Captain Starkin got herself acquainted with what was effectively her office. She hadn't gotten the chance yet to really personalize it, but there should be enough time for that later. Right now, there was just an old picture of Clarius and a young Vartine, and a newer picture of Danielle. ::I can't wait for her to come on board. There's so much to show her!:: But such was Starfleet sometimes. Many keep their civilian lives separate from their professional ones, especially in Starfleet. ::Well, it doesn't have to be that way here.:: Uriell was glad that they will get the luxury of having those two words shared - a luxury usually found on star bases.

::But that's not going to happen if I don't get more work done.:: She thought about the senior staff meeting, the one that would be in this room. She ran through her head, who should be there. ::Hmm. Might be a little crowded.:: Then she remembered, ::Oh yes, the doctor.:: She started to pull the information on "Doctor Jayngo" up on her PADD. ::Atlarian? Interesting...:: She looked around the room again. ::We are NOT going to all fit in here.:: "Starkin to Commander Nganga."

=^= Nganga here, Captain. =^=

"Commander, I think we need to move this meeting into the conference room. It would be too crowded. Can you make the arrangements? Let the appropriate, people know about the change?"

=^= The senior staff? =^=

"Yes. Plus Ensign Paxton. But I'll let the doctor know myself. I'd like to talk to him."

=^= Aye, Captain. =^=

"Starkin out." ... "Captain Starkin to Doctor Jayngo."

=^=...Starkin to Doctor Jayngo.=^=

Jayngo and T'Vala were about to enter ten-forward when the call came in. Extending his index finger to indicate a pause to the Chief Tactical Officer, Jayngo tapped his communicator. "Jayngo here, Captain. What can I do for you?"

"We're having a senior staff meeting in the conference room in about 25 minutes. Can you be there?"

"I was already planning on it, sir. Councilor Dekelley informed me of the meeting. I take it that it has been moved from your ready room?"

"That's correct. A little more space available. And Doctor, ... are you familiar with Garman physiology?"

"I haven't been able to go over the records yet, sir, but I was planning on it before our appointment. But I could easily move it up on my schedule. Is there something you need?"

"I'd appreciate it. I'd like for you to help me do a little explaining to our crew."

"Of course, sir. I may show up in the conference room a few minutes early, then, in order to get any answers of my own before the rest of the senior staff shows up. Would that be OK?"

"Of course. I'll meet you there in, say, ten minutes."

"Thank you, sir. Jayngo out."

Jayngo turned to T'Vala and said, "I'm very sorry."

"You are the ship's doctor. There is a medical situation. To do otherwise would be illogical."

"Would you ..."

"Extend your condolences to the young lady inside? Of course. I will, however, inform the bartender that you will still be paying for the drinks."

Jayngo smiled. "Of course. And thanks." With that, the doctor took off for his office to do some quick studying

Lt. Commander Dekelley returned to his quarters after leaving the transporter room. The counsel at his desk indicated that he had a message from Dr. Jayngo. He reviewed the message and the attached crew physical schedule, and he tagged all of the senior staff for follow up evaluations and marked Skepti and Paxton as priorities. Then he contacted the Doctor via communicator with his comments.

The chronometer indicated that he still several minutes before the staff meeting in the bridge conference room. He tapped the button on at his desk counsel, "Computer, begin letter. Use file address Imzadi."

"Imzadi, each day I miss you more that then last. I wish you would reconsider my request and join me on the Cochran. The ship is marvelous. You should see the boardwalk. Chief Marlo has turned a sterile metal deck into a thriving lush green park. I know you only met him in passing on the job, but I'm sure he would enjoy seeing your familiar face. I know that I would.

Thing are a stir around here as we prepare to depart for our first assignment. And now the captain has joined the ship in a surprise visit. I'm preparing for our first staff meeting in the next hour. The new captain will surly be keeping us on our toes. It has been a pleasure serving with Nganga during the ship's trial. You know from my letters just how stressful those times can been even when everything goes right. Hope to see you soon, Love Rory."

He again tapped the button on at his desk counsel, "Computer, file letter, and send." His time was short now and he did not want to be late to the meeting. He had to rush to the turbolift, and nearly ran into a group of cadets who were getting a tour of the Cochrane. He exited the lift on the bridge and headed toward the conference room. He made it with some time to spare, but was nevertheless the last to arrive.

David Nganga sat down. He could have justified sitting in the center chair still, but he decided to sit in the chair that was now his. Besides, he was more accustomed to the off center view from the first officer's chair.

He contacted Skepti and Klaus about the change of locale for the captain's briefing, but he kept the conversation short, figuring they were still discussing Skepti's past or whatever. When he contacted Rory, it seemed as if the Councilor's thoughts were a million miles away, and he wondered if Rory really noticed.

"Computer, has Ned McGintly boarded?" the Commander asked.

=^=Commander McGintly is on deck nine.=^= came the computer's response.

"Bridge to Lt. Commander McGintly," Nganga said.

=^= McGintly here. And this is? =^=

"Commander David Nganga. Pleased to meet you. The Captain is aboard and has called for a senior staff meeting."

=^= Oh. Oh! I just came aboard. How soon? =^=

"Thirty-three minutes, Commander."

=^= I'll be there, and please, call me Ned. =^=

"Okay Ned. See you in a few. Nganga out."

"Commander?" Ensign Hurt spoke up.

"Yes, Reg?"

"I've never served on a ship where the Chief Tactical Officer was someone other than the head of Security. Is Lt. T'Vala considered senior staff, and should she be contacted about the meeting?"

"You're right; it is uncommon," Nganga said. "I believe when it occurs, it's because it's the captain's purgative to have the positions separated. As we have a Chief Tactical Officer, I assume the Captain would consider T'Vala to be Senior Staff."

::I wonder who I answer to.:: Reg thought, looking down at the security readouts on the tactical bar.

"Dave?" it was the Operations Manager.

"Yes, Norallah?" Nganga replied.

"Should I also plan on attending?" the unjoined Trill asked.

"Yes," Nganga replied. ::Especially, if the captain has gotten word from Starfleet about my putting you up for promotion last month.:: Nganga thought, wanting to surprise the efficient young officer.

"All right. Ensign Bak is my scheduled relief officer. Shall I have him return to the Bridge?" Norallah asked.

"Yes, Biff will just have to do without the loaner from Ops. More of his regular engineers should be aboard. Which reminds me, I'd better contact him about the meeting."

And Commander Nganga contacted Lt. Commander Argyle about the meeting, and then he finally finished his report.

Mr. Skepti's crew quarter doors hissed shut behind Security Chief Klaus. Before advancing down the corridor, he took a moment to reflect to himself. He ran a hand through his short hair and rubbed the back of his neck and over the scar there. For a moment he recalled the circumstances under which he received that scar. Recognizing the distraction, he silently scolded himself.

Mr. Klaus tried to pull in all he knew about the current situation. He was no stranger to covert operations....far from it. Although he was never an undercover operative, his special forces background did provide a great deal of advanced training in the area. His stint on Cardassia had also introduced him to what the Obsidian Order was capable of.

Usually, he thought, I can at least determine a hint of their purpose. "Not this time, however", he said with a growl on his face.

Skepti was absolutely no help. As could be expected, he denied everything.... except for the part about talking to the Obsidian Order agent. Oh, he fully admitted that. But he claimed the man just made a mistake in identity and thought he was something else. Klaus wasn't so easily fooled. What gave Skepti away wasn't anything so advanced as a frontal cortex scanner or pheromone detector. This was simple neuro- optical reflex.

When humans access their memory, they generally look up and to the right, accessing their logic and memory centers located in the left side of the brain. Mr. Skepti looked up and to the LEFT indicating that he was accessing the right side of the brain.....the location of the creative portions of the human brain. An old technique....one that dated back to the 20th century....but VERY accurate.

The thing was, was that Klaus didn't think Skepti was trying to hide anything. He didn't believe that Skepti was mixed up with any of the plans that this Cardassian had made. He felt that Skepti was merely trying to stay clean and not drudge up anything from his past. He did, after all, have a legitimate position of worth on a brand new Galaxy class vessel. Wasn't that something to try and protect?

Unfortunately, that didn't bring him any closer to finding out what was going on.

Klaus then made his way to the security office. Glancing at his terminal, he saw that he still needed to have that physical with the doctor. He was not looking forward to that. He sat down and folded his hands.

Klaus was a man that trusted his instincts. He didn't believe that Skepti would lead him to much of the current situation....other than possibly some background on the man in custody. His trust in his instincts did not take the place of prudence....

"Computer, place Mr. Skepti under level two surveillance. Monitor whereabouts, communications, and correspondence until further notice. Authorization Klaus sierra three five."

He placed a message to a long time friend on Mars who was chief of security there. Klaus hoped that his friend could provide a transcript of the interrogation of the Cardassian operative.

Klaus also put a notation on the agenda for the next security briefing. He would have to review counter intelligence procedures with the staff.

The security chief considered his actions for a moment. Mr. Skepti may be a civilian, but he was serving aboard a military vessel. The only judge's approval he needed here was the Captains.....

Lieutenant Klaus grasped the PADD containing his security briefing for the Captain. As he headed for conference room he thought about all that had occurred in the last 48 hours. This was not shaping up to be the boring cruise he thought it was going to be....

Captain Starkin had to admit she was just a _little_ nervous... but it thankfully didn't show. Probably only Danielle would be able to tell, were she there. Fortunately, Uriell had gotten very good at controlling emotions, at least on the surface (as many Starfleet officers do.) Her thoughts (including her apprehensions) were hers alone... except for maybe the ship's Councilor. But even then, he wouldn't catch anything too out of the ordinary or troublesome. Another part of the discipline of command - casting aside things like fear or doubt and acting with the confidence everyone (especially oneself) expects. Confidence then becomes almost instinct.

But it's not always that easy, and this was a little more personal, at least with some of the information she was going to share with her crew. It wasn't so much embarrassing - no shame in being what you are - but it was awkward, knowing the wide range of how other species react to such information. Still, Uriell had dealt with this before. Having a sense of humor sometimes helps, and lets her use her species uniqueness to provide her with some amusement (as she recently did with Nganga.)

Her physiology was just one part of it, though. She was meeting new people, a new crew, and they would meet her. She wanted to start off on the right foot, set the right tenor. This was going to be a friendly ship, a family ship... and at the same time there'd be no lack of discipline, nothing sloppy: a ship to be proud of. She had to make sure her expectations were high yet never unattainable. She was already proud of the ship, and she wanted everyone on board to feel the same way. So she knew it was important to do things right, from the start.

Uriell looked over the roster, glanced through the personnel files she had, making a few last mental checks. Then she went over her notes, going over what she wanted covered at the meeting. After seeing all things in order, she got up from her ready-room desk to head to the conference room.

(** It was never like this on the Bozeman **) Lieutenant J.G. Mary Scott came into Ten Forward. No one could tell from looking at her that she'd been born 123 years ago, in 2255. Spending 93 years in a temporal loop in the Typhon Expanse could do have that effect.

The past seven years since being freed hadn't been what she would've chosen, either. Her family, as she knew it, was long dead. Most of her friends, save for a few Vulcans, had also perished in that time. Then came the retraining. She had been trained as an engineer, but that was over five score years ago. Mary had needed to be retrained.

And it wasn't just a century of technical advancement. Starfleet, as an organization had made modifications. Little things, really, but just enough that when she, or anyone from the Bozeman, got a little detail wrong she felt like she was under a mass spectrometer, with the universe staring at her. So she had to remember, there was no longer a rank called "Commodore", but two grades of Rear Admiral. The helm and navigation station were merged into one, so now instead of helmsman or navigator, there was a flight controller, who's station was usually abbreviated to "the Con". She wasn't sure about the clerical staff. She figured that the clerks were still called yeomen, and why change a millennium old navy tradition, right. She just hadn't seen any clerical staff.

Right now, though, she had work to do. Lt. Commander Argyle had sent her to the Arcade Level to take of few things, including a check of the holo-emmitters in the lounge at the front of the ship.

"Ensign Xiam? What are you doing here?" Mary exclaimed.

"Argyle asked me to help out, so I am. And it's either 'Ensign Bak' or 'Xiam', unless you want to be 'Lt. Mary'." Xiam smiled.

"But you're the relief Ops guy aren't you? Not an engineer."

"I know. I was just telling my friend here," he gestured towards Paxton, "how Argyle was running his engineering crew ragged. As soon as I came aboard and reported in, he asked me to help out since I've had some engineering training, and he was short handed. As such I haven't seen that much of the ship yet."

"Oh. Okay, so you helped out the bartender here?"

"Yep." Bak's comm pin blipped.

=^= Norallah to Bak, =^=

"Bak here."

=^= Who's back where? =^=

"No, 'Bak here.' I've got an ancient film or two to show you sometime, you know that?"

=^= Fine. But, in the meantime, I have a meeting to attend in a little while. I'll need you to give you apologies to Commander Argyle, and actually take your assigned station in twenty minutes. =^=

"Aye. I'll see you in fifteen. Bak out."

"You want her to backout of her meeting?" Lt. Scott asked.

Relief Operations Manager Bak Xiam wasn't sure if he was ready to see his name turned into a 500-year-old joke.

Lt. J.G. Mary Scott looked at the holographic bartender, "So of all the gin joints in the universe, why'd you have to come to work in mine?"

Jayngo entered the conference room to find not only the Captain, but Ensign Aeth as well. The Captain motioned for the Doctor to wait for a moment as she finished talking with Nik. "So you see, I really don't have any need for a Yeoman, at least at the moment. But I feel as though your skills would much better serve on the conn."

"As a support officer."

"Correct. Mr. Paxton will be the Chief Flight Controller."

"OK, Captain. I can handle that. My typing was never my strong suit anyway. I take it, then, that I won't be needed for this meeting?"

"Correct."

"Very good, sir. Thank you." Nik turns to walk past Jayngo and smiles. "I ended up coming to report in instead of going to the bar. I'll catch up with you later." The Ensign then left the room.

Making a mental note of a relationship, Starkin called the Doctor in. "So, Doctor. Any questions?"

The Captain took a seat at the head of the table, motioning for the large man to sit to her left. Upon doing so, Jayngo removed a datapad from his lab coat and reviewed over the information he had downloaded from the system.

"Just a few, Captain. And thank you for the clearance rating to receive your information."

"It was needed for you to do your job. I couldn't expect you to walk in blind."

"Yes ma'am. First, do you maintain any control over the change of season, or is there any way of tracking when the change is about to occur?"

This was a little awkward for Starkin to explain. "Control? No. My body pretty much does what it does... although there have been studies on Jace to try to better control things using various drugs. Garman physiology is much more stable, much more predictable on Jace than outside of the system, we've discovered. I'm pretty self aware in terms of my body changes, and over the years I've gotten pretty good at predicting the patterns, knowing how my own changing cycle works. But I also know there have been exceptions."

"I see. So there will be some form of advanced notice to the transformation."

"Yes, I go through the same thing as what most Garmans experience," she said, tapping his PADD. "Although the 'advanced notice' will be noticed by just me... and probably Danielle. The first indicators are very personal, and I'd rather we not discuss those kind of details at the meeting." She added, "Of course, once I have to switch uniforms, it's pretty obvious to everyone else."

"Of course. I see in your file that you are married to a human female, this Danielle you mentioned. I assume that none of this is a shock to her."

"Not at this point." Starkin's lips curled slightly and her eyebrows quickly raised up and down.

"Good. Well, that covers it for the moment. I may have more questions later, during your physical exam, which has been scheduled for later this afternoon. But at your convenience, of course."

"It shouldn't be a problem. I've learned it's important to stay checked up, especially with how complex we can be. We run health risks for both genders, you know." She rolled her eyes. "But for now, I want to make sure the others get informed as simply as possible."

"I'll make sure that it is taken care of."

With that, other members of the senior staff began to arrive.

Out on the bridge, Klaus and T'Vala were inspecting their stations, discussing the configurations, how they might be customized and so forth. Commander Nganga rose from his chair with his datapad in hand, heading towards the conference room. Norallah was already following him. "Shall we?" he said to his crew. Klaus looked at the chronometer and nodded. He and T'Vala walked towards the conference room as well.

"Ensign Bak, you have the bridge." Nganga looked at the drydock and added, "Don't let us go anywhere."

"Yes sir," Bak grinned.

Starkin and Jayngo watched the four officers enter the room. Lt. Commanders McGintly and Argyle were chatting as they walked in soon after. Skepti looked less than thrilled as he swaggered in. His eye took in every corner of the room. He wasn't impressed. He did pause as he and Klaus matched glances. He smirked as he gave Klaus a less than sincere nod, and then deliberately went to a seat away from him.

=swish= David Paxton entered the room. The doors shut behind him. **Oh, geez … lot a people here already.** Looking around, he noticed most of the attendees huddled in groups around the table, talking. **Well, everyone's occupied … I'll just sit over here … hopefully this won't take too long.** David walked towards the table, away from the head where the captain was currently talking with a **Huge! Good lord, what does he eat in the morning** man (?) in blue. (**Blue, must be the ship's counselor … make sense for the captain to be talking to him right before the meeting**) Sitting down near the other end of the table, across from a ragged looking man with an eye-patch (**Starfleet's lowered it's standards on uniforms …**), David exhaled. The man across from him just grimaced (**or is that how he always looks?**) as D.J. pulled his chair in.

Over the varied conversations, one voice caught D.J.'s attention and registered in his mind. He looked over his shoulder to see a Lt. Commander (**oh, gee … from the rec room …**) speaking with someone David assumed was the Chief Engineer.

The Lt. Commander caught David's roaming eye. D.J. gulped. The officer's conversation stalled only for a second, but David could tell he was recognized from their previous encounter. The officer looked back to the engineering officer, and continued their conversation. (**Great … can anything else go against me?**) David shook his head as he slumped back in his chair.

=swish= Lt. Commander Evory Dekelley stepped through the door to the conference room and noticed he was the last to arrive. Captain Starkin looked his directions with a smile and thought pointedly ::Thank you for deciding to join us Counselor.:: Dekelley felt his checks flush with embarrassment, even though he had time left before the meeting was set to begin. He made a mental note to come very early to all future meetings. There was a lot of mental activity in the room and he had to concentrate to reduce the mental white noise to a dull hiss in the back of his mind. He decided to break the tension with a joke. "I guess you're wondering why I called you all here."

"You called us all here?" Nganga asked. "I thought I called us all here."

"No, I'm pretty sure I called us all here." Norallah added.

"Are you sure? I thought I called this meeting," Argyle said, trying to fit in.

::I guess they've hit a rhythm having been here.:: McGintly thought.

"Then I guess I'm glad I decided to show up," Starkin said in a powerful voice. The room quieted. She was glad to see the good-natured camaraderie the crew had already developed in her absence. Nganga had done a good job. "So what then is this meeting about?"

All those who said something turned and looked at Dekelley, being the ring-leader on the running gag. Except Nganga, "Why ask us, Dr Jayngo called the meeting." All eyes except Paxton turned to the big man next to the Captain.

Jayngo smiled and said, "I am sure I would rather defer to far more qualified personnel." He then looked back to the Captain.

**Huh?** D.J. looked over at the huge man, then over his shoulder to the Betazoid in blue (**you mean he's not the …**) David slumped even deeper into his chair, his eyes rolling up. He hoped his face wasn't flushed.

Dekelley looked at Ensign Paxton and smiled while tapping the PADD before him on the table. The then looked toward the captain, "Captain, in my professional opinion, several members of your crew are suffering from delusions of grandeur and may need serious counseling."

Starkin rubbed her temples. "Yes, and I think you need to start with me."

Rory smiled and added, "Seriously, I will be scheduling sessions with all of the bridge crew, but we can discuss that after the meeting."

"Oh yes, the meeting. We really should get down to business." The Captain waited for the assembled crew to take their seats at the table. Pulling out a chair, Counselor Dekelley took a seat next to David Paxton. Intentionally avoiding the counselor's eyes, D.J. tried to look relaxed, though he didn't think he succeeded. Rory just smiled as he consulted his PADD.

"I suppose introductions are in order. I'm Uriell Starkin, Captain of USS Cochrane. And as most of you know, this is Commander David Nganga, my First Officer." She glanced at her PADD. "And this is Lt. Commander Ned McGintley, CMC, my Second Officer." McGintley straightened up with his name. "Along with the continued training of the crew, Commander McGintley will be the primary officer for the 3rd shift. I'm sure that, if you wake us up, it will be for a good reason." She continues with the introductions around the table until reaching Paxton. "Ensign Paxton will be our Chief Flight Controller, working the conn under the Commander and myself. My recommendation is that McGintley take Lt. Indigor on 3rd shift with him. I am sure you will find him a capable officer." Before the CMC had the chance to ask any questions, the Captain continued the introductions, finishing with, "and Chief Operations Officer Norallah Tam." Starkin pulls a small case out of her pocket while walking down the table and places it on the table in front of the Lt. J.G. "Congratulations on your promotion, Lieutenant."

Starkin returned to her seat. "I'm sure you've all noticed the absence of a science officer at this meeting. Rest assured that the Chief Science Officer will be joining us after we arrive at Earth. Official introductions will be made at that time."

"And, I'd like to welcome Calvin Skepti to our group." Uriell nodded towards Skepti, seated at the far end of the conference table. "Mr. Skepti is joining us as the Boardwalk manager." Addressing her crew, she continued, "While technically part of our civilian complement, I felt it would be important for introductions to be made now among the Senior Staff. Since the Cochrane is a new concept among starships, and since Mr. Skepti will be dealing with a large amount of civilians and Starfleet crew in his position, his position is rather unique. I know that as my Senior Officers, you will all represent Starfleet's highest standard during your business on the Boardwalk and with Mr. Skepti. And with that Mr. Skepti, you're free to resume you duties on the Boardwalk unless you have any questions."

Grunting a reply, Skepti rose from his seat and practically stormed out of the room.

"Commander Nganga, I believe you have a status report for me," the Captain said, moving on to her next item of business.

Commander Nganga handed Starkin his PADD, "The short version is that things are running quite well. Mr. Argyle's engineering crews have the ship in top shape." He nodded to the Chief Engineer. "Most of the crew is going to be aboard by 2000 hours. The rest will be coming aboard when we reach Earth. Several of the shops in the Arcade are all ready up: the Quark's franchise, the Soj dealer, the Theiss' Clothing Shop."

As the meeting continued, Starkin asked Klaus for an update on the Obsidian Order situation. In fine detail, the Security Chief relayed all pertinent information. After he was finished, Klaus placed his PADD back on the table and looked towards the Captain. Taking a longer moment than normal, Starkin exhaled slowly and addressed her crew. "This next bit is a bit personal, but I wanted to share it with you to resolve any confusion you may have. Some of you might have thought 'Captain Starkin' was a man. And I was. And I will be again." She expected the looks of confusion on her crew's faces that she saw. "Doctor, if you would."

"The Garmans are a trans-gender race. They metamorph between being male and female. Our Captain is obviously in her female season, but at some point will become male."

"When will that be?" asked McGintley.

"I wish I could tell you," Starkin replied. "If I were back on my homeworld of Jace, I could probably tell you, as our patterns are fairly predictable. However, space travel seems to alter those patterns, making it somewhat unpredictable."

Jayngo took over once more. "Please keep in mind that this is a perfectly normal bodily function, and should be treated with the utmost respect. We are all Starfleet officers, and should be able to take cultural differences in stride." He directs this comment to Argyle, who appears to be trying to stifle a chortle. Until he noticed that the giant doctor was looking right at him.

Nganga was glad that humanity, generally, had moved past the point where it thought bodily functions were humourous. "So, Captain, you have served on the Copland?"

"Yes Dave, that was me. And I was lucky to keep my uniform that time…" She turned back to the crew and saw Norallah's face. "It was in poker." She sighed and shook her head slightly. "Anyway, regardless of which form I'm in, I'm still me. And I'll still be the captain." She paused for a moment. "Since not too many Garmans travel off world, and Jace isn't even part of the Federation, most races aren't aware of what has proven to be a unique quality."

Releasing a breath, she continued. "Personally, I don't consider it that big a deal. It's a fact of life. But I know others react differently, so I'd rather you know ahead of time. If any of you do have a problem with it… work it out on your own time."

Dekelley piped in. "I'll be happy to see any of you in my office."

"Unless there's anything else…." She looked around the room. "Your first assignments will be or have already been sent to you, including our shakedown mission." She smiled, "I'm looking forward to this, to working with all of you. We have a job to do, and I'm sure we shall excel. Meeting adjourned."

**Well, this was fun** D.J. backed his chair away from the table. To his side, Counselor Dekelley was making notes on his PADD. "Excuse me please," David said as he stood up.

The counselor stopped his notes for a moment, and glanced up. "Why, of course Ensign. And, I don't think I got a chance to say it in the transporter room, but welcome aboard. I look forward to working with you."

**yea, I bet you do … uh, gotta stop thinking like that around … oops, there I go … er** "Thanks," David said, with what he hoped was a smile. Nodding once towards the counselor, David turned for the door. On route, David saw he was on an intercept course with the Commander. (**not out of the woods yet …**). "Commander Nganga," David said with a nod, addressing his superior.

"Ensign Paxton, pleased to meet you." Nganga motioned with one arm towards the door, while gesturing with the other towards D.J. "After you, Ensign … I was going that way myself."

"Thank you, sir." D.J. started walking again, the commander in stride next to him. Holding up one finger, the commander motioned for David to hold a moment. Confused look on his face, D.J. paused. Eyebrows raised in question (**try to look neutral, David**), D.J. waited for the commander to act.

Smiling, Nganga looked straight at D.J. Although they were the same height, D.J. couldn't help but feel a bit over-shadowed by Nganga. His presence was very strong, and unconsciously D.J. felt himself straighten a little more before the commander. "You know, Mr. Paxton, now that you're the lead Conn officer, you may actually want to check in."

D.J.'s eyes went wide. (**Oh, sh …**) "Sir, I'm sorry sir. Before beam over I was told you'd let me know of any immediate duties, and then, well, the captain mentioned the meeting, and dismissed me. I guess, well, … I guess I assumed I was free until the meeting."

D.J.'s back was perfectly straight now. He bit his tongue as he waited for the commander's response.

"I didn't say anything about before the meeting, Ensign," Nganga smiled. "I was referring to now, after the meeting. However," Nganga entered something on his ubiquitous PADD, "now you're checked in. Relatively painless, really."

::Boy, he seems nervous. Maybe even a little defensive.::

D.J. exhaled out of the side of his mouth, while displaying something crossed between a grimace and a smirk on his face. (**That could have gone a little better on my end**)

"Uh, yes sir. Thank you commander. I, uh … if you'll excuse me, … I, … I suppose I should familiarize myself with my station."

"Certainly Ensign. Carry on."

As the crew filed out of the conference room, the Captain noticed Lieutenant Klaus remaining behind.

"Something on your mind Lieutenant?"

"Yes Ma'am." Klaus replied.

"At ease Mr. Klaus. What's on your mind?"

After a moment, Klaus' shoulders relaxed and he looked his new captain in the eyes. "Have you had the opportunity to read my report concerning Mr. Skepti?"

"I have, Lieutenant. I am just as concerned as you are concerning our boardwalk manager. Before I give my approval concerning his surveillance, I would like to hear what you really think of Mr. Skepti. Tell me what wasn't written in your report." Let's see how open he can be with his captain, she thought. It had always been her personal philosophy to have a tight knit relationship with her senior staff. Protocol and discipline were necessary, but to have them be a barrier to honest communication and innovation went far beyond their purpose. It always takes a little longer with security chiefs, she thought....they are distrustful by nature. I wonder how this one will do......

While a sensitive man to politics and subtlety, down deep Klaus liked being direct. He sensed this also in his new captain. He also had the feeling that this conversation was not just about the captain's evaluation of Mr. Skepti. He knew from the captain's background that she was highly adept at studying and observing others. He felt himself under this same magnifying glass. Let's see what kind of relationship we are going to have....

"Mr. Skepti is an opportunist and I don't trust him. While I am not convinced that he has anything to do with the Obsidian Order's current plans, I cannot discount the possibility either. I honestly believe that he is trying to make a legitimate start for himself on this ship....and I respect that. However, he lied to me concerning the history he shared with that Cardassian. No matter what the purpose, dishonesty is something that I do NOT tolerate."

Starkin took that all in and nodded. It looked as if they were going to get along just fine. "If that's truly what you feel, then why the surveillance?"

"This man has a long criminal background and obviously has had dealings with at least one Order member in the past ....... In my experience with the Order, you rarely get a warning of their activity or a lead concerning one of their members. Trust me Captain, we need to follow this lead until it ends because I doubt that we will have another."

"Very well, Lieutenant. Surveillance approved. I expect regular reports concerning your progress."

"Thank you, Captain."

"Good luck on your hunt, Lieutenant. Dismissed."

The unjoined trill operations officer caught the attention of the officer who performs operations. "Doctor," Norallah said to Jayngo. "May I see you on the bridge for a moment? It's about ... a ... hurt back."

"Certainly," Jayngo replied. "What seems to be the problem?"

Norallah leads Jayngo to the Bridge. Nganga pinches his sinuses ::Oh no. Oh no.:: "Doctor Jayngo," Norallah says and then points to the Ops station, "This is Ensign Bak." Then she turns to the Security station. "And this is Ensign Hurt."

"A pleasure to meet you, gentlemen." Jayngo begins to form a questioning look on his face. Then he gets it. "Hurt. Bak. Gotcha."

And Norallah starts laughing at her little joke. "I'm sorry Doctor. The opportunity presented itself. Since Xiam and Reg were the only two left on the bridge."

"That's fine Lieutenant. I'm fine with jokes. Find them rather funny myself. I'll prove it in two days .... at your exam appointment." With that, Jayngo smiles and walks away. He misses Norallah smiling right back.

=shhh= David walked through the door and onto the bridge. The commander followed behind him. In front of him, the doctor was talking with Lt. Norallah. Sidestepping the massive figure, D.J. walked down the ramp to the front of the bridge and his station. (**well, seat looks comfortable …**)

Behind him, David heard Lt. Norallah. "This is Ensign Bak. (pause) And this is Ensign Hurt."

David sat in the flight controller's seat. (**still has that brand-new smell …). Sitting "side-saddle", right arm lounging on the control panel, David ran his left hand over the seat's back support as he examined its construction.

Dr. Jayngo replied behind him, "A pleasure to meet you, gentlemen."

The right side of D.J.'s mouth turned upward in a partial grin as he examined his chair. (**I suppose if I'm going to be sitting down for 8- hour shifts, this is the chair to do it in**). He turned in his seat to face forward, the workstation now properly in front of him.

Behind him, Dr. Jayngo continued, "Hurt. Bak. Gotcha."

David's hands glided across the control panel. (**Let's see, there's the …**)

Laughing interrupted his thought process. Swiveling in his chair to look behind him, David saw Lt. Norallah to be the source. The doctor's face seemed to be recomposing itself from confusion to understanding. Behind both of them, David could see Commander Nganga, head slightly down and eyes closed as he pinched his sinuses.

Lt. Norallah said, "I'm sorry, Doctor. The opportunity presented itself. Since Xiam and Reg were the only two left on the bridge."

**Huh? Wonder what that's about?** David didn't want to interrupt, but didn't look away, either, hoping that in their conversation, someone would say something to help him understand what just happened.

"That's fine Lieutenant," said the doctor. "I'm fine with jokes. Find them rather funny myself. I'll prove it in two days … at your exam appointment."

**Joke?** David watched the doctor exit the bridge. Norallah, Bak, and Hurt just smiled.

Giving up on any sort of explanation, D.J. turned back to his station. **Well, that didn't explain anything**

Xiam looked at Norallah with a questioning look. Pointing at D.J.. "He the primary? Cool."

He then got up, letting Norallah resume her station. He then walked over to D.J. "Hi, I'm Xiam. Ensign Bak Xiam. Pleased to meet you. That's Ensign Reg Hurt over at the security station."

"Hello," Reg said.

As Jayngo walked down the corridor, he started working ahead on who he would be seeing within the next day, and mentally dividing up the crew amongst his medical staff. For the most part, he had handpicked the entire group, save for Doctor Agra and Nurse Kuehl. They would be able to work through a larger number of crewmen if they all worked in teams for twelve-hour shifts, and Agra pulling the swing shift for basic examinations.

As he approached sickbay, however, the denoted volume of a one-sided argument drew his attention and caused him to pick up speed. As he entered the room, he noticed that an Andorian member of the command crew had one of his people cornered. The officer was stating loudly, "If I wanted to be examined by a lowly crewman, do you think I would have signed up aboard a galaxy-class starship? Who do you think you are!?"

"But sir," the crewman attempted to countermand, "you were the one insisting that it had to be taken care of immediately."

"Is there a problem here?" Jayngo's voice was stern, but still had the markings of friendliness as he approached the duo. He noticed as the Andorian's eyes darted directly to the area that pips would be on a normal person, followed up to their actual location, then continued up even further to Jayngo's face.

"I'm looking for the Chief Medical Officer. I'm here for my physical."

"I'm Doctor Jayngo. I don't recall scheduling any appointments this early. You are ...?"

"Lieutenant Indigor. I thought I would come in early and get it out of the way."

Jayngo smiled, though it lacked the good nature and pleasantness of his normal grin. "Well, Lieutenant, I'm sorry I wasn't here to serve you personally, but I was in the Captain's Senior Staff meeting. But I am sure that Crewman Tarses could have helped you."

"I wasn't notified of a senior staff meeting. I hope the Captain will forgive my absence."

"I don't think that will be a problem. Everyone she was expecting was present."

Indigor's surprise registered on his face. "She didn't want Flight Control present?"

"Yes, she did. And the Chief Flight Controller was there."

"I was under the impression that I was ranking Flight Control Officer aboard."

"That may be," Jayngo let loose of his patented smile, "but that doesn't make you Chief."

Indigor's temper was clearly rising, but held in check in front of the large doctor. "Anyway, I can't have just anyone running my examination. The Andorian physiology is far more complex ..."

"Than a hand-picked member of my staff can handle?" Jayngo finished. "Mr. Tarses is well versed in physiology of over fifty Federation races, including Andorian's, and had the distinction of serving aboard the Federation flagship for a year. He has my full faith and support." As Jayngo watched Indigor begin to stammer and Tarses' lip curl up in appreciation, he completed with, "however, if you would feel more secure in having me do the exam, I can oblige. Mr. Tarses, could you get me a set of rubber gloves?"

Indigor's look turned to panic. "Gloves? What for?"

"For the exam, of course. You see, scanners are very thorough, but I believe in getting in there and doing hands on searching." Jayngo took the gloves from Tarses and slowly pulled them over his large hands, snapping the edges as he finished. "My other doctors believe in just relying on the scanners, but I'm just as happy with the old-fashioned ways. Mr. Tarses, you may need to get me a tube of lubricant out of the drawer over there. Mr. Indigor looks like a small man and I may need the assistance."

Indigor turned a sky blue. "You know, on second thought, I am kind of busy right now. Maybe I'll come back for my scheduled appointment."

"That may be best. Dismissed, Lieutenant." As the Andorian quickly left the sick bay, Jayngo turned to Tarses. "Remind me, Simon, to make sure his appointment is with Doctor Sule. It should be an interesting experience for him. And get rid of these for me," he said while removing the gloves, "I'm glad we keep such novelties around for acts such as this."

Next: SURVIVOR

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