LCDR Nolen Hobart — Playing the Part
Nolen Hobart
((Stellar Cartography, Science Lab, Deck 16, USS Khitomer, en route to Lagoon Nebula))
He nodded and began to transfer the computer's data to her PADD. They'd present it in person, but this was the sort of thing Shayne would want to stew in. And they still had a few hours left for him to do so.
Hobart: Let's start with ruling out organizations, and then shift to describe the observed actions and strategies of our presumed manipulators. Like we did here. Walk him through our process.
He sensed excitement beginning to swell inside Ayemet, rapturous and sweet. It brought a soft smile to his lips, endearing her to him. Her earnest enthusiasm to solve this puzzle as a puzzle cast a warm glow that began to melt away the cynicism and paranoia that buttressed his own approach.
Ayemet: What about the possibility of someone onboard being apart of whatever is going on here? We have to be careful about who knows this.
The warm glow turned to an icy glare. Someone on board could have been part of it all along. He'd been assuming the manipulated orders Khitomer received in Captain Shayne’s absence had been altered at the source, but it only now occurred to him that it was possible that the issue lied in Khitomer’s own authentication protocols.
Hobart: Well, that would be bad.
Ayemet: Granted but there’s a likelihood that it’s correct. Shouldn’t we at least investigate it?
He suppressed a wince. It was certainly worth an investigation. But not here. Not now.
Hobart: I'm sure the Captain will want one, but for now we just owe him our analysis.
Ayemet: He’s not going to like this.
Hobart: Honestly I think that's gonna depend on how the rest of his day has gone.
((Timeskip, Bridge, Deck 1))
Hobart and Ayemet were lucky. The Captain had suffered a literal pain in the rear. Hobart stood with Ayemet and the Captain, huddled around the tactical station. Lieutenant Matthews was elsewhere, and his replacement was nowhere to be seen.
Hobart: As you can see, sir, we haven't been able to identify anyone specifically, but we've been able to narrow down the likely suspects. Bottom line? We don't expect Lattice.
Ayemet / Korras / Shayne: Response
Hobart: ::to Ayemet:: You were right. He didn't like it.
It was at that moment something peculiar happened: a tactical officer stepped out of his ready room. When he saw it, it took Nolen a moment or two to fully process it.
What door was that?
What was in there that was of value to tactical officers?
Why hadn't he noticed it before?
Wait, was that Talia's head poking out, now?
Could she explain things?
Would it be better to go to his ready room to spare him some embarrassment about not knowing about the door?
Wait, wasn't that his ready room?
Ohnari: Next is...a Mr. Hobart. ::glancing about the bridge in feigned nonchalance:: Is there a Commander Hobart on the bridge?
Hobart: Oh, good. She's in a mood.
Ayemet / Korras / Shayne: Response
Ohnari: Ah, yes. Very good. If you will just follow me, we'll get this sorted.
Warily but dutifully, Nolen shifted his feet and began to leave the gaggle around tactical, just as the replacement officer was coming to reclaim it. He glanced to Ayemet apologetically. Talia was clearly doing doctorly things, and so he was in no position to argue with her authority. She was also—clearly—being very Talia about it, and so he didn't dare argue, authority be damned. Whatever this was, he'd have to ride it out.
((First Officer's Ready Room))
The presentation was in Lieutenant Dewitt's perfectly adept hands, so he left her to it, and headed to his ready room. He didn't say anything until the doors were firmly shut behind him.
Hobart: You saw that was a mildly important meeting, right?
Ohnari: ::mildly pouty:: Nolen! Don't ruin this for me. ::clearing her throat, her tone changed to professional, if mildly sultry:: Commander Hobart, I'm afraid I'm going to need you to approach and drop your pants.
The sudden shift in tone set off another series of questions in Hobart's brain, but far briefer.
Hobart: We're on duty! The Captain is right out there! ::rapidly unbuckling his belt:: We need to make record time. You're definitely gonna have to do your tongue thing.
She grinned and bit her lip, but held up a hand to signal he needed to hit the brakes.
Ohnari: Wait, slow down, and with some swagger. ::she hopped up and sat on his desk, oogly openly:: Proceed.
He made a worried face, with a glance back to the door behind him. But then he got it together and sauntered in her general direction, slowly pulling his belt from the loops around his uniform pant loops. Then he put on his best impression of an old-timey Starfleet captain.
Hobart: I'm not sure now’s… the time, or… the place, Doctor. Unless… somethingsthematter?
Ohnari: Response
His pants dropped to his ankles and he posed for a moment with his hands on his hips, looking as proud as one could in that state.
Hobart: I… hopeyouappreciate my… cooperation. These are… stressful times for ship and crew. I am needed at my post.
Ohnari: Response
He gave her a confused look. It would be really hard for her to do the tongue thing if he faced away from her. But she had something in mind, so with a shrug he turned and gave her his backside.
Hobart: This seems… highlyirregular, Doctor. I can only hope it is… equally—YEOWCH! ::turning around:: What the hell was that?
Ohnari: Response
TBC
——— ○●● ———
Lt. Commander Nolen Hobart
Executive Officer
USS Khitomer (NCC-62400)
A240001NH3