####################
"Small Mystery"
[Previous Post: "Nothing Unusual"]
####################

<<Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.>>
- Dalai Lama

Setting: USS HATHOR, Bridge
Stardate: 63076.1315

"Captain's Log, Stardate 63076.1315," the Native American began as he casually leaned over the small control panel located on the arm of his chair.  "We are just over eight hours from the VALLA ROYAL and everything is quiet.  What bothers me the most is that know that the universe is going to get me sooner rather then later for me saying this officially in my log. The cloaking device is work perfectly; Lieutenant Fairborn has worked his magic once again and shaved over two hours from our ETA; and it looks like Ensigns Mitshiba and Thomas have worked out their personal differences.  Oh yeah, the balance is too far on the *nice and quiet*, something is going to happen to shift the scale back where the universe seems to enjoy having it for us."

The HATHOR's CO ended his log entry when he noticed the Kzinti Chief of Security standing next to him, an air of discontent about her.

"Let me guess, you are going to tell me that you found something not quite right," Erik mused with a sigh.

Hex's ears perked up to their fullest as the Kzinti maiden's stance instantly became more rigid, the warrior in her having instinctively reacted to the fact that the Native American had literally read her mind.

"Relax Ensign," Morninstar instructed with a smile.  "When you have been a CO and dealt with the universe for as long as I have, you begin to understand how it thinks.  Since our departure things have been too quiet, so we were due for *something* to happen."

Not at all appearing reassured by he Captain's explanation, Ensign Fanggot handed over the PADD that she had in her hands.  "I have noted a discrepancy in the ship's air utilization as well as energy used by the replicators."

"Shouldn't this have been overseen by Ensign Thomas?" The CO inquired; somewhat surprised that such a report had come from the Sec/Tac Officer.

"I was bored," Hex countered with, in an almost Vulcan tone.

"There might be a problem with the air filtration and recycling system *and* an unexplained power drain from the repilcators," Erik noted out loud, his experience as a Chief Engineering Officer never being too far behind.  "Then again maybe we have an uninvited guest onboard, thus explaining the requirements for extra oxygen and food.

Before the Native American could explain that his last comment had been more of a joke than anything else, the Kzinti Chief of Security had pounced off the bridge, likely to search for this would-be intruder.

"You should not say things like that to her," Eve pointed out to the sitting CO unable to contain her amusement.

Erik grinned as he stood from the central chair.  "I'll go see Elan while Hex turns the ship inside-out for our *unknown* guest.  Maybe he can help explain the energy usage discrepancy.  In the meantime, you're in charge."

Ensign Dalziel suddenly became motionless, as if frozen in time.  "Captain?  Protocol states that in the absence of the CO and ExO on the command deck, it is the COO who is next in the chain of command.  It is only if all three officers are not available that command can be given to the next highest ranking Officer present."

"True," the Native American chuckled, "but Ensign Thomas is not bored.  Consider it field training," and with that Erik stepped off the bridge leaving behind a very confused Ship Counselor.

"He was kidding right?" Eve demanded of the grinning COO.

"Didn't sound like a joke to me," Elliot replied trying his best not to laugh out loud.

--==(/\)==--
Setting: USS HATHOR, Main Engineering
Stardate: 63076.1330

"Captain, how may I be of service?" the imposing Oltharian stated the instant that he noted the arrival of the HATHOR's CO.

"Just came for a visit," Erik replied, his gaze having already drifted onto the warp core and the many Engineering consoles that surrounded it.  There had been times when the Native American had missed being where Lieutenant Fairborn current was.  "Plus, thought it might be nice to give you a heads up, Ensign Fanggot is currently hunting for an intruder."

"Onboard the HATHOR?" Elan gasped, more puzzled than anything else.  "But we are cloaked, and travelling at warp 9.25, it would be impossible for anyone to get an accurate enough transporter lock to successfully bring someone onboard."

"She reported to me a discrepancy with our usage of air and energy consumption of the replicators," the Captain explained.  "I made the mistake of mentioning that one possible explanation would be that we had an intruder onboard."

Elan pivoted on his heels and quickly called up the energy expenditure of the systems mentioned by the Native American.  After a few moment, the Oltharian turned back to look at the HATHOR's CO.  "The amount of oxygen that was used above the standards for a crew of this size is negligible," the CEO specified.  "If we do have an intruder, I would have to say that based on these numbers it is not humanoid, maybe some sort of small animal.  Could someone have brought in a pet without your knowledge?"

"A pet?" Erik repeated in shock, the simplicity of the answer having been almost insulting.

"One of the crew might have brought their pet along for companionship," the Oltharian theorized, "or maybe something from the base snuck onboard before we left."  Elan paused for a moment as he waited for some indications as to how the CO wanted to proceed.  "Would you like for me to recalibrate the internal sensors to look for it?" the CEO offered after a few seconds.

Erik thought about this for a moment and eventually replied as a bright smile appeared on his face.  "Not right now, this will give Ensign Fanggot something to occupy her time and maybe sharpen her hunting skills before we reach VALLA ROYAL.  Unless we are dealing with a Cardassian Vole, I doubt that we will have any real issues with this *intruder*."

"Based on the extra energy used for the replicators," the Oltharian added, "we might be dealing with a Tribble."

"When did you become a pessimist?" Erik laughed as he gazed up at the towering Engineer.

"Not pessimism," the gentle giant corrected.  "Experience."

--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette

Lieutenant Elan Talak Fairborn
Chief Engineering Officer
USS ANUBIS

AND

Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA

Also

Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS PARADOX