S3:E4 ASSASSIN'S CREED

[Stryker]

[Brig - Challenger]

[As Arya|Katya]

Arya started crying. "Oh my Gods, Skye is she ok?! I mean..."

Katya shot her a look that clearly said that she disapproved of her sister incriminating them both, but since the deed was done she shrugged and said "OK we'll do whatever you want us to do but may we ask two things.  Firstly, see Skye, otherwise I think Arya will cry from here to the ends of the Universe if she thinks anything's happened to our puppy and secondly, let us tell you why we did it?  Then you might understand why we've broken rules and what we've gone through to make sure that puppy lives.  We have her papers, we could have gone through normal channels but... we didn't think anyone would let us keep her, our guardian..." she almost spat the name.  The woman was not a favourite exactly to either of the girls being overly strict and not allowing any fun despite what she told Ruth in her reports, "... hates animals full stop, we asked if it was fur that she was allergic to or something but we were told no birds, reptiles, fish, insects, scales or fur of any description.  Skye was the only thing on DS9 that we had that gave us any love.  Please, can we tell you why?  Then we'll take any punishment or arrangement you might want to give us.  Oh and no, no one told us... about the dorms I mean.  I think they kinda assumed we wouldn't bring pets unless they are like Eurus and training to be service dogs."  Katya said.  Even for her and her normally brash attitude, she looked like she was defeated.

"She would have died, her Mummy died! They would've killed her...." Arya snivelled trying not to sniff too much.  "You-you'll have to tell Ruth won't you?!"

Brig || USS Challenger

Sven wasn't overly moved by the twin's tale of puppy woe. But he wasn't generally moved by such things anyway. It was something that he and Judy, his counselor, was working on. Empathy. But first he had to identify what exactly it was he was annoyed with.

"I'm not upset with you," he said, "I'm more annoyed with the lack of security. But I should be thanking you for showing me a hole in it.

He pressed a button on the control panel. Cell two, the forcefield was darkened out so no one could see in, became transparent. There was skye, sleeping in the crook of Eurus' neck.

"Skye -I take it that is her name- is fine. But if anyone asks, you had an assignment from me to smuggle something aboard the Mjolnir. Didn't matter what, and you choose this puppy. Understood. That takes care of any incriminating evidence. As for her continued journey to DS9 and back to the Academy, that one is going to be much trickier. I'm afraid that you won't be able to hide a growing puppy for your time there. And I can't think of any way to keep her in your possession while on Earth. Maybe someone you know can watch her?"

He frowned, "The last part, and you're not going to like this, is I have no choice to talk to your sister about this. It was, in fact her ship you smuggled this puppy onto, and I have to be transparent. Let me break it to her first. Soften her up. Then you two pull the puppy dog eye routine, and make sure you have lots of cute pictures of the puppy to coerce her with.

He smiled, and dropped the force field. "Run along. You have a party to attend." he said taking as step towards the cell. But a wave of nausea hit him suddenly. He gripped the side of the console and gritted his teeth trying not to let it show. "I don't know if I will be able to make it. There is a lot of ground to cover. But I'll talk to Ruth right after you two leave here."

[Zavrol Gohun]

 Gohun arrived at his quarters and started to unpack when the com went off.
"Lt Taray to Crewman Gohun.  Please report to the Chief Tactical Officers office on Deck Nine." 
Not having a combadge yet Crewman Gohun said an acknowledgment of the message and started heading to deck nine. As he made his way through the ship he was very happy that he would not have to deal with any more hazing or petty tests. It was time for him to see the stars.
With that, he made it to the door of the Chief Tactical Officers office and chimed on the door in anticipation of meeting his new superior officer.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

[USS Challenger - Shuttle Bay -  Shuttle Mjolnir]

Lek listened to Lahr and as the Andorian spoke, he wondered how he got roped into this half-baked smuggling scheme.

"This is what I get for pointing out the obvious when it comes to criminal enterprise. Hyoomons."

Lek realized Lahr was waiting for a reply and he sighed.

"You can keep the stash, but the change of clothes is a good idea. I will meet you at the Pakled to get this operation started."

Lek had deep misgivings about attempting to become drug runners as he smelled too much 'if' coming off this plan to have any confidence of success. Even if they succeeded, they set themselves up for being murdered.

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Innominatum Outpost - The Pickled Pakled] - 20 minutes later

Dressed in his best civilian attire which for the Andorian was a simple asymmetrical light grey tunic and a crisp looking pair of black pants with lots of pockets, Lahr took a seat at the bar to wait for Lek.  As he waited, he took stock of the bars patrons and tried to remember why he was doing this.  He hated being on this station.  Each hallway here reminded him of the one that M'lenda had died on trying to retake it from Leyton's forces.  They'd succeeded in the end thanks to the sacrifices of those like M'lenda.  But that didn't help the Andorian sleep any better at night while the ship was docked here.

Shaking himself out of his increasingly depressive thoughts, Lahr looked about for potential buyers...  or were they called 'marks' or perhaps 'users'? Meh... whatever they were called, Lahr was being asked to exploit them and their addiction just so he and Lek could get known in the drug-trafficking circles.

Lahr already had a few folks that he'd been hanging out with over the past couple weeks building up his rep.  Passing off some of the new 'drugs' to those known few was a starting off point.  Oh and speak of the devil... there was Tanya.  Lahr gave a wave to one of the many station civilians that lived through Leyton's rule.  Was it any wonder the woman escaped into drugs after having to deal with hostile take overs and boarding actions...  not just once with Leyton and his forces... but twice since Starfleet had to fight to retake the outpost.

"Heya Tanya! How goes it?"  Lahr greeted the woman, then motioned her over.  Tanya of course didn't answer - no one wanted to hear how sad her life really was after the two battles.  She'd lost her enlisted husband when Leyton first arrived  Of course as a Federation citizen she had a roof over her head, food in her belly and medical care even therapy sessions with the station therapist.  All of which amounted to jack squat without her husband.

Lahr had learned her terrible story from listening to her complaints every night when she would come here after her assigned work to get drunk or high.. more often both.

"Hey, Tanya... I got something for you."  Lahr slipped his hand into one of his pockets and pulled out an individual packet and palmed it into her hand as he gave her a hug.  "Let me get your first drink"

Tanya's eyes widened in surprise and looked to him suspiciously.  "What's this?"  Even with her suspicions, she knew not to open her hand to show what she was asking about.

"Call it a free sample". Lahr remarked.  "It's helped me" he lied. "Figured you could use some of the same."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NPC Lt Taray
[USS Challenger - Deck Nine - Chief Tactical Officers office]

Gohun arrived at his quarters and started to unpack when the com went off.
"Lt Taray to Crewman Gohun.  Please report to the Chief Tactical Officers office on Deck Nine." 
Not having a combadge yet Crewman Gohun said an acknowledgment of the message and started heading to deck nine. As he made his way through the ship he was very happy that he would not have to deal with any more hazing or petty tests. It was time for him to see the stars.
With that, he made it to the door of the Chief Tactical Officers office and chimed on the door in anticipation of meeting his new superior officer.

At the chime, Taray looked up from her 'paperwork' - various electronic forms that the Chief had to look over and review almost daily to keep the security details and tactical systems at peak efficiency.

"Come in!"  The doors swished open to reveal Crewman Gohun.

Taray motioned him in and took a moment to finish signing off on the bridge security logs from the last watch.

"Crewman Gohun.  Welcome aboard.  As you might have guessed by my calling you down here,  I'm your Department Head.  Chief of Security and Tactical."

Taray nodded towards a small pile of gear sitting on the desk in front of her.  "Those are for you.  Your commbadge, ID card and credit stick, containing your starting salary of 1000 credits.  While on the ship, or most parts of the outpost, all standard amenities are available to all Federation citizens - free of charge of course.  If you want something not available by our replicators or outside of Federation jurisdiction then a small credit cost is charged.  Any questions?"

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

Sukal had been so busy with his own thoughts; that for change he never even heard Ruth walk up next to him.  That alone showed how focused he was when he should have been relaxing.  He turned to his Captain trying to hide his weariness, and knowing he was only partially successful.

"They did a good job, Ruth," he said informally.  "Perhaps a little memento to commemorate their aid in doing this that they can display in their quarters," he suggested, but it was clear he was having trouble clearing his mind of the issues he faced.  "As for the gifts - well, you know...just a little bit of something for them to enjoy while away and something useful.  I got them each a rare book containing useful information on their respective fields.  Both are not required reading at the Academy, but they will do wonders for those research projects or tactical problems such as they might face.  The one for Katya is a necklace she can wear under her uniform.  It is an artifact made in gold depicting Mjolnir surrounded in lightning.  Archaeologists place the creation of the amulet around 791AD.  The one for Arya is also an ancient artifact necklace made in gold from around 736AD depicting Yggdrasil:  The Tree of Life.  I believe these reflect the paths the twins have selected.  It shall remind them of where they come from, the path they have chosen, and never let them falter."

A warm smile came to Sukal's tired features as he told Ruth of what her sisters were getting from him.  Even in his tired state - the gifts he selected for them made him relax.

[Holosuite - Twin's Party - Innominatum]

"I'll think of something, or find someone to make me something on DS9"  Ruth said approving of the idea for the Flight/Party Organisers.  "Once this Conference is over I want you taking some time off, or else!  Even if I have to get Maggie to back me up on it.  We're all tired and I wish I didn't have to take the twins over there but needs must.  And their gifts... You're a bad and very good Uncle.  Bad for going to so much trouble and good because those gifts... wow!  Remind me, do you have kids yet?!"

[Lek]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Innominatum Outpost - The Pickled Pakled] - 20 minutes later

Dressed in his best civilian attire which for the Andorian was a simple asymmetrical light grey tunic and a crisp looking pair of black pants with lots of pockets, Lahr took a seat at the bar to wait for Lek.  As he waited, he took stock of the bars patrons and tried to remember why he was doing this.  He hated being on this station.  Each hallway here reminded him of the one that M'lenda had died on trying to retake it from Leyton's forces.  They'd succeeded in the end thanks to the sacrifices of those like M'lenda.  But that didn't help the Andorian sleep any better at night while the ship was docked here.

Shaking himself out of his increasingly depressive thoughts, Lahr looked about for potential buyers...  or were they called 'marks' or perhaps 'users'? Meh... whatever they were called, Lahr was being asked to exploit them and their addiction just so he and Lek could get known in the drug-trafficking circles.

Lahr already had a few folks that he'd been hanging out with over the past couple weeks building up his rep.  Passing off some of the new 'drugs' to those known few was a starting off point.  Oh and speak of the devil... there was Tanya.  Lahr gave a wave to one of the many station civilians that lived through Leyton's rule.  Was it any wonder the woman escaped into drugs after having to deal with hostile take overs and boarding actions...  not just once with Leyton and his forces... but twice since Starfleet had to fight to retake the outpost.

"Heya Tanya! How goes it?"  Lahr greeted the woman, then motioned her over.  Tanya of course didn't answer - no one wanted to hear how sad her life really was after the two battles.  She'd lost her enlisted husband when Leyton first arrived  Of course as a Federation citizen she had a roof over her head, food in her belly and medical care even therapy sessions with the station therapist.  All of which amounted to jack squat without her husband.

Lahr had learned her terrible story from listening to her complaints every night when she would come here after her assigned work to get drunk or high.. more often both.

"Hey, Tanya... I got something for you."  Lahr slipped his hand into one of his pockets and pulled out an individual packet and palmed it into her hand as he gave her a hug.  "Let me get your first drink"

Tanya's eyes widened in surprise and looked to him suspiciously.  "What's this?"  Even with her suspicions, she knew not to open her hand to show what she was asking about.

"Call it a free sample". Lahr remarked.  "It's helped me" he lied. "Figured you could use some of the same."

[The Pickled Pakled - Innominatum Outpost]

Lek sauntered into the bar as if he didn't care who owned it. He was wearing his best suit and it was spectacular. "The 47th Rule of Acquisition might say 'Don't trust a man wearing a better suit than your own', but I am here to make a statement." He thought as he entered.

Lek didn't immediately join Lahr, he instead faded into the shadow to get the feel of the room. He wanted to see who was who here and see if there was anyone that stood out or was trying not to stand out. He'd observe for a bit to see if there was anything to see and to see if Lahr was any good at business.

[Sukal]

[Holosuite - Twin's Party - Innominatum]

"I'll think of something, or find someone to make me something on DS9"  Ruth said approving of the idea for the Flight/Party Organisers.  "Once this Conference is over I want you taking some time off, or else!  Even if I have to get Maggie to back me up on it.  We're all tired and I wish I didn't have to take the twins over there but needs must.  And their gifts... You're a bad and very good Uncle.  Bad for going to so much trouble and good because those gifts... wow!  Remind me, do you have kids yet?!"

Sukal looked away from his friend, and without really knowing it - he looked out across the holosuite as if to gaze through the distance and time which separated him from his beloved and children.  Weariness no longer crossed his facial features, but was replaced by loneliness instead.

"Four of them," he answered quietly as if from suddenly far away.  "Three girls and a boy."

He missed them:  Lauren, Luke, Callie, and Avery, not to mention his Imzadi:  Emery, but he was out here to protect them.  In order for them to have a better future - he needed to help the Federation return to peaceful times.  Not that the Federation had known many such moments lately in history, but there were brief times.  It certainly wasn't going to happen while Leyton was around messing up things.

"I hope the girls enjoy their gifts.  As for the rest...yes, I will gladly take it after this Conference is over," he assured his Captain and friend.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Innominatum Outpost - The Pickled Pakled]

[The Pickled Pakled - Innominatum Outpost]

Lek sauntered into the bar as if he didn't care who owned it. He was wearing his best suit and it was spectacular. "The 47th Rule of Acquisition might say 'Don't trust a man wearing a better suit than your own', but I am here to make a statement." He thought as he entered.

Lek didn't immediately join Lahr, he instead faded into the shadow to get the feel of the room. He wanted to see who was who here and see if there was anyone that stood out or was trying not to stand out. He'd observe for a bit to see if there was anything to see and to see if Lahr was any good at business.

Tanya seemed skeptical.  "What do you mean free sample?" she asked quietly.  Her glance moving about the room nervously, as if she was worried this might be some set up.  Which of course it was ... but not for her.

"Hey, lets grab a table and talk, kay?" Lahr grabbed up his drink -an Andorian ale as well as the draft beer that was Tanya's usual and motioned for her to follow him to a table.   Once seated he slid Tanya's beer over to her.

In a quiet voice Lahr continued his ruse. "Look, I didn't mean to spook you.  Don't worry - I'm not part Station Security." That was true but only in the strictest of senses.  "I just noticed that you and I are a lot alike... and well, I've found 'that' helps make things tolerable again."  Lahr nodded towards her hand which he could see still held tight to the sample packet.

"If it does nothing for you... no harm done.  But if it does work, you come back to me for more. And I can even arrange a little discount for you, if you pass on to others - discreetly - that I'm in business."

Tanya still looked uncertain.  "What's in it?"

Lahr shook his head.  "Can't tell you that or everyone and their cousin would be trying to horn in on my source's recipe.  But I can tell you... it's safer that anything else that's out there"

Tanya still looked skeptical.

"You want proof?" Lahr questioned quietly and Tanya nodded "I only have your say-so that it's safe. It could be laced with crap that is so sensitive it could kill." Of course she was talking about the Fentanyl family of drugs.

"Fine.  If you're concerned that I'm going to mess with you in that manner, then I'll take this first sample myself and you can try another."

Lahr held out his hand towards the woman confidently.  With slow and uncertain movements Lahr managed to take back the sample packet he'd originally given her and opened it furtively, before showing the tiny white pill to Tanya in proof... and downed the pill himself.

From another pocket he pulled out another packet.  "Do you want to try?  As I said... first one is free."

Tanya eyed Lahr carefully a moment before reaching out and taking the packet from his hand.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

Sukal looked away from his friend, and without really knowing it - he looked out across the holosuite as if to gaze through the distance and time which separated him from his beloved and children.  Weariness no longer crossed his facial features, but was replaced by loneliness instead.

"Four of them," he answered quietly as if from suddenly far away.  "Three girls and a boy."

He missed them:  Lauren, Luke, Callie, and Avery, not to mention his Imzadi:  Emery, but he was out here to protect them.  In order for them to have a better future - he needed to help the Federation return to peaceful times.  Not that the Federation had known many such moments lately in history, but there were brief times.  It certainly wasn't going to happen while Leyton was around messing up things.

"I hope the girls enjoy their gifts.  As for the rest...yes, I will gladly take it after this Conference is over," he assured his Captain and friend.

[Holosuite - Twins Party - Innominatum]

"You'd better!  If you don't I'm having Maggie sign you off for 3 weeks for you to go see your family!" Ruth said, knowing that Sukal wouldn't go far unless it was safe and Leyton free in this area.

"If you need anything to make the separation easier, that is in my ability to do, then let me know." she added.

[Sukal]

[Holosuite - Twins Party - Innominatum]

"You'd better!  If you don't I'm having Maggie sign you off for 3 weeks for you to go see your family!" Ruth said, knowing that Sukal wouldn't go far unless it was safe and Leyton free in this area.

"If you need anything to make the separation easier, that is in my ability to do, then let me know." she added.

The young First Officer merely shook his head at her for anything she could do.  What he needed was to get Leyton, restore the Federation to peace while repairing the damage the rogue Admiral had done, and he needed it done soon.  His sources out in the Federation reminded him constantly that things were far from good out there.  The sooner the civil war was over; the sooner they could repair the damage.

"They will be fine, Captain, and so will I.  Together, you and I will find a way to stop Leyton...once and for all...even if it means his death instead of capture," Sukal replied at last with grim determination.  The fact that he was actually considering killing the rogue Admiral spoke volumes to anyone who knew him.  He hated violence, hated killing, but he would do so usually if the duty became necessary.  That he was advocating Leyton's death over capture did not bode well for the former Admiral...not even a little bit.

"Come, let us enjoy the party while we can, and hopefully the twins won't be late to their own celebration.  I just hope they enjoy their time at the Academy," Sukal offered as he put his arm around his friend's shoulders and led her to the rest.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

Brig || USS Challenger

Sven wasn't overly moved by the twin's tale of puppy woe. But he wasn't generally moved by such things anyway. It was something that he and Judy, his counselor, was working on. Empathy. But first he had to identify what exactly it was he was annoyed with.

"I'm not upset with you," he said, "I'm more annoyed with the lack of security. But I should be thanking you for showing me a hole in it.

He pressed a button on the control panel. Cell two, the forcefield was darkened out so no one could see in, became transparent. There was skye, sleeping in the crook of Eurus' neck.

"Skye -I take it that is her name- is fine. But if anyone asks, you had an assignment from me to smuggle something aboard the Mjolnir. Didn't matter what, and you choose this puppy. Understood. That takes care of any incriminating evidence. As for her continued journey to DS9 and back to the Academy, that one is going to be much trickier. I'm afraid that you won't be able to hide a growing puppy for your time there. And I can't think of any way to keep her in your possession while on Earth. Maybe someone you know can watch her?"

He frowned, "The last part, and you're not going to like this, is I have no choice to talk to your sister about this. It was, in fact her ship you smuggled this puppy onto, and I have to be transparent. Let me break it to her first. Soften her up. Then you two pull the puppy dog eye routine, and make sure you have lots of cute pictures of the puppy to coerce her with.

He smiled, and dropped the force field. "Run along. You have a party to attend." he said taking as step towards the cell. But a wave of nausea hit him suddenly. He gripped the side of the console and gritted his teeth trying not to let it show. "I don't know if I will be able to make it. There is a lot of ground to cover. But I'll talk to Ruth right after you two leave here."

[Earlier - Brig - USS Challenger]

[As Arya | Katya]

Once the forcefield was dropped both girls ran to Skye and fussed over her.  The puppy whined a little recognising her owners and letting out little happy yaps.

Arya stood, tears - now happier ones - still dripping from her eyes and went over to Sven.

"Uncle Sven?  Thank you." she said simply.  She hoped that her body language would convey what her tongue couldn't.

"You, Sir, are a genius... as for the puppy pics yeah we have loads of holo pics.  Thank you.  As for looking after puppy.  Er there's a slight problem there.  See, there's 3 more, Skye was the runt. The mum dog got killed and we looked after all of them, then some of our friends T'Lanis, Zette Zh'shraallir and Eseji Jaggux took on one puppy each sort of, they live on DS9 but they can't take them to Academy with them, their parents would have collective multiple fits.  Ese's Mom would probably want to turn her puppy into some kind of Klingon stew!"  Katya said on a rueful laugh.  "I'm worried what is going to happen to them, as they won't be there to look after them.  I think with enough cute photos and us begging on bended knees, Ruth might take on Skye... she's pretty good as sisters go and she does love dogs.  We have the 'friend for Exy' angle to work too.  Exy, short for Excelsior, is her fiance Will's pup."

"Um.. can we leave her here for now?  We have to get ready for the party and I'd rather not put her back in the Mjolnir if she's not going to be able to come with us, not fair on her.  Please try to get to the party.  Ruth's more um... amenable after a couple of drinks!" Arya asked timidly.

[Present - Party - Holodeck - Innominatum]

"WE'RE HERE!!!!"  Katya announced and waved to Ruth.  She spotted Dradis and Litt in the crowd.  "Hey, thanks, it looks great.  Did you manage to get snakes?!"

The young First Officer merely shook his head at her for anything she could do.  What he needed was to get Leyton, restore the Federation to peace while repairing the damage the rogue Admiral had done, and he needed it done soon.  His sources out in the Federation reminded him constantly that things were far from good out there.  The sooner the civil war was over; the sooner they could repair the damage.

"They will be fine, Captain, and so will I.  Together, you and I will find a way to stop Leyton...once and for all...even if it means his death instead of capture," Sukal replied at last with grim determination.  The fact that he was actually considering killing the rogue Admiral spoke volumes to anyone who knew him.  He hated violence, hated killing, but he would do so usually if the duty became necessary.  That he was advocating Leyton's death over capture did not bode well for the former Admiral...not even a little bit.

"Come, let us enjoy the party while we can, and hopefully the twins won't be late to their own celebration.  I just hope they enjoy their time at the Academy," Sukal offered as he put his arm around his friend's shoulders and led her to the rest.

"I'm not sure,..." Ruth said chuckling fondly.  "But I think they might possibly have arrived!" she said her voice dripping with sarcasm.

[Richard James Litt]

[Innominatum · Holosuite 2 · Party Time]

Richard was having a good time chatting with Miammaso Ozoim and Alexandria Winsdor, talking about this welcome free time between their work when he suddenly hear the twins arriving at the place and seemed enjoy the result.

[Present - Party - Holodeck - Innominatum]

"WE'RE HERE!!!!"  Katya announced and waved to Ruth.  She spotted Dradis and Litt in the crowd.  "Hey, thanks, it looks great.  Did you manage to get snakes?!"

He game a huge smile and raised his glass to them. "You deserve it, enjoy your party." He said loudly enough to them hear and get back to chat with the women.

[Lek]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Innominatum Outpost - The Pickled Pakled]

Tanya seemed skeptical.  "What do you mean free sample?" she asked quietly.  Her glance moving about the room nervously, as if she was worried this might be some set up.  Which of course it was ... but not for her.

"Hey, lets grab a table and talk, kay?" Lahr grabbed up his drink -an Andorian ale as well as the draft beer that was Tanya's usual and motioned for her to follow him to a table.   Once seated he slid Tanya's beer over to her.

In a quiet voice Lahr continued his ruse. "Look, I didn't mean to spook you.  Don't worry - I'm not part Station Security." That was true but only in the strictest of senses.  "I just noticed that you and I are a lot alike... and well, I've found 'that' helps make things tolerable again."  Lahr nodded towards her hand which he could see still held tight to the sample packet.

"If it does nothing for you... no harm done.  But if it does work, you come back to me for more. And I can even arrange a little discount for you, if you pass on to others - discreetly - that I'm in business."

Tanya still looked uncertain.  "What's in it?"

Lahr shook his head.  "Can't tell you that or everyone and their cousin would be trying to horn in on my source's recipe.  But I can tell you... it's safer that anything else that's out there"

Tanya still looked skeptical.

"You want proof?" Lahr questioned quietly and Tanya nodded "I only have your say-so that it's safe. It could be laced with crap that is so sensitive it could kill." Of course she was talking about the Fentanyl family of drugs.

"Fine.  If you're concerned that I'm going to mess with you in that manner, then I'll take this first sample myself and you can try another."

Lahr held out his hand towards the woman confidently.  With slow and uncertain movements Lahr managed to take back the sample packet he'd originally given her and opened it furtively, before showing the tiny white pill to Tanya in proof... and downed the pill himself.

From another pocket he pulled out another packet.  "Do you want to try?  As I said... first one is free."

Tanya eyed Lahr carefully a moment before reaching out and taking the packet from his hand.

[The Pickled Pakled - Innominatum Outpost]

Lek watched Lahr make his pitch and figured that it was time to make his entrance. After all, if he was the master mind of this 'operation', he needed to be seen as a business man that was in charge of his product.

He strode across the club and stopped at Lahr's and the woman's table with his best smile beaming.

"Why Lahr, you have been holding out on me. Who is this stunning woman you have kept from my attention? Not that I can blame him, had I such a treasure, I'd keep her out of sight as well. I'm Lek and I am so very pleased to meet you Miss...?"

Lek raised an expectant eyebrow at Lahr.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Captain's Quarters - Morning after the Party]

[Ruth|Katya|Arya]

The twins had crashed on Ruth's bed after drinking far too much at their party the previous evening and been carried unceremoniously over the shoulders of a couple of Security crewman, carefully on instructions of Ruth, she wanted them where she could see them and while she trusted her crew there were a lot of extra people around Innominatum where the party had been, she trusted her sisters too...but she couldn't vouch for around another 200 or more extra people.  To be fair, Ruth had let them do what they wanted at the party so long as it wasn't hurting anyone else or didn't involve feeding the cute livestock to the ones that might like kittens as a snack... (thankfully no animals were harmed in the having of this party), especially after it had come to light what they had done with the puppy, and them threatening to cry and be very sad at their own party.

While she hadn't let on, the Captain was actually quite proud of them for saving the puppy and glad to take on the bundle of fluff and adopt her until the twins had finished at Academy.

She sat up and stretched, then gently shook her sisters awake.

"What in the name of Thor's time is this?!" Katya snarled.

"Ugh not so friggin' loud, you'd wake them in the halls of Valhalla, Sis!" Arya moaned holding her head.

"GOOD MORNING!!!" Ruth said cheerily about ten times louder than she needed to just for sheer mischief.

"OW!!!" the twins both said grimacing.

"Here..." Ruth said quietly, passing over a hypo of antioxidant each.  "I had Dr. York prep these in advance!  I had a feeling you'd take the last opportunity in a while before Academy to drink a little freely.  strictly speaking you shouldn't have been drinking alcohol anyhow being as you're only 17 not 18 but I went temporarily blind!" she giggled.

"Aw c'mon, you know even St. Arya here has been drinking Schnapps since ... well I'm sure Mum put it in our bottles to get us to sleep!" Katya said with a grin.

"She did..." her big sister admitted.  "But that was at home and not in public.  I have to say other than you attempting to kiss half the crew and succeeding in some cases, you were rather abstemious, I thought!"

Arya stood up and went to the bathroom returning a few moments later, soon enough all 3 of the girls were ready.  While the twins were in casuals, Ruth had elected to wear her command red.

"I'm on official business, delivering two of the Academy's finest prospects and Starfleet's next generation of officers to DS9." The Captain got a look of 'Yeah Yeah' from both of her sisters.  "Plus I'm not off ship yet, and if we happen to be waylaid I want everyone to know exactly who they are dealing with."

"Taking the axes are we?!" Katya teased.

"No, no keeping them here for Uncle Sukal to use as a reminder that I'm not away forever, just a few days!" Ruth laughed.  "C'mon let's get the show on the road...erm ship in the air?!"

"Mentioning Uncle Sukal will he be there to see us off?  We haven't said thank you for our presents properly yet!  I mean did you see what he got us?" Arya said.

"I didn't, but he told me what he'd bought."  she pulled the chain of Arya's necklace up until the Yggdrasil pendant was dangling.  "It's beautiful, just like it's owner.  And I'm sure yours is too Katya." she patted the bed bedside her for Katya to come sit by her.

Katya obliged and showed her the Mjolnir pendant.

"Very pretty.  I just want to say this before anyone else is around and in case I don't get a chance too at DS9.  I'm proud of you.  Whether you graduate Academy or not, if you try it and decide it's not for you, it's fine, and your home is always wherever I am, or the farm.  You know I still own it, and Kjetill and Hanna would willingly have you live there if you wanted to go back to Earth, so long as you pulled your weight on the farm.  And... and... I love you, I love you both very much, so please behave and heads down to do your best, but if you're ever unhappy..."

Ruth's eyes filled with tears and the twins hugged her.

"It's ok, we know!" Arya said "... and we love you too.  We'll be good."

"And yeah let's get going before we get drowned!" Katya said giving Ruth a squeeze then standing and pulling Ruth up.

Ruth took a deep breath and smiled putting her 'Captain face' on.

"Yes, let's and I'll arrange that you can see 'Uncle Sukal' for a few mins before we go, I'll be there and there may be some flight crew around but I'll send the rest of our team into the shuttle for pre-flight checks, any other crew that want to see us off, I'll dismiss.  Praetor Aedile might be there, I think she wanted to wish you well." the Captain said with a wink.

"Wow, the Reman Praetor... isn't that like finding favour with a Queen or something?!" Arya said.

"Well, sort of but she is friends with Sukal and I!"

Sigurdsdottirs to Lt. Commander Sukal, Ensign Litt, Crewman Gohun and CPO T'ealc please report to Shuttlebay 1 - Mjolnir area.  Also anyone wishing to say goodbye to the twins, we will stay 20 mins and no more, so please arrange with your department head if you want to spend 5 minutes in rotation or can be spared.  Thank you.  Captain out. 

[Shuttlebay 1 - Challenger]

[Enter also CPO Hoshi Dradis]

Ruth and the girls arrived and looked around for Dradis.

"She's all yours Captain, and girls there's a package of double choc chip chip chunk cookies on board for you to nibble on as I know how fond you are of them, and a pack of Doogie's Dazzler Donuts.  I think the Mess Crew have put up some sandwiches for you too, and there's plenty bottles of water and other beverages too.  You'll be fine before you have to rely on the replicator!"  he chuckled.

"Oh and here.  Couldn't get you much but..." he passed over a credit chip each to the girls. "That should get you a few pizzas and cinema trips either on DS9 while you wait for the Academy shuttle or whatever you guys do for fun at academy these days!"

"Oh gosh, thanks we weren't expecting anything Mr. Dradis!" Arya said gratefully and gave him a hug.  The poor guy blushed almost the colour of his tunic, going full scarlet when Katya planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Yep, Captain, it's official... I'm gonna miss your sisters.  Say we can have them back for the end of year festivities?"  he did his best puppydog eyes impression, which the girls caught on and Ruth just laughed.

"I'll think about it... now I just need my crew, and my XO to officially hand over to! And thank you Chief, it's most appreciated with the food, please pass my thanks on to Miss Mulligatawny too please."

[Richard James Litt]

[USS Challenger · Litt's Quarter]

Litt woke up early in that morning and spend a few hours in the holodeck, running simulations in the ship that he was about to flight with the Captain, his sisters and the other members from that small crew.

He knew that he was about to be called by the Captain at any time  so, he didn't take long to suit up and get ready, just to wait until the time, but when he was about to leave, his hologram device made a little noise, saying someone was calling him.

"Start Transmission..." He said curious.

When the transmission started a huge smile appears in his face, it was his aunt Samantha.

"Rickieee..." She said happy. "It has been such a long time that we didn't talk to each other, do you forget your aunt big boy..." She asked crossing his arms.

"Hey Sammy... I'm sorry about that, I should call you... A lot of things are happening here, much work, and I'm about to go on a little mission..." He said with a little smile.

"So... Everything is ok? The people there are nice?"

"Yeah, they're my family now, and all of them are nice people..." He was about to tell her about a lot of thing, the party in the last night, his fight, his superior, everything but he hasn't time at that moment.

[Captain's Quarters - Morning after the Party]

Sigurdsdottirs to Lt. Commander Sukal, Ensign Litt, Crewman Gohun and CPO T'ealc please report to Shuttlebay 1 - Mjolnir area.  Also anyone wishing to say goodbye to the twins, we will stay 20 mins and no more, so please arrange with your department head if you want to spend 5 minutes in rotation or can be spared.  Thank you.  Captain out.  

"Yeah... My Captain needs me... But I promise I'll call you as soon as we came back ok?"

"That's a deal big boy... Kisses..." She said ending off the transmission.

Then, with a huge smile in his face, he went to the Shuttlebay.

[Shuttlebay 1 - Challenger]

[Enter also CPO Hoshi Dradis]

Ruth and the girls arrived and looked around for Dradis.

"She's all yours Captain, and girls there's a package of double choc chip chip chunk cookies on board for you to nibble on as I know how fond you are of them, and a pack of Doogie's Dazzler Donuts.  I think the Mess Crew have put up some sandwiches for you too, and there's plenty bottles of water and other beverages too.  You'll be fine before you have to rely on the replicator!"  he chuckled.

"Oh and here.  Couldn't get you much but..." he passed over a credit chip each to the girls. "That should get you a few pizzas and cinema trips either on DS9 while you wait for the Academy shuttle or whatever you guys do for fun at academy these days!"

"Oh gosh, thanks we weren't expecting anything Mr. Dradis!" Arya said gratefully and gave him a hug.  The poor guy blushed almost the colour of his tunic, going full scarlet when Katya planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Yep, Captain, it's official... I'm gonna miss your sisters.  Say we can have them back for the end of year festivities?"  he did his best puppydog eyes impression, which the girls caught on and Ruth just laughed.

"I'll think about it... now I just need my crew, and my XO to officially hand over to! And thank you Chief, it's most appreciated with the food, please pass my thanks on to Miss Mulligatawny too please."

[USS Challenger · Shuttlebay 1]

It didn't take long to Litt reach the Shuttlebay and see some other people there, specially Chief Dradis, saying goodbye for the girls. After they finish, Litt approached him.

"See you soon Chief..." He said formally and shook the man's hand.

Then, he turn to the Captain. "Ready for duty Ma'am..." He said and awaited to left with the crew.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Innominatum Outpost - The Pickled Pakled]

[The Pickled Pakled - Innominatum Outpost]

Lek watched Lahr make his pitch and figured that it was time to make his entrance. After all, if he was the master mind of this 'operation', he needed to be seen as a business man that was in charge of his product.

He strode across the club and stopped at Lahr's and the woman's table with his best smile beaming.

"Why Lahr, you have been holding out on me. Who is this stunning woman you have kept from my attention? Not that I can blame him, had I such a treasure, I'd keep her out of sight as well. I'm Lek and I am so very pleased to meet you Miss...?"

Lek raised an expectant eyebrow at Lahr.

Lahr wasn't all that versed on most drugs so didn't know what to expect from the sample that he'd just taken.  The Captain had assured them that it was safe and non-addictive - he supposed that was all that he really needed to know.  He figured that being a pill, instead of a hypo, it would take a few minutes for the buzz to hit him.

The Ferengi's presence at his table surprised Lahr.  He hadn't expected Lek to interfere with his first potential client.  Him and Lek would definitely need to work on their communication.  But since Lek was the lead on this, Lahr nodded at the smaller man as he motioned Lek to take a seat.

"This is Tanya." Lahr answered as he smiled reassuringly to the woman, who seemed a bit more uncertain now that there were two of them. Her hand was closed tight around the sample packet and moved to tuck it into her purse.

"A friend of yours?" she asked drily, looking at the Ferengi in his fancy suit warily.

Lahr nodded. "Yeah, I suppose so... but more importantly, he's my 'business partner' you might say.  He's got a head for the numbers that I don't.".

Nodding towards her purse where she'd hidden the sample, Lahr inquired "You gonna try that? Or are you expecting me to suddenly keel over? Cause that's not gonna happen.  Our stuff is clean."