RP Log: A Hot Potato
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Location(s):
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Stardate:
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| 2023-12-29 14:10 | |
- Station Operations <Deep Space 9>
- Station Operations sits near the top of the station, and is divided into four main quadrants. In the center is the operations hub, which surrounds a large table with displays on the top of it. It has the ability to display incoming and outgoing ship movements as well as a broader area display around the station. The stations circling the table provide additional operational control of the various station areas.
- Next to the door to the Commander's Office is the Science Alcove. A series of consoles provide access for multiple science personnel to perform a myriad of scientific study. Opposite that is the turbolift providing access to the rest of the station.
- Between the turbolift and the Commander's Office is a three-person transporter pad. A walkway traverses the circumference of the control center.
The Vulcan captain is at the main operations table, looking at something or other. As the turbolift comes and goes fairly often, she looks up only briefly to see who among her staff is entering ops. But it doesn't appear to be her staff. "Admiral on deck," she says, and the crew comes to attention, per protocol.
The petite older Admiral looks around at the crew, "As you were." She gives the Operations area another look and sniffs in disdain, "We should've remodelled this place long ago."
T'Shaav walks towards the older Terran, stops, nods respectfully and says, "Perhaps Commander Ki'vek's engineers at Antares can suggest some design changes in their free time, if they get any. It is agreeable to see you again, Admiral. I trust you are well, sir."
"Don't start lying now, Captain, even though I must admit you have bounced back from what landed you in my command originally," deGrut says with a grin. "Captain in truth now, but once again within my region of responsibility."
She starts to head for the Commander's Office, "We need to talk, about one of your former crew."
"You have not heard, sir? Vulcans do not lie," the Vulcan quips deadpan. She walks over and opens the door for the admiral, not seeing any amused expressions the pair may be leaving behind.
- Commander's Office <Deep Space 9>
- The Commander's office is raised slightly from the Operations Center, giving the Commander a view down into it. A leftover from the Cardassian design to whom the station was first built by. The office is separated into two primary sections. The foremost is occupied by a large desk behind which is a viewport out into space. The desk is a fairly good size with display screens built right into the top of it. The Commander's chair is on the far side next to the window, with a couple smaller chairs on the door side of the desk.
- Off to the side of the office section of the compartment is a small bench seat opposite a food replicator. A more relaxing spot for casual conversations. Much like the rest of the station, the decor is simple, with grey carpets, edged with a greyish blue. The walls are a tan colour, most have been outfitted with LCARS panels for computer access.
deGrut sniffs back a chuckle, "I know too well how well Vulcans can make words dance to lie without directly lying." She looks around the office and comments, "Hasn't changed much over the years either." Finally she turns around to face the Vulcan, "The Cardassian Detapa have been going over the military's records and turned up a problem. Lieutenant Commander Coil."
T'Shaav gestures an invite to a guest chair, but she also remains standing until and unless you choose to sit. "In what way?" She asks.
deGrut walks over to the viewscreen and hits a playback.
This cubic room is completely bare of anything. Not even a door is visible to the naked eye.
The snap of a forcefield can be heard as it surrounds the compartment.
You find yourself once again extricated from where you were. This time, all of your "dangerous" possessions have been beamed off in the process. The Kalean is in the cell with you.
Coil takes in the change of venue and armament with only a blink, before hauling off and attempting to kick the Kalean.
The Kalean is knocked unconscious.
The vessel vibrates slightly as it accelerates to warp speeds.
T'Shaav watches the brief video clip of Coil kicking someone. She turns back to you. "Mr. Coil was being held in illegal confinement at the time, and if I recall, a pair or group of Kaleans played some role in handing him over to the Cardassians, who illegally detained him. I do not see the problem you speak of thus far, admiral."
"The Cardassians are accusing him of murder, Captain," deGrut says as she turns off the viewscreen. "According to their records, the Kalean was killed by Mr. Coil by that blow. Their medical personnel were unable to revive the Kalean." She fixes T'Shaav with one of her looks, "Didn't the Buran's own reports say that they found 3 other corpses in their attempt to rescue the Commander?"
"I would have to review archival reports from that mission to confirm, sir," the Vulcan says. "But let us suppose your figure is the correct one for now."
deGrut nods and sniffs, "You're being given a hot potato right at the start of your assignment because the Cardassians are likely to press you for an investigation, Captain. You are skilled in investigation and, as you pointed out just a few minutes ago, Vulcan's do not lie. Your orders are to pursue the investigation of the accusations. Request what reports, records, or evidence that you need. If it's something that Cardassians have, we will request them to share it. If you need to go into Cardassian space in the pursuit of the truth, we will arrange for clearance."
T'Shaav nods slowly. "Permission to speak freely, sir," she requests politely.
deGrut replies, "Granted."
"The Cardassians owe more apologies than they are intent on collecting. If they want to know why a blow from a Starfleet prisoner in confinement resulted in a death, they had best explain to us why that man was in confinement against all interstellar laws. In short, sir, they have no case to speak of if they are seeking extradition, and I suspect this is more a diplomatic ploy intent on resting something else from the Federation in response to our recent territorial changes, for example."
deGrut sighs, "There's more to it than it seems, Captain. If you refuse this assignment, I'll understand but realize that if Command assigns someone else, Commander Coil's career will likely be ruined." She sniffs, "Don't think I don't know just what he did and what he risked to help out our response to the various Cardassian crises even if you and your crewmates were careful not to make any official notice of it. Do you think another investigator won't find that out and bring it all out into the open? So far the Cardassians have not referred to anything else he may or may not have done."
"I will not refuse my orders, Admiral," the Vulcan says. "To clarify, I am to determine whether this video clip shows what it seems to. Did Commander Coil strike a blow upon an unarmed Kalean, resulting directly in the Kalean's death. Supposing I find that the answer to that question is yes. What happens then, sir?"
deGrut shrugs and sighs again, "We do our duty and recall Commander Coil and put him on trial. As you pointed out, there may be extenuating circumstances, but that will be up for the Court to decide."
T'Shaav nods slowly. "I have never shrunk from an assignment, regardless of my opinions. I will do my duty now as I did then. You have my word." A beat. "Some logistical questions. May I involve Commodore Svetzvani? Her diplomatic ties may be very useful."
"You may, but I'd like to see what you can discover before we involve the Cardassians," the Admiral says. "Review the reports and see if there is enough for reasonable suspicion that the Cardassians might have grounds."
T'Shaav walks over to the viewscreen and replays the video. She studies the footage intently, now looking a bit more like the investigator she has always been. "Is this all the footage they supplied? There must be an unabridged clip, I should think," she says. Then she asks, "Would I be correct in thinking that Mr. Coil is not to know of this investigation for now? If it were up to me, I would take his statement, but Captain Shulon is not nearby."
deGrut shakes her head, "No need to involve the Phoenix at this time. If he is guilty, we would not be able to ensure that he doesn't do something to destroy any evidence or logs he may have or otherwise avoid facing the charges."
T'Shaav nods. "A logical investigative precaution," she says. "So, I am to determine, in essence, whether there is enough evidence, direct and/or circumstantial, to warrent a criminal charge under the Code of Military Justice, and I am to report that finding to you?" She asks.
deGrut nods, "Correct, Captain."
T'Shaav nods. "I will," she says almost as if speaking to herself, "review all evidence, review the applicable codes, and make my recommendation, admiral. My first question would be whether the Cardassians still have the Kalean's body. They may not. But I would want all autopsy reports and video footage beyond what is contained in this clip, sir."
deGrut shakes her head, "No body, not after all these years, Captain, but they do claim to have other physical evidence. The autopsy report is attached to the clip, showing that a massive blow collapsed the Kalean's lungs." She looks at the viewscreen, "The kick is the inferred cause."
T'Shaav nods. "Then I would request all additional evidence the Cardassians have, sir. I will need to get my crew to work on this, though they do not have to be told the identity of the person under investigation. Unles this is so sensitive you want it to have only my personal attention."
deGrut sniffs, "If I wanted it to be open to all, I would've sent you written orders and copied Command, Captain. You know the opinion towards scientists in general. And Commander Coil has been rather loud about certain Admirals during the whole attempted coup as well, which does not sit well."
T'Shaav nods. "Then I will investigate it alone. If I have the evidence, it should not be overly difficult to evaluate for authenticity and compliance to our codes. But I need whatever else the Cardassians are holding onto."
"Review the reports, see if there's anything specific mentioned in them, Captain," deGrut replies. "The Cardassians have been resistant to just handing things over, so specific items will be harder for them to refuse."
T'Shaav nods. "Understood. Is there a particular Cardassian contact it would be best to reach out to with specifics, or should those requests be sent to your office, sir?"
deGrut replies, "Through my office, Captain. No sense in risking your working relationship with the Cardassians your first month on DS9"
True enough," the Vulcan says. "Then I will begin. Is there anything else I may do for you, admiral?"
deGrut shakes her head, "Keep me informed of your progress. I'll try to stay out of your hair as much as possible."
T'Shaav nods. "Understood," she says. She looks at the viewer again, as if she might rewatch the video.
deGrut turns and heads out of the office.