S4:E6 - A Question of Integrity

[Mondo'li Nari]

USS Challenger - Conference Room

Mondo read the latest scan updates on his PADD as the Captain introduced the topic of the meeting, and the Doctor shared her opinion.  He was here primarily to take notes for the Security Chief, who was still on his duty station.  But he found he had a strong feeling about the situation unfolding on the planet below.

"Sirs.  If it is not inappropriate to interject..."

Mondo looked around the room before continuing.

"As a Hupyrian, I feel I have a special affinity for the situation of these people.  We were also prematurely contacted and interfered with by an advanced spacefaring people.  This ignited a civil war on our planet between competing factions.  And one of these factions was given advanced weapons technology by the Ferengi.  There are many parallels."

He paused, framing his thoughts.

"I won't bore you with the details of Hupyrian history or politics.  But suffice to say that there is no way to put the juice back into the vinefruit.  These people have been contaminated.  There is no way to restore these people to what they were.  These sorts of situations have cropped up before, when the Federation and the Klingon Empire vied over resources on planets which were prematurely contacted. Once contaminated so thoroughly, the Prime Directive no longer applies to primitive cultures such as this."

He looked to the Doctor, "I agree that we need to send an away team to gather more information.  But not with any hopes of saving these people or limiting their suffering or segregating them from the contaminating agent or group.  Ours is not a humanitarian imperative.  It is too late for that.

We must determine why these people are being interfered with.   Usually, it is a matter of some valuable resource.  Latinum.  Dilithium.  Something difficult to replicate.  That would be ideal.  Simple greed has no greater goal.  That is what the Ferengi brought to Hupyria.  Damaging to the people, but very limited in scope, and of no concern to us beyond that we may weep for their plight.  I shall be thinking of them.  I know what havoc this may wreak.

But it could be that these people are being used as a strategic outpost for the expansion of someone's national territory.  Possibly the Klingons, based on the weapons in use.  But more than likely not.  Weapons are one of the chief exports of the Empire.  Anyone can get Klingon weapons, and cheaply.

If this intervention is some bid for a threat force to gain a foothold near Federation space, we need to find out who they are and report back to Starfleet so that proper defense measures can be put into place.  This is a National Security issue, and I think we should approach it as one.  Our goal should not be to interfere with these people or their conflict, but rather to prepare ourselves for a potentially dangerous, expansionist power."

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Zindi Moran - High Orbit]

[USS Challenger - Zindi Moran - High Orbit]

As the Challenger slipped into orbit, her sensors probed the planet thoroughly and what they discovered was profoundly disturbing. From intercepted communications and commercial broadcasts, it was clear the planet was in the middle of a civil war. The Combine on one side and the Panunionists on the other with both sides fairly evenly matched. However, in recent months, the Combine had pulled off several stunning victories through the use of extremely powerful new weapons.

Sensors confirmed Klingon signature disruptor weapons in use by the Combine, whereas the Panunionists only had solid slug projectile weapons, which were in line with the planet's overall late 20th Century level technology. Between the disruptors and at least one subspace transmitter, it was clear something extra-legal was occurring on Zindi Moran. Faced with evidence of technological contamination, Ian had called the senior staff or their representatives to the conference room to discuss their option.

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

[Conference Room - USS Challenger]

Once everyone was in their seats, Ian rose and began to speak with a grim expression on his face.

"Seems like we've stumbled onto a fine kettle of fish. Someone, who shouldn't, has been here. At least all signs point ta that. Sensors and communications have picked up all we are likely ta detect from orbit. That leaves us with three options as I see it. One, we do nothing, we scarper out of the system and pretend nothing happened. Two, we signal Starfleet command and sit on our collective arses until they tell us what ta do. And three, we confirm what sensors have detected with an away team.

"I've called you all here ta discuss those options or any others you might think of that I didn't. As the Prime Directive is involved, you all are aware of the sensitivity and hazards associated with anything we do or not do. The floor is open ladies and gentlebein's. Please, let me know your thoughts."

Ian then sat down and waited to see what the department heads had to say.

Lahr also was present to take notes at his DH's order.  As such Lahr didn't feel it was his place to offer his thoughts.

That the doctor was in favor of an away team was a bit surprising.  More surprising still was that Mondo who was present in place of T'Kel, also spoke up in favor of an away team yet for an entirely different reason.   A rather valid reason.  That Hupyrian was one keen tactician.

Since it didn't seem like the Captain was adverse to Mondo's speaking out,  Lahr figured he might offer his own thoughts.

"Mr. Nari brings up some rather worrisome points.  Based on that alone... I don't see how we can NOT send an away team to investigate further.   Though to help limit 'contamination' the team would definitely need to be incognito.  Do we have much information on the species physical appearance?  Is there any notable difference between the Combine and the Panunionists - beyond the Combine's use of Klingon weaponry?"

[Ian Galloway]

[Conference Room - USS Challenger]

Sitting at the conference table, Lisa listened to Galloway closely. She was happy to be attending a briefing. There never seemed to be enough time for one of them to happen before they were in red alert and confusion ensued. At least, that's what tended to happen in her department since there was only so much a written message could tell. This was a welcome change. The CMO cleared her throat and came to a stand, the expression on her face not quite mirroring the captain's, but it certainly wasn't cheerful.

"I'll offer my two cents. Pretending nothing happened doesn't seem like a wise idea since it seems like the Prime Directive has potentially already been violated and we may be able to apply some sort of damage control. Signaling Starfleet command is about as effective as leaving because by the time they reply with their verdict the situation could already have escalated past the point of real interference. That leaves us with your third option and I think if we can safely send out an away team, we should do it. It'll be risky but, I assume everyone already knows that."

During her input her eyes flitted around the room and settled on Galloway by the end before she sat down.

USS Challenger - Conference Room

Mondo read the latest scan updates on his PADD as the Captain introduced the topic of the meeting, and the Doctor shared her opinion.  He was here primarily to take notes for the Security Chief, who was still on his duty station.  But he found he had a strong feeling about the situation unfolding on the planet below.

"Sirs.  If it is not inappropriate to interject..."

Mondo looked around the room before continuing.

"As a Hupyrian, I feel I have a special affinity for the situation of these people.  We were also prematurely contacted and interfered with by an advanced spacefaring people.  This ignited a civil war on our planet between competing factions.  And one of these factions was given advanced weapons technology by the Ferengi.  There are many parallels."

He paused, framing his thoughts.

"I won't bore you with the details of Hupyrian history or politics.  But suffice to say that there is no way to put the juice back into the vinefruit.  These people have been contaminated.  There is no way to restore these people to what they were.  These sorts of situations have cropped up before, when the Federation and the Klingon Empire vied over resources on planets which were prematurely contacted. Once contaminated so thoroughly, the Prime Directive no longer applies to primitive cultures such as this."

He looked to the Doctor, "I agree that we need to send an away team to gather more information.  But not with any hopes of saving these people or limiting their suffering or segregating them from the contaminating agent or group.  Ours is not a humanitarian imperative.  It is too late for that.

We must determine why these people are being interfered with.   Usually, it is a matter of some valuable resource.  Latinum.  Dilithium.  Something difficult to replicate.  That would be ideal.  Simple greed has no greater goal.  That is what the Ferengi brought to Hupyria.  Damaging to the people, but very limited in scope, and of no concern to us beyond that we may weep for their plight.  I shall be thinking of them.  I know what havoc this may wreak.

But it could be that these people are being used as a strategic outpost for the expansion of someone's national territory.  Possibly the Klingons, based on the weapons in use.  But more than likely not.  Weapons are one of the chief exports of the Empire.  Anyone can get Klingon weapons, and cheaply.

If this intervention is some bid for a threat force to gain a foothold near Federation space, we need to find out who they are and report back to Starfleet so that proper defense measures can be put into place.  This is a National Security issue, and I think we should approach it as one.  Our goal should not be to interfere with these people or their conflict, but rather to prepare ourselves for a potentially dangerous, expansionist power."

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Zindi Moran - High Orbit]

Lahr also was present to take notes at his DH's order.  As such Lahr didn't feel it was his place to offer his thoughts.

That the doctor was in favor of an away team was a bit surprising.  More surprising still was that Mondo who was present in place of T'Kel, also spoke up in favor of an away team yet for an entirely different reason.   A rather valid reason.  That Hupyrian was one keen tactician.

Since it didn't seem like the Captain was adverse to Mondo's speaking out,  Lahr figured he might offer his own thoughts.

"Mr. Nari brings up some rather worrisome points.  Based on that alone... I don't see how we can NOT send an away team to investigate further.   Though to help limit 'contamination' the team would definitely need to be incognito.  Do we have much information on the species physical appearance?  Is there any notable difference between the Combine and the Panunionists - beyond the Combine's use of Klingon weaponry?"

[Conference Room - USS Challenger]

Ian listened to the others speak and was reassured that other senior officers agreed with him in principle. It was patently obvious that doing nothing wasn't an option. Someone had interfered on Zindi Moran and they needed to know who and why. When Lahr asked his questions, Ian didn't have a lot of answers.

"Based on monitorin' their commercial RF and video broadcasts, an away team will require some minor cosmetic surgery ta pass for the locals which I'm certain Doctor Belmont can handle. As for the differences between the factions, it seems ta hinge on whether the Morani were 'star-born' or 'planet-born'. The Combine believes the evolved on this planet whereas the Panunionists believe their origins are elsewhere and they were seeded on this planet.

"It's a bit difficult ta confirm from just sensor readin', but I'm inclined ta believe they were placed here by the Preservers, which makes the Panunionists technically correct, but that particular fact is immaterial. It's the Combine that have the advanced weapons, which makes it likely that it was someone from the Panunionist side that sent the subspace message.

"Regardless of who believes what, I do believe that based on the contamination which has already occurred, we are, at the very least, justified in takin' a closer look ta see if we might be able to clean up the damage despite Mister Nari's noted concerns. He may be right, the damage may be too severe ta completely remove, but that will depend on what the away team discovers.

"Unless anyone has any objections, I will allow Commander Briggs and the department heads choose who is part of the away team. You know your people best, so I trust your judgement. Dismissed."

[Jemason Seo]

[CMO's Quarters - USS Challenger]

Lisa listened to Seo with a slightly puzzled expression, then when things quickly escalated she barely managed to hold her outward appearance in check as she responded. Oh God, I should never have done this-

She knelt down and made eye contact with him.

"Seo! Jemason...when I asked to have a drink with you the other night it was honestly just because I could've used the company, that's all. Maybe it wasn't the best idea to single out an ensign to ask to the officer's mess, so it's entirely my fault." She came to a stand and waited for him to straighten from picking up the flowers, then motioned to a nearby table.

"You don't have to stay if you don't want to, but I won't throw you out if you do. The wine was thoughtful and the flowers are beautiful, thank you..." she trailed off as she waited for him to make a decision.

[CMO's Quarters, a few days ago]

"Look, I'll be honest," Jem shrugged, waving the bottle of wine around almost carelessly. This had all gotten way out of hand, and was most definitely not where he expected things to go. It felt good in a way, though, to know that they were both on the same train of thought. Or, at the very least, travelling on the same rails. That fact made Jem feel quite at ease. "...I kinda panicked the other day when you asked me out. I mean, not 'asked me out' but... yeah, whatever, you know what I mean."

He put the wine down next to the flowers, quite deliberately. It was a gift, after all, and Jem wanted Doctor Belmont to know it was hers to keep. "I don't really 'do' the whole social thing all that well. I don't know how much is in my official record but I... kinda fell into things hard and fast and felt the impact, I suppose you could say." His eyes lingered on the flowers for just a second. "The long and the short is that, when all was said and done, I wasn't comfortable on my last ship. That's why I'm here. Challenger's been good to me so far, and I don't want to become the guy in the fleet who constantly transfers."

No... no, wait, that still made things sound weird, like the only reason he wasn't pursuing the good doctor was for political reasons. "Do you know much about Trill?" Jem brushed the flowers with his hand for a second. Replicated or not, he felt a powerful connection to them. Or was it Seo that felt that? "My last host, Aera, had a husband and three children. Truth be told, I feel... actually, it's difficult to describe. I wouldn't call it love for them, but... They feel like my family, but they're not, they can't, and they shouldn't. The whole point of symbionts taking hosts and leaving Trill is to see the universe. We can't do that if we constantly end up reliving past lives, returning to past loves over and over again. I can use Aera's experiences and memories as a guidepost, but I shouldn't let it point my way back to... them."

Jem didn't know how much was making sense, but he pressed on regardless. "That's what the nirnflowers are for. The myths all say that when a host's life is cut short, the dissolving dust of their dying relationships pollinate the nirnflowers. They only bloom once that symbiont's next host forges their own way. It may sound harsh to outsiders, but they've come to represent a clean break, I suppose. A moving on from past things and onto something new."

He straightened himself, finally having stopped fawning over the vase. "They're an apology for me being a dork and flaking on your very polite offer. The wine's... I dunno, actually, the computer said it was a good way to apologise to a human woman, but I think it's making assumptions. Keep it, anyway, I don't drink the stuff." Jem smiled, a little awkwardly. "No hard feelings?"

[Kyle Briggs]

[CMO's Quarters, previous night]

Kyle had chosen to 'wing it' with the menu for dinner so Lisa didn't send him any clues as to what she had, which was quite a lot. She'd managed to find the space-equivalent of a farmer's market and bought as many of her favourite vegetables as she could carry as well as a loaf of bread. What kind of bread she didn't really know, but she hoped it would taste good. After a short shift in sickbay, she headed over to her quarters to get things ready. Once she'd tidied up a few half-filled glasses of water strewn about the kitchen, she went to her room to find something to wear. She didn't have much since she wore the uniform 90% of the time. Unfortunately this meant that she pretty much had casual wear or fancy. There wasn't really an in-between.

Going through all the hangers, she sighed when she reached the end without having chosen something. Backtracking, she broadened her criteria and finally decided on a wine-coloured dress that she ordinarily would've worn to a charity dinner on Earth. Not flashy in the least, but certainly elegant. Slipping it on, she then turned to makeup. This was another rare occurrence for the doctor, so she didn't put on much besides a little blush and lip gloss.

Well, it was either this or leggings and a tunic, she thought. "Computer, play dinner music."

She filled a pitcher with water, set out a couple glasses, and sat down as the room was filled with soft piano music.

When Kyle arrived they greeted each other and she showed him the produce. She smiled when he teased her.

"That's why I only told you. If word got out about my fantastic produce-seeking skills they'd put me to work in the galley and then you'd have to deal with Chloe. She's not as nice as me,"" she joked, the sparkle returning to her eyes.

Kyle had brought wine and though she didn't usually partake, she made an exception. After all, she was wearing her charity-function dress so she might as well take advantage of the occasion. She scrambled to find a couple wine glasses, washed the dust out of them, and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that the wine bottle was a twist-off. As she watched Kyle begin to prep the meal, she filled their glasses and sipped hers, feeling the warming of the alcohol throughout her body. It was a feeling she couldn't quite call familiar, though it recalled memories of fancy ballrooms and dull auctions. This experience was certainly much better.

She placed her glass on the table to answer Kyle's question.

"I had a pretty run-of-the-mill sort of day. Transfer physicals, paperwork, kissing boo-boos away, you know. Typical doctor stuff." She gave a small chuckle as she remembered the look on the face of the child she'd seen today when she'd 'fixed' the gash in his arm that he got from jumping on the bed. She didn't have any children herself, but she felt she knew more about caring for them just from tending to their injuries.

"What about you?" she asked Kyle.

They continued talking for a while and before she knew it a whole meal was assembled. She carried her wine glass to the table and took the seat he pulled out for her. When the plate was set before her, her eyes widened.

"Wow. This looks amazing, Kyle." It was a simple dish, but one that could easily be done wrong by an inexperienced chef. Just by looking at it, Lisa could tell it would be delicious. She laid a napkin across her lap as he sat down and they began the meal.

"Thank you." Kyle said as he took his seat. "I just hope it tastes as good." he teased.

He was by no means a chef but he had spent a lot of time in the kitchen when he was growing up and had learned quite a bit. Picking up where some previous conversation had left off, he answered her question.

"My day was pretty routine as well. This patrolling gig is horrible. It almost makes you wish for a Romulan or two." he said, referring to their previous mission where they had encounter those very people and all hell had almost broke loose on several occasions.

They continued to eat and converse about all sorts of things. Kyle had rarely seen Lisa outside of work and even less in civilian clothing and on several occasions, he had caught himself thinking about how pretty she looked. She also made him feel a little under dressed sometimes. Over all, he was having an amazing time and was hoping she was as well.
______________________________________________________________________
[Conference Room - Next day]

Kyle had sat back and listened as the others spoke their minds and gave their opinions and from the sound of things, he was going to be the minority. When there was a break in the discussion, he spoke up.

"I understand what everyone is saying but I really feel the Prime Directive is a big issue here and that two wrongs don't make a right. We're not here to repair damage caused by someone else. I personally don't think we should interfere." Kyle said.

[Vasilisa Belmont]

[CMO's Quarters, a few days ago]

"Look, I'll be honest," Jem shrugged, waving the bottle of wine around almost carelessly. This had all gotten way out of hand, and was most definitely not where he expected things to go. It felt good in a way, though, to know that they were both on the same train of thought. Or, at the very least, travelling on the same rails. That fact made Jem feel quite at ease. "...I kinda panicked the other day when you asked me out. I mean, not 'asked me out' but... yeah, whatever, you know what I mean."

He put the wine down next to the flowers, quite deliberately. It was a gift, after all, and Jem wanted Doctor Belmont to know it was hers to keep. "I don't really 'do' the whole social thing all that well. I don't know how much is in my official record but I... kinda fell into things hard and fast and felt the impact, I suppose you could say." His eyes lingered on the flowers for just a second. "The long and the short is that, when all was said and done, I wasn't comfortable on my last ship. That's why I'm here. Challenger's been good to me so far, and I don't want to become the guy in the fleet who constantly transfers."

No... no, wait, that still made things sound weird, like the only reason he wasn't pursuing the good doctor was for political reasons. "Do you know much about Trill?" Jem brushed the flowers with his hand for a second. Replicated or not, he felt a powerful connection to them. Or was it Seo that felt that? "My last host, Aera, had a husband and three children. Truth be told, I feel... actually, it's difficult to describe. I wouldn't call it love for them, but... They feel like my family, but they're not, they can't, and they shouldn't. The whole point of symbionts taking hosts and leaving Trill is to see the universe. We can't do that if we constantly end up reliving past lives, returning to past loves over and over again. I can use Aera's experiences and memories as a guidepost, but I shouldn't let it point my way back to... them."

Jem didn't know how much was making sense, but he pressed on regardless. "That's what the nirnflowers are for. The myths all say that when a host's life is cut short, the dissolving dust of their dying relationships pollinate the nirnflowers. They only bloom once that symbiont's next host forges their own way. It may sound harsh to outsiders, but they've come to represent a clean break, I suppose. A moving on from past things and onto something new."

He straightened himself, finally having stopped fawning over the vase. "They're an apology for me being a dork and flaking on your very polite offer. The wine's... I dunno, actually, the computer said it was a good way to apologise to a human woman, but I think it's making assumptions. Keep it, anyway, I don't drink the stuff." Jem smiled, a little awkwardly. "No hard feelings?"

[CMO's Quarters- USS Challenger - a few days prior]

It was a lot to take in, but at the same time there was a simple solution. Like him, she was also glad they were on the same page. She'd kind of predicted that from the start, which was why she'd asked him for a casual drink in the first place. She thought that asking him wouldn't have been a problem. Stupid assumption, if she'd just remembered what she'd read in his file. But apparently she hadn't.

She noticed his placement of the wine bottle but its presence barely even phased her as she listened closely. She did notice the way he looked at the flowers, and felt touched by his attention to her, it didn't matter that it wasn't romantic in the slightest. He'd carried over his tradition by offering her the flowers and she thought that was beautiful.

"Oh my goodness, of course there's no hard feelings, Seo." She toned down her usual cheery enthusiasm, given that what he'd told her seemed to be some form or level of social anxiety. She didn't want to sound too much of any emotion in this case, and she'd remember for the future.

"I'm sorry for putting you in that situation and I'm glad you felt comfortable enough to talk to me about it." She gave him a reassuring smile. "What you said about the flowers, I think that's really fascinating. I didn't know that about your culture, it makes them even more special. At least for me, I love learning about stuff like that." She blushed slightly as she realized she was rambling. "Anyway, thanks for the wine as well. I'll certainly find a use for it."

She didn't know what he wanted to do at this point. She wasn't about to push him out, but she knew the awkwardness was probably not going to help matters. She waited for him to make the decision for himself.

[CMO's Quarters, previous night]

"Thank you." Kyle said as he took his seat. "I just hope it tastes as good." he teased.

He was by no means a chef but he had spent a lot of time in the kitchen when he was growing up and had learned quite a bit. Picking up where some previous conversation had left off, he answered her question.

"My day was pretty routine as well. This patrolling gig is horrible. It almost makes you wish for a Romulan or two." he said, referring to their previous mission where they had encounter those very people and all hell had almost broke loose on several occasions.

They continued to eat and converse about all sorts of things. Kyle had rarely seen Lisa outside of work and even less in civilian clothing and on several occasions, he had caught himself thinking about how pretty she looked. She also made him feel a little under dressed sometimes. Over all, he was having an amazing time and was hoping she was as well.
______________________________________________________________________

[CMO's Quarters- previous night]

As predicted, once she took the first couple bites she knew that it tasted as good as it looked. She told him as much since he really deserved the compliment, even if she was boosting his ego in the process. She knew she couldn't have done better, at least without practice. She was someone who needed a recipe to follow and she usually ended up making a 'decent' meal, but Kyle knew the right spices to add and cooking techniques to apply to make the dish taste excellent.

They continued to talk as their plates gradually emptied and they cracked open another bottle of wine, neither of them paying much attention to how much time had passed. Lisa could tell that the alcohol was loosening her speech, but she didn't really mind. She felt comfortable around Kyle and the wine made it so she couldn't tell if it was because they were good friends or because she was just beginning to see him differently. Like Kyle, she'd also caught herself staring across the table at him a bit longer than normal. She also chalked this up to the wine along with the fact that while she looked, she noticed that his smile was nice. That didn't seem like something she would normally think about at all, except for when...well that was a long time ago.

"Almost makes me wish for another two dozen Vulcans to massage out of coma," she said, then laughed at how ridiculous that sounded. She didn't know how much Kyle had read from the debriefing, but if he hadn't read her and Seo's report he might think she was weird. At the same time, doctors always had to do strange stuff like that and since Kyle had a little medical experience he might understand. She took another sip of wine and her eyes began to feel heavy. This was definitely the last glass if she wanted to function at 100% tomorrow. But she was certainly enjoying their time together and was glad for the company.

[Conference Room - USS Challenger]

Ian listened to the others speak and was reassured that other senior officers agreed with him in principle. It was patently obvious that doing nothing wasn't an option. Someone had interfered on Zindi Moran and they needed to know who and why. When Lahr asked his questions, Ian didn't have a lot of answers.

"Based on monitorin' their commercial RF and video broadcasts, an away team will require some minor cosmetic surgery ta pass for the locals which I'm certain Doctor Belmont can handle. As for the differences between the factions, it seems ta hinge on whether the Morani were 'star-born' or 'planet-born'. The Combine believes the evolved on this planet whereas the Panunionists believe their origins are elsewhere and they were seeded on this planet.

"It's a bit difficult ta confirm from just sensor readin', but I'm inclined ta believe they were placed here by the Preservers, which makes the Panunionists technically correct, but that particular fact is immaterial. It's the Combine that have the advanced weapons, which makes it likely that it was someone from the Panunionist side that sent the subspace message.

"Regardless of who believes what, I do believe that based on the contamination which has already occurred, we are, at the very least, justified in takin' a closer look ta see if we might be able to clean up the damage despite Mister Nari's noted concerns. He may be right, the damage may be too severe ta completely remove, but that will depend on what the away team discovers.

"Unless anyone has any objections, I will allow Commander Briggs and the department heads choose who is part of the away team. You know your people best, so I trust your judgement. Dismissed."

(quote by Kyle Briggs)
[Conference Room - Next day]

Kyle had sat back and listened as the others spoke their minds and gave their opinions and from the sound of things, he was going to be the minority. When there was a break in the discussion, he spoke up.

"I understand what everyone is saying but I really feel the Prime Directive is a big issue here and that two wrongs don't make a right. We're not here to repair damage caused by someone else. I personally don't think we should interfere." Kyle said.

[Conference Room - next day]

Everyone else seemed to agree with her. This she observed with a slight twinge of satisfaction, though she hadn't planned on going with the away team herself. She nodded as Galloway tasked her with the cosmetics, something she was actually kind of looking forward to since it involved a little more artistic talent than she normally needed on the daily.

But then she paused in her thoughts as Kyle spoke up. After he'd said his piece she frowned slightly. She hadn't necessarily pegged him as a yes man as far as the captain was concerned, but at the same time she really hadn't expected him to disagree on this point. Maybe she didn't know him as well as she thought. She kind of wanted him to explain his reasoning further, but she wasn't about to be the one to ask him.

[Richard James Litt]

[USS Challenger · Bridge · Helm]

A few time passed after Litt finished his paperwork and his shift at the helm had started.

While he was there flying the Challenger, they intercepted a message from a planet that hadn't developed the space warp.

"œMan, this will be interesting, at the very least..."

"Mister Litt, take us into the system and put us in a high orbit, 20,000km should do it. Mister T'Kel, raise shields, that should hide us from whatever primitive sensors they may have. Coordinate with Mister ch'Verret ta modulate them as necessary ta make sure we remain unseen. We need ta get close enough ta scan the planet and see what is goin' on down there."

"œAye, sir. I'm on it..." He said moving the ship in the way Ian ordered.

Once they were already in orbit Ian called the senior staff to a meeting, Litt sitted just hearing what everyone had to say in that moment, and, after heard what everyone said he just nodded.

"œI agree with the doc"¦ I think we are facing a situation where the Prime Directive may already be broken, so I believe that we need to do something to prevent this"¦ I mean, if they're sending a message for an alien vessel to help, they already know we are here... " He said and then observed the meeting following until the captain releases them.

After he left he touched his commbadge.

"œLitt to Ren"¦ How do you feel going in an away team ensign? I think they'll need a pilot."

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Conference Room - USS Challenger]

[Conference Room - USS Challenger]

Ian listened to the others speak and was reassured that other senior officers agreed with him in principle. It was patently obvious that doing nothing wasn't an option. Someone had interfered on Zindi Moran and they needed to know who and why. When Lahr asked his questions, Ian didn't have a lot of answers.

"Based on monitorin' their commercial RF and video broadcasts, an away team will require some minor cosmetic surgery ta pass for the locals which I'm certain Doctor Belmont can handle. As for the differences between the factions, it seems ta hinge on whether the Morani were 'star-born' or 'planet-born'. The Combine believes the evolved on this planet whereas the Panunionists believe their origins are elsewhere and they were seeded on this planet.

"It's a bit difficult ta confirm from just sensor readin', but I'm inclined ta believe they were placed here by the Preservers, which makes the Panunionists technically correct, but that particular fact is immaterial. It's the Combine that have the advanced weapons, which makes it likely that it was someone from the Panunionist side that sent the subspace message.

"Regardless of who believes what, I do believe that based on the contamination which has already occurred, we are, at the very least, justified in takin' a closer look ta see if we might be able to clean up the damage despite Mister Nari's noted concerns. He may be right, the damage may be too severe ta completely remove, but that will depend on what the away team discovers.

"Unless anyone has any objections, I will allow Commander Briggs and the department heads choose who is part of the away team. You know your people best, so I trust your judgement. Dismissed."

The Captain's reply to his question was provided a bit of clarity and Lahr nodded his acknowledgement of it.

Not long after the Captain made his decision to send down an away team.

Oddly, this time Lahr, didn't have his usual panic about possibly being selected.  In fact, he was almost hoping to be selected. He wondered what that meant.

Though because neither the Combine nor Panunionist were blue-skinned it was unlikely that he would be selected.  It was unreasonable to expect medical to have to go through a huge procedure to cosmetically alter his skin tone, when there were other equally qualified officers and crew that could fill the role without the need of such an investment of time and resources.

Lahr supposed he'd end up working Ops on the bridge during this mission.  Not a bad gig.  He and the Captain could bond more during the wait.

[Conference Room - Next day]

Kyle had sat back and listened as the others spoke their minds and gave their opinions and from the sound of things, he was going to be the minority. When there was a break in the discussion, he spoke up.

"I understand what everyone is saying but I really feel the Prime Directive is a big issue here and that two wrongs don't make a right. We're not here to repair damage caused by someone else. I personally don't think we should interfere." Kyle said.

[Conference Room - next day]

Everyone else seemed to agree with her. This she observed with a slight twinge of satisfaction, though she hadn't planned on going with the away team herself. She nodded as Galloway tasked her with the cosmetics, something she was actually kind of looking forward to since it involved a little more artistic talent than she normally needed on the daily.

But then she paused in her thoughts as Kyle spoke up. After he'd said his piece frowned she slightly. She hadn't necessarily pegged him as a yes man as far as the captain was concerned, but at the same time she really hadn't expected him to disagree on this point. Maybe she didn't know him as well as she thought. She kind of wanted him to explain his reasoning further, but she wasn't about to be the one to ask him.

Once they were already in orbit Ian called the senior staff to a meeting, Litt sitted just hearing what everyone had to say in that moment, and, after heard what everyone said he just nodded.

"œI agree with the doc"¦ I think we are facing a situation where the Prime Directive may already be broken, so I believe that we need to do something to prevent this"¦ I mean, if they're sending a message for an alien vessel to help, they already know we are here... " He said and then observed the meeting following until the captain releases them.

After he left he touched his commbadge.

"œLitt to Ren"¦ How do you feel going in an away team ensign? I think they'll need a pilot."

Curious as Lahr was as to Kyle's opinion and reasons for that opinion, the Captain had already made his decision and Lahr wasn't about to stir up trouble by questioning the decision.

Once dismissed Lahr thought to headed to the Bridge where he would wait for things to begin.

[Ian Galloway]

[Conference Room - Next day]

Kyle had sat back and listened as the others spoke their minds and gave their opinions and from the sound of things, he was going to be the minority. When there was a break in the discussion, he spoke up.

"I understand what everyone is saying but I really feel the Prime Directive is a big issue here and that two wrongs don't make a right. We're not here to repair damage caused by someone else. I personally don't think we should interfere." Kyle said.

[Conference Room --> Bridge - USS Challenger]

As the meeting broke up, Ian pulled Kyle aside to reassure his first officer.

"Kyle, trust me, I fully ken what a minefield we are steppin' into here, but we don't know if'n we need ta intervene until we ken the ground truth. Once we do, we'll have another conversation. Good luck."

Ian then relieved Lieutenant T'Kel and took the center seat for the part of away teams he now hated the most...the wait.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Conference Room - USS Challenger]

Ruth sat, for her, unusually quiet. She was listening.  Her brain however was holding a two way conversation with herself... it pointed out most of the things the others had said, along with her experience of Command.

"We can't not go, as in we need to check it out, but we have to minimise the damage." she shrugged.  "It's one of these '...damned if you do, damned if you don't...' situations.  And for once, I'm glad I'm not making the call.  I'll come on the away team myself, since Evar Wendiss is recovering from that migraine, the things to do on the ship are less strenuous than needing to be on an A game in a tricky mission."

She shot a look at Lahr who looked unusually perky for the fact that her lover almost avoided away missions with as much passion that he sought her bed! She raised a querying eyebrow at him but said nothing, if he wanted to explain himself to her, then he would.  Then she thought critically about it, while she was sure Lisa had the skills to surgically alter Lahr so he would fit in and look no more strange than the rest of them would in a Prime Directive/First Contact situation.  Maybe he thought he could wriggle out of this one because of his species unique looks... that might explain the body language she was getting from him... that was until Lisa said she could do them.

"Unless there's anything else, I should go and do some delegation and then get myself ready...and that includes popping down to Sickbay for my makeover!" Ruth  gave a look to Lahr indicating that should he wish to follow her she wouldn't be averse to the company and maybe he could tell her what he was thinking, and smiled at Lisa.

"Ten minutes good for you, Lisa?" she asked.

[T'eala]

"œLitt to Ren"¦ How do you feel going in an away team ensign? I think they'll need a pilot."

The situation had definitely shifted and not for the better. This was the result of not appreciating the quiet time the void of space could provide. Still T'eala smugged after hearing the request come through her commbadge. There wasn't a chance that she'd shoot this one down. She'd have to pass the buck of handling the Challenger herself, but the return looked invaluable. She had a real chance to help people, in a sense - an entire people, in terms of galactic civilization.

"I'm ready and on call." she tapped her badge back in response.

[Ian Galloway]

[Transporter Room One - USS Challenger]

Preparations for the away mission took a bit over two hours for the medical staff to complete the cosmetic changes to the team members that would be beaming down. The Morani were mainstream near humans, but differed in that their skin tone was a pale gray with forehead ridges, not unlike those of Romulans, and had fairly large scalloped ears.

As the surgery was taking place, typical Panunionist civilian attire was replicated along with very well made false identity papers and even counterfeit money to assist the away team merge into the local populace. The beam down site was an abandoned warehouse in Syrtis Major, a large city, but not the capital of the Panunionists.

Joining Commander Briggs, Commander Sigurdsdottir, Ensign Ren, and Ensign Seo, were Petty Officer First Class Ryan Blackfeather, and Crewman Sheila Walker from security. Once the team was assembled, they were ready to beam down.

[Kyle Briggs]

Dr Belmont's quarters - Previous night

Kyle believed dinner was going well. He was certainly enjoying the company as most of his meals were consumed alone. They had talked and laughed as they ate and drank. The second bottle of wine was opened without hesitation and eventually, most of it was gone as well. When Lisa mentioned the massaging of the Vulcans, Kyle had almost lost it and had to place his hand over his mouth to keep from spitting out his drink.

"That was quite a report to read." he teased as he took another drink.

With their meal pretty much done, he was going to suggest they move to the living space but he saw Lisa's eyes look like they were getting heavy.

"You about ready to call it a night?" he asked.
____________________________________________________________________________

Transporter Room

With his new look and attire, Kyle entered the transporter room and discovered the two security officer already there and waiting with the Captain. Kyle walked over to Ian and began discussing the mission while they waited on the others.

"So what are the plans once we verify the Klingons have provided weapons to the Combine?" he asked.

[Vasilisa Belmont]

Dr Belmont's quarters - Previous night

Kyle believed dinner was going well. He was certainly enjoying the company as most of his meals were consumed alone. They had talked and laughed as they ate and drank. The second bottle of wine was opened without hesitation and eventually, most of it was gone as well. When Lisa mentioned the massaging of the Vulcans, Kyle had almost lost it and had to place his hand over his mouth to keep from spitting out his drink.

"That was quite a report to read." he teased as he took another drink.

With their meal pretty much done, he was going to suggest they move to the living space but he saw Lisa's eyes look like they were getting heavy.

"You about ready to call it a night?" he asked.
____________________________________________________________________________

Transporter Room

With his new look and attire, Kyle entered the transporter room and discovered the two security officer already there and waiting with the Captain. Kyle walked over to Ian and began discussing the mission while they waited on the others.

"So what are the plans once we verify the Klingons have provided weapons to the Panunionists?" he asked.

[CMO's Quarters - USS Challenger]

Lisa laughed along with Kyle as she recalled the solution Seo had come up with, and how she'd felt while doing it herself. It hadn't exactly been uncomfortable, but seeing the embarrassment on the Vulcans' faces was simultaneously amusing and slightly awkward.

The Vulcan problem story was followed by a series of funny and interesting topics, and the doctor was smiling and relaxing long after their plates were clean. She really wanted to stay up later, but she knew she'd have a full shift in the morning. Kyle did too, but she also knew he had more experience with alcohol than her and his tolerance was much higher. She knew her limits and now was certainly not the time to explore them. Especially if those looks she'd given Kyle ended up leading to something she'd regret because of it. She didn't know if she was feeling anything for him, but she didn't need to ruin anything if she did. Or if he did. Or even if both of them felt nothing outside of friendship.

There was a moment of silence after a break in their conversation, and Lisa was about to give him another one of those looks when he suggested they bring their date to a close. Not a date, a...dinner get together? Yeah, that sounds right.

"I'd like to say no, but... she looked over at the chronometer, "I don't do so great without enough sleep. I could hide it, but it would probably be best if everyone got my usual cheery self," she smirked. "But we should do this again. I might not have a plethora of produce next time but I-" she stifled a yawn, "I really enjoyed your company. It's nice to have someone onboard who doesn't remind me of work, if that makes sense."

She didn't even know what kind of sense she was trying to make herself. She supposed that she was trying to say that most of her friends were also medical colleagues so all they talked about was work, there was just no avoiding it. Her other friends were the same in a way; when she talked to them they were patient first, friend second. Lisa could recall Kyle's medical file since she'd memorized most of them, but that wasn't what came first to her. She was grateful for that kind of friendship.

[Conference Room - USS Challenger]

Ruth sat, for her, unusually quiet. She was listening.  Her brain however was holding a two way conversation with herself... it pointed out most of the things the others had said, along with her experience of Command.

"We can't not go, as in we need to check it out, but we have to minimise the damage." she shrugged.  "It's one of these '...damned if you do, damned if you don't...' situations.  And for once, I'm glad I'm not making the call.  I'll come on the away team myself, since Evar Wendiss is recovering from that migraine, the things to do on the ship are less strenuous than needing to be on an A game in a tricky mission."

She shot a look at Lahr who looked unusually perky for the fact that her lover almost avoided away missions with as much passion that he sought her bed! She raised a querying eyebrow at him but said nothing, if he wanted to explain himself to her, then he would.  Then she thought critically about it, while she was sure Lisa had the skills to surgically alter Lahr so he would fit in and look no more strange than the rest of them would in a Prime Directive/First Contact situation.  Maybe he thought he could wriggle out of this one because of his species unique looks... that might explain the body language she was getting from him... that was until Lisa said she could do them.

"Unless there's anything else, I should go and do some delegation and then get myself ready...and that includes popping down to Sickbay for my makeover!" Ruth  gave a look to Lahr indicating that should he wish to follow her she wouldn't be averse to the company and maybe he could tell her what he was thinking, and smiled at Lisa.

"Ten minutes good for you, Lisa?" she asked.

[Conference Room - USS Challenger]

As a decision was made and a few other people made comments, Lisa sent a message to Seo.

Ensign Seo,

I have assigned you as a member of the away team to go to the planet. I will be returning to Sickbay presently to give you a briefing and apply the cosmetics you will need. Then you will report to Commander Briggs in Transporter Room One.

- Doctor Belmont

As she was finishing up the message, she heard her name and looked up at Ruth. She was a good multitasker, so she had heard everything the Science chief said to her.

"Sure thing, Commander. See you then," she returned the smile.

[Transporter Room One - USS Challenger]

Preparations for the away mission took a bit over two hours for the medical staff to complete the cosmetic changes to the team members that would be beaming down. The Morani were mainstream near humans, but differed in that their skin tone was a pale gray with forehead ridges, not unlike those of Romulans, and had fairly large scalloped ears.

As the surgery was taking place, typical Panunionist civilian attire was replicated along with very well made false identity papers and even counterfeit money to assist the away team merge into the local populace. The beam down site was an abandoned warehouse in Syrtis Major, a large city, but not the capital of the Panunionists.

Joining Commander Briggs, Commander Sigurdsdottir, Ensign Ren, and Ensign Seo, were Petty Officer First Class Ryan Blackfeather, and Crewman Sheila Walker from security. Once the team was assembled, they were ready to beam down.

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Lisa found herself heading most of the cosmetics work, which she didn't mind in the slightest. She primarily used a dermal stimulator along with lobe enlargement technology to get the ears the way they were supposed to look. She mixed together a solution that matched the colour of the skin she saw in the pictures, making sure the ingredients she used in the makeup wouldn't irritate the skin of anyone on the away team.

Since Ruth was ready in ten minutes she was the first to go, and Lisa mixed up a hair dye with a muted colour similar to the skin solution since the pictures she'd seen didn't have many bright colours at all so she didn't know if Ruth's red hair would stand out. She did the same for T'eala and gave her some contacts just in case her black irises were completely unusual. Then she showed the two women out.

"I don't know if I made you into attractive members of the Morani, but I certainly tried my best," she joked.

She didn't say much to Kyle as she painted the makeup onto his face and hands, then fitted the crafted ears around his own. Since she was on duty it was against protocol for her to bring up the evening before, and she took that rule seriously. But she wasn't going to make things awkward, so when she was finished she gave him a smile.

"I think I got it right. This ear might be a tad crooked, but I'm sure no one will notice," she chuckled and pointed to his right ear as she showed him out.

When Seo arrived, she let him mix his own solution and apply his own forehead ridges while she took care of Blackfeather and Walker to give him some cosmetics practice. Then she attached the ears and applied the makeup, covering up his spots, before sending the last team member on his way.

"Try to have a good time out there, you look like a million bucks," she semi-teased. He'd done a good job with the cosmetics so the subtle sarcasm was meant for the 'ugliness' of the Morani people.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Conference Room - USS Challenger]

[Conference Room - USS Challenger]

Ruth sat, for her, unusually quiet. She was listening.  Her brain however was holding a two way conversation with herself... it pointed out most of the things the others had said, along with her experience of Command.

"We can't not go, as in we need to check it out, but we have to minimise the damage." she shrugged.  "It's one of these '...damned if you do, damned if you don't...' situations.  And for once, I'm glad I'm not making the call.  I'll come on the away team myself, since Evar Wendiss is recovering from that migraine, the things to do on the ship are less strenuous than needing to be on an A game in a tricky mission."

She shot a look at Lahr who looked unusually perky for the fact that her lover almost avoided away missions with as much passion that he sought her bed! She raised a querying eyebrow at him but said nothing, if he wanted to explain himself to her, then he would.  Then she thought critically about it, while she was sure Lisa had the skills to surgically alter Lahr so he would fit in and look no more strange than the rest of them would in a Prime Directive/First Contact situation.  Maybe he thought he could wriggle out of this one because of his species unique looks... that might explain the body language she was getting from him... that was until Lisa said she could do them.

"Unless there's anything else, I should go and do some delegation and then get myself ready...and that includes popping down to Sickbay for my makeover!" Ruth  gave a look to Lahr indicating that should he wish to follow her she wouldn't be averse to the company and maybe he could tell her what he was thinking, and smiled at Lisa.

"Ten minutes good for you, Lisa?" she asked.

The Andorian picked up on the looks Ruth was sending him and messaged his replacement on the bridge that he was taking his break immediately after the meeting.

As they were dismissed Lahr made his way to the Commander's side as she spoke to the Doc.   He waited until they were done before making his offer. "I got a fifteen minute break, I can walk you to Sickbay, if you feel like company."

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[High orbit around Zindi Moran - USS Challenger - Bridge]

Lahr was at his station dividing his attention following the progress of those going on the away mission, while at the same time keeping watch on the sensors and communications.  The original signal was still looping.  He wondered how long it had been like that.

Earlier, Lahr had sent along to the transporter chief a set of coordinates that would set the team down in a currently secluded alleyway.  There were no other lifesigns within 300 m of the spot and from what he could tell no audio-visual coverage of that area.