S4:E6 - A Question of Integrity

[Ian Galloway]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

As Ian waited for the away team to report, he remembered something that he'd been meaning to do since coming on duty and as it was quiet at the moment, now was as good a time as any. He rose and moved to stand next to Mondo.

"Petty Officer Second Class Mondo'li Nari. You have performed exemplary in your duty today and based off of that and previous actions in service ta the Challenger, I hereby promote you ta the rank of Petty Officer First Class. Well done Lad. Now go forth and do great things."

As he spoke, Ian reached up to replace Mondo's insignia of rank with his new pay grade before stepping back to offer his hand in congratulations.

[Vasilisa Belmont]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

As Ian waited for the away team to report, he remembered something that he'd been meaning to do since coming on duty and as it was quiet at the moment, now was as good a time as any. He rose and moved to stand next to Mondo.

"Petty Officer Second Class Mondo'li Nari. You have performed exemplary in your duty today and based off of that and previous actions in service ta the Challenger, I hereby promote you ta the rank of Petty Officer First Class. Well done Lad. Now go forth and do great things."

As he spoke, Ian reached up to replace Mondo's insignia of rank with his new pay grade before stepping back to offer his hand in congratulations.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Lisa had been listening with mild interest as the bridge crew, essentially Mondo and Lahr, began to solve their mystery. She found it fascinating for awhile, but then she became distracted by incoming reports from Sickbay on her PADD. Another transfer, a couple check-ups, and so forth. Nothing the team couldn't handle. When she heard Captain Galloway giving Mondo a promotion, she looked up with a smile.

I didn't know the captain gave promotion ceremonies on the Bridge! And completely unexpected, too. I would definitely be surprised," she thought as she watched the Hupyrian receive his new pip. It was certainly deserved, as the petty officer was very good at his work. She'd witnessed that on away missions and today on the Bridge. He was certainly someone she felt she was lucky to know. 

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

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

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

As Ian waited for the away team to report, he remembered something that he'd been meaning to do since coming on duty and as it was quiet at the moment, now was as good a time as any. He rose and moved to stand next to Mondo.

"Petty Officer Second Class Mondo'li Nari. You have performed exemplary in your duty today and based off of that and previous actions in service ta the Challenger, I hereby promote you ta the rank of Petty Officer First Class. Well done Lad. Now go forth and do great things."

As he spoke, Ian reached up to replace Mondo's insignia of rank with his new pay grade before stepping back to offer his hand in congratulations.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Lisa had been listening with mild interest as the bridge crew, essentially Mondo and Lahr, began to solve their mystery. She found it fascinating for awhile, but then she became distracted by incoming reports from Sickbay on her PADD. Another transfer, a couple check-ups, and so forth. Nothing the team couldn't handle. When she heard Captain Galloway giving Mondo a promotion, she looked up with a smile.

I didn't know the captain gave promotion ceremonies on the Bridge! And completely unexpected, too. I would definitely be surprised," she thought as she watched the Hupyrian receive his new pip. It was certainly deserved, as the petty officer was very good at his work. She'd witnessed that on away missions and today on the Bridge. He was certainly someone she felt she was lucky to know.

The Captain stopped his pacing for a bit while they all waited and kept watch over their respective consoles.  Lahr was having no luck at finding anything significant with his search of the sensor data, but he wasn't giving up.  In fact he was attempting to reconstruct the faded warp trail using a computer algorithm to 'regress the degradation of the warp signature'.  Currently, it was a sketchy program in its draft form that he and Grelek had been working on since before Leyton was caught.  The program had sat idle the past several months since then as the need of it to locate Leyton was no longer.   But Lahr figured maybe it would be of some help here.

The Andorian's antenna flicked up sensing the Captain up and moving again.  Hopefully, just going to the head or his ready room and not to pace some more.  But it was none of these.  The man stopped by Mondo and presented the security crewman with a promotion!

"Way to go, Nari!"

He glanced over to the doctor sitting nearby at the auxiliary console and leaned over to side-whisper to her.  "What do you think my chances are of being next?  Chief Petty ch'Verret has a nice ring to it...don't you agree, Doc?"

[Vasilisa Belmont]

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

The Captain stopped his pacing for a bit while they all waited and kept watch over their respective consoles.  Lahr was having no luck at finding anything significant with his search of the sensor data, but he wasn't giving up.  In fact he was attempting to reconstruct the faded warp trail using a computer algorithm to 'regress the degradation of the warp signature'.  Currently, it was a sketchy program in its draft form that he and Grelek had been working on since before Leyton was caught.  The program had sat idle the past several months since then as the need of it to locate Leyton was no longer.   But Lahr figured maybe it would be of some help here.

The Andorian's antenna flicked up sensing the Captain up and moving again.  Hopefully, just going to the head or his ready room and not to pace some more.  But it was none of these.  The man stopped by Mondo and presented the security crewman with a promotion!

"Way to go, Nari!"

He glanced over to the doctor sitting nearby at the auxiliary console and leaned over to side-whisper to her.  "What do you think my chances are of being next?  Chief Petty ch'Verret has a nice ring to it...don't you agree, Doc?"

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

She was broken out of her musings by the sound of Lahr's voice, who was located close to where she'd found the empty seat. Close enough to hear him as he practically whispered to her. She gave a side-grin, knowing that all the people she'd encountered working the alpha shift deserved promotions and commendations for all they'd done for this ship and the rest of her crew. But she also knew that just like her they were simply doing their job, whether or not they were an ensign or a lieutenant commander. Having a higher rank just meant more responsibility. However, the bigger quarters and/or special acknowledgment from the captain was certainly no small thing.

"I think it fits you perfectly, Lahr," she whispered back. Then she said, with a shiny glint in her eye, "If the captain has to spend much more time pacing around waiting for the away team to check in you might just get your chance." She winked at him and glanced over at the captain and Mondo. She felt she fit into this crew like a glove, and now she couldn't remember why she had been so apprehensive about it before.

[Mondo'li Nari]

USS Challenger - Bridge

When the Captain stopped beside Mondo, the Hupyrian felt immediately self-conscious.  His gaze darted about his console display screens to be sure everything was in order before looking over to the Captain.  When the human started to address him, Mondo's brain began to register that he was being addressed for some kind of positive recognition.  He shot up out of his chair and stood at attention, possibly making the process of the Captain pinning his new rank on his collar a more difficult process than it needed to be.

As the Captain held out his hand, Mondo hesitated only briefly before seizing it.  This was a rare breach of the division between enlisted man and officer.  It was a great sign of respect that Ian was once again reaching across that divide.  Mondo felt that the skin of his face was warm, blushing in self-consciousness and flush with pride.

"Thank you, Sir.  I shall endeavor to be worthy of this honor."

He would have never thought that this moment, mid-shift at the ship's tactical console, would become one of the highlights of his career.  Glancing around, he met the supportive gaze of his fellow crew.  He could not wait to tell his grandfather about this day.

[Ian Galloway]

USS Challenger - Bridge

When the Captain stopped beside Mondo, the Hupyrian felt immediately self-conscious.  His gaze darted about his console display screens to be sure everything was in order before looking over to the Captain.  When the human started to address him, Mondo's brain began to register that he was being addressed for some kind of positive recognition.  He shot up out of his chair and stood at attention, possibly making the process of the Captain pinning his new rank on his collar a more difficult process than it needed to be.

As the Captain held out his hand, Mondo hesitated only briefly before seizing it.  This was a rare breach of the division between enlisted man and officer.  It was a great sign of respect that Ian was once again reaching across that divide.  Mondo felt that the skin of his face was warm, blushing in self-consciousness and flush with pride.

"Thank you, Sir.  I shall endeavor to be worthy of this honor."

He would have never thought that this moment, mid-shift at the ship's tactical console, would become one of the highlights of his career.  Glancing around, he met the supportive gaze of his fellow crew.  He could not wait to tell his grandfather about this day.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian shook Mondo's hand vigorously before stepping back to start a round of applause.

"Of that I have no doubt Mister Nari. Perhaps you should talk ta Lieutenant T'Kel ta see if'n you might want ta take the Academy entrance exam. No one ken's more than I do the value of a good non-com, but, I think you have the right stuff ta be an officer, that is if'n you can stomach the datawork that comes with a commission. Anyway, back ta everyone's favorite activity, waitin'."

[James Walding]

[Turbolift - USS Challenger]
As the tubrolift started to ascend the young ensign tugged at his collar, it suddenly feeling very Vonstricting. James had been aboard the challenger for some time, but had until now not been on the bridge. He had been assigned to basic security duties, along with aiding anyone who asked security for an extra hand, and had for the most part kept his head down. He was the unimposing sort, and had managed to stay out of trouble by doing his duties to the best of his abilities and spending his free time in the holodeck. He often was in there running combat sims and battles between long obsolete classes of star ships, so often infact that many in security probably saw him as abit of a recluse. He had hoped his reassignment would help him come out of his shell, but so far that effect had yet to materialise.

With the situation being 'relatively' calm at the moment, and after having a little of the Earth Whiskey he had brought a while back, he had decided to finally pluck up the courage and go the the bridge. After all, no ensign ever got anywhere just helping medical carry boxes.

'It will be fine.... it...will be fine' he kept telling himself, finally managing to adjust the collar so it stopped itching his neck. As he attempted to reassure himself, the turbolift suddenly stopped abruptly.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

James stepped out onto the bridge. As so often is the case when someone attempts to make sure they walk correctly, he tripped slightly after stepping out of the lift, stumbling for a step before straightening himself up. He stepped out into the main area, and saw what looked like some kind of minor celebration, as members of the crew appeared to be smiling and congratulation what appeared to be a Hupyrian. Unsure how to procced , James stopped moving, straightened up and adjusted his uniform. 'Well....' He thought 'I didn't think this far ahead'

[Ian Galloway]

[Turbolift - USS Challenger]
As the tubrolift started to ascend the young ensign tugged at his collar, it suddenly feeling very Vonstricting. James had been aboard the challenger for some time, but had until now not been on the bridge. He had been assigned to basic security duties, along with aiding anyone who asked security for an extra hand, and had for the most part kept his head down. He was the unimposing sort, and had managed to stay out of trouble by doing his duties to the best of his abilities and spending his free time in the holodeck. He often was in there running combat sims and battles between long obsolete classes of star ships, so often infact that many in security probably saw him as abit of a recluse. He had hoped his reassignment would help him come out of his shell, but so far that effect had yet to materialise.

With the situation being 'relatively' calm at the moment, and after having a little of the Earth Whiskey he had brought a while back, he had decided to finally pluck up the courage and go the the bridge. After all, no ensign ever got anywhere just helping medical carry boxes.

'It will be fine.... it...will be fine' he kept telling himself, finally managing to adjust the collar so it stopped itching his neck. As he attempted to reassure himself, the turbolift suddenly stopped abruptly.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

James stepped out onto the bridge. As so often is the case when someone attempts to make sure they walk correctly, he tripped slightly after stepping out of the lift, stumbling for a step before straightening himself up. He stepped out into the main area, and saw what looked like some kind of minor celebration, as members of the crew appeared to be smiling and congratulation what appeared to be a Hupyrian. Unsure how to procced , James stopped moving, straightened up and adjusted his uniform. 'Well....' He thought 'I didn't think this far ahead'

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

As Ian was moving back to the command chair, the turbolift doors opened and a new ensign literally stumbled onto the bridge. Wincing internally, Ian felt a pang of sorrow for the new officer as he couldn't  imagine how embarrassed he'd have been if he'd done the same thing the first time he reported to Captain Rellak of the Tempest forever ago. Keeping his tone and expression a study in neutrality as he spoke.

"Welcome ta the Challenger Ensign."

[James Walding]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

As Ian was moving back to the command chair, the turbolift doors opened and a new ensign literally stumbled onto the bridge. Wincing internally, Ian felt a pang of sorrow for the new officer as he couldn't  imagine how embarrassed he'd have been if he'd done the same thing the first time he reported to Captain Rellak of the Tempest forever ago. Keeping his tone and expression a study in neutrality as he spoke.

"Welcome ta the Challenger Ensign."

"Thanks......Captain"

James straightened up once again, straightening out his uniform as he did so.

"Im ensign James Walding, security and tactical. I transferred a while back I have just been....preoccupied with my duties... so haven't been able to make introductions. Here to serve."

James' shoulders untensed and withdrew back to there normal height, and his mouth faulted from an attempt at a stern face into a smile.

[Ian Galloway]

"Thanks......Captain"

James straightened up once again, straightening out his uniform as he did so.

"Im ensign James Walding, security and tactical. I transferred a while back I have just been....preoccupied with my duties... so haven't been able to make introductions. Here to serve."

James' shoulders untensed and withdrew back to there normal height, and his mouth faulted from an attempt at a stern face into a smile.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian continued to hold his expression neutral despite the corner of his mouth's determined efforts to curl into a smile.

"Challenger is a busy place Ensign. I do hope you've at least had the chance ta meet with your department head Lieutenant T'Kel. She's currently in her office on deck nine if you have nae made her acquaintance. Aside from a thrillin' game of wait for the bloody away team ta report, there is nothing occurrin' here, except for a much deserved recognition of one of your peers. You are welcome ta take the secondary tactical station if'n you like, but don't go gettin' too excited about that, as I said, we are currently a study in waitin' at the moment."

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

[TapCaf - Syrtis Major - Zindi Moran]

As far as limited scans could tell, the facility didn't have extensive security, at least not in the lobby. After all, there were commercial shops in an open promenade sort of configuration. There were turbolift analogs available to take visitors to the upper floors of the building as well as stairs to do the same.

It would take a closer approach to be certain, but with the away team's technological advantage, it was highly likely they could use a tricorder to bypass the facilities' security system and locks. However, there was always the possibility of physical locks that would require mechanical manipulation to open.

[James Walding]

"Ok I will....go over there....to the console I.....yer"

James awkwardly nodded his head at the captain, but stopped halfway realising how stupid he looked. Pulling his collar away from his neck, he made his way towards the secondary tactical console, looking straight past the others present to avoid eye contact, though trying to smile to not come across as weird.

He took up position over the console, and in an attempt to look busy, started to tap away at the console, pulling up data and performing a routine check of a few systems, which where both considerably irrelevant to the current situation. 'God I feel like a first year cadet..' He thought, as he stared through the console almost like he was in another place entirely. For not the first time since he had been reassigned, he was thinking of home.

[Kyle Briggs]

['Coffee shop', Planet side]

Kyle tried his coffee as he  listened to Ruth's suggestions. He gave slight shoulder shrug. He had definitely tasted worse.

"I'm not too sure about getting hired on." he began. "There's no guarantee we'd all get in."

He took a closer look at the scans, or at least as close as he could without taking the scanner all the way out.
"These security features are about as primitive as their communication system. I say we just stroll in there like we're there to see someone and see how far we get. We should be able to get in and out and if we do get challenged, keep your phasers on stun and at the ready."

He took a look across the street once more. The structure still seemed pretty busy with people going in and out, non stop.

"Eat and drink up, follks. We move out in ten minutes." he decided.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[TapCaf - Syrtis Major - Zindi Moran]

As far as limited scans could tell, the facility didn't have extensive security, at least not in the lobby. After all, there were commercial shops in an open promenade sort of configuration. There were turbolift analogs available to take visitors to the upper floors of the building as well as stairs to do the same.

It would take a closer approach to be certain, but with the away team's technological advantage, it was highly likely they could use a tricorder to bypass the facilities' security system and locks. However, there was always the possibility of physical locks that would require mechanical manipulation to open.

['Coffee shop', Planet side]

Kyle tried his coffee as he  listened to Ruth's suggestions. He gave slight shoulder shrug. He had definitely tasted worse.

"I'm not too sure about getting hired on." he began. "There's no guarantee we'd all get in."

He took a closer look at the scans, or at least as close as he could without taking the scanner all the way out.
"These security features are about as primitive as their communication system. I say we just stroll in there like we're there to see someone and see how far we get. We should be able to get in and out and if we do get challenged, keep your phasers on stun and at the ready."

He took a look across the street once more. The structure still seemed pretty busy with people going in and out, non stop.

"Eat and drink up, follks. We move out in ten minutes." he decided.

[TapCaf - Syrtis Major - Zindi Moran]

"Smile and wave, smile and wave!" Ruth muttered, quoting one of her favourite holomovies.  "Yeah, I guess that would be the best course of action.  We're in your hands, and you know I like a good scrap now and then if we have to fight our way out, although I promised certain person that I wouldn't make certain features of his head go all floppy by getting myself hurt unnecessarily." she added quietly.  Kyle knew of the relationship, since he both knew that she'd been away to Trondheim when they were at Waring Manor and knowing Ruth as well as he did it would have been impossible to hide it.

"Then again his and my version of 'unnecessary' might differ!" she winked and swilled down the cup of mud (it tasted similar) and took two bites out of the rather unappetising food, after all she didn't know when she might get sustenance again so wasn't taking chances even if it wasn't the greatest cuisine in the universe.

"Ready when you are!" she said with a bright smile.  "I think that place has shops... been a while since I got to browse shops, I always seem so busy!"  The Commander hoped that the away crew knew she only said that as cover chatter rather than a desire to go shopping.  Unless it was for bladed weapons or mead, Ruth rarely enjoyed shopping!

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

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

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

She was broken out of her musings by the sound of Lahr's voice, who was located close to where she'd found the empty seat. Close enough to hear him as he practically whispered to her. She gave a side-grin, knowing that all the people she'd encountered working the alpha shift deserved promotions and commendations for all they'd done for this ship and the rest of her crew. But she also knew that just like her they were simply doing their job, whether or not they were an ensign or a lieutenant commander. Having a higher rank just meant more responsibility. However, the bigger quarters and/or special acknowledgment from the captain was certainly no small thing.

"I think it fits you perfectly, Lahr," she whispered back. Then she said, with a shiny glint in her eye, "If the captain has to spend much more time pacing around waiting for the away team to check in you might just get your chance." She winked at him and glanced over at the captain and Mondo. She felt she fit into this crew like a glove, and now she couldn't remember why she had been so apprehensive about it before.

When the applauding started, Lahr joined in.

Lahr's antenna waved in amusement at the doctor's reply to his joking prompt.  He liked this Doc.  She had a sense of humor and wasn't nearly as scary as Doc Vaughan could be.  Rumor about the cavity search had filtered through the enlisted security crew quickly after Tim's ordeal.  It took Doc Vaughan fixing up his legs for Lahr to realize the woman had a softer side as well.   He missed her.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

James stepped out onto the bridge. As so often is the case when someone attempts to make sure they walk correctly, he tripped slightly after stepping out of the lift, stumbling for a step before straightening himself up. He stepped out into the main area, and saw what looked like some kind of minor celebration, as members of the crew appeared to be smiling and congratulation what appeared to be a Hupyrian. Unsure how to proceed , James stopped moving, straightened up and adjusted his uniform. 'Well....' He thought 'I didn't think this far ahead'

The arrival of someone tripping out of the turbolift drew Lahr's attention away from his reminiscent thoughts.  Yellow collar - that meant Ops, Engineering, or Security.  He wasn't Ops - Lahr knew all the Ops officers on a personal basis.  He doubted he was Security - since Lahr was really close with nearly half the department and he'd never seen the man once at any of the security 'game nights' at Luigi Pizzeria.  That left Engineering.

The Andorian wondered what brought the man up to the bridge.  Perhaps some request to do maintenance while they were stuck waiting.

Lahr turned his attention back to his sensor readings, dismissing the importance of the human.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

As Ian was moving back to the command chair, the turbolift doors opened and a new ensign literally stumbled onto the bridge. Wincing internally, Ian felt a pang of sorrow for the new officer as he couldn't  imagine how embarrassed he'd have been if he'd done the same thing the first time he reported to Captain Rellak of the Tempest forever ago. Keeping his tone and expression a study in neutrality as he spoke.

"Welcome ta the Challenger Ensign."

"Thanks......Captain"

James straightened up once again, straightening out his uniform as he did so.

"Im ensign James Walding, security and tactical. I transferred a while back I have just been....preoccupied with my duties... so haven't been able to make introductions. Here to serve."

James' shoulders untensed and withdrew back to there normal height, and his mouth faulted from an attempt at a stern face into a smile.

Lahr's antenna sprung up in surprise, but managed to refrain from turning about in his seat to stare at the man.  What?!  Sec/Tac?  Really?!  Why the hell hadn't Burke or Helga told them that they'd had a new officer aboard?  Worse yet the man had been aboard a while?  Like for how long?  Lahr risked a quick glance back taking a better look at the fellow.

Lahr thought the facial hair above the man's lip odd-looking.  It reminded him of that detective character that Lek used to portray in his holo-novel with Chief tr'Lhoell...what was his name?  P-something...  Lahr recalled the name was French.  Bah, the name wouldn't come and Lahr knew it would nag at the back of his mind until he recalled it, so took a moment away from his study of the sensors to dig up the holodeck usage files and locate tr'Lhoell's last few entries.

There it was Murder on the Orient Express.  Hmm seems the pair never finished the novel.  Lahr skipped the summary and picked out the name he'd been searching for.  Poirot.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian continued to hold his expression neutral despite the corner of his mouth's determined efforts to curl into a smile.

"Challenger is a busy place Ensign. I do hope you've at least had the chance ta meet with your department head Lieutenant T'Kel. She's currently in her office on deck nine if you have nae made her acquaintance. Aside from a thrillin' game of wait for the bloody away team ta report, there is nothing occurrin' here, except for a much deserved recognition of one of your peers. You are welcome ta take the secondary tactical station if'n you like, but don't go gettin' too excited about that, as I said, we are currently a study in waitin' at the moment."

"Ok I will....go over there....to the console I.....yer"

James awkwardly nodded his head at the captain, but stopped halfway realising how stupid he looked. Pulling his collar away from his neck, he made his way towards the secondary tactical console, looking straight past the others present to avoid eye contact, though trying to smile to not come across as weird.

He took up position over the console, and in an attempt to look busy, started to tap away at the console, pulling up data and performing a routine check of a few systems, which where both considerably irrelevant to the current situation. 'God I feel like a first year cadet..' He thought, as he stared through the console almost like he was in another place entirely. For not the first time since he had been reassigned, he was thinking of home.

While Lahr had searched the name Poirot, Walding and Captain had seemed to finish their conversation; giving Lahr opportunity to introduce himself.

"Welcome to the Bridge, sir." Lahr began as he briefly stood up from his chair to offer a quick bow to the human to be polite.

"Petty officer ShranLahr ch'Verret.  Though most just call be Lahr."

[James Walding]

While Lahr had searched the name Poirot, Walding and Captain had seemed to finish their conversation; giving Lahr opportunity to introduce himself.

"Welcome to the Bridge, sir." Lahr began as he briefly stood up from his chair to offer a quick bow to the human to be polite.

"Petty officer ShranLahr ch'Verret.  Though most just call be Lahr."

James was pulled back to reality by the greeting from the Andorian near him. He pulled his head away from the console and looked up at the petty officer.

"Hello Shra.....Lahr, thanks for the welcome.."

James started to zone out again before the realisation that he was a member of the crew, rather than a cadet in a simulation, came flooding back to him.

"Can you by any chance show me how to access the internal sensors, its been a while since I've used a bridge console, I've been doing more menial work on board and I might be abit rust."

A sudden pang of anxiety went across the young officer, as he did not want to appear unfit for the task. 'maybe I should have just stayed on the Earth spacedock.' He thought  'it was more....'

".....I used to work on a spacedock so im unsure how much of my experience using the sensors there translates practically to a starship." His words came out fast as he relocked eye contact with Lahr, forcing a slight smile in the process.