Mission 006: Divergence/Convergence

[Gheskori]

Mission 006: Divergence/Convergence

The Enzio is en route to the Vrilas sector for a standard charting operation. Shortly after leaving Starbase, Trill Chief Science Officer Galwyn falls sick, her symbiont Cet the cause. With no one aboard with the knowledge to cure the CScO of her ailment, the Enzio has no choice but to change course for the Trill homeworld, in the hope that the Symbiosis Commission can help...

The Enzio was two days out of Starbase, en route to the Vrilas sector. The mission brief was that this was a simple charting mission; the Enzio would explore the Vrilas system itself and then the eponymous sector that lay beyond it, which passing through, would eventually lead one to Romulan space. Of course they weren't to venture that far - the sectors along the Romulan neutral zone were comprehensively remapped every three months.

Ghes was in his quarters -as he was wont to do at the outset of a mission and when he'd little else to occupy his time - reading up on the Vrilas system and its three inhabited planets. Outside of the heavily populated inner system was a collection of gas giants, and the system was completed by a few loosely orbiting dwarfs and other cold matter; not dissimilar to Sol.

It was their first port of call. Being an unaligned planet Ghes would have to make a test of his diplomatic skills; it'd been a shrewd decision to have a diplomatic attache assigned for this outing. Unfortunately, they'd also taken on another passenger... Ghes's eyes strayed to the padd lying on his coffee table: Romulan literature.

The trader had left his quarters some 15 minutes ago. The meeting had been cordial, even enjoyable, as they'd talked eagerly about their recent readings and, more importantly, the trader's findings. Ghes had begrudgingly paid out the latinum for the books - currency that was supposed to be outlawed in the Federation - and the Romulan had left for his appointed guest quarters.

Ghes had insisted upon no guard being posted to Telmak's quarters. The man was an expatriate, no longer a citizen of the Star Empire. He was Gheskori's guest and would be treated as such, had been registered as a civilian aboard the ship for the duration of the mission, although Ghes had instructed Lieutenant Hood to keep tabs on him and alert the CO if the Romulan wandered into any restricted or sensitive areas (most prominently, sickbay).

He'd seen fit not to call a staff meeting at this time to discuss the mission; they were 5 days away from Vrilas and besides the crew were already well aware of the somewhat routine nature of the mission. Hardly the work of a Prometheus class vessel, but then they did have speed on their side, something that might prove more useful than any of them envisaged.


<Tag All - Saryn we can resume our sickbay talk from before we left Starbase if you like)>

[Gheskori]

2 days ago, final boarding of the Enzio...

Gheskori was stood near the entrance to the vestibule that would lead him back on to his ship. The starboard side of the vessel stretched away to his right, its cabin lights breaking the darkness of the docking arena whose walls were hidden an indeterminable distance away. While the Enzio wasn't a large vessel - in comparison to other vessels of comparable combat capability - it certainly gave that impression when one was stood right up next to it.

The area outside the vestibule started to swarm with people - most of them, he saw, Enzio officers and crewmen, with a few central agency reporters scattered amongst them, eager to get a story on the Enzio's much talked-about trip to the Vrilas sector. The area lay uncharted, or at least hadn't been mapped in 200 years; there was - probably unjust - cause for excitement.

The vestibule lay open. Crew could embark and disembark whenever they liked, but only now that the assignment was close to commencement did his crew flock back to the ship, drawn in as in draughts from various areas around the gargantuan starbase.

A man came to stand beside him, exhaling sharply, rocking on his feet as if he was tiptoeing around some issue he hadn't even introduced yet. Ghes looked irritatedly to the side: it was Telmak.

"Gheskori," the Romulan nodded, indicating his carry case held tightly under one arm and winking. "Reading material."

"Telmak. What are you doing here?" Ghes almost laughed but found restraint. With this many reporters around, it was perhaps not wise for a Starfleet Admiral to be seen talking jovially with a Romulan (no matter what his allegiance) prior to the outset of the Admiral's expedition.

"I'm accompanying you. Special envoy to the Enzio's researchers, senior staff and particularly her Captain. We've got to have some discussions."

"Who approved this? And what researchers? The only researchers a Starfleet ship ordinarily carries are scientists and engineers... not literature experts and historians, especially not banned Romulan literature experts and historians." Ghes stepped towards the vestibule, determined to leave the Romulan behind who he was sure was simply trying to get a ride.

"Command approved this," Telmak called after him, his voice sounding scratchy, "Your own superior Admirals. They want a Romulan presence on board the Enzio for this assignment." Telmak caught up, lowering his voice, "Apparently the Empire..."

"There's a better place for this," Ghes cut him off. He hurried onto the ship, gesturing for Telmak to come with him. Whether his friend's claim as to the legitimacy of his presence on the ship was true or not, he'd sooner have him talk of seemingly secret matters on the ship and not in front of reporter agencies.

[Deleted]

Briefings. Saryn sighed as he adjusted his uniform and cast his reflection in the mirror a final look before turning away. They were the bane of his existence, a waste of his time which he could've spent learning more about 24th century medicine. Despite his current prowess, he was still playing catch-up in many areas. Fortunately, his son was picking up things a lot faster than he did, for which he felt grateful.

He picked up his PADD, something which he'd taken to carry to briefings to let it record proceedings for him to look back on later and make better notse, and left his quarters.

The Vulcan stopped by the mess on his way to get himself something to eat and a good mug of coffee, then headed to the briefing room. "Am I the first to arrive captain?" he asked the already present Denobulan, "where is everyone else?"

[Allan Hood]

Ensign Otos E’kim monitored the security view screens well, pointing out potential suspicious activity. He followed Hood to the nearest turbolift, rattling off last minute results of security sweeps, only minor infractions, mostly by unsupervised children.

Security Chief Hood entered the turbolift and turned. “E’kim, you have the office until I return,” Hood ordered, “remember, ‘Hear all, trust nothing.’”

“Rule of Acquisition #190,” E’kim responded, “yes, sir.” Hood smiled to himself as the doors slid shut. “Bridge.”

After a few moments, the lift’s doors hissed open to the bridge. Hood marched to Admiral Gheskori’s ready room.

“May I know the reason behind ‘keeping tabs’ on Mr. Telmak?” Lieutenant Hood asked, confused, standing in the ready room, “Anything else I should be made aware of? His history?” Though Lieutenant Hood was instructed to keep tabs on Telmak and alert the commanding officer on duty if the Romulan wandered into any restricted or sensitive areas (most prominently, sickbay) Hood did not understand ‘why.’  What kind of threat is Telmak?  What should he be prepared for?

TAG Ghes

[Allan Hood]

Duty Posts for USS Enzio

Bridge
2 Security Officers standing post (armed)

Security Office
4 Security Officers administrative post
weapons locker - Secure area

Brig
2 Security Officers standing post (armed) only if cells occupied. Secure area.

Armory
2 Security Officers weapons maintenance duty
Main weapons cache - Secure area

Transporter Rooms
2 Security Officers in each (armed)
Site to site transporter response duty

Phaser Control Rooms
1 Security Officer in each area.

Quantum Torpedo Rooms
1 Security Officer in each area

Computer Core (Primary)
1 Security Officer standing post (secure area)

Roving Patrol (2 person patrols)
2 Security Officers deck 1-5
2 Security Officers deck 6-10
2 Security Officers deck 11-15

[Gheskori]

OOC: I've situated Allan in the conference room (instead of the ready room), with Saryn and myself for convenience


Saryn looked about the empty conference room, "Where is everyone else?"

"There is no one else," Ghes said, fingers steepled before him, rotating in the chair at the head of conference table. The vulcan's look suggested to Ghes he owed him a little more than that, "Sorry, Doctor. I lured you here on false pretences... The staff meeting was a way to get you out of sickbay..."

Ironically Ghes's intention was quashed when the security chief walked through the conference room door. Saryn turned passively from Ghes, to Hood and back again, as if saying that more than one officer seemed to have got the idea there'd been a staff meeting.

“May I know the reason behind ‘keeping tabs’ on Mr. Telmak? ...Anything else I should be made aware of? His history?” Hood asked.

Gheskori grinned despite his frustration at having been upstaged. This was supposed to have been his announcement to the Doctor that his Romulan colleague was aboard. Any notion of tact had to be abandoned, so he thought he'd press on with the rest of the 'brief', letting Saryn absorb the initial news like it was a form of shock therapy while answering the both of them.

"Telmak is here on the authority of Starfleet Command," he said, "He's an expatriate of the Star Empire and has conducted business honourably within the Federation for a number of years... However, in spite of this he is also a Romulan and regardless of how unsavoury judging him on that basis might seem, his movements aboard the Enzio must be monitored closely. As to why he should be kept away from sickbay... He has history, sort of, with Dr Saryn.

"He's no sort of threat," Ghes said dismissively, "I've known the man for a number of years and, apart from a very recent episode on the Starbase, he's always been amiable, goodwilled; he left his birthplace voluntarily. Command wouldn't have authorised his passage on our vessel if they thought he was dangerous. As to why he's been assigned here," he paused, "Computer, seal conference room doors and block all comms in and out."

He leant forward, wishing he had his XO beside him. It would've been useful to have him in on this too. "Telmak claims to have intelligence on Romulan activity around the Vrilas sector and the adjoining sector of space containing the Trill homeworld. What little I've been able to glean is that there have been a small number of tachyon surges indicative of cloaked vessels of Romulan configuration, and some unusual activity amongst their allies in the Typhon Pact. He's keeping the information close to his chest. Command nearly didn't authorise his boarding the ship for that reason but I insisted on it considering he's a personal friend."

Ghes began making entries in a padd on the table, glancing up at the two officers, "Doctor if you have any objections please voice them now." There was a hard look in his eyes, as if he was wanting Saryn to question his judgement. "Mr Hood, notify me immediately if Telmak enters the vicinity of sickbay, engineering, the computer core, the bridge. Ok, dismissed."

<Tag Saryn, Allan>

"Bridge, this is the Admiral. Time to Vrilas system?"

"Six days, Admiral... Approximately five until we cross into the sector itself." The time couldn't pass quickly enough; however Ghes sensed a lot may happen between now and then.

[Allan Hood]

The new security chief hesitated, trying to take in what the Admiral expected. He did not want his questioning the Admiral to appear disrespectful, while at the same time, he wanted to be fair and do his job correctly.  Hood remembered from Starfleet Academy that a Romulan force boarded a spaceport orbiting the Denobula, having everyone aboard murdered in 2158. The Romulan admiral then ordered the Denobulan people not to interfere before ordering an attack on the planet.  With ten Romulan battle cruisers, three million Denobulans on the planet's surface were killed.  Was this catastrophe influencing Admiral Gheskori?

"Admiral, if I may ask...since Telmak is here on the authority of Starfleet Command, since he's an expatriate of the Star Empire, has conducted business honorably within the Federation for a number of years, is not thought to be dangerous and is your personal friend, then why do we not trust him? Sir, hasn't he proved himself over and over again, for years? Unsavory?? Sir, using Telmak's race as the only factor in deciding whether to engage in any ship restrictions is not only controversial but is illegal under Starfleet law.

"Sir, if a crime is committed on the ship, I will do a thorough analysis of the type/nature of the criminal act and compare it to the types of people who have committed similar crimes in the past. Sir, I will check on the victim’s background and activities to look for possible motives and connections. Sir, I will not assume that this Romulan is suspicious simply because he is Romulan, considering the history you've just old me."

"Sir, what legal grounds do we have to keep him from sickbay?" Hood asked, "What do I need to know?"

[Gheskori]

Ghes was impatient, incorrectly so. He rotated in his chair again, waving his arms as if attracting someone to the obvious. "I thought I'd made this clear. Telmak is to be kept away from sickbay to avoid antagonising Dr Saryn, with who he has... history. The matter is not one of legality but of protecting our CMO from distress. Unless..."

Ghes turned to Saryn, "You'd be willing to allow him into sickbay, Doctor? Even if it was a cordial visit and not for purposes of treatment, that you'd previously suggested would be your only motivation for...?"

<Tag Saryn>

Finding a hard time keeping control of himself, in the face of - what did not amount to insubordination from the lieutenant but - the peculiar nerve of Hood and how his objections related to past events involving Denobulans and Romulans, particularly the incident in the 22nd century.

"I understand your objections totally, Mr Hood, but I completely reject any notion of xenophobia present in my orders. If Saryn will permit it I'll allow Telmak near sickbay, but I repeat, he is not to be allowed near any sensitive areas of the ship such as the computer core or engineering - as would be the case with any civilian present aboard the ship - without my express permission.

"If you feel this is a violation of his rights as an expatriate resident of the Federation, then you may file a complaint. I'm doing what I believe to be right by the Enzio's crew, even if that means limiting certain freedoms of my friend aboard our vessel.

"Telmak being kept away from sickbay is a private matter between Telmak and Saryn, unless Saryn here or indeed Mr Telmak wish to divulge it to you."

<Tag Hood, Saryn>

As Ghes dismissed them for a second time, he stopped Hood in the doorway, "Lieutenant." Hood turned round to face Ghes, perhaps concerned at what further barrage might be heading his way. Instead Ghes said, smiling and forcing the words out slightly, "I'm impressed by your candour. You've given me something to think about... Good work." [OOC: Edited slightly so that I'm not completely ending the discussion lol]

Back on the bridge, Gheskori faced the viewscreen, the stars streaming by like liquid mercury pouring across an invisible surface. The Enzio at warp. He looked to the port fore section of the bridge, at the science console occupied by his Science Officer.

"Tiana," he had approached suddenly, "How are you? Maybe it's my ego but Denobulans are a perceptive race and I've seen that you've seemed a little distracted lately?" Gheskori had never tried his hand at counselling, but having served with Tiana for a long time he felt he could broach the subject quite openly. Technically this was the remit of the first officer or indeed a counselor, however Commander Matthew had been declared unfit for duty and had been instructed by the CMO to take three weeks off.

<Tag Tiana>

[Allan Hood]

[OOC:  Hood does not want to resign at all.  He's taking a similar stance that Picard took in The Drumhead, my favorite episode.  I've wanted to bring this episode up since I started on here.  He'll follow the admiral anywhere as long as it doesn't violate his personal ethics and his duty.]

While in the doorway, after hearing the admiral's compliment, Hood began to visibly shake. He could not contain himself any longer. “Admiral, if I remember correctly, ‘his movements aboard the Enzio must be monitored closely.’ Sir, that is a violation of Federation law, unless he is a crime suspect. The dangers of denying basic rights to one person in the name of protection, goes against the Constitution of the United Federation of Planets.” Hood tried to control his breathing but felt unstable standing up to the admiral, a person he admired and respected.

“Sir, I will never allow anyone near any sensitive areas of the ship, such as the computer core or engineering, regardless,” Hood continued firmly, “Sir, as you said, this would be the case with any civilian present aboard the ship. Sir, none of that is in question.

“Admiral, with all due respect,” Hood began cautiously, yet confidently, “if I am ordered to monitor his movements, I will comply as your security chief, but I will also file a complaint in my log and with Starfleet Command; I see this as a violation of Telmak’s rights as, not only an expatriate resident of the Federation, but also a violation of basic natural civil rights for any sentient species under our Constitution.”

“Sir, on the other hand,” Hood transitioned nervously, “with Telmak being kept away from sickbay, though it is a private matter between Telmak and Saryn, as Chief of Security, I need to have a legal reason to deny anyone access to any public facility. As Security Chief, it is my duty to maintain and enforce Starfleet regulations, procedures and policies on all Starfleet and affiliated vessels, facilities, and outposts.

Finally, Hood hesitated, studying the admiral. He felt confident and understood his duty and responsibilities expected of him by Starfleet. But, he also was visibly shaken to stand up this long to an admiral. Hood felt that he was starring down the phaser emitter of his Starfleet career. Hood screamed at the admiral in his mind to give him a legal justification for his position.

In the end, Hood had to speak his mind and give his ultimatum. “Sir, I refuse to restrict Telmak’s movements based on intuition and not evidence. Sir, if I am ordered to restrict Telmak’s movements from any public access facility without evidence or reason, I will not be able to comply as Chief of Security because it would be in violation of Starfleet regulations. Sir, regrettably, I will file a second complaint in my log and with Starfleet Command and step down.”

“Admiral, please, the words of Judge Aaron Satie come to mind in making my stance, ‘with the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censured...the first thought forbidden...the first freedom denied--chains us all irrevocably.’ Please Admiral, what legal evidence do I have to carry out your orders?”

TAG Ghes

[Gheskori]

[OOC: Cool, The Drumhead is one of my favourites too, probably in my top 5 TNG episodes. Have to say it's strange for me to be arguing the prosecutor's side lol]

Gheskori regarded Hood coolly. He could see the lieutenant's point. He wished now he'd not chosen that invective language in describing the limits of Telmak's access to various sections of the ship. He'd said it with little thought; perhaps Telmak and Saryn's incident on the Starbase was still very much on his mind.

"Very well, if you must insist on remembering my exact phrasing..." Ghes sighed, "Lieutenant Hood. This is the reality of the situation. We have a Romulan civilian aboard, whose presence has been authorised by Starfleet Command. He claims to have intelligence relating to Romulan activities in the Vrilas sector. Because we've been unable to verify his claims, and because until 2 days ago I believed him to be a humble bookseller, we have to take precautions about what access he's allowed to critical areas of the ship."

With a cold premeditation, Ghes continued after Hood had said he'd file a complaint and had brought up civil rights, "I advise you not to make this a constitutional matter, Lieutenant. This is about the security of our vessel, during a time when we're acting on intelligence provided by a Romulan on other Romulans. However if you're intent on filing a complaint... so be it."

Ghes was having a hard time believing he was defending this point of view. He remembered several occasions during his career - not many however - when he'd had reason to argue the opposite view. He'd not always voiced his dissent at those times though, and that played on his mind now.

With Hood's final ultimatum and ridiculous claim as to requiring legal justification for barring Telmak from sickbay, several things he might say sprang to mind. You're making something out of nothing... Some idealist unreality... Placing the minutiae of some imaginary legal framework above ship security... Isn't this a little early to be taking the moral high ground...

Some of those words were alarming. Instead he said this, "Damn security... Had to pick a good one." In a way he was glad that Saryn had left the conference room, because he was about to reveal the information which he'd implictly agreed with the Doctor to keep to themselves, "Telmak's grandfather was a rival, even an enemy of Saryn in the 22nd century. Telmak assaulted Saryn prior to departure from the Starbase, attempting to throttle him. Is that sufficient legal grounds to warrant his restriction from sickbay, if the Doctor so wishes it, and other areas?

"If you believe the it violates the Constitution, then I'll accede: we won't monitor Telmak's movements on the ship. I'll phrase it differently: there will be no close surveillance, but guards will be posted to the critical areas I referred to in order to safeguard them should he approach. That is an order." He turned away to finish reading his padd.

<Tag Allan> <All>

[Deleted]

Saryn watched the exchange between Gheskori and Hood, unable to get a word in despite having been addressed several times. "Enough!" he finally called out, planting both his hands flat on the table. "That is enough. I am right here, and I am able to answer for myself." The Vulcan was visibly angry, which might be disconcerting to some who didn't know the Vulcan all that well. "Telmak and I have a history yes, and yes he attacked me on the station."

He glared from one to the other, and back as he struggled to get himself back under control. "I want to have as little to do with him as possible, until I know for certain what happened after I was thrown forward in time with my family. Until then, I do not want him anywhere near sickbay or my family. If there is a medical need for him to be in sickbay, then he will receive the same treatment from me as any other crewmember. I do not discriminate between friend or foe when it comes to medical attention." He all but glared at GHeskori. "And you know me well enough to know I speak true."

Now he turned to Hood. "Post a guard outside sickbay, that should be sufficient to keep him away. If he has any business that needs medical assistance from a science point of view, he can page one of the nurses to any of the vacant science laboratories. But under no circumstance do I want him meddling in my sickbay."

[Allan Hood]

"Sir, again, I will never allow anyone near any critical areas of the ship. regardless," Hood continued reaffirmed, "Sir, as you said, this would be the case with any civilian present aboard the ship. Sir, none of that is in question. Sir, this became a constitutional matter the moment when someone's civil rights are denied. Sir, correct, this is about the security of our vessel and I am trying to protect Telmak's rights under the Federation."

Am I being tested? Is this the Admiral's way of seeing how far I'll go to protect our liberties onboard? Hood had to fight his head from spinning at the Admiral's directions. He felt sweat under his collar and at his hairline.

"Damn security... Had to pick a good one," the Admiral admitted. In a way he was glad that Saryn had left the conference room, because he was about to reveal the information which he'd implicitly agreed with the Doctor to keep to themselves, "Telmak's grandfather was a rival, even an enemy of Saryn in the 22nd century. Telmak assaulted Saryn prior to departure from the Starbase, attempting to throttle him. Is that sufficient legal grounds to warrant his restriction to sickbay, if the Doctor so wishes it, and other areas?"

"Yes, of course," Hood said relieved, "assault and battery is the legal reasoning I need to put a temporary restraining order on Telmak from Saryn and his family, which will prohibit Telmak from sickbay unless it's a medical emergency. The TRO will stay in place until he stands trial, according to Rule 65(b) of the Federation Rules of Civil Procedure.  Saryn, what family members do you have on board?  Are they all staying in your quarters?"
[OOC: a real federal law]
TAG Saryn

"If you believe that it violates the Constitution, then I'll accede: we won't monitor Telmak's movements on the ship. I'll phrase it differently: there will be no close surveillance, but guards will be posted to the critical areas I referred to in order to safeguard them should he approach. That is an order." He turned away to finish reading his padd.

As the doors hissed shut, Lieutenant Hood replied, "Yes, sir," and collapsed in a nearby conference chair. Mentally and physically exhausted, he caught his breath. Hood felt he hadn't breathed throughout the whole conversation. The security chief finally composed himself and headed to his station. On the way, Hood tapped his combadge, contacting Ensign E’kim.

"Put two guards outside sickbay and set up a temporary restraining order against Telmak on behalf of Saryn, ordered by the admiral," Hood began, "Telmak is not to be in Saryn’s vicinity and is not allowed into sickbay unless he needs emergency treatment. Also, double our security posts on critical areas of the ship.  Except for patrols.  Give me three guards per deck instead of two."

[Allan Hood]

[OOC:  Updated from February 16]

Duty Posts for USS Enzio

Bridge
4 Security Officers standing post (armed)

Sickbay
2 Security Officers standing post (armed)

Security Office
8 Security Officers administrative post
weapons locker - Secure area

Brig
4 Security Officers standing post (armed) only if cells occupied. Secure area.

Armory
4 Security Officers weapons maintenance duty
Main weapons cache - Secure area

Transporter Rooms
4 Security Officers in each (armed)
Site to site transporter response duty

Phaser Control Rooms
2 Security Officer in each area.

Quantum Torpedo Rooms
2 Security Officer in each area

Computer Core (Primary)
2 Security Officer standing post (secure area)

Roving Patrol (3 person patrols)
3 Security Officers deck 1-5
3 Security Officers deck 6-10
3 Security Officers deck 11-15

[Deleted]

(uhm Ghes? Saryn never left any room, he was there the whole time....)

"I have no requirement for a restraining order," Saryn countered, "I just do not want him to come near my quarters or my sickbay unless there is medical need. My son Savin works with me in sickbay but he has his own quarters. My daughter Numike resides with me, while my wife and other son reside on Earth. Sodon is going through Starfleet Academy."

The Vulcan sighed and sat back down. "I know that there is a history, and I do not know what part I played in it but intend to find out. And if his downfall is of my doing then I will do what I can to make amends. But Hirnak was dirty, corrupt. I am very certain he caused his own downfall but Telmak was told different things by his family and understandably so. He is a Romulan, Mister Hood, and Romulans value honour, personal honour above all else. Because his grandfather lost his standing in society, so did his offspring. He may wish to exact revenge, but he will not do so on this vessel. He probably knows he is being watched."

[Tiana Galwyn Cet]

Tiana had settled back to her chief science officer duties. She had had four new members of staff arrive, all of whom were still settling in and in the process of setting up complicated experiments.

She had had another dizzy spell but as she had skipped lunch and it had gone away as fast as the one in the arboretum she didn’t think anything of it. Instead she set herself some reminders to ensure she ate at sensible intervals.

The present of Telmak on board had made various people twitchy. Tiana was doing her best to support Savin but it all seemed so unnecessarily complicated. She made a few adjustments to her latest sub-etheric filters to try to take her mind off a problem that she could not solve. “Of course security is important.” Tiana blinked, no one had said those words. It took her a moment to work out that it was in her head. She didn’t usually hear Cet’s previous hosts quite that clearly. Then again if anything was going to get them interested it would be some complicated security concerns. “Romulan on a Starfleet ship, times are changing”

Nawar, the previous host of Cet and the other Starfleet officer. Tiana had never actually met him although she had seen him on the viewscreen and in sickbay and now he was in her head.

She looked off to one side to clear her thoughts.

"Tiana," he had approached suddenly, "How are you? Maybe it's my ego but Denobulans are a perceptive race and I've seen that you've seemed a little distracted lately?"

She gave a small smile. “It’s nothing really, just a lot on my mind. Been a bit tired” They were on the bridge and both on duty. She was pretty sure he didn't really believe her but it wasn't anything that would interfere with her duties so she could handle it later.

Tag: Ghes

Later

Over the course of her shift two of Cet’s other hosts had passed comment on what she was doing. That hadn’t happened since just after the joining. Tiana wondered what was best to do. After all she had gone through to keep Cet she didn’t want to raise a fuss. Perhaps she should talk to Ghes or Savin, but they wouldn’t understand the issues. Actually it wasn’t that she minded the comments, she just wanted a bit of reassurance. It wasn’t as if she could just look through all the relevant information, well she could but the Symbiosis Commission would know and then they might have an excuse to start investigating her again.

Sitting alone in her quarters she placed a comm. call back to Trill, to Representative Elliane Ryat. She was lucky with the time difference and caught the other woman after dinner.

She looked at Tiana over the comm. “It’s good to see you Tiana, although this isn’t a social call is it?”

Tiana shook her head and explained what the issue was. They talked for a while. Elliane gave her some suggestions and promised to look in to things a bit more. Then they were actually social for a bit.

Tiana was quite excited by Elliane’s suggestions, particularly trying to find balance with the previous hosts through meditation. She knew just who to talk to about that….

She checked to see if Savin was off duty and then, when he was she went to find him.

[Allan Hood]

"Admiral, do you want security posted outside Saryn's and Savin's quarters, too?"  Hood asked.

TAG Ghes

"I have no requirement for a restraining order," Saryn countered, "I just do not want him to come near my quarters or my sickbay unless there is medical need. My son Savin works with me in sickbay but he has his own quarters. My daughter Numike resides with me, while my wife and other son reside on Earth. Sodon is going through Starfleet Academy."

“I understand you don’t feel a restraining order is required,” Lieutenant Hood started, “but the Admiral is very adamant that this order takes effect, especially since you do not want him to come near your quarters or sickbay anyway. Keep in mind that it is only a temporary restraining order on Telmak, issued by the Admiral, prohibiting Telmak from sickbay unless it's a medical emergency. The TRO will stay in place until he stands trial, according to Rule 65(b) of the Federation Rules of Civil Procedure."

“Mr. Saryn, I’m confused” Hood admitted, “Aren’t their records that track what happened between your families? He may wish to exact revenge, but he will not do so on this vessel. We have doubled security and stationed guards outside sickbay. I’ll keep my eye out.”


TAG Saryn

[Gheskori]

[OOC: @saryn I actually tried to dismiss you both twice lol. I suppose Ghes didn't notice that you'd stayed. He did call Hood back though which could've made Saryn come back as well.]

"Admiral, do you want security posted outside Saryn's and Savin's quarters, too?" Hood asked.

If Ghes was honest, he didn't particularly want a security guard posted outside sickbay let alone the two vulcans' quarters. He knew that Telmak's access needed to be restricted - he'd just spent the last half hour arguing for it! - but he was beginning to think it was going too far; Telmak was also his friend, despite what he'd attempted to do (half-heartedly and with confused motives) to Saryn.

He considered objecting to Saryn's order to Hood to put sickbay under guard, more for the reason that Saryn had circumvented his authority rather than Ghes thinking it was an excessive measure, but in the end he approved the decision. The Doctor's safety did need to be ensured, even if the Denobulan thought the suggested mode for achieving it was somewhat draconian.

"Very well, Lieutenant, post security to their quarters... two guards to each," he grudgingly accepted. Grudgingly, not because he saw it as a further infringement on Telmak or a move perhaps instigated by paranoia, but because (perhaps wrongly) he didn't consider it likely that Telmak would attempt to gain access to either Saryn or Savin's quarters.

<Tag Hood, Saryn>


The present...

“It’s nothing really, just a lot on my mind. Been a bit tired”

Ghes eyed Tiana uncertainly. If anything her response had deepened his worry and conviction that there was something not quite right. "I advise you take a break," he said amiably, leaning against the science console and propping a forearm on the station, "We're six days away from the Vrilas system. There's plenty of time before we're due to start planning the charting mission, scientific studies of local phenomena, etcetera. Take all the time you need."

They were heading to an effectively uncharted region of space, it not having been mapped in over 200 years. Ghes took the command chair, finding himself looking back at the science station. He hadn't seen Tiana look that agitated in a long while (for a brief moment he tried to recall the memory which he'd just glimpsed, of when he'd last seen her like that, but the time and place escaped him now); she was also, in stops and starts he thought as she left the bridge, exhibiting unusual body language that he'd never seen in her before.

[Gheskori]

[OOC: Sorry for the double post (see above). I thought it convenient to split these into two as one answers the tags while the other introduces some new material and focusses more on Telmak.]


Gheskori's quarters...

"Isn't it about time you told me a bit more about what you're doing here, Telmak?"

The Romulan stood with his back to Ghes, at the replicator. "Kali-fal," he said. "Two glasses." Ghes began to object but it was too late as Telmak turned with two fluted glasses of Romulan Ale and sat on the chair at the coffee table, opposite Ghes who sat on the couch.

Ghes took his beverage unfavourably. "I thought you'd given this drink up, become a synthehol imbibing Federation citizen? It's supposed to be illegal in the Federation, by the way..." Telmak mumbled something about this being a special occasion, rummaging through his carry case he had on the floor beside his chair. "Special? I need a clear head if we're going to discuss the intel you supposedly have on your former compatriots."

Padds started clattering on to the desk, Telmak leaning down and gathering more. "This... is all the information I have... on the Romulan presence in the Vrilas sector, and the adjoining sector that contains the Federation world Trill." About twenty padds had amounted on the table.

Ghes was unimpressed. "Can you summarise?"

"Four warbirds, two of Valdore design, are known to have been dispatched under cloak from Romulus six days ago," Telmak said, "Those four ships and the tachyon emissions resultant from their cloaks match with recent data from Starfleet tachyon detection grids in this sector. It's unclear what their objective is, but from what I've managed to glean they're heading straight for the Vrilas sector from Romulan space that lies beyond it."

Fifteen minutes later Telmak's briefing of Ghes - who was left with myriad divergent thoughts to contemplate - had concluded; he now wandered the corridors, with his winding course leading him in the general direction of where he knew his family destroyer's son's quarters - Savin he believed his name to be - were located...

<Tag Hood, Savin, (Tiana if you're there yet)>

[Allan Hood]

[OOC: Updated from February 22]

Duty Posts for USS Enzio

Saryn's Quarters
2 Security Officers standing post (armed)

Savin's Quarters
2 Security Officers standing post (armed)

Bridge
4 Security Officers standing post (armed)

Sickbay
2 Security Officers standing post (armed)

Security Office
8 Security Officers administrative post
weapons locker - Secure area

Brig
4 Security Officers standing post (armed) only if cells occupied. Secure area.

Armory
4 Security Officers weapons maintenance duty
Main weapons cache - Secure area

Transporter Rooms
4 Security Officers in each (armed)
Site to site transporter response duty

Phaser Control Rooms
2 Security Officer in each area.

Quantum Torpedo Rooms
2 Security Officer in each area

Computer Core (Primary)
2 Security Officer standing post (secure area)

Roving Patrol (3 person patrols)
3 Security Officers deck 1-5
3 Security Officers deck 6-10
3 Security Officers deck 11-15

[Allan Hood]

"Very well, Lieutenant, post security to their quarters... two guards to each," he grudgingly accepted. Grudgingly, not because he saw it as a further infringement on Telmak or a move perhaps instigated by paranoia, but because (perhaps wrongly) he didn't consider it likely that Telmak would attempt to gain access to either Saryn or Savin's quarters.

“Sir, yes, sir,” Hood said quickly, eager to agree with an order from the admiral without challenging it. At the Academy, Hood heard many philosophical metaphors . One, “the man on top walks a lonely street” and that the “chain of command is often a noose.” He understood these better than ever now. The Admiral has to consider all perspectives, all possibilities, all potentials at once to make his decision. The admiral, any commanding officer, is easily tempted to perform triage, on the best orders at any given moment, when under pressure. In these situations, it is even easier to lose sight on any civil right encroachments.

As the lieutenant sat at his security console, he contemplated that too often in histories of many different worlds, civil rights have taken “the back seat.” Even in relative recent times, the war against discrimination has reared its revolting head. In 2293, The famous Ambassador Spock recommended an alliance between the Klingon Empire and the Federation at the Khitomer Conference. His recommendation produced a major dispute because the Klingons were viewed by the Federation as outlaws who employed violence and brutality in order to build their empire while the Federation was viewed as too soft and cowardly by the Klingons. In spite of great prejudice on both sides, one of the most powerful alliances was born. Ambassador Spock’s suggestion, though controversial at first, proved to be the cornerstone of peace and stability for the Alpha Quadrant for two hundred years. At the same time, Ambassador Spock, while handling peace between the Empire and the Federation in one hand also worked to unify the Vulcans and the Romulans with the other. He famously set up negotiations with Ambassador Pardek of Romulus.

Hood realized that peacekeepers like Ambassador Spock are all too unique. His commitment to peace even led to his eventual death. Besides saving Romulus from a life without her cousin Vulcan, Spock worked to save the life of Romulus while losing his own in 2387. Ambassador Spock promised to save Romulus from a star becoming a supernova after a failed attempt to inject red matter into the star to create an artificial black hole to consume the star.  Howbeit poetically, both Romulus and the ambassador were swallowed by the blackhole. Though Ambassador Spock lost Romulus and himself to the maw, he saved other worlds threatened with by the supernova. Ambassador Spock, being both a man of science and peace, his efforts between the Federation, Klingons and Romulans, saved countless billions of lives. He served as both an inspiration and revelation and will be greatly missed by followers everywhere.

[OOC: In Memory of Leonard Simon Nimoy: American actor, film director, poet, singer and photographer. March 26, 1931-February 27, 2015]

[Allan Hood]

Fifteen minutes later Telmak's briefing of Ghes - who was left with myriad divergent thoughts to contemplate - had concluded; he now wandered the corridors, with his winding course leading him in the general direction of where he knew his family destroyer's son's quarters - Savin he believed his name to be - were located...

Security Chief Allan Hood talked to his newly posted guards at Savin’s door. Following a similar lively talk outside Saryn’s quarters, Hood warned the posted guards that if they did not adequately protect Savin, they will have the admiral to answer to, in addition to himself.

Hood finished his last-minute conference with his security guards just as Admiral Ghes approached. Hood stepped across the hall to give the admiral a wide berth.  Hood stood at attention, saying "Admiral" while looking straight ahead.

Tag Ghes, Savin

[Deleted]

[Location: Savin]

Savin had enjoyed spending time with Tiana while they were on leave, and had particularly enjoyed the picknick she'd orchestrated on one of their last days of leave. But, if Savin was honest, he had to admit that he enjoyed spending time with the Trill woman regardless, and he could admit that most of their meetings together had started to get a romantic note to them. To be fair, Savin did have feelings for her, feelings he did not deny, but did not quite understand either.

This time, he decided, he would organize something for her. He had just been about to step outside, when he was stood face to face with the subject of his attention. "Tiana," he murmured, somewhat startled to be confronted with her so abruptly. Giving her a quick once over, he stepped back and gestured for her to come inside. "Are you alright?" he asked, stepping back inside and allowing the door to close behind him. He did not notice the guards arriving and take up position outside his door, though for a moment he thought he did sense something out of the ordinary.

Taking the Trill woman by the arm, he gently guided her to a seat, then sat down opposite of her. "Something troubles you," he stated, reaching to caress her hand. "Will you tell me about it?"

(Tag Tiana)

[Location: Saryn]

Agreeing to the amount of guards, Savin stood and headed towards the door. "Posted at my quarters and sickbay is sufficient," he told them both, "I am capable of defending myself and I shall start carrying my sword. It is unnecessary for the guards to follow me around. I will send Savin a message to start carrying his too." He gave them a final nod, then stepped out of the room. He rubbed his temples as he walked off, willing his upcoming headache away. He had patients to see in sickbay, he couldn't afford being concerned about one single Romulan who might or might not be out to harm his family.

[Gheskori]

OOC: Gheskori and Telmak

IC:
Gheskori left his quarters as soon as Telmak was out of sight. He was growing less and less fond of entertaining his friend, in his quarters or anywhere else. There was something in the man's eyes that he'd not seen before, or perhaps it had always been there but just hadn't been noticeable over those long range communiques where they'd discussed their common love of literature.

He headed straight for the bridge, holding a quick meeting with the ship's second officer and stand-in XO informing him of his suspicions as to his erstwhile friend's motives. It was unfair to make such judgments of Telmak at this point, he knew; perhaps the feeling of doubt he was experiencing was due to Telmak's previous involvement with Saryn... For the man to come face to face at last with the person he'd thought was directly responsible for his family's downfall... It was shock enough by itself.

Shortly after, Ghes arrived at Savin's quarters. Hood was stood to one side, his two guards arrayed either side of the door. "All seems in order here, Lieutenant," Ghes appraised, coming to a halt by the door. Hood nodded barely perceptibly.

"Well, make sure the guards are changed on standard shift rotation. Dr Saryn's quarters are the priority, of course... Telmak has never met the CMO's son." Ghes surveyed the area, one last time, "Very good... Carry on."

Ghes planned to pass by Saryn's own abode on his way back to his quarters; more reading on the 'Psintaxian Menace' was in order, after studying the somewhat tiresome data on the Vrilas system's outer-lying gas giant planets.


Telmak approached Savin's quarters, thinking they were Saryn's and unaware that three minutes before the Admiral had been stood there. Gheskori had posted guards; most unusual, he thought. "Gentlemen," he nodded, stopping before the door.

"We have our orders, sir. Your presence here is not permitted."

"I only wish to speak to the Doctor. I have a personal request to make to him. I also wish to offer a further apology for my conduct on the station." Before a word of objection could come from either guard Telmak had them both floored. He smashed one head into the bulkhead, before gripping his fists together and elbowing the other in the abdomen. Winded, the man went to the floor. Telmak promptly applied a hypospray to the guard's neck; a heavy sedative that would have him out for five days. He turned to the door, checking each end of the corridor that curved out of sight before entering Savin's quarters.

Inside was a sight he'd not expected. A female, a Trill he instantly recognised, was present with the vulcan. "I'm sorry..." he said, "I seem to have the wrong..." He twisted suddenly and a silver dart lanced through the air, catching the light of the concealed ceiling illuminators. The dagger caught the vulcan a glancing blow. Just before it struck the young man Telmak saw - in the light reflected off the weapon by the ceiling lights - the features of the vulcan's face. Not Saryn! But someone so like him... his son? He did have the wrong quarters.

<Tag Savin, Hood (assumed you walked off a way when Telmak arrived to make the post workable lol)>

Meanwhile, at Saryn's quarters - with the CMO's guards and Admiral Gheskori being alerted to the situation developing in Savin's quarters - a figure had been allowed to slip inside unnoticed. The intruder found the quarters unoccupied - unfortunate, but then he'd only wanted to clear up a misunderstanding with the good Doctor. Never mind, the intruder thought, he would wait here in the shadows, for Dr Saryn to return.

<Tag Saryn>

[Allan Hood]

Around two bends of the corridor, Hood was heading back to the security department for the remainder of his shift. He had already read and responded to reports from the Chief communications officer and the Chief science officer. The Chief helmsman was next on his list, expecting the helmsman report to be as mundane as usual. Hood remembered he wanted to tell one of the guards to swap with Ensign E’kim and tapped his badge. “Mr. Bellaire. Please swap tomorrow’s duty shift with Ensign Ekim.” With no response, Hood turned, lunging backward and running at full tilt. “Security to Savin’s quarters!”

Hood rounded the corridor’s corners he just recently walked moments ago. The corridor seemed more crowded somehow, bumping through crewmen and technicians on the way. Hood pulled out his type-1 phaser, the smallest, most basic weapon carried by Starfleet personnel. Hood regretted not having his Mark III trench knife, which he only reserved for away missions, just in case. In times like this, he missed the extra security of having that weight tucked into the small of his back.

The security chief saw the boots first of his following crewmen. He rushed over and checked their pulse, “Medical Emergency to Savin’s quarters!” He wished he called for them earlier, but knowing it goes against protocol, he pushed the idea aside; he’ll have time to second guess his actions later. Hood reached for his combadge again, "Mr. E'kim, double security guards outside Saryn's quarters!" In the same breath, Hood added, "Computer, initiate a perimeter field charge on both Savin's and Saryn's quarters on Deck 3!" limiting the attacker to Deck 3, the VIP quarters, while at the same time sealing off any access to panels or Jefferies tubes. “I’m not about to let him/her off this deck, no where to hide now,” Hood thought to himself.

"Security Override! Hood-Omega-7," Hood called to the Savin's residence.  The doors opened smoothly, as if only serenity was behind them.

Tag Ghes and all
[OOC: We could make this interesting...get rid of my phaser and we could have some fun with it haha]

[Deleted]

(I assume Telmak will have left somehow before security arrives...unless he has an accomplice?)

As the doors opened, without there having been any announcement of a guest, Saryn automatically shoved Tiana behind him, his hand going to where usually, he'd find the handle of his sword. But it wasn't there, the elegant and dangerous weapon resting on it's pegs in the wall. He saw the man speak, but never heard the words. "Who are you," he started to ask, but never finished as the man hurled something towards him.

Pain lanced out across his right side, at the height of his heart, but not close enough to it to cause any permanent damage. Gasping, the young Vulcan reached down and pressed his hand against the wound, but he wouldn't let the man leave unpunished. He gave Tiana a firm shove, while he launched himself at the intruder. Yet, his injury slowed him down and he came up short in his leap towards the Romulan. "Who are you," he demanded a second time, "why are you trying to harm me?" Unless he hadn't been the target, but Tiana. "Or her," he added, indicating the Trill woman.

(optional TElmak before disappearing)

[Location: Saryn]
The first thing Saryn noticed when he approached his quarters, was that the two guards he knew to have been assigned, were gone. Still, he had no reason to doubt that Gheskori might've recanted his order, because to be fair, Saryn was known to be able to defend himself. He'd proven that time and again. Unalarmed by the guard's absence, the Vulcan healer entered his quarters. "Lights," he ordered, as he walked inside and shrugged out of his robe.

(tag intruder)