S3:E1 CLONES

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Innominatum outpost  - Deck 4 - Outside Main conference room - 15 minutes prior to meeting]

Lahr was standing outside the conference to the right of the door, his back to the wall, waiting for Lyra.  One would almost think he'd gone back to his Security department, if not for the PADD in his hand.

The usually chipper Andorian however stood there with his antenna slumped a bit.  He was upset, disappointed, frustrated even.   Despite everything he tried, he'd been unsuccessful in both tasks assigned to him.

The information he and Lyra had manage to retrieve regarding the shuttlebay explosion, he found out later when he'd forwarded them on to the Lieutenant, that the Lieutenant himself had managed to dig up that much and more by himself.  Then his efforts the past 4 hrs searching the Redav's computers had resulted in squat!

For all his joking about the Ops department, Lahr thought he liked it better when all he had been asked to do was transporters and comms. At least that was something he was half-way competent with.

Yet despite his sudden discouragement in regards to his new department, not once did Lahr consider going back to Security.  If the near-panic attack he'd felt at just the suggestion of an 'Away team' set him off there was no way he could go back.  Though it was curious that when he needed to go over on his own to inspect the computer core... he hadn't felt that panic.

Was it because the Redav was 'secured' already by the original Away team?  Or because he had been so focused on the problem that he hadn't had time to think of being scared?  He wanted to say the answer didn't matter but it likely did... especially if the Lieutenant was going to continue trying to get him to join in Away Teams in the future.

As much as he'd considered explaining to the Ops officer about his arrangement with the then XO, now Captain, he doubted it would change the Vulcan's mind - in fact it might just encourage the man to send Lahr more ...  a kind of 'face your fears' treatment.  Ugh.  Lahr couldn't wait til this shift was over so he could go drown himself in some Andorian ale.

[Innominatum Outpost]

{Sukal & Admiral d'Arth}

Sukal had met up with Admiral Alexander d'Arth when he had transported over from the REDAV with Jessica.  Though she had wanted to give a full report to the Admiral on the spot; the man had declined in favor of hearing it all at the conference meeting pending.  Instead, the Admiral had ordered Jessica to get some rest.  Two hours hadn't been much for him but it was better than what he had of late...which was none.  He knew fully well that his XO hadn't slept since the attack either, and thus his reasoning was sound.  It had seemed to Sukal that his friend was going to argue until a yawn escaped her after the Admiral had given the order.  After such a deep yawn of clear exhaustion; she couldn't very well argue the point and left to get some rest.

The Admiral had not stuck around at that point, but left shortly thereafter on his own errands.  Thus, Sukal had found himself wandering a bit absently through the still wounded outpost.  He hadn't explored it much since his arrival, and in truth was not doing so now.  Indeed, his mind was so focused on the problems at hand that he would have noticed nothing really about the station.  Eventually, he made his way to the conference room to find Mr. ch'Verret standing outside with a PADD in hand, and his antenna slumped a bit.  It was clear that his comrade from Ops was disappointed in the things he had discovered, and likely what he had not discovered either.  Sukal had truly hoped the man would find something to tie in the tampering to a direct individual, but that was not to be.

"Mr. ch'Verret, I know you think you failed in your given tasks, but this is not completely true.  While I may have found some things out on my own; I still needed to make sure the data I found was accurate.  This you successfully did.  Yes, neither of us could find the trace we were searching for on who had tampered with the records, but in that I believe we were simply outmatched," Sukal stated to the man after approaching the Andorian.  It left a bitter taste in the Ops Chief's mouth to say outmatched, but he was fairly certain that whoever was responsible for such a complete wipe was far superior in knowing computer systems and security procedures.  He wondered if someone as brilliant as the legendary Lieutenant Commander Data could have managed to succeed in restoring the lost data, but wondering such things was a waste of time and energy.

With that said, Sukal entered the conference room to take a seat with his PADD in hand this time.  Before, he had not needed such at the meeting, but now...well there was a lot to explain and show.  The Admiral was already present sitting at the other end of the table looking quite disturbed.  He thought about approaching Alexander d'Arth, but thought better of it.  The Admiral didn't even acknowledge his presence.  For a moment, Sukal considered calling Doctor Vaughan or Doctor Eastman to check on the Admiral; for the man did not look well at all.  The things he was picking up from Alexander were mostly depression and deep worry, but there was also fatigue, sorrow, and a drop in confidence.  None of these were good in any officer to have, but especially not a senior line officer like d'Arth.  He would have no choice, but to talk to Judith or Lizzie about what he was picking up from the Admiral...assuming they didn't do it on their own instead.

[Innominatum outpost  - Deck 4 - Outside Main conference room - 10 minutes prior to meeting]

{Ruth and Mr'aarra}

Ruth spotted the young Caitian cadet hanging around the entrance to the Conference Room.  She was aware of the switch from Cadet Flibble to Cadet Mr'aara but as yet hadn't been able to speak to any of them.

"Can I help you, Cadet?" she asked kindly not wanting to spook the poor girl.

"Oh ah, Captain Sigurdsdottir..." Mr'aarra said rather startled despite the Captain's caring demeanor, it was always a bit disconcerting to be directly addressed by one's commanding officer.

"Ah, I'm aware this is a department heads meeting but I think you indicated it was to do with the investigation too.  Well, I reported to Lt. Lek but I don't know how coherent I was, then, if Andrew... Cadet Olivia hadn't found me I'd probably still be hiding behind the plant crates in the Shuttlebay on the Redav.  See I was in the Shuttlebay when there was the explosion."  Mr'arra finished in an embarrassed rush, her ears flat to her head and an apologetic stance.

"Oh come along dear, I'm not that scary am I?  Well,.." she dropped her voice to a conspiratorial whisper and looked around mock furtively.  "Not unless I'm threatening my fiance with my axes!" she said with a little laugh.  It was designed to break the ice and show the cadet that not all commanding officers are doom, gloom and orders.  Some could actually be fun.

"It is indeed also an investigations fact consolidation meeting, so you are most welcome.  I'm sure Lt. Sukal for one will be happy to hear your account first hand.  Come on, let's get you in and settled, we've got time to grab a drink from the replicator if needed."

"Thank you Ma'am, and no, you're not scary.  Just... well some of the Academy instructors said we weren't ever likely to get to just chat to our Commanding Officers so it was a bit of a shock to find you so... nice!" the young woman said.

"Oh stop now you'll make me blush and I'll clash with my hair!" she said linking an arm through the cadet's  and marching into the conference room, surprised yet not, to find the ever punctual Sukal, Admiral d'Arth and Lahr already there.

"Hello Gentlemen, I trust you are all well after we last met.  Admiral did you get any rest, I can ask Dr. Vaughan to fetch something more revitalising than a coffee should you need it. Lt. Sukal..." she nodded and smiled at her friend, glad to see him again. "Mr. ch'Verret, how's Ops treating you.  Are you settling in nicely?  You know my door is always open if you want to come have a chat about anything, work or otherwise, and I still owe you a drink.  How about after this meeting I hold good on that promise and we go over to the Pakled?"  she beamed at him.

"May I introduce Cadet Mr'aarra, she'll mostly be left to the tender mercies of Mr. Lek since she's our Engineering cadet, but she was in the Shuttlebay when the explosion happened so she might be able to shed some light on that."

Ruth took her seat near the end of the table by the Admiral, who really did look ropey, it might just be sheer exhaustion and wanting this all to be over but hopefully Lizzie would be able to determine that better.

She took out her PADD and waited for the other senior staff and assorted personnel who had been helpful in the investigation to arrive.

A few minutes later one of the Outpost Ops Ensigns stuck her head around the door, which Ruth had left open and rapped politely on the frame of the sliding doors to get attention.

"Erm, apologies, I don't mean to disturb but there's an eyes only communication come in for the Admiral d'Arth. I was told he was in this room. We've transferred the docket to this but it's biometrically sealed."

"Very good Ensign come in, this is Admiral d'Arth." Ruth said indicating Alex with a nod of her head.  The Ensign came in and offered her own PADD for the Admiral to put his thumbprint to in order to acknowledge receipt of the message.

"Thank you Sir, Ma'am." she said turning crisply on her heel once she had what she needed and trotted off like she had a million other similar errands to do.

"What would we do without Cadets and Ensigns?  A helluva lot more walking I suspect!" the Captain chuckled.  "Orders?"  Ruth wondered giving half an eye to the PADD, not really wanting to know what was in it per se, but wondering if they were going to have to work around the clock to get the Redav ready to go out again.

"I'm curious only down to how long we might have to sort out your ship!  With the ongoing Outpost repairs, it's going to be handy knowing which is our priority."

NARRATOR:

When Admiral d'Arth opens the PADD, it will be 'orders' of a sort.  Orders to his heart from the fact that he is a husband and father.

The message is not signed, is not even in official message format.  It simply reads:

Do not react to this message, do not try to find us. Wife and children gone but safe...for now. ONLY LEYTON IS THE TRUTH.

[Lyra]

[Innominatum - Deck 4 - outside conference room, 13 minutes prior to meeting]

When Lyra arrived ch'Verret was talking to a vulcan man in gold colors. She couldn't see his face but she was relatively certain that it was Sukal, head of operations. She slowed down a bit and waited in some distance until they were finished. Then she approached the andorian.

"Hallo. Have you waited long?"

She looked at his face and his antennas and it wasn't really hard to interpret his mood.

"Yeah, me too. It's frustrating to come empty handed. But at least, even without any ckue who was hacking into consoles or who caused the explosion, we can at least confirm with some certainty what has caused it."

She took a padd out of her briefcase she was again carrying.

"Here are the results of the sensor data reconstructions. You left before it was finished, so if you want to have a look..."

She remained silent for a moment. It was almost time to get into the meeting and she was wondering if her colleague had anything new. However, she felt like she should say something.

"I'm pretty confident we have a chance to catch this perpetrator sooner or later. I mean, it's not like this is earth space dock. With the few ships arriving and especially leaving her it's not so easy to escape."

She tried an encouraging smile but she herself wasn't feeling as optimistic as she tried to sound.

And then it was already time for the meeting.

[Esme Labinjoh]

[AS CHIEF DRADIS - HELM (TEMP) USS REDAV]

Acknowledged Challenger, All stop Redav, awaiting confirmation from your Ops station for tractor disengage.  the Chief said.  He was fairly certain that the Cadet at Ops was competant and would get the job done quickly.  Once he'd got the Redav docked in the Maintenance Bay he had 2 hours to get his flight crew sorted and he'd be in the Pickled Pakled if he could possibly manage it for some of it.  It had been a long few hours.

Crewman Labinjoh, please meet me in the Flight Operations Office on the Outpost, 30 minutes after docking.  That should give you any time to get turned around. Dradis out. 

[Innominatum - Outside Flight Operations Office]

Esme hadn't dawdled. As fast as she could and without running like a mad hatter through Challenger's  corridors. She had made her way over to the outpost.

Her nerves were quit frazzled as she stood outside Flight Operations trying to catch her breath.

'Come on Esme me darlin. All will be fine love. Settle yourself.'

"Yes it is." She said under her breath and smiled. That was something he had always said when she was young. Her grandpoppa had been gone many years now. But she always felt that he was watching over her.

=^=Crewman Labinjoh reporting as ordered.=^=

[Lizzie Vaughan]

Conference Rom - Innominatum Station

Lizzie walked into the conference room and took the seat next to Ruth, nodding at the various others who were already there. Pouring herself a glass of water from the jug in the centre of the table, she turned to face her old friend cum Captain and waited for the briefing to begin.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Innominatum - Outside Flight Operations Office]

Esme hadn't dawdled. As fast as she could and without running like a mad hatter through Challenger's  corridors. She had made her way over to the outpost.

Her nerves were quit frazzled as she stood outside Flight Operations trying to catch her breath.

'Come on Esme me darlin. All will be fine love. Settle yourself.'

"Yes it is." She said under her breath and smiled. That was something he had always said when she was young. Her grandpoppa had been gone many years now. But she always felt that he was watching over her.

=^=Crewman Labinjoh reporting as ordered.=^=

[AS CHIEF DRADIS]
[Outpost Flight Control Chief Office > Conference Room - 15 mins before the scheduled meeting]

NOTE: Esme moved with permission of player for the 'walk and talk' element of this!

"Where's the fire Crewman?!" Dradis asked with a slight smile.  "If you wanted here quickly then maybe think about site to site transporting, the Challenger has 2 Transporter rooms, and the Transporter operatives all have the coordinates of all our offices. Consider that next time, your lungs will thank you for it."

He pulled out a crate for her to site on while he continued on with some stuff still talking.

"Sit, do you want a coffee?  I just wanted to introduce myself before the meeting since while we've sort of spoken via comms it kinda doesn't do much for imagining what someone looks like and so on.  I mean I never thought you'd be a wee slip of a girl as my mentor would have called you, he was from your country sort of.  Well from Scotland, a darn sight closer to where you're from than me.  I'm Chief Hoshi Dradis, from Betazed as you probably wouldn't have got from the eyes.  My mother was half human so I'm actually 3/4 Betazoid 1/4 Human, and I got the Human eyes!" he chuckled.

"So whereabouts are you from and if you've caught your breath we can walk and talk, making our way up to Deck 4 and the Conference Room.  I'm going to drop you right in it I'm afraid, but it's important that you're there, the Captain is going to talk us through the investigation reports, or rather, those involved in the investigations are, and then... we find out what we're going to be doing for the next few weeks.  In all likelihood we're going to be based here as in this office.  There'll be a bit of workabee flying if there are hull repairs to do and so on, but also diagnostics on the navigation systems."  Hoshi explained.  Esme nodded, stood and walked with him.

"But we'll find out soon enough and get our orders.  Oh and our Flight Cadet, not sure if you've had a chance to meet him yet, Andrew Olivia.  You'll have to meet him at some point.  At the moment I think he's running checks on the Challenger.  But we'll have a department drink sometime soon, get to know everyone."

They came to the main Promenade and Dradis dived into a bakery coming out with 4 huge boxes, 2 had various savoury pies in, the other two were one of cupcakes and one of doughnuts.

"Feeding the masses - an army cannot march on an empty stomach and if I know the rest of the senior officers, and I do... they won't have stopped in the 2 hours that we've been docked.  Can you take those two please?"  He released the bottom 2 boxes from the pile into Esme's arms.

"Not far now,.." he turned into a Turbolift and ordered it to Deck 4.  "... and here we are.  Set yours down on that end please Crewman.  I hope you don't mind Captain,.." the Chief said as the aroma of the savoury meat, cheese and vegetable pastries started to assault the nostrils.  "I brought food from McTavish's Bakery, a little gem I've found.  Savoury pies and pastries, 2 boxes of - the cheese and the veggie ones are in the green box, so if there are any dietary considerations to be made... and then one box of doughnuts, one of cupcakes.  If you are anything like me you won't have stopped these last two hours and nor will anyone else.  If someone would replecate some plates, forks and napkins.  Even with my attractive assistant here, Crewman Labinjoh... some of you may have met her, I couldn't manage everything."

He took a seat at the end of the table and waved Esme to sit down.  "Let someone else set the table... you've done plenty!" and smiled.

[AS RUTH]

Ruth had looked up as Lizzie arrived, and then a few moments later her Flight Chief, and Crewman Labinjoh.

As the smell of the meat pies hit her nostrils Ruth's stomach let out an almighty growl.

"I think you've just got your answer Chief!, thank you, it is most appreciated, I'll overlook this once that we don't normally have food especially warm food at such meetings but well needs must and I'm sure no-one here has had too much of a break.  Even Admiral d'Arth won't have eaten.  People help yourselves to Mr. Dradis's generosity and someone pass me one of the steak pies please!  Who are we missing let's see... "

Ruth started a quick head count looking around the room. "Commanding Officer,.." she patted her own shoulder, "Check, First Officer... don't yet have one, Second Officer and Medical, yep. Admiral d'Arth, do you know of any of your senior officers who might be attending?  I'm aware you sent Commander Thompson to rest, and I totally agree with you on that.  Poor thing was totally shattered."  she asked of the Admiral who was still looking a bit ropey in her opinion.

"Flight, yes..doubly represented thank you Mrs. Labinjoh, welcome.  Lt. Taray... nooo but she might be tied up with Customs at the moment, Lt. Lek, not as yet, Lt. Sukal and Petty Officer ch'Verret yes and yes." 
Ruth smiled again at everyone.  "And Lyra both for the report that you and Lahr were doing and... are you deputizing for Lt. T'Vei?" the Captain asked of the Science Petty Officer.

"Does anyone know if Dr. Eastman was planning on attending?, I'm sure she wouldn't mind if we started but Mr. ch'Verret can you send a reminder out to Dr. Eastman, Lt. Lek and Lt. Taray.  We do have Cadet Mr'aarra, sorry dear you were so quiet there I nearly forgot you were here, my apologies, but I need Lt. Lek's report.  So yes, please Petty Officer, " she said returning her concentration to Lahr.  "A reminder please to Security and Engineering Chiefs that the meeting will start in 5 mins. Thank you.  Everyone get some drinks, perhaps some more jugs of water, Cadet Mr'aarra would you and perhaps Crewman Labinjoh organise that.  I want to keep this as short a meeting as I can, however there is a lot of information to get through and while I fully intend taking Mr. ch'Verret and anyone that wishes to join us to the Pickled Pakled afterwards as we've jolly well earned it, we still have to get to the end of the meeting first!"

[Sukal]

{Alexander d'Arth & Sukal}

"Hello Gentlemen, I trust you are all well after we last met.  Admiral did you get any rest, I can ask Dr. Vaughan to fetch something more revitalising than a coffee should you need it. Lt. Sukal..." she nodded and smiled at her friend, glad to see him again. "Mr. ch'Verret, how's Ops treating you.  Are you settling in nicely?  You know my door is always open if you want to come have a chat about anything, work or otherwise, and I still owe you a drink.  How about after this meeting I hold good on that promise and we go over to the Pakled?"  she beamed at him.

"May I introduce Cadet Mr'aarra, she'll mostly be left to the tender mercies of Mr. Lek since she's our Engineering cadet, but she was in the Shuttlebay when the explosion happened so she might be able to shed some light on that."

Ruth took her seat near the end of the table by the Admiral, who really did look ropey, it might just be sheer exhaustion and wanting this all to be over but hopefully Lizzie would be able to determine that better.

She took out her PADD and waited for the other senior staff and assorted personnel who had been helpful in the investigation to arrive.

A few minutes later one of the Outpost Ops Ensigns stuck her head around the door, which Ruth had left open and rapped politely on the frame of the sliding doors to get attention.

"Erm, apologies, I don't mean to disturb but there's an eyes only communication come in for the Admiral d'Arth. I was told he was in this room. We've transferred the docket to this but it's biometrically sealed."

"Very good Ensign come in, this is Admiral d'Arth." Ruth said indicating Alex with a nod of her head.  The Ensign came in and offered her own PADD for the Admiral to put his thumbprint to in order to acknowledge receipt of the message.

"Thank you Sir, Ma'am." she said turning crisply on her heel once she had what she needed and trotted off like she had a million other similar errands to do.

"What would we do without Cadets and Ensigns?  A helluva lot more walking I suspect!" the Captain chuckled.  "Orders?"  Ruth wondered giving half an eye to the PADD, not really wanting to know what was in it per se, but wondering if they were going to have to work around the clock to get the Redav ready to go out again.

"I'm curious only down to how long we might have to sort out your ship!  With the ongoing Outpost repairs, it's going to be handy knowing which is our priority."

Sukal nodded to his friend and Captain, but said nothing immediately.  His attention zoomed in on the Cadet which came in with her, and he had to admit to a fair bit of curiosity in wanting to hear her story.  Perhaps it was the mere fact that the Captain had stated this Cadet had actually been in the shuttlebay when it exploded.  That alone had Sukal's full attention for one very important reason.  How had the Caitian been able to escape the explosion virtually unharmed?  According the records which Sukal had pieced together thus far; the phaser shot from the entrance to the shuttlebay had hit the plasma tanks, and caused such a violent and rapid explosion from which it would have virtually been impossible to escape if they a person had been present.  Yet, here she was now with the Captain looking rather unharmed.  Was it something to do with her species?  Had her cat-like reflexes and speed allowed her to move faster than most, and thus escape injury?

Thus, Sukal was more than curious to hear this woman's story.  He noted the Admiral had barely nodded to the Captain after being greeted.  It was clear he had not gotten enough sleep as yet.  Was it simply from what had happened to his ship and crew, or something more?  To this, Sukal had no answers as yet, but he suspected it was always the way with the really good commanding officers.

He typed out a memo to Doctor Eastman on his PADD with an attachment for Lizzie as well.  She was, after all, the CMO, and the health of officers was her concern...even if the Admiral wasn't attached to their ship.

'You might want to do an interview and checkup on Admiral d'Arth.  The man doesn't look well physically or mentally.'

NARRATOR:

When Admiral d'Arth opens the PADD, it will be 'orders' of a sort.  Orders to his heart from the fact that he is a husband and father.

The message is not signed, is not even in official message format.  It simply reads:

Do not react to this message, do not try to find us. Wife and children gone but safe...for now. ONLY LEYTON IS THE TRUTH.

Admiral Alexander d'Arth read the message...twice, but no one there could have noticed the change it wrought inside him.  After all, he was already showing signs of stress, fatigue, and sorrow.  The message deepened all of those things, but outwardly it changed nothing in the poor Admiral.  Instead, he accepted the message with a grim nod, and it instantly vanished as if it had never been.

"It would appear I need the REDAV to be repaired as quickly as possible.  Starfleet Command has new orders for me and my crew which require my ship to ready for action in no less than seventy-two hours," the Admiral explained to Ruth grimly.  "I can't tell you much beyond that, Captain.  I know your people will help mine as much as you can, but we have seventy-two hours...not one hour more."

To the outside observer, it just seemed like he was worn thin with battle fatigue and grief.  All of which was quite true.  He noticed Sukal watching him for a moment, and instinctively concentrated his mind on the meeting at hand rather than his family's abduction.  The last thing he needed was someone picking up on things and further endangering his family.

Ruth started a quick head count looking around the room. "Commanding Officer,.." she patted her own shoulder, "Check, First Officer... don't yet have one, Second Officer and Medical, yep. Admiral d'Arth, do you know of any of your senior officers who might be attending?  I'm aware you sent Commander Thompson to rest, and I totally agree with you on that.  Poor thing was totally shattered."  she asked of the Admiral who was still looking a bit ropey in her opinion.

"Flight, yes..doubly represented thank you Mrs. Labinjoh, welcome.  Lt. Taray... nooo but she might be tied up with Customs at the moment, Lt. Lek, not as yet, Lt. Sukal and Petty Officer ch'Verret yes and yes."
Ruth smiled again at everyone.  "And Lyra both for the report that you and Lahr were doing and... are you deputizing for Lt. T'Vei?" the Captain asked of the Science Petty Officer.

"Does anyone know if Dr. Eastman was planning on attending?, I'm sure she wouldn't mind if we started but Mr. ch'Verret can you send a reminder out to Dr. Eastman, Lt. Lek and Lt. Taray.  We do have Cadet Mr'aarra, sorry dear you were so quiet there I nearly forgot you were here, my apologies, but I need Lt. Lek's report.  So yes, please Petty Officer, " she said returning her concentration to Lahr.  "A reminder please to Security and Engineering Chiefs that the meeting will start in 5 mins. Thank you.  Everyone get some drinks, perhaps some more jugs of water, Cadet Mr'aarra would you and perhaps Crewman Labinjoh organise that.  I want to keep this as short a meeting as I can, however there is a lot of information to get through and while I fully intend taking Mr. ch'Verret and anyone that wishes to join us to the Pickled Pakled afterwards as we've jolly well earned it, we still have to get to the end of the meeting first!"

Sukal listened to his Captain listing off those she had and still needed, but his attention was on Admiral d'Arth for a moment longer as the man answered her question, "No, Captain.  Whatever information we gather here; I will pass on to my staff personally.  Let them all rest for a bit longer," the Admiral replied solemnly.

While such was a decent enough idea; it made Sukal wonder.  After all, anything concerning the REDAV's repairs would need to be addressed by the Admiral's staff.  Still, he was the Admiral, and it was his ship; so Sukal merely shrugged mentally filing it away for later.  It would not be long now before the meeting would begin, and he would have to explain all he knew of the tragedy concerning the REDAV's shuttlebay.  Already Lizzie had arrived, and he wondered if she got his message about the Admiral.

[Judith Eastman]

[Guest Quarters, Innominatum Outpost]

Judy had received an urgent message from Columbus. She was wanted back, without delay. The base was preparing to host a Klingon delegation, and the presence of the 2O/CMO/de facto SOO, capable diplomat and fluent Klingon speaker that she was, was desired.

She'd sent a brief memo to Ruth, informing her of her immediate departure, and then got to work packing her things as soon as they reached Innominatum. Max, while he was surprised, was happy to get back home with haste. His work was valuable to him, after all.

In good time, Judy was packed up and headed back for her shuttle. That, in turn, would take her home, to Columbus.

[Lek]

[Conference Room - Innominatum]

Lek sauntered into the conference room and found a seat. Some of the people he knew, some he didn't. The admiral was obviously the commander of the Redav, but he was just another admiral of little importance or concern to Lek. The captain was speaking in her usual animated fashion, which continued to stoke Lek's suspicions about her and her style of leadership.

"At least she listens. Torngate was a 'I want it now sort', which was, at least, a common style that I understood. I still don't understand the feemale at all."

As he wasn't friends with anyone here, Lek remained silent and waited for the meeting to start.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Innominatum Outpost - Deck 4 - Main Conference room]

[Innominatum Outpost]

"Mr. ch'Verret, I know you think you failed in your given tasks, but this is not completely true.  While I may have found some things out on my own; I still needed to make sure the data I found was accurate.  This you successfully did.  Yes, neither of us could find the trace we were searching for on who had tampered with the records, but in that I believe we were simply outmatched," Sukal stated to the man after approaching the Andorian.  It left a bitter taste in the Ops Chief's mouth to say outmatched, but he was fairly certain that whoever was responsible for such a complete wipe was far superior in knowing computer systems and security procedures.  He wondered if someone as brilliant as the legendary Lieutenant Commander Data could have managed to succeed in restoring the lost data, but wondering such things was a waste of time and energy.

Lahr looked up from PADD in his hand as the Lieutenant approached and commented on Lahr's feelings.  The Andorian frowned at first, feeling like the Vulcan/Betazoid hybrid officer had 'read' him.  But as the man's words did the opposite of making him feel better, Lahr figured it was just his own droopy posture and antenna that had prompted the words, because if he was being read then the man would know his words were having the opposite effect and stop but the Vulcan continued on.  When the officer seemed done, Lahr feigned a smile and nodded, forcing his antennae to lift.  "Yeah, I get it."  He didn't but that didn't matter as long as the Lieutenant thought he did and dropped the topic.

[Innominatum - Deck 4 - outside conference room, 13 minutes prior to meeting]

When Lyra arrived ch'Verret was talking to a vulcan man in gold colors. She couldn't see his face but she was relatively certain that it was Sukal, head of operations. She slowed down a bit and waited in some distance until they were finished. Then she approached the andorian.

"Hallo. Have you waited long?"

She looked at his face and his antennas and it wasn't really hard to interpret his mood.

"Yeah, me too. It's frustrating to come empty handed. But at least, even without any ckue who was hacking into consoles or who caused the explosion, we can at least confirm with some certainty what has caused it."

She took a padd out of her briefcase she was again carrying.

"Here are the results of the sensor data reconstructions. You left before it was finished, so if you want to have a look..."

She remained silent for a moment. It was almost time to get into the meeting and she was wondering if her colleague had anything new. However, she felt like she should say something.

"I'm pretty confident we have a chance to catch this perpetrator sooner or later. I mean, it's not like this is earth space dock. With the few ships arriving and especially leaving her it's not so easy to escape."

She tried an encouraging smile but she herself wasn't feeling as optimistic as she tried to sound.

And then it was already time for the meeting.

He was about to follow in behind Lt Sukal when Lyra approached.  He shook his head at her question if he'd been waiting long.  "Not long."

The other Petty officer took one long look at him and was offering him some sympathetic  words.   Really?! did he look THAT bad?  "I'm fine.  Really. Just tired"The Lyra handed him a PADD for him to review.  He took a glance over the results briefly as Lyra commented on their chances of catching the perpetrator.
"Yeah, that would be nice."

He handed back the PADD to Lyra and feigned another smile "Here. Your algorithm... you can present the findings when or if we get asked."

He then headed inside and took a seat at the far end of the table, like he had during the meeting about the Gormangander's when he was there to take notes.  By the Ice, he hoped he wouldn't be asked to do so for this.

[

"Oh stop now you'll make me blush and I'll clash with my hair!" she said linking an arm through the cadet's  and marching into the conference room, surprised yet not, to find the ever punctual Sukal, Admiral d'Arth and Lahr already there.

"Hello Gentlemen, I trust you are all well after we last met.  Admiral did you get any rest, I can ask Dr. Vaughan to fetch something more revitalising than a coffee should you need it. Lt. Sukal..." she nodded and smiled at her friend, glad to see him again. "Mr. ch'Verret, how's Ops treating you.  Are you settling in nicely?  You know my door is always open if you want to come have a chat about anything, work or otherwise, and I still owe you a drink.  How about after this meeting I hold good on that promise and we go over to the Pakled?"  she beamed at him.

"May I introduce Cadet Mr'aarra, she'll mostly be left to the tender mercies of Mr. Lek since she's our Engineering cadet, but she was in the Shuttlebay when the explosion happened so she might be able to shed some light on that."

Unexpected, the Captain took note of him and queried about his time in Ops, for a third time Lahr feigned a smile and nodded.  "It's great! Lovin' it."  Then shook his head at her offer of the open office to chat, and even suggested they hit the bar together after the meeting to get him his owed drink. "That's not necessary.  I'm good.  Really.  Thank you, anyways, Ma'am."  He flushed a bit in embarrassment at the attention this was likely drawing.

Drinking with the Captain!?  It was one thing partying it up with an  XO or really any senior officer... but the Captain?  That was like on par with dating your Mom.  Just something you didn't do.   "I'll take a raincheck."

He quickly turned his attention to the Caitian at the Captain's introduction and said a brief "Hello" Of course the Caitian reminded him of his recently lost security teammate, M'lenda. Sigh.

Not even the arrival of Chief Dradis with donuts perked his mood.

"I think you've just got your answer Chief!, thank you, it is most appreciated, I'll overlook this once that we don't normally have food especially warm food at such meetings but well needs must and I'm sure no-one here has had too much of a break.  Even Admiral d'Arth won't have eaten.  People help yourselves to Mr. Dradis's generosity and someone pass me one of the steak pies please!  Who are we missing let's see... "

Ruth started a quick head count looking around the room. "Commanding Officer,.." she patted her own shoulder, "Check, First Officer... don't yet have one, Second Officer and Medical, yep. Admiral d'Arth, do you know of any of your senior officers who might be attending?  I'm aware you sent Commander Thompson to rest, and I totally agree with you on that.  Poor thing was totally shattered."  she asked of the Admiral who was still looking a bit ropey in her opinion.

"Flight, yes..doubly represented thank you Mrs. Labinjoh, welcome.  Lt. Taray... nooo but she might be tied up with Customs at the moment, Lt. Lek, not as yet, Lt. Sukal and Petty Officer ch'Verret yes and yes." 
Ruth smiled again at everyone.  "And Lyra both for the report that you and Lahr were doing and... are you deputizing for Lt. T'Vei?" the Captain asked of the Science Petty Officer.

"Does anyone know if Dr. Eastman was planning on attending?, I'm sure she wouldn't mind if we started but Mr. ch'Verret can you send a reminder out to Dr. Eastman, Lt. Lek and Lt. Taray.  We do have Cadet Mr'aarra, sorry dear you were so quiet there I nearly forgot you were here, my apologies, but I need Lt. Lek's report.  So yes, please Petty Officer, " she said returning her concentration to Lahr.  "A reminder please to Security and Engineering Chiefs that the meeting will start in 5 mins. Thank you.  Everyone get some drinks, perhaps some more jugs of water, Cadet Mr'aarra would you and perhaps Crewman Labinjoh organise that.  I want to keep this as short a meeting as I can, however there is a lot of information to get through and while I fully intend taking Mr. ch'Verret and anyone that wishes to join us to the Pickled Pakled afterwards as we've jolly well earned it, we still have to get to the end of the meeting first!"

Soon the Captain was doing a roll-call and at noticing a few absences she tagged Lahr to be the one to send them a meeting reminder.

Lahr began drafting a message to the missing officers when Lt.  Lek arrived.  He struck his name off the "To" list.

His inclination at first because of his sour mood was to just point out plainly.  "You're late for the briefing meeting.  Get your ass here now." But even Lahr was smart enough to realize that wouldn't go over well.

Instead the message read.

To:  Lt Cmdr Judy Eastman; Lt Taray
Re: Briefing meeting time
Marked:  Important

Sirs, I've been asked to inquire after your absence from the briefing meeting about to start.  If you are unable to attend, please send an appropriate alternate in your place.

Petty Officer ch'Verret
for
Acting Captain Sigurdsdottir

Lahr read through the missive one last time before sending it.

[Mondo'li Nari]

Pema and Veronique's Room - Innominatum Outpost

Lark entered the apartment, smiling at Veronique and nodding his head, "A Slug-O will hit the spot nicely," he said.

When Pema spoke up, Lark eyed her briefly, trying to decide what sort of person she was.  She'd been billed as the no-nonsense businesswoman.  Now she seemed like a bored roommate.  Which was true?

Neither?

Both?

"Well, I'm not here for the Oomox.  That's just a bonus.  We should take care of dinner before dessert."   He hadn't survived this long in his career by letting himself get distracted.

He took out an isolinear chip and held it up.  "Your pharma cert, courtesy of the Corollian brothers.  This will let you trade with any of the big buyers in the sector, as everyone here knows and respects the brothers.  But if you burn the brothers, dealing in product of lesser quality than what you shared with me, they'll rip out your guts and hang you with them.   This is a dirty business, girls, so don't use the cert unless you're dealing straight.  Nobody you're dealing with will stomach a double-cross."

He glanced between them, wondering how they'd react to that.  Were they as green as they seemed, or was it all a charade?

[Lyra]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Innominatum Outpost - Deck 4 - Main Conference room]

He was about to follow in behind Lt Sukal when Lyra approached.  He shook his head at her question if he'd been waiting long.  "Not long."

The other Petty officer took one long look at him and was offering him some sympathetic  words.   Really?! did he look THAT bad?  "I'm fine.  Really. Just tired"The Lyra handed him a PADD for him to review.  He took a glance over the results briefly as Lyra commented on their chances of catching the perpetrator.
"Yeah, that would be nice."

He handed back the PADD to Lyra and feigned another smile "Here. Your algorithm... you can present the findings when or if we get asked."

[AS RUTH]

Ruth had looked up as Lizzie arrived, and then a few moments later her Flight Chief, and Crewman Labinjoh.

As the smell of the meat pies hit her nostrils Ruth's stomach let out an almighty growl.

"I think you've just got your answer Chief!, thank you, it is most appreciated, I'll overlook this once that we don't normally have food especially warm food at such meetings but well needs must and I'm sure no-one here has had too much of a break.  Even Admiral d'Arth won't have eaten.  People help yourselves to Mr. Dradis's generosity and someone pass me one of the steak pies please!  Who are we missing let's see... "

Ruth started a quick head count looking around the room. "Commanding Officer,.." she patted her own shoulder, "Check, First Officer... don't yet have one, Second Officer and Medical, yep. Admiral d'Arth, do you know of any of your senior officers who might be attending?  I'm aware you sent Commander Thompson to rest, and I totally agree with you on that.  Poor thing was totally shattered."  she asked of the Admiral who was still looking a bit ropey in her opinion.

"Flight, yes..doubly represented thank you Mrs. Labinjoh, welcome.  Lt. Taray... nooo but she might be tied up with Customs at the moment, Lt. Lek, not as yet, Lt. Sukal and Petty Officer ch'Verret yes and yes." 
Ruth smiled again at everyone.  "And Lyra both for the report that you and Lahr were doing and... are you deputizing for Lt. T'Vei?" the Captain asked of the Science Petty Officer.

"Does anyone know if Dr. Eastman was planning on attending?, I'm sure she wouldn't mind if we started but Mr. ch'Verret can you send a reminder out to Dr. Eastman, Lt. Lek and Lt. Taray.  We do have Cadet Mr'aarra, sorry dear you were so quiet there I nearly forgot you were here, my apologies, but I need Lt. Lek's report.  So yes, please Petty Officer, " she said returning her concentration to Lahr.  "A reminder please to Security and Engineering Chiefs that the meeting will start in 5 mins. Thank you.  Everyone get some drinks, perhaps some more jugs of water, Cadet Mr'aarra would you and perhaps Crewman Labinjoh organise that.  I want to keep this as short a meeting as I can, however there is a lot of information to get through and while I fully intend taking Mr. ch'Verret and anyone that wishes to join us to the Pickled Pakled afterwards as we've jolly well earned it, we still have to get to the end of the meeting first!"

Lyra didn't say anything more to ch'Verret. Her words didn't seem to have any positive impact on him. She didn't expect it so. It had been to cheer herself up as well as him, but it didn't work on her, either.

When they entered the conference room everyone took a seat and Ruth did a headcount. When it came to herself, Lyra gave a nod and a crooked smile.

"Yes, ma'am, I' am. The report and for the science department. T'Vei thought it logical, since I am to look after the transfer of the plant specimen."

She took a few padds out of her briefcase. They contained data she would need when it was her turn to report.

She took a glass of water and then smiled again, when Ruth mentioned having a drink after the meeting.
"You can count me in for that." she said, but not very loud, so that probably no one else had heard it.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

{Alexander d'Arth & Sukal}

Sukal nodded to his friend and Captain, but said nothing immediately.  His attention zoomed in on the Cadet which came in with her, and he had to admit to a fair bit of curiosity in wanting to hear her story.  Perhaps it was the mere fact that the Captain had stated this Cadet had actually been in the shuttlebay when it exploded.  That alone had Sukal's full attention for one very important reason.  How had the Caitian been able to escape the explosion virtually unharmed?  According the records which Sukal had pieced together thus far; the phaser shot from the entrance to the shuttlebay had hit the plasma tanks, and caused such a violent and rapid explosion from which it would have virtually been impossible to escape if they a person had been present.  Yet, here she was now with the Captain looking rather unharmed.  Was it something to do with her species?  Had her cat-like reflexes and speed allowed her to move faster than most, and thus escape injury?

Thus, Sukal was more than curious to hear this woman's story.  He noted the Admiral had barely nodded to the Captain after being greeted.  It was clear he had not gotten enough sleep as yet.  Was it simply from what had happened to his ship and crew, or something more?  To this, Sukal had no answers as yet, but he suspected it was always the way with the really good commanding officers.

He typed out a memo to Doctor Eastman on his PADD with an attachment for Lizzie as well.  She was, after all, the CMO, and the health of officers was her concern...even if the Admiral wasn't attached to their ship.

'You might want to do an interview and checkup on Admiral d'Arth.  The man doesn't look well physically or mentally.'

[AS CADET MR'AARRA]

Mr'aarra felt the gaze of the Vulcan Lieutenant on her and felt uncomfortable but just the sort of uncomfortable that you get when you're new and attracting way more attention than she intended.

Picking up on the Captain's request and latching onto it like a drowning man to a life ring she stood, nodded and looked to Esme.  "Would you like to help me Crewman Labinjoh?"

Her hackles were still up but she couldn't understand why Lt. Sukal was so interested in her, other than she'd been in the shuttlebay, but she'd been checking the supplies to come over to the Challenger nothing she hadn't been ordered to do, and she'd been hurt, her fun had been singed and she was frightened until Andrew had come along.

Mr'aarra had to suppress a little kittenish crew of anguish as she was starting to feel scared again with the memory of how frightening it was seeing that shadowy figure.

Admiral Alexander d'Arth read the message...twice, but no one there could have noticed the change it wrought inside him.  After all, he was already showing signs of stress, fatigue, and sorrow.  The message deepened all of those things, but outwardly it changed nothing in the poor Admiral.  Instead, he accepted the message with a grim nod, and it instantly vanished as if it had never been.

"It would appear I need the REDAV to be repaired as quickly as possible.  Starfleet Command has new orders for me and my crew which require my ship to ready for action in no less than seventy-two hours," the Admiral explained to Ruth grimly.  "I can't tell you much beyond that, Captain.  I know your people will help mine as much as you can, but we have seventy-two hours...not one hour more."

To the outside observer, it just seemed like he was worn thin with battle fatigue and grief.  All of which was quite true.  He noticed Sukal watching him for a moment, and instinctively concentrated his mind on the meeting at hand rather than his family's abduction.  The last thing he needed was someone picking up on things and further endangering his family.

Sukal listened to his Captain listing off those she had and still needed, but his attention was on Admiral d'Arth for a moment longer as the man answered her question, "No, Captain.  Whatever information we gather here; I will pass on to my staff personally.  Let them all rest for a bit longer," the Admiral replied solemnly.

While such was a decent enough idea; it made Sukal wonder.  After all, anything concerning the REDAV's repairs would need to be addressed by the Admiral's staff.  Still, he was the Admiral, and it was his ship; so Sukal merely shrugged mentally filing it away for later.  It would not be long now before the meeting would begin, and he would have to explain all he knew of the tragedy concerning the REDAV's shuttlebay.  Already Lizzie had arrived, and he wondered if she got his message about the Admiral.

[AS RUTH]

Ruth blew out her cheeks... "That's going to take a miracle, thankfully we're pretty good at pulling rabbits out of hats.  Ah here's my chief magician!" she said as Lek walked in. "Mr. Lek... you and your crew are gonna be hella busy and I mean if you have any of your slightly crazy ideas... lets have them.  Will make more sense in a few."

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Innominatum Outpost - Deck 4 - Main Conference room]

Lahr looked up from PADD in his hand as the Lieutenant approached and commented on Lahr's feelings.  The Andorian frowned at first, feeling like the Vulcan/Betazoid hybrid officer had 'read' him.  But as the man's words did the opposite of making him feel better, Lahr figured it was just his own droopy posture and antenna that had prompted the words, because if he was being read then the man would know his words were having the opposite effect and stop but the Vulcan continued on.  When the officer seemed done, Lahr feigned a smile and nodded, forcing his antennae to lift.  "Yeah, I get it."  He didn't but that didn't matter as long as the Lieutenant thought he did and dropped the topic.

He was about to follow in behind Lt Sukal when Lyra approached.  He shook his head at her question if he'd been waiting long.  "Not long."

The other Petty officer took one long look at him and was offering him some sympathetic  words.   Really?! did he look THAT bad?  "I'm fine.  Really. Just tired"The Lyra handed him a PADD for him to review.  He took a glance over the results briefly as Lyra commented on their chances of catching the perpetrator.
"Yeah, that would be nice."

He handed back the PADD to Lyra and feigned another smile "Here. Your algorithm... you can present the findings when or if we get asked."

He then headed inside and took a seat at the far end of the table, like he had during the meeting about the Gormangander's when he was there to take notes.  By the Ice, he hoped he wouldn't be asked to do so for this.

Unexpected, the Captain took note of him and queried about his time in Ops, for a third time Lahr feigned a smile and nodded.  "It's great! Lovin' it."  Then shook his head at her offer of the open office to chat, and even suggested they hit the bar together after the meeting to get him his owed drink. "That's not necessary.  I'm good.  Really.  Thank you, anyways, Ma'am."  He flushed a bit in embarrassment at the attention this was likely drawing.

Drinking with the Captain!?  It was one thing partying it up with an  XO or really any senior officer... but the Captain?  That was like on par with dating your Mom.  Just something you didn't do.   "I'll take a raincheck."

He quickly turned his attention to the Caitian at the Captain's introduction and said a brief "Hello" Of course the Caitian reminded him of his recently lost security teammate, M'lenda. Sigh.

Not even the arrival of Chief Dradis with donuts perked his mood.

Soon the Captain was doing a roll-call and at noticing a few absences she tagged Lahr to be the one to send them a meeting reminder.

Lahr began drafting a message to the missing officers when Lt.  Lek arrived.  He struck his name off the "To" list.

His inclination at first because of his sour mood was to just point out plainly.  "You're late for the briefing meeting.  Get your ass here now." But even Lahr was smart enough to realize that wouldn't go over well.

Instead the message read.

To:  Lt Cmdr Judy Eastman; Lt Taray
Re: Briefing meeting time
Marked:  Important

Sirs, I've been asked to inquire after your absence from the briefing meeting about to start.  If you are unable to attend, please send an appropriate alternate in your place.

Petty Officer ch'Verret
for
Acting Captain Sigurdsdottir

Lahr read through the missive one last time before sending it.

"As you wish Mr. ch'Verret, offer is open any time.  If you're not there I'll have a word with Pickle and you may have a drink any time on my dime... one drink that is!" the Captain chuckled.  "And thank you." she indicated his fingers working on the PADD

Lyra didn't say anything more to ch'Verret. Her words didn't seem to have any positive impact on him. She didn't expect it so. It had been to cheer herself up as well as him, but it didn't work on her, either.

When they entered the conference room everyone took a seat and Ruth did a headcount. When it came to herself, Lyra gave a nod and a crooked smile.

"Yes, ma'am, I' am. The report and for the science department. T'Vei thought it logical, since I am to look after the transfer of the plant specimen."

She took a few padds out of her briefcase. They contained data she would need when it was her turn to report.

She took a glass of water and then smiled again, when Ruth mentioned having a drink after the meeting.
"You can count me in for that." she said, but not very loud, so that probably no one else had heard it.

"Well certainly covers a few bases Petty Officer,.." the Captain answered Lyra.  "I need to speak about the plants, get your and Mr ch'Verret's report from your investigations and you are here representing the Science department... all good."

She turned to Sukal, the Admiral and Lizzie "Do you think I should start? There's a lot to get through and while Security should certainly be alerted I'm sure I can schedule the more Security orientated parts of the meeting for when Lt. Taray or her deputy arrives."

[Guest Quarters, Innominatum Outpost]

Judy had received an urgent message from Columbus. She was wanted back, without delay. The base was preparing to host a Klingon delegation, and the presence of the 2O/CMO/de facto SOO, capable diplomat and fluent Klingon speaker that she was, was desired.

She'd sent a brief memo to Ruth, informing her of her immediate departure, and then got to work packing her things as soon as they reached Innominatum. Max, while he was surprised, was happy to get back home with haste. His work was valuable to him, after all.

In good time, Judy was packed up and headed back for her shuttle. That, in turn, would take her home, to Columbus.

Ruth read the note on her PADD from Judy.

"Oh, if you've already sent that message Mr. ch'Verret no worries, but Dr. Eastman won't be joining us, her presence is required urgently recalling her to Columbus." Ruth said.  She wasn't sure if she should be relieved or sad.  She liked Judy, but as Judy, socially.  As for her observing, she wasn't sure how to take her.

[Sukal]

{Admiral d'Arth and Sukal}

"Well certainly covers a few bases Petty Officer,.." the Captain answered Lyra.  "I need to speak about the plants, get your and Mr ch'Verret's report from your investigations and you are here representing the Science department... all good."

She turned to Sukal, the Admiral and Lizzie "Do you think I should start? There's a lot to get through and while Security should certainly be alerted I'm sure I can schedule the more Security orientated parts of the meeting for when Lt. Taray or her deputy arrives."

"This is your show, Captain.  While I appreciate you turning to me for advice; this is your investigation and briefing," Admiral d'Arth answered with a slight shrug...his shoulders slumped from weariness of mind and body.  "Indeed, I think I am not much good at the moment.  Even with the couple of hours sleep I had; my weariness is overcoming my ability to think clearly.  I shall go to the quarters you have for me here on the station, and look forward to your report on this meeting when you can," Alexander added before standing up and nodding curtly to Ruth.  With that, he departed with rather slow purposeful strides from the conference room - his head bowed in deep thought.  From there, he went directly to his quarters arranged on the outpost, but what he really wanted had nothing to do with sleep.

What he wanted was to destroy, mangle, demolish, kill, because someone had dared to kidnap his family.  Whoever it was, and he knew it had to be Leyton, had bypassed or overrun the security measures he had put in place to protect them.  He was angry...far more angry than he had ever been, but this was not something he dared to show in the conference room.  The Vulcan/Betazoid Lieutenant and been really watching him.  Of course, had he been in Sukal's position - he would have done the same.  Instinct told him he needed to avoid Sukal or risk further troubles.

Back in the conference room - Sukal had watched the Admiral leave, but had been unable to read the man before he left.  Whatever was going on - despite his exhaustion - the Admiral had forced his mind to block Sukal.  That alone told him that the Admiral had not left due to mental fatigue, but...then why?  So intent was he on this question that he completely missed Cadet Mr'aarra's nervousness.

"I have no objections to you beginning, Captain.  As you said, we have much to cover.  The fact that the Admiral needs the REDAV repaired in seventy-two hours means we cannot afford to spend a great deal of time on this," Sukal noted as he began typing more notes on his PADD.  Something touched the back of his mind for just a brief moment, and he sent a message to Lek's PADD with an inquiry.

'Just curious...is the damage to the REDAV consistent with what you would expect facing two Akira-class Strike Cruisers?  If not, would you like me to investigate the battle data?'

[Lek]

[AS RUTH]

Ruth blew out her cheeks... "That's going to take a miracle, thankfully we're pretty good at pulling rabbits out of hats.  Ah here's my chief magician!" she said as Lek walked in. "Mr. Lek... you and your crew are gonna be hella busy and I mean if you have any of your slightly crazy ideas... lets have them.  Will make more sense in a few."

"As you wish Mr. ch'Verret, offer is open any time.  If you're not there I'll have a word with Pickle and you may have a drink any time on my dime... one drink that is!" the Captain chuckled.  "And thank you." she indicated his fingers working on the PADD

"Well certainly covers a few bases Petty Officer,.." the Captain answered Lyra.  "I need to speak about the plants, get your and Mr ch'Verret's report from your investigations and you are here representing the Science department... all good."

She turned to Sukal, the Admiral and Lizzie "Do you think I should start? There's a lot to get through and while Security should certainly be alerted I'm sure I can schedule the more Security orientated parts of the meeting for when Lt. Taray or her deputy arrives."

Ruth read the note on her PADD from Judy.

"Oh, if you've already sent that message Mr. ch'Verret no worries, but Dr. Eastman won't be joining us, her presence is required urgently recalling her to Columbus." Ruth said.  She wasn't sure if she should be relieved or sad.  She liked Judy, but as Judy, socially.  As for her observing, she wasn't sure how to take her.

[Innominatum Outpost - Main Conference room]

Lek sat up when his name was mentioned and reflected on what he knew of the repairs the Redav required.

"For the most detailed information, you'd have to ask Lieutenant Commander M'Butu of the Redav, but as the repair team assigned to the station has run into a roadblock, we can support a fairly robust contingent to help him out.

"There is a large amount of structural damage that we can get to now that we are at the station. That's not complicated, but it's heavy and laborious work. I doubt you can get it all repaired in seventy-two hours. Best possible solution is to fare over the heaviest damage and wait for an actual space dock to get to the core superstructure repair.

"Weapons and warp drive seemed operational, but there are still residual power fluctuations from the impulse engines. That I believe can be repaired in the allotted time. Unfortunately, there aren't any shortcuts to the repairs she needs, she just needs manpower and time."

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

{Admiral d'Arth and Sukal}

"This is your show, Captain.  While I appreciate you turning to me for advice; this is your investigation and briefing," Admiral d'Arth answered with a slight shrug...his shoulders slumped from weariness of mind and body.  "Indeed, I think I am not much good at the moment.  Even with the couple of hours sleep I had; my weariness is overcoming my ability to think clearly.  I shall go to the quarters you have for me here on the station, and look forward to your report on this meeting when you can," Alexander added before standing up and nodding curtly to Ruth.  With that, he departed with rather slow purposeful strides from the conference room - his head bowed in deep thought.  From there, he went directly to his quarters arranged on the outpost, but what he really wanted had nothing to do with sleep.

What he wanted was to destroy, mangle, demolish, kill, because someone had dared to kidnap his family.  Whoever it was, and he knew it had to be Leyton, had bypassed or overrun the security measures he had put in place to protect them.  He was angry...far more angry than he had ever been, but this was not something he dared to show in the conference room.  The Vulcan/Betazoid Lieutenant and been really watching him.  Of course, had he been in Sukal's position - he would have done the same.  Instinct told him he needed to avoid Sukal or risk further troubles.

Back in the conference room - Sukal had watched the Admiral leave, but had been unable to read the man before he left.  Whatever was going on - despite his exhaustion - the Admiral had forced his mind to block Sukal.  That alone told him that the Admiral had not left due to mental fatigue, but...then why?  So intent was he on this question that he completely missed Cadet Mr'aarra's nervousness.

"I have no objections to you beginning, Captain.  As you said, we have much to cover.  The fact that the Admiral needs the REDAV repaired in seventy-two hours means we cannot afford to spend a great deal of time on this," Sukal noted as he began typing more notes on his PADD.  Something touched the back of his mind for just a brief moment, and he sent a message to Lek's PADD with an inquiry.

'Just curious...is the damage to the REDAV consistent with what you would expect facing two Akira-class Strike Cruisers?  If not, would you like me to investigate the battle data?'

[Conference Room - Deck 4 - Innominatum Base]

"Of course Admiral.  Get some rest.  I'll be sure to particularly let you know how we intend to work our miracle!" Ruth said with a small smile.  She sent a quick message to Lizzie and Sukal.

TO: Dr. Lizzie Vaughan, CMO, Lt. Sukal, Acting Chief of Ops
FROM: Acting Captain Ruth Sigurdsdottir, CO
RE: Admiral d'Arth

While I'm no medical person, nor do I have any formal telepathic or empathic skills, I have a feeling, call it a 6th sense there is more wrong with the Admiral than mere fatigue and grief.

Sukal, did you get any read on him?

Lizzie, since your presence is very much needed in the meeting may I recommend dispatching Cadet Rosario to check him over and maybe by way of explanation of her presence offer something that will let him have 8 hours restful slumber?

~ Ruth

~MESSAGE ENDS~

"Right everyone listen up.  Meeting is now in session, we'll let Security catch up when they get here. Please continue to partake of Chief Dradis's generous gift just be polite and don't talk with your mouth full!" The Captain looked around and gave a wry smile, catching a little gravy on the corner of her mouth with a paper napkin.

"First I'll get Lt. Lek's mini heartattack out of the way, Doctor, be on standby with the jump leads,.." Ruth winked at Lizzie and chuckled.  "...Admiral d'Arth has had orders he needs to fulfill so you have 72 hours to fix up the Redav.  If you have to put all other repairs on hold, we need to get that ship able to fly and go to warp in 72hrs.  So can my Wizard and his merry band of conjurers perform this minor miracle?!  And don't say you are an Engineer not a Wizard or Miracle worker... in my experience those words are just synonyms for Engineer! And besides....I've had first hand experience of your miracle working and crazy schemes that are glimmers of brilliance.  I thrive on 'unorthodox things that work' so whatever it takes Chief." she looked at Lek waiting for the howls of protest knowing that the Ferengi Chief was one of the best in the fleet and he was her Chief Engineer.  It made her very proud.