S4: E11 - Fracture Lines

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[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.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"I'll say just 3 things about that one, Captain..." Ruth said giving Ian a grin of her own.  "First, should the opportunity ever arise... you may borrow one of my axes to deal with that particular individual, and I don't loan them out to just anyone!" she winked.

"Secondly, I think his brain, amongst other things, is what is lacking in size! And lastly... he hopefully doesn't know all our upgrades... My Amma, that's Granny, looked like a frail old woman with a walking stick, but cross her and not only did you get a tongue lashing but she turned into a Bōjutsu black belt!  I'll work with Mr. Jyur it'll be interesting!"

She crossed back to Sciences and spoke to Jettis.  "Despite medical potentially disagreeing and saying my blood is red, it still runs teal I promise for all I'm dressed in another colour at the moment.  So... what we got?"

[Ian Galloway]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"I'll say just 3 things about that one, Captain..." Ruth said giving Ian a grin of her own.  "First, should the opportunity ever arise... you may borrow one of my axes to deal with that particular individual, and I don't loan them out to just anyone!" she winked.

"Secondly, I think his brain, amongst other things, is what is lacking in size! And lastly... he hopefully doesn't know all our upgrades... My Amma, that's Granny, looked like a frail old woman with a walking stick, but cross her and not only did you get a tongue lashing but she turned into a Bōjutsu black belt!  I'll work with Mr. Jyur it'll be interesting!"

She crossed back to Sciences and spoke to Jettis.  "Despite medical potentially disagreeing and saying my blood is red, it still runs teal I promise for all I'm dressed in another colour at the moment.  So... what we got?"

[Bridge --> Ready Room - USS Challenger]

Ian smiled as he headed for the ready room.

"Thank you Ruth, I do ken what that means. I appreciate it, but I'm more of a quarterstaff sort than an axe if'n it comes ta melee weapons. Actually fought a swarm of Borg with one, I'll tell you that story one day, most terrifyin' thing I've ever been part of. Still freezes the blood ta think about it.

"As for Thelal's brain, I believe that's nae the problem, it's the ego that's larger than his ship that's the problem."

On entering the ready room, Ian flopped, saying sat would be far too polite, into the seat and sighed.

"Bloody datawork! I ken I told Abisa bein' unable ta go on away teams was the worst part of bein' center seat, but that's nothing compared ta all the bloody datawork."

He growled and began dictating the information he had to date and sent an update to Starfleet Command.

[Jettis Jyur]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"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."[/b]

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

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"I'll say just 3 things about that one, Captain..." Ruth said giving Ian a grin of her own.  "First, should the opportunity ever arise... you may borrow one of my axes to deal with that particular individual, and I don't loan them out to just anyone!" she winked.

"Secondly, I think his brain, amongst other things, is what is lacking in size! And lastly... he hopefully doesn't know all our upgrades... My Amma, that's Granny, looked like a frail old woman with a walking stick, but cross her and not only did you get a tongue lashing but she turned into a Bōjutsu black belt!  I'll work with Mr. Jyur it'll be interesting!"

She crossed back to Sciences and spoke to Jettis.  "Despite medical potentially disagreeing and saying my blood is red, it still runs teal I promise for all I'm dressed in another colour at the moment.  So... what we got?"

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

Jettis nodded as the Captain arrived back on the Bridge, and gave out orders. A quick nod, and  he turned to Ruth, waiting for her conversation to end, before striding to take over the Science station from the Lieutenant, and begin his work.
It wasn't long for Ruth to join him, and he scooted to the side so they could both observe the footage. Pointing to the screen, he glanced down at his PADD of notes.

"As we expected it's edited - the footage came from several sources, that was then stitched together to get a clearer observation. I haven't noticed anything odd yet, but I'm sure we can find it." He commented coolly, enlarging the video and scanning it as it played.

[USS Challenger - Bridge - Hours later..]

Hours, what felt like minutes passed, before Jettis quirked a brow, and glanced at Ruth. Scrubbing through the video, he found the moment just before the hull breach, playing it over and over, before pausing just a moment before the explosion began. "Have you seen this?" He made a motion towards the secondary hull. Expanding on it, he squinted. "Do we have any information on what the Dawnspring was carrying? A ship like this shouldn't be carrying anything this explosive there." Backing up, he pulled up the schematics of the ship as well, pulling it side by side.

Nothing there was particularly interesting, and nothing to indicate there was anything electrical there. He glanced at Sigurdsdottir once again, waiting for her input as well, before noting this information to his PADD, to look at alongside his existing notes. Something, once again, wasn't adding up. "I'll run some tests, see if I can get a confirmed match on what kind of pattern this is - it's odd that it occurred just before the hull breach."

[Ian Galloway]

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

Jettis nodded as the Captain arrived back on the Bridge, and gave out orders. A quick nod, and  he turned to Ruth, waiting for her conversation to end, before striding to take over the Science station from the Lieutenant, and begin his work.
It wasn't long for Ruth to join him, and he scooted to the side so they could both observe the footage. Pointing to the screen, he glanced down at his PADD of notes.

"As we expected it's edited - the footage came from several sources, that was then stitched together to get a clearer observation. I haven't noticed anything odd yet, but I'm sure we can find it." He commented coolly, enlarging the video and scanning it as it played.

[USS Challenger - Bridge - Hours later..]

Hours, what felt like minutes passed, before Jettis quirked a brow, and glanced at Ruth. Scrubbing through the video, he found the moment just before the hull breach, playing it over and over, before pausing just a moment before the explosion began. "Have you seen this?" He made a motion towards the secondary hull. Expanding on it, he squinted. "Do we have any information on what the Dawnspring was carrying? A ship like this shouldn't be carrying anything this explosive there." Backing up, he pulled up the schematics of the ship as well, pulling it side by side.

Nothing there was particularly interesting, and nothing to indicate there was anything electrical there. He glanced at Sigurdsdottir once again, waiting for her input as well, before noting this information to his PADD, to look at alongside his existing notes. Something, once again, wasn't adding up. "I'll run some tests, see if I can get a confirmed match on what kind of pattern this is - it's odd that it occurred just before the hull breach."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

As Jettis and Ruth worked, Lieutenant Tharn joined them on the bridge to work on the warp signature and impulse traces of the Dawnspring as they concentrated on the video. Because of all the normal traffic in and out of the orbit of Edoran, it also took hours to trace the faint residue and turn that into useful information.

Ian had completed his report and returned to the bridge and the Tellerite approached the captain with a frown.

"Captain, it looks like Dawnspring's engines in both a standard orbit and in an elliptical orbit over the northern hemisphere prior to her loss, she shifted from a standard orbit to the elliptical just before she was destroyed."

Ian looked up and frowned as well.

"Well Dashlish, you've just confirmed two things. First, Commander Adzhak-Dall said they'd been asked by 'a minister' ta do a survey of the northern hemisphere. And second, Conacian is clearly lyin' as he flat out told me that no such meetin' and request occurred. I don't ken what these buggers are hidin', but they are hidin' summat. There is clearly more goin' on than we are bein' told."

"Based off of this new information, our search for the debris field must be concentrated to the north."

"Very good Dashlish. Let's get permission ta move. Mister T'Kel, please contact the planet regardin' us movin'."

"Aye Captain."

[Jettis Jyur]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

As Jettis and Ruth worked, Lieutenant Tharn joined them on the bridge to work on the warp signature and impulse traces of the Dawnspring as they concentrated on the video. Because of all the normal traffic in and out of the orbit of Edoran, it also took hours to trace the faint residue and turn that into useful information.

Ian had completed his report and returned to the bridge and the Tellerite approached the captain with a frown.

"Captain, it looks like Dawnspring's engines in both a standard orbit and in an elliptical orbit over the northern hemisphere prior to her loss, she shifted from a standard orbit to the elliptical just before she was destroyed."

Ian looked up and frowned as well.

"Well Dashlish, you've just confirmed two things. First, Commander Adzhak-Dall said they'd been asked by 'a minister' ta do a survey of the northern hemisphere. And second, Conacian is clearly lyin' as he flat out told me that no such meetin' and request occurred. I don't ken what these buggers are hidin', but they are hidin' summat. There is clearly more goin' on than we are bein' told."

"Based off of this new information, our search for the debris field must be concentrated to the north."

"Very good Dashlish. Let's get permission ta move. Mister T'Kel, please contact the planet regardin' us movin'."

"Aye Captain."

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

When the Captain had returned to the bridge, Jettis had compiled all his information into one cohesive report, and was about to pass over some of it to tactical to analyse.
"Captain," he began, stepping forward. "After analysing the footage, we've determined there was some sort of impact on the Dawnspring's secondary hull, moments before the warp core exploded. Everything I've found implies it to be phaser fire causing hull vaporization - there's nothing that the ship was carrying, that could have caused an explosion of that size." He offered his PADD for Ruth to take, in case she wanted to further look over his work, before taking his station once again.

"However none of the sensors picked up anything of the sort. Regardless sir, unfortunately.. it looks like the Dawnspring was indeed destroyed intentionally."

[Ian Galloway]

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

When the Captain had returned to the bridge, Jettis had compiled all his information into one cohesive report, and was about to pass over some of it to tactical to analyse.
"Captain," he began, stepping forward. "After analysing the footage, we've determined there was some sort of impact on the Dawnspring's secondary hull, moments before the warp core exploded. Everything I've found implies it to be phaser fire causing hull vaporization - there's nothing that the ship was carrying, that could have caused an explosion of that size." He offered his PADD for Ruth to take, in case she wanted to further look over his work, before taking his station once again.

"However none of the sensors picked up anything of the sort. Regardless sir, unfortunately.. it looks like the Dawnspring was indeed destroyed intentionally."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian's eyes narrowed at Jettis' report as it confirmed his worst suspicions. It was at that moment that T'Kel at tactical spoke.

"Sir, the Edorans have denied our request to change orbit. They stated we are to maintain our current standard orbit for 'security reasons.'"

"That's a load of bollocks. Get me Conacian."

"Aye Sir."

There was a short delay before the viewscreen changed from starscape to that of the Hall of Ministers and Conacian.

"Hello again Captain. How may I be of assistance?"

"You can allow us ta continue our investigation like you said we could."

"Whatever is the problem Captain? I assure you, we will provide our full cooperation."

"That's funny Minister, because when we asked ta move ta follow up on a lead that shows the Dawnspring was indeed on an orbit that took her over the northern hemisphere, we were told we couldn't move for security reasons."

"There must have been some misunderstanding Captain. I assure you, there are no restrictions on your ships movements beyond the basic safety of planetary traffic requirements."

"You may want ta talk ta your functionaries about that, because we were told we couldna move. Odd that we were restricted from seein' the part of your planet where you said the Dawnspring was not supposed ta be. So, in the interest of clear communication, I have your permission ta move the Challenger ta continue our investigation?"

The hesitation on Conacian's face was readily apparent, but after an awkward pause under Ian's baleful gaze, he nodded and said.

"Yes Captain."

"Thank you Minister. Galloway out."

Ian waited until the channel was closed before speaking again.

"Helm, nice and slow. Thrusters only, take us ta where the debris field is located."

Ian turned to Jettis.

"Lieutenant, once we're in position, I would like you ta lead an away team ta conduct a close scan of the debris, Lieutenant Tharn will go with you. Take whomever else you believe will be useful, but make sure you have a couple of security personnel with you. Summat is off here and I want ta ken what."

"

[Don Damien Addams]

Reply quote Ian:

"Helm, nice and slow. Thrusters only, take us ta where the debris field is located."

Ian turned to Jettis.

"Aye aye Cap," Casey replied. The young pilot goofness can get him in hot water. Possible he get to comfortable until he was getting little aloof.

Though he knew the drill by directing the Challenger to the destination which take longer cause he had 1/3 thrusters only. He wished they can go faster but that just come off wrong. Aggressive or on a hurry. The truth was Casey had wanted to go fast just get this done.

[Vasilisa Belmont]

[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 Hisou 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."

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Lisa noticed as Lagar's tendrils moved and wondered if it was voluntary or not. She tried not to stare as she listened, thinking that maybe the movement was something as natural as blinking for him. She longed to ask him about it sometime, preferably during a time when they were free to have a nice long chat. Once more, she took just a moment to consider his question.

"Well, you seem to be rather up-to-date for someone who essentially just got here!" she said with no small amount of approval. "To tell you the truth, there hasn't been a command staff meeting about this so I don't really have an informed answer for you. If I had to make a guess though, I'm inclined to agree with your theory. Perhaps all this, the Dawnspring included, is connected. The Bridge crew is investigating as we speak, and I don't think I envy the task. I just hope we find the survivors on planet in good health, and soon."

She knew the answer wasn't definitive by any means, but it was all she had to give. It was largely up to the science personnel now to solve the problem of the Dawnspring. Her team would deal with whatever came after.

[Lagar]

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Lisa noticed as Lagar's tendrils moved and wondered if it was voluntary or not. She tried not to stare as she listened, thinking that maybe the movement was something as natural as blinking for him. She longed to ask him about it sometime, preferably during a time when they were free to have a nice long chat. Once more, she took just a moment to consider his question.

"Well, you seem to be rather up-to-date for someone who essentially just got here!" she said with no small amount of approval. "To tell you the truth, there hasn't been a command staff meeting about this so I don't really have an informed answer for you. If I had to make a guess though, I'm inclined to agree with your theory. Perhaps all this, the Dawnspring included, is connected. The Bridge crew is investigating as we speak, and I don't think I envy the task. I just hope we find the survivors on planet in good health, and soon."

She knew the answer wasn't definitive by any means, but it was all she had to give. It was largely up to the science personnel now to solve the problem of the Dawnspring. Her team would deal with whatever came after.

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Lagar believed that he recognized tone of her voice as a favorable one. It had the hallmarks of the way humanoids tended to phrase things when they were happy with it; a little upward lilt here, and an eyebrow raise there. Eyebrows were bizarre, furry little things, weren't they...

But then... a seed of doubt briefly formed in his mind. One of his informational videos on humanoid tone involved people sampling food made by a friend. The video focused on how they shared their impressions with the chef, and the challenge for the viewer lay in identifying whether their statements were genuine, or falsified in order to preserve the feelings of the chef. In one particularly poignant moment that stuck out to the mouthless Phylosian, a customer took a big bite of stew, let it fall partially out of their mouth with immediate disgust, then attempt a gooey smile and a thumbs-up of approval to the chef.

Mentally, Lagar let the thought whither and fall away; he had every reason to trust that Lieutenant Belmont would be frank about her feelings with him.

"Thank you ma'am. I endeavored to arrive at my new assignment as prepared as I could be. Summary reports for the previous mission were available, but for this current mission, I have only the initial briefing and little more."

Having spent a little time with Lisa now, it would become apparent that the Phylosian has a faint, but detectable, plant-like scent. Like any humanoid with their own natural smell, Phylosians had a slight olfactory effect on others. He would smell, odd as it may be, like a clean and growing vegetable. The scent might bring up images of an outdoor farm on a sunny day, or a warm hydroponics room full of happily-growing cabbages. Lagar kept himself very clean; he wasn't dirty, or covered in soil, or anything of that nature. He was a medical practitioner, and cleanliness was important to him. But still, the plant-like smell was present; not that Lagar, absent any nose or olfactory senses, could tell!

"With my shift having started..." he begins, "Could I assist you with your duties, today? I believe my duty roster assignment has me providing general support to Sickbay this shift."

[Jettis Jyur]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian's eyes narrowed at Jettis' report as it confirmed his worst suspicions. It was at that moment that T'Kel at tactical spoke.

"Sir, the Edorans have denied our request to change orbit. They stated we are to maintain our current standard orbit for 'security reasons.'"

"That's a load of bollocks. Get me Conacian."

"Aye Sir."

There was a short delay before the viewscreen changed from starscape to that of the Hall of Ministers and Conacian.

"Hello again Captain. How may I be of assistance?"

"You can allow us ta continue our investigation like you said we could."

"Whatever is the problem Captain? I assure you, we will provide our full cooperation."

"That's funny Minister, because when we asked ta move ta follow up on a lead that shows the Dawnspring was indeed on an orbit that took her over the northern hemisphere, we were told we couldn't move for security reasons."

"There must have been some misunderstanding Captain. I assure you, there are no restrictions on your ships movements beyond the basic safety of planetary traffic requirements."

"You may want ta talk ta your functionaries about that, because we were told we couldna move. Odd that we were restricted from seein' the part of your planet where you said the Dawnspring was not supposed ta be. So, in the interest of clear communication, I have your permission ta move the Challenger ta continue our investigation?"

The hesitation on Conacian's face was readily apparent, but after an awkward pause under Ian's baleful gaze, he nodded and said.

"Yes Captain."

"Thank you Minister. Galloway out."

Ian waited until the channel was closed before speaking again.

"Helm, nice and slow. Thrusters only, take us ta where the debris field is located."

Ian turned to Jettis.

"Lieutenant, once we're in position, I would like you ta lead an away team ta conduct a close scan of the debris, Lieutenant Tharn will go with you. Take whomever else you believe will be useful, but make sure you have a couple of security personnel with you. Summat is off here and I want ta ken what."

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

Jettis nodded solemnly at the Captain's orders, clasping his hands behind his back. "Understood. I'll be cautious," he agreed, before stepping back to his console to make sure everything was in order, and wait for the ship to arrive at the proper orbit.
Tapping his commbadge, he made a quick call for Tharn, and Lieutenant Lowe to arrange to be in the transporter room ASAP. He didn't need to call for Abisa however - the man was on the Bridge with him. Turning to him he gave a perfunctory nod at him, before addressing him, "If you do not object, Ocras, I'd like for you to join my team." Waiting for the man's offer, he then pondered another addition. Tapping his commbadge, he stepped back to his console to speak.

"Ensign Rodwell, if Tharn hasn't already given you another task or command of Engineering, I'd like you to join the away team. If you're able, meet me in the transporter room as soon as possible." With that out of the way, he nodded to the Captain that he was leaving, and headed down to the transporter room to prepare to beam down.

[Ian Galloway]

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

Jettis nodded solemnly at the Captain's orders, clasping his hands behind his back. "Understood. I'll be cautious," he agreed, before stepping back to his console to make sure everything was in order, and wait for the ship to arrive at the proper orbit.
Tapping his commbadge, he made a quick call for Tharn, and Lieutenant Lowe to arrange to be in the transporter room ASAP. He didn't need to call for Abisa however - the man was on the Bridge with him. Turning to him he gave a perfunctory nod at him, before addressing him, "If you do not object, Ocras, I'd like for you to join my team." Waiting for the man's offer, he then pondered another addition. Tapping his commbadge, he stepped back to his console to speak.

"Ensign Rodwell, if Tharn hasn't already given you another task or command of Engineering, I'd like you to join the away team. If you're able, meet me in the transporter room as soon as possible." With that out of the way, he nodded to the Captain that he was leaving, and headed down to the transporter room to prepare to beam down.

[Debris Field - Northern Continent - Edoran]

The away team arrived and found the landscape strewn with pieces, large and small, of the Dawnspring stretching for kilometers. However, the away team quickly discovered they were not alone. As several teams of Edoran government troops apparently conducting their own search for the debris. The Armed teams were working with tricorders and other sensor packs were moving through the affected areas, stopping along the way to mark wreckage and debris with RF transponders. There were civilians visible in the distance and the soldiers seemed to be cordoning off the area to keep them out of the debris field. On spotting the Starfleet personnel, the Edoran soldiers seemed to pick of the pace of their search and shifting from tagging everything they came across to concentrating on the larger pieces of debris.

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

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

As the away team was discovering the presence of the Edoran soldiers, at Tactical. Lieutenant T'Kel blinked in surprise and reported.

"Sir surge in neutrinos. A ship is decloaking, it's the Khranu. Her shields are up and she's headed this way."

Although spoken in her usual dispassionate tone, the clipped sentences betrayed her surprise to someone who was familiar with her. Ian knew her enough to know this wasn't an ordinary report.

"Shields up!"

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Bridge --> Ready Room - USS Challenger]

Ian smiled as he headed for the ready room.

"Thank you Ruth, I do ken what that means. I appreciate it, but I'm more of a quarterstaff sort than an axe if'n it comes ta melee weapons. Actually fought a swarm of Borg with one, I'll tell you that story one day, most terrifyin' thing I've ever been part of. Still freezes the blood ta think about it.

"As for Thelal's brain, I believe that's nae the problem, it's the ego that's larger than his ship that's the problem."

On entering the ready room, Ian flopped, saying sat would be far too polite, into the seat and sighed.

"Bloody datawork! I ken I told Abisa bein' unable ta go on away teams was the worst part of bein' center seat, but that's nothing compared ta all the bloody datawork."

He growled and began dictating the information he had to date and sent an update to Starfleet Command.

[USS Challenger - Bridge, EARLIER]

Ruth nodded at the Captain's response and smirked a little at the mention of the ego larger than the ship.

[several hours later]

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

When the Captain had returned to the bridge, Jettis had compiled all his information into one cohesive report, and was about to pass over some of it to tactical to analyse.
"Captain," he began, stepping forward. "After analysing the footage, we've determined there was some sort of impact on the Dawnspring's secondary hull, moments before the warp core exploded. Everything I've found implies it to be phaser fire causing hull vaporization - there's nothing that the ship was carrying, that could have caused an explosion of that size." He offered his PADD for Ruth to take, in case she wanted to further look over his work, before taking his station once again.

"However none of the sensors picked up anything of the sort. Regardless sir, unfortunately.. it looks like the Dawnspring was indeed destroyed intentionally."

Ruth gave a cursory glance at Jyur's work.  She didn't doubt anything it was more out of habit.  She waved it away as events overtook them.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian's eyes narrowed at Jettis' report as it confirmed his worst suspicions. It was at that moment that T'Kel at tactical spoke.

"Sir, the Edorans have denied our request to change orbit. They stated we are to maintain our current standard orbit for 'security reasons.'"

"That's a load of bollocks. Get me Conacian."

"Aye Sir."

There was a short delay before the viewscreen changed from starscape to that of the Hall of Ministers and Conacian.

"Hello again Captain. How may I be of assistance?"

"You can allow us ta continue our investigation like you said we could."

"Whatever is the problem Captain? I assure you, we will provide our full cooperation."

"That's funny Minister, because when we asked ta move ta follow up on a lead that shows the Dawnspring was indeed on an orbit that took her over the northern hemisphere, we were told we couldn't move for security reasons."

"There must have been some misunderstanding Captain. I assure you, there are no restrictions on your ships movements beyond the basic safety of planetary traffic requirements."

"You may want ta talk ta your functionaries about that, because we were told we couldna move. Odd that we were restricted from seein' the part of your planet where you said the Dawnspring was not supposed ta be. So, in the interest of clear communication, I have your permission ta move the Challenger ta continue our investigation?"

The hesitation on Conacian's face was readily apparent, but after an awkward pause under Ian's baleful gaze, he nodded and said.

"Yes Captain."

"Thank you Minister. Galloway out."

Ian waited until the channel was closed before speaking again.

"Helm, nice and slow. Thrusters only, take us ta where the debris field is located."

Ian turned to Jettis.

"Lieutenant, once we're in position, I would like you ta lead an away team ta conduct a close scan of the debris, Lieutenant Tharn will go with you. Take whomever else you believe will be useful, but make sure you have a couple of security personnel with you. Summat is off here and I want ta ken what."

"Bloody politics apart from anything else.  If I didn't know better, I'd say Minister Conacian is scared of something, or someone.  Maybe the supreme git in the area..." Ruth's words were cut off suddenly by T'Kel

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

As the away team was discovering the presence of the Edoran soldiers, at Tactical. Lieutenant T'Kel blinked in surprise and reported.

"Sir surge in neutrinos. A ship is decloaking, it's the Khranu. Her shields are up and she's headed this way."

Although spoken in her usual dispassionate tone, the clipped sentences betrayed her surprise to someone who was familiar with her. Ian knew her enough to know this wasn't an ordinary report.

"Shields up!"

"Speak of the Devil... or in this case Romulan..." she said with a wry smile.  She crossed and sat in the XOs seat ready for any battle that might happen.  "Might our friend be the answer to all our questions do you reckon?"

[Ian Galloway]

[USS Challenger - Bridge, EARLIER]

Ruth nodded at the Captain's response and smirked a little at the mention of the ego larger than the ship.

[several hours later]

Ruth gave a cursory glance at Jyur's work.  She didn't doubt anything it was more out of habit.  She waved it away as events overtook them.

"Bloody politics apart from anything else.  If I didn't know better, I'd say Minister Conacian is scared of something, or someone.  Maybe the supreme git in the area..." Ruth's words were cut off suddenly by T'Kel

"Speak of the Devil... or in this case Romulan..." she said with a wry smile.  She crossed and sat in the XOs seat ready for any battle that might happen.  "Might our friend be the answer to all our questions do you reckon?"

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

The Khranu approached at high impulse speed, but sheered off some 20,000 kilometers away and dropped back under cloak without a word. Ian grit his teeth at this latest provocation, but simplely took a deep breath and said.

"Secure the shields. Seems like Thelal wants ta play bloody games. Sounds like summat he'd do ta see if'n he can draw us into firin' first and create an incident he could exploit. Fits how he operates, tweak and taunt Starfleet whenever he can and ta get under my skin in particular."

Ian turned to face Ruth with exasperation on his face.

"I wouldn't give the git the satisfaction of tryin' ta speak ta him. He's likely ta just ignore a hail and if'n he did respond, it would be ta level more of what he said when he first showed up. Don't take the bait Ruth, he's nae worth it."

[Ocras Abisa]

[USS Challenger - Bridge]

Jettis nodded solemnly at the Captain's orders, clasping his hands behind his back. "Understood. I'll be cautious," he agreed, before stepping back to his console to make sure everything was in order, and wait for the ship to arrive at the proper orbit.
Tapping his commbadge, he made a quick call for Tharn, and Lieutenant Lowe to arrange to be in the transporter room ASAP. He didn't need to call for Abisa however - the man was on the Bridge with him. Turning to him he gave a perfunctory nod at him, before addressing him, "If you do not object, Ocras, I'd like for you to join my team." Waiting for the man's offer, he then pondered another addition. Tapping his commbadge, he stepped back to his console to speak.

"Ensign Rodwell, if Tharn hasn't already given you another task or command of Engineering, I'd like you to join the away team. If you're able, meet me in the transporter room as soon as possible." With that out of the way, he nodded to the Captain that he was leaving, and headed down to the transporter room to prepare to beam down.

[Bridge - USS Challenger > Debris field - Edoran]

Ocras nodded back to Jettis, "Of course." On the way to the Transporter room, he paused at the weapons locker to ensure that at least he and the other Security Officers would have sidearms.

As they beamed down, he noticed exactly how many Orions were already on the field. He spread his empathic awareness as wide as he could, trying to monitor everyone on the field for antipathy against the Federation in general and threats to the away team in specific. As he stretched his perceptions, Ocras pulled out a tricorder and began searching for the frequency that the transponders were utilizing. It would be best to know what channels they were using and how many transponders were active already. Hopefully, he could monitor the channel as more came online.

"Where do you want us to start, Lieutenant?" It was oddly formal, but they were on a neutral world, so they were representing the whole Federation. Formality was called for.

[Vasilisa Belmont]

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Lagar believed that he recognized tone of her voice as a favorable one. It had the hallmarks of the way humanoids tended to phrase things when they were happy with it; a little upward lilt here, and an eyebrow raise there. Eyebrows were bizarre, furry little things, weren't they...

But then... a seed of doubt briefly formed in his mind. One of his informational videos on humanoid tone involved people sampling food made by a friend. The video focused on how they shared their impressions with the chef, and the challenge for the viewer lay in identifying whether their statements were genuine, or falsified in order to preserve the feelings of the chef. In one particularly poignant moment that stuck out to the mouthless Phylosian, a customer took a big bite of stew, let it fall partially out of their mouth with immediate disgust, then attempt a gooey smile and a thumbs-up of approval to the chef.

Mentally, Lagar let the thought whither and fall away; he had every reason to trust that Lieutenant Belmont would be frank about her feelings with him.

"Thank you ma'am. I endeavored to arrive at my new assignment as prepared as I could be. Summary reports for the previous mission were available, but for this current mission, I have only the initial briefing and little more."

Having spent a little time with Lisa now, it would become apparent that the Phylosian has a faint, but detectable, plant-like scent. Like any humanoid with their own natural smell, Phylosians had a slight olfactory effect on others. He would smell, odd as it may be, like a clean and growing vegetable. The scent might bring up images of an outdoor farm on a sunny day, or a warm hydroponics room full of happily-growing cabbages. Lagar kept himself very clean; he wasn't dirty, or covered in soil, or anything of that nature. He was a medical practitioner, and cleanliness was important to him. But still, the plant-like smell was present; not that Lagar, absent any nose or olfactory senses, could tell!

"With my shift having started..." he begins, "Could I assist you with your duties, today? I believe my duty roster assignment has me providing general support to Sickbay this shift."

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

As the minutes passed while they talked to each other, Lisa vaguely picked up on the scent of Lagar. She didn't have a particularly keen sense of smell, she supposed if someone had on a particularly strong perfume she'd notice, but the smell in front of her was clearly different from that of a human. It was actually quite pleasant and she actually began to recall memories of warm spring days as she listened to him. At his question, she broke out of her thoughts and glanced at the chronometer.

"I would say yes, but unfortunately we're not really busy at the moment. We have everything stocked and ready, and your transfer file was actually my last bit of paperwork today so there's no more of that to do. If you have any lab work you'd like to start now would be a good time. Otherwise, there's plenty of PADDs around here for reading up on medical news-"

At that moment they heard the hiss of a door opening and the voice of Hisou at the reception desk. Lisa raised an eyebrow, then smiled at Lagar.

"Turns out you're in luck. I'll give you this one if you're up to it."

She and Jessica stood to welcome the patient as he was led down the hall. When he rounded the corner they could see him cradling his left arm and occasionally wincing as he walked. The CMO waited for Lagar to give her a sign that he agreed to do it, then she smiled at the man.

"Hello! Ensign Lagar will get you fixed up."