((OOC feel free to add snippets where ever Horatio would have responses, tossed in a couple breaks that seem obvious for reply))

Louise watched the scientist as he gave such enthusiasm to his words over smacking his head and studying flora and fauna. If I didn't know better, I would say he may have sniffed a bit too much of something, those pupils are dialating... wait...no that seems normal enough. His excitement is rather charming.
As he pointed to the offending corner and low hanging cabinet, she walked closer pulling free her hands from the coat. "...when I discovered that datura stramonium actually exhibits a higher form of coriaceousness than those in the genus, which I'm hoping to leverage into cross breeding of new species in order to possibly, with hope, one day leverage a new species, capable of sustaining a photosynthetic cycle in a lower oxygen-"

As he stopped she peered up the scientist, brows furrowing at the Latin name. "...Ah, apologies, I got distracted. As I was saying, in my jubilation, I jumped, literally and figuratively, for joy and collided with the cabinet. I feel significantly better today, after a good night's sleep."

She gave a light chuckle, tilting her chin again then motioning him over to a chair to settle in. "I will admit a failing to any depth of horticulture knowledge. Not that I don't have an interest, mind you, but simply been delving into pathology of viruses and diseases in otherworldly species. Best to know how they react to something we've built an immunity over the centuries to and what not. Datura stramonium...hmmm..." She thought on the name, the vague memory of trumpet shaped white blooms, the pinnate leaves, mother smacking her hands when prodding about their garden back home. "Hell's bells!" The exclamation to others might have been odd, but it was the name she knew them by back on earth. "You know, these are fantastic for asthma, though with an off side effect. My my, you may have quite a few medicinal herbs here. Seems we'll need to schedule a weekly tea chat!"

"My hope, dear Horatio, is to share data, help with investigations between our offices, and to get to know each other."

"Of course, Doctor Moore, my facilities, data, and crew are available as needed to you and your team. I believe science and medical should be on the best of terms. Speaking of, there was something the Captain wanted me to discuss with you."

She tried to get him to settle in the seat for a better look at his noggin, motioning with hands while he spoke, until the last. "Oh? I imagine there may be a fair few things he might need. Whatever is this special request?" She smiled then blinked at his response.

"Well, as I mentioned earlier, I'm preparing for a new project. As it happens, I've been given permission to grow aconitum lycoctonum..."

She held her breath and looked around the lab then suddenly then back to Horatio mouthing the name as he said it. "Wolfsbane. Given the sheer danger of such a beast, I was asked to speak with you about potential protocols to avoid mishaps and, should the incident occur, solutions to problems. I can prepare solutions for accidental physical contact with the specimen, but I struggle with ways to cure the effects of the neurotoxin on the body, and given the profundity of the symptoms, I believe it's critical to my research that we agree on something together."

((OOC feel free to add anything ya like))

She took a moment to take stock of the lab, the care he took with each bloom and tendril, and the discussion of precautions at the forefront of his request. "Protocols indeed. Where ever did you found such an herb so far from home... Is it truly an earth species? Does it show forms of tampering or..." she waved her hand a bit, starting to fall a bit out of her depth, "genetic changes?"

((OOC feel free to add!))

She took a moment to think on the uses and needs of such an herb, how other species would react. She crossed her arms, raising a hands to tap her thumb against her lips as she focused. "I am sure you are taking precautions, and advise only allowing staff capable of such handling near it or even in acknowledgement of it. What a wonder and find, not that I am so terribly versed, but quickly finding myself intrigued to study up." She smiled looking back to the chief, catching those green eyes of his again. "Have you started experiments, how long have you had this specimen, and have any others in your department started working on it?"

((OOC add content away!!))

The thought of experimentation made her wonder all over again of how species would interact and react to different stimuli, including such a plant. She reached out to touch his shoulder then, a flash in those brown eyes.

"You know, we really should make sure security protocols for access of your records is also on alert. We have diplomats of two races on board that we have little information on currently. I planned on a quick bio scan and discussion with the contingents aids. But from a preliminary, they seem rather close to our own systems. While a Vulcan might simply become painfully sick from the herb, it's possible...they would have an adverse reaction or even...well, yes, best we make sure this specimen of yours is very carefully handled..."

Last thing we need is assassination attempts or worse using a dangerous poisonous herb from our own stores!

Stardate 2365.02.08
USS Peregrine - The Garden 0855
"...Speaking of, there was something the Captain wanted me to discuss with you."

Doctor Moore clearly wanted him to sit so she could look at his head, so he did so as he finished. "Oh? I imagine there may be a fair few things he might need. Whatever is this special request?"

Turning away from her, he began, "Well, as I mentioned earlier, I'm preparing for a new project. As it happens, I've been given permission to grow aconitum lycoctonum..."

He heard a sharp intake of breath behind him. She knows. "Wolfsbane. Given the sheer danger of such a beast, I was asked to speak with you about potential protocols to avoid mishaps and, should the incident occur, solutions to problems. I can prepare solutions for accidental physical contact with the specimen, but I struggle with ways to cure the effects of the neurotoxin on the body, and given the profundity of the symptoms, I believe it's critical to my research that we agree on something together."

He felt her inspection of his head pause. She's taking it in. Her accent tickled his ears as she continued again, "Protocols indeed. Where ever did you found such an herb so far from home... Is it truly an earth species? Does it show forms of tampering or genetic changes?"

"You'll be relieved to know I haven't yet begun growing the specimen. Per Captain Drake's request, I have been arranging with various departments the protocols required to grow it, hence my priorly mentioned meeting with Chief Thorson later today. As to how I found it? Well, let's just say I may have traded a few seeds from an equally valuable specimen I came into ownership of some time ago. I've had my specialist, Lauren Crane, examine the seed for genetic changes or tampering and she informed me she has found none, so far all intents and purposes, I do believe this is a true earth species, in it's purest form."

She took a moment to think on the uses and needs of such an herb, how other species would react. She crossed her arms, raising a hands to tap her thumb against her lips as she focused. "I am sure you are taking precautions, and advise only allowing staff capable of such handling near it or even in acknowledgement of it. What a wonder and find, not that I am so terribly versed, but quickly finding myself intrigued to study up." She smiled looking back to the chief, catching those green eyes of his again. "Have you started experiments, how long have you had this specimen, and have any others in your department started working on it?"

"I plan to have myself and Lauren as primary caretakers, with the other being informed at all times should the one be examining or caring for the flower, with 10 minute check-ins mandatory. I will say I plan to cross this plant with Dendrocnide Moroides, colloquially known as Moonlighter, which would, effectively, create the most deadly plant in the known universe. It is my sincerest belief that by creating such a thing, we can study it, dilute it, and, one day, combat or even cure things we don't know exist and even some we do. Consider, Doctor, that poison, in essence, has been used to cure things for years, decades, even centuries! I'll give you an example, Taxus Brevifolia, known as the Pacific Yew, from Earth, is lethal to humans, but the very ingredient of such a thing was found to be able to inhibit the progress of some cancers on a cellular level, through it's toxic properties! This is obviously months, if not years, down the road, but my genuine hope is that one day we can save lives with the work done in this very laboratory. For now, I work to serve Starfleet and my Captain as well as I can in my role, proud to be given the privilege of being the CSO of such a fine vessel."

He finished vomiting his dream to her, speaking at an increasingly rapid speed until finally lurching to a stop, and turned to gauge her reaction as he felt her touch his shoulder.

"You know, we really should make sure security protocols for access of your records as also on alert. We have diplomats of two races on board that we have little information on currently. I planned on a quick bio scan and discussion with the contingents aids. But from a preliminary, they seem rather close to our own systems. While a Vulcan might simply become painfully sick from the herb, it's possible...they would have an adverse reaction or even...well, yes, best we make sure this specimen of yours is very carefully handled..."

"The diplomats are on the Peregrine? You're very right, this could present a problem, as this entire lab is devoted to all manner of toxins and poisons. I believe I'll have to call upon Lieutenant Commander Thorson sooner to lock this lab down properly with them on board, perhaps Security as well."

(OOC: Response if desired)

"Dr. Moore, it has been absolutely wonderful to meet you. I have every intention of taking you up on your offer for tea, but for now, the urgent business of the diplomats forces me to seek protection for the Garden. If you'll excuse me."

Horatio, at this point, will make as graceful of an exit as possible, having no intention whatsoever of insulting the Doc or leaving her hanging awkwardly.

(OOC: Assuming no interruption requiring him to stay, he leaves)

Stardate 2365.02.08
USS Perigrine CTO Office Deck 5 - 0840

Mathias sat in his office sipping a cup of coffee, having gotten up early after his first night in his new quarters. They were roughly the same size as his old quarters aboard the Valour, perhaps slightly larger. The ceiling in his old quarters had sloped sharply and as a result he'd hit his head on more than one occasion, so he was pleased to see that this was not the case when he stepped into his new quarters.

He sipped his coffee, looking over security personnel files, duty rosters, and security team assignments, noting that while the crew hadn't seen much in the way of action in a while, most of them had a great deal of starfleet experience, a pool of experience he intended to tap. He'd scheduled meetings with most of the department which would take the better part of the next two days, in addition to shifts on the bridge today and tomorrow. He was finishing up his schedule for the next week when the comms system chimed.

=/\= Lt. Berk ~wheeze~"

"Berk here, go ahead."

=/\= Sir, ~wheeze~ the Captain will be returning to the ship shortly, he informed me that, ~wheeze~ the Ambassadors of both the Rytain and Kuldar delegations will be joining us aboard the Peregrine. I thought you should know ~wheeze~. =/\=

"Right then, I'll put together a security detail for our guests. Berk Out"

This threw a wrench in the weeks plans, but he'd have to deal with that later. He left his office and made his way to the armoury, tapping his commbadge as he walked.

"Lieutenant Berk to security"

=/\= "Brooks here, go ahead" =/\=

"It looks like we're going to have some visiting dignitaries on board, I want your team at the airlock to escort them to their quarters when they come aboard, I'll have you posted on deck 2 with your team for the duration of their stay, be discrete, we don't want them feeling unwelcome but we can't have them wandering either."

=/\= "Aye sir" =/\=

Mathias keyed in his security code, and fetched a type 2 phaser from the locker and shoved it in his holster, he wasn't expecting trouble but he felt it best if there was a strong security presence while the ambassadors of two warring parties were aboard. Either of them could be using this as an attempt to gain the upper hand, they barely had the manpower to secure the whole ship against a pair of unauthorized eyes. He returned to his office to fetch his PADD when he noticed a message from Lieutenant Reid. His second had seen fit to put together a short report on the security situation as well suggestions for "containing" the ambassadors.

Tapping his communicator he spoke " Berk to Lieutenant Reid."

(OCC Assuming response)

"I'm putting you in charge of securing sensitive areas of the ship, we're going to be stretched pretty thin but we can't have so much as a power-cell leaving this ship in the hands of either side, do what you can to ensure our people don't burn out, if you need to assign me a security shift do so."

(OCC assuming orders acknowledged, can edit if there are any questions)

"Berk out."

Mathias made for the door again and walked briskly to the Turbolift and stepped through the door.

"Bridge!"

Mathias stepped out onto the Bridge, and made his way to the tactical station, next to Ensign Blackwell, the Captain sitting his chair, preparing to get the ship under way

"Good Morning Captain."

(OCC No response necessary, just being polite)

"Ensign." he nodded to Ensign Blackmon and took the tactical station.

Through the conversation, she continued and finished her doctorly duties checking over a bump. Her fingers sought the bump from his altercation with a cabinet, then fell away assured it was nothing more than a minor scrape and cost of being tall. With a pat on his shoulder, she gave him her own clean bill of health.

And then spoke, longer, deeper of his plans and dreams of a garden vision. The longer Horatio spoke, the more her brows rose. Not so much in fear and outrage that everything around her was a killing plant...and hopefully none with sentience. Her thoughts kept wandering about the same lines of diplomats, dangerous flora, how intrepid this scientist was, and that he had to have excellent contacts perhaps even akin interests to her own if in a different vein.

As he finished, brighter eyed than before, she could only marvel at his planning tempering the far reaching goals. Her eyes shone in response, the brown kindled warmer, fingers on his shoulder a little longer perhaps than necessary.

"I concur with you on the uses of studying such dangerous plants, toxins often becoming a life saving means of finding cures. There have been many such cases, especially with medical practices and devices, treatments and medicinals we come across from other systems and species. Perhaps at some juncture, we can do more than merely trade notes. Yes...far more." She shook her head as limitless possibilities and his enthusiasm certainly would take her down other paths, and not to the needs at hand this very busy day. "But all the same, I'll pull together some medical procedures and have some kits prepped for this lab, in sick bay for transporting anyone afflicted during tests, and review regulations we can have everyone abide by. And I welcome your own in return for Sick Bay. Scientists in arms."

As to the diplomats and need of enhanced security, they likewise met eye to eye on that effort. Her thoughts wandered a bit into lists of things to complete, medical records top review, and making a few requests of her own with the two diplomats' staff.

"Dr. Moore, it has been absolutely wonderful to meet you. I have every intention of taking you up on your offer for tea, but for now, the urgent business of the diplomats forces me to seek protection for the Garden. If you'll excuse me."

She blinked and slid her hands back into her pockets then, giving a nod and charming smile. "Of course, Horatio, I would love to chat further and enjoy a spot of tea. I've enjoyed our talk, and look forward to reviewing any reports you may have in progress? Oh, and any reports on the odd pod you encountered. Send them by when you have a spare moment, and we can give each other a bell. Cheerio!"

She ducked away, mind a twittered with the possibilities, medically good and frightening. If everyone keeps to protocols, perhaps review our team's records for anyone with historical work with labwork, hmm Bachmann. Might be a good time to chat with him as well.
The good doctor wandered from Science Lab 2, scanning through her PADD for updates and to make a few notes.

((Edited a bit since I wrote it in a rush earlier.))
"Ah Thorson. Need to find that gent. Off to Engineering it is."

Stardate 2365.02.08
USS Peregrine - Deck 3 - VIP Suites - 0930
"It's amazing what you can do with a replicator, some creativity....and working like gangbusters." Dio quipped, a little less energetic as he wiped sweat off his brow.

It wasn't much, but they'd redone the fabrics in the Rytain quarters with gold and russet colors instead of the standard blue. There was a very nice banner up, the decorative effects (vases and such) replaced with decorative rocks, including a mock-stone chair Leah had concocted based on some Vulcan designs in the ships computer. Natasha had shoved the removed effects in a nearby supply closet while Leah and Dio set up the new appointments.

Now they just needed to do the same to the Kuldar suite...

=/\=Juarez to Lt Lasad=/\=

Dio barely held back a groan, folding up into a boneless pile on the corridor floor and fallign back dramatically. He waved for Leah and Natasha to continue on without him as he tapped his combadge.

=/\="Lasad here. Mister Juarez, I dearly hope you have good news."=/\=

=/\=Er, in a manner of speaking good news sir. The atmospheric changes to the suites were easy enough, but the gravity changes requested by Diplomatic will need engineering to do... I don't think I'm qualified, to be honest....=/\=

Dio sat up abruptly from the floor, forcing a smile onto his face and voice that he was not feeling at this point.

=/\="Absolutely understood Mister Juarez and thank you for your efforts. I wasn't expecting you to be able to handle that end. I'll reach out to Engineering at once, if you can forward on the data to our chief engineer....=/\= Dio trailed off as he searched his memory for the name of the new engineering chief. But he'd had maybe two minutes to glance at the ship roster before dashing into action.

=/\=Thorson=/\=

=/\=".... Exactly! Carry on your normal duties Mister Juarez"=/\=

Dio counted to ten, lifting himself back up to his feet and getting his best professional composure back in play before tapping the combadge again.

=/\="Operations to Engineering, Commander Thorson?"=/\=

((OOC: assuming a friendly/neutral response))
=/\="Good morning! This is Lt Dio Lasad, new chief of operations."=/\= Dio said with all the cheer and charm he could exclude through a combadge.

=/\="I deeply appologize for bothering you without having made proper introductions. We're working to get the new ambassadorial suites prepared, and we need to make some minor gravity adjustments to two of the suites.=/\=

((OOC: Feel free to ping back in PM for their chat or reply here!))

Stardate 2365.02.08
USS Peregrine - personel quarters 0820

karri woke up with a groan, She'd slept hard an her head pounded as if she was hungover. Karri was almost tempted to have a stiff drink to see if it made her feel better. Karri chuckkled then winced thinking of her temper. Best have a clear head, even if it did hurt.


USS Peregrine - mess 0930

Karri in uniform ordered a simple egg breakfast with a large steeped tea. it was a Caitian plant akin to both earths catnip an chamomile. Karri wondered if either effect canceled the other out, she'd ask if the chief science officer could refine it anymore. Karri sipped her tea wondering at what point a herbal remedy would be considered a drug?
Karri sat reading a Klingon Saga on a PADD while she ate leisurely, simply wasting time.

Karri's com chirped starting her slightly.

"Thorson to Lieutenant Sa'eridon," he said. "Lieutenant, sorry again to interrupt your time off, but Engineering is becoming very popular today, and I wonder if I could have your assistance. I'll get Lieutenant Morgan to cover your shift tomorrow."


"no problems sir." Karri grinned at the prospect of some decent work. Quickly finishing her meal an heading to engineering.

((OOC: Following is a collaborative post between AmaraD and myself. All of Thorson's activity is mine, and all of Lasad's is Amara's))

Stardate 2365.02.08
USS Peregrine, Engineering - 0935

Eric was going over his to-do list for Engineering and sending out work assignments when he got the call about which Tochi had given him the heads-up.

=/\= Operations to Engineering, Commander Thorson? =/\= "Thorson here," Eric replied. =/\= Good morning! This is Lt Dio Lasad, new chief of operations. =/\= Another new crewman? At least the voice issuing from Eric's combadge was exceedingly chipper and cheerful. Sounded like a friendly fellow. =/\= I deeply apologize for bothering you without having made proper introductions. We're working to get the new ambassadorial suites prepared, and we need to make some minor gravity adjustments to two of the suites. =/\= "Understood, Lieutenant Lasad. I'll be there in five minutes."

Eric turned to Lieutenant Morgan, whom he had also called back to duty as the day's important workload grew ever larger. "You have Engineering," he told her. "I'm still waiting to hear from the new chief medical officer; she'll probably comm me, but let me know if she drops by while I'm gone. I have a staff meeting at 1100, so I should be back by noon or so. We have a lot to do today, Lieutenant, and we have guests. Look sharp, and don't break anything."

At Morgan's mock-irritated glower, Eric grinned and headed for the corridor. He snatched a toolkit from an Engineering locker and headed toward the guest quarters that would be housing the ambassadors.

Moments later, Eric arrived at the designated quarters. He looked around and spotted an unfamiliar face. The lean, dark-skinned officer with the elaborate hair clips had to be Lasad. Strolling over to him and holding out a hand, Eric said, "welcome aboard the Peregrine. You must be Lieutenant Lasad. I'm Eric Thorson, the chief engineer."

Dio was busily supervising the overhaul of the Kuldar quarters, when he heard a very strong masculine voice to his right and upward. Turning on his heel, he found himself facing a remarkably friendly-looking mountain of a man. Blonde hair, blue eyes, in the crisp golds of engineering and a silver arm. While that was initially jarring, it didn't erase his smile.

"Thank you for the welcome Eric! I am indeed Dio Lasad and it's fan-tastic to meet you. I appreciate you coming up here yourself to lend a hand with this. I know the changes aren't drastic, but gravity, ship hull integrity, important ambassadors and it being my first day here... just seems like the perfect storm of potential problems."

Eric chuckled. "Understandable. That's what I'm here for anyway. We'll get it squared away. Do you have the environmental specs handy?"

It took a moment, but Dio was able to find the data padd he'd had Moriden sent the information to. Under his coffee cup, which he hastily retrieved before handing the padd to the viking fellow.

"Here it is! This suite is for the Kuldar, so gravity adjustments accordingly if feasible."

Eric looked over the information for a moment, then stepped over to an inocuous-looking section of wall. He tapped a small panel and a small square cracked open and slid back, revealing the hardwired environmental control systems. Eric could of course have just instructed the computer to make the needed modifcations, but Eric always tried to think worst-case, and he didn't want the gravity reverting to Earth-normal in the event of a computer control failure. He grabbed the isolinear spanner and began making minute adjustments. As he worked, Eric decided to try to get to know a bit about the Peregrine's new Ops Chief. "So, Dio, right? Where are you from?"

Dio turned slightly to watch the chief engineer at work, intrigued to see how the gravity controls of a ship worked in this nuts-and-bolts way. Computer program change he knew, this was something different. Eric's polite small talk did give the lean man a new smile and tilt to his head "Ahh. I'm from Risa originally. Little piece of ocean front called Suraya. Yourself?"

"I'm from Earth," Eric said as he made a tweak. "Mind your stomach, here come the adjustments." His stomach fluttered a bit as he said it, as the gravity change swept the cabin. He began feeling a little bit heavier as the gravity constant adjusted itself slightly upward to Kuldar-normal. "Sorry about that. A small nation called Sweden. Kinda the opposite of yours; lots of snow, very cold winters. We're a very...furry people," he chuckled as he jokingly finger-combed his own beard.

Dio ooofed a bit as the gravity changed, regaining his footing quickly. Fingers raking back a stray lock of hair as he laughed nervously "Ah, not much else to say about Risa that everyone doesn't know. There's certainly not much snow, all surf and sun." He squinted up at Eric in mock-suspicion "You certainly don't look *that* furry to me."

Eric laughed. "Remind me to show you some family pictures some time," he said. "I'm positively bald compared to some of my forefathers." He put his tools back into the tool kit and tapped the small panel again, causing the wall panel to slide back into place over the controls. "We're all set here. Let's head to the Rytain ambassador's quarters and get them squared away, and then I'll need to excuse myself to prepare for the staff briefing, where I suppose we'll be officially introduced." He followed Lasad out the door, putting a hand to his quivering stomach as they passed out of the increased gravity field and back into the one-G gravity Eric was accustomed to.

The laugh calmed Dio's nerves significantly, or maybe it was getting back in to normal gravity. He couldn't help but chuckle himself as they walked down the corridor toward the other suite. Ignoring the curious looks of his crewmen peeking around the corner to watch them walk.

"Well, I'm not lacking in the hair department, it's just omni-directional." tugging on the end of his long braid, bound up in a copper hair clip at the moment "Risans can't grow a beard to save our lives. I suppose I could visit this Sweden someday and learn their secrets. If they can make a parka big enough to keep me warm!"

Dio grinned rougishly as he flipped open the door to the other suite.

Eric grinned back. "For warmth, we have mead," Eric said. He checked the time and noted that he needed to snap it up a bit. As he went to the wall and opened the control panel, he continued, "It's a drink I've only seen made on Earth. It comes from honey, an Earth delicacy. Potent stuff. You'll have to try some some time. Lieutenant Zai and I have a nip in the observation lounge on occasion." He grabbed the spanner again and went to work making adjustments.

Dio leaned against the opposite wall to watch Eric at work. Trying to both watch and stay out from under foot "Now, that I will have to sample. I tried honey on Earth in the Academy, but I've never heard of it fermented - it was spicy food and drink to cool off back home." He paused thoughtfully "And Lieutenant Zai is...?"

"Lieutenant Tochi Zai, our XO and Flight Control Officer. You'll meet him at the briefing, unless your paths cross beforehand. Mind the gravity again." He made a final adjustment and felt his stomach lurch a bit upward this time, but he also enjoyed the bit of relief that came from suddenly being a bit lighter. The gravity field settled into the specified range for Rytain-normal. "He and I have been friends since the Academy. He's a good man." He closed the wall panel and grabbed his toolkit. "You're all set. The ambassadors should feel right at home."

"Ah, fantastic, I look forward to meeting him." Dio's stomach and head did a little spin this time, which he willfully ignored. Instead taking a half-step back and bowing slightly with his coffee mug, voice lilting without sarcasm "You are a miracle worker Commander, thank you ever so much. Now I just have to finish redecorating before the ambassadors rain down on our heads... whenever that might be."

Eric grinned. "I'm sure you'll do fine. Best of luck. I need to get back to Engineering and get my ducks in a row for the briefing. I'll see you there. Nice to meet you!"

Eric immediately zoned out as he headed for the turbolift, going over his mental lists of who was doing what and how far along they were, formulating the report he'd give the captain, and unsuccessfully trying to keep it brief.

Busy, busy day. And complaining of boredom yesterday. He was getting pretty sure Loki had been the god to step up on this one.

Stardate 2365.02.08
USS Peregrine; Bridge - 0905
The turbolift doors whooshed open and a smiling Lt Zai strolled onto the bridge, his gaze skimming the command deck, taking in each individual at their posts; Moriden at Ops, P'Tammah at CONN, Drake in the Command chair, and, Ah! That must be our new TAC Chief, Lt Berk, was it?

"Good morning, again, all," Tochi said as he crossed the span of the bridge to the TAC station where the new CTO stood.

"You must be Lt Berk," the Trill grinned affably, extending a hand, "Welcome aboard. I'm Tochi Zai."

((OOC: Assuming Mathias does anything here but break Wheaton's Law, ))

"Good to meet you, Mathias. Sorry it has to be under such hectic circumstances," Tochi said, giving the man's hand a firm shake, and then nodding to the displays on the TAC station consoles just behind Berk, "We see you're already on top of security preparations for our incoming guests. Outstanding. If there's anything I can do to lend a hand, don't hesitate to let us know."

((OOC: Anything here from quick reply to extended conversation as you see fit, Brennus, I'll backpost as needed.))

"Very well, then, Lieutenant," Tochi nodded, "I know you're busy, so we'll let you get back to it. We look forward to serving with and getting to know you."

His brief introduction to the TAC Chief concluded, Zai turned and crossed the bridge, again, this time coming to a pause at the XO's console. He didn't bother to sit, instead, he simply leaned over the chair, made a few strokes across the displays to call up a handful of files, and scrutinized their contents for a moment. In the course of reviewing one of those briefs, his brow furrowed and a look of momentary confusion ghosted across his features. "Who's Lt. Lasad," he wondered aloud.

"The new Ops Chief," Vaela said.

Tochi arched a brow. "Hm," he murmured, "I thought we were expecting a Lt Tetsuku?"

"It seems there was some kind of transposition with the transfer orders, Lieutenant," Moriden advised him over the soft ~wheeze~ of her respirator.

"I see," Zai nodded, locking his console. He stepped up onto the command platform and fixed Silas with a dubious gaze; "This has got to be the oddest crew transfer we've seen in quite some time,"

That last was said without the expectation of response as Tochi was all but certain that the Captain was thinking the same thing and, adding to the suspicious swapping out of a good half of the Peregrine's department heads on the advent of a mission such as the one they were preparing to undertake, there was also the surprise billeting of the Kuldar and Rytain ambassadors to throw in the mix. All of this, along with a strange, undefinable feeling in his gut, led Tochi to decide that his time would be best spent anywhere other than at the helm of a docked starship.

"Captain," he said, "if you don't mind, I'll leave the CONN in Ensign P'Tammah's hands, this morning, and make the rounds of the ship in advance of our guests' arrival."

((OOC: Assuming permission granted, anything else?))

"Thank you, sir," Zai nodded.

"Ensign P'Tammah," he said, turning, now, back toward the turbolift.

"Yes sir," Vaela returned with a smile, "I have the CONN."

"You do," Tochi winked, stepping into the lift.

USS Peregrine; Deck 3 - 0945
Having completed his impromptu tour of Deck 2 and ensuring that sensitive areas on that level, such as the torpedo and probe magazines, and the computer core and control room, were properly secured, Lt Zai stepped off the turbolift and into the corridors of Deck 3. Access to the forward torpedo launcher and a secondary tap to the computer core would need attention, here, he knew, and, also, the diplomatic facilities and VIP quarters were on this deck and those could do with a cursory once over, as well. He turned himself toward those quarters and had taken, perhaps, a dozen steps before he saw LtCdr Thorson approaching from the direction Zai, himself, was headed.

"Commander," Tochi grinned by way of greeting, "We didn't think to see you until a little later."

((OOC: Assuming something along the lines of "I was just making some adjustments to the VIP qtrs,. Met Lasad, etc,))

"Excellent," Zai said, "I was just about to check on the status of those facilities. You say Lt Lasad is still there?"

((OOC: Assuming a "yep, redecorating the Rytain suite" or something similar.))

"Perfect. We'll go ahead and get that introduction out of the way, then." He clapped Eric on the shoulder, then; "See you at the briefing, my friend; 1100 hours. We're expecting the ambassadors by 1200."

((OOC: Assuming nothing more than a farewell, here.))

Eric continued on toward the turbolift, then, and Tochi went his way toward the VIP quarters. He came to the room prepared for Ambassador D'Lar, first, and, peering in, nodded his approval at the overall set-up and décor, Very tasteful, he thought, well done., Then continued on to the next set of rooms that had been designated for Ambassador Threel. Once there he stepped inside, trying his best to ignore the subtle shift in gravity, and let his gaze sweep the room, still obviously a work in progress but coming together quite nicely at the hands of the dark-haired Ops officer who was flitting about the room.

A Risan, Tochi noted bemusedly, taking in the way the man wore his dark, intricately braided and clipped hair, Why do we get the impression that hospitality is going to see a major uptick?

Zai cleared his throat, hoping to announce his presence without starting the new COO; before saying; "Lt Dio Lasad, we're guessing?"


((OOC: Okay, going to cut it there, for now. Amara, if you'd like to collab the interaction between Dio and Tochi, just shoot me a PM and we can go from there. And, as always, edits and backposts available as necessary.))

Stardate 2365.02.08
USS Peregrine; Engineering - 0910
The morn sped by far quicker than Louise expected. Meeting Dana, off to a fantastic botanical playground with a charming scientist named Horatio, and finally on the way to Engineering. Stepping into the busy chamber of engine plasma readouts, sensor arrays and reporting agents, she sought out the first person available.

A lively Lieutenant Morgan met her, the quick look at insignias, "Lieutenant,Doctor yes? Lieutenant Morgan."
Louise smiled offering a hand to shake. "The labcoat does help to know. Well met, Doctor Moorse. And yes, I am looking for Chief Thorson?"

Focusing on the doctor, she picked up a PADD tapping a check off her list. Why not just message him? "The chief is working with Lieutenant Lasad helping with the guest quarters for our diplomatic mission. He mentioned a staff meeting at 1100."

"Ah well, to the comms with me then. Some folk, especially those with recent encounters of an odd kind, tend not to see the doctor. I'm quite used to hunting them down. It's not as if I wander about with a hypospray in my pocket." She gave a warm chuckle, besides, it's clipped behind my back, where they least expect it.

"If you are needing results of those pod tests, we can provide copies to you. The science team also have looked over the pod, though it is scheduled for removal to the starbase for further testing and review." A series of beeps chimed, other engineers responding with updates.

"Thank you, I would appreciate the reports. I'll find my way on." With a curt nod shared between them, she followed her trek back to her office to finish notes, update Dana, and get a quick bite before the staff meeting.

Tapping her comm badge, she hailed for Thorson. "Chief Thorson, this is Doctor Moore. If you've a moment, I would like to schedule a bit of medical chat."

((OOC assuming some replies))

"With so many meetings and a tight schedule, how about a little later in the day?"

((OOC assuming a thumbs up))

"Until then, cheerio!"

Sick Bay/CMO office - 0920
The turbolift delivered her to the right deck, a few turns, she picked up the PADD flickering with updates and reports. "Goodness, I'll need to make it brunch today." Lifting the PADD, she reviewed the list, accepted credentials, moved crewmen. With a few quick taps, she sent the list over to PO Cook, walking into the main Sick Bay from a connecting door.

"Dana, ah excellent news, the new nurses will be arriving by 1000, which means we have quite a bit of work ahead of us. If you can meet them, corral the lot into a semblance of order that would be wonderful. I can pull together the medical records on our diplomatic guests, and have a staff meeting shortly."

((OOC assuming some responses))

"For duty rosters, I trust your judgement, and hope to keep everyone on a fair turn. Perhaps we can use the following to start, and if staff need to switch around, feel free to make note. Yeoman Toriak will work the day to day, shift, always here for any paperwork you need." She gave a smile, answering any questions the capable Head Nurse may have.
A roster and time schedule beeped to access on Dana's PADD with names, days, and shifts.

Sunday alpha: Po. Cook
Sunday beta: Cr. Patel

Monday alpha: Po. Adama
Monday beta: Cr. Patel

Tuesday alpha: Po. Cook
Tuesday beta: Po. Miraan

Wednesday alpha: Po. Adama
Wednesday beta: Cr. Reynolds

Thursday alpha: Po. Adama
Thursday beta: Cr. Reynolds

Friday alpha: Po. Miraan
Friday beta: Cr. Reynolds

Saturday Alpha: Po. Miraan
Saturday beta: Cr. Patel

"For now, I need a bite to eat and time to prep for this staff meeting. If you need me, I'll be in the office."

((OOC if anything else is needed, feel free! Louise will reply and add))

With everything handled for the moment, Louise returned to her office. "Drat, a lack of proper steeped tea. For now, you shall do. English breakfast, hot, and a scone." The replicator fired to life, leaving her a small bit of meal for the moment.

Propping her feet up on a trunk she still needed to empty, the good doctor started digging through records, medical databases, the data packets already sent to the ship, and her own stash of species physiology and pathology to begin compiling a proper medical digest on the arriving guests.

Stardate 2365.02.08
USS Peregrine, Sick Bay - 0920

"Dana, ah excellent news, the new nurses will be arriving by 1000, which means we have quite a bit of work ahead of us. If you can meet them, corral the lot into a semblance of order that would be wonderful. I can pull together the medical records on our diplomatic guests, and have a staff meeting shortly." The Doctor said as she walked into the sickbay.

"I have already pulled from the computers all that I could on our Guests and their physiology," Dana replied as she tapped at her PADD that was in her hand as the Doctor walked in.

"It should be at your disposal now." The good Doctor's PADD beeped.

"I had Nurse Patel do most of it while I oversaw him," she said with a faint smile, "he did .. quite well and I told him so." The last statement seemed difficult for her to say. Giving praise to someone for doing their job was something she was working on. Dr Synklar had told her that 'People respond better to honey than to the stick'. Dana had not quite understood that but she got the gist. She 'tried' to compliment her subordinates when they did something right.

"For duty rosters, I trust your judgement, and hope to keep everyone on a fair turn. Perhaps we can use the following to start, and if staff need to switch around, feel free to make note. Yeoman Toriak will work the day to day, shift, always here for any paperwork you need." Louise gave a smile.

A roster and time schedule beeped to access on Dana's PADD with names, days, and shifts.

Sunday alpha: Po. Cook
Sunday beta: Cr. Patel

Monday alpha: Po. Adama
Monday beta: Cr. Patel

Tuesday alpha: Po. Cook
Tuesday beta: Po. Miraan

Wednesday alpha: Po. Adama
Wednesday beta: Cr. Reynolds

Thursday alpha: Po. Adama
Thursday beta: Cr. Reynolds

Friday alpha: Po. Miraan
Friday beta: Cr. Reynolds

Saturday Alpha: Po. Miraan
Saturday beta: Cr. Patel

Dana quickly surveyed the list and nodded, "I will let you know any changes I may suggest but it looks good for now. I may decide differently once I met the new Staff."

"For now, I need a bite to eat and time to prep for this staff meeting. If you need me, I'll be in the office." Louise said.

"Very well," Dana replied, "I will take care of the new staff and see they are setting in when they arrive."

With everything handled for the moment, Louise returned to her office.

PO Cook turned and walked over to a desk and sat down and pulled up all the New Staff records on her PADD and gave them a thorough review. She would be facing these people soon and she need to know as much as she could when that time came.

Stardate 2365.02.08
USS Peregrine, Sick Bay - 1012
Petty Officer 1st Class Dana Cook was sitting at the same desk after finishing reading the new Medical Staff's records. They seemed all fine Nurses on paper but soon she would see if they measured up. She noted the time on the Computer screen and frowned. It was past time for them to report.

Crewman Toriak their Yeoman had arrived half an hour earlier and she had found him to be a typical Vulcan. He seemed very prompt and obsessive over details and orderliness. She felt they would get along fine. She had shown him to the records area and left him to his task.

Now she was wondering where her new Nurses were when the hallway door opened and in walked 3 people. Two Petty Officers and one Crewman.

The 2nd class PO was a human male and had to be Nurse Peter Adama. He was tall and even Dana had to admit was very handsome. From what she had read he had a good record and no complaints or reprimands. A note had said he had aspirations to be a Doctor possibly one day.

The 3rd class PO appeared to be a human female but her record said she was an Ardanan so this made her Nurse Miraan. Dana raised an eyebrow at the lovely woman. Her red hair vibrant green eyes and voluptuous body would surely cause a flood of 'imagined' illnesses of some of the crew in order to hope to be treated by this beauty. Dana at first disliked that but then she recalled the woman's service record which said she had an above average intelligence and she had two reprimands on her record. One for punching an officer and giving a tech hives and pink skin after they had made unwanted advances. These incidents would normally be frowned upon but to Dana they made this woman willing to stand up for herself and showed that she wasn't out to use her beauty to climb the ladder.

The last was a Female Human Crewman so this was Nurse Sandra Reynolds. This short woman was the opposite in appearance to Nurse Miraan. She wasn't ugly but she seemed to enjoy the plain look. No makeup and wore her blonde hair closely cropped. Her record said that she was very sharp and did her job well. There were references to possible behavioral issues with anger management. Dana was sure she could keep those in check.

Dana stood and walked out from behind the desk as the three came to a stop just inside the doorway. She stood before them with her hand clasped behind her back and examined them for a moment. They stood silently in a semi attention stance. Dana towered over the two female and only PO Adama was taller than her by a good 4 inches.

"Welcome aboard," Dana started off, "I am Petty Officer Cook the Head Nurse here. You three must be my new Nursing staff." It was a statement and not a question.

"Petty Officer Peter Adama," the tall male addressed her.

"Petty Officer Miraan," the Ardanan female said.

"Crewman Sandra Reynolds," the last woman announced.

"Yes I know," Dana said with a sigh, "You were scheduled to report at 1000 hrs. Would any of you care to explain your tardiness?"

"We were being assigned quarters," Crewman Reynolds responded defensively.

PO Cook's gaze swung onto the woman and raised an eyebrow. After reading the records of these three should would have bet her favorite Racquetball racquet that she would have been the one to speak first.

"Did your orders tell you to get quarters assigned first?"

"Well no," Reynolds responded a little less defensive.

"Well there you have it," Dana said with a shrug, "then you are late."

The three said nothing but the slightly deflated look on their faces had set the stage that Dana was hoping to see.

"Ok then," Dana said with a shrug, "lets move on." She raised her PADD and tapped on it for a couple of seconds.

"You will meet Doctor Moore when she has time," She said as she lowered the PADD. The three nurses PADDs all beeped at that moment.

"Ah I see you have received the new shift schedule," Dana said, "I will be working with each of you to acclimatize you to the way things work around this Sick Bay. It is an orderly Sick Bay and will be kept as such at all times. You will meet the rest of the medical department later. Any questions?"

The three seemed stunned by the abruptness of their welcoming and only shook their head for now.

"Good," Dana said and turned back to the desk where she sat back down. "Since we have a new Doctor and a new Medical staff we will be conducting complete physical workups and record updates on all the crew. I am working on the records and selecting the order for the physicals starting with Crewman and non-command personnel for now. So get yourself acquainted with the Sick Bay and be ready for a Medical Staff meeting when the Doctor is ready. Understood?"

The three acknowledged with nods and simple responses. Dana smiled at them and then looked back to her computer leaving them to think of what a B***h they had been assigned to work with here.

Stardate 2365.02.08
USS Peregrine, Deck 3 - 0945

Eric was deep in thought as he headed toward the turbolift, and almost missed seeing Tochi coming in his direction until they were inches apart.

"Commander," Tochi grinned by way of greeting, "We didn't think to see you until a little later."

"Just been making a house call," Eric replied. "Had to do some grav adjustments in the quarters for our new guests. Met the new Ops chief, Lasad. He seems OK so far. He might even join us for a mead night."

"Excellent," Zai said, "I was just about to check on the status of those facilities. You say Lt Lasad is still there?"

"Should be," Eric answered. "He's wrapping up the redecoration of the Rytain quarters."

"Perfect. We'll go ahead and get that introduction out of the way, then." He clapped Eric on the shoulder, then; "See you at the briefing, my friend; 1100 hours. We're expecting the ambassadors by 1200."

Eric waved as they parted ways. "Sounds good. I'll give you a yell later about maybe grabbing a drink tonight. If I'm still awake." Having reached the turbolift, Eric quickly stepped inside. "Deck One." Accompanied by the quiet hum of the turbolift's movement, Eric's thoughts turned again to the upcoming briefing.

Stardate 2365.02.08
USS Peregrine Bridge - 0905

Mathias was discussing schedule and procedural changes in preparation for the arrival of the two ambassadors with Ensign Blackmon when he heard the faint swish of the turbolift doors and a confident voice break the relative silence on the bridge.

"Good morning, again, all."

Mathias looked up from his station to see a reasonably tall man making his way across the bridge, his stride confident but fluid, towards the tactical station, as he got closer Mathias could make out the spots that framed the man's face.

"Ah our Trill first officer and helmsman, Lieutenant Zai. Mathias thought, taking his mind off the task at hand, turning to meet his XO, who he noticed had a much more relaxed air about him compared to the captain, but not too relaxed, still professional.

"Good to meet you, Mathias. Sorry it has to be under such hectic circumstances." Lieutenant Zai spoke while giving Mathias a firm handshake, a degree of warmth in his voice that made Mathias feel welcome. The Lieutenant's eyes shifted to the displays at Tactical.

"We see you're already on top of security preparations for our incoming guests. Outstanding. If there's anything I can do to lend a hand, don't hesitate to let us know."

"We? A joined trill then? Mathias kept his curiosity to himself. It did explain why a man who could only be a few years his senior and only a Lieutenant was acting as XO though, he had a trove of past lives to fall back on.

"Yes sir, we're stretched a little thin on our end but we'll make do, I'll have a full report of the security preparations sent to you before the end of your shift, I don't foresee needing additional man power though."

"Very well, then, Lieutenant," Lieutenant Zai nodded, "I know you're busy, so we'll let you get back to it. We look forward to serving with and getting to know you." The Lieutenant turned and made his way to his own console, and Mathias turned to Blackmon and got back to work.

"Sorry about that Ensign, where were we?"

"Not a problem sir, we were discussing arming personnel in sensitive areas." She responded.

Stardate 2365.02.08
USS Peregrine, Engineering -0950


Karri sighed as she entered engineering, it was becoming as comfortable as a second home.

Not wasting any time, making note of the shift change on the roster signing in. Karri went over the previous shifts scans for the shields Akig the shield system tec had done. Karri made a minor correction, nothing drastic just a simple clerical error. then went over the impulse drives scans just for good measure.

naught that their was much to really help out with. Karri had to admit Commander Thorson run a tight crew. Even if poor Toporov an Akig tended to get the bottom rung as it were, an Davis was kind of an instigator for mischief. Karri chuckled an wondered if changing Davis's nickname to that of one of Thorson's deities, the one called Floke... or was it Loke? would seem rather appropriate for the technician.

Having finished going over the previous shifts files Karri began running the scans for her shift an filing the last of the bulkhead scans she'd done last shift. Karri sighed, it was good to be back at the 'office'.

((OOC: Collab post between Amara and Eol))

Stardate 2365.02.08
USS Peregrine; Deck 3 - 0950
Dio was just barely catching his breath from the whirlwind encounter with their chief engineer. Having chugged down his remaining coffee, he'd returned to the Kuldaren suite where Natasha and Leah were hard at work. They'd replaced the coffee table top with some beaten metal top they'd designed, with the Kuldar symbol lightly engraved over top.

Hospitality was learned practically at birth. Even as far removed from his home as Dio was from his homeland, there was some training one just never forgot.

A sharp glance over his shoulder from Leah was his only warning before the sound of a throat clearing, and a strong but friendly voice behind him. Dio turned on his heel quickly to face the speaker...and took in the sight of a surprisingly handsome, tall man with Lieutenant pips, command reds and a mature feeling to him that belied his appearance. He kept his smile firmly professional, and even saluted before offering his hand "That would indeed be myself sir, though given the excitement it's fair to say I might have misplaced even that. And you are?"

Tochi offered a roguish grin at the salute and, of course, returned it before accepting the proffered hand. "Tochi Zai," he offered, "Chief Flight Control Officer and XO. We had heard that you were in here and, things being as they are, this morning, I thought we'd stop in and get introductions out of the way in advance of the staff meeting."

Letting go of the charming Risan's hand, Tochi gestured around the room; "For having only been aboard a few short hours, Lieutenant, you've certainly worked wonders, here, already." His hands clasped together behind his back, then, and he inclined his head to indicate the other suite further down the corridor. "With the other, as well," he added, "We were going to offer some assistance, but it appears that you have matters well in hand."

"Good to meet you sir"

And of course he's the first officer. Of. Course. My luck just keeps better and better today.
Dio forcibly shoved aside any follow up-delving into that rueful thought. Instead, he turned slightly and stepped back so Tochi could get a better view of their handiwork "I can't take all the credit. I wouldn't have any idea we'd had a change in assignment if Lt Moriden hasn't reached out to me. Leah and Natasha have been working exceedingly hard to get this ready given the short notice."

"The transfer caught us all more than a little unprepared, Lt Lasad," Zai said, his eyes skimming the room, pausing to offer polite nods to Leah and Natasha before regarding Dio, again, "but if this is the kind of thing you're able to pull off under pressure, we can't say that's entirely a bad thing."

Wait, We?
He didn't see anyone else behind the XO, and it didn't seem to be a language barrier issue - though he couldn't place his species. The pronoun use didn't seem to be misspoken. So. Many. Questions. And none of them seemed polite.

"It's no Ceasar's Lagoon luxury suite, but it should pass muster as VIP. Oh... Staff meeting! When is that today?"

The mention of Ceasar's Lagoon brought on a flickering of very old memories and Tochi's smile was tinged with the nostalgia. "We haven't been to Ceasar's in many, many years," he said, voice softened a bit by Dirven's recollections, "quite a beautiful place. Wrote more than one song on that beach. I'll have to go back, sometime," He interrupted his own reverie with a short chuckle, blinked away the memories, and regarded Dio.

"Sorry," he grinned somewhat sheepishly before addressing Lasad's last question, "The staff meeting is scheduled for 1100 hours in the Captain's Mess. We imagine it'll be a rather short meeting, as we're expecting the ambassadors to come aboard only an hour afterward.

Anything I can address for you ahead of time?"

The XO's abrupt drifting into recollection, almost a fugue, was both confusing and concerning. Dio almost turned to ask Leah if this was normal or if he should do something when Zai snapped out of it. Zai didn't look old enough to be fading into reminiscence... or to have afforded anything near Ceasar's Lagoon.

But you're certainly not in any place to point fingers or question someone, Mr. Risan-Starfleet.
It was going to make him crazy with curiosity. He gave Zai a friendly smile, raking back a few stray strands of his own hair that had escaped during the redecorating. "No apology needed, I appreciate the heads-up. I need to check in with the captain once I'm done here. Is there anything I should be aware of, ahead of the meeting, that I should avoid sticking my foot or anything else in?"

Tochi cocked his head to one side, seeming to contemplate Lasad's question. "Mmmmm, beyond what you've already stepped in merely by coming aboard, we don't think so," he chuckled after a moment, "Look for it to be a quick meet-and-greet kind of thing, Besides yourself, we've also had replacement postings for the CMO and CTO, so, we're all kind of flying blind in a manner of speaking, Other than that, the Captain will probably just give a second blush to our mission parameters and then turn us loose. Our time-table isn't going to allow for much else."

"Ah well, good to know my arrival is as welcome and well-received as always" Dio tried to make sure that didn't sound bitter, but he wasn't entirely sure he masked it. The fact that three department heads had evidentally been replaced didn't escape him. Prior experience told him.... Dio cut off that line of thought immediately. The queasiness he'd first felt when he woke up this morning (?) was back and this would only aggrivate it.

"Fair enough, I'll make sure to be prompt with my arrival, and do my best to get up to speed on everything before shift starts." Dio gave a more genuine smile "Thanks sir."

"Of course," Lt Zai grinned, not failing to pick up on the embittered tinge in Lasad's voice, "we're always glad to help where we can, Lieutenant. And, we're certainly happy to have you aboard," Tochi took a step toward the door, then.

"Speaking of time-tables, I'm sure we've imposed more than enough on yours" he said, extending a hand again, "Again, Dio, welcome to the Peregrine. We look forward to getting to know you better. See you at the meeting."

He turned and, before strolling back out into the corridor, offered a nod and a smile to Leah and Natasha; "Good morning, ladies. Excellent work."