From: Katrina L. Browne (kbrowne_at_wellesley.edu)
Date: Mon Aug 06 2007 - 16:12:28 PDT
-=(^)=- “Scheduling” Con’t From: “Jealousy Is Illogical” -=(^)=- Location: GS-2 Stardate: 2.70806.1351 Scene: Reception area at Counseling Elise pursed her lips as she looked down at the display. For the last half hour it seemed as though its black surface had constantly been marred with flashing…blinking lights all demanding immediate attention. **One reception desk for most of the inhabitants of the GATE,** Elise thought to her self as she shook her head in the calm that had since intervened. Unlike the Medical department, Counseling had few civilian homologues. Fortunately the counseling department was a large one. Unfortunately for Elise, there was just one receptionist. Worse for young woman, this was not her regular job, but the woman who usually manned the desk was out sick. The panel began lighting up again. In the corned a light blinked blue…a civilian call. Elise levied her false smile so that the caller wouldn’t hear her haggard annoyance. Tapping the section that flashed, the woman cordially stated, “This is the Counseling Center. How may I help you today?” The caller was like so many others that had gone through today. A complaint. “I’m sorry you feel that way. I recognize how annoying a canceled appointment can be, especially when its done at the last minute. Unfortunately, the department is understaffed at the moment. Your counselor was forced to postpone your appointment because of critical Starfleet business…” Elise had spent much of the day wondering why people thought the day should go on normally when gigantic warships hung around the Station and diplomatic talks were ensuing, but then she figured everyone was stuck in their own little worlds anyways. Why should potentially imminent death change that fact? “I’d be happy to help you reschedule your appointment.” In the opposite corner, another light began flashing. Its crimson color indicated that it was a Starfleet call, and thus of a higher priority than a dissatisfied civilian. “I need to examine Counselor Nurunyon’s schedule. I’m going to place you on hold for a few moments.” Before listening the tirade that exploded forth from the line, Elise switched the call. “This is the Counseling Center…” the receptionist looked down at the screen. Unlike civilians, when Starfleet personel called a profile sprang up on the board because they’re calls were usually attached to their individual Starfleet issued combadges. “How can I help you Lieutenant Kor?” [[I’m supposed to have an appointment with Counselor Nurunyon later today.]] “Our records indicate an appointment at 1500 hours,” Elise frowned slightly. She had thought all of Mowree’s hours were donated to aiding the Vorta. [[I apologize for the short notice, but I’ve been given orders that will prevent me from being able to use the appointment. I’d like to reschedule, but I don’t know what mine looks like for the foreseeable future,]] a woman’s voice said apologetically. [[I hope you can fill the slot.]] Elise doubted that would be a problem. **But I’m not giving it to that Ferengi Mountain Toad,** the reception thought to herself, conjuring up the most vile image she could remember from her childhood animal books. -=(^)=- Scene: Science Labs Lieutenants Yao and Kor poured over the scant amount of information in the file while the waited for their scheduled appointment with the Station’s up-and-coming Engineer. It was somewhat surprising that a cadet had managed to integrate himself so substantially into almost every level of command crew decisions occurring on the GATEWAY. It was certainly a testament to the initiative the young man had shown so far, initiative that tended to take people far in Starfleet…though with the Station’s current limitations, the question remained how far. Yao pursed nan’s lips and frowned slightly. “This isn’t a complete file,” Na finally stated to the Security officer that had been hovering over nan’s shoulder. “You can’t be serious. Is everyone holding out on us today?” Eishnala asked as she stretched up from her hunched position. “So it would seem,” Yao nodded. Science was one of the more open professions; in fact that openness was necessary for much of its methodology to be successful. Research couldn’t be repeated and confirmed if it was kept locked away from the wider scientific community. Thus it was frustrating the J’naii that partial truths had suffused her last few days. The Andorian woman’s brow creased for what must have been the hundredth time in the last two days. She was starting think that being Chief of Security on this station was going to cause her to prematurely wrinkle. “Lets find out who truncated our data. Computer bring up all logs pertaining to the access of this and related information.” Gold letters unfolded across the screen: Stardate 2.60324.0700—file added Stardate 2.60324.0701—file accessed, restricted user Stardate 2.60324.0824—file altered, portions deleted. See coding: Alpha602Beta…(the list continued) Stardate 2.70806.1302—file accessed, Lieutenant Yao. “It looks like they deleted massive pieces of this file,” Yao said as Na examined the list of truncation locations. Eishnala’s antennae drooped slightly at the words “restricted user.” It wasn’t a lot to go on. “Computer, why is this user information designated as restricted?” The hallow, feminine voice answered, “Full details on the user require a level nine security clearance. “That would require the rank of Commander in the position of Executive Officer to encrypt,” Yao observed. Lieutenant Kor frowned. This wasn’t the sort of manipulation a station’s XO would likely do, “Or someone with an elevated security clearance…” “You think Starfleet Intelligence damaged this file?” Yao asked. “I very much doubt they damaged it. More likely they are trying to protect its contents. Most sophisticated isolinear rods with security decryption algorithms only allow you to break a level seven clearance,” Eishnala stated, thinking back to her courses on electronic crime at the Academy. She’d never actually seen one of the rods in action as it was the sort of crime that rarely occurred aboard starships. Yet her tenure here was likely to bring her into contact with them. It was pretty clear from the past security logs that a number of entrepreneurs were involved in the information trade. “We’re supposed to meet with Cadet Crichton in…” Yao referenced the chronometer “in a little less than two hours. That should be plenty of time to pay the Intelligence department a friendly visit.” -=(^)=- Scene: Intelligence Department Its location was an open secret on the station, despite what official logs stated. The gate was simply too big with too many prying eyes and ears to keep a secret like this for too long. Yet, access remained restricted. “I’m sorry Lieutenants, but you’re not supposed to be here,” a short man in the classic black piped uniform said as he strode from his desk. Two pips sat on his collar, one gold, one black with gold lining. Yet his position among Starfleet’s “first line” had over developed his sense of authority. “Lieutenant, we need to speak with your commander about a file. It really is urgent business,” the J’naii said friendlily regardless of the brusque tone the young man had chosen to take with the two visitors. “This area is restricted. You’re not allowed to be here. Leave,” the man persisted. Eishnala noted that he looked pretty young for a human, too young to have that much of his hair receding. The Andorian woman drew herself up to her full height, growing frustrated with the little man. “Look…We both out rank you. Perhaps you didn’t realize that. Secondly, take a look at…” she indicated Lieutenant Yao. The Lieutenant helped supply her with the pronoun the cerulean woman sought, “Nan”. “Take a look at nan. This is the station’s Chief of Science. And I’m the Gate’s head of Security. Thridly, we’re here on orders from both the civilian and Starfleet…” she couldn’t use the word military…it didn’t feel right to her as it didn’t mesh with her understanding of Starfleet, even though she presided over one of the most militaristic portion of the Station’s operations. “…Leader,” Eishnala continued. “Go get your boss.” The man squared his shoulders and looked up at the woman who had addressed him with an equally brisk tone. “I’m sorry…” “You’ll be sorry if you don’t help us. Go get your boss if you want to keep that little black tab,” Lieutenant Kor said again, jabbing a finger at the door a little more violently that Yao thought necessary. The scientist frowned apologetically. “We’d really appreciate it if you could help us,” Na added hopefully. He squinted, looking from the smaller J’naii to the taller Andorian, before backing down. “It will take me a moment to get Commander Schecter.” He dispappeared behind the door. Yao turned to Eishnala and frowned. “People like to help when people are nice to them,” Na reminded gently. Lieutenant Kor was tempted to point out the Intelligence was like normal people. **They have an over inflated sense of purpose that gets in everyone else’s way,** she thought to herself before blandly saying, “Intelligence sees themselves as apart. Its hard to work with someone doesn’t think they’re a part of the same team. Its not my fault they’re more cliquey than human school girls…and they don’t think we’re fit to sit at the popular table…” “…It’s true. Our table is pretty exclusive,” another masculine voice startled the two Lieutenant’s in conversation.” Yao jumped slightly at the sound of the newcomers voice. Eishnala was equally startled. Commander Berman smiled. “I hear you’ve been threatening my junior officer, Lieutenant Kor,” the man said as he folded his hands across the black material that ran over his chest. Grays were just beginning to appear in his dark brown hair and his 6’2” stature made the Commander considerably more authoritative than his underling. Eishnala nodded before plainly saying, “I don’t think Intelligence will fault me for using any technique that’s effective.” Commander Berman smiled again, with one critical difference this time around: it was genuine. “On that account, you’re right. Forgive Lieutenant Bentham, he’s new and he hasn’t quite gotten the hang of who to bolster and who not to. How can I help the two of you?” Lieutenant Yao addressed the question first, “We’re looking for a complete copy of a file concerning methodology for the detection of changelings, Commander Berman.” “Call me Ethan,” he said before adding, “I would think the methodology is obvious. Poke’em and take their blood.” “We’re looking for something that’s a little bit more sophisticated,” Lieutenant Kor said flatly. “Commander…Ethan” Yao correct nan’s self. “We need to be able to screen the GATEWAYS entire population in a matter of minutes. Blood screening is simply not logistically feasible.” “Plus…its hard to take blood from a vase,” the Andorian reminded, referring to a now famous incident that had occurred on Earth prior to the full scale conflict with the Dominion. Ethan unfolded his arms and nodded. Maybe it was Lieutenant Yao’s imagination, but his eyes seemed to twinkle before he asked, “I see. How can Intelligence help you?” “There is a file on a procedure developed at Starbase 22. It is…incomplete. It’s been truncated by someone with a pretty high security clearance. We’re hoping that somebody worked here and there’s a complete copy,” the Andorian woman said. For the first time since entering this office, she directed her antennae forward in a gesture of politeness. Yao added, “In particular, we need a full copy of technical specifications of the device they developed if we are going to be able to modify our internal sensors.” Commander Berman frowned for the first time since he had begun the conversation with the other two officers. “Is it only the two of you working on this project? Or will this data go into the hands of others?” “We’re also working with a promising Cadet from Engineering. He helped resolve the issue with our fighters earlier and was one of the members of the Away Team aboard the Borg cube,” Yao noted his credentials. “Do we have a problem?” the woman in the yellow accented uniform asked. Commander Berman’s frown remained in place. “I damaged that file when we received it. I thought that if it became known by the changelings they might be able to develop countermeasures. I’ll make a deal with you. We’ll test your blood and if you check out you’ll test this Cadet’s blood…just to make certain we keep this all in the family.” “That sounds reasonable,” Lieutenant Kor stated. “I’ve got one more condition. We’ve examined the reports given by the members of the away team on the cube…you’re reports…I’d like to sit down with both of you at some point to discuss what might have been left out,” Ethan said amiably. The blue-accented scientist nodded, “I’m certainly willing to have a conversation, but I don’t know how helpful that will be.” “The reports were complete,” the Chief of Security interjected. Ethan smiled again and attempted to disarm the woman opposite him, “I’m certain they were. However, we’re interested in slightly different things than are captured in an average report. They won’t take too long,” he added in way that the Intelligence officer hoped would be helpful. “Fine, but we need to address the imminent security concerns first,” Lieutenant Kor agreed with her own conditions. “The Borg may well be that imminent concern,” the Commander said, a little less friendly. “You help me, I help you.” Eishnala, however, was not placated. Her distaste for Intelligence types rising again. “I should think the magnitude of the changeling threat would be obvious. You know, its kinda sad if you Intel people need a walking, talking holographic illustration on this one…Changelings: They’re dangerous; they don’t like us; to top it off…they can look just like us. See how that might possibly be…a really bad thing? At least we can detect the energy signal of Borg implants if we’re looking for them.” Commander Berman crossed his arms again, “These Borg are different from the standard model…all sorts of new bells and whistles…” He paused for a moment and examined the azure woman. He noted her stubborn stance; she had drawn herself up through her ribcage and had placed her hands on her hips. Backing down slightly, he added, “But I see how you might want to address the Changeling threat first. You adjust those scanners and then the three of us have a date. Fair?” “Eminently,” the Security Officer said, relaxing her rigid stance. “Great. We look forward to that meeting,” Yao offered up. “Hypersprays it is then?” -=(^)=- Katrina Browne kbrowne_at_wellesley.edu Lieutenant Eishnala Kor Chief of Security GS-2 From HyperNews_at_youth.net
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.5 : Sun Feb 17 2008 - 03:10:17 PST