S4: E11 - Fracture Lines

[Ocras Abisa]

[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."

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

[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.

[Edoran > Challenger]

At the Captain's cough and chagrin, Ocras knew he'd overstepped. At the mild rebuke, he blushed and nodded his head. "Understood, Captain. Apologies for violating your privacy. I'll work on developing a discreet signal that could be used to provide that warning." He paused while the Captain requested the ship to beam them up.

After the transporter finished moving them to the ship, he continued. "I thought it was significant that all of the Ministers had the anxiety spike and evasive emotions, rather than just Conacian. At the minimum, they are all aware of some deception, but it is likely that they all know some details. I can prepare an away team to beam down and investigate any key locations in the Northern Hemisphere that we identify. Perhaps we notify the Ministers as we are beaming down to limit the time they have to hide anything."

At that point, Ocras set himself to follow the Captain where he lead, whether that was the Bridge or elsewhere. He'd always enjoyed 'walk and talk' conversations. Moving the body, the mind, and the communication all at the same time.

[Ian Galloway]

[Edoran > Challenger]

At the Captain's cough and chagrin, Ocras knew he'd overstepped. At the mild rebuke, he blushed and nodded his head. "Understood, Captain. Apologies for violating your privacy. I'll work on developing a discreet signal that could be used to provide that warning." He paused while the Captain requested the ship to beam them up.

After the transporter finished moving them to the ship, he continued. "I thought it was significant that all of the Ministers had the anxiety spike and evasive emotions, rather than just Conacian. At the minimum, they are all aware of some deception, but it is likely that they all know some details. I can prepare an away team to beam down and investigate any key locations in the Northern Hemisphere that we identify. Perhaps we notify the Ministers as we are beaming down to limit the time they have to hide anything."

At that point, Ocras set himself to follow the Captain where he lead, whether that was the Bridge or elsewhere. He'd always enjoyed 'walk and talk' conversations. Moving the body, the mind, and the communication all at the same time.

[Hall of Ministers - Edoran --> Transporter Room --> Turbolift]

Ian noted Ocras' blush and replied with a smile.

"Nae fash yourself Lad. You did what you thought best at the time. That's all we can ever do. It is interestin' they all got their knickers in a twist at once, that tells me it's nae just Conacian that's up ta no good. As soon as we get back ta the ship, I'm all for the away team in the north. We have ta ken what's goin' on there ta ken what happened ta the Dawnspring."

[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."

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.

"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.

"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.

"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?"

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

The viewscreen resolved into a frowning Romulan, one no one currently on the bridge knew. His expression was one of cold contempt, one cold enough that it stood out, even for a Romulan. He looked at Ruth and sneered.

"Where's that pompous ass Galloway? When we detected my least favorite antique, I deviated from my patrol to demand an explanation for that death-machine's presence in the Neutral Zone, which is a violation of treaty and thus an act of war. But, to go to war over your rust bucket seems counterproductive and certainly not worth my time."

Before Ruth could reply, the turbolift doors opened to admit Ian and Ocras. Ian took one look at the viewscreen and put on his most shark-like smile, the one that was mostly teeth and did not reach his eyes.

"Well, if it isn't the most obnoxious git in the Alpha Quadrant. What do you want Thelal?"

"Such disrespect for a fellow... no make that superior ship captain. I would have thought your Starfleet Academy would teach basic manners, you know, like not picking one's nose in public or knowing how to find your own buttocks with both hands and a mirror."

"Droll as ever Thelal, I ask again, what do you want you pillock?"

"As I told your tart, your presence in the Neutral Zone is a violation of the treaty. I was debating reducing that antique of yours to splinters, but then I realized that would be an improvement, so I refrained."

"Not that it's any of your business, but we are here at the behest of the Edoran government."

"To look into the loss of that other deathtrap that exploded? Normally, I'd still run your band of dandified thugs off, but in the interest of the proven inferiority of Federation ship design, I'll allow you to remain. Last thing the quadrant needs in more of your pathetic little ships exploding and causing hazards to navigation. However, do not mistake my generosity for weakness, the Khranu will remain nearby should you attempt to overstay your welcome. Good luck with your investigation, and do try not to explode like the Dawnspring. I'd hate to see Edoran further polluted by your presence."

"You can take your permission and stuff it so far up your arse ye choke on it ya wanker!"

Ian managed to reply before the channel closed and he added.

"Tosser."

[Don Damien Addams]

[USS Challenger - Engineering]

The counselor's head nodded to the Ensign. "œHello Ensign Rodwell. Is your Chief available?" It was custom to present the lead of the department before exploring.

Lieutenant Dash, the Tellarite female engineer spotted the visitor, Why was a counselor was here in Engineering and talking to Rodwell. She came over. "œHello, Counselor. Welcome to Engineering. What can we do?"

Shazam nodded his head. "œI am Shazham. I wanted to visit each department and know the layout. I felt Engineering was the first place be," he shared.

She nodded her head. "œWell we are one well oil machine here," she said smiling feeling nervous because he was a counselor. Was she analyzing her? Did the Commander send him down here to watch them? "œYou are freely to look around. Just don't distract my staff," she warned him. She meant it.

"œThank you," Shazam nodded his head. Then he turned to Rodwell. "œMay I ask what you are doing?" he asked.

[USS Challenger -Bridge]

Casey was smirking and could not hide his giggling as Captain Galloway came back to converse with the annoyed Romulan. "Flyting! oooh!" He mumbled. It was known as early days of Eastern Europe where insulting back as a banter. It was a contest practice of war with words. "Words of weapons!"

Casey frowned. Thugs? Who was he calling thugs! They were far from thugs. Then Romulans can be the slugs! Maybe they farts smell their ships where lose their own air!

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Hall of Ministers - Edoran --> Transporter Room --> Turbolift]

Ian noted Ocras' blush and replied with a smile.

"Nae fash yourself Lad. You did what you thought best at the time. That's all we can ever do. It is interestin' they all got their knickers in a twist at once, that tells me it's nae just Conacian that's up ta no good. As soon as we get back ta the ship, I'm all for the away team in the north. We have ta ken what's goin' on there ta ken what happened ta the Dawnspring."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

The viewscreen resolved into a frowning Romulan, one no one currently on the bridge knew. His expression was one of cold contempt, one cold enough that it stood out, even for a Romulan. He looked at Ruth and sneered.

"Where's that pompous ass Galloway? When we detected my least favorite antique, I deviated from my patrol to demand an explanation for that death-machine's presence in the Neutral Zone, which is a violation of treaty and thus an act of war. But, to go to war over your rust bucket seems counterproductive and certainly not worth my time."

Before Ruth could reply, the turbolift doors opened to admit Ian and Ocras. Ian took one look at the viewscreen and put on his most shark-like smile, the one that was mostly teeth and did not reach his eyes.

"Well, if it isn't the most obnoxious git in the Alpha Quadrant. What do you want Thelal?"

"Such disrespect for a fellow... no make that superior ship captain. I would have thought your Starfleet Academy would teach basic manners, you know, like not picking one's nose in public or knowing how to find your own buttocks with both hands and a mirror."

"Droll as ever Thelal, I ask again, what do you want you pillock?"

"As I told your tart, your presence in the Neutral Zone is a violation of the treaty. I was debating reducing that antique of yours to splinters, but then I realized that would be an improvement, so I refrained."

"Not that it's any of your business, but we are here at the behest of the Edoran government."

"To look into the loss of that other deathtrap that exploded? Normally, I'd still run your band of dandified thugs off, but in the interest of the proven inferiority of Federation ship design, I'll allow you to remain. Last thing the quadrant needs in more of your pathetic little ships exploding and causing hazards to navigation. However, do not mistake my generosity for weakness, the Khranu will remain nearby should you attempt to overstay your welcome. Good luck with your investigation, and do try not to explode like the Dawnspring. I'd hate to see Edoran further polluted by your presence."

"You can take your permission and stuff it so far up your arse ye choke on it ya wanker!"

Ian managed to reply before the channel closed and he added.

"Tosser."

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

Ruth was about to answer when Ian came out of the Turbolift and she smiled at him, then stood to one side and sort of gestured like a compare at a variety show but without the commentary of '...And I give you [pause for dramatic effect]  Captain Ian Galloway and his amazing Scottish epithets of indeterminate translation...' and then stood slightly behind Ian as he gave his diatribe at the person on the viewscreen.

She was glad she'd taken the step behind the Captain because it was impossible to keep the grin from her face at Ian's words, nor the thunderous 'get me my axes, stat' look at his description of her.  After he'd uttered the last 'Tosser!' she turned to him, breathing heavily at both what Thelal had said generally about the Challenger and her crew and additionally calling her a tart, and said.

"Do tell me about your dear friend Captain Tosser, I mean Thelal, there, Captain.  Otherwise known as 'What did that git want with telling us where we can and can't be when it came as a request from another government...' We don't need permission from him do we?  And besides, that...I'd like to know exactly how the Dawnspring exploded... especially since that sounded like a threat.  If we knew the specifics of that explosion we could safeguard or look for devices..."

She gave a grin and said "Loved your speech tho Captain, promise to save me some of him to beat the crap out of if we come face to face, for daring to call our beloved ship a rustbucket and our crew dandified thugs and me your tart!  I mean really, no offence Captain, but I think two other people would have things to say about that!"

[Ian Galloway]

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

Ruth was about to answer when Ian came out of the Turbolift and she smiled at him, then stood to one side and sort of gestured like a compare at a variety show but without the commentary of '...And I give you [pause for dramatic effect]  Captain Ian Galloway and his amazing Scottish epithets of indeterminate translation...' and then stood slightly behind Ian as he gave his diatribe at the person on the viewscreen.

She was glad she'd taken the step behind the Captain because it was impossible to keep the grin from her face at Ian's words, nor the thunderous 'get me my axes, stat' look at his description of her.  After he'd uttered the last 'Tosser!' she turned to him, breathing heavily at both what Thelal had said generally about the Challenger and her crew and additionally calling her a tart, and said.

"Do tell me about your dear friend Captain Tosser, I mean Thelal, there, Captain.  Otherwise known as 'What did that git want with telling us where we can and can't be when it came as a request from another government...' We don't need permission from him do we?  And besides, that...I'd like to know exactly how the Dawnspring exploded... especially since that sounded like a threat.  If we knew the specifics of that explosion we could safeguard or look for devices..."

She gave a grin and said "Loved your speech tho Captain, promise to save me some of him to beat the crap out of if we come face to face, for daring to call our beloved ship a rustbucket and our crew dandified thugs and me your tart!  I mean really, no offence Captain, but I think two other people would have things to say about that!"

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian stifled a laugh before trying, and failing, not to grin at Ruth as he replied.

"I believe this is the third time I've encountered Commander Thelal of the IRV Khranu. I have no idea what put a bee in his bonnet, but he seems ta have taken a personal dislike for me since he first put eyes on me. Given that smug superiority that oozes off of him like the skin of a Denebian Slime Devil in moultin' season, I doubt he'd be much different with anyone in Starfleet.

"I do know, all he sees when he looks at Challenger is that she's an old design. Despite the fact that the Tal Shiar only has a shadow of it's reach and capabilities, I know he has ta know we're nae longer an Excelsior and that we are a Trailblazer, but in his mind, all he sees is an 80 year old hull that is only a third the size of his Norexan. I'm sure you ken how some men get obsessed about size Commander."

Ian paused as he collected his thoughts to get to answering Ruth's questions.

"While Edoran is technically within the Neutral Zone, its status as a neutral world means we have as much right ta be here as he does, and that's nae countin' we were invited. So his permission or threats are just hot air blowin' out of a ruptured gas bag.

"So while Thelal's presence is an unwanted complication, he's nae a threat. So, we need ta concentrate on why we are here, figurin' out what caused the Dawnspring ta explode. I got permission from the Council of Ministers ta map the debris and examine that survived planetfall. Well, I did get a lot of doubletalk and Mister Abisa picked up a clear indication of evasion from all the ministers, so they are hidin' summat, what, we'll have ta figure out.

"In addition, we have a copy of the video the Edorans made of the moment the Dawnspring exploded along with what the survivors ken. I want ta hold off on an away team ta the debris field on the planet until we have a thorough scan of what's left in orbit and a closer look at that video. Ruth, I'm goin' ta need you and Mister Jyur ta take lead and start findin' answers. Report back when you've got some answers for me. I'll be in my ready room writin' my incident report. Since you will be preoccupied with the investigation, Mister T'kel, you have the bridge."

Ian then nodded to Ruth and headed for the ready room.

[Vasilisa Belmont]

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Lisa had spent almost her entire last day on the starbase with Kyle, before he left for Katra Station. The transfer had been completely unexpected, in fact he had only told her a couple weeks or so before he was set to leave. She'd given him a few of the plants from the holodeck program they'd visited together, but thinking back it seemed like a pretty lame substitute for their closeness. Of course she'd lost friends to transfer before, but this time it felt particularly hard.

Recently, she had appointed Jessica as the receiving end of her rant sessions about how much she missed having lunch with him, or when he would come down to check her department reports. The talking was probably insufferable, but Lisa figured Jessica had to have done something similar when she was serving on Discovery. The doctor assumed that the fact that she was reminiscing so much was probably a good thing. Hopefully it meant that their relationship was strong enough to last through long distance.

Unfortunately, right now she was having difficulty finding enough things to do to keep her mind off him. If and people with injuries or sickness showed up, she'd finally be in her element and Jessica would be spared her incessant blabbing. At present, the two of them were seated at the head nurse duty station. Lisa didn't know where everyone else was, but they were likely in PCU. Probably hiding from her...

[Derek Rodwell]

[USS Challenger - Engineering]

The counselor's head nodded to the Ensign. "œHello Ensign Rodwell. Is your Chief available?" It was custom to present the lead of the department before exploring.

"Actually, Lieutenant Tharn is planet....." Derek began and then did a double take when she suddenly appeared from no where. She was just down on the planet with the Captain and the others. He wondered if she had been beamed directly to Engineering.

Lieutenant Dash, the Tellarite female engineer spotted the visitor, Why was a counselor was here in Engineering and talking to Rodwell. She came over. "œHello, Counselor. Welcome to Engineering. What can we do?"

Shazam nodded his head. "œI am Shazham. I wanted to visit each department and know the layout. I felt Engineering was the first place be," he shared.

She nodded her head. "œWell we are one well oil machine here," she said smiling feeling nervous because he was a counselor. Was she analyzing her? Did the Commander send him down here to watch them? "œYou are freely to look around. Just don't distract my staff," she warned him. She meant it.

"œThank you," Shazam nodded his head. Then he turned to Rodwell. "œMay I ask what you are doing?" he asked.

"Me?" He was the last person he thought someone would want to observe. "I'm just running continuous diagnostics on the transporter systems. We had an issue during the last mission and it isn't something I would want a repeat of." he explained.

[Lagar]

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Upon entering the sickbay main entrance, Lagar moved to the reception duty station, greeting Petty Officer Heesou who was currently staffing it. As an Orion, she, too, was green in coloration. While her green-ness had nothing to do with photosynthesis, like it did for the botanical Lagar, it gave them an odd sort of kinship, and was the source of the occasional jest from time to time.

From reception, he headed down toward medical supply storage room 1, retrieving his medkit from his assigned storage space and attaching it to his back, its straps attached to his first and seventh tendrils. The Phylosian had donned his uniform back at his quarters, his upper torso covered in a Starfleet Medical-blue fabric upon which was affixed a combadge, an Ensign's rank insignia, and a universal translator device. He recalled being told that few Federation member species required unique uniforms like his; as one of the only non-humanoid beings that joined Starfleet with any kind of frequency, it was necessary to create a uniform that could properly fit a mobile, sentient plant.

Thusly equipped, Lagar asked his voder device to give him the time; three minutes until his shift was to begin. Lagar regularly endeavored to arrive at his appointed duty location a little early, and this had served him well at Starfleet Medical Academy, and particularly about the Andorian vessel Tumaph prior to joining Starfleet. It was a short walk around the corner to the medical officer duty station and the head nurse duty station, the latter at which he spied his department lead, Lieutenant Vasilisa Belmont, as well as Lieutenant Jessica Fellows, the Assistant Chief Medical Officer.

"Lieutenants." he said in greeting to Lieutenant Belmont and Lieutenant Fellows. He was aware of the Challenger's current mission, and he had been monitoring shipwide informational briefs. Lagar was as prepared as he felt he could be for his shift.

"I've arrived for my shift a little early." he acknowledges, ready to stand by until his shift begins, or begin work a few minutes early if desired.

[Ian Galloway]

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Upon entering the sickbay main entrance, Lagar moved to the reception duty station, greeting Petty Officer Hisou who was currently staffing it. As an Orion, she, too, was green in coloration. While her green-ness had nothing to do with photosynthesis, like it did for the botanical Lagar, it gave them an odd sort of kinship, and was the source of the occasional jest from time to time.

From reception, he headed down toward medical supply storage room 1, retrieving his medkit from his assigned storage space and attaching it to his back, its straps attached to his first and seventh tendrils. The Phylosian had donned his uniform back at his quarters, his upper torso covered in a Starfleet Medical-blue fabric upon which was affixed a combadge, an Ensign's rank insignia, and a universal translator device. He recalled being told that few Federation member species required unique uniforms like his; as one of the only non-humanoid beings that joined Starfleet with any kind of frequency, it was necessary to create a uniform that could properly fit a mobile, sentient plant.

Thusly equipped, Lagar asked his voder device to give him the time; three minutes until his shift was to begin. Lagar regularly endeavored to arrive at his appointed duty location a little early, and this had served him well at Starfleet Medical Academy, and particularly about the Andorian vessel Tumaph prior to joining Starfleet. It was a short walk around the corner to the medical officer duty station and the head nurse duty station, the latter at which he spied his department lead, Lieutenant Vasilisa Belmont, as well as Lieutenant Jessica Fellows, the Assistant Chief Medical Officer.

"Lieutenants." he said in greeting to Lieutenant Belmont and Lieutenant Fellows. He was aware of the Challenger's current mission, and he had been monitoring shipwide informational briefs. Lagar was as prepared as he felt he could be for his shift.

"I've arrived for my shift a little early." he acknowledges, ready to stand by until his shift begins, or begin work a few minutes early if desired.

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Jess looked up at the voice that had addressed them and blinked in surprise. She stared for a moment before she regained her ability to speak.

"Hello Ensign, I had heard we had a Phloysian aboard. Even though I had read up on your physiology, the captures of your species did not adequately prepare me to actually see you. I apologize for staring, but the very idea of a sentient plant species is simply amazing. Happy to have you join us. We are currently on standby with no current patients. You are welcome to wander around and familiarize yourself with the layout of this particular sickbay which, as is typical, is not quite the same as on any other ship you've been aboard.  Once again welcome."

Jess replied with a smile so brilliant, it might just be possible for a Phylosian to photosynthesize from it if one stood near it long enough.

[Don Damien Addams]

[USS Challenger - Engineering]

Cazham stepped aside to ask Thane if he would be able to observe. "œSure, just don't get in their heads," she replied. Then she gave him a look over and she thought I will see it myself to toss him out and report the captain. Cute for a counselor but not a fat chance.

"œI won't. You have my word," he told her. Then he turned himself and walked to Rodwell.

"œMy permission was granted. Yes. Transportation protocol and safety measures would put people minds at ease. Unless you're Leonard McCoy who refused to use Transporters in golden years," he smiled a bit. "œSome individuals do get better. You can conquer your fear. You still have to deal with it. No snapping fingers to make it go away forever. If so my career would not last long," he said.

He clapped his hands together. "œI should brush up on my basics. I will observe and learn a great deal from you," he finished.

[Vasilisa Belmont]

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Upon entering the sickbay main entrance, Lagar moved to the reception duty station, greeting Petty Officer Hisou who was currently staffing it. As an Orion, she, too, was green in coloration. While her green-ness had nothing to do with photosynthesis, like it did for the botanical Lagar, it gave them an odd sort of kinship, and was the source of the occasional jest from time to time.

From reception, he headed down toward medical supply storage room 1, retrieving his medkit from his assigned storage space and attaching it to his back, its straps attached to his first and seventh tendrils. The Phylosian had donned his uniform back at his quarters, his upper torso covered in a Starfleet Medical-blue fabric upon which was affixed a combadge, an Ensign's rank insignia, and a universal translator device. He recalled being told that few Federation member species required unique uniforms like his; as one of the only non-humanoid beings that joined Starfleet with any kind of frequency, it was necessary to create a uniform that could properly fit a mobile, sentient plant.

Thusly equipped, Lagar asked his voder device to give him the time; three minutes until his shift was to begin. Lagar regularly endeavored to arrive at his appointed duty location a little early, and this had served him well at Starfleet Medical Academy, and particularly about the Andorian vessel Tumaph prior to joining Starfleet. It was a short walk around the corner to the medical officer duty station and the head nurse duty station, the latter at which he spied his department lead, Lieutenant Vasilisa Belmont, as well as Lieutenant Jessica Fellows, the Assistant Chief Medical Officer.

"Lieutenants." he said in greeting to Lieutenant Belmont and Lieutenant Fellows. He was aware of the Challenger's current mission, and he had been monitoring shipwide informational briefs. Lagar was as prepared as he felt he could be for his shift.

"I've arrived for my shift a little early." he acknowledges, ready to stand by until his shift begins, or begin work a few minutes early if desired.

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Jess looked up at the voice that had addressed them and blinked in surprise. She stared for a moment before she regained her ability to speak.

"Hello Ensign, I had heard we had a Phloysian aboard. Even though I had read up on your physiology, the captures of your species did not adequately prepare me to actually see you. I apologize for staring, but the very idea of a sentient plant species is simply amazing. Happy to have you join us. We are currently on standby with no current patients. You are welcome to wander around and familiarize yourself with the layout of this particular sickbay which, as is typical, is not quite the same as on any other ship you've been aboard.  Once again welcome."

Jess replied with a smile so brilliant, it might just be possible for a Phylosian to photosynthesize from it if one stood near it long enough.

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Lisa was probably in the middle of a conversation with Jessica, though it must not have had much substance because she completely forgot what she was even talking about when Lagar stepped around the corner and into her line of sight. She had seen the Phylosian before and glimpsed his transfer record before handing it over to Jessica, but this was her first time meeting him properly (she assumed Lagar went by "he," but had yet to ask). Like Jessica, this was her first time working with a Phylosian. But she knew the species had an extensive knowledge of medical science, so she figured it was very possible he may not be an ensign for long. Before she could bring her mind around to the present enough to speak, Jessica was doing it for her. She blinked a couple times, but then she was in full professional mode.

"Took the words right out of my mouth, Jessica. I don't believe we've formally met yet, Ensign, but if it's all right with you that will be the last time I call you that. We're typically on a first name basis here, so unless you're opposed I go by Lisa." As she spoke, she kept her eyes trained on Lagar's eye stalks, but tried not to appear like she was staring at them. Since his face did not resemble that of a humanoid, it was difficult to maintain eye contact without feeling awkward. Maybe it was totally comfortable for him, she didn't know. She didn't know the specifics of his culture. Perhaps they could talk about it in the future.

"As Jessica said, feel free to explore and meet the others. If you have any questions or just want to talk, we're here." She smiled and gave a slight nod before returning her eyes to his when he answered.

[Lagar]

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Lisa was probably in the middle of a conversation with Jessica, though it must not have had much substance because she completely forgot what she was even talking about when Lagar stepped around the corner and into her line of sight. She had seen the Phylosian before and glimpsed his transfer record before handing it over to Jessica, but this was her first time meeting him properly (she assumed Lagar went by "he," but had yet to ask). Like Jessica, this was her first time working with a Phylosian. But she knew the species had an extensive knowledge of medical science, so she figured it was very possible he may not be an ensign for long. Before she could bring her mind around to the present enough to speak, Jessica was doing it for her. She blinked a couple times, but then she was in full professional mode.

"Took the words right out of my mouth, Jessica. I don't believe we've formally met yet, Ensign, but if it's all right with you that will be the last time I call you that. We're typically on a first name basis here, so unless you're opposed I go by Lisa." As she spoke, she kept her eyes trained on Lagar's eye stalks, but tried not to appear like she was staring at them. Since his face did not resemble that of a humanoid, it was difficult to maintain eye contact without feeling awkward. Maybe it was totally comfortable for him, she didn't know. She didn't know the specifics of his culture. Perhaps they could talk about it in the future.

"As Jessica said, feel free to explore and meet the others. If you have any questions or just want to talk, we're here." She smiled and gave a slight nod before returning her eyes to his when he answered.

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Lagar indeed received no energy from Jessica's figuratively radiant smile. As it happened, the star that Edoran orbited was marvelously luminous, and Edoran's nearness compounded the heat the planet experienced. Lagar dwelt in one of the Junior Officer's quarters which came equipped with two windows, allowing the Phylosian the full benefit of the rays of Edoran's sun. He would, in fact, still be rather warm and perhaps just a shade brighter of green thanks to a long period of basking in that energy.

"Thank you, lieutenant." he said in reply to Leiutenant Fellows.

The thing "˜nods' as Lieutenant Belmont addressed him, dipping his ovoid and bristled head in a mimicry of the humanoid gesture. "It's likely I'll slip up from time to time and address others by rank and last name. I'll do my best to adapt to the workplace culture here. I am Lagar."

Having no mouth or nose or facial features, the voice of the Phylosian instead emitted from the voder it wears; a universal translator device equipped with a speaker. The technology interprets the Phylosian means of communicating and broadcasts in a calm, easy masculine voice whatever Lagar means to say. His own eyes, yellow eyespots at the top of red stalks, do not blink, but a careful observer might see the light-receptive cells seem to "˜squeeze' shut, causing the yellow coloration to shrink or expand.

"Given the option, I would enjoy the chance to stay and talk. I studied the layout of this Sickbay before arriving, and I've had the opportunity to make a connection with Petty Officer Heesou, at least." While it spoke, its body and seven tentacular tendrils all remained quite still. Without joints that needed moving or muscles that became tight with inaction, the botanical man had no need to shift around or change its position; unless it was deliberately imitating humanoid body language, which it did as it gradually and casually "˜folded' its centremost tendril-arms.

"Lisa, then, if I may. I've been considering the circumstances of the destruction of the Dawnspring. I'm not aware of how much of the ship was scattered onto the planet, or how intact those pieces might be. In your professional experience, if a ship with hull breaches and non-functioning shields passes through a planet's atmosphere and crashes, what is the likelihood that there might be survivors?"

[Ocras Abisa]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Among the many things that he'd considered possible after following the Captain to the Bridge, Ocras had not considered an insult-battle with a Romulan Captain. Ocras would have to update his ideas about what was likely if this was the norm for Captain Galloway. He blushed again, thinking about his misstep with the telepathic intrusion.

Taking control of himself, he did a quick mental exercise and re-centered his thoughts. At the end of the brief meditation, he reminded himself 'the Captain told me not to fash myself... the emotional cues there made that out to mean bother/stress/upset, so he can't be too disturbed. I will stopping fash-ing myself. About this.'

While the Captain had his battle of words with the Romulan, Ocras re-claimed the Tactical station and began inputting his notes about what the officers of the Dawnspring had said, what he'd sensed and heard from the Ministers, and the inferences he had drawn. When his notes were complete, he began building the parameters of a simulation.

First, he put in the data from the Edoran system's observations of the explosion and he asked the computer to apply the description provided by the Minister. This would create a three dimensional representation of the official description of the events. Then, he created a second file with the data from their own sensor logs, focusing on the spread of the debris field, the implied directionality of the ship's motion, and extrapolating the size/type/cause of the explosion.

As the computer worked to create those simulations, Ocras set the sensors to searching for the Dawnspring's computer core. In the old days of spacefaring, ships often disappeared into the void only to have their wreckage found later, so Starfleet had built what amounted to an indestructible container for the most important data. That data core would hold the most recent sensor logs, the Captain's log, the crew manifest, and a few other pieces of critical information. There might even be a recording of the final moments of the Bridge crew. It was beyond hope that there might be a recording of the Engineering section where the supposed Core Breach happened.

While he worked, he allowed his empathic walls to relax a little so that he would be aware if anyone thought about approaching or needing him. It was surprisingly easy to recognize when people were about to want to talk to you. Their focus shifted out of themselves, and if you were paying attention, you could feel them shape their thoughts/emotions around how to approach you. This awareness was the standard empathic position when on Home, but it could be problematic among a mixed crew. Some sentient beings objected to telepathy in principle, and that could bleed into objecting to telepaths in specific. But the only way to find out if anyone on the crew objected to him and his telepathic/empathic abilities was to wait and see. It wasn't as if he could interrogate the crew to ask 'are you comfortable working closely with me, an empath?' That kind of aggressive questioning would only alienate the crew.

He began mentally humming a work song as he worked with the sensors. It was entirely empathic, but it relaxed him and allowed him to focus on his work. He made sure to keep the 'volume' low so as not to bother Jettis. It wasn't clear how perceptive Jettis was, but he definitely had some empathic awareness, so Ocras didn't want his song to distract the other officer.

Soon, he would have the computer simulations and hopefully the sensors would find the data core of the Dawnspring, and then they would be able to get to the bottom of what happened.

[Vasilisa Belmont]

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Lagar indeed received no energy from Jessica's figuratively radiant smile. As it happened, the star that Edoran orbited was marvelously luminous, and Edoran's nearness compounded the heat the planet experienced. Lagar dwelt in one of the Junior Officer's quarters which came equipped with two windows, allowing the Phylosian the full benefit of the rays of Edoran's sun. He would, in fact, still be rather warm and perhaps just a shade brighter of green thanks to a long period of basking in that energy.

"Thank you, lieutenant." he said in reply to Leiutenant Fellows.

The thing "˜nods' as Lieutenant Belmont addressed him, dipping his ovoid and bristled head in a mimicry of the humanoid gesture. "It's likely I'll slip up from time to time and address others by rank and last name. I'll do my best to adapt to the workplace culture here. I am Lagar."

Having no mouth or nose or facial features, the voice of the Phylosian instead emitted from the voder it wears; a universal translator device equipped with a speaker. The technology interprets the Phylosian means of communicating and broadcasts in a calm, easy masculine voice whatever Lagar means to say. His own eyes, yellow eyespots at the top of red stalks, do not blink, but a careful observer might see the light-receptive cells seem to "˜squeeze' shut, causing the yellow coloration to shrink or expand.

"Given the option, I would enjoy the chance to stay and talk. I studied the layout of this Sickbay before arriving, and I've had the opportunity to make a connection with Petty Officer Hisou, at least." While it spoke, its body and seven tentacular tendrils all remained quite still. Without joints that needed moving or muscles that became tight with inaction, the botanical man had no need to shift around or change its position; unless it was deliberately imitating humanoid body language, which it did as it gradually and casually "˜folded' its centremost tendril-arms.

"Lisa, then, if I may. I've been considering the circumstances of the destruction of the Dawnspring. I'm not aware of how much of the ship was scattered onto the planet, or how intact those pieces might be. In your professional experience, if a ship with hull breaches and non-functioning shields passes through a planet's atmosphere and crashes, what is the likelihood that there might be survivors?"

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Lisa once again smiled as Lagar introduced himself, and spent a few seconds in thought over his question. As far as she knew, no one on the Dawnspring had survived the crash. Sometimes information didn't reach her down here, but since this bit was particularly vital she was fairly certain. That was the case in this instance, but she couldn't reliably say for others.

"I probably know about as much as you do, Lagar, other than that no one on the Dawnspring survived. If the same events had occurred on some other ship, maybe by some miracle there would be one or more survivors. Until we get more information from the grease monkeys and forensics people, we won't really know why no one made it, though the answer may seem obvious. I believe that when ships crash like this, survival is completely up to chance. Maybe you could ask a Vulcan for the odds," she chuckled softly, then her face fell. Being a doctor was hard, and sometimes it was easier to hide grief behind humor. After a long moment, she came back into focus and seemed to have mentally pulled herself together.

"Luckily, we get to play a part in improving those odds." She realized her answer had been a bit more emotional than she had anticipated. She didn't know if Phylosians felt emotions at a similar level to humans, or if they even felt them at all, so she hoped she hadn't put him off.

[Lagar]

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Lisa once again smiled as Lagar introduced himself, and spent a few seconds in thought over his question. As far as she knew, no one on the Dawnspring had survived the crash. Sometimes information didn't reach her down here, but since this bit was particularly vital she was fairly certain. That was the case in this instance, but she couldn't reliably say for others.

"I probably know about as much as you do, Lagar, other than that no one on the Dawnspring survived. If the same events had occurred on some other ship, maybe by some miracle there would be one or more survivors. Until we get more information from the grease monkeys and forensics people, we won't really know why no one made it, though the answer may seem obvious. I believe that when ships crash like this, survival is completely up to chance. Maybe you could ask a Vulcan for the odds," she chuckled softly, then her face fell. Being a doctor was hard, and sometimes it was easier to hide grief behind humor. After a long moment, she came back into focus and seemed to have mentally pulled herself together.

"Luckily, we get to play a part in improving those odds." She realized her answer had been a bit more emotional than she had anticipated. She didn't know if Phylosians felt emotions at a similar level to humans, or if they even felt them at all, so she hoped she hadn't put him off.

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Lagar considered his commanding officer's words carefully. He had to agree with her sage assessment; chances would be slim that a humanoid would survive in parts of a ship, particularly if it falls to a planet with no shielding. The Phylosian wondered about escape pods, or a shielded brig, or even shuttles, themselves shielded. Someone would have to survive the explosion, reach one of these locations, and get safe enough to survive atmosphere re-entry and the hazards of a crash.

The plant-thing unfolded its tendrils, putting the seven of them behind its back and twisting their ends together. As she made the hopeful statement that they would play a part in improving the odds that some Dawnspring crewmembers had survived, he nodded slowly. "We do indeed." he agreed, the digitized voice managing to sound grave.

Thinking for a moment more, and recognizing that they had the time to discuss the mission and get to know each other at the same time, he continued. "I read reports that the Challenger's most recent mission involved confrontations with an Orion vessel. Petty Officer Heesou filled me in on a few more details about it, including the involvement of an Orion ship, the Grifter. Do you know if command staff has considered whether there's any relationship between the Grifter, and the Orion colony below us now? A lightly-armed science vessel might be a tempting target to an prideful Orion captain seeking revenge in any form."