Part V.
Aliens Crossover III: An Ethical Dilemma

The EMH

The EMH stood on the side, quietly leaning against the wall. He watched the marines eat their rations hungrily. Many had spoken about the mission as though they were hunting down a rabid canine or psychotic human. What cavalier fools, he thought. They had no idea of the dangers involved, nor how careless their customary tactics proved in this case. For all they knew, Kudet or himself could have had enough time to recalibrate tricorders and locate their target's precise location. Instead, they stood back while posing and bickering, wasting valuable time. The hologram sighed.

Then came the call to move out. He wondered why they had not acquired more isolinear tags to promptly beam the incubation pod off the ship. If they blasted it with their customary gusto, they could very well cause a core breech when the acid cut a path through the decks to the outer hull. He said nothing and followed the group.

Captain Barton
Ambassador Athon
Commander Moishe Silverstein

The Marines set off in one direction and security in another. Barton and his motley crew were left behind. "My what a rude fellow. I don't see why..." Athon started.

Corey promptly cut the Zarnac off, "I have two bits of advice for you Ambassador. Stay out of our way, and watch out for friendly fire." he hissed, bending down to get nose-to-snout with the lizard.

"Ok men, lets move out. Moishe, take point. Athon, pull up the rear. Doc, you're with me. Pratt and McGinnis, take the sides." Barton ordered, as sick of Athons shenanigans as anyone else. The pilot was absolutely ready to shoot the Zarnac if his antics put anyone in danger.

The team set off through the labyrinth of corridors and such that made up Endeavours industrial section. It seemed they had been searching for hour after agonizing hour, yet it had only been several tense minutes.

"This is like looking for a needle in a haystack. If we don't hurry up, that thing'll hatch and we'll be back where we started." McGinnis mused, scanning the area around him.

Moishe glanced over his shoulder for a moment, daring not to cease his vigil for long, "No Chief, this is searching for a needle in a stack of needles."

That pretty much confused everyone, including Athon, who was having enough trouble with the needle in a haystack remark. 'Human idioms. Why don't they just say what they mean?' he pondered.

But then it hit them. The stink of decaying flesh. It started out barely noticable, but as the team neared the nest, the coletous became virtually unbareable.

Athon scrunched up his snout. Being born into nobility and set on a fast track to the top of the Imperial Spacefleet, he hadn't been around many dead bodies.

It was much the same with the others. Their vocational choices didn't lend themselves to battlefield aromas, so the stench was staggering to say the least.

They were in an largely unused part of the carpenters shop. It was a massive room, full of metal working supplies and furnaces, and the heat had clearly exaserbated the decay of the body.

There was no sign of Crewman Frost, but Giles was ensconsed by a facehugger. Time was not on their side. "Barton to Samson and Woo. We've located Mr. Giles and require reinforcments."

The EMH

The party stopped in the carpenter's workshop at the sight of Giles the janitor, lying with one of those guardian creatures attached to his face. "Barton to Samson and Woo. We've located Mr. Giles and require reinforcments."

The group slowly fanned out to look at the body. The EMH put his leg out to block the ambassador when the latter attempted to venture close. "Don't come any closer than this," said the hologram. In Gile's state, it might try to find someone more - animated." His voice was calm, but the EMH's face suggested more ominous circumstances could befall the curious.

The ambassador shrank back to a safer distance.

The EMH turned his back to the morbid scene to address Captain Barton. "Sir, how about another isolinear tag to beam it off...?" It didn't escape him that several there made an incredulous expression he used the term 'Beam it off' instead of 'Beam him off' "It shouldn't respond to me if I approach it."

Colonel Samson

"Barton to Samson and Woo. We've located Mr. Giles and require reinforcements" the Captains voice came through Samson's comm. badge. "On our way" replied Samson.

"Okay Marines listen up, the nest is found. We will proceed to Captain Barton's location. Under no circumstances you are to discharge your weapon unless Lt. Bath'lex or myself orders you to do so. Am I clear?" said Samson.

"Sir, yes sir" replied the Marines in unison as they proceeded to Captain Barton's location. As the Marine and Security team arrives they could pick up the odor of decayed flesh, the stench was strong the closer they approached the nest.

The scene was grisly as Samson overheard the EMH "Don't come any closer than this," said the hologram. In Gile's state, it might try to find someone more - animated." "Good point" Samson said to himself as he looked at Giles who had a face hugger attacked to him.

Samson watched the EMH turned to address Captain Barton. "Sir, how about another isolinear tag to beam it off...?" said the EMH and Samson understood what the EMH meant by the term 'Beam *it* off'.

"It shouldn't respond to me if I approach it." said the EMH as Samson walked up to Captain Barton and the EMH. "You know the Doctor is right, we need to get it off the ship ASAP." Samson said to Captain Barton.

Lt Commander Kudet

Kudet listened to the EMH's suggestion. The stench from the nearby body of an 'unused' crewman, an engineering ensign made conversation difficult - it became most unpleasant to open one's mouth.

"I have Ensign Tel'Rashi standing by with more isolinear tags in the Mall if necessary. There is absolutely no way that Giles can survive - we've seen that from what happened to Limrii - so although it may sound harsh, I recommend that the Holodoc does indeed tag Giles and we beam him off before the embryo hatches. We REALLY don't want another adult running round the ship."

While Kudet waited for a response, she commed Rinao.

"Ensign Tel'Rashi - please beam any remaining isolinear tags to the location of my combadge - immediately!"

The EMH

While Lt Commander Kudet made her contact, the EMH slowly brought out the medical tricorder from his holster and opened the device up. Having already made the appropriate adjustments practically a day ago, he checked to see whether the parasite or comatose body of crewman Giles could be detected. They could not. However, his sensoring equipment was, as the tentacle closed more snugly about its host's throat. Predictably, it relaxed its constriction when he brought his hand away and closed the tricorder...

Lt Commander Kudet

Shortly after Kudet's command, a case of isolinear tags arrived at her feet.

"Captain Barton, I have the tags available if we decide to go that route" she offered "May I suggest that whatever we decide, it's done quickly - We all know how much more difficult the situation will be once this thing is independant of Giles"

Even as they watched, the facehugger seemed to be losening its grip. Once that fell off, their time was even more limited......

Commodore Siit

(in sickbay)

Siit felt like punching the air with relief when he was told the alien was beamed out and subsequently destroyed. The nest sounded ominous and he just had to hope they would not be too late.

He wondered why the Chief of Ops was not in uniform "Is there anything you liked passed on before they let out of 'Prision'" Axl said with a subtle undertone and message

Looking around painfully and trying not to wince, the El-Aurian knew that though he wanted out he would realistically have little chance of escaping the CMO's attention. He was annoyed, doctors were always a pest to him, though he knew they were only doing their duty.

"Commander, I need to be kept up to speed with whats going on" He leaned closer to the Ops Officer "Help me get out of here"

With immaculate timing, Captain P'Trell breezed into sickbay and Dr Kamala Rosea spotted Axl trying to help Siit up. She didn't look too happy. The CO once again cursed in his native tongue with a mixture of pain and surprise

"When it rains it pours"

Siit felt exhausted, his muscles protested every step and his breathing had become harsh. He glanced at the medical tri-corder in the doctor's hand

"Not now Doctor, there are more important concerns to deal with" The CO said catching his breath and in a manner that left no room for negotiation.

His XO was yet to inform him of the news about the nest and that far outweighed the Doctor's well meaning but fussy intentions. Siit went back to business.

"Report Number One"

Captain Sharas P'Trell

"Commodore, as I said, Captain Barton and his team located the nest of the creature. Crewman Frost is confirmed dead and Mr. Giles has been implanted with one of the incubation devices, much like the one used on Private Limril." P'trell reported, his back ramrod straight and his hands folded behind his back.

"I was on my way to the scene, but I felt it would be better to report to you first." P'Trell finished, awaiting Siit's orders.

Commodore Siit

The Andorian XO would have passed any military inspection the way he was so tense and formal. However Siit didn't pay much attention to that as he was studying the latest news. He was staring high and left without focusing on anything and it was a minute before he realised the assembled people were waiting for him to speak. Looking at Annie, the Doctor, Axl and P'Trell he finally spoke up

"We seem to be in a dilema" He started rhetorically "By all reports, we have no way of removing the embryo or the parasite on his face. We can't allow the possibility of another one of those creatures running free"

Siit looked around at the faces. He had an extremely good idea what the outcome would be, but he would ask anyway

"Options?" The Commodore asked glumly

The EMH

The tentacle continued to loosen; it wasn't the first time he misjudged its behavior.

Lt. Commander Kudet looked at the EMH with an urgent gaze; he knew what it meant. He efficiently took the isolinear tags from her. Placing one on the still form of the doomed Giles, and one wrapped on the upper tentacle of the external creature - it put up no resistance.

The EMH straightened and stepped back and turned to the others. "We're ready."

Sgt. Ice

Woo continued to have his rifle trained on Giles' body, even though it seemed to have been sufficiently contained and should pose no problems... he turned and gave his security officers a small smile of confidence, and turned back as he watched the EMH and Lt. Kudet do their thing...

Sgt Ice looked aat the Lt commander woo and thought.. *- This team on marines were going to kill a man without trying to take it out..that was cold..*-

Sgt Ice turned to Samson...

Ice: Sir I repesctfully ask for time in sickbay to save this man live..as I can preform the sugery myself..as I am a trained medic (check bio if don't belive me) If I cannot help this man I will make sure this man does not die in pain sir.. He desvres better than being beamed into space sir.

Ice stood at attention and became a stine cold statue and waited for a reply.

Colonel Samson

Samson looked at his Lieutenant and Sergeant, they made valiant points, however knowing the fate of this crewman was to be the same as one of his marines. Limrii had suffered through the incubation process, which had eventually killed him. Drew knew that there was little choice.

"Lt Bhat'lex, although I sympathize with you and the Sergeant on this matter, however given the circumstances there is little we can do, the incubation process has started and the same fate will be fall Giles as did Limrii , the creature will come out through him and we will have another creature to deal with." Samson said.

"What we know is that the life form from with in is keeping Giles alive until the hatching, so in all pretense the crewman known as Giles is already dead. So gentlemen I ask you this, is the life of one crewman worth jeopardizing the ship and crew we sworn to protect" said Samson as he looked at Giles knowing in his heart that he hated to do this.

Turning from the Marines, Drew walked to Commander Woo "let us do what is right for the safety of this ship and her crew, beam the unfortunate victim off this ship." said Samson.

The EMH

"You know you beam him off like that he die in suffering, but what does that matter to you as long as you get it off the ship and keep the 2 of you safe"" growled the Klingon Lieutenant. "I'm especially appalled at you doctor. Do you not care for this man. The suffering he will get in the momments before his death You could at least give him the decency of a merciful end because if you won't I will."

The EMH met Bhat'lex with narrowed eyes. "I spent the morning, running around in Private Limrii's blood, chasing a newborn which burst from his chest - and quite excruciatingly from what I observed. I don't care about my own welfare; I'm a holographic projection and can't be attacked by this species." He inched closer, not phazed at all by the fact that the Marine was half a head taller than himself. "But right now, there is one of those things - alive - moving inside Mister Giles' ribcage, nestled behind his lungs. Very shortly - if not now - Mister Giles will come out of that comatose state he is in. But only to experience a few minutes of ache and discomfort before the inevitable happens."

The hologram turned to look over at Giles and continued. "This man - or what's left of him, since his physiology has been altered on the molecular level - " several took out their tricorders to check as the EMH continued, "has been dealt the cruellest sentence: to be revived just to experience his own violent death."

The holographic doctor turned back to Lt. Bhat'lex. "I am a physician - programmed with the Hippocratic Oath - bound by vow to do no harm. I may seem cruel and unfeeling to YOU, Lieutenant, but even *I* know what's best for him. And I think you know that it's true." He turned back to look at Giles, his face clearly distressed by the poor man's fate. "Believe me. If there was a way to save him, I would have done so. No doctor enjoys losing a patient."

Lt Commander Kudet

Kudet turned to the assembled Marines, all of whom seemed strangely unwilling to do what needed to be done. She felt no less for Giles than they did, but what about the many others who might be killed if this embryo were to be allowed to hatch.

"I feel that I ought to point out that there is every possibility that a mercy killing before beam-out may be sensed by the alien and cause premature hatching. I strongly recommend that, however unfeeling it sounds, we do not take that course of action. In fact, as the Doctor here has said, it would be better to to the deed before the facehugger falls off and Giles regains consciousness."

Commodore Siit

It seemed that only one option was open to them and that was not allowing the birthing to occur. It also meant that the host would have to be mercifully laid to rest.... he strayed from the word 'killing' as that brought a nastier connotation. Giles was dead already that was apparent. The only options now were how to perform the euthanasia.

A beam out in Siit's mind was extremely inhumane. Without the protection of a suit, a human bodies internal pressures were obviously more than the vaccum of space. The result as the two bodies achieved an equilibrium would be the horrible death of Giles. He would mercilessly suffer internal hemorrhaging that would at first slowly seep out of his eyes, ears, mouth and every other large bodily exit. It would climax with every pore and capilliary bleed violently... and it would not be instant but extremely painful. He was not aware whether Giles was conscious or not... but he would NOT subject any crew member to that.... he had unfortunately seen that once, and once was too much.

He considered a lethal hypo, but was unsure of whether the alien parasite could release antagonists. A phaser.... that would be quick, painless and the parasite could not combat and protect Giles from that. It seemed the only viable option.

"It seems that no-one is able to say outright the only viable duty we have to perform. Science and Medical can not save Giles, we can't allow the birthing.." Siit paused not liking this "Merciful euthanasia has to be performed. And I believe only via a phaser should it be performed"

Siit then went on to explain the reasons why only a phaser and why a beam out was not an option.

Counselor Annie Flynn

As Siit finished his explanation, Annie thought of a few things.

"Sir, if we kill the crewman, the alien embryo may detect the loss of life and hatch prematurely. If we are to perform euthanasia, it must be done quickly and an immediate beam out afterwards to prevent the creature from hatching." Annie didn't want to say this, but knew she had to. "Sir, I have reason to believe that this embryo that is currently incubating may be a new queen."

Lt Commander Kudet

Kudet tapped her combadge.

"Time to report to the decision-makers" she said in an aside to Woo, Tanis and the others.

"This is Lt Cmdr Kudet making the science report to Captain P'Trell. The facehugger and Mr Giles are tagged. I believe that any attempt to remove it, or to end Mr Giles' suffering may result in a premature hatching. Reccomendation: if you do decide to try a mercy killing of some sort - I have no objection in principle - as long as it's beamed out inside Giles immediately afterwards. Kudet out"

She turned to the other officers.

"Your turn Gentlemen"

The EMH

The EMH shook his head and said nothing. What fools these organic mortals be, he thought. The man was already suffering, he wasn't going to get better, and each moment they bickered and pondered futilely or whined about ethics meant more suffering while fully conscious AND the doom of hundreds.

Kudet had his findings and knew that the EMH wouldn't even administer a painkiller to Limrii when he was infested. It was too risky. The speed with which the newborn reacted was enough to assure him that - should Giles be disrupted in any way, there was no one alive who could beam it out soon enough without either the parasite or the next newborn causing great damage before the transportation process could begin.

Off to the side, he rolled his eyes at the absurd suggestions. There was only one course of action.

Colonel Samson
Counselor Dayanair

Samson couldn't believe the debate that was going on, to him it was simple, beam out the infestation be it that it was a member of the ship.

Since the was little options, his command staff and others that had gathered at the nest site debated if it was the humane thing to do. To beam out crewman Giles only to see him suffer from the vacuum of space.

Samson unshouldered his weapon and raised the weapon, aiming it at crewman Giles.

Adjusting the sights of the weapon, the Colonel turned to Lt. Commander Kudet "If you are right, then we will have a few seconds to transport both Giles and the creature before the creature and completely hatches after I relieve crewman Giles of his pain and suffering that will be associated with such birthing." Samson said as he was preparing to fire his weapon.

{NO Samson!!...don't do this} he had made up his mind to put an end to Giles suffering, {Think Samson....you didn't let your marine shot Dravvin as she screamed in the pit of fire on Daerllian IV...remember?!?!!!} now pleading with him, {Please don't do what you will regret later....Siit will find another way...I know he will!!!} The counselor's voice rang inside Drew's head.

Drew lowered the weapon as he knew that the Counselor could read his thoughts {What happened on Daerillan IV was a different situation, there was the prime directive that prevented us from trying to save you, I will never forget or forgive myself for doing more to help both you and Dravvin.} Drew replied.

{Please Samson!} pleaded Day. {As you wish, but if there is no other options, I will do what is necessary for the safety of this ship} Drew replied shaking his head.

{I must be getting old, I can't believe that this woman actually got me to change my mind. Thats never happened to me before} Drew said to himself as he shouldered his weapon.

"We will need to wait for the Commodore to decide on the best course of action" Drew said to the assembled group.

The EMH

"You're right. It does sound unfeeling - nothing less I would expect of a scientist. Life and death... its just one big experiment."

Still leaning against the wall with his hands folded, the EMH spoke up. "Or it's a joy ride, something for the 'posse' to chalk up." He nodded briefly towards the Colonel, who had only moments ago considered shooting Giles and splattering the room and its inhabitants with infinitely deadly acid. Where was his sense of ethics when he drew his weapon? Not for anyone present.

Lieutenant Bhat'lex appeared astonished, as though he never expected him capable of so much verbal input. The EMH chalked him up as another likely but-you're-just-a-hologram type.

"Lt. Commander Kudet is right," he continued. "And it's funny how the ones being judged here are the only two who truly know what we're dealing with, and know the consequences of allowing each second of delay."

The hologram's mouth twitched and he looked up nonchalantly. He was programmed with the full gamut of ethical subroutines, as well as full knowledge of Starfleet regulations. Based on what he knew, they weren't doing their part.

Game Master

Unlike the gestation of a drone, a queen took considerably longer. Most growth occurred after the facehugger had implanted the embryo. Giles would have the inenviable task of carrying the queen for at least 4 hours before it birthed. Of course the crew of the Endeavour were not aware of this but Limrii was awake and conscious for 40mins before the birthing occurred.

The search party had been active for 6 hours since Siit and Day collectively were aware of Giles predicament. And in that time the facehugger was nearing the completion of its task....

.... It had not moved in the time it had been implanting, save for the occassional tightening of it's tail around the host neck when it sensed intrusion. Now as it finished its only reason for existence, the tail slowly loosened its grip. It sensed other things around it but knew that the growing queen was safe from intrusion. As its tail fully relaxed it removed the probiscus from the hosts throat and waited for the end- still covering the host's face....

....The neurotoxins and muscle inhibitors began to lose their hold on Giles and flickers of conscious cognitive processes began to reassert themselves. His muscles ever so slightly began to twitch. After a couple of minutes Giles began to have a dream of smothering it was then that the parasitic facehugger finally expired, lost its grip and fell off !!!

Almost instantly, the loyal Starfleet old man's senses began to take in external data. He heard people debating and talking. He opened his eyes and saw the assembled people

"For the love of Jesus, I am safe" He croaked from a badly abused and sore throat

The people in front of him just stared with mixed emotions showing. Giles smiled weakly not fully comprehending what had occurred.

They were not to know that they had at least 4 hours to the birthing. What they did know was that Private Limrii was dead as a result of birthing 40 minutes after the facehugger had come off....

The EMH

The parasitic guardian fell limp to the floor, and not too long afterward, crewman Giles opened his eyes and sat up.

"For the love of Jesus, I am safe," he said somewhat hoarsely.

The EMH stood away from the wall and slowly walked to join the group. Nobody said a word. They all knew they were watching a doomed man...

...And the holographic doctor was not pleased that these ignorant people in charge were foolish enough to let things get this far. Their own weaknesses were the ship's undoing. They'd never be able to dispatch this man now. The marines were tough with ugly aliens, but when it came to the most dangerous man on the ship, their resolve melted as though confronted by a cuddly puppy.

He betrayed none of his ponderings in his features, but instead slowly reopened his medical tricorder and took readings of Mister Giles, who was wondering why everyone was so silent and somber.

He looked at Lt. Commander Kudet with a worried expression. How were they going to get rid of him? Even now, the unsuspecting victim was removing the tag from his shoulder, examining it curiously...

Captain Sharas P'Trell
Captain Barton
Commander Silverstein

Barton and Silverstein exchanged nervous glances. There wasn't much time left. Soon, another creature would erupt from Giles chest. The whole horrible episode would begin again.

Stepping toward the terrified janitor, Moishe slung his rifle over his shoulder. "My child, be not afraid. Soon, the light of the Lord will shine upon you." he said soothingly, crouching down beside the older man.

"But, I'm ok. That thing is gone." Giles stammered.

"No, it's using your body as a host. But it's alright. Once your time comes, you'll have no need of this mortal vessel. For your spirit will be with God." Silverstein said calmly. He knew how little time Giles had left. He intended to do his job, and try to keep the janitor calm.

=^=In Sickbay=^=

"Commodore, I feel it best that one of us perform the nesassary task." He hastened to say kill or euthanize. Euthanasia was something known to Andorian society, but it was far from a common practice. Many Andorians, Sharas included, felt killing someone who could not defend themself was dishonorable, even if it meant ending the persons suffering.

However, as executive officer, P'Trell had to put the safety of the ship and her company above his personnal convictions. As he had when Limril was implanted, P'Trell could only advocate putting the needs of the many above the needs of the one.

Mr. Giles had to be put to rest, and it had to be at the hands of either Siit or himself.

This was turning out to be a very hard day indeed.

Sgt Bhat'lex

*Oh this is just great thought Bhat'lex its going to make things more difficult. Bhat'lex eyed the janitor warily wondering just how much time they had. The Holy man who he did not know was trying to comfort and explain the poor mans doomed situation. Maybe he had been wrong too oppose the way of. Bhat'lex thought of a word but could of nothing but killing Him cos thats what it boiled down to in the end. Self rightoeus Doctor. Bloody highers ups had better come up with something quickly.*

___

Lt Commander Kudet

Kudet was furious with Bah'tlex. How like a marine to misinterpret her words. She'd said it SEEMS unfeeling, not that she was. She glared at him briefly before turning her attention to Giles.

The parasitic facehugger slowly detached itself from the old man, and fell lifeless to the floor. Giles opened his eyes and moved.

"For the love of Jesus, I am safe" he said, in a croak.

Kudet turned and caught the look the Holodoc gave her. Things were now going to be so much more difficult.

Silverstein moved in and explained to Giles that he was still incubating a parasite. It seemed infinitely more cruel to Marisha to have let this man wake up, think himself safe, and then tell him that he was going to die. How much more humane would it have been to have done this whan he was unaware of his surroundings?

Marisha tapped her combadge.

"Science reporting - Mr giles is now awake and talking. The facehugger has finished it's task." She paused for a moment, allowing her words to sink in. "Request further orders"

Private Maddison

Maddison coughed drawing attention to himself " Colonel Samson Sir if know one want to take the responsibility on. I don't mind giving the guy a lethal injection, he will then be out of it and you can satisfy everyone's emotional hang-up so everyone can sleep at night knowing they didn't kill the guy. With due respects to Sgt Ice but I'm also a trained medic and there's no way he's qualified to perform the type of surgery that guy would need. Give me the order and the jobs done no worries. Done it before I can do it again."

Private Maddison looked around then back at his Commanding Officer. "Well?"

Maddison s request seemed to go unanswered, he shrugged his shoulders ** oh well ..guess I'm only a nobody in the fish pond of life** he thought as he stepped back from his Commanding officer and moved round to the other side of the janitor, near to the Science officer.

"I feel that I ought to point out that there is every possibility that a mercy killing before beam-out may be sensed by the alien and cause premature hatching. I strongly recommend that, however unfeeling it sounds, we do not take that course of action. In fact, as the Doctor here has said, it would be better to do the deed before the face hugger falls off and Giles regains consciousness." She spoke with some authority. Maddison couldn't help but smile A women with a view of her own .He liked that.

But it seemed Sgt Ice had heard Maddison Ice turned to Private Maddison and was angry...

Ice: Private Maddison you don't know what I am capable off.. I was a field medic before I joined the core and a dam Good one.. Does anyone Remember the Battle of Nauscia 4 ?

It seemed nobody had or even cared. Samson un shouldered his weapon and aimed it at Giles. Maddison stepped back, he missed it would blow his legs off.

" Step back ma`am ….he misses we will both be leg less and it wont be from drink." Then Maddison noticed something unusual The Colonel shouldered his weapon

"We will need to wait for the Commodore to decide on the best course of action" Maddison couldn't believe his commanding officer backing down. One minute his leader was convinced what had to be done…then a spilt second later he made an indecisive move. Maddison could help but feel disappointed in his CO.

Maddison looked as everyone else did as the face hugged fell on to the floor and the old guy starting to come round " Oh boy have we got an ethical dilemma now" said Maddison to know one in particular"

Maddison watched as the Co for the ES knelt down next to Giles, trying to bring some comfort to the man in his last moments of life

"But, I'm ok. That thing is gone." Giles stammered.

"No, it's using your body as a host. But it's all right. Once your time comes, you'll have no need of this mortal vessel. For your spirit will be with God."

Maddison shuck his head hearing the religious drivel coming from the mouth of a man who was not about to die, was not going to suffer .** what kind of god would put his followers through this kind of suffering and pain ..not a loving one** Maddison thought ** that's for certain**

" for what its worth ,Starfleet general orders 29 states The primary responsibility of the commander of any Starfleet vessel or installation is the welfare and safety of his crew, including any civilian members. No action may be taken that creates an unwarranted threat to the safety of those individuals under the officer's charge, except in the line of duty and when otherwise unavoidable. "His death " Maddison points at the janitor "is unavoidable...... He's dead whichever way you look at it."

The science officer tapped her combadge.
"Science reporting - Mr. Giles is now awake and talking. The face hugger has finished it's task." She paused for a moment, allowing her words to sink in. "Request further orders"

** just give me the dam order and he's out his misery ** Maddison thought as he put his hand on his phaser.

The EMH

The EMH raised an eyebrow. Apparently they forgot who gave the hyposprays around here, and found the irony in what infinitely greater misery these so-called merciful people had already inflicted upon Mister Giles, who was now fully conscious and aware of his fate.

The holographic doctor joined the Rabbi in trying to comfort Giles, who was clearly distraught. How could he not be?

Colonel Samson

"Great, oh just great as if things can't possible get worse, it does" Samson said out loud as he walked over to Kudet mumbling something about Murphy's law.

"Lt. Commander Kudet, I suggest that we place the invisible aluminum walls around crewman Giles, as we know what happened to private Limirii, there is little time before the creature is hatched. We can keep everything contained inside." Samson said.

The Colonel was disappointed in himself, he had the shot but somehow he considered counselor's point of view. Still shaking his head Drew couldn't believe that he could change his mind so easily. "I'm getting soft" Drew said to himself as he glanced back over to the dazed and confused Janitor.

The EMH

The EMH stood and turned to the colonel. "We only needed the transparent aluminum to capture the renegade life form. This man should be in Sickbay, in an IR." he walked over to speak in a low whisper between himself, Samson, and Kudet: "We should make him as comfortable as possible instead of letting him sit here in filth with a corpse nearby. This is difficult enough for him without this gruesome setting."

Colonel Samson

"You are assuming that Giles survives the brithing process, Private Limirii did not survive when the creature hatched." Drew repiled to the EMH.

"I agree about the conditions that Giles is in at the moment, we can remove the body but I don't think it will be safe to move Giles at the moment." Samson said as he looked at Kudet for her opinion.

Lt Commander Kudet

"Unless we hear anything to the contrary, I think both suggestions have merit. I recommend that we line the quarrantine chamber with the transparent alluminium, and that the Holodoc here cares for Giles inside it. That way no-one else can get hurt, and we can give at least an impression of hope to Giles here"

The EMH

"With all due respect, Colonel, I'd hardly think that concern for his welfare is any longer a realistic consideration. It is a given that Mister Giles will not survive the birthing process. Having been on hand for Limrii's death, I can assure you that there is nothing we can do." The EMH looked back at the trembling Giles, who was flanked now by Moishe and the "insensitive scientist".

He continued. "But since there's been an 'ethical' decree to allow him to awaken and be conscious for this inevitability - in itself a statement on our parts as to where we stand with regard for his consideration - the least we can do is make him comfortable on a biobed. Even if it's in an isolation room, he isn't in this environment when the moment comes."

Lt. Peter Arman
Commodore Siit

After P'Trell had left Arman had wondered down to the command chair and relaxed into the luxury of it. This now, had changed. Listening to the coom link, Peter had jumped up from the chair and was now pacing relentlessly round the command pit growing ever more aggrivated with the turn of events down in the industrial sector. The dithering by the crew down there had gone on far too long, long enough for the facehugger to complete its task, and Giles to re-awaken.

After the time Arman had spent on the Wakelev, resulting in him coming face to face with one of these alien and being cocooned by one, Arman did not want yet another one on the loose here on the Endeavour. He strode back over to the command chair and worked the side console opening a direct channel to sickbay.

"Bridge to Commodore Siit and Captain P'Trell." Cut through Armans voice.

"Go ahead Lieutenant." Replied P'Trell.

"Sorry to interupt sirs! But As you may or may not know. Giles has reawakened, and our specialist teams have nothing better to do than stand around and bicker amongst themselves over what to do. Your input would be welcome.... Like now!" Said Peter cutting to the point.

Siit nodded to P'Trell... the only question now was who would handle the responsibility?

"Captain, it is obvious what has to be done, we only have to decide by whom. It is not an easy task. He may be a carrier of the deadliest threat we have so far encountered, but he is also a member of this crew."

Though Siit felt physically weak, if need be he would perform the unpleasant duty himself.

"Captain" The CO addressed his XO "We have to act now"

Lt. Commander Woo

What once might have been easy was no longer... it seems that Giles had not passed away... at least not yet. But, ultimately, if the creature cannot be removed from Giles, as was the case... the safety of the ship and the crew and passengers was priority... it may have seemed cold to think so, but if nothing can be done for Giles, then the crew cannot allow the creature to complete the birthing process.

"Yes, transparent aluminum precautions might be necessary at this point... however, that is assuming that we will have to keep the queen from escaping... is that what we're doing? Because then, we cannot guarantee the effectiveness of the wall... after all, we only observed a subservient, who was able to crack the material, albeit slowly... we do not know the capabilities of a Queen."

Sgt. Ice

Sgt Ice looked into Gilles eyes and became very angry at the future this man was going to have...Ice took out his pharser and pointed it at Gilles.

Ice: I think the best thing we could do for Gilles now is to give him a painless death..and beam the body and the alien into space.

Ice moved his finger to the trigging button and prepared to fire.

The EMH

The EMH's eyes widened. Between the security chief's absurd suggestion and the sergeant's foolhardy move - yet another one who wants to kill us all - he couldn't believe the incompetence.

"The transparent aluminum was ONLY used to TRAP a creature on the run. We're talking about a man here, and he's sitting RIGHT HERE." The EMH was unusually agitated. "And THIS one..." he pointed to Sgt. Ice, then stopped. He realized that they weren't listening to him - not because he was right or wrong, or had experience... it was because he was a hologram.

He sighed and looked over at Giles.

Carter

I think the best thing we could do for Gilles now is to give him a painless death..and beam the body and the alien into space" he said, pointing it at the Janitor

Carter moved in front of Giles and held him behind him with one arm, "Don't be foolish" he said "Put it away there's no need for it…..not yet" Carter kept his eyes focused on Sgt Ice.

Just in time to prevent a situation Kudet spoke up: "Wait!" she said "There may be a better way, What if we used a transporter?"

Someone asked what she meant,

"A transporter. We can either hold Crewman Giles in stasis in the buffer until we find a way to deal with the queen, which can't hatch while in a transporter beam, or we can try to seperate the two of them using their DNA." She went on to explain "I know the sensors have trouble detecting the creatures, but, if we program it to scan for the silicon based structure of the alien inside the crewman, we should be able to use the containment beam to pull them apart and restore Giles original genetic structure."

There was a silence, "I studied the effects of the transporter on biological beings as part of my thesis in the Academy....." she added

Carter remained in front of Giles but eased off a little, and waited for Ice to back down or a superior officer to intervene.

The EMH

The EMH shook his head. "It wouldn't work. His physiology has been modified to accommodate the incubating parasite. We can no longer separate "him" as we once knew him from it. The transporter couldn't lock on him since his DNA has already been altered - otherwise we could still detect him with our scanning equipment, which we cannot."

He hoped SOMEONE would listen to reason...

Andy Giles

Giles felt totally abused and rightly so. He was very thirsty and his arms were cramped due to the incarseration in the alien resin. He was told he was going to die and a few marines had pointed weapons at him with the intent to kill.

He may only be a lowly janitor, but he was scared to death. Only the religious man made any attempt to comfort him. This was his life they were so flippantly discussing and in the third person no less. Though he was a tough old bird with a sharp tongue, he felt the elite were just that - untouchable able to do whatever they wanted.

Giles began to weep

"I may not be as important as you people when it comes to the Endeavour, but I am a human being" His sobs were were threatening to overwhelm him, but he continued "If what you say is true about there being no hope, I would at least like to be treated with decency."

For the first time in his life, the old man felt totally out of depth and the people that apparently were here to protect him were too busy arguing and debating to offer him at least the smallest amount of physical comfort. In his bound condition his head fell forward and he wept uncontrollably.

The EMH

The EMH watched helplessly while Giles wept. This was exactly what he wanted to avoid, and here these ruffians who passed for Starfleet personnel had allowed this to come to pass. If all their panicking and bickering irritated HIM, imagine how it was for someone who was told bluntly their existence would be met by a tragic end at any moment.

His dark eyes darted between the rabbi and science CO, who still flanked the doomed janitor with attempts to calm him down.

Andy Giles
Captain Sharas P'Trell

It was something that went against nearly everything Sharas believed in. To take the life of a man incapable of mounting a defense was not honorable. "Commodore, it is true that one of us must perform this abhorrant task. Due to your current physical state, it would be best that I do it." he said calmly and plainly.

Siit looked intently at the Andorian. He debated upon whether to take personal charge of the situation and opened his mouth to state that. He closed it again as he realised that his Number One was correct on all accounts. Finally he answered.

"Make it so." Though it was rhetorical he added "Offer the man respect Sharas."

Siit hated this. Daerllian VI revisited he thought bitterly.

Sharas nodded. He intended to do his best to make Giles comfortable in his final moments. And if at all possible, he would do it in a way which would be honorable to both of them.

"Computer, one to beam to Colonel Samson's location." P'Trell ordered. In an instant, the transpoter picked his atoms up and moved them into the bowels of the Industrial section.

The assembled officers and crew turned to see the executive officer beam in. P'Trell was, as usual, all business. "Lieutenant, Sergeant, release Mr. Giles from the cocoon." he ordered.

Ice and Bhat'lex moved quickly to cut Giles from his bonds. Within moments, while still unable to stand, the old janitor was free of the cocoon.

His body felt like it was being ripped apart the cramps were unbearable but he smiled weakly to the Andorian.

Thank you" he stammered "Can I get a some water, I'm very thirsty."

Tears were still welled in his eyes. The old man saw the phaser holstered on the Captain's side and he knew why the XO of all people was here to do.

"Please don't kill me... I don't want to die... I'm still stong and can be a service to you."

Giles shrank away hugging himself. His old abused body and mind not wanting to accept that he was considered worthless and expendable.

"Chief McGinnis, please get Mr. Giles some water." Sharas ordered calmly. McGinnis dug into his belt and pulled a small container of water out. He passed it to the petrified civilian, who chugged it down quickly.

Sharas crouched down beside Giles, making sure his phaser was still secure in its holster. "Mr. Giles, may I call you Giles?" he inquired, speaking calmly and slowly.

Giles nodded, he was terrified as he hugged the water container to his chest.

"Giles, I realize how frightened you must be. But rest assured, your death is not in vain. Your sacrifice will preserve the lives of nearly fifteen thousand innocent individuals. If there was any way to save you along with the others, I would do my best to make sure it was done." Sharas explained.

Death!! Death!! The reporte that the Andorian had built up vanished as he realised that he was here to kill him and not save him. He didn't understand what this alien was about or the threat it posed. Giles was a simple janitor.

"Stick your sacrifise. You are all just animals not worthy of wearing the Starfleet uniform. I don't know why this is happening, but I am not ready to die... haven't I served Starfleet well in my 45 years."

Giles was pleading for his very life not understanding. All he knew was that since he had been conscious, the people were hell bent on killing him and had not treated him with decency. The one person that offered him some small comfort of humanity turned out to be the same.

Sharas saw that things were turning bad. Clearly his time away from Starfleet had caused his diplomatic skills to atrophy. "Giles, the creature incubating inside you will, very soon, be birthed from your thorasic cavity. It will rapidly grow into a creature similar to the one which captured you. I wish there was a way to save your life and destroy the menace incubating inside of you, but there is not. Pardon my bluntness, but you will die shortly. Either it will be violent and painfull, or short and with honor. Which do you prefer?" Sharas stated, never wavering from the stoicly calm venier he put up. He had hoped there was another way to explain the situation, but in the heat of the moment, things had gone from bad to worse.

"Dont you know anything about it?? .... Cant the doctors remove it?? ... Do I have to die??" Giles sobbed but asking with an air of calm as he began to accept the inevitable.

P'Trell shook his head solemnly. "Our knowledge of the alien is limited and rudimentary at best. It would take us quite a long time to study the creature to the point where we could safely separate it from you. It is time, which we do not have."

Seeing Giles slowly come around to his inevitable fate, Sharas decided he should ease into another tack, "Are you familiar with the customs of my people?"

Giles shook his head no. He was a simple man, who knew little about human custom and history, let alone that of other species.

"We are a race which is family oriented. My people believe that the safety of the clan comes above all else. I am the only member of clan P'Trell serving on Endeavour. All of my blood relations are many thousands of light years behind us. So, I have come to see this crew as my family, and would do anything to protect them. So, you are like a member of my family. If I could give my life to save yours, then I would not be here talking to you now."

Giles listened to the Andorian. He admired how the man was honest, but more than that. In P'Trell telling him of his heritage and being considered being part of his 'family', Giles felt important and needed. At last he felt comfort. He embraced the Andorian and hugged him.

After a few seconds he stood away and dried his eyes somewhat "I am honored to be part of Clan P'Trell... please do me one favour."

The Andorian Captain nodded his affirmation.

"There is a young man that I work with... his name is Quinton Fortune, he's a good lad, simple but good lad.... give him all my things to him and see that he makes supervisor."

There was little else he could say but that was one thing he felt had to be cleared up.

"I will see to it personnally," Sharas said, still shaking off the feeling of discomfort caused by Giles' embrace, "My brother."

Sharas stood up and pulled his phaser. He felt a twing of regret at what he was about to do. This really was like killing a member of his clan, and not with honor in a ritual duel.

Silently, P'Trell set the phaser to kill and took aim. Giles stood with what dignity he could muster. All his life he had been a simple man not dreaming of great ambitions. His death would be meaningful in his eyes to protect his clan.

"Take care of the Clan Captain. I am ready son... go ahead, I forgive you."

Giles smiled bravely as he thought of the next life and waitng for Jesus to call him from the grave.

Without saying another word, Sharas pushed the trigger. The beam lanced out, hitting Giles squarely in the chest. He stood firm for a moment, then life seeped away and his body crumbled to the ground.

"Farewell my brother, and may whatever God you hold dear guide you to his embrace."

Captain Sharas P'Trell
Captain Corey Barton

Barton had watched the scene unfold with nary a word. It wasn't his place, despite the vengance he craved. 'Day, I get the feeling you're probably listening. As much as I hate to say this, I need to talk to you...' he thought, hoping Dayanair was tuned into what was going on.

Meanwhile, Sharas crouched down beside Giles body. "Commodore, Mr. Giles is dead, though I cannot acquiess to the status of the creature. I feel it best that we quickly prepare Mr. Giles body for a burial in space." he said after tapping his comm badge.

They would also have to lay to rest the bodies of the other ten members of the crew who died in the preceeding few hours, but Giles was the most important. His body held the beginnings of another of what the Zarnac called Death Walker.

The EMH

The EMH sighed while everyone watched solemnly. What he didn't understand was why - now that Mister Giles was put out of his misery in favor of his suffering a greater one - they had not set to beam him off.

The creature inside was most likely still alive working towards its inevitable eruption. There was no doubt about this to the doctor, because the phaser blast so wrecklessly aimed for the thoracic cavity did NOT result in the release of its destructive acidic "blood". This could mean only one thing: it was unaffected behind its host's pulmonaries.

He quietly walked over to one of the isolinear tags lying on the floor, and handed it to Lt. Commander Kudet. She met his gaze and he could tell she understood his gesture.

Captain Barton

Barton eyed the Doctor and Kudet. He wasn't the most emotional human ever born, but he was not unaffected by the scene that had unfolded.

The pilot stormed over to the hologram and, glaring at him, snatched the isolinear tag from Kudet's hand. "Don't even entertain the thought Doctor. The creature WILL be dealt with, but we will NOT dishonor Giles' memory to do it."

Throwing the isolinear tag accross the room, Corey began to stomp away. After a few meters, he turned back to face the Doctor, "If you try something like that again, I'll see to it that your program is decompiled algorithm by algorithm."

The EMH

Not a moment passed from when the holographic doctor handed Kudet the tag, to when Captain Barton interrupted their discrete contact to grab it from the science XO's possession. Unprovoked, Barton ranted madly, then proceeded to destroy Starfleet property. Such a crude, irrational display, thought the EMH, that this man would act so based merely on assumption.

"You can rest assured that I do not take extreme actions without the approval of my superior officer... unlike some people I know." The vision of a gun being insensitively pointed at an unwilling pawn replayed in his mind. Even though Starfleet recognized him to be a citizen of the Federation, the hologram knew that to Barton, he was no more worth regarding than the isolinear tag which was just destroyed. The doctor merely raised an eyebrow: "In the meantime, I'll be sure to note your intentions in my report to Commodore Siit, along with any other designs you may have on my person."

"I know you don't want to hear from an insensitive such as myself," he laced his tone with ample sarcasm, "but there's every likelihood that the newborn is still alive. If you want to hold your ceremony, I suggest you do it now. The whole point of all this was to eliminate a threat. From what I can see, you have merely eliminated a crewman."

Lt Commander Kudet

Kudet too, had averted her eyes as P'Trell had killed Giles. Whatever others had thought, as a biologist life was important to her, far too important not to regret its passing, especially human life.

The Holodoc then handed her an isolinear tag and plans for a funeral were discussed. Kudet couldn't believe her ears. Giles had died honorably as a sacfifice to save the crew and now they were arguing over whether or not to play around with ceremonies. When Barton knocked the tag from her hands she was furious. What harm could there be in tagging Giles' body as a precaution against premature hatching?

She decided to say her piece.

"Captain P'Trell, I understand the desire expressed by many to wish to honour Giles with a funeral and would personally like to see that happen. However, going by the time from Limrii's facehugger falling off to the time of hatching, I estimate that we have possibly 20mins left at maximum. This, of course is assuming that all have an equal incubation time - which is not a safe assumption"

She looked around her - many species present, all of whom were imprecise in their incubation period.

"I insist, as Head of Science that if you have to do this, you do it immediately. Use internal transporters to beam us and him to the launching area and do it straight away. Any one else who wishes to be present could beam there too. As an additional precaution we should tag his body..." and here she looked at Barton "just as an extra safety measure. Although," and here she looked at the Holodoc "I don't imagine it will be much use in that capacity, given the speed of these things"

These things needed to be said! What had been the point of killing Giles if the bickering were to continue?

The EMH

With Barton speechless, the doctor knelt down to where the "facehugger" - as the commander had referred to it - lay still, and removed the second isolinear tag. Once again, he handed it to the science officer. "We will not be able to transport Mister Giles' body - anywhere - without this." He then turned to Barton and glared.

Lt jg Carlos

Carlos smirked to himself as the EMH aurgued with Barton. "Score one point for the hologram........" he said under his breath.

Their debate raged on, Kudet jumping in as they decided how and when to remove the body of Gile's. Carlos was no expert in military burials or exobiology, deciding to remain silent until a decision was made.

He only hoped one would be made soon...........

Expert or not, Kudet was right. Action had to be taken swiftly, rather than risk yet another creature birthing. The price had been high, with several aboard the Endeavour now victims of the creature. But perhaps the real price had been the decision to kill Giles.

To end this threat required the death of one of their own. Was this act darker and more destructive than the acts of the alien? Looking around at the squabbling officers, Carlos began to wonder how long the real scars would take to heal?

Commodore Siit

Siit had not heard back from the P'Trell and had called Arman to patch the comm through to his badge. He hung his head as he heard the last minutes of Giles life. His First Officer had done him proud and Giles seemed to find comfort. At the sound of a phaser discharge, Annie fell and began to weep. Siit knew it was over...

A good man, one he didn't know had died, with honour and bravery.... then the arguments began. Siit was appalled at the level to which the situation degenerated and slander was being thrown. Obviously the brave deeds of Giles was rudimentary to some of the officers there.

Before he could take no more... he hit his comm

The EMH

The Commodore's voice echoed over the comm, betraying a great deal of restraint:

=/\= Commodore Siit to the Industrial Sector team: Prepare to beam out Giles' body. Commander Moishe ... pay the required respects. =/\=

The EMH ignored the astonished looks as he responded in Hebrew in the designated places while the rabbi recited the Kaddish. Not surprisingly, he was the only one who knew enough of the faith to do so.

Obviously having witnessed the brief memorial service over the comm, Commodore Siit continued delegating orders:

=/\= Mr Arman, transport Mr Giles' body into the single forward torpedo bay.... Chief prepare his body in a casing and fire torpedo one =/\=

With a shimmer, the physical form which once held the life essence of Mister Giles disappeared from the room. Then, one last time:

=/\= ...all senior officers are to report to the Observation Lounge (main site) in 4 hours.... Siit out !!!! =/\=

With termination of the comlink, everybody in the room looked at eachother, silently for many moments.

Lt. Peter Arman, OPs XO

Arman dropped into the chair emotionally drained after the kill had finally taken place. He wasn't one to generally be emotional or affected by others suffering, but after listening to all of the goings on over the comm link he was truly upset.

Just when he felt that he couldn't put up with the ceaseless bickering the Commodore finally cut through over the comm link.

Once Siit had given the order for the transport of Giles's remains, Arman waved a hand to Ensign Edger signalling for him to tend to it and rose form the command chair. he was truly exhausted and tired. he couldn't imagine how the Industrial sector teams might feel.

"Mr Edger, take the bridge." ordered Arman as he dissapeared into the waiting turbolift and towards his quarters for some rest.

The EMH

Most of the Marines and security personnel filed out from the room. Some appeared dazed, a sign to the EMH that they were traumatized by what transpired. But things weren't over yet. He opened up his tricorder.

"Commanders," the doctor addressed Woo and Kudet, "the source of the organic decomposition is over there." He pointed.

The joined him to behold what was left of another ill-fated crewman.

The hologram knelt down and ran the diagnostic component above areas of the head which were recognizable, then keyed in commands on the LCARS display. "According to my readings, this is a crewman Frost." He looked up at them with a grim expression. "His death had to have been a painful one."

Lt Commander Kudet

It was over.

After directing with the Holodoc the necessary procedures for the removal of the other crewman who'd succumbed to the alien creature, Kudet made her way to her quarters.

As she cleaned herself and put on a fresh uniform in preparation for the meeting, Marisha allowed herself to think about the human cost of what had happened. Lives lost, in a most horrific way, officers and crewmembers set against each other in conflict, and lastly the valiant death of Giles.

She sat and looked out of the window, struggling to hold back the tears that threatened to overwhelm her. Finally, she gave up and allowed the tears to fall freely down her cheeks. Before long, sobs escaped and the cathartic experience of a weeping session gradually allowed some of the hurt and tension to seep away. Gradually, she calmed and dried her tears, washed her face and prepared herself for the meeting. She'd grieved for the lost crew, and also for the part of herself that she'd had to harden to get through the experience.

The EMH

Once Frost's body had been dealt with, the EMH said his goodbyes to Woo and Kudet. He straightened up and tapped his combadge. "This is the Emergency Medical Hologram to Dr. Rosea. I've completed my current assignment. Is my assistance required elsewhere?"

He wondered whether he was needed at the Mall, what with all the civilians rounded up there. Well, let the doctor say where he was needed - if any.

Dr. Kamala Rosea, CMO

~ Main Sickbay ~

Kamala watches as Commodor Siit issues orders for a meeting in the Observation Lounge, after the upset over the death of that poor man Giles. She get a call over her comm from the EMH. *thinking good I can trust him to keep sickbay operating while I'm gone.*

Tapping her badge she replies to him. "Yes Doctor, I'll be needed for the meeting, I want you to report back to sickbay."

She looks at the Commodore, he still isn't looking that well. *I would like to keep him in bed until the last possible moment. He will feel more himself with a shower and clean uniform. Then rest untill time for the meeting.*

Walking closer to him, she speaks softly. "Commodore, do you think your able to shower and dress on your own? I can have the medic attend you if needed. I'll have the assistant replicate you a new uniform."

Commodore Siit

"I'm sure I will be able to manage thank you doctor" Siit said with a touch of sarcasm "And I am sure the uniforms in my quarters will suffice"

Siit layed still and closed his eyes. However the hustle and activity in sickbay was not condusive to rest. He struggled and sat up his muscles and chest tight. His own quarters would be much more peaceful. Thinking to himself that it was not courteous to simply check out of sickbay without authorisation - Commodore or not, he eyed Dr Rosea challengingly.

"I concur with you on rest. However my own quarters will be better suited. I intend to beam there"

Siit did not want a debate on the matter... but his mood suggested he would if pushed.