RP Log: Assistance from the BDF
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Stardate:
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| 2026-02-08 19:01 | |
[Davis's Commbadge] Incoming communication request from Major Toran.
You tap your commbadge.
[Davis's Commbadge] Opening communications channel from Major Toran.
You say, "Davis here."
[Davis's Commbadge] Toran says, "Lieutenant, this is Major Toran Ranar of the Bajoran Defense Force. Is there anything we can assist you with?"
You say, "Major Toran. We're here hoping to meet with Vara Nisah. Any data or assistance we can gather from her may prove vital in properly finishing the maintenance program needed to stabilize the situation. It's a matter of some urgency."
[Davis's Commbadge] Toran says, "I understand. I am anxious to see that situation stabilized myself. Shakaar Edon and any resources the BDF can provide to assist you are at your disposal. We're presently in orbit near your shuttle."
Davis is silent for a few moments, seemingly thinking something over. "I'll certainly take all of the help I can get, at this point. An introduction from a senior officer in the BDF might be useful. And if I'm correctly remembering the reports I reviewed when I arrived stationside, the Shakaar Edon is a converted Steamrunner-class? I think your vessel might be useful too. But we can discuss that when you get down here, if you're able to join us."
[Davis's Commbadge] Toran says, "Affirmative, she is. Okay, see you groundside. I know the location you are in, as I have visited it previously. Toran out."
[Davis's Commbadge] Major Toran double taps his commbadge.
[Davis's Commbadge] Connection from Major Toran terminated.
Davis and Ko are standing just outside Vara Nisah's barn when Toran arrives. It looks like Ko is a bit busy with something at the moment, but Davis is a little less occupied. She's looking through something on her PADD, but it doesn't seem to have her full attention.
Toran beams in nearby and approaches the Starfleet lieutenant. "Doctor Davis," he says. "I believe this is the second time we've met, though proper introductions are in order. I'm Major Toran of the BDF. I operate out of Emissary Station running patrols, though I take a keen and active interest in anything effecting Bajor or her colonies."
Davis musters a small smile for the sake of friendliness, but her mood doesn't seem that bright right now. "And I'm Lieutenant Anjali Davis, Chief Science Officer of Emissary Station. Just Davis is fine, though. Or lieutenant, I suppose, if the situation demands formality." She looks around. "You know, I saw this in the news reports, but it really does feel so much worse in person."
Toran nods. "I know," he says. "I saw it before it started getting so bad, but Vara Nisah gave me an idea of what would happen if the nannites started breaking down." He sighs. "The public was outraged over the news reports. I was not surprised by them in the verry least. The situation is, shall we say, pretty bad down here doctor."
"I went back and read all of the reports when I arrived. I only realized exactly how bad the situation was when I spoke with Doctor Tikar," Davis states glumly. "I've been moving as fast as I can since then, though it feels far too slow. That's why I can't stay here long, either. If I can get Vara Nisah's help, it may prove invaluable, but I don't have the luxury of staying a long time to convince her of my intentions. I'll go back with only the data I've been able to gather here personally, if it comes to that."
Toran nods. "She wants the same thing you do," he says. "She wants the nannite situation stabilized and the local farmland to not be destroyed."
"I hope I can make her understand that we share the same goal." Davis looks squarely at Toran, her demeanor a little more business-like as she continues. "But as we both know, time is of the essence, so I should probably get down to business. She seems to be away for the moment, but I'm not sure how much time we'll have to discuss things before she returns. There are ways you could help me, beyond just an introduction, if you don't mind me putting some work on your plate."
Toran nods briskly. "This isn't a social call," he says. "What can I do?"
"I'll admit that I'm not very familiar with the Steamrunner class," Davis begins. "How are the the Shakaar Edon's sensors? I had planned to do some detailed sweeps of the area using our shuttle on our way out, but you have a full starship at your disposal, and I'm guessing it has more powerful sensors."
Toran nods. "She does, though I'll admit, we've never exactly used them for scientific work," he says. "So, I'm not sure what scientific suites we have. But, they're reasonably good sensors for a ship of her size."
"It's not strictly necessary, but if it's more practical, and you'll permit me aboard, I could also do the scans myself. If you don't have science staff aboard, I might have a better idea of what to look for," Davis offers. "But lets table that for the moment. There are two other things I wanted to ask you about. Lieutenant Ko and I were discussing a specific plan for getting the work done on the maintenance program. I suggested securing a science lab, such that it complied with Captain T'Shaav's requirements for security and oversight. I thought it would be a better working environment than a cell. I'd oversee the work myself, along with the stipulated guards. On that matter, one of Captain T'Shaav's requirements is having both Starfleet and Bajoran oversight. Could you have some personnel available on standby for that purpose?"
Toran nods. "I can," he says. "I not only have security personnel on the Shakaar Edon who answer to me, but I'm second in command of all Bajoran Defense Force personnel on Emissary Station. I shall detail a detachment for this purpose." He pauses, and looks at Davis pearcingly. "Finish Doctor Tikar's work lieutenant," he says. "We can worry about the legal issues after the fact. Right now, it's the future of Bajor that matters here. The two of you figure it out."
Davis matches the determination on Toran's face. "We haven't known each other long enough for me to expect you to take my words on faith. But I'll say it anyway. I'm taking this very seriously. Don't confuse me minding the details with me losing sight of what's important," she says. Her demeanor loosens a bit after that. "And that gets us to the final detail. As you're aware, Minister Yaru is currently sharing a cell with Doctor Tikar, and there are protestors right outside the security office on Level 9. If I tell her I'm taking Doctor Tikar to work somewhere, I fully expect her to ask to be brought along with him. I think it's probably better if Doctor Tikar has as few distractions as possible. How would you handle the situation? And can you tell me a little bit more about the Minister? She's a complete question mark to me."
Toran nods. "She leads the opposition party to the current government, and is clearly making political moves here. From the little I know of her, it seems she is not exactly warm toward the Federation," he says. "Lieutenant, what you must know is, the Bajorans, before and shortly after joining the Federation, had a sizable group who were opposed to such involvement. They did not want to involve themselves with outsiders, nor have outsiders involved in their affairs. I'm not sure how well that describes minister Yaru, but I don't think her only concern in this is for Tikar Rilen. She's a politician, so take that as you will." He pauses. "Tell her you are taking Doctor Tikar somewhere so he can finish his work. If she tries to obstruct, get me involved. I'll deal with her."
"Oh. That's unfortunate," Davis says, a regretful look on her face. "Maybe I'll sound like a politician saying this, but I was wondering if there might be worth in letting her watch. I was hoping that somebody high-up seeing Starfleet and Bajoran cooperation might ease people's minds a bit, provided she could be convinced to watch quietly and not be disruptive. But it sounds like she might not be the person for that." She lets out a slow breath. "Just to make it clear, I'm not saying that for the sake of Starfleet's reputation. It's just that . . . the calmer things are, the fewer people get hurt."
Toran nods. "True," he says. "If she could watch without being distracting, that would be good, but I'm not sure if she can," he says.
Davis stands there silently for a few moments, seemingly lost in thought. And then she suddenly smiles, an idea seeming to come to her. "Well, that's one more thing to consider, anyway," she says. "Those are all of the things I wanted to ask you about." A brief pause. "So getting back to those scans. How should we handle that?"
Toran considers. "A bridge station would be suitable," he says. "You can download any readings you acquire to a datapad, or conduct analysis utilizing shipboard resources," he says. "We didn't modify much. The interfaces are still Federation in design, as much of what the BDF has used over the past century has been Federation in origin."
"I think we might be in for a bit of a wait, so shall we just do that now?" Davis asks.
Toran nods. "Yes, let's," he says. "Stand by for transport."
A shimmering swirl of colour engulfs Toran.
Swirls of energy whip around your deconstructed body. Shimmering lumination dances about your form uncontrollably, dazzling every sense.
- Transporter Room One <BMV Shakaar Edon>
Toran steps off the pad and heads toward the door.
- Bridge <BMV Shakaar Edon>
Toran walks over to the science station and unlocks it as he passes, standing off toward the center of the bridge.
Major Toran taps a control on Science Console.
Science Console beeps and activates.
Davis materializes on the transporter pad a moment after Toran. "After you," she says. They spend a bit of time traversing the ship before ending up on the bridge. When offered the science console, she sits, taking only a moment to acclimate. "This should do nicely. It shouldn't take long."
You man Science Console.
Toran nods. "Proceed then," he says, glancing at the other stations on the bridge. "What are you scanning for, if I may ask?"
Davis taps away. There's quite a lot of data flowing, at this point, and she talks while she works. "I'm performing focused geologic and life scans of the treated regions. I mostly want soil and plant data, but knowing a bit about the underlying strata and any other life in the area might be useful. I'm also scanning the immediately adjacent regions, to have control data from nearby areas that were never treated. And I'm getting meteorological data. Is all of that OK? Truth be told, I'm not certain what will be useful or not. When it comes to data gathering, though, my experience is to capture as much as you can while you can." She finally looks up. "This would have taken me a lot longer on the shuttle, and I might not have gotten as detailed results, so thank you." She sets her padd on the console, beginning the upload of the already-downloaded data while the scan is still underway.
Toran nods. "That is all fine," he says. "I'm just interested in what you are doing. Comparing regions to observe effects, that is sound."
Davis eventually completes her scans, clearing the console, picking up her PADD, and standing. "Thank you again, Major. You've been a big help. We should probably head back down. I don't want to miss Vara Nisah."
You unman Science Console.
Toran nods and leads the way.
- Transporter Room One <BMV Shakaar Edon>
Toran nods and waves to Davis. "Let me know what you find out, and if you need anything else," he says. "Ready to transport?"
Davis steps onto the transporter pad and nods. "Ready for transport."
Swirls of energy whip around your deconstructed body. Shimmering lumination dances about your form uncontrollably, dazzling every sense.
- Repurposed Barn <Bajor>
Davis approaches the entrance to the barn. She stares at the access panel, hesitating for a few moments, and then looks back at Ko. She seems to be considering something. Eventually, she pushes the button and speaks herself. "Doctor Vara. I'm Anjali Davis. I was assigned as Chief Science Officer aboard Emissary Station a few days ago. I've also worked in the same field as you and Doctor Tikar for several years. I'm here with Lieutenant Ko. May I speak with you? We're making final preparations to help Doctor Tikar complete his work on the maintenance program. As you know, time is of the essence, and whatever assistance and data you can offer me before I return to Emissary Station may prove pivotal."
Ko stands alongside Davis as she presses the intercom and attempts to get Nisah's attention. She reaches out to touch the door with her fingers. "She might not be home." Her comment made with a passing glance to Davis.
After a few moments the door opens and Vara Nisah stands in the doorway. She's looking haggard with messy hair and dark circles under her eyes, moreso even than the last time Ko saw her. She blinks at the Starfleet officers. "Can I help you?" she asks heavily.
Davis looks at Nisah, her face neutral. She's again silent for a few moments, looking for the right words. "Yes." She adds more emphasis here. "Please. Your help might prove very useful, doctor. I imagine you're under a lot of stress, and I'm guessing you don't have a lot of time to spare, so I'll get right to the point. I'm requesting any relevant data you've gathered which might be useful for Doctor Tikar, or any other instructions or observations you'd like to pass on to either him or me. I'm limited in both my authority and leeway to act as a Starfleet Officer, but if you have any requests for me, I'll also do my best to fulfill them."
Ko watches as Davis begins to speak with Nisah. She lets her attention bounce back and forth between them. Her contribution is held until after Davis finishes speaking. "Before we discuss any of that." A pause used to look at Davis with a smile. "I've spoken with Dr. Tikar since we last met. He's doing well given the situation. Obviously upset with being held, missing you of course."
"Instructions for Dr. Tikar?" Nisah asks. "Anything I've done that could help /him/?" She blinks again, regarding the pair. "What could I possibly do to help him? /I'm/ the one who needs /his/ help. All of our work is crashing down, failing, and taking these farm fields with it because I can't keep up with the nanite degridation. I'm exhausted, I haven't slept in days, and I don't remember when I last ate. You're asking /me/ to help /him/? I told you people once already that I need the maintenance code from him. Until I have that, there's nothing I can do. Please tell me that he's at least working on it."
"I'm sorry," Davis says, uncharacteristically wooden, eyes down. "I picked the wrong words." She hesitates there. "And I'm sorry to say that work hasn't started yet. I know this is desperately urgent. I only realized how critical the situation was when I spoke to Doctor Tikar myself. I've been doing my best to push through the bureaucracy and hurry things along as much as possible. As soon as we're done here, we're heading back to the station, and I think we can begin work almost immediately. I've already spoken with my commanding officer and senior BDF officers about this, and Lieutenant Ko is helping me. I . . . I was just hoping to take a quick trip here to gather as much data as possible, so Doctor Tikar has a clear picture of the present situation on the ground. That's why I came to you."
Ko goes quiet as Nisah responds to Davis with agitation. She doesn't have anything to add as Davis tries to amend her statement and more clearly address her intentions.
"Hasn't started?" Nisah backs up a step, jaw dropped in disbelief. "How can that be?" She looks at one of the women and then the other, a shocked and pleading look in her exhausted expression. She turns and goes to a nearby console, uploading the current state of things into a data clip. Returning with it she says, "Take this then. If the work hasn't even begun, then it's probably already too late. But if there's any chance that this will help, you can have it."As she hands it over, something appears to leave her completely. Her features droop and she says, "Tell him... Tell him that I tried. I tried... and I'm sorry." She looks at the floor as her tired eyes begin to fill with tears.
Davis takes the data clip and pockets it. "Thank you," she says quietly. "I'll let you get back to your work. I'm also going to take a few soil samples on our way out, if that's OK with you?" That's her final question. "After that, we'll be on our way immediately." She turns to look at Ko. "If there's nothing else you need, Lieutenant?"
Ko begins to look upset as Nisah starts to cry. She watches as Davis takes the chip and asks to take soil samples on the way out of the barn. "I don't need anything from here." Her response straight forward. "I can meet you outside." She adds before walking up to Nisah. "Do you want me tell him anything else?"
"Take whatever you want," Nisah says in answer to Davis's request, sniffling. She lifts her gaze to Ko. There's a defeated look in her eyes. "There's nothing to say other than what I just told you to tell him. There's nothing more I can do." She turns and shuffles back into the lab.
Davis nods and heads out, not saying more. She gathers a few small samples, enough to give a decent idea of the state of both the nanites and the soil, from both the healthy and unhealthy parts of the farm. And then she quietly walks to the same spot where they beamed down, waiting for Ko.
Ko offers a nod to Nisah before moving towards the exit to join Davis in leaving the building.
Ko stands outside the barn and looks at Davis. "I don't have anything else here. Why don't you collect your samples and you can calls us back to the shuttle." She suggests.
"I already have them," Davis replies. "If you're ready, we can beam up now."
"I'm ready to head up now." Ko answers Davis, looking up at the sky for a brief moment. She stands straight for the transport.
You tap your commbadge and speak into it.
[Davis's Commbadge] Energizing...
A shimmering swirl of colour engulfs Ko.
[Davis's Commbadge] Energizing...
Swirls of energy whip around your deconstructed body. Shimmering lumination dances about your form uncontrollably, dazzling every sense.
- Transporter Alcove <Shuttle Cook>
Davis taps her commbadge. "Shuttle Cook, two to beam up." A few moments later, the two are standing on the transporter pad. She starts heading to the bridge almost immediately.
Ko steps in from the rear section. She follows Davis up to the front of the ship. "Well. What did you think?" Her question given with a soft tone of voice.
"What do I think?" Davis says, taking her seat at the copilot's chair. She falls silent for a few moments. She lets out a long sigh. "The situation is dire. That conversation was distinctly unpleasant for us, and it was certainly even worse for her. That's something I'll simply have to live with, I suppose. I'm trying to focus on the fact that we're on a very strict timetable, and we met our goals relatively quickly, which is the thin silver lining here." She looks over at Ko. "Your show, for now. The quicker we get back, the better."
Ko takes a seat at the pilot's station and brings the ship back on course with Emissary Station. "We haven't know each other very long." She says after taking a deep breath. "This is difficult to say, but, I didn't expect her to be very forthcoming. There isn't a lot of love for the Federation on Bajor right now."
"That was my exact impression too, based on everything you told me, and my general read on the situation," Davis replies. Her voice grows quieter. "That's why I thought it had to be that way."
Ko pilots the ship along the station and begins to call for permission to land. "We're almost back home." She looks at Davis. "Is there anything you're needing my help with?"
"Do you feel like coming down to station security and helping me move Doctor Tikar while dealing with Minister Yaru?" Davis's question seems rhetorical, rather than serious, a joking note to her voice. "Actually, there is something I could really use. Is there a replicator onboard this shuttle?"
Ko begins to close out all of the shuttle components after landing the small craft. "I'll leave them powered for you. There should be one in the back." She says with a nod.
Davis looks up at Ko, a note of gratitude in her voice. "Lieutenant. I know being thrust into the center of all of this wasn't easy. Thank you." As Ko works to lock down the shuttle, she picks up her PADD and heads to the back. At the replicator alcove, she quietly asks, "Orisian Fizz, 200 mil, maximum allowable caffeine concentration." She grabs and tilts back the bubbling red drink, a look of pure disgust coating her face as soon as it hits her tongue. It is a rather vile drink by human standards, mostly used as a pick-me-up in both Orias and its neighboring systems. That done, she heads for the airlock and exits, walking quickly as she does.