S3:E5: Eliminating Shadows

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

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

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

The Benzite Security Chief didn't glance over her shoulder as she heard the turbolift doors open.  That would be Lieutenant Kyle Briggs arriving, former Executive officer on Challenger nearly two years ago.   She waited until the human announced himself before turning to look at him.  The man seemed to have aged more than just the two years since she last saw him.  Mind you children and prison both could do that.

"Welcome aboard Lieutenant.  It's good to see you again, even if it is in a different reporting role."  She glanced at the chronometer.

"Sorry to throw you to the wolves your first day back, but I'm gonna have you sit in on the Senior Officers briefing to be my representative.  I have an enlisted crewmwan also going down to take notes.. crewman Gohun.. keep an eye on him.  I'm drafting some speaking notes...for you to report out on..  I'll send them to this PADD shortly"  Taray paused here to hand him a data PADD.

"The meeting started in the briefing room - two minutes ago.  You'll need to chime the door to be granted entrance.  The room is biometrically locked.  I'll send a message to the XO to allow you in.  You're dismissed."

[Kyle Briggs]

[USS Challenger - Deck One - Bridge]'

NPC Lt Taray

"Welcome aboard Lieutenant.  It's good to see you again, even if it is in a different reporting role."  She glanced at the chronometer.

"Sorry to throw you to the wolves your first day back, but I'm gonna have you sit in on the Senior Officers briefing to be my representative.  I have an enlisted crewmwan also going down to take notes.. crewman Gohun.. keep an eye on him.  I'm drafting some speaking notes...for you to report out on..  I'll send them to this PADD shortly"  Taray paused here to hand him a data PADD.

"The meeting started in the briefing room - two minutes ago.  You'll need to chime the door to be granted entrance.  The room is biometrically locked.  I'll send a message to the XO to allow you in.  You're dismissed."

"It's good to see you too, Lieutenant. I'm glad to see things have gone well for you." he replied. "And I'm glad to be back myself."

The Chief informed him about the meeting and handed him a PADD with the needed information. I have NOT missed these pow wows. he thought to himself as he accepted it. But as he had just said, he was glad to be back and it was part of the job and he would happily do it.

"Is the Ensign already in the meeting, Ma'am? he asked.

Once he was dismissed, he made his way to the Briefing Room. He hit the door chime announcing his arrival and waited for entry.`

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

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

"Is the Ensign already in the meeting, Ma'am? he asked.

Once he was dismissed, he made his way to the Briefing Room. He hit the door chime announcing his arrival and waited for entry.`

"Crewman." she corrected the rank. "And he had better be! Or I'll take a page out of Lek's playbook and have crewman Gohun scrubbing the hull with his toothbrush." Taray grumbled.

As she grumbled, she sent off the message to Sukal that Lt Briggs was on his way to sit in for Security... and that Crewman Gohun was her note-taker.

Then she reviewed the Security's report Briggs was going to give on her behalf.

Security Report:
* Death of Crewman Johns - Operations personnel
- A review of the security footage in the shuttlebay from which the shuttle Resnik was stolen shows that an individual appearing to look like Lt Commander Sukal approached him, spoke briefly with him, then killed him by slitting his throat when his back was turned.  It is suspected that the individual responsible is Lieutenant Commander D'leha Amoreen.  This is believed to be a crime of convenience since she required a means of escape from Innominatum Outpost where she is the lead suspect in the deaths of two others.

* Review of Lockdown procedures
- recommending the use of bio metric scans to confirm identity of all persons wishing to move across a checkpoint during a lockdown.

Satisfied with the briefing report she sent it to Briggs.

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

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

Once he was dismissed, he made his way to the Briefing Room. He hit the door chime announcing his arrival and waited for entry.

Lahr heard the chime of the door.  "Really?  Top Secret briefing meeting and someone has the gronk-nuts to 'ring the doorbell' and ask to be invited in?  Oh this I gotta see."

Lahr stood up from his seat and made his way over to the locked door.  Rather than signal the door open.. Lahr hit the comm panel opening a commline to the other side of the door.

"Hello and welcome to Briefing Room One.  How may we be of service today?" Lahr spoke smoothly and calmly, his tone and voice very professional.  He smirked towards the Captain, hoping she'd play along and let him have some fun.

A moment later he opened the door.

[Richard James Litt]

[Deck 1 · Briefing Room]

[Captain's Ready Room > 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!"

"No worries ma'am... I'm here to serve, so, any time you need me, just say it and I'll be there." He said with a little smile in his face. To be real, he didn't have a lot of things to do that could take him 48 hours, so, he was happy to help.

Right after spoke to the captain he turned back to Mr. ch'Verret.

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

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."

"Yeah... We use to say that a lot, and, if I'm not wrong there are some music using this phrase." He said trying to think a little about that when Mr. Lek entered the room.

[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.

Litt smiled with what he said and waved back to him. "Good morning Mr. Lek. Glad to know that you are that happy." He said.

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

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..."

"Well, let me see, I usually like to go to the gym, and spend some time at the holodeck, running some simulations." He said gently and added right after. "But, I'm starting to read a little about chess, thinking in start to play." He smiled. "And you sir?"

Just before he could have had time to answer the question, someone 'knocked' on the door and Litt just looked as Mr. ch'Verret got up and went to see who was there.

[Olivia Briggs]

[Sickbay - Deck 7]

After exchanging a farewell kiss with her husband, Liv continued on her way, both eager to meet her new DH and thinking of possible pick me ups to take to the Briefing. Knowing Ruth like she did, the newly qualified Doctor, decided on a Virgin Liv's Nebula and as for command team needing to be nannied well, it wouldn't be the first time that she had done so, especially after her years of tending bar and being a source of comfort for those who needed one.

Of course their was still some apprehension and butterflies, normal first day nerves at being on her first Starfleet assignment as opposed to organising a kitchen. Still she was optimistic and confident, remembering everything that Kyle had taught her and plus there was the added bonus of being on the same deck to her new workplace. Not only was it convenient in terms of leaving Elijah with the holographic nanny in order to get to her shifts, but it also allowed her to be near should she need to check on him at all.

Even the prospect of the briefing, did little to add to the nerves, as it wasn't her first time attending one, but still seeing and surprising Ruth, helped with that. For now, however, she focused on meeting Dr York, so as the doors to Sickbay opened, Liv stepped inside and looked around. Recognising her superior from the information she had received prior to their arrival. So without any hesitation, walked over and introduced herself.

" Dr Olivia Briggs, reporting as ordered, Dr York".

It still seemed a little surreal calling herself or hearing her new title and as she stood there, was reminded of her late father in law and smiled inwardly at the memory and the pride she felt in taking over the mantle.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Sickbay - Deck 7]

After exchanging a farewell kiss with her husband, Liv continued on her way, both eager to meet her new DH and thinking of possible pick me ups to take to the Briefing. Knowing Ruth like she did, the newly qualified Doctor, decided on a Virgin Liv's Nebula and as for command team needing to be nannied well, it wouldn't be the first time that she had done so, especially after her years of tending bar and being a source of comfort for those who needed one.

Of course their was still some apprehension and butterflies, normal first day nerves at being on her first Starfleet assignment as opposed to organising a kitchen. Still she was optimistic and confident, remembering everything that Kyle had taught her and plus there was the added bonus of being on the same deck to her new workplace. Not only was it convenient in terms of leaving Elijah with the holographic nanny in order to get to her shifts, but it also allowed her to be near should she need to check on him at all.

Even the prospect of the briefing, did little to add to the nerves, as it wasn't her first time attending one, but still seeing and surprising Ruth, helped with that. For now, however, she focused on meeting Dr York, so as the doors to Sickbay opened, Liv stepped inside and looked around. Recognising her superior from the information she had received prior to their arrival. So without any hesitation, walked over and introduced herself.

" Dr Olivia Briggs, reporting as ordered, Dr York".

It still seemed a little surreal calling herself or hearing her new title and as she stood there, was reminded of her late father in law and smiled inwardly at the memory and the pride she felt in taking over the mantle.

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

[NPC As Dr. Maggie York]

"Ah Olivia, may I call you Olivia?  Do come in.  I'm Maggie.  Dr. Margaret Elizabeth York, M.D. if you want the full gobful of a moniker!  But being of Yorkshire stock back on Earth..." she pointed to her Trill spots, "Dad was the Trill, fell in love with mother but we lived near Sheffield,.. I don't hold with formality most of the time.  When it's needed or if someone is being a little brat and needs to be reminded of the chain of command and what my pips mean... but amongst colleagues, nope we're mostly on first name terms."

Maggie smiled and stood up coming around her desk to shake hands.

"I'm sorry to drop you in it but we have a Briefing Meeting, kinda now... like 5 mins ago really but the Captain is fairly lenient.  I think it would be good for you in a couple of ways.  First you get to meet the important staff in a very short space of time, secondly you get to know what the hell is going on and... if you're lucky... actually make some sense of it!"  The doctor chuckled.

"Anyhow we have dispensation for being late, Ruth, erm Captain Sigurdsdottir has asked for a pick-me-up.  She doesn't often, normally relying on coffee.  But she can't just go off shift at the moment.  Long story short, Lt. Commander Sukal has been holding the fort on Innominatum during the Conference we just had and he was mind attacked by the assassin - yeah we had 3 people killed last month - autopsies 3 for the price of 1..."

The red-haired woman shook her head and shrugged "In our profession you've got to laugh or cry.  But anyhow the First Officer really should be resting.  The Captain should be resting after having a very stressful trip to DS9... her Delta Flyer was sabotaged.  And of course the emotional stress of seeing off her sisters.  But she stepped off the USS Belfast that brought her back and pretty much straight to the Ready Room, she's not stopped.  And she won't stop until Sukal is fit enough and had some real rest.  So, like I say, it's rare so I'm allowing it.  OK... your patient, what would you recommend for her?  Pick and then we'll get up to that meeting!"

Maggie gave an encouraging smile and wink.  "And depending on what transpires in the pow wow... we can get back here for a cuppa and you can tell me all about yourself and meet the rest of the medical staff, deal?!"

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[USS Challenger - Deck One - Bridge]'

"It's good to see you too, Lieutenant. I'm glad to see things have gone well for you." he replied. "And I'm glad to be back myself."

The Chief informed him about the meeting and handed him a PADD with the needed information. I have NOT missed these pow wows. he thought to himself as he accepted it. But as he had just said, he was glad to be back and it was part of the job and he would happily do it.

"Is the Ensign already in the meeting, Ma'am? he asked.

Once he was dismissed, he made his way to the Briefing Room. He hit the door chime announcing his arrival and waited for entry.`

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

Lahr heard the chime of the door.  "Really?  Top Secret briefing meeting and someone has the gronk-nuts to 'ring the doorbell' and ask to be invited in?  Oh this I gotta see."

Lahr stood up from his seat and made his way over to the locked door.  Rather than signal the door open.. Lahr hit the comm panel opening a commline to the other side of the door.

"Hello and welcome to Briefing Room One.  How may we be of service today?" Lahr spoke smoothly and calmly, his tone and voice very professional.  He smirked towards the Captain, hoping she'd play along and let him have some fun.

[Briefing Room - Deck 1 - USS Challenger]

Ruth looked up wondering who could be chiming.  She was pretty sure that Lt. Taray had sent someone, and she had asked that Crewman Gohun be present as well as Ensign Litt (who was soon to be Lt j.g. Litt for his professionalism when the Mjolnir was sabotaged as well as good reports from CPO Dradis.  It seemed that you young man fitted well with the crew.) to give their witness reports from the Mjolnir.

Assuming it was he, she was happy to let Lahr have his bit of fun and winked to let him know that it was ok, they all needed a bit of levity after the events of the past few weeks.  She hoped Sukal would let it slide too, though he wasn't your average no emotions Vulcan by any means!

She was utterly amazed when the door slid open and revealed...

"KYLE?!  I mean... well I obviously didn't get that memo, when did you get here what, when how... come in, come in.  Oh am I glad to see you!"

She decided that she knew each of the crew already in that room well enough to dispense with too much formality and stepped forward to give her friend a hug, she knew that after so long, even Liv would forgive that much. Thinking of Liv she smiled. "Is Liv on board?  I'd kill for a Nebula!" she winked.  "And Elijah... oh I'm so very very happy to see you, it seems like forever!"

Happy tears in her eyes she smiled around the room.  "Everyone, this is my dear friend Kyle Briggs, I... well I'm not even sure what he's doing here yet..." she chuckled, "...but if any of you need assurance that he is who he says he is, you have my word on it.  After the meeting please... my Ready Room for a chat!"  she smiled at Kyle giving him another quick squeeze.

"Have you met my First officer, Lt. Commander Sukal, Sukal this is Cap... erm... no I'm the Captain now, but I remember you as Captain Briggs!!"

[Olivia Briggs]

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

[NPC As Dr. Maggie York]

"Ah Olivia, may I call you Olivia?  Do come in.  I'm Maggie.  Dr. Margaret Elizabeth York, M.D. if you want the full gobful of a moniker!  But being of Yorkshire stock back on Earth..." she pointed to her Trill spots, "Dad was the Trill, fell in love with mother but we lived near Sheffield,.. I don't hold with formality most of the time.  When it's needed or if someone is being a little brat and needs to be reminded of the chain of command and what my pips mean... but amongst colleagues, nope we're mostly on first name terms."

Maggie smiled and stood up coming around her desk to shake hands.

"I'm sorry to drop you in it but we have a Briefing Meeting, kinda now... like 5 mins ago really but the Captain is fairly lenient.  I think it would be good for you in a couple of ways.  First you get to meet the important staff in a very short space of time, secondly you get to know what the hell is going on and... if you're lucky... actually make some sense of it!"  The doctor chuckled.

"Anyhow we have dispensation for being late, Ruth, erm Captain Sigurdsdottir has asked for a pick-me-up.  She doesn't often, normally relying on coffee.  But she can't just go off shift at the moment.  Long story short, Lt. Commander Sukal has been holding the fort on Innominatum during the Conference we just had and he was mind attacked by the assassin - yeah we had 3 people killed last month - autopsies 3 for the price of 1..."

The red-haired woman shook her head and shrugged "In our profession you've got to laugh or cry.  But anyhow the First Officer really should be resting.  The Captain should be resting after having a very stressful trip to DS9... her Delta Flyer was sabotaged.  And of course the emotional stress of seeing off her sisters.  But she stepped off the USS Belfast that brought her back and pretty much straight to the Ready Room, she's not stopped.  And she won't stop until Sukal is fit enough and had some real rest.  So, like I say, it's rare so I'm allowing it.  OK... your patient, what would you recommend for her?  Pick and then we'll get up to that meeting!"

Maggie gave an encouraging smile and wink.  "And depending on what transpires in the pow wow... we can get back here for a cuppa and you can tell me all about yourself and meet the rest of the medical staff, deal?!"

[CMO's Office - Sickbay - Deck 7]

Liv nodded when Maggie asked if she could call her Olivia, before she introduced herself and shared a little of her background. Hearing that Maggie was also from Yorkshire, made Liv smile as she now had something in common with her new CMO. Shaking her hand as she moved round to do so, Liv continued to smile as she spoke. " Pleased to meet you, Maggie, its nice to meet another Yorkshire native and you can also call me Liv".

The new Doctor then proceeded to listen as Maggie then apologised for dropping her in it, in regards to the Briefing, before explaining the reasons why and giving Liv more of a background as to what to expect. As well as bringing her up to speed as to why Ruth needed a pick me up and what had happened prior to her and Kyle's arrival.

Absorbing every detail and at the same time, thinking that life was certainly more or less as to how they had left it and how she wouldn't change a thing. Besides there was nothing like a baptism of fire so to speak and as always Liv would embrace it fully.

" Thank you, for bringing up to speed on everything and I appreciate what's been happening and what we need to do, going forward to assist the command staff, as for the pick me up, I think a Nebula will help Ruth" Liv replied, thinking she could easily make one via the replicator, for the time being.

When Maggie then finished by suggesting tea, a catch up and meeting the others, depending on the outcome of the briefing, Liv liked that idea as it was a great way to get to know those she would be working with.

" That sounds good to me and let me make the Nebula, then we can get there so we're not keeping them waiting".

With that Liv went over to the replicator, selecting everything she would need to make a virgin Nebula without the alcohol and once that was ready, left Sickbay alongside Maggie.

[Briefing Room - Deck 1]

After a brief turbolift ride, both Liv and Maggie exited the lift and walked towards the Briefing Room, where she was informed about the biometric scan to gain entry. Nodding in acknowledgement, they then waited to be called in, Liv still holding the colourful cocktail in her hand.

[Sukal]

[Briefing Room - Deck 1 - USS Challenger]

Ruth looked up wondering who could be chiming.  She was pretty sure that Lt. Taray had sent someone, and she had asked that Crewman Gohun be present as well as Ensign Litt (who was soon to be Lt j.g. Litt for his professionalism when the Mjolnir was sabotaged as well as good reports from CPO Dradis.  It seemed that you young man fitted well with the crew.) to give their witness reports from the Mjolnir.

Assuming it was he, she was happy to let Lahr have his bit of fun and winked to let him know that it was ok, they all needed a bit of levity after the events of the past few weeks.  She hoped Sukal would let it slide too, though he wasn't your average no emotions Vulcan by any means!

She was utterly amazed when the door slid open and revealed...

"KYLE?!  I mean... well I obviously didn't get that memo, when did you get here what, when how... come in, come in.  Oh am I glad to see you!"

She decided that she knew each of the crew already in that room well enough to dispense with too much formality and stepped forward to give her friend a hug, she knew that after so long, even Liv would forgive that much. Thinking of Liv she smiled. "Is Liv on board?  I'd kill for a Nebula!" she winked.  "And Elijah... oh I'm so very very happy to see you, it seems like forever!"

Happy tears in her eyes she smiled around the room.  "Everyone, this is my dear friend Kyle Briggs, I... well I'm not even sure what he's doing here yet..." she chuckled, "...but if any of you need assurance that he is who he says he is, you have my word on it.  After the meeting please... my Ready Room for a chat!"  she smiled at Kyle giving him another quick squeeze.

"Have you met my First officer, Lt. Commander Sukal, Sukal this is Cap... erm... no I'm the Captain now, but I remember you as Captain Briggs!!"

"As do I, Captain," Sukal said as he stood up to greet his former superior.  "It has been some time since we last served together, but I remember you as Captain.  In any case, I am glad to have you back...even if in a different role.  I trust all is well with your family.  This ship could certainly use someone of your expertise."

It was good to see his former superior again, but there were things to do when the door chimed again.  This time, Sukal answered the door to find Olivia Briggs on the other side holding a rather colorful glass in her hand.  He had only briefly met Kyle's wife, but he remembered who she was instantly.

"You are just in time, Ensign Briggs.  Please, come on in.  I am sure the Captain will be happy to see you," he invited her in, and then went to take his seat back near the head of the table.

His mind went out to Emery and the children in hiding thanks to Leyton's ability to capture vulnerable targets and use them against officers and other Federation personnel.  Kyle and Olivia present made him think of them without his presence, and it left a sour taste in his mouth.  He began thinking of bringing them to the outpost, or even on the ship.  But, CHALLENGER was due for some nasty fights unless he missed his guess, and his wife was not a Starfleet officer like Olivia.  She knew the risks, had the training, but Emery did not.  Indeed, his wife was far too gentle to serve in such a capacity in a time of civil war.  Sukal put the thought out of his head as he focused on the meeting he had coming up.  It was his job to brief everyone on what had happened, and he had no intentions of letting it get bogged down.  Furthermore, there was the latest development as well.

"Captain, whenever you are ready, we should begin soon," he advised.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[CMO's Office - Sickbay - Deck 7]

Liv nodded when Maggie asked if she could call her Olivia, before she introduced herself and shared a little of her background. Hearing that Maggie was also from Yorkshire, made Liv smile as she now had something in common with her new CMO. Shaking her hand as she moved round to do so, Liv continued to smile as she spoke. " Pleased to meet you, Maggie, its nice to meet another Yorkshire native and you can also call me Liv".

The new Doctor then proceeded to listen as Maggie then apologised for dropping her in it, in regards to the Briefing, before explaining the reasons why and giving Liv more of a background as to what to expect. As well as bringing her up to speed as to why Ruth needed a pick me up and what had happened prior to her and Kyle's arrival.

Absorbing every detail and at the same time, thinking that life was certainly more or less as to how they had left it and how she wouldn't change a thing. Besides there was nothing like a baptism of fire so to speak and as always Liv would embrace it fully.

" Thank you, for bringing up to speed on everything and I appreciate what's been happening and what we need to do, going forward to assist the command staff, as for the pick me up, I think a Nebula will help Ruth" Liv replied, thinking she could easily make one via the replicator, for the time being.

When Maggie then finished by suggesting tea, a catch up and meeting the others, depending on the outcome of the briefing, Liv liked that idea as it was a great way to get to know those she would be working with.

" That sounds good to me and let me make the Nebula, then we can get there so we're not keeping them waiting".

With that Liv went over to the replicator, selecting everything she would need to make a virgin Nebula without the alcohol and once that was ready, left Sickbay alongside Maggie.

[Briefing Room - Deck 1]

After a brief turbolift ride, both Liv and Maggie exited the lift and walked towards the Briefing Room, where she was informed about the biometric scan to gain entry. Nodding in acknowledgement, they then waited to be called in, Liv still holding the colourful cocktail in her hand.

"As do I, Captain," Sukal said as he stood up to greet his former superior.  "It has been some time since we last served together, but I remember you as Captain.  In any case, I am glad to have you back...even if in a different role.  I trust all is well with your family.  This ship could certainly use someone of your expertise."

It was good to see his former superior again, but there were things to do when the door chimed again.  This time, Sukal answered the door to find Olivia Briggs on the other side holding a rather colorful glass in her hand.  He had only briefly met Kyle's wife, but he remembered who she was instantly.

"You are just in time, Ensign Briggs.  Please, come on in.  I am sure the Captain will be happy to see you," he invited her in, and then went to take his seat back near the head of the table.

His mind went out to Emery and the children in hiding thanks to Leyton's ability to capture vulnerable targets and use them against officers and other Federation personnel.  Kyle and Olivia present made him think of them without his presence, and it left a sour taste in his mouth.  He began thinking of bringing them to the outpost, or even on the ship.  But, CHALLENGER was due for some nasty fights unless he missed his guess, and his wife was not a Starfleet officer like Olivia.  She knew the risks, had the training, but Emery did not.  Indeed, his wife was far too gentle to serve in such a capacity in a time of civil war.  Sukal put the thought out of his head as he focused on the meeting he had coming up.  It was his job to brief everyone on what had happened, and he had no intentions of letting it get bogged down.  Furthermore, there was the latest development as well.

"Captain, whenever you are ready, we should begin soon," he advised.

[Briefing Room - USS Challenger]

"Liv!! Well that answers that question!" she winked at Kyle and went over to greet his wife.  "I hope that's for me!" she said nodding towards the cocktail in Liv's hand.

"I know someone else that might be interested in these,.." and nodded towards Lahr.  "Petty Officer, I suggest you get acquainted with Ensign Briggs here, cocktail expert and has the know how to make it all better after but keep the right side of her or her husband there will be locking you in the Brig."

It had finally twigged, and a quick glance at her PADD for notifications while the First Officer was chatting to Kyle, to confirm that the two of them were indeed now part of her crew, and Ruth couldn't stop grinning.

"I asked for a pick me up Maggie, but well even you couldn't have masterminded this level of genius!"

Maggie beamed back.  "Well, I have to say that I thought a cocktail was a little unorthodox as a pick me up but there was obviously things I didn't know.  Glad to see you smiling for once Captain... well I mean so spontaneously!"

"It's ok Maggie, I know what you mean, there hasn't been a lot to smile about lately. And yes Number One, I agree, let's get at it. Put out another call for Crewman Gohun, he can catch up when he's here, Ky... Lt. Briggs will take his own notes so Lt. Taray won't miss anything." Ruth agreed moving to the head of the table and waiting for everyone to sit down.

"I'll be as brief as possible, I have 5 points to note. The first 3 are quick as others will be taking up the reports on various things."

"First and happiest news is that we have the Briggs on board Lt. Kyle Briggs will be serving with us in the Security and Tactical Department, his wife Doctor, Ensign, Olivia, or as I know her, 'Liv', Briggs and her amazing Nebula cocktails, will be in Medical and they also have their adorable son Elijah.  We're also expecting a new engineer Mr. Lek, and another crewmember I think the memo said... I've read that many today already...in Medical, I may be confusing that with Liv's posting to the Challenger, I'll update whomever is the department head in due course."  Ruth took a breath and smiled.

"The second report from me is that as you're probably aware by now, the Mjolnir was sabotaged.  It was only thanks to Mr. Sukal here and the USS Belfast that we not only got a tow, got the girls to DS9 for the shuttle but got here 3 days early.  Now, I hope that someone got the message that Mr. ch'Verret and Mr. Lek were not to be included in the 'arrest anyone that was seen anywhere near the Mjolnir' message because they were there under my orders, and I know what for.  But someone on this ship unless it was the unfortunate Crewman Johns the Ops crewman who Lt.Cmdr. Amoreen..." she stole a glance at Sukal to see the response the name would still have on him.  "...shot in order to steal the shuttle she escaped on, in which case I think he's been punished enough, we still have to find the culprit for the sabotage. I have my suspicions but I can't work on just that.  I will leave it to Ensign... no... Mr. Litt would you come up here please?!"

She waited until Litt came to the head of the table and slipped over a box with two 'half pips' in.  "Congratulations, Lieutenant junior grade Litt.  Well deserved!"  She allowed him a moment to get back to his seat.  "Lt. jg. Litt and Crewman Gohun will report in due course to their observations on the sabotage, Mr. Lek I think has the update on what the Engineers on the USS Belfast completed and how far the repairs to that and the other Delta Flyers on Innominatum have been checked over.  Thus far, I believe that it was only the Mjolnir affected, thus I think I was the target."

Rolling her neck she heard it audibly clunk and then grinned.  "That's the quick bits.  If you'll all check your PADDs, I have made a document for you, and I'd like especially Operations to take note, Security if you can get or know any information on these ships that would stand to a tactical advantage as to their weapons and shielding that would be useful."

The Captain paused and allowed them to fire up padds to reveal the document.

"You will see in The Document a list of ships which Mr ch'Verret identified as those that had been around the USS Redav when we located it.  It transpires that the Captain of the USS Belfast was more than unusually chatty over dinner, he provided the information on these ships as supplied here.  Suffice to say I believe Mr. Sukal's mission brief will tie in with some of those areas."

"Last but most intriguing and definitely not least... Just before I came to the Briefing Room I received a communication.  No indication of whom it was from, so that's the first thing I want checked.  Secondly, what do you make of this?"  Ruth projected the two lines of the message onto the blank wall of the room.

Sen:  09NO13TY19EL
Def:  05JA09S80ON

"I will let you muse over that while I now hand over to Mr. Litt for a brief report on his observations on the sabotage, then I think Mr. ch'Verret and Mr. Lek will have something to add, Mr. Lek also on Engineering, Dr. York I don't think you have anything to add, but I would like you at some point to bring Dr. Briggs up to speed on the brain washing device and the notes left by Dr. Vaughan.  Then Mr. Sukal will outline our secondary mission.  For those new to the party this is all part of 'Operation Get Leyton'..." she wondered if they'd get the reference to the movie 'Get Carter' but it mattered not.  "... just breaking it down into bite sized pieces."

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

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

The unexpected sight of Kyle Briggs, former XO of the Challenger when Lahr first came aboard as a crewman had the Andorian staring in open mouthed surprise with his antenna waving about in confusion.

By the Captain's outburst she was just as surprised as he.  The Andorian was about to turn the man away and even put in a call to security thinking for once that Leyton had done a switch that could be spotted easily.  But the Captain vouched for the man, going so far as to rise from her chair and offer the man a hug.   Lahr just blinked.

�Okay... I guess that settles that..� he murmured uncertainly as he made his way back to his seat... sitting down a bit gingerly because of his broken? bruised? ribs.

His doubt flared again when the former Mess Hall owner, Kyle's wife, arrived as an ensign doctor.  Since when was she even Fleet?  Could someone pass the Academy in two short years?  Apparently so.... especially if they had a hand from Leyton's inside people he thought darkly.

Lahr's uncharacteristically suspicious mood put a damper on everything after that.  Lahr gave a slight uncertain wave towards the new doctor when the Captain mentioned her amazing Nebula's.

'Great.. let's just have the Captain announce to the entire senior staff that he was a lush'.

Even when the meeting began in earnest, Lahr kept glancing towards the two newcomers.  What was the point of having biometric security protocols on the room... if the Captain could just wave in anyone at all?   Oh well, it wasn't Lahr's department anymore... that was Security... now being looked after by said unchecked newcomer.

�Frak�

Lahr's antennae drooped unhappily while he continued to listen.

When the Captain mentioned the message she received with the two codes numbers. Lahr�s antenna perked.

�No way!  They couldn�t get that lucky, could they!?�

(OOC Post restored due to server outage - ShranLahr ch'Verret)

[Lek]

[Briefing Room - USS Challenger]

"Liv!! Well that answers that question!" she winked at Kyle and went over to greet his wife.  "I hope that's for me!" she said nodding towards the cocktail in Liv's hand.

"I know someone else that might be interested in these,.." and nodded towards Lahr.  "Petty Officer, I suggest you get acquainted with Ensign Briggs here, cocktail expert and has the know how to make it all better after but keep the right side of her or her husband there will be locking you in the Brig."

It had finally twigged, and a quick glance at her PADD for notifications while the First Officer was chatting to Kyle, to confirm that the two of them were indeed now part of her crew, and Ruth couldn't stop grinning.

"I asked for a pick me up Maggie, but well even you couldn't have masterminded this level of genius!"

Maggie beamed back.  "Well, I have to say that I thought a cocktail was a little unorthodox as a pick me up but there was obviously things I didn't know.  Glad to see you smiling for once Captain... well I mean so spontaneously!"

"It's ok Maggie, I know what you mean, there hasn't been a lot to smile about lately. And yes Number One, I agree, let's get at it. Put out another call for Crewman Gohun, he can catch up when he's here, Ky... Lt. Briggs will take his own notes so Lt. Taray won't miss anything." Ruth agreed moving to the head of the table and waiting for everyone to sit down.

"I'll be as brief as possible, I have 5 points to note. The first 3 are quick as others will be taking up the reports on various things."

"First and happiest news is that we have the Briggs on board Lt. Kyle Briggs will be serving with us in the Security and Tactical Department, his wife Doctor, Ensign, Olivia, or as I know her, 'Liv', Briggs and her amazing Nebula cocktails, will be in Medical and they also have their adorable son Elijah.  We're also expecting a new engineer Mr. Lek, and another crewmember I think the memo said... I've read that many today already...in Medical, I may be confusing that with Liv's posting to the Challenger, I'll update whomever is the department head in due course."  Ruth took a breath and smiled.

"The second report from me is that as you're probably aware by now, the Mjolnir was sabotaged.  It was only thanks to Mr. Sukal here and the USS Belfast that we not only got a tow, got the girls to DS9 for the shuttle but got here 3 days early.  Now, I hope that someone got the message that Mr. ch'Verret and Mr. Lek were not to be included in the 'arrest anyone that was seen anywhere near the Mjolnir' message because they were there under my orders, and I know what for.  But someone on this ship unless it was the unfortunate Crewman Johns the Ops crewman who Lt.Cmdr. Amoreen..." she stole a glance at Sukal to see the response the name would still have on him.  "...shot in order to steal the shuttle she escaped on, in which case I think he's been punished enough, we still have to find the culprit for the sabotage. I have my suspicions but I can't work on just that.  I will leave it to Ensign... no... Mr. Litt would you come up here please?!"

She waited until Litt came to the head of the table and slipped over a box with two 'half pips' in.  "Congratulations, Lieutenant junior grade Litt.  Well deserved!"  She allowed him a moment to get back to his seat.  "Lt. jg. Litt and Crewman Gohun will report in due course to their observations on the sabotage, Mr. Lek I think has the update on what the Engineers on the USS Belfast completed and how far the repairs to that and the other Delta Flyers on Innominatum have been checked over.  Thus far, I believe that it was only the Mjolnir affected, thus I think I was the target."

Rolling her neck she heard it audibly clunk and then grinned.  "That's the quick bits.  If you'll all check your PADDs, I have made a document for you, and I'd like especially Operations to take note, Security if you can get or know any information on these ships that would stand to a tactical advantage as to their weapons and shielding that would be useful."

The Captain paused and allowed them to fire up padds to reveal the document.

"You will see in The Document a list of ships which Mr ch'Verret identified as those that had been around the USS Redav when we located it.  It transpires that the Captain of the USS Belfast was more than unusually chatty over dinner, he provided the information on these ships as supplied here.  Suffice to say I believe Mr. Sukal's mission brief will tie in with some of those areas."

"Last but most intriguing and definitely not least... Just before I came to the Briefing Room I received a communication.  No indication of whom it was from, so that's the first thing I want checked.  Secondly, what do you make of this?"  Ruth projected the two lines of the message onto the blank wall of the room.

Sen:  09NO13TY19EL
Def:  05JA09S80ON

"I will let you muse over that while I now hand over to Mr. Litt for a brief report on his observations on the sabotage, then I think Mr. ch'Verret and Mr. Lek will have something to add, Mr. Lek also on Engineering, Dr. York I don't think you have anything to add, but I would like you at some point to bring Dr. Briggs up to speed on the brain washing device and the notes left by Dr. Vaughan.  Then Mr. Sukal will outline our secondary mission.  For those new to the party this is all part of 'Operation Get Leyton'..." she wondered if they'd get the reference to the movie 'Get Carter' but it mattered not.  "... just breaking it down into bite sized pieces."

[Briefing Room - USS Challenger]

Lek only half listened to the new people joining the crew. Between the station and the ship, new people were in and out constantly and he figured unless someone stayed around for at least six months, there simply wasn't a point in trying to get to know the 'free radicals' that floated around as common as hydrogen atoms in the universe. Lek did listen to the promotion of the flight ensign, but since he hadn't made it to the six month mile stone, he dismissed him as well.

He might be one of the least sociable members of the crew, but that was a choice, not because he was oblivious to others. He saw Lahr's expression and wondered what had bent him out of shape. He'd try to talk to him after the meeting to find out. The captain laid out what she had to say and Lek waited until she'd finished before he made his report, so he could get it out of the way early.

"Ma'am. As I'd checked out your shuttle just before your departure, the saboteur had only a very small window of opportunity to doctor your vehicle. Given the expertise the assassin displayed in her actions, it is reasonable to assume the same individual was responsible for leaving you stranded. I have personally inspected the Mjolnir and she is fully operational again. The inspections of, and level one diagnostics on, the other Delta Flyers will take another forty-eight hours."

Lek paused to let that sink in before he continued.

"The Challenger herself is also fully operational with the plasma conduit upgrade project now fifty-seven percent completed. All major systems are now fully capable of handling the power flow from both warp cores at the same time. Secondary systems are now the priority of work for the project.

"Finally, the special project you assigned to me and Petty Officer ch'Verret. We didn't have a lot of time to devote to our objective besides announcing our presence. However, given how fast Hecate's goons responded to even the suggestion of competition tells me her organization has completely infiltrated Innominatum station to the point that it jeopardizes the operational security of the station. I believe nothing classified should be discussed on the station and that the station is too compromised to be used for any further conferences.

"In order to get a more in depth understanding of Hecate's operations, Lahr and myself would have to devote substantial time to this project and I assess the threat to anyone assigned to the project as high. Subject to your questions, this concludes my report."

[Kali Reyes]

[USS Challenger - Turbolift]

Have you ever seen a Klingon and a Betazoid fight over a copy of Deltan mating rituals in the mecca of Starfleet knowledge before? Kali has. She saw plenty bizarre incidents during her stint on Memory Alpha, determined to keep sidestepping Starfleet until they properly put her where she really belonged - and that was Engineering, dammit.

Stagnation had crept up on her when she played the Operations game on the Discovery. Her fingers no longer stained with grease, but instead calluses typing up ATOs and quarterly evaluations. And one day, when she sat in the mess hall to drone about nothing but maintenance work she had no business taking part of, she decided enough was enough. She didn't want to oversee the warp core's maintenance - she wanted to actually do it for once.

Nathan followed her the second she used her flightiness to escape the ship. He just had a way of knowing when she was ready to run, but his pretty face made the whole thing less irritating. She wasn't sure how they argued their way into Memory Alpha in a tiny cargo ship, but he did make a very good point. It wouldn't hurt to notch another PhD into her belt before demanding Starfleet to put her to good use finally.

To her surprise, Nathan wanted to pursue a different career track in medical. Instead of another record disassembling a plasma rifle, he'd rather ask why they should do it in the first place. Maybe it was his previous service as a soldier that pushed him into therapy; he would not be the first nor the last veteran to endure the frontlines.

But he was a counselor now. She had to give him a bit of ribbing for that. So as they stood comfortably in the turbolift, (or him soldiering on with a calm at ease while she bounced on the balls of her feet with manic excitement), she tilted her head in his direction and said saucily, "If you try to prescribe me anything, it'll be you hit with a case of PTSD, Mr. Ryder."

[Nathan Ryder]

[USS Challenger - Turbolift]
But he was a counselor now. She had to give him a bit of ribbing for that. So as they stood comfortably in the turbolift, (or him soldiering on with a calm at ease while she bounced on the balls of her feet with manic excitement), she tilted her head in his direction and said saucily, "If you try to prescribe me anything, it'll be you hit with a case of PTSD, Mr. Ryder."

[USS Challenger - Turbolift]

While many Starfleet personnel cherished their Leaves, and any downtime that let them wear civilian garb, Nathan was much more comfortable in uniform. Even if this new one he had been given was a different color than he was used to. It was a mild fascination with the 'Human Condition' that had prompted him to pick a new career in counseling when he followed Kali across the cosmos to Memory Alpha. He had to do something while she was in class, and he did not much feel like rehashing the tactical courses he had taken in his younger years.

The tiniest of smirks pulled at the corner of his mouth as he heard Kali ribbing him as they rode the lift to find their new superiors. "You should be thankful Ms. Reyes. You have someone on your side within Medical now," he teased back. Someone who would at least try to head off any medications that would have an adverse reaction for the woman by his side. Nathan's voice softened as he gently reassured Kali, "I told you. I'm still me, even if my shirt's a different color. I'm not going to psychoanalyze you." ... Any more than he already did, in any case.

[Kyle Briggs]

[Briefing Room - Deck 1 - USS Challenger]

Kyle couldn't hold back his own grin. He had had the advantage of being able to read the crew manifest on the trip out and was aware of her having made Captain. He was very happy for her. She began firing question after question and he tried his best to throw an answer in between.

"I just arrived." "Liv is on board." "Elijah...." they just kept coming. They agreed to meet in her Ready Room later on as she introduced him to her First Officer.

"I'm very familiar with the Commander." Kyle replied as he turned to face the XO. He offered a slight head nod knowing how Vulcan's felt about physical contact. He remembered the man being only half Vulcan but he didn't want to seem rude and played it on the safe side. "It's great to see you again. Congratulations on your posting." As the two men briefly spoke, the doors parted once more and Liv walked in. The Captain's face lit up once again and the two women started talking as well.

As Kyle took his seat, he looked around the table. There were actually quite a few faces he was familiar with. He was feeling excited to get back to it.

The meeting began and Kyle pulled up the document the Captain had provided and was taking in the image of the two lines that was put up on the monitor. He would have to maul those offer a bit. He went back to listening as others gave the reports they were asked about.