Mission 19 - Another Voyage Home

[Kersare]

ON:

<<USS Malinche, Transporter Room 1, Day 0, 1525>>

Not long ago, Isabel had received word that the diplomat they were taking to Earth would be beaming aboard from the Starbase. She'd contacted Nora and headed down to the Transporter Room to meet their guest after finishing up what she had been working on. There was nothing worse than getting back to your work after an interruption and having no clue where you were... Giving a polite smile to the transporter operator on duty, Isabel said, "Will Mr. Livius be transporting over soon?"

"Yes, Captain; I was told he was heading to Starbase 422's transporter room right before you came in," the young man replied.

The doors swished open as Nora stepped into the Transporter Room. She was relieved to see that she hadn’t arrived too late to properly greet the dignitary that was soon to arrive. Joining Isabel, she smiled in greeting. “I’ve just been doing a little reading up on our guest. He seems like quite an interesting character.”

Isabel nodded, intrigued, "I didn't have as much of a chance to read up on him, I'm afraid, but I did skim over some information about Mr. Livius. I imagine he will be quite the addition to our crew, though only temporarily." She was about to say more when she was interrupted.

“One ready to beam aboard from the starbase, Captain,” the transporter operator announced, his hands ready at the controls.

"Energize," Isabel ordered, straightening her uniform slightly and standing just a bit straighter. With Nora to her left, she waited as the swirl of the transporter began and then subsided as the diplomat appeared on the transporter pad. She offered the El-Aurian a smile as he gathered his bearings.

Taking stock of his surroundings as they shimmered into view, Nestor Livius (NPC) was rather delighted to be met with the smiling faces of two ladies. Obviously his welcome committee, the El-Aurian stepped off the platform with a smile of his own to greet them. Taking note of the pips on their collars, he turned to the dark-haired woman first. “I believe that you must be Captain Kersare,” he stated more than asked, his dark eyebrows rising very slightly.

"Indeed I am, Mr. Livius," Isabel replied with a grin. "I see you've done your research before coming aboard. Welcome to the USS Malinche; I hope you enjoy your time with us," she said, offering him her hand. Although he had probably only found out that day that he would be taken to Earth by the Malinche, she had a feeling that he had done some research into the ship and at least some of its crew. Partly evidenced by his recognition of her.

“Well, research is at the heart of my life’s work, you know,” he chuckled, taking the Captain’s hand and shaking it. “Wouldn’t be a historian worth his salt if I didn’t do research. You,” he added, turning to the blonde woman beside Captain Kersare, “must be the First Officer. A Lieutenant-Commander Zeral, I believe?”

Nora smiled warmly and nodded, offering her hand to the historian as well. “You really have done your research. Lieutenant-Commander Nora Zeral, sir. Welcome aboard the Malinche.” He was older looking than some of the pictures she’d managed to pull up on him, which was something of a surprise in and of itself. El-Aurians were extremely long-lived, but Nora had never met one that appeared to be older than middle age. Mr. Livius was a tall man who looked fit enough, but his hair was peppered with gray and there were wrinkles in the corners of his eyes. The files she had looked at hadn’t given an approximation of his age, but she did wonder now that she was actually meeting him.

Shaking the Executive Officer’s hand, Nestor returned her smile. He made it a habit to always familiarize himself with the basic details of the ships he traveled aboard, out of both genuine curiosity and as a way of ensuring his welcome was usually a warm one. A colleague had once called it a party trick, knowing people’s names before he even met them, and in a way, he supposed that it was. “Well,” he said, clasping his hands behind his back. “Thank you very much for having me aboard. I’ve been on many starships throughout my career, but never aboard a Prometheus-class. I confess that I’m quite keen on having a look around while I’m aboard, with your permission, of course,” he said with a deferential nod to the Captain.

Isabel nodded, "Of course, Mr. Livius; I'm sure we could arrange a tour once we're underway. There are, of course, some of the areas of the ship where visitors aren't permitted, but otherwise, you'd also certainly be welcome to have a look around during the journey as well." There had rarely been visitors on the Malinche, but she hoped she was making the El-Aurian feel welcome. Isabel had to admit to being curious as to exactly what role Nestor was to play in the events to come; she would have to read up about him more later. Gesturing towards the door, she offered him a smile as she added, "We also have some VIP quarters set up for you, which I hope you'll find comfortable. We can look at some of the sights along the way if you like."

“That would be excellent, Captain,” Nestor agreed. “And I’m sure I’ll be quite happy with my accommodations. Believe me when I say that I’ve traveled under all sorts of conditions, and I have no doubt that I’ll be perfectly comfortable here.” Clasping his hands absentmindedly behind his back, he followed his escorts out into the corridor, truly curious to see some of the ship’s interior for himself. “I believe the Malinche was completed in 2381, no? And yet she still has the look of a new ship,” he remarked as they began their walk. “But then, six or seven years is hardly old for a starship, I suppose.”

The more she listened to Nestor, the more at ease Isabel felt about having him aboard. Some VIPs could make things quite difficult - she'd heard the horror stories - but this one seemed fairly easy to please, which made things easier for her. Isabel smiled and nodded as she looked over at him, "That would be correct, Mr. Livius. Of course, this is technically the USS Malinche-A. The original Malinche was an Excelsior class ship. At times she certainly doesn't look new...in fact, even recently she looked the worse for wear. We got her patched up at Starbase 422, though. I think the engineers are getting even more adept at fixing the ship, considering some of the missions we've been on. This class of starship generally gets a refit every five years, which also helps it stay current."

Nestor nodded, following her every word. He was well versed in most of those details, of course, but he was polite enough not to say as much as he always enjoyed hearing the details from the ship’s own captain. “I did hear that you and your crew got into quite a scrape recently. Came into contact with ships from the Mirror Universe, if I understand correctly.” Although he was not a member of Starfleet in a conventional way, he held a unique position where he was privy to his fair share of information, privileged or otherwise. “Still, you wouldn’t know what the ship’s been through from looking at her," he added, thinking of the exterior view he'd gotten of the ship while still aboard the starbase. "The repair crew did a first rate job, I’d say.”

Isabel had to admit to being rather surprised that Nestor had learned about the mirror universe encounter. Even some in StarFleet didn't know. Apparently the El-Aurian had some rather good connections...perhaps that's how he would be a benefit to them in their mission. "It was certainly a challenge, but we came out much better than our opponents, overall. And gained a crewmember, for that matter," she explained, glancing over at Nora. "Indeed they did, especially in the time frame they had. Between them and the Malinche crew, we've done pretty well at keeping in her prime condition."

As the group entered the turbolift at the end of the corridor, Nora instructed the computer to take them to Deck 3. It didn’t take telepathy for her to see that Mr. Livius was a very keen, intelligent man. He was clearly quite curious about the Malinche, yet he seemed to know plenty about the ship already, particularly if he was aware of some of the details of the most recent mission. She couldn’t help but wonder what he’d think or say when he met Setak.

“That wasn’t a very long way to go,” Nestor said as the turbolift swiftly reached its destination and he followed his escorts into the corridor. “But then I suppose it’s just as well. There are a few matters of business I need to attend to once I settle into my accommodations. These symposiums are sometimes more work than they’re worth, I’m afraid,” he said wryly.

Chuckling, Isabel smiled as she said, "I can't say I've had to prepare for one, per se, but I would imagine at least some would be quite a bit of work. I don't want to keep you from your business, but perhaps another time you could tell us more about the symposium..." While she wasn't entirely sure if Nora would be interested, Isabel included her on a hunch. Truthfully, Isabel had a number of things to take care of herself - particularly since they would be leaving Starbase 422 shortly.

“I’d be glad to,” Nestor was quick to agree. "A willing audience is the hope of historians everywhere." The El-Aurian was always pleased to share some of his knowledge and research with others, especially if they were truly interested. History was not everyone’s forte, but it was fool’s work to ignore the all too important lessons that could be gleaned from it, as far as he was concerned. For someone who had lived as long and seen as much as he, treating history trivially was something he could never condone.

Upon arriving at his accommodations, Nestor turned to bid farewell to Captain Kersare and Lieutenant-Commander Zeral. “Well then, thank you once again for having me aboard, and for providing me with such charming escorts,” he said gregariously, clapping his hands quietly together. “I’m looking forward to a very pleasant journey aboard the Malinche.”

"Glad to have you with us, Mr. Livius. I hope you enjoy your stay on the Malinche. If there's anything you need, please let us or my yeoman know and we'll take care of it as soon as we can," Isabel told him. "We should be leaving Starbase 422 within the next couple hours."

“Excellent, excellent,” Nestor nodded. “Then I’ll bid you farewell for now, Captain Kersare, Lieutenant-Commander Zeral.” Shaking their hands once more, Nestor entered his quarters, intent upon seeing to a few tasks before the ship left the starbase.

Alone with Isabel in the corridor, Nora smiled to herself as they turned to walk back to the turbolift. “I never do know what to expect with El-Aurians,” she admitted after they had taken a few steps. “They always seem to know so much more than they let on, and Mr. Livius is no exception.”

Isabel nodded, "Agreed. I imagine we could learn quite a bit from him. Hopefully we'll have some time to speak with him before we get to Earth. For now, though, I think we should get the ship ready to leave. Between this next mission, Mr. Livius, and our other...guest...I think we'll have our hands full."

OFF:

JP brought to you by:

Lieutenant Commander Nora Zeral
Executive Officer
USS Malinche NCC-38997-A

and

Nestor Livius
Diplomat
played by: Lt Cmdr Zeral

and

[Thundera]

ON:<USS Malinche, Sickbay, Day 0 RT, 0630>

Setak had arisen early and upon arriving in Sickbay to begin his days work was glad that he had. He hadn't noticed at first but as he began to go through his daily routine he had discovered that numerous devices and instruments were placed in unusual locations. Further inspection revealed that some of even the most routinely used gear had been stored in highly illogical if not downright preposterous places. Several vials of blood samples taken the prior day had been stored with bacterial cultures and had dried up in the heat, that alone sparked severe agitation within the Vulcan. As if all of it weren't unexpected enough he came to discover that his second in command of the med center and arguably friend, Doctor Dormond, had been responsible.

Absorbed in his annoyance and scrambling to right the numerous errors Setak didn't look up when he heard the door from the hall slide open and only grumbled, "what is it now?"

"Excuse me? I hope you don't greet everyone like that", Cheetara stated plainly as she walked up to Setak. "I'm Lieutenant Cheetara Thundera, the Chief Science Officer. The Captain thought that I should stop by and see you." She paused looking at the shocked look on his face. "So here I am."

Setak had been caught off guard, a position he hated being in but he had done it to himself. Focusing his attention on Cheetara he quickly realized that she was no ordinary human but the former Borg he had heard about. The Borg had not been encountered by Alpha quadrant species in his home reality and Setak found such creatures to be utterly fascinating but when dealing with a living breathing person a degree of restraint would have to be practiced. He didn't want to make the Lieutenant feel like a lab animal any more than he did, if anything he should empathize with a fellow outsider.

"My apologies," Setak said after surveying Cheetara briefly. "It's been something of a rough morning. I suppose we can start with your medical records, have you experienced any illness or... Malfunctions, of any kind since they were updated last year?"

Cheetara handed him the padd that she had in her hand with her medical history. "Here you go. Here is my medical history along with my implant specifications. I did have a minor glitch in my optical servo a couple months ago. I had to fix it myself, no one else understood the technology during my last mission. It doesn't seem to be bothering me anymore", she replied.

"Well just the same, I think we should take a quick scan," Setak said as he motioned toward a biobed nearby. He continued glancing over her medical records while preparing his medical tricorder, the surgery required to move all of the cybernetic implants fascinated him. He glanced up and examined the implant over Cheetara's eye and scanned it with his tricorder probe. "Everything seems to be fine, having an updated scan of the tissues surrounding the implant could prove useful if there's a 'glitch' in the future. Aside from that, you have no anomalous conditions to report?"

Cheetara took a seat on the bio bed as he motioned. She really didn't like doctors. It took her awhile last time she was on board the ship to get used to the one that was there. Now she has to get used to another one. One that has no knowledge of borg cybernetics, atleast the former doctor had knowledge of cybernetics. How could she trust he would know what to do. "No. Everything else is functioning perfectly and regenerates just fine as far as I can tell", she replied. "While I'm up here, you might as well scan the rest of my body and implants just so you can have a record of them too."

"Of course," Setak said in agreement as he began taking more scans. "You know, the Borg implants aren't entirely unlike those used by the Orion. Far more advanced of course but in many respects they interface with the nervous system in much the same way. The Alliance experimented with something like it until..." Setak paused, realizing that he had slipped and wondering if Cheetara had any idea what he was talking about. After closing his Tricorder and replacing its probe back in the dock he continued, "regardless of the reasons, its sufficient to say that they were unsuccessful."

Cheetara was intrigued. She wasn't familiar with the Orion. The only race she knew of that used machanical implants were the Lagashi. "Who are the Orion?" she asked. She knew she would have to go look them up in the ships database later.

"A race of traders and profiteers," Setak replied. "Their homeworlds are located in the Beta Quadrant, used to be a source of upheaval for your... The, Federation, until more recently, it seems." Setak paused and smiled slightly. "I think we're about done here unless you can think of anything else, as far as I can tell you are in perfect health."

"Kind of sounds like the Ferengi", Cheetara plainly stated. "See I told you I was fine. Unless you have anything you want to know about, I'll be on my way."

"Indeed," Setak replied as he helped Cheetara down from the biobed and escorted her to the door. "I will ensure that my data regarding Borg implants is fully up to date and that I have a better understanding of their workings. Should something happen to you its best that I know what needs to be done to fix any problems."

"You have a good day", Cheetara told the doctor as she headed out of the door to go see the Counselor.

OFF:

A JP DONE BY

Provisional Lieutenant Setak
Chief Medical Officer
USS Malinche NCC-38997-A

and

[N'rass]

<USS Malinche Hallway, 1500 hrs, Revised day 0>

The Irish archaeologist decided her day in the office was a little too bothersome. Her supervising officer had a chip on his shoulder toward the sometimes flirting red-head. As she walked into the holodeck, she stated flatly. "Computer, Activate Thanis program one, night."

The room switched from it's gridwork to the prescribed scene of a 1940s earth. She ducked out from the main street to a tent to get a different outfit on, more appropriate to the setting. Considering it was a foggy area of California, she decided a skirted American Army uniform looked appropriate for the military encampment she was in.

When she stepped out to the street again, a man was standing at attention. She straightened her hair in a typical tied back style of the era and replied in her sultry tone. "What can I do you far?"

He straightened his posture. "I...Commander Lockwood needs to see you, Ma'am. I think it's urgent."

"It usually be with that guy. Run along then, I will be there soon enough." She tried to shoo off the messenger.

"Sorry, Ma'am." He insisted. "He said to make sure you come. Now." He leaned forward with the last insistence.

Amber rolled her eyes. "Alas, even in me games I canne get away from the commanders. Computer, Skip to chapter five."

The scene flashed forward to the passenger compartment of a large transport plane. She was surrounded by several officers and miscellaneous army personnel. It was a far cry from the quiet of a fleet transport, but it was somewhat therapeutic to zone into the hum of the engines and propellers. Nevertheless, she decided to make a change to the original plan.

"Computer, pause program" the room got quiet and froze. "That waitress gal, Maggie. Thanis to Maggie Nolan, I be invitin you to tha Holodeck for a wee bit of fun."

Nolan to Thanis, I would enjoy that. What did you have in mind?” Maggie asked.

"A wee little holiday in the holodeck sound good?"

“I can be ready in ten minutes and meet you there”, she said. She wondered the whole time what it be like on the holodeck and is she was dressed in the right attire.

"Best be preparin for a 1940s war novel. Just come in, I'll be restin in the front row." Amber replied, then settled back into her seat.

“I can be ready in ten minutes and meet you there” She said. She wondered the whole time what it be like on the holodeck and if she was dressed in the right attire.


When the arch appeared, it formed into the doorway of the humming plane. A few of the holographic soldiers who were seated looked up at the woman. Amber was asleep when she came up to the row. There was no doubt however as to which one Amber was with her bright red hair in a high volume 40's hair style.

“Hi Amber”, she said as standing next to her friend. "I am surprised that you invited me here. I usually sit in my room at night reading or just relaxing. But this will be fun for a change."

Amber tilted her head to the new-coming friend, then smiled as she opened her eyes. "Ah, lass. Glad ya be makin it." She motioned to the seat next to her. "Do ya have an idea what we be doin here?" She asked in a soft way with a glance out the window and around to the soldiers.

As Maggie took her seat next to Amber, she said “Not really sure what we are doing? Who are the others that are here?” She looked around in all directions at the people in the room waiting for and explanation from Amber.

"These fine fellows are soldiers on the way to Hawaii for assignments. We be the nurses. Once it lands, we will be in the nicest place on Earth, in me honest opinion."

"Well I am glad that we are going somewhere different." Maggie said. Maggie would be glad to have a change of occupation for awhile, even though it wasn't for real. Being a waitress was starting to take its toll on her and she was glad that she gets a night out with her friend.

Amber was usually good for figuring out what someone needed, and Maggie was showing the signs of tiredness. Eventually the plane began it's descent into the airspace of Pearl Harbor for it's landing. Whoever programmed the novel did an accurate job of the details, since she could tell the air pressure increase as they got to sea level.

The sea plane taxied along the harbor and eventually came to a stop at the dock. Being a different time period of chivalry, the pair were motioned to exit first. An attendant in a white airline uniform was standing beside the door and bowed as the ladies walked out to the warm tropical sunshine.

"Ahh..." Amber sighed with arms out as she spun. "This is how I be likin it. Warm tropical sun, strappin young soldiers everywhere..." She ribbed her friend with a big sister sort of wink.

"Oh thank goodness we are on the ground" Maggie said. She spun around and took in all the rays she could get. Maggie looked at the young, cute soldiers and daydreamed what it would be like to have a boyfriend.

"It looks like sunset shouldn't be too long away. The sun moves fast at this part of the world." With a nod, Amber put her shoulder bag back up on her shoulder and they walked along behind the unit of men to the offices."

"Nolan and Thanis..." A senior officer said to the pair over the mumble of the crowd in the echoing marble room.

"Sir?" Amber replied with a straight posture uncharacteristic of her nature. Maggie followed suit.

"Nurses report to the infirmary on time. I know we are in the paradise of the pacific, but you Will uphold promptness and order..." The officer continued, only to get interrupted by Amber.

"Computer pause and advance to chapter six." She blurted with rolled eyes and glanced to Maggie with a wink and a tongue partially out at the senior. "I be wishin I could do that to the real ones."

The room changed to a restaurant filled with off-duty men in hula shirts and tiki torches lighting the edges. The warm night sea breeze was blowing gently across the room. Amber surveyed the room full of prospects and nudged her younger friend. "From the looks of things we are in demand and they are fair game. I be thinkin you could pick that guy right over there. He hasn't taken eyes off you in a couple minutes, lassy."

Maggie looked over at the guy Amber was talking about. "He's cute and seems nice". Maggie said. "Should I go talk to him?" Maggie asked Amber.

"Of course, silly." Amber laughed. The Irish woman was what some would refer to as a player, so it was second nature for her to strike it up with the guys. It was apparent that her friend was a bit more shy, though.

Maggie thought about what it would be like to have a friend of another gender. She didn't know what he was like and was kinda worried.

Using her telepathy for a moment, Amber decided to reply directly to her friend's concerns. "You needn't be worryin, these guys are holograms. If ya don't like em or ya tick em off, just slap him and move on." She finished off her glass of synthahol and stood up. "I'll be over with those pilots over there if ya need me."

The human made her way to try her hand at breaking the ice with the sailors. In a certain sense she was beginning to view Amber as a big sister for such things; a welcome change for the cruise.

OFF:
A JP
By

Maggie Nolan
Civilian Services
USS Malinche NCC-38997-A

and

Amber Thanis Archeo. (PNPC)
Civilian
USS Malinche NCC-38997-A

by

[Davis]

ON: <USS Malinche, Operations Office, Day 0 RT, 1400>

As he put the final touches to his reports, James let out a sigh of relief as he finally finished the paperwork he wanted to get done. The events of this morning threw his schedule completely off course, which left him little time to complete his work. Luckily, his headstrong mentality played a crucial part in getting his work done. With a sense of accomplishment flowing through him and his head slightly pounding from concentrating too hard, the new Lieutenant JG leaned back in his chair. “Computer, music please. Alternative Rock, no, Classic Rock, 1990s era.” As the music started playing, the door chime sounded. Annoyed slightly, James straightened his composure just in case it was the Captain. “Stop music. Come in.”

Ensign Trevor Reed (PNPC) slowly walked into the Operations office with a big grin on his face. It had been a couple years since he saw the lieutenant face to face without the use of a video monitor. He’d had numerous conversations with Davis over a telecom while he was stationed on Starbase 386 and where ever Davis was at the time of the call. He stood before his old friend and gave a quick wave. “Long time, no see ol’ friend. How have you been after all this time?”

James’ expression immediately changed at the sight of Ensign Reed. He stood before his friend and gave him a similar wave. “Ensign Trevor Reed, you ol’ dog. How in the hell did you get here?” James was, in fact, surprised that Reed was on the ship much less the starbase they were docked at. Needless to say, he was happy to see his long time friend face to face. He walked over to Reed and extended his hand to him.

Trevor accepted the gesture and shook the chief’s hand. “I was transferred to Starbase 422 after word got out that the Malinche needed some fresh crew members to fill some vacancies in the roster,” Trevor said with a small chuckle. “I was assigned to this ship as the new Computer Systems Specialist. Figured you and your department could use a hand.”

James nodded and sat back down in his chair at his desk. “Every little bit of help works, Trev. This is my first rodeo as a department head so hopefully I can do my job the right way,” he explained as he searched for his duty roster. “Your arrival will be a big weight-lifter off the shoulders of everyone here in Ops, especially me. A reminder though, just because you are my best friend, I’m not going to be too lenient or give you any special treatment. I got to run a tight operation here and can’t let friendships get in the way.”

Trevor understood Davis’ statement and nodded in agreement. “I understand, I’ll do my job to the best of my ability.” Trevor was not the least bit nervous that he would be taking orders from a friend. He was just glad that he was able to get off the starbase and on to a vessel where he could show off his skills as well as improve them. Looking at the chief with a little, he cleared his throat. “I was wondering when I could get to work. I’m really anxious to begin my new job.”

James, who could be puzzled at times, looked at the ensign with a very puzzled look. “Trevor, you just got here. Are you absolutely ready to start?” The new Operations department head made a plan before he officially took over. Included with his plan was to make sure that new arrivals to his department were physically and mentally ready for duty. With Ensign Reed just arriving, he was concerned that Reed may be rushing to get to work. “I’ll tell you what. I’ll get you assigned to a shift when we leave the starbase. Take some time to get familiar with the ship. Check out the holodecks, grab a bite to eat in the mess hall, just get familiar with the place. I’ll send you a message letting you know when to start. Sound good?

“Okay, Chief. Maybe I’m a little too anxious. I’ll go get some food and go check out the ship,” Trevor replied with a laugh. His superior was right, he needed to take things slow before jumping into work. He stood at attention and gave his friend a thumbs up. “Permission to leave, sir.”

James chuckled and waved off the Ensign’s gesture. “Get out of here, Trevor. Oh and just to let you know,” he said as he handed Trevor a PADD, “Here in my office, you can call me James or Jimmy just as you did while we were at the academy. Anywhere else though, be formal and call me by my rank. Okay? You’ll receive your shift schedule and further instructions on the PADD. Now get!”

“Yes, sir,” Trevor exclaimed and turned to begin his tour of the ship. He had a pretty good idea of where and where not to go. If he had any concerns, he knew who to turn to.

OFF:

Ensign Trevor Reed (PNPC)
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Malinche NCC-38997-A
Played by:

[Zeral]

ON:
<<USS Malinche, Deck 4, Day 0 Revised Timeline, 0735>>

Brianna was following her newly found roommate, Petra (PNPC), down the corridor to their quarters. It had been an interesting first meeting with her and her friend Mara. Interesting because of all the tables that she could have been invited over to, this one had exactly who she was looking for. And now she was finding out where she would stay for the duration of this assignment. She had been relatively quiet the past few minutes as she was thinking about Draco, her small paintings, and art supplies. And also if Petra had any aversion to fish, or pets in general, and artsy stuff.

With one of Brianna’s bags slung over her shoulder, Petra figured that she’d let the walk back to their quarters count as her daily exercise. Once they finally arrived outside the door, she turned to Bri with a little smile and said, “Well, here we are. Come on in.” The doors parted to let them through, and Petra lugged the heavy bag across the medium-sized room, finally setting it down just beside the table and chairs that was set a little ways from the door. Stepping aside to let the Trill step further inside, she waited for her new roommate to take a look around.

The quarters were quite tidy at the moment, seeing as Petra’s previous roommate had moved out a few days before. The room was sparsely decorated with a few of her things, but she’d been sure to leave enough room for her new roommate to put some of her things out as well. Her collection of seashells, which she added to every time she visited her grandmother’s home in Greece, was arranged in a glass bowl on top of the table. There were also a few pictures of her friends and family on what had formerly been deemed her side of the room, as well as a couple of larger photographs of white sand beaches that hung on the wall. “Home sweet home,” she said cheerfully, watching Bri to see what her reaction would be.

In her over-organized mind, Bri had laid out a large imaginary grid over the room as soon as they had walked in. Thus, she was taking in the whole of the room one section at a time; focusing on the details in each grid square. As she did, she noticed Petra’s things on the walls and tables. There were pictures of family and beaches, a bowl of seashells, and various items on some shelves in the corner. Bri smiled. It was perfect. Then she caught sight of a deck of cards laying on one of the shelves.

Looking over to Petra, she said, “I’ve heard of card games happening on ships before and would liked to have learned how to play. But the games were usually with the senior officers. Care to teach me sometime?” Bri had thought it would’ve been fun to learn to play some of the card games that the other officers played. But because of her rank, had never been invited. At least that’s what she chalked it up to.

Petra was initially surprised by Bri’s request. “You mean you’ve never played card games before?” she asked, and was about to ask her more about how that was even possible after going through the Academy but thought better of it. Not everyone’s experience was the same, and she was just glad that her new roommate wasn’t against the idea of card games in the first place. “Of course I’ll teach you. I’d be glad to, in fact. My friends and I like to play card games at least once a week, poker, mostly. You’ll have to join us.”

“That sounds great, then.” She gestured to the empty areas around the room. “I presume these are the spots where your former roommate’s things resided?”

“Mmhmm,” Petra wordlessly confirmed, glancing around once more at the vacancies left behind. The room did look a little bare, now that she really thought about it.

“Mind if I put a few things up?” she asked. Bri would most likely put the pencil sketch she did of Starbase 422 near her bed and her art supplies in the bare corner. But she wanted to put up a couple of her favorite paintings on the walls in the living area. “I’ve got a couple paintings and sketches I’d like to hang. Painting and drawing is my favorite hobby. When I have time to do it, that is.” Then she turned to face Petra, a questioning look on her face. “I’ve been wondering, do you have anything against small fish? I only own one at the moment and I’ve got a small tank for him. That’s the container back on the Starbase. He’s a rare Ornate Ctenopoma, a predator that eats small fish, insects, and shrimps that fit into his mouth.”

“Oh, I love fish,” Petra all but gushed, smiling widely. “In case you haven’t noticed, I have a little thing for the ocean,” she added in a slightly more subdued tone, gesturing towards the seashells and the ocean views hung on the walls. She’d heard of an Ornate Ctenopoma before, and now she was more than curious to see it for herself. “How did you come by such a rare fish?”

Bri smiled and dropped her head a little. Her hair fell over the right side of her face. “Well,” she said, slightly blushing, “I’d been saving up for quite a while. I wanted my first fish to be one of, if not the, best. Only, I didn’t have the right connections. Long story short, my roommate at my last assignment…who, by the way wasn’t known for her discretion…said she could help me out. I never asked because I never wanted to know.” Laughing a little, Bri continued, “But she assured me that it was all legal. I have no reason to doubt her. Oh, and glad to hear that you like fish. I hope to have Draco’s tank set up before you head to work tonight. Maybe you could meet him then.”

Petra chuckled at her story, trying to imagine under what circumstances her old roommate was able to procure the fish. “Well, I think he’ll be a great addition to the room. I can’t promise I’ll enjoy feeding time,” she added with a smirk, “but it’ll be fun all the same.” Taking another look around the room, her eyes fell on the bunk beds at the far side. “I hope you don’t mind the top bunk. I flipped a coin with my first roommate to see who would get it, but once I lost, I discovered that I’m actually more of a bottom bunk girl anyway,” the communications officer smiled. It wouldn’t be too difficult to switch beds if it really came down to it. She had a few pictures and the small, ornate cross that her mother had given her hanging on the wall beside her bed, but those were easy enough to move. All the same, she really did prefer the cozier feel of the bottom bunk.

Bri laughed at the feeding time comment. “Actually, it took me a while to get used to feeding time, too. I used to just drop it in and walk away. But after a while, it sort of grew on me.” She looked at the bunk beds that Petra had mentioned. “The top bunk is just fine with me. I get chilled at night and since hot air rises, it’s more comfortable for me to sleep nearer the ceiling. Odd, I know. But hey….” She paused a second. “Oh, a couple more questions as far as décor. Number one, do you mind if I put a couple of my favorite paintings on the walls in the living area? And, number two, would my art supplies be in the way if put them in that corner?” She never did large paintings, at least nothing over an 11x17 canvas. She preferred the ones that took up less space. So she was hoping that it wouldn’t be too crowded. Especially with the weekly poker game.


Taking a look at the corner Bri had indicated, Petra quickly shook her head. “I don’t mind at all. The room could use a little color,” she smiled. She was no artist herself, unless the odd candid photo counted, but she could certainly appreciate the hobby. And when it came down to it, a roommate who painted was an absolute joy to have compared to some of the other roommates she’d had in the past. “And that corner is all yours,” she added. “I have all the space I need for my own stuff, and we can always adjust as needed.”

“Thanks,” said Bri, smiling. “I can’t wait to get it all set up.” She picked up the bag she had set down earlier and moved it to the corner. Things seemed to falling right into place for her.

Walking across the room, Petra sank down on the edge of her bunk. “Is there anything I can help you with while you unpack? I’m a little tired after my late shift, but I’ve still got a little energy to spare.” Truth be told, she wasn’t sure how much longer she was going to last. Her coffee at breakfast had been nice and strong, but it was no replacement for a good night’s rest, and Petra did love to sleep.

Bri thought for a few seconds and said, “Nope. I think I can handle it. You go ahead and get your rest. I’ll try not to be too noisy. That said, I’ll hang the pictures later. Sleep well and see you later.” She turned and starting unpacking her art supplies. She also had to contact the Starbase and have her fish and tank delivered to her quarters.

“Great,” Petra said while yawning, already sinking down to sprawl across her bunk. “Don’t worry about being too noisy. I can sleep through pretty much anything, for better or for worse,” she smirked. “Good luck with your packing, and wake me up if you need anything. And hey--” prying one eye back open, she smiled sleepily, “Welcome aboard, Bri. It’s gonna be great being roommates. I can tell.” Turning onto her side with her back to the room, Petra was out within seconds.

OFF:

This JP brought to you by:

Ensign Brianna Kai
Assistant Chief Science Officer
USS Malinche NCC-38997-A

and

Ensign Petra Volakis (PNPC)
Communications Officer

Played by:

[Rabb]

ON:

<<USS Malinche, outside Stellar Cartography, Day 0 RT, 1545>>

Stacy had just finished working with one of the enlisted crew on aligning the star charts to the conn system. Stacy felt bad that she couldn't recall the young man's name, but he was very friendly and helpful. The trip to Stellar Cartography and the ensuing conversation helped alleviate her problems with Lieutenant Flanders. She still couldn't figure out what was going on with that man. If he didn't shape up and fly right, she would have little choice but to remove him from duty and suggest a full psych eval. Stacy had never encountered a Deltan with such a disdain for life.

Flanders was walking gingerly down the corridor, eyeballing each corner, hoping to catch sight of his boss before she saw him. It worked, for he saw her coming around the bend. He stopped, waiting for her to make it to where he was at. When she caught sight of him, Flanders came to attention.

"Lieutenant, may I have a word with you in private?" he asked.

"I'm busy right now Mr. Flanders, but you can join me on the way to the bridge." Stacy replied. Upon seeing Flanders, her lips tightened and her brows furrowed a bit. That blood vessel running down the middle of her forehead began to show, indicating she was upset.

The air was stifling as they walked the short distance to the turbolift. Once there, they had to wait for a pair or security officers to depart the lift. Entering the lift, all Stacy said was 'bridge'. Once the door shut, she turned to Flanders. "Ok, make it quick and make it good."

Flanders took a deep breath before beginning. "Lieutenant, the impression I gave you in the officers' lounge was, shall we say..."

"Horrible?" Stacy said, as she interrupted.

"ah...yes, horrible." Flanders fidgeted in place. "What I mean to say is I have never acted in such a manner. I am actually recovering from the loss of my mate. Deltans mate for life, Lieutenant Rabb, and when I lost my mate, I didn't want to go on living."

Stacy pondered on this information. Nobody had thought to tell her? What was more interesting was the fact Flanders was still on duty instead of on leave.

"I know what you're thinking."

"Because you can read my mind?" asked Stacy, as she cut him off again.

"no...I can feel your empathy and your concern. I am still a Deltan. However, I know what people are saying. It has been a year. Why can not he just get on with his life? There is so much out there, meet someone new."

"Well, Mr. Flanders, far be it from me to determine when another is done grieving. However, do you think perhaps you should take more time off?"

"I have thought about that Lieutenant. What I need to do is get back to work. What you witnessed when coming aboard was not me. The problem is I had never taken a drink of any alcoholic beverage before coming aboard the Malinche."

The turbolift stopped at the bridge, however Stacy ordered 'hold' before the door could swoosh open. "So, what you're saying Mr. Flanders is this kind of action is beneath you and will never happen again, correct?"

"That is exactly what I am saying Lieutenant Rabb."

"Well then, make sure it doesn't. I understand the loss of a loved one, but don't let your personal grief get in the way of common sense. If you need some time off, take it. Otherwise ship up. Clear?"

"Clear Lieutenant."

Stacy pressed the button and the doors opened. She stepped of the bridge, heading for her station. Flanders remained in the lift. Perhaps it was time to see the doc.


OFF:

Lieutenant,jg Austin Flanders(npc)
Asst. CFCO

and

[Kai]

ON:
<USS Malinche, Outside Stellar Cartography, Day 0, Revised Timeline, 1610 hours>

Ensign Kai had spent the morning getting her things unpacked. Her early afternoon was taken up by getting things started for the upgrades and modifications that Lieutenant Thundera had given her. She had already looked in on the various experiments and research in the science labs and was now headed to stellar cartography. Needless to say, she was looking forward to a relaxing evening. But that would have to wait. Seeing a Prometheus class’s stellar cartography room and meeting the officer in charge was something that she had been looking forward to.

So when she walked in and found no one on duty, she was rather surprised. “Computer, where is the stellar cartographer?”

A few seconds later, Ensign Kai got her reply. However, it was not the one she was hoping for. “There is no stellar cartographer assigned to the USS Malinche-A.”

“And just exactly when was the last time a stellar cartographer was assigned to the USS Malinche-A?” Brianna asked, trying to be as smart-mouthed as the computer.

“Two years, one-hundred twenty-five days, eight hours…”

“Okay, okay, okay,” interrupted Bri. “I guess that’s what I get for saying ‘exactly.’ Should’ve known better than that.” She sighed and walked out to the large console that operated the room. She made a few motions over the top of it and a the whole place came to life. The last user in here had been looking at Vulcan. Bri decided to shift to the Malinche’s current position and set the console to always go to whatever that might be upon initialization. She stared at the room around her and considered a thought.

“Computer, who was the last person to use stellar cartography and when was that?”

“The last person to use stellar cartography was Lieutenant Stacy Rabb, Chief Flight Control Officer, USS Malinche-A. Lieutenant Rabb accessed the console at 1517 hours today,” the computer replied.

“Hmm. So there might not be that many star chart updates or system modifications to take care of,” she said to herself. Even though it had been a long time since a stellar cartographer had been assigned, the former Chief of Science probably kept things up to date. Not to mention whatever Lieutenant Rabb was working on in here. And Lieutenant Thundera may have already done what she was getting ready to do. It would make sense if she had.

After a few minutes of familiarizing herself with the controls, she decided to check for star chart updates and system modifications anyway. Her suspicions were confirmed as she found none. But according to the log, it hadn’t been the Lieutenant. Or at least not Lieutenant Thundera or Rabb. It looked like a member of the Starbase repair team had updated everything and made the modifications to the system. She smiled right then. “Which is probably why Lieutenant Rabb was down here. Fixing whatever the Starbase maintenance person ‘adjusted’”.

Ensign Kai was about ready to log out when she remembered that some of the Borg algorithms that she had memorized were for stellar cartography. She still wasn’t quite sure what they were supposed do, but with the help of the computer, she loaded them into the system. Bri had instructed the computer to tell her what each algorithm did as it incorporated each of them into the system. Two of them dealt with stellar cartography itself and three of them dealt with navigation and the conn. Bri made a note to send a message to Lieutenant Rabb so she would be kept in the loop. After all, she wouldn’t need something unusual to pop up when she was in the middle of an evasive maneuver.

Ensign Kai checked a few more insignificant things and then shut the room down. The once lively room darkened. No more were there stars, planets, comets, ship and Starbase icons, and multitudes of other spatial anomalies to light the walls. The Trill sighed heavily. She missed stellar cartography and her research into different planets and systems.

OFF:

[Kersare]

<<USS Malinche, Lounge, Day 0, Revised Timeline, 1830 hours>>

It had been a long day getting settled in, memorizing algorithms, and getting things in place for the system upgrades. And Bri was tired. But not so much that she wouldn’t enjoy an evening in the ship’s Lounge, though. After dinner, she changed into something a little more relaxing. But not her evening wear. She wanted to save that for more special occasions. Her ensemble for tonight included her black button-down lace-up top, as she called it, and a pair of jeans. The typical civilian clothing of the twenty-fourth century held no appeal, aesthetic or otherwise, to her. She had decided not to straighten her hair tonight, but rather leave it wavy and falling down.

Bri leaned back in her chair and took a drink. The Lounge seemed to be filling up with officers that were ready to enjoy some off duty time. Random laughs floated through the air from a few of the tables. Bri wondered if something was actually funny or if whatever they were having was taking affect. Then she remembered that most everything on a ship was synthehol.

Relieved that they were underway - hopefully in time - Isabel had decided to go to the lounge. She'd already had something to eat, and though she didn't go to the lounge to be amongst her crew every day, she felt she should that evening. Truthfully, she was beginning to think it might be a good idea to make regular appearances there, but time would tell. Regardless, considering the saboteur incident earlier, Isabel wanted to get a feel with how her crew was taking the situation.

Having just arrived, Isabel glanced around the room before heading to the nearest replicator. Her hair was partly pulled up, partly still down and she had changed into black pants whose wide legs flowed around her and a long sleeved crimson top. "Chai tea, hot," she requested, going with her usual hot beverage. Once it materialized, she picked it up carefully and surveyed the faces in the room a little more, debating where to sit. A Trill caught her eye; if Isabel recalled correctly, the young woman was the Malinche's new Assistant Chief Science Officer. Deciding to take the opportunity, she moved over to the Trill's table and asked, "Ensign Kai? Would you mind if I sit with you?"

Bri had been engrossed in what was going on around her and had not noticed the other woman approach. A bit startled, she spilled a small bit of her acai-blueberry tea on the table. She looked up while wiping the small spill and saw that it was the Captain.

“Oh, uh, of course I don’t mind, Ma’am. Please, have a seat.” It was rare that she ever got to have an off-duty moment with the Captain. But then again, the CO of her last ship, the USS Pleiades, had also been a stand-offish, by-the-book, man. Bri expected he didn’t even meet his XO off-duty. She thought that having a woman for a Commanding Officer now would be different in so many ways. And here seemed to be the first one.

Isabel smiled at the young Trill as she took a seat, placing her cup on the table. "Normally I would probably be in my uniform and meeting with you either in the Science Labs or my Ready Room, but I know things are hectic and I didn't get around to introducing myself to all the new Senior and Junior staff yet. I noticed you sitting over here and thought I would stop over. I hope that's alright."

“Of course it’s alright, Ma’am.” She ran her hands under her hair and let it fall behind her shoulders. “I’m sorry our introduction wasn’t more professional, then. But I can tell things have been a little crazy over the past few days. Lieutenant Thundera gave me a padd full of upgrades and modifications to coordinate as well as some Borg algorithms to learn. Between those and getting settled in, I’ve been a little busy. I can only imagine what it must be like for those who have been here for a while.”

Chuckling, Isabel took a sip of her tea and then nodded, "Life aboard a starship is hardly dull, at least most of the time...and particularly on the Malinche, it would seem. Don't worry about missing out on a more formal meeting; there'll be plenty of time for that and besides, sometimes a relaxed atmosphere is better." She smiled at the young Trill, knowing all to well how busy one could get. "So Lieutenant Thundera already has you buried in work?"

Bri laughed, “Yeah. But it’s okay. I’m used to updates and the like. Having been in Stellar Cartography before this, I was updating things all the time. You’d think that star charts would stay pretty much consistent. But with new discoveries rolling in from renewed exploration and loads of other stuff, I was actually kept pretty busy.” Smiling at the Captain, Bri continued. “Would you believe I actually ‘ran into’ my roommate on accident earlier today? I just couldn’t believe my luck.”

"Oh you did?" Isabel asked, raising her eyebrow. "What happened?" It had been quite some time since she had had a roommate - not counting her husband, though they weren't currently sharing quarters anyway. Though she might have been romanticizing it, Isabel did sometimes miss the fun she and her roommates had had. It was certainly nice to have her own space, but it could get lonely at times.

“Well, it’s kind of a long story. But I had been lugging my two bags around with me since the transport I bought passage on docked at around 0300. So it had been a long morning already. In short I went to the Mess Hall for some coffee and was invited to sit at a table. After talking for a while, she, uh, Ensign Petra Volkis (NPC), figured out that I was the roommate she had been waiting for. She showed me to our room after the coffee and I was able to get things somewhat set up before getting busy with Science department stuff.” Bri paused and took a few breaths. “She’s going to teach me to play poker, too. Maybe I can teach her something about drawing or painting in return. It just seems right.”

A smile spread across Isabel's lips as she heard the story of how the two had found each other. "It sounds like the two of you will get along fairly well then, Ensign. I'm glad to hear that." She took a sip of her tea and then spoke again, "So you draw and paint? What types of things do you like to draw or paint? And who taught you, if you don't mind my questions..."

“Oh, of course I don’t mind, Ma’am,” said Bri. “Painting and pencil sketching started out as a hobby of mine when I was young aboard the USS Magellan. My adopted parents got me a tutor…I can’t remember his name…but he took me as far as he could and then I just went on by myself. Then in high school I was taught by Professor Rollins. He was from an art institute on Earth. After high school, I kept painting, hoping to break into the art world. Then I was joined with the Kai symbiont. After that, everything changed. Later on in the Academy, I took every art class I could and was taught by a Bajoran, a Professor Meru Julis. I mostly like scenery, be it indoors or outdoors. Actually, I got bored while waiting on Starbase 422 and starting sketching the interior, just outside one of the restaurants. I added people later when they started coming in. Oh, and charcoal pencils and acrylic paints are my preferred mediums.”

Isabel chuckled, "It certainly sounds like art is a passion of yours. Personally, I'm not very good at it, but I do enjoy it. Perhaps sometime you could show me some of your work." If the Trill was willing, she might even consider purchasing or trading something for some of the pieces if she liked them. The decorations in her quarters and ready room could use a change.

Bri then realized that she had been rambling again about her favorite hobby. She smiled at the Captain and nodded as she set her cup of tea back down on the table. “I’d be happy to, Ma’am,” she said excitedly. It had been a while since anyone had shown an interest in actually seeing her work. “So, what do you like to do in your time off?” Then she chuckled. “If that’s something that a starship Captain gets once in a while.”

"Only sometimes," Isabel replied with a grin. "When I do, I like writing and playing the piano. The holodeck can be a good way to relax - or train - as well." As she mentioned some of her hobbies, she realized that it had been quite some time since she had done any writing...and she hadn't practiced her piano playing since before the last mission, at least. So much to do, so little time to do it.

Writing was something that Bri could hardly grasp. She could do reports and things like that pretty easily, but there wasn’t hope for anything else. “Reports are about the only things that I can write well. And if you were to ask some former supervisors, they might dispute that claim. So, do you write novels or short stories?”

Isabel nodded, "Not everyone is a great writer, but they don't all have to be. As long as you can get the important information and your point across, that's what matters - especially in something like a report." Taking a sip of her tea, she set her cup back down as she answered Briana's question, "Poems and some short stories, thus far. Mostly I write them for myself; I find it calming and...interesting...to create characters and weave tales about them."

“That really does sound interesting.” Bri was trying to see it for herself in her head. Then it hit her, “Kind of like a holo-novel in your head. Only, you put it down in written form. Hey, did you every consider making some of your short stories into holo, um, holo-short stories?” Bri had a few holo-novels that were favorites…mostly Jane Austen. The fashonista in her loved the period ball gowns and dresses of the wealthy. Among other things.

"Actually I hadn't really thought of that before," Isabel replied, a thoughtful look on her face. "I suppose since I was mostly writing them for myself I didn't consider it. I appreciate the suggestion, I might have to try that." The next time she had a few hours, she could go through her small collection and see if one jumped out at her. The programming wouldn't be too bad and she could work on it over time.

Bri smiled, glad that she could be of some use other than scientific. Or job related for that matter. “Well, when you get one done, I’d like to be one of the first people to enjoy it. If you don’t mind, I mean, Ma’am.” Bri took another sip of her tea. She noticed right away that it had gotten cooler and closer to the bottom. But that didn’t matter to her. She was enjoying her time with the Captain. It was nice to get to know the people you would be working for. “If you're really interested, perhaps you could stop by and see some of the artwork in a few months. At least after the current mission. I’m sure that will keep you pretty busy. Anyway, Petra, er, Ensign Volakis has let me hang some on the walls. I just keep the few others behind my easel.”

Isabel chuckled, "Let's see what I can do with it first, then we'll see about having others enjoy it. I would like to see your artwork though. Depending on how this mission goes, it might not be too overwhelming. We'll see how it goes. If nothing else, during our next shoreleave I'll perhaps see about stopping by or maybe if I even just need a break from reports." Giving the Trill a smile, Isabel finished the last of her tea.

Bri smiled. “Anytime, Ma’am.” The Trill ran her finger over the rim of her empty mug. She kind of wanted to hang out in the lounge a little longer, but didn’t want to make the Captain feel obligated. “I think I’ll get another cup. Can I top you off, Captain?” she asked.

"No thank you," Isabel replied, shaking her head. "I actually need to go, I'm afraid. It was a pleasure meeting you, though, Ensign. If you need something, please let myself, Lieutenant Commander Zeral, or Lieutenant Thundera know. Have a good night," she said as she stood, giving the Trill a smile.

Bri returned the kind smile. “I will, Captain.” Standing, because it just seemed like the right thing to do, she continued, “And it was a pleasure meeting you as well, Ma’am. Enjoy the rest of your night.” Ensign Kai nodded a silent goodbye and moved to get some more tea.

OFF: JP brought to you by:

Ensign Brianna Kai
Assistant Chief Science Officer
USS Malinche NCC-38997-A

and

[Thundera]

ON: <<USS Malinche>>
<Science Office Lab, Day 0 RT, 2140>

Cheetara couldn't sleep so she had went back to her office to start doing some of her upgrades that she didn't hand to her new assistant. Time to get this system updated, she thought to herself.

She began inputting her complicated algorithms into the science computer main frame. Moments later she hit a block. The computer wasn't accepting the command functions of the new program instructions. "What the hell?", she mumbled to herself. "Computer, why is the program not being recognized?"

"Program functions do not comply with the new programming", the computer replied as if by mocking her.

"Restart the science systems with the following inputted codes", she said as she installed a new code directory.

The science stations started to reboot slowly, trying to accept the new programming. Lights on the consoles flashed off and on, back and forth, almost making it look like a disco dance floor inside the lab. Cheetara walked around to the other side of the console.

"Computer, what is the hold up?" She asked.

"Systems are rebooting with the new format", the computer answered back.

"I know that. But why is it taking so long? This should be a simple process", she asked almost as if she was impatient.

The computer chirped once again and gave her another answer that she would most likely not be happy with, "Due to the current conditions, the ship systems are running as fast as possible."

Cheetara huffed and began tapping her fingers along the ridge of the console. "Computer open a power transfer link to the Black Panther", Cheetara said as she tapped a few buttons on a remote control for her personal craft.

"Link established", came the reply.

"Transfer all power from the Black Panther to this console here in the lab, and boost the power output", Cheetara ordered.

The console in front of her beeped in different tones a few times. "Transfer complete. Power boost initiated."

Now let's try this again, she thought to herself. She inputted the algorithms into the science console yet again. "Computer, reboot the lab consoles using the new programming."

The console lights began to flicker as they shut down and rebooted yet another time."Reboot complete. Programming accepted", came the voice of the computer.

"Thank you", she replied and then mumbled, "About time" as she continued working on the upgrade to increase the lab sensors. Cheetara got to thinking that she better let the Chief Engineer know what she was doing just in case anything were to go wrong, so she tapped her commbadge.

=/\= Lieutenant Thundera to Lieutenant L`Randil N`rass. I am working on some upgrades in the Science Office and Main Lab. I'm sending you the schematics of what I'm doing for you to review at your leisure.=/\=

After hearing her reply Cheetara downloaded the schematics from her padd into the computer and sent them to Engineering. Cheetara continued working on the current upgrade for a few more hours before she finally was ready to sleep and recharge her implants.

<Personal Quarters, Day 1 RT, 0300>

Cheetara was getting exhausted. She managed to finish the most difficult upgrade. All that was left was the minor ones that she gave to her assistant to begin working on. She changed into her sleep clothes and crawled into bed, making sure to plug herself into her regeneration modules connected to the bed. Quickly she fell asleep as her implants began charging.

[Drexel]

<<USS Malinche, Lounge, Day 0, Revised Timeline, 1920 hours>>

Ensign Kai watched as Captain Kersare left the lounge for the evening. She left her cup on the table and got a new cup of acai-blueberry tea at the replicator. Turning, Bri scanned the large room for another place to sit. A place where there was someone to talk with. Her gaze came to rest on an empty stool at the counter. Next to it was a dark-haired man that she hadn’t yet met. Oh well, she thought, might as well meet as many people as I can.

She walked over and placed her hand on the counter. “Anyone sitting here?” she asked.

Arron shook his head. He didn't look up at the voice. He was in the middle of logging a complaint on his PADD. After he had dinner with Commander Zeral earlier, he had returned to his quarters to find that the temperature controls had malfunctioned, so while he waited for his room to heat back up, here he was, sitting in the lounge. "Sorry, I don't mean to be rude," Arron said finishing his letter on the PADD, and sending it. "Just trying to-" Arron looked up for the first time to see whom he was talking to. A Trill. For the second time in 24 hours, the color on his face drained. "Uh, um." Arron stammered trying to collect himself. He clearly was way out of his comfort zone since leaving the Washington. "My room was cold," he finally finished stupidly.

Arron was confident the woman in front of him wouldn't recognize his face since he had undergone cosmetic surgery during his days as a spy on Cardassia. But if she asked for his name...all bets were off.

Brianna sat down on the stool and took a sip of her tea. She set the cup down and turned to look at the man next to her as he continued talking. Bri smiled as he looked up, cut himself off in mid-sentence, and stammered. “Cold, huh. That’s too bad. Unless of course you like cold rooms." Hoping to ease his discomfort, she decided to talk about work. "So, which department are you in?”

"Intelligence," Arron said, having a hard time ignoring the beauty of the woman next to him. He had a long and documented weakness for Trills. "I am the Chief Intelligence Officer. How about you?" Arron tucked away the PADD he had been studying, and decided to give this woman his full attention, throwing his earlier misgivings to the wind.

Brianna smiled and tilted her head to the right. She ran her left hand through her hair and placed it behind her left ear. "Science. I'm Lieutenant Thundera's Assistant Chief," she replied. "I've never worked with a former Borg before. Or for one for that matter. It should be a good learning experience." She took a drink of her tea. "So, how long have you been aboard the Malinche?"

Arron watched her hand moving through her hair. A very deliberate, yet subtle move. He found himself getting sucked in. What are you doing?! He heard himself think. "Not long, I just came on board at the station. Not long enough to know we have a former Borg on the ship." Arron said flashing a grin, yet making a mental note to look into the aforementioned 'Lieutenant Thundera'. Borg made him nervous. But not nervous enough to occupy his thoughts right now. Old habits die hard. "So your a Science girl, huh? So let me ask you this..." Arron said leaning over. "If I was an endoplasmic reticulum, how would you want me: smooth or rough?"

Bri smiled again; the Chief Intelligence Officer was a forward man. Fortunately, her former, and highly flirty, roommate aboard the USS Pleiades had helped her. Erica told Bri of similar situations she had been in. Leaning forward and speaking in a whisper, Bri replied, "Depends on the cell you're a part of. If it's in the retina and all you're gonna do is look, then it doesn't really matter." She leaned back, smiling coyly. "You know...if I'm going to flirt with a guy, I like to know his name. I'm Brianna Kai. And you would be...?"

Arron knew if he went down this path with the woman that eventually he would have to tell her his name. So here it was. "Arron Drexel," he said smoothly, yet watching her eyes to see if they betrayed any recognition.

At the mention of his name, an image, thought, or strong emotion filled Ensign Kai's mind. Something from a previous host irritated the symbiont. This was one aspect of being a joined Trill that she found to be obnoxious at times. She tried to make heads and tails of it, but to no avail.

Realizing there was an awkward pause, Bri answered. "Oh, uh, sorry about that. A flood of information overwhelmed my mind there for a second. It's one of the things I still have trouble dealing with, being joined and all. But it's nice to meet you, Arron." Again the waterfall of information. "Excuse me, but I've got to ask a question or I don't think I'm going to get any rest. Did you ever know a Lieutenant Kerri Kai? She was the Assistant Chief Science Officer on the USS Magellan before she died."

Arron thought for a moment. Finally he shook his head. "I never had anything to do with the Magellan," Arron said honestly. "Not saying I never ran across a Lieutenant Kerri Kai, but the name isn't familiar to me," Arron did not feel the need to fill Bri in on the fact that he probably knew why her symbiant had reacted to his name. Though to his knowledge he had never met the Lieutenant.

“Alright then. I guess I’ve got some memories to sort through later. But that’s later,” she said. “In the meantime it really is nice to meet you.” She leaned on the counter and smiled. “So, you ever been on any top secret missions before, Intel?”

Arron gave a mischievous grin, "Possibly. But if I told you, Section 31 might abduct you in your sleep and perform all sorts of memory modification techniques. You would get returned, and wouldn't even remember this conversation took place. I know, I wouldn't want that to happen." Arron said playfully.

Bri sat up, somewhat taken aback at the mention of memory modification techniques. She had concern for herself and her own memories, but even more so for the Kai symbiont. Arron most likely meant no harm by his statement as his tone was playful…but still. “I doubt Section 31 would dare to hazard the lives a symbiont and a host by attempting to separate the two in order to remove a few measly memories. The Trill Symbiosis Commission, not to mention the Trill politicians, might have something to say to Starfleet about that.”

Arron frowned. "Hey," he said softly. "I was just teasing. Most people believe section 31 isn't any more than an urban legend. Besides..."Arron reached out for her hand, "I wouldn't let them take you even if they did come for you. I've been on the ship for a day and I've already shot a terrorist, so you know your in safe hands." Arron said cooly.

Bri calmed down as Arron laid his hand on hers. “Urban legend, huh. That’s reassuring. Being snatched out of bed in the middle of the night was not my idea of a good nights rest.” Her breathing started to return to normal. “Shot a terrorist? Wow, you have kept yourself busy. And…thanks,” she said, smiling. “It’s nice to know that there’s somebody else other than security that can keep a girl safe.”

Arron looked into her eyes, "I gotta be honest, tonight was not what I expected at all. And honestly, I really don't want it to end. But I have an interrogation to do in the morning and I am pretty sure I will have a hard time focusing on anything work related right now that I have met you. Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? I'm a damn good cook."

Bri liked the idea of having a home-cooked meal for a change. Replicated food and drink was getting old. “Sure, that sounds great. Besides, it’ll give me some time to sort through those memories of you that are hiding in the back of my mind.” She nodded her head. “Oh, and, fruit teas are my drink of preference.” She smiled, finished her cup of tea, and stood to leave. “Focus, Intel, focus.” She turned and walked away in a manner that only she could.

Arron smiled as he watched her walk away. Trills...they are going to be the death of me, he thought.

OFF:

This has been a JP by

Ensign Brianna Kai
Assistant Chief Science Officer
USS Malinche NCC-38997-A

and

[Rabb]

<<USS Malinche, Rabb's Quarters, RT Day O, 2125 hours>>

Stacy was trying to relax, having changed into something more comfortable for the rest of the night. Having eaten a light meal, Stacy lay down on her couch.

"Computer, something in a light classical mood, 50% volume."

Stacy laid her head back against the cushioning. "Ah, nothing like a glass of wine and good relaxing music. Oh wait, need a glass of wine don't I."

Stacy got up and headed to the replicator. "Computer, sweet blackberry wine."

A glass of the requested wine appeared. Grabbing the glass, Stacy leisurely strolled back to her couch, sipping the wine as she went. Laying back down, she smiled as she looked out the windows of her quarters. Just as she was thinking about finishing the wine and crashing, her door chime rang.

Stacy stood up, grabbing her robe around her. She walked towards the door, wondering just who the hell was trying to disturb her.

'open', she said. At the other side of the opening door was Ensign Jenni Thornton (NPC). Stacy was somewhat surprised to see Thornton at her door at this time of, well, night.

"Ah, Lieutenant, I'm sorry to ... bother you. Can I...do you have..."

"Step inside Jenni." Stacy took a step back, allowing her shuttle pilot to enter the room. Once Jenni was inside, Stacy turned around and gave her the look. She sat her glass of wine down on her desk.

Jenni was squirming where she stood. "Lieutenant Rabb, I'm sorry to bother you so late."

Stacy walked to her couch and invited Jenni to have a seat. "Ok, what's going on? What has you jittery? You seemed hard as a rock earlier."

"Well, I wasn't expecting to see Warrant Officer Topher on this assignment." Jenni looked down, holding one hand in the other. She tried as much as she could to not wring her hands. A lone tear fell down her cheek.

Stacy knew there was something more going on than what she was trained to handle. "Jenni, what seems to be the issue? What's going on?"

Jenni looked up at Stacy. She wiped the tear off her cheek and sniffled a bit. "Well, ma'am, it started on my last assignment. I was a shuttle pilot working the Vulcan run. Topher worked the run on my off days."

Stacy looked at Jenni, "It's ok, you can call me Stacy, we're off duty."

"Thank you ma'am...I mean Stacy." Jenni smiled a bit. "You see, we worked opposing shifts on the run and one day, a new officer was assigned to the run between Earth and Vulcan. I decided to take a week off, and surprisingly it was approved. Little did I know that Topher also had the week off. Let's just say after the end of that first day of vacation, we spent the next two months in the same shuttle."

Stacy tried to console Jenni, moving closer to her and putting her arm around her. "So what happened then?"

"Things were going well, until we were stranded one day when the warp engine went out, and then the impulse drive went out. We tried to contact another ship, but we were out of range. We were stuck inside that shuttle for twelve hours, just Topher and I."

"I take it that wasn't a good twelve hours?" asked Stacy.

"No, turns out Topher doesn't know the meaning of sensitivity and he became a different person, he attacked me. After we were rescued, I told him I never wanted to see him again."

Stacy couldn't believe what she was hearing. "What do you mean he attacked you? Did he....what did he do Jenni?"

"He .... well he attacked me, you know, tried to have his way with me. He...he...he tried to.." Jenni broke down in tears, crying and talking incoherently.

"Jenni, I'm so sorry." She rubbed Jenni's back, trying to console her. She reached behind the couch and grabbed a tissue. She wiped Jenni's tears, holding Jenni in her arms. "I'm so sorry Jenni. Wait, why is here even here? Why didn't you report him? Why didn't he get sent to a court-martial, thrown into the brig for life?"

Jenni sat back, brushing off Stacy's arms and standing, walking to the other end of the couch. Jenni turned to face her. "I just couldn't bring myself to report him, to report what he did. I told myself that I'd never see him again, that it was such a big fleet, such a big galaxy, universe, whatever. Besides, he never got his way. I got a transfer that day and I hadn't seen him until today."

"Well we can't just let this go on. We've got to do something."

"Oh no...no I can't, not now, not a year later. I mean, I'm making so much progress, I've got six more months and I should be up for promotion. He's supposed to be resigning and going civilian." Jenni sat back down on the couch, still fidgeting.

"Jenni, you need to talk to someone about this. You can't let this go on. You need to speak to counseling, security, someone."

"Well, I don't know. I just wanted to put this all behind me. I had done pretty good until today. I had even started looking towards the dating scene again. I really just want to keep this behind me. I don't know what to do."

Stacy stood up. "Well, I do. You're going to see a counselor tomorrow because I'm putting you on leave. Then, I'm going to have a talk with Warrant Officer Topher, depending on that, then with the XO."

Jenni and Stacy stood up, hugging each other. Jenni cleared up her tears, smiling. "Thank you Stacy, thank you."

Jenni headed for the door, as it opened she turned to look at Stacy again.

"Just remember, outside that door it's ma'am." Stacy smiled at Jenni.

"Yes ma'am." Jenni nodded and left Stacy's room.

As Jenni left, Stacy wondered exactly how she would be able to sleep.

OFF:

Joint Post with:

ENS Jenni Thornton (NPC)
Shuttle Pilot

and

[Dallas]

<<USS Malinche, Outside Counseling Suite, RT Day 0, 0830>>

Britney (PNPC) stood, frowning, in front of the doors to counseling. Nobody had seemed to be paying attention to the fact that she was simply standing there though she had been in the same spot for at least a few minutes. Biting her lip, she shook her head slightly. Why was she so nervous? Counseling wasn't a huge deal and she'd been here before. Technically, she was part of the counseling department. Perhaps it was the fact that Nora was no longer here...

Regardless, here she was. No point in turning back now. Counselor Dallas was more than likely a very nice woman who was undoubtedly a great counselor. Or a glutton for punishment, considering the types of missions the Malinche seemed to get.

Finally making up her mind, Britney tentatively moved forward, pausing only briefly as the door slid open. She grinned slightly at the young woman seated just inside and asked quietly, "Is Counselor Dallas in?"

"Why yes, she is, Crewman. And she's free for a little while; did you need to speak with her?"

Britney nodded silently. Seeing the young woman nod towards the door, she moved forward, taking a deep breath before stepping inside. Once through the door, her blue eyes glanced around, but she stayed where she had entered. "Counselor?"

The slight hum of Karyn Dallas' grav-chair was barely audible as she came into view, wry grin on her face. "Hello. I promise I was working...I just took a moment to look out at the view." Karyn's tone was that of a chastised schoolgirl who suddenly felt she had been caught off-task by her teacher. She was joking of course, and hoping to put the other at ease. "What can I do for you?"

Unsure of how to respond to the counselor's first comments, Britney simply remained quiet. Regaining her composure at the question, she answered, "Well, ma'am... I wanted to come introduce myself. I'm Crewman Britney Liras - the Captain's Yeoman. Counselor Zeral was also having me help out as a Morale Officer for the counseling department." She offered the woman a timid smile, a bit unsure still and wondering if she should bring up the events of the previous evening.

Karyn got the impression Liras wasn't sure how to take Dallas' earlier comments. To ease the awkwardness, she offered her hand and explained. "I'm very pleased to meet you. I was just taking a bit of a break from my duties, but was a bit embarrassed to be caught day-dreaming, hence my teasing. I find laughter to be a great way to reduce stress. Then again, I'm sure you know that already as a morale officer." Dallas gestured for Britney to take a seat. "May I get you something to eat or drink?"

"I'm actually kind of used to that from where I grew up, ma'am...I suppose I'm just not used to many people doing it here. I actually just had breakfast not long ago, so I'm fine, but thank you ma'am," Britney replied, giving a slightly more confident smile. "And actually, I've not been a morale officer for very long. It was something I spoke to Counselor Zeral about - wanting to contribute more - and she suggested helping out that way."

"Please feel free to call me Karyn when it's you and I," Dallas offered. "I suppose day-dreaming isn't the most professional thing to do, but darn if I can't stop being a real person despite the uniform," Karyn offered with a teasing grin. "Regarding your position as morale officer, do you enjoy it?" Karyn was concerned about keeping people as happy as she could.

Britney offered a slight smile and chuckled. "Oh, yes, ma'am. I think it suits me well, though I'm still getting used to having another position. Warrant Officer First Class Mestor has been helping me get acquainted with it and I think our plan is to work together to come up with some more ideas."

"That's great! Let me know if I can be of help. Otherwise, I'll stay out of your way," Karyn replied with a chuckle of her own.

"I'm sure you wouldn't be in my way, ma'am, but I'll be sure to let you know," answered Britney. Folding her hands in her lap, she looked over at the counselor, "Is there anything you need? I'm sure the Captain would offer herself, but since I'm here I thought I would ask. I know you haven't been with us very long, so I don't know if you're really settled in or not..."

"Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness. Truth be told, I've thrown myself into work and I haven't really taken much time to explore or settle. I'm hoping to make some friends here, or at least some acquaintances. Any pointers on where to go or whom to talk to? I'm assuming you know a few spots that are counselor friendly?"

Pausing, Britney pondered Karyn's question before responding, "Well...Lieutenant Commander Zeral would be a good one to talk to. She's the Executive Officer now, but she was Chief Counselor before. I know before that some of the female officers would go on holodeck adventures as well. I believe last time they went to Lieutenant Commander Zeral's home on Betazed, among other things. Perhaps you could invite a group to the holodeck? The lounge wouldn't be a bad place to start either..."

Karyn nodded. "I've been to the lounge before, though then it was a strictly people watching venture. I'll have to see about striking up a conversation or two to feel people out. Perhaps casual clothing will keep people from automatically running from a counselor," she added with a grin. "Thank you for your suggestions."

"You're welcome, ma'am," Britney replied as a smile spread across her face. "If you don't need anything else, I should probably get going. I'm sure you're busy settling in and I need to take care of a few things. If you do need anything else, just let me know." The young woman stood, but waited to ensure Karyn didn't require her services first.

"I think I have everything I need for now," Karyn replied politely. "I'll let you get back to your work, but please know my door is always open."

OFF:

Crewman Britney Liras
Captain's Yeoman/Morale Officer
USS Malinche
played by: Capt Kersare

and

[Kersare]

ON: <<USS Malinche, Arron Drexel's Quarters, Day 1, 0615>>

Arron had just finished putting on his uniform for the day. He hadn't adjusted to his new quarters yet, which was probably why he hadn't slept too soundly. Or it could have been the fact that his mind was on the saboteur that was currently locked away in the ships brig. Arron replicated himself a mug of coffee, and an English muffin with jelly. He quickly downed the muffin, and sipped from his mug. He checked his messages - there weren't any - and, mug in hand, he left for the Intel labs to check in with his department and see if they had dug up any information on the man sitting in their brig.

<USS Malinche, Intelligence Lab, Day 1, 0620>

Petty Officer Jornic had covered the night shift in the Intel lab and having heard information revealed over the intercom during the prisoner's reversion surgery she had been busy. Only a single name had been revealed, Colonel Rasek but from that single name a far larger picture began to emerge. As an Intelligence specialist, the Yridian woman had always appreciated the Romulan's talent for intrigue, it made deciphering their dealings very interesting.

Arron strolled into the Intel lab. It was lightly staffed this morning, but he expected everyone would be putting in a good days work today. Jornic caught Arron's eye. He made his way over to her. "I trust you had a busy night?" he said knowingly.

Jornic smiled as she handed the Lieutenant a PADD she had a full report prepared for him hours earlier, "we have not discovered the prisoners identity yet but he inadvertently revealed a name in his sleep. I believe you will be interested in the information I have compiled."

Arron frowned upon hearing Rasek's name. "Thank you Jornic" Arron said. Still holding his coffee mug in one hand, and the PADD in the other, he took a seat at an empty console in the lab. He sipped the hot liquid, and sat back to pour over the report. His mind was already alert. Rasek was well known to the intelligence community. He was a dedicated Tal Shiar operative, who had long been a thorn in Starfleet's side. Even with the Romulans' current situation, the fact that he would be involved in some plot hardly surprised him. Most considered the Tal Shiar to be the ones ruling the Romulan Empire now, and there was very few if any who supported the provisional government on Romulus.

Arron held his curiosity in check as he continued to read the report. The labs had uncovered some data about a missing Romulan Warbird, the IRW Jatrel. The vessel was on an important humanitarian mission to deliver much needed supplies to the home world. Only, it never arrived. Star Fleet had been overwhelmed by the ongoing humanitarian efforts to assist the Romulans, so there were several people within the Intelligence field who wanted to know where this Romulan Warbird was, as its disappearance was proving costly to both the Federation and the Romulans.

The Jatrel may have been responsible for the saboteur's appearance, or it may not. The fact was it was a relevant line of questioning that would need to be pressed to their prisoner. And if in fact he was connected to the Jatrel, which Arron was willing to bet he was seeing as Rasek had been tied to the Jatrel many times in various Intel Reports, then where was the ship now, and what did it have to gain by sabotaging the Malinche? These were all important questions. The real trick would be in asking them correctly.

Arron continued to mull this over and drained the last of his coffee. Satisfied, he got up and patted Jornic on the shoulder. "Good work crewman. I will make sure the Captain is aware of your efforts in all of this."

"Appreciated sir but hardly necessary," Jornic replied as she gathered up her PADDs and was relieved by the next shift. "I live for this work."

Arron let out a short sigh. The time had come to meet their "guest" in the brig. And if Jornic's report was accurate, he looked a bit different then the Vulcan doppelganger he had shot the day before.

"I will be back" he said to no one in particular. And with that, he left heading for the brig.

<Brig, 0755>

While eating breakfast, Isabel had received a notice that the Intelligence and Security/Tactical departments were planning to interrogate the saboteur. Although she could read the reports later, she felt it best that she be present, along with Nora. With a few minutes to spare, Isabel turned a corner and walked into the Brig, pausing just inside as she took in who was there already.

The sound of the door caused Aaron to look up from where he had been reviewing a preliminary report of the previous afternoon's incident on the free-standing workstation. He smiled a little when he saw his commanding officer standing just inside the entrance to the room, despite the feeling of nervousness which had been keeping him on edge since oh-four-hundred that morning. "Morning, captain," he said as he stepped out from behind the console.

"Good morning, Lieutenant," Isabel replied with a smile. She certainly wasn't surprised that Aaron was already there. "Doing some last minute checking before we begin, I take it?" To be fair, she had some notes on the PADD she was currently lightly tapping against her right leg.

"Just making sure I have everything in order," Aaron replied, indicating a similar PADD he was holding in one hand, "might cut down on the number of surprises."

Although she was usually an early riser, Nora had still been half asleep when the Captain had asked her to meet her in the Brig for the interrogation proceedings. After hurriedly getting dressed and smoothing out the snarls from her hair, she made her way to the Brig and slipped inside. Aaron and Isabel were both already present, and she smiled in greeting. “Good morning. I hope I’m not late.”

Arron walked into the brig expecting it to be quiet with just the usual security detachment. The surprise on his face when he walked in and saw the Captain and First Officer must have been visible, if only for a second. "Uh, Captain...Commander" Arron said nodding to them. "I must say, I wasn't expecting either of you." He filtered just the slightest bit of annoyance into his tone. Not enough to be rude, but to let them know he would like to be kept in the loop next time.

Raising an eyebrow at her Intelligence Chief's comment and tone, Isabel replied, "Well, Lieutenant, this is my ship and considering the prisoner tried to sabotage it I have a vested interest in this particular...meeting. Reports don't always do it justice, as I'm sure you understand." Her tone was professional, but had a commanding edge to it. Isabel wasn't sure how to interpret his comment - whether he was simply surprised that she and Nora were there or if he felt they were crashing the party, so to speak. It could be she was just imagining things, but he didn't seem overly thrilled that they were there or...something. Regardless, Isabel wanted to focus on the task at hand.

Arron offered a diplomatic smile, "Of Course Captain. My main concern was that the prisoner wouldn't respond favorably to an inquisition with so many people present. I was hoping for something, a little more...personal. It is the most effective method." Arron said kindly. <Besides torture> Arron thought to himself. Though he would never condone its use, his mind flashed back to when he was undercover on Cardassia. He had been present for some interrogations that surely crossed the line of legality.

Turning her attention back to Arron, Isabel asked, "Were you able to find out any additional information that might be of use this morning? I sent you all I had regarding the situation, but I'm sure you have other sources." All she had to go on was what she knew based on the events of the past couple days, what the temporal agent told her, and what StarFleet had explained. Considering the circumstances, it was more information than she'd had to go on in other situations, but still it was limited.

"My team was able to dig up some interesting information about a missing Romulan Warbird, we are very confident that the prisoner is connected to it, and I intend to aggressively press him on the subject." Arron stated. His mind was already running through how to approach the Romulan in the brig.

"Well, I suppose we should see what we can find out then, Mr. Drexel...Mr. Masterson," Isabel said with a slight nod, indicating they should lead on. She didn't intend to run the interrogation; that would be up to those with more experience in such things. But watching it would also be useful, in her opinion. As the two men moved forward, Isabel hung back slightly with Nora, placing a hand on the Betazoid's arm to stop her and said quietly, "I know that it's against your morals to read others' minds and I wouldn't ask you to do so. But if you have no objections, it could be useful if you can pick up on some of his emotions - see if we can tell if he's likely lying or telling the truth." She knew that Nora had used that to an extent in the past, so hopefully she wouldn't mind now either.

Offering Isabel a small smile, Nora nodded. She appreciated Isabel’s consideration for her morals. She, like most Betazoids, considered the act of reading another’s thoughts without express permission an unforgivable violation. Sensing another’s emotions, however, was another matter entirely, and the Betazoid was more than happy to help in that way. “I would be glad to,” she replied in an equally quiet tone of voice, keeping their brief conference between the two of them. “I’m not sure how much truth we can expect from him in the first place. I can already sense his fierce determination not to tell us anything, if he can help it, but I’ll be paying close attention all the same.”

R’daek had not slept since being transferred to the ship's brig some hours earlier, it wasn't usual for the Romulan to go sleepless but it also had do do with the hours he'd been unconscious after the Phaser blast. He considered it a sign of a culture's true weakness that they would choose weapons that incapacitated an enemy instead of killing him outright. Of course, in his current predicament he also saw the utilitarian nature of the weapon. He had been roused by the sound of a door opening and having already received a morning meal, a meal he left untouched, he knew that it meant his interrogators had arrived. Despite this, he remained laying on his side facing the cell's wall, if the enemy wanted information they were going to have to force it out of him; a task he suspected they were hardly up for.

Arron entered into the cell block with Masterson at his side. Arron thought it was strange that the two of them didn't really talk about how they would handle this, he was worried whether they would be able to play off each other. Arron wasn't sure how much training Masterson had in interrogation, but one thing was for sure, they were about to find out.

Hanging back just slightly so as to keep the focus on Arron and Aaron, Isabel stood with Nora at her side. She had no doubt that the prisoner would notice the females in command red, but unless she had good reason, Isabel planned to keep quiet. While the two officers doing the questioning would undoubtedly come up with information, more could also be learned from watching him.

Arron deactivated the force field around the cell containing their prisoner. "Good Morning," Arron said with a cheerful smile. "Well it is for me anyway. How about you?" Arron asked the Romulan.

R'daek wanted to turn on the Starfleet officer and give him a physical example of how his morning was doing but aside from giving him some small satisfaction he knew that it would do no good. Instead he decided to not react at all and continue staring at the wall before him, he would make the Human's interrogation efforts as difficult as possible.

Arron glanced at the PADD he was carrying. "Well, your medical reports don't list you as being brain dead after that phaser blast you took, so I will assume you can hear me, and that your mother just didn't teach you any manners. Did she at least teach you your name?" The question was meant to illicit an emotional response. The first thing an interrogator needed to know was the emotional state of the one in question. Even the truly psychotic still had some emotional connection to their mother.

If for no other reason than his sheer annoyance R'daek swiveled around slowly and sat on the edge of the cell's bunk while leveling an icy stare at the Human before him. His gaze shifted to the others with equal vehemence, studying their features and expressions before coming to rest on Drexel once again, "Do not insult my intelligence Starfleet. My mother is the Empire and she has educated me all too well, well enough to evade any of your pathetic attempts to elicit the information you want."

It didn't take a genius to see Lieutenant JG Drexel's brutally direct questioning was getting them nowhere and Aaron was surprised their Chief Intelligence Officer hadn't figured that out already. The man had nearly lost them the opportunity to apprehend the saboteur in the first place when he'd walked right into the middle of their operation. Now it seemed as if Drexel was going to close another door on them and Aaron was not about to let it happen on his watch. "Yet the Romulan Star Empire is suffering," Aaron said slowly, "isn't it?"

Arron smiled inwardly at Masterson's abruptness. The Security Chief did know what he was doing. Arron finally relaxed. This was going to be much easier now. The prisoner would now be focusing his negative energy towards Drexel, leaving himself open for the less invasive line of questioning.

R'daek shifted his gaze and let it burn on the Human with the gold collar, his mind told him to remain silent but his heart demanded to be heard; "Yes, it is. And who do we have to thank for that? Many of my kind would say that what has befallen the Empire was an act of fate, an unavoidable natural disaster. But we know the truth don't we? Spare me your contrite platitudes, I've heard them before Human. Know this; you've brought what is coming on yourselves."

It didn't surprise Aaron that the Romulan's response was still tainted with the same anger he seemed to hold against everyone standing in the room at that moment. He certainly would not have infiltrated the Malinche if he'd held feelings of good will toward Starfleet. Yet Aaron knew that reacting to the Romulan's words with equal frustration would only affirm the man's point of view and perpetuate the cycle. The only way to get past the barrier was not to fight it in the first place. "What do you believe has befallen the Empire," he asked.

"I do not need beliefs," R'daek retorted, a bit of spittle cresting his lip and running onto his chin. "I know; I've seen! I've seen how those who are meant to lead us would sell us out to those who for centuries have plotted to undermine our place in this galaxy. I've seen the agents of the Federation on Romulus with my own eyes, I've extracted the truth of their grim tidings through their lying teeth with my own hands!"

Clearly this Romulan blamed the Federation for what had happened to Romulus. And he had already dropped a hint that he was planning to return the favor. "So after you destroyed our vessel, you were just going to hop back onto the Jatrel, warp 9 towards Earth, and blow it to Hell?" Arron watched carefully after his quick change of thought, fully aware he had just let the prisoner know they had his ship pegged.

The mention of the Jatrel stopped R'daek's rising anger in its tracks and sent the Romulan back on the defensive, Starfleet had traced his comments back to the Colonel's ship. More than that, they either knew for a fact or suspected that the Warbird was en-rout to Earth, progress that R'daek hadn't expected. He also realized that his knowledge of this, in whole or in part was implicated by his sudden silence and unavoidable change in posture. He had been made. With this realization he let out a deep breath and slid his back against the cell's wall, he would give the Humans no further information.

Aaron cringed inwardly at Drexel's sudden verbal attack. He thought he'd actually been getting somewhere, given that the Romulan was still relying on vague, angry retorts as a mask of his true reactions to the questions Aaron had been asking, but this latest response indicated they'd taken another three or four steps backward. The Chief Security/Tactical Officer resisted the urge to give his fellow officer a disapproving look and kept his attention focused on the Romulan instead. "I can't say I'm an expert at the game of political intrigue," Aaron remarked, "Miss Scarlet in the Parlor with the plasma torch, Professor Plumb in the Observatory with the rope...you never really know what's going to come out of the envelope until after you've laid your cards on the table. How have you witnessed agents of the Federation acting to undermine the place of Romulus in this galaxy?"

R'daek raised a brow as he looked into Masterson's eyes, there was more present in the man's expression than he had originally estimated. The Romulan was all too familiar with the look he saw reflected back and something of a perverse understanding formed. The Security officer wasn't just grilling him for information, he truly wanted to understand his motivations, his pride had been wounded somehow and he needed to be exonerated of a sort of guilt. R'daek himself felt as such, he had failed and had disgraced his Commander but still didn't understand how it had happened, his planning had been meticulous. He wanted desperately for the 'cards to be laid on the table' as the Human had put it, perhaps they could be.

"You do not believe that your Intelligence service knows so much about the Empire simply by clever usage of its long range scanners do you?" R'daek was staring intently at Masterson, he wanted inside the man's head desperately. "It was my job to see that those interlopers sent among us never had a chance to report back and in this position I have come to know a great many things..."

"Such as," Aaron said, allowing his voice to trail off in an indication he was interested in hearing more. They were still very much in the stage where neither side trusted the other with specific information out of fear it might reveal too much of their own hand. He could only hope his response would not deter the Romulan from elaborating on the matter.

"Ah, the particulars," R'daek sighed with a dark grin. "They are tantalizing aren't they? I suppose that a yearning for the, truth, is what put us in our lines of duty, would you not agree? I might be willing to give you a truth if you were willing to reciprocate."

Aaron knew the eyes of his superiors were on him as he stood there speaking with their Romulan prisoner and he had a feeling they were watching him very carefully as this whole scene continued to play itself out. At that very moment, Aaron wanted nothing more than to understand why this Romulan had gone to such great lengths to sabotage the Malinche. Only then would he be in a better position to ensure it did not happen again. "What sort of reciprocation are we talking about," he asked.

R'daek slid back to the edge of the bunk and slowly lifted himself to his feet so that he could face Masterson directly, "A simple request really. I want to know how it was that your teams managed to stop me. I know that you must have been tipped off as I had no accomplices and only one other individual even knew of my assignment for this mission. For this information I would gladly give you yours, for what its now worth."

Watching the proceedings with rapt attention, Nora didn’t believe for a moment that the Romulan would hold true to his word. He was as close to a fanatic as she had ever seen, and she was sure that he would do nothing to give Aaron or any other Starfleet officer the information they desired. True reciprocity was not something that he practiced, the Betazoid believed, at least not in this instance or any other like it. While keeping her eyes focused on the prisoner, she waited to see how Aaron would respond to his request.

The simplicity of the request nearly caught the young Security/Tactical Chief off guard. Admittedly, a part of him had expected the Romulan to request some sort of sensitive information or some sort of bargain to lessen Starfleet's response. "We noticed suspicious activity taking place amongst the repair work and traced it back to the terminal you were attempting to interface with in main engineering," Aaron replied slowly, "and that's what led us to you."

"I see," R'daek said disappointingly. He didn't see deception in Masterson's eyes but knew that his explanation was far too simple to be the whole truth none the less. His eyes probed the others present before finally coming to an intense rest on a female Human who while silent up to that point had the unmistakable air of command authority about her. "I believe that you believe what you are saying but what if I told you that what you say is impossible? I assure you, I am no amateur and what you are explaining to me is the result of a novice mistake, a mistake I did not make. That is why I must know, you see? Perhaps it is possible that you cannot tell me, if not, perhaps someone else can?"

Isabel stared at the Romulan prisoner, her face expressionless as she felt his gaze upon her. Considering that she had not shared the true original origin of her information with her senior staff, she wasn't about to divulge it to the saboteur. However, in the spirit of keeping things going, she decided to give him a little something to ponder. Glancing at Nora briefly, curious as to what the Betazoid was picking up, Isabel turned her attention to R'daek and explained, "StarFleet was alerted to some suspicious activity and recommended that we be extra vigilant in our precautions. We added some additional measures to notify us if something were amiss."

Glancing over at Isabel, Nora frowned imperceptibly. Throughout the proceedings, the Betazoid had been focusing her empathic senses solely upon the prisoner. He was remarkably closed off, but she diligently worked to carefully pick up whatever threads of emotion she could grasp and was doing her best to entwine them into a useful thread that she could follow. She had several impressions that she planned on sharing with the Captain after they left the brig, but something about Isabel’s response just now caught her attention. She was hiding something. Nora wasn’t sure what, precisely, but she was sure that she had sensed what amounted to hollow truth in Isabel's explanation. Her curiosity piqued, she forced herself to return her focus to the Romulan, but couldn’t quite shake the feeling that there was more—much more—to the story than Isabel had told her.

Drexel was fuming on the inside. Masterson had missed two key opportunities to press for information, and it was taking all of Arron's political training to not let it show on his face, not to mention suppressing the sudden urge to strangle the man, whom at this point, Arron was confident had never been involved in a questioning that was any more serious than a crewmans tardiness on his performance eval.

"What I would like to know," Arron said after stifling his emotions, "Is why the Malinche was a strategic target? The Jatrel is clearly going to Earth, and our ship would have been no where near the vicinity to do anything about it. By capturing you, we have been alerted to the fact that an Op is in progress, and now we have the capability to do something about it. Your failure has endangered the lives of your comrades, yet you now sit here with an opportunity to do something about this." Arron said grimly.

R'daek's gaze shifted between the Female Captain and the Intelligence officer, he didn't believe the woman, she was hiding something. What the intelligence officer however said was true, the Jatrel was indeed on its way to Earth but ultimately R'daek didn't know why. His mission had simply been to sabotage the Malinche, he wasn't even sure how his own mission tied into that which Colonel Rasek was conducting aboard the warbird. Had the Colonel known that the Malinche would be the very ship sent to respond? No, he thought, the idea was absurd. Though the more he pondered the idea the more he realized that it coincided with his own capture, the only thing he was certain of at that moment was that there was more going on than what there seemed to be.

"I don't know what you're talking about," R'daek finally replied, he would not get the answers he desired and was not about to provide any to Starfleet.

Arron gave the Romulan an icy stare, leaned forward to him and said coldly, "I promise you this, when your ship turns up in the heart of the Federation after being linked to a terrorist plot to destroy our vessel, Star Fleet wont feel like opening hailing frequencies. A standard D'deridex Warbird has a crew compliment of almost 700." Arron stated recalling from memory. "That's a lot of friends and comrades to send to their death, especially when your people need all the strong healthy Romulans they can get these days. I guess there are families in the Romulan Empire that haven't suffered enough." Arron spun around and nodded to the Captain. "I think we are done here."

While the Intelligence officer's words stung R'daek on some level he firmly believed that the Colonel had the best interest of his people at heart. Whatever his superior's mission was he was certain that it would be worth the risk. While it was possible that the mission could end in failure R'daek had to believe that it would not, otherwise all would have been for not. As he sat back down on the cell's bunk he put the Human's words out of his mind, dwelling on such dark thoughts had never been his way and certainly would do him no good then.

Isabel looked between the prisoner and the others present. It seemed obvious to her that they wouldn't be getting more information from him at this point. He could become more amenable to giving answers later, but there was still no guarantee. For now they had better things to do, and perhaps some analysis of the interrogation was in order. Looking back over at the Romulan she said, "Should you change your mind about cooperating, you can let one of the guards know." Isabel motioned with her head to have the others gather round out of earshot, "No sense in wasting more of our time here at the moment since he doesn't seem to want to cooperate. Right now we have our current mission and we know some of what we should be looking out for on the way. Think about what happened here and let me know if you have additional thoughts or insights...or if you find more information after some digging. Good luck."

OFF: JP brought to you by:

R'daek (NPC)
Romulan Saboteur
played by: Prov Lt Setak

and

Lieutenant JG Arron Drexel
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Malinche NCC-38997-A

and

Lieutenant JG Aaron Masterson
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Malinche NCC-38997-A

and

Lieutenant Commander Nora Zeral
Executive Officer
USS Malinche NCC-38997-A

and

[Zeral]

ON:

<<USS Malinche, Sickbay, Day 1 Revised Timeline, 1015>>

It had been an eventful twenty-four hours for Nora, all things considered. She had finally gotten some rest the night before, but after the early morning interrogation of the saboteur a few hours earlier, she found that she was still feeling rather tired. Despite her fatigue, she was anxious to use her rare moment of free time this morning to check in on Julie (PNPC). Her friend had been rather elusive as of late, and after she had missed their breakfast plans the morning before, she’d been in the back of Nora’s mind ever since. The Betazoid thought that it couldn’t hurt to drop by Sickbay just to see how she was doing.

Upon arriving at Sickbay, Nora was disappointed to see that Julie wasn’t there. It seemed to be a quiet day for Sickbay, but she was still puzzled not to see the young doctor hard at work, as she so often seemed to be. Thinking that she might try Julie’s quarters next, she paused when she noticed that Setak stood at the far end of the room, his back to her. Approaching him quietly, and hoping that she wouldn't startle him in doing so, she greeted him with a soft smile. "Good morning, Dr. Setak. How are you enjoying your day so far?"

"Ah, Counsel..," Setak had begun, catching his own mistake and silencing himself before it had been completed. He cast Nora a sidelong glance as he turned and carried a tray of medical instruments to the far side of the room where he began to place them in their proper storage receptacles. "I cannot complain really... Well, that's not entirely true, I suppose I could but then what would be the point?"

Nora was struck by the annoyance that seemed to emanate from the doctor as she watched him stride away from her. Following him at a far more sedate pace, she came to stand beside him as he continued his task, observing how swiftly his hands moved as he went about his work. “Well, this could be the counselor in me speaking, but I’ve always found that voicing frustrations aloud is usually rather therapeutic.” Rather than continue on with more advice that may or may not be well received, Nora instead bluntly asked, “Would you like to talk about it? I’d like to help, if I can.”

"Lieutenant Dormand has not been herself as of late," Setak explained with no small amount of agitation. "Her performance has been steadily declining culminating in a near breakdown earlier this morning, not outwardly mind you, as if whatever it was that has been troubling her this past week finally reached some critical phase. I was forced to dismiss her for the rest of the day and told her to take as much time as she needed to right whatever has been wrong. Odd that you should stop by, I was planning on notifying you of this shortly..."

“A near breakdown?” Nora repeated, frowning in obvious concern. “Setak, I’m not sure that I entirely understand.” Turning around with her back to the wall, she unconsciously folded her arms across her chest as she faced him more fully. “I’ve noticed myself that Julie has been, well, distracted, you might say, and more and more hard to find in my case, but I wasn’t aware that it was anything serious. Then again, I suppose I’ve been rather distracted myself lately,” she sighed, thinking back to all of the work and preparations she’d been submerged in since receiving her promotion.

Setak finished replacing his medical tools in their proper places before turning to face Nora, he was taken back by the genuine concern on her face and suddenly felt quite foolish. It had occurred to him before that something was troubling his counterpart in sickbay and he had asked her about it before to no avail but he hadn't yet considered that others should be concerned for Dr. Dormand. He had only known her a short time and had her attentiveness not been in a state of decline for that time he would have assumed her recent behavior as normal.

"Though, I suppose a few misplaced items is a small thing compared to serious emotional distress," Setak added in a more subdued tone. "If you think it might help, I would be willing to approach her with you, perhaps together we may convince her to talk about whatever is bothering her?"

Averting her gaze momentarily, Nora considered Setak’s offer. On the one hand, she didn’t want Julie to think that the pair of them were staging some sort of an intrusive intervention, since she wasn’t even entirely sure what, if anything, was going on. On the other hand, if something was truly wrong with Julie, it was telling that the young doctor had yet to reach out to Nora. In point of fact, it was beginning to look like she had even been avoiding her, despite the fact that they had become rather close friends. If that were the case, there was no knowing whether or not Julie would even want to talk to her about whatever was bothering her even if she did go alone.

Her mind made up, Nora returned her gaze on Setak, nodding. “I would appreciate that, Setak,” she told him, smiling softly. “At the very least, it couldn’t hurt to check in on her, not only as her friends but as her superior officers. In fact, if you’re finished here, I think we should leave now.” With the plan in place, Nora was already striding out of Sickbay for the corridor and the turbolift beyond it.

Setak had begun to respond when he turned to see Nora heading out the door full stride, he paused for a moment realizing that he wasn't really prepared for such an encounter with his subordinate and could not take the suggestion back. With a grimace he quickly gathered up his tricorder and headed out the door after the Commander, his morning routine had already been disrupted, it seemed appropriate to the Vulcan to go ahead and throw the rest of it out the airlock as well.

Pausing only once to ask the computer where to locate Julie, Nora briskly led the way to Julie’s quarters. She wasn’t surprised to see that Setak easily kept pace with her, seeing as he had to be at least a foot taller than her. They spoke little on the relatively brief journey to Dr. Dormand’s quarters, but the Betazoid’s mind was full to bursting with troubled thoughts. She had a sense of foreboding that made her feel vaguely ill, and although she was likely overreacting, she knew that she wouldn’t feel well again until she was sure that all was well with her friend.

Once they arrived at the door to her quarters, Nora firmly pressed the doorchime. Several moments of silence later, she determinedly pressed it once again. When there was still no answer, she glanced at Setak, the look in her dark eyes revealing perfectly her frustration. Tapping her comm badge once, she said, “Zeral to Dormand.” Again, no answer.

Nora turned fully to face Setak, frowning in indecision. “She could be sleeping, but…I’m worried, Setak. You’ve seen her more often than I have as of late, and therefore you might be a better judge of the situation. Do you think that a security override to enter her quarters is going too far, or is there—” she paused for the briefest of moments “—reason enough to be concerned?”

Setak frowned slightly, he hadn't expected a lack of response from Dr. Dormand's quarters, it wasn't like Julie to simply ignore her colleagues regardless of her mood. Removing the tricorder from its holster on his belt the Vulcan surveyed the area that Julie's room occupied for life signs.
"Something’s definitely wrong," he revealed as he closed the unit and stepped up to the door's access panel and began punching in his CMO's override. "She’s inside but her life signs are weak and irregular."

Experiencing a sensation not unlike her heart plummeting from her chest, Nora nodded to confirm that she understood. She barely had time to think before the door swished silently open, but she was the first through the door, not waiting even for the brief moment it took for Setak to step away from the access panel. “Julie?” A brief glance of the sitting room revealed that Julie was not there, and without skipping a beat Nora moved swiftly for the bedroom. She had been invited into her friend’s quarters several times before, and knew that since this was almost certainly an emergency, she had every right to move through the quarters uninvited. “Julie, are you here?”

Nora nearly drew up short as she stepped through the doorway, her breath catching harshly in her throat. “Setak, she’s here!” she called behind her, dropping to her knees to the side of Julie, who lay prone and unmoving on the floor beside her bed. Her first instinct was to try to rouse her friend, but she knew that Setak was the medical expert here. The Betazoid cast a beseeching look to the Vulcan over her shoulder as he followed her inside the room before turning her worried gaze back to the still form of Dr. Dormand.

Setak descended to crouch beside Julie with the calm practiced grace of a physician, his lack of external emotion toward the situation was a far cry from the inner turmoil that he then experienced. His hand went to the young woman's neck where he detected no pulse and at once he felt his own heart quicken. He blamed himself for not acting sooner to help his colleague when she was in need, he had not been on the Malinche for a month and already he was a breath away from losing someone. He re-opened his tricorder and felt some small relief at the feint bio signs displayed there, she was still alive. His eyes fell on Julies hand, in which was clasped an empty hypospray.

"Ambizine," Setak said finally in a feint voice as he studied the implement before casting a worried expression up at the Commander. "A common but powerful sedative, we need to get her back to sickbay now."

“Gods, Julie,” Nora whispered harshly, half to herself. The pain of the reality of the situation was nearly gut-wrenching. This was not just her colleague or a crewmember under watch, not even just a former patient. Julie was all those things to Nora, but more importantly, she was her friend. How could she have missed the signs? Meeting Setak’s eyes with a deeply worried look of her own, Nora nodded once before she tapped her comm badge. “Zeral to Chief Fields (NPC). Emergency transport for three to Sickbay.” Her eyes never leaving Setak, Nora placed a hand on Julie’s shoulder and waited as the room dissolved around them and Sickbay almost immediately shimmered into view.

Setak held Nora's gaze for a split second after they had rematerialized, he was no empath but he didn't need to be one to pick up on the Commander's quiet desperation, her silent plea for the doctor to not let her friend perish. After a slight, almost imperceptible nod he took Julie gently into his arms and lifted her onto the nearest bio-bed where Nurse Marsid (NPC) was already waiting. Within moments Setak and his assistant had administered Atropine to bring Julies heart rate back up and had begun her on a detoxification regiment. The fact that she responded to the treatment almost immediately gave Setak hope but a full recovery would depend more on the willpower of the patient than it would a quick thinking doctor.

Turning back to Nora after a few tense minutes Setak sighed, "We've done everything that we can do to stabilize Julie, it’s up to her now."

As Setak and Nurse Marsid had given their full attention to Julie, Nora had stood by, completely silent and barely moving, barely even breathing. She felt curiously detached as she watched them, her thoughts turning, as they always did in times of danger or trouble, to her parents. Their deaths had changed her life forever, and she couldn’t help but wonder how her life would change if Julie died now. The only thing that she knew for sure was that she would never forgive herself if she did.

Setak’s words pulled her from her distant thoughts, and she nodded slowly, momentarily at a loss for words. “Thank you,” she finally said, coming back to herself. The Betazoid couldn’t take her eyes off of the bio-bed where Julie lay, remaining quiet and grave. “I should have known something was wrong,” she said softly, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “I just can’t believe that she would really…” Nora couldn’t even finish the sentence.

Setak felt awkward suddenly, he had rarely dealt with displays of such emotion as that which Nora was coping with and wasn't entirely sure how to react in the situation. "You and I both," he admitted finally as he placed a sympathetic hand on Nora's shoulder. "I keep telling myself the same thing, that I should have seen some sign... The truth is Commander, that Dr. Dormand knew full well that she had friends who would listen. You cant blame yourself when she hid her intentions so very well, neither of us can."

Vaguely aware of Setak’s discomfort, Nora couldn’t help but draw some comfort for herself from the presence of his hand on her shoulder. In any other circumstances, she might have teasingly suggested that Setak would have made a fine counselor. At the moment, however, there was no place for humor. “I know that you’re right,” she said, turning a sad and slightly watery smile to the Vulcan. “I just…” She took a deep breath, nodding as if to compose herself. “I just wish that I had done more. That’s all.”

Setak nodded his understanding and glanced back to where Dr. Dormand lay, how many times in the past had he wished that he had done more? It was easy to berate oneself after-the-fact yet no one could go back and undo history, there were no second chances. He had learned to live with his actions over time, that was easy but he had never stopped second guessing those times of inaction that might have made a difference.

"You're talking as if it’s too late," Setak replied, his voice lighter than it had been since the crisis had begun. Nora had helped him considerably when he was faced with the decision to remain aboard the Malinche and he would do whatever he could to return the favor, even the most steadfast of individuals occasionally needed support themselves. "You will have your chance to make a difference as soon as Julie wakes up, in the mean time I suggest you take the rest of the day off and try to get some rest. I will notify you the moment she begins to regain consciousness."

Nora knew there was wisdom in what Setak said, and she was grateful for his words of comfort and advice. He was a good man, whether he knew it or not, and she was unspeakably glad that he had spoken up about Julie when he did. Feeling the tension in her stomach unclench a bit, Nora slowly exhaled. “Is that doctor’s orders?” she asked him, some of her humor returning for a moment.

"Only if it has to be," he quipped in turn before turning back to the bio-bed to study its readouts.

“You’re right. I’m in no shape to return to work at the moment.” Already Nora could feel her hands starting to shake, a natural reaction to all the adrenaline that had rushed through her after the morning’s disturbing turn of events. “Do let me know when she wakes up.” Turning to leave, the Betazoid hesitated a moment before turning back to Setak. “You saved her life, Setak. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for that.”

Setak gave the Commander a dutiful nod and watched as she left sickbay, waiting until the door had closed fully behind her to set aside his tricorder and brace himself against the console with wavering hands. He gazed at Julie as she lay unconscious and struggled to bury the sorrow that had begun to well up within him before it had a chance to erupt through his icy surface calm. He had not told Nora just how close her friend had come to success in her endeavor, how he had doubted that he could save the young woman at all, that the treatment he had administered had been a longshot at best. Had he lost Julie he may not have been able to forgive himself, likely neither would have Nora forgiven herself. A single tear found its way to Setak's eye before he heard the nurse returning and as she strode into the room he straightened himself, the thin veneer of stoicism once again covering the turmoil that raged within.

OFF:

A JP brought to you by:

Provisional Lieutenant Setak
Chief Medical Officer
USS Malinche NCC-38997-A

and

[Rabb]

ON:

<<USS Malinche, Shuttle Bay, Day 1 Revised Timeline, 0630>>

Stacy leisurely walked into the shuttle bay, looking around to see who was already on duty. There were various non-coms working in the bay, as well as the shuttle bay manager. Stacy nodded to her from across the bay, smiled and waved a bit. She stopped about twenty meters inside the shuttle bay, looking around for Warrant Officer Topher(NPC). After a couple of minutes, she saw him going over the nacelles on his assigned shuttle craft. She slowly walked over to him, smiled and greeted him.

"Mister Topher. How are you today?" asked Stacy.

Chris looked up to see his department head standing over him. Chris was working with a hydrospanner and checking the calibration on his impulse engines. "Ah, Lieutenant Rabb. I didn't notice you come over." Chris stood up and greeted Stacy.

"Thank you Mister Topher. Looks like you have a lot of work going on early today." said Stacy. She was looking around the shuttle bay, feigning interest in the work.

"Yeah, that Shuttle bay manager is quite the slave master." Topher smiled.

"Mister Topher, do you have a moment? I was wondering if I could borrow your expertise inside at the controls. I must admit, it's been a while since I piloted a shuttle and wanted some small confirmations."

"No problem Lieutenant." Topher entered the shuttle first, followed by Stacy. She stopped before entering the shuttle, turning her head to see if anyone was paying attention to her.

Stacy followed Chris towards the front of the shuttle. As soon as they were in the front of the shuttle and out of sight and sound from everyone else, Stacy began.

"So, Christopher. I had a late visitor last night. Can you guess who it was?"

Chris was caught off guard for a moment. "Ah, not really." He seemed puzzled.

Stacy moved closer to Chris, running her hands slowly up his arms, as if she were being seductive. She smiled wryly at him, even winking at him. "Oh come one, you know. Guess." She bit her lip a little, placing her arms on his shoulders now.

Chris was getting hot under the collar. "Ah, ah...the tooth fairy?"

"Nope. I was visited by Jenni Thornton." Stacy's gaze went from friendly and seductive to angry. She quickly raised her knee, hitting home in his groin, pushing him down at the same time with her hands on his shoulders. Taking a step back, she gave Chris a moment to collect himself.

"What....the..hell!?!?" he said. Still bent down at the waist, with his hands on his knees, "What the hell!"

"So, you remember Jenni Thornton now?" Stacy took another step back, arms crossed.

Chris stood up, taking another deep breath.

"Did that bitch send you down here to exact revenge?" said Chris, now glaring at Stacy.

"Let's just say, I look out for my people. If you want to continue to work here, I would suggest you stay way from her. Perhaps", Stacy moved towards the other side of the shuttle, "you should consider....a transfer."

"And just why the hell should I do that? I was here first. Besides, she didn't even get what she deserved in that shuttle." replied Topher.

Stacy quickly snapped around, connecting her right fist to Topher's left jaw. She stared at him on sprawled out on the deck of the shuttle.
"What was that you said!?"

Topher rubbed his jaw, looking up at his superior officer. "You know, I could report you. You'd be glaring at me from the other side of a cell."

"Mister Topher, I think you're not that stupid. I think...in fact..," Stacy moved closer to Topher, pointing down at him, "you realize the statute of limitations hasn't run out on your assault, attempted rape, and whatever else you're guilty of. I think you've decided to move on to greener pastures and forget this entire incident. I think", Stacy moved back away from Topher and towards the door," you've decided to retire and enter civilian life. Haven't you."

Chris looked at Stacy, glaring at her. "You've got me over a limb right now. Guess you know my answer. Know this: I won't forget you. When you least expect it, I'll show up. It may be two months, two years, or ten years. But trust that I will find you. I will get my revenge on you."

Stacy laughed. "Bring it little man." Stacy turned around, whipped her head, flinging her hair around her shoulders, and walked out of the shuttle. As she left, she said, "Be gone in twenty four hours."

Off

Joint Post by:

Warrant Officer Christopher Topher(NPC)
Shuttle Pilot

and