Our Own Polly Nichols

Posted on Tue Feb 24th, 2026 @ 5:56pm by Captain Marc Steyn & Lieutenant Commander Maximo (Max) Vero & Rear-Admiral Daithi Fitzsimons & Lieutenant JG K'Ari th’Qarret & Lieutenant JG T'Chiara MD

1,261 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Prologue: Joy is in the journey
Location: Briefing Room - USS Oberth

ON

Commander Vero had informed her of the news that a murder had taken place on board before the ship had even launched not that long ago. It was unsettling that this would happen on a Starfleet vessel and even more so that the vessel was in dock. She had called a meeting of her senior officers, those that were already assembled on the ship so they could discuss the matter and figure out the next steps because in short, this matter could threaten the ships launch window.

She took her seat, still pouring over the reports and limited information that had been accrued so far. She also knew that Command would be looking for an update on this in short order.

Bright and early as always, the prim and proper chief medical officer walked into the room, a small stack of bright coloured disks in one hand, and a stylus and writing pad in the other. "Captain," she greeted formally as she claimed a seat.

Max walked in PADD in hand. His conversation to appraise Captain Sakura had not been one of the first conversations he had hoped to have had with her. "Good day Captain, Doctor," he addressed them as he took his seat glad he had already had his morning espresso even if it was a patch on the taste of real Italian coffee. He would work to get the recipe tweaked.

K'Ari was unsure why she had been summoned to the ships briefing room. Her role aboard the ship was only temporary, to her knowledge she wasn't leaving her role on the station. "Captain." She said respectfully as she walked in and took a seat at the far end of the table. She also gave the other officer in the room a polite nod too.

Moving into the room, Daithi nodded at the occupants; a tense frown line across his forehead. This recent news had him deeply troubled. Security was his baby on this ship; to think that under his eyes a murder could occur was unthinkable. What also troubled him was Caitriona's safety. A ship move was meant to provide a security net for them both; a chance to start afresh.

Taking his seat, the security officer put his head down as he read through his PADD; ensuring that all new and fresh data was prepared for the brief.

"Good Morning" Sakara started with a general greeting knowing that some in the room she had yet to meet. She was also hyper aware that she had a first officer doubling as her science officer, a chief engineer and a medical officer populating her senior staff thus far. Even more troubling was that a murder had taken place on board already.

"I am aware of the recent challenges that we have been faced with. Lacking key officers, facing a murder investigation and Starfleet pressing us to ensure the launch proceeds on schedule. They are expecting a report by sixteen hundred hours... Report!"

She cast the comment to the room, wanting to know the full extent of what was known.

"I have a solution to the lacking of key officers," Max volunteered. "I would suggest Lieutenant th'Quarret be promoted to Chief engineer after all she did take charge and sort out the warp drive. She has the knowledge and ability and can be mentored with the managerial side of things."

"Erm, with all due respect, my time here is only temporary. I am required back at my position on the station when you depart." K'Ari said respectfully.

Max didn't miss a beat. "That's a shame. It would have been a good opportunity for you." He was not the type of person to order someone if they could not see a good opportunity when extended to them. "Captain I will have a further list of candidates reviewed and ready first thing in the morning for you."

He sat back and a thought dawned on him. ~How did this Andorran know about the dead body when they had been no where near the area and busy fixing a warp drive which by their own words would have blown to high kingdom come. Max had, had it contained and locked down. And why so adamant to go back to the station? Unless ... what is she had been involved in her later superiors death? He made a note to get the security chief alone as soon as possible to voice this wondering~

The Captain noted another unease between an officer on her crew and the Andorian engineer. It was also curious to her that someone of a temporary posting was still privy to the incident that had taken place in engineering. Granted, she would have been working predominantly in engineering, and her objection to accepting a promotion did appear to be perplexing unless she was actively attempting to avoid remaining on the ship. For the briefest of moments she shared a look with Commander Vero and the non verbal communication between the two only solidified that she would find working with this man agreeable as they appeared to be of similar mind.

"For the time being we are going to restrict the flow of personnel between Oberth and the station. Until this situation is resolved You will remain in your temporary role Lieutenant th'Qarret, I would encourage all present to not discuss this investigation with anyone unless they have been present in this meeting. Is that understood?"

Daithi grunted his acknowledgement of the Captain's order. It made logistically sense; keep a rope around the people remaining so everyone could be looked at. This meeting had taken a turn with an undercurrent of distrust already present between the staff present. He was itching to get out of this room; to be able to properly invesitgate what had happened.

"As long as it's cleared with my superiors on the station, I have no problem with remaining in the temporary role." The Andorian replied respectfully.

"There is no logical reason to discuss this event with anyone outside of this venue," T'Chiara answered neutrally, "I will let you know when autopsy is completed.'

"Lieutenant, I will ensure your remaining on board is secured" Sakara addressed the engineer before returning to other matters.

"Are we on track to launch on schedule?" Sakara asked, moving the meeting on as she now felt she needed a private discussion with Commander Vero and Security.

"At the current time, I'd say no. The warp engines need their safety features looking at and nacelles themselves need a visual inspection. Rich intermix can cause corrosion which scanners cant detect so a visual once over is required. I did offer for a team from the station to come over to assist but if movement between the station and ship is being restricted, along with other difficulties in engineering, you're probably looking at an addition 12-16 hours delay to the original departure schedule." K'Ari reported. "I may be able to reduce it to roughly 6 but thats pulling double duty which im not a fan of doing when it comes to safety systems and warp nacelles. For obvious reasons."

"Agreed. I will discuss the matter with Starfleet Command and inform of a fifteen hour delay due to recent events. I am confident that will be acceptable".

One final scan of the room, taking in the sparse number of heads within the room. "Any other business to discuss?"

The Andorian engineer shook her head respectfully and sat back in her chair and waited to be dismissed.

"No Captain," Max replied.

"You have your orders. Dismissed".

END

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