Stardate 2365.02.07
USS Staffordshire/ Starbase 118 1945

Mathias sat in his temporary quarters aboard the USS Staffordshire, sipping a cup of coffee reviewing a PADD with the the details of his new assignment. After having been under way for the better part of three days, Mathias had had plenty of time to look over the specs of his new posting but it didn't hurt to be prepared.

"It'll be like moving from a big city to the middle of nowhere" he mused only to have his thoughts interrupted by the comms.
=/\= Bridge to Lt. Berk. =/\=

"Berk, here, go ahead."

=/\= We're approaching Starbase 112, we'll be docking shortly, the captain has requested you meet him at the docking port. =/\=

"On my way."

Mathias had been glad when he found out the Staffordshire was the ship he'd be hitching a ride with, it's Captain, Captain Singh was an old friend of his mother's, he couldn't think of anyone better to see him off to his next assignment, as he made his way to the docking port.

He felt the and heard the sound of the ship making contact with the stations docking collar just as he rounded the corner, the captain coming into view.

"Came to see you off." Said the captain, clapping his hand on Mathias' back. "You're mother would be proud."

Mathias smiled, "and my father not so much."

"Well you can't please everyone." Captain Singh grinned back.

"Permission to disembark sir!" Mathias said with feigned seriousness, through a wide grin.

"Permission granted, the transporter chief is already on top of having your things transported out of ‘his cargo bay', good luck Mathias" Singh replied, while shaking his hand firmly.

Mathias shouldered his bag and made his way to the airlock door, looking back at Captain Singh as he turned to leave. As the door glided open in front of him and he stepped through into the sea of people on the other side.

He made his way around the docking level to docking port 4A and looked out the view port to see the Peregrine, with its shovel shaped saucer section, the Saucer section of every other ship he'd ever served on dwarfed the whole ship.

"Yea, this'll be different."

Stardate 2365.02.07
USS Peregrine - Captain's Quarters 1845
Standing outside of the Captain's Quarters, Horatio's nerves prodded him in the stomach, forming a knot. Focus man, Captain Drake has always been reasonable. He'll see reason here. In all of his experiences with his Captain, Horatio has found him to be level headed and in command of his emotions, at least better than Tesenblen himself.

Science requires risk. He repeated this in his mind, steadied his nerves, and made his presence known to the Captain, who hopefully was inside.

(OOC: Assuming entry is granted)

"Good evening, Captain. I apologize if I've disturbed your evening in any way. There's something I wished to discuss with you." Horatio bore as hopeful an expression as he could.

(OOC: Assuming a positive, curious statement or question)

"Well, as you know, I take incredible pride in my botanical work. I tediously and meticulously tend to every plant in my care. Would you agree with that?"

(OOC: Wide open response possibilities, but assuming Drake isn't catching on yet)

"Thank you. It so happens that I've actually managed to cross two species that I'm hopeful the product of which will allow potential testing for elimination of diseases we still struggle with, including more effective treatments for things like cancer..." his voice trailed off. "I digress, allow me to get to the point."

(OOC: Is Drake catching on?)

"I'm here because I just acquired a new specimen of..." He let his voice trail off in a hesitant and uncertain manner. "Well, it's a new plant that I've never had an opportunity to work with before or study. It's called aconitum lycoctonum, colloquially known as Northern European Wolfsbane."

(OOC: Assuming Drake is onto Horatio here)

"Well, Captain, I've always been honest and plain with you and you've always done right by me, so I'll be straight with you here. This plant is far more dangerous than anything you've ever seen. The smell of this plant can knock a grown man unconscious if he's exposed to it enough, and with further exposure, it's potentially lethal. With your permission and extreme", heavy emphasis here, "care given, I'd like to grow a specimen and use it in my research. I believe there are potential applications here that can advance modern medicine in ways I can only imagine."

(OOC: Going to stop here and let Captain Drake respond as he sees fit.)

Stardate 2365.02.07
Starbase 118 1800
Tapping through records on her PADD, Louise enjoyed a fresh pot of chiereesh tea sweetened with a touch of jarpuur. Part of her loathed to investigate the nut ground down and steeped in boiled fruit juice, afraid to learn it was not a nut but some excretion of a blue monkey or some other wild thing, better to blindly savor the last pot she would have for quite some time. But it was worth the trading of inoculations to an afrosian contact down in the trade docks.

Neon lettering and captured images flashed across as she sipped, names and bulleted lines of all so important details. Commendations, reprimands, accidents and battles. Yet this sort of information never really captured the truth of officers in Starfleet. "Well, Captain Drake, we're bound to have some interesting chats. Along with this variety of officers and staff. And this one, cybernetic arm replacement, chemical burns. Hmm, a Trill! I have never met a Trill, oh fantastic. I need to read up on their physiology."

She tapped at times to make a few personal notes, building a map of relations, before digging into her own staff. "Maybe...one more cup."

Time ticked by as she made note of the new staff: a medical lab specialist, a medical yeoman, and five nurses including a Petty Officer Cook. "Well, no time like the present."

USS Peregrine, 1900
The spinning haze of electronic morphing drew a field across and through, breaking apart life into a captured and transmitted collection of cells and memory to coalesce into a rather plain woman in a medical coat with one bag slung over a shoulder and a sizable black sack tucked in the crook of an arm.

Giving the transporter a cursory glance, Dr. Louise Rose Moore stepped over to the young transporter tech.

"Ah crewman..."

"Daris."

"Yes, Crewman Daris, good to meet you. I believe I'm expected. If you would be so kind as to direct me to your Captain or Chief Exec?" She gave the lad a look over, considering his coloring, muscle definition, a habit the doctor could truly never break. "Dr. Moore, your new Chief Medical Officer. And I may have an additional chest arriving, if you could have that delivered to my quarters."

"Yes, sir. It will be just a moment, Dr. Moore." She graced him with a smile as he tapped at the panel before him, settling into some rhythm of commands well beyond her station.

The last three years had been much as the last stints in medical bays on ships and stations. Just enough time to become friends with a crew, learning who would break a bone in some daring away mission or pull something working in jeffries tubes. And once everything was set, the medical units were perfect hubs of care and wellness with clear procedures and training in trauma care and day to day needs, Starfleet shuffled her to the next catastrophe.

The galactic janitor of fine messes.

But not this time. No this time, it will be different. or I'm going to---
The crewman tapped his communicator, the familiar chirps in succession. "Transporter room 1 to Captain." He paused a moment then continued. "You have an arrival, Chief Medical Officer Moore."

(OOC awaiting a response, acknowledging of a location to be taken)

The crewman gave a nod at the response, leading to the door with a soft sliding open. "Doctor," he made for her to follow which she did, bag over shoulder and smaller black velvet one in hand.

"It's fine timing the ship arrived at Starbase 118 when it did. I was just commissioned while on leave, making my way back across the quadrant. I was about to start looking for a ride closer with the Coronado. But Captain Morland assured me the Peregrine would be here. What a coincidence."

The crewman smiled along, leading the doctor to the meeting place to drop the talkative woman with the captain.

(ooc assuming they arrive)

The fair doctor smiled with all the warmth she could muster, having done this introduction many times. More than likely, he read over her record and had numerous expectations of a hard-nosed workhorse of a doctor, willing and capable to snap the whip. But Louise was nothing of the sort. Everything about her was average, even the scattering of white in her dark brown hair kept in a braided bun at the nape of her neck.

At least I brought a gift. Reading over his record, I imagine he could use it.
"Hello, Captain. I'm Dr. Louise Moore, a pleasure."

Stardate 2365.02.07
USS Peregrine, Bridge 1548
Lt. Reid had spent time after their briefing searching the available records on the Kudar and Rytain but as it often was with minor races the records were few and lean. So it hadn't taken much time to forward the meager report to Lt. Rockatansky. John then grabbed few hours shut eye and quick a meal, then reported for his watch on the bridge at the Tactical Station.

It would be a short shift as the Peregrine was nearing Star Base 118. Lt. "Rock" was manning the Command Station but they hadn't had time to discuss John findings.

USS Peregrine, Bridge 1719
The scene that played out on the bridge between Captain Drake and the captain of the vessel they were to escort left John feeling angered and embarrassment for his Captain. Captain Jacobs showed none of the qualities of leadership and professionalism Lt. Reid had come to expect and admire in current commander. It wasn't John place to do or say anything, but it motivated him to do what he might to support his captain.

Star Base 118 Security Section 1820
With the Peregrine safely docked and the bridge secured Lt. Reid had been dismissed of the watch. The scene still fresh in his memory John felt the only thing left for him was to carry out Captains Drakes orders to research the capabilities of the Kuldar and Rytain vessels, any known battle tactics they may employ. So he on his way to the security section of Star Base 118. The Star Base had access to continual information updated that a small Scout ship would not.

John was granted access and began to find more bits and pieces. The fleets of these races were small as it appeared their war had prevented either from gaining any superior strength. The constant replacement costs for defense restricted development of better systems.

They were still using primitive EM weapons such has lasers and particle beam accelerators. EM weapons both share a common design lineage in practical directed energy devices created for early starships to clear dust and small meteorites from their flight path. Their war had not allowed them to advance and other races saw no reason to favor either side or conquer them both.

Their torpedo technology was still photonic torpedoes and nuclear warheads.

The Kuldar destroyer is a warship armed with light short-range weapons and minimum shields.

Destroyer Class:
Crew complement: 53
Length: 150 meters
Width: 82 meters
Height: 44 meters
Mass: 90,000 metric tons

Crew: 80 officers and enlisted
Phasers: Partical Laser
Torpedo Launchers: 2

Warp Reactor:
Normal Cruising Speed: Warp 4
Max Cruising Speed: Warp 5
Maximum Speed: Warp 6 (12 hrs)

They had smaller support craft that fit their pack tactic.

Category: Scout
Length: 157.76 meters

Width: 181.54 meters
Height: 98.54 meters
Mass: 236,000 metric tons

Decks:
Crew: 12 officers
and troops

Phasers: Particle Beam Laser
Torpedo Launchers: 1

Warp Reactor:
Normal Cruising Speed: Warp 6
Max Cruising Speed:
Maximum Speed: Warp 9.6

The Rytain destroyer seemed nearly identical but their Assault Craft ship was listed as superior to the Kuldor Scout class, equipped with several weapon platforms and a shielding system.

Category: Assault Craft

Length: 140.72 meters
Width: 221.76 meters
Height: 51.76 meters

Mass: 96,500 metric tons

Decks:
Crew: 12
Maximum Capacity: 200 troops
Phasers: EM Laser
Torpedo Launchers: 1
Warp Reactor:
Normal Cruising Speed: N/A
Max Cruising Speed: N/A
Maximum Speed: N/A

John saw that these factions were of no real technical or tactical threat to a Star Fleet vessel. There should be more but than just two ship classes but perhaps that was all Star fleet found significant. Lt. Reid summarized findings and sent off his report.

He knew the report wouldn't change what happened on the bridge and that Captain Drake would most likely never know he had found the information; it was his job after all. But John had learned in his youth to be Loyal and Trustworthy to those that earned it; Drake had earned it.

2365.02.07
Starbase 128/ USS Perigrine 2000

"Well let's get on with it." Mathias thought tapping his communicator.

"This is Lieutenant Mathias Berk to USS Peregrine, requesting permission to come aboard"

(OOC assuming permission granted and orders to report to CO)

Mathias tapped the panel for the airlock door and it slid open with a faint pneumatic hiss revealing the smaller docking port door of the Peregrine which opened to greet him and he entered his new home, he glanced around the hall was narrower than that of the those of the Valour. He supposed things didn't get as busy during shift changes on a ship this small.

No matter how small gaining your bearings on a new ship took time, Mathias was sure he would he would get lost at least once on the way to the mess hall, or his office. He could navigate the back country, through sights never seen before by him, sometimes anyone, but a new ship always screwed with his head. He found one of the ship's hallway displays in order to orient himself and find a turbo lift.

Several moments later and one wrong turn he found the turbolift, he entered and with door hissing shut behind him.

"Deck two."

He felt the brief sensation of his stomach being pushed into the ground, combined with the butterfly he had thanks to the prospect of meeting his new CO he felt a touch nauseous. That fact made him uneasy, he'd faced armed opponents who actually shot back, broken up bar fights between Nausicaans and been aboard ships in the midst of pitched battle, with only the hull and the shields of the ship between him and hard vacuum, and for some reason this was what was getting to him.

The swish of the door interrupted his thoughts, and he stepped out of the turbolift and walked briskly down the hall to the Captain's quarters, tapping the door chime, he waited.

(OCC assuming permission to enter)

Mathias stepped through the threshold of the door.

"Lieutenant Mathias Berk, reporting for duty sir!" He said with clipped disciplined efficiency.

(OCC assuming ordered at ease)

"Here are my transfer orders, it'll be a pleasure to serve under you." He said as he held out his hand.

(OCC Letting the the Captain take it from here)

Stardate 2365.02.07
USS Peregrine; XO's Office - 1900
In the past hour or so, Lt Zai had done little other than review any information he could find on the Kuldar and Raytian people. He had, of course, enjoyed a late supper of steamed chall'a and Vulcan spice tea, but, even while eating, he had poured over those files and, when his mind had taken in all he thought it could take on the subject, he had turned to reviewing files concerning the USS Coronado, more specifically, her pretentious commanding officer, Captain Jacobs. He had just immersed himself in the toffee-nosed man's dossier when, rather than the three-note chip of the door chime, his attention was drawn to the door by a heavy thud,

What the frill was that?
Snatched from his study of Jacobs' profile, Tochi arched a brow, skeptically regarding the door for an instant before saying; "It's open." The door slid open, then, and whatever light might have tried to enter the office from the corridor was blotted out by the massive frame of the man that stood on the other side.

((OOC: Assuming Thomason enters and does the whole "Ensign Thomason reporting for duty" thing, here.))

What the frill is that?!?! Tochi blinked as the huge man stepped in and introduced himself as Ensign Thomason. We have never seen a human that big! We're gonna need a bigger boat,
Once the initial shock at Thomason's immense proportions had passed, Lt Zai noted that the man's imposing size was more than countered by the nervous set of his features as he stood at attention on the other side of the desk. "At ease, Ensign," Tochi smiled, getting to his feet and extending a hand across the desk, "Welcome to the Peregrine."

((OOC: Assuming a handshake without having my arm inadvertently torn off and such,))

"Please," Zai said, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk, "have a seat.

I understand this is your first tour aboard a starship, Mister Thomason. You just graduated the Academy a few months ago, correct?

((OOC: Tag, Arcani,))

Stardate 2365.02.07
USS Peregrine; XO's Office - 1900
*whooom* Oh crap...
"It's open." Ensign Thomason heard a voice from behind the door sound out. As the door slid open, Hebert ducked inside. Damn short doors. This'll get old quickly... Having the presence of mind to keep his irritation with the doors off of his face, he stepped into the office of his new commanding officer.

A pang of nerves washed over Hebert's face as he stood before Tochi. "Good day, sir. Ensign Hebert Thomason reporting for duty." Standing in a strict salutatory posture, the bass in his voice sounding deeply into the small room. Nailed it. Perfectly done. Hebert smiled inwardly, but still, unfortunately, didn't keep his nerves off of his face. First impressions mattered, after all.

The man sitting before him, across the desk, spoke easily, as all men with experience in their lives do. "At ease, Ensign." he said while rising and reaching to shake his hand. "Welcome to the Peregrine." His voice is pleasant. You can't fake a tone like that.
Reaching across carefully, it was time for the moment Hebert had been practicing. He had no idea of the strength of a Trill's frame, so he applied what he had been practicing, assuming to be a proper handshake, having decided just short of what he applies to men, and shook the Lieutenant's hand. Well, no pain on his face. Hebert smiled, genuinely. "Thank you, sir. It's a privilege and an honor to be here."

"Please," Zai said, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk, "have a seat.

Hebert sat in the chair easily, back ramrod straight. No time for slouching, man. Got to show him I'm professional. Resting his hands on his thighs, he looked up as his CO continued.

"I understand this is your first tour aboard a starship, Mister Thomason. You just graduated the Academy a few months ago, correct?"

"Yes, sir. I've been at Starbase 118 awaiting transfer orders. Though I appreciate the amenities and life of the starbase, I'm ready to get out and do what I can for Starfleet." Hebert said naturally. There was no false bravado or enthusiasm in his voice, but he may have hidden the fact that he was just getting bored.

((OOC: Assuming Tochi asks something of a "tell me about yourself" here))

"I'm a simple man, sir. I work out several times a day for several hours and I enjoy wrestling, though few deem me an opponent they'd like to tangle with." Hebert chuckled softly. "I've recently taken up the art of fencing. I'm not much for a foil or épée, greatly preferring the power of a saber. Naturally, if I could, I'd just use a claymore, but I doubt that's allowed." He laughed deeply.

(OOC: Assuming Tochi allows him to continue)

"I enjoy mental and physical challenges. I've run every simulation available to me for my position and I look forward to the challenges and demands this job brings, as well as, of course, serving under you, sir."

((Tag))

Stardate 2365.02.07
USS Peregrine; XO's Office - 1902
As the man-bear that was Ensign Thomason settled a bit stiffly onto the proffered chair, Tochi, too, retook his seat, albeit with a decidedly more relaxed posture than the Ensign was exhibiting.

"Yes, sir," Thomason answered in reply to Zai's initial query, "I've been at Starbase 118 awaiting transfer orders. Though I appreciate the amenities and life of the starbase, I'm ready to get out and do what I can for Starfleet."

Tochi nodded and offered a knowing smile at that. "And see more of the galaxy than just the Lonka Cluster," the Trill chuckled, "I understand. Tell me something about yourself, Mister Thomason."

"I'm a simple man, sir. I work out several times a day for several hours and I enjoy wrestling, though few deem me an opponent they'd like to tangle with." Hebert chuckled softly.

Tochi chuckled along with him; "We can't imagine why."

"I've recently taken up the art of fencing. I'm not much for a foil or épée, greatly preferring the power of a saber. Naturally, if I could, I'd just use a claymore, but I doubt that's allowed." Thomason laughed deeply.

"Likely not," Tochi agreed, "I'm something of a fencer, myself. Should time allow, we'll most definitely have to meet for a match or two.

Anyway," he said, gesturing for Hebert to continue, "please."

"I enjoy mental and physical challenges," the giant of a man went on, "I've run every simulation available to me for my position and I look forward to the challenges and demands this job brings, as well as, of course, serving under you, sir."

"You say that, now, Ensign," Tochi grinned playfully, "but wait until you've been with us a few months. Your opinion might change.

Have you checked in with Ops and been assigned quarters, yet?"

((Tag... answer determines where the convo goes.))

Stardate 2365.02.07
USS Peregrine; XO's Office - 1904

"Likely not," Tochi said in agreement with Hebert, about his admissions of taking up fencing, "I'm something of a fencer, myself. Should time allow, we'll most definitely have to meet for a match or two. Surprise registered plainly on the ensign's face. Before he could respond, his CO continued, "Anyway," he said, gesturing for Hebert himself to continue, "please."

"I enjoy mental and physical challenge. I've run every simulation available to me for my position and I look forward to the challenges and demands this job brings, as well as, of course, serving under you, sir."

"You say that, now, Ensign," Tochi grinned playfully at him, "but wait until you've been with us a few months. Your opinion might change. Have you checked in with Ops and been assigned quarters, yet?"

Laughing at the chief's joke, Hebert responded, "I haven't had a chance yet, sir, I wanted to come make my introduction. If I may, sir, I have a few questions before then?"

(OOC: Assuming Zai is alright with asking)

"When and where would we find the scheduling for our shifts?"

(OOC: Assuming answer)

"I see. Am I to be given command shifts? Or just helm?"

(OOC: Assuming answer)

"Understood, thank you. Lastly, I suppose, is what happens next? I've never been assigned to a starship. Where do I go from this office?"

(OOC: Assuming answer.)


((Tag))

Stardate 2365.02.07
USS Peregrine, Deck 3, Personal Quarters - 2300

Petty Officer Dana Cook sat in the Living area of her Quarters and sipped the Romulan Ale she had acquired earlier that night. Coming to the Starbase definitely had it's benefits. She was sipping and enjoying the sweet burning sensation as it meandered down her throat when suddenly the door to her Quarters opened.

She jumped for a second until she saw it was only CPO Lauren Crane who shared these Quarters with her. She relaxed a bit. Romulan Ale was a contraband item and it's possession and use aboard Star Fleet vessels was 'frowned upon."

"Hey Dana," Lauren started paused as her eyes fell to the distinctive bottle and color of the liquid within, "is that... what I think it is?" Her voice sounded a bit strained. She knew her roommates predilections for real hard alcohol.

"Yeah," Dana replied with a smile as she lifted her glass, "You want some?"

Lauren considered it for a moment and then shook her head, "You could get in serious trouble for having that aboard. Where did you get it?"

"Traded a bartender on the Starbase for it," Dana said her smile growing larger.

"You know the Captain tolerates some alcohol aboard," Lauren started in on one of her lectures, "but contraband stuff is normally forbidden."

"Awww come on Lauren," Dana said, "the Captain probably has some of this in his own personal stock."

"Now about that drink," Dana said and got up and grabbed another glass and sitting it on the table she began to pour a 2nd glass for Lauren.

"I don't know," she sighed, "we could get in trouble."

"Don t worry about it," Dana said as she slide the glass across the table towards Lauren and then sat back down grabbing her own glass, "We wont get caught." Dana reached over and hit a button on the table console. The door to their Quarters 'secured' so that no one else could just barge in and disturb them or catch them in the act. Anyone would have to request permission to enter from them or have a reason to use their emergency override such as available to High Ranking officers like the CTO, XO or even the Captain.

Lauren sighed again and then a smile began to grow on her face. Grabbing the glass she sat down opposite her roommate and joined her in a minor infraction. She had sampled many of Dana's 'special acquisitions'. Dana seemed to have a knack for finding the unfindable especially Real Alcohol. Taking a sip Lauren coughed at first as the fiery blue liquid burned it's way down.

"There you go," Dana chuckled, "don't worry it will pass. Soon neither of us will be worrying about anything."

They both laughed and continued to drink the ill-gotten beverage. Several minutes later it was Lauren who broke some news.

"Oh did you hear," Lauren asked. Her voice already sounding a little tipsy.

"Hear what?" Dana asked sounding normal. She had a much higher tolerance for Alcohol than did her roommate who usually didn't imbibe except on rare occasions. Dana liked Lauren but she was a bit too straight lace; everything by the book. Dana believed in regulations, but little things like forbidden alcohol or cigars, her personal indulgences, she 'bent' the regs as it didn't really hurt anyone but herself.

"New Transfers came in," Lauren continued, "I heard in the Lounge that the word is out that we're getting a New Chief Tactical Officer and a New Chief Medical Officer."

"WHAT?" Dana said as she nearly spat her drink across the table. This was unexpected news to her.

Lt. Rockatansky was hardly known to her. She had a few dealings with him but had always thought he did his job and kept discipline in the Security/Tactical department. But Lt Synklar gone? That was a blow.

"Yeah," Lauren went on excitedly as she loved to gossip, "The orders came in about 1830 or so and apparently they are leaving the ship tonight and the replacements have already come aboard. What do you think of that?"

"Oh by the Black Abyss," Dana sighed and sat back and then downed the last bit of her drink. A new CMO? Here she had just gotten Lt. Synklar 'trained' just the way she liked and now she had to break in a new CMO. She sighed and poured another drink and hoped that whatever tomorrow brought it was not going to disrupt the harmony of her Sickbay.


(Edit: Change of roommates.)

((OOC: What follows is a collaborative post between myself and Arcani))


Stardate 2365.02.07
USS Peregrine; XO's Office - 1906
It was going well, Tochi thought. The new Ensign seemed a bit more at ease than when he'd first entered Lt Zai's office and the laid-back approach to the conversation, seemingly, had stripped a majority of whatever apprehension away from the mountainous human.

"I haven't had a chance, yet, sir," Hebert had said in reply to the question of having been assigned quarters, "I wanted to come and make my introduction."

Zai nodded, running one hand over the console set into his desk and calling up an Ops feed in order to check on the man's billet.

"If I may, sir," Thomason continued, "I have a few questions before then."

"Absolutely," Tochi replied, "please, proceed."

"When and where would we find the scheduling for our shifts?"

"Typically," the Trill answered, "your duty shifts can be accessed from the ship's computer and, often, are posted in the Flight Control Office, which is adjacent to the Flight Ops center in shuttle bay 2. Having said that, though, I've got you scheduled at the CONN on Beta shift Sundays and Mondays, and Gamma shift on Wednesdays and Thursdays. If that works for you, Ensign, that will put you on the bridge for the first time, tomorrow, at 1500 hours."

"I see," Thomason said, obviously making a mental note of the Lieutenant's proposed schedule, "Am I to be given command shifts, or just helm?"

Ambitious, Tochi grinned, Good.
"You do have some command training, Mr Thomason," he answered, "and, with such a small crew aboard, yes, you will be expected to sit in the Big Chair, on occasion. Again, this is tentative, but, currently, I've got you slotted in to take the night-watch on Saturday nights. Between your rotations at CONN and your stint at command, that puts you at a total of five bridge shifts per week; your off days being Tuesdays and Fridays. Acceptable?"

"Understood," Thomason responded, "thank you. Lastly, I suppose, is what happens next? I've never been assigned to a Starship. Where do I go from this office?"

"Well," Tochi said, "since, Operations doesn't seem to have posted your billet, yet, I suppose your next step would be to check in with Ops and get your quarters assigned. Once you know where you'll be bunking, you can get your gear stowed and familiarize yourself with the ship.

I would say to go and introduce yourself to the rest of the Flight Control team, but, I've given most of them liberty aboard the Starbase, this evening. Senior Master Chief V'Lur, however, can likely be found in Flight Ops. The rest, we expect, will be back aboard before morning."

"Understood, sir," Hebert said, getting to his feet, "I'll head over to operations and find a room."

"Very good," Tochi said, also rising from his chair, "Let us know when you're settled in and," Lt Zai noticed, then, that Thomason's face seemed to indicate the masking of an unasked question. To that end, the Trill abandoned his initial statement and asked; "Something else on your mind, Ensign?"

"Well, sir," Hebert answered frankly, "it's just that I was wondering if it would be possible to get acquainted with Captain Drake. I've heard stories and would like to put a face with them."

"I'm sure the Captain is aboard," Tochi replied, "but we doubt that making introductions tonight would be the best idea. He's got a meeting at 0800 with the command staff of the Coronado and the delegates from the Kuldar and Rytain contingents, so he's likely preparing himself for that." Tochi came out from behind his desk, then, and, reaching up, clasped the big man on the shoulder, subtly turning him for the door. "You'll meet the Captain soon enough, Hebert, and, we're sure, you won't be disappointed when matching the face to the stories.

Right now, though, you've got as much on your plate as the Captain's got on his," the Trill XO continued, releasing the man's massive shoulder and walking with him, now, to the door, "Get yourself to Ops, get that bunk assignment, and then get yourself familiar with Peregrine. We're hoping you'll be with us a good long while, Ensign. Don't try to pack your entire tour into the first few hours aboard, hm?"

"Aye, sir," Thomason answered, somewhat sheepishly, "Thank you, again."

"Any time," Tochi nodded.

As the two flight controllers reached the door and it swept open in front of them, Hebert paused and said; "About the offer of fencing, sir; it'd be a pleasure to duel you. Perhaps, on one of our off shifts, we could find the time?"

"Absolutely," the XO grinned, ushering the big man out the door ahead of him, "I look forward to it."

"Good day, sir," Thomason said, then.

"Good evening, Ensign," Tochi returned, "and, again, welcome to the Peregrine."

Star Base 118 Security 1935
Having sent his report Lt. Reid started to make his way to the commerce section. It was often possible to get real food at a Star Base. As he exited the turbo lift his com badge signaled an income message.

Activating the badge, "Lieutenant Reid"

=/\= (OCC Lt. Rock calls John asking to meet at the Peregrine docking bye)=/\=

"Aye Sir, on my way."

John thought it an odd request but he hot footed it to the docking bay.

Star Base 118 Docking Bay 1940
As John approached Lt. "Rock" lifted hand his in greeting.

(OCC assuming Rock extends a hand in a friendly manner and informally tells John how he has been reassigned and is leaving the Peregrine. Being the transfer is immediate and his replacement is on his way he would want John meet with Lt. Berk in the Ward Room and give him his full support and a tour of the Peregrine.) (ok Tann you fill this in and I'll move it to the Ward Room.)

"Sir, I understand. You know I'll do my duty." John took Rock's hand again, "I have learned a lot from you in my shirt time in your command, thank you." John heard himself and realized how formal it must have sounded, but he couldn't help, so he just shrugged and smiled.

(Tann fill something, a joke or tell John to lighten up things will be fine.)

USS Peregrine, Security Ward Room 2000
John stood looking at the out stretched wing of fierce brown bird painted on the Ward Room's wall. The picture of the name sake Peregrine Falcon as it attacked served to remind them that they too were small but deadly.

Each member of the security teamed seemed to have their own name for their mascot; John called it "Nutiket" (Nu-ti-ket).

It was from his days as a Boy Scout when he had been a member of the Order of the Arrow. They had learned words that had used by the Lenni Lenape Indians of Earth Midwest American area. It meant "Guard".

John felt it fitting as the USS Peregrine was "on guard" for the Federation, also the Security Section was "on guard" for the USS Peregrine.

John couldn't be sure that Capt'n Drake would ask him to escort their new Chief, but Rock had asked him to make himself available and he was.

Stardate 2365.02.07
USS Peregrine, Captain's Quarters - 1845

Captain Drake sat at the small desk in his quarters, glaring at his PADD, continuing to ignore the half-eaten sandwich that stared reproachfully from the forgotten corner of his desk. If he truly was expected to welcome on three new department heads, it was best that he got to know as much about them as he could; to that end, Silas found himself poring over personnel records. He tried to brush his anger aside and focus on what he could control, doing his best to observe all he could about the new officers - as well as to see what might information might lie between the lines in their files.

The door chimed, causing Drake to frown in annoyance, though he placed the PADD down and bade the visitor to enter.

Silas was more than a bit surprised to see his Chief Science Officer standing there; surely the man was off shift by now. "Good evening, Captain. I apologize if I've disturbed your evening in any way. There's something I wished to discuss with you." Horatio bore a hopeful expression.

In spite of his annoyance, Silas forced himself to smile politely. "Not at all, Lieutenant. Though I am a bit surprised that you aren't enjoying a little leave at the moment."

"Well, as you know," Tesenblen responded, "I take incredible pride in my botanical work. I tediously and meticulously tend to every plant in my care. Would you agree with that?"

What an odd duck, Silas mused. Still, he nodded. "Lieutenant, you have always impressed me as being very thorough in your work, and I can certainly recognize and appreciate your passion for botany. Still, I'm not quite sure that I understand what that has to do with this visit."

An after hours visit to talk to me about how well you water your plants? Silas wondered.

"Thank you," the CSO answered. "It so happens that I've actually managed to cross two species that I'm hopeful the product of which will allow potential testing for elimination of diseases we still struggle with, including more effective treatments for things like cancer..." his voice trailed off. "I digress, allow me to get to the point.

I'm here because I just acquired a new specimen of..." Horatio let his voice trail off in a hesitant and uncertain manner. "Well, it's a new plant that I've never had an opportunity to work with before or study. It's called aconitum lycoctonum, colloquially known as Northern European Wolfsbane."

"Wolfsbane..." Drake answered uncertainly. "I'm no botanist, Lieutenant, but if I recall science from years ago, it seems that this is a rather dangerous species."

"Well, Captain," Tesenblen responded, "I've always been honest and plain with you and you've always done right by me, so I'll be straight with you here. This plant is far more dangerous than anything you've ever seen. The smell of this plant can knock a grown man unconscious if he's exposed to it enough, and with further exposure, it's potentially lethal. With your permission and extreme", heavy emphasis here, "care given, I'd like to grow a specimen and use it in my research. I believe there are potential applications here that can advance modern medicine in ways I can only imagine."

Drake leaned back in his chair and regarded his Chief Science Officer. "So then," he began, "let me get this straight. You're asking me to allow you to cultivate a dangerous, deadly - and, as far as I know, illegal - species in the name of scientific research?"

((OOC: assuming a positive reply))

The Captain let out a sigh, then went silent for a long, awkward moment as he let his gaze unfocus for a time. Finally, he focused again on Tesenblen.

"Innovation often requires thinking outside of the box, pushing boundaries past where we are comfortable. I understand this," he spoke. "However, Mister Tesenblen, you absolutely will not cultivate this Wolfsbane..." with this, he fixed a cold stare on the CSO's eyes, "until you put together a satisfactory plan for handling it safely."

The Captain paused for a moment before he continued. "I want a full plan on education of your staff as to how to safely interact with this plant. I want a workable solution to isolate the cultivation area from the rest of the ship, with security protocols in place to prevent any unknowing person from wandering into an accidental encounter with it. I want safeguards in place to treat this thing like a wild animal - no crew member is to ever be alone, unsupervised, with the plant; if something goes wrong, someone will know about it and be able to help the afflicted individual. I want our new doctor - yes, we are getting a new Chief Medical Officer any time now - fully informed as to what you are doing, and to have medical prepared in the event that emergency treatment is needed for exposure to this species. If you cannot comply with these conditions to my satisfaction, you will bring any samples of this plant back to my quarters, where I will personally oversee their recycling in the replicator. Are we clear?"

((OOC: assuming a positive response))

Drake nodded. "Very well, then. Horatio, I will fully support your research - as long as you can convince me that it can be safely carried out. I will expect your report by sixteen hundred hours tomorrow. Dismissed."

Stardate 2365.02.07
USS Peregrine - Captain's Quarters 1850
I'm here because I just acquired a new specimen of..." Horatio let his voice trail off in a hesitant and uncertain manner. "Well, it's a new plant that I've never had an opportunity to work with before or study. It's called aconitum lycoctonum, colloquially known as Northern European Wolfsbane."

"Wolfsbane..." Drake answered uncertainly. "I'm no botanist, Lieutenant, but if I recall science from years ago, it seems that this is a rather dangerous species."

Not just any wolfsbane. That's like saying a bullet ant is just an ant... Horatio thought to himself.

"Well, Captain," Tesenblen responded, "I've always been honest and plain with you and you've always done right by me, so I'll be straight with you here. This plant is far more dangerous than anything you've ever seen. The smell of this plant can knock a grown man unconscious if he's exposed to it enough, and with further exposure, it's potentially lethal. With your permission and extreme," Horatio lay heavy emphasis on the word, continuing with, "care given, I'd like to grow a specimen and use it in my research. I believe there are potential applications here that can advance modern medicine in ways I can only imagine."

Lt. Tesenblen watched the captain lean back in his chair. "So then," he began, "let me get this straight. You're asking me to allow you to cultivate a dangerous, deadly - and, as far as I know, illegal" Oomph, he nailed that one. , "species in the name of scientific research?"

"That's the short of it, Captain. I wouldn't bring it to your attention if I did not believe in the good we could do with it." Horatio's eyes sparkled in unjustifiable hope. Please, Captain. This opportunity is once in a life time...
The Captain sighed openly and went quiet for such a time that Horatio wondered if the anxiety had made him deaf somehow. Finally, Captain Drake's vision focused on him again.

"Innovation often requires thinking outside of the box, pushing boundaries past where we are comfortable. I understand this," he spoke. "However, Mister Tesenblen, you absolutely will not cultivate this Wolfsbane..." Horatio's hope shattered as the Captain continued, staring hard at him, "until you put together a satisfactory plan for handling it safely." Horatio's heart blossomed with unfathomable hope.

The Captain paused for a moment before he continued. "I want a full plan on education of your staff as to how to safely interact with this plant. I want a workable solution to isolate the cultivation area from the rest of the ship, with security protocols in place to prevent any unknowing person from wandering into an accidental encounter with it. I want safeguards in place to treat this thing like a wild animal - no crew member is to ever be alone, unsupervised, with the plant; if something goes wrong, someone will know about it and be able to help the afflicted individual. I want our new doctor - yes, we are getting a new Chief Medical Officer any time now - fully informed as to what you are doing, and to have medical prepared in the event that emergency treatment is needed for exposure to this species. If you cannot comply with these conditions to my satisfaction, you will bring any samples of this plant back to my quarters, where I will personally oversee their recycling in the replicator. Are we clear?"

Is that all? Horatio thought dryly.

"Aye, Captain. I'll begin making arrangements with my staff. Thank you, Captain, I can't thank you enough. I'll have the report done as soon as I can." Horatio could not for the life of him keep the smile off of his face. The chance to study european wolfsbane! Unbelievable!
Drake nodded. "Very well, then. Horatio, I will fully support your research - as long as you can convince me that it can be safely carried out. I will expect your report by sixteen hundred hours tomorrow. Dismissed."

"Aye, sir. Thank you."

Walking out of the Captain's office, he started contemplating the logistics of the Captain's request. Dalia is going to murder me. He chuckled to himself as he walked to his office, his spirits incredibly high.

Stardate 2365.02.07
USS Peregrine, LCDR Eric Thorson's Quarters - 1830

Eric fell heavily onto his bed without even taking off his uniform. Closing his eyes and willing himself to relax and get some needed rest, Eric lay back and gazed at the ceiling as his mind replayed the events of the day.

First the pod, then the frantic attempts at repairs, the nasty jolt, the weirdness in the lounge...

Eric shuddered at the memory of the incident. What if he had been shaking Tochi's hand when that happened? What if he had been grasping Tochi by the shoulder or something? It would have been horrible; Eric's cybernetics carried strength far beyond that of human flesh-and-blood limbs. When he pondered that his grip could crush duranium, it wasn't an exaggeration. Eric could have injured Tochi, or anyone else, horribly and possibly beyond repair. And he still didn't know why it had happened.

After the debacle in the lounge, Eric had gone straight to Engineering and had begun running tests on his cybernetic limb right away. He ran every test, every spectral analysis, every mass measurement, diagnostic and systems checks that he could think of. Unanimously, they all concurred that there was nothing wrong with his arm. He had found nothing foreign, nothing damaged, not even any lingering damage from the initial shock from the pod's canister, or even from the incident in the lounge.

According to every test Eric had done, every measurement he had taken, and every hunch he had followed up, there was absolutely nothing amiss with his limb or his neural control systems. So why the hell did that happen, then?! he asked himself in frustration.

So, after coordinating with Tochi over comms to make sure the pod's offloading was handled by the Flight Control team and to let Tochi know that he was apparently fine, and after sending messages of approval for shore leave for all off-duty Engineering personnel, Eric had trudged back to his quarters. After this day, he really had no interest in checking out the starbase, and he knew he'd need to be sharp in the morning when they headed out for the escort mission. He had lit a candle at his small shrine, offered prayers of gratitude to the gods that he and his team all came through the incident (relatively) unscathed, and for protection and wisdom during the mission to come, and then stumbled to his bed.

As he lay in his bunk, mind still whirling, Eric tried to relax and rest, hoping he would be able to get some sleep.

No telling what tomorrow would bring.