Host SM_James says:
Summary: Shots fired – proverbially. Claymore's investigation quickly reveals the video, source unknown, was faked. In the meantime, Simmons and Stevens continue to look for answers to the latter's chrono crisis, and the investigation aboard DS3 – with remote assistance from Claymore's tactical officer – continues. Are any of these incidents related? And if so, exactly what combination 
of drugs will appropriately counteract the universe's current high?

Star Trek: A Call to Duty is proud to present the USS Claymore in: "Reflection"

Episode 8: "Strategic Shift" (12207.16)

=/\= BEGIN MISSION =/\=

OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::looks at a terminal and frowns then pulls out his PADD, shakes it slightly, then frowns again::
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: Several consoles aboard Claymore alert to a text message with attached video. The message carries neither source nor signature.
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
::Seated in the center chair on the bridge, reviewing his PADD, a scene that itself could be faked with a very small amount of effort and no technical expertise::
CSO_LtJG_Simmons says:
::Sitting at a console in Sickbay, having spent a good deal of the day trying to tease out what is going on with Stevens.::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::scans through the random message he received and moves it to his 'junk' folder to be deleted later.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::splashes water on his face, trying to avoid looking at himself in the mirror::
CSO_LtJG_Simmons says:
::Stands and stretches.  Knowing her shift is almost over wonders if it would be a bad idea to cut out a little early.::
CSO_LtJG_Simmons says:
::Before she signs out of the console a text message appears on her console.  She opens it and watches the video.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::grasps the edges of the sink and finally does see the somewhat gaunt, bearded look he is sporting right now, and probably has been for some time now::
CMO_Lt_Stevens says:
::Stevens sits in her office, the lights off, her eyes closed, allowing her emotions to flow through her and concentrating and letting them go::
CIV_LtCmdr_Raeyld says:
::After working far too long the previous day, she found herself in substantial need of a nap today. That caffeine did not provide longevity of service. She's resting quietly on the couch appointed by the operations department, under a small throw::
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: USS Melynche undocks from Deep Space 3, maneuvers away from the station, and begins to shunt power to her warp drive.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::closes his eyes for a moment as he tries to center himself and face whatever is outside the head and on the Bridge::

CSO_LtJG_Simmons says:
::As she watches the video, relief washes over her.  She and T’alin had barely seen each other lately and she still wasn't quite sure why and what was happening with him but seeing him in a video shooting people.  That wasn't the man that she knew.::
CMO_Lt_Stevens says:
::The lights slowly come on in her office and she takes a deep breath before standing up and heading into sickbay::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::opens his eyes again but manages to push away from the sink, and the mirror, without engaging the latter again; he returns to the Bridge, hands still wet::
CSO_LtJG_Simmons says:
::Now she's seeing proof that it wasn't him and she heaves a sigh of relief.  Briefly, she closes her eyes and thanks the universe that he was once again cleared.::
CSO_LtJG_Simmons says:
::Upon hearing the CMO's office door open, she swiveled around in her seat.:: CMO: How are you feeling, Kaylee?
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han>  ::at Mission Operations, having once again reconfigured the station for Strategic Operations::
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
::Gives Davis a small chin tilt::  XO:  Commander, anything new?
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::finds his way to his station, sitting and drawing the console towards himself::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han>  ::sees Davis enter the Bridge and spins-and-stands, heading towards his station and Damrok::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::shakes his head::  CO: Nothing from me, no.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han>  CO/XO: Beg your pardon, Captain, but I may have something to add.
CMO_Lt_Stevens says:
CSO: Feeling better. Meditation helps. I'm headed to check on Deveraux, unless you need me?
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
::Stands from his chair and turns slightly to face K'han::  SOO:  Go ahead, Commander.
CSO_LtJG_Simmons says:
CMO: I'm glad you are.  Glad that the medicine is helping.  No, I was just getting ready to wrap up here myself.  ::Offers a slight smile.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> CO/XO: The investigation seems like it has made substantial progress. Melynche is en route to support what's been described in strat ops briefings as "surveillance operation." What exactly is being surveilled hasn't been identified. But whatever they are after, and whatever Melynche is supporting, is thought to be directly related to the DS3 attack.
CMO_Lt_Stevens says:
CSO: If you're headed somewhere, let me know. I might catch up later. ::Stevens smiles back::
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
SOO:  A "surveillance operation"?  ::Looks skeptical::  Are they meant to rendezvous with any other ships on this operation, or are they on their own?
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> ::nods, anticipating this question::  CO: Melynche will be meeting other vessels. Her role was described as "enforcement," so presumably other ships will have the lead on the mission itself.

FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
:: enters the bridge ::
CSO_LtJG_Simmons says:
::Closing out the console, Evie stood and looked over at the CMO: CMO: Well, I'm not sure where I'll be, but I might make it to the lounge later.
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
<HLM_LtJG_Lawrence>:: at helm ::
CMO_Lt_Stevens says:
::Stevens steps over to Deveraux biobed. She pulls up her PADD and reviews the information listed before seeing if Deveraux is awake::
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
::Runs his right hand through his hair, still looking skeptical::  SOO:  The only surveillance mission that requires "enforcement" is a surveillance mission gone awry.  Melynche is quite an insurance policy.
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: Melynche’s warp drive engages, and in a few moments, she's on her way out of Claymore's sensor range.
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
<HLM_LtJG_Lawrence>:: Nav sensors show Melynche going to the edge of range :: CO: Nav sensors show Melynche on her way out at high warp.
CMO_Lt_Stevens says:
::Stevens sets her PADD down on a nearby table and pulls up a holographic display of the last report from the PADD. She looks at the display of Deveraux's head and spins it to examine the new ear implant::
CSO_LtJG_Simmons says:
::Exits Sickbay takes the corridor – two rights and a left later, she arrives at her quarters.  Entering, she looks around for T’alin.  It seems forever since they've even spoken, but looking around, she doesn't see him.  Deciding that she'd feel much better out of her uniform, she slips out of it and into something more comfortable.::
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
::Neutrally::  HLM:  And in the meantime, we are here.
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
<HLM_LtJG_Lawrence> CO: Yes, yes we are.  :: finishes chewing some replicated gum, pulls it out and sticks it on the side of the console::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han>  ::gestures towards the viewscreen, by which he is trying to refer to DS3::  CO/XO: I can try to tap Lieutenant Commander Arinoch for more information, but that's what I've got through official channels.
Host SM_James says:
<EO_Ens_Meila> ::approaches the airlock for Claymore, pausing long enough to scan the docking area a moment before offering her assignment orders to the guard on duty::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::looks at the helm station for a long moment, then goes back to whatever important thing it was he was up to.::
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
:: approaches the SOO and captain :: CO/SOO: Few changes the last few hours :: stating the understatement of the century ::  How many I assist?
CMO_Lt_Stevens says:
::Stevens glances down and sees Deveraux's eyes opening up:: OPS2: Hello. How are you feeling?
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
::Returns his focus to K'han, split seconds before Lawrence's gum evasive maneuver::  SOO: Give it a shot.  The worst that happens is that he says he can't tell us anything.

Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::definitely has a smartass response to that understatement, which he passes on without even having to shake it out of his own head::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> ::nods::  CO: Aye, Captain.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::blinking against the light, not really sure what day or even year it was, due to a pretty solid nap.  She responds groggily:: CMO: With my hands.
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
FCO:  Mr. T'alin.  I take it you've seen the footage we received?
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> ::swivels around and retreats to his temporary station::
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
:: raises an eyebrow :: CO: You surmise correctly, Captain.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han>  ::sends a priority text message to Arinoch requesting additional information on the surveillance mission::
CMO_Lt_Stevens says:
::Stevens smiles:: OPS2: Glad to hear that. Easy now. ::Stevens slowly helps her sit up with the help of the biobed:: I don't know how much you remember, but you were caught in an explosion.
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
::Shifts his weight from one foot to the other::  FCO:  It was fairly quickly deemed a forgery.  But it was unsigned.  I'd like to try to uncover its provenance.
Host SM_James says:
<Computer> SOO: Priority transmission from Deep Space 3. Security clearance required. Clearance level 9. Priority beta.
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
CO: Understood, could run it through with the Bynar twins and Ms. Priax. Do we have any source broadcast information?
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::sits up in the biobed.:: CMO: I know. I...yeah I remember it all...how many people died?
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
FCO:  Check with operations.  This is their turf, after all – but they've had their hands full, lately, and this seemed up your alley.
CSO_LtJG_Simmons says:
::Crosses to her desk and grabs a PADD off it, before taking it over to the couch and starting in on the reports from the bridge during Alpha shift.::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::frowns aggressively at the communications side of his console::
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
CO/XO: Understood, Gentleman.  Thank you for your confidence.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::looks at Damrok, then back to T'alin::
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> ::inputs his security clearance::
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
::Allows a slight nod to T'alin and considers returning to his seat, but glances to Davis, then remains standing, getting that little intuition that as soon as he sits, someone else will address him::
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
:: walks to OPS:: OPS: Mr. Fong, how are you?

Host SM_James says:
<Computer> SOO: Security clearance verified. Data download will take approximately 20 minutes. Connection will self-terminate upon completion.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::looks slightly startled:: FCO: Mr. T’alin.
CMO_Lt_Stevens says:
OPS2: A few. Your left side is going to pretty stiff for the next week or so. And, we had to replace your ear. You have an implant now and the ear itself is just a replica now. Your hearing may take some time to accommodate.
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
:: gives Fong a friendly pat :: OPS: Don't worry.  My disruptor is in its holster.  I was wondering if you could do me a favor and send any related com logs around the video transmission, subspace carrier captures, and the video and any related files to computer core control, and if I could have some of the twins’ time?
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux>::remembers back to someone she knew in the academy. CMO: ...I...thank you. Send me the specs on the implant when you get a chance.
CMO_Lt_Stevens says:
OPS2: I've already uploaded it to your PADD, and if I know you at all, I imagine you have a sub-routine that already has it in your quarters. Speaking of quarters....If you're feeling up to it, I can release you and I'd be willing to help you get back there.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::stands, if only to address Damrok a little more privately::  CO: What do you think is going on with this surveillance business? 
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han>  ::stares at the status far and feels the impulse to refresh the screen::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::looks back at the FCO, tilting his head slightly trying to figure out if this was a call and response code:: FCO: And my phaser is in my quarters? I have already pulled the construction apart. I can send a workup on that to you, but long story short, it is constructed from file footage. I can send you source information,
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
OPS: That's great.  Any information, or observations you have is helpful.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::continues talking:: FCO: As to Zuzzax and Zuxxaz, they are currently on leave. If you can talk them into working on their free time that is between you and them.  I suggest sugared candy.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
FCO: Based on the prior attempt to break into the Claymore's computer and get the actual footage, I expect that any backtracking will be...difficult.
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
::Mulls that over for a second::  XO:  Honestly?  Not a clue.  Just on the surface, it sounds less like something I'd call "surveillance" and more like "reconnaissance" in advance of a surgical strike.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::blinks a few times, then leans forward, feeling her hair shift a bit 'wrong' the weight all on the right side now that some was...removed by the blast:: CMO: What about the pet store?
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::folds his arms, finding this to be a credible assessment, although still interested in what, if anything, K'han can find out::  CO: I just hate being second or third fiddle in all this.
CMO_Lt_Stevens says:
OPS2: The...the pet store?
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
::Just as Davis finishes speaking, he turns about sixty degrees toward the viewscreen::  HLM:  Lawrence, can you use the Melynche's vector upon their departure to extrapolate the probabilities for possible destinations?
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::shifts towards helm, liking where this might be going::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> CMO: It was...right there. before it all went dark.
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
::Folds his arms:: XO:  Agreed.  I feel as though we're being held back – to what end, I don't know.  Perhaps I'm reading too much into it, and they want us here in case of another attempt on the station.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::offers his nod quota for the day; he's long had this feeling::
CMO_Lt_Stevens says:
::Stevens looks around a little:: OPS2: Ah, yes. I think that particular shop might still be...closed for renovations. But I would be happy to go with to when it opens, or tomorrow you and I could find a different one of the promenade together?
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
::strokes his chin :: OPS: Previous attempt... hmm.  
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::thinks about his logs:: FCO: Right.  Someone tried to log in and access our logs from the last mission. They were shut down. I suspect they then went to a backup plan and transmitted the fake.
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
<HLM_LtJG_Lawrence> CO: Somewhere in Sector 91, Sir, but will need a little more time to be more granular 
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::slides her legs out from under the blanket, looking down at the one, even more pale than normal leg. She keeps her tone low, as if to keep anyone from overhearing.:: CMO: I'm worried about the animals that were in there.
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
Aloud/Self:  Sector...nine-one.  ::Pulls up a star chart on his PADD...any given sector is too large to really get a read, but wants to familiarize himself::
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
HLM:  Acknowledged.  Let me know what you find.
Host XO_Cmdr_Davis says:
::returns to his seat, pulling up the charts as well::
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
OPS: Interesting.  
CMO_Lt_Stevens says:
::Stevens slides out of her chair and stands by the biobed:: OPS2:I...I understand your concern. My father was veterinarian. It's where I learned how to use a scalpel
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
<HLM_LtJG_Lawrence> CO: Will do sir... :: leaning into her console with more work now to do, grabs the gum placing it in her mouth and starts chewing it again ::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::swings her legs a bit, trying to get a feel for them again.:: CMO: Thank you.  Are we still at the... ::she frowns for a moment trying to pull the word out of her head:: CMO:...uh big space house?
CMO_Lt_Stevens says:
::Stevens nods, walking around to stand next to Deveraux:: OPS2: Deep Space 3, yes. Currently docked there still

Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
::Blinks a few times, doing a double-take between Lawrence and his PADD, but finds he really doesn't have the wherewithal at the moment to worry about whatever that just was::
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
OPS: Well, if you can think of anything else that will help us get ahead if it.  Let me know.  I'm going to dig into what you got here per the captain's request, and maybe reach out to a few sources.  Shake some leaves, see if anything falls out of the tree.
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
OPS:  Appreciate you.
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
FCO: Understood. What I can tell you is whoever did this overlayed the setting on what I think is a training combat scenario that you were in.
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
OPS: Now, that's interesting... :: eyes narrowing ::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
FCO: The rest of the files were generally in the public access.  So you might want to start with that.
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
<HLM_LtJG_Lawrence> :: gum lost its flavor again, replicated gun should be superior bleh. Sighs, and takes the gum out and puts it on the side of console again :: CO: Sir, looks like we have 2 potential coordinates based on triangulation most likely either New Haven in Juntaka, or Starbase 284.  Both are only a few lightyears from each other.
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
::Marks those locations on his PADD, then looks up::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::nods, that was the right set of words:: CMO: Ok. so standing, right?  ::she leaned forward, scooting to the edge of the biobed until her toes could touch the floor::
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
:: Nods :: OPS: Thanks. :: turns and starts to head out but on passing Lawrence stops a second :: HLM: The grape seems to last longer than the classic bubblegum... FYI.  :: turns and exits in the turbo lift ::
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
OPS:  Mr. Fong, anything recent in Starfleet records about activity in the Juntaka system or nearby Starbase 284?
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
<HLM_LtJG_Lawrence> :: nods and thinks about the suggestion ::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::begins accessing the localnet:: CO: I'll see what I can find, sir.
CMO_Lt_Stevens says:
OPS2: Standing. I'm right here and I'll help you up. ::Stevens holds her hands out for Deveraux::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
<OPS2_Ens_Deveraux> ::nods:: CMO: Just be ready to catch.  ::she gently tested her feet, it was a familiar process, getting used to her body after being down for a bit, this felt...worse than before but she'd be damned if she let it stop her. She slowly put the weight on her feet before pushing upward from the bed.::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::reads:: CO: Unless there is something less obvious, there doesn't appear to be anything of record of interest at SB284.  New chief engineer a few months back but that is it.
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
OPS:  Very good.   ::Thinks a moment::  And would you be able to tell with a few pings whether any of the subspace relays in that vicinity are experiencing an uptick in comms traffic?

OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
CO: I can try.
FCO_SubLt_T’alin says:
:: enters the "shared" quarters ::
Host CO_Capt_Damrok says:
::Nods::  OPS:  To be honest, regardless of the results, I'm satisfied that I made a suggestion regarding subspace relays that couldn't be immediately dismissed out of hand due to technical impossibilities.  ::Smiles self-effacingly::
OPS_LtJG_Fong says:
::feeling like he has to rush:: CO: Traffic does look like it is up in the sector. On non-standard frequencies... I'd need to get closer to see what it was.
CSO_LtJG_Simmons says:
::Looks up from her PADD::
CSO_LtJG_Simmons says:
FCO: Hey. ::Sets her PADD down and gently smiles.:: It's been a while.
Host SM_James says:
ACTION: For only a second, Stevens fades from view. In that second, Deveraux is sent sprawling across the biobed. The door to the room containing Deveraux is blown open. And Claymore shakes violently as minor structural damage is reported. Hull integrity weakens, and a bulkhead collapse is possible in that section of sickbay.

Host SM_James says:
=/\= END MISSION =/\=

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