S3:E4 ASSASSIN'S CREED

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[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.

"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.

[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.

[Shuttlebay 1 - USS Challenger]

[As Dradis|Ruth|Arya|Katya]

"Morning to you too Ensign!" Dradis said with a grin.  "And yes unless I suddenly get promoted to Admiral or something I'll be here when you're back, and since that's only a week away, I can't see it happening!" he grinned.

"We'll get you a promotion Mr. Dradis!" Katya said with a grin "Chief of Flight and Chief Party Organiser... and Mr. Litt here your assistant!"

"Well if he gets Ruth back here in one piece I think Mr. Litt might be promoted anyway!" Arya smiled.

"This is Starfleet young lady, not certain nations on twentieth-century Earth who awarded medals for crossing the ocean, or so it was rumoured!  Good Morning Mr. Litt, please go run through the pre-flight checks." Ruth said with a smile.

[Zavrol Gohun]

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

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

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?"

Crewman Gohun "No sir I simply plan to acclimate myself to the new crew slowly for a short time until---"
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.
Crewman Gohun " Or I could report to the Shuttlebay 1 and see what the captain needs from me. "
Remembering the coded messages that he received on the way to the Challenger Crewman Gohun decided to stop by the armory and take out several phasers and a tricorder. Not knowing what else to do Gohun stealthy arrived at Shuttlebay 1 and presented himself to his new captain.
"Crewman Gohun reporting for duty"

[Richard James Litt]

[Shuttlebay 1 - USS Challenger]

[As Dradis|Ruth|Arya|Katya]

"Morning to you too Ensign!" Dradis said with a grin.  "And yes unless I suddenly get promoted to Admiral or something I'll be here when you're back, and since that's only a week away, I can't see it happening!" he grinned.

"We'll get you a promotion Mr. Dradis!" Katya said with a grin "Chief of Flight and Chief Party Organiser... and Mr. Litt here your assistant!"

"Well if he gets Ruth back here in one piece I think Mr. Litt might be promoted anyway!" Arya smiled.

"This is Starfleet young lady, not certain nations on twentieth-century Earth who awarded medals for crossing the ocean, or so it was rumoured!  Good Morning Mr. Litt, please go run through the pre-flight checks." Ruth said with a smile.

[USS Challenger · Shuttlebay 1]

Litt smiled when Chief Dradis spoke about becoming an admiral. "You would be an awesome admiral, Chief. I'm sure of that."

He said that and laughed about what the girls said and what Captain answered. The, he took the Captain's orders nodding his head. "Aye ma'am..." he said turning around and moving to the ship.

Once he was there, he started to run all the pre-flight checks. He calibrated the sensors, checked if the flight systems were responding well, and kept doing all the checks need for a good flight while the crew wasn't there.

[Lek]

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

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."

[The Pickled Pakled - Innominatum Outpost]

Lek didn't listen to Lahr after he mentioned the feemale's name, his partner was now irrelevant, at least for now as he purred at Tanya.

"No 'you might say' to it. We are business partners, but one thing he does have right is this product is of the highest quality. It's bad for business, especially repeat business, if your product makes your customers sick or worse. Dreamweaver will make your problems go away or simply make a good time even better.

"I just wanted to introduce myself so that you knew a real businessman was behind the distribution of this new product. I will leave you two to enjoy you time together. The night is young and I'm certain that you can find something interesting to do together.

"Just be certain to spread the word once you've learned was Dreamweaver can do for you. Word of mouth is so essential for a new enterprise and your assistance would be most appreciated."

Lek smiled lasciviously and returned to his place where he could observe the room in the hopes of locating someone that was interested in their product, not to partake or distribute, but because it was unwanted competition.

[Sukal]

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.

Sukal had just finished another meeting with the Federation Special Envoy in final preparations for the Conference - which was now less than an hour away.  He was just about to enter the Shuttle Bay when his Captain rang.  He couldn't help stifling a chuckle as he walked in a moment later, and offered her the Vulcan salute.

"I have come, Captain.  You know I would never miss this moment with the girls," Sukal stated as he turned to Katya and Arya.  "So, are you two ready?  I trust everything is in order, and you will remember to contact me and your sister from time to time," he added to the two women - for they were not little girls anymore.  He caught their gaze for a few precious seconds, and smiled his rare smile for them...the one that said he was not only proud of them, but happy for them.  "If you two should ever need anything - never forget that your Uncle Sukal has his fingers in more than just a few pies around the Federation.  I will help anyway I can.  When you are at Starfleet Academy - look up Commander Mamiko Shibata.  She is one of the best in teaching a wide variety of things which are not always taught directly in your classrooms.  Mamiko has specialized in Security, Medical, Operations, and Engineering departments for the past fifteen years, and she has a uniquely gifted mind for solving unusual problems and scenarios."

He said nothing more immediately, but simply gazed at them fondly before turning back to his Captain.  "You, Ma'am, be careful out there.  Don't worry about things here.  We will get the job done, and be waiting for you when you return.  Also," he handed over the PADD he was carrying with him, "you have a new crew member to pick up from DS9 upon arrival:  Charlie Davis.  They will be assigned to Ops on arrival; so you will have another person with you on your return.  We can use all the help we can get while taking care of CHALLENGER and the station.  By the way, I forwarded our desire to have the station's name changed to AVALON.  Starfleet will likely drag their feet on agreeing, but the request has been put in.  We probably won't hear anything back for a couple of months, but who knows."

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[USS Challenger · Shuttlebay 1]

Litt smiled when Chief Dradis spoke about becoming an admiral. "You would be an awesome admiral, Chief. I'm sure of that."

He said that and laughed about what the girls said and what Captain answered. The, he took the Captain's orders nodding his head. "Aye ma'am..." he said turning around and moving to the ship.

Once he was there, he started to run all the pre-flight checks. He calibrated the sensors, checked if the flight systems were responding well, and kept doing all the checks need for a good flight while the crew wasn't there.

Sukal had just finished another meeting with the Federation Special Envoy in final preparations for the Conference - which was now less than an hour away.  He was just about to enter the Shuttle Bay when his Captain rang.  He couldn't help stifling a chuckle as he walked in a moment later, and offered her the Vulcan salute.

"I have come, Captain.  You know I would never miss this moment with the girls," Sukal stated as he turned to Katya and Arya.  "So, are you two ready?  I trust everything is in order, and you will remember to contact me and your sister from time to time," he added to the two women - for they were not little girls anymore.  He caught their gaze for a few precious seconds, and smiled his rare smile for them...the one that said he was not only proud of them, but happy for them.  "If you two should ever need anything - never forget that your Uncle Sukal has his fingers in more than just a few pies around the Federation.  I will help anyway I can.  When you are at Starfleet Academy - look up Commander Mamiko Shibata.  She is one of the best in teaching a wide variety of things which are not always taught directly in your classrooms.  Mamiko has specialized in Security, Medical, Operations, and Engineering departments for the past fifteen years, and she has a uniquely gifted mind for solving unusual problems and scenarios."

He said nothing more immediately, but simply gazed at them fondly before turning back to his Captain.  "You, Ma'am, be careful out there.  Don't worry about things here.  We will get the job done, and be waiting for you when you return.  Also," he handed over the PADD he was carrying with him, "you have a new crew member to pick up from DS9 upon arrival:  Charlie Davis.  They will be assigned to Ops on arrival; so you will have another person with you on your return.  We can use all the help we can get while taking care of CHALLENGER and the station.  By the way, I forwarded our desire to have the station's name changed to AVALON.  Starfleet will likely drag their feet on agreeing, but the request has been put in.  We probably won't hear anything back for a couple of months, but who knows."

Shuttlebay 1 - USS Challenger

[Ruth|Katya|Arya|Aedile|Dradis]

Ruth stifled a giggle, the girls didn't manage to, laughter all over their faces with the vulcan salute.  It wasn't something that Sukal did often unless it was for fun or a Vulcan delegation when it was protocol.

"Thanks my friend I'm grateful for all you're doing here." Ruth said clasping a hand to Sukal's shoulder.  Dropping her voice she said "The girls want a moment with you to themselves. I think the rest of our crew have arrived she said as a Security crewman and a medic showed up.  "I'll be in touch. Oh Aedile!" she said as the elegant form of the female Praetor entered behind the crewmembers.

"My dears, I was hoping I hadn't missed you!  May I?" she made motions towards the girls and Ruth nodded seeing the matching packages behind the Praetor's back.

"I don't know that you'll have much call for them at the Academy but I hope there will be a few parties for you to show them off!  I saw how you admired them when we had our little shopping trip and, well... "

The twins looked at each other then back at the Praetor and then to Ruth with a voice about 3 times higher than normal pitch and that would have Eurus and Skye picking it up down in the Brig Arya squealed in delight.

"Oh oh Praetor those dresses that were so elegant and you said they looked like Reman fancy wear... may... may we erm..." she held her arms out slightly indicating she'd like to give the Praetor a hug.

"Oh yes, do girls!  A hug is much more felt than words!  I know you really like them, the shoes, purse and jewellery that goes with them are already on the Mjolnir! And please, I might be the Reman Praetor but I hope you'll think of me as a friend as your older sister and Mr. Sukal do.  If you need anything for the Academy that the Reman Government can help with... just send a message either through your sister or Sukal, or direct.  I'm happy to help!"

Arya gave Aedile a hug and then stepped back for her sister to do the same. Aedile returned the hugs with a happy smile on her features

"Erm, Praetor... there is one thing I'd love to have some information on..." Katya said "It's relevant to my studies..." she countered when Ruth gave her a small warning look.

"What's that my dear Katya, just ask." Aedile smiled.

"The Praetorian Guard, divisions, training that sort of thing, they're so regimented.  How do you do it?!" she asked.

Aedile chuckled. "How I do it is my sheer beauty!" she giggled throwing a pose, "... but seriously it was drummed into them by my late husband.  I'll have my generals send you the information to Academy it'll be waiting for you there!  Good luck with your studies girls, I'll have to go or they'll be thinking I've been abducted or something as I slipped out.  I didn't want me and a dozen other people around, I have one guard over by the door there, that's it.  Safe flight my dear Captain." she said taking both Ruth's hands in her own.  "I would say meet my consul there and ask for anything but you know how it is." she said with a resigned sigh.  "One day maybe, I will continue this once you return."

"Goodbye Praetor, I shall see you on our return, your guard appears to be getting a little twitchy!" Ruth smiled.

"Good luck girls!"

Cadet Gohun "No sir I simply plan to acclimate myself to the new crew slowly for a short time until---"
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.
Cadet Gohun " Or I could report to the Shuttlebay 1 and see what the captain needs from me. "
Remembering the coded messages that he received on the way to the Challenger Cadet Gohun decided to stop by the armory and take out several phasers and a tricorder. Not knowing what else to do Gohun stealthy arrived at Shuttlebay 1 and presented himself to his new captain.
"Cadet Gohun reporting for duty"

"At ease, Cadet.  Did Lt. Taray authorise you to withdraw those because I certainly didn't!" she said with a look at the phasers.  "Good thinking however, although the Mjolnir is already kitted out to that regard.  The tricorder, by all means bring that.  You never know when one might pack up or be destroyed in some way.  Anyhow orders, since Ensign Walding has been otherwise detained I have need of a Security crew member to accompany our little party to DS9, three days there, a day turn around while I see my sisters onto the Academy shuttle where you may have  some shore leave, more if we arrive slightly early and the same back collecting our new Operations crewman.  If there is anything you wish to bring with you, then you have 10 mins before we leave, otherwise go and take your seat in the shuttle, give the spare phasers to Mr. Dradis... if you'd be so good as to return them to the Armoury."

"Of course, Ma'am!" Dradis answered.

"Chief T'ealc, glad to see that it's a face I recognise who will be attending to our medical needs.  Girls I'm going to check with Mr. Litt if you want to say your goodbyes.  10 mins that's all."  She stepped forward and gave the briefest of hugs to Sukal herself.  "Number One, you're in charge.  Do what you do best. And if you could drop a message to our new Operations crewmember to advise of our arrival I'd be grateful."

"No probs sis" Katya said with a wink.

Arya waited until other people went about their business and then smiled.  "Uncle Sukal, we just wanted to say thank you properly for the gifts, they are amazing and we wouldn't dare not keep in contact with you and Ruth once she's back!"

"Yeah we'd have the Vulcan Embassy coming to the Academy asking to speak to us or something!" Katya joked.  The girls looked at each other and then around the Shuttlebay, no one was looking their direction, so they moved forward and each dropped a small kiss on Sukal's cheeks.

"You may not be genetically our Uncle, but you make up for that in so many ways and we wouldn't have it any other way.  We love you!  And we can't wait for Christmas to come back and see you." Arya said and gave him a squeeze, diving into the Mjolnir before the tears started.

"Have fun out there and give Leyton hell from us!" Katya said and did the same.

[Inside the Mjolnir - Shuttlebay 1 - USS Challenger]

"Mr Litt, once we have Crewman Gohun on board, assuming he is coming please clear with the ship and station and lay in a course for DS9." Ruth said, already wishing that she was sitting back in her Ready Room.  She felt sick to the stomach worrying about leaving Sukal with the conference and everything to do, not because she didn't trust him, far from it.  More she knew what it was like being out here on your own, and in charge, and it wasn't nice not having that other person there to back you up.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[The Pickled Pakled - Innominatum Outpost]

Lek didn't listen to Lahr after he mentioned the feemale's name, his partner was now irrelevant, at least for now as he purred at Tanya.

"No 'you might say' to it. We are business partners, but one thing he does have right is this product is of the highest quality. It's bad for business, especially repeat business, if your product makes your customers sick or worse. Dreamweaver will make your problems go away or simply make a good time even better.

"I just wanted to introduce myself so that you knew a real businessman was behind the distribution of this new product. I will leave you two to enjoy you time together. The night is young and I'm certain that you can find something interesting to do together.

"Just be certain to spread the word once you've learned was Dreamweaver can do for you. Word of mouth is so essential for a new enterprise and your assistance would be most appreciated."

Lek smiled lasciviously and returned to his place where he could observe the room in the hopes of locating someone that was interested in their product, not to partake or distribute, but because it was unwanted competition.

[The Pickled Pakled - Innominatum Outpost]

Sitting with their back to where Lek sat a Romulan smiled evilly.  Oooh Hecate would be interested in this.

"Say stranger, you know you're on my patch.  This bar's my territory, but if you've taken over from the girls time to start handing over the cash, they've not cashed in in a long time, where are they, or they been pushed out the nearest airlock.  Either way, Hecate will come, and she ain't gonna be happy so get off my turf, or hand over the drugs and the money and we'll say no more about it. She sent me to investigate what was going on."

He didn't show his face and his voice was low and guttural.  The only name he gave was Hecate, it was only later that he'd realise his mistake.  Later that day he was found with a knife in his back in a remote section of a cargo bay, while the Security Ensign was making a routine security sweep.

Erm... Ensign Tal to Lt. Aune and CPO Maghouin, Body found Cargo Bay 8 behind storage crates, it looks like a drug killing as he had some crystals on him.  Request immediate site to site to morgue and forensics investigation team down to see if there was anything more to it.  Tal out. 

[Charlie Davis]

[DEEP SPACE NINE - QUARK HOLOSUITE]

Three days before her assignment to the USS Challenger, Charlie Davis was on the holodeck at Quark's, doing what she usually did to distract her mind. She was skating across the ice of the lake on her family ranch near Bozeman, Montana. The holodeck wasn't the same as the real thing; It was too perfect, with snowflakes of ice twisting through the air and the rattle of wind against the old hockey net.

Her wife, Sarah, appeared out of nowhere, dressed in winter clothes. "Three days until the biggest day of your life, and I knew I'd find you in a holodeck doing this." She shook her head with a smirk. "Are you okay?"

Charlie slid to a brake before the other woman and shook her head. "No, I'm okay, really. Just stre- Okay, I'm not okay. I'm worried I'm gonna, you know, mess this up. It's a huge thing for me. All those years in the Academy, all those expectations on me, I'm scared."

Sarah took her wife by the lithe shoulders and pulled her into a cooldown hug, then gave her a kiss. Fishing into her clothes, she removed a small pin- In the shape of an anvil. She offered it to her. "Your father had this transported with a shuttle, you know, with his influence. Said to carry it with you."

The Anvil was part of the logo of the Haephestus, her father's station. It had been a few months since she'd last spoken to her father, but the message of support was there. Charlie took her wife by the hand and skated away with a smile.

[Sukal]

"Thanks my friend I'm grateful for all you're doing here." Ruth said clasping a hand to Sukal's shoulder.  Dropping her voice she said "The girls want a moment with you to themselves. I think the rest of our crew have arrived she said as a Security crewman and a medic showed up.  "I'll be in touch. Oh Aedile!" she said as the elegant form of the female Praetor entered behind the crewmembers.

Sukal stepped back with the twins for a moment, and gazed at them steadily with mild curiosity in his eyes.  He had no idea what they wanted to see him about.  Perhaps something had already come up, and they already needed his help.  Somehow, he doubted it was trouble, and simply nodded for them to address whatever it was they needed to see him about away from the rest even as their elder sister and Captain was still talking to Praetor Aedile.  She was another person Sukal would need to speak with soon before the Conference, but for the moment his attention was on the twin girls before him...both eager and ready to begin their adventures in the Academy.

[Zavrol Gohun]

Cadet Gohun being only a Cadet really did not know what was going on at Deep Space nine and really only visited the place once or twice in the past and really did not want to go back. At the same time, he wondered how Odo was doing. It was at this moment he realized that he was at the Armory turning in the extra phaser he took out. With that, he went to his quarters and remembered that nothing had been unpacked because nothing was unpacked from his move. Fortunately, he had some moves of his own.
"Computer replicate an away bad with a week worth of unforms."
At that point, he decided to take the credit stick and withdraw more money from his other accounts with the anticipation of losing it at the Dabo table. At the very least he could have fun with hookers and dabu.
With that Cadet Gohun heads to the group leaving and is ready to leave. After stopping by engineering and getting an engineering kit with a medical kit from sickbay. All of those things being carefully concealed in his shore leave kit.

[Stryker]

[The Pickled Pakled - Innominatum Outpost]

Sitting with their back to where Lek sat a Romulan smiled evilly.  Oooh Hecate would be interested in this.

"Say stranger, you know you're on my patch.  This bar's my territory, but if you've taken over from the girls time to start handing over the cash, they've not cashed in in a long time, where are they, or they been pushed out the nearest airlock.  Either way, Hecate will come, and she ain't gonna be happy so get off my turf, or hand over the drugs and the money and we'll say no more about it. She sent me to investigate what was going on."

He didn't show his face and his voice was low and guttural.  The only name he gave was Hecate, it was only later that he'd realise his mistake.  Later that day he was found with a knife in his back in a remote section of a cargo bay, while the Security Ensign was making a routine security sweep.

Erm... Ensign Tal to Lt. Aune and CPO Maghouin, Body found Cargo Bay 8 behind storage crates, it looks like a drug killing as he had some crystals on him.  Request immediate site to site to morgue and forensics investigation team down to see if there was anything more to it.  Tal out. 

The Pickled Pakled

Sven was just on his way to see Ruth and her sisters off when the bodybuilder received an upset summons. He altered course and made his way to the bar

"Acknowledged." he said. This wasn't good and Forensics wasn't his cup of tea, per say. He was learning though and he did want to expand more into detective work. Or so his fantasy holo-novel of cyberpunk crimes would have him think.

After a few minutes he arrived and started to examine to scene.

"What exactly do we have here?" he asked Tak.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

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

[The Pickled Pakled - Innominatum Outpost]

Lek didn't listen to Lahr after he mentioned the feemale's name, his partner was now irrelevant, at least for now as he purred at Tanya.

"No 'you might say' to it. We are business partners, but one thing he does have right is this product is of the highest quality. It's bad for business, especially repeat business, if your product makes your customers sick or worse. Dreamweaver will make your problems go away or simply make a good time even better.

"I just wanted to introduce myself so that you knew a real businessman was behind the distribution of this new product. I will leave you two to enjoy you time together. The night is young and I'm certain that you can find something interesting to do together.

"Just be certain to spread the word once you've learned what Dreamweaver can do for you. Word of mouth is so essential for a new enterprise and your assistance would be most appreciated."

Lek smiled lasciviously and returned to his place where he could observe the room in the hopes of locating someone that was interested in their product, not to partake or distribute, but because it was unwanted competition.

The Ferengi was smooth, Lahr had to admit that.  Though it surprised him a bit at first but then if all Ferengi were like creepers they wouldn't make such good businessmen.

Lahr wasn't a fair judge of what was a good buzz, his only experience having been the painkillers when his legs had been nearly blown off.  He still had a slight limp which was his excuse 'on paper' for having requested the department transfer from Security to Ops.   Those meds had given made Lahr a little more loopy than usual and at the time didn't seem to cut the pain nearly enough.

This time there was no pain, and the 'high', which he was just beginning to feel, was pleasant vibe all throughout his body.  He felt completely relaxed.  Unknown to the Andorian, he was so relaxed his antenna were slowly swaying back and forth.

Languidly, Lahr regarded Tanya, wondering what she thought about the 'businessman Ferengi drug-dealer' that Lek portrayed.

But Tanya didn't seem immediately impressed.  She seemed thoughtful as she watched Lek walk off.  Then she looked to Lahr and kept glancing between the two before finally settling on Lahr or more specifically his antenna.   That seemed to be the deciding factor.

She retrieved the sample packet from her purse and opened it to wash down with a swallow of her drink.

"If it's as good as you say... I'll pass on the word." She remarked.

But her willingness to spread the good word bottomed out when a moment later... a voice spoke from the nearby table.

[The Pickled Pakled - Innominatum Outpost]

Sitting with their back to where Lek sat a Romulan smiled evilly.  Oooh Hecate would be interested in this.

"Say stranger, you know you're on my patch.  This bar's my territory, but if you've taken over from the girls time to start handing over the cash, they've not cashed in in a long time, where are they, or they been pushed out the nearest airlock.  Either way, Hecate will come, and she ain't gonna be happy so get off my turf, or hand over the drugs and the money and we'll say no more about it. She sent me to investigate what was going on."

He didn't show his face and his voice was low and guttural.

The Romulan's words seemed to frighten Tanya because she left the table without even taking her drink.  Leaving Lahr to deal with warning alone.  Lahr was a little too relaxed to be overly concerned.

"Nah, I'm not getting pushed out and I'm certainly not gonna pay no 'witch' a portion of my hard earn profits.  If your 'goods' are crap and folk come to me instead ain't my fault."

[Lek]

[The Pickled Pakled - Innominatum Outpost]

Sitting with their back to where Lek sat a Romulan smiled evilly.  Oooh Hecate would be interested in this.

"Say stranger, you know you're on my patch.  This bar's my territory, but if you've taken over from the girls time to start handing over the cash, they've not cashed in in a long time, where are they, or they been pushed out the nearest airlock.  Either way, Hecate will come, and she ain't gonna be happy so get off my turf, or hand over the drugs and the money and we'll say no more about it. She sent me to investigate what was going on."

He didn't show his face and his voice was low and guttural.  The only name he gave was Hecate, it was only later that he'd realise his mistake.  Later that day he was found with a knife in his back in a remote section of a cargo bay, while the Security Ensign was making a routine security sweep.

[The Pickled Pakled - Innominatum Outpost -- USS Challenger]

Lek listened to the hard man behind the voice, but did not respond as he issued his threat and was impressed that this Hecate had such an active surveillance network.

Leaving the bar, Lek meandered the station, always staying in well lit and populated, but not crowded, areas. Once he was certain he wasn't being tailed, he returned to the Challenger and counted himself lucky that he made it alive. This impression was later reinforced when he read about the body found on the station by security.

"No question this Hecate is ruthless. We are playing a very deadly game with whoever he or she may be." He thought from what he hoped was the safety of his quarters. "I was always skeptical about this mission and now that I know how efficient and organized Hecate is, if Lahr and I survive this operation, it will not be due to our brilliance. Like my old hand to hand instructor at the Academy used to say. "You can't count on luck, but luck counts."

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

Sukal stepped back with the twins for a moment, and gazed at them steadily with mild curiosity in his eyes.  He had no idea what they wanted to see him about.  Perhaps something had already come up, and they already needed his help.  Somehow, he doubted it was trouble, and simply nodded for them to address whatever it was they needed to see him about away from the rest even as their elder sister and Captain was still talking to Praetor Aedile.  She was another person Sukal would need to speak with soon before the Conference, but for the moment his attention was on the twin girls before him...both eager and ready to begin their adventures in the Academy.

[Shuttlebay 1 - USS Challenger]

[As Katya|Arya]

"Just wanted to ask you to make sure that Skye's ok and would you give her this..." Arya produced a duck soft toy from behind her back, it had seen better days.

"It's her favourite and it was left in the Mjolnir.  Uncle Sve... I mean Lt. Aune is looking after her until Ruth is back and then Ruth is adopting her until we're out of Academy."

"And we wanted to say thank you properly for our gifts, what made you get them for us?!" Katya asked. "Ah... I know, we get decent pressies we have to make it worthwhile for the donor to have given us them!" she teased.  "Don't worry, Ruth was getting all emotional earlier but for all we lark around, we will work hard!"

They gave Sukal one more hug and kiss then dived into the Mjolnir.

Cadet Gohun being only a Cadet really did not know what was going on at Deep Space nine and really only visited the place once or twice in the past and really did not want to go back. At the same time, he wondered how Odo was doing. It was at this moment he realized that he was at the Armory turning in the extra phaser he took out. With that, he went to his quarters and remembered that nothing had been unpacked because nothing was unpacked from his move. Fortunately, he had some moves of his own.
"Computer replicate an away bad with a week worth of unforms."
At that point, he decided to take the credit stick and withdraw more money from his other accounts with the anticipation of losing it at the Dabo table. At the very least he could have fun with hookers and dabu.
With that Cadet Gohun heads to the group leaving and is ready to leave. After stopping by engineering and getting an engineering kit with a medical kit from sickbay. All of those things being carefully concealed in his shore leave kit.

[Delta Flyer Mjolnir - Shuttlebay 1 - USS Challenger]

[As Ruth|CPO T'ealc - Medical]

Ruth raised an eyebrow as the Security crewmember came back with a bag.  "Crewman Gohun, we're only away a week at most, and there are replicators on the Mjolnir, are you sure you need all that?! Anyhow we leave in 5 so I hope if you wanted the kitchen sink you have one packed!"

"T'ealc, are you ok, there are more medical supplies under that seat there.  Dr. Vaughan always insisted that I had at least one back up plan when it came to medical stuff.  Why I never travel without a medic if I can manage it!" Ruth chuckled.  T'ealc nodded and sat on the seat that the Captain indicated.  "I'm not going to forget which seat if I sit on it Ma'am, although I hope this is just a little jaunt and you don't need my ministrations!"

She stuck her head out of the Delta Flyer and called to the girls.  "C'mon you two, anyone would think you didn't want to go to Academy!"

Once they were sat and buckled in she nodded to Ensign Litt.  "Take her out Mr. Litt. And once clear of the station, let's see what this baby can do, eh?!"

[Sukal]

Innominatum Outpost

With those he cared about now aboard the new Delta-Flyer; Sukal did not stick around to watch the shuttle leave.  He knew they would be in good hands, and he had much to think and worry about.  Off he went to the holodeck containing the Conference, and upon arrival already found many of the delegates seated and conversing with one another.  No one was shouting or hurling insults, and Sukal could only take that as a positive sign.  Praetor Aedile had come in with him, and he turned and bowed to her before she was escorted to her seat.  Of the many guests in attendance - she was the one which much hinged on.  The Conference was set up in a massive semi-circle amphitheater with the Federation flag facing the delegates behind a raised dais upon which stood the main speaking podium.  It was here Sukal went to take his place.  There were no others seated in that area other than the Andorian woman.  She smiled slightly up at him as he took his place at the podium while waiting for the rest to enter.

Three Security personnel were on either side of the only entrance to the holodeck.  As he took note of this; in walked Lady Gril'ka of the Klingon Empire.  She took in all the surroundings, and noted his presence at the podium.  A mere nod came from her before she took her own seat in the right hand corner - watching and waiting.  The last delegates to arrive before the hour was up were two factions he had read about in the briefing with Ambassador Veshaa:  The Sapphire Conglomerate and the Scorpion Triad.  If looks could have killed at that moment - Sukal would have bet latnium on the death of Ambassador Li Sighn'wa of the Scorpion Triad.  He could only hope the two parties remained civil.  Thus far, not a single incident had been reported by Security from any of the factions now gathered.  With the last members having arrived; Sukal sent out the chime three times to get the attention of those gathered.

Only once people settled down did the First Officer continue just after tugging his dress uniform tunic taut.  "Welcome to Immonitum Outpost for this Conference of Cooperation.  I am Lieutenant Commander Sukal - a Starfleet Officer as you see, and a loyal member of the Federation.  You all have been summoned here in the hopes of dealing with a mutually unpleasant problem:  former Starfleet Admiral Leyton.  Many of you in one form or another has been hurt by the actions of him or his rebels.  Starfleet is eager to put an end to this rebellion, and finally restore peace to the Federation.  It is for this reason you have been called here for this conference in the hopes that we may come together in the spirit of cooperation against this viper," Sukal began.

There were murmurs of agreement from across the room by more than just a few delegates.  Even a couple of cries of outrage emerged from the assembly, but Sukal did not continue until things settled down once more.  He was acutely aware of Ambassador Veshaa watching and listening to him.

"Leyton must be stopped, and his rebels must be put an end to...once and for all.  Only then can the Federation heal.  Yes, I know, many of you are not members of the Federation, but you all would do better if the Federation was no longer in civil war.  Your supply ships and civilian vessels would stop being raided.  Your businesses and worlds would return to peace - or at least, less days of strife.  To show you how serious we take this - Praetor Aedile is here on behalf of the Reman Empire to give us her support against this traitor and his followers."  Before Sukal could continue, a scream suddenly erupted from the other side of the room.

His keen Vulcan hearing had him zero in on Ambassador Li Sighn'wa even as the man was clutching his chest.  He couldn't tell how bad it was, but the man crumbled to the floor a mere second later.

"Red Alert!!  All Hands, Red Alert!!!  Medical Trauma Team to the Holo-Conference Room!!!  Security, lock down the station!" Sukal ordered over his comm badge.  "Everyone, remain seated until you can be escorted to safety!" he shouted over the panicked delegates who were about ready to scramble for the door en mass.  "Please, remain calm!!!" he tried again over the speaker, but the chaos had begun.  His Captain had only been gone for an hour, and already the Conference was in trouble with an assassination.

The guards at the door sealed the room, and held their ground with a force field between them and the delegates to stop from being mauled.  This had been one of the protocols instituted by Sukal in the hopes of preventing a stampede.