S3:E6 Eliminating Shadows, Part II

[Don Damien Addams]

[USS Challenger]

[Mess Hall - Outside]

Today was maintenance day. As a part of the bottom totem pole of rank importance, Kali got to oversee the health and functionality of the ship while Lek was off with the away team. It wasn't that bad, but it got pretty tedious throughout the day, and after a run around of software patches, she and a gaggle of crewman engineers tackled the weekly update on the replicators within the enlisted mess hall.

After Crewman James forgot his tool kit in the rec room, Kali nudged him off with the aplomb of a former operations chief and took over his work in the meantime. They were on a timed schedule, so James' footwork wasn't exactly elegant as he weaved briskly around entering officers. He almost bumped into someone and made a hurried apology.

It was the man's briskness that touched Kali's nerve. With the gusto and authority from a woman who lived in Brooklyn, she took no quarter defending her fellow crewman. "Hey! You gotta problem with my boy?" she said sharply. "Step off, we're workin' here!"

[USS Challenger - Mess hall]

"A matter of fact!" He turned to look at the dark haired female. He started talking over her words. Ignoring the fact she was talking. Step offHe failed we're workin' to check here! who was closest to the entrance-" he stopped as the Commander was heard over his combadge.

  "Chief Lek, CPO T'ealc, Mr. Gohun, and Mr. Jasper, please report to Transporter Room 2 for Away Mission."

He was cut by hearing his name being summoned by Commander of the Starship.

"Wow, T'Varn," he turned to T'Varn. "My name was called for an away mission. My greatness must be well known all ready!" A big smirk was on his face. The new science member was very happy and please.

But before he left his newly friend. "I will see you, my friend," he promised. "Wait. Before I go. Do I have a piece of hair sticking up? Anything out of place?" He asked her. He took a few steps away from her so she can see.

[Transporter 2]

Jasper had used the computer for direction. The double metal doors swooshed open. The broad shoulder Science Officer stepped in the transporter room and  stopped a few feet inside. His eyes was observing the room. There was Ferengi near the platform. A growl escaped his throat.

The Ferengi tunic was color of gold. He could be operations, security or engineering. The little liar was security. No. There was no phaser on his hip. Must be in Engineering. The pips on the Ferengi's collar shown he was a Lieutenant. It did not matter. It was an Ferengi they are liars could not trust the lot of them. 

[Kali Reyes]

[USS Challenger]
[USS Challenger - Mess hall]

"A matter of fact!" He turned to look at the dark haired female. He started talking over her words. Ignoring the fact she was talking. Step offHe failed we're workin' to check here! who was closest to the entrance-" he stopped as the Commander was heard over his combadge.
He was cut by hearing his name being summoned by Commander of the Starship.

"Wow, T'Varn," he turned to T'Varn. "My name was called for an away mission. My greatness must be well known all ready!" A big smirk was on his face. The new science member was very happy and please.

But before he left his newly friend. "I will see you, my friend," he promised. "Wait. Before I go. Do I have a piece of hair sticking up? Anything out of place?" He asked her. He took a few steps away from her so she can see.

[Transporter 2]

Jasper had used the computer for direction. The double metal doors swooshed open. The broad shoulder Science Officer stepped in the transporter room and  stopped a few feet inside. His eyes was observing the room. There was Ferengi near the platform. A growl escaped his throat.

The Ferengi tunic was color of gold. He could be operations, security or engineering. The little liar was security. No. There was no phaser on his hip. Must be in Engineering. The pips on the Ferengi's collar shown he was a Lieutenant. It did not matter. It was an Ferengi they are liars could not trust them at all. A small growl creeped out from his throat.

[Mess Hall - Outside]

The guy tried to argue over her, but she wasn't deterred. Flexing that bar brawler persona she was famously known for on Risa, Kali abruptly stood up and decided he needed a full reprimand for his rudeness. She had no patience for obnoxious cadets who thought it'd be just peachy to yell at a crewman like that.

"Yeah, you better walk," she said darkly when he hastily took leave. And when her fellow engineers stared at her, she turned to them and added, "Quit gawpin' and let's get this thing cleared out, savvy? We've got three Jeffrey's tubes and a subdeck to deal out before lunch."

"Yes ma'am!"

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck One - Bridge - Science 2 console]

[Bridge]

The Captain's eyebrows went up imperceptibly especially when she saw that Sukal wanted Lahr on the away team.  She had pretty much promised Lahr that he didn't have to go on away missions.  But the First Officer had a point, Lahr was the only person with prior knowledge of the brainwashing.  He'd seen people who had been brainwashed, least she assumed so - Admiral Torngate.

Ruth gave Sukal a look.  She knew that the team was the best one possible for the facility.

"I trust that your mini-break was profitable. We've managed to use the codes that we were sent, we have a link with their computers.  I'm sure Lahr can fill you in.  Your team is approved, with reservations but you have given your reasons for each member, and I see no way around it."

The Captain gave a side long look. She knew Lahr wasn't going to be happy.

"Assemble your team, Mr. Sukal with one alteration, Dr. York is going to be doing four long overdue medicals with Dr. Briggs.  May I suggest CPO T'ealc.  She has the relevant training and knowledge of the brainwashing device too... she's one of Dr. Vaughn's protegees!  Mr. ch'Verret... I'm afraid the party will have to be delayed.  Like I said your unique skill set has been requested by Mr. Sukal, he'll give you his reasons.  I expect the team to be over there as soon as you can.  Good luck Number One."  She hoped that the XO picked up on the 'four' to be the cadets.

Ruth flipped the button on the arm PADD of her seat to look at the list of people who had been brainwashed or kidnapped by Leyton and gestured to Sukal.  "See if you can find something like this... updated... in the facility."

The Captain had a sudden thought.  "If they are there but behind something that is shielding them from our scans, we need to evacuate them.  If they've been moved we need to find out where to... liaise with Hecate to see if she's got any ideas and if you can find any clues over there."

Sigurdsdottir to Litt and Dradis, please report to the Bridge.  I have a small, interesting job for you to do!

"The Flight Department can work with PO3 Grelek to see if we can guesstimate how many people now are brainwashed or kidnapped and how best to evacuate them once we find them."

Overhearing the Captain's comment to the Commander, Lahr felt obligated to correct her statement. "Actually ma'am... we are only connected to the sensor array at the moment.   Which is why I recommend we don't change anything now... let it see us... yes they will be prepared.... but they won't be expecting us to have the remote access codes.   If we shut down the array... they could notice it at the station and they might realize how we did that and change the codes before we get close enough remote access to the stations actual weapons and defenses."

Shortly after that the worst happened... he got assigned to the go down to the station. The Captain's announcement that he'd been selected to go on the Away mission caused Lahr's antenna to go absolutely stiff for a moment.  He turned in the Science chair to look towards the pair - the Captain and the XO.  For a moment he wanted to rail at the Captain and remind her that she'd promised him that he wouldn't have to do any more Away Missions.  He wanted to argue that there was nothing he could add to the group that wasn't offered better by someone else.   But he didn't.  He could see that the decision was already made.

"Yes, ma'am" he acknowledged dully and turned away to Ops and asked Petty officer Grelek to call up another to take his place at the linked console.

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

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

[Sickbay]

[AS Dr. Maggie York]

Maggie leant her head back and looked at the ceiling, counted slowly to 5 and then brought her gaze level with Chloe's.  She let out a long breath she'd been holding.

"Well I can take this two ways.  I can either haul you over the coals for the fact that you were going to share confidential records - even if it was that 'there's no evidence of brainwashing...' - with someone other than the patient, myself or the Captain.  Or I can assume that you'll never do this again and in a way you were trying to help another patient since I know how neurotic Mr. ch'Verret can be."  she put her head on one side and looked kindly at Chloe.

"Frankly, we're all a bit jumpy lately and I don't think any of us can be bothered with the headache that would be the paperwork involved in me doing what I technically should do which is report this.  However, if you promise me that this information you were looking up has not been passed onto Mr. ch'Verret, and that you'll never do such a thing ever again... and you toe the line and put in your best effort down here we'll say no more about it.  Agreed?" The CMO waited for Chloe to answer and then said "I've got a few calls to make, don't panic none of them are about you!, for supplies to be ready on our return to Innominatum, and to brief T'ealc on the away team. Carry on, and like I say once you're done here if you want to say hi to Kixa Taray you can, just don't wake her if she's sleeping.  I'll be in my office if you need anything."

"Yes ma'am. Thank you ma'am" Chloe hurriedly agreed.  She was so unbelievably mortified and hurried away almost in tears.  Damn that Andorian for getting her caught up in this mess!

[CMO's Office]

Maggie's first 'call' was actually a message sent to the Command Staff. She wasn't as it happens going to mention any names unless she had to but it was important that they knew the situation that the crew was jumpy.

TO: Captain Sigurdsdottir, CO and Commander Sukal XO
FROM: Dr. York, CMO
SUBJECT: Brainwashing?!

It has come to my notice that certain a certain crewmember has asked one of my staff if there was any way that they could find out if, in particular Mr. Sukal (other members may have been mentioned, I didn't question my staff member further as they were embarrassed that they had even been asked such a thing.) had been brainwashed and could they (dis)prove such a thing by accessing Mr. Sukal's medical files.

Rest assured that no files were transferred, but for the record I can confirm as I said before that there is no evidence of this brainwashing...[/size]

Maggie stopped and thought.  'Damn it, there's only one way that I'm going to squelch this...'

She copied the data onto her PADD and made for the Bridge.

[Bridge]

The Chief Medical Officer entered the Bridge and walked down to the command chairs.

"Captain, Sir..." she said addressing both Ruth and Sukal, "I'm sorry to come up like this but... this is important and I feel it could affect the morale of the ship."

She cast a look at Lahr and then said "Ordinarily I'd ask that this be discussed in private, but in this case I feel that people need to hear so I'm not going to hide it because the crew are becoming jumpier.  I put it down to the stress of this whole Leyton case getting to them but it doesn't excuse the fact that one of this Bridge crew approached one of my staff and asked them to access Mr. Sukal's medical files to confirm if he had been brainwashed. As it happens there is a very simple test to find out, and since every part of the brain was scanned in the cases of Mr. Sukal following his attack by Lt. Cmdr Amoreen, Captain Sigurdsdottir when she had her concussion and most recently, Lt. Taray as we had to give her a full check over... this 'test' was inadvertently done anyhow."

Ruth gasped, and followed where Maggie had looked.  She thought Lahr was faithful.  Closing her eyes and then opening them not wanting to believe it she looked at the Andorian, hoping he'd confess.

"Were any files transferred?" the Captain asked.

"No, thankfully my staff member came to me, but with Mr. Sukal's permission I have them on the PADD and if anyone is in any doubt then if he agrees then the file can be shown to the Bridge crewmember in question to quash any scruples they may have about the First Officer.  The 'test' in question is basically if the pre-frontal cortex is still functioning.  If it has shut down, then it cannot access the schema to normal thought processes, i.e. the ability to think for oneself.  There are a couple of other conditions in which this might occur but it would not allow for a person to be outwardly functioning normally.  I mean conditions like a major stroke, dementia and so on.  I think we can rule out any of those conditions on anyone standing here.  So, what say you,  Mr. Sukal?"

Maggie and Ruth looked to Sukal, wondering what his response would be.  In her gut Ruth knew that the Petty Officer had been acting a bit oddly, she didn't want it to be true.  Maybe going on the away team would be punishment enough, and a chance for Lahr to prove his loyalty to the ship, the Federation and her.  Maggie knew that she was letting Chloe off not mentioning any names and omitting to say that the files had been accessed, but she was keeping her promise to Chloe that she wasn't going to get into trouble, besides, it was Lahr who had initiated all this.

Doctor York's voice carried and Lahr easily overheard her relate to the Captain his own actions.  Dammit, why did Chloe have to open her big mouth?   Lahr risked a glance over his shoulder and yep sure enough everyone seemed to be starring at him.  His antenna drooped.

He should say something, defend his actions but couldn't.  What was there to say anyways?
Turning to face the Captain, Commander and CMO, Lahr stood up and waited to see if he would be ordered to the Brig rather than the Away Team.

Bridge

Sukal had not yet sat down as his Captain had agreed to the Away Team members he had presented with the exception of changing the Medical person he had assigned.  She had even agreed that Mr. ch'Verret should go, and had informed the Andorian of his new assignment to the Away Team.  But, what had come next made Sukal very glad he had been meditating.  Because, if he had not, he was sure to fry a certain Andorian for attempting access his personal medical files.  On one hand, Sukal knew the Lahr had been acting strange and had felt off for a while now...especially the last time he had taken the Bridge when the Captain had her accident.  But, this...this was about three steps too far to simply ignore.  Every fiber of his being and training told him to punish Lahr severely for such an infraction, but there was the other hand.  He was concerned a superior officer had been compromised, and considering Leyton's track record at being able to do such things...Sukal couldn't completely blame the man.  Even so, such a breach of security and privacy was simply unacceptable, and the fact that he had apparently somehow convinced one of Doctor York's staff to do such a thing was further evidence in his mind that Lahr had really stepped over the line this time.

Since coming aboard, he had not exactly been able to get along with the Andorian for reasons he could not explain.  There had been no open hostility towards him or vice versa, but there had been a sense of distrust almost instantly from him the day he arrived.  It had not improved since that moment, and now...now this had come to pass just moments before he was suppose to assemble his team and board a mysterious station which they hoped would be the key to understanding how Leyton had been making loyal officers turn traitor.  Part of him wanted to walk over to Lahr and personally confront him, but his training kept him rooted before his Captain.

Had he done such a poor job since coming aboard that he was distrusted so badly?  Someone must not have thought so, or he would not have made Full Commander and First Officer.  Lahr, however, had clearly believed differently.  Logically, he tried to believe it was simply for the best of the ship which the Andorian had acted, but it did not erase the actions taken or the severe violation of his own privacy.  In Ops, a person had access to every single part of the ship.  It was as trusted a position as Security/Tactical or Engineering.  From Ops, literally a person could run the ship.  What Lahr had just done made Sukal wonder if the man was trustworthy enough to be in such a position.

The fact that the Captain hadn't already torn into Lahr told Sukal that she was hoping to make this over and done with by having him on the Away Mission.  In essence, he could see her point.  There was already enough distrust building that for Sukal to order him confined to quarters under guard for this actions was likely not going to help.  He took a deep breath, and shook his head after looking down...his arms folded across his chest.

"I will allow it, Doctor," Sukal finally informed the CMO when his head came back up, and he purposely did not look at Lahr.  While he waited for this to be done; Sukal tapped his comm badge, "Chief Lek, CPO T'ealc, Mr. Gohun, and Mr. Jasper, please report to Transporter Room 2 for Away Mission."   He then turned to look up at Lieutenant Briggs, the other officer he had felt tension from when he had last been on the Bridge - a man whom had formerly been his CO.  "Lieutenant Briggs, you are with me as well on this mission as soon as this is cleared up."

Lahr blinked in surprise as the Vulcan stated he would allow Lahr to see the scan himself.  One might think that would solve his dilemma... and prove Sukal free of brainwashing but it couldn't - for two reasons.  One, he didn't know how to read them.. which is why he'd asked Chloe... and Two, with Dr. York knowing he was looking at them she could have switched the scan information if they were in cahoots.   This proved nothing!  Dammit!

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

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

The Scientist nodded his head to her greeting. He held his right hand to do a partial Vulcan greeting. "Zaldans' hand anatomy don't allow us to complete the Vulcan Ta'al," he shared. It was obvious to him that he had webbed fingers. Vulcans possible accept it. Apologizing for his webbed hand was unnecessary. He was a Zaldan and nothing can be done.

"Yes. Your observation is correct, my friend. On my first day I reported to sickbay. I don't like sickbay. I am a brilliant scientist and not a doctor," he scoffed. In his future he sees himself being one of the best scientist. There was not much to say to the matter. "I enjoy doing research and lab work. If not, I would not be a scientist,"  he stated.

The Zaldan had waited for the female to enter the mess hall first. She was closer to the door. Common sense by Zaldan society that individual would go first. His brown eyes briefly stared at T'Varn then to the door. "You are first," he declared.

Then a male crewman had jogged right out of the mess hall. The fellow was inches hitting his newly friend. "That was rude! Are you blind?" He yelled at the shaken crew member.

The crewman was a human. He had a gold uniform for engineering.  "I am sorry! I am late," he shouted as he ran down the corridor. Then the late crew member dashed around the corner.

T'Varn stepping out after the Zaldan observed as once more the cadet made a spectacle of himself by shouting.   Speaking with next to no inflection T'Varn noted aloud "I believe a more apt term would be 'reckless' rather than 'rude'."

"No harm was done."

[Mess Hall - Outside]

Today was maintenance day. As a part of the bottom totem pole of rank importance, Kali got to oversee the health and functionality of the ship while Lek was off with the away team. It wasn't that bad, but it got pretty tedious throughout the day, and after a run around of software patches, she and a gaggle of crewman engineers tackled the weekly update on the replicators within the enlisted mess hall.

After Crewman James forgot his tool kit in the rec room, Kali nudged him off with the aplomb of a former operations chief and took over his work in the meantime. They were on a timed schedule, so James' footwork wasn't exactly elegant as he weaved briskly around entering officers. He almost bumped into someone and made a hurried apology.

It was the man's briskness that touched Kali's nerve. With the gusto and authority from a woman who lived in Brooklyn, she took no quarter defending her fellow crewman. "Hey! You gotta problem with my boy?" she said sharply. "Step off, we're workin' here!"

Yet even as T'Varn made an attempt to move past the situation another crewman.. a Petty officer made her own remark.  T'Varn glanced between the two and looked to the woman's hands wondering if she too was Zaldan.

[USS Challenger]
[USS Challenger - Mess hall]

"A matter of fact!" He turned to look at the dark haired female. He started talking over her words. Ignoring the fact she was talking. "Step offHe failed we're workin' to check here! who was closest to the entrance-" he stopped as the Commander was heard over his combadge.
He was cut by hearing his name being summoned by Commander of the Starship.

"Wow, T'Varn," he turned to T'Varn. "My name was called for an away mission. My greatness must be well known all ready!" A big smirk was on his face. The new science member was very happy and please.

But before he left his newly friend. "I will see you, my friend," he promised. "Wait. Before I go. Do I have a piece of hair sticking up? Anything out of place?" He asked her. He took a few steps away from her so she can see.

T'Varn thought it good timing for Mr. Meltem to be called away.  At his question, she looked over his hair briefly.  There was a lock of hair standing out from his otherwise well-groomed appearance.  "Yes, however, I don't believe now is the time to concern yourself with it."

As Jasper strode away she looked over towards the other.

[Mess Hall - Outside]

The guy tried to argue over her, but she wasn't deterred. Flexing that bar brawler persona she was famously known for on Risa, Kali abruptly stood up and decided he needed a full reprimand for his rudeness. She had no patience for obnoxious cadets who thought it'd be just peachy to yell at a crewman like that.

"Yeah, you better walk," she said darkly when he hastily took leave. And when her fellow engineers stared at her, she turned to them and added, "Quit gawpin' and let's get this thing cleared out, savvy? We've got three Jeffrey's tubes and a subdeck to deal out before lunch."

"Yes ma'am!"

T'Varn approached the female engineer.  "Ma'am.  I have question.  Were you aware that cadet Meltem was Zaldan?"  It seemed a logical assumption given the woman's belligerent attitude, but Jasper hadn't opened his hand at all and their was very little other outward physiological differences between a Zaldan and a Human.

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

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

[Engineering - USS Challenger]

Lek saw the message arrive and sucked in a deep breath when he saw what he said, which made his already insufferable grin grow even larger. He typed a quick reply.

"You are wicked in all the best ways!"

A ping to her PADD had Helga checking for Lek's response.  She knew it was Lek because no one else every messaged her.

The Klingon hybrid laughed at his written reply.  She was tempted to reply back but a censoring look from Tim had her grumbling and she put her PADD away.  Ever since the ill-thought out Security mutiny against Chief tr'Lhoell Tim had been an alter boy of behaviour and he'd had a fear of doctors. When asked why... Tim merely blanched.

Well, Helga could behave she supposed.  Lek had already made her day with surprising her with a visit.

[Nathan Ryder]

[Sickbay] [AS Dr. Maggie York]

Maggie stopped and thought.  'Damn it, there's only one way that I'm going to squelch this...'

She copied the data onto her PADD and made for the Bridge.

[Entering Medical]

One thing was for sure, Nathan had certainly not joined the crew of this ship during a quiet time. Normally quite punctual, the Counselor was running late to the impromptu medical exams of the suspicious cadets. His reasons were all quite valid, having his hands extraordinarily full with sorting through the entire crew, but he was still annoyed with himself. As he approached the doors of the sickbay, Nathan crossed paths with the CMO. After a few shared words, he altered his course to join her on the bridge. Yet another distraction that was deemed more important; at least this time he was not the only one missing from the exam room.

[Bridge]

The Chief Medical Officer entered the Bridge and walked down to the command chairs.

"Captain, Sir..." she said addressing both Ruth and Sukal, "I'm sorry to come up like this but... this is important and I feel it could affect the morale of the ship."

She cast a look at Lahr and then said "Ordinarily I'd ask that this be discussed in private, but in this case I feel that people need to hear so I'm not going to hide it because the crew are becoming jumpier.  I put it down to the stress of this whole Leyton case getting to them but it doesn't excuse the fact that one of this Bridge crew approached one of my staff and asked them to access Mr. Sukal's medical files to confirm if he had been brainwashed. As it happens there is a very simple test to find out, and since every part of the brain was scanned in the cases of Mr. Sukal following his attack by Lt. Cmdr Amoreen, Captain Sigurdsdottir when she had her concussion and most recently, Lt. Taray as we had to give her a full check over... this 'test' was inadvertently done anyhow."

Ruth gasped, and followed where Maggie had looked.  She thought Lahr was faithful.  Closing her eyes and then opening them not wanting to believe it she looked at the Andorian, hoping he'd confess.

"Were any files transferred?" the Captain asked.

"No, thankfully my staff member came to me, but with Mr. Sukal's permission I have them on the PADD and if anyone is in any doubt then if he agrees then the file can be shown to the Bridge crewmember in question to quash any scruples they may have about the First Officer.  The 'test' in question is basically if the pre-frontal cortex is still functioning.  If it has shut down, then it cannot access the schema to normal thought processes, i.e. the ability to think for oneself.  There are a couple of other conditions in which this might occur but it would not allow for a person to be outwardly functioning normally.  I mean conditions like a major stroke, dementia and so on.  I think we can rule out any of those conditions on anyone standing here.  So, what say you,  Mr. Sukal?"

Maggie and Ruth looked to Sukal, wondering what his response would be.  In her gut Ruth knew that the Petty Officer had been acting a bit oddly, she didn't want it to be true.  Maybe going on the away team would be punishment enough, and a chance for Lahr to prove his loyalty to the ship, the Federation and her.  Maggie knew that she was letting Chloe off not mentioning any names and omitting to say that the files had been accessed, but she was keeping her promise to Chloe that she wasn't going to get into trouble, besides, it was Lahr who had initiated all this.

He took a deep breath, and shook his head after looking down...his arms folded across his chest. "I will allow it, Doctor,"

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck One - Bridge - Science 2 console]
Lahr blinked in surprise as the Vulcan stated he would allow Lahr to see the scan himself.  One might think that would solve his dilemma... and prove Sukal free of brainwashing but it couldn't - for two reasons.  One, he didn't know how to read them.. which is why he'd asked Chloe... and Two, with Dr. York knowing he was looking at them she could have switched the scan information if they were in cahoots.   This proved nothing!  Dammit!

[Bridge

While Dr. York's attention was mostly on the Andorian, Nathan had an eye out on Sukal; silently evaluating whether or not the hybrid had heeded his advice on meditating. Given the man's calm acceptance of the situation, the Counselor could only assume he had. However, the Petty Officer's response left a bit to be desired. This matter really ought to have been resolved behind closed doors, but what was done was done and could not be changed now.

Since Lahr seemed to have nothing to say for himself at the moment, Nathan casually filled the silence. Speaking to the room at large, he said, "I would like to remind everyone here that there is a chain of command specifically for situations like this. If you suspect anyone incapable of performing their duties, for any reason, there are people you can talk to. Please do not gossip among your peers to try and figure things out for yourself. In the event that your suspicions are correct, it is much more important that those in charge are aware than to spread rumors and get your fellow crewmen in trouble." He really wanted to reprimand the Andorian about trusting his superior officers, but being only an Ensign himself he thought it best to leave that to said superiors.

[Olivia Briggs]

[Sickbay - Challenger]

Leaving Taray to sleep, after the Sec Chief had thanked her again and asked for a prescription. Liv moved over to one of the work stations to finalise her report, including what else had been discussed and what would happen going forward. Making a note to give the Lieutenant, her first vitamin shot before she left Sickbay and then schedule further appointments, to suit her.

With that completed, Liv decided to seek out Maggie, only for her to see the CMO and Nathan, leaving Sickbay. So for now sought out the duty list to find out what might need her attention and that's when she discovered about the four cadets, remembering her first shift and the information she had received from the CMO.

Thinking the best solution was to wait for her return to discuss the plan of action, Liv went to the replicator to get herself drink, wanting to be as prepared as possible, whilst not forgetting to hydrate at the same time.

[Kali Reyes]

As Jasper strode away she looked over towards the other.

T'Varn approached the female engineer.  "Ma'am.  I have question.  Were you aware that cadet Meltem was Zaldan?"  It seemed a logical assumption given the woman's belligerent attitude, but Jasper hadn't opened his hand at all and their was very little other outward physiological differences between a Zaldan and a Human.

[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!"

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

Bridge

Sukal had not yet sat down as his Captain had agreed to the Away Team members he had presented with the exception of changing the Medical person he had assigned.  She had even agreed that Mr. ch'Verret should go, and had informed the Andorian of his new assignment to the Away Team.  But, what had come next made Sukal very glad he had been meditating.  Because, if he had not, he was sure to fry a certain Andorian for attempting access his personal medical files.  On one hand, Sukal knew the Lahr had been acting strange and had felt off for a while now...especially the last time he had taken the Bridge when the Captain had her accident.  But, this...this was about three steps too far to simply ignore.  Every fiber of his being and training told him to punish Lahr severely for such an infraction, but there was the other hand.  He was concerned a superior officer had been compromised, and considering Leyton's track record at being able to do such things...Sukal couldn't completely blame the man.  Even so, such a breach of security and privacy was simply unacceptable, and the fact that he had apparently somehow convinced one of Doctor York's staff to do such a thing was further evidence in his mind that Lahr had really stepped over the line this time.

Since coming aboard, he had not exactly been able to get along with the Andorian for reasons he could not explain.  There had been no open hostility towards him or vice versa, but there had been a sense of distrust almost instantly from him the day he arrived.  It had not improved since that moment, and now...now this had come to pass just moments before he was suppose to assemble his team and board a mysterious station which they hoped would be the key to understanding how Leyton had been making loyal officers turn traitor.  Part of him wanted to walk over to Lahr and personally confront him, but his training kept him rooted before his Captain.

Had he done such a poor job since coming aboard that he was distrusted so badly?  Someone must not have thought so, or he would not have made Full Commander and First Officer.  Lahr, however, had clearly believed differently.  Logically, he tried to believe it was simply for the best of the ship which the Andorian had acted, but it did not erase the actions taken or the severe violation of his own privacy.  In Ops, a person had access to every single part of the ship.  It was as trusted a position as Security/Tactical or Engineering.  From Ops, literally a person could run the ship.  What Lahr had just done made Sukal wonder if the man was trustworthy enough to be in such a position.

The fact that the Captain hadn't already torn into Lahr told Sukal that she was hoping to make this over and done with by having him on the Away Mission.  In essence, he could see her point.  There was already enough distrust building that for Sukal to order him confined to quarters under guard for this actions was likely not going to help.  He took a deep breath, and shook his head after looking down...his arms folded across his chest.

"I will allow it, Doctor," Sukal finally informed the CMO when his head came back up, and he purposely did not look at Lahr.  While he waited for this to be done; Sukal tapped his comm badge, "Chief Lek, CPO T'ealc, Mr. Gohun, and Mr. Jasper, please report to Transporter Room 2 for Away Mission."   He then turned to look up at Lieutenant Briggs, the other officer he had felt tension from when he had last been on the Bridge - a man whom had formerly been his CO.  "Lieutenant Briggs, you are with me as well on this mission as soon as this is cleared up."

[Bridge]

Ruth nodded to Sukal and then to Dr. York to allow the files to be shown, but no-one came forward to look.  She had a suspicion that this was mostly to do with the fact that in doing so they would incriminate themselves and in doing so blot their service record.

Commanding Officers and First Officers she knew sometimes had to weigh up situations and know when to go in with the hammer of Thor and when to sing sweet songs of the Valkyries and be Blind Io.  She knew what she was seeing and she figured that going on the away team was going to be a punishment as she needed to give Lahr. She was truly sorry that she had to go back on her word, but not putting a demerit on his file and grilling him over the medical files issue was enough to balance out the Universe.

"Petty Officer Grelek, monitor the sensor array.  Lahr,.." she used his first name, not unkindly, she stopped just short of apologising...he had broken rules, the scales were even.  "We'll have a helluva party when we're back at the station, there's something I need to ask you when you're back from this and I'm sure it'll give you something to look forward to!"

She flashed a look at Sukal which between the friends was enough to warn him to go easy on the Andorian.

[Bridge

While Dr. York's attention was mostly on the Andorian, Nathan had an eye out on Sukal; silently evaluating whether or not the hybrid had heeded his advice on meditating. Given the man's calm acceptance of the situation, the Counselor could only assume he had. However, the Petty Officer's response left a bit to be desired. This matter really ought to have been resolved behind closed doors, but what was done was done and could not be changed now.

Since Lahr seemed to have nothing to say for himself at the moment, Nathan casually filled the silence. Speaking to the room at large, he said, "I would like to remind everyone here that there is a chain of command specifically for situations like this. If you suspect anyone incapable of performing their duties, for any reason, there are people you can talk to. Please do not gossip among your peers to try and figure things out for yourself. In the event that your suspicions are correct, it is much more important that those in charge are aware than to spread rumors and get your fellow crewmen in trouble." He really wanted to reprimand the Andorian about trusting his superior officers, but being only an Ensign himself he thought it best to leave that to said superiors.

"Agreed Ensign.   Least said, soonest mended.  I believe Mr. Sukal said that Chief Petty Officer T'ealc was on the Away Team so since as far as I'm aware no one is in need of Medical treatment here... and alas we can't have the pleasure of a party with DJ Lahr so you're welcome to stay but I'd hate to think of Liv slaving away down there on her own!  If you have stuff to do don't let me detain you! I believe you have the not insignificant matter of some cadets to deal with?" Ruth said with a warped smile.

[USS Challenger · Litt's Quarter]

Richard was in his quarter reading something and waiting for a call. He spoke with Sammy earlier and went to the gym. He was almost sleeping during the reading when he finally listened his call.

"Thanks God..."

He suited up and went straight to the Bridge, sending Chief Dradis a message while walking. "Chief, I'll meet you there." He smiled remembering the times that his DH went to catch him when both was called for duty.

A few minutes later, he entered the Bridge and walked to the Captain.

"Litt reporting for duty ma'am."

"Mr. Litt, thank you for being so prompt.  Rather an interesting task for you, but I'll wait for Mr - ... ah the man himself!" the CO said as Dradis walked in.

"Perhaps you can sit at the step by the Ops console Mr. Dradis and Mr. Litt at the helm?  She's on auto Mr. Litt since we're holding fire here while the away team is on the facility.  I have here a list of people who as of Dr. Vaughan's files had been turned or kidnapped by Leyton.  And another list of those reported missing.  It is my hypothesis that the ones not reported are still operating and still able to send messages home to family, who are working with Leyton.  The others... well they are probably on --"

"Ma'am, the station is deserted, there is no-one there bar..."  Grelek looked at the screen again adjusting filters to try to see what the DNA was.  "...what appears to be a cat and a few rodents."

"Relay that to the Away team please, Mr. Grelek." the Captain said with a smile. "Ask them that if the cat is well or at least only has normal cat conditions to bring with them, for all I know it could be a treasured pet of someone that has been there, and to look for clues that there has been more recent occupation of the station."

"Yes Ma'am!" the Vulcan replied.

"As I was saying Litt, Dradis... if you work with Mr. Grelek there and cross reference these lists, take out the ones that are on the missing persons list, make 2 lists.  Look at the dates that these people were marked as kidnapped, and hypothesise how many more people could be out there somewhere.  We'll hopefully get something from the Away Team if they can access the station computers.  But... thing is here, I know this is normally out of your area of expertise but I need to know how many... and how many if we rope in everyone on this ship with flying experience, could we get off a facility - potentially an armed facility - with the flyable craft we have attached to the Challenger.  I want to know if it's going to be more viable to do it on our own, or to ask a few trusted fellow Captains to come and help out with their teams.  Good luck gentlemen."  she finished.

[AS CPO T'ealc - Medical]

[Transporter Room 2]

"Commander, CPO T'ealc reporting as requested." T'ealc said to Sukal as she entered, medical kit slung over one shoulder and tricorder at her belt.  "Are we expecting casualties?"

PO Grelek to Away Team.  Scans show no personnel on the base, repeat no personnel.  There is a cat and some small rodents.  Captain requests that unless the cat is rabid... well ok she said 'had only normal feline conditions'  I think she means fleas, or needing wormed, then to bring the feline with you if you come across it since it might be the pet of one of the kidnapped people.  Oh and to look for clues of any recent occupation.  Grelek out. 

"I guess that would be a no, unless of the feline variety or someone on our team falls over their own bootlaces?!" she chuckled.

[Sickbay]

[Sickbay - Challenger]

Leaving Taray to sleep, after the Sec Chief had thanked her again and asked for a prescription. Liv moved over to one of the work stations to finalise her report, including what else had been discussed and what would happen going forward. Making a note to give the Lieutenant, her first vitamin shot before she left Sickbay and then schedule further appointments, to suit her.

With that completed, Liv decided to seek out Maggie, only for her to see the CMO and Nathan, leaving Sickbay. So for now sought out the duty list to find out what might need her attention and that's when she discovered about the four cadets, remembering her first shift and the information she had received from the CMO.

Thinking the best solution was to wait for her return to discuss the plan of action, Liv went to the replicator to get herself drink, wanting to be as prepared as possible, whilst not forgetting to hydrate at the same time.

Dr. York returned to the Sickbay and smiled as she saw Liv "Ready for action Liv?  For lovely fresh faced cadets to get through.  I think Ryder will be down soon and we have Chloe too.  Grab me a Ratkajino while you're there and then we'll get on.  Full assessments I want every test that can be performed on their respective species to be done... every last one.  I have reason to believe that well... "

Maggie pulled up the relevant file on her PADD, it was the one with the list of kidnapped people compared to those marked missing.

"I know this looks like 'oh they aren't missing, no because they're right here' but between you and me there are suspicions regarding these cadets, they came in on the Redav, which was known to have had Leyton on it, and then Admiral D'Arth was found to be working for Leyton after his family was kidnapped so... Also, I've been told that Mr. Sukal didn't get any emotions from them and while he wasn't probing their minds, empaths can feel the general emotions of a room.  He got nothing.  That in itself is strange.  So have they been brainwashed... that's one of the things I want to find out."

[Don Damien Addams]

[AS CPO T'ealc - Medical]

[Transporter Room 2]

"Commander, CPO T'ealc reporting as requested." T'ealc said to Sukal as she entered, medical kit slung over one shoulder and tricorder at her belt.  "Are we expecting casualties?"

PO Grelek to Away Team.  Scans show no personnel on the base, repeat no personnel.  There is a cat and some small rodents.  Captain requests that unless the cat is rabid... well ok she said 'had only normal feline conditions'  I think she means fleas, or needing wormed, then to bring the feline with you if you come across it since it might be the pet of one of the kidnapped people.  Oh and to look for clues of any recent occupation.  Grelek out. 

"I guess that would be a no, unless of the feline variety or someone on our team falls over their own bootlaces?!" she chuckled.

[Transporter room two]

Ensign Meltem step aside for the Chief Petty Officer of medical who came in reporting in. Surprise. Possible another Vulcan. With a humor. He had not announced himself as reporting in. That was bad of him.

He had went to the supply closet. He quickly try to use his webbed hand to fix that one annoying piece of hair down which T'Varn pointed out. He believed it went down. He then opened the cabinet to grab a science tricorder for this mission and closed after he got the tricorder. He was not sure what the mission was about. He knew there was something about brainwashing and crew has been having trust issues.

"Doctor no the cat is perfect for clues," he turned to the Chief and walked toward to her. "I assure the owner has left genetics evidence all over the pet. I know I will be able abstract them. The Felis silvestris catus will be a key," he explained as he turned his attention to his tricorder. He was double checking to see it was calibrated.

Then he raised an eyebrow as he turned to the Chief of Medical. "I need facts on what this mission is about, Doctor. I heard the crew talk about it. I don't take their word. I prefer the truth from the source, sir," he stated. He fixed his eye glasses cause they tend to slip down his nose. His gaze stayed on the Doctor.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck One - Bridge - Science 2 console]

[Bridge]

Ruth nodded to Sukal and then to Dr. York to allow the files to be shown, but no-one came forward to look.  She had a suspicion that this was mostly to do with the fact that in doing so they would incriminate themselves and in doing so blot their service record.

Commanding Officers and First Officers she knew sometimes had to weigh up situations and know when to go in with the hammer of Thor and when to sing sweet songs of the Valkyries and be Blind Io.  She knew what she was seeing and she figured that going on the away team was going to be a punishment as she needed to give Lahr. She was truly sorry that she had to go back on her word, but not putting a demerit on his file and grilling him over the medical files issue was enough to balance out the Universe.

"Petty Officer Grelek, monitor the sensor array.  Lahr,.." she used his first name, not unkindly, she stopped just short of apologising...he had broken rules, the scales were even.  "We'll have a helluva party when we're back at the station, there's something I need to ask you when you're back from this and I'm sure it'll give you something to look forward to!"

She flashed a look at Sukal which between the friends was enough to warn him to go easy on the Andorian.

[Entering Medical]

One thing was for sure, Nathan had certainly not joined the crew of this ship during a quiet time. Normally quite punctual, the Counselor was running late to the impromptu medical exams of the suspicious cadets. His reasons were all quite valid, having his hands extraordinarily full with sorting through the entire crew, but he was still annoyed with himself. As he approached the doors of the sickbay, Nathan crossed paths with the CMO. After a few shared words, he altered his course to join her on the bridge. Yet another distraction that was deemed more important; at least this time he was not the only one missing from the exam room.

[Bridge

While Dr. York's attention was mostly on the Andorian, Nathan had an eye out on Sukal; silently evaluating whether or not the hybrid had heeded his advice on meditating. Given the man's calm acceptance of the situation, the Counselor could only assume he had. However, the Petty Officer's response left a bit to be desired. This matter really ought to have been resolved behind closed doors, but what was done was done and could not be changed now.

Since Lahr seemed to have nothing to say for himself at the moment, Nathan casually filled the silence. Speaking to the room at large, he said, "I would like to remind everyone here that there is a chain of command specifically for situations like this. If you suspect anyone incapable of performing their duties, for any reason, there are people you can talk to. Please do not gossip among your peers to try and figure things out for yourself. In the event that your suspicions are correct, it is much more important that those in charge are aware than to spread rumors and get your fellow crewmen in trouble." He really wanted to reprimand the Andorian about trusting his superior officers, but being only an Ensign himself he thought it best to leave that to said superiors.

"Agreed Ensign.   Least said, soonest mended.  I believe Mr. Sukal said that Chief Petty Officer T'ealc was on the Away Team so since as far as I'm aware no one is in need of Medical treatment here... and alas we can't have the pleasure of a party with DJ Lahr so you're welcome to stay but I'd hate to think of Liv slaving away down there on her own!  If you have stuff to do don't let me detain you! I believe you have the not insignificant matter of some cadets to deal with?" Ruth said with a warped smile.

The Captain's use of his first name especially after what she'd learned from Dr. York surprised the Andorian.  He half hoped the she was going to override the XO and send him to the Brig instead.  But no such luck... hell she almost sounded apologetic.  When she mentioned about something she wanted to ask him, Lahr thought he knew what she wanted to talk about - his earlier request to leave the service.  She likely thought he still wanted out....and was acting out to get it... but that wasn't the case.

Lahr watched his Vulcan roommate at the Ops console, wishing their places could be switched.  Everyone seemed to be waiting... were they waiting for him to walk over to openly peer at the scan data?

Well.. everyone other than the new counselor who spoke up then.

Lahr was aware the counselor's words were directed his way.  Despite evidence to the contrary, Lahr did understand the Chain of Command and understood the seriousness of his breaking the rules.  But what was he supposed to do being suspicious of pretty much every link of that Chain above him?  He'd been trying to get the proof he need to trust them again.  But that was a lost cause now.

Without meeting the Captain's gaze Lahr nodded.  "Yes ma'am.  May I be dismissed to prepare?"

[Bridge]
"Ma'am, the station is deserted, there is no-one there bar..."  Grelek looked at the screen again adjusting filters to try to see what the DNA was.  "...what appears to be a cat and a few rodents."

"Relay that to the Away team please, Mr. Grelek." the Captain said with a smile. "Ask them that if the cat is well or at least only has normal cat conditions to bring with them, for all I know it could be a treasured pet of someone that has been there, and to look for clues that there has been more recent occupation of the station."

"Yes Ma'am!" the Vulcan replied.

[AS CPO T'ealc - Medical]

[Transporter Room 2]

"Commander, CPO T'ealc reporting as requested." T'ealc said to Sukal as she entered, medical kit slung over one shoulder and tricorder at her belt.  "Are we expecting casualties?"

PO Grelek to Away Team.  Scans show no personnel on the base, repeat no personnel.  There is a cat and some small rodents.  Captain requests that unless the cat is rabid... well ok she said 'had only normal feline conditions'  I think she means fleas, or needing wormed, then to bring the feline with you if you come across it since it might be the pet of one of the kidnapped people.  Oh and to look for clues of any recent occupation.  Grelek out. 

"I guess that would be a no, unless of the feline variety or someone on our team falls over their own bootlaces?!" she chuckled.

A short time later Lahr found himself in the Transporter room geared up - notably without a weapon.  Not that the Andorian wanted one.  He was done with fighting entirely.

Grelek's odd announcement about the cat was taken with a grain of salt by the Andorian.   His antenna leaned back close to his head, clearly showing for those that understood how to read Andorian antenne positioning that he was upset and didn't want to be there.  Still Lahr kept watch.

[Olivia Briggs]

[Sickbay]

Dr. York returned to the Sickbay and smiled as she saw Liv "Ready for action Liv?  For lovely fresh faced cadets to get through.  I think Ryder will be down soon and we have Chloe too.  Grab me a Ratkajino while you're there and then we'll get on.  Full assessments I want every test that can be performed on their respective species to be done... every last one.  I have reason to believe that well... "

Maggie pulled up the relevant file on her PADD, it was the one with the list of kidnapped people compared to those marked missing.

"I know this looks like 'oh they aren't missing, no because they're right here' but between you and me there are suspicions regarding these cadets, they came in on the Redav, which was known to have had Leyton on it, and then Admiral D'Arth was found to be working for Leyton after his family was kidnapped so... Also, I've been told that Mr. Sukal didn't get any emotions from them and while he wasn't probing their minds, empaths can feel the general emotions of a room.  He got nothing.  That in itself is strange.  So have they been brainwashed... that's one of the things I want to find out."

[Sickbay - Challenger]

As she stood by the replicator, deciding on what to get, Liv turned at the sound of Maggie's voice and smiled back at the CMO as she was asked if she was ready for action, in regards to the Cadets. Listening as she was then told that they should be joined by Nathan and Chloe, before Maggie requested a Ratkajino.

" I'm ready and sure I'll get that for you" she replied, turning to the machine to request the drinks, as Maggie then continued and informed Liv, that she wanted full assessments, before sharing her suspicions.

Pausing what she was doing as she took in the information and the reasoning why Maggie suspected that the cadets weren't exactly who they were supposed to be. Knowing how imperative it was to uncover the truth, especially given the evidence they had against them so far. She may of only just come into all of this but she would do everything she could to help and get to the bottom of it all.

" I understand and I don't blame you for being suspicious, given what we know already, we definitely need to uncover the truth, using the skills and knowledge at our disposal with the tests". she said as the replicator beeped and Liv picked up both drinks, holding the Ratkajino, out for Maggie to take.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck One - Bridge - Science 2 console]

"Agreed Ensign.   Least said, soonest mended.  I believe Mr. Sukal said that Chief Petty Officer T'ealc was on the Away Team so since as far as I'm aware no one is in need of Medical treatment here... and alas we can't have the pleasure of a party with DJ Lahr so you're welcome to stay but I'd hate to think of Liv slaving away down there on her own!  If you have stuff to do don't let me detain you! I believe you have the not insignificant matter of some cadets to deal with?" Ruth said with a warped smile.

The Captain's use of his first name especially after what she'd learned from Dr. York surprised the Andorian.  He half hoped the she was going to override the XO and send him to the Brig instead.  But no such luck... hell she almost sounded apologetic.  When she mentioned about something she wanted to ask him, Lahr thought he knew what she wanted to talk about - his earlier request to leave the service.  She likely thought he still wanted out....and was acting out to get it... but that wasn't the case.

Lahr watched his Vulcan roommate at the Ops console, wishing their places could be switched.  Everyone seemed to be waiting... were they waiting for him to walk over to openly peer at the scan data?

Well.. everyone other than the new counselor who spoke up then.

Lahr was aware the counselor's words were directed his way.  Despite evidence to the contrary, Lahr did understand the Chain of Command and understood the seriousness of his breaking the rules.  But what was he supposed to do being suspicious of pretty much every link of that Chain above him?  He'd been trying to get the proof he need to trust them again.  But that was a lost cause now.

Without meeting the Captain's gaze Lahr nodded.  "Yes ma'am.  May I be dismissed to prepare?"

[Bridge]

Ruth sadly nodded at Lahr, the fact that she knew he'd broken rules and the further fact that she had to send him on this away mission, both still niggling at her. "Of course, Petty Officer."  she said quietly.  Adding almost in a whisper.  "Good luck, Lahr, you're still my faithful favourite blue guy underneath I'm sure."

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
A short time later Lahr found himself in the Transporter room geared up - notably without a weapon.  Not that the Andorian wanted one.  He was done with fighting entirely.

Grelek's odd announcement about the cat was taken with a grain of salt by the Andorian.   His antenna leaned back close to his head, clearly showing for those that understood how to read Andorian antenne positioning that he was upset and didn't want to be there.  Still Lahr kept watch.

[Transporter room two]

Ensign Meltem step aside for the Chief Petty Officer of medical who came in reporting in. Surprise. Possible another Vulcan. With a humor. He had not announced himself as reporting in. That was bad of him.

He had went to the supply closet. He quickly try to use his webbed hand to fix that one annoying piece of hair down which T'Varn pointed out. He believed it went down. He then opened the cabinet to grab a science tricorder for this mission and closed after he got the tricorder. He was not sure what the mission was about. He knew there was something about brainwashing and crew has been having trust issues.

"Doctor no the cat is perfect for clues," he turned to the Chief and walked toward to her. "I assure the owner has left genetics evidence all over the pet. I know I will be able abstract them. The Felis silvestris catus will be a key," he explained as he turned his attention to his tricorder. He was double checking to see it was calibrated.

Then he raised an eyebrow as he turned to the Chief of Medical. "I need facts on what this mission is about, Doctor. I heard the crew talk about it. I don't take their word. I prefer the truth from the source, sir," he stated. He fixed his eye glasses cause they tend to slip down his nose. His gaze stayed on the Doctor.

[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."

[Sickbay - Challenger]

As she stood by the replicator, deciding on what to get, Liv turned at the sound of Maggie's voice and smiled back at the CMO as she was asked if she was ready for action, in regards to the Cadets. Listening as she was then told that they should be joined by Nathan and Chloe, before Maggie requested a Ratkajino.

" I'm ready and sure I'll get that for you" she replied, turning to the machine to request the drinks, as Maggie then continued and informed Liv, that she wanted full assessments, before sharing her suspicions.

Pausing what she was doing as she took in the information and the reasoning why Maggie suspected that the cadets weren't exactly who they were supposed to be. Knowing how imperative it was to uncover the truth, especially given the evidence they had against them so far. She may of only just come into all of this but she would do everything she could to help and get to the bottom of it all.

" I understand and I don't blame you for being suspicious, given what we know already, we definitely need to uncover the truth, using the skills and knowledge at our disposal with the tests". she said as the replicator beeped and Liv picked up both drinks, holding the Ratkajino, out for Maggie to take.

[Sickbay]
[As Dr. Maggie York, CMO]

"Thanks Liv,.." she said accepting the drink.  "Let's have this then get into the fray.  So we have 3 females, one male, Cadet Rosario is Human Female, Haihes - Bajoran female, Mr'aarra - Caitian female and Olivia - Martian male.  Any preference as to which ones you would like to do?" the CMO asked passing over the data PADD with the file info on the cadets.

"I'm gonna head over to the room that Chloe's setting up for them, 4 biobeds, screens... I thought we could contain this and then well... Your husband has been kind enough to furnish us with a team of 4 from Security on top of Helga Tragnar and Crewman Stuhl, Stull... something like that who are normally on duty around the time I am along the corridor.  We can move the security detail to like... right outside the door... if necessary!"

Maggie stood up taking her Ratkajino with her, and motioned towards the Assessment Room.  "Oh by the way, how's Kixa? Have you told Ruth yet?"

[Lek]

[Transporter Room Two - USS Challenger]

Lek stood to one side with his tool kit and a phaser sitting uncomfortably on his hip. He hated away missions and especially one that required him to be armed as that meant someone might be shooting at him. He knew saying anything about it was pointless, so he waited with an expression not unlike someone who smelled something they didn't like.

"Here we are, right at the heart of Leyton's lion's den and here I am headed right down the damn lion's throat. I'm an engineer, not a Marine dammit!" He growled in silence and wished they'd get started already.

[Kyle Briggs]

[Bridge]

Kyle just blinked as Lahr left the Bridge without so much as looking at the scans offered by Doctor York. That guy had a really bad case of distrust right now. Kyle really hoped they found something down on the station to help relief that feeling. After he departed, Kyle joined the XO in the next lift and they made their way down to deck nine to grab the phasers Kyle had requisitioned. He was proud to see a young crewman standing their with everything he asked for in his hands. The Security Chief had a very well trained staff.

"As you requested, Sir."

Kyle took the bag and stepped back so the doors would close and they continued their way to the Transporter Room.

[Transporter Room Two]

They walked in to see everyone else there, ready and waiting. Kyle stood there for a brief moment, looking back and forth between Lahr and the XO. This should be interesting. he thought as he handed two phasers to Gohun and offered one to Sukal.

"Might as well get it over with, Sir." he said to the Commander.

[Don Damien Addams]

[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 Scientist shook the Chief's hand as she offered as he listened to the brief update.

Jasper nodded his head to everything the Chief had shared. "I love questions that need answers. I will be sure we get everything we need," he promised as he stood up taller. He was fully confident he could do this. After all he believe he is the best.

[Transporter Room Two]

They walked in to see everyone else there, ready and waiting. Kyle stood there for a brief moment, looking back and forth between Lahr and the XO. This should be interesting. he thought as he handed two phasers to Gohun and offered one to Sukal.

"Might as well get it over with, Sir." he said to the Commander.

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.

[Olivia Briggs]

[Sickbay]
[As Dr. Maggie York, CMO]

"Thanks Liv,.." she said accepting the drink.  "Let's have this then get into the fray.  So we have 3 females, one male, Cadet Rosario is Human Female, Haihes - Bajoran female, Mr'aarra - Caitian female and Olivia - Martian male.  Any preference as to which ones you would like to do?" the CMO asked passing over the data PADD with the file info on the cadets.

"I'm gonna head over to the room that Chloe's setting up for them, 4 biobeds, screens... I thought we could contain this and then well... Your husband has been kind enough to furnish us with a team of 4 from Security on top of Helga Tragnar and Crewman Stuhl, Stull... something like that who are normally on duty around the time I am along the corridor.  We can move the security detail to like... right outside the door... if necessary!"

Maggie stood up taking her Ratkajino with her, and motioned towards the Assessment Room.  "Oh by the way, how's Kixa? Have you told Ruth yet?"

[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".