Act One, Scene Two

[a magical taco]

It's quite alright, Chief. I've been in hotter situations than this. I just hope we can save the uniform, I only brought one other with me. Please, come in while I change my shirt. So, what can I do for you chief?" I ask walking back into my quarters.

"Well to be honest, sir, I wanted to get you coffee... I guess you got it..." I smile and giggle nervously at him.

I clear my throat, trying to stall so my voice doesn't crack because I'm still affected by what had happened.

"Captain, I have a theory as to how we can track the actual runabout and not these decoys."

When he doesn't say anything and just looks expectedly at me, I continue, "Think of it like this, you have one twentieth-century truck loaded down with various things. That truck would use more fuel and spew more greenhouse gasses out of it's 'tailpipe' than an empty truck. The same should be true of these decoys. Only the Susquehanna would leave a 'full truck' trail. Are you understanding anything of this, sir?"
_________________________________________________________
OOC: The truck idea was given to my by Akirapryde.

"If you think it will work make it happen, consider it a top priority." The chief turns to leave, "And on your way you can deliver this to be cleaned, you can consider it your highest priority" as the chief turns back I toss her my soiled uniform.

I laugh to myself but I can't keep the smile private, the faces this woman makes. I just love engineers, truly an amazing group, invaluable in so many ways. Just as she reaches the door, "Chief, I appreciate your thought to bring me coffee but in the future... I like mine with cream and sugar, heavy with both."

I pass though the door just behind her and head for sickbay. We are going to have to toughen this one up a bit, I think. It's unfortunate, the faces she makes really are amusing.

[Vertroue]

Counselor McCoy's Personal Log:

"Sometimes talk is to much...When I can get everyone else to talk why can I not talk about me?"
Erica shakes her head at her terminal. Picking herself up from her desk at Starbase 74, she starts pacing the room.

"When there is a war going on people need to talk. The very few other trained Counselors on board Thunderchild are good...But they need more work. They need time. Some never finished to programs that they needed to. But War. War happens and here we are."

"I am here on leave with a good friend CMO Vanleare, she is one of the best Dr. I have seen in action since joining up with Thunderchild. She takes her cases to heart. In this short shore leave I have been able to get to know her at least a little better. She is decidedly different then any other Orion I have met to date. Not a bad thing, in fact, it gives me a better knowledge on the facets of different cultures." Erica turns to the computer and sighs. "I am waxing again." Erica starts to pace again.

"Dr. Vanleare, for all that her race is and for her family unit to be different is one thing. She, however has a tendency to not talk to anyone about anything other that what is 'professional'. I have been after her to open up some. be it to her log, or to someone in the flesh, what matters is that she does. That and relax, good gods that woman doesn't slow down!"

"We had lunch earlier today where she made light of a situation with a Ferrangi on her way to meet me. Only to a trained eye was it noticeable that it had her on an edge."

Bzzzzt!

Incoming Message!

USS Thunderchild has been attacked!

Be advised your leave is being cut short as you are need on board!

End Message

"Shit! Computer end log."
Computer logged out as Counselor McCoy

Erica starts to gather what she needs to be back onboard yesterday.

[Akirapryde]

Captain's Briefing, Stardate 53830.26

Captain's briefing room was filled the senior staff. This included Captain Jackson Campbell, Commander Addison Bonham the ship's XO, Lieutenant Kiera Medart the ship's Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Kinchlirah the ship's acting tactical officer and Klingon exchange officer. Attending the meeting via Subspace communication were Commander Leana Vanlaere the ships Chief Medical Officer and Lieutenant Erica McCoy the ships Counselor. The topic of the meeting was the recent attack on the ship from nearly two days ago. Many had been aboard the ship for years and had built a strong friendship among themselves. Others like Lieutenant Kinchlirah were aboard for temporary posts. Then there was Lieutenant Medart who were completely new to the ship.

Before a monitor stood Lieutenant Kinchlirah explaining her findings, "I know that the computer disagrees with my findings and so does the medical staff. However I am the only one on the ship that was not impaired by her flash and concussion device during our encounter with the intruder." A image of Major MacConnell came up with physical stats along side the image. "Based on her size in comparison to my own size, Major MacConnell, regardless of life or death, is too tall to be our intruder. Petty Officer Traver is simply too meek in the eyes. This woman" she said motioning to a picture of Petty Officer Traver before her capture by the Dominion, "is not our intruder." Lieutenant Kinchlirah ran her eyes over the image slowly as she thought. "I know you may find this hard to accept or see this as conjecture."

She took a moment to pause and think of her next words, "But in my heart I know that this woman is not our intruder. I read over her personnel file over and over. Who I battled with shorty in the main computer control room was not this woman. There was fire in her eyes that can only burn from a heart of a warrior. Passion for what ever her goal was." Once more she paused and took in a deep breath as she turned to face the officers of the room. "I admit that there is much this that we don't know. But to further pursue this, Petty Officer Traver would be a mistake." she turned to the control panel and turned both images off and then she brought up a third option. "It is my opinion that this woman is our intruder." She said bringing up an image of blond human female holding a Violin.

"I have seen those eyes before. It was back on Deep Space Nine. She fought a Klingon who was assigned my ship. His name was W'Kanga from the House of Varnak. A Klingon that saw victory as more important than honor its self. Her ability to take hit after hit was impressive. I would not have believed it if someone had told me about this fight. But I saw it, I was there. He picked the fight with her expecting an easy pray. She turned out to be much more than she appeared. Like me at the time, he was young and inexperienced. She however was cunning. Allowing him to expend his energy in the fight. She managed to keep light on her feet and what blows she couldn't dodge she deflected. However that also meant that she had to take some painful blows. Each time, she got back up and taunted him. Finally, he made the mistake she was looking for. Tired from his own attacks, and eager to end this embarrassing match he left himself open. I watched her put him down with a series of combination blows and with a flying leap kick as the finish. My shipmates and I were shocked at what we had seen."

She brought the image out a bit showing Quak's Bar. She was wearing civilian clothes and the image was some kind of ad for the bar its self. "When we were stationed there, I know that I had seen her before hanging out at Quak's with Doctor Julian Bashir on a number of times before this fight took place. However after this fight, um, around Stardate 52022.71, I never saw her again. And trust me, I had meant to speak with her about her fighting style. It was quite unusual to say the least. I believe my former commanding officer might have some information on this woman, so I have taken the liberty to request it from him. I regret to inform you that after hours of searching" she said turning to the image, "This is the only image I can find of her. I searched both Federation and Starfleet databases and I was unable to find any matches. But I am sure that this is our intruder, what ever her name is."

Once more, the image zoomed in on the woman and her violin. Captain Campbell couldn't help but noticed the woman standing next to the intruder as Major MacConnell. In the image it appeared that both women were standing on the second floor balcony of Quak's waving to people below. They were both smiling and neither were in any kind of uniform. Both women were wearing traditional Scottish Tartans. Major MacConnell's Tartan was of deep green, dark blue and black. Captain Campbell owned a kilt very similar to that. He knew that that was the Tartan of the Scottish Black Watch. The unknown woman wore one of blue, green and black which was of his own Scottish Clan. There was a clear link now that the woman was from Earth. But it didn't shed more light on who she was. He knew that contacting Father Douglas McLeod had to be on his agenda now. If anyone could help identify this woman, it would be Father McLeod.

Lieutenant Kinchlirah's investigation revealed new light as to who the intruder was. However it didn't help with why she attacked the Thunderchild or where she was. The tall Klingon was replaced by Commander Bonham who got up to speak. "According to Operations, the intruder's attack on our computer seemed random but it was far from random. It was a targeted attack on files linked to Admiral Ross and his staff. Personal Files, Logs, Tactical and Strategic Reports, everything. Somehow she managed to clone a Admiral's level security clearance. We have already notified Starfleet of the type of data taken. Strangely, no file accessed and copied were dated 2376 or later. Meaning that all the files were prior to 2376. A lifetime ago in the terms of information security. It was as if this was part of the search parameters. This means that the damage can be mitigated but doesn't shed any light on what the intruder was looking for."

He moved on to the nature of the computer attack, "She had everything timed out during her attack. She knew how long it would take us to react to the situation and plotted every move within that time table. A very highly precise attack and one that not just anyone can accomplish. She turned our own systems against us to hinder our response. This all shows us that our intruder shows a degree of forethought that makes her remarkably dangerous. Our intruder is also well thought out. She was able to use a computer virus to hide the fact that she stolen the USS Susquehanna from the Proxima shipyards. They actually had to physically check each bay, each holding area and each sub-yard before they could confirm that the runabout was not there. Once more, she has proven her cunningness. While I have no doubt that she is dangerous, I can not ignore the fact that she saved Cadet Madhev's life. Clearly, a decision made in the heat of the moment. But listening to the voice recordings of the attack, you can hear that she had a strong familiarity to loss of life."

"But also as you listen" he paused to play a recording of the intruder.

"This is why I didn't bring a damn phaser! There was no reason for him to fire like that!"..."stupid.....stupid..."..."NO! Just keep buying me time."..."she's dying."..."Come on, fight!"..."don't give up on me!"... "FIGHT MADHEV! Don't GIVE UP ON ME!"..."NO! Not yet!"..."I am not leaving her to die!" ..."NO! NEVER!"..."uh?? No. Nothing"..."Sorry. keep me informed,"..."I can't let her die!"..."Susquehanna, you have to give me as much time as you can"..."Come on Madhev, fight!"..."Computer Control to Medical Bay! Phaser wound to the right upper skull. Intracranial hemorrhage along the extra-axial. Subdural hemorrhage due to scoring of the bridging veins in the subdural space between the dura and arachnoid mater. Bleeding has been confined but not stopped. Prepare for Emergency Transport."..."Susquehanna, lock on to this medical tricorder and beam it and the cadet site to site, to the Thunderchild's ships medical bay."

"If you listen to the desperation in her voice, she was unwilling to leave the Cadet to die. There was a personal connection to the Cadet as the intruder knew the Cadet's name. I spoke with Cadet Madhev in depth on this matter. She has no knowledge of the intruder. This means that the intruder had been stalking us for some time. But we are clearly not her target. Based on this, In her eyes, I don't think we are seen as her enemy. More like, the ends to a goal. Plus listen to how she presents her case to our medical bay. There is clearly advanced degree in medicine. I am under the assumption that this intruder has already thought of what her next series of actions will be." Commander Bonham took a moment to take in a deep breath as he searched the eyes of the senior staff.

"Even as we speak of her now, she is two steps ahead of us. We need to quickly figure out what her over all goals are and move to get ahead of her." During the past year, he had a number of senior staff meetings back at the repair yards. He made comments like this a dozen times. But in this moment he realized that was no longer the commanding officer of the ship. His eyes fell on the Captain, "My apologizes, Sir. I meant no disrespect. This is your meeting, it is your course of action to decide on." Commander Bonham said as he moved to sit down.

---

OOC Notes from the Technical Adviser:

The following are notes that were commented on by our Technical Adviser, superseen1. You will find these notes very helpful and a glimpse of how much effort I am putting in to this story to keep it canon and fair for all players

2) A typical agenda for a senior staff meeting would be for the captain to call it to order, get a rundown from each attendee regarding their involvement with the matter, taking a bit of time to go over the data as a group and then the captain would set a plan of action into effect to be carried out. As long as you keep that in mind, you should be good for covering the bases of how a briefing goes.

5) " ... Even as we speak of her now, she is two steps ahead of us. We need to quickly figure out what her over all goals are and move to get ahead of her."

If anyone is going to say this line, it would be the captain and this could either precede or follow giving/having given a set of instructions to the senior staff.

6) There isn't much involvement from the other members of the senior staff in this briefing, and I don't know if that's a matter of needing the other players to fill those roles, etc. but it would be an idea to have more even contribution regarding the facts of the case (ie. the CMO and counselor discussing the audio file regarding the cadet, the tactical officer discussing the infiltration and ex-filtration methods used by the intruder, etc.).

Those are my major notes, so I hope they help you out.

If you would like to know more about being an Technical Adviser or know someone who would make a great Technical Adviser, I am always willing to listen.

[Kiera]

I paid little attention to the briefing, focusing more on the information on my PADD, constantly rethinking my suggestion. I hear a pause in the conversation and look up, seeing everyone looking at me. Oh great, I'm up to bat.

I clear my throat, looking towards the captain across the large conference table. "I've been able to determine two warp trails that are the most likely courses of the runabout. Basically I checked the volume of gas of each warp trail and compared it against how much the Susquehanna normally produces when at high warp. That got rid of all but two of the trails.
"One leads towards AR-558, a planet that is barely hospitable to humanoids and has a communications station originally constructed by the Dominion a few years back. Read Admiral Tate is hosting a war game with three Excelsior-class ships near there and, according to Lieutenant Kinchlirah, that area is well known for smuggling.
"The other warp trail leads to Starbase 74. The Lieutenant informed me earlier that currently there are only four runabouts and our fighter group stationed at the Starbase."

I take a breath and glance towards Kinchlirah before looking at the captain again. "I have conferred with Lieutenant Kinchlirah before this briefing and it is my recommendation that we should head to Starbase 74, and inform Admiral Tate that the Susquehanna might be heading in his direction."

I look again at the Lieutenant to see weather she approves of my recommendation, mentally relaxing because my part of the briefing was done.

[Leana]

Dr McCoy and I are attending the captain's meeting via Subspace transmission.
While I am unaware of how the intruder was able to get aboard the Thunderchild, I do know that she has advance medical knowledge. I listen to the replay of her voice through the transmission.

"Computer Control to Medical Bay! Phaser wound to the right upper skull. Intracranial hemorrhage along the extra-axial. Subdural hemorrhage due to scoring of the bridging veins in the subdural space between the dura and arachnoid mater. Bleeding has been confined but not stopped. Prepare for Emergency Transport."

The Captain and Commander look to me for my opinion on the intruder's diagnosis of our fallen shipmate. As usual with our briefings, I keep my findings concise and to the point:

"Having gone over the Action CMO's reports of Cadet Mahdev's condition, our intruder was completely on the mark with her diagnosis. Which is remarkable. Even with a tricorder, you would need a greater understanding of the device to determine an intra-axial hemorrhage from an extra-axial one. I agree with the Commander - this person has advanced medical training. I doubt that she could have just 'picked that up on the road', or whatever the expression is."

Dr McCoy's lessons in common Earth phrases just snuck into my report at the Captain's briefing. Fantastic. I regather my composure.

"If she is indeed human, I suggest we look into personnel files of medical schools. She has to exist somewhere. She may have altered her appearance, but with the right program I think we could 'snif her out'. Her clothing may also give us a better starting place as well if it is common among a certain group of Earthli-.....people." I sometimes forget that Earthlings don't like to be called Earthlings. "Though Dr McCoy may know more about that than I do. What are your thoughts, Captain?"

[a magical taco]

It would seem my tactical officer and Chief Medart are in agreement about where we should head next, at least that is my assumption considering the Chief on looked at Lieutenant Kinchlirah when she wasn't staring at her PADD. I might need to have a word to Commander Bonham about his selection. A matter for another time right now Starbase 74 it seems like as good a course as any. Besides, it will also give me an excuse to pick up the rest of my crew.

"Very well, set a course of Starbase 74 immediately, and let them know we are coming. Take us to warp 6, we should be there in twelve hours. I want all personnel ready to board as soon as possible and I want this ship ready to receive all goods and personnel before we get there. This layover will be as short as possible.

Commander Bonham is right, the intruder and whoever is helping her already has a lead on us and we can't afford to lose much time. Dr. Vanlaere, Dr. McCoy, there is a Cardassian prisoner, Gul Bolon being held there, he is being transferred to the Klingon Empire for war crimes in a few days. I would like for you to speak with him about this Major McConnell and see if you can learn anything about her time as a POW or anything else that might be able to help us. Also start looking into those personnel files and see if you can find anything.

Any questions?"

[Vertroue]

During the meeting thus far Dr. McCoy had been listening to both the spoken meeting and listening to the audio file from the intruder.

"No Captain, at this time no questions but I am going to point this out." Erica plays back part of the recording to the meeting.

'This is why I didn't bring a damn phaser! There was no reason for him to fire like that!"..."stupid.....stupid..."..."NO! Just keep buying me time."..."she's dying."..."Come on, fight!"..."don't give up on me!"... "FIGHT MADHEV! Don't GIVE UP ON ME!"..."NO! Not yet!"..."I am not leaving her to die!" ..."NO! NEVER!"..."uh?? No. Nothing"..."Sorry. keep me informed,"..."I can't let her die!"..."Susquehanna, you have to give me as much time as you can"..."Come on Madhev, fight!'

"The actions given in this recording give multiple meanings. First, the person she is talking to understands the need to save the Cadet. The operator on the other end, while rushed to give orders, is not forcing a transportation which could be done during that time. The need to save a living but fallen comrade shows history within the ranks. That kind of loyalty is not normal to just anyone but is to someone brought up in that culture."
Thinking for a moment Dr. McCoy continues.

"As Lieutenant Kinchlirah has already stated, the appearance of the Intruder matches that of Petty Officer Traver. Whose last assumed location was on Terra. If this was indeed the Petty Officer, which would be interesting as she was reported to be in a relapse mental breakdown after her ordeal on Velos VII would conflict with the almost calm person that was dealing with not only the injury but also that of implanting the security override to retrieve those files. Unless I am mistaken those files needing to be in a specific data search that would normally be easy to access if you have plenty of time. She did not have that luxury. From the sounds of it she was not only in a hurry, but was also dealing with several different fights between the time she entered the room till the time she was transported out."

"The Intruders voice also belied underlying emotional distress. We don’t know what happened to her when she was on Velos VII in the Camp as she never really wanted to talk about her time. But if history is the key, it isn’t a pretty. This can change someone completely, from meek to a fighter, but Lt. Kinchlirah saw her in action and from the sounds of it meek to fighter do not cut it. She was very well trained and Petty Officer Traver was never that good.

Pausing and taking a sip of water next to her,

“The files we have on Petty Officer Traver, again Lieutenant Kinchlirah has me on this, show an individual that can do work well under orders, but just that, she is willing to follow any orders given to her. This is not the actions of the person in that file. In fact it seems too much like two people. Which given the fact that the DNA almost matches that of Major MacConnell, could very well be true. The Majors’ file does not list any family, but is it possible for it to be a close relative such as a sister in that picture?”

[a magical taco]

The new evidence, this picture has me thinking. If these women really are from my clan I may know someone who can tell me more about them. A priest. He is a well respect man among my clan and if anyone knows who this mystery woman is it would be him.

"I was thinking much the same thing Doctor and I think I may have a way to get some answers. If anyone knew her it should be Father Douglas McLeod. I would like for you all to stay in case this communication reveals any answers to our current questions."

With no objections the Captain sat in his chair.

"Computer, open up a subspace link to Father Douglas McLeod located Edinburgh Scotland"

After a moment a man appears on the screen. I recognize him immediately as the man I am looking for. "Hello?" his voice is rough but pleasent.

"Father McLeod, I'm Captain Jackson Campbell of the USS Thunderchild and Member of both the Black Watch and Clan Campbell. I was hoping you might be able to help me?"

His old face looked as if he was thinking a bit then all of a sudden he brightened up in to a smile. "Oh my goodness. Blessed by our Father. It's you Jackie ole boy. How have you been m'boy. It's been so long since I have heard from you."

"My apologize Father, I know it has been a while since I've called the church. I will make a better effort in the future. Unfortunately, I am not calling for pleasure or spiritual guidance, I need to identify the woman in this picture"

Pressing a few buttons on the computer's panel and the picture is sent, I can hear several quick beeps through the monitor that tells me it has arrived.

He laughs, "Call son? Its been what, eighteen, twenty years since I last saw you. Oh lad, you used to get in to so much trouble." he looked at the picture. "Oh them? you mean the MacConnell sisters?" he added as he leaned back in his chair. "I remember how you and the older girl, oh what was her name. Maura! Yes I am sure of it. How you two used to always get in trouble. Lad they still talk about how you two used those holoprojectors and copied old man Grant's sheep." He laughed as he finished, "Oh it took him what a whole day to figure out which were his sheep and which were made up of holograms." he kept laughing, "I remember when they caught the Las, and tried to make her give you up. Sure everyone suspected you, but she never gave you up. Four days she sat in that cellar till her foster parents finally gave up."

"That one loved ya lad, it was shame you moved away. I really...." he started to cough again. It seemed to be worse but after a while he finally regained his composure. "Oh my boy, the years haven't been kind to this old priest. The Our Father came down and claimed my beloved Kenina two years ago. I am grateful that she was taken in her sleep."

He thought a moment, "Oh I am sorry, a busy starship captain like you doesn't have time to listen to me ramble." he looked at the pictures once more, "So lad, what did you wish to know about the MacConnell sisters that you didn't already know?"

"Father, are you sure you have the correct Jackie, I don't recall that at all. Not the getting in trouble or the sisters. What was Maura's sister's name anyways?"

The old priest laughed, "You are Ken and Selina's Jackson. Right?" he paused a moment for the captain to nod. "Here give me a second." The old rose from his chair and hobbled over to a book shelf behind him. He ran his finger over the books till he found one. "Ah here it is," he said as he pulled out the book and returned to the monitor. He started to flip through the pages of the photo album. "I Baptized you when you were just a babe. I remember your mother cried when the water washed over you. She was so proud." He said sure of himself.

He pulled out a picture, "Here you go lad" he said as she scanned the image and sent it over to the Thunderchild via subspace. The image is without a doubt. Within the image set three children upon a large rock near a river. Two of the children, a boy and a girl, were clearly early teens. They were holding hands and the boy was smiling so shyly and the girl was blushing. The third child was sitting between them. This child was a younger smaller female. Jackson recognized himself in the image. "That was taken the summer before you moved to Mars. Oh, and her name, that one there, the younger one. Her name is Seònaid. But she always preferred Seona. It was at a youth retreat. It was the last one Seona would be allowed to attend."

He smiled as if he had just won a chess game. "Now tell me, lad. Do you question the memory of this old priest." The smile on his face showed that he still had a lot more playing left in him. Sadly, with the revelation of her name came more questions. There was a chance to uncover more of who this Seona really was.

I return his smile, sincerely. He is hard to dislike, "Thank you for this" I say as I lean back in my chair and try to remember anything about what the old priest is saying. I don't remember the sisters, nothing at all. My fist time on Earth wasn't until after I graduated from Starfleet. I was never much of a trouble maker, my parent may have loved me but they are renowned scientists, if I was caught misbehaving they would have had me survey every plant in the local atrium or writing a report on foreign metals from a distant star system. And my mother, she always knew when I had done something wrong, her position on the President's Council for Scientific Research made her into a human lie detector, it made me sharp as a knife for sure but she was a surgeons scalpel compared to most. I've been quiet too long, "Father, why was Seona not allowed to come back to camp, did Maura ever go back?"

His smile faded, "That son was somewhat of a mystery to me. It wasn't long after Seona' turned ten there was a big dispute. Sure they claimed it had to do with you and Maura being caught out in the woods. But you two weren't doing anything wrong. I told them it was natural for two young lovers to be kissing and all. That was all you two were doing. But have been around the block for just over a hundred years lad. This had nothing to do with that. Seona was sent to live with other foster parents in the village of Torridon. Maura wouldn't see her sister again. A few months after that, you showed up at the church with plans to reunite Maura and her sister. It would appear that you two kept in close contact after the move. The grand plan was that the three of you would run away and live together. Lad, you two were just teenagers."

He lowered his head as he signed, "I am sorry I had to contact your parents. Your mother was fit to be tied when they showed up."

He looked up once more, "I know loosing you broke her heart and being separated from her little sister was making it all worse. She would spend much of her time here at the church. I don't think she wanted to be at home because it reminded her what wasn't there anymore. I looked out for her till she ran off to join Starfleet."He paused as he thought.

"I would travel to see Seona each spring to continue her education in religion and philosophy. I would run letters back and further but I don't think that helped much. You lad, I didn't see you till after you graduated from the Academy. I had hoped that you and Maura would have met back up. You know, seeing how you two were at the Academy during the same time. Sadly, you seemed to have moved on with your life. When Maura returned from Academy for a family reunion, she seemed so hurt. The death of love, Lad, that is the worse feeling of all things."

"What do you remember of my plan to reunite Maura and Seona, Father?" Keep him talking, it's all I can think of right now because none of this makes any sense. The MacConnell sisters are from my clan and they seem to have a stronger connection with the Father than I do, perhaps he is helping the sisters, lying for them, playing a game to trying to confuse me or to have me removed from this assignment.

He shook his head and smiled a bit, "Lad, that was it. Maura loved her sister as much as she loved you. You loved Maura back. I truly believe that in your hearts, you thought that together the three of you would do just fine." He paused a moment before talking, "I know that Seona and Maura were exchanging letters twice a year. See the sisters both spoke prefect Scottish Gaelic. I taught them the language of their ancestors a couple years after their parents were killed. It seemed to bring them together." He rubbed his chin, "I am sorry rambling again."

He looked down with sadness, "Not that any of this matters, Maura is gone. They didn't even have a body to bury. I know that she was not Catholic, but even her own believes had certain rights that had to be preformed. I did my best for Maura but with out a body, I couldn't do her justice."

He looked up from his desk, "tell me Lad, what is all this about?"

The revelation that the sisters spoke Scottish Gaelic continues to make this conversation even more confusing. It is a language that Jackson had been able to speak for as long as he could remember. Yet neither of his parents knew a word of this ancient language. Up until this point he figured the father was lying or mistaken, even with the picture as evidence. But now Jackson was not so sure. 'The three of us being able to speak the same language is definitely interesting turn of events' Jackson thought to himself. And then added to his thoughts, 'but if I really did know them why can I not remember any of this?'

"father, did you also teach me to speak Scottish Gaelic?"

The old priest shook his head, "No lad, I didn't teach it to you. Though the amount of time that you and Maura spent together, I thought she taught it to you. After all Lad, you two had a strange knack for learning things quickly. I remember when Father Seòsaid Kelly taught you two how to play three dimensional chess. Oh the Good Father, God bless his resting soul, was a great chess player. After a year though, the two of you were beating him on a regular basis. It got him so mad that he quit playing either of you. The only match you had, Lad, was Maura. You two would spend hours in my office playing each other to draws."

He looked up as if thinking about something, "I remember suggesting to both of your parents to have you two compete in the Federation Chess Competition. Neither of them would have it, saying your studies were more important."

"I do love a good game of chess." I smile at the old man and lean forward, "Father, what about Seona? didn't she learn chess with us?

The Father nodded, "aye, I do believe so lad. The wee las was like a puppy to you two. From the day she could walk she follower you two about. You took her under your wings as if she was you own sister. I guess you felt bad for her seeing how their birth parents were killed. I really don't know much of the what happened. They were brought to our community from the city. Your parents and their foster parents were very close so it made sense that you three got close also."

He looked sad, "It had its tests from time to time. The last big test was when Seona's sister tried to sue for custody of her little sister. I remember it quite well. It was right after Maura graduated from the Marine Academy. It was rough going for everyone involved. Even some members of the Clan were split on this. Your mother flew in from Mars to talk to Maura about the case. I remember seeing Maura leave after that meeting. She was in tears and left. I found out that she dropped the custody suite and returned to the Marines."

What Jackson was learning was heartbreaking to say the least. More troubling was the fact that he still had no memory of this event. After a moment to take in what was said, Jackson finally asked, "what else did she like to do?"

"She loved that violin I gave her when she turned nine. It was an old thing I found at a thrift store and reconditioned it for her. She loved playing it. Even made some hologram videos of herself playing. The only kid I know that could program complex hologram programs. She really is a brilliant woman."

Jackson could help but interrupt, "Do you have some of those holograms?"

The old father looked strangely back at Jackson, "Its strange that you ask that. I have a set of recordings that she left for you." He worked his hands over the controls of his computer, "I will send the entire package to you."

This confused Jackson even more but he waited for the download to finish while he asked another question, "you said that you keep in contact with her. When was the last time you spoke to her?"

The father nodded as he spoke, "aye yes lad, We would speak regularly. That was still a couple years ago. I didn't know if she was a life or dead. Then came her funeral. I was heart broken. But without warning, she showed up in the middle of the night at the church. Jackie ol boy, all the time I have known her. I have never seen her this scared before. She had a nasty wound on her back from a energy weapon of some kind. I wanted to call the authorities but she begged me not to" he paused a bit before continuing.

He cleared her throat before going on, "She said she was in trouble and needed help to get off world. When I asked her what kind of trouble she was in, she told me it was best I didn't know. I trust her and treated her like my own daughter. So I helped book her passage off world. A few days after she left the town was visited by a pair of Starfleet Officers. They said they were from Starfleet Intelligence but acted like a pair of thugs. They asked everyone all kinds of questions about some Petty Officer. They said that she was wanted for murder. But I knew they were lying. I knew Seona would never murder someone. It just isn't her, boy."

This conversation was really adding more twists to the situation than Jackson cared to admit. But he had to know the truth, "do you know where she ended up?"

The old priest shook his head, "after she left here I tried to follow her but her trail went cold. I guess those two Intelligent Officers lost her trail too cause they returned a few days after that and threatened me. They questioned me for hours. I didn't have anything to give them. Seona is a smart girl, lad, she knows how to not be found. Hide and seek was her favorite game. She used to keep you two searching for her for hours. When I demanded my attorney they let me go and it was the last time I saw them.

Jackson believed what the old priest was saying but wanted to make sure. "I would really love to get in contact with her, any ideas how I could do that?"

Once more the priest shook his head, "lad if I knew I would have helped your rude friends from Starfleet Intelligence. But Seona won't give me any details about what was going on, other than someone was out to kill her. She wouldn't tell me who that person was. Only that he was powerful and untouchable. I am sorry lad, she didn't tell me anything of her plans or where she was going. All she did ask of me was to give you that package. I can't tell you how she knew you would call but she said sometime in the future you would be calling on me. She made me promise to answer any question you had as truthfully as possible."

Jackson looked at the file as the transfer completed. There were five holoprograms within the data stream. The title line read simply, I know my life is over, please don't forget who I was before it all changed. To his surprise the line was in Scottish Gaelic. Jackson finally asked, "she knew I would call?"

"Aye lad, I don't know how. But she was for sure you would call" the priest replied.

It was what he had expected. After all why make the plans if she didn't expect him to call. "Any guesses as to who was after her?"

The priest leaned back in his chair and sighed, "No lad, I don't know. But I have to tell you this, who ever it is can instill fear in her. She said that she hadn't slept in five days and had been on the run from 'them' since she escaped. I asked her where she escaped from but she wouldn't tell me. She passed out before she even finished her soup. I treated her wounds while she slept. She was really beaten up. Someone had pushed her to her limits and was not letting up."

Jackson thought of changing the subject a bit, "do you know what my mother said to Maura?"

"Aye, I do" he said. "Before Maura left I asked her what was said. Maura told me that your mother said she could have Seona committed to a mental institution if Maura didn't drop the case. Further more, Maura had to break off all contact with Seona. It was the reason why I helped Seona get away from her foster parents. I am the one who secured her false identity." He smiled as he rubbed his head, "Even criminals need God's forgiveness every once in a while."

Jackson perked up, "False Identity? Can you give me a name?"

He nodded, "She made me promise lad, Seònaid Melville. But I am surprised you don't know already. I told those two Starfleet Officers this also. You guys should learn to communicate more"

This troubled Jackson a lot, "do you remember the names of the intelligence offices?"

"Aye lad, Smith and Jones" he said firmly.

Jackson didn't even bother to push that. It was clear that they were fake names. He did ask, "what kinds of questions did they ask?"

"At first it was the normal questions. Then when I told them her name. They pushed me for more information about her military training and what she did. I didn't know anything about that. We only talked about personal things. But they wanted to know if she would betray the Federation. I laughed off the question, its Seona lad. She loves the Federation. She loves Starfleet. It saved her from her foster parents.

Jackson nodded and found the situation growing more complex, "where did she learn this level of programming?"

The old priest laughed, "lad, she had the best teachers money can buy. Mostly hologram teachers. But still the best. She wasn't allowed to attend regular school. Come to think about it, I don't think she had many friends once she moved to Torridon. The Estate she lived on was massive. But I don't recall her talking about friends at all."

Jackson thought for a moment than asked, "Why were things so bad with the foster parents?"

"I don't think it was the actually foster parents themselves. After all, everyone treated the sisters very well. I think it was more the illness. You see lad, the two of you were always being seen by Doctors. Maura and you that is. I think you two had the same condition as the same doctors saw both of you. I guess that is what drew you three together" the priest explained. He took a deep breath as he thought a bit.

"I guess I should explain from the beginning. Each month you and your parents would take trips in to Edinburgh to be seen by a specialist doctor for your condition. Your mother and father worked hard to find a cure for your genetic disorder. I remember when everyone found out. You were never suppose to have survived your first year. But you have always been a fighter. I think they call it, Krussk Syndrome. It attacks the mental and nervous system. But I would talk to your mother about it. From what I understand it infects one and three million humans. Now lad, that is the will of God. Two children infected with this very rare illness only miles apart. You and Maura were meant to be together."

He paused a moment then continued, "When their parents passed away, the sisters were moved here and stayed with Doctor Volante and his wife. They were personal friends of your parents. During the first few years they lived here, Maura seemed to get sicker while you were getting better. But after a while the treatment was starting to work for her too. But with the girls' immune system weakened, it was best to keep them away from other people. This was why they were not allowed to attend school. Your mother devoted most of her life here to finding a treatment for the illness."

"I remember one time, Maura had a relapse. I was called in just in case to give the girl last rights. I remember seeing little Seona in the corner crying. Your father was so angry that he threatened to take Seona back to Edinburgh. By morning, the relapse passed as did the anger between your father and mother. I wont pretend to know what the entire situation was about but I know the emotions between them over Maura's condition ran deep. A few months after that was when the treatment really started to take hold and soon Maura didn't need further treatments."

"When you moved away, Maura remained with Doctor Volante's family. Seona was moved to Torridon. A small coastal village up the coast. She stay at an estate own and operated by Starfleet Medical. I think your mother knew the man that ran the estate there. He took Seona in as his own daughter. It was really a very nice place. Everyone there loved Seona and she was treated so nice there. But she was always so alone. She missed you and her sister. I never understood why it was important to keep the sisters apart lad. I don't think I have much more to offer you lad. Tell me, is it true? Is Starfleet hunting Seona down? If so, why?"

"I'm afraid at this point there isn't much I can tell you, we are still just piecing thing together ourselves, but you have been a tremendous help, father. I will be sure to let you know if we do find her."

He coughed more but got it under control. "Lad, if you find her. I don't want you to forget that she is a good girl. For as long as I have known her, she has never willingly hurt another being. I don't buy these claims that she killed anyone and you shouldn't either. Lad you act like she never existed before. But she remembers you like the older brother you are to her." He coughed even more, "I have to go. Be well Jackie ol boy."

The transmission ends and with the call over I find myself feeling the weight of the ship on my shoulders. Began to feel it as soon as the senior staff fell silent and waited for my orders but with the answers the Priest provided, suddenly I feel weighed down. It's strange not to have someone else calling the shots but there isn't any turning back now.

[a magical taco]

Stardate: 53830.26
Sat, 05 Mar 2377 06:03:00 GMT

I lean back in my chair but I can feel the eyes of my senior staff pressing against me. No time to contemplate now, Jackson, your people need to see you in charge.

"Commander Bonham."

"Yes, sir" the Commander said stepping forward.

I look at him, start daggers into his eyes so that he will know there is not doubt to be had "Commander, until this mission is over I not longer have a private life to you. I want you to conduct the most through security background check possible and I want it done on me. Find proof that this claim is accurate."

"Sir, it is possible that what this Priest said could be false. It is highly unlikely that something like this could have gone this long without detection. With that said, I will find the truth. Where ever that truth takes us, we will find it. But I might require the help of our Chief of Security. As far as I know, his shuttle is due at Starbase 74 within a couple of hours.

"Chief I want you and Lieutenant Kinchlirah to analyze these holovids, at least one of them have been altered. The landscape has been changed near the end of the last recording to somewhere on Bajor, but Seona would not have had reason to uses this. Find out why and how it was changed."

Lieutenant Kinchlirah nodded, "yes captain."

"Doctors. After your interrogation of the Gul, I want to know everything there is to know about this Krussk Syndrome, find out what doctor I supposedly saw in Edinburgh."

"Also, I want both of you standing by when we arrive. I want a full evaluation done to see if I show any evidence of this disorder, past or present"

"I want to know if any of this has a possibility of being true"

I look at my staff, can see the question burning in their eyes.

"I don't remember any of this." I tell them but the words seem less than adequate. "None of it. I don't remember Earth, at least not until my graduation from Star Fleet. I don't remember the MacConnell sisters and I can only recall one time where I have met the father. Now, I'm not sure what is going on but I want answers."

[Akirapryde]

OOC Narrator Edit: Posting for A Magical Taco, who is having connection issues today.

As the senior officers all rose and started to leave, Capatain Campbell motioned to Lieutenant Kinchlirah. "Lieutenant Kinchlirah, if you would stay for a moment" he said with a level voice.

The Lieutenant stopped and turned toward the captain, stand at attention. The Chief was the last though the door, it closed behind her.

"Yes, Captain." the Lieutenant said looking at him.

Captain Campbell sized her up as he motioned towards her, "relax Lieutenant, take a seat." He motioned in her general direction.

Confused and not fully understanding what the captain wanted she only replied with "Sir?" as she remained standing.

The captain stood up and faced the Klingon, "Are you still up for a match, Lieutenant"

Lieutenant Kinchlirah took a deep breath, her displeasure was obvious, "If you wish, Captain. When would you like to proceed?"

"Why not, right now," he said as he walked around the large table that occupied part of his office, ready room and briefing room. He had not thought he was going to enjoy having both rooms merged in to one but those designers really did a nice job giving the split level room a feel of a wide open and inviting space. "We have a 12 hour trip ahead of us and plenty of time to get to work, that is if this crew is as good as I think it is."

"But right here, Sir?" The confusion was still seen in the lieutenant's eyes.

"Why not?" he said as the Captain stepped toward her and she stepped back instinctively, raising her hands to defend herself. But the captain didn't attack, instead he stepped right past her to a corner of the office where a table and two chairs were. A very simple box sat on the table. The Lieutenant recognized it immediately as she lowered her hands and continued to watch what the commander was doing.

It was Kal-toh, a game Commander Bonham had been teaching her, and as it turned out she was pretty good at it. Kal-toh was a Vulcan game of intense strategy that could be played solitarily or by multiple individuals. The object of kal-toh, is not about striving for balance but about finding the seeds of order even in the midst of profound chaos. Lieutenant Kinchlirah saw the game as a prefect game where mathematics and strategy are married in to one fluid system. The Captain sat at the table and removed the top of the box and began to prepare the game, he looked up her to see her still standing defensively, "Lieutenant, believe me when I tell you that I have a great love for the martial arts and would be all to happy for the workout, but I'm told you do not enjoy a physical combat, have I been misinformed?" The Captain almost sounded hopeful.

Realizing that she had yet to fully drop her guard, she took a deep breath as she shook her head. "No sir, you have not been misinformed." She moved to take her seat, "I grew up in a household of six older brothers and sisters."

"Isn't that a bit larger than most Klingon households?" The Captain asked.

"Yes, it is unusually large by even Klingon standard. My childhood was surrounded by this constant struggle for superiority." She said as she watched him set up the game. "My childhood was always centered on being a warrior. Everyone expected it of me, trained me for it, demanded it of me. And I hated it. I have always had a drive and love for science and mathematics, not war." She paused as she looked around the walls of the briefing room. "When you look at me, you see a warrior" she said as eyes moved over the room slowly. "Yes I am large and yes, thanks to my brothers and sisters, I am capable. But when I look for a figure to act as a role model, it is not some Klingon warrior of yesterday. It is Doctor Reyga to who I desire to be like. He had strive to break the break the profile of his race and prove that alone he was capable in his desired field. Not what others saw in him." She paused once more as her eyes moved back to the captain.

With a heavy sigh she then continued, "I am more than what you see, Sir. Personally I detest the profile that because I am Klingon, I am some drunken, loud mouth brute that enjoys combat and battle." The Lieutenant fell silent as she watched the final pieces being laid out. She realized that she was speaking out of turn. Something that Commander Bonham had warned to her about. In his warning he added, 'Be patient, Captain Campbell is a understanding man. I trust my life in his hands. And you will learn to do so also. If you give him a chance.'

The captain nodded "funny how things work out Lieutenant." He had already read her personnel profile. She was most likely one of the more intelligent beings on the ship. Her skills in both science and in engineering would have easily landed her a role in either Engineering or in one of his Science departments or as either of their heads. Commander Bonham was right, the language of exchange program was clear. She could serve in Security or as a tactical officer. A issue with language that he had planned on correcting at his first available time. But for now, she would remain as Chief Tactical Officer of the Thunderchild.

"How is that Captain?" She said plotting her first set of moves.

"In my family I was pushed into the sciences and I hated it, well maybe hate is a big strong, but it was not something I wished to pursue. I take it you know who may parents are?" She nodded as he paused for a moment then continued. "They were not very happy when I took up an interest in sports and even less so when I joined Starfleet."

She nodded, "Sir, for me. Hate is the right word. When you first suggested that I 'train' with you in combat. It was a great insult to me." She held up her hand and cut off his next statement, "I know you meant no offense by it. But it did nonetheless. I do not wish to be a warrior. I never have. When you look at me, I do not want you to see a warrior. I am a scientist by heart and by desire. This is what I would prefer you to see. But even your own all welcoming Federation doesn't see me any different...." she paused for a moment and then lowered her head, "Forgive me, Sir for speaking out of place." she was genially disappointed with her statement.

"Its okay" He said and taking note of her discomfort, Captain Campbell decided to change the subject. "Well, for today why don't I just show you what a real Kal-toh opponent is like, the Commander has never been all that good" he said, "just don't tell him I said as much".

The Lieutenant nodded as she looked back up. The Captain handed Lieutenant Kinchlirah a piece, "Ladies first." The Lieutenant grunted but did not object as she played her turn. Back and forth, playing more quickly than an average game. Kinchlirah was the first player to show an advance but the Captain responded quickly with several moves that put him in a strong position. "So, tell me about you and the Commander, Lieutenant."

The Klingon hesitated during her turn for a moment but recovered quickly. "Sir, the Commander and I do have a history but it ended a short time ago." There was much more but she held back from adding it. "Truthfully Sir, our relationship has been recorded with Starfleet Security. Beyond that, there is nothing else to talk about. It is over."

"That is a shame." Kinchlirah looked at the Captain, "Are you sure there are no embers left?" The Captain pressed without looking at her, laying his own piece.

"Sir?" The Klingon said as she thought of her next move while trying to hide her emotions. They were there and she couldn't deny them. She knew that there was still a deep routed love between her and Commander Bonham. She wondered if word had somehow slipped back to the Captain regarding their accidental encounter within the Jefferies tubes a few hours ago. Neither of them knew the other would be there. It was a prefect meeting if only they had allowed their emotions to get the better of them. Instead, they parted after a short uncomfortable silence. She didn't think that anyone had seen the meeting. Before that, they had made a point to avoid each other where the situation could appear suspect.

"It's your turn Lieutenant." the captain said placing his next piece. It had only been a few hours since he had learned how to play himself. Picking up games like this had always been easy for him. For some reason, he just knew where to place the pieces. It didn't matter the game, he just knew.

Lieutenant Kinchlirah made a quick move, hardly paying attention to the game, "Sir, as I said. There is nothing else to be spoken on the matter." In her heart she knew otherwise, but it was the way it had to be. It was the price for serving aboard a Starfleet ship. Here the rules were different than on a Klingon vessel. She never thought that she would find love let alone in a human after. But once more the galaxy had surprised her.

She thought that this assignment would open a door that would have otherwise never been opened aboard a Klingon vessel. Her dream was to prove herself and later be able to continue her education on Earth. Where one day she would become a master in her fields of study, among some of the best minds in the galaxy. All of whom had studied on Earth as well. Earth was well known for holding some of the best and brightest minds in the galaxy. It was a place she so desperately wanted to go and study at. However the political situation simply wasn't helping her move towards her over all goal. This was the reason why she volunteered for the officer exchange program. She need to serve aboard a Starfleet vessel to earn the trust of the Federation. This was the only way she could hopefully have an opportunity to study at some of the best institutions in the galaxy.

Then came Commander Bonham and those eyes that melted her heart. The passion that they shared was unrivaled by any other passion she had ever felt before and she doubted that she would ever feel again. He brought a new level of emotions to her world. He was an intelligent, compassionate and romantic man. The Captain looked at the Lieutenant and she met his eyes, Captain Campbell on the other hand was a hard man, she could tell he was a fine warrior. It was this 'warrior' attitude that she hated most about him. There was more to life than war and being a warrior. Captain Campbell was so much like her father and brothers. Had she brought this man home, they would have taken her relationship much more seriously than one with Commander Bonham.

Captain Campbell's eyes left little room in his next words, "Lieutenant, I will not have secret romances aboard my ship and I will not tolerate said relationship to distract anyone from their duties, and most importantly, Kinchlirah, I don't want to see it unless we are on shore leave. Am I clear?"

The thought of his accusation enraged Lieutenant Kinchlirah as her sight turned to a glare. 'How dare he' she thought as she fought back the urge to drive her blade through his throat. She might be only a mere scientist but she did have honor. She so much wanted to ignore the fact that she was Klingon and something else, but in moments like this she felt rage. There was no reason for anyone to suggest that she or Commander Bonham would lie about their relationship. If they choose to continue, they would do so in the open and damn what others thought.

She shared a love with the commander that she was willing to die for. It was painful enough attempting to ignore those powerful emotions. Her glare penetrated the captain deeply. Nothing of what he said after the accusation mattered to her. Without realizing it, she had gripped the hilt of her d'k tahg. Her mind raced as she tried to fight back that urge to kill the man that just accused her of having a secret relationship. Forcing herself, she released her grip on the hilt as she placed both of her hands on the edge of the table. She had always believed that idea let alone the act of lying was dishonorable. She said it had ended and that was it, it had ended. "There will be no secret relationships" she said in a harsh tone. "On or off this ship" she continued coldly then added with a great degree of harshness, "Sir."

The Captain played another piece as he had noticed the Lieutenant's hand move to her weapon. Always the cool commander, he keep his face from showing it and was quite impressed when she place her hands back on the table. 'So she can be rattled but has control' he thought then added, 'good to know.' He wasn't quite sure what to make of her. He knew he had gotten under her skin which was why he questioned her honor in the way he did. She had claimed she did not wish to be seen as simply a Klingon Warrior. He wondered how far that went. In his opinion she seemed to be struggling with it. If she did not share the Klingon view of battle, he had to know how would she view their idea of honor. He hoped she had not lost that part of her heritage, it was his favorite part about the Klingons. The Lieutenant took her turn and the Captain smiled, "Kal-toh" he said playing the final piece.

"Sir?" Lieutenant Kinchlirah said confused. Looking down as he placed the final piece. The mass of rods sprung to life and lit up, she had lost, badly. Her anger faded as she returned her sight back to the captain. He was cool and collected despite the situation.

"You know, Lieutenant, you really should pay more attention" he said with a smile.

The Klingon stood and lowered her head at the defeat, "You would make for a fine Klingon" she said as she looked him in the eyes. She assumed his actions were to bait her and they did just that. In that moment she felt foolish for allowing her emotions to run away with her. Still the words had stung and it would not be soon forgotten. "Yes, a fine Klingon" she reaffirmed.

The Captain stood and bowed he head in return, "I tend to take that as quite a complement," he said without a hint of sarcasm.