Why are you Humans so bad at everything?

Posted on Sat Sep 28th, 2013 @ 6:06am by Reno tr'Khellian

Mission: Episode 2 - Whispers in the Clouds
Location: USS Casseopeia
Timeline: Day 2 - 1100

"Captain, may I make a suggestion?"
The words were softly spoken, emanating from the dark-haired man who had sat in the Second Officer's chair, and apparently remained there since they had left DS15.
"You may, Mister Reins," replied Kiani. "But make it quick."
Noone knew much about the civilian they had recently been assigned. His records had come back all in order, even if there were a few holes within the timeline. Apparently he'd been some kind of 'Fleet Marine bigwig before throwing it all away 2 years ago, and here he was again, the other side of Federation space with nothing more than a small holdall to his name.
She supposed that, deep-down, Rebecca resented that he had been assigned without her knowledge or any consultation. Particularly as he was operating under the title 'Mission Critical Specialist'.
"The virus may been transmitted via carrier wave on the initial hail, as it was the only real point at which both ships were 'joined'. Re-opening a hail may merely give them a second bite of the apple, when we haven't recovered from the first."
"Commander, belay my last. Close hailing frequencies."

Reno continued his train of thought, talking out-loud as he wracked his brain for information.
"The Karemmans were firmly on the Dominion side of the war, albeit in a logistical support capacity, similar to Ferengi on the Federation side. Intentions could be piracy, demonstrated by attempted venting of cargo bays, taking the ship as a Prize or ransom through the rather crude method of opening all hatches, disabling major systems prior to our destruction, or it could be an information-gathering attempt..."
He seemed to zone back into the room, fixing Kiani with a blank stare.
"No doubt you already have people analysing the datastream, tracking backwards from the attempt to open the bay doors and cross-referencing the A/V data from the hail to try to piece together the viral code. Personally, I would isolate all communications, everything from commbadge down to the ship's IFF transponder... Especially the uplink to Starfleet Central. I would also consider venting a pre-programmed buoy to call for help. Make sure it has no connection to the computer, to limit the possibility of spreading the virus."
Reno raised from his seat, and started walking towards the turbolift at the back of the bridge.
"If the Karemmans destroy the buoy, then their intentions become much clearer than before, and you can take appropriate action." He stepped into the lift, and turned back to look at Kiani. "That's what I would do. It is, of course, your ship. Do as you will."

The almost silent hiss of the door hydraulics closing signified the end of what Rebecca felt had been a somewhat unwarranted lecture, but she couldn't help herself...
"Are our data analysts..."
"Yes Ma'am, they are. They started working backwards from the cargo bay doors shortly after the attack."