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

Collins, having recovered, though not as quickly as before, joins T'Var so they can go see about the Admiral and Ebling.

Kylah starts to stand and suddenly her breath hitches slightly, feeling... something. Discomfort. With a confused frown, she looks around the table quickly and sees nothing but Collins rising slowly to her feet.

Velir's voice distracts her. "I--beg your pardon? Oh... yes, I do not see why not--" Kylah breaks off when a repeat of the strange feeling hit her, this time accompanied by Collins's slight vocalization. She lifts her hand before turning back to the mission commander, who is now standing up... again. When did she sit down?

Kylah wonders if she should say anything. Is there any expression of concern that Collins would believe genuine? She ignores her instinct for self-preservation. "Lieutenant," she says hesitantly. "Are you all right?"

"Yes," Collins lies "just maybe I overdid the coffee today." She smiles, just a little, at Kylah. "Thank you, Ensign."

Graham notices Collins: well a medical issue would explain why she's been struggling, he thinks. His level of concern rises--not just about the mission, but for her well-being. She's young, he thinks, maybe afraid of the repercussions of not completing a mission. He considers trying to pull her aside and emphasize that whatever her exchange with Vargas, if she's ill she shouldn't be "sucking it up," she should get checked out.

But he's also not sure she won't take that as condescending, given his track record communicating with almost everyone so far on the team this mission...

Collins's smile disconcerts Kylah almost as much as the brief moment of distress emanating from her did. Kylah just gives a weak nod and remains silent, deciding that the lieutenant's business is her own. Although she now wonders if this is why Collins rearranged the team--so that she could be paired with Dr. T'Var.

Just please do not let them go to the infirmary, she begs of no one in particular. Thinking of the Hsus, Kylah shifts her focus to her strategy. Should she ask for Wilson's communicator from the safe? Kylah already copied the messages over to her tricorder back when she first got access to them--a rather fortuitous decision on her part, almost bizarrely so since there was no indication at the time that they would ever be of use--but Mrs. Hsu could easily claim a forgery. If necessary I can tell her--or him--that I can produce the originals, she decides. No need to bring evidence to suspects who may have a reason to destroy it. I shall do so only as a last resort.

She moves out the door to the corridor, then looks back and waits for her partner to follow her. Her gaze falls on Rangin. Oh Velir, why could it not be you?

Graham moves to follow Kylah, now wondering if he should try to pull T'Var aside and encourage her to talk to Collins about getting checked out. Then he realizes--of course--that Collins went out of her way to pair herself with the doctor. OK, so she's going to do the right thing, he thinks--and it's probably no big deal anyway.

He can't help but chuckle out loud as he reaches the corridor. Maybe I should still pull the Doc aside and encourage her to talk to Rangin getting the stick out of his ass.

Seeing Lt. Collins like that is disconcerting, especially her response to Kylah. Rangin hopes it just an after effect of the nerves and if there is anything wrong Dr T'Var would be on hand. As Kylah and Graham head through the door Rangin ghosts up behind him with Lt. Delaney.

"Something funny Mr Graham? I could do with cheering up." Rangin addresses to the back of the man's head in a jovial tone. "I hope you don't mind us joining along to the Admin offices, we should be able to find out where Mr Khövsgöl might be."

His voice becomes even more calm and pleasant as he steps alongside Kylah. "Kylah, I'm sorry to ask, but I wasn't paying that much attention to Mr Khövsgöl during the spore introduction. I was paying more attention to the spores instead, which was a lot more interesting. Is there anything else you can tell Lt. Delaney and I about him before we talk to him. I would be most grateful." He smiles across at her while waiting for a reply.

Kylah looks at Velir and is struck by the realization this is the first time they've been in a conversation since... well, since everything changed. She wants to smile at him but is afraid to show too much in front of the others. A simple warm glance is all she grants him before speaking.

"I wish I could be more helpful," she says, "but I did not see much of him. Lt. Delaney will remember that Mr. Khövsgöl was the one who collected us when we were at the pool. He was polite enough, despite it being clear that we were not where Mr. Wilson wished us. I do wonder why Wilson was so anxious about our looking around the resort; what was he worried we would find?"

She shakes her head. "At any rate, during the spore introduction, I too was paying attention to the guests and how they were... how they were reacting." Kylah pauses, remembering how bowled over she had been by the guests' bliss; it was intoxicating even by proxy. If she had known what would happen, that she would soon be foolish enough to attempt to recapture that experience--

"So I cannot help you," Kylah says hurriedly and returns her gaze forward. "You and Lt. Delaney have the same knowledge I do."

"Oh well, we will just have to see what we can get from him. He's probably just another standard employee, but let's hope he has something useful we don't yet know." Rangin smiles at Kylah enjoying the moment of walking alongside her.

"Before I forget, Mr Graham. When you do find Mr Hsu, you should be able to get him to add your colleagues to the security database to allow them access to the Command Post. Otherwise they will be locked out." Rangin considered it better to get Graham to sort it out, than point out something else that Lt. Collins had missed.

"Oh you know," Graham says to Rangin, "I can't help but chuckle when I reminisce about particularly entertaining uses of force over the years." He shrugs and gestures like he's had a great idea. "Maybe when have downtime back on the Yorktown, I'll do a dramatic recitation of my top ten. I'll save you a front-row seat."

He clears his throat. "But, ah, anyway on a serious note, yeah, thanks for the reminder to hook the squad up with entry authorization." He shakes his head. "If Mahmoud can't get his afternoon snack things might get ugly."

"I heard that, Booker," the Libyan officer says mock-sharply, as he's just about to leave. "If you'd like, I can tell Mr. Rangin about that time on Betazed with you and the hotel buffet...?"

Rangin smiles at the comment. "Perhaps you should include that story in the encore of your show, Mr Graham, and, of course, you're welcome, we all need to try and help each other out."

Rangin heads off to the Admin offices, to find someone who can tell him and Lt. Delaney where Mr Khövsgöl might be and hopefully accompanied by Kylah and to a lesser extent Mr Graham.

As Rangin and Delaney are heading out the door, Collins suddenly moans in pain, clutches her lower abdomen and falls to the floor. After a moment of everyone's stunned silence, Dr. T'Var rushes to her side, removing the hand scanner from her medical tricorder as she does.

Suck it up, dammit, suck it up! Collins tries to control her breathing to no avail. She tries to stand but the pain won't let her straighten up, so she settles for sitting up, at which point she becomes aware of how wet her slacks are. Then she notices the red puddle, on which she is sitting, getting larger.

Graham wonders why the hell it is taking so long for everyone to leave the CP. Although concerned about Kylah getting ahead of their little group, he turns back, impatiently, to see what's going on.

"Oh shit," he says out loud as he catches a glimpse at what's happening. He shoulders his way to Collins, takes one knee and puts a hand on her shoulder. With the other he pulls out his communicator. "Graham to Yorktown. Prepare for emergency medical evacuation. Human female, traumatic blood loss. Details to follow from Dr. T'Var."

"Let the doc do her thing," he says to Collins. "You'll be all right."

Before Collins can object to being sent back to the ship, another pain in her abdomen causes her to cry out. I don't understand. Have I been poisoned? Why would someone do that? Then the truth of the situation occurs to her, and she starts to cry.

As he walks out of the room, Rangin hears the cry from Lt. Collins and puts his hand out to stop the door closing on the group of four leaving. He looks across and sees that Mr Graham has run across to where Lt. Collins was standing moments previously and the top of Dr T'Var is visible across the table.

Aware that getting in the way would only exacerbate matters and hearing the call from Graham to the USS Yorktown, he cannot help but feel useless while waiting for matters to unfold.

Kylah feels more than hears the painful cry of the mission commander. Gasping, she turns around and sees Graham rushing from the group back into the room while Rangin stands by the doorway staring down. She moves forward hesitantly to look inside. She can't see Collins, but looking down, she sees a widening pool of blood by Graham's feet.

Sympathy and guilt mingle in Kylah's heart. Her dislike for Collins does not mean she cannot feel for the woman's fear and pain. She wants to reach Collins and say something reassuring, that the doctors will do all they can, that she must stay still and listen to whatever T'Var tells her. But she does not dare. Collins does not want her now.

She is unable to do anything but follow her second instinct: to clutch at Rangin's arm. Collins's anguish is palpable. And it is familiar. Kylah's mother had six pregnancies by the time Kylah was ten, and only two of the fetuses survived.

"She is losing it," she whispers, more to herself than Velir.

"You'll be ll right, if I have anything to do with it" is what Graham wants to say, as he's said to wounded colleagues in the past--but of course, in this case, you don't have anything to with it, he thinks.

He's not sure what's going on--and is not sure he wants to know--but keeps his hand on Collins' shoulder. "Take it easy, you'll be OK," he says.

"Call out what you need, Doc, I have a channel open to Yorktown," he says to T'Var.

Watching impotently, Kylah cannot help feeling bitter at the cruelty of such circumstances happening on a planet described as a realm of perfect happiness and peace. The spores led to her own misery last night, and now they can do nothing for...

Kylah's eyes widen and she pulls Rangin away from the door to speak to him alone in the corridor. "Velir," she whispers urgently, now clutching his arm with both hands. "I would not violate privacy but this is an emergency. I do not know if you are aware of this, but Lt. Collins is pregnant. First trimester. I fear she is miscarrying."

She flicks a worried glance at the CP before returning to Rangin. "This may be a mad suggestion, but... could the spores help her? In our original mission briefing, you told us the spores repaired old wounds, even regenerated organs that had been surgically removed. Is there any chance they might--might fix whatever is wrong now, with the fetus? Would it be worth contacting the Research Lab?"

Dr. T'Var runs a quick scan of Collins, feels the Security officer's abdomen with her own hands, and says to Graham, "Have them beam us up immediately. We will need a Medical team in the Transporter Room on the double." Collins moans and then screams in pain.

Graham passes the word, and in moments Collins and T'Var are beamed up to the ship.

"What the..." Delaney begins, clearly stunned. "What just happened?"

Feeling Kylah's hands wrapped round his arm, Rangin puts his own over the top of them and holds tight in a matched sense of helplessness at what just happened.

When she pulls him off to one side and tells him quietly what she fears might be happening, he is pretty dumbstruck.

He looks back, "I don't think it will help. The spores don't work that quickly and a large bleed is a large bleed. They may stop it sooner in boosting the body and help with the recovery, but a wound is a wound. It would certainly aid in her recovery."

He face turns grim, "The bad news though, I don't know what effect it would have on any fetus, but I don't think it would be positive. When I looked up on the colony, everyone who arrived was fine, The same group were evacuated to Starbase 27 three years later. It's a colony, there for years...no new children...don't you find that odd? Consider what a fetus is at its basest level, a collection of cells parasiting off a host. What do you think the effect of the spores is likely to be on something like that. Regardless, I've got a copy of the research docs, I'll take a look see if it is mentioned, but I can't see that being part of the testing done here."

Paradise indeed, thinks Rangin, a perfect unchanging stasis and all that entails.

As Dr T'Var and Lt. Collins beam out, Lt. Delaney shows his surprise. He was obviously not told of what had happened. Rangin shudders he really hopes that Lt. Collins recovers, just when she was starting to show promise.

"Medical emergency, Sir and I hope that Lt. Collins recovers to tell us sooner rather than later. Sir, in the absence of her and Dr T'Var, you are currently the ranking officer."

The gentle but solid touch of Velir's hand on hers helps steady Kylah's nerves. She nods dimly at the information he tells her about the likelihood of the spores being of no use--possibly even harm--to the fetus. It was a foolish idea born of desperation. The grim truth is that the amount of blood on the floor indicates that the prospect of saving the pregnancy, and possibly even Collins's life, even more grave.

When he speaks to Delaney, she lifts her cold hands to her mouth and tries to reassure herself. T'Var will help her. The other doctors, too. Mother had four miscarriages and she survived. But the words do not calm her or assuage her guilt. After spending her entire time on the Yorktown mistrusting, disliking and even fearing this woman, Kylah cannot reconcile what she's always known of Jeremi Collins with the pale, crying, weakened creature collapsed on the floor.

She forces herself to look away from the blood and focus on the other officers in the room. Now there are only four of them. Collins will not return today--she must not, even if somehow the miscarriage is prevented and she recovers from the experience this afternoon. T'Var might stay with her.

Delaney is the ranking officer, as Velir said, and he will make the decisions. This is almost exactly the way Kylah would have wished the hierarchy to have been planned in the first place, but... Guilt stabs at her and she lowers her arms to hug herself. But not like this. No matter what I thought... not like this, I did not want this!

Timid and numb, Kylah lingers at the edge of the doorway, waiting for Delaney's orders--and for the Captain or Vargas to contact them.

Graham stands and takes a deep breath.

Shit.


He turns to Delaney. "Sir, I, ah...I recommend we clean this up ourselves. There are enough degrees of freedom around rumors and the possibility of people freaking out with a murder about to become public knowledge without some resort staff coming in here and mopping up a big bucket of blood."

He clears his throat. "Assuming no one's itching to volunteer, I'll have some cleaning materials beamed down, clean this up myself, and have the detritus beamed out. Uh, and maybe change my uniform afterward."

Kylah has no idea what anyone knows of Collins's condition. Velir clearly did not know. She guesses Graham might; his manner is not one of surprise, and normally--considering his suspicious nature--he would be the first person to suspect foul play. But Delaney seems at a loss, and the other security officers are probably not privy to Collins's personal issues.

It is not her place to reveal anything. But questions will be asked and someone should answer them. She clears her throat softly. "If--if I may, Lt. Delaney... Mr. Graham... perhaps we should ask for science officers to beam down and clean up medical waste?" She turns to Delaney. "You may not know this, but I think you should be informed. This terrible situation is almost certainly a complication resulting from a--a health condition of which Dr. T'Var and Lt. Collins were aware. Still, there is a possibility, however slight, that this was not natural. It seems it would be prudent to treat this as a potential crime scene. Scan her chair, the food, the coffee cups... I know it almost certainly is not the result of sabotage, but..." Kylah lifts her shoulders weakly as she looks at Graham. "Is it not best to avoid ruling anything out?"

Graham laughs grimly. "Maybe you should consider Security, Ensign." He nods. "Yes, you're right. I agree we should tox scan the blood, the food and drink...better safe than sorry. And I'll take any suggestion that gets me off the hook from crawling around the floor elbows deep in my mission commander's blood..."

He's no longer laughing, his face more grim. "Although I think I know what the uh, condition might be." He shakes his head, a lot more concerned about Collins now than he was previously. "Hell of a thing, if that's what it's about..."

"Shall I make it so, Del... sir?" he asks the engineer.

Delaney, clearly shaken, says, "Yes, scan everything she might have consumed or touched in the room." He contacts the ship to beam down cleaning materials.

Tricorder scans reveal nothing suspicious. You clean up the mess without too much difficulty.

After a few minutes, Vargas calls from the Yorktown. He says soberly, "Lt. JG Collins is receiving medical treatment in Sickbay. I am advised that it isn't life-threatening, but she will not be returning to the surface anytime soon. Ens. Graham, given the situation and your previous investigative experience, you are now in command of the landing party, effective immediately. You may follow through on whatever plans Mr. Collins had made, or issue new orders, as you see fit, but I expect you to find Mr. Wilson's murderer as soon as possible. Lt. JG Delaney, although you nominally outrank Mr. Graham, you will follow his orders to the letter. Understood?"

"Of course, sir," Delaney says.

Dodson, not entirely sure what is going on, looks to Ensign Mahmoud for cues, and awaits orders.

As Vargas speaks, Kylah inhales sharply. She is greatly relieved to hear Collins's condition is not critical, although she wishes it were possible to know exactly how Collins is--and her pregnancy. But of course that is not something that would be announced to the crew.

She is not altogether surprised that Graham would be given an effective field promotion, at least in responsibilities if not actual rank. It is how Vargas phrases the announcement that makes her eyes widen and stare at Delaney, then quickly look away in discreet sympathy. "Follow his orders to the letter," Vargas commanded the young lieutenant, as if he half-expected Delaney to foment some sort of rebellion. From what Kylah has seen of Delaney since joining the Yorktown, the notion is patently absurd. Why would Vargas demean him this way?

Then again, his attitude is in keeping with how Collins and even Graham have ignored and dismissed Delaney throughout the mission. It seems the entire Security department holds the poor man in contempt. Why? What could he possibly have done to earn such disfavor?

But Vargas's insulting words were not only for Delaney. "Find the murderer as soon as possible," he said, as if they were dawdling--when not even seven hours have passed since they learned of Wilson's death. If he is so concerned with speed, perhaps the bold Commander should reconsider my suggestion of providing more officers, rather than this skeleton crew. Indeed, why does he not beam down himself? Or is he too busy to catch a killer?

With insubordination burning in her breast, Kylah keeps her face neutral but lets her gaze again seek Velir's. The truth of this upheaval is sinking in like a leaden weight. No Collins, possibly no T'Var, and clearly no further reinforcements. And Graham now in charge.

This will be a long day.

If Rangin had any doubts where Cmdr. Vargas' feelings lay it is now obviously with an old school Security approach. He wondered if Graham and Cmdr. Vargas had trained at the same time and he had more trust in that direction than allowing someone outside of Security to run the show. After all, it was Lt. Collins who had been leading the mission here.

Rangin is glad to hear that Lt. Collins is out of danger, but what the impact to her mental state is unknown, though he hopes she does recover quickly. He feels sorry for Lt. Delaney, who once again has been sidelined and now has been specifically ordered to follow everything. Rangin wonders if Graham will start missing off the Sir when speaking to him, it wouldn't be a surprise if he did.

He looks across at Graham wondering what he must be feeling, probably elation, he gets to run a team again and treat everyone like a junior. Then again, Lt. Collins plan was his suggestions and Rangin waits to see how he splits it up again, or if he will miss more tasks. Of course, Graham is now ranking, so should he go and see the Vice-Admiral? Unlikely, really. He's more likely to use the opportunity to go lurking after Kylah. In between spying on her and then the comment about getting on top, Rangin begins to feel a little more concern for Kylah. Especially as last time, it was Delaney who broke up the issue between them. No, Rangin is fairly sure Graham is going to be using and abusing his new found authority in some way. He'd seen plenty of people like that back on Coridan.

He looks across at Kylah and meets her gaze, his normally calm demeanour now etched with traces of concern. For her, for the team, for what Graham might do.

Graham puts his hands on his hips. “Well—a homicide and a casualty are not how I want to wind up in command of a mission,” he says to the group. But we all heard the man, we’ve got a job to do.”

He clasps his hands behind his back. “We’re down a couple people…so we need everybody to be at their best, individually, and as a team.”

He takes a deep breath. He can’t count how many away missions he’s commanded—for good or ill, mostly good—but for all the comfort familiarity with command gives him, he’s worried about both personal and group dynamics. As much because of me as because of Collins or any of them, he thinks. At least Mahmoud got put in charge of the Security detail…one bit of good luck.

He clears his throat and makes sure looks from person to person around the room as he speaks. “Three ground rules: one, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. If we’re telling guests there’s no reason to panic, neither should we. Because of this, and the need to make faster progress, we’ll operate solo by default…however…” he pauses and gestures for emphasis. “Two. When interacting with any person of interest or suspect we will operate in pairs. No exceptions.” He tries not to glance at Kylah while he says this, but can’t help doing it anyway.

“And three. Mr. Mahmoud—as you get up to speed on the situation, you will exercise your judgment about the level of risk. Likewise, you’re all smart enough to know when you ought to check in—something gives the willies, or you’re going to enter a non-public area…if you can’t reach me you will check in with him for his guidance. If you hear of or observe any situation that concerns you Mr. Mahmoud, you will offer your Security guidance. By 'guidance' I mean that if he says you need a wingman—er, or woman,” he adds, nodding to the (rather fetching) female officer—“you’ll accept one. Or if he wants you clad in medieval chain mail and riding in a main battle tank, you’ll do it without question.”

“Anyone who does not comply with rules two and three will be sent back to the ship.”

He bows his head for a moment and rubs his chin. “All right, now to get to it. Lieutenant—you’re our technical expert,” he says to Delaney. “In your view, what’s the highest and best use of your skills right now?”

He taps his own chest. “As mission commander I need to see the Admiral. And I suppose try to contact Wilson’s wife. Mr. Kylah and Mr. Rangin--my preference is to rendezvous after I’ve done these two things to make the announcement and question Mrs. Hsu. There are a number of things on the to do list that you could do individually or as a duo—subject to the ground rules—you may use your judgment to choose which to tackle before then.”

“Unless needed for back-up, Collins’ orders for the Security team to be on station providing visible reassurance stand.”

He shrugs. “I…know this may be a difficult moment, for some of you, for…ah, any number of reasons,” he says, glancing in turn at Delaney, Rangin, and Kylah. “If you have any concerns, come see me one-on-one. Permission to speak freely will be granted.” He grimaces internally, half expecting he just laid out a red carpet invitation to a lecture from Rangin. “Otherwise--unless there are questions—let's get to it and work like a team."

Rangin stops, blinks and rubs his eyes at Graham pronouncements. He can't quite believe that Graham has just thrown his own plans that he gave to Lt. Collins out the window with a casual do what you think is best. So much for being the voice of experience and leading the team.

Rangin shrugs and turns to Kylah, "What do you reckon, do you want to double up on interviews. Get them over and done with sooner rather than later?"

Dobson listens to the new plans, wondering what was wrong with the old ones, then looks to Mahmoud for her assignment. "Sir, where do you need me?"

Well, it is now crystal clear that Vargas, Collins and Graham are all cut from the same cloth. Now Graham insists that they follow this Mahmoud person's orders "without question." Kylah is bitterly certain Starfleet Security officers are no different from any of the men she knew on Elas.

For the first time since her family's connections allowed Aldaan to manipulate her onto the Yorktown, Kylah has an almost overwhelming desire to contact her guardian and tell him to pull whatever strings he has to gain her a promotion. Then it would be I ordering around any of these meager-brained, bullying, presumptuous--

Velir is speaking to her. She looks at him and it takes a few seconds for her to digest his words. "Yes! Of course, Mr. Rangin," she says in relief. "I would greatly appreciate that. Although..." Her voice trails off reluctantly. As much as she would love to work with Velir and no one but him, her conscience will not allow her to grab at this lifeline just for her own benefit without considering the bigger picture.

She turns to Graham. "Making recommendations for a resort-wide announcement, including security measures... Mr. Graham is, as Commander Vargas said, the person with the most expertise in such things. Do you wish to put that off further, or should we not handle that immediately?"

Frankly, Kylah is tired of continually having to remind mission commanders of what Commander Vargas himself ordered. She knows she sounds like a communicator stuck on a loop, but that is their fault for being such poorly organized so-called leaders.

Perhaps he will chide me for not running my suggestion through Mr. Mahmoud first, she thinks blackly.

Am I speaking freaking Klingon? Graham wonders as Kylah asks him about the announcement. He's on the edge of getting seriously annoyed, but the fact that he's been so consistently misunderstood plus the fact that perhaps moreso than anyone on the team Kylah seems to be earnestly trying to do her best and contribute makes him choke it down.

And if she's really trying to do her job, then the answer to whether last night was all for fun or whether things got off the rails is...The thought makes him tired...and a little sad. There's no way to fix it at the moment, he thinks. I will probably make it worse--again--if I try.

He takes a second to collect his thoughts, and answers in a soft voice. "It's, ah...it's 1-2-3, Ensign. Yes I need to attend to the announcement. But first the senior--uh, acting senior--officer should brief the Admiral. And...well protocol or not, I don't want to make the announcement and have some random staffer Wilson's wife knows hit her with a guess-what-somebody-just announced your husband is dead call."

He slaps himself on the forehead. "Shit, I don't know her name..." He rubs his forehead. "Yeah well, better make sure to collect that bit of info too."

He starts to turn to go and then stops. "Thanks for, ah, keeping us honest, can't speak for Collins but, as I see it, me and Collins both. I know it's tough when sometimes you make a suggestion and you don't feel like it's given its due."

Delaney says, "Sir, I think I should keep trying to get into Mr. Wilson's hidden safe. That would probably be the best use of my time. I also wonder... should we ask for the ship to beam down some additional Security officers? And maybe another doctor or a medic, since we've lost Dr. T'Var for now?"

Mahmoud says to Dodson, "You and Crewman Markovich go the park where Wilson was found. Other guests will be coming out of those houses as the morning continues; interview them as the occasion arises and gather any useful intel. And show the flag to reassure the guests that we're here to keep them safe. If that suits you, Mr. Graham?"

"Makes sense, have at that safe, then," Graham replies to Delaney. "Good point about some medical expertise. I'd like T'Var back because she has context already, but if she won't be back soon we need to fill that gap. I'll enquire on that. Do you see a, hm, specific use for additional security officers, sir?"

Graham wonders what he should call Delaney. Whatever I do, he might think I'm being a jerk because I got the nod... he thinks. What the hell did I call him yesterday, he wonders, drawing a blank. "I don't want to make this feel like an armed camp unless that's necessary. Uh, De-Lieutenant," he adds, smiling, "if this is a hint that you're planning on getting stabbed in the back while you work on that safe, I'm sure we can spare somebody."

He glances at Mahmoud. "It does...and you two, if you talk to a Mrs. Webb tell her Ensign Graham hopes she's feeling more rested."

Kylah nods tersely and clamps her mouth shut. She is more annoyed by the implication that she would demand an announcement without asking if Mr. Wilson's family were notified yet than his suggestion that Kylah feels mortally wounded every time her own ideas are not accepted. If the latter were the case, she would have been dead long ago.

It does not matter. She has tried in vain to get her various superior officers to listen to their superior officer, and by now has no heart for it. Very well, Graham, you are Vargas's right hand now; I'm sure he will not care if you do not follow his orders. Just as Collins could disobey him at will, apparently so can you. Despite his well-honed "just a regular clumsy grunt" persona, Graham seems besotted with the idea that he must speak to the Vice Admiral immediately. Obviously he places speaking to Hardin at a greater priority than the guests' welfare.

And now his friend Mahmoud wants some random security crewman who has not even been briefed on the circumstances and indivduals in the case to interview the chief suspects? Of course Graham will applaud such a thing. Why not? It is clear how these people think. Any security crew member, no matter how ignorant due to having arrived five seconds ago, must be superior in every way to those not blessed with a genius for shooting phasers and flexing muscles. Even though we have been involved at the resort for the past 24 hours. Will Graham ignore the big dangerous flaw in Mahmoud's plan?

Kylah turns to Rangin and murmurs, "Since our senior officer pro tem wishes us to use our judgment until he has completed his tete a tete with the Vice Admiral, I agree that we might as well seek out the guests to whom we have not yet spoken. Shall we?"

Then she hears Graham approve Mahmoud's suggestion--exactly as she predicted. While she is turned away from him, her eyes close and she gathers her strength. Then she turns around again.

"Before you dismiss us, permission to speak with you alone, Mr. Graham?"

"Hm?" Graham says, surprised by Kylah's question. "Of course," he adds quickly. "Sir," he says to Delaney, "If you don't mind, I'll find you in a few moments if you'd like to talk further, so Ensign Kylah can get on with her own tasks."

He smiles--despite the fact that his track record with Kylah is uneven to say the least, he's relieved he's not about to be on the receiving end of some kind of philosophical screed from Rangin. "Walk with me," he says, gesturing toward the hallway where they can talk privately.

"I'd reiterate that permission to speak freely is granted," he says, feeling a certain amount of..what? Affection, pride. She's about Elizabeth's size, and despite the fact that he'd let so much distance open up between himself and his daughter, she'd never been intimidated in the least. As much as it hurt when she'd stare him down and tell him how wrong he was, he'd felt proud of her at the same time. Clearly Kylah was cut from the same cloth. "But I don't think it's necessary in your case. What's on your mind?"

Kylah gives a slight worried look toward Rangin before stepping out alone with Graham. She was the one who sought the meeting, she should not be so daunted by his granting her request.

"I am simply concerned, sir," she says, her voice a bit labored. Her legs have to move more quickly to keep apace with his, and despite the pain relief T'Var gave her, her knee is still causing her some difficulty. "The lack of organization that--I do not wish to speak ill of Lt. Collins when she is in such unfortunate circumstances, but I am speaking freely--the lack of organization that has plagued the mission from the start is not improving. I worry about the haphazardness we are displaying. Why have we not created a written list of things that need to be accomplished, to be kept in our communicators, or even on a screen in the CP? None of us, not even the most experienced, can keep all the facts in our head, and things are going to slip past."

She tilts her head and stops walking, waiting for him to notice she has stopped before continuing. "For example, you have just granted permission to one of the new security team members--someone who knows little to nothing about the dynamics of the case--to interview any guest who wanders out of one of the houses." Kylah lets a moment's pause follow her words before continuing archly: "I understand she is one of the 'band of brothers' in Security, and thus rates more respect than the rest of us. But did you really intend for her to be granted this unrestricted leave to interview just anyone? Including the interview that has been postponed all day, at your behest--Lord Fastolfe?"

Graham's listening intently enough to Kylah, very nearly closing his eyes out of both fatigue and concentration, that he walks several steps past her after she stops.

He hustles back towards her when he realizes this. He smiles slightly. "Way to go for the jugular, Liz - er, Ensign," he says softly. "You're more than right about Fastolfe." His voice gets a little louder and firmer. "You're wrong about Security rating more respect. They've been briefed, they know the job that they've been trained for. And if any of them didn't, Faisal would tell me." He shrugs and spreads his hands. "But let's not let that distract from what you're right about. They ought to give Fastolfe a pass until we're ready to deal with him."

"I'll issue that order, he says." He pauses to look at her for a moment. "Thank you," he says, sincerely.

"As far as a task list - I think we've been through it, we've discussed the list enough, what we need to do is get some things done." He taps his foot. "But fair point about memorializing the tasks as a checklist everyone can work against." He pauses a moment. "Before you and Rangin move on to what you think is the highest priority task, make it so. Spend 15 minutes making the list. Push it out via communicator and tricorder to the whole team."

He turns and heads back to the CP to find Delaney. "And I'll see you at the admin offices in a bit to deal with this announcement."

"Aye, Sir" Dobson responds and heads to her post without waiting to see if Markovich is accompanying her.

Kylah watches Graham leave her far behind, despite the fact that she too must return to the CP. What was that about respect? she thinks dryly as she waits before beginning her return to the room. She is glad he acknowledged his omission of Lord Fastolfe, at least. But how he can follow that by saying the team all know everything that needs to be done, when he himself just proved that he cannot keep such essentials as Lord Fastolfe's interview in his head?

Of course, for reminding him of that omission, she earned the equivalent of a child who must write a misspelled word over and over again as punishment. And not just her; Velir, too, is to be treated like an administrative assistant while the professionals handle the real work. He will be angry with me, Kylah thinks, suddenly embarrassed that she inadvertently caused him such a rote assignment.

Her mind returns to Graham and how rankled she is by his denial of the obvious preferential treatment he shows his fellow security officers or crewmen. It does not surprise her, of course, but it still rankles. Especially considering he followed this denial with a blanket assurance that the entire Security team were professionals and trustworthy and of course his friend had briefed them because... well, apparently, simply because they are Security; a circular argument if ever she heard one.

Has he ever given her or especially Velir such similar deference or assumption of their professionalism? Kylah knows she does not deserve it, she has not earned it yet, and considering what Graham has seen of her actions, he is likely confused by her combination of idiocy and emotionalism when balanced against her intellectual instincts, which she knows are good. Even he has said so. But likely he thinks her flighty and unpredictable, the very essence of immaturity.

But Velir Rangin certainly deserves respect. Not merely through his career but the life he has undoubtedly led back on Coridan. Still Graham treats him like a dreamy-eyed idealistic effete. And even if Kylah herself is not yet a seasoned officer and has made stupid choices, she has contributed the best of her abilities, often above and beyond those older than she. So has Velir, so has Delaney. Yet he, Vargas and Collins seem to believe them all to be first-year cadets who must be reminded of their duty.

She lives and breathes every duty belonging to her, from every quarter and multiple allegiences. No one need remind Kylah of her duty. No one.

Kylah returns to the CP and returns to Rangin's side. She has no idea how she looks, but she tries to seem calm and professional--although she cannot help giving him a flash of an apologetic smile. "I do not know if you will like what I have to say, Mr. Rangin," she says, still aware of the others in the room even though her voice is very quiet. "As a result of my--" She stops and starts over. "Mr. Graham has assigned us the task of organizing an agenda, a point-by-point list of things the team must be certain to address. I believe this will assist in ensuring we do not forget any loose strands of this tapestry. We are to send it to the others' communicators when through, and then attend the interviews as planned. I hope you...I hope you do not mind," Kylah finishes shyly.

Rangin sits back down as he listens to Graham organising the security detail and wonders if, in his may years of experience, if he had ever managed a group which wasn't solely comprised of security officers. The only reason he seemed to be paying attention to Lt. Delaney was because of rank and his attitude towards himself and Kylah made it clear he didn't actually know what their skills were. At least Lt. Collins had had a modicum of an idea.

He smiles at Kylah as she returns and fills him in on Graham's order. He sighs quietly, looks down and then starts to smile, a broad grin across his face and his eyes start to sparkle. If Graham was going to treat him as an intern, then so be it. He had worked for people like this before on science experiments, they always had their favourites, their own ways of doing things, anyone else was of no real consequence and not expected to really contribute. It was a completely illogical position, but then you didn't bother arguing with someone who reached the position through blind faith or stupidity. If he wanted to ignore their talents, so be it.

"Oh goodie, an admin task, I feel so fulfilled.", Rangin says dryly at a slightly raised volume, "I see Mr Graham is looking to fully utilise our talents. I'll make sure to use short words just for him. Here was I, thinking I was around to investigate the spores and their effects, but I can see I was mistaken. One agenda, coming right up."

Rangin turns to the computer in front of him, cracks his knuckles and starts compiling.

Surprised to see Velir smile, Kylah listens and realizes he is simply amused by the change of assignment. She could continue to let him think this is all Graham's fault, but...

She sits down beside him and rests a hand on his arm for a second before withdrawing it. "I am to blame," she murmurs. Quickly explaining the discussion she had with Graham, including his forgetting to warn the security crewman away from Lord Fastolfe, she finishes: "I thought perhaps if we all worked out an agenda, such things would not slip through the cracks, and... and that is when he said you and I should create one." She shakes her head. "I did not expect him to--I mean, I thought it would be the whole group, not just us. I am sorry."

With a sigh she pulls her chair away from him and looks at the terminal. Like Velir, she starts typing her thoughts on items that she remembers that ought to be investigated.

- Guest house inhabitants not yet interviewed: Ettoo-Oms, Fastolfe, Golds, Jaxo, Calvin, Hutchinsons
- Determine whether any have investments in WR&R or rivals
- Follow-up with: Palver, Aubrey
- Wilson's background, his own investments?
- Staff interviews, esp. security team re: missing video
- Hsus
- Transporter trace found in park. Were any of the hotel's transporters used recently?
- Ask maid staff when Wilson's suite last cleaned
- Safe: Delaney working on this. Ask Mrs. Hsu about it as well
- Nightclub and any restaurants open late: check for alibis

She pauses and bites her lip, thinking.

Graham vaguely hears Rangin expounding about his fulfillment or something in the CP. He briefly considers mentioning that he has a challenging assignment that will utilize his xenobio skills: that proximity to Coridantites has started giving me splitting hadaches.

But he thinks better of it. "Infinitely Debate Everything and Argue" should be the new heuristic for this team, he thinks, sighing.

In the CP, Graham will:

Apologize to Delaney for the interruption and follow up on his rationale for the additional Security officers.

Use the CP's systems to find an image of Fastolfe, transmit it to Mahmoud and tell him that he's suspect to be interviewed at a later time--the Security team should not interview him if they run into him.

And to look up Wilson's wife's name.

Finally he makes a note in his mission log that Ensign Kylah acted with alertness and discretion to correct an oversight on his part that was potentially material to the investigation.

Rangin whispers quietly to Kylah as she leans in close. "I do not blame you for this, please do not be sorry. I fully intend to not only outdo our new team leader, but document it for all to see. After all, who else is going to write things for him, other than those who requires intelligence on a day by day basis or who can communicate well. His new best friends will all be excused, of course. However, consider Graham's words about doing what we think best. I have every intention of assisting to find the murderer, but I also enjoy being given carte blanche to do so. As long as we can justify it, we can do as we see fit. Ready?" His voice only audible for Kylah to hear, but the meanings and smile are more than obvious.

Dobson slowly walks around what's left of the crime scene, still neither noticing, nor caring if Markovich is there as well, looking for clues that might have been missed. She then picks a spot with good sight lines of the whole area and stands at parade rest.

Kylah nods as Rangin speaks, and cannot help admiring his ability to rise to the challenge of working for a man who despises him--and especially, Velir's determination to do his job to the best of his abilities no matter how much his skills are dismissed. In truth, Kylah wishes she had half his aplomb when she was working under similar circumstances with Collins.

At first they work separately, and when their initial notes are completed, Rangin and Kylah compare notes, looking at each other's lists, commenting and making suggestions. Fifteen minutes pass in rather pleasant, colleagial collaboration as they begin the task of combining their notes into an agenda with suggested assignments. When through, they look at the finished product:

================================

Agenda

• Top Priority as recommended by Cmdr. Vargas: General Announcement to resort and others.

Interviews*: The following require questioning, politely and gently of course.

Staff:

• Mrs Hsu
• Mr Hsu
• Dr Halsey
• Mr Khövsgöl
• (Transporter Engineer?)

Guests:

• Miss Aubrey (House #12, follow-up)
• Mr Palver (House #2, follow-up)
• Mrs Calvin (House #9, new)
• Lord Fastolfe (House #5, new)
• Golds (House #6, new)
• Hutchisons (House #11, new)
• Ettoo-Oms (House #4, new)
• Prolun Jaxo (House #8, new)
• Mrs. Webb (House #3, follow-up)

Technical**:

• Investigate safe in Mr Wilson's suite.
• Investigate transporter(s) on resort.
• Investigate surveillance outage.

Biological***:

• Investigate state of spore plants on resort.

Fact Finding:

• Monitor requests for spore therapy introduction.
• Details of records of staff at Nightclub.
• Gather DNA evidence. (ethically, of course)
• Discover cleaning schedule of Mr Wilson's suite.
• Await response of Yorktown queries re. Wilson background check and safe.
• Determine safety and schedule of Research Lab staff.

Security:

• Provide a stable and welcome presence around resort.
• Gather information from local guests and security.
• Discover if there is a third variant of the murder weapon and discover location.
• Arrange Command Post access for new Security team.
• Arrange Command Post access for Vice Admiral's Security team.
• Arrange Security team rotation as required.

Team:

• Arrange refreshments/lunch for team members
• Arrange break times for team members who have been awake since 4am.

Other:

• Talk to Vice-Admiral Hardin
• Talk to Lt. Cmdr. Ebling
• Brief current Starfleet protection around the Vice Admiral
• Convince the Vice Admiral to return to the USS Yorktown
• Other ships in orbit (e.g. Fastolfe's yacht): consider requesting permission to interview crew re: any unusual transmissions they may have noticed

Notes:

*Cmdr. Vargas has recommended all interviews take place with Ens. Kylah (Comms.) present
** i.e. Lt. Delaney (Tech.)
***: i.e. Ens. Rangin (Sci.)

================================

"I cannot think of anything we missed," Kylah says. "Although I am sure I have forgotten something. My brain is not working as it should. I can barely put two words together."

"If thats true, it's not very noticeable by most standards." Rangin smiles encouragingly. "But we're all working on little sleep, and none of us are exactly on top form right now. Let's hope those rest breaks are taken into consideration by our new mission commander--getting some rest isn't just a luxury, it's a necessity if we're to get this job done."

Kylah smiles appreciatively and, after they decide the agenda is as complete as they can make it, she sends off the final draft to each of the team members, including herself and Rangin. Then she saves and closes the file, protecting it with her own password.

"Shall we go to the guest residences now? Might as well begin with the people who haven't been seen yet," Rangin asks, and Kylah agrees. Making sure the room is secure, the pair head off together.

They are passing the lobby when Kylah stops short. "Oh! I must speak to the man at the front desk for a moment." While Rangin looks mildly curious, he joins her.

"Excuse me," Kylah says apologetically. (Assuming it's the same person on duty...) "I am so very sorry for causing any inconvenience to the staff member who was kind enough to open the gift shop. My injury and duties made it impossible for me to visit after all. I will go later, but if possible, in the meantime, could you please apologize to him or her?"

Posted w/CatInASuit's permission; agenda mostly by him!

Graham recalls that Mrs. Hsu's first name is Mattie.

Delaney says, "No apology necessary, Mr. Graham. I suggested additional Security members because of all that needs to be done, and the fact that we're two short in the landing party with Mr. Collins and Dr. T'Var having returned to the ship."

It is a different person at the front desk when Kylah inquires, but the staffer there makes a note, saying, "I'll be sure to see that she gets it, ma'am."

Markovich follows Dodson to the park. He is slightly junior to her in length of Starfleet service, although both are of the same rank. He looks at her oddly for her apparent disregard of him but says nothing. A few minutes after they arrive, an older woman comes down the stairs from one of the guest houses. Dodson recognizes her from their shipboard briefing as Rosemary Calvin, the famous novelist.

Dobson looks over at Markovich and nods her head slightly in Ms Calvin's direction. She approaches the woman at a normal pace. "Excuse me, ma'am. I'm Officer Felice Dobson with Starfleet Security. May I have a few minutes of your time?"

Kylah thanks the receptionist and continues with Rangin outside the resort's lobby and over to the guest house area. It is extremely pleasant to be walking by his side, with no one else around, and Kylah wistfully hopes that someday they will spend time in such a way without a mission requiring it--and without anything else between them, either. She steals some looks at his attractive face turned bright gold in the sun, and takes even more surreptitious looks at his frame while he strides, professional but relaxed, down a slope toward the houses. He never walks too quickly for Kylah and seems to remember her injury is slowing her down. For once she's glad of the injury--she wouldn't mind prolonging their solitude a bit. Maybe that is what he's doing? she thinks hopefully, but dismisses the idea considering Velir's sense of responsibility.

The impulse to hold his hand rushes through her, but of course, that would be inappropriate. Instead she clasps her own hands behind her back. "Whom should we interview first?" Kylah asks, looking at the houses they're approaching. "I would like to interview the author, since she was in the introduction room and thus a witness to the attack."

Kylah's mind runs through the list she knows by heart now. "But there is also Prolun Jaxo--I admit I am very curious about his planet and background. There are so many humans here, it will be fascinating to get a chance to meet a non-Federation guest. Even if we do not go to him first, perhaps it is for the best that you and I meet with him at some point, considering that it was not so very long ago that our planets were outside the Federation as well."

She falls silent on this subject, suspecting Velir is far more sanguine and grateful about Coridan joining the Federation than she is regarding her home planet. Kylah cannot help but be ambivalent considering the machinations and schemes that both led to Elas's joining, and that have resulted from it now.

If someone had said six months ago, that he, Rangin, would be walking in the sunshine on a resort planet with an Elasian princess, he would be wondering who had been at the Romulan ale. But it was the moments like this that were worth living. A brief interlude in their duties, a brief moment snatched together. Rangin slows his pace. It helps him gather his thoughts, but also to savour it some more and being aware that Kylah might still be wary of the injury to her knee. He glances across at her a couple of times and smiles as he holds an image of her in his mind. The hair framing her face, the curves enhanced by her uniform, yes, these were moments worth waiting for, especially given what they felt for each other and admitted less than a few hours ago.

Rangin listens to her as they get to the guest houses. "Perhaps, we should just see who is available given the time. You have done more of the interviews than I have, so I'll follow your lead. And yes, meeting someone from outside the Federation would be of interest."

Rosemary Calvin stops and smiles pleasantly. "Certainly," she says. "What can I do for you?"

"We're just asking everyone," Dobson starts, then realizes that the announcement has not yet been made, "how they're enjoying the resort?"

As they approach the houses, Kylah raises an eyebrow, amused by Velir's ever-present equanimity. "Our interviews will have to rely on which guests are available. Still we must pick one house to start with. I think Ms. Calvin, the author, would be the best choice. Considering the murder weapon, I do think the killer is most likely to be someone who knew Fastolfe had the argument with Mr. Wilson--or, it was Fastolfe himself, although I still think--"

She stops short when they enter the park and she sees Rosemary Calvin herself... already engaged in discussion with one of the security officers. Kylah's irritation with Graham rises. "I see we are to be made redundant by his squad," she murmurs. "Here is a perfect example of the risks of having acted without any organization. Was there any plan to let us know which guests have been spoken to already? She is an extremely important witness, I would have wanted to speak with her..." She sighs and shakes her head. "I suppose it would be poor judgment to interrupt; it looks as if Prolun Jaxo is our first interview after all, assuming he is at home."

Briefly looking askance at the unknown officers in the distance, she purses her lips and begins to walk to Jaxo's house. "At least, not much time has passed, so I cannot imagine these officers have visited many other guests, if at all. But I would not wish to attempt to speak to someone who has already been interviewed; that would reflect poorly on us." After a moment she pulls out her communicator. "Velir, should I contact Mr. Graham... or perhaps send an addendum to the agenda... asking everyone who interviews one of the guests to keep an updated record of those to whom they have spoken? A text message should suffice, but I do think it is important that we do not duplicate efforts--or make ourselves look even more chaotic than we already are. What would you recommend?"

Rangin has not moved from the spot overlooking the houses. "Now Kylah, it is not the fault of the new team that the only thing that Ens. Graham is capable of organising is a weapons locker. I think an extra text message to the team to say that 'if they complete a task, then let the rest know and save the full details for the next meeting' should suffice. As for our new colleagues, I would suggest going down and seeing if they have spoken to anyone else. Perhaps we should introduce ourselves seeing as that little detail also was missed, and I haven't worked with them before. "

"Point taken," Graham says to Delaney. "I'll re-evaluate staffing based on what...if anything," he says, exhaling a deep breath, "we get done by lunch." He shrugs and smiles slightly. "At least I can bet on that safe being opened."

Graham contacts the officers guarding the Admiral and asks their location.

If not otherwise interrupted, he grabs a Security tricorder and heads there.

On his way, he contacts Yorktown to ask when--or if--T'Var might be able to return to the away team.

Calvin looks amused. "Starfleet is conducting guest-satisfaction surveys? Well, I like it fine, although I woke up this morning to find that the effects of the spores seem to have worn off. I thought that wasn't supposed to happen? I'm going to go get another, um, treatment."

Dr. Villa responds to Graham from the Yorktown, "Dr. T'Var should be able to return in the next half hour, if you wish, Mr. Graham. She's with Mr. Collins at the moment."

Ens. Mary Three Crows, guarding Vice Adm. Hardin, reports by communicator that he is still in his suite. Graham arrives a few minutes later. "No problems here," Three Crows says; Security Spec/3 Aidan Williams is with her. "I think he's sleeping late."

"Thank you for your time, ma'am" Dobson says. Turning towards the movement in her peripheral vision, she sees Rangin and Kylah. She remains at parade rest until she is spoken to.

Kylah looks back at Velir. "You are right. Let us meet the newcomers, or at least, these two. The rest will have to wait until we run into them... presumably as they interview Lord Fastolfe," she adds wryly.

She sends a quick message to Graham, Delaney, and Mahmoud recommending that they all keep a running list of all guests who have been interviewed, and asks Graham and/or Mahmoud that this request be extended to the security officers whose contact information she lacks. Then she puts her communicator away and waits for Velir to join her before the two go over to the two unknown officers, a man and woman. The interview with Ms. Calvin seems to have ended. Kylah is dying to know what was said but prefers to let Rangin address this issue.

Rangin easily walks alongside Kylah as they head to the two Federation Security officers.

"Good morning, it's Crewman Dobson and Markovich isn't it. I'm Ensign Rangin, this is Ensign Kylah and I don't believe we have had the pleasure of working with you both before now. We were about to start interviewing some of the people in the guest houses and noticed you speaking to Mrs Calvin, did you find out anything useful from her and have you spoken to anyone else?"

Dobson straightens her stance. "Sir, no sir" she tells Rangin "I was going to ask Mrs Calvin if she'd heard anything, but I remembered the announcement of Wilson's death had not yet been made. So, instead I asked how she was enjoying her stay. She said she hadn't expected the effects of the spores to wear off as soon as they did, and she was on her way to get another treatment." Dobson's voice is even toned and almost devoid of emotion.

Graham indicates he'd be happy to have the doctor return when she can. He almost says "and tell Collins we're all thinking of her," but at this point he's neither sure what others on the team might be thinking, for good or ill, and whether Collins would find that comforting, in any event. Instead he simply asks to convey his hope Collins is back on her feet soon to her.

To Three Crows, Graham shakes his head and replies "Of course he is." He looks up as if to the heavens and shrugs. "He's probably having the best, most restful sleep of his life, filled with wonderful dreams that almost certainly do not involve being woken up by a Security grunt like yours truly." He checks the time and then asks Three Crows to point him to the Admiral's door. "Nothing to be done, though," Graham says. "He probably wasn't expecting his spore holiday to be interrupted by a murder, either."

If not otherwise interrupted, he rings the chime.

Kylah feels a a thrill of excitement ripple down her spine at the news regarding the spores. Just what happened here?

"Thank you," she says to Dobson. "Your discretion is greatly appreciated. Given that these guests were so close to the crime scene, Ensign Rangin and I will likely have to ask specific questions that will make the circumstances clear, even before the announcement is made. But when you speak to guests outside this immediate area, please continue to exercise caution."

Kylah looks at Velir for a second before returning her gaze to the security officers. "The information about the spores having worn off is extremely valuable. If you do speak to anyone, please try to determine--as tactfully as possible--whether they are still feeling the effects of their treatment. And also, please do keep us informed through a brief message immediately once you have spoken to a guest or staff member; we will do the same. This way we will avoid duplication... unless, of course, a follow-up is required. Speaking of which..."

She turns to see if she can still locate Rosemary Calvin. "Did she mention where she was going next? I would very much like to speak to her in more detail, especially before she is re-introduced to--oh! We do not want anyone re-introduced until we have spoken to them! But if she is on her way there now... there is no time..."

Kylah grabs her communicator and, thinking quickly, calls Dr. Halsey*. "Ensign Kylah, from the Yorktown, sir. As you recall, we told you that one of the guests had lost the affects of the spore treatment. We need you to postpone any spore treatments until further notice. That includes re-introducing the spores to anyone who requests it. I will be informing Mrs. Hsu of this request as well. Can you do that, please?"

* Or goes through the receptionist first, whatever the correct procedure would be

"Good work Crewmen, at ease.", he says to the pair of them with a smile and a nod. Something was definitely wrong here, Rangin surmised, it was just a matter of working out what it was. "Well, once may be a co-incidence, twice is getting ridiculous", Rangin says to Kylah.

Rangin racked his brains, the only cause he knew of for effectively curing someone of spores was the large chemical burst normally caused by extreme emotion, usually violence or anger. It was possible to create a device to trigger such a reaction. In fact while creating his report on this place, he had actually downloaded the schematics for it, just out of curiousity and he was pretty sure it would take someone like Mr Delaney about five minutes to construct if he had to.

While Kylah is trying to call a halt to any further re-introductions to the spores, Rangin calls up the house list and looks down it. As he does, he notices something obvious he had completely missed, or perhaps not having been much in this area it just never occurred. He looks up at the sky and shakes his head at the slip before turning back to the two crewmen.

"Crewman Dobson, Crewman Markovitch, I have one extra task for you while you are here. There are three empty houses, numbers one, seven and ten. Make sure no-one enters them apart from the team, especially any cleaners making the rounds. We will need to look over them first." he addresses them.

Rangin looked back at the list, two of the people who had no spore effect were next to those empty houses. He wondered who else might have been affected. He looked at his tricorder which still contained the data from the introduction showing the spores taking their natural effect on the intended group, and they matched up with the readings he had taken with from the research station. Time to add a control to the situation.

Rangin opens his communicator and calls Ens. Graham. Time to put his trip to good use. "Ens. Graham, this is Ens. Rangin. When you see the Vice Admiral and his Aide, please could you confirm that they are still under the effect of the spores? Thank you. Rangin out."

"Yes, sir" Dobson responds to Rangin's directive, and turns to watch for anyone approaching the houses.

Mrs. Calvin is still nearby, walking away. She could easily be called back, or you could catch up to her.

Kylah is able to reach Dr. Halsey directly. He says a little skeptically, "All right, if you think it would help. I'll see that no spore introductions take place until further notice."

Markovich says nothing as Dobson reports to the others. He then nods at his new orders and takes up his post on the sidewalk, standing at parade rest.

Vice Adm. Hardin answers the door chime on the third ring. He is in a bathrobe and his hair is mussed. "Ens. Graham," he says, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Good morning. I guess I overslept. What's going on?"

It is now 1042 hours.

Graham clasps his hands behind his back. "Morning Admiral, I'm very sorry to disturb you. I hope you’re feeling well." He clears his throat. “But there’s been an incident. Lt. Collins has taken ill and I’ve been assigned command of the mission, so I wanted to brief you before it we make a public statement on the, ah, investigation.”

“It’s a homicide investigation, sir: Mr. Wilson, the resort’s administrator, was fatally stabbed last night.”

Kylah thanks the doctor--she does wish she could have asked in person, just to get a better sense of his emotions than a mere voice--and closes her communicator. She turns to Dobson. "I am sorry to have asked you a question without being able to hear the answer. But I see now that Mrs. Calvin is not very far. Vel--Mr. Rangin, do you think you can catch her? I will not be able to run fast enough. I think it is better to talk to her before she finds out she will not be able to get her spore treatment refreshed immediately."

She pulls Velir away slightly to speak to him in a lower voice. "I am sorry I did not consult you before making the call. And perhaps I should have contacted Mr. Graham as well. I do not wish to overstep myself but time was of the essence and, well, Mr. Graham did say we should use our discretion..." Kylah shakes her head and lets go. "Ignore me. If you agree we should speak with Mrs. Calvin as soon as possible, run and I will catch up with you as quickly as this accursed knee allows it."

Rangin smiles back at Kylah, "Stop apologising, you don't need to consult me. If you think it needs doing, do it. I'll see if we can interview Mrs Calvin now and if your knee is still hurting you should really get it sorted out in the infirmary sooner rather than later."

Rangin calls out politely, but loudly, to Mrs Calvin trying to catch her attention, "Mrs Calvin. Excuse me, Mrs Calvin, could I speak to you please?" He jogs across to her hoping she notices.

When he gets to Mrs Calvin, he slows to a walk and nods to her in greeting. "My apologies for the interruption Mrs Calvin, I'm Ensign Rangin from the USS Yorktown. Would it be possible for my colleague, Ensign Kylah, and I to speak with you in private. It concerns a couple of matters we are investigating. The first being an incident that took place here last night and the second is the wearing off of the spore therapy that you mentioned to a couple of our crewmen." Rangin gestures in the direction of Dobson and Markovitch at this point which should also show Kylah heading across as fast as her knee will allow.

Rangin looks back to Mrs Calvin to see if she is willing.

Vice Adm. Hardin appears stunned at the news. "Stabbed? Stabbed? And... fatally? Oh, my God...." He leans against the wall. "Dear God. How terrible. Poor Tony." After a few moments he shudders and finally says, "Well... won't you come in?"

Mrs. Calvin says to Ens. Rangin, "Yes, of course. What kind of incident? How can I help?"

Remember that you may ask as many questions of a witness in a single post as you wish, then see their answers and follow up.

Rangin suggests that they three of them go somewhere more private than the open air, and that Mrs Calvin's guest house would probably be the best option. and he slows the pace of any walking to ensure Kylah is ok.

Once they are somewhere private, Rangin will delicately outline what occurred last night and asks the following, having assured her that these are questions they are asking all the guests in the area, some may be relevant and some may not be.

On the incident:
What were her movements last night?
Does she know of anyone who can confirm these movements?
If she was in the house, did she hear anything between 11:00pm and 2am?
Did she know Mr Wilson?
Did she have any problems with the resort?
Did she know about the current tender being reviewed?
Did she have any investments, either in WR&R or in their competitors?

On the spore therapy:
Has she had spore therapy before?
What time did she find out when the spores had worn off?
Can she think of any reason as to why the spores would have worn off, any traumatic experience since yesterday evening?
If she woke up in that condition, did she have any nightmares or lucid dreams?

Kylah will probably ask some more that Rangin has forgotten

Graham is a bit surprised by the Vice Admiral's reaction. He nods and follows him inside.

"I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news..."

Did you know Mr. Wilson well?
Did you see him yesterday or last night at all other than at induction?
Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him?
Did I, ah, just cause you to lose the effect of the spores?
Were you still feeling the effects of the spores when you came to the door?

Kylah catches up with Velir and Rosemary Calvin, and once they are somewhere private, she listens carefully while Velir begins the interview, and wants to hear Calvin's responses before adding anything--although, unsurprisingly, the questions are extremely thorough. However, when Velir asks his "tender" question, Kylah looks a bit puzzled and nearly interrupts to ask him if he could clarify, but holds off--if Mrs. Calvin understands it, Kylah figures the meaning will be made clear through the context of the author's answer.

Otherwise she stays silent and tries to get a sense of what Mrs. Calvin is feeling, if there is anything unusual about her reactions; Kylah would expect anyone to be unnerved and somewhat worried by the circumstances.

If they are in Mrs. Calvin's cottage, she will occasionally glance around to take in anything unusual or noteworthy.

Mrs. Calvin hesitates and says, "The house is a mess. Let's go somewhere else." You go to a nearby café and settle in. No one else is within earshot.

She answers your questions:

What were her movements last night? - She says, "I went out for a late dinner at Otherworldly and went back to my house about 10pm. I worked on my latest book until after midnight, and then went to sleep. When I woke up a little after 9am, I noticed the spores seemed to have worn off."
Does she know of anyone who can confirm these movements? - "I would have been seen at the restaurant, and on my walk back home, I suppose, but not after that. I'm here on my own."
If she was in the house, did she hear anything between 11:00pm and 2am? - "I don't remember hearing anything outside."
Did she know Mr Wilson? - "Only a little bit, from having met him when I breathed in the spores."
Did she have any problems with the resort? - "No, I've had a very nice stay so far."
Did she know about the current tender being reviewed? - "Someone may have mentioned that to me, but I didn't know any details."
Did she have any investments, either in WR&R or in their competitors? - She looks a little offended at this question. Finally she primly says, "I don't see how my finances are any of Starfleet's concern. I'd rather not answer."

On the spore therapy:
Has she had spore therapy before? - "No, this is my first visit."
What time did she find out when the spores had worn off? - "Soon after I woke up, I realized it."
Can she think of any reason as to why the spores would have worn off, any traumatic experience since yesterday evening? - "No, nothing like that."
If she woke up in that condition, did she have any nightmares or lucid dreams? - She looks thoughtful. "I didn't remember until you asked me, but yes, I did seem to have some very vivid dreams last night." She thinks harder, then shakes her head. "I'm sorry, though - I can't seem to remember them now."

She repeats, "Now please tell me, what kind of 'incident' is all this about?"

Kylah perceives the older woman's emotional response is just about what she expected: concerned, a little upset, and curious. She seems to be a straightforward and honest person.

The Vice Admiral shows Graham into his suite's living room, which is comfortable but not lavish. You both sit down, and he replies as follows:

Did you know Mr. Wilson well? - "Yes, somewhat well, I guess. I've dealt with him now and then over the past several years on WR&R's franchise and the company's compliance with its agreement with Starfleet. We were cordial and... businesslike, I would say, but hardly close friends. He never discussed his family or personal life with me, for instance, and vice-versa."
Did you see him yesterday or last night at all other than at induction? - "I don't think so, no."
Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him? - He shakes his head vigorously. "No. I can't think of who might want to hurt him. WR&R corporate politics aren't always the most pleasant - I have the impression that some of his colleagues have pretty sharp elbows - but they're not that cutthroat."
Did I, ah, just cause you to lose the effect of the spores? - His eyes widen. "You're right - the spores have worn off. They're gone now. How did that happen?"
Were you still feeling the effects of the spores when you came to the door? - He looks up at the ceiling. He looks back at you and seems baffled. "You know, I'm... just not sure. I don't know. I just woke up and came right to the door when you rang. I wasn't conscious of being under the spores' influence before I heard of Wilson's death, but now they're gone." He shudders. "What a terrible feeling, to go from that to this."

Rangin 'delicately' outlined the incident in #2073. If it needs specific language, I'll include the details in purple.

Kylah thanks Calvin for her answers. "We appreciate your honesty, and I apologize if our curiosity seems untoward." She lowers her voice and makes it as gentle as possible. This information has not been made public yet, but... Mr. Wilson's body was found in the park near the guest cottages early this morning. We are not certain of the precise circumstances yet, and that is why we must seek information from everyone near the area, as potential witnesses. Unfortunately, such investigations often require what may appear to be intrusive questions. Since Mr. Wilson was so integral to the resort, we do need to look into financial matters."

After a tactful hesitation, she adds, "I do wish you would reconsider answering Ensign Rangin's last question regarding any relevant investments you may have, Mrs. Calvin--we are hoping to find people who are connected in any way to the resort or the hotel business in general. Shareholders either in WR&R or its rivals might have useful data regarding the business's activities." Kylah gives a self-deprecating smile. "I speak only for myself, but details about investments and stocks are somewhat... confusing."

Kylah will also ask: "On a different subject... as a writer I expect you would be particularly helpful in describing the effects of the spores. Can you describe it for us--for example, how did you feel immediately after you were introduced to them, and did that feeling change at all in the course of your day--prior to going to bed, that is?"

"Going back a bit further, to yesterday... did you see Mr. Wilson at any point during or after the orientation? Do you recall any unusual behavior or interactions between anyone and the staff? Other than the incident that occurred between Lord Fastolfe and Mr. Wilson," Kylah adds. "I was thinking before that. You see, when we were meeting with him, Mr. Wison was called away to attend some matter relating to the new arrivals. Do you know what that might have been?"

Ah, I'd overlooked the "delicate" explanation. Thanks. For something that important, yes, please include exact wording.

Mrs. Calvin says, "The spores made me feel wonderful - very relaxed and at peace. That feeling didn't change at all during the day." She sighs and then thinks a bit. "I believe I did see Mr. Wilson in a hallway, early in the evening. We just said 'Hello,' though, nothing more than that, really. I saw him do nothing unusual. And I certainly don't know where else he might have been called, or why."

To your continued questioning about her finances, her mouth sets stubbornly, and she crosses her arms. "I'm sorry, but I don't discuss those kinds of things with anyone but my financial advisors. I really can't see what it might have to do with that poor man's death." Kylah can sense her suspicion of you for asking about it, and her stiffening resistance. She now seems to be hiding something.

"I see," Kylah says, nodding and trying to think of a way around the obstacle. She decides to bypass it, not just because the woman seems extremely strong-willed and unlikely to change her position, but also because she did not quite answer the question Kylah wanted answered. "I sympathize with your privacy, Mrs. Calvin. I hope you understand that we are only trying to get to the truth behind a tragic event. To go back to the introduction for a moment, I just wish to clarify something I might have misunderstood. After the orientation but before the spore introduction, you do not recall any argument or discussion between Mr. Wilson and the other new arrivals?"

"Do you know any of the other guests here, by the way? There are some prominent people whose busy lives do make such a vacation spot quite tempting. You yourself are quite renowned and likely glad for the respite," Kylah says with a smile. "What did inspire you to visit this resort, if I may ask? Do you know anyone else who has been here?"

"I should mention that Mrs. Hsu will be taking on some of Mr. Wilson's responsibilities in the short-term, so she will likely be in touch with you. Have you met her before? I am sure she will make sure the rest of your stay here is far more enjoyable than... well, than speaking with us has been. And I assume that, when things are more settled, Dr. Halsey will also be in touch with you regarding your treatment. Was he the one who gave you the orientation? Really, we would greatly appreciate your opinions on any staff members you have met, if you do not mind."

Rangin waits to see how the questions would be answered by Mrs Calvin. He only really had two left. She had been here less than 24 hours and probably spent most of her time in the resort on spore therapy. How come the house was such a mess? Also, if she was awake past 12:00, how come she didn't hear anything from outside?

Graham nods acknowledgment of the Admiral's reply.

My understanding is that spores are not supposed to just wear off...is there any reason you can think of that they might have, sir--prior to my arrival, that is?
Was WR&R in compliance with its contracts? Was there anything you were concerned about...or that Wilson might have been under pressure about?
Do any of WR&R's rivals have "sharp elbows"--maybe sharp enough to involve foul play?

Mrs. Calvin says, "No, I didn't see any argument between Mr. Wilson and the other new arrivals. Our discussions were purely social. I know no other guests here, although of course I've heard of some of them, such as that Fastolfe fellow and the alien billionaire who were exposed to the spores at the same time as me. My publicist had suggested the resort to me some months ago, and from all I'd read it seemed like it would be worth a visit. I just met Mrs. Hsu briefly yesterday. Some other staffperson conducted our orientation; I didn't catch his name. And yes, all of the staff have been very helpful and kind."

The Starfleet Comptroller General responds to Ens. Graham:

My understanding is that spores are not supposed to just wear off...is there any reason you can think of that they might have, sir--prior to my arrival, that is? - "That is also my understanding. I'm very puzzled. I can't explain why they might have worn off sooner."
Was WR&R in compliance with its contracts? Was there anything you were concerned about...or that Wilson might have been under pressure about? - "WR&R was doing pretty well and was generally in compliance. There were some minor issues, I suppose, but it seemed more likely than not that it would keep its franchise. I don't know why Wilson would have been under any particular pressure, other than the usual difficulties of running a place like this."
Do any of WR&R's rivals have "sharp elbows"--maybe sharp enough to involve foul play? - "I doubt it, at least not as a matter of corporate policy, but I suppose anything is possible if some particularly ruthless executive thought it was worth it. I've never heard of something of that sort happening in, oh, many years, though, and certainly not in any contracting with which Starfleet has been involved."

"Thank you for your time, Mrs Calvin, in answering these questions. With reference to financial matters, the licence to run the resort between WR&R and the Federation is coming up for renewal. We have found that several people could be said to have had an interest in seeing WR&R not retaining the licence and the incident would not reflect well on the current incumbents. We have no desire to find out your full financial dealings, but the small matter of self-interest has already been raised and we are merely following along the same line of questioning of all the guests. I do have another request to make though..."

Rangin takes a deep breath before continuing. "Please understand there is no obligation, and I honestly mean no offence and do not wish to intrude, but would it be possible to take a medical reading of yourself to try and determine why the spores are no longer effective? As far as we are aware, only a highly emotional experience should remove the effect, so them to fade for no reason is worrying and, to be honest, may be related to the incident last night, especially as you do not appear to be the only one."

Rangin hopes he has not just upset one of the guests, but he also wonders, just how many of yesterday's guests will no longer be under the effect. He idly scratches at his arm wondering what Graham would be able to tell him and if they are going to have to go round all of the people just to see what state they were in.

Calvin pauses. "I'm still not discussing my business affairs. I will tell you, though, I have no financial reason to want to see WR&R lose its franchise. And if you want to have a doctor scan me to figure out why the spores wore off, I suppose that would be all right."

"We will be making a statement shortly, Admiral," Graham says. "I'm happy to answer any questions--otherwise I'll get back to it..."

He pauses. "I believe Lt. Collins would have preferred that you return to the ship, given the incident." He shakes his head. "However, at this point I believe this was specifically targeted at Wilson, so I'm not suggesting that other guests should feel any need to leave. To stay consistent with that, I am not recommending that you should leave either, Admiral."

He gestures toward the door. "But given that there's at least a possibility the renewal of WR&R's contract could be a factor and your role, we have assigned two Security officers to ensure your safety. I'm sorry to impinge on your vacation, but I'd appreciate it if you stuck close to them, sir."

Hardin looks old and haggard as he nods, saying, "I understand, and of course I'll follow your recommendation. Thank you, Mr. Graham."

"Thank you, that should be enough about your finances and yes, I think at some point, if you are still willing, I may ask for that scan." replies Rangin.

He turns to Kylah, "I have nothing further to ask, do you have anything?"

Graham steps outside. "Take good care of him," he says to Three Crows. He starts to leave then remembers Rangin had asked him about Ebling's spore status too. He momentarily thinks about calling him to ask why, but decides that isn't necessary.

Rangin's a smart guy--kind of a pain in the ass, but smart, he thinks. A, he probably had a good reason. B, if he didn't, and this is some pointless task he concocted to punish me for my wicked ways, he would surely have come up with something much more clever and unpleasant.

He turns to the Security officers. "Have you seen Cmdr. Ebling today? Do you know where her quarters are?" he asks.

Three Crows says, "Lt. Cmdr. Ebling's guest quarters are one floor up. I haven't seen her, but the others have. It's Room 412."

Dobson, still in the park, notices a tall, yellow birdlike alien emerge from house #4 and begin walking towards the main part of the resort.

Dobson also walks towards the main area on an intercept course. When she is close enough to address the alien without shouting, she says "Excuse me. May I have a moment of your time?"

The alien, which is almost a meter taller than Dobson, turns and cocks its head. "Yes?" it asks in a soft, whistling voice. "What do you wish?"

"I'm Officer Felice Dobson with Starfleet Security. How has your stay been so far? Any complaints?"

Kylah smiles and shakes her head. "Not related to Mr. Wilson's death. I think that will be all, and thank you for your time and openness. But to digress to a more pleasant subject, I know one of my colleagues is a great admirer of your work, Mrs. Calvin, and she would have loved to meet you, if she were part of the landing party. May I ask, for her sake, if you are writing a new book while here? Will you be spending time on that, or is this getaway a break from your literary endeavors?"

She is hardly paying attention to her own words, focusing all her concentration on Rosemary Calvin. What if anything did she note from Calvin's feelings when she finally responded to Rangin's question about her finances? Sincerity? Still hiding anything?

"Yes," she says with some asperity, "I already told you I was working on my latest book last night. Now, if there's nothing else...?"

See post 2076.

Calvin seems truthful but annoyed in her responses. She is not telling you everything.

"I do beg your pardon, Mrs. Calvin. We have been working since four in the morning, and I fear I am not at my best." Kylah is irritated with herself for such a silly mistake. I sound like Collins, she thinks, and then feels guilty when she remembers what Collins is going through. "Of course, I will pass the news on to my friend. She will be delighted to hear it." Kylah stands up with a glance to Rangin. "Please enjoy the rest of your stay. Oh, we are heading over to the administration area in a little while. You mentioned your house was a bit messy--would you like us to make sure the housekeeping service tends to it today, if it is not already scheduled to do so? It is the least we can do after imposing on your time in such a way."

Graham thanks Three Crows. Although he's not sure Ebling's in her room at this time, he figures it's as good a place to start as any. He heads to the room and unless interrupted rings the chime.

"Thank you Mrs Calvin, you have been most helpful", says Rangin as he gets up to leave. "Oh, just one last question: you said earlier you were working on your novel past midnight, roughly what time was that until, half past, maybe one o'clock?"

"No, thank you," Calvin says to Kylah. "I can arrange for Housekeeping myself." To Rangin she says flutters her hand a little and says, "Oh, I don't know - maybe 12:15, 12:30. Around there. I didn't look at a clock, young man. Not much later than that, if at all."

Graham finds two other Starfleet Security officers in plainclothes outside Ebling's door - Ens. Josiah F. Russell, a beefy young American, and Spec/1 Ji Coringu, a Kobliad woman. Russell reports, "Lt. Cmdr. Ebling went out for breakfast and a walk, and we kept a discreet eye on her, sir. No problems. She's been back in her room for almost half an hour now."

http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Kobliad

With another small nod, Kylah listens to the last part of the conversation between Velir and Calvin before bidding the woman good day. She moves away and, whenever Velir joins her, waits until they are far enough away from the human before speaking.

"A woman adept at spinning tales should be a better liar. She is hiding something that pertains to this investigation--something about her finances," she says decidely. "And I would very much like to see the inside of that house. I suppose it would break some Federation rule if we went inside with the housekeeping staff--assuming she actually does call them?" Kylah frowns in thought as she pulls out her communicator and sends out a brief message. "I am just letting the team know we have spoken to Mrs. Calvin. I must say, I am very curious to learn from Mr. Graham whether Hardin and Ebling are still under the spores' influence."

When finished, she looks up at Velir. The pleasure of working beside him strikes her anew. "What are your thoughts about her answers, Velir?"

Velir rejoins Kylah and listens to her comments. "Well, I can't tell if she is lying or not, certainly not without something to match her words against. But two things of importance came out of that meeting. The first is obviously the disappearance of the spores, and yes I have a couple of ideas on that depending on what Graham's answers are, the second is the timing. She was awake until roughly half past midnight, the latest time at which Dr Wilson was murdered. Unless she was very, very wrapped up in her work, she should have been able to hear the assault outside before that time. She certainly didn't appear to have a problem with her hearing. But given that, its another hint that perhaps Mr Wilson was not killed in that spot."

He stops and leans back against a nearby wall to consider further. "If Graham comes back and the other two are no longer effected, we have a bad batch of spores of which I have the data for, so we can determine what went wrong that way. If the others are still affected, then it may be a more local solution we should be looking for. Perhaps the empty houses right next to the two people we know have been affected in this way. Either way, it will come to light sooner rather than later. I'd hazard a guess at a bad batch of spores, because otherwise it would not just be the people introduced last night who could have been affected in that way, but anyone residing in the square."

Rangin looks directly into Kylah's eyes, "As for going in and seeing why Mrs Calvin's house may be untidy, there might be several reasons, only a couple of which might be related to this. Unless you can conceive of a reason and have proof to indicate that it is related to the case, then it would not be correct to do so. It would be ethically, morally and most probably legally wrong." His stern face splits into a grin, "But..inquiring of the housekeeping staff afterwards is a different matter. It's their job to clean and our job to ask questions."

"So, what next. Another interview of someone else in the square, check out the empty houses, or tackle Mrs Hsu and Khosvgol?"

"Thanks, good work," Graham replies to the officer. He rings the chime for Ebbing's room.

The yellow avian says to Dobson, cocking its head, "Why is Starfleet asking me how I like a resort?"

Ebling answers the door. The Tellarite woman is in civilian clothes. "Ah, yes. Mr. Grant, is it?"

Dobson manages a polite smile as she replies "Sir, we are asking all the guests as part of the evaluation prior to the contract renewal. It is normal procedure." She may have lied, because she's never heard of such a procedure, but it's reasonable to assume such a thing exists, so she is satisfied with that notion.

Velir's ruminations make sense to Kylah, although of course she cannot back up her assertion that Mrs. Calvin was lying without revealing far more than she is prepared to, at this stage.

When he suddenly and unexpectedly looks directly at her, she catches her breath. It's not just the warmth and intelligence and intensity of his green-brown-gold eyes that mesmerize her, but the emotional sense they convey, without her making the slightest attempt to read him. He has a strength that Kylah has never known in a man before. It does not consist of power, ambition, violence--not a strength of conquest or acquisition. It is not a strength that requires someone else to be weak. Quite the opposite. She feels as if his quiet force is radiating to her, supporting and shoring her up.

I need that. I need him.

"Yes..." she says to nothing in particular when he finishes. "I mean... I agree with what you say. About the housekeeping." Kylah wants to hit herself for being so inarticulate. "As for the empty houses... Mr. Graham and I searched all three of them. Well. I searched physically, he scanned. I was mostly looking for any evidence a killer might have used an unoccupied cottage as a hiding place. Neither of us noted anything unusual, but we were not looking for something specific that might have caused a problem with the spores. Miss Aubrey is also next to one of the empty cottages, but I did not notice, and she did not say, whether she was still affected by the spores. But I was foolish not to have asked her specifically about that." She frowns at the omission, trying to understand why she did not think to ask the actress about the treatment. "Perhaps because it was just so obvious with Mr. Palver," Kylah says without thinking. "I could sense it almost the moment I--"

She stops and, flushing slightly, shakes her head. "That is, he--he seemed distressed in a way I have not seen in anyone actually under the spores' influence," she explains. "Whereas Miss Aubrey did not. But that does not excuse it. She is an actress. Perhaps we should make a note to go back to Miss Aubrey at some point, to make sure? It may have been a bad batch of spores, or... or something deliberate. I do not trust in coincidences, especially considering Dr. Halsey is a possible suspect."

The breeze has blown a few of her curls in front of her eyes, and she brushes them aside to tuck them behind her ear. "As for our next move... I think we should get through as many of the guests as we can, do you not agree? Otherwise they will leave their houses and be met by security, and since we have to speak with them as well, it is likely the guests may end up uncooperative. Too many Starfleet personnel asking them multiple questions... Even an innocent person would be understandably annoyed. May we see Prolun Jaxo next?"

"We have enjoyed our stay so far," the avian says. "Anything else?"

"Not at this time," Dobson replies, "Thank you"

As the breeze blows her hair in front of her eyes, Rangin watches her delicate fingers carefully moving them out of the way, the dark curls offsetting her eyes but also able to see the lines of worry and tiredness around them. Rangin worries that so much has happened to her and he hopes he can be there for her.

"Sounds like a good idea, lets head across." He starts walking with Kylah back to the square before continuing to speak quietly.

"You've already searched the empty houses? Useful to know, I wasn't sure and had noted it down as something to follow up on. If there had been anything to find, I'm sure between Graham and yourself you would have found anything of interest, certainly though scanning. The only thing likely to affect the spores would be a type of transmitter, but it would affect everyone in the area, and would have to be used up close."

Rangin considers what Kylah has been saying and looks back across at her, "You mentioned Miss Aubrey and how you didn't notice it, but that it was obvious with Mr Palver, or that it was obvious with him. I hope you have good instincts for that. However, there were five people in that session. Palver, Calvin, Fastolfe, Ebling and Hardin. We'll see what the others are like shortly. Prolun Jaxo could be interesting though if he is still under the effect of spores."

As they arrive in the square, Rangin smiles, "I'll let you knock."

The avian bows briefly and leaves.

Kylah knocks and, after a few moments, a short alien with a bony tan exoskeleton answers the door. Rangin recognizes the being as a Hwuen. "Greetings, Starfleet persons," it (he? she?) drones. "For what purpose do you come to this place?"

Kylah is relieved her gaffe about sensing Palver's lack of spore influence was easily passed over, although she does not like keeping information from Velir--not this information, anyway--and wonders if she will ever feel comfortable enough to reveal her strange and still frightening abilities to him. Would he think her a freak? Intrusive? He is someone who shunned the idea of entering Mrs. Calvin's house without permission; how would he react to the knowledge that Kylah can do the same to people's minds?

She swallows the nervousness away and, when they're in front of Prolun Jaxo's home and the Hwuen has opened the door, is about to speak--but then realizes she has no idea how to address him. Why did I not look up the correct protocol? Hwuen are not part of the Federation but there might have been some reference... Again, I am sloppy!

Taking a leap, she looks at the alien. "Greetings, and thank you for seeing us, Prolun Jaxo. My apologies, I have never met someone from your planet before and do not know how you wish to be addressed. I am Ensign Kylah and this is Ensign Rangin. We are investigating an incident that occurred at the resort last night, and we are asking everyone in the area some questions to see if they might have seen or heard anything unusual. May we please come inside and speak with you?"

Kylah does a quick push of her mind to Jaxo, wondering if she can sense anything from the Hwuen.

"It's, ah, Ensign Graham, Commander," he replies to the Tellarite. "I'm sorry to disturb you, but there's been an incident I was just briefing the Admiral on. If you don't mind me asking, ma'am, before we get to that--are you still feeling the influence of the spores this morning?"

Rangin has never met a Hwuen before. He's seen plenty of details about their physiology as a species, but a knowledge of their respiration system probably isn't quite as useful as Kylah's ability to communicate. He hangs back slightly and lets her talk, but ready to ask questions if required.

Kylah gets no mental impression from the Hwuen at all. It is as if there is no one standing in front of her. The alien seems offended, though. It leans forward, almost crouching, and brings its hands together. "I am not Prolun Jaxo. No! Why do you presume I am? And tell me, why should the Jaxo have you within his place of esteemed residence?"

"Ens. Graham, of course," Ebling says. "My apologies. Won't you come in?" She steps back. "And yes, I still feel the spores' effect. Why do you ask?"

"Our apologies, we were only told that one Prolun Jaxo was residing in the house. If there are more than just the Jaxo we would be interested in speaking to you all. We wish to speak to any present and ask questions regarding an incident that occurred last night in the square. Your answers would be useful to help us solve what happened. We do not have to ask questions here, we can do so at another place of more convenience for all, but most would consider this to be a more comfortable location than perhaps a restaurant. At the same time we would like to pay our respects to Prolun Jaxo and the Hwuen as we are both from planets that have only recently joined the Federation and are interested to find out your feelings on it."

Rangin tries to remember if Prolun Jaxo is more a title than a name, and indeed what the genders are, if indeed that matters to such a species.

"No apologies necessary, ma'am. I'm sorry to disturb you," Graham replies, following Ebling in. "We're, ah, trying to uncover anything out of the ordinary...I just came from briefing the Admiral. The resort's administrator, Mr. Wilson, was fatally stabbed last night. Lt. Collins is ill, so I'm leading the investigation. We're going to make a public statement shortly." He gestures toward the door. "At this time we don't believe it was a random act nor do we have any reason to believe it's any sort of plot directed at Starfleet personnel, so I am not recommending you or the Admiral return to the ship. But given the possibility that the contract renewal might be a factor and his role, we've assigned plainclothes Security to the two of you as a precaution."

Kylah keeps her mouth shut as Velir does an able job of smoothing things over and covering for her error. Too many, why am I failing in such basic matters? She is also disconcerted by how... blank the alien feels to her. It is like staring at an ininimate object, not a living being, and the emptiness, the inability to get even a slight emotional sense from the Hwuen frightens her. Is this truly how others interact? Is this what it is like, what she has always wanted, to be normal? Kylah has never realized until just now how much she relies on cues from her empathic abilities. Even without trying, she almost always senses something; much like feeling the cold radiating from a block of ice without touching it. Now there is just nothing.

The rational part of her knows the Hwuen are most likely somehow immune to empathic senses. But she can't help wondering if her exhaustion and lack of focus are to blame, not just for the wall that seems to separate her from this alien, but for the increasing number of careless mistakes she's making.

She waits and tries to find something to understand this new being in front of her. Physical stance, facial expression, anything. In fact, she must keep watching the Hwuen's body for signs of movement, because otherwise her confused mind cannot accept that he or she is truly alive.

Ebling says, "Fatally stabbed? Oh, lords...." She seems shaken. "That's... that's awful." She slumps into a chair and takes a deep breath. "Well... thank you for the guards. I can't imagine I'll need them, but it's good to know they're there. Is Adm. Hardin all right?"

The Hwuen straightens and says, "The Jaxo is very busy. I will inquire as to whether he wishes to meet with you." It raises its left hand and then lowers it, then closes the door. Its face hardly moved at all, and its gestures did not match those of any humanoid culture with which Kylah is familiar.

Rangin's eyes flick sideways to Kylah while he is still facing the door. "Do you think they will speak with us, because I have no idea what that last gesture meant." He turns and looks more fully across at her, "Are you alright, you seem a little..." Rangin's voice fades away with the sentence.

He decides that continuing down that line of conversation is probably not for the best, and changes tack, "So, the Hwuen, although I could tell you what they are in a biological sense, I have no idea what are the protocols for talking with them. Are there any actions I shouldn't do, gestures I should recognise, foods I shouldn't eat, that kind of thing. I'd hate to make too much of a fool of myself, although they would probably enjoy the laugh." Rangin considers a moment trying to dredge up memories of notes taken long ago, "At least, I think they have the capability for it."

"The Admiral seemed to ah, take the news pretty hard," Graham replies. "As a result of their respective jobs he's apparently known Wilson awhile."

He asks Ebling some questions:

Did you know Wilson as well?
Were you or the Admiral doing any business with regard to the WR&R contract while here?
Do you know of any reason someone would wish Wilson harm?
Did you notice anything unusual yesterday or last night?
Should I have our doctor take a look at the Admiral, just in case?

"I do not know," Kylah says, trying not to sound distressed by her complete inability to read anything from the Hwuen. "I can not--I do not recognize any gestures or stance or the tone of his voice--or her voice. Even whether they have a binary sex classification is outside my knowledge." She bites her lip and takes out her communicator, hoping to access the ship's computers to see if there's anything at all on the race. "I should have done this before, it was negligent of me to enter into a discussion with an unknown race without research. It was lazy, I have grown too complacent. I am very grateful you were able to communicate with the alien so well."

In a rush to learn anything while they wait, Kylah contacts (either the computer directly or Thalen, ideally the former depending whether that's technically possible) and asks, "Please let me know anything vital involving protocol, ettiquette, styles of address or communication preferences involving the Hwuen, a non-Federation-aligned race." She spells the race's name since she doesn't even know if she is pronouncing it correctly.

Ebling answers Graham's questions:

Did you know Wilson as well? - "Just through the Vice Admiral. I hadn't met him before we arrived yesterday, but corresponded with him several times on behalf of the Vice Admiral."
Were you or the Admiral doing any business with regard to the WR&R contract while here? - She looks a little uncomfortable, and after a pause says, "No. The Comptroller General plays no direct role in deciding whether or not WR&R keeps its franchise."
Do you know of any reason someone would wish Wilson harm? - She shakes her head curtly. "No, I really don't. This is a big surprise."
Did you notice anything unusual yesterday or last night? - "No, not that I can think of." She looks as wry as it's possible for a Tellarite to look. "In fact, I'd had a very nice visit here before you showed up here this morning, Ensign."
Should I have our doctor take a look at the Admiral, just in case? - "Uh... why? Just in case of what? I think that's for the Vice Admiral to say."

High above, Thalen accesses the Yorktown's Library Computer for information on the Hwuen. "There's not very much here, I'm afraid," he says to Kylah and Rangin. "The Federation's first contact with them was just seven years ago, and we haven't had many dealings with them since. Let's see... they have a very hierarchical society, with great emphasis placed on tullo or 'face.' They have an oligarchical government; military strength and political influence are prized. Corruption is rife. Um... duelling is common among the upper classes, so watch your step. There are five or six different genders - accounts differ - but their sexuality is still one big question mark." There is a long pause. "Not too much else here that I see. Sorry."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face_(sociological_concept)

"Thank you very much, sir," Kylah says to Thalen, mulling over his words. "That is far more than we knew, and will, I hope, help us in ensuring we pay proper respect to the guest." She offers her gratitude again and signs off, looking at Rangin. "Do you have any thoughts? It occurs to me that if 'the Jaxo' proves reluctant to meet with us, perhaps I ought to state that I am member of the Elasian royal family. If they prize political influence, my title might be worth something." For once. Kylah holds back a grimace at the thought before adding archly: "They will see the Federation does not send mere peons to speak with someone of the Jaxo's stature."

Graham clears his throat. "Yes, uh, apologies, ma'am, I frankly haven't been much of a ray of sunshine in anyone's life today," Graham replies.

Or on this mission. Or for the last 10 goddamned years... he thinks.

"I'll leave you to enjoy the remainder of the day as best you can--" he starts to leave, then stops. "Ah, with one more question, if you don't mind, Commander. Would Mr. Wilson have been conducting other business with or assisting Starfleet in some other way outside of the renewal process?"

Aboard the Yorktown....

Collins comes slowly back to consciousness, and at last sees a face... a familiar face. Groggily she realizes that she is looking up at T'Var, with the Sickbay ceiling framing her features. The Vulcan looks concerned. She asks, "Are you all right, Mr. Collins? Can you understand me? The anesthesia should now be wearing off."

Collins nods weakly. Slowly, she realizes why she's there, as her memory of what transpired in the CP comes back to her. Tears start to trickle down her face. "I lost it, didn't I?" she says quietly.

T'Var hesitates, then nods. "Yes. I am sorry. We acted as quickly as we could. We tried but... were unsuccessful."

"Okay," Collins mutters as more tears well up in her eyes. "So what now?" she asks as she pushes the sparkly blanket down from her sternum to her waist.

T'Var puts her hand over Collins's. "You rest. The best place for you right now is here."

Collins tries to roll over onto her side, but her midsection is still a little sore, so it's a bit of a struggle.

"Better you remain on your back for now, Jeremi," T'Var says, and she complies.

Her mind races. Does Ben know yet? Did I tell anyone he was the father? Why am I so upset about this? I wasn't ready to be a mother, but I hadn't yet made my mind up. She turns her head to face T'Var. "There was no permanent damage, was there? I mean, sometime later on, when I'm ready...." Her voice trails off as tears stream down her face.

The doctor hands her a small, soft cloth to dry her eyes. "No, there was no permanent damage. You should be able to have another baby when you want to, when the time is right."

"Thank you," Collins replies. "Would you... please get word to Ens. Cooper? I don't want to see him yet. I just think he should know."

"Of course. May I do anything else for you?"

She thinks. "I left some things in the bedroom I was using on OC3. Please have them beamed to my quarters." Collins closes her eyes. "And could I maybe have something to help me sleep?"

T'Var nods. "I will contact the research station myself." She takes a hypospray off a small table, sets a dosage of vorlozine, and gently administers it to Collins's arm.

"Thank you," Collins mumbles as the drug takes effect.

She sleeps but finds her slumber far from restful. She has dreams - even nightmares. In one, Kylah chases her with a phaser that she knows has been set to kill; in another, Ben and a faceless child stand over Collins's grave; in yet another, she sees herself as nine months pregnant and stuck on desk duty. She turns uneasily in her Sickbay bed, and struggles to direct her dreaming to something more pleasant. Finally, she falls more deeply asleep.

Ebling thinks for a moment before replying to Graham. "Other than dealing with any compliance issues that might arise as to WR&R's current contract, no, I don't think so. Nothing that comes to mind."

"Eh, have there been any compliance issues, ma'am?" Graham asks Ebling.

Rangin looks across at Kylah seeing her frustration at not being ready and stays silent while she contacts the Yorktown, but he is beginning to get nervous about the slightly more erratic behaviour Kylah is showing. The mixture of last night's events, lack of sleep and now frustration getting her to the point where she was beginning to just keep acting without thinking. Rangin didn't want to wind up talking to the Hwuen with someone acting like Graham at his worst.

It's after Lt. Thalen has finished and Kylah haughtily states that perhaps she should mention her heritage that Rangin realises she is going too far.

He looks back at her with a stern gaze. "Don't even think about it." he states coolly, "we are here as a pair of Federation Ensigns carrying out our duty and our orders, nothing more nothing less. If they decide not to speak to us then that is their choice, not ours, and we don't push the issue. We go in if they are willing, politely ask questions, and leave."

Rangin shakes his head, "Seriously, you want to play games of intrigue on unfamiliar ground and when you don't know the rules. You go in and be the princess you are and they will spend their time looking for royal favours, trying to bribe you and extracting promises instead of answering questions...besides, I could go in there and promise a supply of all sorts of illicit products from Coridan, as bribes, and it still wouldn't be a good idea."

Allowing his demeanour to slip and show the concern etched across his face." Kylah, you're acting on impulse, you're not thinking. Take a few deep breaths and relax a bit. Let's just get this one over and done without hopefully causing a diplomatic incident..." he smiles back at her, "...and just be glad it's not Graham and Lt. Collins having to..." Rangin slows realising who he is talking about, "... I do hope she's alright."

Rangin takes a deep breath, relaxes, and his features return to their usual calm state.

"Ready.", he nods across to Kylah, hoping she is calm and collected and isn't about to go off the deep end and do something stupid. Better for her to be mad at him and get through the interview, than not think and then who knew what might happened. He really doesn't want to end up in a duel, over a matter of honour or, given the way things were going, Kylah's honour.

Ebling shrugs. "Nothing major. There was a lawsuit by a former employee, but it was settled. For a couple of days the resort was imposing pool-access fees on the research station staff when they came over for a swim, which was contrary to the terms of the franchise; Wilson reversed the fees when Lt. Palver complained."

The door opens again and the Hwuen reappears. "The Jaxo, in his great beneficence and wisdom, has graciously condescended to receive you. You are to follow me forthwith." It turns and walks deeper into the guest house.

You see that the house is opulently furnished in the latest Denevan style. You pass two other Hwuen in the hall, one of which passes you in the other direction carrying a tray loaded with what looks like the remains of some vast alien breakfast. The first Hwuen leads you into a large and comfortable chamber. Another Hwuen, quite a bit larger than those you've already seen, is seated on a big chair that could almost be a throne. The first Hwuen declares, "Behold Prolun Jaxo, Sixteenth of His Name, Protector, Governor and Master of Yorrina, High Commander of its Military Forces, and undoubtedly Worthy Descendant of Goebriy, the Most Exalted." It pauses and murmurs, "You should kneel, Starfleet persons."

Graham chuckles. "Well I think it is unlikely pool fees would be a factor in a homicide, although I suppose I've seen stranger things on the job." He moves toward the door. "Thank you. Do you by any chance know the nature of the lawsuit?" he turns to ask as he steps out.

Kylah is too shocked and hurt by Rangin's chastizement to say anything. She cannot believe he thinks her intent was to create an incident, or to use his word, intrigue. She only meant to use her generally meaningless family ties as a last resort to appease the Jaxo's ego, not to start some corrupt negotiation. Was she wrong to call Dr. Halsey when there was a good possibility guests might seek treatment before the team could speak with them? To seek help from Lt. Thalen before speaking to the Hwuen? She must have been, but she does not know why. Velir has told her not to apologize and in the past told her he admired her quick thinking, but now Kylah is not trusted. And the realization strikes her: Does he think I will do anything for an interview, because... because of last night?

Before she can take it all in, they are led inside the guest cottage, and now they stand before this grand figure of 'the Jaxo' with his plethora of titles, being asked to genuflect. She does not wish to obey; it is anathema to her and against all she has been taught. On Elas, only convicted criminals awaiting a potential death sentence are forced to kneel. The thought occurs to her that this might be a test: will they gain favor by obeying the command, or will they prove themselves unworthy by doing so? Might they earn respect by refusing? With no ability to fathom anything that these aliens are feeling, not to mention Velir's words that chipped away at her already low self-confidence--even in the one area where she has a great deal of experience--Kylah can no longer be sure of anything.

At this point any instinct she has will likely lead to the wrong decision, and so she stands there, mute and numb, waiting for Velir to do whatever he thinks necessary.

Rangin checks on Kylah one last time, but there is nothing there but hurt incomprehension at whatever he had said. Didn't...didn't she listen to what he was saying. They were there as two Ensigns on investigation, together, equals, partners?, not a royal princess and well, whatever that made him. No mere peons being sent. Well that was fine for her to say that, but then what did she think of him, he certainly couldn't claim the royal connections she was now flaunting as if it would give some extra access to the Hwuen. Did he count for something in her eyes or was he just the latest fancy to cross her royal path?

As they are shown in, Rangin tries to maintain his calm demeanour, further worries cross his mind. If she was going to play princess of Elas, was she ready for the Hwuen using that knowledge, playing for royal favours, extracting promises in return for information. She would wind up become a valuable pawn in whatever corrupt games they decided to play. A lowly princess from a dilithium rich planet would be a worthy prize indeed. He even knew several people on Coridan who would rake in millions of credits if they...Rangin stamps down hard on the thoughts, it wasn't worthy of him. He just didn't want it to happen to someone he cared about, regardless of who she was or what she thought of him. Rangin tries to clear his mind and concentrate on the job in hand, to get it over and done with.

As they are shown into Prolun Jaxo's presence, Rangin listens to the titles and looks calmly across at the person on the throne. When the functionary suggests he should kneel, it is stupid but all Rangin can see for a moment on the throne was Ens. Graham, lording over his new subjects. What would Graham do, Rangin thinks as he smiles.

Rangin nods in a half bow to Prolun Jaxo, before speaking in a lighthearted, upbeat tempo. "Greetings and good morning, Prolun Jaxo, this is Ens. Kylah, I am Ens. Rangin of the USS Yorktown. Thank you for taking the time to see us, we are currently investigating an incident that took place in the square outside last night. As a result, we are talking to all the people who have residence around the square to understand if they heard or saw anything and would like to ask if you would be able to assist with our enquiries."

Rangin finishes and relaxes into the at ease pose so beloved of policeman across the Quadrant, one he'd seen up close and personal too many times from the other side. Just a peon, just an ensign, just doing my job.

Seeing Velir's casual bow, Kylah decides that something halfway between that and an abject kneel might be appropriate. She curtseys deeply, not letting her knees touch the floor, but it is still a graceful, deferential gesture that she hopes Jaxo will accept. Rising, she keeps her gaze averted. Eye contact can sometimes be seen as a challenge in some cultures, and until Kylah knows more she will not risk anything.

She hears Velir's words, which are respectful but no more so than he would be to anyone else. Kylah has to bite her tongue to keep silent. The art of speaking to such powerful and egocentric beings is a skill she learned through both listening to and being coached by Aldaan. Many an embittered Klingon visitor--furious when Elas chose to ally itself with the Federation--was appeased by her soft and flattering speeches. And not just Klingons; Kylah probably showed more humility toward Lord Fastolfe and even Director Geb back on the Sakathian station than Velir just did to this apparently exalted Hwuen.

But Velir seems confident, and perhaps that is the right stance to take. She just does not know. Without any empathic feedback she feels utterly useless. Further, Velir has made it clear he recognizes that she is making poor judgements and might even be --- here is that hated word again -- a liability. The thought is painful but her multiple mistakes since yesterday cannot be denied.

So unless or until she is addressed, or something goes amiss and her input is truly necessary, Kylah vows to keep out of things.

Ebling looks up, thinking, before she answers Graham. "The lawsuit was about the disciplining and eventual firing of a low-level WR&R staffer here, if I remember right. He sued for several hundred thousand credits. I don't know what he got out of the settlement.

From his chair, Prolun Jaxo stares at Rangin and Kylah.

After an uncomfortable pause, his aide says in a stage whisper, "Kneel."

Graham takes his leave of Ebling. Once outside he opens his communicator. "Graham to Rangin."

Kylah knows what she would do under the circumstances--they need the information. She would first explain that it is not their way, but if the Hwuen insist on it... well, taking a knee will be repulsive but a small price to pay. If it takes such obeisance to an unresponsive race to help solve the crime, so be it.

And then she hears Velir's communicator. She nearly closes her eyes in frustration. Not now, not now! She cannot think of any way that interrupting this audience will not be seen as a grievous offense. But it might be an emergency, of course, and even if it is not, he must take the call--otherwise Graham might come running here with six security officers and phasers set to kill.

Apologize and leave, apologize and leave, she chants silently, although she does not dare concentrate too hard: in rare cases, she has been capable of accidental telepathy in the past, even with those who are not telepaths, and she must not let Velir actually hear her.

She remains with head bowed, waiting Velir's decision.

There is a sigh of discomfort from Rangin at the sound of his communicator. Why now, he wonders, will it just make it bad, worse, or catastrophic.

Addressing the alien in front of him. "I do apologise sir, but duty. not to mention the person in charge of of this investigation, calls. If I do not answer, he will be most concerned and will probably arrive shortly afterwards with a full security detail to ensure that nothing has befallen us." Rangin looks embarrassed at the thought he might inflict that on anyone. "Perhaps it would be better to start to try another time as it would be exceedingly unfair to interrupt your valuable time and, one would hope, your relaxing holiday with several Federation Security officers."

"Once again, I apologise for the inconvenience", says Rangin as, with a small stride forward, he drops to one knee showing due reverence before rising again.

"By your leave." he follows up waiting to be dismissed from Prolun Jaxo's presence.

Kylah keeps her face immobile. She is grateful for Velir's ability to use diplomatic speech--something she doubts anyone else on the team would be capable of--but his request to delay the interview makes her want to wince. She fears that the aliens will refuse a further meeting if both officers leave after having been granted an audience. Is he that afraid of letting Kylah speak to the Hwuen?

The Jaxo extends two fingers (out of six) on his right hand, touches his cheek, and looks away. The aide immediately says, "Please come with me, and you may use your communications device in the anteroom. The Starfleet female may go with you, or stay here."

"The Starfleet female as you put it, is called Ensign Kylah. Please accord her the respect of at least using her name. She is also capable of making her own decisions as to whether she wants to remain or stay." Rangin replies softly to aide, but loud enough for Kylah to hear.

"If you would like to show me to the anteroom, please."

Graham taps his fingers against his thigh while he waits for Rangin to acknowledge. He's sure Rangin wouldn't simply ignore him: however critical the Coridanite has been of him, he's stayed professional. What worries him a little more is whether he should have assigned a Security officer to second each member of the team, just to be safe: in Kylah's case, because she was so concerned about proving herself. In Rangin's, the possibility that he may have figured he knew better than Graham and departed from his orders.

Given Rangin's Coridanite background, he can understand why he might believe the only thing Security officers are good at is shaking people down and counting the bribes they're paid. Still, Graham wonders how as mission commander he can counsel Rangin to show a little more respect for the discipline--for the sake of his own career if nothing else--without provoking an argument.

Either or both of them might have gone off on their own contacting persons of interest when they should have been more cautious, he thinks.

While he's ruminating on this, he decides to take his own advice. He momentarily switches to another channel: "Mr. Dobson--please meet me back at the CP, and let Mr. Mahmoud know I called you off your assignment."

There would of course be no physical danger while contacting Wilson's widow--but it wouldn't hurt to have another paid of trained eyes on her reaction.

Most likely, this will be a run-of-the-mill heart-wrenching next-of-kin notification. But hell, he thinks, smiling grimly, maybe we'll catch a break.

He imagines the widow looking shocked: "Stabbed? Stabbed? Dammit, I paid good money to have him shot!"

The Hwuen aide tilts his head briefly to the side and says, "When she has shown proper respect to the Jaxo by kneeling, she may be referred to by her name. This way." It shows Rangin out to the anteroom, where the xenobiologist is able to flip open his communicator and make contact with Graham.

Dobson opens her communicator, listens to Graham's orders, and replies "Acknowledged. Returning to CP. Dobson out." She closes her communicator and puts it away. Looking over at Markovich, she points at him with her forefinger, then flips her hand so that her thumb points towards the CP. She heads back that way without looking to see if her crewmate is accompanying her.

Kylah almost smiles at Rangin's insistance, however futile, that the Hwuen use her name; his kindness and dignity are such integral parts of him that even after he has shown disapproval of her, he can still treat her with respect.

When he is gone, she turns to Prolun Jaxo and, swallowing back her pride, kneels. "I bid you good day, Prolun Jaxo, and hope you will understand that no disrespect was intended. It is simply not the tradition on Elas, my planet, to kneel before anyone. Although your customs are unknown to me, I wish to learn them, if I may. Please forgive and correct me if my manner of address to you is incorrect." She lifts her arm slightly. "I see your people use gestures to communicate as well. I am a student of languages, and I would be grateful for any opportunity to learn your unique and elegant ways of expression."

As he reaches the anteroom, Rangin can tell that Kylah has decided to stay behind by the lack of footsteps following. He hopes she knows what she is doing and all he can do is place his trust in her while he talks to Graham. Then again, she is the communications expert on the team. If she can't find a way, what hope did he have.

Opening his communicator he contacts Graham "Ensign Rangin reporting in sir."

Almost on auto-pilot, Graham starts rattling off his answer to Rangin's question from earlier in the day.

"Ebling is still under the spores' influence. The Admiral - his status this morning is unclear. He took the news of Wilson's death pretty hard. After that, no spores. Before that, he's not sure."

He pauses a moment, realizing he's being a bit perfunctory - nothing that would bother him if somebody like Mahmoud or another Security officer were getting back to him on a question, but he's cognizant of Rangin's very different temperament.

"Ah, and how are things going, Mr. Rangin? Do you need anything?" he says, more slowly and solicitously.

Unsure of whether the Hwuen are listening in or not, Rangin decides to treat as as a junior reporting to his senior. After all, Graham has been a Commander at one point and somehow the Hwuen may not be as responsive if they knew it was just another Ensign in charge. If they were as corrupt as Coridan, they would be listening in.

Rangin calmly reports in the same voice used to the talk to Prolun Jaxo. "Sir, my report. Ensign Kylah and I have continued interviewing guests from the square and we are currently in audience with Prolun Jaxo, Protector, Governor and Master of Yorrina and High Commander of its Military Forces. Prolun Jaxo is a Hwuen from a non-Federation planet, Lt. Thalen has the details on them, and we are attempting to diplomatically learn how best to show each other respect due to unfamiliarity with each others customs. Once that has occurred we hope to continue our interview concerning last night's incident. Currently we require nothing at this moment in time and I would hope to complete shortly."

Rangin takes a short breath hoping that Graham doesn't decide that given the way he is taking that he has to raid the house.

"Sir, what time do you want us to rendez-vous with yourself in the resorts administrator's office?"

Graham stops walking and almost asks Rangin if he's feeling all right.

"That was a...very...thorough...report, Mr. Rangin. As long as it does not put you and Mr. Kylah in any danger or cause ethical concerns, please do what you can to respect the Hwuen's customs. Let's aim to rendezvous there in 20 minutes - although completing a productive line of questions that's in progress should take precedence over getting there on the dot." He pauses a moment, debating how to end the call. "Keep up the good work. Graham out."

He shakes his head as he resumes his walk toward the CP. Chuckling he wonders whether Rangin might have accidentally been exposed to the spores...

Rangin listens to Graham's response before closing the communicator and turning to the ever present aide who is sure to have reappeared from whichever corner he was in.

"Before we return, are there any other signs of respect or gestures that should be made that will help us to understand one another further and hopefully assist in our enquiries."

The Jaxo's voice is deeper and more resonant than his aide's. He says, "Your gesture of respect in kneeling is appropriate, and appreciated, at the beginning of our discourse, Ens. Kylah. In our culture it is very important to show the proper forms of submission and respect to those who bear the authority of government, even a government which is not your own. Of course I will not hold you to all of our customs and modes of expression, as it would take many days to properly instruct you, and I have other obligations awaiting me today."

The aide says much the same to Rangin, and ushers him back into the Jaxo's audience chamber.

Graham and Dobson meet back in the command post. No one else is there.

"I appreciate both your understanding and the time you are willing to give us, Prolun Jaxo," Kylah says softly. "I only wish these were better circumstances..." She trails off when she sees Velir re-enter the room. Afraid of incurring his annoyance again, Kylah turns the conversation over to him with a murmured, "My colleague, Ensign Rangin, will explain."

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.

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.

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."

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?

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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."

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?"

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.

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."

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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

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.

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."

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.

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."

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.

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."

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.

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.

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

"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."

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.

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."

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."

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

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

...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.

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?"

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.

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.

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.

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.

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..."

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."

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."

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?"

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.

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

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

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.

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.