Posted by Commander Roman Alden (First Officer & Chief Science Officer) in Side sim: The Problem Family

Posted by Ensign Rand Farquharson (Yeoman First Class) in Side sim: The Problem Family

Posted by Commander Roman Alden (First Officer & Chief Science Officer) in Side sim: The Problem Family

(snip)

Roman shook his head. “Even they wouldn’t do something that ridiculous. My parents actually don’t like the media coverage, never have.” Then he sat at the desk and grabbed the disk, loading it into his computer console. “Whatever it is, ignoring it wouldn’t be a good idea.” With the letter open in front of him he read the important parts out loud, “I am writing to inform you of the status of the investigation into the death of David Alden. We believe a group that disagrees with the outdated classism displayed by families like the Aldens is responsible for the murder and that there may be more violence planned. This is a warning, Commander Alden, that you may be a target of this group of individuals and we advise that you take whatever security precautions you can to keep yourself safe.” His face paled slightly as he read, and when he was finished, he looked up at Rand and shook his head. “No one in their right mind would try anything on a starship.”

~ Roman

Roman paled at the news, so did Rand. As she stood there her hands clasped together behind her back. She would have to remember to remind Randy that being ‘English’ wasn’t a funny joke anymore. Something Roman said made her mind whirl, reminded her of something. ‘No one in their right mind would try something on a star ship’. One of her professors at Academy had told them to pay attention to everyone. “Yes they would Roman. Star ships are constantly rotating out crew, papers are easy to fake, star ships are small environments with less variables to account for. They are the prime environment to target individuals because there is less security and people are more comfortable in an isolated environment. Roman you have to tell, Rogers.”

Rand

Roman made a face. “The last thing I need is the Captain in my personal business along with the rest of the crew.” Rogers was a little… Nosy in Roman’s opinion, not that he’d ever, ever voice it. He really did not want to have this conversation with anyone besides Rand. She’d ask him a dozen questions about his family or assign him some security detail to follow him around all day. No, thanks. Roman could defend himself, especially if it came down to a fight.

~ Roman

Rand let out a little sigh, clearly upset. This was where their personal life and their professional life was crossing a line and Rand was not comfortable with it. “Roman don’t make me have to do this. We all are responsible for reporting any possible threat to the ship no matter how small. We could both loose our positions not to mention end up under court martial. If it was me instead of you, you would have already told Rogers.”

Rand

Roman sighed and shook his head. Having an intruder aboard was a potential threat to the ship, and as always, Rand was right. The threat to Roman had to be reported. He pulled the disk out and stood up. “You’re right. I just don’t want her to ask the same question I’ve put up with from everybody else since it came out.”

~ Roman

Rand nodded. She understood only too well what Roman meant. “Okay so we just answer it straight out. You tell Rogers that you have no contact with your family at all and have not for many years. That you recently found out your brother died. That you are staying in Star Fleet, and that won’t change. But you are bringing this to her attention because you received a letter from Scotland Yard on Earth. Give her the letter and let her read it. Tell her that you don’t feel much should change for the ship because you have no connection with your family, but to be safe all new personnel should have their identity double checked when joining the crew. Keep it simple. Rogers has a back ground it tactical and security even before joining the fleet. She’ll know how to handle this discreetly.”

Roman hesitated for a short moment. He really, really would rather not lay his whole life story on the table for anyone, especially not his captain. His family problems needed to stay in the past where they belonged. “I can tell her…” He said, trying to think of a way to leave some of his personal business out of it. But it made more sense Rand’s way, otherwise the Captain would probably ask anyway. “Fine.”

Rand understood, she did, but leaving out all the details didn’t give enough context as far as the possible threat the detective alluded to. Rand glanced at the watch. “Come on, if we go now we can catch Rogers coming off the bridge before she goes to the gym for her regular workout.” In the lift Rand looked at Roman, “And end it with a request to keep the details private.” When they got off the lift Rogers was at the far end. “Do you want me to go with you or do this alone?”

Roman followed her into the lift. He nodded to her statement. “I know.” He held her hand while they were in the lift but dropped it when the door opened. Not because it was secret, but because it wasn’t professional. “Stay with me. You’re nearly as much a part of this as I am.”

Rand nodded and moved toward the other end of the corridor. “Cpt Rogers. Cmdr Alden and I need to speak with you.” She waved toward the nearby conference room. Whatever it was, was obviously serious because Rand wasn’t going to be put off.

Once they were settled in the conference room Rand busied herself with turning the console on next to Rogers so she could read the letter while Roman explained.

Roman headed into the conference room, now covering his discomfort with his typical stoic demeanor. “There’s been a threat towards myself that may constitute a threat towards the ship.” He thought it best to start there. Answer it straight out, Rand had said. “Three weeks ago… my brother was murdered. I’m sure you’ve heard the gossip circulating around the ship.” Tell Rogers you have no contact with your family… that you are staying in Starfleet. “I haven’t had any contact with these people in fourteen years. This doesn’t change anything for me.” Roman went on, forcing his voice to remain level. “But this morning I received this letter, from the Scotland Yard.” He took the disk out of his pocket and handed it to the Captain to read for herself.

Commander Alden,

Inspector Heath Watts

Tell her that you don’t feel much should change for the ship… but to be safe all new personnel should have their identity double checked, Rand had advised earlier. “Because my connection to this… this family, is so loose, I don’t think anything needs to change, not much anyway. All new personnel boarding the ship, anyone boarding, should have their identity double checked. I’m sure Rand could handle the paperwork end of that.” And lastly… Keep it simple, and end it with a request to keep the details private. “I don’t think anything will come of this, but as it may involve a security threat to the ship, it is my duty to report it, however, I prefer the details of this remain only between the three of us, private from the rest of the crew.” He finished, looking at the Captain for her answer.

Cmdr Alden
Yeoman Rand