Jessica had spent years chasing signals and noting transmissions out there. Alot of it got sent off to intelligence to be decrypted and stored for analysis just the same.

"We do try to pull what we can of course, but its far and few nowadays when we're able to decrypt ship transmissions so we use it more to determine locations when we can, of something in a location. Now if you scale down a bit to interpersonal communication systems and more day to day systems, that's where the money is. Focus on the low hanging fruit and it'll lead you to the prize more often than not."

“During the Dominion War, I officially commanded a freighter, running cargo along the border. Not so officially, we were a Starfleet Intelligence asset.” Khalil tapped a command on the console the screen issued a clinical acknowledgment and the doors locked with a thud. “We spent a few days observing a Cardassian-Dominion shipyard. We couldn't risk active scans that might give away what we were doing, so from a distance we observed with an optical scope.” He closed his eyes, recalling the discovery. He could almost see the Nyx again, dark and silent, her bow pointed toward the shipyard. He remembered the biting cold that had crept through the ship during those long days of observation, and a chill ran up his spine.

“After a while, we noticed they were dumping waste materials into space. Scrap metal, discarded components, bits and pieces of whatever they were building or repairing. Nothing particularly exciting at first glance but we collected a sample of hull that we passed the to Intelligence. Turns out, their metallurgy specialists found the debris surprisingly useful. The composition gave them clues about the alloys and manufacturing processes being used at the shipyard.”

Khalil glanced back at Jessica. “If you ever need help sifting through the garbage in the middle of the night, Id love to help.” He unlocked the door.

She found the reference odd in comparison to what her role was, and also knew their worlds and jobs were very different. She'd spent years developing a skillset with specialized training, so she wasn't sure if he didn't understand exactly what Signals Intelligence did, or if he was making a joke. Space waste wasn't something she dealt with.

"If we run across any sort of debris along our missions, I'll make sure Joker gives you first look then." She also had some internal concern about classified operations she wasn't a part of being shared with her. The Trill decided it was best to change focus a bit and see how current feelings were on team readiness.

"So as far as our teams and roles, word is the Captain has been adjusting and building out teams for particular focuses, no team is a one size fits all, which makes sense. Some other operators were taking about it in the bar since I suppose a number of folks have been moved around. What are your thoughts on that? I'm not sure if he's had the conversation with you yet or not of course." It wasn't an attempt to be nosey, but more to learn and better understand her team lead. Everyone's opinion was valuable and meant the success or failure for the rest of their team as a whole.

Khalil thought for a moment thinking perhaps his reference had missed the mark. “I can appreciate the Captain optimizing his toolboxes for the job. I’d want the most relevant personnel on the mission for sure.” He looked toward Jessica in earnest, “Do you feel you are in the right place? Between Prophet and yourself, I feel the captain has assembled a highly specialized intel/ recon team with 6 expert supporting members. We’re not going out so that I can command or Joker can fly. We’re here to make sure you and Prophet make it in and out of the most dangerous places to achieve your objectives and return home.”

"Perhaps, but you are more than qualified to be a team leader, someone has to call the shots. From what I can tell, we're currently being composed for a quick action element. I mean, look at the evaluation module they assigned you. Prophet's ability to read the field, the background of both you and Cinder, you both aren't used to just sitting around as much. You both specialize in your fields and are quick to find solutions or answers to problems. I can only imagine what that woman is trying to cook up too. And myself, well I more lean into determining locations and finding people when they decide they want to send a call home. I of course break what I can but I'm not a cryptologist. I think if they wanted more of an intel team they'd assign someone like Odile directly. But I have confidence we will gather everything we're able to as we move along and bring it back. But from my observations, this team is not made for sitting. I'm certainly not, even with my specialty. I much more prefer field work, get in grab what we need, and get out. I'd rather not spend days out there just listening, waiting to get caught." It gave her an idea however, for a potential training module.

"To be honest Sir, I'm glad you're my team leader. At times I need a bit more structure so having at least the mornings planned out has been good. It certainly has improved my team drills and marksmanship."

Khalil’s face brightened a little. Their morning routine helped to ground him, and it was reassuring to see it working on Jessica, too. Deep cover assignments in this part of the quadrant were a massive gamble without the right groundwork. You had to start small and surgical, slipping in to conduct reconnaissance, find the blind spots, and read the target’s security patterns before committing to a long-term insertion.

“Now, *that* is something I can actually pitch to the Captain,” Khalil said, his tone lifting. “Surgical operations. We slip in, snag the data core, plant a subspace transmitter, and ghost before anyone realizes the perimeter's been breached. That’s my kind of work. We’re back before the proverbial dinner bell rings.”