Starfleet personnel don't salute.
Dr. T'Var chooses her words carefully. "She is better now, and is under observation. If all goes well, she should be released from Sickbay within 24 hours; perhaps sooner. I cannot discuss the details of her case, of course."
Kylah looks down at the table, not wanting to look at T'Var--she fears the doctor will suspect her of trying to get some more sense of her emotions. But there is no need. T'Var would not look this way unless something devastating has happened.
"Your mother will be fine, little one. The worst is over."Kylah keeps her gaze lowered, though it is now blurry. No matter how she feels about Collins... This seems so terribly unfair. Even having known--or at least sensed--Collins's ambivalence about the pregnancy, Kylah can only guess how the other woman must feel now, with the choice taken away from her.
Kylah looks up, her eyes narrow in doubt. If Mother is well, why does Father seem so sad? Why was Mother crying so loudly? And why is Uncle Aldaan's mind churning with distress, an emotion he is clearly trying to hide from her? "May I see her?"
"No," Uncle Aldaan says--the word very quick, very certain. "She would not wish it."
Frowning, Kylah glances at the bedroom door and notices one of the nurses removing a small basin. A red-stained towel covers something lumpy within. Her heart beats faster when she looks at the nurse's face, senses the grief emanating from her. "Not again," Kylah whispers, terrified. "Did it happen again?"
She feels her uncle's hand clasping her shoulder. "Come away," he says, trying to pull her gently from where she stands in frozen shock. "It is nearly your bedtime, you should not--"
"There will be no baby, will there?" Kylah blurts the question so it is nearly an accusation. "That is what you are not telling me."
Her uncle looks about to say something to distract her, the way adults always do. But he is not any adult, and he knows there is little point in trying to get Kylah to remove her mind from a subject--and less point in lying to her. "You are right," he says in an exhale. "I am sorry, there will be no brother or sister for you, not now. Your parents are mourning the loss." Aldaan kneels down and cups her chin in his large hand. "They will recover eventually, it will just take time. But you know this makes you even more precious."
Kylah is not so sure. When Mother's last pregnancy ended abruptly, her parents seemed angry with her for some reason. She was warned not to visit, and when she slipped inside Mother's room anyway, Mother took one look at her and tearfully ordered the girl out.
Kylah never realized how much she wanted a brother or sister until just now. She is lonely and wanted someone to play with. And Mother will be sad and empty and perhaps will not talk to her for weeks. "I do not want to be alone anymore," she says, starting to cry. Her uncle embraces her, whispers how important she is, and promises her that she will never be alone as long as he is with her.
But it is not the same thing. And suddenly Kylah realizes that this must be how Mother feels. Kylah cannot make up for the baby she lost. Nothing will.
Unable to think of an adequate response to T'Var's discreet announcement, Kylah bites down hard on her lower lip and tries not to cry.
Last edited by choie; 26 Apr 2014 at 01:47 AM.
"Ah. all right, well, thanks for taking good care of her Doc," Graham says. "And it's good to have you back."
He clears his throat and addresses the group. "So next on the list, so to speak, is a public statement...since many of us have conducted some additional interviews just now, and folks will be getting out and about by this time of the day, word's surely going to get out." He starts to pace. "Before that, though--have we learned anything new? Anything that would change our theory of the case?"
He stops and looks around, his expression inviting comment.
Lifting her head, Kylah blinks and glances over to Velir before speaking. "I... I am not sure I know what our theory of the case is yet, and so I do not know whether what we have learned will change it. So far, three out of the five guests who were treated with the spores yesterday say that they are no longer affected. The only one we have not yet heard from is Lord Fastolfe, and I believe it is urgent to speak with him as soon as possible. If he is no longer affected by the spores, I cannot imagine that someone with his temperament would not have already been in contact with the administration or the medical staff demanding an explanation."
She hesitates and nervously licks her lips to moisten them. "Our conversation with Prolun Jaxo was not particularly fruitful," she says in as measured a voice as she can. "During the presumed time of Wilson's death, the Jaxo has a mutual alibi shared with his aides, albeit one that does not preclude his being involved with or hearing anything of the murder. More importantly, I do not believe he answered some of our questions truthfully. His claim to have been unaware that the resort's contract is up for renewal; his claim that the spores have not worn off early; and his assertion that he has neither met Admiral Hardin, nor even knew that the Admiral was here: I am quite certain that all of these were lies. Or not the entire truth, at any rate. There was also a strange discomfort when I asked him whether he was interested in pursuing a business connection with the Federation. I cannot... I cannot describe it."
She looks at T'Var somewhat helplessly, unable to articulate how or why she knows what she does. Truthfully, she cannot even understand it herself. The emotions she felt when the Jaxo spoke were so dim to her, it was like trying to decipher a mere echo of a whisper.
Kylah shakes her head, knowing she can give no more details. "I find it coincidental, to the point of stretching credulity, that each and every person we have spoken to thus far in the residences--with the exception of the elusive Mrs. Webb--apparently has some financial relationship to WR&R's competition, or in some other way is connected to Admiral Hardin and this contract renewal. I believe we must learn more about these people and precisely how their financial affairs are related to this planet."
She scowls, not having thought of something until just now. "It suddenly strikes me... why is this one contract of such importance? Perhaps this was explained and I have merely forgotten, but.. does WR&R have the sole rights to the entire planet and the spores? A whole planet, used by only two entities, the laboratory and one resort. Is there not enough space for others to utilize the land, either for business or colonizing purposes? It seems--"
Now Kylah abruptly stops speaking for a moment. Something she just said has triggered a faint memory; she can practically feel it skittering around her mind, but cannot pin it down. She purses her lips in frustration and again shakes her head, so distracted that when she turns to the man next to her, she forgets the pretense of formality: "I am sorry to ramble on for so long, Velir. Please go ahead."
Last edited by choie; 26 Apr 2014 at 10:47 PM.
Dobson notices this lapse in formality, but says nothing.
"We did get something interesting points from both interviews with Mrs Calvin and Prolun Jaxo though", Rangin continues on as if nothing was wrong. He stops for just a moment, mouth half open, when he realises that the usual formality has not been met before hastily continuing.
"Mrs Calvin was working until gone midnight and heard nothing from outside. Prolun Jaxo as his aides returned from the restaurant around midnight and saw nothing. The aide left to guard the house heard nothing. I'm seriously beginning to wonder if anything took place out there. It's not as if the body was hidden away, and yet everyone seems to have missed it."
"The other thing that surprised me is Prolun Jaxo's statement that the only two Starfleet personnel he had ever met, was Ensign Kylah and I. Especially given his supposed position in the government. As for whether he was lying, this is why Ensign Kylah is in comms and I'm in science, I have no idea but it would not surprise me if he had been economical with the truth."
"I don't have any specific theory about the murder, could be anything from personal, to the resort, to it being an accident as someone reacted badly to the spores." Rangin shrugs, "all we have are a lot of facts which fit them all at the moment."
He looks back up at Graham. "As well as the announcement, we could really do with checking the spores and transporter here in the resort."
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Graham smiles slightly and taps his tricorder. "Well those are all on the list, right?" He nods. "But I do agree - I'd propose, after the announcement, Mrs. Hsu and Fastolfe, spores and transporter as top next steps."
Now he frowns. "For my part, I figured briefing the Admiral and Ebling would be pro forma. But Hardin knew Wilson to a degree and seemed to take the news surprisingly hard. Ebling...didn't seem entirely forthcoming." He rubs his chin and then gestures toward Kylah. "Ebling was dodgy about what business they might be doing with Wilson. Maybe there's something to the idea that there's something besides simple renewal going on. That's..." he stops himself. Baby steps, Booker, he thinks. We're having a constructive team discussion. Let' keep it short and sweet and try to get through it with no hiccups, and dive into details after we have a success under our belt.. "That's good thinking, Ensign," he says with a nod to Kylah.
He clears his throat, clasps his hands behind his back, and starts to pace. "But back to the theory of the case--we're still grasping for information, but let's not sell what we know short." He stand still and raises one finger. "One, this doesn't fit a fact pattern for terrorism...this wasn't executed in a way to shock and frighten the local population." He raises another finger. "Two, this wasn't some violent simpleton...the cameras being off, your transporter angle, Rangin....all point to some level of sophistication." He raises a third finger and then lowers his hand. "Finally, less of a slam dunk but still pretty compelling is that this was somehow about Wilson, rather than random. The rumors about him, his special safe..." he nods toward T'Var. "His limp...."
Graham thinks "I really wish I'd pushed harder on the guy for information while he was alive," but is sure that would provoke Rangin's indignation, so he keeps it to himself.
"Anyway, the point being that as far as the announcement goes, I think it's fair to say that there's no reason for anyone to panic and we don't want people to feel like they need to run for the exits." He shrugs. "I realize it may not be what Collins wanted, but what's good for the goose is good for the gander...I didn't recommend to the Admiral that he leave, either." He looks around the room, hating to open up the discussion given how well things have been going. "Does anyone disagree?"
"Makes sense" nods Rangin to Graham's comment. Given how well the meeting was going and, well, how agreeable Graham was being, Rangin was certainly not going to put him off his stride.
"It's a tragedy and we are doing our best to find out what happened. The resort will still be running as normal and we hope to impact you as little as possible. Please enjoy your stay."
"One quick question" , Rangin continued, "do you need all of us to finalise the announcement with Mrs Hsu or would you mind if I went and look at the spore plants now?"
It was admittedly a bit of a test, firstly to see how much control Graham wanted to keep and secondly given that Kylah would have to go as well, he was curious to see her reaction. Then again, there was little Rangin could do there, not to mention Kylah had her own part to play with Mrs Hsy about the messages. It was better that he be elsewhere being able to contribute.
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Kylah listens as best she can. She's still not sure what half-memory is trying to make itself known in her overtired brain, but she realizes the harder she tries to pinpoint it, the more elusive it gets. She looks up when Graham finishes. About to speak, she halts herself since Velir is adding his point of view, wishing to look into the spore issue.
"I agree, looking into the spores is vital," she says slowly, still thinking. She forces herself to focus on the matter at hand. "And... should we explore the induction room itself to see if something is amiss or malfunctioning? Perhaps Lt. Delaney might assist in determining whether there is anything wrong with the technical end of things. But then there is also the transporter aspect to deal with, and the security cameras, and..." She frowns and turns to Delaney. "I wonder, sir, would you be helped if there were more Engineering officers at your disposal?"
She belatedly glances back at Graham. "I am sorry, I did not mean to ignore your question. I believe the general idea of the announcement is correct, although if I may suggest, I think letting everyone know that we have increased the security might alleviate some fears as well. Actually... Would it be indiscreet or unwise to add something asking for anyone who might have information to come forward? We would have to phrase it very carefully and make sure that people know how to reach us privately and safely--they must not be afraid to speak up."
Last edited by choie; 27 Apr 2014 at 03:17 PM.
Graham finds a chair and sits down--a little heavily, he realizes in retrospect. "No need to apologize, Mr. Kylah," he says, shaking his head.
"I agree with the suggestions on the announcement." He laughs. "And sometimes I forget you're a scientist, Ranging--eager to look at the plants," he says, chuckling.
"Look, we're all tired... let's knock out the highest priority items and then re-group. Mr. Kylah, were'e going to need Mrs. Hsu here before we do the announcement. If you want to try your gambit with her, you have my support, and I or Dobson will provide back-up. Mr. Rangin, it makes sense to let the experts do what they do best. Likewise--Lt. Delaney, if you need more rocket scientists down here, we'll make it happen."
He shrugs. "Now that I've commandeered Mr. Dobson, let's get back to working in pairs. My proposal is that End. Kylah and I deal with the statement and Mrs. Hsu. Rangin and T'Var look at spores and any other biomed phenomena. Delaney - with Dobson if you like - check out the transporter angle."
He exhales. "And then we have a chat with Fastolfe. That's me because we're such good buddies, Kylah because she's a good Communications officer--but also anyone else who wants in."
"That's my take, and I can command it from on high if we need that, but I appreciate the fact that everyone is problem-solving cooperatively, so if someone wants to suggest something different, OK, as long as we get rolling in, say, no more than ten more minutes..."
Last edited by general_urko; 27 Apr 2014 at 09:15 PM.
Kylah waits a moment, wishing she could think of a way to ask this without doing so in front of the others. But her mind is a blank. At last she says in as casual a voice as possible, "Understood, Mr. Graham. But first, may I..." She starts over. "Permission to go to the infirmary, please? For my leg. I am sure it will not take long... I can meet you back here so we can speak to Mrs. Hsu. I do not mean to waste time, but..."
She trails off with a meaningless little shrug. Please, please do not offer to go with me, Kylah thinks, aiming her prayer at--well, anyone who would be likely to offer.
Last edited by choie; 27 Apr 2014 at 09:44 PM.
Delaney says to the landing party's new commanding officer, "That sounds like a good plan to me, Mr. Graham."
T'Var nods and says, "I concur. As to your question about WR&R's contract, Ens. Kylah, my understanding is that the company just has the right to build and then run the resort on a year-by-year basis. If they lose their franchise, they are entitled to partial payment for already-incurred construction costs from whichever business entity succeeds them, but the next franchise holder will then have the same exclusive rights to run the resort and profit from guests' paid access to the spores. Those rights have been, as we know, quite lucrative. Starfleet's right to research the spores is assured, however, in any event, and the planet itself remains under Federation ownership. Others might come here for other business or colonization purposes, if permitted by Starfleet, but I presume there is little demand for either due, of course, to the Berthold rays." She meets Kylah's gaze. "May I provide any additional medical treatment for you, Ensign...?"
http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Berthold_ray
After thanking the doctor for the information about the resort, Kylah stares more intently across the table at T'Var. The woman is indeed a Vulcan: she knows what happened last night--at least she certainly implied it before they went to sleep--and she must be aware of Kylah's concerns; yet she is dispassionately pursuing this topic in front of everyone.
Of course, if they were sitting next to each other, Kylah could just touch T'Var's leg beneath the table and tell her telepathically and spare herself the awkwardness. Since that is not the case, she shakes her head. "I appreciate your offer, Doctor," she says carefully. "I may have reinjured the knee from having knelt and stood up injudiciously. I do not wish to waste your time when I can get a thorough examination at the infirmary." She emphasizes the word thorough just slightly, hoping she sounds far less desperate than she is.
Even as she speaks, she thinks with as much force as possible: Do not make me say anything further, Doctor, please do not ask me! In a few very rare instances she has been able to communicate telepathically to others--her mother and her uncle--but only in times of great stress. Kylah hopes T'Var's natural inclination to being receptive to touch telepathy will somehow make it possible for the older woman to understand her now.
Graham curses his--lack of--luck. Almost a conflict-free meeting and now there's some kind of weird dynamic....he thinks. It doesn't help that his concern Kylah is hiding something about her well-being apparently not just from him but from T'Var, and presumably, everyone.
You've only got one immediate option, Booker, which is to order her to tell you what's going on, he thinks. Or you can let it ride--for the moment.
He starts to speak then stops. "We've, ah, all been up for awhile. Anyone who needs a few moments to themselves for whatever reason before getting back to work should feel at liberty to do so." He shifts a little uncomfortably, as he's frustrated by the situation, but keeps his voice neutral. "That includes you, Mr. Kylah--assuming you don't need someone to lean on."
Last edited by general_urko; 28 Apr 2014 at 02:35 PM. Reason: edited last 2 lines
Kylah flings a grateful look toward Graham, although she is somewhat confused by his less-than-enthusiastic agreement. Was he not demanding that I take care of my injury less than ten minutes ago? But she just says, "Thank you, Mr. Graham. I should be able to walk unaided--it is only a slight limp. I will be back as quickly as I can. And it need not even be an entire waste of time; while I am there, I might as well ask whether anyone else has reported that the spore treatment has worn off. It will be useful to know if there have been other complaints."
She pushes her chair back and starts to rise, but then hesitates, flushing a bit. "Oh... I am sorry. Is the meeting adjourned?"
Last edited by choie; 28 Apr 2014 at 04:39 PM.
"Nothing else from me," adds Rangin, "Dr T'Var, if you have nothing else shall we just get started looking at the plants?" he says conversationally.
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
If T'Var does not interject, Graham swings his arms and claps his hands together once. "Right, let's get to it," he says. After a brief pause he adds "thanks everyone."
T'Var shakes her head and rises from her seat.
Delaney says to Dobson, "Come with me, if you please, Mr. Dobson." They walk towards the resort's transporter room.
Kylah makes her way to the Infirmary without too much difficulty. Dr. Halsey is there alone, and welcomes her. "May I help you, Ensign?"
"On your six, sir." Dobson says as she follows Delaney out the door.
Rangin smiles at Dr T'var, and gives her a professional nod. They worked well last time and should hopefully do so again this time round.
As they head out of the door, Rangin starts chatting to Dr T'Var. "Sir, I'd suggest we start the the Introduction Room and possibly take readings from the plants there. I've got the original scans from yesterday morning, so it will be interesting to compare them and see what changes they have. Might also be worth checking with the research station and see what the rate of renewal for plants is as well. Although, we will probably need someone from either security or the medical centre to give us access to them, although with a tricorder, we only really need to get in to the room next door to it."
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Slightly taken aback by the fact that no associates--particularly female ones--are present, Kylah hesitates for a moment before speaking. "Yes, doctor. I have... I have two personal medical issues for which I need assistance. Earlier today I injured my knee, and while Dr. T'Var healed it as best she could, I subsequently twisted it again, and it is now hurting me somewhat. I hoped you could take a look to make sure everything is all right."
She pauses again and glances around, just to make sure there is no one else around. "Then there is a more... delicate matter. Last night, I--" Discomfort tightens her throat and she swallows painfully, now focusing her embarrassed gaze on the countertop. Her voice is very soft. "I was--I was with someone. A man. Physically. And I had never--that is to say, I am not on any contraceptives, or have any innoculations against diseases, and I know that means that... I know I need to be checked, but I did not want this on my official Starfleet medical record..."
This must be a dream, it is all a bad dream, she thinks miserably. Her intense need for privacy and her own shameful behavior are a terrible combination, making this necessary conversation almost unbearable. She hurries on. "So I hoped you could help me. Please?"
Last edited by choie; 29 Apr 2014 at 04:38 PM.
"So...," Delaney says as they walk. "Tell me about yourself, Mr. Dobson. Where are you from? How long have you been in Starfleet?"
Dr. T'Var says to Rangin, "By all means." The two of you walk the short distance to the Introduction Room, which looks just as it did yesterday. A single WR&R science staffer is there, a young Singaporean woman who introduces herself as Jeanne Nguan.
Dr. Halsey clears his throat and keeps his expression carefully neutral. "Certainly, Ens. Kylah. Starfleet personnel are entitled to free medical checkups here as part of the company's franchise contract, as it happens, and I'm supposed to note such visits, but let's just keep yours... off the books, all right?" He leads her back to an examination room, asks her a dozen questions about her medical history, and attends to her knee, which immediately feels better. He also gives her a full scan, and says at last, "You're not ovulating, and I see no sign of fertilization. There's also no indication that you've been exposed to any sexually transmitted diseases. Some of them have long incubation periods, though, so you should have a followup scan at least two weeks from now. I can give you a broad-spectrum innoculation and contraceptive today, if you like."
"Sir, I grew up in a suburb of Gatineau, north of Ottawa," Dobson tells Delaney. "As a child, I learned to sail on La Rivière des Outaouais. It seemed natural to me to join Starfleet as soon as I was able. I was sworn in 18 months ago. This is my first assignment."
Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 01 May 2014 at 08:12 PM. Reason: correction as to training
Kylah exhales shakily after Halsey makes his pronouncement. "Yes, I would like anything that will make certain there is no--no reprecussion from what happened. Thank you very much, Dr. Halsey. Although please, I do not wish you to break any rules for me, it would not be right to ask for such a favor. If Starfleet requires a report for free treatment, then treat me as a guest and I will pay for it. Credits are not an issue."
She wraps her arms around her abdomen and looks down at her arms, still awkward but greatly relieved after the doctor's assurance. To take up the time while Halsey prepares whatever he needs--and, really, to get her mind off this whole embarrassing situation--Kylah speaks up.
"By the way, Doctor, I should probably tell you: another of the guests introduced to the spores yesterday has reported that they have worn off. That makes three out of five--Mr. Palver, Admiral Hardin, and Mrs. Calvin. Has such a thing ever happened before? Can you speculate what might have caused this? And have any other guests mentioned that their treatments have worn off?"
Rangin accepts the greetings and responds, "Good morning, I'm Ensign Rangin, this is Dr T'Var," he gestures at his colleague, "and we are here to take a look at the Introduction Room and the plants and spores contained within. It appears that some of the guests who were introduced yesterday have already lost the effect of the spores through no discernible means and as such we want to check the plants over to see if there are any anomalies that can be detected."
Rangin pauses to make sure the young lady has understood him.
"If you need to confirm anything with Mrs Hsu, to allow us access please go ahead and if you have any questions for us, feel free to ask. Also, given that some people are no longer affected by the spores, do you have a list of the people who were due to be introduced today and at what time? Also, would you be able to answer any further questions about the introduction process, if necessary?"
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Once the room clears out Graham reaches over his own shoulder and pats himself on the back.
“Way to go, Booker,” he mumbles. “One meeting, no drama, you’re a regular hero.”
He drops heavily into a chair and covers his eyes with his hands.
“I’ve gotten a call like this too.”
Funny thing is, he thinks, it’s not the most painful moment to remember by a long shot. It’s The Talk.
They’d been arguing—when Jane took over xenoarchaeology for the university, juggling his assignments and her trips and trying to arrange one of them to be Earth-side for Lizzy as much as could be managed had ratcheted up the stress level. They’d been together so much less; they could feel themselves drifting apart…
Then on a rare day when they were both in the same place, at the same time, Jane was beaming. “I’ve got a surprise for you…now that the university is fully committed to deep space expeditions, they knows they need a world-class off world security organization. I spoke with the provost – she can’t imagine anyone better than you to lead it.”
Was that the very last time you ever saw her smile? He wonders…as he always does, although-- as always-- he knows the answer.
It hadn’t gone well. Every word replays as if in slow motion high fidelity in his mind as they had a thousand times before. Especially these.
“You want me to solve a problem you caused by doubling down on your career by giving up on mine to become a glorified rent-a-cop? I’m up for lieutenant commander…”
Two weeks later she left on the expedition…THE Expedition…
We parted angry.
You got your promotion.
And then you got the call.
Graham wonders if there’s time to get falling-down drunk before any of the others return.
He’s not sure he would have been able to resist the temptation – fortunately for the sake of the mission’s very short winning streak, for some time he simply can’t muster the will or the strength to move.
In a Sickbay recovery room aboard the Yorktown, Collins awakens to the sensation that someone has been watching her. She turns her head to see Ens. Ben Cooper asleep in a chair by her bed. Jeremi turns her head back and closes her eyes. I don't know what to say to him. He wanted the baby so much. I just hope he's not angry at me.
Cooper shifts slightly in his sleep and exhales. His uniform is wrinkled and she notices that he's kicked his boots off.
Unable to fall back asleep, Collins coughs quietly, hoping that will wake Cooper, and then they can get this inevitable conversation over with.
Cooper stirs, his eyelids flutter, and he awakes. He stretches, looks at her and smiles a little. "Hey... how are you?" he whispers.
"Okay," Collins answers, "I guess. Still a little sore, but better than earlier." She pauses. "I... I'm sorry," is all she can say without getting completely choked up.
He musters a small smile. "Shhh. It's okay. Did the doc tell you what happened? Why it happened, I mean?"
"I didn't ask," she replies. "I was under a lot of stress on this mission. That probably didn't help."
"Of course. I'm so sorry, Jer... for you, for us, for this child. It's just... um. I can't help but think of what might have been. You know?"
"I know," she lies. I know I wasn't ready to be a mother. I know we would have fought about that. I know you should be with someone who wants the same things as you. Jeremi holds her hand out to Ben.
He takes her hand, leans down and kisses it.
"Ben," she begins, "you know I care about you very much. You mean a lot to me." She pauses briefly, trying to read his face, "I just need some time to process this... incident. Could we take a short break?"
He squeezes her hand and releases it, and wryly smiles. "I thought we were already on a break. But if that's what you want, of course, we can... formalize it."
That wasn't a break, you idiot. I was on a mission. Besides, you were pushing way too hard for me to keep the baby. "I just need a couple of days. I'm not giving up on us, I just need to sort out my head." She grabs Ben's hand again and holds tightly.
He squeezes again and says, a little coolly, "OK, if that's what you want." He looks down, then up again. "So... do you need anything? Can I do anything for you while you're here?"
"Thank you, but no. They're taking good care of me. Anyway, I don't expect to be here that long." She finally lets go of Ben's hand. "I'm glad you came by." She gives him a warm smile, then settles herself comfortably and closes her eyes to try and return to sleep.
Cooper stands there for a moment, as if about to say something more, then picks up his boots and slips out of the room.
Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 01 May 2014 at 08:11 PM. Reason: usual dialogue credits.
Delaney asks Dobson, "Why did you sign up for Security? Crazy about the red dress? Or was that not your first choice?"
Dr. Halsey smiles reassuringly at Kylah. "Don't worry, I won't get in any trouble if I don't report your visit." He gives her two hypospray injections, and says, "Spontaneous rejection of the spores by humanoids is very rare. The few cases I've heard of, the data was so fragmentary or conflicting I don't think we can even be sure that's what happened. And for three to happen in a row like that?" He shakes his head. "Hmm. Very strange."
Miss Nguan, in the Introduction Room, says to Rangin and T'Var, "Mrs. Hsu sent out a resort-wide memo this morning, asking everyone to cooperate fully with your investigation. You're welcome to look over or scan any of the Kalomi spore plants we have on hand. They're kept in a secure gastight storage area, through that door. No one was scheduled to be exposed to the spores today. Any other questions you have, I'd be glad to answer."
Kylah absently rubs her arm where the doctor gave her the hypospray. It's a reflexive gesture--there is no pain--but she uses it to take up time while she mulls over Halsey's demeanor. He is so bizarrely... blithe, perhaps? Blasé? ...about a situation involving a procedure he himself oversaw that has gone wrong. This is the main purpose of his job, presiding over the spore introductions, and yet this self-acknowledged 'strange' development seems to have the same effect as telling him the Otherworldly restaurant served hot dogs.
She remembers his similarly anomalous mood after learning of his boss's death. So happy and excited; no trace of regret about another man's death. A man with whom he may have clashed, Kylah thinks, suddenly recalling T'Var's statement about Mrs. Hsu giving Halsey a quick look after claiming no one had argued with Mr. Wilson.
"You are the expert in these matters," she says slowly, focusing on him to try and identify what he might be feeling. "So your opinion means a great deal. You did not notice anything unusual about yesterday's procedure? What about the spores and the... the technology that delivers them to the guests--could something be wrong there?" After a slight pause she decides to go for broke. "I cannot help but notice you do not seem particularly concerned that the whole reason for this resort's popularity may have serious problems. If such prominent guests are upset about losing the benefit of the spores, could it not harm WR&R's reputation?"
"Well, I wasn't there when yesterday's guests were introduced to the spores," Dr. Halsey says. "But no one told me there were any problems afterwards, and I don't know of any. I'll definitely be looking into this further - it is very strange, as I said. If the spores lose their effect with a few people, though, they can just be reintroduced. And miss, you didn't say that anyone was 'upset.'" Kylah senses a surge of irritation and impatience, which the physician tries to mask.
"Sir," Dobson again responds to Delaney, her voice maintaining respect, "since there is no longer a dedicated fighting unit, I chose Security as the next best alternative."
"You are right, Doctor, I did not say the guests were upset. I was positing a hypothetical--one that seems likely, since after all, the spores are the main reason they came to the planet." Kylah realizes it is true: neither Mr. Palver nor Mrs. Calvin seemed especially disconcerted by their having lost the effect of their treatment; she does not know how Hardin took it. And that is strange itself. Why weren't they more upset? She does not mind the doctor's irritation, since she seems to be getting quite good at annoying people lately. Besides, someone upset often says things they may not otherwise.
"Since you are so experienced in this, sir, I wonder... do you think the introduction mechanism or the plants themselves could have been sabotaged in some way? If any guests have connections to WR&R's competitors--or even a staff member who has been approached by such a competitor--would it be possible to sabotage the units?" She pays very close attention to his emotions at this question.
"Many thanks", replies Rangin, "perhaps while I scan them you could answer some questions. Please make sure I don't get a blast of them, I don't think its allowed while on duty," he grins back at her.
Rangin will look to enter the room and scan the area, both for the plants and spores to compare against the readings Rangin made yesterday. He will also be examining the room to make sure it is airtight, secure and that nothing else seems to interfere in this room with the spores interaction."
When he gets a chance he will also ask the following questions politely:
A few questions about the spores -
Do you help out with the introductions here?
What happens to someone after they have been introduced here?
Do you help out with the procedure to remove the spores from a host?
If so, can she show us after we have finished here?
A few questions about WR&R -
What did you think of Mr Wilson?
What is it like working here?
What kind of person was he like to work for?
Do you know of any rumours or anyone who might bear him ill-will?
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Delaney asks Dobson, "Fighting, eh? Are you from a military family? Did you consider joining the United Earth armed forces?"
Dr. Halsey seems baffled at Kylah's question. "No, I can't imagine any sabotage of that sort. And your landing party scanned the admiral and the others after their introduction, didn't you? Mr. Wilson told me afterwards that all of them had the usual response to spore exposure."
Rangin can easily scan the spore holding area without exposing himself. Everything seems to be in order. Miss Nguan responds to his questions:
Do you help out with the introductions here? - "Yes, that's my job."
What happens to someone after they have been introduced here? - "After exposure, they're escorted to their quarters to settle in and relax. Our staff observes them on the way and talks to them to make sure they feel all right, and that the spores have taken effect."
Do you help out with the procedure to remove the spores from a host? - "Yes, I do that, too."
If so, can she show us after we have finished here? - "Sure. What would you like to see?"
A few questions about WR&R -
What did you think of Mr. Wilson? - "Well, I didn't have many dealings with him directly, but he seemed like a nice guy and did his best to run the resort according to WR&R's very high standards.."
What is it like working here? - "I like it! It's a good job and I like seeing how happy people become after their introduction to the spores."
What kind of person was he like to work for? - "Mr. Wilson? Just fine, in my limited experience."
Do you know of any rumours or anyone who might bear him ill-will? - She seems shocked at the question. "Not that I've heard of - nothing specific, anyway. Of course you can't be boss of a place like this and not occasionally have to annoy someone."
"I did, Sir," Dobson replies, "But I also wanted the opportunity to experience space travel. The skies were very clear where I grew up. The stars fascinated me. But I didn't have the grades for a degree in astrometrics, so Starfleet won out." Dobson stops walking for a moment, lost in thought, then quickens her pace to catch up with Delaney. "No, not a military family. I think my great great great great aunt was a General during the Third Gulf War, but no one since, until me."
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Interesting, Kylah thinks, watching this man whom she cannot fathom. "Of course they had the proper reactions after the introduction, Doctor. But I thought it might be possible for the plants to have been weakened somehow--if they were--let us say, in poor health, withered, sent through a transporter, heated... really, I cannot guess what might alter the concentration of the spores. I do not have much knowledge of science or botany. I was hoping you might offer some ideas. It may very well help us solve Mr. Wilson's murder, since I do not believe this strange situation is a coincidence, just happening to involve three out of five guests who arrived the same day he died. If you do think of something, please let us know?"
Kylah slides off the examination table. "Finally, I truly cannot accept your generous offer. You may not get in trouble, but my conscience will not permit me to benefit from WR&R's arrangement with Starfleet while not adhering to its rules. I will ask Mrs. Hsu to get in touch with you regarding how much I must pay the resort. Thank you again, Dr. Halsey. You have been extremely efficient and above all, sensitive."
While she speaks, her thoughts have been churning with the decision if, or how, to broach one touchy question. By the time she finishes, the answer strikes her.
She holds out her hand for him to shake. "Goodbye, Doctor." Assuming he does indeed shake her hand, she will keep a hold of it while she continues slowly: "I only wish I could think of a way to repay your kindness." Kylah then looks troubled and bites her lip. "Actually, perhaps I can. It might be injudicious but I think you should know..." Her words are very quiet and she focuses as tightly as she can on Halsey's emotions throughout every line she speaks. "There is someone who has... well... strongly implied, in the context of our investigation, that you and Mr. Wilson recently argued. It was not a direct accusation, but the spectre of the disagreement accompanied a description of you as somewhat... happy... despite Mr. Wilson's death." Kylah purses her lips and shakes her head, as if in disbelief. "You can imagine what that led some to believe.
"I fear this talk has raised suspicion, especially since you have not told us of any disagreement. Personally, I do not think it is fair, either to you or to us--a conflict between two colleagues likely means nothing; I have argued with every member of our team at one time or another! But this lingering doubt could distract us from any real leads." She gazes up at him intently, hopefully. "Please, if it is true that you recently argued with Mr. Wilson, even a minor difference of opinion--or indeed, if the person was wrong and in fact you witnessed someone who argued with him--will you tell us? Either me, or perhaps Dr. T'Var?"
Last edited by choie; 03 May 2014 at 12:20 AM.
Delaney nods. "Thanks. Good to know. I'm from an Earth family too, but grew up on the Heinlein L5 colony. I've always been interested in gadgets and engineering. The Yorktown is my second assignment, after the Ganymede, which was a much smaller ship with a lot of challenges of its own." The two arrive outside of the resort's transporter room, which is off a somewhat out-of-the-way corridor along with a HVAC space, three storage rooms, a laundry and a conference room. The transporter room is locked and no one answers the door chime. Delaney opens his communicator and contacts Mr. Hsu, who says he'll be right there to let you in. After he closes his communicator, Delaney says to Dobson, "You're the Security officer. I'll let you ask the questions."
Dr. Halsey shakes Kylah's hand and lets it go before she can get much of an impression other than thinly-veiled but strong annoyance. "If you want to tell Mrs. Hsu, go ahead. As for Wilson - we didn't always see eye to eye; he didn't think the Infirmary was an especially important part of resort operations. We had argued about it, oh, I don't know, maybe four or five days ago. And our personalities weren't, you know, complimentary. But I never wished him dead, and don't know anyone who would. I certainly wasn't happy to learn of his murder - that's... revolting. I think you'd better leave, Ensign." He turns his back.
Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 03 May 2014 at 09:35 AM.
Kylah remains doggedly in place. "I did not wish to make you angry, Doctor. I am glad you told me. It is surprising that Mr. Wilson could possibly consider this an inessential part of the resort--the resort would not exist if the spore therapy did not exist; and. as the treatment is a biochemical reaction at its heart, the therapy demands medical supervision. How could he not comprehend that? Well, it is a shame, but I suppose every company can be short-sightedness in one area or another." She softens her voice. "Please let me ask one more question, Dr. Halsey. I want to understand why this person said what he or she did. I agree it is a revolting suggestion, but for some reason, someone did state that this was their impression of you. But no motive was suggested, or even a reason. Can you remember anything that might have given the strong impression that you were excited, or happy, the night Mr. Wilson did?"
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"I have nothing more to say to you," the doctor says, his back still turned. "Please go."
Kylah wonders if this is an act. Turning away from her seems a bizarrely childish reaction. She makes a final push toward his mind as she says, "You disappoint me, Dr. Halsey. I thought you a smart man. Instead you are stubborn and unhelpful. If you do not wish to assist the investigation, that is your choice. You are of course not required to respond to these questions, but at some point you might be compelled, and by a more powerful and dangerous questioner than I, in a venue not of your choosing. You have a sympathetic ear here. Were I you, I would have taken advantage of it. If you do change your mind, I hope you will contact me."
She turns to leave, still gauging his emotions, and does not hurry on her way to the door.
Dobson's eyes widen a little and she almost smiles. "Thank you, Sir. I will do my best."
Once Hsu lets them inside, Dobson asks the following questions:
"This room is off the beaten path, so it's not used for guest transport. What does the resort use the transporter for?"
"May we see the logs listing all activity from 2000 last night to 0400 this morning?"
"Who was on duty during those hours?"
"When may we speak to him or her?"
"Who has access to this room besides you and your security staff?"
Rangin nods at the scans, and shares them with Dr T'Var for second confirmation that everything is as it should be. "Ok, everything here looks fine,let's move on to the next area, where the influence is removed", he smiles at Miss NGuan.
As they are walking along, Rangin engages her in conversation, "I'm sorry to have to ask about Mr Wilson, but we have heard some rumours about him and the resort, so we need to see if there is any truth to them. Other than that he seemed to run this place well. Has there been any problems with the guests or staff since you have been here?"
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Dr. Halsey says, "I've answered your questions, but I can't be required to tolerate your insults. If I have to ask you again to leave, I will call Security."
Hsu arrives at the transporter room and opens the door. The room is similar to those aboard the Yorktown, although slightly bigger. The transporter platform can accommodate up to eight people; a freestanding control panel faces it. He answers Dobson's questions:
"This room is off the beaten path, so it's not used for guest transport. What does the resort use the transporter for?" - "Actually, it is used for guest transport now and then. Usually guests are beamed down using the transporters of whatever ship brought them here, but sometimes we beam them down with ours. We also use it for cargo transport from ships in orbit, and to beam guests elsewhere on the continent for off-site outdoor activities - caving, climbing, swimming, orbit skydiving and so on."
"May we see the logs listing all activity from 2000 last night to 0400 this morning?" - "Yes, let me bring those up for you." He starts tapping at the control panel.
"Who was on duty during those hours?" - "No one. The room is usually locked and unattended."
"When may we speak to him or her?" - "Several of the security staff, some techs and a couple of the buildings and grounds staff are trained transporter operators. You can speak to anyone you like, of course."
"Who has access to this room besides you and your security staff?" - He thinks. "The director and the deputy director, of course. Oh, and the chief technician. Housekeeping doesn't come in here unless they're accompanied by one of my staff."
In the introduction room Dr. T'Var looks up from her tricorder and says, "All of these readings are consistent with what we learned yesterday. These spores are just as potent as those to which the Vice Admiral and others were exposed."
Miss Nguan nods and leads you to another comfortable reception area just down the hall. Several medium-sized display screens are on the walls. She gestures with her hand and says, "At the end of our visitors' stay, they come here. They watch a movie or play that they've already selected as likely to produce a strong emotional response and thus release them from the effect of the Kalomi spores. If that doesn't work, they'll already have consented in writing either to a dose of epinephrine, or the application of minor physical force such as a slap or light punch." She smiles. "That is rarely necessary."
To Rangin's question about Wilson she frowns and says, "No, not really. Not that I've seen, anyway. I heard of some problem with that musician fellow, but only rumors."
Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 03 May 2014 at 06:10 PM.
Dobson thanks Hsu and turns her attention to the overnight logs. She lets Delaney takeover the interview as she visually scans the data for any anomalies.
Rangin is surprised that getting rid of the effect of the Kalomi spores is so simple given what the crew of the Enterprise went through to lift the effects.
"Would it be possible to find out what yesterday's introduction group would use to get rid of the Kalomi Spore effect. If not the exact piece at least an idea of what would provoke the correct emotional response. Also how often do people. in the cases where they experience something whether it be an emotional high or even an accident causing a massive adrenaline rush, come for re-introduction?"
"And just out of curiousity, what are the rumours about the musician fellow?"
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Mr. Hsu frowns. "What the... dammit! The logs have been wiped. Someone's accessed the database and tampered with it. There's no indication of any transporter use for the past two days."
Miss Nguan says to Rangin, "Those are confidential matters; I'm not allowed to tell you what they had requested as a means of losing the effect of the spores. It's rare that people have to come back for reintroduction during the same stay, though. As to the musician... well, I heard he had an argument with Mr. Wilson as to what guest house he could stay in, and that he pulled a phaser before he was disarmed by resort security."
Kylah has sensed an ongoing wave of irritation and resentment from Dr. Halsey, with an undercurrent of fear.
"Sir," Dobson addresses Delaney, "Can you do anything to retrieve them? or trace the hack?"
A flood of anger rushes through Kylah, who shakes her head. She is getting extremely tired of people assuming she will be cowed by some outside intervention. "Yes, Doctor, I am going. Although I admit a perverse curiosity to see the result of your calling security. One look at the small young woman by your side will make them wonder what need you could possibly have for their services. And what will you tell them? That I insulted you?"
She sighs and looks back at him. "No. You cannot tell me the truth, and you cannot tell it to them, either. You perceive a threat in questions regarding this murder, Dr. Halsey. Whether that threat is the uncovering of your secrets, or those of someone else--someone else whom you fear--I am not certain. But I know you are afraid of something that all the resort's security guards cannot protect you against. And we will learn it eventually. I hope, if you are indeed not the murderer, you will come to me with the truth. Because unlike the guards, I can help."
Turning, she continues her path out of the infirmary and, thanks to her newly healed leg, walks quickly back to where Mr. Graham awaits her. He will be angry with me, Kylah thinks, her pulse continuing to pound in her ears. I do not care. I did nothing wrong. She pauses outside the door, takes a deep breath, and enters.
The door to the CP opens, and Graham, who's been sitting with his eyes shut opens them as Ens. Kylah enters.
For a moment, he still sees his memories rather than her. His face twitches. What the hell must I look like? he thinks at the back of his mind.
It's always as hard to let go of these memories as it is to relive them, he thinks, leaning forward slightly and shaking his head just a little. he wrestles conflicting thoughts back into line. Oh god Jane. Time to get back on the clock...goddammit, Booker, get a grip.
"How's," he clears his throat, and again shakes his head slightly as if to clear cobwebs. He forces his "game face" back on. "How's your leg, Ensign?" he asks, sitting up straight and then using both his legs and his arms to force himself to stand.
Kylah's concerns about the Dr. Halsey conversation dissipate the moment she sees Graham. Something has happened, she thinks. His eyes are so troubled and distant, and his emotions--they are black, almost smothering.
"Healed. I am fine," she says distractedly, walking to him and hugging herself as she searches his gaze to comprehend what could be wrong. She cannot see anything coherent--she cannot actually read minds, only emotions, but when they are powerful enough, she can get... visions. Wisps of ideas. Right now she senses regret and guilt, and it seems to be about... a mission gone wrong. A woman. A mother...? Collins, she guesses, mortified. He has heard she lost the baby. And he blames himself?
Kylah blanches and steps even closer. "Mr. Graham--you must know it was not your fault, you cannot believe yourself responsible. It was..." She thinks of her own mother's miscarriages. "Horrible things happen."
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