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Collins smiles internally "Gotta love the angle" she mused. "I'll talk to the Captain about it and get back to you" Jeremi gets up, tosses her now empty coffee cup in the trash, and leaves the brig.
Out in the corridor, she touches buttons on the comm panel. "Captain? This is Ensign Collins. I'd like a moment of your time at your earliest convenience, please."
Hayes consults with Lt. Thalen right away. She relays the captain's request and suggestions to the Andorian. Rachel asks him to coordinate the concert as per the captain's direction. She will focus on the dinner party itself. Hayes plans to create a warm, relaxed environment in the mess hall for this event, turning it into a cafe of sorts with small tables set up for just a few delegates from the different groups sitting together. Hayes will include Starfleet personnel sprinkled among the tables as well.
She asks Lt. Dahlquist to help her get things ready. She sends out a shipwide message to the crew, requesting favorite recipes from their homeworlds. Rachel is excited to be in charge of this event. She feels confident that it will be a success.
Dr. Brownlock does not answer Dr. Noel's questions for a moment. He thinks carefully about his words. He is quite relieved that his crewmates did not have anything negative to say about him regarding their mission aboard the alien vessel. "To be honest, Doctor, I'm not entirely sure 'overwhelmed' would be the proper word for what I was feeling at the time." Nigel clears his throat. "Frankly, I was frightened more than anything else. Fearful that Collins, Nivens or both would die on my watch, so to speak. When doing research, of course, no one's life is at stake. I guess I felt that perhaps I was not up to the task at hand."
Pourtash gives Bennett an apologetic look when she notices his brooding. "I panicked on the boarding party. It's just hard not to dwell on my own failings now, especially considering that I've always wanted a mission just like that."
The Captain says to Collins over the comm channel, "I generally try to keep an open door, Ensign, but is this about something that you've already discussed with Cmdr. Vargas? Perhaps better that you first go through the chain of command, if not." You can almost hear her raised eyebrow.
Thalen and Dahlquist are glad to help Hayes organize another Yorktown "talent show" and dinner. They defer to her as to the details.
Dr. Noel asks Brownlock, "Why do you think that? Have you had a similar bad experience before?"
Bennett frowns sympathetically and says to Pourtash, "How bad was it? Was it a fluke, or something that you think might recur? I think you'll find the Captain is perfectly willing to give second chances - and even third chances, if she's convinced she has the right person for the task."
"Understood, sir" Collins then contacts Cmdr. Vargas and asks for a meeting.
Delaney is caught up in investigating the ship. Filling out reports and in the few spare moments left over designing up some scouting drones.
Pourtash considers that carefully. "I froze up and had to give command over, so I'd say it was fairly bad. I'm hoping it was just a one time fluke, though, because this whole experience here has made me jumpy. I'll just have to try harder."
Cmdr. Vargas asks Collins to meet him in ten minutes in his office on Deck 17. It is as businesslike and unadorned as he is, although she notices a silver-framed picture of an elderly couple on his desk. "Report, Ensign," he says, not inviting her to sit as he folds his hands on his desk.
Delaney is in his element aboard the alien ship, exploring it meter by meter. He finds it quite interesting. Chief Engineer Cheverez beams over for an update.
On the Bridge, Bennett quietly says to Pourtash, "I'm sorry to hear that. I've never had an experience quite like yours, but... I hope you won't be too hard on yourself. Anyone can have a bad day. No one died and you accomplished your mission, so that has to count for something, doesn't it?"
Collins relays George's request for a deal. "He's knows something of use to us, I'm sure of it. He's a regular schnorrer, that one, like on the early 21st century television police dramas."
Hayes is grateful for Thalen's help and that of the very handsome Swede. She asks Lt. Dahlquist if he'd be willing to work on the dinner party's menu. Rachel submits her favorite New England clam chowder recipe from home. "I'd like to make sure we have a wide variety of foods and drink from around the Federation," she tells Lars. Hayes considers the entertainment aspect of the evening. "Maybe the Lyceum could perform a play or musical they've done before and are familiar with," she says. "Something different from what the Banij enjoyed the last time. What do you think?" she asks Thalen.
Dr. Brownlock ponders his reply for a moment. He lets out a loud sigh. "When I first joined Starfleet, I had aspirations to become the CMO of a starship one day. As a medical officer, I know that I must have a very thick skin. I must learn to live with the possible death of crew members I serve with. I'm not quite sure I can make that leap from researcher to a hands-on doctor aboard a starship like this one."
Vargas icily stares at Collins. "I'm sorry, Ensign, but I'm not familiar with that... genre of entertainment. What is your recommendation for our next step, and why? In your opinion, is it more important that we acquire information directly from this man, or that we refuse to make any deal, and thus preserve Starfleet's options for a possible criminal prosecution?"
Dahlquist gets a thoughtful look as he considers Hayes's suggestions. "I think we could put together a pretty varied meal. Swedish meatballs, of course, and maybe plomeek soup?"
Thalen isn't sure putting on an entire play or musical would make sense. "If they didn't like it in the first five minutes, I wouldn't want them to suffer through an entire performance. Maybe a medley of songs, or a couple of scenes from a play? We did Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream a couple of months ago, and there are some rousing scenes in that. Or Hillbrook's drama Waging Peace; we did that earlier this year, and it would certainly set the right tone for the negotiations."
Noel says to Brownlock, "Every doctor has to face that kind of worry, don't you think? Directly, if someone actually in his care suffers and dies, or indirectly, if her research goes nowhere and those who might have been helped never are. In Starfleet, we live closer to danger than most people. It goes with the oath and the uniform. It strikes me, Nigel, that you've learned a lot already in your first deep-space assignment. Quite a bit, actually." She smiles. "So maybe that thick skin will be more easily-acquired than you think."
Collins makes a mental note to refrain from making references to antiquated pop culture. "Sir, I recommend we offer George a contingency deal; that if the information he provides proves useful in our dealings with the Banij and the Eruunlac, we honor his request; that if it gets us no where, we proceed with the criminal investigation and, if warranted, prosecution."
"I suppose so." Pourtash gives Bennett a small smile, then quietly thanks her. The talk helps quite a bit, at least putting things into perspective for him.
"Wonderful ideas," Hayes tells Lt. Dahlquist with a smile. She thinks a moment before responding to Lt. Thalen's ideas. "Would it be possible to do a little of both?" she asks. "Maybe something light from Shakespeare and then a bit from Hillbrook's drama?"
Brownlock nods in understanding. "You're right, of course, Doctor. Perhaps I just need a little more time to develop a thick skin than others in my position." Nigel stands. "Thank you for your time," he says. "It was good to speak with you."
Chief Engineer Cheverez might notice that Delaney is pushing himself too hard. He seems determined to ferret out the secrets of this vessel to the point of not sleeping. He has every panel on the bridge partially apart and many throughout the ship and in Engineering. Of course he has restored life support at least.
Vargas thinks for a moment, then nods. "Agreed. You may proceed, Mr. Collins." She returns to the Brig and explains the deal to George, who insists on getting it in writing and then says, "All right. I'm a geologist. I was on Rigel III, between jobs and kind of down on my luck, and heard through a friend of a friend that a geologist was needed for a secret mission. Very melodramatic, I thought. I wasn't supposed to tell anybody where I was going, or how long I would be away. The Eruunlac beamed me up to their ship, sight unseen, two days later, and brought me straight here. We've been here for three months or so."
Dahlquist and Thalen agree that a few short scenes from each play might work. Thalen contacts the Lyceum cast members and arranges a short brush-up rehearsal for that afternoon, with a performance that evening. Dahlquist and Hayes coordinate the menu for the meal. Capt. Singh approves the arrangements.
In her Sickbay office, Dr. Noel raises an eyebrow. "Is that really all you wanted to say, Nigel? It seems to me you just might have more on your mind than that."
Engineering crews under Delaney's direction have repaired the damage done to the alien ship and have indeed restored life support. After a thorough scan by Fujishiro, the atmosphere is rated safe again, and the Yorktown personnel aboard are, with a sense of relief, able to get out of their spacesuits. Cheverez congratulates Delaney for his work but notices his exhaustion, and orders him off duty for a full night's sleep.
"But sir, I won't be able to rest, how about a compromise, I'll take a 4 hour rest and then return to the ship but only for another 6 hours? It won't be any worse then a 4by4 watch anyway."
Cheverez sternly looks at Delaney, crosses his arms, then smiles and sighs. "Let me switch that for you, Ensign. Six hours' rest, then four hours back here on duty. And that's my final offer! You're no good to me, or the ship, if you're exhausted."
Collins is not asking these questions in rapid succession. She is allowing George to answer each one, and her tone is conversational.
Collins' curiousity is piqued. If there are mineral rights to be had, she's fairly certain the Federation is going to want a piece of that pie.
"Did the Eruunlac tell you any more once you were on board?"
"Was there any actual surveying done, with probes or down on the planet's surface?"
"Is there anything of value in the rocks or water on Banij Prime?"
George says, "They didn't say much, just that I was along to help them with a planetary geological survey and that I'd be well-paid for it. When we reached Banij Prime, we remained cloaked and I did the survey from orbit. I also used some remotely-operated probes. There's dilithium, pergium, gold, ekeltite, soldenium, silver, and dozens of other rare metals down there - you just wouldn't believe it. Of course, the Banij were sitting on top of it all. The Eruunlac crew never told me so directly, but I figured out that they intended to provoke a big war among the natives. They were broadcasting propaganda on regular Banij channels that was meant to rile them up, and had tapped into military communications so that they could send sham orders. They wanted a global fusion-bomb war. Genocide was their goal. That would leave no one to object to their claim to the planet's buried loot, and no Prime Directive issue if the Federation butted in."
Collins recalls that the Yorktown's geologist, Lt. Gunnarsdottir, had called Banij Prime "a mineralogical treasure trove." See post #356.
Ens. Carlos De La Paz asks to speak to Collins quietly for a moment, and says that he can find no one of George's fingerprints, voiceprint or retina patterns in Federation records.
The Lyceum rehearsal goes pretty well, and early preparation of the meal is underway. Hayes is optimistic about the prospects for the evening's performances and dinner.
"George," Collins starts to leave "Thank you, if what you've said pans out, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, you'll have your deal."
Collins walks with Ens. De La Paz "Check the databases for non Federation worlds. I'll be in Sick Bay"
Collins enters Sick Bay to talk with Dr Brownlock. "You ran scans on George while we were on the Eruunlac ship, right? Is there any doubt he's human?"
Dr. Brownlock is grateful for an excuse to end his session with Dr. Noel. He tells the good doctor that he'd like to speak with her again at some point. "I could perform more detailed scans of 'George' here on the ship, if you'd like -- and if the captain gives her permission," he tells Collins.
Hayes is very pleased with everything so far. She keeps the captain informed, of course. She submits to the captain a seating plan for the cafe style tables she's arranged. The seating plan provides a good mix of delegates and crew for both the dinner and entertainment later.
George grins slyly at Collins. "For the right price, Ensign, I could tell you who's behind the Eruunlac. They don't know I figured that out. After all, they're just errand-boys for... well, that's all I'll say for now. Be seeing you."
De La Paz runs the record check which Collins requested, and after several hours finds no sign of the prisoner in any planetary, organizational, corporate, military, civil, law enforcement or private database to which Starfleet has access. None. Even Memory Alpha, reached by subspace link, came up dry. He and Collins are both puzzled. Although the Federation is vast and its human population is in the multiple billions, there aren't many humans outside of Federation space, and it's extremely unusual for a particular human being to not show up anywhere in the records.
George was thoroughly scanned when he was brought aboard the Yorktown as a prisoner, as is Starfleet SOP, and Dr. Brownlock has no doubt that he's human. Any further scans could be performed at his discretion, although he thinks it would probably be wise to run it by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Villa.
Capt. Singh likes all she's seen of the preparations for the dinner and entertainment, and approves Hayes's plans. The afternoon's diplomatic session, despite a few bumps in the road (including a tirade by a Deq-Banij diplomat about a relatively minor trade dispute with the Na) has gone pretty well.
Collins reports her conversation with George to Cmdr. Vargas, including George's parting shot. She also fills Vargas in on De La Paz' lack of findings. "I am at a loss, sir, to explain George's non-existance. Back on the Enterprise, we'd often encounter aliens who appeared, for all intents and purposes, human, but were later revealed to be otherwise. Dr Brownlock has already performed thorough scans showing George to be completely human. And as for 'the right price'? I know we need to know who, if anyone, hired the Eruunlac - but George could also be merely fabricating that bit of information to extort a bigger reward - He's a con man, and I am no expert with con men. Perhaps Ensign Hayes could speak with George?"
Vargas says, "If you think it would help, Ensign, yes, let's have Ens. Hayes speak with him. I agree that it would be useful to know who was behind the Eruunlac's covert operation here. Proceed as you see fit."
Jeremi taps a comm panel, "Ensign Hayes? When you have some time, meet me in the Brig. Collins out."
Fujishiro quickly settles into a happy routine of investigate the alien vessel, a rotation on the bridge and sleep. She tries to keep aware of the diplomatic negotiations, but her interest and focus is on her own work.
Ens. Hayes responds to Collins, "Let me check with the captain to see if she can spare me for a while." Hayes contacts the captain about Collins' request. "I'd love to have a go at George," Rachel says. "Perhaps just a friendly chat or I could give him the hard sell. Until I meet with him, I won't be quite sure whether honey or vinegar might work better."
The Captain says, "Yes, I think we can do without you for an hour or two, Mr. Hayes, especially if the First Officer thinks you might do some good elsewhere. You may assist Mr. Collins in her inquiries." Before she goes, Hayes confirms final menu details with Dahlquist: Swedish meatballs from his family's recipe, plomeek soup from Sasok's, cheese tamales from Ens. Carlos Alvarez's, and creme brulee from Lt. Vivien Devereaux's, and a variety of beverages. The cooks, stewards and replicator specialists begin their preparations.
Soon Hayes and Collins are in the Brig, facing George through the forcefield door. What does Hayes say?
Fujishiro and Delaney (both now well-rested) are continuing their study of the alien ship. Thalen helps Fujishiro access, translate and decode the ship's comm records, which bear out George's remarks about Banij propaganda and military comm access.
Before going in to the Brig, Collins brings Hayes up to speed, including George's finagling.
Hayes is indeed fully briefed.
Pourtash's watch on the Bridge has ended, as has Bennett's. As they get in the turbolift, she asks if he'd like to get a snack or a drink.
Dr. Brownlock consults with Dr. Villa about George and his biological status. "I wonder, Doctor, if we might be dealing with genetic engineering of some kind or perhaps a clone similar to the Banij? Or, more likely, we could have an entirely new species on our hands -- one that so closely resembles humans that we cannot tell the differrence?" Nigel pauses a moment, deep in thought. "To be perfectly honest, I'm at a loss as to what we should do next. Your input would be most useful, Doctor."
Ens. Hayes decides to take the "honey" approach with George at first. She'll play it by ear and see what happens. She wonders if using the "good cop/bad cop" ploy might work to their advantage and asks Collins what she thinks about trying this.
Pourtash offers Bennett a self-deprecating grin. "A drink sounds excellent. Do you still want to hear more about the mission?"
Dr. Villa reviews George's medical scans with Dr. Brownlock and sees nothing to suggest that he is anything other than a 100% Earth-normal human being. There is no indication of DNA or RNA replicative drift at the cellular level, which is usually a surefire sign of a clone. The CMO says wryly, "If he's of a new species that's indistinguishable from human beings in every meaningful way and for which we know how to scan or quantify, who's to say he's not just as human as you and me? I have no good ideas for what you should do next with this man, at least from a medical point of view."
What questions does Hayes wish to ask of George, and how does she phrase them?
Bennett says lightly to Pourtash as they walk into the Crew Lounge on Deck 8, "If you want to talk about it, then I'm all ears, Faraz. But just how thirsty are you?"
Ens. Hayes introduces herself to George. She uses a friendly tone of voice and makes sure that her body language in non-
threatening. She smiles as she speaks. "I'm a xenosociologist. I study all aspects of alien culture. I'd love to know more about your experiences, George. I'm sure you've got some very interesting tales to tell."
Collins stays near the entrance to the Brig, out of George's line of sight, but within earshot of his conversation with Ensign Hayes.
Pourtash shrugs. "Not terribly. Why? Did you have something else in mind?"
Collins takes up her unseen position in the Brig. George says to Hayes, "Well, I'd already talked to Collins about what happened. What else would you like to know, Miss...?"
"Hmmm. I could go for a beer," says Bennett. She plugs in a replicator card and gets a frosty mug from the bulkhead dispenser slot. "What would you like?"
"Please call me Rachel." Hayes keeps on smiling. "To be honest, I don't have much of an interest in security matters. I'd rather know more about you. Where you come from. Where you've traveled. Any experiences you've had with other cultures. Anything at all you'd like to share with me."
"OK, Rachel," George says. "I was born and raised on an obscure Earth colony that I'd rather not name. Since I graduated from college and was certified as a geologist, I've traveled a lot, doing surveys and helping with mining operations. I've probably been on two dozen worlds since I left home, most of which were either uninhabited or had been recently settled, so I can't say I've experienced too many exotic cultures."
Through trial and error, Delaney and Fujishiro are able to figure out the consoles in the control center and engineering section of the alien ship. Delaney is now confident that a Yorktown prize crew will be able to get it to a Federation port.
Collins grits her teeth. "Dammit, George," she thinks, "Tell us who's behind this. Who hired the Eruunlac?!?!" She knows Ens. Hayes will get some information out of George, Jeremi just hopes it's the right information.
Hayes takes a deep breath. Her next line of questioning may not help much, but she knows the captain and security need information. "George, I know you'd like to make a deal with us. I understand. Are you worried about how you'll be treated by the Federation? Are you worried about the Banij, Eruunlac or whoever is behind this whole situation?" Hayes maintains eye contact with George. Her body language is neutral. "I can promise you that the Federation and Starfleet will treat you fairly and do what we can to help you -- within reason, of course."
George looks at Hayes thoughtfully. "I don't care at all about the Banij, frankly. But the people who sent the Eruunlac here aren't the most pleasant in the galaxy. I knew all along that what we were doing wasn't entirely legit, but the money was good, very good really, and I wasn't... well, I didn't have to kill anyone myself, you know? I just want to be sure that what I tell you now will be worth my while, and that I'll be kept safe. I've told Hayes a lot already. If you want more, I need to know it'll be worth it. So make me an offer."
Delaney begins the boring but needed job of writing up Standard Operating Procedures for running the prize ship. He continues to delve into the ships secrets of course.
Jeremi steps into the corridor and allows the Brig doors to close. She taps the comm panel. "Collins to Commander Vargas. George is ready to spill, but he needs a sweet reward. I suggest offering him asylum on a Federation colony of his choice, and restrict him from any interstellar travel. In return for full disclosure, we will not prosecute, and he may live as he wishes in that colony, subject to their laws."
Hayes nods in response to what George has just shared with her. "Thank you for your honesty," she says. "I have no authority to make you a deal, George, but I understand completely your need for one." She gives him her best "everything will be OK" smile. "I can assure you that you are safe with us. I will let the captain know of your concerns. Our captain is an officer of honor and compassion. You have my word that she will treat you fairly."
"I'll have a beer as well," Pourtash answers. "So what did I miss here?"
Hayes and Collins confer with Vargas, who says, "I'll discuss it with the Captain. I suspect we'll need to get Starfleet approval before we sweeten the pot that much."
Delaney's preparation of an SOP manual for the alien ship goes well. Singh chooses Engineering Lt. JG Demei Xiang to command the prize crew of ten, and you and Fujishiro fully brief her.
Bennett brings two Aldebaran pale lagers to the table. You clink your mugs together, and after a deep drink she wipes her lip and says, "Not a whole lot. Maintaining standard orbit, letting the Captain talk to - and arm-twist - the Banij diplomats, and keeping an eye out for any more trouble down on the surface. So far, so good down there, fortunately. But you were going to tell me more about what happened over on the alien ship, remember?"
Fujishiro will be slightly disappointed to see the alien vessel. So much more to study. She does a final review of her notes and suggestions to the future researchers of the Zheng radiation. And in the brief to Xiang and other crew, she places special attention on the safety precautions to mitigate the effects of the radiation.
Collins turns to Hayes "Thank you for your help with George. I guess I'll always be the 'bad cop'. But y'know? I'm okay with that." Jeremi smiles and resumes her post to await Captain Singh's decision.
Lt. JG Xiang thanks Delaney and Fujishiro for their SOP manual, briefing and notes. She seems like a very capable officer.
Dinner for the senior staff and the Banij diplomats that night goes very well. During a quiet moment over drinks beforehand, Singh tells Hayes and Collins, "As I read the law, 'George' could be charged with a variety of crimes, including attempted genocide, interfering with a prewarp native culture, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. Still, with some reservations, I've recommended to Starfleet Command that they approve the offer you propose. I expect they'll want some feedback from the Judge Advocate General, so it might be a few days before we hear back."
The different foods are sampled by all the Banij; although indifferent to Swedish meatballs, they really seem to have a thing for plomeek soup. The evening's entertainment is also a hit. The elfin Ens. Miraildes Rosa rules the stage as Puck in excerpts from A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Dr. Bucci clearly makes an impression on the alien dignitaries with his impassioned performance of the martyred Gandhi's famous monologue from Waging Peace.
Eventually the event breaks up to applause and toasts all around. Do you do anything else before going off-duty and thereafter to bed?
Zuul, you can still continue Pourtash's discussion with Bennett out of sequence, if you wish.
Delaney of course is still studying the alien ship.
Hayes nods in understanding. "Glad I could be of some help," she says. "I wonder what the captain's decision will be...."
Delaney's studies were complete upon his briefing of Lt. JG Xiang. He then attended the dinner and evening's entertainment with the other senior officers, on the Chief Engineer's orders. (Lt. Cheverez doesn't want Delaney overexerting himself).
The Yorktown's shipboard "night" passes quietly. All but one of you get a good night's sleep.
The next morning, Collins goes to check on the three alien prisoners and George in the Brig. She finds George on the deck, unconscious and unresponsive. The guard on duty is as surprised as Collins.
Jeremi pounds the comm panel on the guard's desk. "Collins to Sick Bay! Medical emergency in the Brig!"
The guard, Crewman Emil Markovich, drops the forcefield and Collins immediately begins CPR on George. She gets no response. A trauma team led by Dr. Bucci arrives in less than two minutes and begins to work on the prisoner, still to no avail. Cmdr. Vargas, who of course is Chief of Security as well as First Officer, arrives moments later to see what's going on. Dr. Bucci, looking very worried, orders the patient taken to Sickbay immediately. His two medtechs put George on an antigrav gurney and they leave with him on the double.
All thoughts of who or what George might be -- human or otherwise -- are now on the back burner of Nigel Brownlock's mind.
"What can I do to help?" he asks CMO Villa.
Collins questions Crewman Markovich, then the alien prisoners, in an effort to determine what happened to George. She reports her findings to Cmdr. Vargas.
Dr. Villa is still off-duty at the moment; Dr. Bucci is laboring to revive George. He welcomes Dr. Brownlock's help, and the two provide further CPR, heart stimulation, assisted breathing and appropriate drugs. It's soon clear that George is DOA - no brain function, breathing or pulse despite your best efforts. At 0807 hours, Bucci very somberly declares George dead, and Brownlock has no choice but to concur. Bucci wakes Dr. Villa by comm and reports the death; the Chief Medical Officer immediately asks Brownlock to conduct the autopsy. It is only his third such procedure.
Crewman Markovich, clearly shaken up, tells Vargas and Collins that he had seen George asleep on his bunk several times during the night, the last time less than half an hour before Collins arrived in the Brig. Vargas presses him, and the middle-aged Czech guard concedes that he did not look closely enough at the prisoner to see if he was actually breathing at any time.
The three Eruunlac prisoners, in separate cells down the corridor from where George was found, have nothing to say, just as they've said nothing since they were first brought aboard the Yorktown. They simply stare impassively at Collins. Vargas orders a guard posted outside of each cell until further notice.
Dr. Brownlock begins the autopsy right away. This is definitely not something he enjoys doing.
After scrub and sterilization-ray prep, Dr. Bucci and Nurse Perry assist Dr. Brownlock with the autopsy. He follows the standard Starfleet Medical pathology protocol.
The subject is a well-nourished, apparently previously healthy, Asian male, approximately age 30. After a full exterior medscan, Brownlock closely examines the entire body, noting two healed scars on the right shin and small birthmarks on both the right elbow and lower left back. There are no other visible wounds or injuries. He extracts blood, urine, marrow, semen, hair, skin, fingernail and saliva samples, and asks Dr. Bucci to run a full battery of toxicology scans and tests. Bucci, in doing so, finds no indication of any foreign substance, drug, disease, cancer, poison, spore, mold, or other toxin of any kind. Opening of the chest cavity and brain, and physical examination and scans of their contents, reveal unremarkable, undiseased organs with no obvious cause of death. The body is put into stasis in the Yorktown's small morgue (capacity: six). Brownlock, who now is entirely satisfied that George was an Earth-normal human, fills out a standard death certificate, leaving the "Cause of Death" field open for the moment.
Hayes assists Capt. Singh with the day's diplomatic discussions, which seem to go especially well. She can't tell if it's because of the special dinner and entertainment last night, but it certainly doesn't seem to have hurt.
Hayes is happy with the way negotiations are going so far. She is still quite impressed with the captain's diplomatic skills and feels she has learned a great deal from her. Rachel hopes she has been of some help in these discussions. She makes sure to thank all those who contributed to the dinner and entertainment -- especially Thalen and Dahlquist.
Hayes is sad to hear about the death of George, but is confident Security will figure out what happened and why.
Late that afternoon, after a marathon session, the Banij diplomats agree to a tentative global treaty. It calls for a yearlong (and renewable) withdrawal of forces from along the Na and Soj border, and the creation of a demilitarized zone; Soj reparations for loss of life and damage caused by the previous regime's nuclear attack; an immediate cut of 25% in all military spending; reopening of all embassies; and the establishment of a hotline linking all Banij national capitals so that communications can be maintained even in emergencies. A side agreement addresses longstanding consular, trade and scientific issues. The Banij leaders also agree, in principle, to seek Federation membership when eligible.
Most if not all of the Na and Soj allies' diplomats agree to the treaty; the nonaligned countries' negotiators also are willing to go along with it, with varying degrees of enthusiasm, if it averts another war. Ged, Chairwoman of the Governing Council of the Na-Banij, calls the document "the Yorktown Accord." On Capt. Singh's orders, Lt. Thalen transmits its text across the entire planet for adoption in each country.
Cmdr. Vargas orders Ens. Collins to continue her investigation of George's death.
Dr. Villa asks Dr. Brownlock what he intends to list as the late prisoner's cause of death, and why.
Collins goes back to question Crewman Markovich again. "Crewman, please, think carefully. Did anyone come in to the brig during your shift? Did you leave your station for any reason?"
Dr. Brownlock sighs. "To be honest, I'm not quite sure at this point." Brownlock looks over the autopsy results again. He shakes his head. "I'd like to leave 'casue of death' open for now -- at least until security finishes their investigation. If they can find evidence of foul play...." Brownlock lets out another long sigh. "Otherwise, I would be forced to list cause of death as 'unknown'," he says.
Markovich says to Collins, "Well, Mahmoud, Bartlett and Three Crows each came and went during my watch. It was nothing out of the ordinary; they each walked a shipwide patrol overnight, and stopped in here several times." Collins recalls the first two Security men from the mission to the Eruunlac ship, while Ens. Mary Three Crows is a young Amerindian officer she's only met briefly. "And I never left my station once. I know better."
Speaking with Dr. Brownlock, Dr. Villa nods. "You can indicate 'Unknown' or 'Indeterminate,' but Starfleet will at least want you to indicate a likely cause of death - natural, accident, suicide, or homicide - and explain why. Think carefully about it, and let me know what you decide." She goes to report to the Captain.
Dr. Brownlock chats briefly wiht Ens. Hayes regarding George and his state of mind when she interviewed him. He also looks over the autopsy report yet again. Brownlock tells Dr. Villa that based mostly on the autopsy report (which in his opinion is the only real evidence they have to go on) he does not believe George's death was natural, accident or suicide. "Which leaves homicide as the only other likely cause," he says.
Dr. Villa leans back in her Sickbay office's chair, closes her eyes, and sighs. Then she looks up at the young doctor and says, "That's a pretty serious allegation, Nigel. Why do you think that? Walk me through your thinking. I don't necessarily disagree, but I want to be sure...."
Collins tracks down Ensign Hayes "The 'good cop' may come in handy, again. Could you please see what, if anything, you can find out about George from our Eruunlac guests?"
"I'll check in with Cmdr. Vargas first. Make sure it's okay to speak with the Eruunlac." Hayes frowns. "To be honest, I don't think they have any interest in cooperating with us."
Dr. Brownlock sighs. "As I said before, Doctor, I believe George's death to be 'unknown' at this time -- and may well remain that way." Nigel begins pacing. "In my opinion, we do not know what caused George's death. Based on the autopsy -- and the choices you gave me -- anything but a possible homicide does not make sense. I'm sure Starfleet can wait until Security is finished with their investigation. Then we should know, one way or the other, whether a homicide is the likely cause."
"Oh. Right." Pourtash grimaces faintly before taking a swig off of his Aldebaran ale. "Well, when we beamed aboard it was difficult to tell where to go at first. For a long time we were just stumbling through blind, because of the ship's hull interfering with our scans. I think that's what got to me worse than anything else, because I don't like not knowing where I'm going. That's one of the most important things to first establish. Instead, all we could really do was crawl forward inch by inch until Fujishiro figured out how to adjust her tricorder to scan despite the alien alloy. It was at that point that the lights went out, but we'd already had suits beamed over, so we were able to manage...except then we hit the traps."
Vargas seems a little annoyed to be asked for permission for Collins and Hayes to speak to the Eruunlac. "Conduct your investigation, ladies, as you see fit. Go where the evidence leads you, and ask the questions you need to. You don't need to check with me at every twist and turn along the way. Dismissed." Unfortunately, however, the Eruunlac are no more communicative than before. Collins confirms that no one who has been near them since they first beamed aboard has heard any of them speak, not even once.
Dr. Villa says to Brownlock, "All right, thank you. That makes sense to me." She smiles slightly. "If Starfleet Medical gets antsy about the diagnosis, we'll just have to bring them around to our point of view. Wouldn't be the first time I've been down that particular road."
Pourtash and Bennett have a nice time together, talking and drinking, with her asking lots of questions. The helmsman feels better after talking about the mission, and is relieved to get some things off his chest with a sympathetic listener. All too soon, it's time for both to go change for dinner and the evening's entertainment. He doesn't have another chance to talk to her that night.
Remember that their conversation was the night before. Now Pourtash is caught up with the others.
Hayes sighs and shakes her head. "I could really use a drink right about now," she says to Collins. "Would you like to join me and we can try to come up with a plan for dealing with the Eruunlac?"
"You're on" Collins replies
Hayes and Collins go to a crew lounge and talk over drinks.
A day passes, then two. All of the major Banij powers have now ratified the Yorktown Accord, and the others seem likely to fall into line shortly. Capt. Singh invites the leaders and diplomats back for a signing ceremony. She also accepts the invitation of several Banij leaders, including those of the Na and Soj, to permit Starfleet personnel to visit the surface. Shore leave is approved for groups of thirty at a time. Would you like to go, and if so, what would you like to see?
On the Bridge, Pourtash overhears Thalen report to Vargas that the diplomatic courier USS Sugihara is now en route for the Banij system, bringing a Federation envoy to help them establish a lasting peace. The ship is also bringing additional personnel and new orders for the Yorktown, and will take the Eruunlac to Starbase 17 for further questioning.
The inspiration for the courier: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiune_Sugihara
Delaney would love a chance to go. He is of course most interested in Space & Science Museums, Power Plants tours or other tech related activities.
Brownlock would love to visit any medical research facilities. He's also quite interested in their cloning technology.
Hayes would like to spend some time with the Banij citizens she's met and let them give her a tour of what they feel is most important to their culture.
Jeremi asks Ben to join her for some R & R on the planet
Delaney gets a tech-heavy tour of the Banij surface. It confirms his earlier impression that the Federation and the Banij have a lot to learn from each other. With the permission of his hosts, he compiles an extensive record of his visit on his tricorder.
Dr. Brownlock spends most of his time in Na-Banij territory, learning more about their cloning operations. They are medically advanced but, he admits to himself, somewhat morally questionable, given their social structure. He finds the Soj-Banij almost giddy after the collapse of the military junta, and tours several of their hospitals, too.
Hayes is reunited with her Na astronaut friend Pev, who is very glad to see her again. He proudly shows Hayes around the Na-Banij space program's massive research facility and launch base, and then takes her to a nearby city to show her what life is like for a typical citizen. Next, the Deq-Banij are eager to show her one of their underwater settlements and plankton farms, which she finds very impressive.
Before Collins goes planetside, Cmdr. Vargas asks her for an up-to-date briefing on her investigation into George's death.
Lt. JG Xiang and her prize crew aboard the captured alien ship, which she has dubbed Ghost Prize, break orbit and set course for the Starfleet research facility on Xideri III. The ship is undoubtedly capable of Warp 5, Cheverez, Delaney and Fujishiro know, but Xiang is confident she can get it up to Warp 6. The Chief Engineer gives permission for her to try.
duplicate post
Collins apologizes to Ensign Cooper "there are still some holes in the investigation. Raincheck?"
Collins questions Ensigns Mahmoud, Bartlett, and Three Crows separately about their business in the Brig. She asks them each if they interacted with George or the alien prisoners. She reports all conversations to Cmdr. Vargas.
Hayes has enjoyed her time on the planet with Pev as tour guide. She is still upset and concerned about George's death -- how and why he died. Probably a long shot, she thinks to herself, but decides to ask Pev a question or two regarding this situation.
"Pev, I was wondering if you could tell me anything at all about the Eruunlac or about George? If not, can you put me in contact with someone who can?"
Cooper is not at all put out. He agrees to wait for Collins and beam down with her in a later shore leave party.
Mahmoud and Three Crows noticed nothing out of the ordinary during the watch when George died. Bartlett thought he heard George mumble a few times in his sleep, "almost as if he was having a bad dream." However, the guard wasn't really paying attention and cannot recall whether the prisoner said anything in particular. All three looked at George at least once during the watch, and all three observed him lying on the built-in bunk in his Brig cell. Each saw the Eruunlac prisoners at least once, also, but noticed nothing unusual. The aliens did not speak to any of them, and vice versa.
Pev has heard nothing officially from his government about George and the Eruunlac; all he knows is what he has learned from civilian news coverage. The Eruunlac are complete strangers to the Banij, who had had no contact with offworlders until the Yorktown entered the system.
Collins's investigation is ongoing, and those who wished shore leave have now returned. Fujishiro's Deltan friend and Sciences colleague Ens. Giya asks to have lunch with you all as a group. She is still torn by the career decision she faces, and would like your guidance. After she's explained her situation, what do you tell her?
See posts 477-484 here: http://www.mellophant.com/forums/sho...nk-quot/page10
Dr. Brownlock feels a bit uncomfortable with Giya's request for help regarding her unique situation. He does not know the Deltan well and has had little professional connection with her. "I would suggest you speak to Dr. Noel about this, Ensign. Dr. Noel is a skilled psychiatrist and I'm sure her counsel would be helpful."
Hayes listens intently to Giya's explanation. "For what it's worth, Giya, I will support you one hundred percent with whatever decision you make. I guess it all comes down to how badly do you want to stay in Starfleet? And do you believe what is being asked of you is fair? Could you pursue your career goals in some other way or is Starfleet the best option?"
Before Collins goes to lunch, she goes to see Cmdr. Vargas. "Commander, i have questioned all obvious suspects in George's death, but it occurs to me there may be another angle. May I know who, it turns out, planted the bomb in the conference room the night of the first diplomatic dinner? Also, and with all due respect, did you have any contact with George once he was incarcerated? I am not implying anything, I am just trying to be thorough."
Giya says, "Thank you, Dr. Brownlock, and Ens. Hayes. I've already spoken with Dr. Noel and, although she tried to be helpful, I can't say she brought me any closer to a decision." She sighs. "This is something I've been wrestling with for what seems like months already, and still I feel stymied...."
Vargas says to Collins, "We never did figure out who planted the gas bomb in the conference room. And I did meet once with 'George,' but he told me nothing of use, nothing at all."
The major Banij nations have now ratified the accord, and Capt. Singh is pleased to welcome their leaders and diplomats back aboard for a ceremonial signing, which goes smoothly, thanks to Vargas's and Collins's discreet but thorough security measures.
The Sugihara is now two days away.
Hayes feels terrible about Giya's situation. She's torn between trying to understand Starfleet's decision on the matter and the best course of action for the ensign. "Sorry to keep asking questions," Rachel continues, "but I find that asking them helps bring about a solution." Hayes thinks a moment. "Have you discussed this with other Deltans in Starfleet? What do they plan to do?"
Giya says, "Well, as you may know, I'm the only Deltan aboard. I've sent subspace messages to two friends from my homeworld who are also in Starfleet, but don't know when I'll receive their replies. One is on the Potemkin and the other is on Earth. I may have to decide before I hear back from them. I've asked my sister what she thinks I should do and she just said it was up to me, that she could see the arguments both pro and con. She was sympathetic but not too helpful, I'm afraid."
On Cmdr. Vargas's orders, a Security team searches and scans the Brig. In the air-circulation ducting above, they find an unmarked cylinder as big as Collins's forearm and a miniaturized control box. It looks identical to the gas bomb which she found in the diplomats' conference room. Mahmoud also checks the audiovisual logs of those who entered and left the Brig in the hours before George died, but no one is shown other than those about whom Collins already knew.
Hayes replies, "You can stay in Starfleet for now. See how things go with the new rule in place. You could always resign and find a new career path if it became absolutely necessary." Hayes frowns. "I wish I could suggest a better solution for you Giya. To be honest, I don't think it's fair for Starfleet to single out Deltans, but I can also see their point of view." Rachel's frown deepens. "It's a no win situation for everyone involved, if you ask me."
Giya smiles a little. "Thank you, Rachel. There are those who don't believe in the 'no-win scenario,' but it's hard for me to see a way out of this one. I want to serve in Starfleet but I have to be true to myself, including my sexuality. And if I took the oath of celibacy, I would be committed to obeying it. I'll have to think about this further."
Collins enters the Mess just as things seem to be winding down. "Sorry, gang. The investigation comes first. Giya, I don't have any specific advice for you - just considering that everyone in Star Fleet has given up something to serve; for some it was easy, for others, it was the toughest decision they'll never regret." She moves closer to Giya and speaks more quietly "After lunch, I'd like to speak with you briefly, privately"
Lunch ends and the others go their separate ways. Giya says, "What else would you like to tell me, Mr. Collins?"
"Have you been anywhere near the Brig in the last 48 hours?" Collins inquires. She knows it's a longshot, but if Giya, in her inner turmoil, had walked by the Brig, could George have picked up on her emotional state? Jeremi is completely stumped in this investigation. She knows she's missing something important, something significant, but she cannot discern what that is.
Giya thinks for a moment, and says, "No, I haven't. I go nowhere near the Brig on a typical day - my duties take me nowhere near it - and the last few days have been no exception. Why do you ask?"
"Just leaving no stone unturned in my investigation" Collins thanks Giya and goes off to find a wall against which she can bang her head
Dr. Brownlock is still upset by George's death with no real reason why. He seeks out Dr. Noel to ask for some advice. "I know this is a long shot, perhaps not even a good idea, but...." Nigel pauses a moment before he continues. "Would it be safe -- and ethical -- to propose a Vulcan mind meld for the security members on duty when George died? Or -- with or without their permission -- the Eruunlac themselves?" Brownlock wants to know why George died, but can't think of any other way to get the information they need. "I respect your opinion, Doctor. What do you think?"
Mahmoud scans the unmarked cylinder and miniaturized control box that were found in the air-circulation ducts above the Brig. There are no fingerprints or DNA traces on the outside of the mechanisms, but there are DNA traces on the inside of the cylinder.
Dr. Noel says to Brownlock, "A mindmeld of the three Security personnel could be revealing, but I don't know if any of our Vulcan crewmembers have any experience with such a procedure. Would we ask for volunteers?" She thinks for a moment. "Also, from what I've seen of the Eruunlac brain scans, their mental processes are quite different from those of Humans and Vulcans. I just don't know if, or how, a mindmeld would work with one of them. It might even be dangerous."
Brownlock frowns. "I know mind melds have been used in the past. I suppose it could be a last resort. It all depends on how badly Starfleet wants a specific reason for George's death. Whether we ever find out or not, the man is still dead."
Dr. Noel suggests that Brownlock make his case to the Captain and First Officer for a mindmeld. Dr. Villa has no medical objection to the proposal, if a volunteer can be found among the Yorktown's three Vulcan personnel.
The diplomatic courier USS Sugihara arrives and assumes a parallel orbit to your ship's, just 20 kms away. The Federation envoy, Amb. Jeremy Foster, meets with the Captain and top Banij leaders. Additional personnel and cargo are beamed over to your ship, and the three Eruunlac are, at least for the moment, beamed over directly to the Sugihara's Brig. Several of you are also given mail or packages from loved ones.
If you'd like to describe any letters or packages (within reason - ask me first, if in doubt) from friends, family or significant others, you may do so in your next post.
In the mess hall, on a short break from the investigation, Collins savors a cup of coffee as she reads messages from home. Her great-great-great-grandmother, bless her heart, still puts ink to paper; how sweet. It's nice to know the family is all doing well, since Jeremi knows it will be a long time before she'll see any of them again.
She finishes one cup and gets another one to drink while she reviews the case notes.
Dr. Brownlock submits a written proposal of a Vulcan mind meld to the Captain and First Officer. He has researched mind melds and provides instances when they were used by Starfleet and why. He states in the proposal that George's death might very well be linked to the Eruunlac and the mystery surrounding them. A specific cause for George's death might lead to some answers vital to the investigation. He also submits a copy of his proposal to Drs. Villa and Noel.
Ens. Hayes is thrilled to receive an autographed copy (in ancient book form no less!) of "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens from a classmate and good friend of hers from the 2262 graduating class at New York University. Rachel is very pleased to add this book to her growing collection of ancient Earth literature.
Fujishiro expresses again her sympathy for Giya, but doesn't have any advice beyond making complaints up the chain of command.
She tries to establish contacts with scientists from the various Banij factions. Besides looking for those in similar fields to herself, she'll send introductions of interested Banij scientists to appropriate Federation ones.
She eagerly receives a small package. Inside, very carefully packed, is a kilogram of tea leaves. She smiles broadly when she sees that the leaves have not been bruised or broken. These will last for quite a while.
Fujishiro begins to ask around to see who is interested in learning the tea ritual. While some versions have a single host and a handful of guests, the one she is practiced at requires a large group.
Singh is intrigued by Dr. Brownlock's proposal for a Vulcan mind-meld, and calls a senior staff meeting to discuss it. The First Officer is in favor of it, and the Chief Medical Officer, as noted earlier, has no objection to it. What is your advice to the Captain?
Fujishiro finds the Banij physicists to whom she speaks very grateful for introductions to Federation specialists in the same field. She sees that these kinds of professional linkages just might help with the process of Banij Prime's eventual application for Federation membership.
Lt. JG Cecilia Bennett, an Englishwoman, happens to see Fujishiro open her package of tea and smiles. "Ooh, tea! I love tea! Please pardon me for prying, Ensign. What kind is it? Who sent it to you?" The navigator suggests that the Lyceum would probably sponsor a demonstration of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Collins tells the Captain she's in favor of anything that will help the investigation.
Ens. Hayes would love to learn more about tea rituals. She definitely wants to participate.
Hayes agrees with Collins regarding the mind meld, though she does express her concerns regarding safety and also privacy issues for the security personnel involved. She believes the best course of action would be to ask for volunteers -- from security and Vulcan crew members.
Dr. Brownlock loves his tea, of course, so he's interested in anything that has to do with it.
Mahmoud checks the Deck 5 compartment directly above the Brig, just above where the unmarked cylinder and miniaturized control box were found, and discovers that it is vacant living quarters, last occupied two months earlier. The lock was bypassed by someone with a Security override code sometime in the past week, but the record was then wiped. Upon careful scanning by Mahmoud and de la Paz, it's clear that the carpet was pulled back and the deck plating cut open and then resealed. After consulting with Dr. Brownlock, Mahmoud learns that the DNA traces on the inside of the cylinder were those of George himself. He reports all of this to Vargas and Collins.
From the latest information gathered by Security, Dr. Brownlock is more certain than ever that George's death is the result of foul play. To keep him silent? "The plot thickens," Brownlock mutters. Nigel is convinced that a Vulcan mind meld is just what the doctor ordered. Hopefully, those in charge will think so as well.
Collins reviews her crewmates notes and findings. With furrowed brow and a tilted head, she asks "Could George have poisoned himself? But how could he have gotten aboard the Yorktown before we found him on the alien ship? Who is his accomplice?"
Does Collins intend anyone to overhear her, or are those rhetorical questions?
Capt. Singh approves a mind meld with any or all of the Eruunlac. Of the three Vulcan crewmembers aboard, however, Ens. Sasok of Engineering (Delaney's cabinmate) very reluctantly tells Vargas and Collins that, although he has performed them in the past, he respectfully declines to do one now, especially with an alien species of which he knows so little. Singh will not order Sasok to do so. Crewman T'Pas of Command and Spec/1 Tovek of Sciences have never done mind melds and don't even know how.
Thalen, for the Lyceum, tells Fujishiro the group will be happy to schedule a Japanese tea ceremony, open to the crew. Science Officer Roble and Chief Engineer Cheverez hear the scuttlebutt and both tell her, in passing, that they'd be interested in attending.
Personnel transfers to and from the Sugihara are nearly complete. About a dozen Yorktown personnel are leaving and/or being replaced. Perhaps most notably, you all meet Ens. Velir Rangin, the ship's new Xenobiology Officer, when he comes aboard.
This is Appleciders's new character; see the setup thread.
Collins was standing with Cmdr. Vargas and Ens. Mahmoud when she asked all those as yet unanswered questions.
Delaney is excited his latest tech journal library has caught up with him. Otherwise he is back to investigating his findings from the alien ship, the new culture and of course look for ways to improve efficiency in the ships systems.
Collins wonders aloud, "Could George have poisoned himself? But how could he have gotten aboard the Yorktown before we found him on the alien ship? Who is his accomplice?"
Vargas says thoughtfully, "I suppose he might have poisoned himself, Mr. Collins, but the autopsy found no sign of poison. And why would he commit suicide in such an elaborate way, waiting until he'd left his own ship and was in custody?"
Mahmoud nods. "I also don't see how he could have placed the gas bomb overhead from within his cell, sir. It had clearly been placed from above, and he would've had no way of knowing he would be placed in that particular cell. And if he had an accomplice... well, we still don't know who placed the first gas bomb, in the conference room."
Now that the captured alien ship has departed, Delaney enjoys a little more free time. Life is good for the young engineer.
To herself, Collins thinks "Man, I cannot wait until I am off duty."
Rangin takes a deep breath and steps off the transporter pad. He shoulders his bag of personal possessions and gently lifts the case that carries his Nhorel mask. He forces up a grin to cover his nervousness and speaks up: "Ensign Rangin reporting. Could I ask for a little assistance in carrying these to my quarters?"
A lovely young brunette in a gold Command dress steps forward, smiling, and says with a distinct English accent, "Welcome aboard the Yorktown, Ensign. I'm Lt. JG Cecilia Bennett. I'm a navigator and also the New Crew Liaison Officer. Anything you need to know, any questions you have, just say the word." She nods to the transporter chief. "Chief Brady will arrange for your gear to be stowed in your quarters. If you'll follow me, please, I'll take you to report to the First Officer, Cmdr. Vargas." That is indeed what your orders from Starfleet direct you to do.
Cmdr. Pablo Vargas rather distractedly acknowledges your arrival and then almost immediately dismisses you, turning his attention back to an Arab officer holding a data tablet. Bennett rolls her eyes once you've stepped out of Vargas's office, sighs and says, "Sorry about that. Cmdr. Vargas isn't in the best of moods today." She then leads you to the Bridge, introducing you to both the Captain and the Science Officer, who greet you much more warmly.
"We can always use an outstanding xenobiologist," Capt. S.P. Singh says, shaking your hand with an iron grip. "You're the first Coridanite to serve aboard the Yorktown, as it happens, and I hope you'll find your tour of duty to be very fulfilling."
Lt. Cmdr. Abdi Roble adds, "This is a good ship and a good crew, Ensign. I know you have a lot to offer the Sciences Department. After you've settled in, please page me."
Other players may meet and greet Rangin now, either on the Bridge, in a turbolift or in a corridor as he goes to his quarters with Bennett.
Collins steps off the turbolift onto the bridge as Lt. Bennet is introducing a new crewman to Lt. Cmdr. Roble. "Wow," Jeremi thinks, "a Coridanite. Cool." and continues on to Cmdr. Vargas. "Sir," she says to the First Officer, "I am completely stumped. I know there is an obvious clue I am missing, like it's in my peripheral vision, but when I turn to look, it disappears. I am good at keeping the peace, and guarding what needs to be guarded, but investigation, however much it fascinates me, has never been my strong suit."
Ens. Hayes is walking with Dr. Brownlock to the Mess Hall for a chat about George and the latest information. Brownlock nods absently at the Coridanite, as if he's seen lots of them before. Hayes stops and smiles. "I'm Rachel Hayes, Xenosociologist. Welcome aboard, Mr. Rangin. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help you get settled."
Vargas rubs the bridge of his nose tiredly and says, "I understand, Mr. Collins, and I confess I have no better ideas than you at the moment. I think you and Mr. Mahmoud have, between you, run down virtually every lead, and explored just about every possibility. Some mysteries, I'm afraid, are simply insoluble."
As Hayes and Brownlock enter the Mess Hall, they see the Chief Engineer and his husband, Lt. Joseph Bancroft, a Sciences astrophysicist, just leaving.
Brownlock orders tea. Hayes decides on coffee. Both enjoy a hot buttered biscuit with honey.
"I just wish a mind meld had been possible," Nigel laments. "I'm now almost certain that George was killed because he knew a great deal."
Rachel nods. "To be honest, I'm very concerned about what the Eruunlac were up to and why."
Nigel finishes his biscuit and orders another. "As am I," he says grimly. "As am I."
Capt. Singh, Cmdr. Vargas and your respective department chiefs meet with each of you separately to discuss Starfleet Command's latest orders, promotions and reassignments.
Pourtash's appointment as lead Helmsman is confirmed, and he is promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade).
Delaney remains Assistant Chief Engineer, and is also promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade). He is, moreover, issued a commendation for his exemplary service aboard the Eruunlac ship. He has little time to celebrate, however, as Chief Engineer Cheverez needs his help in ensuring that the Yorktown's warp drive is fully checked-out and shipshape after more than a month in Banij orbit.
Fujishiro is named Assistant Science Officer and is likewise promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade). "It was difficult to choose between you and Mr. Hayes for the ASO post," Singh says, "but Lt. Cmdr. Roble and I agreed that you'll be a better fit for the job. Congratulations, Mr. Fujishiro."
Collins is named Assistant Chief of Security and is promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade). Vargas says to her later, outside of the Captain's office, "Frankly, Mr. Collins, I was disappointed by your investigation of George's death. But in the past few weeks you've shown you've got the skills and the attitude for this job, and for now, at least, it's yours." He taps her shoulder. "Don't get too comfortable in it, though."
Hayes will remain Xenosociology Officer, and is issued a commendation for her work assisting Capt. Singh with the Banij negotiations. She is not promoted. Roble tells her, "You did fine work on this mission, but the Captain and I came to the conclusion that Mr. Fujishiro is better suited for ASO. You also haven't quite earned promotion to Lieutenant (JG), but I'm sure that day will come, and not too long from now. Keep your chin up."
Dr. Brownlock is surprised - but secretly pleased, given his qualms about duty on a front-line starship - to learn that he's being transferred to the Starfleet medicenter on Caldan V to continue his research. The Yorktown will be getting his replacement soon.
Ens. Velir Rangin, the ship's new Xenobiology Officer, is assigned to share quarters with Ens. Charles Gordon, a deuterium fuel specialist from Nevada on Earth. He is black, stocky and middle-aged, and quiet by nature.
Spec/2 Alex Nivens is discharged from Sickbay, having at last made a full recovery from the wounds he sustained aboard the Eruunlac ship.
Ens. Giya, the Deltan junior officer, decides to sign the oath of celibacy and stay in Starfleet, at least for now.
* * *
The day finally comes for the ship's departure.
Ged, Chairwoman of the Governing Council of the Na-Banij, and Hevedj, the new First Citizen of the reformed Soj-Banij Republic, call Capt. Singh on a joint frequency as the Yorktown prepares to break orbit.
"Thank you, Captain," Ged says, "for all you've done. You have saved my country and averted a terrible war, perhaps one that would have destroyed our species."
Hevedj adds, "We won't let the madness of my predecessor keep us from establishing a lasting peace on our world. The Accord is a great step forward. I hope someday Banij Prime will join the Federation, and our people will serve aboard your ships, out there among the stars."
"Nothing would please me more," Singh says, nodding. "As I said when we first met on your world, the future holds so much for your people, if you'll simply step forward, together, and claim it. Our thanks for your hospitality. Farewell."
She turns to the helm. "Set course for Demeter. Mr. Pourtash, Warp 5, if you please."
"Warp 5, aye, Captain," Pourtash says. Bennett has already laid in the course, and at Pourtash's touch of a button, the Yorktown leaps forward, as if eager once more to soar among the stars.
* * *
The next day. As before, three are meeting in a darkened, very secure room beneath a famous city.
"It was a failure," Walsingham declared. "An absolute, abject, thrice-damned failure!" His face was red and his meaty fist thumped the table.
"Not entirely," Sorge said. She was even more impassive than usual. "The geologist is dead, and our Eruunlac operatives will of course keep our secret. No one can trace the operation to us."
Walsingham scoffed. "Please. That's mere damage control. Was there a fusion war among the Banij? No. Did their self-destruction clear the way for us to take the mineral wealth of their world? No. Has the Federation established an embassy there? Yes. And are the Banij going to join the Federation? Almost certainly, in time."
"There are still commercial opportunities on the world," Gohh said, flexing his mottled yellow fingers as he looked from one human to another. "We might yet get through treaty or contract what we would otherwise have taken after the war."
"We all know that that could take years," Walsingham said. "There will be negotiations, and treaties, and Federation scrutiny to make sure we're not exploiting the poor ignorant aboriginals." His voice was harsh with sarcasm. "Overhead costs will be several orders of magnitude higher than we'd planned. Not quite as cheap as strip-mining a wasteland, is it?"
"Enough," Gohh said, gesturing curtly. "I share your frustration, but this is getting us nowhere. Of course we hoped for a different result, but the presence of a Constitution-class starship necessarily changes many plans. And, to be blunt, things could have been far worse had it not been for our operative on board."
"Don't talk to me about that man," Walsingham said, scowling. "His gas bomb attack on the diplomats was foiled, and it was only by a fluke that he neutralized 'George.'"
"It was no fluke," Sorge said. "He's very skilled, but we can't ask too much of him. He's too valuable to us where he is, and where he might someday be, to risk blowing his cover now."
There was a long pause.
"Agreed," said Walsingham, slightly mollified. "Are his orders ready for the next stage?"
"I sent them not an hour ago," Gohh said, "and he has already acknowledged them. Come, my friends. Let us put Banij Prime behind us, and look to the future. We still have much work to do."
* * *
On the Yorktown, behind a locked door and with his encrypted and shielded transmitter once more concealed, Dr. Giancarlo Bucci sighed, leaned back and considered his next move....
Delaney thanks his superiors for the promotion and as we warp out of the system takes pride in the Engines running smooth.
He wonders what surprises their next mission will bring. Then he turns back to an interesting article about an experimental change to the transporters that may allowed improved range for non-living mass.
Collins thanks Cmdr. Vargas. She is disappointed in herself a bit, as well, but glad to be given the benefit of the doubt. Vargas is right, Jeremi won't get comfortable. She's going to keep on moving up the ranks. "Captain Collins" has a very lovely ring to it.
Dr. Brownlock can't wait to leave the ship and continue with his research. He will not miss this duty, but he will miss his fellow crew members. They all tried to make him feel welcome and part of the team. For that, Nigel is quite grateful.
Hayes congratulates Fujishiro on her promotion. Rachel isn't the least bit disappointed with this outcome. She knows her own promotion -- to Lt. JG and beyond -- will come in due time. She is very pleased with her commendation. She worked hard during the negotiations and feels good about her efforts.
Pourtash thanks his superiors for the promotion, though he's privately somewhat surprised by it. His lack of confidence in himself may be his greatest weakness in the line of duty, though he recognizes it, at least. He'll congratulate the others when he hears of their promotions, quite sincere in his admiration of Fujishiru and Delaney in particular.
Ensign Rangin settles into his new quarters, carefully hangs his Nhorel mask on the wall over his bunk, and checks his duty schedule to see when his first shift comes up.
Jeremi finds Ben "How about that coffee, now? Maybe on the observation deck for the view?"
Rangin's first watch will be tomorrow morning at 0800. Ens. Gordon, his cabinmate, is still on duty. What would he like to do in the meantime?
The shuttle pilot has a big smile in response to Collins's invitation. "Sounds good. Lead the way, Jeremi!"
Fujishiro answers Bennett, "it's gyokuro; a very fine and somewhat sweet green tea. Homegrown by my family in Kyoto. Would you like to join in the tea ritual? I need at least five others, and could use as many as..." She pauses as she does some quick estimates of room capacity, "20."
Once there's sufficient interest, she'll run a tea tutorial for those most interested. "While not everyone will need to be familiar with the ritual, it works better if a fair fraction do. I'll cover the basics with you so that you can help those sitting near you at the ritual." She then goes through the steps--a quick straight through to show the entirety, then slowly teaches each step, then a quick group practice. "We'll meet again next week. Invite anyone else who's interested. We'll do the full ritual in month or so."
Upon being promoted, Fujishiro graciously thanks her superiors. "Although I do not desire the rank for its own sake, I do welcome the increased opportunities and responsibilities it will give me."
When she gets a chance, she talks with Giya. "I'm sure you made the best decision you could considering the circumstances. If you need someone to talk to about the vow, I'll always be around."
Fujishiro finds that she has a full house for her first tea tutorial, including the Captain, Science Officer and Chief Engineer, and even more are interested in coming next time. Lt. Thalen, on behalf of the Lyceum, arranges for the sessions to be recorded for those who wish to come but can't attend because of their duties. Lt. Cheverez offers to try to replicate that particular kind of tea, if she wishes.
Giya thanks Fujishiro for her advice and explains that she's decided to sign the oath of celibacy and stay in Starfleet, at least for now. She says, "My career means too much for me to give it up now. I just hope I'm up to the challenge - celibacy for me is almost like not breathing."
Rangin explores the ship and gets to bed at a decent hour.
Collins and Cooper have an enjoyable evening.
The next adventure: http://www.mellophant.com/forums/sho...il-Nocere-quot
Please consider this thread closed.