Dobson looks over at Markovich and nods her head slightly in Ms Calvin's direction. She approaches the woman at a normal pace. "Excuse me, ma'am. I'm Officer Felice Dobson with Starfleet Security. May I have a few minutes of your time?"
Dobson looks over at Markovich and nods her head slightly in Ms Calvin's direction. She approaches the woman at a normal pace. "Excuse me, ma'am. I'm Officer Felice Dobson with Starfleet Security. May I have a few minutes of your time?"
Kylah thanks the receptionist and continues with Rangin outside the resort's lobby and over to the guest house area. It is extremely pleasant to be walking by his side, with no one else around, and Kylah wistfully hopes that someday they will spend time in such a way without a mission requiring it--and without anything else between them, either. She steals some looks at his attractive face turned bright gold in the sun, and takes even more surreptitious looks at his frame while he strides, professional but relaxed, down a slope toward the houses. He never walks too quickly for Kylah and seems to remember her injury is slowing her down. For once she's glad of the injury--she wouldn't mind prolonging their solitude a bit. Maybe that is what he's doing? she thinks hopefully, but dismisses the idea considering Velir's sense of responsibility.
The impulse to hold his hand rushes through her, but of course, that would be inappropriate. Instead she clasps her own hands behind her back. "Whom should we interview first?" Kylah asks, looking at the houses they're approaching. "I would like to interview the author, since she was in the introduction room and thus a witness to the attack."
Kylah's mind runs through the list she knows by heart now. "But there is also Prolun Jaxo--I admit I am very curious about his planet and background. There are so many humans here, it will be fascinating to get a chance to meet a non-Federation guest. Even if we do not go to him first, perhaps it is for the best that you and I meet with him at some point, considering that it was not so very long ago that our planets were outside the Federation as well."
She falls silent on this subject, suspecting Velir is far more sanguine and grateful about Coridan joining the Federation than she is regarding her home planet. Kylah cannot help but be ambivalent considering the machinations and schemes that both led to Elas's joining, and that have resulted from it now.
If someone had said six months ago, that he, Rangin, would be walking in the sunshine on a resort planet with an Elasian princess, he would be wondering who had been at the Romulan ale. But it was the moments like this that were worth living. A brief interlude in their duties, a brief moment snatched together. Rangin slows his pace. It helps him gather his thoughts, but also to savour it some more and being aware that Kylah might still be wary of the injury to her knee. He glances across at her a couple of times and smiles as he holds an image of her in his mind. The hair framing her face, the curves enhanced by her uniform, yes, these were moments worth waiting for, especially given what they felt for each other and admitted less than a few hours ago.
Rangin listens to her as they get to the guest houses. "Perhaps, we should just see who is available given the time. You have done more of the interviews than I have, so I'll follow your lead. And yes, meeting someone from outside the Federation would be of interest."
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Rosemary Calvin stops and smiles pleasantly. "Certainly," she says. "What can I do for you?"
"We're just asking everyone," Dobson starts, then realizes that the announcement has not yet been made, "how they're enjoying the resort?"
As they approach the houses, Kylah raises an eyebrow, amused by Velir's ever-present equanimity. "Our interviews will have to rely on which guests are available. Still we must pick one house to start with. I think Ms. Calvin, the author, would be the best choice. Considering the murder weapon, I do think the killer is most likely to be someone who knew Fastolfe had the argument with Mr. Wilson--or, it was Fastolfe himself, although I still think--"
She stops short when they enter the park and she sees Rosemary Calvin herself... already engaged in discussion with one of the security officers. Kylah's irritation with Graham rises. "I see we are to be made redundant by his squad," she murmurs. "Here is a perfect example of the risks of having acted without any organization. Was there any plan to let us know which guests have been spoken to already? She is an extremely important witness, I would have wanted to speak with her..." She sighs and shakes her head. "I suppose it would be poor judgment to interrupt; it looks as if Prolun Jaxo is our first interview after all, assuming he is at home."
Briefly looking askance at the unknown officers in the distance, she purses her lips and begins to walk to Jaxo's house. "At least, not much time has passed, so I cannot imagine these officers have visited many other guests, if at all. But I would not wish to attempt to speak to someone who has already been interviewed; that would reflect poorly on us." After a moment she pulls out her communicator. "Velir, should I contact Mr. Graham... or perhaps send an addendum to the agenda... asking everyone who interviews one of the guests to keep an updated record of those to whom they have spoken? A text message should suffice, but I do think it is important that we do not duplicate efforts--or make ourselves look even more chaotic than we already are. What would you recommend?"
Last edited by choie; 06 Apr 2014 at 03:30 AM.
Rangin has not moved from the spot overlooking the houses. "Now Kylah, it is not the fault of the new team that the only thing that Ens. Graham is capable of organising is a weapons locker. I think an extra text message to the team to say that 'if they complete a task, then let the rest know and save the full details for the next meeting' should suffice. As for our new colleagues, I would suggest going down and seeing if they have spoken to anyone else. Perhaps we should introduce ourselves seeing as that little detail also was missed, and I haven't worked with them before. "
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
"Point taken," Graham says to Delaney. "I'll re-evaluate staffing based on what...if anything," he says, exhaling a deep breath, "we get done by lunch." He shrugs and smiles slightly. "At least I can bet on that safe being opened."
Graham contacts the officers guarding the Admiral and asks their location.
If not otherwise interrupted, he grabs a Security tricorder and heads there.
On his way, he contacts Yorktown to ask when--or if--T'Var might be able to return to the away team.
Last edited by general_urko; 06 Apr 2014 at 12:28 PM. Reason: since Delaney gets ignored I made end of convo explicit :)
Calvin looks amused. "Starfleet is conducting guest-satisfaction surveys? Well, I like it fine, although I woke up this morning to find that the effects of the spores seem to have worn off. I thought that wasn't supposed to happen? I'm going to go get another, um, treatment."
Dr. Villa responds to Graham from the Yorktown, "Dr. T'Var should be able to return in the next half hour, if you wish, Mr. Graham. She's with Mr. Collins at the moment."
Ens. Mary Three Crows, guarding Vice Adm. Hardin, reports by communicator that he is still in his suite. Graham arrives a few minutes later. "No problems here," Three Crows says; Security Spec/3 Aidan Williams is with her. "I think he's sleeping late."
"Thank you for your time, ma'am" Dobson says. Turning towards the movement in her peripheral vision, she sees Rangin and Kylah. She remains at parade rest until she is spoken to.
Kylah looks back at Velir. "You are right. Let us meet the newcomers, or at least, these two. The rest will have to wait until we run into them... presumably as they interview Lord Fastolfe," she adds wryly.
She sends a quick message to Graham, Delaney, and Mahmoud recommending that they all keep a running list of all guests who have been interviewed, and asks Graham and/or Mahmoud that this request be extended to the security officers whose contact information she lacks. Then she puts her communicator away and waits for Velir to join her before the two go over to the two unknown officers, a man and woman. The interview with Ms. Calvin seems to have ended. Kylah is dying to know what was said but prefers to let Rangin address this issue.
Rangin easily walks alongside Kylah as they head to the two Federation Security officers.
"Good morning, it's Crewman Dobson and Markovich isn't it. I'm Ensign Rangin, this is Ensign Kylah and I don't believe we have had the pleasure of working with you both before now. We were about to start interviewing some of the people in the guest houses and noticed you speaking to Mrs Calvin, did you find out anything useful from her and have you spoken to anyone else?"
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Dobson straightens her stance. "Sir, no sir" she tells Rangin "I was going to ask Mrs Calvin if she'd heard anything, but I remembered the announcement of Wilson's death had not yet been made. So, instead I asked how she was enjoying her stay. She said she hadn't expected the effects of the spores to wear off as soon as they did, and she was on her way to get another treatment." Dobson's voice is even toned and almost devoid of emotion.
Graham indicates he'd be happy to have the doctor return when she can. He almost says "and tell Collins we're all thinking of her," but at this point he's neither sure what others on the team might be thinking, for good or ill, and whether Collins would find that comforting, in any event. Instead he simply asks to convey his hope Collins is back on her feet soon to her.
To Three Crows, Graham shakes his head and replies "Of course he is." He looks up as if to the heavens and shrugs. "He's probably having the best, most restful sleep of his life, filled with wonderful dreams that almost certainly do not involve being woken up by a Security grunt like yours truly." He checks the time and then asks Three Crows to point him to the Admiral's door. "Nothing to be done, though," Graham says. "He probably wasn't expecting his spore holiday to be interrupted by a murder, either."
If not otherwise interrupted, he rings the chime.
Kylah feels a a thrill of excitement ripple down her spine at the news regarding the spores. Just what happened here?
"Thank you," she says to Dobson. "Your discretion is greatly appreciated. Given that these guests were so close to the crime scene, Ensign Rangin and I will likely have to ask specific questions that will make the circumstances clear, even before the announcement is made. But when you speak to guests outside this immediate area, please continue to exercise caution."
Kylah looks at Velir for a second before returning her gaze to the security officers. "The information about the spores having worn off is extremely valuable. If you do speak to anyone, please try to determine--as tactfully as possible--whether they are still feeling the effects of their treatment. And also, please do keep us informed through a brief message immediately once you have spoken to a guest or staff member; we will do the same. This way we will avoid duplication... unless, of course, a follow-up is required. Speaking of which..."
She turns to see if she can still locate Rosemary Calvin. "Did she mention where she was going next? I would very much like to speak to her in more detail, especially before she is re-introduced to--oh! We do not want anyone re-introduced until we have spoken to them! But if she is on her way there now... there is no time..."
Kylah grabs her communicator and, thinking quickly, calls Dr. Halsey*. "Ensign Kylah, from the Yorktown, sir. As you recall, we told you that one of the guests had lost the affects of the spore treatment. We need you to postpone any spore treatments until further notice. That includes re-introducing the spores to anyone who requests it. I will be informing Mrs. Hsu of this request as well. Can you do that, please?"
* Or goes through the receptionist first, whatever the correct procedure would be
Last edited by choie; 06 Apr 2014 at 08:17 PM.
"Good work Crewmen, at ease.", he says to the pair of them with a smile and a nod. Something was definitely wrong here, Rangin surmised, it was just a matter of working out what it was. "Well, once may be a co-incidence, twice is getting ridiculous", Rangin says to Kylah.
Rangin racked his brains, the only cause he knew of for effectively curing someone of spores was the large chemical burst normally caused by extreme emotion, usually violence or anger. It was possible to create a device to trigger such a reaction. In fact while creating his report on this place, he had actually downloaded the schematics for it, just out of curiousity and he was pretty sure it would take someone like Mr Delaney about five minutes to construct if he had to.
While Kylah is trying to call a halt to any further re-introductions to the spores, Rangin calls up the house list and looks down it. As he does, he notices something obvious he had completely missed, or perhaps not having been much in this area it just never occurred. He looks up at the sky and shakes his head at the slip before turning back to the two crewmen.
"Crewman Dobson, Crewman Markovitch, I have one extra task for you while you are here. There are three empty houses, numbers one, seven and ten. Make sure no-one enters them apart from the team, especially any cleaners making the rounds. We will need to look over them first." he addresses them.
Rangin looked back at the list, two of the people who had no spore effect were next to those empty houses. He wondered who else might have been affected. He looked at his tricorder which still contained the data from the introduction showing the spores taking their natural effect on the intended group, and they matched up with the readings he had taken with from the research station. Time to add a control to the situation.
Rangin opens his communicator and calls Ens. Graham. Time to put his trip to good use. "Ens. Graham, this is Ens. Rangin. When you see the Vice Admiral and his Aide, please could you confirm that they are still under the effect of the spores? Thank you. Rangin out."
"Yes, sir" Dobson responds to Rangin's directive, and turns to watch for anyone approaching the houses.
Mrs. Calvin is still nearby, walking away. She could easily be called back, or you could catch up to her.
Kylah is able to reach Dr. Halsey directly. He says a little skeptically, "All right, if you think it would help. I'll see that no spore introductions take place until further notice."
Markovich says nothing as Dobson reports to the others. He then nods at his new orders and takes up his post on the sidewalk, standing at parade rest.
Vice Adm. Hardin answers the door chime on the third ring. He is in a bathrobe and his hair is mussed. "Ens. Graham," he says, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Good morning. I guess I overslept. What's going on?"
It is now 1042 hours.
Graham clasps his hands behind his back. "Morning Admiral, I'm very sorry to disturb you. I hope you’re feeling well." He clears his throat. “But there’s been an incident. Lt. Collins has taken ill and I’ve been assigned command of the mission, so I wanted to brief you before it we make a public statement on the, ah, investigation.”
“It’s a homicide investigation, sir: Mr. Wilson, the resort’s administrator, was fatally stabbed last night.”
Last edited by general_urko; 07 Apr 2014 at 08:44 PM.
Kylah thanks the doctor--she does wish she could have asked in person, just to get a better sense of his emotions than a mere voice--and closes her communicator. She turns to Dobson. "I am sorry to have asked you a question without being able to hear the answer. But I see now that Mrs. Calvin is not very far. Vel--Mr. Rangin, do you think you can catch her? I will not be able to run fast enough. I think it is better to talk to her before she finds out she will not be able to get her spore treatment refreshed immediately."
She pulls Velir away slightly to speak to him in a lower voice. "I am sorry I did not consult you before making the call. And perhaps I should have contacted Mr. Graham as well. I do not wish to overstep myself but time was of the essence and, well, Mr. Graham did say we should use our discretion..." Kylah shakes her head and lets go. "Ignore me. If you agree we should speak with Mrs. Calvin as soon as possible, run and I will catch up with you as quickly as this accursed knee allows it."
Rangin smiles back at Kylah, "Stop apologising, you don't need to consult me. If you think it needs doing, do it. I'll see if we can interview Mrs Calvin now and if your knee is still hurting you should really get it sorted out in the infirmary sooner rather than later."
Rangin calls out politely, but loudly, to Mrs Calvin trying to catch her attention, "Mrs Calvin. Excuse me, Mrs Calvin, could I speak to you please?" He jogs across to her hoping she notices.
When he gets to Mrs Calvin, he slows to a walk and nods to her in greeting. "My apologies for the interruption Mrs Calvin, I'm Ensign Rangin from the USS Yorktown. Would it be possible for my colleague, Ensign Kylah, and I to speak with you in private. It concerns a couple of matters we are investigating. The first being an incident that took place here last night and the second is the wearing off of the spore therapy that you mentioned to a couple of our crewmen." Rangin gestures in the direction of Dobson and Markovitch at this point which should also show Kylah heading across as fast as her knee will allow.
Rangin looks back to Mrs Calvin to see if she is willing.
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Vice Adm. Hardin appears stunned at the news. "Stabbed? Stabbed? And... fatally? Oh, my God...." He leans against the wall. "Dear God. How terrible. Poor Tony." After a few moments he shudders and finally says, "Well... won't you come in?"
Mrs. Calvin says to Ens. Rangin, "Yes, of course. What kind of incident? How can I help?"
Remember that you may ask as many questions of a witness in a single post as you wish, then see their answers and follow up.
Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 08 Apr 2014 at 09:50 AM.
Rangin suggests that they three of them go somewhere more private than the open air, and that Mrs Calvin's guest house would probably be the best option. and he slows the pace of any walking to ensure Kylah is ok.
Once they are somewhere private, Rangin will delicately outline what occurred last night and asks the following, having assured her that these are questions they are asking all the guests in the area, some may be relevant and some may not be.
On the incident:
What were her movements last night?
Does she know of anyone who can confirm these movements?
If she was in the house, did she hear anything between 11:00pm and 2am?
Did she know Mr Wilson?
Did she have any problems with the resort?
Did she know about the current tender being reviewed?
Did she have any investments, either in WR&R or in their competitors?
On the spore therapy:
Has she had spore therapy before?
What time did she find out when the spores had worn off?
Can she think of any reason as to why the spores would have worn off, any traumatic experience since yesterday evening?
If she woke up in that condition, did she have any nightmares or lucid dreams?
Kylah will probably ask some more that Rangin has forgotten
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Graham is a bit surprised by the Vice Admiral's reaction. He nods and follows him inside.
"I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news..."
Did you know Mr. Wilson well?
Did you see him yesterday or last night at all other than at induction?
Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him?
Did I, ah, just cause you to lose the effect of the spores?
Were you still feeling the effects of the spores when you came to the door?
Kylah catches up with Velir and Rosemary Calvin, and once they are somewhere private, she listens carefully while Velir begins the interview, and wants to hear Calvin's responses before adding anything--although, unsurprisingly, the questions are extremely thorough. However, when Velir asks his "tender" question, Kylah looks a bit puzzled and nearly interrupts to ask him if he could clarify, but holds off--if Mrs. Calvin understands it, Kylah figures the meaning will be made clear through the context of the author's answer.
Otherwise she stays silent and tries to get a sense of what Mrs. Calvin is feeling, if there is anything unusual about her reactions; Kylah would expect anyone to be unnerved and somewhat worried by the circumstances.
If they are in Mrs. Calvin's cottage, she will occasionally glance around to take in anything unusual or noteworthy.
Mrs. Calvin hesitates and says, "The house is a mess. Let's go somewhere else." You go to a nearby café and settle in. No one else is within earshot.
She answers your questions:
What were her movements last night? - She says, "I went out for a late dinner at Otherworldly and went back to my house about 10pm. I worked on my latest book until after midnight, and then went to sleep. When I woke up a little after 9am, I noticed the spores seemed to have worn off."
Does she know of anyone who can confirm these movements? - "I would have been seen at the restaurant, and on my walk back home, I suppose, but not after that. I'm here on my own."
If she was in the house, did she hear anything between 11:00pm and 2am? - "I don't remember hearing anything outside."
Did she know Mr Wilson? - "Only a little bit, from having met him when I breathed in the spores."
Did she have any problems with the resort? - "No, I've had a very nice stay so far."
Did she know about the current tender being reviewed? - "Someone may have mentioned that to me, but I didn't know any details."
Did she have any investments, either in WR&R or in their competitors? - She looks a little offended at this question. Finally she primly says, "I don't see how my finances are any of Starfleet's concern. I'd rather not answer."
On the spore therapy:
Has she had spore therapy before? - "No, this is my first visit."
What time did she find out when the spores had worn off? - "Soon after I woke up, I realized it."
Can she think of any reason as to why the spores would have worn off, any traumatic experience since yesterday evening? - "No, nothing like that."
If she woke up in that condition, did she have any nightmares or lucid dreams? - She looks thoughtful. "I didn't remember until you asked me, but yes, I did seem to have some very vivid dreams last night." She thinks harder, then shakes her head. "I'm sorry, though - I can't seem to remember them now."
She repeats, "Now please tell me, what kind of 'incident' is all this about?"
Kylah perceives the older woman's emotional response is just about what she expected: concerned, a little upset, and curious. She seems to be a straightforward and honest person.
Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 08 Apr 2014 at 08:44 PM.
The Vice Admiral shows Graham into his suite's living room, which is comfortable but not lavish. You both sit down, and he replies as follows:
Did you know Mr. Wilson well? - "Yes, somewhat well, I guess. I've dealt with him now and then over the past several years on WR&R's franchise and the company's compliance with its agreement with Starfleet. We were cordial and... businesslike, I would say, but hardly close friends. He never discussed his family or personal life with me, for instance, and vice-versa."
Did you see him yesterday or last night at all other than at induction? - "I don't think so, no."
Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him? - He shakes his head vigorously. "No. I can't think of who might want to hurt him. WR&R corporate politics aren't always the most pleasant - I have the impression that some of his colleagues have pretty sharp elbows - but they're not that cutthroat."
Did I, ah, just cause you to lose the effect of the spores? - His eyes widen. "You're right - the spores have worn off. They're gone now. How did that happen?"
Were you still feeling the effects of the spores when you came to the door? - He looks up at the ceiling. He looks back at you and seems baffled. "You know, I'm... just not sure. I don't know. I just woke up and came right to the door when you rang. I wasn't conscious of being under the spores' influence before I heard of Wilson's death, but now they're gone." He shudders. "What a terrible feeling, to go from that to this."
Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 08 Apr 2014 at 08:47 PM.
Rangin 'delicately' outlined the incident in #2073. If it needs specific language, I'll include the details in purple.
Kylah thanks Calvin for her answers. "We appreciate your honesty, and I apologize if our curiosity seems untoward." She lowers her voice and makes it as gentle as possible. This information has not been made public yet, but... Mr. Wilson's body was found in the park near the guest cottages early this morning. We are not certain of the precise circumstances yet, and that is why we must seek information from everyone near the area, as potential witnesses. Unfortunately, such investigations often require what may appear to be intrusive questions. Since Mr. Wilson was so integral to the resort, we do need to look into financial matters."
After a tactful hesitation, she adds, "I do wish you would reconsider answering Ensign Rangin's last question regarding any relevant investments you may have, Mrs. Calvin--we are hoping to find people who are connected in any way to the resort or the hotel business in general. Shareholders either in WR&R or its rivals might have useful data regarding the business's activities." Kylah gives a self-deprecating smile. "I speak only for myself, but details about investments and stocks are somewhat... confusing."
Kylah will also ask: "On a different subject... as a writer I expect you would be particularly helpful in describing the effects of the spores. Can you describe it for us--for example, how did you feel immediately after you were introduced to them, and did that feeling change at all in the course of your day--prior to going to bed, that is?"
"Going back a bit further, to yesterday... did you see Mr. Wilson at any point during or after the orientation? Do you recall any unusual behavior or interactions between anyone and the staff? Other than the incident that occurred between Lord Fastolfe and Mr. Wilson," Kylah adds. "I was thinking before that. You see, when we were meeting with him, Mr. Wison was called away to attend some matter relating to the new arrivals. Do you know what that might have been?"
Ah, I'd overlooked the "delicate" explanation. Thanks. For something that important, yes, please include exact wording.
Mrs. Calvin says, "The spores made me feel wonderful - very relaxed and at peace. That feeling didn't change at all during the day." She sighs and then thinks a bit. "I believe I did see Mr. Wilson in a hallway, early in the evening. We just said 'Hello,' though, nothing more than that, really. I saw him do nothing unusual. And I certainly don't know where else he might have been called, or why."
To your continued questioning about her finances, her mouth sets stubbornly, and she crosses her arms. "I'm sorry, but I don't discuss those kinds of things with anyone but my financial advisors. I really can't see what it might have to do with that poor man's death." Kylah can sense her suspicion of you for asking about it, and her stiffening resistance. She now seems to be hiding something.
Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 08 Apr 2014 at 11:52 PM.
"I see," Kylah says, nodding and trying to think of a way around the obstacle. She decides to bypass it, not just because the woman seems extremely strong-willed and unlikely to change her position, but also because she did not quite answer the question Kylah wanted answered. "I sympathize with your privacy, Mrs. Calvin. I hope you understand that we are only trying to get to the truth behind a tragic event. To go back to the introduction for a moment, I just wish to clarify something I might have misunderstood. After the orientation but before the spore introduction, you do not recall any argument or discussion between Mr. Wilson and the other new arrivals?"
"Do you know any of the other guests here, by the way? There are some prominent people whose busy lives do make such a vacation spot quite tempting. You yourself are quite renowned and likely glad for the respite," Kylah says with a smile. "What did inspire you to visit this resort, if I may ask? Do you know anyone else who has been here?"
"I should mention that Mrs. Hsu will be taking on some of Mr. Wilson's responsibilities in the short-term, so she will likely be in touch with you. Have you met her before? I am sure she will make sure the rest of your stay here is far more enjoyable than... well, than speaking with us has been. And I assume that, when things are more settled, Dr. Halsey will also be in touch with you regarding your treatment. Was he the one who gave you the orientation? Really, we would greatly appreciate your opinions on any staff members you have met, if you do not mind."
Rangin waits to see how the questions would be answered by Mrs Calvin. He only really had two left. She had been here less than 24 hours and probably spent most of her time in the resort on spore therapy. How come the house was such a mess? Also, if she was awake past 12:00, how come she didn't hear anything from outside?
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Graham nods acknowledgment of the Admiral's reply.
My understanding is that spores are not supposed to just wear off...is there any reason you can think of that they might have, sir--prior to my arrival, that is?
Was WR&R in compliance with its contracts? Was there anything you were concerned about...or that Wilson might have been under pressure about?
Do any of WR&R's rivals have "sharp elbows"--maybe sharp enough to involve foul play?
Mrs. Calvin says, "No, I didn't see any argument between Mr. Wilson and the other new arrivals. Our discussions were purely social. I know no other guests here, although of course I've heard of some of them, such as that Fastolfe fellow and the alien billionaire who were exposed to the spores at the same time as me. My publicist had suggested the resort to me some months ago, and from all I'd read it seemed like it would be worth a visit. I just met Mrs. Hsu briefly yesterday. Some other staffperson conducted our orientation; I didn't catch his name. And yes, all of the staff have been very helpful and kind."
The Starfleet Comptroller General responds to Ens. Graham:
My understanding is that spores are not supposed to just wear off...is there any reason you can think of that they might have, sir--prior to my arrival, that is? - "That is also my understanding. I'm very puzzled. I can't explain why they might have worn off sooner."
Was WR&R in compliance with its contracts? Was there anything you were concerned about...or that Wilson might have been under pressure about? - "WR&R was doing pretty well and was generally in compliance. There were some minor issues, I suppose, but it seemed more likely than not that it would keep its franchise. I don't know why Wilson would have been under any particular pressure, other than the usual difficulties of running a place like this."
Do any of WR&R's rivals have "sharp elbows"--maybe sharp enough to involve foul play? - "I doubt it, at least not as a matter of corporate policy, but I suppose anything is possible if some particularly ruthless executive thought it was worth it. I've never heard of something of that sort happening in, oh, many years, though, and certainly not in any contracting with which Starfleet has been involved."
"Thank you for your time, Mrs Calvin, in answering these questions. With reference to financial matters, the licence to run the resort between WR&R and the Federation is coming up for renewal. We have found that several people could be said to have had an interest in seeing WR&R not retaining the licence and the incident would not reflect well on the current incumbents. We have no desire to find out your full financial dealings, but the small matter of self-interest has already been raised and we are merely following along the same line of questioning of all the guests. I do have another request to make though..."
Rangin takes a deep breath before continuing. "Please understand there is no obligation, and I honestly mean no offence and do not wish to intrude, but would it be possible to take a medical reading of yourself to try and determine why the spores are no longer effective? As far as we are aware, only a highly emotional experience should remove the effect, so them to fade for no reason is worrying and, to be honest, may be related to the incident last night, especially as you do not appear to be the only one."
Rangin hopes he has not just upset one of the guests, but he also wonders, just how many of yesterday's guests will no longer be under the effect. He idly scratches at his arm wondering what Graham would be able to tell him and if they are going to have to go round all of the people just to see what state they were in.
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Calvin pauses. "I'm still not discussing my business affairs. I will tell you, though, I have no financial reason to want to see WR&R lose its franchise. And if you want to have a doctor scan me to figure out why the spores wore off, I suppose that would be all right."
"We will be making a statement shortly, Admiral," Graham says. "I'm happy to answer any questions--otherwise I'll get back to it..."
He pauses. "I believe Lt. Collins would have preferred that you return to the ship, given the incident." He shakes his head. "However, at this point I believe this was specifically targeted at Wilson, so I'm not suggesting that other guests should feel any need to leave. To stay consistent with that, I am not recommending that you should leave either, Admiral."
He gestures toward the door. "But given that there's at least a possibility the renewal of WR&R's contract could be a factor and your role, we have assigned two Security officers to ensure your safety. I'm sorry to impinge on your vacation, but I'd appreciate it if you stuck close to them, sir."
Hardin looks old and haggard as he nods, saying, "I understand, and of course I'll follow your recommendation. Thank you, Mr. Graham."
"Thank you, that should be enough about your finances and yes, I think at some point, if you are still willing, I may ask for that scan." replies Rangin.
He turns to Kylah, "I have nothing further to ask, do you have anything?"
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Graham steps outside. "Take good care of him," he says to Three Crows. He starts to leave then remembers Rangin had asked him about Ebling's spore status too. He momentarily thinks about calling him to ask why, but decides that isn't necessary.
Rangin's a smart guy--kind of a pain in the ass, but smart, he thinks. A, he probably had a good reason. B, if he didn't, and this is some pointless task he concocted to punish me for my wicked ways, he would surely have come up with something much more clever and unpleasant.
He turns to the Security officers. "Have you seen Cmdr. Ebling today? Do you know where her quarters are?" he asks.
Three Crows says, "Lt. Cmdr. Ebling's guest quarters are one floor up. I haven't seen her, but the others have. It's Room 412."
Dobson, still in the park, notices a tall, yellow birdlike alien emerge from house #4 and begin walking towards the main part of the resort.
Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 11 Apr 2014 at 10:41 AM. Reason: fixed spelling
Dobson also walks towards the main area on an intercept course. When she is close enough to address the alien without shouting, she says "Excuse me. May I have a moment of your time?"
The alien, which is almost a meter taller than Dobson, turns and cocks its head. "Yes?" it asks in a soft, whistling voice. "What do you wish?"
"I'm Officer Felice Dobson with Starfleet Security. How has your stay been so far? Any complaints?"
Kylah smiles and shakes her head. "Not related to Mr. Wilson's death. I think that will be all, and thank you for your time and openness. But to digress to a more pleasant subject, I know one of my colleagues is a great admirer of your work, Mrs. Calvin, and she would have loved to meet you, if she were part of the landing party. May I ask, for her sake, if you are writing a new book while here? Will you be spending time on that, or is this getaway a break from your literary endeavors?"
She is hardly paying attention to her own words, focusing all her concentration on Rosemary Calvin. What if anything did she note from Calvin's feelings when she finally responded to Rangin's question about her finances? Sincerity? Still hiding anything?
"Yes," she says with some asperity, "I already told you I was working on my latest book last night. Now, if there's nothing else...?"
See post 2076.
Calvin seems truthful but annoyed in her responses. She is not telling you everything.
"I do beg your pardon, Mrs. Calvin. We have been working since four in the morning, and I fear I am not at my best." Kylah is irritated with herself for such a silly mistake. I sound like Collins, she thinks, and then feels guilty when she remembers what Collins is going through. "Of course, I will pass the news on to my friend. She will be delighted to hear it." Kylah stands up with a glance to Rangin. "Please enjoy the rest of your stay. Oh, we are heading over to the administration area in a little while. You mentioned your house was a bit messy--would you like us to make sure the housekeeping service tends to it today, if it is not already scheduled to do so? It is the least we can do after imposing on your time in such a way."
Last edited by choie; 11 Apr 2014 at 11:58 AM.
Graham thanks Three Crows. Although he's not sure Ebling's in her room at this time, he figures it's as good a place to start as any. He heads to the room and unless interrupted rings the chime.
"Thank you Mrs Calvin, you have been most helpful", says Rangin as he gets up to leave. "Oh, just one last question: you said earlier you were working on your novel past midnight, roughly what time was that until, half past, maybe one o'clock?"
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
"No, thank you," Calvin says to Kylah. "I can arrange for Housekeeping myself." To Rangin she says flutters her hand a little and says, "Oh, I don't know - maybe 12:15, 12:30. Around there. I didn't look at a clock, young man. Not much later than that, if at all."
Graham finds two other Starfleet Security officers in plainclothes outside Ebling's door - Ens. Josiah F. Russell, a beefy young American, and Spec/1 Ji Coringu, a Kobliad woman. Russell reports, "Lt. Cmdr. Ebling went out for breakfast and a walk, and we kept a discreet eye on her, sir. No problems. She's been back in her room for almost half an hour now."
http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Kobliad
With another small nod, Kylah listens to the last part of the conversation between Velir and Calvin before bidding the woman good day. She moves away and, whenever Velir joins her, waits until they are far enough away from the human before speaking.
"A woman adept at spinning tales should be a better liar. She is hiding something that pertains to this investigation--something about her finances," she says decidely. "And I would very much like to see the inside of that house. I suppose it would break some Federation rule if we went inside with the housekeeping staff--assuming she actually does call them?" Kylah frowns in thought as she pulls out her communicator and sends out a brief message. "I am just letting the team know we have spoken to Mrs. Calvin. I must say, I am very curious to learn from Mr. Graham whether Hardin and Ebling are still under the spores' influence."
When finished, she looks up at Velir. The pleasure of working beside him strikes her anew. "What are your thoughts about her answers, Velir?"
Last edited by choie; 12 Apr 2014 at 12:04 AM.
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