S3:E5: Eliminating Shadows

[Sukal]

Bridge, USS Challenger

"Aye, Sir." Kyle replied as he began pulling up the current duty roster to see who was stationed at the port side turbo lift during the red alert and simultaneously giving his report. The XO was pissed about the dog getting by and rightfully so. Things could have been a lot worse. "Hecate is being escorted to the Briefing Room in order to get her out of the Ready Room. Amoreen is secured in the Brig and Sickbay is handling the two casualties that were transported over. And with you permission, Sir, I'll take care of the man that let the dog through." Kyle said in hopes of taking something of the First Officer's plate. It was already full enough. Kyle made a note for himself to request permission for the port side lift to start having video monitoring. He didn't like that it couldn't be seen from the Bridge and allowed access to the Captain's Ready Room.

Transporter Room One

NPC Lieutenant(jg) Reeves

Gayvn wasn't sure what to expect over on the Romulan ship so he decided to go with some muscle right off the bat. He had a Klingon officer, two of the biggest human men he could find and Cadet Gohun. He turned as the doors parted and the Chief Engineer entered.

"We're ready when you are, Sir." he said, addressing Lek.

PO2 ShranLahr
[USS Challenger-A - Deck One - Bridge - Ops Station]

When the Romulan drug-runner exited, Lahr made sure to keep his head down and his back to her.  It was unlikely that Hecate herself would have heard of Lahr but it was better to not test these things.  He wasn't worried about being recognized from behind because he'd often overheard from humans that Andorians all look alike, and he bet they looked even more alike from behind.

A short while later the Commander exited - without the Captain and announced that the Captain was injured...by tripping over a puppy?  Really!?  How the hell would a puppy have made it into her Ready room during a red alert?  Or was that just a made up cover story... and the Vulcan and Romulan were working in cahoots together??  Leyton and his agents were said to be able to brainwash people.. maybe the Commander had been brainwashed?

The Andorian was suspicious... and his suspicions only spiked when the new Security officer didn't question the circumstances of the Captain's "accident" and just claimed that he would deal with the one responsible.  Oh?  Was it all three (Sukal, Hecate and Briggs) working together for Leyton?

With the Captain out of the way... there would be no one to stop the Commander from taking over the ship and possibly leading the entire crew right into Leyton's hands.  Lahr swallowed in dread at his sudden turn of thoughts.   He needed find a way to break the brain-washing.

He knew it was possible.. Captain Torngate had gotten free of it.  Not that the doctors or scientists studying the device could honestly say whether it was the knock to his head that had clear it.   Lahr  really didn't want to have to take a bat to the Commander's head to simulate Torngate's head trauma.  But what other options were there?

Lahr was drawn out of his racing thoughts by a call for a status report.  Crap.  He supposed it was best to answer honestly for the moment... Lahr would have to bide his time and maybe find himself an ally with which to share his suspicions about the Commander and Lieutenant.

"All systems still show green, sir." he announced.  "Scans of the vicinity show no additional ships"  Yet.

Bridge

The mood on the Bridge shifted instantly.  He didn't have to be a strangely gifted telepath or empath to sense it after he took command.  On the one hand, Lieutenant Briggs was attempting to take any pressure off of him by dealing with the person responsible for the Captain's current condition while giving his report on current status.  Lahr was another matter.  The Andorian literally was a mess of nerves the moment Sukal took command.  That did not bode well for him.  It was true the change of command so suddenly was not pleasing for anyone to hear; nor to hear their Captain was incapacitated.  But, Lahr had never really seemed comfortable with his return from the first day he came aboard.  He wasn't sure what to do in order to change the Andorian's mood, but if it persisted - it could cause trouble in the chain of command and the efficiency of the ship.

He didn't bother probing Lahr's mind.  What would be the point?  If he did so, and acted upon anything he found there - it would likely ruin any chance of getting him to trust the First Officer.

"Thank you, Gentlemen.  Mr. Litt, prepare for us to return on our original heading.  As soon as Lek has a report on the Romulan ship; we will proceed with our mission at Warp Eight.  Mr. Briggs, I will let you deal with the breach of security during a Red Alert.  Mr. ch'Verret, I have no desire to be further surprised today.  Please, keep an eye out for any trouble on sensors...especially along our previous course for our mission.  All stations will remain at combat readiness."  Sukal paused as the mood of the crew was something he knew he must address.  He could only hope Admiral T'Ra Jones would approve of what he was about to say next.  "We must find a way to enter that nebula, and get into that station hiding inside.  The codes provided will hopefully help us.  I suspect the station is where we can find many of the answers we need in order to finally deal with the traitor, Leyton.  I need your very best, Companions.  I know you all barely know me, but if we can infiltrate this mysterious station and deal a serious blow to Leyton's operations - then perhaps I will finally earn my place among you.  For now, all I can do is ask you to trust me in the Captain's place.  She wants Leyton dealt with, and so do I," Sukal stated to the members of the Bridge Crew.  "Together, I believe we can do this."

He could only hope it helped change the mood of those present, because if not...well, the Captain was likely going to have his head for the second time.

[Lek]

Transporter Room One

NPC Lieutenant(jg) Reeves

Gayvn wasn't sure what to expect over on the Romulan ship so he decided to go with some muscle right off the bat. He had a Klingon officer, two of the biggest human men he could find and Cadet Gohun. He turned as the doors parted and the Chief Engineer entered.

"We're ready when you are, Sir." he said, addressing Lek.

[Transporter Room One - USS Challenger --> Engine Room - RSV Tal'bath]

Lek sighed and replied.

"Very well, energize."

Moments later the away team was on the Romulan ship and the tension was so high Lek thought he'd choke on it. Hoping to at least make a dent in the hostility, he smiled and spoke in a calming tone.

"I'm Lieutenant Lek from the USS Challenger. I am an engineer and I would like to help."

[Sukal]

[Transporter Room One - USS Challenger --> Engine Room - RSV Tal'bath]

Lek sighed and replied.

"Very well, energize."

Moments later the away team was on the Romulan ship and the tension was so high Lek thought he'd choke on it. Hoping to at least make a dent in the hostility, he smiled and spoke in a calming tone.

"I'm Lieutenant Lek from the USS Challenger. I am an engineer and I would like to help."

TAL'BATH

An older Romulan male faced the Ferengi with a grim look.  He was tall, angular, with no hair on his head, and his left arm was bleeding some from the attack of the Federation starship.  Yet, he had heard of Lieutenant Lek.  The Ferengi had earned something of a reputation, and so while others might not have taken a Ferengi Starfleet officer seriously - the older Romulan had no such qualms.

"My name is Ruvim - I am the Operations Chief.  Our Chief Engineer and Assistant are currently being looked at in the medical bay.  If you will come with me, I will take you to some of the more critically needed areas," the Romulan answered.  Both of the guards on either side of him relaxed a bit at his words, and he nodded for them continue their duties.  While it was clear that neither guard wished to leave Ruvim alone with the Starfleet personnel; they still obeyed their superior.  "Our damage is fairly extensive, but she is a good ship and still rather new.  I do find it curious that once you all attacked us; you are now over here helping us.  I assume our Captain has come to an agreement with your own."

Ruvim led the Federation team to Engineering where the area was a bit of a mess.  Some of the systems were sparking still, but the core was intact.  Several Romulan personnel were still working on repairs.

"Your reputation proceeds you, Lieutenant.  Some of us have heard of your skills at keeping your ship intact during battle even under the most adverse conditions," Ruvim continued as he went over to one of the consoles which seemed to be the Main Engineering station.  "Impulse and warp drive is down, shields are fused for the moment, and we have damages to the Bridge, as well as Decks Three and Seven."

[Zavrol Gohun]

The last few minutes were as a blur for Gohun as he went to the transporter room. Brining nothing but what was assigned to him as a security guard. These items being a phaser and a tricorder.  After setting his tricorder to constant scan he put in back in the holder on his uniform. Putting his phaser also in the holder as the away party was not going to pick a fight.
This is it. This was the reason that he joined Starfleet. He was very excited about what would happen next. Gohun went on the transporter pad and readied himself for anything.

[Transporter Room One - USS Challenger --> Engine Room - RSV Tal'bath]
Lek sighed and replied.

"Very well, energize."

Moments later the away team was on the Romulan ship and the tension was so high Lek thought he'd choke on it. Hoping to at least make a dent in the hostility, he smiled and spoke in a calming tone.

"I'm Lieutenant Lek from the USS Challenger. I am an engineer and I would like to help."

[Lek]

TAL'BATH

An older Romulan male faced the Ferengi with a grim look.  He was tall, angular, with no hair on his head, and his left arm was bleeding some from the attack of the Federation starship.  Yet, he had heard of Lieutenant Lek.  The Ferengi had earned something of a reputation, and so while others might not have taken a Ferengi Starfleet officer seriously - the older Romulan had no such qualms.

"My name is Ruvim - I am the Operations Chief.  Our Chief Engineer and Assistant are currently being looked at in the medical bay.  If you will come with me, I will take you to some of the more critically needed areas," the Romulan answered.  Both of the guards on either side of him relaxed a bit at his words, and he nodded for them continue their duties.  While it was clear that neither guard wished to leave Ruvim alone with the Starfleet personnel; they still obeyed their superior.  "Our damage is fairly extensive, but she is a good ship and still rather new.  I do find it curious that once you all attacked us; you are now over here helping us.  I assume our Captain has come to an agreement with your own."

Ruvim led the Federation team to Engineering where the area was a bit of a mess.  Some of the systems were sparking still, but the core was intact.  Several Romulan personnel were still working on repairs.

"Your reputation proceeds you, Lieutenant.  Some of us have heard of your skills at keeping your ship intact during battle even under the most adverse conditions," Ruvim continued as he went over to one of the consoles which seemed to be the Main Engineering station.  "Impulse and warp drive is down, shields are fused for the moment, and we have damages to the Bridge, as well as Decks Three and Seven."

[Engineering - RSV Tal-bath]

Lek wasn't sure what took him aback more, the lack of hostility from the older Romulan or that he was known within the Empire. The first was a curiosity, the second was terrifying in its implications. Managing to keep the smile on his face as he replied to the Romulan's first question.

"I know your captain met with mine, I have to assume the came to some agreement of some sort. I was not privy to the discussion."

Lek could see where the damage would be overwhelming from the sheer number of systems that were damaged. Whenever he found himself in such a situation, he knew exactly the question to ask.

"Given all you have going on here, what's the heaviest rock? What is the most critical repair?"

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A - Deck One - Bridge - Ops station]

"Thank you, Gentlemen.  Mr. Litt, prepare for us to return on our original heading.  As soon as Lek has a report on the Romulan ship; we will proceed with our mission at Warp Eight.  Mr. Briggs, I will let you deal with the breach of security during a Red Alert.  Mr. ch'Verret, I have no desire to be further surprised today.  Please, keep an eye out for any trouble on sensors...especially along our previous course for our mission.  All stations will remain at combat readiness."  Sukal paused as the mood of the crew was something he knew he must address.  He could only hope Admiral T'Ra Jones would approve of what he was about to say next.  "We must find a way to enter that nebula, and get into that station hiding inside.  The codes provided will hopefully help us.  I suspect the station is where we can find many of the answers we need in order to finally deal with the traitor, Leyton.  I need your very best, Companions.  I know you all barely know me, but if we can infiltrate this mysterious station and deal a serious blow to Leyton's operations - then perhaps I will finally earn my place among you.  For now, all I can do is ask you to trust me in the Captain's place.  She wants Leyton dealt with, and so do I," Sukal stated to the members of the Bridge Crew.  "Together, I believe we can do this."

He could only hope it helped change the mood of those present, because if not...well, the Captain was likely going to have his head for the second time.

Lahr turned in his seat to glance towards the Commander, his antenna swiveling towards the Vulcan hybrid when the man addressed him.   Lahr nodded.   It was what he was doing already.

"Yessir."

He turned away as the Commander began his speech.  It sounded so earnest... Lahr's antenna twitched uncertainly.  Did the Vulcan mean what he was saying or were they just words to lull Lahr and the others into trusting him?  Maybe if he got word to Dr. York she could do some sort of scan to check for brain-washing... was that even possible?

Only one way to find out.

Discreetly, while doing his usually scans, Lahr opened a message to Dr. York.  He chose York because she was CMO and would have all of Dr. Vaughan previous research on the brainwashing device.

To: Dr. Margaret York
From: PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
Re:  Brainwashing
Priority: Urgent and Confidential

Dr. York is there a way to detect Leyton's brainwashing in those he has gotten a hold of?  Please reply back discreetly.  I am concerned that the ship has been infiltrated far up the chain of command.

ch'Verret

Lahr sent the message and waited for a reply impatiently.

[Olivia Briggs]

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Following the results from the scans, Liv had begun the steps to treat Ruth, putting her new skills into practice and remained professional throughout, despite the personal connection between her and the Captain. One thing she had learned, was to not let her emotions overrule situations like this, when she had to treat a friend or loved one and how she would give them the same amount of care as a stranger.

Her first priority was to treat the head wound, assisted by one of the nurses, who deftly and efficiently handed Liv the equipment she needed. Even the continued sound of the red alert, did little to distract her from her focus as she reminded herself why she was here.

Once healed satisfactorily, Liv then placed the neural stimulator onto Ruth's forehead, knowing that it was now up to her friend to come round, when she was ready and all she could do now, was to keep her stable and watch the readouts.

[Kyle Briggs]

Tactical station, Bridge, USS Challenger

Kyle hadn't been expecting to be thrown back into the Command scene so soon but he understood the need. It was good to be back but he was kind of bummed about not getting to go on the Away Team. He sent a message for Crewman Perry to meet with him after this situation was over. Kyle wanted to know what he was thinking when he allowed the CO's dog through during a Red Alert. His attention was drawn back to the other corner of his console where he was still monitoring the Andorian's Ops station. What he saw disturbed him.

To: Dr. Margaret York
From: PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
Re:  Brainwashing
Priority: Urgent and Confidential

Dr. York is there a way to detect Leyton's brainwashing in those he has gotten a hold of?  Please reply back discreetly.  I am concerned that the ship has been infiltrated far up the chain of command.

ch'Verret

He had briefly read over the incidents before his arrival and remembered seeing something on brainwashing. He glanced over at the XO. Could he be brainwashed? Kyle thought to himself. Or what if Lahr himself was brainwashed and this was an attempt for him to remove the Command staff in favor of Leyton. Kyle had worked with both men before and felt that if he could get some alone time with each man, he'd be able to tell if they were on the up and up. Now he needed to figure out how to accomplish this during a Red Alert and with the Captain out of commission.

[Engineering - RSV Tal-bath]

Gayvn had paired himself with the Chief Engineer. He had sort of sensed the Ferengi's annoyance for having a security detail and Gayvn was make the most out of it. He didn't know the first thing about what they needed to repair but that didn't stop his insincere offer.

"Anything I can do to help you with, Sir?"

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

NPC Lt Kiqqexa Taray
[USS Challenger - Deck Nine - Chief Tactical Officer's office - awhile back]

Kiqqexa had managed to make it down to her office before the crampy feeling spiked.  Her hopes of just resting down in her office was cut short by an increase in her abdominal pain.  Damn! Was she due for her menses??  That's kind of what the cramps felt like but stronger than she usually felt them.  'Cruk.'  She didn't have time for this.

With a grimace she sent a quick message to the Sickbay Duty Nurse asking for a single dose prescription of ibuprofen to deal with a case of bad menstrual cramps.  All medication on a starship was tightly controlled.

She was already on her way down when she got a reply back from Nurse Davis - her prescription would be ready and waiting.

[USS Challenger - Deck Three - Officer quarters - awhile back]

After having picked up her prescription which had been left at the front desk at Sickbay, Taray officially booked off the rest of her shift.  She hated to do so especially during a yellow alert but working with these cramps wouldn't be productive at all.  Briggs could cover things off and hopefully her meds would kick in and she'd be good to go by the time they arrived at the station.

Taray popped the ibuprofen, feeling a bit lightheaded, so she headed to her room to lay down.

It seemed she had just laid down when the Red Alert klaxon sounded.  'Cruk'  Taray jumped to her feet.  She had to get back up to the Bridge to help Briggs... but the room suddenly spun as her lightheadedness overcame her.  She took two steps towards the door before suddenly collapsing.

[Richard James Litt]

[USS Challenger · Deck 1 · Bridge · Helm]

A lot of the thing happened in the ship in a short period of time. But the most impressive of them was the fact that the captain was down and Mr. Sukal was taking control of the ship. Litt nodded with his head sometimes, trying to swallow the news.

Moments latter, when Mr. Sukal asked about a report from each station and Litt quickly looked at his panel, running a diagnostic about the flight systems and said that it was all right.

Bridge

"Mr. Litt, prepare for us to return on our original heading.  As soon as Lek has a report on the Romulan ship; we will proceed with our mission at Warp Eight."

"Aye sir... 1 sec..." He looked for the original heading, since he was not in charge earlier and in the moment he found, he set that heading again. "Done sir... Just give me the order and we'll fly away."

[Sukal]

[Engineering - RSV Tal-bath]

Lek wasn't sure what took him aback more, the lack of hostility from the older Romulan or that he was known within the Empire. The first was a curiosity, the second was terrifying in its implications. Managing to keep the smile on his face as he replied to the Romulan's first question.

"I know your captain met with mine, I have to assume the came to some agreement of some sort. I was not privy to the discussion."

Lek could see where the damage would be overwhelming from the sheer number of systems that were damaged. Whenever he found himself in such a situation, he knew exactly the question to ask.

"Given all you have going on here, what's the heaviest rock? What is the most critical repair?"

RVS TAL'BATH
Engineering

Ruvim nodded towards the shield matrix station in answer to the Ferengi's question.  "The shield grid is literally fused at the moment.  In order for it to have more power - it is tied directly into the warp core and impulse drive units, but your ship's attack hit all three sections at once.  In doing so, with the shields down, your attack fused the shield grid completely.  In my time as an Operations Officer - I have yet to see such a disaster, but with your experience - perhaps you would know better how to handle it."

USS CHALLENGER-A
Bridge

Sukal knew the Captain would want the Romulan ship to remain intact, and he knew that the sooner Lek got the ship repaired - the sooner they could get underway to their original destination.  The tension on the Bridge he had felt when taking over had not really abated as much as he had hoped, and he could only hope Doctor Briggs was able to get the Captain up and about soon.  There was the distinct feeling of something unpleasant on the Bridge, and it almost made him violate his own code of not scanning others telepathically...almost.  No matter what was going on - there had to be a clear sign of trouble for him to do that, and Sukal was a man of honor.  He had to keep the crew busy until they could get the TAL'BATH up and running again.

But, there was little to do at this point.  All he could do was wait...a waiting which made the First Officer feel as if time were most certainly not on his side.  It was once said that no Starfleet crew had ever committed mutiny, but that was a long time ago.  Since Leyton's Rebellion - that was no longer the case, and hadn't been for some time.  He almost wished for an encounter with the Borg.  It would have been easier in many ways, because then he at least would be giving the crew an enemy to fight that they could see and understand.  Leyton, however, created mistrust and division.

"Sukal to Lieutenant Lek, you have fourteen hours to get the TAL'BATH ready.  After that, we continue on our mission.  Take whatever personnel you need to get this done.  I am sure Ms. Reyes would be of some use to you over there." he ordered when he contacted the away team.

=/\=End Part One=/\=