S3:E7 Predator and Prey

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

TWO DAYS AFTER RENDEZVOUS WITH THE ENTERPRISE-E
Captain's Log: Stardate Today...

We are now on the approach to DS4 where we will collect not only our new First Officer - someone the Fleet has sent out as an emergency since in the middle of the mission we are tasked to we have not the luxury of time to pick and choose our replacements.  However, I do have the name of our new Chief Science Officer, an older experienced woman by the name of Lt. Commander Evelyn Wardropper.  That appointment had been decided before we'd set off for the Seitsar Nebula and the poor woman had to get off one ship at Innominatum and onto another straight for DS4....

[USS Challenger - Bridge - 30 mins later than the log entry]

"Helm make ready to dock, Ops contact their security and let them know that the Tal'Bath is under our protection and working with us. We don't want their defences to blow her out of the sky!" The Captain said glad to be able to have even a few hours where she didn't have to think.  She fully intended to sleep if she could.

Captain to all hands.  Once docking has completed you are permitted 4 hours shore leave on Deep Space 4.  FOUR HOURS.... for all the hard work and dedication you've put in recently.  However I must restrict it to that.  Senior staff and Think Tank members are requested that at the end of those 4 hours you present yourself to the Conference Room for a briefing.  Enjoy your down time, Sigurdsdottir out. 

"Take her in Mr. Litt."

[Olivia Briggs]

TWO DAYS AFTER RENDEZVOUS WITH THE ENTERPRISE-E
[USS Challenger - Bridge - 30 mins later than the log entry]

"Helm make ready to dock, Ops contact their security and let them know that the Tal'Bath is under our protection and working with us. We don't want their defences to blow her out of the sky!" The Captain said glad to be able to have even a few hours where she didn't have to think.  She fully intended to sleep if she could.

Captain to all hands.  Once docking has completed you are permitted 4 hours shore leave on Deep Space 4.  FOUR HOURS.... for all the hard work and dedication you've put in recently.  However I must restrict it to that.  Senior staff and Think Tank members are requested that at the end of those 4 hours you present yourself to the Conference Room for a briefing.  Enjoy your down time, Sigurdsdottir out. 

[Briggs' Quarters - Deck 7]

Settling down on the sofa with Elijah sat beside her, engrossed in a book with colourful pictures of dinosaurs and other creatures, that spoke to him when he touched the words, Liv was able to pick up a PADD of her own, to catch up on the latest medical articles before her next shift. Despite her being newly qualified, she always found it interesting to keep up with her learning as there was always room for improvement in both her knowledge and her skills.

It also helped when Elijah was settled, especially with his interest in books and allowed her to read and still enjoy some family time, before she had to resume her duties. Of course the last two days since the discovery of the cadets real identity had certainly kept her busy, along with the added bonus or stress depending on how you felt at the time, of being made Acting CMO.

Liv appreciated the faith that had been put in her and her abilities and on the whole, it hadn't been too bad of an experience, especially with what they were currently dealing with. However when the call came through from the Captain and smiled at the thought of a few hours of R and R, before they were called back for the meeting, one she knew she would need to attend.

So she decided to call out to Kyle, assuming he was still here and then they could make plans.

" Babe, fancy a couple of hours on DS4 with little man and have some fun, before the meeting?".

[Richard James Litt]

TWO DAYS AFTER RENDEZVOUS WITH THE ENTERPRISE-E
Captain's Log: Stardate Today...

We are now on the approach to DS4 where we will collect not only our new First Officer - someone the Fleet has sent out as an emergency since in the middle of the mission we are tasked to we have not the luxury of time to pick and choose our replacements.  However, I do have the name of our new Chief Science Officer, an older experienced woman by the name of Lt. Commander Evelyn Wardropper.  That appointment had been decided before we'd set off for the Seitsar Nebula and the poor woman had to get off one ship at Innominatum and onto another straight for DS4....

[USS Challenger - Bridge - 30 mins later than the log entry]

"Helm make ready to dock, Ops contact their security and let them know that the Tal'Bath is under our protection and working with us. We don't want their defences to blow her out of the sky!" The Captain said glad to be able to have even a few hours where she didn't have to think.  She fully intended to sleep if she could.

Captain to all hands.  Once docking has completed you are permitted 4 hours shore leave on Deep Space 4.  FOUR HOURS.... for all the hard work and dedication you've put in recently.  However I must restrict it to that.  Senior staff and Think Tank members are requested that at the end of those 4 hours you present yourself to the Conference Room for a briefing.  Enjoy your down time, Sigurdsdottir out. 

"Take her in Mr. Litt."

[USS Challenger · Bridge · Helm]

The two days following the latest events turned out to be calmer than expected. The trip to DS4 followed without much surprise and finally they were just minutes from docking the ship.

"Aye ma'am..." He started to make the arrange for the ship to dock and a few moments later it was ready. "Ready to dock at your command, Captain." He smiled to her and awaited the order.

After he spoke with the crew about the 4 hours they could spend at DS4 she said Litt to Dock the ship and so he did.It takes a couple of minutes, but everything ran all right.

"Dock complete ma'am... We're good to go!"

[Kyle Briggs]

[Briggs' Quarters - Deck 7]

Kyle was just stepping out of the shower when Liv called to him.

" Babe, fancy a couple of hours on DS4 with little man and have some fun, before the meeting?".

"That sounds good." he replied.

He had heard the Captain's message while he was in the shower and was thinking a few hours away would be good for all of them. He was looking at himself in the mirror before putting on his shirt. He hit the gym every other day and was still in good shape but age seemed to be catching up to him. They had lucked out back on that damn Science station. That booby trap could have been set to detonate as soon as he removed that helmet. Liv and Elijah could be alone right now. He really needed to start being more careful. And now he was Acting CSTO. That meant more away teams and dangerous situations. He'd definitely need to watch himself.

He smiled as he heard the two loves of his life laughing out in the living area. He took a deep breath and pulled on his shirt before heading out there. He walked over and held out his arms to Elijah who happily jumped into them.

"You ready, Beautiful?" he asked his wife.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

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

TWO DAYS AFTER RENDEZVOUS WITH THE ENTERPRISE-E

Captain's Log: Stardate Today...

We are now on the approach to DS4 where we will collect not only our new First Officer - someone the Fleet has sent out as an emergency since in the middle of the mission we are tasked to we have not the luxury of time to pick and choose our replacements.  However, I do have the name of our new Chief Science Officer, an older experienced woman by the name of Lt. Commander Evelyn Wardropper.  That appointment had been decided before we'd set off for the Seitsar Nebula and the poor woman had to get off one ship at Innominatum and onto another straight for DS4....

[USS Challenger - Bridge - 30 mins later than the log entry]

"Helm make ready to dock, Ops contact their security and let them know that the Tal'Bath is under our protection and working with us. We don't want their defences to blow her out of the sky!" The Captain said glad to be able to have even a few hours where she didn't have to think.  She fully intended to sleep if she could.

Captain to all hands.  Once docking has completed you are permitted 4 hours shore leave on Deep Space 4.  FOUR HOURS.... for all the hard work and dedication you've put in recently.  However I must restrict it to that.  Senior staff and Think Tank members are requested that at the end of those 4 hours you present yourself to the Conference Room for a briefing.  Enjoy your down time, Sigurdsdottir out. 

"Take her in Mr. Litt."

Lahr was seated at Ops.  The Bridge felt a bit empty without the Vulcan hybrid.  It was odd after all that time that Lahr distrusted Sukal... now that he was gone the Andorian felt his absence keenly.  Maybe it was because he felt the other officers who had temporarily taken over his Ops duties... were complete uukhs. But most likely he felt this way because he hadn't gotten the opportunity to apologize to the Vulcan for making his Command difficult.

Lahr had listened with half an ear to the Captain's log entry.  She too missed her right hand officer., he assumed.  'Whoever Starfleet Command sent would have big shoes to fill'.

A short while later when the Captain called on him to contact DS4's security Lahr was on it.

"Challenger to DS4.  Please inform your security that we are escorting a Romulan vessel.   The Tal'bath is working with us and is to be considered friendly."

There was a momentary pause before the response came.  "Understood, Challenger."

Docking instructions were relayed and soon Mr. Litt was taking them to dock.  The Tal'bath had opted to remain in stationary orbit rather that dock with a Federation spacestation.  Oh well, their loss.

The Captain's earlier announcement gave him 4 hours of shore leave. That barely gave him time to do anything.  But it was time he fully intended to make use of.

Once docked, Lahr locked down his station and tapped his commbadge.

"ch'Verret to Lt. Lek.   What's your plans for shore leave?  You taking Helga out on the station?  You interested in a bit of a double date? I'm sure I can convince Ensign Davis to come along.  Have you ever been to an Earth carnival? I was thinking of renting us some holodeck time and trying it out with Chloe but it's apparently better with others.  So you and Helga wanna come along?"

[Don Damien Addams]

TWO DAYS AFTER RENDEZVOUS WITH THE ENTERPRISE-E
Captain's Log: Stardate Today...

We are now on the approach to DS4 where we will collect not only our new First Officer - someone the Fleet has sent out as an emergency since in the middle of the mission we are tasked to we have not the luxury of time to pick and choose our replacements.  However, I do have the name of our new Chief Science Officer, an older experienced woman by the name of Lt. Commander Evelyn Wardropper.  That appointment had been decided before we'd set off for the Seitsar Nebula and the poor woman had to get off one ship at Innominatum and onto another straight for DS4....

[USS Challenger - Bridge - 30 mins later than the log entry]

"Helm make ready to dock, Ops contact their security and let them know that the Tal'Bath is under our protection and working with us. We don't want their defences to blow her out of the sky!" The Captain said glad to be able to have even a few hours where she didn't have to think.  She fully intended to sleep if she could.

Captain to all hands.  Once docking has completed you are permitted 4 hours shore leave on Deep Space 4.  FOUR HOURS.... for all the hard work and dedication you've put in recently.  However I must restrict it to that.  Senior staff and Think Tank members are requested that at the end of those 4 hours you present yourself to the Conference Room for a briefing.  Enjoy your down time, Sigurdsdottir out. 

"Take her in Mr. Litt."

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

Lahr was seated at Ops.  The Bridge felt a bit empty without the Vulcan hybrid.  It was odd after all that time that Lahr distrusted Sukal... now that he was gone the Andorian felt his absence keenly.  Maybe it was because he felt the other officers who had temporarily taken over his Ops duties... were complete uukhs. But most likely he felt this way because he hadn't gotten the opportunity to apologize to the Vulcan for making his Command difficult.

Lahr had listened with half an ear to the Captain's log entry.  She too missed her right hand officer., he assumed.  'Whoever Starfleet Command sent would have big shoes to fill'.

A short while later when the Captain called on him to contact DS4's security Lahr was on it.

"Challenger to DS4.  Please inform your security that we are escorting a Romulan vessel.   The Tal'bath is working with us and is to be considered friendly."

There was a momentary pause before the response came.  "Understood, Challenger."

Docking instructions were relayed and soon Mr. Litt was taking them to dock.  The Tal'bath had opted to remain in stationary orbit rather that dock with a Federation spacestation.  Oh well, their loss.

The Captain's earlier announcement gave him 4 hours of shore leave. That barely gave him time to do anything.  But it was time he fully intended to make use of.

Once docked, Lahr locked down his station and tapped his commbadge.

"ch'Verret to Lt. Lek.   What's your plans for shore leave?  You taking Helga out on the station?  You interested in a bit of a double date? I'm sure I can convince Ensign Davis to come along.  Have you ever been to an Earth carnival? I was thinking of renting us some holodeck time and trying it out with Chloe but it's apparently better with others.  So you and Helga wanna come along?"

[USS Challenger - Science lab]

Jasper acknowledge the Captain allowing folks to have R & R, but he had declined it. There was the Brain washing machine which was a new toy to investigate it.

Pushing his eyeglasses up the bridge of his nose, Jasper was studying the design. He had the computer to make a see through holo gram to see through the Brain Washing machine in layers. He swiped the hologram where the helmet sat on top the human head.

There was no engineer beside him. He had not blame the engineer wanting to take the R & R. He had resources to help him with the files.

"I need to know more about the Cadets," he said aloud to himself. What species they were. That would help him understand the layout on the machines. Each species has almost map for a brain. But each species was unique. Possible they knew which cadets and Starfleet officers to manipulate easy.

"Computer can I have access to the victims of the Brainwashing machine, gender, species, and blood type."

[William Waring]

[Deep Space Four]

Will was not a happy camper. His transfer was deemed an essential move and that was evident by the apparent lack of comfort leading up to now. Perhaps he had gotten used to the opulent comfort of the Shran, or maybe his trip really was wicked uncomfortable. His money was on the latter.

At any rate, he had arrived ahead of schedule to DS4 and was currently using all this extra time to bug the poor crewman who was just trying to do his job. Will had turned into an annoying child, mainly to entertain himself in time between his arrival and the Challenger's arrival. The only thing not terrible was Excelsior, his beagle pup, who was asleep in wait.

He had heard over the PA System that the Challenger-A was ready for docking and at nearly the same time he was greeted by another crewman who was sporting gold.

"Sir, the USS Challenger should be available for your entry soon. They are running their docking procedure now but should be done by the time we arrive a the docking port. Right this way" the man said in what sounded like a rehearsed line. Likely something given to transfers all the time.

Sure enough, by the time they arrived at the docking port, the Challenger was all but ready for him. Stepping forward to a panel, Will's escort hailed the Bridge of the Challenger

=A= This is Hardlink Docking Corridor to the Challenger. We have your new Executive Officer waiting for your confirmation of docking. Please confirm when embarkation is permitted. =A=[/gold]

[Olivia Briggs]

[Briggs' Quarters - Deck 7]

Kyle was just stepping out of the shower when Liv called to him.

"That sounds good." he replied.

He had heard the Captain's message while he was in the shower and was thinking a few hours away would be good for all of them. He was looking at himself in the mirror before putting on his shirt. He hit the gym every other day and was still in good shape but age seemed to be catching up to him. They had lucked out back on that damn Science station. That booby trap could have been set to detonate as soon as he removed that helmet. Liv and Elijah could be alone right now. He really needed to start being more careful. And now he was Acting CSTO. That meant more away teams and dangerous situations. He'd definitely need to watch himself.

He smiled as he heard the two loves of his life laughing out in the living area. He took a deep breath and pulled on his shirt before heading out there. He walked over and held out his arms to Elijah who happily jumped into them.

"You ready, Beautiful?" he asked his wife.

[Briggs' Quarters - Deck 7]

Hearing her husband's reply made Liv smile as she put down the PADD and started to get Elijah ready for their trip to the station. Their son was definitely a little character as he decided to copy the T-Rex from his  interactive book, which resulted in both of them laughing, especially trying to get his jacket on. It was moments like this, that reminded Liv how lucky she was to have Kyle and Elijah and now was the family's chance to make more memories by making the most of their time on DS4.

So by the time Kyle joined them and Elijah immediately jumped in his arms, she knew that their son was eager to go explore and she quickly answered Kyle as she too got to her feet.

" As always, now lets go have some fun" she replied as she grabbed Elijah's bag and placed it over her shoulder.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[USS Challenger · Bridge · Helm]

The two days following the latest events turned out to be calmer than expected. The trip to DS4 followed without much surprise and finally they were just minutes from docking the ship.

"Aye ma'am..." He started to make the arrange for the ship to dock and a few moments later it was ready. "Ready to dock at your command, Captain." He smiled to her and awaited the order.

After he spoke with the crew about the 4 hours they could spend at DS4 she said Litt to Dock the ship and so he did.It takes a couple of minutes, but everything ran all right.

"Dock complete ma'am... We're good to go!"

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"Thank you Lieutenant, now... go enjoy some down time!" The Captain smiled at Litt and gestured playful 'shooing' motions.

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

Lahr was seated at Ops.  The Bridge felt a bit empty without the Vulcan hybrid.  It was odd after all that time that Lahr distrusted Sukal... now that he was gone the Andorian felt his absence keenly.  Maybe it was because he felt the other officers who had temporarily taken over his Ops duties... were complete uukhs. But most likely he felt this way because he hadn't gotten the opportunity to apologize to the Vulcan for making his Command difficult.

Lahr had listened with half an ear to the Captain's log entry.  She too missed her right hand officer., he assumed.  'Whoever Starfleet Command sent would have big shoes to fill'.

A short while later when the Captain called on him to contact DS4's security Lahr was on it.

"Challenger to DS4.  Please inform your security that we are escorting a Romulan vessel.   The Tal'bath is working with us and is to be considered friendly."

There was a momentary pause before the response came.  "Understood, Challenger."

Docking instructions were relayed and soon Mr. Litt was taking them to dock.  The Tal'bath had opted to remain in stationary orbit rather that dock with a Federation spacestation.  Oh well, their loss.

The Captain's earlier announcement gave him 4 hours of shore leave. That barely gave him time to do anything.  But it was time he fully intended to make use of.

Once docked, Lahr locked down his station and tapped his commbadge.

"ch'Verret to Lt. Lek.   What's your plans for shore leave?  You taking Helga out on the station?  You interested in a bit of a double date? I'm sure I can convince Ensign Davis to come along.  Have you ever been to an Earth carnival? I was thinking of renting us some holodeck time and trying it out with Chloe but it's apparently better with others.  So you and Helga wanna come along?"

"Thank you Lahr.  Now you too go have fun, you've earned it.  I hope you don't feel too badly of me for not countermanding Commander Sukal and having you go on that away team.  You got some fair chunks of info, I've not got through half of it yet!  It really could mean the difference when it comes to taking down Leyton."  Ruth beckoned over Lahr.

"I couldn't help overhear your communication to Lek.  Here..." she fished a credit chip out of her pocket.  "I didn't get a chance to thank Lek properly, nor Helga and Chloe for their services regarding the cadets.  Go have a great time, have a non-synth drink on me, and, if you win a big cuddly toy, I want it!  Earth carnivals are really fun, but no rest for the Captain!"

[Deep Space Four]

Will was not a happy camper. His transfer was deemed an essential move and that was evident by the apparent lack of comfort leading up to now. Perhaps he had gotten used to the opulent comfort of the Shran, or maybe his trip really was wicked uncomfortable. His money was on the latter.

At any rate, he had arrived ahead of schedule to DS4 and was currently using all this extra time to bug the poor crewman who was just trying to do his job. Will had turned into an annoying child, mainly to entertain himself in time between his arrival and the Challenger's arrival. The only thing not terrible was Excelsior, his beagle pup, who was asleep in wait.

He had heard over the PA System that the Challenger-A was ready for docking and at nearly the same time he was greeted by another crewman who was sporting gold.

"Sir, the USS Challenger should be available for your entry soon. They are running their docking procedure now but should be done by the time we arrive a the docking port. Right this way" the man said in what sounded like a rehearsed line. Likely something given to transfers all the time.

Sure enough, by the time they arrived at the docking port, the Challenger was all but ready for him. Stepping forward to a panel, Will's escort hailed the Bridge of the Challenger

=A= This is Hardlink Docking Corridor to the Challenger. We have your new Executive Officer waiting for your confirmation of docking. Please confirm when embarkation is permitted. =A=[/gold]

Ruth took the call waving Lahr off.  "You're officially off duty like 10 mins ago Petty Officer!" she winked.  "I'll get this, I have trained as Ops you know!"

Challenger to Hardlink, you are cleared for embarkation, docking is complete.  Please send the First Officer up to my Ready Room, I'll have someone from Security meet at the airlock to bring him up. Challenger out. 

[Ready Room]

Ruth wandered into her Ready Room, picked up the cat who was on her chair and deposited him on the floor next to Skye who was in her basket.  The pup lifted her head, let out a small whine of enquiry then dropped her head on her forepaws and settled down again.  Since tripping up the Captain, she'd been a lot more careful and only got out of her bed if she had to go potty or if Ruth invited her to.

"Both of you settle down, and best behaviour.  We'll have my new First Officer here soon.  Now I know he or she won't be Uncle Sukal but try to be nice, and behave."

The mention, even to the animals who couldn't exactly answer her, of Sukal brought tears to her eyes.  She just hoped that she could work with the new incumbent.  And she still had to solve the problem of the Chief of Ops... could Lahr handle that for the time being?  The man was capable...and he was going to be surprised in the briefing!

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[USS Challenger - Science lab]

Jasper acknowledge the Captain allowing folks to have R & R, but he had declined it. There was the Brain washing machine which was a new toy to investigate it.

Pushing his eyeglasses up the bridge of his nose, Jasper was studying the design. He had the computer to make a see through holo gram to see through the Brain Washing machine in layers. He swiped the hologram where the helmet sat on top the human head.

There was no engineer beside him. He had not blame the engineer wanting to take the R & R. He had resources to help him with the files.

"I need to know more about the Cadets," he said aloud to himself. What species they were. That would help him understand the layout on the machines. Each species has almost map for a brain. But each species was unique. Possible they knew which cadets and Starfleet officers to manipulate easy.

"Computer can I have access to the victims of the Brainwashing machine, gender, species, and blood type."

[Sciences]

The computer bleeped.  "Access denied.  Limited to Captain, First Officer and Heads of Department."

Ensign Winsdor walked past as the computer spoke. "If the Captain has given you a task and the Computer is denying you access the best bet is to ping her and ask her to give you an access override.  She's had a lot on recently it's probably just an oversight.  Aren't you going onto the base?  I'm off to pick up some chocolate, the replicated stuff just doesn't taste right.  If you're determined to stay here, anything I can fetch you?" Alexandria asked with a pleasant smile.

[Don Damien Addams]

[Sciences]

The computer bleeped.  "Access denied.  Limited to Captain, First Officer and Heads of Department."

Ensign Winsdor walked past as the computer spoke. "If the Captain has given you a task and the Computer is denying you access the best bet is to ping her and ask her to give you an access override.  She's had a lot on recently it's probably just an oversight.  Aren't you going onto the base?  I'm off to pick up some chocolate, the replicated stuff just doesn't taste right.  If you're determined to stay here, anything I can fetch you?" Alexandria asked with a pleasant smile.

The ensign arched an eye brow and turned to look at Alexandria. "I had not thought asking the Captain," he replied.

"I never had chocolate. Replicator food is awful. Most likely the base will not have what I seek. So. I will stay here and work on the helmet," he watched his fellow scientist. "By your customs. Thank you for information and thank you for the offer," that sounded very awkward. The words he said sounded more like his mother.

=/\=Ensign Meltem to Captain. I am working on the Brainwashing Machine and need access to the sensitive files on the machine.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

The ensign arched an eye brow and turned to look at Alexandria. "I had not thought asking the Captain," he replied.

"I never had chocolate. Replicator food is awful. Most likely the base will not have what I seek. So. I will stay here and work on the helmet," he watched his fellow scientist. "By your customs. Thank you for information and thank you for the offer," that sounded very awkward. The words he said sounded more like his mother.

=/\=Ensign Meltem to Captain. I am working on the Brainwashing Machine and need access to the sensitive files on the machine.

[Sciences]

Alexandria chuckled.  "I'll save you a bit of chocolate so you can try it, real stuff not replicated.  And I won't take offence if you don't like it.  As for the info and the offer..." she shrugged.  "My pleasure, I would feel bad if I didn't help fellow colleagues!  Good luck with that thing!" Alex gestured at the brain washing device.

[Captain's Ready Room]

Ruth got the message through and sighed.   Please is still part of universal parlance, I believe Ensign.  However my apologies, I didn't think to give you access.  Two moments please....

She opened her console and tapped a few buttons.

That should give you access now for what you require, I've opened the files we had from Dr. Vaughan originally for you too.  Let me know how it goes, I am interested in what you find out. Oh and please come to the meeting in 4 hours time, there will be a general reminder sent out, so if you get engrossed on your project like I do you will know.  You'll get to meet the new Chief Science Officer. Sigurdsdottir out. 

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

[Meanwhile on DS4]
[As Lt. Cmdr. Evelyn 'Evie' Wardropper - incoming CSO]

Evelyn 'Evie' Wardropper sat sipping a black coffee and eating a piece of Sachertorte with cream while perusing a Science journal on her PADD.

She looked up at the  'board' by customs for Arrivals and Departures.  Only Federation connected ships were listed for the public to see, the trade ships only the station Ops and Security could monitor.  She noted that the USS Challenger-A had docked.  Knowing how quickly turn around could be she signalled beckoning to the Crewman standing looking bored at the customs desk just over from the cafe she sat at.

He looked around and there was literally no one else there other than 3 other customers at the cafe.  Evie nodded to him as if to convey that it was ok, she'd take any flak for him 'deserting' his post.  The cane by her side the reason she hadn't got up to go to him - a lingering injury from 3 months back taking it's time to heal.  She hadn't been anywhere for long so hadn't had the benefit of a medical team, something she intended to rectify when she was settled on the Challenger.

"You um, beckoned Ma'am?" the terrified looking Trill asked.  To Evie he looked barely old enough to be out of kindergarten let alone any training for the Federation.

"I did indeed Crewman.  I see the Challenger-A has docked, do you know how long she has turn around.  Basically do I have long enough to finish this and get up there?"  the Scientist asked.

"Oh I should think so Ma'am, I've seen some of the crew coming off onto the base delighting in having '...a whole 4 hours...' to spend.  I don't think it's that much personally but I've heard the Challenger's had it pretty rough lately. So probably taking every minute they get for R&R bless them!" the Trill said with a sad smile.  "You take your time Commander, enjoy your cake!"

"Thank you, Crewman I shall but then I think I'll head up to the ship."

The Crewman nodded and returned to his post, happy to have had a small conversation with someone for once when he was on duty.

Evie hummed to herself while she finished up her coffee and cake, got up and went to the counter and got a chocolate cupcake and a take away coffee for the Crewman and took them over. She was in full on 'Grandma' mode as the young crewman was about as old as the eldest of her grandkids back on Bajor whom she missed terribly.

"I got the cake in a little box so you could have it later, I don't think anyone is going to begrudge you the coffee..." she cast a beady eye at the Chief Petty Officer bearing down on the young Trill and brought her other hand up,  "...not when I brought one for the Chief too!"

"Ah... um... Thank you Ma'am!" the CPO said with a grin.  "And Crewman Lallon you can have the coffee but it would be best if you kept the cake for now.  Forgive me Ma'am, message from the Challenger, you're asked to attend a meeting in 4 hours in the Conference Room, but the Captain is staying on the ship and sends greetings if you wish to meet her before hand.  Also, aren't you Bajoran?  I didn't think Wardropper was a Bajoran name!"

"Nor more it is!" Evie laughed.  "My father was Terran, as was my late husband.  I got my mother's ridges, father's blue eyes and his name! Anyhow, carry on, I have things to do, thank you for all your help Gentlemen and... two ticks."  she hobbled quickly over to the cafe and came back with another 3 little boxes and a larger one.  One of smaller she handed to the CPO.  "There, now you're even, enjoy your coffee break later guys!"

She hobbled off a grin on her face and went to the airlock for the Challenger, had her credentials checked and gave the Security guy one of the small cupcake boxes after he asked to check them over, laughing when she said that she thought it was best to 'bribe' the Captain.  Truth was it was the way she'd been brought up, and she found cake, or in this case cupcakes would help break the ice.).

"Oh, er... Thank you Commander!" she said and passed her over to Crewman Thompson.  "Crewman Thompson here will take you to your quarters and then up to the Captain's Ready Room if that's what you wish?"

Evie nodded pleasantly.  "That would be totally splendid my dear.  I do hope we cross paths again.  Do enjoy your cake!"

About 30 mins later, bags deposited she found herself outside the Captain's Ready Room with Crewman Thompson who palmed the chime.

"COME!" Ruth called from inside.

"Lt. Commander Wardropper for you Ma'am." he said and stepped backwards.  The new CSO laid a hand on his shoulder and passed him the last small box.  "Thank you so much for your kind attentions Crewman, you've been most kind."

Spluttering the poor crewman stepped even further back but took the cake after a look at the Captain who could hardly suppress her mirth, but nodded indicating that he could take it.  After all he was working and the rest of the crew mostly were having R&R.

"Come in Commander, let's get to know one another!  I'm Ruth Sigurdsdottir soon to be Waring as of December, I'm keeping my maiden name for professional purposes however since it's entirely possible that my husband to be will be Captain again soon and two Captain Warings might be interesting!" the Captain said with a smile.

"Oh, oh you're getting married, how splendid!! Well please, I brought these by way of a hello but please take them also as a Congratulations! And please call me Evie!" the new CSO said with a wide smile.

"In that case call me Ruth, and this calls for fresh coffee... if Liv was on board I'd have her bring up Nebulas - it's a cocktail and I insist on one of our girlie nights that you come and share with us - however she's spending some time with her family.  The Briggs certainly earned their pips and positions last month.  I'm waiting on my new XO who seemingly has arrived at the station but I don't yet know who it is, so in the meantime, lets have some of these delicious looking cupcakes!"

"Let's, I'm afraid you'll have to get them, Ruth... I've been 'attacked'!"  Ruth looked back to where Evie found herself sat on the sofa, a cat and and puppy next to her looking adoringly at her!

[William Waring]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"Thank you Lieutenant, now... go enjoy some down time!" The Captain smiled at Litt and gestured playful 'shooing' motions.

"Thank you Lahr.  Now you too go have fun, you've earned it.  I hope you don't feel too badly of me for not countermanding Commander Sukal and having you go on that away team.  You got some fair chunks of info, I've not got through half of it yet!  It really could mean the difference when it comes to taking down Leyton."  Ruth beckoned over Lahr.

"I couldn't help overhear your communication to Lek.  Here..." she fished a credit chip out of her pocket.  "I didn't get a chance to thank Lek properly, nor Helga and Chloe for their services regarding the cadets.  Go have a great time, have a non-synth drink on me, and, if you win a big cuddly toy, I want it!  Earth carnivals are really fun, but no rest for the Captain!"

Ruth took the call waving Lahr off.  "You're officially off duty like 10 mins ago Petty Officer!" she winked.  "I'll get this, I have trained as Ops you know!"

Challenger to Hardlink, you are cleared for embarkation, docking is complete.  Please send the First Officer up to my Ready Room, I'll have someone from Security meet at the airlock to bring him up. Challenger out. 

[Ready Room]

Ruth wandered into her Ready Room, picked up the cat who was on her chair and deposited him on the floor next to Skye who was in her basket.  The pup lifted her head, let out a small whine of enquiry then dropped her head on her forepaws and settled down again.  Since tripping up the Captain, she'd been a lot more careful and only got out of her bed if she had to go potty or if Ruth invited her to.

"Both of you settle down, and best behaviour.  We'll have my new First Officer here soon.  Now I know he or she won't be Uncle Sukal but try to be nice, and behave."

The mention, even to the animals who couldn't exactly answer her, of Sukal brought tears to her eyes.  She just hoped that she could work with the new incumbent.  And she still had to solve the problem of the Chief of Ops... could Lahr handle that for the time being?  The man was capable...and he was going to be surprised in the briefing!

[Ready Room]

The man who had announced his arrival had responded with acknowledgement and was exchanged with a member of the Challenger Security Team. Will let out a whistle as he was lead throughout the ship. It was a new layout for him to learn and already he was taking it all in. He looked about the corridors before entering a turbolift that would deposit him at the Bridge and, by extension, the Ready Room.

He hesitated outside the door of the Ready Room for a moment and gave him uniform a once over. He was more nervous now then he was about the mission assignment he was given. He took a deep breath and moved towards the door which opened as it appears the door was unlocked.

"Madam. Captain" he said to Evie and Ruth respectively upon his entrance to the room "My apologies for disrupting. I am William Waring, the new First Officer it seems" he introduced himself, primarily to Evie as Ruth no doubt knew who he was "Reporting as order Ma'am" he finished, this time to Ruth.

"My transfer papers for your perusal" he said, stepping closer to hand Ruth a PADD, only to be disrupted by the patter of Exy's feet moving to greet Ruth "It seems he hasn't forgotten about you. That makes two of us." He chuckled as he resumed handing over the PADD while Exy inspected Ruth again.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

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

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"Thank you Lieutenant, now... go enjoy some down time!" The Captain smiled at Litt and gestured playful 'shooing' motions.

"Thank you Lahr.  Now you too go have fun, you've earned it.  I hope you don't feel too badly of me for not countermanding Commander Sukal and having you go on that away team.  You got some fair chunks of info, I've not got through half of it yet!  It really could mean the difference when it comes to taking down Leyton."  Ruth beckoned over Lahr.

"I couldn't help overhear your communication to Lek.  Here..." she fished a credit chip out of her pocket.  "I didn't get a chance to thank Lek properly, nor Helga and Chloe for their services regarding the cadets.  Go have a great time, have a non-synth drink on me, and, if you win a big cuddly toy, I want it!  Earth carnivals are really fun, but no rest for the Captain!"

Ruth took the call waving Lahr off.  "You're officially off duty like 10 mins ago Petty Officer!" she winked.  "I'll get this, I have trained as Ops you know!"

Challenger to Hardlink, you are cleared for embarkation, docking is complete.  Please send the First Officer up to my Ready Room, I'll have someone from Security meet at the airlock to bring him up. Challenger out. 

Lahr paused on his way to the turbolift hearing the Captain call out to him thanking him for his work and commented on his away mission.  It wasn't quite an apology for having gone back on her word, but he supposed she felt bad about it.  At her beckoning, he approached her in the command chair as she mentioned overhearing his call to Lek.

To his surprise she fished out a credit chip and handed it to him, telling him to enjoy a drink on her and to thank Lek, Helga and Chloe.   Lahr didn't know what to say in response other than "Thank you?". Then added, "If you do get a chance to get some free time... feel free to join us."

He was about to head off again when a call came in from the station.  Lahr paused and was about to resume his station to answer it when the Captain waved him off saying she would get it.  Lahr grinned.  "Thanks ma'am." And off he went.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

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

Lahr paused on his way to the turbolift hearing the Captain call out to him thanking him for his work and commented on his away mission.  It wasn't quite an apology for having gone back on her word, but he supposed she felt bad about it.  At her beckoning, he approached her in the command chair as she mentioned overhearing his call to Lek.

To his surprise she fished out a credit chip and handed it to him, telling him to enjoy a drink on her and to thank Lek, Helga and Chloe.   Lahr didn't know what to say in response other than "Thank you?". Then added, "If you do get a chance to get some free time... feel free to join us."

He was about to head off again when a call came in from the station.  Lahr paused and was about to resume his station to answer it when the Captain waved him off saying she would get it.  Lahr grinned.  "Thanks ma'am." And off he went.

[Bridge - Earlier]

Satisfied that they were still friends, Ruth grinned back at Lahr.  "I'll keep that in mind Lahr, thanks and sometime when we're underway again I need to have a chat about that special assignment I have for you.  Don't worry you'll have feet squarely on the ground, drink in hand and it's not dangerous at all... well that actually depends on you... but shoo, I'll explain more later!"

[Ready Room]

The man who had announced his arrival had responded with acknowledgement and was exchanged with a member of the Challenger Security Team. Will let out a whistle as he was lead throughout the ship. It was a new layout for him to learn and already he was taking it all in. He looked about the corridors before entering a turbolift that would deposit him at the Bridge and, by extension, the Ready Room.

He hesitated outside the door of the Ready Room for a moment and gave him uniform a once over. He was more nervous now then he was about the mission assignment he was given. He took a deep breath and moved towards the door which opened as it appears the door was unlocked.

"Madam. Captain" he said to Evie and Ruth respectively upon his entrance to the room "My apologies for disrupting. I am William Waring, the new First Officer it seems" he introduced himself, primarily to Evie as Ruth no doubt knew who he was "Reporting as order Ma'am" he finished, this time to Ruth.

"My transfer papers for your perusal" he said, stepping closer to hand Ruth a PADD, only to be disrupted by the patter of Exy's feet moving to greet Ruth "It seems he hasn't forgotten about you. That makes two of us." He chuckled as he resumed handing over the PADD while Exy inspected Ruth again.

[Captain's Ready Room]

"Wuh, Will?!"  Ruth's mouth opened and closed like a goldfish out of water as she took the proffered PADD.  Never in a million years had she expected her new XO to be Will.

"Evie erm Lt. Commander Evelyn Wardropper - our new Chief of Science, Commander William Waring... my fiance and as it transpires, my new First Officer!"  Ruth explained and introduced all in one.

She crouched and snapped her fingers to get Exy to go up to the sofa to meet Skye and the ship's cat.  "This is the twins puppy, Skye and the Ship's cat.  Long story but we rescued him from the Science station we were at last month, he belonged to a cadet that we know now is deceased and he's made himself at home on the ship doesn't have a name yet though."

Taking a deep breath she said "I always said you'd have to Ma'am me one day!" she said giggling.

Evie extracted herself from the cat and dog pile fussing ears and giving kisses as she got up.  "Evie is fine my dears. At least in private and between... I'll say senior staff.  I know you outrank me Captain, Commander... but I'm a grandmother, and I'm pretty certain you know that trumps everything!  My Grandkids think I'm some kind of secret weapon!! I'm sure I can catch up with you later, I really only wanted to show my face and let you know I was here Captain, I'll go and acquaint myself with the Science Department with your permission.  Commander Waring, Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. You've got a good one there, enjoy the cupcakes and if you ever need someone to walk the dogs, either of them, they are adorable, please let me know, Laters, darlings!"

When the door closed once again on Evie, Ruth moved out from behind her desk and moved and snaked her hands around Will's neck and gave him a long deep kiss.

"Whatever I've gone through in the last few months, tell me this isn't one of Leyton's tricks... how the hell did you get here and why did I get so lucky.  Yes yes, hello Exy, I've not forgotten you either!"  She took the lid off a box on her desk and took out 2 small bone shaped treats and a small handful of pillow shaped nibbles.

"Sit, SIIIIT! good girl Skye, give paw.  GOOD GIRL!! there you go, now Exy show her what a gentleman you are.  Good boy, now go lie in your basket together Skye.  Oh here you bully!" she said putting the cat treats down as the cat was almost knocking her off her feet with headbutts and a purr the size of a Hayabusa motorcycle on tickover.

"Actually do you fancy fulfilling 3 jobs?  First Officer, My lover, and Chief of Operations... Sukal left that spot open too unfortunately."