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

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."