S5: E1 - Honor Against Glory

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

[Ruth plus Arya and Katya]

Ruth arrived on the Bridge after doing a tour of the ship to check things.  She liked to do this so that anyone who had problems didn't feel they needed to go to her office, the Ready Room or onto the Bridge... it was a little intimidating for those e.g. crewmen.

Seeing Jettis in the Captain's chair she waved for him to stay there a moment just stretching her hamstring out holding onto the back of the XO chair and bending her leg back, heel touching buttock.

"It's a good workout walking around the departments you know Mr. Jyur.  When you make XO somewhere, and you will, possibly Captain someday I don't doubt... it's a good way to keep trim, but my fjandinn hamstring feels about 4 inches shorter than it should be today!" she said swearing in Icelandic as her leg went into cramp and she sat down hurriedly hopping on her left leg to get into the seat before she fell over completely.

"Don't worry just cramp!  I was going to ask if I could play Science Ensign for a while but I'll just sit here.  What gives... I mean..." she put on her best Admiral Picard voice and intoned "Report!" then giggled.

There was a whoosh as the turbolift doors opened and two redheads stepped out.  Ruth looked round to see Arya and Katya step out and raised an eyebrow.

"Don't you two have work to do?"

"Was a bit quiet in Security so I came to see if there was something I could be assigned to do that was more useful than just sitting around the armoury."  Katya said.

Ruth gave a disdainful look, knowing that in all reality she'd probably come to see if T'Vas was on the Bridge and give her a hard time.  She had yet to find out what the beef there was but she would.

"If Lt. T'Kel assigned you to sit in the armoury twiddling your thumbs then that's what you do... get yourself back there and if you want something to do make sure phasers are charged ready, make sure the armoury is clean and tidy, everything back where it should be and other than any weaponry checked out - it'll be in the log - make sure it's all there and in good repair.  There are a million and one things that you can do other than twiddle your thumbs!  Seriously what do they teach in...AAArgh." Ruth yelped as another cramp hit her calf muscle.

"You ok, Ru - Ma'am?" Arya said running forward and crouching beside her sister who was obviously rubbing her calf.

"Just a cramp Arya it's perfectly ok."  the Commander answered with a kindly smile since the medical one of the sisters was technically in the right place at the right time.  "And to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"

"I was looking for Lagar, to see, if he's not too busy, if I could find out more about his species physiology as I don't actually know too much, but I see he's already on duty at Sciences." Arya replied, gently massaging her sister's calf, giving some much needed relief.

"Well, depending on Lt. Jyur, if he permits once this cramp eases if he'd like me to take Lagar's place at Sciences for a while, and Lagar is willing we can play swapsies, and Mr. Jyur can stay comfy in the Captain's chair for a bit!" she said looking to her side at Jettis to see his reaction whether it would be 'Get me outta here!' or if he took it in his stride and felt comfortable there.  She knew he was more than capable.

[Ian Galloway]

[Conference site]

Shazham had let out a small sigh. Feeling his breath being released told him he was in one piece. That had helped his mind and heart to slow down.

Shazham had his hands clasped front of him as he nodded his head in gratitude to their host. "Thank you," he told her.

Shazham gave a small chuckle that they most likely will behave. Well. That what he had believed. What could go wrong?

"I liked how she looked at you and say she does not want trouble. Does she know something we are not aware, Captain?" he found it was a ice breaker short conversation.

Shazham had allowed his mind to feel if there was any disturbing emotions of any kind that they should be aware.

"Sir, what is expected of us as Starfleet? Anything we might need to know?" Shazham had asked. Then was looking at the lay out. It had a model of the Challenger on a table. "They had seem to have taste in ships," he shared.

They had three days here with the conference. They had a reception at seven o'clock pm. That mean they would meet the others. The Breen, Ferengi, Orion, Gorn, Tholians, Tzenkethi, and of course the Suliban. He had never met a Suliban,  or many others. He met Orions, a Gorn, Ferengi only three out of the seven. This was his chance to meet more and add to his list. It will be quiet interesting to meet them in person. To get a feel of them by empath and body behaviors. This was going to be a new test for his body language skills.

[Galga VI, Quarters of the President of the Federation]

Once the President's retinue was left to their devices within the suite, Rhymus set about his work. Pulling a tricorder from his belt, he began scanning along the walls and entryways throughout the rooms. He sought the usual implements of political sabotage; listening devices, cameras, bombs, hidden passageways, anything that could be used to threaten them.

After making several patrols of the multiple rooms, and confirming there was nothing suspicious inside the walls, floors, or ceiling of the suite, Rhymus holstered the tricorder and let out a sigh.

"We will, at the least, have somewhere to unwind in relative privacy, Captain. This suite seems secure from any untoward intrusions. With any luck, the Alpha Quadrant species will clash with words alone and our duties here will be relatively light."

With that, the Security team spread throughout the room, taking up positions to cover as much of the suite as possible without losing eyesight of each other.

[Galga VI | Conference/Reception]

"Rather nicely appointed after all."

T'Vas raised an eyebrow and murmured to herself. She was still surprised Captain Galloway had requested her, though she took it in stride. Everyone seemed to be falling into habits they were comfortable with, she simply observed. The remote colony world of Terfin hadn't held much excitement or opportunities and this was a galaxy level masterclass in international relations, soon. She recalled Jettis' words: The President's ship had been sabotaged. Though it was a mild slip, she still had narrowed her eyes and was thinking things through at a high speed.

She was grateful for Chief Cleroux's team. In the introductions, he had regarded her coolly enough, though she sensed she was being appraised. Even now in this room, he was suspicious and scanning the room. His vigilance would be most welcome. Ensign Shazam was the one that had greeted her from the Helm. She vaguely recalled he was Betazoid, wondering if he had an edge in catching stray thoughts.

Lastly, she glanced at the Captain. Were she human, she would've smiled. A good man through and through, she sensed he would rather be doing the work of Starfleet: exploration. Smoothing down her Sciences Blue uniform, all she could do was wait. Without a specific task, she ran through some logic problems in her head and waited.

[VIP Guest Quarters - Galga VI]

Once CPO Cleroux reported the room was 'clean', Ian let out a breath he wasn't aware he was holding and relaxed... fractionally. He listened to Shazham's questions and replied with a lopsided smile that only pilots could pull off properly.

"As ta President knowin' summat more than she let's on, well that's a given. First, she's a woman, second, she's a former admiral, and third, she's the bloody President of the bloody Federation! She's thinkin' ten steps ahead of any of us. It scares me ta think what all she kens.

"As ta what is expected of us. Learn Ensign, learn! Have you got any idea what a privilege it is ta even witness proceedin's like these? If'n any of you have any aspirations ta command, this will be where you will learn at the hands of a maestra. I'm certain both you and Ensign T'Vas wonder why I selected you ta attend the conference, the simple answer is, you have both displayed inquirin', open minds and I believe you are ready ta hone your craft as Starfleet officers.

"We only have a few hours before the reception, that will be a dress whites affair and our chance ta show the Quadrant who we, the crew of the Challenger are. The Galgans are well known for hostin' these sorts of events, so this will be a chance ta pick up bits of information available no where in the galaxy. So, your job will be ta listen and retain all that you hear, because if'n you think you've been debriefed before, they will be nothing compared ta what Starfleet Intelligence will want ta know."

Ian paused and scanned the room.

"I'm up for a walkabout, anyone care ta tag along?"

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

[ USS Challenger - Bridge ]

Jettis sat in the Captain's chair, leant forward with his elbow resting on his knee. He peered out at the blank viewscreen, as he had been for roughly thirty minutes now. He was sure the XO would be arriving soon, but for now he settled into his bridge shift, leaning back in his chair and forcing his shoulders to relax. Tilting his head, he cracked his neck one way, then the next.

The landing party had confirmed successful touchdown, and were now on their three day diplomatic excursion. Though typically Jettis was eager to engage in diplomatic relations, he was perfectly content sitting back on this one, after all the events in the last three months. Taking a deep breath, he glanced down at the panel inset in the arm of the chair. God, he couldn't wait for his shore leave to be approved. He needed a breather, a touch of home to ground himself. He felt the careful web he weaved between work, family and mental health undergo more and more strain, and it was only so long before the threads would start to snap. And he knew the first silk thread to go would be his mental status - he had sacrificed it for the sake of work more than once in the past, and he would go to the ends of the Earth for Theresa, so that would not be the one to go.

Leaning back in his chair, he rested both arms on the rest, taking deeper and deeper breaths until he felt his nerves settle.

Lieutenant jg Lagar
[Bridge "" USS Challenger]

With a whoosh he arrived on the Bridge, bringing his greenery into the space and approaching the yet-unoccupied Science Station 1. Lieutenant Jyur, whom Lagar had served with on a successful mission to save the crew of the deuterium collier Planitia Deriedi, was at the helm. Lagar had seen the man only once or twice since his rescue from a terrible terrorist's explosive. The loss of four of the Challenger's officers, and the dangerous gambit of saving them from those devices, had been a harrowing affair for much of the crew. The four who had been lost were each well-known, and very much cared for.

"Lieutenant Lagar, reporting for duty, sir." he said in announcement, assuming the seat and splaying his legs over it. In a moment, he had made the station his own with his usual tiny configurations. Setting up the station to accomodate multiple touch inputs from the outside meant he could bring more of his limbs to bear in his work. To the outsider, it rather looked like the botanical creature was trying to grow into the damned console! Still, it worked for Lagar, who took charge of the lifesigns scanners and was prepared to conduct any work required of the Science stations.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

[Ruth plus Arya and Katya]

Ruth arrived on the Bridge after doing a tour of the ship to check things.  She liked to do this so that anyone who had problems didn't feel they needed to go to her office, the Ready Room or onto the Bridge... it was a little intimidating for those e.g. crewmen.

Seeing Jettis in the Captain's chair she waved for him to stay there a moment just stretching her hamstring out holding onto the back of the XO chair and bending her leg back, heel touching buttock.

"It's a good workout walking around the departments you know Mr. Jyur.  When you make XO somewhere, and you will, possibly Captain someday I don't doubt... it's a good way to keep trim, but my fjandinn hamstring feels about 4 inches shorter than it should be today!" she said swearing in Icelandic as her leg went into cramp and she sat down hurriedly hopping on her left leg to get into the seat before she fell over completely.

"Don't worry just cramp!  I was going to ask if I could play Science Ensign for a while but I'll just sit here.  What gives... I mean..." she put on her best Admiral Picard voice and intoned "Report!" then giggled.

There was a whoosh as the turbolift doors opened and two redheads stepped out.  Ruth looked round to see Arya and Katya step out and raised an eyebrow.

"Don't you two have work to do?"

"Was a bit quiet in Security so I came to see if there was something I could be assigned to do that was more useful than just sitting around the armoury."  Katya said.

Ruth gave a disdainful look, knowing that in all reality she'd probably come to see if T'Vas was on the Bridge and give her a hard time.  She had yet to find out what the beef there was but she would.

"If Lt. T'Kel assigned you to sit in the armoury twiddling your thumbs then that's what you do... get yourself back there and if you want something to do make sure phasers are charged ready, make sure the armoury is clean and tidy, everything back where it should be and other than any weaponry checked out - it'll be in the log - make sure it's all there and in good repair.  There are a million and one things that you can do other than twiddle your thumbs!  Seriously what do they teach in...AAArgh." Ruth yelped as another cramp hit her calf muscle.

"You ok, Ru - Ma'am?" Arya said running forward and crouching beside her sister who was obviously rubbing her calf.

"Just a cramp Arya it's perfectly ok."  the Commander answered with a kindly smile since the medical one of the sisters was technically in the right place at the right time.  "And to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"

"I was looking for Lagar, to see, if he's not too busy, if I could find out more about his species physiology as I don't actually know too much, but I see he's already on duty at Sciences." Arya replied, gently massaging her sister's calf, giving some much needed relief.

"Well, depending on Lt. Jyur, if he permits once this cramp eases if he'd like me to take Lagar's place at Sciences for a while, and Lagar is willing we can play swapsies, and Mr. Jyur can stay comfy in the Captain's chair for a bit!" she said looking to her side at Jettis to see his reaction whether it would be 'Get me outta here!' or if he took it in his stride and felt comfortable there.  She knew he was more than capable.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Shortly after Lagar logged into the science station, he immediately noticed activity among the Galgan patrol craft that ensured the security of the conference. No sooner had he realized the activity was unusual, Lieutenant jg. Richard Lowe, who was at Tactical reported.

"Sir, there is a marked increase in patrol activity going on at 128 Mark 85 and there is a lot of chatter on the Galgan Space Control frequency."

The Galga system boasted seven planets, with the conference taking place on the sixth. The outer planet was a gas giant with the inner four planets being various types of uninhabitable rocks. The coordinates Lowe reported were to Coreward, or south of the planet at the very edge of the system.

[Lagar]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"Just a cramp Arya it's perfectly ok."  the Commander answered with a kindly smile since the medical one of the sisters was technically in the right place at the right time.  "And to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"

"I was looking for Lagar, to see, if he's not too busy, if I could find out more about his species physiology as I don't actually know too much, but I see he's already on duty at Sciences." Arya replied, gently massaging her sister's calf, giving some much needed relief.

"Well, depending on Lt. Jyur, if he permits once this cramp eases if he'd like me to take Lagar's place at Sciences for a while, and Lagar is willing we can play swapsies, and Mr. Jyur can stay comfy in the Captain's chair for a bit!" she said looking to her side at Jettis to see his reaction whether it would be 'Get me outta here!' or if he took it in his stride and felt comfortable there.  She knew he was more than capable.

Lieutenant jg Lagar
[Bridge "" USS Challenger]

Lagar had no mouth to open in response, but he was about to reply when data on his screen caught his golden eye. He rotated one eye independently to observe it further, the information demanding his full attention.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Shortly after Lagar logged into the science station, he immediately noticed activity among the Galgan patrol craft that ensured the security of the conference. No sooner had he realized the activity was unusual, Lieutenant jg. Richard Lowe, who was at Tactical reported.

"Sir, there is a marked increase in patrol activity going on at 128 Mark 85 and there is a lot of chatter on the Galgan Space Control frequency."

The Galga system boasted seven planets, with the conference taking place on the sixth. The outer planet was a gas giant with the inner four planets being various types of uninhabitable rocks. The coordinates Lowe reported were to Coreward, or south of the planet at the very edge of the system.

The unusual activity of the Galgan forces was likely worth investigating further. In answer to Ruth's suggestion that she take the science station in the place of Lagar, the Phylosian had no opinion to factor into it.

"I am at the service of the Challenger." he said, indicating that he would follow whatever assignment Lieutenant Jyur or the Executive Officer might give him.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Shortly after Lagar logged into the science station, he immediately noticed activity among the Galgan patrol craft that ensured the security of the conference. No sooner had he realized the activity was unusual, Lieutenant jg. Richard Lowe, who was at Tactical reported.

"Sir, there is a marked increase in patrol activity going on at 128 Mark 85 and there is a lot of chatter on the Galgan Space Control frequency."

The Galga system boasted seven planets, with the conference taking place on the sixth. The outer planet was a gas giant with the inner four planets being various types of uninhabitable rocks. The coordinates Lowe reported were to Coreward, or south of the planet at the very edge of the system.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

While Ruth was technically the ranking officer on the Bridge she hadn't officially taken the conn back so Jettis was still in charge, and she waited to see what he would do with the information.  But she was still the XO, she could still issue orders.

Lieutenant jg Lagar
[Bridge "" USS Challenger]

Lagar had no mouth to open in response, but he was about to reply when data on his screen caught his golden eye. He rotated one eye independently to observe it further, the information demanding his full attention.

The unusual activity of the Galgan forces was likely worth investigating further. In answer to Ruth's suggestion that she take the science station in the place of Lagar, the Phylosian had no opinion to factor into it.

"I am at the service of the Challenger." he said, indicating that he would follow whatever assignment Lieutenant Jyur or the Executive Officer might give him.

"For now just get us all the information you can get on that.  We know what the Romulans are like after all, I'd rather not run into our old 'friend' Thelal if he's around.  It would be very difficult to maintain a professional demeanour shall we say!  That's for you too Lt. Lowe... literally anything! See if you can tap into those comms."

[Ian Galloway]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

While Ruth was technically the ranking officer on the Bridge she hadn't officially taken the conn back so Jettis was still in charge, and she waited to see what he would do with the information.  But she was still the XO, she could still issue orders.

"For now just get us all the information you can get on that.  We know what the Romulans are like after all, I'd rather not run into our old 'friend' Thelal if he's around.  It would be very difficult to maintain a professional demeanour shall we say!  That's for you too Lt. Lowe... literally anything! See if you can tap into those comms."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"Aye Ma'am." Lowe replied and redoubled his efforts with the scanners.

"I'm working on the Galgan code to see if I can figure out what has got them so upset." LT Morgan added from Ops.

On sensors, the activity remained in the same place with three of the Galgan patrol craft conducting intensive scans of the same section of the outer system. Whatever it was they'd noticed, they seemed determined to track it down.

[Jettis Jyur]

[ USS Challenger - Bridge ]

Jettis was slightly surprised as he heard the chime of the turbolifts, and even more surprised to see Ruth standing there. He movedto stand, but upon her dismissal eased himself back into the chair. "A walk can always do some good to the body." He paused, reevaluating his statement as she immediately seemed to experience a cramp. ".... So long as you don't overdo it. Are you alright, ma'am?" He leaned forward in his chair slightly, quirking a brow until she reassured him.

"So far nothing of interest has been reported. Security is maintaining their regular patrol routes, and nothing out of the ordinary has come up on scanners." As he finished his sentence, he heard the doors to the bridge slide open once again, and turned to see not one, but two Ruth-ettes. At their conversation with their older sister, he gave a small smile. It reminded him of he and his siblings. "Very well, if Lagar is interested in it, you are relieved from Bridge duty." No sooner had he spoke, though, before he regretted uttering the words. His lips parted with a small sigh, turning to the Tactical officer.

"Don't do anything drastic. Contact the closest ship and see if you can get any information, and offer up the Challenger's services should they find themselves in need of another ship. It's likely they won't want to give much information, given the planets reputation for security." Things couldn't ever go well, could they? No simple missions with no issues, not aboard the Challenger anyhow. He shot a grimace at Ruth, a look that said of course this happens on my shift in a million and one different languages. "High intensity scans, Lagar... whatever has a whole fleet of security ships worried, I don't particularly want getting the jump on us." He turned back to the viewscreen, staring out the window with both an intensity, and exasperation at the situation.

[Lagar]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

While Ruth was technically the ranking officer on the Bridge she hadn't officially taken the conn back so Jettis was still in charge, and she waited to see what he would do with the information.  But she was still the XO, she could still issue orders.

"For now just get us all the information you can get on that.  We know what the Romulans are like after all, I'd rather not run into our old 'friend' Thelal if he's around.  It would be very difficult to maintain a professional demeanour shall we say!  That's for you too Lt. Lowe... literally anything! See if you can tap into those comms."

Lieutenant jg Lagar
[Bridge "" USS Challenger]

Lagar heard the order from the XO, the higher-ranking officer on the Bridge. She was present, but based on the earlier conversation, was not taking the helm. Lagar's understanding of the chain of command told him to follow the orders of the officer's appointed over him. "Aye ma'am." his digitized voice spoke in reply to the command. The science station had been configured for his use, and his tendrils were already spread out and ready to roll.

With Lieutenant jg Lowe very capably monitoring the activities of the Galgan vessels themselves, Lagar turned the ship's sensors toward the area of space that their ships were observing. Lagar suspected that there was something that caught their attention in that part of the system, and the Challenger's systems should be able to detect whatever it might be.

[ USS Challenger - Bridge ]

Jettis was slightly surprised as he heard the chime of the turbolifts, and even more surprised to see Ruth standing there. He movedto stand, but upon her dismissal eased himself back into the chair. "A walk can always do some good to the body." He paused, reevaluating his statement as she immediately seemed to experience a cramp. ".... So long as you don't overdo it. Are you alright, ma'am?" He leaned forward in his chair slightly, quirking a brow until she reassured him.

"So far nothing of interest has been reported. Security is maintaining their regular patrol routes, and nothing out of the ordinary has come up on scanners." As he finished his sentence, he heard the doors to the bridge slide open once again, and turned to see not one, but two Ruth-ettes. At their conversation with their older sister, he gave a small smile. It reminded him of he and his siblings. "Very well, if Lagar is interested in it, you are relieved from Bridge duty." No sooner had he spoke, though, before he regretted uttering the words. His lips parted with a small sigh, turning to the Tactical officer.

"Don't do anything drastic. Contact the closest ship and see if you can get any information, and offer up the Challenger's services should they find themselves in need of another ship. It's likely they won't want to give much information, given the planets reputation for security." Things couldn't ever go well, could they? No simple missions with no issues, not aboard the Challenger anyhow. He shot a grimace at Ruth, a look that said of course this happens on my shift in a million and one different languages. "High intensity scans, Belmont... whatever has a whole fleet of security ships worried, I don't particularly want getting the jump on us." He turned back to the viewscreen, staring out the window with both an intensity, and exasperation at the situation.

Lieutenant Jyur's words came as the Phylosian was beginning his scans."Aye sir, running scanners on high intensity." With a shift, the scanners put themselves to work by Lagar's command, reaching out to study whatever could have possibly gained the attention of these Galgan vessels.

[Ian Galloway]

[ USS Challenger - Bridge ]

Jettis was slightly surprised as he heard the chime of the turbolifts, and even more surprised to see Ruth standing there. He movedto stand, but upon her dismissal eased himself back into the chair. "A walk can always do some good to the body." He paused, reevaluating his statement as she immediately seemed to experience a cramp. ".... So long as you don't overdo it. Are you alright, ma'am?" He leaned forward in his chair slightly, quirking a brow until she reassured him.

"So far nothing of interest has been reported. Security is maintaining their regular patrol routes, and nothing out of the ordinary has come up on scanners." As he finished his sentence, he heard the doors to the bridge slide open once again, and turned to see not one, but two Ruth-ettes. At their conversation with their older sister, he gave a small smile. It reminded him of he and his siblings. "Very well, if Lagar is interested in it, you are relieved from Bridge duty." No sooner had he spoke, though, before he regretted uttering the words. His lips parted with a small sigh, turning to the Tactical officer.

"Don't do anything drastic. Contact the closest ship and see if you can get any information, and offer up the Challenger's services should they find themselves in need of another ship. It's likely they won't want to give much information, given the planets reputation for security." Things couldn't ever go well, could they? No simple missions with no issues, not aboard the Challenger anyhow. He shot a grimace at Ruth, a look that said of course this happens on my shift in a million and one different languages. "High intensity scans, Belmont... whatever has a whole fleet of security ships worried, I don't particularly want getting the jump on us." He turned back to the viewscreen, staring out the window with both an intensity, and exasperation at the situation.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"On it Sir."

Lowe replied and opened communications with the Galgan Security Patrol.

"USS Challenger to Galgan Patrol, we have noted the increased activity to Coreward, do you require assistance?"

"Challenger, this is Galgan Patrol Ship 19. Please maintain your assigned orbit. The activity you have detected is resolved. Thank you for your offer, but it is no longer needed. Nineteen out."

Lowe shrugged and added.

"The Galgan ships are moving back to their regular patrol rotation Sir. Nothing on sensors out of the ordinary either, but my gut doesn't like it Sir."

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

[IRV Khranu - Edge of Galgan System]

Even though Romulans were offshoots of Vulcans, they had no issues with displaying their emotions, and in this case, Thelal chortled at the confusion just a simple release of ion particles flushed out of the ship's impulse engines had caused. Normally, while under impulse, a ship under cloak emissions were so reduced as to be undetectable except for the most intense of scans in the exactly correct spot to be successful.

The deliberate release of ions near the Galgan patrol route had accomplished exactly what he wanted, it pulled the patrol off its normal route and made an opening for a small cloaked shuttle to slip through the Galgan net. Now that the shuttle was on its way to Galga VI, the Khranu was now moving away from where it had stirred things up at one quarter impulse. His mission required complete deniability, so actually being detected would be a catastrophic failure. No, he'd played his part, now it was time for the infiltration team to do their part. All he had to do was wait, but truth be told, he hated waiting.

[Rhymus Cleroux]

[VIP Guest Quarters - Galga VI]

Once CPO Cleroux reported the room was 'clean', Ian let out a breath he wasn't aware he was holding and relaxed... fractionally. He listened to Shazham's questions and replied with a lopsided smile that only pilots could pull off properly.

"As ta President knowin' summat more than she let's on, well that's a given. First, she's a woman, second, she's a former admiral, and third, she's the bloody President of the bloody Federation! She's thinkin' ten steps ahead of any of us. It scares me ta think what all she kens.

"As ta what is expected of us. Learn Ensign, learn! Have you got any idea what a privilege it is ta even witness proceedin's like these? If'n any of you have any aspirations ta command, this will be where you will learn at the hands of a maestra. I'm certain both you and Ensign T'Vas wonder why I selected you ta attend the conference, the simple answer is, you have both displayed inquirin', open minds and I believe you are ready ta hone your craft as Starfleet officers.

"We only have a few hours before the reception, that will be a dress whites affair and our chance ta show the Quadrant who we, the crew of the Challenger are. The Galgans are well known for hostin' these sorts of events, so this will be a chance ta pick up bits of information available no where in the galaxy. So, your job will be ta listen and retain all that you hear, because if'n you think you've been debriefed before, they will be nothing compared ta what Starfleet Intelligence will want ta know."

Ian paused and scanned the room.

"I'm up for a walkabout, anyone care ta tag along?"

[Galga VI, President's Quarters]

Rhymus moved to join Captain Galloway.

"It would be remiss of me for you to travel unescorted, Captain. And as you said, we are also here to learn. A little reconnaissance of this facility and the locations of the other Alpha Quadrant Species would do wonders for our tactical considerations."

[Ian Galloway]

[Galga VI, President's Quarters]

Rhymus moved to join Captain Galloway.

"It would be remiss of me for you to travel unescorted, Captain. And as you said, we are also here to learn. A little reconnaissance of this facility and the locations of the other Alpha Quadrant Species would do wonders for our tactical considerations."

[VIP Guest Quarters - Galga VI]

Ian smiled at Rhymus and indicated for him to lead the way.

"Glad ta have you along Chief. No one can figure ground truth better than a Chief Petty Officer. I have to admit, I'm a bit curious about the other delegates and the sooner we get ta meetin' them, the more interestin' this whole event will be."

[Vasilisa Belmont]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

[Ruth plus Arya and Katya]

Ruth arrived on the Bridge after doing a tour of the ship to check things.  She liked to do this so that anyone who had problems didn't feel they needed to go to her office, the Ready Room or onto the Bridge... it was a little intimidating for those e.g. crewmen.

Seeing Jettis in the Captain's chair she waved for him to stay there a moment just stretching her hamstring out holding onto the back of the XO chair and bending her leg back, heel touching buttock.

"It's a good workout walking around the departments you know Mr. Jyur.  When you make XO somewhere, and you will, possibly Captain someday I don't doubt... it's a good way to keep trim, but my fjandinn hamstring feels about 4 inches shorter than it should be today!" she said swearing in Icelandic as her leg went into cramp and she sat down hurriedly hopping on her left leg to get into the seat before she fell over completely.

"Don't worry just cramp!  I was going to ask if I could play Science Ensign for a while but I'll just sit here.  What gives... I mean..." she put on her best Admiral Picard voice and intoned "Report!" then giggled.

There was a whoosh as the turbolift doors opened and two redheads stepped out.  Ruth looked round to see Arya and Katya step out and raised an eyebrow.

"Don't you two have work to do?"

"Was a bit quiet in Security so I came to see if there was something I could be assigned to do that was more useful than just sitting around the armoury."  Katya said.

Ruth gave a disdainful look, knowing that in all reality she'd probably come to see if T'Vas was on the Bridge and give her a hard time.  She had yet to find out what the beef there was but she would.

"If Lt. T'Kel assigned you to sit in the armoury twiddling your thumbs then that's what you do... get yourself back there and if you want something to do make sure phasers are charged ready, make sure the armoury is clean and tidy, everything back where it should be and other than any weaponry checked out - it'll be in the log - make sure it's all there and in good repair.  There are a million and one things that you can do other than twiddle your thumbs!  Seriously what do they teach in...AAArgh." Ruth yelped as another cramp hit her calf muscle.

"You ok, Ru - Ma'am?" Arya said running forward and crouching beside her sister who was obviously rubbing her calf.

"Just a cramp Arya it's perfectly ok."  the Commander answered with a kindly smile since the medical one of the sisters was technically in the right place at the right time.  "And to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"

"I was looking for Lagar, to see, if he's not too busy, if I could find out more about his species physiology as I don't actually know too much, but I see he's already on duty at Sciences." Arya replied, gently massaging her sister's calf, giving some much needed relief.

"Well, depending on Lt. Jyur, if he permits once this cramp eases if he'd like me to take Lagar's place at Sciences for a while, and Lagar is willing we can play swapsies, and Mr. Jyur can stay comfy in the Captain's chair for a bit!" she said looking to her side at Jettis to see his reaction whether it would be 'Get me outta here!' or if he took it in his stride and felt comfortable there.  She knew he was more than capable.

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Lisa was happy she wasn't assigned to go to the conference. Not that she wasn't capable being useful there, it just...wasn't her thing. With the group gone, however, she was struggling to figure out what exactly she wanted to do. Most of her projects were at a standstill because she was at the "waiting" stage right before "observation," so there was not much to do there. Today she had given the majority of her younger officers Sickbay duty since they could use the experience, (one can never fix too any broken bones) so she didn't need to be there either. Jess noticed her fidgeting at the desk and placed her hand under her chin.

"Okay, if you need a suggestion, go where the action is. You've already submitted team schedules and you're the only one who doesn't have one set so go see if Ruth is back from making her rounds. Your fidgeting is going to drive me insane."

When Lisa didn't responded, Jess' eyebrows raised. "Go!"

So Lisa stood up, gathered her PADD with news articles from the planets that were gathering at the conference, and left.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

When she entered, she immediately spotted Lagar (it was hard for her gaze not to be drawn to him first given how peculiar he looked strewn around the science station) and noticed that Jettis was at the con while Ruth stood neearby. Odd, but she wasn't going to question it. If anyone noticed her there she'd give them a wave, otherwise she found an auxiliary science station, took a seat, and powered it up. She didn't know why Lagar was running a bunch of scans, but her eyes searched for the reason as she gradually got caught up.

"So, found anything interesting?" she asked loud enough for the room but geared toward Lagar.

[Derek Rodwell]

[Observation Lounge - Deck 2]

As soon as his shift was over, Derek had gone straight to the Observation Lounge. The scuttlebutt aboard the ship was that the President of the Federation had been aboard and was now planet side for a conference. Knowing that made him all that more happier that he hadn't gotten stuck having to go to the ship meal they had all shared while having to wear those damn monkey suits.

He was on his second cup of Bajoran Jumja tea when his comm chimed.

Tharn to Rodwell. Where are you? 

With a moan, he tapped his badge and kept his reply short.

Observation Lounge, Ma'am.

I'm gonna need you to report back to Engineering. 

Understood. On my way. Rodwell out. 

He finished off his drink and disposed of the cup on his way out the door. The lift doors opened and he stepped in and slumped against the rear wall. "Engineering." he said as if it were the end of the universe.

TBC........

[Jettis Jyur]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"On it Sir."

Lowe replied and opened communications with the Galgan Security Patrol.

"USS Challenger to Galgan Patrol, we have noted the increased activity to Coreward, do you require assistance?"

"Challenger, this is Galgan Patrol Ship 19. Please maintain your assigned orbit. The activity you have detected is resolved. Thank you for your offer, but it is no longer needed. Nineteen out."

Lowe shrugged and added.

"The Galgan ships are moving back to their regular patrol rotation Sir. Nothing on sensors out of the ordinary either, but my gut doesn't like it Sir."

[ USS Challenger - Bridge ]

At the report, a deep frown settled into Jettis' features. Just like that, the ships were done with whatever business they had, and back to their regular scheduling? As if they'd just gathered to settle on bets.

"I don't much like it either, but there isn't much else we can do as guests." It would be far overstepping for the Challenger to run her own investigation, so the Bridge crew was stuck with simply seeing how things rolled out. Tapping his finger rhythmically, Jettis leaned back in his chair with a frustrated look. All too soon the memories of being XO and stuck to bridge duty came flooding back. Though, at this point the relative safety it provided was a bit more welcome, the anxiety worrying about the away team was not. And especially not when the damn President was technically under their care.

"Keep the scans running anyway. If nothing comes of them in an hour continue with regular scans. And let me know if any more subspace chatter pops up. I have a feeling we'll have some unwelcome guests to this conference." Jettis' head turned slightly, as he heard yet another visitor arrive to the Bridge, eyes locking with Belmont. He responded to her wave in kind, before returning to his previously brooding stance of staring out the viewscreen.

[Ian Galloway]

[Galga VI, President's Quarters]

Rhymus moved to join Captain Galloway.

"It would be remiss of me for you to travel unescorted, Captain. And as you said, we are also here to learn. A little reconnaissance of this facility and the locations of the other Alpha Quadrant Species would do wonders for our tactical considerations."

[Galga VI | VIP Guest Quarters

"Observe, Orient, Decision, Action."

T'Vas stood impassively at the Captain's words though she did murmur John Boyd's greatest legacy. Rendered into its basic form, the OODA loop is a person's thought process and reactions. It also meant that knowing the thought process, one could affect another person's thoughts and change how they react. All this occurred within the span of a heartbeat, the colour rushing to her cheeks slightly. Of all the crew he could have picked... Her face then turned slightly pale: What does the Captain see in me? Do I have potential that even I don't know about?'

"I prefer to accompany you, sir." She said with a slight lift of her chin, ready to do her bit.

[Galgan Conference Facility]

Ian, Rhymus, and T'Vas exited the President's suite and made their way around the expansive facility. Everywhere they looked was very fine furniture and artwork from across the quadrant. Wherever two corridors met, there was an indoor fountain boasting flora and fish from dozens of planets. It was clear that the Galgans enjoyed their reputation as a neutral place for interstellar meetings and they wanted the guests to know that as well.

Rhymus' trained eye noticed that the discrete and layered security of the facility was first rate, which, even if it wasn't Starfleet, it certainly came close. Like the three members of the Federation delegation, other representatives were about taking in the museum quality artwork and furnishings as well. While they did not see Martok or any other Klingons or Romulans, they did see half a dozen Ferengi admiring the decor with obvious avarice. They even saw a single Tholian, but he, she, whatever it was wore a bulky environmental suit that made getting any real look at the being inside impossible.

"I suppose, one gets used ta rarefied air if'n that's all you breathe, but I have ta admit, I feel like a wee bairn on a field trip ta some grand estate and afraid my Da will scold me if'n I so much as look at anything too hard."

Ian confided to the others quietly as he continued to admire the fine facility.

"Now, I ken your eye is drawn ta different things than mine Chief, what do you think? Should I have security on standby or do you think the Galgans can manage?"

As he waited for Rhymus to reply, Ian wanted to make sure he included the young ensign in the experience.

"What are your thoughts Ensign? I understand that much of what I'm feelin' wouldna faze a Vulcan, you must have some feelin's regardin' the trappin's and presence of so many bein's of power."

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

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

The intense focused scans, especially those directed at where the Galgan patrol craft had gathered yielded an increase in ions, but no corresponding trail to go with it. The scans showed an uncharacteristically clear patch of space and then a large concentration of ions, completely unlike the clearly traceable trails left by the patrol craft. What would cause this flood of ions was unclear, but based off of known ship operations, the concentration didn't make any sense.

[Lagar]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

When she entered, she immediately spotted Lagar (it was hard for her gaze not to be drawn to him first given how peculiar he looked strewn around the science station) and noticed that Jettis was at the con while Ruth stood neearby. Odd, but she wasn't going to question it. If anyone noticed her there she'd give them a wave, otherwise she found an auxiliary science station, took a seat, and powered it up. She didn't know why Lagar was running a bunch of scans, but her eyes searched for the reason as she gradually got caught up.

"So, found anything interesting?" she asked loud enough for the room but geared toward Lagar.

[ USS Challenger - Bridge ]

At the report, a deep frown settled into Jettis' features. Just like that, the ships were done with whatever business they had, and back to their regular scheduling? As if they'd just gathered to settle on bets.

"I don't much like it either, but there isn't much else we can do as guests." It would be far overstepping for the Challenger to run her own investigation, so the Bridge crew was stuck with simply seeing how things rolled out. Tapping his finger rhythmically, Jettis leaned back in his chair with a frustrated look. All too soon the memories of being XO and stuck to bridge duty came flooding back. Though, at this point the relative safety it provided was a bit more welcome, the anxiety worrying about the away team was not. And especially not when the damn President was technically under their care.

"Keep the scans running anyway. If nothing comes of them in an hour continue with regular scans. And let me know if any more subspace chatter pops up. I have a feeling we'll have some unwelcome guests to this conference." Jettis' head turned slightly, as he heard yet another visitor arrive to the Bridge, eyes locking with Belmont. He responded to her wave in kind, before returning to his previously brooding stance of staring out the viewscreen.

Lieutenant jg Lagar
[Bridge "" USS Challenger]

Lagar nodded his head as Lieutenant Belmont approached, glad to be collaborating with her on this Bridge work. "I may shortly, Lieutenant. Your expert eye will be appreciated" he replied.

At Lieutenant Jyur's command, the Phylosian kept the scanners trained.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

The intense focused scans, especially those directed at where the Galgan patrol craft had gathered yielded an increase in ions, but no corresponding trail to go with it. The scans showed an uncharacteristically clear patch of space and then a large concentration of ions, completely unlike the clearly traceable trails left by the patrol craft. What would cause this flood of ions was unclear, but based off of known ship operations, the concentration didn't make any sense.

Lagar gestured with a tendril to the scanner results, displaying them to Lieutenant Belmont. "Now here is something"¦" he said, and once he had a grasp of it, he turned in his chair, his quadruple legs easily running around to rotate him in place. "Lieutenant Jyur, scans have detected a temporary, yet substantial concentration of ions at that point in space. There is no accompanying trail to this particular burst, no start or end of a line, only a singular flood of ions."

In Lagar's mind, he recalled not so long ago when their pursuit of the USS Tigris's ion trail had ended in clear space. At that time, the shuttle had, to their belief, disappeared into the belly of a cloaked Romulan vessel. Sadly, too little proof had remained to tie the subversive plot together in a substantial way. Focusing once more on the scans, Lagar felt it was prudent to report what the scans did not show. "Sir, there are no signs of debris, or of an explosion of a device which might have released these ions."

Lagar leaned back, looking to Lieutenant Belmont and Arya Sigurdsdottir in turn. A puzzle was before them, and a puzzle was made less complex by applying multiple minds to the problem. He had a profound respect for the careful intelligence of Lieutenant Belmont, and Arya was already proving herself to be a curious and deadly-sharp mind.