S3:E1 CLONES

[Judith Eastman]

[Nouvinizi]

Ruth had doubled back to her office and got the PADDs in question then went straight up to the restaurant.

"Have my guests arrived yet Gio?" she asked of the Head Waiter.

"Si Senorita Ruth, well, erm... 4 of them!" Giovanni answered with a grin.

"Four but... oh the Eastmans and their corgis, I'm expecting Petty Officer Lyra too, be a darling and fetch her over when she arrives please." she answered

"Subito!" he smiled and gestured over to the table where Judy and Max sat.

"Judy, and... Max isn't it and...what are their names and may I pet them?" Ruth asked dropping to a crouch. "Aww you two look adorable in your vests, you do... don't you!  Will's got an adorable beagle pup called Excelsior, and Exy loves me.  I'm turning into a true dog lover I tell you!  And... ah oops.  I've just let the cat or dog... out of the bag as to whom my fiance is if you hand already guessed!  Shall we have a drink while we wait for Lyra.  T'Vei probably hasn't let her loose yet!"

"Ah speak of the Vulcanoid in question!  Thanks Gio!, Hi Lyra!" Ruth said from almost under the table at the other side, mostly obscured by the tablecloth.  "Sorry was saying hi to the fur-babies!"

Standing up and brushing corgi hairs off her uniform she took a seat to Judy's left and smiled at Lyra.

"Don't panic, just with all the metaphorical plates I have spinning right now I have to do 3 things at once... that means eat, entertain our guests and brief you... thankfully, Judy here is most accommodating and well... I'm sure she'd like to learn a little about the cadets in question too!  But let's get some drinks and take a look at the menu first shall we?" she said trying to ease the feeling she got that Lyra was a little worried about lunch with 'dignitaries'.

[Challenger - Deck 6 - Cargo Bay]

When the call came the first sounds that were transferred were a thump and a muffled curse. Then Lyra pulled her head out of the bio storage container she had just checked and held her head where she hit it.

"Fifteen minutes, I'll be there, Ru...ah...ma'am"

It was alway difficult not to slip into the personal tone and call the Captain by her first name. But when your thoughts are mainly circling around the expression 'ouch' it gets even harder.

Lyra finished up with her check of the container and made some notes in der data padd before she left for her quarters. She wanted to freshen up a little bit before she went to lunch with her CO.

[Innominatum - Promenade - Nuovinizi]

Nuovinizi. That was what she had said. But finding it...
As she wandered on the promenade, Lyra couldn't help but admire how fast normal life had taken back the station. Not too long ago she and all the others had fought to save the station from total destruction. And now she was looking for an 'italian' restaurant. As far as she remembered italia was a region on earth.

Finally she found it. With a sigh of relief she entered the restaurant. A quick glance on her watch told her that she had made it just in time.

She told a waiter who she was with and was guided to a table were the guest-doctor, Judy Eastman, waited, together with a man (probably a husband) and two canines.

"Greeting, Doctor Eastman. Mister Eastman. I am Lyra. Pleased to meet you."

[Nuovinizi]

"Williams. Max Williams," Max subtly corrected Lyra.
"I kept my maiden name for professional needs," Judy explained. "The puppers are Bridge and Tunnel. I'd tell you not to give them people food, but I know I will, so that'd be a little hypocritical."

While she spoke, Judy took out a sleek glasses case from her handbag. Out of that came a pair of small, circular readers.

"Any recommendations for us?" Judy asked warmly. "Keep in mind that I keep kosher, but he doesn't."

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Nuovinizi]

"Williams. Max Williams," Max subtly corrected Lyra.
"I kept my maiden name for professional needs," Judy explained. "The puppers are Bridge and Tunnel. I'd tell you not to give them people food, but I know I will, so that'd be a little hypocritical."

While she spoke, Judy took out a sleek glasses case from her handbag. Out of that came a pair of small, circular readers.

"Any recommendations for us?" Judy asked warmly. "Keep in mind that I keep kosher, but he doesn't."

[Nuovinizi]

"You might have to correct me on kosher, You can eat say, goat meat, beef, lamb but not pork.  Fish but nothing like squid or prawns or lobster.  If you're not following kosher Max I recommend the lobster linguini. You can have duck right, Judy?  How about the Red-Wine Braised Duck with Olive Gremolata.  It is really good.  No cheese so you're not mixing your dairy and meat together, it's that or the 4 cheese and sundried tomato pizza either of those with herby salad.  Ask them to hold the feta on the salad if you choose the duck and you'll be fine.  Are we going for wine or is there some other beverage you prefer?" Ruth browsed the menu trying to decide what she wanted, finally settling on "I'll have the stonebaked double pepperoni pizza with extra black olives, and a green salad."

[Judith Eastman]

[Nuovinizi]

"You might have to correct me on kosher, You can eat say, goat meat, beef, lamb but not pork.  Fish but nothing like squid or prawns or lobster.  If you're not following kosher Max I recommend the lobster linguini. You can have duck right, Judy?  How about the Red-Wine Braised Duck with Olive Gremolata.  It is really good.  No cheese so you're not mixing your dairy and meat together, it's that or the 4 cheese and sundried tomato pizza either of those with herby salad.  Ask them to hold the feta on the salad if you choose the duck and you'll be fine.  Are we going for wine or is there some other beverage you prefer?" Ruth browsed the menu trying to decide what she wanted, finally settling on "I'll have the stonebaked double pepperoni pizza with extra black olives, and a green salad."

[Nuovinizi]

"No wine for me," Judy answered, looking knowingly at Max.
"I won't have any either," he added, out of solidarity. "And I think we might share something."

Judy looked down the menu, running her finger along as she skimmed.
"The salmon linguine with alfredo sauce?" she asked, looking to both Max and their fellow diners.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Nuovinizi]

"No wine for me," Judy answered, looking knowingly at Max.
"I won't have any either," he added, out of solidarity. "And I think we might share something."

Judy looked down the menu, running her finger along as she skimmed.
"The salmon linguine with alfredo sauce?" she asked, looking to both Max and their fellow diners.

[Nuovinizi]

"I haven't had it, but if it's half as good as the lobster linguine you're in for a treat.  How are you with fake Buck's Fizz?  Using lemonade instead of champagne that is? I find it so refreshing and they use fresh oranges here. How about some garlic bread or antipasti to share as a starter or are you saving room for dessert? The gelatos are to die for here, and tiramisu if you like that, oh... honestly the dessert menu is as large as the entire menu for starters, mains and the wine list doubled!" Ruth enthused.

"It's rather a good job I have to run around so much since I discovered this place!" she said on a laugh.

"Lyra, these cadets,... " The captain slid over a PADD with the following information on it. CADET PERSONNEL FILES¹ "You might want to give that a read through so that you know the sort of people you are dealing with, it gives you a chance at any rate, rather than going into the dragon's den with no ammo!" she winked.

¹_{OOC - This is actually the list of all S3 centric NPCs but for ease of not copying it all out when it's there to read, I have just provided the link to it.  Please note, you don't at present know that Flibble has been swapped out IC}

[Mondo'li Nari]

Dreams of Avarice - On Approach to Innominatum Outpost

"Thank you, Station Operations.  On approach along designated course.  Slaving to station control... now."

The station's tractor beams seized the 55 meter warp courier, and it was guided the remainder of the way into the station.

And now... customs.  Lark's very favorite part of station procedure.

On the one hand, it was nice to know that no one would be grifting for bribes here.  On the other... sometimes expediency was worth a few strips of latinum.  On this stop, it'd be worth a full bar.

Maybe even several.

USS Redav - On Approach to Innominatum Outpost - Cadet Quarters

Andrew sat at the small desk provided for cadets and crewmen to use within the cramped quarters allocated to them.  He was alone right now, with the other usual occupants of this room engaged in other duties, or perhaps various forms of recreation.  So he sat, and he faced the mirror.

The reflective surface was provided so that the aspiring officers assigned here could check their appearance in its reflected surface.  Starfleet was an organization for elites, accepting only the most qualified candidates from across the Federation.

One's uniform had to be stainless and clean.  Without crease.  Perfectly sized.

One's hair had to be within regulation parameters.

One's demeanor had to fall within accepted norms.

Friendly.  Smiling.  Helpful.

Andrew smiled at himself in the mirror.

His teeth were imperfect.  His hair was beginning to thin.  His complexion suffered from numerous small blemishes.

Andrew told himself that this was all normal.  Acceptable.  Within parameters.

He told himself that everyone would like him.  Enjoy his company.  Enjoy his smile.

But this was his first field assignment.  None of that was certain.

People might think he was strange.  They might feel that something was off in the way that he carried himself.  Training could never match the rigors of the true field environment.  You could practice.  You could learn.  You could interact with instructors, fellow classmates, and even holographic simulations.

But none of it was a good approximation of the so-called 'real world.'

None of it would match what he found when he stepped off of the Redav and had his first encounters on the station and on the Challenger.

He smiled at himself in the mirror.

Too manic.

He smiled again.

Not happy enough.

He smiled again.

The smile did not touch his eyes.

He smiled again.

And again.

And again.

Andrew Oliva smiled a hundred times, choosing the best smile for greeting the wide world.

First impressions were everything.

[Lizzie Vaughan]

USS Redav - On Approach to Innominatum Outpost - Deck 12

Although she was not technically part of the Redav's crew, due to the damage suffered, she had been called into service to help with the repairs. As a computer specialist, she was currently making repairs to the computing network that fed the secondary core. Since they were running off the primary core only at the moment, she could get to work without hassle.

She was on her back in a Jefferies tube with an inspection hatch open and checking the connection rate. It had fallen below 60% and that was not nearly good enough. She had narrowed the problem to this section and soon knew why. Seeing the state of the ODN cables, she spliced the existing cable into a backup that bypassed the damaged section. They would need a shipyard to remove and replace the cables in this section so a temporary fix was ll that was available to them.

Once the splice was in place, she checked the flow rate before tapping her com-badge to speak to the Ops officer she was working with.

Kenyi to Stevens. I believe I have fixed the data flow problem on the secondary core. Can you run a test to confirm?

Well done Cadet. Bare with me, I will spool the secondary core up now.

Seconds later the ODN cables began to glow as data began to flow along them.

Flow rate is now showing at 98.7%. That is the best we can hope for until we get to a drydock. Can you head down to Deck 19 section 4. There seems to be an issue with one of the replicators not working properly. Engineering have looked at it and identified the issue as being computer related. As our resident computer Wizkid, that makes it your next job.

On it Lieutenant. Kenyi out.

Closing the channel, she picked up her tools and headed to the exit before heading down to her next job. She hoped this would be more of a challenge.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

Pema

Veronique

[Promenade]

Veronique and Pema were wandering around getting the feel of the place and stacking up acquaintances. It was always good to have a few people say how nice the girls were and it would be unlikely they would be up to no good. A cute smile or a rub of a Ferengi's ear here and there did a lot for their reputation.

"So... what's next on the agenda, when do we find out when that ship is in?" Pema asked her mind internally working a mile a minute.  "I've got a feeling if the consignment is coming in on that Federation ship, clever move on Lilith's part that, I've got a feeling they'll just beam it straight over to wherever they need it." she theorised out loud.

"Didn't you mention that someone had said there was a load of cadets coming in on this ship?  Do you reckon they'd notice a couple more for the time it would take us to sneak to either their labs on base or onto that big ship that's already out there, we're about the right age, wouldn't be the first time we've assumed identities that weren't our own." Veronique replied.

"True my friend, very true but it's the risk of being carried off by that ship if we're not off it before it has to disembark somewhere is my worry." the oriental beauty replied with a sad smile. "How soon before someone figured out we weren't who we said we were?"

"Wait one..." her companion answered and went over to a security Ensign that was standing around the Promenade watching.  Pema inadvertently gasped.  What was Veronique thinking, practically walking into the lion's mouth and talking to Security.  She relaxed outwardly but kept a close eye on her friend.

"Excuse me, Sir... I'm new around here and I am a trader, but I've found that my friend's niece is going to be arriving soon on some big Federation vessel, I wondered what ships were due to dock soon because my friend asked me to say hello from Auntie Jemima if I saw her.  Could you help me please, you look like such a knowledgeable young man."  For good measure the ebony model tried to look demure and looked up from under her eyelashes.

Being not immune to her charms the poor Ensign stammered. "Ah, I'll attempt to find out for you Ma'am, if you'd like to follow me to that console there please."

"But of course, Lieutenant..." Veronique deliberately 'promoted' him to stoke his ego.  Pema followed them a few feet behind a whisper of a smile at her co-operative working her magic.

"Ah no that would be Ensign, Ma'am, I haven't been so elevated yet. Ah yes here we are, the 'Dreams of Avarice' a Ferengi trade courier under the command of Captain Lark, she docked just now.  She's the only one in at the moment, tho you said Federation... I think there was something on the notices today about us having to wear our best uniforms or some such because we had some high ranking official coming soon.  Bringing a load of cadets, ah yeah that was it.  They wanted us to make sure we informed all the bar and restaurant owners that there would be a pile of young kids, well cadets, around until the Challenger puts out.  Y'know how kids can be, boisterous, getting drunk cuz they can... most of the bars here get unreplicated stuff so, if you can you do. I shouldn't be telling you this tho..."

"Oh but you're being so helpful too, not even if I offered you dinner tonight when you're off duty, and..." she ran a well manicured finger down the Ensign's neck and slipped it under his collar to stroke. "...maybe other things?"

The poor Ensign gulped audibly.  Pema barely smothered a giggle.

"Ma'am I must protest, I work for the Federation and... and I'm on duty, if my boss saw me..."he squirmed as Veronique started scratching his neck. "No, I can't tell you, and no to dinner too.  I can't be broken like that. I've already told you far too much. If you go now I won't say any more about it, if you continue to... to... I'll call for back up and have you arrested."

"OK OK..." said Veronique backing off with her hands held up. "Spoilsport!  Have it your way.  My friend is going to be very disappointed tho.  So long Lieutenant..." she said blowing him a kiss. The Ensign started to protest about the rank elevation again, but decided against it.

Veronique walked away and dived into one of the many shops along that stretch of the Promenade.  Apparently very engrossed in assessing the different materials against the shade of her skin.  Pema soon caught up.

"So..." she asked rolling her eyes.  "Did you find anything out?" she asked rather breathlessly.

"Three things.  First, his input code... I can get into any console and anything he's able to access I can get into now, with that and your hacker abilities we could manage to get into just about anything here.  Second, there's a Ferengi courier here, Captain Lark... he might be interesting to get to know, and maybe recruit, and Third...our little friend had already got up the 'Expected ships' page before he shut it down.  USS Redav under the command of Rear-Admiral d'Arth, that's our baby and it's expected next 48 hours or so. I think his input code might work on replicators too in order to replicate uniforms." she answered.

"Oh so you weren't just trying to get a companion for tonight then?!  Good work.  What do you think of this dress?"  Pema smiled in a certain way, making it obvious that for now, the subject was closed.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Nuovinizi]

Ruth let Lyra take the PADDs and smiled.  Turning to Judy she asked her opinion of something.

"Apparently one of the cadets that is coming is a Pakled, cousin to the owner of the Pickled Pakled.  Do you think that will lead to problems?  I've had limited experience of Pakleds, save Pickle... the owner I mentioned, he's affable if somewhat slow thinking.  He knows enough to run his bar but... that's all he needs.  He knows if there is trouble he can call for Outpost Security." she asked shrugging.  "So have you had the privilege to know many?"

[Judith Eastman]

[Nuovinizi]

"I haven't had it, but if it's half as good as the lobster linguine you're in for a treat.  How are you with fake Buck's Fizz?  Using lemonade instead of champagne that is? I find it so refreshing and they use fresh oranges here. How about some garlic bread or antipasti to share as a starter or are you saving room for dessert? The gelatos are to die for here, and tiramisu if you like that, oh... honestly the dessert menu is as large as the entire menu for starters, mains and the wine list doubled!" Ruth enthused.

"It's rather a good job I have to run around so much since I discovered this place!" she said on a laugh.

"Lyra, these cadets,... " The captain slid over a PADD with the following information on it. CADET PERSONNEL FILES¹ "You might want to give that a read through so that you know the sort of people you are dealing with, it gives you a chance at any rate, rather than going into the dragon's den with no ammo!" she winked.

¹_{OOC - This is actually the list of all S3 centric NPCs but for ease of not copying it all out when it's there to read, I have just provided the link to it.  Please note, you don't at present know that Flibble has been swapped out IC}

[Nuovizini]

"We're still thinking. Gotta look through the menu," Judy answered. The way her gaze went over the rims of her glasses indicated that it was best not to nag her - nagging was her job.

She continued to look, and the tiramisu started to seem like the ideal choice.

[Nuovinizi]

Ruth let Lyra take the PADDs and smiled.  Turning to Judy she asked her opinion of something.

"Apparently one of the cadets that is coming is a Pakled, cousin to the owner of the Pickled Pakled.  Do you think that will lead to problems?  I've had limited experience of Pakleds, save Pickle... the owner I mentioned, he's affable if somewhat slow thinking.  He knows enough to run his bar but... that's all he needs.  He knows if there is trouble he can call for Outpost Security." she asked shrugging.  "So have you had the privilege to know many?"

The next question was much more welcome.

"I've served with one Pakled in my time, Odelot. Absolutely charming fellow, very cheery, and much brighter than you'd think. Pakleds can be a crafty bunch, but they're a joy."

She pushed her glasses all the way down the (considerable) length of her nose before she continued.

"Family connections, on the other hand, can be a pain in the neck. Don't get me wrong, this isn't all cases, or even a majority of them, but having a parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent, whatever, in a position like that can get you a child with a variety of complexes. I'm not saying it will be that way, but it could be."

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck One - Bridge]

Dreams of Avarice - On Approach to Innominatum Outpost

"Thank you, Station Operations.  On approach along designated course.  Slaving to station control... now."

The station's tractor beams seized the 55 meter warp courier, and it was guided the remainder of the way into the station.

Lahr made sure that the tractor had engaged properly and the ship had docked successfully before turning his attention towards the Vulcan Lieutenant kneeling beside the console.

"Do you need a hand there, sir? Or would you like me to assess another console?" Lahr inquired. His antenna swiveled toward the hybrid curiously. "What are we looking for by the way? You realize I'm not an engineer, right?"

Having just recently transferred from Security/Tactical, Lahr was probably the least skilled on the bridge when it came to running console diagnostics... but he was willing to learn.

[Sukal]

Lahr made sure that the tractor had engaged properly and the ship had docked successfully before turning his attention towards the Vulcan Lieutenant kneeling beside the console.

"Do you need a hand there, sir? Or would you like me to assess another console?" Lahr inquired. His antenna swiveled toward the hybrid curiously. "What are we looking for by the way? You realize I'm not an engineer, right?"

Having just recently transferred from Security/Tactical, Lahr was probably the least skilled on the bridge when it came to running console diagnostics... but he was willing to learn.

Sukal raised an eyebrow in rather Vulcan fashion after Lahr dealt with the incoming Ferengie freighter when the man mentioned he wasn't an engineer.

"No, you might not be one, but you are Ops, and that means learning about each station eventually.  Did you have a previous posting?  Sec/Tac?  If so, why don't you check the Tactical station.  You would be familiar with how it operates.  As to what we are looking for - that is the question.  Some strange overload phenomenon occurs at some unknown stations, but we won't know until we check them over.  Ops seems to be fine.  All the innards of this station are in excellent condition, and she was already powered up when I got here.  I'd say we can move on," Sukal replied after replacing the panel under the Ops station.  Once he stood up, he moved over to the Tactical one situated directly behind the command deck.  "Here, open these two panels under this station, and see what the insides look like.  Look for frays, small holes, burn marks, strange smells loose wires, and so forth.  Any of those things can be hints to troubles we don't need.  If the power conduits under there are in good shape, and the station is active - there should be no issues."

[Lyra]

[Nuovinizi]

"I haven't had it, but if it's half as good as the lobster linguine you're in for a treat.  How are you with fake Buck's Fizz?  Using lemonade instead of champagne that is? I find it so refreshing and they use fresh oranges here. How about some garlic bread or antipasti to share as a starter or are you saving room for dessert? The gelatos are to die for here, and tiramisu if you like that, oh... honestly the dessert menu is as large as the entire menu for starters, mains and the wine list doubled!" Ruth enthused.

"It's rather a good job I have to run around so much since I discovered this place!" she said on a laugh.

"Lyra, these cadets,... " The captain slid over a PADD with the following information on it. CADET PERSONNEL FILES¹ "You might want to give that a read through so that you know the sort of people you are dealing with, it gives you a chance at any rate, rather than going into the dragon's den with no ammo!" she winked.

"I think I should pass on the wine, too. I'm still on duty. And..."

She took another look at the menu.

"This mushroom risotto sounds very nice. I am not that experienced with food of this specific region on earth, but I trust it's vegetarian."

[Nuovinizi]

Ruth let Lyra take the PADDs and smiled.  Turning to Judy she asked her opinion of something.

"Apparently one of the cadets that is coming is a Pakled, cousin to the owner of the Pickled Pakled.  Do you think that will lead to problems?  I've had limited experience of Pakleds, save Pickle... the owner I mentioned, he's affable if somewhat slow thinking.  He knows enough to run his bar but... that's all he needs.  He knows if there is trouble he can call for Outpost Security." she asked shrugging.  "So have you had the privilege to know many?"

[Nuovizini]

"We're still thinking. Gotta look through the menu," Judy answered. The way her gaze went over the rims of her glasses indicated that it was best not to nag her - nagging was her job.

She continued to look, and the tiramisu started to seem like the ideal choice.

The next question was much more welcome.

"I've served with one Pakled in my time, Odelot. Absolutely charming fellow, very cheery, and much brighter than you'd think. Pakleds can be a crafty bunch, but they're a joy."

She pushed her glasses all the way down the (considerable) length of her nose before she continued.

"Family connections, on the other hand, can be a pain in the neck. Don't get me wrong, this isn't all cases, or even a majority of them, but having a parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent, whatever, in a position like that can get you a child with a variety of complexes. I'm not saying it will be that way, but it could be."

Lyra read the data padd while they waited.

"I've never met any Pakled face to face before I visited the Pickled Pakled the first time. But I do know the stories and reports. An encounter with the Enterprise, for example. Most times they seem to be a little bit...difficult."

She made an uncertain gesture with her hand and looked from Ruth to Dr Eastman. The former was a close friend, the latter a counselor. Who could help her better than these two?

"Since the meeting this morning I am concerned with a problem that doesn't have much to do with my personal qualifications to take these cadets by the hand, although I don't have much experience with children. But as far as I know most cadets are aware of the fact that they will be officers when they graduate, and thereby superiors to me. Won't that cause some problems. As I said, I am not really experienced with this kind of assignments. Been a researcher most of my life. I'd be better suited to give a lecture."

She stopped and thought for a moment.

"Well, I can still come back to that if they refuse to sleep at bedtime."

_{OOC: Just quick background info: Lyra is over 80. Most humans under 30 are just children to her.}

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

"I think I should pass on the wine, too. I'm still on duty. And..."

She took another look at the menu.

"This mushroom risotto sounds very nice. I am not that experienced with food of this specific region on earth, but I trust it's vegetarian."

Lyra read the data padd while they waited.

"I've never met any Pakled face to face before I visited the Pickled Pakled the first time. But I do know the stories and reports. An encounter with the Enterprise, for example. Most times they seem to be a little bit...difficult."

She made an uncertain gesture with her hand and looked from Ruth to Dr Eastman. The former was a close friend, the latter a counselor. Who could help her better than these two?

"Since the meeting this morning I am concerned with a problem that doesn't have much to do with my personal qualifications to take these cadets by the hand, although I don't have much experience with children. But as far as I know most cadets are aware of the fact that they will be officers when they graduate, and thereby superiors to me. Won't that cause some problems. As I said, I am not really experienced with this kind of assignments. Been a researcher most of my life. I'd be better suited to give a lecture."

She stopped and thought for a moment.

"Well, I can still come back to that if they refuse to sleep at bedtime."

_{OOC: Just quick background info: Lyra is over 80. Most humans under 30 are just children to her.}

[Nuovinizi]

"Mushroom risotto is indeed vegetarian, Lyra." the Captain answered her then considered her other problem.

"As for the question of the cadets.  You aren't meant to have any kind of 'authority' over them, more... go places with them, make them think of the consequences of their actions... be a guide and a conscience but also a friend.  If there is any trouble you get Security there pronto to get them out of trouble.  I thought you would be excellent for the task since it would give you more opportunity to socialise.  During the day mostly you'll all be on duty.  You'll all be on the same shift since that's the way I've had the rotas organised for the next few weeks.  Once they've settled in and we've observed them for a while they could still go to you as a friendly face." she explained.

"Oh and I think for the duration of this assignment we can say that 'Cadet Liaison Officer' is your title, and it will be a sort of special role, you answer only to me in the case of this duty, obviously Lt. T'Vei still is your point of reference for Sciences being your department head.  Whilst on duty the cadets will be answerable to the department head and any officers of the department they are in.  This assignment is purely for assisting them outside of duty hours. Are you willing to give it a go Petty Officer?" Ruth asked.

[Judith Eastman]

"I think I should pass on the wine, too. I'm still on duty. And..."

She took another look at the menu.

"This mushroom risotto sounds very nice. I am not that experienced with food of this specific region on earth, but I trust it's vegetarian."

Lyra read the data padd while they waited.

"I've never met any Pakled face to face before I visited the Pickled Pakled the first time. But I do know the stories and reports. An encounter with the Enterprise, for example. Most times they seem to be a little bit...difficult."

She made an uncertain gesture with her hand and looked from Ruth to Dr Eastman. The former was a close friend, the latter a counselor. Who could help her better than these two?

"Since the meeting this morning I am concerned with a problem that doesn't have much to do with my personal qualifications to take these cadets by the hand, although I don't have much experience with children. But as far as I know most cadets are aware of the fact that they will be officers when they graduate, and thereby superiors to me. Won't that cause some problems. As I said, I am not really experienced with this kind of assignments. Been a researcher most of my life. I'd be better suited to give a lecture."

She stopped and thought for a moment.

"Well, I can still come back to that if they refuse to sleep at bedtime."

_{OOC: Just quick background info: Lyra is over 80. Most humans under 30 are just children to her.}

[Nuovinizi]

"Mushroom risotto is indeed vegetarian, Lyra." the Captain answered her then considered her other problem.

"As for the question of the cadets.  You aren't meant to have any kind of 'authority' over them, more... go places with them, make them think of the consequences of their actions... be a guide and a conscience but also a friend.  If there is any trouble you get Security there pronto to get them out of trouble.  I thought you would be excellent for the task since it would give you more opportunity to socialise.  During the day mostly you'll all be on duty.  You'll all be on the same shift since that's the way I've had the rotas organised for the next few weeks.  Once they've settled in and we've observed them for a while they could still go to you as a friendly face." she explained.

"Oh and I think for the duration of this assignment we can say that 'Cadet Liaison Officer' is your title, and it will be a sort of special role, you answer only to me in the case of this duty, obviously Lt. T'Vei still is your point of reference for Sciences being your department head.  Whilst on duty the cadets will be answerable to the department head and any officers of the department they are in.  This assignment is purely for assisting them outside of duty hours. Are you willing to give it a go Petty Officer?" Ruth asked.

[Nuovinizi]

"Well, call me old-fashioned, but I think someone should be in charge of them," Judy interjected. "Cadets are practically children, and children need a strong authority figure sometimes. It doesn't have to be Lyra, but it has to be someone."

As a mother of two, grandmother of one, with a son who held a law degree from Harvard, Judy wasn't exactly a novice to parenting concepts.

"But there's another side to the problem - Cadets have a way, sometimes, of pissing all over the enlisted personnel, so to speak. The fact that all enlisted personnel do formally outrank Cadets tends to be lost on them. A little warning to the department heads to keep an eye out for that behavior might be in order."

It was an oft-forgotten fact, but even the lowest crewman outranked a 4th-year Cadet. Conversely, even the newest Ensign outranked a long-serving SCPO, except in extraordinary circumstances.

"I'd advise, rather than putting the Cadets above the non-coms, sending out a reminder to all that non-coms are supposed to outrank Cadets."

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Nuovinizi]

"Well, call me old-fashioned, but I think someone should be in charge of them," Judy interjected. "Cadets are practically children, and children need a strong authority figure sometimes. It doesn't have to be Lyra, but it has to be someone."

As a mother of two, grandmother of one, with a son who held a law degree from Harvard, Judy wasn't exactly a novice to parenting concepts.

"But there's another side to the problem - Cadets have a way, sometimes, of pissing all over the enlisted personnel, so to speak. The fact that all enlisted personnel do formally outrank Cadets tends to be lost on them. A little warning to the department heads to keep an eye out for that behavior might be in order."

It was an oft-forgotten fact, but even the lowest crewman outranked a 4th-year Cadet. Conversely, even the newest Ensign outranked a long-serving SCPO, except in extraordinary circumstances.

"I'd advise, rather than putting the Cadets above the non-coms, sending out a reminder to all that non-coms are supposed to outrank Cadets."

[Nuovizini]

"I'd forgotten that, Judy!" Ruth answered smiling.  "There you go Lyra.  Simple.  But I'm still giving you that title!"