And then there were none

Posted on Thu Sep 12th, 2019 @ 2:48am by Captain Abigail Laurens & Commander Ichiko Gail & Lieutenant Aleksander Voroshilov

Mission: War and Peacekeeping
Location: CO's Ready Room

One command.

That was all it took. One simple word and the Trion delegates were no longer their problem.

The Government officials had been transported to their official buildings where there was a security detail ready and waiting to brief them. The TLF members had been transported 'elsewhere' in the city, Evita returning back to the colony with them.

With a sigh, Abigail picked up her latte from her desk and looked across the rim of her mug at Ichiko and Aleski, the two that had become her closest confidants within the confines of the ship. "I guess that's that then," she said quietly. "They're gone and we're done."

The rabbitess took a slow sip of her usual tea. "It's unfortunate what happened while they were here, but they were terrible guests." Ichiko confirmed, and was silent for a moment, "So what's next on our docket? Please say it's something relaxing? ... Like actual relaxing." she smirked over the rim of her cup.

"Actually, there's a small M class planet just a day or so from here," Abigail replied with a smile, leaning forward and tapping at the console on her desk, bringing up the planetary information and turning the viewing screen so the others could see it. "Meria Prime. We have a handful of new crewmembers waiting there to rendezvous with us, so that seems to be our next destination. I thought I'd put in a request with Command to give everyone a few days of downtime while we were there, that should give us some time to evaluate the ships systems and make sure nothing else was compromised when the security surveillance systems were tampered with."

"One of the new officers expected to join us is listed as Security. I'd be interested to see what a fresh pair of eyes finds, but I'd be lying if I said i want the slightest bit embarrassed about them finding anything." the rabbitess admitted. "We're also scheduled to be bringing aboard some hardware from home. That should make Jack a happy... Camper, yes. Happy camper. Never understood that reference."

Abigail laughed. "Honestly, you and me both. I mean, I've been camping. I got talked into it when I was at the Academy. What is so good about 'camping' that makes people happy to be there? Sorry, I'm a creature of comfort, I like my nice comfortable bed, hot showers and private bathrooms"

A smirk crossed across the rabbitess' features. "Speaking of comfort. As this is your ship, I feel I should at least ask." a pause, "I'd like to configure the subspace comm array of the ship to make contact with the Ts'usugi Buoy Network. Download a few holodeck simulations from home, send a few letters back home, news and updates from our part of the galaxy."

"It's just adding a frequency that isn't in use by Federation communication relays. Nothing to change about the array itself." she stated, up front.

Abigail smiled gently. "Of course," she replied quietly. "Last time you asked about contacting the Buoy Network I told you that you didn't need my permission. I trust you to know what you're doing, and the crew are at your disposal if you require assistance. Just grab them before they go on shore leave." She paused for a moment. "Am I correct in remembering that two of the new crew coming aboard at Meria are Ts'Usugi?"

"Of course. I just wanted to make sure that, with security being in the state that it is in and the eventual sweep that will follow, that the offer still stood as it were."

"And yes. The two pilots that will be transferring to the Astraea are both Ts'usugi. Blink Pilots. We're also slated to receive four Blink Craft. Two fighters, one two-seat for training, and a decommissioned unit for entry into the replicator database and to be used for parts until the system can freely manufacture replacement pieces."

"I'm sure that will, as you said, make Lieutenant Carver one happy camper. I'm sure there will be some Engineers that would love the chance to look over the technology as well, but I'll leave that in your hands." Abigail smiled. "I have to admit, it sounds fascinating. 'Blink' technology. Is that like, blink and you'll miss it?"

Ichiko gave a nod, "The Ts'usugi never abandoned development of their Sublight propulsion just because we found something faster than light. The Blink Drive propels a craft at roughly eighty seven percent the speed of light for just a fraction of a second, before the drive and the supporting capacitors need time to recharge." she stared.

"On average, each blink is about a quarter of a million kilometers, as you measure. They're used heavily in local commerce and logistics. Keeping the supply trains moving, as it were." and then she gave a smirk, "I have every assurance Lieutenant Carver will enjoy their presence."

Having shown him the specs previously, she had a bit of insider information on that topic.

Abigail laughed. "Well, as long as everyone's happy then I guess," she said with a shake of her head as she set her latte down. "It will be nice to try and reclaim some kind of normalcy around here," she said with a smile. "Instead of worrying about what's going to happen next. Actually, that reminds me, can you please check in with Mr Kaarg while we're at Meria, send him shopping to restock what ever needs to be replaced from the kitchen, tell him to source anything and everything he needs, we'll cover it. He had to dispose of basically everything in the freezer because of the risk of contamination with the body being found in there," she explained.

"Probably a good idea regardless, half the meat had freezer burn," Aleksi had been quietly sipping his black tea, scrolling through a PADD as he only half paid attention. He wasn't interested in the new fighters unless they had some sort of ISR or Electronic Attack capability, otherwise it just meant two more jocks that would ignore his Intel brief but proceed to blame his team for any fires they took, "Oh, there's going to be an art gala, focus on Picasso."

A smirk crossed the features of the rabbitess. "I'll be certain to inform Mr Kaarg. Compliments of Mr. Voroshilov." a giggle. "An art gala? I may have to see some of the pieces. See what passes for art among the cosmos." she teased, but her tone meant well.

"You wish to attend an art gala focusing on Picasso Mr Voroshilov?" Abigail asked, an incredulous tone to her voice. "That is... unexpected. How very cultural of you."

Ichiko smirked, "I think it's unfair to consider it unexpected. A good intelligence officer needs to be able to absorb more than just nefarious conduct. They should know a target's culture, their society, their very way of life. He should be able to blend into the target culture, talk their talk and walk their walk."

"Mr. Voroshilov may be a little rough around the edges, but so is sandpaper. Both are incredibly useful when used properly." a pause, as she turned her hollow glance over towards Aleksi, "No offense intended, I assure you."

"Clearly you haven't been to my office. I'll admit Picasso isn't as abstract as Rothko or Pollock but he is the most influential human artist of the 20th century," Aleksi smirked without looking up from his PADD, his tone indicating both a great knowledge and passion. Lazily he looked over to Ichiko, "None taken. You'd be surprised at how well I clean up."

"That remains to be seen doesn't it?" Abigail shot back. "But I suggest you behave. The last thing someone with your record needs is more trouble Aleksi," she warned gently.

"Ma'am, I've learned my lesson," He finally looked at Abigail, a shit-eating grin on his face, "Don't get caught."