Stardate 2365.02.09
USS Peregrine; Captain Drake's quarters - 0025

"Tochi, I understand your approach here," Silas sighed, tight-lipped, "and certainly agree that you are likely to get more positive of a reaction from Farr than from Jacobs. But tread very lightly - I would not put it past Jacobs to have standing orders that he be copied on all communications from the Peregrine. My initial impression of Commander Farr was positive, but I don't know that I would wager any real money on her not sharing your concerns with Jacobs. If he finds out that we attempted to circumvent him, there will be hell to pay,"

The Trill acknowledged the Captain's words with a nod, sipping away the remains of his brandy as Silas went on to address his various concerns and cautions. Tochi had no real intent of sowing mistrust or dissention between Jacobs and Farr, of course; had he not already experienced Captain Jacobs' highbrow manner, first-hand, Zai would have suggested addressing his concerns directly to the Coronado's CO. As it stood, though, Tochi was well aware that the man would be as open to diplomatic advice from some two-pip helmsman as he might be to having elective surgery to remove the stick from his sphincter.


",You may also want to check the Coronado duty roster before you try any communications," Silas chuckled, "You certainly don't want to be hailing the Commander while she is sharing the bridge with Jacobs - I would think that you would have the most luck if you can catch her alone, off duty."

"As we said, Silas, first thing in the morning," Tochi winked, "We checked the Coronado's duty roster before the Ambassadors even came aboard." He rose from his seat, then, and drained the remnants of the brandy from his snifter. "Rest assured, Captain, we'll be discreet."

"Thank you for coming to me, Tochi," Silas said, having finished his drink, as well, "I appreciate you keeping me in the loop. I do so detest these sorts of shenanigans, however."

"Would that we could say the same," the Trill chuckled, setting the snifter down, "our mind might be the quieter for it.

Thank you, Silas," he continued, "for the ear, the advice, and, of course, the brandy - the Doctor has excellent taste. We'll sleep better, now, I think."

((OOC: And tag, Silas, Unless the Captain expounds on other topics, Tochi will wish him good night and take his leave.))

Stardate 2365.02.08
USS Peregrine; Deck 3; Cabin 03-276 - 2310

Megan Owen, dressed comfortably in a pair of shorts and an oversized t-shirt, was curled up in one of the large chairs in the living area, chewing thoughtfully on one end of a stylus as her eyes absorbed the information presented by the PADD resting in her lap. "Why inna bloody hell would ya even wanna go ta Gamma Pavonis ta begin with," she grumbled around the stylus, her gaze ticking across the displayed star chart, "There's nothin' blinkin' there ta see,. Edge o' th' Neutral Zone, mebbe. Crotchety-arse Romulans," She sighed, took the stylus from between her teeth, and stabbed at the red dot on the chart that represented the uninhabitable planet.

=/\=Gamma Pavonis,=/\= a synthesized voice intoned, =/\=Beta Quadrant. Sector Q6: 3781 mark 1143.=/\=

Megan's eyes panned across the map, found the origin planet specified in the exercise, and she tapped it with the stylus, as well.

=/\=Mu Herculis. Alpha Quadrant. Sector P6: 3419 mark 1199,=/\= the PADD chirped as a line appeared between the two waypoints she had selected, =/\=Distance from Gamma Pavonis: 31.85269 light years.=/\=

"Hmmmm," Megan droned, clamping down on the end of the stylus with her teeth, once more, as she ran through the math, "Tha'd be nigh on 30 days at Warp 6, But," her brows unknitted and climbed up her forehead as she examined the PADDs suggested course and the stylus came free of her bite, again, "If we set course fer Mem'ry Alpha, pull a slingshot, there, an' another at Ophiucus," She adjusted the course on the PADD per her thoughts.

=/\=Course adjustments extend distance from Mu Herculis to Gamma Pavonis by .6588 light years,=/\= the PADD informed her.

"Aye, I know," Megan grinned, dropping the stylus, now, her fingers dancing over the PADD and tapping in calculations, "but with the boosts pr'vided by the slingshots, we'll do better'n Warp 6 without violatin' the test parameters an',"

=/\=Course corrections accepted,=/\= the PADD chirped and dinged in response, =/\=New travel time: 20 days, 15 hours, 59 minutes. Scenario passed.=/\=

"Yes!" Megan pumped a tiny fist in the air, her smile nearly consuming her entire face as her course corrections earned her a score that ranked in the seventieth percentile.

"How'd I know you'd still be up and at it, Meg?"

Surprised by the unexpected voice, a still beaming Megan looked up from the PADD and saw Leah Finnley standing in the entryway of the quarters they shared. She blinked, her smile tinged by confusion, now. "Stone me," she said, "Is it that late?"

"It is," Leah chuckled softly, crossing the floor and offering the shuttle pilot one of two cups she carried, "Brought you a cuppa, luv. I figured you'd be about due."

"Ah, bless ya, Lee-Lee," Megan cooed happily, accepting the cup with outstretched hands, "Yer a bloomin' saint!"

"Saint Leahprechaun, I'm guessin'," Leah grinned, settling into the chair across from Megan.

"Ya do work a bit o' magic," Megan winked before gratefully sipping at her tea.

"I do try," Leah returned. She nodded at the PADD in Megan's lap; "How goes it, then?"

"Marvy," Megan exclaimed, lifting the PADD and turning it so Leah could see the score she'd just received, "Lookit this!"

The catering specialist leaned forward a bit and scrutinized the screen. "That is marvy," she said, nodding her approval, "O' course, navigation's all pish-posh and kettle pots to my eyes, luv, but that's a bloody good score. You'll be taking Lt Zai's place before long, I'd wager."

"Pish posh an' kettle pots, yerself," Megan blushed, "th' man likes ta fly with manual controls, fer th' luv o' Mary! I've got a fair sight ta go b'fore I'm that comfy."

"Comfy," Leah snickered softly around the rim of her own cup, "That's not a word I'd thought to use for the Lieutenant but, after what I saw this evenin', Wellll,"

"What're ya on about," Megan asked, her expression a mixture of mirth and curiosity.

"Hmmm?" Leah said from behind her cup, a look of feigned innocence on her face as if she were pretending that she hadn't just said that loudly enough for Megan to hear. "Oh," she sighed, waving the words from the air between them as she leaned forward and placed her cup on the table, "it's probably nothing, Could be something though, I reckon."

"Stoppit," Megan giggled, "Yer tittle-tattlin' like an old hen, over there! If it's gossip yer wantin' ta share, Lee-Lee, bloody well share it!"

An impish grin played on Leah's lips and about her eyes; "I'd not wanna distract you from,"

Megan squealed, snatched a throw pillow from her seat, and hurled it at Leah. "Just spill it, ya leprechaun," she snipped as the pillow hit her roomie in the face with a muffled pop, "If ya didn't wanna distract me, ye'd've said nothin' about it!"

Giggling, Leah curled her legs under her and hugged the pillow with which she'd just been assaulted to her stomach. "Oh, all right then. Since you're all insistent about it," she grinned, "It's just that you were saying something about how Tochi is comfy and,"

"I meant," Megan objected, grinning (and possibly blushing a bit), herself, "that he was comfortable enough with piloting that he built a manual FCS into,"

"Oi! I know what you meant just as well as I know what you were thinking," Leah smirked, "Do you want me to tell you what I saw or do you want to keep interrupting?"

"Aye, Go on, then," Megan huffed, rolling her eyes and gesturing for Lean to continue, "I'll just sit here, drink my tea, and keep my gob shut."

"You do just that," Leah smiled, "and I'll tell ya all about how I saw Tochi having what appeared to be an absolutely comfy dinner with a certain Andorian lass,"

"Aye," Megan smirked, herself, now; she'd heard all about how Ensign P'Tammah had spent the night in Lt Zai's quarters during the Peregrine's layover at Starbase 118, "Vaela. Tha's old scuttlebutt, Lee."

"Oh? Okay then," Leah arched a brow and grinned smugly from behind the rim of her teacup, "So much for keepin' our gob shut." Her eyes twinkled with a mischievous light as she watched her roomy process her expression.

"Wait," Megan gasped as realization struck her; her eyes went wide and her mouth fell open, "It wasn't Vaela?!"

Leah shook her head slowly. "It wasn't," she said, grinning like the Cheshire Cat, "it was that new Science Officer, Sh'ianarolus?... Sh'ranolis?..." She waved a hand in the air, banishing her fumbling with the new lieutenant's last name, "Asovil."

Megan looked stunned; "The one that had ta dive-roll onta th' ship when Lt Zai locked us down?"

"The very same."

"Oh my,"

Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday - 42137.6)
USS Peregrine; Sickbay - Deck 4 - 07:12

Chief Cook looked up as Nurse Reynolds walked into Sickbay and she frowned. She didn't know what the woman was doing here since she didn't have duty this day.

"Good Morning Chief," Reynolds said to her as she went over to one of the medical equipment drawers and opened it.

"Good Morning Nurse," Dana responded, "what are you doing here? You're not scheduled for duty until Beta shift tomorrow."

"Yeah I know," Sandra said with a sigh, "But there was a scanner that was a little out of alignment yesterday. It was within specs, but I wanted to see if I could get it correctly. It... well I thought about it all night."

The Chief smiled slightly and nodded, but she didn't say anything. She knew how it was; she sometimes had an itch that just had to be scratched. Besides, she wasn't going to deny her personnel from working if they wanted. She kind of thought that perhaps Crewman Reynolds was trying to prove herself here. Nothing wrong with that either; Dana would always encourage that type of behavior.

Dana was distracted from her thoughts by a beep from her computer; she had a message which she opened:


To: CPO Dana Cook

Subject: Response: CPO Lauren Crane

Chief Cook,

I would certainly be interested in whatever you wish to share concerning Chief Crane. I have a few minutes available before a meeting scheduled for oh-seven-thirty if you can make it, otherwise, I'm afraid that my schedule does not permit time before my meeting with Captain Drake.

Regards,

Lt. Sh'iraolnas
Chief Science Officer

Dana nodded to herself and looked up, "Nurse Reynolds, would you mind watching the Sickbay for a few minutes. I have some urgent business to attend to. I shouldn't be gone more than fifteen minutes."

"Of course, Chief," Reynolds said, "I'm going to be here for a while anyway."

"Thank you!" Dana said as she sent a quick response to the Lieutenant. All it said was, I'll be right there. Rising she left the Sickbay and headed to the Science Lab.



Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday - 42137.6)
USS Peregrine; Deck 4 - Science Lab 1 - 07:18

It only took a minute for Dana to arrive at the Science Lab where the Chief Science Officer's office would be; it was on the same deck after all. She paused at the door and pressed the announcement buzzer and waited to be admitted.

Asovil looks up from the request for a second set of eyes on a set of algorithms for dark energy disbursement that she is writing and calls out, "Enter."

CPO Cook pressed the open button and stepped into the lab and into the office for the new head of the science department. She took in the Andorian woman before her as she stepped forward. She seemed abnormally attractive for an Andorian; most of the Andorian women she had seen were harsh looking and appeared to have never smiled in their lifetime, but this woman was different; she looked likable.

"Chief Petty Officer Dana Cook," She introduced herself as she stood to attention before the woman awaiting her introduction and permission to get down to the reason she was here.

Standing to her willowy height, the blue-skinned young woman steps around the desk to greet the newcomer. Returning the salute, she motions casually towards the chair and plants her left buttock on the corner of the desk. "Please come in and sit Chief. I'm afraid, as I stated in your message's reply, that I have another meeting in a few minutes so I apologize for the brevity in which we're forced to conduct our first encounter.

"Now, you stated that you would like to speak with me about Chief Crane?"

"Yes Lieutenant," Dana responded as she moved to sit in the chair indicated. "Hopefully I won't take up too much of your time. First off, it is not my intention to intrude upon your department, or call into question how you will run it now that you are the new department head. My only concern is that my friend receive fair treatment." She sighed slightly as she gathered her thoughts before continuing.

During the pause, Asovil remains politely focused on the blond woman's lips. The science officer had figured out that if she watches the lips of those she's in conversation with while they speak, she's more likely to retain information. This is exactly what she's doing as the Chief gathers her thoughts.

"Lauren is my friend and roommate," Dana went on. "We have known each other since she came aboard and have grown close. With that in mind, I hope you understand why she confided in me about her situation when you no doubt told her to keep it to herself. She knows that I will tell no one and she needed someone to talk to about it. Sometimes it is good to get troubling things off your mind. She is devastated by this and thinks she will be kicked out of Starfleet for it. She loves what she does, she loves this ship. It will kill her if she is kicked out."


"I know you came aboard and investigated the situation that occurred in the Science lab with Lt. Tesenblen," Cook continued, "and that you found out that Chief Crane was the one that revealed the violation to Starfleet Security instead of going to the Captain—a direct violation of the Chain of Command. Now, I am in no way condoning her actions; I am a firm believer in following the proper channels.

"Lauren knows she did wrong," Dana continued. "She thought that the experiments that Lt. Tensenblen was conducting was a danger to the ship, it's crew and even the mission. She was only trying to do the right thing, but she did it in the wrong way. I am not here to plead for her innocence, I just want you and the Captain to hear her out. Listen to her reasons for doing what she did before she is judged. I know her, probably better than anyone on this ship, and I know she didn't do this to harm anyone, but the exact opposite, to try and save the ship."

Chief Cook paused to take a breath before going on, "I would hope that the Captain would handle this aboard ship and that she be allowed to stay aboard and serve you in the capacity that I know she can. She is a wonderful Geneticist and dedicated to her work. If given the chance, I know you would grow to like her and count on her. Please don't let your first impression in this case sour your outlook on her. Given the chance, she will surprise you."

"That is all I have to say," Dana rose as she finished. "I don't require any response from you LT. I know that you probably can't discuss too much about the situation. I just wanted to make a statement. I know that you don't really know Chief Crane, so I thought someone that did could provide some insight on her. I hope you will consider what I have said when you talk to the Captain today. Thank you for your time."

Manicured thin white eyebrows rise at the abruptness in Cook's closing statement and Asovil blinks a few times in a second. It is true that Chief Crane had been instructed not to speak with anyone else about this situation until discipline had been delivered, but if the CSO were being honest with herself (and she is), then she has to admit that she had given no thought to CPO Crane having a roommate. Sh'iraolnas' last ship had been a large one and even Chiefs had their own quarters. Any girl knows it's just about impossible not to share what's going on in your life with your girlfriends, especially when they live with you.

Affecting a forgiving smile, the Lieutenant says, "I appreciate you coming by, Chief Cook. While I cannot, and will not, speak for the captain, I will say that you make a compelling argument."

"If there's nothing else,?" Asovil cocks her head just a little to the side and looks askance at the human female.

"No, sir," Dana replied as she moved towards the door.

"Again," The CSO removes herself from the desktop and walks the Chief to the door of her office. "Thank you for sharing your concerns and for looking out for your friend. She's lucky to have you."

Dana nodded before she turns and exits the room, headed back to Sickbay to resume her shift.

(OOC: Another collaboration with Brom. Thank you sir! )

Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday - 42137.6)
USS Peregrine; Deck 4 - Science Lab 1 - 07:24
Chief Cook vanishes behind the closing door leaving a somewhat amused department head considering their recent interaction. Occupying thoughts aren't so much about the topic of their conversation (in Asovil's mind, Lauren Crane has made her bed and the situation is Captain Drake's to ultimately resolve), but more the head nurse, herself.

Walking calmly--almost unconcerned by way of appearance--back to her desk, Lt. Sh'iraolnas sits and further contemplates Dana Cook. The woman would likely make a good Andorian officer with how brazen she is. She certainly is not lacking for loyalty. The way she speaks with barely any movement of her lips is most guarded and intriguing at the same time. Not the typical personality one would find in a care-giving capacity, and more of the same kind of thoughts carry her through to the chirping alarm announcing someone outside her door seeking entrance.

"Come," she blinks away the crowding thoughts and absentmindedly brushes a strand of soft white hair behind her right ear.

"Our meeting, sir?" Ensign Maize steps into the room and salutes. Her blond hair is pulled back in a ponytail with her bangs parted on the left side of her head. Once again, Asovil wonders about her purple eyes but resists the urge to ask after their origin. For all she knows, they could be cybernetic and have been implanted after an accident. Not something to bring up right away, I think.

"Yes, Ensign," rising, Lt. Sh'iraolnas returns the salute. "take a seat please. I appreciate your punctuality. As it turns out, I've a meeting scheduled with the captain at 08:30 and would like us both to be well underway for the day long before that."

"Understood, sir," Dalia walks across the room and stiffly plants herself in the closest chair to the door while still in front of Asovil's desk.

A little onerous, perhaps? Sleep on the wrong side of a bed possibly? the Andorian accidentally mentally misuses another Terran adage as she returns to her seat once more.

"How are you this morning, Mr. Maize?" the science officer regards her subordinate with a friendly smile and lifted brow, her antennae perched forward showing interest.

"I'm fine, sir."

Ponderously nodding at the brief answer, Asovil searches the woman's pale, square features in a fruitless attempt to read her. "All right. I suppose we both have things to get to,

"You've likely noticed that I dismissed Chief Crane from duty early yesterday. As the assisting department head, you should know that I've confined her to quarters until further notice. All of her projects are to be monitored by other qualified recipients within the department until the situation is resolved."

"And what situation might that be, sir?" Dalai tilts her head to the left just a bit, her purple eyes alight with challenge.

"The situation with Chief Crane will," the lieutenant leans forward and clasps her hands before her on the polished desk, "remain within the discretion of those directly involved until I deem it prudent to share. Suffice it to say, you will be responsible for making sure those projects are properly monitored and that duties Chief Crane is expected to perform are properly covered."

"Yes. Sir."

Sapphire eyes narrow as they meet stormy violet ones. "is there a problem, Ensign?"

"No, sir."

"That's verta waste, Ensign." Asovil settles back again in her chair and leans on her left elbow. "It's a very apparent to me that you've some boner to pitch at me, and I'd very much appreciate you doing so as I've neither the patience nor the desire for politics within my own department."

Dalia's lavender eyes widen at her superior's faux pas. "Um, do you mean, ‘bone to pick," sir?"

"Yes. Whatever the phrase is that you Terrans use." The blue-skinned beauty waves the mistake away like an annoying insect.

"I've nothing to talk about, sir." Ensign Maize folds her arms below her breasts and looks plainly at her department head as though challenging her to an argument.

Staring across the reflective surface of her desk at the defiant woman, Asovil gives her head just enough of a shake that it causes a tremor to flow through her white hair and purses her lips. Drawing in a deep breath through her flared nostrils she grumps, "Fine.

"I don't imagine these additional duties to burden the department for long. Until they cease, I'll have a daily report filed by you concerning the statuses of each project.

"Now, I've something else to discuss with you and seeing how we are apparently such good friends, I'll just come right out and say it.

"Were you privy to Lt. Tesenblen's rather unorthodox projects?"

"If you're referring to the projects that Lt. Tesenblen had the full authorization and support from Captain Drake on," Dalai tilts her head slightly to the right, "then, yes."

"And you took no concern with the safety of the crew or this ship's mission?" Lt. Sh'iraolnas retains her narrow-eyed stare.

"None whatsoever."

"Did you participate in these projects, Mr. Maize? Knowing full well the very tenuous conditions that surrounded this department?"

The Ensign's jaw juts outward. "If you are insinuating behavior unbecoming a science officer aboard a Starfleet vessel, Lieutenant, sir. Then just come right out and say so. Otherwise, please do me the courtesy of getting to the point. Sir."

"Did you behave in a manner unbecoming a Starfleet officer?" Asovil takes back the offensive.

"No, sir." Amber eyes practically crackle cackle with fire. "And I'll say the same for Lt. Tesenblen should I be given the opportunity to speak on his behalf before a court."

"Misplaced loyalty can ruin a person's life, Ensign." The blue woman States quietly, drawing the temper-fueled officer before her forward so she can better hear.

"Lieutenant Horatio Tesenblen is a good man." Maize replies through clenched teeth. "That he is now going to have his name and his work dragged through the mud is a disgrace for Starfleet and--I'm sure--meant to be an attack on this ship--"

"And I am the embodiment of this affront, correct?" Asovil brushes her hair back behind her left ear. "I am not the enemy here, Mr. Maize. It is important that I trust you know where the enemy is in order for us to work together. Do you know where the enemy is, Ensign?"

Dalia's a retort escapes through her open mouth before she can utter it. Momentary confusion alights upon her face presenting her with a dumbfounded expression that melts away with the speed of ice before a phaser beam. "Crane?"

"No," Lt. Sh'iraolnas shakes her head and places her hands before her on the desktop. "Disorder. Disregard. These are every department's enemy, Ensign.

The Ensign's brow furrows. "Lt. Tesenblen ran a tight ship."

"Apparently, it was very insular," Asovil replied with alacrity that shocks the subordinate.

"What do you mean?"

"Who is on board the Peregrine at this moment?" the lieutenant quizzed.

"A lot of new personnel and the delegations," Lt. Sh'iraolnas allows Ensign Maize to catch up with what the subordinate had just said. Dalia shakes her head and looks sourly at the corner of the desk where the overheads were catching rather brilliantly. "The experiments were in containment fields approved by Captain Drake. They weren't dangerous."

"You're thinking like a scientist, Mr. Maize," the CSO delivers a gentle chastisement. "Which is what you are, and there's nothing wrong with that so long as you accept alternative views from experienced individuals as inputs into your theory.

"I come from a mixed background that includes science and military training. While not having personal experience with espionage, I can assure you that even someone with minor skills in that area could have found a way to bypass the containment fields, take a sampling of the latest Tesenblen acquisition, and completely turned this mission into a political disaster with the Peregrine and Captain Drake at the center of it.

"Now," it is Asovil's turn to tilt her head slightly to the right. "What do you say to the situation?"

Dalia Maize shifts uncomfortably in her chair and tightens her folded arms into something her superior officer regards as a self-hug. Sourness remains the predominant emotion on in her chiseled face as she sullenly replies, "Lt. Tesenblen had received Captain Drake's approval and buy in on the security protocols."

"Captain Drake is a smart man to be sure," the frustrated blue-skinned woman replies. Sinking back in her chair, she sighs. "He is also running an entire ship, dealing with dignitaries that shouldn't even be here, and forced to rely on his department heads for sound decision making. And I am not even beginning to cover the illicit methods by which Lt. Tesenblen acquired his specimen.

"You've a lot to consider if you wish to continue your service aboard this vessel, Ensign." Asovil meets her purple gaze on the level and without malice. "The the least of which is whether you can step up to the platter and work within my department with structure.

"I have to prepare for my meeting with the captain now, but we will continue this conversation later. I will grant you the rest of this week to decide on your course of action. Dismissed."

Dalia does not even try to correct the Andorian on her misuse of another human metaphor, but rises quickly from her chair and snaps off a salute. As soon as Asovil stands and salutes in kind, the ensign makes haste to exit the office.

Shaking her head, Lt. Sh'iraolnas drops gracefully into her seat and willfully forces the conversation out of her mind as she turns to the report she intends to present Captain Drake. She has ten minutes to finish the report and still arrive at Drake's office with five minutes to spare. Relief washes over her as she realizes just how cut and dry this report will be.

"Computer," she states. "Chief Science Officer's log, Captain's Report, dated,"

Stardate 2365.02.09
USS Peregrine, Captain's Ready Room - 0828

The chime sounded, just a bit early - which was exactly what Silas had expected. "Come in," he bade, and the hatch slid open to reveal the blue-skinned Andorian officer that served as the new science chief. The Captain rose and offered a hand, then gestured to the seat across from his own. "Please, have a seat, Lieutenant Sh'iraolnas."

((OOC: assuming she does so...))

"I trust that you have had a chance to settle in a bit?" Drake asks.

((OOC: whatever answer))

The Captain nodded. "Again, I would like to apologize for the less than cordial welcome yesterday. While I am certain that you can appreciate the frustration I was under by having all but one of my department heads replaced within a twenty-four hour window - including a secret arrest of one of them - the fact remains that none of that was your fault, and as such, I was less than polite to you. Hopefully, the lack of tact on my part will not hamper our working relationship going forward."

((OOC assuming some sort of polite response))

Silas gave a half smile. "Very well. You strike me as an individual that values directness, so let's get down to business. First off, I owe you a full briefing."

Drake leaned back a bit in his chair. "We were originally assigned as the escort for the USS Coronado, a Miranda class vessel that has been refit for diplomatic purposes, in her mission to broker a peace between the Kuldar and Rytain at a summit to be held in the Gamera system. Her outdated combat capabilities were even further reduced by the refit, but she has excellent facilities for diplomats - as well as a crew trained for, and dedicated to such missions. The escort was required to ensure their safety. However, when Lieutenant Zai and I met with Captain Jacobs, his first officer, and the ambassadors at Starbase 118, the ambassadors put a wrinkle into the situation by demanding berths aboard the 'superior' vessel - even if it meant leaving the rest of their contingents behind on the Coronado. To say that Captain Jacobs was displeased would be an understatement, but in the end, we really had little choice but to comply."

The Captain shook his head. "We have less than two days worth of warp to reach the Gamera system, at which point we will deliver the ambassadors, resume an escort position, and wish the process the best. Captain Jacobs has made it clear in no uncertain terms that we are not to interfere, that we are to limit our interactions with the ambassadors."

Drake gave a wry grin. "I am more than happy to comply with these orders. As you have likely surmised, I care little for politics and flowery words. Fortunately for this mission, Lieutenants Zai and Lasad have talents in this area, so last night's reception wasn't the utter failure I might have otherwise created."

Silas clasped his hands. "Any questions?" he asked.

((OOC: allowing for Sh'iraolnas to interject whatever here. If we need a sidebar, we can handle it via future posts. Assuming, however, that she does not torpedo the entire conversation...))

The Captain nodded. "Moving on, then. I would assume that you have had a chance to meet with all of your staff. I'm curious as to your first impression of them, if you don't mind my asking."

Drake kept his face neutral. This line of conversation would allow Lieutenant Sh'iraolnas the chance to mention the confinement of Chief Crane to quarters without him having to break tradition and inquire about intra-department discipline. Naturally, it was his right to know - nothing aboard a ship was off limits to the Captain - but traditions were to be respected. He did not want the new department chief to feel that he was stepping on her toes with her less than a day into the job, but the fact that an otherwise well behaved chief has required this disciplinary measure did pique Drake's curiosity.

Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday - 42137.6)
USS Peregrine; Deck 1 - Captain's Ready Room - 08:28
The chime sounded, just a bit early - which was exactly what Silas had expected. "Come in," he bade, and the hatch slid open to reveal the blue-skinned Andorian officer that served as the new science chief. The Captain rose and offered a hand, then gestured to the seat across from his own. "Please, have a seat, Lieutenant Sh'iraolnas."

Asovil's attentive sapphire colored eyes dart about the room as she hesitates in a premature salute and moves forward to shake Silas' hand. Details of the captain's ready room jump out at her helping to establish further insights into her leader's personality, interests, and personal tastes. Taking the proffered chair, the science officer crosses her legs at the knee and places her laced fingers over her left knee in a gentile manner that still afforded her proper posture.

"I trust that you have had a chance to settle in a bit?" Drake asks.

"I have, sir," she replies evenly, accenting the words with a crisp nod.

The Captain nodded. "Again, I would like to apologize for the less than cordial welcome yesterday. While I am certain that you can appreciate the frustration I was under by having all but one of my department heads replaced within a twenty-four hour window - including a secret arrest of one of them - the fact remains that none of that was your fault, and as such, I was less than polite to you. Hopefully, the lack of tact on my part will not hamper our working relationship going forward."

"There's no need for the apology, sir," the beautiful Andorian woman presses her lips together in humble acceptance all the same. "I'm sure yesterday's events felt a bit like a siege upon your ship. I don't know that I wouldn't have been worse to encounter in a similar situation."

Silas gave a half smile. "Very well. You strike me as an individual that values directness, so let's get down to business. First off, I owe you a full briefing."

Drake leaned back a bit in his chair. "We were originally assigned as the escort for the USS Coronado, a Miranda class vessel that has been refit for diplomatic purposes, in her mission to broker a peace between the Kuldar and Rytain at a summit to be held in the Gamera system. Her outdated combat capabilities were even further reduced by the refit, but she has excellent facilities for diplomats - as well as a crew trained for, and dedicated to such missions. The escort was required to ensure their safety. However, when Lieutenant Zai and I met with Captain Jacobs, his first officer, and the ambassadors at Starbase 118, the ambassadors put a wrinkle into the situation by demanding berths aboard the 'superior' vessel - even if it meant leaving the rest of their contingents behind on the Coronado. To say that Captain Jacobs was displeased would be an understatement, but in the end, we really had little choice but to comply."

The Captain shook his head. "We have less than two days worth of warp to reach the Gamera system, at which point we will deliver the ambassadors, resume an escort position, and wish the process the best. Captain Jacobs has made it clear in no uncertain terms that we are not to interfere, that we are to limit our interactions with the ambassadors."

Drake gave a wry grin. "I am more than happy to comply with these orders. As you have likely surmised, I care little for politics and flowery words. Fortunately for this mission, Lieutenants Zai and Lasad have talents in this area, so last night's reception wasn't the utter failure I might have otherwise created."

Silas clasped his hands. "Any questions?" he asked.

"I appreciate the information, sir," Lt. Sh'iraolnas looks him directly in the eyes. "I am, of course, putting my department at the disposal of the mission." She considers Tochi's insights into their circumstances from last night and appreciates the captain's quality of restraint. There is a lot more Drake could say on the matter, but rather than influence his new officer with his opinion, he has chosen to allow her to formulate her own.

The Captain nodded. "Moving on, then. I would assume that you have had a chance to meet with all of your staff. I'm curious as to your first impression of them, if you don't mind my asking."

Drake kept his face neutral. This line of conversation would allow Lieutenant Sh'iraolnas the chance to mention the confinement of Chief Crane to quarters without him having to break tradition and inquire about intra-department discipline. Naturally, it was his right to know - nothing aboard a ship was off limits to the Captain - but traditions were to be respected. He did not want the new department chief to feel that he was stepping on her toes with her less than a day into the job, but the fact that an otherwise well behaved chief has required this disciplinary measure did pique Drake's curiosity.

"Actually, sir," the young officer chews for a moment on the inside of her bottom lip allowing her eyes to drift to the ships along the wall as she considers how in-depth she wants her verbal report to be. "I've already succeeded in meeting with each of them.

"I was made privy to Lieutenant Tesenblen's circumstances, and took it upon myself to look further into the situation in terms of the department's involvement. For the most part," she returns her eyes to Silas' rugged face and blinks slowly as she continues, "the personnel seem to be capable. There are a couple of circumstances that I'm correcting as they are currently operating from a deviated trajectory, but those are of no concern to you in the bigger picture. It is, however, troubling that I need to report a rather serious infraction."

Releasing her knee, the blue-skinned woman leans back in her chair and uses the palm of her right hand to press the folds in her right pant leg down, paying attention to her actions instead of looking at Captain Drake's response. "Chief Crane admitted to me that she is the reason for Lieutenant Tesenblen's arrest, though the intention was innocent enough.

"You see, the Lieutenant's most recent project—the one that involved the Wolfsbane—became a concern to the Chief when the delegation chose the Peregrine as their berth. She approached Lieutenant Tesenblen with her concerns and according to her, he dismissed them as he had your approval for the security protocols he'd enacted and the intention behind his research. You'll see in the report I forwarded you early this block that she felt she had to act to protect the integrity of the mission and the safety of our guests, the crew, and Starfleet on a whole. Feeling that she had nowhere else to go due to your approval of the project, she reported the existence of the Wolfsbane to Starbase One-One-Eight's security team.

"Chief Crane was quite distraught that this caused Lieutenant Tesenblen's arrest. She considered him a friend as well as her commanding officer." Looking up from her ironing work, Asovil meets Silas' gaze once more. "Details are in the report, including the message from CPO Crane's personal communication file. I've spoken with her about the severity of her actions and told her that discipline will be forthcoming. Until then, she is to remain restricted to her quarters. I felt that the situation did not warrant bothering you with it during Beta Shift's activities and could wait until Alpha."

Stardate 2365.02.08
USS Peregrine; Deck 2; Captain's Mess - 1911

Haemis blinked, that 'deer in the headlights' look gracing his facial features. He craned his head towards the sound of his name being called out and spotted the ships executive officer and who he could only guess might be an ambassador or part of the group they were escorting or transporting. He summoned his courage with a quick breath, and headed over towards the group.

"Good Even'n." he says with a bow. "Lieutenant Haemis McTavish, but my friends call me Mac." he extended a hand to those he had not yet had the pleasure of meeting. "Well now, this is some gather'n I hope your finding yourself well at ease with our gallant crew here."

(room for a response if ye like.)

"Well now, your request..." he pauses thinking a moment. "This here vessel may be wee, but she's got a bit of a bite to her. Most people underestimate ships like this because of their size. Never underestimate the ingenuity of a small crew and a fast ship!" he ponders something a moment. "She has a normal cruis'n speed of Warp Seven, and can hold a fair high clip for a long while yet. I've no had the opportunity to get my hands on much yet so we might be able to do better." He paused realizing he was running at the mouth. He didn't drink that often, and knew he was a bit of a light weight so he may have overestimated the drink he was given. "Is there someth'n in particular you'd like to know about?"

(Just trying to get caught up now....)


Stardate 2365.02.09
USS Peregrine, Deck 2: Main Engineering - 0750

Haemis stood over his console starting at it intently, he was watching the ships power consumption and distribution feeds trying to find something that caught his eye just after he came on duty. He loved little mysteries like this but in truth was an absolute love hate relationship. Once he glimpsed something, he had to see it happen again, examine it, figure out what was making it do that thing it was doing.

He clapped a hand to the side of the console, "HA!" he exclaimed loudly causing one of the other engineers to jump. He pointed accusingly at it "You! I see ye!" he looked up at the other engineer. "There is a wee variation in power flow efficiency. I'd wager tha its a failing EPS power tap. Bloody things are hard to see before they go about their business giving us a bad day!" he quickly made a note in the maintenance log to check that specific tap.

A beep from the console pulled his attention, it was an alert that he had a meeting with the Captain. "Oie." he said and quickly departed the engine room leaving the rest of the engineers to fend for themselves.



Stardate 2365.02.09
USS Peregrine, Captain's Ready Room - 0800

The door chime sounded precisely on time, and at Drake's admonition, the hatch slid open to reveal Lieutenant McTavish. There's something to be said for punctuality, Silas mused.

The Captain stood and offered his hand to the big man, then indicated the seat across from his desk. Taking his own seat, Drake spoke.

Haemis gave the captain a firm shake, and nodded taking a seat. "Morn'n Cap'n"

"Thank you for joining me, Lieutenant McTavish," he began. "As you may have gathered," he continued, "I'm not much of one for subtlety or silken phrases. As such, I would prefer to cut right to the chase."

The Captain paused for a brief moment. "First off, we need to go ahead and make it formal - you are no longer the acting Chief Engineer, but simply the Chief Engineer of the USS Peregrine. From what I understand, Commander Thorson may be on extended medical leave, and it's not out of the realm of possibility that he will never again serve as Chief Engineer of a starship. It won't do for you to feel like you are simply keeping your seat warm for someone else; I believe that you will do your best work when you - and your people - understand that you are permanently in charge." A wry smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Well, as permanent as anything in Starfleet, at any rate. Speaking of which..."

The Captain paused for a moment, allowing his gaze to drift along the ship models mounted on the walls of the Ready Room before looking McTavish in the eye once more. He opened his mouth as if to speak, closed it again, then frowned. "Lieutenant," he finally spoke, "the second thing we must discuss is that I absolutely owe you an apology. Yesterday was truly the most trying day I have endured as commanding officer of this vessel; in the span of twenty four hours, I literally lost every single department head outside of Lieutenant Zai. Then, when I heard that you had come from the Coronado... well, I assumed a few things. In compliance with at least part of the old saying, in assuming I did at least make an ass of me."

Drake chucked slightly and held up a hand to forestall any response from McTavish. "It is the truth, and I am sorry for not welcoming you warmly to begin with. Now then," Drake gestured to the PADD on his desk, "I have taken the liberty of reviewing your personnel file - which I should have done before I met with you yesterday. It seems that you left the Coronado on less than ideal terms with Captain Jacobs?"

Haemis was nearly floored by the Captains words, it was not exactly what he expected to hear this morning let along at all. He had been so used to being under a Captain who apologized for not. It took him a moment to compose his thoughts. "Aye sir, that is correct. There was a tournament, medieval combat amongst the crew and some others via the holodeck. The Chief Engineer of the Coronado and I defeated him. He didna like it. Technically I didn't hit him. The chief stepped in. He however made the chief bring charges. I don't blame the chief, he had no choice. Captain Jacobs was not a good sport. No love lost there either."

Again, the wry grin tugged at the corner of the Captain's mouth. "If you haven't already heard, the scuttlebutt will reach you soon enough; it is no secret that Captain Jacobs and I are not exactly the closest of friends." The Captain gave a self deprecating chuckle.

"More accurately," he continued, "Jacobs has never liked me, neither on a personal nor professional level. He makes no secret of the fact that he does not believe me fit for command of any vessel. As such, my initial thought was that he had pulled strings to plant you as eyes and ears aboard my ship." Drake paused, and a twinkle touched his eye for a moment. "Of course, that was before I learned that you struck him, which led to your transfer."

Haemis shifted nervously in his chair listening to the man. He nodded, "Twas certainly a laps in judgement. And forgive my bluntness but he got what he deserved. Ye wont find it in any account or record but tha man is cruel, and if anyone is not fit to Capt'n t'would be that..." he stopped to consider his words carefully. "Person..."

"Now then," Drake continued, "I could certainly never officially condone such an action. But then... I was not there when it happened, so I will not pretend to be capable of passing judgment on the situation - nor will I pretend to not understand what could lead one to such an action." The Captain cleared his throat. "We've all made mistakes, mister McTavish; what is important is how we conduct ourselves going forward. So then, with your permission, I would like to wipe the slate clean, to start over. Welcome aboard the Peregrine, Lieutenant McTavish. Go make the Engineering department your own, and enjoy the break before I ask you to work some miracle of technology."

"Sir," he looked down at the floor a moment again stopping to consider his words. "I believe we've both been lead to believe things that they may not be. In my own anger and honestly believe'n tha stuff that was circulat'n on the Coronado about the two of you, well." he frowned at the thought that he had been duped again by that man. "I believe I owe you an apology as well." he shook his head. "When you've been put in a position like that, they get in yer head after a time and you start believing in what is said. Propaganda if ye will." he down at the floor, then back up at Drake. "I will not let you down. If you had or have any doubts as to where my loyalties lie, I hope that through my own actions that I might find your full favor one day. I will do my absolute best. You have my word on that."

Drake stood and offered his hand once more. "Dismissed Lieutenant."

Haemis shook the man's hand firmly again, and bowed his head slightly out of respect. "Thank you sir." he turned and walked towards the door, but stopped a moment, he half turned back. "It was worth it." he nodded again and walked out of the room. Stopping once the doors closed, he took a deep breath. Haemis was surprised at how relieved he suddenly was. Something that had not happened in a while that only recently alcohol had helped with, he was smiling.

Stardate 2365.02.09
USS Peregrine; Sickbay - Deck 4 - 0730

After Chief Cook had returned to the Sickbay, she picked up her PADD and started to look over the test results for PO Bachmann. She had released Nurse Reynolds to do whatever it was she was doing with the scanner alignment. Dana again shook her head at the readings, they all appeared normal, except... what was this here? An unusual silicate reading in PO Bachmann's blood work. It wasn't anything dangerous, or even harmful as far as she could tell, it was just strange.

PO Ryan Bachmann chose that moment to awaken and look about the room; seeing Cook he spoke up, "Morning Chief!"

"Good Morning Petty Officer," Chief Cook said as she stood and approached his medical bed, "how are you feeling?"

"Hungry," Ryan said with a return smile.

"That's a good sign," Dana said, then asked, "how is the pain?"

"Gone!" Ryan declared with a bigger smile. He didn't mind being in Sickbay, he worked here after all, he just didn't like being a patient.

"Really?" Dana said as she reached for a medical scanner and activated it. She ran it over him and her brows furrowed at the readings.

"Yeah," Ryan said enthusiastically, "do you think I can get out of here?"

Dana didn't seem to hear him as she looked at the scan readings. This didn't make sense. His injuries had subsided, they no longer flared in her scans as they did last night. She picked up a neuro-regenerator and began to apply it to his arm. The few signs of injury began to be repaired just like any normal EM discharge burn that it now appeared to be. After a few passes, all signs of his injury were gone from her scans.

"Hmmm?"

"Chief?" Ryan asked with a puzzled look.

"Oh," Dana snapped out of it and shook her head slightly, "you appear perfectly fine now Petty Officer."

"Great!" Ryan said and looked at her questioningly for a few seconds before asking, "So can I be released? I could use a shower and a big breakfast."

"Yeah," Dana said as she sat the medical tools aside and stepped back, her expression still showing puzzlement. "Yes, you are released, but I want you to report immediately if you feel anything out of the ordinary or if the pain returns. Understand?"

"Absolutely," Ryan said as he hopped up off the bed as if nothing had ever been wrong with him, "Thanks Chief. You do good work."

"Yeah sure," Cook said as she walked back to her desk.

As Ryan made for the door, Cook turned and told him, "Take today off. We dont have any testing going on right now, so rest today alright? The Doctor has ordered update Physicals on all crew members. I will finalize the schedule for them today and we will start first thing tomorrow. So rest, we'll have plenty of lab work for you tomorrow."

"Sure thing Chief," Ryan said as he headed out the door for his quarters to shower and change and then get a big breakfast; he felt like he hadn't eaten in a week.

Dana sat at her desk looking at the new scanner readings of PO Bachmann; still shaking her head at the sudden change in him, she made a few taps and sent them on to join the other tests and readings on the PO as well as her instructions she had made to him.

"Yeoman Toriak," She said tapping her Comm badge.

=/\= Toriak here. =/\=

"Yeoman," she continued, "I want you to start on the schedules for update physicals on the entire ship's crew as ordered by Doctor Moore."

=/\=Understood. I will get started on them right away. =/\=

"Forward your schedules to me as you go," Dana instructed, "I want to start on some of them tomorrow. Oh, and leave the Senior staff till last."

=/\=Understood.=/\=

"Cook out!" Dana finished and sat back with a sigh as she wondered. What just happened here since last night?

Stardate 2365.02.09
USS Peregrine, Captain's Ready Room - 0838

The conversation with the new Chief Science Officer had started off well enough. The attractive andorian had quite a bit of a prim, by the book manner to her, though the previous evening's interactions with Tochi had proven that there was another layer to her. Still, she offered polite, expected responses to all of his queries, offering little in the way of personal insight into her thoughts... at least until the conversation ventured to the science staff.

Sh'iraolnas' comment about a "deviated trajectory" elicited an arched eyebrow from the Captain, but he made no comment - the department was hers to run as she saw fit, assuming they continued to meet the ship's needs. For the new CSO to succeed, she would need the Captain's support - which he understood would largely involve him staying out of the way. As such, he felt that the matters were likely to be minor and not worth him getting involved.

And then, the bomb dropped. "It is, however, troubling that I need to report a rather serious infraction," Sh'iraolnas spoke in a serious tone.

Releasing her knee, the blue-skinned woman leaned back in her chair and used the palm of her right hand to press the folds in her right pant leg down, paying attention to her actions instead of looking at Captain Drake's response. "Chief Crane admitted to me that she is the reason for Lieutenant Tesenblen's arrest, though the intention was innocent enough."

"You see," she continued, "the Lieutenant's most recent project - the one that involved the Wolfsbane - became a concern to the Chief when the delegation chose the Peregrine as their berth. She approached Lieutenant Tesenblen with her concerns and according to her, he dismissed them as he had your approval for the security protocols he'd enacted and the intention behind his research. You'll see in the report I forwarded you early this block that she felt she had to act to protect the integrity of the mission and the safety of our guests, the crew, and Starfleet on a whole. Feeling that she had nowhere else to go due to your approval of the project, she reported the existence of the Wolfsbane to Starbase One-One-Eight's security team."

"Chief Crane was quite distraught that this caused Lieutenant Tesenblen's arrest. She considered him a friend as well as her commanding officer." Looking up from her ironing work, Asovil met Silas' gaze once more. "Details are in the report, including the message from CPO Crane's personal communication file. I've spoken with her about the severity of her actions and told her that discipline will be forthcoming. Until then, she is to remain restricted to her quarters. I felt that the situation did not warrant bothering you with it during Beta Shift's activities and could wait until Alpha."

At last, Sh'iraolnas stopped speaking, though truth be told, it took a moment for Silas to register that fact. His face felt flushed; there was knot in the pit of his stomach and a dull ringing in his ears. The Captain's eyes sparked with dark fury as he fixed the new science chief with a glare. "She. Did. What." he spat through gritted teeth.

Drake snatched his PADD off of his desk and thumbed through until he located the aforementioned report. If possible, the Captain's countenance fell even further as he absorbed the information therein.

Silas glanced up at the andorian woman, then dropped the PADD back onto his desk as he stood and paced a few strides. The Captain turned his back on his guest as he considered the various ship models from around the room. At last, he spoke. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Lieutenant. Whatever her motivations, the fact remains that not only did Chief Crane clearly violate the chain of command, but her actions caused severe - perhaps irreparable - harm to the career of your predecessor. This is a matter of discipline and protocol, and will have to be dealt with by more than a few days of being grounded to her room."

Drake closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose as he keyed his communicator. "Drake to Petty Officer Vish."

=/\=Vish here, Captain=/\= came the reply with a bit of a snarky tone. =/\=Why so formal?=/\=

"Not now, Yeoman!" Drake snapped.

Instantly, the voice on the other end turned businesslike. =/\=Aye, Captain. What can I do for you, sir?"=/\=

In other circumstances, Drake might have marveled at the change in tone, but he was too preoccupied to notice. "Riva, I want you to locate Chief Crane. If she is off duty, proceed directly to her quarters; if not, find her at her station. Inform her that she is to report to the Captain's Mess at fourteen hundred hours to be subject of a Captain's Mast."

=/\=Sir?=/\= came the unsure reply.

Drake's voice was measured and calm, though his had to consciously un ball his fist. "You have your orders, petty officer. Carry them out."

=/\=Aye, sir. Orders acknowledged. Vish out.=/\= came the reply.

Silas let out a heavy sigh and retook his chair. Once again turning his gaze on Sh'iraolnas, he spoke. "Unless there is something more, Lieutenant, I believe that you have a department to attend to, and I have hearing to prepare for."

((OOC: assuming nothing to force the meeting to last longer.))

Drake nodded. "Very well. Dismissed, Lieutenant."

((OOC: assuming she leaves))

Silas sat for a few long moments, staring silently at the door. He had a bridge shift to return to; it would not do to hide in his office for hours on end. First, though, he needed to inform the XO.

Drake tapped his commbadge. "Drake to Lieutenant Zai."

((OOC: assuming a typical response))

"Sorry to bother you, Tochi; I know that you're not on shift until Beta today. However, something has come up - I'll be bringing Chief Crane to Captain's Mast today at fourteen hundred hours, and I expect that she may want you or Lasad to act as her advocate."

((OOC: seems like a nice point to end this))

Stardate 2365.02.08 (Monday - 42136.5)
USS Peregrine Deck 2 - Captain's Mess - 19:11

the Kuldaran suddenly looks between the Starfleet officers and remarks, "Is that Security that has just arrived, Lieutenant Zai? Are you expecting trouble?"

"Not at all, Ambassador," Zai answers as his gaze finds the newly appointed CEO, whose entry had somehow gone unnoticed by the XO, "That would be Lieutenant McTavish, the Peregrine's Chief of Engineering."

"Engineering?" D'Lar chuffs. "It would seem that he is the entire Engineering department!"

"His size is impressive," Threel adds thoughtfully. "Would he not be better suited to a combat position?"

"Wouldn't we all be better suited if there were no combat positions?" The Trill counters with a sagacious smile that brings Asovil's gaze back from McTavish to the XO's charm-ridden face. He holds up a hand to forestall any arguments that such a lofty ideal is, in reality, unreachable and continues. "A dream to dream, we know," Tochi breathes, "what meaning is there to peace if there is no conflict for it to counter, after all? Still," he inclines his head toward the CEO who has just received his drink from Crewman Pierce, "the physicality of Mr McTavish, there, is far from his greatest asset to Starfleet. His knowledge of engineering and his understanding of the Peregrine's physicality are of greater benefit to us, in all actuality. After all, without support from behind the front lines, what good would those serving there be, in the long run? Without reliable Engineers, the war-fighters' equipment would certainly fail after a time, and they'd be reduced to hurling rocks and waving sticks. Without talented people in our Science and Medical divisions, what would become of those on the front if they are injured or exposed to any number of environmental conditions, chemical or biological agents, and etcetera?" Still smiling, Tochi shrugs vaguely and concludes, "Combat positions would be all but pointless without support positions, we think. Very short-lived, if nothing else."

"Interesting," D'Lar mutters, still looking toward the CEO. Lt. Sh'iraolnas finds herself impressed at the tapestry the Trill just wove and the political nature in which he both suggests peace and avoids forcing it down the ambassadors' collective throats. Quite suddenly, the Kuldaran calls out in an attempt to get the Scotsman's attention. "Lt McTavish! Please, join us, I would enjoy learning more about this vessel we are guest upon."

The Chief Science Officer returns her sapphire gaze towards the table and the mountain of a man, missing Tochi's look as he too turns once more toward Lt. McTavish. Brushing her hair back over her ear absent-mindedly, she is too distracted to witness the way Lt. Zai's smile warms a fraction.


"Yes, Lieutenant," the XO urges Haemis, "Please,"

Haemis McTavish blinks, a distracted and confused look gracing his long features. He cranes his head towards the sound of his name being called out and takes a quick breath. Rising to his full height, the CEO makes his way around the table and over towards the group.

"Good Even'n." he says with a bow. "Lieutenant Haemis McTavish, but my friends call me Mac." he extends a hand first to each of the ambassadors starting with D'Lar. "Well now, this is some gather'n I hope you're finding yourself well at ease with our gallant crew here."

"As at ease as if I were in my own home," Threel remarks smoothly.

"Sure enough," D'Lar gruffs, obviously more interested in the subject of his request rather than small talk.

Asovil turns her head to her left—the area that Haemis has procured upon arriving—and tilts it a little to the right, interested in just how the Chief Engineering Officer is going to navigate the tricky waters of not disclosing too much about the ship while still managing to provide a satisfactory answer.

"Well now, your request..." McTavish pauses, thinking a moment. "This here vessel may be wee, but she's got a bit of a bite to her. Most people underestimate ships like this because of their size. Never underestimate the ingenuity of a small crew and a fast ship!" he quiets and ponders something a moment before continuing. "She has a normal cruis'n speed of Warp Seven, and can hold a fair high clip for a long while yet. I've no' had the opportunity to get my hands on much yet, so we might be able to do better." He paused again and the Andorian woman observes his brow twitch just a bit in what she assumes is self-realization.

The CEO's cheeks appear slightly flushed to the Chief Science Officer. Perhaps he's already been drinking a bit before he arrived here, Asovil considers.

"Is there someth'n in particular you'd like to know about?" Haemis blinks away his self-consideration and abruptly returns his attention to the scaly-skinned dignitary.

"What about the weapons compliment?" D'Lar presses. "When we were first introduced to the two vessels upon which our delegation and ourselves now journey, we were informed that the USS Coronado doesn't carry quite the load out that the USS Peregrine carries and yet, the USS Coronado is a much larger ship."

The blue-skinned beauty's antennae lean forward and she unconsciously chews on the inside of her bottom lip. Such questions were usually considered rude within the Andorian culture, but she is unsure as to Terran's, or, for that matter, Kuldaran's and Rhytanians. Tread carefully, Mr. McTavish, she internally cautions.

(OOC: opportunity to continue the conversation,)


Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday - 42137.6)
USS Peregrine; Deck 1 - Captain's Ready Room - 08:35
And then, the bomb drops. "It is, however, troubling that I need to report a rather serious infraction," Sh'iraolnas speaks in a serious tone.

Releasing her knee, the blue-skinned woman leans back in her chair and uses the palm of her right hand to press the folds in her right pant leg down, paying attention to her actions instead of looking at Captain Drake's response. "Chief Crane admitted to me that she is the reason for Lieutenant Tesenblen's arrest, though the intention was innocent enough."

"You see," she continues, "the Lieutenant's most recent project—the one that involved the Wolfsbane—became a concern to the Chief when the delegation chose the Peregrine as their berth. She approached Lieutenant Tesenblen with her concerns and according to her, he dismissed them as he had your approval for the security protocols he'd enacted and the intention behind his research. You'll see in the report I forwarded you early this block that she felt she had to act to protect the integrity of the mission and the safety of our guests, the crew, and Starfleet on a whole. Feeling that she had nowhere else to go due to your approval of the project, she reported the existence of the Wolfsbane to Starbase One-One-Eight's security team."

"Chief Crane was quite distraught that this caused Lieutenant Tesenblen's arrest. She considered him a friend as well as her commanding officer." Looking up from her ironing work, Asovil meets Silas' gaze once more. "Details are in the report, including the message from CPO Crane's personal communication file. I've spoken with her about the severity of her actions and told her that discipline will be forthcoming. Until then, she is to remain restricted to her quarters. I feel that the situation did not warrant bothering you with it during Beta Shift's activities and could wait until Alpha."

At last, Sh'iraolnas stops speaking, though it takes a moment for Silas to register that fact. His face feels flushed; there is a knot in the pit of his stomach and a dull ringing in his ears. The Captain's eyes spark with dark fury as he fixes the new science chief with a glare. "She. Did. What." he spits through gritted teeth.

Responding to his raw, exposed wrath with slightly raised eyebrows and a twitch of her antennae, Asovil is barely able to keep her sudden desire to bolt from the room in check and forces herself to remain still under the white hot rage—still and silent.

Drake snatches his PADD off of his desk and thumbs through his screen commands until he locates the aforementioned report. If possible, the Captain's countenance falls even further as he absorbs the information therein and the blue-skinned woman wonders if the report is unsatisfactory.

Silas glances up at the Andorian woman, then drops the PADD back onto his desk as he stands and paces a few strides from the fixture. The Captain turns his back on his guest as he considers the various ship models from around the room. Pale blue eyes affix to the glossy surface of the captain's desk as the scientist awaits his reply.

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Lieutenant. Whatever her motivations, the fact remains that not only did Chief Crane clearly violate the chain of command, but her actions caused severe—perhaps irreparable—harm to the career of your predecessor. This is a matter of discipline and protocol, and will have to be dealt with by more than a few days of being grounded to her room."

Agreeing silently with Silas' assessment, Asovil continues her study of the desk surface and waits for him to flesh out his thoughts. Drake closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose as he keys his communicator. "Drake to Petty Officer Vish."

=/\=Vish here, Captain,=/\= comes the snarky reply. =/\=Why so formal?=/\=

"Not now, Yeoman!" Drake snaps.

Instantly, the voice on the other end turns businesslike. =/\=Aye, Captain. What can I do for you, sir?"=/\=

In other circumstances, Drake might have marveled at the change in tone, but he is too preoccupied to notice. "Riva, I want you to locate Chief Crane. If she is off duty, proceed directly to her quarters; if not, find her at her station. Inform her that she is to report to the Captain's Mess at fourteen hundred hours to be subject of a Captain's Mast."

=/\=Sir?=/\= comes the unsure reply.

Drake's voice is measured and calm, though he has to consciously unball his fist. "You have your orders, petty officer. Carry them out."

=/\=Aye, sir. Orders acknowledged. Vish out.=/\= came the reply.

Silas lets out a heavy sigh and retakes his chair, drawing the Andorian's gaze up from the desktop to meet his gaze as he speaks, "Unless there is something more, Lieutenant, I believe that you have a department to attend to, and I have hearing to prepare for."

"Nothing more, sir. As stated in the report, I have suspended Chief Crane from duty."

Drake nods. "Very well. Dismissed, Lieutenant."

The scientist rises with smooth alacrity and salutes. She knows that she doesn't need to relay to Drake that she'll be present for the Captain's Mast as department heads are required to attend. Stepping to her left, she turns on her left heel and walks briskly to the door, passing through as it slides open for her.

Striding onto the Bridge, Asovil's sharp eyes dart to Science Conn 1. Chief Crane should have been on duty, but her circumstances have forced the department to improvise and before the CSO had left her office, she had ordered Ensign Maize to make sure Lauren's duties are covered. Sure enough, the conn is being manned by the tall and athletically built Petty Officer 2nd Class Prudnikov. Satisfied that Maize has followed orders thus far, the Andorian continues through to the turbolift.

"Deck four," she orders as she turns about and faces the Bridge while the doors close.

Captain Drake is hot in the seat, she concludes, mixing up two Terran metaphors. The only time she's seen him calm is at the reception and then he seemed more inclined to allow Tochi to take the lead than and reticent to engage. I've worked with tempers before, she advises herself. The key is to make certain that the work I am responsible for is thorough and that deadlines are met. It's an old drill.

=/\= Deck 4 =/\=

As soon as the doors open, Asovil strides out of the lift and down the hall. She absently returns the salute of a red shirted man when they pass, but otherwise encounters no one until she steps into the lab within which her office resides.

Science Lab 1 is quiet and empty except for the presence of Ensign Maize seated at her station in the far corner. Dalia's turn to look over her shoulder is ignored by the CSO, who breezes through to her office. Once inside, Asovil makes her way to the replicator and orders her usual Katheka before seating herself behind the desk. Holding the hot Starfleet insignia emblazoned mug in both hands, the young officer allows the steam to caress the skin of her face for a moment while she considers the remainder of her day.

"Computer," she calls lightly. "Schedule a reminder for me to leave for the Captain's Mast by thirteen-forty hours. Make sure my calendar is clear for the remainder of Alpha after that."

=/\= Your reminder has been set, Lieutenant Sh'iraolnas. =/\=

Setting the mug on the smooth surface of her desk, Asovil leans forward and brings up her computer screen. Tapping her way through the menus, the scientist pulls up her project titled Dark Matter Propulsion 612.3. Taking two deep breaths and allowing the air to escape her lungs in a metered manner, she absently takes up her mug and sips while her sapphire eyes flit through the recently calculated data acquired from the latest computer simulations. Variances in the containment field results of the shield generator matrix immediately catch her eye. "A leak?" she wonders out loud and scrolls down to the section detailing simulated environmental issuances of the lacel fabrication. Sure enough, the numbers deteriorate after a mere hour of operation. Multiple alterations made by the computer all result in containment failure which dramatically reduces the speed attained, and in most cases, results in either implosion or explosion of the lacel.

"The math is incorrect," she surmises. "That's the only explanation." Swiping the screen to her left with two delicate blue fingers, Asovil then double-taps the button granting her access to the various mathematical formulas the simulation is working with.

Stardate 2365.02.08 (Monday)
USS Peregrine Deck 2 - Captain's Mess - 19:14

"What about the weapons compliment?" D'Lar presses. "When we were first introduced to the two vessels upon which our delegation and ourselves now journey, we were informed that the USS Coronado doesn't carry quite the load out that the USS Peregrine carries and yet, the USS Coronado is a much larger ship."

The blue-skinned beauty's antennae lean forward and she unconsciously chews on the inside of her bottom lip. Such questions were usually considered rude within the Andorian culture, but she is unsure as to Terran's, or, for that matter, Kuldaran's and Rhytanians. Tread carefully, Mr. McTavish, she internally cautions.

Haemis Smiled Warmly. "Ah, everyone want's to know about the guns! Ye see we might be wee compared to the Coronado but the Peregrine is a sight newer." he took a moment to take a drink. "I canna really go into specifics about our defensive systems, you understand. Security'n all. What I can tell ye is ye have no fear, we can hold our own in a fight." he said in a reassuring tone. "I can tell ya even for a small ship, she's got ample appointments. You don't often find guest quarters for instance on a vessel of this size." he took another drink. "Ah, and state of he art Holosuites. They may be a sight small but they make up for it in the technology put into them."

(a brief pause in case one of the ambassadors wish to reply)

"I don't believe I've had the pleasure of seeing yer vessels yet?" his smile broadened. "I bet they are incredibly facinatin." he looked up for a moment. "I remember the first time I got my hands on a Klingon Bird of Prey, now that was a challenge. I don't much care for how simple they engineer but they are very functional and efficient. Not to mention one of those..." he pauses realizing he's starting to ramble. "My apologizes, ye get me started on engineering and I might go all night."


Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday)
USS Peregrine, Engineering - 1100

Haemis stood with a hand on his chin staring at one of the displays. "Mr. Davis isn't it?" he asked looking over his shoulder.

"Aye sir." the Master Chief said turning his direction.

"This is some good work here." he said looking over the Impulse systems display. "Maintenance schedule is impeccable." he nodded. "Very good work Mister."

The Master chief smiled. "Thank you sir. We do need to work on the number three fusion reactor still. It's functional but not exactly where I'd like it." he pointed. "It's a problem with this EPS Power shunt, I think we just need to go ahead and replace it. But that reactor isn't due to swap out for another four hundred hours."

Haemis nodded. "Is it something that is mission critical?" he asked glancing sideways at him.

The young enlisted man shook his head. "No, it can wait. The shunt runs off to an EPS Power Tap Distribution block and into non critical systems."

Hamis nodded. "Good lad, carry on." he moved deeper into the engine room and stood staring at the Warp Core for a long moment, listening to it pulse. He loved that sound, broke his heart if he had to not hear it. The engine was like a mothers heartbeat to a child. He closed his eyes and looked up the shaft then down over the rail.

"Loose something Chief?" he heard the woman's voice call to him from behind.

Haemis shook his head and turned around to greet the woman. "Lieutenant Morgan, how are ye this fine morn'n?"

She considered her response. "It's morning?"

"Indeed." he gestured back over towards the pool table, "So not much on the agenda today, routine maintenance. I've set aside a few items for me to take care of, your welcome to delegate out the rest." he said sending the list to her via the ships internal messaging system.

She nodded, "Alright." her hands flew across the console calling up the list, she immediately began sending out tasks to the other engineers on the team. "I'm going to send McGivern to do that sensor pallet check, shes been idle far too long for my liking."

"Just let me know if you need me for anything," he picked up a kit and slung it over his shoulder. "I'm going to go take a look at an EPS power tap that's been trigger'n my engineering OCD." he headed for the door. "Don't breach the core while I'm out." he said with a chuckle as he departed engineering leaving her to delegate the rest of the tasks.

She blinked at that last comment, looking up from the console. "Ok, that was different."

"Not exactly what I would have expected." Master Chief Davis said turning from his console. "He was so... Isolated the other day."

Caity Morgan stared at the doors where the new Assistant Engineer just disappeared. "Yeah. Well, lets not jinx it." she said glancing back down at the console, she continued to dispatch tasks for the day.

Stardate 2365.02.09
USS Peregrine; Deck 2; Lt Zai's Quarters - 0500

Sleep had come only marginally easier following Tochi's conversation with Captain Drake but the Trill was able to find some small bit of rest in the few hours he'd spent in bed. Regardless of how easily sleep had come, his mind had continued to chase the misgivings that Ambassador Threel had planted there, prompting him into wakefulness several times through the night, only to discover, each time, that it was too early to contact Commander Farr. By the time the alarm he had set actually chimed, the Peregrine's XO figured that he'd managed maybe four hours of sleep and, given the day's schedule, he could use four more,

=/\=Lt Zai. The time is zero-five-hundred hours,=/\= the computer droned, following the alarm tone, =/\=This is your wake up call.=/\=

,Tochi groaned and pulled a pillow over his face as the lighting in the room waxed brighter in accordance with his alarm protocol. "Wonderful," he responded, his voice muffled by the pillow, "Thank you." He blinked and breathed into the self-induced dark for a second and then, breathing a sigh, tossed the pillow aside and rolled out of bed. A stretch and a yawn took him past the replicator, from which he ordered a hot Vulcan spice tea, and on to the lavatory where he splashed his face with cold water and blinked at his reflection for a long moment. He had a feeling he was in for another very long day.

"We may as well get it started," he murmured, taking up his cup and wandering to the workspace carved out of one corner of his quarters. "Computer; have there been any changes to the Coronado's duty roster for today?"

The computer blipped as Tochi slipped into the chair behind his desk and adjusted the angle of the small viewer on its surface. =/\=Negative,=/\= it answered, =/\=There have been no duty changes since your last query.=/\=

"Open a secure channel to Commander Farr, please," he requested, following a sip of tea.

=/\=Connecting. Stand by.=/\=

A few moments later, the viewer flickered to life. The Cononado's XO, dressed in her duty uniform and securing her hair into a ponytail, sank into the frame as she seated herself behind what he assumed, by the looks of things, was the desk in her own quarters. "Lt Zai," the woman smiled cordially, "This is rather unexpected."

"Good morning, Commander," Tochi returned the smile, "My apologies if we're disturbing you."

"Not at all," the human woman returned, "I was just getting my day together and preparing to start my shift." Bethanny lifted a cup of her own to her lips, then; took a sip and cradling the cup in her hands leaned back in her chair a bit. "Is there something I can do for you, Lieutenant?"

Assuming a similar, relaxed posture, the Trill offered a smile and something of a nod. "Tochi, please," he offered,

"Tochi," the woman nodded, her smile warming a fraction though she attempted to mask it by indulging in another sip of her beverage. "Some trouble with the Ambassadors," she assumed.

"Not trouble, per se," Zai returned, "Unsettling observations, perhaps, would be a better way of stating it."

"Unsettling?" Farr arched a curious brow and leaned in; "How so?"

"We hosted a reception for Ambassadors Threel and D'Lar, last night," Tochi began, "Standard diplomatic protocol,"

"Of course," Bethanny nodded, listening intently.

",and, of course, during the course of the reception, we had opportunity to interact with and, how is it said on Earth, ‘get a feel' for each of them." He paused, sipped at his tea, and offered a marginal shrug; "We sense that Threel lacks the desire for a peaceable outcome to this summit."

"Really," Bethanny looked more than a little surprised, "I've not had much time to interact with Threel or D'Lar, myself, to be honest, just a few short hours aboard SB-118, but, of the two, I had imagined Threel to be the more receptive to these accords. D'Lar and his contingent seem more,"

"Belligerent," Tochi suggested when Bethanny paused in her search for a fitting descriptor, "Aggressive?"

"Not precisely the words I would have chosen," Cmdr Farr chuckled, "but, yes, I suppose those are appropriate."

"We observed and initially thought much the same," Zai nodded, "and, on the surface, at least, that is the way it presents. There is something underneath where Threel is concerned, though, that has us wondering as to his true motivation,"

The conversation between the two Executive Officers continued for a time, with Zai relating the better part of what he'd shared with Captain Drake, and Farr occasionally interjecting with a probative query. In the end, as each of them came to the bottom of their cups, Tochi was pleased with the outcome. Bethanny had shared a bit of her own observations in regards to both the Rytain and Kuldaran contingents aboard the Coronado with him having to ask directly. As she related it, the Coronado's XO hadn't noticed anything out of the ordinary in regards to any of the delegates billeted aboard her vessel. There was some underlying distrust and animosity noteable between a handful of the representatives on both sides, of course, but those sorts of things were to be expected in situations such as this. Decades of open warfare and bitterness were not easy wrinkles to iron out in a single pass, after all. That fact alleviated Tochi's misgivings a fraction, though, not altogether, and he thanked the human woman for freely sharing her insights.

",Just out of curiosity, Tochi," Bethanny Farr queried as their conversation came to a close, "Why is it that you chose to contact me as opposed to Captain Jacobs in this matter."

"Honestly and off the record, Commander?" Tochi posited in return, a sly smile gracing his lips.

"Nothing other," the Coronado's XO assured him, offering a complacent smile of her own in return.

"Your Captain is an ass," Tochi shrugged, "and we thought, perhaps, information of this sort would be better received from an officer with more standing that a lowly lieutenant."

Commander Farr tried not to, but, in the end, couldn't help but snicker at the Trill's appraisal of her CO. "Apologies, Lt Zai," she said, draining the remainder of her cup before doing so, "Would that Captain Jacobs could see beyond the point of his own nose where things like that are concerned. However,"

"The man is an elitist snob," Tochi suggested, "with little tolerance for lesser offering their opinion wher he feels it is not warranted."

Bethanny giggled, more than snickered at that. "Something like that," she concurred once she had managed to contain her amusement, "I'll be sure to present your concerns to him in a manner that won't see us both brought up on charges."

"That would be appreciated, Bethanny," Tochi grinned, tipping his own cup in slaute before draining the dregs, "and, if you can find the time, please, do let us know if anything changes with your appraisal of the delegates aboard the Coronado."

"I will do my best, Lietenant Zai."

"Thank you, Commander. Zai out."

As the viewer went dark, again, Tochi leaned back in his chair and rubbed at his eyes, again. While the promised lines of communication where this situation was concerned were far from ideal, they were, at least opened and the information (and, so, the ‘burden' of his misgivings) had been shared. That, at least, went some way to alleviating a bit of the anxiousness it had kindled in him. Something between a sigh and a yawn escaped him as he lifted his cup, again, only to find it empty,

"Computer," he called, rising from the chair and moving toward the replicator, "time?"

=/\=The time is zero-five-thirty-one.=/\=

With the Command tour of beta-shift ahead for him, Tochi imagined he would probably be well served to try and get another couple of hours of sleep. By the time he had returned the cup to the replicaotr for recycling, though, he had already dismissed the idea in favor of a run and, perhaps, some breakfast. If it became necessary, surely, there would be time for a nap, at some point.

Deck 5; Gymnasium - 0715

With eight kilometers behind him on the track, Tochi slowed his pace and completed one more circuit at a walk. The final lap completed, he veered from the track and, snatching up a towel and a bottle of water from where he'd left them at the start of his run, daubed the sweat from his face as he meandered toward the weight room,

"Good morning, Lieutenant," he heard a voice call.

,When he let the towel fall from his face, his vision was filled with the titanic frame of Ensign Thomason emerging from the room. "Good morning, Hebert," he nodded, draping the towel over his shoulder and stepping aside to allow the gigantic helmsman to duck through the door, "Finding your way around with no problem, we see."

Thomason offered a grin and a shrug of his massive shoulders. "It's not a very big ship, sir."

Especially not for one of your size, Tochi chuckled inwardly. "No," he said aloud, "we suppose not. Your first shift at the helm went well, we presume?"

"Yes, sir," Hebert nodded, "Uneventful, really. Lt Lasad did share an amusing story," The big man offered another shrug; "It was more or less a quiet shift, though."

"Very good," the Trill smiled. He inclined his head to the weight room; "Were you finished?"

"Uh," Thomason's gaze flicked back to the doorway, "yes, sir. I was thinking about a shower and breakfast... Need a spotter?"

Tochi shook his head. "No, thank you," he replied, "I was actually hoping for a quick match and thought we'd ask you before we called up a hologram."

The new Flight Control Officer smiled, apparently pleased that the XO had remembered that he, too, was a swordsman. "I'd like to, sir," Thomason grinned, rubbing his aching arms, "but my arms are already burning. Swinging a broadsword, right now, likely isn't a good idea. Some other time?"

"Of course," Tochi nodded, "consider it an open invitation."

"I'll do that. Thank you, Lt Zai," Hebert said.

"Quite," Zai returned as Thomason turned and strode toward the exit, "Enjoy your day, Ensign."

Deck 2; Lt Zai's Quarters - 0830

The run and sparring had left Tochi happily exhausted and, by the time he returned to his quarters, the Peregrine's XO was more than ready for a shower, a bite to eat, and, finally, ready to try an reclaim some of the sleep he'd missed over the course of the previous night. The shower, of course, had been his first priority and, now, scrubbed clean of the sweat and soil of this morning's exertions, and clad in a pair of shorts and an undershirt, he collected a simple breakfast of poached Taspar eggs and yamok sauce from the replicator. He carried his meal to his desk where he had planned to review yesterday's duty logs and get a head start on any administrative tasks he might need to address while he ate. As he settled into the chair and brought the console to life with the tap of a finger, though, he noted the time,

0830, Asovil is likely standing on the carpet in Silas' ready room, now. Getting her "formal welcome", probably, updating Silas about PO Crane, as well, almost certainly brushing her hair behind her ear,

Your spots are purple, Tochi, Leah Finnley's voice teased.

,The warmth in his chest spread to his cheeks as he allowed a sheepish smile to dance on his lips. What was it about the new CSO that had this effect on him? It was more than Dirven's lingering penchant for Andorians, he knew. Had that been the only factor at play, then he and Vaela would likely have already validated some of the shipboard scuttlebutt regarding their relationship. No, there was something much more to it than the predelicitions of another lifetime, Something that had captivated him in the moments they had first spoken or, perhaps, in the moments he had first seen her, Something that the Trill found difficult to define, at the moment, but sincerely hoped to discern with more clarity as he got to know her better, To that end, before he called up the previous day's reports, he composed a quick message:

To:Lt(jg) Sh'iraolnas, A.
From: Lt Zai, T.
Subject: Schedule?
Good morning.

I hope your second day aboard is off to a better start than your first.

Lunch, today?

Warm regards,
Tochi

He hesitated sending the message, but only for a brief instant in which he managed to convince himself that he wasn't acting like some infatuated adolescent. "No," he couldn't help but chuckle as he tapped the ‘Send' icon, "we're behaving like a full grown infatuated adult."

When his comm-badge sounded a few minutes later, he extracted himself from his review of the reports, finding himself hopeful that it would be Asovil on the other end, confirming a lunch date. He wasn't at all surprised, though, when the voice that followed the device's chirping was the Captain's.

=/\=Drake to Lieutenant Zai.=/\=

"Zai, here," he replied, not failing to note the clipped tone of Silas' voice, "What can we do for you, Captain?"

=/\=Sorry to bother you, Tochi; I know that you're not on shift until Beta today. However, something has come up - I'll be bringing Chief Crane to Captain's Mast today at fourteen hundred hours, and I expect that she may want you or Lasad to act as her advocate.=/\=

Not at all unexpected, Tochi sighed inwardly, It appears this will be another long day.

"No bother, at all, sir," he assured Silas aloud, "We were already up and about our day, anyway. Once I've finished breakfast, we'll be sure to avail ourselves to the Chief."

((OOC: In the interest of getting a post on the boards, I'll stop here for the time being. Looking back at the Reception bits, now, and thinking forward to the initial contact with Crane re: the Captain's Mast, if anyone feels up to playing that out with me, let me know. ))

Stardate 2365.02.09
USS Peregrine, Captain's Mess - 1355

Captain Drake stood, alone, in the hallway outside of the Captain's Mess. His fury from the earlier meeting had cooled, and he found that his heart felt a touch heavy. Though Silas knew that he carried a deserved reputation for being a hardass when the situation warranted, his underlings might have been surprised to learn that he did not relish tasks such as the one he was about to undertake. To the contrary, he truly wanted nothing but the best for his crew; however, much like a father might reluctantly punish a wayward child, so too would Drake dispense discipline as needed.

Now was a time when it seemed that such discipline was clearly needed.

Silas took a deep breath, straightened his back, and adopted a completely neutral face before striding into the Captain's Mess. It would not do to show doubt or weakness to his crew.

The hatch hissed open to reveal the normally cozy Captain's Mess, tough the atmosphere seemed anything but this afternoon. Drake noted with a touch of satisfaction that he was the last to arrive - Chief Crane was present and seated at the foot of the table, with Lieutenants Zai, Lasad, Berk, and Sh'iraolnas seated around the table. Taking his own seat, Drake spoke.

"Since it would appear that we are all here," he spoke, "I see no reason to delay this. If no one has an objection, let us begin."

((OOC: assuming no objections))

Drake nodded. "Very well. Let the record show that we are assembled here today for the purpose of conducting a non judicial proceeding in the matter of a gross violation of the chain of command by Chief Petty Officer Lauren Crane." The Captain paused for a moment to allow his words to sink in before fixing the Chief with his gaze.

"Before we continue, Chief, I would like to clarify some potential questions." Silas took a breath. "Since you are not a commissioned officer, Chief, and further influenced by the fact that we are under weigh, I am fully within my rights as Captain of this vessel to compel you to accept this non judicial proceeding. However, I am willing to give you to option of a formal court martial, if you so desire."

The Captain glanced around the table. "You should carefully consider this choice, Chief. If I find you guilty in this non judicial proceeding, you will have no true method of recourse; you will simply be forced to accept any punishment that I choose to hand out. Such an action will almost certainly have a negative impact upon your Starfleet career. Bear in mind that, unlike in a formal legal trial, I need not be convinced of your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; I need only decide that a preponderance of the evidence points to your guilt. At a non judicial proceeding such as this, you are entitled to retain an advocate to help plead your case, but even though I have the utmost faith that whoever you choose to be your advocate will in fact do their best to represent your interests, the fact remains that we lack a true legal specialist aboard the Peregrine, and certainly do not have anyone truly trained to defend breaches of maritime law."

Drake gave a moment for the above to sink in. "With that being said, if you elect to take your chance with a court martial, understand that you will be relieved of duty and confined to quarters until such time as we are able to arrange for your transport to a Starbase or similar Federation outpost where you can stand trial. If this does go to a formal legal action, I will pursue it aggressively, filing charges that will include items such as dereliction of duty, conduct unbecoming, and any and all technicalities that I can find that may apply. While it is certainly possible that you may be able to win your case in a formal legal proceeding, given the evidence I have seen thus far, I rather doubt that will be the situation. If you are convicted at a court martial, you can expect to spend real time in the brig, and can almost guarantee that your Starfleet career will be over."

The silence in the room was palpable. "If you wish to confer with your advocate, Chief Crane, you may do so now. I need to know which course you would prefer to take."

Stardate 2365.02.08 (Monday - 42136.5)
USS Peregrine Deck 2 - Captain's Mess - 19:16



"What about the weapons compliment?" D'Lar presses. "When we were first introduced to the two vessels upon which our delegation and ourselves now journey, we were informed that the USS Coronado doesn't carry quite the load out that the USS Peregrine carries and yet, the USS Coronado is a much larger ship."


The blue-skinned beauty's antennae lean forward and she unconsciously chews on the inside of her bottom lip. Such questions were usually considered rude within the Andorian culture, but she is unsure as to Terran's, or, for that matter, Kuldaran's and Rhytanians. Tread carefully, Mr. McTavish, she internally cautions.


Haemis smiles warmly, "Ah, everyone want's to know about the guns! Ye see we might be wee compared to the Coronado but the Peregrine is a sight newer." He take a moment to drink. "I canna really go into specifics about our defensive systems, you understand. Security'n all. What I can tell ye is ye have no fear, we can hold our own in a fight," he said in a reassuring tone. "I can tell ya even for a small ship, she's got ample appointments. You don't often find guest quarters for instance on a vessel of this size." He takes another drink. "Ah, and state of the art Holosuites. They may be a sight small but they make up for it in the technology put into them."


Asovil regards the two ambassadors in an attempt to read their expressions. Not being familiar with the species, she finally concludes that she doesn't have enough data to correctly surmise anything and is brought back from her analysis by the engineer's accented continuance.


"I don't believe I've had the pleasure of seeing yer vessels yet?" Haemis' smile broadens. "I bet they are incredibly facinatin'." he looks up for a moment. "I remember the first time I got my hands on a Klingon Bird of Prey, now that was a challenge. I don't much care for how simple they engineer but they are very functional and efficient. Not to mention one of those..." he pauses, realizing he's starting to ramble. "My apologizes. Ye get me started on engineering and I might go all night."


"Our ships," D'Lar chuffs. "They are nothing compared to even this, smaller vessel of Starfleet's. Now, if we had a few of these in our fleet; well, let's just say that these peace talks wouldn't be about to take place." The scaly-skinned fellow chuckles at his own comment and places a hand on Threel's shoulder in a friendly gesture. "Of course, the same could be said if his people had a few of these and we didn't."


"I suppose we should be grateful that neither of our peoples have had access to these war machines," the Rytainian dignitary says sourly through a weak smile as he endures his counterpart's touch. "You did mention, Lieutenant McTavish, that the Peregrine's cruising speed is warp seven. What would be her maximum speed?"



Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday - 42137.6)
USS Peregrine; Deck 1 - Chief Science Officer's Office - 09:10



Finalizing a series of computer-aided algorithms designed to reconfigure the containment parameters for the dark matter collector engine, Asovil cranes her neck to the right and then the left eliciting a small popping within the vertebrae and relieving some of the stress that has built up there over the past number of minutes. Turning to her linked PADD, she drags the contents of her personal computer over to the PADD screen with a swipe of her right hand and rises from her desk. Punching in the commands to implement the new algorithms into the simulation program, the Andorian woman begins to pace. Resulting data scrolls across the handheld screen igniting the analytical side to her brain as she processes the information. Failed containment, the first results conclude. The first variant algorithm is entered and the simulation begins to play through once more. Failed containment, the second results conclude. With a resigned shake of her head, Lt. Sh'iraolnas enters the command for the third variant to be tested.


Sighing mightily, Asovil drops back into her chair and unceremoniously sets the PADD on the desk before her as the third results come back negative. Chewing on her bottom lip, the blue-skinned beauty considers the possibilities for failure. My math could be wrong, she posits. The power levels in the collector's generator could be too low. But, the collector is collecting, it's only after the matter is building up that the containment ruptures. So, it has to be something within the containment configuration. Perhaps a level three containment field isn't enough to hold the matter? But it's enough to contain a warp core breach, White fingernails click repetitively on the smooth desk surface as the thoughts continue their procession through her mind. From within her subconscious, recognition that outstanding messages exist within her terminal and the realization breaks her chain of thought as assuredly as a physical event.


"Can't even stay focused for a few minutes," she mumbles and leans forward to bring up the messages. Scanning the list, her heart flutters at the sight of one message from Lt. Zai that she immediately brings up.


To: Lt(jg) Sh'iraolnas, A.
From: Lt Zai, T.
Subject: Schedule?
Good morning.


I hope your second day aboard is off to a better start than your first.


Lunch, today?


Warm regards,
Tochi


A delighted smile ascends to her full lips and then encompasses her entire being. Absently brushing some imagined strands of hair behind her right ear, the elegant scientist keys up her reply.


To: Lt Zai, T.
From: Lt(jg) Sh'iraolnas, A.
Subject: re: Schedule?


I would welcome the respite and the company.


Sincerely,


Asovil


Pondering the reply, she wonders whether it is too formal resulting in his belief that she isn't interested. Then, she considers whether she ought to reply with an explanation that her mind has been on the physics behind containing dark matter with the intention of repurposing it as a never-ending supply of fuel—a permanent alternative to dilithium crystals. Discarding the latter as scientific mumbo jumbo that may be interpreted as puffing herself up, Asovil immediately returns to the possibility that her response is too formal. Returning to the message, she edits it to read:


To: Lt Zai, T.
From: Lt(jg) Sh'iraolnas, A.
Subject: re: Schedule?


Good morning to you!


My day has begun well enough. My meeting with Captain Drake went as well as could be expected, and I've since been focusing on one of my own projects trying to put the drama behind me for the time being.


I appreciate your invitation—more than you know—and would thoroughly enjoy the break of a delightful lunch with you. What time, and where shall I meet you?


Sincerely,


Asovil


Regarding the new reply, the blue-skinned officer visibly blanched. "Disgusting display of pleasantries," she remarks and promptly deletes it. Chewing on the inside of her bottom lip, she absently brushes hair that isn't out of place behind her ear again. Simple and friendly, she decides and begins typing once more.


To: Lt Zai, T.
From: Lt(jg) Sh'iraolnas, A.
Subject: re: Schedule?


Good morning to you, as well!


I appreciate you checking in on me. My day is proving to be more routine than yesterday, but would be improved by a lunch date with you, sir. What time shall I meet you, and where?


Sincerely,


Asovil


Settling back in her chair, the lieutenant junior grade begins to reread the message, but catches herself. "You'll be at this all day if you do that," she chides. All the same, it is a difficult task to force herself to be satisfied with the results and press the send option. As the message sent alert appears on her screen, the tall blue-skinned beauty feels momentarily sick to her stomach. Maybe that was too friendly,






Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday - 42137.6)
USS Peregrine; Deck 1 - Captain's Mess - 13:50



Punctuality is a foregone conclusion to the Andorian woman as it has always been. Arriving at the Captain's Mess ten-minutes early affords her the ability to assess the dispositions of those entering the room as they do so, which provides the scientist in her to develop theories on the outcome of the meeting and thus makes her more comfortable and less likely to succumb to surprise anger. Arriving this early usually means that she's the first, but in this case she is surprised to find Chief Crane already seated in a position that will place her directly across from Captain Drake. Not wishing to intrude on the woman's thoughts, Asovil quietly and gracefully pads to the end of the table furthest from the door and seats herself without ceremony.


Crane glances up and for a second the two womens' eyes lock. Sympathy isn't the blue-skinned beauty's strong point, especially when justice is being served. Had Chief Crane been looking for some sign that she has been forgiven her trespass, she finds none within the deep, near midnight blue of her department head's eyes. Eyes that remain locked on the CPO when Lauren drops her gaze back to her clasped hands on the table in front of her.


Minutes pass and more people arrive and in short order, all are present except for Captain Silas Drake. Meeting Lt. Zai's gaze, Asovil fondly recalls their lunch together and finds her cheeks darkening in color before she can mentally assert control over her blushing. Tochi has been the only good that her recent transfer has produced to date. She could but hope that it continues.


The door slides open admitting Silas, straight-backed, and of a neutral countenance, he strides into the Captain's Mess.


Taking his own seat, Drake speaks. "Since it would appear that we are all here, I see no reason to delay this. If no one has an objection, let us begin."


Asovil straightens her own back and turns her attention completely to her captain. Crane, who had become attentively rigid upon Asovil's arrival, remains so; still like a statue before the wrecking ball.


((OOC: assuming no objections))


Drake nods, "Very well. Let the record show that we are assembled here today for the purpose of conducting a non-judicial proceeding in the matter of a gross violation of the chain of command by Chief Petty Officer Lauren Crane." The Captain pauses for a moment to allow his words to sink in before fixing the Chief with his hard gaze.


"Before we continue, Chief, I would like to clarify some potential questions." Silas takes a breath. "Since you are not a commissioned officer, Chief, and further influenced by the fact that we are under weigh, I am fully within my rights as Captain of this vessel to compel you to accept this non judicial proceeding. However, I am willing to give you to option of a formal court martial, if you so desire."


Lt. Sh'iraolnas' antennae twitch with surprise. She knows full well that the captain isn't required to extend that right—knew it even before he made mention of it—and that he is doing so completely dissects her beginning theory on how the mast would proceed. Just as involuntarily as the twitching of her antennae, sapphire eyes seek some explanation of foreknowledge in Tochi's handsome face. The Trill XO is calm and serene, however, providing the Andorian woman with no additional data for her analysis. Chief Crane remains motionless, facing Drake with a solemn expression of remorse and acceptance.


The Captain glances around the table. "You should carefully consider this choice, Chief. If I find you guilty in this non-judicial proceeding, you will have no true method of recourse; you will simply be forced to accept any punishment that I choose to hand out. Such an action will almost certainly have a negative impact upon your Starfleet career. Bear in mind that, unlike in a formal legal trial, I need not be convinced of your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; I need only decide that a preponderance of the evidence points to your guilt. At a non-judicial proceeding such as this, you are entitled to retain an advocate to help plead your case, but even though I have the utmost faith that whoever you choose to be your advocate will in fact do their best to represent your interests, the fact remains that we lack a true legal specialist aboard the Peregrine, and certainly do not have anyone truly trained to defend breaches of maritime law."


Drake gives a moment for the above to sink in. "With that being said, if you elect to take your chance with a court martial, understand that you will be relieved of duty and confined to quarters until such time as we are able to arrange for your transport to a Starbase or similar Federation outpost where you can stand trial. If this does go to a formal legal action, I will pursue it aggressively, filing charges that will include items such as dereliction of duty, conduct unbecoming, and any and all technicalities that I can find that may apply. While it is certainly possible that you may be able to win your case in a formal legal proceeding, given the evidence I have seen thus far, I rather doubt that will be the situation. If you are convicted at a court martial, you can expect to spend real time in the brig, and can almost guarantee that your Starfleet career will be over."


The silence in the room is palpable. Asovil finally deigns to regard Chief Crane's expression and studies it with unfeigned interest as Captain Drake continues. "If you wish to confer with your advocate, Chief Crane, you may do so now. I need to know which course you would prefer to take."


"There's no need to confer, Captain," Chief Crane's voice maintains a steady and level tone. "I am fully prepared to accept your ruling in this matter, sir."


Lt. Sh'iraolnas presses her lips together and finds herself surprisingly relieved by the CPO's decision. Knowing full well that Tochi is Lauren's advocate, having discussed some of the details at lunch, Asovil can only surmise that the woman has made the best possible decision for her future. Returning her attention to Captain Drake, the Andorian awaits the continuance of the Captain's Mast.

Stardate 2365.02.09
USS Peregrine; Sickbay - Deck 4 - 1410

Chief Dana Cook was at work in the Sickbay currently tending to an injured Crewman Albert Smith from Security. Crewman Smith had been playing a rather energetic game of Racquetball with Security Crewman Galla. Dana knew these two crewman as she had played racquetball with both of them; but lately they had been suspiciously absent whenever she wanted to play. She had a suspicion that they were avoiding her as she often beat them at the sport.

"Well Crewman Smith," Dana said as she set down the medical scanner and picked up another small device, "looks like you have a hairline fracture of your Ulna."

"Huh?"

"That's the outer bone in your forearm," Dana said with a shake of her head and a faint smile. Security personnel were not known for their intelligence in most cases; especially at the Crewman levels.

"Don't worry," Dana went on as she turned on the device in her hand and set it on his right forearm and began to move it slowly, "this bone regenerator will take care of it. You'll be back to letting Crewman Galla kick your butt again in no time. That is if you can refrain from crashing into the wall at full speed."

"Oh," Al answered, "thanks Chief. Actually I was beating him for once, until this happened."

"Uh huh," Dana smirked.

After about 2 minutes, she stopped and set the bone regenerator aside and picked up the Med scanner again and after checking his arm again she nodded and set it down.

"Ok all set!"

"Thanks again Chief," Crewman Smith said as he hopped up off the medical bed.

"Just take it easy today," She said as she started to put away the equipment, "racquetball can wait till tomorrow."

"Sure thing." Crewman Smith said as he hurried out the door.

Chief Dana Cook put away all the medical equipment in it's proper place before returning to her desk where she began to update the Crewman's medical record to state the nature of his injury and the treatment that it required.

As she did so she happened to notice the time; Lauren would be in her Captain's Mast about now. She hadn't heard of an official announcement being made, but shortly after the Captain had set the time for the proceedings, it was all over the ship. The only thing faster than a Warp capable ship, was the scuttlebutt.

She sat back and thought of Lauren; after today she probably wouldn't be her roommate anymore. She was sure that Lauren was going to take her advice and accept the non-Judicial punishment from Captain Drake. Dana knew the Captain would be angry at the violation of the Chain of Command by one of his crew, but she knew that the punishment that he gave her would be much better than she could hope to get if she were to face a Court Martial. She had tried to express that upon Lauren when she spoke to her before her shift, and she hoped she would listen. She had heard that Lt Zai was going to be her counsel; no doubt he would advise the same course of action.

In any case, Lauren would most likely be busted down and that meant she would be transferred out of the NCO quarters and into Enlisted quarters. She would miss her; she had just gotten her broken in as a roommate. She hoped that she would be allowed to continue her post aboard ship. She thought that highly likely as the Captain knew a good crewman when he saw it. A lot of people thought the Captain to be a bit of a hard-ass, but she thought he was just a very disciplined man and he expected no less from those that reported to him. She liked him and, in the few interactions they had since she had been assigned 2 years ago, they had gotten along fine.

Dana hoped that Lauren would far well; but in any case she had gotten herself into this mess on her own, and hoped she would learn her lesson after all was said and done. She went back to working on updating the Medical file of Crewman Smith waiting to hear the news of what had gone on in the Captain's Mast.