Gheskori
Command Staff ..
Commanding Officer Personnel Officer Trivia Officer
Section Admiral
USS Enzio
Registered: May 2, 2008 23:32:36 GMT
Posts: 1,538
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Post by Gheskori on Feb 12, 2024 15:26:01 GMT
... SD: 2410.0212 .. 15:26 hours ... Life goes on on Starbase 47. Botracht and his accomplices in the Promenade Traders' Guild have either been apprehended, have fled and left no trace, or have been killed in the interplay of events since Admiral Lemond's premier Intelligence team departed through the transporter pad in Gamma Promenade's guildhall. The guildsmen's main sponsor had been the Tkrnn... who have now, it is believed, been comprehensively ejected from Federation space. It is well known across the Alpha and Beta quadrants that the Tkrnn have begun to hold talks with the Klingons and Romulans - with representatives from the Federation mediating - on the planet Lambda Hydrae, in the neutral zone between the Klingon Empire and the Romulan Star Empire... What the three sides will gain from the talks is as yet unknown, as no communications have been let in or out while the negotiations are in process, though courtesy of an information leak it is thought the Tkrnn have said they will halt expansion, if they're given planets to colonise near the borders of the two Beta quadrant empires. Meanwhile, the Intelligence team have returned to Starbase aboard the USS El Alamein, and have begun a much needed and welcome period of shore leave. All were injured to some extent at various times on their assignment, and Rosa Noon is still plagued by psychological trouble resultant from the kidnapping by a Tkrnn changeling, though she continues to insist to the contrary...
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Feb 15, 2024 21:36:23 GMT
SD: 2410.0215 .. 20:30 hrs ... Starbase Forty-Seven ::
They had been back three days, and yet, apart from being allowed to go to and from the El Alamein, between debrief sessions, and under escort of course, each of the Intelligence Officers had been confined and instructed not to venture into any section of the Starbase itself! Sat in Conference Room One on the mezzanine level of the Command Centre, Elena, along with David and Iorte, were rapidly losing patience ... For what seemed the thousandth time, she glared at the Security Officer stood by the door, pondering why he thought for a second he could prevent any of them leaving if they so wished. She caught David looking at her and gave a snap smile lasting a fraction of a second before eyeing the Security Officer again. The door opened and Admiral Lemond, and her Adjutant, Commander Erin Paquin, entered, both taking seats, but before either could speak, she got there first: "What the hell's going on Admiral!" de Luca demanded. "I'm sorry for the cloak and dagger, Elena..." Lemond began, looking at the others before continuing, "... There had been some, inconsistencies, that needed looking into before we could close this assignment off," "Last time I checked, I was supposed to be your Deputy on this Starbase, Admiral..." Tan began, clearly choosing his words carefully, "... I think that alone should have allowed me access to any intelligence or information you have concerning our involvement," "You are, and yes, you most certainly should, all of you, should have been privy to any actions following your recent assignment, the outcome of which I, and the Section Admiral I might add, are completely satisfied with," Nia replied. "So why the confinement?" Tan countered. "Things were, shall we say, tentative regarding the war with the Tkrnn. Starfleet Command on Earth thought it was best to keep you isolated until the last of the Tkrnn had been confirmed departed. As you can imagine, that wasn't as easy as asking them not to transform into someone or something else every five minutes. Threats had been made, along with some frankly 'outrageous' demands that you and the crew of the El Alamein be handed over to the Tkrnn Rulers to stand trial for what they consider, and get this: 'war crimes' no less, don't worry, the demands are going nowhere fast," "You're kidding me!" Elena said, shocked. "Though they consider that kidnapping and then experimenting on Federation Citizens is hunky dory in their eyes?" David said, disgustedly. "Indeed, well needless to say we needed to keep you out of sight until we could confirm no one was going to come out of the bulkhead and kill you all one by one. The same went for the El Alamein crew, who have now been cleared," Lemond assured them. "So we're free to roam the station at will?" de Luca asked. "If that's what you feel like doing, I'm not about to object," Nia replied with a grin. "You said there are issues, care to elaborate?" Elena asked, softening to their boss's plight. "Let's say that finding out that the Tkrnn have been holding 'secret' talks with both the Romulans and the Klingons - Talks we were not invited to - Got the Federation Council nervous. We've no idea what form those talks took, or are taking, other than the Council isn't too happy at the prospect of a possible alliance between the three, something not beyond the realms of possibility if it benefits one or more of the parties involved," "..... But we're clear to go about our decidedly 'off-duty' lives until another assignment comes along?" de Luca asked, already rising. "Yes, and both Section Admiral Gheskori and I apologise for the last three days, but what could or couldn't be told to you came directly from the President's Office," "Well, maybe he can set up a 'tab' at the bar, least we deserve..." Elena said, heading for the door before seemingly realising no one had been dismissed, "... Ma'am?" she queried, eyebrows raised as if daring the woman to object. "Go enjoy your time off, you all deserve it, and from last reports, although Rosa will need help, she will be released from Medical in the next day or so," "Good to hear," David said, hesitating. "You too David," Nia said with a smile, clearly knowing why he was slow to leave the Conference Room. With a nod, Tan was last to leave ..... Nia looked at the information on the three PADDs spread out in front of her before clearing the screens. Anna collected the devices and waited until her Commanding Officer was ready. Finally, with a sigh, Lemond rose and headed for the door then her office, Paquin a pace behind her ..... Level One Five Five One Alpha Promenade :: Having gone to her quarters on the Starbase, Elena had showered and picked out an outfit, nothing to flash, just a plain deep blue one-piece trouser suit, then headed for Alpha Promenade. The last time had been here, several explosions had wreaked havoc on the Promenade, but now all signs of any destruction had vanished completely. She took her time, looking into establishments that weeks earlier were burnt-out husks but were now busy trading to the myriad of Citizens and visitors to the Starbase. She slowed, looking ahead: The sign, previously charred and burnt, was now pristine and fully restored, though as she walked closer she could see it had been artificially 'aged' to more resemble the original ..... At the threshold of the bar, she paused, looking down at the sill that ran the length of the large double doors - Brass, of a close approximation of brass, it was maybe twenty centimetres wide and was inscribed with the same O'Toole's logo that was over the doors. This too had been damaged in the explosions, and someone had gone to a lot of care to reproduce the sill, she was smiling as something approaching her fast caught her eye. She was quick enough to duck out of the way as Kara Devlin, Sean O'Toole's fiancΓ© threw herself at her friend. Both almost spilled onto the Promenade proper, before Elena managed to regain her balance and return the hug. Kara was saying something but the combination of her mouth being buried in Elena's shoulder, and the fact she was jabbering in garlic, ensured she couldn't understand a word the woman was saying. Looking up she saw Sean approaching, he stood off a metre, clearly allowing his fiancΓ© time to get her joy and relief Elena was safe out of her system before she finally lifted her head, tears running down her cheeks. Sean stepped forward, putting an arm around Elena effectively trapping Kara between them as he gave Elena a warm, almost brotherly kiss of welcome. "Geez, I should go away more often," de Luca said with a wide smile as she fought to get her breath back. "Are the others coming?" Kara asked. "I imagine they will be around at some point..." Elena replied, looking around, "... to be honest, I wanted to get a head start," she laughed as Kara linked her arm and pulled her properly into the refurbished bar .........
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David Tan
Starfleet Intelligence
Suum Cuique ...
Registered: Dec 11, 2006 10:56:04 GMT
Posts: 792
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Post by David Tan on Feb 20, 2024 20:18:40 GMT
SD: 2410.0215 .. 23:00 hrs ... Starbase Forty-Seven :: Since issuing the order to destroy the Tkrnn facility, David had been concerned as to how his actions or decisions would be perceived by Starfleet Command ..... He needn't have been concerned - During the debrief meeting, both Admiral Lemond and Section Admiral Gheskori had assured him that he had made the right choice - The Federation couldn't allow experimentation on their citizens, thus the research facility had to go. They confirmed that Starfleet Command too agreed with his decision, and had already dispatched a science vessel to further explore the Tkrnn planetoid. It was felt that there were possibly more of the facilities spread throughout the Sector, but for now, that was a secondary issue, though any discovered would be destroyed immediately they were confirmed evacuated or held no Federation citizens within their walls. Now, back in his quarters, David shed the all-black clothing, not exactly a uniform, though preferred by those in the Intelligence community. He showered, enjoying actual water as opposed to the sonic showers aboard the El Alamein. He'd set the water to a temperature that he was sure was practically scalding the skin, but he endured the pain, closing his eyes, allowing the water to run freely for several minutes before finally shutting off the stream and stepping out. In the bedroom, he picked out a change of clothes, hardly colourful, but at least not his usual all-black garb, and then headed out ..... Arriving on Alpha Promenade, he entered a cafΓ© and bought something to eat, he'd intended to have one of Sean's exceptional steaks at O'Toole's, but wasn't really in the mood, so a hot beef sandwich and soft drink sufficed. He left the cafΓ© and walked at a leisurely pace around the Promenade, happy to see the damage and devastation from before had all but disappeared. He silently applauded Starfleet's Engineering Corps, they could certainly get things done given the right incentive. Arriving at the bar, he took a moment before entering, knowing full well that once inside his time was no longer his own. not a bad thing obviously, he had friends here, good friends, and despite his anxiousness, he needed them... He spotted Sean and Kara Devin, along with the shift manager, Liam McGuire, they were all sitting in one of the boots along the side wall along with Elena de Luca. As he approached NevΓ© Cullen, one of the staff, threw her arms around him in a welcoming hug, before her exact duplicate, her twin sister Carla did the same, he smiled, accepting the friendly kisses before both women released their grip and stood back doing some synchronised assessment. "You've lost weight..." NevΓ© said shaking her head disapprovingly, or was it, Carla, he never could tell most of the time, and never once he'd had a drink or two, which they constantly exploited, much to everyone else's amusement. "Steak, eggs, beans, onions, tomatoes, that'll start the process," one of them said. "no... No... Thanks, girls but I had something before I came down, just a drink if that's OK," he said quickly as people around the table rearranged themselves to allow him to sit down. It looked like Elena had got a head start on drinking and was already looking like she was ready for a good night's sleep. Carla returned a moment later with a double brandy and a pint of Guinness, he looked at the black liquid with the almost pristine white head, then downed the brandy in one. Anticipating this, Carla quickly snapped up the empty glass replacing it with a full one before turning to tend to other patrons. "..... So, All's well in the Intelligence world I take it boyo," Sean asked. "Same ole, same ole mate," David replied, picking the pint glass off the table before taking a long draft, deftly wiping away the foam 'tash from the drink. He hadn't been looking forward to the dark stout, but now he'd had a drink he realised how welcoming it was and took a second smaller sip. Elena raised her half-empty glass by way of a toast and David returned the gesture with his brandy. "Waitress!" Elena suddenly said, holding her now empty high. "So how've things been here, got rid of the Tkrnn I hear, and the bars looking good, I like the new sign," Tan said genuinely. "Aye, pesky bloody Changelings, never knew when one was stood right next to ya's..." Sean replied, shaking his head, "... Took some bloody liberties if you ask me, which you didn't," the bar owner replied. "Well it's out of our hands now, so let's not dwell on what they did," Kara, Sean's fiancΓ© said cheerfully. "Too bloody right...!" Sean said, grinning before getting to his feet as if electrocuted, "... OK, let's see if you still have your singing voice shall we," "I'm not singing, not now, not ever," Tan said, mortified at the thought. "I'll have a go," Elena said, grabbing Kara before making their way across the room to the small stage. The young artistΓ© singing an Irish ballad smiled before handing Kara and Elena her microphone, David put his head in his hands as the two women began singing expertly out of tune with each other, seemingly singing completely different parts of the same song. "Can't beat a good singalong," Sean said in his usual Irish lilt ..........
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Nia Lemond
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Aug 11, 2019 20:06:27 GMT
Posts: 239
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Post by Nia Lemond on Feb 22, 2024 21:15:00 GMT
It was well past two in the morning when Nia had finally managed to get to bed, and true to form she was awake by five the next morning ..... Normally she would have left her private quarters in Level Sixteen and gone straight to the Command Centre, but today she felt she needed something a little stronger than even Erin's coffee ..... On Alpha Promenade she made her way to probably the smallest business on the Prom - A small coffee shop owned by an elderly Englishman and his wife - Both seemed to be in the middle of a constant and ongoing argument, but their coffee was exceptional, and Nia loved the banter between the two. She had ordered her usual and was waiting for the brew when she heard someone: "Aunt Nia ..... Aunt Nia?" She turned to see a young woman approaching and for a second couldn't for the life of her think who she could be. Regardless of her non-recognition, the woman threw her arms around Nia and hugged her warmly. After what seemed like a lifetime, she released her hold and stood back. Nia looked at her both surprised and confused, suddenly realising who this was: "..... Zoe...?" she said, hardly believing her eyes, "... Oh my ..... What, are you doing here?" "It's so good to see you, Aunt Nia," "You too, sweetheart, Wow, the last time I saw you you were hugging my legs as you and your parents boarded the ship..." she paused, eyes moving to look over the petite woman's head, a frown forming, "... Are you here alone? "Can we talk, please?" the girl asked shakily. Nia moved forward to hug her and say 'yes' as George tapped her on the shoulder a cup of steaming coffee in one hand. Nia took it and asked for a second which the elderly man seemed to have anticipated, handing the second cup to Zoe. Nia led her to a turbolift and they quickly climbed through the massive Starbase, minutes later they were in Nia's office. "What's happened Zoe?" she asked quietly. Zoe McMillan began: A few months ago, a few 'strange' things started to happen ... As you know when we left Earth, I was only eight, we went to Werak, somewhere in the Gamma Trianguli System where Dad was lean Engineer building several hospitals. I went to school and then college to get my Engineering Degree. Then, after a few years, Dad told us he and Mum had been offered jobs designing several research facilities and medical centres on Tendaris III, near the Cardassian Border.
Well, all was going great, then six weeks ago Dad was involved in what officials are calling a tragic accident, they say he fell into an open turbolift shaft in the building they were constructing. He was already dead when they found his body. The enquiry was over in a day with no real explanation of what had happened, they just closed it with a 'Sorry for your loss' ..... Nia said quietly holding her hand as she continued: A week, after, Dad, two men came to our house, I was at the site working and got a call from our neighbour - I rushed home, the house had been ransacked, there was blood everywhere, and a message on a PADD waiting for me - It said that they had Mum, and if I wanted to see her alive again I would collect all the records, notes, everything my Dad had and be ready to hand them over. I was told not to inform the authorities or there would be consequences, unfortunately, the elderly neighbour, not knowing what to do after contacting me, contacted them, and they arrived five minutes after I did. I was ushered out of the house and all but arrested.
After an hour, I was taken to their City Hall I suppose you'd call it, where their Chief Investigator told me that despite what I had told them, the condition of the house, and copious amounts of blood, there was no real evidence of wrongdoing! ..... But I wasn't going to accept that and said so, I was told in no uncertain terms that Tendaris authorities were not going to investigate, and 'suggested' I speak to someone at the Federation Consulate, which I did. The Ambassador promised there would be a full and thorough investigation, unfortunately, the Ambassador died of what they called a sudden unexplained heart attack. "I remember seeing the report on Ambassador Keaton," Nia mused as Zoe continued once again: Then, last week, while I was still waiting for Saul to arrive, a woman turned up at the house I was staying at and said that her friends were disappointed with my lack of compliance, she told me that I had seven days to get what they needed, they didn't care how, and if I didn't then I wouldn't see Mum again, she gave me several items of my mothers, wedding ring, a necklace she never took off, and a bloodied cardigan. She again warned me about taking this to anyone official ... When she'd gone, I remembered Dad saying something about Engineers going missing and while I still had access, I checked the logs, and sure enough, three had met with 'accidents' in the last three months, and five others were missing. The Tendaris officials said they had simply returned home not wishing to continue with their employment on the projects.
When I tried to get more information I was arrested and practically thrown into a cell pending charges. "Charges for what for heaven's sake?" Nia asked, her coffee now stone cold as Erin Paquin took the cups to refill with fresh. Would you believe, SPYING! ..... But then, some high-up official came to my cell with two of their Security, they bungled me into a transport and took me to the spaceport without a word said, as they almost threw me through the doors to the shuttle he told me that to avoid inflating an already delicate situation, I was being thrown off the planet with a non-too-subtle warning not to return, under ANY circumstances. Since then practically all non-Tendarans have been curfewed or deported off-world.
Something you should know - Two days before he died, I heard Mum and Dad having a conversation, they weren't arguing, they never did, but both could get their point across, and they were - Dad was saying he was concerned about some construction plans he had accidentally accessed for off-world facilities seemingly large enough for heavy weapons construction, and one large enough to construct a starship. He was going to ask the Tendaris officials about the plans because they hadn't signed up to construct anything on military lines. He also thought that the missing Engineers hadn't just quit and gone home, he believed they had been forcibly removed, possibly taken to one or another of these black sites!
Anyway.
Aboard the USS Tangiers, I was able to contact our Family lawyers on Earth, they got back and told me that the Tangiers was going to layover here for forty-eight hours before heading back to Earth, and they were going to send someone out to meet me, but then I saw you, and well, I couldn't honestly remember what you did once we all parted company, and I'm sorry to say I didn't check, life, growing up, etcetera, but then I heard you were here and with Intelligence or something? "I am... Yes..." Nia said, hesitantly, accepting the coffee from her Adjutant, and then waiting while Zoe took the offered cup and took a sip despite the temperature, "... But I'm not sure I can help you Zoe, and if someone is already coming here to see you, then maybe you should see what they have to say before making any decisions, do you have any quarters yet?" Zoe shook her head. "She can stay with me, Admiral," Erin said helpfully. "Thank you, Erin, that would be great," Lemond said, finally taking a sip of her coffee. "Isn't kidnapping something you investigate?" Zoe asked, her eyes narrowing at the apparent rejection. "It's something that we do, yes, but unless we're given a specific assignment, then I have to weigh up options," "Fine," Zoe replied through a sob, looking more like an upset child by the minute. Nia moved closer and put an arm around her friend's daughter to try to comfort her. "Listen, Erin can take the day ..... You two go get settled and then maybe a walk around one of the Promenades. I know it won't take your mind off what's happening, but it's better than dwelling on what can't be done, at least for the time being. Once the people from Earth get here to speak to you we'll talk again and see where we stand. But don't worry, I'll be making 'discrete' enquiries of my own in the meantime, OK?" "OK, but please think about it Aunt Nia, I've no one else to turn to," Zoe said, rising shakily to her feet, Erin held on to one arm as they left the office and headed for the nearest bank of turbolifts ..... Once alone, Nia pulled up every iota of information on Erik McMillan ..........
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Iorte Clancy
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Mar 9, 2016 17:58:55 GMT
Posts: 253
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Post by Iorte Clancy on Mar 1, 2024 21:38:56 GMT
Clancy had happened by O'Toole's on Alpha promenade late in the evening, finding Tan and de Luca still present (though the former was just departing, decidedly worse for wear) along with O'Toole, his fiancee and the two Cullen girls and a few other late night revellers.
Some were swaying to and fro at the extension of the bar that led almost to the bandstand, where the remaining trio of an acoustic band were ripping through a traditional Irish repertoire of two to three minute folk songs.
These revellers next to the bandstand - them, like the band members, drenched in sweat - were de Luca, O'Toole, one of the Cullens, and some others of no description. Kara was helping David to the door, where Clancy passed them, "Commander... can I help you?" Tan muttered.
Clancy smiled and clapped his fellow Intel officer on the shoulder, "No, that's ok. Go and get a good night's sleep." David nodded dazily in appreciation and left the pub supported by the proprietor's partner.
"Elena, just how much of a head start did you get?" Iorte asked when he reached the bartop, mildly stunned, as she actually seemed in better condition than Tan despite having apparently arrived some half an hour earlier in the afternoon.
"I've been going slower," she explained with a smile, and made a faux annoyed expression as Sean O'Toole jostled her right side, leaning in and bawling out - in the midst of the two Intel officers - the optional lyrics to the fiddle-led folk song performed by the exhausted band trio just to their left. Elena then shouted and grinned and put her arm round O'Toole's shoulder, joining back in with the carousal.
Not feeling uninhibited enough to join them - he'd have to have arrived much earlier in the day and begun drinking immediately - Iorte could only smile and turn away to take in the scene. There was quite a bit to appreciate in this scene and setting without the accompaniment of alcohol - one could actually say enjoyment was broader and more fulsome, more varied, without it.
He thought back to that morning and early afternoon, when he'd first gone somewhere else outside his Starbase accommodation (other than to the officers' lounge or recreation facilities) since arriving back on the El Alamein three days ago, instead heading for the Intel offices to report officially, where he'd met Iezelda, at which time the apparent ordinariness of her appearance surprised him.
For almost a month he'd been away from the station with the rest of the Intel team, first investigating the asteroid base, then pursuing the Tkrnn who'd kidnapped Elena and Rosa and taken them to the proto-nebula, and then, after recovery of all four of them by the El Al, exploring the peculiar planetoid-sized Tkrnn changeling with its implant / research facility.
In all that time he'd only thought of Petty Officer Iezeld a handful of times, and most of those in the first week since departure from the Starbase. Still he'd found her appearance in his mind's eye during that time quite thought provoking, the mind embellishing her recalled image according to the different emotions he found to his surprise he was feeling.
He could only remain grateful that Iezelda had been safe on the Starbase during the Intel team's sojourn, though she herself now professed herself livid at being left behind, with just a desk job and the dubious attentions of the Section Admiral's aide Barton to occupy her time!
After they'd headed to a little known establishment on Gamma promenade for lunch, Iorte had left her company after a brief kiss, and walked to the bank of turbolifts with a spring in his step.
He'd boarded and headed for his quarters and then the officer's lounge, meeting with and exchanging notes with Intelligence officer Lieutenant Maerwicz, who'd been assigned as his official protege since the latter had joined the Intel staff on SB47, then after supper, Iorte suddenly remembered the get-together at O'Toole's, and made for Alpha promenade.
On his way, shortly after leaving the command levels, he'd nearly been flattened by a gaggle of civilians who'd just been disgorged from their transport vessel arrived from Earth. Questioning the apparently reckless leader of the group, Clancy had discovered that the woman and her entourage had come to speak with a young woman called Zoe McMillan.
Iorte had absorbed the information, having little to say or think about it at the moment, though the whole business seemed somewhat irregular, and proceeded to Alpha promenade and O'Toole's where he'd now met his colleagues and was with de Luca and O'Toole by the bandstand.
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Sean O'Toole
Civilian
The Luck O' the Irish
Registered: Aug 13, 2016 0:12:33 GMT
Posts: 59
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Post by Sean O'Toole on Mar 7, 2024 3:37:33 GMT
O'Toole's Bar & Grill ... Alpha Promenade :: ..... Sean had been both surprised and relieved when his friends had meandered into the bar one by one - First had been Elena, then David, followed as the night progressed by the others, including Iorte Clancy, who constantly protested that he didn't normally frequent the bars on any of the three Promenades unless on special occasions, but Sean knew differently and always said that Clancy, by his own normally drunken admission, thoroughly enjoyed it when he did .....Happy he had been able to 'wrangle' a few refurbishments following the destruction on Alpha Promenade, the new-look bar was very much to his and his fiancΓ©'s liking - The bar itself had been extended, new booths along the right-hand wall, and a new, larger stage at the left side of the bar. A friend in Starfleet Engineering had made the new plate that sat in the doorway. Sean being 'ex' Intelligence, wasn't one for missing the subtle neuances within a room, and as the Intelligence team, led by David Tan, had meandered into the bar one by one, he hadn't missed the fact that others were there watching ..... Some people gave themselves away, amateurs, people who should, in Sean's opinion, should be looking for manual work somewhere on the edge of Federation territory, while others were more 'adept' at their trade. Nevertheless, Sean knew them for what they were, and while they kept themselves to themselves, he was content to allow them to frequent his establishment. Around three in the morning, Starbase time, the bar was practically empty, just a few late-night stragglers, and the booth with his friends, or if he were honest, better described as 'family' ..... "So.... When's this bloody wedding taking place, or has the lovely Kara come to her senses and turned you down?" David asked with a lopsided grin. "She won't be turnin' me down anytime soon Davy-boy, as well you know, and I'll be thankin' you not to put ideas into her pretty head, OK," Sean said, laughing as Kara thumped him in the arm. The conversation, along with the decidedly 'NOT' synthale flowed. Kara explained that circumstances, namely them being away, and the issue with the Tkrnn that caused no end of the mayhem on the Starbase, had forced them to postpone their wedding unit hopefully calmer times, where their closest friends could be present, and given Elena was her Maid-of-Honour she could hardly get married without her being present. As he finally walked the last of his patrons to the door he sighed with relief, the day and night had taken it's toll, he was tired, and so was Kara, he'd also silently praised his Staff, importantly Liam Devlin, his shift manager, along with NeveΓ© and Carla Cullen, his Staff Supervisors ..... As he locked the doors and turned off the main lighting, he thought he'd seen someone on the opposite side of the wide Promenade looking at the bar. He moved away from the doors and then in shadow moved to a vantage point where he could see the doorway opposite, without being seen himself. Sure enough, someone was watching his bar! Double-checking the doors, he meandered drunkenly towards the bar and the door leading to the offices and the stairs to their accommodation, tapping a concealed panel at the top of the stairs he shrugged, anyone approaching the bar from the front, above, or below would be spotted on one of numerous highly sophisticated surveillance systems, they would not only record any would-be intruder, but would 'quietly' access every Federation database to identify the mysterious person. Satisfied, he went upstairs and disrobed before climbing into bed. "You saw the girl I suppose?" Kara whispered as Sean snuggled up to her. "Yes, and the people watching her too," He replied, nuzzling into her shoulder. "I'll run some checks in the morning, while the bar's being restocked,""OK ..... Kara said, kissing him, before rolling over and almost instantly falling into a deep sleep. Sean had considered going to the secret office built into the back area of the bar, but realised he too was far too wary. With a sigh, he resolved to check the surveillance the following morning, and he too fell into a deep, dreamless sleep ..... Tomorrow though, might have other plans for them all ..........
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Nia Lemond
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Aug 11, 2019 20:06:27 GMT
Posts: 239
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Post by Nia Lemond on Mar 13, 2024 15:13:21 GMT
Admiral Lemond's Office .. Mezzanine Level Command Centre :: Over the last few days, Nia had gone through every snippet of information she could find on Zoe McMillan's missing Mother - She had also researched the other Engineers who had vanished over the last year: Xandor Pierce Assan Kumur Anna Rawlins Tom Bradshaw Kirt DaJong
And now Zoe's Mother ... All had seemingly disappeared 'after' agreeing to long-term contracts to work on supposedly unclassified constructions within the Tendaris Star System, yet two of the five - the only ones with families - Had been allowed to contact their loved ones telling them that they were alright but would be out of contact for the foreseeable future. "Who the hell kidnaps someone and then gives them access to sub-space communications?" she asked her empty office as her Adjutant, Erin Paquin entered with several PADDs needing her attention. "They'll take you away for that you know," the young Adjutant said, with a wry grin. "I don't doubt it..." Nia said as she eyed the devices Erin placed on the edge of her over-cluttered desk, "... Is there anything urgent in those?" "Some need your approval, nothing that can't wait a couple of hours," Erin said glancing at the cold coffee still sitting in Nia's favourite mug. She plucked the cold drink off the desk and started to return to her office as Lemond stood. "I'm going down to Alpha Promenade for lunch, want to join me?" "I have a bit to catch up on Admiral, but thanks for the offer," Erin said ..... CafΓ© LaliquΓ©; Alpha Promenade :: Getting a coffee and a hot beef sandwich, Nia sat outside the cafΓ© watching as people went about their various activities, shoppers, technicians, visitors, there was a myriad of people all seemingly enjoying the Promenade ..... She took a bite out of the sandwich, thoroughly enjoying the hot beef, she realised that someone was watching her, not quite standing over her, but close enough to make her wary. She casually replaced the sandwich on her plate and then looked up: "Something I can help you with?" she asked. The man smiled before taking a step closer, Nia didn't move as she watched him. "I'm sorry, I wasn't sure it was you to be honest, it's been a good few years..." he said, eyeing the seat opposite her but making no move to take it uninvited, "... We met on Earth, the Nai-Gol Security Conference, sorry you probably don't remember me," "No, I'm afraid I don't, sorry," Nia replied, trying to weigh the man up. "Hardly surprising, I hardly stick out in a crowd," he said, chuckling at his little witticism. "..... And yet here you are, sticking out right in front of me..." Nia said, allowing a slight smile to form so as not to give the impression she was unhappy at the intrusion, "... Was there something I could help you with, mister?" she asked. "Actually, I just wanted a quick word before I left the Starbase if you have a moment?" Stifling the urge to sigh, she nodded to the seat, which with a look up and down the Promenade, he took. "Well?" she asked, all signs of politeness vanishing, wary of anyone who refused to introduce themselves when prompted. "You've done well, Admiral, couple of quick promotions, you were a, erm, Commander, when we first met I think," "You've clearly sought me out for whatever reason, so if you could come to the point, I have a lot of work to be getting on with?" "Yes, and that 'work' is being hindered by your investigations into Erik McMillan and the missing Engineers," the man said, a smile on his face belaying the cold eyes locked onto her. She stiffened inwardly. "Who are you...?" She asked dangerously, keeping eye contact while using her peripheral vision to see if there were any Security personnel close by, "... And just 'HOW' precisely, do you know what I am, or am not, doing? ... Are you one of the people who have come here to speak with Erik and Helen McMillan's daughter?" "Their daughter, no ..... But I am here to offer you a little 'free' advice," the man replied. "You know who I am, what makes you sure I won't simply have you detained for questioning, turning up offing free 'advice' as you call it, could be construed as a veiled threat of sorts, something Starfleet, or Intelligence doesn't take kindly to," "You won't do anything to stop me leaving, Admiral, the people I work for wouldn't be too happy if you did, and the resulting consequences of doing so could prove, unfortunate," "I'd like you to leave now," Nia said, her tone casual to anyone overhearing the instruction, but her eyes had hardened. The man sat in place for almost a minute before shrugging and then standing: "It was nice to see you again, Admiral, you'll have to look me up the next time you're on Earth," he said, clearly making sure his friendly offer was overheard, he smiled before walking away. Nia watched him as he meandered aimlessly along the Promenade, stopping now and then to look into shop windows. She waited until he was almost out of sight then tapped her commbadge. She spoke to Erin and asked her to review surveillance footage of the meeting and find out just 'who' she had been speaking to! Closing the comm she picked up the now almost cold beef sandwich. Alain Dubois, owner of the CafΓ© noticed her frown and before she could say anything whipped the sandwich away, returning a moment later with a fresh, hot replacement ..........
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David Tan
Starfleet Intelligence
Suum Cuique ...
Registered: Dec 11, 2006 10:56:04 GMT
Posts: 792
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Post by David Tan on Mar 14, 2024 0:55:27 GMT
19:30 hrs .. Conference Room One Mezzanine Level Command Centre :: "..... Sorry .... You want to run that by me again Commander?" David Tan asked. Sat the opposite end of the curved conference table where both he and Admiral Lemond were seated, Erin Paquin almost, ut no quite, glared at him. "We've gone through every piece of surveillance footage, both from Alpha Promenade, and the rest of the Starbase between the CafΓ© and the Docking Ring, there is no evidence that this man, whoever he is, was, ever set foot on the Starbase," "That can't be right Erin..." Nia said, shaking her head in disbelief, "... He sat opposite me at one of the tables outside CafΓ© LaliquΓ© for at least ten minutes!" "Ma'am ....." Erin said, entering several inputs into the PADD she was holding. The two screens at either end of the conference room sprang to life. Both David and Nia watched as the Director of Intelligence approached the CafΓ© and entered, exiting a moment later with a beverage and a plate holding one of the CafΓ©'s signature sandwiches. She sat at a table and began to eat her lunch, seemingly enjoying the busy Promenade. At no point did anyone approach her, or sit down to hold a conversation. She was about to point out the fact that her sandwich had gone cold, but even this 'snippet' was apparently dreamt up in her imagination, as she was seen enjoying the hot beef sandwich before picking up her drink and leaving the CafΓ©. "What did he look like?" Tan asked. "One point eight meters tall, seventy-three kilo, solid build, dark hair. If I didn't know better, I'd say he worked for me," Nia replied without hesitation, the frustration in her voice obvious. "So he would stand out in a crowd maybe?" David speculated. "That height and build, no,hHe wouldn't go unnoticed," Lemond replied. Erin had taken one of the vacant seats and was making inputs to the PADD she was holding. Numerous views were scrolling on the screens, from the Promenade to the Docking Ring. But despite their technology, the man who had spoken to her was nowhere to be seen. Erin had even gone back to the recordings from the Security Summit Lemond, then a Commander, had attended, requesting the computer to single out 'all' incidents where a single person approached Lemond, yet even here, there were no signs of the mysterious visitor. Nia was rapidly beginning to lose patience, though outwardly she remained calm, not that her demeanour fooled David or Erin, both knowing that their Commanding Officer was worried. The comm built into the table chirped and Erin tapped the accept tab: =^= Commander .. DΓΊpin .. The young lady you asked to see is here .. .. =^= Theo DΓΊpin, Deputy Chief of Starbase Forty-Seven Security informed Paquin. Erin looked at Nia and received a nod. =^= Have someone escort her in please Colonel =^= A moment later the door slid aside and Zoe McMillan entered, she walked over to Nia who stood to greet her friend's Daughter. They hugged then Nia asked her to sit. "Zoe, this is David Tan, one of my Senior Intelligence Officers, you know Erin of course," "Hello, Mister Tan," the girl said quietly. "David, please..." Tan said with a warm smile, happy to see her relax a little, despite the situation she found herself in, "... Could I just ask: You said you were given a week, I'm guessing that is almost up?" "Today," Zoe said. "Whoever has your Mother hasn't contacted you to either reinforce their threat or give you more time I assume?" "I've heard nothing from them, do you have any information about where she could be?" Zoe replied. "Nothing yet, we've been backtracking all vessels that entered or departed the Tendaris III Star System twenty-four hours before your Mother's disappearance to the minute you were first contacted..." Nia said, glancing at David, who despite the fact he knew almost nothing about what was going on, remained expressionless, "... We've also been trying to identify the woman who initially approached you, but much like my invisible dining guest, we're nowhere on her identity," David could see it was hurting Lemond to openly admit they had so little despite Starfleet's so-called prowess. "I'm sorry to bring this up, Zoe..." David said, hoping he wasn't about to cause the young woman opposite more heartache, "... You said your Father was engaged in the construction of hospitals or planet-based medical facilities?" "Yes," "As far as you are aware, was he involved in anything else?" he pressed. "Like what?" "I don't know ..... Did he ever mention, or did you ever overhear anything about projects he was connected to that were, shall we say, unusual?" "Dad was away quite a lot, his skills were in demand, not only by the Federation, but by what he called 'private' contractors, but anything he did was always approved by his superiors before he took one step. His designs were sought after, so he was always being approached to design and build one building or another. But no, I can't remember ever hearing him being involved in anything, secret?" "Secret might be the wrong word, Zoe..." Lemond quickly said, seeing the girl she had always seen as her Niece frown, "... But we do know he was involved in some shall we say 'confidential' work for the Federation," even as she was saying it she wondered if that was what had got her mother kidnapped, maybe whoever they were were after information on one of these projects? "I wouldn't know about that Aunt Nia, Depending on what he was doing, I wasn't always at his meetings. He did make sure I had full access to any construction or design phases of structures not deemed high security, but as my Security Level was a little below his it was understandable that I would be excluded from various projects. We had an agreement that I wouldn't be brought in at all on these, we felt there was no point unless my security clearance was sufficiently upgraded," "You've had confirmation from Starfleet Security on Earth that has now been done, and you have the highest security level clearance?" Erin asked. "Yes, it was the last thing my Father did before ....." "I don't think they will harm your Mother when the deadline is reached, Zoe..." David said, suddenly realising that removing the one 'bargaining chip' they held, effectively made their actions moot, but would they know Zoe's clearance had been upgraded "... If I may Zoe - What are you working on at the moment?" for a moment both he, and Nia, thought she wasn't going to answer, when she did her reply was cryptic to say the least: "I'm afraid I can't answer that ..... Sorry," There wasn't any point in pressing, even at the young age of twenty-two, Zoe McMillan was sought after much like her Mother and Father, she had the same gift of design innovations and an eye for aesthetics, able to make buildings look ultra-modern, or like something from centuries earlier, depending on client requirements. David worried that she, possibly like her parents, had been either unwittingly, or knowingly brought into design and construction of something very different, very different indeed. There wasn't one iota of information to lead him to these conclusions of course, it was, as usual, a gut feeling, nothing more. They spoke for another hour, and then Nia said they had all they needed for the time being and suggested Zoe go enjoy the evening, Erin would go with her, both as her roommate, and unspoken protection ..... David and Nia looked over what scant information they had. "So what now?" Tan asked. Nia shrugged. "As yet there hasn't been a formal request for our involvement..." Lemond said, rising to replace her empty cup on the small bar at the end of the room, "I've spoken to Gheskori, and he thinks the same - As in 'who' kidnaps someone but gives them Com access, it's unfathomable. As for Zoe's Mother, it's clear she's been taken, by who is unknown, and they want information they 'believe' Zoe has. At this juncture, Starfleet Security is leading the investigation into Helen McMilan's possible abduction, so we're not involved, despite my objections, which Gheskori was quick to point out were led by my closeness to Zoe and her parents," "He's not going to let you start an independent investigation?" he asked, Nia could only shrug, her frustration obvious. "So we keep looking, on the quiet...?" Tan asked with a sly grin, frowning when he didn't get an answer one way or the other, "... Nia, you are the Director of Starfleet Intelligence for this Sector, Ghes is the Section Admiral for God's sake, just who, besides the Federation 'PRESIDENT' is instructing you to lay off!?" Nia sat, completely silent, eyes locked on David's, either unwilling or unable, to answer his question ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Mar 19, 2024 2:11:09 GMT
Yesterday :: Elena was sat in the observation lounge of Docking Arm 'B' watching as the Excelsior Class USS Cardigan Bay, glided through the massive space doors ..... She was here to meet Carl's partner, Elise Sharp, and their two daughters, Vanessa and Bethan. They had left the Starbase when the Tkrnn issue began and had gone to Earth, now that things were safe, they had returned. Elise was the Head of Education on the Raven though given the seriousness of the Tkrnn situation, and the declaration of war between them and the Federation, they had agreed it would be wise for her to remain on the Starbase, or better still, take a well-earned vacation on Earth until the ships return .....
With the ship docked and the umbilicus walkways in place, Elena boarded and headed off to find Elise's suite.
"Aunt ELANA!" Bethan shouted as Vanessa opened the door and leaned close to hug their adopted Aunt before darting out of the way a fraction of a second before her younger sister leapt at Elise like some whirling dervish.
"WOW, It's good to see you too sweetheart..." Elise said, after a long moment lowering the petite ten-year-old to the carpet so she could enter the suite proper. Elise came out of the bedroom pulling one of the heavy suitcases, and smiled as she saw Elena. The two hugged and Elena offered to help with their luggage:
"Oh no you won't, these two spent up buying gifts on Earth, they can tug their own cases..." she said with a grin before turning to the minibar Elena hadn't seen in the corner of the room, "... Besides, I'm almost sure there's some sort of regulation about pulling laden suitcases while under the influence, and if there isn't there should be," she finished, pouring out two drinks before handing one to her friend.
"Where's ours?" Bethan asked angelically. Her mother answered by pointing at the bedroom, both girls got the message and disappeared.
"So what's been happening?" Elise asked.
"Well, we're rid of the Tkrnn, pretty much all the damage has been repaired, and parts of the place look like new, which they are, of course. Sean's reopened the bar, it was closed after the explosion across the Promenade, they're busy as ever, he and Kara have already had three opening nights that I know of ... So, you glad to be back?"
"Yes, to be honest going to Earth was a mistake, but it gave Carl peace of mind, so off we went..." Elise said as she refilled their glasses, "... Might as well, all part of the service apparently," she said, both women laughed.
After disembarking the Cardigan Bay, they made their way to their suite on Level One Four Zero Four, Elena had been there that morning to make sure the place was fit to occupy. They had a late meal together and the girls, finally succumbing to their tiredness, kissed their mother then Elena goodnight and went to bed. Elise asked Elene if she wanted to stay the night but de Luca said thanks but no, Elise needed sleep as much as the girls, and if she stayed they would end up drinking into the early hours, which would do neither of them any good. Saying goodnight and hugging her friend, Elena left and headed for her quarters, hopefully, to sleep off the copious amount of brandy the two had consumed .....Today :: Elena arrived at the Torek's Suite at two pm as arranged, Vanessa and Bethan had spent the morning unpacking and wrapping presents for friends. Elise, not one for taking medication unless absolutely necessary, had spent the morning fighting off the self-inflicted hangover she had. Half an hour later they were on Alpha Promenade ..... The girls, who as an incentive were given an 'allowance' for helping out with chores around their apartment, still had some to spend, so ran ahead, diving in and out of shops as they went, while Elise and Elena meandered at a steady pace to keep up with the zig-zagging girls. They were chatting when they heard the commotion behind them and turned - Two Naucicans were running fast towards them! For a fraction of a second Elena's hand moved to the non-existent phaser she wasn't carrying before she pulled Elise to one side. Both women looked ahead, thankful that Vanessa and Bethan had found something of interest in one of the shops and were out of harm's way, but that thought was quickly mooted as Bethan came onto the Promenade holding a small brightly wrapped package. Behind the two Nausicans, two Security Officers, both holding phasers, were in pursuit. Elena inwardly sighed, realising they were not the focus of the Nausican's attentions and relaxed a fraction but then realised the two were running directly towards where Bethan stood. She was still admiring the package and wasn't looking up. Elena, realising what might happen began to run, but the Nausicans had already passed her in their headlong flight, one slammed into a man and woman, bowling both off their feet as he passed. The second, quickly changed direction to avoid his associate running headlong and over the petite little girl as if she wasn't even there. His bulk, and speed, knocked Bethen off her feet and she slammed into the shop doorway with a sickening thud before slumping to the ground. Elena was vaguely aware of two phaser shots and commission as the Nausicans hit the deck unconscious to be surrounded by newly arriving support. Vanessa was leaving the shop, her eyes suddenly wide in both confusion then shock as she saw her sister on the floor. Elise and Elena reached them at the same time, Elena told Elise to grab Vanessa as she dropped to her knees to check Bethan's condition, the blood was the first concern, the little girl was bleeding profusely from a deep gash on her head, her pulse was shallow and erratic. A Security Officer knelt beside her and she instructed him to get Medical assistance here immediately! She could hear Vanessa crying as Elise knelt, presumably intending to lift her daughter off the deck to comfort her, but Elena had to stop her - Any movement could cause more harm than good until Bethan had been stabilised and the bleeding stopped ..... It took what seemed a lifetime, though in reality was less than two minutes, for Medical help to arrive, she was unceremoniously shoved aside as they took charge, but managed to give the Medics whatever vital information she thought they would need. She turned, wrapping her arms around Elise and Vanessa as the Medics worked ..... A mag-lev stretcher arrived and Bethan was gently but urgently lifted onto it, the Medic in charge issued instructions and the stretcher carrying the ten-year-old and two of the Medics disappeared in the transporter beam, the lead Medic turned to them: "What's her condition, Lieutenant?" Elena asked. "Are you the mother?" the man asked. "I'M HER MOTHER...!" Elise shouted in the Medics face, "... ANSWER HER QUESTION, HOW IS MY DAUGHTER!?" "She has a skull fracture, a bad one, she's lost a 'lot' of blood, more than she should have from the wound, and she has a bleed on the brain, we've beamed her directly to Alpha Medical Centre on Level Fifty-Six," "She'll be alright though?" Elise asked almost in a trance. "I induced a coma to slow the blood loss and hopefully any severe swelling, it's all I could do in situ, but I'm sure they will look after her Ma'am, I'm sorry but I need to get up there, Security are waiting to speak to you," he said, then turned to leave. Elena was about to snatch the man back but knew what seemed like some dispassionate report was anything but, he was being precise and giving them all they needed to know at this point. "She'll be OK Elise..." Elena said, trying to calm Vanessa by stroking her hair as she spoke to Bethan's mother, "... Let's go up to the Medical Centre, they will be looking after her Elise, I promise, and they should know more by the time we get there ..... Alpha Medical Centre Level Fifty-Six :: As the three entered, they were met by one of the nursing staff. Despite both Elise and Elena's protests, the woman quickly ushered them into a side room and asked them to sit, saying the Doctor would be with them as soon as he was free ..... "Oh my God, oh my God," Elise was whispering. "Will Bethan be OK Mum?" Vanessa asked, looking and sounding much younger than her thirteen years. "Yes, she will..." Elena said, hoping she was sounding more confident than she felt, "... She's hurt, but she will get well and be pestering you again in no time, I promise," She fell silent as Elise and Vanessa hugged each other, both unable to fight the tears. The three sat in silence for over an hour before the door opened and the Doctor entered. Going off the woman's expression, Elena's first thought was that things were not good. "Mrs Torek?" she asked, looking from Elena to Elise. "Miss Sharp, I'm Bethan's Mother," "Oh, sorry, I was told Bethan was the daughter of Admiral Torek," the Doctor said glancing at Elenea. "She is... I'm Admiral Torek's fiance, Elise, Bethan is our daughter by adoption, we changed their surname when the adoption was finalised..." Elise explained, fighting back her impatience, "... How is my daughter?" "Can I see my sister please?" Vanessa asked through sobs. "This is Vanessa," Elena explained. "You can see her shortly, I just want to speak to your mummy if that's OK...?" the Doctor replied. Vanessa nodded and fell silent, eyeing the woman, "... Bethan lost a lot of blood, a one in a million chance that an artery was ruptured in the fall, but we've done a transfusion and will do a second in a few hours. The bleed on her brain was repaired and we ran scans to check any functionality issues, thankfully, despite the swelling we have found nothing to give us too much concern at this point, but we're going to keep her in a coma to help the healing process. You can see her for a moment, then come back tomorrow when we'll know ....." "We're going nowhere..!" Elise snapped in disbelief that they would expect them to simply leave, "... I want beds set up so we can be with her!" "I'm sorry Ms, but we don't have the space for you to sta ....." the Doctor tried to explain. "I assume you have Bethan in a side room...?" Elena asked patiently. The Doctor nodded, "... Then I'm sure you can have another bed put in her room for her Mother, I'll take Vanessa home with me and we'll come back in the morning?" she suggested. "Yes, we can arrange that, give me a moment," the Doctor said, leaving them alone. "I don't want to leave Bethan Mummy," Vanessa sobbed. "She will be OK, you heard the Doctor sweetheart, you go stay with Aunt Elena and come back in the morning as the Doctor says, maybe Bethan will already be awake when you get here... OK?" "OK ....." Vanessa replied as one of the Nursing Staff entered the room: "The Doctor says you can see Bethan for a moment, she's in a coma as you know, but don't let that worry you," The three filed out behind the Nurse and entered the private room where a cot had already been set up for Elise. After seeing Bethan, Elena took Vanessa back to her quarters and prepared a hot drink, surreptitiously placing two drops of a liquid the Nurse had given her to help Vanessa sleep. In the bedroom, Vanessa snuggled up to Elena, and after protesting, took a few sips from the hot drink, within a minute, she felt Vanessa's body relax into a deep sleep. Elena glanced at the small bottle and pondered taking the remainder of the sedative, but she was already fighting to keep her eye open and a minute later she too fell asleep ..........
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Nia Lemond
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Aug 11, 2019 20:06:27 GMT
Posts: 239
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Post by Nia Lemond on Mar 28, 2024 1:10:20 GMT
Admiral Nia Lemond's Office ... Mezzanine Level Command Centre :: "..... So you're not going to look for my mother?" Zoe asked as Nia, sitting beside her on the long settee finished explaining that she had been told the investigation was being run solely by Starfleet Security on Earth. "You said someone had sent two Security Officers to speak to you..." Lemond said by way of reply, "... What did they have to say?" "That my Father's death was an unfortunate accident, and that as far as they could ascertain, Mother went off to grieve her loss in private," Zoe said. Nia looked at her in utter disbelief. "Just 'how' exactly did they come to this unfathomable conclusion?" "Mum had told one of her colleagues that she needed to take some time away, she left that day without a word to me," Zoe replied. "I don't believe a word of this, there's no way Helen would take off like that, she would have logged any travel plans regardless of the situation. Did she say anything about the arrangements to take your father's body back to Earth?" "Not a word ..... After they brought Dad's body home Mum was busy making arrangements, and I was taking a leave of absence to go back to Earth with Mum, but then she vanished ..... The rest you know," Zoe said, tears welling in her eyes. "The two Security Personnel they sent to talk to you, did you get their names?" "Actually, no, they must have identified themselves, maybe I just wasn't listening closely..." Zoe said, a frown forming as she seemed to recall something before continuing, "... Strange thing was they never once said they were from Earth, or Security for that matter. In fact, they couldn't or more likely wouldn't, discuss Mum's disappearance other than to say it was being looked into," Zoe said, again making Nia nervous. "Are they still here, do you know?" "..... I've no idea. After they spoke to me they didn't say anything about what they had planned, other than they would inform me of any developments as and when they had any useful information," "They gave you no contact details, whether they were going to work from this Starbase, or if they were going to head for Tendaris III, nothing...?" Nia asked, seeing Zoe shake her head, "... Since we last spoke, I've talked to the Head of Starfleet Intelligence on Earth, and for reasons he's not willing to divulge, he's instructed me to leave the investigation to those assigned to the task. That said, Helen and your Father were close friends despite our going our separate ways many years ago, and I can't just sit here and let someone light-years away run any investigation into her disappearance," "So you'll look for her?" "No ..... At least not 'officially' that is. I'm going to speak to one of my Senior Officers, maybe they fancy a few days' leave," "But, can't you do it yourself, Aunt Nia?" Zoe almost pleaded, vaulting Nia back to when Zoe was in her first at school and wanted her 'Aunt' to come to the end-of-term school concert. She moved closer to Zoe, putting an arm around her, wondering if she could justify her taking her own leave of absence to Gheskori. As if intuitively sensing she was needed, Erin Paquin entered the office with a tray containing two fine china cups of coffee. She tentatively held one out to Zoe, waiting until she took the cup before handing Nia hers. "Erin, have someone check all ships' manifests for the last week, I want to know how many Starfleet personnel attached to Security boarded the Starbase, and contact Starfleet Security on Earth and 'discreetly' enquire about who was sent to interview Zoe, and from what Division of Starfleet Security they came from, OK," "Yes, Ma'am," Erin said, leaving to return to her office. "Thank you," Zoe said almost a whisper. "I'm not expecting anything other than another warning off, but if nothing else it will prove someone else is pulling some invisible strings, strings I fully intend to cut if I get the chance..." Nia replied quietly, almost as if thinking out loud, "... How was your stay with Erin, did she look after you?" "Erin's nice, we had something to eat, shared a bottle of wine, talked into the early hours, girly stuff," Zoe replied. "So you're happy to stay with her for the time being?" "Yes, nice to have the company," Zoe replied. Nia nodded, making a mental note to reduce Erin's workload so she could 'babysit' Zoe for the duration. After a few more moments both had finished their coffees, Zoe suddenly stood, Nia reactively doing likewise. "Erin won't mind my staying, will she, you haven't ordered her to look after me or anything?" Nia laughed: "You were there when she offered Zoe, and given my thus far non-existent telepathic abilities haven't as yes blossomed, I had no say in it, she offered," "OK then ..... I think I'll go pick up a few things on the Promenades," Nia smiled and called Erin back into the office: "Ma'am?" her Adjutant queried, already plucking the empty cups off the table. "How do you feel about Zoe staying with you for a few more days?" Nia asked. "I'd love the company..." Erin said, smiling at Zoe, "... I'll give you security access for the apartment, so you can come and go while I'm working," "Zoe's going to do a little shopping, given there's not much on that needs your undivided attention Erin, why not go too," Nia offered. "You wanted me to look into a couple of things?" "I'll get someone else on it, no sense in having people sitting around practising their advanced thumb-twiggling when they can be put to some use," Nia replied with a wry grin. "OK... Sure..." Erin replied, genuinely pleased, "... I don't often get a chance to sneak off work, give me a minute Zoe and I'll be right with you!" she said before taking the empty cups into her office. "..... You're not sneaking off, I'm giv ....." Nia began, falling silent as Erin had already gone and Zoe was grinning like the Cheshire cat. A minute later Erin returned with a pile of PADDs placing them on Nia's desk: "These need your OK," she said, linking arms with her newest friend before both left. Nia glanced at the pile and sighed ..........
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Iorte Clancy
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Mar 9, 2016 17:58:55 GMT
Posts: 253
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Post by Iorte Clancy on Mar 29, 2024 1:28:54 GMT
O'Toole's, Alpha promenade
"She was just standing there watching the bar?"
"Seemed to be, laddie. Right across there, outside the shop opposite," the Irish bar owner pointed across the breadth of Alpha promenade - which was near its widest at this section - to the facing establishment. "I checked my surveillance footage, Iorte, and... sure enough, there she was. It wasn't some late night hallucination brought on by the stout, believe me."
"I do believe you," Clancy answered, frowning and beginning to scratch his chin. "Let me see those surveillance records, Sean."
He didn't know whether to be surprised or not. There on the camera's playback, in O'Toole's intel equipment room at the back of his bar, was the same woman Iorte had nearly knocked over - with her entourage - the previous day.
The woman and company had come from Earth to meet with Zoe McMillan. Iorte wondered if the former had now met with the young civilian engineer. But more pertinently, perhaps, what had she - the mysterious visitor purportedly from Earth - been doing looking inside of O'Toole's round closing time last night?
Before he had a chance to question O'Toole further, his commbadge chirped. =/\=Clancy, this is Director Lemond.=/\= Taking the unexpected call in his stride, he asked levelly what was needed. =/\=I've redirected Paquin to keep Miss McMillan company,=/\= she explained, =/\=I'd given her some tasks; I'd like you to complete them. Report to the mezzanine level.=/\=
=/\=Yes, sir. On my way.=/\=
Intel office
"Any joy at O'Toole's? He seemed to think something was up at the end of last night?" Lemond asked Iorte from behind her desk, in front of which he stood impassively with hands linked behind his back.
He nodded, "Well, yes, apparently the person watching his bar from across the promenade, round closing time, was the same that's heading the group from Earth to meet with McMillan and take her on back there," he replied. "I understand she was originally to go to Earth with her mother, to lay her father to rest?"
"That's correct," the Admiral replied, "But then her mother was - we believe, though apparently Starfleet Security sees it differently - kidnapped, and so the group from Earth were heading out here to meet Zoe in her mother's stead. You're suggesting that visiting group can't be trusted?"
"They certainly have questions to answer, sir." He cleared his throat, "So what did you have for me?" Lemond gave him instructions to check rosters of ships arrived at Starbase in the last week for Starfleet Security personnel, and to contact Starfleet Security themselves... Who had the latter sent who'd recently questioned the young McMillan?
Clancy's quarters
With the roster check being run through the Starbase computer, Iorte was at his quarter's personal console, calling Earth and the offices of Starfleet Security...
"We have two of our officers on your Starbase... Mr Clancy," the gold-collared Starfleet commander told him on his screen, "But I'm not at liberty to divulge to you their identities. Your superiors in Section 47 will be all too aware that they've been told to keep away from this investigation, which is being conducted by ourselves at Starfleet Security. Our personnel have to be able to operate with a degree of confidentiality and anonymity, Mr Clancy, which, as an Intelligence officer, I'm sure you'll understand."
"Zoe McMillan was questioned by them. Both were male. Neither gave her their names, nor told her they worked for Starfleet Security. Is that standard procedure?"
The gold-collared commander seemed to suppress a frown. "Well, that is somewhat irreg- ... And both were male? Then they couldn't have come from -" his expression hardened but he still stammered over his next words, "I'm... not at liberty to discuss this with you! Mr Clancy!" and the man virtually slammed his fist into his console to close the channel from Earth's end.
Iorte spun in his chair 180 degrees to face out his quarters' portal, "I take it, then, that McMillan's two friends don't really come from Starfleet Security..." he mused to himself. It didn't really matter where the gold-collared commanders' two officers were. Just who were the impostors who'd questioned Zoe?
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Mar 31, 2024 13:09:36 GMT
Alpha Medical Centre Level Fifty-Six :: Elena returned to the Medical Centre with Vanessa the following morning, both were at first worried that they couldn't see either Bethan or Vanessa's Mother, Elise ... Elena went to the desk: "We're here to see Bethan Torek?" "Ahh, she's having a scan currently, her mothers with her, if you want to wait in her room I'll take you there?" the duty nurse said helpfully. "No, just point the way," de Luca said, returning the smile ..... Moments later they entered the private room on corridor 'C' leading off the central hub. A few minutes later Elise entered followed by a wheelchair-bound Bethan: "I 'CAN' walk you know," she was saying. "Not while you're in here young lady," the Orderly replied, shaking his head. "VANESSA!" Bethan said as her older sister ran to her, the girls hugged as Bethan pushed herself out of the chair and clambered onto the bed. "Hi Elise, how did the scan go?" Elena asked after the two women had also hugged. "Fine, there's no sign of anything untoward, the Doctor is saying the swelling was a result of the injury, and all's well, though going by her demands, you would think she had had major surgery," Elise finished with a grin. "I'm a patient Mum, aren't I 'supposed' to get presents?" the ten-year-old asked with a theatrical pout to emphasise her displeasure. "Want me to ask the Doctor to put you back in your coma?" Elise replied, raising her eyebrows. "Like he would just 'cos you asked," Bethan replied. "..... So when are they letting you out of here?" "Anytime now, they wanted a comparison scan for their records. She'll be discharged once the Doctor has signed off on her release," "Discharge Mummy, not release, you make me sound like a prisoner," Bethan said, making everyone laugh. "Yeh, proper little jailbird," Vanessa said as Commander Ki Yalo, the Deputy Starbase Chief of Medicine entered the room. "Well, it appears there's nothing to keep you here for Ms Torek..." he said, handing Elise a PADD, "... These forms need your thumbprint to confirm the release into your care. She will have a three-day course of medication, nothing scary, just to keep any residual pain away after the clunk on her head," "He keeps calling it a clunk," Bethan said, giggling. "Hey, I told you, it's a genuine medical term... Want me to go get the textbooks?" the Doctor said, feigning annoyance. "No, so me and my 'clunky' head can go home now?" "Yes, but rest for the next two days, OK, no running around like some whirling dervish and getting hurt again..." Doctor Yalo said with a grin as he held a bowl of soft sweets out to the ten-year-old, who picked two before grinning, he then held the bowl out to Vanessa to pick one for herself, nodding to say she too could have a second pick. He retrieved the PADD from Elise and then headed for the door before turning back, "... Once you've dressed, the Nurse will see you all out, Bye, Bethan," "Byes," his patient said with the tiniest hint of chocolate on the side of her mouth. Elise plucked a bag off the floor beneath the bed and pulled out some clothes - Matching pants and top, trainers and a hair brush. Bethan climbed off the bed and headed for the small bathroom Vanessa in tow. Elise and Elena sat on the vacated bed. The Intelligence Officer put her arm around her friend, feeling the silent sobs, waiting until they had passed before speaking. "She's going to be fine, you know that, right?" "Yes ..... It's just ....." Elise replied, wiping her eyes as the two girls reappeared. "OK, let's go!" Bethan said cheerfully. With a smile, Elena and Elise hopped off the bed and headed for the door trying to keep up with the two girls ..........
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David Tan
Starfleet Intelligence
Suum Cuique ...
Registered: Dec 11, 2006 10:56:04 GMT
Posts: 792
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Post by David Tan on Mar 31, 2024 13:54:21 GMT
Admiral Lemond's Office ... Mezzanine Level Command Centre ::
David was sitting opposite his boss, both sipping hot coffee Nia had made herself in the absence of her Adjutant ..... "So you still think something is going on that we're being kept out of?" "I do..." the Intelligence Director replied, a deep frown forming on her brow, "... And I don't like it. I'm not used to being shut out," "What about Ghes' was he able to get anything from Security on Earth?" David asked. "No, which again raises my suspicions that we are being deliberately sidelined. I even spoke to the Inspector General at Starfleet Command, on the off-chance that she could shed some light, but she's as in the dark as we are. It's bloody frustrating!" "What about the people that came to talk to Zoe?" "Ahh, there we 'DID' get some reaction, I'd given Iorte a few things to be looking into, paper-chasing mainly, but it needed to be done. He spoke to someone in Security on Earth, I'm guessing that the man he spoke to wasn't wary given Clancy's civilian outfit... He let slip that Security had indeed sent a team, a woman, and a couple of others here to speak to Zoe, he apparently, had no clue as to who the two that turned up were," "I'm assuming you've got Zoe under constant surveillance?" Tan asked. "She's staying with Erin for the time being, Erin won't let anyone get near her without my say-so. So she's in good hands while not thinking she's being watched every second of the day," Nia confirmed. "..... Anything more on Zoe's Mother?" "No, but again, Starfleet Security, 'AND' my Superiors on Earth, don't believe she has been taken by unknowns, even though they are well aware Helen wouldn't simply take off without letting her Daughter at the very least know. I'm beginning to believe that they are going to extraordinary lengths to make us believe just that, despite the fact her Husband's body has now arrived on Earth and is with the Family pending burial ..... The same goes for the other supposedly 'missing' Engineers, it seems that all of them had leave time due and have taken advantage of that while things are relatively slow on the construction projects they are involved in," "Sounds like a bucket full of cra ......" David began. "I agree," Nia interrupted. "So what's the plan, are you going after them, whoever 'they' are?" "I don't know David. To be perfectly honest, I've never been in this position before. I know my climb through the ranks was all but meteoric and frowned upon by people in certain quarters, but as far as I'm aware both Gheskori and my Sueriors are happy with my work. Normally I would have their full backing, but this time I've been practically warned off in no uncertain terms," Nia replied, shaking her head as if unable to believe the facts. "Well, I know it's not what you want to hear, but have you considered just telling Zoe that you can't do anything else to help, being honest with her?" "I've been nothing 'BUT' honest David," Lemond said, her voice hardening for a second before she again fell silent. "I'm only asking, because, well, what if Helen hadn't been a close friend, or you weren't Zoe's unofficial 'Aunt' would you still be mulling over disobeying orders?" "Who says I'm mulling over anything?" Nia replied, unable to sound convincing, even to herself. "Well ..... It's a given that anything you do, will have to be well under the proverbial radar, and if anyone is found stepping on toes, there could be, consequences, for you especially," David replied, rising to refresh his cup then Nia's. "Tell me something I don't know," she replied, fighting not to wince as the coffee almost burned her lips ..........
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Iorte Clancy
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Mar 9, 2016 17:58:55 GMT
Posts: 253
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Post by Iorte Clancy on Apr 4, 2024 20:32:15 GMT
"He seemed to have his guard down, as I told you before," Iorte noted, "It seemed he really did believe those who questioned Zoe weren't from Starfleet Security... Who do they really represent, I suppose is the question?"
"And we can't just bring them in," Admiral Lemond replied, "Partly because we've been told to stay away from the investigation, but also because they're supposed to be from the offices of Starfleet Security!"
"Yes, sir. Though they're not."
Lemond nodded and asked that she be left alone with her thoughts; as Iorte left Tan moved in after him, and after receiving a brief nod from his joint immediate subordinate, took the chair in front of the Director's desk that Clancy had just vacated.
Iorte left Lemond and Tan to it and returned to his quarters, and then headed back to the promenade levels, aiming to pick up on strands of gossip - those levels often being a source of useful information when all other options had been exhausted, or if such options were non-existent...
He ran into Iezelda, for once quite by accident, and while she decided whether or not it was wise to say hello, considering the determination she saw on Iorte's face, he immediately turned towards her.
They were under the awning of one of the run-down Beta quadrant's more worthy establishments, a restaurant and small concert venue also serving as what archaically would once have been referred to as a 'public house'.
Clancy understood that it served as a rival to O'Toole's on Alpha. It lagged behind Sean's place by some small measure when it came to profit, though its dilapidatory charms at least let it draw an aesthetic equal with the authentic Irish environment of its equivalent two levels above.
"Shall we go in?" Iezeld asked after a pregnant pause.
"Sure thing," Iorte responded hesitantly, and they found a table quickly in the dingy but somewhat homely environment of the pub and restaurant's interior.
"What's the latest?" the Petty Officer asked as they settled down and ordered drinks from an exhausted Bolian waiter that happened by, "On the McMillan case, and the Tendarans?"
"A group of three have arrived from Starfleet Security," Iorte replied. "Well, supposedly. Earth denies it, or at least says that the people who've interviewed Ms McMillan have nothing to do with Security," he spoke the words automatically; his real focus was on her, as she received her glass of synthehol with spindly fingers and took a first delicate sip.
"That's certainly of inter- "
Her reply was interrupted as both of them received a comm broadcast from Admiral Lemond to the premiere Intel team, =/\=Tan, de Luca, Clancy, Iezeld - head to level 23 section 17, immediately.=/\=
The tension having evaporated in an instant, Iorte and Iezelda rose together and made for the exit, "Whatever it is, it sounds serious." The Bolian's voice was throttled as he resisted the urge to cry out for his tip.
* * *
Section 17, Level 23, Starbase 47
"She's gone!"
Iorte paused in the corridor with Iezelda and then loped forward towards the group ahead, confusion decorating his brow, "Who?"
"Zoe McMillan. She's gone," Tan was saying; he was stood there with Lemond and de Luca, and, to Iorte and Iezelda's shock, Commander Paquin, unconscious on a mag-level gurney attended by Doctor Yalo and two nurses.
"Blunt force trauma to the head. I'm working on it, Commander," the doctor explained, running a medical tricorder over Paquin's forehead.
Lemond had directed the Intel group (minus Rosa still in the medbay) to their own deck, that was to the section of level 23 that held the quarters of senior Intelligence officers... They were now standing outside Erin Paquin's own quarters. The door had been busted in. Previously locked with certain command codes exclusive to Intel, it was now half ajar and blackened by weapons fire, evidence of someone having used brute force to get inside.
"She's been kidnapped?" Iorte asked.
"We believe so. Scans reveal no trace of biomatter in the quarters... So no weapon is responsible for Zoe's disappearance. We'll know more once Erin comes around... If she..." Director Lemond paused.
Not being able to believe this, Clancy was grateful to find his training kicking in, to find he could rely on the automation of the series of learned actions. "We should call a halt to all departures and arrivals from the Starbase," he said, "If McMillan's been taken, whoever's responsible may want to leave."
"Already done," Elena replied, but unbeknownst to them a certain small ship - with prior authorisation - had already snuck away.
While he couldn't yet be sure, Iorte had a feeling he knew who'd taken the young engineer... (OOC: if it's not obvious, the two guys who were supposedly from Starfleet Security, who I guess are actually from the same group that kidnapped Zoe's mum?)
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David Tan
Starfleet Intelligence
Suum Cuique ...
Registered: Dec 11, 2006 10:56:04 GMT
Posts: 792
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Post by David Tan on Apr 8, 2024 15:21:24 GMT
14:45 hrs ... Section Seventeen - Level Twenty-Three Starbase Forty-Seven ::
David had been listening to the conversation while deep in thought - It was obvious that someone would eventually try to either speak to, threaten, or even attempt to abduct Zoe McMillan - Having her stay with Erin was all part of unobtrusively protecting the young woman, but it was obvious that that had failed spectacularly! "Nothing has left the Starbase since Erin was found...?" Tan asked, remembering the question had already been asked, and answered, "... Sorry," he said. "So she 'has' to be somewhere on the Starbase, right?" Iezeld commented as David turned to Doctor Yalo: "How long has she been like this, any guesses?" "I don't guess, as you put it...!" Yalo said, clearly annoyed at what he perceived as some veiled implications on his professionalism, "... She suffered a cerebral oedema from the blow, whatever hit her was heavy. Security is looking around her apartment for the 'smoking gun' as we speak. I've reduced the swelling and will continue to treat her in Main Medical," "Timeframe, Doctor, please," Tan urged, hoping not to annoy the Doctor anymore than he had already. "One hour forty minutes, maybe two hours ... If someone hadn't been coming off duty early, we might not have spotted her until the normal duty shift change in another couple of hours," "So it's plausible that something with an authorised departure slot 'could' have left before Commander Paquin was found unconscious and Ms McMillan missing?" Iezeld commented needlessly. She moved to one of the information panels set into the bulkheads of every corridor and accessed 'Departures' ..... Only six vessels had departed the Starbase since Erin and Zoe were last seen, she used her authorisation to access more information on each ship. Four were Federation transports, she ruled these out quickly, then asked David and Iorte to look at the remaining two ships' data ..... "That's a Romulan freighter..." Clancy said, pointing at the first ship, "... That one I'm not sure about," he accessed the Dockmaster's schedule of departures and arrivals and shook his head, making Tan and Lemond move towards him. "Found something?" Nia asked, stepping aside as the maglev gurney carrying Erin moved past them towards the nearest turbolifts. "Isn't it a little strange that we never actually got arrival details for our mysterious 'Security Officers' ... They just seemingly arrived, not being on any manifest we could find, so what's to say they didn't leave the same way?" "Meaning they could have used their bogus authorisation to board 'any' of the departing vessels, swearing the Captain to secrecy to cover their escape?" Lemond mused. "So you're ruling out the lone vessel we can't identify?" Iezeld asked. "No, we can't do that, but I suggest we have Starfleet Security intercept each of those ships and conduct a thorough search, well before they can make orbit wherever they're going!" Tan replied. "The Federation vessels will moan about interrupted scheduling..." Lemond said, shaking her head, "... As for the Romulan freighter, they're bound to kick up a fuss, but 'hey-ho' as the saying goes," she stepped away tapping her commbadge and began issuing a string of instructions to the Command Centre before updating Section Admiral Gheskori on the ongoing situation. As she finished, David approached the Director of Intelligence: "This is assault, possible attempted murder, and the kidnapping of a Federation citizen ..... Surely Starfleet Command can't keep you out of this now!" "Funny you should say that David ..... It seems the 'genuine' Starfleet Security Personnel sent to question Zoe have already warned Ghes' that the order to leave this alone stands," Nia said, eyes narrowing. "..... I'm guessing you're pondering the repercussions should a small group of us suddenly take much-deserved leave?" David said quietly. "Pondering ..... Yes, I'm pondering ..... Let's get back up to Command, I want to see what they have on that unidentified ship!" Lemond said, striding away with purpose, the others falling into step two paces behind her ..........
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Iorte Clancy
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Mar 9, 2016 17:58:55 GMT
Posts: 253
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Post by Iorte Clancy on Apr 9, 2024 21:54:36 GMT
Commander Paquin's quarters
After convening at the location where Paquin's unconscious form had been found, the others had headed above deck while Iorte had made for the adjutant's quarters themselves.
Security were searching the place, uncovering no substantial amount of DNA, at least nothing that would signify the remains of a body (so no McMillan), but nevertheless finding traces of both McMillan's and Paquin's DNA, as one would suspect, in addition to another strain of DNA that seemed to have been masked artificially, and very effectively. Whoever had done the deed (the presumed kidnapping of the civil engineer; the incapacitation of Paquin) had covered their tracks with remarkable proficiency.
"Have you tried searching for Tkrnn DNA?" Iorte asked worriedly. But why would the Tkrnn want to carry out such an attack?
"Yes, Commander, we did think of that. And the results came back negative. I think we can rule out Tkrnn involvement," one of Colonel Dupin's assistants - leading the forensic investigation together with a Dr Raymond Maldon - informed him.
Iorte's inward sigh of relief was immediately blotted out by renewed tension at the thought of the perpetrator or perpetrators still being loose and unidentified. He had, however, his definite suspicions. Were they human? The two who'd come from wherever to question Zoe McMillan, in place of the group from Starfleet Security on Earth who'd actually been meant to interview the young woman? Where were they actually from?
* * *
Command Centre, Starbase 47
Iorte was at the foot of the raised platform in the centre of the amphitheatric room, along with his Intel colleagues, and Theo Dupin and Operations Chief Erik Helgesen.
"This shows that the unknown ship," Helgesen informed them, gesturing to different readouts on his console, "one of six to leave the Starbase in the last few hours, entered the Tendaran system on stardate 2409.0830, the very date that Helen McMillan was we believe abducted."
"The unknown vessel that left Starbase 47 is definitely the same that entered the Tendaran system?" Clancy asked.
"Yes, it must be. Unless they're of the same sub-class as each other. Which would be a huge coincidence," Erik replied.
Lemond nodded and climbed the steps of the raised command platform at the centre of the room. While another admiral led general administration of affairs on SB47 (with Gheskori sequestrating himself in his office, and Fleet Admiral Torek still on assignment), Lemond still had free rein to assert her authority in the Command Centre.
Iorte, David, Elena and Helgesen weren't far behind her. "Then what's the problem?" Lemond asked as they reached the series of consoles and displays atop the platform, "Don't we have the kidnappers with the unknown vessel? A Federation vessel will have tracked it down to conduct a search, the same as with the other five vessels."
"The problem is, sir, and again it might just be a coincidence, maybe even a distraction technique... but I'd be cautious about making any judgements..." Helgesen said, "the problem is one of the four Federation vessels (amongst the six) has just been destroyed, just after the Starfleet Security ship that arraigned it for a search had reached it! Cause unknown."
Clancy considered this. In that case they needed to get another ship to that vicinity as soon as possible. Had some self-destruct been activated on the - possibly hijacked - Federation trading vessel, taking the captive Zoe McMillan with it? Or was it (as Helgesen had tentatively suggested) a coincidence, and the destruction of the Federation ship had nothing to do with the unknown ship where Zoe might actually be located?
"The thing is, sirs," Helgesen was saying, "Both the unidentified vessel and the now destroyed Federation vessel were heading in roughly the same direction... a series of inhabited star systems close to the Omega Nebula."
"What about the unidentified vessel, then," Iorte asked impatiently, "Aren't Starfleet Security doing their job on it, too?"
"Yes, sir. Apparently the USS Baja has intercepted the unknown vessel and is issuing instructions prior to a search of it now."
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Nia Lemond
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Aug 11, 2019 20:06:27 GMT
Posts: 239
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Post by Nia Lemond on Apr 21, 2024 14:38:26 GMT
Mezzanine Level Command Centre ::
With the small Breakout Area along from Lemond's office vacant, the Intelligence Officers sat around one of the small tables ..... "I've heard from Medical, that Anna is recovering well, I've given her a couple of days' leave," Nia was saying. "Anything on the two attackers?" David asked. "Nothing, which is frustrating in itself ..... Hard to believe that with the mass of security equipment on this damn Starbase, nothing and no one picked up two people forcing another halfway across the place!" Lemond said, clearly upset. "We'll find her," Tan said, trying to reassure his superior. "Anything from the Baga?" Clancy asked, eyeing two Lieutenants who had walked over but thought better of sitting after glancing the Intelligence Officers' expression. "Still waiting..." Nia said, barely resisting the urge to slam a fist into the tabletop, "... Same goes for Command on Earth, they're saying it's still a 'Security' issue, and as such we're to keep our distance," "But we're ignoring that instruction, right?" Elena de Luca replied quietly, but again Lemond remained silent. Everyone around the table knew the conflict she was having to reconcile - Orders were, after all, orders - But Zoe McMillan was a friend, or rather the daughter of a friend, not that the distinction made much difference. In her opinion, the kidnapping of a Federation Citizen was something well within her purview as Director of Intelligence for section Forty-Seven, that said, they were all painfully aware of what the repercussions of disobeying any order from Starfleet Command, or Intelligence Headquarters on earth, could result in. "David stood and walked to the replimat, requesting refreshments for the group .......... USS Baja Miranda Class Starship Captain Pieter Smit - Commanding ::
The Baja had been warned that there was a vessel in their sector that needed intercepting and then was to undergo a thorough search in connection with the possible kidnapping of a Federation Citizen .....
"Sir, I'm picking up a small vessel on long-range sensors, running almost parallel to us," Smit's Tactical Officer informed him.
"Any identification?"
"No transponder code Sir,"
"OK, Helm, alter our course to intercept the vessel, don't rush, make it a lazy approach... Tactical, keep a close eye, I don't want them running," Smit ordered, leaning back before picking up the cup set into the arm of his chair. The coffee, hot as usual, was maybe the fifth or sixth cup since he'd come on duty. He knew that both his Chief Medical Officer, and his Yeoman 'both' showed their disapproval at what they deemed almost a caffeine addiction, but in his opinion, it was his choice.
"Any signs they have seen us approaching?" the Exec' asked.
"They can't miss us, so they're playing it cool, or building themselves up to run," the Tactical Officer said with a shrug.
"Comms, hail them, give their Captain my compliments and request they drop from warp and hold station pending our arrival," Smit ordered.
"They're slowing," the Tac' Officer confirmed.
"Helm, bring us around them, full three-sixty, then hold position one thousand metres off their Port Aft Quarter,"
Everyone on the Bridge watched as the Helm Officer complied with her instructions, the small vessel, now completely stationary seemed passive, though her shields were raised, and weapons systems online. This wasn't unusual when being asked to stop dead in space, after all, just because the approaching vessel showed as a Federation Starship, it didn't necessarily mean Starfleet Officers and Crew manned it, it wouldn't have been the first time Pirates had acquired an old or decommissioned vessel, had posed as Sratfleet to lull a vessel into a false sense of security before plundering their victims.
"Comms, please reassure the Captain we are here for a routine matter, and as such shields and weapons were not necessary," Smit instructed.
"He says he would rather air on the side of caution, having fallen foul of undesirables in the past," the Comms Officer reported a moment later.
"Looks like he's not going to be wooed by your casual approach Captain," the Exec' said with a shrug.
"Fine..." Smit said, sighing, "... Open a comm channel," he ordered, waiting as his order was completed.
=^= Unidentified vessel .. My name is Captain Pieter Smit .. Commanding Officer USS Baja .. You have been approached for contravention of regulations which under Federation Authority I am required to investigate .. .. You will drop your shields and take weapons off0line then prepare for Officers from this vessel to board =^=
"He can hear us, right.....?" the Exec' asked after no response was forthcoming.
=^= Unidentified vessel .. This is your last warning .. Drop shields and deactivate ALL weapons systems immediately .. Failure to comply would be .. Unwise! =^= Smit said, handing his now cold coffee to his ever-present Yeoman.
Smit was about to reissue the instruction when the Captain of the unknown vessel seemingly complied.
=^= Federation Starship .. We are a Cardassian registered vessel .. You therefore have no authority to detain us .. .. .. =^=
=^= Captain .. I'm sure you are aware that the Cardassian Republic has a treaty with the Federation .. Regardless of that state of affairs .. You are traversing Federation Space and as such are required to comply with any Starship undertaking their assigned tasks .. In this case .. The search of your vessel .. .. Captain I feel we have got off on the wrong foot here and don't want to detain you any longer than necessary =^=
=^= You will not attempt to board this vessel .. Tell me what you are looking for and in the 'spirit' of the treaty between us and you .. I will endeavour to inform you to the best of my ability =^=
=^= I'm afraid that isn't going to work Captain .. You will drop your shields and deactivate 'ALL' weapons systems immediately or we will take your non-compliance as hostility and act accordingly =^=
The silence was almost deafening as the seconds then minutes passed, but finally, the unknown vessel complied.
=^= Thank you Captain .. I am sure we can wrap this up quickly and allow you on your way .. Please stand by to recieve our Perso .. .. .. =^= Smit was saying as alarms began to sound! ..........
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Iorte Clancy
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Mar 9, 2016 17:58:55 GMT
Posts: 253
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Post by Iorte Clancy on Apr 23, 2024 20:08:40 GMT
Breakout area, command centre
It seemed to Iorte that instructions from Earth were to be regarded as suspect. Those who apparently were reporting and issuing orders from the heart of the Federation to Starbase 47 would seem to hold a bizarre set of values vis-a-vis recent events on the base, so any correspondents calling themselves Security or Intelligence, or maybe even Command, deserved to be treated with some skepticism at least as regarded the case of McMillan and her parents.
"The two vessels were heading in roughly the same direction: the Omega Nebula," Iorte said to the others at the table, "So whichever one of them holds or held McMillan, that nebula should be the target for investigation."
De Luca had to agree, "Probably somewhere in Omega, vast as it is, lies the culprits in the kidnapping of Zoe's mother, and perhaps of Zoe herself. As well as perhaps the originators of the whole scheme. Those who acquired the services of those six engineers that were working for the Tendarans."
As Iorte once more returned his thoughts to what those engineers might've been needed for, a comm came from the command centre, and the four officers (one flag, three line) returned to the nerve centre...
"What do we have?" Lemond asked in response as she approached the raised central platform.
It seemed the USS Baja had encountered and attempted to search the unknown vessel, which had proven to be of Cardassian allegiance. On being ordered to submit to the search, the Cardassian ship had jumped to warp... into the Baja!
"The Miranda class has been destroyed by the impact, as far as we can tell, Admiral," a controller reported. "Sensor data Captain Smit was gathering during his vessel's last communications with us indicate that the Cardassian vessel released four or five escape pods before its lightspeed kamikaze run against the Baja."
"The destination of the escape pods?" Iorte enquired.
"Some are heading further along their prescribed course, for the Omega Nebula. Two of them, on the other hand, at least according to the last data on their trajectories as given by the Baja, are heading back towards us!"
While Lemond and the various officers in the command centre handled the fallout from the loss of the Baja, Clancy, Tan and de Luca returned below deck and wound up in O'Toole's, joined by Iezeld and - tentatively - by Rosa Noon who'd been released from the medbay, her ongoing mental recovery still very much an issue, as Iorte understood it.
Iorte sat forward at their table, just as Sean O'Toole himself was joining the five of them, having been briefed in some of the details by David Tan.
"Zoe McMillan was a young and very promising engineer, and she'd been taken into some of her parents' secrets as regarded the Tendarans' engineering projects," Iorte said, "Presumably her captors - if they're the same as those who've kidnapped her mother - think she's more malleable and more likely to tell them secrets than her parent is. Does anyone know, given researches, what her mother or father, or any of the other taken engineers, might've started to work upon?"
Gheskori's office, command centre
"We are hereby limiting your administrative and military jurisdiction to the following 17 sub-sectors," Admiral Logan stated on the Denobulan's personal console.
"For what purpose?" Ghes asked with a struggle, his throat drying up in response to his superior on Earth's words.
"... Efficiency," Pete Logan said after a moment, "Simplification as regards political matters. I know some of your staff, to your displeasure," (Ghes had indicated no such annoyance), "have been attempting to question Starfleet Command's and Starfleet Security's response to the kidnapping or kidnappings surrounding the McMillan family of the Tendaris system. My actions in this case will simplify the matter. Your command, Gheskori, and that of the ship COs under your purview, is now restricted to these 17 sub-sectors. And any individuals on your Starbase - Federation citizens or otherwise - originating from outside those 17 sub-sectors now have complete freedom from Section 47's authority."
Ghes had a feeling that the Omega Nebula now lay outside of Section 47's new restricted jurisdiction...
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