Stardate 2365.02.09
USS Peregrine, Captain's Mess - 1428

The room was now empty save the Captain, who sat in moody silence at the table. With a slightly irritated expression, he dismissed the holographic data readout that still hung suspended in the air above the table.

Silas sighed as the vision of Chief - no, petty officer Crane, he reminded himself, being led away to the brig popped into his mind's eye. He saw the sadness and resignation on her face, saw Lieutenant Berk doing his best to remain neutral and impartial, and the memory made him feel hollow.

Drake had not failed to notice the expressions around the Captain's Mess when he had handed down the punishments - particularly that of the bread and water restriction. It was an ancient punishment, one that he had given the maximum allotment allowed by Starfleet... and one that he had never even heard of another Captain handing down. His officers has been surprised, and likely a bit taken aback; hopefully, it was clear now to everyone that Silas meant business when it came to discipline.

His original thought had been to give a full week in the brig, but truth be told, that would have harmed the department more than Silas was comfortable doing. Better to make the point clearly in a shorter amount of time.

Better, that is, if he hadn't managed to alienate the crew too much.

Silas shook his head ruefully. Even Tochi - his closest friend aboard the Peregrine, and someone who the Captain believed he enjoyed an excellent rapport with - had given him a look quite akin to one of betrayal. That look stung even worse that the expression on Crane's face as she was led away.

Drake frowned. Lieutenant Zai had the right to disagree, but at the end of the day, the responsibility fell to Silas to ensure that everyone did their duty. The punishment had been harsh, but he truly believed that it had also been quite fair - had Crane foolishly opted for a court martial, she would have easily faced eighteen months on a penal colony to go along with her dishonorable discharge. Three days of bland rations were a far cry from that. After all, it's not as if there were any doubt of Crane's guilt, nor any excuse for her actions.

So why, then, did he feel so conflicted?

Had this been one of his ancestor's ships, the punishment would have been worse. Were this the Golden Hind, Crane would have been ecstatic to have received a thorough lashing followed by her current punishments, rather than that worse fates that often awaited those who tried to subvert their Captain. Then again, this was no seventeenth century Terran barque; with the possible exception of the occasional dark fantasy following a particularly bad day, Silas would never consider something like a hanging or beheading for mutinous actions.

Now regarding Jacobs, on the other hand...

Silas chuckled and took his feet. There was work to be done; now was not the time to indulge such macabre fancies.

With his back ramrod straight, Drake spun and exited the Mess. His crew would do their duty, as would he.

***********************************************

Stardate 2365.02.09
USS Peregrine, Bridge - 1435

Fortunately, there was little left to do in Alpha shift. Silas sat in the command chair as beta shift began to filter in. It had been entertaining to watch the poorly contained enthusiasm of a young, red-haired petty officer prepare to take her first shirt at the helm. Tochi was patient and kind, while this Petty Officer Owen was... well, rather bouncy.

It was clear that the newest helmsman of the Peregrine was just itching for the chance to take control, and Ensign P'Tammah seemed to not object. Silas watched with a bit of a twinkle in his eye as Tochi observed her go through her checklist, but eventually, the Captain began to feel like the proverbial third wheel.

"Lieutenant Zai," he spoke, "it seems that you have the situation here well in hand. I sincerely hope that you have a boring, uneventful shift. You have the Conn."

With that, he exited the bridge and headed for the ready room. He would need to log the events of the Mast, and as always, there was paperwork to be done.

Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday - 42137.6)
USS Peregrine; Deck 5 - Observation Lounge "The Aerie" - 13:07

"Then it is decided," she sets her mug before her and raises both eyebrows rather coyly. "We shall give the crew reason to scuttlebutt."

Feeling the excitement of this new horizon further permeate her being, the blue-skinned beauty leans forward and places the index and middle fingers of her right hand on the top of Tochi's. "Are you going to act as Chief Crane's advocate, Tochi? I fear that it is really a rather cut and wry situation and there won't be much of an opportunity to offer a defense. Were Chief Crane on board an Andorian Cruiser, her fate would have been sealed the moment the reports were submitted and an Ushaan would be the results."

Discussing the business of the day is a difficult adjustment for the science officer when really all she wants to do is think on the possible futures that lay ahead for Tochi and her.

"I am," he nods, resisting the temptation to turn his hand over and entwine her fingers in his. Asovil's sudden transition to work details, in this moment, is a bit awkward given where his thoughts had just been but, despite the ungainliness of the change in topic, Tochi can't help but be grateful for it. At the very least it frees his tongue enough that words can flow smoothly across the once more. "Lieutenant Lasad would have been Chief Crane's other option and, as he didn't come aboard much sooner than you did, we wouldn't have felt right leaving her defense, wanting as it may be, left in the hands of someone who wasn't, at least, familiar with her."

His eyes finally let go of hers and fall to the center of the table where her fingers grace the back of his hand and he lets go of his reluctance, turning that hand over, capturing the slender blue fingers in his palm, and silkily stroking a thumb along their length before he forces the hand to withdraw and occupy itself with the mug of katheka, instead. "You're right, of course," he adds, his fingers curling around the mug and lifting it in preparation for a sip, "Mister Crane's fate is as much sealed where this proceeding is concerned as she might be were she to fight the Ushaan with Captain Drake.

Regarding their hands wrapped together and Tochi's gentle touch with as much of a bland expression as she can muster, Asovil forces the excitement of the contact back. Being Andorian in a Terran-prominent culture has taught her to constrain her passions and in this case she found such control to be the most difficult exercise in mastery over her emotions she has yet to encounter. Perhaps her recent experience aboard her last ship had succeeded in imbuing her with a greater sense of caution, or perhaps it is just that subconsciously, she doesn't want to risk ruining the pleasure of the infancy of this relationship. Either way, she forces her thoughts back to the conversation and her azure eyes back to the spotted frame of the Trill's face just in time to catch his eyes as he looks up from his drink.

His gaze returns to hers once more, regarding her over the rim of the mug as he offers a marginal shrug and a smile before indulging in a sip. "That said," he offers, returning the mug to the table, "we wouldn't be honoring our duties as either XO or advocate if we didn't, at the very least, try to muster something, if not a defense, then something by way of an explanation, anyway.

"We spoke, at length, with Petty Officer Crane, this morning," Tochi continues, "and she is painfully aware of what her transgression is likely to cost her. Aware, too, that, had it been revealed before we left Starbase One-eighteen, she would likely not have the ‘luxury' of the NJP that is being afforded her. The consequences of her actions will likely not be as severe as they might be were she expected to take an ushaan-tor into single combat against Silas but," the Trill shrugs again ",hopefully, death won't be a remote possibility."

Tochi indulges in another taste of the katheka and, then, regards his lunch date curiously; "Does it bother you that we're representing Chief Crane, Asovil?" He shakes his head and waves his hand as if to erase any possible misinterpretation of the question from the air. "That, perhaps, isn't the proper way to phrase that query," His gaze dips to the shimmering black surface of the katheka that still fills his mug, ",Given what I've just said in regards to how I feel about you, would you prefer that I recuse myself as Lauren's advocate? We ask you, as a scientist, and as analytical as your ilk can be, would you deem my representation of Chief Crane as a conflict of interest?"

Raising her manicured eyebrows in surprise mimicked by the sudden setting back of her antennae, the Andorian woman finds herself shaking her head. "I will not have you worrying about administering your duties just because we happen to fancy each other. I would find it insulting if you did otherwise.

"I do not know Lauren Crane by anything more than our brief interaction and her record." Light blue hands shift the navy blue mug of bitter brown liquid a scant inch from the edge of her plate and then refocus to retrieve the fork that had been brought with the food. "Her record appears to be impeccable, and you seem to think highly of her. That leaves me with nothing by her most recent action to decide her character, and I can only say that she appears to have made a very costly mistake.

"My concern with your task of advocating for Chief Crane is nothing more than finding you in an impossible position." Cutting into her meal, the scientist pauses before lifting the morsel to her mouth. "Impossible because of the admitted guilt and mitigating facts, not because of your ability."

(OOC: Tochi will likely have something to say at some point. )

Placing the delicious, juicy plant into her mouth, she chews thoughtfully and sets the fork on the edge of her plate. Swallowing, she lightly shrugs her shoulders and says, "I also don't know Captain Drake well enough to even formulate an opinion on how he'll address the situation."


(OOC: Tag!)

Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday 42138.7)
USS Peregrine; Deck 4 - Sickbay - 14:45

"Chief Cook to Captain Drake," she said in a sure tone.

=/\= Captain Drake is currently unavailable, Chief; Is there something we can do for you? =/\=

"Sir," Dana is surprised by Lt. Zai's taking the call, she hesitates briefly before going on, "I understand that PO Crane was sentenced to 3 days in the Brig on a bread and water restriction."

=/\= She was. =/\= She noticed what sounded like surprise in his voice about her knowing of these facts.

"Sir, per Starfleet Medical Regulation 927.6 any prisoner restricted to bread and water must have their medical condition established at the beginning of the confinement as well as after each 24 hours, and at their release," Dana pauses to take a breath, "I request your permission to examine PO Crane now, and each 24 hrs while she is confined in the Brig and to certify her fitness prior to her return to due."

=/\=We are aware of that regulation, Chief, and the moment Mr Crane's files have been updated, per regulation, Medical will be provided access. However, as the Captain's Mast ended only twenty some odd minutes ago, those updates have yet to be processed. Might we ask, Chief Cook, precisely how you've come to be made aware of the results so quickly? =/\=

Dana raised an eyebrow at his inquiry, then she chuckled just slightly before saying, "As you know Lieutenant, the only thing faster than a Warp-capable ship is it's scuttlebutt." She hoped he was satisfied with her answer, for she would in no way 'rat out' a fellow Chief for giving her the news of a friend and room mate.

(OOC: Any reply here if he wishes)

"I will watch for the file update, Sir," Dana said at the end, "Thank you for your time." She started to end it and then added, "Oh, Sir? Thank you for representing Lauren. I know you did your best and I am sure she appreciated it. Cook out!"

She cut the comm and sighed at this whole mess. She was worried about her friend and how she would handle it. That was another reason, besides the regulation, that she wanted to see Lauren; she wanted to not only evaluate her physical condition but her mental state as well.

Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday - 42137.6)
USS Peregrine; Deck 4 - CSO's Office to Chemical Lab - 15:12

Sterile acidity tickles her nostrils with determined persistency despite failing to elicit a sneeze. Annoyances that skirt one's attentions are easy to ignore while those dedicated to the fervent effort eventually achieve success. In this case, Ensign Maize can no longer fight the distraction in her subconscious and is forced to take action. Frowning deeply, the blonde woman rubs violently at the underside of her nose and sniffles.


Closing her tired eyes, the officer places both hands on the cool surface of the workstation and breathes the cleansed air deeply in through her slightly parted lips. Once Lt. Sh'iraolnas had left the chemlab, Dalia had begun work on reviewing the shipment orders just as she had been ordered. Only a couple of minutes into it, the tension in her shoulders and neck had begun to cause her discomfort. A few minutes later and it seems as though the very air in the lab is vexatious.


It's that new lieutenant, Dalia decides. She's got the whole department on edge. Me most of all. It's not like losing Horatio is bad enough, she's got to go digging into Lauren's involvement.

Lauren Crane's predicament is shared by the whole science department as far as Dalia Maize is concerned. Crane had been responsible for a number of duties that Dalia now finds herself burdened with. Scheduling, training, conducting individual interviews, and maintaining activity logs just to name a few. Lauren is an efficient woman and Dalia is going to miss having her to rely on. If I'm being honest, Maize allows her eyes to open and fight through the resulting blur to find the screen. She's the backbone of this department. The others rely on her as much as I do. And now all of that's screwed up.

Bitterly resuming her search, Dalia calls up the computer's assistance, "Computer? Show me the receivables registered to the Science Department from Starbase One-One-Eight."


=/\= Acknowledged, Ensign Maize. All registered receivables from Starbase One-One-Eight have been retrieved for your review. =/\=


Surprisingly, the list is very short and consists of nothing in the way of chemicals. "Computer? When was the last time a shipment was made to the chemlab?"


=/\= The last shipment made to the chemlab was registered on stardate four-two-zero-three-six-point-six. =/\=


Thirty-seven days ago, Racking her brain, the biomechanical engineer recalls the encounter with the Bolian frigate. The whole event had been peaceful. They had problems with their ship engines and the Peregrine had stopped to provide assistance, but she couldn't recall having taken on anything.


Looking down at the shipment information the ship's computer has provided, Dalia deepens her frown and rubs at the back of her neck with the knuckles of her left hand. Accessing the associated report, Dalia scans the contents,


One of the Bolian crew visited the chemlab today. His name is Drit Licanar, if I remember correctly. He was looking for me by name and had a package for me from a Dr. Lomo—an individual with whom I've no familiarity. The container that I found in the package was strange and of a brackish blue color. I've never seen the likes of the material before, nor could I immediately find a way to open it. This whole event intrigues me. Drit Licanar made it to my lab carrying the device. Security must be aware of it, and seeing how the Bolian made it past their inspection, I can only presume that the contents aren't nefarious. I shall put more thought into discovering the method for accessing the container's contents later.

Not remembering any notifications of a strange container told the Ensign that PO Rogers hadn't reported it to Chief—Petty Officer—Crane, or that Lauren hadn't reported it to her. Glancing about the lab, Dalia performs a quick scan of all visible contents but spots nothing that would match the container. Returning to the log, the Starfleet officer pulls up the next entry; a verbal record made three days after the first.


"Decidedly, there are no seams, latches, secret keyholes, or other methods by which I can seek to open the mysterious container. Furthermore, I've looked into this Doctor Lomo and he does not exist in any mainstream canonical scientific forums. I did, however, find a reference to a Doctor Lomo who operates outside of Federation regulations. There are some who think him to be a Vulcan, but the name is more consistent with a Romulan, which leaves me no choice but to consider this parcel more interesting than even the initial mode of delivery could have indicated.


"I'm still not ready to divulge the existence of this mystery to any of those individuals I share this ship with. Their intellects are far too limited to truly grasp the potential here. My achievements in the scientific community must precede me and this Doctor Lomo has discovered something that only I have the ability to decipher. I make these logs purely in the interest of scientific record. When I figure out how to open the container and gain access to what's inside, I'll be able to properly document my findings. Until then, I'll be accessing the Spectroscopy systems in the main lab after Alpha Shift has ended so as not to draw attention to my latest mystery."


Unless he's deleted the entries, there will be record of his use. Ensign Maize squeezes her eyes shut in an attempt to ward off the headache that's developing. Those systems are non-integrated though, so I'll need to be in the lab to do so. Opening her unique purple eyes to the spots squeezing them shut had given birth to, she breathes deeply and pulls up the next entry.

Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday - 42137.6)
USS Peregrine; Deck 5 - Observation Lounge "The Aerie" - 13:07

"Does it bother you that we're representing Chief Crane, Asovil?" He shakes his head and waves his hand as if to erase any possible misinterpretation of the question from the air. "That, perhaps, isn't the proper way to phrase that query," His gaze dips to the shimmering black surface of the katheka that still fills his mug, ",Given what I've just said in regards to how I feel about you, would you prefer that I recuse myself as Lauren's advocate? We ask you, as a scientist, and as analytical as your ilk can be, would you deem my representation of Chief Crane as a conflict of interest?"

Raising her manicured eyebrows in surprise mimicked by the sudden setting back of her antennae, the Andorian woman finds herself shaking her head. "I will not have you worrying about administering your duties just because we happen to fancy each other. I would find it insulting if you did otherwise."

The Trill smiles and offers an appreciative nod at her response. He had assumed she would answer so but, for the sake of both the forthcoming proceedings and this burgeoning relationship with Asovil, Tochi felt the question had to be asked. He breaks off a piece of the honar and tops the flat-bread with a bite of the fea arel, as the Andorian woman continues.

"I do not know Lauren Crane by anything more than our brief interaction and her record." Light blue hands shift the navy blue mug of bitter brown liquid a scant inch from the edge of her plate and then refocus to retrieve the fork that had been brought with the food. "Her record appears to be impeccable, and you seem to think highly of her. That leaves me with nothing by her most recent action to decide her character, and I can only say that she appears to have made a very costly mistake."
His mouth full, Tochi can offer little more than a nod and a faint gesture of concurrence with her analysis. He didn't know Lauren well, per se, as well as any XO knows any of his crew, but Asovil's appraisal was accurate.

"My concern with your task of advocating for Chief Crane is nothing more than finding you in an impossible position." Cutting into her meal, the scientist pauses before lifting the morsel to her mouth. "Impossible because of the admitted guilt and mitigating facts, not because of your ability."

"Your flattering estimation of our ability aside," Tochi chuckles, "Impossible positions are written into the job description, we believe," He sets his fork on the edge of his plate and smiling, glances out the window at the passing stars, "Written into what it means to live for that matter." The Trill's eyes track back to hers, then, and, along with a smile, he offers an expansive gesture. "Astrogation, diplomacy, science, even music; every one will, at some point, present you with obstacles that seem insurmountable. At times, those can be removed or circumvented; other times, they're just as impassable as they appear, frustrating as that may be. Either way, we learn."

Placing the delicious, juicy plant into her mouth, she chews thoughtfully and sets the fork on the edge of her plate. Swallowing, she lightly shrugs her shoulders and says, "I also don't know Captain Drake well enough to even formulate an opinion on how he'll address the situation."


"Hmmm," Tochi mumurs, his smile skewing into a more contemplative expression as his fork hovers midway between plate and mouth, "knowing Silas as we do, the word ‘severely' comes to mind. He's not the sort to be swayed by a sad song, especially given the nature of the infraction." He returns the speared morsel of food to the plate. "Had he become aware of the situation while still docked at the starbase, we're sure that Mister Crane would have been relieved of duty, discharged from the Peregrine, and left there pending a full Court Martial."

((OOC: Think I'm going to leave it there and see which way the conversation goes, Tag!))


Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday 42138.7)
USS Peregrine; Deck 1 - Bridge - 14:45

=/\=Chief Cook to Captain Drake.=/\= The woman's tone is flat and serious.

,Tochi's gaze drifts away from Megan, toward the door to Drake's ready room, as he settles back in the chair, again, and taps at the console on his right, intercepting the nurse's hail. "Captain Drake is currently unavailable, Chief," he informs her, "Is there something we can do for you?"

=/\=Sir,=/\= there is a brief hesitation before the woman continues, =/\=I understand that PO Crane was sentenced to 3 days in the Brig on a bread and water restriction.=/\=

"She was," Zai replies simply. The Mast ended not fifteen minutes ago, he thinks, and, it would seem, details of Lauren's punishment have already made their way through the ship even before they have been properly recorded. We'll need to arrange a briefing to discuss tact and discretion, it seems.
=/\=Sir, per Starfleet Medical Regulation 927.6 any prisoner restricted to bread and water must have their medical condition established at the beginning of the confinement as well as after each 24 hours, and at their release,=/\= Dana pauses to take a breath, =/\=I request your permission to examine PO Crane now, and each 24 hrs while she is confined in the Brig and to certify her fitness prior to her return to due.=/\=

"We are aware of that regulation, Chief," Lt Zai replies, tapping the console, now, to open the file he'd hesitated over just moments ago,"and, the moment Mr Crane's files have been updated, per regulation, Medical will be provided access. However, as the Captain's Mast ended only twenty some odd minutes ago, those updates have yet to be processed. Might we ask, Chief Cook, precisely how you've come to be made aware of the results so quickly?"

Again, there is a brief hesitation, and was that a chuckle?, before CPO Cook replies. =/\=As you know Lieutenant, the only thing faster than a Warp-capable ship is its scuttlebutt.=/\=

Tochi spikes a brow at that and, leaning back into the chair, rubs at his chin as a mildly bemused (and possibly slightly irritated?) smirk plays on his lips. The mention of the ship's rumor mill sent his mind back to his lunch with Asovil and the ‘conversation' that very topic had evoked then. "So it is, Chief," he chuffs dryly.

A finger stabs at the console, entering his updates into Lauren's file. "We're making the updates, now," Zai adds, you should have it soon."

=/\=I will watch for the file update, Sir,=/\= Cook responds, =/\=Thank you for your time.=/\=

"You're welcome, Mr Cook." His finger hovers over the console, now, prepared to close the channel,

=/\=Oh, Sir?=/\=

,Zai's finger stops within a millimeter of the COMM icon; "Chief?"

=/\=Thank you for representing Lauren. I know you did your best and I am sure she appreciated it.=/\=

"Of course, Dana," the XO offers sincerely, "It was our pleasure."

=/\=Cook out.=/\=

The channel closes, leaving Tochi to blink once at the display before returning his attentions to the file updates.

Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday 42138.7)
USS Peregrine; Deck 4 - Sickbay - 1446

=/\=We are aware of that regulation, Chief, and the moment Mr. Crane's files have been updated, per regulation, Medical will be provided access. However, as the Captain's Mast ended only twenty some odd minutes ago, those updates have yet to be processed. Might we ask, Chief Cook, precisely how you've come to be made aware of the results so quickly? =/\=

Dana raised an eyebrow at his inquiry, then she chuckled just slightly before saying, "As you know Lieutenant, the only thing faster than a Warp-capable ship is it's scuttlebutt." She hoped he was satisfied with her answer, for she would in no way 'rat out' a fellow Chief for giving her the news of a friend and roommate.

=/\=So it is, Chief. We're making the updates, now, you should have it soon. =/\=

"I will watch for the file update, Sir," Dana said at the end, "Thank you for your time."

=/\=You're welcome, Mr. Cook. =/\=

"Oh, Sir?"

=/\=Chief?" =/\=

"Thank you for representing Lauren," Dana told him, "I know you did your best and I am sure she appreciated it"

=/\=Of course, Dana, it was our pleasure. =/\=

"Cook out"

She cut the comm and sighed at this whole mess. She was worried about her friend and how she would handle it. That was another reason, besides the regulation, that she wanted to see Lauren; she wanted to not only evaluate her physical condition but her mental state.

She thought of her short conversation with the XO, Lt Zai; she hadn't liked it when he called her Mr. Cook, she didn't condone the antiquated custom of calling people Mister, regardless of their sex. In her mind it was a very sexist thing to do, but she wasn't going to correct Lt. Zai after all he seemed a bit put off by her already knowing of Lauren's punishment. She chuckled slightly as he of all people should know the perversity of the ship's rumor mill, himself being one of the Top 5 topics at all times. She had already heard of the ‘gossip' going around about Tochi and the new Science Lt. Sh'iraolnas; she had to hand it to the Andorian, she sure moved quickly. Oh, Dana wasn't jealous, she never had a thought that Lt Zai would ever be involved with the likes of her.

Actually, she hadn't been involved with anyone aboard ship; she just always seemed to be too busy to get involved with anyone, even for casual dating. No one had ever expressed any interest in her; probably because they all though of her as a hardnosed chief who took her work too seriously. No doubt there, for sure. But, sometimes, just sometimes, she sort of wished there was someone she might ‘hook-up' with from time to time. Maybe then she would be on the Top 5 of the Rumor Mill. She chuckled at that thought and how unlikely it would ever happen. More than likely, if someone ever had the guts to make a move on her, she would probably punch them out.

She rose from her desk, and went over to PO Rogers to begin his next treatment of repairs; she was doing them in stages so as to not shock her patient. She was going to repair some musculature this time and then allow him to rest before she went on to the subdural tissue regenerator for the majority of his injuries. She hoped by tomorrow morning that she could take him off of the sedation and awaken him and perhaps find out his side of the story on how this whole mess happened.

Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday 42138.7)
USS Peregrine; Deck 1 - Bridge - 14:45

Ensign Linda Blackmon walked onto the bridge and took a glance around to see some of the Beta shift crew already at their stations, but she was glad to see that she was not the last on the shift to arrive. Her schedule was to always arrive at least 15 mins prior to the start of a shift; a habit she was diligent never to break.

She spotted Lt Zai in the Captain's chair, he had Command this shift, and he appeared to be talking to someone on the comm, but she paid it little heed as she walked over to the Tactical station.

"Lieutenant Berk," she said as she stepped up next to him.

(OOC: Assuming some reply)

They spend a couple minutes going through the usual transition stuff, which hasn't been much to report on this trip, and when she is satified with everything she nods to him.

"I relieve you, Sir!"

(OOC: Assuming permission to relieve Lt. Berk.)

Once her Superior officer stands down and she takes his place, she runs through the usual routine of making sure all systems are reporting properly. Once that checks out, she continues to maintain a vigilant watch of her console and it's readings of the area around the ship as they proceed through warp to their destination.

(OOC: I'm not too sure what the Tactical station all entails, but I assume it is the combat functions (Weapons, etc) and sensors looking out for any possible threats (other ships, anomolies, etc.) At least I think that is what it is. )

Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday 42138.7)
USS Peregrine; Deck 2 - Main Engineering (Lower) - 15:00

Haemis sat at one of the consoles off to the side of the Engine room. He had his feet up on the edge of the console and he had spent the last half hour pulling apart an Optical Data network junction box that had failed some time ago and was sitting on a parts shelf waiting repairs. He liked to tinker when time permitted, sure he could break the part down in a replicator and have it re-created but what fun would that be. Besides it got his mind off of other things.

He wasn't shy about his other habit while working either. Granted he didn't have the voice of a true singer, but he dabbled. Especially songs from home.

"I've heard the lilting, at the yowe-milking
Lasses a-lilting before dawn o' day;
But now they are moaning on ilka green loaning;
The flowers of the forest are a' wede away"

He popped off one of the data processor housings and began pulling the isolinear banks, and carefully matching each to its replacement, he began installing them.

"As buchts, in the morning, nae blythe lads are scorning;
The lasses are lonely and dowie and wae.
Nae daffin', nae gabbin', but sighing and sobbing.
Ilk ane lifts her leglen, and hies her way."

He begins running an calibration tool across each of the new isolinear banks he's installed to ensure they are calibrated correctly for the unit.

"In hairst, at the shearing, nae youths now are jeering,
The Bandsters are lyart, and runkled and gray.
At fair or at preaching, nae wooing, nae fleechling,
The Flowers of the forest are a' wede away."

He took a moment to take a drink from his coffee mug sitting on the console, and replaced the housing securing it with the magnetic driver.

"At e'en, in the gloaming, nae swankies are roaming,
'Bout stacks wi' the lasses at bogle to play.
But ilk ane sit drearie, lamenting her dearie,
The flower of the Forest are a' wede away."

He ran a testing tool over each of the power connections and data connections to ensure that they would at pass signal and power proper.

"Dule and wea for the order sent our lads to the Border;
The English , for ance, by guile wan the day;
The Flowers of the forest, that foucht aye the foremost,
The prime o' our land are cauld in the clay."

He plugged in the united to some test lines connected to the console, and started a diagnostic sequence which would power the unit, run test data looped through it and then run a stress test to ensure the processor would provide the necessary output.

"We'll hae nae mair lilting, at the yowe-milking,
Women and bairns are dowie and wae.
Sighing and moaning, on ilka green loaning.
The flowers of the forest are all wede away."

He nodded to himself in satisfaction both at the completion of the song, and the successful test of the ODN junction unit. Glancing over his shoulder he spotted both Caity Morgan, and Merida peers looking his way. "What?" he asked. "Your old comrades never sang while working?" he asked.

They both looked at each other and shook their heads. Caity spoke first. "No, cannot say that I have ever worked with an engineer that sang. Hummed maybe. Even recited random engineering procedures, but never sang."

Petty officer peers just shook her head. "Nope."

He laughed. "Get used to it! But if it really bother's ye just let me know."

Caity shook her head again, "No, it's not bother."

He nodded. "Well ye have been warned." he said as he stood, and picked up the unit disconnecting it from it's diagnostic cables. "I'll just put this away for a rainy day!' he said and headed over to the part's storage closet and deposited it back on the shelf. He stepped out of the room and proceeded to clean his work space. After disconnecting his test equipment and putting it away, he came to stand at the pool table giving it a once over. "Well. I have paperwork that need's do'n." he glanced over at Caity. "If'n ya need me I'll be in my quarters." he said. "She's all yours." he turned and exited the engine room and headed back towards his quarters.


Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday 42138.7)
USS Peregrine; Deck 2 - Lieutenant Haemis Falkirk McTavish Quarters - 15:30


'Well that is another day down, I've not been spaced or put to a court martial. So far so good.' he thought to himself as he moved back towards his quarters. After the short walk he punched in the code to the door and walked in hitting the button to bring the lights up in his spartan cabin. He dropped down behind the desk and activated his desktop computer. "Computer access Chief engineer's duty log, and prepare to record." he said and waited for the coming beep.




"Chief Engineer's Duty Log, Stardate: 2365.02.09. Today was a successful day, the ship has not exploded. Systems are functioning very well, and in some cases extremely so which is a testament to my predecessor. He ran a good crew, granted some are different due to rotation at our last layover but they seem to be a good bunch. I had some serious trepidation when I came aboard, but that has past. I'm looking forward to what the next day brings. I did manage to get some diagnostics completed, we are still on schedule with maintenance, and that ODN Junction box which was sitting in the parts room has been repaired. Figured I'd save some replicator resources. End Duty Log."



Haemis sat back and looked up at the ceiling, lost in thought for several minutes. He nodded. "Computer Begin Personal log!" he said and waited for the beep to follow.



"Personal Log, Stardate: 2365.02.09. I survived my first day aboard ship, well my first real day. I kind of feel like my first day needed a bit of a do over. And I think I kind of got that. Though the diplomatic function was memorable. That right bastard back on the Coronado!" Haemis paused glancing back up at the ceiling. "You would think after so many centuries that the Human race has been alive and kick'n that we would have evolved passed the point of some of our more immature tendencies, but no. I came aboard this ship with expectations that were set by rumors and scuttlebutt. It could have easily cost me something special here." he looked back down at the computer. "The Captain is not at all who I expected. It goes to show that you cannot believe everything you hear no matter who it comes from. But isn't that the nature of what continues to happen on the Coronado?" he blinked and shifted in his chair uneasy. "Either way, I will miss some of my shipmates however I have no regrets about what I did. We have paths set before us for a reason. This may have just been here I was supposed to be heading." he gestures around his Spartan quarters. "What's not to like!" he slowly sits forward, his mood shifting. "I got a letter from my father. Likely to be my last. All duty, honor, and family. My Court Martial has seen to my final straw with him it would seem. Bloody bastard! He never understood me! Ever since I made the decision to opt out of security he has been this way. He seems to think he disowned me just now, it was back then. I suppose that makes my life easier, no one to impress but myself and perhaps my Captain." he glances down at his desk. "But it bloody well hurts. I thought I would be ok with it, but it feels like he ripped my heart out of my chest." he sits back heavily in his chair. "Tomorrow is another day. End Personal Log!" he said.



Haemis sat for a long while staring at his computer screen, he was angry. He knew he was angry but it was tempered anger. Simmering, and subsiding. He took a deep breath. Taking up one of the PADD's on his desk he stood quickly downloading the most recent edition of 'Starfleet Engineers Weekly' and he departed heading for the ships lounge. It was time for coffee and some reading he decided.

Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday 42138.7)
USS Peregrine; Deck 4 - Sickbay - 1510

"Chief Cook to Nurse Miraan," Dana said into the comm.

=/\= Miraan here.=/\=

"Miraan," Dana continued, "Can you report early for your shift, as in immediately? I need to go to the Brig to perform a medical examination."

=/\= Absolutely Chief. I am on my way.=/\=

Dana gathered her portable medkit together and was ready to go when Nurse Miraan walked in a few minutes later.

"Thank you Nurse," Dana said as she put the strap of the medkit over her shoulder and headed to the door, "I will relieve you at 0300 in the morning, so that you won't have to overwork your shift."

"No worries Chief," the lovely red haired nurse said with a smile, "I didn't have any plans really."

"I have left instructions on the PADD regarding our patient," Dana said as she paused in the doorway, "please continue the treatments specified and notify me immediately if there are any unexpected changes."

Miraan nodded as she picked up the PADD and walked towards PO Rogers bed.

Dana took one last look towards PO Rogers and then turned and left the Sickbay headed for the Brig. She thought about the condition of their severely wounded patient; he had been responding well to treatment so far. She had repaired the damage to his skeletal structure, and the muscular system and was well underway with most of his flesh and skin. She was taking it in stages to give his system time to relax and not induce too much stress. He was still under sedation until she thought he was sufficiently regenerated to handle it. Hopefully tomorrow he would be ready to be wake up and tell them what had happened to cause his horrible accident.


Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday 42138.7)
USS Peregrine; Deck 5 - Brig - 1520

Dana walked into the Security Area and stopped before the Security Crewman on duty at the security station.

"Good Afternoon Petty Officer," Dana said as she stopped before her, "I'm here to perform a Medical examination of Chief... ah Petty Officer Crane... prior to her beginning her sentence. The orders should have been updated to allow Medical access to her during her confinement."

Petty Officer 3rd Class Salia Rotet looked up at the Medical Chief as she stood before her. She noticed that the Chief seemed a bit uncomfortable about being here, but didn't know why. Salia looked down at the screen before her and called up the confinement order on PO Crane, and did see that a note had been made that Medical was allowed access to ascertain the prisoner's condition every 24 hrs.

"Good Day Chief," PO Rotet said as she looked back up at her, "It does say here that you are allowed access, but I will have to check the contents of your case first."

Dana nodded and opened the medkit and showed her that it only contained medical scanners and the like. Once this was done, the Security PO rose and walked over to the brig area and took her to the 1st cell where she deactivated the force field and allowed Dana to enter the cell containing PO Crane.

"Thank you Petty officer," Dana said as she stepped into the cell, "leave us alone for the examination, please. Patient privilege."

PO Rotet had started to object, but the talk of patient privilege made her nod and reactivate the security field.

"I'll be out here, if you need me," Salia said before returning to the Security Station.

"How are doing Lauren?" Dana said to her friend, sadness at the situation showing clearly on the normally stoic face of the Chief.

(OOC: Tag Brom)

Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday - 42137.6)
USS Peregrine; Deck 5 - Observation Lounge "The Aerie" - 13:08

"I do not know Lauren Crane by anything more than our brief interaction and her record." Light blue hands shift the navy blue mug of bitter brown liquid a scant inch from the edge of her plate and then refocus to retrieve the fork that had been brought with the food. "Her record appears to be impeccable, and you seem to think highly of her. That leaves me with nothing by her most recent action to decide her character, and I can only say that she appears to have made a very costly mistake.

"My concern with your task of advocating for Chief Crane is nothing more than finding you in an impossible position." Cutting into her meal, the scientist pauses before lifting the morsel to her mouth. "Impossible because of the admitted guilt and mitigating facts, not because of your ability."

"Your flattering estimation of our ability aside," Tochi chuckles, "Impossible positions are written into the job description, we believe," He sets his fork on the edge of his plate and smiling, glances out the window at the passing stars, "Written into what it means to live for that matter." The Trill's eyes track back to hers, then, and, along with a smile, he offers an expansive gesture. "Astrogation, diplomacy, science, even music; everyone will, at some point, present you with obstacles that seem insurmountable. At times, those can be removed or circumvented; other times, they're just as impassable as they appear, frustrating as that may be. Either way, we learn."

Placing the delicious, juicy plant into her mouth, she chews thoughtfully and sets the fork on the edge of her plate. Swallowing, she lightly shrugs her shoulders and says, "I also don't know Captain Drake well enough to even formulate an opinion on how he'll address the situation."

"Hmmm," Tochi murmurs, his smile skewing into a more contemplative expression as his fork hovers midway between plate and mouth, "knowing Silas as we do, the word ‘severely' comes to mind. He's not the sort to be swayed by a sad song, especially given the nature of the infraction." He returns the speared morsel of food to the plate. "Had he become aware of the situation while still docked at the starbase, we're sure that Mister Crane would have been relieved of duty, discharged from the Peregrine, and left there pending a full Court Martial."

"As well she should have been." Asovil leans forward conspiratorially and says with raised eyebrows, "To be honest, I find the Andorian method of consequence far more enjoyable to watch."

Pulling away the blue-skinned woman adopts a carefree disposition and pushes at the greens with her fork. "But then, as the Terrans say, when in the dome, do as the domains do." While appearing cavalier, Asovil can barely refrain from spilling forth her own desire for security in her new position and a knowledge that she isn't going to be faulted for her decision to further investigate the errors within the Science Department. Ship life has a way of making loyalists out of even the most introverted soul and not only has the Andorian made an entrance to be remembered, but she's added to it by finding immediate cause to demote an NCO not to mention the disaster that morning in the chemlab.

"Such a deflating topic," she sighs apologetically and smiles a brilliant flash of white teeth to chase the doldrums away. "How do you feel the banquet fared last night?"

(OOC: Tag!)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday 42138.7)
USS Peregrine; Deck 5 - Brig - 15:20

Dana walked into the Security Area and stopped before the Security Crewman on duty at the security station.

"Good Afternoon Petty Officer," Dana said as she stopped before her, "I'm here to perform a Medical examination of Chief... ah Petty Officer Crane... prior to her beginning her sentence. The orders should have been updated to allow Medical access to her during her confinement."

Petty Officer 3rd Class Salia Rotet looked up at the Medical Chief as she stood before her. She noticed that the Chief seemed a bit uncomfortable about being here, but didn't know why. Salia looked down at the screen before her and called up the confinement order on PO Crane, and did see that a note had been made that Medical was allowed access to ascertain the prisoner's condition every 24 hrs.

"Good Day Chief," PO Rotet said as she looked back up at her, "It does say here that you are allowed access, but I will have to check the contents of your case first."

Dana nodded and opened the medkit and showed her that it only contained medical scanners and the like. Once this was done, the Security PO rose and walked over to the brig area and took her to the 1st cell where she deactivated the force field and allowed Dana to enter the cell containing PO Crane.

"Thank you Petty officer," Dana said as she stepped into the cell, "leave us alone for the examination, please. Patient privilege."

PO Rotet had started to object, but the talk of patient privilege made her nod and reactivate the security field.

"I'll be out here, if you need me," Salia said before returning to the Security Station.

"How are doing Lauren?" Dana said to her friend, sadness at the situation showing clearly on the normally stoic face of the Chief.

"Miserable," the mousy faced former chief replies, the word practically dripping with self-pity. She sits on the bench in the back right corner of the cell, knees tucked up under her chin, arms wrapped about her legs and looks up at her friend without so much as moving her head a millimeter. "Are you here to end my misery, Dana? A true friend would. Just an accidental overdose of insulin would do it."

(OOC: tag!)

Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday 42138.7)
USS Peregrine; Deck 5 - Brig - 15:22

"How are doing Lauren?" Dana said to her friend, sadness at the situation showing clearly on the normally stoic face of the Chief.

"Miserable," the mousy faced former chief replies, the word practically dripping with self-pity. She sits on the bench in the back right corner of the cell, knees tucked up under her chin, arms wrapped about her legs and looks up at her friend without so much as moving her head a millimeter. "Are you here to end my misery, Dana? A true friend would. Just an accidental overdose of insulin would do it."

"Pity? Really?" Dana said as she walked over to her friend and set the medkit down on the table and opening it up took out a medical scanner, "I knew that you lead a sheltered life, Lauren, but I thought you wouldn't stoop to self-pity." She turned on the scanner and began to wave it back and forth near PO Crane; as she did so she continued talking.

"You must remember that ‘you' got yourself into this mess," Dana told her, "and that ‘you' have to face the consequences. So, you got demoted, which almost always happens when you go to a Captain's Mast, and you have some extra duty, a little brig time, and some bread and water restrictions. That is why I am here. To make sure your physically going to get through it alright. It might not sound like much, but after a day or so, just eating bread and water can take its toll on your body. I'll be here each day to make sure that you get through that alright. I'll be up to you, to get yourself through the rest of this mess."

She paused and set down the scanner and then reached into the medkit and pulled out a hypospray and after setting it she pressed it to Crane's forearm, where it hissed briefly. "That's a vitamin booster. You seem fine, physically, but your metabolism is a little low, probably because you didn't eat much prior to your mast. But the vitamin booster will help keep you stable; other than that, I think you will pull through this alright. As long as you're willing to try."

Dana put away her items back into the medkit and then sat slowly on the edge of the bed, she sighed, "Lauren. You know this could have been worse. If we had been back at the Starbase then the Captain would have handed you over to Starbase Security and you would be facing a Court Marshal. Your life in Star Fleet would be over. But here you are, a little lighter in rank, and after this punishment phase, you will be back at your work. The work you love, right? So, if that is what you want, then get through this and then get on with your life. Your career is still on track, though you have experienced a minor setback, but nothing you can't overcome. You're young, you still got a lot of years in Star Fleet ahead of you."

(OOC: Tag. Will pause here so that you can reply, wherever. I will adjust later for any responses.)

Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday 42138.7)
USS Peregrine; Deck 5 - Brig - 15:22

"How are doing Lauren?" Dana said to her friend, sadness at the situation showing clearly on the normally stoic face of the Chief.

"Miserable," the mousy faced former chief replies, the word practically dripping with self-pity. She sits on the bench in the back right corner of the cell, knees tucked up under her chin, arms wrapped about her legs and looks up at her friend without so much as moving her head a millimeter. "Are you here to end my misery, Dana? A true friend would. Just an accidental overdose of insulin would do it."

"Pity? Really?" Dana said as she walked over to her friend and set the medkit down on the table and opening it up took out a medical scanner, "I knew that you lead a sheltered life, Lauren, but I thought you wouldn't stoop to self-pity." She turned on the scanner and began to wave it back and forth near PO Crane; as she did so she continued talking.

"You must remember that ‘you' got yourself into this mess," Dana told her, "and that ‘you' have to face the consequences. So, you got demoted, which almost always happens when you go to a Captain's Mast, and you have some extra duty, a little brig time, and some bread and water restrictions. That is why I am here. To make sure you're physically going to get through it alright. It might not sound like much, but after a day or so, just eating bread and water can take its toll on your body. I'll be here each day to make sure that you get through that alright. I'll be up to you, to get yourself through the rest of this mess."

She paused and set down the scanner and then reached into the medkit and pulled out a hypospray and after setting it she pressed it to Crane's forearm, where it hissed briefly. "That's a vitamin booster. You seem fine, physically, but your metabolism is a little low, probably because you didn't eat much prior to your mast. But the vitamin booster will help keep you stable; other than that, I think you will pull through this alright. As long as you're willing to try."

Dana put away her items back into the medkit and then sat slowly on the edge of the bed, she sighed, "Lauren. You know this could have been worse. If we had been back at the Starbase then the Captain would have handed you over to Starbase Security and you would be facing a Court Marshal. Your life in Star Fleet would be over. But here you are, a little lighter in rank, and after this punishment phase, you will be back at your work. The work you love, right? So, if that is what you want, then get through this and then get on with your life. Your career is still on track, though you have experienced a minor setback, but nothing you can't overcome. You're young, you still got a lot of years in Star Fleet ahead of you."

"I should have expected a reprimand from you," Lauren sighs sourly and draws her knees up closer to her chest. "But don't worry about me, Dana. I'll just throw myself into my work and eventually this whole thing will be a distant painful memory."

Sullenly staring at the stark floor of her cell, the small woman's brown eyes begin to fill with tears. "How can you possibly understand? You would have probably barged into the captain's quarters and jammed your finger in his chest in protest. But I'm not like you, Dana. I did what I thought was right and it turned out to be wrong. Very wrong. From now on, I'm going to stick with my duties and steer clear of any additional drama."

(OOC: You're up,)

Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday 42138.7)
USS Peregrine, Deck 5 - Brig - 15:23

Dana put away her items back into the medkit and then sat slowly on the edge of the bed, she sighed, "Lauren. You know this could have been worse. If we had been back at the Starbase then the Captain would have handed you over to Starbase Security and you would be facing a Court Marshal. Your life in Star Fleet would be over. But here you are, a little lighter in rank, and after this punishment phase, you will be back at your work. The work you love, right? So, if that is what you want, then get through this and then get on with your life. Your career is still on track, though you have experienced a minor setback, but nothing you can't overcome. You're young, you still got a lot of years in Star Fleet ahead of you."

"I should have expected a reprimand from you," Lauren sighs sourly and draws her knees up closer to her chest. "But don't worry about me, Dana. I'll just throw myself into my work and eventually this whole thing will be a distant painful memory."

Sullenly staring at the stark floor of her cell, the small woman's brown eyes begin to fill with tears. "How can you possibly understand? You would have probably barged into the captain's quarters and jammed your finger in his chest in protest. But I'm not like you, Dana. I did what I thought was right and it turned out to be wrong. Very wrong. From now on, I'm going to stick with my duties and steer clear of any additional drama."

"It's not a reprimand Lauren," Dana replied, "it's the facts! I do worry about you, because I know how you are and how you would take this whole punishment thing. But you're right, in time it will be a distant memory, and it's up to you how painful it will be."

Dana chuckled a little bit and shook her head, "I don't see myself jamming a finger into the Captain's chest about anything; I would find myself your roommate once more." She smiled slightly and then it faded and her voice got softer, sounding a little sad when she continued.

"You're wrong though," Dana said with a sigh, "I do understand." She didn't go on right away, but dropped her gaze to join Lauren's in staring at the floor.

"I've never really shared this with anyone," the Chief Nurse said, a unusual quiver in her voice, "and the exact details aren't important. But, I too was once where you are now. There was an incident in the Academy, when I was in Medical school. I had aspirations of being a Doctor, like my mother, but ... something happened and it almost cost me my career in Starfleet. Circumstances were ... complicated and the situation was resolved without a court martial, in return I would remain silent on the matter and it would be kept out of my record. But, my plans to be a Doctor were dead in the water, and I could only continue my Medical career as a Nurse."

Dana fell silent for a few moments and then looked at Lauren next to her, "Yes, it is now a distant 'painful' memory, and I agree.. steer clear of any additional drama." She smirked slightly as she sighed and looked back to the floor.

"You'll get through this Lauren," she continued, "though we won't be roommates any more, I'll be here for you, if you want it. Just expect me to be a straight-shooter, as always, and there won't be any surprises."


(OOC: You're up,)

Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday 42138.7)
USS Peregrine; Deck 5 - Brig - 15:23

"I should have expected a reprimand from you," Lauren sighs sourly and draws her knees up closer to her chest. "But don't worry about me, Dana. I'll just throw myself into my work and eventually this whole thing will be a distant painful memory."

Sullenly staring at the stark floor of her cell, the small woman's brown eyes begin to fill with tears. "How can you possibly understand? You would have probably barged into the captain's quarters and jammed your finger in his chest in protest. But I'm not like you, Dana. I did what I thought was right and it turned out to be wrong. Very wrong. From now on, I'm going to stick with my duties and steer clear of any additional drama."

"It's not a reprimand Lauren," Dana replied, "it's the facts! I do worry about you, because I know how you are and how you would take this whole punishment thing. But you're right, in time it will be a distant memory, and it's up to you how painful it will be."

Dana chuckled a little bit and shook her head, "I don't see myself jamming a finger into the Captain's chest about anything; I would find myself your roommate once more." She smiled slightly and then it faded and her voice got softer, sounding a little sad when she continued.

"You're wrong though," Dana said with a sigh, "I do understand." She didn't go on right away, but dropped her gaze to join Lauren's in staring at the floor.

"I've never really shared this with anyone," the Chief Nurse said, a unusual quiver in her voice, "and the exact details aren't important. But, I too was once where you are now. There was an incident in the Academy, when I was in Medical school. I had aspirations of being a Doctor, like my mother, but ... something happened and it almost cost me my career in Starfleet. Circumstances were ... complicated and the situation was resolved without a court martial, in return I would remain silent on the matter and it would be kept out of my record. But, my plans to be a Doctor were dead in the water, and I could only continue my Medical career as a Nurse."

Dana fell silent for a few moments and then looked at Lauren next to her, "Yes, it is now a distant 'painful' memory, and I agree.. steer clear of any additional drama." She smirked slightly as she sighed and looked back to the floor.

"You'll get through this Lauren," she continued, "though we won't be roommates any more, I'll be here for you, if you want it. Just expect me to be a straight-shooter, as always, and there won't be any surprises."
Lauren turns her face towards her friend and sighs, releasing her knees and shifting so that her feet slide back beneath the bench. She grips the edge of their shared seat and offers a sympathetic expression. "There's nothing to it, right? Just grin and bear it.

"I appreciate you coming, Dana, no matter the pretense." Almost eagerly taking the opportunity to change the subject, the small scientist continues. "What's been going on with the Peregrine while I've been swimming in my own muck?"

(OOC: Go!)

Stardate 2365.02.09 (Tuesday 42138.7)
USS Peregrine; Deck 5 - Brig - 15:25


"You'll get through this Lauren," she continued, "though we won't be roommates any more, I'll be here for you, if you want it. Just expect me to be a straight-shooter, as always, and there won't be any surprises."

Lauren turns her face towards her friend and sighs, releasing her knees and shifting so that her feet slide back beneath the bench. She grips the edge of their shared seat and offers a sympathetic expression. "There's nothing to it, right? Just grin and bear it."

Dana noticed Lauren's relaxing posture as her feet slid down and back beneath the bench. That's a start. she thought. She gave Lauren a faint grin at the term ‘Grin and bear it' and shrugged her shoulders before saying, "There's an old saying ‘That which does not kill you, makes you stronger'. I'm not sure where that comes from, probably some Vulcan Proverb or another." Her growing grin made it hard to tell if she was kidding or not.

"I appreciate you coming, Dana, no matter the pretense." Almost eagerly taking the opportunity to change the subject, the small scientist continues. "What's been going on with the Peregrine while I've been swimming in my own muck?"

"Well now," Dana thought for a moment before speaking, "I don't know if you heard, but there was another incident in your department. Petty Officer Rogers was exposed to some nasty chemicals in the Chem lab and he received some very nasty chemical burns. But he is doing better now, and we should have him back in shape in a couple of days. Lt. Sh'iraolnas is investigating the incident to determine how it could have happened."


(OOC: Tag!)