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

[CatInASuit]

Rangin can hear Kylah's voice before he enters and as he enters the room he can see her kneeling in the centre of the room obviously having spoken to Prolun Jaxo. He is disappointed to hear her words, though, she is quite capable of holding a conversation and doesn't need anyone to speak for her. Did she think that Prolun Jaxo would respond better to him than to her?

He crosses the floor and kneels down next to Kylah mirroring her posture before addressing the alien on the throne.

In the same calm voice as he previously used standing up. "Thank you for allowing me the time to speak to the officer in charge and he has also requested the presence of Ensign Kylah and I in twenty minutes. The circumstances of our visit are as follows and please be aware these details have not been made public. Sometime this morning the body of the resort manager, Mr Wilson, was found in the square outside. He had been murdered and we have been tasked with investigating what happened. Because of this, we are asking questions of everyone within the area, as potential witnesses in order to determine what might have occurred. We would indeed be appreciative if you could spare a small piece of your time to assist with our enquiries into this matter."

Rangin remains kneeling as he patiently waits for an answer trying to radiate a calm, relaxed aura as though this was something he did everyday, gladdened to have the presence of Kylah next to him. He doesn't look at her, but is sure he can feel her warmth from close by and it helps to ease any nerves he may have. Whatever happens, they will likely be in this together.

[choie]

Kylah sees Rangin kneel beside her from the corner of her eye, not wanting to show any disrespect to Jaxo by turning her attention from him for any length of time. He may not be quite that sensitive to imagined slights to his ego--indeed, the Hwuen's comments to her seemed rather reasonable for someone who requires such obeisance--but better to be safe than sorry.

Having Velir in this position so close to her makes her face feel warm, and for a moment she is not certain why. Then she remembers. Kylah was not quite accurate when telling Jaxo that kneeling is foreign to her culture. She has never been to a wedding herself--she could not attend her cousin's marriage to King Bejas on Troyius--but many years ago, when Elaan's engagement was first arranged, Kylah asked her governess what the ceremony would be like. She was told that during the traditional, formal wedding ceremony, brides and grooms kneel before the officiant as they speak their vows. And then, when alone in their chamber, they kneel again upon their bed, each holding a wine chalice from which the other drinks, sealing the hope that their union will be fertile. After that...

Embarrassed by the turn her thoughts are taking, she swallows. She and Velir have never spent time together as a true couple, nor yet embraced. Much less performed anything more intimate like--

Flesh on flesh, all of her exposed to Jan's gentle but relentless hands, his mouth muffling her whispered pleas as she realizes she is helpless, unwilling to continue but unable to stop...

Kylah's throat makes an unintentional soft groan that she cuts off immediately before it is heard by the Jaxo. She only prays Velir did not hear it either. Blinking hard, Kylah stares at the Hwuen with forceful attention, disgusted with herself. Why would her mind call up such a memory? It is over, finished. She will--she must--focus on now.

[Elendil's Heir]

Prolun Jaxo rumbles briefly and then says, "I am sorry to hear of the death of Mr. Wilson. He and his staff have been very helpful to us, and eager to ensure that we have a pleasant stay here. Ask your questions, Ensigns, and they shall be answered."

[CatInASuit]

Rangin nods and breathes a slight sigh of relief. On Coridan, sometimes being in this position was the last position you were in.

"Thank you for your time, it is indeed appreciated. If you do not wish to answer any of the questions, we understand, though we have asked these of the other residents we have talked to. I will also that add, and please do not take offence, that we have not counted anyone out as a suspect. I'm certain you can understand what this means."

Rangin takes a deep breath and begins to ask his questions:

First, on the resort:
Is this their first visit to OCIII or have they been here before?
If they are partaking of the Spore therapy how are they finding it?
How well did they know Mr Wilson?
Did they have any problems with the resort?
Do they interact much with the other guests?
Were they aware of any problems other guests may have had with the resort?

On the night in question:
What were Prolun Jaxo's movements last night and those of his aides?
Can confirm these movements be verified?
If you were resident in the house last night, did they hear anything between 11:00pm and 2am?

Finally:
Were they aware of the the licence of the resort being up for renewal?

[general_urko]

Graham waves for Dobson to take a seat where she can see the monitor he intends to use to contact Wilson's widow while he takes a look at the picture he borrowed from Wilson's office.

He checks the resort's systems to see if there is a record of Wilson's wife's name.

"Have you done a next-of-kin notification before, Dodson?" he asks while doing that. "Usually it's the same drill: they're shocked, they're devastated, there's nothing you can do, you feel like hell afterward." He shrugs. "Sometimes you get lucky, so to speak, and whoever you're talking to doesn't much seem to care--or is even positively giddy about it." He smiles grimly. "Not every relationship works out, I suppose."

"On that note--Wilson's widow may know something that will help us find the killer. And there's always a chance she might've been involved. So use your training and your judgment and keep a close eye on her reaction. You're a part of the investigative team..." he trails off, having almost said "not eye candy"--the sort of joke he'd make with a female colleague he knew as well as someone like Faisal.

Not so appropriate for a female officer who doesn't know you from Adam, he thinks, mentally chastising himself.

[anyrose]

"Yes, sir" Dobson say, nodding her head, and prepares to watch the vid-call.

[Elendil's Heir]

The WR&R personnel database reveals that Wilson's widow's name is Barbara.

The Jaxo replies to Rangin's questions.

First, on the resort:
Is this their first visit to OCIII or have they been here before? - "I have been here twice before. I always enjoy it."
If they are partaking of the Spore therapy how are they finding it? - "Yes, of course. Why come all this way, if not for the spores? Very calming, very restful."
How well did they know Mr Wilson? - "Only in his capacity as director of the resort. A very helpful, obliging man."
Did they have any problems with the resort? - "No, none at all."
Do they interact much with the other guests? - "Very little. With few exceptions, they are not of my social standing."
Were they aware of any problems other guests may have had with the resort? - "No. I have not asked, and do not care to know."

On the night in question:
What were Prolun Jaxo's movements last night and those of his aides? - "We were all out for dinner at Otherworldly until after midnight. All of my aides but one, Yonil here, came with me. Yonil remained to guard the house. We returned and, after some activities which need not concern you, retired to rest by turen'gel - about 2am, as you track time."
Can confirm these movements be verified? - "I do not understand your question."
If you were resident in the house last night, did they hear anything between 11:00pm and 2am? - "I heard nothing outside during that time," the Jaxo says. "I will ask the others." He calls his five aides in and, one by one, they say they heard nothing, either.

Finally:
Were they aware of the the licence of the resort being up for renewal? - "No, I know nothing of that," the Jaxo says. For some reason Kylah has the impression that he's lying; she cannot exactly say why.

[choie]

Grateful that Velir is prepared to speak, Kylah is able to focus in time to pay attention to the interview. The questions Velir asks are all ones Kylah would herself have put to the Jaxo, and she listens carefully to the Hwuen's replies. The last response is... she cannot explain it, but it does not ring true. Her mind works as quickly as it can to formulate questions of her own.

She starts by saying: "Thank you, Prolun Jaxo. You have been most accommodating thus far, and I know I speak for both of us when I say that we are very grateful for your patience. As I mentioned earlier I am a student of languages and other cultures. That is partly why I am here.

"Actually," she adds as if just remembering, "I should mention that, as Ensign Rangin mentioned that the WR&R contract is up for renewal, our original reason for being on the planet was to look over the resort and ensure that its activities and procedures are all upholding the high standard Starfleet requires. Of course, the dreadful murder has shifted our priorities considerably, but I do believe it is still our responsibility to learn as much as possible about WR&R's practices. For example, I am pleased to know that the spore treatment works on so many diverse races. I have not had the pleasure myself." Kylah flushes slightly but continues without a hesitation to ask the following:

- When you first came here, did you meet with Dr. Halsey to ensure that the spores would be effective to you and your people? Did anyone perform any tests to ensure there would be no harm to those with such a different biological profile?

- I do not know myself whether this is necessary, but... for the length of your stay, do you ever need to have a.... for lack of a better term... 'booster' treatment? Have the spores ever worn off? Kylah looks at Rangin briefly as if genuinely uncertain and curious about how the spores work, and then returns to the Jaxo. What does it feel like when you are no longer under their influence? Is it a difficult transition?

- Have you ever considered bringing your own medical personnel with you? Since you are such a highly placed and vital personage on your planet, it goes without saying that any harm befalling you would be a terrible occurance. Is your opinion of Dr. Halsey very high--that is, does he seem very knowledgable about the Hwuen? Do you feel comfortable that he can treat you adequately?

- I regret to admit that I know very little about your planet. Might you tell me something about it? How far did you have to travel to get here? What are some of your chief businesses and attractions? Would you allow offworlders to visit? Kylah will smile hopefully as she says this.

- You are the first group from a non-Federation planet that we have met here, and I am impressed that WR&R's reputation has spread so far and wide. May I ask how you first learned of the resort?

- Have you visited any other Federation planets before? If so, how would you say OCIII compares to them?

- Oh, I forgot to ask the simplest of questions. How long have you been here, and how long is the rest of your visit? I do hope this will not affect your stay.

Kylah hesitates and says in a quieter voice. "Before I ask my next question, I should emphasize that my own planet, Elas, has not even let the ink dry on its negotiations for joining the Federation--I was only allowed into Starfleet on a technicality, myself, before Elas had decided one way or another--and so I understand how one can feel both drawn to and somewhat put off by other customs. So please forgive me if I seem to be prying, it is merely my curiosity and I mean no offense." She bows her head in humility before looking up and continuing.

- Do you think you might one day consider an alliance, either business or political, with a Federation planet--or the Federation itself? Of course I understand if you cannot answer this question.

- Speaking of the Federation and Starfleet in general, one of our highest-placed officers is staying at the resort, and I daresay he would be honored to make the acquaintance of someone of such prestige. Do you happen to know Vice Admiral Hardin? Or anyone in Starfleet?

[CatInASuit]

Rangin remains quiet while Kylah asks her questions, and thinks himself lucky she is there as he would probably not have thought to ask several of those. He shifts slightly in his kneeling position to prevent any cramping and suddenly wonders how Kylah is doing on her own sore knee.

[Elendil's Heir]

The Jaxo responds to Kylah's questions:

- When you first came here, did you meet with Dr. Halsey to ensure that the spores would be effective to you and your people? Did anyone perform any tests to ensure there would be no harm to those with such a different biological profile? - "We met with a doctor here - I do not recall his name - who scanned us and assured us that there would be no harm in being exposed to the spores, and it would actually be beneficial. We are not the first Hwuen to partake, and had no reason to think there would be any difficulty. As, indeed, there has not been. It is a very pleasant experience and makes us feel good."

- I do not know myself whether this is necessary, but... for the length of your stay, do you ever need to have a.... for lack of a better term... 'booster' treatment? Have the spores ever worn off? ...What does it feel like when you are no longer under their influence? Is it a difficult transition? - "We do not need any supplemental or booster treatments. The spores have not worn off, either for us or for others of our race who have come here, as far as I know." This, too, does not strike Kylah as entirely honest, but again, frustratingly, she cannot determine why. "The transition from the spores to their absence is, in my experience, mildly unpleasant, but the sensation soon passes."

- Have you ever considered bringing your own medical personnel with you? Since you are such a highly placed and vital personage on your planet, it goes without saying that any harm befalling you would be a terrible occurance. Is your opinion of Dr. Halsey very high--that is, does he seem very knowledgable about the Hwuen? Do you feel comfortable that he can treat you adequately? - "No, it did not seem necessary. The doctor was competent, whoever he was. We are a robust species and I do not anticipate needing medical care while here. If necessary, one of my aides has basic medical training, or we could call for a ship from one of our worlds to come render assistance."

- I regret to admit that I know very little about your planet. Might you tell me something about it? How far did you have to travel to get here? What are some of your chief businesses and attractions? Would you allow offworlders to visit? - "The Hwuen worlds are renowned for their beauty, culture and technological sophistication, of course. We traveled for almost two of your 'weeks' to get here. Offworlders may visit any Hwuen world for legitimate purposes."

- You are the first group from a non-Federation planet that we have met here, and I am impressed that WR&R's reputation has spread so far and wide. May I ask how you first learned of the resort? - "Another jaxo had visited and spoke highly of it. It seemed worth a visit."

- Have you visited any other Federation planets before? If so, how would you say OCIII compares to them? - "I have not been on any other Federation worlds."

- Oh, I forgot to ask the simplest of questions. How long have you been here, and how long is the rest of your visit? I do hope this will not affect your stay. - "We are to stay for one of your months. We have about two weeks remaining, unless I decide to stay longer."

- Do you think you might one day consider an alliance, either business or political, with a Federation planet--or the Federation itself? Of course I understand if you cannot answer this question. - He shifts in his chair - uneasily? She cannot tell. He finally says, "It is possible; I do not see why not. However, foreign affairs are not my usual concern as a jaxo."

- Speaking of the Federation and Starfleet in general, one of our highest-placed officers is staying at the resort, and I daresay he would be honored to make the acquaintance of someone of such prestige. Do you happen to know Vice Admiral Hardin? Or anyone in Starfleet? - "I have heard of the Vice Admiral but not met him. I was unaware that he was here." Again, she has an impression - just an impression - that the alien official is not telling the truth. "I do not know any other Starfleet persons other than you two."

[choie]

Kylah bites her tongue while listening to the answers, trying desperately not to look as if she's formulating her next questions while paying rapt attention to the Jaxo. If he were anyone else she would possibly be more aggressive, but this is such a delicate situation she does not dare relay her suspicions. Slowly she lowers her hand--the one nearest Rangin, until it lightly touches his thigh. Unlike T'Var, he cannot be certain to know her thoughts and even if he could, she would not attempt to communicate to him. But perhaps her slight contact will alert him that... something... is not right.

When Prolun Jaxo mentions that there is another 'jaxo,' Kylah responds apologetically. "I am sorry, I am so woefully ignorant of your planets' leadership hierarchy. I thought, since you have been referred to as the Jaxo, that you were the only one of this title. And your personage commands such respect that I also believed you were surely at the head of your planet's government. If I may ask, who is your planets' leader--or is there more than one who governs your multiple planets?"

To his remark about allowing visitors to the planets: "That is wonderful to hear, sir; I have a leave coming up, and if it is at all possible I would hope to learn more about your home and people. With a planet of such beauty, I suppose you have your own luxurious resorts and spas? Can you recommend some to me? Do they compare favorably to WR&R?"

When the Jaxo responds to her question about Hardin, she nods, thoughts flashing through her mind. "May I perhaps offer an introduction between you, then? It would be a great honor, if you would allow such a meeting. Starfleet's very purpose is to bring us closer with other races and planets, and I have no doubt Admiral Hardin would be happy to meet with you at the place and time of your own choosing. Would you allow that, sir?"

"Before I leave, I did wish to ask one thing of a much lighter note." She smiles bashfully. "I have received much... well, teasing, from my colleagues, since I had never heard of one of the guests here, who they claim is apparently famous throughout the Alpha Quadrant--and even I, from a distant and unallied planet, should have heard of him. I have even been challenged to find a single person on the resort who does not know who he is. You are perhaps my last hope. Have you ever heard of Lord Fastolfe? He is staying only two houses away from you, across the park. Do you know anything about him? I can understand why he is famous; he even caused a bit of excitement when he first arrived yesterday--perhaps you heard something about that?"

[general_urko]

Graham takes a seat and a deep breath. Well it's not going to get any more pleasant 5 minutes--or five hours--from now, he thinks.

Based on his conversation with Collins on the basketball court, he assumes she hasn't had to do this before--if she were here, he could see it a rite of passage, one of those inevitable milestones in a Security career that happen sooner or later. Of course, he thinks, so is getting evac'd while covered in your own blood. He concedes one of those experiences is enough for one mission for any one person... Although he notes the irony of T'Var, who as a doctor is probably most likely to have dealt with a comparable situation, temporarily returning to the ship.

He briefly considered assigning the task to Kylah: not simply to avoid it himself, but because as a Communications officer she would most likely view it as suited to her expertise. Hell, he thinks, she'd take it as another chance to prove herself. He scowls briefly. Except that she doesn't need another chance to prove herself, she needs someone to sit her down and find out what the hell is really going on, before she gets into a...what? Bad situation? Maybe 'worse situation,' he thinks, still bothered by the lack of clarity about what happened last night.

He sets that aside for the moment: no, if I really wanted to avoid this for purely selfish reasons, I'd assign this to Rangin. It's almost tempting, he thinks: after doing my damnedest to find a way to work with the guy and getting nothing but grief, why not just go with the flow of whatever his biases against me are?

He shakes his head slightly and glances briefly at Dobson before turning back to the console. Not an option, he muses. It's mission commander or communications specialist.

He taps the keypad, attempting to reach Barbara Wilson.

[CatInASuit]

Rangin is concentrating on the answers from Prolun Jaxo he suddenly feels something touching the side of his leg and without being able to look down he tries to think of what it might be. He reaches down with a hand to flick it away and realises that his hand is brushing Kylah's fingers. He wonders why she would be doing that, it wouldn't be anything personal and her voice is as clear as ever. If she had lost balance then her hand would have been resting harder against it or even on the floor. Something else must be up, but Rangin is unsure what. Is she alright or does she think that something is wrong with Prolun Jaxo, Rangin just isn't sure. He makes a note of when the touches are slightly firmer and the questions being answered. Perhaps afterwards, he can find out what she meant. He waits for Prolun Jaxo to answer Kylah's questions. Rangin has none of his own, but certainly some things to look up, apart from perhaps one...

As Kylah finishes peaking, Rangin continues where she leaves off.
"...and my only final question would be that as High Commander of your Military Forces, it does surprise me that you have not conversed with any Starfleet personnel on military matters? I assume then that such talks are unnecessary and that all will remain peaceful from here on."

[Elendil's Heir]

Kylah continues, "I am sorry, I am so woefully ignorant of your planets' leadership hierarchy. I thought, since you have been referred to as the Jaxo, that you were the only one of this title. And your personage commands such respect that I also believed you were surely at the head of your planet's government. If I may ask, who is your planets' leader--or is there more than one who governs your multiple planets?" - "A jaxo is a regional governor. There are nine on our homeworld, where I serve, and others on our other worlds, for a total of, at last count I believe, seventeen. We serve on a council together as equals." This statement also does not seem entirely truthful to Kylah.

To his remark about allowing visitors to the planets: "That is wonderful to hear, sir; I have a leave coming up, and if it is at all possible I would hope to learn more about your home and people. With a planet of such beauty, I suppose you have your own luxurious resorts and spas? Can you recommend some to me? Do they compare favorably to WR&R?" - After a long pause, he says, "I do not think you would like our resorts and spas, as they are not set up for the entertainment of offworlders. You might even find them... upsetting. Our people have very different tastes, different interests than yours."

When the Jaxo responds to her question about Hardin, she nods, thoughts flashing through her mind. "May I perhaps offer an introduction between you, then? It would be a great honor, if you would allow such a meeting. Starfleet's very purpose is to bring us closer with other races and planets, and I have no doubt Admiral Hardin would be happy to meet with you at the place and time of your own choosing. Would you allow that, sir?" - "I do not think it necessary, but I thank you for the offer."

"Before I leave, I did wish to ask one thing of a much lighter note." She smiles bashfully. "I have received much... well, teasing, from my colleagues, since I had never heard of one of the guests here, who they claim is apparently famous throughout the Alpha Quadrant--and even I, from a distant and unallied planet, should have heard of him. I have even been challenged to find a single person on the resort who does not know who he is. You are perhaps my last hope. Have you ever heard of Lord Fastolfe? He is staying only two houses away from you, across the park. Do you know anything about him? I can understand why he is famous; he even caused a bit of excitement when he first arrived yesterday--perhaps you heard something about that?" - "I have heard a little of him. A musician and... actor, I believe. I have not met him."

Rangin continues where she leaves off. "...and my only final question would be that as High Commander of your Military Forces, it does surprise me that you have not conversed with any Starfleet personnel on military matters? I assume then that such talks are unnecessary and that all will remain peaceful from here on." - "Our military forces and those of the Federation have had some dealings, beginning when we each first learned of the other's existence. I see no reason why peace may not be maintained between our peoples."

Lt. Thalen, on the Yorktown, offers to establish a subspace link between OC3 and Rigel IV, where Wilson's family lives. "Subspace lag at this distance is 20 minutes, Mr. Graham," he explains. "Please record your message, either text or visual, and I'll send it. There's no telling when the recipient will respond, though."

[choie]

Kylah cannot remember the last time she was so confused by a conversation. Why can she sense some vague emotions from this Hwuen, but not others? It is like listening to a voice through multiple walls: muffled, incoherent, yet still audible in tone if not precise meaning.

Her sense that he is obfuscating in his answer relating to his people's government is particularly odd. Why lie about such a thing? Is he downplaying his importance, or overstating it? The whole time, she can only nod and wonder if there is anything she can do to improve her ability to access his emotions. Would physical contact help? How can she possibly achieve that? After all, with some races, even some people on Elas, touching enhances her abilities considerably. It is a long shot, but it might be true for the Hwuen, too.

Throughout his answers, she surreptiously examines the Jaxo as best she can, particularly his arms and hands. Is he capable of creating fingerprints on the knife? Strong enough to overpower or surprise a human? Or if not him, any of his entourage? For example, the one who stayed behind--Yonil. He has already said he heard nothing, but that certainly doesn't mean he did not have the opportunity to act.

She nods slightly as Velir asks a pertinent question, and the Jaxo responds in a fairly positive manner, if not particularly elucidating. Turning back to Prolun Jaxo, Kylah gives another grateful bob of her head. "I thank you for your responses, Prolun Jaxo. As to the resorts on your homeworld, I can only say I hope one day to visit nonetheless." She lifts her chin with a regal manner but a twinkle in her eye. "I am an Elasian woman, not a human, and our tastes are not theirs. I enjoy things that are alien to other cultures. And contrarily, things that humans find pleasurable have not always..." Kylah's voice trails off as she realizes uneasily where her thoughts are leading. "They have... have not always met my satisfaction," she concludes weakly, adding in more certain voice: "Perhaps our people are more similar than you realize."

She looks at Velir and wonders if he has any more questions to ask. If not, Kylah will ask permission to stand. Her knee is hurting her and she wonders if will be able to get up gracefully at all--she will have to apologize if she foolishly stumbles. Then it strikes her: Perhaps I can use that, she thinks, glancing back at the Jaxo and remembering her need to break the barrier that makes him so difficult to read. Perhaps if she wobbles forward, she might have the opportunity to touch him in an apparent attempt to regain her balance.

[CatInASuit]

Unable to read Prolun Jaxo, all Rangin can do is think on the answers and do some digging. But once again, someone else has comfirmed that they heard nothing in the courtyard outside.

He looks across at Kylah and as he meets her gaze, "Finished?", he asks her quietly. Her demeanour and posture indicate she has nothing more to ask, but at this close range, Rangin can see she is thinking on something from this meeting.

Turning his head back to Prolun Jaxo, Rangin's eyes flick downwards towards Kylah's knees. She doesn't appear to be in any discomfort or if she is, she is hiding it well he thinks, before continuing to speak. "Thank you for answering our questions, Prolun Jaxo, they have been most useful and we humbly appreciate the time you have granted us. Unless there is anything you wish to ask, we should leave to allow you to continue enjoying your stay here."

Rangin waits to see if Prolun Jaxo will ask anything or if they are to be dismissed from his presence.

[Elendil's Heir]

Each of the Hwuen has two arms and two hands with six fingers on each hand, and they look possibly capable of leaving fingerprints.

Prolun Jaxo rumbles again and says, "I am pleased to have been of some small assistance to you, and wish you good fortune in finding the odious perpetrator of this crime. If I or my staff think of anything else that may be of use in your investigation, rest assured we will be in contact forthwith. Best wishes of the day to you, to your ship, and to the Federation. You may go."

Yonil, his aide, immediately steps forward and gestures towards the door.

[choie]

Kylah directs a quick and hopefully communicative gaze at Velir--admittedly, it is hard to express Don't worry but I am about to do something potentially stupid in a mere glance, but perhaps he expects it anyway. Why not, all the other Yorktown team members do.

"I did hope to learn the gesture for thank you, if you have one," Kylah says cheerfully as she starts to her feet. "You and your people have been most generous and I hope we can somehow repay the favor. I must acknowledge I am glad to get up, as I injured my leg only--" Her left knee protests the instant she rises and puts weight on it, and in fact she isn't acting at all when she winces. The joint buckles and--instead of compensating for it, as she could have done, Kylah makes a startled "oh!" noise as she loses balance, falling directly toward the Jaxo.

Her hands lurch out allegedly to stop herself but primarily, hopefully, to make contact--any contact, however minor--with the Hwuen. While doing so she exerts every ounce of concentration she possesses, so that her focus seems to flow through her fingers. The nerves and skin feel almost electrified and while he wouldn't notice anything, as usual Kylah will receive a slight shock from whoever or whatever she touches.

[CatInASuit]

As they are dismissed by Prolun Jaxo, Rangin rises to his feet swiftly and takes a slight step to one side to give Kylah room. As he hears Kylah talking about saying thank you and mentioning her knee, Rangin prepares to offer her assistance when he sees her topple forward.

"Kylah!" comes the exclamation from Rangin, missing a grasp at Kylah, as she falls just out of reach. He moves quickly across and kneels by her side if he can, his voice full of concern. "Are you alright? Let me help you up." he asks, trying to modulate his voice realising that he has perhaps crossed the line from professionalism into something of a more personal concern.

He looks up at Prolun Jaxo and Yonil, his voice slightly calmer again. "I do apologise for this. She injured and twisted her knee earlier and has not had time to go to the infirmary to have it fully healed due to the urgency of the investigation we are undertaking. Please excuse us, no disrespect is intended to yourself. It's my fault in a way, I should have made sure she had her knee fixed straightaway, something we will be doing now, I think."

[general_urko]

Graham starts to record a visual message.

"Barbara Wilson," he begins, slowly and deliberately. "My name is Booker Graham. I am an Ensign in Starfleet Security assigned to the USS Yorktown." He pauses briefly.

Remember what being on the receiving end of this message was like, Booker? he thinks. He hadn't wept (then) or been angry (yet). He'd felt...hollow. As if everything inside him had been scooped out, leaving a shell, a simulacrum. How will she react, he wonders...and then wonders whether it's harder or easier to do this sight unseen.

"I'm sorry that there is no way to make the news I have for you any less painful, and the impersonal circumstances." He pauses again, folding his hands in front of him on the console and bowing his head just slightly. "Your husband, Anthony Wilson, was killed here on Omicron Ceti III last night."

His mouth tightens in empathy. Will she just sit and stare at the screen, like I did?

He swallows and clears his throat. "I am sorry, but we have confirmed his identity. He pauses again very briefly. "This was," he says, shaking his head slightly, "not an accident." Then he nods a little. "I am leading the homicide investigation. You can reach me at any time, day or night, via the Yorktown."

He pauses, staring directly at where the eyes of a person who isn't there and won't see this for another twenty minutes. He bows slightly before raising his head and continuing.

God willing she hated his guts and is popping champagne, he thinks, but he can't act based on that hope...

"I've received a message like this myself, ma'am," he adds, his voice softening. "I know there is nothing I can do to can make things better at this moment, but for whatever it's worth you have my sympathy and condolences."

He stops the recording and stares at the screen for a long moment before turning toward Dobson. He shakes his head. "Just makes you love the hell out of coming to work in the morning, doesn't it? Sorry I wasn't thinking about the subspace delay - stick with me anyway and we'll see what kind of reply we get."

He stands. "In the meantime let's head for the administrative office."

He's not quite ready to tell Rangin or Kylah they are on their way.

[anyrose]

"Aye, Sir." Dobson stands and waits to follow Graham out of the CP

[Elendil's Heir]

Kylah's hand touches Prolun Jaxo's thick ankle and she feels a sudden rush of psionic impressions: the alien's surge of indignation that he has been touched by a lesser person, his great ego, his keen intellect, and a jumble of indistinct thoughts and words. His thought processes are so different from any she has previously experienced that she finds herself disoriented and even a little nauseated. Almost at once he pulls his leg back, and her contact with him is broken. The Jaxo and his aide exchange a glance. Yonil steps between you and his master and says very icily, "Come this way now, if you please." Two other aides step into the room; one has an unfamiliar metallic object in his hand that may be a weapon, although he does not point it at you.

Thalen, on the Yorktown, sends Graham's message to Wilson's widow. "I'll let you know when there's a reply, Ensign," he says.

Graham and Dobson leave the CP and are soon in the resort's administrative offices.

[choie]

When Prolun Jaxo jerks his leg away from her, Kylah genuinely loses her balance and has to make a grab for the floor, which seems to dip and roll beneath her. She can feel perspiration bead on her forehead. Too much, I cannot... it is too much! she thinks in a jumble of confusion. The outrage the Jaxo felt reverberates through her, and she is angry and suspicious of everyone nearby. Her name reaches through her emotions--Velir's voice, she recognizes at last, and she turns to him with a flash of annoyance that swiftly subsides when she sees the expression on his face. After a few seconds of mute stupidity while watching his mouth move, she understands that he's apologizing for her, and is kneeling beside her, ready to assist.

She takes hold of his arm with both hands and uses it to stand. Her concentration is still alive in her fingers and she can now feel Velir's concern for her. Restored by his warm solidity, Kylah now sees that the aide, Yonil, has moved between her and the Jaxo. Again the flood of indignation she felt from the Jaxo makes her shudder as if just as repulsed as he was.

"I am very sorry," she blurts to Prolun Jaxo. "I beg your pardon, it was only an accident..." Kylah looks at Yonil and the other aides, and notices the weapon-like tool in one of their hands. She leans against Rangin so that she can stand up as tall as possible on her good leg, and her own pride burns brightly in her cheeks. Aiming her words to the armed aide, Kylah speaks clearly despite still being somewhat shaken. "That is not necessary. I do not believe as powerful a race as the Hwuen are so thin-blooded. Surely you do not think the great man in your charge is in any danger from a woman with neither a weapon in her hand nor any motive to harm? On Elas, even my brother the Dohlman is not so coddled--and he is but twelve!"

Kylah turns back to the Jaxo, still showing respect in her gaze but no longer so abjectly deferential. "Again I apologize for my clumsiness, and thank you most sincerely for assisting us. With your permission, we will take our leave. I would hope we may do so without your minions at our heels, but the Jaxo must do as he sees proper."

[CatInASuit]

As he apologises to Prolun Jaxo, Rangin looks back to Kylah, and is worried by what he sees. Kylah has gone slightly pale, her eyes looks slightly unfocused and several emotions are rapidly crossing her face, too fast for Rangin to identify.

For a moment, little else matters other than making sure she is alright, had she twisted her knee further, landed awkwardly, hurt herself further. No, this time she needed to get to the infirmary to make sure she was well, especially with Dr T'Var still onboard the USS Yorktown looking after Lt. Collins.

As Kylah's eyes clear, Rangin helps her up and his brow furrows slightly at the slight, sharp pain in his arm. The smooth grip she had used last time is replaced by fingers and nails as she climbs her way up. As Rangin steadies Kylah on her feet, he can feel her shaking slightly while she apologises to Prolun Jaxo for her misstep as carefully places himself to support her.

Concentrating on Kylah, supporting her bad knee and with one professional hand on her back for support, he suddenly feels her bristle under his touch. As he looks up, Rangin notices Kylah has seen the aide with the metal object. Time slows for Rangin, as he holds his breath hoping the next words from Kylah will not be inflammatory. But he can feel her cheeks glow and her body straighten against his for support as she delivers her words.

Rangin stands there mute, caught between the horror and outrage of Prolun Jaxo and the controlled anger of the Elasian Princess he is currently supporting. He feels so out of his league in this situation, he wonders how they will get out of it.

[general_urko]

Dobson doesn't seem like one for small talk, and at the moment Graham's grateful for that.

Nonetheless, I don't think Vargas put me in charge to stand around and brood, he thinks.

He takes a deep breath and reaches for his communicator. "Graham to Rangin or Kylah. We're at the admin offices. Please let me know your ETA."

[Elendil's Heir]

The Jaxo says to Kylah, his voice harsh, "You are both armed, and my guard reacted accordingly. As for your insults and comparisons of me to a child of your species, I suggest that you keep a civil tongue, Ensign, or you will find that your 'accidental' touching of my person will lead to unpleasant consequences. I have permitted you to enter this dwelling and ask me many questions, and this is how you express gratitude? Outrageous, and unworthy of what I had been told to expect of Starfleet. Leave now. Leave now, and I shall make no complaint to your captain."

Yonil again gestures towards the door.

[choie]

Kylah narrows her eyes slightly and backs away. "You are willfully misunderstanding me, sir. I told your aide that you do not need to be treated like a child because I respect your bravery and obvious ability to protect yourself from such a grievous threat as me. Clearly I was wrong to have said anything. I will also apologize yet again for touching you when I fell. I assure you I would not have come in contact with your person if it were not necessary."

She turns and limps toward the door, turning her head one last time. "We have thanked you multiple times for your assistance, but I will not bow and scrape further. I am a daughter of the royal family of Elas and am not without my own pride. Even so, if there is something I may do to rectify your animus, I am quite willing to hear it and part amicably. However, if you do prefer to complain to my captain over such a trifle, her name is Captain Singh. It is your choice. Good afternoon, Prolun Jaxo."

[CatInASuit]

Rangin is totally out of his depth.

Kylah is already limping towards the door throwing comments at Prolun Jaxo who is obviously outraged by what has happened and threatening dire things in return. It was like a pair of spoilt seven year olds, albeit a pair who could probably have Rangin executed for whatever whim they wanted. This wasn't exactly what he had signed up for.

And then his and Kylah's communicators go off, the sound cutting through the air as Graham's voice, sounding more down than usual can be heard by all in the room.

"Excellent timing," he mutters under his breath.

Rangin decides that it probably cannot get any worse. If Kylah and he cannot leave shortly, Graham is likely to come busting in. If Kylah gets hurt, Graham is likely to do worse to Rangin for not keeping her safe and if he gets hurt, wellit wouldn't be the first time and Graham would probably get a laugh out of it anyway.

"Prolun Jaxo," Rangin turns to him the voice matter of fact, but respectful, "thank you once again for inviting us into your home and answering our questions, it is most appreciated and we hope that the rest of your holiday passes peacefully."

Rangin isn't too proud to kneel, after all he's just a peon compared to these two, and indeed drops to one knee in the same gesture he used earlier, before quickly rising to catch up with Kylah and help escort her from the house. "I believe we are required in the administration offices," Rangin says loudly enough for the others to hear, while supporting her fairly firmly towards the door.

[general_urko]

Graham is unfamiliar with Coridanite games of chance but briefly wonders if Rangin is using some random method of deciding to treat Graham like he's a full-fledged Admiral or simply blow him off entirely. His brow furrows slightly: although he did say that interviews-in-progress had precedence over getting to the admin offices, given that Rangin and Kylah were together he wonders why there'd be a delay in one of them responding.

He frowns but decides to give them a few moments.

Might as well put the time to use, he thinks.

"So, how well do you know Lt. Collins?" he asks Dobson.

[anyrose]

"Sir?" Dobson responds "Is that relevant to this mission?" She cocks her head to the side, slightly, and eyes Graham quizzically.

[general_urko]

"Uh," Graham replies, "I suppose it depends on whether she's able to return... I was, ah, curious--being new to the ship--about learning more about our assistant department chief." He shrugs and gestures pointing from him to her. "She's our boss, after all."

[choie]

The further Kylah walks from the Jaxo, the more disconcerted she feels. Why did she behave so imperiously? Could she have been so affected just from a few seconds of the Hwuen's emotions, even though letting go of his leg seemed to erase them? She is not certain, but anger is still bubbling in her chest--only now it is mixed with concern.

She hears the communicator as Rangin does, and she also notes from her peripheral vision that he has dropped to a knee in order to say goodbye to the Jaxo. Perhaps he wishes to be a diplomat, she thinks, vaguely frustrated but understanding that Velir wishes to make amends for her. Well, she does not need anyone to do so; even if it was spurred by Prolun Jaxo's emotions, what Kylah said was only the truth. If the lying coward chooses to complain to Captain Singh, so be it. Frankly, if she could be certain they knew Klingon, she would have told them off properly. Nothing is quite as musical and satisfying as an insult delivered in the original Klingon.

In a moment Velir is beside her and she feels his not-particularly-gentle hand on the small of her back. She does not need to push her thoughts to his to know that he is annoyed--and somewhat alarmed, too. He has not even answered Graham's hail.

She does not ask for permission from their 'hosts' before she reaches for her communicator. "Kylah here, Mr. Graham," she says clearly, and adds with a sudden wicked inspiration: "I apologize for the delay. We will be with you momentarily--we are just now leaving the interview subjects' residence." She almost smiles at the dismissive reference to the arrogant Hwuen.

[anyrose]

Dobson considers the question for a few moments. "I've met her, but I've never worked directly with her. I report to Lieutenant Jones. She seemed nice enough."

[Elendil's Heir]

Kylah and Rangin are able to leave the guest house occupied by Prolun Jaxo and his entourage, clearly no longer welcome there (if indeed they ever were), and find themselves back out on the sidewalk ringing the park.

Delaney walks into the CP, nods to Graham and Dobson, and slumps into a chair. "Still no luck cracking the code for the safe in Wilson's quarters," he says. "It's very well encrypted. I have a tricorder linked to the Yorktown's ship's computer, running decryption programs on automatic now."

[anyrose]

"Sirs, if I may?" Dobson offers "Forgive me if you've already attempted this, but have you tried beaming the contents out?"

[Elendil's Heir]

Delaney says, "Good idea, but I scanned for that already. The safe can't be penetrated by a transporter beam."

[CatInASuit]

...heading for the door...through the door...down the steps...outside...away...safe.

As they step away from the house and to the park, Rangin breathes a huge audible sigh of relief. He realises how hard he has been guiding Kylah and immediately his hand falls away while still making sure she is supported. "Sorry", he says through as he tries to gulp the air into his lungs, realising how much he had held his breath just trying to ensure they got out without further incident. Rangin can feel his hands shake slightly as the adrenaline rush wears off, and he closes his eyes for a second to regain some feeling of calm, before opening them again.

"Right, would you mind if we sat down for a moment or so." he asks Kylah politely, "before we head...." He stops, and looks across as he realises what he's missed, "...what am I thinking, never mind me, are you alright? Your knee, how badly did you twist it?" Thoughts of what had just happened gone as his concern for Kylah kicks in.

[choie]

Kylah gladly sits down on one of the benches nearby. Not to take the pressure off her knee--which is sore but not badly hurt from having knelt and then twisted it slightly during her forced fall; of course, she cannot admit this ploy aloud. No, the reason she wishes to sit is to observe the man in front of her. Once they left the cottage, Velir Rangin's face looked terribly drawn and pale, and both his body and his trembling touch now radiate an almost sickening sense of relief.

She draws him down beside her, searching his gaze. Kylah has not seen him look this way since the horrific battle back on the Sakathian station. Instinctively she lifts her hand to cradle his cheek. "I will be fine. But Velir, you seem ill. Please tell me I did not cause you such distress. I... I admit I lost my temper. After last ni--after everything that has happened, I could not bear having to cower before others."

She swallows and forcefully lightens her tone. "But I do not think we were in any true danger. The Hwuen are paper soldiers; for all their ego and bluster. Even an Andorian with but a single antenna could make a meal of them."

Despite her attempt to make him smile, Kylah's stomach muscles tighten as an alarming thought strikes her: did this incident remind him of something else, some upsetting event from his past? Kylah realizes how little she knows of Velir's background, except the general Coridan history she has learned.

"Please," she repeats softly. She moves closer and, while still caressing his face, uses her free hand to clasp his fingers where they rest on the bench between them. "Please, Velir, do not be angry with me. Tell me what has worried you so?"

[CatInASuit]

After helping Kylah to the bench and sitting beside her, Rangin is surprised by the gentle way she touches his cheek and the closeness of her to him. A side he hasn't really seen of her before, caring and concerned, not this close, not this personal. Rangin shivers slightly under the touch enjoying the feel of her hand as it rests against his cheek, relaxing further and feeling his muscles slowly unwind.

"I'm not angry with you. I was..." he feels her hand clasp his as she draws nearer, her close warmth as he realises she is leaning against him, the depths to her eyes and the concern within, the gentle stroke of her hand on his chin. Rangin reaches up and gently takes her hand, squeezes it slightly and brings it back down to her lap.

"Thank you." he whispers quietly, looking back into her eyes and smiling.

Rangin sighs slightly remembering what just happened. "I was worried, nervous, scared for both of us. We probably were not in any danger, but I didn't want to take the risk, not with you. They may be paper soldiers, but I'm no soldier at all, just some guy who likes animals. When you both lost your tempers in there, I felt so out of my depth. I've been in that situation once or twice on Coridan, it tended to be painful...for someone...I didn't want it to be us. I just wanted to get us both out of there, alive, intact and not facing any of the duels that Lt. Thalen said they were fond of for indiscretions against them. I'm better than I was before. I used to vanish at the first sign of something like that even beginning to occur. I guess Starfleet training is good for something."

He stops and his eyes flicker across to one side and a wry smile crosses his lips. "Of course, the other good news is that there appears to be no sign of Crewman Dobson or Markovitch."

Rangin looks straight back into her eyes, "You Ok?" he asks.

[Elendil's Heir]

Dobson is missing, but Crewman Markovich is just barely visible through the leaves of the trees, on the opposite corner of the park, slowly walking on patrol.

[choie]

Touched by Velir's honesty, Kylah nods. A nagging guilt continues to tickle the back of her brain; she knows that if they are to be anything, from friends to... to more than that, she must reveal more of herself to him. He will never understand her behavior if he remains unaware of how others' emotions can affect her. He also deserves the right to decide whether he can be with someone who can feel his own emotions--even if he is repulsed by the intrusive nature of her abilities. That is what frightens her the most. That, and the truth about what happened last night. The other terrible truths--and lies--that she must live with? They must remain a secret at all costs. For his safety and hers.

"I am fine, I promise," she murmurs. "I am grateful that you were with me, and awed that you did not run despite your fear. Such discipline makes you braver than those who claim not to know fear." Kylah looks down at his hand and squeezes it gently. "We should go to the others now. But if we have any time once our duties are over, Velir, I hope we may talk seriously. I need to meet your honesty with my own." Even if it ruins everything, she thinks in desolation.

At last Kylah looks up and, making sure neither Markovich nor anyone else is looking in their direction, leans over to brush her lips against Velir's check in a gentle kiss, very quick and delicate, before wobbling to her feet and turning shyly away to head in the direction of the resort.

[CatInASuit]

For a moment, there on the bench in the sunlight, Rangin found a little piece of paradise...

...and then Kylah's words, meet your honesty with my own. Rangin didn't think she had anything to hide, if she did they may be bad, but most things could be worked through. Worse, though, he had his own secrets from his past.

The ones he had run away from.

Rangin looked at Kylah moving away and hoped that one day, they could be completely truthful between each other, but for now her being close was all that mattered. Moving quickly after her to help steady her walk. "Come on, let's get to the admin offices and see what else Mr Graham has found and work out what to do next. Those interviews were useful and so was his info from earlier."

As they walk along, Rangin tells Kylah what Graham had found.

[general_urko]

Graham frowns, seeing Delaney's discouraged state. "This thing can't be indestructible...I'm sure it's manufacturer wouldn't want to disclose the specifications for what it would take to crack it, by brute force if necessary, but could we get a warrant for the information...?" He shakes his head. "Of course you're an engineer and we're flatfoots so I assume we have no idea, we'd need help from the JAG or something to figure that out..."

[choie]

By the time Kylah and Rangin reach the office to find Graham and Delaney--and apparently one of the security officers, whose name Kylah cannot quite remember: Dobson? Dodson?--Kylah has had some time to think over what Velir has told her on the way regarding Graham's discussion with the Admiral.

She is not surprised in the least. She only wishes fervently that she had been there before either Hardin or Ebling were told of Wilson's death. Kylah would have been able to sense if, or when, the spores had truly worn off.

Now she must decide exactly how to explain her knowledge about the Jaxo's prevarications without sounding as if it is just some sort of hunch--or worse, the insulting human expression, 'woman's intuition,' that some of the more obnoxious cadets used to deride her success against them in poker. Admittedly, she was cheating, but that fact does not temper her indignation.

When she limps in--having released Velir's arm before they reached the doorway, shy of having anyone see them in close contact--Kylah also wonders just how much she must admit regarding the conclusion of the interview. Velir is honest and she doubts he will lie for her. But she hopes he might omit things if they are not... particularly... relevant.

"Good afternoon, Lt. Delaney, Mr. Graham," Kylah says in greeting, and then realizes she'll have to take a stab at the other woman's name. It would be rude not to acknowledge a fellow shipmate. "Crewman Dobson."

[general_urko]

Graham frowns as Kylah limps in. Concern for her physical well-being mixes with greater concern that he can't trust her to seek help when she needs it as well as some serious annoyance with Rangin.

You can't be troubled to help her when she obviously can't goddamn walk? he thinks, but in the interest of keeping the focus on the mission and not plunging the group into another pointless argument doesn't say what he wants to say. But I will follow with him up on this one-to-one later.

Graham moves quickly over to Kylah, unable to hold back from a slightly wide-eyed "what are you doing?" glance at Rangin and tries to help her into a seat.

"Ah, Ensign, please sit down," he says. "Dr. T'Var should be returning soon. She can have another look at your leg. Or--do you need to go to Sick Bay, Mr. Kylah?" He shakes his head. "It doesn't mean you can't come back ASAP--" he clears his throat and tries to bring under control his voice, his demeanor, and his internal feelings.

"Look, it doesn't do us any good to have any member of the team aggravating an injury...getting patched up when we need to is part of all our jobs as Starfleet officers." He pauses a moment and adds quietly. "There's no shame in that."

[choie]

Kylah is surprised by Graham's reaction to a mild limp. She accepts the chair with thanks but lifts a hand. "It is really nothing that cannot wait until after this briefing. My knee was just aggravated by--" Her face burns a bit at the memory, and she hates to admit this in front of the crewman she does not know. "Unfortunately, while speaking to the Hwuen, their protocol required us to kneel. The position was not a help to my injury."

She shrugs, having carefully omitted her fall, and hopes that Velir will not fill in the details. "Ensign Rangin wanted me to seek assistance, but as I can walk on it a bit, I do not think it is an emergency. I might as well wait until I visit the infirmary, since I must go there anyway." Her cheeks burn further when she hurriedly adds: "To-- to speak with Dr. Halsey about the strangely haphazard results of yesterday's spore introduction, that is."

After a few seconds, she hurries to change the subject. "I am glad that Dr. T'Var will be returning. I hope this means... I understand this may be private, but did she say whether Lt. Collins is... all right?"

[Elendil's Heir]

As it happens, Dr. T'Var appears in the shimmer of a transporter beam just then. Her expression is grave. She greets you all and takes a seat.

It is now 1132 hours.

[anyrose]

Dobson rises and salutes Kylah and Rangin when they enter. "Good morning, sirs."

When Dr. T'Var beams in, Dobson greets her similarly.

[CatInASuit]

As they enter in, Rangin can see the disapproving look on Graham's face when he sees Kylah limping, but is mildly surprised at the change in attitude. Rangin would have sworn that last time, Graham wasn't that interested in anyone's welfare, but something seems different. This time he actually appears concerned as if something else was playing on his mind and had given him food for thought. Or maybe Graham was just going to use it to blame Rangin...for something.

Rangin smiles at his comment about getting patched up. "Thank you Mr Graham, I quite agree that Mr Kylah should visit the infirmary and ensure her knee is checked over again. Its nothing I haven't said, oh five or six times since we left the Hwuen. And before you ask, no, I didn't let her limp the entire way here, and yes, it is better than it was when we contacted you a few minutes ago."

"Sir", he nods at Lt. Delaney, "Crewman Dobson" he acknowledges her salute.

As T'var beams in, Rangin looks across and sees her face and his heart sinks. It's bad news isn't it, he thinks. "Sir," he says in response before taking a seat and looks back at Graham waiting to see what he wants the team to do next.

[general_urko]

Graham pauses a moment, a little taken aback by the absence of a smart-ass comeback from Rangin. He blinks and clears his throat. "OK," he half-mumbles, before turning to T'Var.

"Welcome back, Doc," he says to the Vulcan. "What ah--what's the word on the lieutenant?" he asks--a bit grimly, given T'Var's expression.