S4:E6 - A Question of Integrity

[T'eala]

[Orbit around Zindi Moran - USS Challenger - Bridge]

Lahr gave the Hupyrian a nod of goodluck as the other Petty officer walked past to prep his team to board the Kressari freighter.

It didn't take long for the Challenger to catch up, and Lahr still sour at the Captain's earlier reprimand, thought the Scot was a little heavy-handed in his threats.   Yeah, maybe this was the smuggler vessel.. but if not... Lahr was wondering if the freighter Captain had recourse to file a complaint with Starfleet at the blatant threats Captain Galloway was uttering.

Given the Kressari Captain's limited choice, it was no wonder that the Kaldrel presented themselves up for inspection.  Lahr didn't envy the Hupyrian who would have to deal with the grumpy Kressari Captain.   The pouting Andorian hoped that the Kressari freighter was clear - just to prove his point.

As they waited for Nari and his team to do their inspection, Lahr wondered what was keeping Ruth?  Kyle and T'eala had made it back up to the Bridge - why hadn't she?  Lahr wondered if she'd been present whether he might have held in his snarkiness a tad bit more.  Or if she might have spoken up on his behalf.

His musings on this were cut short at a cut off call from Nari.  Roohz! The Hupyrian was in trouble.

At the terse order from the Captain, Lahr's antenna snapped up. "Aye sir."   Lahr began working his controls setting the appropriate parameters for tractor beam - they didn't want to crush the vessel with too much force, nor hold it too weakly that would run the risk of it escaping.  While he did this, he noted the freighter's nacelles flash with building power.  "Ha. She's gonna try to make a run for it."

With a cocky grin, Lahr activated the controls and the beam lanced out to take hold of the Kressari ship.  But Lahr's grin faded when the outer layer of the ship seemed to come away from Kressari vessel much like a snake shedding it's skin.  The tractor held the outer layer while the main vessel suddenly sprang ahead clearing the Challenger.  "They've slipped out of the tractor beam, sir.  Her warp engines are powering up!"  And there they went!

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian had to admit he was stunned at the smuggler's preparations as the Kaldrel slipped out of the tractor beam.

"Bloody pseudo-platin'! Kyle, target engines. Phasers only. Mister Nari and his team would appreciate precision. Mister T'Kel, we have a runner, double quick on those squads! Helm, be prepared for some unorthodox commands. I'll buggered by the devil himself before I let these gits think they can escape."

T'eala held behind the helm unfazed in the slightest. Her prior career to Starfleet had seen her in the position of sprinting away from a nasty spot on many occasions. Considering the high measure of risk the Kaldrel crew were chancing by gun-running, she knew they'd be desperate. Desperation could breed either a stroke of genius, or pure destruction.

Considering the vessel she held the helm conns too, there would be no chance in any hell that they'd be skirting their due date with justice. "At the ready captain." She gripped her hands tight on her controls, a full sense of grit and clarity would guide her hands as her orders came.

[Vasilisa Belmont]

[Surgical Suite 1 - Sickbay - USS Challenger]

"Aww, Lisa!" Ruth said and gently squeezed back.  "Having caused your department, well, of various ships, not yours personally, enough grief over the years it's not like I'm above giving credit where due.  We all need to be told we're doing a good job occasionally, everyone from our Sanitary Operatives to the Captain.  It's why if I am going to a station and I can get my hands on some single malt for Ian, I do.  He's not a great one for words, but I've never seen him turn his nose up at a decent bottle of Scotch!" she winked.

"You are far easier to compliment, not only are you, like T'eala and myself, a gorgeous woman, so probably appreciate the finer things in life... y'know... Chocolate, perfume, pampering spa days, but you're not a curmudgeonly Scot for all his hearts in the right place and I do have a great deal of respect for our beloved leader, he's still crusty and on the right day would admit it.  But in his job, you need a certain amount of steel in your backbone... figuratively speaking!" Ruth chuckled remembering she was talking to a doctor.

"Let's get this over with!"

[Surgical Suite 1 - Sickbay - USS Challenger]

"Too true," Lisa said about complimenting the other departments. She wasn't usually around when people in other departments did things compliment-worthy, but opportunities like Mondo's promotion warmed her heart. It was also why she was trying to get to know people personally instead of just seeing them in a medical capacity. She would also love to give gifts knowing that the receiver would appreciate it.

When Lisa mentioned switching to cold water she chuckled. "I used to wash my hair in the waterfalls coming down off the mountains in Trondheim, I doubt it's as cold as that, and I still give a final rinse in cold, but I appreciate the warning since when not expecting it...."

Ruth heard T'eala's comment of 'Yikes' and wondered what was wrong, then Lisa started making apologies she wondered if all her hair had fallen out or something.

When she looked at her reflection in the mirror she started laughing.  "Oh Roohz!" she began, "I think the heartattack is still on for certain Bridge crew!  However, not the first time I've seen myself white... long story, possibly classified, might be in my medical notes somewhere... since part of it was connected with when I had my brain tumour removed."  she cryptically left it like that knowing that if Lisa wanted to know more she could read the classified part of her file that Caleb Brighton had added about the alternative dimension version of Ruth... the old one who had been dying of cancer.

"However, I'm not sure that other people will like the fact that I don't have my red.  I'd say dye it with a normal dye but I don't want to cause more potential damage.  I'm sure it's not your fault Lisa, don't distress yourself, and it looks pretty cool in a strange way.  Now should I go to the Bridge like this and get it over with, or wear a wig?"

The doctor let out a breath when the laughs started coming. This was the reaction she was expecting, but she still felt relieved. About the brain tumor, she had read through the official file on it, wasn't sure if Dr. Brighton had included anything extra so she simply nodded. She thought for a moment before answering Ruth's question.

"I'll leave it up to you what you want to do, wig or no wig. Hardly up to me to make a decision about a style change, temporary or no! But you're right, I don't think I'll try to dye it again because then we'll have to keep re-dying it until the white wears off." She gave the woman a once-over and found that she actually kinda liked the look, and she thought it might look really cool when her red started to come back. But it would be a shock for everyone now if she didn't wear a wig. If Ruth felt like ditching the wig and telling everyone what happened Lisa wasn't about to stop her.

[Mondo'li Nari]

Kressari Freighter - Running as fast as she can

Mondo had been crouching when they came upon him- hardly the best position for fending off an attack.  The bodies and limbs piled on, and he was taken to the deck.

This situation did not last long, however.  These Kressari were not trained Starfleet officers.  They had not been honed by years of combat experience.  And they were not seven-foot-tall, three-hundred-pound Hupyrian manservants.  With a roar, Mondo began hurling Kressari off of him as easily as if they'd been a pack of angry puppies rather than fully grown humanoids.  Finally, he was free enough to pull his Type II hand phaser and stun three of the bridge crew who had been tossed against consoles and fallen prone.

Those were three angry puppies who would no longer rise to trouble him.

Unfortunately, he'd lost his rifle in the melee.  Turning to recover it, he found the Captain of the freighter holding the weapon and pointing it in his direction.  In the background, distant phaser fire could be heard.  The rest of Mondo's team were involved in similar bouts of conflict, and most likely succeeding against their poorly trained assailants.

"You've already lost, Captain, Mondo said.  "You can hear it, can't you?  Your men, being taken out all over the ship.  Continuing to resist will only make things worse for yourself."

The Captain's eyes were filled with fear and regret.  "I know," he said.

And he did know.  He knew this was all hopeless, but he was too afraid not to keep running.  He was like an animal that was prepared to gnaw off its own leg once it was already caught in a hunter's trap.  Even though such an injury would only ensure its demise, it continued to chew its limb in terrified madness.

The Kressari man pressed the phaser rifle's firing stud, and a bright flash blasted Mondo into unconsciousness.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Bridge]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian had to admit he was stunned at the smuggler's preparations as the Kaldrel slipped out of the tractor beam.

"Bloody pseudo-platin'! Kyle, target engines. Phasers only. Mister Nari and his team would appreciate precision. Mister T'Kel, we have a runner, double quick on those squads! Helm, be prepared for some unorthodox commands. I'll buggered by the devil himself before I let these gits think they can escape."

T'eala held behind the helm unfazed in the slightest. Her prior career to Starfleet had seen her in the position of sprinting away from a nasty spot on many occasions. Considering the high measure of risk the Kaldrel crew were chancing by gun-running, she knew they'd be desperate. Desperation could breed either a stroke of genius, or pure destruction.

Considering the vessel she held the helm conns too, there would be no chance in any hell that they'd be skirting their due date with justice. "At the ready captain." She gripped her hands tight on her controls, a full sense of grit and clarity would guide her hands as her orders came.

Lahr released the pseudo-plating and then tried again to latch onto the freighter but it jumped to warp just as the beam lanced out towards the freighter.  "The Kaldrel is moving away at increasing warp, sir.  Warp 5... Warp 6... Warp 7... holding steady at warp 7, sir." the Andorian called out at each speed increase.

A flash on his console alerted him to an incoming hail.  "Captain, incoming message from the Kaldrel. Putting it on screen."

The face of the Kressari Captain appeared momentarily on the screen but then without a word he stepped aside to reveal Mondo unconscious being held up (with some difficulty) by two Kressari crew (that looked a little beaten with bloody faces).

"Don't follow.  Or this one pays the price."

The connection cut.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Surgical Suite 1 - Sickbay - USS Challenger]

"Too true," Lisa said about complimenting the other departments. She wasn't usually around when people in other departments did things compliment-worthy, but opportunities like Mondo's promotion warmed her heart. It was also why she was trying to get to know people personally instead of just seeing them in a medical capacity. She would also love to give gifts knowing that the receiver would appreciate it.

The doctor let out a breath when the laughs started coming. This was the reaction she was expecting, but she still felt relieved. About the brain tumor, she had read through the official file on it, wasn't sure if Dr. Brighton had included anything extra so she simply nodded. She thought for a moment before answering Ruth's question.

"I'll leave it up to you what you want to do, wig or no wig. Hardly up to me to make a decision about a style change, temporary or no! But you're right, I don't think I'll try to dye it again because then we'll have to keep re-dying it until the white wears off." She gave the woman a once-over and found that she actually kinda liked the look, and she thought it might look really cool when her red started to come back. But it would be a shock for everyone now if she didn't wear a wig. If Ruth felt like ditching the wig and telling everyone what happened Lisa wasn't about to stop her.

[Surgical Suite 1 - Sickbay - USS Challenger]

"Well, certain members of the crew are going to find out anyhow..." Ruth said shrugging.  "I may as well get it over with but you can start counting down from when I leave Sickbay to when I get to the Bridge as to having a call for immediate requirement of a medic!  That or you'll hear the screams through the ship!"

The CSO chuckled.  "I kinda like it, and if my hair grows half as quick as it normally does it'll look really cool for Yule!  Whatever you do, don't worry about it!"

She could sense that Lisa seemed to want to ask questions, or was at least curious, so she smiled. "About the hair thing... I'll have to find out if I'm allowed to say, I'm not sure how classified it is.  But right now my Science-y sense says there's something going on up there and I need to be on the Bridge.  I'll see if Kyle will come down and get his make up off, if not I'll ping your PADD if it's a matter that he can't get away, he is the XO after all, they're kinda important!"

She stood and held her arms out to hug Lisa. "Truly, don't worry about it, we'll worry about the Bridge crew and heart attacks if and when it happens.  Love ya, girl! We'll have to do dinner, or pizza and a movie, or hot choccie and homemade cookies sometime!"

[Bridge - USS Challenger - Orbit around Zindi Moran]

Ruth had briefly run to her quarters to get a fresh uniform and then presented herself to the Bridge.  She thought it ironic that the last time she'd had white hair, albeit her alternative dimension self 'Old Ruthie' she'd been dating an Andorian too.  Was she trying to emulate them or something.

Mildly chuckling at the thought, she stepped out onto the Bridge, and smiled.

"Sorry if I shock anyone, slight problem with the hairdye, had a reaction, I'm not going to die from it, nor is my hair going to fall out or anything.  So... we got any leads, and can someone bring me up to speed please?"

She shot a look towards Lahr and silently prayed under her breath that he wouldn't have the predicted hearattack, faint or otherwise embarrass himself.

[Ian Galloway]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Orbit around Zindi Moran - USS Challenger - Bridge]

Lahr released the pseudo-plating and then tried again to latch onto the freighter but it jumped to warp just as the beam lanced out towards the freighter.  "The Kaldrel is moving away at increasing warp, sir.  Warp 5... Warp 6... Warp 7... holding steady at warp 7, sir." the Andorian called out at each speed increase.

A flash on his console alerted him to an incoming hail.  "Captain, incoming message from the Kaldrel. Putting it on screen."

The face of the Kressari Captain appeared momentarily on the screen but then without a word he stepped aside to reveal Mondo unconscious being held up (with some difficulty) by two Kressari crew (that looked a little beaten with bloody faces).

"Don't follow.  Or this one pays the price."

The connection cut.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian's narrowed in an incandescent rage as he stood to speak to Lahr.

"Mister ch'Verret, open a channel and broadcast the followin' on a continuous tightbeam loop."

He waited until Lahr indicated he was ready and spoke in a voice so cold it registered in the Kelvin scale.

"Captain Ian Galloway calling the Kressari freighter Kaldrel. As of right now, you are only guilty of smuggling and interfering with the development of a pre-warp society, neither of which warrants the death penalty. If you harm any member of my crew, I vow with every fiber of my being that I will hunt you down wherever you go in the universe and kill each of you personally. Heave to and prepare to be boarded, otherwise, I will open fire on your ship."

Ian then moved toward toward the turbolift, calling over his shoulder as he exited.

"Kyle, you have the bridge."

[T'eala]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Orbit around Zindi Moran - USS Challenger - Bridge]

Lahr released the pseudo-plating and then tried again to latch onto the freighter but it jumped to warp just as the beam lanced out towards the freighter.  "The Kaldrel is moving away at increasing warp, sir.  Warp 5... Warp 6... Warp 7... holding steady at warp 7, sir." the Andorian called out at each speed increase.

A flash on his console alerted him to an incoming hail.  "Captain, incoming message from the Kaldrel. Putting it on screen."

The face of the Kressari Captain appeared momentarily on the screen but then without a word he stepped aside to reveal Mondo unconscious being held up (with some difficulty) by two Kressari crew (that looked a little beaten with bloody faces).

"Don't follow.  Or this one pays the price."

The connection cut.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian's narrowed in an incandescent rage as he stood to speak to Lahr.

"Mister ch'Verret, open a channel and broadcast the followin' on a continuous tightbeam loop."

He waited until Lahr indicated he was ready and spoke in a voice so cold it registered in the Kelvin scale.

"Captain Ian Galloway calling the Kressari freighter Kaldrel. As of right now, you are only guilty of smuggling and interfering with the development of a pre-warp society, neither of which warrants the death penalty. If you harm any member of my crew, I vow with every fiber of my being that I will hunt you down wherever you go in the universe and kill each of you personally. Heave to and prepare to be boarded, otherwise, I will open fire on your ship."

Ian then moved toward toward the turbolift, calling over his shoulder as he exited.

"Kyle, you have the bridge."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

With the capture of Mondo, the departure of the captain, it was an unsaid that the situation was growing more dire. They'd essentially taken a step forward with the removal of the ill-gotten weapons being used against the Morani. However, the next sequence of action had seemingly placed them behind the eight ball once again.

Still, they had the holdings of a slight advantage. The Kressari crew couldn't keep up this game forever. Their entire play was a gambit risking the operational value the Challenger saw for the mission. In her mind, the mission always came first. Still, she'd rather see the boarding party utilizing their skillset to procure Mondo's safe return back to the Challenger.

She kept the Challenger on its intended intercept course. Even with the push to warp coming from the smuggling vessel, T'eala would push herself - maintaining pursuit, but keeping at a comfortable distance that would keep the Kaldrel from doing anything rash.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Bridge]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian's narrowed in an incandescent rage as he stood to speak to Lahr.

"Mister ch'Verret, open a channel and broadcast the followin' on a continuous tightbeam loop."

He waited until Lahr indicated he was ready and spoke in a voice so cold it registered in the Kelvin scale.

"Captain Ian Galloway calling the Kressari freighter Kaldrel. As of right now, you are only guilty of smuggling and interfering with the development of a pre-warp society, neither of which warrants the death penalty. If you harm any member of my crew, I vow with every fiber of my being that I will hunt you down wherever you go in the universe and kill each of you personally. Heave to and prepare to be boarded, otherwise, I will open fire on your ship."

Ian then moved toward the turbolift, calling over his shoulder as he exited.

"Kyle, you have the bridge."

Lahr stared at the viewscreen that now showed the starscape of where once there was a Kressari vessel.  The Kressari had gotten the drop on Nari?  How was that even possible?  And now they were holding him hostage in an attempt to escape?

Lahr didn't envy the Captain's decision.  The Andorian wondered what the Scot intended to do?  Fortunately, he didn't have long to wait to find out.   The Captain's order to open a channel and broadcast in a loop his message that snapped Lahr out of his wondering.

"Aye sir."

Soon he had the channel open - narrow beam - recording the Captain's rather unexpected message.  He looped it and waited for a response even as the Captain declared his intent to leave the Bridge.

Lahr turned in his seat, surprised.  He wondered where the hell the Captain was going to at a time like this?  While the man's speech about hunting the Kressari down and killing them should they hurt his people was unexpected and more than just a little intimidating, Lahr doubted the Kressari would just give up.  Holding Starfleet crewmembers hostage seemed a little desperate... desperate people rarely thought things through.

As the doors to the turbolift opened to allow Captain Galloway to leave the bridge, Ruth stepped out.

[Bridge - USS Challenger - Orbit around Zindi Moran]

Ruth had briefly run to her quarters to get a fresh uniform and then presented herself to the Bridge.  She thought it ironic that the last time she'd had white hair, albeit her alternative dimension self 'Old Ruthie' she'd been dating an Andorian too.  Was she trying to emulate them or something.

Mildly chuckling at the thought, she stepped out onto the Bridge, and smiled.

"Sorry if I shock anyone, slight problem with the hairdye, had a reaction, I'm not going to die from it, nor is my hair going to fall out or anything.  So... we got any leads, and can someone bring me up to speed please?"

She shot a look towards Lahr and silently prayed under her breath that he wouldn't have the predicted heartattack, faint or otherwise embarrass himself.

That Lahr recognized the white-haired science officer as his Ruth was something rather notable.   There was no confusion, no doubt of who she was.  He recognized her in an instant;  like as if in his dreams he'd envisioned her somewhat like this... maybe with bit more hint of blue to her skin.

When she glanced his way, Lahr flashed a smile.  "White suits you." he remarked, then realizing this was not a good time for such comments, gave an apologetic nod to both the departing Captain and the First officer left to deal with the Kressari situation.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

With the capture of Mondo, the departure of the captain, it was an unsaid that the situation was growing more dire. They'd essentially taken a step forward with the removal of the ill-gotten weapons being used against the Morani. However, the next sequence of action had seemingly placed them behind the eight ball once again.

Still, they had the holdings of a slight advantage. The Kressari crew couldn't keep up this game forever. Their entire play was a gambit risking the operational value the Challenger saw for the mission. In her mind, the mission always came first. Still, she'd rather see the boarding party utilizing their skillset to procure Mondo's safe return back to the Challenger.

She kept the Challenger on its intended intercept course. Even with the push to warp coming from the smuggling vessel, T'eala would push herself - maintaining pursuit, but keeping at a comfortable distance that would keep the Kaldrel from doing anything rash.

Challenger leapt into pursuit and Lahr kept Commander Briggs apprised of the freighter's course and speed.   "The Kaldrel is continuing at warp 8, sir...  but it doesn't look like they are heading to Kressari." which is where Lahr had first thought the ship's course had been headed for.  "They are seeming to be making a run for the Cardassian border."  Maybe they thought Challenger wouldn't pursuit into the foreign territory?

[Ian Galloway]

Lahr stared at the viewscreen that now showed the starscape of where once there was a Kressari vessel.  The Kressari had gotten the drop on Nari?  How was that even possible?  And now they were holding him hostage in an attempt to escape?

Lahr didn't envy the Captain's decision.  The Andorian wondered what the Scot intended to do?  Fortunately, he didn't have long to wait to find out.   The Captain's order to open a channel and broadcast in a loop his message that snapped Lahr out of his wondering.

"Aye sir."

Soon he had the channel open - narrow beam - recording the Captain's rather unexpected message.  He looped it and waited for a response even as the Captain declared his intent to leave the Bridge.

Lahr turned in his seat, surprised.  He wondered where the hell the Captain was going to at a time like this?  While the man's speech about hunting the Kressari down and killing them should they hurt his people was unexpected and more than just a little intimidating, Lahr doubted the Kressari would just give up.  Holding Starfleet crewmembers hostage seemed a little desperate... desperate people rarely thought things through.

As the doors to the turbolift opened to allow Captain Galloway to leave the bridge, Ruth stepped out.

That Lahr recognized the white-haired science officer as his Ruth was something rather notable.   There was no confusion, no doubt of who she was.  He recognized her in an instant;  like as if in his dreams he'd envisioned her somewhat like this... maybe with bit more hint of blue to her skin.

When she glanced his way, Lahr flashed a smile.  "White suits you." he remarked, then realizing this was not a good time for such comments, gave an apologetic nod to both the departing Captain and the First officer left to deal with the Kressari situation.

Challenger leapt into pursuit and Lahr kept Commander Briggs apprised of the freighter's course and speed.   "The Kaldrel is continuing at warp 8, sir...  but it doesn't look like they are heading to Kressari." which is where Lahr had first thought the ship's course had been headed for.  "They are seeming to be making a run for the Cardassian border."  Maybe they thought Challenger wouldn't pursuit into the foreign territory?

[Shuttlebay - USS Challenger --> USS Mjolnir]

Ian exited the turbolift at a run and raced to the shuttlebay to board the sleek Delta Flyer parked there. He flew through the startup sequence faster than he'd ever done before, completing just as Lahr announced the freighter had reached warp 8, which exceeded the Mjolnir's top speed of warp 7.2.

"Tha mi a' sgaoil am leathar a'faighean rÁ inig thu a bhÁ rr!"

He snarled as he bypassed every safety and routed everything but weapons to the engines. He used his command override to open the shuttlebay doors and eased the Mjolnir into Challenger's warp bubble. Once he'd matched speed with the Kaldrel, Ian shot forward out of the protection of Challenger's shadow to rapidly close on the fleeing freighter, the engines screaming in protest all the way. As the Mjolnir closed, Ian set the microtorpedo launcher to fire three round bursts and once in range, he activated the Delta Flyer's comm system.

"Galloway to Kaldrel. This is your final warning. Heave to and prepare to be boarded or prepare to meet whatever Deity you believe in."

[Kyle Briggs]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian's narrowed in an incandescent rage as he stood to speak to Lahr.

"Mister ch'Verret, open a channel and broadcast the followin' on a continuous tightbeam loop."

He waited until Lahr indicated he was ready and spoke in a voice so cold it registered in the Kelvin scale.

"Captain Ian Galloway calling the Kressari freighter Kaldrel. As of right now, you are only guilty of smuggling and interfering with the development of a pre-warp society, neither of which warrants the death penalty. If you harm any member of my crew, I vow with every fiber of my being that I will hunt you down wherever you go in the universe and kill each of you personally. Heave to and prepare to be boarded, otherwise, I will open fire on your ship."

Ian then moved toward toward the turbolift, calling over his shoulder as he exited.

"Kyle, you have the bridge."

Kyle had been able to get off a shot but the smuggler's ship had slipped out of range just in time. Once the Kressari freighter was free of the tractor beam and they contacted the Challenger and threatened the away team, the CO took it into his own hands and headed for the lift. Kyle knew he should have stopped the Captain but given the circumstances, he would have probably done the same thing.

"Keep weapons locked on them and as soon as we're withing range, take out their engines." he ordered the Ensign before making his way to the center seat. He had a feeling of what the CO was up to.

"Helm. Stay with that freighter." he said. "Let's try to get and keep transporter locks on the away team and the captain."

[Vasilisa Belmont]

[Surgical Suite 1 - Sickbay - USS Challenger]

"Well, certain members of the crew are going to find out anyhow..." Ruth said shrugging.  "I may as well get it over with but you can start counting down from when I leave Sickbay to when I get to the Bridge as to having a call for immediate requirement of a medic!  That or you'll hear the screams through the ship!"

The CSO chuckled.  "I kinda like it, and if my hair grows half as quick as it normally does it'll look really cool for Yule!  Whatever you do, don't worry about it!"

She could sense that Lisa seemed to want to ask questions, or was at least curious, so she smiled. "About the hair thing... I'll have to find out if I'm allowed to say, I'm not sure how classified it is.  But right now my Science-y sense says there's something going on up there and I need to be on the Bridge.  I'll see if Kyle will come down and get his make up off, if not I'll ping your PADD if it's a matter that he can't get away, he is the XO after all, they're kinda important!"

She stood and held her arms out to hug Lisa. "Truly, don't worry about it, we'll worry about the Bridge crew and heart attacks if and when it happens.  Love ya, girl! We'll have to do dinner, or pizza and a movie, or hot choccie and homemade cookies sometime!"

[Bridge - USS Challenger - Orbit around Zindi Moran]

Ruth had briefly run to her quarters to get a fresh uniform and then presented herself to the Bridge.  She thought it ironic that the last time she'd had white hair, albeit her alternative dimension self 'Old Ruthie' she'd been dating an Andorian too.  Was she trying to emulate them or something.

Mildly chuckling at the thought, she stepped out onto the Bridge, and smiled.

"Sorry if I shock anyone, slight problem with the hairdye, had a reaction, I'm not going to die from it, nor is my hair going to fall out or anything.  So... we got any leads, and can someone bring me up to speed please?"

She shot a look towards Lahr and silently prayed under her breath that he wouldn't have the predicted hearattack, faint or otherwise embarrass himself.

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Ruth was going to go for it and show her new hair color to the Bridge crew. Lisa admired her for that, she didn't know if she would be that brave, even if it was just a simple matter of appearance.

"We'll be on standby," she teased about hearing screams from the Bridge. "I'm glad you're taking this so well," she admitted. About the classified information, she wasn't going to push her for details but if she was allowed to reveal anything she wouldn't mind hearing about it.

"Commander Briggs will come down when he can, if that happens to be when he goes to his quarters at shift end and sees himself in the mirror that's fine too. Command officers are allowed to show up at Sickbay any time of the day, few others have that privilege," she laughed.

The next moment Ruth was hugging her and she returned it with a heartfelt grin, any nervous energy she had before revealing the white hair to her friend completely gone. Ruth was such a bright light in her life and she could picture the two of them staying in touch through ship transfers and eventual retirement from the service...moments like this only solidified that image.

"Of course, Ruth! We should definitely make that happen soon. You go have fun scaring everyone up there, I'll keep things running smoothly down here. Eventually we'll have everyone rounded up safely again so we can be on our way." The CMO showed Ruth out, then crossed her arms as she stood. She hadn't been updated about Mondo, the captain, and the security team yet, but as soon as the message came through and the red alert was issued she was at the ready, waiting for patients.

[T'eala]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Kyle had been able to get off a shot but the smuggler's ship had slipped out of range just in time. Once the Kressari freighter was free of the tractor beam and they contacted the Challenger and threatened the away team, the CO took it into his own hands and headed for the lift. Kyle knew he should have stopped the Captain but given the circumstances, he would have probably done the same thing.

"Keep weapons locked on them and as soon as we're withing range, take out their engines." he ordered the Ensign before making his way to the center seat. He had a feeling of what the CO was up to.

"Helm. Stay with that freighter." he said. "Let's try to get and keep transporter locks on the away team and the captain."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

She kept the Challenger pushing a steady warp, still keeping within a discernible distance - yet not propelling closer to startle. In her own estimations, the Kaldrel was winging together sequences of events. There was no real plan of action, even with Mondo as a hostage. They'd take whatever sliver they were allowed. However, with the CO making his curt exit, she knew those options were soon to be cut to nil.

"We're keeping close Commander, I'd rather not spook them into doing something they'd regret." Further regret, the smuggling had caught up too them. She could only imagine the panic and grasp for freedom and survival coming from the Kaldrel's crew. A deeper hole was being dug for their collective misdeeds, their captain seemed intent on pulling them to the very depth. She had pity, but only the smallest sliver of it. "Reaching the sweet spot."

Her eyes flipped between the view screen and the monitors on her helm conn. She maneuvered the Challenger to push at the optimal warp speed for this chase. "Pacing with the Kaldrel, commander." T'eala only had her assumptions, but basing them on the modular design styling of the Kressari freighter - They'd only have the right fitting for Warp Six capability, using the employ of a custom refit to push the extra notch. She ran with similar specifications in her prior career.

"Commander, this may be futile for them. In my estimation their vessel doesn't house the proper accommodations to sustain a full push at Warp Seven." It was coming from pure intuition and personal experience, but if she were proven correct the Kaldrel was on a deadline for flying itself asunder. Enough to possibly force a slightly advantageous endgame against the right crew.

Exacerbating a fight with the Challenger? Unfortunately for the Kaldrel, they had the wrong crew on the other end of their crosshairs.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Bridge]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Kyle had been able to get off a shot but the smuggler's ship had slipped out of range just in time. Once the Kressari freighter was free of the tractor beam and they contacted the Challenger and threatened the away team, the CO took it into his own hands and headed for the lift. Kyle knew he should have stopped the Captain but given the circumstances, he would have probably done the same thing.

"Keep weapons locked on them and as soon as we're withing range, take out their engines." he ordered the Ensign before making his way to the center seat. He had a feeling of what the CO was up to.

"Helm. Stay with that freighter." he said. "Let's try to get and keep transporter locks on the away team and the captain."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

She kept the Challenger pushing a steady warp, still keeping within a discernible distance - yet not propelling closer to startle. In her own estimations, the Kaldrel was winging together sequences of events. There was no real plan of action, even with Mondo as a hostage. They'd take whatever sliver they were allowed. However, with the CO making his curt exit, she knew those options were soon to be cut to nil.

"We're keeping close Commander, I'd rather not spook them into doing something they'd regret." Further regret, the smuggling had caught up too them. She could only imagine the panic and grasp for freedom and survival coming from the Kaldrel's crew. A deeper hole was being dug for their collective misdeeds, their captain seemed intent on pulling them to the very depth. She had pity, but only the smallest sliver of it. "Reaching the sweet spot."

Her eyes flipped between the view screen and the monitors on her helm conn. She maneuvered the Challenger to push at the optimal warp speed for this chase. "Pacing with the Kaldrel, commander." T'eala only had her assumptions, but basing them on the modular design styling of the Kressari freighter - They'd only have the right fitting for Warp Six capability, using the employ of a custom refit to push the extra notch. She ran with similar specifications in her prior career.

"Commander, this may be futile for them. In my estimation their vessel doesn't house the proper accommodations to sustain a full push at Warp Seven." It was coming from pure intuition and personal experience, but if she were proven correct the Kaldrel was on a deadline for flying itself asunder. Enough to possibly force a slightly advantageous endgame against the right crew.

Exacerbating a fight with the Challenger? Unfortunately for the Kaldrel, they had the wrong crew on the other end of their crosshairs.

Lahr kept watch on the Kressari vessel as it redlined its way towards the Cardassian border.  He called to Commander Briggs, informing him of when the Mjolnir launched.  Seemed that Ruth and Captain Galloway weren't all that different after all.

He glanced beside him towards the newest Flight officer when she made her observations about the other vessel.

"Futile or not, they're trying it.  The Mjolnir ain't supposed to go faster than warp 7.2 but it looks like the Cap'n ain't planning to be held back by engineering limits either."

[Shuttlebay - USS Challenger --> USS Mjolnir]

Ian exited the turbolift at a run and raced to the shuttlebay to board the sleek Delta Flyer parked there. He flew through the startup sequence faster than he'd ever done before, completing just as Lahr announced the freighter had reached warp 8, which exceeded the Mjolnir's top speed of warp 7.2.

"Tha mi a' sgaoil am leathar a'faighean rÁ inig thu a bhÁ rr!"

He snarled as he bypassed every safety and routed everything but weapons to the engines. He used his command override to open the shuttlebay doors and eased the Mjolnir into Challenger's warp bubble. Once he'd matched speed with the Kaldrel, Ian shot forward out of the protection of Challenger's shadow to rapidly close on the fleeing freighter, the engines screaming in protest all the way. As the Mjolnir closed, Ian set the microtorpedo launcher to fire three round bursts and once in range, he activated the Delta Flyer's comm system.

"Galloway to Kaldrel. This is your final warning. Heave to and prepare to be boarded or prepare to meet whatever Deity you believe in."

Though the Captain was calling to the freighter, Lahr put the shuttle's comm activity straight through to the Bridge - live - for the Commander's benefit.   Lahr felt tense, waiting for the Kressari ship's response if there was any?  Would they harm Nari, as threatened, because their ship had been followed?   Lahr hoped not.  The only decent thing the Kressari had done so far was not kill the petty officer outright.

No response seemed to be coming from the Kressari vessel when unexpectedly part of the engine nacelle erupted into a blossom of plasma fire.   The ship was thrown out of warp abruptly causing severe damage to the structural integrity of the vessel.

Roohz!  Ren had been right!  "She's blown her engine."

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Sickbay - USS Challenger]

Ruth was going to go for it and show her new hair color to the Bridge crew. Lisa admired her for that, she didn't know if she would be that brave, even if it was just a simple matter of appearance.

"We'll be on standby," she teased about hearing screams from the Bridge. "I'm glad you're taking this so well," she admitted. About the classified information, she wasn't going to push her for details but if she was allowed to reveal anything she wouldn't mind hearing about it.

"Commander Briggs will come down when he can, if that happens to be when he goes to his quarters at shift end and sees himself in the mirror that's fine too. Command officers are allowed to show up at Sickbay any time of the day, few others have that privilege," she laughed.

The next moment Ruth was hugging her and she returned it with a heartfelt grin, any nervous energy she had before revealing the white hair to her friend completely gone. Ruth was such a bright light in her life and she could picture the two of them staying in touch through ship transfers and eventual retirement from the service...moments like this only solidified that image.

"Of course, Ruth! We should definitely make that happen soon. You go have fun scaring everyone up there, I'll keep things running smoothly down here. Eventually we'll have everyone rounded up safely again so we can be on our way." The CMO showed Ruth out, then crossed her arms as she stood. She hadn't been updated about Mondo, the captain, and the security team yet, but as soon as the message came through and the red alert was issued she was at the ready, waiting for patients.

[Sickbay > Bridge - USS Challenger, about 5 mins previously]

Chuckling away, the CSO waved a hand and smiled.  She liked Lisa a lot, and it would do her good to spend time with a fellow female officer, as well as with Lahr and Kyle and others.  If her gut feeling that there was a romance brewing between Lisa and Kyle was right then she could kill two birds with one stone and spend time with both of them, and in time... do couple dates with Lahr since she couldn't see either Kyle or Lisa being judgemental about Lahr's being enlisted not commissioned.  He, Lahr, had as much experience on this ship as most other people even of her, Kyle or even Captain Galloway's experience.  He was a bit of a Maverick at times, which is possibly why he'd not been up for promotion.  Still... the Challenger still got to make use of his skill, knowledge, expertise, and... as Ruth's naughty side of her brain kicked in... other things!!

[Shuttlebay - USS Challenger --> USS Mjolnir]

Ian exited the turbolift at a run and raced to the shuttlebay to board the sleek Delta Flyer parked there. He flew through the startup sequence faster than he'd ever done before, completing just as Lahr announced the freighter had reached warp 8, which exceeded the Mjolnir's top speed of warp 7.2.

"Tha mi a' sgaoil am leathar a'faighean rÁ inig thu a bhÁ rr!"

He snarled as he bypassed every safety and routed everything but weapons to the engines. He used his command override to open the shuttlebay doors and eased the Mjolnir into Challenger's warp bubble. Once he'd matched speed with the Kaldrel, Ian shot forward out of the protection of Challenger's shadow to rapidly close on the fleeing freighter, the engines screaming in protest all the way. As the Mjolnir closed, Ian set the microtorpedo launcher to fire three round bursts and once in range, he activated the Delta Flyer's comm system.

"Galloway to Kaldrel. This is your final warning. Heave to and prepare to be boarded or prepare to meet whatever Deity you believe in."

[Bridge]

To the retreating back of Ian she gave a look and said jokingly "I didn't think my hair looked that bad! Don't break my baby!" she said referring to the Mjolnir which Sukal had got for her use mostly... it even bore her birthday as the registration designator!

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Orbit around Zindi Moran - USS Challenger - Bridge]

Lahr stared at the viewscreen that now showed the starscape of where once there was a Kressari vessel.  The Kressari had gotten the drop on Nari?  How was that even possible?  And now they were holding him hostage in an attempt to escape?

Lahr didn't envy the Captain's decision.  The Andorian wondered what the Scot intended to do?  Fortunately, he didn't have long to wait to find out.   The Captain's order to open a channel and broadcast in a loop his message that snapped Lahr out of his wondering.

"Aye sir."

Soon he had the channel open - narrow beam - recording the Captain's rather unexpected message.  He looped it and waited for a response even as the Captain declared his intent to leave the Bridge.

Lahr turned in his seat, surprised.  He wondered where the hell the Captain was going to at a time like this?  While the man's speech about hunting the Kressari down and killing them should they hurt his people was unexpected and more than just a little intimidating, Lahr doubted the Kressari would just give up.  Holding Starfleet crewmembers hostage seemed a little desperate... desperate people rarely thought things through.

As the doors to the turbolift opened to allow Captain Galloway to leave the bridge, Ruth stepped out.

That Lahr recognized the white-haired science officer as his Ruth was something rather notable.   There was no confusion, no doubt of who she was.  He recognized her in an instant;  like as if in his dreams he'd envisioned her somewhat like this... maybe with bit more hint of blue to her skin.

When she glanced his way, Lahr flashed a smile.  "White suits you." he remarked, then realizing this was not a good time for such comments, gave an apologetic nod to both the departing Captain and the First officer left to deal with the Kressari situation.

Challenger leapt into pursuit and Lahr kept Commander Briggs apprised of the freighter's course and speed.   "The Kaldrel is continuing at warp 8, sir...  but it doesn't look like they are heading to Kressari." which is where Lahr had first thought the ship's course had been headed for.  "They are seeming to be making a run for the Cardassian border."  Maybe they thought Challenger wouldn't pursuit into the foreign territory?

"Thanks, I'm not turning blue too, or growing antennae, or I'll be paying Doc Belmont more visits and wondering what the hell she put in that dye!  I wasn't intending becoming a Smurf... I'll explain later!" Ruth joked trying to ease the tension she was feeling on the bridge.

She slid into the Sciences seat but just about everyone present on the Bridge knew she could be called upon to help out wherever she was needed.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

She kept the Challenger pushing a steady warp, still keeping within a discernible distance - yet not propelling closer to startle. In her own estimations, the Kaldrel was winging together sequences of events. There was no real plan of action, even with Mondo as a hostage. They'd take whatever sliver they were allowed. However, with the CO making his curt exit, she knew those options were soon to be cut to nil.

"We're keeping close Commander, I'd rather not spook them into doing something they'd regret." Further regret, the smuggling had caught up too them. She could only imagine the panic and grasp for freedom and survival coming from the Kaldrel's crew. A deeper hole was being dug for their collective misdeeds, their captain seemed intent on pulling them to the very depth. She had pity, but only the smallest sliver of it. "Reaching the sweet spot."

Her eyes flipped between the view screen and the monitors on her helm conn. She maneuvered the Challenger to push at the optimal warp speed for this chase. "Pacing with the Kaldrel, commander." T'eala only had her assumptions, but basing them on the modular design styling of the Kressari freighter - They'd only have the right fitting for Warp Six capability, using the employ of a custom refit to push the extra notch. She ran with similar specifications in her prior career.

"Commander, this may be futile for them. In my estimation their vessel doesn't house the proper accommodations to sustain a full push at Warp Seven." It was coming from pure intuition and personal experience, but if she were proven correct the Kaldrel was on a deadline for flying itself asunder. Enough to possibly force a slightly advantageous endgame against the right crew.

Exacerbating a fight with the Challenger? Unfortunately for the Kaldrel, they had the wrong crew on the other end of their crosshairs.

As Ian wasn't on the Bridge she risked another small joke, and said "Come back with my battle butler you manky swines!!" she just hoped that Lahr and Kyle would keep it together enough and not just collapse with giggles.  But she knew they'd appreciate keeping the morale together.  Lahr especially while he worked well under pressure and in tense situations... she'd put him under enough  during her tenure as Captain, he was too much of a joker to not want to let it out at times.  Kyle too... although his rank and position and former Captaincy of other ships had got him to the stage that he had a good poker face while on duty.  Ruth could do that with enemies on the viewscreen, but not with her own crew... unless she had to give a dressing down... and poor Lahr had been on the other end of that too.  Thankfully both had seen it as 'the right thing to be done' and put that behind them.

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Orbit around Zindi Moran - USS Challenger - Bridge]

Lahr kept watch on the Kressari vessel as it redlined its way towards the Cardassian border.  He called to Commander Briggs, informing him of when the Mjolnir launched.  Seemed that Ruth and Captain Galloway weren't all that different after all.

He glanced beside him towards the newest Flight officer when she made her observations about the other vessel.

"Futile or not, they're trying it.  The Mjolnir ain't supposed to go faster than warp 7.2 but it looks like the Cap'n ain't planning to be held back by engineering limits either."

Though the Captain was calling to the freighter, Lahr put the shuttle's comm activity straight through to the Bridge - live - for the Commander's benefit.   Lahr felt tense, waiting for the Kressari ship's response if there was any?  Would they harm Nari, as threatened, because their ship had been followed?   Lahr hoped not.  The only decent thing the Kressari had done so far was not kill the petty officer outright.

No response seemed to be coming from the Kressari vessel when unexpectedly part of the engine nacelle erupted into a blossom of plasma fire.   The ship was thrown out of warp abruptly causing severe damage to the structural integrity of the vessel.

Roohz!  Ren had been right!  "She's blown her engine."

"Holy Smokes,..Looks like they broke first! We need to get Mondo off there before it blows completely and Captain Galloway away from any blast radius... sorry Commander,.." she said to Kyle.  "Old habits dei hard, dishing out orders on this Bridge still comes somewhat naturally, and time is of the essence here."

[Ian Galloway]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Orbit around Zindi Moran - USS Challenger - Bridge]

Lahr kept watch on the Kressari vessel as it redlined its way towards the Cardassian border.  He called to Commander Briggs, informing him of when the Mjolnir launched.  Seemed that Ruth and Captain Galloway weren't all that different after all.

He glanced beside him towards the newest Flight officer when she made her observations about the other vessel.

"Futile or not, they're trying it.  The Mjolnir ain't supposed to go faster than warp 7.2 but it looks like the Cap'n ain't planning to be held back by engineering limits either."

Though the Captain was calling to the freighter, Lahr put the shuttle's comm activity straight through to the Bridge - live - for the Commander's benefit.   Lahr felt tense, waiting for the Kressari ship's response if there was any?  Would they harm Nari, as threatened, because their ship had been followed?   Lahr hoped not.  The only decent thing the Kressari had done so far was not kill the petty officer outright.

No response seemed to be coming from the Kressari vessel when unexpectedly part of the engine nacelle erupted into a blossom of plasma fire.   The ship was thrown out of warp abruptly causing severe damage to the structural integrity of the vessel.

Roohz!  Ren had been right!  "She's blown her engine."

[USS Mjolnir in pursuit of Kressari freighter Kaldrel]

It was only Ian's flying skills that kept him from colliding with the Kaldrel when the freighter lurched out of warp. Responding instinctively only from finely honed practice allowed Ian to dive under the Kaldrel and immediately follow that up with an Immelmann and bringing the Mjolnir to a halt directly above the stricken freighter.

Ian jumped from his seat and grabbed a phaser rifle before stopping at the replicator long enough to make a holo imager. He paused long enough to create an image of himself standing menacingly advancing with the rifle, before stepping onto the tiny transporter platform. He programmed the transporter to send the holo imager to the back of the Kaldrel's bridge and to send him to the front of the bridge two seconds later.

When he materialized on the freighter's bridge, the captain was in the middle of shredding the hologram with Mondo's rifle. Ian fired his own rifle twice and the two crewmen holding Mondo crumpled. He then lunged forward as the freighter captain turned to fire, but Ian got there first, driving the barrel into the Kressari's chest and knocking him back a step. This gave Ian the room to swing the back of the rifle up in a vertical butt stroke into the captain's chin, breaking the jaw and scattering teeth across the bridge. Staggered, the captain never even saw the rifle butt coming as Ian delivered a horizontal butt stroke that crushed the Kressari's nose and knocked him to his knees. Ian then brought the barrel down on the crown of the captain's head, which knocked the battered man to the deck.

The captain lay barely conscious, just able to perceive a shadow above him. He's eyes regained enough focus to realize he was looking down the barrel of a phaser rifle and he whimpered in terror.

"You should be glad I'm a Starfleet officer or I'd set this thing to charbroil and cook you alive."

Keeping the rifle pointed at the captain, Ian tapped his commbadge.

"Captain Galloway ta any Starfleet personnel, please respond."

There was only a brief pause before there was a reply.

"Captain? This is crewman Stebbings, we've secured the rest of the ship. Sorry it took so long, but the crew put up more of a fight than we expected. Is the bridge secure?"

"It is now Stebbings. I want the prisoners ready for immediate evacuation, they've overloaded their engines and goin' by all the warnin's I'm gettin' up here, it won't be long before the warp core breaches."

Ian then moved to the ship's computer as he opened a data link to the Challenger.

"Mister ch'Verret, I need every transporter at warp speed ta evacuate the ship. As soon as you get the transporters goin', download the Kaldre's logs before this thing blows. Galloway out."

Ian then dragged the semi-conscious freighter captain next to Mondo and tapped his commbadge to link to the Mjolnir

"Computer three to beam up."

Once aboard the Delta Flyer. Ian looked down at the captain and growled.

"I don't have time for you ta try anything stupid."

He then brought his phaser rifle up and stunned the Kressari. Now certain his back was covered, Ian then engaged the sublight engines and moved away from the crippled freighter. En route, he activated the comm system.

"Galloway ta Challenger. Mister Nari is down, I don't see any bleedin', so he may only be stunned, but I want a medical team standin' by in shuttlebay one when I dock. Oh, and before I forget, the Kressari captain has gone and gotten himself injured, so I suppose there needs ta be two teams on standby."