Messages

["All hands, this is the Captain speakin', report on the double ta your duty station on the Challenger immediately. This a full complement recall. This is not a drill."]

[{NPC} Admiral Hamish Gillespie | Ops | Deck One | Starbase 185]

Gillespie flinched when the station was hit. It was outright astonishing at the power levels it took to get a station to hit, particularly coming from Landser technology. Still, he was impressed with how Galloway's suggestion and how the shields protected the station to Galloway's specifications.

"Impressive on your Mister Wu, Galloway," Gillespie said. "His next promotion commendation will be on me," he added with a smile.

Then came the contact. It was definitely the Landsers. Gillespie's mutterance was simultaneous to Galloway's: "Bollicks."

He hastily sent two messages, one to Carter and to Jellico: "Get to Ops as fast as possible, situation developing." Then, taking advantage of the audio, he relayed a text to Galloway on a PADD: "Get your crew assembled, we're going to need their help."

[Ops | Starbase 185]

The doors opened permitting the admiral's entry. "Gillespie. I got your message. What's going on?" As he spoke his arms went behind his back as he moved to stand next to his fellow admiral. "More importantly what can I do to help?" He asked in a more hushed tone than before, his gaze moving over to meet the captain. "Galloway. I'm at your disposal. I keep track of what ships are where, I can send a message and have the USS Valkyrie here in an hour."

[Station Operations - Starbase 185]

Galloway winced when he heard his PADD ping and was stunned at Gillespie's order. However, rather than ask questions, he immediately tapped his combadge before the admiral could change his mind.

"All hands, this is the Captain speakin', report on the double ta your duty station on the Challenger immediately. This a full complement recall. This is not a drill."

Ian was even more surprised by Admiral Carter's support as he was still uncertain of his standing with the man.

"Sir, the biggest issue I see is the immediate need for more chronitons. Even if all the Landsers do is say 'now that we've found you we're leavin',' we don't ken how long the Wu Defense works. Personally, and I'm nae a boffin, I believe the chronitons are expended each time they stop a pulse, so the station goin' ta have ta start generatin' them for when the Landsers do leave whenever that may be.

"And I believe now, the proper thing ta do is ta talk ta them, they've traveled 36 light years ta get here, I figure we owe them that much. So with your leave, Sirs, and Captain, I'd like ta reply."

When Sonak nodded his acceptance, Ian stepped into view of the Landsers.

"I greet you Explorers Marek Garr and Neediki Remos. This is Galloway. When we last spoke, the Land Moot had agreed ta suspend operation of the Great Work."

"We greet you Captain Ian Galloway. There was much debate on stopping the Great Work. After several weeks of discussion, it was decided that the work of five generations could not simply be shelved. We understand the threat and as much as it pains us, our technology will not go into common use. However, in knowing that your Federation uses a different method has our scientists in a frenzy to unlock other options. It is said that knowing a thing can be done is half the battle of making a thing. We only hope it doesn't take five generations to decipher.

"Technical issues aside, we did come here for another very important reason, we are the authorized envoys of the Moot Master Inti and the Landser people, we would speak with you if such a thing is possible."

Ian looked to the senior officers who nodded and he replied.

"The Federation is always welcome to meet with other explorers in peace. We will have a means ta pull your ship aboard this station so that we may meet in person. I look forward ta seein' you soon."

"This is most acceptable. End transmission."

Ian turned back to the command team.

"I hope I didn't overstep Sir."

["Score one for the 'Wu Defense'."]

[{NPC} Admiral Hamish Gillespie | Ops | Deck One | Starbase 185]

"I wouldn't be surprised if they did," Gillespie said. "With their twenty-first century mind set, it's entirely possible, and I wouldn't be surprised if the changing of minds was a result of violence, either," he added, remembering how the first half of the twenty-first century was the most dangerous time to be in.

"Bullocks, these people make the Krenim and the Iconians look like the Sanctuary Districts. What's the estimated time of arrival for that pulse?" he asked, looking around to the sensor people.

[Station Ops - Starbase 185]

Ian was dearly hoping that Gillespie was wrong, but based on what happened in Magana, he couldn't be certain. In response to the admiral's question, the Stations Operation officer spoke up and said.

"We have detected a pattern Sir. Since the first pulse, there have been five more. One every ten minutes for a total of six. Each is progressively closer and more powerful. Each pulse seems to be occurring roughly five lightyears apart. The next one will be right on top of us. There, I've just detected pulse number seven. The next pulse will hit in five seconds!"

Sonak immediately announced.

"All hands brace for impact."

As per the Ops officer's countdown, the pulse hit the station and the whole massive structure shuddered. Ian could only marvel at the amount of energy it would take to make something as large as a starbase shudder, but the temporal pulse hit the shields backed by polarized chronitons and dissipated just as it had for the Challenger. He sighed in relief and replied.

"Score one for the 'Wu Defense'."

When Sonak arched an eyebrow in his direction like only a Vulcan could manage, he said.

"Named after Alexander Wu, Operations officer on the Challenger, he's the one that thought of usin' chronitons as a shield against a temporal pulse."

"Sir, we are being hailed, radio frequency."

Ian had to choke back replying as this was not his command as Sonak spoke.

"On screen."

"Greetings people of the Federation. We are from the planet Land. I am Marek Garr and my companion is Neediki Remos. We would like to speak to Captain Ian Galloway of the USS Challenger."

Ian blanched and muttered.

"Bollicks."

["Thank you Admiral, Captain. When we left them, what's now close ta three weeks ago, the Landsers had agreed ta suspend Fold Space operations, but looks like the Land Moot ended up changin' their minds about doin' so. The question that comes ta my mind is what has prompted this visit?"]

[{NPC} Admiral Hamish Gillespie | Ops | Deck One | Starbase 185]

Captain Sonak had clearly looked at Admiral Gillespie at first; it was no surprise he did, since he had known Gillespie was on the Horizon, and he had been about to ask him a question, no doubt as to why the Horizon had gotten close to the station's top levels, literally, but Galloway explained himself.

He listened carefully and raised his eyebrows with interest...at least, as to how a Vulcan displaying interest would show interest. But Gillespie had read the files, he and Rusal had seen the details. He knew that Galloway knew for the best defense. He listened, but all the same, when Galloway was finished, he looked at Gillespie in a way that asked for confirmation.

"Do as he says, Captain Sonak," Gillespie ordered. "He knows what's coming how to best defend for it, it's nae different from the Borg or the Dominion, or whenever a hostile sends something horribly dodgy one's way."

"Very well," Sonak said. "Raise shields, flood the space within with chroniton particles and reconfigure the deflector dish to emit tetryon particles. Any further specifications, Captain Galloway will help as best as he can."

Gillespie looked at Galloway and said, "Will yeh be needing anybody from your crew to help prepare our defences?"

[Station Ops - Starbase 185]

Ian breathed a sigh of relief when Gillespie supported him and Sonak agreed with the highly unusual requests. He shuddered to think how long it would take reset all the isolinear chips on a Watchtower-Class starbase, it would have to be weeks.

"Thank you Admiral, Captain. When we left them, what's now close ta three weeks ago, the Landsers had agreed ta suspend Fold Space operations, but looks like the Land Moot ended up changin' their minds about doin' so. The question that comes ta my mind is what has prompted this visit?"

Ian could only hope there hadn't been more upheaval and a less friendly government was now in charge.

["Captain it is good ta have you receive us. I will get right ta the point. Those temporal pulses you've been detectin' are from a Landser Fold Space Drive and pose an immediate threat ta this station. Normal shields, regardless of strength offer no protection. There is but one defense and I know it is an unorthodox one. However, this knowledge was gained the hard way in the field.]

[{NPC} Admiral Hamish Gillespie | Bridge | Deck One | USS Horizon NCC-75668-B] | Starbase 185]

Gillespie could tell Galloway enjoyed the exhilaration of the ship; he had heard he used to be a pilot, so the feeling was understandable.

"Ensign, open a channel to the starbase," the admiral ordered.

"Channel open," called Feeka.

"Admiral Gillespie to Starbase 185. You saw that incoming pulse?"

"Of course, Admiral,"   came the call.  "We wondered where it was coming from, or if the Krenim somehow got to the Alpha Quadrant..."

"It's nae Krenim. Captain Galloway will explain the finer details later, but he'll give you the short version. Stand by to receive us."

"We're locked on and ready to transport to Ops," Feeka said. The Bajoran girl was doing excellently, but it made sense given she served on the Revenant.

"Energize." And he and Galloway were gone.

[Station Ops - Starbase 185]

As soon as he was free of the annular confinement beam, Ian was striding forward. As it was an admiral that was visiting, the station Commander, Captain Sonak, a Vulcan was already waiting for them.

Ian spoke with his emotions firmly in check as he knew any attempt at a passionate plea for assistance would fail to sway a Vulcan.

"Captain it is good ta have you receive us. I will get right ta the point. Those temporal pulses you've been detectin' are from a Landser Fold Space Drive and pose an immediate threat ta this station. Normal shields, regardless of strength offer no protection. There is but one defense and I know it is an unorthodox one. However, this knowledge was gained the hard way in the field.

"I know your people have yet ta purge the chroniton particles in Challenger's ablative armor matrix. You are goin' ta have ta raise your shields and flush them into the local space around the station instead of collectin' them for disposal per regulation. Once you have flooded the area inside your shields, you must reconfigure your deflector dish ta emit tetryon particles ta polarize the chronitons. This is the only known defense against a temporal pulse.

"I ken that these instructions fly in the face of many regulations, but until a few weeks ago, Fold Space travel was throught ta be impossible too. If you don't act immediately, every system on this station that relies on isolinear circuitry will be disabled and every livin' thing rendered unconscious."

Ian had made his pitch. Like with any Vulcan, Sonak's expression was unreadable. All Ian could hope for was that he'd made a logical presentation and that Sonak would listen.

["Thank ye Admiral, I just hope we have enough leeway ta take the necessary steps that can protect the station before that probe gets here."]

[{NPC} Admiral Hamish Gillespie | Bridge | Deck One | USS Horizon NCC-75668-B] | Starbase 185]

"Cripes," Gillespie murmured. "It's the T'Kori attack on Risa all over again. Helm, get us directly as close as possible to Ops and prepare to transport me and Galloway aboard."

As the helm got ready, Gillespie added, "Quite the call there; temporal pulses, I would've figured it to come from the Krenim if this was the Delta Quadrant, and I would've figured the pulses from chroniton weapons, what with the Krenim's reports from old Voyager of mucking up time. Edward and James are going to get their proof..."

"Helm ready," came the call.

"Punch it!" Gillespie said. "Galloway, enjoy how manoeuvrable this ship can get while you can. Ensign Feeka, site to site transport to Ops, fast. Rusal, inform Ops we're incoming."

"Aye, sir," Rusal said and she got to work.

[Bridge - USS Horizon]

Ian sighed in relief that he still had enough credibility left that Gillespie was willing to listen and take a chance. Now, hopefully the starbase commander would listen.

"Thank ye Admiral, I just hope we have enough leeway ta take the necessary steps that can protect the station before that probe gets here."

Ian had to admit, it was exhilarating being on a small nimble starship. He dearly loved Challenger, but she wasn't light on her feet.

["Admiral, only one thing in the universe makes pulses like the station is pickin' up, Landser Fold Space Drive. If'n we don't get ta Station Ops fast, you are about ta experience the full system shut down of the starbase and every person aboard being rendered unconscious. And that's nae summat you'll be wantin' ta experience."]

[{NPC} Admiral Hamish Gillespie | Bridge | Deck One | USS Horizon NCC-75668-B] | Starbase 185]

"Aye, of course it is," Gillespie said. "They'll soon be finding oot they're facing a corvette when expecting a yacht. And we have it a functioning ship for a reason, it and the others used to be attached to Odyssey class starships heading into retirement." He was grinning at Galloway's calling it a Pirate of Penzance yacht; he distinctly remembered when he and Elizabeth Shelby were having drinks upon the dawn of the new century and singing a few songs from Pirates of Penzance in the same yacht in the same office when it looked less as wide as it was now.

"And it's good to see that we matched the point of impact shields as close as possible to Lek's design. Any raiders will definitely be in surprise. She'll be assigned to the Romulan border for patrol and escort when the shakedown is finished; and Revenant to the Tzenkethi border, and eventually the prototype Aquarian."

"Sirs!" Rusal, having accompanied the party for the tour and conducting her bridge inspection as temporary first officer, perked up at a sensor reading next to Ensign Feeka Olisa at the Ops station. "Sensors are detecting temporal pulses incoming. Starbase 185 has confirmed. And they're getting stronger."

[Bridge- USS Horizon]

Ian tried not to eavesdrop, but the Horizon's bridge was hopelessly too small for that. As soon as he heard the words "temporal pulse" he knew the source and knew they didn't have a lot of time to do something before the starbase suffered a catastrophic shutdown.

"Admiral, only one thing in the universe makes pulses like the station is pickin' up, Landser Fold Space Drive. If'n we don't get ta Station Ops fast, you are about ta experience the full system shut down of the starbase and every person aboard being rendered unconscious. And that's nae summat you'll be wantin' ta experience."

Ian waited for the Admiral's response and dearly hoped the man would listen, because Ian didn't want to imagine an entire starbase and crew rendered non-functional.

["You've certainly loaded the thing with all the bells and whistles. Multi-phasic regenerative shields, neural gel-packs, holographic communications, she has it all. I guess it's a bit a amusin' ta see one of these Pirates of Penzance ship's yachts bein' turned into a functionin' little ship. Seems a good fit as an escort or patrol ship for a space station. Far more juice than a runabout, but short of a beastie like Defiant.]

[{NPC} Admiral Hamish Gillespie | Readiness Cafe | Starbase 185]

Gillespie smirked. "Aye, a wee look at a wee ship," he said, with a chuckle of a scoff. "That's good to hear. Once we're done, follow me doon."

[{NPC} Admiral Hamish Gillespie | Bridge | Deck One | USS Horizon NCC-75668-B] | Starbase 185]

"Allow me to welcome yeh to the Horizon, Galloway," Gillespie said, despite having to take Galloway though the airlock. "Patrol and escort vessel, like the Defiant in the past. She's been on shakedown for two months noo, had to fix things over on her. Once the shakedown cruise is finished, she'll settle in a new home for assignment at an ootpost.

"You'll find more information in the database," Gillespie continued, "but suffice it to say, it's one of three prototype Aquarian class starships, refitted for more starship assignment since some of their respective Odyssey class ships they're usually assigned to are retired. Aye, I'm not joking," he added, "the Horizon used to be a yacht.

"She's been in drydock the longest due to the beating it took on last year's Frontier Day," Gillespie further explained. "A sister ship, the Revenant, had been on a cruise of her own to check out the capabilities, and when their assignment was complete, the crew reported a good deal in regards to improving the ship, which we took the liberty to get to; the old Aquarian model used to have pylons and nacelles, but the Revenant crew - temporarily captained by your former first officer, Ian - reported hoo vulnerable it was, among other things, so we began patching up the Horizon further, tinkering some, and before the Revenant herself returned to drydock.

"Among some of the things I wanted yeh to look over," Gillespie explained, "is one of the reasons we took so long working on the Horizon at drydock: We had noticed that, dated as the Challenger is, its shields make it the most powerfully defensive starships in the fleet. Point of impact shielding. The shipyard lads had been trying to emulate the design of the shields made by its former Chief Engineer, Mister Lek. Horizon is one of them, we had been intending it to give it as much of a defence advantage as much as teeth. We had hoped the opportunity to have a word with yeh on how close we made it compared to Lek's."

[Bridge - USS Horizon]

Ian had to admit, this new class of ship was different. Smaller even than a Defiant-Class, this ship was clearly not an explorer. It was an escort, Ian thought of the old sailing ships and thought the term frigate would be appropriate.

"You've certainly loaded the thing with all the bells and whistles. Multi-phasic regenerative shields, neural gel-packs, holographic communications, she has it all. I guess it's a bit a amusin' ta see one of these Pirates of Penzance ship's yachts bein' turned into a functionin' little ship. Seems a good fit as an escort or patrol ship for a space station. Far more juice than a runabout, but short of a beastie like Defiant.

"If she's got point of impact, whoever tangles with her is in for a nasty surprise. That system has done more ta keep Challenger in one piece than all the other systems we have. I think you have a winner here Admiral."

["Yes Sir, I'd be deeply honored ta take a wee look at this ship of yours. I ken I've fought hard ta keep Challenger in the game, but I do keep up with new design developments."]

[{NPC} Admiral Hamish Gillespie | Readiness Cafe | Starbase 185]

"I don't mind," Gillespie said. "I'm not on business at the moment. Oh, I'm still on duty, but I'm not at my business; there's a difference between duty and business, after all."

At Galloway's question about Earth, Gillespie gave a shrug. "Och, neither. It's still quiet so far. In regards to Earth, our first sets of recruits from our new Academy one-year program are ready to roll. Dinnae ken if yeh had some of them already; I mean, look at us. We had to graduate everybody at the Academy early, except for the first-year cadets. It's like with the Dominion War again. Even with draining the Klingon Empire, the Romulan Free State and the Unification Movement of officers for the Exchange Program, we're nae at full capacity. We still won't be even when our first sets from the new program come oot.

"Starfleet Security's been working 'roond the clock in keeping an eye on potential hostiles," he added. "The Tzenkethi,  the Breen, the Kzinti. And Romulan factions hostile to the Federation. We'll be in a sticky wicket if any one of them elects to attack noo. Still, a court investigation makes a refreshing change."

He took another sip of the stew and said, "Thus far, there are only nuisance raids along our borders, nothing to indicate something serious...yet. The most interesting thus far is at the Ciden System. We haven't had a thing oot of Ciden for almost thirty years, after all, and now that we have Starfleet personnel manning the newly named Outpost Solaere, we're getting plenty."

"Noo, Galloway," he added, "I had planned on calling on yeh once I supped, but it's good you're here. Firstly, I wanted to send yeh a warning of sorts: Our third man has arrived, and it's none other than old Edward Jellico. My warning is to brace yehrself. He's going to interview yeh and yehr crew next tomorrow. On another matter, I've been accompanying personnel on a new ship that's having a shakedown cruise before my summoning to yeh're court martial. I'd like yeh to accompany me on a new inspection of the ship and get some opinions from it, get yehr perspective on the matter."

[Readiness Cafe - Starbase 185]

Ian listened to Gillespie intently. Even though they had disagreed over things in the past, Ian felt the Admiral was about as close to an ally as he had in this whole mess. He was confident in his decisions and wouldn't have changed anything, but it seemed that admirals stopped being Starfleet and became politicians when the pinned on flag rank. Many decisions, especially the worst of them lately were based on politics and not strategic thinking. However, the offer to tour one of the new ships did sound interesting.

"Yes Sir, I'd be deeply honored ta take a wee look at this ship of yours. I ken I've fought hard ta keep Challenger in the game, but I do keep up with new design developments."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Elsewhere]

The sleek probe was ready. All systems had been triple checked and it was time for the Seeker's first manned mission. The two pilots were in place and the countdown was underway. History was about to be made.

"Five, four, three, two, one. Engage."

The probe then vanished as its revolutionary drive activated.

["Hello Admiral, are you certain? I'd nae like ta intrude."]

[{NPC} Admiral Hamish Gillespie | Readiness Cafe | Starbase 185]

Gillespie had been hearing of parties going around on the starbase. Even the Challenger crew were immersed in one in the Function Room Mayflower. He settled for something more quieter. The Readiness Cafe was a good place for peaceful eating, and he was impressed with all the non-replicated food. He had a good idea why it was called the Readiness Cafe. He heard of an establishment called the "Captain's Table," and obviously this was named so in reference to Ready Rooms.

He was just tucking into some mushroom stew when he noticed Ian Galloway in passing.

"Ah, Ian, me lad," he called. "Over here. Nae, we're jes finished with business for today, in case yeh were wondering."

[Readiness Cafe - Starbase 185]

Ian was surprised to hear his name and even more surprised to see Admiral Gillespie being cordial. The man didn't seem duplicitous, but Ian was cautious nonetheless.

"Hello Admiral, are you certain? I'd nae like ta intrude."

When given leave to sit, Ian nodded and joined Gillespie. He thanked the server for the menu and quickly scanned through the options. Non-replicated food was unusual anywhere in the 25th Century, so to find any at a space station was a rare thing indeed. Spotting something he'd always wanted to try, he notified the server he would be having the Raviolo al Uovo and asked for whatever white wine was recommended.

"How are things on Earth? Any new pending catastrophe out there, or has Picard already saved us again?"

[[Lieutenant Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas | Function Room Mayflower | Starbase 185]]

[Lieutenant Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas | Function Room Mayflower | Starbase 185]

"Security. Be advised, that we may have a cadre of interlopers in our celebration. Convene in mine position at my command, over."

Zhukdra'shar's ears perked up as the stage hand relayed Lahr's information on the possible suspects. His look was a furious one now, and it was visible to anyone this time that the chase had utterly ruined his mood. His dichroic green eyes darted from side to side as he attempted to locate them, tirelessly, frankly insulted that they would even attempt to peddle illegal goods in such a good-natured party. Then again, perhaps Tora should have allowed alcohol to be served, maybe.

But children?! And their guardians?! Inadmissible. He would pursue them to the full extent of the law, and even beyond if necessary. As the stage hand further described them once he had identified them himself, Zhuk arrived at the scene like smoke in the night air, ready to pounce on his prey. Lowering his voice, he called forth,

"Security, I have the two suspects located. On me."

S'mol and her act stopped with a round of applause from the crowd, just as Zhuk reached for Alex Freemantle and yanked him out of sight and mind from Kyan. Another member of his team swiftly did the same with Alex's companion. The first sign that something was just not what it seemed was the fact that Zhuk noticed Admiral Gillespie, Kyan, and his friend, Max out of the corner of his eye. The second one was the rebuttal from the news reporter even before Zhuk could say anything,

"Hey, hey! What are you doing?! I was interviewing Commander Mackenzie-"

Zhuk, having walked a few meters with them in tow, pressed his claws into his arms, making him quiet as he struggled to explain himself, though soon enough, Zhuk backed off, letting him continue, "Mine apologies. I had believed you were some kind of subversive element."

"What?! No, no. I just wanted the scoop of the Land mission. Didn't mean any offense to the Commander." The man defended himself. Zhuk gazed at him for a good while, trying to determine if he was lying to him, however, the flashing of an Identification Card made Zhuk finally back off, "Yes. I perhaps acted far too harshly. You were not registered on our list. We unfortunately cannot divulge sensitive details of our mission, and I am afraid Commander Mackenzie is not to be bothered at the time being. We hope that you can enjoy the party, however."

He motioned for his companion to be released. Alex was about to speak once more, his face betraying a look of mild irritation, though he decided against it as Zhuk's look became severe. Nodding, he took the hint, and prepared to disengage. Zhuk was about to return to his duties upon the venue, just in time to see Lahr walking upon the stage, when a certain familiar face came up.

"Ah, Lieutenant Wu. We are okay, but I do appreciate the petition for assistance. It seems that the situation was somewhat of a misunderstanding. Just a reporter, that is all. Or rather, two of them," He explained, the situation calmly, "Ah, but perhaps we should speak of this back at my table? There is some sparkling water waiting for me."

He invited Wu, wondering if he would accept.

Zhukdra'shar eventually returned to his table, where Tora was sure to be waiting for him with a drink. He was not expecting to come upon Captain Galloway, however, his eyes blinked as he ensured he had recognized him. His voice, however, left no doubt in his mind. He glanced around the table for a moment, as he tried to determine exactly why they were disreputable before Ian's announcement crashed onto him like a ship at Warp 9,

Lieutenant Commander?! Sir... that is... Zhukdra'shar stood up and offered a nod towards his Captain, his tail swishing from side to side, eyes wide like plates. He was surprised and excited, for certain, and could not hide it, "I greatly appreciate your words, Captain. It is but an honor to serve aboard the USS Challenger and her esteemed crew, and I am proud to call thee my superior. I shalt be sure to personally thank Admiral Slater later today after this event. You can be certain I will continue with my exemplary work as I have thus far."

He smiled, his heart beating fast inside of his chest. He felt a fuzzy, incredible feeling, and could barely contain it within himself.

[Function Room Mayflower - Starbase 185]

Ian shook Zhuk's hand and winced as the music started. Knowing it was time to go he added.

"You earned it Commander. I'm goin' ta leave you ta celebrate. I hope you have the latinum ta cover the drinks, it could get expensive. Good night."

Ian had noted the commotion with the reporters and found a side exit to slip out unnoticed. Last thing he needed was a nosy reporter. He again ambled around the massive starbase, once again without destination until finding a quiet little cafe that promised it used fresh, not replicated food. He decided, a good meal was just what the doctor ordered and went in.

[EXCELSIOR!]

Let's all congratulate our own Zhukdrashar Mrekrerhas on his promotion to Lieutenant Commander! He's been a solid member of the crew since joining Shadowfleet and we are truly lucky to have him with us.

EXCELSIOR!

["Well, if'n this isn't the most disreputable lot ta ever be in one place at one time."]

[Mayflower Function Room - Starbase 185]

Ian arrived at the lounge-like room and scanned through the dim lighting for a very specific profile. After a couple minutes of looking, he finally spotted who he was looking for. He approached the table quietly and in order make sure he didn't startle the group at the table. He announced himself with a loud.

"Well, if'n this isn't the most disreputable lot ta ever be in one place at one time."

He let that sink in before he continued.

"Mister Mrekrerhas, I'm sure this is ta be some sort of clerical error, but it seems some bright spark at Starfleet Command has taken in into their head that you are worth a tinker's damn. Ta wit, I formally announce the following."

Bringing up his PADD, Ian continued by reading what was on the display.

"To all who shall read these presents, greetings,

"Starfleet Command has endowed special trust in the fidelity, competency, and demonstrated leadership of Lieutenant Zhukdrashar Mrekrerhas and hereby advances him to the rank of Lieutenant Commander with all rights and privileges associated with that position.

"Signed Admiral Phillip D. Slater, Starfleet Command."

"Congratulations Commander Mrekrerhas, it is an honor ta serve with you and surely the Challenger is the better for you bein' with us."

["Galloway."]

[Promenade - Starbase 185]

Ian had wandered without destination for some time and finally settled for a nice little cafe where he was enjoying a cup of black chai tea and reading a Micky Spillane crime novel when his combadge beeped.

"Galloway."

He answered simply.

"Starbase Operations here Sir, I have a message for you."

"Send it to my PADD."

"Aye Sir."

Ian read through the message quickly and beamed. He finished the last bit of his tea, stood, and tapped his combadge.

"Computer, locate Lieutenant Mrekrerhas."

"Lieutenant Mrekrerhas is in Function Room Mayflower."

Ian tucked his PADD under his arm and headed for the nearest turbolift with a spring in his step.

[Function Room Mayflower - Starbase 185]

The two figures closed quickly on their targets with authority and when they were inside five meters, each one produced an object their left hand simultaneously, almost as if they had practiced the maneuver. When they reached two meters from Jettis and Kyan, the two humans shouted to be heard above the music in very fine cultured voices virtually the same thing.

"Commander Kyan Mackenzie. I am Alex Freemantle, Federation Network News and I would very much like your thoughts on your experiences on the planet Land."

The second human had said the only slightly different.

"Lieutenant Jettis Jyur I am Rodney Fisk, Federation Network News could you tell me about your experiences on the planet Land?"

[Function Room Mayflower - Starbase 185]

The two figures in the shadows spoke softly before the Klingons began their set. Because of the dim lighting, all you could really tell was it was a pair of humanoids, but what species of humanoid was impossible to tell.

"I've seen both of our targets."

"Confirmed, which one do you want to ambush?"

"I've been after that Onlie for a long time, so he's mine."

"Fine, I'm good with Jyur as my target."

"This may be our only opportunity, so whatever it takes."

"Whatever it takes."

The two figures split up and slowly began worming their way through the crowd, taking advantage of the distraction of the thundering music to approach the two Starfleet officers.