S3:E3 (MINISODE) Revelations - Part 2: Into the Rabbit Hole

[Lek]

[Conference Room - Deck 14 - Innominatum Outpost]

[AS CPO Lena Maghouin]

"Someone get this guy a gold shirt... oh wait!"  Lena giggled.  "You're right Mr. Lek, I wonder if my other Ferengi friend would be willing to start peddling 'drugs'. Also I hate to say it but if there's something dodgy going on, we tend to look at the Ferengis first.  Sorry." she apologised, with a sorrowful look at Lek, she liked him there was a good 'down to Earth' ness about him. To quote one of her favourite authors from the 20th Century - he '...called a spade a bloody shovel.'

"Something maybe that our Science department could replicate that would look like her drugs but just literally be sugar and water with a bit of fruit essence or something... Mr Tempest?"  she appealed to the Science Chief for some ideas.

"Then we need to peddle it.  I wonder... would it be wise potentially for us to pretend that we are under the influence... I believe street slang is 'stoned out of our faces' or some such, and using these crystal drugs - ours that is that are no more than sugar crystals or something that could easy be dropped into a hot beverage - and have someone, this Lilith is bound to have someone watching the Outpost, see us 'dealing' them.  Anyone fancy posing as a drug dealer.  Mr ch'Verret?  I'm not familiar with how Andorians are about drugs.  If we had a Risian around I'd use them... oooh wait we do, one of your Cadets is but not sure we want to use them from what you were saying." Lena said.  "We'll work it... we need a 'product' first then we can stage that little operation!"

[Conference Room - Deck -14 - Innominatum Outpost]

Lek went quiet for a moment, but when he replied, there was no heat in his words. Resignation maybe, but no anger.

"I am well aware of how the bulk of the galaxy views my species. The unfortunate part is that, in most cases, that perception is true. Ferengi are smugglers and are associated with just about any other kind of criminal enterprise imaginable. Even those Ferengi who do have 'legitimate' businesses operate them in an unscrupulous matter. Regardless of that truth, the use of counterfeit product is a good idea."

After speaking, he went silent and waited for the meeting to be over. 

[Richard James Litt]

[Innominatum Outpost - Deck 14 - Conference Room 1]

[AS CPO Hoshi Dradis - Chief of Flight]

"Ensign with me.  Mr. Lek do you have a preference in which we work on the shuttles and workabees since you might need those for anything external?" Dradis asked Lek.

"Aye Sir!" He said to Chief Dradis and then waited for Mr. Lek's answer about what they should do first.

In the mean time, he was looking to the other members of the meeting, trying to catch up what was going on. When they decided to change the ship to the biometric system Litt agreed quietly and stare at Mr. ch'Verret when he count the newcomers that needed to be put into the new system.

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret

"Yes Ma'am am already on it!  Most old crew have it done already... its just new staff since last fall that would need it.  So yourself, Commander Sukal and Ensign Walding and Cadet Litt here and your sisters if you are wanting them to have access as well."

"I'm ready when you need." He said to Mr. ch'Verret.

[Sukal]

Conference Room - Outpost

With the meeting starting to wind down, and things starting to repeat it seemed...Sukal looked towards his Captain.  "I believe we have covered everything we need to at the moment, Ma'am.  All departments are now aware of their responsibilities in what we need and expect over the next six weeks.  As such, I suggest we get things going.  We have a lot of ground to cover in the amount of time we need to do so.  The CHALLENGER's upgrades in some areas will take as long as it takes until we can get her to a full yard.  So, if there are no objections, Captain, I will report to Sickbay, and get my physical taken care of so we can get the process started.  Have to set a good example for the rest," Sukal stated with slight smile to the rest before standing up.  "Companions, I don't know you all very well as yet, but I hope to change that in these next six weeks as we team up on these various projects.  Feel free to visit me in my office on the Bridge or in the Mess Hall from time to time if you wish," Sukal added.

It was time to get things going, and now was as good as time as any.  There was a certain former Admiral he wanted to take care of...personally...if necessary.  He didn't believe in revenge.  In fact, despite his ability to think strategically and tactically; Sukal had no love for combat and war.  Yet, Leyton had hurt the Federation and Starfleet for far too long, and enough was simply enough.  These were good people.  Together, they would finally find where the rogue had been hiding out, and would put an end to the rebellion once and for all.

Sad...it really was.  He wondered how T'Ra was doing in the face of such violence across the Federation.  She was not one to enjoy wars or combat...or any strife.  To see the Federation being torn apart from the inside must have been rather traumatic for her.  He would have to check in on her later.  There were actually a few he wondered about, but his Ko-kai was one that always seemed on the edge of his thoughts.

He waited for the Captain to dismiss them before leaving with his PADD of notes.  His next destination would be the Sickbay facilities on the outpost, and there he would be among the first to get his physical out of the way.  He never quite understood why some officers - especially command level ones - would always wait to the last minute to get such things done.  After all, the ones who should be showing the rest how important such things were would be the command staff.

[Lek]

[Innominatum Outpost - Deck 14 - Conference Room 1]

"Aye Sir!" He said to Chief Dradis and then waited for Mr. Lek's answer about what they should do first.

In the mean time, he was looking to the other members of the meeting, trying to catch up what was going on. When they decided to change the ship to the biometric system Litt agreed quietly and stare at Mr. ch'Verret when he count the newcomers that needed to be put into the new system.

"I'm ready when you need." He said to Mr. ch'Verret.

[Innominatum Outpost - Deck 14 - Conference Room]

Lek offered the young helmsman a toothy smile as he replied.

"Actually, our shuttles haven't seen much use lately, so they are all available for immediate use. Try not to scratch the paint on any of them, Chief Fisher is real particular about her charges and she's not someone you want angry at you."

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Innominatum Outpost - Deck 14 - Conference Room]

He was starting on the list of those that needed to be added - the Captain, Commander Sukal, Ensign Walding, Ensign Litt when the Station security officer addressed him.

Lahr blinked as his name was mentioned and he looked up from his PADD swiveling his antenna with a wince towards the woman speaking.

"Um, I'm not certain what you mean by that.. saf can be used recreationally by other species and is often sold on the blackmarket by those who are less than legit but it's a ... reproductive aid among my people."

He was grateful when her attention turned to the idea of using the Risian cadet.. until there was the uncertainty of his loyalty.  The notion of having to play the role of a drug smuggler didn't appeal but he'd do it if nothing better was suggested.

[Innominatum Outpost - Deck 14 - Conference Room]
[AS CPO Maghouin]

"Oh nothing compulsory Mr. ch'Verret, it was more a question of well,.. information.  Had the Andorians been more .. " Lena shrugged searching for a word. "... 'drug inclined' then it might've been prudent for you to pose as a drug dealer.  I can't use The Traveller he's too known.  Possibly the idea of the Risian Cadet but if I'm reading between the lines the right way then there are suspicions surrounding the Cadets and they came in on a ship known to have been infiltrated by Leyton, probably not our best bet."

The base Chief of Security mused for a moment.  Thinking.

His thoughts on drug smuggling got redirected back to the biometrics when the Captain addressed him next.

"Yes Ma'am am already on it!  Most old crew have it done already... its just new staff since last fall that would need it.  So yourself, Commander Sukal and Ensign Walding and Cadet Litt here and your sisters if you are wanting them to have access as well."

When the Captain questioned Lena about the ship, the Poseidon, Lahr finally clued into the name.

"Oh.. yes Ma'am it was!  She was one of the ship warp trails we encountered."

[AS RUTH]

"Eureka!" Ruth smiled glad of a small breakthough. "My gut never lets me down and I had it telling me that the drugs and Leyton were connected somehow.  I've got a feeling that Lilith was on the Poseidon.  However...You didn't happen to, because you're awesome like that, get the signature, and thus name, of that Romulan ship that showed up before we blew the Redav did you?  Because I'm now thinking that might be our link to this Hecate person. Go in with a double attack, watch that ship, and draw her in with the 'new kid on the block' drug dealer scheme.  Lena you're right about the Cadets the only thing they're going to be doing for a while is being part of the Toothbrush Troupe!" she cast a grin at Lek.  "Are you sure the windows of the station don't need cleaning?... on the outside?!"

[Conference Room - Deck -14 - Innominatum Outpost]

Lek went quiet for a moment, but when he replied, there was no heat in his words. Resignation maybe, but no anger.

"I am well aware of how the bulk of the galaxy views my species. The unfortunate part is that, in most cases, that perception is true. Ferengi are smugglers and are associated with just about any other kind of criminal enterprise imaginable. Even those Ferengi who do have 'legitimate' businesses operate them in an unscrupulous matter. Regardless of that truth, the use of counterfeit product is a good idea."

After speaking, he went silent and waited for the meeting to be over.

[AS CPO MAGHOUIN]

Lena noticed Lek go quiet and wondered if it was something to do with what she'd said.  She felt bad for it ."I'm sorry Mr. Lek I wasn't inferring that I hate Ferengis or something but, since you said it too, if there is a shady deal to be done, it's not guaranteed that it'll be a Ferengi that's involved but there's probably better than a 50/50 chance.  That said there's two Ferengi I know that I'd like to say that I trust as much as I trust anyone in my line of work. One of them is yourself."  Lena said honestly.  "The other is L... The Traveller.  I wouldn't have fought JAG core for him if I didn't believe in him. I dislike that we still haven't got past stereotypes as a whole."

She stepped around to where Lek was sitting and offered a hand "Can we at least be friends? And can you recommend anyone to use as a 'drug dealer'?"

[Innominatum Outpost - Deck 14 - Conference Room 1]

"Aye Sir!" He said to Chief Dradis and then waited for Mr. Lek's answer about what they should do first.

In the mean time, he was looking to the other members of the meeting, trying to catch up what was going on. When they decided to change the ship to the biometric system Litt agreed quietly and stare at Mr. ch'Verret when he count the newcomers that needed to be put into the new system.

"I'm ready when you need." He said to Mr. ch'Verret.

Conference Room - Outpost

With the meeting starting to wind down, and things starting to repeat it seemed...Sukal looked towards his Captain.  "I believe we have covered everything we need to at the moment, Ma'am.  All departments are now aware of their responsibilities in what we need and expect over the next six weeks.  As such, I suggest we get things going.  We have a lot of ground to cover in the amount of time we need to do so.  The CHALLENGER's upgrades in some areas will take as long as it takes until we can get her to a full yard.  So, if there are no objections, Captain, I will report to Sickbay, and get my physical taken care of so we can get the process started.  Have to set a good example for the rest," Sukal stated with slight smile to the rest before standing up.  "Companions, I don't know you all very well as yet, but I hope to change that in these next six weeks as we team up on these various projects.  Feel free to visit me in my office on the Bridge or in the Mess Hall from time to time if you wish," Sukal added.

It was time to get things going, and now was as good as time as any.  There was a certain former Admiral he wanted to take care of...personally...if necessary.  He didn't believe in revenge.  In fact, despite his ability to think strategically and tactically; Sukal had no love for combat and war.  Yet, Leyton had hurt the Federation and Starfleet for far too long, and enough was simply enough.  These were good people.  Together, they would finally find where the rogue had been hiding out, and would put an end to the rebellion once and for all.

Sad...it really was.  He wondered how T'Ra was doing in the face of such violence across the Federation.  She was not one to enjoy wars or combat...or any strife.  To see the Federation being torn apart from the inside must have been rather traumatic for her.  He would have to check in on her later.  There were actually a few he wondered about, but his Ko-kai was one that always seemed on the edge of his thoughts.

He waited for the Captain to dismiss them before leaving with his PADD of notes.  His next destination would be the Sickbay facilities on the outpost, and there he would be among the first to get his physical out of the way.  He never quite understood why some officers - especially command level ones - would always wait to the last minute to get such things done.  After all, the ones who should be showing the rest how important such things were would be the command staff.

[AS RUTH]

"Right everyone I guess we can break and work in our groups.  Like Mr. Sukal said everyone is welcome to find me as well, be it in my office, one of the departments helping out or in the Mess Hall.  Wherever you need me.  We'll reconvene in say a week's time, same time, same place but if there's anything of major interest then just message and I'll be there.  Mr ch'Verret tell me where and when for the scans, Oh and yes to my sisters being included, they can be of use to Sciences and Security, they need to get used to shifts and this is a good way to break them in. Other than finding that Romulan ship I think we can just work on anything at our own speed, but still with some sense of urgency, we only have 6 weeks or least that's the maximum down time I want on base..  Thank you all, Do enjoy your down time too. Dismiss.  Mr Tempest, I'll walk with you to whichever lab you want to go to." the Captain said smiling.  "Sukal, I'll catch up with you later, please tell Maggie I'll be down soon as I'm done in Sciences and to ping me in 3 hours if I haven't shown up in Sickbay.  I have a habit of erm... well getting engrossed when I get to play in Sciences again!" she winked.

[Innominatum Outpost - Deck 14 - Conference Room]

Lek offered the young helmsman a toothy smile as he replied.

"Actually, our shuttles haven't seen much use lately, so they are all available for immediate use. Try not to scratch the paint on any of them, Chief Fisher is real particular about her charges and she's not someone you want angry at you."

[AS CHIEF DRADIS]

Walking towards the door, Dradis gave a mirthful look with his black eyes towards Lek then said to Litt "Oh yeah,... Fisher.  On a good day she's lovely, a delightful lady.  But like most women, cross them and hell do you know about it!" he chuckled.  "Don't worry Mr. Lek we'll leave them shiny! C'mon Mr. Litt, things to do, people to see then how about I treat you to a drink once shift is over.  Get to know one another a little better.  Lek?  Lahr? Wanna join us after shift? In the Pakled?"

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

[Innominatum Outpost - Deck 14 - Conference Room 1]

"Aye Sir!" He said to Chief Dradis and then waited for Mr. Lek's answer about what they should do first.

In the mean time, he was looking to the other members of the meeting, trying to catch up what was going on. When they decided to change the ship to the biometric system Litt agreed quietly and stare at Mr. ch'Verret when he count the newcomers that needed to be put into the new system.

"I'm ready when you need." He said to Mr. ch'Verret.

Lahr looked over to the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Cadet... wondering if he was ever like that himself... if so he didn't remember it.

"When this meeting is over Doctor York and I will get your biometrics scanned into the system."

[Conference Room - Deck -14 - Innominatum Outpost]

Lek went quiet for a moment, but when he replied, there was no heat in his words. Resignation maybe, but no anger.

"I am well aware of how the bulk of the galaxy views my species. The unfortunate part is that, in most cases, that perception is true. Ferengi are smugglers and are associated with just about any other kind of criminal enterprise imaginable. Even those Ferengi who do have 'legitimate' businesses operate them in an unscrupulous matter. Regardless of that truth, the use of counterfeit product is a good idea."

After speaking, he went silent and waited for the meeting to be over.

Lahr's one good antenna dipped low at the Chief Engineer's response.  In all the time he'd known the Ferengi he'd never gotten that 'unscrupulous' vibe from the man.

[Innominatum Outpost - Deck 14 - Conference Room]
[AS CPO Maghouin]

"Oh nothing compulsory Mr. ch'Verret, it was more a question of well,.. information.  Had the Andorians been more .. " Lena shrugged searching for a word. "... 'drug inclined' then it might've been prudent for you to pose as a drug dealer.  I can't use The Traveller he's too known.  Possibly the idea of the Risian Cadet but if I'm reading between the lines the right way then there are suspicions surrounding the Cadets and they came in on a ship known to have been infiltrated by Leyton, probably not our best bet."

The base Chief of Security mused for a moment.  Thinking.

[AS RUTH]

"Eureka!" Ruth smiled glad of a small breakthough. "My gut never lets me down and I had it telling me that the drugs and Leyton were connected somehow.  I've got a feeling that Lilith was on the Poseidon.  However...You didn't happen to, because you're awesome like that, get the signature, and thus name, of that Romulan ship that showed up before we blew the Redav did you?  Because I'm now thinking that might be our link to this Hecate person. Go in with a double attack, watch that ship, and draw her in with the 'new kid on the block' drug dealer scheme.  Lena you're right about the Cadets the only thing they're going to be doing for a while is being part of the Toothbrush Troupe!" she cast a grin at Lek.  "Are you sure the windows of the station don't need cleaning?... on the outside?!"

[AS CPO MAGHOUIN]

Lena noticed Lek go quiet and wondered if it was something to do with what she'd said.  She felt bad for it ."I'm sorry Mr. Lek I wasn't inferring that I hate Ferengis or something but, since you said it too, if there is a shady deal to be done, it's not guaranteed that it'll be a Ferengi that's involved but there's probably better than a 50/50 chance.  That said there's two Ferengi I know that I'd like to say that I trust as much as I trust anyone in my line of work. One of them is yourself."  Lena said honestly.  "The other is L... The Traveller.  I wouldn't have fought JAG core for him if I didn't believe in him. I dislike that we still haven't got past stereotypes as a whole."

She stepped around to where Lek was sitting and offered a hand "Can we at least be friends? And can you recommend anyone to use as a 'drug dealer'?"

[AS RUTH]

"Right everyone I guess we can break and work in our groups.  Like Mr. Sukal said everyone is welcome to find me as well, be it in my office, one of the departments helping out or in the Mess Hall.  Wherever you need me.  We'll reconvene in say a week's time, same time, same place but if there's anything of major interest then just message and I'll be there.  Mr ch'Verret tell me where and when for the scans, Oh and yes to my sisters being included, they can be of use to Sciences and Security, they need to get used to shifts and this is a good way to break them in. Other than finding that Romulan ship I think we can just work on anything at our own speed, but still with some sense of urgency, we only have 6 weeks or least that's the maximum down time I want on base..  Thank you all, Do enjoy your down time too. Dismiss.  Mr Tempest, I'll walk with you to whichever lab you want to go to." the Captain said smiling.  "Sukal, I'll catch up with you later, please tell Maggie I'll be down soon as I'm done in Sciences and to ping me in 3 hours if I haven't shown up in Sickbay.  I have a habit of erm... well getting engrossed when I get to play in Sciences again!" she winked.

[AS CHIEF DRADIS]

Walking towards the door, Dradis gave a mirthful look with his black eyes towards Lek then said to Litt "Oh yeah,... Fisher.  On a good day she's lovely, a delightful lady.  But like most women, cross them and hell do you know about it!" he chuckled.  "Don't worry Mr. Lek we'll leave them shiny! C'mon Mr. Litt, things to do, people to see then how about I treat you to a drink once shift is over.  Get to know one another a little better.  Lek?  Lahr? Wanna join us after shift? In the Pakled?"

The Andorian gave bit of grimace then turned to the Security Chief .

"If you need someone to go undercover, as your drug dealer, I'll do it."  Better him than someone suggesting Lek or trusting a cadet. "My rep is random enough that anyone who has heard of me... could believe it possible."

He then turned to the Captain quizzically his antenna waving about in confusion. "Romulan ship? What Romulan ship?" Was she referring to the Reman Praetor's vessel?

The Andorian had no clue that there had been a cloaked Romulan vessel watching as they destroyed the Redav.  His focus had been on the Redav and thus hadn't picked up on the few faint tells that could have alerted him to it's presence there.

Later when the Chief Dradis suggested they get together at the Pickled Pakled, Lahr gave a sigh.
"We'll see how long it takes me to get these biometrics set up.  And I need to talk to Chief Maghouin about the smuggling op... so don't wait for me."

[Djann Tempest]

[ USS Challenger - Deck 7: Primary Science Lab ]

Tempest looked up from the padd and at the terminal. He didn't have to actually read the display to know the the discordant beeps were not a good sign. He was attempting to link and align the base's sensor array and the ship and link their processors.

Attenuate the theta band to...-40 angstroms from it's current level and hold he called over his commbadge to the station crew.

The beeps were closer together and nearly the same tone. So close he pondered but the calculations pointed to these parameters being spot on. But why aren't we aligned...

"Dolores" Djann addressed to his AI assistant, "Let's check if we have a clean slate here".

"I'm not sure what you mean" Dolores replied with a hint of dejection.

Realizing his allegory was a little too advanced for her current iteration, Djann clarified. "An expression, catalog for further clarification. What I meant is that I'd like to make sure nothing else is affecting the sensor arrays to solve our problem. Expand scan parameters to all known EM bands but prioritize in inverse of likeliness of presence. Does that make sense Dolores?"

"Yes Boss. Beginning scan" she replied with a nearly cheery ring.

I've got to dial down her emotional expression he thought while checking over Dolores's execution. While the scan was running he wanted to get a lead on one of the other tasks the Captain had laid out. The brainwashing was more daunting but clearly a priority, having a few more minds would knock this out easier. Holding up his cybernetic arm he tapped out his command codes on the screen and pulled up today's duty roster. He scanned the names and decided to pull the only one he had seen work in person yet, she seems bright and promising he mentally commented.

Ensign Farrah report to Primary Sciences he tapped a second time; Tempest to Medical. I'd like a hand in Primary Sciences from someone with some neurology knowledge

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

Lahr looked over to the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Cadet... wondering if he was ever like that himself... if so he didn't remember it.

"When this meeting is over Doctor York and I will get your biometrics scanned into the system."

Lahr's one good antenna dipped low at the Chief Engineer's response.  In all the time he'd known the Ferengi he'd never gotten that 'unscrupulous' vibe from the man.

The Andorian gave bit of grimace then turned to the Security Chief .

"If you need someone to go undercover, as your drug dealer, I'll do it."  Better him than someone suggesting Lek or trusting a cadet. "My rep is random enough that anyone who has heard of me... could believe it possible."

[Conference Room [hereafter known as Mission HQ] - Deck 14 - Innominatum]

[As CPO Lena Maghouin]

Lena had an idea.  "Lahr? Is it ok if I call you Lahr?  If you did this for us... not that I'm hoping that your antennae is hurt at all, and if it is, I hope it recovers quickly but... Do you have someone that you know that's good at make up?" She chuckled to herself.  First suggesting that a perfectly nice young Andorian was a drug dealer and now suggesting that he wear make up, what next... a pink tutu?!  That might be a step too far!

"Don't worry, more like stage make up.  I was thinking if we could make it look like you'd been in a fight, black eye that sort of thing, like someone roughed you up cuz you were trampling all over their territory... could that make the whole drug-dealer thing look more convincing.  If you have a poorly antennae, have to have it bandaged or just have it... forgive the terminology I'm not a medic... but 'drooping' so it looks like it's been hurt... would... could? that work?!"

He then turned to the Captain quizzically his antenna waving about in confusion. "Romulan ship? What Romulan ship?" Was she referring to the Reman Praetor's vessel?

The Andorian had no clue that there had been a cloaked Romulan vessel watching as they destroyed the Redav.  His focus had been on the Redav and thus hadn't picked up on the few faint tells that could have alerted him to it's presence there.

Later when the Chief Dradis suggested they get together at the Pickled Pakled, Lahr gave a sigh.
"We'll see how long it takes me to get these biometrics set up.  And I need to talk to Chief Maghouin about the smuggling op... so don't wait for me."

[As Ruth]

"Sorry must just've been me at Science 2 checking the scans... There might be something in the logs, but the other side of the Redav, there was another ship, scarpered quick probably realising that we were in area and they weren't supposed to be there.  Have a look, or have someone have a look as you've got more than enough to do, it's perfectly ok to delegate!"  Ruth made to go out of the room, then looked back.  "I'll find my sisters and drag them down too. Mr. Walding, with me."

[ USS Challenger - Deck 7: Primary Science Lab ]

Tempest looked up from the padd and at the terminal. He didn't have to actually read the display to know the the discordant beeps were not a good sign. He was attempting to link and align the base's sensor array and the ship and link their processors.

Attenuate the theta band to...-40 angstroms from it's current level and hold he called over his commbadge to the station crew.

The beeps were closer together and nearly the same tone. So close he pondered but the calculations pointed to these parameters being spot on. But why aren't we aligned...

"Dolores" Djann addressed to his AI assistant, "Let's check if we have a clean slate here".

"I'm not sure what you mean" Dolores replied with a hint of dejection.

Realizing his allegory was a little too advanced for her current iteration, Djann clarified. "An expression, catalog for further clarification. What I meant is that I'd like to make sure nothing else is affecting the sensor arrays to solve our problem. Expand scan parameters to all known EM bands but prioritize in inverse of likeliness of presence. Does that make sense Dolores?"

"Yes Boss. Beginning scan" she replied with a nearly cheery ring.

I've got to dial down her emotional expression he thought while checking over Dolores's execution. While the scan was running he wanted to get a lead on one of the other tasks the Captain had laid out. The brainwashing was more daunting but clearly a priority, having a few more minds would knock this out easier. Holding up his cybernetic arm he tapped out his command codes on the screen and pulled up today's duty roster. He scanned the names and decided to pull the only one he had seen work in person yet, she seems bright and promising he mentally commented.

Ensign Farrah report to Primary Sciences he tapped a second time; Tempest to Medical. I'd like a hand in Primary Sciences from someone with some neurology knowledge

[CSO's Office Sickbay - Challenger]

[As Dr. Maggie York]

Maggie had been busy since she'd left the conference room.  She'd been to the Primary Sickbay on Innominatum and left Dr. Al-Hambrah in charge of doing the physicals of all staff not involved in the investigations and scannings and headed off to Sickbay on the Challenger to set up her office, accessed the files on the brain washing device, and started reading.  A while later she heard Tempest's hail and responded.

York to Tempest, anything that can be transferred down here? I'm just down the corridor.  Asking because we need to get your physical done, plus your biometrics for the access to Mission HQ and if we can get it all done together then I'm your woman.  Otherwise I'm going to be a couple of hours, I can multitask, just not in two places at once!

[Lek]

[Innominatum Outpost - Deck 14 - Conference Room]

[AS RUTH]

"Eureka!" Ruth smiled glad of a small breakthough. "My gut never lets me down and I had it telling me that the drugs and Leyton were connected somehow.  I've got a feeling that Lilith was on the Poseidon.  However...You didn't happen to, because you're awesome like that, get the signature, and thus name, of that Romulan ship that showed up before we blew the Redav did you?  Because I'm now thinking that might be our link to this Hecate person. Go in with a double attack, watch that ship, and draw her in with the 'new kid on the block' drug dealer scheme.  Lena you're right about the Cadets the only thing they're going to be doing for a while is being part of the Toothbrush Troupe!" she cast a grin at Lek.  "Are you sure the windows of the station don't need cleaning?... on the outside?!"

[Conference Room - Deck 14 - Innominatum Outpost]

Lek's mood improved and he chuckled at the captain's suggestion.

"First step of maintenance is keepin' the device in question clean. A vigorous wipe down of the transparent aluminum would not be out of order Ma'am."

[Innominatum Outpost - Deck 14 - Conference Room]
[AS CPO MAGHOUIN]

Lena noticed Lek go quiet and wondered if it was something to do with what she'd said.  She felt bad for it ."I'm sorry Mr. Lek I wasn't inferring that I hate Ferengis or something but, since you said it too, if there is a shady deal to be done, it's not guaranteed that it'll be a Ferengi that's involved but there's probably better than a 50/50 chance.  That said there's two Ferengi I know that I'd like to say that I trust as much as I trust anyone in my line of work. One of them is yourself."  Lena said honestly.  "The other is L... The Traveller.  I wouldn't have fought JAG core for him if I didn't believe in him. I dislike that we still haven't got past stereotypes as a whole."

She stepped around to where Lek was sitting and offered a hand "Can we at least be friends? And can you recommend anyone to use as a 'drug dealer'?"

"I'm not offended Chief. Certain species have stereotypes associated with them. I know how Ferengi are perceived by the Alpha Quadrant at large and as I have already stated, that perception is well earned. It looked like things might have changed with Grand Nagus Zek's reform, but his successor Rom wasn't strong enough to keep the reactionary parts of the government from overturning them.

"Regardless of all that, as long as you and I wear the same uniform, we can and will be friends."

Lahr's one good antenna dipped low at the Chief Engineer's response.  In all the time he'd known the Ferengi he'd never gotten that 'unscrupulous' vibe from the man.

The Andorian gave bit of grimace then turned to the Security Chief .

"If you need someone to go undercover, as your drug dealer, I'll do it."  Better him than someone suggesting Lek or trusting a cadet. "My rep is random enough that anyone who has heard of me... could believe it possible."

Lek eye Lahr as if he'd lost his mind...again, but that was the Andorian's way, leap, fail, repeat, seemed to be his motto.

"Lahr wouldn't be as good as me as your merchant, but he is more expendable."

Lek offered with a straight face.

[AS CHIEF DRADIS]

Walking towards the door, Dradis gave a mirthful look with his black eyes towards Lek then said to Litt "Oh yeah,... Fisher.  On a good day she's lovely, a delightful lady.  But like most women, cross them and hell do you know about it!" he chuckled.  "Don't worry Mr. Lek we'll leave them shiny! C'mon Mr. Litt, things to do, people to see then how about I treat you to a drink once shift is over.  Get to know one another a little better.  Lek?  Lahr? Wanna join us after shift? In the Pakled?"

Lek arched an eyebrow and nodded as he replied.

"That sounds like a plan. I will see you there Chief."

[Sukal]

Outpost - Main Sickbay

With the meeting over - it was time to get his physical out of the way.  He arrived directly from the conference room to report to the new CMO:  Doctor Maggie York.  She, of course, had been at the conference as well, but he seemed to have made it just ahead of her.  This was not surprising to the First Officer considering she was still new to the station...though he had only arrived a couple of months ago.  It seemed like a shorter amount of time since he had left Betazed for his return to Starfleet.  Since his return, Sukal had managed to go from just another Ops officer to Chief of Operations, and then to First Officer.  During that time, he had come across a Reman Viceroy he would have happily found a way to kill, the Viceroy's wife - whom he believed had the ability to lead her people far better, dealt with treachery from former Vice-Admiral Leyton, seen the trading sides of the USS REDAV along with over half her staff - including Admiral d'Arth, and the destruction of both the REDAV and the BISMARK.  So much had come to pass in those couple of months, but Sukal was only just getting started.  There was much he wanted to do...needed to do in order to help Starfleet restore peace and balance to the Federation.

All of which went through the Vulcan-hybrids mind as he entered Sickbay.

"Ah, Nurse, I am Lieutenant Commander Sukal - the new First Officer.  Your superior will be doing some physicals on the crew of both the outpost and from the ship.  I have decided to get mine out of the way first.  So, if you will lead me to where I need to get started until Doctor York arrives - I would appreciate it," he greeted the woman on duty with an explanation for his arrival.

It was then he remembered the woman's name from the roster he had recently updated:  Chloe Davies - a young Human woman from Risa of all places.  He didn't know her, but he wondered briefly what could have made her join Starfleet Medical instead of remaining on Risa.  Perhaps, it came from a desire to do more than simply serve others for their whims and pleasures.  If so, it made Sukal have some respect for the woman with the rank of Lieutenant J.G.

[Djann Tempest]

[CSO's Office Sickbay - Challenger]

[As Dr. Maggie York]

Maggie had been busy since she'd left the conference room.  She'd been to the Primary Sickbay on Innominatum and left Dr. Al-Hambrah in charge of doing the physicals of all staff not involved in the investigations and scannings and headed off to Sickbay on the Challenger to set up her office, accessed the files on the brain washing device, and started reading.  A while later she heard Tempest's hail and responded.

York to Tempest, anything that can be transferred down here? I'm just down the corridor.  Asking because we need to get your physical done, plus your biometrics for the access to Mission HQ and if we can get it all done together then I'm your woman.  Otherwise I'm going to be a couple of hours, I can multitask, just not in two places at once! 

[ USS Challenger - Primary Science Lab ]

Ensign Farrah was walking in while Dr York was responding to Tempest.

Of course Doctor, give me a few minutes and I'll be down. Tempest out.

"Ensign. Thank you for being prompt. As you heard I'll be leaving momentarily but I have a few tasks I'd like you to get started in the mean time" Djann said to her as he moved from terminal to terminal on a rolling stool. Bringing up a few displays, he turned back to the Ensign.

"Dolores, introduce yourself to Farrah here" Djann said as he tapped a control on his cybernetic arm. As he finished keying in the command, a bright sphere projected from the hologram emitters embedded in the large work table in the center of the room. What looked to be an interconnected web of pinpoints of light began flexing and morphing to the speech it was emitting.

"Hello Ensign. I am Dolores, Lt. Tempest's assistant. I like helping to solve problems and my technical capabilities are nearly 800 Billion processes per second at 80 teraflops. What level of access is Ensign Farrah boss?" the AI queried to Djann.

"All non-classified laboratory and research functions as well as remote connection. Tempest 0629ZedZed write" he replied and set.

The Ensign's face didn't convey a specific emotion except for wonderment. It was a typical reaction and one that Tempest rather enjoyed. Dolores was a complicated...thing but he didn't delve much past the surface when explaining.

"Hello uh..Dolores" the young Ensign said to the hologram. "So what is it that you wanted me to work on Sir?" she asked of the flesh and blood being in the room.

Nodding in recognition, Djann pushed a few keys on a terminal and an active sensor display rose in the holographic space. A long line of readouts proceeded to scroll across their field of view and looped when it reached the bottom.

"Right now Dolores is taking an ultra high resolution sensor scan of the immediate area and our equipment. Something is causing a slight dissonance in the arrays. I've been attempting to link and align the ship's sensor array with the outposts to make triangulation easier and assist with some of the Captain's priority tasks. What I need you to do is use your best judgement and help eliminate some of the tiny trace readings that may be inconsequential. The catch is that one of those tiny, seemingly insignificant readings may be what we're looking for so take your time and investigate each one that's pinged for you. I'll of course be available if you have any questions. Anything now?"

He scanned the Ensign's face for fear or nervousness but only saw excitement. She was a the right officer for his department and felt this task would be a good proving ground.

"No sir, happy to be of assistance" she replied quickly.

"Excellent. Happy hunting" he replied and left the lab.

[CSO's Office Sickbay - Challenger]

The door chimed sounded and opened for Tempest. Stepping through he saw an orderly office and the Doctor working at her desk.

"Reporting as ordered Doctor and with tasks for you as well if you are up for it" he said with a professional levity. "I've been thinking about how to approach deconstructing the brainwashing problem and think I have a method but will need your assistance. I would like to use whatever data we have, scans, samples or whatever; to create a very realistic simulation of a humanoid brain affected by this process. This way we can both reverse engineer the substance and manufacturing method and perhaps find a rapid cure or fix for this" he realized he was babbling but had one last thing.

"I've taken the preliminary step of creating a stable neural software platform in which to create the simulation. Once it's up and running we can run simulations of introducing different drugs, chemicals and whatever else we need to without having to physically replicate and have an organic model. What do you think?"

Stopping he was conscious he had spent the last two minutes talking to someone who's office he had just waltzed into and not waiting for their greeting or response. Oh well, people expect us science types to be odd I suppose he thought.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Conference Room - Deck 14 - Innominatum Outpost]

Lek's mood improved and he chuckled at the captain's suggestion.

"First step of maintenance is keepin' the device in question clean. A vigorous wipe down of the transparent aluminum would not be out of order Ma'am."

"I'm not offended Chief. Certain species have stereotypes associated with them. I know how Ferengi are perceived by the Alpha Quadrant at large and as I have already stated, that perception is well earned. It looked like things might have changed with Grand Nagus Zek's reform, but his successor Rom wasn't strong enough to keep the reactionary parts of the government from overturning them.

"Regardless of all that, as long as you and I wear the same uniform, we can and will be friends."

Lek eye Lahr as if he'd lost his mind...again, but that was the Andorian's way, leap, fail, repeat, seemed to be his motto.

"Lahr wouldn't be as good as me as your merchant, but he is more expendable."

Lek offered with a straight face.

[Exiting Conference Room - Deck 14 - Innominatum]

[As CPO Lena Maghouin]

"I'll likely need 2 people to make it look like a drug smuggling operation not just a lone bandit... We'll work it out later when we have our product!" Lena said with a grin. "And the way the Captain uses poor Lahr, I'm not sure he's that expendable!"

Lek arched an eyebrow and nodded as he replied.

"That sounds like a plan. I will see you there Chief."

Dradis nodded but didn't say any more, ushering the Ensign out to do some work.

Outpost - Main Sickbay

With the meeting over - it was time to get his physical out of the way.  He arrived directly from the conference room to report to the new CMO:  Doctor Maggie York.  She, of course, had been at the conference as well, but he seemed to have made it just ahead of her.  This was not surprising to the First Officer considering she was still new to the station...though he had only arrived a couple of months ago.  It seemed like a shorter amount of time since he had left Betazed for his return to Starfleet.  Since his return, Sukal had managed to go from just another Ops officer to Chief of Operations, and then to First Officer.  During that time, he had come across a Reman Viceroy he would have happily found a way to kill, the Viceroy's wife - whom he believed had the ability to lead her people far better, dealt with treachery from former Vice-Admiral Leyton, seen the trading sides of the USS REDAV along with over half her staff - including Admiral d'Arth, and the destruction of both the REDAV and the BISMARK.  So much had come to pass in those couple of months, but Sukal was only just getting started.  There was much he wanted to do...needed to do in order to help Starfleet restore peace and balance to the Federation.

All of which went through the Vulcan-hybrids mind as he entered Sickbay.

"Ah, Nurse, I am Lieutenant Commander Sukal - the new First Officer.  Your superior will be doing some physicals on the crew of both the outpost and from the ship.  I have decided to get mine out of the way first.  So, if you will lead me to where I need to get started until Doctor York arrives - I would appreciate it," he greeted the woman on duty with an explanation for his arrival.

It was then he remembered the woman's name from the roster he had recently updated:  Chloe Davies - a young Human woman from Risa of all places.  He didn't know her, but he wondered briefly what could have made her join Starfleet Medical instead of remaining on Risa.  Perhaps, it came from a desire to do more than simply serve others for their whims and pleasures.  If so, it made Sukal have some respect for the woman with the rank of Lieutenant J.G.

[Sickbay - Outpost]

[As Nurse Chloe Davis/Dr. Fahid Al-Hambrah]

Dr. (Lt.) Al-Hambrah

"Of course Commander, come this way!" Chloe said smiling.  "I can do the basic physical for you, anything to bring to my attention since last time you had a physical?" she said keeping up the professional banter.  "Doctor York is up on the Challenger at the moment but Dr Al-Hambrah will be around soon I think! He's the resident doctor.  Nice fellow although I confess I find his accent a little strange."

"Doctor Al-Hambrah is here Chloe but you've got stuff in hand, you can more than handle the physicals.  I'll be in my office if you need me!" the Senior Doctor said with a grin.  "I've got some research to be doing. Nice to meet you Mr. Sukal."

[ USS Challenger - Primary Science Lab ]

Ensign Farrah was walking in while Dr York was responding to Tempest.

Of course Doctor, give me a few minutes and I'll be down. Tempest out.

"Ensign. Thank you for being prompt. As you heard I'll be leaving momentarily but I have a few tasks I'd like you to get started in the mean time" Djann said to her as he moved from terminal to terminal on a rolling stool. Bringing up a few displays, he turned back to the Ensign.

"Dolores, introduce yourself to Farrah here" Djann said as he tapped a control on his cybernetic arm. As he finished keying in the command, a bright sphere projected from the hologram emitters embedded in the large work table in the center of the room. What looked to be an interconnected web of pinpoints of light began flexing and morphing to the speech it was emitting.

"Hello Ensign. I am Dolores, Lt. Tempest's assistant. I like helping to solve problems and my technical capabilities are nearly 800 Billion processes per second at 80 teraflops. What level of access is Ensign Farrah boss?" the AI queried to Djann.

"All non-classified laboratory and research functions as well as remote connection. Tempest 0629ZedZed write" he replied and set.

The Ensign's face didn't convey a specific emotion except for wonderment. It was a typical reaction and one that Tempest rather enjoyed. Dolores was a complicated...thing but he didn't delve much past the surface when explaining.

"Hello uh..Dolores" the young Ensign said to the hologram. "So what is it that you wanted me to work on Sir?" she asked of the flesh and blood being in the room.

Nodding in recognition, Djann pushed a few keys on a terminal and an active sensor display rose in the holographic space. A long line of readouts proceeded to scroll across their field of view and looped when it reached the bottom.

"Right now Dolores is taking an ultra high resolution sensor scan of the immediate area and our equipment. Something is causing a slight dissonance in the arrays. I've been attempting to link and align the ship's sensor array with the outposts to make triangulation easier and assist with some of the Captain's priority tasks. What I need you to do is use your best judgement and help eliminate some of the tiny trace readings that may be inconsequential. The catch is that one of those tiny, seemingly insignificant readings may be what we're looking for so take your time and investigate each one that's pinged for you. I'll of course be available if you have any questions. Anything now?"

He scanned the Ensign's face for fear or nervousness but only saw excitement. She was a the right officer for his department and felt this task would be a good proving ground.

"No sir, happy to be of assistance" she replied quickly.

"Excellent. Happy hunting" he replied and left the lab.

[CSO's Office Sickbay - Challenger]

The door chimed sounded and opened for Tempest. Stepping through he saw an orderly office and the Doctor working at her desk.

"Reporting as ordered Doctor and with tasks for you as well if you are up for it" he said with a professional levity. "I've been thinking about how to approach deconstructing the brainwashing problem and think I have a method but will need your assistance. I would like to use whatever data we have, scans, samples or whatever; to create a very realistic simulation of a humanoid brain affected by this process. This way we can both reverse engineer the substance and manufacturing method and perhaps find a rapid cure or fix for this" he realized he was babbling but had one last thing.

"I've taken the preliminary step of creating a stable neural software platform in which to create the simulation. Once it's up and running we can run simulations of introducing different drugs, chemicals and whatever else we need to without having to physically replicate and have an organic model. What do you think?"

Stopping he was conscious he had spent the last two minutes talking to someone who's office he had just waltzed into and not waiting for their greeting or response. Oh well, people expect us science types to be odd I suppose he thought.

[CSO's Office - Challenger]

[As CSO Dr. Maggie York]

Maggie looked up in amusement.  "Hello to you too, Mr. Tempest!"  she held up a hand to cut off any apologise.  "It's ok, I was expecting you so it's not exactly a surprise.  I've made you a copy of the files that Dr. Vaughan left.  And oh I don't know we might be able to work something out together!"

The CSO stood and walked over.  "And please, call me Maggie, from what the Captain was saying if we're on this task force thing we're going to need a lot of co-operation! Shall we?!" she gestured into the main Sickbay.

[As Ruth / Arya Sigurdsdottir]

"Did I hear my name taken in vain there Maggie?!" Ruth asked coming in with her twin sisters.  "One Captain, two Cadet Apprentices reporting for poking and prodding.  There should be a Security Ensign by the name of Walding along shortly too!"

She grinned at her First Officer "Sukal!  We have to stop meeting like this, people shall talk!  But anyhow... business.. who's prodding and poking, Maggie these are my sisters, Arya in the teal and Katya in the gold."

The girls nodded and smiled "I still miss Auntie Lizzie, ah I mean Dr. Vaughan." Arya said then blushed and hung her head. "But I'm sure we'll get to like you Dr. York.  No offence meant but as you might've gathered, Dr. Vaughan was more like family than just the ship's Chief Medical Officer."

"None taken Arya!" the CMO laid a comforting hand on the Cadet Apprentice's shoulder.  "I know Lizzie well and she's awesome. She got me this gig so to speak! You'll have to let her know how we're all getting on!"

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

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

[Conference Room [hereafter known as Mission HQ] - Deck 14 - Innominatum]

[As CPO Lena Maghouin]

Lena had an idea.  "Lahr? Is it ok if I call you Lahr?  If you did this for us... not that I'm hoping that your antennae is hurt at all, and if it is, I hope it recovers quickly but... Do you have someone that you know that's good at make up?" She chuckled to herself.  First suggesting that a perfectly nice young Andorian was a drug dealer and now suggesting that he wear make up, what next... a pink tutu?!  That might be a step too far!

"Don't worry, more like stage make up.  I was thinking if we could make it look like you'd been in a fight, black eye that sort of thing, like someone roughed you up cuz you were trampling all over their territory... could that make the whole drug-dealer thing look more convincing.  If you have a poorly antennae, have to have it bandaged or just have it... forgive the terminology I'm not a medic... but 'drooping' so it looks like it's been hurt... would... could? that work?!"

[As Ruth]

"Sorry must just've been me at Science 2 checking the scans... There might be something in the logs, but the other side of the Redav, there was another ship, scarpered quick probably realising that we were in area and they weren't supposed to be there.  Have a look, or have someone have a look as you've got more than enough to do, it's perfectly ok to delegate!"  Ruth made to go out of the room, then looked back.  "I'll find my sisters and drag them down too. Mr. Walding, with me."

Lahr gave a shrug, "Make-up? Nah, but I got a Klingon hybrid just itching to punch me the next time I comment on her dating status... so if the disguise needs a bruise or two... I can get something authentic" Lahr of course was joking...  he could get someone in sickbay to rupture a few capilleries to form bruises as needed.

[Conference Room - Deck 14 - Innominatum Outpost]

Lek eyed Lahr as if he'd lost his mind...again, but that was the Andorian's way, leap, fail, repeat, seemed to be his motto.

"Lahr wouldn't be as good as me as your merchant, but he is more expendable."

Lek offered with a straight face.

"Ouch!"  Lahr mocked in reaction to Lek's deadpan comment.  The Chief Engineer was right though.   The ship would barely notice another enlisted death... losing it's Chief Engineer however? Starfleet's only Ferengi officer?

Yeah, Lahr was way more expendable.

[Exiting Conference Room - Deck 14 - Innominatum]

[As CPO Lena Maghouin]

"I'll likely need 2 people to make it look like a drug smuggling operation not just a lone bandit... We'll work it out later when we have our product!" Lena said with a grin. "And the way the Captain uses poor Lahr, I'm not sure he's that expendable!"

Lahr quirked a white eyebrow at the Security officers' comment.  How did she know how the Captain 'used' him?   Worse yet, her words made him sound like a male prostitute!

He thought about arguing back but figured that might just cause more issues.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

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

Lahr gave a shrug, "Make-up? Nah, but I got a Klingon hybrid just itching to punch me the next time I comment on her dating status... so if the disguise needs a bruise or two... I can get something authentic" Lahr of course was joking...  he could get someone in sickbay to rupture a few capilleries to form bruises as needed.

"Ouch!"  Lahr mocked in reaction to Lek's deadpan comment.  The Chief Engineer was right though.   The ship would barely notice another enlisted death... losing it's Chief Engineer however? Starfleet's only Ferengi officer?

Yeah, Lahr was way more expendable.

Lahr quirked a white eyebrow at the Security officers' comment.  How did she know how the Captain 'used' him?   Worse yet, her words made him sound like a male prostitute!

He thought about arguing back but figured that might just cause more issues.

[Doorway of Conference Room - Deck 14 - Innominatum]

[As CPO Lena Maghouin]

Lena caught Lahr's quirked eyebrow and then realised what she'd said and how she'd said it and let out a guffaw while reddening.

"Oh oh, Lahr..." she said shaking her head.  "Sorry that didn't come out the way I intended!  I meant all the gophering you do for her, 'Look up this, send message to this person.... make sure I'm reminded of... '  You've no sooner started 1 job than she's got another 4 lined up for you.  That's how I meant that, promise!"

Still chuckling she said "As for the bruises... yes I think I know to whom you might be referring, and she would make it look convincing.  Be sure to tell her that I send my regards and that if she's gonna punch you at least make it look like you've been brutally attacked by a rival gang of drug smugglers!"

[Sukal]

Sickbay - Outpost

"Of course Commander, come this way!" Chloe said smiling.  "I can do the basic physical for you, anything to bring to my attention since last time you had a physical?" she said keeping up the professional banter.  "Doctor York is up on the Challenger at the moment but Dr Al-Hambrah will be around soon I think! He's the resident doctor.  Nice fellow although I confess I find his accent a little strange."

"Doctor Al-Hambrah is here Chloe but you've got stuff in hand, you can more than handle the physicals.  I'll be in my office if you need me!" the Senior Doctor said with a grin.  "I've got some research to be doing. Nice to meet you Mr. Sukal."

The First Officer was a bit surprised by how he had missed the CMO going back to the CHALLENGER.  It was not like him to assume anything, but he had done exactly that.  With the starship undergoing repairs from the battle, and with the ship needing attention from the engineers; Sukal had supposed the majority of the staff would be on the outpost doing their assignments - not the ship.  It was a logical deduction, but logic did not always mean it would lead to the correct conclusions.  A slight frown formed on his face as he realized his error.  As the new XO - this was something he should not have missed, and it grated on him a bit.  Still, he was not half-Vulcan for nothing, and with the training he had long undergone - the irritation was understood and let go of.  He could get the physical done here still, and this would allow Doctor York to do whatever she needed to do on the starship.

"I have nothing to declare since my last physical, Nurse," Sukal answered her just after she had discovered her superior had slipped in unnoticed.  He almost chuckled at this, but decided to nod to the doctor that had greeted him.  In any case, he followed Nurse Davies to where he was to take his physical.  Off came his tunic top as was often the procedure without being asked to, and he sat down on the edge of the biobed to wait.

As he waited, Sukal swore to himself he wouldn't make such a mistake a second time.  His Captain needed him to be sharp, and the crew needed to know they could count on him.  Such simple errors were things which could cause the crew to lose confidence in his ability to help them.  That, to the new First Officers, was unacceptable.  Perhaps he had simply forgotten what it was like to be in the command level position.  It had been, after all, years since he had held such when he was T'Ra's XO on the GETTYSBURG.  As he recalled those times with his Ko-kai; he remembered such busy moments and times of chaos in which he had to navigate in order to keep things organized and the crew efficient.  It would be no different in his new post.