Exeter Compile 37 Dates: February 8 to February 14 Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express, Day 2 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express Day: 2 Stardate: 2445.12.02 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Exeter - Vesper’s Personal Quarters - CMO Lt Gabe Vespers - 1505) (USS Exeter - Personal Quarters -CMO Lt Gabe Vespers - 15:40) ( USS Exeter - Deck 4 -holodeck- CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok 20:06) (USS Exeter - Holodeck- Deck four - Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 20:07) (USS Exeter - Ready Room - CO, Captain Trip Williams, FO, Commander Ailynn Bracken- 2010) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – 2O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr Keira Merek – 2013) (USS Exeter- Science labs- COO Ensign (sg) Paul Sleeford 20:15) (USS Exeter – Science Labs - CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez - 2017) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – 2O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek – 2019) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – 2O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek – 2023) (USS Exeter - FO’s Office - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken and FltSrgnGnl VAdm Aimee Bracken - 2030) (USS Exeter – Personal Quarters – Ensign Rylee Page - 2059) (USS Exeter - Personal Quarters - Lt Jg Greta Smith - 2102) (USS Exeter - FO’s Office - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 2105) (USS Exeter – Bridge – CONN – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams- 2107) (USS Exeter - outside acoustics lab- CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams - 2113) (USS Exeter - outside acoustics lab- FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 2113) (USS Exeter - Acoustics lab- FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 2114) (USS Exeter – Gym, weight room – CO, Captain Trip Williams – 2115) (USS Exeter – Gym, weight room – Med Intern aEns Lana Wakeman – 2116) (USS Exeter - Acoustics lab- CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams- 2117) (USS Exeter – Gym, weight room – CO, Captain Trip Williams – 2118) (USS Exeter – Gym, weight room – SPC Armory Chief PO2 Sytuk–2120) (USS Exeter - Nine and Dine - Counselor, - Lieutenant(jg) Victoria Corsica - 2152) (USS Exeter - Nine and Dine -Nurse – CPO – Ewan McDonald – 2155) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 2240) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – Ensign Janice Hammerfield & The Murderer & Ensign Sg. T’Kel – 2242) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – Nurse – CPO – Ewan McDonald – 2248) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express Day: 2 Stardate: 2445.12.02 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Exeter - Vesper’s Personal Quarters - CMO Lt Gabe Vespers - 1505) Whilst he was waiting Gabe made some milk and honey, to try and sooth his throat, instead it made his cough worse "Stick to modern medicine Lt!" He said to himself picking up a hypo. The source of the cold had thrown him, nobody suffered like this in the current world, he was run down, out of energy and sore, but needed a new distraction. The door chimed. He pressed the button opening the door from his desk in time to hear Ailynn trying to get a laugh out of the crew. “Bed bath and room service.” She called out, drawing confused looks from a couple of passing Ensigns. *Cough* "don't confuse them anymore, you know the young ones can't have a laugh. " Gabe said removing a dark drink from the replicator and moving slowly to the sofa. “Hey Bro. Be gentle. Took a long time to find the cause of death, I had to rebuild the entire back of Nix’s skull to find it.” She looked at him. “You okay?” Gabe took the PADD and put it down he motioned to the empty chair opposite him "Take a load off if you want, I'm getting there although I can't seem to shift this chest, I really should call for a house visit but physician heal thyself and all that." Gabe shifted up and pulled his arms round his body again as he walked to the replicator "Want one? That's Scotch whisky, supposed to knock the hairs off your chest. Since I'm not on duty!" (Reply Bracken) "More for me then, anything at all?" (Reply Bracken) Gabe removed the container and handed it to Ailynn he remained standing "So, cause of death? Time suspicions? I'm not saying he didn't deserve it but, the man had a way of getting off on the wrong foot. How's Ronnie?" (Reply Bracken) (USS Exeter - Personal Quarters -CMO Lt Gabe Vespers - 15:40) "I figured since you're getting over the crud, I'd get you something warm. It's a kind of childish drink, but hey, who doesn't love a good hot chocolate." She said with a smile. Gabe laughed a little "JB and mum were chocolate mad so this was a staple growing up in the Vesper house, it would surprise me if it wasn't the same in the bracken household." Gabe looked across the table at the woman and smiled again, unsure what he was smiling for. Deep down the sense of being lost, the cavern of despair was closing in, but for now Ronnie offered some sense of light in the bottom of Gabe's soul. "How you feeling sweetie? I hope you're not contagious." Coughing Gabe put the drink down "I highly doubt it, it'll run it course but I've learnt the hard way that the best thing to do is rest, I could pump myself full of everything and be up on my feet but frankly it's not worth the agro, I'm due some leave anyway. Rough is the answer got some sleep this morning but on the whole, rough hungry and a little drunk." Ronnie then smiled a soft smile, "So how bad is the cabin fever?" "Terrifying, hence asking for the work to come to me, Ailynn dropped some files off just there I can't go two days without doing somthing, if I had the energy I'd be in sickbay organising my office. But alas here I am. How's your day off going?" Gabe opened the lid of the soup and passed Ronnie some in a bowl, he served his own and started eating whislt Ronnie spoke. (Reply Winters) ( USS Exeter - Deck 4 -holodeck- CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok 20:06) Ravok approached the holodeck and saw there was a program in progress. He he bypassed the alert and opened the door with haste. When the door opened he saw Stan. " Evening Ensign More" Ravok said. ( reply More) " I was just checking on you. To be honest I just had a funny conversation with a friend. We were talking about the away mission in the gamma quadrant. You know the one where I pissed off a Pah wraith and he proceeded to throw us around using his mind? " Ravok asked with a slight laugh. ( reply More) Ravok stepped inside the holodeck with Stan. " Well I couldn't remember exactly what you said in the shuttle on the way back. Maybe because I had a crushed eyeball and a hard time breathing, but you asked me for permission to do something and for the life of me I can't remember what you asked me. Do you remember?" Ravok asked. ( reply More ) (USS Exeter - Holodeck- Deck four - Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 20:07) After his conversation with Cade. He packed up his lunch and continued his run. This time it was all downhill with better weather. A feeling of deep unease suddenly came over him. For a few seconds he felt like someone had just walked over his grave. More blinked steadying himself. For a few seconds he thought he heard bag pipes. “ Penny...” He shook his head. The feeling left his head just as quickly as it had come. Putting it down to just the wind he continued to run and think. ~ So. We know someone used the time Zot ran his diagnostic to tamper with the computer. Otherwise he would of discovered it and reported to us. That puts Zot out of the suspect file. We know that a terminal on deck 13 was used. But as there are 31 terminal interfaces on that deck. Finding the one used is going to take time. Assuming of course whoever did this was sloppy and left a clue.~ Stan thought. An arch appeared near him. Stan stopped and knelt down taking his breath. As the doors opened to reveal Ravok. When the door opened he saw Stan. " Evening Ensign More" Ravok said. “ Good evening sir. I was just about to call yer,” Stan said " I was just checking on you. To be honest I just had a funny conversation with a friend. We were talking about the away mission in the gamma quadrant. You know the one where I pissed off a Pah wraith and he proceeded to throw us around using his mind? " Ravok asked with a slight laugh. Why was Ravok laughing? It was hardly a fun trip. Sleeford lost a leg , Ravok lost an eye and nearly his lungs and Stan had both his kidneys and his leg fried. “ Every time I urinate,” Stan said Ravok stepped inside the holodeck with Stan. " Well I couldn't remember exactly what you said in the shuttle on the way back. Maybe because I had a crushed eyeball and a hard time breathing, but you asked me for permission to do something and for the life of me I can't remember what you asked me. Do you remember?" Ravok asked. Stan had been in a bad way. His mind had been all muddled with pain killers. “ I asked for permission to die.” Stan said Something was going on. Why would the boss be asking questions about the last mission? Had they screwed something up and now the Bajorans wanted an inquiry? “ What’s going on sir?” Stan asked ( Reply , Ravok ) (USS Exeter - Ready Room - CO, Captain Trip Williams, FO, Commander Ailynn Bracken- 2010) “There is no easy way to say this, so I’m going to get to the point. Commander Tyko knew about Ronnie.” Ailynn swore, and sank into her chair. “That...complicates things” She said, her mind wandering slightly down several paths of thought. “It was in one of his classified logs. He knew. I don’t know when he found out, but apparently Starfleet Intelligence and Temporal Investigations have known about her since the moment she jumped into our timeline.” “I can’t say that I’m surprised, I’d imagine they’re quite tight on incursions like that.” She replied, not actually sure where this conversation was going, normally she could figure it out beforehand, but this one had come from leftfield.” “And here is the crazy thing. Both agencies declared the matter of Ronnie a case closed. No need for monitoring, she’s no threat to the timeline. Apparently some hot shot Captain with clout, went it and got both agencies to, well, classify the matter and move on.” She picked up a glass and poured some water, taking a deep drink. “Mmm. I have a nasty feeling I know where this is going.” She said somewhat obliquely, as she undid the collar of her uniform. “It was Dale.” Nodding, she answered as she sighed. “And...there it is.” “There it is.” “Dale has a lot of influence, less so now...maybe, maybe not, but what isn’t well known is that she was the personal field agent for Admiral Voight, Fleet StratOps back in the day. It was on one of her final missions that she...well, we know how Bajor went down for her.” Ailynn said obliquely. “Yes we do.” “Seriously though,” Ailynn continued, Tyko Nix was a Lieutenant Commander, mid range at best, rest his soul. This is high up level intel for someone that mid spec. Also, Dale convincing Intel that it’s safe and classified, is one thing, but staring down Temporal Affairs?” “His clearance is actually higher than I let on.” Trip said rubbing his eyes. “He was tasked with hunting down a singular universe jumper, and what I am about to tell you is classified, the only one that really exists.” Ailynn nodded a simple acceptance. “Okay.” “There had been a merge of sorts, classified, not many are aware of it. Every duplicate from alternate universes that existed in this timeline, and there were a few, like supposedly there were at least three versions of Remae Ktell, they all merged into one. With some of the memories of each. Then there was a soft reset. As if all those duplicates never existed and only one of each ever did. We are living in a timeline that isn't quite the one we were born into, well that's not true, we were always here. But I should know there were at least three Remae’s, but I don't. I’ve only ever known the one. So they tasked him to find the only jumper in the known universe. That’s why he knew about Ronnie. Because it was important he knew she existed. So he wouldn’t target her. But her case was deemed unimportant and not to follow from the get go. And my guess is Dale knows more than she is letting on, about a lot of things.” The news of the merge only partly surprised her, she’d heard rumour from a number of sources, and whereas the details from the differing sources hadn’t been exactly identical, there had been enough similar details to make Ailynn realise that something had indeed happened. Her mother and grandmother had been characteristically noncommittal about explanations however. “I’d heard rumour about that,” Ailynn admitted, “scant details, but enough. So Dale convinced Intel and Temporal Affairs that Ronnie was a closed case, but here’s the Commander looking for somebody?” “He stated explicitly it wasn’t Ronnie, if that is what you’re worried about. Besides the visitor is newly arrived, Ronnie has been here for years.” “There’s still so many unknowns. I’ll speak to mum, see what she can tell me about nanites. How much leeway do I have to talk about what’s happened? She’s going to wonder why I’m suddenly asking.” “Tell her it's classified. Might be funny to see her face with the shoe being on the other foot for a change.” Trip said with a laugh. Ailynn laughed. “I do like you, you’re funny.” She stuck her tongue out. “Seriously though...Gran...I could pull the ‘classified’ nonsense, but mum?” She shifted in her seat slightly. “Give her the bare minimum, just say that you heard mention of some quick dissolving, paralyzing nanites as like part of a research study or something.” “Sounds reasonable. She knows as well as you do that I’ll always be a medic at heart, no pun intended exactly.” She smiled at him. Her oldest friend, aside from Ronnie and Erin, he was her most trusted confidante. Sighing deeply, she carried on speaking, though her brain had moved to another topic slightly, airing a view that had been bugging her slightly for a short while now. “I dunno Trip; Bajoran death cults, three murderers running loose; What the hell happened to ‘second star to the right, keep going ‘till morning?’ She half smiled, her face relaxing, her head lay backward onto the headrest of the chair. “Part of life I guess. Not every ship gets to be the Enterprise. Sometimes ships get to deal with the shitty stuff. Could be worse though.” “Oh?” She replied simply. “Ever hear of the California class starships?” “Rings a faint bell, but that was part of an optional unit.” “They were active in the late 2370’s and early 2380’s. Smaller vessels whose primary function was dealing with second contact issues. Not getting to explore strange new worlds or new civilizations, they dealt with all the crap after first contact. Boldly going where someone else had gone before. Basically all the boring administrative stuff.” “Ouch.” She said, frowning slightly, “that would get to you I admit.” “So while we’re kind of doing some of that stuff, at least we get to have some, umm, exciting stuff to shake things up.” “That is a fair point, however a mission where my health, physical or mental isn’t under immediate threat would be nice.” again she stuck her tongue out, but it was accompanied by a deep smile. “So...? Are you okay?” “Yeah, just ready for things to be done. We’re close. I know it. I feel it. Just feel like we’re missing the last piece of the puzzle.” Ailynn nodded and half-smiled once more. “Yeah...had that feeling since lunchtime. I need to go talk to the body and stuff again, but I also need sleep. Ronnie’s staying over, my alibi.” she smiled gently. “Now you make me feel bad. Because I know you need sleep and I’m sending you out to work with Ire to see if you can’t figure out the distorted voice. But you also need serious rest.” Ailynn shrugged. “I’m tired sure; but I’ve done this before Trip. Let me ask something, do you remember when we were larking around that night, and I dislocated my shoulder at midnight? Do you remember going to ER with mum and I?” “Sure, it was summer, I think that was the last time we roughhoused, you know before it became, umm, inappropriate. I remember the ER was full.” “Busy wasn’t it!” She smiled. “I’ve worked ER shifts, its a 24 hour slog, you sleep when you can doze, if you get time. “Trauma surgery rota too. You remember the guy...with the leg?” She shuddered. “Not really. But I get your point. You can run on fumes.” “Sure I’m tired. You get used to it though.” “Yeah. I learned that in the fighter wing, 24 hour on call nights, just in case.” “Same thing.” She smiled. “So Ronnie is over?” “I needed company.” Ailynn nodded and shrugged. “Movie, PJ’s and popcorn. I’d just got into my favourite PJ’s too, StarFleet bears…” she drew breath. “kinda wish I hadn’t said that…” Her train of thought re-railed. “Why?” “Dunno, guess Tyko’s log has her on my mind.” He sighed. “I understand that.” She answered. “Seriously man, what’s on your mind, you can’t hide from me.” “I mean I know I’m her dad and not her dad. It’s the me from another timeline. But over the last few months, I’ve come to love her as a daughter, my daughter. And I guess with Drew on the way, it just hits me that it sucks that no version of me got to see her grow up.” “I understand, and so does she, I totally see you as a psycho protective dad if you were raising her, can you imagine her heading out to senior prom? Guys like...well...guys like your sorry ass?” she winked. “Yeah, I’d have them pick her up while I’d be in the yard doing yard work without a shirt, and be like, hey want to hear how I got all these scars.” Ailynn laughed gently, smiling to her soul. “She’d have been at the Ranch all the time, riding horses, running with the dogs. It would have been fun.” “I taste regret in the air…” Ailynn twisted her head, and picked up the glass of water, finding it was now room temperature, she sipped, scowling to find that it was now room temperature, but drained it anyway. “I just hope, I hope that I don’t overcompensate with Drew. Like over parent him, because I never got the chance with Ronnie.” Ailynn shook her head, “Big difference. Father/son and Daddy/daughter are a very very different bond. Drew you’ll be letting out at all hours, he can look after himself...your daughter now…” she left it hanging. “Yeah, pretty sure Gabe is scared of me.” “Quite right too. I’d be scared of you, coming off all machismo if I was dating your daughter, regardless of how serious things were.” she smiled. “Even though I’m a teddy bear?” Trip laughed, he could be a teddy bear, but he was a champion wrestler and a trained fighter. Amongst races without enhanced strength on board, he was probably, pound for pound, the strongest. “Asking the wrong person, but any father of a Fleet brat girl is insanely protective.” “Lynn, can I ask a personal question?” “I think you know me well enough not to need to ask that bud.” she shrugged. “I know we talked about it before we left Starbase Freedom, but a family, you still thinking about it?” Ailynn smiled deeply, “I can’t lie, I have no idea how the next year or two will pan out, but there’s a part of me that yearns for that level of normal. Now, given all things, I have no idea how that would work, but do I want to be a mom? More than you can imagine.” “It’s only natural. I mean I can’t wait to meet my little dude.” “I know it complicates things, I know that you couldn’t send me probably to my death, I’d possibly need to step down as FO; but yeah, I want children.” Her voice was half deeply longing, half regretful. “I wouldn’t make you step down because you want a family. And the thing is you know the risks. I would hate to leave an orphan but….as long as we wear this uniform, that is a risk we take. And it sucks. It @#$%#@$ sucks.” She looked at her oldest friend, however rarely had they rendered open their souls to each other as they just had. “I’m scared as well Trip.” She managed to reach out and tap the back of his hand with the side of her clenched fist. “Ronnie’s getting to you isn’t she.” It was worded as a question, but not sounded such. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to be to her. Her captain, her friend, her father. I just….you have it easier. Genetically she’s your cousin. She’s the same age as you more or less. That relationship is more clearly defined. But regardless, I’d do anything to protect Ronnie. But I don’t know who I’m supposed to be to her.” “Oh Trip…” She shook her head, disparingly “You are such a man. Did you ask her? Ask her what she wants from...well, anything? She’s scared T. Until last month she didn’t know if the wrong decision would erase her from existence...Have you actually...you know...spoken to the girl? Not to the uniform, not to the rank or the job...but to her?” “No. I need to though. Maybe you could do some recon?” “I’ll always be your wingman, but this is not my mission flyboy.” Ailynn said committedly, “I’ll give you pointers, but this has to come from you, she’ll know my words from yours.” Her look was friendly, but in a certain light, stern. “Fine, then I have a different recon job for you.” Ailynn looked at Trip and sighed. “Okay, hit me.” “Do you think Ronnie is Ronnie? Could she be the visitor? I need you to find out. You know her best.” Ailynn’s face fell serious immediately, and she nodded, she opened her mouth a few times, starting assorted different sentences, eventually, her eyes tightened slightly and she nodded. “Leave it with me.” She sighed deeply, standing up. “I need to have a quick wash, try and awaken, then speak to mum, and then I’ll hit the acoustics with Ire.” She did up her collar. “With your permission?” Trip smiled. “Thanks. And when this is over. I guess it’ll be time to ask Ronnie if she wants a daddy-daughter date.” “Good call.” “Dismissed.” Ailynn stepped out of the Ready room, a whole lot more on her mind than when she entered, her heart bled for Ronnie, an orphan of another universe, however that facade hid something, what that something was, Ailynn couldn’t yet figure out, but mark her words… ...she would. The door closed behind her. (reply none) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – 2O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek – 2023) "After you…" she spoke and then paused. Keira saw her friend looked drained, not her usual self. “You okay?” Keira asked, genuine concern in her voice. "I'm tired. I feel like I have nothing left in me but I am here to help in whatever way I can. " Erin said. Keira’s heart ached seeing her friend feel this way. It hurt more in that she didn’t know how to help her. Keira barely knew how to take care of her own emotions that often slipped the reigns of control, let alone helping someone else deal with theirs. “I know you’re giving a lot, and I appreciate your help.” Keira said meekly. (Reply Erin, if you want, and room for more) “Let’s go check on Mister Sleeford. The quicker we finish the quicker we can head home.” Keira said. The only way she knew how to deal with problems is to power through them. (Reply Erin, or none) (USS Exeter - FO’s Office - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken and FltSrgnGnl VAdm Aimee Bracken - 2030) Ailynn strode into her office and gave the Command order to lock her door. It was something that she almost never did, she was exhausted, it had been a very long day, and even now showed no sign of ending. Sitting at her desk, she calmed herself and pulled her hair into a tight bun, almost pulling her scalp back. “Computer,” there was a beep of acknowledgement, “get me a secure connection to the office of the Fleet Surgeon General. Command Authorisation Bracken-six-delta-twelve. Confirm.” [Code confirmed. Connection made.] The screen changed, to reveal a familiar office, and a face that was forever emblazoned on her own psyche as much was her own. “Baby! How are you?” The Admiral’s face erupted into a deep, proud maternal smile. Ailynn’s face remained impasse. “Admiral. Confirm secure connection, Command authorisation Bracken-six-delta-twelve.” She could see her mother’s mind change gear, realising that if that Ailynn was being this formal then something truly was deeply wrong. “Admiralty confirmation, Bracken-one-kappa-three. Confirm.” The two women stared at each other for a moment. “Commander.” Ailynn half nodded, “Admiral, I need to talk, something that is more your field than mine.” “Ailynn, what is it? In the nicest way you look terrible.” Aimee cut across the formality, seeing the trouble in her daughter’s eyes. Smiling, Ailynn nodded. “I feel it, been a long day is all. Nanites. I read something that piqued my interest, and I can’t shake the thought.’” Aimee smiled, seeing her daughter and speaking to her in this manner made her heart soar. Things had been strained over the last few months; Ailynn’s decision to move to Command hadn’t sat well with Aimee, and she hadn’t dealt with it well at all. Some part of her would always hope that Ailynn would move back to medical at some point, but she was prouder of her daughter than Ailynn would ever know. It was also lovely to be needed by her, it had been a long time since it had happened, and some parts of parenthood never left, regardless of how old and brilliant one’s progeny was. “Okay, so shoot.” “Here’s the thing. I read something about nanites being used to paralyse someone, bestowed by a kiss. They then dissolved afterward” “A kiss? How poetic, where did you read this, my sister writing murder mysteries now? Floppy Bunny goes on a killing spree?” Ailynn smiled and laughed, half thinking that that was a story that she’d like to read. “Not quite, but something like that, I forget where I read it.” “Hmm.” Her mother grunted noncommittally, “What you’re talking about is a level of nanotech so specialised…” “Could you do it?” “Now? No, back then? Still no, there’d be no kind of checks and balances against what you were trying to do, not least purposely making things that's only function was to paralyse someone or something. I can’t think of a single reason that you’d even want to do that.” “Hypothetically though?” Ailynn pushed. She knew her mother’s internal alarm bells would be ringing by now. “The list of people that would be capable, and the places that that kind of tech could even be designed is extremely small. Even if they dissolved, there'd be residual base chemicals in the system. Both the precursor and successor residues, you’re familiar with that much, yes?” Ailynn nodded simply. “I remember that much, yeah. I passed the Bio-neural medicine unit remember, I’m not a complete failure.” “Honey...This isn’t hypothetical is it.” It was worded as a question, but wasn’t worded as such. Ailynn sighed. “Claaasssiffied…?” Nodding, Aimee accepted the word without reaction. “Baby please be careful. I’ve only just calmed down over the last scrape you got into.” “I will, I promise.” “Look, if this has happened somewhere, then someone has access to an extremely dangerous technology, one that I made sure wasn’t possible when I designed the nano-control chip technology that Trip is benefitting from. They would have the potential to be indescribably dangerous. Understand?” Ailynn nodded. “Understood.” “While you’re here how’s my sister?” “Ashlyn? She’s disgustingly well and beautiful. She’s reached the maternal glowing stage, her complexion is to die for, it’s awful.” She smiled, showing that the remarks were only playful. “Pass on my love, and tell her to be careful, I want to snuggle with my nephew.” Ailynn nodded her head silently. “I will, and I’m certain that she passes on her love.” A troubled look crossed Aimee’s face, “Babygirl, please take care, I love you so much, I’m crazy crazy proud of you.” Ailynn nodded. “Me too mum. Me too.” She pulled back a rush of emotion, swallowing a tear. “With your permission Admiral? Commander Bracken out.” Aimee nodded. “Granted Commander. Admiral out.” (Reply none) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – 2O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr Keira Merek – 2013) Keira didn’t have to wait long for someone to show up, however it wasn’t the someone she was expecting to show up first. She saw Ensign Sleeford looking around he hadn’t quite spotted her straight away, so not in the mood to play hide and seek she stepped out from the support pylon she was leaning against and gave a brief waive to get his attention. “Ensign Sleeford, thanks for being so… prompt.” She said finally finding the word she wished to use. (Reply Sleeford) “I would like you to go set up lab seven for acoustics analysis while I wait on the final member of our team.” She said. (Reply Sleeford) “We’ll join you when she gets here, thank you.” Keira said. Once Sleeford disappeared into Seven, it wasn’t long mere moments before Erin showed up. Walking into the lab, Erin held her hands up in protest, “I know I am not properly attired but, after the day I have had, I was damned if I was putting on my uniform again.” "It’s late I understand.” Keira said with a weak smile. “So, what’s up?” Erin asked. “Being our Chief of Sciences, how’s your knowledge of Acoustics?” Keira asked. ~I start asking the question I know I have to she’s going to know something’s up.~ Keira thought. (Reply Erin) “That’s good….” Keira said. ~Just get to it already!~ Keira prodded herself. “While I was waiting for you to show, I was thinking about one of our previous “adventures”. You remember that holodeck program I showed you?” Keira asked. (Reply Erin) “Yup, that’s the one. I remember how it beat us both up pretty bad. I ended up recycling that work out shirt by the end it was too bloody and tattered.” Keira said. ~That question can be answered by going through old logs.~ Keira thought and wasn’t quite convinced. (Reply Erin) “I know it’s strange but one last question. Remember how I patched you up at the end? How’s that scar?” Keira asked. ~This is the question that will tell me if it’s Erin or an imposter.~ (Reply Erin, Sleeford) (USS Exeter- Science labs- COO Ensign (sg) Paul Sleeford 20:15) Sleeford stood in the science department looking for commander Merek, seeing movement from behind one of the vertical support pylons, walking forward he stopped four feet in front of her and by nature aspired parade rest and waited. After a few second she spoke. Ensign Sleeford, thanks for being so… prompt.” She said finally finding the word she wished to use. Nodding once he half smiled, “ I’m little early Commander Merek” “I would like you to go set up lab seven for acoustics analysis while I wait on the final member of our team.” Resisting the urge to salute Sleeford settled for a quick nod,” might take me longer then your guys Commander, it’s been a while” “We’ll join you when she gets here, thank you.” Walking towards lab number seven, Sleeford wondered in passing who the other member of the team was and why he was here, he assumed there where more competent science officers who could have set up the lab, unless the commander was expecting trouble. Making a slight detour to check the emergency weapons locker behind the bulkhead Sleeford nodded in satisfaction that the three hand phasers where there, closing the panel and resetting the controls he headed to lab seven. Entering he began setting it up for acoustic work. (Reply Merek if any) (USS Exeter – Science Labs - CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez - 2017) "Being our Chief of Sciences, how’s your knowledge of Acoustics?” Keira asked. Looking at her friend, Erin knew something was up but she couldn’t put a finger on what it was. Taking a second, Erin thought and said, “Not brilliant but i can follow acoustical science.” “That’s good….While I was waiting for you to show, I was thinking about one of our previous “adventures”. You remember that holodeck program I showed you?” Erin smiled, “You mean the “Calisthenics” one? Oh i remember it well.” “Yup, that’s the one. I remember how it beat us both up pretty bad. I ended up recycling that work out shirt by the end it was too bloody and tattered.” Keira said. “Me too. It was fun though. Does a person good to work out sometimes. Get the inner anger out on the holodeck.” “I know it’s strange but one last question. Remember how I patched you up at the end? How’s that scar?” Erin gave her friend a look and replied, “You patched me up? I seem to remember someone declining to do it. I think the words were “A world of no.” You handed me the autosuture and i did it. Now unless you want me to prove my medical skills and show you that there is no scar, would you mind telling me what the hell is going on because it’s late and i’ve had a bad day and am in no mood for games.” (Reply Keira) “Just spit it out. We’re friends. I know some of the crew have questions about my involvement with Commander Tyko and, that is something that will be answered in the fullness of time. Just tell me what is going on. Please, Keira?” (Reply Merek) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – 2O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek – 2019) Erin gave her friend a look and replied, “You patched me up? I seem to remember someone declining to do it. I think the words were “A world of no.” You handed me the autosuture and I did it. Now unless you want me to prove my medical skills and show you that there is no scar, would you mind telling me what the hell is going on because it’s late and I’ve had a bad day and am in no mood for games.” ~It’s her. No one else could have known that.~ Keira thought. “Lieutenant Cortez as Second Officer I’m pleased to inform you that you are no longer a person of interest in the murder of Starfleet Officer Lieutenant Commander Tiko. Recent evidence has eliminated you as a suspect. Thank you for your cooperation with this investigation.” Keira said changing the subject. “Just spit it out. We’re friends. I know some of the crew have questions about my involvement with Commander Tyko and, that is something that will be answered in the fullness of time. Just tell me what is going on. Please, Keira?” "I can’t yet,” Keira admitted. “I can’t because I quite like my job here as Second Officer and Chief Engineer, if I divulge too much, now it will cost me my job, maybe some of these pips on my collar. If I don’t want to be Chief Engineer of a garbage scow I have to keep a lid on it for now.” (Reply Erin) “…but you’re cleared now, not just that you and I know, but in the eyes of the investigation. It’s a step in a good way, right?” Keira said trying to mend any possible feelings hurt of her friend that she had to keep in the dark. (Reply Erin) “Thank you. Sleeford should have lab 7 up and running by now, let’s go give him a hand.” Keira said. (Reply Erin) (USS Exeter – Personal Quarters – Ensign Rylee Page - 2059) After finishing her double shift, Rylee sat on her sofa in her quarters, yawned and sighed. Now dressed in a vest top and short pyjama bottoms, she closed her eyes for a moment and smiled as the memory of the picnic that her and Zot had enjoyed. She knew that something was happening between them. Something that she wanted to explore but, in all truth, she was scared. Nothing like this had ever happened to her before. Not so fast and so sudden. It was as though, to her, he had always meant to be in her life and it felt right but it scared her. Sitting back on the sofa, she pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. ~I wish i knew what to do. Do i tell him? Do i keep it quiet and wait for him to say something and what if he doesn’t? He is so different to me, in more than just the physical. Can we truly be together without…. That?~ she thought to herself as she looked down at the picture on the table infront of her. The picture of her parents and her, just before she left to join Starfleet. Smiling, she knew exactly what they would say to her right now. “I know mom. I know. I should just say something rather than spend the rest of my life wondering what if.” (Reply Any) (USS Exeter - Personal Quarters - Lt Jg Greta Smith - 2102) Sitting in her comfy pyjamas, Greta put down the PADD she had been reading and looked at the chronometer on the table infront of her. Sighing, she gazed at the wall of their quarters and closed her eyes. ~Seems like i am always waiting for him. I mean, i know he is the chief flight officer and he has duties but still, after the nice evening we just had, would have been nice to spend some time together, just us…~ she thought to herself as a memory flashed into her mind. ~Flashback~ Sitting at a table outside her favourite bistro, The railbridge, in a small town just outside Edinburgh called Queensferry, Greta took a sip of the coffee and looked out at the vista. The old Forth Bridge had long ago been updated but had kept the original styling. This place had always held special memories for her. Her father had often taken her fishing from just a way down the bay from where she sat and it had been important to her to show this to Ire. They’d taken a few days leave and come back to earth so that Ire could make sure his pilot certifications were up to date and Greta had joined him. In an effort to convince him that, despite what she had always told him, she was now trying to make him understand that the Haggis was not a real creature. Smiling at the thought of his confusion, Greta took another sip of her coffee. The bar staff had known her a long time, she had spent many summers in Queensferry and they had seen her grow up. So, a part of her wanted Ire to meet them but it seemed that it was not meant to be. In truth, she didn’t resent him for doing what he did. For him to be still a pilot, the proper paperwork had to be in place. Having been in that position herself many a time, she understood but it seemed like all she did now was wait for him. Still, it could have been worse. The view alone made up for the lack of company and she knew that he would be there as soon as he could. ~end of flashback~ Smiling to herself, she picked up her PADD again and began reading. ~Who am i kidding? I’ll always wait for him~ (Reply no-one) (USS Exeter - FO’s Office - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 2105) The conversation over with her mother, and having filed the appropriate report with Trip, Ailynn sat back with a sigh. She was glad of the short break for a coffee and a chat that she had taken with Sytuk, the bite to eat that she had grabbed had helped stave off a lot of tiredness, and the conversation that she had had with him, had relaxed her mind enough to push back some of the tiredness. The conversation with her mother had centred her too, for too long, since her move to Command, there’d been an awkardness between them. Not a resentment, but more a level of disappointment from Aimee toward Ailynn. Ailynn herself knew that she hadn’t handled things very well toward her mother, thankfully, that seemed all water under the bridge now, to hear her mother’s words of pride, even from countless light years away, had warmed Ailynn’s heart and made her feel like a small girl again, one who had coloured in the lines well, or got full marks on her first spelling test. Woolgathering however, Ailynn reflected, would not catch the murderers, and Ailynn knew she had a task and a half ahead of her. Thankfully however, this time, she would not be alone. Tapping her commbadge, she opened a channel. “Bracken to CFO Williams.” (Reply Ire) "Lieutenant, I'm in need of your assistance. Can you meet me outside the acoustics lab please?" (Reply Ire) "Many thanks. Bracken out." (USS Exeter – Bridge – CONN – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams- 2107) He moved himself into a comfortable position in his chair as he looked over the console. They were heading on a mostly straight track towards their destination and it looked like it was going to be a quiet shift which was nice compared to the day he had, had. ~You can’t be having space battles every time you take the helm~ =^=Bracken to CFO Williams=^= ~Spoke to soon~ “Williams here?” =^=Lieutenant, I'm in need of your assistance. Can you meet me outside the acoustics lab please=^= Ire turned to the officer of the watch and indicated towards the turbolift. The officer of the watch looked up from her PADD and nodded before going back to her PADD. “On my way commander.” He waited for his relief to take over the helm console before he headed for the turbolift. =^=Many thanks. Bracken out=^= (USS Exeter - outside acoustics lab- FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 2110) Ailynn arrived at the door to the lab, to be joined by Ire a moment later. "Thank you Ire." She said. "All will become clear soon." (Repky Ire) "Now, this will sound odd. On Trips stag do, the second bar we went to you got me a rather interesting cocktail. What colour was it?" (Reply Ire) (USS Exeter - outside acoustics lab- CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams - 2113) Ire rounded the corner and saw Bracken outside the lab "Thank you Ire." He nodded to her. "All will become clear soon." “Okay Sir.” "Now, this will sound odd. On Trips stag do, the second bar we went to you got me a rather interesting cocktail. What colour was it?" Ire was slightly taken a back for a moment before the thought about the question. “The second bar…..I had a nerve pinch, Greta a samarian sunset…your was a nibiru eruption which was a deep red at the bottom growing lighter to the top and had some kind of reaction which produced white smoke coming out the top.” (Reply Bracken) “I am guessing you did not call me down for a taster session?” He said with a slight smile. (Reply Bracken) (Reply Bracken) (USS Exeter - outside acoustics lab- CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams - 2113) “The second bar…..I had a nerve pinch and yours was a nibiru eruption which was a deep red at the bottom growing lighter to the top and had some kind of reaction which produced white smoke coming out the top.” Confirming the detail in her mind, Ailynn nodded. “Thank you Ire. Security reasons. I’ll explain.” she smiled gently. “I am guessing you did not call me down for a taster session?” He said with a slight smile. Ailynn shook her head, and spoke gently, stepping forward and over toward an empty console in the acoustics lab. “Sadly not. What I am about to share with you is to be considered classified” She moved on to explaining what she was able to about the source of the sound clip that she could. After a few minutes explanation, she moved on to the meat of the matter. “There are a number of different suspects, our job is to try to identify the main perp. The other signals are being handled by Commander Merek and her team. For reasons that I’m not sure how much I can relate, it’s worth asking a security question of anyone you have significant dealing with, something that only you and they know the true answer to, and any imposter will not. ” (Reply Ire) “Ailynn please…” she waved off the rank. “What we have is an indescribably difficult job. The signal is scrambled, perhaps through a modulator of some kind. Skipper thinks that you and I might have the skillset to make a dent in this.” (Reply Ire) “Computer. Play sample Bracken omega one. COmmand authorisation Bracken-six-delta-twelve.” [Command code accepted playing sample] A somewhat disjointed sample then played through the speakers, a seemingly random jumble of words. “It isn’t much, but we’re under a lot of levels of security.” (Reply Ire) (USS Exeter - Acoustics lab- FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 2114) “Do you mind playing it again.” He closed his eyes as he tried to tune out all the other sounds in the room apart from the recording. He shook his head and frowned. “Ailynn what audio programs has this been filtered thought?” Reaching to her right, she picked up two headsets, and passed one over. Designed to cancel all the noise from the room, they could be tuned to each wearers individual hearing range, and alter the sound accordingly. “I wish I could say more about the imposter business. I’ll be completely honest there’s a lot going on that is simply under the heading ‘classified’. Hell, even I don’t know all of it, which is more than a little annoying I’ll confess.” (reply Ire) “As the the sound clip, Trip has chosen a selection of random words, some common to try to isolate cadence, speech patterns etc others less common, to try to pin down on linguistic variance. As you know, how we all use and say words varies, How I speak and say...Ashlyn uses words is very different. She speaks with a far fluid rhythm and regularly uses words that I have to look up what they mean.” (Reply Ire) “It’s been run through the standard clean-up procedures. There’s a copy of the raw file attached if you’d rather start from there. (Reply Ire) (USS Exeter – Gym, weight room – CO, Captain Trip Williams – 2115) Trip was frustrated, but there wasn't much he could do. He was responsible for a full ship, so while he wanted to put all his focus on catching the murderers, he also had to focus on every aspect of the ship. There had been a few broken holodecks, a sick CMO, three crewman had an accident during an ice skating holoprogram, Ensign McGillicuty broke up with Ensign Locarno, which followed with Ensign Locarno slapping Ensign McGillicuty across the face. Security had to break that one up. He trusted his senior staff to handle the big things. It was just frustrating that he had to be more hands off than he would like to be. He was also worried about his command staff. They were running on fumes and he was worried about them suffering from burnout. He wish he could just say, hey take the next 3 hours off, sleep. But he knew that wasn't the right call. He was frustrated, he was angry, and he needed to let off some steam. Trip knew what could help, and that was by hitting the weight room. He was dressed in his standard PT gear and walked over to the bench press. He placed 300 lbs on the bench and activated a hologram spotter to help, just in case. Though Trip knew that at this weight, as long as he didn't do anything stupid, he could easily do at least 4 sets of 10. He laid down on the bench and lifted the bar up and began doing reps. He was frustrated. One. He wanted clarity. Two. He wanted his command staff to be able to sleep. Three. He was worried about their burnout. Four. He needed to talk to Ronnie. Five. He didn't know how to open that conversation with her. Six. How do you be dad to your daughter from an alternate future. Seven. Who was your same age. Eight. While also catching a murderer. Nine. Who could be anyone on his ship. Ten. Trip racked the weight and sat up. As the endorphins began moving and he could feel the adrenaline began to run through his body, he was still frustrated. But at least he still had 3 more sets to try and work it out. (reply any) (USS Exeter – Gym, weight room – Med Intern aEns Lana Wakeman – 2116) Lana walked in to the weights room, not normally her thing she could press a reasonable amount considering her petite frame, numerous shifts nursing, lifting and moving patients had actually toned her body well, worktoned muscle ran over her shoulders and down her upper arms. She saw the Captain at a bench, but being respectful and not bothering him both as a senior rank, and as a gym user deep into his set. Turning away she racked up 50lbs each side and sat down on the bench. She took a sip of the water that she had brought, and then called for a holotrainer, to spot for her. She was about to start her set when she noticed that the Captain had finished his set. Sitting back up, she looked over to him, noting the weight that he’d been pressing, and the set about his face, a man with obviously a lot on his mind, and his admittedly rather well toned shoulders. “Respectfully Sir” she said with a teasing smile that she hoped told him that she was being flippant, “go easy there, we’re dead short of medics at the moment, and I am not surgical qualified.” (Reply Trip) (USS Exeter - Acoustics lab- CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams- 2117) “I wish I could say more about the imposter business. I’ll be completely honest there’s a lot going on that is simply under the heading ‘classified’. Hell, even I don’t know all of it, which is more than a little annoying I’ll confess.” Ire nodded as he took the offered headphones. “Thank you.” “As the the sound clip, Trip has chosen a selection of random words, some common to try to isolate cadence, speech patterns etc others less common, to try to pin down on linguistic variance. As you know, how we all use and say words varies, How I speak and say...Ashlyn uses words is very different. She speaks with a far fluid rhythm and regularly uses words that I have to look up what they mean.” “It would be nice if it was going to be that easy but I have a feeling that its not going to be especially with the way they killed Nix.” “It’s been run through the standard clean-up procedures. There’s a copy of the raw file attached if you’d rather start from there.” Ire shook his head. “I would like to go through the raw file first. Just in case we get some bias by listening to the clean up one.” (Reply Bracken) He closed his eyes and cleared his mind like he would do when he was flying. Concentrating in the moment and not on things that would distract him. “Okay can I listen to the cleaned up one.” (Reply Bracken) He listened to the other copy and frowned. “There is something, but I can’t put my finger on it.” He gave a sigh as he looked over at Bracken. “Do you mind if I run in through my data port?” (Reply Bracken) “When I fly, I jack into the fighter and all its external sensor data as well as the fighters internal information gets passed into my brain. I can process all the information and separate it out so that I can priorities it into what is urgent and what is not.” He paused for a moment. “I might be able to get something that the computer cannot?” ~That or one massive headache like I did when I did it at the academy party~ (Reply Bracken) (USS Exeter – Gym, weight room – CO, Captain Trip Williams – 2118) “Respectfully Sir” she said with a teasing smile that she hoped told him that she was being flippant, “go easy there, we’re dead short of medics at the moment, and I am not surgical qualified.” Trip looked over at who was speaking to him. He ran his hands through his hair. ~Dang, haven't broken a sweat yet.~ "That's what the EMH is for." He said with a smile. (reply Wakeman) He hadn't had much interaction with Lana, as an intern she was essentially a cadet getting extended real world training. Every so often he'd check in on, make sure she was doing her school work, but he passed off the interns on Billy to be their de facto instructor. "Besides, it's a lot of weight, but only about 70% of my one rep max. Sure I could have warmed up with something lighter, but how else can I show our fellow crewmembers from species with mega strength, that they aren't the only strong ones." Trip said with a laugh. (reply Wakeman) Trip nodded, "So umm, hows, the um school work?" (reply Wakeman) (reply Wakeman) (USS Exeter – Gym, weight room – SPC Armory Chief PO2 Sytuk–2120) Sytuk entered the gym wearing weighted athletic attire. He would have preferred to exercise in his quarters but he was permitted to have the augmented density modifiers on his weights. He noticed one of the benches was occupied by no other than the captain himself. Sytuk knew Trip through Ash, but he didnt know him on a personal level. Sure Ash had shared a few things here and there about the man behind the pips but it was not Sytuk's place to have an opinion on anything. He knew simply that Captain Williams was a good officer and an even better husband according to Ash. So in those regards Sytuk respected him. Sytuk grabbed the par steel bar from the rack and loaded six 45 pound weights on each side. With the weight of the bar the total weight was 590 pounds. He laid down on the bench. His hands gripped the bar and he began his reps. Usually he warmed up at a lesser weight but from time to time he would jump right into it. He closed his eyes and counted the reps in his head. At first Sytuk could overhear the conversations of those around him, but he soon tuned them out. Trying to focus his mind on his reps. He couldn't get Commander Bracken's mind out of his own. The emotional burdens she carried were unbelievable and rivalled even his own. She was so confident yet unsure. Strong yet broken. He reached 10 reps and kept going. ( reply any ) (USS Exeter - Nine and Dine - Counselor, - Lieutenant(jg) Victoria Corsica - 2152) Ewan paused for a moment. “I play the trumpet. I have a mute so that the noise dose not irritate any one nearby.” "Really," Victoria said happily, she was never one to play an instrument so she was always happy for those who could. “I tried with the bagpipes when I was younger but much to the disappointment of my parents and the relief of the neighbours, I was not very good, but I am quite good with trumpet.” "I've never been one to play," she spoke a slight smile. "It just one of those things I've never had a talent for, or maybe I never found the right instrument." (Reply Ewan) she opened her senses has a new group of officers entered Nine and Dine. She wanted to get an good emotional feel of the crew, and maybe she could get close enough to one of the crew involved to pick up on something. (Reply Ewan) (USS Exeter - Nine and Dine -Nurse – CPO – Ewan McDonald – 2155) "It just one of those things I've never had a talent for, or maybe I never found the right instrument." “What instruments have you tried?” (Reply Corsica) “Those are interesting choices.” (Reply Corsica) He noticed that Victoria expression had shifted slight and her ears were twitching away from them. “Are you okay?” (Reply Corsica) (Reply Corsica, any) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 2240) He glared at the sensor sweeps. " I am unable to be bothered. Being bothered would imply that I am annoyed" He said and looked at her. " I will return to my hiding place. " "Of course Mister T’kel,” she smiled and looked back to the equipment on her desk slowly tinkering with it. She ran her tricorder over it and took out a multitool to put some of it together. Moments passed when she was interrupted. " Ensign Hamm.." Janice looked round swiftly jumping to her feet knocking the stool she was sitting on to the floor behind her. She was just in time to see T’kel fall to the floor and hear the tink of his phaser hit of the ground out of her line of sight. " Good evening Ensign." A man in a ops uniform said as he held up a small flickering device. Tapping her comm badge with her free hand as it gave a very distinct ‘not connected’ blurp. She did not recognise the man form her short stint on the ship so far. Show original message She looked at him, then the device, then T’kel laying of the ground. The initial shock had passed but she could feel her heart thumping in her chest as she suppressed her flight or fight instincts for the moment. Compliance currently seemed the better part of valour. “Good evening to you too,” she replied back calmed but narrowing her gaze at him. Looking at the way out of that lab it appeared that he would have the upper hand to beat her to the door. Still if he was smart enough to get in odds are that door was probably locked to prevent anyone interrupting them. Janice made this assumption from the air of confidence on the man – it all seemed calculated. Janice slowly edged her way round the table away from the man. Small movements to try and not garner his attention but keep the distance between them. She spoke to attempt to distract him from her actions as she closed the tricorder in her other hand while subtly trying to press the buttons from memory to allow it to record their conversation. She hoped her actions would go unnoticed and the device in his possession did not interfere with her tricorder as well. “Who are you? What do you want?” Her eyes darted over the man quickly looking for information on the front facing side of the man. Pips on the collar, marks on his uniform, the tell tale bulge in a uniform of a concealed weapon. (Reply Mystery Man) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – Ensign Janice Hammerfield & The Murderer Ensign Sg.– 2242) “Who are you? What do you want?” She questioned. Her eyes seemingly scanning her surroundings, more particularly him. " None of that matters now. " He said looking down at the phaser on the floor. It was halfway between the two of them. Janice followed his gaze over and looked towards him then down to the floor where she presumed T’kels phaser lay. Slowly she took a side step towards where it lay. A sadistic smile crossed his face as he lunged towards the phaser on the floor in an attempt to reach it before her. Taking a step and a half she made a dive across the floor trying to scramble over to it before him. Her hand feel inches short and she looked at him as he brandished the phaser now. Slowly she made her way up on her feet and dusted herself off looking for another opportunity to make a move.. He looked at the phaser in his hand, making his way to his feet. Hearing a noise from behind him he turned his head slightly to see T'kel regaining consciousness. He looked at Hammerfiled. " Vulcans are so damned persistent." He said as he raised the setting on the phaser to maximum. “GET DOWN!” Janice shouted assuming that T’kel was still a bit dazed as she lunged at the man grabbing his wrist struggling for the phaser. A blast discharged striking the ceiling above them sending sparks flying everywhere. He fought with Hammerfield to break away from her using his free hand, he grabbed her by her collar lifting her off of her feet and slamming her on the table. Equipment falling to the ground. He turned the phaser in his hand just enough to have a clear shot at Hammerfield as her hand still clinging to wrist. She grunted as she pulled the man's hand down to put him off balance and redirect the phaser away from her. He was stronger and she knew it. Any brute force without technique would not be effective. “Let it go!” she said through gritted teeth still struggling as adrenaline pumped into her. T'kel stumbled to his feet. In the process he grabbed a small shelving unit that had been knocked down and swung it at the man's head. T'kel fell to his knees still disoriented “LET IT GO!” she shouted loudly. As she flug it in another direction she left her grip on his wrist slip off and threw her flat onto the ground. Looking up she was surprised not to see him pointing it straight down at her. He broke his wrist free of her grip and backed up pointing the phaser at T'kel. He could hear the security alarms sounding off now. Thinking fast she kicked her leg out knocking his knee and forcing the man to stumble enough to throw his aim off ever so slightly. In a flash she put her hand onto the table beside her to bring herself back up as she felt the butt of the phaser strike against the side of her head. She reached out holding onto the table but ended up falling onto it as she suffered a brief moment of disorientation from the blow. He turned his attention to Ensign T'Kel who was once again moving to his feet .He kicked over and laughed maniacally as he once again took aim. Blinking a few times she looked out onto the table - her engineering kit was on it. Fumbling her hands slipped on a few of the tools until she got a grip on the plasma cutter in it. “... I've had just about enough of you!” The man's focus on T’kel had spared her for the moment and she charged in behind him diving and using her whole body to catch him at the base of his back putting both flat on the ground. As they both grabbed on the ground with each other the sounds of sparking and light from the torch in her hand felt both blinding and deafening as she edged it slowly closer to the man's shoulder. “Pack it in - will you.” Her eyes darted between both hands one with the phaser and its trajectory and the other on the torch she was pushing down with all her might on. The plasma beam pressed into his shoulder. Out of the corner of his eye he saw T'kel reaching out towards the phaser in his hand. "She… She made us... do it." He said as he forcefully brought the phaser up to his chin and fired, vaporizing himself instantly. In a blinding flash of light he was gone. As the phaser blast went off Janice pushed herself away from him watching as the man vaporized in front of her. She panted - her hands shook and trembled for a moment as she processed what had just happened in front of her. Getting to her feet slowly she looked about the room as the lights flickered, “Mister T’Kel - are you ok?” T'kel nodded his head letting her know he was ok as he stood to his feet and leaned on a table for support. " I might need to be evaluated." He said knowing the hit was a serious one. Janice tapped her comm badge hearing his response, “Security and medical team to the science labs.” The communication went through,The inhibitor vaporising with the man. Pulling over a chair she sat down in it taking some deep breaths to try and control her heart rate and stop the onset of shock. (Reply Security, medical and command personnel) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – Nurse – CPO – Ewan McDonald – 2248) “So, you know that Security guy the one who looks like a tree.” Ewan looked over at the duty nurse who was sitting with him at the nurse’s station. “Yes, Ensign Arbor.” “How do you know his name?” “I asked him when he came on board for his medical.” “Ow okay, but did you know…..” =^=Security and medical team to the science labs=^= They both looked at each other for a moment before Ewan answered. “This is sickbay we are on our way.” He raised a quizzical eyebrow at the other nurse as all traces relaxation and humour was replaced by professionalism. He stood up and grabbed the medkit. “You better tell the duty doc.” “No problem I will tell the doc that you have gone and get things ready here. If we are going to get many casualties give me a heads up and I will wake the on calls.” “No problem.” Ewan headed out the door and along the corridor at a run. 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