Posted by Captain Kelly Shultz (Commanding Officer) in Ensign Hayes - Captain Ready Room
SNIP

-Earlier at Starbase Docking -

Richard Hayes had been assigned to assess the security protocols utilized by Star Fleet on their ships. Intelligence was concerned with the ability of what they classified as “unfriendly species” being able to gain access to starships. He was assigned to assess the USS Atlantis by what means he felt appropriate. The vessel had been docked for crew transfers and basic maintenance at the Star Base. This was one of the most vulnerable locations for most vessels. Security became lax. Sitting in the bar he had overheard a young Science Ensign going on his first shore leave, an extended and unplanned vacation. He was planning on being gone for 3 months. By the look of the interactions of the ensign with the other crew members it appeared as though he was not well received by the rest of the crew. He had sat down with a group of officers and even crewman that seemed to attempt to get away from him as soon as he had sat down. When he had gotten up he left his bag sitting at the table and walked out of the bar.

Hayes took out a Padd and copied his comm badge coding, he then picked up the bag and pulled up a program on his Padd, Hayes walked towards the Ensign “Excuse me Ensign, I believe you may have left this back there” The ensign looked at the bag with wide eyes, he reached out towards the bag to take it “Oh my I can’t believe I would leave that, my Lieutenant would kill me, he is always getting after me for being absent minded.” Hayes smiled slightly, it appeared to be a friendly smile but if only this Ensign realized it was a smile at the ease this was. Handing the Padd to the Ensign, “Im sorry Ensign you will need to authorize me to transfer it back to you, policy you know, just enter your ship Authorization code there on this Padd.”

The Ensign looked at the program, to most it would appear to be a formal Star Fleet program. It had the logo and the familiar look to it. The Ensign typed in his authorization code on the Padd, after all who would want a Ensigns ship codes anyway. Hayes handed the bag back to the Ensign, “No worries, ill make sure your supervisor never hears of this”

Hayes then walked towards the docking port. It was late at night by the time he approached it, the single security officer stationed outside of the port looked tired and preoccupied. Hayes took a slightly intoxicated look while walking to the Port, not enough for the Security Officer to be concerned that he would not be able to make it to quarters, just enough to put the officer at ease. Hayes punched in the access code that was provided by the unsuspecting Ensign, it was not standard to disable officers codes when on leave. The port opened and he stepped through into the ship. He moved quickly to the Turbo lift, =/\= Deck 25, guest quarters =/\= The turbo lift moved swiftly but gently, obviously the engineers payed attention to the ship.

Hayes stayed in one of the guest quarters on Deck 25, He assumed that most guests would be placed on the other decks before being placed with the junior officers. For the next three weeks Hayes explored the vessel. He was able to access most systems on the ship. The avoided the bridge but had entered engineering. Hayes found that if he avoided eye contact with most people they would simply ignore him. He had been able to avoid most senior officers on the vessel. Hayes was preparing his escape plan from the vessel. He had gather more than enough information for intelligence to put together a new security implementation plan. He had a emergency communicator that could contact him to Intelligence Operations, though he doubted he would have to ever use it. As he prepared to lay down the communicator beeped. It was a short burst transmission that would be very unlikely to be detected by any of the ship sensors.

Hayes carefully opened the communicator, it required both a biometric scan and a authorization code. The message inside floored him.

TO: Agent Richard Hayes
FROM: Admiral Jason Jacobs, Commanding, Starfleet Intelligence Command
SUBJECT: Assignment USS. Atlantis

Agent Richard Hayes is hereby to report to the Captain of the USS. Atlantis for permanent duty as the ship intelligence officer. Agent Hayes will report as a Ensign with all rights and privileges thereof. Disclosure of current mission is authorized to the Captain and those on board that she deems appropriate. Orders will be processed and transmitted at 1500 Hrs Local ship time.

END TRANSMISSION

Hayes was excited and possibly dismayed. He had hoped for a another undercover assignment. Hayes moved to the replicator and replicated a disabled Comm Badge and uniform that was appropriate for him. He ensured that the Comm badge was programmed but still deactivated. He walked to the Captain’s ready room wondering what she would say to this. Checking the time he could see that it was exactly 1500 Hrs. At 1505 Hrs his communicator chimed =/\= Message Opened by Captain Kelly Shultz. =/\= Ensign Hayes pressed the chime on the Captain’s Ready room.

Ensign Hayes
Intelligence/Security

==================
Captain’s Ready Room

Kelly read the incoming message from Starfleet with half interest. Another junior officer transferring to the ship. It was not uncommon to have new crew scuttling between ships. Kelly was just surprised Ian had not mentioned this Hayes when they met earlier today about crew needs and rosters. Flipping through a few stacks of PaDD’s, Kelly found the one she wanted. A smile curved on the edges of her mouth. While Ian was a typical man off duty forgetting the things that defined all men of the species, Ian never forgot anything that had to do with work. This was going to be a rare opportunity for Kelly to find something her ever vigilant yeoman had missed.

“Ian,” Kelly said with a hint of teasing to her voice.

Captain Kelly Shultz

“Yes?” Ian said, he had his own little section for the ready room, which with their duties often become a dual office to aid her. His section was often no more than the couch and table he heard the chime and looked at her direction as she spoke. He had been going over some details Mardusk regarding some interesting scans. Ian had much of the same access the Captain did in order to do his job properly, which let him know of incoming crew to help find out things.

It had been awhile, but the readings that Mardusk had found seemed to match one subject Ian thought was the culprit, Ensign Hayes. He had a feeling that the officer had been playing James Bond far too long and didn’t realize on a ship there was protocols to follow. This was all fine by Ian, it was Mardusk he had to worry about if he kept this up.

“Before you say anything, Ensign Hayes is at the door.” Ian said, with an almost matter of fact. It was a calculated risk, he had the same memo in front as she did. He felt she often forgot he saw everything that came across her desk as well, and if he had to guess at the behavior of this officer this seemed like something he would do, finally appear the second his roster transfer came through.

Granted, he could be wrong, but Ian prided himself on research to know as much as he can about the crew and their behaviors. He didn’t spy on anyone, or monitor them, but he understood them and why they would do things. If he had taking a different course than diplomacy and historian in Starfleet he could have easily gone into psychology if he had wanted it.

Bordeaux, Yeoman/Diploamt

It was then that Kelly heard the familiar chime at the door. “Your like a damn cat,” Kelly said shaking her head. ” Always silently lurking about but,” she gave him a quick grin, “one day,” she pointed a stylus at him, “I am going to find out you are secret Jedi in disguise come to scout out our universe from the Galactic Empire you better be Obi Wan instead of Revan. Come,” said answering the chime.

Captain Kelly Shultz

Ensign Hayes entered as the door slid open. Having worked as a Intelligence Agent instead of a Star Fleet Officer he demeanor was different than that of most Ensigns. He stood tall in his uniform, not tall like most overconfident young officers who had something to prove, But confident in a more experienced way. Hayes walked towards the Captains Desk, He was short for a man, not bulky and not skinny. His features were pleasant, but almost dull. He had the appearance of someone that people could see a thousand times and never really describe. As he entered he quickly scanned the entire room trying to take in everything that he could. “Captain Shultz” nodding at the Lieutenant “Lieutenant Bordeaux” Turning his head back to the Captain. “Im Agent… Excuse me… Ensign Hayes with Star Fleet Intelligence. I have orders from Admiral Jacobs to report directly to you Captain.”

Ensign Hayes
Security/Intelligence

Kelly stood up and extended her hand. “I am not sure then if I should welcome you or not,” she half-joked. Kelly was not one for surprises from Starfleet. Typically the pencil pushers had few ideas that didn’t involve screwing up a system that worked or adding work people did not want. “My southern roots, however, dictate that I at least give you something to drink before I blow you out of the airlock if I don’t like the news. You know being a rebel and all we have been known to shoot the messenger. Coffee,” she said in a neutral tone walking over to the replicator. She never asked Ian for coffee in situations like this. He had an official job as the diplomat and her yeoman. His unofficial job was being her caffeine dealer.

Captain Kelly Shultz

Ensign Hayes smiled warmly, “Thank you Captain coffee would be amazing, but perhaps this would be better” Hayes stepped to the replicator intercepting the Captain, “French Press & one pot of water hot, two coffee cups” The small bag in his hand Hayes produced a metal can, taking the press he loaded real coffee into it pouring the hot water over it he then pressed the handle down, quickly the water turned into a creamy black coffee. He took the cup and poured the Captain a cup of real coffee and then himself. “Perhaps the taste of non replicated coffee from a region of Bolivia will help you wish not to shoot the messenger Captain.”

Hayes

“Your execution is stayed,” Kelly said letting the aroma fill her senses. The coffee was all that he promised. It made Kelly long for a dirtside assignment where she could smuggle in some beans if necessary and grow them in the closet under UV light. So many planetary systems had strict control measures for foreign plants and animals.
The more she thought about it, that situation did end rather badly in the academy and almost ended her career until they realized what genus and species plant she was growing. Still, the coffee plant was absconded by the Lt. of the floor and Kelly never saw it again. Taking a sip she closed her eyes and let it wash over her tongue like a fine wine. Sighing deeply she took her seat.

“So tell me what has brought you to this corner of my world,” Kelly leaned back in her chair. She tried not to make eye contact with Ian as she sipped the brew. Since he often made her coffee, it sorta felt like she was slumming around. Drinking another man’s coffee and enjoying it so. Still, the coffee was just so darn good. She would drink it and handle any consequences.

Captain Kelly Shultz

Ensign Hayes sat down with his legs crossed, He appeared relaxed but not unprofessional. “Honestly Captain my change in orders where a surprise to me also. I will apologize for this in advance” pausing to take a sip of coffee. “You see Captain, I have specialized in counter Intelligence Operations my entire career. Being assigned to a ship is unusual. My original assignment was to infiltrate a Star Fleet Vessel from the last Starbase you were at. To see how much information I could gather and what access I could gain without proper authorization. Star Fleet was concerned that there may be a hole in the overall security system that would allow such a thing to happen. I have actually been on board your vessel without issue for three weeks Captain.”

Ensign Hayes

“You don’t say,” Kelly looked at him. “I think you might have gotten on board without an issue. I will give you that but I am not exactly sure you went completely undetected.” Leaning back in her seat she looked at Hayes.

Hayes smiled slightly, nodding to the Captain “Of course not completely undetected Captain” He slightly raised his cup to her. Knowing that the Captain would need the small win.

It was hard not to like his hutzpah. He was also good at his job. He did just waltz on her ship like Fred Astaire but unfortunately, Ginger Rogers morphed from a dazzling beauty into a large and rather green towering hulk of muscle known as Mardusk. Since there was no head of intelligence on the ship, Hayes would be reporting to Mardusk before the day was done. Kelly debated on requiring both men to be unarmed before entering the same room. She, however, had always loved the Mad Max movies particularly Thunderdome. Two men enter. One man leaves the woman’s voice echoed in her head.

“We can get to that later. So tell me why my ship, Mr. Hayes. What earned it the dubious pleasure of being investigated by the boys from the farm?”

Captain Kelly Shutlz

Hayes took the last sip of his coffee, having seen the Captain had finished hers, he stood and automatically poured another cup for her and then himself. “Honestly Captain, You had the largest ship at dock, with a crew of over 900 personnel. The fact is the more cogs you add to a wheel the more chance of it failing. Assessing a large vessel gave the best chance of seeing exactly what the security issues are with Star Fleet’s current systems.” Hayes paused for a moment, “And of course there is the fact that Captain was one of the most capable in the fleet, and of course rumored to be the most exotic and beautiful sitting in the center seat in Star Fleet.”

“You don’t say. Tell me Mr. Hayes, are you going with flattery will get you somewhere because I am sure the line is flattery will get you nowhere,” she looked at him inquisitively. Oh you are going to be a handful, Kelly thought and cast a half glance at Ian. She and his romance was still new and there was a lot she did not know about him. Her gut told Kelly that if they were off duty and off the ship, he might have a witty line about her being exotic and to take it from him that exotic things were hard to handle. He would probably follow that with a wink. The other option was a right hook. On duty, Kelly figured she would get a few coments when everyone had left.

Hayes smiled, it had been a risk going that route with the Captain of a ship, but the subtle glances from the captain to the Lieutenant told him alot, He had learned that somtimes the most unspoken and slightest thing is what gives the most information, Hayes sipped from the cup for a small second, “Not flattery Captain, simply a observation.”

Hayes again paused slightly just enough to get an idea of the effect from her micro expressions, then he moved to a new topic quickly but seamlessly, ensuring that there was no real opportunity in the conversation to continue on its current path. “Of course Captain I am not exactly sure why I was assigned to your ship in the middle of my assignment. I still had to escape the vessel undetected,” Slyly smiling “Which of course would have been impossible.” The statement was smug but still left enough playfulness to be taken lightheartedly. The manner that Hayes spoke was as if he could call a Klingon a Coward and make him believe that he was his best friend complimenting him.

Hayes
Security/Intelligence

“Yes,” Kelly said looking at Hayes. “Why were you assigned to hack my ship? That is the million credit question” she clasped her hands and rested them in front of her on the desk.

The door chime sounded, announcing a new attendee to the meeting or someone needing to speak to the Captain.

Mardusk, CoS

Most exotic? Ian thought as he said going over the other reports. He had never been asked to leave and simple report ins like this didn’t really cause much need for him to leave. Still he had to smirk to himself at the wording. He and Kelly had only been together for a short while but he could still get a chuckle out of other attempts of flattery or flirting, knowing the two of them it wouldn’t be the last time someone hit on her in this office today alone.

Bordeaux, Yeoman/Diplomat

“Ian can you get that,” Kelly nodded to the door. She had a feeling who was on the other side but on the off chance it was some random crew taking her up on her open door policy, Ian could deal with it.

Captain Kelly Shultz

Hayes not having a good answer to the Captain’s question was glad to not have to answer the question out right. Looking at the door he took a leap “That must be the Chief of Security”. He had read the files on the staff, the COS appeared to be tip top and this would be the way he would work.

Hayes

“Sure Captain.” Ian said simply as he stood up and went to let in the next person. “Are we having more, should I take us to the conference room?” Ian said, not sure why everyone wanted to show up at once.

Bordeaux, Yeoman/Diplomat

As the door slid open, the huge frame of the Security Chief filled the doorway. He looked at Bordeaux and nodded once, and then maneuvered his bulk into the room. “Captain. Lieutenant.” he said in formal acknowledgement of the two resident officers in the room. Making his way to in front of the Captain’s desk he looked at Ensign Hayes, his emerald green eyes and bald, green-skinned head taking a measure of the figure. “And let me guess… you are James Bond? Or is it Ethan Hunt?” and he looked at the Captain. “Sorry, Captain. I can never keep my twentieth and twenty-first century super spies straight.” It was obvious Mardusk had formed an opinion of the Ensign.

He handed Shultz the PaDD he carried and said “Here’s my report on his movements, Ma’am.”

Mardusk, CoS

Hayes smiled, he knew that only a small percentage of his moments would be in that report. Inwardly he was impressed that the Chief of Security had installed better than normal security protocols that allowed him to be detected. He would have to inform the admiral that most ships were very susceptible to infiltration. “I believe Lieutenant that both of them were a little to...... direct and flashy. But where are my manners, while im sure you already know a good deal about me, Im Ensign Hayes, your new Counterintelligence Security officer.”

Hayes

Kelly rubbed her forehead feeling a headache come on. This must have been the issue Mardusk and Bordeaux had wanted to talk to her about. She could see why Mardusk was ready to hang the man from his buster browns. He had broken onto the Atlantis and then tried to circumvent the security protocols. This obviously was something the large Orion would not be happy about. She also knew that the powers that be at headquarters were not always the smartest and did not think about the precarious situations it placed it’s intelligence officers in most of the time. Still, she was not ready to stand by and possibly have three men hose her office floor down in testosterone defending each of their positions.

“So are you two going to behave or am I going to have to walk out and pretend I never saw you both in here and nod when Ryley tells me you both were absurdly clumsy when you roll into sickbay after a fist o cuffs,” Kelly said. Her tone might have been a bt humorous but she was deadly serious. The ship was huge but probably not large enough for an annoyed Orion and a devil may care intelligence officer.

Captain Kelly Shutlz

Mardusk, never taking his emerald eyes off of Hayes, growled in reply “That’s up to the Incredible Mr. Mysterio here, Captain. If it was up to me, Ma’am, I’d just as soon space him and chalk it up to a training accident. But the brass told me to hold off while he played ninja, so… here we are. ” and he leaned a little closer to the Ensign and said in a mock whisper “Not a good idea to piss off your boss before you even meet him. So you might want to rethink the grin and try a little humility. You are good, but you aren’t as good as you think you are, Jimmy-boy.”

Mardusk, CoS

Why you little, a familiar voice rang in her head as Mardusk’s green hands turned yellow, decreased to only four fingers and wrapped around Haynes’ neck. Hayes for his part had his perfectly coiffed hair turn the same yellow, stand straight up in spikes and his mouth open sticking his tongue out as a gargling yell was produced. Kelly was not sure Mardusk and Hayes could work together but the bright side was both men were accomplished soldiers. They both knew how to hide a body and create an alibi even the Pope would believe so Kelly would wait to see how the future unfurled.

“So since we can’t undo what happened I suggest we figure out what we learned. If I am correct your job Mr. Hayes was to find the flaws of my ship. So care to share ith the class what we didn’t find out? I know Mr. Mardusk here is chomping at the bit to tell you what he knew but I thought you might want to go first.”

Captain Kelly Shultz

Bump for Hayes

Hayes refused to flinch to the Security Chief, “Honestly Captain my assignment was not ship specific. I work in Counter Intelligence and we suspect that there has been several breaches of vessels inside of the fleet. Star Bases always have both Fleet vessels along with random civilians and of course intelligence gathering from both sides. Your ship being the largest was the best option, the larger the vessel the easier it is to blend in, the more cogs in a wheel as they say. To your Credit Lieutenant most vessels that I have infiltrated had no idea that I was even there. The fact is Star Fleet does well in anti sabotage operations for the most part. But the area that my section is always concerned about is both external entry into the systems or from officers being turned to provide intelligence.”

Hayes sipped his coffee and then looked at the Chief of Security, “Lieutenant while I realize you wish to grind me into Orion Tea, may I suggest you sit sir, since your security protocols are going to become standardized throughout the fleet”

REPLY

Hayes continued “Gaining access was fairly simple. Officer error created this opportunity. I systematically visited every section of the ship. I accessed systems that I absolutely should not have been able to, partly due to Star Fleets lack of ability to secure their own systems. The fact is, if the Lieutenant did not have a cross check system for officers who were on leave and those that were utilizing access codes on the ship my presence may never have been known. This has a list of every activity that I conducted on board Captain, Lieutenant.” Hayes outstretched two padds, one to each officer. Looking at Lieutenant Mardusk “For the record I had no idea that you were on board, or that I would be assigned to the ship. One of my first assignments when I gained the rank of Special Agent within Counter Intelligence was to conduct a threat assessment on your joining the fleet Lieutenant. Star Fleet was concerned that members of your family may have had connections to the syndicate. Had I known you were on board I would have avoided this ship.”

Looking at the Captain, “Captain it is extremely rare for a Special Agent to be commissioned and sent on board a vessel in the open. As you know Intelligence Command gives only the information that we actually need when they give a assignment like this, and on this one they gave even less. The fact is I am not a standard Fleet Officer, nor did I serve as a standard intelligence officer, so my assignment here intrigues me as to what is coming that made command decide that I was needed on board your vessel.”

Ensign Hayes

Mardusk took the Padd and began to review it, but when the ‘agent’ said that his family was being investigated for ties to the Syndicate, he was done. The PaDD snapped in his large hands and the pieces dropped to the floor. His hands clenched into fists, and the only thing that kept the massive Security Chief from breaking the arrogant Ensign into the same condition as the pieces of PaDD was his respect for his Captain and crew.

“You arrogant little…” he said, his voice a low rumble and his body positively shaking with anger. He took a single step forward and put himself closer to the man. “Syndicate ties? You might want to cross check your information. My mother is an Admiral in Starfleet. She has served… with distinction… for over 30 years. She is one of the most highly decorated and respected officers within Starfleet, and you are going to stand here and tell me that Starfleet thinks she may have Syndicate ties? Screw you.” and he turned and looked at the Captain. “I won’t have him in my section, Ma’am. It is within my prerogative as the Security Chief of this vessel to decline assignments to my team. I am declining his assignment to ship’s security.” and he looked back at Hayes. “I’ll make sure the Admiral knows that she is or was under scrutiny, Ensign Hayes. And I will make sure that she knows you in particular were so forthcoming. I’m sure the Admiral will probably want to have a word with Intel about that. Maybe the next time she is awarded the Christopher Pike Medal of Valor, you can go to the award ceremony.” and he walked to the door.

Mardusk, CoS

Hayes watched the door for a moment and then turned to the Captain “Well this should make for a interesting working environment”

Hayes

“Okay, first question,” Kelly leaned back in her seat and gave Hayes a quizzical look, “are you planning on alienating every crew member on my ship or just the largest and most surly at times?” Her question was serious but had a hint of sarcasm. There was no way Kelly was going to assign Hayes to Mardusk’s team. If she did the heated first meeting would turn into a lengthy murder trial titled United Federation of Plants vs. blank. The bank was because Kelly had money on either man winning.

“The issue is what to do with you. I have a surly chief tactical officer you can be assigned to but unlike Mardusk he might just shoot you in the back and claim it is a phaser accident if you piss him off. I have a yeoman that is head of my diplomatic department who is really personable until you piss him off,” Kelly offered another suggestion. “Ryley would just hypo you into a medical coma. Rinker would probably drink you under the table during a counseling session but if I had to pick a DH that might not be a bad way to go. Sooooo Mr. Hayes before we go on any further do you want to throw in your two cents of what department you think woud be best or at least where you might play well with others.”

Captain Kelly Shultz

Hayes smiled at the fact that the Captain was able to take things in stride. “The fact is Captain, Im not really a Star Fleet Officer now am I? I’ve been a Counter Intelligence Agent my entire adult life. So how do we deal with this? The fact is I have never been required to stand guard duty as a Security Officer. I’ve pulled survailance missions. Gone undercover but that is diffrent. The fact is my job has always been to hunt down those who have or would hurt Star Fleet and our people. I don’t know what Star Fleet wants from me here. But what I know is being a Counter Intelligence Agent is what I am good at. So where to put me, Frankly im not sure Captain.”

Hayes.

“Well this ship is full of firsts,” Kelly said in an upbeat tone. “Report to Mardusk as soon as you stow your gear. I can not guarantee that you would be standing guard for the next six months of the waste reclamation room but there are worse jobs right. I am glad to have you aboard. We do have one other intell officer on board. His name is Devon Rand. Check him out. He might be the only who doesn’t have you on the blacklist today,” she let out a small laugh. Kelly did not have any animosity towards. She just needed everyone to play nice.

Captain Kelly Shutlz

Hayes stood up and nodded “Very well Captain, It has been a pleasure having coffee with you, perhaps your next time Lieutenant Bordeaux can join us. Anyway Captain, I will report to the Security Chief as quickly as possible.”

Hayes