S4: E8 - Stop the MADness

[Ian Galloway]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

The Challenger had finally returned to the Alpha Quadrant and was en route to her next mission. As the ship was at high warp, there was very little to do for her captain, who sighed and opened his log to make an update.

"Captain's Log, Stardate: 76016.1. The Challenger is en route to the Nelvarish system, which consists of eight planets with two of them bein' Class-M. Locean, fifth planet and Trellion the six, are separated by a large asteroid field rich in dilithium. Both planets have early warp capable civilizations and are on the brink of war. The Federation would like ta obtain minin' rights in the system and the Challenger has orders ta try and negotiate both a minin' contract and a peace treaty.

"The two planets are bitter enemies with just enough technology ta be dangerous ta each other. The Nelvar are an early starfarin' culture with fusion powered low speed starships armed with lasers and nuclear torpedoes. Although both planets are sufficiently advanced ta warrant visits by Starfleet vessels, neither planet is a member of the Federation.

"The asteroid belt is extremely rich in dilithium and both worlds, with equal claim ta the belt's resources, have deployed extensive orbital minin' facilities within the belt. The Federation would be interested in establishin' trade with the Nelvar however, a long standin' Cold War is movin' closer to open warfare. The Federation has offered ta send mediators ta try and negotiate a settlement, but the Nelvar have rebuffed every Federation proposition.

"Based on the possibility of reachin' a settlement, Starfleet has been monitorin' the subspace transmissions between the two worlds and have noticed an increase in rhetoric lately and as a result the Challenger is bein' sent ta monitor the increasin' tensions and ta again offer to negotiate for peace. As the situation has escalated in recent days, there wasn't time for us ta pick up a Federation ambassador, thus it falls ta me ta find a way ta reduce tensions within the system. If'n that succeeds, then I'm ta attempt ta reach an agreement on the dilithium.

"As I am nae a skilled negotiator, I have my concerns, but orders are orders and I will have ta rely on the skills on the crew of the Challenger ta have any hopes of success durin' this mission. I can only hope that between the various experiences of the crew, someone can provide the necessary advice ta make this happen. Only time will tell. End Log."

On closing the log, Ian could only go back over the rather extensive files from the Federation database on negotiations as the Challenger cruised along blissfully unaware of the struggles of her captain.

[Mondo'li Nari]

USS Challenger - Enlisted Quarters

Mondo sat at the small desk in the enlisted quarters, drafting a written subspace message to his grandfather.  He hadn't heard much from him lately, but he tried his best to keep in touch on his end.  He'd written about his attempt to take the entrance exams at New Bajor.  And now, he was writing about his failure in the exams.

It was often said there was no shame in failing the officer entrance exam of Starfleet.  The best candidates in the known galaxy competed to attend.  Mondo had never been at the top of his class at the Technical Services Academy, despite high scores in the physical tests.  He had been raised in a primitive, tribal culture whose exposure to technology came from whatever they could figure out about Ferengi leavings and whatever outdated tech the Ferengi were willing to trade.  He'd only been exposed to proper contemporary tech after moving to Ferenginar with his grandfather when he'd still been a child.  As a consequence, he'd only barely passed the enlisted Academy's scientific and technical topics, despite them already being rudimentary.  This low performance had brought down his graduation scores at the Technical Services Academy, and left him destined for a poor posting.

Only chance of birth had gotten him assigned to an important diplomatic assignment out of the Academy, and only his performance at that assignment had gotten him assigned to prime spots like Katra and Challenger.  In the end, it seemed that an officer program had been a bridge too far.

He wasn't ashamed.  Not really.  But he was a little bit disappointed.  He had wanted to validate Captain Galloway's faith in him.

Mondo completed his letter to his grandfather, and wrote a new one to Hrafn and the Tekin children.  He thanked them for the sweater they'd sent, and apologized for not seeing them at the station.  Word was that there had been a huge attack on Katra by the Wanderers.  This was the same group he'd encountered on the USS Kir'Shara years ago.  Part of him wished he'd been with the Challenger for this ordeal rather than failing exams on New Bajor.  But fortunately, everything seemed to have turned out okay.

He concluded the letter, promising to send 'authentic Dried Reet Jerky' by courier.  It was a staple snack on Hupyria, often eaten by farmers, and he hoped Hrafn and her children might enjoy the novelty of 'real' food from what to them must seem like an exotic place.

Finally, he drafted a letter to Helga, wishing her well on her new posting, and expressing how much he would miss her talents in the Security department.

With his letters written, he transmitted them and got up from the desk, inspecting his uniform for lint or wrinkles before leaving his room.

A new officer had been assigned to Security, and this was Mondo's first opportunity to meet the man who would be his new superior.  He'd heard something about the Lieutenant being a veteran of the Federation's Naval Patrol.  Until he'd heard that trivia, he hadn't even been aware of the service.  If he was fortunate, perhaps this man would be willing to talk about his experiences there.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret]
[USS Challenger - Deck 2 - Observation Lounge]

With the busy winter holidays now behind them and the New Year begun; and especially after Lahr's out of body experience the Andorian was taking a moment to reflect on his life.  Where he was at, what goals he had, and how he planned to attain some of the more notable ones.

Though Ruth had accepted his necklace happily enough, in the back of his thoughts was the awareness that she likely had wanted more.  They had nearly all died - that had to mess with her mind somewhat. It obviously messed with his.

Because this morning was another parrises squares practice day he'd stayed the night in his quarters rather than disturb Ruth with an early morning alarm.  He didn't worry about waking his bunk mate.  Grelek was always an early riser.  Now after practice rather than return to Ruth's quarters Lahr sat up in the Observation Lounge, pondering his life and the changes in it.

He'd said farewell, two weeks earlier, to Helga who had transferred over to the Discovery to join Lek there.  He wouldn't admit it but he was rather surprised at how long that relationship had lasted.  Two years!  When he'd first set them up, he'd had his doubts that it would be anything more than just a one-night thing.  Not that he figured the couple would ever tie the knot.  That just didn't seem to be something either of them would want.  Well, he was happy for the two of them.

Lahr lifted his mug of raktajino (a beverage that Ruth had started him on.  He still wasn't quite sure if he liked its taste but it had a strong kick to keep him awake during the long Alpha shift he was about to start) and drained the last of it.  He supposed he should start on his way to the Bridge - maybe his being early would be noted by the Captain.

Things had improved between him and the Captain over the past couple weeks Challenger.. mostly because they didn't see each other daily - his rotation had him working transporter room up until today (now he was back on Bridge duty)... and because quite likely the Captain had forgotten all about the incident that had riled Lahr the month before.

It had taken Lahr talking to Counselor Mills about the 'dressing down' he'd been given on the bridge for him to see the Captain's perspective.  Lahr didn't like it but he'd come to accept it.

Standing up, Lahr brought his empty cup to the replicator unit for recycling and prepared to head out on his way to the Bridge.

[Paul Wessex]

Now this is more like it, Paul concluded as he stared out of the porthole as the Challenger streaked through the starry stream of space. Leaving Katra Station behind was perhaps another fairly mercenary decision he had made of late - the first being to leave the Naval Patrol to position himself into an opportunity to be selected as a key member of Starfleet's upcoming multi-environment explorer - but time and tide waited for no sentient, and he soon realised that Katra had been the anathema of what he was trying achieve.

And yet, enamoured with the sights outside, he also felt the loss of not seeing the faces of his previous crew again - or for some time. Solluk, Tess, Rayek (yes, even the grim Rayek!), Goodspeed, Kal, and those he had barely got to know before his departure: Zex, Beja, Eli,  Hrafn, Ta, and Sirol.

And in some ways, not seeing the curious, crab-like Tholian Ambassador, Eydis, again would be hard to come to terms with.

But not Raidan Darrow, who had seen fit to 'keep' one of his ship-in-a-bottle models, a discovery that only came as the Challenger returned to the Alpha Quadrant.

But here, aboard the mighty ship he had seen dock with the station many weeks back, taking his heart with its graceful, naval lines, he had the chance to make new friends and colleagues - and if that were not the point of true exploration, then what was?

Looking away, Wessex straightened his hair and his uniform, and made his way to his duty assignment, as a fresh member of the ship's Security Department.

[Kyle Briggs]

[Corridor]

Kyle had woken early and decided to get an head start on the day. With the ship being at warp and headed fr their destination, there wasn't much to be done on the Bridge so he was doing rounds and inspections. He had just finished going over the saucer deflector array with Ensign Rodwell from Engineering and found himself smiling as he became aware that his next stop was Sickbay. With a fresh cup of coffee in hand, he approached the doors and entered once the split.

[Sickbay]

He walked in, looked around and became disappointed when he didn't immediately see Lisa. Maybe she hadn't made it in yet. It was early. Nodding to one of the nurses, he stepped off to the side and called up the medical inventory. He would have enjoyed going over with Lisa but it was something he could handle himself.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret]
[USS Challenger - Deck 2 - Observation Lounge]

With the busy winter holidays now behind them and the New Year begun; and especially after Lahr's out of body experience the Andorian was taking a moment to reflect on his life.  Where he was at, what goals he had, and how he planned to attain some of the more notable ones.

Though Ruth had accepted his necklace happily enough, in the back of his thoughts was the awareness that she likely had wanted more.  They had nearly all died - that had to mess with her mind somewhat. It obviously messed with his.

Because this morning was another parrises squares practice day he'd stayed the night in his quarters rather than disturb Ruth with an early morning alarm.  He didn't worry about waking his bunk mate.  Grelek was always an early riser.  Now after practice rather than return to Ruth's quarters Lahr sat up in the Observation Lounge, pondering his life and the changes in it.

He'd said farewell, two weeks earlier, to Helga who had transferred over to the Discovery to join Lek there.  He wouldn't admit it but he was rather surprised at how long that relationship had lasted.  Two years!  When he'd first set them up, he'd had his doubts that it would be anything more than just a one-night thing.  Not that he figured the couple would ever tie the knot.  That just didn't seem to be something either of them would want.  Well, he was happy for the two of them.

Lahr lifted his mug of raktajino (a beverage that Ruth had started him on.  He still wasn't quite sure if he liked its taste but it had a strong kick to keep him awake during the long Alpha shift he was about to start) and drained the last of it.  He supposed he should start on his way to the Bridge - maybe his being early would be noted by the Captain.

Things had improved between him and the Captain over the past couple weeks Challenger.. mostly because they didn't see each other daily - his rotation had him working transporter room up until today (now he was back on Bridge duty)... and because quite likely the Captain had forgotten all about the incident that had riled Lahr the month before.

It had taken Lahr talking to Counselor Mills about the 'dressing down' he'd been given on the bridge for him to see the Captain's perspective.  Lahr didn't like it but he'd come to accept it.

Standing up, Lahr brought his empty cup to the replicator unit for recycling and then headed out on his way to the Bridge.

[Ruth's Quarters - USS Challenger]

[1 hour before Alpha Shift]

Waking and turning in bed, Ruth started a bit at finding not the smooth blue skin of Lahr beside her but instead the black and white fur of Skye snuggled up before her.

"Oi, you have your own bed, and much as I love you, your 'Daddy' wouldn't thank you for usurping his place in my bed... shift, let me have a shower and I'll get you fed!"

Wondering if Lahr had been gaming late with friends or something, she pondered where her Blue Man could be.  She wasn't fully awake but then slowly things came to her like how to find Lahr.

"Computer, locate Petty Officer Shran'Lahr ch'Verret."

"Petty Officer ch'Verret is in the Observation Lounge." the computer answered.

Mentally shrugging at why he'd be there she jumped into the shower and smiled when she caught sight of the necklace that Lahr had given her for Yule which she never took off.  She truly loved it and he couldn't have thought of a better gift really.  It was so well thought out.

It was a Promise - that he'd be faithful, without being an engagement ring.  Some people while they wouldn't say as much might be a bit more averse to her being engaged to Lahr so soon after Will being declared dead.  Plus the pair of them wouldn't be plagued about setting a date for a wedding, so poor Lahr wouldn't have heart failure!  Commitment other than the level it had taken for him to give her the promise that he'd be faithful, was probably a step too far as yet!

It was able to be worn under her uniform - so it wasn't known to anyone bar the pair of them unless she wanted to show it to anyone, like say Lisa.  And it was next to her skin so it was like she had Lahr as close to her as she could have without it being physical.  Which, while Ian and Kyle were ok with her relationship with Lahr, she was pretty sure that other than teasing comments, a quick hand squeeze and maybe in corridors but not on the Bridge a quick kiss, Lahr and her being physical... not something that should be seen outside of the bedroom!

It was a snowflake... as unique and perfect as their relationship... and a reminder of the icy climate of both their native homes.

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret

"Y'know, even as nothing but pure thought... you still were gorgeous." he stated matter-of-factly.  He didn't care that he was on the Bridge at the moment or that they might still be in the midst of a battle.  What just happened drove home that there was no time like the present to live.   Next time they might not be together when the slip across to the other side.  He shoved his hand into his pants pocket and while still lying on the floor of the bridge he held out the gift he purchased earlier to her.

"It's not an engagement ring.  But it's a promise - that for as long as you want me, I'll be faithful to you."

He opened his palm and let dangle - a snowflake encased in blue crystal hung on a delicate silver chain necklace.

She grinned while putting on her uniform at the recollection of what he had said in their moment of pure thought, then fed Skye.

"You know, he still thinks I'm gorgeous when he's totally out of it! And wears goat outfits! So there!" she put the food down and popped a marrowbone in her bed for her to chew on while she was on duty.  She had one of the Science Ensigns on the Delta Shift walk her after shift then go off to do whatever they wanted to do.  To be fair she had to have a PADD up in Sciences for those wanting to be a dog walker/sitter, and it wasn't just Sciences who signed up for it!

Fussing the dog one last time she replicated a muffin for each of them and an extra strong ratkajino for herself.

"Be good for Ensign Jones!" she called to Skye then skipped up to the Observation Lounge.

[Observation Lounge]

Popping the coffee and muffins on the table behind her she walked up behind Lahr and put her hands over his eyes gently.

"Guess who?!" she said in her best imitation of Raynor Hughes when he was cheesed off with something and his most Klingon growl came on!

[Ian Galloway]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"Captain's Log Supplemental. We have just arrived at and stopped at the edge of the Nelvarish system. In an attempt to broker peace between the two planets, we have established a three way subspace link between myself and the two planetary leaders, First One Greshak of Locean and Primus Thebos of Trellion. One can only hope the two men are willing to talk given the long history of hostility between their planets."

Ian closed his log when he get the nod from Lieutenant T'Kel at tactical and gestured for her to put the two leaders on screen. The Nelvari of both planets were humanoids with a prominent ridge that ran down the center of their foreheads to the tip of their nose, each sporting a shock of snow white hair as they glared at each other.

"Gentlemen, I am Captain Ian Galloway of the USS Challenger, representing the United Federation of Planets and it is my sincere hope that we can have meaningful negotiations for the benefit of your worlds and in the name of peace."

Ian spoke in perfect Standard, not wanting his usual Highland Burr to cause any mistranslations or misunderstandings. He'd spent hours in his ready room during the trip to the system refining and practicing his opening statement for the two leaders and could only hope he'd found the right words and tone to open negotiations. Primus Thebos of Trellion spoke first with distrust written all over his face as he replied.

"You Federation types are a persistent nuisance. If we wanted to talk to the Loceans, we'd do so on our own."

The contempt Thebos managed to cram into how he said Locean was nearly palpable and did nothing to bolster Ian's confidence.

"Leave it to a Trellion to be unable to even acknowledge the concept of courtesy. I would hear the Federation's intentions before turning them away like common street beggars."

First One Greshak growled in response and Ian was grateful for the tiny opening he'd been given.

"Gentlemen, I know I am here unbidden by your governments, but I will accept that when it comes to fostering peace, the Federation is indeed a 'persistent nuisance'. We are all educated and cultured peoples, all I ask is the chance to speak to you as peers in the name of peace. If my words fail to show merit, then nothing will have changed, but if they do have merit, then everything will have changed."

Ian had never felt more pressure in his life as he waited to see if he'd gotten through to the two leaders and thought.

"I'd rather be back on that bloody Borg Cube with nae more than an improvised quarterstaff fightin' drones that bein' here right now."

The two men continued to glower with undisguised loathing at each other before Primus Thebos reluctantly nodded.

"Very well, I will hear your words Galloway of the Challenger. At the very least they might provide some amusement to me. How do you propose we meet?"

Ian almost sagged in relief as he replied in what he hoped was an even and neutral tone.

"If you two gentlemen can board one of your ships, we can convene in the asteroid belt at a point equidistant between your two worlds aboard the Challenger as a neutral meeting place."

"That is acceptable to the Locean government." First One Greshak replied with Thebos adding. "Agreed."

"Excellent, we will meet in one of our hours. I will sent you the time conversion and coordinates for the meeting. Thank you both for your willingness to communicate. I look forward to meeting both of you. Galloway out."

Ian didn't voice his inner thought about the meeting.

"As much as I'd like ta climb a Denebian razor tree bare arsed naked."

However, even Ian was surprised he'd managed get this far, whether that would be a good thing or not was yet to be seen. Out loud, Ian added.

"Okay, looks like we've got a green light. Tactical, send the coordinates ta both parties for the meetin' spot. Helm, move us into place, one quarter impulse. Mister ch'Verret, as you are the ship's party planner. See ta it that the conference room is ready ta receive high level visitors. I'd like you ta coordinate with Lieutenant Wessex regardin' security and an honor guard. Kyle, you will have the bridge while I'm in the negotiations.

"Commander Sigurdsdottir, I'd like you ta attend the negotiations, between the two of us, we might manage ta be half an ambassador. Unfortunately Ruth, that means you get ta wear dress whites for this little affair too. Shame your hair is nae still white, might have made a favorable impression on our guest. We have less than an hour ta make this happen ladies and gentlemen, let's hop ta it."

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"Captain's Log Supplemental. We have just arrived at and stopped at the edge of the Nelvarish system. In an attempt to broker peace between the two planets, we have established a three way subspace link between myself and the two planetary leaders, First One Greshak of Locean and Primus Thebos of Trellion. One can only hope the two men are willing to talk given the long history of hostility between their planets."

Ian closed his log when he get the nod from Lieutenant T'Kel at tactical and gestured for her to put the two leaders on screen. The Nelvari of both planets were humanoids with a prominent ridge that ran down the center of their foreheads to the tip of their nose, each sporting a shock of snow white hair as they glared at each other.

"Gentlemen, I am Captain Ian Galloway of the USS Challenger, representing the United Federation of Planets and it is my sincere hope that we can have meaningful negotiations for the benefit of your worlds and in the name of peace."

Ian spoke in perfect Standard, not wanting his usual Highland Burr to cause any mistranslations or misunderstandings. He'd spent hours in his ready room during the trip to the system refining and practicing his opening statement for the two leaders and could only hope he'd found the right words and tone to open negotiations. Primus Thebos of Trellion spoke first with distrust written all over his face as he replied.

"You Federation types are a persistent nuisance. If we wanted to talk to the Loceans, we'd do so on our own."

The contempt Thebos managed to cram into how he said Locean was nearly palpable and did nothing to bolster Ian's confidence.

"Leave it to a Trellion to be unable to even acknowledge the concept of courtesy. I would hear the Federation's intentions before turning them away like common street beggars."

First One Greshak growled in response and Ian was grateful for the tiny opening he'd been given.

"Gentlemen, I know I am here unbidden by your governments, but I will accept that when it comes to fostering peace, the Federation is indeed a 'persistent nuisance'. We are all educated and cultured peoples, all I ask is the chance to speak to you as peers in the name of peace. If my words fail to show merit, then nothing will have changed, but if they do have merit, then everything will have changed."

Ian had never felt more pressure in his life as he waited to see if he'd gotten through to the two leaders and thought.

"I'd rather be back on that bloody Borg Cube with nae more than an improvised quarterstaff fightin' drones that bein' here right now."

The two men continued to glower with undisguised loathing at each other before Primus Thebos reluctantly nodded.

"Very well, I will hear your words Galloway of the Challenger. At the very least they might provide some amusement to me. How do you propose we meet?"

Ian almost sagged in relief as he replied in what he hoped was an even and neutral tone.

"If you two gentlemen can board one of your ships, we can convene in the asteroid belt at a point equidistant between your two worlds aboard the Challenger as a neutral meeting place."

"That is acceptable to the Locean government." First One Greshak replied with Thebos adding. "Agreed."

"Excellent, we will meet in one of our hours. I will sent you the time conversion and coordinates for the meeting. Thank you both for your willingness to communicate. I look forward to meeting both of you. Galloway out."

Ian didn't voice his inner thought about the meeting.

"As much as I'd like ta climb a Denebian razor tree bare arsed naked."

However, even Ian was surprised he'd managed get this far, whether that would be a good thing or not was yet to be seen. Out loud, Ian added.

"Okay, looks like we've got a green light. Tactical, send the coordinates ta both parties for the meetin' spot. Helm, move us into place, one quarter impulse. Mister ch'Verret, as you are the ship's party planner. See ta it that the conference room is ready ta receive high level visitors. I'd like you ta coordinate with Lieutenant Wessex regardin' security and an honor guard. Kyle, you will have the bridge while I'm in the negotiations.

"Commander Sigurdsdottir, I'd like you ta attend the negotiations, between the two of us, we might manage ta be half an ambassador. Unfortunately Ruth, that means you get ta wear dress whites for this little affair too. Shame your hair is nae still white, might have made a favorable impression on our guest. We have less than an hour ta make this happen ladies and gentlemen, let's hop ta it."

[Bridge - At start of Alpha Shift]

Ruth had been surprised to hear Ian 'lose' his Scottish burr but she understood the reason behind it. However she turned and gave him a mock scowl when he mentioned dress whites.

"Ugh... do I haaaaaaaaaaave to!" she said in her best 5 year old voice and then grinned.  "As for the hair, I could wear a wig if it would help!  Give me five, and I'll put the torturous things on.  I suppose I have to be grateful, not that most people would appreciate it but one positive is that I got a tailor on Katra to alter my whites while I was there so they not only fit comfortably but erm... "

She stood and struck a pose hanging onto the back of her chair so it didn't make it look quite so unruly behaviour on the Bridge.

"I could be the Federation Officer poster girl, it um.. accentuates in all the right places without being cut too obviously, I can still move in it should negotiations not go exactly to plan. Lahr, watch your console, if I send 'Release the Valkyrie' to it, go fetch my axes!" she joked.

"And Captain,.." she gave an orderly and respectful bow of the head.  "...I'm honoured to be there with you, I'll behave, I promise. Although I'm surprised you're not taking our XO in with you.  Kyle is surely the more usual choice? That's why I'm letting some of the mischievousness out now!"

She skipped off and went to get changed, returning some 30 mins later.

"Do I pass muster? Ready to repel borders, I mean ah... have a successful meeting with these Loceans and Trellions!"

[Vasilisa Belmont]

[Corridor]

Kyle had woken early and decided to get an head start on the day. With the ship being at warp and headed fr their destination, there wasn't much to be done on the Bridge so he was doing rounds and inspections. He had just finished going over the saucer deflector array with Ensign Rodwell from Engineering and found himself smiling as he became aware that his next stop was Sickbay. With a fresh cup of coffee in hand, he approached the doors and entered once the split.

[Sickbay]

He walked in, looked around and became disappointed when he didn't immediately see Lisa. Maybe she hadn't made it in yet. It was early. Nodding to one of the nurses, he stepped off to the side and called up the medical inventory. He would have enjoyed going over with Lisa but it was something he could handle himself.

[CMO's Quarters - USS Challenger]

In the few hours before her shift, Lisa was taking some time to reflect on what had happened after their leave was cut short. They'd all experienced something that the doctor couldn't quite explain, and she still didn't know why it had happened to them. She'd been made aware of everyone's emotions. It didn't exactly feel like a combined consciousness, (not that she knew what that felt like anyway) but she felt like she'd almost touched these peoples' souls. Very briefly, and she did linger a little longer on the ones she already knew, but it still astounded her that she'd been able to connect with people she hadn't ever met.

She'd not really done much meditating before and what she was doing wasn't exactly a meditation practice, but she was allowing her thoughts to flow freely and gently nudging them in the direction of the event after visiting the station so she could ponder it. Most of it was confusion, but she had enjoyed the glimpses into the emotions of Kyle, Ruth, and Lahr especially. It made her feel closer to them somehow.

Once she was finished, she changed into her uniform and headed out to her duty shift.

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

As she walked in, she nodded to Chloe before she saw Kyle standing causally off to the side looking over what appeared to be an inventory checklist. Upon closer inspection she saw that she was correct, and it was specifically for her department.

"Doing my job, I see," she said accusingly as she came up behind him. "I could have sent it to you, but then of course you wouldn't have an excuse to come down here," she said with a smile, struggling a bit to keep it professional. As it was, after she peered over his shoulder she took a few steps back to maintain a proper distance. Before he responded she took a moment and thought about how she could now give Jess a proper welcome sooner than she had anticipated with the inventory out of the way.

[Kyle Briggs]

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

As she walked in, she nodded to Chloe before she saw Kyle standing causally off to the side looking over what appeared to be an inventory checklist. Upon closer inspection she saw that she was correct, and it was specifically for her department.

"Doing my job, I see," she said accusingly as she came up behind him. "I could have sent it to you, but then of course you wouldn't have an excuse to come down here," she said with a smile, struggling a bit to keep it professional. As it was, after she peered over his shoulder she took a few steps back to maintain a proper distance. Before he responded she took a moment and thought about how she could now give Jess a proper welcome sooner than she had anticipated with the inventory out of the way.

"Morning, Doc." Kyle said with a smile and a little wink. "I was just making my rounds and doing my checks before I had head to the Bridge." he said. "We should be reaching our destination soon."

After chatting with Lisa for a few more minutes, he headed for the Bridge.
__________________________________________________________________

[Bridge]

"Okay, looks like we've got a green light. Tactical, send the coordinates ta both parties for the meetin' spot. Helm, move us into place, one quarter impulse. Mister ch'Verret, as you are the ship's party planner. See ta it that the conference room is ready ta receive high level visitors. I'd like you ta coordinate with Lieutenant Wessex regardin' security and an honor guard. Kyle, you will have the bridge while I'm in the negotiations.

"Commander Sigurdsdottir, I'd like you ta attend the negotiations, between the two of us, we might manage ta be half an ambassador. Unfortunately Ruth, that means you get ta wear dress whites for this little affair too. Shame your hair is nae still white, might have made a favorable impression on our guest. We have less than an hour ta make this happen ladies and gentlemen, let's hop ta it."

"Aye, Sir." Kyle replied with a sigh of relief. He turned and gave Ruth a sly grin and a shrug. He was so glad it was her instead of him going into the negotiations with the Captain. Kyle and Ian had spoken several times about how bored Ian sometimes got when Kyle led the away team and he was stuck on the Bridge but when it came to diplomatic missions, it was the one time Kyle was glad to be on the Bridge.

[Mondo'li Nari]

USS Challenger - Security Office

Mondo entered the Security office used by officers for mission planning, Security briefings, and deployment strategy sessions.  He stood attentively and said, "Petty Officer Mondo'li Nari reporting for duty, Sir.  I have some preliminary plans for diplomatic security for your review and modification."

He had only recently returned to the Challenger from his time on New Bajor, and had not enjoyed an opportunity to meet Lieutenant Wessex as of yet.  Now, with the orders to prepare for a diplomatic meeting between warring factions, it seemed their first interactions would be part of a high-value Security deployment. 

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret]
[USS Challenger - Deck 2 - Observation Lounge] (earlier)

[Observation Lounge]

Popping the coffee and muffins on the table behind her she walked up behind Lahr and put her hands over his eyes gently.

"Guess who?!" she said in her best imitation of Raynor Hughes when he was cheesed off with something and his most Klingon growl came on!

Sight was of course an Andorian's weakest sense.  He didn't need it, or his hearing - which she tried to fool with her poor mimicry - to recognize Ruth by her scent or her distinct heat and body movements which admittedly were harder to pick up from behind him but it only took a momentarily swivel of his antenna to confirm his assumption.

"Hey, babe. How was your morning?" He greeted as he reached up to pull her hands away and turned around to smile at her.  Given they weren't on duty and in a casual public area, Lahr felt it would be okay to lean in for a brief morning kiss.  By now, most of the ship knew about there relationship.  So far there had been no negative reaction.  Lahr hoped it stayed that way.

"The team and I scored a near perfect game against the holodeck intermediate team. Burke says starting next week we'll be moving on to advanced." He shared in way of explanation for his absence overnight.  "I was just headed up to the bridge early to pick up some brownie points with the Captain - y'know for the next time I mess up.... build up a cushion so to speak."

He glanced her over but she didn't seem to have a tray with her - she might have eaten in her quarters already.  "Care to join? Or are you just grabbing breakfast now?"

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret]
[USS Challenger - Deck 1 - Bridge] (arrival at Nelvarish system)

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"Captain's Log Supplemental. We have just arrived at and stopped at the edge of the Nelvarish system. In an attempt to broker peace between the two planets, we have established a three way subspace link between myself and the two planetary leaders, First One Greshak of Locean and Primus Thebos of Trellion. One can only hope the two men are willing to talk given the long history of hostility between their planets."

....
"Very well, I will hear your words Galloway of the Challenger. At the very least they might provide some amusement to me. How do you propose we meet?"

Ian almost sagged in relief as he replied in what he hoped was an even and neutral tone.

"If you two gentlemen can board one of your ships, we can convene in the asteroid belt at a point equidistant between your two worlds aboard the Challenger as a neutral meeting place."

"That is acceptable to the Locean government." First One Greshak replied with Thebos adding. "Agreed."

"Excellent, we will meet in one of our hours. I will sent you the time conversion and coordinates for the meeting. Thank you both for your willingness to communicate. I look forward to meeting both of you. Galloway out."

Ian didn't voice his inner thought about the meeting.

"As much as I'd like ta climb a Denebian razor tree bare arsed naked."

However, even Ian was surprised he'd managed get this far, whether that would be a good thing or not was yet to be seen. Out loud, Ian added.

"Okay, looks like we've got a green light. Tactical, send the coordinates ta both parties for the meetin' spot. Helm, move us into place, one quarter impulse. Mister ch'Verret, as you are the ship's party planner. See ta it that the conference room is ready ta receive high level visitors. I'd like you ta coordinate with Lieutenant Wessex regardin' security and an honor guard. Kyle, you will have the bridge while I'm in the negotiations.

"Commander Sigurdsdottir, I'd like you ta attend the negotiations, between the two of us, we might manage ta be half an ambassador. Unfortunately Ruth, that means you get ta wear dress whites for this little affair too. Shame your hair is nae still white, might have made a favorable impression on our guest. We have less than an hour ta make this happen ladies and gentlemen, let's hop ta it."

Lahr had listened to the exchange between the two planets representatives and wondered what it was in their past that kept the two from working together to come to some mutually beneficial resolution.  Whatever it was, Lahr felt confident that the Captain would be able to negotiate a peace between them.

He knew from history books and his great grandfather's unfounded prejudice  (which had been picked up from his great grandfather's grandfather) that Andorians and Vulcans had a long history of war between them.  Yet, now look at them!  Happy as can be working side by side.  Lahr was bunked with one and he hadn't tried to kill the man even once (unlike a certain Romulan they both knew) despite the Vulcan monk chanting which was one of Grelek's morning rituals.

Point was that Lahr figured if Andorians and Vulcans could figure out how to make peace... then pretty much everyone should be able to do it.

And the first step was agreeing to talk... which is where they were at now. This was a good sign.

Galloway's order to prep the conference room was met with an enthusiastic  "Aye sir."

[Bridge - At start of Alpha Shift]

Ruth had been surprised to hear Ian 'lose' his Scottish burr but she understood the reason behind it. However she turned and gave him a mock scowl when he mentioned dress whites.

"Ugh... do I haaaaaaaaaaave to!" she said in her best 5 year old voice and then grinned.  "As for the hair, I could wear a wig if it would help!  Give me five, and I'll put the torturous things on.  I suppose I have to be grateful, not that most people would appreciate it but one positive is that I got a tailor on Katra to alter my whites while I was there so they not only fit comfortably but erm... "

She stood and struck a pose hanging onto the back of her chair so it didn't make it look quite so unruly behaviour on the Bridge.

"I could be the Federation Officer poster girl, it um.. accentuates in all the right places without being cut too obviously, I can still move in it should negotiations not go exactly to plan. Lahr, watch your console, if I send 'Release the Valkyrie' to it, go fetch my axes!" she joked.

Ruth's remark shortly afterward about fetching her axes had him chuckling, as he called in for an Ops replacement on the bridge. "I'm hoping that's a joke, ma'am.  But if not, I'll do you one better... just for you Commander, I'll memorize the spatial coordinates of those axes and if you ever message me that line.  I'll beam them directly to you."

Lahr grinned at his idea.  "But that's only to be used in emergencies."

Soon his replacement arrived and Lahr signed out of his station before making his way towards the conference room.  He called up what info there was on the Nelvar on his PADD to make the decor and food and beverages appropriate to the meeting.  With only an hour to work with Lahr was on a tight deadline.

[Paul Wessex]

Mondo entered the Security office used by officers for mission planning, Security briefings, and deployment strategy sessions.  He stood attentively and said, "Petty Officer Mondo'li Nari reporting for duty, Sir.  I have some preliminary plans for diplomatic security for your review and modification."

He had only recently returned to the Challenger from his time on New Bajor, and had not enjoyed an opportunity to meet Lieutenant Wessex as of yet.  Now, with the orders to prepare for a diplomatic meeting between warring factions, it seemed their first interactions would be part of a high-value Security deployment. 

At the brisk sound of a new arrival in the security planning office, Wessex turned from casting his eye over the situation monitoring panels - which were detailing the current diplomatic honour requirements from the Ops, ahead of a meeting - and faced them.

Then looked up.

Then looked up just a little more.

Bloody-! 104-guns, at least, he quipped to himself in surprise at the towering presence of Petty Officer Nari. This chap is probably an entire Security team all of his own! Wessex had slowly encountered many new peoples in his time in Starfleet, whilst realising he had a somewhat sheltered exposure to such in the Naval Patrol, but he was surprised to recognise this species during his prior duties aboard Katra; the 'Great Shoe Conspiracy' remained a somewhat amusing note to his new fledgling career, and had culminated in meeting one of Nari's people during the...wash-up. A bronzed reminder of the case was secured proudly in his new quarters, a farewell gift from Captain Solluk. Struggling with not feeling momentarily inadequate in stature or physicality, Paul stuck out an introductory hand, which right now seemed more akin to a small Fzardian slimtrout to Nari's rudder-like own. "Leftenant Paul Wessex; a genuine pleasure, Mr Nari!". He beamed what some might call a 5.1MW smile, and his other hand ran through a thick mane of brown hair in a somewhat diffident manner.

[Ian Galloway]

[Bridge - At start of Alpha Shift]

Ruth had been surprised to hear Ian 'lose' his Scottish burr but she understood the reason behind it. However she turned and gave him a mock scowl when he mentioned dress whites.

"Ugh... do I haaaaaaaaaaave to!" she said in her best 5 year old voice and then grinned.  "As for the hair, I could wear a wig if it would help!  Give me five, and I'll put the torturous things on.  I suppose I have to be grateful, not that most people would appreciate it but one positive is that I got a tailor on Katra to alter my whites while I was there so they not only fit comfortably but erm... "

She stood and struck a pose hanging onto the back of her chair so it didn't make it look quite so unruly behaviour on the Bridge.

"I could be the Federation Officer poster girl, it um.. accentuates in all the right places without being cut too obviously, I can still move in it should negotiations not go exactly to plan. Lahr, watch your console, if I send 'Release the Valkyrie' to it, go fetch my axes!" she joked.

"And Captain,.." she gave an orderly and respectful bow of the head.  "...I'm honoured to be there with you, I'll behave, I promise. Although I'm surprised you're not taking our XO in with you.  Kyle is surely the more usual choice? That's why I'm letting some of the mischievousness out now!"

She skipped off and went to get changed, returning some 30 mins later.

"Do I pass muster? Ready to repel borders, I mean ah... have a successful meeting with these Loceans and Trellions!"

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret]
[USS Challenger - Deck 1 - Bridge] (arrival at Nelvarish system)
Lahr had listened to the exchange between the two planets representatives and wondered what it was in their past that kept the two from working together to come to some mutually beneficial resolution.  Whatever it was, Lahr felt confident that the Captain would be able to negotiate a peace between them.

He knew from history books and his great grandfather's unfounded prejudice  (which had been picked up from his great grandfather's grandfather) that Andorians and Vulcans had a long history of war between them.  Yet, now look at them!  Happy as can be working side by side.  Lahr was bunked with one and he hadn't tried to kill the man even once (unlike a certain Romulan they both knew) despite the Vulcan monk chanting which was one of Grelek's morning rituals.

Point was that Lahr figured if Andorians and Vulcans could figure out how to make peace... then pretty much everyone should be able to do it.

And the first step was agreeing to talk... which is where they were at now. This was a good sign.

Galloway's order to prep the conference room was met with an enthusiastic  "Aye sir."

Ruth's remark shortly afterward about fetching her axes had him chuckling, as he called in for an Ops replacement on the bridge. "I'm hoping that's a joke, ma'am.  But if not, I'll do you one better... just for you Commander, I'll memorize the spatial coordinates of those axes and if you ever message me that line.  I'll beam them directly to you."

Lahr grinned at his idea.  "But that's only to be used in emergencies."

Soon his replacement arrived and Lahr signed out of his station before making his way towards the conference room.  He called up what info there was on the Nelvar on his PADD to make the decor and food and beverages appropriate to the meeting.  With only an hour to work with Lahr was on a tight deadline.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian limited his response to Ruth's mock whining to a single raised eyebrow before leaving the bridge to don his dress white uniform. While he was changing, he put a large amount of thought into how to remain as neutral as possible and in avoiding insulting either of the two Nelvar leaders.

He sent a file to Lieutenant Wessex to have both men beamed aboard simultaneously in different transporter rooms with the exact same eight person honor guard to greet them. Lieutenant T'Kel would escort Primus Thebos of Trellion to the conference room and Wessex would escort First One Greshak of Locean.

Lahr had received orders to configure the conference table so that Ian would sit in the center of the table with his back to the viewports and Ruth sitting across from him. The two leaders would sit at the ends of the table with the two sets of honor guards along the bulkheads.

"I hope no one gets their bloody knickers in a bloody knot over these arrangements." Ian grumbled as he pulled on his white jacket. "Seems both these buggers are angry gits and I'm sure I'm goin' ta bugger summat up."

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

[Nelvarish System equidistant between Locean and Trellion - One Hour Later]

The familiar whine of a transporter completing it's cycle trailed off and the anthems of the two planets played in the perspective transporter rooms of the two Nelvar leaders. The honor guards snapped to attention as Greshak and Thebos stepped down off of the platforms to be greeted Wessex and T'Kel respectively.

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

[Conference Room - USS Challenger - One Hour Later]

Ian and Ruth were informed that the two leaders had beamed aboard and stood to wait for their arrival. Ian remained skeptical regarding the negotiations, but he took a deep breath and gave Ruth a wan smile.

"Do you think it's too late ta resign?"

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret]
[USS Challenger - Deck 2 - Observation Lounge] (earlier)

Sight was of course an Andorian's weakest sense.  He didn't need it, or his hearing - which she tried to fool with her poor mimicry - to recognize Ruth by her scent or her distinct heat and body movements which admittedly were harder to pick up from behind him but it only took a momentarily swivel of his antenna to confirm his assumption.

"Hey, babe. How was your morning?" He greeted as he reached up to pull her hands away and turned around to smile at her.  Given they weren't on duty and in a casual public area, Lahr felt it would be okay to lean in for a brief morning kiss.  By now, most of the ship knew about there relationship.  So far there had been no negative reaction.  Lahr hoped it stayed that way.

"The team and I scored a near perfect game against the holodeck intermediate team. Burke says starting next week we'll be moving on to advanced." He shared in way of explanation for his absence overnight.  "I was just headed up to the bridge early to pick up some brownie points with the Captain - y'know for the next time I mess up.... build up a cushion so to speak."

He glanced her over but she didn't seem to have a tray with her - she might have eaten in her quarters already.  "Care to join? Or are you just grabbing breakfast now?"

[USS Challenger - Deck 2 - Observation Lounge] (earlier)

"Morning Bluey, and 'Breakfast to Go' right behind you!" she said first returning the kiss and then handing him a muffin.  "Chocolate or Blueberry?  I figured would give us a few more minutes together if I picked you up here, ate on the go and well everyone on Alpha Shift knows about us and doesn't care so if we arrive up there together no-one will bat an eyelid!"

As she'd bent over her necklace slipped out of her tunic since the zip was still down a little.  She kissed it and popped it back, then did up the zip, looking deep into Lahr's eyes she smiled.

"I don't think you know how special that is do you?"

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret]
[USS Challenger - Deck 1 - Bridge] (arrival at Nelvarish system)
Lahr had listened to the exchange between the two planets representatives and wondered what it was in their past that kept the two from working together to come to some mutually beneficial resolution.  Whatever it was, Lahr felt confident that the Captain would be able to negotiate a peace between them.

He knew from history books and his great grandfather's unfounded prejudice  (which had been picked up from his great grandfather's grandfather) that Andorians and Vulcans had a long history of war between them.  Yet, now look at them!  Happy as can be working side by side.  Lahr was bunked with one and he hadn't tried to kill the man even once (unlike a certain Romulan they both knew) despite the Vulcan monk chanting which was one of Grelek's morning rituals.

Point was that Lahr figured if Andorians and Vulcans could figure out how to make peace... then pretty much everyone should be able to do it.

And the first step was agreeing to talk... which is where they were at now. This was a good sign.

Galloway's order to prep the conference room was met with an enthusiastic  "Aye sir."

Ruth's remark shortly afterward about fetching her axes had him chuckling, as he called in for an Ops replacement on the bridge. "I'm hoping that's a joke, ma'am.  But if not, I'll do you one better... just for you Commander, I'll memorize the spatial coordinates of those axes and if you ever message me that line.  I'll beam them directly to you."

Lahr grinned at his idea.  "But that's only to be used in emergencies."

Soon his replacement arrived and Lahr signed out of his station before making his way towards the conference room.  He called up what info there was on the Nelvar on his PADD to make the decor and food and beverages appropriate to the meeting.  With only an hour to work with Lahr was on a tight deadline.

[Bridge - Before going to change]

Ruth giggled at Lahr's promise to memorise the spatial co-ordinates.  "I'm going to hold you to that Mr. ch'Verret!" she said with a grin.  Seeing Kyle's grin she pulled a face at him and going past put out the tip of her tongue in mock rebellion.  "I'll get you later!" she said in her best 'little sister threatening big brother' way, and hip bumped him as she went past enough that he'd notice but Ian probably wouldn't.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian limited his response to Ruth's mock whining to a single raised eyebrow before leaving the bridge to don his dress white uniform. While he was changing, he put a large amount of thought into how to remain as neutral as possible and in avoiding insulting either of the two Nelvar leaders.

He sent a file to Lieutenant Wessex to have both men beamed aboard simultaneously in different transporter rooms with the exact same eight person honor guard to greet them. Lieutenant T'Kel would escort Primus Thebos of Trellion to the conference room and Wessex would escort First One Greshak of Locean.

Lahr had received orders to configure the conference table so that Ian would sit in the center of the table with his back to the viewports and Ruth sitting across from him. The two leaders would sit at the ends of the table with the two sets of honor guards along the bulkheads.

"I hope no one gets their bloody knickers in a bloody knot over these arrangements." Ian grumbled as he pulled on his white jacket. "Seems both these buggers are angry gits and I'm sure I'm goin' ta bugger summat up."

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

[Nelvarish System equidistant between Locean and Trellion - One Hour Later]

The familiar whine of a transporter completing it's cycle trailed off and the anthems of the two planets played in the perspective transporter rooms of the two Nelvar leaders. The honor guards snapped to attention as Greshak and Thebos stepped down off of the platforms to be greeted Wessex and T'Kel respectively.

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

[Conference Room - USS Challenger - One Hour Later]

Ian and Ruth were informed that the two leaders had beamed aboard and stood to wait for their arrival. Ian remained skeptical regarding the negotiations, but he took a deep breath and gave Ruth a wan smile.

"Do you think it's too late ta resign?"

[Conference Room]

Ruth entered the Conference Room and looked around at the arrangements.  Lahr had done well.

She tried, and failed, not to smirk at Ian's comments.

"Three things Ian, and I'm being informal here as I'm speaking as a friend not your sub-ordinate.  And as someone who's been there.  One - the first one when it's on your head that the axe will fall is always the hardest... no pun intended there about the axe by the way.  It's fine being XO or a department head or whatever, but that's scary enough too first time around, when the buck stops at you... yeah it's terrifying.  Bringing me to Two - you're an awesome Captain, a brilliant negotiator, and I know you can do this and have every confidence in you.  Three - Nope, sorry!  Well you could but I don't think Kyle or I would thank you for resigning.  That said, if you need us, if you and Jess want to have time off together, we got you covered.  Likewise in this situation they start blindsiding you or starting a bloody war in here I'll have Lahr beam in those axes!"

She grinned.  "Relax, think of running with woad on your face in only a kilt and boots, sword in hand and yelling something unintelligible in Gaelic if they start being pains in the butt.  I did it but in Norse.  It helps!  Want a drink... I'll even turn a blind eye if that's a quick dram but I was thinking more a glass of water or a coffee!"

On hearing the leaders had beamed aboard she pulled her tunic straight in all directions.  "Time to fix on the perma smile..." she put on her best resting slight smile face.  "Will that do?  Too phoney?"