas produced a very potent defense from hostile ships, but that bogey seemed to have had no problem to it.

"Commander, I am detecting a faint sensor contact bearing 360 mark 9 and 359 mark 9," Garek said, pushing some buttons in hopes to identify them.

"What is it?" K'Lara asked.

"They could be more enemy ships."

"Can they detect us?" M'Terrn asked.

"They shouldn't. The cloaking device is on isn't it?" K'Lara asked.

"Yes, Ma'am," Garek said confidently.

"Run a level one diagnostic, but just in case arm quantum torpedoes."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Until then, I am going to take us lower and change course slightly. M'Terrn see if they follow." M'Terrn adjusted the sensor range and noticed that the ship was heading for the last known contact of their predecessor. He immediately reported that to K'Lara. "And where are in relation to that?"

"2000 meters."

"Okay monitor their whereabouts."

Garek happily reported, "Cloak is operating at peak efficiency!"

"Good. Monitor their communications. I don't want any surprises."

"Yes, Ma'am!"

*Jon! I sure can use some help here!* K'Lara thought as she looked down upon the surface.
______________________________________________

"...the object is to catch them off guard," Lataro instructed a rag tag group of villagers in the courtyard. Lataro didn't have to think too hard about what he was to do. He decided to help the villagers regain their independence, their freedom. No person really lives unless they live free. Lataro realized that all this was a slave labor camp, and the overlords, as fitting as the name suggested, were nothing more than modern slave masters. The Trelanians were a relative peace loving race and friendly, but the overlords changed all that.
They are now are trusting of no one, and, until a small display of his skill, were definitely not trusting of Lataro.

He had started off his "class" with a small group of men attacking him. He fended all them off and even disarmed and subdued most. Lataro was very confident as the day progressed that the Trelanians absorbed
his teachings. What took Lataro years to learn, took them only a matter of hours. They were wanting to learn and wanting more, and Lataro was tired, but he understood the importance of the training and their eternal vigilance. He continued to train.

"Okay. The last thing for today is the parry of weapons' blast. Unfortunately, you have a 60/40 chance to do so, but that is still a 40% chance of dodging a blast thsn just standing there and getting shot. L'Kar, here, take my phaser and stand over there. On my mark, I want you to fire the phaser whenever you are ready." L'Kar was a boy about 18 who was getting all of the training faster than any one else. In about an hour, he had learned kicks, dodges, various forms from Tang-soo-do, Tae-kwan-do, and Aikido, all of which took years for Lataro to learn, but he, as well as others, had mastered them and wanted more. Lataro knew no more and couldn't teach them any more.

L'Kar stood about 20 meters away and waited. "Okay. The secret to this dangerous art is to know where he is trying to shoot you. By mentally drawing a line from the phaser to you will give you a very good idea as to where. L'Kar, you are pointing the phaser at my chest."

"Yes, Commander."

"Okay, point somewhere else." Lataro looked at L'Kar and noticed he was pointing down and to the right. "You are now pointing at my left leg."

"Yes, Sir."

"Okay, L'Kar. I want you to aim and shoot when ever you are ready." L'Kar drew an imaginary circle with the phaser and fired it. The phaser blast headed in nanoseconds to Lataro's head which he ducked, missing it barely. "Again!" L'Kar shot again this time aiming at his leg, which Lataro lifted out of harm's way. "Again!" The phaser blast was now heading for Lataro's chest. Lataro bent away from the blast and grunted as the phaser blast hit him in the left arm leaving a burn. The class gasped, and Nalia came running to him. "Now you see,"
Lataro said through clenched teeth. "60/40. But did you see that it was aimed at my chest? If it would have hit me, I would be dead now, but I am not. I have serious pain but am still talking, breathing, and instructing. Okay, L'Kar. Let me have the phaser. I am okay, Nalia. Thank you. The pain is beginning to subside."

"My turn," L'Kar said, handing Lataro the phaser. He ran back to where he stood and shouted, "Whenever you are ready, Commander."

"You sure you are ready?"

"Yes."

"Okay." Lataro aimed the phaser and fired. L'Kar dodged it.

"Again!" Lataro fired again and again it was dodged.

"Again! Fire randomly, Commander!"

"Okay," Lataro said in disbelief. He fired four consecutive blasts, and all were dodged. "I don't believe it!"

"My turn," other members of the class said. One by one they came up and tried it and with over 100 shots, no one was hit or injured in any way, except for one who when he dodged slipped and fell and hurt his elbow.

*I don't believe this.* "That is all for today."

Lataro walked into Nalia's dwelling where she had quickly prepared some vegetables. They sat down and ate. "I can't believe how fast they picked up everything," Lataro said still in disbelief.

"My people," Nalia said, "have great retention capabilities. We process information quicker and can retain it all in no time. Our reflexes are also advanced as compared to other species."

"Then why was I able to take Janti and the first group of men so easily."

"Janti is old and his reflexes are slower, much more than most. As far as the first group and your demonstration, they were not ready nor did they know what to expect."

"I see. So I take it that if your people ever had a war, you would want to learn more about your enemies by spying on them."

Nalia smiled. "Yes."

"Well, believe it or not, they are ready!"

"I do believe it. Actually, I wouldn't have believed them not to be!" Nalia said smiling again as she bit into a long, crunchy root resembling a celery stalk.

Title: "Crash: Trelanians vs. Overlords"
Author: Commander Jonathan Lataro
Stardate: 2460014
EarthDate: January 5, 2360
Location: Trelane

The morning of the day was a moment of astonishment for Lataro. The Trelanians, in a matter of a day, had become a fighting force ready to withstand a fight and protect themselves. Lataro had been particularly impressed by L'Kar, agile and brilliant. He had shown remarkable prowess as he copied the demonstration that Lataro put on. L'kar fended off attacks and even phaser blasts that he wanted to be included. With the blessings of the elders of the Trelanei village, they "commissioned" L'Kar, an 18-year-old boy, as general of their defense force. A familiar phrase from Earth's ancient history was adopted by L'Kar to describe the advent and birth of their army: "Never again!" Lataro stepped back and folded his arms at the mock formation of the 49 men who stood in front of him and General L'kar. *Amazing,* Lataro thought.
_________________________________

The smoke in the cabin of the *Flier* was beginning to make K'Lara sick. The baby was was telling her to stop breathing. The smell of electrical fires and sparks were effecting her. She didn't listen. In her mind she told the baby that today is going to be the day they find his/her father.

"Commander, the second ship is coming around again! They are at our six!" Lt. Garek yelled.

"Okay. Mr. M'Terrn! Put out these fires, but hold on!" K'Lara yelled as she pulled back on the stick. The enemy ship fired its photon burst that hit the aft quarter of the *Flier*, as she went vertical. "Lt. Garek. Keep an eye on the second ship will you?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

The *Lambda Flier* executed a rolling reversal and came right over the top of the alien ship who tried to duplicate the maneuver, but the ship couldn't handle the forces of their own planet and began breaking apart as it tried. "That ship under us has lost all power and shields. It is not a threat now!" Garek yelled. At M'Terrn's unoccupied station, a faint contact was picked up. It was the signal emanating from Lataro's com badge. They were in range, but because of the fires which M'Terrn was working frantically to put it out, it was being missed.

The *Flier* came around and was positioned just behind the flailing ship. The pilot was trying hard to keep her together, but K'Lara quickly put him and his sorry ship out of their pitiful existence. A phaser blast from the forward phaser array ignited the ship and it went down in a blaze of glory. "Oh I love that sight," K'Lara said with a devilish smile.

"Commander, that ship is trying to send out a com signal," Garek yelled.

"Well block it. Create a dampening field within a radius of 100 meters. That should take care of that."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Commander," M'Terrn said as he sat back down at his station to a quiet sensor panel. "Fire's out."

"Good. Vent the smoke. I am really going to be sick."

The remaining ship began to roll and bank trying to get the *Flier* off its tail but K'Lara was an excellent pilot and anticipated where the ship was going to be and was there first. The ship began to go vertical but K'Lara followed.

"Ma'am, shouldn't you go ahead and destroy it?" Garek said puzzled at the fact she hadn't fired on phaser burst.

"Nah. Not right now. I am toying with him."

"Oh," he said as the other ship did a rolling scissors maneuver.

"Ooooh. You are good," K'Lara said as she flipped the *Flier* and headed for the hard deck of 2000 feet. She leveled off and sat there as the enemy ship came down and leveled out to try to go vertical again. She mocked a yawn." I am bored. Garek get a torpedo lock and fire!"

"Yes, Ma'am," Garek said as the computer locked on and the quantum signature of a torpedo went right up the tail pipe of the enemy ship. It exploded thousands of little alien scattered the sky.

"Nice shot," K'Lara said looking over to Garek.

"Nice flying," Garek said.

"So what happened, how did they see us?" K'Lara asked.

"I don't know. Let me check the sensor logs," M'Terrn said. "Um, Commander K'Lara. Did you at anytime see another sensor contact?"

"No. I was too busy trying to evade these ships."

"Well, I had a faint contact about five minutes ago of a Federation com badge. Very faint, but I have a bearing on it."

K'Lara's stomach went into her throat. It was Jon. They had finally found him. "Well, Lieutenant, where is it?" she yelled excitedly.

"090 mark 9."

K'Lara banked the *Flier* hard and they flew fast and furious.
_________________________________

The Tralenians were going about their duties when Marsung and platoon of his soldiers came into the village. Fortunately, Lataro was inside adjusting the spectrum to the phaser rifle when they did come in, but the rest of the villagers were around.

Janti approached the overlords and greeted them. "My lords. What can I do for you?"

"Don't be coy, old man. We know you have the creature here. I want it now. If I don't get it I will execute everyone beginning with you," Marsung said forcefully.

"We don't know what you are talking about."

"Tear this place apart, starting with that one," Marsung said pointing to a dwelling across from Nalia's. "Bring all the villagers to the center courtyard!"

"Yes, Sir," the soldiers said as they dispersed. They entered the dwellings breaking and destroying everything. Then, finally, came Nalia's dwelling. But as the soldiers approached a phaser burst shone through the doorway, and the soldier flew back crashing on the ground disintegrating.

"I believe you were looking for me," Lataro said coming out of the dwelling with the rifle poised and aimed at Marsung.

"So you were here all along."

"Yes. And I am here to stay for a while." Nalia smiled when she heard that. "But first, before I can live somewhere I have to clean it up."

"How is that?" Marsung said indignantly.

"Well, I have to take out the trash."

"Oh I see. So one man against a platoon of my finest troops."

"Well, Mr. Overlord. One man can make a difference."

Suddenly four of the men from the village came running from the crowd and execute flying dragons. Each caught the overlords off guard, making them fly some four to five meters out of formation. "Shoot. Kill them all!" Marsung yelled trying to regain control of a chaotic situation. Phaser blasts began ringing through the air, but instead of connecting with living beings, they connected to the buildings behind. Soldiers who were thought to be frightening, were being laid out on the ground, some even disintegrating. Within a few minutes, the entire platoon lay decimated on the ground and Lataro stood about 10 meters off watching. Marsung himself lay on the ground, his helmet off showing a grotesque creature. Everyone started to cheer, even Nalia as she came walking through crowd heading for Lataro. But the path took her by the assumed corpse of Marsung, and,
as she passed, Marsung suddenly materialized upright and grabbed her. He used her as a human shield pressed tightly to his slimy, scaly body. "Ha! You think you can defeat me?! Marsung?! The Overlord?!" he yelled.

Lataro aimed the rifle at Marsung. "Let her go now."

"Or what? You will shoot me? I don't think so. You see creature, I am the ruler of this planet, and these are my servants. I protect them, and they service me. Now, with you here, you have brought corruption and fear into their lives, of which I plan to eradicate."

"You have only brought them servitude and misery. I offered them what you took from them: their freedom."

"But they are happy..."

"No, they are not! They just wiped out your troops. You exploited their ability to learn to your advantage and left them as slaves. You even put creatures in the swamp to keep them here. They are not happy because they are not free to choose. You took that away, and I am going to give it back to them."

"You know something, you are right. I may not be able to give them all freedom, but I can give this one hers." With a sudden thrust, Marsung slimy hand pushed through Nalia's body and came out her front. "NO!" Both Janti and Lataro yelled as blood oozed out of Nalia's mouth. Marsung retracted his hand and Nalia fell to the ground. From the rear, L'Kar attacked. He kicked as hard as he could the knees of Marsung which seemed to have no affect. The gelatinous material that made up Marsung absorbed the entire blow. L'Kar was frightened now as he was now face-to-face with Marsung. He hadn't turned around just his face turned. Suddenly, Lataro fired his rifle and hit Marsung in the back. He fired again, and again, and again till finally the form called Marsung laid now on the ground. No sound. Nothing but Marsung on the ground. He didn't disintegrate
like his troops, giving the villagers an opportunity to one by one approach the corpse and kick it, some even twice. The army, speared it where a black ooze began to ooze from the wounds.

Then, finally Janti approached him with a torch. "Everyone stand back." He set Marsung's body ablaze. The methane gas that was contained therein, began to burn blue. The slimy flesh sizzled and melted into the ground as the fire burned. However as the body disappeared it didn't burn out. It continued to blaze.

"Janti. This is memorial for you, that you are never to let this happen again," Lataro said, putting his arm around Janti. Then, Lataro walked over to the lifeless body of Nalia. She was the only causality of this skirmish. "L'Kar. Please bury her properly."

"Yes, Sir."

[Commander Lataro!]

"Yes, Lieutenant M'Terrn," Lataro said tapping his com badge.

[Am I glad we found you. You ready to come home?]

"In a moment," Lataro said looking up. He saw the *Lambda Flier*, a sight that he was happy to see. "Janti. You stay safe and continue your passion. Don't ever let this happen again. Mr. L'Kar. You lead the army and protect your way of life. Never sacrifice that and never forget," Lataro said, pointing to the eternal flame burning in the middle of the village.

"Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir. You have been an inspiration for us all," L'Kar said smiling.

"We would have never been able to do this without you," Janti said.

"Well, the fight is not over. But remember, defend your rights."

"We will. Thank you." Janti extended his hand. "For everything."

"No. Thank you," Lataro said. He tapped his com badge. "*Lambda Flier*, one to beam up." Lataro dematerialized.

The *Lambda Flier* headed back to the *Virgo*.

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