Ensign Kelor Zh'taan - A new friend
Kelor Zh'Taan
((lab 2, Deck 10, USS Ronin))
Kel: The Foxy Lady was modified for the Denali Invitational a few years back, so it had more under the hood than a standard freighter. We'd have to hope we can run like hell or hide if we ran into trouble. Kos may have some allies in the region I could ask.
Wren: a friend from the academy mentioned she was working on something that could trick scanners. We probably could have used it during the last mission, but I can reach out to her to see what she knows.
Zh'taan: However, we must not forget that this radiation can prevent warp travel. If we are to travel into Alliance territory, we must be sure we can leave quickly. I can try to work on a solution if you wish. ::He turns toward Kel::
Niac: We can have Major Singh and a few of her pilots shadow you from a distance...it won't be much protection but it will be low profile...they can loiter nearby and be there in a few minutes if you find yourself dealing with something the Foxy Lady can't quite handle.
Kelor showed his disappointment. He was rather confident in this plan, but he did not like the idea of other officers risking their lives.
Kel: We'd have to make it back to them. We can't risk them crossing the border and making it look like the Federation is invading. That said I think we could do it. With luck we won't be noticed at all.
Wren: If we're quick enough we could probably have the data in your lap in a couple of hours.
Zh'taan: Yes, as long as we know where to go and how to get back, it should be quick!
The captain’s reaction reassured him a little. The situation did not seem lost, and the departure would not be immediate. They still had time to find a solution, and Kelor appreciated taking his time with sensitive matters…
Niac: Fine, you've convinced me...to consider this.
He turned his attention towards V'Len.
Niac: Put together a plan. Work with Major Singh and Chief Kessler, I want contingencies and backups for those contingencies before I'm going to let you take the Foxy anywhere near something like that.
V'Len nodded. Jack was sure to have some ideas and would no doubt wish to join the excursion, Major Singh might as well. The Foxy Lady was not large however, so only the most key personnel could come.
Niac: And you two.
Kelor felt the pressure rise suddenly.
Niac: Be sure you understand what you're signing up for if you want a place on this mission. You'll be in open space, far from support, in a ship that is far less capable than even a runabout...but if you're convinced it can be done and you can show me a reasonable chance of making it back alive...I'll authorize it. If Mr. Kel here agrees, that is. This is his idea...that makes it his mission and that means he chooses the team.
Kel: At this point these are my two best experts, but this mission would be strictly voluntary.
oO And I will volunteer! Oo Kelor couldn’t help but smile at the word "expert". It had only been a few weeks since he had joined the ship, but he felt like he had already begun to prove himself.
Wren: ::outwardly betraying none of this inner freakout:: I would like to come along.
Zh'taan: ::Turns his head toward Kel, then toward Delphina:: Me too.
Niac: Don't make me regret this...I'd hate to lose you V'Len...or two very promising junior officers. I'll expect that mission plan on my desk...if you can find a spot for it...tomorrow.
Kelor noticed that Delphina’s expression had changed, as if she had lost confidence.
Kel: I need to get contact my brother Kos and talk to Lt. Kessler. We've got a start. I suggest we pick this up in the morning.
Wren: ::this time not entirely able to keep the strain out of her voice:: I'll look into some solutions for our problems. I might have something by then.
Zh'taan: I will start working on a solution as soon as possible as well. oO Damn, I thought I would have time to refine my solution...Oo
Kel: I appreciate your enthusiasm, I really do. But these types of operations are not for the faint of heart. ::pausing:: I've been on some ::beat:: where not everyone comes back.
Kelor watched Delphina’s reaction. From his point of view, it seemed like she was trying to hide her stress.
Zh'taan: ::Turns toward Kel:: Th-the danger is part of the job in Starfleet. The three of us have been in close contact with the radiation. And we have studied it as well. I think we are the most qualified for this mission. Don’t worry about the return, Commander. I learned one thing during the last mission. Ronin officers always find a solution.
Kel: Let's meet tomorrow. Even if this gets approved it will still take some time to reach Kos and find a way to link up with him.
Kelor nodded to his superior, then moved closer to Delphina.
Wren: ::still tense:: I…. Don't think I really expected them to say yes. I mean, the best way to study the radiation is to observe it first-hand, but…
Zh'taan: To be honest, I didn’t think the captain would agree either.
Wren: I just don't want to screw it up. This is such an important…. Oh, gods, I'm not making you nervous, am I??
Kelor let out a nervous laugh
Zh'taan: ::smiles:: I don’t need you for that, if that reassures you. The captain handles that role just fine.
Wren: I'm sorry. ::face in hands::.... I'm sorry, I just… oO Fix the problem, Delphina. Find a way to make this doable. What helped when you were at the academy?Oo ::sudden idea:: Okay, I'll tell you what, if this gets approved, we're both the new kids on the block, right?
Zh'taan: ::tilts his head to the side:: Yes, that’s true. What are you getting at?
Wren: We've both been on one mission so far, but this is different. So if it's approved, and if we end up going….. look, we're inexperienced, but we should keep an eye on each other. Buddy-system-style, so if anything goes wrong, we try to stick together. If you're okay with that?
Kelor smiled, then stepped a little closer to Delphina and placed his hand on her shoulder.
Zh'taan: That’s a good idea. From what I’ve just seen, you’re going to do great. And don’t forget what Commander Kel said earlier. We are experts. ::smiles::
The situation no longer seemed so desperate to Kelor. Delphina’s presence reassured him. And she was right. Both of them were still novices in their respective roles, and they had to stick together.
Kelor had not yet found a solution to the return problem, a solution he had to come up with by the next day. But he felt neither stress nor pressure as he stood there, next to Delphina.
((End scene for Kelor))