*** Mess hall * USS Chimera-A *** Although Rangi knew that Athenas suggestion of a Halloween party was based on an opportunity for new and old crew to mix, she had initially been surprised by it with their arrival at Sidos so close. But Shane had agreed, albeit with a certain degree of hesitation at first and thinking that he too could enjoy an hour or two away from the Bridge, Rangi had actually encouraged it. Once the party had got into full swing, she had enjoyed herself as much as any of the other revellers, pushing the time factor to the back of her mind. She and Shane had danced together though he refused to remove the shining helmet and would only raise the visor when the internal temperature of the armour decreed that he needed more air. It was a way to be anonymous and once free of the trappings of command, enabled him to become just 'one of the crew' Some people guessed or suspected that Rangis partner would be the CO, though many didnt, instead expecting him to be on the Bridge so near as they were, to the missions start. "Get out of my way Tin Man" The Klingon had growled and at the same time, had given Shane a hefty shove that sent him tottering backwards. "This lovely lady needs a proper partner.... not some rusting heap of metal from the Cirrius scrap yards!...beat it!" Taken by surprise at this interruption, Rangi had allowed the Klingon to take her arm and lead her a few steps away. She had looked over her shoulder and given Shane a 'What can I do about it?'look. Laughing at the knights attempt to shrug and his resulting helpless attitude,she had turned and met the Klingons toothy smile. He proved to be a good dancer but soon the music stopped and Shane, reclaiming his partner, had suggested the Klingon might like to visit Cirrius himself and that he would be only too glad to personally fit the armour. The next dance began, a thumping base beat that soon had Shane red faced inside his armour and pleading the fact that he needed to sit down for 'just a little while'. Rangi had agreed. "You have no stamina!" she'd said, then sensing rather than 'seeing' the questioning grin behind the visor, had tapped her hand hard on the top of the helmet and added with a laugh .."Dont answer that!" With a mischievious grin she had warned him that she would fetch something to fortify him and had headed off to the crowded bar. Edging her way back through the gyrating throng of dancers, Rangi congratulated herself on not spilling a drop from either of the glasses she held.Getting to the table at last, she said with a smile. "Look here Sir Knight.....that is an ..." Whatever it was remained unsaid, for in that moment the ship shook violently and the contents of the glass in her left hand shot in a scarlet spray onto the knights silver breastplate where they instantly formed bloodlike droplets. Rangi gasped, wildly groped for something to hold onto and fell backwards, seeing Shane catapult into the wall. There were cries of fright, crashes of falling people, glasses and plates, splintering sounds of fallen tables and all the assorted noises of confusion. The lights flickered, went out, came on dimly and the Red Alert pulsing beam began. Rangi found herself half under a table, still clutching a glass in one hand.She lay still, slightly stunned until Shanes voice, close beside her and full of concern said "Rangi?" "I'm fine, I'm fine" she said in a quiet voice rousing herself and managing to get to her hands and knees. "What the hell ..." Shane cursed and helped her to stand up. "Are you ok?" he asked and looked in her face. Feeling shocked but otherwise unhurt she nodded."Yes, I'm fine ... what about you?" "I am fine as well" he replied glancing round quickly. He looked back to her."Do you think you can handle it here?" She tried to assess his wellbeing but knew he wouldnt admit to anything being wrong even if it was so almost without hesitation answered: "Yes, sure ... " Shane reached for his combadge and swore under his breath when he realized it was missing. He raised his right hand to her shoulder and gave it a quick squeeze. She did her best to smile and nodded understanding. A few moments later the silver armoured figure was gone in site to site transport. Rangi turned to face the room reaching for her own combadge as she did so. +Taps+ Summers to Sickbay...we need medical teams in the mess hall...seven...eight injured." she said, counting those who looked to be in need of attention. Mercedes acknowledged the call. +Taps+ Summers to transporter room. request mergency site to site... my quarters. A moment later the remnants of the party shimmered from her view. ** Rangis quarters** The black cloak fell to the floor and Rangi hurried to her bedroom pulling at the fastenings of the dress, not caring if it was torn or not. Her combadge bleeped. +Taps+ Summers + she answered, shaking herself free of the dress now around her ankles. She kicked it aside and reached to open the sliding door of her wardrobe. +Taps+ Foster here ma'am. Commander Guzman requests you meet Major Walsh with an away team in fifteen minutes prior to transporting to Sidos. +Taps+ Understood.We'll be in the briefing room off transporter bay three in ten minutes. Summers out + She dressed quickly, pulling the uniform straight and fastening it on the move. As she reached her door she looked down at the phaser in her hand and a second later exited her room. *** End Log *** Commander Rangi Summers XO USS Chimera-A