Mission Zero: Genesis

[Liam Rourke]

Colonial Operations Center
New Eden Colony

Liam sat in his office, He had been the Project Leader for Hydraforming and Deep Sea development. New Eden had just layed the groundwork for their first Ocean. His office had a great view of what was once a baren and rocky landscape, was quickly becoming a beach. Liam sipped on his mug and looked over some reports about a world in the Pelek system. He wasn't sure what to make of it. The Bajorans there seemed to be in genuine need. The Cardasians did a real number on the world, Strip mining for starters then they dumped waste into the ocean. Here he was developing a pleasure colony for Federation citizens. There was genuine suffering going on. He looked at the wall, on it hung his Eagle Scout award. He stared at it for a long few moments. It hung next to the flag of Ireland he kept on the wall.

On my honor, I will try to do my duty to The Great Bird, and to  my Homeworld. To obey the Scout Law, To help others at all times.To keep myself physically strong, mentally wake and morally straight.

It seemed weird to remember something that was from almost fifteen years ago. He saw his reflection in the transparent aluminum. For the first time in five years he really questioned what he was doing. His train of thoughts were derailed by a chirp from the wall. It was the voice of Ensign Yantal his aide. "Lieutenant, there is going to be a old fashioned Luau to celebrate the opening of Emerald Beach, You going to go?"

Liam shook his head thinking again about those poor Bajorans who were suffering. He replied with a "Emerald..wha? Cripes on a cracker Yantal.. you scared the bejesus out of me! It would look bad if the man who made it wasn't there wouldn't it?"

The door opened and Ensign Yantal stuck her head in. He could see her headspots quite well in this light. "Sup playa! Yeah it kinda would look awful if the Kahuna failed to be at his kingdom." She noticed he was reading something and walked through the office. She sighed.

"Liam what are you thinking of getting yourself into now?" She said and leaned down to pick up his datapad. She saw the reports of Palek.

"I am really thinking what am I doing making paradise when there is so much suffering going on over there." He sat down his mug. Then stood up. He rested his hand on Yantel's shoulder. He knew what he was going to say now. He would be like Adam in some self induced expulsion from Paradise.

"I will get Commander Gastby to sign off on the transfer orders. Though you ever get tired of bouncing from place to place?" The young Trill asked him.

"As long as Fleet keeps signing the paychecks nah. Can you do me a favor... Can you give me.. a copy of the replicator files from number six. They make a very good tart and I want to have something to enjoy once I get settled in there?" He flashed a smile.

"You know the Great Gatsby is going to be mad that you are wanting to skip out on things here. You sure there isn't anything that can be done to convince you to stay?" Yantal asked.

Liam shook his head, "I promised years ago I would do my best to try to make the galaxy a better place. I think I need to get back to that. Can you also see if I can get some files on what they need where I am going the most, What isn't going to get me brought up on charges.. and whatever can be lost in paperwork gets sent there. Talk with Gint, he is a trader who passes by here. WIll do anything for a credit or three?"

(Slight Time Skip)
Two Weeks Later/Starbase Unity
Docking Bay

Liam stepped off the runabout and onto the deck.  Two Crewman came over and began to tag his equipment for delivery to various parts of the station. He figured he would step into the station and find his way around. Perhaps check in with the First Officer or the Captain. He put his hands behind his back and strode forward. He then asked the Computer where he would be able to find the Control Center. He followed the instructions the computer gave and heard a rumbling. It was coming from his satchel. He opened it up and took out Science PADD. It was some data that was sent long range from the colony of New Eden. It seemed that Yantal had managed to "loose" a working industrial replicator and a self powered generator. It was going to be set up in Science lab 12. He wondered why the message wasn't sent to his communicator first. He tapped his combadge.

"Rourke to Bridge.."

There was nothing.

"Rourke to the Captain."

Still nothing.

"Liam to Santa do you copy?"

Still nothing. He sighed. He pressed the call button for the turbolift. The Computer said, "Turbolift is for registered Station personel only. If you find this message in error, please contact Operations or Engineering. Currently Internal Communications is offline. We are sorry for any problems." The message repeated itself.

Liam sighed. It was his luck to have to take the stairs. He was glad he tried to jog most mornings on Eden. Today was going to put all of that to the test. He went to the stairs and started to go up.

(Tag anybody)

[Samm Jenkins]

Starbase unity

Samm had just arrived at the starbase and was on her way to the operation center to inform the captain of her arrival when all of a sudden she felt a sudden jolt everything went dark for a second " Thats not good it felt like part of the starbase had exploded " Samm thought to herself " I better hurry and get to the operation center to find out what as happened " Having a bad feeling about what had happened Samm quickly made her way to operation.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
Operation
Starbase Unity

As samm arrived and was walking in she heard the captain say "Jenkins on board yet ?" samm walked over to were the captain was stood and introduce herself "Captain Alenis I am Lt. Jenkin reporting for duty. "                                                                                                                                                                            



<tag Alenis>

[Liam Rourke]

Starbase Unity
Operations

Liam had spent what felt like a few days climbing the stairs. It had been a few kilometers of a climb. He figured there was less of a chance of angering the Engineering Gods if he did this. He took a moment to focus on the time he was on a New Orleans class and he had cheesed off the Ops Officer. He was deleted from the active roster. No door or replicator would work for him. It had taken a gift of Saurian Brandy to appease that situation. At that moment he felt a rush of joy, the wall read, OPERATIONS. He stood there for a moment and there was a woosh as the doors opened into a hallway. He could see the turbolift and the double doors that led to the bridge. He took a moment to rub his shoulder, He smoothed out his Blue Starfleet labcoat, smoothed down his hair, finally he threw on his friendliest smile. Inside he felt angry, but that did not keep him from wanting to try to put a good foot forward.

He already saw a brunette human female lumber her way in and as if she had been summoned from a bottle was standing before the Captain. He wasn't sure what to make about the fact there was no mention of him. But he was just going to take that as a sign he hadn't made anybody mad. He started to make notes in his head of who was at what station. He was also making notes in his head that this had nothing of the laid back feeling that made up Col-Ops. He could hear Yantal in his head, she was warning him that this wasn't going to be a cake walk. Since the Captain looked like she was about to be busy. He jsut decided to hang back a little and let dialouge run its course.

((Tag anybody in Ops.))

[Alenis Meru]

"Speak of the devil..." replied Alenis to her new security officer.  "I'm sorry we don't have time for pleasantries, but a bomb has just exploded in the traffic control center on board.  You're in charge of security, so I need you to make sure this station is locked down tight.  Secure the docking bays, set up some patrols, do what you need to do to try to apprehend our saboteur."  Alenis' thoughts turned to the civilians on board the station.  As the official opening of the station wasn't for another few days, there weren't many; some contractors putting the finishing touches on the station, and a few shopkeepers setting up shop on the plaza decks below.  As the station is projected to become the hub of the system, building community on board would be very important - which meant that shopkeepers, restauranteurs, bartenders and merchants would be an important part of the project.  Having them scared off by a bomb blast would make for an inauspicious start to her tenure as station commanding officer.  "And make sure the civilians on board are secure and taken care of," she said to Lt. Jenkins as she saw a blue-shirted Lieutenant looking around, as though he were lost.

"Can I help you, Lieutenant..." Alenis' mind quickly flipped through the personnel files she had reviewed on the trip over.  She was gifted with an excellent memory, and had tried to put it to use on the way over to familiarize herself with her senior officers before meeting them.  "Lieutenant Rourke, correct?"

"Mr. Rourke, I'm afraid you've come at a bad time.  We've had an explosion in the traffic control center just now... a bomb.  I understand your background is in terraforming, but could you get the science team to perform a chemical analysis of any residue from the explosion?"  To Alenis, it was more than just catching the saboteur.  People don't just set off bombs for no reason; they do it to make a point or strike at an enemy.  And anyone who could set off a bomb on a Starfleet station has to be organized - it is highly unlikely that this was the work of a lone criminal.  Alenis suspected that knowing where the bomb came from could shed some light on the suspect's motive and affiliations.  "I want to know where that bomb came from."


<tag Jenkins and Rourke>

[Liam Rourke]

"Yes sir, I would also like to inform you that the turbolifts near the shuttlebay seem to be off line as well as the internal communications on that deck.  With your permission and the permission of the chief of security, I would like to go to the site of the explosion and scan manually while a voulenteer from here scans the site from afar, Just because there might be further sabotage of secondary systems?" He was certainly glad all of those science classes were about to pay off. He prayed to God that his chemistry classes would come back to him.

"The Leftenant and I are both new arivals, I know time is of the essence, So I will simply say I am reporting for duty. I wish this was under better circumstances." He looked at the Ensign at the science station. He walked over and patted him on the shoulder.

"Set the internal sensors in that area to look for chemical compounds, Specifically anything that could be a compound in used to make explosives, Fertilizer, Sublight transport fuel.. rule out the smaller stuff." He then looked back at the Captain.

"Sir, with your permission and when the Leftenant is ready, might we leave the bridge to investigate the scene?"

((Tags to Samm and the Skipper!)

[Alenis Meru]

"Go ahead," replied Alenis with a wave of the hand.  "Report back to me when you have something."

Alenis looked around for Thomas.  Not seeing him on the bridge, she looked over to the ready room, which appeared to be in use.  "Computer, is Commander Roseland in the ready room?"

"Unable to confirm identity or number of lifeforms in ready room."

"That's odd," mused Alenis.  She had never heard that sort of error message before.  She took a few steps towards the ready room, only to see that is was sealed and in use.  Tapping the display outside the door, it indicated that the door was locked and the room surrounded by a force field.  She sighed.  "I don't have time for this cloak and dagger crap," she mumbled, hoping no one heard her.  She sauntered back into the command center.  "Computer, is Dr. Darze on board?"

"Affirmative."

"Excellent."  Alenis thought of the casualties on board.  She wanted to know exactly how many letters starting with "We regret to inform you..." that she would have to write over the next couple days.  She tapped her comm badge to contact him.  "Dr. Darze,"  she asked, referring to him by his profession rather than rank.  Most starfleet doctors seemed to prefer being addressed as "Doctor" - whether out of pride in their profession, or the fact that "Doctor" is usually a more prestigious title than whatever rank they hold, Alenis wasn't sure.  "Can you give me a report?"


<tag - Darze for the JP we're working on>

[Liam Rourke]

Liam clicked his heels and said, "Aye aye sir."

Liam noticed the wave and took it as a sign of dismissal of a minor nuisance rather then an actual dismissing of a senior officer. He did not let it bog him down too hard. It did look like the woman was having the worst day imaginable. He walked over to the science station to ask the officer for a readout of the site. He was floored when he recognized Ensign Yantal from his last assignment. She turned around with a rather broad smile on her face.

"Lieutenant Rourke, If anybody should ask me I say you forced me into this, Call it all the Scout stuff that was decorated in your office. I scanned the bomb site for you guys, Just as I thought there is a lot of background interference, But I have tricorders being adjusted for you and the chief to help with the invesigation. I further have the duty logs for the past seventy two hours that shows who logged in and who logged out of the computer systems. But there are a lot of peices this puzzle is missing. Good luck sirs."

Yantal then handed Liam two iso chips for tricorders, "These beauties should help you chop through some of the background interference, You might want to be careful though, Especially if any of you have Cardassian friends or realtives, Filters are picking up COlbalt Dylentite in some quantities."

Liam looked at Samm and sighed. He handed her the isolinear chip.

"Well leftenant, shall we have a look at a crater?"

((And tags for Samm whenever she gets back.))

[Alenis Meru]

Unity Station | Sickbay

Arvel heard the call come down from the Operations center requesting his services, as long as he didn't see a certain spook life would be fine.  As he turned the operations of Sickbay over to a fellow Doctor he made his journey to the Ops center, arriving and being informed that he needed to be seen by the Captain which led him to her office.

He rang the chime wondering why the Captain wanted to visit with him.

Personnel tranfers... incoming communcations... interview requests from four different Bajoran news outlets...  Alenis took a break from the mountain of PADDs and cluttered monitor screen to hold her aching head in her hands.  As she let out a sigh, the door chime rang.  She took a moment to clear her head and get herself composed before instructing the visitor to enter.

"Ah, Dr. Darze.  It's unfortunate that we have to meet under such unpleasant circumstances, but how are the patients in sickbay doing?"  Alenis tried to listen to his response, but could muster no more than an absent look on her face.  It was not that she didn't care about those killed and  injured in the blast, but since the explosion, her thoughts were flying every which way at once, trying to comprehend who could do this and how.

Seeing her state of being overwhelmed worried Darze, after all it was his job to worry about the crew being the Doctor as well as the Psych specialist at least until the counselor arrived from Starfleet medical.

He heard her words and he responded in kind though he took note she didn't really register what he said which to him just made things all the  worse, for her and for the crew if she didn't take a break even during this crisis.

"I'm sorry, I just... I'm just... wondering who did this."  Alenis blushed, embarrassed that she was losing her composure.  "Have you found anything unusual in any of the patients, or any bodies that you have autopsied?"

"You need a break Captain" Arv said in a low tone as he went to the replicator and replicated his family's special tea that had been passed down to calm nerves.  "Even in the midst of a crisis such as this one, you need to step back and let those that you've delegated a task to, to do their jobs. And to answer your question again Captain the Lab is still processing things, I came up here primarily to see how you were."

As she took the cup of tea in her hands, Alenis briefly glanced over into the corner of the room where she had done a poor job of cleaning up the remains of her last cup of tea.  She could tell that the doctor noticed her eyes dart towards the puddle on the floor and quickly back to him.  Fortunately, if he noticed, he didn't let on - saving Alenis some embarassment.

"A break?" replied Alenis incredulously.  "How can I take a break and relax when I've got bombs going off on my station, dead crewmen, fugitives still at large, a Gul breathing down my neck, and--" she forcefully jammed her finger against her terminal to silence its interrupting chime "--half the news outlets on Bajor wanting my comment?!  And all this when I'm carrying this whole project," she gestured towards her window, out of which one could see Pelek IV, "this whole thing, on my shoulders.  I... I..."  she took a deep breath.  "I'm sorry.  It's just... this whole bombing, it's shades of the Yamaguchi again."

Alenis saw the inquisitive look on the doctor's face and explained her reference.  "I was the Chief Tactical Officer on the Yamaguchi... at Wolf 359.  But  when the battle started... we lasted barely 30 seconds before we were taken out.  We lost most of the crew, and I was the highest ranking officer to make it off.  I lost over two thirds of my department.  And despite the fact that there was nothing I could do against that cube, I felt responsible for the loss of so many good officers.  Now, with this bomb... it's the same thing.  It happened under my command, and worse, we don't even know what happened."  Alenis took a deep breath and sipped her tea.  While it felt good to get some of that frustration off her chest, she felt awkward about speaking so frankly to one of the people under her command.  She was supposed to be the captain, the anchor to which everyone could hitch themselves to in rough seas, and she could barely keep from going adrift herself.  "Sorry, I'm rambling;  I'm not having a good day."

As Arvel listened he knew at once that the Captain was pulling what he knew as the classic 'I have to do this myself and I cannot let anyone else do it because I am at the Captain,' bit. This was old and tiresome when he was in the Counseling chair though he hadn't seen a Captain or an officer act like this since the Borg invasion in a while, or due to the Borg invasion that is.

"Captain," He began his dark eyes focusing on her own, "A break is what you need...and I don't mean take three weeks leave or anything...I am talking about taking an evening and turning your crew over to the first officer a Cmdr Roseland isn't it?"  Arv said not really remembering for sure and hating himself for not remembering the first officer's name.

He leaned forward in his chair and kept his intense gaze on hers as he went on, "You haven't had a good day in a long time have you Captain?" He asked curiously, "You need a break after your shift is over I am ordering you under Medical regulations to go and get a drink in the bar regardless or not if you have all the work done. You have people to help you do work so let them do their job and you do yours by relaxing." 

There were other choice words Arv would use to describe her need to 'let go' of things, though they wouldn't be right to say in her state of mind or at all.  Thankfully she was just Bajoran and not telepathic. "And after you go and get out and eat something I'd like you to start counseling sessions with me on a regular basis so we can help make your work load less stressful."

Alenis looked up and stared into the doctor’s eyes.  She was in no position to argue.  Worn down from the events of the day, she didn’t have the energy to start another fight.  Roseland could hold down the fort, and until more information arises from the investigation, there is little that Alenis could do anyways.  And deep down she felt she could use a drink.

“It’s a date,” replied Alenis as she let out a smile.  “Er… appointment,” she quickly added, blushing.

This had surprised Arv, though he had probably discounted his forcefulness in the matter. "Either of those terms are applicable Captain. And I shall return to my Infirmary...I'll get the information to you about the bombings and my results as soon as possible. Civilian clothes 1930 hours Captain," He smiled at her gently.

"I look forward to seeing you there." And with that he left.


<This JP brought to you by Captain Alenis Meru and Lt. Cmdr Arvel Darze>

[Alenis Meru]

Captain's Office
Starbase Unity


After the doctor left, Alenis sat in her office for a couple minutes, her hand on her forehead.  She was feeling embarrassed – she didn’t mean to lead the doctor on, but her last comment just slipped out.  Dating one of her department heads was unprofessional on more than one level, if not a violation of Starfleet regulations.  And not only that, but it was the station’s doctor – a doctor who is probably going to insist on regular counseling sessions after her ramblings about Wolf 359.

But in all of this, there was a part of her which didn’t object.  Maybe the doctor was right; she needed to learn to relax, and she hadn’t actively dated in years.  And she could do worse than the doctor.  Pondering this social predicament, she was interrupted by the chime of her comm badge.

“Captain, we’re getting a distress signal—“

“I’ll be right there,” interrupted Alenis as she got up and swiftly walked out the door of her office, arriving on the bridge.  “Put it on screen.”

“Right away,” replied an ensign at the operations station.

“—this is the freighter Meressa to any friendly ships in range.”  The picture quality was poor – between the static, Alenis could just make out that the captain was a Bajoran.  “We are being attacked by Cardassian—“

“Get him back!” shouted Alenis.

“Sir, their communications are being jammed.  We've lost the signal.”

“Damn.  What’s the closest Starfleet vessel to their last known position?  Relay the signal to them, and get them to rescue this ship.”

“Sir, we’re the only Starfleet asset within range.”

“I see,” replied Alenis as she pondered her options for a second.  While she obviously couldn't do much on a stationary installation, she did have one option.  She tapped her comm badge to signal her first officer.  “Commander Roseland, is the Phoenix ready?”


<tag – Tom, and anyone suicidal enough to take a ride in a giant shuttle with him>

[Thomas Roseland]

:  : =/\=Commander Winslow, please make your way to the bridge as soon as you can=/\=

COMMAND CENTER |
UNITY STATION |

Pushing the thoughts and worries that Arvel had pushed to the front of her thoughts, Kate shook it all off as she turned to something she could control, this investigation. There were multiple possibilities, all which she should be able to analyze from the command center once she arrived.

And of course there was that page for her to get there ASAP, she'd have to thank the executive officer for that later, she had about punched Darze and she was pretty sure she didn't want to start off this assignment in the brig.

"Ensign, how do you disassemble these bloody things?" Thomas raged. Since he'd paged Kate he'd had no luck and even though he'd decided to help Ensign Valejo, The Operations Officer, with the emergency logistics, he couldn't help but be compelled back to the terminal.

"Uhh... Sir- I don't think that's allowed, that's the most important terminal on the station. It has a higher data retention capacity than the rest. without it you'd need to man two stations and without the fleet monitor we'd be pretty blind" The Ensign responded, starting with a splutter but finding herself becoming cooler and cooler with each word.

Thomas sighed "Very well, I'll vent when I'm have a chance to visit the holodeck, a fight with a good klingon is more helpful than speaking to a-"
Thomas was about to finish his sentence when he heard the command center doors open with a hiss. Before he turned around he heard the voice he'd been waiting for. He silently murmured a yes Before turning around.

Entering the command center she spied the man in red standing at one of the consoles and walked over. "I believe you requested me sir?" she said with a slight smirk on her lips.

"I did indeed Commander" Thomas said with a smile due to her lack of standing to attention. Even though he took his role seriously the XO really hated the gesture, he didn't need to be reminded his place in the chain of command and he doubted the action was warranted to remind the rest of the crew.

"Now Miss Winslow, how good are you at hacking Starfleet systems?" Thomas asked with a smirk that he had accompanied with a rose brow. "Because, I could really use some help, and this terminals life is depending on you" He said with an eyeroll directed to the menace.

Folding her arms over her chest as she stepped closer to the terminal, Kate quickly looked over the station then glanced over at him, her smirk growing to almost a flirty grin as she unfolded her arms and placed her hands on the screens, punching in a few commands, she quickly read then entered a series of codes before moving around him to access another section.

"I'm taking it this is in regards to the unknown Bajoran from the blast?" she inquired as she began hacking her way through the systems. "And to answer your earlier question, I'm excellent at hacking the systems, Starfleets, The Empire..." her voice trailed off as she begun getting deeper in the system.

"I see the Intel thing is only a part time role  Here was me assuming you would know exactly what I wanted" Thomas replied in a playful sarcastic manner. He brushed past her to bring up the Footage he'd been search through. Once he'd located the suspect he loaded their image on to separate screen. 

"Computer, Locate this individual" Thomas ordered calmly, he didn't want to blow up in front of all the officer on his first day after all.

"Unable to comply" The computer responded instantly.  

"It appears we've been hacked before. I've had little to no success in getting passed the security protocols that they have installed. Even my command codes don't put a dent in it" Thomas responded as he pulled back and crossed his arms.

"Is there any chance you can reverse hack their hack? And get us back in control of at least one portion of the Station?" The Commander queried dryly. Thomas responded as he pulled back and crossed his arms.

"Is there any chance you can reverse hack their hack? And get us back in control of at least one portion of the Station?" The Commander queried dryly.

"Ah yes, I only read minds on odd number days, sorry about your luck Commander." Kate tossed back at him just as sarcastic as she frowned at the image before her, fingers flying as she flipped it about, enhanced it then tossed it over to the 3D viewer. "Sneaky bastard, I got you." she muttered mostly to herself as she blocked out the command crew, tapping her badge.

=^=Winslow to Norgen, Command Center now. =^= she demanded as she continued to work. "Hacking the hack isn't a big deal, it's actually pretty simple but there's precautions...just a second..." she said to Tom as she read quickly then spoke again, this time to the computer.

"Computer, system override Winslow delta six nine alpha." she requested as she typed in another code.

"Authorization granted."

Kate turned, looked at Tom and smirked even wider at him, going as far to actually wink. "We should probably take this to the ready room, sir." she suggested then turned back to the console. "Computer, ethnical origin of unknown subject?" she asked as she glanced over her shoulder, she had a hunch but she wasn't positive. "It's not Bajoran is it Unity?"

"multiple origins, none original, DNA flexible."

came the response as Kate turned once more to Tom. "see you weren't asking the right questions Commander."

"Captain Alenis is currently using the Ready Room, the Conference Room has most of the same provision we should head there" Thomas replied before he began walking to the Conference Room

"As for asking the right questions? We don't all have spy authorisation codes, Intel has more access than me and the Captain combined in a level 10 lock down remember" Thomas reminded her with a smirk.

Conference Room |    
Unity Station |

As soon as they where both alone Thomas turned to face the Intel Chief. He'd decided to just cut the crap and be less formal with her.

"Want to inform me why you've invited the Traffic Control Officer here? Unless a shuttle is about to blow up or something he's not exactly going to be the most helpful individual" Thomas asked curiously. Whilst the Commander respected his authority he'd learnt that comradery was the key to a successful Command. Don't get him wrong, he'd use his authority if needed. But, until that time came he had no issues with being friendly with the crew. They were after all a family in the fact they share a semi-permanent home Light years away from their respective homes.

Following behind him, Kate waited slightly off to his left as she pulled her comm badge off and flipped it over, pressing a small button on the back before she answered him. "He happened to get a very good look at our intruder, I've found in my line of work, everyone involved in this type of situation can help shed light." Kate looked at the executive officer and arched a perfectly sculpted brow. "I can call him off however." she added turning her attention back to the stations system.

If she was right about this unknown intruder, then they had issues, very big issues indeed.

"Not to worry Miss Winslow, I have every faith in your decision" Thomas responded with a mirrored brow accompanied with a smirk. "However, I wasn't aware we were at the stage of interrogation yet. You Intel types are very impatient aren't you?" He asked with a chuckle.

Leaving the last button of his civilian shirt undone, Spencer fixed his pair of low top shoes before walking into the conference room. Seeing two personnel, both of which he was familiar on file, one of whom saved his life, Spencer paid his respects, "Commanders," he nodded. Having been authorised by his nearly incapacitated Station Chief, Spencer was to leave his cover and give whatever assistance necessary to the Starfleet personnel aboard. He pressed several buttons at the door as they all entered, sealing the room up completely.

"Computer, set up a level 10 force field around this room," he waited for a request authorisation entry chirp before stating the current FIS clearance code, "Foxtrot India Sierra, one two four decimal three five zero," his code being unusual in form, as it did not give away the user's identity, just merely that FIS was present - the computer accepted the code and replied with a set of chirp that would be unfamiliar to most Starfleet officers, "Computer, deactivate all incoming and outgoing voice communications to this room unless otherwise authorised, enact broken arrow protocol, transmit seven seven zero zero, current personnel present in the room considered non-hostile, read back," Spencer stated, transmitting an agency distress code to headquarters before making sure everyone in the room has been secured.

"Broken arrow protocol, transmitting emergency code at seven seven zero zero, all life forms present are considered non-hostile, all incoming and outgoing voice communications to these premises will be deactivated - scanning - no additional eavesdropping device present, one highly modified Starfleet Intelligence recording and jamming device currently active - do you wish to proceed?" Returned the computer with a series of read backs.

"Readback correct," Spencer confirmed, as another set of chirps awaited his input, "Proceed," a short drop in lighting and a distinct beep gave Spencer the confirmation that he needed. He placed two plastic bags on the table, and a portable computer terminal of his own along with the decrypted forensics data from his scanners. "Okay, we're sterile,"

Kate reached out and gently patted Tom on the back. "He's not actually a traffic controller, in fact, I plan on keeping him, he gets all the cool little gadgets I usually have to steal to obtain because Starfleet thinks their 'unnecessary' ." she remarked stepping over to Spencer.

"Right, back to work- first things first, I'm not thinking our Bajoran is really Bajoran, DNA scan via computer could not tag the markers and." she paused as she looked over at the two men. "He shimmers in the vid feed."

"what did you find out from the scene?" she asked the FIS agent.

Thomas watched Spencer incredulously as he got began running security protocols he wasn't even aware the station possesed. Why didn't he know he reviewed and approved many of the stations tactical systems. He didn't say anything as Kate patted his shoulder, he just rose a brow at them. He didn't want to waste time speaking when he was attempting to submit Spencers codes to his mind.

"Are you alluding to what I think you are?" Thomas asked.

Kate nodded absently at Toms open ended question. "Changeling." She stated as she read over her findings and that of the crime scenes. "But he didn't work alone." She added with a look at the two.

"You have got to be joking. The station isn't even officially open. The Dominion will gain no tactical advantage from this attack" Thomas offered curiously as he watched the video closer. The Executive Officer had thought it was just a glitch due to the explosion.

"Commander Roseland, I'm sorry we're meeting under these circumstances," he said, his tone a bit more serious than usual as Spencer identified himself as FIS. Placing the scanner on the table with the decrypted data being put on display, they were able to study a thorough recreation of the crime scene as recorded by Spencer in the aftermath of the attack. Spencer directed their attention to the plasma junction where the surge originated.

"Not the point of explosion, but origin of the plasma surge. We picked up traces of a device that is Bajoran in origin. Someone accessed the panel and knew exactly where to to direct a plasma surge," Spencer said, as decoded data appeared on the screen, "I'll need to show the Captain these once she becomes available,"

After some thought, and surprised by Kate Winslow's discovery, Spencer concurred with Unity's XO, "He's right, this is nowhere near advantageous..." Spencer paused, taking a moment to stroll through the realm of possibilities, "Unless they intend to frame the Bajorans and start something between us and the provisional government," he rubbed his eyes, half thinking they get the Captain involved.

Damn there was just to many variables. "Time to pull the captain from her meeting if she's still in it, we don't know much, but she might know something we don't right now." Kate stated with a sigh.

She hated unknowns, always would. And she really hated telling her commanding officer that she had very little in answers as to what and why something had happened, on her watch.

It was embarrassing.

"Indeed" Thomas said as he placed his PADD down. "However, be careful not to insinuate too much. The Captain is likely to be stressed after having to deal with Cardassians. That would drive anyone over the edge" Thomas said humorously as he headed to the door before being zapped by the forcefield Norgen had erected around the room.

"son-of-a-gun" Thomas mumbled as he looked back to Kate and Spencer. "Erm.. Do you mind Agent?" He asked politely before walking to stand next to Kate.

"Any other spooks I should be aware of Ms Winslow?" Thomas whispered into Kate's ear so that only she would hear him.

"I'll try my hardest not to do so." Kate replied to his remark about insinuating too much. She did however chuckle when he tried to leave before Spencer deactivated the force field.

"Computer, deactivate privacy protocol and field, Winslow nine delta two one eight." she ordered it then reached for the handle, stopping to look at him with a flirty smile.

"you can bet on it Roseland, but it's a need to know basis and well, there's no need for you to know the exact number." she teased then with a nod at Spencer as he finished packing things up, she stepped out if the briefing room.

Thomas just looked at the woman's back as she left the room in subdued awe. He felt a slight twinge of envy for the benefits provided by her career before shrugging it off and walking after her. He'd not taken two steps out of the room when he was faced with the Captains question.

“Commander Roseland, is the Phoenix ready?”

"Give me two seconds Captain" Thomas said as he walked over to the Operations Terminal. "Weapons systems are fine, I'm assuming those are the services you are requiring?" Thomas said with a quirked brow.

----------------------

A JP between Number One & The Spooks. 

[Alenis Meru]

Alenis was surprised to see her first officer exit the ready room.  Behind him, she saw Lt. Cmdr. Winslow and an ensign who she didn't recognize.  She made a point to ask about the meeting later, not that she expected to get a straight answer out of the spooks.  "Yes, we've got a Bajoran freighter being harassed by Cardassians.  You know what to do."  She gestured towards a starmap, displaying the last known location of the freighter.  "Oh, and I don't need to tell you this is a delicate diplomatic situation.  Save the freighter, but only use as much force as necessary.  We don't want to start a war here."

<tag Tom, and anyone going with him>

[Thomas Roseland]

Thomas half smiled at the Captain. "Captain, we will be enroute in ten minutes" The other half of Unity's command team explained. He turned to the Lieutenant Commander currently sharing the bridge with them. "Miss Winslow, it would be safe to presume you have tactical know-how? I require an Executive Officer, You can work Tactical, I will work Conn, Miss Valejo, you can man the Ops/Engineering. I'd prefer to have a skeleton crew if possible" The commander informed.  

[Kate Winslow]

Kate smirked as she saw that the Captain was very curious as to what the three of them had been doing, and nodded at Spencer as Tom turned and addressed her.

"Yes, of course I do." she said simply, in reference to her knowing tactical.

"Captain, we have learned a few things on the explosion, my friend Spencer can bring you up to speed while we are away." she added, looking to the stunning woman once more. With a glance at Tom, Kate winked at him as she turned to leave. "See you in the shuttle bay sir, I have a few items to gather first but will be there on time."

[Thomas Roseland]

Thomas looked at her quizzically for a few moments before dismissing the urge to question why. "See you there Miss Winslow" Thomas responded with a tight smile. before hitting the badge on his chest.

"Commander Roseland to Lieutenant Commander Darze, me and a small skeleton crew will be taking the Phoenix to help aid a Bajoran freighter it's likely we'll need assistance" Thomas ordered through his commbadge.

"Ma'am, I'd recommend have a long chat with Mr Norgen whilst I'm gone. It appears there is more than meets the eye with the TCO
" Thomas said as he turned to face the Captain.

[Alenis Meru]

"Oh, I will," replied Alenis as she peered into the ready room at the young ensign, glad to finally have a line on some clues about the explosion.  "Now, get going, that freighter isn't going to save itself."

<tag - Tom and his crew, Spencer>