((Staff Conference Room, Operations Module, Deep Space 9.))
The Vulcazoids' dark eyelashes fluttered a little at the memory of rapid energy flashes, the horrid scent of singed meat and electrical components, and the groaning of DS33 as her deck shook from the impacts as the shield strained to hold. She took a slow breath and banished the emotional part of her memory, her logic was needed now.
T'Fearne: I have no proof, but I suspect a Lattice collaborator was already onboard DS33. The timing seems very coincidental for the LA forces to be already headed for the station before the Ronin and Khitomer reached their ambush point. Doctor Syrex shared your experience of uncovering a changeling onboard. Was it a compromised crewmember wearing the changeling as a ship's uniform and personal equipment or a changeling itself?
Valo: Wait. ::He turned to Kirsty:: What?
Both the other officers grabbed for their jars and took a numbing swig of the Nebraskan White Lightning.
Carpenter: The good doctor allowed us to move as quickly as we did. When we found them, they had taken the form of a DS33 Quarterdeck Crewman. It was trying to assimilate into our own ranks, but thankfully Syrex clocked them before they could complete the change. We tracked 'em to one of the Observation Decks. I can't imagine what they could have gotten up to had we not found 'em. But hearin' you both now...it makes a lotta sense they tried to infiltrate the station and ships. And confirms a lot of chatter round INTEL way. I think they are tryin' to work up somethin' about it.
Valo: I had heard about the changeling attack…obviously, but I had no idea it happened so close to home. I mean, the Ronin. Were there any others? Wait ::He glanced at each of them, a playful energy bubbling up no doubt from his imbibement. :: You guys would tell me if you were changelings, right?
Carpenter: ::deadpan:: Of course I would. But, also...that's exactly what I would say, right?
T’Fearne::: Shrugging nonchalantly:: Exactly.
Valo: Well, fun fact. ::He adopted a sly grin:: I’m a Ronin officer, report to Ronin officers and it’s the only place I have ever served. Thing is…I have never actually set foot on the Ronin, or even seen the Captain.
For a moment, Carpenter seemed startled by the admission. T’Fearne silently agreed as she also had barely served aboard. She arrived at Ronin’s ruinned docking at DS33 and was now disembarked at DS9, with the ship in even worse shape. oO If events keep on, at this rate, there won't be a ship to serve on. Oo
Carpenter: Well, hell, Valo...maybe we should be drinkin' to YOU. That's some mighty fine conduct for a ship you haven't even seen yet.
Tapping the edge of her jar to Valo’s and draining her shot, the Vulcazoid put the glass down on the table and made hard eye contact with the full Betazoid.
T’Fearne: You caught me. I am a Changeling! :: letting a smile twist the corner of her lips:: How do my emotions register to you? Truth or deception?
She shrugged. It wasn’t an exact science and not foolproof, but she was fairly certain that she could pick up a sense if an individual were being truthful about not being a changeling if the question was asked and answered directly. She wondered how strong Valo’s abilities were, he might even be a living battlefield lie detector.
Valo: RESPONSE
The Commander’s laugh rang out freely. Carpenter's management style was refreshing—she listened very intently, with a manner more like the bartender at the campus watering hole. A very different leadership style from most of the instructors at the Academy.
Carpenter: Seriously though, before we say anything else, I just wanna say again. Thank you. It killed me not bein' there myself, but knowin' you all were there and fightin' and keepin' up with the way the fight kept shiftin'...that's the mark of a fine Security force and I'm proud to serve with ya'.
The Vulcazoid looked down for a moment and felt a warmth of appreciation that had nothing to do with being an empath. Any creature receiving that praise from Carpenter would have felt the genuine gratitude that the Chief was directing at them.
T'Fearne: Thank you, Sir. :: nodding at Valo:: We made a good team. I’m looking forward to serving more with both of you.
Valo: RESPONSE
Carpenter: And I can't promise anything, a'course, Valo, but I'll do my damndest to make sure your next duty shift is a lot less...involved.
T'Fearne: Speaking of the next duty shift. This shore leave is not an efficient use of my time. :: Pausing to think how to explain:: Ah, I mean if you have any tasks or duties for me, I would appreciate it. After DS33, well, I would like something to do to contribute to the Ronin in a way that is more than taking down targets.
Valo: RESPONSE
Carpenter: RESPONSE
She felt a little embarrassed that she hadn’t gotten cleared for more than light duty after the battle and even more chagrinned that she had somehow missed scheduling a check-in with a ship's counsellor since she first reported for duty. She leaned forward in her chair.
T'Fearne: I am cleared for light duty. I’ll schedule a meeting with a counsellor right away. Just give me something to do.
Valo: RESPONSE
Carpenter: RESPONSE
T'Fearne: I understand. I can be very tactful as the situation requires. Thank you for trusting me with this. As my mother would say—Not to overlook a bird's nest when it falls in your lap, but can I ask why you’d entrust a couple of green ensigns with this information?
Valo: RESPONSE
Carpenter: RESPONSE
She tilted her head and listened carefully with all her six senses. Her next few days would hopefully give her an excuse to meet some more of the crew, but the prospect of investigating and potentially uncovering a saboteur element sparked a deep curiosity.
[Tags/End of Scene for Ensign T’Fearne]
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Ensign T'Fearne
Security Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
R240107T14
