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

[general_urko]

Graham calms his breathing to a whisper and listens carefully for any movement or activity. To the extent possible given the layout, he moves along a wall, phaser sighted and ready, toward the life sign's apparent location. He gestures for T'Var to keep some distance behind him: his objective is to be within line of sight to the door or doorway beyond which the suspect is, without actually crossing the doorway yet--ideally, to be alongside it, while T'Var has line of sight on it from two to three meters away at an angle.

If he reaches a position where it seems sensible to address the suspect's location...

Graham's poised to shoot or move, but otherwise freezes. "Admiral Hardin, I presume," he says loudly and firmly--however, as he speaks he's pausing just a bit more than one otherwise would so he can listen carefully for any sound of movement or activity. "Ensgin Graham, Starfleet Security. You shot me earlier today."

"No hard feelings, although I confess I wouldn't mind returning the favor. But I hope that's not necessary: this building is surrounded. Step out with your hands visible and there's no need for anyone to get hurt."

[Elendil's Heir]

Hsu seems genuinely taken aback by the news of his wife's attempted escape and later phaser-stunning. His jaw moves several times, as if he's trying to come up with something to say, but he finally slumps into a chair and mumbles, "I... I have nothing to say more. I want to talk to a lawyer."

Graham hears a small sound - he can't be sure what it is - from the other room, which in the dim light looks to be the farmhouse's living room or common area. There is no response from whoever is in there. T'Var, glancing at her muted medical tricorder, silently gestures with her phaser directly towards (Graham presumes) where their quarry is, forward and to the left.

[choie]

"A wise choice, Mr. Hsu." Kylah turns to Velir. "I am leaving. We are wasting our time."

Kylah walks out.

[CatInASuit]

As Kylah finishes, Rangin lets her leave before walking across and sitting down near to the distraught man on the side of the bed with a hot cup of coffee from the replicator. Feeling slightly sorry for the man in front of him, and for the first time since they have met, Rangin decides to call him by his first name.

"Here Mr Hsu, Lionel," Rangin offers him the coffee, before continuing calmly and soothingly, "this must be hard for you. I know a lot of things have happened over the last couple of days, events which don't make a lot of sense, people not reacting they way you would expect. It's difficult. But I willl say this, through it all you have been a great help, you and your team have been invaluable in helping us try to uncover what is going on here. "

"Look you're entitled to a lawyer, but I don't believe you have done anything wrong, even though those around, and in some cases those you care deeply about, may have been less than honest about this situation. And we still need your help to finish this, to work out who killed Mr Wilson, your boss. Please, we need your help. It would be a tragedy if you held back something that could wrap up this horrible mess and someone else was hurt."

Rangin stands up and pats him on the shoulder. "Look, take few moments to think about it, clear your head and remember that all we, both Starfleet and the resort, are here to do is the right thing. I know the questions were painful, but they had to be asked and be assured we will find out everything eventually. I'll have someone contact you when your wife is awake and let you know she is alright. She will be fine, but she has much to answer for, but I would rather we had the answers, clear honest answers, from you."

Rangin walks to the door and just before he leaves turns back. "Please, Lionel, don't add accessory to the list, you still have a chance. If you know anything which can help, well, you know how to contact me."

[Elendil's Heir]

Hsu holds the coffee in his hand but does not drink from it, or even look up, before the door whooshes shut on Rangin.

Russell and Harper look a little surprised to see the pair reemerge from the bedroom so fast. Harper also raises an eyebrow, apparently at Rangin's damp and muddy uniform. Russell says, "I should've mentioned, we brought Mr. Hsu here because I didn't like the reaction of the WR&R resort security guys when we took him to the office. Didn't seem like the best place to keep him."

[choie]

Kylah stops in her tracks at Russell's explanation. Right now she is beyond fed up with everyone whose job title includes the word security. Indeed, at this point she might very well attack someone who merely carries a security blanket.

She turns and glares at both officers, but particularly Russell. "It did not seem the best place to keep him," she repeats coldly. "Tell me, Ensign. If Booker Graham were here, would you dare give him that excuse for not informing him of this opinion before you disregarded his orders in favor of your own plan? Is it not correct protocol to request permission for such a change of plan?" She steps closer, fists clenched. "I believe it is. And I am sure you would not have behaved this way with him.

"Well, for right now, at this moment, I am him, for all intents and purposes. And you know that because he told this to you earlier--he told this to everyone. But since this is not the first time his order has been disregarded, I see I shall have to refresh the team's memory as to where things stand."

Whipping her communicator open, she stalks from the suite and says in a fierce, firm voice: "Ensign Kylah to Kjaerstad, Garcia, Barbour, Nelson, Russell, Harper, Coringu, Rawlings, and Rangin. It has been repeatedly drawn to my attention that I must remind you that Ensign Graham, the commander of this mission, has given the express order that as long as he is out in the field searching for Vice Admiral Hardin, I am in charge of operations at this resort.

"Despite this, lives have been put in jeopardy--my life, to be precise--due to certain members of this team choosing to ignore my direct commands. Similarly, others have also unilaterally decided to ignore my instructions--instructions that were recommended to me by Mr. Graham himself--to keep our suspects and witnesses as close together as possible to avoid our diminished crew having to cover a wide area of this resort."

Kylah looks back at Velir, almost pleading with him not to chide her for displaying her anger. "I have no doubt those of you who made these decisions had reasons for what you did. Nevertheless. I am de facto head of this mission, at least as far as this location is concerned. That means that regardless of my lower rank and non-Security status, or whatever you think of me personally, you will obey my orders as you would Mr. Graham's. I am well aware that most of you are far more experienced than I, and I greatly value your opinions and advice. However, I must be informed and my permission sought regarding your actions. I do not want any more surprises, I do not want any more crew members confused by conflicting orders. So until Mr. Graham returns and informs you otherwise, I am to be treated just as you would any mission commander. And that means you do not. Change. Orders. Without. Telling. Me." She takes a deep breath. "Kylah out."

Her face burning, Kylah snaps her communicator shut and strides to the elevator, hoping against hope that Velir will follow and support her.

[general_urko]

All right, to hell with this, Graham thinks, feeling fed up with Hardin, WR&R, and the entire litany of missteps and hassles that has plagued the past couple days.

He holds up a hand indicating T'Var should wait, and quietly slips back toward her. He draws her back as far as he can while still being able to keep an eye on the entrance to the common room or living room where the life sign is located.

He draws T'Var close and indicates they should both have eyes on her tricorder. He hails St. Croix and Gelil and whispers into the communicator. "Thirty seconds from my mark, you will force entry through the exterior wall...one making a hole, one covering. Dr. T'Var's transmitting coordinates from her tricorder so we're all working off the same map." He points to indicate a spot on the wall not directly opposite the door and at least a couple meters away from the life sign's location--no sense accidentally disintegrating the guy, he thinks, although I wouldn't shed many tears--and points out the location of the door. "Everybody take note of the angles of fire."

If there are no questions, he nods to T'Var to trigger a count on her tricorder and says "Mark."

He indicates to T'Var they should take position to enter the room almost simultaneously. "Boom, go" he whispers, readying his weapon.

[CatInASuit]

As Kylah leaves Rangin addresses the two Security Officers. "Gentlemen, when you carry out an action without informing the person in charge it is considered customary to apologise as well as having a damn good reason for it. If you had said that you had to move Mr Hsu because his staff had openly threatened violence towards him, it would be perhaps more understandable that his safety overrode your need to inform Mr Kylah. But as it stands, once you moved him you still failed to inform Mr. Kylah as and when you carried out that action. That gentleman, is lax behaviour. I am certain that both Ens. Graham, Lt JG Collins and even Cmdr. Vargas would expect to be informed when such an action was carried out, whether before or straight after. It appears disrespectful to not do the same for any other person in charge."

"As for this, it's a little wet outside, you may have noticed."

Rangin turns and leaves for the door behind Kylah.

[Elendil's Heir]

Rangin hears one of the Security officers make a disgusted-sounding whistle behind his back just as the door whisks shut.

The seconds tick by, and then Graham and T'Var hear the hum of a phaser from outside. Everything seems to happen at once... A hole appears in the living room wall with a crash, followed by a gust of cooler air and rain from outside. The wooden farmhouse catches fire around the rim of the hole. St. Croix and then Geilil jump through the hole into the room, phasers at the ready. In the light of the flames Graham can see Vice Adm. Hardin slumped on the floor, seated and with his back against the wall. He looks around for just a moment, and then raises a phaser-1 to his mouth.

[general_urko]

Aw hell. Graham has enough experience with impact of phasers on humanoid bodies that unless Hardin mis-sets his phaser, having the Doctor nearby won't make any difference if the Admiral is able to pull the trigger.

Graham does yell "drop the weapon, drop the weapon," but he's already trying to stun Hardin as he starts to say it.

[Elendil's Heir]

Kylah's communicator beeps repeatedly before she opens it again, to hear a chorus of voices saying "Understood," "Aye, aye, ma'am" and "Acknowledged." Most, but not all, of them sound sincere.

Graham is just able to make the shot, and stuns Hardin before the older officer can press his own firing key. Hardin rolls flat on the floor, on his back, arms splayed out. Dr. T'Var runs over to him.

[choie]

Kylah is leaning wearily against the wall near the elevator when she listens to the replies. She is grateful for those who seem to accept her meager authority, but can tell the crew's acknowledgements are not universal. Naturally; she did not expect them to be.

While she waits for Velir she concentrates on what their next move should be. She does not trust Palver, never has, and further is not thrilled by the idea of interviewing him in the library. Of course, if anyone is likely to request an attorney, it is a billionaire businessman with a crooked reputation. Still, he is an unknown quantity in a public place. He must be dealt with safely.

After some thought, she opens her communicator. She swallows back her anxiety at speaking with the Security team again. "Kylah to Kjaerstad, Rawlings, Coringu, Harper and Russell. Lt. Kjaerstad, I have you listening in because you are the senior Security officer here, and I believe you should be aware of what is going on." And to teach you what courtesy is like, she adds silently. "To the rest, I wish to make some adjustments to your current duties. Ensure that no witnesses or suspects are within listening range." She waits a few seconds so that Harper and Russell can, if they have the wit, move away from Hsu.

"First: Mr. Harper, I believe Mr. Hsu can be guarded by you alone. Unless you disagree, I would like to leave you in place while I shift Ensign Russell. If Mr. Hsu leaves, make no effort to stop him; we have no current right to do so. However, should he leave, please keep him in sight as best you can."

She inhales. "Mr. Russell," she says without emotion. "Please leave the hotel tower and join Mr. Nelson; you are to replace Mr. Rawlings, whom I wish to use in a different capacity. I am sure you will welcome the chance to view the outdoors again." If only I could send you outside entirely.

"Ensign Coringu. All I need from you is to please keep a close eye on the surveillance feeds nearest the infirmary and the library--assuming the latter area is indeed covered by a camera. Can you confirm?

"Finally, Ensign Rawlings. I would like to use you for backup while we interview Fellim Palver. Once Russell has relieved you, please go to the area outside the resort's library and station yourself nearby--in view of the doors, but preferably not visible to those inside. Actually," she corrects herself, "you should probably perform a quick reconnaissance to see whether there are multiple entrances. Our goal is to make certain that Palver does not leave without our knowledge--that is what you and Mr. Coringu should keep in mind. So if there is more than one door, try to find a position that gives you the best access to both. Ensign Rangin and I will meet you there shortly, after which we can discuss our next move."

Kylah rubs her temple. Her left eye is again throbbing. "Acknowledge, please? I welcome any recommendations or questions if you have them."

[CatInASuit]

"How very, very unprofessional," remarks Rangin as he rejoins Kylah, "I was not aware they thought so very little of Mr Graham, as they appear incapable of following his orders. As for you, I said earlier you were brave, and you haven't changed my mind. It takes a lot to call people out when they think they can get away with it.

Rangin pauses slightly as if addressing a superior, "If it is acceptable, I would like to contact Dr Halsey and arrange to at least keep Mr Harper informed of Mrs Hsu's condition, so the detail can be passed across to her husband?"

[general_urko]

"St. Croix, assist the doctor--and make sure Hardin has no other weapons," Graham says, stowing his weapon. "Gelil, see if you can tamp those flames down."

He hails Delaney and Friedman. "Hardin's secure. You can get out of the rain," he adds.

He shakes his head, cursing his--what, bad luck? Poor decisions? Clearly as it turns out Hardin was more of a threat to himself than them, while conversely in the meantime Kylah's already had to deal with one dangerous suspect and now perhaps another--while I kept the ex-V'Shar officer and sent her a veterinarian. And if the transporter's still unavailable, I need a suicide watch on Hardin, and potentially to wait around here until he's able to be questioned...

He frowns, anxious to get a status report. Given all screw-ups with poorly timed communications on the mission, he sets his communicator to deliver the traditional soft beep of a hail to Ensign Kylah.

[Elendil's Heir]

All the Security personnel acknowledge Kylah's orders; they have no recommendations or questions. The Elasian officer recalls that Ji Coringu is a Specialist First Class ("Spec/1"), not an ensign.

Rawlings soon reports that the library has three access points: the main door, a side door, and a service entrance. He takes up a position near the main door.

St. Croix searches the unconscious Hardin and finds his phaser-1, a Starfleet-issue communicator, a small gadget she doesn't recognize, and a pocket datapad with clipped-in stylus. Geilil has nothing which which to tame the fire, which is now getting bigger, despite the light rain. Graham realizes that the wooden house, baked dry by years of exposure to Berthold rays, is at some risk of burning down. Dr. T'Var looks up from her scan of Hardin, noticing the flames, and says, "We should move the Vice Admiral outside."

[general_urko]

Graham can't help but laugh at T'Var's deadpan delivery. Either she's got a hell of a dry sense of humor, or she thinks I'm even dumber than Rangin thinks I am...

He suppresses a sigh, assuming even odds given how the mission's gone so far.

He gestures back toward the direction they came to the farm house. "Let's take him back to the last house we searched." He starts to move to help carry Hardin and then checks himself, given that he's waiting for a response to his hail. "Gelil, St. Croix, help carry the Admiral. Hand me his stuff--I'd like to take a look at that data pad."

Of course, if it's encrypted Garcia's back at the main area of the resport...probably engaged in a heavy firefight equipped only with his IQ...

[choie]

While still waiting for the others to respond to her, Kylah hears Velir's voice. His words fill her with such gratitude that she wants to either burst into tears, capture him in an embrace, or flat-out kiss him in front of the entire resort. Since none of those are options considering she has an open connection to several members of the team, she just gazes at Velir with a warm, albeit weary, smile.

Once the officers acknowledge her orders, she closes and starts to put away her communicator. "Thank you," she says at last. "You have no idea how much that means to me." She quickly fills Velir in on the instructions she gave the various officers, and when the elevator arrives she presses the button for the lobby floor. By the time they arrive, Rawlings has given her the news about the library entrances. The layout does not sound ideal, but there is nothing to be done except hope there is no need for complete exit coverage.

She (and presumably Velir) leaves the elevator, intending to ask Rawlings exactly where the library is, but then she feels the pulse of her communicator's silent hail. Frowning, Kylah lifts the device again and feels her heart race when she sees who is contacting her. At once she returns the hail with a soft "Yes, sir," nearly a whisper--she cannot know what his situation is--and adds: "Clear to talk on this end." She mouths It is Graham to Velir.

[general_urko]

Graham didn't intend to telegraph any worry but he can't help but exhale in relief when Kylah responds. He does notice her quiet tone of voice: "It's all right, clear to talk here too, Hardin is secure. We're...ah, we set some things on fire, but we're all fine," he says, shaking his head slightly. "It turns out Hardin was more of a danger to himself than us, after all."

"I'd like a status report, Mr. Kylah..." he pauses. "But, ah--are you in a position to speak freely?"



EH I proceeded under the assumption we wouldn't be trapped in the burning house since we could just blast our way through another wall if necessary...

[choie]

Graham's report is almost too much to take in. Fire? How could they-- but the important thing is that Hardin is not a danger. Kylah's hand clasps to her chest as she takes a deep sigh of relief. "Yes, yes, I can--oh that is very good news, Mr. Graham." She sends a triumphant gaze to Velir, knowing he will understand. "As for us... When I confronted Mr. Hsu with the news of his wife's escape attempt, he refused to speak without an attorney. Harper is watching him. Mrs. Hsu is in the infirmary, probably still incoherent, under guard as well. We--Mr. Rangin and I--are about to speak with Palver. Rawlings will be with us."

She hesitates. "Finally, I contacted Lt. Thalen to make sure someone is in contact with the resort's office manager. I fear the hotel is running out of leadership, and the workers are uneasy. But that is not our concern. Is there anything you need, sir? The fire... you do not need any extra medical help?"

[general_urko]

Graham's concerned Kylah's report feels a little scattershot, but it is efficient--a fair bit seems to have happened but at the same time it seems clear the situation is under control. Control enough.

That wasn't his only concern, however.

"Good--and, no we don't need anything--on our side, we have Hardin's data pad--if it's encrypted I may need to track down Garcia." He pauses. "It, ah, sounds like the situation's under control, Ensign, but aside from the details...I just want to make sure...I know I put you in a difficult situation earlier. Are you all right?"

[Elendil's Heir]

The fire soon gets worse. The interior walls are quite dry and highly flammable. Geilil and St. Croix pick up the unconscious Hardin and carry him back to the previous farmhouse, where the entire Starfleet group takes shelter. Delaney glances back and sees that the house is now fully ablaze and smoking heavily in the intermittent rain. It does not appear close enough to any other structure for the fire to spread, fortunately.

Graham soon learns that Hardin's datapad is indeed encrypted.

Rangin remembers where the library is from having passed it before, and he and Kylah soon arrive there on foot, still drawing some odd looks from guests and staff due to his damp and muddy uniform. The giant Ens. Rawlings, even less inconspicuous, is near the library's front door, and nods a friendly welcome.

Kylah's communicator beeps again. It is Cmdr. Vargas, who asks for a status report and says, "The starbase JAG officer has authorized you to arrest whoever you think necessary, if you believe you have probable cause. We're still waiting on those search warrants."

[choie]

The emphasis of Graham's question makes Kylah pause before responding. She does not want to reveal just how scared she was, or how angry she was at having been left alone--and now is definitely not the time to mention that Mrs. Hsu was armed with a phaser set to heavy stun. Knowing Graham's tendency to treat her like a glass object, he will order her to do nothing more than watch the surveillance feeds in place of Coringu.

"Yes, I am fine," she says with quiet strength. Something impels her to look away from Velir as she continues; she knows how he feels about Graham. "But with respect, I must correct you. You did not put me in that difficult situation--Mrs. Hsu did. You helped get me out of it, by showing confidence in me and talking me through it all, at least as long as we could remain in contact.

"Once all this is over I will have a full report for you, because there are some details that I need to share. But for now, I will just express my gratitude. I am indeed all right, thanks to your support, my own good fortune in shooting well, and--" Her tender gaze returns to Velir. "And the swift arrival of Velir and Harper. I...I have scarcely been happier to see anyone."

She shakes her head slightly, not having meant to speak so personally. "As for decrypting the datapad, you will find Lt. Garcia in the infirmary guarding Mrs. Hsu. We will head there immediately after speaking with Palver; Mrs. Hsu will likely have recovered enough for a proper interrogation."

About to sign off if Graham has no further questions, Kylah suddenly tilts her head. "One final thing just struck me, Mr. Graham: might Hardin have had a reason for heading off to the Colony other than temporary escape? He had a significant head start on the team, and could have hidden or tried to destroy evidence anywhere. We have still not found those extra knives. Perhaps the Berthold Rays were preventing us from scanning for them properly. If you have not done so yet, perhaps all the houses should be searched, just in case."

If Graham has nothing further to add--and if Velir does not indicate that he needs to speak to Graham himself--Kylah will end the conversation with a promise to contact the mission commander once the Palver interview is through.

She and Velir arrive at the library and she has returned Rawlings's nod when her communicator beeps a second time. Yet again Kylah wishes someone would invent a way to make these devices more convenient and mobile. The news from Vargas is most welcome indeed.

"Thank you, sir. I am sure we have probable cause on Mrs. Hsu. I am less certain of her husband; he has requested to speak to an attorney, and is not cooperating with the investigation although I know he has knowledge that will confirm his wife's lack of an alibi. Other than that... I am not sure he is fully aware of her involvement. Meanwhile I am about to speak with a third suspect and I am very glad to know we now have the imprimatur of the law to enable an arrest, if it should become necessary."

If Vargas has nothing further to say, she will disconnect. Then she looks at Velir with a mix of excitement and nervousness, and she starts off to approach Mr. Palver.

[CatInASuit]

Will heading across Rangin contacts Lt Garcia to pass updates on Mrs Hsu to Harper, so he can feed them on to Mr Hsu. He ignores the various stares he is getting for the state of his uniform.

As they reach the library, he nods to Rawlings, and as Kylah turns to him, he smiles, "Ready when you are, following your lead." and gestures for her to go first.

[Elendil's Heir]

Garcia says, "Mrs. Hsu is still unconscious. Dr. Halsey thinks she should come out of it in the next few minutes."

The library is a beautiful, well-lit, wood-paneled rectangular room, about twice the size of a Yorktown rec room. Old books line all the walls; there are also flat display pads on stands. Palver is sitting in an overstuffed leather armchair, reading from a hardcover book. A glass of something dark is on the table by his side. An older Asian couple is talking quietly together across the room.

[general_urko]

Graham's taken aback by Kylah's response. Because you assume she must feel like you screwed up, Booker, or because you feel like you've screwed up? He's not sure he has a clear answer in mind.

At the same time, he's glad to hear it: sometimes you don't know what's going to give people the opportunity to step up and realize their potential... He puts this aside for the mission post mortem...wow, that's going to be a long one, he thinks, reflecting briefly on multiple uses of force, all the interpersonal conflict... He shakes his head clear and takes a second to capture a picture of the burning farmhouse.

It was partially for documentation but mostly for shits and giggles back on the Yorktown, but it causes a pang. He remembers being razzed, a long time ago, taking pictures of places he was assigned to transmit to Elizabeth--usually not about the job itself, instead sunsets, weird plants, spaceports...

Hey, Booker, you're snapping boring stuff. How about "Daddy shot this scumbag" or "Medics pulled this slug from your Daddy's ass?"

"Dear Lizzy, Daddy set a historic building on fire."

Graham hails Yorktown to make a status report, explaining that Hardin is in custody and had apparently intended to take his own life. "I intend to hold him on assault charges if nothing else, for the moment, and keep him here until we have safe transporter access again--although I'll defer to Dr. T'Var's medical judgment. If she believes it is necessary we'll carry him to the resort's medical facility."

Regardless, his assignments are T'Var, St. Croix, and Gelil with responsibility for Hardin. Delaney and Friedman, to the extent possible, to scan, and, if it burns itself out, search the burning house for any other evidence--but to drop it for now and return to the CP if it looks to be impossible at the present time. He also gives Delaney the strange object taken from Hardin.

"Try and figure out the pedigree of this device--might give us some idea of whether he was working with anyone else. Uh--but, 'Lucky'--don't stun yourself or set anything on fire," he adds, smiling slightly.

"I'm going to take this padd to Garcia," he informs the team. "I'd like to read it before anybody interviews Hardin." Also, he notes, I'll back up the cryptologist guarding a suspect we had to take by force.

[choie]

Kylah walks over to the area near Palver, nodding at the couple as pleasantly as possible, although she devoutly wishes they were not here. When she approaches the Rhaandarite, she pauses and gives him a moment to notice her before speaking.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Palver. I apologize for interrupting your reading, but I was hoping you might grant us a favor. We are nearing the end of our investigation, I am relieved to say, and you could be a great assistance to us. Would you mind if I asked you a few questions?" She gives him a self-deprecating smile. "They may seem familiar, but I need to make certain our notes are as accurate as possible. I must also share some information with you that I hope will not be too unsettling, but... well, it involves a suspect's attempts to flee, which involved you, at least peripherally." if there is a chair nearby, she will gesture toward it and ask if she might take a seat beside him.

[Elendil's Heir]

Vargas hears Graham's report, asks some questions, and orders him to bring Hardin and the entire search party back to the resort. "I'll tell WR&R about the loss of the house to fire," he says. "Meteorological scan shows the storm dying down. We should have safe transporter capability in the next half hour. Carry on, Mr. Graham."

Palver gestures to a nearby seat and says, "Help yourself. I think I've told you everything I know, though."

[general_urko]

"All right, you heard the man," Graham says as he begins countermanding his previous orders. "We've done enough damage out here, let's get back to the resort." He's not sure carrying Hardin through the rain when the transporters will be available soon is the best course of action--but getting into a pissing contest with Vargas probably isn't the greatest idea at the moment, he thinks.

He asks St. Croix and Gelil, under T'Var's direction, to search the house for anything like blankets or a cot to make the driest and safest jerry-rigged stretcher to carry Hardin. "Doc, feel free to draft any of us if you want a four-person team," he adds. "Friedman--go on ahead and rendezvous with Rawlings by the library. Lt. Delaney--we may as well get critical mass at the resort's security office. Take the admiral's gizmo back there."

Graham will accompany the remainder of the group to the resort's medical facility.

[general_urko]

Deleted - duplicate post.

[choie]

"Thank you," Kylah says, taking a seat. Of course she has not missed that he has expressed no worry about her comment referring to the suspect involving him in an attempt to flee. Filing away this odd lack of emotion, she eyes the glass nearby. "That looks soothing on a stormy day. If I were not on duty..." She busies herself by taking out her tricorder. "What is it, if you do not mind my asking?"

- "First, I understand this seems repetitive, but one never knows what one might remember after a couple of days. According to my records, you mentioned that this was your first visit to OC3, and you knew none of the staff. You had never met or had business dealings with Mr. Wilson?"

- "Since you have investments in a company that might bid for the contract, if WR&R's license is not renewed, you probably have heard of Vice Admiral Hardin. Have you met him, either during your stay here or earlier? For example, I understand your chartered ship was at Starbase 27 a few days ago. Hardin was also at the Starbase at the time, so you might have seen him there..."

- "Now, to return to the night of the murder--your first night at the resort--can you confirm your account of your activities? To refresh your memory, you mentioned that you had dinner, then went for a walk until..." she glances down needlessly at her tricorder's tiny screen. "Until 8:45PM, when you retired to your cottage. Is that correct, sir? Do you recall seeing Mr. Wilson at any time before you returned?"

[Elendil's Heir]

St. Croix and the others are able to jury-rig a stretcher for Vice Adm. Hardin, and head towards the resort bearing him. Dr. T'Var is close at hand with her medical tricorder. The rain is tapering off again. There are distant rumbles of thunder but no lightning within sight. Graham glances back and sees that the house in which Hardin was hiding is now nearly burned down. Friedman and Delaney go faster, and move ahead of the group. They are already at the top of the hill as Graham and the others reach its foot.

Palver takes a sip from his glass. "It's Saurian brandy. If you decide you'd like some after all, just say the word." He calmly, almost off-handedly, responds to Kylah's questions:

"First, I understand this seems repetitive, but one never knows what one might remember after a couple of days. According to my records, you mentioned that this was your first visit to OC3, and you knew none of the staff. You had never met or had business dealings with Mr. Wilson?" - "That's correct."

"Since you have investments in a company that might bid for the contract, if WR&R's license is not renewed, you probably have heard of Vice Admiral Hardin. Have you met him, either during your stay here or earlier? For example, I understand your chartered ship was at Starbase 27 a few days ago. Hardin was also at the Starbase at the time, so you might have seen him there...." - "I had heard of but not met Hardin, as I recall, until we got our dose of the spores when we arrived. I was at Starbase 27 briefly, but was working aboard ship and didn't go ashore, and didn't meet him then."

"Now, to return to the night of the murder--your first night at the resort--can you confirm your account of your activities? To refresh your memory, you mentioned that you had dinner, then went for a walk until..." she glances down needlessly at her tricorder's tiny screen. "Until 8:45PM, when you retired to your cottage. Is that correct, sir? Do you recall seeing Mr. Wilson at any time before you returned?" - He seems a little abashed. "You know, I've been thinking about that. I might've misremembered what happened that night, and misstated it to you. The timing of things is all mixed up in my mind. I took that walk and came back, yes, but after working for awhile, was restless and decided to go out again. I went to the nightclub and was there until... after 11, I think. Maybe later? I'm just not sure. I did see Wilson there, and we spoke briefly. He just asked if I was enjoying the spores, if my house was satisfactory, and so on. Nothing terribly weighty or important." He shrugs, and takes another sip of his brandy. "Sorry. I almost wonder if the spores were playing tricks on my memory...?"

[choie]

"I see. I am glad to have that cleared up, as we have recently uncovered footage of the nightclub that shows that you were actually there from before 8PM until a little past 11PM. The discrepancy between this and your account has been worrying. I have not heard of the spores having such an effect on someone's memory--to make one forget three hours of activity. Have you, Mr. Rangin?" Kylah glances up at Velir before returning to Palver. "Ensign Rangin is a xenobiologist, you see, and knows a great deal about the spores and their effects.

"Of course," she adds slowly while noting his latest version of events on her tricorder, "when you originally told us of your activities, it was the next morning, when the spores had worn off. Perhaps you should get a thorough check-up from Dr. Halsey, as your memory appears to have been affected even after you were no longer under the spores' influence."

"Speaking of the spores... you were introduced to them earlier that day, although I understand you actually arrived at the resort the day before. Do you remember the reason for the delay? We have been trying to determine the cause of the spores' lost effectiveness, and I wonder if you were given any explanation for why you were not introduced the same day as your arrival, like everyone else?"

"As I mentioned, there is one suspect who has attempted to evade further questioning, and in fact, made a great deal of effort to escape the planet itself--to get to the Trimalchio. We have wondered why this person chose that yacht in particular."

An idea springs forward, and Kylah looks up at Palver intently. "...And it occurs to me that, given that there were a number of suspicious transporter uses the evening of the crime, it is just possible that some evidence may have been secretly beamed aboard. Indeed, it might even be deadly--one of the suspects, a possible collaborator, possessed unusual and dangerous technology, and was willing to commit suicide to prevent capture. To help protect anyone on board from any hazardous material, would you give us permission to search the ship?"

Kylah looks up at Velir. "Do you have any questions, Mr. Rangin?"

[Elendil's Heir]

Palver says, "It is indeed a matter of concern for me that my memory seems to have been so faulty." He does seem especially concerned, however, Kylah observes. "I intend to speak to my own physicians, other Rhaandarites, about this when I leave. I was not immediately treated with the spores because I was engaged in some business negotiations via subspace radio - the same matter which concerned me at Starbase 27 - and did not wish to immediately go under their influence." He thinks a moment. "I have been in touch with the captain of the Trimalchio recently, and he did not report anything amiss. I don't think a search would be necessary, but I thank you for your concern. Who tried to go to the yacht?" He seems very curious about that.

Graham and his party reach the crest of the low hill and start down. They can see the lights of the resort not far away. Hardin has not stirred on his stretcher.

[CatInASuit]

Rangin is happy to stand back and watch Kylah at work questioning Fellim Palver, firmly and fairly, paying polite attention to the questions and the answers and enjoying just what a good job she is doing, despite everything that has occurred over the last few days.

"Yes I do, thank you Mr Kylah," Rangin picks up the questioning. "Given what is known about the spores, forgetfulness is not one of the usual symptoms, indeed for most species it should improve the ability of the brain to function as the spores repair any damage. There is a large amount of research in this, that may be worth looking into, but I believe you had a meeting with Dr Halsey yesterday in which you were examined and that not only had the effect of the spores had been lost, but that there was also no adverse effect from them."

"Now, following that, the spores are removed are in a particular manner as I am sure you are aware."

"My first question is can you think of any circumstance you encountered last night that could have resulted in the loss of the spores effect?"

"Secondly, can you think of the first time that you were aware of the loss of the spores in your system?"

"Thirdly, from the time you left the nightclub to the moment of realisation about the loss of spores, can you think of anything unusual or untoward that you felt, anything more vivid than usual, something more emotional than expected?"

Rangin politely awaits the answers.

[general_urko]

"Hell of thing, isn't it, Doc," Graham says to T'Var quietly, trying to make sure Hardin wouldn't be able to overhear even if he were conscious.

"It may be that somebody other than him whacking Wilson spilled the beans on his whole kickback scheme..." Graham shakes his head. "I've seen people feeling trapped and desperate...well, some people do things for which a quick death is nowhere near justice. But to kill yourself over this kind of thing... " He shrugs. "I'm glad I made the shot."

[Elendil's Heir]

Palver responds to Rangin's questions:

"My first question is can you think of any circumstance you encountered last night that could have resulted in the loss of the spores effect?" - "No, I really can't, as I said before."

"Secondly, can you think of the first time that you were aware of the loss of the spores in your system?" - "When I woke up that morning. I was under their influence when I went to bed, but wasn't when I awoke. Very odd."

"Thirdly, from the time you left the nightclub to the moment of realisation about the loss of spores, can you think of anything unusual or untoward that you felt, anything more vivid than usual, something more emotional than expected?" - He thinks for a long time and then shakes his head. "No, I really can't."



Dr. T'Var nods at Graham's remark. "As am I, Mr. Graham. I would not call myself an expert on Human psychology, but as I understand it, it is not uncommon for one who is accustomed to power and influence to react negatively to an abrupt, dramatic loss of status. Contemplating disgrace, loss of office and prosecution could not have been easy, especially for one of the Vice Admiral's advanced age and ill health."

"Even to the extent of, well, suicidal despair?" St. Croix asks, turning her head.

"It is possible," Dr. T'Var says. "But for the moment, I concede, speculation. Any definite answers will have to await his interrogation."

Delaney and Friedman have now entered the resort. Graham and the others are just a few minutes away.

[choie]

Kylah concentrates very carefully on Palver. His lack of concern about his health is... strange. A high-powered businessman having lost three hours, including time when he was supposedly checking his own stock interests and getting some bad news as well, and he is not worried? She gathers all her empathic strength and aims it squarely at the man's bulbous head.

"I understand that you are more comfortable with Rhaandarite doctors, sir, but perhaps the Starfleet medical staff over at our research lab would be the best people to investigate spore-related phenomena? They are the only people who would know anything about these particular plants. I would be frightened to have lost so much time--not just losing the time, but apparently replacing it with other false memories the morning after. As I recall, you said you were most concerned about a stock, which you had been following carefully--and your comments were in such great detail.... let me see." She looks down at her tricorder. "You originally said, 'I went to bed around 10pm, after checking the latest stock market reports - New York, Carolus Prime and Deneva, my usual routine - but I didn't fall asleep for at least half an hour or so. Not good news on the markets lately, I'm afraid.'" She returns to face Palver. "You were at least an hour off, since you did not return until nearly 11:15, I would think. So apparently there was little time for you to made such extensive research into those multiple stock markets. A successful businessman such as yourself must find that disturbing, and I would think you would be in a rush to ensure nothing else has wreaked havoc on your memory over the past few days. Perhaps you will reconsider and let our doctors help you?"

"I also would respectfully ask you again, somewhat more urgently, if we may search the yacht ourselves. We are searching for evidence to find a killer, someone who seems to have remarkable skill with a transporter, given all the activity displayed the night of the murder--and, in fact, the day before the murder. The same day your ship arrived, in fact. So something may indeed have occurred without your Captain's knowledge."

"Speaking of whom, you mention that you spoke with the Captain... when was this? And, if you do not mind my asking, why? Was this before the attempted boarding of the ship?"

"Can you think of any connection anyone on the ship might have had with Mr. or Mrs. Hsu? Because, you see, sir..." Kylah doubles her efforts to track his emotions. "To answer your question, the person who attempted to beam aboard your ship was Mrs. Hsu. And she was armed. Can you think of a reason she might have to threaten someone on board--or even you?"

[CatInASuit]

While Kylah picks up questioning Fellim Palver again and taking his full attention, Rangin steps quietly off to one side to speak into his communicator.

Rangin first contacts Lt. Kjaerstad in the Security Office to get them to check the original footage before midnight and confirm Palver left at 11:00, went to his guest house and did not leave before midnight when the tapes were wiped.

He then contacts Dr Lucy Anderson at the research station about the effects of the spores on Rhaandarites and in particular if there have been any cases of their mental faculties being affected.

Hopefully they can respond promptly while they are still talking to Palver.

[Elendil's Heir]

Palver takes another sip of brandy. "No, thank you, I still think I'll wait to consult with my own doctors. I have not been terribly impressed by the physicians here. I again decline your request to search my ship. I spoke to Capt. Morris earlier today about, well, this and that - nothing of any consequence. I suppose it would've been before Mrs. Hsu, as you say, tried to beam aboard. I know of no one on the Trimalchio crew with any connection to the Hsus, but most of my dealings have been with the captain, and I don't know much about any individual crewmember - of whom there are eight, by the way, not counting the captain." He seems only mildly surprised by the news that Mrs. Hsu was armed, and says, "I know of no reason why Mrs. Hsu would want to threaten someone on the yacht, or me, in particular."

Lt. Kjaerstad says he will begin reviewing the footage immediately, but it will take a few minutes.

Dr. Anderson checks both the Starfleet research station's and the resort's medical databases. She soon reports that four Rhaandarites had undergone OC3 spore treatment before Palver, and none reported any memory loss.

[CatInASuit]

Rangin returns to Kylah and Mr Palver hearing his response to her questions.

"Mr Palver, I'm afraid I have some bad news. It appears that of all the Rhaandarites to have undergone spore therapy, you are indeed the only one to apparently suffer any ill effects. In fact, they should have been beneficial to such matters. Also, every other resident here who lost the effect of the spores has been able to account for it, in some fashion or another. But as you have said there is nothing you can think of that could have caused this, then I can only assume that whatever caused the spores to lose effect was so great it has caused short term memory loss as well." Rangin looks sadly at the businessman. "Oh dear," he concludes on the news before continuing on a different theme.

"On the topic of the Trimalchio: Given that you last spoke to the Captain a few hours ago, but that someone did try to board the ship even more recently, we would like you to consider allowing us to speak to the Captain to get their witness statement on what just occurred. Given the nature of the attempt, it would be remiss of us not to interview everyone who is involved, whether they knew it or not."

[choie]

Kylah almost smiles at Velir's words, but she merely turns to him and says calmly, "That is very true, but we need not bother Mr. Palver with that request, Mr. Rangin. He has only rented the Trimalchio, he does not own it. We do not have to badger him further, when we can go speak to the captain and crew ourselves. Their cooperation is their own responsibility, not Mr. Palver's. He may continue to relax here and recuperate from what seems to have been an extraordinary reaction to the spores."

Now she does smile at Palver, adding a trace of worry in her eyes as she looks him over. "I do thank you for your assistance, and I hope you are making the right choice to wait for medical assistance. I was not aware you had been treated by Starfleet in the past--of course you realize that our medical officers are not related to the ones here at the resort, correct? But if you have somehow been ill-disposed to Starfleet medical personnel, I am sorry for that.

"In any event, I do hope you reconsider. Our team at the research lab is second to none in knowledge of the spores. Too, there is the matter of the knowledge that you have been impaired by this situation. If news were to get out that your mental processes are faulty, it could be devastating to your reputation, and contribute to a lack of confidence in your business acumen. We will do our best to keep that confidential, of course. But we have already had to consult with several people here regarding your unusual condition, and I cannot vouch for their discretion. In any event I am glad you are resting quietly here."

She turns back to Velir. "We should go, I believe. Mrs. Hsu will be waking soon, if she is not up already. She will be able to explain why she chose the Trimalchio, and if she had any reason to threaten Mr. Palver or the ship's crew. That should help us determine whether there is any further need to protect Mr. Palver. And there is Vice Admiral Hardin to interview now, as well. I am sure he will have much to tell us."

With only a glance back at Palver, she adds, "Thank you again, sir. I wish you good luck. If your memory continues to improve and you have anything further to add, please do not hesitate to let us know."

Kylah nods a farewell and turns away, flashing Velir a secret crooked smile before heading to the library exit. When she reaches Rawlings and sees Friedman there as well, she greets both of them and murmurs, "He is still a suspect--not definitively, but his responses and actions make me uneasy. Since you are here, Mr. Friedman, I assume Ensign Graham is back? That means I have no further authority to give orders, but I do at least suggest you both keep a close eye on Palver--preferably without being noticed, which may be easier for one of you than the other," she adds with an admiring little smile up at the massive Rawlings.

[Elendil's Heir]

Palver's air of calm is undented by Kylah's and Rangin's parting shots. He smiles and raises his glass to them as they leave.

Friedman, who is even wetter than Rangin, says, "Mr. Graham and the others weren't far behind us. They should be here shortly."

Lt. JG Kjaerstad in the Security Office confirms Palver left the nightclub at 2306 hours and went to his guest house, and was not seen again before the system went blank at 2400.

Graham and the rest of the search party enter the resort complex, and are soon met by Officer Peters, whose eyes bug out a little at the sight of them. He directs them to the Infirmary with Vice Adm. Hardin. Dr. T'Var says to Graham on the way, "It would be advisable for the party to change out of their wet clothes as soon as possible to avoid being chilled. The resort has laundry or replicator facilities, I presume."

[CatInASuit]

Rangin nods at Fellim Palver as he leaves and follows Kylah before receiving Lt. JG Kjaerstad's response.

"Well it looks like Mr Palver's second account of his movements ties up with the footage we have available." Turning to Kylah he nods, "I agree, we should go and see what Mrs Hsu has to say for herself, though I do need to check with Mr Young, the Finance Officer to see if he has made any progress on the resort accounts. Actually, while we are in the Infirmary we can check with Dr Halsey about Palver's checkup yesterday."

Rangin places a call to Hiram Young to get an update on the WR&R accounts and any discrepancies that may, or may not, have been found.

He looks across at Friedman, "You have my sympathy, I suggest drying off sooner rather than later. I've only just manged to do so myself."

"Actually Kylah," Rangin says before they move off, "if Mrs Hsu was trying to get to the Trimalchio, we should at least see if there was a good reason for picking that ship instead of any of the others. One moment." Rangin calls Mr Conringu in the CP.

"Mr Coringu, with Mr Hardin under arrest, I don't believe there is any need to monitor the Cameras quite as closely. As you are in the CP, can you start a search for any cross links between Mrs Hsu, Fellim Palver, Vice Adm. Hardin and the Trimalchio including any of the crew on board that ship, if you can find that out. If you need me to get Mr Graham or Ens Kylah to authorise it, I can do so."

[choie]

Listening to Velir as he makes his contact with Young, Kylah contemplates everything they have just heard from this somewhat eerie man. Something about him unnerves her; his manner, his... his smugness.

She walks with Velir but focuses ahead, paying little attention to her surroundings. "I remember Dr. Halsey's comments about Palver and the others affected by the spores. He said quite clearly that all those who lost the spores' effects reported nothing else out of the ordinary. Would Palver really have neglected to report that he did not remember anything that happened the night before he lost the effects? And the scans were normal." She shakes her head and looks up at Velir. "Either Halsey is lying--which seems pointless--or Palver is. It must be Palver. But why? Why?

"At any rate, I am calling his bluff. I will not be satisfied until the Trimalchio is searched and ruled out. As you say, there might have been some reason Mrs. Hsu chose the Trimalchio rather than the Chariot. She seems to have believed she would find a safer harbor there. Then there is the fact that it was at Starbase 27 along with Hardin, and--"

Kylah cuts herself off and thinks. "Velir," she says slowly. "There is something that has never made sense for either Hardin or Mrs. Hsu. The attempted security breach, coming from some subspace source. Mrs. Hsu... she was with our staff the entire time that breach would have occurred. Indeed she was with some or all of us all day, since after lunch until after the breach was discovered.* How would she manage this?" Her eyes widen with a possibility. "But it would be entirely possible if that subspace attempt came from the Trimalchio. Do you not agree?"



* See posts #905 through #978.

[CatInASuit]

Rangin thinks back over that day. "Well I spent a lot of that with Drs T'var and Halsey in the Infirmary, but if she was with someone all day, then she couldn't have carried out that breach. Then who did? Hardin, perhaps trying to find out something, but he didn't have access to a subspace setup, otherwise we would have seen it beamed down with him. Perhaps it was someone else, and that really only leaves Fastolfe or Palver who have their own ships in the area."

"I think you're right, I think looking over the Trimalchio is a very good idea."

[choie]

Kylah nods, smiling. It is truly rewarding working with someone whose mind is as quick as Velir's. "I will need to contact Yorktown, probably Cmdr. Vargas, and ask him about the Trimalchio. I had better include Graham in this as well--my brief time as this resort's mission commander is at an end, and I doubt either Security officer will appreciate my subverting their authority."

She lifts her communicator. "Ensign Kylah to Commander Vargas and Ensign Graham. We have just interviewed Fellim Palver, whose chartered ship is the Trimalchio. He has changed his alibi and lied to us, twice now. He is acting extraordinarily suspicious as well, claiming medical issues that are not borne out by the examination by Dr. Halsey or any previous experience with Rhaandarites. Further, not only was it that particular yacht that Mrs. Hsu chose for her attempted escape, but it is a strong option for that subspace beacon that attempted to breach the hotel's security. Mr. Graham, you can confirm this--Mrs. Hsu was with all or part of our landing party for the entire time, from after lunch until the breach was reported. She could not be responsible. The Trimalchio is a good bet. Further, the yacht was at Starbase 27 when we picked up Hardin, which could be another link to our three suspects.

"I know we believe Mrs. Hsu guilty of the murder, due to her escape attempt, but given Palver's demanor and lies... well, I believe it is possible for all three to be connected. Palver invests in a competitor; Hardin arranges for the competitor to win the license; Mrs. Hsu stays on as Administrator. It works rather neatly."

Taking a breath, she concludes: "I would thus like to request an interview with the Captain of the ship, and the ability to go on board for a search as well. There is a good reason to do so, anyway--Mrs. Hsu's attempted escape. With all the transporter activity, there could have been something secreted aboard without their knowledge. Fastolfe's knives, for example," she adds with a sudden knowing look at Velir. "So would you consider making such a request, Commander, and see if I can talk to them, or go on board? And in the meantime, could you also begin the process for a search warrant for Palver, please?" She suddenly remembers, abashedly: "That is, if Mr. Graham concurs with my assessment. What are your thoughts, sir?"

[general_urko]

Graham nods to the doctor. "Good point." He already has his communicator out to sort out a rotation for people to change--and, for that matter, eat, he thinks, noticing how hungry he is--when he receives Kylah's hail.

Graham frowns and rubs his chin. "The court didn't grant us a warrant for Fastolfe's ship earlier, but I'd argue we have a better case with Palver at this point: one, he's lied about his alibi, and his loss of the spores is...anomalous; two, we have hard evidence Hsu was trying to get to his ship; three, there's at least the chance of a connection to Hardin, who we now know for sure is dirty, via Starbase 27; and four, the subspace attack and the disappearance of the knives are consistent with use of a ship." He pauses. "We haven't cracked Hardin's data pad yet, I suppose it may be a lot to hope that Palver's name is on it. In any event, I support a request for search warrants for both Palver and his lodgings and the ship."

He pauses a moment. "Excuse me Commander--Mr. Kylah, while you and Mr. Rangin are momentarily free, please use the resort facilities to get yourselves dried off at the least. We're all overdue to get out of cold, wet clothes."

[choie]

Relieved that Graham agrees with her and Velir's ideas, Kylah nods along with his recitation of the facts. She is tempted to emphasize Palver's disconcerting demeanor, but it is so nebulous that it would hardly count as a worthwhile piece of evidence against him. She is still uncertain why he bothered her so much.

Then she hears Graham's suggestion about changing clothes, and she suppresses a smile when she glances over at poor Velir. "Yes, I will pass that along to Mr. Rangin. But you are forgetting, I was not outside, Mr. Graham, and--" She looks down at the uniform temporarily dampened from Velir's embrace. Her efforts at drying it back in the CP seem to have worked well enough. "--and I have no need to change. I do think many of the team must be quite hungry by now. I had some soup while researching earlier, but the rest of you need some sustenance. Oh--I should mention that Mr. Rangin has asked Mr. Coringu to research any links among Hsu, Palver and the Vice Admiral, or the ship itself. And Friedman and Rawlings will be keeping watch over Palver."

As she talks, her mind pictures the Rhaandarite sitting there in that chair, drinking and reading a book for all the world as if the library was his own private sitting room. His calm and disingenuous attitude again rankles her--more than that, it made her want to smack him. Why he should trigger such emotions, she has no idea.

...Until she connects the image with an older one in her memory. Of course, she recalls with a slight shudder. When her uncle first told her of that he had been making inquiries on where her future in Starfleet would take her, and how he planned to utilize her skills--that day, she had found him in what used to be her father's study, her father's chair, enjoying some tea. He was so pleased that his efforts to get her a post aboard a fine starship were about to reach fruition, although he again alluded to the fact that she could still back out, if she chose another path: his path. His self-satisfied attitude--knowing she would still be under his thumb whether on Elas as his wife or lightyears away on a Federation starship--had made her ill.

She swallows and ignores the unbidden recollection, waiting for Vargas's decision.

[Elendil's Heir]

Hiram Young has not been able to find anything out of the ordinary in the resort financial records. He says, "If there's anything there - and I'm not convinced there is - it's either buried really deeply, or it's very well-concealed."

Spec/1 Coringu begins checking on any links between Mrs. Hsu, Fellim Palver, Vice Adm. Hardin and the Trimalchio and her crew.

Vargas says he will contact the captain of the Trimalchio. Still no word on the earlier search warrant requests.

All of the wet and muddy Yorktown personnel are given access by WR&R Security Officer Peters to two unoccupied suites. Soon each has had a chance to bathe and to don clean, dry uniforms. Graham feels like a new man. He is just pulling on his boots when Dr. Halsey calls to say Mrs. Hsu is gaining consciousness.

[general_urko]

Graham can't help but laugh as the phrase thought "I feel like a new man" comes to mind. What would it mean for me to be a 'new man?' he muses. Well, according to Rangin using opposable thumbs, I suppose.

I'll settle for not fucking anything else up. He realizes there are already two use-of-force reports to file: one for Hardin and one for Mrs. Hsu. The latter will be more complicated--I should help Ens. Kylah with it. But...and I grabbed Ens. Kylah... She may want to drop the whole thing, but should that matter? He frowns. I swear to god it was like she was reading my mind. He shakes his head. Just coincidence, and me being...in a bad place.

He's ruminating while he pulls his boots on when the communicator demands his attention. "I'm on my way," he replies. "Please minimize conversation with her if she wakes up before I get there."

He realizes he hasn't checked in with all the Yorktown personnel on-planet since Hardin's apprehension. He transmits to the group. "This is..." he wonders whether to say "Ensign." Am I being obnoxious by rubbing senior officers' noses in it, or by leaving it out? He decides to go with the path of fewer words. "This is Graham. I'm back on the grid for operational command. Please continue with your current assignments. We'll make arrangements for check-ins and relief shortly."

He double-times it to Sick Bay. If he doesn't see T'Var in person on his way out of their temporary suites he hails her, indicating he'd like her with him with Mrs. Hsu. Likewise, if he hasn't had a chance to give Garcia Hardin's datapad he asks the lieutenant to come get it from him.