Thyhl had left the meeting and headed to the mess hall when he heard his name being called. He stopped and looked back, smiling when he saw Elsbeth coming towards him. They had become good friends. Thyhl had never had many friends. He was one of those people who was just as comfortable by himself as he was with others around.

Smiling he waited for Elsbeth to reach him before he spoke.” Elsbeth.” He said in greeting.

“Where are you headed?” Elsbeth asked him. He had all but bolted out of that meeting. “I was trying to catch up with you.”

“I was going to grab a hot drink.” Thyhl informed her. “And to think about our briefing and the best ways I can prepare rhe engineering department.”

“Do you mind if I join you?” Elsbeth asked him politely. “ she waited for his answer.

“Of course.” Thyhl said with a nod. “I would like the company. I have some thoughts I would like to speak with you about.”

They headed to the mess hall and each grabbed something to eat and a drink and settled at a table off in the order.

“We need a chef.” Elsbeth said. “I know we are getting a small promenade but it would be nice to have our own cook.”

“DI not hold your breath.” Thyhl replied. “Once
a restaurant opens there will never be a chef here. If we ask we will be told to go eat there”

“You seem a bit irritated.” Elsbeth tipped her head. “Are you opposed to a promenade?”
She was interested in what Thyhl had to say.

“It is insulting that I was not consulted.” Thyhl informed her. “I am the chief engineer and generally when changes are made or additions the chief is at least informed. Do you know how I found out?”

Elsbeth shook her head. She could see he was upset but to her it seemed like he get more disrespected than anything. “How did you find out?” She asked him.

“From one of the workers when I demanded to know what they were doing.” Thyhl shook his head. “It seems I am the chief of engineering and that I have been told my place.”

“Perhaps they thought you already have enough work, Thyhl.” Elsbeth tried to play peacemaker. “You came on to a mess and it has taken a lot of long hours to get things running as you want them to.”

“That is true.” Thyhl nodded. “However they still should have informed me. It is a slight that will not soon be forgotten.” He took a drink from his mug and looked at her. “What is on your mind, Elsbeth?”

“The mission.” Elsbeth explained. “I want to make certain we are on the same page as our departments work closely together. I
Thought perhaps we could strategize what we think we can do to make ourselves ready for
M. Mmmmm mmmmm. what the Tal Shair may or may not do.”

Thyhl nodded when she finished speaking. “I was thinking of raising the protocols for engineering so that there are more than one clearance for a person to enter. In the event the Tal Shair find a way to sneak on the base it would be near impossible for them to enter my department.”

“That is a good plan.” Elsbeth said with a nod.
“Though our protocols are high already, the Tal Shair are cunning and we really have to up our game. At least that is what I got from our briefing.”

“It doesn’t sound like we will be involved.” Thyhl continued. “But the transportation director made a point when he said they might try to come here.”

“I do not think we can be too careful.” Elsbeth murmured. “But we will need to get it cleared from command and inform Lieutenant Sh’thothrath. She is the security chief after all.”

“I will inform her.” Thyhl said quietly. His eyes lit up a little as he spoke her name. Sotti had caught his eye he just had not had the time to speak with her.

Elsbeth smiled widely. “You sure you don’t want me to talk to her? I would be happy to.”

Thyhl raised an eyebrow at her. “I am positive!
I will speak with the security chief.” He gave her a look, Elsbeth had seen him use on his engineers that made them head off to follow his orders.

“That doesn’t work on me.” Elsbeth laughed. “I don’t work for you.” She laughed softly. “I am just teasing you, I know you like her.”

“She is attractive.” Thyhl admitted. “This will give me the opportunity to talk to her and to see how she feels.” He paused. “Andorian women do not hide their feelings. If she is interested I will know it.”

“I don’t see how she couldn’t.” Elsbeth said honestly. “You are honorable, a good sense of humor and likeable enough.”

“You humans would say that you describe me like a puppy dog.” Thyhl growled.

“You are more like a brother to me.” Elsbeth said. “I value you as a friend.” She smiled at him. “ I will never see you in that way.”

“Thank rhe Gods of Andor!” Thyhl exclaimed. “I have friend zoned you as well.”

They looked at each other and both started laughing. There conversation turned to what they would be doing for the day.

Location: Flight Operations

Darrin walked in and saw everyone busy at work. Nicorrina was busy giving orders to a couple of her officers. Darrin stood, waiting patiently for her to finish up.

“Lieutenant.” He called out when she finished
and started towards her office.” Nicorrina turned and smiled at him. “Lieutenant Commander, please come to my office.”

Nicorrina led the way. “Can I get you something to drink?” She asked him before she sat down.”

“I’m not going to keep you too long.” Darrin replied. “But I will take a glass of water if it isn’t too much trouble.”

Nicorrina grabbed herself some coffee and a bottle of water for him. She placed it in front of him and took a seat. “What can I do for you, Sir?”

“I’m here to hear what kind of measures you will be using during this mission.” Darrin explained. “To protect the integrity of your department.”

“I thought that might be why.” Nicorrina nodded. “I have ran a schedule for the next seventy two hours of all ships that are expected to dock here.” Nicorrina took a drink of her coffee. “It is a sure bet they are legitimate but we will be keeping tabs on
Them just in case.”

“That is a good idea.” Darrin said with a nod.
“What about those last minute ships that just show up?” He asked her.

“We will put them in a holding pattern.” Nicorrina replied. “I spoke with Lieutenant O’Reilly and her department will be double checking any ships or freighters that are making unplanned stops.” Her eyes met his. “We are on top of this, Commander.”

“That is good to hear.” Darrin nodded. “If you need anything, you know it contact me right away.”

“I will.” Nicorrina replied. “We are not taking anything for granted, we know that they are unpredictable.”

“That is the key” Darrin nodded. “You just do not know what they are going to come up with.” He stood up. “If there is nothing else you need from me then I will be on my way.”

“I am good, Sir.” Nicorrina replied, standing up as well. “I appreciate you stopping by.” She was happy to be able to share with him their plan and it felt good that he agreed with them.