USS Malinche NCC-38997-A

<<Ready Room, 1455, Day 20>>

Isabel watched Mason walk out of her Ready Room. She knew he was concerned, and was glad to know it, although technically his concerns weren't overly valid. In order to protect the negotiations, some things had remained secret, even from her Executive Officer, although she planned on remedying that very soon. In fact, the negotiations would be taking place on the Malinche, with Tekel Orsad and a leader from each of the two factions. Hopefully, if their rescue mission went well, Garshon Trelin (NPC) would be one of them.

Soon she would have to return to the bridge, but she wanted to go over the report from Mark first. The interrogation of the Celtronian from the To'Ma faction was bound to be interesting, if not informative. Isabel read through it carefully, making sure she didn't miss any of the details.

As usual, she was happy to see that Mark had been rather thorough. He had gotten the prisoner to give up the coordinates where they were keeping Trelin, which was impressive. Not only that, but he had started to verify the location as well. All that was left for that was for the Science Department to complete some intensive scans to make sure it was the right place and check on a few other standard things in the area.

Isabel tapped at her console, writing a message to Petra.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Ensign Mavose
From: Captain Kersare
Subject: Celtron V scans

Ensign Mavose,
I have encoded the coordinates where the To'Ma are supposedly holding Councilor Garshon Trelin. I would like the Science Department to run intensive scans of the area to verify the bio-signs and look for anything else of interest in the area, especially things that would help or hinder the Hostage Rescue team.

Also, if you could perhaps look into some of the readings during our attack earlier to see if anything out of place is present, it would be much appreciated. The lack of shield integrity has been troubling me, and I'd like to have some more ideas about it before arriving at Celtron V.
-Captain Kersare
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reading over the message once more, Isabel sent it. As the nacelle repairs were also on her mind, the captain also sent messages to the Flight Control Department and Engineering Department inquiring as to the progress of the repairs and the maneuverability of the ship. She wanted to know as much as she could about what limitations they'd be facing once reaching Celtron V.

Pausing, Isabel thought over things for a moment. It would probably be a good idea to have an organizational meeting for the away team that would be going to retrieve Garshon Trelin. The only thing she didn't know about was how long it would take the Science Department to run the scans. After running it over in her mind, Isabel decided to set up a meeting, then hope they'd be done.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Medical, Security/Tactical, Science, Intel, Counseling DHs and ADHs; XO
From: Captain Kersare
Subject: Away Team

I would like the Department Heads and Assistant Department Heads to meet in Conference Room 1 at 1600 hours for a meeting regarding the retrieval of High Council Member Trelin. Bring all pertinent information with you.

-Captain Kersare
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The message was a little more abrupt than Isabel would have liked, but at that moment, she had received word on her console that their escort had arrived. It was time for her to head back onto the bridge.

As she was about to head out the door, she remembered the young Communications officer who'd been taken to Sickbay. Tapping her comm badge, she opened a channel to sickbay, "Kersare to Sickbay, how is Ensign Kai doing?"

"We believe she'll be alright Ma'am. The counselor was going to come down and speak with her."

Isabel nodded, feeling relieved, "Good to hear, thank you. Keep me updated."

"Of course," came the reply.

With that, Isabel finally left her Ready Room and went to the Bridge. Immediately she walked over to Mason. "I take it our escort is here? Anything more to update me with?"

OFF: Alright everyone, I'm back and all caught up. I *believe* I've given everyone something to do. If you can't think of something or need some clarification, just ask and I'll give you some ideas.

Quote:
To: Medical, Security/Tactical, Science, Intel, Counseling DHs and ADHs; XO
From: Captain Kersare
Subject: Away Team

I would like the Department Heads and Assistant Department Heads to meet in Conference Room 1 at 1600 hours for a meeting regarding the retrieval of High Council Member Trelin. Bring all pertinent information with you.

-Captain Kersare


<Main Security, Day 20, 1515>

"Getting ready for the meeting with the captain?"

The woman's voice was worse than the claws of a taQnar, grating as they slid along dry stone. Although she tried to like her fellow workers, P'ayanna had much difficulty with it. Especially with the chatty be'. "What are you talking about?" she demanded and not very kindly.

"The Captain's message, of course," Carol Weatherbee replied. She wished that the Captain had taken the time to get to know this bee-otch before assigning her as the assistant. It was almost impossible working with her and it didn't show signs of improving any time soon.

"paH," P'ayanna retorted. She did not like this method of giving orders, but would learn to deal with it. "What is on this message?"

"Nothing much," Carol told her, earning a warning hiss from her least favorite officer in the Quadrant. "Just a meeting at sixteen-hundred. I think it's about the away mission."

P'ayanna frowned as she wondered why this girl took so many words to say so very little. With a dismissive nod, she returned to her work, checking a few things before standing to find Commander Hunt. He, after all, had ordered her to show him the results and she had no desire to bypass him.

"A small thank you would be nice," Carol muttered, knowing that she wasn't going to get one.

OFF: Tag: Hunt - she's coming to talk to you; we can either do it on chat or email - bri
_________________
Cadet P'ayanna
Assistant Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Malinche
NCC-38897-B

<<USS Malinche>>
<Tacital Office, Day 20, 1515>

Cheetara sat behind her desk in the tactical office going over the reports on the weapons sytems. Everything wasn't running at 100% since the battle, but it was getting back up there. Phasers were back to 100%, but that was about the only thing. Torpedos were only about 91%, and the targeting sensors were still at only about 94%. She had teams working hard to make sure that they'd be repaired within the next hour. She finished her report and sent it to Commander Hunt. A moment after it sent, a message came across her console just as she was about to get up. She tapped a few bottons and it appeared in front of her.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Medical, Security/Tactical, Science, Intel, Counseling DHs and ADHs; XO
From: Captain Kersare
Subject: Away Team

I would like the Department Heads and Assistant Department Heads to meet in Conference Room 1 at 1600 hours for a meeting regarding the retrieval of High Council Member Trelin. Bring all pertinent information with you.

-Captain Kersare
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After reading the message, she closed it out. She was sure she knew about what the meeting was for. After all, they were almost to Celtron V. Not to mention that their true escort had arrived. Cheetara was looking forward to this meeting. She was ready for some real action, and not just that play fight they had just recently had. Cheetara chuckled for a moment to herself. She couldn't believe what she had just thought about real action.

"I guess that's one thing me and P'ayanna have in common" she muttered to herself

Cheetara began going over all of the data that she currently had on the current situation with the mission. She wondered if P'ayanna was really ready to go on the rescue mission, or if she should go herself. But then if she went, P'ayanna would have to be here for tactical. And she didn't want to leave her with that. She wanted to be at tactical incase of an emergency.

"Stop doubting!" she muttered to herself again.

She knows P'ayanna is a strong warrior that can take care of herself and her team. Not to mention the fact that she has been training the security staff extremely hard for this rescue mission.

"P'ayanna is ready. She needs this to show everyone what kind of a warrior she is" Cheetara thought.

Cheetara broke out of her mind struggle and looked at the time. She saw it was getting close to time for the meeting so she got up and headed for the conference room.

<Conference Room, 1545>

Cheetara arrived a little early for the meeting and saw the Captain just sitting there by herself.

"Guess I'm the first one to arrive" she said with a chuckle. "Next to you of course." she added

Cheetara saw the look of worry on the Captain's face. It wasn't a very pleasant sight. She's used to seeing the Captain so calm, cool, and collected. This was a switch. She thought about trying to make small talk with the Captain until others arrived, but not sure if that would be a wise thing to do with the current state the Kersare seemed to be in. She decided to try anyway.

"So Captain, how's the repairs to the nacell coming along? I haven't talked to Ms. Harrison. " Cheetara asked

OFF: <tag>

Quote:
P'ayanna frowned as she wondered why this girl took so many words to say so very little. With a dismissive nod, she returned to her work, checking a few things before standing to find Commander Hunt. He, after all, had ordered her to show him the results and she had no desire to bypass him.

"A small thank you would be nice," Carol muttered, knowing that she wasn't going to get one.



<Bridge, Day 20, ~1530>

P'ayanna walked onto the bridge, padd in hand, and made a beeline for the Executive Officer. She wished she could have found answers for him a little sooner, but was fighting the same fog of war that all warriors faced. "You wanted me to bring you this, sir," she said, holding the padd for Commander Hunt's review.

"Thank you Cadet, any word from Grayson?"

"We spoke," she told him. It wasn't for long, but it didn't need to be. Conversations were not something in which P'ayanna excelled and probably never would be. "We have a location. The Captain has ordered sensor scans to verify the number of enemies."

"These scans can prove very useful. By the way, I haven't talked to the captain yet. Have you and Thundera come up with a rescue plan from all the data we have?"

"The final plan will depend on the better scans," she told him. "We expect to use a small team to rapidly get in and out with Trelin."

"Alright then, run the scans over with Thundera and be prepared to go. Any questions?"

"No, sir," she replied. Battle was on the horizon and getting closer.

Joint Post: Commander Hunt and
_________________
Cadet P'ayanna
Assistant Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Malinche
NCC-38897-B

<Engineering Office, Day 20, 1530>

Two sat in her office. For once, things were semi-quiet. TOO quiet, she thought. She felt like she was going to be going out of her mind from the silence.

For a very long time, she had had the sounds of other people in her mind, talking with each other and the Borg queen. Like those who went to sleep and kept music playing all night long, it was a comfort. WAS was the operative word. She had been a part of the collective for 12 years. She had grown up, listening to everyone's thoughts running through her head.

It was times like this that were frustrating. Music was illogical. She could start the computer reading her something, but still, it wasn't the same. During the really quiet times, like now, she had problems with this new world she found herself in. She wished she could turn on the "white noise" in her mind...not the queen's voice, but just the thoughts of others.

If she had been in her quarters with the rest of the roommies, they would be talking. In their own odd way, it was a comfort to her. But the other three were on duty, like she was. The Engineering crew was busy. What was she going to do? Ask someone to come into her office and do nothing but talk for eight hours at a time.

She thought that she had gotten past that need. She screamed very loudly in need for that...that white noise in her head.

One of the members of Engineering heard the chief screaming, almost a scream of horror. The chief was in trouble. In trouble? she thought.

She entered the office and found the chief on the floor, clutching her head. She bent over, wondering what was wrong with Harrison.

"Are you ok," she asked Harrison. "Are you ok? Please let me know you are ok, sir."

Something wasn't right. The engineer tapped her combadge. "Engineering to Sickbay. Harrison is down and not responding to me. She screamed earlier, like something was not right. When I entered the office, she was on the floor. She has not moved since I came in."

Now for someone to tell her what to do.

Quote:
Cheetara saw the look of worry on the Captain's face. It wasn't a very pleasant sight. She's used to seeing the Captain so calm, cool, and collected. This was a switch. She thought about trying to make small talk with the Captain until others arrived, but not sure if that would be a wise thing to do with the current state the Kersare seemed to be in. She decided to try anyway.

"So Captain, how's the repairs to the nacell coming along? I haven't talked to Ms. Harrison. " Cheetara asked



<Conference Room One, Day 20, 1550>

P'ayanna entered the conference room just as Lieutenant Thundera asked about the nacelle. While not very important to P'ayanna, she did realize the implications of the damage. Warp capability was often of tactical importance to ships and, therefore, there were many situations that could arise where the nacelle damage would be a severe impediment to the ship.

Taking a seat at the end of the table, she wondered if the rescue team was still to be saddled by the presence of the Chief Medical Officer, Darkhelm. Doctors had their uses, to be sure, and it was often advisable to have one on any away mission. This one, however, was very different. They were looking at forced entry and recovery operations, which was not anywhere in the list of medical department's mission areas.

Not all that interested in taking part in the conversation, P'ayanna set the padd before her and looked through the viewing windows and at the star field. One of them was Celtron, although P'ayanna couldn't say which. At least, she couldn't if she were far away from it; Proximity made it easy to tell which star was their objective. Soon, she would visit the system and make her presence known (she hoped).

Still, it would not be the first Klingon visit. Others had already come, bringing their cowardly ways and dishonor, rather than the ways of Kahless (qey'lIS tIgh). She detested them for that and would always hold juH raQ'tor in disdain.
_________________
Cadet P'ayanna
Assistant Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Malinche
NCC-38897-B

<<USS Malinche>>
<<Conference Room, 1550, day 20>>

Mark Grayson was not ready to give up his intentions. He wanted to go with the away team. First, and foremost, because he wanted to gather more information about the House of Raktor intentions.

Second, because his job was not confined only to write reports and confirm informations. He was also a very able recon and tracker. To gather information about enemy positions had been one of his jobs during the Dominion War.

Still, he was not sure the Captain would allow him to go with team. He entered the room and imediatelly he saw Lt. Thundera and Cadet P'ayanna. More to his left, sat on a chair, Kersare observed everyone entering the room.

"Captain, may I have minute, before we start the briefing?", asked Mark.

Kersare nodded.

"I request to be part of the away team. Seems to me that my job won't be complete until I gather some fresh information from the Klingons. I can't seem to find how many ships they have in the system, but, I'm sure there will be a lot of data to be gathered. Plus, I'm an able fighter and very good tracker. So, Captain, I think I could be most useful for the away team".

Mark held his breath, waiting for the Captain's response.

OFF: tag Kersare.

Quote:
"I request to be part of the away team. Seems to me that my job won't be complete until I gather some fresh information from the Klingons. I can't seem to find how many ships they have in the system, but, I'm sure there will be a lot of data to be gathered. Plus, I'm an able fighter and very good tracker. So, Captain, I think I could be most useful for the away team".

Mark held his breath, waiting for the Captain's response.


P'ayanna's head perked up at Grayson's request. He'd surprised her with his courage and 'never say die' attitude, which meant that he would be a valuable addition to her team. With proven combat skills, she felt that he would not be a hindrance.

That was very unlike others, with whom P'ayanna had all but been saddled. She did not have the time or inclination to spend her attention on preventing some DoghwI' from getting his or herself killed, yet she knew that she was stuck with it. Unless, of course, Commander Hunt managed to talk some sense into the woman. One could only hope...

P'ayanna did not disguise her interest in what the Captain would say in response to Grayson's request to join the team.
_________________
Cadet P'ayanna
Assistant Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Malinche
NCC-38897-B

ON: <<USS Malinche>>
<Conference Room, Day 20, 1550>

Cheetara and Kersare had just started the discussion about the nacell when P'ayanna walked in. Cheetara nodded and acknowledged her as she went and sat at the far end of the table and began reading her padd.

"Don't worry Lieutenant, the nacell will be fully functional by the time we got there. Ms. Harrison has many teams working on it." the Captain had responded just as Grayson had entered the conference room.

"Captain, may I have minute, before we start the briefing?", asked Mark.

Kersare nodded. "Excuse me" she said walking away to see what Grayson wanted

Cheetara sat there for a minute going over a few things on her padd and noticed P'ayanna just sitting there staring out the window. Cheetara couldn't help but hear what Grayson was saying to Kersare. After all, she still had advancment in her hearing from the implant around her eye and near her ear. She noticed that P'ayanna seemed to have perked up a little as he asked for permission to join the away team. Cheetara knew that there had been no final decisions on who would actually be going on the away team, but at that moment she decided to jump up and stick her two cents in.

"Excuse me Captain and Grayson. I have something I'd like to say" Cheetara began while receiving odd looks from the both of them as if she should have just stayed out of the conversation.

"I agree with Grayson. I think he should be allowed to go on the away team. I also believe that P'ayanna should be the one to lead it. She has been training very hard with all of security, and even more so with herself." she noticed the look on Grayson's face start to change. "Even more so, I know how well Grayson can handle himself. I think that he should be her right hand man on the away team. After all Captain, you and hunt will be needed here as well as for diplomatics with the rest of them."

Cheetara paused for a minute to catch her breath and then continued with her long winded speech."I personally would love to lead it, but I am needed more here with battle tactics for this ship. I know it's capabilities inside and out better than almost everyone here. That is why I have made my suggestions as is."

Cheetara stood there waiting for Kersare to respond to both Grayson and her comments.

OFF: I'm in your corner Mark....LOL

<<Conference Room, 1553, Day 20>>

Isabel hadn't been surprised when Mark requested to go on the away team. With all the experience she had with him, she almost expected it. What did catch her off guard, however, was Cheetara's speaking up on Mark's behalf. As far as Isabel knew, the two hadn't had many dealings with each other, but nonetheless, Cheetara felt he should go.

For the past few days Isabel had been trying to decide exactly who she intended to send where. Some choices were easy, others were not. She'd been a little torn about a few people, but had finally reached a decision.

Pausing for a moment, she turned first to Cheetara, "Lieutenant Thundera, I appreciate your input, although in this case it was somewhat unneccessary." Isabel smiled at her Chief Security/Tactical officer before turning to Mark, "Mr. Grayson will be going on the away team, as well as Commander Hunt, Dr. Darkhelm, Cadet P'ayanna, and a few security officers chosen at Cadet P'ayanna's discretion. As she has been training for this hostage retrieval, she will lead the team."

Isabel paused for a moment, looking at the three officers standing before her. Mark was the first to speak up.

"Thank you Captain. I believe this will help me gain more insight into the Klingon presence here, which we will probably need," Mark said.

The captain nodded, "That's what I'm hoping Mr. Grayson. Unless any of you has something else to bring up, we'll leave the rest for during the meeting. I'm hoping to hear what Ensign Mavose has found after scanning the planet. It could be crucial to the away team, and to the Malinche in general."

After glancing at the time read-out on her display and frowning slightly as several key people were not at the meeting yet, Isabel sat down. In all honesty, she was tempted to start pacing the room, as she was anxious to start the meeting, but was still able to remain visibly calm.

A few moments later, T'serra entered the room and took a seat. Isabel hadn't seen the counselor lately, but was glad she had arrived. Soon after, Amanda entered the room and motioned her over. Isabel got up and walked over to her Chief Medical Officer. "Yes, what is it doctor?"

Amanda looked at the captain, "Nearly a half hour ago, Ensign Rebekah Harrison was brought to sickbay."

This was not good news... Isabel met Amanda's eyes, "Will she be alright?"

"We believe so, yes. We ran a few scans, and she's now resting. I have some of my best officers looking over her scans and they are to alert me if anything important comes up or changes," the doctor replied.

"What about Ensign Sharon Kai? It was my understanding that she was brought to sickbay after the attack..."

Amanda smiled slightly, "She's doing rather well, considering. Ensign Kai will be able to leave sickbay within a half hour."

Breathing a sigh of relief, Isabel smiled and nodded, "That's great news, thank you. Please, have a seat."

Isabel watched as Amanda took a seat next to T'serra. Now they were only waiting for Abubakar, Mason, and Petra. Once they arrived, the meeting could begin. Isabel would have liked to have Sharon and Rebekah at the meeting as well, but they were both in sickbay, so they would have to be informed later.

OFF: I kinda switched up the meeting a bit to include some other departments. Feel free to ask her a few more questions or chatter amongst yourselves while we get a few more people at the meeting... At the latest I'll have the meeting started on Saturday/Sunday, but hopefully by Saturday.

ON:<<USS Malinche>>
<Conference Room, Day 20, 1552>

Cheetara had watched the strange facial expressions from P'ayanna as she had spoken up to Kersare about her ideas about the away team. She wasn't really sure what to make of her reactions. But she hoped that her words would help to form a closer working relationship with P'ayanna. Cheetara held P'ayanna's honor and conduct in high recognition for the officer that she is. She actually feels proud to have such an honorable person on her staff.

Cheetara stood and listend to what Kersare had to say. She agreed with her full heartly. Not only because she had actually sided with her, but because it was the logical thing to do. Cheetara could feel the shock that Kersare felt from her words, but wasn't sure why. She wondered if it was because of the fact that I recommended P'ayanna, or the fact that she stood behind Mark's wanting to go on the away mission. Granted, she hasn't had too many dealings with Mark, but from what she knew about him she full heartedly supported him. She thought that maybe Mark and her might be able to actually become friends. After all, she knew she didn't have many.

Just then T'serra walked in the room. Cheetara felt her presence without even turning around to see her. After all, there were "linked" in the previous mission together. A bond that will never be able to be broken.

Telepathically Cheetara sent T'serra a message.
++"Hey T'serra. Nice to see you"

{tag T'serra}

++"I've been pretty busy with everything going on. I haven't really had any time to myself or to really rest like I'm supposed to.

{tag}

++"That sounds like a good idea. Maybe a little later after all the stress wears done from this mission. I know some other places to show you when we get on shoreleave that I'm sure you'd like.

Moments later the doctor walked in with news about Harrison. Cheetara wondered what happened the moment she said something. Alot of things went through Cheetara's mind. She knew that the two of them didn't see eye to eye, but Cheetara could understand alot about Harrison. After all, Cheetara served directly under the Borg Queen many moons before Harrison ever did. She hoped Harrison was alright. She decided to make it a point to go see her as soon as the mission briefing was over. So many things possible could be wrong. After all, Harrison hasn't been seperated that long from the Collective. It's possible it could be the seperation anxiety, or the "daymares", or even not hearing voices. Cheetara decided to make every effort to help the poor little girl.

While deep in thought, the doctor had sat beside her and started whispering something slowly to her that brought her out of the deep thought she was in.

Cheetara whispered back."I'm sorry, can you repeat that?"

OFF: Tag Doc and T'serra

<USS Malinche>
<Conference Room, Day 20, 1556>

Mason was on the last to arrive, he was running late after scarfing down a few icoberry torts and some papaya juice. When he got the conference room he found Isabel and other senior staff members had already sat down and were talking. Being XO he felt a bit silly that he stormed in wearing a clean uniform with a few coffee stains on the upper portion of it.

"Sorry I'm late what did I miss?" asked Mason pulling himself up to the table.

Isabel got up and brought over a padd to him, she had already handed out the others their padds each with certain orders and instructions on the mission. Isabel could see her XO straining to read it since he was not fully awake yet, she handed him a rather large cup of Bervain Coffee. The Captain knew he couldn't stand it that's why she gave it to him so he wouldn't fall asleep.

"Ok, now that we know who is going on the team Captain i would like to make one additional recommendation if I may."

Isabel wavied for him to talk.

"In addtion to having extra security personel and Darkhelm we should bring along support medical personal. Also I would like to request that each member of the team be equipped with the new transporter tag transponders like the one Data used on Captain Picard. Just in case we are cut off from the ship or even worse yet you are unable to beam us up at a seconds notice."

Kersare had heard about these devices, according to her information research and developement command only made a hand full of them.

"Nice idea Mason but..."

"I know there were only a few made but I managed to acquire enough for such an occassion like this. A friend at engineering command was kind of enough to get them for us he owed me a favor."

Although she couldn't and didn't want to know what that favor was she smiled and let him continue.

"They are good for only a few hundred meters, so no matter what happens up here the Malinche will need to be in range for them to work."

"Understood, thank you Mason."

Mason went over to the center where a plate of bavra canapeds and some hot tea. He grabbed a plate full then sat back down as Kersare continued.

<Tag Kersare>

"Has there been any word or news on the condition of Trelin? asked Mason to Grayson.

<Tag Grayson>

OFF: Tag Kersare and Grayson

Quote:
"They are good for only a few hundred meters, so no matter what happens up here the Malinche will need to be in range for them to work."

"Understood, thank you Mason."

Mason went over to the center where a plate of bavra canapeds and some hot tea. He grabbed a plate full then sat back down as Kersare continued.


[Day 20, ~1600]

P'ayanna frowned at the tera'ngan inclusion of snacks during what was, essentially, a council of war. The purpose of this meeting was to outline plans for victory on the battlefield, not in indulging a sweet tooth here and there. It was, in a way, emphasis on the realization that she was not like the others.

That point had been made by the transporter devices. She'd rather be flayed alive than to need to resort to such a cowardly piece of technology to save her skin. Once battle was joined, she was not the type to make a hasty retreat and had half a mind to disable the gagny veQ before she'd even beamed away from the ship.

The captain shifted to business, asking Grayson about the condition of Trelin. P'ayanna doubted he would know anything, but there was always the possibility. Of course, if Grayson did have an operative down there, P'ayanna wished to know why the nuch did not prevent Trelin from being taken captive in the first place.

OFF:
_________________
Cadet P'ayanna
Assistant Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Malinche
NCC-38897-B

ON: USS Malinche; Science Labs
{Mission Day 20 - 1500 hours}

Petra stretched from her seat and stifled what had to have been her bazillionth yawn since her meeting with Captain Kersare earlier this morning. Her mind drifted from her scans as she slightly slouched in her chair. What was it about the captain that made her warm up to her as much as she did during the brief meeting?

She tried analyzing why when her console began flashing. The suddenness of the flash made Petra shoot bolt-upright, immediately assuming the ship was about to go to red alert... again. Another attack?

No. Taking a closer look at the console proved that theory wrong instantly. It was actually a simple message. Biting her lip, she looked around the Science Lab only to find that she was still the only officer inside. The others had several other duties throughout the ship, especially after the attack.

"Thank God..." she whispered to herself as she wiped sweat from her forehead. The last thing the young Ensign needed at the moment was having someone see her get that startled over something as simple as a message. The ensuing practical jokes would literally be endless, and she was the butt of too many since her childhood... not that she exactly minded, but they did get bothersome after a time.

Leaning closer to the console, she looked down at the interface, picked up her cup of coffee... her eighth, no, ninth cup since noon, and instructed the computer to display the message. 'I wonder what the Captain has to say...' she asked herself mindfully as she took a mouthful of the coffee and nearly gagged as she spit it right back out. Cold.

She chuckled at herself. 'Laughter was always the best remedy' - that was something her father had always told her... and it was true. She would be a much different person today if she hadn't learned to laugh in the most difficult situations... especially at herself. Though, she still felt like throwing the cup and cold coffee back into the replicator that moment as she felt a cold liquid running down her leg. Apparently she missed the cup after spitting the coffee out. 'Well, at least my uniform pants are black and the stain won't be visible anytime soon.' she confidently told herself as she smiled, even if somewhat forced. She looked at the console and read the Captain's message.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Ensign Mavose
From: Captain Kersare
Subject: Celtron V scans

Ensign Mavose,
I have encoded the coordinates where the To'Ma are supposedly holding Councilor Garshon Trelin. I would like the Science Department to run intensive scans of the area to verify the bio-signs and look for anything else of interest in the area, especially things that would help or hinder the Hostage Rescue team.

Also, if you could perhaps look into some of the readings during our attack earlier to see if anything out of place is present, it would be much appreciated. The lack of shield integrity has been troubling me, and I'd like to have some more ideas about it before arriving at Celtron V.
-Captain Kersare
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Hmmm..." Petra re-read the orders and accessed the encoded coordinates supplied by the Captain. 'The Captain thinks of everything!' She thought to herself. The thought alone put a natural smile on her face. Besides, if the captain entrusted her with this task then that meant that the captain was sure she could do it!

Smiling from ear to ear she immediately forgot about the cold and damp coffee that was now soaking through her pant leg. "Computer, decode the attached information from this message and angulate the coordinates of Celtron V."

The computer began working on decoding the information and processing Petra's request. Technically, it normally wouldn't take very long, but with the recent intrusion, who knew what could've happened to the Computer's Central Processing Unit. For all she knew, it could take much longer than she originally thought it would. 'No...' She thought to herself reassuredly, '... not the Mali's computer. Besides, I've been receiving data from Celtron V for the past five hour?s uninterupt...'

She didn't have time to finish that last thought when another message began flashing on her console. Calming herself, she began reading the message - knowing that she was not being the butt end of a Practical Joke. She was alone. Nobody had seen her momentary look of fear from the previous message.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Medical, Security/Tactical, Science, Intel, Counseling DHs and ADHs; XO
From: Captain Kersare
Subject: Away Team

I would like the Department Heads and Assistant Department Heads to meet in Conference Room 1 at 1600 hours for a meeting regarding the retrieval of High Council Member Trelin. Bring all pertinent information with you.

-Captain Kersare
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Good grief!" Petra looked at the message. "Captain Kersare sure doesn't like to sit still, does she?" She asked herself. "Nope. She definitely doesn't." She answered after reading it over again.

Closing the message, she was almost instantly informed by the computer that the coordinates had been decoded and the location was ready to be displayed.

Petra rubbed her hands together and stood up from her seat, walking over to the largest interface terminal in the lab. "Computer, display the location on this monitor." The screen lit up instantly, displaying a well-detailed visualization on Celtron V.

The computer was processing the information in real-time for Petra as it zoomed in on the planet. A circled area grew larger as the zoom increased, indicating a rather large Military Space-Port. From what she could see, the area was vastly occupied with short-range fighters... Even the Malinche would stand little to no chance against all of them. "Computer, how large is this complex?"

"Unknown."

Quirking an eyebrow, Petra looked up momentarily. "Unknown? Why?"

"Insufficient data to determine the measurements of the enclosed parameters."

"Computer, explain the reason for the insufficient data."

"The Enclosed Parameters provide insufficient data."

'Blast it! Perhaps the attack did damage the computer after all!' Petra began getting slightly irritated. This should be an easy question for the computer to answer. "Have you triangulated our scans with the given parameters?"

"Affirmative."

"Then what is the problem!?"

"A dampening field is in place, preventing scans deeper inside the parameters."

Petra blinked and stood there, silent. "Did you really have to be that difficult just to tell me there was a Dampening Field?"

"Please re-phrase your question."

"Forget it..." Looking at the surface of the planet, a thought suddenly crossed her mind. "Computer, using our current scans of the planet and using the general area affected by the dampening field, can you create a Three-Dimensional view of the specified parameters, indicating the dampened area with a pretty shade of pink?"

"Affirmative."

"Do so"

"Rendering Three-Dimensional image will require thirteen minutes, forty-two seconds to complete."

Petra nodded, then looked at her wrist chronometer... 1524 hours... thirteen minutes would bring her to about twenty minutes before the meeting. She decided to keep herself busy and get as much information as she could for the meeting.

"Computer, regarding the dampening field, is the technology that's creating the effect comparable to technology used by the To'Ma?"

"Negative."

"Do the To'Ma have the technical capabilities to create a dampening field with the ability to block the Malinche's Scans?"

"Negative."

"The energy output of the dampening field... has Starfleet ever encountered anything like it before?"

"Affirmative."

"When?"

"The energy output is compatible with known Klingon technology."

Petra knew the computer would determine that. She knew the answer before the computer even announced it, but she needed confirmation. If the Dampening Field was Klingon in design, then it's safe to assume that there are Klingons guarding Councilor Trelin.

"Computer, are you detecting Klingon bio-signatures?"

"Negative."

Sighing, she leaned over the monitor, watching the data more closely. 'They could still be there, but inside that dampening field...' Looking back, another thought crossed her mind. "Computer, How many separate life signs are you detecting within the enclosed parameters?"

"Scans are detecting one hundred, fifty-seven life signs."

"Are all of them To'Ma?"

"Affirmative."

"Could you add their real-time positions to the Three-Dimensional map once it's been rendered?"

"Affirmative."

Smiling, Petra stretched and stifled another yawn. A bazillion and one. She looked at the incoming data as the time passed.

?Rendering Complete.?

?Yay!? Petra exclaimed as she clapped her hands together. ?Display.?

The computer acknowledged the request and the Three-Dimensional image of the provided coordinates appeared on-screen. A hazy, pink area indicated the dampened area which proved to be futile for scans to penetrate.

?And that?s the power of pink!? She chuckled at her own attempt of being humorous. Slowly, red dots began appearing on the map. These red dots soon began to move around? obviously they were the To?Ma Security outside the Dampened Area.

Petra picked up a PADD that had been within hands reach and hooked it up to the Terminal. ?Computer, transfer all acquired data to the attached PADD.?

Within moments, Petra removed the PADD and was running all of her newfound knowledge through her head. Surely, the Captain would be expecting a detailed presentation.

A few minutes later, she was exiting the turbolift and making her way into the Conference Room.

Taking a quick glance around, she smiled from ear to ear and announced her presence with an overly energetic ?Hi Everyone! It?s SOOOOO nice to see you all! We?re going to have such a fantastic meeting! I can just feel it! OH! HI P?AYANNA!!!?

OFF: Firstly, Kai: Sorry for not visiting you in Sickbay, but after writing almost 5 full pages for a post (1,589 words total), I?ll have to wait until after the meeting. Sowwy

Everyone else, heya! I can already hear P?ayanna?s cry of rage, eh Bri?
_________________

Ensign Petra Mavose
Chief Science Officer
USS Malinche

Quote:
Within moments, Petra removed the PADD and was running all of her newfound knowledge through her head. Surely, the Captain would be expecting a detailed presentation.

A few minutes later, she was exiting the turbolift and making her way into the Conference Room.

Taking a quick glance around, she smiled from ear to ear and announced her presence with an overly energetic ?Hi Everyone! It?s SOOOOO nice to see you all! We?re going to have such a fantastic meeting! I can just feel it! OH! HI P?AYANNA!!!?


<Conference Room, Mission Day 20, 1600>

A tera'ngan would have cringed at the obnoxious and overly flamboyant entry of her roommate, Petra. P'ayanna was no such thing and would not play the part for anybody or anything. A loud imperative to shut up would have been in order, but the rank structure prevented her from doing so here. Instead, she muttered DoghwI'," and fixed a particularly malicious glare upon the offending party.

She knew that, as roommates, she was supposed to try to get along with this petaQ, but was completely aware that some things were truly impossible. Besides, in this case, sheer loathing was far more appropriate. Still, judging by the pounding between P'ayanna's temples, Mavose's revenge was a powerful one.

OFF: Could you also feel the pounding headache coming on? Cool Cool
_________________
Cadet P'ayanna
Assistant Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Malinche
NCC-38897-B