S3:E5: Eliminating Shadows

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

With the starship underway; Sukal found himself called back to the Captain's Ready Room again, and nodded for Taray to take over briefly while he checked in on her.  After she let him in; Sukal twitched his left eyebrow up at her in curiosity.

"Forgot something?" he asked her.  It was not like her to forget things most of the time, but he knew she had been under a great deal of pressure even before he had returned to serve at her side.  It was his job to make sure she was okay...to support her even as Captain Kyle Briggs and Admiral T'ra Jones had taught him.  Of course, his old Captain had left with the rank of Commander, but still...he remembered the lessons the man had taught him.  It had been Kyle who had brought him back from giving seminars at Starfleet Academy about tactics against the Borg...another lifetime ago that now seemed.

"Or, a new development?" he added a moment later after shaking himself from his thoughts.

[Captain's Ready Room - USS Challenger]

"The latter Number One,.." Ruth began. "And I didn't want to have you looking like you'd been poleaxed in the briefing meeting."

She beckoned him around the desk and pointed at the screen where the code showed.  "No indication of where or who it's from or anything.  I've worked out a few things, possibly, but I'm going to throw it to the Think Tank and see what they think.  Obviously, your mind is probably running a million scenarios you'll want the comms checked and all that but... that's what I needed to show you.  Say what you need to, then we'll go get a few reports in and brief them on this and where we're off to.  I'd like you to take point on that last part, I also have some information on the ships we trailed... could be interesting, I would tell you now but would take too long and there's nothing so pressing about them that just putting it out there in the meeting won't suffice.  The Captain of the Belfast was useful in more than one way, not that he knew it.  I didn't let on that we were tracing these ships... while I'm sure he's sound, I don't trust many at the moment." the Captain said with a sigh.  "One day, eh Sukal, we'll have peace in the Federation again."

[Zavrol Gohun]

* The events occurred before Gohun left deep space nine
Knowing that time was limited on Deep Space Nine had a couple of places to go. The first thing he decided to do was take all his things out of his temporary quarters. After that, he received a cryptic message simply saying ore processing.
Location Deep Space Nine Ore processing room.

Back when the station was called Terak Nor this area was used to process the ore that the Cardassians took from Bajor.
The room looked like an open wound that never quite healed right. A remnant of something that everyone wanted to forget. From the darkness on the other side of the room, a voice came.
"I see you are doing new things"
Gohun "You're not supposed to be here."
From the shadows, a form slowly emerged. The form of a Cardassian male emerged.
Garak "is anyone suppose to be anywhere?"
Gohun "it is good seeing you again. But I fear this may not be a social call."
Garak �quite right I have become aware of your situation and would like to offer some friendly advice�
Gohun �So the sabotage was an attempt to kill me?�
Garak "Why do El-Aurian think the universe revolves around them? The only thing I can tell you is that the person least think was the target was the target� and with that, the Cardassian shimmered from existence.
Gohun �A hologram really? That man did love to make an exit."

Back on the Challenger In Gohun�s quarters, he made a holographic murder board with everyone that was on the Runabout with him. From there Gohun looked at the sabotage and had a sudden but scary discovery. The wires were cut so that it would cause the drive to overheat and explode. It was only by dumb luck that it tripped the sensors and made the craft blind. Had this worked it would have looked like an accident. This mystery just gets deeper and deeper.
(OOC Post restored due to server outage - ShranLahr ch'Verret)

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Sickbay >>  Briefing Room]

It was sad, because of his medical treatment Lahr was late getting to the briefing room, yet despite being 5 minutes late, the Andorian was the first to arrive at the biometric locked briefing room.  A scan of his specific DNA was needed to allow him entrance.  As he waited for the locked doors to open, he readied to offer some insincerely apology to the Captain, but all that was moot when he was the first one there.

"Well, that ruined my entrance." he commented with a frown as he moved to take a seat at the far end of the table.   Had he gotten the time mixed up? No he was certain she said 10 minutes in the Briefing Room...  mind you he did get punched in the face a few times yesterday... maybe he had a concussion and didn't know it?  Nah, Chloe would have mentioned that.

Well, he'd give the Captain and the others five minutes more to arrive before checking on locations.   

[Richard James Litt]

[Deck 5 · Litt's Quarter » Deck 3 · Mess Hall]

When Chief Dradis didn't aswered to Litt's call, the boy just stayed in his quarter reading one of his romances on his PADD. And he read for a while untill he finished 3 chapters. After a little he started to fell anoyed and decided to walk, looking for something to do when he decided to go to the Mess Hall and stay there for a little bit.

There he started to talk with Alexandria about the job when Captain Ruth called some people, a he was included.

[Captain's Ready Room - USS Challenger]

Captain to Senior Staff and special assignment staff.  Meeting in the Briefing Room, 10 mins.  Mr Lek, Mr ch'Verret you may give your report there.  Mr. Sukal, 2 mins in my Ready Room please.  Sigurdsdottir out.  

He said goodbye to Alexandria with a little smile in his face and returned to his quarter as quickly as he could. As soon as he arrived he quickly put on his uniform and went to the designated place.

[Deck 1 · Briefing Room]

Litt rushed a little bit because he had less than 5 minutes, acording to his calculations, and he finally reached the room, after the entering procedure, he realized that just Mr. ch'Verret was there.

"Mr. ch'Verret... Hello... How have you been?" He said entering the room and looking for somewhere to sit.

[Sukal]

[Captain's Ready Room - USS Challenger]

"The latter Number One,.." Ruth began. "And I didn't want to have you looking like you'd been poleaxed in the briefing meeting."

She beckoned him around the desk and pointed at the screen where the code showed.  "No indication of where or who it's from or anything.  I've worked out a few things, possibly, but I'm going to throw it to the Think Tank and see what they think.  Obviously, your mind is probably running a million scenarios you'll want the comms checked and all that but... that's what I needed to show you.  Say what you need to, then we'll go get a few reports in and brief them on this and where we're off to.  I'd like you to take point on that last part, I also have some information on the ships we trailed... could be interesting, I would tell you now but would take too long and there's nothing so pressing about them that just putting it out there in the meeting won't suffice.  The Captain of the Belfast was useful in more than one way, not that he knew it.  I didn't let on that we were tracing these ships... while I'm sure he's sound, I don't trust many at the moment." the Captain said with a sigh.  "One day, eh Sukal, we'll have peace in the Federation again."

Sukal looked over the sequences given to his Captain via an unknown party, and sighed slightly after staring at them for a few moments.

"One day, Ma'am...one day," he promised solemnly before leaving with her to head for the Briefing Room.  As they made their way there; Sukal continued, "It would seem to indicate this comes from someone who is in the know about Leyton's operations.  Perhaps Starfleet Intelligence was able to place a mole inside his organization finally, but I somehow doubt it.  Who knows?  Maybe they did.  If so, this would seem to indicate that Leyton has someone on the inside who is trying to help us.  But, how or why is another matter.  I am wondering though, considering the timing of the transmission.  Might these sequences have something to do with our current destination?"

He left the question ringing between them as they entered the Briefing Room to find Mr. ch'Verret already present.  "I trust you are doing well, Mr. ch'Verret," he greeted the Andorian with a nod before taking his seat near the head of the table.  "Mr. Litt, I am glad to see you safely returned from your little expedition with the Captain," he added to the helmsman they had recently obtained from Starfleet last month.  The Captain had wanted him to brief the crew on this one, but he wondered if any of them would even have any confidence in his ability to lead considering the disaster of the Conference.  Well, there was no time like the present to find out.  He glanced around a bit to find no one else had arrived as yet. 

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A - Deck One - Briefing room]

Lahr looked up as the first of the others began to arrive, beginning with the Flight officer.  The Andorian gave a lazy nod back as he lounged in his chair.  "Sir." he greeted, then added in answer to the man's question.  "A bit sore... had trouble sleepin' last night."  The cots in the brig were not very comfortable - not in the least. "You?"

A moment later the Captain and First Officer entered.  Subconsciously Lahr straightened his posture somewhat even though he was trying to maintain character.

"As well as can be expected, sir." Lahr offered another lazy nod towards the Vulcan and one to the Captain along with a wink and cocky smile.

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

NPC Lt Taray
[USS Challenger-A - Deck One - Bridge]

Taray felt rather important being asked to assume the 'big chair' while the Captain and XO went to deal with the briefing.  However since security couldn't be unrepresented in the meeting - Taray knew she needed to send an underling in her place.  She missed having her Petty officers like Cleroux or tr'Lhoell to sit on these things for her.   She had planned to send Lt Briggs in her place - but as he hadn't reported in yet, that option was off the table.   Who else was on the Captain's trusted list?  Oh!

"Taray to Gohun.  Report to briefing room 1. Explain that you will be taking notes for me. You'll need to knock.  The room is locked via biometrics. Not sure if Lahr added you to that list.  If not get him to do so, from now on consider yourself my assistant.  Taray out."

[Richard James Litt]

[Deck 1 · Briefing Room]

A short after Litt entered the room Mr. Sukal and the Captain entered right after him. Litt greeted them with a nod and smiled when Mr. Sukal spoke to him.

"Mr. Litt, I am glad to see you safely returned from your little expedition with the Captain," he added to the helmsman they had recently obtained from Starfleet last month.

"I'm very grateful for your help Mr. Sukal... And I'm glad to be back safely too..." He said finally and turned to Mr. ch'Verret. "Well... I Guess I can say I'm ok... Despite everything that is happening."

He finally said and then, just waited until the rest of the meeting members arrive.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

Sukal looked over the sequences given to his Captain via an unknown party, and sighed slightly after staring at them for a few moments.

"One day, Ma'am...one day," he promised solemnly before leaving with her to head for the Briefing Room.  As they made their way there; Sukal continued, "It would seem to indicate this comes from someone who is in the know about Leyton's operations.  Perhaps Starfleet Intelligence was able to place a mole inside his organization finally, but I somehow doubt it.  Who knows?  Maybe they did.  If so, this would seem to indicate that Leyton has someone on the inside who is trying to help us.  But, how or why is another matter.  I am wondering though, considering the timing of the transmission.  Might these sequences have something to do with our current destination?"

He left the question ringing between them as they entered the Briefing Room to find Mr. ch'Verret already present.  "I trust you are doing well, Mr. ch'Verret," he greeted the Andorian with a nod before taking his seat near the head of the table.  "Mr. Litt, I am glad to see you safely returned from your little expedition with the Captain," he added to the helmsman they had recently obtained from Starfleet last month.  The Captain had wanted him to brief the crew on this one, but he wondered if any of them would even have any confidence in his ability to lead considering the disaster of the Conference.  Well, there was no time like the present to find out.  He glanced around a bit to find no one else had arrived as yet.

[Captain's Ready Room > Briefing Room]

"I agree, Number One... on all counts, especially the idea that this could have something to do with our current destination.  Bring that up in the meeting." The Captain said as they walked to the Briefing Room.

She nodded to Lahr and Litt with a smile. "Thank you for being so punctual gentlemen, Mr. Litt I apologise for pulling you off the down time I promised you but I assure you after this briefing you may have the 48 hours as promised.  Mr ch'Verret, I trust you are well and the erm... activities on Innominatum didn't task you overmuch.  I got some information from Mr. Aune.  I hope you got what you needed.  Save the report part of the answer to that until everyone is here however, saves you repeating!"

She grabbed herself a Ratkajino, this was already starting to be a long day and she was going to need all the help she could get.

Captain to Medical, when Dr. York or delegate comes up to the briefing can you bring a pick me up please, I need 'something' I'll let you decide your discretion, otherwise I'm on strong ratkajinos for the day, just an FYI! Sigurdsdottir out! 

Sitting at the top of the table she smiled.  "Sukal, after I've given a brief report on what's transpired, both with the Mjolnir and our recent development, I shall hand over to you.. take point on this, then I'm ordering you to take the rest of the day off, you've been covering for me for the time I was away, the little boost I'm getting off Maggie will get me through the rest of the shift, I will then hand over to... I'll have to check the rota... for Gamma Shift by which time hopefully you'll have had sufficient rest, to take over there , we'll work something out give me 24 hours and my body will be back to normal, I did at least get a chance to rest some on the Belfast, you didn't."

[Kyle Briggs]

Innomintum Outpost, USS Challenger, Briggs quarters

Kyle and Liv had hitched a ride out in order to catch up with the Challenger. They were now aboard and unpacking their gear in their new quarters. It had been a nice flight out and Elijah was currently napping. As they were just finishing up, an announcement came over the comms system calling for all Senior Staff to the Briefing Room.

Kyle sat down in the recliner, kicked off his shoes and leaned back.

"Kind of a relaxing feeling to not be included in that stuff any more." he said to Liv as he padded his lap. "Why don't you come have a seat gorgeous." he said.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A - Deck One - Briefing Room]

[Deck 1 · Briefing Room]

A short after Litt entered the room Mr. Sukal and the Captain entered right after him. Litt greeted them with a nod and smiled when Mr. Sukal spoke to him.

"I'm very grateful for your help Mr. Sukal... And I'm glad to be back safely too..." He said finally and turned to Mr. ch'Verret. "Well... I Guess I can say I'm ok... Despite everything that is happening."

He finally said and then, just waited until the rest of the meeting members arrive.

At Litt's reply back Lahr nodded.  "Of course you are doing okay..  What's that human saying?  'What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger' ?  Well, we're getting stronger."

[Captain's Ready Room > Briefing Room]

"I agree, Number One... on all counts, especially the idea that this could have something to do with our current destination.  Bring that up in the meeting." The Captain said as they walked to the Briefing Room.

She nodded to Lahr and Litt with a smile. "Thank you for being so punctual gentlemen, Mr. Litt I apologise for pulling you off the down time I promised you but I assure you after this briefing you may have the 48 hours as promised.  Mr ch'Verret, I trust you are well and the erm... activities on Innominatum didn't task you overmuch.  I got some information from Mr. Aune.  I hope you got what you needed.  Save the report part of the answer to that until everyone is here however, saves you repeating!"

She grabbed herself a Ratkajino, this was already starting to be a long day and she was going to need all the help she could get.

Captain to Medical, when Dr. York or delegate comes up to the briefing can you bring a pick me up please, I need 'something' I'll let you decide your discretion, otherwise I'm on strong ratkajinos for the day, just an FYI! Sigurdsdottir out! 

Sitting at the top of the table she smiled.  "Sukal, after I've given a brief report on what's transpired, both with the Mjolnir and our recent development, I shall hand over to you.. take point on this, then I'm ordering you to take the rest of the day off, you've been covering for me for the time I was away, the little boost I'm getting off Maggie will get me through the rest of the shift, I will then hand over to... I'll have to check the rota... for Gamma Shift by which time hopefully you'll have had sufficient rest, to take over there , we'll work something out give me 24 hours and my body will be back to normal, I did at least get a chance to rest some on the Belfast, you didn't."

When the Captain directed a comment his way, Lahr glanced over trying to play it cool.  He was successful up until the point that she said that Lt Aune had contacted her.  Roohz!  Her next words confirmed she knew somewhat about his injuries.  He should have known her friend, the Shran security officer, would blab.  Well, Lahr would just have to downplay them.

"Yeah, sure thing, Cap. No problem."

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

NPC Lt Taray
[USS Challenger-A - Deck One - Bridge]

Seeing both the Captain and the XO leave the Captain's Ready Room for the Briefing Room, Taray settled more comfortably into the Command chair.  But even as she tried to relax... a knot of worry began to form.  Yes, she'd sent Crewman Gohun to take notes but he wouldn't be able to speak with any sort of authority for any security actions the Captain might want.   Someone with rank had to be at this meeting.

She supposed she could give up the Bridge to the next ranking on Bridge... a lowly Ensign from Engineering who if memory served was a bit of a klutz.  No, that wouldn't do at all.  If only Briggs had reported in!

Hmm.  There might still be time. The meetings never started on time.

Turning towards the Operations officer on duty.  Petty officer Grelek.  A Vulcan.  The man had been aboard the ship in the same position with the same rank for over a year.  Taray had heard rumor he was still seeing a counselor over the time-loop incident where tr'Lhoell attacked him.  Shame... prior to that the man had shown much more drive and confidence.

"Petty officer Grelek.  I was expecting Lieutenant Kyle Briggs to arrive on the last shuttle.  Can you double check the roster and confirm for me that he made it aboard?.. and if so contact him to report to me immediately."

"Of course, sir." Grelek glanced up from his routine check of the ship's many systems.  He called up to his console the shuttle's manifest and began a search for the name Briggs.

[Olivia Briggs]

Innomintum Outpost, USS Challenger, Briggs quarters

Kyle and Liv had hitched a ride out in order to catch up with the Challenger. They were now aboard and unpacking their gear in their new quarters. It had been a nice flight out and Elijah was currently napping. As they were just finishing up, an announcement came over the comms system calling for all Senior Staff to the Briefing Room.

Kyle sat down in the recliner, kicked off his shoes and leaned back.

"Kind of a relaxing feeling to not be included in that stuff any more." he said to Liv as he padded his lap. "Why don't you come have a seat gorgeous." he said.

[Briggs's Quarters - USS Challenger - A]

Moving from one ship to another was relatively easy for the Briggs' and returning to ship life, after their time away proved to be just as straightforward. However this time, she wouldn't be in charge of the Mess Hall or Lounge, something Liv was both excited and nervous about.

Yes there had been changes but one thing remained constant and resolute and that was her love for Kyle, their strong bond and their son Elijah. Even at two and a half, he had loved the flight out to their new home and him taking a nap was also a good sign that they were now home.

The unpacking had gone well and she looked forward to reuniting with those they knew, including their old friend Ruth. However when the ship wide call went out, it was a reminder of how things were different but at the same time, a sign of this new start for her family.

So as her beloved commented about the fact, how relaxing it was not to be involved. Liv smiled, happy to see him so chilled, before he tempted her to sit on his lap.

" True it is, as it means we get to have a little more time together, before we have to report in and you know, that I could never resist an offer like that" she replied a little playfully as she moved over to him.

Kicking off her own shoes, Liv then sat down on his lap and placed her arms around him, feeling immediately calm and relaxed. " Mm much better".

[Lek]

[Briefing Room - USS Challenger]

Lek wandered into the briefing room with an insufferable expression of complete contentment, he and Helga were in one of their 'on again' phases and it showed in his smug demeanor . He waved to the others already present with a jaunty wave and sat down.

"Good morning everyone, and may I add it's unusually awesome to be me today."

He beamed, but didn't say more, satisfied instead to hum a vaguely familiar tune.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck One - Briefing Room]

Lahr rolled his eyes as the Ferengi arrived at the briefing room, humming and being all 'I just got some and you didn't' in attitude.  Great, so now not only did Lahr get the crap beaten out of him, for work.. he had to suffer the Ferengi lording it over him that he got laid and Lahr didn't.  And Lahr owed Lek ten strips of latinum to boot!  Life sucked at times.  And this was one of those times.

Pointedly ignoring the Ferengi's greeting because he was feeling sour at his situation, and because Lahr was pissed that the Ferengi never did respond to his call.   He could be dead in the ditch because Lek didn't call him back... all while the Ferengi was getting it on with Helga.   Nice to know he could count on Lek to have his back.  NOT!

Lahr instead tried to strike up a conversation with Litt.

"So Litt.. what do you do for hobby?  Am thinking I need a better quality of friend..."

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

NPC Crewman Helga Tragnar
[USS Challenger -  Deck Nine - Forward Torpedo Bay Control]

"And I'm telling you, he knows how to do things with his hands that are unbelievable.  I don't think we slept more than 2 hours last night." The Klingon hybrid security crewman was relating her night's activities to her patrol partner, Crewman Erika Jonston.

Erika grimaced.  "Seriously, Helga... I don't need to know the details of your love life."

Helga laughed.  "You think I was talking about what he's like in bed?.. Nah... though that is amazing too.  I was talking about how he was showing me what he does down in Engineering.  He's very skilled."

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Captain's Ready Room > Briefing Room]

Captain to Medical, when Dr. York or delegate comes up to the briefing can you bring a pick me up please, I need 'something' I'll let you decide your discretion, otherwise I'm on strong ratkajinos for the day, just an FYI! Sigurdsdottir out! 

[CMO's Office, Sickbay - Deck 7 - USS Challenger]

Maggie was knee deep in reports from when she'd been working with Dr. Al-Hambra on Innominatum as well as a flurry of messages from Starfleet Medical, including one saying she was to have some help in the department in the form of a Dr. Olivia Briggs, when the Captain's hail came through.

She thought to kill two birds with one stone.  Tapping her commbadge twice to acknowledge she smiled glad to know that the Captain was back at the helm so to speak, and knowing that Ruth could do literally that if needed, but this time she meant figuratively, and thinking she could please the Captain more by letting her know that there was now another competent hand in the Medical Department.

She tapped her commbadge again and hailed the new doctor.

Dr. York to Dr. Briggs, could you come to my office as soon as you can.  Deck 7.  I'd like to take you up to the Mission Briefing with me but I'm not just going to throw you to the lions so to speak, so coming down and finding I'm not an ogress would be a good start.  Captain Sigurdsdottir has also asked for a pick me up, so I'll let you get your feet wet.  I'll explain more when you get here but the Command team are going to need nannied for a couple of days, they're exhausted.  York out!

She sat back and read a bit more of this 'Olivia Briggs' file, she understood that her husband would be in Security and they had a little boy.  That would bring a lot of joy to the ship although it was a very dangerous situation for the kid to be in she understood that the parents wanted him with them, but she would fill Olivia in on Leyton.

[Kyle Briggs]

Briggs Quarters, Deck 7, USS Challenger

Liv had no sooner sat down on Kyle's lap when her comm chimed.

Dr. York to Dr. Briggs, could you come to my office as soon as you can.  Deck 7.  I'd like to take you up to the Mission Briefing with me but I'm not just going to throw you to the lions so to speak, so coming down and finding I'm not an ogress would be a good start.  Captain Sigurdsdottir has also asked for a pick me up, so I'll let you get your feet wet.  I'll explain more when you get here but the Command team are going to need nannied for a couple of days, they're exhausted.  York out!

"Awww. Looks like no rest for you." he teased with a smile. He reached up and gave her a quick kiss. "You better get going. Don't want to make a bad impression on your first day back."

She gently tapped him on the shoulder as she stood. "Enjoy your relaxation." she mocked.

"I will. I'm just gonna sit her and....."

*Beep*

=^=Lieutenant Briggs. Your presence is required on the Bridge, Sir.=^=

"You were saying?" she mocked once more.

".....and put my boots on." he finished.

As he put them on, Liv activated the holographic nanny. It was a very helpful program based on the same concept as the EMH. They then made their way to the door. They were already on Deck 7 so she didn't have far to go. With a quick kiss in the corridor, they turned and went their separate ways.

"Bridge." Kyle said as he entered the lift. A few seconds later, the doors parted and he saw his new boss, whom he recognized from the ship files he had read on the journey out, manning the center seat. He made his way over.

"Lieutenant Kyle Briggs reporting for duty, Ma'am." he said.