Star Trek RPG - Mission #3: "Some Other Side of Paradise"

[general_urko]

Graham stands back up and starts to pace. "Well...their security on the ground here is no joke. They've got good gear, and good surveillance..." he says, throwing a quick wink at Rangin. Ooh, that was low too, Graham thinks. "And they didn't give us any crap about doing a visual confirmation of the Admiral's location and status. At the same time..." He scratches his chin.

"...it's clear money talks. A 'guest' not only was able to bring a weapon on-planet, undetected, but in fact committed a misdemeanor assault in front of us and we just had to stick our thumbs up or a-- uh, it was papered over. No employee has anything bad to say, but my impression is that's more about the resort keeping any kind of incident quiet and making sure employees keep their mouths shut than anything else."

He frowns. "They accepted the Yorktown's help responding to the attempted breach on their systems--that's a good sign. But the fact that what they say is their first ever attempted breach just happened to occur while we're here--well, this morning I was worried about some two-bit hit man whacking somebody while they're on vacation here, but tonight I think they may be in halfway decent shape to deal with that. But another corporation trying to make these operators look bad, or a more sophisticated criminal outfit trying to take advantage of a planet full of blissed-out VIPs...it's a big target, and I wouldn't call it a particularly hard one."

[choie]

Kylah manages to understand Graham's last few points. She frowns slightly, thinking. "But how would they know?" When she realizes her words seem out of context, she struggles to make more sense. "I mean... You seem to believe that there is a link between the would-be security breach and our arrival here, Mr. Graham. But would that not require someone to have advance knowledge that we were performing an inspection on the resort? Who would have known such a thing? Only someone within Starfleet or a staff member of the resort itself, I should imagine."

The comments take a lot out of her, and she sinks back into herself when she is through.

[Elendil's Heir]

"Starfleet dispositions aren't classified," Delaney says, rubbing his chin. "It's not wartime. Anybody at Starbase 27 might've told anyone else that we were leaving there and coming here. For that matter, any crewmember of the Yorktown might've told a friend or family member about our visit here, and the word might've eventually reached a bad guy... or gal. But if that were so, why wouldn't they wait until we were gone before trying to hack the security system? Wouldn't they know that we'd do our best to help the resort security people?"

[CatInASuit]

Rangin listens to Graham interrupt and then start the briefing. His apology appears quite genuine and its likely that he thinks that what he is doing right. Rangin is not sure what mistakes Graham thinks he has made today, but at least he got the line on self-deprecation right this time.

Collins lack of reaction to his apology certainly seems off. Maybe she's had a long day like Kylah.

After Graham starts again, Rangin catches the comment about good surveillance and shoots a dark look back at him. Play the game, not the player, its why he had apologised earlier to Graham. But he nods in confirmation to the rest of Graham's statements

After listening to the comments on the Hacking attempt, something does occur to Rangin. "I think trying to work out why someone made the attempt is an exercise in futility until we have more information. We can speculate continuously in circles building assumption upon assumption and get nowhere. Working out how is likely to give a better idea. Although the most obvious answer is not the most palatable. If the attempt was only made after the Yorktown arrived, then its likely that the attempt was made by someone on the Yorktown. Pretty unthinkable I know, but maybe there's FoulStuff fan who just wants to know what room he is in to get an autograph. Either that or Cmdr. Vargas is just testing the facility to see how they react, while we are here." And seeing how we react to it as well, Rangin leaves unsaid. "The only good thing is that it will be very easy for Security to check that particular scenario out and then they can start asking the other ships in orbit to remove them from any lines of enquiry."

[WES]

T'Var listens intently as she awaits Graham's assessment of the day. She gathers her own thoughts on the matter.

[WES]

"Assumptions are not what we need," T'Var says. "We need facts and then we must use those facts to make our report."

[anyrose]

"Okay, then," Collins says after letting all that has been said so far sink in. "Do you have any facts to report, Doctor?"

[WES]

"Other than the security incidents, all seems well here at the resort. The facts are what they are. We can assume something is wrong under the surface, but we just do not have the facts to support gut feelings or assumptions at this point," T'Var says with a sigh.

[anyrose]

"So, until we get to the source of the security breach, we do nothing?" Collins would be fine with that, except something from her first mission with Yorktown crew members scratches at the back of her brain. "We need to investigate the breach further and get the facts. As for guarding the Admiral and his aide, all we need to do is stay connected to the resort's security and Mr. Hsu. Ensign Graham, that will be your function.
"Meanwhile," Collins turns towards Kylah, "Were you able to learn anything during your dinner interview with the guest, Ensign?"

[choie]

Kylah doesn't know whether to laugh or sob at the question. Fortunately she is too numb to do either. She focuses on the center of the table. "I learned little that we did not already know," she says quietly. "Throughout the day the guests with whom I have spoken have emphasized how beneficial the spore treatment is. There is certainly an element of... I would not say addiction, exactly... A sense of being compelled to return for the treatment. No one I spoke with has been here only once. One man, not a wealthy person as far as I could tell, spent an entire year to save up for a return visit. He should have been saving for his retirement, as he was of an age where one might begin to contemplate such a thing. And yet instead he took his savings and poured them into WR&R.

"But I cannot blame him. The spores change everything, they make you lose perspective. Some might say it is finding perspective, but... I do not agree. Once removed from their influence one has--one seems to have a sense of loss. That nothing will ever feel as right again." She swallows painfully and continues. "I would think anyone exposed to such happiness would do almost anything to get it back. I hope the resort does extremely thorough psychological testing before allowing guests to take the treatment. A depressed person who has a brief period of happiness, only to have it wrested from her--I would not be surprised if she were to become suicidal if there were no chance of getting that sort of peace again. I believe we should follow up on past guests who did not return to find out why. Privacy or not, there must be a way to contact them."

She shifts her gaze back to the mug wrapped in her hands, trying to formulate the next words as carefully as possible. "I also am certain that the spores want to be propagated. It is how they survive. We already knew that they compelled people to introduce others to the spores, but that is not the only... the only way that they gain control over those who are exposed. It is almost a symbiotic relationship. The more subjects there are, the more potential carriers the spores have. And so there may be a--a compulsion to create new life forms--to breed. Or at least make the experience as pleasurable as possible. At least that is the impression I received from talking to the guests." Kylah feels a flush building up on her face and she quickly takes a sip of her drink to hide it. When she puts the mug down, she shakes her head and murmurs, "That is all."

[Elendil's Heir]

Delaney says, "There's been no mention of psych screening for prospective visitors to OC3; I'm sure they'd have mentioned it if they were doing that. And are you suggesting, Kylah, that the spores act as a kind of aphrodisiac?"

[choie]

"I--I do not know if that is entirely the case. I spoke with so few people, and only one seemed..." Kylah is finding it more difficult to respond. "I believe there appears to be a similar effect, yes. Removing certain inhibitions. Enhancing the physical senses." She pauses, still not looking at anyone. "At least, that is what one guest wanted to believe. Perhaps it was just an excuse. A rationale for poor judgment, for decisions the guest would not have taken without the spores' influence."

[general_urko]

Graham listens carefully to Kylah's report, and is reassured to hear it. Well if her whole information-gathering mission was just a cover story for her...personal agenda, she's a damned good liar. She is in Communications, he thinks, but he's now convinced she was sincere about trying to do her job. Regardless of how it turned out--which he's not at all sure about.

He can't help but whip his head around toward Delaney when the engineer asks if the spores are an aphrodisiac. That would be consistent with what he and Ragin saw on the surveillance system...but bringing that up at the moment, with the whole group, would set off a real shitstorm, he thinks.

At least one of his worries has been proven wrong, but the Kylah's answer and demeanor are making him more anxious about his other concerns...

[anyrose]

"Thank you for your reports." Collins tells those seated around the table "I think we could all do with a good night's sleep, no? In the morning, I'll talk to Mr Wilson about getting contact info from some of the guests who've only stayed once. Dismissed." As they rise, she adds "Ensign Graham, I want to talk to you."

[general_urko]

Graham sits back down.

[choie]

Kylah blinks and takes a quick look at Delaney and Rangin. Why does Collins not wish to hear their reports? For that matter, does Collins have nothing to add? Very likely not, she thinks with dull resignation.

Standing up, she puts her mug wherever the heck one puts replicated food and goes to the replicator to get a fresh hot cocoa before bed. When she passes by Collins, she has the temptation to make a request about assignments for tomorrow, but thinks better of it. The question can wait overnight.

She files out of the room with everyone except Graham.

[Elendil's Heir]

Delaney looks quizzically at Collins, then leaves.

Once in her room, T'Var checks her shipboard comm account using the Library Computer terminal there, and finds that Dr. Lucy Anderson has, as promised, sent her an unclassified medical summary of the station's research to date. It is almost 200 pages long and very dense.

See posts 510-511.

[CatInASuit]

tatataTap, tatataTap, tatataTap. Rangin's fingers drum on the table top as Collin's dismisses the team and makes no sign of actually asking his opinion.

During his travels, Rangin had come across many creatures that, if a shiny ball was rolled in front of them, they could not help but react and pounce after it. He wonders darkly if there is some of that in Collins ancestry. A shiny security puzzle had rolled in front of her and the actual task of reporting on WR&R had completely passed her by. What's the point in being a matter expert in alien biology, if indeed, no-one is going to ask your expert opinion.

Rangin is the last to leave, his face a blank mask. Watching the others, they all seem pre-occupied with their own thoughts. Outside the room before they split up, he mentions to the remainder of the group. "If anyone wants to actually talk about the real reason we are here, I'll be in the mess hall in ten. Don't feel obliged."

After that, Rangin goes to find any of the research station crew to introduce himself again, chat briefly about science and find out what they do to relax in this area.

[WES]

T'Var looks at the medical summary, then frowns. She is in no mood to read through 200 pages of research at the moment. It has been a long day and the doctor is tired. Perhaps she will join Rangin in the mess hall. T'Var is curious as to just what his theories are about the real reason they are here at the resort.

The doctor ponders for a moment, then leaves the room and heads to the mess hall. For now, she will leave Kylah in peace. There will be time enough for a chat later -- if Kylah is open to speaking with T'Var about the hotel room.

[anyrose]

Collins lets Graham stew a bit before saying "I can guess why Palver asked you to stay to talk to him. What am I going to do with you? How can you have my back if you're off risking your own?"

[general_urko]

"Don't worry about Palver," Graham replies. "I showed that pencil neck who's boss." He pauses for just a second and shakes his head. "Kidding. Of course he told me I was out of line and I told him he was right. Which we was."

Graham stands up and start to pace again. "Look, L-T, today I let some things get to me, and affect my behavior. As if I was some kind of 22-year old hothead just out of the Academy. It's embarrassing. And it's not going to happen again."

He scowls. "As to why you should believe that--I have a very clear track record, lieutenant, that's almost as long as some people on this team have been alive. If I'm going to get myself or my superior officers or both in trouble, it is going to be something truly epic, not penny ante crap. For better and worse, you can count on that." He pauses again, wondering how to try to help her rather than wash his hands of what has started out as a shaky mission command. "And, ah, not to change the subject, but are you...feeling OK today, ma'am?"

[anyrose]

"No." Collins admits."And since this conversation is now off the record and just between the two of us," she gives Graham a look that says if any of this gets out I will kill you, your family, and every girlfriend you've ever had "you may call me Jeremi. I'm pregnant, I'm sure you know, and the baby's father wants very much for me to have the baby, but I'm not ready to be a mother, nor do I wish to put my career on pause. And every time I think I've made a decision, something happens or someone says something and I get all confused again. And all this is apart from what the hormones are doing to me." Jeremi can feel her eyes begin to tear up. "And then I almost came to blows with that litt...uh, with Ensign Kylah. I've got to get a different bunk mate. I cannot be around her without turning into someone I don't like very much."

[Elendil's Heir]

Rangin sees Lt. Palver in the hallway. The station's commander seems surprised to see him again so soon, and asks, "Debriefing done already?" When the xenobiologist asks him what the station's 22 researchers and support staff do to relax, he says, "Walk around the countryside, camping, go over to the resort - they let us use their facilities, it was one of Starfleet's conditions for awarding the franchise - or just hang out here. People have their own hobbies and interests, of course. We have a book club and a game night every Tuesday." He shrugs. "Most of us are just focused on our work, though."

[choie]

Kylah has already started down the corridor when Rangin gives his invitation. She stops, her back to the others, and closes her eyes wearily. There is nothing she would rather do than go to sleep right now. The trouble is that it would be utterly unlike her to avoid this meeting. Not only because she is interested in what the others have to say, nor even because she wants to distance herself from Collins's incurious, disinterested behavior as a leader. But because it is... Rangin. She wants to support him. Normally she would not think twice. She cannot think of a reason to avoid his invitation that would not seem like a snub.

So, resigned, she heads to the elevator to the mess hall. She has ten minutes--perhaps she can at least get something to eat; her stomach is gnawingly hungry. Nothing attracts her and she doesn't have the energy to think of what she wants to order from the replicator.

Instead she just sits by herself at a table and waits for the others. And tries to keep her mind as blank as possible, because the alternative-- thinking about what she did only two hours ago--is unacceptable.

[Elendil's Heir]

It is now 2100 hours on the dot.

Dr. T'Var and a lab tech from the station, a Science ensign of Cambodian descent who introduces himself as Chea Samrin, enter the mess hall just after Kylah.

[CatInASuit]

"Sir, you work on a beautiful planet doing experiments on an alien life form, with a six star resort down the road that lets you use its facilities. Can I say how jealous I am and where do I sign up?" replies Rangin with a smile. He pauses before deciding on the best way to continue. "The briefing was cut short. Lieutenant Collins is speaking to Ensign Graham. Probably about the security attempt that was made on the resort earlier today. I suggested the rest of us meet up in the mess in ten minutes, now five to continue the discussion. Informally,of course."

Rangin pauses before continuing again. "Thank you for the information on the resort. If they will allow us to turn up and use the facilities, then I might go back, permission excepting. They have a good show on in the nightclub there tonight and I always enjoy meeting new people in new situations. It should be a good way to unwind after today. It's been busy, Sir."

"Actually looking at the time, I had better head off. Thank you once again." Rangin nods to Lt Palver and if he says nothing will head for the mess room.

[general_urko]

Graham's tempted to bury his face in his hands--this just gets better and better, he thinks--but realizes that after what Collins has just disclosed to him, complaining about how harder this makes his day is probably the wrong move.

"Uh, she does have a distinctive...ah, personality," he says. "I'm probably the last person you want advice from on parenting, but if you're not ready to put the kid first, well...I know what it's like to screw up being a parent." Spouse too, he thinks, but doesn't say.

He clears his throat. "Anyway, maybe more helpfully...I don't know what the hormone thing is like, but I was taught this trick when I first started getting mission command assignments." He takes her left wrist and taps her palm with a finger. "Some folks would even write this on their hands until it became instinct: 'I-D-E-A.'"

"Every time you have to make a decision with the team, 'Invite' input on options, then 'Decide' - it's not a vote, you decide, but then you 'Explain"' the plan, and 'Ask' if there are any questions." He lets her hand go and steps back. "And if someone asks a question that can't be answered, you loop back to inviting solutions: 'Invite-Decide-Explain-Ask. I-D-E-A.'"

He shrugs. "Sounds simple but in the heat of the moment, or, uh, maybe when hormones are doing whatever they do, it's easy to forget, until after awhile it becomes second-nature. Plus it trains your team to focus on solving problems rather than arguing for their own plan, or sulking because nobody asked for their input."

"I'd offer some upbeat platitude, Lieu - ah, Jeremi." He smiles a little and shrugs again. "But I don't know any. At least I can say that if I make your job more difficult in the future, it'll only be for a good reason."

[choie]

Kylah looks up and sees T'Var enter the mess. Why could it not be Delaney or Rangin? I am not up to speaking with her alone... She takes a deep breath and forces herself to socialize. "Hello again, Doctor," she says with as much pleasantness as she can muster. She can tell her eyes are lifeless but there is little she can do about that.

[general_urko]

"Hell," Graham adds to Collins, "maybe I'll even make it easier, at least once in awhile, L-T."

[anyrose]

"Thank you, Booker" Collins says. "Let's join the others in the mess hall and I'll put it to the test." She heads to the door and waits for Graham to join her.

[WES]

"Greetings," T'Var replies. "I am most curious as to what Mr. Rangin has to say about the resort."

[choie]

"Do you not know his thoughts already, doctor?" Kylah murmurs. "You and he were paired for much of the day. You must have discussed your impressions with one another."

[Elendil's Heir]

Palver says, "You're welcome, Mr. Rangin. Good night to you," and walks off.

As Collins and Graham leave the conference room, Collins's communicator beeps. She flips up the antenna and hears, "Lt. Collins, this is Anthony Wilson. I hope you've had a good day? As you requested when you first arrived, I've arranged for you to be able to access WR&R's financial records for its OC3 operations. Now, you'll find a link in your shipboard comm account, as well as a password. I just ask that you limit access to essential Starfleet personnel, as I wouldn't want our business competitors to be reading it. I've also provided a summary of guest communications, as you requested, with personal identifiers removed. Lastly, my staff and I have asked around, and 18 guests have also agreed to speak to you about their correspondence with the company. Their names and contact information is included in my message on your account. I see it's getting a little late. Is there anything else you'll need from me tonight, Lieutenant?"

See post 456.

[anyrose]

Collins replies "Thank you Mr. Wilson, that's great. Anything else can wait until morning." She closes the communicator and turns to Graham "Okay. Now we're getting somewhere, and I have something of interest to tell the others."

[CatInASuit]

Rangin heads up to the mess hall with a minute or so to spare. Being honest with himself, he's not expecting anyone else to be there. Why would they after a long first day like the one the group just had. Pleasantly surprised to see both Kylah and Dr T'Var seated at a table, Rangin heads across to join them and takes a seat.

"Good evening to you both," Rangin greets them with a genuine smile. "I wasn't sure if anyone would actually want to talk further over the day and what to do tomorrow. I wonder if Lieutenant Delaney will turn up as well?"

[choie]

Kylah tries to meet Rangin's gaze but can only do so for a few seconds before she looks down at her hands again. She had not realized how much shame she would feel being this close to him. "You are the person who has spoken the most reasonably all day," she says softly. "Of course we would wish to hear your ideas, even if the mission leader does not."

[Elendil's Heir]

Delaney enters the mess hall and does a double-take to see the others there. He nods and smiles at Ens. Samrin who, having not been spoken to by anyone, gets a sandwich and some juice and departs. Delaney gets some coffee himself and sits down, yawning as he does so. "What is this, the debriefing, part two?"

Collins and Graham then arrive.

[anyrose]

"Oh, I'm glad you're all here. I want to apologize" Collins says to the group before sitting down. eye. dee. ee. ay. she repeats internally. Once she sits and is sure they're all looking, well staring, at her, she says "I know I didn't give everyone a chance to report, so please. Mr Rangin?"

[general_urko]

Graham wants another team meeting this evening about as much as he wants an appointment with a Klingon proctologist, but given the conversation he just had with Collins, it's obvious to him he ought to follow her in and try to make the best of it.

[choie]

Kylah sees Collins and Graham enter the mess and immediately her heart sinks with regret. She has no desire to see either security officer, least of all the lieutenant. If she'd known this was to be an extension of the earlier meeting she would never have come.

But no, she thinks as her gaze returns to the table; that is not true. She came here to support Rangin. Hopefully he will be pleased by this, now that Collins is suddenly interested in hearing his report.

Of course, Kylah is certain Mr. Graham suggested this; not only because he has clearly taken on the I-Have-Seen-It-All mentor role, but even better proof is that Collins would never apologize or seek advice on her own.

Well, perhaps Graham's influence will be beneficial in some small way, instead of just enabling the lieutenant's bullying tendencies in addition to showing off his own. If he can teach Collins some measure of how to lead a crew, more power to him. Perhaps things will be better now.

Not everything.

Kylah swallows and bides her time until she can return to her room.

[Elendil's Heir]

Collins doesn't see it, but Delaney glances longingly at the door, as if wishing he hadn't come after all. When she looks back at him, his expression is carefully neutral. He coughs, takes a sip of his coffee and looks at Rangin.

[CatInASuit]

Rangin was just about to start when Collins and Graham wander in, sit down and she apologises before asking him to report and trying to turn what was supposed to be a general discussion into a continuation of the team debriefing. Oh, no, if she wants a meeting, she can do it on her own time and organise it herself. Judging by the looks round the table, it seemed that Rangin is not alone in his thoughts on the matter.

"One moment Sir," says Rangin gritting his teeth in remaining polite, as he gets up from the table walks across and gets a glass of water. While his back is turned, the others can't see him counting down from ten to ensure he stays calm. With glass he in hand, he turns back to the table with a smile, walks back, sits down and begins, well aware everyone is waiting on him.

"First off, thank you all for coming, " he opens in a conversational tone looking around the table, "perhaps I should explain what I meant earlier. This is the mess hall, not a conference room, so this is not a team debriefing part two, this is just a general, informal, and above all non-obligational chat. So if anyone wants to leave at anyone time because they are bored, they want to go to sleep or are getting sick of the sound of my voice, then do not feel under any compunction to remain, I'm sure whatever you have contributed will be useful."

Rangin doesn't wait for Collins to say anything before continuing. He dives on hoping he can set the tone before she decides to do anything and that she has the manners not to interrupt someone who is already speaking.

"The point of this little meeting is merely to discuss what is the best options the team can take tomorrow to help complete the goal we were assigned, namely about the WR&R contract. Each of us around the table has a variety of skills which can help to answer that question, and I don't believe we have all had the chance to use them. Remember, our report is not about the effects of the spores on people, that's what this Federation research station is for, but is WR&R living up to its end of the agreement. Now some of this we have already covered. Mr Graham has examined the security setup, but other areas we perhaps have not." Rangin looks across the table at Delaney, "Lieutenant Delaney, perhaps a survey of the technical nature of the resort to make sure that the facilities are built up to scratch, although given its nature I would only expect the highest quality of work", before looking back round the table, "Personally, I would like to ensure that the spore disposal mechanism is fit for use as well going round with one of the teams who ensure the plants are kept out of the resort to see how they do it. As this is informal, please any suggestions you have for yourselves or others should be welcomed."

Rangin looks straight across at Collins making eye contact if she will. "Sir, I will happily accept your apologies for not asking for an opinion earlier and for attempting to hijack this meeting. Of course, if you were just joking about restarting the debriefing then I apologise for that in return."

Rangin pauses to take a couple of breaths after such a long piece and takes a couple of sips of water while everyone's brain tries to digest what has just been thrown at it, before continuing.

"Now, as for what I think of the resort. I can't see anything wrong with it so far. Its a five, no make that six, star resort which is here to cater to every whim of its rich, and in some cases exceedingly rich, patrons. The staff are unfailingly polite and guarded, the security setup as mentioned earlier is pretty good, the hospital is more than adequate and the food is excellent although perhaps not varied enough for my tastes. The idea that something must be wrong behind the facade is not one I ascribe to, I think its jumping at shadows. On the other hand, I do not doubt that the recent security attempt is not something that should be ignored. All the more reason, for us to complete our report as seamlessly as possible so that if anything else does occur we are in a better position to assist."

Rangin pauses for a moment looking round trying to gauge the reactions of his team mates. Had he gone to far, perhaps not far enough, interested in continuing or had he bored them silly.

"I think I've said enough for the moment. So, as I said earlier, informal and open. Lets see what we can come up with for us to look at tomorrow."

Rangin leans back in his chair, with his glass of water, while gesturing around the table for people to begin speaking. Well, that was fun while it lasted, let's see who can ruin it first.

[choie]

As she listens to his speech, Kylah is impressed by Rangin's demeanor and his insistance on keeping the get-together just as he intended it. She does fear Collins will get defensive; it would be like her to think, "well, I tried asking for input and that didn't work, so much for that experiment!" Besides, the lieutenant is the mission commander and probably has the right to take over any meeting she wants, even if it is not a good idea to do so.

Kylah is busy mulling over Rangin's determination and Collins possible reaction to it when he mentions the spores. She looks up now, feeling a bit defensive herself. When he concludes, she is unable to keep silent.

"I agree with you, we are here to determine whether to renew the company's contract and that is where our focus must lie. But--but part of that task must be to determine whether the spores are safe to use recreationally, whether the resort is justified in making the spores a treatment for just anyone who can pay for them. We could not decide that without determining how the guests behave, on the spores, how they react to the treatment, or whether the spores are addictive or detrimental in any way. Because if that were not the case, if our speaking to the guests was all for nothing--"

Kylah breaks off. She realizes her voice has grown more forced and almost pleading. The truth is, if everything that she did today was useless, then her behavior with Jan was even more degrading.

She shakes her head and gathers her thoughts. "No, I believe we were right to focus on the guests and their reactions to the spores, including whether there is any long-term effect on them, not just medically but psychologically and financially. The resort must be responsible, for if it is not, we, as Starfleet, are responsible ourselves for allowing this planet and its spores to be used in such a casual manner."

Kylah throws a quick glance at Collins before returning to stare at her folded hands on the table. Rangin has given her the perfect opportunity to make her request for tomorrow now, and she must take advantage of it. She will do anything to avoid being near guests who are taking the spore treatment. She cannot be near them, cannot risk being affected by them, again.

"Thus to answer your question, I--with Lt. Collins's permission--tomorrow I would hope to be assigned to work with the staff, and discuss their intake and follow-up procedures. As I said earlier, and as Lt. Delaney confirmed, there appears to be no psychological testing before the guests come here. I think that is a grave mistake, and I would like to talk to the staff to see if there is a way to better ensure that they are not letting just anyone have access to a mind-altering substance without some sort of medical or psychological workup beforehand, and adequate measures for assuring us that they are not letting these people just leave this--this paradise without any form of test to see how they are reacting after the treatment. Since as I found, there is this sense of emptiness once the spore influence is gone, and that could--it could leave an emotionally vulnerable person in a dangerous state. Starfleet cannot be responsible for allowing such irresponsible behavior to happen under its aegis--and continuing to award this contract to WR&R would indeed mean Starfleet is responsible."

She stops and slides her hands down to her lap. "So... so that is where I think I would be best used. With the staff," she says softly.

[CatInASuit]

"Excellently put Kylah and a very good suggestion worthy of consideration. Thank you." says Rangin straight to Kylah, at the same time wondering why she is so subdued and hoping his words can lend some kind of cheer and support.

"Who would like to go next?" Rangin asks the rest of the table.

[anyrose]

Collins listens quietly, sensing the tension her presence has caused. Rangin should be mission commander, not me. I'll be happy if I don't get demoted over this. I'll let everyone else contribute. I hope Graham is paying attention, too. Maybe I'll save what I have for the morning, after sleep and coffee.

[WES]

"All valid points," T'Var says. "The impact of the spores is important to explore. The resort should have a responsibility to ensure that their treatments do not have a negative effect -- either while the guests are here or at some future time."

The doctor looks around the table. "It is also important to determine whether this resort is run properly and within the guidelines set for it."

T'Var pauses a moment to gather her thoughts. "However, I am still convinced that something is going on here that is not quite right. I cannot say for certain what that is, but I -- and forgive me for saying so -- have a gut feeling."

[general_urko]

Graham scratches his chin after Rangin, Kylah, and T'Var speak their piece. He glances at Rangin. "Yeah, 'is R&R living up to their end of the bargain,' that's a good way to think about it.'" He looks at Kylah. "But 'did Starfleet make a bad bargain,' maybe unwittingly? That's a legit question, too." He nods, looking at T'Var. "And the fact is that personally I'm with the doctor, something about this seems too good to be true."

He shrugs. "It's your call, L-T, but maybe you can reflect on the suggestions so far, and--" he gestures across the assembled team "--we can all can sleep on it and come up with ideas to contribute about how each of us can help the team make progress on one of these three things tomorrow."

[WES]

"I believe a good night's rest is an excellent idea," T'Var says, nodding at Graham. "Doctor's orders."

[anyrose]

"There are also several more guests willing to talk to us." Collins says trying to infuse a little bit of excitement into her voice, "and financials and communications with redacted names to review. Shall we regroup after breakfast? at say, 0830?" Collins stands "Thank you all, again, for your input. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll bid you all 'good night'." Collins smiles at the group and leaves the Mess. Once outside, she quickens her step to return to her quarters. They're going to talk about me anyway. Might as well give them more time to do so.

[general_urko]

After Collins leaves Graham says to T'Var quietly, "good suggestion, Doc," while rubbing his head, which has started to ache. Well this probably won't help the headache, he thinks, but needs to be done... He takes a deep breath, clears his thoughts, and steps closer to Kylah. Also in quiet voice, he asks "May I speak to you privately for a moment, Mr. Kylah?"