S3:E1 CLONES

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

{Sukal}

Sukal arched his right eyebrow at his Captain in true Vulcan fashion as she technically was telling him to back off a bit.  Considering the severity of what had happened; that did not seem like the best of ideas.  Still, he wasn't going to question her decision to call him on how severe he was with Mr'aarra.  Instead, he simply nodded curtly to his Captain and friend before taking his seat and listening to the exchange between the the Cadet and his superior.  What she said still didn't quite add up.  Not in his mind at least.  But, the idea of a mysterious shadowy figure made Sukal wonder even more.  It was then something truly strange hit him which set his nerves on edge.  Indeed, it made extra alert and suspicious though he was not sure how to tell his Captain at the moment.

There were very few species known to the Federation which were naturally telepathically resistant.  Some were so powerful that picking up on their thoughts and emotions was absolutely impossible, but the Caitian was not one of those species on either of those levels.  Which begged a very strange and dangerous question in his mind.

How could he not be picking up on her feelings of nervousness, anxiety, distress, and so forth when she was displaying all of those emotions outwardly?  She clearly did not have the training to block him.  Nor the discipline to hide her feelings or they would not be so openly displayed at the moment.  So...

...why couldn't he read Mr'aarra?  She was as blank to him as if she had no such emotions currently being shown to the people present, and to which his Captain was defending.

It made Sukal's face switch from glaring narrowed eyes to suddenly complete passiveness.  Anyone who knew him, and there were only two in the room who did, would know instantly that he was extremely worried and focused.  For him to switch to his Vulcan passive face meant something was much more severely out of place or wrong than ever before.  Lizzie was never close to him, and thus may not have picked up on the change, and the Captain hadn't seen him in a while before his sudden return to duty.  The more he focused on Mr'aarra - the more he picked up absolutely nothing.

Zero...nada...

But...that was impossible...unless she was not who she claimed to be.  He would have to talk to the Captain in private about this later, and likely include Lizzie as she was the CMO.  Something was truly off with the Cadet, and considering what had been found thus far...that did not bode well at all.

Thus, when Mr'aarra finished her explanation and dramatic display; Sukal merely shook his head slightly in a negative, but his face remained utterly passive.

Finally, Sukal replied to her answer...his tone completely passive and low, but clear and concise, "I see, Cadet.  Naturally, we shall have to investigate further." He said nothing more, but gave his Captain a look that said under no uncertain terms that they needed to talk very soon.

Ruth was watching Sukal, and Mr'aarra carefully.  It was obvious that her friend wasn't convinced of Mr'aarra's testimony but she couldn't pinpoint why, then she got it.  When he switched to what she called his 'Spock look' he was focussed, he was reading her and the readings and what she was saying didn't add up.  Between his Vulcan and Betazoid parentage, he was probably the best person in that room to get a read on people, and she wouldn't dismiss that.  She returned his look with a very Vulcan-esque bow of the head, indicating she understood then turned to Mr'aarra.

"Very well, cadet you may stand down.  Report to Sickbay to have those burns attended to.  I appreciate you can't do anything about the fur, but the pads can be sorted out I'm sure, what do you say Doctor?  I mean other than she should have gone to get them checked out sooner that is, but perhaps the pain of that is reprimand enough?!" The Captain asked of the CMO.

"Mr. Lek, I assume you can orgainise your team to get the Redav sorted enough to get her to Deep Space 4, Also please send me any more requisitions you need for repairing the base and any spares you need for Challenger as I will be contacting Command, again..." Ruth rolled her eyes slightly emphasising the ongoing battle with Command to send supplies. "...once we've dismissed from here." she poured a glass of water and took a good slug.

Lyra nodded and did as her CO suggested and set a padd to record. She was fairly certain that she would be able to remember everything just fine but it was a good idea and wouldn't hurt. When the plants were on topic Lyra shortly reported her preparations.

"I have prepared a special storage container with adjustable atmospheric conditions so that we may store the plants there while we're working on them."

She chuckled a bit when she thought about that container. It looked like a mix of an storage container (who would have thought), an isolation chamber and a raised bed for home gardening. Not pretty, but it was able to reproduce various atmospheric conditions so that they could work on safe ways to grow strobolin.

"The container is ready, ma'am. I can place the plants inside anytime."

Next on the list were the investigations on the explosion of the Redav's shuttle bay. Lyra listened attentively when Sukal told his story. She knew the rough outlines, but of course she hadn't heard a full report of everything until now.

She could have chimed in when he paused after his report of his part of the investigation and the hack into his console. But, apart from that she didn't have much so add, it probably wasn't too prudent to interrupt n officer, and a lieutenant at that.

When he came to questioning the cadet Lyra's eyebrows wandered up a few millimeters. It was hard to believe that a cadet would have the knowledge to pull something like that off. Not the phaser part, the hacking part. To the raised eyebrows came a frown when she really thought about it. Unless the caitian was secretly a computer specialist Lyra had serious doubts that she had anything to do with the latter part. It was simply not logical.

When Ruth questions the cadet and she finally spoke up, Lyra again wished she had been able to dig up more data. But in the one case it was just too badly damaged and in the other case...it was beyond her abilities. She didn't like to admit it, even to herself, but that was the reality

"Excellent Lyra, I was about to come onto that, I think if you transplant them in individual pots you can keep them in the atmospheric chamber that would be great."  Ruth said smiling.  "And your other task - looking after the Cadets.  If you would stay after I dismiss the others I will call the cadets, other than Cadet Mr'aarra who obviously is already here and we'll have a little conflab. As I have you all here too, I'd like to introduce you to our new Flight Crewman, Esme Labinjoh.  I hope you'll all make her part of our Challenger family."

Ruth looked down the table to Esme and smiled, then scrolled on her PADD to find the next item of business, muttering to herself 'Ops... Science, Engineering,...' she ticked them off in her brain.

"Flight, Mr. Dradis, I will expect you to liaise with Mr. Lek about assisting via Workabees if needed otherwise please communicate state of readiness for all shuttlecraft for both ships and the base craft.  Also level 1 diagnostics on the flight and navigational controls of both ships. Also I should mention that you'll have a cadet working with your department Cadet Andrew Olivia." Ruth said with a curt nod at Dradis.

Dradis took a few notes but answered "Aye Ma'am" then turned to Esme and whispered "If we use the Workabees I'll let you pilot, get you used to another type of craft."

The Captain continued her run down of departments.

"Dr. Vaughan, I believe you briefly met all the cadets when transferring over, Cadet Doctor Pauline Rosario will be working with you.  I believe Admiral d'Arth indicated he had about 3 weeks of medical supplies for us, can you please see that they are distributed where they are most needed either to Outpost medical or Challenger and make a full list of requisitions for both. Please ensure that the Redav has at least enough  supplies to get them comfortably to DS4.  Could you report on the condition of the injured Redav crew?" she asked.

"Petty Officer ch'Verret I understand you and Petty Officer Lyra were investigating on behalf of Lt. Sukal, did you find anything or were you hitting the same problems as he with missing records?"

No-one from Security and Tactical had yet turned up so she shrugged making a mental note to reprimand Lt. Taray for not sending a delegate.  Perhaps she and her team with the extra Redav personnel on base and the rumours of drug smuggling, were rather busy. Well, she couldn't hang about here when people had things to do.

"Since Lt. Taray and her team are obviously delayed beyond what we anticipated I will merely briefly state that there have been rumours of drug smuggling on the base, however there are always rumours. I ask that if you see anything slightly more dodgy than normal or hear anything while you are in the Pakled to pass it on to Security.  I will get a report on the state of readiness from Tactical and Lt. Taray when I meet with them later."

The Captain looked down her list wondering.... Nope that was about it.

"I think that's about everything from me, Oh Lt. Sukal, I'm sure you're already aware you too will have a Cadet, comes highly recommended - one Kenyi Haihes.  I'll make sure you're formally introduced at some point.  Now unless anyone has anything to add, I'll let you all get on.  Thank you for your time. Dismiss."

Ruth stayed put, waiting for everyone to either give their responses, speak up on leave.  She wearily thought that once she was done here, she wasn't... she had to have a meeting with the cadets, and then with Sukal or the other way on.

She laid a hand on Sukal's arm and lent in to speak quietly "Sukal, I'm going to have a meeting with the cadets after everyone disperses, may as well use this room since we are here and we already have Mr'aarra here, when we do see if you can get anything from any of them.  Then we'll talk."

{Alexander d'Arth}

The Admiral had originally meant to go to his quarters, but he had one hell of a migraine as well as exhaustion.  Normally, like most senior officers; he avoided Sickbay like the plague.  Doctors tended to overrule even Admirals if they thought there was a good enough cause to do so.  But, the persistent headache was just too much.  Thus, he had found himself in Sickbay being examined by the person on duty.

The idea of beaming over to his quarters seemed an odd suggestion to make.  Sure, he was sleepy, overwhelmed with news of what had happened to his family, and had battle fatigue on top of that, but to suggest he needed to be beamed to his quarters was...just strange.  Perhaps it was simply that he was overly tired, or perhaps it came from the dangers he now faced with such suspicions in his mind.  Whatever the reason - Admiral Alexander d'Arth suddenly stood up from his seat on the bio bed, and squared his shoulders as if preparing for trouble.

"Perhaps, Cadet, but that would be an inefficient use of energy considering the damage this outpost has taken recently.  I will return to my quarters and get the sleep required," he told her firmly as he tugged his uniform top tighter.

Did he really feel in danger just now?  What was wrong with him?  She was just a Medical Cadet trying to do her job, and save him the walk to his quarters.  Wasn't she?  Had he grown so suspicious since finding out his family had been kidnapped that he suspected trouble from any source?

Without thinking much and shaking his head a bit; the Admiral turned to leave...
[/quote]

[Sickbay]

[AS CADET PAULINE ROSARIO]

Pauline made small tsk tsk noises and said "Well I can't really argue that much with an Admiral but I insist on accompanying you there.  I have to set up the somnetic inducer anyhow.  Sooner we get you there the better." She said brightly.

Inside her head the ticking 'time bomb' was waiting to go off, and somewhere in the back of her conscious thoughts she had a sense of urgency.

She walked to catch up with the Admiral and got into a turbolift with him to the corridor with the airlift, onto the Outpost and then to the VIP Lodgings on deck 2.

"Here you go Admiral, let me just set this up."

Pauline quickly set up the inducer and was about to leave when the effects of the little infra red switch kicked in.

"ONLY LEYTON IS THE TRUTH! YOU WILL TELL NO-ONE I WAS HERE, OR YOUR FAMILY WILL DIE!" she said, whirling around with a hypo in her hand, eyes glazed over. There wasn't much harmful in it other than a dose of eszopiclone that would put him under for around 48 hours, unfortunately she was startled from a noise in the corridor and only succeeded in her hand striking the Admiral in the face/jaw area but she fled, not knowing what damage she may or may not have done, the hypo was empty as she had thumbed the trigger but she didn't get know if that was because of it finding it's target or just that the drug had been released.

Halfway down the corridor she stopped, her eyes returning to normal and her mind said 'Why am I here?'  she seemed to 'remember' that she was meant to be sorting out the Admiral with some sleep aids.  When she got to his quarters, she found the door still open and the Admiral on the ground, he didn't look too good, in fact she'd say he'd been attacked.

Pauline hit her commbadge with a frown  =/\=Cadet Rosario to Security and Medical, please report immediately to Admiral d'Arth's guest quarters on Innominatum, he appears to have been attacked. Rosario out. 

She had no recollection of having attacked him herself.  Down the other end of the corridor to the room she was at, a man in the shadows smiled a secret smile to himself and chuckled, it was picked up by the Security cameras in the area, but if anyone was only taking a fleeting glance at it, they would only notice the 'medical person' from before, if you zoomed in and looked closer, you would see that the 'pips' on his collar were actually miniature Federation of Planet logo, reversed, with the star coloured red, a cursive 'L' at the top of the laurels and 'TRUTH' written below.

Pema and Veronique's Room - Innominatum Outpost

Lark accepted the Slug-O-Cola with a grin, popping the top and releasing the patented 'pshh' sound of released carbonating gas.  He took a long drink from the container, letting the cool slime coat his mouth and throat in the satisfying way that only real Slug-O-Cola could manage.

He had stock in the company.

"We should probably talk about my fee," he suggested, "I've already gotten you the cert.  I'll make the appropriate introductions once you've got the supply in hand.  I expect five percent of any deal you negotiate."

He took another swallow of the drink and added, "When is your supply coming in, anyway?  And how are you getting it past customs?"

[AS PEMA and VERONIQUE]

"Ah, fee?" Pema said "I don't believe a fee was mentioned. Veronique? Didn't I tell you to always run business stuff by me, Lilith will be furious!" the Bhutanese woman said, eyes wide and glaring.

"But Pema, he didn't mention a fee."  Veronique said innocently, and turned to the Traveller.  "I thought you were doing it as a favour, cuz you liked me and well if there was any kind of 'fee' it was that Oomox I promised you!" she said looking her best 'hurt' look, it was only half-exaggerated, she did genuinely think that Lark liked her as much as she liked him.

Pema was right she had a strange taste in men but she genuinely liked Ferengis, she put it down to she loved the feel of their ears, and the few she'd actually had in bed weren't bad in that respect too!

"So, since you do want a fee and my colleague's ministrations aren't enough as she thought, you still want 5% given that you've had 2 of our crystals as a gesture of goodwill so I expect some recompense for them, I'm not really at liberty to make decisions like this but I'll stick my neck out on this one since you got us the pharma cert, that will be useful down the line." Pema said in her 'no nonsense' voice. "You double cross us in any way however, you'll find yourself shoved out of an airlock somewhere, and it won't be us.  I don't think Veronique would want to lose you and I couldn't put up with her moping around if I'd done it, but it would be done on our behalf.  I give fair warning.  So if we're agreed, shake."  she put her hand out and waited.

"You asked about supply,.." said Veronique. "Erm... we'll let you know when it gets here." she said hurriedly after a tiny shake of the head and a glare from Pema not to give it away until they were sure that the supply was coming in, and that they were sure, or more that Pema was sure he was safe to talk to.

"We've ah... been having a few problems getting them thru with all the war and fighting going on in this sector lately."  That was at least plausible, after all hadn't the USS Redav been attacked?

"Totally off topic, do you know if the USS Redav has docked, a friend's niece is on board and we've been asked to say hello if we were still here when they docked." she asked, it was one way to see if they're crystals had landed.

USS Challenger - Bridge

Andrew was at the auxiliary console on the bridge, testing out some software improvements he'd come up with.  He was running everything in a test domain, of course.  He wouldn't want any of his changes to affect the live systems until they'd been proven to work, and been approved by his superiors.

Having finished his latest code update, he sent the file to be compiled by the main computer.

... and it was done.  Andrew blinked in surprise.   That had been fast.

Activating the software package in the test domain, he began testing the updated interface.  As he worked, the computer diligently timed the simulated response time of the thrusters.  A .01% increase!  Remarkable!

He, a mere cadet, had made an immense improvement to the systems of the ship.  Now he just had to tell the department head.  Maybe he'd get a promotion![/size]

USS Challenger - Bridge

The duty officer looked up, mildly bored. "You done that already, cadet? I think Chief Dradis in in a meeting, least that was last I heard, senior staff meeting.  If you want to report then I'd head onto base.  They'll be in the big conference room, Deck 4."

She gave a small smile.  "Good work by the way, I don't think I've ever seen a cadet work so quietly and efficiently, it makes a nice change!"

[Lek]

"Mr. Lek, I assume you can orgainise your team to get the Redav sorted enough to get her to Deep Space 4, Also please send me any more requisitions you need for repairing the base and any spares you need for Challenger as I will be contacting Command, again..." Ruth rolled her eyes slightly emphasising the ongoing battle with Command to send supplies. "...once we've dismissed from here." she poured a glass of water and took a good slug.

"Excellent Lyra, I was about to come onto that, I think if you transplant them in individual pots you can keep them in the atmospheric chamber that would be great."  Ruth said smiling.  "And your other task - looking after the Cadets.  If you would stay after I dismiss the others I will call the cadets, other than Cadet Mr'aarra who obviously is already here and we'll have a little conflab. As I have you all here too, I'd like to introduce you to our new Flight Crewman, Esme Labinjoh.  I hope you'll all make her part of our Challenger family."

Ruth looked down the table to Esme and smiled, then scrolled on her PADD to find the next item of business, muttering to herself 'Ops... Science, Engineering,...' she ticked them off in her brain.

"Flight, Mr. Dradis, I will expect you to liaise with Mr. Lek about assisting via Workabees if needed otherwise please communicate state of readiness for all shuttlecraft for both ships and the base craft.  Also level 1 diagnostics on the flight and navigational controls of both ships. Also I should mention that you'll have a cadet working with your department Cadet Andrew Olivia." Ruth said with a curt nod at Dradis.

Dradis took a few notes but answered "Aye Ma'am" then turned to Esme and whispered "If we use the Workabees I'll let you pilot, get you used to another type of craft."

[Conference Room - Innominatum Outpost]

Lek nodded absently as he thought through the requirements the station and the Redav needed as the Challenger was fully operational to his thinking. The station still had heavy damage in some sections and that could only be repaired with time and manpower. The only thing that could not be repaired was the primary sensor array. The bulk of the Redav's repairs came down to the same needs as the station, time and manpower.

"The only requirement for the station remains the same, either a replacement primary sensor array has to be brought in, or we have to have the use of a class four industrial replicator to make one. Both options require external support from Starfleet command.

"The Challenger is fully ready for operations. All primary systems consoles have been inspected and are to specifications. We are three-quarters through the secondary consoles and expect to be finished with them in sixteen hours. Tertiary consoles will take at least a week, but the likelihood of us having to rely on one of those is of sufficiently unlikely that I am comfortable with us meeting any requirements asked of us while those inspections continue.

"The Redav simply needs time for us to make as many patches as we can, but we will need every minute we have before she departs to get her superstructure as stable as we can outside of a yard."

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret

"Petty Officer ch'Verret I understand you and Petty Officer Lyra were investigating on behalf of Lt. Sukal, did you find anything or were you hitting the same problems as he with missing records?"

Lahr glanced over a bit surprised at having been called to speak, given both Lt Sukal earlier findings.
"No ma'am.  I didn't find anything that wasn't brought up already by Lieutenant Sukal; though we didn't lose the data copied over from the Redav like Lieutenant Sukal... but then we didn't think to download the comm badge locations.  I've gone through the security footage and either the individual knew where the cameras were and took extreme efforts to avoid them or they had already cleaned the footage before we copied it over.  But everything looks genuine."

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Conference Room - Innominatum Outpost]

Lek nodded absently as he thought through the requirements the station and the Redav needed as the Challenger was fully operational to his thinking. The station still had heavy damage in some sections and that could only be repaired with time and manpower. The only thing that could not be repaired was the primary sensor array. The bulk of the Redav's repairs came down to the same needs as the station, time and manpower.

"The only requirement for the station remains the same, either a replacement primary sensor array has to be brought in, or we have to have the use of a class four industrial replicator to make one. Both options require external support from Starfleet command.

"The Challenger is fully ready for operations. All primary systems consoles have been inspected and are to specifications. We are three-quarters through the secondary consoles and expect to be finished with them in sixteen hours. Tertiary consoles will take at least a week, but the likelihood of us having to rely on one of those is of sufficiently unlikely that I am comfortable with us meeting any requirements asked of us while those inspections continue.

"The Redav simply needs time for us to make as many patches as we can, but we will need every minute we have before she departs to get her superstructure as stable as we can outside of a yard."

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret

Lahr glanced over a bit surprised at having been called to speak, given both Lt Sukal earlier findings.
"No ma'am.  I didn't find anything that wasn't brought up already by Lieutenant Sukal; though we didn't lose the data copied over from the Redav like Lieutenant Sukal... but then we didn't think to download the comm badge locations.  I've gone through the security footage and either the individual knew where the cameras were and took extreme efforts to avoid them or they had already cleaned the footage before we copied it over.  But everything looks genuine."

[Conference Room - Deck 4 - Innominatum Outpost]

"Very well Chief, I leave it in your capable hands.  Thank you Mr ch'Verret, if you can continue to work with Mr. Sukal and do a parity trace scan see if that yields anything.  I'm not hopeful but it's worth a shot." The Captain smiled.  "If that's everything... "

She wasn't sure but she thought she saw Cadet Mr'aarra go to walk out of the room with the rest and the flick of her tail spoke of the unsure nature of the girl, she changed her direction last minute and went to get a glass of cold water with ice from the replicator.

The actions of the cadet spoke of nervousness, yet she seemed to not be having any discomfort holding the glass in her paws, which Ruth though odd given the blistered nature of the pads.

Shaking it off as 'mush have high pain threshold' she tapped her commbadge.    Captain Sigurdsdottir to Cadets Rossario, Olivia and Kenyi please report to Conference Room, Deck 4 on Innominatum immediately.  Sigurdsdottir out. 

She turned to the CMO and said "Perhaps since Cadet Rossario is coming she could bring a medkit and deal with Cadet Mr'aarra's hands?"

Ruth then turned to Sukal.  "You want a word now or after the meeting with all the Cadets?"

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

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

[Conference Room - Deck 4 - Innominatum Outpost]

"Very well Chief, I leave it in your capable hands.  Thank you Mr ch'Verret, if you can continue to work with Mr. Sukal and do a parity trace scan see if that yields anything.  I'm not hopeful but it's worth a shot." The Captain smiled.  "If that's everything... "

...

Ruth then turned to Sukal.  "You want a word now or after the meeting with all the Cadets?"

Lahr nodded at the Captain's orders. "Yes, Ma'am" he answered then waited while her other orders were divvied out.  When the meeting came to a close, Lahr gathered up his data PADD, thinking over the Captain's request for a parity trace scan.  Ugh.. those took forever to run! But if anything could be found it would be through that type of scan.  Parity traces took up a lot of processing power especially on a database this large.

Lahr looked to the Lieutenant who seemed like he might remain behind to speak to the Captain more.  "I'll be on the Challengers Battle bridge to start on the parity trace.  It's the only console on the ship that won't set off security notifications with the use of the Redav's database." he remarked offhand.

The Andorian gave the Vulcan hybrid officer a nod then headed off back to the Challenger.  He didn't like being on the outpost.  The trauma was still too fresh for Lahr to want to stay long, even if it was for drinking.  He couldn't wait for the Challenger to get assigned to somewhere else.  Anywhere else.

[Sukal]

[Conference Room - Deck 4 - Innominatum Outpost]

"Very well Chief, I leave it in your capable hands.  Thank you Mr ch'Verret, if you can continue to work with Mr. Sukal and do a parity trace scan see if that yields anything.  I'm not hopeful but it's worth a shot." The Captain smiled.  "If that's everything... "

She wasn't sure but she thought she saw Cadet Mr'aarra go to walk out of the room with the rest and the flick of her tail spoke of the unsure nature of the girl, she changed her direction last minute and went to get a glass of cold water with ice from the replicator.

The actions of the cadet spoke of nervousness, yet she seemed to not be having any discomfort holding the glass in her paws, which Ruth though odd given the blistered nature of the pads.

Shaking it off as 'mush have high pain threshold' she tapped her commbadge.    Captain Sigurdsdottir to Cadets Rossario, Olivia and Kenyi please report to Conference Room, Deck 4 on Innominatum immediately.  Sigurdsdottir out. 

She turned to the CMO and said "Perhaps since Cadet Rossario is coming she could bring a medkit and deal with Cadet Mr'aarra's hands?"

Ruth then turned to Sukal.  "You want a word now or after the meeting with all the Cadets?"

Sukal waited patiently for the Captain to address him as she dealt with various things to tie up the meeting.  Once she was done, and she informed him that he would soon be meeting the Cadet assigned to him...along with a desire for him to get a read on the other Cadets; Sukal braced himself for what he had to tell her.  He glanced at Lizzie for a moment, and waited for the rest to leave the room before he began.

"Captain, I realize you believed I was being harsh with Cadet Mr'aarra, but I have a newly added suspicion which I am sure will not make you happy," he began, but kept his face carefully passive.  "Considering how nervous, upset, and even frightened Cadet Mr'aarra was - the did not have the slightest bit of such emotions coming from her mind.  There was no sense of anything she was physically displaying.  It was as if it were all an act...an elaborate one, to be sure, but an act all the same.  Something is far more wrong here than it seems.  Her species should not be able to block telepathic scans.  Furthermore, she is clearly too young to be trained in the art of blocking such scans consciously.  Considering her outwards appearance of displayed emotions; she wouldn't have been able to focus anyway to block even a simple empath - much less someone who has my ability.  I do not know what is going on here, but she is dangerous.  Far more, perhaps, than we realize."

He said nothing more as he gazed from Lizzie to his friend and Captain.  Would she think he had lost his mind?  After all, how could a Cadet be considered so dangerous?  Yet, it was the truth - despite the lack of proof he had to show her.  All he had to give her was the strange way she escaped most of the damage in the exploding shuttlebay, and his very strange inability to read her.  Beyond that - there was nothing he could add...yet.

That was when the security alert went out...

Pauline hit her commbadge with a frown  =/\=Cadet Rosario to Security and Medical, please report immediately to Admiral d'Arth's guest quarters on Innominatum, he appears to have been attacked. Rosario out. 

Sukal about jumped out of his chair.  Sure, he wasn't in Security, but he was deeply concerned to hear this latest event happen.  If the Admiral had indeed been attacked; then the danger he was warning his Captain of was indeed true.  "Captain, we need to get to the Admiral...now!" Sukal warned with a glance at the CMO.  "Site to site transport to the Admiral's quarters would be good...wouldn't you agree, Doctor Vaughan?"

[Lek]

[Conference Room - Deck 4 - Innominatum Outpost]

"Very well Chief, I leave it in your capable hands.  Thank you Mr ch'Verret, if you can continue to work with Mr. Sukal and do a parity trace scan see if that yields anything.  I'm not hopeful but it's worth a shot." The Captain smiled.  "If that's everything... "

[Conference Room - Innominatum Outpost]

Lek watched the exchange between Sukal and the Caitian cadet with more than a little interest. Lek's suspicions went on high alert and he made a special mental note to never let this cadet be alone during any sort of repairs. Once the questioning stopped, Lek interpreted the captain's comments to mean he was dismissed and he stood to leave.

"With your leave captain, I will contact Lieutenant Commander M'Butu of the Redav to coordinate structural repairs."

Lek exited the conference room and felt an immediate sense of relief. There was something about the captain that put him on edge that he couldn't define, but it didn't bode well for their working relationship.

"Hopefully it doesn't impact my career as well, as it's never a good thing to not work well with your captain."

He muttered as he headed to engineering and once in his office, immediately placed a call to M'Butu.

[Mondo'li Nari]

Conference Room - Deck 4 - Innominatum Outpost

A figure emerged from the turbolift to Mondo's right, rushing out and nearly crashing into him.  Only a quick sidestep avoided a collision.

"Oh!  I'm so sorry!  I was rushing to get to the conference room."

Mondo waved an arm in the direction of the room, "The fault was mine, Cadet," he lied diplomatically.  "I am also late to the conference room.  I was meant to attend in lieu of my superior, but an incident involving a Cardassian-"

Andrew held up his hands, "I'm so sorry, Crewma- er- Petty Officer.  I really need to get to this meeting.  You can tell me about it later?"  The Cadet smiled apologetically.

Mondo nodded, and followed the cadet to the conference room.

Andrew snapped to attention when he came upon a cluster of superior officers.  "Cadet Oliva reporting, Sirs."

Following along, Mondo stood at a slightly less rigid posture of attention, "Petty Officer Nari reporting.  I regret I was detained due to a security incident involving a Cardassian who-"

He paused when someone said something about the Admiral being in danger.

[Lyra]

"Excellent Lyra, I was about to come onto that, I think if you transplant them in individual pots you can keep them in the atmospheric chamber that would be great."  Ruth said smiling.  "And your other task - looking after the Cadets.  If you would stay after I dismiss the others I will call the cadets, other than Cadet Mr'aarra who obviously is already here and we'll have a little conflab. As I have you all here too, I'd like to introduce you to our new Flight Crewman, Esme Labinjoh.  I hope you'll all make her part of our Challenger family."

"Petty Officer ch'Verret I understand you and Petty Officer Lyra were investigating on behalf of Lt. Sukal, did you find anything or were you hitting the same problems as he with missing records?"

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret

Lahr glanced over a bit surprised at having been called to speak, given both Lt Sukal earlier findings.
"No ma'am.  I didn't find anything that wasn't brought up already by Lieutenant Sukal; though we didn't lose the data copied over from the Redav like Lieutenant Sukal... but then we didn't think to download the comm badge locations.  I've gone through the security footage and either the individual knew where the cameras were and took extreme efforts to avoid them or they had already cleaned the footage before we copied it over.  But everything looks genuine."

Lyra stood up when everyone else left, but remained in the room. She strolled over to Ruth.

"You know, it is hardly worth the air I use to speak it, but for the sake of completeness: While I was helping ch'Verret I had a go at the sensor data and later at data traces from our hacker. In both cases I tried to use some algorithms I normally use on data fragments from badly damaged and old alien tech. Took a little tweaking. However, the sensor data from the shuttle bay was too badly damaged. Lots of it is missing, but I could at least confirm that the explosion was caused by a ruptured plasma tank, and this in turn most likely caused by a phaser blast.
As for the hacker: Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I have found traces that somebody was in Sukal's console but that's about it. I tried most of the two hours journey back to make something out of the scraps, but whoever it was is damned good with computers. Far better than I am, as it seems"

While she had given the report to her CO almost every other person had left the room and Sukal and Vaughan headed for an emergency. The cadets weren't here yet, so there was a moment, when the two women were more or less alone. Now Lyra was looking at her friend. And she was a bit worried. There was much going on.

"You're okay, Ruth?"

It was a simple question. A few words that transported everything they needed to. If you need anything from me, just ask. It was what friends did for each other: being there, asking this question when nobody else did. At least in Lyra's world it was. And her friend was the Captain, with a lot of pressure on her and everyone looking to her for guidance and maybe forgetting that she was also human.

And then the first cadets came in, a cadet Oliva, directly followed by Mondo.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Innominatum Outpost - corridor to Challenger airlock]

Maybe it was because of his past experience with Security and therefore knew the telltale signs of a silent alert being passed along through Security, but as Lahr made his way through the station from the Main Conference room down to where the Challenger was docked, Lahr became aware that something was up with security.  They were way too alert to be just doing their jobs.

He noticed as he approached the airlock at which Challenger berthed, the security that was usually in attendance to do standard on and off station number tracking and customs work, were now physically blocking the airblock.  This wasn't good.

Lahr gave the pair of humans working a friendly smile.  These weren't Security he recognized.  They weren't from the Challenger.  Perhaps they'd been brought over by Admiral Kirok last month? "Heya guys, what's up?"

Of course when at any stage of alert no security personnel was going to respond to friendly overtures.  Lahr knew that but he tried anyways.  The two glanced to one another briefly, sharing a look.

"Please state your name, rank and authorization code to the computer for identity verification." the burlier of the two crewman said as he turned his gaze back to Lahr.

"Sure thing!" Lahr answered before tipping his head up slightly to speak to the microphones embedded in the ceiling. "Computer verify identity.  ch'Verret, ShranLahr.  Petty officer 2nd grade.  Authorization code:  Bravo Alpha Delta Sigma Sigma Six Niner."

There was no hesitation from the computer as it immediately bleeped. "Identity verification confirmed."

Once more there was a shared look between the two security crewmen - this time each had a bit of a smirk.  Most likely because of his authorization code.  Lahr grinned.

When the senior crewman, looked back over towards Lahr, he asked a rather standard question.   "What was your purpose aboard the outpost today, sir."

"I was attending a senior officer briefing meeting with Captain Sigurdsdottir and Admiral d'Arth."  Lahr figured he'd try dropping a few big wig names to see if that would help speed his way through the checkpoint.

But at his mention of the Admiral, both guards became even more alert and eyed Lahr suspiciously even a bit intimidatingly..

The Andorian's antenna bristled a bit but Lahr kept his cool as he got questioned further.

"When was the last time you say Admiral d'Arth."

Lahr blinked in surprise.  That wasn't a standard question. What was going?

The guards reaction to his mention of the Admiral, and their questioning suggested that something had happened to the Admiral.  Which wasn't good.

"About 15 minutes ago.  He left the meeting early to return to his quarters he said.  I remained at the meeting until just 5 minutes ago when the meeting was dismissed. I've been ordered to continue an ongoing investigation into the explosion of the shuttlebay on the Redav.  I need access to files that can only be opened from the Challenger."

There was yet another shared look between the two.  Lahr was getting curious about those looks.  Because they appeared human, Lahr doubted it was a type of telepathy but he was certain they were somehow communicating between one another each time they looked at one another.

"Sir, if you would kindly have a seat in the waiting area, we'll contact the Operations center to see if they are allowing any crew movement whatsoever off the station."

Lahr gave a brief acquiescing nod.  "Sure thing.  I know the drill.  Been  on your side of things so I know how it goes.  Been there, done that.   Isn't that the saying?"

Lahr made his way back down the hall about 20 feet where the waiting area seating began.  Rather than sit, Lahr leaned his back against a column and pondered the situation.  Lockdown of an entire station was a rather serious thing, but an attack or  serious threat to a Command level officer would initiate that type of response.  Lahr wondered which it was?

[Lizzie Vaughan]

Sukal waited patiently for the Captain to address him as she dealt with various things to tie up the meeting.  Once she was done, and she informed him that he would soon be meeting the Cadet assigned to him...along with a desire for him to get a read on the other Cadets; Sukal braced himself for what he had to tell her.  He glanced at Lizzie for a moment, and waited for the rest to leave the room before he began.

"Captain, I realize you believed I was being harsh with Cadet Mr'aarra, but I have a newly added suspicion which I am sure will not make you happy," he began, but kept his face carefully passive.  "Considering how nervous, upset, and even frightened Cadet Mr'aarra was - the did not have the slightest bit of such emotions coming from her mind.  There was no sense of anything she was physically displaying.  It was as if it were all an act...an elaborate one, to be sure, but an act all the same.  Something is far more wrong here than it seems.  Her species should not be able to block telepathic scans.  Furthermore, she is clearly too young to be trained in the art of blocking such scans consciously.  Considering her outwards appearance of displayed emotions; she wouldn't have been able to focus anyway to block even a simple empath - much less someone who has my ability.  I do not know what is going on here, but she is dangerous.  Far more, perhaps, than we realize."

He said nothing more as he gazed from Lizzie to his friend and Captain.  Would she think he had lost his mind?  After all, how could a Cadet be considered so dangerous?  Yet, it was the truth - despite the lack of proof he had to show her.  All he had to give her was the strange way she escaped most of the damage in the exploding shuttlebay, and his very strange inability to read her.  Beyond that - there was nothing he could add...yet.

That was when the security alert went out...

Sukal about jumped out of his chair.  Sure, he wasn't in Security, but he was deeply concerned to hear this latest event happen.  If the Admiral had indeed been attacked; then the danger he was warning his Captain of was indeed true.  "Captain, we need to get to the Admiral...now!" Sukal warned with a glance at the CMO.  "Site to site transport to the Admiral's quarters would be good...wouldn't you agree, Doctor Vaughan?"

Conference Room

Lizzie had already gotten to her feet when the security call came in. She turned to Sukal and nodded.

"Tell them to keep a lock on me as I will probably need both myself and the Admiral to transport to Sickbay." She replied.

She then walked round the table and stood next to the Vulcan, ready for transport.

[Sukal]

Conference Room

Lizzie had already gotten to her feet when the security call came in. She turned to Sukal and nodded.

"Tell them to keep a lock on me as I will probably need both myself and the Admiral to transport to Sickbay." She replied.

She then walked round the table and stood next to the Vulcan, ready for transport.

Sukal nodded as Lizzie came over and told him what to expect.  "Transporter Room, two to beam directly to Admiral d'Arth's quarters, and keep a lock on Doctor Vaughan.  Prepare for secondary transport from the Admiral's quarters to Sickbay," Sukal ordered after tapping his comm badge.

A moment later, the two officers dematerialized out of the conference room directly only to reappear a few moments later in Admiral Alexander d'Arth's quarters.  Finding Cadet Rosario present did not sooth Sukal's suspicions.  He was already suspicious of Cadet Mr'aarra, but considering what had happened to the USS REDAV - Sukal wasn't ruling out any of the new transfer personnel.  Granted, he was new to the treachery Starfleet and the Federation had been experiencing, but something about everything that had happened to the REDAV made Sukal alert as he had rarely been.  Indeed, those few times he could recollect with perfect ease:  the USS DANTE when he had to fight possessed members of the crew - including his friend Archangel T'Koris, on the GETTYSBURG when the Romulans had tried to frame him for the attempted assassination of a planetary leader, and when he had to face the Borg.

"Step back, Cadet Rosario," Sukal ordered coldly while he quickly glanced around the room and let Lizzie work her magic.  "What happened to him, Doc?" he asked the CMO.  Part of him wished he had been armed with a phaser at that moment.  Indeed, considering they were at war - that might not have been a bad plan.  He was normally a peaceful person, and indeed hated the idea of having to carry a weapon or fighting, but circumstances often did not allow him to remain peaceful.  It was why he had been practicing Wing Chun on Betazed during his civilian life, because sometimes peace had to be achieved through battle.  It was not something he enjoyed...not at all, but this was the times they lived in.

He could only hope the Admiral was okay, but he wondered if the Cadet had any hand in the Admiral's current condition.  After all, she had been assigned to check on him.  Had she just arrived and found him like this?  Looking around revealed the answer to this question.  Nearby, sat a sleep inducer that had been setup to help the Admiral sleep.  That meant she had been here before the Admiral's current condition.  But then, what had brought her back?  Had she forgotten something?  Or, had she never left?  If the latter, then she was the only one who could have attacked the Admiral.

"Security Alert all decks," Sukal ordered over his comm badge as his eyes narrowed at Cadet Rosario.

[Lizzie Vaughan]

Sukal nodded as Lizzie came over and told him what to expect.  "Transporter Room, two to beam directly to Admiral d'Arth's quarters, and keep a lock on Doctor Vaughan.  Prepare for secondary transport from the Admiral's quarters to Sickbay," Sukal ordered after tapping his comm badge.

A moment later, the two officers dematerialized out of the conference room directly only to reappear a few moments later in Admiral Alexander d'Arth's quarters.  Finding Cadet Rosario present did not sooth Sukal's suspicions.  He was already suspicious of Cadet Mr'aarra, but considering what had happened to the USS REDAV - Sukal wasn't ruling out any of the new transfer personnel.  Granted, he was new to the treachery Starfleet and the Federation had been experiencing, but something about everything that had happened to the REDAV made Sukal alert as he had rarely been.  Indeed, those few times he could recollect with perfect ease:  the USS DANTE when he had to fight possessed members of the crew - including his friend Archangel T'Koris, on the GETTYSBURG when the Romulans had tried to frame him for the attempted assassination of a planetary leader, and when he had to face the Borg.

"Step back, Cadet Rosario," Sukal ordered coldly while he quickly glanced around the room and let Lizzie work her magic.  "What happened to him, Doc?" he asked the CMO.  Part of him wished he had been armed with a phaser at that moment.  Indeed, considering they were at war - that might not have been a bad plan.  He was normally a peaceful person, and indeed hated the idea of having to carry a weapon or fighting, but circumstances often did not allow him to remain peaceful.  It was why he had been practicing Wing Chun on Betazed during his civilian life, because sometimes peace had to be achieved through battle.  It was not something he enjoyed...not at all, but this was the times they lived in.

He could only hope the Admiral was okay, but he wondered if the Cadet had any hand in the Admiral's current condition.  After all, she had been assigned to check on him.  Had she just arrived and found him like this?  Looking around revealed the answer to this question.  Nearby, sat a sleep inducer that had been setup to help the Admiral sleep.  That meant she had been here before the Admiral's current condition.  But then, what had brought her back?  Had she forgotten something?  Or, had she never left?  If the latter, then she was the only one who could have attacked the Admiral.

"Security Alert all decks," Sukal ordered over his comm badge as his eyes narrowed at Cadet Rosario.

Admiral's Quarters

As the two of them appeared, Lizzie went straight over to the Admiral, none too gently shoving the Cadet out of the way. She had little to no equipment on her, save the tricorder she always carried. Opening it, she began to scan d'Arth. Frowning, she looked at Sukal.

"I'm not sure what happened, but he seems to have been injected with an overdose of eszopiclone. Not dangerous, but he will be unconscious for around 48 hours. I can revive him, but only if I get him to the Challenger's Sickbay. Transport the pair of us now and have two trusted security officers meet me there." She said, putting her tricorder away and gathering the Admiral in her arms.

[Sukal]

As the two of them appeared, Lizzie went straight over to the Admiral, none too gently shoving the Cadet out of the way. She had little to no equipment on her, save the tricorder she always carried. Opening it, she began to scan d'Arth. Frowning, she looked at Sukal.

"I'm not sure what happened, but he seems to have been injected with an overdose of eszopiclone. Not dangerous, but he will be unconscious for around 48 hours. I can revive him, but only if I get him to Sickbay. Transport the pair of us now and have two trusted security officers meet me there." She said, putting her tricorder away and gathering the Admiral in her arms.

Sukal's face went from narrowed eyes at the Cadet to his dangerous passive face once more.  "Immediately, Doc," Sukal replied to her before tapping his comm badge again.  "Transporter room, beam Doctor Vaughan and Admiral d'Arth directly to Sickbay.  Mr. Mondo, report to Sickbay with a small security detail.  I want Admiral d'Arth and Doctor Vaughan protected."

Two security personnel entered the Admiral's quarters at that moment, and Sukal nodded subtly towards Cadet Rosario.  "Cadet, considering the things which have been going on, and now this as well...you are confined to the conference room with the rest of the Cadets until the Captain has a chance to speak with you.  Guards, I want you to escort the Cadet.  Relieve her of any gear she has on her other than her comm badge," Sukal stated as he took a dangerous couple of steps towards the Cadet.  "I don't know what part you played in this, Cadet, but rest assured...I am going to find out...sooner or later."

Both guards did as they were instructed, and made sure the Cadet no longer had any medical equipment on her.  "If you will come this way, Cadet," the Bolian female security officer motioned with a wave of her left hand.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

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

Lahr nodded at the Captain's orders. "Yes, Ma'am" he answered then waited while her other orders were divvied out.  When the meeting came to a close, Lahr gathered up his data PADD, thinking over the Captain's request for a parity trace scan.  Ugh.. those took forever to run! But if anything could be found it would be through that type of scan.  Parity traces took up a lot of processing power especially on a database this large.

Lahr looked to the Lieutenant who seemed like he might remain behind to speak to the Captain more.  "I'll be on the Challengers Battle bridge to start on the parity trace.  It's the only console on the ship that won't set off security notifications with the use of the Redav's database." he remarked offhand.

The Andorian gave the Vulcan hybrid officer a nod then headed off back to the Challenger.  He didn't like being on the outpost.  The trauma was still too fresh for Lahr to want to stay long, even if it was for drinking.  He couldn't wait for the Challenger to get assigned to somewhere else.  Anywhere else.

Conference Room - Deck 4 - Innominatum]

Ruth nodded vaguely at Lahr and smiled in encouragement.  She could sense something was wrong in his world by the way his antennae drooped every so often but she would have to deal with that later, it could just be the whole 'I want this episode to be over'.  'Well Lahr, dear, so do I!' she thought to herself.

Sukal waited patiently for the Captain to address him as she dealt with various things to tie up the meeting.  Once she was done, and she informed him that he would soon be meeting the Cadet assigned to him...along with a desire for him to get a read on the other Cadets; Sukal braced himself for what he had to tell her.  He glanced at Lizzie for a moment, and waited for the rest to leave the room before he began.

"Captain, I realize you believed I was being harsh with Cadet Mr'aarra, but I have a newly added suspicion which I am sure will not make you happy," he began, but kept his face carefully passive.  "Considering how nervous, upset, and even frightened Cadet Mr'aarra was - the did not have the slightest bit of such emotions coming from her mind.  There was no sense of anything she was physically displaying.  It was as if it were all an act...an elaborate one, to be sure, but an act all the same.  Something is far more wrong here than it seems.  Her species should not be able to block telepathic scans.  Furthermore, she is clearly too young to be trained in the art of blocking such scans consciously.  Considering her outwards appearance of displayed emotions; she wouldn't have been able to focus anyway to block even a simple empath - much less someone who has my ability.  I do not know what is going on here, but she is dangerous.  Far more, perhaps, than we realize."

He said nothing more as he gazed from Lizzie to his friend and Captain.  Would she think he had lost his mind?  After all, how could a Cadet be considered so dangerous?  Yet, it was the truth - despite the lack of proof he had to show her.  All he had to give her was the strange way she escaped most of the damage in the exploding shuttlebay, and his very strange inability to read her.  Beyond that - there was nothing he could add...yet.

That was when the security alert went out...

Sukal about jumped out of his chair.  Sure, he wasn't in Security, but he was deeply concerned to hear this latest event happen.  If the Admiral had indeed been attacked; then the danger he was warning his Captain of was indeed true.  "Captain, we need to get to the Admiral...now!" Sukal warned with a glance at the CMO.  "Site to site transport to the Admiral's quarters would be good...wouldn't you agree, Doctor Vaughan?"

"Do it... and report back as soon as possible.  Please return here as soon as you can." the Captain said worriedly.  She gave Sukal a smile and a nod as if to show she understood his stance on this but they would need to speak more once they knew that the Admiral was ok.

[Conference Room - Innominatum Outpost]

Lek watched the exchange between Sukal and the Caitian cadet with more than a little interest. Lek's suspicions went on high alert and he made a special mental note to never let this cadet be alone during any sort of repairs. Once the questioning stopped, Lek interpreted the captain's comments to mean he was dismissed and he stood to leave.

"With your leave captain, I will contact Lieutenant Commander M'Butu of the Redav to coordinate structural repairs."

Lek exited the conference room and felt an immediate sense of relief. There was something about the captain that put him on edge that he couldn't define, but it didn't bode well for their working relationship.

"Hopefully it doesn't impact my career as well, as it's never a good thing to not work well with your captain."

He muttered as he headed to engineering and once in his office, immediately placed a call to M'Butu.

"Of course Mr. Lek..." Ruth answered somewhat distractedly.  She was grateful that her Chief of Engineering could be relied on to carry on without too much input from her right now as her brain already needed to work in five different directions.

Conference Room - Deck 4 - Innominatum Outpost

A figure emerged from the turbolift to Mondo's right, rushing out and nearly crashing into him.  Only a quick sidestep avoided a collision.

"Oh!  I'm so sorry!  I was rushing to get to the conference room."

Mondo waved an arm in the direction of the room, "The fault was mine, Cadet," he lied diplomatically.  "I am also late to the conference room.  I was meant to attend in lieu of my superior, but an incident involving a Cardassian-"

Andrew held up his hands, "I'm so sorry, Crewma- er- Petty Officer.  I really need to get to this meeting.  You can tell me about it later?"  The Cadet smiled apologetically.

Mondo nodded, and followed the cadet to the conference room.

Andrew snapped to attention when he came upon a cluster of superior officers.  "Cadet Oliva reporting, Sirs."

Following along, Mondo stood at a slightly less rigid posture of attention, "Petty Officer Nari reporting.  I regret I was detained due to a security incident involving a Cardassian who-"

He paused when someone said something about the Admiral being in danger.

Ruth passed a weary hand over her forehead and eyes coming down to pinch the top of her nose.  But she perked up a little at the sight of Mondo.

"Petty Officer Nari, you're a sight for literally sore eyes.  I'd appreciate if you stayed here with me, I know Lt. Sukal well and while he might be Chief of Operations, he can handle himself, as can Dr. Vaughan, however I'd welcome the Security presence here.  Cadet Olivia, please take a seat, I have a few bits of business to attend to and then I'll be having a chat with all of you new cadets.  Please feel free to replicate yourself a drink and there might be a pie or doughnut left from earlier if you'd like one."

She gently manoeuvered Mondo to one side so that the cadets couldn't hear what she had to say to him alone and spoke low.  "Sukal is unsure of Cadet Mr'aarra, he's an empath and can't read any hurt or stress and anguish from her despite the state of her paws, Admiral d'Arth has just been attacked and the last person to be with him was Cadet Rossario.  We have Cadet Olivia here, and Cadet Kenyi hasn't yet reported in.  I want the Cadets watched.  If necessary if Cadet Kenyi isn't here in the next 10 mins send a security detail to her location and have her escorted here."

Ruth was almost shaking with the inner rage she was feeling, she was starting to wonder who to trust and who not to.  Thankfully she was fairly sure of her senior staff, but what was that old maxim?  'Trust nobody'?? If she did that though, her job would be much harder and she'd probably end up dead anyhow.

Lyra stood up when everyone else left, but remained in the room. She strolled over to Ruth.

"You know, it is hardly worth the air I use to speak it, but for the sake of completeness: While I was helping ch'Verret I had a go at the sensor data and later at data traces from our hacker. In both cases I tried to use some algorithms I normally use on data fragments from badly damaged and old alien tech. Took a little tweaking. However, the sensor data from the shuttle bay was too badly damaged. Lots of it is missing, but I could at least confirm that the explosion was caused by a ruptured plasma tank, and this in turn most likely caused by a phaser blast.
As for the hacker: Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I have found traces that somebody was in Sukal's console but that's about it. I tried most of the two hours journey back to make something out of the scraps, but whoever it was is damned good with computers. Far better than I am, as it seems"

While she had given the report to her CO almost every other person had left the room and Sukal and Vaughan headed for an emergency. The cadets weren't here yet, so there was a moment, when the two women were more or less alone. Now Lyra was looking at her friend. And she was a bit worried. There was much going on.

"You're okay, Ruth?"

It was a simple question. A few words that transported everything they needed to. If you need anything from me, just ask. It was what friends did for each other: being there, asking this question when nobody else did. At least in Lyra's world it was. And her friend was the Captain, with a lot of pressure on her and everyone looking to her for guidance and maybe forgetting that she was also human.

And then the first cadets came in, a cadet Oliva, directly followed by Mondo.

The Captain smiled at her friend.  She could trust Lyra.  Of all the people on the manifest she knew she could trust Lyra, and Sukal, Lizzie, Mondo, Lek, Lahr.... she knew she could, just she had moments of doubt.

"Nothing that a good slug of Schnapps, 8 hours of sleep and Command actually telling me that I was gonna get my Executive officer and the supplies Mr. Lek wants so we can get off this darn base wouldn't solve?!  I'm okay though." she said with a weary smile.  "Free advice?  Never be a starship Captain, you need to wear too many hats!  I'm joking, there are good sides to the job too, and it's being proud in varying ways of my crew, that makes it all worthwhile when things seem to be going pear-shaped!"Ruth said with a small chuckle.

The Captain pondered for a moment and said "Have you any experience in forensics?  I'm wondering if there would be any trace of fingerprinting or other DNA on Sukal's console... we might find who hacked it that way."

Sukal nodded as Lizzie came over and told him what to expect.  "Transporter Room, two to beam directly to Admiral d'Arth's quarters, and keep a lock on Doctor Vaughan.  Prepare for secondary transport from the Admiral's quarters to Sickbay," Sukal ordered after tapping his comm badge.

A moment later, the two officers dematerialized out of the conference room directly only to reappear a few moments later in Admiral Alexander d'Arth's quarters.  Finding Cadet Rosario present did not soothe Sukal's suspicions.  He was already suspicious of Cadet Mr'aarra, but considering what had happened to the USS REDAV - Sukal wasn't ruling out any of the new transfer personnel.  Granted, he was new to the treachery Starfleet and the Federation had been experiencing, but something about everything that had happened to the REDAV made Sukal alert as he had rarely been.  Indeed, those few times he could recollect with perfect ease:  the USS DANTE when he had to fight possessed members of the crew - including his friend Archangel T'Koris, on the GETTYSBURG when the Romulans had tried to frame him for the attempted assassination of a planetary leader, and when he had to face the Borg.

"Step back, Cadet Rosario," Sukal ordered coldly while he quickly glanced around the room and let Lizzie work her magic.  "What happened to him, Doc?" he asked the CMO.  Part of him wished he had been armed with a phaser at that moment.  Indeed, considering they were at war - that might not have been a bad plan.  He was normally a peaceful person, and indeed hated the idea of having to carry a weapon or fighting, but circumstances often did not allow him to remain peaceful.  It was why he had been practicing Wing Chun on Betazed during his civilian life, because sometimes peace had to be achieved through battle.  It was not something he enjoyed...not at all, but this was the times they lived in.

He could only hope the Admiral was okay, but he wondered if the Cadet had any hand in the Admiral's current condition.  After all, she had been assigned to check on him.  Had she just arrived and found him like this?  Looking around revealed the answer to this question.  Nearby, sat a sleep inducer that had been setup to help the Admiral sleep.  That meant she had been here before the Admiral's current condition.  But then, what had brought her back?  Had she forgotten something?  Or, had she never left?  If the latter, then she was the only one who could have attacked the Admiral.

"Security Alert all decks," Sukal ordered over his comm badge as his eyes narrowed at Cadet Rosario.

[Admiral d'Arth's Quarters - Innominatum]

[AS PAULINE ROSARIO]

Pauline stood back as ordered and was concerned.  "Dr. Vaughan,..." she appealed to her superior, "I wasn't aware of any allergies from the Admiral's records on the central computer, I did the full report which I sent to you.  I brought the somnetic inducer and found the hypo on the floor beside the Admiral, I was about to check his pulse.  Is it possible he has any knowledge of medicine and he got the hypo while my back was turned getting the inducer, he did hare off out of Sickbay rather quickly, I had to run to try to catch up with him."

She nodded at the Security guys as they showed up.  "I'm innocent of an attack on Admiral d'Arth, Lieutenant, ask Dr. Vaughan, we are bound by the Hippocratic Oath."  she turned with the escort and was taken to the Conference Room.

[AS RUTH]
[Conference Room Deck 4 Innominatum]
"Ah Cadet Rosario, I assume Lt. Sukal had you sent here, now we're just missing Cadet Kenyi and we have a full house.  Since you were the last person to see the Admiral before he was found, it is reasonable to suspect that you might have a hand in it, but we will look at the evidence."  Ruth said just wishing it was all over.