Posted by Gamemaster Christopher Bennett (GMT) in Main Sim: Starbase 51 Admiral’s Office

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Avik (XO) in Main Sim: Starbase 51 Admiral’s Office

Posted by Captain Johann Dvorak (CO) in Main Sim: Starbase 51 Admiral’s Office
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻
[Snip]
Johann took note of the isolinear chip on the Admiral’s desk, but said nothing, as Avik had already asked the question that was on his mind.

– Johann Dvorak, CO

The Admiral shook his head sadly. “I wish I had an answer for you. ” He reached across his desk and grabbed a padd. “Koshe’K Abraba, Deputy assistant to Director of Transportation logistics at the Ra’khvanta Space station.” He read off the Padd, before placing it back on his desk. “According to two separate investigative reports, one by station security and one by Star Fleet Security’s Criminal Investigative unit. Mr. Abraba came to Starbase 51 requesting asylum, after completing two interviews with asylum officers, he was determined to be a high value asset to us and assigned a security detail and secure quarters. After being escorted to his quarters by base security, his room was secure and monitored as per procedure. For two days he didn’t leave his room and, after failing to show up to a scheduled interview, security personnel entered his quarters and found him in his bed with his throat slit. No sign of struggle or forced entry. According to computer reports and cameras, no one has been in or out of his quarters that didn’t have authorization.”

Who did have authorization? Johann wondered. Though I’m sure they already thought of that.

He sighed, it was clear that this whole situation weighed heavily on him. “Many people were interviewed, but no suspects were found, nor was the murder weapon. We think that there is a possible threat to the federation from whoever wanted Mr. Abraba silenced. With that in mind, we are also trying to keep this possible threat as quiet as possible for as long as possible. In the meantime, we have to act like everything is normal and routine.” He explained, placing a slight emphasis on the normal and routine as he looked at both the Captain and XO.

-GMT

“Correct me if I’m in error, but aren’t high priority assets required to be under continual security surveillance in their quarters? During those two days, it’s illogical that no one checked in on the asset or noticed a loop in the surveillance feed. What do those involved with watching the feed and the two security officers outside the door have to say?” Avik asked, recalling the security procedures on the Europa.

She hid the disbelief in her tone with a flat one. Avik casually repositioned herself into a proper alignment so to prevent stress on her muscles while she subtly analyzed the Admiral’s reaction. A sense of excitement reared up as she pushed it down, containing it from her expression. It didn’t help mysteries were among her holo-novels to read in her free time.

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr

It’s kind of nice that we’re both reading from the same page on this one, the Captain thought about Avik. Might be a nice change of pace for us.

Admiral McGinnis looked at her and smiled sadly. “I understand Commander, I really do. But let’s just say that I didn’t get promoted to Admiral just because.” He said kindly, indicating that he wasn’t offended by anything said here. “We don’t have camera’s inside any quarters for privacy reasons. However, that is the most interesting part. You see, as best as we can tell, there was no security breach. The force fields were never compromised, no loops or distortions or anything that would suggest a feedback. All recordings around the quarters were normal. We had a transport inhibitor also set up and, best of our knowledge it is functioning properly. Everything we did, and everything was done according to regulations. Two separate, independent investigations came to the same conclusion. But I didn’t ask the Europa here to help with my security problem, I ask you here to go out and explore and keep an eye out for whoever these people are. I am convinced that there is a threat to the federation coming. “

He turned to Captain Dvorak, his voice turning into a more official tone, a sharp contrast to the kindly, fatherly tone he spoke with previously. “Captain, can I trust you and your crew to explore these uncharted territory as true explorers? Can I trust that you will keep an eye out for any potential threats to the federation and report back to command anything that you find?” He asked formally.

-GMT

Avik exchanged a brief glance with Dvorak. To the Admiral it would appear she withdrew her right to further question things, but the subtle tightening of her jawline gave her away. She was figuratively biting her tongue against sparking a logical argument. During her time training for command, she found there was an ideal time and place to prompt conflict. This moment failed to meet the requirements.

Dvorak took note of Avik’s glance, and made a mental note to make an effort to ask her what was on her mind at this moment after the meeting was over. Though he could probably guess.

She didn’t like the way the Admiral brushed off the situation. Especially since the death was one among a few odd occurrences that had no clear origin. Knowledge resulted in power and right now, they were being denied that. The XO had logical reason to belief before the CO and herself had their concerns about the situation. At this point, any additional actions were directed at Dvorak forcing her to wait and see.

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr
SNIP
OOC: Sorry about the extreme delay here.

“Certainly Admiral,” the Captain said. “Though it would help to know if we have a direction to travel in, as well of an idea what kind of threat we expect to find when we get there. It’s pretty unusual that there’s a totalitarian regime so well organized that it can orchestrate a state-sponsored assassination in Federation space, yet we know next to nothing about it. We’ll need to know everything that you do, including about this murder.”

– Johann Dvorak, CO

At Dvorak’s words, Avik found herself faintly surprised. Her expression briefly softened into respect before her mask was back up. Her professionalism returned in full force when she turned back toward the Admiral, studying him carefully. When this meeting concluded, her voice could be heard and then she would see if the CO and herself both felt the same way about this assignment.

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr

Admiral Mcginnis nodded and grabbed a data card from his desk. “This contains all the information that Star Fleet intelligence has on the threat. It isn’t much, stories and folk tales really.” He admitted before continuing, “However, they all contribute to the story and a lot of the stories match some of the events that have happened on the starbase. It also contains headings and coordinates for you to begin your deep space assignment.” He handed the card to the Captain. As he did so, his expression became serious.

The Captain took the card and intended to examine its contents completely at the earliest possible opportunity.

“This meeting has gone on to long for a deep space assignment briefing.” He said, his voice a little lower, he glanced towards the door to his office. “I think I have a mole in my staff. I don’t know who though.” He looked at both officers in the eye. “You are not to discuss the details I have given you with anyone, not your senior staff, no one, until you leave the system. And I am also ordering you to have your crew enjoy at least a week of shore leave here. Act as if nothing is wrong and you are just preparing to a deep space assignment. I don’t want to arouse any suspicions.” He stood up and extended a hand to Captain Dvorak. “You are explores first, but if you encounter anything that could be a threat to the federation, don’t be a hero, report back.” He ordered, before adding. “Any questions?” He asked both,

-GMT

Who do we call to throw a net over you? Johann wondered but had the good sense to not actually ask.

“Not at this time, Admiral, though I imagine I might after reviewing the documents. Do we have a secure means of communication for mission status reports and other information, or should we keep anything important out of them until Europa returns here? I mean, for the purposes of operational security.”

– Johann Dvorak, CO