Exeter Compile 30 Dates: December 15, 2020 to December 21, 2020 Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express, Day 2 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express Day: 2 Stardate: 2445.12.02 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Exeter –Corridor–ACFO, Ensign Ronnie Winters- 0627) (USS Exeter –Corridor–CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams - 0629) (USS Exeter - Deck 8 - Aft lounge - Ensign Rylee Page - 09:18) (USS Exeter - Deck 8 - Aft lounge -COO - Ensign (sg) Paul Sleeford 09:20) (USS Exeter – Nine and Dine- Nurse – Ewan McDonald - 0926) (USS Exeter - Deck 9 Nine and Dine - Civilian Caity Dubois - 09:27) (USS Exeter – Nine and Dine- Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 0928) (USS Exeter – Sickbay- Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 0940) (USS Exeter – Sickbay- Nurse – Ewan McDonald - 0943) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 0944) (USS Exeter - starlight lounge - Dir. R&SE Ashlyn Williams & Caity Dubois - 1049) (USS Exeter – Security Department – SPC Armory chief PO2 Sytuk – 1100 ) (USS Exeter - Deck 8 - Aft lounge - CFO Lt Ire Williams & CPO Transporter chief Rayan Anra - 1104) (USS Exeter , Personal Quarters - Tac/Sec Ens. (sg) Stan More - 11:17) (USS Exeter – Personal quarters of Ensign More – SPC Armory chief PO2 Sytuk – 1119) (USS Exeter – Personal Quarters -Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg)Stan More - 11:20 ) (USS Exeter –Observation Lounge – CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok – 1212) (USS Exeter - Bridge - Lt Jg Greta Smith - 1215) (USS Exeter –Observation Lounge – CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok – 1222) (USS Exeter –Observation Lounge – CO, Captain Trip Williams - 1225) (USS Exeter –Observation Lounge – FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 1228) (USS Exeter –Observation Lounge – CO Cpt Trip Williams and FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 1230) (USS Exeter – Gymnasium - The Murderer - 12:30) (USS Exeter –Personal Quarters – FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 1240) (USS Exeter – Main Science Lab - CSO Office - CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez - 1245) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Bowels of the Exeter - Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 1247) (USS Exeter –Counselling Department – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams - 1259) (USS Exeter – Main Science Lab - CSO Office - CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez - 1306) (USS Exeter –Personal Quarters of commander Bracken- FO Commander Ailynn Bracken & CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok-1306) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Main Science Lab - CSO Office - Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 1308) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Main Science Lab - CSO Office - CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez - 1417) (USS Exeter , Corridor - Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 14:30 ) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express Day: 2 Stardate: 2445.12.02 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Exeter –Corridor–ACFO, Ensign Ronnie Winters- 0627) “I was informed this morning that Lieutenant Commander Nix was found dead in his quarters this morning.” "Do they have any idea who it could have been?" Ronnie asked, wondering who on the ship could be so depraved to murder the guy, even if he was a bit of a jerk. “I don’t know they are still investigating.” "I get the feeling sir, that your forlorn disposition isn't necessarily due to the fact that Lt. Commander Tyko is dead. Everything alright." She said as she began stretching and moving her shoulders to work out any kinks or soreness as a result of running Ire over. (reply Ire) "It's ok sir, you don't need to say anything if you feel it inappropriate to discuss with a subordinate." (reply Ire) (reply Ire) (USS Exeter –Corridor–CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams - 0629) "Do they have any idea who it could have been?" “I don’t know they are still investigating.” "I get the feeling sir, that your forlorn disposition isn't necessarily due to the fact that Lt. Commander Tyko is dead. Everything alright." He gave a slight smile. “I am fine it was just a shock this morning along with a long day yesterday and an early day this morning” "It's ok sir, you don't need to say anything if you feel it inappropriate to discuss with a subordinate." “Thanks, you for your concern Ronnie but I am fine. I just need to get this day started. Enjoy the rest of your run.” (Reply Winters) (Reply Winters, any) (USS Exeter - Deck 8 - Aft lounge - Ensign Rylee Page - 09:18) Rylee watched as he stared at his cup for a moment. ~There’s something on his mind.~ "To be honest I've been better, I'm a suspect in an investigation of the murder of a Starfleet intelligence officer, i'll be frank, the man was a pain in the backside, however he didn't deserve to die. I have members of the crew already assigning guilt and I would assume that the others are in the same boat. Add to that that there's something that is driving me mad, there's something I'm not getting. Trouble is that I'm still a security man at heart, despite the move to Ops, I'd like nothing more than to be out there sticking my nose into things that i shouldn't, but i can't . Something is not right with the entire set up and I'm not getting it, something that.... oh i don't know. I'll probably wake up in about three days' time in the early hours shouting like a loony and get carted away to the medical centre.” “To be honest, Sir, I think everyone feels like that at the moment. Granted, i am not a suspect but, the fact of the matter is that someone who we were supposed to be able to keep safe, died on our watch.” (Reply Sleeford) Rylee smiled softly, “It’s like those old earth mysteries. I had a friend once. An old sailor who used to tell me tales of the old detectives on earth. Some true and some fiction. Sometimes it takes a fresh pair of eyes to look at a problem without any extraneous issues, any connections with the situation.” (Reply Sleeford) “I should get ready for my duty shift. But, Sir, if i may speak freely?” (Reply Sleeford) “I know that you are my boss. I get there has to be a level of professional distance but if you ever need to bounce ideas or even just to talk, I’m always there. Although Ensign Zot would say i can talk for the universe sometimes.” she winked. (Reply Sleeford) (Reply Sleeford) (USS Exeter - Deck 8 - Aft lounge -COO - Ensign (sg) Paul Sleeford 09:20) Sleeford finished what to him seemed like a long and rambling monologue, the problem he was throwing around in his mind was no clearer, if anything it seemed more fuzzy. The actions of some of the crew bothered him, it was less then nine hours since a man had died, but people still liked to gossip. Looking across the table as Rylee spoke, he smiled slightly. “To be honest, Sir, I think everyone feels like that at the moment. Granted, i am not a suspect but, the fact of the matter is that someone who we were supposed to be able to keep safe, died on our watch.” Nodding Sleeford sighed, "That's part of the trouble with me I think, we failed, as a team, be it security, op, engineering et al, failed and because of it a man lays in the morgue dead. I just wish I knew what to do or could do anything." Rylee smiled softly, “It’s like those old earth mysteries. I had a friend once. An old sailor who used to tell me tales of the old detectives on earth. Some true and some fiction. Sometimes it takes a fresh pair of eyes to look at a problem without any extraneous issues, any connections with the situation.” Laughing out loud for the first time since he woke Sleeford shook his head. "If a small Belgium man with a neatly trimmed tash walked in and started talking to people and calling everyone Mon Amie, I would not be at all surprised. I fact, if Hercule Poirot want to come in and help solve this case i'd be greatful." “I should get ready for my duty shift. But, Sir, if i may speak freely?” Nodding, "Always. If any of the team need to talk I'm open." “I know that you are my boss. I get there has to be a level of professional distance but if you ever need to bounce ideas or even just to talk, I’m always there. Although Ensign Zot would say i can talk for the universe sometimes.” she winked. Laughing Sleeford nodded once again, "Rylee you may regret that offer one day, but thank you. Now off you go, I hear your boss is a real dragon and a stickler for punctuality. Go on and thank you for listening" Sitting there for a long while after Rylee had left Sleeford stared at the wall opposite for a long time, the niggle he had was worse, the something not right, still bugged him. Standing he grabbed the mug and walked over to the replicator, placing the mug on the platform he recycled it, walking past the other occupants of the lounge , ignoring the stares and whispers. Walking towards the turbo lift to go on duty Sleeford paused in the open doorway, sighing he stepped out and headed to closest stairwell he walked down to deck nine and towards nine and dine. Walking in he could see the place had been 'ransacked' failing that people left in a hurry, walking to the bar he sat on a stool and crossed his arms on the counter. Looking up and down the bar he called out. "Service" (Reply Caity DuBois) "Hi, open for a sandwich?" (Reply Caity DuBois) (USS Exeter – Nine and Dine- Nurse – Ewan McDonald - 0926) “How contagious are we talking? Do you need a list for the room?” He looked at the data again as he scanned Hammerfield. “A list of the room would be good just in case. Contagious wise its about as nasty as a case of the man flu.” He gave a slight smile but then came serious “You have it and if left untreated it will become nasty. You would not be infectious for another hour or so along with the others who have come into contact with it and then it will begin to spread extremely fast indeed.” “Am I going to need a shot or something for this?” Ewan nodded. “Yes, but it will only take a moment and we can do it in sickbay.” (Reply Hammerfield) “Yes, don’t worry. It will take one injection and you will be in the clear.” (Reply Hammerfield) “Once we get back to sickbay, I’ll get the others in for their jabs.” He tapped a couple buttons replicator, checked his tricorder and then nodded to himself. “I have put it into a decontamination cycle. Some one from sickbay will come back after and double check that it is all clear. I would suggest no one comes near it until it has been given all clear.” (Reply Hammerfield) (Reply Hammerfield, any) (USS Exeter - Deck 9 Nine and Dine - Civilian Caity Dubois - 09:27) Standing in the kitchen behind the bar, Caity ran a rag over the counter and sighed. The bar was a mess. She could only surmise that either someone had been in here during the night or that security had been through looking for evidence against her. Her mind was a wash of moments, feelings, memories. So much so, she didn’t hear anyone enter the bar until a voice broke the moment, "Service" Walking out, rag over her arm, she put a smile on her face and said, “Good morning, Ensign. Sorry about the state of the establishment at the moment.” "Hi, open for a sandwich?" “I can probably manage a bacon roll if that would do?” (Reply Sleeford) “Of course.” Turning to head back into the kitchen, Caity stopped for a moment and then turned back, “Ensign Sleeford isn’t it?” (Reply Sleeford) “It seems we are part of a very select group you and i.” (Reply Sleeford) “Well, there are five of us. Five that have been either questioned or near enough accused of murder.” (reply Sleeford) (Reply Sleeford) (USS Exeter – Nine and Dine- Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 0928) “Yes, but it will only take a moment and we can do it in sickbay.” "Dandy,” she replied back, “Well better get that see too,” “Yes, don’t worry. It will take one injection and you will be in the clear.” "Good to know,” Janice nodded, “I don’t fancy being put out for a good while and stuck in bed” “Once we get back to sickbay, I’ll get the others in for their jabs.” He tapped a couple buttons replicator, checked his tricorder and then nodded to himself. “I have put it into a decontamination cycle. Some one from sickbay will come back after and double check that it is all clear. I would suggest no one comes near it until it has been given all clear.” "Well this place is in security lockdown anyway so it should be kept clear. Just put a little note on it for medical too so no one gets a bit sick,” she left if for Ewan to do as she lacked the authority for it. (Reply Ewan, any) (USS Exeter – Sickbay- Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 0940) Janice sat up on one of the medical stations, “Just a quick jab and I can get back to work right?” (Reply Ewan, any) “The quicker its done the quicker I get back to work – This has been an inordinate amount of time to spend on a replicator,” she commented thinking of the rest of the things she had scheduled in to do today/ (Posted by Adam) USS Exeter – Sickbay- Nurse – Ewan McDonald - 0943) “Just a quick jab and I can get back to work right?” “Yes but…” “The quicker its done the quicker I get back to work – This has been an inordinate amount of time to spend on a replicator,” He got the hypospray ready. “Okay don’t move.” He injected Hammerfield with the hypospray. As he placed the hypospray back onto the trolly he pulled out the tricorder and began to scan him. “How are you feeling?” (Reply Hammerfield) “No light headedness, dizziness, or numbness in your fingers or your mouth?” (Reply Hammerfield) Ewan nodded and put the tricorder back. “Okay good to go but if you do feel unwell come back straight away.” (Reply Hammerfield) (Reply Hammerfield, any) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 0944) “How are you feeling?” "Umm... Just like I did a moment ago. All fine,” she stood up onto her feat off the bed. “No light headedness, dizziness, or numbness in your fingers or your mouth?” Janice gave a quick wiggle of her fingers and pressed her tongue into her teeth, “Nope – should I?” She looked at him quizzically. Show original message "Got it,” she replied moving to the door, “Don’t worry if I do get sick ill come back and make sure you know all about it.” She gave a small wink and moved back to work – hopefully to a less eventful morning. (Reply None needed) (USS Exeter - starlight lounge - Dir. R&SE Ashlyn Williams & Caity Dubois - 1049) Sitting back in her chair, Caity stared out of the window of the starlight lounge. Her mind was whirring with everything that had happened, everything that she had said to Nix. ~I didn't mean anything like the lieutenant thinks. I really didn't. ~ she thought to herself. Ashlyn looked across the large room, she saw Caity alone in the corner of the room, looking out of the window. She genuinely liked Caity, and found her a warm, gentle person, now though, all she could see of her was the facade of someone who was trying to maintain appearances, who was just bearing up and barely holding it together. She knew the look all too well, time was she looked like that all of the time. Slowly Ash walked across the room, and slipped into the booth next to her, resting her arm around Caity’s petitie shoulders. “You okay sweetie?” "You wouldn't believe me if I said yes would you?" Caity responded, not even looking at the woman sat next to her. “I’ve seen that look before, worn it myself a few times. I’ve heard rumour, but nothing specific.” "Well, let's see. I have been all but accused of murder and I can't see my girlfriend without every little word and inference being poured over so I'm fine." “I saw Ailynn leave, for what it’s worth Caity, I don’t think for a second that you’re even vaguely capable of that” "Judging by the looks I have been getting, you would be one of the few." “I’ve been in bad places myself, not accused of murder I admit, but there was always the feeling that I needed those closest around me for support.” "Sometimes the ones you want support from the most are the ones that you don't get it from." She sighed. Ashlyn regarded Caity. She was nowhere near as good at reading a person as Ailynn was, but there were times that people broadcast their feelings, without saying a word. “I watched you and Ailynn talk, and saw how you were together, I know that you’re not talking about her, and you have just as much support from me. So what is it sweetie?” "It's not important…." “Caity, I have no idea what the future holds, but we are part of each others lives on a level that I can’t explain, we work together, I trust you absolutely to run the bar, our lives outside work are coming together too, with you being a part of my family as you see Ailynn more. You can talk to me; I won't gossip. Not to Trip, nor Ailynn.” Sighing, she knew that, at some moment in time, she had to tell the truth and, it seemed, now was one of those times. "If I tell you, please don't tell Ailynn. Not yet.. I will tell her, I just can't… not right now." “Honey. Ailynn and I are family, we’re close; but we aren’t joined at the hip. I promise.” She rested her hand on Caity’s, and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Take your time.” "My sister, Sara. She had problems. Chiefly, she had problems with barbiturates. We tried many times to help her. I stayed with her through detox and saw things that no younger sibling should have to see. One night, I went for a walk. Just to get some air…" Ashlyn listened silently, a look of gentle concern and understanding on her face. It was a more common story than many would understand, even in these days. “It’s okay, Ashlyn said, “in your own time, I’m not rushing you.” "When I came back, she was gone. She'd run. A week later they found her…" “She’d passed?” Ashlyn sighed sadly. “Oh sweetie. I can’t imagine what that would have been like. Poor darling.” "My parents… they blamed me. Said I should have stayed with her… and, maybe I should… But from that moment on, I was the one who let her down, left when she needed me and I got their Blame. So, I Know What it is like To be in this situation. All To Well I know." “You’ve never mentioned family, so I assumed there was a reason, and thank you for trusting me. How old were you?” She felt her heart breaking at the obvious still raw trauma that Caity felt at the loss of her sister. Ashlyn spoke quietly, and gently. Since coming aboard she’d felt the profoundest feeling of caring take over her. She was now near 5 months pregnant, but that aside, Ashlyn had always been of a deeply caring nature, and she saw the 500 people on board all as her children in the strangest way. "23.. Just. Sara was just 26. I Left. I Ran and, being back in That same situation, the same feeling Of Blame being Poured My Way, it is taking everything I Have not to run again." Ashlyn pulled Caity toward her, and hugged her gently. “You are not alone, this will pass. I know you, and know that you didn’t do this. I’m guessing from what you’ve said before that you left after that? Who else knows?” Closing her eyes and taking in the warmth of the hug, Caity felt her eyes tear up. She took a couple of shaky breaths and sat back in her seat, wiping her eyes, "No-one knows. Only my uncle. He took me in and taught me everything I know." “Your Uncle was the guy from the Red Sands back on Mars, I remember it came up in your interview. He taught you well.” Ashlyn complimented, her heart sad at how Caity was. It was always clear to her that there was more to her than the pretty, highly able Bar Manager, there was a look about her when Caity thought that noone was looking, it was sad, but resolute, forlorn, yet determined. There was so much beneath those stunning eyes. "Please… don't tell anyone. It's enough the stares of presumptuous guilt. The stares of people knowing your past is not something I have the strength to deal with right now." “Caity, when I make a promise I mean it. We may not have spent as much time together as I’d have liked, given everything; but you’re a friend, damn near family, and I look after my own.” "I'm not used to this… family to me is arguments, fighting and blame." “We all have pasts sweetie. You, me, Trip, Ailynn. It isn’t the past that defines us, more the way we allow it to either crack, or temper our character. I suspect that under the shell of the girl who wants to run away, beats the heart of a woman who is tired of it. The woman inside wants to stand up and take the hits on the chin and then move forward, becoming the person that she is so so desperate to be, with friends and family that can see it in her.” "This has just brought it all back for me and I really don't want to have to explain Sara all over again. I…. Ash…. What do I do?" “First things first, figure out what’s scaring and traumatising you the most, because I think you’re linking two utterly unrelated negative sets of emotions. Important, of course, defining, certainly. However getting your head stuck in a pattern of negativity, and pulling all your grief on top of yourself is not a great start.” "Easier said than done. " she replied, sighing. “Caity; did you ever give yourself time to actually mourn? Did you even allow yourself past stage one of grief?” "To be honest, I don't know. I really don't. I just kept working, running and this has just brought it back. The looks on peoples faces when I walk by them… they are either scared of me or are trying to figure out if I was capable of doing it." “I understand. They don’t. All they see is a murder and someone that is being spoken to about it. Once you’re no longer a suspect, they’ll realise their mistake. "Ash, I didn't… I.. couldn't… it's not in me to be that angry." “I know, but it’s an important step, and I wonder if you’ve even considered it?” Ashlyn said delicately. "Considered what?" “That despite all your love for her, and I know that you do, I wonder if you’ve accepted the fact that you’re so cross with her that the guilt of it all tears at you?” Looking down, Caity nodded, "it's hard to be angry at someone who was obviously in so much pain… I'm not angry at her. I'm angry at myself." She closed her eyes, "She was an amazing woman. I just hope that, one day, I can understand why…" “Why it started? Or why she couldn’t let go?” "Let go.. but I don't need to understand. These things are sent to try us right? Well, I'm failing this one. However, I do have things to hold on to." “We’re all allowed to fail now and then. What things are you focusing on?” Ash wanted to hear what she had in mind. "I'm alive for one. I'm out, traveling the stars and not stationary. I have a good friend next to me and someone that could be someone special, something good." Ashlyn nodded. “Think of the positives.” She squeezed Caity’s hand again, smiling gently. “I have to say though. Before you and Ailynn go much further you two have to have a very serious conversation. Yes?” "I know. Just not now. Anything I tell her… she would have to pass it forward and I won't put her in that position. " “I know.” She smiled again, quite wickedly. “There’s another reason you know; why you can’t run off I mean.” "Oh?" “I’ve seen the dress that she’ll be wearing at the New Years Ball.” She wafted her face, and winked. A slight smile appeared on her face as she wiped her eyes a little, "Oh? You're just teasing me to make me smile aren't you?" “Partly. But also no.” She regarded the woman next to her. Caity’s normal manner was all but gone, razed assunder by the emotion of the moment. “I’m not suggesting that your feelings about her need to change, far from it. It’s okay to be cross and angry at the departed. I was for ages when mum died, my foster mum I mean. I was only 7.” "Oh…. Ash. And you sit here listening to me moan and whine… I am so sorry.." Ashlyn shook her head. “This is your time sweetie. I’ve long since come to terms with my past. Does it bother me still? Of course; here’s the thing. The good things always outweigh even a tiny bit of the bad, but the bad things don’t always take away from the good. It’s still painful, but each day is a new one. That’s the lesson that you need to learn, but I can’t teach you that.” "It's one I have to teach myself. I know. Every morning I wake up, say goodmorning to her and tell her about my day to come. I talk to bert about her although I am fairly sure he is sick of hearing about her by now. " she replied with a smile. “You always have me, you know that right?” Ashlyn said, “You can always talk, rant, whatever.” "Thankyou. I should go and tidy my bar. Security did a good job in there. Not like I can open yet but it needs a good scrub down. " Ashlyn sighed gently, she understood why Caity would be wanting to clean up, and return to a semblance of normality, but she shouldn’t feel like she had to. “Caity,” she started. "Yeah?" She replied, finally looking at her boss, her friend. “I mean it. You’re not alone. Regardless of how much you think you are.” She smiled warmly. “You’re going through a lot of troubles, and you’re still clinging to so much pain. I’m no counselor, but I’ve been around the block enough times to know when someone is hurting.” "Hurting is one word for it. Right now, I would settle for just trying to get things back to normal. Then, maybe, I can deal with it. Right now, I just need to get through this and come out the other side, preferably without anything on my service record." “It won’t come to that honey. Right now you’ve been interviewed because you and Nix had those words. No other reason.” "Ash… you're pregnant. You don't need to be worrying about me. Worry about your baby… and the one inside you." She replied with a soft smile. Ashlyn smiled warmly, “daftie, I’m pregnant, not dying. I worry about everyone around me, especially those that need support, a shoulder to cry on as it were.” "You care about me?" “I wouldn’t be sat here with you if I didn’t care now would I?” Caity smiled softly and took her hand, gripping it tightly. "Thankyou." “Now. If you’re set on going back to the bar that’s fine, but don’t feel you have to. Come and see me later and we’ll have a late afternoon lunch together. I doubt that you’ve eaten properly today and I’m going to make sure you’re looking after yourself.” Ashlyn’s voice was warm, and gentle. She genuinely did care about those around her. "I need to do something. Just to keep occupied. I can't see Ailynn, and whilst I may not be able to open the bar, the least I can do is make it ship shape." She stood and looked at her, "Suits you. You have a glow about you. I'd love a late lunch because I honestly don't think I have eaten today." “Give yourself a couple of hours, then come back. We’ll have lunch.” She smiled, gently. “Honestly Caity, thank you for sharing that with me, it took a lot of courage sharing what you did, and even more trust.” "Okay… I'll try." She replied and turned to leave. Ashlyn watched as Caity stood up and left the room. She sighed sadly, so many people that she knew, gentle, warm hearted people like Caity sometimes had such awful stories. She looked up toward Addison who was approaching her. “Poor girl.” Addison said as she reached Ashlyn. Ash nodded, but didn’t reply straight away. “Would you mind reserving a table for two? Myself and Caity. I want to make sure that she has a decent meal.” Addison nodded. “Of course. I’ll put it down now.” Ash half smiled as she got up, and stretched, her baby moving again, slowly, with a sigh, she moved back to her office, and back to the grind of the rotas. (Reply none) (USS Exeter – Security Department – SPC Armory chief PO2 Sytuk – 1100 ) After a busy morning of ushering in people for interviews Sytuk managed to find time to do his daily reports. He cataloged all hand held weapons in the armory, nothing missing and nothing out of place. As he walked through the department he heard the whispers and subtle conversations of the security officers as they discussed the events of the day. Apparently Ensign More had turned himself in and instead of being thrown in the brig was simply relieved of duty. " I heard he was butterball naked when they found him. " One security officer said. Another one laughed and said. " I heard the most shocking part is contrary to popular belief that he didn't have a stick stuck up his a#$" Sytuk stopped in his tracks and turned his entire body to face them. " You've been bringing people in all morning big guy what do you know?" Sytuk was questioned. Sytuk walked over to the security officer and grabbed him by the front of his uniform and pushed him back against the wall in a moment of rage. The security officer's back slammed against the wall creating an audible thud. " I know that if either of you disrespect the Commander again. I will show you " He pulled the officer's face toward his. " No mercy" Sytuk said through his teeth as he released the security officer who looked like he just soiled his uniform three times over. " Ok ok , we were just talking. We didn't mean any disrespect. " The security officer said. Sytuk simply glared at both of them and walked away. Nix may have pissed off alot of people but Nix was a good man who never treated Sytuk poorly. He even offered information on how he could track down his parents. (USS Exeter - Deck 8 - Aft lounge - CFO Lt Ire Williams & CPO Transporter chief Rayan Anra - 1104) Walking into the aft lounge, Anra grabbed a cup of coffee and looked around. There were a few crew milling about. Most talking and a few throwing glances towards the figure sat by himself. Smiling slightly, Anra took a breath. .:That’s Lieutenant Williams isn’t it?:. .:Yes. I know what he must be feeling. Wasn’t one of your hosts accused of something that she didn’t do? :. .: Katya, yes. Perhaps some words of encouragement would help? That and i would like to ask him about his data port. An unusual set up for a human. Not one i have seen in my many lifetimes. :. Rayan smiled to himself and, whilst still chuckling under his breath, walked to the table where Lieutenant Williams was sat and coughed slightly, “Excuse me, Sir.” Ire looked up at the Chief standing beside the table. “Yes Chief?” “May i join you?” “Um yes of course chief.” Taking a seat opposite him, Rayan nodded an hello, “Rayan Anra, Transporter Chief.” “Ire Williams CFO.” "Yes, despite the current situation, I was aware of who you are before all this." “Okay.” "Anra always has been a scientist. A watcher of people and I too. It's probably why she chose me." “So you are a joined trill?” "Yes, only been a couple of years for us." He paused for a moment as he had wanted to ask this question for a while. “Sorry to pry what’s it like having the memories of so many others….or does it get a bit crowded?” "It's…. It takes getting used to at first. You go places that you know you have never been but you also have memories of that place. It can be confusing but, now, I wouldn't trade it." “I can understand that.” "It's like yourself. You are rather unique. I, Rayan, have never met anyone with a .. what do you call it… dataport? Anra hasn't either." He nodded as he ran his fingers over his head, his fingers drifted over his port at the back of his head. “What would you like to know?” "How does it work exactly?" “It links me to the flight computer of the craft or space ship that I am flying. I can not control the ship with my mind but it gives me access to all the raw sensor data. Which means that I can process it and then respond faster than having the computer do it first.” "And, forgive the rather archaic term, can it be hacked?" “There are fail safes in place that make it nearly impossible.” He paused for a moment. “There is always a possibility but it's very slim indeed.” "I ask because there have been… rumours." “Rumours….what kind of rumours?” "Having been the subject of those in several lifetimes, I know what it is like. More accurately, I remember. People on a ship like talk, in any culture." “Ow yes I rumours travel faster than warp speed.” "Currently the subject appears to be the few who were questioned surrounding a death on board." “Really what questions have you heard?” Sitting back in his chair, the young trill regarded the man for a moment and folded his hands on his lap, a trait from a previous host. "I know that there have been a few questioned. Yourself for one." “That is interesting. What do you think?” "Looking at you now, you remind me of Katya very much." “Who is Katya?” "My fourth host." “What was Katya like?” Smiling, Rayan leant forward, "A lot like your good lady. Beautiful, clever. She was, and to some extent, still is an artist. Although I don't have quite the talent she did. " “I am sure you are doing yourself a disservice.” "Lieutenant, this whole situation isn't right is it?" “In what way?” "Something doesn't sit right. Three department heads being questioned, two others." “I guess it was the wrong place at the wrong time.” Smiling, Rayan sat back, "that is something I know a bit about. But this… well, it's outside my remit as transporter chief. " he replied. “It's outside mine as well.” "Perhaps, once all this is over I can regale you with stories of my previous hosts." Ire smiled. “I would like to hear that.” Standing, Rayan extended his hand. "Nice to finally meet you, lieutenant. " Ire shook the offered hand and smiled. “You too chief.” (Reply none) (USS Exeter – Personal quarters of Ensign More – SPC Armory chief PO2 Sytuk – 1116) Sytuk walked up to the door and alerted the Ensign of his presence. ( reply Stan.) He walked in and looked at Ensign More and his little dog. He wondered what was the point of having such a useless creature as a ppet.it was something he found most confusing when it came to understanding people. " Hello Sir. I heard that you turned yourself in. " Sytuk said. ( reply More) He looked at the barking dog. Who he found oddly distracting. " Did you do it ?" Sytuk asked as he stepped toward Stan. Lillian was breaking his concentration. He couldn't focus his mind on Stan. ( reply Stan) He approached Stan even more. " Did you do it ?" He asked again even though Stan already answered him. ( reply Stan) Sytuk sensed the truth coming from Stan. ~He didn't do it.~ " I believe you, I need your help Sir…." ( replies More) (USS Exeter , Personal Quarters - Tac/Sec Ens. (sg) Stan More - 11:17) Although he was off duty. Stan had been studying Security bridge officer duties. Most notably the security console itself. He had been going over past battle scenarios. His desk was full of different padds. Lillian looked up and gave a growl. Stan was about to shush her when the door chime rang out. “ Come in,” Stan called out. Sytuk walked in and looked More and Lillian. Who started barking at him. Stan tried to shushed her. But she kept barking. " Hello Sir. I heard that you turned yourself in. " Sytuk said. “ Bark bark bark grrrrrr bark bark” Lillian replied as Stan spoke. “ Lillian please.....sorry what was that you said?” Stan asked " Did you do it ?"Sytuk asked as he stepped toward Stan. Lillian was barking even louder. But this time Stan heard him. “ No. I did not kill Nix.” Stan Said honestly He approached Stan even closer. " Did you do it ?" He asked again even though Stan already answered him. “ As I said no It was not me who ended that man’s life.” Stan said Sytuk looked relieved. " I believe you, I need your help Sir…." “ Unfortunately there is not much I can do to help you my friend.” Stan pointed at device around his ankle.” I’m being watched.” ( Sytuk , Reply) “ So long as you get Ravok’s permission. I have already given him extra aggravation. He does not deserve all this stress.” Stan said ( Sytuk , Reply ) (USS Exeter – Personal quarters of Ensign More – SPC Armory chief PO2 Sytuk – 1119) “ Unfortunately there is not much I can do to help you my friend.” Stan pointed at device around his ankle.” I’m being watched.” Sytuk glanced down at the device. " He is tracking you. Typical for a romulan." Sytuk snarled. " You aren't confined to quarters. Rumors are whirling around. Your name is mentioned a lot. ~ Just say it ~ " I am going to help you clear your name Sir." “ So long as you get Ravok’s permission. I have already given him extra aggravation. He does not deserve all this stress.” Stan said Sytuk glared at Stan in a menacing manner. " We don't need his permission to clear your name. I know killers. You aren't one. You're too…" He thought for a moment. " Your too...there's a word for it in Reman but the closest analogy you would understand is soft. " ( reply Stan) " Not soft like a comfortable bed but soft like being ...passive. Sir ,since the Exeter's launch you served on two hostile away missions. Each time you came back. That says something Sir." Sytuk said, trying to explain himself. ( reply More ) Sytuk knelt down and offered his hand to Lillian. While looking up at Stan. " I can't sit back and watch an innocent man take the heat for something he didn't do. Something you aren't capable of doing. So if there is indeed a murder on the Exeter. We are going to hunt them down. " ( reply Stan) ( reply stan) (USS Exeter – Personal Quarters -Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg)Stan More - 11:20 ) Stan was beginning to feel a little concerned. He had done all this to save security. From ripping itself apart and good people dying. But it was becoming clear now. Things were not going the way he hoped. He also did not like being called ‘ soft ‘. Stan had did what he thought was the honourable thing. “ Soft.......” Stan repeated " Not soft like a comfortable bed but soft like being ...passive. Sir ,since the Exeter's launch you served on two hostile away missions. Each time you came back. That says something Sir." Sytuk said, trying to explain himself. “ Soft......” Stan said again Sytuk knelt down and offered his hand to Lillian. While looking up at Stan. " I can't sit back and watch an innocent man take the heat for something he didn't do. Something you aren't capable of doing. So if there is indeed a murder on the Exeter. We are going to hunt them down. " Stan was not sure about this. As a murder suspect Stan should not be anywhere the investigation. It could look very bad for him even if they managed to catch the killer. He could be charged with insubordination. Stans Starfleet career was already spiral down in flames. “No I can’t help you. Before you start shouting hear me out. The way things are going my days on the Exeter are coming to an end. My only sliver of hope is to keep my head down and do as I am told.” Stan told him. ( Reply , Sytuk ) “ You have to see this from my perspective. Going against regulations and getting involved. Is just something very foolish. Unless I get reinstated as a security officer. There is no way I can get involved. Plus what if we screw up? It will confirm my guilt. No I am sorry but I canna help.” Stan said sadly ( reply Sytuk) (USS Exeter –Observation Lounge – CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok – 1212) “Anything detectable by this type of shifting? Sub-particle byproducts, Quantum state fluctuation? I mean it’s been a while since my transporter physics lectures, but I was listening in...some..of them.” Bracken admitted. Ravok had his eyes closed and was thinking while Keira and Ailynn were talking about the seemingly forbidden shifting mode of transport. His father told him that it was a field of transport technology sometimes used by Romulan agencies to get in and out of places in a more efficient yet personally risky method. " Dead cells don't have the same phase imprint values as living cells. " Ravok blurted out. ( reply any ) " Dead cells like those found in hair and skin are affected by shifting because they no longer have the resistance to cellular degradation that living cells have. Over time living cells will begin to reflect the typical cellular damage associated with that means of transport, but hair and skin cells start breaking down almost instantly." He explained. He was not a biological wizard by any means but he had a knack for retaining information. Sometimes making him a good source of useless knowledge. ( reply any in meeting) (USS Exeter - Bridge - Lt Jg Greta Smith - 1215) Walking onto the bridge, Greta walked straight to the tactical station and began to set up her console. Her mind was doubly occupied, trying to keep her focus on her job and doing it well, but then there was Ire. Having not had the chance to speak to him since he left that morning to go to security, her mind was whirring with the possibilities of what had happened. Stifling a yawn, she turned her focus back to the console and began to run scans of the ships weapons. Something had bothered her since Ire had left. From the rumours she had heard, there were five people being talked to. All of them had spoken to the Commander in the days before his death. Popular opinion as to who had done the deed was split. Most people had seemed to discount Ire straight away. She knew that the problem with an investigation on a ship like theirs was rumour. Rumour gets in the way, rumour tends to stick to a person more than an actual investigation or conviction. Rumours have a way of taking on a life of their own. Right now, plenty were flying about the ship. Rubbing her forehead, Greta sighed. ~Something or someone does not want us to find out what they are up to.~ (Reply Any) (USS Exeter –Observation Lounge – CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok – 1222) As the questions from Kiera’s section drew to a close Ailynn got up out of her seat, and stretched slightly. “Forgive me, I prefer to be on my feet while I do this, tend to think better.” She took a sip of water, and then spoke up. “Computer, display file Bracken - six - omega - three.” [Confirmed. Presentation displaying.] “First things first. What I am about to tell you is going to open up even more questions than it can answer. I can only present the absolute, medical truth as I see it. Captain, I took the liberty of running my data past the Admiral, and she confirmed my time of death, as we previously discussed.” Bracken turned to Kiera and Ravok. “We’ll come to that momentarily.” Ravok nodded his head and sat patiently as everyone talked. (Reply Trip/Keira/ IYW) “Commander Nix was a reasonably healthy, highly trained Officer. Bajoran Male, aged 45. Body mass showed a slightly higher than normal subcutaneous fat, all congruous with age, body type and physiological expectation. No sign of cardiac trauma or fatal toxicity, no sign of renal failure or ketonacidosis, no sign of fatal blood toxicity, no sign of fatal stomach toxicity, or allergy induced toxicosis. He was...in short...utterly healthy, and despite the presence of toxins in his system, all of them are way below the LD50 of a Bajoran his type and age. Time of death is 0145. No later.” ~ That's impossible. You can't call for security if you're already dead. ~ Ravok thought as he looked at Trip and Keira. ~ Did either of them just hear that time of death? ~ “Diet was reasonable, if sometimes ill-advised. Onto the more interesting. Subject was found naked in his room. Behavioural analysis suggests that this would be unusual for an officer of his type. However, no sign of sexual contact, secondary inspection showed no evidence that he had had or was expecting intercourse.” ~ A real shame, he left the world the same way he came into it. He had to be expecting something. Maybe a shower?~ Ravok continued to think to himself. Allowing the others to have the floor. (Reply Trip , Merek iyw) “Computer slide 12.” “Note the massive trauma to the rear of the skull. Now I would genuinely love to tell you that this is what killed him, however this was done post mortem, I’ve seen the rolling pin, I’m happy enough to say that that was the item that did this damage, however….” Bracken clicked to the next slide. “Repiecing the skull back together, shows that cause of death was a brutal, sharp break to the neck. Massive trauma to cervical vertebrae 1. Death instantaneous. Given the evidence, I think that Nix knew his killer…” Trip, We went over this earlier, and I can’t get past this thought...how did the killer get so close? However, it’s my belief that our female suspects simply don’t have the physical strength, or the rage to do this.” ~ Oh isn't that highly convenient. Gender is irrelevant, rage is prevalent in all genders. Maybe she's trying to indirectly rule out Erin and Caity.~ Ravok thought. Still remaining silent on the matter. Watching them intently. (Reply Trip) She nodded, and carried on. “Two more things. Firstly; We are dealing with a suspect or suspects that display an extreme capability of forensic countermeasure” Bracken said. " They, whomever they happen to be seem to have a vast amount of knowledge about circumventing security systems as well." Ravok added. (Reply Trip and merek) “Lastly. All cards on the table.” Bracken said as she leant on the back of her chair. She had finally stopped circling them. “The three of you know the position I’m in, one of my closest friends and my girlfriend are both suspects, I have been utterly neutral in my report. If you find yourself disagreeing with any point, or even object to my neutrality in this matter, please take it up with Trip in the first instance, and he will inform SFMHQ, I have nothing to hide. Any questions?”She asked. Ravok leaned forward in his chair. " Commander, we all have connections to the persons of interest. Erin is like a sister to me. Ire is my best friend. Ensign Sleeford is a good friend and so is Ensign More. Whoever did this may be someone we have all served with at one time or another." He stopped and sighed. " However Sir and Sirs " He said, looking at them. " Ruling someone out based on their gender and them not having the necessary strength or rage. Is a bad move. They may not have had the physical capabilities to murder him, but they could have taken muscular enhancers or adrenal stimulates, or even had someone with the required strength to pull it off, if working as part of a group. Which based on the evidence collected seems highly likely that this was the case. " He turned and looked at Commander Bracken. " The time of death doesn't add up. Not that I am doubting your abilities in conducting an autopsy, but I can't find the logic in how a dead man called security " ( reply , Trip, merek , Bracken) (USS Exeter –Observation Lounge – CO, Captain Trip Williams - 1225) " The time of death doesn't add up. Not that I am doubting your abilities in conducting an autopsy, but I can't find the logic in how a dead man called security " "Well Lieutenant, it is as the great detective once said, 'Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.' While it may seem illogical for a deadman to call security, it does not defy logic that someone would impersonate the deceased to call security and begin this....goose chase we are on. It does add up to why someone would bash his skull in post mortem then stash the weapon." (reply Ravok) "Look we have many different pieces of the puzzle, but not a clear picture, and most of you have been working all night. We don't need to burn you guys out. Why don't we break for lunch. Take some time to get re energized and a nap if you need it. We will reconvene at 1330." (reply Ravok, Bracken, Merek) "Whoever we are dealing with, they've gone through great lengths to throw a lot of red herrings in front of us. Get some rest. Who knows, maybe taking your eyes off of the big picture will clear up some things. Who knows. Y'all are dismissed," (reply Ravok, Bracken, Merek) Trip waited as the trio began to get up and leave, but subtley made his way over to Ailynn before she could leave. "Commander, a moment?" (reply Bracken) (reply Bracken, Merek, Ravok) (USS Exeter –Observation Lounge – FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 1228) "Look we have many different pieces of the puzzle, but not a clear picture, and most of you have been working all night. We don't need to burn you guys out. Why don't we break for lunch. Take some time to get re energized and a nap if you need it. We will reconvene at 1330." “I agree.” Ailynn said. “I’m getting hungry and ratty. There’s too much that doesn’t make sense.” She continued, aware that her head was starting to hurt; probably from low blood sugar. "Whoever we are dealing with, they've gone through great lengths to throw a lot of red herrings in front of us. Get some rest. Who knows, maybe taking your eyes off of the big picture will clear up some things. Who knows. Y'all are dismissed," Nodding as she moved to get up, she saw Trip come round the table and he quietly spoke to her. "Commander, a moment?" Sitting back down, she nodded, leaning back in her chair, letting out a deep sigh, her mind already on her next movements. (Reply Trip) (USS Exeter –Observation Lounge – CO Cpt Trip Williams and FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 1230) Ailynn watched as the door closed behind Ravok and Merek, Ailynn picked at a lock of hair again, and fiddled with it. “Captain?” "So Commander, thoughts on the theories?" “Honestly?” She sighed. “They all have merit, until you actually stop and examine all of the evidence at hand. I adore Erin, but she has not got the tech ability for who knows what shifting. More may have had words with Nix, but...I dunno. ” "So you're saying they're red herrings?' “It’s incidental at best, all we have seems...circumstancial. Here’s the thing. Lets take Caity for instance. In one moment, we’re supposed to believe that she’s a tech genius muderess, or part of a conspiracy, and the next she hides a rolling pin, in a position where it’s going to be found in 5 seconds. Genius one second, stupid the next. It’s too convenient.” "Too convenient, it's inconvenient?" “Convenience is probably the wrong word. My point is that we can’t expect someone to be clever the next minute, but have so little back up plan that stupid mistakes are made.” "I mean I'm not saying the Caity theory has merit. But could planting evidence that makes no sense, be used to throw us off the scent?" “It could yes, and that I think is the point I’m making. I don’t know where we are on that side of the investigation, but the levels of evidence contradict each other. We have secret levels of transporting, information available only to Lieutenant COmmander upwards in one breath, but a stray dog hair, or a rolling pin shoved into a loose panel the next.” "I have more questions then answers than answers. Though honestly, no offense, I don't find Caity, umm, genius enough to pull this off." “Caity is extremely clever, but it’s...clever like Ash is; with reading, and...normally people. You’re right she’s not science clever.” "Erin is." “I know, and honestly, if I thought she was capable...I appreciate that you never really know someone. Dammit Trip I know how this looks and I know that I’m going on gut feeling.” "Look, we need to be careful. Whoever is behind this wants to pit us against each other. Make us paranoid." “I know. It’s starting to work too. I don’t think Ravok trusts my judgement.” "You're one of the smartest people on the ship. Connected to two of his suspects. We're lucky he doesn't have you on his list." “Give it time.” She nodded sadly. “Had crossed my mind, I’m ready if he, she or they try.” "Do you have an alibi? Just in case." Ailynn shook her head. “I haven’t. But, maybe Ronnie can stay for the next couple of days.” “Possibly, but that doesn’t do any good for night of.” “Can I ask something?” “Yes?” “Am I too close? To the suspects I mean?” Ailynn sighed, deeply. “What do you mean?” Trip asked inquisitively. “I’m not sure if I’m strong enough for this, I feel like I’m failing at every step. Not just the investigation, the whole thing. Part of me wonders if I’d have been better off staying on Mars as CMO.” “Honestly, we’re all close to this. Yes two of the suspects are your girlfriend and good friend, guess what, Erin is also close friends with Ravok, Ravok and I are close to Ire. Merek is close to Ire’s fiance. At a certain point, I have to ask the question, do we double back, and invite an independent investigation from Starbase Freedom.” “It’d be too late, trail will be cold by then; and it risks someone jumping ship. We’ve got it covered.” “But no, I don’t think you’d have been better off on Mars. You’d see me and everyone around you leaving and you’d be wondering, why not me?” “I know you’re right.” “Of course I’m right.” Trip said with a giggle. “Can I ask you a question?” Ailynn nodded. “Of course.” “Do you think Ravok is too honed in that he is at risk of not being objective?” “Not in so many words. I worry though, and I’ve done it myself, that there’s a danger that you start trying to make what evidence you have fit the idea you have. He may be approaching things from a different angle and that’s fine but…” “But?” “Third year of med school. I’d diagnosed something that I was so certain was Chattel’s Syndrome. Symptoms fitted beautifully. However I’d failed to take the single step back, and actually look at the patient. Missed a lot of other evidence because I’d focussed on what I’d seen.” Trip nodded his head. “It may be he’s right, and if the evidence says that Caity, Erin or whoever did it then fine, I have no issue.” “What about Ire, More, or Sleeford? Are you as willing to write them off as suspects are you are Erin and Caity?” “Yes of course, all of them. It’s why I said ‘or whoever’ My objection to Caity and Erin is based simply on physical strength. I’ll go and get blood from all of the suspects. But I won’t find anything, that isn’t how muscle supplements or Adrenaline shots work. I happen to think everything we have is incidental.” “Of course… here are some narratives, some questions to ask. And stop me whenever they seem implausible. The only one who I can’t really see as the murderer is Ire, but then Ire has the skills for it. And was raised by an AI. He has a port in the back of his head he plugged into his fighter and other things. Could his mind have been compromised by a foreign agent? Does that sound plausible?” “I’m nearly certain not. I did units in bioneural interfaces remember? Depends how good the security sweeps are.” “Ok, then what about these scenarios. Erin was gone for a year, at Star Trek HQ recovering, after having a foreign agent implanted into her head. A Cardassian Gul with malevolent intent. Gone for a year, around who knows who at HQ, and we already know there were secret cabals and conspiracies at Starfleet over the last two decades. Could Erin have been turned by a shadowy group, say Roanoke? Or could Dulon still be present?” “Honestly I don’t think so. It does raise an interesting point though. I didn’t do her last brain scans. I’ll recheck. “ “Please do, I’ll also order a full psych eval. Probably for all of them.” “Will do.” “Ok, what about Caity, how well do you really know her, from before she came onboard. How do we know she isn’t a double agent. If I was a double agent, it would be a bit easier to move about as a civilian.” “On deck 9 yes, I agree. However, unless they’re bringing things up into here, or your lounge, Civilian staff are actually limited regarding ships access.” “And please, don’t take this the wrong way, but as attractive as you are, don’t you think it a bit...convenient how quickly she fell for you? And please, I’m not trying to make her a suspect, I’m just throwing out possible theories that might be raised, so that we can have answers and objections, if they exist.” “I know, and I’m not disagreeing as such; It’s also really questionable why the only people that we have any evidence for are the ones who had a disagreement with someone yesterday, who was deliberately going around poking the hive?” “It isn’t just yesterday. They all had issues with him going back a few months. Remember, Ensign More did already threaten him before, simply because he was Bajoran. And Caity did tell him to ‘tread lightly’. Is it flimsy yes. Could it lead to motive, I don’t know. I’m not a detective. Again, some of the evidence towards Caity is too convenient. Do you think there is enough to rule her out at this moment in time? Or any of them at this time?” “Rule out? No. I don’t believe I ever said that. I said, and I paraphrase that she and Erin didn’t have the physical strength. Nothing else.” “What about Sleeford and More. Sleeford, former enlisted Marine, fast tracked through academy. More has a reputation of a hot head. Could you see either of them with the know-how or at least desire to do it?” “I can’t rule that out. There is a world of difference between knowing how to do something, and actually physically being able to do it. My worry is that we’re scrabbling around trying to fit what...4 people into the trinity of evidence, in a flimsy way at best. Have we actually taken a step back and looked at the timeline, what we actually actually know, interviewed anyone else? That young Ensign...you remember, when I arrived on scene, I was in uniform, I got changed in her room yes? She hear anything? Has anyone actually done a door-to-door?” “That would be a question for Ravok. It’s under his job duties.” Ailynn was tired, hungry and had a screaming headache now, which was why she carried on. “Look. I’m too close to this I know I am...I’ll step down; from everything if you ask it of me.” She rubbed her temples. “No I wouldn’t do that. If I were to ask you to do that, I would need to ask Ravok to do the same. He’s close to Erin and Ire. Everyone is too close and that’s the point.” “I hate this.” She said simply, stifling a yawn. “Do you think Ravok is harping on Caity because he doesn’t want to focus on Ire or his former subordinate Paul or his current subordinate Stan?” “Honestly no I don’t. I think that there’s just a touch more...evidence, however circumstantial to suggest her. It hasn’t helped I think he thinks I’m out to protect her at any cost, took my sentence in it’s worst light.” “I say this with no disrespect, but he’s Romulan and he probably sees the world through the lens of a Romulan. Secrets having secrets.” “Possibly. We’re all guilty of that perhaps.” She yawned again. “Suspects aside...This is all weird.” “Go take a nap.” “I will. I just can’t shake the thought that this an extra level of planning, multiple red herring, multiple levels of false evidence. Serious commitment to hiding tracks too. I mean...killing someone is one thing. But then being so committed to hiding your tracks that you cave in the entire back of the skull to hide the cause of death?” “It makes me uneasy as well….” Trip paused. “Canvas the area, interview the neighbors, see if you can’t find anything. Independent investigation….there is something that didn’t sit well with me about Ravok disputing the time of death. I mean, is it easier to assume that the time of death was wrong as opposed to faking a security call?” “I’ll confess that irked me, however no offense taken, he’s a creature of logic, he may not be used to a medic of my calibre, time of death can be tricky to pin down, there’s a lot of factors. In this case I can be precise.” “Plus, you ascertained all this data before you knew Caity was a suspect. Data which I verified before informing you. Which I did on purpose I might add. “I’m going to eat and nap, then I’ll have a chat to the neighbours. I want to look at the body again. There’s something…” “Something?” “Dunno. It was something you said, when we were playfighting earlier… about him being drugged, there’s no traces of anything, but I want to...Hell I don’t know. You know me, I hate open problems.” “Yes, you do.” Trip paused. “There is another thing we need to consider.” “Go on…”She said, intrigued. “Are you familiar with Murder on the Orient Express?” Ailynn slowly inhaled, nodding. “I’m afraid I am, Yes. All of them you mean?” “Is it impossible?” “No.” She shook her head, “Sadly it isn’t. It’s all kinds of unlikely, but there again, so’s a murder with this much...Look. I need a nap. Then I’ll get back to it.” she stood up, “Wasn’t you was it?” “I’ve got an airtight alibi. In bed, with my wife. But even that could be chiseled at if you tried. What about you?” “Wasn’t me either. That’s two down. Layla maybe? Fed up of blocking the toilet?” “I doubt it.” “I’m going. With your permission?” “Yes,” Ailynn nodded, and turned toward the door, headed back toward her quarters to get some rest. “Ailynn, remember, Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth. Not sure how true that is. But head on a swivel. And I hate to say this, but for your protection, limit your interaction with Caity. And I hate asking that. It kills me. But just in case.” She nodded. “The records will show I had a conversation with her about an hour ago, no case details were given. Just an FYI. But you’re right.” “This is one of those situations where I hate being right.” “I know. I will say though, hating someone for what race they are, warning them to tread lightly, whatever else the conversations were about. It’s a big big step up to actually killing someone.” “But, the thing is, no one ever knows who a person really is on the inside. We don’t know what they bury, we don’t know what sort of things they are submarining.” “I know, and I don’t disagree. Just cautious is all.” “Do me a favor Ailynn, contact each of our five suspects, send them to meet with Counselor Jack Roberts as soon as possible. If they are innocent, I want to make sure that they’re psychological health isn’t impared by this to the point of no return.” “I will.” She nodded. “With your permission?” “Rest well.” Trip then sighed as Ailynn left the room. “I think I’m in over my head.” (reply none) (USS Exeter – Gymnasium - The Murderer - 12:30) Walking around the ship, it was evident that most of the conversation surrounded around the murder of Tyko Nix and who could have done it. Finishing their workout, the author of his demise smiled as they wiped the sweat from their face and walked over to the smoothie bar. All the chit chat around the gym had been about the death of Tyko and who could have done it. There were a few suspects. Most of the civilian staff were saying Ire Williams or Stan More, arguing vehemently that it could not be Caity. Some of the enlisted were sure it was Caity. One even said that they swore they saw her slap Nix the day before. "Hey what about you?" Someone asked them. They smiled. "Well first I'll have a mango, pineapple, banana smoothie." "Sure thing." The smoothie barista said. "As for who I think it is. I don't know. I mean could be any of them. Could be none of them." "So you think it's someone else?" "I didn't say that." They replied with a smile. "Just, there are 500 people on this ship. Could be anyone, could be you, could be me." "Could be Lieutenant Ravok." Someone chimed in. "He seems like he's always planning and scheming." "And he's Romulan." Someone else chimed in. "What does him being Romulan have to do with anything?" Someone else asked. "Well, secrets upon secrets. They're good at subterfuge and scheming." Said another. "It is plausible, he would have the technical know how." They looked at the group with a smile, the seeds of yet another mastermind planted. "He was the OPS chief, now he's the tactical chief. But of course there is no motive." "True," Said another, "But he's shacking up with the chief engineer. Her parents were on board yesterday. Dad seemed Super Romulan. I mean, wouldn't it be super Romulan to kill someone to prove to your future father in law that you are super Romulan, and then get away with it." "That's a bit farfetched." Someone replied. "I mean, still. Makes more sense then Caity." "Yeah she isn't smart enough to kill anyone." "Maybe he did it with Cortez." They smiled and took their smoothie. "Guys, I mean, who knows who it could be. Let's not participate in idle gossip." They laughed, "But it would totally be and Ire and Ravok, not Erin." "Yeah that makes sense." Came another voice. Smiling they turned and left the gymnasium hearing the rumors and gossip about Ravok being the puppet master. (reply none) (USS Exeter –Personal Quarters – FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 1240) Ailynn lay back on her bed, tiredness had all but taken over her being. The morning had been long, and intense, not since her days of a&e rotations had she felt such bone-deep weariness. The level of responsibility had grown of course, but she’d long since thought she’d seen the back of the 24 hour shifts that had typified her ER rotation, eating in passing, grabbing ten minutes sleep where it had been possible. Thankfully, instantly switching off when she found those minutes was a skill that it seemed that she hadn’t forgotten. “Bracken to CFO Williams, Lieutenant Cortez , Ensigns Sleeford and More, and Civilian DuBois; report to Counsellor Jack Roberts as soon as possible. Check his calendar and request an appointment at your earliest convenience. Bracken out.” Ailynn sighed as the channel closed, the tiredness taking over her, her fight against it fading. Slowly she pulled off the scrubs that she was wearing and threw them onto the chair by her bed, then slipping under the covers, her fading waking thoughts considered one last thing. “Computer, set alarm for 40 minutes.” [acknowledged] She was asleep before the confirmation message was finished. (Reply none) (USS Exeter – Main Science Lab - CSO Office - CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez - 1245) " Please let Commander Merek know right away better yet let Ensign Hammerfield know as well her knowledge in security and engineering makes her a valuable asset." “I will.” " Thank you...Erin. Ravok out." Sighing, Erin sat back in her chair. She could tell by the tone of his voice that he was being careful. ~probably because of the investigation and the fact of my relation with Nix.~ she thought to herself. Closing her eyes for a second, Erin rubbed her forehead and tapped her combadge, “Cortez to Hammersfield.” (Reply Hammersfield) “Could you come to my office at your earliest convenience?” (Reply Hammersfield) “Thankyou, Cortez out.” (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Bowels of the Exeter - Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 1247) Laying on her back in one of the many tubes of the ship Janice was slowly reconfiguring a power conduit. Pulling out a chip from a computer panel her com badge went off. =/\= Cortez to Hammersfield. =/\= “Dammit!” she jumped from the sudden loud sound and lost her grip on the chip as it fell onto her and bounced off to the side. She tapped her badge giving a short annoyed sigh beforehand, “Go ahead!” =/\= Could you come to my office at your earliest convenience? =/\= "Will do – I just need to finish up some calibrations and ill be right over,” =/\= Thank you, Cortez out. =/\= Janice closed the channel and began moving her hands about on the metal grating until she found the chip – gave it a quick scan and slotted it back into place. (USS Exeter –Counselling Department – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams - 1259) Ire paused outside the door to Roberts office. He had been told to report to Roberts for counselling. He really did not want to be here, especially after not sleeping much the last night and then with finding out that Nix had been killed and the interview with Ravok. All he had wanted was to get off his shift and go somewhere to clear his head but instead he was here. He pressed the admittance button and waited for the door to open. He stepped in and moved over to where Roberts was sitting. “Good afternoon Counsellor Robert, how are you?” (Reply Roberts) (Reply Roberts, any) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Main Science Lab - CSO Office - Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 1303) "Lieutenant Cortez? You wanted to see me?” Janice said popping her head into the office and then walking in taking a seat. “The items that were stolen from my department. Two of them were, by themselves, innocuous but together under the right environment, would make a pretty powerful explosive. My concern is that they would be used in engineering. I was advised to contact yourself by Lieutenant Ravok as he states that you not only have a background in Engineering but security as well?” "Mmm I see?” she replied thinking for a moment. Show original message "Sorry im not to sure on what was stolen – was it some instrumentation or chemical compounds?” she looked for some more information before giving her opinion. (Reply Cortez) “And I presume you have some indication it may be related to the murder earlier today?” (Reply Cortez) “As you know the warp core, weapons magazine and anti matter storage pods would be prime targets for an explosive device – but I think it more likely that if it was this persons intent to blow the ship up why bother committing a murder and giving the game away? More likely I would use it to create a distraction or a means to escape.” She left a pause for Cortez. (Reply Cortez) “As a knockout gas I would target the shuttle bay, transporter room or possible the life control systems directly. A means of escaping the ship with minimal resistance. As a bomb or distraction in a non taking out everything with me I would put it somewhere that would cause the most superficial damage. The engines would cause a fair amount of disruption and prevent the ship from potential catching a fugitive should the try to escape and the ships computer core would also have a similar impact affecting much of the ships systems. Of course there are backups but... if you had a particularly clever and driven person. (Reply Cortez) “Indeed and as much as I say that it would be unlikely to target the ship as a whole – maybe they could place it in a sensitive area as a last resort to get off the ship. A let me go or I take everyone with me approach” she added in. (Reply Cortez) “I also presume you’ve not had any luck scanning the ship for the items too,” (Reply Cortez, any) (USS Exeter – Main Science Lab - CSO Office - CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez - 1302) Watching as the woman walked into her office, Erin smiled and gestured for her to take a seat. (Reply Hammersfield) “The items that were stolen from my department. Two of them were, by themselves, innocuous but together under the right environment, would make a pretty powerful explosive. My concern is that they would be used in engineering. I was advised to contact yourself by Lieutenant Ravok as he states that you not only have a background in Engineering but security as well?” (Reply Hammersfield) “What do you suggest that we do?” (Reply Hammersfield) (Reply Hammersfield) (USS Exeter – Main Science Lab - CSO Office - CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez - 1306) "Sorry im not to sure on what was stolen – was it some instrumentation or chemical compounds?” “ A number of compounds. Two of which could be mixed to make a very potent gas that would knock out anyone within a number of feet and the other two… again, mixed together would create a very potent explosive.” “And I presume you have some indication it may be related to the murder earlier today?” “Related, perhaps.” Erin sighed at the mention of the murder, of Nix. “My concern is that someone could use the explosive compounds in particular.” “As you know the warp core, weapons magazine and anti matter storage pods would be prime targets for an explosive device – but I think it more likely that if it was this persons intent to blow the ship up why bother committing a murder and giving the game away? More likely I would use it to create a distraction or a means to escape.” She paused “That is a point. The problem we have is not knowing what the end game is. Why they are doing this? Is it to target Nix or the Exeter or both?” “As a knockout gas I would target the shuttle bay, transporter room or possibly the life control systems directly. A means of escaping the ship with minimal resistance. As a bomb or distraction in a non taking out everything with me I would put it somewhere that would cause the most superficial damage. The engines would cause a fair amount of disruption and prevent the ship from potentially catching a fugitive should they try to escape and the ship's computer core would also have a similar impact affecting much of the ship's systems. Of course there are backups but... if you had a particularly clever and driven person. “Considering what they have already managed to accomplish, i would say that they are a very driven individual. Clever? Perhaps. Either that or they are working with someone or some people that have intimate knowledge of our ship or the design of the ship, or, at the very least, access.” “Indeed and as much as I say that it would be unlikely to target the ship as a whole – maybe they could place it in a sensitive area as a last resort to get off the ship. A let me go or I take everyone with me approach” the woman added. “Perhaps. The problem is right now they are operating from within. Someone on board this ship is working against us. Watching us scramble, assume and blame.” she replied, again taking a deep breath and sitting back in her chair. “I also presume you’ve not had any luck scanning the ship for the items too,” “No and that in itself is worrisome. Our scanners are some of the best in the fleet and the fact that they are able to hide these items in a way that we cannot pick them up is very concerning.” (Reply Hammersfield) “We need to find them and fast. Not only that but, if we do, we may be able to ascertain some small trail to lead us to whoever did this to us, to Nix.” (Reply Hammersfield) “What do you suggest? I mean, i know what i am looking for but it’s the how we do that that i am struggling with.” (Reply Hammersfield) (Reply Hammersfield) (USS Exeter –Personal Quarters of commander Bracken- FO Commander Ailynn Bracken & CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok-1306) Ravok was hesitant at first but he pressed the button outside of the first officer door to alert her of his presence. The doorchime ripped Ailynn out of a warm, comforting and peaceful slumber. She looked at the chronometer on the bedside. ~twenty-six fracking minutes. This had better be…~ “Yes?” SHe managed, her voice clearly still feeling that it wasn’t quite ready to wake up. She sounded disheveled like he just interrupted a nap. ~ Good job~ " It's me Ravok." “If the whole ship isn’t on fire, and I genuinely mean 100 percent of it, You can yell through the door.” The door opened and stood there waiting to be invited in. " I would very much like to have this conversation in privacy Sir." He responded. Ailynn sighed deeply. And got out of bed, pulling on her second favourite robe, the champagne silk wouldn’t be appropriate, so the fluffy one covered in teddy-bear pirates it was. She wrapped it round herself, and went to the door. “Enter.” Ravok stepped inside and looked away as she entered the room. ~ Teddy bears?~ “Take a seat, please. I’m going to pull on a uniform, I kind of have an inkling that I’m going to need to be dressed for this.” " Thank you" He said as he sat down. Her quarters were surprisingly spartan. A reflection of her genius he assumed, yet the place wasn't cluttered. The very few things that were there all had a place. ~ This place is immaculate ~ She went through to the bedroom, and through the robe on the bed, and replicated a clean, fresh uniform. Pulling it on she attached her rank pips and commbadge, and then walked back through to the lounge, pulling her hair into her normal daytime style, a severe bun. “My apologies Lieutenant. What can I do for you?” Ravok straightened his posture. " I'm going to cut right to it. I considered bringing you in for an interview but all that pomp and circumstance wasn't needed Sir. Since your quarters are private I should be able to say this freely." “Please, go ahead. It’s secure in here as anywhere else.” " I know Erin nor Caity did this. Neither have the required skill. I do however think people are getting the wrong idea of my intentions. I am not looking for someone to blame. I am looking to prove the people I care about as innocent. Call it wrong, call it allowing my personal relationships to get in the way of duty I don't care, but I believe we are dealing with not one but multiple culprits. " Ravok said. Ailynn nodded. “I had considered that.” she admitted. " There have been a lot of things discovered that don't make any sense. Things have transpired that seem to be by design to throw us off and possibly even pit us against each other. We Romulans refer to it as kicking stones, you might know of it better as Red herrings." Ravok explained. “I was saying something similar to Trip earlier, she said, moving over to the replicator. “Coffee? Or your usual alternative?” Ravok nodded his head " Yes I'll take an orange juice." She ordered her normal wake-up blend, and passed over Ravok’s choice and then sat down. “So much evidence counteracts the other. We’re looking at a tech genius, someone who has access to information at a Commander level of clearance in one breath, but in the next...sloppy. Dog hairs on clothes and the rolling pin?” " I believe it's all meant to look...sloppy the truth is there we just have to sort out what is important and what isn't." Her mind, now awake, nudged her. “Wait up. You said ‘bring me in for an interview.’ Are you out of your mind?” Ravok smirked slightly. " I admit I struggle to think like everyone else. To think so one dimensional on things. Bringing you in for an interview does sound insane, but it also gives off a sense of paranoia to our culprit or culprits." He put his hand up. " Follow me for a moment. All these red herrings have been laid in place, the rolling pin, the contents of the container in the science lab, even the dog hair. They have been placed in a manner which seems sloppy but I believe they are part of a much bigger plan. A plan that causes chaos and paranoia across the crew. Three department heads were brought in for questioning. Ms. Dubois was brought in. Ensign More even casted himself into the fires. I say we continue to let them think they have stirred us up. " Ravok said. “I agree, and though it pains me to say it. I’d suggest at least outwardly keeping them under suspicion. It would look strange if after only a matter of hours they’re suddenly no longer suspects. So much of this doesn’t make sense. The call to security for instance.” She took a deep sip of her coffee. " I'm not a doctor nor will I pretend to be, but correct me if I'm wrong but with today's available technology it's almost impossible to get a time of death wrong even for the worst doctors." Ravok stated “Time of death is an absolute. What helps us here is perfect climate control. Liver temp would have been enough for any backstreet quack to come up with the same time. Blood agglutination and other factors were spot on too. I don’t get the call to security. It was an act that made no sense.” The call to security was done to grab our attention and it worked. " He said as he took a drink of the orange juice in his hand. “So you ‘drag me in for questioning’ to further instil our sense of paranoia?” She shrugged. “Sounds fun. I’m game.” " You mentioned this person or persons having command level clearances or at least access to them. So we know at the very least they have and can access our systems to a certain degree. When you come into security for an interview we will begin the recording process. Nothing even needs to be said. As long as the computer notes a duration of time. The only person capable of reviewing the interviews is the captain or starfleet command. " “It was only what Kiera was saying about the folding tech. Logic suggests that this was the only way to access the room.” She drained the coffee with a shudder. The caffeine was kicking in already. " I do have a favor to ask, it's more of a request." Ravok said with hesitation. “Shoot.” Ailynn shrugged. " I'm not one for secrets but could we keep this between us. If Trip or Keira know it could potentially make our facade less believable. I hate to request this of you and I understand if you can't honor it. " He said, he hated asking her to put herself in this position. It wasn't necessarily a breach of protocol. It was a slight betrayal of friendship, but it was one that had purpose. “I completely understand. We’ll go with it. There’s so much about this murder that I can’t fathom.” " Thank you Sir. There is certainly a lot that doesnt make sense." “You heard my report earlier, Nix had toxins in his system. Nothing that was in anyway dangerous, but still makes no sense how or why they were there.” Ravok leaned forward. His face displayed a level of confusion. " Besides who did it. The biggest question I have is why him? Why all of this for one man? " “Why do people kill? Greed? Blackmail? Crime of passion?” " Maybe this wasn't about him. " Ravok suggested. His Romulan mind couldn't help but speculate. “I don’t know.” She shrugged, admitting being at a loss. “Seems a touch exotic if it isn’t.” " Take out the fact he was an intelligence officer. Then he would be just another man who met an unfortunate end. What if this is about us? " He questioned. “Reel in the ego there Lieutenant. It’s not all about us.” " I'm not trying to go all Romulan on you. I have a tendency from time to time to speculate, but what if this is about gauging our response to a situation? Think about it. " Ravok said, raising his brow as he shifted in the chair he sat on. " Young captain, youngest in the history of starfleet. Young crew, this crew lacks experience. Yet here we are on a new ship. What if this is some kind of test? We were all hand selected by Starfleet to go to mars. To serve in positions years beyond our experience. You have to admit under normal circumstances I'd be a security officer guarding a transporter pad and you'd be a junior medical officer taking orders from some Doctor in a lab coat. Yet here we are. The badlands, the gamma quadrant. Now this." She shrugged. “You’re mostly correct, however things have changed. We’re at a point in Federation history that will remember all of our names. It’s no accident that we’re who we are when we are. The Federation is expanding again, awakening after years of stagnation and wanton abandonment, and we are it’s very brightest and best. People like mum, should have been Admirals what...fifteen years ago, but all the most able were shunted aside in the name of Cronyism and people feathering their own egos and flaccid abilities.” Ravok listened to her. He felt the words she was saying. ~ Remember our names ? My name? ~ “We are here because we are the absolute best at what we do. However, I can’t imagine that someone would kill anyone just to test our response. No, this was personal, murder is a very personal crime, however skewed the logic is, this will make sense to someone or a group of someones.” Ravok didn't want to argue with her. She was after all his superior and someone he respected. He sighed a bit and laughed a little, shaking his head. " You're right. I guess I'm just being paranoid Sir. Paranoia seems to be going around in abundance. To quote the captain...Sometimes a chair is just a chair." “It’s one of his favourites.” She smiled. “But you’re correct, paranoia and distrust are rife.” She finished her coffee. “I should let you know. Skipper asked me to do a door to door, see if any of the neighbours heard or saw anything. Like that young Ensign, who’s room I got changed in.” Ravok laughed. " Changed In their quarters ? " “It was when we arrived on scene. I was in uniform, but needed to change into surgical scrubs. The Ensign happened to be just leaving so I asked if I could change there rather than in front of you guys in the corridor.” " That's an interesting story he had to share I'm sure." He chuckled. " Did you find out anything from the door to door? " “Haven’t gone yet. I had a nap first. You hear anything?” " Well Ire went on a late night jog last night right past the commander's quarters around 0135 and reported that a display terminal in the corridor outside the commander's quarters glitched or in his words fuzzed." Ravok stopped and stood straight up, his eyes were like that of achild's when opening a gift. " That's it!" “You’ll have to give me a hint. I’m the best surgeon in the Fleet, my engineering skills are however lacking.” She quipped. " The time of transport " He exclaimed. " The phasing mode of transport causes power fluctuations in the area of transport by displacing the electrons in the area in a rapid disruption. " He explained the best way he could. “Makes sense, so…” " It's like dropping a rock into a bucket of water. The water is displaced rapidly by the rock being dropped in causing the dry sides of the bucket above the water's surface level to become wet by the disrupted water level. The electrons are the water and the fuzzing wall terminal is the dry interior portion of the bucket becoming wet. When you drop a rock into water the surface is impacted first before the rock hits the bottom. So basically the area is disrupted before the rock reaches its destination." “I understand.” Ailynn said simply. " Ire witnessed the beginning of the phase transport sequence." He paused. " Hair samples, did you study the cellular degradation of the commander's hair?" Ailynn shrugged dispassionately. “I had no reason to. Autopsy was just to find the cause of death. However, if what you’re saying is correct, would there be any? Wasn’t it the murderer who transported rather than Nix?” Ravok sat back down and rubbed his chin. " I don't know. I'm not an expert in the field but that type of transport could possibly cause some type of organic disturbance, say if the person beamed in right behind him. " “Makes sense. I’ll check it over. As much as it pains me to say, but we still can’t assume anyone is innocent. Gut feeling notwithstanding. What’s the next move then? You ‘bring me in?’ on what grounds dare I ask?” Ravok looked at her trying to muster a sense of seriousness. " Erin mentioned she talked to you and only you about her exploits with Commander Tyko Nix. Ms. Dubois also threatened him hours before he was found dead. You would be brought in for questioning as an assessment of their character. " He answered. “I understand. My objection to her as a suspect was based on the physicalities, rather than the fact she’d had words with him.” " I am sorry for being so hard on Ms. Dubois. I can't tell her myself but next time you see please tell her I'm sorry. " “You don’t need to apologise. Honestly. I’m confident that the evidence will lead us in the right direction.” Ravok looked down. He felt terrible. He knew Ailynn, definitely not as well as Trip did but he knew her enough to know that she was a great judge of character and by that knowledge alone he knew that Caity was a good person to have the attentions of Ailynn. " We will uncover the truth." “Aside from that I can’t speak to her either at the moment. I’ve been advised to ‘limit my interaction’ with her. She’ll understand.” He nodded his head. " After this is over I owe her, hell I owe everyone Sir." Ailynn shrugged slightly. “Maybe. I think mostly they will understand, and by that point the search for the actual suspect will focus their attentions. However we end up, there’ll be long debrief sessions for everyone.” " Thank you Sir. " he said with a smile as he stood up. He downed the rest of his orange juice. “So are you going to take me in, or send another Officer up?” " I will have Sytuk come by to escort you to my office. Protocol I'm afraid. " Ravok said. “He is going to love that I’m sure.” Her voice dripped sarcasm. She had spoken to Sytuk a number of times, and had grown very fond of the Reman; and she knew that he saw her in a similar light. " Hopefully he won't be too upset." He smirked. “Have him come down to sickbay, I want to look at the body again.” Ailynn said with a sigh. " Yes Sir." Ravok said as he made his way out of the door, to proceed back to the security department, but was stopped suddenly. “Ravok.” She called out to him. “They will have made a mistake. Doesn’t matter how careful they’ve been. One mistake is all we need, regardless of how seemingly insignificant, that’s how they’ll be caught. It may be Caity, Erin, Stan, hell all of them or none of them. But there will be something that the killer overlooked.” Ravok turned to look at her. " First mistake they made was killing a starfleet officer, second mistake was doing it on this ship Sir." “Oh, just one more thing?” She said as she walked alongside him, leaving her quarters. He looked over at her as they walked and raised his eyebrow. “Tell anyone about my teddy bear pirate dressing gown and I’ll have you busted back down to First year Cadet.” She winked impishly, She was genuinely growing to like Ravok, though she was ashamed to think that she’d not spent much if any time around him. Ravok laughed. " Damn and I was gonna tell commander Merek. I think I'd look cute in teddy bear and pirate pajamas." He said jokingly. Ailynn smiled warmly, and turned down the corridor, , ~too many loose pieces~ she thought as she entered the turbolift, her mind already down in the mortuary. ( reply None) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Main Science Lab - CSO Office - Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 1308) “No and that in itself is worrisome. Our scanners are some of the best in the fleet and the fact that they are able to hide these items in a way that we cannot pick them up is very concerning.” "That isn’t good,” she commented trying to think of why that might be the case. “We need to find them and fast. Not only that but, if we do, we may be able to ascertain some small trail to lead us to whoever did this to us, to Nix.” Janice sat back into the chair thinking deeply, “I concur – the quicker we find them the better.” She raised her brow as the words of, ‘us, to Nix’ rang in her head as she made an assumption that there must have been some deeper connection Nix and Erin. Show original message “We have a few options,” Janice started sitting forward in the seat, “One – An intense search of the ship bow to stern. Two – We think up why we cant detect them and try to tweak the scanners. Three – We find some way to force the persons hand into using them. Four – All of the above.” (Reply Cortez) “I never said the options were easy,” she gave a little shrug before adding more, “The problem with a full search of the ship is that it might give whomever took them an opportunity to use or place them – but it could be enough to provoke them into moving them to a new hiding place and giving us a window to locate them?” (Reply Cortez) “It all hypothetical – without know more about who we are looking for its like playing a game of chess where you can only see your own pieces,” Janice gave a scratch of her head and looked at Cortez, “You didn’t take them did you?” (Reply Cortez) “Sorry – I had to ask – you’d be surprised how often the response to that can catch someone out when the don’t expect to be asked,” (Reply Cortez) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Main Science Lab - CSO Office - CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez - 1417) Walking back into her office, Erin knew that there was something she had to do. She had been ordered to do. Tapping her combadge, she said, "Cortez to Counselor Robert's." (Reply Roberts) "I have been asked to come and see you. When would be best?" (Reply Roberts) "Understood. I'll be there." (Reply Roberts) (Reply Roberts) (USS Exeter , Corridor - Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 14:30 ) Stan walked along thinking to himself. He had been ordered to have counselling sessions by the Captain. The first session had not gone to well. A lot of pent up feelings had been exposed. The break up of his marriage two days before the wedding. Had featured heavily in that meeting. Stan had lost his temper, which was a silly thing to do really. He had failed to see how his stupidity. At talking without thinking first. Had anything to do with a mother complex. Brought on by his ex-fiancés infidelity just two days before the wedding. It had been five years ago. What did Roberts think Stan was. Stuck in the past with a mother issue? He never saw much of her growing up in Edinburgh. His grandmother raised him. Stans parents were to busy teaching or going off on some archaeological dig somewhere in the alpha quadrant. He arrived at the counsellors office and pressed the door announcer. Stan waited until he was called to go in. ( Reply , Roberts) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< End Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<