S3:E6 Eliminating Shadows, Part II

[Kyle Briggs]

[USS Challenger, Bridge]

Ruth had given Kyle the Bridge as she went to her Ready Room but he had opted to stay at his station once again in order to continue assisting with the scans. The Challenger had come to a halt a good distance from the security screen that was hopefully far enough for them not to be scanned while they were scanning. It wasn't much longer before the CO returned and took back the Conn. She informed them of Doctor York's assignment and Kyle dispatched a Security detail right away.

[Four hours later]

As they continued their scans, Lahr made his suggestion of using an encrypted code. It was a great idea and it was one that made Kyle believe that the Andorian may just be one of the good guys after all. He was hoping that Doctor York would definitely be able to clear everyone else as well and this brainwashing shit could be put to rest and they could Charlie Mike.

It seemed the next move was to get the security array under their control and have the XO select his Away Team.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck One - Bridge - Ops Station- arrival at sensor array screen]

Ruth nodded with understanding. "Well with regard to the codes... do it, that's the best thing to try.  We've got nothing to lose.  Someone out there is trying to help us.  We might as well avail ourselves of the opportunity to get one over on Leyton!"

At the Captain's 'go ahead' the Andorian linked Science 2's console to the comm line and sent out the encrypted code.   There was a tense moment, when for a moment it seemed like nothing happened.  Then the console chimed its acknowledgement of a new system under it's control.

"We're tied in ma'am!"  Lahr announced his antenna twisting about happily. He called in another Ops personnel  - next up was PO3 Grelek - to take over the main Ops console while he moved himself over to Science 2 to look over controls there.  After a minute or two, to turned about to address the Captain.

"The sensor array looks to be an earlier detection screen.  Thus far we haven't triggered it.  Any changes I make to the system from here will be mirrored on the stations consoles, so I would recommend holding off on doing anything grand until we are ready to implement our plan... or we will just be announcing to station in advance of our control here."

He considered a moment.  "In fact, I would even leave this untouched and allow it to detect us as we proceed to the station.  If Leyton gets wind of us having the access codes to this sensor array he may attempt to change the code for the weapons and station defenses prior to our arrival - losing us our advantage."

[USS Challenger-A  - Deck One - Bridge - Ops Station - 4 hours later]

"As you wish Petty Officer," the Captain remarked.  She was still mindful of the frank conversation she'd had with Lahr when she'd first come to Innominatum.  "As for your 'unique skill set'... yes. Security training, Operations training and that je ne sais quoi of something which boils down to you being very observant, being intuitive enough to pre-empt what needs to be done.  A multi-tasker and a good work ethic.  If I ask you to do something you do it.  Here endeth your performance review.  11/10 and take a gold star!" she winked at Lahr.

"I'll send the Commander over if he's up to it, he can cover Ops position.  I'll have to send over our Science Cadet..." she pondered.  "I'll let Commander Sukal choose his away team.  I shall be remaining here."

The Commanding Officer grinned at Lahr teasingly "Shall we have a party while they're out there... bit of music on the Bridge...canapes!"  Sticking just the tip of her tongue out at Kyle she said "I'm joking, although I'll relax rules to the point that you can have snacks and drinks on the Bridge. We'll be scanning in case any nasties creep up on us.  But it has given me an idea.  Once we've cleared this Science Station, how about we have a morale boosting disco in Ten Forward?  Lahr here can DJ!"

Lahr gave the Captain an uncertain look at her unprompted performance review.

"Thank you ma'am."

Lahr then laughed at the Captain's comedic suggestion of a party. "Sounds good to me, Captain! I hope you like 20th and 21st century rock and pop from Earth. Nothing compares with those eras when comes to party songs."

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

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

[Earlier - Sickbay]
[AS Dr. Maggie York]

Maggie had taken the opportunity to grab something to eat on the way back from the Captain's Ready Room, not knowing when she'd get another chance.  So far as she was aware, Ryder was dealing with things for the treatment of Commander Sukal, Liv and Chloe were about to reimplant Lt. Taray's foetus...

So it was with some surprise that she found Chloe bent over a console looking at Commander Sukal's records.

"Did Commander Sukal come back in, was there some problem.  I did say to come back if he experienced headaches or something..." the CMO asked wondering why Chloe wasn't assisting Liv.

"No matter, finish up there and I'll need your assistance if Dr. Briggs is busy with Lt. Taray's procedure.  Please go and prepare Room 3 for full medicals and I mean top to toe medicals... not the perfunctory ones we do to satisfy Starfleet Medical regulations to declare people fit for duty.  They are thorough enough but I want every test that can be done, done on these patients."

Chloe had tried several times to gain access to Commander Sukal's file but Sickbay was as busy as ever that finding the time when no one was around seemed impossible.  This latest attempt have Dr. York walking in on her just as she gotten the file open and had begun to looking over the readings.

At the interruption, she'd glanced up guiltily but Dr. York didn't seem to notice that or the fact that she never did answer what she was doing looking over Commander Sukal's file.  Instead the Doctor had her go an prepare Room 3 for extensive medicals.

"Yes, Doctor.  I'll get on that right away!" Chloe closed the file and hurried off to prepare the room.  With her suddenly being put in charge of prepping for the medicals, Chloe assumed Dr. York assigned someone else to cover for her with Lt. Taray's surgery.

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

NPC Lt Kiqqexa Taray
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck Seven - Sickbay - Recovery Ward]

[Four Hours Later - Challenger Sickbay]

Despite the circumstances as to why Kixa was here, Liv looked forward to getting to know the Security Chief better whilst she was under Sickbay's care. But for now, she needed to begin the procedure as neither Doctor or Patient didn't want to wait any longer than necessary, especially given the sensitive and important nature of what was about to happen.

The noticeable absence of Chloe was slightly disconcerting, as she was supposed to be assisting but luckily she wasn't the only nurse available to do so. Still she would raise that with Maggie when she saw her, but for now her main focus was on Kixa. So with that in mind and wanting the procedure to be successful, Liv then began the intricate task of using the precise medical transporters to locate the fetus. Once that had been done, the rest of the procedure went as smoothly as she could possibly make it.

Finally taking a deep breath and feeling a sense of satisfaction as the scans confirmed that the re -  implantation had worked.Proud of what she had achieved but now it all depended on complete rest for the next few days. Still she was happy with how it had gone and believed that Kixa would go on to have a healthy pregnancy.

After the procedure, Liv had remained nearby, ready to check on her patient, whilst she compiled a report for both the CMO and the Captain. Then once the checks had been completed, would leave Kixa to rest.

Returning to her patients bedside, Liv smiled and spoke in her usual friendly and gentle, English accent.

" Kixa, I just wanted to let you know, that the procedure went well and the fetus is now where it should be, I'm going to let you rest, but if you need anything, please give me or one of the nurses a shout".

Kiqqexa was recuperating in the recovery ward after her surgery when the Dr. Briggs stopped by to inform her of the surgery's success. "Thank you, Doctor.  I really appreciate all your help through this. Beyond bed rest is there anything I should do to help the pregnancy?  Vitamin shots?  Avoiding caffeine?"

Having not planned for this she was concerned that her coffee habit might have already done harm.   She really only knew the basics of what to expect with a pregnancy.  Her platinum-mercury based blood meant that many humanoid pregnancy practices might not be effective with her.   She was grateful that at least she didn't have to worry about dealing with hybrid complications - the father being Benzite as well.

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

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

[Armory - USS Challenger]

Lek's entire body shivered in delight and as much as he wanted to follow her lead, he knew that even a dimwit like this Crewman Tim would make it back before he could follow up as he wanted, so he forced himself to simply reply.

"I better get going. I'm sure that red alert will sound soon and your buddy Tim will be back before..... well before we can have a proper conclusion to my... um... inspection. I will be thinking about you and you tell Tim he can have the slug-o-cola. It's the 'slimiest cola in the galaxy' after all. See you once this interruption is over."

Lek reluctantly broke contact and headed in a different direction than Tim took so he could avoid being seen.

Helga gave a groan of disappointment when Lek announced that he should go.  Though it made her smile when he admitted he'd be thinking of her.  Every woman in the universe loved to hear that she was distracting to her mate.  It gave them a sense of power.

"Hopefully that Red Alert doesn't come in until this shift is over, or I'll be stuck here in the Armory rather than being on available for any boarding initiative."  It bothered her, the idea of being left behind.  "You take care.  We will finish this... inspection"   she grinned at their new code word for foreplay, ".. later."
.
.
.
Three minutes after Lek left Tim returned breathless, having ran the entire way.  In hand he had a Slug-o-Cola.  He glanced over the Armory, looking for the Ferengi.

"Where's the Lieutenant?"

Tragnar looked over to the breathless Tim and gave a disinterested shrug.  "He had to get back to Engineering, said you could enjoy his cola for him."

The face the other security crewman pulled almost made up for Lek having to leave.  Almost - but not quite.

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

NPC Crewman T'Varn
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck Five - corridor outside turbolift]

[USS Challenger - Level 5 - corridor]

"Are you?" He asked harshly. His dark brown eyes buried into her Vulcan dark eyes. She was smaller, but she seemed to have a five o'clock shadow about her face. He had never studied Vulcan women having biology change when they grow into mature age. Or possible she could had been half human. There was nothing to gain on telling her that. It was her body. Then she was fully aware of her own body.

Then he moved his arm away from her. "Don't touch me," he ordered and he took a one step away from her. He liked his space. Most people will say please don't touch me. Please was a word he hardly ever used. Liars were the user for that word.

Jasper had looked down at himself. He held his hands to look at his webbed fingers for any injuries. "I see no cuts. So no," he factly told her. Then he had observed her from head to toe. "Had you injured yourself?" He asked her.

The female stated that she was a trained medic. He was in training as well. That was why he was cadet himself. They both seem to have something in common. Liars or true socializers had called that breaking the ice.

"Are you going that direction? I had not visited the sick bays, yet," he announced to her. "I need to know where they are. In case another crew collides into me," he told her. He used his right hand web to feel his hair. Mister hair stand me up better stay down. He would not dare cut it off.

The cadet's question and tone implied that they disbelieved the sincerity of her statement of apology.

"Yes.  Have I given cause for you to doubt me?" she queried back placidly, even as the man pulled back his arm as if adverse to her touch.  She acknowledged the request... though it sounded more like an angry demand... with a simple head nod.  She would refrain from touching him in the future.

It was when she questioned if he were injured, prompting the man to look himself over, that T'Varn
was made aware of the webbing on his hands.  Ahh.. he was Zaldan.  That explained much about the man's demeanor.  So when he questioned her back as to if she were injured she made a point of doing a visual assessment of her own self before answering. "I too am uninjured." she stated plainly.

The Zaldan however didn't leave after that, instead the man questioned if she were headed towards Sickbay.  "No" T'Varn answered honestly, before expanding on her statement.  "I am headed to the Mess Hall for break.  You are welcome to come with.  I can guide you to Sickbay afterwards if you are amenable to that idea."

[Don Damien Addams]

The cadet's question and tone implied that they disbelieved the sincerity of her statement of apology.

"Yes.  Have I given cause for you to doubt me?" she queried back placidly, even as the man pulled back his arm as if adverse to her touch.  She acknowledged the request... though it sounded more like an angry demand... with a simple head nod.  She would refrain from touching him in the future.

[USS Challenger]

What was with these other crew? His eyebrows knitted and he slitted his eyes as disgust flow over his emotions. It was obvious that her pointy ears show she had some Vulcan blood. The rough shadow on her jaw and chin had a sign of another species. Human? He was not sure. A male Klingon warrior would find her handsome.

It was when she questioned if he were injured, prompting the man to look himself over, that T'Varn
was made aware of the webbing on his hands.  Ahh.. he was Zaldan.  That explained much about the man's demeanor.  So when he questioned her back as to if she were injured she made a point of doing a visual assessment of her own self before answering. "I too am uninjured." she stated plainly.

The Zaldan however didn't leave after that, instead the man questioned if she were headed towards Sickbay.  "No" T'Varn answered honestly, before expanding on her statement.  "I am headed to the Mess Hall for break.  You are welcome to come with.  I can guide you to Sickbay afterwards if you are amenable to that idea."

The knitted eyebrows where neutral and his jaw was loose as she was straight forward with him. Someone who was possible aware of his culture.

"Yes. That will be great," he returned. "My name is Jasper Meltem," he shared. Jasper placed his right webbed hand on his own chest. The muscles of the Zaldan were more relax.
.

[Olivia Briggs]

NPC Lt Kiqqexa Taray
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck Seven - Sickbay - Recovery Ward]

Kiqqexa was recuperating in the recovery ward after her surgery when the Dr. Briggs stopped by to inform her of the surgery's success. "Thank you, Doctor.  I really appreciate all your help through this. Beyond bed rest is there anything I should do to help the pregnancy?  Vitamin shots?  Avoiding caffeine?"

Having not planned for this she was concerned that her coffee habit might have already done harm.   She really only knew the basics of what to expect with a pregnancy.  Her platinum-mercury based blood meant that many humanoid pregnancy practices might not be effective with her.   She was grateful that at least she didn't have to worry about dealing with hybrid complications - the father being Benzite as well.

[Challenger Sickbay]

" Not a problem at all, Kixa, its what I'm here for and I'm glad I could help" Liv replied in response to Kixa's thanks for what she had done so far. When it came to the questions that she asked in regards to the pregnancy, Liv wasn't too familiar with Benzite pregnancies, something she would need to rectify, but could use her own experience with Elijah to answer the most common ones.

" Yes I would recommend the vitamin shots and avoiding caffeine, alcohol is another thing to avoid and I'd also suggest, getting as much sleep as you can, I still remember what its like to be pregnant even after 2 and a half years, so please don't hesitate to reach out, if you need too. We can also schedule regular check ups to monitor the baby's progress, once your bed rest is over".

Liv was happy to pass on her experience if it helped others and now with her newly acquired medical skills she could also put that knowledge to further use and looked forward to continuing Kixa's care as the pregnancy progressed.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck One - Bridge - Ops Station- arrival at sensor array screen]

At the Captain's 'go ahead' the Andorian linked Science 2's console to the comm line and sent out the encrypted code.   There was a tense moment, when for a moment it seemed like nothing happened.  Then the console chimed its acknowledgement of a new system under it's control.

"We're tied in ma'am!"  Lahr announced his antenna twisting about happily. He called in another Ops personnel  - next up was PO3 Grelek - to take over the main Ops console while he moved himself over to Science 2 to look over controls there.  After a minute or two, to turned about to address the Captain.

"The sensor array looks to be an earlier detection screen.  Thus far we haven't triggered it.  Any changes I make to the system from here will be mirrored on the stations consoles, so I would recommend holding off on doing anything grand until we are ready to implement our plan... or we will just be announcing to station in advance of our control here."

He considered a moment.  "In fact, I would even leave this untouched and allow it to detect us as we proceed to the station.  If Leyton gets wind of us having the access codes to this sensor array he may attempt to change the code for the weapons and station defenses prior to our arrival - losing us our advantage."

[USS Challenger-A  - Deck One - Bridge - Ops Station - 4 hours later]

Lahr gave the Captain an uncertain look at her unprompted performance review.

"Thank you ma'am."

Lahr then laughed at the Captain's comedic suggestion of a party. "Sounds good to me, Captain! I hope you like 20th and 21st century rock and pop from Earth. Nothing compares with those eras when comes to party songs."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"Rock is my jam!  I'll have to let you have access to my music collection or upload it to the central computer sometime!" Ruth chuckled.

"As for work, better we do work then play unfortunately!" she said with a wry smile, "Excellent work, I think we've got this in hand gentlemen!"

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

Chloe had tried several times to gain access to Commander Sukal's file but Sickbay was as busy as ever that finding the time when no one was around seemed impossible.  This latest attempt have Dr. York walking in on her just as she gotten the file open and had begun to looking over the readings.

At the interruption, she'd glanced up guiltily but Dr. York didn't seem to notice that or the fact that she never did answer what she was doing looking over Commander Sukal's file.  Instead the Doctor had her go an prepare Room 3 for extensive medicals.

"Yes, Doctor.  I'll get on that right away!" Chloe closed the file and hurried off to prepare the room.  With her suddenly being put in charge of prepping for the medicals, Chloe assumed Dr. York assigned someone else to cover for her with Lt. Taray's surgery.

[As Maggie York, CMO]

Sickbay

Maggie went over to the console and pulled up the last used file, Sukal's.  She checked to see who was the last person to edit the file, which had been herself after his attack bar an edit by Ryder concerning his request that the Commander take rest and booked sessions with him which was just a standard note chronicling the appointment they'd had about an hour ago.  So Chloe didn't have any additional data to add.

She went into the room being prepared for the medicals a curious look on her face.

"Chloe?  Two things, since you were working on Kixa Taray's case, I just wanted you to know that the procedure went well so far as we can tell.  You know how unpredictable pregnancies can be even with the greatest of care! She's in recovery now if you want to visit once you have everything prepped here. Secondly...What was it you wanted with Sukal's file? Did Counsellor Ryder ask you to find something?"

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

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

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"Rock is my jam!  I'll have to let you have access to my music collection or upload it to the central computer sometime!" Ruth chuckled.

"As for work, better we do work then play unfortunately!" she said with a wry smile, "Excellent work, I think we've got this in hand gentlemen!"

Lahr was relieved that he wouldn't be ordered to go on the away team  "Yes ma'am!"

He waited for the Captain to decide on whether to risk shutting down the sensor array to cross undetected and potentially announcing to Leyton's forces that they had the remote access codes.... or just cross the sensor screen setting off the station's alarms yet save the remote access codes for the station's weapons and defenses once they arrived.

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

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

[As Maggie York, CMO]
Sickbay

Maggie went over to the console and pulled up the last used file, Sukal's.  She checked to see who was the last person to edit the file, which had been herself after his attack bar an edit by Ryder concerning his request that the Commander take rest and booked sessions with him which was just a standard note chronicling the appointment they'd had about an hour ago.  So Chloe didn't have any additional data to add.

She went into the room being prepared for the medicals a curious look on her face.

"Chloe?  Two things, since you were working on Kixa Taray's case, I just wanted you to know that the procedure went well so far as we can tell.  You know how unpredictable pregnancies can be even with the greatest of care! She's in recovery now if you want to visit once you have everything prepped here. Secondly...What was it you wanted with Sukal's file? Did Counsellor Ryder ask you to find something?"

Chloe paused her prep work - setting out the sterilized tools and getting the patient charts organized -  to look towards Dr. York as she had couple of things to talk to her about.  Hearing that Taray's reimplantation went well was good news and Chloe smiled about to comment exactly that... but the Doctor mentioned her second point - a question about Sukal's file.

Chloe's eyes dropped to the ground guiltily.  "Um.. No ma'am... It wasn't Counselor Ryder...."  She avoided the doctor's eyes - this was a bad situation.. but lying from this point would only make it worse.  She looked up as she let out a sigh.  "I was attempting to assure Petty officer ch'Verret that his concerns about Commander Sukal being brainwashed were just paranoia.   He'd heard that the scans done during his recent medical visit... proved he wasn't but didn't trust your assessment, not without a second opinion." Chloe looked to Maggie apologetically as she said this last.... because the implication a needing a second opinion was that Lahr didn't trust the Doctor either.

"I'm sorry Doctor, I know that medical files are confidential and I wasn't going to share anything other than the fact that the scans did indeed show no sign of any brainwashing."

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

NPC Lt Kiqqexa Taray
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck Seven - Sickbay - Recovery Ward]

[Challenger Sickbay]

" Not a problem at all, Kixa, its what I'm here for and I'm glad I could help" Liv replied in response to Kixa's thanks for what she had done so far. When it came to the questions that she asked in regards to the pregnancy, Liv wasn't too familiar with Benzite pregnancies, something she would need to rectify, but could use her own experience with Elijah to answer the most common ones.

" Yes I would recommend the vitamin shots and avoiding caffeine, alcohol is another thing to avoid and I'd also suggest, getting as much sleep as you can, I still remember what its like to be pregnant even after 2 and a half years, so please don't hesitate to reach out, if you need too. We can also schedule regular check ups to monitor the baby's progress, once your bed rest is over".

Liv was happy to pass on her experience if it helped others and now with her newly acquired medical skills she could also put that knowledge to further use and looked forward to continuing Kixa's care as the pregnancy progressed.

Kiqqexa, though she'd just woken from her surgery, felt exhausted and nodded weakly  "That sounds good Doctor."

Her voice began to drag as she had a hard time staying awake - a hold over from the anesthesia .  Taray fought the pull of her lethargy ..eyes straining to stay open. "Just write...  me..up...a pre...script..on."

Sleep claimed the Benzite.

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

NPC Crewman T'Varn
[USS Challenger-A  - Deck Five - corridor outside turbolift>>>Mess Hall]

[USS Challenger]

What was with these other crew? His eyebrows knitted and he slitted his eyes as disgust flow over his emotions. It was obvious that her pointy ears show she had some Vulcan blood. The rough shadow on her jaw and chin had a sign of another species. Human? He was not sure. A male Klingon warrior would find her handsome.

The knitted eyebrows where neutral and his jaw was loose as she was straight forward with him. Someone who was possible aware of his culture.

"Yes. That will be great," he returned. "My name is Jasper Meltem," he shared. Jasper placed his right webbed hand on his own chest. The muscles of the Zaldan were more relax..

T'Varn observed his hand-to-chest gesture wondering briefly if it were part of the Zaltan cultural greeting or just habit of Jasper himself.  Without knowing more, T'Varn chose NOT to use the gesture herself with her own introduction in the chance that it might inadvertently offend if it was personal gesture and not part of his culture; instead she raised her hand into the Ta'all.

"Live long and prosper. I am T'Varn of Vulcan." he greeted formally

Once the introduction was complete she lowered her hand and gestured in the direction of the turbolift.  "The Enlisted Mess - where I was headed - is up one deck." she stated before moving around the Zaltan to enter the lift.  She waited with the door held open for him to enter before announcing their destination.

The ride up was barely a second.  T'Varn would have preferred to have walked up but starships did not have staircases -  they had ladders; and those ladders were more difficult to access than it was worth.

She stepped out of the turbolift, she thought to inquire as to his department.  "I see that you wear the department colors of Medical and Science, yet you do not know your way to Sickbay.  Am I correct to deduce then that your assignment is within the Science department?"

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

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

The inventory had gone quickly, especially with Tim doing most of the work.  The pasty security crewman was a klutz when it came to combat but he certainly knew how to inventory gear and weapons efficiently.  With their task complete other than being present and ready to hand out firearms should the ship get moved up to Red Alert status once more, Helga was occupying herself on her PADD looking through the cultural book database when she found something that made her laugh.

She quickly downloaded it to her PADD and then on a whim sent a picture of her download to Lek with the following message:  I thought I'd expand my library...

[Sukal]

Sukal's Quarters

Meditation had been something of a struggle for the First Officer, but once he was able to actually focus...the process became quite relieving.  He meditated before going to sleep, and he did so again upon waking up was had been his habit for many years.  The result was a him feeling calmer and more centered, but it did not completely erase the concerns he had on the current mission or sensations he had from the ship's crew.  Still, he was more himself now, and that alone was a major relief for the Vulcan/Betazoid officer.  He gazed for a long moment at the picture of his wife and children, and silently sent his love to them across the vast reaches of Time and Space.  Not that they were likely to actually feel such, but one never knew...perhaps they would.  Refreshed with a shower, food, and a clean uniform; Sukal made his way back to the Bridge.  It was time to get this particular mission over with, and he could only hope it would solve some of the current issues they had now.

He knew it would be up to him to pick the Away Team, and in this his thoughts had focused on Lieutenant Briggs and Crewman Gohun for Security, Doctor York from Medical, Lieutenant Lek from Engineering, and the new Science person:  Cadet Jasper.  But, he also wanted Lahr there, and in that there was a problem.  Lahr had experience with brainwashing from an incident involving Admiral Torngate.  As such, Sukal believed his presence was necessary, but there were two things which were making that difficult to make happen.  The first was Lahr hated going on Away Missions.  Some incident had transpired which made the Andorian literally feel quite uncomfortable with the very idea.  The Captain had even negated his presence on Away Missions more than once, but Sukal felt Lahr was needed now more than ever.  The second problem was the way Lahr had reacted to him on the Bridge during the Captain's absence.  To have him on the Away Team was possibly a very good way to sabotage the mission, because in doing so the Andorian might just rebel.  That was the last thing they needed.

Yet, if they were to move forward...if they were to work together as a team; then Sukal had to find a way to get Lahr to accept his presence.  This Away Mission was the best way.  And, if something was going on...that would be the time to find out.

Bridge

Sukal strode onto the Bridge with his usual briskness to find the Andorian at the second Science Station, and the rest about where he had left them.  He went down to the Command Deck and nodded politely to his friend and Captain.

"I trust all has been well since my absence, Captain.  When would you like for us to start the Away Mission, and have we shut down any early warning systems they might have had?" Sukal said to Ruth as he presented himself before her just to her right.  "I have already drawn up the Away Team members I want on the mission, but I think you are going to growl at me for one of my choices," Sukal continued as he handed her the PADD containing the list he had prepared and the reason for each one.

• Lieutenant Lek:  Engineering Specialist will be needed for the various equipment we may run across.
• Lieutenant Briggs:  Security Specialist
• Crewman Gohun:  Extra Security Precaution
• Doctor York:  Medical Expertise needed for Brainwashing, and Field Medic if necessary
• Cadet Jasper:  Science Specialist to help with the study of anything we discover about the Brainwashing rumored to be here.
• PO2 ch'Verret:  The only person to have personal experience with Brainwashing and a secondary Ops person for such a station to explore.

He wondered what his Captain would say about the list he had drawn up, and just barely managed not to look at Lahr as he waited for her answer.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

Sukal's Quarters

Meditation had been something of a struggle for the First Officer, but once he was able to actually focus...the process became quite relieving.  He meditated before going to sleep, and he did so again upon waking up was had been his habit for many years.  The result was a him feeling calmer and more centered, but it did not completely erase the concerns he had on the current mission or sensations he had from the ship's crew.  Still, he was more himself now, and that alone was a major relief for the Vulcan/Betazoid officer.  He gazed for a long moment at the picture of his wife and children, and silently sent his love to them across the vast reaches of Time and Space.  Not that they were likely to actually feel such, but one never knew...perhaps they would.  Refreshed with a shower, food, and a clean uniform; Sukal made his way back to the Bridge.  It was time to get this particular mission over with, and he could only hope it would solve some of the current issues they had now.

He knew it would be up to him to pick the Away Team, and in this his thoughts had focused on Lieutenant Briggs and Crewman Gohun for Security, Doctor York from Medical, Lieutenant Lek from Engineering, and the new Science person:  Cadet Jasper.  But, he also wanted Lahr there, and in that there was a problem.  Lahr had experience with brainwashing from an incident involving Admiral Torngate.  As such, Sukal believed his presence was necessary, but there were two things which were making that difficult to make happen.  The first was Lahr hated going on Away Missions.  Some incident had transpired which made the Andorian literally feel quite uncomfortable with the very idea.  The Captain had even negated his presence on Away Missions more than once, but Sukal felt Lahr was needed now more than ever.  The second problem was the way Lahr had reacted to him on the Bridge during the Captain's absence.  To have him on the Away Team was possibly a very good way to sabotage the mission, because in doing so the Andorian might just rebel.  That was the last thing they needed.

Yet, if they were to move forward...if they were to work together as a team; then Sukal had to find a way to get Lahr to accept his presence.  This Away Mission was the best way.  And, if something was going on...that would be the time to find out.

Bridge

Sukal strode onto the Bridge with his usual briskness to find the Andorian at the second Science Station, and the rest about where he had left them.  He went down to the Command Deck and nodded politely to his friend and Captain.

"I trust all has been well since my absence, Captain.  When would you like for us to start the Away Mission, and have we shut down any early warning systems they might have had?" Sukal said to Ruth as he presented himself before her just to her right.  "I have already drawn up the Away Team members I want on the mission, but I think you are going to growl at me for one of my choices," Sukal continued as he handed her the PADD containing the list he had prepared and the reason for each one.

• Lieutenant Lek:  Engineering Specialist will be needed for the various equipment we may run across.
• Lieutenant Briggs:  Security Specialist
• Crewman Gohun:  Extra Security Precaution
• Doctor York:  Medical Expertise needed for Brainwashing, and Field Medic if necessary
• Cadet Jasper:  Science Specialist to help with the study of anything we discover about the Brainwashing rumored to be here.
• PO2 ch'Verret:  The only person to have personal experience with Brainwashing and a secondary Ops person for such a station to explore.

He wondered what his Captain would say about the list he had drawn up, and just barely managed not to look at Lahr as he waited for her answer.

[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."

[Don Damien Addams]

"Live long and prosper. I am T'Varn of Vulcan." he greeted formally.

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.

Once the introduction was complete she lowered her hand and gestured in the direction of the turbolift.  "The Enlisted Mess - where I was headed - is up one deck." she stated before moving around the Zaltan to enter the lift.  She waited with the door held open for him to enter before announcing their destination.

The ride up was barely a second.  T'Varn would have preferred to have walked up but starships did not have staircases -  they had ladders; and those ladders were more difficult to access than it was worth.

She stepped out of the turbolift, she thought to inquire as to his department.  "I see that you wear the department colors of Medical and Science, yet you do not know your way to Sickbay.  Am I correct to deduce then that your assignment is within the Science department?"

"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.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

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

Chloe paused her prep work - setting out the sterilized tools and getting the patient charts organized -  to look towards Dr. York as she had couple of things to talk to her about.  Hearing that Taray's reimplantation went well was good news and Chloe smiled about to comment exactly that... but the Doctor mentioned her second point - a question about Sukal's file.

Chloe's eyes dropped to the ground guiltily.  "Um.. No ma'am... It wasn't Counselor Ryder...."  She avoided the doctor's eyes - this was a bad situation.. but lying from this point would only make it worse.  She looked up as she let out a sigh.  "I was attempting to assure Petty officer ch'Verret that his concerns about Commander Sukal being brainwashed were just paranoia.   He'd heard that the scans done during his recent medical visit... proved he wasn't but didn't trust your assessment, not without a second opinion." Chloe looked to Maggie apologetically as she said this last.... because the implication a needing a second opinion was that Lahr didn't trust the Doctor either.

"I'm sorry Doctor, I know that medical files are confidential and I wasn't going to share anything other than the fact that the scans did indeed show no sign of any brainwashing."

[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."

[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...

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.

[Sukal]

[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...

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.

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."

[Lek]

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

The inventory had gone quickly, especially with Tim doing most of the work.  The pasty security crewman was a klutz when it came to combat but he certainly knew how to inventory gear and weapons efficiently.  With their task complete other than being present and ready to hand out firearms should the ship get moved up to Red Alert status once more, Helga was occupying herself on her PADD looking through the cultural book database when she found something that made her laugh.

She quickly downloaded it to her PADD and then on a whim sent a picture of her download to Lek with the following message:  I thought I'd expand my library...

[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!"

Bridge

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."

[Engineering - USS Challenger]

Lek heard his name called and his grin faded instantly. He hated away team missions. They usually involved more danger than he liked and he didn't like danger at all. He grimaced and tapped his commbadge

"On my way."

He called to Gianetti and added.

"Be ready for dual warp core operations. All major systems have been upgraded now and will handle the load, the non-essentials will suffer, but we will just have to deal with that later. Whatever the cost, keep the shields online. See you when I get back."

"Don't worry Chief, she'll be here when you're ready."

Lek nodded in appreciation and headed for the transporter room.

[Kyle Briggs]

Bridge

"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."

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.

[Kali Reyes]

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.

[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!"

[Richard James Litt]

[Bridge]

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

[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."