((Corridor Near Transporter Room 2, Deck 06, USS Ronin))
Evinrude: The sudden departure, the "specialists"...this all strikes me as Need To Know, you know?
Shortrith: I'm
like eighty-five percent sure that the actual topic is classified, but
our department heads will probably fill us in on what we need to know,
right?
He nodded.
Evinrude: Undoubtedly. I've never known any of the senior officers to withhold critical information.
Wren: From what I heard Chip didn’t have a clue either…. I’m pretty sure Remy’s somewhere on the loose, maybe he’s recorded something?
Evinrude's eyes darted over to the ensign. He wasn't aware that her bot was able to make decisions about what to record, particularly regarding classified briefings.
T'Fearne: If I were to guess with the limited details from the Captain and Commander’s announcements, it’s a Lattice Alliance escalation. Starfleet doesn't want to trigger a panic, hence the secrecy and mission specialists being sent to deliver the details in person. I understand operational security, but I think they should trust the crew more.
Shortrith: Probably.
Wren: ::checking her PADD:: Oh, I should probably go to engineering to check in with the chief. Maybe he’ll fill us in then?
T’Fearne: ::Looking at the others:: If I find anything out I’ll share what I’m cleared to.
Evinrude: I'm not sure where I'll be supporting, but if anyone's departments need anything, just reach out. Operations has your back!
Wren: Much appreciated! I’ll see you guys later!
Shortrith: See ya later!
T'Fearne: Take care Delphina, and if you end up fighting anything, just do what you did to me at the beach. Your unpredictability is a skill. ::offering a Ta’al as the petit officer dashed away::
Tess began to wave, but stopped mid-gesture as a gleaming silver blur dropped from a vent, springing forward to land on Wren. After a split-second of missed recognition, he realized what it was and turned towards T'Fearne, who appeared to be reaching for a weapon. If he knew T'Fearne, she likely had a concealed phaser or at least knife. Shortrith cut him off with a calming expression.
T'Fearne: What on Betazed was that? Something leapt from the vent to her.
Shortrith: That's Remy, her little robot. If I recall correctly, she referred to him as her son. He's one of her creations.
Evinrude: ::Nodding and returning to a relaxed posture.:: The little thing worked with us replacing some gel-packs. It's surprisingly versatile.
T'Fearne: She made it or brought it onboard? Are you sure? It looked uncomfortably Tholian shaped.
Shortrith: Yeah, she made him. Rest assured, Remy's not a Tholian.
Tess rested his hands on his hips thoughtfully.
Evinrude: I agree that the similarities caused the same kneejerk reaction from me, but it's seemingly a case of convergent evolution. ::With a tilt of his head, he seemed to arrive at a conclusion with a slight frown.:: This free-roaming is new behavior, however. I wonder if Remy has the capability to access systems independently?
oO I don't love that Remy has been crawling about the ship without a proper crosscheck. As gifted as the ensign is, there's always a chance that foreign programming won't play nice with our...temperamental systems. Oo
T'Fearne: I’ll confirm with her later. I just wasn’t expecting a creature.
Renaie gave a reassuring smile at the others' uncertainty, and the topic moved on naturally as they continued walking.
T'Fearne: ::Turning to Renaie:: If you are cross training with the medical department, you are welcome to cross train with security too. ::bracing her own ribs:: With a hug like that, you would do well in hand to hand combat.
Shortrith: ::Trying to stay serious:: As long as I don't break my oath to do no harm. ::They cracked, letting out a laugh:: I would also be able to build on my knowledge from having a minor in security.
T'Fearne: Let me know if you are interested. ::Turning to Tess:: We should go get changed into our uniforms and report to our duty stations.
Reaching over, T'Fearne plucked a leaf out of Tess’s hair. with a small innocent smirk. His eyebrows raised in mild surprise, but his heartrate quickened, remembering certain parts of their hike. Duty-bound, they both turned back towards Shortrith as they said their goodbyes.
Shortrith: I'll give it a thought. I'll see you guys around. I'll reach out about the shoreleave hangout.
Evinrude: Sounds like a plan. See you, Shortrith!
Renaie gave a hopeful wave and a smile as they walked away. Tess turned to T'Fearne and, for a moment, silently studied her face. He then gave a solemn nod.::
Evinrude: ::To T'Fearne.:: Next planet with a habitable atmosphere. ::His gave a cheeky little smile.:: Or the holodeck, whichever avails itself first.
They parted ways, and Evinrude caught a turbolift to Deck 14 to catch up on department announcements.