JDL|Cpt. Dhej, Cmdr. Rinehart|"A Sudden Shock"

Posted on 241508.13 @ 1:52am by Commander Tierney Rinehart

=/\=Aquarius=/\\

Karim was woken from a deep sleep by chirping from the companel beside his bunk. Slapping it sleepily, he said "Dhej here." He hoped to hell this message was important, since he was exhausted, and needed rest.

On the other end of the link sat a woman made of onyx and steel. Though aging, she was still a fine tuned and razor sharp blade of power and destruction... And that blade was held, however begrudgingly, by Starfleet. The bitter cold depths of her arctic eyes leveled in on the shadow masked face of a Trill, and at once she knew she'd caught the young Captain at a poor moment. Care? Not at all. In a world such as theirs, sleep was a precious commodity never to be taken as granted or earned. Only luck allowed for sleep, and luck simply wasn't on Karim Dhej's side.

"Captain Dhej," The woman offered no smile of remorse or pity, doing so would have been an insult to the officer's fine integrity, "I'd apologize for waking you, but such is the life of a commanding officer." That, however, she would grant him. She wasn't completely bereft of manners. Not yet. "I'm afraid I have some rather poor news, and it couldn't have come across my desk at a worse time." Blyx scowled as she spoke. "Commander Adrianna Hunter has resigned her commission with Starfleet and while I can't say that I'm surprised, I can say that I'm deeply disappointed in her choices. However, I'm certain that I can rest easy knowing that the Enterprise is in capable hands regardless." The woman's crow-colored eyebrows rose as if demanding his agreement with such a statement.

Karim blinked sleep out of his eyes, and pulled the sheet over his chest as the Admiral appeared on the small console by his bunk. Shocked, he said "Understood Admiral, I'm sorry I am out of uniform. I was sleeping. Has she already left the ship with her son?"

"She has." The Admiral all but grumbled as she spoke, "I wasn't informed of her plans until she was already through the Badlands and I have half the mind to have her strung up for desertion after you lot are finished with your current mission, not that it should concern you any longer. Just do what needs to be done and concentrate on the success of the mission. We'll talk again later."

Karim nodded at the Admiral's explanation and said "Thank you for letting me know this information Admiral. Dhej out." Rising from the bunk, he grabbed a standard issue robe from the nearby small closet and slipped it on. Crossing to the companel he tapped it and said "Dhej to Rinehart. Please report to the Aquarius immediately."

Tierney was exhausted, but awake enough from the day's long list of events to hear the quick chirp of her combadge and the rumble of Karim's voice following suit. Rolling over from her barely warmed patch of bed, she managed to murmur an apology to Kerenal.

A couple minutes, and quick change of apparel later, Tierney sat face to face with the Trill. "I doubt you called me up here for a social call, Karim, what's on your mind?"

Sighing as he drew his robe around himself, he replied "Adrianna has resigned her commission and left the Enterprise with her son. Admiral Red just advised me of the news moments ago."

"Oh..." The young halfling responded, and fell back into silence with a wrinkle to her nose and surprise etched into her eyes. "Did the Admiral say why or was this more of a 'The chick quit, good luck' kind of call?"

Smiling faintly, Karim replied "The latter. Basically I've got to roll with it and keep going. I'm going to need your help a bit more until they send a replacement. Sorry to add more to your plate."

Tierney nodded in understanding, "Not a big deal." She replied, hoping to alleviate some of her friend's concerns and worries, "We're clever folks, we'll make it work. So far everything seems pretty kosher with the Stenellis, but I'm sure tomorrow's talks will tell us a bit more."

Nodding, he replied "Thanks for your support as always." Pausing, he added "I do have to let you know that we have 3 new crewmembers that have joined us in the past few days. Lieutenant Jonah Wright, our new Chief Counselor, Lieutenant Keal, our new Chief Medical Officer, and Lieutenant Keras tr'Slayton our new Chief Science." Pausing again, he said "I actually came up with a ... task for Lieutenants Wright and Keal, and hope you approve."

"Oh?" Even tired, the mention of new officers and a task forced the Starling's hand. Her attention was captured, at least for the moment, and she tilted her head in question of the Trill.

Nodding, he said "I was searching for some way for the new people to be involved in the mission, and suggested they focus on learning more about the Stenellis. In particular, access to their medical facilities. Lieutenant Keal suggested someone go undercover to test out the facilities, and if they are universally accessible. Lieutenant Wright was essentially ... volunteered. They are working on the disguise as we speak."

The young Commander's eyebrows knit together as she considered what Karim had to say, "I just hope they aren't caught. The level of distrust between the Ascendancy and the Federation would probably be irreparable. But... If the benefits outweigh the risks, then I don't see why not." She nodded slowly.

Sighing slightly, he replied "I share your concerns. I just have a sense that the polite face we are being shown isn't the full story about Stenellian culture. I will caution them to tread very carefully, and not to let the mission go too long."

"A couple days at most... They're a suspicious people. The fact I share blood with them both concerns me and piques my curiosity. I still haven't found that link." Tierney's facial features softened some as she leaned deeper into her chair, "But that's neither here nor there and certainly not a topic worthy of this late hour."

Smiling, he said "Thanks for coming to see me so late Tierney. I know its a lot to take in, but I had to tell you as soon as I knew. Get some rest, and I'll see you in the morning so we can meet up with the Vindicator delegation for the talks."

"You do the same, boss. We'll be alright." She grinned and slowly worked to find her feet. Bed was calling her name... Loudly. "Sleep well."

Standing, he moved towards her for a quick hug. Stepping back, he said "I'll see you in the morning. Goodnight."

Always thankful for his friendly embrace, Tierney reciprocated, nodded, and took her leave of him for the evening.

=/\=End Log=/\=

Captain Karim Dhej
Commanding Officer
USS Enterprise, NCC 1701-F

Commander Tierney Rinehart
Chief Intelligence // Second Officer
USS ENTERPRISE, NCC 1701-F