S4:E7 - A Gathering of Angels

[Ian Galloway]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian watched the viewscreen as the Challenger departed what was probably the most famous space stations in the Alpha Quadrant, Deep Space Nine. The image then shifted from aftwards to forward and he thrilled at the sight of the worm hole opening as the ship made the transit to the Gamma Quadrant. Once all departments reported all systems nominal, he ordered the helm to go to maximum warp. Satisfied that all was well, he began a new log entry.

"Captain's Log. Stardate 75924.2. While we were at Deep Space Nine, we received orders ta transit the worm hole and head for space station Katra. There we are ta receive the most recent upgrade ta the Challenger's previous chief engineer's point-of-impact shieldin'. Seems Starfleet has made several improvements and the system is bein' implemented fleetwide.

"Rumors are rampant as ta why we are goin' out ta such a remote outpost for the upgrades. The speculation runs from the station has had run ins with the 'True Dominion' ta a possible invasion from the Mirror Universe. Regardless of these fanciful reasons, the truth is much more mundane. The mandate of Starfleet has always been ta seek out new worlds and civilizations and once more prepared, the ships upgraded at Katra will head out and do just that, make first contact with those that call the Gamma Quadrant home. I am lookin' forward to this as Challenger has been a war horse for too bloody long and deserves the chance ta be a science vessel again. End Log."

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Departing DS9]

Lahr's antenna were all a-quiver in excitement and apprehension as the ship left DS9 and headed into the wormhole.  He'd heard rumors about the wormhole aliens or 'Prophets' as they were known to the Bajoran people.  Of course, no one had made contact with them since Sisko's time.  Yet in all that time, the wormhole to the Gamma Quadrant remained stable.

As the wormhole opened up, Lahr gazed on in it in wonder.  Sights like this were the reason he joined Starfleet.  He never would have seen a sight like this if he'd become a merchant like his parents.

Nor would he have ever envisioned traveling this far.  The Gamma Quadrant.  The next unexplored wilderness.

As the wormhole deposited them out into a whole other quadrant of the galaxy, Lahr had the ships long range sensors feed new starchart info into the navigation system, repositioning them.  New Bajor was only a few hours away.   That's where Mondo was going to be headed to take a condensed officer's program.  He'd departed from DS9 on a shuttle the other day.

Lahr wondered if he'd asked the Captain whether Galloway would have recommended him to the program.  Given how things had been between them since the Kressari vessel thing, Lahr doubted it.  Now it seemed to Lahr that the Captain questioned all his reports.. or maybe Lahr was just being hyper-sensitive.  Either way, the Andorian didn't feel appreciated and so kept his usually friendly banter to himself - and had stopped attending the holodeck.  Whether the Captain noticed either of these changes in his behavior, was a mystery to Lahr.

If truth be told Lahr had been a little shocked at the beating he heard the Kressari freighter Captain took.  Did the man break Federation law? Hell yeah, several times over.  Did that deserve a physical beating before being incarcerated?  Lahr wasn't quite of the same mind as several others of the crew.   Lahr liked Mondo... really he did!  But there was a reason Lahr was never good security material.   Fighting was never something the Andorian enjoyed.

To Lahr, the Hupyrian being held hostage shouldn't have meant that the Kressari was beaten senseless; not when a single phaser shot would have dealt with the situation less violently.  The beating seemed more like revenge and venting of anger than any sort of Federation justice.  Of course, Lahr's way of looking at it was not a popular viewpoint among the crew that tended to love their 'Battle Butler' and for the most part didn't think the Captain went far enough.

So Lahr kept his thoughts to himself and didn't do anything beyond his job.  Shifts on the bridge were very quiet - that seemed to be the way the Captain preferred it.

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Trialus system - approaching planet Meridian and Katra Station in orbit](three days later)

The Captain had timed the ship's arrival for the Alpha shift.  This meant Lahr had the pleasure of seeing first hand such sights like the view on the mainscreen currently.   He was looking forward to some time off, not that such a small station looked like it would have much in the way of entertainments.  But maybe he could convince Ruth to use her privilege to get them some holodeck time.

"Katra Station directly ahead, sir."

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Departing DS9]

Lahr's antenna were all a-quiver in excitement and apprehension as the ship left DS9 and headed into the wormhole.  He'd heard rumors about the wormhole aliens or 'Prophets' as they were known to the Bajoran people.  Of course, no one had made contact with them since Sisko's time.  Yet in all that time, the wormhole to the Gamma Quadrant remained stable.

As the wormhole opened up, Lahr gazed on in it in wonder.  Sights like this were the reason he joined Starfleet.  He never would have seen a sight like this if he'd become a merchant like his parents.

Nor would he have ever envisioned traveling this far.  The Gamma Quadrant.  The next unexplored wilderness.

As the wormhole deposited them out into a whole other quadrant of the galaxy, Lahr had the ships long range sensors feed new starchart info into the navigation system, repositioning them.  New Bajor was only a few hours away.   That's where Mondo was going to be headed to take a condensed officer's program.  He'd departed from DS9 on a shuttle the other day.

Lahr wondered if he'd asked the Captain whether Galloway would have recommended him to the program.  Given how things had been between them since the Kressari vessel thing, Lahr doubted it.  Now it seemed to Lahr that the Captain questioned all his reports.. or maybe Lahr was just being hyper-sensitive.  Either way, the Andorian didn't feel appreciated and so kept his usually friendly banter to himself - and had stopped attending the holodeck.  Whether the Captain noticed either of these changes in his behavior, was a mystery to Lahr.

If truth be told Lahr had been a little shocked at the beating he heard the Kressari freighter Captain took.  Did the man break Federation law? Hell yeah, several times over.  Did that deserve a physical beating before being incarcerated?  Lahr wasn't quite of the same mind as several others of the crew.   Lahr liked Mondo... really he did!  But there was a reason Lahr was never good security material.   Fighting was never something the Andorian enjoyed.

To Lahr, the Hupyrian being held hostage shouldn't have meant that the Kressari was beaten senseless; not when a single phaser shot would have dealt with the situation less violently.  The beating seemed more like revenge and venting of anger than any sort of Federation justice.  Of course, Lahr's way of looking at it was not a popular viewpoint among the crew that tended to love their 'Battle Butler' and for the most part didn't think the Captain went far enough.

So Lahr kept his thoughts to himself and didn't do anything beyond his job.  Shifts on the bridge were very quiet - that seemed to be the way the Captain preferred it.

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Trialus system - approaching planet Meridian and Katra Station in orbit](three days later)

The Captain had timed the ship's arrival for the Alpha shift.  This meant Lahr had the pleasure of seeing first hand such sights like the view on the mainscreen currently.   He was looking forward to some time off, not that such a small station looked like it would have much in the way of entertainments.  But maybe he could convince Ruth to use her privilege to get them some holodeck time.

"Katra Station directly ahead, sir."

[Bridge - USS Challenger - Approaching Katra Station]

"I know this is still work, and I'm wondering why we had to come all the way over here, but oooh I'm looking forward to this, there are people I need to discuss with, like Lt. Falleg-Tekin, she wants to know about the space whale we had over at Innominatum if you remember that?!" she said with a smile at those who'd been there.  "Pity we had to leave Mondo, I think he'd enjoy seeing the Falleg children, I know they send him things from time to time.  Be warned they apparently 'adopt' everyone, I've been told it's peaceful assimilation! Captain, you've met them I believe, having been their father's Executive Officer for years, is it true?!" she asked.

"I'm so glad I managed to get the qoods that I'd ordered for Yule delivered to DS9 and picked up a few more.  I figure we're here early enough that I if I've missed anyone there's gonna be a promenade and shops and... I wonder what things there might be to do.  I got the main pressies tho, Captain, Kyle, Lisa, all of my department gets something too... Oh I just love Yule!"

The CSO knew that she hadn't mentioned Lahr's pressie but she hoped that he knew he was getting something.  Actually he was getting several somethings, and the twins were bringing more things.  She'd managed to arrange with Lt. Falleg that the twins could travel with her, Ruthie and there was some other girl, a friend of Ruthie Falleg-Tekin apparently, who was going to Katra for the holidays too, it had seemed sensible when the girls asked her, to let them travel with their Academy peers, especially when she'd found out they were all going to Katra.  Originally the idea had been for them to come as far as DS9 with the others then get a shuttle to wherever Ruth was going to be.

"Oh Petty Officer,.." she said turning fully to Lahr but addressing him correctly since they were on the Bridge.  "They said to tell you that they expect to teach you ALL the Yule traditions and they're bringing a horn, a goatskin and all the gubbins with them!" she said cryptically.

"I suppose I should be grateful they aren't bringing an actual goat and they agreed that we'll find a Greek restaurant to have the goat meat to eat by way of kebabs!" she chuckled.

"Oh and they remember 'that' dinner in the Officer's Mess with fondness." she turned back to her console, but you could see her shoulders shaking with merriment.

She very naughtily sent a picture to Lahr's console as an encrypted message only containing a photo...

She moved her feet, uncrossing her ankles and heard a protesting 'Mrrrrp'

"HUXLEY!! What you doing in here, is the code on your collar on the blink again.  Captain, I'm sorry.  If you haven't yet met the ship's cat this is Huxley!" she said dragging him out by the scruff of his neck.  "And... he should not be on the Bridge, he normally skulks around the Flight Deck and keeps any small beasties down in the cargo bay.  His collar was..."

She checked to see if the tag was still on his collar.  "... oh I see, no collar.  When did you loose that?  Petty Officer do you still have the specs and can one be replicated forthwith?  With your permission I'll get him out of here.  Least he wasn't on your seat.  That's how I first found him, curled up on my seat like he owned the place!"

[T'eala]

[Bridge - USS Challenger - Approaching Katra Station]

"I know this is still work, and I'm wondering why we had to come all the way over here, but oooh I'm looking forward to this, there are people I need to discuss with, like Lt. Falleg-Tekin, she wants to know about the space whale we had over at Innominatum if you remember that?!" she said with a smile at those who'd been there.  "Pity we had to leave Mondo, I think he'd enjoy seeing the Falleg children, I know they send him things from time to time.  Be warned they apparently 'adopt' everyone, I've been told it's peaceful assimilation! Captain, you've met them I believe, having been their father's Executive Officer for years, is it true?!" she asked.

"I'm so glad I managed to get the qoods that I'd ordered for Yule delivered to DS9 and picked up a few more.  I figure we're here early enough that I if I've missed anyone there's gonna be a promenade and shops and... I wonder what things there might be to do.  I got the main pressies tho, Captain, Kyle, Lisa, all of my department gets something too... Oh I just love Yule!"

The CSO knew that she hadn't mentioned Lahr's pressie but she hoped that he knew he was getting something.  Actually he was getting several somethings, and the twins were bringing more things.  She'd managed to arrange with Lt. Falleg that the twins could travel with her, Ruthie and there was some other girl, a friend of Ruthie Falleg-Tekin apparently, who was going to Katra for the holidays too, it had seemed sensible when the girls asked her, to let them travel with their Academy peers, especially when she'd found out they were all going to Katra.  Originally the idea had been for them to come as far as DS9 with the others then get a shuttle to wherever Ruth was going to be.

"Oh Petty Officer,.." she said turning fully to Lahr but addressing him correctly since they were on the Bridge.  "They said to tell you that they expect to teach you ALL the Yule traditions and they're bringing a horn, a goatskin and all the gubbins with them!" she said cryptically.

"I suppose I should be grateful they aren't bringing an actual goat and they agreed that we'll find a Greek restaurant to have the goat meat to eat by way of kebabs!" she chuckled.

"Oh and they remember 'that' dinner in the Officer's Mess with fondness." she turned back to her console, but you could see her shoulders shaking with merriment.

She very naughtily sent a picture to Lahr's console as an encrypted message only containing a photo...

She moved her feet, uncrossing her ankles and heard a protesting 'Mrrrrp'

"HUXLEY!! What you doing in here, is the code on your collar on the blink again.  Captain, I'm sorry.  If you haven't yet met the ship's cat this is Huxley!" she said dragging him out by the scruff of his neck.  "And... he should not be on the Bridge, he normally skulks around the Flight Deck and keeps any small beasties down in the cargo bay.  His collar was..."

She checked to see if the tag was still on his collar.  "... oh I see, no collar.  When did you loose that?  Petty Officer do you still have the specs and can one be replicated forthwith?  With your permission I'll get him out of here.  Least he wasn't on your seat.  That's how I first found him, curled up on my seat like he owned the place!"

Alpha shift, and T'eala was working in the groove on her seat. She wondered if it would remain with the Challenger's refit. Though she was far from being a seasoned member of the crew, she'd slowly grown accustomed to the routine. Still, her possible discomfort would be negligible in comparison to the greater mission at large - tackling the Gamma Quadrant.

Starfleet was an ambitious force in exploration, and the possibility to sight-see into the far corners of space was one of her reasons for signing on. She made the mental note to begin a personal journal of her new experiences.

"Breathtaking." a picturesque moment.

[Vasilisa Belmont]

[CMO's Quarters - USS Challenger]

Lisa yawned as the lights in her room gradually grew in brightness to simulate the sun rising. Her eyes fluttered open and she took her time sitting up and climbing out of bed.

"Green tea. Hot," she ordered from the replicator as she pulled on a robe and sat at her desk, pulling up any notifications that would have shown up while she was sleeping. All was quiet on the Sickbay front, no injuries needing her attention. She smiled as she saw that the latest update from the Bridge had been provided and it included that they had gone through the wormhole and were on their way to Katra station. The news was almost exciting enough for her to get dressed and head to the Bridge to get one of the best views, but she found she was enjoying her first day off and made the executive decision to mill about. She'd sit down and figure out what research project she wanted to start and show her face in Sickbay purely out of obligation, but other than figuring out plans for her dinner get together with Commander Briggs she had nothing to do. Wow. It felt pretty nice.

She ended up taking a long shower and lazily putting on her uniform before heading to shift, taking lunch in the Lounge so she could see a view of the wormhole before they entered the Gamma Quadrant on their way to Katra. This was wild. She'd have to write back to Earth about this, she hadn't corresponded with her parents in a long time and the holidays were coming up. Christmas on a space station, that wasn't something that happened every year. She'd be able to visit even more markets, find the perfect gifts for her friends, eat good food, it was almost like she was back on Earth.

A couple people came to Sickbay with injuries from overdoing various exercises in the holodeck, but there was a visible excitement coming off of every person she encountered. She let everyone leave their shift a few minutes early since they spent the last thirty minutes without anyone coming through the door. The boredom was enough that various members of her team had started a game of Hangman. She left amidst a loud applause as someone had either won or lost, and she smiled as she went back to her quarters to change into something more comfortable.

She knew Kyle would be coming off shift soon and he had no reason to stay longer so she waited for him to see the message she'd sent him while looking up various viruses and experimental medicines. Today was turning out to be a great day.

[Ian Galloway]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Departing DS9]

Lahr's antenna were all a-quiver in excitement and apprehension as the ship left DS9 and headed into the wormhole.  He'd heard rumors about the wormhole aliens or 'Prophets' as they were known to the Bajoran people.  Of course, no one had made contact with them since Sisko's time.  Yet in all that time, the wormhole to the Gamma Quadrant remained stable.

As the wormhole opened up, Lahr gazed on in it in wonder.  Sights like this were the reason he joined Starfleet.  He never would have seen a sight like this if he'd become a merchant like his parents.

Nor would he have ever envisioned traveling this far.  The Gamma Quadrant.  The next unexplored wilderness.

As the wormhole deposited them out into a whole other quadrant of the galaxy, Lahr had the ships long range sensors feed new starchart info into the navigation system, repositioning them.  New Bajor was only a few hours away.   That's where Mondo was going to be headed to take a condensed officer's program.  He'd departed from DS9 on a shuttle the other day.

Lahr wondered if he'd asked the Captain whether Galloway would have recommended him to the program.  Given how things had been between them since the Kressari vessel thing, Lahr doubted it.  Now it seemed to Lahr that the Captain questioned all his reports.. or maybe Lahr was just being hyper-sensitive.  Either way, the Andorian didn't feel appreciated and so kept his usually friendly banter to himself - and had stopped attending the holodeck.  Whether the Captain noticed either of these changes in his behavior, was a mystery to Lahr.

If truth be told Lahr had been a little shocked at the beating he heard the Kressari freighter Captain took.  Did the man break Federation law? Hell yeah, several times over.  Did that deserve a physical beating before being incarcerated?  Lahr wasn't quite of the same mind as several others of the crew.   Lahr liked Mondo... really he did!  But there was a reason Lahr was never good security material.   Fighting was never something the Andorian enjoyed.

To Lahr, the Hupyrian being held hostage shouldn't have meant that the Kressari was beaten senseless; not when a single phaser shot would have dealt with the situation less violently.  The beating seemed more like revenge and venting of anger than any sort of Federation justice.  Of course, Lahr's way of looking at it was not a popular viewpoint among the crew that tended to love their 'Battle Butler' and for the most part didn't think the Captain went far enough.

So Lahr kept his thoughts to himself and didn't do anything beyond his job.  Shifts on the bridge were very quiet - that seemed to be the way the Captain preferred it.

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Trialus system - approaching planet Meridian and Katra Station in orbit](three days later)

The Captain had timed the ship's arrival for the Alpha shift.  This meant Lahr had the pleasure of seeing first hand such sights like the view on the mainscreen currently.   He was looking forward to some time off, not that such a small station looked like it would have much in the way of entertainments.  But maybe he could convince Ruth to use her privilege to get them some holodeck time.

"Katra Station directly ahead, sir."

Alpha shift, and T'eala was working in the groove on her seat. She wondered if it would remain with the Challenger's refit. Though she was far from being a seasoned member of the crew, she'd slowly grown accustomed to the routine. Still, her possible discomfort would be negligible in comparison to the greater mission at large - tackling the Gamma Quadrant.

Starfleet was an ambitious force in exploration, and the possibility to sight-see into the far corners of space was one of her reasons for signing on. She made the mental note to begin a personal journal of her new experiences.

"Breathtaking." a picturesque moment.

[Bridge - USS Challenger - Approaching Katra Station]

"I know this is still work, and I'm wondering why we had to come all the way over here, but oooh I'm looking forward to this, there are people I need to discuss with, like Lt. Falleg-Tekin, she wants to know about the space whale we had over at Innominatum if you remember that?!" she said with a smile at those who'd been there.  "Pity we had to leave Mondo, I think he'd enjoy seeing the Falleg children, I know they send him things from time to time.  Be warned they apparently 'adopt' everyone, I've been told it's peaceful assimilation! Captain, you've met them I believe, having been their father's Executive Officer for years, is it true?!" she asked.

"I'm so glad I managed to get the qoods that I'd ordered for Yule delivered to DS9 and picked up a few more.  I figure we're here early enough that I if I've missed anyone there's gonna be a promenade and shops and... I wonder what things there might be to do.  I got the main pressies tho, Captain, Kyle, Lisa, all of my department gets something too... Oh I just love Yule!"

The CSO knew that she hadn't mentioned Lahr's pressie but she hoped that he knew he was getting something.  Actually he was getting several somethings, and the twins were bringing more things.  She'd managed to arrange with Lt. Falleg that the twins could travel with her, Ruthie and there was some other girl, a friend of Ruthie Falleg-Tekin apparently, who was going to Katra for the holidays too, it had seemed sensible when the girls asked her, to let them travel with their Academy peers, especially when she'd found out they were all going to Katra.  Originally the idea had been for them to come as far as DS9 with the others then get a shuttle to wherever Ruth was going to be.

"Oh Petty Officer,.." she said turning fully to Lahr but addressing him correctly since they were on the Bridge.  "They said to tell you that they expect to teach you ALL the Yule traditions and they're bringing a horn, a goatskin and all the gubbins with them!" she said cryptically.

"I suppose I should be grateful they aren't bringing an actual goat and they agreed that we'll find a Greek restaurant to have the goat meat to eat by way of kebabs!" she chuckled.

"Oh and they remember 'that' dinner in the Officer's Mess with fondness." she turned back to her console, but you could see her shoulders shaking with merriment.

She very naughtily sent a picture to Lahr's console as an encrypted message only containing a photo...

She moved her feet, uncrossing her ankles and heard a protesting 'Mrrrrp'

"HUXLEY!! What you doing in here, is the code on your collar on the blink again.  Captain, I'm sorry.  If you haven't yet met the ship's cat this is Huxley!" she said dragging him out by the scruff of his neck.  "And... he should not be on the Bridge, he normally skulks around the Flight Deck and keeps any small beasties down in the cargo bay.  His collar was..."

She checked to see if the tag was still on his collar.  "... oh I see, no collar.  When did you loose that?  Petty Officer do you still have the specs and can one be replicated forthwith?  With your permission I'll get him out of here.  Least he wasn't on your seat.  That's how I first found him, curled up on my seat like he owned the place!"

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian watched Katra grow in size on the viewscreen with mixed emotions. It was his second time at the station, last time he'd been here, he was the First Officer of the Discovery and engaged in a raging battle.

The thing that made him most uneasy were his memories of the Doud and the Numati. He hated the Doud for everything they stood for, but he was even more bitter about the Numati for their exploitation of Captain Tekin. He'd made a vow to watch the Doud exterminate the Numati and he wondered if he'd get to keep that vow while the Challenger was in the dock for her upgrades. He'd have to ask his one time friend Captain Solluk for the most recent intelligence reports on the two species.

"At least I'm a captain now, the uppity bugger won't be able ta dress me down this time."

Forcing himself back to the now, he spoke pleasantly.

"Mister ch'Verret, please hail the station for dockin' instructions. Steady as she goes Mister Ren, be prepared ta bring us in wherever they tell us ta park."

When Ruth spoke and brought the cat to his attention, he rolled his eyes, but maintained his pleasant tone as he replied.

"Given the long tradition of ship's cats, I suppose this... Huxley was it? Is welcome enough, but I do suggest you get that collar replaced. Last thing we need is a cat under foot on the bridge."

Ian winced at the obvious sub-text of Ruth's comments to Lahr. He ignored the commentary and concentrated on replying to her comments about Captain Tekin's children.

"Yes Commander, I remember the Tekin children, but to my knowledge I was not adopted. And since you brought it up you need not bother with anything for me. I'm not a believer and I find the whole season rather tedious. I plan ta spend my time catchin' up with a specific member of the Discovery's crew and possibly goin' on a very personal side trip, should the circumstances allow it."

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Departing DS9]

color=pink]"Breathtaking.[/color]" a picturesque moment.

Lahr glanced over to the helmswoman and saw her taking in the view.  He nodded in understanding. "I know, right?  It's moments like this that make all the bad stuff... kinda worth it."

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Trialus system - approaching planet Meridian and Katra Station in orbit] (three days later)

[Bridge - USS Challenger - Approaching Katra Station]

"I know this is still work, and I'm wondering why we had to come all the way over here, but oooh I'm looking forward to this, there are people I need to discuss with, like Lt. Falleg-Tekin, she wants to know about the space whale we had over at Innominatum if you remember that?!" she said with a smile at those who'd been there.  "Pity we had to leave Mondo, I think he'd enjoy seeing the Falleg children, I know they send him things from time to time.  Be warned they apparently 'adopt' everyone, I've been told it's peaceful assimilation! Captain, you've met them I believe, having been their father's Executive Officer for years, is it true?!" she asked.

"I'm so glad I managed to get the goods that I'd ordered for Yule delivered to DS9 and picked up a few more.  I figure we're here early enough that I if I've missed anyone there's gonna be a promenade and shops and... I wonder what things there might be to do.  I got the main pressies tho, Captain, Kyle, Lisa, all of my department gets something too... Oh I just love Yule!"

The CSO knew that she hadn't mentioned Lahr's pressie but she hoped that he knew he was getting something.  Actually he was getting several somethings, and the twins were bringing more things.  She'd managed to arrange with Lt. Falleg that the twins could travel with her, Ruthie and there was some other girl, a friend of Ruthie Falleg-Tekin apparently, who was going to Katra for the holidays too, it had seemed sensible when the girls asked her, to let them travel with their Academy peers, especially when she'd found out they were all going to Katra.  Originally the idea had been for them to come as far as DS9 with the others then get a shuttle to wherever Ruth was going to be.

"Oh Petty Officer,.." she said turning fully to Lahr but addressing him correctly since they were on the Bridge.  "They said to tell you that they expect to teach you ALL the Yule traditions and they're bringing a horn, a goatskin and all the gubbins with them!" she said cryptically.

"I suppose I should be grateful they aren't bringing an actual goat and they agreed that we'll find a Greek restaurant to have the goat meat to eat by way of kebabs!" she chuckled.

"Oh and they remember 'that' dinner in the Officer's Mess with fondness." she turned back to her console, but you could see her shoulders shaking with merriment.

She very naughtily sent a picture to Lahr's console as an encrypted message only containing a photo...

She moved her feet, uncrossing her ankles and heard a protesting 'Mrrrrp'

"HUXLEY!! What you doing in here, is the code on your collar on the blink again.  Captain, I'm sorry.  If you haven't yet met the ship's cat this is Huxley!" she said dragging him out by the scruff of his neck.  "And... he should not be on the Bridge, he normally skulks around the Flight Deck and keeps any small beasties down in the cargo bay.  His collar was..."

She checked to see if the tag was still on his collar.  "... oh I see, no collar.  When did you loose that?  Petty Officer do you still have the specs and can one be replicated forthwith?  With your permission I'll get him out of here.  Least he wasn't on your seat.  That's how I first found him, curled up on my seat like he owned the place!"

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian watched Katra grow in size on the viewscreen with mixed emotions. It was his second time at the station, last time he'd been here, he was the First Officer of the Discovery and engaged in a raging battle.

The thing that made him most uneasy were his memories of the Doud and the Numati. He hated the Doud for everything they stood for, but he was even more bitter about the Numati for their exploitation of Captain Tekin. He'd made a vow to watch the Doud exterminate the Numati and he wondered if he'd get to keep that vow while the Challenger was in the dock for her upgrades. He'd have to ask his one time friend Captain Solluk for the most recent intelligence reports on the two species.

"At least I'm a captain now, the uppity bugger won't be able ta dress me down this time."

Forcing himself back to the now, he spoke pleasantly.

"Mister ch'Verret, please hail the station for dockin' instructions. Steady as she goes Mister Ren, be prepared ta bring us in wherever they tell us ta park."

When Ruth spoke and brought the cat to his attention, he rolled his eyes, but maintained his pleasant tone as he replied.

"Given the long tradition of ship's cats, I suppose this... Huxley was it? Is welcome enough, but I do suggest you get that collar replaced. Last thing we need is a cat under foot on the bridge."

Ian winced at the obvious sub-text of Ruth's comments to Lahr. He ignored the commentary and concentrated on replying to her comments about Captain Tekin's children.

"Yes Commander, I remember the Tekin children, but to my knowledge I was not adopted. And since you brought it up you need not bother with anything for me. I'm not a believer and I find the whole season rather tedious. I plan ta spend my time catchin' up with a specific member of the Discovery's crew and possibly goin' on a very personal side trip, should the circumstances allow it."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

The Trailblazer-Class starship approached Katra slowly, on thrusters only, before stopping 100,000 kilometers from the station and began hailing Ops.

"Katra Station, this is Captain Ian Galloway of the USS Challenger requestin' permission ta dock and for shore leave."

Ruth's enthusiasm for the human holiday of Yule was amusing, not that Lahr didn't share in the joy of any reason to drink to excess.  But this one was a bit special, it would be their first together together.  He wanted it to be memorable.  Yet while Ruth had ordered gifts and had them sent to DS9 for pick-up, Lahr had tried the traditional route of 'window shopping' but as yet hadn't found anything that seemed right as a gift.  He was getting rather worried.

When the Captain called on him to Hail the station, Lahr did so.

The response back showed a view of the station's Command Center focused on a Romulan officer.

Lt Cmdr Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck One - OCC]

The image of Rayek, standing beside his wife with their 5 week old son in his arms would be sent along with his message "Welcome back to Katra Station.  Captain Galloway.  Belated Congratulations on your Captaincy.  Please have your ship make its' approach on the vector being sent.  You are being directed to Saucer One.  Custom checks will be conducted swiftly for all crew who are seeking shore leave. I hope you all have a pleasant visit with us while your ship undergoes it's upgrades."

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - OCC]

Tess looked up at the view screen, hoping to get a visual of the Challenger's Captain as he personally hailed the station. The Ba'ku glanced over to Rayek, knowing the ship held some memories for him.
When Rayek replied to Ian, Tess smiled and nodded along with his words. "Welcome to Katra, Captain."

A little later, Ruth's call out to him by his rank drew his attention, as she mentioned her siblings and their plans for him.  "Thanks for the forewarning. I'm looking forward to that.  I think"

If he thought that was the end to the teasing, he was sadly mistaken for a moment later Ruth commented on a certain dinner with the Captain he'd shared with the Twins.  His antenna twitched.  The twitch became a full-blown alarmed writhing when he opened an image on his PADD sent from Ruth that showed himself having just finished showering and Roohz... the Sigurdottir twins had taken pictures of that?!

The Andorian quickly closed the image and threw a glance over to Ruth, but dared not say anything lest he draw more attention to it.

He was grateful when attention turned to the cat and its missing collar.

While the ship was being brought in to berth above Saucer One and while Ruth was in conversation with the Captain about people from Discovery that Lahr knew nothing about and so wasn't interested in, Lahr worked on checking various specs for tracking collars for the cat Huxley.

"Ma'am, there is also the option of just 'chipping' the cat.  Upgrades to the technology make it all but unnoticeable and the chip can transmit 'open door' codes for all accessible areas and 'remain locked' signals for those areas that are off-limits to him."

[Ian Galloway]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Departing DS9]

Lahr glanced over to the helmswoman and saw her taking in the view.  He nodded in understanding. "I know, right?  It's moments like this that make all the bad stuff... kinda worth it."

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Trialus system - approaching planet Meridian and Katra Station in orbit] (three days later)

Ruth's enthusiasm for the human holiday of Yule was amusing, not that Lahr didn't share in the joy of any reason to drink to excess.  But this one was a bit special, it would be their first together together.  He wanted it to be memorable.  Yet while Ruth had ordered gifts and had them sent to DS9 for pick-up, Lahr had tried the traditional route of 'window shopping' but as yet hadn't found anything that seemed right as a gift.  He was getting rather worried.

When the Captain called on him to Hail the station, Lahr did so.

The response back showed a view of the station's Command Center focused on a Romulan officer.

A little later, Ruth's call out to him by his rank drew his attention, as she mentioned her siblings and their plans for him.  "Thanks for the forewarning. I'm looking forward to that.  I think"

If he thought that was the end to the teasing, he was sadly mistaken for a moment later Ruth commented on a certain dinner with the Captain he'd shared with the Twins.  His antenna twitched.  The twitch became a full-blown alarmed writhing when he opened an image on his PADD sent from Ruth that showed himself having just finished showering and Roohz... the Sigurdottir twins had taken pictures of that?!

The Andorian quickly closed the image and threw a glance over to Ruth, but dared not say anything lest he draw more attention to it.

He was grateful when attention turned to the cat and its missing collar.

While the ship was being brought in to berth above Saucer One and while Ruth was in conversation with the Captain about people from Discovery that Lahr knew nothing about and so wasn't interested in, Lahr worked on checking various specs for tracking collars for the cat Huxley.

"Ma'am, there is also the option of just 'chipping' the cat.  Upgrades to the technology make it all but unnoticeable and the chip can transmit 'open door' codes for all accessible areas and 'remain locked' signals for those areas that are off-limits to him."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian felt the docking clamps lock onto the ship and emitted a sigh of content before activating shipwide on the command chair.

"All hands this is the Captain. Secure from operations. Department heads, submit duty roster reflectin' minimum staffin' required ta support the yard personnel. All those not on duty are granted 48 hours of shore leave on the station. Enjoy your time aboard the station. Carry on."

Ian then rose and eyed the cat with suspicion before replying to Lahr.

"I think I like the chip idea, that way the little git can't slip his collar again. Whatever it takes ta keep him off the bridge. Alpha watch is now relieved, Beta watch, at minimal, has the deck and the conn."

Although Ian wanted nothing more than to go to his quarters and change to something comfortable before heading for the station, he knew he was obligated to visit the station's commander and instead of his quarters, he headed for the nearest airlock to get the task over with.

[Kyle Briggs]

USS Challenger - Bridge

Kyle took in the view of the starbase. This was his first time to Katra and he was looking forward to spending some time there. Hopefully with Lisa. As Ian left the Bridge, Kyle was waiting for the department heads to send in their rosters of the skeleton crews that would be staying aboard during the upgrades. While he was waiting, he keyed in a request for the computer to locate Doctor Belmont instead of asking allowed. They had only seen each other a couple of times and he wasn't sure where it was going but he didn't want to have others speculating about their relationship. The response was immediate.

Doctor Belmont is in her quarters.

"Sweet."he muttered to himself.

It only took about four minutes for the DH's to report in and the Beta shift detail had already taken their spots on the Bridge. Kyle had stayed in his own chair after the Captain had left and he now stood and turned to see Lieutenant Tennison standing just behind the command chairs. "It's all yours, Lieutenant." he offered as he motioned toward the big seat. He jumped into the lift and made his way to deck two for the senior officer's quarters.
___________________________________________________________________

CMO Quarters

Kyle approached Lisa's door and heard the chime announce his arrival.

"What's up, Doc?" he asked when she answered. "We've reached Katra Station and I was wondering if you had some time, maybe we could go spend some time over there together."

[Vasilisa Belmont]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian felt the docking clamps lock onto the ship and emitted a sigh of content before activating shipwide on the command chair.

"All hands this is the Captain. Secure from operations. Department heads, submit duty roster reflectin' minimum staffin' required ta support the yard personnel. All those not on duty are granted 48 hours of shore leave on the station. Enjoy your time aboard the station. Carry on."

Ian then rose and eyed the cat with suspicion before replying to Lahr.

"I think I like the chip idea, that way the little git can't slip his collar again. Whatever it takes ta keep him off the bridge. Alpha watch is now relieved, Beta watch, at minimal, has the deck and the conn."

Although Ian wanted nothing more than to go to his quarters and change to something comfortable before heading for the station, he knew he was obligated to visit the station's commander and instead of his quarters, he headed for the nearest airlock to get the task over with.

USS Challenger - Bridge

Kyle took in the view of the starbase. This was his first time to Katra and he was looking forward to spending some time there. Hopefully with Lisa. As Ian left the Bridge, Kyle was waiting for the department heads to send in their rosters of the skeleton crews that would be staying aboard during the upgrades. While he was waiting, he keyed in a request for the computer to locate Doctor Belmont instead of asking allowed. They had only seen each other a couple of times and he wasn't sure where it was going but he didn't want to have others speculating about their relationship. The response was immediate.

Doctor Belmont is in her quarters.

"Sweet."he muttered to himself.

It only took about four minutes for the DH's to report in and the Beta shift detail had already taken their spots on the Bridge. Kyle had stayed in his own chair after the Captain had left and he now stood and turned to see Lieutenant Tennison standing just behind the command chairs. "It's all yours, Lieutenant." he offered as he motioned toward the big seat. He jumped into the lift and made his way to deck two for the senior officer's quarters.
___________________________________________________________________

CMO Quarters

Kyle approached Lisa's door and heard the chime announce his arrival.

"What's up, Doc?" he asked when she answered. "We've reached Katra Station and I was wondering if you had some time, maybe we could go spend some time over there together."

[CMO Quarters]

Lisa was mildly interrupted by Captain Galloway's announcement, but luckily it was all happy news. Forty-eight whole hours without a patient or paperwork...it was music to her ears. All she had to do was submit a roster with the names of the unlucky people who had to stay, (who she felt slightly sorry for, but she had worked hard to earn this privilege so she felt she deserved it) and she'd be free. A few minutes after she finished the last line and sent her report she heard the door buzz and looked up.

"Enter."

She was no longer surprised by seeing the executive officer in her doorway, and she wasn't tired of it either. She smiled at his news and his offer.

"Well, since submitting that roster was the last thing I had to do today that means I'm free to go! I'd love to join you, and according to Captain Galloway I have forty-eight hours of time," she winked."I'll need a few minutes to pack...maybe we can see if anyone wants to join us as well?" She knew that Ruth was more than likely going to the station and would probably take Lahr and it could be fun to all go together. It wouldn't hurt to offer.

[T'eala]

Lahr glanced over to the helmswoman and saw her taking in the view.  He nodded in understanding. "I know, right?  It's moments like this that make all the bad stuff... kinda worth it."

"Poetry to my ears, Lahr." the Andorian wasn't lying.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian felt the docking clamps lock onto the ship and emitted a sigh of content before activating shipwide on the command chair.

"All hands this is the Captain. Secure from operations. Department heads, submit duty roster reflectin' minimum staffin' required ta support the yard personnel. All those not on duty are granted 48 hours of shore leave on the station. Enjoy your time aboard the station. Carry on."

Ian then rose and eyed the cat with suspicion before replying to Lahr.

"I think I like the chip idea, that way the little git can't slip his collar again. Whatever it takes ta keep him off the bridge. Alpha watch is now relieved, Beta watch, at minimal, has the deck and the conn."

Although Ian wanted nothing more than to go to his quarters and change to something comfortable before heading for the station, he knew he was obligated to visit the station's commander and instead of his quarters, he headed for the nearest airlock to get the task over with.

The arrival to Katra station brought the element of new to T'eala. It was a station she'd never had the pleasure of walking, until now. With the dismissal of Alpha, she pulled herself away from the helm. The Challenger would be in capable hands in her brief absence. Hell, with very little obligations, she figured she'd be back ahead of the ball. Shore leave was nice, but it wouldn't hurt to get an early jump on the nav's scheduled diagnostic.

"Sauna." She decisively muttered under her breath. That would be the bulk of her idle time spent on station. The Risian hot stone scrub was calling her name. A little rest had been earned by her efforts on the Challenger. Her mind shifted to her fellow crew mates, and what they'd be doing to occupy their time. With little personal connectivity towards any particular one on the ship, she pondered the possibility of latching on to someone - and make a friend.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian watched Katra grow in size on the viewscreen with mixed emotions. It was his second time at the station, last time he'd been here, he was the First Officer of the Discovery and engaged in a raging battle.

The thing that made him most uneasy were his memories of the Doud and the Numati. He hated the Doud for everything they stood for, but he was even more bitter about the Numati for their exploitation of Captain Tekin. He'd made a vow to watch the Doud exterminate the Numati and he wondered if he'd get to keep that vow while the Challenger was in the dock for her upgrades. He'd have to ask his one time friend Captain Solluk for the most recent intelligence reports on the two species.

"At least I'm a captain now, the uppity bugger won't be able ta dress me down this time."

Forcing himself back to the now, he spoke pleasantly.

"Mister ch'Verret, please hail the station for dockin' instructions. Steady as she goes Mister Ren, be prepared ta bring us in wherever they tell us ta park."

When Ruth spoke and brought the cat to his attention, he rolled his eyes, but maintained his pleasant tone as he replied.

"Given the long tradition of ship's cats, I suppose this... Huxley was it? Is welcome enough, but I do suggest you get that collar replaced. Last thing we need is a cat under foot on the bridge."

Ian winced at the obvious sub-text of Ruth's comments to Lahr. He ignored the commentary and concentrated on replying to her comments about Captain Tekin's children.

"Yes Commander, I remember the Tekin children, but to my knowledge I was not adopted. And since you brought it up you need not bother with anything for me. I'm not a believer and I find the whole season rather tedious. I plan ta spend my time catchin' up with a specific member of the Discovery's crew and possibly goin' on a very personal side trip, should the circumstances allow it."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"Too late, Captain... it's already picked up and it's just what I normally get you, and you don't normally turn that down!!" Ruth said with a chuckle.  "It's nae somethin' that's gonna go off, ye ken, laddie! An' ye might need it fer Hogmanay... yer not tellin' me ye'll nae be celebratin' that?!" she added breaking into her best approximation of a lowland brogue which wasn't too bad considering.

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Departing DS9]

Lahr glanced over to the helmswoman and saw her taking in the view.  He nodded in understanding. "I know, right?  It's moments like this that make all the bad stuff... kinda worth it."

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Trialus system - approaching planet Meridian and Katra Station in orbit] (three days later)

Ruth's enthusiasm for the human holiday of Yule was amusing, not that Lahr didn't share in the joy of any reason to drink to excess.  But this one was a bit special, it would be their first together together.  He wanted it to be memorable.  Yet while Ruth had ordered gifts and had them sent to DS9 for pick-up, Lahr had tried the traditional route of 'window shopping' but as yet hadn't found anything that seemed right as a gift.  He was getting rather worried.

When the Captain called on him to Hail the station, Lahr did so.

The response back showed a view of the station's Command Center focused on a Romulan officer.

A little later, Ruth's call out to him by his rank drew his attention, as she mentioned her siblings and their plans for him.  "Thanks for the forewarning. I'm looking forward to that.  I think"

If he thought that was the end to the teasing, he was sadly mistaken for a moment later Ruth commented on a certain dinner with the Captain he'd shared with the Twins.  His antenna twitched.  The twitch became a full-blown alarmed writhing when he opened an image on his PADD sent from Ruth that showed himself having just finished showering and Roohz... the Sigurdottir twins had taken pictures of that?!

The Andorian quickly closed the image and threw a glance over to Ruth, but dared not say anything lest he draw more attention to it.

He was grateful when attention turned to the cat and its missing collar.

While the ship was being brought in to berth above Saucer One and while Ruth was in conversation with the Captain about people from Discovery that Lahr knew nothing about and so wasn't interested in, Lahr worked on checking various specs for tracking collars for the cat Huxley.

"Ma'am, there is also the option of just 'chipping' the cat.  Upgrades to the technology make it all but unnoticeable and the chip can transmit 'open door' codes for all accessible areas and 'remain locked' signals for those areas that are off-limits to him."

Ruth noticed the antennae telegraph and shot Lahr an apologetic but still mirthful look, and mouthed 'Make up for that later!'

"Say that when Katya and Anya have finished with you.  You'll need leave to recover from the leave!" the CSO chuckled. "But we can have fun in the meantime.  T'eala do you have anything planned, you're welcome to join us for Promenade trips and the girls will welcome you to our little posse for any girly things we're doing without the boys, or with them for that matter.  They have one rule when it comes to holidays.  Fun, fun and more fun!"

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian felt the docking clamps lock onto the ship and emitted a sigh of content before activating shipwide on the command chair.

"All hands this is the Captain. Secure from operations. Department heads, submit duty roster reflectin' minimum staffin' required ta support the yard personnel. All those not on duty are granted 48 hours of shore leave on the station. Enjoy your time aboard the station. Carry on."

Ian then rose and eyed the cat with suspicion before replying to Lahr.

"I think I like the chip idea, that way the little git can't slip his collar again. Whatever it takes ta keep him off the bridge. Alpha watch is now relieved, Beta watch, at minimal, has the deck and the conn."

Although Ian wanted nothing more than to go to his quarters and change to something comfortable before heading for the station, he knew he was obligated to visit the station's commander and instead of his quarters, he headed for the nearest airlock to get the task over with.

"Little git is about the right name for you isn't it, pest!" Ruth said fussing Huxley all the same.  The furry miscreant purred loudly and headbutted Ruth under the chin.

"Doesn't work, mister, I'm immune, yes, yes I am...And yes, Sir, it's Huxley.  I'll get onto the chip idea, they've been doing the same for track and trace of pets for years on Earth so obviously doesn't hurt them.  Excellent idea.  Mr. ch'Verret, I'll get back to you when I know who's doing what for the Promenade trip that has been proposed by a few people.., I think Doc Belmont and Mr. Briggs might want to join us for some last minute shopping, possibly food.  Kinda the idea seems to be have a gang of us go, whomever wants to join then we split off as we see fit to go to whatever shops.  Quite a few of us have been friends a long time so we can get gifts for the others with some help if you know what I mean... advice and keeping things secret from the other people. Ms. Ren - up to you if you want to join us too, and you're welcome to bring a friend. Captain, enjoy your time off, Sir!" she deliberately made it sound like it was just long standing friends and shipmates going on shore leave rather than a double date with some potential extras.  She wasn't going to have T'eala left out and she had been on the last away mission with herself and Kyle.

"Poetry to my ears, Lahr." the Andorian wasn't lying.

The arrival to Katra station brought the element of new to T'eala. It was a station she'd never had the pleasure of walking, until now. With the dismissal of Alpha, she pulled herself away from the helm. The Challenger would be in capable hands in her brief absence. Hell, with very little obligations, she figured she'd be back ahead of the ball. Shore leave was nice, but it wouldn't hurt to get an early jump on the nav's scheduled diagnostic.

"Sauna." She decisively muttered under her breath. That would be the bulk of her idle time spent on station. The Risian hot stone scrub was calling her name. A little rest had been earned by her efforts on the Challenger. Her mind shifted to her fellow crew mates, and what they'd be doing to occupy their time. With little personal connectivity towards any particular one on the ship, she pondered the possibility of latching on to someone - and make a friend.

Ruth was about to get into the turbolift when she heard a word from T'eala.

"Did you say Sauna??  Do they have one of those on Katra?  We could do that too.  We had that in Scandinavia a lot because of the cold I suspect!  Right, Sickbay with you young man..." she said to the cat, and then stepped into the Turbolift.

[Turbolift > Sickbay]

Sigurdsdottir to Belmont and Briggs.  Hey... what you doing with our shore leave?  I have a few last minute things to pick up, and I want some decorations for my quarters, plus food.  Girls aren't here yet... my twin sisters that is, I've had word they'll be coming in with a Lt. Falleg-Tekin, the CSO for Katra on the Discovery.  Apparently there's a bunch of them are mates and so this Hrafn Falleg-Tekin's oldest, plus my twins and there's some guy that's here temporarily... his sister ... they're all coming in with the Discovery... but not yet... first we get some time to have some adult fun without the kids!!  I've invited T'eala Ren along with us but not sure if she's coming or not yet.  I've just got to get Huxley - the ship's cat - chipped.  He's slipped his collar somehow and so we need to get a way that he's not going to get where he shouldn't be, so on my way to Sickbay, then I'll get changed and ... meet at the airlock in an hour?

Tapping her commbadge again she sent a message to Lahr.

Sigurdsdottir to ch'Verret.  I've said to Lisa and Kyle that I'll meet them at the airlock in an hour.  I'm headed to Sickbay to have this miscreant sorted out, then to my quarters to get changed.  Meet me somewhere on my route?!

Ruth arrived at Sickbay and looked around for someone to deal with the cat.

[Ian Galloway]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"Too late, Captain... it's already picked up and it's just what I normally get you, and you don't normally turn that down!!" Ruth said with a chuckle.  "It's nae somethin' that's gonna go off, ye ken, laddie! An' ye might need it fer Hogmanay... yer not tellin' me ye'll nae be celebratin' that?!" she added breaking into her best approximation of a lowland brogue which wasn't too bad considering.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian smiled at Ruth's mimicry and replied.

"Well aye, I will be partakin' in Hogmanay. I'd nae be a Scotsman if'n I didn't. Thank you Commander, but I must be off ta my office call."

It was a short ride on the turbolift to the nearest airlock and as he rode, he was thinking more about seeing Jessica than his destination.

[Vasilisa Belmont]

[Turbolift > Sickbay]

Sigurdsdottir to Belmont and Briggs.  Hey... what you doing with our shore leave?  I have a few last minute things to pick up, and I want some decorations for my quarters, plus food.  Girls aren't here yet... my twin sisters that is, I've had word they'll be coming in with a Lt. Falleg-Tekin, the CSO for Katra on the Discovery.  Apparently there's a bunch of them are mates and so this Hrafn Falleg-Tekin's oldest, plus my twins and there's some guy that's here temporarily... his sister ... they're all coming in with the Discovery... but not yet... first we get some time to have some adult fun without the kids!!  I've invited T'eala Ren along with us but not sure if she's coming or not yet.  I've just got to get Huxley - the ship's cat - chipped.  He's slipped his collar somehow and so we need to get a way that he's not going to get where he shouldn't be, so on my way to Sickbay, then I'll get changed and ... meet at the airlock in an hour?

Tapping her commbadge again she sent a message to Lahr.

Sigurdsdottir to ch'Verret.  I've said to Lisa and Kyle that I'll meet them at the airlock in an hour.  I'm headed to Sickbay to have this miscreant sorted out, then to my quarters to get changed.  Meet me somewhere on my route?!

Ruth arrived at Sickbay and looked around for someone to deal with the cat.

[CMO's Quarters - USS Challenger]

Lisa chuckled at the message. Seems like she'd been right about Ruth and Lahr.

"Do you want to respond or shall I?" she asked Kyle.

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

[Posting as Ensign Nathaniel Rashar]

Nathaniel usually found himself in Beta shift, but lately he'd been doing a mix of both. He didn't really understand Dr. Belmont's logic, but it did mean he got his fair share of the action. The downside was that he ended up being stuck here with a group of five mostly petty officers while everyone else was on shore leave.

"Oh well," he thought, "eventually I'll move up the ranks and get my chance at a vacation. It's kinda a bummer that I have to wait so long, though. I'd like to be able to go find a girlfriend, or something."

He was broken out of his thoughts by the entrance of Ruth, with a...cat. What was he supposed to do with a cat? He hoped she wasn't looking for a cat sitter.

"What can I do for you, Commander?" he walked around the reception desk and tried not to obviously stare at Huxley.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Bridge - USS Challenger - Docked at Katra Station]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian felt the docking clamps lock onto the ship and emitted a sigh of content before activating shipwide on the command chair.

"All hands this is the Captain. Secure from operations. Department heads, submit duty roster reflectin' minimum staffin' required ta support the yard personnel. All those not on duty are granted 48 hours of shore leave on the station. Enjoy your time aboard the station. Carry on."

Ian then rose and eyed the cat with suspicion before replying to Lahr.

"I think I like the chip idea, that way the little git can't slip his collar again. Whatever it takes ta keep him off the bridge. Alpha watch is now relieved, Beta watch, at minimal, has the deck and the conn."

Although Ian wanted nothing more than to go to his quarters and change to something comfortable before heading for the station, he knew he was obligated to visit the station's commander and instead of his quarters, he headed for the nearest airlock to get the task over with.

"Poetry to my ears, Lahr." the Andorian wasn't lying.

The arrival to Katra station brought the element of new to T'eala. It was a station she'd never had the pleasure of walking, until now. With the dismissal of Alpha, she pulled herself away from the helm. The Challenger would be in capable hands in her brief absence. Hell, with very little obligations, she figured she'd be back ahead of the ball. Shore leave was nice, but it wouldn't hurt to get an early jump on the nav's scheduled diagnostic.

"Sauna." She decisively muttered under her breath. That would be the bulk of her idle time spent on station. The Risian hot stone scrub was calling her name. A little rest had been earned by her efforts on the Challenger. Her mind shifted to her fellow crew mates, and what they'd be doing to occupy their time. With little personal connectivity towards any particular one on the ship, she pondered the possibility of latching on to someone - and make a friend.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"Too late, Captain... it's already picked up and it's just what I normally get you, and you don't normally turn that down!!" Ruth said with a chuckle.  "It's nae somethin' that's gonna go off, ye ken, laddie! An' ye might need it fer Hogmanay... yer not tellin' me ye'll nae be celebratin' that?!" she added breaking into her best approximation of a lowland brogue which wasn't too bad considering.

Ruth noticed the antennae telegraph and shot Lahr an apologetic but still mirthful look, and mouthed 'Make up for that later!'

"Say that when Katya and Anya have finished with you.  You'll need leave to recover from the leave!" the CSO chuckled. "But we can have fun in the meantime.  T'eala do you have anything planned, you're welcome to join us for Promenade trips and the girls will welcome you to our little posse for any girly things we're doing without the boys, or with them for that matter.  They have one rule when it comes to holidays.  Fun, fun and more fun!"

"Little git is about the right name for you isn't it, pest!" Ruth said fussing Huxley all the same.  The furry miscreant purred loudly and headbutted Ruth under the chin.

"Doesn't work, mister, I'm immune, yes, yes I am...And yes, Sir, it's Huxley.  I'll get onto the chip idea, they've been doing the same for track and trace of pets for years on Earth so obviously doesn't hurt them.  Excellent idea.  Mr. ch'Verret, I'll get back to you when I know who's doing what for the Promenade trip that has been proposed by a few people.., I think Doc Belmont and Mr. Briggs might want to join us for some last minute shopping, possibly food.  Kinda the idea seems to be have a gang of us go, whomever wants to join then we split off as we see fit to go to whatever shops.  Quite a few of us have been friends a long time so we can get gifts for the others with some help if you know what I mean... advice and keeping things secret from the other people. Ms. Ren - up to you if you want to join us too, and you're welcome to bring a friend. Captain, enjoy your time off, Sir!" she deliberately made it sound like it was just long standing friends and shipmates going on shore leave rather than a double date with some potential extras.  She wasn't going to have T'eala left out and she had been on the last away mission with herself and Kyle.

Ruth was about to get into the turbolift when she heard a word from T'eala.

"Did you say Sauna??  Do they have one of those on Katra?  We could do that too.  We had that in Scandinavia a lot because of the cold I suspect!  Right, Sickbay with you young man..." she said to the cat, and then stepped into the Turbolift.

[Turbolift > Sickbay]

Sigurdsdottir to Belmont and Briggs.  Hey... what you doing with our shore leave?  I have a few last minute things to pick up, and I want some decorations for my quarters, plus food.  Girls aren't here yet... my twin sisters that is, I've had word they'll be coming in with a Lt. Falleg-Tekin, the CSO for Katra on the Discovery.  Apparently there's a bunch of them are mates and so this Hrafn Falleg-Tekin's oldest, plus my twins and there's some guy that's here temporarily... his sister ... they're all coming in with the Discovery... but not yet... first we get some time to have some adult fun without the kids!!  I've invited T'eala Ren along with us but not sure if she's coming or not yet.  I've just got to get Huxley - the ship's cat - chipped.  He's slipped his collar somehow and so we need to get a way that he's not going to get where he shouldn't be, so on my way to Sickbay, then I'll get changed and ... meet at the airlock in an hour?

Tapping her commbadge again she sent a message to Lahr.

Sigurdsdottir to ch'Verret.  I've said to Lisa and Kyle that I'll meet them at the airlock in an hour.  I'm headed to Sickbay to have this miscreant sorted out, then to my quarters to get changed.  Meet me somewhere on my route?!

Ruth arrived at Sickbay and looked around for someone to deal with the cat.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian smiled at Ruth's mimicry and replied.

"Well aye, I will be partakin' in Hogmanay. I'd nae be a Scotsman if'n I didn't. Thank you Commander, but I must be off ta my office call."

It was a short ride on the turbolift to the nearest airlock and as he rode, he was thinking more about seeing Jessica than his destination.

Lahr cheered inwardly as Alpha shift - his - was relieved.  Two days of shore leave.  Sounded good.  The Andorian couldn't help but glance over to Ruth as she conversed with the Captain, making plans seeming solo.  But that was fine.  Lahr was rather easy going and as long as alcohol fit into the leave at some point he was good with it - whatever she decided.  He wasn't at all surprised that she invited T'eala along.  That was just the sort of open and friendly person Ruth was.

He looked over toward the flight officer and gave a nod indicating that he too would be happy to have her join in whatever Ruth had planned.

The Captain left after handing over his station with Ruth not long after, while Lahr waited for his Beta shift replacement.  Was it wrong of him to snicker to himself a bit that it was Grelek that got assigned to cover off during the shore leave?  Oh well, the Vulcan wouldn't appreciate shore leave as much as he would.

He was a little disappointed, his antenna dipping slightly, when Ruth called him not long after saying they'd be meeting up with Kyle and Doc Lisa in an hours time.  In typical male mentality, he wondered why changing clothes would take so long until Ruth pointed out that she was also getting the cat 'tracker chipped'.   Lahr just nodded his agreement. "Sounds good. I'll find you somewhere along the way."