Exeter Compile 33 Dates: January 7, 2021 to January 14, 2021 Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express, Day 2 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express Day: 2 Stardate: 2445.12.02 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Exeter – Ensign More's Personal Quarters - SPC Armory Chief PO2 Sytuk-11:28 ) (USS Exeter – Ensign More's Personal Quarters - Tac/Sec Ens.(sg) Stan More - 11:29) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1337) (USS Exeter – Nine and Dine – Lieutenant (J.G.) Greta Smith and Lieutenant SG Ire Williams - 1345) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – 2O/CEO – Lt.Cmdr. Kiera Merek – 1347) (USS Exeter - Deck 7 -Counsellors office -COO Ensign (sg) Paul Sleeford 13:50) (USS Exeter - Deck 7 -Counsellors office -Counselor, Ensign Jack Roberts - 13:50) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken – 1350) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – CO, Captain Trip Williams – 1352) (USS Exeter- Counsellors office - COO Ensign Paul Sleeford 13:55) (USS Exeter- Counsellors office - Counselor, Ensign SG Jack Roberts 13:57) (USS Exeter – Crew Quarters – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1420) (USS Exeter – Crew Quarters – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1426) (USS Exeter – Corridor –The Murderer? - 1430) (USS Exeter , Counsellors Office -Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 14:38) (USS Exeter , Counsellors Office -Counselor, Ensign Jack Roberts - 14:40) (USS Exeter , Counsellors Office - Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More - 14:41 ) (USS Exeter , Counsellors Office - Counselor, Ensign SG Jack Roberts - 14:43 ) (USS Exeter , Counsellors Office - Tac/Sec Ens. ( Sg) Stan More - 14:44 ) (USS Exeter , Counsellors Office - Counselor, Ensign SG Jack Roberts - 14:47 ) (USS Exeter , Counsellors Office - Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 14:48) (USS Exeter - Medical Office - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 14:51) (USS Exeter – Jefferies tube –ACEO, Lieutenant JG Alistair Brightwood - 1505) (USS Exeter – Jefferies tube –Engineering Officer – Ensign – Galu Vosi- 1507) (USS Exeter – Ops Department – OPS Officer – Ensign (JG)- Oliver Wallis - 1515) (USS Exeter - Personal quarters - COO Ensign (sg) Paul Sleeford 1516) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Aft Lounge - CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez - 1554) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Aft Lounge - Yeoman, Ensign Senior Grade Thea Helms- 1600) (USS Exeter – Captain's Ready Room - CO Captain Trip Williams & CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok - 1600 ) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Aft Lounge - CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez - 1602) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Aft Lounge -Yeoman, Ensign SG Thea Helms - 1604) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Aft Lounge - CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez - 1606) (USS Exeter – Deck 8- Security center-CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok - 1612 ) (USS Exeter – Deck 8- Security center-ACTO, Lieutenant JG Cade Blackwell - 1614 ) (USS Exeter – Deck 8- Security center- CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok - 1616 ) (USS Exeter – Deck 8- Security center- CTO, LT. SG Ravok and ACTO, LT JG Cade Blackwell - 1618 ) (USS Exeter – Deck 8- Security center-CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok - 1640 ) (USS Exeter – FO’s Office - FO Commander Ailynn Bracken - 1641 ) (USS Exeter – Deck 8- Security center-CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok - 1644) (USS Exeter - Holodeck - Civilian Caity Dubois - 1645) (USS Exeter - Science lab - the murderer- 1700) (USS Exeter – Deck 3 personal quarters of Zot - SPC ACOO Comp. Ops Ensign Sg. Zot - 1700) (USS Exeter – FO’s Office - FO Commander Ailynn Bracken - 1704 ) (USS Exeter – Security Office - ACTO, Lieutenant JG Cade Blackwell - 1707 ) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express Day: 2 Stardate: 2445.12.02 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Exeter – Ensign More's Personal Quarters - Tac/Sec Ens.(sg) Stan More - 11:29) Stan and Sytuk discussed recent events concerning Nix’s murder. " No Ensign that isn't all we have. What we know is someone , somehow got into the the commander's quarters undetected during a security breach of the ship's primary computer systems last night. Instead of coming up with scenarios straight from holo-programs that you humans seem to binge watch to seemingly no end , we should focus on the basics. “ You should nay dismiss the holo novels. Sometimes a lot can be learned from them. Ok. The basics. We do we have?” He said " The basics ...who on this ship has the computer knowledge to cause such a breach in the first place. We scan records of the operations and engineering staff, make note of their specializations. We start there. " Sytuk suggested. “ Yes. Plus we should also look into the theft from science also. They could be tied together or a red herring to through us off the scent.” Stan said. ( Reply , Sytuk ) “ It’s an old name for something put in to miss direct an investigation. I have no idea why or what is a red herring. But anyway we should look into this robbery.” Stan said. They looked over the data. Stan rubbed his bearded chin in thought. There were only a few names of people capable of such a breach. As they looked some names stood out.Stan stopped Sytuk and pointed. Then a light bulb turned on above his head. Came on and flashed. “ Are any of those people Science Officers or help in the Lab?” He asked. ( Report , Sytuk) “ I don’t know......it’s just something nagging at my brain. The murderer is here in this list. I know it is...” Stan said. Then he stood and clicked his fingers. “ That theft was planned!.........Time would be limited before they got caught. But they knew what to take so they could grab it quickly. Which points to someone who would know what was in there. Meaning......” Stan Said ominously. ( Reply , Sytuk ) “ My g-d......” Stan said. (USS Exeter – Ensign More's Personal Quarters - SPC Armory Chief PO2 Sytuk-11:28 ) “ So would the murderer!” Stan Said " I doubt the murderer being able to glance at his service record would be the reason for a motive." Sytuk replied. “ I know. But what if Nix did something at the academy. That got him an award but screwed up someone else. Maybe this person never told their offspring. Why a life in Starfleet was denied them. Now this person is dead a vengeful relative could easily look this up. Discover who caused their families shame. Then “ Stan made a throat cutting gesture. Sytuk looked at Ensign More with a look he hadn't given anyone in nearly five years, five long years… " Wh..what?" Sytuk asked as he tilted his head slightly. He was truly confused and lost. “ I know but for now it’s all we have.” Stan replied " No Ensign that isn't all we have. What we know is someone , somehow got into the the commander's quarters undetected during a security breach of the ship's primary computer systems last night. Instead of coming up with scenarios straight from holo-programs that you humans seem to binge watch to seemingly no end , we should focus on the basics. ( reply More) " The basics ...who on this ship has the computer knowledge to cause such a breach in the first place. We scan records of the operations and engineering staff, make note of their specializations. We start there. " Sytuk suggested. ( reply More ) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1337) Trip nodded. "Ensign Hammerfield, I want you to take the lead on looking for these compounds. Recruit anyone you think can help. Converse with Lieutenant Cortez, but she is not to be part of the investigation as long as she is a person of interest. Is that clear?" "Understood,” she nodded back to Trip, “If I may just add in from my brief chat with Cortez I don’t think they were involved. If Cortez wanted to take them – covering the tracks leading to that I would be expecting something less sloppy. I do however also concur that we cannot take the risk,” "Thank you Ensign. Please proceed do so in the safest and least invasive way possible, both for the ship's safety and yours." “Will do,” she looked at everyone briefly in the room as she released her hand and pinched her pocket to stop them from twitching. Show original message She moved towards the door at that and as it closed behind her she murmured quietly, “No pressure then...” (reply None needed) (USS Exeter – Nine and Dine – Lieutenant (J.G.) Greta Smith and Lieutenant SG Ire Williams - 1345) Ire sat down at a table and looked out of the window. He had messaged Greta to see if she was free for lunch. He hoped that she would be free but knew that she also had a lot of work dealing with the murder hunt as he sipped at the tea in his hand was drinking Walking into the bar, Greta stood and looked at Ire for a moment. She knew how he was feeling just from the way he was sat. Taking a breath, she walked to his side and sat next to him, "hey you." He looked up as Greta sat down. “Hay you. He smiled at her. “Glad you were able to grab some lunch.” "It's been busy but I always have time for lunch with the most handsome man in Starfleet. " Greta replied with a wink. “How was your morning?” "Long, tiring… I feel like I could sleep forever. Things are just a bit odd right now." “Are you on the investigation or can you not say.” "I haven't been involved although I suspect as it continues, I may be." “Sounds like a better one then me. I had a wonderful time with Robert. Going over my feelings.” "I hope he was nicer to you then he was to me. " she replied with a sigh. “He’s just making sure that I won’t snap and fly us into a sun or something.” "How are you, Ire? We haven't had chance to talk since they took you.." Greta stopped and looked down at the floor for a moment. He nodded and gave her a slight smile. “I am okay. Don’t get me wrong it's a shock about what had happened but it's not like I knew him particularly well. Even when we spent time in the bird of prey he was not very outgoing but then he’s a spook so I am not surprised.” Greta nodded, "Never had the pleasure of meeting him. From what I have heard, he was quite a character. " “He was from what I knew of him. Liked to push buttons and see what happens.” "Ire, you know people are talking… the amount of people that have been asking me about you.. about if you did it is unreal." “Really? What are they saying?” "Not much. They are mainly asking if I noticed anything… if you could have done it." “Really they think that?” "Of course I told them no. Ire, you are one of, if not the, kindest and loving people i have ever met." He gave a slight smile. “Thanks but I guess they expected you to say that.” Greta leant back in her chair and smiled, "I guess I am a little biased." “I just don't understand why he was murdered. It can’t just be that he irritated someone. I mean getting angry I can understand but killing him seems a bit over the top.” "It does. Maybe it wasn't a crime of passion but something else…" she paused thinking to herself. “Like what?” "What if… what if it was something he found out.. something he shouldn't have known…" “You would think if he had found out something that they would have taken him out before he got onto the Exter. As once he was here it should have been much harder.” "I know… this is just crazy.. and for you to be a person of interest… that's just wrong." “I was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. I was in the area at the right time. I ran past his quarters. It was right for Ravok to get me in for questioning even if we are good friends.” Greta sighed, "I've heard that they pulled lieutenant Cortez in too. And that bar manager… couple of others as well." “Them as well. I guess I was not the only one that he talked to.” "Looks like it." “I do really hope we find this murderer soon and find out why.” "Yes. But more importantly, how are you, Ire? No bull. Talk to me." “I am okay. Sad that he was killed, angry that someone on board did it and worried that I am a suspect even though I know I didn't do it.” Greta folded her arms over her chest and looked at him, "is that all? You should talk to me…" He looked at her. “Greta. It's not like it was Ravok or you. I knew him professionally but I would not call him a friend. It's sad he was murdered and I will be the first in line when we catch the person.” "You must have some emotions about this.." “What do you want me to do? Do you want me to fall to the ground and burst into tears?” Greta sat back, surprised at the response. “He’s dead and that is horrific but I am not going to fall apart. I am a starfleet officer. I have a responsibility to the ship and the crew.” "As do we all." He paused and reached out to touch her. “I know you care about me and that you are looking out for me. I am okay.” "Taking his hand, she gripped it, "what else would I do?" “How about you. It must be hard for you?” "In what way? I never met him.." “More the fact that people are bothering you about me and also that the murderer is still out there.” "People ask about you all the time. The nice guy of the Exeter…" she smiled softly. “It's nice to be nice.” "As for the murderer, they'll get caught. No question. " “That’s good to know.” "There was never a doubt. " “Enough about me how are about you?” "Me? A little tired but other than that, okay. Why do you ask?" “Because I care and love you and I want to make sure that you are okay.” "And you want to make sure I haven't unleashed the Scottish warrior woman at some unsuspecting crew men?" “I am sure that if you unleash your scottish warrior woman they deserve it.” "You say that but you haven't seen it full force!" She grinned. “Full force…..um no.” "So, tell me, Ire, what made you ask me out for lunch?" “Why do I need an excuse to ask the woman that I love out for lunch?” he smiled. “ I also just wanted to see you because you were worried this morning and I though it would be nice to get some lunch together.” "Okay, fine. I won't argue at that." She smiled. “That’s good.” "I always worry, especially about you." “Me. There is no reason to worry about me.” Raising an eyebrow, Greta allowed herself a chuckle, "doesn't stop me. " “What?” "Worrying about you." “I would rather you did not or we might be here all day.” "Perhaps we should order?" (reply none) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – 2O/CEO – Lt.Cmdr. Kiera Merek – 1347) Once Ensign Hammerfield had left, Trip turned to his command staff. "Now then after an hour to think and get some food, any new thoughts or insights that have come to mind about our investigation?" “I think I have a way to set up our sensors to automatically detect if our assailant teleports again.” Keira offered. “I can set up one of the unclaimed labs to project adaptive subspace echograms. It would be like old earth sonar but for subspace. Any attempt to power a device based on the Elway Theorum would allow us to get exact coordinates of either or depending on range both ends of the anomaly.” (Reply Trip) “The device or the echogram?” (Reply Trip) “Well both would depend on how much power is put through them. Folded space transport for one person with an entire starship’s power behind it? Easily over forty thousand lightyears. With less power proportionally less. With what I suspect was done, you wouldn’t need much more than a type II phaser drain the powercell and you would be able to teleport anywhere on the ship one way. Combadge would get you through a door, maybe up or down a deck. If they are able to tie it into ship’s power they could go considerably farther. As for the subspace sonar, that depends on how much power and what you’re willing to do with out.” (Reply Trip) “As I said it’s like subspace sonar. Have you ever heard of sonar beaching whales? Whales would beach themselves just to get away from the sound, it interfered with many of their processes. Some more mischievous sonar technicians would use the sonar to annoy passing ships as the sound of the sonar “ping” would rebound and reverberate off the hull of the ship if it was at point blank range you could hear and literally feel it in the ship’s hull. While ours wont be nearly that damaging it can interfere with our systems that are based off of subspace depending on how much power we put through it.” (Reply Trip) “Many of our systems are shielded against such things. I would be able to keep a minimal involvement from most systems under normal operating conditions, except outgoing subspace communications would automatically be adversely effected, we would be unable to activate the Quantum Slipstream Drive, and all experiments involving subspace fields would be irrevocably tampered with. I recommend putting such experiments in stasis preserving them from such tampering for the time being. Running the scan minimally would give us just under a light year range on the scan. Which would show us all internship points and nearby ships hoping to rescue our assassin. I would also recommend steering clear of any M or L class worlds to take off that escape route.” Keira explained. (Reply Trip) “Any more power to increase our range and we would start messing with other systems.” Keira answered. “A substantial number of our systems rely on or at least work with subspace. Holodecks, including holographic interfaces would be next, followed by transporters and replicators. Increasing power beyond that and the warp drive becomes increasingly unreliable and inefficient as more power would be required to overcome the sonar. Last and most critical when the shields become effected and we’ll be dead in the water and defensless.” (Reply Any) “That would be the next problem is to get them to use it. Due to the drawbacks, if I were the assailant I would only use it as a last resort to avoid getting caught. The safe play would be to drop below notice until we land on Bolus X then find a way off ship and disappear.” Keira admitted. (Reply any) “Ensign Hammerfield’s investigation may prove useful in that regard.” Keira said now sounding more like her Romulan side had come out to speak. “A ship wide hunt would make the guilty nervous and may flush them out. Push them to use their device to escape capture and then the echograms reveal their location.” (Reply any at meeting) (USS Exeter - Deck 7 -Counsellors office -COO Ensign (sg) Paul Sleeford 13:50) Smiling slightly Sleeford shook his head, "He tried to get under my skin yesterday, made some comments about my new job costing an arm and or a leg.", Laughing, "Hell he tried really hard to make me snap If I'd not been so busy I might have." "How did that make you feel?" Sleeford looked at the floor as he thought about his interactions with Tyko, it was less then stellar, if he was honest it had been a total disaster. He'd been rude, in fact he'd been damn right nasty. The question about haw he'd felt about Tykos goading made him smile slightly. "I'll be honest at the time it mad me angry, after he left i sat the glaring at the wall opposite my desk, after a couple of minutes I'd calmed down enough to find it funny." "Do you think he deserved to die?" There was no hesitation in his answering, "No, defiantly not, regardless of how much of a son of a bitch he was, he didn't deserve to die" (Reply Roberts) (USS Exeter - Deck 7 -Counsellors office -Counselor, Ensign Jack Roberts - 13:50) There was no hesitation in his answering, "No, definitely not, regardless of how much of a son of a bitch he was, he didn't deserve to die" "Well that's good. Had you said yes, I would be a tad bit worried." (reply Sleef0rd) "You know, both you and I have something in common. We were both Marines and after an injury, chose to change careers. And here you are again, switching careers once more due to injury. How are you holding up?" (reply Sleeford) "It's a tough day, it really is. Losing the path of life you built for yourself due to injury. I know it racked me to my core. How'd you handle it? the first time that is. Feel free to give us much detail as you'd like." (reply Sleeford) (reply Sleeford) Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express Day: 2 Stardate: 2445.12.02 (USS Exeter – Conference Room – FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken – 1350) “Any more power to increase our range and we would start messing with other systems.” Keira answered. “A substantial number of our systems rely on or at least work with subspace. Holodecks, including holographic interfaces would be next, followed by transporters and replicators. Increasing power beyond that and the warp drive becomes increasingly unreliable and inefficient as more power would be required to overcome the sonar. Last and most critical when the shields become effected and we’ll be dead in the water and defensless.” “Not to mention I’d imagine the kind of power draw that the folding tech would need is immense. We know what to look for now surely. Even if we wanted them to use it to trace the murderer, I’m not certain that they would, murderer is too careful.” “That would be the next problem is to get them to use it. Due to the drawbacks, if I were the assailant I would only use it as a last resort to avoid getting caught. The safe play would be to drop below notice until we land on Bolus X then find a way off ship and disappear.” Keira admitted. “I concur.” Ailynn said. “The murderer has covered their tracks pretty well, I were them...heads down, keep your nose clean until Bolus.” “Ensign Hammerfield’s investigation may prove useful in that regard.” Keira said now sounding more like her Romulan side had come out to speak. “A ship wide hunt would make the guilty nervous and may flush them out. Push them to use their device to escape capture and then the echograms reveal their location.” “We’re taking too much to chance at the moment. I agree Kiera, this may be our best means of closing the net, but our quarry is...look,” She sighed gently. “Unsub shows signs of extreme forensic countermeasure, extreme level of planning. The toxins in the body, I haven’t figured out yet, forensic xenotoxicology is not my field. However, I know that those toxins are not there by chance, I can’t figure out what they either did, or supposed to have done, but it isn’t by chance, we were supposed to find it.” (Reply any in meeting) “The C1 fracture is textbook. If we’d have had ligature marks round the neck I’d have told you he’d been hanged, and I mean professionally, however I haven’t. So we have really subtle toxicolligy, extreme forensic countermeasure that...hell... I’d be proud of, a textbook broken neck, and then...and then we have a furious blitz attack on the base of the skull. The last one feels out of place, at first I considered it just to be another countermeasure, but I looked again at the scans.” (Reply any in meeting) “Broken neck was by a right hander. Blitz attack was a leftie. I’m sorry it took so long Trip.” She sighed deeply. “Feel free to ask mum, Hell I’m not sure I believe even myself. We have a team. We have more than one killer.” (Reply any in meeting) (USS Exeter – Conference Room – CO, Captain Trip Williams – 1352) “I think I have a way to set up our sensors to automatically detect if our assailant teleports again.” Keira offered. “I can set up one of the unclaimed labs to project adaptive subspace echograms. It would be like old earth sonar but for subspace. Any attempt to power a device based on the Elway Theorum would allow us to get exact coordinates of either or depending on range both ends of the anomaly.” "How far are we talking?" “The device or the echogram?” "Both." Trip asked. “Well both would depend on how much power is put through them. Folded space transport for one person with an entire starship’s power behind it? Easily over forty thousand lightyears. With less power proportionally less. With what I suspect was done, you wouldn’t need much more than a type II phaser drain the powercell and you would be able to teleport anywhere on the ship one way. Combadge would get you through a door, maybe up or down a deck. If they are able to tie it into ship’s power they could go considerably farther. As for the subspace sonar, that depends on how much power and what you’re willing to do with out.” Trip just nodded. “As I said it’s like subspace sonar. Have you ever heard of sonar beaching whales? Whales would beach themselves just to get away from the sound, it interfered with many of their processes. Some more mischievous sonar technicians would use the sonar to annoy passing ships as the sound of the sonar “ping” would rebound and reverberate off the hull of the ship if it was at point blank range you could hear and literally feel it in the ship’s hull. While ours wont be nearly that damaging it can interfere with our systems that are based off of subspace depending on how much power we put through it.” "What preventative measures would we need?" “Many of our systems are shielded against such things. I would be able to keep a minimal involvement from most systems under normal operating conditions, except outgoing subspace communications would automatically be adversely effected, we would be unable to activate the Quantum Slipstream Drive, and all experiments involving subspace fields would be irrevocably tampered with. I recommend putting such experiments in stasis preserving them from such tampering for the time being. Running the scan minimally would give us just under a light year range on the scan. Which would show us all internship points and nearby ships hoping to rescue our assassin. I would also recommend steering clear of any M or L class worlds to take off that escape route.” Keira explained. Trip nodded. "Any more power to increase our range and we would start messing with other systems.” Keira answered. “A substantial number of our systems rely on or at least work with subspace. Holodecks, including holographic interfaces would be next, followed by transporters and replicators. Increasing power beyond that and the warp drive becomes increasingly unreliable and inefficient as more power would be required to overcome the sonar. Last and most critical when the shields become effected and we’ll be dead in the water and defensless.” “Not to mention I’d imagine the kind of power draw that the folding tech would need is immense. We know what to look for now surely. Even if we wanted them to use it to trace the murderer, I’m not certain that they would, murderer is too careful.” “That would be the next problem is to get them to use it. Due to the drawbacks, if I were the assailant I would only use it as a last resort to avoid getting caught. The safe play would be to drop below notice until we land on Bolus X then find a way off ship and disappear.” Keira admitted. “I concur.” Ailynn said. “The murderer has covered their tracks pretty well, I were them...heads down, keep your nose clean until Bolus.” “Ensign Hammerfield’s investigation may prove useful in that regard.” Keira said now sounding more like her Romulan side had come out to speak. “A ship wide hunt would make the guilty nervous and may flush them out. Push them to use their device to escape capture and then the echograms reveal their location.” “We’re taking too much to chance at the moment. I agree Kiera, this may be our best means of closing the net, but our quarry is...look,” She sighed gently. “Unsub shows signs of extreme forensic countermeasure, extreme level of planning. The toxins in the body, I haven’t figured out yet, forensic xenotoxicology is not my field. However, I know that those toxins are not there by chance, I can’t figure out what they either did, or supposed to have done, but it isn’t by chance, we were supposed to find it.” "Seems like we were meant to find a lot of things in this investigation." Trip said with a sigh. “The C1 fracture is textbook. If we’d have had ligature marks round the neck I’d have told you he’d been hanged, and I mean professionally, however I haven’t. So we have really subtle toxicolligy, extreme forensic countermeasure that...hell... I’d be proud of, a textbook broken neck, and then...and then we have a furious blitz attack on the base of the skull. The last one feels out of place, at first I considered it just to be another countermeasure, but I looked again at the scans.” "And?" Trip asked. “Broken neck was by a right hander. Blitz attack was a leftie. I’m sorry it took so long Trip.” She sighed deeply. "Are you sure?" “Feel free to ask mum, Hell I’m not sure I believe even myself. We have a team. We have more than one killer.” "I don't want to involve HQ quite yet, until we file an official report for an arrest warrant, but I guess that is our new theory. Ravok, I want you and Keira to go over the evidence, look at everything over again from the perspective of three assailants rather than one." (reply Ravok) "Perfect, Keira, Ravok you are dismissed." (reply Keira, Ravok) Trip then waited for them to leave and then turned to Ailynn, "How certain are you that there are multiple assailants?" (reply Ailynn) (USS Exeter- Counsellors office - COO Ensign Paul Sleeford 13:55) Well that's good. Had you said yes, I would be a tad bit worried." Laughing Sleeford replied, “ To be honest if I’d have said yes I’d have walked into Ravoks office and demanded he put me in a cell.” "You know, both you and I have something in common. We were both Marines and after an injury, chose to change careers. And here you are again, switching careers once more due to injury. How are you holding up?" “I’ll be honest at first I hated it and myself, both times it was my own careless actions that led me to be I injured, as time passed and with the help of this department the anger and guilt lessened to the point it no longer bothers me” "It's a tough day, it really is. Losing the path of life you built for yourself due to injury. I know it racked me to my core. How'd you handle it? the first time that is. Feel free to give us much detail as you'd like." “It’s all in my records, but for the sake of a good story I’ll retell it.” Sleeford paused to compose his thoughts, the dunking in the sty still made him smile. “My departure from the corp was a simple climbing accident, some idiot thought the rock face was stable. It wasn’t I found out the hard way, twenty five feet down onto my, hips and lower back. As I lay in hospital after surgery the Gunnery Sergeant came and gave me a choice, retake the course, the entire four years or a medical discharge. Anyway long story short, I went into a self destruct cycle, drink to forget, sober up, remember, get drunk again. My stepfather found me one day slumped drunk against the pig sty,” Laughing Sleeford continued, “ He scooped me up like a babe in arms, threw me over the fence a said, ‘ if you wanna be like a pig, you can lives with um’. Three days I lay in the muck, the pigs giving me a little nudge now and then, I climbed out, walked into the house, stinking, my mother grabbed my by the ear, dragged me back outside into the old horse trough and scrubbed me red. Later that day the old man brought me a coffee and a chat” (Reply Roberts) (USS Exeter- Counsellors office - Counselor, Ensign SG Jack Roberts 13:57) "Seems like that was a seminal moment in your life." Jack said with a smile. "Lot of soul searching." Jack said as he got up and walked over to a pitcher of water on his desk. (reply Sleeford) "Would you like something to drink?" Jack asked as he came back with two full glasses. Not sure if Sleeford wanted one, he figured worst case scenario it would just sit there on the table. (reply Sleeford) Jack placed one glass on the table and then sat back down in his seat. Taking a sip, he took a deep breath and then smiled warmly. "Would you say that is an event that made you who you are today?" (reply Sleeford) Jack nodded. "How have you relied on that moment to help you with your current injury and change of position?" (reply Sleeford) (USS Exeter – Crew Quarters – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1420) Sitting at a desk alone in her quarters Janice had multiple display screen up. The compounds stolen, sensor logs, computer logs – the whole kit and caboodle. Staring at it she ran her fingers through her hair then let her head fall onto the desk. It was a lot to take in. Finding whole took the compounds was important. Hatching a small plan in her head she tapped her comm badge, “Hammerfield to Ensign T’Kel – could you join me in my quarters please. I need your help with something,” (reply T’Kel) “Thanks,” (USS Exeter – Crew Quarters – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1426) Turning to the door she opened it manually, “Mister T’Kel – please come in,” (reply T’Kel) Making sure the door was sealed behind him she gestured to the monitors, “I’m sure you already know about the missing chemicals from the science lab - I’ve been tasked with finding these missing items and I have a plan but ill need your help to make it work,” (reply T’Kel) “Tweaking what we have is going to take time and we aren’t too sure how our sensors are being evaded so we cant find them. I want to try something simple first and should take up a short amount of time as well. I want to run this past you to see if what im thinking of can be done and what you think of it,” she looked at him and sat down in a seat holding her hand out to an open one across from her. (reply T’Kel) “Why you? Well I need someone in security who has access to systems to make this work and also I think you are smart and trustworthy enough to help with this,” (reply T’Kel) “Mmm yes – the plan. Here’s what im thinking. I want to plant a ruse in the ships news tomorrow. Im told everyone reads it and if I stole something I would defiantly be keeping an eye on current events. It will say that we are going to be testing a new scanning method tomorrow and that anyone hearing a buzzing noise should report it to us as soon as they hear it to help us pinpoint the location of the chemicals. Ill make up something about it acting like sonar. What I’m hoping is that we can use the ships communications play a very specific white noise out to individuals when they are alone. My hope is that if the chemicals in whatever shielding they are contained in is examined by the individual might give the sensors a window to pick them up. I want them to feel nervous enough to go check up on them and maybe move them. If someone doesn’t report in that would be interesting too,” she looked at him for input on her idea, “Thoughts?” (reply T’Kel) (USS Exeter – Corridor –The Murderer? - 1430) Walking by the corridor, he tried to keep casual. He kept hearing rumors all day of poison killing Tyko Nix or damage to the spinal column. But he was pretty sure it was the bash on the head. That was the weapon he was told to use by his master. How he was told to do the deed. Surely those were just rumors. Things to get him to slip up. He just kept walking and blended into the crowd. There were about four or five others walking the corridor at the same time. One of which was a security officer, Arbor. ~Don't panic, just move, act normal. Fly casual.~ He nodded politely at Arbor as he walked by him and smiled and continued on his way towards the turbolift to get back from work. (reply Arbor iyw, none needed) (USS Exeter , Counsellors Office -Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 14:38) NRPC:- All remarks are IC only and in no way meant to be disrespectful to anyone. Stan was beginning not to like the counsellor. Everything More said was being turned around. To make him look like he was some kind of nutter. He wondered what would happen. If he told Roberts where to stuff his psycho babble and walk out. They were the same rank so he could do it. But the ships counsellor just like her doctors. Had the power to order anyone. They felt a danger to the crew or themselves off duty , permanently. "Well there a few things that are of concern to me ensign." ~ Och now there is a surprise ~ Stan thought “ Oh?” He said aloud "Well, for one, I think you are very quick to jump to the extreme. Maybe not in action, but in thought." ~ Here we go.~ He thought "The second, is I think you hold too low an opinion of yourself and your peers. I think it stems from the first, of jumping to the extreme. This notion that you wanted to turn yourself in, because people thought you were already guilty. The thought that your peers are so ready to write you off. Almost as if you will create a self fulfilling prophecy." Were was this guy stationed? It certainly was not the Exeter! Didn’t he hear about Ens. Hyru and his outburst? Surely a ship’s counsellor should have their ear to the ground. Enough was enough. “ Excuse me sir?” Stan said softly "Do you really think your peers so untrained, so naive, so quick to judge that they have already judged you guilty? And if so why do you think they would cast you off so easy?" “ Well you have.” Stan said. ( Reply , Roberts ) “ Oh really. Permission to speak freely.” Stan said ( Reply , Roberts ) “ Why are you turning everything I say around. Making it look like I am the villain here? I never said anything about my commanding officers. Who I know are decent people. Unfortunately there are some security officers. Who have already decided I am guilty. Like Ensign Hyru who did not even wait until my back was turned. Before making comments about me. Ravok heard him and put him on a charge. But you don’t care about that do you.No you sit here without even walking amongst the crew. Because I have never seen you outside this office.Making your unfair judgements about people. I bet you don’t even know where the security office is sir.” Stan said ( Reply , Roberts ) “ And hear we go....... you didn’t even listen. I wish to see someone else please. I am not happy with the way you have conducted this session. Sir” Stan said. ( Reply , Roberts ) “ I am loyal to this crew. There is nothing I would not do to protect them. You have twisted everything I have said. I see no point going on with someone who is clearly biased against me.” Stan replied. ( Reply , Roberts ) (USS Exeter , Counsellors Office -Counselor, Ensign Jack Roberts - 14:40) “ Well you have.” Stan said. "But I have not," Jack said matter of factly. “ Oh really. Permission to speak freely.” Stan said "Granted." “ Why are you turning everything I say around. Making it look like I am the villain here? I never said anything about my commanding officers. Who I know are decent people. Unfortunately there are some security officers. Who have already decided I am guilty. Like Ensign Hyru who did not even wait until my back was turned. Before making comments about me. Ravok heard him and put him on a charge. But you don’t care about that do you.No you sit here without even walking amongst the crew. Because I have never seen you outside this office.Making your unfair judgements about people. I bet you don’t even know where the security office is sir.” Stan said Jack didn't say a word. He just listened nodding his head. “ And here we go....... you didn’t even listen. I wish to see someone else please. I am not happy with the way you have conducted this session. Sir” Stan said. "Are you done Ensign?." “ I am loyal to this crew. There is nothing I would not do to protect them. You have twisted everything I have said. I see no point going on with someone who is clearly biased against me.” Stan replied. "Ensign, I think you just proved my point." (reply More) "My job is to assess your mental state, to see how these affairs are affecting you. See how the stress is getting to you, whether or not you need time off. Nothing I have done here was place guilt or twist your questions. And just because you've never seen me outside this office doesn't mean I don't leave it. The Chief Tactical Officer's office is on deck 8 as is the brig and armory. The secondary security officer, brig, and armory are on deck 20." (reply More) "Do you see those commendations on my wall Ensign? I earned them as a Marine, enlisted at 18, served 9 years before an injury forced me to switch careers. So give me credit where credit is due. I know all about loyalty and service and brotherhood. And I know what happens when we let stress cause us to jump to conclusions. You say I am biased, sure, but not against you. I am in your corner." (reply More) "My assessment was that you are quick to judgement. Did you even think critically about what my concerns were before you decided to judge. I said that I perceived you had an esteem issue, and asked if you really thought your peers would judge you so quickly. Sure one did, but at the same time, it was more a question for you to look introspectively and realize that you actually have much to offer and that your comrades see that. Instead of thinking about the question, you used that hair trigger of yours to judge and jump. I apologize if you took it in the wrong way, but you have done nothing to ease my concerns." (reply More) "You used the phrase villain, nothing I said even had the remotest notions or inkling of vilifying you or casting guilt. You are free to walk ensign, but as long as I have my concerns about your attitude and leaping before thinking, I can't clear you for duty. Now then lets start from the beginning. Back track a bit, find the bigger issue. So you have two choices ensign, you are free to walk out that door, which means you will not be cleared for duty until assessment by a second counselor, of which all are busy for the next two hours, at least. Or you can sit down and we can try this again, and you can tell me about your childhood. The choice is yours." (reply More) (USS Exeter , Counsellors Office - Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More - 14:41 ) The session continued. Ensign, I think you just proved my point." “ Oh?” Stan said "My job is to assess your mental state, to see how these affairs are affecting you. See how the stress is getting to you, whether or not you need time off. Nothing I have done here was place guilt or twist your questions. And just because you've never seen me outside this office doesn't mean I don't leave it. The Chief Tactical Officer's office is on deck 8 as is the brig and armory. The secondary security officer, brig, and armory are on deck 20." “ Ok so you know where things are.” Stan said "Do you see those commendations on my wall Ensign? I earned them as a Marine, enlisted at 18, served 9 years before an injury forced me to switch careers. So give me credit where credit is due. I know all about loyalty and service and brotherhood. And I know what happens when we let stress cause us to jump to conclusions. You say I am biased, sure, but not against you. I am in your corner." “ Well it does not feel that way sitting here sir.” Stan said "My assessment was that you are quick to judgement. Did you even think critically about what my concerns were before you decided to judge. I said that I perceived you had an esteem issue, and asked if you really thought your peers would judge you so quickly. Sure one did, but at the same time, it was more a question for you to look introspectively and realize that you actually have much to offer and that your comrades see that. Instead of thinking about the question, you used that hair trigger of yours to judge and jump. I apologize if you took it in the wrong way, but you have done nothing to ease my concerns." “ or you mine....” Stan mumbled standing up. "You used the phrase villain, nothing I said even had the remotest notions or inkling of vilifying you or casting guilt. You are free to walk ensign, but as long as I have my concerns about your attitude and leaping before thinking, I can't clear you for duty. Now then lets start from the beginning. Back track a bit, find the bigger issue. So you have two choices ensign, you are free to walk out that door, which means you will not be cleared for duty until assessment by a second counselor, of which all are busy for the next two hours, at least. Or you can sit down and we can try this again, and you can tell me about your childhood. The choice is yours." Stan looked at the chair then at Roberts. Giving a sigh he sat down. “ Very well. Let’s continue this session shall we. My childhood was great I grew up in Edinburgh. Some summers I would follow my parents on Archaeological digs. If they were safe enough. Otherwise I would spend my summers with my Grandmother.” He said ( Reply , Roberts) “ Oh she was a great women. Still is bless her. I had plenty of wee friends. I even had a........” Stan suddenly stopped. ( Reply , Roberts) “ No.......” Stan started to feel cold. He wiped his face.” Please......don’t make me talk about Gale......please...?” Stan’s voice trembled as he tried not to think of the women who broke his heart. ( Reply , Roberts) He stood and looked out the window. “ I I was ten years old when I met her........ she was the prettiest wee lassie I had ever seen. She did flinch as the other girls did when I spoke to her. We were like peas and carrots. She was my sweetheart.......” Stan said sitting down and putting his face in his hands. He began to sob. ( Reply , Roberts) “ We got engaged when we both graduated from the university. I had a great job at the Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh..... she taught art at the Institute of Fine Arts. We moved in together. The plan was to get married once we were established in our jobs.....Our life together was perfect....... perfect........ may I have a glass of water please.....” Stan said ( Reply , Roberts) Stan got his drink and drained the glass in one. “ Two days before our wedding.......two days....... I came home early to surprise her and I caught her in bed with another man.” He said “ The guy even tried to make me apologise for calling her a whore. I broke his nose.....” Stan started to sob again. ( Reply , Roberts) “ She never really said why she did it. Later I heard it had been going on for some time. I loved her with all my heart. I made sure I never left her out. Romanced her when she wanted.......gave her space. Oh we had arguments but we soon made up......why Counsellor why? .......I suppose that’s why I act the way I do......... how can I trust myself? If the one person in this universe l loved with my soul......rips my heart out and craps on it?” He said ( Reply , Roberts) (USS Exeter , Counsellors Office - Counselor, Ensign SG Jack Roberts - 14:43 ) “ Very well. Let’s continue this session shall we. My childhood was great. I grew up in Edinburgh. Some summers I would follow my parents on Archaeological digs. If they were safe enough. Otherwise I would spend my summers with my Grandmother.” He said "What was she liked “ Oh she was a great women. Still is bless her. I had plenty of wee friends. I even had a........” Stan suddenly stopped. "Is everything ok?" Jack asked. “ No.......” Stan started to feel cold. He wiped his face.” Please......don’t make me talk about Gale......please...?” Stan’s voice trembled. Jack passed a box of tissues toward to Stan. "It's ok. you don't have to talk about her if you don't want to." He stood and looked out the window. “ I I was ten years old when I met her........ she was the prettiest wee lassie I had ever seen. She didn't flinch as the other girls did when I spoke to her. We were like peas and carrots. She was my sweetheart.......” Stan said sitting down and putting his face in his hands. He began to sob. Jack got up and sat next to Stan placing an affirming hand on his shoulder, not saying a word. Just letting Stan let it out. “ We got engaged when we both graduated from the university. I had a great job at the Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh..... she taught art at the Institute of Fine Arts. We moved in together. The plan was to get married once we were established in our jobs.....Our life together was perfect....... perfect........ may I have a glass of water please.....” Stan said Jack moved over to the replicator and brought back a glass of water, handing it to Stan and the sat back down in his original seat. Stan got his drink and drained the glass in one. “ Two days before our wedding.......two days....... I came home early to surprise her and I caught her in bed with another man.” He said “ The guy even tried to make me apologise for calling her a whore. I broke his nose.....” Stan started to sob again. Jack just sat and listened. “ She never really said why she did it. Later I heard it had been going on for some time. I loved her with all my heart. I made sure I never left her out. Romanced her when she wanted.......gave her space. Oh we had arguments but we soon made up......why Counsellor why? .......I suppose that’s why I act the way I do......... how can I trust myself? If the one person in this universe l loved with my soul......rips my heart out and craps on it?” He said Jack sat and then in a calm voice looked at Stan. "I think, if you'll permit me to say it, that it reflects more on her than it does on you." Jack crossed his legs, with his right ankle resting on top of his left leg. (reply More iyw) "Stan, may I call you Stan?" (Reply More) "I do think you are right. I think this trauma is probably a root of your jumping to the worst conclusion in a moments notice." Jack's tone was calm and reassuring, much like that of a father talking to his child. "You saw the worst, gave your heart to someone and they, as you said, ripped out and crapped on your heart. I can see how that would then make you think that the world is out to get you. That if she, whom you loved so dearly, would find you unworthy, that she may not be the only one. Is that a fair assessment?" (reply More) With a calm voice Jack smiled. "I only asked that question, just for you to think reflectively, its not assessment on character, just something for you to think about. My only goal here is for you to see the value and worth that you have." (reply More) Jack nodded and replied, "I can't imagine what it must have felt like to have that happened. But I think, as I said, it doesn't show that you were unworthy of her, but that she was unworthy of you." (reply More) (USS Exeter , Counsellors Office - Tac/Sec Ens. ( Sg) Stan More - 14:44 ) The pent up feelings of despair and pain finally came to the surface. Stan trembled as he tried to speak. Jack sat and then in a calm voice looked at Stan. "I think, if you'll permit me to say it, that it reflects more on her than it does on you." Jack crossed his legs, with his right ankle resting on top of his left leg. Stan lifted up his face to Roberts. Gone was the sarcastic young man. Out to prove the counsellor a fake. Gone was the act first to hell with the consequences person Stan had been when he came in. Instead sat a sad young man trying and failing to come to terms. With a terrible situation way beyond. His ability to cope with it. "Stan, may I call you Stan?" “ Yes....” Stan said softly "I do think you are right. I think this trauma is probably a root of your jumping to the worst conclusion in a moments notice." Jack's tone was calm and reassuring, much like that of a father talking to his child. "You saw the worst, gave your heart to someone and they, as you said, ripped out and crapped on your heart. I can see how that would then make you think that the world is out to get you. That if she, whom you loved so dearly, would find you unworthy, that she may not be the only one. Is that a fair assessment?" “ Y......Yes.....” Stan said sadly. With a calm voice Jack smiled. "I only asked that question, just for you to think reflectively, its not assessment on character, just something for you to think about. My only goal here is for you to see the value and worth that you have." “ I understand. I I am sorry about my behaviour before.......it it was........uncalled for.” Stan said softly Jack nodded and replied, "I can't imagine what it must have felt like to have that happened. But I think, as I said, it doesn't show that you were unworthy of her, but that she was unworthy of you." “ What do I do now......... I really really loved her you know. I thought joining Starfleet would help me. Forget her. But it just made me bottle all this up...... You know before all this happened. I was a different person. I used to be a gardener. A good one to.Assistant head gardener of the Edinburgh Royal Botanical Gardens. I was tipped to become full head. Then this happened. Over night my attitude changed. I hated science and flowers. I think that’s why when Captain Williams offered me Security instead of Science. I accepted it.” Stan said. ( Reply , Roberts ) “ I don’t know anymore. If I can stay in Security that would be nice. I am not sure though. I mean what do I do? I would like to go back to the person I was before.........she.....before all this happened.” Stan said. ( Reply , Roberts ) Stan pointed to his chest. “ I know he is in here somewhere.....help me....” Stan began to sob again...” Help me...” ( Reply , Roberts ) (USS Exeter , Counsellors Office - Counselor, Ensign SG Jack Roberts - 14:47 ) “ What do I do now......... I really really loved her you know. I thought joining Starfleet would help me. Forget her. But it just made me bottle all this up...... You know before all this happened. I was a different person. I used to be a gardener. A good one to.Assistant head gardener of the Edinburgh Royal Botanical Gardens. I was tipped to become full head. Then this happened. Over night my attitude changed. I hated science and flowers. I think that’s why when Captain Williams offered me Security instead of Science. I accepted it.” Stan said. "Do you wish you could change back to science?" “ I don’t know anymore. If I can stay in Security that would be nice. I am not sure though. I mean what do I do? I would like to go back to the person I was before.........she.....before all this happened.” Stan said. "That is an admirable goal." Jack said with a warm smile. Stan pointed to his chest. “ I know he is in here somewhere.....help me....” Stan began to sob again...” Help me...” "I want to help you Stan, but you must know that it will take time." (reply More) "There are many times where we wish a change can happen instantly, and just immediately say, I want this to happen, hoping that it will. But this sort of request, this journey will be hard and take time." (reply More) "It will revolve some soul searching, as well as an active choice, to slowly but surely move forward. Knowing that often times we are haunted by our memories and and the emotional ghosts they leave." (reply More) "It is a journey that this office will be willing to walk with you. And even though sometimes it might seem like two steps forward and one step back, two minus one is still positive one, one positive step forward." (reply More) (USS Exeter , Counsellors Office - Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 14:48) Stan was feeling strange. It was like he was looking through a window. At a man very much like him. He could see this person screaming and waving a Phaser around. Shaking his fists and shouting. As he backed away from the window . It was as if a weight was slowly being lifted from his soul.He felt lighter in himself but not quite. Stan slowly closed his eyes and asked for another glass of water. "I want to help you Stan, but you must know that it will take time." Sipping the ice cold water he nodded. “ I see.....” He whispered "There are many times where we wish a change can happen instantly, and just immediately say, I want this to happen, hoping that it will. But this sort of request, this journey will be hard and take time." “ I think I understand Jack.” Stan said "It will revolve some soul searching, as well as an active choice, to slowly but surely move forward. Knowing that often times we are haunted by our memories and and the emotional ghosts they leave." “ I will try. Will you please help me Jack?” Stan said "It is a journey that this office will be willing to walk with you. And even though sometimes it might seem like two steps forward and one step back, two minus one is still positive one, one positive step forward." Stan’s hand shook as he tried to drink his glass of water. He looked at Roberts and sighed. “ I know it’s going to be a long journey. My grandmother always said. The longest journey always begins with the first step. So what is my first step?” Stan asked ( Reply , Roberts ) “ If we had had this meeting yesterday. I would of agreed with you Jack. But Sytuk and I discovered something this morning. Connected to recent events. That could put my friend in danger. I need to be around just in case.” Stan explained ( Reply , Roberts ) “ I don’t want to put you in danger. So it’s best only myself and Sytuk know what we found. But I assure you once the kill........case is over. If needs be I will take a temporary LOA.” Stan said” Based on whatever you recommend.” ( Reply , Roberts) “ I fully understand yer fears. Jack. But rest assured I won’t leap into Phaser beam. I have begun the journey. The old me he’s still here but I can control him now.” Stan assured Roberts. (Reply , Roberts ) (USS Exeter - Medical Office - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 14:51) Ailynn looked again at all the information that she had from the autopsy. Taken apart from evidence that had been collected at the scene, she still couldn’t put all the bits into one picture. =/\=Gabe to Ailynn=/\= Ailynn smiled, and tapped her commbadge. “Bracken.” =/\=Is there any chance you can bring the autopsy report down to me?" *Cough* "it would be good to feel a little normal. =/\= “I’m certain I can, if you think you’re up to it; when do you want it?” Gabe coughed hard as he answered her, she wasn’t certain he was quite as well as he was making out, but she knew her brother, she knew that he, like her, would be going crazy at being cooped up not being able to do her job. =/\= I'm sure it's alright Ailynn, when you can is good for me. =/\= Coughing again Gabe made a noise as the channel closed. Smiling, she tapped a combination on the panel next to her, and transferred the autopsy to a PADD that was next to her on the desk. She then stood up, stretching slightly, and started toward Gabe’s quarters. (USS Exeter - Vesper’s Personal Quarters - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 1500) She hit the doorchime as she reached the door, the tiredness had waned, but her mood actually hadn’t. “Bed bath and room service.” She called out, drawing confused looks from a couple of passing Ensigns. (Reply Versper) She entered the room, taking note of Gabe’s condition in the blink of an eye, seeing that he seemed to be far brighter than he had been. “Hey Bro.” She passed over the PADD containing the autopsy. “Be gentle. Took a long time to find the cause of death, I had to rebuild the entire back of Nix’s skull to find it.” She looked at him. “You okay?” (Reply Vesper) (USS Exeter – Jefferies tube –ACEO, Lieutenant JG Alistair Brightwood - 1505) “Hallo is anyone down there?" "Who are you talking to Vosi?" Alistair said as he walked up behind the Orion engineer and placed his hand on Vosi. Alistair had a Flashlight in his off hand. (reply Vosi) "I hope I didn't startle you ensign." (Reply Vosi) "I was making my way through the Jeffries tubes, some of the hatches have been a bit, hard to open, was making my way to check them out, when the lights went out. I probably could have sent a crewman to do it, but honestly, sometimes I just like to get out engineering and do grunt work if that makes sense." (Reply Vosi) "What are you doing in here, did you blow the power down here in the Jeffries tubes?" (reply Vosi) (reply Vosi) (USS Exeter – Jefferies tube –Engineering Officer – Ensign – Galu Vosi- 1507) "Who are you talking to Vosi?" He watched as Brightwood walked towards him with a flashlight. “Umm well I guess you.” "I hope I didn't startle you ensign." “Yes Sir…why are you down here?” "I was making my way through the Jeffries tubes, some of the hatches have been a bit, hard to open, was making my way to check them out, when the lights went out. I probably could have sent a crewman to do it, but honestly, sometimes I just like to get out engineering and do grunt work if that makes sense." Galu nodded. “Yes sir I can totally understand that.” "What are you doing in here, did you blow the power down here in the Jeffries tubes?" “I am here for a component replacement.” He indicated to the broken component on the deck beside him. “There was a slight power surge as I replaced the component, but it should not have been that bad to take out the whole section.” (Reply Brightwood) “This component only give power to here and here.” He pointed to the area. “But for this much power outage it would have to blow here and here. It just does not make sense.” (Reply Brightwood) (USS Exeter – Ops Department – OPS Officer – Ensign (JG)- Oliver Wallis - 1515) It looked like it was going to be a normal shift. The ship was still on its route to its destination and Oliver was settling into normal work routine. He hoped that apart from the death of the intelligence officer that it would be the only unique thing to happen on this leg of the trip. His thoughts blinked back to his console as an icon blinked. ~What on earth~ His fingers moved across the console and brought up the information. ~It looks like a power outage Jeffries tube zeta six~ He frowned and glanced over at the engineering maintenance schedule. He rerouted the ships power flow around the power outage with only a fraction of a percentage drop. “Okay so a scheduled component replacement but that should not cause such a large power outage even with a power surge it’s too big.” He paused for a moment before tapping his comm badge. “Ensign Sleeford this is Ensign Wallis.” (Reply Sleeford) “Sir I have a power outage of Jeffries tube zeta six. I have rerouted power around that area. There is an engineering maintenance task for a componence replacement, but it should not have caused that much of a problem.” (Reply Sleeford) (USS Exeter - Personal quarters - COO Ensign (sg) Paul Sleeford 1516) Sleeford sat cross legged on the floor of his quarter, his eyes closed as he relaxed his mind, trying to force the thoughts that had been jumbled in his mind all day. Something about the killer bothered him. Taking a deep breath he slowly released it to calm his thoughts, ‘ So how did some one circumvent the door security systems, on a VIP suite it needed command authority to own the door, so unless Captain Williams he as gone rouge, then it was bypassed, but how, it should show up as an entry, if the code was scrambled then the killer......’ “Ensign Sleeford this is Ensign Wallis.” “Sleeford.” “Sir I have a power outage of Jeffries tube zeta six. I have rerouted power around that area. There is an engineering maintenance task for a componence replacement, but it should not have caused that much of a problem.” “Ok thanks, I’ll notify engineering to see if they can send someone out.” Closing the channel Sleeford slowly got to his feet, his thighs cramping slightly from the long seated position, stretch his back he tapped his badge. “Sleeford to Engineering “ (Replies any in engineering) “We’re indicating a power outage in tube Zeta six, can you send someone to take a look “ (Reply engineering) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Aft Lounge - CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez - 1554) Sitting at a table, Erin took a sip of her drink and sighed. Not being used to forced relaxation, she had decided to just have a quiet drink before getting something to eat and retiring for the evening. Not wanting to use the holodeck, she sat, looking at the stars out of the window as her mind wandered. ~I can understand why Roberts told me to take some time and maybe he was right. I’ve put off thinking about Nix properly and how this has affected me. It’s not something i want to visit now but it looks like i might have to. ~ She took a breath, a sip of her drink and crossed her legs slightly. ~He… was a good guy. He may have had a certain bluntness about him but that was him. Did he deserve to die for it? No. I should talk to Jimmy about this but i know exactly what he is going to say. You didn’t do it so you have nothing to worry about. Easier said then done when whoever did it broke into my department and, somehow, stole some things that only i have access to. Makes me a good suspect and, even though i know people don’t really think i did do it, there are those that will be saying that there is no smoke without fire. So, what do i do now? How do i work when i am under suspicion… ~ she thought to herself as she sat, quietly. (Reply Any) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Aft Lounge - Yeoman, Ensign Senior Grade Thea Helms- 1600) Althea Yukie Helms, known to all close to her as Thea entered the aft lounge looking for a snack. She enjoyed being in Starfleet and enjoyed being a captains yeoman. It was weird that the Captain was her same age, but Trip was kind to her as was his wife Ash. Layla, the captain's dog, on the other hand was a bit of a mess. Though she didn't talk much about herself with others, and was kind of reserved, Thea was the oldest of 3 children, all girls. Her parents were civilians, her father Yuji Helms was a martial arts instructor on the island of Maui, where she grew up, and her mother Yoshiko Nakamura-Helms was a botanist. She grew up with the ocean as her playground, feeling at home while surfing. But she wanted more, she wanted to explore, to go beyond her horizons, that led her to Starfleet Academy, studying ops, focusing on supply and personnel management, eventually getting her posting on the Exeter as the Capatain's yeoman. During her time on the Exeter she had been to Bajor, Deep Space Nine, The Gamma Quadrant, Cardassia, Trill, and now to Bolarus IX. She was doing what she wanted to do, explore. Seeing Erin sitting by herself and looking a bit sad Thea walked over to her and sat down. "Mind if I sit here?" (reply Cortez) "Not sure if we actually have had the chance to talk, but I've seen you around, especially in an out of the Captain's ready room. Althea Helms, yeoman, but you can call me Thea." (reply Cortez) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Aft Lounge - CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez - 1602) "Mind if I sit here?" The voice broke through her mind and she looked up to see a young, dark haired woman smiling down at her. “I’m not good company right now. But, i’m not going to say no so please…” Erin gestured to the seat opposite her. "Not sure if we actually have had the chance to talk, but I've seen you around, especially in an out of the Captain's ready room. Althea Helms, yeoman, but you can call me Thea." Erin nodded, “I assume you know who i am but seen as introductions are in order, Lieutenant Erin Cortez.” (Reply Helms) “It’s been a strange and long day so far with no sign of letting up.” Erin sighed, “It was brought to my attention recently that i need to figure out some feelings with regards to recent events….” (Reply Helms) Erin smiled softly, “You really don’t want to hear my tale of woe.” (Reply Helms) USS Exeter – Captain's Ready Room - CO Captain Trip Williams & CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok - 1600 ) Ravok walked into the ready room, PADD in hand. He stood in front of Trip's desk. " Thank you for seeing me Sir." He placed a metallic puck shaped object on the desk. The device was an information puck which displayed a holographic list of log entries. “Well it’s not like I have much else to do except make sure the ship doesn’t blow up and we catch a murderer.” Trip said with a sigh. He hated that they hadn’t found him yet. " I have gathered all the logs belonging to Commander Tyko Nix during his time on the Exeter. To no surprise they are locked." Ravok stated. “Well, I mean it’s standard. I’ve got a few of my logs that are locked for security reasons.” " Me too, but only ones pertaining to the missions" Ravok added. “Let me guess, you want my permission to open them. You have it, do I just input my command code or something?” Ravok gave a look comparable to cringe. " Not exactly. When I said locked. I mean they are locked with the access permissions to open them being above even your own clearances." "So Starfleet command type clearance." " My concern is that you will be met with a hard No." Ravok said with concern in his voice. "Depends on who we ask. It doesn't fall under mom and dads purview. Plus I'm pretty sure the Intel chief will say no." " The only connection I have is Commander Sinclair at the academy. There has to be someone." Ravok said. "This is a criminal investigation, correct?" Ravok nodded his head. " It most certainly is." "I could contact my uncle Will. Chief Judge Advocate of Starfleet. Ask him to issue a bench order." " Your uncle ? Billy's father? " Ravok asked. "One and the same." " It's our best shot of unlocking these logs. So I guess you call him? Or send a report? " Ravok asked not knowing the best way to proceed. "Seems like it. I'll give him a call and let you know if I get permission. Otherwise, they're to remain locked and their existence secret. Is that understood?" Ravok nodded his head. " Understood sir." "Anything else?" " Yes sir. I'm sure you're aware of the circumstances of Ensign More turning himself in. He has been removed from duty. " Ravok said. "I'm aware." " I have assigned Petty officer Sytuk to assist Ensign More in clearing his name and also to ensure that Ensign More doesn't find himself in any more trouble while in the process. Petty officer Sytuk has no direct information on the investigation and is not permitted to have official knowledge of the details. As a free man he has the legal right to prove his innocence if he desires to. If this is something you wish me to discontinue I will do so immediately." Ravok explained. "Do you think More is actually a person of interest?" Ravok shook his head. " Not at all." "Put him back on duty. If the evidence points to him, we'll deal with it later. But I don't think More is guilty." " Really Sir?" Ravok asked, surprised at Trips order. "For one he is innocent until proven guilty. Two no charges have been levied against him." " True Sir." "And three, he has neither the technical or medical know how to be our guy. " Ravok nodded his head. " Some would say the strands of dog hair are enough to incriminate him. Call it preferential treatment , call it ignorance of the evidence, but with all the red herrings being left. I feel as though the dog hair was yet another red herring. I have noticed on several occasions that Ensign More places hair in many waste receptacles. I could see why some people would say lock him up and throw away the key, but like you said Sir, he doesn't have the knowledge or skill to have pulled this off even with help. He's a botanist turned security officer. So unless the commander was killed with a bouquet of flowers I severely doubt he is our guy. " Trip nodded. " I will return him to duty at once. Sir." Ravok said. "Honestly I don't even have the knowledge to pull this off. The only thing that makes sense would be if you, Merek, and Lynn worked in concert to pull it off. But y'all have alibis right? And in yours and Merek’s a third party. Since we can't trust the internal sensors on this." Ravok thought for a moment. " Commander Merek and I have a Nanny program installed with holographic emitters that isn't connected to the main computer that was given to us by Lieutenant Cortez for Rayna's birthday. It keeps logs of movements within the quarters and records once movement is detected. So If Rayna woke up for example it maps our quarters to make sure she is ok. Very useful actually." "I want a living witness. Programs can be tampered with." " We both have the technical ability to change the logs however. It's a simple device, but we haven't had any reason to alter it anyway. I was gonna get one for you and Ash to be honest. " Ravok said with a smile. "Doesn't matter. Pick an unbiased investigator. Have them conduct preliminary interviews with the three of you." Ravok nodded his head. "Better safe than sorry." " Understood Sir. " Ravok replied. "Dismissed." Ravok stood up and walked out of the door. (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Aft Lounge -Yeoman, Ensign SG Thea Helms - 1604) “I assume you know who i am but seen as introductions are in order, Lieutenant Erin Cortez.” "Well it's kind of my job to know, working for the boss ya know. Sometimes I got to keep track of your schedules for his benefit." She said with a laugh. "Just to make sure he doesn't call you guys when you're sleeping." “It’s been a strange and long day so far with no sign of letting up.” Erin sighed, “It was brought to my attention recently that i need to figure out some feelings with regards to recent events….” Thea nodded. "Yeah..." she said with a sigh, "It's been a weird day. Has it been a rough one for you?" Erin smiled softly, “You really don’t want to hear my tale of woe.” "Well doesn't have to be a tale of woe. Sometimes when I'm feeling kind of in the dumps, whether I'm feeling sad, or not pretty, or just in a sad mood, I focus on things that make me smile." (replyCortez) "So Lieutenant, what makes you smile?" (reply Cortez) (USS Exeter - Day 2 – Aft Lounge - CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez - 1606) "Well doesn't have to be a tale of woe. Sometimes when I'm feeling kind of in the dumps, whether I'm feeling sad, or not pretty, or just in a sad mood, I focus on things that make me smile." “That’s a good way to do things although sometimes, remembering that is the hardest thing.” "So Lieutenant, what makes you smile?" Smiling softly, Erin looked at the young woman, “There are a few things. Archery would be one.” (Reply Helms) “Academy Champion. But now i do it for pleasure. I have a holodeck programme that i use and often join Lieutenant Merek for one of her calisthenic programmes.” (Reply Helms) “Family is important. I try and speak to my parents as often as i can… duty permitting of course. Then…. There’s Jimmy.” (Reply Helms) Smiling widely, Erin nodded, “It’s new. He’s different to anyone that i have dated before. He challenges me and, somehow, he knows me better then i know myself somedays.” (Reply Helms) “What about you?” (Reply Helms) (USS Exeter – Deck 8- Security center-CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok - 1612 ) Ravok walked off the Turbolift and straight into the security center. He headed for Lieutenant Blackwell who was in his office " Lieutenant Blackwell, sorry to bother you." He said to him. ( reply Blackwell) " I need you to conduct preliminary interviews on Commanders Bracken, Merek and myself. Captain's orders." Ravok said ( reply Blackwell) " The 3 of us have together have the technical and medical knowledge needed to have pulled off the murder of commander Tyko Nix. So you need to interview us. I can not dictate any more information to you. Regarding this matter, you know what has to be done Lieutenant. When you are ready I am ready to be examined. Preferably before the next communication between Commander Merek and I." He wanted to make sure both of them were clear and couldn't be accused of interacting with each other before their interviews. (Reply Blackwell ) (USS Exeter – Deck 8- Security center-ACTO, Lieutenant JG Cade Blackwell - 1614 ) " Lieutenant Blackwell, sorry to bother you." He said to him. "No bother sir. What can I do for you?" " I need you to conduct preliminary interviews on Commanders Bracken, Merek and myself. Captain's orders." Ravok said "Any reason why sir?" Cade asked. " The 3 of us have together have the technical and medical knowledge needed to have pulled off the murder of commander Tyko Nix. So you need to interview us. I can not dictate any more information to you. Regarding this matter, you know what has to be done Lieutenant. When you are ready I am ready to be examined. Preferably before the next communication between Commander Merek and I." "Have a seat sir, and shut the door." Cade said sternly. (reply Ravok) "I just want you to know that everything said here could be used against you, if you'd like an advocate to be present with you, speak now." (reply Ravok) "Whare were you last night between the hours of 2300 yesterday to 0200 this morning?" (reply Ravok) Cade nodded, "Can this be verified?" (Reply Ravok) "By computer or by person?" (reply Ravok) "Can anyone other than Commander Merek or your daughter verify your location?" (reply Ravok) (USS Exeter – Deck 8- Security center- CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok - 1616 ) "Have a seat sir, and shut the door." Cade said sternly. Ravok motioned the door to shut and sat down. "I just want you to know that everything said here could be used against you, if you'd like an advocate to be present with you, speak now." " I am aware. I am my own advocate in this matter. You may proceed" Ravok replied. "Where were you last night between the hours of 2300 yesterday to 0200 this morning?" " Sleeping in my quarters on Deck 3 section 23 room 83 " He answered. Cade nodded, "Can this be verified?" " Yes kinda" He said. "By computer or by person?" He took a deep breath. " Well commander Merek was in bed next to me sleeping and my daughter was in her room. The monitoring system on a Nanny program was actively sweeping, but the logs could be altered. So the Nanny program is irrelevant. " He admitted "Can anyone other than Commander Merek or your daughter verify your location?" " No " He responded softly, his mind looked for answers when suddenly one hit him. It was one that would be useful for proving Commander Merek was definitely in the quarters, but it would be betraying her trust… " There is something." Ravok exclaimed with a shaky tone. ( reply Blackwell.) " We have a weapon's safe in our quarters. I store my phaser there when I'm off duty to keep it safe and away from my daughter. But… " Ravok paused, building up the courage to betray his girlfriend. ( reply Blackwell) " Commander Merek has a blade she keeps there at night. She used to sleep with the thing by her side , sometimes even under her pillow, but ever since Rayna came along she took it upon herself to stow it away safely at night. Commander Merek never leaves the quarters without it. " He said. feeling sick to his stomach but if it cleared her of any involvement so be it. ( reply Blackwell) " Why she keeps it on her is a matter I won't discuss with anyone. It's a personal matter to her and it's one I won't divulge. Sorry to be obstructive to the questioning, but with you knowing atleast that means there is a possibility she could be ruled out. The time the weapons locker was opened was logged properly and neither she or I have the clearances to change those records. " Ravok concluded. ( reply Blackwell) (USS Exeter – Deck 8- Security center- CTO, LT. SG Ravok and ACTO, LT JG Cade Blackwell - 1618 ) " There is something." Ravok exclaimed with a shaky tone. Cade leaned in to listen. " We have a weapon's safe in our quarters. I store my phaser there when I'm off duty to keep it safe and away from my daughter. But… " "But what sir?" " Commander Merek has a blade she keeps there at night. She used to sleep with the thing by her side , sometimes even under her pillow, but ever since Rayna came along she took it upon herself to stow it away safely at night. Commander Merek never leaves the quarters without it. " Cade kept silent. " Why she keeps it on her is a matter I won't discuss with anyone. It's a personal matter to her and it's one I won't divulge. Sorry to be obstructive to the questioning, but with you knowing at least that means there is a possibility she could be ruled out. The time the weapons locker was opened was logged properly and neither she or I have the clearances to change those records. " Ravok concluded. "Sir," Cade said, "I am sorry but, that fact does nothing to rule her out." " I understand, I was searching for something, anything to prove that she was accounted for." Ravok said. "Just because she never leaves without it, doesn't mean she wouldn't if it was meant to to cover tracks." He nodded his head. Blackwell's reasoning was accurate. " That is true." "Sir, permission to speak freely here?" Ravok looked at him. " Always Lieutenant " "Had that been a fact about Lieutenant Cortez, or Ms. Dubois, or Ensigns More or Sleeford, and had they said, well my knife was logged, and I never leave without it, you would have torn a million holes into it." " Which is why I am not questioning her and you are. " He said looking through Lieutenant Blackwell. The Lieutenant was right. He could bring himself to dismantle Erin if duty called for it but he knew in his heart he couldn't do that to Keira. "I understand that you are just trying to help her sir. But I'm going to have to ask you to refrain from making statements on her behalf at this moment." " Then I will simply say that I have no way of proving my location to you . I was asleep in my bed that's all I have Lieutenant." Ravok said trying to sound official and proper. "I'll have techs confirm the internal sensors covering your quarters, see if there were any signs of tampering. Other than that, you're free to go. I've got nothing else." He paused then switched back to being the subordinate, "Sir." Ravok stood up and looked at Blackwell. " Thank you Lieutenant Blackwell. " Cade noded. " Lieutenant if I could say something to you. " Ravok took a moment. " If you are unsure in anyway of my abilities to handle this investigation, I hope you dont hesitate to make a report and call for an appropriate replacement." Ravok said feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "Sir, if I was unsure about your abilities to handle the investigation, I would have already said something." Cade waited for Ravok to leave and then sighed. ~But if this goes from just questioning to establish alibis to Commander Merek being a legitimate suspect, I will make sure that you are off this case and kept as far away from it as possible.~ (reply none) Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express Day: 2 Stardate: 2445.12.02 (USS Exeter – Deck 8- Security center-CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok - 1640 ) After the preliminary interview with Lieutenant Blackwell, Ravok walked into his office and sat down. He tapped his commbadge. " Lieutenant Ravok to Commander Bracken. " ( reply Bracken ) " Please report to Lieutenant Blackwell for a preliminary interview with him in his office, captain's orders" He said clearing his throat. ( reply Bracken) Ravok wanted to so badly tell her to make sure to not wear the pirate and teddy bear pajamas, but he decided against it. Now was not the time. In one on one and face to face conversations with Bracken he felt comfortable enough to joke with her to an extent. It was a comfort he gained towards her after she operated on his spine, replacing 3 shattered vertebrae and healing his spinal cord after the second battle of wolf 359. Perhaps the feeling that he in many ways owed her his life made him feel comfort around her. She was his superior but above that she gave him a second lease on life. " Ravok out Sir." He said ending the communication. ( reply Bracken) (USS Exeter – FO’s Office - FO Commander Ailynn Bracken - 1641 ) Ailynn was just opening her mouth to take the first bite of her dinner; if one could call it that given both the time of day, and the length of time that she had been both awake, and on duty. Her sense of humour had not only slipped, it had gone over on the ice, broken both its legs and was now in full traction in sickbay. " Lieutenant Ravok to Commander Bracken. " She sighed, looking at the beautifully prepared steak sandwich. It hadn’t been prepared by Caity, and her heart, if not her stomach would notice the difference, but still. ~I only want one fracking meal uninterrupted.~ “Bracken.” She answered testily. " Please report to Lieutenant Blackwell for a preliminary interview with him in his office, captain's orders" He said clearing his throat. She opened her mouth, all too prepared to give Ravok the what for and to tell him what he could do with the Captain’s orders, her second thought was to storm out of here and to tell Trip herself what she thought of the same, but she took a bite of the sandwich, the rich steak, and the spicy, aromatic bite of the mustard brought both her and her irritability to her senses. “Acknowledged. I’ll report there immediately.” She liked Ravok, it wasn’t his fault. She remembered the surgery that she had performed, against all advice after the action over Wolf 359, a triple spinal rebuild. Every word spoken to her had been to refer it to SFMHQ, Every word was one of doubt, but she had stepped up, ordered her team to it’s place, and using every atom of skill at her command she had rebuilt Ravok’s spine. C6, C7, T1 total rebuild; a 12 hour operation. It had struck her the looks that she had gained when she walked out of those operating rooms, they hadn’t been just respect, sure, that had been part of it… ...It had been fear. " Ravok out Sir." He said ending the communication. “Bracken out.” She replied more out of habit. Taking a few more bites she opened another channel. “Bracken to Blackwell, On the Captain’s orders I’ll be reporting to you at 1705. I would be earlier, but I’m having dinner and I need to hit the heads.” She could be ordered anywhere, but it would sure as hell be on her terms, besides, oversharing often wrongfooted people, and Ailynn was tired and irritated. “Bracken out” (Reply Blackwell) Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express Day: 2 Stardate: 2445.12.02 (USS Exeter – Deck 8- Security center-CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok - 1644) After contacting Commander Bracken, he knew had one more person to contact. The woman he loved. " Lieutenant Ravok to Commander Merek " he said after slapping his commbadge. ( reply Merek) " Please report to Lieutenant Blackwell's office for a preliminary interview with him. " he said. ( Reply Merek) " That's all I can say Sir. Please make your way there as soon as you can. He will most likely be busy with someone when you arrive So you might have to take a seat and get comfortable. " ( reply Merek) " I'll see you at home swee… Sir " He replied almost slipping an unprofessional nickname at her. ( reply Merek.) " Ravok out " He said concluding their conversation. He leaned forward on his desk and type a few commands, bringing up a holographic visual feed of their quarters. He saw Rayna playing with something odd. He zoomed in on the image… ~ What is that? Is that a lantern? ~ He questioned as he looked around the visual feed he saw several more and noticed his cousin Nesha was walking in circles around his daughter. He didn't even bother to listen in he jumped up and headed straight for his quarters as quickly as he could. The anger building in him ,about to explode. ( replies Merek) (USS Exeter - Holodeck - Civilian Caity Dubois - 1645) Walking through the door of the holodeck, Caity took a deep breath and sighed. The green hills stretched forever into the distance and the smell of the grass and the flowers around her instantly made her feel better. Walking slowly towards the small town ahead of her, she waved hellos to the people that passed her. The programme she was running had adjusted the heights of them so that she would not look out of place and, for that, she was thankful. Having had enough of being looked at, stared at and talked about, she wanted to be somewhere where this would not happen and, the programme she had affectionately dubbed ‘The shire’ was just that place. It had been a favourite programme of her and her sister when they were young. Exploring the hills around and just enjoying being in another world that took them away on adventures was something that they had done before things had gotten bad. So she walked, slowly towards the one place she knew she could sit with a book and not be disturbed unless she wanted to be. Looking up at the sign above the door, Caity smiled as she opened the door and walked through. ~If there is one place that i feel at home, it’s here. The Green Dragon.~ (Reply No-one) (USS Exeter - Science lab - the murderer- 1700) Walking into the science lab they couldn't help but look at the now popular chemical containment unit on the wall. It seemed that this unit had become very popular over the past 24 hours. Noticing a few of the others currently on duty were doing the same and hearing them talking about Lieutenant Cortez and how she had to have had a part to play in the stealing of the chemicals. This brought a smile to her face. " You know the rumor is that her and the commander had a fling. Apparently he used the poor woman." She said as she shook her head. " Yeah but that doesn't mean she did anything. She doesn't seem like that type of person. " One of the science officers said. " They never do. " She replied looking at the unit. " Well I heard from my roommate. Who works in medical that the chemicals had nothing to do with the commander's death." Another one mentioned. Her eyes shot him a sharp glare. " What?" " Yeah apparently they weren't the cause of death." He said. ~ How could this be ? I have served the master. I served the master well. ~ She thought as she looked at the container with a blank stare. " I hope they find something soon. I know it will certainly help me sleep better." She remarked as she walked away. Heading to her work station as she entered the small room containing her lab equipment she shut the door behind her. She stood there and began breathing heavily and snapped in a violent rage. She grabbed a few of her samples and threw them against the wall in a rage fueled fury. ~ IT WAS ME. I DIDN'T FAIL~ ( reply none) Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express Day: 2 Stardate: 2445.12.02 (USS Exeter – Deck 3 personal quarters of Zot - SPC ACOO Comp. Ops Ensign Sg. Zot - 1700) Ensign Zot took some time away from the computer core and decided to return to his quarters. He had a live feed of the computer cores data streams routed to the computer in his quarters. Since he did not sleep the area that was supposed to be his bedroom was refitted with a terminal that could tie into the computer core but with a limited capacity. He was still deeply troubled by the notion of murder. To his people. The Eunepians murder was a strange and foreign concept to them. Their homeworld had an abundance of consumable resources, more than enough to satisfy the population. On his world there were no predators. No carnivores, although in times of ceremony the flesh of an animal who had recently passed was consumed to symbolize the biological unity and natural equilibrium established by all who called the moon home. He sat down at his desk, placing his hand upon its surface " Ensign Zot assistant chief operations officer. Today has been a most testing day. One that has given rise to aspects of mortality and morality for me to reflect upon. How could a civilization as wondrous and promising as the Federation still have the eradication and ending of life run prevalent through its society? Is it inherent in their natures to display such behavior? Will they ever overcome it ? My thoughts and insight on the matter tells me no. It seems to be ingrained into the very fabric of who they are to destroy themselves. With the concepts of vengeance and retaliation being a cultural norm and an accepted practice among several planetary governments and within the hearts of their people as well. I do not foresee a day that such things come to an end. " He paused and thought about Rylee. " We Eunepians have a love for all, we love our children and family the same way we love our neighbors, yet I am finding myself feeling something more specific and localized toward Ensign Page Rylee. I have found myself focusing a considerable amount of my cognitive resources to her both outwards and inwards. I look forward to seeing her for no other reason than just simply being near her. Proximity to her brings me a great source of comfort. I have never felt this way towards anything or anyone. However in this I find the fear of failure, failure to my people more specifically. I was chosen from my community structure to join Starfleet, to explore and help expand our collective knowledge of the federation in which we are now a part of. Yet when I consider the fact that I have a biological imperative to return home I am left with feelings of emptiness and at the same time fulfillment beyond anything I can describe. I do not think I will be able to bring myself to leave Rylee behind. I will face the consequences of rejecting my biological urge to procreate. I would rather have my vitals cease than exist without the feelings that occur when I am in close proximity to her. More simply put, I love her. Computer end log." Zot stood up and walked over to the window. Looking out into the universe. His heart was with the loved ones of Tyko Nix if he had any at all. ~ Vengeance is a concept I will never understand, yet justice must be served. ~ He turned around and tapped on his commbadge. " Ensign Zot to Ensign Sleeford." ( reply Sleeford) " Sorry for the interruption sir. But could I meet with you?" Zot asked as he grabbed the small cylindrical rod which was his personal terminal in which he used to interface with the ship's computer. ( reply Sleeford) (USS Exeter – FO’s Office - FO Commander Ailynn Bracken - 1704 ) ~Always be precisely...precisely on time to a summons or CO’s order.~ She had learned from her great gran. A career Marine, started at 16 at boot camp, hit SMaj, then BlackOps CouterIntel, finally retired at a highly respectable LtMaj. What that 80 odd year old didn’t know about the Corps and being a soldier wasn’t worth knowing. Even now, her body bent with age, arthritis, and old old injury, Ailynn wouldn’t dare disrespect the old goat for all the bloodwine on Kronos. ~It unnerves people when you are precisely on time~ She waited the 5 seconds that she had arrived early and on the very strike of five past, hit the door chime. (Reply Blackwell.) (USS Exeter – Security Office - ACTO, Lieutenant JG Cade Blackwell - 1707 ) "Commander please have a seat." Cade said with a smile. "I promise this won't take long." (reply Bracken) "This is just preliminary stuff, establish location, an alibi." (reply Bracken) Cade wiped some sweat from his brow, "Sorry sir, just a little nervous, interviewing the first officer this way." (Reply Bracken) "Anyways sir, where were you last night between the hours of 2300 yesterday to 0200 this morning?" (reply Bracken) "Is there anyone who can corroborate this?" (reply Bracken) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< End Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<