Mission 19 - Another Voyage Home

[Davis]

ON:

<USS Malinche, Operations Office, Day -1, Revised Timeline, 2030>

It had already been a long day for James. He was dealing with a strained neck from falling asleep in his chair in his quarters, two members of his department were sick, and one of the holodecks was having a malfunction. Not to mention the countless repairs all around the vessel. This day was one that the ensign wanted to forget. As he entered his office, he let out a large groan, placed his PADD on the desk, and sat down in front of his computer. Taking a sip of his coffee, he noticed that he has a new message from Captain Kersare. "Hmmm, I wonder what the captain has to say at this hour," James said to himself as he took down another gulp of coffee. He opened the message and began to read what the captain had sent.

After reading the message, James was a little puzzled at the captain's request. He began to wonder why she would make such a request. He did notice that his department wasn't the only one alerted about these changes. James slouched in his chair, still puzzled over the message. Nonetheless, he knew that the captain only wanted what was best for her crew. As he sat and thought of what kind of measures he needed to take to boost up security for his own department, a few ideas came to mind. But, he wouldn't be able to do it alone. The captain clearly stated that the department heads were to limit letting others know about these additional measures.

Looking at the message one last time, James raised an eyebrow out of curiousity at possibly implementing an alert system that would let him know if someone was making changes to any of the critical areas of the ship's systems. The big question was how he was going to be able to implement the new protocols without interfering with current repairs and current operations. Then, the perfect idea hit him like a ton of bricks. He tapped his comm badge, "Davis to Nostra (NPC), I'm placing you in charge for the moment. I've got a lot of work to finish up on and need all time I can get. If there are any issues, alert me immediately... Davis out."

James remembered that he knew a way to alert others, as well as himself, of any system change. He did it aboard the Skylark when some of the crew members, as a joke, changed his setup on his console while he worked as the ship's Computer Systems Specialist. He tapped a few commands on his console and brought up a command line where he could have all alerts for his department sent straight to his PADD. It wasn't going to be quick work as he was going to need to enter almost every area of the operations department as well as a few critical areas such as the warp drive systems and the main computer system on separate commands.

*Two hours later*

James finally entered the last command into his console, ending his part to make sure that at least his bases were covered. He wiped his sweat-drenched forehead clean and let out a faint whistle. His fingers were slightly cramped from the extensive typing and editing he had accomplished. "I'll go see the doctor about these tomorrow. In the meantime, I've got two more things to do and I'm out of here for the night," James muttered to himself as he closed his console down. After yawning softly and giving his arms a good streching, he stood up, grabbed his PADD, and tapped on his comm badge once more. "Davis to Nostra, thank you for holding down the fort. I'm heading out for the night. I'll be back at shift change... Davis out."

<USS Malinche, Davis' Quarters, Day -1 Revised Timeline, 2300>

After a good cleaning and a small snack, James sat down in front of his personal console and pulled up a message window. He needed to let Captain Kersare know of what he did. As he started his message, he left a mental note in his head on how to reverse any changes he made if the captain felt uncomfortable with his decision.

=========================================
To: Captain Isabel Kersare
Subject: Re: Program Security

Captain Kersare,

After taking time to read over your message and think about how to go about the safeguarding of the Malinche's systems, I made some changes to the Operations alert protocols. If changes to any section of the department or any changes to any critical system mainframe for that matter were to occur, I would immediately receive those alerts on my PADD and the proposed changes will not happen without my authorization.

Plus, if it would help, I was also wondering if I could remain in the office during the time I would normally be here in my quarters just as a precautionary measure.

If there is any problem with what I have just done, please alert me and I will change what ever it is you want changed.

Regards,

Ensign James Walker Davis
=========================================

James hoped he was doing the right thing as he sent his message. He looked over at his clock and noticed he didn't have much time to sleep. He merely shrugged his shoulders and headed back out to the Operations department.

OFF

<tag Kersare - if necessary>

[Kersare]

<<Starbase 422, Promenade, Day -1 Revised Timeline, 2000>>

After having a nice dinner in a Bajoran restaurant on the starbase, Britney (PNPC) and Caleb (NPC) were now taking a leisurely stroll on the Promenade. While they could technically go anywhere they wanted in a holodeck, in a way, it just wasn't the same as being in the actual place. Even Britney agreed on that, though the Direidians were used to acting things out and pretending.

As they walked, Britney looked over and smiled at Caleb, enjoying the time with him and the feel of his warm hand holding hers. They had been together for quite some time now and she felt like she actually knew what love was about. It was almost too bad she wasn't on Direidi;, all the things she'd experienced since leaving would have really added a lot to her acting skills. Perhaps she could visit sometime, after all her family hadn't really met Caleb yet.

With that thought, she turned to him slightly as their pace slowed, "What would you think of coming with me to Direidi sometime?"

"I think it would be interesting," Caleb replied, pausing slightly to gather more of his thoughts. "I know the Malinche was there before, obviously, but I wasn't one of the ones that really got to see it."

Britney nodded, "True. I thought it might be a nice idea. I miss it; haven't had a chance to go back since I left. Plus my family and friends would be glad to see me...and I'm sure they'll want to meet you."

"Well we can do that then," Caleb responded, giving her a warm smile. "I don't know exactly when, depending on our missions, but we'll be sure to fit it in. Maybe you can talk to the Captain and see if she can work something out so we can do it sooner rather than later."

She hadn't really thought of doing that, but it seemed fairly reasonable and Britney had a feeling that Isabel would be willing to help out. Smiling she said, "Sure, I'll see if she can help."

Nodding to her, he offered his arm and waited as she slipped her arm through and gently squeezed his arm. "We should probably have you meet more of my family then too. You met one of my sisters, but there's my parents, my other sister and my brother...." He let his voice voice fade when he saw the look on Britney's face.

Distracted, Britney slowed her pace for a few seconds before nudging Caleb to go faster, "Come on." Her voice was a mere whisper, and slightly strained at that. Her heart was beating faster as her discomfort grew. The hairs on the back of her neck were tingling as she felt someone watching her.

Only once they turned a corner did she slow down.

Caleb, concerned, looked at her and asked, "What is it? What's wrong?"

"I felt someone watching me. It was very uncomfortable...I got a very bad feeling about their intentions. It wasn't a ghost or demon or anything; it was a real person, but it felt...not quite evil, but just malintentions. It's difficult to describe," she told him, trying to explain while also attempting to calm her nerves.

Frowning, Caleb slowly ran his hands soothingly across her back. He hadn't noticed anything, but that didn't mean she was wrong. "What would you like to do? Give it a few minutes then go back out, see if we can find the person, head back to the ship...?"

Britney bit her lip nervously as she considered his question, but her eyes widened suddenly as she saw Caleb absorb the impact of someone turning the corner too quickly. Her breath was stolen momentarily as she watched him.

"Excuse you," Caleb called out after the person, who was already out of view. Shaking his head, he turned back to her, "Are you okay?"

Her expression was frozen as she regained her breath. "Him."

"The one you felt watching you?" Caleb asked her as he glanced back in the way the person had one."

She simply nodded.

"Did you get a look at him?"

"He was in Services yellow and looked like a Vulcan...though his expression and the feeling I got from him didn't seem very Vulcanlike," Britney explained, trying to get the details right.

Caleb nodded, a serious look on his face. "I don't know if it's something to worry about or not, but let's go back to the ship. I'll let Starbase security know that they might have a problem while you explain it to the Captain." With another glance, he put his arm around her waist and guided her away.

OFF:

NPCs by:

[Kersare]

ON:
<<USS Malinche, Zeral's Quarters, Day -1 Revised Timeline, 2005>>

Alone in her quarters, Nora frowned perplexedly as she was suddenly struck by a strange feeling of fatigue. Blinking sluggishly for a moment, she set aside the novel she had been reading for relaxation and climbed slowly to her feet. She felt vaguely exhausted, and she stretched her arms over her head, trying to recover some of the contained energy she had been experiencing just moments before. Soon enough the odd sensation began to abate, but it took a few minutes before the Betazoid was able to shake the strange feeling entirely.

Just as she was about to resume reading her novel, her comm badge suddenly came to life. "Kersare to Zeral; meet me in my quarters as soon as possible...Kersare out." Feeling herself again, Nora’s thoughts now turned to the summons from Isabel. Whatever was going on, Nora was sure she had detected a sense of urgency in the Captain’s voice. Already on her feet, she asked the computer to dim the lights and left her quarters to meet with Isabel.

<Kersare's Quarters, 2012>

It was a relatively short trip to Isabel’s quarters. Pressing the doorchime, Nora waited calmly to be invited inside.

Isabel was standing near the viewports over her couch, her eyes taking in the scene outside as she waited. Hearing the doorchime, she turned and called out, "Come in."

“Captain,” Nora greeted simply as she stepped inside, unsure whether she was there for business or personal reasons but rather suspecting the former. “You called for me?”

"Yes, I did. I appreciate you getting here so quickly; I hope I didn't interrupt your dinner..." Moving back behind her desk, Isabel offered a faint smile as she motioned toward one of the chairs, "Please, have a seat."

“Thank you.” Nora returned the smile as she seated herself. “I had an early dinner, so you weren’t interrupting anything other than a quiet night in.”

"Normally I would've let this wait til morning, but I've been informed of a few things and I felt it best that we get going right away," Isabel began. It was partly the truth at least, but she couldn't reveal everything, much as she wanted to. "There's reason to believe that someone might try to sabotage the Malinche before we leave for our next mission tomorrow. We need to put some safeguards in place."

“Sabotage?” Nora repeated, naturally stunned. Her thoughts were flooded with any number of questions, but she refrained from asking them all at once. Beginning with the most pressing question on her mind, she asked, “Do we have any idea who this someone might be?”

Hesitating slightly, Isabel replied, "No, or at least they haven't told me if they have any ideas." Certainly not the truth, or at least not the whole truth, but she couldn't tell Nora and it was partly irrelevant. "They do, however, think that it's likely that whoever it is will try to get onto one of the repair crews somehow - that's when we're most vulnerable due to the confusion with personnel. I have Engineering and Operations brainstorming some precautions, but I'm hoping we can devise some other plans..."

Nora could readily sense Isabel’s hesitation and decided not to press her for answers to the questions still lingering in her mind, trusting that Isabel would tell her precisely what she needed to know. She took a moment to consider the problem at hand, running through several half thought out ideas before settling on one that she thought best suited to the task at hand. “If there’s confusion with personnel, we might be able to ensure that plenty of our crewmembers are present at all times with some creative scheduling,” she suggested. “At least that way, whoever is trying to infiltrate the ship will have a harder time going unnoticed if they do act suspicious.”

"Yes, that might help. How long will you need? I can make the other relevant crew know that it'll be forthcoming so they'll be ready for it once you're finished," Isabel replied. It had sounded like a good idea when Nora ooc the other timeline suggested it and it still did now.

Already formulating how to best accomplish their new plan, Nora replied, “I can start work on it now and have it ready first thing tomorrow morning.”

Isabel nodded thoughtfully, "I think that'll give us enough time to implement it, or at least I would think so. If you need any help, let me know. If I find out anything else, I'll be sure to let you know." She offered her friend a brief smile, "Doesn't seem like anything’s ever easy for us, does it?"

Nora shook her head, chuckling softly. “Let it never be said that the Malinche is not an exciting ship,” she smiled in return. The humor of the moment soon gave way to the pressing matter at hand, however, and with an important project ahead of her and plenty on her mind, the Betazoid prepared to go. “I’ll let you know if I run into any difficulties, but I imagine it will be straightforward enough, just a little time consuming.”

"Alright, I'll leave you to it. Good luck...and thank you," Isabel said as Nora stood. Hopefully it would all work out properly this time. For now, though, she had more work to do.

OFF:

JP brought to you by:

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

and

[Davis]

<<USS Malinche, Lounge, Day 0 Revised Timeline, 0850>>

At a table by herself, Nora poured over the contents of a PADD as she waited for her breakfast to arrive. She’d had a very late night revising the duty roster but had somehow still found the time to meet Julie (PNPC) for breakfast as planned. Unfortunately, it appeared that she had been stood up by her friend once again. It was becoming something of a habit these days, and Nora couldn’t help but worry that something was wrong. Julie usually had a good excuse—there was always something needing to be done in Sickbay, it seemed—but it did seem rather out of character.

Still, after such a long night, Nora was rather famished and eager for a fresh cooked meal. She didn’t mind eating alone, and busied herself by reviewing the revised roster for the umpteenth time just to ensure that there were no problems. If someone was attempting to sabotage the Malinche, Nora wanted to be absolutely sure that there were no flaws in the new duty roster. She had no idea if her contribution to the Malinche’s current safety would actually help, but she was determined to help however she could to stop any attempts at sabotage from happening.

Slightly dragging from lack of sleep, James entered the lounge expecting no one to be around. But, to his surprise, he found the Executive Officer sitting by herself looking over her PADD. He could tell by the look on her face that she was a little upset. The look she had reminded him of the time they had their climbing experience in the holodecks. Something told him that she got stood up again. With his coffee in hand, he slowly entered the lounge.

Originally, he was looking for some solitude to mull over the thoughts of his recently deceased girlfriend, Talia. He was amazed to find the time to shield the depressing memories to do the overhauling of the security alerts for his department. The memories returned in full force shortly after the work was completely. It almost crushed him mentally and he needed closure before it drove him to the brink of emotional destruction. "Lieutenant Commander Nora Zeral, I'm no mind reader but something tells me you were waiting on someone again and he or she never showed up. I can tell by your facial expression. It's the same one you had while you were waiting on your friend, Julie," James said as he fully entered the room.

Glancing up from her PADD, Nora offered a smile to Davis. “Actually, I’d say that you’re quite the mind reader.” That, or perhaps he’d missed his calling in life as an intelligence officer. “As a matter of fact, I was waiting for a friend to join me, but unfortunately she’s been detained.” It wasn’t the whole truth, really. Nora wasn’t entirely sure why Julie hadn’t shown up, but she was willing to believe the best in her friend. They would reschedule and all would be well, she was sure.

For the time being, Nora was actually much more concerned about the threat of sabotage, but she set aside her worries as she continued to chat with Davis. She hadn’t seen him since their impromptu holodeck session a few days ago, but she liked the friendly Ensign and welcomed his company. The Betazoid was, in fact, a mind reader of sorts, but since she never pried into a non-telepath’s thoughts, she verbally inquired, “And what about you? Are you meeting friends here?”

James gave Nora a quick smile and replied, "Unfortunately, I wasn't meeting anyone." James sat his coffee on the table and took a seat across from the Lieutenant Commander. The smile still remained on his face as he got settled in as he remembered playing the role of instructor for their session. "I actually wasn't expecting anyone to be here. I was just going to come here, sit down, have my morning coffee, and..." James paused as the memories of the crushing news flashed in his mind. "I guess you could say I came to collect my thoughts and try to persuade myself to continue on with my job. But, lately, that hasn't been the case."

He took a drink of his coffee after finishing his statement. He was trying his hardest to keep his personal thoughts from interrupting his work. Ever since he was named the interim Operations Chief, he was working harder than he had ever worked before. After he received the news of Talia's passing, he couldn't get her or the distressing news out of his head. If he couldn't find some closure soon, he was contemplating resigning until he found help. Luckily, he hoped that maybe Nora would, at least, ease the pain enough for him to continue with his duties with little personal distraction.

At this point, Nora didn’t need to read his actual thoughts to see that something was seriously troubling him. Before she could say anything in response, however, the server arrived at their table with a glass of orange juice for Nora. After Davis’s order had been taken and they were alone again, Nora gently asked, “Would you like to talk about it?” She was no longer the ship’s Chief Counselor, but if Davis wanted to talk about whatever was troubling him, she was willing to offer a listening ear at the very least.

James let out a small sigh. Even if Nora couldn't help him directly due to her not being the Chief Counselor, at least he had someone to talk to for advice and maybe even some ideas that could help. "About a week before today, I lost someone dear to me. She meant the world to me. Her name was Talia. She was a reserve member back at StarFleet, but most of all, she was my girlfriend," James said as he made a strong attempt to hold back his emotions. "According to the doctors, she died from an unknown heart ailment that she apparently had for a long period of time. I never knew of this. As you can see, I'm a nervous wreck. I can't sleep, I can't concentrate, hell I can't even think straight."

As he clinched his fist, James couldn't hold back a small tear trailing down his left cheek, "I know that you aren't the Head Counselor anymore. But, maybe you could give me some advice that'll help me clear my mind and move on. As of right now, I've got nothing. No matter how hard I try, I can't get in the proper mindset." James was usually good at keeping his mind on whatever task he was attending to. He was never one to let distractions get the best of him. But, the problem he was having was more than just a simple distraction.

Naturally, Nora was more than a little surprised to hear of James’ terrible news. She was concerned as well, although she wasn’t sure how much she would be able to help him now that she was no longer officially a counselor for the Malinche. As a friend and colleague, however, she was more than willing to offer whatever help and advice she could. “I am so sorry for your loss,” she began, her voice sincere. “The pain of losing a loved one… It’s simply indescribable. I lost my parents when I was at the Academy, you see, so I understand something of what it feels like to lose a loved one.”

James looked directly into Nora's eyes. He never knew that she had dealt with such a terrible loss. He then looked down and thought for a moment about what would happen if his parents had perished before it was their natural time. Shaking his head slowly, he looked back up at Nora. "I'm terribly sorry, I didn't know you went through such a tragedy as I have," James said in a gentle tone. Hopefully with his loss, it didn't cause her any emotional distress. "If you don't mind me asking, ma'am, how did manage to deal with a loss like that?"

“It’s perfectly all right, Ensign,” she assured him with a smile. “To tell you the truth, I handled it in a bit of an unhealthy way. To put it simply, I put my loss aside—buried myself in my work and tried to forget. I graduated not very long after they had passed away, so I fairly threw myself into my new duties as a Starfleet counselor.” Nora remembered well those mind-numbing days, when she had locked her smile in place and all but refused to think of her own pain. “But as I found out, you can’t run from something like that. You can’t simply will away the pain. It finally caught up with me, and I had to take a short leave of absence while I finally came to terms with my parents’ death.”

Clearing her throat, Nora returned Davis’s gaze frankly. “So, my advice would be this—and mind you, I’m giving this advice as a friend rather than a counselor,” she reminded him with a hint of a smile. “Take it one day at a time. It will take time in order to come to grips with what has happened, but that is as it should be.” Pausing for a moment, at length she continued, “You’ll know when you’re ready to move on. Until then, it’s perfectly natural to mourn her loss, but you don’t have to lose yourself in your grief. I didn’t know her, of course, but I’m sure that she wouldn’t want you to grieve for her forever.”

James nodded, his frown slowly changed into a warm smile. It became apparent to him that he was letting Talia's death take a massive toll on his mental well-being. Her death marked the first-ever loss that the young Ensign experienced in his life. He didn't know how to handle the loss. But after listening to Nora's explanation, he now had the knowledge on how to handle it without it hindering him.

That was something that Nora still reminded herself on those rare days when her parents’ deaths came back to haunt her. Though she loved them and still missed them more than she could ever say, she knew that more than anything they would want her to be happy, and that included moving on once she was ready. “And above all, I would advise you to meet with a counselor. I understand that Dr. Dallas is very good, and I know that she can help you through this grieving process.”

"I've heard the same things," James replied. "I will definitely set up an appointment with her when she gets settled in." James was already feeling better about handling this kind of situation. As he regained his composure and posture in his chair, his order of food, as well as Nora's, was on its way. "Lieutenant Commander, I want to thank you for everything you've done for me today. I understand you weren't able to counsel me due to your position as Executive Officer, but I will definitely keep your advice to heart." He gave his superior a quick smile and continued, "Now, I have one more request to make. May I join you for breakfast?"

“Of course you can. I’d appreciate the company,” Nora responded, her smile warm. The atmosphere had changed considerably, and she did hope that she had been able to help the Ensign in some way. She also hoped that Davis really would take her advice and visit the Counseling Department soon. The loss of a loved one was no trifling matter, and although she was pleased to see him smiling again, she imagined that it would take some time before he was able to fully move past such a personal tragedy.

OFF:

This was a JP by:

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

and

[Zeral]

ON:
<<Starbase 422, The Starlounge, Day -1 Revised Timeline, 1750>>

Nora wasn't entirely sure how she had let Myrna, Fira and Jacob (NPCs) talk her into joining them for a quick night out aboard the starbase, but she was finding that she didn’t regret it for a moment. Truth be told, she already missed her friends from the Counseling Department. Now that she had a new assignment and new duties, most of her time was spent in other parts of the ship. And although there was plenty of work for her to be doing, she couldn’t resist this one last chance to enjoy an hour or two with friends at the colorful bar in the Promenade.

Jacob, it seemed, was running late, so Nora and the others had happily settled themselves at the crowded bar for the time being. It was strictly synthehol for Nora, since she had been informed on her way out the door that a new crewmember was due to report in later that evening, and she hoped to at least have a short time to prepare before that meeting. The women were perfectly content for the time being, chatting happily about everything and nothing while they sipped their drinks and waited for the final member of their small party to arrive.

****
"YES!" Stone (NPC) yelled out as he dropped his 5th tumbler of Antaran Whiskey on the table. Arron laughed. Despite his earlier reservations, he himself had put down another 2 drinks. The Whiskey, foul as it was, was known for its mood enhancing effects, Drexel and Stone certainly were enjoying themselves.

"Hey, hey, that girl over there keeps checking you out man." Stone said gesturing to his left.

Arron peered over in that direction. "The Orion chick? Come on man, you know I had a bad experience with Orion women. Besides, I'm digging that Trill girl in the corner." Arron said nodding toward the back of the room.

"Whoa, you want to talk about your bad experiences with Trill women?" Ryan said with a sarcastic edge to his voice.

"Good point...why don't you go talk to her then. Pretty girl like that, all alone at a bar. Seems like a waste."

Ryan thought for a moment, then stood up. "I think I will!"

"Sit down fool, I was only kidding" Arron said laughing.

Ryan looked at the Trill. "She's beautiful. I'm in love."

"No, you’re drunk. Besides, you couldn't bed a Trill."

"Yeah..." Stone looked to Drexel, then back at the Trill woman, then back to Drexel. He winked and walked off.

"Oh my God..." muttered Arron, but still couldn't help but smile. He watched his friend stumble across the bar and approach the Trill in the corner. Arron was too far away to hear what was going on, not to mention the noise level in the bar was drowning out everything in the vicinity anyway. Stone sat down across from Trill, who looked up at the unexpected visitor. Stone obviously said something amusing, the Trill laughed and smiled sheepishly. Stone shook her hand and they chatted for a few minutes.

Arron sat watching them. He raised his eyebrows when she handed something to Ryan, but he couldn't make out what it was. She laughed again at something else Ryan must have said.

Suddenly a large humanoid approached the table. Arron didn't recognize the species. He picked up Ryan by the collar with his left hand and slugged him across the face with his right. He then hurled Stone several feet away from the table. Arron stood up prepared to defend his best friend, however Ryan picked himself up off the ground and hurried back to the table Arron was at.

"What the hell was that all about?!" Arron said, noticing blood on Ryan's now split lip.

Ryan wiped his mouth with his sleeve and said with a grin. "Her boyfriend."

"Let's go kick his ass," Arron said.

Ryan held up his hand, "No honestly, it’s okay. It was worth it."

Arron looked quizzically at his friend. "How so?"

Ryan help up his hand revealing the object the Trill woman had given him. "She gave me the card to her room."

Arron roared with laughter, tumbling back into his chair. "Seriously? Just like that?" he said.

"Just. Like. That." Stone said, cockiness practically dripping from every word and his eyes practically gleaming.

"Just be careful buddy, you don't want to have the boyfriend walking in on you and his girl..."

Ryan shrugged. "Don't worry about me. Besides...it's your turn."

"What?! My turn?!"

"Don't even...I just took one on the lip, now you got to put yourself out there."

"Whoa, hang on a minute there pal, I didn't ASK you to go over there. I clearly told you to sit your drunk ass back down." Arron said admonishingly

Ryan looked Arron right in the eyes. "Man, you really are a buzz-kill today. You were literally the king of hooking up with girls back in the day."

"I have to report for duty in 1 hour!" said Arron exasperated. "Besides...I think I'm ready to find a nice girl and settle down. We aren't in our twenties anymore."

Ryan snorted. "Yeah! You...settle down. Right." His eyes rolling as he spoke. "Come on bro, if you don't like that Orion girl, check out those girls over at the bar."

Arron followed his friend’s eyes. He saw three girls sitting on bar-stools drinking and chatting amongst themselves. The short blonde one was especially attractive.

Arron sighed. Perhaps it was the alcohol, perhaps it was because he just didn't want to disappoint his friend on their last night out, but he knew he was going to end up going over to those women.

"Alright. Alright, I will go spit out some cheesy pick up line, just for your entertainment. Why don't you go sneak up close by so you can hear it all play out. I will follow in a few."

"My man! Alright!" Stone said eagerly. He wiped his lip again, it was a bit swollen, yet the cut had stopped bleeding. He headed over to the girls at the bar, and found a recently vacated stool a few feet away.

"I'm seriously getting too old for this" Arron muttered. He ran his hand through his hair, thought about what he was going to stay, and got up. He made his way to the girls emanating an aura of confidence. After all, he thought, I am good looking, and I've done this a hundred times before. He zoned in on the short blonde. She was strikingly beautiful. His presence did not go unnoticed as her friends looked over to him as he approached.

“Are you seeing what I’m seeing?” Myrna whispered loudly, her gaze arrested on someone approaching the bar from behind them. Nora paused mid drink, setting her glass down and angling around on her stool to see whatever it was that suddenly had Myrna and Fira so transfixed. Half expecting Jacob to come strolling up to them, she was a little surprised to see that it was another man headed directly for them. He was tall and good looking, and judging by the way he was walking, he knew it, too.

“He’s looking right at you, Nora,” Fira giggled, and Myrna nodded vigorously in agreement. Truth be told, Nora was rather surprised to see that they were right. “Act natural. He’s almost here,” Fira added, and Nora nearly snorted at her friend’s obvious statement. She just managed to keep the reaction to herself.

"Excuse me" Arron said, his attention still on the blonde.

Nora was the picture of nonchalance as she returned his attention, perfectly aware of what was going on. It wasn’t every day that she was approached by strange, attractive men in bars, but when one was telepathic and could easily sense emotions, it was hard to miss what exactly he was up to. Feeling a little mischievous, she decided to see how it all played out.

“Yes?” Nora finally returned, tilting her head slightly to the side.

Arron plucked an ice cube from her empty glass and smashed it on the bar with his hand.

With Myrna and Fira tittering beside her, it was hard for Nora to keep her smile perfectly neutral. Glancing between the remains of the ice cube and the man who had seen fit to destroy it, she simply raised an eyebrow and waited for the inevitable pickup line that was sure to come.

Arron gave his sexiest smile to the woman, and looked into her dark eyes.

"Now that I've broken the ice, why don't we head on back to my place."

It was, without a doubt, the absolute worst pickup line Nora had ever heard. Able to remain politely aloof up to this point, she simply couldn’t help herself any longer: she laughed, looking first to her friends—who were trying to stifle their own laughter and failing miserably—and then back to the stranger beside her. She didn’t mean to be malicious at all, but gods’ truth, it was all incredibly amusing to her. This was a story that she would no doubt be repeating to Julie (PNPC) as soon as she had the chance.

“Now tell me honestly,” she said once she had finally stopped laughing, her tone somewhat playful, “Does that ever really work? Have you ever said that to a woman and actually gotten the reaction you were looking for?”

Arron chuckled at her response. The woman was obviously a strong independent and intelligent being. Judging by the way she was sitting, straight, with excellent posture, she was educated, and was used to a certain amount of respect. A Doctor perhaps. Maybe even a politician. Years of public speaking and his own gregariousness allowed Arron to change his tone quickly to something more friendly and inviting.

"You would be surprised," Arron said. "I've gotten by with worse than that to be honest." Arron glanced at her empty drink. "And when it works, they aren't drinking synthehol either." he said with a sly grin.

“How enlightening,” Nora commented, shaking her head in amused disbelief. The stranger, whoever he was, had switched gears entirely, she noticed. He no longer gave off the impression of tall, dark and mysterious, but now exuded a certain aura of friendly charm. When the bartender stepped in at that moment to ask Nora and her friends if they wanted another round, she politely declined. Synthehol or not, it was probably best that she avoided drinking anything else if she wanted to get more work done when she returned to the ship.

Arron offered his hand. "Jacen Paul," he said giving his alias he always used when working under cover.

Nora wasn’t entirely sure that she believed him, but accepted his hand anyway. “A pleasure, I’m sure,” she said by way of greeting, intentionally omitting her own name. He was interesting, despite his incredibly awful attempt at a pickup line, but that was the end of it as far as she was concerned. She wasn’t, nor had she ever been, the type to flirt too heavily with men she hardly even knew, especially at an overcrowded bar aboard a starbase. Tonight was a night for friends and fun, but not, she decided, a night for anything else.

“Well, Jacen, as charming as this has been, I should really get back to my friends. It was nice meeting you.” She spoke as nicely as she could, not wanting to come off as an ice queen but still hoping that he would take the hint. Jacob would be arriving soon, and then the small party would only have a limited time to enjoy each other's company as planned.

Beside her, Myrna and Fira were still whispering animatedly. “He can flirt with me if he wants,” Fira said, just loudly enough for the Betazoid to catch. Nora smirked and kept her attention focused on her friends, effectively dismissing the man who called himself Jacen.

Arron furrowed his brow at the blatant brush off. It wasn't often that someone dismissed him in such a manner. He quelled the brief anger that rose up inside him, knowing full well that Stone was watching this whole thing unfold and undoubtedly licking his chops at the chance to rub in the fact that he had bested Arron this evening. Rather than press the issue further, Arron decided that tonight, Ryan Stone would have his victory.

"Ladies" he said nodding to the group, and winking at one of the blondes friends that had been eyeing him since he approached. "Life is full of missed opportunities." he said teasingly, and with that he turned and walked away.

OFF: TBC


A JP brought to you by:

Lieutenant Ryan Stone (NPC)
Assistant Chief Security Officer
USS Washington NCC-10885
Played by: Lt. JG Arron Drexel

Petty Officer 3rd Class Myrna Tovir (NPC)
Counselor’s Mate
USS Malinche NCC-38997-A
Played by: Lt. Commander Nora Zeral

Warrant Officer 1st Class Fira Mestor (NPC)
Morale Officer
USS Malinche NCC-38997-A
Played by: Lt. Commander Zeral

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

and

[Drexel]

ON:
<<Starbase 422, The Starlounge, Day -1 Revised Timeline, 1800>>

“Well, that was certainly interesting,” Nora remarked once she was sure he had left. Fira (NPC) continued to watch him walking away for a moment before turning back to them with a look of unbelief on her face.

“I can’t believe you sent him off like that. You could have at least chatted with him a bit, don’t you think?”

“No, I don’t,” Nora said with a laugh. “I came here to enjoy an evening with my friends, and that’s what I intend to do. I have to leave in another half an hour as it is. And in case you’ve forgotten,” she added with a playful smile, “I’m technically still engaged as it is. That’s a fair enough excuse not to flirt with strange men on starbases, don’t you think?”

“I think it’s a convenient excuse, at any rate,” Myrna (NPC) cut in. Fortunately, before a new conversation concerning Nora’s convoluted engagement with a man she had never met in person could begin, Jacob (NPC) finally made his appearance, a bit haggard-looking but clearly happy to be there. With no time to spare, the group proceeded to officially commence their brief night out together.
*****

As soon as he was out of earshot, Ryan (NPC) sprung on him. "That's it! That's the best you got?" Stone said sounding disappointed.

"Of course not" Arron said defensively, "Besides, it’s getting late. I need to get changed and report in."

"Wow, I am shocked. You have lost it man. Was it all that time in Cardassia? You've lost your game! Admit it! " pressed Ryan.

"Admit what? You want me to go back over there, grab her by the back of the head and kiss her?!" Drexel said sarcastically, though as he sneaked another peak in her direction, he certainly wouldn't have minded acting on the impulse.

"Is that option on the table?" Stone said chuckling.

Arron slugged him in the arm. "Let’s go smart ass"

Arron grabbed his bag from their table and the pair of them left the bar. They walked in silence for a bit, following the concourse signs to where Drexel would be boarding the USS Malinche.

"You know, you could always put in for a transfer." Arron offered after awhile. "You know how closely Security and Intelligence work together. I'm going to have to forge brand new relationships with a whole new security team. Would be a helluva lot easier with you around."

"Now look who has ulterior motives. You just need me around to help you find a girl." Stone said, stepping to the side to avoid the imminent jab to his arm.

"No I'm serious Ryan, I could use you out here. If there is no room in Security, I can find you something in Intel. You’re damn good at your job, and a fine officer."

"I don't know man..." Stone said. "The Washington has been my home since I graduated the Academy."

They stopped, having reached the airlock leading to the Malinche.

"Just...just think about it. I will drop you a line, let you know how I'm settling in, and find out if you have given it any consideration."

"Sounds like a plan buddy."

They looked at each other for a moment, they both reached out to shake hands, laughed at the awkwardness, and then embraced.

"Take care of yourself Drexel. Stay out of trouble"

"Yeah," Arron said, patting his friend on the back. "You too. Give my best to the Washington"

They broke the friendly embrace.

"You already did," Stone said.

Arron smiled. He hadn't realized how hard it would be to say goodbye to his long time friend.

"Well, I will see you around" Arron said. He waved to Ryan, and then slipped into a restroom near the airlock to change into his uniform.

*****
Although her time with her friends had been fairly brief, Nora had still enjoyed herself immensely, and there was a bounce in her step as she made her way back to the Malinche alone. It was early in the evening yet, but she had an appointment to meet with the newest crew member. It occurred to her that she was quickly learning that Starfleet didn’t always give very much forewarning before making changes or additions to the ship’s crew. Curious to meet the new arrival, she only hoped that she arrived with a little time to spare before their meeting.
*****

Arron examined himself in the mirror. His Star Fleet uniform fit just fine, crease, and wrinkle free. His shoes were shined, his handsome features groomed to perfection. Arron always spent too much time with his grooming habits, something that always annoyed his father. He stepped out of the restroom and retrieved the PADD from his duffle bag that had his orders. He was to report to a Nora Zeral, the ships first officer at. He had spent a good twenty minutes in the restroom cleaning himself up. If he didn't board now he would be late for his check in.

Arron took a deep breath, looked around the Star Base and stepped into the airlock. He traversed through the tunnel connecting Starbase to Starship, and took his first step onto the USS Malinche. He was now aboard his third assignment in his career. Something felt different about this one, though he couldn't quite put a finger on it. While Arron had never been aboard this specific class star ship, he found the interior of the Prometheus Class ship was not much different from every other Starship he had ever boarded. After all, he thought, Starfleet is Starfleet.

Arron made his way to the First Officer’s office, eager to present himself to this, Commander Zeral. The name sounded exotic, and while he hadn't bothered to read up on the crew manifest just yet, he pictured an older, unattractive blue skinned Benzite with a large breathing apparatus in front of its face.

Arron had passed a few crewmen in the corridors as he made his way to Zeral’s office, though they paid him little attention.

Arron arrived outside the door to Zeral’s office. He gathered himself up to his full height, confident, and ready to put on a great impression to the First Officer, he stepped in...and his jaw dropped.

"Oh my God, please tell me you have a twin" Arron said, unable to keep his composure.

Of all the people Nora expected to come walking into her office, the man from the bar—Jacen Paul, he had called himself—was the very last on her list. It took her all of a moment to realize that, against all odds, the man before her had to be the Malinche’s new Chief Intelligence Officer. If she hadn’t stayed on the starbase with her friends until the last possible moment, she might have had the chance to properly look at his personnel file, where his picture would have no doubt given it all away.

Fighting the temptation to grin at the sheer absurdity of the situation, Nora simply shook her head. “I’m afraid I don’t have a twin,” she informed him drily, unable to completely hide the amused smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “I do, incidentally, have two brothers, but I’m afraid we look nothing alike. Please, won’t you have a seat, Mr. Paul?” Nora paused momentarily to pull up his personnel file on her computer before glancing back at him with something of a pointed look in her eyes. “Or should I call you Lieutenant JG Drexel?”

The words were like daggers to Arron. He felt his face flush, and opened his mouth to speak, but there wasn't a word in his vocabulary that could have redeemed him at this point. He took a seat in front of Nora's desk. Nora Zeral...definitely not a Benzite. He thought. Feeling like he had to say something, he retrieved the PADD from his duffle bag that now lay at his feet. "My orders, Commander." He offered the device for her to review

Even if the Betazoid hadn’t sensed Arron’s mortification, she would have been able to read it clearly in his face. Although still a little amused by the whole affair, Nora decided to take pity on the man. He didn’t know her well enough to understand that her desire to laugh at the unlikely scenario they found themselves in wasn’t malicious. All that he knew was that she was his new Executive Officer, and that he had just attempted to flirt with her—very badly, in fact—at a crowded bar aboard a starbase before checking in. Taking the proffered PADD from him, Nora took a moment to briefly look it over. “Well, everything looks to be in order here,” she said at length. “The Malinche is certainly in need of a new Chief Intelligence Officer, all things considered.”

"Look, about earlier, and the whole 'missed opportunities thing', and the broken ice, and that bad pick up line...I swear to you, I will spend the rest of my life working on a way to invent a time machine to go back and stop that from happening."

Looking up at him, Nora carefully set the PADD on the desk before her. “Lieutenant, it’s all right. Really, it is. You didn’t know who I was, I didn’t know who you were—and there’s an end to it.” Besides, it wasn’t as if he had done anything truly offensive, aside from that rather awful pickup line. The situation was all a little absurd, but that was no one's fault in particular as far as she was concerned. “In fact,” she continued, “I suggest that we make a little deal. I won’t tell anyone what happened if you won’t,” she proposed with a small smile, already planning on swearing Myrna and Fira to silence.

Arron nodded, and then smiled back at Nora. "I think that would be agreeable." A thought just popped into his head. "Uh, Commander, the other women that were with you...one of them wasn't the Captain or anything? I assume they were Malinche crew?

Nora couldn’t help but laugh a bit at that. “No, Lieutenant, Captain Kersare was not with me tonight. Those were my friends from the Counseling Department, actually. It was a farewell party of sorts since I was recently transferred to the Executive Officer position.” With a quirk of the lips, she added, “I’m positive that they’ll keep mum on the subject as well, so long as you steer clear of the Counseling Department before I get a chance to speak with them.”

"Well, unless there is anything else Commander, I would like to settle in and meet with my team. I have a lot of work to do."

“Certainly,” Nora agreed, rising from her chair to escort him to the door. Although brief, their meeting had been one of the more interesting ones she’d had in some time, considering the situation. The Betazoid would certainly be looking closely over his personnel file after he left, if only to understand a little more of this character she had met so unconventionally tonight. “If you have any other questions or concerns, I hope that you won't hesitate to come to me. Welcome aboard the Malinche, Lieutenant Drexel."

OFF: A JP brought to you by:

Lieutenant Ryan Stone (NPC)
Assistant Chief Security Officer
USS Washington NCC-10885
Played by: Lt. JG Arron Drexel

Petty Officer 3rd Class Myrna Tovir (NPC)
Counselor’s Mate
USS Malinche NCC-38997-A
Played by: Lt. Commander Nora Zeral

Warrant Officer 1st Class Fira Mestor (NPC)
Morale Officer
USS Malinche NCC-38997-A
Played by: Lt. Commander Zeral

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

and

[Drexel]

<<USS Malinche, Deck 2, Day -1 Revised Timeline, 1830>>

As Arron left Nora's office, he couldn't help but laugh to himself at the situation he had gotten himself into. He knew he was going to have to fill Stone (NPC) in on the fact that the hot chick he hit on in the bar, was actually his new first officer. Arron shook his head as he imagined Stone retelling the story to his old shipmates and friends, as they roared in laughter in the mess hall. Karma had a funny way of humbling Drexel throughout his life. Adding to his humiliation, he passed by an office just a few doors down that said "The Office of the Chief Intelligence Officer" His name had yet to be placed on the door, but Arron realized he would need to get over his embarrassment fairly quickly. He would likely be seeing a lot of the XO as their offices we're not far apart.

Rather than stop in for a quick look around, he decided it would be best to drop off his duffle bag in his quarters, and double check that Star Fleet had transported his belongings into the correct room. He slipped into an empty turbolift. "Deck 3" he spoke to the computer. The lift dropped a deck, and within seconds Arron had stepped out. He followed the numbers on the door until he found the one corresponding with his quarters. He put his thumb up to the panel on the side, it recognized him as Arron Drexel and the doors opened swiftly. Arron took a step inside. "Computer, lights" he spoke. The room illuminated before him. The quarters were quite a bit larger than the accommodations he had on the Washington. Perhaps a perk of now being a "Senior Officer". He found several containers of his belongings packed neatly in the center of his common room. Satisfied that all the containers were there, he grabbed a quick glass of water from the replicator, approved of how it tasted, and decided the time had come to meet his department.

Arron left his quarters and re-entered the turbolift. There was another individual in the lift already. "Deck 10" Arron said nodding to the man as he took a spot opposite him in the lift. Arron couldn't think of a better time to introduce himself to a new crew member.

"Hi, I'm Arron Drexel, the new CIO," he said offering his hand.

The man looked up at Arron probably surprised at his abruptness. "I guess that would make you my boss. Name is Michael Derrin (NPC). Intel Officer."

The two men shook hands. "I was just on my way to meet the department" Arron said with a smile. "I'm really excited to get to know everyone and get to work."

"There is certainly a lot of work to be done," Derrin said as the turbolift doors opened.

Arron extended his arm towards the door. "After you, I still don't know my way around yet."

"Of course," said Derrin.

Arron followed the Ensign out the door and along the corridor of the Malinche's 10th deck.

"Is this your first assignment Ensign?" Drexel asked, using Michael's rank instead of his name, to remind him that he was here as a senior officer, and on duty, not to make friends.

"Yes sir, the Malinche is a fine ship. Right in here Lieutenant." Derrin motioned to a door on his right. As they walked in there were various individuals stationed at work terminals through out the intelligence lab. "Everyone listen up!" called Ensign Derrin. "Our new CIO has arrived. Lieutenant Arron Drexel." The room quieted down after the announcement as all eyes turned towards Arron. Derrin pointed at the closest crewman to him, a human female. "This is our Infiltration Officer, Rachel Tilden," she nodded, "this is our Information Analyst, Jornic, over here is our Decryption Specialist, Firvan, and finally over there is Xorta Jol, our Cryptology Analyst."

Arron and Xorta's eyes met, something flashed in her eyes. Arron knew it instantly as recognition. She was a Trill, meaning she probably had heard the name Arron Drexel before.

Damn Arron thought.

He had never worked with a Trill since the affair so long ago. Clearly this would be awkward.

"I'm pleased to meet you all." Arron said shaking the thoughts from his mind. "It is my intention to lead this department as one of the most efficient on the ship. I have a considerable amount of decryption and field work under my belt, and together we should be able to unlock secrets that threaten the Federation. One thing I want to make perfectly clear, trust your instincts. Come to me with ANYTHING that crosses your mind after analysis. I have witnessed a lot of positive results because an analyst trusted their gut feeling. Never discount your own intuition." He saw a couple of them nodding. "Now, who has a copy of the last Intel briefing that was given to Captain Kersare?"

No one answered, in fact, they all looked at each other as if Arron had spoken in a language that the universal translator hadn't understood.

"Uh, I don't know if Lieutenant Olaffson has done any Intel briefings in a long time." said Ensign Derrin. "To be honest, he kind of...phoned it in, to borrow an old Earth term, for quite a while."

"I see" said Arron grimly. "Well I guess I will go meet with the Captain right away. When I return, I will probably have specific assignments for all of you. Its a big quadrant, and we have lots of intel to pour over." Arron turned and exited promptly. I guess this will be a harder job than I thought.


OFF:

ALL NPC's played by:

[Masterson]

ON: [[Security/Tactical Office, USS Malinche, Mission Day -01 - Revised Timeline, 1215]]

Aaron finished reading over the last few lines displayed on the PADD in his hand before slowly turning his attention to the man standing nearby. He could not help but feel a little empathy toward the unfortunate crewmen who had been discovered playing an inappropriately timed game of laser tag in the forward torpedo room. After everything they had just been through together, he could hardly fault them for wanting to release some of their more creative energies, but that still did not excuse them choosing to do so during their on duty hours.

“I’ve never run across a game of laser tag in my life,” Harmon said. “While interesting, probably fun, and perhaps assisting in security training in some form, it still wasn’t something they should have been doing in the forward torpedo room.” He paused for a second. “I accidentally came across it during a random walk around. I like to wander to the ship and see what's happening when no one's looking.”

"I don't doubt it," Aaron replied with a small smile, "In fact, you really haven't wasted much time getting started, have you?"

Chief Harmon gave his classic half-smile. “Nope. Not a problem, is it sir?” he asked.

"Not at all, Mister Harmon," Aaron assured the man, adjusting himself slightly in his chair, "I just wish I would have known about this particular incident a bit sooner. Something like this could prove to be quite a productive exercise when put to good use, but like you said, not exactly something they should have been doing at that particular time and place."

Devon nodded, making a mental note. “Sooner next time, sir. What do you want me to do with the Crewmen, then?”

Leaning back slightly in his chair, Aaron took a moment to think about what he had just been asked. It was pretty clear this was a situation he wanted Harmon to be able to deal with on his own. For one thing, the personnel in question were enlisted, which automatically placed them under the chief's authority. Harmon had also been who first discovered the issue and had already started to deal with it in his own way. Were Aaron to step in now, it might seem as if he did not entirely trust his new Master-at-Arms. "I think I will leave that up to your discretion, chief," he said slowly, "since you seem to have a handle on things already."

“Will do, sir,” he said. Then he thought about what the Lieutenant had said about it being a productive exercise. “You mentioned it could be something productive. I could look into the game for you and see if it has any merit in actually training the enlisted security personnel.”

Aaron smiled at the man's reference to his earlier observation of the situation. It not only showed an awareness of one's surroundings but also implied an ability to take the initiative when appropriate without overstepping one's bounds. "I don't see why not," he replied, "I'd be interested in hearing any ideas you might have."

“Alright then, sir. I’ll get right on it. And I think I know who to talk to first.” Chief Harmon was thinking of the redheaded Crewman that he initially met outside the forward torpedo bay. “Crewman Benoit was their lookout.” He chuckled a little. “And a pretty bad one, at that. But she tried to stall me when I was going in. It’s my understanding that she knows more about the game than she lets on. She’ll be the first one I speak to.”

"Sounds like as good a place to start as any," Aaron agreed. The situation itself was not something that was going to require his direct attention and it did seem like the perfect opportunity to see how the new Master-at-Arms went about doing things. So long as they made sure to keep each other on the same page, he saw no reason not to let the chief proceed on his own at this point.

Devon waited for a few seconds, hesitant. “Lieutenant, permission to speak freely?” He suspected it might throw Aaron off for a second. But he hadn’t yet had a chance to talk to the Security Chief off the record.

"Of course," Aaron said automatically. He really hadn't had all that much of a chance to get to know some of the newest members of his department since they had come aboard after the Malinche's arrival at the starbase. Still, it seemed like Chief Harmon knew what he was doing, which could go a long way toward helping him acclimate to how things were done aboard the Malinche.

“What kind of a mission did this ship just come off of? I mean, I see all kinds of repair teams all over the place. And some of the crew members seem to be taking more of an advantage of the shore leave than others.” Devon was very curious concerning the Malinche’s last mission. This ship’s crew seemed a lot more relaxed on this shoreleave than any other crew he had served with in the past.

Aaron opened his mouth to respond, but closed it again without speaking. Their previous mission had certainly made an impact upon the entire crew beyond the physical evidence left behind in the form of damage sustained to the ship itself. He couldn’t blame the chief for wanting to know a bit more about what happened, especially when it was something which would probably affect his ability to interact with other members of the crew, but there was the issue of who they had found themselves up against which gave Aaron reason to pause. It was no secret that Starfleet had made quite the effort to keep information about the Mirror Universe contained and for good reason. There was no telling how the knowledge of an alternate universe like theirs would impact the general population, to say nothing of how that information could be abused by those with less than good-natured intentions.

Harm just sat there and waited. The Lieutenant had opened and then immediately closed his mouth. And then just sat there. At first Devon thought it was pretty odd. But then Lieutenant Masterson looked like he was deep in thought. Devon wondered what he was deep in thought about. Especially in regards to his question. But he just waited for a response.

“How familiar are you with the Mirror Universe, chief,” Aaron asked. There was really no good way to go about this and, as a senior member of the ship’s enlisted crew, the man had just as much right to know as anyone else.

Chief Harmon was caught a little off guard by the Lieutenant’s question. He was thinking it might have been something intense, but not quite that much so. He hadn’t heard the words ‘Mirror Universe’ used in any context except in rumors. And that had been fifteen, maybe twenty years ago. “Well, sir, all I know has come from rumors I heard fifteen to twenty years ago. Other than that, nothing.”

Probably better that way, Aaron mused silently as he thought about their most recent encounter with those from the "other side". Having seen only a glimpse was enough for Aaron to understand why Starfleet had done its best to keep such information under wraps. He could only imagine what people might think if they were to find out about this alternate reality.

"Well, based on what we saw during our last mission, it's certainly not a place I'd be interested in visiting anytime soon," he said after a moment, "and I'm sure there are others who would feel the same way. They somehow managed to get a few ships into our universe to test some sort of superweapon..."

“Superweapon?” said Devon, a surprised tone to his otherwise inquisitive voice. “That wouldn’t have been good at all. Well, it’s no wonder that there are so many repair teams, then.” He gave another thought to what was just said. “Was it ever discovered how they got the ships into our universe?” That was rather unsettling to the Chief.

Aaron shook his head slowly from side to side. That was one of the bigger questions they had not been able to figure out, though he was certain some part of the debriefings undergone by Lieutenant Setak would have included questioning along those lines. It was, perhaps fortunately, a series of proceedings which Aaron had not been included in. "We ended up fending off an attack by several vessels from the Mirror Universe," he explained, "but we never found their point of origin."

Devon shook his head. “At least they were…dispatched. Or I hope they were,” he said, then sighed. “I guess the Federation will have to keep on it’s toes for a while.” He shifted in his chair. This talk about the Mirror Universe didn’t set well. Especially since no one found where they came from.

"Yes," Aaron agreed, nodding, "Yes we will."

OFF

A Joint Mission Post by:

Chief Petty Officer Devon Harmon
Chief of the Boat & Master-at-Arms
USS Malinche NCC-38997-A

and

[Kersare]

ON:
<<Imperial Romulan Warbird Jatrel, Commander's Mess, Day 0, 0700>>

Sub Lieutenant N'saad(NPC) had remembered a time in which he had greatly looked forward to the informal meals with his superiors, after serving aboard the Jatrel for more than seven years he had seen many officers come and go and had many fond memories of getting to know them well, often while dining at the Commanders table. There was no levity in the room this morning nor was there any of the jovial discourse to which he had become accustomed. The conversation had been dry, consisting mostly of reports of news from Romulus and as it had been since the disaster months before the news was typically bad. The death toll had not stopped rising nor had the general anxiety within the Empire as the various factions vied for supremacy within the provisional government structure that had been established to maintain the rule of law. N'saad, as the ship's chief communications officer was often dealt the task of delivering most of the unfortunate news to his comrades and the job had soured him toward the shared meals, often times he wished for the solemn gatherings to simply remain silent.

"The survivors in Shakara province are still in desperate need of medical supplies," N'saad continued after his moment of lamentation. "The provisional government on the home world is demanding that colony worlds release their stockpiles of medicine for immediate transport but the colonies' governors are reluctant. I believe they are concerned that their own populations could be at risk should their supplies be dwindled."

S'Vol (NPC) glanced around discreetly, watching the reactions of her crew. Some of the news hardly phased them now, which partly had the Commander concerned. Then again, it was part of a defense mechanism and allowed them to continue on with their duties, despite the loss of so many of their people. She knew what their current mission was, but for now remained silent, instead giving her First Officer an almost imperceptible nod to indicate that he could explain.

Subcommander D’Urak (NPC) swallowed his bite of viinerine. He caught the look from the Commander as he set down his glass of kali-fal. “It is true that the majority of the governors are reluctant to relinquish their medical supplies. However, there are a few that have been persuaded to do so. For the good of what’s left of the Empire, of course.” He took another drink. “It is one such shipment which we are carrying back to Romulus.” D’Urak was a cold, hard Romulan. He had seen many things in his service to the Empire. Many of which made him the way he was. Stating the blunt facts as they were, came very natural to him.

"Persuaded," Lieutenant Jenora(NPC), the ship's medical officer, grunted mockingly under her breath. It was well known and quite unspoken that on many colony worlds the local governments had been infiltrated and occupied by the Tal Shiar's elite; any Governors who refused the orders of the Senate quickly found themselves reconsidering at the end of a disruptor. The moment of silence that followed her comment caused the young Romulan to glance up from her plate only to find all of the eyes in the room upon her. Clearing her throat to release the tension that suddenly welled up there she quickly corrected her mistake, "I mean to say that in such dire times no persuasion should be necessary."

Looking to the Commander, N'saad opted to change the subject before Jenora, the Jatrel's newest officer, found herself being 'persuaded' as well, "we are due to arrive at Romulus in two days. Have we received orders for our next assignment Commander?"

"No, we have not. I expect the Empire will inform us of our next orders shortly, so that we can start any preparations before we've even arrived at Romulus," S'Vol replied matter-of-factly. Their current mission didn't exactly have time-intensive tasks that kept everyone occupied, so it would make sense to get their new assignment soon. Of course, it was just as likely that they would be sent on another mission to retrieve additional supplies from a colony world.

The next few moments of silence allowed D’Urak to think of something other than the current mission. He needed to check the latest reports from Romulus as soon as possible. Among the death tolls, status reports, and inquiries might be some news regarding his brother’s whereabouts. His brother, Melkor , had not been heard from yet. The last bit of information that D’Urak had was that Melkor was in his office when the destruction hit the Senate. He was an aide to one of the Senators. The Senator’s name escaped D’Urak at the moment, but it was of no importance. What mattered to him was the safety of his brother.

D’Urak took another drink and looked around the table.

It was during the moment of silence with senior staff contemplating the Commander's words that Colonel Rasek entered the room, the hiss of the door breaking the silence with stark relief. The Colonel was the ships assigned political officer, a Tal Shiar representative responsible for ensuring that the crew, particularly the senior officers always made decisions that were in the best interest of the empire. Not physically imposing, Rasek was under average size for a Romulan male but his icy glare and reputation for ruthless attention to detail gave him a somewhat severe aspect. Meeting the gaze of those already seated before proceeding to the one empty chair at the table the Colonel let the silence linger, it had been some time since he had joined the senior officers for a meal and the others were undoubtedly contemplating his presences implications. So long had it been since his last attendance that his customary seat at the end of the long table, opposite the Commander, had no place setting or eating ware; no matter however, he had not come to dine.

"A certain Praetor once said 'let not my lack of presence be interpreted as presence lacking'," Rasek uttered in a rhetorical tone as he seated himself. The Praetor of whom he spoke had been known for her obsession with information awareness and had long ago overseen the creation of the Romulan intelligence service. With a dubious glance around the table he concluded, "For I am always watching..."

S'Vol's eyes slid discreetly toward Rasek. By no means did she need a reminder that he was always watching; she was well aware of the fact. While she didn't particularly enjoy having someone watching over her shoulder all the time, she found that less offensive than when he would override her orders and undermine her authority. Unfortunately, S'Vol didn't have say in those matters and thus far hadn't needed to do anything unsavory enough to try refusing. That was a day she would dread - the day she could no longer remain silent and let the Tal Shiar take over.

D’Urak looked up from his plate long enough for his eyes to meet Rasek’s, then continued eating. After swallowing a bite, he looked up again. “Shall I have a setting brought out for you, Colonel?” he said, emotionless. The Sub-commander did not like the Tal Shiar. He didn’t care for any of them or their counterparts, especially the Dominion’s version. They were all nothing more than fear-mongers using scare tactics, and sometimes physical brutalities, to bend people to their will.

"No Sub Commander," Rasek replied with a dismissive wave of his hand. "That won't be necessary. My presence this morning is not a casual formality and as such I must demand you and the Commander as a private audience."

D’Urak put his fork down. Of course not, he thought. The last statement, though caused him to sit back and turn his gaze up on the Commander. This is not going to end well, he thought.

While she wasn't surprised, S'Vol was none too pleased about Rasek's demand. Looking at him with an even gaze, she addressed the others, "The Sub Commander and I need to have a conversation with the Colonel, the rest of you are dismissed."

The Colonel stood from his seat and eyed the officers individually as they departed, intentionally letting his gaze linger on Lieutenant Jenora longer than the others. She was a fine young officer and no less loyal to the Empire than the rest but unlike the others she had not yet learned to mind her tongue. Rasek would be sure to 'persuade' the young officer at a later time. As the door slid shut he tapped a few commands into a control console on the wall, ensuring the door was locked and any listening devices planted within the room were deactivated before returning to his seat.

"While I agree that the delivery of medicines to the homeworld is an important mission," Rasek started as he removed a PADD from his tunic's pocket. "The Tal Shiar has another mission for you, Commander, that trumps all others at this time. I am not at liberty to discuss the finer details with you just yet but you are hereby ordered to alter course and proceed into Federation space under cloak at maximum warp."

Of course he wasn't authorized to, he never was. S'Vol raised an eyebrow, "Bringing needed medicine and supplies to our own people is no longer important enough? This must be some mission to divert us from returning with life-saving medical supplies." There was a slim chance the Colonel would respond, but she highly doubted that he would acknowledge her comments. Instead, she continued, "And exactly where in Federation space do you expect me to go? The Federation's area of space isn't exactly small, Colonel." She watched D'Urak out of the corner of her eye, trying to see his reaction.

Rasek smiled slightly as he lay the PADD he had carried in on the table and rested his clasped hands on top of it, a gesture intended to emphasize the fact that he alone held all of the answers that the Commander undoubtedly sought. The Colonel had always admired S'vol, both professionally and personally, her dedication to the Empire, but she had made it clear that she did not hold him in the same esteem. It was no matter ultimately, Rasek rather enjoyed toying with the veteran officer and her crew, took pleasure in the multitude of ways that his station could make the others bristle.

"Our mission will take us near Earth," Rasek offered in his usual non-revealing tone. The notion of traveling into the heart of enemy space would surely cause some resistance from the officers seated before him but ultimately they would have little choice. "You can set a course for the Sol system... And yes Commander, all necessary precautions have been taken, you needn't worry yourself about us being discovered."

D’Urak sat in silence the whole time. His jaw tightened as the Tal Shiar officer placed the health of their people at such a low priority. As Rasek then demanded that S’Vol head to Federation space at maximum warp, his once cool heart had turned icy. This…this…Romulan was demanding they fly straight into harm’s way. Of course necessary precautions had been taken. They were the Tal Shiar. The arrogant, narcissistic, self-righteous Tal Shiar. D’Urak took a deep breath. “And I suppose that the Starfleet engineers have somehow forgotten how to scan for the tachyon emissions and residual antiprotons of a cloaked Warbird? Did the Tal Shiar take that into consideration when they took all necessary precautions?”

"Sub Commander, do you really believe that the Tal Shiar, that I, would send this ship into a potentially deadly situation without being prepared?" Rasek leveled an equally icy glare at the ship's first officer. He didn't much like the man's tone and had the situation been different would have called him on it but the Colonel needed the crew in their positions if his plan was to succeed. At least for the time being. "Your engineering department has already received orders to begin modifying the cloak to counter any Starfleet detection grids, we have attained the proper frequencies to avoid detection. The Humans will have no clue that our vessel has breached their perimeter and will remain ignorant as we pass by their own home system. Your concerns, while understandable, are not warranted; this mission is larger than us and whether you like it or not it is already in motion. You will proceed as ordered!"

The more information she received, not that it was much, the less she liked. this particular mission. In the end, she knew there was little choice but to go along with what Rasek ordered, but that didn't mean she had to simply obey quietly. "I suppose the Tal Shiar also realizes that the Federation has been assisting us since the tragedy on Romulus... And I can't think of why we would be going into Federation space, cloaked, towards Earth, unless it is to either spy or create some form of trouble for the Humans. Why risk their wrath when our people need whatever help they can get? Why risk sending us on a potentially suicidal mission. I understand you have your orders that you're going to force us to follow regardless, Colonel, but my crew and I would like to know why exactly we may have to die for our people needlessly," S'Vol said, feeling her anger rising. While she wasn't necessarily sympathetic to the Humans, her first loyalty was to her crew and her people; thus far she had no evidence that this latest mission would benefit either.

Colonel Rasek stood suddenly and with his hand resting on the grip of his Disruptor he shot a dangerous glare between the ships two senior most officers. "Commander," he began, his tone bearing a lethal finality. "While I can understand a degree of hesitancy your objections are bordering on insubordination. You have been given your orders and all of the information that you need to know at this time. I expect you to carry out my orders now, if you will not..." Rasek's hand tightened on his disruptor and his jaw hardened, "I will find someone who can."

D'Urak’s eye caught the Colonel’s hand resting on his disruptor. The loyal Romulan moved closer to his Commander and slightly in front her. There was no way he was going to let this Tal Shiar Nhaidh, this sewage of the Empire, shoot her. If anything, his jumping in front of the shot would give her enough time to draw her weapon and return fire.

Remaining silent for the time being, S'Vol considered her options. She certainly wasn't comfortable with this...mission, but then again she rarely was when it involved Rasek. For the time being, however, the mission wasn't as bad as some others he'd sent her on and she would be better prepared and in a better position if she went along with things. "I understand Colonel. Once the engineers have finished modifications, we will alter course," she replied, managing only a slightly icy tone.

The Colonel curled his lip and snorted in disgust as the Commander caved, he had hoped that she would stand her ground and give him cause to shoot but he would have no such pleasure. His gaze shifted between the officers before him once more before he turned on his heel and made for the door, his voice echoing back through as he went out into the hall beyond, "See that we do Commander. See that we do."

D’Urak watched as the Colonel left the Commander’s Mess. Upon the closing of the doors, he turned to S’Vol. The hatred and rage he felt against the Tal Shiar had not yet subsided, though he had gotten it under control. Through obvious restraint, he said to the Commander, “Is there something I can do to ensure that the Colonel doesn’t trouble your morning meal again, Commander?”

"If only," S'Vol answered, half to herself. The Romulan shook her head as she turned to her Executive Officer, "No, Sub Commander...as bad as he is, we could be in a far worse position than we are currently. For now we must bide our time. Our first responsibility must be to our people and this crew. Right now it is in all our interests to cooperate. We shall see what is truly going on when he decides to give us more information...perhaps then we can do something that would make a difference." What that might be, she did not know, but making a move now would not help. For the time being, watching and waiting was the best option.

OFF: JP brought to you by:

Sub Commander D'Urak (NPC)
Executive Officer
IRW Jatrel
played by: CPO Harmon

and

Sub Lieutenant N'saad (NPC)
Chief Communications Officer
IRW Jatrel
played by: Prov Lt Setak

and

Lieutenant Jenora (NPC)
Chief Medical Officer
IRW Jatrel
played by: Prov Lt Setak

and

Colonel Rasek
Tal Shiar Political Officer
IRW Jatrel
played by: Prov Lt Setak

and

Commander S'Vol
Commanding Officer
IRW Jatrel
played by:

[Drexel]

OFF: This is a backpost

ON:

<<USS Malinche, Isabel's quarters, Day -1 Revised Timeline, 1845>>

Already back for a little while, Isabel had been doing additional research into some of the ideas the officers had come up with in the original timeline. She was planning to call Nora into her office, but found that in this timeline the Malinche was getting a new Chief Intelligence Officer and Nora was supposed to meet with him. Pausing, Isabel shook her head wistfully; the littlest things could create changes in the timeline. Though she wasn't sure what had caused the change, she was glad to know they'd have a Chief Intelligence Officer.

Curious, she pulled up the new officer's service record. At least she would have the chance to look through it before meeting him - Arron Drexel apparently, even if it was something of a last minute transfer. Isabel was nearly into the section regarding Arron's time at Academy when she heard her door chime, "Come in."

Arron took a deep breath as he entered the Captain's quarters. He was already frustrated by his initial meeting with the XO, and so he felt it was critical things go smoothly with his new Captain. A woman, obviously the Captain judging by the rank on her collar, sat behind a desk looking down at her computer. Arron, holding his PADD with the latest intelligence report, approached.

Isabel glanced up, then looked back at her console quickly before smiling and standing, "Lieutenant JG Drexel, welcome aboard." Apparently it was good that she had chosen to start looking at her new Chief Intelligence Officer's service record as she could now recognize him. She motioned for him to join her and extended her hand, "I'm Captain Isabel Kersare, Commanding Officer of the USS Malinche."

Arron shook the Captain's hand firmly, appreciating her familiarity with his name and face. "I hope I am not interrupting Captain, I don't make a habit of showing up unannounced, but I just arrived and have discovered my department has been somewhat...neglectful of their responsibilities to this ship." Arron was confident he had worded himself in such a way as to not sound accusingly towards his new Commanding Officer, as if it was her fault.

"Not at all, Lieutenant, please have a seat," Isabel replied as she sat back down. "Actually I rarely get advanced notice of new arrivals, so the fact that I knew you were coming is something of a victory," she grinned. Growing more serious, she frowned slightly at the mention of the Intel department's responsibilities. "Unfortunately I don't believe the Intelligence Department has been operating as well as it could as of late...but I'm sure that can be remedied. Did you have some thoughts about it, Mr. Drexel?"

Arron nodded, keeping his facial expression even, though underneath the facade he was quite relieved that the Captain was apparently keen to hear him out. "I had the opportunity to meet up with my team, and it's come to my attention that my predecessor was lackadaisical in briefing you about certain things coming through Star Fleet Intelligence. Surely you are kept aware of critical information via Star Fleet Command, but in my experience it would be impossible for a Commanding Officer to remain appraised of everything going on in a relevant sector that is pertinent to the ship and its mission. If my department does not have the opportunity to brief you, and perhaps even the Chief of Security on at least a weekly basis, how can we function as a well tuned machine? A disconnect between the intelligence department, the security department, and the command staff could be potentially crippling to our efficiency." Arron realized he had been talking without giving Kersare a chance to respond. He smiled at the Captain, "Forgive me Captain, the politician in me tends to ramble on a bit, when provided an opportunity."

"You did spend some time as a politician before joining StarFleet, so it certainly doesn't surprise me," Isabel noted, recalling the information she'd read not long ago. "Though I have known some Sikarians to ramble. In any event, Lieutenant, I do agree that having a disconnect between the departments could be troublesome. During some of our missions, I feel we could have benefited from additional information that either Intelligence didn't have or didn't think to share. If we can be a little more coordinated, I think it will be very beneficial."

It was at that point that Kersare had won Drexel's loyalty. He had always respected those in charge who took his opinions seriously. Whether they agreed with them or not was not an issue. In order to respect the person you served under, you had to feel like you were worth something to them. It hadn't taken Drexel long to feel that the Captain of the Malinche was a strong leader who took all of her officers seriously. "Thank you Captain. I will have my team pour through the latest intel reports and will have something for you in the next 24 hours."

Isabel smiled, "That would be wonderful. The sooner we put it into action, the better. Do take some time to settle in and familiarize yourself with the ship and the crew though." Her eyes moved to her console for a moment before turning back to Arron. She could read through the official service record later; for now she had the actual person right in front of her. "I know that I put in a request for a new Chief Intelligence Officer, but were you simply given orders, or did you ask to transfer to the Malinche? And don't worry, it isn't a trick question, I'm simply curious."

"I requested the Malinche. Not because of anything specific about this ship, but more because I felt I had grown to my potential in my current surroundings on the Washington. Growth is important to me. I haven't had what I would consider to be a typical life, and the drive to better myself has kept me from falling victim to my own...mistakes." Arron fought the images of his face plastered all over the media and the shame he brought to his family 10 years ago.

Nodding, Isabel mulled over his response before saying, "And what did you think of the previous crews and ships you served on? I'm afraid I didn't quite make it through your entire service record before you arrived, but I imagine you have more information than this will tell me anyway."

Arron appreciated the effort the Captain was putting into getting to know him. It seemed she had many of the same qualities about knowing your crew that he himself believed in. "My first assignment, the USS Fairchild, would best be described as grind. I couldn't get into the Intelligence field as there were no openings, so I had to fall back on my flight training. I knew that if I just worked through it that it would pay off. It wasn't easy, and I certainly didn't enjoy it. But while I may seem like a over-confident, arrogant prick, I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth either. Everything I have achieved in this life was through hard work, and a determination to reach the top. I knew if i was patient, things would open up for me. Eventually a posting in my field opened up on the USS Washington." Arron could still remember the thrill of reading his orders to transfer to the Washington. "Honestly" he continued, "The Washington is where my career took off."

Isabel leaned back slightly in her chair, taking in the information that her newest officer was sharing. He was certainly honest, which was good. Or at least he gave the appearance of being honest...Isabel preferred to believe that that truly was the case, but considering some of the officers she'd had in her Intelligence department and her mother's work in Intelligence, she knew they were good at letting people see or know what they wanted them to.

"I was the first to discover and crack a new decryption technique being used by a rogue Ferengi arms dealer. It was my first of several similar successes. But my proudest accomplishment was when I took a team undercover to subvert a Cardassian political party that threatened to destabilize the rebuilding efforts on Cardassia. I spent 6 months under cover with my team, before we finally were able to dismantle the party from the inside."

"It sounds like you're quite accomplished, Mr. Drexel," Isabel noted aloud. Was he trying to impress her or just explain more fully what he had done? She tried to shake the thoughts from her mind; perhaps the knowledge of the saboteur had made her more paranoid...

"I guess you could say I have a talent to deceive, inveigle, and obfuscate. But...then again what politician doesn't?" Arron said with a sly grin. "I really enjoyed my time on the Washington, my closest friends serve aboard it, but like I mentioned, I had reached my potential on board. I wont lie to you Captain, I am an ambitious man, and one day, I will be running Star Fleet Intelligence. The Malinche is not a destination vessel for me. I will work my ass off for you and this crew, but my sights are set higher."

Isabel smiled slightly, "I appreciate your honesty and will certainly appreciate your dedication. Some are happy to remain where they are when they find a place that suits them, others have their sights set on a different place. Regardless of what one's goal is, it's good to know what you want and work towards it." By now, she'd seen so many crew come and go that she was used to the fact that her crew was always changing. A few had stayed with her for quite a while, but many did not. "That in mind," she continued, "if there's anything you need or any questions you have, please let myself or Lieutenant Commander Zeral know. Have you met her yet?"

Although inwardly Arron laughed at the thought of his awkward first meeting with the XO, his face betrayed no sign of what he was thinking. "I have" Arron said with a curt nod. Arron thought back to what Zeral had said about not telling anyone about their encounter on the Starbase. Arron trusted that Nora was keeping her side of the deal, and there was no reason what so ever to let the Captain know that he had already tried to "hook-up" with her. "She seems like a very capable officer, and I look forward to working with her on a regular basis." Arron said truthfully.

"I'm glad to hear it," answered Isabel. Pausing, she considered if there was anything else she needed from Arron. Not thinking of anything, she said, "Well, welcome aboard, Lieutenant. I can't think of anything else I need to speak with you about at this point and I'm sure you're eager to get settled in. As I said though, just let me know if you need anything." Offering a smile, she stood.

Taking the hint, Arron got to his feet. "I will do that Captain." As he left he mentally ticked off his list, he had met his team, the CO and XO, now all he needed to do was settle into his quarters. The Captain came off as very experienced, and Arron had no feelings of regret about transferring to the Malinche.


OFF: This has been a joint post by:

Captain Isabel Kersare
Commanding Officer
USS Malinche NCC-38997-A

and

[Thundera]

ON:
<<Personal Craft-Black Panther(Borg Technology Modified Delta Flyer)>>
<Heading to USS Malinche at SB422, Revised Timeline Day -1, 1600hrs>

Cheetara's alcove powered down and woke her up. She longed for the day when she could finish getting the implants removed.

"Computer, how long until we reach the Malinche?" She began questioning the ship's computer.

*chirp chirp* "Destination arrival in approximately 2 hours." the computer replied answering extra relevant information as Cheetara had reprogrammed it to do.

Cheetara walked over to the replicator to get her evening nutrients. "Dinner meal number 22," She stated quietly as she was still waking up.

The replicator ions swirled around materializing one of her many pre-programmed meals. Tonight's meal consisted of a brown sugar meatloaf with mashed potatoes and collard greens along with a glass of extra sweet iced tea.

She took her meal and went over to the small table in the corner of the back room and began eating. Moments later as she finished her meal, she received a subspace message. She picked up her dishes and put them back in the replicator. "Dispose." she ordered, and they vanished back into the nothing from which they had came.

She proceeded to the cockpit to check her message. She tapped a few buttons and the computers voice came over the speakers. "Secure message. Please enter authorization".

What could it be now? UGh, She thought to herself before responding. "Authorization Alpha 275 Thundera "

The message appeared giving her reminding her of her orders. Once she arrived at SB422, to report to the USS Malinche returning as the Chief Science Officer.

<1800hrs>

Arriving at SB422 Cheetara began contact procedures for docking. "Computer open a channel to the Malinche."

*chirp* "Channel open," came the reply

"Black Panther to USS Malinche," Cheetara said without turning on the viewscreen. She didn't feel that she really needed to for such an simple procedure.

"Malinche here, go ahead," came a reply.

"This is Lieutenant Cheetara Thundera, returning Chief Science Officer requesting permission to dock."

"Permission granted. Welcome back Lieutenant. Malinche out." said an unfamiliar voice. Cheetara had read the crew manifest and noticed several new additions and subtractions from the way she remembered it.

With open channel closed and the ship was once again quiet. Cheetara switched to manual thrusters as she glided around to the shuttle bay for docking. It was a mess. There were repair crews working all over the outside. She could just imagine what the inside looked like. The bay doors opened slowly, seeming to take forever. Just as slowly she maneuvered her ship into the bay. She landed and the bay doors closed once more.

Alot seems to have changed around here, she thought to herself as she gathered her belongings. "Computer, site to site transport to my quarters aboard the USS Malinche," she ordered. A blue glow surrounded her body and the beam began disassembling her molecules and sending them to the Malinche.

<<USS Malinche>>
<Personal Quarters, Revised Timeline Day -1, 1820>

After setting down her things, she walked around the room noticing it was just as she left it. Kesare must have known I would be back, nothing was changed, she thought to herself. All the room modifications were still in tact. She walked over to her desk, sat down, and sent the Captain a message informing her that she had arrived and would be available whenever she was ready to met up and talk about everything that had went on.

After tapping a few buttons on the screen, Cheetara downloaded all the Science Department information and began reading over it.

OFF: Tag anyone.

[Rabb]

ON:

<<USS Malinche>>
<Personal Quarters, Deck 3, Revised Timeline Day -1, 1900 hours>

Stacy set about placing all her personal belongings in her quarters. She wanted to make it as homey as she could. The old earth Reubens portraits ordained her wall; "The Judgement of Paris" was among her favorites. During her time at the Academy, Stacy had acquired a taste for ancient art works depicting the Greek myths. There would be plenty of time to set up her holodeck programs like the ancient battle of Troy, which she had won numerous times, and the voyages of Odysseus.

=/\= Computer, locate all off duty flight control officers and advise them of a meeting in ten minutes in my office. =/\=

As the computer chirped an acknowledgement, Stacy changed into one of her favorite outfits to relax. She wanted to meet her team in leisure, rather than in a formal stuffy attitude. Stacy powdered her nose and left for her office on Deck 2.

<Deck 2, 1915 hours>

Stacy walked into her office. 'Chief Flight Control Officer Stacy Rabb' was already imprinted on the plexi glass front. Stacy stopped just inside the office, looking around the room at each piece of furniture. "Very modern...and very stuffy."

She sat down at the desk and activated the computer. Stacy pulled up the profile of her new Assistant Chief Conn Officer, Lieutenant,jg Austin Flanders(NPC). His record thus far was not especially exemplary, but then whose was these days. Then there was Ensign Sychorski(NPC), Ensign Razeldazzle(NPC), Ensign Krakatow(NPC) and Warrant Officer Topher(NPC), Lieutenant,jg Doram(NPC), Ensign Lyria(NPC), Warrant Officer Roen(NPC), Ensign Thornton(NPC). Stacy scrolled down the list of officers, non-coms and enlisted in her department.

"Mostly Terrans and one Tellarite. I've never worked with a Tellarite before, that'll be interesting. I always thought Tellarites were engineers or something."

Her officers started filling in, mostly in off duty attire, one or two still in uniform. Stacy thought to herself she'd have to schedule a flight control department briefing before the ship departed from 422. As there were not enough seats, her staff merely stood. The office was getting a little stuffy with so many bodies. Stacy nodded to each person as they entered her office. She had hoped it would be a bit larger than it was, but as the saying goes, beggars can't be choosers.

After a few minutes, all her officers were assembled, and cramped. "Hello everyone. I am Lieutenant Stacy Rabb, your new Chief. I'll make this brief as there isn't enough room in here for a Denebian Slime Devil." She caught a few smirks on that remark, which made her feel a little at ease.

"I like to run a tight ship, so to speak. If there is a problem on your shift, deal with it in an orderly fashion. Never be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. The only stupid question is the one not asked. I expect you all know your jobs and do them well. As long as you do your job we should have no problems."

Stacy stepped from behind her desk and into the adjoining corner to get a better view and also to not appear as a desk jocky. "Second topic: Drama. I don't like it and I don't want to see or hear it in this department. I just spent three years fighting drama because the executive officer thrived on it. Fortunately for me, I had the commanding officer in my corner." Stacy thought to herself 'and in my bed'. She smiled a little bit but caught herself.

"So, with that, I'd like to have a readiness report from the duty officer in an hour. We will also hold a department briefing before departing Starbase 422. Questions?"

Stacy looked around the cramped room, heads shaking negative.

"Alright then, let's get back to whatever it was you were doing. I'll see you all later. Thank you. Dismissed."

Her officers milled out of her office and she could breath again. "Whew. Now....to find the missing Lieutenant Flanders(NPC)."

OFF

[Rabb]

<<USS Malinche>>
<CFO office, revised timeline -1, 2000 hours>

Following the meeting of the flight department heads, Anara (PNPC) waited for the others to leave the room before she approached the new Chief. She straightened her uniform and walked over to Stacy. "Lieutenant Rabb." She stood at attention.

"Hello, Warrant Officer. I'm sorry, you are?"

"Warrant Roen Anara." She extended her hand as a gesture, knowing humans preferred handshakes. "I wanted to get a more personal introduction."

"Thank you." Stacy accepted the extended handshake. "I was hoping you would make it with the rest of the officers. You would be our Shuttlebay Chief right? Please, at ease."

"Indeed." The Bajoran replied with a nod and a smile at her grip. "And a combat pilot as need be. You are more fit than most Starfleet officers I have yet met." Having been Militia and fitness minded herself, Anara could appreciate a superior of the same standard.

Stacy had to remind herself this was a proud Bajoran woman; she would be able to smell fear or lack of resolve, or so an old friend had told her. "Thank you Chief, I appreciate that. I do try to keep myself in top shape. Never know when a Klingon is going to put his grungy hands on you....only to get it back as a stub." Stacy smiled.

Anara smirked. "Well stated." It seemed the two were off to a good start with the humor at least.

"Please, have a seat. I was hoping I could talk with someone who's been around the ship a while."

The bajoran made her way to the senior officer's desk where they sat at respective positions. In typical fashion, she sat straight with a leg crossed neatly over another and her hands settled on the knee. "How can I help you, Ma'am?"

"Well", Stacy started, "I really just want to know what I am up against here. Profiles and reports are one thing; real life is another."

"What sort of information are you interested in? Pilots, officers, the Captain?" Roen asked curiously. She could understand the purpose, but wanted to answer conservatively.

"Well, mind you I'm the new kid on the block so to speak. I don't want to put my foot in my mouth around here and get a bad taste in the Skipper's mouth. Are there any....peculiarities that I should know about?"

Anara thought for a moment. "Well," She began. "The Captain is rather personable. She values work but seems to value camaraderie as high. That said, I am still working on feeling that distinction out myself. If I may, have you had any issues with that in the past?"

"No, I just don't want to get off on the wrong foot. What's the flight department like? Anyone that needs a good kick in the pants?"

Anara smirked. She could think of a few, but was being nice. "Usually." She replied with a wink. "I deal with them on a need-to-kick basis, Ma'am. The Mali's operating style is a lot different than when I was on the Hamilton or for that matter the Militia. It's growing on me though."

Stacy leaned back and crossed one leg over the other. Leaning on her desk with one arm, she leaned her head against her hand. "Well, I have never served on this class of starship before; ironically my entire career has been spent on Excelsior class ships. I don't know how I got away with that, but I got so bored I could walk from one end to the other with my eyes closed. I actually tried that once. I want to run a top notch department, but I also want people to feel at ease to do their jobs."

"Understood." The chief responded. "Sounds like you took this assignment for a step up in activity. For me it is...the opposite." Her pause was deeply reflective, though she tried not to show it. "You can count on me though, Ma'am."

Stacy caught herself almost dazing in the past. "Well, that's all anyone can ask, isn't it?" She stood, extending her hand. "Thanks for the chat. I'll see you in the shuttlebay; from time to time that is. I like to get some flight time in too."

"As do I." Anara replied as she stood to attention and returned the gesture. "A pilot is always a pilot."

Stacy smiled as Anara left the office. Now, she needed to find out where Lieutenant Flanders (PNPC) was, so out the door she went.

OFF:

A joint post brought to you by:

Warrant Officer Roen Anara(PNPC)
Shuttlebay Manager
USS Malinche NCC-38897-A
played by: Lt JG N'rass

and

[Kai]

[[SS Feldenost, Guest Quarters, Revised Timeline – USS Malinche Revised Timeline Mission Day -1, 2145]]

Brianna hated being late. It went against the very fiber of her being. She was always meticulous when it came to organizing things; especially her duty calendar. She was supposed to arrive at the Starbase where the Malinche was docked hours ago. But because of that ridiculous argument between the Ferengi and the Captain of the frigate she had bought passage on, she was now late. Fortunately for her, there was word that the USS Malinche was still in dock for some extended repairs. Hopefully, they would still be there tomorrow morning.

[[0345, USS Malinche Revised Timeline Mission Day 0]]

Brianna woke to the gruff sound of the captain’s voice over the comm system. “Rise and shine. We’ve arrived at Starbase 422 and started docking procedures. All you who were so lucky to be ferried on my fine ship, get your things together and be ready to disembark. That is all.”

Brianna groaned and threw the covers back. She sat up and took a few deep breaths. A quick shower later, she put on her regular clothes and started packing what she had with her. She guessed that by the time she found the Malinche it would still be too early to report to anyone or find her quarters. And at this time of day, there really wouldn’t be anything open on the Starbase. Sitting at an empty table for over two hours had no real appeal for her. But there wasn’t much else to do at four-o-clock in the morning on a Starbase. She gathered up her remaining things in the two bags and left.

[[Starbase 422, Dining Area, 0355]]

Ensign Kai sat there, bags at her feet, pondering what her day might be like. She thought that she should at least report in and let her new bosses, or at least someone, know that she had arrived. It was possible that, because they were still on shore leave, there might not be anyone to report to. And with any luck, she would be dismissed and enjoy a few extra hours of catch-up sleep. Yeah, that would be the best.

After thirty minutes of counting the dots on the ceiling of the restaurant, Brianna resorted to her old fall-back, sketching. She pulled a pad of heavy weight paper from her bag along with a set of charcoal pencils. She couldn’t help but smile a little as she did so. The paper and pencils were her going away present from Candace…her adopted sister. Bri opened the pad, took out a pencil, and looked around for something to sketch. There wasn’t much in the restaurant’s dining area that captured her attention. And all that was left was the interior of the Starbase with a few people milling around. Deciding it was better than nothing, Bri began sketching that. Her obsessive-compulsive perfectionism led to her sitting there for hours getting the details correct of the large, open room.

Around five and five-thirty, Bri noticed that the restaurant owners and cooks were filtering in and getting their businesses up and going. Civilians and Starfleet officers started showing up around six-thirty. She liked this as it gave her more people to sketch into her picture. Bri put her paper and pencils away shortly after seven. Not only was she finished with her picture, but she was sleepy and could smell the coffee brewing. She scrounged around in the bottom of her bag for anything that she could sell or trade to get something with which to buy some coffee. Nothing. Her only option was to lug her bags onto and around the USS Malinche until she found the mess hall. Sighing heavily and picking up her bags, Ensign Kai headed to where the Malinche was docked.

[N'rass]

<USS Malinche, Main engineering, Revised day 0, 1021 hrs>

"Computer," L'Randil paged as she walked through Engineering on her morning rounds. "Locate the Assistant Chief Engineer."

"Ensign Krem is on Engineering deck two, Docking clamp control room."

"Thank you." She reflexively responded although the computer saw no such manners. The caitian put her data padd back on its holder and made her way laboring up the ladder. There was an elevator, but she preferred not to allow her limp to get the best of her even if the climb took an effort.

When she reached the control room, there was a Ferengi female there, about her height. "I don't believe we have met. Lieutenant L'Randil N'Rass, Chief Engineer."

The Ferengi beamed a ragged, toothy grin and bounded toward N'Rass with an outstretched hand. "Ensign Krem, I just transferred here from the Yeager. I am so excited to be working for you, ma'am..." She blinked and quickly chirped, "Lieutenant..." and "Sir..." with her brown eyes shooting wide open and then down again. "What would you like me to call you? My last commanding officer liked 'ma'am' but the one before liked 'commander' and, well, 'sir', but that's only because he was male, and he would've laughed at me if I called him 'ma'am' but I did once. Well, not to him, I called my direct supervisor 'ma'am' because I thought it was female. Turns out it was a fourth gender of Andorian and there's no familiar pronoun for that..."

Suddenly, Krem shut her mouth and froze for a second. "I-I'm sorry, I'm rambling again. I do that a lot. Is there anything I can do for you...?"

L'Randil crossed her arms with a smirk as she listened to the rambling ensign. "Ma'am, or Randil is fine, Ensign." She replied softly. "I value open communication, whether you agree with what is said or not, feel free to speak." The caitian walked up beside Krem and patted her felinoid hand on her back as they both faced the control display. "Any news I should know about? This panel was pretty fried a couple weeks ago."

Krem looked down at the panel, then let her eyes dart around the wall of display screens. "The starbase cleaned her up good as new." Her smile curved into a smirk and she shot a glance at L'Randil. "There's, ah, just one thing... An intermittent rattling and thunk sound. I think Alpha and Beta sections are misaligned and scraping each other." She sighed, looking up at the ceiling. "There it goes again. I told Altin (NPC) but he doesn't hear it. Thinks I'm being oversensitive. Or crazy."

The caitian tilted an ear, then smiled. "Good one. I think we will do well together. If you need some help, feel free to snag some crew off the main floor. For the most part we are squared away today. In a little while I will have to go out to make sure the shuttle bay is in line. These shipyard trained techs don't have instincts, so I have to make sure things don't go too far astray." She looked away and back at the ensign directly. "I lost one on my watch and it won't happen again." That fact was not something the engineer admitted readily, but she felt Krem was good to confide in.

Krem tilted her head in confusion. "Lost one?" she thought out loud. "A shuttle? A..." She closed her mouth, watching L'Randil a moment. The seriousness in L'Randil's tone implied she hadn't simply lost a piece of machinery. Unless she was particularly attached to ships, this was about a subordinate... hopefully not a friend.

"I'll try not to get lost, ma'am," Krem said in a softer voice.

"A fighter, actually. Pilots and commanders will ask you to rush or patch things together. Don't fall for it. Not worth the risks." She turned her mood back up a little and patted the ferengi's shoulder. "I hope you don't get lost. It's a big ship though."

Krem smirked, an edge of tooth peering out. She tapped a few buttons on a console to check on system status. "Yes, ma'am."

OFF:
JP by

Ensign Krem
Assistant Chief Engineering Officer
USS Malinche NCC-38997-A

and