Title: "Reunion"
Author: Lt. Commander K'Lara
Stardate: 2460014
Earthdate: January 5, 2360
Location: Lamada Flier/USS Virgo

When Commander Jonathan Lataro materialized, K'Lara wasted no time in showing how much she missed him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him hard. When she finally let him go, Lataro looked at
her, drinking her in.

He then said, "The baby! K'Lara what were you thinking endangering the baby like this?!"

"I was thinking of how much I missed you and wanted you back! Is this the thanks I get?"

Lataro knew then that he opened up a can of worms. He took a deep breath and let it out. No sense in getting angry now.

"I'm sorry, K'Lara. I'm sure Captain Maruu made sure that it was safe for you to join the search party."

"Of course, Jon. He made sure that I went to Dr. Nori and let her take some tests to make sure that it was safe."

Lataro nodded and embraced K'Lara. He sighed as he let the relief of being back wash over him. Now he could finish proposing to K'Lara. He smiled at the thought of her expression when he asked her to marry him. Now, he just needed her answer, which he was sure was going to be "yes."

"*Lambda Flier* to *Virgo*. Come in *Virgo*," Garek said, breaking Lataro's thoughts.

[This is Captain Maruu. Is Commander Lataro with you?]

"Yes, Captain. He's alive and well. And very happy it seems," Garek replied with a knowing grin. "Are we clear for landing?"

A pause. Then, [You are cleared for landing, *Flier*. Welcome back. Maruu out.]
__________________________________

In the briefing room, Commander Lataro related to the senior staff his ordeals on the planet. He received their sympathies and Captain Maruu congratulated him on a job well done. He didn't even mention the Prime
Directive since he knew he would have done the same thing himself.

Lataro more or less wanted this to be over. He knew he would not get the image of Nalia's death out of his head. He wanted a distraction and he knew where he could find it. He looked across from him and caught K'Lara's eye.

K'Lara stared into Lataro's eyes. She saw the love for her in those depths as well as something else. There was a haunted look behind his eyes and she wanted to know why.

"Commander Lataro," Captain Maruu's voice interrupted Lataro's and K'Lara's thoughts. "I'm going to give you a commendation in my report. I'm also going to adding commendations for those that helped in the rescue mission. Congratulations all of you. Dismissed."

K'Lara stood up and went out the door. She was walking on air as the thought that she had Jon back raced around in her mind. She was so deep in thought that a slight touch on her shoulder made her jump. She
spun around, ready for a fight. She stopped when she saw Lataro.

"Don't do that!" K'Lara hissed. She then smiled brightly.

"I missed you, too," Lataro said. "How about we make up for lost time, tonight at my place say at 1800?"

K'Lara smiled wider, "I'll be there."

"Good," Lataro whispered close to her. He then kissed her before he walked away.

K'Lara shook her head as she thought of the things she was going to do to Jon. She laughed and made an ensign jump.
__________________________________

At 1800 hours, Lataro lit the last candles and asked the computer to play soft music. He stood back and admired his work. He smiled and thought of how K'Lara would enjoy this. He jumped when he heard the
door chime.

"Enter."

The door opened and K'Lara stepped in. She was wearing a dark blue dress that sparkled when the lights hit it. Lataro's jaw dropped, and K'Lara smiled. She walked in and over to Jon. The two embraced and kissed for a long time. Lataro then reluctantly let go and took her over to the table.

"You did a wonderful job with this, Jon," K'Lara said noticing the candles and music.

"Glad you like. Now for dinner."

Lataro lifted the lid to reveal chicken primavera. He watched as K'Lara's eyes took it all in. He smiled and sat down across from her and began to eat.

"This is wonderful, Jon. I'm glad to have you back."

Lataro smiled, "It's great to be back. I thought about you often."

K'Lara returned his smile, "As did I. I fought to be on the rescue mission. I was going crazy without you."

Lataro took her hand in his and stared into her eyes. He saw the truth there and he knew more than ever what her answer was going to be, but he still wanted to know.

"So are you going to give me answer?"

K'Lara stared at him, "What answer?"

Lataro almost laughed, "The answer to my question. Will you marry me?"

K'Lara couldn't believe that she had yet to give him an answer. She thought he knew already. She was wearing the ring after all.

"Yes, Jon. I will marry you."

That was all he needed to know as tears built up in his eyes.
 

Title: "Transit"
Name: Richard Merk
Author: Lieutenant Benton
Real Date: April 6, 1999
Stardate: 2460016
Earthdate: January 6, 2360
Location: Transwarp Sled Courier Shuttle/USS Virgo
 

Space...

The endless and seemingly empty expanse of deep space reduced the already tiny silver shuttlecraft to complete irrelevance. The shuttle's lone occupant sat looking thoughtfully out the forward viewport at the stars streaking by. He heaved a contented sigh because he knew that he had made the right decision. He was a creature of space; he belonged out here among the myriad stars, not at the bottom of some planet's gravity well.

Benton had been en-route to the *USS Virgo* for over four weeks at an extremely high transwarp speed, and he was almost at his destination. The systems of his Transwarp Sled were being severely strained, and he calculated he would just barely make before the sled's engines failed. He glanced at the autopilot controls. *Seven hours until rendezvous.* He had time, he indulged himself a little and let his mind wander.

Even back when Benton was still a little boy living in the harsh snow-covered northern latitudes of his adopted home planet, he had always dreamed of going to the stars. After all, that was where his ancestors had lived for hundreds of years while they made the long journey from the Andromeda Galaxy to this one. The surface of a planet just didn't seem a natural place for a person to live. No, up there, speeding between solar systems would be his home. So he applied to Starfleet Academy as soon as he could, endured the necessary next four planet-bound years on Earth while he learned, and then it was onward into the galaxy!

His first assignment on Farpoint Two Station hadn't been very challenging, so he had requested a transfer. When the position for Security Officer on the starship *USS Virgo* became available, he had jumped at the chance! Serving aboard a vessel exploring the hostile Gamma Quadrant couldn't help but be exciting and dangerous. Unfortunately, an unexpected and particularly violent ion storm had delayed his arrival at Deep Space 15, and he had arrived after the *Virgo* had already set sail. Now, getting to the quickly receding *Virgo* would be a perilous undertaking. He would have to navigate the treacherous reaches between the Federation border and the *Virgo's* position. And to do so, he would have to wait a year until the first Federation Transwarp Drive could be assembled.

A soft cooing sound from the rear of the cabin aroused Benton from his reverie. He looked over at the small enclosure resting on the floor behind the copilot's chair. It held his pet, a brown and white splotched Tribble named Spot. As a joke, one of his academy classmates had given Benton a hamster treadmill to put in the cage for Spot to exercise on, but the joke was lost on Benton. Benton had sincerely thanked his classmate and dutifully put the wheel in Spot's cage.

"Hungry, my little friend?" he asked Spot.

Spot purred, *Famished!*

Oblivious, of course, to Spot's thoughts, Benton continued, "Why am I asking? You're always hungry. Here you go." Benton tossed a jelly doughnut into the cage. Spot trundled over and began munching, purring all the more contentedly now that his needs had been met.

Feeding Spot reminded Benton that it was time for his lunch too. He moved over to the food replicator and ordered a glass of water, then back to where his few personal belongings lay neatly stacked on the deck. He rummaged for only a few seconds before finding and extracting the object of his search: a small case. He popped the lid on the case and took out a small, blue pill, then replaced the case in the pile from where he had gotten it. He put the pill in his mouth and downed it with the water.

"Ah," said Benton with satisfaction. "That hit the spot." He believed that was the correct phrase. Benton wasn't quite sure what it meant, but he had to practice these idioms if he was going to blend in with the Humans on the *Virgo*.

Hunger sated, he reseated himself in the pilot's chair and resumed his stargazing until docking time with the *Virgo*.
_____________________________________

Seven hours later, the *USS Virgo* finally came into view: His long and dangerous solo flight was over. The starship was magnificent! Its alabaster hull stood starkly in contrast against the curtain of space like a pearl on black velvet; as if boldly and defiantly proclaiming its presence for all to see. The top of her saucer section proudly displayed her name and registry number. The sleek engine nacelles trailed gracefully behind, astride her tapered secondary hull.

Benton thumbed the com switch. "Shuttlecraft to *Virgo*. Requesting permission to dock."

There was a long pause. [*Virgo here*, shuttlecraft. Identify yourself.]

"I am Lieutenant Benton of the Federation. I have a signed PADD indicating my assignment to the *USS Virgo*."

The was another long pause. [Permission granted. Approach Shuttle Bay One.]

"Roger that, *Virgo*. Shuttlecraft out."

Benton maneuvered his tiny vessel to the stern of the mighty starship and powered down his engines as the shuttle bay's tractor beams engaged to pull him safely into the cavernous main hangar. Benton picked up Spot's cage and his duffel bag and popped the hatch. Crewmen came running with a step ladder and set it beneath the shuttle's hatch.
 
"Thank you kindly," said Benton as he stepped onto the deck. He looked about him in wonder. The ship looked as impressive on the inside as it did on the outside.
 
One of the crewmen was speaking to him, "We'll unload your personal effects from the shuttle and have them sent to your quarters, Sir."

"Thank you kindly, Ensign," said Benton again. "And would you also see to it that Spot here is delivered there as well. Thank you."
 
Spot purred, thinking, *I wonder if any of these people have food?*
 
"And don't feed him!" amended Benton as an afterthought.
 
"A Tribble! I'll have to take this cage to sickbay immediately." The ensign took the cage, and turned a defiant eye toward Benton. Benton didn't notice the look, however. He was already headed for the turbolift at the rear of the hangar. Protocol required that the first order of business was to report in to the captain.

"Computer, where is Captain Maruu?" he said to the ceiling.

<The captain is on the bridge.>

Benton nodded. "Bridge," he commanded the lift.

"Halt turbolift," said a voice. It was Commander Lataro. "I'm going to accompany you."
_____________________________________

Moments later, the lift doors parted and deposited Benton onto the bridge. In strict accordance with Starfleet regulations, stood stiffly at attention inside the turbolift and in a commanding voice, announced his presence to the man sitting in the command chair below, "Lieutenant Benton requesting permission to come aboard, Sir!"

Captain Maruu gave a small start as the sudden and unexpected announcement rang from somewhere behind him. *What the...!* He stood and faced Benton.

After a moment's hesitation, he answered, "In my Ready Room, Lieutenant. You too, Commander." They all entered the Ready Room.

Lt. Benton handed Maruu his PADD. "It's signed by Admiral Zultok himself. I was delayed by an ion storm, and missed your departure. So I got here on my own."

Lataro was skeptical. "You got here on your own?! What kind of technology were you using?"

"Borg. Starfleet learned to use transwarp technology some months ago. In fact, they're just getting ready to send out the first transwarp starship. The *USS Ilion*. It's also in the Alpha Fleet."

Maruu was amazed. "Well, it definitely is signed by Zultok. In fact, he also leaves a note for me. He says, 'I send you a new security officer in a transwarp shuttle in hopes that you complete your mission earlier than expected. Safe journey.'"

Lataro was awestruck. "Incredible. Lataro to Loran."

[Loran here.]

"We have a Transwarp shuttle in Shuttle Bay Two we'd like you to dissect. Get that technology working on the *Virgo*, Lieutenant."

[Transwarp?! Are you joking?!]

"Loran, just do it! Lataro out."

Maruu smiled. "Okay, you're in. But about your Tribble..."

"Half-Tribble, Sir."

"What?!"

"He's only half-Tribble, Sir."

"I see." Maruu looked dubious. "I'm almost afraid to ask..."

"Glommer, sir," replied Benton helpfully.

He heard a low groan followed by a noise from the direction of Commander Lataro that sounded like a hand slapping a forehead. Before Captain Maruu could object, Benton continued, "I'm sure that your medical officer will confirm that the introduction of key Glommer genetic sequences into a Tribble produces a creature that looks like a Tribble, but is in fact different in a few very significant areas."

"It's infertile," finished Lataro.
 
"Yes, Sir," nodded Benton. "That would be the most noticeable difference."

"Maruu to Nori. Have you checked the Tribble yet?"

[Nori here. Yes, Sir. It's actually a half-Tribble.] Maruu shot a glance at Benton, but Nori was still talking, [I know what you're going to ask. It's definitely infertile. No baby Tribbles are coming out of this one.]

Maruu smiled again. "Thank you." He looked at Benton. "Well, I guess you're all checked out. You'll have to tell me how you came by your little friend someday. I'm sure it's an interesting story."
 
Benton opened his mouth as if he was going to tell the story right then and there, but Maruu cut him off, "Later, Lieutenant." The captain looked him up and down. Benton's service record labeled him as "Kelvan". Maruu felt a little let down. *What was I expecting? A giant monster with a hundred tentacles?* Instead he saw a perfectly normal human, albeit a little stiff: dark, short, neatly combed hair parted on the side, an impeccably pressed uniform and meticulously polished boots, and a face that looked like it concealed an easy smile behind the formal facade it currently wore.

He handed Benton a PADD. "These are your quarters. You may collect; Spot, is it; from sickbay whenever you'd like. As for your status on this ship, our First Officer is dead, and our Chief of Security is now our First Officer, so you are hereby promoted to Chief of Security of this vessel. Congratulations."

"Thank you, Sir." He wasn't quite sure what to do now. He had never quite gotten the hang of social interaction. Should he shake the captain's hand? Smile? Leave? He was spared having to make a decision when both Captain Maruu and Commander Lataro came forward and in turn shook his hand.

Maruu smiled in approval and said, "Welcome aboard the *Virgo*, Lieutenant. Go get yourself settled in. Dismissed."

He looked after Benton as he left the ready room, not knowing quite what to make of his new Chief of Security.
_____________________________________

After picking up Spot from Sickbay, Benton made his way to his cabin. It was on the lower decks near the Engineering machinery rooms: all the larger, more luxurious cabins were occupied, but it was more than adequate. His needs were very simple. His personal belongings had been delivered as promised and he set about the task of unpacking and settling himself into his new surroundings. It wouldn't take long, he traveled very light, a few photos and knick-knacks from back home, and of course Spot.

After the unpacking was done, he went to where he had set Spot's cage to see if Spot was still okay. He looked inside the enclosure and froze.

Spot was gone!

Benton groaned inwardly. "Oh dear..."
 

Title: "Evaluations"
Author: Commander Jonathan Lataro
EarthDate: January 6, 2360
Stardate: 2460016
Location: USS Virgo

"Thank you, Sir."  Lt. Benton said as Captain Maruu walked over and extended his hand. Commander Lataro followed suit.

Maruu smiled and said, "Welcome aboard the *Virgo*, Lieutenant. Go get yourself settled in. Dismissed."

He looked after Benton as he left the ready room and the door shut behind him leaving Captain Maruu and Commander Lataro alone.

"Okay Jon, what do you think?" Maruu said walking over to the replicator. "Want anything?"

"A cup of coffee, Captain," Lataro said sitting down in the opposing chair.

"Two cups of coffee...black?" Lataro nodded his head. "Both black." The replicator produced two cups of steaming coffee which Maruu handed to Lataro. Lataro grabbed the cup and took a sip slightly burning his lip. Maruu smiled. "Now Jon, you see the steam coming from the cup? That means it is hot."

"Cute, Captain," Lataro said with a smile.

"So what do you think?" Maruu asked again.

"Well," Lataro said this time blowing the coffee slightly. "He seems nice enough. I wonder if his abilities are too much like his attitude."

"Meaning..."

"I mean he seems nice. I am just wondering if he will be stern as well."

"Well, he probably has to be the right man for the job. Admiral Zultok thinks so."

"Understood. Now what do you feel about the Tribble?"

"Half-Tribble," Maruu corrected. "I don't know. I don't know of anyone else on the ship that has a pet, unless you count K'Lara." There was a slight laugh.

"Captain. Please!" Lataro said smiling.

"Well you have to admit, she has got you strung out most of the time."

"That is not true. Besides that is an another story."

"Maybe so."

"I think that that...whatever it is...is going to be trouble," Lataro said taking a sip from his cooling coffee.

"It is okay. Hopefully it won't be a bother to us. Can you imagine another incident like what happened on the original *Enterprise*?"

"Yeah right. K'Lara would have a coat made of Tribble hide!" They both laughed.

[Commander Nori to Commander Lataro.]

[Go ahead, Doctor.] Lataro said tapping his com badge, subsiding his laughter.

[Commander, I have requested you to come down to sickbay for an evaluation twice since your ordeal. Don't make me order you,] she said.

Lataro looked over at Maruu who was shocked to hear that he hadn't been to sickbay yet. It was standard practice to report to sickbay for an evaluation after an accident or loss of crew member occurs. Lataro had been procrastinating as much as possible but now with the captain present, hearing everything, a look of "go now" burrowed into Lataro.

"On my way, Doctor." Maruu flashed a look of approval. "Lataro out."

"Jon, I can't believe that you haven't done that yet," Maruu said sternly.

"Well, Sir. I have been busy."

"I don't care. You still have to follow protocol."

"Yes, Sir."

"Good. Now get down there and remember, I still want a report on the ordeal on my desk by morning.  Understood?"

"Aye, Sir." He turned and headed for Sickbay.
_____________________________________

After about two hours of poking and prodding, Dr. Nori couldn't believe that Commander Lataro was in better physical health than before it happened. She questioned him on what had happened trying to determine why, but all Lataro could say was, "I don't know." After a few more questions, they both concluded that it had to be that the foods he ate which were mainly fruits and vegetables.

"Okay, Commander, one more test. You need to see Anya for a mental exam. I am clearing you here but you need to go to her as soon as possible. Understood?" Dr. Nori said sternly.

"Dana. I don't need to go see a counselor. I am fine," Lataro said resistantly. "I hate counselors and their probing in to my childhood and all."

"Why? Do you have something to hide?"

"No. I just don't like them."

"Well, if you don't I can do one of three things. One, I can have the captain order you to see her; two, I can order you myself, under medical protocol; or three, I can have security drag you kicking and screaming. So which would it be?"

"I will take the fourth option."

"And what is that, Commander?"

"How about I don't go, and you clear me all the way?"

Nori tapped her com badge. "Security to Sick Bay!"

"Okay, okay. I'll go!"

"Security, belay that order." She looked at Lataro. "Good. I will inform both the captain and Lt. Zano that you will see her in about 15 minutes?"

"Yes, Doctor." Lataro said, pouting.

"That's a good boy," Dana said patronizing him.
 

Title: "Mental Evaluation"
Author: Commander Jonathan Lataro
Stardate: 2460016
EarthDate: January 6, 2360
Location: USS Virgo

In Lt. Zano's office, which was made as comfortable as can be, Lataro sat on a plush couch where Anya sat across from him. The light was dimmed comfortably so that the "white" light would not create a hostile atmosphere for her patients. Jon was tapping his heel rapidly against the floor as Anya looked at him. "Commander. There is no need to be nervous."

"Nervous? Who's nervous?" Lataro snapped back, now fidgeting in his seat.

"Please try to relax. I would think that you would have been more nervous about your physical exam with all that poking and stabbing."

"Well needless to say, I didn't like that either."

"Fine. Then shall we start."

"Yes, by all means."

"Commander, I would like to ask you series of questions.  Please tell me the answers in as little time as possible."

"Fine."

"Okay. How did you feel on that planet when you first crashed?"

Lataro face turned blank. He remembered the shuttle going down trying to get control of it. Lt. Garza, may he rest in peace, was trying to monitor attitude control, but the increased rate of descent also decreased his life span. Commander Lataro remembered the look on Garza's face, lifeless and in agony. Being here with Lt. Zano, is
starting to bring out things that he didn't pay attention to. He then realized that Lt. Eric Garza died slowly probably in agony as his contorted face displayed.

"Commander?" Anya said trying to get Lataro's attention.

Shaking off the memories, he responded, "Yes?"

"I asked you how you felt on the planet."

"Lieutenant, I felt scared and angry, remorseful, all the emotions you can think of. I am responsible for a man dying, and now, when we get back to Starfleet Command, I will have to answer for it."

"Jon. There is no misconduct here. It was accident, a result of war."

"But we are not at war."

"Well we were at the time, and Eric died as a Starfleet officer. You are not responsible."

"I was in command!"

"But sometimes deaths occur, and we must understand that with the uniform comes risks and responsibilities..."

"Yes, Anya, 'responsibilities'. I am RESPONSIBLE for his death...and the death of Nalia."

"Nalia? Who is Nalia?" Anya asked now intrigued.

"Nalia was one of the Trelanians that was killed by the overlords. She
helped me when I was injured from sun stroke. Nalia was a wonderful
woman who didn't deserve what she to die the way she did. If I had
never gotten involved and turned myself to the overlord..."

"You would probably be dead now," Lt. Zano interrupted.

"But it would have been easier than to have seen those innocent people
die."

"You tell that to Captain Maruu, K'Lara, your unborn child."

That hit home. The captain was a friend, a good friend. He was there through it all and had moved Lataro along the ranks so that Lataro could get his dream: command. He saw the potential and wanted him to succeed. Without him, Lataro would be security in forever. Besides, if Lataro had died on the planet, he would just be added to the list Maruu is building of those that have been killed, or simply died of natural causes. He has all ready lost too many people who were close: a First Officer, a lover, and a child. Just too many people, and if
Lataro was added to the list, then what? Fortunately, Lt. Nori was there to mend the broken pieces and push Maruu along.

K'Lara, the love of his life, risked both herself and their child just to come look for him. She too, had been unselfish in her actions and instinctively, Lataro knew that she would always be that way. How would she feel if Lataro ceased to exist? Klingons recognize the honored dead, but what about the other side? The other side that shows the emotion, the emotion of loss. It could, would, probably will kill her to see the one she loves die.

His child, someone who needed a father. If Lataro had died on the planet, then he or she would have been raised by a single mother, alone in a hostile world. So to try to rationalize the loss of a crewmate and villager and placing the blame on himself almost seemed unfair. Because if he was in the other's shoes, then these three people would probably have been hurt even more.

"You know something, Lieutenant. You are absolutely right. The price of freedom for the Trelanians was high. I was there, I showed them what they had to do, now death is inevitable. But Garza...that is the hard part. He was a good man, a good officer who deserved better than to die like that," Commander Lataro said.

"Commander, Eric Garza died in the line of duty, he will be recognized as such. Do not worry about him."

"I guess you are right."

"Good! Well I don't see any reason why you should be pulled from duty. You show signs of remorse. That is perfectly healthy. You just have to deal with it in your own way. However, take some time, go to the holodeck and ease into recovery. It will be a slow process, but time will heal your hurt."

"Yes. Thank you," Lataro said as he got up. "So am I cleared to report to duty."

"Of course, Commander Lataro. You just give yourself time."

"Understood."

Lataro left the office and headed for his quarters. As he entered, he didn't turn any lights on, but felt his way to his couch and plopped down. He unzipped his tunic and began to wonder about all that had happened. "I guess Anya is right. I will just have to let time take its toll," he said to himself as he dozed off.
 

Title: "A Tribble Meeting"
Author: Lieutenant JG Jenara Tomme
Stardate: 2460016
Earthdate: January 6, 2360
Location: USS Virgo

Jenara walked down the corridor, on her way to the lab. Though she was off duty, there were a few experiments she was running and had to check on their progress. After that, she was expecting a quiet night. She hadn't gotten to know any of the people aboard ship yet. Just a handful...And everyone she was friends with either were pulling extra duty shifts or already had plans.

Suddenly, something caught her attention. She stopped and stared at the creature on the deck near her feet. It was brown and white It looked like a Tribble! Then she remembered hearing about the new Security Chief who had arrived. He had brought a half-Tribble with him.

"Now, how did you get out here?" she asked with a smile, carefully bending down to eye the creature carefully. "It's all right. Let's get you back where you belong. Now out here..."

Gently, she picked up the soft ball of fur into her hands and stood.

"Computer, locate Lt. Benton," she called.

<Lt. Benton is in his quarters.>

"Thank you," she replied.

As Jenara walked she was getting attached to the Tribble in her hands as he purred softly.

*You are such a cute little thing...*

Before she knew it, she was standing in front of Lt. Benton's quarters. The Tribble hadn't gone far. Instantly, she hit the buzzer. As the door opened, there stood the new Security Chief. He eyed her and then his Tribble.

"I believe he's yours," she said with a hint of a question in her voice.

"Yes, yes," he replied. "Spot, I have been looking for you."

He gently took his pet from Jenara's hands and headed toward the cage.

"He certainly is a cute creature," she said, still standing at the door, "I'm glad I found him for you."

"Yes, thank you very much," he replied, returning to the door, where she stood.

"You're very welcome," she said, with a smile.