Title: "Battle of Hope"
Author: Lieutenant Richard Wallace
Stardate: 2460729
Earth Date: September 23, 2383
Location: USS Virgo

Richard stepped out of his quarters and was putting his gray and black tunic on when he turned to see Commander Loran. "Morning, sir," Richard said kindly.

Garek looked like he hadn't sleep in almost a week. He yawned when he tried to speak to Richard. "Morning, Lieutenant. Here, thought this would be nice to read while eating breakfast." Garek handed him a PADD.

Richard took it and finished putting on his tunic and walked behind Garek.

The two entered the mess hall and Garek ordered coffee and Wallace ordered juice and eggs. Richard sat at a table and started to read the PADD. He smiled when he read it.

"Well, Commander, it seems you're getting somewhere for all this hard work," Richard said to Garek sitting across the table.

"Well, 56-hour-days aren't my idea," Garek replied.

[Lieutenant Wallace, Major Chee here.]

Wallace tapped his com badge. "Wallace here, go ahead."

[You better get up here. There's something up here that needs your attention.]

"On my way. Wallace out"

Richard stood up and looked at Garek and said, "Well see you later, Commander."

Major Chee was the officer in charge of Delta shift and was not experienced with matters such as the present one. Lt. Wallace stepped out of the turbo lift and went to work quickly.

"Major, what's up."

"We are receiving a message from an unknown source, it seems to be jammed. I need your help in breaking through."

Wallace shook his head and walked over to tactical and played the message but the message was badly garbled. "It's being jammed at the source. Words are mixed up and phrases are mixed up as well. Wait, I am clearing it up. It will come through on audio only, can't say for sure how much. Here it is."

[This is the Federation Starship *USS Hawthorne*. We are under attack. Our position is bearing 045 mark 123 if you read us please help.]

Richard tried to see if he could get more but he couldn't.

"Captain Maruu, Major Chee here. We have received a distress call from a Federation Starship."

[What the...?! I'm on my way.]

Wallace tried working on the message but was only able to get how old the message was. It was two hours old. He then worked on the location the ship was in and the class of ship it was.

Captain Maruu walked in and was informed by Wallace and Chee what was going on.

"Captain, somehow the *USS Hawthorne* is here in the Gamma Quadrant and is, or was, under attack by the T'rais," Chee said. Maruu walked over and looked at the ship's dedication plaque.

"Mr. Wallace, what was their last location?" Captain Maruu asked.

"Here, sir, a system that has three L-class planets and an M-class moon on the third planet. Sensors do pick up six T'rais warships in that sector. It's 7.5 light years away."

Maruu wanted to help but didn't want to go charging off into battle just yet. "Lieutenant, what's the ship's upgrade status?" Maruu asked

"The ablative armor is 49% finished and the forward torpedo launcher is complete. Our shields would only be effective for about 13 minutes in battle."

Maruu then said, "And the *Hawthorne*?"

"It's a steam runner with a crew of 432. Captain Korvlick is in charge. He was Chief Tactical Officer on board the *Repulse* while I was there."

Maruu then gave a look of authority and said, "Then let it be noted, we fight not for fame or glory but hope. Hope that we can save lives, live another day, and destroy the T'rais. Let's get cracking. All hands, red alert. Senior officers to the bridge. Mr. Wallace, see if we can hold our shields a little longer than 13 minutes."

"Aye, aye, sir."
 

Title: "Com Home"
Author: Captain Stephen Maruu
Stardate: 2460729
Earthdate: September 23, 2383
Location: USS Virgo

Stephen sat at his desk reading reports when an unexpected sound startled him.

<Incoming transmission.>

Regaining his composure, Stephen said, "From where?"

<Starfleet Command.>

"What?! That's impossible." He paused. "Open the com signal on the bridge view screen in five seconds."

Stephen got up quickly and ran to the bridge. "Jon, check this out," he said just before the view screen displayed the Federation logo and Vice Admiral Zultok.

[Hello, Captain Maruu. I'm afraid this form of communication will be one-way only. If you are getting this message as my sensors say you are, then you are alive and well but considerably out of range of subspace communication. In the past few weeks, Starfleet scientists have been able to develop technology which uses slipstream abilities to communicate as far out as you are and quite a bit further. Your systems are upgradable, and we have uploaded the specifics of the new technology to your systems. Have your engineers get on it as soon as possible. I look forward to having a discussion with you as soon as possible.

[On a more unhappy note, we are making a few changes to your crew. The crew which have been reassigned have been sent letters; they should report to you soon enough. You are to send them back using the same transwarp vessel in which Lt. Benton arrived to your ship. Once again, we hope to hear from you soon. Good luck, Captain.]

Stephen smiled. "I'm excited, Jon. You excited?"

"Euphoric, sir." Jon laughed. "I'll get Commander Loran the specs and have them get right on it."

"You read my mind." Stephen smiled again as he returned to the ready room to prepare his report to Starfleet.
_____________________________

"Chief, message for you in your office. It's a high priority one too." Ensign Jacobsen looked over his shoulder to Garek who had just entered Engineering.

"All right. Thanks, Marc." Garek made his way past the engineer and into his office. He then sat down on the stool and pressed a button that activated a view screen. The United Federation of Planets logo came up, followed by the ever-familiar Starfleet Logo. The images then vanished, being replaced with a text message. Garek began to look through the message, carefully nitpicking. Garek then pressed the button, deactivating the screen. He then placed his head in his hands and thought.

"Something wrong, Commander?" Jacob Celchu asked, poking his head into the Chief Engineer's office.

"Possibly..."

[To: Lieutenant Commander Garek Loran. From: Captain Gavin Jeffreys . You have been re-assigned to Starbase 901 pending authorization of Admiral Thomas Claymore. When authorization comes through, you are to report to Starbase 350 for transit to the base.]

Nearly to tears, Garek rested his head in his hands and sat in silence.
 

Title: "On the Trail"
Author: Lt. Commander Garek Loran
Stardate: 2460751
Earthdate: October 1, 2383
Location: USS Virgo

[Garek,] Captain's Maruu's voice rang through on his com badge. Garek Loran was sitting in his office adjacent to Main Engineering going over some reports from his engineering team leaders.

"Yes, sir?" Garek replied. He put another PADD aside after checking off the PADD with his signature.

[I still want that slipstream com unit up and running within the next few days.]

Garek slapped himself in the forehead. *How could I forget?* "Yes, Captain. I'll have a report on your desk for you tomorrow."

[Thanks a lot, Garek,] The com channel closed.

Garek rolled in his chair across the office to one of the terminals running along the glass windows that looked out onto the warp core. Tapping in a few commands into the console, the display brought up the slipstream
communications array. Most of the assembled pieces and systems were already installed, however, the systems were not operational yet and still had to be tested.

The door chimed.

"Come in,"

Jacob Celchu entered the office, and looked around. "Looks like you need to do some cleaning, Commander."

"Tell me about it," Garek commented. "What do you have?"

"Reports on the slipstream communications system. Looks like the transmitter is set up properly. We still have to get the slipstream tunnel operational for the transmission signal though."

 "Have you made the correct adaptations for communication while moving?"

"We're still having problems with that, sir."

Garek sighed slightly. "It's got to be done Ensign. I can't stress that enough. Captain Maruu wants a report on his desk soon."

"I'll put on a cup of coffee, Commander." Jacob smiled and left the office.
 ______________________________________

Stardate: 2460753
Earthdate: October 2, 2383

"Try it again!" Garek had been on shift for the past 14 hours, working like a mad man to get the slipstream communication device operational before he was to leave. Racktijino maker's stocks were going up by the amount of the substance that he was drinking over this grueling time period. Currently, the time was around 0500 hours, and he and Ensign Antilles were working. Antilles had just returned with a fresh pot of the the Klingon coffee and was pouring them in to mugs.

"Permission to speak freely, sir," Antilles asked.

"Of course," Garek replied. He was currently tightening a bioneural gel back relay.

"You're crazy."

Garek laughed. "You wouldn't believe how many times I've heard that." A few seconds past. "Didn't I ask you to try it?"

"Oh, yes, sorry. I went for coffee." Antilles shrugged and smiled. She walked over to a panel and activated it. The two had been working in the communications control center attempting to rig the slipstream communications emitter to the regular systems. Pressing a few buttons on the command station, the machinery began to hum. Garek climbed out from under the station and looked at the device that somewhat reminded him of a windsock found at a 20th century airfield. The emitter looked like a cone. It was approximately two feet long and reached a diameter of eight inches at its base. It was affixed to the communications array equipment and would change its orientation according to where the broadcast had to be made. Garek's thinking: Make it easy to repair and easy to aim at if the need be.

The device hummed and went through its warmup procedure. The transciever-receiver swiveled inside of its pylon structure and then returned to its original position. "So far so good..." Garek walked over to the direct control panel and manually turned and oriented the cone. He then pointed it in the direction of the bridge and pressed the transmit button.

On the bridge Commander Lataro sat sipping a cup of coffee and looking over a report when his com badge beeped. He tapped it. "Lataro here."

[Good morning, sir,] Garek commented.

Johnathan smiled. "Garek, good to hear from you. Why are you on so early?"

[Just testing out the new slipstream communications device. Nothing special.]

John laughed. "Superb work, Garek. I'm going to have to put a request for commendation into your personnel file."

[Among other things,] Garek laughed. [Have a nice shift, Commander.] The channel closed.

"That went rather well I'd say," Garek said, looking over at Ensign Antilles.

"I'd say so." Jennifer smiled. "Sir, just one more thing."

"Sure," Garek replied.

Jennifer walked over quickly and kissed him. "Thank you for everything Garek. You've been a great friend to me and the other engineers, and we're really gonna miss you."

Garek smiled. "I'm only a communications channel away. Especially now." Garek patted the transceiver. "Come on, let's get some breakfast." The two then made their way out of the room.
 ______________________________________

Stardate: 2460762
Earthdate: October 5, 2383

Garek tossed the last of his things into the *Lambda Flier* in preparation for his departure. He had cleaned out his quarters and his office the night before, and he was completely packed up for his departure in a few hours.
His com badge beeped, and Garek tapped it. "Loran here."

[Garek,] said Captain Maruu. [Could you make your way to Main Engineering.

have a few complaints about the modifications you made to this Chief of Engineering office.]

"All right, sir," Garek shook his head. *Now? I'm leaving in less then three hours, and all he wants to talk about is the Chief Engineer's office?* Garek left the shuttle bay and made his way towards Main Engineering.

Arriving in Main Engineering, Garek looked around. Everything was as it should be. As he walked and made his way around the corner, he was surprised by a loud "SURPRISE!!!" The crew had assembled in celebration. The group laughed, told jokes, and remembered the good times with their Chief Engineer. Time flew, and it was approaching the time to leave. Garek shook hands and gave hugs and kisses and then made his way towards the shuttle bay. He was caught by Captain Maruu. The two then walked down the corridors until they arrived at the *Lambda Flier.*

"This is it," Garek commented upon opening the rear hatch of the *Flier.*

"I suppose," Maruu replied. "Not it, but 'until next time.'" Maruu extended his hand.

Garek took it, shaking it. "It's been an honor serving onboard the *Virgo.* I can only hope that my next assignment is as fun." He smiled. "You guys will stop by to visit, won't you?"

"Are you kidding?" Maruu smiled. "You'd better count on it."

Garek smiled and stepped inside the *Flier.* He waved and closed the hatch. Maruu took a few steps back from the *Flier* as its engines glowed. The shuttle bay doors opened, and the *Flier* made its way out of the *Virgo.*
At a safe distance, the *Flier* went to warp.

"You can come out now," Garek called back into the rear compartment of the *Flier.* "We'll be out of the *Virgo*'s sensor range in about 2 minutes.

"You're the best friend a guy could have." Valdago made his way out of a hidden compartment in the *Flier.*

"Don't thank me now, thank me when we get to 901. My butt's in a sling here," Garek commented.

"I will, I will." Valdago looked around. "Everyone's right, this really is a nice ship."

"Thank you." Garek smiled.
 ______________________________________

Stardate: 2460781
Earthdate: October 12, 2383

"Morning, sleeping beauty," Garek said to John Valdago from the small table set up against the rear room's wall. John rubbed his eyes and sat up, slamming his head into the fold down bunk above him.

"OUCH!" He began to rub his forehead. "You gotta remember to fold that thing up."

"Sorry about that." Garek smiled. "I'll try to remember that in the future."

"Yeah, I'm sure you will." John rose and stretched out. He then walked over to where Garek was sitting and took a seat on the fold up, one person bench across from him. "Looks like you made this thing to be a type of traveling pleasure craft."

"My own little motor coach." Garek grinned. "Eat your breakfast while it's still hot."

John poked around at the eggs sitting in front of him. "How long do you think until they realize I'm gone?"

"Well, judging from the fact that we've been at about warp 14 for the past eighteen hours, and they departed in a direction opposite ours, they've probably found out. However, they'd have to push warp 30 to catch up with
us. The *Virgo* wouldn't be able to hold together, not even with all of that ablative armor that, I presume by now, Jennifer has finished putting on."

John smiled. "Well, looks like I won't have to worry about that happening then, coming from an esteemed engineer such as yourself."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Garek finished up his meal and put it back in the replicator for it to be de-replicated. "I'm going up to the control panel to check our course settings and such. The sonic shower is in that little room over there, along with the lavatory." Garek pointed to a very, very small room against the rear wall near the egress hatch. It was roughly five feet long, and it extended about three feet out from the starboard side.

"You gotta be kidding me."

Garek shook his head, walked up the ramp into the CONN area.
 ______________________________________

Ensign Jennifer Antilles stepped into Main Engineering. The mood here was much more somber in relation to it was a few days earlier. Their superior, friend, and mentor was gone, and, now, the group of young engineers were on their own with one of their own to lead them now. "Here's the reports for today, ma'am." Ensign Chorbo, now instituted as Alpha Team leader handed her a PADD. Jennifer had been installed as the next Chief Engineer.

"Thanks, Mike." Jennifer added the PADD to a small pile she now had accumulated under her arm. *How did you do it, Garek?* She pushed a lock of brown hair behind her ear and walked into the Chief Engineer's office. She then groaned at the site of another small stack of PADDs on the desk. Placing the stack under her arm with the others, she sat down on the stool that was next to the window overlooking the warp core. The strange
box-like apparatus that powered the transwarp drive on the *Virgo* was pulsating a greenish color, in sync with the pulsating with the blue and red streams of matter and antimatter going into the main reaction chamber of the warp drive.

She then turned her attention over to the first PADD from the stack. *Beta Team reports that 80 percent of the ship has been covered with ablative armor. Ship should be fully covered within two weeks.* She took the PADD
and placed it to the side.

Then she reached over to Garek's... her desk and pulled off another PADD. *Jennifer. While I'm gone, I want you to take care of a few things.*

*This one's from Garek...*

*Be sure to watch over the *Virgo* for me. She can be a temperamental old biddy, but she has to be treated like the lady like she is. If you do this, she'll always get you home. Second of all, always listen to your peers, no
matter how stupid you think their advice might be. Sometimes, they're ideas might not be as stupid or pointless as you think. After all, I did listen to you, didn't I?*

*You're going to pay for that one...* Jennifer continued reading.

*Respect people in a higher position then you are. You might think they're jerks, and sometimes they might be jerks, but you don't wanna get on their bad side. However, don't take crap from anyone. Say what you think.
Lastly, I've enclosed a little project for you to work on. The *Virgo* no longer has an assault shuttle, or a transwarp capable one. The plans I've included below should be able to give you a few ideas. Be sure to take care of yourself onboard, and don't let the guys hassle or push you around. Show them who's boss. Garek.*

Jennifer reached up and wiped away a small tear from the corner of her eye. She brought up the schematic of the shuttle that Garek had enclosed and looked it over. She would have to show this to the Captain.
 ______________________________________

"I tell you, this is it. This is what it's all about." Garek fixed his helmet and stood across from the other human in front of him. John was directly to his right. The referee dropped the puck and Garek lunged forward, knocking the other man to his feet. He then hit the puck between his legs to John who had now flanked him.

"I see why you like this sport." John collected the puck and moved forward. Another large player came forward to check him. John dropped his shoulder and then thrust upwards, knocking the defender onto his backside. "But was it worth dropping the Bajoran springball simulation?"

"Definitely. PASS!" John passed the puck over to Garek. Garek wound up and fired a shot from the blue line of the opposing team. The puck flew forward of speeds approaching 90 miles an hour and then did a small dive in midair passed the goal tender's catching glove and into the back of the net. "YES!!"

"Freeze simulation." The players on the opposite and friendly team became still. "You know, I'm starting to take a liking to hockey I never had before. I'm just going to have to learn to skate better."

"Amen to that." Garek smiled. "Computer, end program." The images faded, and Garek was left facing John, both of them standing in their little holodeck projection systems.

"So, what do we do now?"

"Now, we eat, because tomorrow, I think we're going to start our own Stanley Cup season."

"Oh great..."
 

Title: "Exit"
Author: Lieutenant Richard Wallace
Stardate: 2460786
Earthdate October 14, 2383
Location: USS Virgo

It had only been a few days since Garek had left the ship for a new assignment, and, now, Lt. Valdago was missing. According to the Captain he must have slipped off into Garek's departure craft.

Richard was making his way to the bridge and felt a strange sensation he hadn't felt in a long time. He had the feeling that Captain Maruu would to call him. He stepped into the turbolift and said, "Bridge," still having the same odd feeling.

After a few minutes, the turbolift came to a halt. Richard stepped off and saw the Captain's chair was empty. The XO was over at Operations running a few tests.

[Lieutenant Wallace I need to speak with you in my ready room.] The com channel beeped.

Wallace quickly tapped his com badge.

"Aye, sir, on my way."

Richard went in after Captain Maruu told him to enter. Maruu offered coffee and Wallace accepted. Never had the Captain known Richard to turn down coffee.

"So, Captain, what's going on that you need to talk with me about? Hey, if it's about that scuffle in the Day's End Lounge... I was trying to avoid it, but that stupid little Ensign spilled his drink all over me."

Shaking his head and trying to not laugh, he continued. "I've received a few things from Starfleet Command. One is a new, more efficient method of installing transwarp technology on shuttles and starships. The other is... well... it has to do with you."

"Me, sir? What? Why?" Maruu handed a PADD to Wallace.

"Please feel free to read it out loud." Maruu added.

"To Lieutenant RIchard Wallace. By order of Starfleet Command you are to leave the *USS Virgo,* travel back to Earth, and report to Starfleet Command Headquarters in San Francisco, Earth. Your Captain has details on designing a sleek, small transwarp-shuttle which you may use to travel back here. We understand from a list of inventory that you have more than enough supplies to build a small army of these shuttles." Wallace paused and took a few minutes to get the fact that Starfleet Command wanted him.

"Well you won't be leaving for another week. The shuttle will be built as soon as possible."

"Sir, what could they want me for? I'm not that important of an officer, to be dragged from out here back to Earth."

"Well I'm not one to argue with Command." Maruu smiled. "Besides, it seems that the *USS Ilion's* crew had some heroic stories about you, as did we. The fact that you survived thus far makes you an important officer.

"Sir, permission to get back to my post until the shuttle is completed."

"Granted, Lieutenant," Maruu said, glumly. "You're dismissed."

Richard left the room immediately. *I am never going to understand the way Command does things. In all my freaking years! Idiots! Knowing them, they probably want to pin a stinking medal on me...*
 

Title: "Spot Must Die!" (Part 1 of 7)
Author: Lt. Commander Benton
Stardate: 2460803
Earthdate: October 20, 2383
Location: Benton's Quarters
 

The *USS Virgo* was in standard orbit of Slart II, a lush, emerald-green M-Class planet in a stellar system that was relatively isolated in this part of the Gamma Quadrant. The inhabitants, the "Slartan" were an advanced
race, rating between *H* and *I* on the Cultural Richter Scale.

After the *Virgo* had made contact with them and Captain Maruu and Slartan President Lindo Tinwelint exchanged formal introductions, the Slartan government graciously offered the tired Federation crew the opportunity to come down for shore leave. The wide Slartan savannas and deep woods and rolling hills were opened to their new Federation friends to enjoy for as long as they liked.

All that the Slartans asked from the *Virgo* crew was the most basic of requests: not to cause any trouble. Captain Maruu had readily agreed to the Slartan terms. Starfleet personnel, and his crew in particular, he thought proudly, were well-trained and disciplined. There would be no problems...
 _________________________________

"Now Francesca, repeat after me," said Benton emphatically, enunciating each word precisely, "I, Will, Not, Let, Spot, Out, Of, This, Cabin."

Francesca stood next to Spot's cage and pouted. "It wasn't my fault last time," she fussed. "How was I supposed to know he'd get into the replicator system and eat all of the synthetic chicken..."

Benton waited patiently.

"Oh c'mon. He's a tribble! He's *supposed* to eat a lot," argued Francesca.

Spot chirped in agreement.

"ALL the chicken on the ship?" said Benton.

"So he got excited!"

"So did the technician in charge of the replicator systems, and I didn't notice either of *you* carrying him to sickbay."

"Ensign Bort weighs 300 pounds, and besides, all he did was faint," complained Francesca. Then she noticed that Benton was still waiting for her to repeat after him, so she tried one last tack, "But he looked so sad cooped up in here." That didn't work either. Finally she gave in and said grumpily, "Fine. 'I will not let Spot out of this cabin.' Happy?"

Spot grumbled very *un*happily from inside his enclosure.

"Thank you kindly, Francesca," said Benton. He drew her aside and continued in a more confidential tone of voice so that Spot wouldn't overhear. "It's just that Spot's been acting very strangely as of late and I'm quite
worried about him; I'd hate to have to leave him alone. I appreciate your looking after him while I'm on the away mission. The captain wants the planet checked out before he sends any shore leave parties down."

"Well, you're welcome, Benton," said Francesca, somewhat mollified. "You know I'm always happy to help you."

Benton nodded in acknowledgment. He turned to Spot and said in a stern voice, "And as for you, don't be giving Ensign Milano any trouble. Understand?"

Spot burped.

"Don't take that tone with me, mister. If you comported yourself with more maturity, I could let you out of here once in a while."

Spot twittered, but Benton cut him off with a dismissive wave of his hand. "We'll discuss this when I get back." As Benton headed for the door, he said to Francesca over his shoulder, "Try and have a good day."

"Sure," said Francesca with a little sigh. The door to Benton's cabin slid shut leaving her alone inside with Spot. She walked over to the cage and popped the top. Spot suctioned onto the side of his enclosure and quickly
made his way up and out onto the table top. Francesca watched as Spot tipped himself off the table and landed on the floor. He immediately began rolling himself toward the cabin door, and with a hairy thud, heaved himself against it. Spot whined plaintively. Again and again he rolled back a few inches then forward and bumped into the door.

"No, Spot!" said Francesca. "You heard what Benton said. You have to stay here!"

Spot ignored her. He kept bumping himself into the door, over and over again. Francesca cringed with every squishy thud.

"Cut it out, Spot."

Thud.

"I'll get in trouble if I let you out."

Thud.

Francesca couldn't take it any longer. She said, "All right. I'll make you a deal. I'll let you out of the cabin, but I'M COMING ALONG! That way I can be sure you don't cause any mischief. Deal?"

Thud.

"Take it or leave it, you little hairball!" said Francesca. She was beginning to lose her patience with this bantam blackmailer.

Spot stopped banging himself against the door and considered. He looked at Francesca. She was standing in the middle of the room with her hands on her hips tapping her foot on the floor, which Spot had come to recognize as meaning that she meant business. After a moment, Spot chirped agreeably.

"Fine. Here you go," said Francesca as she pressed the stud that opened the door. Spot immediately began inching his way out into the corridor. "Now remember, you have to stick with me!" she called after the retreating
tribble. She was already through the door when she remembered she had left her stuff in Benton's cabin. "Hang on a second Spot. I have to get my tricorder." Francesca dashed back into the room and retrieved the device
from where she had left it on Benton's desk.

When she stepped back out into the corridor, Spot was nowhere to be seen. "Oh rats! He did it to me again!" cried Francesca with a terrible sinking feeling in her stomach. "Benton's gonna kill me."
 _________________________________

Benton quickly made his way up to the security section by the most efficient route. The door slid open in front of him revealing his able assistant, Sitto Lan, sitting at the main desk. There were only a few T'rais and Jorail, a Vorta, in the brig at the moment, but the months in the brig had made them calmer, so Sitto was borderline dozing in his chair.

"Good morning, Sitto," said Benton as he walked in. "Ready? The sooner we verify the planet is safe, the sooner the captain can start sending shore parties down."

"Huh...? Wha...?" Sitto shook his head trying to clear out the cobwebs. By the time Sitto had woken up, Benton had gathered up the field equipment he needed for the away mission and started out of the security office on his way to the transporter room. "Coming?" he said over his shoulder.

Sitto scooped up his own equipment and hurried after Benton. Minutes later, the two men strode into the transporter room. Sitto was still a few steps behind Benton, trying to stuff the last of his gear into his uniform's
pouches. Benton stepped up onto the transporter pad, and only then did Sitto finally catch up with him. As soon as Benton saw that Sitto was in position, he turned his attention to the transporter tech. "Energize."

From Benton's point of view, the interior of the *Virgo's* transporter room rapidly dissolved into a cascade pattern of silvery sparkles and finally faded from view altogether. He did not notice, nor did anyone else in the
room, the small, furry interloper that rolled itself into the transporter pad at the very last second and dissolved along with the "official" landing party.