S5: E: 8 Echos of a Tattered Past.

[T’prith]

[USS Challenger-bridge]

T'prith made her way towards the environmental control station. However before she was going to work on things that needed to be done at that station she figured that she would go and ask Ensign McNair if he needed assistance with anything. "Hey I'm Ensign T'prith and I was wondering if there was anything that you might need assistance with before I get to work at the environmental control station?" She didn't really know him too well but she figured that she would lend her assistance if her fellow crewmate needed any help on a task that might have come up.

[Ian Galloway]

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Vault Door | Ancient Yet Advanced Cave Dwelling | Kaimo IV]

The announcement that the defenses would activate in thirty seconds spurned Nira to action, and at the same time, she knew what she had to do.

"Away team, let's get out of here!" she shouted, and she and Savar made a run out of the facility. Knowing full well what the defenses were capable of, getting a taste of it earlier, she decided it was best not to mess with the facility.

They were just on the way when the transmission finally came through.

"Thank Allah, Captain," she said as they proceeded. Now that it was confirmed to Nira that the transmission was coming in clearly, though she was concerned with how long it too, she made her report: "We finally found the source. Captain Galloway...Ian...you're not going to believe this. We've come across a violation of two different Prime Directives in progress by this ancient civilization..."

She elaborated what was discovered to Captain Galloway as fast as she could, knowing that what could transpire could happen any moment. She also relayed what to do: She had planned on allowing the advanced civilization to return, but at the same time, she planned to evacuate as many of the descendants as she could, and so that they can be brought back to get to know their ancient yet advanced forebears, seeing as how advanced they are...she full well knew that the instinctive thing was to regard what she had in mind a violation of the Prime Directive, she could feel it from the rest of the away team.

She had to help the descendants. They had to do what they can to help. The question was, how, and what would Captain Galloway decide upon? Would he agree to help or would he much rather leave these people to die or keep on with their loop? Of course, everybody knew the dictates of the Prime Directive, but then again, Nira distinctly recalled every detail from back to cover, one of many things she knew cover to cover, and she had her defense.

"I know we have our own Prime Directive and protocols to deal with, Captain," said Nira, "but this IS an advanced civilization, however ancient it is, and the fact is that this is we're dealing with interference from an advanced civilization, them against the lesser one, and believe me, our own Prime Directive allows that addressing,  so we must ensure the descendants' survival. We'll need mass transporting, all our shuttlecraft, and to ensure nobody sees out advanced technology, we administer a gas to render them unconcious just as they come in, even simulate their world on our holodecks.

"However," said Nira, "you are the Captain, after all; it's your call, not mine. The decision is yours. And you'll need to make it fast, there may not be enough time...we're returning to the surface as we speak, and we'll need extraction."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian took in Nira's report with increasing incredulity and dread as he began to understand what he had to do. He... and he alone... had to decide, which version of the Kaimo got to live and which one got to die.

"Well, PÁ²g mo thÁ²in."

He said when she finished speaking and the full weight of what he had to do crushed down on him without mercy. Needing a moment to work things through, he spoke out loud, but not to anyone because Nira was brutally correct about one thing, it was his call on what to do.

"On one hand, we have a very advanced society, likely of millions, if'n not billions tryin' ta return from the past ta reclaim their own planet. Per the Prime Directive, they are simply followin' their ordained path of their development and thus we cannot interfere.

"On the other bloody hand, we have a very primitive society, in the hundreds of thousands, perhaps in the low millions, simply tryin' ta survive in a hostile environment, completely oblivious ta their origins and their ancestors plans ta return. Again, per the Prime Directive, they are followin' their ordained path of their development, but are in mortal peril because of an impendin' event beyond their comprehension. Not unlike if'n their sun was about ta go nova. Again, per the Prime Directive, we cannot interfere."

Ian's head began to hurt as he worked through all the angles involved in what was in the process of happening before his eyes.

"However, there is precedent that if'n an advanced society interferes with a primitive society to their detriment, it is possible ta interfere ta counteract or balance that interference. Normally, the presence of the away team on the planet that would suffer the same fate ad the current natives in immaterial, the Prime Directive would allow the loss of the entire ship and crew ta not interfere, but if'n I do take action, I will not only save the primitive society, but six members of my crew."

Ian reeled at the sheer magnitude of the decision he had to make, but one thing Command School taught was "a good plan now is far better than the perfect plan that's too late" and based on the increasing speed of the chroniton pulses coming from the probe, there simply wasn't time for deep reflection, he had to decide now, and so he did.

"Helm, full power ta thrusters, drive at that probe at the best speed she can make. Tactical. Forward shields ta full. Quantums free. Fire the bloody things like they are goin' out of style. These may be the last orders I ever give, but I'll be dipped in caochan before I stand idly by and let an advanced society exterminate a primitive one!"

The Challenger lurched forward, accelerating far slower than normal than she normally would, but accelerate she did following hard on a wave of quantum torpedoes.

One thing their charge caused immediately was for the probe to stop firing chroniton pulses. It seemed the Kaimo Ancients hadn't counted on the probe being attacked at the same time it was conducting its temporal relocation mission and it couldn't fight and execute its primary mission at the same time.

Another thing the Ancients didn't account for was quantum torpedoes. As it was clear they had the technology to have built ships to evacuate their planet rather than hide in the past, it seemed like they had some sort of aversion to space travel. Thus, the probe, while extremely well built and tough, was not equipped for weapons of such enormous power.

However, due the extreme range at which the Challenger had opened fire, not all of the torpedoes hit despite T'Kel's precision. The distance also gave the probe time to pivot and fire its energy distortion wave again, but this time, with the shields up and tuned to resist that frequency, it had no effect. About that time, the first of the torpedoes found their mark and the probe staggered from their impact. The Ancients had however designed a very tough machine and the probe returned fire with focused ion beams, which might have hurt a lesser protected ship, but they had no effect against the Challenger's shields, even in their reduced state.

The probe's hull was strong as it had been designed to survive for more than 200,000 years, but it was no match for the power of quantum torpedoes and a Vulcan's accuracy. It did however take much more damage than an unshielded vessel had any right to be able to withstand. Ultimately, it took dozen direct hits before it stopped firing and began to drift, which caused T'Kel to cease firing.

"Sir, I'm reading a power overload! I think the zero-point generator is about to implode!"

Randall called out from Science One.

"Helm, hard over ta port, best speed give us as much separation as you can! T'Kel, transfer shield power ta full coverage!"

The Challenger turned away from the probe as best as it could, gaining distance with every second until the viewscreen had to dim from the star bright flash as the probe ceased to be.

"Bloody hell."

Ian muttered and added.

"Helm, take us back ta the planet, we have an away team that needs a ride."

Ian then hit the communication system on the command chair.

"Challenger ta Commander Said, the probe has been eliminated. We are en route and have enough power ta beam you back, we'll be there shortly. Galloway out."

[Nira Said]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian took in Nira's report with increasing incredulity and dread as he began to understand what he had to do. He... and he alone... had to decide, which version of the Kaimo got to live and which one got to die.

"Well, PÁ²g mo thÁ²in."

He said when she finished speaking and the full weight of what he had to do crushed down on him without mercy. Needing a moment to work things through, he spoke out loud, but not to anyone because Nira was brutally correct about one thing, it was his call on what to do.

"On one hand, we have a very advanced society, likely of millions, if'n not billions tryin' ta return from the past ta reclaim their own planet. Per the Prime Directive, they are simply followin' their ordained path of their development and thus we cannot interfere.

"On the other bloody hand, we have a very primitive society, in the hundreds of thousands, perhaps in the low millions, simply tryin' ta survive in a hostile environment, completely oblivious ta their origins and their ancestors plans ta return. Again, per the Prime Directive, they are followin' their ordained path of their development, but are in mortal peril because of an impendin' event beyond their comprehension. Not unlike if'n their sun was about ta go nova. Again, per the Prime Directive, we cannot interfere."

Ian's head began to hurt as he worked through all the angles involved in what was in the process of happening before his eyes.

"However, there is precedent that if'n an advanced society interferes with a primitive society to their detriment, it is possible ta interfere ta counteract or balance that interference. Normally, the presence of the away team on the planet that would suffer the same fate ad the current natives in immaterial, the Prime Directive would allow the loss of the entire ship and crew ta not interfere, but if'n I do take action, I will not only save the primitive society, but six members of my crew."

Ian reeled at the sheer magnitude of the decision he had to make, but one thing Command School taught was "a good plan now is far better than the perfect plan that's too late" and based on the increasing speed of the chroniton pulses coming from the probe, there simply wasn't time for deep reflection, he had to decide now, and so he did.

"Helm, full power ta thrusters, drive at that probe at the best speed she can make. Tactical. Forward shields ta full. Quantums free. Fire the bloody things like they are goin' out of style. These may be the last orders I ever give, but I'll be dipped in caochan before I stand idly by and let an advanced society exterminate a primitive one!"

The Challenger lurched forward, accelerating far slower than normal than she normally would, but accelerate she did following hard on a wave of quantum torpedoes.

One thing their charge caused immediately was for the probe to stop firing chroniton pulses. It seemed the Kaimo Ancients hadn't counted on the probe being attacked at the same time it was conducting its temporal relocation mission and it couldn't fight and execute its primary mission at the same time.

Another thing the Ancients didn't account for was quantum torpedoes. As it was clear they had the technology to have built ships to evacuate their planet rather than hide in the past, it seemed like they had some sort of aversion to space travel. Thus, the probe, while extremely well built and tough, was not equipped for weapons of such enormous power.

However, due the extreme range at which the Challenger had opened fire, not all of the torpedoes hit despite T'Kel's precision. The distance also gave the probe time to pivot and fire its energy distortion wave again, but this time, with the shields up and tuned to resist that frequency, it had no effect. About that time, the first of the torpedoes found their mark and the probe staggered from their impact. The Ancients had however designed a very tough machine and the probe returned fire with focused ion beams, which might have hurt a lesser protected ship, but they had no effect against the Challenger's shields, even in their reduced state.

The probe's hull was strong as it had been designed to survive for more than 200,000 years, but it was no match for the power of quantum torpedoes and a Vulcan's accuracy. It did however take much more damage than an unshielded vessel had any right to be able to withstand. Ultimately, it took dozen direct hits before it stopped firing and began to drift, which caused T'Kel to cease firing.

"Sir, I'm reading a power overload! I think the zero-point generator is about to implode!"

Randall called out from Science One.

"Helm, hard over ta port, best speed give us as much separation as you can! T'Kel, transfer shield power ta full coverage!"

The Challenger turned away from the probe as best as it could, gaining distance with every second until the viewscreen had to dim from the star bright flash as the probe ceased to be.

"Bloody hell."

Ian muttered and added.

"Helm, take us back ta the planet, we have an away team that needs a ride."

Ian then hit the communication system on the command chair.

"Challenger ta Commander Said, the probe has been eliminated. We are en route and have enough power ta beam you back, we'll be there shortly. Galloway out."

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Vault Door | Ancient Yet Advanced Cave Dwelling | Kaimo IV]

Nira listened to Ian reply back with his choices as she and the away team proceeded upward. Hearing him out certainly brought a chill to her in regards to the Prime Directive; any captain zealous to uphold the Prime Directive wouldn't hesitate to leave her and the team to die, and he would allow the ship at his or her command to die. Fortunately, it transpired that Captain Galloway was not so callous or zealous. And the words he spoke afterwards indicated that he made his choice.

In Nira's opinion, if she had been in charge, she would've gotten as many inhabitants off the planet while it transformed, as many as she could. However, she trusted Ian's judgement, and given his statement about the Federation interfering only if to counteract or balance the interference, there was a definite course of action, and she could hear it in his voice.

Especially so when his call came that the probe has been destroyed.

"Good to know, Captain," she replied.  "We'll see you shortly. And I'm glad to know that we were able to save this people. Perhaps someday they'll be able to learn about how advanced they used to be. Said out."

Once they got to the beach, they took in everything around them before they were brought back. She looked back inside and said, "Well, if those defenses are why Akuuta's people could never come out when they went into that temple...well, we dealt with those defenses, and hopefully someday those people will come in and find out how advanced they used to be, and perhaps they can rebuild that advanced society, and preferably for the better."

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Kaimo IV - Underground Complex]

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Vault Door | Ancient Yet Advanced Cave Dwelling | Kaimo IV]

Nira listened to Ian reply back with his choices as she and the away team proceeded upward. Hearing him out certainly brought a chill to her in regards to the Prime Directive; any captain zealous to uphold the Prime Directive wouldn't hesitate to leave her and the team to die, and he would allow the ship at his or her command to die. Fortunately, it transpired that Captain Galloway was not so callous or zealous. And the words he spoke afterwards indicated that he made his choice.

In Nira's opinion, if she had been in charge, she would've gotten as many inhabitants off the planet while it transformed, as many as she could. However, she trusted Ian's judgement, and given his statement about the Federation interfering only if to counteract or balance the interference, there was a definite course of action, and she could hear it in his voice.

Especially so when his call came that the probe has been destroyed.

"Good to know, Captain," she replied.  "We'll see you shortly. And I'm glad to know that we were able to save this people. Perhaps someday they'll be able to learn about how advanced they used to be. Said out."

Once they got to the beach, they took in everything around them before they were brought back. She looked back inside and said, "Well, if those defenses are why Akuuta's people could never come out when they went into that temple...well, we dealt with those defenses, and hopefully someday those people will come in and find out how advanced they used to be, and perhaps they can rebuild that advanced society, and preferably for the better."

Lahr continued following after the Commander and her Vulcan.  He appreciated that Zhuk and taken to helping Blackfeather.  That left Lahr able to keep Chloe focused on running.  "Mrekrerhas has Blackfeather, you just keep your eyes ahead and run."  He barked at her the one time she tried to pause and check on her patient.

Up ahead he could catch bits and pieces of the transmission from the ship.   He didn't envy the Captain at all for his choice... but for Lahr - it was a no-brainer.   The civilization from the past was already dead and gone.  They had their lives.  That they hoped to extend it by having a probe bring them forward was a gross disruption to the natural order of time.   It wasn't like they belonged here in this time - their time-shift, if allowed to happen could potentially disrupt the fabric of space-time.

As he heard the Captain order the ship to fire on the probe, Lahr punched the air above his head in a silent cheer.

In short order, the probe was destroyed and news that the ship was headed back their way to beam them up made the Andorian's day.   He couldn't wait to get back on the ship and lose himself in a bottle of Andorian ale. 

[Ian Galloway]

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Vault Door | Ancient Yet Advanced Cave Dwelling | Kaimo IV]

Nira listened to Ian reply back with his choices as she and the away team proceeded upward. Hearing him out certainly brought a chill to her in regards to the Prime Directive; any captain zealous to uphold the Prime Directive wouldn't hesitate to leave her and the team to die, and he would allow the ship at his or her command to die. Fortunately, it transpired that Captain Galloway was not so callous or zealous. And the words he spoke afterwards indicated that he made his choice.

In Nira's opinion, if she had been in charge, she would've gotten as many inhabitants off the planet while it transformed, as many as she could. However, she trusted Ian's judgement, and given his statement about the Federation interfering only if to counteract or balance the interference, there was a definite course of action, and she could hear it in his voice.

Especially so when his call came that the probe has been destroyed.

"Good to know, Captain," she replied.  "We'll see you shortly. And I'm glad to know that we were able to save this people. Perhaps someday they'll be able to learn about how advanced they used to be. Said out."

Once they got to the beach, they took in everything around them before they were brought back. She looked back inside and said, "Well, if those defenses are why Akuuta's people could never come out when they went into that temple...well, we dealt with those defenses, and hopefully someday those people will come in and find out how advanced they used to be, and perhaps they can rebuild that advanced society, and preferably for the better."

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Kaimo IV - Underground Complex]

Lahr continued following after the Commander and her Vulcan.  He appreciated that Zhuk and taken to helping Blackfeather.  That left Lahr able to keep Chloe focused on running.  "Mrekrerhas has Blackfeather, you just keep your eyes ahead and run."  He barked at her the one time she tried to pause and check on her patient.

Up ahead he could catch bits and pieces of the transmission from the ship.   He didn't envy the Captain at all for his choice... but for Lahr - it was a no-brainer.   The civilization from the past was already dead and gone.  They had their lives.  That they hoped to extend it by having a probe bring them forward was a gross disruption to the natural order of time.   It wasn't like they belonged here in this time - their time-shift, if allowed to happen could potentially disrupt the fabric of space-time.

As he heard the Captain order the ship to fire on the probe, Lahr punched the air above his head in a silent cheer.

In short order, the probe was destroyed and news that the ship was headed back their way to beam them up made the Andorian's day.   He couldn't wait to get back on the ship and lose himself in a bottle of Andorian ale.

[Captain's Ready Room - USS Challenger]

Ian had just completed his report to Starfleet Command. As he hit send, he wondered how long it would take before his crucifixion occurred. Regulations gave starship captain's a tremendous amount of leeway when it came to respond to the unforeseen, because there usually wasn't time to ask for guidance from Command. At least, that's what the 'party line' espoused. In reality, after making a hard call, the Monday morning Parrises Squares Forwarding would commence, which usually ended up badly for the captain involved. Ian had made a decision involving both the Prime Directive and the Temporal Prime Directive, it was only a matter of time before he found himself standing in front of at least one admiral and explaining his actions.

Regardless of how much longer he had left as captain of the Challenger, he was still the captain for now and he turned to the repair reports. Engineering had restored impulse power and was making good progress on the warp drive. For now, the ship was in a stable orbit above Kaimo IV and monitoring the disruptions caused to the planet by the aborted temporal shift of the Ancient Kaimo. Randall reported that although there had been some flooding and quakes, the current Kaimo had weathered the storm and their lives were returning to normal.

"Regardless of what happens ta me, I consider that a win."

He said to reassure himself as he stood and exited his ready room. He waved Nira back into the command chair and said.

"As you were Commander. We're nae goin' anywhere for another 24 hours, so I am goin' ta go visit my very favorite cetaceans on Deck 8. Carry on."

[Nira Said]

[Captain's Ready Room - USS Challenger]

Ian had just completed his report to Starfleet Command. As he hit send, he wondered how long it would take before his crucifixion occurred. Regulations gave starship captain's a tremendous amount of leeway when it came to respond to the unforeseen, because there usually wasn't time to ask for guidance from Command. At least, that's what the 'party line' espoused. In reality, after making a hard call, the Monday morning Parrises Squares Forwarding would commence, which usually ended up badly for the captain involved. Ian had made a decision involving both the Prime Directive and the Temporal Prime Directive, it was only a matter of time before he found himself standing in front of at least one admiral and explaining his actions.

Regardless of how much longer he had left as captain of the Challenger, he was still the captain for now and he turned to the repair reports. Engineering had restored impulse power and was making good progress on the warp drive. For now, the ship was in a stable orbit above Kaimo IV and monitoring the disruptions caused to the planet by the aborted temporal shift of the Ancient Kaimo. Randall reported that although there had been some flooding and quakes, the current Kaimo had weathered the storm and their lives were returning to normal.

"Regardless of what happens ta me, I consider that a win."

He said to reassure himself as he stood and exited his ready room. He waved Nira back into the command chair and said.

"As you were Commander. We're nae goin' anywhere for another 24 hours, so I am goin' ta go visit my very favorite cetaceans on Deck 8. Carry on."

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | USS Challenger NCC-40117-A]

Nira was certainly surprised to find herself sprawled on a transporter pad after a long while of sprawling on the beach. She was honest-to-Allah tired after a day and a half's work of a hike, a fight with a lake monster and ancient automated turrets, culminating with dealing with a potentially temporal-limbo civilization. Naturally, everybody was; she could feel the surprise from everybody like an electric current.

"Ah. Glad to be back aboard," said Nira, smiling awkwardly. Then she tapped her comm badge to contact the Captain:  "Said to Bridge, we're back aboard. Please do give us a moment's time, maybe half an hour, to freshen up before we return to duty. Said out."

She turned back to the away team and said, "Okay, people, now that we're back, I think we better freshen up, shower and change our uniforms. You have half an hour. Savar...naturally, you're with me," she added with a wink.

A shower and a change of uniform certainly helped, especially when she was sharing the former with Savar in an embrace of comfort. She was feeling better already, considering her first away mission was...well, she wasn't sure what.

The couple had arrived at the bridge freshly changed and ready for bridge duty within half an hour of beaming back aboard, right on schedule. Ian was nowhere in sight, so Nira assumed the command chair. She was just looking at the reports about the ship when Ian came out of his Ready Room. Nira had just stood and was about to sit in the First Officer chair when he waved her back to the chair. She could tell he wasn't happy; if the fact that she could feel a chill of negativity all the way from the chair didn't tip her off, the body language certainly did. Of course he was going to see the dolphins. She had a good idea why he was unhappy.

If anything, she felt she was just as responsible; after all, she had hatched an insane plan to momentarily evacuate as many of the natives before the ancient inhabitants returned...but destroying their probe was certainly easier if not just as guilt-ridden.

"Aye, Captain," said Nira. "And, if I may add, whatever may happen to you, I will gladly back you up in support. We both knew what needed to be done."

Of course, she had a feeling she was going to be meeting the Department of Temporal Investigations  again soon.

Once Ian was gone, Nira got the report from Mister Randall about the ship, which he had give to the Captain already, although he did apprise her what happened particularly when the ship was hit by the probe's defenses.

"Holy Allah, it sounded worse than I realize," she said. "It's good to know repairs are going good, but we're going to need some thorough repair time, given how old yet tough this ship is. I think it's time we got out of this system. Mister Espada, set course for Starbase 153," she ordered, remembering that it was the nearest starbase in the sector. "Move us out of the system at full impulse, it'll be some time before the warp drive will get us to faster speeds; or now, we'll start on course slowly."

She turned to the Operations officers, Mister McNair and Ensign T'Prith at Environmental Control. "Ensigns McNair and T'Prith, report to Commander Catalan to see what you can do to help with the repairs."

On the subject of Engineering, Nira called the Chief Engineer: "Commander Tharn, how soon will we have warp drive?" Once she got the answer, she replied, "Understood. And if I may add, Mister ch'Verret performed admirably today in the away mission. You got yourself a good engineer. Said out."

Mentioning Lahr not just made Nira remember to put him up for a promotion, but to check his record more thoroughly. Something was certainly wrong with him, as she could tell in the past few hours, and it wasn't just being around Nurse Davies (speaking of her, she had a mind to, on the next away mission, to bring along Doctor Fellows instead). As she examined the record, once she got to the part about his traumatic experiences, she was shocked. How did she miss this? Was she in such a hurry to get to know the ship and crew that she overlooked a few things?

It was going to be a long journey out of the system and to Starbase 153. Nira began her log.

"First Officer's Log, Stardate 77443.43. We are currently on our way out of the Kaimo System and to Starbase 153, particularly for repairs; Challenger has suffered damage due to an attack from a sort of temporal probe of ancient origin, a byproduct of an ancient civilizations' attempt to evade its own extinction. Kaimo has had an impact on us in more ways than one. It's going to be a while before we forget it. It's certainly made an impression on the ship; old as it is, it held together nicely.

"The ancient civilization of Kaimo was certainly advanced and had tried to evade its extinction by jumping two hundred millennia into the future. Unfortunately, it would mean eradicating their own descendants when they arrived. The descendants themselves have reverted to a less civilized frame of mind since their forebears had gone, but they are unaware of how advanced they were, nor could we allow their forebears to exterminate them. The destruction of their probe will certainly doom them to temporal limbo, but the descendants will live on. Hopefully, some day, they will find what their ancestors had left behind and rebuild. Hopefully, by then, there will be a proper first contact.

"Considering there will be potential consequences with two Prime Directives to deal with, the fact is, we did what we could to restore balance in stopping the forebears' interference. The burden is upon me as much as it is on Captain Galloway. No matter what, I will stand with him. Ian Galloway has been my friend for a long time before his captaincy. I've had the honor of serving under him when I was security deputy and he First Officer of Starship Discovery. I will do whatever it takes to back him up. To help a friend in need. End log."

Finishing her log, she sat pondering. Ian was a friend from Discovery. Ruth Sigurdsdottir a longer friend, though she was horrified to learn she was injured from the probe's attack and was stuck in Sickbay. With Ian off the bridge...well, Nira wasn't sure if she was fully friends yet with the crew, and aside from her Vulcan Imzadi, she felt...alone.

Maybe...Nira thought...just maybe...I hope Ian has a copy of his Flying Tigers holo-program. Dive bomber gunning as he flies...like old times when I joined with him and Don...she smiled at the memory of being dressed in World War II leather and flying with Ian and Don and Mister Bok-Char...If we have time off-duty and the holodecks are working...

[Ian Galloway]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

When the docking clamps locked onto the Challenger's hull, Ian was certain he felt the ship shudder in relief. It had taken them five days to travel from Kaimo IV to Starbase 153 after warp drive was restored. Arriving at the starbase for critical repairs and some upgrades, the ship and her crew were finally able to rest.

"Not her Captain though."

Ian growled silently. Out loud he activated the command chair's communicator and said.

"All hands, this is the Captain. Shore leave is granted based on the repair schedule and the decisions of your Department Heads. When you are on the starbase, do try not ta do anything stupid. If you fail at this first point, try ta have the decency ta nae get caught. That is all."

Ian rubbed his eyes and stood. He rolled his shoulders to release the tension stored there and headed for his ready room.

"Nira, you have the bridge."

He flopped onto his seat and sighed when he saw the blinking light on his terminal, dreading what he would see and sighed again when he read the waiting message.

"Report to Admiral Blackthorn immediately on receipt of this message. Send confirmation once read."

Ian sent the confirmation and stood.

"And lo the crucifixion begins."

He muttered and headed for the door.

[Nira Said]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

When the docking clamps locked onto the Challenger's hull, Ian was certain he felt the ship shudder in relief. It had taken them five days to travel from Kaimo IV to Starbase 153 after warp drive was restored. Arriving at the starbase for critical repairs and some upgrades, the ship and her crew were finally able to rest.

"Not her Captain though."

Ian growled silently. Out loud he activated the command chair's communicator and said.

"All hands, this is the Captain. Shore leave is granted based on the repair schedule and the decisions of your Department Heads. When you are on the starbase, do try not ta do anything stupid. If you fail at this first point, try ta have the decency ta nae get caught. That is all."

Ian rubbed his eyes and stood. He rolled his shoulders to release the tension stored there and headed for his ready room.

"Nira, you have the bridge."

He flopped onto his seat and sighed when he saw the blinking light on his terminal, dreading what he would see and sighed again when he read the waiting message.

"Report to Admiral Blackthorn immediately on receipt of this message. Send confirmation once read."

Ian sent the confirmation and stood.

"And lo the crucifixion begins."

He muttered and headed for the door.

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | USS Challenger NCC-40117-A]

Getting out of the Kaimo system and to Starbase 153 was slower than expected. It took five days to get to the starbase, what with the conditions they were in. The whole five days, Nira kept herself busy. That seemed to be her best solution when it came to something that had an impression in her life: keeping busy. It worked to help with the mental trauma of the T'hunga mind control when she was barely Security Chief. Now, with her being barely First Officer, she kept herself busy inspecting departments, managing the bridge while Ian was in his ready room, getting to know her own ready room (she could swear it was bigger than her old Security office), getting to know the crew more thoroughly, especially Lahr, T'Prith, McNair, and especially Hyperion and the three talking dolphins.

Throughout the trip to the starbase, Nira could see that Ian was unhappy. It was obvious: the prospects that someday, Starfleet Command was going to chew him out. She certainly remembered being in such shoes when she got a chew-out from Captain Carter when she tried to use telepathy to share something humorous, only to get a lashing out in retaliation. She had learned to be careful with it ever since.

Now they finally arrived, and she could feel shaking from the ship as the docking clamps clamped in place. Yeah, she could feel it. Ian's announcement for shore leave certainly made her raise an eyebrow higher than a Vulcan's; "Try to have the decency to not get caught" when getting into trouble? Neither Captains Carter nor Tekin would ever say something like that.

Nira, of course, knew she wouldn't be having the shore leave herself. She had work to do. And she realized even more so when he left as soon as he went to his ready room. She couldn't help but stare his way, his body language even more pronounced than usual. Was a reprimand coming? As much as Nira wanted to help him, back him up, she had a feeling that this was Ian's party, Ian's situation for him to deal with alone. It occurred to her that it was a Captain's burden to deal with something a severe as what they dealt with at Kaimo IV alone.

Deciding to take her mind off of Ian's situation, Nira turned back to the task at hand. She turned to Commander Catalan and asked, "Commander Catalan, have the list of repair needs been sent to the starbase, as well as upgrade requests?"

"Aye commander," came the reply. "In fact, the chief engineer is hailing us about it."

"Well, given Captain Galloway's absence," said Nira, "it'll be up to me to deal with the Chief. On screen."

The viewscreen turned on to show a small but tough-looking man in a yellow uniform gazing beadily at Nira.

"This is Lieutenant Commander Said, First Officer of the Challenger, Captain Galloway being called away," Nira greeted cordially.

"Lieutenant Commander Masons, Chief Engineer and head of the Starfleet Corps of Engineers division assigned to the Starbase. I'm calling about your request for repairs and upgrades."

"And...?" asked Nira, having a good idea what was coming, given the status of the ship, and not just because it needed repairs.

"Commander, do you have any damn idea how outdated your ship is?" he said, almost in an accusatory tone. "Besides, I looked up your vessel's class, and there are only a paltry amount in operation! Honestly, your ship is going to need a big damn major overhaul if you want to keep it out of the mothball fleet or a museum!"

For an engineer, he's a pompous ass, Nira thought to herself. Maybe because he's Corps of Engineers, rather than an ordinary engineer. Does he think being SCE gives him great prestige?

"As much as I agree, Commander," said Nira, "I don't think Captain Galloway would appreciate too many changes to the Challenger."

"He'll need to get his head examined, then!" snapped Masons in exasperation. "I mean, seriously! Oh, there are still Excelsior classes out there, but they've had a lot of exterior changes. Even the current Starship Excelsior! They've adjusted their hulls nowadays so that they'll be..."

"I have to stop you right there, Commander," said Nira, holding up a hand with a stern voice, suddenly recalling when she had to break up an argument from objecting Security personnel over an issue between them; she was already putting on her stern expression, one that would probably bring a chill into anybody if they looked at her in the eyes. She was sure she saw Masons flinch when she made her expression. "I would like to point out that Captain Galloway would definitely have some objections to your exterior renovating proposals."

"But it would help not just your ship," Masons retorted. "Why, the Trailblazer-class could make an impressive comeback in the fleet. I mean, we even have plans to incorporate the slipstream system in the current classes."

"And that's another thing," said Nira, raising a finger. "Much as we could appreciate having a slipstream upgrade, do you have any idea how long it will take? I was on the Starship Discovery when it got its slipstream upgrade, we were at Katra station and it took weeks. Much as we're closer to Federation space for this, this close to the Romulan border and with problems with factions going on, it's a big risk. Besides, we're going to need to get back out as soon as possible.

"However, there are some things we're going to need upgrade-wise," added Nira. "The addition of holo-emitters around the ship for instance. Plus the Emergency Command Holographic program to add to it. Heaven knows we need something like this, particularly in the event a whole ship is stolen right under a crew's nose," she finished, recalling when she was told from some of the crew when the Discovery, when it was brought back in time and crash-landed, was taken away to the moon by the T'hunga, and she had been clamoring for the Discovery to be installed with an Emergency Command Hologram since.

"Well, we can get to work on it as soon as we can," said Masons. "And in good time as well, we can have a team from Jupiter Station within two days as well."

"Good," said Nira. "As for most of what you propose, particularly the exterior and the slipstream, set that aside for now. It's Captain Galloway's decision about it, not mine, and for the future."

"Of course, Commander," Masons replied. "I'll take it up with Captain Galloway later and let him have time to think it over about it. But I'm also going to remind him it'll be beneficial to the ship; otherwise, it's going into either the mothball fleet or the Smithsonian."

"I'd choose my words carefully with Captain Galloway if I were you, Commander," said Nira, her retort taking a slightly harder tone. "He's close to his ship, after all. Besides, whatever answer you expect from him, the answer is going to be no."

"What Captain or Engineer isn't close to his or her ship?" said Masons with a shrug. "We can get the repairs and upgrades going as soon as possible. Expect the holo-emitters and the ECH before we're finished with the repairs, of course. If you need to discuss things further, you and/or Captain Galloway get it touch with us and our superiors, particularly at the starbase. Masons out."

The viewscreen off, Nira sat back and breathed a sigh of relief. Both that she was finished, for now, with dealing with a pompous ass, and that she was glad a ship she was serving on was finally getting an ECH. She hoped Discovery will get one soon. Repairs barely started, and she was excited for the Challenger to get back to going where no one had gone before.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A]

Lahr had thought all his problems solved when he felt the transporter effect take hold of him on the beach of the Kaimo lake island - to his mind all there was left to do was celebrate.   But celebrations were put on hold when Grelek, who was on transporter duty when he arrived,  informed him in his bland, Vulcan way that Commander Siggurdsdottir had been injured and was in Sickbay.  Lahr had tried to see immediately but was turned away by the medical staff.  Lahr figured it had to be majorly serious if they were keeping even him out - everyone knew about their relationship.  Roohz... he was only a ring away from being her 'next of kin'.

The five day trip back to the Starbase were very long days for him and the other engineers as they were worked nearly double shifts trying to repair the ship's systems enough so that when they did get to the starbase, the higher ups wouldn't think that it was best to just scrap the ship.  The Challenger-A had been through a lot over the past 4 and half years but that just gave her character.

When his turn at shore leave was offered, Lahr passed it off to fellow crewmate and opted to stay and continue working.

[Zhukdrashar Mrekrerhas]

[Ensign Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas | Island Beach - Kaimo VI]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian took in Nira's report with increasing incredulity and dread as he began to understand what he had to do. He... and he alone... had to decide, which version of the Kaimo got to live and which one got to die.

"Well, PÁ²g mo thÁ²in."

He said when she finished speaking and the full weight of what he had to do crushed down on him without mercy. Needing a moment to work things through, he spoke out loud, but not to anyone because Nira was brutally correct about one thing, it was his call on what to do.

"On one hand, we have a very advanced society, likely of millions, if'n not billions tryin' ta return from the past ta reclaim their own planet. Per the Prime Directive, they are simply followin' their ordained path of their development and thus we cannot interfere.

"On the other bloody hand, we have a very primitive society, in the hundreds of thousands, perhaps in the low millions, simply tryin' ta survive in a hostile environment, completely oblivious ta their origins and their ancestors plans ta return. Again, per the Prime Directive, they are followin' their ordained path of their development, but are in mortal peril because of an impendin' event beyond their comprehension. Not unlike if'n their sun was about ta go nova. Again, per the Prime Directive, we cannot interfere."

Ian's head began to hurt as he worked through all the angles involved in what was in the process of happening before his eyes.

"However, there is precedent that if'n an advanced society interferes with a primitive society to their detriment, it is possible ta interfere ta counteract or balance that interference. Normally, the presence of the away team on the planet that would suffer the same fate ad the current natives in immaterial, the Prime Directive would allow the loss of the entire ship and crew ta not interfere, but if'n I do take action, I will not only save the primitive society, but six members of my crew."

Ian reeled at the sheer magnitude of the decision he had to make, but one thing Command School taught was "a good plan now is far better than the perfect plan that's too late" and based on the increasing speed of the chroniton pulses coming from the probe, there simply wasn't time for deep reflection, he had to decide now, and so he did.

"Helm, full power ta thrusters, drive at that probe at the best speed she can make. Tactical. Forward shields ta full. Quantums free. Fire the bloody things like they are goin' out of style. These may be the last orders I ever give, but I'll be dipped in caochan before I stand idly by and let an advanced society exterminate a primitive one!"

The Challenger lurched forward, accelerating far slower than normal than she normally would, but accelerate she did following hard on a wave of quantum torpedoes.

One thing their charge caused immediately was for the probe to stop firing chroniton pulses. It seemed the Kaimo Ancients hadn't counted on the probe being attacked at the same time it was conducting its temporal relocation mission and it couldn't fight and execute its primary mission at the same time.

Another thing the Ancients didn't account for was quantum torpedoes. As it was clear they had the technology to have built ships to evacuate their planet rather than hide in the past, it seemed like they had some sort of aversion to space travel. Thus, the probe, while extremely well built and tough, was not equipped for weapons of such enormous power.

However, due the extreme range at which the Challenger had opened fire, not all of the torpedoes hit despite T'Kel's precision. The distance also gave the probe time to pivot and fire its energy distortion wave again, but this time, with the shields up and tuned to resist that frequency, it had no effect. About that time, the first of the torpedoes found their mark and the probe staggered from their impact. The Ancients had however designed a very tough machine and the probe returned fire with focused ion beams, which might have hurt a lesser protected ship, but they had no effect against the Challenger's shields, even in their reduced state.

The probe's hull was strong as it had been designed to survive for more than 200,000 years, but it was no match for the power of quantum torpedoes and a Vulcan's accuracy. It did however take much more damage than an unshielded vessel had any right to be able to withstand. Ultimately, it took dozen direct hits before it stopped firing and began to drift, which caused T'Kel to cease firing.

"Sir, I'm reading a power overload! I think the zero-point generator is about to implode!"

Randall called out from Science One.

"Helm, hard over ta port, best speed give us as much separation as you can! T'Kel, transfer shield power ta full coverage!"

The Challenger turned away from the probe as best as it could, gaining distance with every second until the viewscreen had to dim from the star bright flash as the probe ceased to be.

"Bloody hell."

Ian muttered and added.

"Helm, take us back ta the planet, we have an away team that needs a ride."

Ian then hit the communication system on the command chair.

"Challenger ta Commander Said, the probe has been eliminated. We are en route and have enough power ta beam you back, we'll be there shortly. Galloway out."

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | USS Challenger NCC-40117-A]

Nira was certainly surprised to find herself sprawled on a transporter pad after a long while of sprawling on the beach. She was honest-to-Allah tired after a day and a half's work of a hike, a fight with a lake monster and ancient automated turrets, culminating with dealing with a potentially temporal-limbo civilization. Naturally, everybody was; she could feel the surprise from everybody like an electric current.

"Ah. Glad to be back aboard," said Nira, smiling awkwardly. Then she tapped her comm badge to contact the Captain:  "Said to Bridge, we're back aboard. Please do give us a moment's time, maybe half an hour, to freshen up before we return to duty. Said out."

She turned back to the away team and said, "Okay, people, now that we're back, I think we better freshen up, shower and change our uniforms. You have half an hour. Savar...naturally, you're with me," she added with a wink.

A shower and a change of uniform certainly helped, especially when she was sharing the former with Savar in an embrace of comfort. She was feeling better already, considering her first away mission was...well, she wasn't sure what.

The couple had arrived at the bridge freshly changed and ready for bridge duty within half an hour of beaming back aboard, right on schedule. Ian was nowhere in sight, so Nira assumed the command chair. She was just looking at the reports about the ship when Ian came out of his Ready Room. Nira had just stood and was about to sit in the First Officer chair when he waved her back to the chair. She could tell he wasn't happy; if the fact that she could feel a chill of negativity all the way from the chair didn't tip her off, the body language certainly did. Of course he was going to see the dolphins. She had a good idea why he was unhappy.

If anything, she felt she was just as responsible; after all, she had hatched an insane plan to momentarily evacuate as many of the natives before the ancient inhabitants returned...but destroying their probe was certainly easier if not just as guilt-ridden.

"Aye, Captain," said Nira. "And, if I may add, whatever may happen to you, I will gladly back you up in support. We both knew what needed to be done."

Of course, she had a feeling she was going to be meeting the Department of Temporal Investigations  again soon.

Once Ian was gone, Nira got the report from Mister Randall about the ship, which he had give to the Captain already, although he did apprise her what happened particularly when the ship was hit by the probe's defenses.

"Holy Allah, it sounded worse than I realize," she said. "It's good to know repairs are going good, but we're going to need some thorough repair time, given how old yet tough this ship is. I think it's time we got out of this system. Mister Espada, set course for Starbase 153," she ordered, remembering that it was the nearest starbase in the sector. "Move us out of the system at full impulse, it'll be some time before the warp drive will get us to faster speeds; or now, we'll start on course slowly."

She turned to the Operations officers, Mister McNair and Ensign T'Prith at Environmental Control. "Ensigns McNair and T'Prith, report to Commander Catalan to see what you can do to help with the repairs."

On the subject of Engineering, Nira called the Chief Engineer: "Commander Tharn, how soon will we have warp drive?" Once she got the answer, she replied, "Understood. And if I may add, Mister ch'Verret performed admirably today in the away mission. You got yourself a good engineer. Said out."

Mentioning Lahr not just made Nira remember to put him up for a promotion, but to check his record more thoroughly. Something was certainly wrong with him, as she could tell in the past few hours, and it wasn't just being around Nurse Davies (speaking of her, she had a mind to, on the next away mission, to bring along Doctor Fellows instead). As she examined the record, once she got to the part about his traumatic experiences, she was shocked. How did she miss this? Was she in such a hurry to get to know the ship and crew that she overlooked a few things?

It was going to be a long journey out of the system and to Starbase 153. Nira began her log.

"First Officer's Log, Stardate 77443.43. We are currently on our way out of the Kaimo System and to Starbase 153, particularly for repairs; Challenger has suffered damage due to an attack from a sort of temporal probe of ancient origin, a byproduct of an ancient civilizations' attempt to evade its own extinction. Kaimo has had an impact on us in more ways than one. It's going to be a while before we forget it. It's certainly made an impression on the ship; old as it is, it held together nicely.

"The ancient civilization of Kaimo was certainly advanced and had tried to evade its extinction by jumping two hundred millennia into the future. Unfortunately, it would mean eradicating their own descendants when they arrived. The descendants themselves have reverted to a less civilized frame of mind since their forebears had gone, but they are unaware of how advanced they were, nor could we allow their forebears to exterminate them. The destruction of their probe will certainly doom them to temporal limbo, but the descendants will live on. Hopefully, some day, they will find what their ancestors had left behind and rebuild. Hopefully, by then, there will be a proper first contact.

"Considering there will be potential consequences with two Prime Directives to deal with, the fact is, we did what we could to restore balance in stopping the forebears' interference. The burden is upon me as much as it is on Captain Galloway. No matter what, I will stand with him. Ian Galloway has been my friend for a long time before his captaincy. I've had the honor of serving under him when I was security deputy and he First Officer of Starship Discovery. I will do whatever it takes to back him up. To help a friend in need. End log."

Finishing her log, she sat pondering. Ian was a friend from Discovery. Ruth Sigurdsdottir a longer friend, though she was horrified to learn she was injured from the probe's attack and was stuck in Sickbay. With Ian off the bridge...well, Nira wasn't sure if she was fully friends yet with the crew, and aside from her Vulcan Imzadi, she felt...alone.

Maybe...Nira thought...just maybe...I hope Ian has a copy of his Flying Tigers holo-program. Dive bomber gunning as he flies...like old times when I joined with him and Don...she smiled at the memory of being dressed in World War II leather and flying with Ian and Don and Mister Bok-Char...If we have time off-duty and the holodecks are working...

Helping Blackfeather along, the away team soon emerged from within the cave, Zhuk's finger on the trigger of his rifle as he kept it supported against his side. Glancing behind himself as he wondered if any more turrets would appear, he heard Captain Galloway speak about how the probe had been destroyed, an ear pivoting towards Lieutenant Nira as she spoke about having been able to save the people. He offered a smile, glad that the natives were safe now, and advanced to the beach, as a feeling of nausea became pervasive within him. He felt out of focus and weaker at each step.

At least, he would be sure that they would be picked up in no time. That was until he felt himself heaving up, releasing Blackfeather to eliminate what seemed to be affecting his system properly. Yet, in his dizzy state, he realized what was happening to him. The radiation had begun to affect him, and hard. At least, it would be a relatively quick fix once he was on the ship. Making a quick count to make sure everyone had made it out safely, he decided to wait it out on the beach, laying on his side.

He felt proud of his first mission. Sure, things had gotten really bad, and in no small part due to his inexperience, but in the end, everyone though wounded, had pulled through. And he felt quite glad that Akuuta and his people wouldn't have to experience their destruction under their forebears. A shame he wouldn't be able to meet them in person, though. They looked quite beautiful, after all.

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | USS Challenger NCC-40117-A]

Getting out of the Kaimo system and to Starbase 153 was slower than expected. It took five days to get to the starbase, what with the conditions they were in. The whole five days, Nira kept herself busy. That seemed to be her best solution when it came to something that had an impression in her life: keeping busy. It worked to help with the mental trauma of the T'hunga mind control when she was barely Security Chief. Now, with her being barely First Officer, she kept herself busy inspecting departments, managing the bridge while Ian was in his ready room, getting to know her own ready room (she could swear it was bigger than her old Security office), getting to know the crew more thoroughly, especially Lahr, T'Prith, McNair, and especially Hyperion and the three talking dolphins.

Throughout the trip to the starbase, Nira could see that Ian was unhappy. It was obvious: the prospects that someday, Starfleet Command was going to chew him out. She certainly remembered being in such shoes when she got a chew-out from Captain Carter when she tried to use telepathy to share something humorous, only to get a lashing out in retaliation. She had learned to be careful with it ever since.

Now they finally arrived, and she could feel shaking from the ship as the docking clamps clamped in place. Yeah, she could feel it. Ian's announcement for shore leave certainly made her raise an eyebrow higher than a Vulcan's; "Try to have the decency to not get caught" when getting into trouble? Neither Captains Carter nor Tekin would ever say something like that.

Nira, of course, knew she wouldn't be having the shore leave herself. She had work to do. And she realized even more so when he left as soon as he went to his ready room. She couldn't help but stare his way, his body language even more pronounced than usual. Was a reprimand coming? As much as Nira wanted to help him, back him up, she had a feeling that this was Ian's party, Ian's situation for him to deal with alone. It occurred to her that it was a Captain's burden to deal with something a severe as what they dealt with at Kaimo IV alone.

Deciding to take her mind off of Ian's situation, Nira turned back to the task at hand. She turned to Commander Catalan and asked, "Commander Catalan, have the list of repair needs been sent to the starbase, as well as upgrade requests?"

"Aye commander," came the reply. "In fact, the chief engineer is hailing us about it."

"Well, given Captain Galloway's absence," said Nira, "it'll be up to me to deal with the Chief. On screen."

The viewscreen turned on to show a small but tough-looking man in a yellow uniform gazing beadily at Nira.

"This is Lieutenant Commander Said, First Officer of the Challenger, Captain Galloway being called away," Nira greeted cordially.

"Lieutenant Commander Masons, Chief Engineer and head of the Starfleet Corps of Engineers division assigned to the Starbase. I'm calling about your request for repairs and upgrades."

"And...?" asked Nira, having a good idea what was coming, given the status of the ship, and not just because it needed repairs.

"Commander, do you have any damn idea how outdated your ship is?" he said, almost in an accusatory tone. "Besides, I looked up your vessel's class, and there are only a paltry amount in operation! Honestly, your ship is going to need a big damn major overhaul if you want to keep it out of the mothball fleet or a museum!"

For an engineer, he's a pompous ass, Nira thought to herself. Maybe because he's Corps of Engineers, rather than an ordinary engineer. Does he think being SCE gives him great prestige?

"As much as I agree, Commander," said Nira, "I don't think Captain Galloway would appreciate too many changes to the Challenger."

"He'll need to get his head examined, then!" snapped Masons in exasperation. "I mean, seriously! Oh, there are still Excelsior classes out there, but they've had a lot of exterior changes. Even the current Starship Excelsior! They've adjusted their hulls nowadays so that they'll be..."

"I have to stop you right there, Commander," said Nira, holding up a hand with a stern voice, suddenly recalling when she had to break up an argument from objecting Security personnel over an issue between them; she was already putting on her stern expression, one that would probably bring a chill into anybody if they looked at her in the eyes. She was sure she saw Masons flinch when she made her expression. "I would like to point out that Captain Galloway would definitely have some objections to your exterior renovating proposals."

"But it would help not just your ship," Masons retorted. "Why, the Trailblazer-class could make an impressive comeback in the fleet. I mean, we even have plans to incorporate the slipstream system in the current classes."

"And that's another thing," said Nira, raising a finger. "Much as we could appreciate having a slipstream upgrade, do you have any idea how long it will take? I was on the Starship Discovery when it got its slipstream upgrade, we were at Katra station and it took weeks. Much as we're closer to Federation space for this, this close to the Romulan border and with problems with factions going on, it's a big risk. Besides, we're going to need to get back out as soon as possible.

"However, there are some things we're going to need upgrade-wise," added Nira. "The addition of holo-emitters around the ship for instance. Plus the Emergency Command Holographic program to add to it. Heaven knows we need something like this, particularly in the event a whole ship is stolen right under a crew's nose," she finished, recalling when she was told from some of the crew when the Discovery, when it was brought back in time and crash-landed, was taken away to the moon by the T'hunga, and she had been clamoring for the Discovery to be installed with an Emergency Command Hologram since.

"Well, we can get to work on it as soon as we can," said Masons. "And in good time as well, we can have a team from Jupiter Station within two days as well."

"Good," said Nira. "As for most of what you propose, particularly the exterior and the slipstream, set that aside for now. It's Captain Galloway's decision about it, not mine, and for the future."

"Of course, Commander," Masons replied. "I'll take it up with Captain Galloway later and let him have time to think it over about it. But I'm also going to remind him it'll be beneficial to the ship; otherwise, it's going into either the mothball fleet or the Smithsonian."

"I'd choose my words carefully with Captain Galloway if I were you, Commander," said Nira, her retort taking a slightly harder tone. "He's close to his ship, after all. Besides, whatever answer you expect from him, the answer is going to be no."

"What Captain or Engineer isn't close to his or her ship?" said Masons with a shrug. "We can get the repairs and upgrades going as soon as possible. Expect the holo-emitters and the ECH before we're finished with the repairs, of course. If you need to discuss things further, you and/or Captain Galloway get it touch with us and our superiors, particularly at the starbase. Masons out."

The viewscreen off, Nira sat back and breathed a sigh of relief. Both that she was finished, for now, with dealing with a pompous ass, and that she was glad a ship she was serving on was finally getting an ECH. She hoped Discovery will get one soon. Repairs barely started, and she was excited for the Challenger to get back to going where no one had gone before.

[Ensign Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas | Deck 7 | USS Challenger NCC-40117-A - In Orbit around Kaimo VI]

The transporter pad was a welcome sign to Zhukdra'shar as he shakily stood up, overhearing how the Lieutenant asked for thirty minutes for them to return to his duties. He groaned, before looking away as he pressed his ears against his head. Thirty minutes. Thirty minutes to freshen up. After they had been running through the jungle, swimming, and fighting for two days in the elements.

He supposed that he would have to get used to it. It was his duty now, after all. But first, he would have to get some treatment for his radiation poisoning. And so, he stood up and nodded towards Nira, hoping she hadn't heard or seen his frustration.

"Y-Yes ma'am. It shalt be done... I will head to the Med-Bay first..." With this, he headed off to get treated for his condition. Once there, he explained what was happening to the acting staff, and got told to lie down on a bed. He glanced at his side, noticing whom he recognized as the Chief Medical Officer, currently recovering from the probe strike within the ship, or so he overheard. Not precisely a good sign, but at least it seemed as if she would recover as well as him.

Seeing this made him realize that the ship's crew had fought their own battle, as he listened to the Challenger requiring extensive repairs while he himself recovered. He couldn't help but admire the rest of the crew for holding against the probe. It was as admirable as his own duty outside, and he chastised himself for not recognizing this before. He would make sure to serve his duty on board once he was discharged.

When he eventually was discharged, he moved to change, take a much-needed bath, and returned to his duty aboard the Challenger. He made sure to keep himself busy by patrolling the halls and helping where he could until the ship finally arrived to star base. The time that was allowed for relaxation was also employed by Zhukdra'shar to get to know the crew, attempting to strike up a conversation whenever possible, and trying to make friends to the best of his ability.

He didn't knew them for the most part, but still wanted to make a good impression, as he would be serving within for a considerable amount of time.

[Buck McNair]

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | USS Challenger NCC-40117-A]

Nira was certainly surprised to find herself sprawled on a transporter pad after a long while of sprawling on the beach. She was honest-to-Allah tired after a day and a half's work of a hike, a fight with a lake monster and ancient automated turrets, culminating with dealing with a potentially temporal-limbo civilization. Naturally, everybody was; she could feel the surprise from everybody like an electric current.

"Ah. Glad to be back aboard," said Nira, smiling awkwardly. Then she tapped her comm badge to contact the Captain:  "Said to Bridge, we're back aboard. Please do give us a moment's time, maybe half an hour, to freshen up before we return to duty. Said out."

She turned back to the away team and said, "Okay, people, now that we're back, I think we better freshen up, shower and change our uniforms. You have half an hour. Savar...naturally, you're with me," she added with a wink.

A shower and a change of uniform certainly helped, especially when she was sharing the former with Savar in an embrace of comfort. She was feeling better already, considering her first away mission was...well, she wasn't sure what.

The couple had arrived at the bridge freshly changed and ready for bridge duty within half an hour of beaming back aboard, right on schedule. Ian was nowhere in sight, so Nira assumed the command chair. She was just looking at the reports about the ship when Ian came out of his Ready Room. Nira had just stood and was about to sit in the First Officer chair when he waved her back to the chair. She could tell he wasn't happy; if the fact that she could feel a chill of negativity all the way from the chair didn't tip her off, the body language certainly did. Of course he was going to see the dolphins. She had a good idea why he was unhappy.

If anything, she felt she was just as responsible; after all, she had hatched an insane plan to momentarily evacuate as many of the natives before the ancient inhabitants returned...but destroying their probe was certainly easier if not just as guilt-ridden.

"Aye, Captain," said Nira. "And, if I may add, whatever may happen to you, I will gladly back you up in support. We both knew what needed to be done."

Of course, she had a feeling she was going to be meeting the Department of Temporal Investigations  again soon.

Once Ian was gone, Nira got the report from Mister Randall about the ship, which he had give to the Captain already, although he did apprise her what happened particularly when the ship was hit by the probe's defenses.

"Holy Allah, it sounded worse than I realize," she said. "It's good to know repairs are going good, but we're going to need some thorough repair time, given how old yet tough this ship is. I think it's time we got out of this system. Mister Espada, set course for Starbase 153," she ordered, remembering that it was the nearest starbase in the sector. "Move us out of the system at full impulse, it'll be some time before the warp drive will get us to faster speeds; or now, we'll start on course slowly."

She turned to the Operations officers, Mister McNair and Ensign T'Prith at Environmental Control. "Ensigns McNair and T'Prith, report to Commander Catalan to see what you can do to help with the repairs."

On the subject of Engineering, Nira called the Chief Engineer: "Commander Tharn, how soon will we have warp drive?" Once she got the answer, she replied, "Understood. And if I may add, Mister ch'Verret performed admirably today in the away mission. You got yourself a good engineer. Said out."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Buck stood at his station, trying to relieve a cramp in his leg as the ship seemed to be back at full compliment of personnel from the Away team and they'd not left anyone planet side. There was a fair old bit of damage to the ship and no doubt judging by the mood of their Captain; they were looking on knife point to see what lay ahead at Starbase 153. Buck would eventually, or not, find out what happened through word of mouth or otherwise as he looked up at Commander Said's mention of him going out with T'Prith to assist with engineering. "Aye Commander." He gave a curt nod, stood straight and waited on T'Prith so they could head down to Engineering together. "Let's hope that we don't have to cut through any more Jeffries Tubes." He chuckled, rubbing at the back of his head.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

When the docking clamps locked onto the Challenger's hull, Ian was certain he felt the ship shudder in relief. It had taken them five days to travel from Kaimo IV to Starbase 153 after warp drive was restored. Arriving at the starbase for critical repairs and some upgrades, the ship and her crew were finally able to rest.

"Not her Captain though."

Ian growled silently. Out loud he activated the command chair's communicator and said.

"All hands, this is the Captain. Shore leave is granted based on the repair schedule and the decisions of your Department Heads. When you are on the starbase, do try not ta do anything stupid. If you fail at this first point, try ta have the decency ta nae get caught. That is all."

Ian rubbed his eyes and stood. He rolled his shoulders to release the tension stored there and headed for his ready room.

"Nira, you have the bridge."

He flopped onto his seat and sighed when he saw the blinking light on his terminal, dreading what he would see and sighed again when he read the waiting message.

"Report to Admiral Blackthorn immediately on receipt of this message. Send confirmation once read."

Ian sent the confirmation and stood.

"And lo the crucifixion begins."

He muttered and headed for the door.

[Engineering - USS Challenger]

He glanced up at the announcement as it came through the PA system, a small grateful half-smile crossing his features as he found himself looking back at the manual on his PADD in regards to something that Cmdr Catalan had requested him to assist fix. It was like taking four steps forwards and five steps backwards but he would eventually come to the right answer. "I'm guessing its not going to be the blue wire that we're dealing with." He muttered, humorously as blue eyes glanced up at the engineers furiously working around them to get the ship back up and functional.

[Ian Galloway]

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | USS Challenger NCC-40117-A]

Getting out of the Kaimo system and to Starbase 153 was slower than expected. It took five days to get to the starbase, what with the conditions they were in. The whole five days, Nira kept herself busy. That seemed to be her best solution when it came to something that had an impression in her life: keeping busy. It worked to help with the mental trauma of the T'hunga mind control when she was barely Security Chief. Now, with her being barely First Officer, she kept herself busy inspecting departments, managing the bridge while Ian was in his ready room, getting to know her own ready room (she could swear it was bigger than her old Security office), getting to know the crew more thoroughly, especially Lahr, T'Prith, McNair, and especially Hyperion and the three talking dolphins.

Throughout the trip to the starbase, Nira could see that Ian was unhappy. It was obvious: the prospects that someday, Starfleet Command was going to chew him out. She certainly remembered being in such shoes when she got a chew-out from Captain Carter when she tried to use telepathy to share something humorous, only to get a lashing out in retaliation. She had learned to be careful with it ever since.

Now they finally arrived, and she could feel shaking from the ship as the docking clamps clamped in place. Yeah, she could feel it. Ian's announcement for shore leave certainly made her raise an eyebrow higher than a Vulcan's; "Try to have the decency to not get caught" when getting into trouble? Neither Captains Carter nor Tekin would ever say something like that.

Nira, of course, knew she wouldn't be having the shore leave herself. She had work to do. And she realized even more so when he left as soon as he went to his ready room. She couldn't help but stare his way, his body language even more pronounced than usual. Was a reprimand coming? As much as Nira wanted to help him, back him up, she had a feeling that this was Ian's party, Ian's situation for him to deal with alone. It occurred to her that it was a Captain's burden to deal with something a severe as what they dealt with at Kaimo IV alone.

Deciding to take her mind off of Ian's situation, Nira turned back to the task at hand. She turned to Commander Catalan and asked, "Commander Catalan, have the list of repair needs been sent to the starbase, as well as upgrade requests?"

"Aye commander," came the reply. "In fact, the chief engineer is hailing us about it."

"Well, given Captain Galloway's absence," said Nira, "it'll be up to me to deal with the Chief. On screen."

The viewscreen turned on to show a small but tough-looking man in a yellow uniform gazing beadily at Nira.

"This is Lieutenant Commander Said, First Officer of the Challenger, Captain Galloway being called away," Nira greeted cordially.

"Lieutenant Commander Masons, Chief Engineer and head of the Starfleet Corps of Engineers division assigned to the Starbase. I'm calling about your request for repairs and upgrades."

"And...?" asked Nira, having a good idea what was coming, given the status of the ship, and not just because it needed repairs.

"Commander, do you have any damn idea how outdated your ship is?" he said, almost in an accusatory tone. "Besides, I looked up your vessel's class, and there are only a paltry amount in operation! Honestly, your ship is going to need a big damn major overhaul if you want to keep it out of the mothball fleet or a museum!"

For an engineer, he's a pompous ass, Nira thought to herself. Maybe because he's Corps of Engineers, rather than an ordinary engineer. Does he think being SCE gives him great prestige?

"As much as I agree, Commander," said Nira, "I don't think Captain Galloway would appreciate too many changes to the Challenger."

"He'll need to get his head examined, then!" snapped Masons in exasperation. "I mean, seriously! Oh, there are still Excelsior classes out there, but they've had a lot of exterior changes. Even the current Starship Excelsior! They've adjusted their hulls nowadays so that they'll be..."

"I have to stop you right there, Commander," said Nira, holding up a hand with a stern voice, suddenly recalling when she had to break up an argument from objecting Security personnel over an issue between them; she was already putting on her stern expression, one that would probably bring a chill into anybody if they looked at her in the eyes. She was sure she saw Masons flinch when she made her expression. "I would like to point out that Captain Galloway would definitely have some objections to your exterior renovating proposals."

"But it would help not just your ship," Masons retorted. "Why, the Trailblazer-class could make an impressive comeback in the fleet. I mean, we even have plans to incorporate the slipstream system in the current classes."

"And that's another thing," said Nira, raising a finger. "Much as we could appreciate having a slipstream upgrade, do you have any idea how long it will take? I was on the Starship Discovery when it got its slipstream upgrade, we were at Katra station and it took weeks. Much as we're closer to Federation space for this, this close to the Romulan border and with problems with factions going on, it's a big risk. Besides, we're going to need to get back out as soon as possible.

"However, there are some things we're going to need upgrade-wise," added Nira. "The addition of holo-emitters around the ship for instance. Plus the Emergency Command Holographic program to add to it. Heaven knows we need something like this, particularly in the event a whole ship is stolen right under a crew's nose," she finished, recalling when she was told from some of the crew when the Discovery, when it was brought back in time and crash-landed, was taken away to the moon by the T'hunga, and she had been clamoring for the Discovery to be installed with an Emergency Command Hologram since.

"Well, we can get to work on it as soon as we can," said Masons. "And in good time as well, we can have a team from Jupiter Station within two days as well."

"Good," said Nira. "As for most of what you propose, particularly the exterior and the slipstream, set that aside for now. It's Captain Galloway's decision about it, not mine, and for the future."

"Of course, Commander," Masons replied. "I'll take it up with Captain Galloway later and let him have time to think it over about it. But I'm also going to remind him it'll be beneficial to the ship; otherwise, it's going into either the mothball fleet or the Smithsonian."

"I'd choose my words carefully with Captain Galloway if I were you, Commander," said Nira, her retort taking a slightly harder tone. "He's close to his ship, after all. Besides, whatever answer you expect from him, the answer is going to be no."

"What Captain or Engineer isn't close to his or her ship?" said Masons with a shrug. "We can get the repairs and upgrades going as soon as possible. Expect the holo-emitters and the ECH before we're finished with the repairs, of course. If you need to discuss things further, you and/or Captain Galloway get it touch with us and our superiors, particularly at the starbase. Masons out."

The viewscreen off, Nira sat back and breathed a sigh of relief. Both that she was finished, for now, with dealing with a pompous ass, and that she was glad a ship she was serving on was finally getting an ECH. She hoped Discovery will get one soon. Repairs barely started, and she was excited for the Challenger to get back to going where no one had gone before.

[Outside Admiral's Office - Starbase 153]

As Ian exited the admiral's office, he kept his face a study in neutrality.  He was certain the admiral's staff had heard Blackthorn chewing him out despite the tritanium bulkheads. Ian had been chewed out many times over the years and only a handful would he classify as 'epic' and Blackthorn's eloquence had absolutely fit that bill.

Once in the corridor, Ian's broke into the lopsided smile that only a pilot could pull off properly. He chuckled at some of the things Blackthorn had called him and said.

"Aye Sair, three bags full."

He showed very little remorse regarding his actions as he had followed an established precedent. True that precedent had been the actions of one James T. Kirk at Neural, but it was established and there was nothing Blackthorn could do about that. There was an axiom among Starfleet Captains that paraphrased the immortal words of legendary British Horatio Nelson, "No captain can do very wrong if he places his ship alongside that of the enemy". In Starfleet parlance it had been modified to "No captain can do very wrong if he does something Kirk did". Ian chose to walk back to the ship rather than take a turbolift because he was in a good mood and wanted to enjoy to trip.

On reaching the airlock, he was intercepted by an officer in the mustard of Engineering or Ops.

"Captain Galloway? I'm Lieutenant Commander Masons, Chief Engineer and head of the Starfleet Corps of Engineers division assigned to the Starbase."

"I am, but let me stop you there. My Gaffer owed an electronics company and expected me ta follow in his footsteps as an electrical engineer, so I ken an engineer's mindset. I have a good idea what you want ta do and the answer is no. The thing is you boffins love ta tinker. The problem with tinkerin' is if'n you do it long enough, you will bloody break whatever you're tinkerin' on.

"So, you fix what's broken and leave the rest alone."

"But Captain..."

"No."

"But we can..."

"No."

"You're actually serious."

"I am. Do we have an understandin'?"

It was clear Masons didn't like what he was being told, but he simply nodded and replied with a testy.

"Yes Sir."

"Thank you Commander. Good day ta you."

Ian boarded the Challenger and as he walked along the corridor, he reached out and rubbed the bulkhead tenderly.

"It's good ta be home Lass."

He boarded the turbolift and said firmly.

"Bridge."