S3:E6 Eliminating Shadows, Part II

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck Eighteen -  Transporter Room 2]

[Transporter Room 2]
[As CPO T'ealc, Medical]

"Are you ok Petty Officer?" the medic asked of Lahr, noting his antennae position.  "I'm a little apprehensive of this away mission myself, but orders are orders, and it is my duty to serve."

As the Ensign in teal moved to one side for her she thanked him.

"Thank you Ensign, and perhaps we could work together on this one, assuming we can find the cat!  I like cats so I'm happy to bring the poor thing back to the Challenger and look after it once we've taken whatever readings are needed from the creature.  Chief T'ealc..." the Vulcan woman knew it was more common for species throughout the galaxies to shake hands so she tentatively stuck out a hand to shake.

"...I believe you are new to the ship?  Regarding the Mission... from what the CMO told me, we're here to look for a) any persons that have been kidnapped by Leyton - although PO Grelek has just confirmed that the only living creature is this cat... b) Any data left by Leyton or his henchmen, and finally c) this could have been the facility used for the brainwashing... so any equipment or anything left behind, records and I suppose now we have a sub-mission d) find out where the hell they've moved the hostages/kidnapped persons to."

The question from the medic was unexpected. Lahr looked over to the female Vulcan and nodded.  "I'm fine, ma'am."

How believable his response was, was debatable.  But before the Chief Petty officer could comment back they were distracted by the arrival of a new Ensign, to whom Teal'c introduced herself and answered the man's question as to what the mission parameters were.  Lahr looked on quietly - not his usual self.  Normally Lahr was the first to greet new shipmates, but now each newcomer was a potential Leyton operative with an agenda to take over or destroy the ship.

It was with this suspicion in mind that Lahr regarded the new science officer.  So it was a bit of a shock to hear the man comment on exactly that.

Security was armed with phasers. He turned to the Andorian. "We just met. I won't deceive you. I promise you," he saw the stress level of the antenna on the head of this blue skin Crew member. "Unless you don't trust your own shadow," he laughed. Though he would not trust the Ferengi like an Andorian not trusting nobody. Then he stepped on the transporter pad next to the Andorian.

The man's blunt statement of not deceiving Lahr set off alarms for the Andorian.  It seemed rather obvious to Lahr that the man was telepathic and had been reading his thoughts.  The Andorian's antenna drew back further hearing the man's comment and laughter of Lahr being afraid of his own shadow.

"Get out of my head!" he snapped, before noticing that Lt Briggs and Commander Sukal had arrived.

Bridge

Kyle was so shocked by the proceedings with Lahr that he almost didn't hear the XO tell him that he was on the Away Team. It took him a second to respond.

He cleared his throat. "Aye, Commander." he replied as he keyed in a command down to the Armory. He knew that Crewman Tragnar was down there doing a weapons inventory so he requested she bring or send the weapons he was requisitioning to the turbo lift where he could stop and grab them on his way down to Transporter Room 2 on Deck eighteen. He ordered five hand phasers. Two each for himself and Gohun and one for Sukal should the need arise. He didn't know what to expect over there and he didn't want to be caught short handed. If need be, he could give the phasers to some of the others as well. With that done, he sent word for Blackfeather to report to the Bridge. As part of his extra duties, Perry was on the Bridge for Security/Tactical backup but if anything went down and the ship had to go to red alert and engage any hostiles, Kyle wanted someone with experience at the controls. Finally, he sent word to Liv to let her know that he was going over with the Away Team. He then stood by while Doctor York finally cleared up any of Lahr's suspicion's and waited for his relief to arrive. Several minutes later, the lift doors split and Blackfeather stepped out and made his way to Kyle. He must have felt the tension on the Bridge cause he gave Kyle a What the hell's going on? look. "Later." Kyle mouth. Now he was just waiting on the XO.

Lahr wasn't sure if this away mission could get any worse, but if so the Andorian figured it would likely happen.  With a sigh, he stepped up onto the transporter pad.. still unsure why the hell he'd been asked to go along.

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

NPC Crewman Helga Tragnar
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck Nine - Armory]

It was Tim who pointed out to Helga that she'd missed a firearms request by the Lieutenant.   Quickly the two gathered together the weapons, though by the time Helga proper paper work filled out Lt Briggs was already at the door to the Armory.

Tim sharply passed them over and had the Lieutenant sign out the weapons, all while apologizing for not having them ready in time to bring down the Transporter room.   Not once did he hint that it was Helga's fault that the request was nearly missed.

After the Lieutenant left , Helga looked over to Tim and gave him a nod.  "Thanks. I owe you one."

Tim smiled back and grinned. "Really?  Then you can have the cola, instead of me."

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

NPC (Lt jg) Nurse Chloe Davis
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck Seven - Sickbay ]

With the examination rooms prepared.  Chloe sought out Dr. York to let her know.  She found her in her office with Dr. Briggs.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, Doctors.  The examination rooms are ready."

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

NPC Crewman T'Varn
[USS Challenger-A - Deck 4 - corridor]

[Mess Hall]

"Ah, damn! The processor is completely fried!"

Kali turned just as the presumably Vulcan companion spoke and watched as two burly crewman tried to separate the malfunctioning replicator from the others before they too shorted out.

"Absolutely I did," she lied to the Vulcan, and then absently turning away. "You should write up my malfeasance as a commendation. Lucky, lucky. Hey!" She barked at one of the men. "Unplug that before you move it!"

The Vulcan considered the woman's comment, watching the work of the engineers for a brief moment before moving to access another replicator.  She ordered, a glass of water with a slice of cucumber and a sliced tolik fruit.

After her food had appeared, T'Varn moved to sit at a table.  She didn't have her PADD with her or she would have done as the woman suggested... for now she made a mental note to search up who the Petty Officer was and write up a cultural commendation.  It was notable to see such good cultural exchange.

[Don Damien Addams]

[USS Challenger]

"Get out of my head!" he snapped, before noticing that Lt Briggs and Commander Sukal had arrived.

"I am not in your head. I am standing right here next to you," he declared angrily. He stood up tall. This Andorian had accused him something he did not do. Was he want a fight? He will get one. Then a senior staff voice in his head who had once warned him about his temper on wanting to fight does not apply in Starfleet.  "If it pleases you I keep my shadow off yours. Fear is the biggest enemy one can have," he shared in a stubborn tone.

[Zavrol Gohun]

Crewman Gohun paces in his quarters looking over the daily briefing. Looks like a fun day as most of security has been prepped to board the station that someone named Leyton was hiding out in. Gohun didn't care about the politics of what was going on as long as he got a chance to do something. Reading over the briefing notes had made note of the equipment that was being sent with security. A phaser rifle and a tricorder. Good to note. Hopefully, he will be chosen to go aboard but if he does not he will be ready to defend the ship.
With that Gohun received a message to go to  Transporter Room 2 and ran to be part of the team.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A - Deck Eighteen - Transporter Room 2]

[USS Challenger]

"I am not in your head. I am standing right here next to you," he declared angrily. He stood up tall. This Andorian had accused him something he did not do. Was he want a fight? He will get one. Then a senior staff voice in his head who had once warned him about his temper on wanting to fight does not apply in Starfleet.  "If it pleases you I keep my shadow off yours. Fear is the biggest enemy one can have," he shared in a stubborn tone.

The angry response he got back wasn't unexpected but the wording was.  As Lahr waited on teh transporter pad, he frowned towards the irate science officer.  How frak'n literal was the guy?  Was he part Vulcan?

Lahr actually glanced to the man's ears to see if they showed any sign of tapering.  But nope the man's facial features were as unVulcan as any humanoid.  But wait... the man's eyes! Beyond wearing ridiculous looking glasses, the Ensign's pupils were completely black...

Ha! so he had been right - the man was a telepath!

This discovery seemed proven even further when the Ensign continued on stubbornly stating he would keep off of Lahr's shadow.  Lahr hoped that meant he would leave him alone.. but the next words out of the man's mouth seems to hint that he'd already taken a peek into his mind to see the apprehension he had with pretty much everyone on this away team.   New folk to Challenger since Innominatum.. one and all.. other than Lahr.

Lahr let out a sigh and waited.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Bridge]

A beep from her arm PADD momentarily startled Ruth.  Incoming message from Starfleet.  As she read over it she frowned.  Something personal for Sukal, but marked urgent.

=/\=Bridge to Commander Sukal and Lt. Briggs.  Number One, urgent private message from Starfleet, I'll put it through to your office.  Mr. Briggs once you have the team please beam over immediately.  Sigurdsdottir out. 

Sighing she knew that Kyle knew the mission brief, and that unless they'd booby-trapped the station there wasn't going to be much danger from a cat and a few minor rodents!

[Sickbay - Challenger]

" Not a problem at all and although its no Nebula, it's definitely going to hit the spot" Liv replied, with a slight wink as she took an appreciative sip of her caramel mocha. Listening as Maggie then told her about each of the four cadets and asked if she had a preference over who she wanted to deal with, once they finished their drinks.

Thinking it over as she accepted the PADD, Liv then made her decision. " I have no particular preference but I don't mind dealing with Olivia and Rosario".

Of course there was a kind of familiarity with the Martian cadet with them sharing a name and hoped that would go some way to make the physical a little more bearable. At the mention of going to the assessment room where Chloe was setting things up, Liv nodded, especially with the added security sent courtesy of her husband. The thought of Kyle, always made her happy as she acknowledged what had been said.

" Good plan, especially as we don't know what we'll uncover and its better to keep it as contained as possible". she said, as Maggie then asked about Kixa.

" She's currently resting but we've come up with a prenatal plan going forward and not yet, although I do have a report ready to send up to her".

[AS Dr. Maggie York]

"Good, good, but the operation was a success so far as we know so far.  Well done Olivia.  We'll celebrate that with a few Nebula's after we've done these! Let's get at them, I'm happy to do Mr'aarra and Haihes.  Let's get them in and get on with it."  She signalled to the Security detail that she was about to go into the room with a small nod of the head.  The most senior the 4 nodded back and started moving closer in a non-obtrusive way.

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck Eighteen -  Transporter Room 2]

NPC (Lt jg) Nurse Chloe Davis
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck Seven - Sickbay ]

With the examination rooms prepared.  Chloe sought out Dr. York to let her know.  She found her in her office with Dr. Briggs.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, Doctors.  The examination rooms are ready."

"No, no Chloe that's fine.  You're welcome to help with them if you want, or to observe, or to go do the rounds and check on Kixa Taray, whatever you feel like doing that's the chore list but grab yourself a drink first and take 10.  You've worked hard to get the room prepped and I appreciate it."

She took Chloe to one side and said in a low voice.  "Look, if I went off on you a bit earlier, I'm sorry.  Just..." the CMO paused and smiled.  "You're far too good a nurse for me to have to put a black mark in your record.  I'm not going to say any more about it."

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck Eighteen -  Transporter Room 2]

The question from the medic was unexpected. Lahr looked over to the female Vulcan and nodded.  "I'm fine, ma'am."

How believable his response was, was debatable.  But before the Chief Petty officer could comment back they were distracted by the arrival of a new Ensign, to whom Teal'c introduced herself and answered the man's question as to what the mission parameters were.  Lahr looked on quietly - not his usual self.  Normally Lahr was the first to greet new shipmates, but now each newcomer was a potential Leyton operative with an agenda to take over or destroy the ship.

It was with this suspicion in mind that Lahr regarded the new science officer.  So it was a bit of a shock to hear the man comment on exactly that.

The man's blunt statement of not deceiving Lahr set off alarms for the Andorian.  It seemed rather obvious to Lahr that the man was telepathic and had been reading his thoughts.  The Andorian's antenna drew back further hearing the man's comment and laughter of Lahr being afraid of his own shadow.

"Get out of my head!" he snapped, before noticing that Lt Briggs and Commander Sukal had arrived.

Lahr wasn't sure if this away mission could get any worse, but if so the Andorian figured it would likely happen.  With a sigh, he stepped up onto the transporter pad.. still unsure why the hell he'd been asked to go along.

[USS Challenger]

"I am not in your head. I am standing right here next to you," he declared angrily. He stood up tall. This Andorian had accused him something he did not do. Was he want a fight? He will get one. Then a senior staff voice in his head who had once warned him about his temper on wanting to fight does not apply in Starfleet.  "If it pleases you I keep my shadow off yours. Fear is the biggest enemy one can have," he shared in a stubborn tone.

[Transporter Room 2]

[AS CPO T'ealc - Medical]

"Just let me know if I can be of any assistance, anytime Petty Officer." T'ealc offered.  She was a little surprised at his outburst at the Science Officer.

"I can concur, while I wouldn't be privy to what the communication was, since I am Vulcanoid my senses would tingle slightly if there were any telepathic activity going on.  There wasn't, and I promise I won't either, unless it was a means to communicate danger non-verbally in a terse situation.  And I mean if I had no other option."

She stepped onto the transporter pad as the call came through for Sukal and Briggs.

"I trust everything is well for you Commander." she said offering a bow of the head to her fellow Vulcan.

[Sukal]

Transporter Room II

Sukal had only just arrived with Lieutenant Briggs and was about to order them beamed over to the station, but then a call came in from the Captain.

=/\=Bridge to Commander Sukal and Lt. Briggs.  Number One, urgent private message from Starfleet, I'll put it through to your office.  Mr. Briggs once you have the team please beam over immediately.  Sigurdsdottir out. 

An urgent private message from Starfleet could not bode well.  For one, Starfleet Command did not send private message to officers in the field unless something was seriously wrong.  That it was directed to him only made Sukal stiffen as he stood straighter on the transporter pad.  He looked around at his Away Team members, and knew the troubles they were likely to face before finishing this mission.  He was suppose to lead them, but half of them didn't even trust or know him.  To lead meant earning the trust of those who followed you.  Sure, their orders were to do so, but orders were not loyalty.

"Understood, Captain.  I am on my way," Sukal answered her, before turning back to Kyle.  "The mission is your's, Old Friend.  Be wary of traps.  Leyton already trapped one abandoned starship in the hopes of taking some senior officers with it.  I would hate for that to happen to you and the team," he warned him, and then with a solemn nod to the rest he prepared to leave.

When he reached the door, he turned back to the members on the transporter pad.  "You must learn to trust each other.  You must learn to work past cultural differences, and you must learn to adapt.  Lieutenant Briggs is a very experienced Away Team Leader.  None of you may know him very well, or each other, but if you do not learn to trust and adapt...then Leyton will always win.  Don't let him succeed again, please."  His eyes took in every member of the Away Team:  Kyle, Lek, Lahr, T'ealc, and Jasper, and held their gaze for ten seconds each before actually leaving them.

No call from Starfleet Command that was marked private and urgent was ever good, but something within Sukal had a sudden twisted and he felt the dire need to be on the Bridge getting that message.  Down the hall he raced to the lift, and willed it to go faster after he was in.  Once it opened, the First Officer barged onto the Bridge and into his office immediately.  He didn't even sit down at his desk as his heart raced and he turned the terminal towards him.  Something was wrong with Emery and the children.  He knew it.  He had already lost one loved one to his duties in Starfleet, and that was part of the reason he had left the service.  The shuttle which had exploded carrying his fiancee just has she had been heading back to Earth was something he had never forgotten.  If something had happened to Emery and the children...

"Computer, accept Starfleet transmission:  Commander Sukal:  India-Victor-Alpha-Nine-Oscar-Victor-Alpha.

On the screen came up none other than Vice-Admiral Kathryn Janeway.  He gulped hard at the site of the legendary officer.  Of all the officers he could have heard from; hearing from her was the worst.  She was the only one in Starfleet Command who had access to where his wife and children were being kept in seclusion away from Leyton's forces.  To get a call from her could only be the worst.

"I am sorry to disturb you, Commander, but your family has been attacked by forces belonging to the traitor, Leyton.  In the attack, your wife and eldest daughter were wounded, but it isn't all bad news.  The attack was defeated, and those responsible were killed or captured.  Your family is currently staying with me, and your wife and eldest daughter are being tended to by my personal doctor at Starfleet Medical under constant supervision." the Admiral informed him gravely.

Sukal staggered back at the news.  While not completely bad...it was certainly not good.  He had returned to Starfleet to help put the Federation back together, to deal with the treachery within and help mend the damage done.  Now, his family had been attacked by those traitors.  There were, however, no tears from the First Officer.  He refused to break down in front of the Admiral.

"As we agreed before you came back to help us out; I am sending the nearest ship to get you home.  Emery's injuries are not as severe as Lauren's, but they most certainly need you back home.  The Doctor informed me that both will recover in time.  I am very sorry that this has happened to them, Sukal.  You have my promise that they will be well taken care of when you come home.  Oddly enough, I know how much you have always wanted to serve on the ENTERPRISE, but she is the nearest ship to you at this time.  Expect her arrival in the next four hours," Janeway continued with sorrow etched in her slightly worn facial features.

Sukal could only nod at her for a moment before replying, "I understand, Admiral.  Thank you for taking care of them.  Let my children know I am coming home, and that I love and miss them terribly."

"I will, Sukal.  I'll see you when you get back.  Janeway, out," and thus the transmission ended.

For Commander Sukal, there were two things which he wished he could do.  One, he wished he could throttle Leyton to death, and the other was he wished he was a Q at the moment - if only to suddenly get back home to his family.  He had only come back to help...nothing more.  Not that a certain Andorian had appreciated what he had sacrificed to do so.  Not that anyone other than Ruth had cared how much it had cost him to return to duty for the sake of the Federation and Starfleet.  Well, there was nothing for it now.

Back onto the Bridge he came, and down to the Command Deck to face his friend.  "The ENTERPRISE-E will be arriving in three hours to take me home, Captain.  My family was attacked by Leyton, and both my wife and eldest daughter are at Starfleet Medical wounded," he explained as he glanced back at the view screen of the station where the Away Team would be working even now.  "The rest are safe...for the moment, but...they hurt my wife...hurt my eldest girl, Lauren.  I have to be there for them," he whispered as the emotions began to show through his Vulcan control.

[Olivia Briggs]

NPC (Lt jg) Nurse Chloe Davis
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck Seven - Sickbay ]

With the examination rooms prepared.  Chloe sought out Dr. York to let her know.  She found her in her office with Dr. Briggs.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, Doctors.  The examination rooms are ready."

[AS Dr. Maggie York]

"Good, good, but the operation was a success so far as we know so far.  Well done Olivia.  We'll celebrate that with a few Nebula's after we've done these! Let's get at them, I'm happy to do Mr'aarra and Haihes.  Let's get them in and get on with it."  She signalled to the Security detail that she was about to go into the room with a small nod of the head.  The most senior the 4 nodded back and started moving closer in a non-obtrusive way.

"No, no Chloe that's fine.  You're welcome to help with them if you want, or to observe, or to go do the rounds and check on Kixa Taray, whatever you feel like doing that's the chore list but grab yourself a drink first and take 10.  You've worked hard to get the room prepped and I appreciate it."

She took Chloe to one side and said in a low voice.  "Look, if I went off on you a bit earlier, I'm sorry.  Just..." the CMO paused and smiled.  "You're far too good a nurse for me to have to put a black mark in your record.  I'm not going to say any more about it."

[Challenger Sickbay]

The praise Liv received in regards to Kixa and how the operation had gone so far, was appreciated and so was the suggestion of a Nebula or two, once they were done with the cadet evals. " Thanks Maggie, I'm glad I was the one on shift to help Kixa and a couple of Nebula's after this, does sound good" she replied, as Maggie told her that she was happy to deal with the other two cadets.

" Yes let's" she agreed in reply to getting on with it and acknowledged the Security officer's that Kyle had sent, before they were approached by Chloe. Liv smiled as she informed them that the examination rooms were ready. Unsure as to what had happened when Maggie then spoke to her, but figured, that if it was anything serious, Maggie would let her know.

" Thanks Chloe" she said, once Maggie had finished, then took the final sips of her drink, ready to face the two cadets that she had selected, well aware of what she was about to do and the possible consequences it involved.

[Don Damien Addams]

Transporter Room II

Sukal had only just arrived with Lieutenant Briggs and was about to order them beamed over to the station, but then a call came in from the Captain.

An urgent private message from Starfleet could not bode well.  For one, Starfleet Command did not send private message to officers in the field unless something was seriously wrong.  That it was directed to him only made Sukal stiffen as he stood straighter on the transporter pad.  He looked around at his Away Team members, and knew the troubles they were likely to face before finishing this mission.  He was suppose to lead them, but half of them didn't even trust or know him.  To lead meant earning the trust of those who followed you.  Sure, their orders were to do so, but orders were not loyalty.

"Understood, Captain.  I am on my way," Sukal answered her, before turning back to Kyle.  "The mission is your's, Old Friend.  Be wary of traps.  Leyton already trapped one abandoned starship in the hopes of taking some senior officers with it.  I would hate for that to happen to you and the team," he warned him, and then with a solemn nod to the rest he prepared to leave.

When he reached the door, he turned back to the members on the transporter pad.  "You must learn to trust each other. 

"Unlikely," he mumbled softly for the Andorian to hear.

You must learn to work past cultural differences, and you must learn to adapt.  Lieutenant Briggs is a very experienced Away Team Leader.  None of you may know him very well, or each other, but if you do not learn to trust and adapt..then Leyton will always win.  Don't let him succeed again, please."[/color]  His eyes took in every member of the Away Team:  Kyle, Lek, Lahr, T'ealc, and Jasper, and held their gaze for ten seconds each before actually leaving them.

"Yes, sir," Jasper obeyed. Then he squared his shoulders and looked ahead. Truth was he was not a big fan of transporters, but it was what it is.
Being a scientist knowing about biology of life in all things and then components on material of objects. He did not like how the transporter breaks down your molecule, stores it in the computer and shifts the information to the location and you materialize back up. A horror to know there was a small million of a chance of a mess up. It was a risk. Knowing the small tiny risk was not enough to settle his mind. The famous saying it is what it is.

[Kyle Briggs]

[Transporter Room]

Kyle watched as the XO left the transporter Room. He then turned and took a look at the Away Team himself. Gohun had ran in at the very last minute. Kyle would deal with that when they returned. He replayed the Commanders words in his head and hoped like hell they could work as a team. He turned to the transporter operator. "Energize."

[Station]

They rematerialized in what looked like a command center. Kyle wasted no time getting everyone busy.

"Mister Lahr, see what you can find out about this station, any personnel and logs. Doc, no medical needs right now, so see if you can give him a hand. Jasper. I want anything from their science logs that you can find about this brainwashing machine I've been hearing about. Chief Lek and I are going to check out the station and see what we can find." he said with a glance at the Ferengi. From what Kyle could recall, the Engineer, much like Lahr, wasn't a fan of away teams either. "We might even find our mystery cat."

Before he turned and walked toward the door, he knelt and opened the weapons bag that he was still carrying. He turned and looked back at Gohun. "I want you to stay here for Security." he ordered as he reached inside the bag a withdrew two phasers and passed them over to the young security officer. He pulled out a third and thumbed the controls before extending his hand. "Doc, I know about your oath to do no harm. It's set to stun. The others will busy on the computers. This is just a precaution." he added.

He then turned for the door once more. "Ready to go see what we can break, Chief?" he joked trying to lighten the mood.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck Eighteen - Transporter Room 2]

[Transporter Room 2]

[AS CPO T'ealc - Medical]

"Just let me know if I can be of any assistance, anytime Petty Officer." T'ealc offered.  She was a little surprised at his outburst at the Science Officer.

"I can concur, while I wouldn't be privy to what the communication was, since I am Vulcanoid my senses would tingle slightly if there were any telepathic activity going on.  There wasn't, and I promise I won't either, unless it was a means to communicate danger non-verbally in a terse situation.  And I mean if I had no other option."

She stepped onto the transporter pad as the call came through for Sukal and Briggs.

"I trust everything is well for you Commander." she said offering a bow of the head to her fellow Vulcan.

Lahr glanced towards T'ealc.  While he didn't know the Medic all that well, he'd seen her around the ship for as long as he'd been aboard.   To his knowledge she hadn't been away from the ship for longer than a day - and that was time spent on Innominatum.  It was unlikely brain washing could happen in that short of time ... right?  Dylan had been gone weeks...  It seemed to Lahr that brainwashing was something that took time in order to break the others will.

Transporter Room II

"Understood, Captain.  I am on my way," Sukal answered her, before turning back to Kyle.  "The mission is your's, Old Friend.  Be wary of traps.  Leyton already trapped one abandoned starship in the hopes of taking some senior officers with it.  I would hate for that to happen to you and the team," he warned him, and then with a solemn nod to the rest he prepared to leave.

When he reached the door, he turned back to the members on the transporter pad.  "You must learn to trust each other.  You must learn to work past cultural differences, and you must learn to adapt.  Lieutenant Briggs is a very experienced Away Team Leader.  None of you may know him very well, or each other, but if you do not learn to trust and adapt...then Leyton will always win.  Don't let him succeed again, please."  His eyes took in every member of the Away Team:  Kyle, Lek, Lahr, T'ealc, and Jasper, and held their gaze for ten seconds each before actually leaving them.

"Unlikely," he mumbled softly for the Andorian to hear.

"Yes, sir," Jasper obeyed. Then he squared his shoulders and looked ahead. Truth was he was not a big fan of transporters, but it was what it is.

Lahr fidgeted under the Commander's almost pleading gaze.  The man sounded so earnest... but then, don't all good actors?  Lahr dipped his head slightly just enough to acknowledge the man's words. "Yes, sir." he parroted the science officer.

Lahr had heard the Cadet's near silent remark and just barely refrained from glancing at him and asking what the hell he meant.  Had news of his attempt at getting Chloe to peek at the Commanders medical scan data been passed throughout the ship already?  Lahr's antenna remained flat back against his head.

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

NPC PO3 Grelek (Operations)
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck One - Bridge  - Science Station 2]

Grelek who had been moved to the Science console so that he could observe and manage the remote access console called out to the Captain was the ship made her final approach towards the station.  Sending out the codes he gained access to the Station itself and dropped the shields and locked out the weapons systems.

"Station shields are down and her weapons are locked out of the stations control.  Transporting away team now."

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

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Station]

[Transporter Room]

Kyle watched as the XO left the transporter Room. He then turned and took a look at the Away Team himself. Gohun had not reported and they didn't have time to wait. Kyle would deal with that when they returned. He replayed the Commanders words in his head and hoped like hell they could work as a team. He turned to the transporter operator. "Energize."

[Station]

They rematerailized in what looked like a command center. Kyle wasted no time getting everyone busy.

"Mistet Lahr, see what you can find out about this station, any personnel and logs. Doc, no medical needs right now, so see if you can give him a hand. Jasper. I want anything from their science logs that you can find about this brainwashing machine I've been hearing about. Chief Lek and I are gonna check out the station and see what we can find." he said with a glance at the Ferengi. From what Kyle could recall, the Engineer, much like Lahr, wasn't a fan of away teams either. "We might even find our mystery cat."

He turned and walked toward the door, still carrying the weapons bag. He turned and looked back. He was the only security there. He reached inside the bag a withdrew a phaser. He thumbed the controls before extending his hand. "Doc, I know about your oath to do no harm. It's set to stun. The others will busy on the computers. This is just a precaution." he added.

He then turned for the door once more. "Ready to go see what we can break, Chief?" he joked trying to lighten the mood.

Lahr glanced over the vacant command center nodding at the Lieutenants orders.  They seem legit enough.  The Andorian headed over to what looked like the Operations console and tried to gain access..  of course the consoles were locked out and his password - good for accessing the systems on Challenger did nothing on this Science station.   But he had an idea.

Tapping his comm Lahr contacted the Challenger.

"ch'Verret to Grelek.  Any chance you can open the last 10 security logins on the weapons systems and have it display with the access codes used?" With any luck one or two might be a someone higher up the foodchain that would also have access to the Ops station.

Grelek, up on the Challenger, accessed the Weapons console via the remote access code and did as Lahr suggested.  Down on the station the screen displayed the last ten entry codes and their respective date, time and officer operating.  Most seemed to be junior level personnel except for one... Ha! Authorization codes for a Lt Commander Pender who'd been Chief Security/Tactical officer on the station... that should gain them access to pretty much everything.

"Thank you Grelek! Remind me to give you a kiss later." The Andorian said in joke, his nervousness at being away from the ship translating into comedy.

He looked over towards the science office who had remained in the Command center with him.

"We've got the Authorization code to the Security Chief... using that can access other consoles."  Lahr tested his theory by trying to access the Ops console with the console... the screen unlocked.

"Yes! I'm in."  Lahr did a little victory dance before work the Ops station to access all consoles across the station and set them into new authorized used mode.

"ch'Verret to Away Team.  To make things easier access wise I've set all consoles to accepting new user authorizations...  Please when entering your username and a password, select 'Command Authorization'  this give you the highest access to data on the system.  Have fun with it!"

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

NPC (Lt jg) Nurse Chloe Davis
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck Seven - Sickbay ]

[AS Dr. Maggie York]

"Good, good, but the operation was a success so far as we know so far.  Well done Olivia.  We'll celebrate that with a few Nebula's after we've done these! Let's get at them, I'm happy to do Mr'aarra and Haihes.  Let's get them in and get on with it."  She signalled to the Security detail that she was about to go into the room with a small nod of the head.  The most senior the 4 nodded back and started moving closer in a non-obtrusive way.

"No, no Chloe that's fine.  You're welcome to help with them if you want, or to observe, or to go do the rounds and check on Kixa Taray, whatever you feel like doing that's the chore list but grab yourself a drink first and take 10.  You've worked hard to get the room prepped and I appreciate it."

She took Chloe to one side and said in a low voice.  "Look, if I went off on you a bit earlier, I'm sorry.  Just..." the CMO paused and smiled.  "You're far too good a nurse for me to have to put a black mark in your record.  I'm not going to say any more about it."

Chloe considered the list of tasks.  "I'll assist Dr. Briggs if that's okay with her." Chloe answered a bit hesitantly.  She had been supposed to help the doctor with Lt Taray and that hadn't happened... she hoped by helping with the Cadets, she could make up for missing Taray's operation.

When Dr. York spoke with her privately, Chloe was ever so grateful.  "Thank you ma'am.  I'm so sorry... I just figured if I could set his mind at ease... Lahr could get over his paranoia."  She looked down at her hands which she had unknowingly been wringing nervously.   "Is he in a lot of trouble over this?" she hesitantly asked.

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

NPC Crewman T'Varn
[USS Challenger-A - Deck 4 - corridor]

As she ate, T'Varn observed the activities of the engineers.

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

NPC Crewman Helga Tragnar
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck Nine - Armory>>> Sickbay]

No sooner had Helga finished downing the last of the Slug o' cola Tim had brought for Lek - it actually wasn't half bad - a whole lot better than Tim was making it out to be with his grimaced face as she chugged it - when a call came in requesting Helga to head to Sickbay for guard duty.  She was informed that a partner for Tim was on their way to the Armory.  Tragnar grinned.  A visit from Lek AND being able to unpartner with Tim?  Kahless was looking favorably on her today!

Helga acknowledged the call before turning to Tim. "Try not to embarrass yourself or the team when we go to Red Alert.  You know what to do... just do it without panicking."

She then hurried down to the Sickbay where she met up with Crewman Stull.

"Hey Stull!"

"Greetings Tragnar. We are assigned together. You may take lead.  I will back you."

Helga grinned.  She like working with the Vulcan.  He was logical enough to know Helga was an Alpha type personality and let her assume the lead position.  "Sounds good to me."

When the reported in Sickbay, they were instructed along with Skaggarg and zh'Tianihr to take over guarding the four cadets.

From that point, the cadets were separated further and the security end up guarding cadets individually.

Tragnar got assigned to Cadet Mr'aarra - the Caitian

Stull was assigned to watch over Cadet Kenyi Haihes.

Skaggarg watched over Cadet Andrew Olivia while zh'Tianihr was assigned Cadet Pauline Martina Rosario.

[Lek]

[Transporter Room]

Kyle watched as the XO left the transporter Room. He then turned and took a look at the Away Team himself. Gohun had ran in at the very last minute. Kyle would deal with that when they returned. He replayed the Commanders words in his head and hoped like hell they could work as a team. He turned to the transporter operator. "Energize."

[Station]

They rematerialized in what looked like a command center. Kyle wasted no time getting everyone busy.

"Mister Lahr, see what you can find out about this station, any personnel and logs. Doc, no medical needs right now, so see if you can give him a hand. Jasper. I want anything from their science logs that you can find about this brainwashing machine I've been hearing about. Chief Lek and I are going to check out the station and see what we can find." he said with a glance at the Ferengi. From what Kyle could recall, the Engineer, much like Lahr, wasn't a fan of away teams either. "We might even find our mystery cat."

Before he turned and walked toward the door, he knelt and opened the weapons bag that he was still carrying. He turned and looked back at Gohun. "I want you to stay here for Security." he ordered as he reached inside the bag a withdrew two phasers and passed them over to the young security officer. He pulled out a third and thumbed the controls before extending his hand. "Doc, I know about your oath to do no harm. It's set to stun. The others will busy on the computers. This is just a precaution." he added.

He then turned for the door once more. "Ready to go see what we can break, Chief?" he joked trying to lighten the mood.

[Station]

Lek opened his eyes when they weren' met with a hail of phaser beams and looked around. The last thing he'd envisioned was that the station would be abandoned. Leyton always seemed to know whatever they did and fled before they could catch him. It was probably the most infuriating thing about him that his intelligence network was better than that of Starfleet.

Lek drew his phaser when Briggs did and hoped that they wouldn't have to use them, his ears straining for anything that didn't sound right.

"I'll be happy if nothing breaks us."

He grumbled as he followed along.

[Don Damien Addams]

[Station]

Jasper patted down his chest feeling his life box under his tunic. Hearing one breath had confirmed he was all back together. He truly hated transporter for traveling.

Jasper was no fool.

Yes. Lieutenant Kyle had issued orders to everyone. The scientist prefer to observe the room before heading to the science station.

"Good call," he complimented the Andorian. "I would had done the same thing."

"I'll be happy if nothing breaks us", Lek.

"You are all jumpy," he snorted. "Don't shoot your own shadow," he added.

Taking the science station he had attempted to get files on brainwashing machine. He snorted. "I Knew that would not be easy."

Jasper eyebrows shot up as he saw a file that Leyton was in prison. The scientist turned to look at the. Andorian. "Question. Does the Captain aware that Leyton was in prison?" He asked.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

Back onto the Bridge he came, and down to the Command Deck to face his friend.  "The ENTERPRISE-E will be arriving in three hours to take me home, Captain.  My family was attacked by Leyton, and both my wife and eldest daughter are at Starfleet Medical wounded," he explained as he glanced back at the view screen of the station where the Away Team would be working even now.  "The rest are safe...for the moment, but...they hurt my wife...hurt my eldest girl, Lauren.  I have to be there for them," he whispered as the emotions began to show through his Vulcan control.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ruth barely needed to raise an eyebrow before Sukal explained.  She knew something was wrong but she didn't know what.  When she heard the news her mouth fell open and she shook her head sadly.

"My dear friend, what a few months you've had, of course you must go to your family.  And don't worry, when we catch up with Leyton, if you're not back with us by then I shall deal with him on your behalf with extreme prejudice.  Since you are returning to base I will put in a request to Admiral Janeway if she would see fit to transport our traitor with her and hand Amoreen over to JAG to throw the book at her for her many crimes.  And..."

The Captain laid a hand on Sukal's arm, "...I shall continue your vision for mending the Federation.  Whatever happens you must all try to come for the event of the decade!" she said with a small smile.  She hadn't let the crew know yet but she did think she'd give them something to look forward to once the Away Team was back.

She stood and walked over to the turbolift with her friend.  "Don't go without saying goodbye, dear brother, but for now you'll want to pack I imagine, at least the essentials.  You're coming back sometime?"  The CO couldn't contemplate facing Leyton without Sukal, it was impossible to fathom that it wouldn't happen, surely?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~++++++++++++++++~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Transporter Room]

Kyle watched as the XO left the transporter Room. He then turned and took a look at the Away Team himself. Gohun had ran in at the very last minute. Kyle would deal with that when they returned. He replayed the Commanders words in his head and hoped like hell they could work as a team. He turned to the transporter operator. "Energize."

[Station]

They rematerialized in what looked like a command center. Kyle wasted no time getting everyone busy.

"Mister Lahr, see what you can find out about this station, any personnel and logs. Doc, no medical needs right now, so see if you can give him a hand. Jasper. I want anything from their science logs that you can find about this brainwashing machine I've been hearing about. Chief Lek and I are going to check out the station and see what we can find." he said with a glance at the Ferengi. From what Kyle could recall, the Engineer, much like Lahr, wasn't a fan of away teams either. "We might even find our mystery cat."

Before he turned and walked toward the door, he knelt and opened the weapons bag that he was still carrying. He turned and looked back at Gohun. "I want you to stay here for Security." he ordered as he reached inside the bag a withdrew two phasers and passed them over to the young security officer. He pulled out a third and thumbed the controls before extending his hand. "Doc, I know about your oath to do no harm. It's set to stun. The others will busy on the computers. This is just a precaution." he added.

He then turned for the door once more. "Ready to go see what we can break, Chief?" he joked trying to lighten the mood.

[Mysterious Abandoned Science Station - AWAY TEAM - As CPO T'ealc]

"Aye Sir, I took a minor in computers so I shouldn't be completely useless!" T'ealc smiled at the Security Officer.  She gingerly took the phaser when offered and stuck it in her belt.  "I also prefer myself and my colleagues to be in on piece, Sir... short of killing, anything I can fix in the Sickbay I'm generally ok with.  I am only outwardly Vulcan, the rest of me is less, erm... well let's just say kneecapping is perfectly fine!"

She grinned and turned to Lahr.  "Looks like you've got me!"

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck Eighteen - Transporter Room 2]

Lahr glanced towards T'ealc.  While he didn't know the Medic all that well, he'd seen her around the ship for as long as he'd been aboard.   To his knowledge she hadn't been away from the ship for longer than a day - and that was time spent on Innominatum.  It was unlikely brain washing could happen in that short of time ... right?  Dylan had been gone weeks...  It seemed to Lahr that brainwashing was something that took time in order to break the others will.

Lahr fidgeted under the Commander's almost pleading gaze.  The man sounded so earnest... but then, don't all good actors?  Lahr dipped his head slightly just enough to acknowledge the man's words. "Yes, sir." he parroted the science officer.

Lahr had heard the Cadet's near silent remark and just barely refrained from glancing at him and asking what the hell he meant.  Had news of his attempt at getting Chloe to peek at the Commanders medical scan data been passed throughout the ship already?  Lahr's antenna remained flat back against his head.

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

NPC PO3 Grelek (Operations)
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck One - Bridge  - Science Station 2]

Grelek who had been moved to the Science console so that he could observe and manage the remote access console called out to the Captain was the ship made her final approach towards the station.  Sending out the codes he gained access to the Station itself and dropped the shields and locked out the weapons systems.

"Station shields are down and her weapons are locked out of the stations control.  Transporting away team now."

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

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Station]

Lahr glanced over the vacant command center nodding at the Lieutenants orders.  They seem legit enough.  The Andorian headed over to what looked like the Operations console and tried to gain access..  of course the consoles were locked out and his password - good for accessing the systems on Challenger did nothing on this Science station.   But he had an idea.

Tapping his comm Lahr contacted the Challenger.

"ch'Verret to Grelek.  Any chance you can open the last 10 security logins on the weapons systems and have it display with the access codes used?" With any luck one or two might be a someone higher up the foodchain that would also have access to the Ops station.

Grelek, up on the Challenger, accessed the Weapons console via the remote access code and did as Lahr suggested.  Down on the station the screen displayed the last ten entry codes and their respective date, time and officer operating.  Most seemed to be junior level personnel except for one... Ha! Authorization codes for a Lt Commander Pender who'd been Chief Security/Tactical officer on the station... that should gain them access to pretty much everything.

"Thank you Grelek! Remind me to give you a kiss later." The Andorian said in joke, his nervousness at being away from the ship translating into comedy.

He looked over towards the science office who had remained in the Command center with him.

"We've got the Authorization code to the Security Chief... using that can access other consoles."  Lahr tested his theory by trying to access the Ops console with the console... the screen unlocked.

"Yes! I'm in."  Lahr did a little victory dance before work the Ops station to access all consoles across the station and set them into new authorized used mode.

"ch'Verret to Away Team.  To make things easier access wise I've set all consoles to accepting new user authorizations...  Please when entering your username and a password, select 'Command Authorization'  this give you the highest access to data on the system.  Have fun with it!"

T'ealc tried and failed to smother a giggle at Lahr's words to Grelek and his little jig.  "Nice moves, Petty Officer! As for your amorous intentions towards poor Grelek, I have got to witness that!" she grinned.  "Now, what to put in..." she muttered to herself, then she giggled.

USERNAME: I_AM_A_GOD!
PASSWORD: W3h4veaBlOOM4n

She giggled and contemplated nudging Lahr.  'Oh go on!' she thought to herself 'You can change it! He needs something to giggle over.'

She tapped him on the shoulder and motioned towards the screen where she'd unchecked the 'hide password'. "I'll probs change it but seemed appropriate to use our secret weapon!" she giggled. T'ealc hoped he didn't take offence at her referring to him as a 'Blue (bloo) man' rather than an Andorian.

She gave him time to read and appreciate then deleted and popped in something more appropriate and secure.  It wasn't that much more 'appropriate'.  She used her service number and name as her username and then put in 'd4Nc1n8kw33n' as the password.  She'd forever remember this away mission, however it turned out.

She logged in and started scrolling thru files.  There was a lot.  "Ah.. you're the expert, or least the Ops guy here, is there a way to hook this straight up to the Challenger computers, and does the Challenger automatically scan for any bogies?  Hmm wait up what's this?!"

Scanning through the list of file names she found a file that said 'Model XH5578-B candidates'  The number rang a bell given that had been on the brief that Maggie York had sent her about the brainwashing device and what to look for.

Gingerly opening it she was presented with some specifics about the device, then the word 'EMASES94040 - 5578Bhx' she wasn't sure what that was but there were name after name after... the list was huge.

"Ah, Mr. ch'Verret... what do you think this is?"

[Station]

Jasper patted down his chest feeling his life box under his tunic. Hearing one breath had confirmed he was all back together. He truly hated transporter for traveling.

Jasper was no fool.

Yes. Lieutenant Kyle had issued orders to everyone. The scientist prefer to observe the room before heading to the science station.

"Good call," he complimented the Andorian. "I would had done the same thing."

"You are all jumpy," he snorted. "Don't shoot your own shadow," he added.

Taking the science station he had attempted to get files on brainwashing machine. He snorted. "I Knew that would not be easy."

Jasper eyebrows shot up as he saw a file that Leyton was in prison. The scientist turned to look at the. Andorian. "Question. Does the Captain aware that Leyton was in prison?" He asked.

"I suppose it depends how old that file is, Ensign." T'ealc put in with a smile.

[Station]

Lek opened his eyes when they weren' met with a hail of phaser beams and looked around. The last thing he'd envisioned was that the station would be abandoned. Leyton always seemed to know whatever they did and fled before they could catch him. It was probably the most infuriating thing about him that his intelligence network was better than that of Starfleet.

Lek drew his phaser when Briggs did and hoped that they wouldn't have to use them, his ears straining for anything that didn't sound right.

"I'll be happy if nothing breaks us."

He grumbled as he followed along.

"Unless you are seriously allergic to cat scratches or bites from the same or rodents, I think we have you covered Chief!" the medic said patting her medkit and winking.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~++++++++++++++++~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NPC (Lt jg) Nurse Chloe Davis
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck Seven - Sickbay ]

Chloe considered the list of tasks.  "I'll assist Dr. Briggs if that's okay with her." Chloe answered a bit hesitantly.  She had been supposed to help the doctor with Lt Taray and that hadn't happened... she hoped by helping with the Cadets, she could make up for missing Taray's operation.

When Dr. York spoke with her privately, Chloe was ever so grateful.  "Thank you ma'am.  I'm so sorry... I just figured if I could set his mind at ease... Lahr could get over his paranoia."  She looked down at her hands which she had unknowingly been wringing nervously.   "Is he in a lot of trouble over this?" she hesitantly asked.

[Sickbay]
[As Dr. Maggie York, CMO Cadet Haihes Kenyi and Cadet Mr'aarra]

Maggie shook her head.  "As it happens no.  Captain Sigurdsdottir has a soft spot for our neurotic, paranoid Andorian.  She sent him on the Away mission instead, choosing a punishment that would hit him hard in some ways but far gentler than a reprimand and official mark on his service record.  Sometimes you have to come down like a ton of bricks, other times you get to smooth it over with honey yet it still hits like running into a brick wall." she shrugged. "I've got a feeling that if he works well on this away team that nothing more will be said, in fact the Captain said she had a special task for him when he got back so..."

Maggie smiled.  "Yes by all means assist Dr. Briggs, it'll be good practice for you.  Am I right in remembering that I read that you wanted to become a NP? Start doing more to gain some credits towards your Nurse Practitioner 'badge' so you can perform procedures rather than just assist in them?  Give me and Olivia another couple of months observing how you work as we're both pretty new to this ship and I'll be happy to put you forward for that and give you opportunities as much as I can for it.  Sorry you missed the operation in Kixa, that would have been an interesting opportunity.  You don't get many of of them, which is good I suppose as you don't want sick patients in dangerous positions, obviously, but you don't get the opportunity to have hands on that often.  Ah the pains of Medical, we can't wish injury and illness on patients!  I can certainly get some holodeck simulation programmes sent in from Starfleet Medical if you wish, Dr. Vaughan will be happy to get those sent to me!"  she smiled.

[Challenger Sickbay]

The praise Liv received in regards to Kixa and how the operation had gone so far, was appreciated and so was the suggestion of a Nebula or two, once they were done with the cadet evals. " Thanks Maggie, I'm glad I was the one on shift to help Kixa and a couple of Nebula's after this, does sound good" she replied, as Maggie told her that she was happy to deal with the other two cadets.

" Yes let's" she agreed in reply to getting on with it and acknowledged the Security officer's that Kyle had sent, before they were approached by Chloe. Liv smiled as she informed them that the examination rooms were ready. Unsure as to what had happened when Maggie then spoke to her, but figured, that if it was anything serious, Maggie would let her know.

" Thanks Chloe" she said, once Maggie had finished, then took the final sips of her drink, ready to face the two cadets that she had selected, well aware of what she was about to do and the possible consequences it involved.

Maggie gestured to the 2 cadets that Liv had chosen - Rossario and Olivia, and grinned.  Liv had Olivia.  Realigning her face back to her 'we are doing a serious thing here'... she gave Liv a quick wink and said "Olivia, Rossario you're with Dr. Briggs and Nurse Davis at the end of the room Mr'aarra and Haihes with me and Nurse Smith.  Please take a biobed apeice."

Haihes looked haughty, and arrogant but with a bit of a smirk sat up on the first biobed she came to. "I'm not sure why we've been singled out.  Just because of some circumstantial evidence and the fact that Commander Sukal doesn't like us."

"Shhh Kenyi,.."  Mr'aarra said looking worried.  "We haven't had a medical since we had our 3rd yearrrr ones so we are due, and it's rrrregulations that we can't serrrrve unless we are declarrred fit to!"  Mr'aarra said her r's sounding a little more than normal because of her nervousness.  "Wherrre, or rrratherrrr how would you like us on the beds, Ma'am?"

Maggie smiled at the Caitian for her attempt at peacekeeping, and said "Laying would probably be best and we can get our wires and everything hooked up and a full set of scans and bloods done.  Thank you Mr'arra."

The Caitian just smiled and complied.

"Erm, Mr'aarra do you mind if I shave a tiny bit of your fur?  I need to put this sticky on you and it's gonna hurt like hell if you try pulling that off fur!" Dr. York said with an almost pained look.  She really didn't want to harm the jaguar's fur any more than she needed to.

[color=goldenrod"Cerrrrtainly, doctorrrr, but only as much as absolutely necessary!"[/color] the cadet answered.

"Nurse Smith, swap.  You get Cadet Mr'aarra shaved ready, I want no more than a 2cm patch either side both on the temples and about here..." she indicated on her skull a point where a little girl might have a high pigtails on her head, about 7-8cm up from the tips of her (Maggie's) ears.  She went to do the same on Haihes, and set the scans away.  All was going perfectly, the scans on Haihes set away and all things checking out perfectly until there was a scream from Nurse Smith and she fainted.

Pulling the screens from around her patient and then pulling the one from around the bed that Mr'arrra was on she shouted for Liv as what she saw turned her blood cold.

"What?  What is it?  What have I done, am I going to die.  I didn't hurrrt herrrr!" a worried Mr'aarra panicked.

Maggie took several deep breaths then said.  "Cadet, I'm going to give you a sedative, you've had a shock.  Dr. Briggs, Chloe, administer the same to your patients, I'll administer one to Cadet Haihes."

Once the cadets were 'out', she had the medical staff stand and look carefully at Mr'aarra.

"I guess that explains why Commander Sukal got no 'read' off them.  We have to tell the Captain."  she nodded in the direction of the cadets.  "I think we're going to need the Counsellor and possibly someone from Engineering in here too.  Any thoughts before I call them?!"

[Olivia Briggs]

[Sickbay - Challenger]

Liv had stood at a respectful distance as Maggie and Chloe continued their conversation, before it was agreed that the Nurse would assist Liv with her two Cadets. Appreciating the chance to work with her and yet at the same time, had a feeling that was Chloe's way of missing Taray's operation. That she understood and once they arrived at the examination area, Liv smiled as Olivia and Rossario, were directed towards her, offering them a warm smile. Although did catch Maggie's grin regarding how she had effectively been paired with her namesake, before the focus returned to the seriousness of what they were about to do.

" If you both would like to follow me" she said, in friendly and warm tone. Getting them situated so she could begin, Liv continued to be a reassuring presence, even as she heard Maggie with those she was dealing with. So when she then instructed her to issue a sedative to Rossario and Olivia, of course Liv was intrigued but did was she was told. Still reassuring them as she administered them, before going over to Maggie as she called them to her, once the Cadets were out.

Looking at Mr'aarra and the discovery that the CMO had found, it took her a moment to fully take it in, as Maggie then asked their thoughts. " I agree with informing the Captain, as I think this goes beyond simple brainwashing, although until we bring in Nathan and Engineering, we won't know for definite, but lets keep them sedated, until we can investigate properly".

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Sickbay - Challenger]

Liv had stood at a respectful distance as Maggie and Chloe continued their conversation, before it was agreed that the Nurse would assist Liv with her two Cadets. Appreciating the chance to work with her and yet at the same time, had a feeling that was Chloe's way of missing Taray's operation. That she understood and once they arrived at the examination area, Liv smiled as Olivia and Rossario, were directed towards her, offering them a warm smile. Although did catch Maggie's grin regarding how she had effectively been paired with her namesake, before the focus returned to the seriousness of what they were about to do.

" If you both would like to follow me" she said, in friendly and warm tone. Getting them situated so she could begin, Liv continued to be a reassuring presence, even as she heard Maggie with those she was dealing with. So when she then instructed her to issue a sedative to Rossario and Olivia, of course Liv was intrigued but did was she was told. Still reassuring them as she administered them, before going over to Maggie as she called them to her, once the Cadets were out.

Looking at Mr'aarra and the discovery that the CMO had found, it took her a moment to fully take it in, as Maggie then asked their thoughts. " I agree with informing the Captain, as I think this goes beyond simple brainwashing, although until we bring in Nathan and Engineering, we won't know for definite, but lets keep them sedated, until we can investigate properly".

[Sickbay - As CMO Dr. Maggie York]

"As you said, this is unnerving me, come on. Out of here, we'll go sit in my office until the others get here and I can brief them. Ms. Tragnar, guard this room please, not a word to anyone and wait until I authorise it open again." Maggie said to the most senior Security boffin.

Shaking her head as if to clear it she stepped into the Sickbay and hit her commbadge.  York to Sigurdsdottir, Engineering and Counsellor Ryder.  Please come immediately to Sickbay.  This is of the utmost urgency. York out.

"Liv, I honestly wish I was off duty right now, a Nebula or something stronger would be most welcome!"