S11 - Mission 7: Asteroid Katra

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

[Deck 15]

The turbolift finally came to a stop and opened for them. She continued on to chatter excitedly about her program. "Well, it all comes down to the Admiral's recommendation, really, but if he's unable to come up with reserves, CINDERELLA should help. Basically, I plug in the filters for the job we need and it cross-refs all of the crew and ranks out the best officers for the job. Example..."

When they reached the offices, Kali reached the main console and started to tap at it. "So, lets say we need a pilot for this mission. I just plug it in like so - helm experience, flight hours, stress level of this mission aaaaand - bam!"

Several dossiers blipped into existence with percentages attached to their files. She pointed at Mahak's. "There you are! And it's got everything from your approximate hours, to your studies, to experience on the field. All from one candy bar, really. Or lack there of. You still owe me an answer to that, by the way."

But not only was he in the top percentile, CINDERELLA made him the toppiest one. One decimal away from a hundred percent. Damn Vulcans and their efficiency.

Deck 15

"I do not live to eat," Mahak said absently, as if they'd had this same stale diatribe many times before. He was busy studying the results that the chief's program was displaying before them. "I have consumed tea and plomeek broth for every snack since I joined Starfleet."

"Most efficient design, Chief." The Vulcan said, with a hint of attitude. He was clearly jealous but not jealous, the way his people became. "I have to admit that I wish I had thought of it. You now can recruit across the entire ship for any ask. If you were to send this technology to the Federation as a whole you would have a much larger talent pool to choose from."

[Kali Reyes]

Deck 15

"I do not live to eat," Mahak said absently, as if they'd had this same stale diatribe many times before. He was busy studying the results that the chief's program was displaying before them. "I have consumed tea and plomeek broth for every snack since I joined Starfleet."

"You and every other Vulcan on this ship say the same thing," she whined. "A little diversity would be nice. My program's gonna start spitting out the entire Vulcanoid list if a mission required a taste tester."

"Most efficient design, Chief." The Vulcan said, with a hint of attitude. He was clearly jealous but not jealous, the way his people became. "I have to admit that I wish I had thought of it. You now can recruit across the entire ship for any ask. If you were to send this technology to the Federation as a whole you would have a much larger talent pool to choose from."

"It's not..." She suddenly felt unsure. "I mean, it works - but it's not all that impressive. There's a lot of bugs - the error report itself is a light year long. Codes need refining. Got a lot of junk data due to time restraints. And I've got terrabytes of information just sitting on external drives in my quarters because adding them now will lag the hell out of it. That's just for the ship. Federation-wide? I'd need an infrastructure. Or a very sophisticated AI."

"I don't even know if I wanna give it to Starfleet," she continued with a prided smile. "It's my baby. Kinda want to nurse it first before they get their grubby fingers all over my coding."

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

"You and every other Vulcan on this ship say the same thing," she whined. "A little diversity would be nice. My program's gonna start spitting out the entire Vulcanoid list if a mission required a taste tester."

"It's not..." She suddenly felt unsure. "I mean, it works - but it's not all that impressive. There's a lot of bugs - the error report itself is a light year long. Codes need refining. Got a lot of junk data due to time restraints. And I've got terrabytes of information just sitting on external drives in my quarters because adding them now will lag the hell out of it. That's just for the ship. Federation-wide? I'd need an infrastructure. Or a very sophisticated AI."

"I don't even know if I wanna give it to Starfleet," she continued with a prided smile. "It's my baby. Kinda want to nurse it first before they get their grubby fingers all over my coding."

[Deck 15]

"But if you're not invention could be improved why wouldn't you allow it?" Mahak asked, puzzled. Things such as pride and ownership clearly did not factor into his decision making process.

"And I more meant that if you exposed more people to your survey you'd get more and better results," The Vulcan said. "Perhaps enough for you to work out any bugs on your own."

[Kali Reyes]

[Deck 15]

"But if you're not invention could be improved why wouldn't you allow it?" Mahak asked, puzzled. Things such as pride and ownership clearly did not factor into his decision making process.

"And I more meant that if you exposed more people to your survey you'd get more and better results," The Vulcan said. "Perhaps enough for you to work out any bugs on your own."

"Because the last time I made something, the Federation took it," she said quietly, almost bitter. "But you're right. I need a bigger data pool just to see if there's any kinks."

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

"Because the last time I made something, the Federation took it," she said quietly, almost bitter. "But you're right. I need a bigger data pool just to see if there's any kinks."

[Deck 15]

"I was not aware of that. Perhaps I can help." If a Vulcan could look sly Mahak would have done so now. But they couldn't and didn't. Instead, he spoke to her in a low and rapid voice.

"We could lock out your root program with a rotating fractal encryption algorithm. It would be highly unlikely even a skilled Starfleet code breaker could crack it. This way the program could still feed us information but it could not be duplicated."

"There is a drawback, of course," Mahak said. "And I understand if this deters you. But this is technically illegal."

[Kali Reyes]

[Deck 15]

"I was not aware of that. Perhaps I can help." If a Vulcan could look sly Mahak would have done so now. But they couldn't and didn't. Instead, he spoke to her in a low and rapid voice.

"We could lock out your root program with a rotating fractal encryption algorithm. It would be highly unlikely even a skilled Starfleet code breaker could crack it. This way the program could still feed us information but it could not be duplicated."

"There is a drawback, of course," Mahak said. "And I understand if this deters you. But this is technically illegal."

[Deck 15]

Her eyes widened almost comically the more he spoke in a hush tone. Then her mouth opened to protest. After all, a lot of her code wasn't exactly Starfleet regulated and with a stiff Vulcan poking through it, she was going to have a bad time for sure.

But he had ideas. Lots and lots of ideas. Ideas that promised a lot of late nights and sleeping on top of her storage tower to get it done.

Then he said the magic word. "No way!" she said, delighted. "You're really serious, aren't you? Tempting me with illegal tech. Didn't know you were such a flirt."

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

[Deck 15]

"The encryption itself isn't illegal, but sending it to Starfleet would be." Mahak said carefully. "However, without it Starfleet would take whatever liberties with your property that they wanted, up to and including permanently taking ownership of it."

The Vulcan gave his boss a steady look.

"Perhaps by showing Starfleet your ideas are not to be trifled with you can remain more in control of them while also exposing them to a larger audience."

[Kachina Filitov]

[Bridge]

Kirok looked up from his small arm chair computer and offered Mr. Ainsley a nod.  "It is understandable, Mr. Ainsley.  I hope you were able to finish whatever it was that delayed you" the half Vulcan said.

"As it turns out, I do have an assignment for you.  We will be heading to an abandoned Start Fleet Intelligence base.  You and Mr. Marshall will be assigned to teams as we enter the base.  It would be wise if you two could review the plans for the base" he said.

Kirok looked down at his computer again and tapped a few buttons.  "I have sent the plans for the base to you.  And Ms. Filitov, I have sent the coordinates to you" Kirok added.

Bridge

Katcha looked at the navigation display and say the new co-ordinates appear. She recognised them but did not know from where, so she quickly input it into the navigation system and adjusted their heading accordingly.

"Co-ordinates received Admiral. ETA 8.5 hours present speed. And ze good news is zat ve vill not have to enter any dense plasma storm areas." She looked at the co-ordinates again and realised where she had seen them before. "Admiral, is zis ze base zat vos set up to hunt ze Marquis and later used to fight ze Dominion?" She asked.

[Kali Reyes]

[Deck 15]

"The encryption itself isn't illegal, but sending it to Starfleet would be." Mahak said carefully. "However, without it Starfleet would take whatever liberties with your property that they wanted, up to and including permanently taking ownership of it."

The Vulcan gave his boss a steady look.

"Perhaps by showing Starfleet your ideas are not to be trifled with you can remain more in control of them while also exposing them to a larger audience."

"Yeah, I don't want that." He made her think. Maybe too hard. Or too easy. "Never liked bureaucracy getting in the way of scientific progress now that I've actually tasted the red tape."

At her beckoning, she threw up potential reserves for the mission. The program didn't lag this time at least. "Alrighty, you've colored me intrigued. I'll give you access to the patent." She shot him a sidelong glance. "That is if you manage to return from your piloting stint alive." He's no use to her dead, that's for sure. Him and all his nifty encrypting secrets.

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

"Yeah, I don't want that." He made her think. Maybe too hard. Or too easy. "Never liked bureaucracy getting in the way of scientific progress now that I've actually tasted the red tape."

At her beckoning, she threw up potential reserves for the mission. The program didn't lag this time at least. "Alrighty, you've colored me intrigued. I'll give you access to the patent." She shot him a sidelong glance. "That is if you manage to return from your piloting stint alive." He's no use to her dead, that's for sure. Him and all his nifty encrypting secrets.

[Deck 15]

"A logical compromise." Mahak said approvingly. "I will provide you with whatever help you need regarding CINDERELLA once we have time. Do you know anything about Section 31, chief?"

[Kali Reyes]

[Deck 15]

"A logical compromise." Mahak said approvingly. "I will provide you with whatever help you need regarding CINDERELLA once we have time. Do you know anything about Section 31, chief?"

[Deck 15]

She put CINDERELLA away with a flick of her finger and the console switched back to the home screen of ship vitals and the shift chronometer. "Uh... they're supposed to be the bad guys, right?" she murmured as she worked. "I've never met one, but that could be a lie. I don't know." She finally looked up at the screen. "Maybe? Dunno if you've gotten access to my confidential dossier yet but a para-military operation completely bypassed both the Federation and Ferengar ships to pick up a dozen colonists out of a warzone back on Tellur II. Got in, got out, not so much as a blink. Saved what was left of the civilians before Starfleet could cut the rest of the red tape. Maybe there wouldn't have been any colonists left by the time they got there."

She stopped typing. Why was she even telling him this? "Maybe they were Section 31. Still trying to remember. I picked up my old logs and stuff for clues, but I haven't found anything yet."

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

[Deck 15]

She put CINDERELLA away with a flick of her finger and the console switched back to the home screen of ship vitals and the shift chronometer. "Uh... they're supposed to be the bad guys, right?" she murmured as she worked. "I've never met one, but that could be a lie. I don't know." She finally looked up at the screen. "Maybe? Dunno if you've gotten access to my confidential dossier yet but a para-military operation completely bypassed both the Federation and Ferengar ships to pick up a dozen colonists out of a warzone back on Tellur II. Got in, got out, not so much as a blink. Saved what was left of the civilians before Starfleet could cut the rest of the red tape. Maybe there wouldn't have been any colonists left by the time they got there."

She stopped typing. Why was she even telling him this? "Maybe they were Section 31. Still trying to remember. I picked up my old logs and stuff for clues, but I haven't found anything yet."

[Deck 15]

"I find your story interesting, but that does not prove anything." Mahak didn't mean to sound as glib and rude as he always did, but that was just his way.

"There are any number of skilled Starfleet or allied operatives who could have performed this task." He said. "Frankly, I am surprised that man of the Admiral's experience is diverting so many resources and so much energy toward what you humans call 'a wild goose chase.' I will believe Section 31 is real when I see them, Chief."

[Kali Reyes]

[Deck 15]

"I find your story interesting, but that does not prove anything." Mahak didn't mean to sound as glib and rude as he always did, but that was just his way.

"There are any number of skilled Starfleet or allied operatives who could have performed this task." He said. "Frankly, I am surprised that man of the Admiral's experience is diverting so many resources and so much energy toward what you humans call 'a wild goose chase.' I will believe Section 31 is real when I see them, Chief."

"Vulcans don't go by gut feelings, do they?" she teased, but she was glad he shut her down. She didn't feel like elaborating anymore about Tellur II. "Maybe the Admiral has a gut feeling too."

[Jettis Jyur]

Alright, this is a repost of my most recent post. Let's hope it works!

[Bridge -> CSO's office]

Kinley nodded at Kali's suggestion. "Got it." She commented. As she headed out to the turbolift.

Shortly after the meeting was dismissed, Kinley took the liberty of grabbing her PADD before the meeting. She wasn't exactly certain that the Discovery crew had remembered to take a sample of the ion storm cloud, but hopefully someone had the presence of mind to do that before the Wells ship had attacked them. This problem intrigued her. But first things first, there had to be a change of command. As Kinley walked up to the CSO's office, she spotted Jettis. "Hey Jyur. You looked like you wanted to talk with me during the meeting."

[CSO Office]

Jettis looked up an over as Kinley arrived as well. Smiling at her, he gave a short nod. "I did, but I suppose we can speak after about it. I wanted to hear your theories on the Ion cloud." He commented, nodding also at Michaels as he appeared.
Falling silent as the entered the CSO's Office, he turned to face Tekin, wondering what he would say.

[Outside the CSO office]

Lieutenant James Michaels followed up soon after Kinley, himself also confused as to why he was called.  Seeing the other two he nodded.

"You must be the newest members of the science team.  Lieutenant Michaels, exochemistry and senior science officer." he said, extending a hand.  That's when Nevir called for the three to enter.

[CSO office]

Nevir has the files of each individual he had called.  He had to make a decision, not just for the department, but for the science team itself.  He waited for the three to enter, and then closed the door.

"I brought the three of you in because this department is in need of order.  Michaels can attest that I ran a fair, but strict department.  Science is the core of the Federation.  Everything around us, and everything we stand far is all in the name of science.  The only reason we build long range and deep space ships is for science." he said, standing up.

"Michaels is the senior officer below me.  But rank is only secondary to what I look for in science officers.  Starfleet regulations has a minimum standard for senior officers, but ask any command officer and they would agree that out here, regulations can be stretched."

"Kinley, you are a non-commissioned officer.  By that regard you are not eligible to hold a position of authority under normal circumstances.  Kali Reyes is a Chief, that is the only exception to the rule.  But here is a little secret about me.  I started as a crewman.  I worked my way up until my department head saw something and recommended officer training.  Now I am the Commander of a Starfleet vessel, and its First Officer.  Your career path is not set in stone.  In fact, you can always look to your side to prove my point."

"Jettis completed his OTC, and I have the confirmation from Starfleet right here.  You are now an Ensign in Starfleet, with all the rights and privileges.  Which means this is for you." Nevir said, handing over a box with a single pip inside.  He allowed a moment before continuing.

"While technically possible, the First Officer is relieved from his department to focus on the ship's crew as a whole.  Which means I can no longer be the Chief Science Officer.  For now, I have to select a replacement to act as the CSO in my stead for the time being.  The three of you were being vetted for such a role.  However, I have concerns that need to be addressed."

"While I respect you both taking the initiative, when the Captain calls for the department heads, that means the department heads.  Until Admiral Kirok officially promoted me to First Officer, I was your Chief Science Officer.  I sent you both a message with instructions, and unless you want to prove to me that your communicators were not functioning, my orders were ignored.  If I give an order that you are already following, then you should at the very least acknowledge the order, or let me know that you are already on it.  Kinley, I assigned you to the Science Bridge station for the meeting.  You did not take your station.  I had selected Jettis to be the one accompanying me, and I would have preferred that Mr. Jyur stayed with his department head.  Ignorance is no excuse.  If you are unsure how to react to certain orders, you ask."

"You both disappointed me, but as you are new on the ship, I won't hold it against you.  Both of you have high marks and good recommendations, otherwise I wouldn't even be considering you two for a leadership role.  For now, Lieutenant James Michaels, you are being promoted to Acting Chief Science Officer, with a field commission of Lieutenant Commander.  Kinley, I'm assigning you to the Bridge's Alpha shift.  I want you to start going through the data on the ion cloud, you'll even have access to my notes.  Jettis, you are going to set up and lead the team studying the Wells ship and the ion cloud's effects.  James, you have the responsibility of the entire department... but after I move my stuff out of this office." he said, raising an eyebrow to his officer.

"I will leave your selection of Assistant CSO to you.  I'd recommend observing the rest of your department to see who would fit the role best, including these two.  My office is always open, and I'm willing to hear out anyone with a problem. This of course will start now." he said, going to the front of the desk and leaning on it, crossing his arms.

"I give you all permission to speak freely.  Any questions of concerns?" he said, glancing at the three of them.

James merely shook his head. "None, sir." he said, to which Nevir responded by dismissing him, and letting him leave the office.

"How about you two?"

Jettis gave a small smile and nodded appreciatively as he was handed the box, running his thumb over it curiously. Deciding against waiting, since it appeared that Tekin was waiting for him anywho, he flipped it open and removed the pin. Attaching it to his collar, he looked back up at Tekin.
"Thank you sir, I won't let you down."

Ah, that seemed the wrong thing to say, considering what Nevir followed up with. He had already disappointed him. But then again, that was his fault.
When asked if he had anything to say, he shook his head.

"No sir, thank you for trusting me to lead the team. May I be dismissed?" He questioned. He assumed Tekin had nothing else to say to him specifically, and wanted to begin theorizing on the Ion clouds. He already had a few solid ideas, but he needed to back them up with evidence, and that wouldn't be accomplished without a computer.

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

"Vulcans don't go by gut feelings, do they?" she teased, but she was glad he shut her down. She didn't feel like elaborating anymore about Tellur II. "Maybe the Admiral has a gut feeling too."

[Deck 15]

"That wouldn't excuse his behavior." Mahak said absolutely tactlessly. But he continued on in his calm and logical way.

"I do not know the admiral, but I do recognize that he has a great deal more experience than I." He said. "Plus, logic dictates that he may know more than we do and cannot tell us why we are making these seemingly bizarre moves."

There was no judgement in his voice, he was simply stating the facts, ma'am. But it could still have come across as arrogant if you didn't know Vulcans.