S4: E11 - Fracture Lines

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

Casey relay the message to shuttle bay to have one shuttle ready for stand by to aid the away team. He figured that would be a neat job. Then they would be sitting and waiting. That was okay. Then he would not be here on the Bridge and miss the fun!

"There is always something off, sir. Its like going on date. You have clue you mess up. Say the right thing. And you wonder what she is up to? Is she really wanting---er never mind," he chuckled. "This is far from being a date. But first impression indeed"

[Bridge - Prior to departing for Engineering]

Ruth let out a chuckle.  "It's fine Ensign, and good analogy... first dates anyhow.  When you've been dating someone and it's just a regular date night unless they are really good at switching things up like some people I could mention..." she grinned thinking of Lahr, "...then you get more relaxed about things and just enjoy it!  And for future reference, I prefer Ma'am."

She realised it wasn't totally textbook 'being a Bridge officer' but she'd heard the Captain come out with far worse.  "Ma cajones are bigger and higher up, laddie!" she said in her best (which was atrocious) imitation of Ian's brogue.

Her voice now returning to normal she winked at Casey and said "Now be good for the nice Lieutenant and I'll be back soon." she said teasing but with a grin all over her face so she hoped the Ensign knew that she liked him and it was all just in fun.

[Engineering]

Derek looked up form his console when he heard a voice call out. He was rather surprised to see Commander, Hell. How do you pronounce her last name again? he chided himself. He stood to see what the Chief Science Officer, Damn it. No. The new XO. Briggs was gone. Pull your shiz together man. He quickly straightened himself and his uniform.

"Commander. How may I help you, Sir? Ma'am? My apologies. I'm not sure which you prefer." he managed to say.

[Engineering - USS Challenger]

"Relax, Rodwell isn't it.  When it's important it's Ma'am... otherwise Ruth is sufficient because Sigurdsdottir, or Sigurdsdottir-Waring officially outside of Starfleet is a right gobful in anyone's books!" the XO grinned.

"Two things, one business, one personal..." she looked the Ensign up and down liking what she saw, and decided then and there that he would be the one she used, rather than the CEO... 'Call it a personal project...' she said to herself, not sure if she meant what she'd come for or the gentleman before her.

"... a personal project shall we say. But first the official thing.  The Captain, your boss, my replacement as CSO and Mr. Abisa have gone planetside and I wanted to make sure 300% or whatever that those dodgy sensors are sorted out and we can get whatever locks we need on those down there to yank them out if anything happens.  I also have a shuttlecraft on standby should we need to go in that way."

She paused and passed a hand around the back of her neck.

"The other is a little embarrassing for someone like me who has served as Captain on this very ship, but then our current CO knows about as much about Science as I know about Engineering, we aren't omnipotent.  Basically, I'm useless at Engineering and I wondered if you would like to help me broaden my knowledge of Engineering as it's limited primarily to combustion engines rather than warp cores and transporters! So what do you say?  I'll make sure you are recompensed for your time and clear it with Tharn when she's back... have you detailed to me, scheduled to instruct when there isn't any major flap on that requires your attention."

[Ian Galloway]

[Planetside, Edoran, guest accomodations]

After the Commander spoke and the Captain introduced them, Ocras stepped forward. "Commander," Ocras nodded to the Deltan, and then to the officers and crew of the Dawnspring. "As the Captain said, I am Lt. Abisa of Security. Before we delve into the facts as they have been presented, I would appreciate it if you would all consider a few questions I have."

"First, in your research, did you find any anomalies that might have impacted The Dawnspring? Or perhaps any anomalies that might have indicated something being hidden? Were there any interactions with locals or other visitors that turned confrontational? Finally, while you were planetside, were there any indications that you were being targeted for observation?" Ocras paused, his empathy stretched out to gather any reaction from the crew as they considered his questions. Hopefully, something he asked would jog memories that might give them something to investigate other than a potentially fabricated warp core breach.

If the crew were exceptionally formal, the Commander would reply to those questions first then the rest in descending order by rank. How they answered his questions would tell him almost as much as what they actually said.

[Guest Accommodations - Hall of Ministers - Edoran]

Commander Adzhak-Dall looked tired as he replied to Ocras.

"The Dawnspring was returning to Federation space after an eighteen month, deep-space survey. We'd been gone so long that the Captain granted permission to break at Edoran for shore leave. Not that there was anything special about Edoran, beyond it was the first planet we reached on returning to someplace even remotely civilized. The crew was tired as was the ship, but despite needing a post-mission overhaul, her material condition was good overall. We'd run a pressure integrity test on the main warp core less than three weeks before, so there was no reason for a core-breach to have taken place.

"Captain Nelson and I were on planet to coordinate with the local authorities about places for the crew to visit and some resupply base matter for our replicators. The rest of the crew that had gone ashore had won a random lottery the Captain used to see who would get to take leave first. The Captain and I had been together about an hour before the Dawnspring was lost, and I recall the Council of Ministers, I don't recall the name of the specific minister, asking to meet with Captain Nelson, immediately. Nelson agreed and left to meet with them, telling me to enjoy my lunch.

"About a half-hour before the ship was lost, the Captain contacted me to report she'd be returning to the ship. When I asked if he should join her, she said no that it was a minor errand; the Council of Ministers requested that we assist remapping part of the northern hemisphere for economic exploitation and she'd rejoin him in a couple of hours.

"In response to your specific questions, no, we hadn't detected anything unusual during our approach and orbit of Edoran, but, then again, we had no reason to be looking for anything. As for confrontations, I didn't see any, I could tell some of the Orions weren't glad to see us, but besides some unfriendly stares, none of the locals were openly hostile."

Ian listened to the first officer's report and could tell he was tortured by the loss of his ship. It didn't take a telepath to notice he was questioning his decision not to go back with the captain and that he was haunted to have survived.

"Thank you Commander, I will leave the option of staying here on Edoran or transporting up to the Challenger up to-"

"Forgive the interruption Captain, but we'd all rather get off this world." Adzhak-Dall said without hesitation. "Here we are little more than captives. On the Challenger, we can be of assistance in figuring out what happened to the Dawnspring."

"Very well Commander, you know your people far better than I do. Once you are settled, report ta my first officer, Commander Ruth Sigurdsdottir."

"Thank you Captain."

Ian tapped his combadge.

"Galloway ta Challenger, prepare ta beam up the survivors of the Dawnspring. Seventeen in all. Get them assigned ta quarters and once they are ready, they will be assistin' in our investigation. Galloway out."

Once the survivors were beamed up, Ian spoke to the rest of the away team.

"It doesna look like there will be much ta find planetside, so I want you, Jettis and Dashlish, ta head back ta the ship. Connect with your Dawnspring counterparts and get started on crackin' what happened."

Ian then turned to face Ocras.

"Mister Abisa, I want ta speak ta the Council of Ministers again. I'm goin' take Conacian up his offer ta speak ta him any time. He dodged your questions earlier, this time, I'm goin' ta get answers out of that oily leam-leat."

[Jettis Jyur]

[Guest Accommodations - Hall of Ministers - Edoran]

Commander Adzhak-Dall looked tired as he replied to Ocras.

"The Dawnspring was returning to Federation space after an eighteen month, deep-space survey. We'd been gone so long that the Captain granted permission to break at Edoran for shore leave. Not that there was anything special about Edoran, beyond it was the first planet we reached on returning to someplace even remotely civilized. The crew was tired as was the ship, but despite needing a post-mission overhaul, her material condition was good overall. We'd run a pressure integrity test on the main warp core less than three weeks before, so there was no reason for a core-breach to have taken place.

"Captain Nelson and I were on planet to coordinate with the local authorities about places for the crew to visit and some resupply base matter for our replicators. The rest of the crew that had gone ashore had won a random lottery the Captain used to see who would get to take leave first. The Captain and I had been together about an hour before the Dawnspring was lost, and I recall the Council of Ministers, I don't recall the name of the specific minister, asking to meet with Captain Nelson, immediately. Nelson agreed and left to meet with them, telling me to enjoy my lunch.

"About a half-hour before the ship was lost, the Captain contacted me to report she'd be returning to the ship. When I asked if he should join her, she said no that it was a minor errand; the Council of Ministers requested that we assist remapping part of the northern hemisphere for economic exploitation and she'd rejoin him in a couple of hours.

"In response to your specific questions, no, we hadn't detected anything unusual during our approach and orbit of Edoran, but, then again, we had no reason to be looking for anything. As for confrontations, I didn't see any, I could tell some of the Orions weren't glad to see us, but besides some unfriendly stares, none of the locals were openly hostile."

Ian listened to the first officer's report and could tell he was tortured by the loss of his ship. It didn't take a telepath to notice he was questioning his decision not to go back with the captain and that he was haunted to have survived.

"Thank you Commander, I will leave the option of staying here on Edoran or transporting up to the Challenger up to-"

"Forgive the interruption Captain, but we'd all rather get off this world." Adzhak-Dall said without hesitation. "Here we are little more than captives. On the Challenger, we can be of assistance in figuring out what happened to the Dawnspring."

"Very well Commander, you know your people far better than I do. Once you are settled, report ta my first officer, Commander Ruth Sigurdsdottir."

"Thank you Captain."

Ian tapped his combadge.

"Galloway ta Challenger, prepare ta beam up the survivors of the Dawnspring. Seventeen in all. Get them assigned ta quarters and once they are ready, they will be assistin' in our investigation. Galloway out."

Once the survivors were beamed up, Ian spoke to the rest of the away team.

"It doesna look like there will be much ta find planetside, so I want you, Jettis and Dashlish, ta head back ta the ship. Connect with your Dawnspring counterparts and get started on crackin' what happened."

Ian then turned to face Ocras.

"Mister Abisa, I want ta speak ta the Council of Ministers again. I'm goin' take Conacian up his offer ta speak ta him any time. He dodged your questions earlier, this time, I'm goin' ta get answers out of that oily leam-leat."

[Planetside, Edoran - Hall of Ministers]

As Ocras asked his questions, Jettis stayed quiet and listened intently. Most of his questions were simply a duplicate of what his fellow officer had asked anyhow, and he didn't want to pressure them too much.
At their answer, he frowned, pulling out his PADD to write some of it down.

As the Captain turned to him, he nodded, placing his PADD back in his belt. "Aye sir. I'll bring the news to Commander Sigurdsdottir." He waited a moment for any further instruction, before stepping away from the Captain and Lieutenant, motioning for Tharn to follow him. Tapping his commbadge, he reported up to the ship-
"Jyur to USS Challenger. Two to beam up - beam me directly to the Bridge, please."

As the transporter beam enveloped him, and he rematerialized on the bridge, he glanced around. One thing was notable - Ruth was no longer present. Glancing around, he gave a quizzical look to the remaining members of the bridge. "Where is Commander Sigurdsdottir?"

[Don Damien Addams]

[Planetside, Edoran - Hall of Ministers]

As Ocras asked his questions, Jettis stayed quiet and listened intently. Most of his questions were simply a duplicate of what his fellow officer had asked anyhow, and he didn't want to pressure them too much.
At their answer, he frowned, pulling out his PADD to write some of it down.

As the Captain turned to him, he nodded, placing his PADD back in his belt. "Aye sir. I'll bring the news to Commander Sigurdsdottir." He waited a moment for any further instruction, before stepping away from the Captain and Lieutenant, motioning for Tharn to follow him. Tapping his commbadge, he reported up to the ship-
"Jyur to USS Challenger. Two to beam up - beam me directly to the Bridge, please."

As the transporter beam enveloped him, and he rematerialized on the bridge, he glanced around. One thing was notable - Ruth was no longer present. Glancing around, he gave a quizzical look to the remaining members of the bridge. "Where is Commander Sigurdsdottir?"

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

"œOh Commander is down in Engineering. Getting chummy with them I guess," he replied. "œGlad to see you are back. How are things down there?"

[Ocras Abisa]

Once the survivors were beamed up, Ian spoke to the rest of the away team.

"It doesna look like there will be much ta find planetside, so I want you, Jettis and Dashlish, ta head back ta the ship. Connect with your Dawnspring counterparts and get started on crackin' what happened."

Ian then turned to face Ocras.

"Mister Abisa, I want ta speak ta the Council of Ministers again. I'm goin' take Conacian up his offer ta speak ta him any time. He dodged your questions earlier, this time, I'm goin' ta get answers out of that oily leam-leat."

[Planetside, Edoran - Hall of Ministers]

Ocras gave Jettis an encouraging smile as he beamed away, then turned back to the captain. His universal translator didn't catch the meaning of 'leam-leat', but the Captain's emotions and the context around the words made it clear that it wasn't complimentary.

"Yes, sir. Would you like me to play the stern security officer and back you up, the 'good cop' to your 'bad cop,' or just watch him for reactions?" Ocras hadn't worked with this captain before, otherwise he would have known what role to take on. He hoped that Galloway didn't object to questions.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Planetside, Edoran - Hall of Ministers]

As Ocras asked his questions, Jettis stayed quiet and listened intently. Most of his questions were simply a duplicate of what his fellow officer had asked anyhow, and he didn't want to pressure them too much.
At their answer, he frowned, pulling out his PADD to write some of it down.

As the Captain turned to him, he nodded, placing his PADD back in his belt. "Aye sir. I'll bring the news to Commander Sigurdsdottir." He waited a moment for any further instruction, before stepping away from the Captain and Lieutenant, motioning for Tharn to follow him. Tapping his commbadge, he reported up to the ship-
"Jyur to USS Challenger. Two to beam up - beam me directly to the Bridge, please."

As the transporter beam enveloped him, and he rematerialized on the bridge, he glanced around. One thing was notable - Ruth was no longer present. Glancing around, he gave a quizzical look to the remaining members of the bridge. "Where is Commander Sigurdsdottir?"

[Engineering - USS Challenger]

Ruth had been an Ops officer and she was also in a relationship with one... one picked up a trick or two.

She'd set her earbud to pick up any comms from the Away team, so she knew about the beam out.

"Ensign Rodwell, think about my proposal... you can contact me any time.  I fear I'm going to need to leave it there and get back to the Bridge."

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

"œOh Commander is down in Engineering. Getting chummy with them I guess," he replied. "œGlad to see you are back. How are things down there?"

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"The Commander is right here, Ensign, and yes Mr. Jyur how are things down there... care to give me a report?!"

Ruth's little wander down to Engineering had set her brains back in 'command' mode and she was back and ready for anything.  Being left in charge had rattled her momentarily and so she had done what she needed to do in order to ground herself... but hadn't done it irresponsibly.  She could be contacted, and she heard all comms in and out of the ship.

"I take it the Captain is still down there?" she said striding to, then sitting confidentially in the centre chair, rolling her neck to unclick it and anyone seeing her would know by the glint in her green eyes that she was ready for anything.

"Mr. Shazham, I'll have that Waring Special Blend now if you're still so kind as to make me one!"

[Don Damien Addams]

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

"œNinja commander on bridge!" Casey announced. He had failed to hearing the Commander coming on the bridge.

Shazham nodded his head to the commander. He walked to the replicator. "œOne Waring special blend coffee," he spoke low with a Indian accent. The computer replicated it. He was not sure what was a warring special blend is. Soon enough he will learn.

He took the coffee and walked to the command center of the bridge, pulled out the small slider table on the Captain's chair and placed the coffee down on it. He nodded his head and stepped back a few steps to observe.

[Ian Galloway]

[Planetside, Edoran - Hall of Ministers]

Ocras gave Jettis an encouraging smile as he beamed away, then turned back to the captain. His universal translator didn't catch the meaning of 'leam-leat', but the Captain's emotions and the context around the words made it clear that it wasn't complimentary.

"Yes, sir. Would you like me to play the stern security officer and back you up, the 'good cop' to your 'bad cop,' or just watch him for reactions?" Ocras hadn't worked with this captain before, otherwise he would have known what role to take on. He hoped that Galloway didn't object to questions.

[Hall of Ministers - Edoran]

Ian smiled at Orcas and invited the security officer to walk with him, speaking softly to reduce the chance of being overheard.

"I believe I'll be the 'bad cop' this time. I don't get ta leave the ship much these days, it's the biggest  drawback of bein' Captain in case your ambitions are leanin' in that direction, so since I'm here, I'm goin' ta make the most of my time here."

It was only a short walk to the room where Minister Conacian first received the away team. The Minister was where they'd left him, sitting on an ornate divan and making the most of the sumptuous repast before him.

"Minister. You said we could speak ta you at your leisure, and after speakin' ta the survivors, I've a few questions if'n you don't mind."

"By all means Captain, ask away, we want to get to the bottom of this terrible event as much as you do."

"Thank you Minister. Commander Adzhak-Dall, the senior survivor of the Dawnspring's crew, said that one of the ministers spoke with Captain Nelson roughly half a hour before the loss of the ship regardin' some mappin' of the northern hemisphere. Do you perchance happen ta know which minister made this request? In addition, I would like ta be able ta send a team ta the site of the wreckage that made planetfall. I presume that won't be a problem."

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

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Lieutenant jg Evan Randell, who was covering the science station frowned and called out to Jettis.

"Sir, could you look at these readings? I'm picking up a localized increase in neutrinos that I cannot explain."

[Jettis Jyur]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"The Commander is right here, Ensign, and yes Mr. Jyur how are things down there... care to give me a report?!"

Ruth's little wander down to Engineering had set her brains back in 'command' mode and she was back and ready for anything.  Being left in charge had rattled her momentarily and so she had done what she needed to do in order to ground herself... but hadn't done it irresponsibly.  She could be contacted, and she heard all comms in and out of the ship.

"I take it the Captain is still down there?" she said striding to, then sitting confidentially in the centre chair, rolling her neck to unclick it and anyone seeing her would know by the glint in her green eyes that she was ready for anything.

"Mr. Shazham, I'll have that Waring Special Blend now if you're still so kind as to make me one!"

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

Jettis nodded towards the Flight officer, and then spun on his heel to face the Commander. A tiny smirk appeared on his face at Casey's surprised response, before recomposing himself.
"I do, Ma'am." His teal eyes followed her as she glided over to the console. "Indeed, the Captain is still on the planet. He and Abisa stayed back to further question the Ministers, as there's been some... miscommunication."

Folding his hand behind is back, he unholstered his PADD once again, and began recounting what both the Ministers, and survivors said in short form. "Essentially, their sensors allegedly shows that there were no ships near by, and no identifiable cause of the explosion. They even had footage to show, as well, and there were no ships in the vicinity. They didn't appear to be lying, either, which only deepens the mystery.

The survivors had no clue either - many were on the planet, and so had no indication of why, or how the ship malfunctioned. The Captain had been called away to speak to the Ministers prior to the incident." He paused to take a breath, glancing down at his notes, until his attention was caught once again.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Lieutenant jg Evan Randell, who was covering the science station frowned and called out to Jettis.

"Sir, could you look at these readings? I'm picking up a localized increase in neutrinos that I cannot explain.

Throwing a sheepish look at Ruth, he dipped his head for a moment, uttering an "Excuse me, ma'am," before striding over to the science station. Peering over Evan's shoulder, his eyes quickly scanned and processed the information, a frown creasing his features. "Localized?" His frown deepened further, as his looked at where it was localized too.
"Neutrinos are small, they should barely register as anything important. If they're elevated, it means something we can't see is interacting with them." He explained quickly to the Lieutenant. Speaking louder, he continued, "Which likely means a cloaked ship, Commander. The ship may be in danger, judging by the fate of the Dawnspring."

[Derek Rodwell]

[Engineering - USS Challenger]

"Relax, Rodwell isn't it.  When it's important it's Ma'am... otherwise Ruth is sufficient because Sigurdsdottir, or Sigurdsdottir-Waring officially outside of Starfleet is a right gobful in anyone's books!" the XO grinned.

"Two things, one business, one personal..." she looked the Ensign up and down liking what she saw, and decided then and there that he would be the one she used, rather than the CEO... 'Call it a personal project...' she said to herself, not sure if she meant what she'd come for or the gentleman before her.

"... a personal project shall we say. But first the official thing.  The Captain, your boss, my replacement as CSO and Mr. Abisa have gone planetside and I wanted to make sure 300% or whatever that those dodgy sensors are sorted out and we can get whatever locks we need on those down there to yank them out if anything happens.  I also have a shuttlecraft on standby should we need to go in that way."

She paused and passed a hand around the back of her neck.

"The other is a little embarrassing for someone like me who has served as Captain on this very ship, but then our current CO knows about as much about Science as I know about Engineering, we aren't omnipotent.  Basically, I'm useless at Engineering and I wondered if you would like to help me broaden my knowledge of Engineering as it's limited primarily to combustion engines rather than warp cores and transporters! So what do you say?  I'll make sure you are recompensed for your time and clear it with Tharn when she's back... have you detailed to me, scheduled to instruct when there isn't any major flap on that requires your attention."

"Y..y..yes, Ma'am. Rodwell." Derek stuttered out as the XO continued.

"OH!. Yes, Ma'am. The glitches have one hundred percent been repaired and taken care of. Getting and keeping a lock and transporting back will not be an issue any more." he said as if it was a guarantee.

He listened further as the XO continued on with her next request but was called away before he could reply.

Ruth had been an Ops officer and she was also in a relationship with one... one picked up a trick or two.

She'd set her earbud to pick up any comms from the Away team, so she knew about the beam out.

"Ensign Rodwell, think about my proposal... you can contact me any time.  I fear I'm going to need to leave it there and get back to the Bridge."

"Yes, Ma'am." he said once again.

He watched as she left and his mind began to wonder. The XO wanted him to help her with her Engineering skills. He was honored. He enjoyed talking and teaching Engineering. Plus, she wasn't exactly hard on the eyes with that flowing red hair of hers. Of course, he'd never say that out loud. He knew Mister Lahr would beat his ass. Derek slightly shrugged his shoulders and grinned before returning to work. Maybe she'd be worth it. He went ahead and took a moment to send her a message.

It would be my pleasure to assist you with your personal request, Commander.

[Don Damien Addams]

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

"Commander, May I have permission to visit Engineering?"

[so I can interact with Engineering]

[Engineering]

After when he was able to head to Engineering, Shazham had walked in. He was looking around and had wondered who was who. He could use a Data Pad, however he was play personal.

"Excuse me," Shazham said with a slight Indian accent. "I am Counselor Shazham and I wonder can you help me?" he asked with his hands together front of him.

[Derek Rodwell]

[Engineering]

"Commander, May I have permission to visit Engineering?"

[so I can interact with Engineering]

[Engineering]

After when he was able to head to Engineering, Shazham had walked in. He was looking around and had wondered who was who. He could use a Data Pad, however he was play personal.

"Excuse me," Shazham said with a slight Indian accent. "I am Counselor Shazham and I wonder can you help me?" he asked with his hands together front of him.

Not being one to take unnecessary chances, Derek was going over everything that had anything to do with the transporters systems. Not only did he not want them to malfunction again, he definitely need it to happen when the CO was ready to beam back up. As he was leaned over his console, a new voice broke the air from behind him. He turned to welcome the newcomer.

"Counselor. I'm Ensign Rodwell. How can I assist you?" he asked.

[Ocras Abisa]

[Hall of Ministers - Edoran]

Ian smiled at Orcas and invited the security officer to walk with him, speaking softly to reduce the chance of being overheard.

"I believe I'll be the 'bad cop' this time. I don't get ta leave the ship much these days, it's the biggest  drawback of bein' Captain in case your ambitions are leanin' in that direction, so since I'm here, I'm goin' ta make the most of my time here."

It was only a short walk to the room where Minister Conacian first received the away team. The Minister was where they'd left him, sitting on an ornate divan and making the most of the sumptuous repast before him.

"Minister. You said we could speak ta you at your leisure, and after speakin' ta the survivors, I've a few questions if'n you don't mind."

"By all means Captain, ask away, we want to get to the bottom of this terrible event as much as you do."

"Thank you Minister. Commander Adzhak-Dall, the senior survivor of the Dawnspring's crew, said that one of the ministers spoke with Captain Nelson roughly half a hour before the loss of the ship regardin' some mappin' of the northern hemisphere. Do you perchance happen ta know which minister made this request? In addition, I would like ta be able ta send a team ta the site of the wreckage that made planetfall. I presume that won't be a problem."

[Planetside, Edoran - Hall of Ministers]

Ocras returned the Captain's smile, and matched his volume as they walked. "Then I'll follow your lead. This isn't the time to discuss my career ambitions... but my dream is to captain an exploratory mission. Finding the edges of known space and venturing further, leading first contact missions and getting to build the Federation's knowledge. Old maps on Earth used to say 'here be dragons' when no one knew what was actually out there. I'd like to find those dragons."

When they arrived in the reception room, Ocras went silent and kept his perceptions wide, and wasn't shocked at the sudden spike of anxiety from Minister Conacian when the Captain pressed for more information. What did shock him was that all of the Ministers had a similar reaction. He did not want to give away his abilities, nor did he want to ruin the Captain's position... so he waited for the Captain to finish his questions and formed a quick telepathic projection and shunted it across to the Captain's mind before the Minister could reply.

Ocras shaped his mental projection very deliberately to deliver the information and wait for a response, putting 'blinders' on his senses to prevent himself from perceiving any of the Captain's private thoughts. Placing the projection was a practiced art. Ocras had to place it where the Captain would be aware of the thought and understand that it wasn't his own thought, but Ocras could not put it too deeply, or the blinders wouldn't be enough to prevent him seeing things he shouldn't.

Hopefully the Captain would not object to the mental intrusion, but if he did, Ocras would accept the discipline to come.

[Ian Galloway]

[Planetside, Edoran - Hall of Ministers]

Ocras returned the Captain's smile, and matched his volume as they walked. "Then I'll follow your lead. This isn't the time to discuss my career ambitions... but my dream is to captain an exploratory mission. Finding the edges of known space and venturing further, leading first contact missions and getting to build the Federation's knowledge. Old maps on Earth used to say 'here be dragons' when no one knew what was actually out there. I'd like to find those dragons."

When they arrived in the reception room, Ocras went silent and kept his perceptions wide, and wasn't shocked at the sudden spike of anxiety from Minister Conacian when the Captain pressed for more information. What did shock him was that all of the Ministers had a similar reaction. He did not want to give away his abilities, nor did he want to ruin the Captain's position... so he waited for the Captain to finish his questions and formed a quick telepathic projection and shunted it across to the Captain's mind before the Minister could reply.

Ocras shaped his mental projection very deliberately to deliver the information and wait for a response, putting 'blinders' on his senses to prevent himself from perceiving any of the Captain's private thoughts. Placing the projection was a practiced art. Ocras had to place it where the Captain would be aware of the thought and understand that it wasn't his own thought, but Ocras could not put it too deeply, or the blinders wouldn't be enough to prevent him seeing things he shouldn't.

Hopefully the Captain would not object to the mental intrusion, but if he did, Ocras would accept the discipline to come.

[Hall of Ministers - Edoran]

Ian flinched when he became aware of the foreign thought. He'd never experienced telepathic communication before and it unnerved him. He covered the flinch with a faked cough, giving Conacian a sheepish grin and said.

"Please excuse me Ministers, the dry air of your world is very different from that aboard a starship."

"Certainly Captain, however, in response to your question, I have no knowledge of such a meeting. As far as I know, the Ministers had no business with the Dawnspring after granting her permission to make orbit and begin their visit. It is most unfortunate that your Commander Adzhak-Dall does not have a name. You are very welcome to visit the debris field. Now you if you will excuse us Captain, we have some urgent business to discuss that is of a sensitive nature that we cannot share with you."

Ian knew a dismissal when he heard one and simply inclined his head in acceptance before departing the chamber.

"Lieutenant, I understand that telepathic communication is common among your people, but if the situation arises where you need ta speak ta me thusly, and I sincerely hope there isn't, but should it occur, I bit of warnin' would be appreciated.

"No need ta tell me Conacian was lyin' about there bein' a meetin' with Captain Nelson. For a politician, he's nae a good liar. My question is, what is goin' on in the Northern Hemisphere that is so bloody important. I doubt we will get any further useful information from the Ministers, so it's time ta head back ta the ship."

Ian then tapped his combadge.

"Galloway ta Challenger, two ta beam up."

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

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

Jettis nodded towards the Flight officer, and then spun on his heel to face the Commander. A tiny smirk appeared on his face at Casey's surprised response, before recomposing himself.
"I do, Ma'am." His teal eyes followed her as she glided over to the console. "Indeed, the Captain is still on the planet. He and Abisa stayed back to further question the Ministers, as there's been some... miscommunication."

Folding his hand behind is back, he unholstered his PADD once again, and began recounting what both the Ministers, and survivors said in short form. "Essentially, their sensors allegedly shows that there were no ships near by, and no identifiable cause of the explosion. They even had footage to show, as well, and there were no ships in the vicinity. They didn't appear to be lying, either, which only deepens the mystery.

The survivors had no clue either - many were on the planet, and so had no indication of why, or how the ship malfunctioned. The Captain had been called away to speak to the Ministers prior to the incident." He paused to take a breath, glancing down at his notes, until his attention was caught once again.

Throwing a sheepish look at Ruth, he dipped his head for a moment, uttering an "Excuse me, ma'am," before striding over to the science station. Peering over Evan's shoulder, his eyes quickly scanned and processed the information, a frown creasing his features. "Localized?" His frown deepened further, as his looked at where it was localized too.
"Neutrinos are small, they should barely register as anything important. If they're elevated, it means something we can't see is interacting with them." He explained quickly to the Lieutenant. Speaking louder, he continued, "Which likely means a cloaked ship, Commander. The ship may be in danger, judging by the fate of the Dawnspring."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Confirmation that Jettis was correct occurred just as Ian called for beam up, in the form of the Norexan-Class Warbird, Khranu decloaked simultaneously as the call from the planet. In addition to Ian's call, the Challenger was hailed by the Romulan vessel.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

"œNinja commander on bridge!" Casey announced. He had failed to hearing the Commander coming on the bridge.

Shazham nodded his head to the commander. He walked to the replicator. "œOne Waring special blend coffee," he spoke low with a Indian accent. The computer replicated it. He was not sure what was a warring special blend is. Soon enough he will learn.

He took the coffee and walked to the command center of the bridge, pulled out the small slider table on the Captain's chair and placed the coffee down on it. He nodded his head and stepped back a few steps to observe.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"Viking stealth mode activated, Ensign!" the XO said with a wink to Casey.  "I like to keep people on their toes!"

When the coffee arrived she took a grateful sip of it and nodded back at Shazham.  "Thank you, Counsellor, much appreciated."

[Engineering - USS Challenger]

"Y..y..yes, Ma'am. Rodwell." Derek stuttered out as the XO continued.

"OH!. Yes, Ma'am. The glitches have one hundred percent been repaired and taken care of. Getting and keeping a lock and transporting back will not be an issue any more." he said as if it was a guarantee.

He listened further as the XO continued on with her next request but was called away before he could reply.

"Yes, Ma'am." he said once again.

He watched as she left and his mind began to wonder. The XO wanted him to help her with her Engineering skills. He was honored. He enjoyed talking and teaching Engineering. Plus, she wasn't exactly hard on the eyes with that flowing red hair of hers. Of course, he'd never say that out loud. He knew Mister Lahr would beat his ass. Derek slightly shrugged his shoulders and grinned before returning to work. Maybe she'd be worth it. He went ahead and took a moment to send her a message.

It would be my pleasure to assist you with your personal request, Commander.

Ruth's personal PADD chirped and she saw the message come through.  She said nothing but grinned wide enough to out do the Cheshire Cat from Alice's tales.

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

Jettis nodded towards the Flight officer, and then spun on his heel to face the Commander. A tiny smirk appeared on his face at Casey's surprised response, before recomposing himself.
"I do, Ma'am." His teal eyes followed her as she glided over to the console. "Indeed, the Captain is still on the planet. He and Abisa stayed back to further question the Ministers, as there's been some... miscommunication."

Folding his hand behind is back, he unholstered his PADD once again, and began recounting what both the Ministers, and survivors said in short form. "Essentially, their sensors allegedly shows that there were no ships near by, and no identifiable cause of the explosion. They even had footage to show, as well, and there were no ships in the vicinity. They didn't appear to be lying, either, which only deepens the mystery.

The survivors had no clue either - many were on the planet, and so had no indication of why, or how the ship malfunctioned. The Captain had been called away to speak to the Ministers prior to the incident." He paused to take a breath, glancing down at his notes, until his attention was caught once again.

Throwing a sheepish look at Ruth, he dipped his head for a moment, uttering an "Excuse me, ma'am," before striding over to the science station. Peering over Evan's shoulder, his eyes quickly scanned and processed the information, a frown creasing his features. "Localized?" His frown deepened further, as his looked at where it was localized too.
"Neutrinos are small, they should barely register as anything important. If they're elevated, it means something we can't see is interacting with them." He explained quickly to the Lieutenant. Speaking louder, he continued, "Which likely means a cloaked ship, Commander. The ship may be in danger, judging by the fate of the Dawnspring."

"I'm not taking any chances.  Ops, throw everything you've got at that, Jyur, Randell... start scanning for cloaked ships, check things like hidden in plain sight - basically they might be cloaked but things like space winds still don't go through solid objects... No one is getting their hands on my ship... ah Captain Galloway's ship." she said hoping no one heard her slip.  It was no secret that Ruth loved the Challenger and would give her life to protect ship and crew alike.

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

"Commander, May I have permission to visit Engineering?"

[so I can interact with Engineering]

[Engineering]

After when he was able to head to Engineering, Shazham had walked in. He was looking around and had wondered who was who. He could use a Data Pad, however he was play personal.

"Excuse me," Shazham said with a slight Indian accent. "I am Counselor Shazham and I wonder can you help me?" he asked with his hands together front of him.

"Yes, if you wish... it's a good idea to get to know all areas on the ship.  And I dare say Bridge operations aren't too enthralling for you!"

Inwardly she wondered if the counsellor was checking up on her, to see if she'd really been in that department.  Well she had nothing to hide, she had, and everything was totally above board there.

[Hall of Ministers - Edoran]

"Galloway ta Challenger, two ta beam up."

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

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Confirmation that Jettis was correct occurred just as Ian called for beam up, in the form of the Norexan-Class Warbird, Khranu decloaked simultaneously as the call from the planet. In addition to Ian's call, the Challenger was hailed by the Romulan vessel.

"Check the Captain is back on board, with that out there... I don't trust this as far as I can throw a warbird...and put that on screen."

Ruth pulled herself up to her full height and stood by the command chair.

"I'm Commander Ruth Sigurdsdottir of the Federation starship, Challenger how can I assist you?"