Mission Zero: Genesis

[Alenis Meru]

Bridge, USS Helsinki

It was a quiet day on the bridge of the USS Helsinki.  En route to Rigel VII for a routine mission, the only sounds were the occasional beeps and chirps coming from various consoles.  “Captain, I’m receiving a hail from Starfleet command,” said Lieutenant Zhang, interrupting the peaceful routine on the bridge.

“Thank you, I’ll take it in my office,” replied Captain Alenis Meru.  The dark-haired Bajoran woman stood up, adjusted her uniform, and sauntered towards her office, her cup of Pyrellian ginger tea in her left hand.  “Zhang, you have the bridge,” she said over her shoulder as the doors whooshed open.

Alenis sat down in her office in front of a screen.  She took a sip of her tea and a deep breath before answering the hail.  The replicated tea wasn’t half as good as the real thing, but it was almost impossible to find real Pyrellian ginger tea outside of Bajoran space.

Alenis didn’t particularly enjoy talking to flag officers, especially not out of the blue like this.  When the screen activated, she saw Admiral Ross in his office at Starfleet command.  She was surprised to see that he was flanked by her former commanding officer, Captain – now Commodore – Rixx.  “Admiral Ross, Commodore Rixx,” she nodded.  “Congratulations on your promotion, Commodore.  To what do I owe the pleasure?” she said, trying to be as diplomatic as possible.

“Well, I’m going to be blunt,” replied the Admiral.  “You’re being reassigned to—“

“Reassigned?” interrupted Alenis, forcefully.  She scowled slightly and stared the Admiral right in the eyes.  “Sir, I was just assigned to the Helsinki six months ago.  This is highly unusual to—“

“I understand, let me finish,” replied Ross, reasserting himself.  He was clearly surprised at being interrupted by a junior officer so soon in the conversation.  “We have a very important assignment for you.  You are to command Starbase Unity, in the Pelek system.”

“Pelek?  That’s in Bajoran space,” replied Alenis, inquisitively.

“Correct.  Starbase Unity is part of a joint Federation-Bajoran project to rehabilitate and recolonize Pelek IV, after the environmental destruction and depopulation during the Cardassian occupation.”

“I’m well aware of the history of Pelek IV.”  Alenis’ stern tone betrayed the fact that she was annoyed at being reassigned so soon into her first command.  “But sir, if I may speak freely, if you’re giving me this assignment because you need a token Bajoran to smooth things over with the locals, you can go tell Starfleet Command to—“

“I recommended you for this mission,” interrupted Rixx.  “Look, Alenis, I don’t need to tell you how important this assignment is.  There are a lot of delicate political and diplomatic issues floating around, and there have been threats from the Maquis and the Cardassians.  And the Dominion; I don’t need to remind you of what happened at New Bajor.  We need someone who will be assertive in defending Federation interests in the region.  I nominated you for this assignment because you are the most assertive and professional officer I’ve had the privilege of serving with.”

“All right,” sighed Alenis.  “When do I start?”

“Two weeks,” replied Ross.  “Construction is nearing completion on the starbase; we’ll relieve you and arrange transport at Rigel VII.  Ross out.”

The image of Ross and Rixx on Alenis’ screen was replaced by that of the logo of Starfleet command, signifying that the transmission was over.  Alenis sighed.  Great, just as I was getting comfortable, she thought.  She would have to inform her senior staff of the transfer at the senior staff meeting the next day.  Finishing her tea, she pondered the assignment.  You know, this might not be so bad.  At least I might be able to get a decent cup of tea.


Starfleet Command
San Francisco, Earth

Admiral Ross deactivated his screen and turned to face Rixx.  “Is she always like that?” he asked.

“Since I’ve known her.”


<tag anyone>

[Thomas Roseland]

Starfleet Academy, 
San Francisco, Earth,
----------------------
Thomas' Office

Thomas let out one of what was many sighs as he looked over some of the coursework he'd ordered the cadets to complete by two weeks ago. For the first time in his three years of teaching the commander was beginning to lose hope. This latest batch of cadets were brash, bold, tardy and incredibly over-zealous. He didn't know whether it was a result of the cold war with the Dominion that had led his students to behave this way but, it didn't matter. These soon-to-be officers where in their final year. The mannerisms and behaviors expressed by them unsettled him slightly. 

"You know Thomas, if you stare at those PaDD's with anymore intensity I think one of them will feel compelled to kiss you" Thomas was shook out of his pessimistic train of thoughts by the one voice that could always soothe him, even at 34. His mother. His mother frequented the Academy a lot to offer special lectures and, more embarrassingly, to make sure her son was eating properly. This visit was different, his father was here. Thomas regarded both of his parents for a few seconds before rising from his desk and pulling them both into a bone crushing hug.


"Mama, Papa, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be on ESD?" he asked his father with a risen brow. 

"Well, it certainly wasn't to get crushed to death, you mind?" Brandon laughed as his son ease up. "Take a seat Tom, me and your mother have something we'd like to talk to you about"

Why was it that that statement took Thomas back to his younger days, back when he broke his moms favorite vase? Thomas sat back at his desk, gesturing for his parents to sit at the other side.


"What is it that is so important for you to come here?" Thomas asked with uncertainty.



"Well, I'm guessing you've heard of Unity Station" Thomas's father asked almost rhetorically. His father knew he'd heard of it. Thomas had spent months working on Tactical Surveys for Command, helping them work out what measures would need to be taken for it to be the safest environment it could be for it's crew.


"Of course, Command had me working day and night on tactical reports. Perks of my role I guess" Thomas said with no annoyance at all. He'd enjoyed experience. 

"Well, a request was sent through to me the other day to take the Executive Officers position.." why did he come here to say that? "I declined, an put forward a better candidate"

Great.

"Considering your knowledge on the station and aptitude for tactics me, and your mother, decided it would be more beneficial for you to go there instead of me" His father explained, taking his mothers hand at the same time, knowing what Thomas's reaction would be.

"I have classes and commitments here on Earth, I don't have the privilege to up and leave..." Thomas feebly responded. He knew it was futile, he was going. Especially if his mom had a say.

"Nonsense, Lieutenant Vasquis is more than capable of assuming your role. The Federation needs you to do this. You know the status of things with the dominion at the moment don't you?" His mother said.

"Of course, the Federation is on the brink of total war, the Pelek System is an important strategic location. Not that the Federation are saying that to the public of course. Someone more.... EXPERIENCED than me should take the role" Thomas responded. 

"Command seems to think otherwise" His father said as he slid a PADD over the table "This is everything you need to know about Captain Alenis" Thomas's fathers said in a final tone. "If you know what's good for you you'll accept, you're not a pen pusher, you're a Tactical Officer. One that's made his family proud with every step. That won't change even if you don't take this" Thomas's father said as he and his mother made their leave.

Thomas just looked a the PADD in his hands.

Great.


USS Guinevere, Type-9 Shuttle,
Pelek System,
two weeks later

"Commander Roseland to Unity Station, permission to dock?" Thomas asked formally as his fingures danced over the shuttles conn. The Lloyd had been happy enough to lend him one of their shuttles when they found they had to change course three systems back. 

"Permission granted sir" a voice confirmed only moments later. 

Thomas didn't respond instead he just maneuvered his shuttle into the stations hangar. It was far too large to be called a shuttlebay in Roseland's opinion.

Here goes nothing. Thomas thought as he powered down his shuttle. 

<Tag Anyone.>

[Spencer Norgen]

SS Victoria, Federation Transport
En-route to Starbase Unity

Spens never knew his skills prior to joining the FIS would ever come in handy. Of course, having a secured traffic operations sector as a front would serve the agency well for its operations in the region, and give the lads plenty of cover to work around. Save that Starfleet Intelligence is actually in the cloaks and daggers business, then they've got something else to worry about. They couldn't identify themselves in public, of course - that's not how it works. Even then, Starfleet wouldn't appreciate a clandestine agency setting up shop this far out into space, but in theory, the station CO should've been notified.

Prior to leaving space port he recalled reading an agency-wide memo regarding this 'Section 31', though the accuracy of this notice is something many have come to question - if such organisation exists prior to the foundation of the UFP, then the FIS is simply a small puppet agency. One Spencer believes to be a conspiracy theories. He disliked conspiracies, but it does come with the territory, so to speak.

For this assignment, Spencer knew he would have all access and rights of a Lieutenant J.G.

Rank was a necessary evil, his handler ever so unconvincingly told him.

Upon hearing the announcement that the ship was coming into port, Spencer gathered his belonging, taking a quick glance once more at FIS field regulation four dash twelve: "Under no circumstances are field agents allowed to engage in romantic relationship with a fellow agent - commencement of such relationships are permitted only with the approval of station chief after a careful review," the young start-up uttered the words quietly before approaching a port-of-entry area. There, a Starfleet Customs officer at one of the counters directed Spencer to approach her window.

"Travel documents, please," she said with an un-natural smile as the stench of oxygen mixed with dilithium fuel cells invaded his nose.

"Norgen, Spencer, Lieutenant J.G. , Traffic Operations," Spencer said convincingly, truth was he spent half the trip rehearsing the line.

"All set, Lieutenant, welcome aboard Unity," the officer returned his papers accordingly, it was just a small identification chip, and the FIS had apparently fed the system his alias - it would have been messy if they hadn't otherwise.

Spencer wondered what this new 'front' would look like, too, and skipped the trip to his quarters in order to first report in and see his new playground. It didn't take long before he realised how counter-intuitive it was to run an entire traffic operations with FIS agents. Upon reaching the doors, he entered a new set of codes, and after being scanned, was permitted to enter into the secured area. The door opened to a typical traffic center, and the controllers were doing their usual job, of course, aside from one peculiar access space in the back of the room, it would've looked like any other traffic control center.

"Last one to arrive, I think. Spencer Norgen," he walked up to the man in the secured access area, immediately striking up a conversation and introducing himself.

"Ah! Agent Norgen!" the station chief greeted with enthusiasm which failed to capture Spencer, "Welcome aboard, welcome aboard, indeed. Charles Hadley, Station Chief," they exchanged handshakes.

"I reckon a fish shop makes a better front than this thing," he said, quite frankly in regards to current circumstances.

"What are we, the Italian Mafia?" his boss enquired.

"With the way things are going, we might as well be," Spencer said, his reply accompanied by a heavy sigh.

[Kate Winslow]

Starfleet Intelligence Headquarters |
San Fransico, Earth
Lt. Commander Kate Winslow |

Her gaze swept the room as she stepped just inside the door, the hiss of it closing behind her not helping her nerves much, as she saw the nod for her to take the empty chair. "You wanted to see me Admiral Jordan?" the newly promoted Lt. Cmdr. Winslow asked, crossing the distance from the door to the chair in front of the admirals desk, her body language relaxed even though her mind was racing as to why she had been pulled off the shuttle back to her post on the Britannia.

"Yes I did." Admiral Jos Jordan replied, shuffling a few pads about in front of him. "I'm sure you've heard that Unity is currently being staffed? We have decided that with the FIS setting up shop there as well, we need an officer that could oversee our interests and going ons."

Kate crossed her legs, her hands coming to rest atop her knees as she leaned forward. "I have, it's in a rather precarious location but the chatter about it has been variable."She answered him, again wondering why she was here. "Am I being transferred to Unity Sir? I had thought with the FIS already there, there would be no need for our own field agents."

Jos chuckled as he slid a pad across to her. "True, but we do need a chief there and you have been selected." he leaned back, downing the remander of his whiskey. "You will be working closely with the FIS officers there, gathering any information that could be vital and of course, your normal duties." he let his voice trail off knowing she would catch his underlining meaning."Any questions Winslow?"

Shaking her head as she stood, she tucked the pad he had given her under her arm. "No sir, no questions, I take it my things are already being transferred to Unity and that I'm to leave immeadately for the station?"

"Correct, you will find everything you need know about the station and your command staff on that pad, dismissed Winslow safe travels."


Unity Station |
Docking hub |

Gathering her things, Kate offered the shuttle pilot a nod of thanks as she exited the shuttle and moved through the line of new arrivals to the station. While she was expected, she knew finding her office would be on her and of course, reporting in to Captain Meru.

When it was her turn at the dock master Kate offered a nod as she simply handed over her credentials, not at all upset how the mans manner torwards her changed within moments as he read what position she was filling. "Welcome to Unity Lieutenant Commander, try to remember you'll catch more bees with sugar then vinager." the warrant officer stated gruffly as he waved her through after handing her back her things.

Her smirk widened into a half smile as she moved past the initial crowd of rubber neckers trying to take everything in about the new station as she located which deck her new department and office were located on and headed in that direction, reporting in and finding her personal quarters would wait for now.

Tag all

[Arvel Darze]

Starbase 375 | Psychiatrist's Office

Arvel looked at his patient again, a woman who actually was rather worried about her decision to leave Starfleet and pursue a career as a Cargo hauler, with the Federation Cargo Service. "You'll be fine," Arvel told her, "Look at it as a lucrative job change, something that could possibly fetch quite a profit. And could provide very well for you and your 4 kids, and your co-wives and husbands."

The woman nodded and looked at him, "Well that will help us all to work together as a family...you are right! I'm going to put in my application in then." She said standing up, "Thank you Doctor." She added and nodded to him and left. As Arvel was collecting padds from around his office (he hated keeping his office clean) he heard the beeping of his desktop monitor and went over to it activating the comm.

"Why if it isn't the sea loving devil himself!" Said Admiral Hastuer of Starfleet's Medical attache to for 4 sectors stationed at Starbase 611, "How's the mental health for the crew of Starbase 375?" Hastuer asked.

Arvel gave a deep smile to the man who had been the one responsible for his recommendation to join Starfleet rather than continue in the Federation Naval Patrol touching his beard lightly Arvel said, "Its going well Sir these land lovers need a quite a bit more help than anyone on a true sea going vessel, now those people know how to get things done."

Hastuer gave a slight nod and said, "I can imagine so, I can't stand being on ship out on the sea, don't have my sea legs. Now I got an important job for you, you've done such an amazing job as the Psychiatrist at your current post that Starfleet and myself feel you are going to be transferred to Pelek IV, at the new Starbase called Unity as its Chief Medical Officer."

Arvel couldn't believe it. He had done some psych evaluations when he first joined Starfleet for the crews that had to see the carnage on that world to go back there would be well interesting. "Is the reason why I am to be assigned there due to my past history with the planet sir?" 

"Yes it is Arvel, you are uniquely qualified to help people medically and psychologically adapt back to living on that planet. The papers you wrote on the populations psych profiles are still required reading for psych students at the academy." Hastuer said then added, "This assignment will do you much good especially since some of the people that were forced off that world will be resettling it."

Still not believing this Arvel sighed and nodded not admitting defeat though not pleased to be going back, he still had nightmares of his time spent on that world. "I'll do my best sir."

Hastuer gave a smile once placing his hands together as he said, "Good, you will do a great job, we got a lot of faith in you to do what needs to be done. Do you still have that small ship of yours that you use to travel with between assignments with you aboard 375?"

"Aye, aye sir that I do. I took her out just yesterday for a run around the system." 

"Good, see to it that you have that thing packed to the gills with your things that you need from the Starbase, and good luck with your assignment. Hastuer out." Said the Admiral giving a nod as he turned the link off on his end.

Leaning back Arvel looked around at his Office he had just gotten to feel at home here and with the crew, in fact he had finally gotten half of the Psych evals finally done for the senior staff, which they hated anyway so leaving wouldn't be an issue. He'd just have to pack his bags and load them on his runabout sized ship and be gone by the end of the day tomorrow. 

Starbase Unity | Two weeks later

As Arvel arrived in his ship he felt an excitement that he hadn't felt about an assignment ever since he had been assigned on temporary duty to the Federation's Temporal investigations section to help do psych evals of displaced individuals about three years before. 

He cleared himself for docking and landed quickly being able to get a crewman to move his things to Sickbay that he needed to move there and then took what he needed to his quarters. As he was one his way back to the Hangar bay to grab something he had forgotten he ran into a woman that was about several years younger than him who had a clear purpose he also realized who she was. He had served around her before.

"So they ship the spooks everywhere don't they? Tell me what secrets do you think this planet will tell to you?" Arvel said with disdain, their previous assignment together hadn't been a good one and it had soured how he thought of Starfleet Intel.

Tag Winslow!

[Thomas Roseland]

Hangar
Unity Station

Thomas left his shuttle and made his way across the shuttlebay to where the control officer was. "Crewman has Captain Alenis arrived yet?" He queried. The crewman looked confused for a moment and Thomas knew why. Being that the Bajorans where a relatively new addition to the Federation some of their culture remained a mystery to the fleet at large.

"The Captain is Bajorn, it is considered inpolite to refer to her by her last name..." Thomas explained, much to the relief of the crewman. 

"No sir, she should be here soon though" The Crewman responded. That was all Thomas needed before he moved on. Out of the corner of his eye Thomas saw a few officers conversing with each other. One in Teal, the other dark grey. He recognized the one in Grey the most. Lieutenant Commander Winslow he thought to himself. He'd decided when going over the roster that he would keep an eye on her for a while. It wasn't that he didn't trust her. He just didn't trust intelligence agencies, especially when you factor in Section 31 and their hold on both FIS and Starfleet Intel.

He dismissed his thoughts and sent a curtious nod their way before heading to the turbo-lift. "Operations" he said as he posed himself in a respectful manner in preparation for his arrival to the Command Center.

---

Operations
Unity Station

Thomas stepped in to operations with an air of confidence as he took in his new office, the place he'd spend almost all of his time on.

"Commander on the Bridge" The current senior officer said as he and all the others stood to attention.

"At ease" Thomas responded. The officers all eased and continued their work. The Officer of the Watch made his way over to Thomas with an arm full of PaDDs.

"Sir, these PaDD's contain everything you and the Captain will need to know regard progress of the stations construction" The Lieutenant said as he passed them over to Thomas. The Commander allowed his eyes to graze over a few before placing them on the command control which was situated in the center of the room. It was going to take him some time to adjust not having the chair. He liked it this way however, he was closer to the crew. It would do wonders for morale.

"Thank you Lieutenant, is there anything else?" Thomas queried, he allowed a small smile of gratitude to grace his face upon realizing the dismissive tone he had used.

So much for closer to the crew... He thought.

"No sir, now if you don't mind I'm needed in Engineering" The Lieutenant said politely.

"then you are dismissed Lieutenant" Thomas responded.

The Officer left Operations and went to his duties. Thomas just watched the crew for a while. Familiarizing himself with their faces so that when the names where given he'd remember them more accurately.

"Ensign, what's the stations status?" He queried. 

"Sir, all systems are running efficiently. We found an anomalous power surge in the shield systems earlier, however Operations rectified the issue in no time. It was a faulty EPS conduite." She explained as she looked over her terminal. "Transporters are online, the replicators are operational and the Quartermaster took it upon himself to add a few delicacies for a few of the species who will be serving here, to add more comfort to the station of course" The Ensign explained.  

"Thank you Ensign. One more thing, which members of the senior staff are currently online. Be sure to include members from the Civilian division too mind" Thomas said politely.

"Erm.." The Ensign started as she looked over the current roster. "Lieutenant Commander Winslow, Lieutenant Commander Darze and Lieutenant Junior Grade Norgen" The officer explained.

"Thank you Ensign, you've been very helpful. Now if you don't mind this has been a long journey and I require food" He said with a soft smile "Could you notify the Senior staff that I will be in the mess, be sure to send out an invitation to join me" Thomas ordered, they weren't due to take over until the Captain arrived and he figured it'd be best to get down to business when she arrived so he knew she approved. 

"Also, you have the CONN. Comm me if you need anything" Thomas said much to the Officers disbelief. He had to show the crew that the command team had faith in them and this was his way of doing it. He doubted anything would happen in his brief absence so he could see nothing wrong with his decision.

He took one more look around the center before heading for the turbo lift. "Deck three" he ordered. Before he knew it he was had reached his destination.

---

Deck three, Mess hall.
Unity Station

Thomas mad his way into the officers mess with nothing on his mind but his hunger. He reached the replicator and began to look through the menu with anticipation. Settling on something he loved he made his order.

"Computer, Spaghetti bolognese with a side of garlic bread" he waited patiently for his meal to arrive. When his food arrived he disregarded his excitement and placed it on the side so he could order his drink. "Computer, Coffee black, one sugar, hot" he ordered.

A few seconds later he collected his meal and made his way over to the biggest table in the room, just in case anybody made an appearance. 

<Tag anyone and those mentioned.>

[Kate Winslow]

Shuttlebay prom area |
Unity Station |

"So they ship the spooks everywhere don't they? Tell me what secrets do you think this planet will tell to you?" Arvel said with disdain, their previous assignment together hadn't been a good one and it had soured how he thought of Starfleet Intel.

Closing her eyes briefly, Kate forced a smile as she turned and greeted the doctor and his comment. "Much like the medical field, we go where needed." she replied, taking a few steps to draw closer to him and hopefully not cause a scene. It certainly didn't take much to realize he still held hard feelings over being one of her suspects during one of her early investigations on the Britannia, a counter espionage situation that had ended rather messily.

"Look Darze, we both have a job to do here, I suggest we do that and let what happened on the Britannia, stay on the Britannia." Kate crossed her arms over her chest as she stared him down some as she spoke, holding her shoulders back as she caught sight of a man in command red giving both if them a look over. "Ahhh, Commander Thomas Roseland." she thought briefly, recognizing him from the file Jordan had given her. Turning her attention back to Arvel she spoke quietly.

"I was doing my job Darze, it wasn't personnel and you were cleared, why don't we just agree to disagree and leave it at that? I'll stay out of your way and you, well you do whatever it is you do." she turned, picked up her small carry on bag that had dropped to her feet and walked away from him, entering a nearby lift and for the time being, put Darze away from her thoughts.

______________________________________________

Traffic Centre, Deck 2 |

Stepping inside the traffic centre, Kate cast a weary glance about as she nodded to a few of the agents expertly manning the various consoles. FIS was good at dual training, and it clearly showed here. Spotting the man who in her posting brief was named Charlie Hadley, she walked over to him, giving a tight smile. "Mr. Hadley I presume?" She asked sticking out her hand to grasp his in a firm shake.

"Lieutenant Commander Winslow, please call me Kate."she introduced herself, noticing the younger man standing next to him with Lt. JG pips as both her and the Lieutenant Junior Grades com badges chirped and the invitation to eat with the station executive officer was given.

"Well, I guess we can chat after we've met the executive officer then." Kate stated with a small chuckle while glancing at both men present. "Or we can chat along the way?" she suggested, turning to lead the way to the mess hall on deck three.

Tag all

[Alenis Meru]

Operations Center
Starbase Unity

With a cup of tea in hand and a messenger bag over her shoulder, Alenis Meru As the turbolift doors opened, Alenis scanned the operations center, paying particular attention to the layout of the stations and the faces of the crew operating them.  She was supposed to arrive a day before, but her shuttle was delayed due to ion storms.  I guess this is my new assignment, she thought to herself before she was interrupted by someone taking notice of her.

“Captain on the bridge,” shouted an ensign at the communications station.

“As you were,” replied Alenis.  “I’m Captain Alenis Meru, the new commanding officer of this station.  I presume that is my office over there?”  She tried to take an authoritative tone, but not so stern as to intimidate the junior officers.

“Yes, it is.”

Alenis entered her office, and placed her messenger bag on the desk.  It was uncomfortably empty; she made a mental note to move some of her things in:  a couple sculptures, and maybe her chessboard.  After quickly checking to confirm that her access codes were working on her office terminal, she returned to ops.

“Ensign, is Commander Roseland on duty?,” Alenis asked as she looked around.

“Not at the moment.  I believe he is in the mess hall on deck three”

“Thank you, Ensign,” replied Alenis as she began to turn back towards the turbolift.

“Oh, and Captain Meru?”

“Captain Alenis.  Meru is my given name.”  One thing that Alenis found about being in Starfleet and dealing with humans all the time which was annoying was constantly having to correct them regarding Bajoran names.

“Ah yes, my apologies.  Welcome to Starbase Unity.”

“Thank you, is that all?” replied Alenis, trying not to sound dismissive but inadvertently sighing – betraying her weariness from the long journey.

“Yes, it is.”

“Thank you, Ensign.  You have the bridge.”  Alenis stumbled over her words slightly – as a starship bridge officer until now, she was used to referring to the command center as the bridge rather than operations.  She turned and briskly walked towards the turbolift, eager to meet her new executive officer.


Mess Hall
Starbase Unity

After refilling her tea at the replicator, Alenis looked around the mess, trying to find Commander Roseland.  She had seen his portrait in the personnel file, but couldn’t find him in the crowd.  After wandering halfway across the mess, she saw a bearded man bent over a plate of spaghetti.  Upon closer inspection, she could make out his rank.  Alenis sauntered over towards him, cup of tea in one hand and PADD in the other.  “Commander Roseland, I presume?”


<tag: Roseland for JP>

[Alenis Meru]

Thomas was twizzling some spaghetti on his fork, feeling a little put out that none of the senior officers had come to meet him. He was really looking forward to getting to know then at least a little bit before his shift began. 

Command can be a lonely role to fill That statement never left the Commanders mind, it was something a Lecturer at Command School had been sure to inform his student. He was, fortunately, sure to mention that an Executive Officer did tend to have it a heck of a lot easier than the Commanding Officer. 

Speak of the devil and the devil shall arrive. Thomas's thoughts where cut short when he was interrupted by a female voice.

“Commander Roseland, I presume?” A polite smile spread across the Commanders face. It was something about the way she spoke that informed him who was speaking. He rose from his seat and stood to attention.

"Your presumptions are correct Captain Alenis" Thomas said politely. After a few seconds he dropped the salute and gestured to the seat in front of him.

"Would you like to take a seat ma'am?" He asked in a friendly tone.

Alenis put the PADD down on the table and returned the salute.  "Yes, I'd love to.  My apologies for not being here yesterday; my shuttle hit some pretty nasty ion storms just past Bajor."  She sat down in an empty chair across from Roseland.  "So, Commander, have all the senior officers arrived yet?"

"No apologies required Captain, Ion storms can be pesky business. Especially in a shuttle" Thomas said with a smile. He took a sip from his mug before continuing. "Lieutenant Commander Winslow, Lieutenant Commander Darze and Lieutenant Junior Grade Norgen have arrived. In fact, they should be arriving here soon, I sent out an open invitation to dine with me. Which reminds me, can I get you anything?"

“Excellent, I’d like to meet them.”  Alenis’ stomach rumbled at the mention of food.  She realized that all she had to eat so far today was a light breakfast, and that was several hours ago.  “I could go for a tuna sandwich, and maybe some--”

Alenis was interrupted by a sudden jolt coming from somewhere on a lower deck.  It was severe enough to knock her coffee mug off the table, where it shattered on the floor.  A young blue-shirted crewman carrying a meal tray stumbled and dropped her tray as she tried to save herself from falling by grabbing a table.  The power cut out for a few seconds, before emergency lighting kicked in.

Alenis tapped her comm badge to contact whoever up was in Operations.  “Status,” she asked sternly.

“There has been an explosion on board…”

Commander Roseland jumped from his seat. He looked out the mess window and saw flames coming from Unity's hull. The location looked as though it may be Engineering, although, due to the size of the station he could be wrong.

"Computer place the station under lock down, Executive Officers authorization code Roseland Alpha-Zeta-four" Thomas said calmly. All around the the windows began to be covered by blast shields. He could see through the crack left in the window that they stations shuttlebays where shutting down too. He walked over to a nearby terminal. He quickly added his command codes so that he could access his command functions. He tapped a few buttons and loaded up a cross-section of the station. After inputting a few more requests the area most affected by the blast was highlighted in red.

"Ma'am, we've taken severe damage in the Traffic Control Center. Damage control teams have already arrived and so far it doesn't look good. 3 dead so far and they're having an hard time finding the rest who are trapped under the bulk heads" Thomas explained, a dark look in his eyes. He transferred all the collected data onto two of his PaDDs. The status reports could wait till later. He handed one to the Captain.

"Orders?" Thomas inquired hoping he hadn't done to much by activating the lock down. It was protocol. he thought to himself. So is waiting for the Captain to tell you too... Came a more critical version of himself.

By the time the operations officer on duty had informed Alenis about the status of the station, Roseland had already reacted.  Although he did the right thing given the situation, it irked her how he seemingly took charge without bothering to check with her.  But now was not the time to press the matter.  "Lets get to Operations.  Come on," she said as she turned and walked briskly out of the mess hall and to the turbolift.


<This JP brought to you by Captain Alenis Meru and Commander Thomas Roseland>
<OOC:  It just got real in here!  Tag everyone!>

[Alenis Meru]

Alenis swiftly made her to the bridge, Commander Roseland in tow.  The ride on the turbolift felt like the longest of her life.  She had just taken command less than a half hour ago, and already things were in utter chaos.  How did this happen - on a brand new Federation starbase, no less?  Who did this?  She ran over the whole political situation in her head.  The Maquis?  Possibly - they would have much to gain.  The Cardassians?  They've been eyeing Pelek since the end of the occupation.  And I wouldn't put it past those snakes.  The Dominon?  Maybe an outside chance, but if it was them this would be part of something much bigger - they would follow up with an attack.  Her thoughts turned towards the victims.  We've got at least three casualties... possibly more.  Although she had only took command less than a half hour ago and hadn't even had a chance to do anything yet, she had felt like she had somehow failed them.  As the Helsinki was a relatively quiet assignment, it was the first time that officers had died under her command.  She was dreading having to write letters to their families.  And with all the politics surrounding the project, Alenis knew she would find herself thrust into a very delicate political situation.

Deep in thought, she was interrupted by the opening of the turbolift doors.  She quickly went into action, asserting herself as the captain.  "Report!"

"Captain, we've taken severe damage to the Traffic Control Center.  At least three casualties, possibly more, and the blast blew out enough of the EPS network to cut main power to three decks.  Damage control teams and medics have arrived, and the station has been locked down.  A witness has reported that the suspect is a Bajoran male."

"A Bajoran..." Alenis trailed off.  How could a Bajoran do this?  No, we're more than capable of doing things like this.  We learned that during the occupation.  But... why?

"We've got dozens of incoming hails - vessels requesting clearance to dock.  And... this is interesting, an incoming hail from Gul Jatok of the Cardassian Seventh Fleet, What shall I tell them?" asked a young communications officer.

"Tell them we're locked down until further notice.  And I'll take the Gul in my office.  Mr. Roseland, you have the bridge."

<tag everyone>

[Thomas Roseland]

Jun 4, 2013 4:35:53 GMT Alenis Meru said:

"Tell them we're locked down until further notice.  And I'll take the Gul in my office.  Mr. Roseland, you have the bridge."

Command Center
Unity Station

"Aye ma'am" Thomas responded without moving. The best thing about working command on a station is that rather than the chair the command staff shared a central circular terminal, similar to what a Strat ops officer would use whilst monitoring a fleet wide engagement.

Thomas accessed the stations security systems and began looking through the footage from the Traffic Control Center and the surrounding areas, an attempt to try and figure this out. He slowed the footage down to analyse it and transformed it to a tactile terminal as opposed the the playback terminal. The Executive Officer leant over and began interacting with the environment, in this mode all of the officers names appeared above their heads along with their role on the station. Unsurprisingly, the culprit remain anonymous. The system seemed to have no recollection of them. 


"Computer, locate this passenger" Thomas ordered as he highlighted the assailant.


"Unable to comply" 


"Why?" Thomas asked curiously. It wasn't as though he was running an especially high request. Anyone from the security department had access to this program.


"Unable to comply" Thomas just glared at the console. 


"Computer, run the previous request. Clearance level Alpha-Two, Executive Officers authorization code Roseland Alpha-Zeta-Four" It was worth a shot the commander thought...


"Unable to comply" Thomas almost punched the screen. Who is this person. Thomas thought darkly. Thomas gave up and sent a small note to the Captain to let her know the situation.

"Computer, run an intensive internal sensor sweep for all biological lifesigns, compile and categorize the results and send them to my personal PADD" Thomas ordered. Whilst he was making his orders he pondered where the Chief Security Officer was. They mustn't have arrived yet, and if they had they were probably locked outside the station. Whilst the computer was taking part in it's task Thomas began looking through the stations transmissions. Trying to locate where their CSO was. After about five minutes it became apparent there wasn't one on their way anytime soon. The Federation was at the brink of war. It was understandable. they would need one though, that was an issue he and the Captain would face together when the time was right. Plus, he didn't really want to pester a Bajoran who's just had a conversation with a Cardassian. That's definitely never a good time.

The issue with the computer had really irked the Commander so he decided he needed to speak with someone who could handle this.


=/\=Commander Winslow, please make your way to the bridge as soon as you can=/\= Thomas kept it short, he didn't want to explain the problem in case any non-essential crew overheard and fueled the gossip fire that was probably rapidly spreading.

Whilst he awaited a response the Commander pulled up the collected data from the internal sensor sweep. 12 Bajorans, 1 unknown.


"Computer, locate the unknown Bajoran" Thomas ordered, hoping to find a loophole. 


"Unable to Comply" Thomas let out a huff and walked away. Deciding to help the Operations Ensign from earlier with the Logistics of the operation.


<Tag Winslow, and Alenis and anyone with anything to say .>



 

[Kate Winslow]

Outside Traffic Operations
Starbase Unity

Spencer offered his hand as they walked toward the doors following the XO's invitation, "Lieutenant J.G. Spencer Norgen, traffic operations...ma'am" he struggled to add that last bit in before assuming his cover, though he didn't see any use for it given that present company was from the Office of Starfleet Intelligence and would have to be working with the FIS anyway. Waving to the three of his fellow FIS agents along with 5 other Starfleet traffic operation officers, Spencer bid them farewell - with his agency's identification badge and gun well hidden away in a secret compartment of his boots...that was the only comfort he ever had with this uniform. Turning the corner with Kate, he saw something akin to a suspicious activity, matching the agency's criteria for a 'person of interest'.

"Sir, have you been given clearance to perform this task?"[/b]Spencer asked, his hand already reaching for the holster as the man was running for the nearest turbolift. It was then that they could hear catastrophic power feed coming from the console. Spencer, with horror, saw heavy plasma discharge racing toward the room where they were coming from. Realising what was going on, Spencer gave chase, firing his weapon - then he felt a sudden jolt, as if someone had grabbed and dragged him into a service tube.

A loud explosion ensued, as Spencer gave a look that could only be describe as that of a grateful one. He felt sharp pain in one arm, and after holstering his pistol, saw that there was a small piece of metal lodged in it.

Realizing at the same time as her younger companion that something was amiss, Kate pulled her 'Guardian' from its hiding place at the small of her back as Spencer gave chase with a weapon she knew for certain, wasn't handed out to traffic controllers.

"EVERYBODY DOWN!"she yelled as she grabbed ahold of the young Lieutenant JG, sending both of them crashing into the service tube system as the explosion erupted as she yanked the hatch closed, feeling the heat surge against the metal, burning her shoulder that she had lodged against it to keep it shut.

Turning to him Kate raised her weapon, her head tilted slightly to the left, any warmth that might have been in her eyes and manners earlier, gone. In its place was the coldness that came with her position and missions gone bad."Who the hell are you and don't feed me the traffic control bit, that's not a standard issue phaser and you sure as heck didn't react like a traffic controller."

Kate knew from his facial expressions he wasn't a threat to her but still, they had almost been made space dust- "Give me your arm." she instructed as she slowly returned her gun to its holster, taking off her jacket she ripped the lining out to use as a bandage. She didn't speak as she carefully accessed his injury, ignoring her shoulder as she poked and proded the metal protruding from his flesh. "It's embedded pretty good, can't pull it out here, could risk cutting something important."] she stated after a few moments as she gently wrapped it.

"...let's try that again,"Spencer gave Kate his arm before clinching a bit as she gave an assessment over his wound and wrapping them carefully with her make-shift bandage, "Agent Spencer Norgen, Federation Intelligence Service," he reached into a hidden compartment of his boots to pull out a small identification symbol - known only to Commanding officers, Starfleet Intelligence and Federation Clandestine Services agents. The 'trinket', so to speak, was a recent invention used to identify that the carrier was 'one of their own' without giving away the carrier's identity should one be subjected to a search.

It wasn't long until he took notice of an injury that Kate has sustained. Although FIS agents weren't exactly medical experts, they were all given standard medical and first aid training at the agency - Spences just didn't expect it'd be put to use this early on into his assignment.

"If I could have a look at your shoulder, Commander,"the young agent requested calmly as he pulled a med-kit from a nearby junction in the service tube, half his mind on the FIS Station Chief and the rest of the team. "You've sustained some burns," he assessed her wound before pulling out a dermal regenerator and carefully waving them around Kate's shoulder. "I'm no doctor...but you need to see a doctor,"he told Kate, and then noticing the shrapnel in his arm, "You know - I'd hate to state the obvious, but this means we have a mole,"Spencer concluded solemnly.

FIS...She should have known they would have inserted a deep cover, well was deep cover, but all was not lost, the station was on lock down, the red klaxons were going off and chances of the guy getting off station were slim. They just needed to regroup and get out of this tube.

Kate rolled her eyes as she hissed as he touched her shoulder, doing a basic patch job on her burns. "Gee Sherlock, what was the first clue? Our office getting blown to bits or the agent that you tried to take down?" she retorted sarcastically as she pulled away from him. Her scowl softened as she looked at him. "Sorry, I'm just pissed that we couldn't stop him." she then added. "Well I'm not the mole and neither are you, so that leaves the chief and any of the crew."

The way the station had shook from the blast she knew getting out of their current location wasn't going to be easy. Winching as she pulled her gun once more from its holster, she looked over at him. "you ok to go? We need to try to get you to sickbay and than see about survivors." she said as she turned and looked at the hatch they had come through. "Probably going to have to kick it, unless you think you can climb one handed." she said with a slight smirk, jerking her chin in the direction of the ladder leading up and down from the platform they were standing on.

"That guy was too sloppy to be an agent," he replied, assuming that Kate would want details to put into the Starfleet APW (all-ports warning) notice, "...from my memory, medium build, brown hair, brown eyes, approximately 170 to 175 centimeters tall. Definitely Bajoran,”]to the very least he could state the information with a degree of certainty.

At Kate’s suggestion that they kick the hatch down, Spencer nodded, waited for his Starfleet friend to count, and kicked the hatch out with a certain degree of success. The victory was short lived as they soon discover what had become of the traffic center. Several damage control teams made their way onto the deck, and discovering the rest of his team to be dead or incapacitated along with the officers involved with actual traffic operation works.

Then the unmistakable moan of Hadley was heard from beneath the rubbles of their office. Spencer tried lifting some of the debris to help free the trapped station chief, but to no avail, as the sharp pain in his left arm reminded him harshly that there was an object well and truly lodged into it. “Over here,”Spencer called out to one of the damage control guys.

The destruction was devistating, everywhere she looked was rubble and trash. The Traffic control area completely destroyed and along with it, their cover. Well technically Spencer's cover, people knew she was here but Spencer had blown cover the second he reacted to the saboteur in pulling his weapon and giving chase.

She picked her way through the debrie as the rescue crew dug Hadley out with Spencer standing guard. The weapon used was long gone, evaporated in the blast, but she still looked for clues as she pieced together her report in her head. Standing in the spot they had first seen the man, Kate slowly did a 360, taking in every detail as she mentally processed the scene.

Two security cameras, a fairly low key corridor, a maintenece hatch...The security feeds might reveal more, especially with the discription of the saboteur. Grabbing one of the now present security officers she spoke quietly with him for a few moments, giving the discription of the Bajoran as she kept an eye on the progress the team was making on Hadley.

Walking over to Spencer, Kate gave the rather beaten up Hadley a curt nod as the medics transported him to sickbay, then turned to her new friend and alli. "I've got nothing, the blast took out the weapon used and until I can lay hands on my own computer systems in my quarters I'm not trusting the stations main one." she stated bluntly. "I did however give security the perps discription, Officer Kessler is putting out the APW now."

She didn't have to say what he already knew, that his cover was gone, at least to whatever group was responsible for this, and that their base of operations would obviously be moved now. She kept her emotions in check as well, ignoring the body bags being carried out by medical, although she did count them, not out of morbid curiosity but respect and a promise that she would find their killer."Lets get you to the doctor, we have a long night ahead of us." Kate said as she stepped over broken bits of walls and decking.

"Not before we freeze the crime scene," which at the moment was being contaminated by damage control and medical teams. Spencer was placid at best, and although he was relief to find Agent Hadley still alive, he made no attempt to show his emotions. Seeing the equipment storage in a secured area still intact, Spencer opened the locker with his codes, picked out the inventory he expected to be there, and closed it again after removing a specialised scanner. Before long, he activated the device and it conducted a wide spectrum analysis on the area. Extremely minute traces of Bilitrium, along with other peculiar substances appeared on his screen. He saw the complexity of how the device work, and suspected something else, "I've documented the crime scene, we'll need to eliminate damage control and medical personnel,"

He cringed at the thought of a Starfleet Intelligence Computer - they weren't very secured, and more susceptible to hacking without proper encryption - though he wasn't about to insult the woman who has just saved his life. "Probably better if I stay under the radar - fortunately, I know just the doctor. I'll get cleaned up, and bring you the readings decrypted from this scanner," Spencer removed his comm-badge, pinned it to a dead colleague and walked into the direction of the turbo lift.

She chuckled at his facial expression regarding her computer. He would soon find out though that hers was not the run of the mill Starfleet intel model. Her encryption codes and firewall was indistructable, or pretty darn close. She didn't say anything though as she continued to watch as he went through the process of gathering evidence.

Ruling out the security and medical people would take a couple hours, she would start there while he was getting patched up with his doctor friend. Following him she entered the same lift, leaned against the wall and looked at him. "I'll start going through the security feeds and eliminating the responding crew as well as those that were within the department at the time if the occurrence." she said as the lift stopped between decks as she ordered it to. "We should meet up after you've been taken care of to discuss what we're telling the Captain before we report in and give the brief." she held up a hand. "I'm not suggesting with holding information, just making sure we know something before we go- between your data and my research we should have a very good start."Kate ordered the lift to continue only to get off after a couple decks.

Stepping off the lift she gave him a nod as she bid him farewell with one parting remark. "564, my quarters- in case you need something." with that she was gone, walking briskly down the corridor, ignoring the stares of passing crew as she made her way to sickbay and unfortunately for her, Dr.Darze.

<This JP brought to you by Lt. JG Norgen & Lt. Cmdr. Winslow>

[Kate Winslow]

Sickbay |
Unity Station |

As luck would have it the medical department wasn't hugely busy by the time she arrived there, nor was the access code to Arvel's office particularly difficult to bypass. Man should really change his pass codes every few weeks. she thought to herself as she took a seat at his desk and logged into his computer.

Ah, the good doctor was at the nurses station using the computer there. Simple enough. Kate thought as she overrode his current activity, after making sure he wasn't doing something vital for a patient of course, and alerted him he was needed in his office.

Erasing everything she had done, Kate shut the computer down and took a seat on the small bench lining the far wall that gave her a good view if the door. Normally she wouldn't have been so cloak and dagger about getting treated, but someone had just tried to blow her and her counterpart to smiterines, she wasn't taking chances.

The chaos that had happened was thankfully short lived after the incident right after he had boarded, and then it was a good thing he always came prepared. His Mother who was a Doctor herself at one of the local clinics of Lenev Marv the Trill Capitial, would always tell Arev: "even if it seems totally pointless to anyone else always keep a medkit handy, you never know when you might need it."

Today was a prime example of following his Mothers advice and when he sent a letter back home every few weeks. He was talking with the nurses at one of the stations that held patients from what had happened earlier.

Thankfully the nurses here were cute wearing the skirts that Starfleet still made for their personnel. 'Look don't touch you are their boss' he mused to himself.

He then went to his office after being told he had a com from Starfleet medical.

When he entered his office he felt someone else in the room, he could also smell the blood from an open wound and said aloud to whomever it was: "Look I don't want any trouble. Just come out of the dark and you will be treated without any issue and I won't say a word " most of that statement was true it depended on whether it was friend or foe."Well come out of the darkness and into the light so I can treat you." He repeated as he heard his doors polarize and lock.

Kate rolled her eyes as she stood up from the bench as the lights kicked on and the doors locked. "Last time you said that I ended up in surgery." She stated as she stepped into his line of sight. She winched in pain as she pulled her inner shirt off, leaving her in her bra and pants, her upper left arm and shoulder bright red with white splotches of the burns, the quick fix Spencer had done wearing away.

"Well to be fair," he said as he took out a tricorder and started to scan the wound which was already showing signs of infection, "it took you to long to come to me..by the time you did you had lost way to much blood." He said as he got out a hypo and a dermal regenerator. "Whomever did this repair job in you didnt do the best work. If. You hadn't come in you could have bled and and died of infection." He sighed thinking of their past history together. "As I this you will need to come back for dermal regeneration treatments for the next two days. Bright side though is I can keep you on some good meds that wont impair your ability to work at all oh spooky one."


"He did the best he could considering the circumstances." Was all Kate said as she gripped the chair back with her hands to keep from crying out when he touched it. "This can't go in my file Arvel, at least not yet." She added, still working on the case in her head.

He stopped working on her wound and doped her up again "this much deeper then I thought." He said as he watched her body relax a bit. "No mention of this at all just like a certain someone else that never was officially recognized." He said "at least their birth never was." He added as he asked "now is the pain subsiding at all?"

If she didn't absolutely need him at this very second she would have decked him and his comments. "Better." She muttered through clenched teeth. "And that wasn't fair Darze." She added, her anger flairing as she turned to face him.

"Well life isn't fair spook, you of all people know that being in the Intel business." He said as he saw her smoldering gaze. "And that look still doesn't bother me in the slightest. Regardless of what has transpired between us we need to put our past behind us. That means bringing our kid to the station."


"Not going to happen, it's too dangerous." Kate's mouth set in a hard line as she stared him down pointedly. "We agreed when she was born Arvel, she stays with your family, far from any posting either of us have, I've made too many enemies and well, your not all Sammy sunshine either." Kate's nostrils flared as she kept a lid on her anger. She looked away as she slid off his desk where she had taken a seat while he fixes her burns. "It's best this way, it's worked for four years, no reason to change it now."

"Yes there is need to change it!" He said as he kept working on her burns "she is asking my parents and my younger sisters, who her Mommy is and why she doesn't see her Daddy more." He sighed as he was still using the dermal regenerator.

"She'll understand when she's older." Kate replied as she looked away from him as he continued using the dermal regenerator. "They should have never told her about either of us, and you visiting just makes it worse." It wasn't that Kate didn't love her daughter, she did, but in her line of work her child could become a target, or used against her and Kate wasn't going to take that risk, which was why Kate hadn't physically seen her since she was a year old.

She had seen pictures, sent through heavily encrypted files, never a name attached, but she deleted them as soon as she saw them.

"Actually yes I do. Would you rather have been having her given up for adoption? She's half Trill and Human. There aren't many of those kind of hybrids around." He sighed, "She needs to be around us despite the danger. She needs her parents you need to stop being paranoid, time to be a parent!" He tried looking at her and she kept turning away. He knew this would be a battle Alexandria was gonna be sent as soon as he talked with her and got her consent.

Kate laughed at him, the sound dry and hollow as she finally looked him in the eye. "Be a parent? That's rich Darze, see where I come from, in my family, parents protect their children, not bring them aboard stations where someone already has a grudge against Intel." She shot back at him, her body going tense. "So before you get all high and mighty, I am being a patent, I'm protecting her, not being paranoid." She glared at him now as a light went off in her mind. "You bastard, she's on her way here isn't she? Darze I swear to all you hold holy I am going to hurt you..." She closed her eyes, took a few breaths, found her center then reopened them. "Fine, but don't get any ideas about this, she stays with you and I'm just someone you occasionally work with, I will not jeopardize her life just because you want to play Daddy."

"No actually she isn't. I was going to talk to you about it first though like you typical always jumping the gun!" He was almost done. "If anyone knows anything about how children do without at least one parent its me! I got the psych degree. I got the experience! Damn you woman, She needs us! You can do whatever hell spook games you wanna play, and pretend that she isn't your daughter. I won't do that. She is my daughter. You can do whatever but she is coming here and that is final."

Kate whirled around so fast she didn't even realize her hand was extended as it connected with his cheek, a loud SMACK resounding off his office walls as she took a step close to him, eyes flashing in anger. "You...you- we're done here, next time I'll bleed out or just die." She all but yelled as she reached past him for her tattered undershirt as she was paged to the command center by the executive officer.

Arev had a feeling that this would happen and he took it and her words as he stumbled back. "You do that and that would be wreckless to bleed out. You will get treated just we won't talk its clear you can't be civil at all." He felt his cheek burning from the slap. "You need to respond to that Cmdr. " He said looking at her "I will let you know when she is aboard."

Looking at her shirt then at his replicator, Kate ignored Arev as she crossed the room and quickly ordered a new duty uniform. She was done talking with him anyway as he went and just allowed everything they had agreed would be the safest plan for Lexie to be pushed aside. Stripping down to her underwear she quickly redressed then tossed her old stuff into a bag, placing it on his desk. "Lock this up, it's evidence, if I hadn't been invited to lunch we wouldn't have just had our little heart to heart." She stated sarcastically. "And you do that." She replied to his comment about alerting her when the child arrived, as she left his office.

<THIS DRAMA BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Lt. Cmdr Darze & Lt. Cmdr. Winslow>

[Melissa Anderson]

Quarters of Melissa Anderson
Starbase Unity

Spencer made it a habit of himself not to disturb anyone's business, but since all was lost and his only functioning agency asset being that of a civilian doctor, he really had no choice. He chimed the door twice and a further four chimes in a particular beat to notify the room's occupant some idea of who the impending visitor may be. Spencer's expectation was that of an old man, in his retirement years, living off the agency's paycheck whilst prayerfully hoping his services wouldn't be required.

Once the doors opened, however, Spencer found his hypothesis to be wrong - quite wrong. Very wrong.

"...Dry eyes in the pouring rain," He uttered the cheesy riddle.

It was around that time she heard a thud in the station and suspected that something was amiss. In addition to her primary role on the Federation's Health and Development Assistance Program on Pelek 4, Melissa was also working on contract for the FIS. She didn't expect the code to be used this soon, but with the FIS operating this far out of their jurisdiction, something was bound to go wrong. Hearing the chime, Melissa ran for the nearest locker and grabbed herself an FIS standard issue pistol.

She eased her grip slightly at the sight of the agent, along with his half of the riddle. Not to mention his state of wellbeing left something to be desired.

"The shadow proves the sunshine," She uttered the latter half of the riddle before letting the man into her quarters.

"They really need a better Authenticating phrase,” Spencer stated with keen observance as he took the nearest chair available.

Mel was rather surprised at his demeanor, considering his current state of physical health. Grabbing the tricorder, she started to scan for any sign of additional injuries, “Any chance I could ask you what happened?” she asked out of curiosity.

“Under normal circumstances, agency policies forbid me from divulging any sensitive information. However, given that our operating base has just been blown - both in a literal and figurative sense - I’d say quite with confidence that yes, you may,” Spencer relayed, his answer all inclusive in his articulated reply.

She wasn’t expecting that sort of an answer, but was thankful nonetheless, “I’ll just give you an inject to loosen this debris,” Mel said, as she waited for the chemicals to work before gently pulling the foreign object out, “Now that’s a wound to remember,” Mel took a few more items from her med kit, irrigated her patient’s open wound, applied the infuser, and sutured the wound with a bio-suture.

Spencer winced as the object was pulled out - he didn’t enjoy the process, but as with all medical procedures, it was a necessary evil, “Don’t suppose you have a lollipop around somewhere?” asked Spencer, trying anything to distract himself at this point.

“That’s a unique request for a Field operative, Agent...” She let the last of her sentence trail off, not really wanting to ask his name, but was intrigued in the man at the same time - enough to want to know his name. With the last of his wounds attended to, Mel reached into her bag for a dermal regenerator and a stick of lollipop. She handed the lollipop to him before charging the dermal regenerator and activating the device.

“Norgen, Spencer Norgen, and just wanted take my mind off the pain,” he smiled - he has actually manage a light smile. It was never personal for Spencer, but one can feel disconnected when working front-line intelligence having to put up with all the facade, aliases, and cover stories. One wonders how one could keep honest in such a profession.

“Thanks,” Spencer smiled, unwrapped the lollipop, and carefully place the confectionery item into his mouth with the one good arm.

“Melissa Anderson,” Mel was surprised at how playful the FIS agent has been. She finished up the last of treatment before packing everything up and turned to face Spencer, her arms crossed, “Anything else I can do for you, Agent Norgen?” Melissa concluded, her mood inexplicably amused by the Agent facing her.

“If it’s not too much trouble, Doctor...I’d like use of your replicator and sonic showers, please,” he politely requested, not wanting to encroach on her hospitality.

“...ah, sure Agent Norgen, right over there, and there,” she directed him toward the requested attractions.

“Spencer is just fine,” the young man reassured her before disappearing into the showers with a clean set of clothes and a plastic bag. It didn’t take him long to go through the sonic cleaning process and slap on a new set of civilian clothing, “There, bagged and tagged,” he said emerging from the shower area all cleaned up, with a bag of evidence in the other hand.

If only she could take a peek - all against her contract’s policies, of course, but Melissa thought it worth a try. Her plans were cut quite short, however, as the agent unexpected emerged from the shower room, “Ah...Spencer, what should I do with this?” she asked, as she held up a sealed bag of a burnt up Starfleet uniform.

“Hold onto it for now, it’s evidence,” Spencer said, as he gathered the rest of his things, “Well...thank you,” he got up, offering her a handshake.

She returned his handshake, getting up as well to get the door, “You’re welcome, let’s hope we meet under better circumstances the next time,”

“Without a doubt, Doctor. Until then,” he nodded his head in gratitude before continuing off to the Starbase’s command centre.

<This 50 shades of Teal (and grey) is brought to you by Melissa Anderson and Spencer Norgen> .

[Alenis Meru]

Captain's Office
Starbase Unity

“Gul Jatok, to what do I owe the pleasure?” asked Alenis, standing in front of her communications terminal, barely concealing her frustrations.  She was trying to look as confident and professional as possible; the last thing she wanted to do was show weakness in front of the Cardassians.

“Why, I just figured I would drop you a line and welcome you to the neighbourhood, Captain Alenis,” replied the Gul, his voice dripping with sarcasm.  “You must be glad to be stationed so close to your home planet.”

“Quite.  Now, I appreciate your cordial greetings, but you didn’t call me simply to roll out the proverbial welcome wagon.”  Alenis knew that Cardassians always have ulterior motives – and she wanted to figure out what Jatok’s was without showing too many of her cards.

“Yes, I understand you have a little problem with Bajoran terrorists—“

“Hold it, how do you know about the explosion,” interrupted Alenis, inadvertently tipping her hand.

“Relax, Captain, we like to keep tabs on our friends.  News travels fast in our little corner of space here, and good neighbours look out for each other, after all.”

“Of course, it can be a rough neighbourhood at times and we appreciate your concern,” replied Alenis, turning the sarcasm and scorn back on.  “But how do you know that it was Bajorans who were responsible for this?”

“Ah, Captain, no one has more experience dealing with Bajoran terrorists than us Cardassians—“

Alenis’ scorn immediately turned to anger.  “Is that because of your decades-long occupation, your brutality towards my people, your slave labour camps, your rape of the planet, your—“

“I’m sure you think the Federation is so different:  That you are here to help; here to support the Bajoran people.  Well, that is what we told ourselves and what we told the Bajorans as well.  Are you and I really that different, Captain?”

Alenis was insulted at being compared to the Cardassian occupation forces.  She gritted her teeth to avoid flying off the handle.  “Actually, yes," she said, in the sternest voice she could muster, "the Federation is here to support the terraforming and recolonization of Pelek IV, not enslave the people and steal its resources.”

“Oh, of course.”  Jatok smiled.  “But one needs only a cursory glance at the political situation to see that the Federation has been encouraging Bajor to join – that is what this so-called Unity Project is all about, is it not?  Is that any different from the annexation of 2328?”

“Yes, it’s completely different!” shouted an exasperated Alenis.

“Not to many Bajorans.  I was stationed on Bajor many years ago, and I still like to keep up with the news.  Any occasional reader of the Bajor Times or the Dahkur Free Press can plainly see that a lot of people feel the same way about the Federation as they felt about us.  And I don't need to remind you about the thousands of acts of Bajoran terrorism that was the result”

Nothing angered Alenis more than when Cardassians pretend they are the victims of the occupation.  How one could be so self-righteous about something as evil as the occupation consistently astounded and infuriated Alenis.  "Thank you for sharing your insights into Bajoran politics,” Alenis replied, somewhat ashamed that Jatok seemed to be more up to date with the politics of her homeworld than she was, “but I don’t need a lecture on what Bajorans think  from a Cardassian Gul, of all people.”   She was rapidly getting weary of talking to Jatok.  “I’m afraid I’m rather busy at the moment, so I have little time to reminisce about my homeworld and your former assignment.”  The venom dripped from that last word, assignment.  It always particularly rankled Alenis how Cardassians talked about their service in the occupation.  It was always spoken about in such mundane terms - assignment, posting, station - as though it were nothing more than a boring summer job for someone fresh out of basic education.  There was never any contrition for the crimes of the occupation, and if they had any complaints it was limited to the usual gripes about military service:  bad food, distance from home, and boredom.  As if one could be bored while subjugating an entire people.  “If there is nothing else, I will have to bid you good day.”

“Good day, captain.  May your assignment here be more pleasurable than mine.”

“Oh, I’m sure it will,” Alenis replied with a smirk before ending the transmission.  Off the line, she immediately sighed and rubbed her temple.  Just talking to a Cardassian was enough to give her a headache and Jatok was pushing her buttons – intentionally – just to see how he can get a rise out of her.  And she played right into his hands.  Alenis was just as frustrated with herself for as she was with Jatok.  Fortunately, the replicator was only a few steps away.  “Computer, get me a Pyrellian ginger tea.  Now.”  Alenis sat back down at her desk with her freshly replicated cup of tea.  Sipping the hot liquid, she noticed a message from Roseland informing her that he was having problems with the computer.  She decided to try her luck; perhaps it was a problem with his authorization codes.  “Computer, locate the unknown person near the traffic control center between 14:08 and 14:12.”

“Unable to comply.”

“Unable to comply?  Why not, is he no longer on the station?”

“Unable to comply.”

“It’s a simple request,” said Alenis, her anger level rising again.  “Computer, why can’t you locate this person?”

“Unable to comply.”

“Look, you pathetic excuse for an abacus, I’m the captain of this station.  Do it!”

“Unable to comply.”

“AAAAGHHH!”  Alenis threw her tea mug against the wall as hard as she could.  She took a few deep breath to calm herself down as she stared at the shattered glass in the corner.  I’ve been on this station for what, an hour and a half?  Already I’m throwing things?  This posting is going to be hell.

*****************************************
Operations
Starbase Unity
A few minutes later...

With her shattered glass mostly cleaned up, Alenis stepped out of her office and looked out over her assignment.  Not seeing Thomas, she wondered for a moment where he was before taking charge of the situation.  “Okay,” she said loudly and assertively, “I want these computers fixed as of yesterday.  And is Lt. Jenkins on board yet?”


<tag Samm Jenkins, anyone>