Mission #6: Rattle of Sabers

Kintiss wrote:

[Sickbay]

And now it seemed like he'd scared her or been angry. It was probably the way he spoke. He didn't mean to come across as rude as he did. Lack of sleep made him cranky. He knew it was the same with his more mammalian co-workers.

"Ssssorry about that." he replied, making a concerted effort to sound more friendly. "Didn't get much ssssleep lasssst night." He picked up the Raktajino and swiftly drained its contents, ice cubes and all. He found it strange that, despite his dislike of cold conditions, he found cold drinks infinitely more refreshing and comforting than any heated beverage. Maybe he was just an oddity among his species.

[Sickbay]

"I-It's ok," Ilana replied quietly, still not looking up at the Selay. She was known amongst... well, everyone who knew her, for being pretty much scared of her own shadow. She was quite a bit smaller and thinner than most Cardassians, having not had the necessary conditions as a refugee in her youth to develop properly physically.

Reminding herself that Raynor would not forgive her for retreating back to her old ways just because he was gone, she forced herself to look up at the Selay. The glance only lasted a fraction of a second before it was once again fixed on the deck plates. "S-s-so... H-how are y-y-you f-finding y-your assignment?"

Conference Room

Andrew Sheridan had already had one run in with his Captain recently, and he hadn't even been her Exec yet. To step in again seemed unwise, but at the same time...he didn't like to see the Second Officer feeling like she was under fire. Thus, for a while, the young inexperienced First Officer simply watched and listened. Hearing Julia attempt to change the subject was the point he decided to take up.

"I think the nebula is the greater of the two ideas to explore," he spoke up calmly. "No matter what the other ships are up to out here; I have every confidence that we will perform professionally. My only point was in making sure we were aware of their presence in our exploration...to make sure there were no sudden problems. Forewarned is forearmed. Now, as for the nebula, I have a personal interest in the area. Some of our science probes from last year showed possible fluxes in the Space/Time Continuum. As a person who loves to explore such things; I would naturally want us to explore that area," he continued.

For the briefest of moments, Andrew caught Julia's eye...letting her know he understood her anxiety from the new position held.

"I know such things give you a headache, Captain, but they are also worth exploring usually," Andrew said after facing his CO. His eyes gave her the look in the hopes of conveying calm, professionalism, and moving on while waiting for the rest to arrive.

Andrew Sheridan wrote:

Conference Room
"I know such things give you a headache, Captain, but they are also worth exploring usually," Andrew said after facing his CO.  His eyes gave her the look in the hopes of conveying calm, professionalism, and moving on while waiting for the rest to arrive.

[Conference Room]

Changing the subject was just what Archangel needed at that point, hopefully to something that was going to keep her headache from becoming fully established. She was really going to have to do something about them, but later. Sickbay could always wait until later.

"We're here to explore and catalogue, so it looks like you're both going to be busy with exploring," she stated. "Pick out which phenomena you want to explore and let the flight department know where they're going. I trust I won't be needing to hold your hand and walk you through that." She winced slightly as she realised what she had said. "My apologies. That was rude."

[Conference Room]

What scientists called "fluxes" pilots called "deathtraps". Clouds too. Nebula were treacherous. Gas pockets, gravity waves, radiation, all the fun of space hazards. It was unsettling to consider going in with information a year old. A hidden singularity would end their adventure rather abruptly.

The Captain's momentary slip was a bit refreshing to her pointed ears. So many things she wished to say, but could not. Should not, even. The other lieutenant had been of rank for a shorter period of time, but was high up on the staff chain. This fact in of itself was not an issue. Whether or not her counterpart could keep herself together under pressure was another.

"Ma'am, I would like more recent data on the nebula. Gather information on it via probe while scanning the binary system. I can't guarantee safe navigation until we know more of what's in there."

Andrew Sheridan wrote:

Conference Room

Andrew Sheridan had already had one run in with his Captain recently, and he hadn't even been her Exec yet.  To step in again seemed unwise, but at the same time...he didn't like to see the Second Officer feeling like she was under fire.  Thus, for a while, the young inexperienced First Officer simply watched and listened.  Hearing Julia attempt to change the subject was the point he decided to take up.

"I think the nebula is the greater of the two ideas to explore," he spoke up calmly.  "No matter what the other ships are up to out here; I have every confidence that we will perform professionally.  My only point was in making sure we were aware of their presence in our exploration...to make sure there were no sudden problems.  Forewarned is forearmed.  Now, as for the nebula, I have a personal interest in the area.  Some of our science probes from last year showed possible fluxes in the Space/Time Continuum.  As a person who loves to explore such things; I would naturally want us to explore that area," he continued.

For the briefest of moments, Andrew caught Julia's eye...letting her know he understood her anxiety from the new position held.

"I know such things give you a headache, Captain, but they are also worth exploring usually," Andrew said after facing his CO.  His eyes gave her the look in the hopes of conveying calm, professionalism, and moving on while waiting for the rest to arrive.

[Conference Room]

Julia let out a sigh of relief as Andrew followed her lead and changed the subject to scientific exploration. She was glad to see Sheridan helping her out. She had yet to spend much time with him but she saw this as a building block for a strong working relationship. "Agreed Commander, I think its best that we move forward with our mission of exploration and just be aware of potential visitors."

Jiseth wrote:

[Conference Room]

What scientists called "fluxes" pilots called "deathtraps". Clouds too. Nebula were treacherous. Gas pockets, gravity waves, radiation, all the fun of space hazards. It was unsettling to consider going in with information a year old. A hidden singularity would end their adventure rather abruptly.

The Captain's momentary slip was a bit refreshing to her pointed ears. So many things she wished to say, but could not. Should not, even. The other lieutenant had been of rank for a shorter period of time, but was high up on the staff chain. This fact in of itself was not an issue. Whether or not her counterpart could keep herself together under pressure was another.

"Ma'am, I would like more recent data on the nebula. Gather information on it via probe while scanning the binary system. I can't guarantee safe navigation until we know more of what's in there."

Julia turned to Jiseth. "I think I can help you with that Lieutenant." She rooted through the five PADDs that she had brought along to the meeting and took a sip of her coffee to give her a moment to gather her thoughts. She passed a PADD to Commander Sheridan "When we approach the nebula I can send a probe ahead of us. Not only will the probe assist us in gathering data it can warn us of dangers as we traverse the nebula. It should give you a chance to plot a safe course in real time. The probe can act as our escort. Our sensors won't be able to penetrate the nebula." Julia turned to address the group. "We will have to enter the nebula to gather any meaningful results."

Jiseth wrote:

"Ma'am, I would like more recent data on the nebula. Gather information on it via probe while scanning the binary system. I can't guarantee safe navigation until we know more of what's in there."

Julia Rellek wrote:

Julia let out a sigh of relief as Andrew followed her lead and changed the subject to scientific exploration. She was glad to see Sheridan helping her out. She had yet to spend much time with him but she saw this as a building block for a strong working relationship. "Agreed Commander, I think its best that we move forward with our mission of exploration and just be aware of potential visitors."

Julia turned to Jiseth. "I think I can help you with that Lieutenant." She rooted through the five PADDs that she had brought along to the meeting and took a sip of her coffee to give her a moment to gather her thoughts. She passed a PADD to Commander Sheridan "When we approach the nebula I can send a probe ahead of us. Not only will the probe assist us in gathering data it can warn us of dangers as we traverse the nebula. It should give you a chance to plot a safe course in real time. The probe can act as our escort. Our sensors won't be able to penetrate the nebula." Julia turned to address the group. "We will have to enter the nebula to gather any meaningful results."

[Conference Room]

It was easy to sit back and listen to the two officers discussing the safety of approaching the various stellar phenomenon in the area, both the navigation aspects of it with the dangers it posed, but also the scientific curiosity that was the whole reason for them being out here in the first place.

She pushed herself to her feet, hands braced against the table, and stayed in that position for a moment, braced against the glossy surface, as she surveyed the few officers gathered.

"Lieutenant Rellek, you're in charge of sending a probe ahead and reporting back on what we expect to find in each phenomenon we investigate or even get close to. I want as detailed a report as you can get on anything that will affect the crew, the piloting of the ship and the ship herself. Liaise with the medical, flight and security departments so that they can be ready for any eventuality." She turned her gaze to Jiseth. "You're our best pilot, so I'll want you at the helm. Pick out a relief pilot from your staff as well just in case."

Finally, she looked up at Sheridan, noting his quiet and professional demeanour. She wondered how long it would take for him to decide that it wasn't worth trying to work with her as well. He was making a good job of it so far, but how long would it last? "Commander, since you've been angling for more bridge time since you got on the ship, you can take charge of this one."

Conference Room

"Thank you, Captain. I will gladly run point on this assignment; though I assure you...I won't be foolish enough to leave you out of anything interesting," Lt. Commander Sheridan expressed with a nod to his CO.

It was just after the mission investigating a world to join the Federation that Andrew had expressed to the Captain his desire for more Bridge time. It only made sense considering that had been his first major moment in command, and it had been filled with explosive problems. The entire safety of the ship and crew were literally in his hands at that very moment. She had come to speak with him about his performance that day, and had admitted he really could not have done much better all things considered. Besides, as her XO, it was his duty to take some of the pressure off of his Captain, and it would also give him a chance to work with Jiseth...whom he had yet to work with, and more time to work with Julia.

Julia's plan was a good one. Up to date info in near real time for Jiseth was an excellent suggestion, but it still would be a minefield of possible problems considering nebula never gave up their secrets easily. Sensors and nebula were just natural foes. Still, Andrew was delighted to explore...a mission outside of combat was quite welcome. Of course, if he also got the chance to put his temporal mechanics to use...so much the better. Naturally, he hoped it wouldn't be in a negative way...like some breach, or unholy temporal vortex... The last thing he wanted was more headaches for his Captain.

"Lieutenant Rellek, your plan is sound, and I am sure the three of us," nodding towards Jiseth, "can coordinate such an operation with ease. Speaking of Ops, Senior Chief Sophie McCallan has taken Ops back over, and we will be coordinating with her," the XO stated.

[Conference Room]

"Yes, ma'am."

With a nod she stood quietly and proceeded to the door while listening to the XO, at least part of what he said. T'Koris gave her plenty of room to work which was greatly appreciated. No short leash like previous captains, all fearing green disruptor fire more than the woman herself. Small things like waiting to be dismissed were obnoxious and inefficient, once having to sit for an hour and listen to Ops banter with Engineering and all the while wishing for a summary execution to end her suffering.

Vorta Vor be praised for birthing into existence Romulan efficiency.

[Bridge]

At the helm was Lieuntenant JG Meru, Jiseth's left hand. She glanced over to her superior as the Romulan whispered their probable destinations. The Bajoran brought up the star map and the way seemed clear. For the most part... Warships on science missions. Always the first white lies.

Back to the cold war indeed.

[Conference Room]

With her nose still buried in a PADD as she rushed into the room, Sophie looked up a little sheepishly at the gathered officers, quickly taking a seat. She nodded to the captain before offering Andrew an open smile, glad to see him there.

"Sorry I'm late, what did I miss?"

Archangel T'Koris wrote:

[Conference Room]

It was easy to sit back and listen to the two officers discussing the safety of approaching the various stellar phenomenon in the area, both the navigation aspects of it with the dangers it posed, but also the scientific curiosity that was the whole reason for them being out here in the first place.

She pushed herself to her feet, hands braced against the table, and stayed in that position for a moment, braced against the glossy surface, as she surveyed the few officers gathered.

"Lieutenant Rellek, you're in charge of sending a probe ahead and reporting back on what we expect to find in each phenomenon we investigate or even get close to.  I want as detailed a report as you can get on anything that will affect the crew, the piloting of the ship and the ship herself.  Liaise with the medical, flight and security departments so that they can be ready for any eventuality."  She turned her gaze to Jiseth.  "You're our best pilot, so I'll want you at the helm.  Pick out a relief pilot from your staff as well just in case."

Finally, she looked up at Sheridan, noting his quiet and professional demeanour.  She wondered how long it would take for him to decide that it wasn't worth trying to work with her as well.  He was making a good job of it so far, but how long would it last?  "Commander, since you've been angling for more bridge time since you got on the ship, you can take charge of this one."

[Conference Room]

As the Captain spoke Julia nodded along. "I can make that happen, Captain. I'll make sure Lieutenant Jiseth has the information she needs to get us through the nebula." Julia turned to Chief Callan. "Once we launch this probe ill need your help plotting a course for Lieutenant Jiseth." Now that the run in with the Captain and Jiseth seemed to be passing she was feeling much more comfortable. She was, however, wondering if this little hiccup would follow her. She was sure the Captain would harbor no resentment, after all, Captain T'Koris was the one who submitted her promotion. Julia struggled to read Jiseth. She found it difficult to know exactly where she stood.

NPC wrote:

[Conference Room]

With her nose still buried in a PADD as she rushed into the room, Sophie looked up a little sheepishly at the gathered officers, quickly taking a seat.  She nodded to the captain before offering Andrew an open smile, glad to see him there.

"Sorry I'm late, what did I miss?"

[Conference Room]

Nodding to Sophie as the chief operations officer walked into the room, Archangel finally stood up straight, nodding also to Commander Sheridan. She trusted him to keep the ship running smoothly when she wasn't around. He was a good, level-headed officer, a good balance to her own personality. She caught the first officer's eye and focused a thought on him, an intention to go and have a quiet talk with their chief of flight.

"I'll return momentarily," she stated before leaving the conference room.


[Bridge]

Striding onto the bridge, Archangel scanned the personnel quietly working away on it until she found the officer she was looking for. Making her way to the helm station, she stopped a pace away from the other Romulan.

"Jiseth, if you'll join me in the ready room, please?" she said quietly, not waiting for an answer before she turned and headed in the direction of the small office.


[Captain's Ready Room]

Before, Archangel might have requested a cup of tea from the replicator and settled down behind her desk when she was about to talk to someone, but now she stood by the large viewport, looking out at the stars as she waited for Jiseth to arrive.

[Bridge]

The Romulan flight officer was about to depart for a shuttlebay when the Captain came through. She whispered a few recommendations to her own officer at the helm before straightening her uniform and following T'Koris into the office.

[Captain's Ready Room]

Jiseth entered and stopped just past the doorway. She could see the Captain's reflection in the viewport, but whether it was the stars or herself that was the focus she had no idea. Perhaps both.

The briefing could have gone better. Could have gone worse. The new XO would make a decent Vulcan. The ship seemed to run at least. Jiseth wondered about whether she was here to be reminded to keep her head when among other officers. Especially when they were higher in the command chain.

"It's... different, ma'am. Being here. I read the reports, but they aren't as telling as... A Captain gazing into the void."

Jiseth wrote:

[Captain's Ready Room]

Jiseth entered and stopped just past the doorway. She could see the Captain's reflection in the viewport, but whether it was the stars or herself that was the focus she had no idea. Perhaps both.

The briefing could have gone better. Could have gone worse. The new XO would make a decent Vulcan. The ship seemed to run at least. Jiseth wondered about whether she was here to be reminded to keep her head when among other officers. Especially when they were higher in the command chain.

"It's... different, ma'am. Being here. I read the reports, but they aren't as telling as... A Captain gazing into the void."

[Captain's Ready Room]

Turning around as she heard the door open, Archangel offered her chief of flight a humourless smile. "Sorry, Jiseth," she said, stepping away from the viewport. "I find myself looking toward Earth a lot more since my family moved back there."

Making her way toward her desk, she gestured for the other Romulan to take a seat. "Since you're a new officer under my command, and one with a history I can sympathise with all too much, I need to know how you will react if we either need to work with or fight against the Romulans."

Archangel T'Koris wrote:

[Captain's Ready Room]

Turning around as she heard the door open, Archangel offered her chief of flight a humourless smile.  "Sorry, Jiseth," she said, stepping away from the viewport.  "I find myself looking toward Earth a lot more since my family moved back there."

Making her way toward her desk, she gestured for the other Romulan to take a seat.  "Since you're a new officer under my command, and one with a history I can sympathise with all too much, I need to know how you will react if we either need to work with or fight against the Romulans."

[Captain's Ready Room]

The CFO suddenly found herself a bit taken aback as she moved to take the seat, her PADD in her lap. She was not expecting her resolve to be in question though under the circumstances it was probably justified. They did however, share a similar trait other than ears and green blood: dedication to duty.

"I'll do what is asked of me, ma'am. The real threat isn't the other ships, it's those fluctuations in the nebula."

Constant vigilance. The other hallmark of Romulus, though Jiseth cared very little about the Klingons and Romulans, her curiosity was still on the Cardassians.

"I see the CMO hasn't turned everyone into science experiments in my absence..."

Conference Room

"Welcome back to your old post, Chief," Andrew greeted Sophie professionally, but anyone could see the affection he had for her in his emerald eyes. "Lieutenant Rellek is correct, we will need your wonderful ability to coordinate the operation. We have other ships in the area from the Klingons, Romulans, and Cardassians. Help Tactical keep an eye out for them, please. Other than that, I think it is time to get to work." He paused before taking in both Julia and Sophie, "Command staff meeting I think will have to wait. So, if you two would care to join me on the Bridge; we will get this operation underway. The nebula at our current speed is still some eight hours away, and that give us time to give our Chief of Flight more up to date information."

That said, the young First Officer stood up after finishing off his hot chocolate, and then carried it to the replicator to dispense of the mug.

"Medical and Engineering will have plenty to do I am sure. Chief McCallan, I would appreciate it if you double checked with Engineering on their status. The ship has taken quite a lot of stress of late, and I don't want any surprises. I will follow up with Medical in a bit as I have to get a new physical from them sometime today," Andrew said as he stepped out of the Conference Room onto the Bridge. "Lieutenant Rellek, if you so much as get a glance of anything temporal going on in the area of the nebula...let me know immediately. I might not be a Science Officer, but that is my area of expertise," he told her with a smile.

For a moment, Andrew Sheridan took in the Bridge with a sweeping gaze that seemed to take in every station and person at their post. Then, his eyes lingered on the empty command chair, and he had to take a deep breath. Sure, he had been taking the night shifts, and even some of the days for command duty, but something about sitting down this time felt...different. Perhaps it was because this was his first major assignment since becoming XO. True, there was no crisis as there had been during the last mission, but still...

He shook it away, and with shoulders back and head up confidently...though not arrogantly; Andrew strode over to the command deck, and took the center seat. It was time to get to work.

Jiseth wrote:

[Captain's Ready Room]

The CFO suddenly found herself a bit taken aback as she moved to take the seat, her PADD in her lap. She was not expecting her resolve to be in question though under the circumstances it was probably justified. They did however, share a similar trait other than ears and green blood: dedication to duty.

"I'll do what is asked of me, ma'am. The real threat isn't the other ships, it's those fluctuations in the nebula."

Constant vigilance. The other hallmark of Romulus, though Jiseth cared very little about the Klingons and Romulans, her curiosity was still on the Cardassians.

"I see the CMO hasn't turned everyone into science experiments in my absence..."

[Captain's Ready Room]

After taking a moment to observe the other Romulan, Archangel nodded curtly. She could recognise the same resolve in Jiseth that she saw in the mirror each morning, the culture that they had been born into that prized dedication to duty above all else.

"I thought that would be your answer. I just needed to be sure that I can count on you if it comes down to the worst scenario. Some people would want nothing to do with the Romulans, even to the point of asking to be relieved of duty so that they can shut themselves in their quarters in the event that a delegation was invited on board."

The mention of a medical officer turning everyone on the ship into experiments got the other Romulan a raised eyebrow from the captain. "Zero's having a hard time dealing with the reassignment of two of her friends. She's kept very much to herself recently."

Archangel T'Koris wrote:

[Captain's Ready Room]

After taking a moment to observe the other Romulan, Archangel nodded curtly.  She could recognise the same resolve in Jiseth that she saw in the mirror each morning, the culture that they had been born into that prized dedication to duty above all else.

"I thought that would be your answer.  I just needed to be sure that I can count on you if it comes down to the worst scenario.  Some people would want nothing to do with the Romulans, even to the point of asking to be relieved of duty so that they can shut themselves in their quarters in the event that a delegation was invited on board."

The mention of a medical officer turning everyone on the ship into experiments got the other Romulan a raised eyebrow from the captain.  "Zero's having a hard time dealing with the reassignment of two of her friends.  She's kept very much to herself recently."

[Captain's Ready Room]

Hopefully she's been staying away from the bottle... I probably deserve a few thrown at me though.

Jiseth's eyes trailed up towards the lights for a moment, before returning to the Captain. They both were missing part of themselves it seemed, though all the flight officer had to do was survive in the shared quarters on the couch for a few days.

Or Ghost's bedding.

"Social practices were never her strong suit, but new friends can be made. Humans have a knack for adaptation and as for us..."

The lieutenant's expression softened. Her heart went out to the woman across the desk. Empathy was the rarest of traits in a Romulan.

"...There's gonna be hell to pay on our homefronts. Then things blow over. Storms fade. I'll miss seeing them running around engineering. Makes me wonder when, or if, I'll ever see mine again. No... I know I will. That's what I keep working toward. That moment when I hold her for the first time. The things I would do for that chance..."

Jiseth wrote:

[Captain's Ready Room]

Hopefully she's been staying away from the bottle... I probably deserve a few thrown at me though.

Jiseth's eyes trailed up towards the lights for a moment, before returning to the Captain. They both were missing part of themselves it seemed, though all the flight officer had to do was survive in the shared quarters on the couch for a few days.

Or Ghost's bedding.

"Social practices were never her strong suit, but new friends can be made. Humans have a knack for adaptation and as for us..."

The lieutenant's expression softened. Her heart went out to the woman across the desk. Empathy was the rarest of traits in a Romulan.

"...There's gonna be hell to pay on our homefronts. Then things blow over. Storms fade. I'll miss seeing them running around engineering. Makes me wonder when, or if, I'll ever see mine again. No... I know I will. That's what I keep working toward. That moment when I hold her for the first time. The things I would do for that chance..."

[Captain's Ready Room]

Archangel's expression hardened for a moment, becoming strained as it often did as she thought about just how much she was going to miss having Gabriel and the girls running around. It had taken a great deal of self control for her to let them leave, her first instinct being to keep them with her, but she was also aware of just how much her lifestyle had been wearing down her husband. The fact that the girls were getting old enough to question her disappearances and injuries had gone a long way to convincing her, but when the spiders had started coming out of the walls for Gabriel, she had known that it was time to say goodbye.

Shoving those thoughts to one side to focus on the situation at hand, she forced a smile, which grew into a more genuine one as she remembered something. "Actually, on that front, I have some news."

Archangel T'Koris wrote:

[Captain's Ready Room]

Archangel's expression hardened for a moment, becoming strained as it often did as she thought about just how much she was going to miss having Gabriel and the girls running around.  It had taken a great deal of self control for her to let them leave, her first instinct being to keep them with her, but she was also aware of just how much her lifestyle had been wearing down her husband.  The fact that the girls were getting old enough to question her disappearances and injuries had gone a long way to convincing her, but when the spiders had started coming out of the walls for Gabriel, she had known that it was time to say goodbye.

Shoving those thoughts to one side to focus on the situation at hand, she forced a smile, which grew into a more genuine one as she remembered something.  "Actually, on that front, I have some news."

[Captain's Ready Room]

For a moment Jiseth feared she had become like a certain other lieutenant, but she the perked up. There had been silence for months on the issue. She tried not to dwell on it even though it crept in so easily to her thoughts. Maddening at times. Now there was anticipation. Fear. Like standing near a cliff edge though she had scooted forward a fair bit in the chair. Her heart picking up speed in its drumming.

"What is it?"

Andrew Sheridan wrote:

Conference Room

"Welcome back to your old post, Chief," Andrew greeted Sophie professionally, but anyone could see the affection he had for her in his emerald eyes.  "Lieutenant Rellek is correct, we will need your wonderful ability to coordinate the operation.  We have other ships in the area from the Klingons, Romulans, and Cardassians.  Help Tactical keep an eye out for them, please.  Other than that, I think it is time to get to work." He paused before taking in both Julia and Sophie, "Command staff meeting I think will have to wait.  So, if you two would care to join me on the Bridge; we will get this operation underway.  The nebula at our current speed is still some eight hours away, and that give us time to give our Chief of Flight more up to date information."

That said, the young First Officer stood up after finishing off his hot chocolate, and then carried it to the replicator to dispense of the mug.

"Medical and Engineering will have plenty to do I am sure.  Chief McCallan, I would appreciate it if you double checked with Engineering on their status.  The ship has taken quite a lot of stress of late, and I don't want any surprises.  I will follow up with Medical in a bit as I have to get a new physical from them sometime today," Andrew said as he stepped out of the Conference Room onto the Bridge.  "Lieutenant Rellek, if you so much as get a glance of anything temporal going on in the area of the nebula...let me know immediately.  I might not be a Science Officer, but that is my area of expertise," he told her with a smile.

For a moment, Andrew Sheridan took in the Bridge with a sweeping gaze that seemed to take in every station and person at their post.  Then, his eyes lingered on the empty command chair, and he had to take a deep breath.  Sure, he had been taking the night shifts, and even some of the days for command duty, but something about sitting down this time felt...different.  Perhaps it was because this was his first major assignment since becoming XO.  True, there was no crisis as there had been during the last mission, but still...

He shook it away, and with shoulders back and head up confidently...though not arrogantly; Andrew strode over to the command deck, and took the center seat.  It was time to get to work.

[Conference Room]

"Yes Commander." Julia said as she placed a few notes on one of the PADDs she had brought along to the meeting. "I will certainly keep an ee out for anomalous readings sir." She stood and made her way to the door. As she approached the door she turned to Commander Sheridan. "By the way Commander. Thanks for your help back there. I owe you one." She turned and stepped through the doorway.

[Bridge]

Julia stopped for another cup of coffee as she made her way to her station. She sat and took a sip. An audible sigh escaped. "Chief Callan, I'm going to prepare a probe for launch. We're going to need to reprogram the probe to send data straight to the helm. I'm sure Jiseth will appreciate being able to plot a course that keeps us in one piece."

Jiseth wrote:

[Captain's Ready Room]

For a moment Jiseth feared she had become like a certain other lieutenant, but she the perked up. There had been silence for months on the issue. She tried not to dwell on it even though it crept in so easily to her thoughts. Maddening at times. Now there was anticipation. Fear. Like standing near a cliff edge though she had scooted forward a fair bit in the chair. Her heart picking up speed in its drumming.

"What is it?"

[Captain's Ready Room]

It was easy to see the interest that her words had sparked in the other Romulan, the way that the pilot leaned forward in her seat and focused on Archangel was all the confirmation that she needed to know that Jiseth was indeed eager to know.

"I've been sending out a few feelers to... contacts," she shifted uncomfortably at that particular euphemism, "and they've located the embryo taken from Alpha. I can, um, put together a strike team to infiltrate Starfleet Medical and recover it."

Archangel T'Koris wrote:

[Captain's Ready Room]

It was easy to see the interest that her words had sparked in the other Romulan, the way that the pilot leaned forward in her seat and focused on Archangel was all the confirmation that she needed to know that Jiseth was indeed eager to know.

"I've been sending out a few feelers to... contacts," she shifted uncomfortably at that particular euphemism, "and they've located the embryo taken from Alpha.  I can, um, put together a strike team to infiltrate Starfleet Medical and recover it."

[Captain's Ready Room]

Shooting up from the seat, Jiseth was at a loss for words. There was shock and anger as if it were all so simple. Wave a hand and a happy ending. It made the laws of Starfleet look as robust and substantial as lavatory paper.

"They'll court marshall and imprison you while the rest of us get shipped back to Romulus!"

Quickly she removed her commbadge, stared at it. The meaning behind it always seemed to change. Placing it on the desk slowly, she took a deep breathe.

"Off the record... How soon? More importantly, what will stop them from taking her back? Or that she'll be delivered and not made a hostage?"

Ilana Telak wrote:

"I-It's ok," Ilana replied quietly, still not looking up at the Selay.  She was known amongst... well, everyone who knew her, for being pretty much scared of her own shadow.  She was quite a bit smaller and thinner than most Cardassians, having not had the necessary conditions as a refugee in her youth to develop properly physically.

Reminding herself that Raynor would not forgive her for retreating back to her old ways just because he was gone, she forced herself to look up at the Selay.  The glance only lasted a fraction of a second before it was once again fixed on the deck plates.  "S-s-so... H-how are y-y-you f-finding y-your assignment?"

"Good." Kintiss replied. "You've got a fine sssship here." As long as it didn't crash like the Meclanti, he was happy. "The crew'ssss very perssssonable too." Why, only a couple of nights ago, the senior medical staff had treated him to cake to welcome him aboard. There was a real spirit of camaraderie on this ship.

He moved over to sickbay's replicator and asked for another iced Raktajino. There was something about the drink that meant he couldn't have just one. Maybe it was the flavour or the energy it gave him.

"Care for one?" he asked, pointing at the newly-materialised Klingon coffee.

Jiseth wrote:

[Captain's Ready Room]

Shooting up from the seat, Jiseth was at a loss for words. There was shock and anger as if it were all so simple. Wave a hand and a happy ending. It made the laws of Starfleet look as robust and substantial as lavatory paper.

"They'll court marshall and imprison you while the rest of us get shipped back to Romulus!"

Quickly she removed her commbadge, stared at it. The meaning behind it always seemed to change. Placing it on the desk slowly, she took a deep breathe.

"Off the record... How soon? More importantly, what will stop them from taking her back? Or that she'll be delivered and not made a hostage?"

[Captain's Ready Room]

Following Jiseth's example, Archangel removed her commbadge, placing it carefully on the table before she put her head in her hands for a moment. Just how much information could she trust Jiseth with? How many secrets could she reveal about what she did other than play wife, mother and captain?

"Jiseth... The people I'll be working with... Starfleet has been looking the other way when it comes to their activities for two hundred years." She lifted her head, but still didn't quite look at the other Romulan. "This is nothing more than a training exercise for them, just one with an actual goal. I know that they'll deliver your daughter safely because that is the condition surrounding the exercise, and the condition on what I'm trading them to do this."

Kintiss wrote:

"Good." Kintiss replied. "You've got a fine sssship here." As long as it didn't crash like the Meclanti, he was happy. "The crew'ssss very perssssonable too." Why, only a couple of nights ago, the senior medical staff had treated him to cake to welcome him aboard. There was a real spirit of camaraderie on this ship.

He moved over to sickbay's replicator and asked for another iced Raktajino. There was something about the drink that meant he couldn't have just one. Maybe it was the flavour or the energy it gave him.

"Care for one?" he asked, pointing at the newly-materialised Klingon coffee.

[Sickbay]

Well, Ilana had just about used up her entire store of small talk . She watched as the Selay made his way over to the replicator to get himself another cup of coffee. She stayed standing where she was, still too shy to actually move to follow him.

Her head snapped up as he offered her one of the Klingon coffees, her eyes wide for a fraction of a second, as if the offer had taken her by surprise.

"Uh... N-n-n-no, th-thank y-y-you. T-t-to m-much c-c-caffeine m-makes my s-s-stammer w-worse."