M1 - E1: Strategic Science Summit

[Susan Venator]

PO2 Rayek
[Conference Room]

At being provided a name, Rayek offered a nod.

He listened to her suggestion of collaborating on a lie, and raised an eyebrow at her comment that Dr Vaughan had done classified work before and thus knows the rules.  To Rayek's perspective, while classified work was admittedly respected so as not to be  questioned, it was always best if no one even suspected that there was something there that could be questioned.

But something about the Lieutenant gave him the impression that he'd best go along with the named Starbase collaboration or else he'd be having to claim the 'can't talk about it' line at some point to Dr. Vaughan.  "I'll leave the details to you, ma'am."

He glanced about the room once more, out of habit and Romulan paranoia, and noted a fifth individual he'd missed initially.  A Zakdorn if he wasn't mistaken.  He'd read that their species were brilliant strategists.  Rayek's curiosity was piqued and he inclined his head slightly in a non-verbal greeting towards the cadet, before he looked back to the Lieutenant.  "I take it that neither you nor your acquaintances here know what this assignment is about?"

Conference Room

Suzie shook her head.

"All three of us, as I am sure you did too, got secret but vague instructions to report here but no information as to why." She paused as she tried to think of a out of the way Starbase. "If it comes up, we met whilst passing on Starbase 12. It has far too much through traffic to try and check the story." She finished.

[Rayek trLhoell]

PO2 Rayek
[Conference Room]

Conference Room

Suzie shook her head.

"All three of us, as I am sure you did too, got secret but vague instructions to report here but no information as to why." She paused as she tried to think of a out of the way Starbase. "If it comes up, we met whilst passing on Starbase 12. It has far too much through traffic to try and check the story." She finished.

Rayek didn't begin to query why either he or Lt Venator might have possibly been at Starbase 12, he just nodded.  Perhaps Dr. Vaughan wouldn't get wind of them meeting and he wouldn't need to ever need to recall the 'Starbase where had met Suzie Venator' but Rayek's faith in that wasn't strong.  He committed the Starbase detail to memory.

Then to continue the 'small talk' Rayek inquired, "What ship are you from? And if I may ask, where did you hear my name?  Was is from Dr. Vaughan?"

[Susan Venator]

PO2 Rayek
[Conference Room]

Rayek didn't begin to query why either he or Lt Venator might have possibly been at Starbase 12, he just nodded.  Perhaps Dr. Vaughan wouldn't get wind of them meeting and he wouldn't need to ever need to recall the 'Starbase where had met Suzie Venator' but Rayek's faith in that wasn't strong.  He committed the Starbase detail to memory.

Then to continue the 'small talk' Rayek inquired, "What ship are you from? And if I may ask, where did you hear my name?  Was is from Dr. Vaughan?"

Conference Room

Suzie thought for a moment before responding.

"She mentioned you by name a month or so ago in one of letters. No details, just that she had a Romulan Petty Officer serving on her ship. I recognised you from the description she gave." She replied. "Oh and I'm currently serving on the Athena." She added.

[Rayek trLhoell]

PO2 Rayek
[Conference Room]

Conference Room

Suzie thought for a moment before responding.

"She mentioned you by name a month or so ago in one of letters. No details, just that she had a Romulan Petty Officer serving on her ship. I recognised you from the description she gave." She replied. "Oh and I'm currently serving on the Athena." She added.

Rayek nodded slightly and smirked a bit, "I wouldn't think a description would be necessary, as when last I checked there were no other Romulan's serving in Starfleet."

A month or so ago she said...  Rayek was curious what Dr. Vaughan might have commented about him back then. He trusted that his medical details were confidential but would have liked to know what impression the doctor had of him back that would have been reflected in the tone of her letter.  "I hope her description of me was at least flattering."  Rayek attempted some humour.

[Susan Venator]

PO2 Rayek
[Conference Room]

Rayek nodded slightly and smirked a bit, "I wouldn't think a description would be necessary, as when last I checked there were no other Romulan's serving in Starfleet."

A month or so ago she said...  Rayek was curious what Dr. Vaughan might have commented about him back then. He trusted that his medical details were confidential but would have liked to know what impression the doctor had of him back that would have been reflected in the tone of her letter.  "I hope her description of me was at least flattering."  Rayek attempted some humour.

Conference Room

Suzie smiled.

"She made no comments, only that she was serving with a Romulan and gave a brief physical description. You know, height, build, that sort of thing. As to being the only one serving in the Fleet, Lizzie might have known that but she did not mention it to me. Before then I was not even aware we had one Romulan serving." She added.

[Rayek trLhoell]

PO2 Rayek
[Conference Room]

Conference Room

Suzie smiled.

"She made no comments, only that she was serving with a Romulan and gave a brief physical description. You know, height, build, that sort of thing. As to being the only one serving in the Fleet, Lizzie might have known that but she did not mention it to me. Before then I was not even aware we had one Romulan serving." She added.

Rayek nodded slightly at her words, then looked to the others behind her that she had been speaking to.  One had moved past them to speak to the commander quietly, but the Andorian seemed to still be just sitting and waiting.  As was the Zakdorn.

Rayek looked back to the Lieutenant, "Perhaps introductions all around might be appropriate while we wait for further instructions?"

[Klizh]

Conference Room

Once guided to a landing pad, K'lizh and Jus'draal had been escorted by a tight-lipped Andorian to a gathering of other Starfleet officers. Thankful to be breathing a broader sampling of smells, K'lizh allowed himself to breath more deeply and noted the melange of humans, Andorians, Romulans, a couple races he had never scented before, and--oh dear--another Orion. He hadn't bothered to take his pheromonal suppressant today. He needed one to work around the Tempest's security chief, though he hated having to. Once they figured out what was going on, he would have to get to a replicator as soon as possible for a dosage. Not for the first time, K'lizh questioned his desire to go into Starfleet. He had nothing against other species, but some of them could play havoc with his sensitive sense of smell.

And then he recognized someone. Someone from what felt like a long, long time ago, his very first posting aboard the Athena. He had come a long way from the shy, insecure ensign of those days. It had only been a few years, but they had been crazy years, enough to harden anybody.

[Kalro Zolarim]

Conference Room

Rayek looked back to the Lieutenant, "Perhaps introductions all around might be appropriate while we wait for further instructions?"

Hearing this, Kalro perked up.  Perhaps he could unravel some of the mystery of this gathering by learning more about the others here.

"Cade- He paused.  That was no longer true as of last week.  "That is, Ensign Kalro Zolarim.  A recent academy graduate, with specialties in Security, Tactical, and Data Analysis, Sir.  My first posting has been delayed for this... rendezvous."

He glanced about, "Would it be impertinent to suggest that nobody actually knows why they are here?"

[Susan Venator]

PO2 Rayek
[Conference Room]

Rayek nodded slightly at her words, then looked to the others behind her that she had been speaking to.  One had moved past them to speak to the commander quietly, but the Andorian seemed to still be just sitting and waiting.  As was the Zakdorn.

Rayek looked back to the Lieutenant, "Perhaps introductions all around might be appropriate while we wait for further instructions?"

Conference Room

Rayek looked back to the Lieutenant, "Perhaps introductions all around might be appropriate while we wait for further instructions?"

Hearing this, Kalro perked up.  Perhaps he could unravel some of the mystery of this gathering by learning more about the others here.

"Cade- He paused.  That was no longer true as of last week.  "That is, Ensign Kalro Zolarim.  A recent academy graduate, with specialties in Security, Tactical, and Data Analysis, Sir.  My first posting has been delayed for this... rendezvous."

He glanced about, "Would it be impertinent to suggest that nobody actually knows why they are here?"

Conference Room

Suzie nodded.

"That sounds like a good idea t be going on with." She said before clearing her throat.

She waited for the conversations to quiet before speaking again.

"I'm Lieutenant Susan Venator." She introduced herself. "I graduated from the Academy with a double major in Warp Mechanics and Computer Engineering as well as Archaeology. I started off as an Engineering Officer before transferring over to Operations." She finished.

[Rayek trLhoell]

PO2 Rayek
[Conference Room]

Conference Room

Once guided to a landing pad, K'lizh and Jus'draal had been escorted by a tight-lipped Andorian to a gathering of other Starfleet officers.

Rayek glanced over hearing the doors and noted the entrance of what appeared to be a Caitian and a Klingon. Interesting pair.

Conference Room

"Cade- He paused.  That was no longer true as of last week.  "That is, Ensign Kalro Zolarim.  A recent academy graduate, with specialties in Security, Tactical, and Data Analysis, Sir.  My first posting has been delayed for this... rendezvous."

He glanced about, "Would it be impertinent to suggest that nobody actually knows why they are here?"

Rayek looked over towards the Zakdorn, Ensign Zolarim, as the man offered up his introduction.  That one of the man's specialties was in Tactical wasn't surprising.  That the ensign, might have addressed him as 'sir' confirmed how new the ensign was.   Before he could respond in kind, and answer the Ensign's question, the Lieutenant spoke her piece.

"I'm Lieutenant Susan Venator." She introduced herself. "I graduated from the Academy with a double major in Warp Mechanics and Computer Engineering as well as Archaeology. I started off as an Engineering Officer before transferring over to Operations." She finished.

The specialty in Archaeology was noteworthy, the others were rather common for someone beginning in Engineering.

Rayek glanced about the room to the others before making his own introduction.  "Petty Officer 2nd class Rayek tr'Lhoell.  Security detachment aboard the USS Challenger."

The Mars academy enlisted program was rather generic and Rayek hadn't bothered to specialize in any one field.  He paused considering what else he could say that would best describe the reason why he thought he was present, but wouldn't put at risk his classified past.

"No Starfleet academy specializations, though my experience has given me a strong inclination towards tactics and computer security."

"And no sir, I believe that pretty much sums the situation." He answered the ensigns question.

[Kirok]

[NPC Cartis]

While Cartis led the way, he turned back to Kirok.  "Forgive me for asking, Sir.  But why do you want me to join the meeting?  In fact, why did you invite me to come here at all?  As I mentioned to you when we met in the Delta Quadrant, I'm not a Star Fleet Officer and I have no intent to be" Cartis said.

"This is true.  You did tell me that.  I remember the conversation quite well" Kirok replied.  "The thing, however, that I remember most is your desire in wanting to do the right thing.  Not only for your people, but for the universe in general.  I'm offering you a chance her to do both.   If you are willing" the half Vulcan added.

[Klizh]

PO2 Rayek
[Conference Room]

Rayek nodded slightly at her words, then looked to the others behind her that she had been speaking to.  One had moved past them to speak to the commander quietly, but the Andorian seemed to still be just sitting and waiting.  As was the Zakdorn.

Rayek looked back to the Lieutenant, "Perhaps introductions all around might be appropriate while we wait for further instructions?"

Conference Room

Suzie nodded.

"That sounds like a good idea t be going on with." She said before clearing her throat.

She waited for the conversations to quiet before speaking again.

"I'm Lieutenant Susan Venator." She introduced herself. "I graduated from the Academy with a double major in Warp Mechanics and Computer Engineering as well as Archaeology. I started off as an Engineering Officer before transferring over to Operations." She finished.

The tall, brown Caitian cleared his throat and took a step closer to the crowd, folding his hands in front of him. "Lieutenant Commander K'lizh, Chief of Operations aboard the U.S.S. Tempest, currently stationed in the Gamma Quadrant," he said. He could have said more, such as how he had made Lieutenant Commander in less than five years,which he was proud of, but bringing it up held like boasting. He didn't know why he was here, but no doubt whoever had "invited" him knew what he was capable of.

[Rhymus Cleroux]

[Federation Runabout U.S.S. Nebuchadnezzar]

If Rhymus had learned one thing from his time in serving aboard starships, it was that when a man with a bigger paycheck than you wants you to do something, you do it. It was this logic that found Rhymus aboard a Danube-class Runabout, on auto-pilot towards some uninteresting station in the middle of nowhere, during what should have been his requested leave. He had grumbled, halfway to Earth when a courier handed off vague orders to divert from what shuttle to another. But when an Admiral calls, he gets an answer. The man in question, one Admiral Kirok, was a name Cleroux had heard before passed between higher ranking officers than himself. The one and only 'King of the Castle' for lack of a better analogy. He leads the Shadowfleet and therefore leads Cleroux himself to some extent.

Rhymus's thoughts were interrupted by the voice on the onboard computer chiming in.

"Estimated time of arrival to Federation Starbase Katra is five minutes."

The Security Crewman, already seated in the Pilot's seat, hailed the station.

"Federation Starbase Katra, this is U.S.S. Nebuchadnezzar. Requesting permission to dock."

"U.S.S. Nebuchadnezzar," Came the quick response. "Lower shields and submit to a shipwide scan."

Rhymus raised a brow as a wing of Federation 'Peregrine' Attack Fighters moved into escort formation. Obviously, this was more than a social visit.

"Aye, Federation Starbase Katra. Lowering shields." Best not antagonize the host...

[Federation Starbase Katra]

Rhymus had managed to survive his first encounter with the Starbase Katra's crew, if only just, and was escorted to land at Docking Area B. The area had several other smallcraft already, making the runabout's computer work for it's landing.

Once outside of the ship, he was met by several of what he could only guess was the crew of the Katra. Dressed in all black tactical gear, no ranks visible. Cleroux's 'Creepy Black Ops' meter was off the charts. Why the Admiral had said to come here, of all places, continued to elude him.

The leader of the group, another generic black tactical gear donned gentleman, held his hand for Rhymus to halt.

"What's in the bag?" He said, gesturing towards Rhymus's duffle.

"Clothing. Caught me halfway to a well-earned vacation."

The lead man nodded toward one of the other among his number, who stepped forward enough to secure the duffle and take it away.

"We'll have your things placed in your room." He said as he revealed a small scanner. "Now, your thumbprint."

Rhymus raised a brow again. He wouldn't say he's the most unique human in the Galaxy, but certainly, his witty charm and demeanor made him stand out at least a little from the crowd. No? Fine...

Rhymus allowed his thumbprint to be scanned, adding his identification to whatever database they kept aboard the station and referencing it with his own file. It's what he'd have done. After a few moments, the device pulsed green, and they were allowed to continue deeper into this wacky backward place.

[Federation Starbase Katra - Conference Room]

The group of black-clad crew escorted the man throughout the station, the stark grey walls began twisting and turning all about until it seemed like an eternity of walking later brought the group to a door. Rhymus was almost pushed inside, and quickly found himself inside a conference room. Several people already found themselves in this room, talking or otherwise keeping to themselves.

An old saying suddenly came to Rhymus. 'When in Egypt, do as the Egyptians do.' He found himself a spot in the corner, content to wait for whatever conference they were going to have.

[Rayek trLhoell]

PO2 Rayek
[Conference Room]

The tall, brown Caitian cleared his throat and took a step closer to the crowd, folding his hands in front of him. "Lieutenant Commander K'lizh, Chief of Operations aboard the U.S.S. Tempest, currently stationed in the Gamma Quadrant," he said. He could have said more, such as how he had made Lieutenant Commander in less than five years,which he was proud of, but bringing it up held like boasting. He didn't know why he was here, but no doubt whoever had "invited" him knew what he was capable of.

On the heels of his own introduction, the Caitain spoke.  Rayek offered a slight head nod towards the felinoid.

[Federation Starbase Katra - Conference Room]

The group of black-clad crew escorted the man throughout the station, the stark grey walls began twisting and turning all about until it seemed like an eternity of walking later brought the group to a door. Rhymus was almost pushed inside, and quickly found himself inside a conference room. Several people already found themselves in this room, talking or otherwise keeping to themselves.

An old saying suddenly came to Rhymus. 'When in Egypt, do as the Egyptians do.' He found himself a spot in the corner, content to wait for whatever conference they were going to have.

Yet another arrival, this time the individual was familiar. For a brief moment, his distaste for the other petty officer showed, before he tempered his expression. Fvadt!  What was Cleroux doing here? Had the man tracked him somehow finding a flaw in his cover story?  But if that were the case, how had he gained access to the station?  No, with the security he'd seen thus far - the man wouldn't have been able to land without clearance.  That Cleroux had received an invitation of his own was the only reasonable answer but it was so... unbelievable.

Amusingly, the man seemed oblivious to his presence at the moment, as Rhymus took a seat in the far corner.  No doubt, he was the last person Cleroux would expect to see here.  Time to change that.

Rayek raised a hand slightly to gain Cleroux's attention.  "Chief.  Did you get to enjoy any of your leave?" he inquired mildly.

[Kirok]

[Katra - Corridor to Conference Room]

[NPC Cartis]

"Of course I'm willing.  But I don't think I fit into the current mode of Star Fleet.  You know that precogs are not really used, right?" Cartis replied.

"Yes, I am award of the current thinking.  But just because you can not be a Star Fleet Officer, does not mean that you could not be useful here.  If you will just follow me, I think you will understand more soon" Kiork said before he opened the doors to the Conference Room.

[Conference Room]

As the doors parted, Kirok saw the large group of people gathered.  These were some of the smartest people in Star Fleet.  And they had all come at his invitation.

"Greetings everyone.  I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.  For those of you who I have yet to meet personally, I am Admiral Kirok" Kirok said.

"I am the head of Star Fleet Intelligence.  This is my Cartis, a new friend of the fleet.  After a few others have arrived, we will start our meeting.  Until then, please enjoy the refreshment that are available" he added.