Exeter Compile 34 Dates: January 15, 2021 to January 21, 2021 Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express, Day 2 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express Day: 2 Stardate: 2445.12.02 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Exeter – Ensign More's Personal Quarters -SPC Armory Chief PO2 Sytuk - 11:31) (USS Exeter – Ensign More's Personal Quarters - Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More - 11:32) (USS Exeter –Shuttle bay Two – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams -1505) (Counsellors office - COO, Ensign (sg) Paul Sleeford 13:58) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – CO, Captain Trip Williams – 1400) (Counsellors office - Counselor, Ensign SG Jack Roberts - 1400) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken – 1402) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – CO, Captain Trip Williams – 1404) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken – 1405) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – CO, Captain Trip Williams– 1407) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken – 1408) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – Nurse – CPO – Ewan McDonald - 1413) (USS Exeter – Deck 4 - holosuite 4- NPC Sec/tac Ensign Sg. T'kel – 1418) (USS Exeter – Ensign Hammerfields quarters –NPC Sec/ tac Ensign Sg. T'kel– 1427) (USS Exeter – Crew Quarters – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1429) (USS Exeter – Crew Quarters – NPC Sec/tac. Ensign Sg. T'kel – 1431) (USS Exeter –Holodeck - CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams – 1432) (USS Exeter – Crew Quarters – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1433) (USS Exeter – Deck 13 - Operations – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1440) (USS Exeter – Deck 13 - Operations- OPS Officer – Ensign – Oliver Wallis– 1443) (USS Exeter – Deck 13 - Operations – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1444) (USS Exeter – Deck 13 – Operations- Ops Officer – Ensign - Oliver Wallis – 1446) (USS Exeter – Deck 13 - Operations – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1448) (SB Freedom - Main Prominade - Counselor Lt(jg) Victoria Corsica - 1507) (USS Exeter – Jefferies tube –ACEO, Lt. JG Alistair Brightwood 1509) (USS Exeter – Jefferies tube –Engineer – Ensign – Galu Vozi -1511) (USS Exeter – Jefferies tube –Engineering Officer – Ensign – Galu Vozi -1515) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1517) (USS Exeter – Main Engineering – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1522) (USS Exeter – Main Engineering – Engineer - Ensign -Galu Vozi – 1525) (USS Exeter – Main Engineering – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1526) (USS Exeter – Main Engineering – Ensign – Galu Vozi – 1529) (USS Exeter – Main Engineering – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1530) (USS Exeter - Deck 8 - Aft lounge - Ensign Rylee Page & Chief Rayan Anra -1532) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Aft Lounge - Yeoman, Ensign SG Thea Helms - 1608) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Aft Lounge - CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez & Yeoman, Ensign SG Thea Helms - 1610) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – CO, Captain Trip Williams – 1410) (USS Exeter – Nine and Dine – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams – 1632) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – 3O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek – 1633) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez – 1634) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – 2O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek – 1636) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – 3O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek – 1646) (USS Exeter – Deck 8, Security Center – 2O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek – 1653) (USS Exeter – Deck 8, Security Center – ACTO, Lt. JG Cade Blackwell – 1655) (USS Exeter – Deck 8, Security Center – ACTO, Lt. JG Cade Blackwell – 1700) (USS Exeter- personal quarters - COO Ensign (sg) Paul Sleeford 17:01) (USS Exeter- Ensign Sleefords personal quarters - SPC ACOO Comp. Ops Ensign Sg Zot-17:08) (USS Exeter – Security Office - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 1710 ) (USS Exeter – Security Office - ACTO, Lt. JG Cade Blackwell - 1712 ) (USS Exeter – Security Office - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 1715 ) (USS Exeter – Security Office - ACTO, Lieutenant JG Cade Blackwell - 1717) (USS Exeter – Deck 3- Merek/ Shara shared Quarters -CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok 1719) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Deck 9 - arboretum - Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 1725) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Deck 9 - arboretum - CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez - 1728) (USS Exeter – Deck 9 - arboretum – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1729) (USS Exeter – Deck 9 - arboretum – CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez – 1731) (USS Exeter – Deck 9 - arboretum – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1732) (USS Exeter – Deck 3- Merek/ Shara shared Quarters -CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok & Sec/tac. Ensign Stan More - 1745) (USS Exeter – Captain's Ready Room -CO, Captain Trip Williams and JAG, Vice Admiral Will Alexander -1800) (SB Freedom - Main Prominade - Counselor Lt(jg) Victoria Corsica - 1830) (USS Exeter - Counselling Suites - Counselor Lt(jg) Victoria Corsica - 1830) (USS Exeter - Counseling Suite - Counselor, Lieutenant Victoria Corsica - 1835) (USS Exeter - Counseling Suite - Counselor, Ensign SG Jack Roberts - 1836) (USS Exeter - Counseling Suite - Counselor, Lieutenant Victoria Corsica - 1839) (USS Exeter - Personal Quarters - Civilian Caity Dubois - 1958) (USS Exeter –Turbolift – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams – 2055) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 2205) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express Day: 2 Stardate: 2445.12.02 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Exeter – Ensign More's Personal Quarters -SPC Armory Chief PO2 Sytuk - 11:31) “ Yes. Plus we should also look into the theft from science also. They could be tied together or a red herring to throw us off the scent.” Stan said. Sytuk looked at him, a confused look on his face . " What is a red herring ?" “ It’s an old name for something put in to miss direct an investigation. I have no idea why or what is a red herring. But anyway we should look into this robbery.” Stan said. Stan pulled up the crew manifest on the terminal in his quarters. Some names stood out.Stan stopped Sytuk and pointed. “ Are any of those people Science Officers or help in the Lab?” Stan asked him. Sytuk tapped on the names and slid the screen over to the department assignments. " Yes, why do you ask?" “ I don’t know......it’s just something nagging at my brain. The murderer is here in this list. I know it is...” Stan said. Stan stood up and clicked his fingers. Sytuk back away to give him room. ~ Why is he doing that? What does that mean? ~ “ That theft was planned!.........Time would be limited before they got caught. But they knew what to take so they could grab it quickly. Which points to someone who would know what was in there. Meaning......” Stan Said ominously. Sytuk looked at him waiting for an answer. " What? " “ My g-d......” Stan said. Sytuk was confused. He didn't know what to say or ask. ~ Be helpful , be helpful~ " Does it mean they...are a science officer ? " Sytuk asked hoping he wasn't sounding dumb, his specialty wasn't sifting through crew manifest. His talents were more direct. ( reply More) " So what do we do?" Sytuk asked. ( reply More) " I am here to follow your lead and support you. Those are my orders, the parameters are make sure you're safe, assist you in anyway that doesn't violate policy or personal freedoms. So I am at your command Sir" Sytuk stated ( reply More) (USS Exeter – Ensign More's Personal Quarters - Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More - 11:32) More looked at the information again. An idea was forming in his mind. One he was starting not to like. " Does it mean they...are a science officer ? " Sytuk asked hoping he wasn't sounding dumb, his specialty wasn't sifting through crew manifest. His talents were more direct. “ Yes.” Stan said " So what do we do?" Sytuk asked. “ Until this thing is off my ankle. I dare not move anywhere. The killer could tap into........into....... let me see that data again.” Stan said " I am here to follow your lead and support you. Those are my orders, the parameters are make sure you're safe, assist you in anyway that doesn't violate policy or personal freedoms. So I am at your command Sir" Sytuk stated “ By the furry bonnet of my late aunt Matilda. How did I miss this.....?”Stan said pointing ( Reply , Sytuk) “ Sorry. Nix was very security conscious. Whoever got into his quarters. Knew a lot more about security then any of these science officers. But to get to those chemicals. It would take someone in the science department. Meaning.......” Stan said worried ( Reply , Sytuk ) “ We have more then one murderer...” Stan said. ( Reply , Sytuk ) “ Ok. I have an appointment with the ships counsellor this afternoon. So we can’t do to much. For now let’s lean on the science department. There may be a clue that has been missed. I need you to go and look around. Make a good show of looking at people in a stern way. Ask a few questions about things. Make them nervous without going to far.” Stan said ( Reply , Sytuk) “ Agreed but as they say. A guilty person is a worried person.” He said (Counsellors office - COO, Ensign (sg) Paul Sleeford 13:58) "Seems like that was a seminal moment in your life." Jack said with a smile. "Lot of soul searching." Jack said as he got up and walked over to a pitcher of water on his desk. Sleeford watched as Roberts rose from the desk and walked to the desk, as he took a glass and poured Sleeford pondered the question, had it been a pivotal moment or just the boot in the backside he’d needed at the time. “At the time I wasn’t so sure, we didn’t talk about it, the following morning I got on with working around the farm, cleaning out the stalls, feeding and so forth. About six months after the dunking my maternal grandfather came to visit, he said nothing for about three days then on the fourth I was mucking out the pig’s, when he walked over, leant against the fence and spoke I. His slow way, telling me there was a pot of coffee on the porch” Smiling at the memory Sleeford chuckled to himself. “We sat there for a hour without saying anything, he turned to me and asked me what I was going to do next, I sat there for ages in thought, the old boy just sat there looking at the view, I’d thought about taking up farming, when I told him he laughed, shook his head and said I could but after a while I’d hate it. We discussed it for ages and I knew deep down he was right. It take a farm, marry a local girl, have children and hate it, oh I’d be happy with a family, but deep down I’d know I didn’t belong there.” "Would you like something to drink?" Jack asked as he came back with two full glasses. Not sure if Sleeford wanted one, he figured worst case scenario it would just sit there on the table. ( reply Roberts IYW ) Nodding his thanks Sleeford took a sip of water. Jack placed one glass on the table and then sat back down in his seat. Taking a sip, he took a deep breath and then smiled warmly. "Would you say that is an event that made you who you are today?" Shaking his head Sleeford spoke,” No not really, my sister and I worked the farm during school vacations and weekends, we learnt hard work, early mornings do t kill you, we learnt things are born and things due, it’s the natural order. We where raised to ask questions about anything. So no I think a dunking in pig muck was more out of frustration on James’s part the a lesson to learn. I’ll be honest for nearly two years I’d been like a precocious brat” Jack nodded. "How have you relied on that moment to help you with your current injury and change of position?" Laughing Sleeford nearly split his water, “Oh that’s an easy one, I don’t want scrubbing again. Seriously I don’t have an issue, I got hurt through my own stupid fault, I got moved out of security because I would have been liability, do I wss as my to still be there, yes, would I’ve happy stuck in a desk job, like armoury Officer or quartermaster, no” (Reply Roberts) (Posted by Alistair)  (Counsellors office - COO, Ensign (sg) Paul Sleeford 13:58) "Seems like that was a seminal moment in your life." Jack said with a smile. "Lot of soul searching." Jack said as he got up and walked over to a pitcher of water on his desk. Sleeford watched as Roberts rose from the desk and walked to the desk, as he took a glass and poured Sleeford pondered the question, had it been a pivotal moment or just the boot in the backside he’d needed at the time. “At the time I wasn’t so sure, we didn’t talk about it, the following morning I got on with working around the farm, cleaning out the stalls, feeding and so forth. About six months after the dunking my maternal grandfather came to visit, he said nothing for about three days then on the fourth I was mucking out the pig’s, when he walked over, leant against the fence and spoke in his slow way, telling me there was a pot of coffee on the porch” Smiling at the memory Sleeford chuckled to himself. “We sat there for a hour without saying anything, he turned to me and asked me what I was going to do next, I sat there for ages in thought, the old boy just sat there looking at the view, I’d thought about taking up farming, when I told him he laughed, shook his head and said I could but after a while I’d hate it. We discussed it for ages and I knew deep down he was right. I’d take a farm, marry a local girl, have children and hate it, oh I’d be happy with a family, but deep down I’d know I didn’t belong there.” "Would you like something to drink?" Jack asked as he came back with two full glasses. Not sure if Sleeford wanted one, he figured worst case scenario it would just sit there on the table. ( reply Roberts IYW ) Nodding his thanks Sleeford took a sip of water. Jack placed one glass on the table and then sat back down in his seat. Taking a sip, he took a deep breath and then smiled warmly. "Would you say that is an event that made you who you are today?" Shaking his head Sleeford spoke,” No not really, my sister and I worked the farm during school vacations and weekends, we learnt hard work, early mornings don’t kill you, we learnt things are born and things die, it’s the natural order. We where raised to ask questions about anything. So no I think a dunking in pig muck was more out of frustration on James’s part the a lesson to learn. I’ll be honest for nearly two years I’d been like a precocious brat” Jack nodded. "How have you relied on that moment to help you with your current injury and change of position?" Laughing Sleeford nearly split his water, “Oh that’s an easy one, I don’t want scrubbing again. Seriously I don’t have an issue, I got hurt through my own stupid fault, I got moved out of security because I would have been liability, do I wish I was still be there, yes, would I’ve happy stuck in a desk job, like armoury Officer or quartermaster, no” (Reply Roberts) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – CO, Captain Trip Williams – 1400) “I’m certain.” She answered simply. “There’s simple simple differences, that can’t be hidden. If you were to punch me...your right fist hits my right cheekbone yeah?” "Well no, it would be your left, because our stances are mirrored. If I want to get your right side, I'd need to get you with a left hook." Trip said, his mind going back to his fighting days. “Precisely the same thing, a blow from a leftie transfers the stress of the blow on an angle of stress from the left to the right. That can’t be hidden.” "I mean, when you factor in that strength is more readily available in the dominant side, yeah." “The unbroken next being a leftie is...possible but exceptionally unlikely, that’s a manouver that you have to be certain about, you naturally use your strongest hand. No question. More than one attacker, not necessarily at the same time. I can’t say more than that.” "Is it possible though, that the attacker could have broken the neck with his dominant hand, waited a bit, then used his weaker hand to do the damage with the rolling pin. Since Nix was already dead?" (reply Ailynn) As she answered Trip noticed how tired Ailynn looked. "Lynn, you've been going non stop since 0200 haven't you?" (reply Ailynn) "Real talk, no rank, you doing ok?" (reply Ailynn) (Counsellors office - Counselor, Ensign SG Jack Roberts - 1400) Laughing Sleeford nearly split his water, “Oh that’s an easy one, I don’t want scrubbing again. Seriously I don’t have an issue, I got hurt through my own stupid fault, I got moved out of security because I would have been liability, do I wish I was still be there, yes, would I’ve happy stuck in a desk job, like armoury Officer or quartermaster, no” Jack smiled. "Well I'm confident that your mental state isn't negatively affected by the stress of being a person of interest." (reply Sleeford) "Actually I found your attitude honestly refreshing. That's a good thing." (reply Sleeford) "Anyways, you are free to go, but I do ask you to consider, if you ever find the opportunity, to lend your story to injury support groups. I think many could benefit from your experiences." (reply Sleeford) Jack smiled again, "Take care Paul." (reply Sleeford) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken – 1402) "Is it possible though, that the attacker could have broken the neck with his dominant hand, waited a bit, then used his weaker hand to do the damage with the rolling pin. Since Nix was already dead?" Ailynn shook her head. “The angle of attack would still be wrong. When we do things on our favoured side, it’s with a large degree of repeatable action; the angle, power and direction of the blow is repeatable to a precise degree. However that doesn’t happen on our least favoured side…” She yawned, waving a hand in apology. “Now, could I hit a baseball like in your wacky ball games on my off side? Sure, but I couldn’t do it repeatedly, with power and accuracy. Sorry; more than one assailant.” She yawned again. As she answered Trip noticed how tired Ailynn looked. "Lynn, you've been going non stop since 0200 haven't you?" She shook her head. “Not precisely, I had twenty-six minutes sleep after lunch. Then Ravok woke me up for a chat. I answered the door in my fluffy teddy bear pirate dressing gown.” She shrugged, that was possibly more information than he wanted. "Real talk, no rank, you doing ok?" She opened her mouth to let out the normal platitudes, but then dialed it back. They had known each other all of their lives. She owed him to always be honest. “No mate, I’m not. I’m tired, irritated, I have almost more questions hanging over me than I did at 0200. Plus…” (Reply Trip) She nodded. “The one person that I just want to hold, and tell her it’s okay, and for me to fall asleep in her arms, I can’t see because it will prejudice any information I bring to the case. I’m...I’m okay. Just….” She shrugged. “You know.” (reply Trip) “Can I ask something? I want you to be honest.” She sighed. “Should I have stayed as medical? Is there a reason that very few Medics make Command successfully?” It wasn’t the fact that she thought that she was doing a bad job, but she was tired, and on some level, she supposed that she needed telling that she hadn’t made the biggest mistake that her mother had said that she had. (Reply Trip) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – CO, Captain Trip Williams – 1404) She opened her mouth to let out the normal platitudes, but then dialed it back. They had known each other all of their lives. She owed him to always be honest. “No mate, I’m not. I’m tired, irritated, I have almost more questions hanging over me than I did at 0200. Plus…” "Caity." Trip lowered his head. He felt bad about that. But he needed to keep things above the board. She nodded. “The one person that I just want to hold, and tell her it’s okay, and for me to fall asleep in her arms, I can’t see because it will prejudice any information I bring to the case. I’m...I’m okay. Just….” She shrugged. “You know.” "Look, given your current information, we should probably rule her out by this evening. But yeah I know, and I'm sorry." “Can I ask something? I want you to be honest.” She sighed. “Should I have stayed as medical? Is there a reason that very few Medics make Command successfully?” "Do you think it is a mistake?" (reply Bracken) "Honestly no I don't think it's a mistake. Maybe you find that you want to go back to medical at some point, but you will never wonder what if." (reply Bracken) "My dad never wanted a command position. He was happy being a chief engineer, his dream job being a captain of engineering working at Utopia Planitia. But sometimes the needs of the fleet are greater than what your desires are. So he stepped up and became a first officer, even though he swore he'd never wear a red uniform. But it was its needed. Eventually he became dean of engineering at the Academy and worked at Utopia Planitia, designing this beauty. Did he want command no, but he stepped up when needed. I think you will be a damn fine command officer, maybe even a captain one day. But more than anything, the fleet needs you, I need you. You are just anal retentive and OCD enough to keep me organized and on track. I need you. So did you make a mistake. No. We need you right now. But that doesn't mean medical isn't always going to be there. Does that make sense?" (reply Bracken) "Look, I know you can't see Caity right now, but you have family here. And while I can't be the one you lean on right now, you have a support system. You have Ash, your brother Gabe, and Ronnie, my sweet little Ronnie. Lean on them." (Reply Bracken) "Seriously, before you break. I'm worried about you." (reply Bracken) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken – 1405) "Do you think it is a mistake?" “There’s times I feel out my depth, but staying within the boundaries of what’s comfortable and easy isn’t my style.” Do you?” "Honestly no I don't think it's a mistake. Maybe you find that you want to go back to medical at some point, but you will never wonder what if." “I don’t want to say that it’s not me...because it’s far too soon to tell, I won’t lie, today reminded me why I loved being a Doctor, and where my career may end up.” She laughed gently. “My best chance of at least matching Mum’s rank is moving back to Medical at some point, and I’ll never not be the dorky medic that you know and love.” "My dad never wanted a command position. He was happy being a chief engineer, his dream job being a captain of engineering working at Utopia Planitia. But sometimes the needs of the fleet are greater than what your desires are. So he stepped up and became a first officer, even though he swore he'd never wear a red uniform. But it was its needed. Eventually he became dean of engineering at the Academy and worked at Utopia Planitia, designing this beauty. Did he want command no, but he stepped up when needed. I think you will be a damn fine command officer, maybe even a captain one day. But more than anything, the fleet needs you, I need you. You are just anal retentive and OCD enough to keep me organized and on track. I need you. So did you make a mistake. No. We need you right now. But that doesn't mean medical isn't always going to be there. Does that make sense?" She nodded gently. “Yeah it does.” "Look, I know you can't see Caity right now, but you have family here. And while I can't be the one you lean on right now, you have a support system. You have Ash, your brother Gabe, and Ronnie, my sweet little Ronnie. Lean on them." “I don’t like worrying Ash, she has enough on her mind, Gabe is still isolating, but I need to run a couple of things past him later. I’ll steal Layla later, and go for a walk with Ronnie.” "Seriously, before you break. I'm worried about you." “I know, and I love you for it.” She smiled gently, and sighed deeply. “We never played this scenario back in the tree house did we. Where we were both so tired and not precisely sure what our next steps would be? We always seemed to have the answers back then. I miss those kids, they seemed to know more that I bloody do that’s for certain.” (Reply Trip) “Since we’re free talking...How are you doing champ?” She slouched back in her chair, but turned her eyes fully to regard her oldest friend. “I can give you the most detailed medical assessment in existence, Kiera can be a super engineer and come up with insanely leftfield tech...things, and Ravok can lead the physical investigation, but how are you doing ‘T’? No further, I promise.” (Reply Trip) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – CO, Captain Trip Williams– 1407) “I know, and I love you for it.” She smiled gently, and sighed deeply. “We never played this scenario back in the tree house did we. Where we were both so tired and not precisely sure what our next steps would be? We always seemed to have the answers back then. I miss those kids, they seemed to know more that I bloody do that’s for certain.” "yeah but back then, the only questions were how many torpedoes to fire, which was all of them, and if I remember correctly, the last time we played was right around we both were interested in romance, and we argued about who would get to sleep with the imaginary alien princess. In a million years, little me would never have thought about chasing a murderer down." Trip sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Since we’re free talking...How are you doing champ?” She slouched back in her chair, but turned her eyes fully to regard her oldest friend. “I can give you the most detailed medical assessment in existence, Kiera can be a super engineer and come up with insanely leftfield tech...things, and Ravok can lead the physical investigation, but how are you doing ‘T’? No further, I promise.” "Pissed off, tired, anxious, and keeping it all bottled inside." (reply Bracken) "Bottling it up isn't the right answer, but I've got to be the visage of calm and collected, can't really show my emotions. Which sucks, because I'm an emotional person. But, at the same time, I got to sleep. You guys did not. I can go give my wife a big hug, Caity on the other hand can't be in the same room as you until we are sure she is no longer a person of interest. So all things considered, any stress or whatever I'm feeling, I bottle it up, endure it, and focus on what I can control, because there is always someone else who has it worse. Because I have to be strong for 500 people." (Reply Bracken) "But rest assured, when this is over, I'm gonna go home, drink some whisky, and lay my head in Ash's lap and just let it all out. Until then, I might go destroy some punching bags, putting my emotions in each punch." (reply Bracken) "So, am I nuts for bottling it all?" (reply Bracken) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken – 1408) "Pissed off, tired, anxious, and keeping it all bottled inside." “You know how I feel about bottling things up like that, then damage that it did me.” She answered honestly. "Bottling it up isn't the right answer, but I've got to be the visage of calm and collected, can't really show my emotions. Which sucks, because I'm an emotional person. But, at the same time, I got to sleep. You guys did not. I can go give my wife a big hug, Caity on the other hand can't be in the same room as you until we are sure she is no longer a person of interest. So all things considered, any stress or whatever I'm feeling, I bottle it up, endure it, and focus on what I can control, because there is always someone else who has it worse. Because I have to be strong for 500 people." “There are a lot of ways of being strong, and you’re partly right. You need to offload though.” "But rest assured, when this is over, I'm gonna go home, drink some whisky, and lay my head in Ash's lap and just let it all out. Until then, I might go destroy some punching bags, putting my emotions in each punch." “Good. You have to have an outlet, be it offloading to me, to Ash, to the punchbag, whatever.” "So, am I nuts for bottling it all?" “Yes and no. You’re going the correct way about things, you know well enough that as you say you need to be the stoic calm one in charge, and that’s fine. However, we’ve both been through so much a decade ago, that bottling different things up for different reasons nearly killed both of us. You, with all your trauma after losing Rae, and me, after bottling up all that stress, all that worry about not understanding how to manage my time and all that that lead to…” She sighed. “You thankfully recognise now, even as I do, that there are limitations that we can’t go past, that we can swallow up all that worry, and tiredness, pain and stress for so long, but we have to let it out, you have a lot of channels open to you, and you have the sense to use some or all of them. Even as you are right now.” She smiled gently. (Reply Trip) “Me? I’ll be fine. Yes, I’m tired, physically and emotionally, but I’m slowly coming to understand that I can’t shoulder it all, I can’t know everything, even though my brain really wants me to try. Once we all understand and face our limitations, we can grow as people...as Officers. I wonder if that’s one of the reasons that the Fleet doesn’t like people our age in the positions that we’re in all that often? We have to hit and grow past our own problems and limitations before we can recognise them and counsel them in others.” (Reply Trip) “Yeah I know. Look. I’m going to get back to the office, go through what reports may have come back. My shift ends at half five I think. I promise I’ll be a good girl and relax. I’ll have a walk with Ronse.” She stood up. “If there’s not else? With your permission?” (Reply Trip) “I meant it Trip. You are going the right way about it I think. I’ll catch you later.” She smiled again, and left the office, nodding a greeting to some of the crew as they passed her. (Reply Trip) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – CO, Captain Trip Williams – 1410) “Yes and no. You’re going the correct way about things, you know well enough that as you say you need to be the stoic calm one in charge, and that’s fine. However, we’ve both been through so much a decade ago, that bottling different things up for different reasons nearly killed both of us. You, with all your trauma after losing Rae, and me, after bottling up all that stress, all that worry about not understanding how to manage my time and all that that lead to…” She sighed. “You thankfully recognise now, even as I do, that there are limitations that we can’t go past, that we can swallow up all that worry, and tiredness, pain and stress for so long, but we have to let it out, you have a lot of channels open to you, and you have the sense to use some or all of them. Even as you are right now.” She smiled gently. "I wish it was a decade ago, feels like a decade ago, but the incident was what tw0, three years ago. Man, we've been in the fleet, what a year and a half, and sometimes I feel like a fresh recruit, other times it feels like it's been my whole #$%&@# life." Trip took a deep breath a smiled. "You gonna be ok?" “Me? I’ll be fine. Yes, I’m tired, physically and emotionally, but I’m slowly coming to understand that I can’t shoulder it all, I can’t know everything, even though my brain really wants me to try. Once we all understand and face our limitations, we can grow as people...as Officers. I wonder if that’s one of the reasons that the Fleet doesn’t like people our age in the positions that we’re in all that often? We have to hit and grow past our own problems and limitations before we can recognise them and counsel them in others.” "Probably, and in a normal world, you'd be at best Lt. JG and an ACMO, and I'd be at best Lt. JG and CFO of a science vessel doing lord knows what. But, due to circumstances, and partly because we're awesome, here we are. But, slowly and surely, together, I think we'll figure it out. This whole crew will. Eventually, and together." “Yeah I know. Look. I’m going to get back to the office, go through what reports may have come back. My shift ends at half five I think. I promise I’ll be a good girl and relax. I’ll have a walk with Ronse.” She stood up. “If there’s not else? With your permission?” "You're dismissed." He said with a chuckle. “I meant it Trip. You are going the right way about it I think. I’ll catch you later.” Trip stood up and walked over to the window looking out. "You know, what I wouldn't give for just a sense of normalcy after this. I thought this was just gonna be a slow trip. I liked being the diplomat. Not catching a murderer." Trip ran his hands through his hair, trying to style it, using his reflection in the window as a mirror. "Just one normal day." As he turned to gather his things he heard a small feminine chuckle in the back of his head. Thinking nothing of it he left the room. (reply None) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – Nurse – CPO – Ewan McDonald - 1413) Ewan say down at the nurses’ station during a quiet moment. He pulled out an ear bud and slid it into his hear as he activated his PADD. He smiled as the face of his sister appeared on the screen. It had been a while since he had spoken to her which he realised with a pang of irritation was himself for not sending her a message sooner. He double checked the hear bud to make sure that no one else could hear the message and then pressed play as the image of Maia flickered into life. =^=Hallo baby brother. I hope that you are okay and that you get this message=^= He watched as her face went stern. =^= You know you should really reply and send a comm to mum as she asks what you are up to=^= She shook her head and gave him a look. He grinned back at the scowling face as she continued. =^=Things have been moving on since I last saw you on deep space nine. We did a few ranged scans of the gamma quadrant to see how your little escapade to see if the Dominion were doing anything in response before heading back. I have received a comm from the Federation Archaeology Council who have asked me if I wanted to command one of their ships which has been designed and built with the help of Daystrom Institute Archaeological Council so you know it’s going to be a solid ship. It means side stepping out of Starfleet and leaving the Vital Spark which will be hard, but I will be able to bring a few of them with me if they want=^= He watched her pause and give him a smile. =^=Well I have some time to think about it. Reply when you get this message. Its not like you are busy prancing around on your starship of yours. Goodbye and message mum soon=^= ~You too sis~ He slipped the ear bud out of his ear and smiled to himself as he put the PADD away. (Reply any) (USS Exeter – Deck 4 - holosuite 4- NPC Sec/tac Ensign Sg. T'kel – 1418) T'kel had taken some time to himself. He was on duty early and that cut into his morning training regimen. So he found the down time and decided to take advantage. The opponent in front of him was a faceless humanoid form holding a Lipra, the famous stafflike weapon from Vulcan with a fan shaped blade at one end and a bulky club at the other. They moved in unison with each other, ready to engage . The holographic opponent swung the club end of the Lipra at him. T'Kel side stepped the attack, his Lipra being held vertically behind his back. The faceless adversary then charged at T'kel at full speed swinging the bladed end of the vulcan weapon at him followed quickly by a downward sweep of the clubbed end. T'kel yet again side stepped the first few attacks then met his opponents Lipra with his own. The two of them exchanged blows, deflecting the others attack. T'kel leaped back and quickly spun around allowing the staff of his weapon to slide through his hand. The clubbed end smashed into the side of his opponents head. As he looked down at his opponent a voice came across the comm. =/\=Hammerfield to Ensign T’Kel – could you join me in my quarters please. I need your help with something=/\= " Computer end program. " He commanded. He tapped his commbadge. " Acknowledged Ensign Hammerfield " He replied with interest. “Thanks,” He watched as the hologram faded around him and walked out of the holosuite. (USS Exeter – Ensign Hammerfields quarters –NPC Sec/ tac Ensign Sg. T'kel– 1427) Ensign T'kel chimed the door to alert her of his arrival. “Mister T’Kel – please come in,” Ensign Hammerfield said to him. As he stepped inside " You wanted to see me Ensign? " he questioned. Once door was sealed behind him she gestured to the monitors, “I’m sure you already know about the missing chemicals from the science lab - I’ve been tasked with finding these missing items and I have a plan but ill need your help to make it work,” He looked at the monitors quickly and looked at her. " As it is my duty to help anyone who requires it. How can I be of assistance?" He asked. “Tweaking what we have is going to take time and we aren’t too sure how our sensors are being evaded so we can't find them. I want to try something simple first and should take up a short amount of time as well. I want to run this past you to see if what im thinking of can be done and what you think of it,” she looked at him and sat down in a seat holding her hand out to an open one across from her. He looked at the seat and raised a brow as he sat down. " Wouldn't a department head be a more suitable option? I can only wonder why you decided to ask me." “Why you? Well I need someone in security who has access to systems to make this work and also I think you are smart and trustworthy enough to help with this,” He looked at her, his face stoic and emotionless. " Your plan ?" He asked ,making no reaction to her compliments on his being smart and trustworthy. He found that humans had a tendency to slowly build up to their ideas. He found this aspect of humans difficult to understand, yet he was getting used to it. “Mmm yes – the plan. Here’s what im thinking. I want to plant a ruse in the ships news tomorrow. Im told everyone reads it and if I stole something I would defiantly be keeping an eye on current events. It will say that we are going to be testing a new scanning method tomorrow and that anyone hearing a buzzing noise should report it to us as soon as they hear it to help us pinpoint the location of the chemicals. Ill make up something about it acting like sonar. What I’m hoping is that we can use the ships communications play a very specific white noise out to individuals when they are alone. My hope is that if the chemicals in whatever shielding they are contained in is examined by the individual might give the sensors a window to pick them up. I want them to feel nervous enough to go check up on them and maybe move them. If someone doesn’t report in that would be interesting too,” He looked at her as she looked at him “Thoughts?” T'kel took a deep breath after a moment of silence and self reflection. " Why wait until tomorrow? We can put it on the ship's evening distribution of information and events. " ( reply Hammerfield) " The rest of your plan is sound in theory and should be able to produce results in practice. Your plan, although based on assumption is logical." He said , giving her his assessment. ( reply Hammerfield) " We can have the news broadcasted at 1800 this evening and make the first audio outputs at 2000. This aids in avoiding the risk and possibility that another potential murder happens tonight. The sooner our assailant is identified and caught the better, would you not agree Ensign?" T'kel asked. ( reply Hammerfield) (USS Exeter – Crew Quarters – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1429) T'kel took a deep breath after a moment of silence and self reflection. " Why wait until tomorrow? We can put it on the ship's evening distribution of information and events. " "Hmm...” she pondered the idea not knowing there was an evening issue. " The rest of your plan is sound in theory and should be able to produce results in practice. Your plan, although based on assumption is logical." He said , giving her his assessment. "Thats high praise indeed. Hopefully whoever took them follows the logic too,” she said pulling another hair strand back from her face. Hide original message " We can have the news broadcasted at 1800 this evening and make the first audio outputs at 2000. This aids in avoiding the risk and possibility that another potential murder happens tonight. The sooner our assailant is identified and caught the better, would you not agree Ensign?" T'kel asked. "I would tend to agree with that,” she nodded having more of a think about it, “however we need them to believe our ruse. If we put it out in the evening they might think we haven’t had enough time to properly implement it and not illicit the reaction im hoping for. Slinking back in her chair she smiled a bit, “Ok addendum to the plan. At 1800 we put out a message saying im working on this device to do it will be active tomorrow morning. That gives our perpetrator a window to do a few things. One: do nothing and wait and we continue with the plan as before. Two: Move the chemicals – which is what im hoping for. Three: Attempt to stop me directly before the morning. Four: Force them to play their hand in that window.” (reply T’kel) “There would be risk to myself for that, but you should be able to keep an eye on me from distance in one of the science labs in case someone wanted to stop me - right? I think this is necessary to have the best chance of success. In the lab ill be monitoring the sensors and ‘building’ the tracking device. Is there anything else you can think of?” (reply T’kel) “Needless to say for any of this to be effective there should be no computer logs of this – no one else must know,” she emphasised NRPG: Room for more if needed “Also - Who should I talk to about getting this added to the news?” she asked. (reply T’kel) “All being well ill be in the science lab from 1730,” (reply T’kel) (USS Exeter – Crew Quarters – NPC Sec/tac. Ensign Sg. T'kel – 1431) "I would tend to agree with that, however we need them to believe our ruse. If we put it out in the evening they might think we haven’t had enough time to properly implement it and not illicit the reaction im hoping for. Slinking back in her chair she smiled a bit, “Ok addendum to the plan. At 1800 we put out a message saying im working on this device to do it will be active tomorrow morning. That gives our perpetrator a window to do a few things. One: do nothing and wait and we continue with the plan as before. Two: Move the chemicals – which is what im hoping for. Three: Attempt to stop me directly before the morning. Four: Force them to play their hand in that window.” " Your third point seems...dangerous. " T'kel mentioned. “There would be risk to myself for that, but you should be able to keep an eye on me from distance in one of the science labs in case someone wanted to stop me - right? I think this is necessary to have the best chance of success. In the lab ill be monitoring the sensors and ‘building’ the tracking device. Is there anything else you can think of?” " Your plan sounds reasonable and addendums appropriate. " He responded shortly, maintaining a stoic demeanor. “Needless to say for any of this to be effective there should be no computer logs of this – no one else must know,” she emphasised " I agree , however information broadcasts are essentially declassified intelligence reports. Knowingly providing false declassified reports is against starfleet protocol. Yet it provides us with a tactical advantage that cannot be ignored." T'kel remarked. “Also - Who should I talk to about getting this added to the news?” she asked. " Information broadcast...or the news as you call it " He said pausing and raising his brow " Are handled by the operations department. I would let them know of your plan to create a device to help track the chemicals , I would also state that this is to ease the minds of the crew during this most troublesome time. " He said to her, providing a suggestion on how to carry forward with her deception, now their deception. “All being well ill be in the science lab from 1730,” " I will be in the adjoining geology lab waiting inside the metallurgical containment room. My location should be obscured by the oxidized kelvinite samples contained there." T'kel suggested. ( reply Hammerfield) (USS Exeter –Holodeck - CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams – 1432) Ire settled himself as he fitted his flight helmet. He heard the soft hiss as the helmet sealed and the heads-up display activated. He paused for a moment taking a few deep breaths to make sure that the flow was correct. He flicked the comm channel open. “Computer initiate program.” The computer beeped and the room changed. He was now in deep space looking out across the vastness of space. He felt the holodeck grave plates stop and pushed off the floor so that he floated into the middle of the room. He floated there listening to the hiss and click of the suits oxygen system and he breathed in and out. His mind drifted pulling up memories from his past as he came to terms with Nix’s death. (Memory) =^=Ire we need to go back in, or your mother will get angry. You have already been out here for too long=^= =^=But dad, One more minute please=^= =^=Its beautiful isn’t it=^= =^=Yes dad. It’s like I can see on for ever=^= =^=Yes we would come this way on the Storm Chaser when I was a young. My mum and dad would stop here so that me and my sister could come out here and just float for a while. Just to look and enjoy the view.” Another voice came across the comm channel. =^=Okay my boys we will be finished in a few minutes. Time to come back in=^= =^=Mum just a little bit longer please=^= =^= Come back or we will leave you behind=^= =^=Yes mum=^= He slowly rotated. The view of deep space drifted away and the deck plating of the USS Roadrunner. He could see the blinking lights of the airlock and his father in his own EVA suit floating a little way from it. =^=Coming=^= (Holodeck) Ire smiled to him self as he remembered the memory. It had helped but he needed to do something. “Computer end program.” The familiar criss cross pattern of the holodeck appeared as he drifted back to the floor. He paused for a moment before exiting the holodeck. (Reply any) (USS Exeter – Crew Quarters – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1433) Hide original message " I will be in the adjoining geology lab waiting inside the metallurgical containment room. My location should be obscured by the oxidized kelvinite samples contained there." T'kel suggested. "Very well, thanks for the help and until then,” said Janice showing him out before waiting a short while before proceeding to ops. (USS Exeter – Deck 13 - Operations – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1440) Janice stepped into the ops department and quietly waited for someone to become available. (Ops any) “Hi there – I have a piece of news I would like added to the afternoon segment please,” she handed over a PADD containing her message to the ship hopefully with enough but unspecific information released. It read: “Attention all crew: To put everyone’s mind at ease tomorrow morning new scanning equipment will become active to locate missing chemicals from the science labs. All crew are required to report any high pitched humming sounds to Janice Hammerfield who will be operating the equipment. Many Thanks, Janice” (Ops any) (USS Exeter – Deck 13 - Operations- OPS Officer – Ensign – Oliver Wallis– 1443) Oliver looked up from his console as the doors open and Hammerfield entered. “Hi there – I have a piece of news I would like added to the afternoon segment please.” He nodded as she handed him the PADD and read it quickly before looking back at Hammerfield. “What type of chemicals have gone missing?” (Reply Hammerfield) “If some one finds them before you do is there anything specific that they should do?” (Reply Hammerfield) “Do you have any information about exposure to the chemicals such as symptoms?” (Reply Hammerfield) (USS Exeter – Deck 13 - Operations – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1444) “What type of chemicals have gone missing?” Janice took a moment to give a list of the chemicals, “The are all safe on their own,” “If some one finds them before you do is there anything specific that they should do?” "If someone found them report it to security right away, don’t approach them and seal the area off till they arrive,” she added. Hide original message “Do you have any information about exposure to the chemicals such as symptoms?” "Individually they are pretty inert, but staying clear of them is advised as they could cause disorientation and potentially unconsciousness. Again anything suspicious should be reported to security to check out,” she smiled over, “I cant stress enough the importance or responding to the noise.” (Reply Wallis, any) USS Exeter – Deck 13 – Operations- Ops Officer – Ensign - Oliver Wallis – 1446) "Individually they are pretty inert, but staying clear of them is advised as they could cause disorientation and potentially unconsciousness. Again anything suspicious should be reported to security to check out,” Oliver nodded. “I cant stress enough the importance or responding to the noise.” “No problem I will do that.” He glanced over the PADD information again and then back to Hammerfield. “Is there anything else that you would like to add apart from the warning?” (Reply Hammerfield (Reply Hammerfield, any) (USS Exeter – Deck 13 - Operations – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1448) Hide original message “Is there anything else that you would like to add apart from the warning?” "That was all I need put out thank you,” she replied back and noticed his line of questioning previously, “You seem like quite the reporter? Have you been doing this long or is it just part and parcel?” (Reply Wallis) NRPG: room for more iyw “Understood,” she nodded back, “Anyway I better get back to the science lab – its going to be a long night for me,” (Reply Wallis, any) Janice looked over at the door and gave a small wave as she left back to the science labs to get to work. (USS Exeter –Shuttle bay Two – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams -1505) Ire stepped out of the Workbee and waited for the hatch to close. He knew that Ensign Tair would have all the shuttle and support craft ready for use but as the department head, it was his responsibility to check that all the craft on board the Exeter were ready when needed. ~Well I cannot spend all my time flying the ship~ He walked across the cavernous space of shuttle bay 2 and looked over at the alert five shuttle sitting on its lonesome. Today it was the turn of the Delta Class shuttles one here and one ready in shuttle bay 1. He had given them the check as he passed and had spoken briefly to the pilots who were ready to launch. He knew that he would be doing what soon as the roster rotated through the ship qualified pilots. He did not mind doing jobs that were not flying the ship. As Chief Flight Officer he felt that it was important to be able to do all aspects of the work in his department. It was the same when he was a squadron leader, redundancy was key as you never knew when it was going to be your last sortie. He had already allocated a new book that he was going to read while he was on alert five. Tair had been rotating the ships support craft between shuttle bay one and two so that crafts had adequate flight hours going through the busier primary shuttle bay. He glanced around the shuttle bay and not for the first time wondered what it would be like to run a fighter wing out of it. It would be a squeeze with the nine ships plus the support craft and that they would not be any space for any other shuttles, but it was doable. ~This is an exploration vessel not a fleet carrier~ He smiled to himself. ~Anyway on wards~ He gave a friendly wave up at the flight observation as he headed towards the doors. He needed to go over the captain’s yacht as he never knew if Trip would have the desire to take it out for a spin. (Reply any) (SB Freedom - Main Prominade - Counselor Lt(jg) Victoria Corsica - 1507) Ever since the murder of Commander Nix, the Exeter and her crew was in the process of being turned upside down looking for the killer. It was a slow and methodical process, on that brought the entire operations of the command staff to a standstill. After all how could they focus on any kind of mission with a killer among thier mist. The fact that Commander Nix was a intelligence operative only complicated matters. One doesn't rise to a Commander in that field without making more than a few enemies. Corsica knew the distrust of such an investigation could brew would also haunt the crew for a long time to come, and that herself along with the other counselors would need to be up to the task. Heading toward her office Corsica passed the small cluster of suites that were the offices of the other ship counselors. All of the counselors had full schedules. She noticed a door open as she passed by as one of the crew exited one of the offices. She glanced in side after the Exeter officer exited the area. "How goes?" She asked trying to get a beat on the counseling department. (Reply Roberts) (USS Exeter – Jefferies tube –ACEO, Lt. JG Alistair Brightwood 1509) “There was a slight power surge as I replaced the component, but it should not have been that bad to take out the whole section.” "What makes you say that?" “This component only give power to here and here. But for this much power outage it would have to blow here and here. It just does not make sense.” "I'm sure there is a simple solution. I mean, most of the Exeter was laid down and completed 20 years ago, but a lot of the computer and operating systems, and whatnot were finished in the last year. There was refits, retrofits, and who knows what fits." (reply Vosi) "Do you think that maybe it could blow from incompatible tech?" (reply Vosi) "I guess what I'm saying is Ensign, I think given what's going on aboard the ship, we should do our best to rule out every possibility before we bring accusations of sabotage to Commander Merek." (reply Vosi) (USS Exeter – Jefferies tube –Engineer – Ensign – Galu Vozi -1511) "I'm sure there is a simple solution. I mean, most of the Exeter was laid down and completed 20 years ago, but a lot of the computer and operating systems, and whatnot were finished in the last year. There was refits, retrofits, and who knows what fits." “That is true sir. There was a lot of changes added to her before we left Mars.” "Do you think that maybe it could blow from incompatible tech?" He looked back at where he had placed the component. “That might be true sir but the component that I changed out was a standard we literally use thousands of them all over the ship.” "I guess what I'm saying is Ensign, I think given what's going on aboard the ship, we should do our best to rule out every possibility before we bring accusations of sabotage to Commander Merek." “Yes Sir.” (Reply Brightwood) “I can get another spare out from storage and then take those two back to engineering and see if there was any defect with the components.” (Reply Brightwood) “But it might take me a while to get new component in place.” (Reply Brightwood) (Reply Brightwood, any) (USS Exeter – Jefferies tube –Engineering Officer – Ensign – Galu Vozi -1515) “I can get another spare out from storage and then take those two back to engineering and see if there was any defect with the components.” "I think that is a good plan. Better safe than sorry as they always say. Get it done." “But it might take me a while to get new component in place.” "Go ahead and have someone else go ahead and put in the new component. You are the one who found the components, so you know best on what the issue is, meaning you are the best to figure out if its defected or tampered." “Yes Sir.” "And ensign, it's probably best not to do it yourself. Cover your ass. Right now, the more independent eyes coming to the same conclusion is better both for the investigator and the results." “Yes Sir.” "Feel free to ask anyone to help." “Yes sir. On it.” He tapped his commbadge. “Ensign Vosi to Kryx.I need you to come to my location and run a check on the power systems to see what the issue is here. I have a faulty component which I need to check out.” (Reply Kryx) “Thank you.” “Ensign Vosi to Ensign Hammerfield. I have two components that have a unknown fault I was wondering if you are free to help me work out why?” (Reply Hammerfield) He looked over at Brightwood. “Sir. I should get things cleared up here before heading back to engineering.” (Reply Brightwood) He went back and pulled the other component back out, picked up the broken one and headed back towards engineering. (Reply Kryx, Hammerfield, Brightwood any) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1517) Hide original message =/\= Ensign Vosi to Ensign Hammerfield. I have two components that have a unknown fault I was wondering if you are free to help me work out why? =/\= Janice had just started setting things up for later in the day come 1800 when the news went out and thought carefully for a second considering turning him down. Then she thought that she should go if it may be connected to her investigation of the chemicals. Things not working – might be a lead, “I think I have a bit of time I can spare. Ill get you in Engineering,” Closing the comm she looked at what she had started, secured it and then proceeded to engineering (USS Exeter – Main Engineering – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1522) Looking about she spotted Ensign Vosi in the distance and made her way over and gave a small smile while she stood and clasped her hands behind her back, “Ensign – how can I help you?” (Reply Kryx, Vosi, Brightwood any) “Oh... where was this thing pulled out of?” she enquired. (Reply Kryx, Vosi, Brightwood any) (USS Exeter – Main Engineering – Engineer - Ensign -Galu Vozi – 1525) “Ensign – how can I help you?” He looked up from the work bench he was leaning over. “Ensign Hammerfield, thanks for coming. I have this component which I need help with.” “Oh... where was this thing pulled out of?” she enquired. “It was in Jeffries tube zeta six and took the whole section out.” (Reply Hammerfield) “Then lieutenant Brigthwood comes out of the dark like some wraith and tells me to get it checked out with a second person.” (Reply Hammerfield) “Yes you are the lucky person.” (Reply Hammerfield) “I don’t think its sabotage. I hope its just a faulty component.” (Reply Hammerfield) (Reply Hammerfield, any) (USS Exeter – Main Engineering – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1526) “It was in Jeffries tube zeta six and took the whole section out.” "The whole section?” she looked at the device on the table, “That doesn’t sound like that should be possible.” “Then lieutenant Brigthwood comes out of the dark like some wraith and tells me to get it checked out with a second person.” "Mmmm,” she mulled raising her brow, “I presume I am indeed that person.” “Yes you are the lucky person.” "Well it sure beats fixing replicators,” she pulled out a tricorder from her side at the ready, “Do you suspect that it might have been intentional at all? I mean for it to take out that large an area is a bit odd?” Hide original message “I don’t think its sabotage. I hope its just a faulty component.” “Lets hope so,” she nodded flipping open her tricorder and started a passive scan, “anywhere you feel like starting with this?” (Reply Vosi) Looking at her tricorder it didn’t tell her much more on passive mode that what she expected really, “Lets give that a go,” Flipping her tricorder closed she reached over to an engineering kit a popped it open. (Reply Vosi, any) (USS Exeter – Main Engineering – Ensign – Galu Vozi – 1529) “Lets hope so,” He watched Hammerfield as she flipped open her tricorder and started a passive scan. “Anywhere you feel like starting with this?” “I guess we should have a look in side and see what it looks like.” “Lets give that a go,” He watched as Hammerfield flipped closed tricorder she reached over to an engineering kit a popped it open. He leaned closer and looked inside the component. There was a lot of chard circuitry inside and damage to its interior. “I can see the damage but can you see where is originated from?” (Reply Hammerfield) “Do you think it could be a problem from the node here or was that just fried during the damage?” (Reply Hammerfield, any) (USS Exeter – Main Engineering – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1530) “I can see the damage but can you see where is originated from?” Janice pulled it back a bit more to get a better look and grabbed a tool from the engineering kit to examine the board at the molecular level. “Well its definitely where the majority of the damage is located, but im not too convinced that’s the source. It looks like its more the failure point – kinda like a blown fuse. Hide original message “Do you think it could be a problem from the node here or was that just fried during the damage?” “Hard to say really,” she moved the tool about in the device checking some of the connections as she went. “can you pull up and check the specification to see what the tolerance values for each of these as we go please?” She started going through each point on the board tediously that looked undamaged. (Reply Vozi) “Point five six? mm that’s interesting,” A quick nod directed Vozi to look at the readings on her instrumentation, “I don’t think that’s right,” (Reply Vozi) “Difficult to tell again if that’s related to damage in the device or not – but if that’s out of sync maybe it could cause this?” she looked at it, “Maybe a simulation might give better indications of any impact it might have?” (Reply Vozi , any) (USS Exeter - Deck 8 - Aft lounge - Ensign Rylee Page & Chief Rayan Anra -1532) Sitting by herself, Rylee sighed. Her shift had been long, uneventful and now, before returning to her quarters, she had decided to get something to eat. The plate sat untouched infront of her. She knew that something was bothering her, something was on her mind and she couldn’t put a finger on it. ~It’s as though i can’t bring myself to admit something. Something that i know in my heart but my mind won’t allow it to be there. Something i know in my soul but i don’t know how to put it into words.~ Walking into the lounge, Rayan took a minute to look around. Some of the crew were gathered in small pockets at tables, obviously gossiping about what had happened that day. The murder that had transpired had become the focus of many, how it had happened, why and who was responsible. As he walked towards the replicators, it was then that he spotted the lone figure sat off by a window. Seeing the look on her face, he smiled to himself as he ordered his drink. It was a look that he knew well. Having worn it himself in some lifetimes and been the subject of it in others, he walked towards her and stood to her side, “Do you mind if i join you?” Rylee looked up to the face of the man to her side and nodded, “Not that i am good company but please, don’t let that stop you.” Rayan took a seat next to her and put his glass down, “Chief Rayan Anra.” Rylee nodded, “I’m aware of you. It’s something people always ask me about. How i feel having a joined Trill in the crew when i am not.” Rayan smiled, “Ensign Page, the same is true for me.” He picked up his drink, took a sip and regarded her for a moment, “That’s why i joined you. You have a look on your face that i have seen many times and worn myself.” Leaning back in her chair, Rylee raised an eyebrow, “Oh really? What look is that then?” “The look of someone who knows something deep within them but is struggling to put it into words.” Rylee smiled softly, “I suppose having several lifetimes of experience helps with recognising facial expressions.” Rayan laughed a little, “That it does. Although, whilst it does bring great wisdom and experience, there is little that surprises me anymore.” He put his glass back down and continued, “So, is it work or matters of the heart that troubles you?” Rylee blushed a little, “It’s that obvious? There’s someone… someone that i think i could be falling for…” “Let me guess, they are different aren’t they?” She nodded, “He is. He is more different than anyone i have met….” she smiled as the mental image of Zot filled her mind. “I see and is that difference that bothers you?” “Oh no. Not at all. It’s…. I haven’t felt this way about anyone before. He’s on my mind before i fall asleep and when i wake up. We haven’t known each other that long and i don’t know if i should say anything to him.” Rayan smiled, “My advice…. Well, our advice. Tell him. There is no sense in waiting in matters of the heart. When you have lived as many lifetimes as i have, you learn pretty quickly that affairs of the heart are those that need to be nurtured. If he is the one for you, then you need to find that out.” Taking a breath, Rylee nodded, “I know. I’ll admit, it scares me because it has happened quick. He was a good friend to me during a dark period in my life and now…. I don’t know if he feels the same way i do. I know he likes me but…” “Listen, child. Take it from one who has done this dance many, many times. Take the chance. If he is the one, then you will know. If he isn’t, then that one is still out there for you. From the look of you, you already know the answer you are going to get and it is the confirmation of that that scares you. You should allow yourself to be open, be you and if it is meant to be, do not let your insecurities stand in your way.” Rylee nodded and smiled, “Chief, thankyou.” Rayan laughed a little, “I haven’t done anything but I'll take that.” Rylee smiled and nodded, “Tell me, what’s it like?” Rayan leant back in his chair, “How long do you have?” (Reply no-one) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Aft Lounge - Yeoman, Ensign SG Thea Helms - 1608) Smiling softly, Erin looked at the young woman, “There are a few things. Archery would be one.” "Do you...umm...whats the right word, Archer a lot. No that doesn't sound right. Umm shoot bows and arrows a lot. “Academy Champion. But now i do it for pleasure. I have a holodeck programme that i use and often join Lieutenant Merek for one of her calisthenic programmes.” "Thats cool. Are there any other things that make you smile?" “Family is important. I try and speak to my parents as often as i can… duty permitting of course. Then…. There’s Jimmy.” "Oh," Thea replied leaning in closer, "Whose he?" Smiling widely, Erin nodded, “It’s new. He’s different to anyone that i have dated before. He challenges me and, somehow, he knows me better then i know myself somedays.” "That sounds nice." "Me, well if you're asking if I have anyone special. No, not at the moment. But if you are asking what I like to do for fun. Well, I guess, I have a few holodeck programs. Surfing, dancing. But yeah I am really into surfing. Island girl and all that." (Reply Erin) Thea smiled, "So, talking about happy things, ya feeling better?" (reply Erin) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Aft Lounge - CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez & Yeoman, Ensign SG Thea Helms - 1610) "Me, well if you're asking if I have anyone special. No, not at the moment. But if you are asking what I like to do for fun. Well, I guess, I have a few holodeck programs. Surfing, dancing. But yeah I am really into surfing. Island girl and all that." Erin smiled, “That sounds interesting. Surfing isn’t something i have ever done. I like to swim but never tried surfing.” Thea smiled, "So, talking about happy things, ya feeling better?" Erin sighed, “A little. There’s just a lot going on in my head right now that i need to process.” "Well we aren't computers. We can't process data instantaneously. These things take time." “That is true…” She sighed and continued, “.. I need to shake of the feeling that everyone is watching me, wondering whether i did … well, you know…” "I wouldn't worry about it. Last rumor I heard was the only thing your guilty of is being lousy in bed. No offense." Raising an eyebrow, Erin felt a look of shock fly over her face, “Excuse me?” "Honestly no one thinks you did it. I believe the current rumor mill is that you're to indecisive and mopey to be a killer. But I don't think that's true." “So i’m bad in bed and mopey as well. Well, that’s a winning combination.” Erin replied. "You're not indecisive that is. Mopey is still up for debate." Thea smiled. "Im just teasing." Biting her lip, she looked at Thea and sighed, “I’m sorry. It’s been a long and hard day. I shouldn’t have reacted like that.” "I'm busting your chops to get you to laugh. Everyone knows you slept with him but no one talks about it. Its a ship of 500. I mean there are at least 250 hook ups that rate higher on the gossip scale than you and Nix. Nobody is talking about you. I promise." Shaking her head, Erin looked at her, “You sure?” "Trust me. I'm a gossip magnet. It finds me without looking. No one thinks you killed him." “That’s …. Actually kind of comforting. It’s the thought that people think i could have done something that destructive that has been killing me today.” "Honestly, who cares what they think?" “I know… I know i shouldn’t. I haven’t done anything to be ashamed of. I’m not ashamed of the fact i slept with Nix. I… I’m being silly aren’t i?” "A ship is a lot like high school. Everyone just wants to find where they belong. Their tribe. We're all concerned about what everyone else thinks when the only opinion that matters is that of our dearest friends. And I guess also the captain's." Erin smiled, “That is true. I already know that the Captain thinks i’m strange but who doesn’t?” she winked "I mean yeah, most people think all I do is pick up the captain's dog's poop. But I don't let it bother me, because my friends think I'm super nice. So you know. To hell with the haters. Right?" “Exactly. You aren’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea my mum says. So you just have to be who you are and run with it.” "Word of advice though. The captain is a combat veteran. So the next time he goes to take a breather after blowing up an enemy, I wouldn't lead with tattoos and wolf spirits. He honestly asked me if that was some weird girl thing. I had no answer." Thea laughed a little. "C'est la vie" Erin smiled widely, “Yeah…. Not one of my finer moments, I’ll agree. Still trying to figure myself out i suppose. I know where i want to be and i feel like i am well on the way to being that person i can see myself as.” "And who is that?" “Not a mopey woman that’s for damn sure.” Erin smiled at her. "Well one can dream." “Seriously though, someone who doesn’t hide from their mistakes or their past. Someone who can own who they are and be a force for good.” "Sounds like a plan." Thea smiled. "Anyways I need to head out. You be good ok." Erin nodded, “I can only promise to try. Thankyou Thea.” Thea then got up and left, headed back to work. Erin watched the young woman leave and sat back in her chair, ~Maybe there is something in what she says… i mean haters gonna hate….~ (Reply none) (USS Exeter – Nine and Dine – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams – 1632) Ire sat down at the table with a cup of tea and his PADD. Being a department head meant that documentation work was still part of his job. He could not spend all his time piloting the Exeter or the Brocken Bow. This did not mean that he had to do it a small office which is why he was here. He picked up the PADD and glanced over its contents. It was the departmental reports from his flight team. He was lucky to have good people on his team. Having Trinity and Ronnie as his assistant chief flight officers and Isra his shuttle maintenance officer. He began to read through the reports on department containing the shift rotation, personnel transfers that had been made before they had left the station. As well as departmental request that he had to authorise. ~Ow I just love paperwork~ He ran a hand over his eyes as he gave a small sigh. ~I really must thank Trip for giving me this position of responsibility~ He took another sip as he moved to the next section. (reply any) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – 3O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek – 1633) After a short stop in engineering and the industrial replicators Keira had all she needed to assemble her device and hook it up to power. She moved through the automatic doors leading to the science labs with a small antigrav sled following behind her. On it were all the parts and equipment she would need still in unmarked containers to hide their contents. (Reply Erin) “Official business, I’m afraid Lieutenant.” Keira said and handed over a PADD on which was a signed suspension of activities. (Reply Erin) “It’s an order for suspension, in stasis, of any and all experiments with in those parameters.” Keira paraphrased. (Reply Erin, room for more, especially reactions) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez – 1634) Looking at her team, Erin felt a sense of loyalty and pride. None of them had made any comments or asked any questions with regards to the gossip that she knew was flying around the ship. The sound of the doors to the main lab brought her back to the present and she turned, instantly a smile on her face, “Good afternoon, Lieutenant. Funny time for a personal visit.” Erin’s brow furrowed as she saw the equipment behind her friend, “You moving in here?” she quipped. “Official business, I’m afraid Lieutenant.” Keira replied as she handed a PADD to Erin. Taking it, she didn’t look at the data on it, “What’s this?” “It’s an order for suspension, in stasis, of any and all experiments with in those parameters.” Keira replied. Looking down at the PADD, Erin drew a sharp breath. She knew her friend, knew her well enough that she could tell this was not a duty she had wanted to do but the stress of the day and then this finally got to her. “You are joking, right?” (Reply Keira) Throwing the PADD onto a nearby console, Erin clenched her fists. Knowing she was angry, she took a deep breath, “So.. again, Science takes a back seat…” (Reply Kiera) “I’m mad. Seriously this is just ridiculous. How am i supposed to run this department when we can’t do what we are meant to be doing here? We’re scientists. We run experiments but when some other department needs space, it’s all oh science can give up the space. They’re not that important.” (Reply Keira) “After this morning, people thinking that i could have killed Nix or at least been a party to it, being forced off duty by counselling for 24 hours, i come in here to tell my team and get them set up for me not being here and now this!” (reply Keira) Erin turned away from her friend, realising that she had been shouting and unclenched her fists. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she closed her eyes, “Keira… I’m sorry.” (Reply Keira) Turning back, Erin opened her eyes, “It’s been a lot today. Finding out about Nix….” She paused as the image of him smiling at her as they left the bar on deep space nine flashed into her mind, “.... then this whole investigation… I shouldn’t have snapped at you.” (Reply Keira) “Tell me, what do you need from us?” (Reply Keira) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – 3O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek – 1646) Keira had just finished installing the equipment and turned it on. =^=Lieutenant Ravok to Commander Merek.=^= She tapped her combadge, “Merek here.” =^= Please report to Lieutenant Blackwell's office for a preliminary interview with him. =^= “The meaning of it? What’s it regarding?” Keira asked. =^= That's all I can say Sir. Please make your way there as soon as you can. He will most likely be busy with someone when you arrive So you might have to take a seat and get comfortable. =^= She frowned. She didn’t like going places for ambiguous reasons. “Fine. I’ll make my way there shortly.” =^= I'll see you at home swee… Sir =^= ~I’ll have to tease him about that, later.~ “Yes, see you later.” Keira answered. =^= Ravok out. =^= (Reply None) (USS Exeter – Deck 8, Security Center – 2O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek – 1653) Keira had taken the time to stow all the equipment in her office in engineering, then locked it. It was a short trip back up to deck 8. “I’m here to see Lieutenant Blackwell.” She announced. (Reply any) (USS Exeter – Deck 8, Security Center – ACTO, Lt. JG Cade Blackwell – 1655) “I’m here to see Lieutenant Blackwell.” She announced. "This way commander." Blackwell said as he motioned for Commander Merek to follow him into an empty office and motioned for her to have a seat. "I promise this wont take too long." (reply Merek) "Im' just going to as some preliminary stuff, establish location, an alibi. More of a cover our ass kind of thing. Given your relationship with Lieutenant Ravok, it is not appropriate for him to be the one asking the questions." (reply Merek) "Anyways sir, where were you last night between the hours of 2300 yesterday to 0200 this morning and can anyone confirm your location?" (reply Merel) (USS Exeter – Deck 8, Security Center – ACTO, Lt. JG Cade Blackwell – 1700) “I was in my quarters, in bed with Lieutenant Ravok.” Keira answered simply. “I was little spoon if it makes any difference. I was there the whole time until the security alert woke Ravok, since it was for him first I tried to ignore it, until the command alert came for me, which I couldn’t ignore.” "Well, as much as I'm sure you enjoyed being the little spoon, it doesn't make a difference at all." Cade said with a laugh. (Reply Merek iyw) "Can anyone other than Lt. Ravok or his daughter verify your whereabouts? Not counting internal sensors, which can and should verify but will need to be checked to make sure there was no tampering." (reply Merek) "I just want to stress again, this is just a CYA thing, and you are not a suspect or anything like that. I have no further questions, just needed to get a picture about where you were, just in case it might get used against a possible prosecution. Sorry if this took you away from anything important." (reply Merek) "Anyways, Commander you are free to go, unless of course you are the killer." Cade began to chuckle, "Which if you are, we can just put you in the brig right now since you are here." He laughed again so she knew he was just having a laugh. (reply Merek) (USS Exeter- personal quarters - COO Ensign (sg) Paul Sleeford 17:01) Sleeford sat at the small desk and ripped another sheet of paper of the pad he’d replicated two hours before, screwing up the sheet he threw it into the corner to join the growing pile of similar bits of paper. Sitting staring into space Sleeford missed the slight vibration of the comms badge on his chest. “Ensign Zot to Ensign Sleeford." Tapping his badge Sleeford replied, “Sleeford, go ahead Ensign” " Sorry for the interruption sir. But could I meet with you?" Smiling Sleeford and shook his head, “Trust me Ensign Zot it’s no interruption. I’m in my quarters when ever your ready” (Reply Zot) (USS Exeter- Ensign Sleefords personal quarters - SPC ACOO Comp. Ops Ensign Sg Zot-17:08) Arriving at Ensign Sleefords quarters. Zot had some information he needed to share and advice to ask as well. He reached over and pressed the pad, signaling Ensign Sleeford of his presence. ( reply Sleeford) Zot walked in as offered. " Good Evening Sir, thank you for seeing me." ( reply Sleeford) Zot walked in and took a seat. He bounced on the chair slightly, looking down at it. " This chair is remarkable Sir. It offers needed support for the lower back while still being aesthetically pleasing, it is most remarkable." Zot said with pure fascination. His black orb like eyes looked at Ensign Sleeford. ( reply Sleeford) " Ah, yes the reason for my visit was to provide you with information I uncovered about our department and it's possible involvement with the murder of Commander Tyko Nix. " He said, detaching a silver cylindrical rod from his forearm it was mounted to retention brackets.. Any who knew Zot , knew that this was where he kept his personal terminal. ( reply Sleeford) Zot activated his personal terminal and displayed the information in the air for Ensign Seeford to see. The dazzling display of blue , yellow and green information hovered before their faces. " During my initial interpretation of the security breach and rogue entry into our computer systems I made a premature assessment of the available information. I was looking at the time in which the event occurred at 2256. This was an error on my part. So I shifted through the data streams in the primary and secondary cores. This is where I discovered a horrible event. " ( reply Sleeford ) " I inadvertantly weakened the access permissions of the ships computers during a 6 hour diagnostic I was running yesterday. I was following up on the efficiency of the modified helium cooling loop procedures of the isolinear storage systems and confirming the calibration tolerances of the ODN pathways at every Bio- Neural gel pack junction or more easily put. Making sure the BGN disbursement was proper and functioning adequately across the ODN grid system. " ( reply Sleeford) " I believe it was during this time initial access to our systems could have been established by someone in our department. They got into the system while the door was cracked open and once it was shut again they remained inside." Zot said trying to explain. ( reply Sleeford) (USS Exeter – Security Office - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 1710 ) "Commander please have a seat." Cade said with a smile. "I promise this won't take long." It was the smile. She had been awake for fifteen hours, on her full attention, for all those hours desperately trying to find something, anything that would be of any use to the prosecution case, she had expended every trick in her considerable arsenal, she had produced an autopsy that by her own admission was nothing short of a stroke of genius. All of that to be met...with a smile. "This is just preliminary stuff, establish location, an alibi." “An alibi” her voice was dangerously cold, her eyebrow raised precisely one eight of an inch. “I’m a suspect then I assume?” Cade wiped some sweat from his brow, "Sorry sir, just a little nervous, interviewing the first officer this way." “This had better be going somewhere really quickly Lieutenant. I’m an exceptionally busy girl and I detest my time being wasted.” She held his gaze, her eyes hard, and annoyed. "Anyways sir, where were you last night between the hours of 2300 yesterday to 0200 this morning?" “I was crying in bed.” she said simply, with a shrug. "Is there anyone who can corroborate this?" Ailynn was tired, stressed, and the lingering questions were wearing her patience thin. All was not well on planet Bracken, when she was like this, her mother’s genes had an unfortunate tendency to come to the fore. “No, I was alone, why do you think I was crying?” She snapped. “Do you have a direction here? Do you have any comprehension of to whom you’re speaking? What is it that you actually want to know? Do I have the skillset to kill the Commander? Did I want him dead?” Her eyes flashed annoyance, beyond everything else, she detested her time being wasted. (Reply Blackwell) She sighed, “Lieutenant. Think. If I’d have wanted him deceased, I would not have then filed an autopsy listing precisely how he died, I would not, Sir, have expended Fifteen hours...hours damn you, of my valuable time examining every single atom of Nix’s body in the minutest detail, and lastly, I would not still be bending the Captain’s ear because I couldn’t figure out why he has three toxins in his system all of them at a low enough dose to not kill him. I would have filed a BS report, and you Sir, know damn well that the Skipper would have accepted that because it was me filing it. I came on shift at 2am and the day has not in any way come close to finishing yet, so please... are we, Sir, going to stop wasting each other's bloody time?” (reply Blackwell) (USS Exeter – Security Office - ACTO, Lt. JG Cade Blackwell - 1712 ) “No, I was alone, why do you think I was crying?” She snapped. “Do you have a direction here? Do you have any comprehension of to whom you’re speaking? What is it that you actually want to know? Do I have the skillset to kill the Commander? Did I want him dead?” ted. "Sir, I'm simply just trying to ascertain your location." She sighed, “Lieutenant. Think. If I’d have wanted him deceased, I would not have then filed an autopsy listing precisely how he died, I would not, Sir, have expended Fifteen hours...hours damn you, of my valuable time examining every single atom of Nix’s body in the minutest detail, and lastly, I would not still be bending the Captain’s ear because I couldn’t figure out why he has three toxins in his system all of them at a low enough dose to not kill him. I would have filed a BS report, and you Sir, know damn well that the Skipper would have accepted that because it was me filing it. I came on shift at 2am and the day has not in any way come close to finishing yet, so please... are we, Sir, going to stop wasting each other's bloody time?” "Sir, you are not a subject. I am simply following orders, getting as much information on where the command staff was, to give the JAG corp as much information as possible, so that you or Commander Merek or Lieutenant Ravok can be adequately ruled out, so that you or either of them can't be introduced as reasonable doubt, or that the Captain isn't accused of bias for not having you considered. You are not a suspect at this time. It's just a matter of covering our ass right now. But at this moment, there are no more questions and you are free to go." (reply Bracken) "Sir, permission to speak freely?" (reply Bracken) "You look physically and emotionally exhausted. I know you are a doctor and know more about health than I do, but I think it might be best if you go off duty at this point and take a break, a nap, or something. Maybe talk to someone that you trust, and just have a pint and unwind. But if you keep going on like this, you are going to burn out...." He paused. "Sir." (reply Bracken) (USS Exeter – Security Office - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 1715 ) "Sir, you are not a subject. I am simply following orders, getting as much information on where the command staff was, to give the JAG corp as much information as possible, so that you or Commander Merek or Lieutenant Ravok can be adequately ruled out, so that you or either of them can't be introduced as reasonable doubt, or that the Captain isn't accused of bias for not having you considered. You are not a suspect at this time. It's just a matter of covering our ass right now. But at this moment, there are no more questions and you are free to go." Ailynn nodded sadly. If there was a major difference between Ailynn and her mother, it was how quickly Ailynn came down from a blowout. Her mother could, at least in her prime her friends had said, hold her temper for hours. Ailynn was a completely different kettle of fish. Once she’d reached that point, and her annoyance had waned, she returned very very quickly to her normal mood, and more often than not coupled with a deep sense of shame. “You’re right; and I’m sorry Lieutenant. I fear that you copped a lot of things that weren’t your fault. You have my formal apology.” "Sir, permission to speak freely?" Ailynn nodded. “Of course Lieutenant. I owe you that much.” "You look physically and emotionally exhausted. I know you are a doctor and know more about health than I do, but I think it might be best if you go off duty at this point and take a break, a nap, or something. Maybe talk to someone that you trust, and just have a pint and unwind. But if you keep going on like this, you are going to burn out...." He paused. "Sir." She nodded. “I know; and you’re right. I might grab a bite to eat and then take a dog for a walk. I need to think, and fresh air always helps. Well, as fresh as we can get on the holodeck anyway.” (Reply Blackwell) She nodded. “Look, Cade. I am serious. I’m so sorry, you didn’t deserve to be the focus of my temper.” She held her hands up. “Maxima mea culpa, medice cura te ipsum. You’re right, and thank you. If there’s anything you need. Please don’t hesitate to ask.” She spoke with a gentle, tired smile, her voice, honest, and pleasant. (Reply Blackwell) “With your permission Lieutenant? If you don’t need me any more?” (Reply Blackwell) “Thank you.” She answered with a nod simply, leaving the office. She hadn’t been fibbing. If there was something that she had learned, it was that if someone that she barely knew, a subordinate no less, could turn round to her and say that she looked physically and emotionally exhausted, then she knew that then was a time to call it a night. She smiled gently, changing her destination almost mid step. (reply none) (USS Exeter – Security Office - ACTO, Lieutenant JG Cade Blackwell - 1717) “I know; and you’re right. I might grab a bite to eat and then take a dog for a walk. I need to think, and fresh air always helps. Well, as fresh as we can get on the holodeck anyway.” Cade smiled, "Please do. I don't think I really need to tell you about the importance of self care." She nodded. “Look, Cade. I am serious. I’m so sorry, you didn’t deserve to be the focus of my temper.” She held her hands up. “Maxima mea culpa, medice cura te ipsum. You’re right, and thank you. If there’s anything you need. Please don’t hesitate to ask.” She spoke with a gentle, tired smile, her voice, honest, and pleasant. "No worries sir. We are all running close to empty. I get." “With your permission Lieutenant? If you don’t need me any more?” "You are free to go." “Thank you.” As she left Cade sighed. ~Poor commander Bracken. She really needs a breather or shes gonna explode.~ Once the room was clear Cade then tapped his commbadge. "Blackwell to Ravok." (reply Ravok) "Sir, I've finished with the preliminary questions for command staff. Anything else you need from me?" (reply Ravok) (USS Exeter – Deck 3- Merek/ Shara shared Quarters -CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok 1719) Ravok was sitting at his dining table with his daughter strapped in place to her chair beside him. " Just so you know little lady tomorrow we aren't eating spaghetti for dinner. This makes 2 nights in a row. I can't handle this anymore. " He said laughing at her and wiping spaghetti off of her little face. " You need to eat more fruit. " he suggested. Rayna grabbed more spaghetti with her hand and shoved the handful into her mouth. Ravok could only shake his head. " Also we need to work on your table manners, you eat like your grandmother" He said referring to Kora his step mother. Her klingon eating habits were legendary " And you're just as messy as Aunt Erin when she's eating Tacos." He laughed , once again wiping her face off and cleaning her hands. =/\=Blackwell to Ravok.=/\= Ravok tapped his commbadge " Yes Lieutenant?" =/\=Sir, I've finished with the preliminary questions for command staff. Anything else you need from me?=/\= " No Lieutenant you have fulfilled the captain's orders. I am taking a few hours off. Hold the department together for me and thank you once again Lieutenant." ( reply blackwell) " Ravok out" He said and looked at Rayna. " When I was age I was eating orange slop from a food processor for breakfast lunch and dinner everyday until I was atleast 7. Now come on and finish up, I'll clean up and put your program on. " He said to her even though she didn't understand everything he was saying he always wanted to speak to her like she was an equal in conversation. She was however more vocal with Keira . ( replies Blackwell if you wish) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Deck 9 - arboretum - Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 1725) Slowly moving into the arboretum Janice walked about it – the computer was kind enough to tell her this is where Lieutenant Cortez was. She took a little look about as she moved through it until she caught a glimpse of her by one of the trees reading a book. Feeling a little bad for disturbing her she closed the distance and faced her but approached from the front as to catch her attention rather than intruding. (Reply Cortez) “Hi Lieutenant – sorry for interrupting,” Janice started giving a small wave of her hand, “It sure is peaceful here.” (Reply Cortez) “I don’t get a lot of time to see as much green as I probably should,” she replied generally being surrounded by the shells of ships and buildings. (Reply Cortez, Any) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Deck 9 - arboretum - CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez - 1728) As the voice broke through her mind, her peace, Erin looked up, closed her book and saw the face of a woman she had spoken to a couple of times. "Ensign Hammersfield, isn't it?" “Hi Lieutenant – sorry for interrupting, It sure is peaceful here.” "I only discovered this place recently. I like it here." “I don’t get a lot of time to see as much green as I probably should,” the woman responded. "Pull up a pew, Ensign. " Erin said, patting the grass next to her. (Reply Hammersfield) "You didn't come here just for the view did you." (Reply Hammersfield) "What can I do for you, Ensign?" (Reply Hammersfield) (USS Exeter – Deck 9 - arboretum – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1729) "Pull up a pew, Ensign. " Erin said, patting the grass next to her. Janice grabbed a seat and pulled it over sitting down to the side and across from Cortez. Quickly she tugged part of her uniform into pace as she crossed her leg and sat back a bit taking in some of the scenery. "You didn't come here just for the view did you." "Unfortunately not,” she wrinkled her face a bit, “You can always get that impression when someone comes over if they need something. Tend to get it more than im used to now being part of the engineering team – but that’s just the way it is I guess.” Hide original message "What can I do for you, Ensign?" “I need a science lab for tomorrow. I already booked one out for the remainder of this evening – schedule said it was free, but tomorrow it gets quite busy and im going to require one up till at least midday.” (Reply Cortez) “Yea I know. I need a lab to get some equipment setup that can help us find those missing chemicals,” Janice clasped her hands together and hunched over in her chair a bit looking at Cortez for a reaction. (Reply Cortez, any) (USS Exeter – Deck 9 - arboretum – CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez – 1731) “I need a science lab for tomorrow. I already booked one out for the remainder of this evening – schedule said it was free, but tomorrow it gets quite busy and im going to require one up till at least midday.” Sighing, Erin fought against the urge to say something. Then, remembering the earlier conversation with keira, she nodded, "You need a lab?" “Yea I know. I need a lab to get some equipment setup that can help us find those missing chemicals." The Ensign clasped her hands as she looked at Erin. Smiling, Erin allowed herself a small laugh, "Ensign, despite rumours to the contrary, I am not the dragon people probably think I am nor am I crazy. Can you tell me what equipment you will need?" (Reply Hammersfield) As Erin listened, she wondered if the young ensign realised that she had lucked out. Looking at her, Erin nodded. "So long as there are no experiments outstanding in the lab then consider it yours." (Reply Hammersfield) "Go, before I change my mind." Erin replied with a wink. (Reply Hammersfield) (Reply Hammersfield, any) (USS Exeter – Deck 9 - arboretum – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1732) Smiling, Erin allowed herself a small laugh, "Ensign, despite rumours to the contrary, I am not the dragon people probably think I am nor am I crazy. Can you tell me what equipment you will need?" "I cant tell you,” she replied, “I am ordered to only converse with you - but I am not permitted to discuss the investigation into the missing chemicals directly with yourself. Im sure you understand why. What I can say is that keep an eye out for the news later today,” As Erin listened, she wondered if the young ensign realised that she had lucked out. Looking at her, Erin nodded. "So long as there are no experiments outstanding in the lab then consider it yours." "Thank you – I don’t think there is from what I remember checking the schedule,” Hide original message "Go, before I change my mind." Erin replied with a wink. "Understood,” she stood up and pushed her seat back to where it was, “Enjoy the rest of your evening Lieutenant.” (Reply Cortez, any) USS Exeter – Deck 3- Merek/ Shara shared Quarters -CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok & Sec/tac. Ensign Stan More - 1745) After finishing dinner and feeding his daughter. He placed her in her room turning on her favorite holo-program. He walked over to his couch and sat down. He took a brief few moments to decompress and get his mind straight. He had sent a message to Ensign More to come to his quarters. So he was patiently awaiting his arrival. Stan had been sitting looking out the window watching the stars deep in thought. When he had a message to see Ravok. Getting up he gave Lillian a scratch behind her ear. Then he moved out of the room. As he walked along the days events ran around in his head. From his discoveries with Sytuk to his session with Roberts. He pressed the door chime and went in once the door opened. “ You wanted to see me sir?” Stan asked a little warey " Come in " Ravok said as he stood up to greet Stan as he entered the quarters. “ Is everything ok?” Stan asked. His friend looked pale. " Don't mind the mess, it's been a long day and we are still working with my daughter about cleaning up her toys. So far she's been...most difficult. Come have a seat. " Ravok said to Stan as he gestured toward the living room area. He could see Stan's eyes scanning the room. Stan had no idea a child could cause so much ordered chaos. He smiled as he spoke. “ Bairns. How old is she?” Stan said " She just turned 2 last month. " Ravok said as he sat down on the couch. " Oh crap I should have asked before sitting down, do you want anything ? " Stan wanted to ask if he could go back in time. But instead smiled and shook his head. Ravok nodded his head and leaned back on the couch, slouching into the comfort, he made a sighing noise. " Well normally I offer my guest one Romulan Ale, but that wouldn't be appropriate because I need your head on straight " He said with a laugh. Roberts was under oath. Stan would take him to court if he had told Ravok. About his recent session. " The captain and I are in agreement, as of right now you are no longer a person of interest. " Ravok said as he sat up straight. " Effect immediately you are returned to full active duty and I am naming you assistant chief investigator on this case, also I should fill you in on recent developments. We have reason and a strong reason to believe there are multiple suspects in the murder of commander Tyko Nix " Stan stood and turned around. This was exactly what Roberts had told him not to do. But some day Stan had to return to normal. He sat down again. Ravok looked at Stan, wondering what he was doing. “ Sorry this ankle device pinches me sometimes. Thank yer Ravok and denna worry. I’d nay be going on a witch hunt” he said realising his actions could alarm. His friend. Stan put out his ankle so Ravok could remove the tracker. “ Infact me and Sytuk have been doing some digging already.” He told his friend Ravok leant down and removed the tracker and deactivated it. " Yeah , well now you can handle everything in an official matter. You have the entire department at your disposal. I believe in you Stan , not only that but I trust you. I trust you enough to welcome you into my quarters feet away from where my daughter is. To hell with what anyone thinks. I need you , the crew needs you, security team 1 needs its leader." Ravok said. “ Thank ye sir and for what it’s worth. I also trust you. I know you were not involved in this also Sytuk as well. However it is my duty to tell you. That I am having therapy with the counsellor at the moment.” He told Ravok " Yes I know .As your department head I received the update a short while ago. I hope you don't feel like it was forced on you." Ravok said. “ Och nay. In truth it will make me a better person. The old run in shoot first and ask questions later Stan. Is being treated with. I am being reset to the person I was before my…… let’s get on.” He said. “ We have a few problems.” " Go on" he said to Stan. “ Well. We have discovered that there is more than one killer.With the science department being always busy.In order to steal those chemicals the thief would have to blend in. So one of the killers would have to be a scientist. Secondly Nix was no fool. He knew people were not all that pleased to breathe the same air as him. His security measures are far beyond the expertise of any of our science suspects. So it had to be another person……..” Stan said, suddenly stopping. While he had been talking Stan had found a dog hair on his uniform. He rubbed it between his fingers narrowing his eyes in thought. Ravok looked at Stan. He thought about suggesting a canine hair loss deterrent, but his dog was a different breed . “ I…….sorry it’s this hair….You see Lillian is losing her puppy coat. So no matter how I try. I am always going to find hair on me. Which I of course throw away. Now up until now my movements have been limited. We need to check the bins for fingerprints preferably where I have been.” Stan said Ravok laughed slightly. " I don't have the manpower or resources to divert to the trash receptacles. Perhaps someone brushed against you in a turbolift or maybe even pet her, while you took her for a walk. At this point someone could have went into your quarters." “ Nay. Firstly Lillian may still be a wee bairn doggy wise. But she has teeth no one but me could pull hair off her or get in my quarters. No they would have to of gone in the bins.” Stan said Ravok was thinking beyond the dog hair in the rubbish bins. Yet he admired Ensign More's tenacity to the subject. " Maybe there could be some prints left behind on a few, but that's like finding a certain needle in a stack of needles." “ True. But on the outside. Once the trash reaches a certain level it’s transported to recycling. No one touches it. Whoever got hold of those hairs from the bin. Would have had to put their hand on the inside to get it.” Said Stan Ravoks exhaustion was catching up to him. He rubbed his eyes and his face. " Maybe they were wearing gloves. I don't know." “ True. But as I have been in well crowded areas. Someone wearing gloves would stick out.” He replied Ravok let out a deep breath. " Look, I get that finding the person who took dog hair might point us in the right direction, but perhaps we should be focusing a little more on the hard facts and not the red herrings. The dog hair was an attempt to frame you. The fact remains that someone on this ship exploited a weakness in our computer system and disrupted our internal sensors. They navigated around security protocols." Stan felt differently. The dog hair was a clue , but he knew it would not do well to argue. “ Ok. So what path do you wish me to take on this?” Stan asked " Here's what I think. Someone with operations knowledge breached our computer system, had the necessary knowledge to shut down security systems, acquired access codes to the chemical supply case in the science lab found a way into the commander's quarters and murdered him. It's pretty much a group consensus that multiple people were involved. Someone with operational knowledge, someone with security knowledge and someone with a degree of medical experience. We need to sweep more and dig harder into people. I'm talking cross examining every department again and again. " Stan did not wish to say it. But Ravok had just described himself. But threw the thought out of his mind. Ravok was innocent. For now the dog hair was just a clue not worth following. For now anyway. “ So for now we ditch the dog hair idea.” He replied " The red herrings are there to drive us crazy, I say we ignore them entirely and cut right to the meat of the situation. I am going to use my authority as head of security to bring the operations department to full stop for the purposes of the investigation. Start with everyone who was on duty last night during the time of the breech. We start there." Ravok said. “ Maybe we should also look in our own department. You never know someone might remember something. They did not remember when speaking to you.” He said Ravok waved his hand over his coffee table , a display appeared in the air above it. He logged in using his basic credentials. " I already have. Each member of our department on duty last night was accounted for and location verified. So if someone from the department was involved they were off duty. I know that doesnt narrow it down much but it's a start." Ravok explained. Stan felt that was a shame. A few names had come to mind. He wanted to have a little chat with. “ Just the same, it would be a prudent idea. To maybe triple check their whereabouts off duty.” He mused. " I have also been interviewed myself. To determine my whereabouts. I'm not stupid, I know I fit the bill as a suspect because of my knowledge. I have even heard the rumors….." Ravok paused in an awkward silence. “ Rumors?” Stan said " The rumors of how this is something a Romulan would do. " Ravok said softly with a half cocked smile. “ That’s stupid. There are other races on the Exeter also capable of doing this.” Stan said " I know how it feels to have everyone think something of you that isn't true. So I am the perfect person for you to listen to when I say to hell with them. I do my job to the best of my abilities and keep it moving. I see the look I'm given by people when they meet me , a Romulan. Even after all this time we still aren't trusted." He paused and hung his head. " Hell even after all this time I'm still not trusted, but I am however trusted by my superiors who I have proven myself to. I have given so much of myself to this uniform. My eye" He said pointing to his white artificial eye. " A few vertebrae, I even nearly gave my life to save a racist flight officer back on mars. Took a knife to the heart, luckily it missed and only severed some connective tissues. " Ravok chuckled. “ I dinna know that….” Stan said looking down. " What I'm saying here is , keep ignoring the rumors , keep giving everything you have to the uniform and you will be rewarded with solidarity of truth and the satisfaction of knowing you are the best version of yourself each and every day. " Ravok said as he reached out and patted Stan on the shoulder. “ Don’t worry, there won’t be any drumheads. This will be done fairly and by the book.” Stan assurdered him. " When Ensign Hyru mocked you and spoke wrong about you. I was pissed not just because it was unbecoming of an officer , but because I saw some of myself in you at that moment. I won't tolerate that behavior from anyone. Attacking you like that in such a manner is an attack on me as well." Ravok added. “ Thank you for that. By the way what are we going to do with him?” Stan asked " I have given him a stern talking to and I have reassigned him to serving...well serving under you. That should teach him a lesson, but make sure you conduct yourself in a fair manner towards him. Show him the errors of his ways. Display professionalism at all times. " Ravok replied. Stan shook his head. He was not sure that was a very good idea. Although he was in therapy now. So he would not give Hyru a well deserved yet career ending Glasgow kiss. It would be a strain. “ Good. So what do we do now?” Stan asked " We start with operations and work our way down. Apparently the ship wide current events update at 1800 is going to include some information about a test being run by engineering staff to locate the stolen chemicals. I was going to request a ship wide shake down ,but if engineering can provide a less stressful alternative I'm all for it. " Ravok said, raising his hands and laughing . Stan looked up puzzled. “ What’s so funny?” He asked " Its an implied expression Ensign, I'm saying that if they want to run a test that prevents me from doing a deck by deck , quarter by quarter hands on sweep of the ship then let them. I have been up since 0200. I have personally interviewed 19 people and watched hours of security footage. The last thing I want to do is use force to cause even more stress on the ship. Wouldn't you agree running a test is a better alternative? " Ravok tried explaining “ I agree unless of course the person carrying it out. Is one of the murderers.” Stan replied Ravok tapped his foot for a moment then stood up. " Well Ensign, it's getting late, I'm going to try and rest my eyes for an hour or so. You have standing orders to investigate the operations department, assemble a team, leave no stone unturned. If you happen to discover anything send me a report. You are dismissed." Ravok said as he motioned his hand toward the door. “ Thank you. Take a rest. I will get back into my Yellows and make a start.” " Good luck Ensign" Ravok said to Stan as he watched him out the door. Stan walked away from Ravok door. His jaw was set. Now it was his turn. (USS Exeter – Captain's Ready Room -CO, Captain Trip Williams and JAG, Vice Admiral Will Alexander -1800) Trip was sitting in his chair reading reports from the different departments. He was mainly focusing on every report that had nothing to do with the murder investigation. =/\=Sir.=/\= Came a chime from the bridge that snapped Trip out of his trance. =/\=Incoming transmission from Earth, Starfleet HQ. =/\= "Thanks, I'll take it in my ready room." In an instant a familiar face appeared on his screen. "Uncle Will, err Admiral, good to hear back from you. Did you get my request?" =/\=Uncle Will is fine,=/\= The man on the screen said with a smile, =/\=I may be the Judge Advocate General for Starfleet, but I'm still your Uncle. And yes, I've reviewed your brief. Do you think this was the right avenue to go?=/\= "Yes sir," Trip said in reply, "A request to Starfleet Intelligence would have been met with stonewalling and too much red tape. It wasn't really a security manner, or a manner of internal affairs. As it pertains to a criminal investigation, that would also lead to trial, I figured that requesting a decree from the JAG office, a warrant to open the materials if you will was the way to go. But given the nature of the deceased, my thought was it was best to go to your office rather than Starbase Freedom. I would have made this call even if you weren't the Vice Admiral in charge of the JAG corp." =/\=Perfect, the answer I was looking for. And while, as your brief noted, you aren't sure that the information contained will be pertinent, it's worth the shot. So I am granting your request with one caveat. Any pertinent information to the investigation can be shared with your command staff. But given the sensitive nature of what might be contained, only you are allowed to listen to the logs, and afterwards, you are to reencrypt them, send them to Starfleet Intelligence, and delete any local copies. Is that understood?=/\= "Yes Sir." Trip replied. =/\=You know, my first mission as CO of the Mithrandir-A, we were supposed to be doing a wargame against the USS Bonaventure. She was Constitution Refit class that had been updated to serve in the 25th century. Her crew had been displaced in time, jumping from the 23rd century to the 25th. Our Nova class ship was supposed to engage in a combat simulation with the Bonaventure, helping her crew get acclimated to the their new time. My first officer, Kristen Summers, was temporarily assigned as FO of the Bonaventure for the mission. Just a quick trade. But the Bonaventure captain went rogue, hijacked the combat simulation and the Bonaventure, and tried to find a way to go back to the original time. Basically it was an absolute mess. But we bounced back. You may thinks this reflects on you, that someone was murdered on your watch. But you can't control others and their actions. So don't let this cast doubt on your abilities. We believe in you. Don't stop believing in yourself.=/\= "Thank you." =/\=Now don't work my kid too hard.=/\= The admiral chuckled. =/\=I'm sending you a command code to unlock the logs. Good hunting Captain.=/\= Trip nodded and the channel closed. (reply None) (USS Exeter - Counselling Suites - Counselor Lt(jg) Victoria Corsica - 1830) Ever since the murder of Commander Nix, the Exeter and her crew was in the process of being turned upside down looking for the killer. It was a slow and methodical process, on that brought the entire operations of the command staff to a standstill. After all how could they focus on any kind of mission with a killer among thier mist. The fact that Commander Nix was a intelligence operative only complicated matters. One doesn't rise to a Commander in that field without making more than a few enemies. Corsica knew the distrust of such an investigation could brew would also haunt the crew for a long time to come, and that herself along with the other counselors would need to be up to the task. Heading toward her office Corsica passed the small cluster of suites that were the offices of the other ship counselors. All of the counselors had full schedules. She noticed a door open as she passed by as one of the crew exited one of the offices. She glanced in side after the Exeter officer exited the area. "How goes?" She asked trying to get a beat on the counseling department. (Reply Roberts) (USS Exeter - Counseling Suite - Counselor, Lieutenant Victoria Corsica - 1835) Jack looked up and smiled at Lieutenant Corsica, the head counselor. "Just taking a breather. How bout yourself?" "Putting out fires." She sighed as her ear twitched to the side. "Come in, have a seat." He said with a smile. "Feel free to shut the door if you want. Sometimes sound carries and I don't want to annoy anyone who is in session." Victoria entered as she rubbed her temples. It was clear the Exeter was in a state of heightened emotions. Emotions that permeated the hulls of the ship and interacted with her empathic abilities. As the door closed behind her. "So, how's been the diplomatic planning what have you's. Is the exeter going to be hosting any fancy state dinners when we get there? If the whole ship isn't cordoned off as a crime scene by then. She took the offered seat. "We were supposed to host a dinner and show of the Exeter as one of the new ships of the line and some of the new advances the Federation has developed." She looked across the desk. "But with what happened we can't very well do that. The Bolian diplomatic representative was not happy with the sudden change in schedule." (Reply Roberts) "For now I have planned a small delegation to beam down to Bolarus IX for a state dinner and diplomatic negotiations. Once I can get a report written that as all the details listed. I can turn that over to the Captain to be finalized." (Reply Roberts) "But enough of that, how are you settling in? How's the crew doing?" (Reply Roberts) (USS Exeter - Counseling Suite - Counselor, Ensign SG Jack Roberts - 1836) "We were supposed to host a dinner and show of the Exeter as one of the new ships of the line and some of the new advances the Federation has developed." She looked across the desk. "But with what happened we can't very well do that. The Bolian diplomatic representative was not happy with the sudden change in schedule." "Well, I'm sure it will be back on in due time. By the time we get there, who knows, this might all be wrapped up. I hope." "For now I have planned a small delegation to beam down to Bolarus IX for a state dinner and diplomatic negotiations. Once I can get a report written that as all the details listed. I can turn that over to the Captain to be finalized." "Should be good. Though not sure how much negotiations you'll be doing. They are still in the Federation." Jack then chuckled to himself. "Unless you're gonna try and kick them out." (Reply Corsica iyw) "But enough of that, how are you settling in? How's the crew doing?" "Well from what I can tell you, most are doing well. Stress is high, and well some just aren't handling it well. We should probably think of holding some panels on dealing with stress and burn out. I think, given the young age of most of the crew, everyone is working hard, but not giving enough time to handle their stress in an adequate manner." (reply Corsica) "Actually this is fortuitous timing. There is a crewmember I'd like for you to chat with. They've got promise, but need help dealing with trauma, and I just don't know if I'm the one to work with him. Honestly, not sure what their issue is with me, but we got off on the wrong foot. Maybe a kinder face would do them some good." (reply Corsica) (USS Exeter - Counseling Suite - Counselor, Lieutenant Victoria Corsica - 1839) "Should be good. Though not sure how much negotiations you'll be doing. They are still in the Federation." Jack then chuckled to himself. "Unless you're gonna try and kick them out." Victoria chuckled slightly, "Sometimes even among friends you need to negotiate. If for no other reason than to make sure the Federation is working in the best interest of all involved." She continued; "But enough of that, how are you settling in? How's the crew doing?" "Well from what I can tell you, most are doing well. Stress is high, and well some just aren't handling it well. We should probably think of holding some panels on dealing with stress and burn out. I think, given the young age of most of the crew, everyone is working hard, but not giving enough time to handle their stress in an adequate manner." "I will make a recommendation to the CO to make sure the crew is taking time to process and handle stress in a more constructive manner." She spoke as she scratched be hind her ear as her tail wrapped around on of the chair legs beneath her. "Actually this is fortuitous timing. There is a crewmember I'd like for you to chat with. They've got promise, but need help dealing with trauma, and I just don't know if I'm the one to work with him. Honestly, not sure what their issue is with me, but we got off on the wrong foot. Maybe a kinder face would do them some good." "Oh, really." She folded her hands before her and leaned forward. "And this is?" (Reply Roberts) (USS Exeter - Personal Quarters - Civilian Caity Dubois - 1958) Having spent a good amount of time on the holodeck, Caity had now returned to her quarters and sat on her sofa with a heavy heart. Looking over to the large glass tank that held Bert, she sighed deeply, “Seems like you are the only one i can talk to and you won’t repeat anything i say. This has been probably one of the hardest days i have had in a long time. Being woken up and questioned about the murder of a man that…. Well, i can’t honestly say i liked him but i didn’t kill him. I… couldn’t do that to anyone. No matter what i thought about him, he didn’t deserve to die that way. No-one does. And look at me now, here i am talking to a snake.” She smiled weakly. “Sorry, but you are no substitute for a real conversation. To be honest, i miss her, Bert. Both of them. I miss them both so badly that my heart is actually aching. You haven’t met Ailynn properly yet but you will love her. She is amazing, strong and beautiful even though i can tell she doesn’t feel it. She has a strength about her that makes a room light up when she enters. I …. Okay, i’ll be honest to you because you can’t repeat it. I think i love her. I just want to be near her, fall asleep in her arms and just tell her i understand. I understand why she has to do what she does. That i am walking into whatever this is going to be with open eyes and i accept her.” Caity paused for a moment and took a deep breath, “She is so much like Sara. I can see it in her eyes. Sara was brilliant but had that dark in her that she couldn’t deal with. I tried to be the person that she could lean on but…. I wasn’t that for Sara. I want to be that for Ailynn. Am i ready for that? Who the hell knows? I mean I've known the wind so cold, I've seen the darkest days and i know what can happen when your demons take hold. I failed Sara but i won’t fail Ailynn.” Caity said quietly. After a moment, she stood, put an open hand on the glass of Bert’s tank and sighed, “You are a good friend but i think i need to sleep.” Looking towards her bed, she smiled at the sight of the plush penguin sat on her pillow, “You remember Sara? That penguin there was hers. He keeps me company at night. She had the funniest name for him. Mr Flibble.” Caity smiled at the memory as she walked towards the bed, lay down and cradled him in her arms as she closed her eyes and fell soundly asleep. (Reply No-one) (USS Exeter –Turbolift – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams – 2055) Ire stood in the listening to the soft hum of the turbolift as it powered its way through the ship. He was on his way for his shift at the helm, enjoying the peace and quiet of the trip to get his mind ready for the work to come. He found it easier to speak what was on his mind before flying so that there would be no distractions clouding his judgment which he flew. This had been something he had been shown to do after his parents’ death to verbalise any issues or stresses he had. It was something he had continued to do at the academy as well as every time he climbed into a fighter or few a starship. “Hi Mum. Need to talk to you again.” He gave a slight smile as he saw his mother in his mind’s eye standing in front of him. Her cheeky smile and an amused glint in her deep brown eyes ready to cause mischief when no one was looking. Her long shoulder length dark hair which she would have down when not on duty or her calm and caring manner along with her ability to listen. “I know that Greta is worried about me and if it comes from a place of love, but she has asked me twice now about how I feel about Nix’s death and well as going to Roberts. Its not that I do not feel sad that he died or that he was murdered. Do feel sad and angry that it happened of course I do. I really want to get the person that had done this and make them suffer.” He looked at the bulkhead and sighed. “I guess its just that I am not showing the right amount of emotion that people think that I need. What are they wanting that I fall apart and scream and shout that I get aggressive or lock myself in my room? That would not be productive, and there are also people who are hurting more and me falling apart would not be fair on them or my team.” “This is going to sound horrible its not like it was Greta or Ravok, yes that crazy Romulan or Trip or the other people what I am very close too. That would have been different, I would have reacted different, but it was not, and I did not. It is not like I have not lost people before you both for starters, the crew, Alex yes I know she is not dead but she was a friend, as well Kyros and what happened at Wolf…………..” He took a breath. “He is not the first person I have lost and unfortunately not be the last and I am still a function member of the crew. Well at least I think so.” He gave a slight smile. “So, I do what I always do when I am when I am dealing with death and sadness. I pause recognise the fact that it has happened then I will open that box in my mind and stuff it all in there. That means that I can focus on being the starfleet officer that I need to be. I will make sure that after this is over and everything is safe. I will go and raise a glass to Nix and mourne him as right fully should be.” He stared at the floor. “I guess I should probably go and tell this to Greta and Roberts rather talking to my imaginary mother in a turbolift but I am okay they don’t have to worry about me.” He gave a sad smile. “Thanks mum.” He looked up at the turbolift’s sensor cluster. “For any one in security who is recording this. If I find this being talk about around the ship you have been warned.” There was a soft chime as the turbolift began to slow. “Okay let’s fly.” The doors opened to the bridge and he stepped out. (Reply any) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 2205) Janice sat at one of the science lab desks alone with no one else in the room. She made sure it was fully booked out for her for the duration of the day and well into tomorrow when she was going to conduct the sound tests. Swirling beside her lay a large cup of tea as monitors stated to fill downwards with computer and sensor logs. A large schematic of the ship appeared beside it with a white sweeping line moving over it slowly and moved between different scanning overlays every ten seconds or so. On the table beside her lay a smattering of technology and her engineering kit to help give the impression she was working on something should anyone enter. In one hand she held a hyperspanner and twirled it like a baton occasionally to keep her awake and reflexes sharp. Letting out a small yawn she grabbed her tea with her off hand and took a small sip – lukewarm. Well it had been sitting there for a few hours. “Note to self – get more sleep before working over the night,” It was another reason she had asked mister T’kel – he could go without rest far longer than she could. It made her feel a bit better knowing he was in the geology lab across from her. (reply any) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< End Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<