4 Season 7 Page

Title: "The Switch" (Part 10 of 10)
Author: Lieutenant Johnathan Valdago
Stardate: 2460496-60499
Earthdate: June 30-August 1, 2383
Location: USS Virgo

June 30, 2383

Garek was busy working on the transporter when Admiral Valdago walked into the intelligence office.

"You vill give me a copy of da transporter information or I'll sick my large, strong, phasers-for-eyes alternate on you," he said to Sinclair.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Damn it! You know vut this is about. It's about Stephen Maruu. Your captain! Your commander."

"*Their* commander."

"You don't tink dat he didn't leave any instructions, do you? He knows who you are and he left Lataro strict instructions on vut to do should he vanish. I tink dis counts." *Don't call my bluff, don't call my bluff, don't call my bluff...*

"It's not up to me."

"YES IT IS! Tink for yourself for one minute. Ve aren't talking about any sacrifices. Ve just need your captain back, and I need to be sent home. Do it for the Federation; you still vork for them don't you?"

Sinclair thought about it for a moment. "Computer access file on transconnection technology, authorization Sinclair Alpha Zeta Four."

"Now if you don't mind I'm going to take a shower. Don't you dare look at anything in this room."

The Admiral smiled. "I could kiss you."

"I'm getting out of here before I change my mind or lips start flying." She left the room. Valdago put the file on a PADD and ran to give it to Loran.
__________________________________________

"Well, I said it before and I'll say it again. It's going to be weird saying goodbye. But, I'd kinda like Stephen to come back, you understand."

"Of course. Do you tink dat I vant to stick around here, in dis perfect universe? I've got too much to do vunce I get back. After all, dee entire Federation probably needs to be reconquered."

"All set. Are you ready, Admiral?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

Initiating transport," Garek said.

The form of the Admiral dissipated, and the form of Captain Stephen Maruu appeared on the transporter pad.

"This is getting so old!" he said with a big smile. His wife ran to him and jumped into his arms. "That never does. What's the report fellows?"

"I've been keeping the place running while you've been gone."

"Good, keep it up. I'll taking the day off."

He and his wife left.
__________________________________________

"Captain's Log: Stardate 60499.3. Things are back to normal. But I can't help wondering about the universe that I visited. Will Admiral Valdago continue the mission? Is their mission futile? What's to become of my alternate? Only time will tell, and I may never find out."

Author: Major Johnny Chee
Stardate: 2460504
Earthdate: July 3, 2383
Location: USS Virgo

As many times as Johnny looked over the final mission report for the expedition to the wreck of the *USS Kirk*, some things just didn't add up. Why, for example, was his team sent to collect intelligence data four years old pertaining to a conflict which had already ended? Why was it deemed not necessary to collect a file with a required security clearance higher than Johnny had even known was used by Starfleet? Why wasn't someone sent with a higher security clearance: Commander Lataro, for instance, who by all rights should have at least been informed of the mission, even if he didn't actually participate? It wasn't like the captain to keep his own executive officer out of the loop on what was, on the surface, a routine salvage mission.

For that matter, why send in the Marines at all for a routine salvage mission, when Engineering and (if necessary) Security could have handled the detail? Johnny could have seen sending in the platoon in the event the T'rais actually did show up to the party, but not as a precaution!

*Somebody's up to no good,* Johnny thought. *There's Intelligence, and then there's *Intelligence*: this has all the earmarks of a black operation.*

Johnny then had an idea. "Computer, display global sensor readings of planetoid visited by the *Virgo* on stardate 60471." The data scrolled up his screen.

"Display data in graphic form. Highlight all concentrations of antimatter, tachyon radiation, and heavy metals."

The display on Johnny's screen changed to a spinning globe which data indicated was about 1000 kilometers in diameter. *The fact that a planetoid that small could hold even a marginally Class M atmosphere is pretty
unbelievable,* Johnny thought. The planetoid was roughly equivalent to the asteroid Ceres in Earth's solar system. Ceres was, and always had been, a barren ball of ice and rock. The only atmosphere there was whatever Starfleet brought with them. Yet this planetoid not only had an atmosphere, but significant weather.

A section of the globe rotated into view which indicated an enormously high reading of heavy metals. The area was perfectly circular, and radiating far into both the infrared and ultraviolet bands. Infrared was a sure sign that
heat was being generated; ultraviolet one of many indications that electrical currents were at work.

*Aha! Somebody's built a base here!* "Computer, what is the probability of the readings at planetoid longitude 45 degrees west, latitude 13 degrees south being a structure?"

*The plot thickens...* "Computer, based on observed radiation absorption in immediate vicinity of stated coordinates, how long has this object existed in its current location?"

*Somebody was here before us: way before us!* "Computer, were any life signs detected?"

*What the hell?* "Computer, reiterate previous query. Authorization Chee Omicron Two One Six."

"Computer, please state needed security clearance to access requested information."

*There's Level 7 again!!! Even the captain's only got a Level 4 clearance, and routine sensor data wouldn't be classified that high!* "Computer, list all personnel aboard the *USS Virgo* holding a Level 7 security clearance,"
Johnny queried, knowing well what the answer would be.

Johnny knew what he needed to do at this point. He tapped his com badge. "Chee to Lataro. I'd like to speak with you regarding that away mission."
__________________________________

About twenty minutes later, Johnny was speaking with Jonathan Lataro, and showing him his findings on a PADD..

"Commander, you have my official report. Everything which needs to be in there is there. I am very pleased to inform you that Privates Horigawa, Volex, and Sorek are expected to make complete recoveries."

Lataro looked puzzled. "If that's in your report, then why do you need to see me?"

"Because there are some things which I *haven't* put in the report, and I think once you hear me out, you'll understand why." Johnny then related his findings regarding the possible base on the planetoid, and the information he was unable to obtain.

"I've heard rumors about higher security clearances used by certain Intelligence operatives and projects, but I've never seen them before. I also had a few questions of my own. When you were on the planetoid, you said
you were in constant communication with the captain?" Lataro asked.

"Yes, at all times. Except, of course, when the T'rais were scrambling communications."

"That's the odd part. We had no encounters with any T'rais vessels while your team was on the planetoid," Lataro stated flatly.

"You've got to be shitting me, Commander!"

Lataro looked at him very gravely. "Your mission log, I presume, has a record of these transmissions?

"Yes, I've included it here."

Lataro took the PADD, then tapped his com badge. "Lataro to Lt. Tomme."

[Tomme here, go ahead.]

"I'm about to transmit to the Science Lab two voice recordings. I'd like you to run an analysis on these recordings and see if they match anyone currently on board the *Virgo*." Lataro then tapped a command into the PADD.

[I have the recordings. The computer confirms that one of the recordings is of Major Johnny Chee. The second voice is that of Captain Stephen Maruu.]

Johnny and Lataro looked at one another.

"Thank you, Lieutenant. Lataro out." Then, to Johnny, "Major, there has to be something wrong here."

"That much seems evident. The question is, why would the captain do that? And if he didn't, how did anyone else make such a perfect impersonation?"

Lataro frowned. "The larger question, of course, is why? Major, I presume you are familiar with the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution?"

"Yes. That was in 1964. An incident involving the United States destroyer *Maxwell* was fabricated to justify increased US involvement in Indochina. Allegedly, the *Maxwell* was attacked by North Vietnamese forces in neutral waters, when in fact the ship was in Vietnamese territorial waters on an espionage mission, and even the ship's captain disputes that an attack even occurred."

"Precisely what we're seeing here, Johnny," Lataro answered. "Somebody wants to commit the Federation to a war. From what I see, you were given illegal orders, and they were very definitely illegal, because neither I nor the captain would have authorized such an away mission, despite whatever forgery may have occurred, by a person or persons unknown to violate the sovereignty of T'rais territory. That base is very definitely theirs. You don't deploy a company of infantry using transporters without either a ship or a base nearby. And from what you've shown me, that base, and that planetoid, has been T'rais territory for a long time."

"But that doesn't make sense," Johnny replied.

"Why didn't the T'rais strip the *Kirk* of weaponry when it first crashed, rather than keep on using old-fashioned machine guns? Our search of the ship accounted for all the Type IV phaser rifles which were aboard the *Kirk* at the time of its crash, and the replicators were absolute garbage."

"For a very simple reason which I think you of all people could appreciate. Our T'rais prisoners inform me that they have a very strong cultural imperative against disturbing the dead. They won't even retrieve their own
dead from a battlefield. They had also seen the Jem'Hadar remains aboard the *Kirk* and mistook it for a Jem'Hadar vessel. They pretty much left the wreck alone."

"Okay, that explains most of this. What about Level 7?" Johnny asked.

"What about it? I don't have a Level 7 clearance, nor does the Captain or anyone else aboard that I'm aware of." *Onboard the *Virgo*, or anywhere in Starfleet that I've been,* Lataro commented to himself. "Which leads us to the obvious conclusion that someone among the crew is hiding something. Keep your eyes peeled, Johnny; I'll do a little more checking into this myself. For now, let's keep this between us. If there is a larger agenda, and the architect of that agenda is on board the *Virgo*, you can bet all the latinum in the Ferengi Consortium that you and I both are dead men if we let this out," Lataro replied.

Title: "Act Two"
Author: Captain Stephen Maruu
Stardate: 2460526
Earthdate: July 11, 2383
Location: USS Virgo

Commander Lataro walked into Captain Maruu's ready room a bit unsettled. Maruu was drinking a cup of coffee and looking out at the stars. He wasn't working at his desk as usual, which was good.

Lataro approached the captain and said, "So, this is how you spend your birthday."

Maruu looked back. "Sorry, Jon. I didn't even know you were there."

"What were you doing?"

"Meditating. Kalmar was just here. He helps me relax so much."

Lataro smiled. "Well, you're lucky. I've never even seen an angel, and you've seen one of your gods."

Maruu laughed. "Well, you're right. Every Bajoran on this ship has been so exited since Kalmar came onboard. That's why he's been trying to keep a low profile."

Lataro sat down. "I see. Listen, Stephen, I know it's your birthday today and all, but can I have a word with you?"

Maruu sat down at his desk. "Jon, you always have my undivided attention."

Lataro began. "Remember that away mission you assigned to Major Chee and a few Marines a week or two ago?"

"Oh yeah. The mission. I never assigned it though."

"What do you mean?"

"Commander, if we are going to have this conversation, then let's remove our com badges please." Maruu took his badge off.

Lataro took his badge and crossed his arms on his chest. "Well?"

"When I found out about this operation, I went to see our resident Intel Officer. She admitted that she had deemed the assignment worthy and went ahead to assign it without my approval. Then, she managed to forge my voice in some way she didn't explain and ordered everything that happened. I've classified all the material at Level 4. Then, when I tried to retrieve it, Sinclair has already classified it at Level 7. I don't think I've told you
this, but she is an agent working for Section 31."

Lataro was shocked. "I can't believe you kept this from me!"

"Sinclair has been responsible for quite a few things that have happened on this ship. Solacetta, the switch between alternate realities, battles with the T'rais, she's been behind these and many more things."

"Stephen, do you know what this means?!"

"Jon, I've know what it meant for a long time. The only way we can deal with the problem for the time being is to ignore it. We have to wait for the right moment to strike against her. Right now, she is too powerful. She can make a decision and screw us both. We have to wait. That's an order, Jon."

Lataro put his com badge back on. "Well, I'll trust you. I always will." He began to leave. "Oh yeah, be in the Day's End Lounge at 2000 hours. The crew prepared a little something for you to wish you a happy 29 years of life."

Maruu placed his com badge back where it belonged. "I'll be there." He smiled, stood up, and continued watching the stars.
_____________________________

Sinclair was sitting in her dark quarters, waiting by her computer as if expecting a message. The message came without warning as she was fiddling with her PADD.

A beep sounded, and a display labeled "SECTION 31: ENCRYPTED MESSAGE" appeared on her screen. Sinclair pressed a button and Captain Maruu appeared behind the pilot's seat of a very old vessel. [Long time no see. How are you, Alysa?]

"Fine. Fine." Sinclair smiled. "The recording you gave me worked perfectly. Everyone thought it was the captain giving the orders."

[Does that sorry ass know that it was me who gave you a recording of our voices?]

"Of course not. I told him I made it using Section 31 technology. He swallowed it up."

The captain's twin laughed. [That idiot will trust anyone. Well, Alysa, I have a few things to do, then I'll be taking Maruu's place, just as we planned. Then, as a more active and strong Stephen, I will defeat the T'rais and secure this area of space for the Federation. What do you say?]

"For the Federation." Sinclair smiled. "Besides, Captain Kosst sounds so much better that Captain Maruu. See you in a few months, lover."

[I'll be counting the days. Stephen Kosst out.]

Sinclair shut off her computer after he did and decided a good night's rest would help her relax. After all, for some reason, Kalmar couldn't stand being around her.

Title: "Never Alone"
Author: Lt. Jenara Tomme
Stardate: 2460529
Earthdate: July 12, 2383
Location: USS Virgo

Jenara had been on bed rest now for the better part of a week, and emotionally she was drained. She still couldn't believe how close she had come to losing her baby. If she had waiting even an hour more, it might have been too late.

She remembered the day in full detail. She had been at the party to find out who had been picked for the week-long shore leave. Johnny had been one of the lucky ones and she had been very happy for him, though she knew she would miss him being nearby. But it was also only for a week, she had reasoned. Then, later that same day the cramps had started. They hadn't been painful at first, and she knew that some cramping was normal during pregnancy. However, as time had gone on, the pain had increased, and then she began noticing spots of blood. At that point, she knew she had to get to sickbay immediately. Once there, her fears were confirmed by Lt. Xianna. If she hadn't treated Jenara quickly, things would have gone from bad to worse... But being in sickbay for two days while being administered intravenous medication to stop the contractions of her uterus was horrible. The side affect of the drug was severe depression. Several times she burst into tears for no apparent reason, and Jenara didn't like outbursts such as those. It made her feel out of control and vulnerable. But after the two days of treatment she was released to her quarters on bed rest since no more contractions had been picked up in her monitoring. If things continued to be fine, in maybe a week, she would
be able to resume light duties. And that's what brought her here... In bed, in her quarters, tears brimming in her green eyes. It didn't help that she had heard about the fiasco with the crew members who had gotten the shore
leave and that she hadn't been able to help due to her condition. Then she worried about Johnny. Was he okay? When news reached her that he had returned safely, she had let go a sigh of relief. Yet, she couldn't be there to meet him after his physical... She was stuck where she was... In bed... Just so that she wouldn't risk losing her baby...

With a deeply sad sigh, she took the book in her hand and placed it on her night stand. She wasn't in the mood to read. Sarah, a friend from Engineering, had said she would stop by to visit Jenara later, but she knew
she wouldn't make very good company. Bringing her knees up to her chest, she let the tears fall to wet the pillow beneath her. She felt helpless and alone.

Suddenly, the door chime sounded. Wiping away her tears, she try to sit up and make herself look presentable.

"Enter," she called out.

As the door slid open, Johnny walked through the door, looking none-the-worse-for-wear, with a small bouquet of flowers in his hand, roses, jasmine and gardenias, some of her favorite types of flowers. Instantly a smile lit her face. It was so good to see him and know that he was well.

"Hi," he said, "I heard about what happened while I was detained in sickbay. How are you doing?"

"Better," she replied, "I hear that you had quite an adventure of your own."

"Yeah," he replied, "But I don't really want to talk about it. It's all in the report. Here, these are for you."

"Thank you," she replied, taking the bouquet as Johnny grabbed a chair to place beside her bed. The scent was a wonderful mixture of all the different flowers.

"As soon as I found out what had happened and I was cleared by the Doctor, I had to come see you," he said, taking one of her hands in his. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Again she smiled, "Just stay with me for awhile. I have felt so alone these last few days."

Tenderly he reach out and caressed her face. "You will never be alone," he replied, "I will always be there for you. Always. No matter what."

With that, she allowed herself to nuzzle his hand and take great comfort in his nearness. Their connection was as strong as ever, and suddenly she knew she wasn't alone and would never have to feel alone again.

Title: "Nightmare"
Author: Lt. Commander K'Lara Lataro
Stardate: 2460529
Earthdate: July 12, 2383
Location: USS Virgo

The T'rais warrior attacked without warning. K'Lara barely hadtime to dive out of the way as the energy beam cut through the air. The wall exploded as she hit the deck. She stared up at her foe, her red eyes glowing.

"You picked the wrong person to attack today," K'Lara growled as she got to her feet.

The T'rais only laughed and made himself ready for her attack. He received a surprise when he was shoved back into the wall without her even touching him. He stared at her in shock, which passed just as quickly. He aimed his weapon at her, but she sent it flying out of his hand with a wave of hers.

"See what you're up against?" K'Lara hissed. Her threat didn't work, and the alien lunged at her.

K'Lara had only a second to react. She thrust out both her hands and a wave of heat over took the T'rais. He screamed in fear and pain as he burst into flames.

She smiled as she watched him trying in vain to douse the flames. She laughed as he spun around in circles.

Her laughter died when he stumbled into T'Lan's bedroom.

"T'Lan!" K'Lara shouted as she rushed into the room to rescue him.

The T'rais warrior shoved her aside as he went to the crib. K'Lara tried in vain to stop him. She screamed as the crib burst into flames.

K'Lara woke up screaming. The lights came on, and Jon Lataro tried desperately to calm his wife.

"K'Lara, it's all right. You're safe now."

"T'Lan. He killed T'Lan," she cried frantically.

"T'Lan is fine, K'Lara. It was just a dream. Here, I'll go check on him."

Lataro climbed out of bed and went into T'Lan's room. He returned a moment later, caring a sleeping child.

"See. He's fine. You just had a nightmare is all."

K'Lara reached out her hands to take T'Lan. The tears had stopped flowing and the bedroom was quiet.

"Just a dream," K'Lara repeated as she watched her son sleep.

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