Exeter Compile 38 Dates: February 15 to February 21 Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express, Day 2 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express Day: 2 Stardate: 2445.12.02 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ( USS Exeter - Holosuite - Deck Four - Tac/Sec Ens. ( Sg.) Stan More - 20:02 ) ( USS Exeter - Holosuite - Deck Four - ACTO, Lt. JG Cade Blackwell -2004 ) (USS Exeter - Acoustics lab - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 2119) (USS Exeter – Gym, weight room – MedIntern aEns(jg) Lana Wakeman – 2120) (USS Exeter - Acoustics lab - CFO -Lieutenant – Ire Williams – 2122) (USS Exeter – Gym, weight room –CO, Captain Trip Williams – 2122) (USS Exeter - Acoustics lab - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken – 2124) (USS Exeter - Sciences ante-room - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken – 2128) (USS Exeter - Sciences ante-room – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams– 2130) (USS Exeter - Sciences ante-room – FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken – 2131) (USS Exeter - Sciences ante-room – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire WIliams– 2133) (USS Exeter - Sciences ante-room – Commander - Aylinn Bracken – Lieutenant – Ire WIliams– 2135) (Earth - SFMHQ, Admirals Office - FltSrgnGnl VAdm Aimee Bracken - 2215) (USS Exeter - Captain's Quarters - CO, Captain Trip Williams and FltSrgnGnl VAdm Aimee Bracken - 2220) ( USS Exeter - Tactical office - Tac/Sec Ens. (Sg) Stan More - 22:43) (USS Exeter – Captains Quarters – CO, Captain Trip Williams– 2245) (USS Exeter –Bridge – CONN – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams– 2247) (USS Exeter – Deck 4- Science department – CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok – 2247) (USS Exeter – Captains Quarters – FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken– 2248) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 2250) (USS Exeter - Science Labs – Nurse – CPO - Ewan McDonald- 22:57) ( USS Exeter - Science Labs - Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 22:58 ) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – CO, Captain Trip Williams– 2300) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 2301) (USS Exeter - Personal quarters - COO Ensign (sg) Paul Sleeford 23:05) (USS Exeter - Science Labs – Nurse – CPO - Ewan McDonald- 23:07) (USS Exeter - Science Labs – SPC Sec/tac Ensign Sg T'kel- 23:08) (USS Exeter – Personal Quarters – CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez – 2308) (USS Exeter - Personal Quarters COO Ensign (sg) Paul Sleeford 23:08) (USS Exeter - Science Labs – CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok- 23:09) (USS Exeter – Science Labs –CO, Captain Trip Williams – 2310) (USS Exeter - Science Labs – Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 23:10 ) (USS Exeter - Personal quarters - Caity Dubois - 23:11) (USS Exeter – Hallway – CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez – 2311) (USS Exeter –Bridge – CONN – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams – 2311) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken – 2311) (USS Exeter - Science Labs – Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 23:13) (USS Exeter - Science Labs – Nurse -Ewan McDonald - 23.14) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 2314) (USS Exeter - Science Labs – CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok- 2315) (USS Exeter – observation Lounge – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams – 2316) (USS Exeter – observation Lounge – CSO LT JG Erin Cortez – 2319) (USS Exeter – observation Lounge –CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams– 2320) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – Nurse – Ewan McDonald- 23.21) (USS Exeter – observation Lounge – Caity DuBois – 2321) (USS Exeter - Deck one - Observation lounge - COO Ensign (sg) Paul Sleeford - 2322) (USS Exeter - Deck one - Observation lounge -CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams -2325) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express Day: 2 Stardate: 2445.12.02 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ( USS Exeter - Holosuite - Deck Four - Tac/Sec Ens. ( Sg.) Stan More - 20:02 ) Cheese and pickle sandwiches. The ideal compliment to a good run up Ben Lomond. Plus of course a refreshing flask of tea. Brewed to the exact recipe of his Grandmothers family. The noble clan of the McTaggards. Minus of course the ‘ wee ‘ special ingredient ‘ a good bracing dash of whisky. More did not drink alcohol. Especially as technically he was still on duty. This run was just for training purposes. Once at the bottom he was to be attacked. By some a angry hill folk. But work first , fun later. After calling for an arch and speaking with Arbor. He called Cade. "Sure, you're more than welcome to come by and I'll give you what notes I have, but I don't have much. Lieutenant Ravok didn't put me on the investigation. I've mainly been handling the daily admin work so that you and the Lieutenant would be free to investigate." “ So yer nay have anything really.” Stan said disappointed. "I may have somethings that have come across my desk, but I don't know how much I have. But I can see if the Lieutenant is available and we can all sit down together if you want?" “ To be honest I was hoping to do this between us. The Lieutenant has enough on his plate. We seem to be hitting plenty of dead ends. No pun intended. I was hoping my next conversation with him. Could be more hopeful.” He said ( Reply , Cade ) “ Whoever these people are. I have to admit their good. Zot is one of the best computer techs in the fleet. They were able to sneak past him into our computer core.” Stan said ( Reply , Cade ) “ No he’s from an honourable race. Their is no way he is capable of murder. But someone else is and at the moment. There is more chance of snow on Vulcan. Then of us catching them. Anyway I have taken up enough of yer time.” Stan said ( Reply , Cade ) “ I’ll pop by either later or more likely tomorrow. Thanks.” Smiling he cut the link. Once getting rid of the arch. He carried on with his delicious sandwich and tea. ( Reply , Cade ) ( USS Exeter - Holosuite - Deck Four - ACTO, Lt. JG Cade Blackwell -2004 ) =/\= To be honest I was hoping to do this between us. The Lieutenant has enough on his plate. We seem to be hitting plenty of dead ends. No pun intended. I was hoping my next conversation with him. Could be more hopeful.=/\= "I get that, at the same time, I think if we're gonna compare notes, he should be in the room. He is the Department head after all. One way or another he's gonna find out the info, might as well include him from the get go." =/\= Whoever these people are. I have to admit their good. Zot is one of the best computer techs in the fleet. They were able to sneak past him into our computer core. =/\= Stan said "Well people are full of surprises." “ No he’s from an honourable race. Their is no way he is capable of murder. But someone else is and at the moment. There is more chance of snow on Vulcan. Then of us catching them. Anyway I have taken up enough of yer time.” Stan said ~Ummm, I didn't even imply Zot is capable of murder.~ Cade thought to himself. ~I was more implying that the murderer could have more skills than we give them credit for. Oh well, guys had a rough day, maybe he's just going stream of conscious.~ "Don't be that pessimistic Ensign, it may seem like we're going down rapids without a paddle, but perserverance will see us through." =/\= I’ll pop by either later or more likely tomorrow. Thanks. =/\= Smiling he cut the link. Cade then sighed and got back to his paperwork. ~Ok, if Crewman Goldman is off tomorrow, then he should probably be covered by crewman Torkal.....~ (reply none) (USS Exeter - Acoustics lab - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 2119) “I would like to go through the raw file first. Just in case we get some bias by listening to the clean up one.” “Sure.” Ailynn said, putting on her headphones and tapped a quick combination on the terminal, playing the raw, uncleaned file. It was distracting listening to a jumble of words constructed into a sound file, rather than a complete sentence, but infuriating though it was, operational security was everything. As the sound played, Ire closed his eyes and perhaps concentrating in the moment perhaps shutting out visual distraction. Saying nothing, Ailynn listened herself, the silence between them being broken a moment or two later. “Okay can I listen to the cleaned up one.” Nodding, Ailynn switched files, and ran the version that the computers software had cleaned up. How’s that?” “There is something, but I can’t put my finger on it.” He gave a sigh as he looked over at Bracken. “Do you mind if I run in through my data port?” Ailynn paused, “a tentative yes, so long as you run the process past me? What does it do?” SHe knew the basics from when she was the CMO, but she hadn’t been responsible for Ire for very long before becoming Command. “When I fly, I jack into the fighter and all its external sensor data as well as the fighters internal information gets passed into my brain. I can process all the information and separate it out so that I can priorities it into what is urgent and what is not.” He paused for a moment. “I might be able to get something that the computer cannot?” “In that case sure, go ahead. I can’t help feeling that there’s something. You’re right. I can hear it too. It’s almost like...I’m not sure, there’s a signature to it that I can’t place.” (Reply Ire) She paused while Ire sorted himself out and then he ran the files through his dataport. “Anything?” (Reply Ire) “Dammit! Anything...something...nothing. This is ridiculous.” She snapped at him. Even as she did she knew that it was the tiredness that was cutting across her temper and her mood. She was utterly utterly exhausted. She'd told Trip that she was used to this level of tiredness, but in truth that had been a lie, she suspected that he knew, but she'd been younger, and even then it had forced her onto a path that had been so self destructive. She covered her eyes and rubbed her temples. (Reply Ire) (USS Exeter – Gym, weight room – MedIntern aEns(jg) Lana Wakeman – 2120) "That's what the EMH is for." He said with a smile. Lana smiled gently and stood up, racking another ten pounds each side, her nimble fingers tightening the clips, that held the weights on to the the bar, and sat back, pushing her shoulders back, stretching the muscles. “I’m not keen on an EMH, I like the idea sure, but there’s times where acting logically and holding ourselves to a programmed, strict regime, is actually the least safe thing that we can do.” She lay back and snapped out her next set of reps, then smiled gently. “ ‘sides, it was just a silly remark, pay it no mind. I didn’t mean to interrupt you.” He hadn't had much interaction with Lana, as an intern she was essentially a cadet getting extended real world training. Every so often he'd check in on, make sure she was doing her school work, but he passed off the interns on Billy to be their de facto instructor. "Besides, it's a lot of weight, but only about 70% of my one rep max. Sure I could have warmed up with something lighter, but how else can I show our fellow crewmembers from species with mega strength, that they aren't the only strong ones." Trip said with a laugh. “Gotta show them what the weak humans are capable of right?” she answered playfully, a twinkle in her eye, an amused smile. Trip nodded, "So umm, hows, the um school work?" “It’s nicely balanced at the moment, pretty run of the mill. Letting us in gently I suppose, though I know life on a ship is nothing like that. I’d like a ship like this, when it comes to my time.” She smiled warmly, “You’re lucky, Bracken’s a badass. I’d totally like to be like totally her…” Lana blushed. “I’m sorry. I’m interrupting you. I’m out of your hair. My sets done.” (Reply Trip) She switched off the HOLOSpotter, and then reracked her weights, whipping down the bar too. She then smiled and turned to Trip as she left the Gym, after stretching out. “Don’t work too hard James.” (Reply Trip) (USS Exeter - Acoustics lab - CFO -Lieutenant – Ire Williams – 2122) “In that case sure, go ahead. I can’t help feeling that there’s something. You’re right. I can hear it too. It’s almost like...I’m not sure, there’s a signature to it that I can’t place.” “Okay.” He pulled the jack out of a pocket in his uniform and attached it to the console. He then attached the other end to the micro data port in the back of his head. He gave Bracken a slight nod as he activated the recording again. It was a strange sensation as it felt like the recording was in his head reverberating around in his skull. He concentrated letting it fill his mind as he began taking it apart. He began splitting the layers of the sounds of the words trying to see if there some buried in between that he could grab. He then sifted through layers trying to find some deviation as well as a few other things but even though he could not find anything there was always a lingering feeling of something wrong that was always just out of reach. “Anything?” He winced as the headache began stabbed into his head as he opened his eyes. ~Ow that is going to be sore~ “Sorry I got nothing new. There was defiantly something. I just can’t grasp it.” He unplugged the jack and removed the other end from the console before putting it back into his pocket. “Dammit! Anything...something...nothing. This is ridiculous.” Ire felt Bracken’s exhaustion and frustration. He watched her rub her temples with her hands and waited for a moment for the anger to pass. “Ailynn why don’t we have a quick brake. We have both been up far too long today. Let’s grab some coffee, have a pause and come back to it.” (Reply Bracken) (USS Exeter – Gym, weight room –CO, Captain Trip Williams – 2122) Trip nodded, "So umm, hows, the um school work?" “It’s nicely balanced at the moment, pretty run of the mill. Letting us in gently I suppose, though I know life on a ship is nothing like that. I’d like a ship like this, when it comes to my time.” She smiled warmly, “You’re lucky, Bracken’s a badass. I’d totally like to be like totally her…” Lana blushed. “I’m sorry. I’m interrupting you. I’m out of your hair. My sets done.” "It's all good," Trip replied, "And while Commander Bracken is a badass, don't worry about trying to be her, just try and be you. It will payoff." Trip smiled and noticed Petty Officer Sytuk enter and place heavy weight on the bench to lift. ~Well, ask to be humbled and you will be humbled.~ Trip smirked to himseslf. He was half paying attention to Lana as she said good bye. Not even registering her words, he just nodded and smiled. Then as he noticed her leave he just waved and said, "Have a good night." Trip then turned back to his bench to finish his workout. ~Come on Trip, get your head in the game. You have no idea what Lana just said to you, you zoned out. For all you know she could have said something important and all you just said is have a good night. Dumbass.~ Trip then took a breath and continued his work out. (reply none) (USS Exeter - Acoustics lab - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken – 2124) “Ailynn why don’t we have a quick break. We have both been up far too long today. Let’s grab some coffee, have a pause and come back to it.” Ailynn breathed for a few moments, perhaps to an internal count of fifteen, she was deliberately taking slow, deep breaths, the lower part of her lungs filling first, then the upper, slowly her system took on the extra oxygen, and her body began to calm down. “You’re right, and I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you. It was wrong, and you’re being the better person than I. My apologies.” (Reply Ire.) The two officers stood up and left the console, removing the headphones. This being a laboratory, there was a no drinks policy in place, which Ailynn understood, and respected. “There’s a small ante-room that had a standard break table, chairs and a replicator, asides a small window there wasn’t much else. (USS Exeter - Sciences ante-room - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken – 2128) “What would you like?” Ailynn asked as she motioned that Ire sit down. (Reply Ire) She repeated his choice to the replicator, and her head leaning against the wall, yawned as the computer replied. [Selection confirmed, please remove item] (Reply Ire) She passed over his drink and then turned and ordered her own. Not wanting another coffee, she ordered an orange juice and the procedure was repeated. [Selection confirmed, please remove item] How she didn’t drop her drink she never knew, but she looked up at Ire and shook her head. “No no no no no no no nooo.” she shook her head. “Tell me you didn’t hear that….” She took a sip of her juice, and then placed it down, then picked at a lock of her hair, and nibbled it as she stood where she’d been. “Pleeeeaaase tell me that you didn’t hear that?” (Reply Ire) (USS Exeter - Sciences ante-room – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams– 2130) Ire had acknowledged Bracken’s apology as they headed towards the replicator. “What would you like?” Ire took the seat that Bracken offered. “Can I have a raktajino with jacarine peel please.” He watched as Bracken leant her head against and wall and yawned. ~She looks exhausted~ He stifled a yawn. ~I am sure I don’t look so good either~ [Selection confirmed, please remove item] “Thank you.” He took the offered cup that she passed him and inhaled. [Selection confirmed, please remove item] ~That is nice. I hope the caffeine speeds my mind up a…..~ “No no no no no no no nooo.” Ire jerked away from his raktajino. ~What~ “Tell me you didn’t hear that….” He watched her as she to a sip of her juice, and then placed it down. He saw her picked at a lock of her hair and nibbled it. He placed the raktajino onto the table and stood up. “Pleeeeaaase tell me that you didn’t hear that?” “Hear what! I don’t hear anything apart from the computer/” (Reply Bracken) (USS Exeter - Sciences ante-room – FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken – 2131) “Hear what! I don’t hear anything apart from the computer” Ailynn noticed that Ire had put his drink back down, perhaps in response to her yelling at him. “Sorry Ire, Get your drink, I didn’t mean to yell at you.” She removed the hair from her mouth and squinted at the ends, sighing slightly as she saw the splits that were starting to form. ~damn.~ (Reply Ire) She pulled her attention back to the moment, and drank from her fruit juice, glad of the cool liquid, a vague attempt at vitamins. “The replicator...the modulation of the voice...did you hear it? Here…” She paused a moment, framing her thoughts. “Computer. Replay standard replicator response from the unit by me.” [Acknowledged, replying Replicator response.] The replicator’s voice unit fired into life once more, the standard response that they were all so used to hearing, but never listened to. “Hear it? The modulation?” (Reply Ire) “That was the artifact that we heard on the raw signal, it was resonance, the original sound and the recording tech run at the same variance. That’s what we heard. The cleanup didn’t remove it as it was part of the original signal.” (Reply Ire) (USS Exeter - Sciences ante-room – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire WIliams– 2133) “Sorry Ire, Get your drink, I didn’t mean to yell at you.” He gave a slight smile. “Don’t worry about it its bene a long day.” “The replicator...the modulation of the voice...did you hear it? Here…” He nodded. “Computer. Replay standard replicator response from the unit by me.” [Acknowledged, replying Replicator response.] “Hear it? The modulation?” “Yes, I do.” “That was the artifact that we heard on the raw signal, it was resonance, the original sound and the recording tech run at the same variance. That’s what we heard. The cleanup didn’t remove it as it was part of the original signal.” “That’s crazy.” He paused for a moment. “Computer please run standard replicator response side by side with the secure audio file.” He paused as he heard what Bracken was saying. When it had finished, he turned and looked at Bracken. “Bloody hell…..sorry Comander.” He shook his head. “I don’t believe it. It was there right in front of us all the time.” (Reply Bracken) “What’s our next step?” (Reply Bracken) (USS Exeter - Sciences ante-room – Commander - Aylinn Bracken – Lieutenant – Ire WIliams– 2135) Ire shook his head. “I don’t believe it. It was there right in front of us all the time.” Ailynn nodded silently, draining her juice. “Doesn’t actually give us much more than we had, sadly.” She said eventually. “What’s our next step?” Ailynn sighed, leaning her head back in tired frustration. “Aaaaargh!” she growled, trying to let out some steam. “Okay...let's take a figurative step back.What do we know?” “Well that the original sound and the recording tech run at the same variance.” “Right.” She nodded. “And the Computer didn’t recognise anything that we have as a replicated sound, so everything we hear is pretty much as it was. Perp didn’t use a secondary recording or voice change unit for instance.” “So what we hear is not altered after the fact or changed.” “And yet...and yet...the security tape picked up a modulation to her voice as if…feel free to add any radical stupid daft ideas that you have, as all I’ve got is a head full of nonsense.” she said to Ire amicably. In truth she liked these moments, the times that all there was was a puzzle, and the challenge that it held. “Okay so the voice was changed while it was produced…..but they are not speaking into a changed unit as we would have found the echo of the original voice as it spoke into the change unit…..” He frowned as a spark of a thought emerged. “Is there a way to change a voice without needing a unit or somehow adding a unit to yourself somehow so that you would not be speaking into it?” Ailynn drew a breath, pensive. “There’s a couple of ways, most simply, breathing helium or sodium hexafluoride will either raise or deepen the pitch of your voice. Certain medical numbing agents will have a similar affect. You know for throat surgery and the like. Those don’t sound like this though. It’s as if the larynx itself is modulating the sound itself.” She closed her eyes and sighed in frustration. “You mean surgically altered?” He paused thinking back to what his parents had told him about laryngeal surgery. ~I knew that mom and dads surgical talk would help one day~ “My parents once told me about a laryngeal surgical procedure that would remove the vocal cords and replace them with artificial ones. This might change the sound but since modern techniques and regenerative procedures I guess it would have fallen out of favour. Do you think it could have been done with nanites?” Her eyes still closed, Ailynn found her mouth moving as her brain wandered off in a different direction. “I’d have to ask mum, but we’re under a classified situation at the moment.” She sighed, thinking back to all the units that she’d done on that kind of thing. “Nanites...technically you could, but all it would do, I think, is repair any damage. Kind of like the medical chip nanite tech that mum innovated. “Unless…” her face fell, as her brain put different parts of the jigsaw together. “Prophets...they couldn’t have…never in a million years” Ire frowned at Bracken’s expression. “What could that not have done?” “The semi-artificial modulation we can hear, isn’t a secondary effect. It’s a bio-synthetic augmentation.” she drew a breath. “That’s brilliant...horrifying...but brilliant.” Turning to him, she frowned. “Basically means that they could in theory adapt their voice to sound like anyone.” Ire paused before speaking “Bio-synthetic augmentation on the vocal cords….would that show up on scans or routine medical? “It might...depends what you were looking for. I think that you’d need to do a full, deep scan, you know, checking every atom, tissue composition. A basic scan on structure wouldn’t show it. Maybe some exotic compounds, but nothing more.” “Okay.” “I don’t get the ‘why’ though. I've been awake too long, I can't think." Ailynn said. Ire nodded. “Well let's see what they did. They used this bio-synth augment to change their voice so that we could not identify them while Commander Nix was killed. The ability to change one's voice would be a great help to a murderer.” "It's an extreme way of doing it though. I mean, there's far easier ways right? Why say anything at all? It's like they wanted to set this puzzle." “Which it is proving at the moment.” "I hate unexplained enigma" Ailynn said irritably. “Is there a way we can use this to our advantage?” Closing her eyes to think, she began to wish that she'd had coffee, or more sleep at lunchtime. "At the moment I'm not sure." A thought crossed her mind. "Is there a way to simulate the sound, but alter the characteristics of how it would be created? Sort of...I dunno. If you programmed a trumpet, you could alter the sound to replicate the sound of a wooden one rather than brass yeah?" Ailynn wasn't sure her brain was making sense. “I guess so.” he paused for a moment thinking about what Bracken had said. “We could run it through the computers in the acoustic lab and see if that works or we could go to the holodeck and try and replicate it there.” "Either or." Ailynn said. "Lets go with the lab. The holographic interface table should make it easier." “Okay.” As they walked back to the lab Ailynn chatted to Ire, "I'd like to believe that this will give us an ID, but I wonder if we're too far behind." Ire nodded and sighed tired. “I have a feeling that we are so far behind it's not even funny. I would be happily surprised if I was wrong and we could get this person but I feel that it will be a miracle.” "Sadly I agree." She sighed. "You remember back at the Academy, when we woke up, did stuff, then at the end of a shift nothing crazy had happened and we got beers then went to sleep? I remember those days?" “Yes. Those days were good. When your only problem was not irritating the Master chief or being late for lectures.” Ailynn laughed gently. In the meantime they'd reached the thermal that they wanted. "Computer restart previous session. Get me a display of a standard set of vocal Cords on this table. Normal tissue types averaged across known species." Ire looked at the screen and nodded to himself. “This is going to take some time. I need another coffee. Do you want me to grab you something for the replicator?” "Coffee would be good. Strong and a splash of milk. Thank you. I'll try and cut down our variables a little." “Okay.” He paused as his stomach rumbled. “Snack?” She honestly couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten, but on the flip side, she didn’t like having to stop once her teeth were into a problem. “Just the coffee will be lovely, thank you. I should have had one last time rather than the juice.” She then switched her attention to the display in front of her, and began the laborious procedure that would try and limit their options. She then selected a few parts of the display. Ire smiled. “No problem one coffee coming right up.” he headed over to the replicator and imputed the order. He leaned against the wall as the replicator hummed away as the Bracken’s coffee and another raktajino appeared. A small bowl of salted popcorn appeared beside the coffee cups. He picked it al up and moved back towards Bracken. He placed his cup and popcorn beside him on the workspace and handed her the coffee. “Here you go. Found anything yet?” Ailynn shook her head. Not yet. “Computer, alter shape and size for an average female, taken from species currently on board, then alter composition of the selected parts to match the composition of nanites as in file Bracken-iota-two.” [acknowledged] “Run voice ID. Does it produce the same modulation as in the sample?” [working] She turned to Ire. “Well, this will test out our theory if nothing else. “Okay.” [calculations complete. Simulation produces a similar, but non-identical modulation.] Ailynn swore. “There’s times that I hate being correct.” He sipped his coffee. “Well at least we now know and it is one step closer.” Ailynn picked up the coffee “Thank you, that’s kind. Mmm. perfect.” she allowed the caffeine to kick in for a few seconds, and then carried on.“Well, we at least know which haystack we might find our needle in. Okay. next step will take hours, but we can automate it. “Computer. Alter all other variables around the standard range. Produce and compare a voiceprint for each set of variables with both normal and altered composition. Immediately inform myself and Lieutenant Williams the moment a match is found to any on the Exeter crew.” She turned to Ire. “Does that make sense?” “Yes it makes sense.” He looked at the computer monitor. “I just hope it doesn't take all night.” he pulled up a char and dropped into it. “Hopefully not, but the amount of minor tweaks is actually completely insane, so it’s going to be a few hours at least. I’m going to forward what we know to Trip and then try and get some beauty sleep, don’t feel that you need to sit and watch it if you have other stuff to attend to.” She smiled gently. “I’ Ire nodded. “Thank you. I will finish my coffee and the popcorn and then do a few things until my shift at 2300. Enjoy your sleep and I hope it's restful.” Ailynn smiled as she stood up and stretched her back, “Me too. Sure as hell been a long day. Good work Ire, thank you so much.” Ire smiled. “No problem I want to get his person as much as anyone else.” He stifled a yawn and glanced back at the scrolling console. “You know what they say. ‘Should not have joined if you can’t take a joke’.” he said sarcastically. Ailynn chuckled gently. “I’m going to head off. I'll be in my office for the next ten, and then in sleepy bye-bye land after that. Take Care.” she patted him on the shoulder amicably as she left. A tired, but content smile on her face. (Reply none) (Earth - SFMHQ, Admirals Office - FltSrgnGnl VAdm Aimee Bracken - 2215) Aimee had set back, clearing her calendar for the last hour, to allow herself breathing and thinking space. There were numerous things going through her mind, but she hadn’t got where she was by acting before she each and every fact sorted in her mind before acting, if it were necessary. She tapped a button on her desk, and standing up, moved over to the window overlooking the StarFleet Medical Headquarters, and further away, the Academy. She sighed deeply, watching assorted people come, and go each about their business, each at varying points in their careers. “Ma’am?” A voice from the doorway. “You called.” The voice came from her aides, Commander Eddington. A quietly spoken, highly professional man a similar age to her, with iron grey hair. She trusted him utterly, and have never once given her cause to doubt that trust. “Why does she want to know about nanites?” “Have I missed some conversation Ma’am?” He was used to this, working for Admiral Bracken could be a bit of a whirlwind sometimes, he was however, very fond of her. Smiling gently, her face illuminated as her mind worked. “I’ve just had a call from Ailynn. She tried to pull the classified on me.” Eddington laughed. “She did that to you? Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Up to something?” “Perhaps, perhaps not.” She sighed, “However she’s asking really specific questions that I don’t want to answer, but I want to know the reason that she’s asking them. Get me the Exeter.” “Priority one to the FO?” He pre-empted. Aimee shook her head. “To the Captain.” She sat back at her desk, and moments later the screen changed to the Fleet logo whilst the connection was made, and eventually changed to reveal Trip’s face. (Reply Trip) “Captain. Sadly not a social call.” She smiled gently. “Ailynn is the most intelligent person I know, but a sudden interest in something that she’s only previously touched very lightly on is rather worrying, especially where it involves tech that I helped invent.” (Reply Trip) She held his gaze and raised an eyebrow, he was no longer the little boy whose nappy she’d changed, or grazed and bleeding knees she’d patched up countless times, but she hoped he’d be at least a little forthcoming. “Tell me what you can James.” (Reply Trip) (Earth - Captain's Quarters - CO, Captain Trip Williams and FltSrgnGnl VAdm Aimee Bracken - 2220) Trip had just walked into his quarters after his workout. He had just thrown his shirt on the floor when he got a message that he was getting a hail from Starfleet. "Damn, send it to my quarters." He said as he scrambled to find his shirt, put it on before the hail came on the screen. ~Scoop and scramble~ Trip thought to himself, taking a deep breath. "Admiral, to what do I owe the pleasure." =/\=Captain. Sadly not a social call.=/\= She smiled gently. =/\=Ailynn is the most intelligent person I know, but a sudden interest in something that she’s only previously touched very lightly on is rather worrying, especially where it involves tech that I helped invent.=/\= "Well this is awkward. Admiral...I really can't discuss this with you." =/\=Tell me what you can James.=/\= "Admiral," He said rubbing his eyes, "There is an official investigation going on to a matter that I can't really discuss at the moment. I'm sorry, but I can't. Not as a matter of trust, but as a matter of procedure and protocol." Aimee was secretly impressed, it wasn’t everyday was was so impressively stonewalled by such a new Captain. She refrained from replying until Trip had finished. "And honestly, Miss Aimee, you'd think that the Brackens would respect the meaning of the phrase classified." The words left his mouth and the moment he did, he regretted it immediately. =/\=Firstly you're not bloody five. It’s just ‘Aimee’ when it’s just us. I’m not...quite...in my dotage yet. Secondly...I respect that you have a situation. I’m not asking for absolute access to your investigation, I’m asking you to think, and to use every avenue at your disposal. I’m the leading available authority in certain things...need I say more?=/\= Unbeknownst to her, she displayed every gene of righteous indignation that her daughter had inherited. Aimee however, had the stones, and the reputation to back it all up. “And when the time comes for your office to get involved, I will turn over all the information that I have. I may be wet behind the ears, but I am not so stupid so as to ignore what tools I have at my disposal. But my hands are tied and if you have an issue with it you can take it up with the Judge Advocate General’s office. I have strict orders on who to share the classified information with, and I have to follow those orders. We asked the questions we needed to, and left it at that. When they time to ask the what and how comes, I’m sure your office will be pulled in. But Aimee, until we get to that point, it's up to my people to figure this out. They have the knowledge and the skills they need.” Aimee sighed. =/\=I’m not questioning you, your Command, Your decisions or your team...I’m just not sure that you…=/\=She halted her sentence as he continued. “Look, this isn’t one of those situations of a petulant child saying I can do it on my own.” Trip’s tone wasn’t comparative but diplomatic and calm. “I know my folks can do this, I don’t think we are in over our head. If I did, we’d have handed this off by now. I get that you are the fullmost expert in nanotechnology, but this is so far beyond that at the moment, that if I thought your knowledge would answer the questions I need answered right now, I’d have called you myself. Aimee, you have to trust us.” Aimee nodded. =/\=Okay.=/\= She said simply. “In that case, I’ll not push the issue, but I’ll ask you few things, after telling you a story...You know my past, of course?=/\= “Which part, the,” and Trip stopped and laughed, “The classified part involving time travel, or the normal parts.” ~I’m such a smart ass.~ Trip thought to himself. =/\= I’d gotten involved with a few characters at the Academy, ‘Carena’ was an interesting girl. In some ways I preferred her. A talent for finding the cracks, finding herself in the wrong...=/\=she laughed, and motioned to her rank pips, =/\=or perhaps right? Place at the right time. Few years passed. I found myself on the Hades with your mentor as FO and Ailynn’s Father, who I fell head over heals in love with.=/\= she smiled. “I know this story. It was your mom, but you couldn’t reveal it.” =/\= Bear with...going somewhere. I promise. However the girl I was then was like Ailynn on a whole heap of caffeine, can you imagine it?=/\= “I try not to.” Trip said with a laugh. Aimee laughed deeply, smiling. =/\= That’s my boy. I found myself in a research project. Offlist. Only 5 other people knew about it. I can’t tell you what it was researching exactly, only that you now rather suspect what the benefits were?=/\= “And I appreciate it.” =/\=Ailynn was the first patient. I was desperate to save her, her dextrocardia was killing her, and she shouldn’t have made 9, so I threw my genius into that research. Three more things, and I’ll leave you alone, I promise. All of those five are dead, I killed an awful lot of tech, destroyed it utterly out of hand, but some of it is now resurfacing, my daughter just confirmed that. One more thing…” Trip nodded. =/\=Same person that unlocked your access helped me lock AWAKEN for ever, and now someone knows about it.=/\= a tear hit her eyes. “Look, Aimee, whether my uncle had anything to do with locking things away or not, whether the tech is similar or not, in the confidential information I looked at, nowhere is project AWAKEN mentioned or referenced. So if your worry and fishing has to do with any of that, I can assure you, this isn’t AWAKEN.” =/\=James…=/\= She sighed, removing her Admirals pips and sliding them across the table in front of her. =/\=This isn’t me fishing sweetcheeks. If I was fishing it’d be Dale you’d be speaking to. This is...=/\= she left the sentence unfinished. =/\=feel free to discuss all of this with your First Officer.=/\= “Aimee….” Trip sighed. “I think this might be something you should tell her. It seems more personal, involves her, I think you should be the one to tell her. Bracken’s have too many secrets, and I seem to find myself involved in too many of them.” =/\=Trip...=/\= Aimee sighed, wishing that he’d just take a step back from the righteous standpoint. “I understand you are coming from a place of fear, of pain, of worry, and maybe regret. Look, all I can tell you as soon as I’m done with this, it will either become a JAG issue or an SFI issue, and while I have a good working relationship with the former, I don’t want to piss off the latter. It’s a rock and a hard place. And while I wish I could tell you more. I appreciate your honesty, and you know I respect the crap out of you. You’re family. But I have my duty.” =/\=Dammit Trip...you’re not listening….=/\= “Look, yes nanites were involved, yes these are nanites that act fast, then dissolve, making them a nearly untraceable weapon. That’s all I can say, anything else is in the murky classified area. It’s the how and the what, it doesn’t necessarily point to the who and the why. If I thought it did, well you’d have gotten more from me. I asked Ailynn to ask about their possibility and the knowledge of that. I know you want to help, I know you need me to ask to do so. But there is a lot more than just nanites involved. I’m not stonewalling you dammit.I have my mission and I have my orders. So there you go that’s the info on the nanites. Quick acting paralyzing nanites, passed through skin to skin contact, releasing a shutdown to the bodies nervous system, then dissolving so that the how and the what are untraceable. Like I said, that’s all I can say. Because frankly that’s all we know. And since we got the information from classified sources, I’m not as free to give it out.” Aimee smiled. =/\=you see? That wasn’t hard. Did my mother teach you nothing? For every blockage in the road there’s a crack, and shortcut. Now. I’ve told you already what I can, without literally getting hogtied and shot. There is noone alive, in my experience, that as fully understands this. Message received?=/\= ~From this universe anyways.~ Trip thought to himself. ~Tell me something I don’t know.~ “And you couldn’t have just said that to Ailynn when she asked if this kind of nanite was possible?” Trip said frustrated. He loved the Brackens, he really did, obviously he married one. But sometimes he felt like he was playing checkers and they were insistent that they were actually playing chess. “Either way, thank you. I appreciate that, at the end of the day you are putting you neck on the line for us ....” =/\= You’re doing well James, you do however need to start learning how to play people. If they’re contacting you...don’t stonewall them...Pappy Williams never take you fishing?=/\= She smirked, and raised an eyebrow. “Well if he called, then I’d probably told him everything over a beer. It’s a little different when it’s the mother of my first officer. It’s hard to tell sometimes when it’s an Admiral wanting to help or a….” Trip paused. ~Don’t say it, Don’t say it.~ “Nevermind.” ~Over protective mother.~ He breathed and sighed. “I appreciate the help. I’ve only been on the job for a few months.” =/\=Feel free to tell Ailynn all of this, I...=/\= She sighed. =/\=Dammit you little shit you’re still only 10, I worry about all of you.=/\= She winked. “Look, I will protect her the best I can.” =/\=I know. Deepest love to Ash, the pictures you sent make her look so beautiful, I am so...=/\= She smiled, and her eyes twinkled mischievously. =/\=Love you Brother-mine, proud of you you little so-and -so. Bracken out.=/\= “Farewell.” Trip said as the screen went dark. He then ran his hand through his hair and just screamed. Clenching his fists he took a few deep breaths. It was easier to handle the Brackens when he was just a kid or a cadet. But sometimes he just felt frustrated. He got that they were genius level intellects, but sometimes… but only sometimes did he feel like he wished they would be more direct. He knew Aimee meant well, he knew Aimee was concerned. But the whole time, he just felt like the little 10 year old who was getting chewed out for pushing Ailynn into the pool with all her clothes on. But he wasn’t ten. He was a captain, he had 500 souls he was responsible for. “I’m just letting the stress get to me. She means well, she always does. Guess the workout didn’t do what I wanted to do.” Sighing, he looked around, “Ash you home?” Ashlyn stepped on silent, bare feet from the bedroom. She’d slung a robe over her shoulders and given up trying to tie it and still have it cover everything. Not that it mattered exactly, she shrugged. She’d tried so hard not to hear, she knew that the OpSec of all of Trip’s communiques were absolute, but she saw the look in her sister’s eyes, and then in Trips. They were beasts of a world that she couldn’t exactly understand, but sadly both of them had times where they just didn’t listen to what was being said to them, not the words, but the message. Gently she rested herself on her husbands knees, pulling his head to a hug, after a few moments she nudged him with her shoulder. “Come on you. Get your useless backside into bed.” She kissed him gently. “I’ll even let you rub my back.” “As much as I appreciate the offer,” he said with a smile. “I need to get a shower in first. Just need to…” He paused. “Sometimes I feel like you are the only Bracken who I speak the same language as.” He stood up and gently twirled her around and smiled. “Room for one more?” She asked, openly. “No, while I would normally say yes. Just need to think. I won’t be long.” “Make sure you're not. Love you Trip Williams. They do too.” She kissed him and sloped off to bed, eager to rest her increasingly aching body. ~Heavy is the head and the heart of the one who wears the crown, I guess.~ Trip thought to himself as he headed towards the bathroom. ~Note to self, send an apology gift basket to Aimee.~ he then smiled as he shut the bathroom door. (reply none) ( USS Exeter - Tactical office - Tac/Sec Ens. (Sg) Stan More - 22:43 Stan was tired. It had been a long day. After his break on the holodeck. Which had ended with a talk with Ravok. He had returned to duty. A silly thing to do considering his shift had ended. But he felt with a murder investigation going on. He needed to put some more hours into this case. ~ The computer that’s the key. Plus these defective components. Despite what the boss said. We nee......~ Suddenly Mores thoughts were interrupted by several things happening at once. The computer began calling out an unauthorised phaser firing alarm. He then received a call form Ravok. To assemble a team of only his choosing. Then head to the science labs. The whole deck was to be sealed off. “ What in the left wee nacelle is going on! ” He said over the noise as he grabbed a phaser. Stan chose a team of officers he knew could be trusted and they hurried out. “ We are to seal off the deck. No one goes anywhere or near anything without permission. But be polite about it. We dinna want a repeat of this evening. Set yer phasers to heavy stun. “ He said. (USS Exeter – Captains Quarters – CO, Captain Trip Williams– 2245) Trip had just exited the shower and was sitting in his living room checking in some last minute reports before heading to bed when his padd began beeping with an alert that of unauthorized phaser fire in one of the science labs. ~Aint no rest for the weary.~ He thought to himself. He stood up and walked into the bedroom, grabbing a fresh uniform from his closet. Getting dressed in a hurry he pressed his commbadge, "Commander Bracken, Lieutenant Ravok, meet me at the Science labs, ASAP. Ravok, assemble a security team that you trust. Seal of that deck, no one in and out without approval." (reply Bracken, Ravok) "Captain Williams out." "Sorry for being loud honey," he said softly. "But duty calls." (reply Ash iyw) Half dressed, wondering where in the hell he had left his shoes, he did the one thing he was hoping to avoid during the investigation. "Computer, Red Alert." (USS Exeter – Science Labs – CO, Captain Trip Williams– 2300) Approaching the science lab in question, Trip looked around waiting to take stock of the situation. "I need a sitrep ASAP. What the hell happened here?" Trip asked hoping that someone could give him an answer. (reply any there) (Reply ash iyw, Ravok, Bracken, any there) (USS Exeter – Deck 4- Science department – CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok – 2247) Receiving an alert of a phaser discharge on Deck 4. Ravok already knew whose phaser it was. He received word from Trip to assemble a security detail. So he notified Ensign More to bring his team to Deck 4 immediately. Since ravoks quarters were literally one deck below he was already on his way to the labs. Upon entering he looked around and saw security securing the area and medical looking after Ensign T'Kel. "I need a sitrep ASAP. What the hell happened here?" Trip said as he stormed in making his presence well known to everyone in the labs. Ravok looked at Ensign Hammerfield who was beginning to speak as he signaled with his hand at one of the security teams to scan the area. After a short struggle we were just about to subdue them but he vaporised himself. I don’t get it. Just before he pulled the trigger – he said I made him do it.” She paused and shook her head. “No... no... that’s not right. He said – She made us do it. Definitely that.” Ravok gave Trip a slight side eyed look then looked back at Ensign Hammerfield. " She?" He asked. ~ Could this she be the one who kissed Tyko with the dissolving nanites?~ He pondered to himself. ( reply Trip, Hammerfield.) Ravok glanced over at Stan who was scanning the trace molecular remains of the attacker. “ Well.....well....well....” Stan said with intrigue. Ravok looked down at the floor to see Stan examining a device. Ravok crouched down next to Stan. " A broken communications inhibitor?" Ravok asked rhetorically “Tis broken otherwise nay one would of never had been able to call for help. But this wee beastie may still be able ter help us” Ensign More said. ( reply any in lab) (USS Exeter –Bridge – CONN – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams– 2247) He had gotten back to the bridge began a routine diagnostic of the flight systems when the red alert klaxon screamed bathing the bridge in a pulsing red light. ~Ow hell~ He quickly cancelled the diagnostic and with his fingers moving fast across the console. ~Engines~ He accessed the impulse engines and brough them up to fully operational status as well as checking that their back up reactors were moved to hot standby. ~Slipstream~ The quantum slipstream drive to brought from cold standby to activation ready. ~The emergency stop button is ready~ He also illuminated the warp engines emergency cut off icon on his console which would drop them out of warp at rapidly. ~Okay that’s done how’s Isra doing~ He looked at the update from shuttle bay one and two. As he scanned the information, he was pleased to see that the alert shuttles for shuttle bay one and two were at 30 seconds launch status. His paused for a moment brining up the two flight crews that were on alert shuttle duty. ~Good a nice mix of green and experienced on each one~ “Status Helm.” Ire looked over at the officer of the watch. “Helm is answering, no change to course. Warp drive is functioning, and slipstream drive is ready to go. Alert shuttles in shuttle bay one and two are on 30 second notice to launch.” “Understood helm.” ~These things are all fine if we have an external problem. But there is nothing I can do if the danger is already on board~ (Reply any) (USS Exeter – Captains Quarters – FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken– 2248) =/\=Commander Bracken, Lieutenant Ravok, meet me at the Science labs, ASAP. Ravok, assemble a security team that you trust. Seal of that deck, no one in and out without approval.=/\= “AAAH C’MON! @#!£$%& REALLY?!!” Ailynn’s head had literally just touched the pillow. “On my way Bracken out.” Ailynn swore a bunch more times, exchanging a look with her cousin, who shook her head then turned over. “Get your b%@$h ass to work Bracken, you wanted to be the @#!£$%& big shot.” Ailynn sighed as she pulled on her clothes once more. “I hate you Williams” she said to Ronnie, a name that she only called her when it was just the two of them. She sighed, and sipped at a glass of water that she had no recollection of leaving by her bedside, and then pulling her hair into a furiously tight bun, she then pulled on her boots and left her suite, her day clearly nowhere near finishing. “Guff in my bed and we have problems.” She said as she left the room, sticking her tongue out at her cousin. (USS Exeter – Science Labs – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 2250) Looking down at her hands Janice took a deep breath as they shaking calmed down a little. Her heart still thumped in her chest and she felt a cold drip run down the side of her head where she was hit. Placing her hand on the table beside her she made her way over to T’Kel, “Where - did he get you?” (reply T’kel) She moved round and examined the back of his head as best she could in the flickering lights. “Its just a little scratch,” she said downplaying his injury as she pulled up her sleeve and pressed it against the back of his head to apply pressure stem the green blood dripping down. (reply T’kel) The doors to the lab slid open. She looked up seeing a man carrying a medical kit. “Over here,” she waved with her free hand. (reply T’kel, Ewan) “Blunt force to the back of the head. Possibly broken or bruised ribs,” she gave a concise reply to the nurse as she stepped back pulling her blood soaked sleeve away and let the professional take over, “Myself - blow to the right temple. Scratches, bruises. Possible onset of shock. See to T’kel first.” Taking a step back she put her hand against the wall and sat down slowly leaning against it. It was then that help had arrived that her body unlocked her emotions from one of survival and she started to uncontrollably, but quietly cry. (reply T’kel, Ewan) (USS Exeter - Science Labs – Nurse – CPO - Ewan McDonald- 22:57) As Ewan entered the labs, he wished that the turbolift had gone quicker or that the Exeter was smaller never mind that he needed to do more exercise. He scanned the room as he entered making a mental list of its occupants and who looked the most severe. ~Okay only two Ensign Hammerfield and Ensign T’kel~ Out of the two T’Kel looked a bit worse for wear as he was using the table for support. He made moved over to T’Kel and took out his tricorder. He was about to find out what his injuries were when the door open and More entered. “ Is everyone ok?” ~Looks like security is here~ He nodded as he began his scan of the Vulcan. ~Okay, head looks good, breathing is fast….yes that’s why. He has a couple of broken ribs. That’s going to be sore and his shoulder looks like a partial dislocation~ Ewan looked up as the doors opened again and the captain entered. ~Okay, this is bad~ "I need a sitrep ASAP. What the hell happened here?" (reply any in the lab) ( USS Exeter - Science Labs - Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 22:58 ) The team quickly deployed once they arrived on the deck. Stan moved cautiously through the doors looked around. “ Is everyone ok?” He asked ( Reply , All in science lab ) “Och my goodness.” Stan said shaking his head. More began to scan the area were the would be killer. Had vaporised himself. A voice behind him suddenly made him feel nervous. Plus a little annoyed. His team should of alerted him the top boss had arrived. Words would have to be spoken later on. "I need a sitrep ASAP. What the hell happened here?" Trip asked hoping that someone could give him an answer. The Captain had arrived and was expecting answers. Stan had hoped to have picked up anything. From his initial scan. But the vaporising phaser had been sufficient. In wiping all traces of the would be killer. Stan let the others speak as he kept on scanning. After all they could give the Commander a better version of what happened. Having just lived through it. (reply any there) Stan was just about to move away. When his scanning device picked something up. On the floor was the remains of the comm. scrambling device. The would be killer had used. It must of been dropped just before the full vaporising by the phaser. Hence it been damaged and inoperable. “ Well.....well....well....” he said ( Reply , all in lab ) (USS Exeter – Science Labs – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 2301) "I need a sitrep ASAP. What the hell happened here?" Trip asked hoping that someone could give him an answer. Lookling to the side T’kel was still beign treated so it was better that she do her best to fill in what had happened. Still sitting on the ground still, her eyes red from the few tears running down her face she raised her hand and started to stammer out her words as she recalled what happened, “Sir. T’Kel and I were attacked. I... I don’t know who it was. They took a phaser – set it to maximum. They just... just...” (reply Trip) She took a deep breath, “After a short struggle we were just about to subdue them but he vaporised himself. I don’t get it. Just before he pulled the trigger – he said I made him do it.” Another deep inhale and exhale she flashed back to the moment again and shook her head side to side, “No... no... that’s not right. He said – She made us do it. Definitely that.” (reply Trip, any) (USS Exeter - Personal quarters - COO Ensign (sg) Paul Sleeford 23:05) Sleeford lay on his bed, exhausted, both physically and mentally, it had been a very long day, drifted off to sleep, As he drifted off his mind ran with the thoughts off the day, his subconscious worked through the problem that had niggled him most of the day. The sound of an alarm woke Sleeford with a start, Sitting bolt upright, Sleeford looked around his quarters, there's been an unauthorised firing of a weapon, his groggy mind shouted at him, taking a deep breath he swung his legs off the bed, standing he taped his badge. "Sleeford to Ops report." "This is Crewman Dellen, There's been an incident on deck 4 science lab 4. Weapons fire. Security and medical are in attendance." Taking a breath Sleeford paused, "Okay, seal off the deck from lift junction 12, 13 and 23. Level 4 field, disable site to site on the entire deck" Rubbing his face he walked over to the replicator and took a glass of water, pausing by the table he looked at the scraps of paper scattered over the surface, picking one up he read his notes. Sighing he knew that he couldn't answer the questions alone. Picking up his PADD he composed a message to four other people. " 'My apologies for the lateness of this, but could you meet me in NIne and Dine in one hour for a late supper or an early breakfast. I think its time we all got together and had a chat' Computer send the message to the following, Lieutenants Williams and Cortez, Ensign More and Civilian Cat Dubios" (Replies Williams, Cortez, More, Dubios) (USS Exeter – Captains Quarters – FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken – 2305) Minutes later she exited a tingle of pride as she strode past all the security checkpoints. Allowing herself a smile, she nodded to the sec officers, it gave her a rush of...well...of pride that she had the authority to stroll past every security cordon with nothing more than a nod. They all knew who she was. She strode into the lab where the incident had taken place. “You know there’s only so many times that a lady should be expected to have to take off her bra and put it back on in one day.” Ailynn was exhausted, and her filter had utterly stopped working. (Reply any in lab) She fell in alongside Trip, and listened to the brief that those on scene were already giving. (Reply any) (USS Exeter - Science Labs – Nurse – CPO - Ewan McDonald- 23:07) He had finished checking T’kel. “I need to get you back to sickbay and get you treated.” (Reply T’Kel) He was about to say something more when the door opened, and Commander Bracken entered. “You know there’s only so many times that a lady should be expected to have to take off her bra and put it back on in one day.” ~Well that is a statement I will not forget in a hurry~ His face was professional as he fought the inner chuckle. He closed his medical kit composed himself again and then moved over to where the officers were talking. “Sorry for the interruptions Captain. I would like to take Ensign T’Kel to sickbay for treatment.” (Reply Trip, any) “Sir, he has sustained a couple of rib fractures and a partial shoulder dislocation, but he will need to be checked over by the duty doctor.” (Reply Trip, any) “And if it’s possible sir, when you are finished with Ensign Hammerfield if she could also come and get checked out sir.” (Reply Trip, any) (Reply Trip, T’Kel anyone in the lab) (USS Exeter - Science Labs – SPC Sec/tac Ensign Sg T'kel- 23:08) “I need to get you back to sickbay and get you treated.” T'Kel nodded his head. " Good idea." He responded , looking at Ensign Hammerfield he felt a hint of guilt, as much guilt that a vulcan would allow themselves to feel. He knew Hammerfield was lucky to be alive. He waited for a break in the conversations to give a statement. He looked at Lieutenant Ravok. " Sir. I know I must be going but I must give my statement. " Ravok looked at him. " Go on Ensign. " T'Kel looked at the captain and first officer. " It was Ensign Thorn. He came here and attacked me first then made a move on Ensign Hammerfield. He used my phaser which had fallen out of my hand when he struck me . Had it not been for Ensign Hammerfields resilience and...bravery I would not be alive. " T'Kel said as his hand held his side. He was starting to have difficulty breathing. Ravok looked at nurse McDonald. " Get him to sickbay now. Ensign More is going to escort you " He said motioning toward Stan to escort them safely. ( reply McDonald and Stan. ) (Reply any ) (USS Exeter – Personal Quarters – CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez – 2308) Sighing heavily as she sat down heavily on the sofa, Erin rubbed her temple with her fingers. ~I swear if anything else….~ Her train of thought interrupted by the sound of the red alert and she sat up instantly, "One day I will learn not to say that." She said out loud and grabbed a PADD. looking at the details coming in, she gasped as she realised that something had happened in her department. Something bad. Tapping her combadge, she spoke calmly "Cortez to Ravok. " (Reply Ravok) "What on earth has happened? Is everyone okay? " (Reply Ravok) "I can't get there. Deck is sealed. Please keep me informed." (Reply Ravok) "I understand. Cortez out." Sitting back, Erin closed her eyes. Realising she still had a hold of the PADD, she opened her eyes and glanced down at it. ~why is it shaking?~ she thought to herself as she looked. Then, it hit her. It wasn’t the PADD, it was her. Taking a deep breath, she put her other hand on the PADD and focused on it, trying to stop herself from shaking. Then, she saw the notification. 'My apologies for the lateness of this, but could you meet me in Nine and Dine in one hour for a late supper or an early breakfast. I think its time we all got together and had a chat' The message had come from Ensign Sleeford. Gritting her teeth, Erin fought down a fire that was building in her and slapped her combadge again, "Cortez to Sleeford. " (Reply Sleeford) "Firstly, this has been a long day so forgive the shortness of my response. What could possibly be so important? There’s a crisis in my department right now and I really should be focusing on that." (Reply Sleeford) Rolling her eyes, Erin sighed, " Look, I'll be there just don't expect anything spectacular. Cortez out." (Reply Ravok, Sleeford, any) (USS Exeter - Personal Quarters COO Ensign (sg) Paul Sleeford 23:08) Sleeford was heading out of his quarters, after arranging a meeting with the main suspects, the thoughts had finally came together in an unjumbled manner in the past hour. as he reached the his comms badge vibrated against his chest. "Cortez to Sleeford. " Tapping his badge as the door opened, "Sleeford go ahead Lieutenant" "Firstly, this has been a long day so forgive the shortness of my response. What could possibly be so important? There’s a crisis in my department right now and I really should be focusing on that." Hearing the tone, he knew that like him Cortez had reached the end of her limits, if like him she'd be stressed, worried and damn right annoyed. "Lieutenant I know it's been a long day, I've had just the same shit, as for the problem in Science, its and unauthorised weapons fire. Security will be over it like a rash, you'll be in the way" Rolling her eyes, Erin sighed, " Look, I'll be there just don't expect anything spectacular. Cortez out." Shaking his head Sleeford entered the lift and started to make his way to deck nine, as it arrived he walked out and walked towards the bar. As his hand made contact with the door handle his badge vibrated again. “Ensign, if we are going to have this meeting, we had better do it now. I’ve just been told that they might be sealing us down. From what i can gather, it’s going to be soon so i suggest we meet now. Deck one, observation lounge. I’ll contact the others.” "Understood, I'll come up from deck nine" “Understood, Cortez out.” (USS Exeter - Science Labs – CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok- 23:09) =/\=Cortez to Ravok. =/\= Erin's voice came cracking across the comm system. Ravok stepped away from the group so that this conversation didn't interrupt any discussions with the captain. " Go ahead Lieutenant" He replied. =/\=What on earth has happened? Is everyone okay? =/\= ~ What on earth happened? Why does everything have to be about earth? Humans..~ " We had an incident of a phaser discharge., I can't say much but I can say that the good guys are alive." Ravok replied. He wished that Ensign Thorn hadn't taken his life. Ravok would have loved to of had a few minutes with this ...animal. This person most likely had direct involvement with the commander's death and now he had just attempted to kill 2 other crew members. Ravok was momentarily overcome with disgust that they wore the same uniform. =/\=I can't get there. Deck is sealed. Please keep me informed.=/\= " I will keep you updated on a need to know basis. Stay in your quarters. Don't open the door for anyone. " Ravok warned her. =/\=I understand. Cortez out.=/\= Ravok walked back over to the conversation. " Sorry about that. I'm going to have Ensign Giles from forensics verify the molecular identity of the deceased hostile. I am going to need anyone that's not imperative to the investigation to leave immediately. So forensics can work. " ( reply any ) (USS Exeter – Science Labs –CO, Captain Trip Williams – 2310) “Sir. T’Kel and I were attacked. I... I don’t know who it was. They took a phaser – set it to maximum. They just... just...” "It's alright," Trip replied with a soft and reassuring smile. "Just tell me what happened, I know it was self defense." “After a short struggle we were just about to subdue them but he vaporised himself. I don’t get it. Just before he pulled the trigger – he said I made him do it.” Another deep inhale and exhale she flashed back to the moment again and shook her head side to side, “No... no... that’s not right. He said – She made us do it. Definitely that.” "She made us do it?" Trip repeated to himself in the form of a question. Ravok then gave Trip a slight side eyed look then looked back at Ensign Hammerfield. " She?" Ravok asked. "Ensign, do you think that the assailant was referring to you, as in you made him and T'Kel fight, as in your actions caused him to seek you out and then eventually pull the trigger on himself? Or do you think he was referring to someone else?" (reply Hammerfield) Before Trip could reply to Hammerfield, he turned as he heard Ailynn enter the room. “You know there’s only so many times that a lady should be expected to have to take off her bra and put it back on in one day.” Trip approached Ailynn, smiled, put a hand on her shoulder and then whispered into her ear. "Well I mean, I have been trying to get you to take your bra off since I was 13. I guess mission accomplished." (reply Ailynn iyw) "Anyways Commander," Trip said putting his serious face back on, "An assailant attacked ensign Hammerfield and Ensign T'kel and then vaporized himself, but not before saying, 'she made us do it'" (reply Ailynn iyw) "So right now, before the forensics investigation begins, we're just trying to figure out if she refers to Ensign Hammerfield or someone else." (reply Ailynn) Before Trip could reply to Ailynn he was interupted once again, this time by Nurse McDonald. “Sorry for the interruptions Captain. I would like to take Ensign T’Kel to sickbay for treatment.” "That's fine. Not sure why you're asking my permission. If he's injured, then he needs to get treatment. Don't need my say so for that. How bad are the injuries?" “Sir, he has sustained a couple of rib fractures and a partial shoulder dislocation, but he will need to be checked over by the duty doctor.” "Sounds good, get moving." Trip said. “And if it’s possible sir, when you are finished with Ensign Hammerfield if she could also come and get checked out sir.” Trip paused. He was certain that one day when he said get moving, someone will actually get moving and not provide a follow up statement. "That's fine, but I'll leave that up to her. In the interim commander Bracken can take a look if Ensign Hammerfield begins complaining about anything. Now get moving." (reply McDonald) "Ensign Hammerfield, if you need a drink or anything like that from the replicators, feel free to grab one, we may be here a while." (reply Hammerfield) Trip then looked at Ensign T'Kel as Nurse McDonald began getting him ready to move to sickbay. "It was Ensign Thorn. He came here and attacked me first then made a move on Ensign Hammerfield. He used my phaser which had fallen out of my hand when he struck me . Had it not been for Ensign Hammerfields resilience and...bravery I would not be alive. " "Get some rest ensign," Trip replied, you deserve it. Trip then turned to Ailynn and spoke to her in a low voice. "Well looks like one of our assailants is taken care of. Though I'll have the computer check a voice sample from one of Ensign Thorn's logs with the voice sample from Commander Tyko's log to verify. One down two to go I guess." (reply Ailynn) Before he could reply to Ailynn, he was interrupted once again. ~Oh come on! Do I need to start making people raise their hands?~ "Sorry about that. I'm going to have Ensign Giles from forensics verify the molecular identity of the deceased hostile. I am going to need anyone that's not imperative to the investigation to leave immediately. So forensics can work. " "At this point I am declaring myself, commander Bracken, and Ensign Hammerfield imperative to this investigation. I'm not trusting anyone to run any test that I don't see conducted with my own eyes. If I have to hover over their shoulders then verify the data I will. Call me paranoid if you want, but that's how its going to be." (reply Ravok) "I also want you to seal off the residential areas, no one in or out. Everyone who is currently on those decks are to remain in their quarters or head there immediately. All recreation facilities are to be closed. We know we have three suspects, so two are at large and they are dangerous. If anyone wants to stay loiter around they better have a damn good reason." (reply Ravok) Trip then turned to Ailynn, "Commander, anything else to add?" (reply Ailynn) (reply Hammerfield, Ailynn, MacDonald, Ravok) (USS Exeter - Science Labs – Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 23:10 ) Stan had agreed to meet his friend Sleeford later. But warned he may be a little late. More doubted he would sleep anyway. But he did not mention to his friend about the clue. In fact he even kept that quiet from Ravok as well. Stan bagged and tagged the broken device. Then just as he was about to continue his scan. His comm. badge chirped. Ever since he was a small boy. Stan had an amazing ability to listen to a few things at once. It was put down to his photographic memory. Today that ability made it possible to not only take the call. But listen to what was being said in the room. =/\= “Cortez to Lieutentant Williams, Ensign More and Miss Dubois, Please come to the observation Lounge, Deck 1 as soon as possible.” =/\= Should he go? No. But it sounded urgent. What if his friends had found a vital clue? What if they were the killers.....no Paul was not a killer no way......but what if he was in danger? What if they all were? Yes. But he felt that vital information to Nix’s murder. Was here and needed to be found.Plus he needed to speak with T’Kal. So..... “ I’m sorry Cortez I am in the middle of an investigation it’s very important I stay here. So I can’t meet you.” He replied. Once the link was cut though. He sent a couple of security guards to the observation lounge. With orders to keep out of the way. But at the first sign of his friends being in danger. Help them. Stan continued to listen and was slightly taken aback by the Captains orders. He hoped the new lockdown did not include him. But based on what Trip and Ravok had just said. Stan cleared his throat. Ravok looked at nurse McDonald. " Get him to sickbay now. Ensign More is going to escort you " He said motioning toward Stan to escort them safely. ( reply McDonald ) “ Captain before I escort K’Tal to sickbay may I have a wee word with yer sir? ” Stan asked ( Reply , McDonald , Trip ) USS Exeter - Personal quarters - Caity Dubois - 23:11) Opening her eyes slowly, Caity sat up on her bed and realised that she had fallen asleep in her uniform. Rubbing her eyes, Caity got up, put Mr Flibble back on her pillow and wandered into her living room, grabbed a coffee from the replicator and sat down on her sofa. “Oh Bert, I swear if i had known life on this ship was going to be like this, i’d have thought twice about it.” Taking a sip of her coffee, she smiled softly, “But then i wouldn’t have met Ailynn. So, every cloud and all that.” Looking over at the small console display she had on the table infront of her, she saw a notification that there was a message awaiting her attention. Leaning forward, she tapped on the screen and read, 'My apologies for the lateness of this, but could you meet me in NIne and Dine in one hour for a late supper or an early breakfast. I think its time we all got together and had a chat' Sitting back on her sofa, Caity shrugged, “That’s interesting. From what i heard, Ensign Sleeford is one of the seemingly exclusive club. Much as i don’t want to go, see people, i should. No need to give people anymore reason to doubt my innocence.” Standing, she pulled her hair into a tight ponytail, brushed her uniform down and headed to the door. Turning back, she smiled at Bert, “Once more unto the breech…” (Reply None) (USS Exeter – Hallway – CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez – 2311) Stepping out of her quarters, Erin took a few steps into the hall and almost walked into a couple of crew. Rolling her eyes, she glared at them and asked, “What the…. What is going on?” The younger crew man looked at her sheepsihly, “Ma-am, i am sorry. We heard rumblings that we are heading for a lockdown and were trying to get back to our quarters as soon as we could.” Erin nodded and stepped to the side so they could pass. As they headed off into the distance, she sighed and tapped her combadge, “Cortez to Sleeford.” (Reply Sleeford) “Ensign, if we are going to have this meeting, we had better do it now. I’ve just been told that they might be sealing us down. From what i can gather, it’s going to be soon so i suggest we meet now. Deck one, observation lounge. I’ll contact the others.” (Reply Sleeford) “Understood, Cortez out.” Tapping her combadge again, Erin spoke calmly, “Cortez to Lieutentant Williams, Ensign More and Miss Dubois, Please come to the observation Lounge, Deck 1 as soon as possible.” (Reply More, Dubois, Williams) Walking into the turbolift, as the doors closed, Erin leant back on the wall and told the computer to take her to deck 1. Closing her eyes, she thought to herself, ~What could possibly go wrong now.~ (Reply Sleeford, More, Williams, Dubois) (USS Exeter –Bridge – CONN – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams – 2311) =^=Cortez to Lieutenant Williams, Ensign More and Miss Dubois, Please come to the observation Lounge, Deck 1 as soon as possible=^= ~Okay I wonder what this is about~ He turned to the Officer of the deck and received a nod. “This is Williams. Understood and on my way.” He logged off and stood up as his relief slipped into his seat. He left the bridge and headed the short walk to the observation lounge. (USS Exeter – Science Labs – FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken – 2311) Trip approached Ailynn, smiled, put a hand on her shoulder and then whispered into her ear. "Well I mean, I have been trying to get you to take your bra off since I was 13. I guess mission accomplished." Ailynn smiled, “Anyway, my apologies. What did I miss?” "Anyways Commander," Trip said putting his serious face back on, "An assailant attacked ensign Hammerfield and Ensign T'kel and then vaporized himself, but not before saying, 'she made us do it'" “She? No more than that? That’s a pity.” her eyes tightened slightly, deep in thought. "So right now, before the forensics investigation begins, we're just trying to figure out if she refers to Ensign Hammerfield or someone else." “We’re currently running on a conjecture that the primary Perp is female, going on voice and laryngeal reconstruction simulation in the acoustics lab. There’s a report on your inbox, but it was only 25 minutes ago.” Ailynn said, wishing she could elaborate. Before Trip could reply to her he was interupted by Nurse McDonald. She followed the interchange between Trip and the rest, but didn’t say anything, there were things afoot, and she felt that just adding more voices to the room at this moment would muddy everyone’s thoughts. She could fill Trip in privately. Trip then turned to Ailynn and spoke to her in a low voice. "Well looks like one of our assailants is taken care of. Though I'll have the computer check a voice sample from one of Ensign Thorn's logs with the voice sample from Commander Tyko's log to verify. One down two to go I guess." “I’d prefer them alive if possible, the dead don’t answer questions. Well, bodies do, this level of dead less so. You’re right however.” Before he could reply to Ailynn, he was interrupted once again. ~Oh come on! Do I need to start making people raise their hands?~ "Sorry about that. I'm going to have Ensign Giles from forensics verify the molecular identity of the deceased hostile. I am going to need anyone that's not imperative to the investigation to leave immediately. So forensics can work. " Once more Ailynn figuratively stepped into the background, listening to Ravok. Trip then turned to Ailynn, "Commander, anything else to add?" “Not much exactly, however, the other accomplices will find out very quickly what happened here. However, we now know one of them. The others may slip up by the sudden change of their plans, that may drive them out, or into hiding. Find out who his friends were, if he suddenly was hooking up with someone new. Check communications, his partners in crime won’t be amongst the most popular, but may be conspicuous by just being out of place somehow.” She paused, drawing breath. “Keep safe, we now know what lengths he, she or they will go to.” (reply any) “When Forensics run their sweeps, have them do a full composition and residue analysis on the deceased. Have them send it me as soon as it’s done, I want to read it straight away.” Ailynn said, rubbing her eyes. (reply any) (USS Exeter - Science Labs – Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 23:13) Stan had agreed to meet his friend Sleeford later. But warned he may be a little late. More doubted he would sleep anyway. But he did not mention to his friend about the clue. In fact he even kept that quiet from Ravok as well. Stan bagged and tagged the broken device. Then just as he was about to continue his scan. His comm. badge chirped. Ever since he was a small boy. Stan had an amazing ability to listen to a few things at once. It was put down to his photographic memory. Today that ability made it possible to not only take the call. But listen to what was being said in the room. =/\= “Cortez to Lieutentant Williams, Ensign More and Miss Dubois, Please come to the observation Lounge, Deck 1 as soon as possible.” =/\= Should he go? No. But it sounded urgent. What if his friends had found a vital clue? What if they were the killers.....no Paul was not a killer no way......but what if he was in danger? What if they all were? Yes. But he felt that vital information to Nix’s murder. Was here and needed to be found.Plus he needed to speak with T’Kal. So..... “ I’m sorry Cortez I am in the middle of an investigation it’s very important I stay here. So I can’t meet you.” He replied. Once the link was cut though. He sent a couple of security guards to the observation lounge. With orders to keep out of the way. But at the first sign of his friends being in danger. Help them. Stan continued to listen and was slightly taken aback by the Captains orders. He hoped the new lockdown did not include him. But based on what Trip and Ravok had just said. Stan cleared his throat. Ravok looked at nurse McDonald. " Get him to sickbay now. Ensign More is going to escort you " He said motioning toward Stan to escort them safely. ( reply McDonald ) “ Captain before I escort K’Tal to sickbay may I have a wee word with yer sir? ” Stan asked ( Reply , McDonald , Trip ) (USS Exeter - Science Labs – Nurse -Ewan McDonald - 23.14) "Get him to sickbay now. Ensign More is going to escort you." “Yes Sir.” Ewan nodded at Ravok and the looked over at the Captain he had something else to add before looking over at More. “Let’s go shall we sir.” (Reply More) He stepped over to T’Kel. “Okay lets get you to sickbay shall we.” (Reply T’Kel IYW) He helped T’Kel up and they headed for the door. (USS Exeter – Science Labs – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 2314) " She?" Ravok asked. "Ensign, do you think that the assailant was referring to you, as in you made him and T'Kel fight, as in your actions caused him to seek you out and then eventually pull the trigger on himself? Or do you think he was referring to someone else?" "I don’t know – it was all pretty quick,” she said looking at them all, “But it he defiantly said ‘she made us’. It would be odd if he referred to me third person before... well...” Janice stayed where she was as more people started to filter into the room and held her hand up to her head letting her other sleeve wipe up a bit of the blood on her head until she heard her name once more “...Hammerfield if she could also come and get checked out sir.” Janice gave a small wave signifying she could make her own way to sick bay. She was more concerned that they get T’kel over. "That's fine, but I'll leave that up to her. In the interim commander Bracken can take a look if Ensign Hammerfield begins complaining about anything. Now get moving." "Ensign Hammerfield, if you need a drink or anything like that from the replicators, feel free to grab one, we may be here a while." "Ill be ok,” she got up on her feet slowly feeling a bit more composed. "It was Ensign Thorn. He came here and attacked me first then made a move on Ensign Hammerfield. He used my phaser which had fallen out of my hand when he struck me . Had it not been for Ensign Hammerfields resilience and...bravery I would not be alive. " "Get some rest ensign," Trip replied, you deserve it. Janice again got somewhat distracted watching T’kel get taken out of the room. ~Ill check up on you later~ Pulling her hand off her head she dabbing it with a few clean parts of her uniform. Seeing only a spec or two of blood she surmised the wound had congealed enough and stopped applying pressure. Show original message Looking at the table where her equipment lay scattered Janice seen her mug of tea had fallen off and now rested on the floor below. Holding her arms crossed over her stomach she went to the replicator and pressed a button to get her another mug of tea. “I’ll be here when you need me Commander.” She leant against the wall and took a seep long sip. Staring into the mug she held it in one hand as she watched the liquid judging how much she was trembling. The tea remained reasonably still. (reply Ailynn, MacDonald, Ravok) (USS Exeter - Science Labs – CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok- 2315) "At this point I am declaring myself, commander Bracken, and Ensign Hammerfield imperative to this investigation. I'm not trusting anyone to run any test that I don't see conducted with my own eyes. If I have to hover over their shoulders then verify the data I will. Call me paranoid if you want, but that's how its going to be." Trip said. " Understood Sir." Ravok replied and looked at the other security officer around the room and nodded to them to leave at once. "I also want you to seal off the residential areas, no one in or out. Everyone who is currently on those decks are to remain in their quarters or head there immediately. All recreation facilities are to be closed. We know we have three suspects, so two are at large and they are dangerous. If anyone wants to stay loiter around they better have a damn good reason." " I'll get right on it Sir." Ravok said, stepping toward a wall panel to send out the commands to the security department. He heard a voice behind him. “ Captain before I escort T'kel to sickbay may I have a wee word with yer sir? ” Stan asked Trip, who was in the middle of a conversation with Commander Bracken. Ravok turned around quickly " Ensign More, Now isn't the time. You have your orders." Ravok said rather sternly. He knew Trip was at his witts end and being interrupted once more would probably be bad. So in essence he was sparing Ensign More of a potentially self demoralizing situation. ( reply More ) As Ensign More and Nurse McDonald escorted Ensign T'Kel out of the lab. Ravok turned back around to the wall terminal and entered the security measures set forth by the captain. Sending a ship wide alert to all on board of the new security protocols that were now in effect until further notice The alert read - "Effective immediately all civilian and crew residential areas are on a mandatory lockdown. No one is permitted in or out until further notice. Emergency services will continue to serve the welfare and protection of the inhabitants of this ship. If you are in those areas you are to remain in quarters or if you are outside of your quarters you are to report to quarters immediately. All on duty personnel are to remain at their current assigned post until shift relief arrives at their regularly scheduled times. All personnel reporting to on duty status or going off duty will report to designated escort zones listed in the ships emergency lockdown directory, security will escort personnel. Furthermore all are closed by order of the captain. Sorry for any and all inconveniences. Thank you for your compliance. Regards, Lieutenant Ravok Chief Tactical Officer/ Head of security." Ravok stepped away from the terminal and watched as forensics entered the room. ( reply any ) (USS Exeter – observation Lounge – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams – 2316) Ire entered observation lounge and stepped over to the large viewing ports and watched as the stars streamed past warp speed. He new he had a few moments before the others arrived and took the time to relax and enjoy the view. ~This really has been a long day. Looking forward to just going back to my quarters and curl up with Greta and sleep~ (Reply More, Dubois, Cortez, any) (USS Exeter – observation Lounge – CSO LT JG Erin Cortez – 2319) Waking into the observation lounge with a cup of coffee in her hand, Erin was in no mood for games. Noticing that she was not the first one there, she sat down heavily at the table, took a sip of her coffee and sighed heavily. (Reply Ire) "Long day. Not fun day. Need coffee or sleep but seen as we had a mysterious summons, coffee will do for now." (Reply Ire, any) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – Nurse – Ewan McDonald- 23.21) Ewan entered a busy sickbay. There had not been any more patients but since the red alert had been called the duty and primary on call staff had been called in. He saw an empty bio-bed. “Ensign More. I think that Dr Methor is on call. He should be in sickbay. Would you mind if getting him or grabbing a nurse to find him please?” (Reply More) “thank you.” He helped T’Kel onto the bio-bed. “Ensign T’kel just rest here. If you could remain still as I start the scan, please.” (Reply T’Kel) He tapped a command into the bio-bed and the sensors began to hum. “I am sorry if you are in pain Ensign. As soon as the doctor comes we can get some medication prescribed.” (Reply T’Kel) (USS Exeter – observation Lounge –CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams– 2320) Ire turned from the view as the doors opened and he saw Erin enter. He saw her drop into a chair and take a sip of her drink. “Long day Erin?” "Long day. Not fun day. Need coffee or sleep but seen as we had a mysterious summons, coffee will do for now." Ire nodded trying to stifle a yawn. As he moved over to the table and sat down. The doors opened and DuBois entered. “Come grab a seat I am sure that the others would be here soon.” (Reply Dubois) ~I hope so~ (Reply Cortez, Dubois, any) (USS Exeter – observation Lounge – Caity DuBois – 2321) Walking into the lounge, Caity knew that she didn't look her best and didn't have her uniform on but she didn't want to change out of her comfy clothes so stood a little way inside the door. Unsure of whether to interrupt two ranking officers evidently deep in conversation, she moved to a nearby window and gazed out of it. Taking a glance at the two of them, the man she knew as Ire Williams, chief flight officer. The other she knew well. Ailynn’s close friend although, from looking at her, she didn't seem to be the firecracker that Ailynn had told her about. She seemed on edge, yet subdued at the same time. ~A dichotomy of emotion~ Caity thought to herself as she waited for the others to join them. (Reply any at the obs lounge) (USS Exeter - Deck one - Observation lounge - COO Ensign (sg) Paul Sleeford - 2322) Walking into the lounge he saw, Cortez, Williams and Dudois already sitting there, looking round he saw More was not present, raising his eyebrows, he shrugged and walked to the table." "Okay thank you all for coming, I know it's late, I know we've all had a shitty day. Trust me I know that full well. I also know that we're probably breaking several rules, by meeting, but to be honest I think we need to." (Replys any) Sitting down Sleeford composed his thoughts, "Okay I'm going to ask what might seem like a stupid question, please bear with me if you could. Have any of you been asked what seemed like stupid, daft question today, something personal to you?" (Replies all) Placing his hands together locking his fingers , Sleeford nodded as each spoke, the last of the puzzle had now fallen into place. "Okay thank you. I've been wondering all day, how the killer got in to a locked room. It hit me during the alarm less then a hour ago. We've all be asked personal questions that are relevant to us and us only. Now this is just speculation, but please hear me out." Taking a breath Sleeford continued, "We've recently left the Gamma quadrant, we've had a stop over at DS9, what to say we didn't pick something up, something nasty. Tyko comes on board on Station Freedom, within 24 hours he's dead. The only common thread is us. So unless one of us is a very good liar, then I think there's a changeling on board, it would explain how they got in the room." (Replies all or any) (replies Williams, Cortez, Dubios) (USS Exeter - Deck one - Observation lounge -CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams -2325) Ire looked over at Paul as he began to speak. ~Lets see what this is al about~ "Okay thank you all for coming, I know it's late, I know we've all had a shitty day. Trust me I know that full well. I also know that we're probably breaking several rules, by meeting, but to be honest I think we need to." “Okay.” (Replys any) Sitting down Sleeford composed his thoughts, "Okay I'm going to ask what might seem like a stupid question, please bear with me if you could. Have any of you been asked what seemed like stupid, daft question today, something personal to you?" Ire nodded. (Replies all) "Okay thank you. I've been wondering all day, how the killer got in to a locked room. It hit me during the alarm less then a hour ago. We've all be asked personal questions that are relevant to us and us only. Now this is just speculation, but please hear me out." ~Where is he going with this~ "We've recently left the Gamma quadrant, we've had a stop over at DS9, what to say we didn't pick something up, something nasty. Tyko comes on board on Station Freedom, within 24 hours he's dead. The only common thread is us. So unless one of us is a very good liar, then I think there's a changeling on board, it would explain how they got in the room." “I have a question? Why are you talking to us and not the Skipper or XO or Ravok about this? (Replies all or any) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< End Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<