S4:E6 - A Question of Integrity

[Ian Galloway]

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.

[Transporter Room One - USS Challenger]

Ian gave Kyle a pained look at his question because at that particular moment, he didn't have an answer, let alone a good answer.

"Honestly Kyle, we're goin' ta have handle this whole situation as it occurs. It makes no sense whatsoever that the Klingons would be buggerin' around on an interdicted world at all. There is more than meets the eye here and we need ta know what that might be. For now, we're still in the fact findin' stages. Once we have more information, we can make those tough decisions that will have ta follow whatever you find out."

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

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

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."

[Conference Room]

After the doctor agreed the time she turned to Lahr and grinned.  "Your antennae tuned into Radio Ruth now are they!  Yes I'd appreciate you walking down with me.  To be fair..." she said walking towards the turbolift with him, "...I just wanted to know what the excited look was for.  Given that you practically begged me to not send you on away missions when we first met because of... well I'll call it PTSD.  I haven't really had a chance to sit with Kyle or Captain Galloway and ask them to spare you on the grounds of well medical, or Lisa if you wanted me to have a quiet word with her too... but you know you looked almost eager to go today and it puzzled me, then I though it might be because, no offence, you know how much I love my blue man, a blue-skinned, white haired man with antennae might, just, possibly like..."

She grinned, teased and then looked around to make sure no one was looking or around when stepping out of the turbolift into the sickbay corridor and gave him a little kiss on the tip of his nose and ran one finger down his right antennae.

"... stick out like a sore thumb.  I mean if I'm having a makeover... and I thought other than the hair I look quite... regular.  Tho I suppose it depends what passes as 'normal' on any given planet!"

She took and squeezed Lahr's hand prior to stepping into the Sickbay and said "I know I don't need to tell you how to do your job but be my eyes and ears won't you?" she lent forward and whispered in his ear.  "Love you Bluey, and if I'm not back by end of your shift, will you feed Skye and take her for walkies in the holodeck, somewhere with a river. She loves you too, you know.  I just have to say your name and she starts her excited little bark she does when you come in and starts looking for you!  Then gets pissy with me if you don't come within a few minutes!  Anyhow... Thanks!"  she kissed just under the ear and walked into the Sickbay.

[Conference Room - USS Challenger]

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.

[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.

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Ruth walked into Sickbay hoping she wasn't grinning too much, as being with Lahr always got her spirits up.

She accepted the treatment and when Lisa mentioned about being 'attractive' members of the local population, she laughed and struck a pose.

"I'm sure myself and Ms. Ren will sweep away the opposition at the local beauty pageant down there.  As for Commander Briggs... well we'll be fighting off the local women trying to all have him as a tasty dessert!" she teased, knowing Kyle as well as she did, she knew that he wouldn't ever take offence.

"Seems strange not having my flame coloured hair but so long as it's only temporary... it's all good!  Lead on McDuff!" she said to Kyle indicating going to the transporter and onto the mission.

[Kyle Briggs]

[CMO's Quarters - Previous night]

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.

Kyle offered slight smile. "I'd love to continue as well. But I understand." he said. "Let me clear this away real fast and we'll call it."

He quickly stood and cleared the table and put everything into the replicator before she could object and walked back over to the table as she stood.

"I had a great time. It isn't often I get to have a meal without talking shop. And having the company of such a lovely young woman was an added bonus. You get some rest and I'll see you tomorrow." he said as he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. "Good night, Doc."

Kyle made his exit and returned to his quarters, walking all the way with a smile on his face. He really had had a great time and found himself excited at the prospect of it happening again.
_____________________________________________________________________________

[Sickbay - Next day]

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.

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.

Kyle stayed professional as Doctor Belmont worked on his prostheses with the exception of a very small smile he let slip as she held his hands and worked on the them. Her own hands were very soft and they felt nice.

"It looks great, Doc." he assured her when she finished and teased him.

He stood off to the side with Ruth and joked around as the doctor finished helping Seo with his make up.

She accepted the treatment and when Lisa mentioned about being 'attractive' members of the local population, she laughed and struck a pose.

"I'm sure myself and Ms. Ren will sweep away the opposition at the local beauty pageant down there.  As for Commander Briggs... well we'll be fighting off the local women trying to all have him as a tasty dessert!" she teased, knowing Kyle as well as she did, she knew that he wouldn't ever take offence.

"Seems strange not having my flame coloured hair but so long as it's only temporary... it's all good!  Lead on McDuff!" she said to Kyle indicating going to the transporter and onto the mission.

Kyle grinned and threw up his hands in surrender as he looked at Lisa as to say I'll be have. and then looked back at Ruth.

"I don't know. New position, new rank, new guy. Maybe a new hair color wouldn't be so bad." he teased back. "Let's get out of here folks. We've got us a mission planet side."

They left out and made their way down.

[Transporter Room One]

Ian gave Kyle a pained look at his question because at that particular moment, he didn't have an answer, let alone a good answer.

"Honestly Kyle, we're goin' ta have handle this whole situation as it occurs. It makes no sense whatsoever that the Klingons would be buggerin' around on an interdicted world at all. There is more than meets the eye here and we need ta know what that might be. For now, we're still in the fact findin' stages. Once we have more information, we can make those tough decisions that will have ta follow whatever you find out."

"Understood, Sir." was all Kyle could reply. He was still against them getting involved but he had his orders and would carry them out without question.

[Mondo'li Nari]

USS Challenger - Bridge

While Mondo was somewhat disappointed with not being selected for the away mission, he could understand there were some practical concerns with his participation.  He was unusually tall for a humanoid species, and even with the best cosmetic surgery, he would become a noteworthy figure in a group that needed to avoid being noticed.

Fortunately, the day had brought a consolation prize.  He had been selected for another rotation on the bridge, manning the Tactical station.  It was unusual for an enlisted man of his rank to get so much bridge duty, but the Challenger had proven to be somewhat egalitarian in assigning high-grade assignments.  Mondo believed that he was probably being allowed these opportunities in case he ever needed to operate tactical on a shuttle or runabout mission.

Entering the bridge, he relieved the officer at Tactical and took the chair.  After he logged in, he glanced at the other officers and nodded to them with a friendly smile on his face.

[Ian Galloway]

[Abandoned Warehouse - Syrtis Major - Zindi Moran]

The away team materialized as planned in an old warehouse at the edge of town that sensors confirmed had no Morani life signs around. Exiting the building, they made their way on foot to the nearest public transportation, a large wheeled vehicle called a 'bus' and reached the city center roughly 45 minutes later. None of the other passengers paid the away team any attention, all seemed to be preoccupied with their own thoughts and problems.

On reaching their destination, the away team found the city streets crowded with workers moving about hurriedly on tasks only they knew. A discrete glance at a tricorder hidden in a local accessory known as a purse indicated they were close to their objective, the source of the subspace transmitter. The cacophony of sounds from the extensive vehicle traffic mixed with the sounds of heavy equipment was disorienting. Pushing aside the distractions, the team soon found themselves outside the building that had to be housing the transmitter. Garshdepuk Industries in large gold letters were above the entrance. A surreptitious investigation prior to their beaming down indicated the corporation was a large conglomerate of holdings that included advanced technical interests and this particular building was their research center.

So far, they had avoided attention by mainly blending in and not interacting with any of the locals. Now, they had a decision, how to enter the building and find the transmitter. They had two obvious options, openly or covertly with each having pros and cons. The real question was, what option provided the best possibility of success?

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

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

[Conference Room]

After the doctor agreed the time she turned to Lahr and grinned.  "Your antennae tuned into Radio Ruth now are they!  Yes I'd appreciate you walking down with me.  To be fair..." she said walking towards the turbolift with him, "...I just wanted to know what the excited look was for.  Given that you practically begged me to not send you on away missions when we first met because of... well I'll call it PTSD.  I haven't really had a chance to sit with Kyle or Captain Galloway and ask them to spare you on the grounds of well medical, or Lisa if you wanted me to have a quiet word with her too... but you know you looked almost eager to go today and it puzzled me, then I though it might be because, no offence, you know how much I love my blue man, a blue-skinned, white haired man with antennae might, just, possibly like..."

She grinned, teased and then looked around to make sure no one was looking or around when stepping out of the turbolift into the sickbay corridor and gave him a little kiss on the tip of his nose and ran one finger down his right antennae.

"... stick out like a sore thumb.  I mean if I'm having a makeover... and I thought other than the hair I look quite... regular.  Tho I suppose it depends what passes as 'normal' on any given planet!"

She took and squeezed Lahr's hand prior to stepping into the Sickbay and said "I know I don't need to tell you how to do your job but be my eyes and ears won't you?" she lent forward and whispered in his ear.  "Love you Bluey, and if I'm not back by end of your shift, will you feed Skye and take her for walkies in the holodeck, somewhere with a river. She loves you too, you know.  I just have to say your name and she starts her excited little bark she does when you come in and starts looking for you!  Then gets pissy with me if you don't come within a few minutes!  Anyhow... Thanks!"  she kissed just under the ear and walked into the Sickbay.

Ruth's teasing remark about his antenna being tuned into Ruth Radio got a laugh from the Andorian, but he noted that she openly welcomed his offer, so he stepped into the turbolift with her.

When she questioned about his excitement for the away mission, he understood her confusion.  He gave a bit of shrug.  "Not sure why, but yeah I am kinda hoping to be picked for the mission."

He shook his head when Ruth mentioned planning to speak to Captain Galloway about his aversion to away missions.  "No. I'd rather you didn't.  Things are as bad as they were.  Leyton's been dealt with ...  I think it's time I got over this."  Besides which, Lahr didn't want the Captain thinking less of him.  He'd only just got the man to tolerate him - by joining in the Flying Tigers... he didn't need to mar that with his PTSD issues.   "My counseling is going really well," he lied, "So its not as much of an issue anymore.  So you can just forget about it."

Ruth's follow-up remark about him sticking out like a sore thumb hinted that Lahr's hope wasn't likely to be realized. Some times there were big drawbacks to being blue and having antennae.   "Yeah don't worry.   I'll keep a close eye on you all if I do end up stuck up here."

She then leaned forward and whispered in his ear, followed up with a kiss to that rather ticklish spot.   He shivered a moment before answering her question even as she was walking away.  "You'll be back before then.  But yeah, I'll check in on her at my next break."

The Sickbay doors closed and Lahr made his way to the Mess Hall next to grab a coffee for himself - he even got one for the Captain, taking a guess on how the man liked it.

USS Challenger - Bridge

Entering the bridge, he relieved the officer at Tactical and took the chair.  After he logged in, he glanced at the other officers and nodded to them with a friendly smile on his face.[/size]

Lahr returned to the bridge just after Mondo's arrival.  He offered out the coffee to the Captain "I got it black. Hope that's how you take it."

He turned to take his seat and noticed Mondo at tactical. "Hey Nari.  Didn't make the cut for the away team either, eh?  Next time.. you and I...  what say you Captain?  Wanna join the next away team?  Maybe there will be some trouble that needs attending to on Risa... "  The Andorian chuckled as he set his coffee into the cupholder at the side of his station that kept his drink handy yet out of the way with little chance of spilling on his console.

[Ian Galloway]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret

[Sickbay --> Mess Hall --> Bridge - USS Challenger]

The Sickbay doors closed and Lahr made his way to the Mess Hall next to grab a coffee for himself - he even got one for the Captain, taking a guess on how the man liked it.

Lahr returned to the bridge just after Mondo's arrival.  He offered out the coffee to the Captain "I got it black. Hope that's how you take it."

He turned to take his seat and noticed Mondo at tactical. "Hey Nari.  Didn't make the cut for the away team either, eh?  Next time.. you and I...  what say you Captain?  Wanna join the next away team?  Maybe there will be some trouble that needs attending to on Risa... "  The Andorian chuckled as he set his coffee into the cupholder at the side of his station that kept his drink handy yet out of the way with little chance of spilling on his console.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian took the proffered cup and placed on the arm of the command chair before replying with a smile.

"Thank you for the thought Mister ch'Verret, but I never learned ta like coffee. I'm more of a tea drinker. Black chai in specific, but I'm good for now. As for this away team on Risa, I suppose it's within the realm of the possible. In a universe where space Nazis exist, a situation on Risa requirin' our personal attention can't be impossible."

[Mondo'li Nari]

USS Challenger - Bridge

Mondo smiled at his friend Lahr- the only person he could claim as a friend on the ship, really.  They'd been through a lot together over the past year or so.  They'd fought the same bloody war, mourned the same dead compatriots.

But when Lahr mentioned finding trouble on Risa, Mondo's smile faded like morning dew under a bright noonday sun.

"You might be surprised at how much trouble you can find on Risa," he said softly.  His mind returned to that day when he'd been forced to kill a woman with his bare hands.  He could still see Dona'be's bloody features.  The broken furniture sticking out of her body.

The moment would be with him forever.  But it didn't have to dominate his life.  It couldn't.  Not if he was going to keep his Oath of Service.

"If the Captain is not going to enjoy the coffee, Lahr, I would be grateful of it."

It couldn't hurt to have a light stimulant to keep him alert over this shift.  If there was a threat force present, and they objected to the Challenger's visit, things could become vigorous without much warning.

[Vasilisa Belmont]

[CMO's Quarters - Previous night]

Kyle offered slight smile. "I'd love to continue as well. But I understand." he said. "Let me clear this away real fast and we'll call it."

He quickly stood and cleared the table and put everything into the replicator before she could object and walked back over to the table as she stood.

"I had a great time. It isn't often I get to have a meal without talking shop. And having the company of such a lovely young woman was an added bonus. You get some rest and I'll see you tomorrow." he said as he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. "Good night, Doc."

Kyle made his exit and returned to his quarters, walking all the way with a smile on his face. He really had had a great time and found himself excited at the prospect of it happening again.

[CMO's Quarters- USS Challenger - previous night]

Maybe it was the alcohol or maybe she really was tired, but her brain lingered on Kyle's subtle smile as he stood and cleared their plates away before she could even get up to protest.

It wasn't that she was thinking about the two of them together in that smile, she was just seeing the happiness contained in it. She could see it in his eyes. She marveled at it for a few seconds, because it took a certain feeling for it to appear. He looked genuinely disappointed that they weren't going to spend more time together, a stark contrast from what people normally wanted. Not across all species, but most times people were always looking toward the next thing. They got through the thing they were currently doing, enjoyable or not, but then their minds jumped to being at home, winding down, or picking up the task they weren't finished with yet. Kyle's smile showed her that his mind was still here in her quarters, that if she changed her mind he wouldn't at all be offended.

Lisa looked thoughtful as she stood and listened to Kyle. She didn't miss the compliment and she certainly didn't miss the kiss on her cheek. Looking slightly stunned, she followed him out. She'd had a few parting words planned but they disappeared and all she could come up with was a repeat of what he'd said.

"Good night, Kyle."

The door hissed closed and she remained standing in the same spot, still feeling Kyle's lips on her cheek. Unless that was something you were supposed to do after a dinner get together, she had quite a lot to think about if he had feelings for her. Was that the reason for the dinner date in the first place? Did 'just as friends' actually mean more than friends and she was just too eager for any sort of company to notice?

Ugh, she was overthinking things again. She had her suspicions and her own feelings to consider if she was right. She'd also suggested that they get together again and he'd agreed, so at least she had that opportunity to hopefully clear up some confusion.

With a sigh, Lisa went to her sleeping quarters to undress and begin her night routine. She felt a headache coming on, so she replicated a large glass of water as she got everything situated. Once she'd completed an internal checklist of everything she would need to do tomorrow and drank the last of the water, her thoughts returned to the dinner date. She decided she was looking forward to the future with just the right amount of enthusiasm, and she fell into slumber with a smile on her face.

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Ruth walked into Sickbay hoping she wasn't grinning too much, as being with Lahr always got her spirits up.

She accepted the treatment and when Lisa mentioned about being 'attractive' members of the local population, she laughed and struck a pose.

"I'm sure myself and Ms. Ren will sweep away the opposition at the local beauty pageant down there.  As for Commander Briggs... well we'll be fighting off the local women trying to all have him as a tasty dessert!" she teased, knowing Kyle as well as she did, she knew that he wouldn't ever take offence.

"Seems strange not having my flame coloured hair but so long as it's only temporary... it's all good!  Lead on McDuff!" she said to Kyle indicating going to the transporter and onto the mission.

[Sickbay - Next day]

Kyle stayed professional as Doctor Belmont worked on his prostheses with the exception of a very small smile he let slip as she held his hands and worked on the them. Her own hands were very soft and they felt nice.

"It looks great, Doc." he assured her when she finished and teased him.

He stood off to the side with Ruth and joked around as the doctor finished helping Seo with his make up.

Kyle grinned and threw up his hands in surrender as he looked at Lisa as to say I'll be have. and then looked back at Ruth.

"I don't know. New position, new rank, new guy. Maybe a new hair color wouldn't be so bad." he teased back. "Let's get out of here folks. We've got us a mission planet side."

They left out and made their way down.

[Transporter Room One]
"Understood, Sir." was all Kyle could reply. He was still against them getting involved but he had his orders and would carry them out without question.

[Sickbay - USS Challenger - next day]

Lisa showed T'eala and Ruth out, however Ruth decided to wait for Kyle which made sense if she didn't want to wait around in the transporter room.

While she worked on Kyle's makeup, just like the night before she saw that certain smile show on his face. It appeared while she covered his hands in the dye but she pretended not to notice, focusing on her task.

When she was done with Ruth, T'eala, and Kyle, she made her witty comments to the away team members and Ruth threw back her own silly commentary.

She laughed at the science chief's comment.

"I bet," she played along with the beauty pageant and Kyle's looks, her cheeks lightly blushing at the latter as she went off to help Seo.

Kyle and Ruth were still there teasing each other and she caught him looking at her after Ruth's joke while she mixed up Seo's dye.

She gave him a quick glance with I'm sure you will written on it, then chuckled at his suggestion of a new hair colour. She didn't think they all needed to be so dreary, especially if by some unforeseen error on her part the dye decided to be semi-permanent. The less she had to do, the better.

Her thoughts were brought to life by Ruth, who commented on the temporary nature of the dye. The doctor was confident that she'd done everything right but when Ruth brought it up, she involuntarily thought, Ooh, don't jinx it!

She gave a final grin to Ruth and waved to Kyle as they both headed out, then she returned her attention to Seo. 

[Jemason Seo]

[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.

Jem had made himself scarce pretty quickly after that. Content that everyone seemed to be on the same page, he'd politely said his goodbyes and left Doctor Belmont with the wine and flowers.

Even if he'd wanted to hang around and chat more - and truthfully, he did - his introvert batteries were well on their way to being drained. Still, it gave him a warm buzz to know the awkward part was done.

For now, at least.

---

[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

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

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.

Ensign Seo examined his new look in the hand-mirror he'd been using to apply the cosmetics so far. He didn't hate this look, frankly. A little too on the Romulan side of pointy-ears for his liking, but he thought he made a good looking Vulcan. He missed the spots, though.

What's a 'buck', anyway?

Aera had heard the word a couple of times back on Earth. It's a male deer, I think. A deer is a forest creature, like pacoops back home. Don't ask me the significance of a million of them, though.

"Thanks, Doc." I think. Jem smiled.

---

[Abandoned Warehouse - Syrtis Major - Zindi Moran]

The away team materialized as planned in an old warehouse at the edge of town that sensors confirmed had no Morani life signs around. Exiting the building, they made their way on foot to the nearest public transportation, a large wheeled vehicle called a 'bus' and reached the city center roughly 45 minutes later. None of the other passengers paid the away team any attention, all seemed to be preoccupied with their own thoughts and problems.

On reaching their destination, the away team found the city streets crowded with workers moving about hurriedly on tasks only they knew. A discrete glance at a tricorder hidden in a local accessory known as a purse indicated they were close to their objective, the source of the subspace transmitter. The cacophony of sounds from the extensive vehicle traffic mixed with the sounds of heavy equipment was disorienting. Pushing aside the distractions, the team soon found themselves outside the building that had to be housing the transmitter. Garshdepuk Industries in large gold letters were above the entrance. A surreptitious investigation prior to their beaming down indicated the corporation was a large conglomerate of holdings that included advanced technical interests and this particular building was their research center.

So far, they had avoided attention by mainly blending in and not interacting with any of the locals. Now, they had a decision, how to enter the building and find the transmitter. They had two obvious options, openly or covertly with each having pros and cons. The real question was, what option provided the best possibility of success?

These people were so... normal.

Espionage wasn't exactly Jem's specialty. Nor was anthropology, for that matter. No, his worry was on the air, and the myriad alien bacteria they were breathing in. Just think about the microbiological filters on the transporter buffer, he thought, I'll just try to avoid mushrooms if I can.

On the subject of espionage, though, Jem had rather thought somebody might've thought of an idea by now. Instead, the group was just standing in the street, rather awkwardly. He looked to the Morani that, earlier, had been Commander Briggs.

"So," he shrugged, "do we just go up to the front desk and ask? I mean, they're expecting us... right?"

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

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

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian took the proffered cup and placed on the arm of the command chair before replying with a smile.

"Thank you for the thought Mister ch'Verret, but I never learned ta like coffee. I'm more of a tea drinker. Black chai in specific, but I'm good for now. As for this away team on Risa, I suppose it's within the realm of the possible. In a universe where space Nazis exist, a situation on Risa requirin' our personal attention can't be impossible."

Lahr, seated at Ops, glanced back towards the Captain, his antenna dipping slightly at having gotten the order wrong.  "Black chai.  I'll remember that for next time."

As he turned back towards the front, he caught sight of Mondo's expression as the Hupyrian spoke.

USS Challenger - Bridge

Mondo smiled at his friend Lahr- the only person he could claim as a friend on the ship, really.  They'd been through a lot together over the past year or so.  They'd fought the same bloody war, mourned the same dead compatriots.

But when Lahr mentioned finding trouble on Risa, Mondo's smile faded like morning dew under a bright noonday sun.

"You might be surprised at how much trouble you can find on Risa," he said softly.  His mind returned to that day when he'd been forced to kill a woman with his bare hands.  He could still see Dona'be's bloody features.  The broken furniture sticking out of her body.

The moment would be with him forever.  But it didn't have to dominate his life.  It couldn't.  Not if he was going to keep his Oath of Service.

"If the Captain is not going to enjoy the coffee, Lahr, I would be grateful of it."

It couldn't hurt to have a light stimulant to keep him alert over this shift.  If there was a threat force present, and they objected to the Challenger's visit, things could become vigorous without much warning.

The quiet way Nari replied and the fading of the man's smile, told Lahr that he'd tread on some unpleasant memory.  The Andorian's antenna drooped more.  So much for trying to trying to do something nice and make a light of being left behind.

But then Nari inquired after the coffee and Lahr looked to the Captain to see if he'd be willing to pass off the 'gift'.   "Sure, if the Captain don't mind. You can owe him a Black Chai later."

He turned his attention back to his console and waited for the away to beam down.

[Short while later....]

[Abandoned Warehouse - Syrtis Major - Zindi Moran]

The away team materialized as planned in an old warehouse at the edge of town that sensors confirmed had no Morani life signs around. Exiting the building, they made their way on foot to the nearest public transportation, a large wheeled vehicle called a 'bus' and reached the city center roughly 45 minutes later. None of the other passengers paid the away team any attention, all seemed to be preoccupied with their own thoughts and problems.

On reaching their destination, the away team found the city streets crowded with workers moving about hurriedly on tasks only they knew. A discrete glance at a tricorder hidden in a local accessory known as a purse indicated they were close to their objective, the source of the subspace transmitter. The cacophony of sounds from the extensive vehicle traffic mixed with the sounds of heavy equipment was disorienting. Pushing aside the distractions, the team soon found themselves outside the building that had to be housing the transmitter. Garshdepuk Industries in large gold letters were above the entrance. A surreptitious investigation prior to their beaming down indicated the corporation was a large conglomerate of holdings that included advanced technical interests and this particular building was their research center.

So far, they had avoided attention by mainly blending in and not interacting with any of the locals. Now, they had a decision, how to enter the building and find the transmitter. They had two obvious options, openly or covertly with each having pros and cons. The real question was, what option provided the best possibility of success?

"Successful beam down, sir." Lahr reported out, then focused his sensors into tracking the away teams movements.  He tracked the team via their unique lifesigns.

Over the space of 45 minutes the away team traveled a meandering path from the edge of the town towards the city center, where the the subspace signal was being transmitted from.

"The team is within 500 meters of the signal source." Lahr informed the Captain.

[T'eala]

[Abandoned Warehouse - Syrtis Major - Zindi Moran]

The away team materialized as planned in an old warehouse at the edge of town that sensors confirmed had no Morani life signs around. Exiting the building, they made their way on foot to the nearest public transportation, a large wheeled vehicle called a 'bus' and reached the city center roughly 45 minutes later. None of the other passengers paid the away team any attention, all seemed to be preoccupied with their own thoughts and problems.

On reaching their destination, the away team found the city streets crowded with workers moving about hurriedly on tasks only they knew. A discrete glance at a tricorder hidden in a local accessory known as a purse indicated they were close to their objective, the source of the subspace transmitter. The cacophony of sounds from the extensive vehicle traffic mixed with the sounds of heavy equipment was disorienting. Pushing aside the distractions, the team soon found themselves outside the building that had to be housing the transmitter. Garshdepuk Industries in large gold letters were above the entrance. A surreptitious investigation prior to their beaming down indicated the corporation was a large conglomerate of holdings that included advanced technical interests and this particular building was their research center.

So far, they had avoided attention by mainly blending in and not interacting with any of the locals. Now, they had a decision, how to enter the building and find the transmitter. They had two obvious options, openly or covertly with each having pros and cons. The real question was, what option provided the best possibility of success?

Now Starfleet was really providing. The young ensign could help but to hold a very strong grin at the end of the beam down. This would be a first hand look at a pre-warp civilization. Blending in wasn't too hard from the physical sense. However, T'eala wondered how her natural feel for emotional states would be an asset for the away team. She had no prior trials of extending her empathy out towards the Morani.

The next delight came in the form of the identified "public bus". The locomotive had a very rustic feel towards the pilot. Her eyes focused in on that of the Morani behind the helm of the vehicle. She attempted to not completely out herself as an awkward gawker - still, she knew the value of learning. In the chance this away mission would need her to take the wheel of one of these things, she had to be prepared.

'Pedal system, two pads.' She thought inwardly to herself. There was little doubt that one was for the acceleration of the bus and the opposite it's break. This was pertinent information, her eyes shifted upwards. 'Two shifting sticks sectionals.' She watched diligently as the driver would make turns and signals as he navigated the street layout of the Morani cityscape. T'eala was quickly retaining his shifts and signals, deducing that the centered console controlled the shifting of the bus. The other made signals as this vehicle shared close real estate with others of different makes and models.

It was far from flying a starship, however she was swiftly gaining a confidence in herself. This grounded piloting didn't seem as difficult in comparison to her assigned duties on the Challenger. Her initial musings about the number of Morani within the vehicle were innocently ignorant from the start. Her initial assessment was that the passengers on the large vehicle were crew members of the Bus. This was soon disproved with departure of Morani and arrival of others at subsequent stops. 'I should have taken a course study on pre-developed xenoanthropology.' She'd leave the thought for later assessment.

[Vasilisa Belmont]

Jem had made himself scarce pretty quickly after that. Content that everyone seemed to be on the same page, he'd politely said his goodbyes and left Doctor Belmont with the wine and flowers.

Even if he'd wanted to hang around and chat more - and truthfully, he did - his introvert batteries were well on their way to being drained. Still, it gave him a warm buzz to know the awkward part was done.

For now, at least.

[CMO's Quarters - Several days previous]

Seo hadn't said much before he made his exit, and she was fine with that. Next time she'd try to talk to him in a much more public way. With a group of friends, or maybe she'd take him with a bunch of colleagues to a medical seminar or something. He was an interesting person and she knew she'd get to know him better somehow. They'd already made a start, even if it hadn't gone as smooth as she'd hoped. She was happy she knew now at any rate.

Ensign Seo examined his new look in the hand-mirror he'd been using to apply the cosmetics so far. He didn't hate this look, frankly. A little too on the Romulan side of pointy-ears for his liking, but he thought he made a good looking Vulcan. He missed the spots, though.

What's a 'buck', anyway?

Aera had heard the word a couple of times back on Earth. It's a male deer, I think. A deer is a forest creature, like pacoops back home. Don't ask me the significance of a million of them, though.

"Thanks, Doc." I think. Jem smiled.

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Once Seo made his final checks in the mirror and thanked her, she showed her last cosmetic patient out.

"Hey, don't thank me, you did all the work! See you when you get back."

With everyone gone, she went to her office to write down a couple specifics about her fun makeup day for the report she'd eventually have to make. It didn't take long and when she was done she thought for a moment, then headed for the turbolift. All the excitement would probably be on the Bridge now, if her history on this ship was any indicator.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

She felt a little more comfortable this time as she stepped onto the Bridge. It was weird to remember that as CMO she was trained in command a little. She didn't usually think about it, but if things got sour she'd actually be needed here on the Bridge for once.

Grateful that nothing like that had ever happened to her yet, she settled into a random chair she found and listened to the commentary between the Bridge crew. Once again it was refreshing to be getting updates about the away team as they happened, and she almost let a smile slip as she heard Lahr confirming the beam down.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

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

Ruth's teasing remark about his antenna being tuned into Ruth Radio got a laugh from the Andorian, but he noted that she openly welcomed his offer, so he stepped into the turbolift with her.

When she questioned about his excitement for the away mission, he understood her confusion.  He gave a bit of shrug.  "Not sure why, but yeah I am kinda hoping to be picked for the mission."

He shook his head when Ruth mentioned planning to speak to Captain Galloway about his aversion to away missions.  "No. I'd rather you didn't.  Things are as bad as they were.  Leyton's been dealt with ...  I think it's time I got over this."  Besides which, Lahr didn't want the Captain thinking less of him.  He'd only just got the man to tolerate him - by joining in the Flying Tigers... he didn't need to mar that with his PTSD issues.   "My counseling is going really well," he lied, "So its not as much of an issue anymore.  So you can just forget about it."

Ruth's follow-up remark about him sticking out like a sore thumb hinted that Lahr's hope wasn't likely to be realized. Some times there were big drawbacks to being blue and having antennae.   "Yeah don't worry.   I'll keep a close eye on you all if I do end up stuck up here."

She then leaned forward and whispered in his ear, followed up with a kiss to that rather ticklish spot.   He shivered a moment before answering her question even as she was walking away.  "You'll be back before then.  But yeah, I'll check in on her at my next break."

[Sickbay - Corridor, prior to the make-over]

Ruth blinked twice and then smiled. "I'm glad you're feeling that way, means we might get to be on a mission together at some point and, more importantly, that you're healing.  I know Dr. Vaughan helped you physically, but the mental scars are far more difficult to deal with, trust me, I know.  But we can get you on a few easier away missions to get your confidence up, maybe?"

The CSO grinned and nodded at the Sickbay doors.  "Time for my makeover baby, thanks for checking on Skye.  And remember I love you."

[Sickbay - Next day]

Kyle stayed professional as Doctor Belmont worked on his prostheses with the exception of a very small smile he let slip as she held his hands and worked on the them. Her own hands were very soft and they felt nice.

"It looks great, Doc." he assured her when she finished and teased him.

He stood off to the side with Ruth and joked around as the doctor finished helping Seo with his make up.

Kyle grinned and threw up his hands in surrender as he looked at Lisa as to say I'll be have. and then looked back at Ruth.

"I don't know. New position, new rank, new guy. Maybe a new hair color wouldn't be so bad." he teased back. "Let's get out of here folks. We've got us a mission planet side."

They left out and made their way down.

[Sickbay - USS Challenger - next day]

Lisa showed T'eala and Ruth out, however Ruth decided to wait for Kyle which made sense if she didn't want to wait around in the transporter room.

While she worked on Kyle's makeup, just like the night before she saw that certain smile show on his face. It appeared while she covered his hands in the dye but she pretended not to notice, focusing on her task.

When she was done with Ruth, T'eala, and Kyle, she made her witty comments to the away team members and Ruth threw back her own silly commentary.

She laughed at the science chief's comment.

"I bet," she played along with the beauty pageant and Kyle's looks, her cheeks lightly blushing at the latter as she went off to help Seo.

Kyle and Ruth were still there teasing each other and she caught him looking at her after Ruth's joke while she mixed up Seo's dye.

She gave him a quick glance with I'm sure you will written on it, then chuckled at his suggestion of a new hair colour. She didn't think they all needed to be so dreary, especially if by some unforeseen error on her part the dye decided to be semi-permanent. The less she had to do, the better.

Her thoughts were brought to life by Ruth, who commented on the temporary nature of the dye. The doctor was confident that she'd done everything right but when Ruth brought it up, she involuntarily thought, Ooh, don't jinx it!

She gave a final grin to Ruth and waved to Kyle as they both headed out, then she returned her attention to Seo.

[Sickbay, post makeover]

Ruth caught the blush on Lisa's cheeks, but then she knew that Kyle was enough to make most women hot under the collar.  She'd been close to dating him at one point in their past and he wasn't exactly unattractive.  Her comment was meant to indicate that, he was still possibly one of the most attractive, ok... sexy, men on the ship.  Granted she was more than happy with Lahr, nothing was going to change that, but she'd have to be blind and half dead not to acknowledge solid fact!

So it wasn't surprising that a young woman like Lisa found him attractive too!

"I was joking about MacDuff, Kyle... don't you read Shakespeare.  So what we calling you on this mission?" she looked at the other members of the Away Team. "Hopefully we are all ordinary looking as far as the locals go, since maybe being Ms. Local Beauty Queen... or King probably isn't the best idea if we want to be unobtrusive?! Average Joe or Jane much better."

[Abandoned Warehouse - Syrtis Major - Zindi Moran]

The away team materialized as planned in an old warehouse at the edge of town that sensors confirmed had no Morani life signs around. Exiting the building, they made their way on foot to the nearest public transportation, a large wheeled vehicle called a 'bus' and reached the city center roughly 45 minutes later. None of the other passengers paid the away team any attention, all seemed to be preoccupied with their own thoughts and problems.

On reaching their destination, the away team found the city streets crowded with workers moving about hurriedly on tasks only they knew. A discrete glance at a tricorder hidden in a local accessory known as a purse indicated they were close to their objective, the source of the subspace transmitter. The cacophony of sounds from the extensive vehicle traffic mixed with the sounds of heavy equipment was disorienting. Pushing aside the distractions, the team soon found themselves outside the building that had to be housing the transmitter. Garshdepuk Industries in large gold letters were above the entrance. A surreptitious investigation prior to their beaming down indicated the corporation was a large conglomerate of holdings that included advanced technical interests and this particular building was their research center.

So far, they had avoided attention by mainly blending in and not interacting with any of the locals. Now, they had a decision, how to enter the building and find the transmitter. They had two obvious options, openly or covertly with each having pros and cons. The real question was, what option provided the best possibility of success?

[City Centre, Syrtis Major - Zindi Moran]

Having caught the bus, (something that wasn't too unfamiliar a sensation for Ruth being from Earth and living in the country where more modern hover vehicles weren't so popular, regular combustion engines were still commonplace in the villages outside of Trondheim.  Sure they knew what say, a Federation shuttlecraft looked like, or the Delta Flyer.. but mostly because of Ruth having been a high ranking officer and visiting home.  They were just as likely to see her in her bi-plane the Beech Staggerwing if she was home for longer than a... um... 'flying visit'!) they ended up in the town.

All through the journey she'd been resisting the urge to sing 'The Wheels on the Bus go round and round...'

While they hadn't interacted with any of the locals as yet other than polite nods from Ruth herself copying the mannerisms of the locals who seemed to mostly be in worlds of their own, if they even got a first glance, let alone a second.  She would have smiled, but they were dashing about one their own business not giving time to anyone.

"So,.." the CSO said in a hushed tone, having confirmed a few readings while taking out a pocket handkerchief out of the 'purse' and wiping imaginary dust from the corner of her eye, "...Garshdepuk Industries, do we make up an excuse to go in and get an appointment with the head honcho, or try to get in as cleaners or something.  As in blatantly or more surrepticiously.  I'm voting we find something akin to a coffee shop if we can and discuss plans there if we can without looking too out of place, see if we can get better scans of the place while we discuss what to do next.  Anyone but me noticed that they have this 'don't care' or maybe even slightly scared of something look about them, drugs? hypnotised? or just under the thumb.  Kyle, you're the boss what we doing? I'm just throwing out ideas here."

[Ian Galloway]

USS Challenger - Bridge

Mondo smiled at his friend Lahr- the only person he could claim as a friend on the ship, really.  They'd been through a lot together over the past year or so.  They'd fought the same bloody war, mourned the same dead compatriots.

But when Lahr mentioned finding trouble on Risa, Mondo's smile faded like morning dew under a bright noonday sun.

"You might be surprised at how much trouble you can find on Risa," he said softly.  His mind returned to that day when he'd been forced to kill a woman with his bare hands.  He could still see Dona'be's bloody features.  The broken furniture sticking out of her body.

The moment would be with him forever.  But it didn't have to dominate his life.  It couldn't.  Not if he was going to keep his Oath of Service.

"If the Captain is not going to enjoy the coffee, Lahr, I would be grateful of it."

It couldn't hurt to have a light stimulant to keep him alert over this shift.  If there was a threat force present, and they objected to the Challenger's visit, things could become vigorous without much warning.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

On hearing Mondo's request, Ian stood and brought the cup to the tactical station.

"Here you go Mister Nari. Let it never be said that I was ever too dense ta nae ken that anything I accomplish is because of those who serve the Challenger and was so full of himself that he could nae bring a cup of coffee ta a member of the crew. Regardless of title, I'm just the bloke with the privilege ta work with such fine people."

On handing the cup to the security officer. He stretched and returned to the command chair.

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

Lahr, seated at Ops, glanced back towards the Captain, his antenna dipping slightly at having gotten the order wrong.  "Black chai.  I'll remember that for next time."

As he turned back towards the front, he caught sight of Mondo's expression as the Hupyrian spoke.

The quiet way Nari replied and the fading of the man's smile, told Lahr that he'd tread on some unpleasant memory.  The Andorian's antenna drooped more.  So much for trying to trying to do something nice and make a light of being left behind.

But then Nari inquired after the coffee and Lahr looked to the Captain to see if he'd be willing to pass off the 'gift'.   "Sure, if the Captain don't mind. You can owe him a Black Chai later."

He turned his attention back to his console and waited for the away to beam down.

[Short while later....]

"Successful beam down, sir." Lahr reported out, then focused his sensors into tracking the away teams movements.  He tracked the team via their unique lifesigns.

Over the space of 45 minutes the away team traveled a meandering path from the edge of the town towards the city center, where the the subspace signal was being transmitted from.

"The team is within 500 meters of the signal source." Lahr informed the Captain.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

When Lahr made his report. Ian nodded absently as he replied even though the Andorian couldn't see him.

"Very good Mister ch'Verret, now comes the part that will never sit well with me. The bloody wait."