"Akula: Standing by in low orbit"
 by Ensign T'Kang - Asst. Helm


T'Kang tapped the controls of the Akula's helm, adjusting the 
starship's orbit about the planet.  The Defiant class warship's 
automated systems were fine for maintaining a high planetary orbit, 
but Captain Lakkar had ordered the Akula into a low orbit to help 
mask it's presence from any approaching ships from outside the 
solar system.  The low orbit required more frequent course 
adjustments on T'Kang's part.

After finishing this latest round of minute corrections, the Klingon 
leaned back in the flight chair and glanced around while scratching 
under his armpit.   He was the only officer currently on the Akula's 
bridge, which didn't bother T'Kang in the least.  Given the mission to 
the planet surface, the majority of the Akula's crew were down there, 
leaving the running of the ship to the more junior officers of the crew.

After several minutes, the doors to the turbolift slid open breaking 
the silence on the bridge.  Well, near silence aside from T'Kang 
sucking bits of food out of his teeth and humming.

The Klingon warrior swiveled in his chair to see who'd entered the 
bridge.  His forehead cringed when he saw who it was.  Lieutenant 
Za,  Chief of Security on the Akula.  The Andorian stepped off of the 
lift and made his way to the command chair of the bridge.  He had a 
lithe form and moved with an insect like grace.  His cool gray eyes 
seemed to glint and sear as he looked at T'Kang.    The Klingon 
curled his upper lip slightly, exposing his jagged teeth, and letting out 
a low growl.    T'Kang seemed to dislike nearly everyone on board 
the Akula for one reason or another,  but Za seemed to dislike 
T'Kang just as much, though the Klingon never knew or cared to ask 
why.

"Status report Ensign."  Za said evenly while sitting in the command 
chair and steepling his hands in front of him.  His eyes never left 
T'Kang's, like he didn't trust the Klingon warrior any farther than he 
could throw him.

T'Kang's snarl grew wider as he hissed back his reply.  "We are in a 
low orbit about the planet.  No signal has been received from 
Captain Lakkar or Commander Storm.  We are to stand by until they 
signal us.   If they ever do...."  The Klingon trailed off with an 
unmistakable dose of sarcasm.

The Andorian commanding officer stared at the Klingon for a long 
moment in silence.  Looking over his steepled fingers, Za thought of 
just what he wanted to say to T'Kang.