LCDR Aine Sherlock - Enter Player Two

[Aine Sherlock]

((First Officers Office, Deck 3, USS Octavia E. Butler))

Aine was all too familiar with being taken off-duty. And she hated it. When the Resolution was lost they'd been ferried off to Risa and when they had asked about reassignments they were given a very affirmative To Be Determined. They had to go through numerous counseling sessions. Forced really. Even...group...therapy. And of course there were the medical exams. Hers were more extensive than most. But only because she'd been shot and died...just once that time. But all she wanted to do was get back on a ship and get back to work.

Sherlock: We'll make sure you're back on the bridge before we push off, Lieutenant. Just make sure you get all those boxes checked.

Kessler: Thank you sir, that would be nice.

Promontory: response

Sherlock: Is there anything else we can do for you? Anything you need?

A small smile crept across Kessler's face and Aine wondered what he was thinking.

Kessler: (pausing to reflect on the question) Yes actually. I need access to the communications systems and an encrypted, secured transmission for Commodore V’Airu only. It pertains to my capture and the mission (beat) I mean the outcome of the botched mission.

The request was straightforward. But Aine wondered about the need for a secure and encrypted message. That part seemed strange to her. What she knew of Commodore V'Airu, she trusted her implicitly, and wouldn't normally question something like this. But it gave her pause and she wondered if this was something she was going to have to be concerned about. Whether it was for the safety of her former CO or the safety of another officer on the ship. She looked to Avander, waiting for his response.

Promontory: response

Kessler: (looking at both officers) It was a personal request from the Commodore. I am afraid I do not have permission to discuss this with anyone other than her.

Sherlock: ::said suspiciously:: I see.

Promontory: response

Kessler: I can record the message and have it transmitted but I am afraid it must be classified and encrypted only for the Commodore.

Sherlock: You do understand, that for us ::gesturing back and forth with her PADD to Promontory and herself:: this is a difficult request to fulfill. At least, prior to having your clearance reinstated.

Promontory: response

Kessler: (standing as if ready to leave) I am sorry but I cannot say more Commander.

Promontory: response

Aine was having trouble with this request and it's potential for violating various security protocols. She thought back to what Tara had told her. About how everyone could be suspect and how anything that seemed out of place could potentially bring questions. It was something they were going to have to consider carefully. But just as she was about to speak up and advise that her and Avander return to it at a later time, the door to the XO's office suddenly swished open revealing Michele. Aine's head tilted to look around Jack and her eyes shifted between the two. The timing was...fortuitous.

Winters: (stepping in and towards Jack) Jack. (beat, looking to each other officer) Commander’s.

Kessler: Michele, good to see you.

Sherlock: Captain Winters. I assume this isn't a social visit?

Aine's tone was a blend of sarcastic and serious. She knew there were no such things as coincidences.

Promontory: response

Winters: (looking at Jack) I’m sorry Mr. Kessler but this involves official ships business for the XO. I am going to have to ask that you leave.

Michele's tone had a very "you're dismissed" feel to it. Aine's eyes widened as Jack stood and faced Michele for the briefest of seconds that felt like an eternity. She wondered if they were about to witness a spat in Avander's new office...

Kessler: I’ll take my leave then sirs.

...but they weren't.

Sherlock: Thank you, Lieutenant. Just make sure you get your checks.

Promontory: response

Once Jack had left and the door closed, Aine looked up at the Marine Captain still standing at attention. The tension in her jaw was clear as day.

Sherlock: At ease Captain, have a seat.

Winters: response

Promontory: response

Sherlock: Tactical is where he's most experienced and his last occupational specialty. Is it a problem?

Winters: response

tags/TBC

LCDR Aine Sherlock

Chief of Security

U.S.S. Octavia E. Butler

R239712AS0