ST:TTV614 | "Murder on the Vue-En Express"
Stardate 98061.7
With the evacuation of the Lodzki territories finally underway, complications arise within the tentatively held together refugee fleet when reports come in of a Prince's death. And the crew are drafted to investigate the suspicious circumstances surrounding it...
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NPC@annpc#557 FX | Following the defeat of the Horde vanguard at Cidria, the evacuation of both Lodzki factions accelerated significantly, with the Cidrian Empire's ships departing two days later, and the - NPC@annpc#557:- Czostak Kingdoms two days after them. It is now four days into the evacuation. The Valley Forge travels alongside the massive Czostak fleet carrying their entire population, consisting of a mix - NPC@annpc#557:- of civilian and military vessels of varying sizes, ranging from old and barely functional to state-of-the-art dreadnoughts like the one Keelah had first met Emperor Mihal on. NPC@annpc#557 | Keelah arrives on the bridge after being informed that Vrolmacht has seen a change in the fleet formation... Keelah@crystyl exits the turbolift sipping a raktajino, "What is the state of things, Commander?†NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht motions to the display on his console, "Many of the military vessels appear to be rearranging themselves, as if anticipating combat. The High Queen's ship, the Sky Palace, has been - NPC@annpc#557 - brought further into the fleet while the forward guard of the fleet is accelerating.†Keelah@crystyl:"Has there been any communication on this?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Tee said she noticed an increase in fleet comm chatter since the end of her shift, but most of it is encrypted. Wait...we're being hailed now by one of the ships. ID is a Zimani military - NPC@annpc#557:- vessel by the name of Vigilant Falcon.†Keelah@crystyl looks over, "Fortuitous timing, thank you Eva. Patch it through.†Keelah@crystyl sips her drink again as she sits, looking to the viewscreen. NPC@annpc#557 | The familiar face of King Ambroz, who sought out Keelah in secret on her first visit to Czostak, appears on the viewscreen, "Captain.†Keelah@crystyl:"Your Highness. How can we be of assistance?†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "I am afraid there is more we may need to call upon you for. I'm sure you've noticed the...upheaval we are currently experiencing.†Keelah@crystyl:"We have been observing the redeployment" she nods. "What do you know of it?†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "It does not bode well. I assume you do not know the details and see only what is occurring on the surface?†Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, it would seem the increased comm activity surrounding the move is all encrypted. Is this something we need to discuss in person?†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "No need. I have the authority to share this with you, and our communication is secure, at least from the rest of the fleet. We Zimani have the best encryption- not that it matters, - NPC@annpc#557:- news will spread to the civilian populace soon enough.†Keelah@crystyl:"Very well. Then what exactly is it that we do not yet know about this activity which we need to?†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "Allow me to fill you in. Prince Ryzard Starron, youngest son of Queen Rozala Starron of Rownia, was found murdered earlier. Now, court intrigues and assassinations are certainly - NPC@annpc#557:- nothing new in Lodzki high society, but what complicates matters is that the investigation has revealed one of the Prince's staff, and consort, to be a Cidrian spy. There is no definitive - NPC@annpc#557:- evidence that she was involved in the death of the Prince, but given recent political situations, it is the conclusion many are jumping to, including Queen Rozala.†Keelah@crystyl:"So the powers are segregating their ships and assuming defensive postures.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "That is correct. I need not tell you how disastrous it would be if tensions were to re-erupt between the Alliance and the Cidrian Empire in the midst of the evacuation, with our - NPC@annpc#557:- entire populations potentially caught in the crossfire.†Keelah@crystyl nods, "I concur. Is every ship in the fleet being maneuvered or only the military?†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "Only the military and ships housing royalty for now. I have spoken to the High Queen and she has agreed to allow a neutral party to partake in the investigation, assuming that your - NPC@annpc#557:- people are willing. It is currently run by the Rownian military security, headed by a fine investigator, but bias is certainly a concern here.†Keelah@crystyl:"Though our standing mandate is to stay out of the internal affairs of others, we are far beyond that point here as our very presence in your space could be deemed as such. As long as we are + Keelah@crystyl:+ escorting this fleet, we are responsible for it - and I will not have it tear itself apart over such a matter. We will provide a neutral eye to the investigation, but effective immediately I am + Keelah@crystyl:+ shutting down all inter-fleet movements and separating off all civilian vessels from those being strategically maneuvered. The civilian and neutral vessels will form up with us.†Keelah@crystyl gives a slight glance to her right, expecting Vrolmacht to pick up on that and act put the orders into effect. NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz nods, "That will be for the best. The investigation is taking place on board the Prince's yacht, the Palace of Pleasure, where he was found dead. It is still a civilian vessel, though - NPC@annpc#557:- it has been taken over by Rownian military security for the time being, and it will form up with you as well.†Keelah@crystyl:"Very well. We shall make direct contract and arrange for our investigation team to join them. Thank you for seeing fit to bring this to our attention." NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "I fear that once again, this may be a situation that requires outsider intervention. There is one other thing I would like to ask of you.†Keelah@crystyl smiles, "Ask away.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "If you can prove that the Cidrian spy was not responsible for Prince Ryzard's death, it may ease tensions for the moment, but as long as the Lodzki Alliance remains divided, there is - NPC@annpc#557:- always the potential of this occurring again. Neither side wants a renewel of civil war in this current situation, but they are still refusing to communicate due to their own pride. If it is - NPC@annpc#557:- possible...do what you can to reconcile the two factions, at least get the High Queen and the Emperor talking to one another.†Keelah@crystyl:"A fine goal, for sure. But my capability is not boundless. We shall of course try, but I do not hold high hopes of attaining results.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz smiles, "You have already achieved the impossible, Captain. I do not expect much, but it is worth a try. May the Fates favour you.†Keelah@crystyl:"May they favour us all" she nods in parting. NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz nods back and the comm ends. NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht: "Of all the times to conduct an assassination...though I suppose it is not unusual for Klingon houses to turn on one another in the midst of war.†Keelah@crystyl slinks back in her chair sipping her drink again. She gives a weary sigh, it's gone cold now, and looks to Vrolmacht, "Status of the fleet?†NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht: "The fleet is rearranging with the civilian and neutral vessels forming up on us.†Keelah@crystyl:"Recommendations for an investigation team? I don't think my holonovels really count" she smiles. NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht: "I would suggest at least one personnel from medical, and someone with telepathic capabilities. Silvestrie should accompany the team as well, though it is your decision whether he - NPC@annpc#557:- should lead the investigation or if you would entrust it to another officer.†Keelah@crystyl:"I can think of no better candidate" she nods over to Silvestrie, "Pick your team as you see fit, though I would heed the Commander's suggestions. Mia's sensors may also be beneficial." NPC@annpc#557 | Silvestrie nods, "Good suggestion, Captain. Eva, notify Mia and Dr. Amari and meet us in the transporter room as well once you have informed them.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva nods and gets to notifying them. Keelah@crystyl:"Good luck to you.†NPC@annpc#557 | Silvestrie: "Thank you." He heads over for the turbolift. NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "Now, how do we reconcile the two factions...maybe we'll have a better chance after the investigation is complete and the situation is defused?†Keelah@crystyl:"I can't imagine either side will be too willing to broach the topic until then.†NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly nods, "I hope Silvestrie finds that spy innocent on his investigation, then…†Keelah@crystyl:"Finding the truth will be sufficient, whatever it transpires to be." --- NPC@annpc#557 | Mia, Silvestrie, Eva and Zanah materialize on a Lodzki transporter pad. A Lodzki female in a white, blue and grey uniform awaits them off the pad, with a Lodzki male wearing a uniform with the - NPC@annpc#557 - same colours operating the transporter console. NPC@annpc#557 | Lodzki Female: "Welcome to the Palace of Pleasure- the name sheds plenty of light into Prince Ryzard's character, doesn't it? I'm Captain Ola Kostka of Rownian Military Security." Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie: "Thank you. I assume you've already made aware of our purpose here?†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola nods, "I've been told you're taking over the investigation, and I'm to assist you. I've headed the investigation up until now- I'll brief you on everything we know so far.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie nods, "I hate treading on people's toes like this, but hopefully we can work together on this.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "I'm happy to hand this over to you. Royalty assassinations are an easy way to get yourself mixed up in political feuds and schemes. Trust me, no one likes these cases. Anyways, follow me.†Mia@crystyl:"We hope that was not meant as a reassurance…†Mia@crystyl mutters to the others as they follow. Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie smirks a little. NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "Only that you're not taking glory away from me or anything. From what I've heard, you're already mixed up in politics as it is.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie, "Given how much Lodzki royalty the Captain's on first name terms with already, I'd be hard pushed to argue the point.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola chuckles, "You know, you're supposed to call royalty by their given names. No one addresses them using the dynastic name unless it's a formal address. Too many kings and queens in the same - NPC@annpc#557:- lineage with the same House name.†Mia@crystyl:"How curious. We were not aware of this.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie, "It's more a figure of speech on my home planet. It means they've gotten to know each other well.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "Ah, that makes more sense.†NPC@annpc#557 | Before long, Ola leads them to a lift. The halls are much shorter on the smaller ship that is the Prince's yacht, though the size of the halls and lifts are still large and made to fit Lodzki. NPC@annpc#557 | With the tap of a button, the lift ascends, and they reach their destination very quickly. NPC@annpc#557 | They step into a living room of sorts and Ola sits down on a sofa. NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "Have a seat.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie sits across from her while Mia perches at the end. NPC@annpc#557 | Eva and Zanah take seats near the other end while Ola takes out a large Lodzki-sized PADD and hands it over to Silvestrie. NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "This is everything we know so far. Prince Ryzard was found dead in his room earlier by his butler, Konrat Jeskan. We've conducted a scan of the body and determined the cause of death to - NPC@annpc#557:- be the application of a nerve agent. The body is in the medbay, if you would like to look at it later. There's no internal sensor coverage of his room, otherwise there wouldn't be much of an - NPC@annpc#557:- investigation.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie: "So no confirmed method of delivery?†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "Seems to have been ingested, but no sign of any physical struggle, so he was likely tricked. We have five suspects, some more suspicious than others.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "Our primary suspect is Lumini Parasu. She served as pilot of the yacht under the cover identity of Lilia Solarz, but we asked Zimani Intelligence to run a background check on everyone - NPC@annpc#557:- and they determined that she was a Cidrian spy and uncovered her real identity. She works for a foreign government, she's a trained spy and multiple other crewmembers believe she's been sleeping - NPC@annpc#557:- with the Prince, so she's got motive and method.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie: "Possibly. What of the others?†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "We have Arkad Kempis, the Prince's personal doctor. This particular nerve agent that he was killed with- it's impossible to create using components produced from a regular replicator. - NPC@annpc#557:- You can only synthesize it with the right equipment, and the only equipment on this ship that can make it is a medical replicator which has the specific chemicals and compounds unlocked for - NPC@annpc#557:- medical use. More so, Dr. Kempis is a commoner who worked his way up. He works for the Prince now, but he's outspoken about his political views, and was seen arguing with the Prince about taking - NPC@annpc#557:- refugees onto the yacht because the conditions were terrible on some of the other ships. Of course, Prince Ryzard refused.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "As his doctor and the only one with access to the medical replicator, Kempis definitely has means, and he's got some motive too.†Mia@crystyl:"You say this is the only replicator on the ship capable of producing this agent. But what of other ships in the fleet? Do we need to backtrack recent traffic?†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "You can try, but with the evacuation that's far too much work. It would have to be smuggled on carefully too, as transporters and sensors would pick up on it. We searched the ship and - NPC@annpc#557:- found no containers that could be used for such smuggling. There's nothing in the airlock or replicator records that suggest a smuggling container was disposed- we can't rule it out entirely, but - NPC@annpc#557:- the nerve agent was most likely produced on board the ship.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie nods, "Be that as it may, Mia may be able to make light work of interrogating the computers of associated vessels to spot any traces of suspect activity.†Mia@crystyl gives a firm nod, "We shall do so!" NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "In addition to our top two suspects, we have three other suspects. The crew claim all five had seen the Prince at some point or other in the time leading up to his death, so they all - NPC@annpc#557:- could have had an opportunity to poison him. One of them is Princess Zentara Winowsi, daughter of Zimani nobleman Zegor Winowsi. She is Prince Ryzard's wife, but does not reside with him in his - NPC@annpc#557:- room. As you can imagine, she does not even come to the Palace of Pleasure normally, but is only here because it was a convenient ship to evacuate on with her husband.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie: "We'll have to look into everyone. What about the location, has it been disturbed at all since then?†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "Once the Prince was discovered to be unresponsive, he was moved to the medbay by Dr. Kempis and Konrat, but the room has not been touched since then. Konrat is one of our suspects as - NPC@annpc#557:- well only because he was there before the Prince was thought to have gone to sleep and was the first to find him dead, but it is not exactly a suspicious place to be as his butler.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie: "Fair enough. We can make a survey of the room too then.†NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah: "I'll take a look at the body as well," she glances to Ola, "Not that I don't trust your doctors. But better for me to know what we're dealing with right from the source.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola nods, "By all means. We have one last suspect, Marin Ciolac. His connection to the case is thin as well. He is the Head Engineer here on the Palace of Pleasure and was the one responsible - NPC@annpc#557:- for removing sensor coverage in the Prince's room- on the Prince's orders, but he was also seen going to the room a few times after the evacuation was underway.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "He could have killed the Prince, but we don't know of any motive for him to do so at the moment.†Mia@crystyl:"It may be worth us investigating all of the surrounding data before interviewing the suspects.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie nods, "We'll do just that.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "A good idea. The pad should contain schematics for the ship and where you wish to go.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie nods, "Thank you. Anything else we need to know at this point?†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "Our current working theory is that Lumini and Dr. Kempis may have worked together in the assassination. The Cidrians, especially the Usurper, have been known to shun tradition and do - NPC@annpc#557:- things a new way- their way. It's possible Lumini may have convinced Dr. Kempis, who seeks more power for the average commner in society, to create the nerve agent for her to kill the Prince, who - NPC@annpc#557:- in many ways represents everything people dislike about Lodzki high society.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie nods, "We'll keep it in mind" looking to the others, "Well then, time to get to work.†NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah: "I'll head to their sickbay to examine the body and learn more about this nerve agent.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie: "I'll join you. Eva, you and Mia start with the Prince's room then we'll reconvene to compare notes.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva nods and stands, "Come on, Mia. Let's see what we find.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "Would you like me to accompany any of you?†Mia@crystyl springs to her feet, "We are ready!†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie turns to Ola as he stands, "You are welcome to accompany either of our groups, or have both accompanied if you wish to monitor our progress. It is entirely at your discretion. NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "I've already got people in the medbay, so I'll go with you to the Prince's room. I've been there earlier, so I can show you around.†Mia@crystyl smiles, "We appreciate the local knowledge!†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola stands, "I'll take you there, then. This way." NPC@annpc#557 | Ola leads the way back into the lift and up to another level. Proceeding down the hall, they reach a doorway with two armed guards wearing the same colours as Ola, who step aside and taps a - NPC@annpc#557 - panel by the door. The door slides open to a large, luxurious area that almost looks like a small private lounge, with a minibar, a long couch setup with a holoprojector in the centre and even - NPC@annpc#557 - an open door further in revealing a bathroom with a fancy tub setup. Beside that doorway is a second door leading into the bedroom. Mia@crystyl immediately starts scanning for any anomalies. NPC@annpc#557 | Mia doesn't detect anything unusual. There is a surprising amount of different DNA samples on the various sofas/surfaces indicating the many guests the Prince has had in here, but other than - NPC@annpc#557:- that all seems normal. Mia@crystyl:"Nothing unusual at a glance, but we shall continue passive scans for anything.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola leads the way further into the bedroom where a messy bed sits in the middle of the room. The room has several drawers, some chairs and stools and a door into the bathroom/tub area. NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "The Prince was found unresponsive on his bed. According to Konrat and Dr. Kempis, he was lying in a position that doesn't suggest regular sleep, but that he had just fallen on his bed - NPC@annpc#557:- and later died. As you can see, there's no sign of foul play in the room, nor on the body as your colleagues will no doubt soon affirm.†Mia@crystyl:"Ms. Eva, are you able to sense anything here?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva shakes her head, "There's nothing alive in here aside from us. The setup of everything in this room suggests it wasn't really made for resting in, though. It reminds me of Kelly's room in - NPC@annpc#557:- many ways, but you can easily tell what the Prince designed it for from the name of the yacht, so not exactly a big surprise…†NPC@annpc#557 | Mia's sensors do pick up trace amounts of chemicals as it sweeps the bedroom though... Mia@crystyl:"We are detecting trace amounts of chemicals" she moves to take a closer look. NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "I think I know what you're detecting." The investigator steps over to one of the drawers and slides it open, revealing several hyposprays. Mia@crystyl joins her to check. NPC@annpc#557 | Ola retrieves one of the hyposprays and holds it to Mia. It does indeed contain the trace chemicals she was picking up. Mia@crystyl nods, "This is indeed what we detected.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "These were injections of Urogen and Datnia, both illegal stimulants. Datnia causes certain desirable hormonal effects in Lodzki physiology, and Urogen is a hallucinogen. The Prince - NPC@annpc#557:- indulged in more than just physical pleasures in his Palace of Pleasure.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "Dr. Kempis denies having ever supplied Prince Ryzard with either, and he may not be lying. Though illegal, they are significantly easier to produce and smuggle than a powerful nerve - NPC@annpc#557:- agent like the one that killed the Prince." Mia@crystyl:"So it would seem. May we take these for further analysis? We believe it may be helpful for the doctor to perform a chemical breakdown analysis.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola nods, "Go ahead.†Mia@crystyl smiles, "Thank you!" stowing the samples securely in her satchel. NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "Apart from this, the other drawers contain...well, you don't want to know what they contain, but they're not exactly relevant for the investigation. I've had my forensics collect all the - NPC@annpc#557:- biological samples, or portions of it, to analyze already. Your doctor should have access to them all in the medbay.†Mia@crystyl:"Did the Prince maintain a personal computer link in here at all?†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "Only a comm panel in the main room, but not in the bedroom.†Mia@crystyl:"May we?†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola nods, "It's over here." She steps out of the bedroom to show Mia the comm panel. NPC@annpc#557 | The comms panel is a small monitor on the wall between the entrance to the chambers and the bedroom. Mia@crystyl approaches and begins to interrogate recent activity. NPC@annpc#557 | Recent activity shows several calls, two from Princess Zentara, both not received, one from Lilia (the cover name of Lumini), one from Marin and two from Konrat, both received. There seems to - NPC@annpc#557:- be a message left by Zentara which is unread. Mia@crystyl retrieves the unread message. NPC@annpc#557 | Zentara's voice plays from the monitor, "Ryzard, I know you're sleeping with that pilot Lilia again. You cannot just ignore me. You don't care much for me, fine, that goes both ways. But we're - NPC@annpc#557:- both stuck on this ship together now, so /talk to me/. Or can you just not control yourself when you're in your Palace of Pleasure? I promise you, one of those times you and the pilot are having - NPC@annpc#557:- fun, I'm going to crash us all into an asteroid…†Mia@crystyl:"That may prove to have been an unfortunate choice of words…†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "Indeed. But the marriage between Prince Ryzard and Princess Zentara was purely a political one, and it's no secret to anyone that the two did not exactly get along.†Mia@crystyl:"True, but this is not something we can dismiss out of hand just because their relationship status is known.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola nods, "That is why she is one of our suspects as well. She is also Zimani- not all Zimani are schemers, but when you have a kingdom known for its intelligence gathering capabilities, - NPC@annpc#557:- well, political intrigue tends to be quite common with them.†Mia@crystyl:"So the Prince kept no other form of personal records?†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola shakes her head, "He valued his privacy quite a lot. That's why this area doesn't have internal sensor coverage, at least according to Marin. We have no reason to suspect he's lying about - NPC@annpc#557:- that, after all, he made this a sensor blind spot on the Prince's instruction, and he certainly wouldn't have done it of his own accord.†Mia@crystyl conducts her own scan for any form of sensor recording or hidden areas, regardless. NPC@annpc#557 | Mia's sensors detect nothing on this floor, but picks up a curious anomaly on the floor beneath- a region just close enough to be covered by the sensor blind spot but is supposed to be filled - NPC@annpc#557:- with machinery according to the MSD in the PADD Ola gave them, but there is no sign of machinery there from Mia's scans except one inactive piece of something that is indiscernible while inactive.†Mia@crystyl:"This is rather curious.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "What did you find, Mia?†Mia@crystyl | Miadrone projects a holoMSD, zooming on the room they stand in and the anomalous area beneath. Mia@crystyl:"This region is not consistent with the provided MSD data and there is inactive technology there that we can not identify in its present state.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "Interesting. We haven't had time to do a complete sweep of the ship yet, only the areas connected to the crime." She steps closer to examine the MSD. "It...looks like this area is - NPC@annpc#557:- accessible through a maintenance shaft here.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola looks around, "Not far outside the Prince's chambers, actually.†Mia@crystyl:"We believe this anomaly is worthy of further investigation.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola nods and exits the chambers, walking down the hall a little as they come across a smaller doorway, short enough that a Lodzki would have to duck to enter, "This should be the entrance.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola takes out a card and taps it on a panel by the door and it slides open, "These hatchways require special authorization cards carried by the ship's engineers. I've confiscated Marin's for - NPC@annpc#557:- the investigation.†Mia@crystyl:"Useful" she proceeds inside, focusing scans forward to check for trap. NPC@annpc#557 | There are no signs of any traps. The maintenance pathway leads forward with an intersection ahead. A ladder on the right leads down to the deck beneath where Mia detected the anomaly. Mia@crystyl continues down the ladder. NPC@annpc#557 | Ola and Eva follows her down. They proceed through the tunnels some more before reaching another locked door. Mia@crystyl looks to Ola, "Another maintenance card access?†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "That's unusual. These locks are supposed to be on the entrances to the tunnels, not in the middle of one. Someone definitely wanted to hide this area away.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola steps forward with her head hunched over, tapping on the pad, "Not only that, this isn't a maintenance card access. This is an administrative card access. Marin's card still works for it, - NPC@annpc#557:- but there's only three cards like that on the ship. One in the hands of the Head Engineer Marin, one held by the Prince's butler Konrat and the third by the Prince himself.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "It only checks for the card and not the DNA of the owner though, so someone else could have stolen one of the cards and come here as well.†Mia@crystyl:"Well, let us see what is so restricted in here shall we.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Wait...do you think you can tap into the lock, see which card accessed it?†Mia@crystyl:"Uncertain, but we shall attempt to do so!†NPC@annpc#557 | Mia is able to tap into the lock, but unfortunately it does not seem to distinguish between the three cards. However, it does register that it was last accessed about 20 standard Federation - NPC@annpc#557:- hours ago. Mia@crystyl:"No means to determine the individual card as there is no distinction between the three. However we have the last access logged at 20 hours ago.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola nods, "Could be useful to know. Let's see what's inside," she steps forward and taps her card on the panel and the door slides open…†Mia@crystyl follows curiously. NPC@annpc#557 | The path ahead is dark and unlit. Ola turns on a flashlight, shining the way ahead, which soon leads to a dead end. A large wire is seen running along the wall up - NPC@annpc#557:- to a single piece of machinery at the very end, but the wire has been unplugged and it is currently offline. Mia@crystyl investigates the cut wire and linked tech more closely. NPC@annpc#557 | From a closer scan, Mia is able to get a closer look at the components within the device and determine that it is a replicator. The wire has simply been unplugged and may be reconnected - NPC@annpc#557:- with relative ease. Mia@crystyl informs the others of this, "Would you like us to reconnect it? Online, we may be able to further analyze it's recent use.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola nods and steps over, plugging the wire back in. A second later, the replicator lights up, with an interface coming online on a panel beside the replication slot. NPC@annpc#557 | Ola stands and examines the device, "This isn't a standard replicator build. It's custom made. Check to see if it has any blocks and restrictions in place.†Mia@crystyl nods and proceeds. NPC@annpc#557 | There are no blocks in place on this replicator! There are also no stored replicator patterns, but there is a slot for patterns to be inserted via chips, likely intentionally done so that once - NPC@annpc#557:- the chip is removed, the pattern would no longer be there and there would be no way of telling what was replicated, only when the device was used. It was also last used about 20 hours ago. Mia@crystyl advises the others of this. NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "If there's no checks and no record...the nerve agent could have been replicated from here instead of the medbay replicator…†Mia@crystyl:"A distinct possibility.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "We shouldn't clear Dr. Kempis entirely, but this means both Marin and Konrat have a method of creating the poison as well.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "Or whoever obtains their or the Prince's authorization card.†Mia@crystyl:"Indeed.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "I'll have some military security watch the entrance to this place, make sure no one can tamper with it. Anything else unusual on your sensors, or you think worth checking out?" Mia@crystyl:"We are not detecting anything else that stands out.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Let's rejoin Silvestrie and Dr. Amari in the sickbay, then.†Mia@crystyl nods, "Perhaps they have uncovered more evidence also!†NPC@annpc#557 | The three make their way out of the maintenance tunnels and back to the ship's halls, soon arriving at the medical bay. NPC@annpc#557 | The medbay of the luxury yacht is not very large. In the central bed lies the Prince's body, though Zanah and Silvestrie are not currently crowding around it but reading from a nearby console. NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah turns upon their entrance, "Back from the Prince's room already? Found anything useful?†Mia@crystyl:"Maybe. We found a hidden replicator that could be an alternative source of the nerve agent. We also found these-" she presents Zanah the confiscated hypo's, "which may have been present in his + Mia@crystyl:+ system at the time.†NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah: "Medication?" She sets them down on a nearby bed and runs her tricorder over them. Mia@crystyl:"Recreational.†NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah: "Ahh yes, I see. They weren't in his system at the time, but his body does show signs of a regular user of such substances.†Mia@crystyl:"Well, at least they do not present any complications to his biochemical condition. Did you learn anything here?†NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah looks to Ola, "I've confirmed your doctors' autopsy results. The Prince was killed by a powerful nerve agent taken in via ingestion approximately sixteen hours ago. Death occured less - NPC@annpc#557:- than an hour after that. No sign of any external damage.†Mia@crystyl:"The hidden replicator was used only 20 hours ago.†NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah: "That certainly fits the timeframe. I've looked at the biological samples extracted from the Prince's room too. DNA from all five of the suspects can be found within, but it's hard to - NPC@annpc#557:- say who was in there latest. I can say that both Lumini, the Cidrian spy, and Head Engineer Marin slept with the Prince in his room. Looks like his own wife was one of the few who didn't sleep - NPC@annpc#557:- with the Prince, at least not while they were here on this yacht.†Mia@crystyl:"We believe we have gained some curious insight through all of this, but it may be time to question the suspects.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "We have all of them locked in their rooms on the yacht. Who do you want to start with?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "That's a good question.†Mia@crystyl:"With the recent message we found from his wife, we recommend starting with her.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie nods, "As good a start as any.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "How do you want to approach the interrogations, Lieutenant? We probably shouldn't all go in and crowd the suspect. Do you want to go in alone, or with two or three of us? I should still - NPC@annpc#557:- be able to tell if they're telling the truth or not from outside, as long as I can hear what you're saying so I know what they're lying about.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie thinks a moment, and looks to Ola, "What is the Princess like, in general?†NPC@annpc#557 | Ola: "Fairly typical for a noblewoman in my interactions with her so far. She's used to preferential treatment, not very thrilled about being locked in her room and demanded I release her back - NPC@annpc#557:- to her father or there would be consequences from the Zimani government.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie: "Then I think for this suspect, I will interview her with Mia" he grins a little, "Nothing like a little good cop - bad cop routine to shake up the aristocracy.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Good thinking. I'll wait outside- can I hear what's going on in the room from there?†Mia@crystyl:"We can provide an active commlink if that will suffice?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva smiles, "That'll do, thank you Mia." --- NPC@annpc#557 FX | Silvestrie, Mia and Eva proceed to Princess Zentara's room, where a security personnel in Rownian colours stand guard. NPC@annpc#557 | Rownian Security: "The Princess is waiting inside.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "I'll be out here listening to your comm." She looks to Silvestrie, "I'll let you know if something she's saying isn't true.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie looks to Eva, "Do you have much sense of her now?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva nods, "I can sense that she's upset, but not in a grieving way. I think annoyed would be a more appropriate word.†Mia@crystyl:"Aww…†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie eyerolls, "Mia, she is supposed to be annoyed. Just... keep that sympathetic when we're in there, ok.†Mia@crystyl nods, "You can count on us!†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva smiles, "Good luck.†Mia@crystyl & Silvestrie head in... NPC@annpc#557 | Princess Zentara sits on the couch with her legs crossed, reading from a PADD. She looks up as the two enter, "Finally! Someone- wait, you're not Rownian military security. Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie stands firm, folding his arm. Mia@crystyl gives him a bemused look briefly before stepping over to Zentara with a friendly smile, "No Princess, we are not. We are from the Starfleet ship - the Valley Forge.†NPC@annpc#557 | Zentara: "The...Starfleet ship? Is that the one that prompted this whole evacuation business to begin with?†Mia@crystyl:"Well arguably, the Bies invasion fleet are the ones who prompted that. We just brought a little advanced warning!†NPC@annpc#557 | Zentara: "Well thank you very much. Because of this business I've been stuck on my husband's loveboat, and I /still/ can't leave now that he's dead because the Rownians suspect I had something - NPC@annpc#557:- to do with it!†Mia@crystyl:"You are also alive, so - you know - silver linings and all!" she chirps with that insufferably upbeat tone, "But we would like very much to help sort out all of this mess about your husband. You + Mia@crystyl:+ have our condolences on that too." NPC@annpc#557 | Zentara waves her hand dismissively "No need to give me condolences. I barely knew him, and liked him even less. But I didn't kill him." Mia@crystyl:"May we?" she gestures to an empty seat. NPC@annpc#557 | Zentara nods, "Help yourselves. Not like I have any say in things around here, I'm practically a prisoner now." Mia@crystyl gives a little curtsey before sitting, "Thank you. We are sincerely sorry for the situation you have been put in here. We promise to do all we can to get this settled nice and quickly for you!†NPC@annpc#557 | Zentara: "I suppose you'll be asking me all the same questions as the Rownians did?†Mia@crystyl:"We are afraid we do not know what specific questions they asked you. We would be very interested to know your thoughts on the whole thing though!†NPC@annpc#557 | Zentara sighs and leans back, "Ask away, then. Hopefully you'll be able to get to the bottom of this soon.†Mia@crystyl beams contentedly, "Thank you! And please forgive as this is not our regular duty, but we will try our best! We think... maybe to start with the Prince. We understand your relationship is more + Mia@crystyl:+ political than anything else, and sympathise with the position of your being here. Could you tell us about your experiences since coming aboard; interactions with the Prince and those close to him? Mia@crystyl:+ Ooh! And how the Prince was the last you spoke with him? That will probably help too!†NPC@annpc#557 | Zentara: "Plenty of the crew were nervous around me, but that's no surprise. Ryzard has slept with half the ship after all. Not that I'd feel any jealousy or anything towards them, but I guess - NPC@annpc#557:- they're afraid I will. As for how he was, well...he wasn't happy, but I suppose the only time we talk is to argue. That, or we don't talk.†Mia@crystyl:"Aww... do you remember what happened the last time you spoke with him?†NPC@annpc#557 | Zentara: "It wasn't long before he was found dead. We talked about...well that part's a long story.†Mia@crystyl gives a reassuring smile, "Oh, we have been spending time with the bards so we are used to long stories!†NPC@annpc#557 | Zentara: "This isn't exactly ballad material. But...when we first got on the ship, he gave me my own room, and I immediately suspected he was planning to sleep around. I stole a keycard, found - NPC@annpc#557:- out it was exactly as I suspected. I tried to talk to him, but he just ignored me. So I decided to do what he did to get his attention- we are on the Palace of Pleasure after all, and he wasn't - NPC@annpc#557:- very thrilled about it. Finally got him to talk to me though, and that was the last time we talked.†Mia@crystyl:"Oh my! And when was this now?†NPC@annpc#557 | Zentara: "Not long before he died. I don't know about the exact time, but it was the last I saw of him- alive, at least.†NPC@annpc#557 | Zentara: "Pretty sure he slept with someone out of spite after that, probably that pilot Lilia. Why don't you question her?†Mia@crystyl:"We are working through everyone, don't worry! But we wanted to speak with you for ourselves.†NPC@annpc#557 | Zentara: "I get why you'd talk to me. My relationship with Ryzard isn't exactly a secret to anyone. But trust me, I wouldn't kill him. I agreed to this marriage because he's a prince of - NPC@annpc#557:- Rownia, not an heir to the throne, but still more prestigious than my own family. And few others wanted to marry him and he didn't seem to mind because he had plenty of people willing to sleep - NPC@annpc#557:- with him with no strings attached. Yes, I don't care much for him, but I wasn't forced into the marriage or anything. I want this for my own house and family. Killing him would be quite - NPC@annpc#557:- counterintuitive to that, wouldn't it? At most I'd spite him like I did sleeping with those around him. I'd mess with his reputation, but I don't think it /can/ get any lower. But I wouldn't - NPC@annpc#557:- assassinate him.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie steps over, "You say you wouldn't kill him?†NPC@annpc#557 | Zentara: "No. What would that achieve? I'd be open to marry again, but I'd never marry anyone with a higher position than Prince Ryzard after this. I'd probably have to marry /below/ my status.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva speaks telepathically to Silvestrie, <I don't detect any lies in what the Princess just said.> Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie slams the table with a PADD, "Then why did threaten him?" he almost shouts at her, "Don't try to deny it, we heard the message!" he stands before her, arms folded. Mia@crystyl scowls, scooching over and wrapping a protective arm around Zantara, "Lieutenant!†NPC@annpc#557 | Zentara: "Oh, the message. That wasn't a threat, I was just trying to get his attention. It was either that or ring his doorbell with my clothes off, and honestly the latter would be more - NPC@annpc#557:- suspicious. You've never heard the saying, have you? The Zimani wielding a smile is more dangerous than the one wielding a blade. /If/ I wanted to kill him, even the Fates wouldn't have a clue it - NPC@annpc#557:- was my intention.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie stares her down a moment before nodding and retrieving the PADD, "Perhaps the Fates are more easily convinced than I am. Mia, we are done here" turning a gaze back to Zantara, "...for + Mia@crystyl:+ now" before heading out. Mia@crystyl looks apologetically to Zantara, "He's quite nice really, we swear! We can only apologize for... well, him! Please be well Princess, we will return as soon as there is news for you!†NPC@annpc#557 | Zentara: "Investigate that pilot, I tell you. She's the schemer sort. She has some kind of plan for Ryzard, I can tell.†Mia@crystyl stands, "We will, don't you worry!" she chirps and waves after a parting curtsey. NPC@annpc#557 | Eva awaits the two outside, "I don't think she knows that Lilia, the pilot, is a Cidrian spy. The Rownian security must've never told her. But she's certainly already suspecting that Lilia was - NPC@annpc#557:- up to something.†Mia@crystyl:"She would seem to be the next obvious interviewee.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie: "It would seem so.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva nods, checking a PADD, "Her room should be on the deck below.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie: "Eva, you want to take this one with Mia? If this girl is any kind of espionage agent she will not likely be phased by my presence.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "I agree. I'll go in with Mia. Do you still wish to come with us and listen outside?" Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie nods, "Yes, we'll monitor the comm from outside still and if I pick up on anything, I'll inform Mia" he looks to Mia, "I assume you can pick up comm signals without using a badge?†Mia@crystyl beams and nods, "Ours is purely for decoration, so yes of course!†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie, "On to the next one then." NPC@annpc#557 | Before long, they reach Lumini's room, where two Lodzki guards are also stationed outside. The guards give them a nod as they arrive and steps to the side a little to make room for them to enter. Mia@crystyl follows Eva into the room. NPC@annpc#557 | The pilot's room is notably smaller than the Princess', though it still has a small living room area with a lounge chair and some sofas. Lumini sits on one sofa, facing away from the two as - NPC@annpc#557 - she seems to stare blankly into the window, "Here for more interrogations, or have you finally passed your judgement?†Mia@crystyl looks to Eva, for her to take the lead or indicate Mia to do so. NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "We're just here to ask some questions.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini turns around curiously. She does appear to be a little younger, and better looking, than the Princess, though her clothes are far less fancy and more like a uniform. "Foreigners? Come - NPC@annpc#557 - to help in the investigation? Well that's interesting.†NPC@annpc#557 | Now Eva glances to Mia for her to take the lead. Mia@crystyl:"How is it interesting?" she asks with an innocent tone. NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "The Czostak Kingdoms usually have a lower opinion of outsiders than the colonies. I wouldn't have expected them to enlist your help.†Mia@crystyl smiles, "Perhaps it is a sign of the Kingdom's shifting stance in light of the current circumstances!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I would hope so. I expected them to just convict me and get this over with. It's always easier to blame something on someone not of your own faction. Unless...the current political - NPC@annpc#557:- climate makes pinning this on a Cidrian problematic, doesn't it?†Mia@crystyl:"We think everything requires more consideration at present. Your entire civilization sits within this fleet after all, perhaps people are feeling less reluctant to jump at such plays.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "That would explain a lot. I suppose I would have me as a primary suspect as well, especially now that my cover is gone.†Mia@crystyl:"It would seem that you are in a rather precarious position in all of this. Why don't you tell us what you know and maybe we can help get this all cleaned up?†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "It wouldn't matter much to me. I'm still a spy. I doubt the Rownians would ever let me go free unless I agree to work for them.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I suppose I wouldn't be executed if I was found innocent of murdering the Prince. But there's not much difference between that and lifetime incarceration.†Mia@crystyl:"Do you really think your people can be so strict still? These are challenging times, and they bring a necessity for change. That atmosphere tends to increase the value of every skillset and + Mia@crystyl:+ every individual, you may be surprised! After all, they have enlisted our assistance in resolving this investigation for starters!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini smiles sweetly, "If you're involved in the investigation, would it be too much to hope that you might have some sway over my sentence?†Mia@crystyl:"We are not in a position to make any promises outside of our own influence. But we guarantee that we will be grateful for any assistance you can offer!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I'll cooperate. No reason for me not to.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva gives Mia a nod, affirming that Lumini is being honest. Mia@crystyl:"Thank you" she smiles, taking a seat across from Lumini, "Could you start by telling us your purpose here?" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "My mission was to get close to Prince Ryzard in order to take any information he has access to and relay them to Cidria. He was a Prince, which means he is privy to certain - NPC@annpc#557 - data even if he does not make good use of it, and he was an easy target. It was a long-term assignment merely for the purposes of information gathering, nothing more.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Nothing more?†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "No. Killing Ryzard serves no purpose. As I said, he doesn't make good use of the data he has access to. He spends his days simply indulging his desires." NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "That's not what you meant.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "What else would I mean?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "You tell me.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini glances to Mia, "What is your colleague playing at?†Mia@crystyl:"She is... particularly skilled at reading people. Deception is a lost art on her.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I'm not trying to deceive you.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "No...you're not. You're trying to deceive yourself.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I don't know what you mean.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "You didn't kill Ryzard, did you?†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "No, I didn't.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva nods, "Then you have to work with us if you want us to find enough evidence to prove you innocent. Tell us what you are hiding. I know you speak the truth. You have nothing to fear from us." NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini closes her eyes and sighs as Eva looks to Mia for her to continue urging the suspect on. Mia@crystyl:"She speaks the truth; we seek only the truth of the Prince's demise in order to maintain the integrity of this fleet. Let us help you.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods and opens her eyes, "As I said, this was a long-term assignment. I was here before Mihal seized the throne. The record of when I started working on this yacht will corroborate that.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva taps her PADD and nods, "It lines up.†Mia@crystyl nods, "Go on.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I lost contact with my handler during the coup. I suspect she's been killed. I've never formally been recalled or deactivated, but I also don't have anyone to pass my intel on to - NPC@annpc#557:- anymore either. I'm probably still active in a Cidrian database somewhere, but in the chaos of the takeover and civil war and evacuation, I was probably forgotten. I'm not even working for Cidria - NPC@annpc#557:- anymore.†Mia@crystyl looks to Eva. NPC@annpc#557 | Eva nods, "She speaks the truth, but not all of it. Not yet." She looks to Lumini, "Why did you stay after you had lost contact?†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "It is protocol to maintain cover until either the cover is compromised or if we receive orders stating otherwise.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "That is true, but I know you're still not telling us everything, Lumini.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini sighs, "Fine. I suppose I really can't hide anything from you, can I?†Mia@crystyl:"You really can't.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods, "I pitied Ryzard. Do you know why he acts as he does?†Mia@crystyl shakes her head. NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "He was the youngest child of Queen Rozala. In some families, the youngest child is coddled, spoiled. That's what everyone assumed. But it's quite the opposite. Queen Rozala focused - NPC@annpc#557:- on the eldest child, because the eldest child was the heir to the throne, and the eldest child always outshone him. In academic studies, in matters of state, in strategies of war. Ryzard was - NPC@annpc#557:- nothing to his family. The backup of a backup. Even when he married, he married below his status to secure favour with the Zimani, and he married that selfish woman who doesn't care the slightest - NPC@annpc#557:- for him. /That's/ the reason for his adulterous behaviour. Because in that moment of passion with someone else, he is their only focus, their world. Something his own family never gave him.†Mia@crystyl:"You truly care for him don't you…†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "No! I...he reminded me of my own childhood. I pitied him.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "And that's what you're trying to deceive yourself of.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini stares at Eva and sighs, "I...suppose it became something more than pity." NPC@annpc#557 | Eva looks to Mia, "Now she's telling the whole truth.†Mia@crystyl smiles, "It is nothing to be ashamed of. We are only sorry that you have had to suffer this loss.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini blinks and nods, "I never had any dreams of actually running away with him or anything. But I...wanted to be there for him. I was hoping it could have fixed his life, at least made him - NPC@annpc#557:- a better man if he knew that someone in the universe focused on him. As you see, I would never have harmed him.†Mia@crystyl:"We understand.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Is there anything you know that could help us find out who did kill him?†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I spent most of my free time with Ryzard. I know some of the yacht's crew were upset that he was spending more and more time with me and not them, including Head Engineer Marin and - NPC@annpc#557:- Princess Zentara. But if they were to kill someone, they'd target me, not him. Ryzard did have an argument with his doctor over opening the yacht to refugees when we were preparing to leave, - NPC@annpc#557:- though. I know Dr. Kempis better than many others on the ship. His ideals are closer to Cidrian ones than Czostak ones. We were actually hoping that if I could get Ryzard to be more active in - NPC@annpc#557:- political matters, we might be able to influence him to make Czostak society more fair and accepting.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "He doesn't know I'm Cidrian- at least I don't think he does. He is a very intelligent man, and he could've guessed and kept it to himself. I don't think he would kill Ryzard over an - NPC@annpc#557:- argument, but he is very devoted to his beliefs. Maybe if he thought Ryzard was beyond changing..." she shakes her head. "I don't know. I can't think of anyone else who would want him dead and - NPC@annpc#557:- be able to get to him with poison.†Mia@crystyl:"Is there anything else you have learned during your time here that may be pertinent to our investigation?" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Ryzard uses recreational stimulants. It's possible someone snuck the poison in through there. I never found out who supplies him with them, but I know it's not Dr. Kempis. I caught - NPC@annpc#557:- the doctor lecturing him about the use of these substances and how harmful it is for the body before.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "At least, it makes no sense for the doctor to lecture him about that in private- or what they thought was private at least, if they both knew he was the one supplying those substances - NPC@annpc#557:- to begin with. He could simply...stop giving them to Ryzard and Ryzard can't order him to because the doctor won't be punished for defying an order that goes against the law.†Mia@crystyl:"A fair assessment.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "That's all I can think of. I apologize if it's not very much to go on.†Mia@crystyl:"Every little helps!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods, "I'll be sure to let you know if anything else comes to mind.†Mia@crystyl stands, "Thank you for the assistance. We will return to you as soon as we have news.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva stands as well, "Yes, thank you for telling us everything, Lumini. We'll find out who is really responsible." She turns and heads out the room. Mia@crystyl heads back out with Eva. NPC@annpc#557 | Eva looks to Mia and Silvestrie as she exits the room, "Well, that was not entirely what I expected.†Mia@crystyl:"We concur, this is all very interesting!†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "We have three more suspects, Dr. Kempis, Konrat the butler and Head Engineer Marin. Who do you think we should talk to next?†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie: "Let's go with the butler.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva nods, "His room shouldn't be far from here. Do you want to take this with Mia again, or should I?†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie hrms in thought, "Why don't you two go with it again, it worked pretty well last time.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Sounds good." She checks her PADD before proceeding down the hall to the butler's room, where two other guards are standing. NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Same approach as before, Mia?†Mia@crystyl nods, "We shall follow your lead Ms. Eva!†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Feel free to take the lead when you feel is appropriate, Mia. I suppose your job is somewhat similar to his, after all…†Mia@crystyl:"Huh... we had not considered that! We shall do as you suggest.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva smiles and heads into the room, a smaller one similar to Lumini's. Konrat sits on the lounger, reading from a PADD. Mia@crystyl follows her in again. NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Hello. You are Konrat, yes?†NPC@annpc#557 | The Lodzki looks up from his PADD, "Yes. That's me. And you are?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva smiles, "I'm Evanne Dra. You can call me Eva. This is Mia. We're here to investigate the Prince's murder.†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "More questions? I already told the Rownians everything.†Mia@crystyl:"But as you can see Monsieur Konrat, we are not Rownian.†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "They didn't share the results of their investigation with you?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "They have, but we want to speak to everyone for ourselves.†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat sighs, "Alright. Very well. Question away.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva nods and moves over to take a seat nearby, "Let's begin with what you know.†Mia@crystyl remains standing at her side this time. NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "I went to check on Ryzard, as he had slept past time again. It's not an unusual thing, for him to sleep too long after a night of indulgence. I usually try to wake him up to at least - NPC@annpc#557:- inform him of the time. This time, he would not wake, so I called Dr. Kempis. When the doctor arrived, he scanned Ryzard and deemed that he had died, but asked me to move him to medbay for a - NPC@annpc#557:- closer look. I used the transporter to move him there and then informed the Rownian authorities.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Why did the two of you move the body instead of leaving it in place for investigators to examine it on the scene?†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "I suppose Dr. Kempis wanted to make sure that he was dead, and if not, do everything that could be done to resuscitate Ryzard. I'm not sure, you'll have to ask him.†Mia@crystyl:"Is such a process usual for circumstances like this in Lodzki society?†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "It depends. If a commoner is found dead, they're usually left where they are for the investigators. But with nobility or royalty, every attempt is made to preserve their life first." Mia@crystyl:"So the Prince could not have been deceased for long at the time you found him then if there was deemed a possibility of revival?†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "You'll have to ask Dr. Kempis. He made the call, not me. I just did as he asked.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "What are you not telling us?†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "Nothing. That's what I saw.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva looks to Mia, "Everything he said so far is true...but he knows more he's not saying.†Mia@crystyl:"Of course he does. He is the closest and most loyal of all those who knew the Prince, after all" she says with a smile, "Just as we are more intimately familiar with mon Capitaine, Monsieur Konrat + Mia@crystyl:+ was with the Prince, non?†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat chuckles, "I wouldn't say intimately. That's more appropriate for others on the ship, like the pilot and Head Engineer. But I do know his personality and preferences fairly well, yes. - NPC@annpc#557:- That's my job.†Mia@crystyl smiles, "There are many definitions of intimate, and not all are associated with physical romance. We understand your knowledge of the Prince, and so it is only to be expected that you know more + Mia@crystyl:+ than you are saying. It is also to be expected that even if death, your sense of loyalty to him would prevent you from divulging what you know. But surely... to help bring justice to the one + Mia@crystyl:+ responsible, it is worth stretching that loyalty, non?†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "Yes, I suppose…†Mia@crystyl:"Then please, tell us what you are holding back - help us bring justice to the Prince's death.†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "Alright. I think the pilot had something to do with it. I don't know what, but the two of them were spending more time together, and Ryzard was actually talking about her as...more - NPC@annpc#557:- than just someone he has fun with. He started to trust her, let her stay around in his room sometimes when he was away, but I can tell she was up to something.†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "I caught her with Ryzard's keycard once. She said she was just borrowing it because she forgot her own in his room, but I don't trust her one bit.†Mia@crystyl:"What about the Prince's movements leading up to his demise? You must have some indication of what he was doing that day.†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "Ryzard had an argument with Princess Zentara first. I saw the Princess storm out of their room and him looking visibly upset as well. That pilot, Lilia, came to his room later. The - NPC@annpc#557:- Prince never had a very good relationship with his wife, and I think the pilot always wanted him dead. He must've confided in her about the argument and then she killed him, knowing that it would - NPC@annpc#557:- implicate Zentara.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "That's not what you think, is it?†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "Of course it was! That's the explanation that makes the most sense.†Mia@crystyl:"Just because it is the most logical deduction does not mean it is what you believe in your heart.†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "Fine. I think Dr. Kempis did it. He had an argument with Ryzard on the whole evacuation. And he knows about the untraceable replicator. He confronted Marin about it when he learned - NPC@annpc#557:- the stimulants had to be coming from within the yacht.†NPC@annpc#557 looks to Mia, knowing that neither of them had mentioned the replicator before... Mia@crystyl plays innocent, "Apologies, but the... 'untraceable replicator'?†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat freezes when he realizes he revealed the existence of the replicator, "I...the...yes, it's a...special replicator that was installed. For the stimulants- Ryzard's stimulants. I'm...- NPC@annpc#557:- fairly sure it can be used to create poison too. The whole point is that it wouldn't have the usual blocks.†Mia@crystyl:"Indeed? So that is where the stimulants came from.†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat nods, "Yes. That's why it was installed.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "And you delivered him these stimulants, didn't you?†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "Sometimes...when he didn't make them himself.†Mia@crystyl:"When was the last time you brought him stimulants?†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "It was...not long after we set out from the evacuation, I believe.†Mia@crystyl looks to Eva. NPC@annpc#557 | Eva nods, "He is telling the truth, but he's still not telling us everything. You know what happened, don't you?†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "Are you implying that I was involved? What reason would I have for killing my master?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "I don't know. But you are still hiding many things from us.†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "I told you everything I know. My family has served the royalty faithfully for generations now.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva glances to Mia. Mia@crystyl:"You say that with such pride, yet turn your back on that loyalty by hiding facts from us that you know would give us the truth of the Prince's demise" she shakes her head with disapproval. NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "As I said, I've told you everything. All I did was get a few stimulants for Ryzard, on his orders.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva looks to Mia again, "Come on, I don't think we can get any further with him at the moment.†Mia@crystyl glances back to him with another disappointed shake of her head before turning and following Eva out. NPC@annpc#557 | Eva looks to Mia and Silvestrie once the door closes behind them, "I think he was involved, if not responsible. But I don't think the Rownians would take me on my word from what I can sense - NPC@annpc#557:- alone. We need to find some form of evidence, or get him to admit it.†Mia@crystyl nods, "He was very eager to implicate the pilot. If we had to guess at present, we would say he did it to preserve the integrity of the royal family by keeping the Prince from becoming committed to + Mia@crystyl:+ her. We imagine the scandal if the Prince were to leave the Princess for a known enemy spy.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "That's a possibility, but why kill the Prince and not the spy? I suppose it was easier for him to access the Prince, but there had to have been a better alternative.†Mia@crystyl:"To kill the spy would only incite further trouble between the factions which would further threaten the royal family. Killing the Prince creates sympathy for the family while solving the problem as + Mia@crystyl:+ he sees it. We are not certain of the specifics, but believe the key is in his closing comment: Mia@crystyl relays the recorded dialogue, "Konrat: "I told you everything I know. My family has served the royalty faithfully for generations now.†Mia@crystyl:"He is not loyal to the Prince, but to the royal family and is sacrificing the Prince for that greater good.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "That's certainly a possibility. But if he's doing all this to prevent trouble between the factions, wouldn't he admit to what he did so the fault lies only on him?†Mia@crystyl:"And leave the enemy spy free to operate here?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "That's true. He does seem quite intent on implicating Lumini.†Mia@crystyl:"It is just a theory, of course. As you said, we need evidence.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Where do you think we should look? To the other suspects, or search around the ship more?†Mia@crystyl:"We could interview the last two" she nods, "Though interviews will not likely yield definitive evidence.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva nods, "They may have more information for us to work with, at least. Who do you think we should go to first, Dr. Kempis or Marin?†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie: "I'd like to hear to hear the Doctor's opinion on things now in light of this clear divide over the Prince's use of stimulants.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Maybe we can ask Dr. Amari to accompany Mia on this one, and I can remain out here with you.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie nods, "Sounds good to me." NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Let's find Dr. Kempis, then." --- NPC@annpc#557 FX | After meeting up with Zanah, they proceed to Dr. Kempis' quarters, which is similarly guarded outside. The door slides open to another one of the regular crew rooms on the yacht, with the - NPC@annpc#557 - Lodzki doctor sitting behind a table and reading from a computer. He looks over as Zanah and Mia enter, "Ah, you're ba- you're not who I was expecting. What happened to Captain Ola Kostka?†Mia@crystyl:"We are not aware of any change in the Captain's circumstances. We are simply here to assist the investigation.†NPC@annpc#557 | Kempis: "Oh, good. I'm surprised they asked you to assist. Allow me to hazard a guess...you are the same outsiders who aided the evacuation efforts?†Mia@crystyl smiles, "Are you aware of any other outsiders accompanying the fleet?†NPC@annpc#557 | Kempis: "I heard the Cidrians still have their mercenary forces with their fleet, but no, I'm unaware of any others with us at the moment. Anyways, I suppose you have questions for me.†Mia@crystyl:"We do seek your assistance in resolving this conundrum, yes.†NPC@annpc#557 | Dr. Kempis nods and stands, closing his computer and stepping over to the couch, "Come, join me. I'll tell you all I can.†Mia@crystyl steps over and takes a seat, "Thank you, Doctor. We promise to make this as painless as possible!" she chirps, clearly trying to practice her bedside manner from things she's picked up in sickbay. NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah follows over and takes a seat as well. NPC@annpc#557 | Kempis: "So, what do you wish to know?†Mia@crystyl:"Could you perhaps start by telling us a little of your relationship with the Prince?†NPC@annpc#557 | Kempis: "Well he was...quite a character, but you no doubt already know that. For nobility however, he was more open than most. It manifested in more bad ways than good, though perhaps it may - NPC@annpc#557:- not be fair to separate the two. The time he spent fraternizing with anyone who took his fancy regardless of status and the way he socialized with his servants to get them to do things most - NPC@annpc#557:- servants would not, it's very likely they contributed to his more open minded views.†Mia@crystyl:"That is a very apt analysis of the Prince, but it does not answer the question.†NPC@annpc#557 | Kempis: "Well, our relationship is founded on his more open attitude. Most doctors come from either noble families or wealthy families who are likely to become noble within a lifetime. Those - NPC@annpc#557:- of us who are not well-off and choose to practice medicine normally don't obtain official certifications and the few of us who do at most find a good position in the military, as nobles prefer - NPC@annpc#557:- their own to serve as their doctors. Prince Ryzard heard of my achievements from my time in the military and chose to employ me.†NPC@annpc#557 | Kempis: "I took the position to prove that those of commoner background such as myself can make good doctors. Did I enjoy working for him...not particularly. I could have helped more people in - NPC@annpc#557:- the military, and the Prince can be a...difficult person to deal with at times. But with his lifestyle, he also needed a good doctor.†Mia@crystyl:"How so?†NPC@annpc#557 | Kempis: "How he was difficult to deal with, or why he needed a good doctor?†Mia@crystyl chuckles, "We meant the needing a good doctor, but both are valid points worth expanding on!†NPC@annpc#557 | Kempis: "They are related in some ways. The Prince is a selfish man, which may seem to contradict his views, but one can be a pacifist yet support the ideological reason behind a war being - NPC@annpc#557:- waged. His political views are more progressive, but he cares first and foremost for his own enjoyment, which his lifestyle reflects. He makes use of stimulants, you see, hallucinogens and - NPC@annpc#557:- enhancers and the like. It is not always an easy task to ensure he remains in good medical condition and is of sound mind and body when he needs to be.†Mia@crystyl:"And such things can often lead to... complicated circumstances. It is easy to imagine such things spiralling out of control and leading to his demise" she pauses then 'realizes', "Oh! But... + Mia@crystyl:+ wouldn't such stimulants be incredibly difficult to obtaion, especially now since the evacuation? As chemical products, they could likely only be produced at a medical replicator. Don't you have + Mia@crystyl:+ access to one of those in the medical bay?†NPC@annpc#557 | Kempis nods, "I do indeed, and I understand why I'm under suspicion. I wondered for the longest time where the Prince was getting these stimulants, and I became fairly sure some of it was - NPC@annpc#557:- being created on the yacht. In fact, I even installed spyware on my own replicator to see if that butler of his was misappropriating it, but it doesn't seem so. I still don't know where they come - NPC@annpc#557:- from, but I'm not an investigator.†Mia@crystyl:"His butler? You think he was supplying them?†NPC@annpc#557 | Kempis: "Yes. As I said before, the Prince spent more time with his servants than most other nobility. He made friends with them, and I believe they often supply him with stimulants, including - NPC@annpc#557:- his butler. I certainly have never supplied him with anything of that ilk, the most I have done is provide the women that come to this yacht with hypos so the Prince does not accidentally - NPC@annpc#557:- conceive an illegitimate child, and it is entirely within my purview as doctor to distribute those.†Mia@crystyl:"Of course. So what can you tell me of your final interactions with the Prince?†NPC@annpc#557 | Kempis: "You've no doubt heard about the argument we had during the evacuation preparation. Yes, our views occasionally don't line up, and that was one of the times when his selfish nature got - NPC@annpc#557:- in the way of his political openness. I don't agree with his decision, but that does not mean I killed him. It was also one argument among many, and we bear no hatred for one another as a result - NPC@annpc#557:- of those. That was not the last time I spoke with the Prince; in fact, he called me up much more recently before he died.†Mia@crystyl:"Oh?†NPC@annpc#557 | Kempis: "Not long after I arrived on board, the Princess came to ask me for the hypos I usually give to women who spend time with the Prince. I gave them to her, not thinking much of it at - NPC@annpc#557:- first, but then she tried to seduce me. I rejected her advances, of course, and decided not to talk to the Prince about it as I did not seek to get involved with their personal relationship. But, - NPC@annpc#557:- not long before his death, he called me up to question me on his wife's behaviour. I confirmed that I had indeed provided the Princess with the hypos and he said that whatever she had used it for - NPC@annpc#557:- it was not to sleep with him. We checked the sensor data and noticed that butler of his had been in the Princess' bed chambers and in suspiciously close proximity to her.†NPC@annpc#557 | Kempis: "At that point, he dismissed me, and that was the last I saw of him alive.†Mia@crystyl:"You are implying a love triangle then. You believe the butler was intimate with the Princess and the Prince... got in the way?†NPC@annpc#557 | Kempis: "I suspect so. Rownian military security could not have had the time to search the entire ship, they likely focused on the Prince's room. If you go and search the Princess' room, I am - NPC@annpc#557:- sure you will find some more definitive evidence of this than proximity on sensor logs.†Mia@crystyl:"Even so, evidence of activity there is not evidence of the Prince's murder.†NPC@annpc#557 | Kempis: "No, it is not, but perhaps with that information you may be able to pressure the Princess or the butler into telling you more. As for evidence of the Prince's murder, the only thing I - NPC@annpc#557:- can provide is proof that I was not involved." He stands, heads over to his computer and removes a chip from it before sliding it into a nearby PADD and handing it to Mia. Mia@crystyl takes it with a curious glance back to him. NPC@annpc#557 | Kempis: "The spyware in my replicator is still installed. It shows everything I or anyone else has created using it, and a nerve agent is not among them.†NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah: "Let me have a look.†Mia@crystyl hands the PADD to Zanah. NPC@annpc#557 scrolls through the information for a few moments before nodding, "I don't see anything that can be used to create the nerve agent in here." Mia@crystyl:"Forgive us for saying so, but this provides an alibi for your replicator. Not for you, Doctor.†NPC@annpc#557 | Kempis: "If you need more, well, think on it. I took the position to prove that one of common birth such as myself can serve as just as capable of a doctor as any noble. Yes, I do get slightly - NPC@annpc#557:- more pay than with the military, but if I was in it for the crystals, the Prince dying would not get me any bonuses. And murdering the Prince is certainly not a good way to show that I am a - NPC@annpc#557:- good doctor. It would very much go against any interest I have, wouldn't it?†Mia@crystyl nods, "We can see the logic, but are duty bound to pursue the evidence" she stands, "We will be in touch as soon as we have more news for you, Doctor. Thank you for the assistance.†NPC@annpc#557 | Kempis nods and smiles, "I understand. You have to be thorough in your investigation, after all. Let me know if you have any other questions.†Mia@crystyl smiles, "Thank you again, Doctor" and heads out. NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah follows Mia out, "You think we should check out the Princess' room like he suggests?†Mia@crystyl looks to Eva, "What do you think from what you sensed?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "The doctor is very honest. Moreso than any of the other suspects we have spoken to. I never had the sense that he was trying to hide anything from us.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "I think he's trying to figure out what happened in his own mind as well. And he genuinely wants the case solved.†NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah: "Likely so it doesn't leave a bad mark on his career. I'd want it closed cleanly too if I had a patient who was a Prince that got poisoned." Mia@crystyl:"We suppose then, that this search of the Princess' room is a viable line of inquiry.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie nods, "Even if it seems unrelated at first, you never know what you will find until you look." Mia@crystyl:"Alright then!†NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah: "I can check for DNA samples. With me again for this one, Mia, or should more of us go in?†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie: "I want the three of you to conduct the search while I distract the Princess with a more formal interrogation that will take her out of the room.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Good idea. You go ahead first then, and we'll go into the room once you get her outside.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie nods and heads off. --- NPC@annpc#557 | After Silvestrie has gotten the Princess away for formal interrogation, Mia, Zanah and Eva return to her room... NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah: "Let's see what we find, shall we?†Mia@crystyl nods and heads in, scanning away. NPC@annpc#557 | It doesn't take Mia long to confirm that there is indeed DNA samples of the butler in the area. Mia@crystyl:"We believe we have the butler's DNA here" she indicates to Zanah where it was found. NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah nods and scans around with her own tricorder. NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "I suppose he was the butler and probably served the Princess as well. We might want to search the bedroom to find specific biological samples that should not be here.†NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah: "Good thinking. Hairs and skin cells won't prove anything.†NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah steps into the bedroom, scanning around for a few moments before announcing, "Here's your specific biological samples. Not exactly proof of the Prince's murder, but it could be relevant.†Mia@crystyl scans the room while searching around. NPC@annpc#557 | Mia finds traces of chemicals in one of the drawers again. Mia@crystyl moves to check the drawer. NPC@annpc#557 | She finds some hypos under some clothes, two empty and one still full. Zanah stands from checking out the bed, stepping over to scan the hypos while Eva joins them and looks between the two at - NPC@annpc#557:- the scan results. NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "These are definitely the hypos Dr. Kempis gave the Princess. Kelly uses similar ones.†NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah turns one over to reveal some Lodzki text. Mia@crystyl watches curiously. NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "And there's a prescription date as well." She picks up one of the empty hypos and reads it over closely. "Matches the doctor's timeframe of when he gave them to the Princess, if my time - NPC@annpc#557:- conversions are correct…†Mia@crystyl:"So we have confirmation that the Princess was involved with the butler. This does not feel like anything incriminating for the Prince's murder though.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "No it's not, but clearly the Princess and the butler were trying to hide it from us. There's no reason for them to do so with the Prince already dead, unless it was relevant to the crime. NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "But the Princess wasn't lying to us, though…†Mia@crystyl nods, "She was very open about the fact that she has been, um, very open…†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Not open enough. I have a feeling so much of this could have just been avoided if the Prince and Princess agreed to keep an open relationship like Kelly and I have…†Mia@crystyl:"Perhaps so, but unless we find something more incriminating in here we do not feel this to have been particularly beneficial yet.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "The Princess was certainly not lying when she said she didn't have reason to kill the Prince. Maybe the butler's room will have more evidence?†Mia@crystyl:"Perhaps the Lieutenant can occupy him in the same manner!†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva nods, "Lets get him to conduct a more formal interrogation with Konrat and get in his quarters as well.†Mia@crystyl:"Very well. We are communicating this to him now. We should probably not be here when the Princess returns.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva places the hypos back where they were found and covers them with clothes again before closing the drawer, "There. She shouldn't even notice we were here.†Mia@crystyl heads out when they're all done. NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah and Eva follows Mia out. Before long, the Princess returns and Silvestrie sets off for the next 'interrogation' with Konrat. NPC@annpc#557 | Once the butler leaves his room, the three proceed inside again... Mia@crystyl heads in, straight on with her scans as normal. NPC@annpc#557 | Mia's sensors do not pick up any unusual DNA in this room. Mia@crystyl:"Well no DNA" she notes, continuing the search for everything else she can pick up. NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah joins in on the scanning while Eva takes a seat by the computer and checks it. NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Well this is interesting…†Mia@crystyl:"You have something?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "It's not so much what I have but what I don't have. These computers have incoming and outgoing messaging functions, but the butler's is barely used save for the odd letter to and from - NPC@annpc#557:- family. The latest message was during the evacuation preparation, and then nothing. No records of public database searches or anything. I don't think he used this computer much.†Mia@crystyl:"You think perhaps he has been trying to delete his records? If so we may be able to recover data from the computer core.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva shakes her head, "I don't see any sign of that. I think he might've been using a different computer. Something not connected to this ship's core.†Mia@crystyl:"We shall continue scanning for any signs of this!†NPC@annpc#557 | After some careful scanning, Mia does detect what seems to be a deactivated computer deeper in the bedroom... Mia@crystyl heads to investigate. NPC@annpc#557 | Mia tracks it down to a locked cabinet with a panel similar to those outside the maintenance tunnels. Mia@crystyl:"In here. It appears to be a secure safe.†NPC@annpc#557 | The panel also requires administrative access, but Mia can hack through it if she wants. Mia@crystyl:"Shoud we override the mechanism?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "We could call Captain Kostka here and see if the administrative card she confiscated works, but it may be faster if you overrode it.†Mia@crystyl nods, "Understood. A moment" she gets to work. NPC@annpc#557 | Mia manages to override the lock and the door swings open, revealing a setup of machinery connected to a computer. Mia@crystyl investigates. NPC@annpc#557 | Eva steps up, scanning it all, "Looks like he's got his own personal transmitter. That must be how he's circumventing having to use the ship's.†NPC@annpc#557 | The setup is intact and Mia is able to find a way to turn it on easily enough. Mia@crystyl activates it and begins analyzing the content. NPC@annpc#557 | It does indeed seem to be a private comm system! Mia is able to find records suggesting that the butler has been downloading illegal replicator patterns for stimulants. There is one deleted - NPC@annpc#557:- pattern along with a few deleted messages... Mia@crystyl attempts to reconstruct the deleted data. Miadrone hovers down to interface directly and expedite the process. NPC@annpc#557 | Mia is able to reconstruct the replicator pattern and a few of the deleted messages, which seem to have been sent to the Princess but before she arrived on the ship, indicating that the two - NPC@annpc#557:- were probably involved before even coming on board. Some of the messages however cannot be reconstructed and appears to have been deleted in a different way than the rest. All Mia can tell is - NPC@annpc#557:- the times when they were received, with the latest one about 23 hours ago... NPC@annpc#557 | The replicator pattern meanwhile appears to be for a nerve agent, and was downloaded 22 hours ago... Mia@crystyl presents the findings to the others, "This appears to be more conclusive evidence. The communications can not be fully reconstructed, however their timings would seem to implicate the Princess' + Mia@crystyl + involvement also.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "I'm certain I didn't sense anything from her that suggested she was involved.†Mia@crystyl:"It is perhaps circumstantial, but could it be possible that she directed the butler's actions indirectly?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva nods, "That is a possibility. She...did say to us that with the Prince dead, she would have to marry below her status, didn't she? It's possible she said something similar to Konrat, and - NPC@annpc#557:- the butler took it as incentive to kill the Prince so he could be with her.†Mia@crystyl nods, "We are communicating this to the Lieutenant now, should he wish to expand on his interrogation of the butler.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Do you think I should join him to ensure the butler is telling the truth, or does he have things in hand?" Mia@crystyl:"We believe we have found all we can here so should perhaps all join him. At least you are there if you sense anything then you can interject.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva nods, "We'll head over, then." Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | The three soon arrive outside the room where Silvestrie is interrogating Konrat... Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"Should all of us head in, or keep some of us outside?†Mia@crystyl:"The Lieutenant requested our presence, we take that to mean all of us.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 nods, "Let's go inside, then.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 steps into the room... Mia@crystyl follows them in. Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie glances over, "Aah ladies, thank you for joining us.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"Lieutenant. How do you want to proceed with this?†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie looks across to the butler and back to Eva, "Why don't you tell us what you found.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Eva: "Dr. Kempis informed us that Konrat was involved with the Princess, and we found samples of his DNA in the Princess' room.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Konrat: "I'm the butler on this ship. Of course I would be in all the rooms." Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Zanah smiles, "We thought you'd say that. These specific samples don't come from any normal kind of room service, though.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie: "Aah but I'm betting most house calls don't require the use of hypo's for birth control now, do they.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Konrat opens his mouth to speak before his face flushes blue and he closes his mouth, before opening it to speak again, "Alright. Fine. I fancied the Princess, and she was looking to spite - Evanne Dra@annpc#557:- Ryzard for his behaviour. One thing led to another, and…†Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"We also found your hidden comm terminal.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Konrat: "I already admitted to getting Ryzard illegal stimulants, didn't I?†Mia@crystyl:"Oui. But you neglected to tell us about the replicator pattern you tried to delete.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Konrat's eyes widen before blinking as he desperately makes up a lie to cover for himself, "I-I...it wasn't a good pattern. So I deleted it. Ryzard didn't like it...so what?†Mia@crystyl:"We concur that the nerve agent... how do you say... disagreed with him?†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Konrat: "You can't prove that pattern was for the nerve agent! It's gone.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie leans in, "A man of your caliber should always carry himself with dignity Mr. Konrat. I think it's about time to keep that in mind and tell us everything with your head still held high.†Mia@crystyl | Miadrone projects a holo of the data recovered, "Deleted data is quite simple to reconstruct, it is simply a matter of knowing the right language as you can see.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Konrat sighs, "I suppose there's no point lying any more. I gave it to him. I was on the edge about it, but Ryzard found out about me and Zentara. I knew my career was - Evanne Dra@annpc#557:- as good as over, so I slipped it into his drink when he was raging at me.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"You're still not telling us everything," she glances to Mia. Mia@crystyl:"Your replicator pattern was not the only deleted data we recovered..." Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Konrat: "So what else do you know?†Mia@crystyl | Miadrone's projection changes to show the log of comms, not being obvious that the content of the messages isn't there. Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Konrat nods, "Yes. Zegor began reaching out to me not long after the evacuation. In fact, this was his idea to begin with!†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Zanah: "...Zegor?†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Konrat: "Count Zegor Winowsi, Princess Zentara's father. Wait...curse the Fates, you didn't know this, did you?†Mia@crystyl:"But now we do know that your action was not simply a reaction to the Prince discovering your affair, but a predetermined assassination" she smiles and chirps, "Thank you for that!" Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Konrat: "I was just acting on the Count's instructions, I swear! Speak to him, he's the mastermind behind this, not me!†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie stands, "Oh, we will. But for now, we are finished here.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Konrat sighs again and buries his face in his palms, "Fates preserve me…†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie leads the way out. Evanne Dra@annpc#557 and Zanah follow him out. Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"It seems like we have another culprit.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie nods: "We should update the situation with the locals before proceeding. I have a feeling that it won't be such a simple matter to stroll into the Count's chambers for an interview.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"True. Let's return to Captain Kostka and update her on what we've learned." Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | The group returns to the living room-like area in the middle of the yacht where Ola awaits them on the sofas, typing on PADD. She looks up at the group as they arrive, "You're back. Do you - Evanne Dra@annpc#557 - need something, or have you found some conclusive evidence against one of the suspects?†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie: "Evidence and a confession from Konrat. Both to the Prince's assassination and his affair with the Princess.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Ola: "Interesting. And impressive. So he was having an affair with Princess Zentara and decided to remove the Prince from the equation?†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie: "Not... exactly. In his confession he stated that he was acting under instruction from Count Zegor Winowsi.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Ola: "Count Zegor? Now that's unexpected. He is Zimani, but to plot the death of his daughter's husband, and a Rownian prince at that. Yes, the Prince had a poor reputation, but the Count and - Evanne Dra@annpc#557:- his daughter knew what they were getting into when they arranged the marriage. Do you have any reason to believe Princess Zentara was involved at all?†Mia@crystyl looks to Eva. Evanne Dra@annpc#557 shakes her head, "She was entirely truthful when she said she did not kill the Prince and saw no personal benefit in doing so.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Ola: "Strange. I would have expected her to be part of such a plot, especially if it involves her father and her lover. At least she would have knowledge of it.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"It doesn't seem like she did.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Ola: "Well, the Count's involvement certainly complicates things. He's a suspect now, but he is also a Zimani noble.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie nods, "This is why I thought it best to consult with you on how to proceed from here.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Ola: "We're going to have to go through the Zimani. We can't just arrest one of theirs for questioning. I could relay what we found to Queen Rozala, but it may lead to political issues with - Evanne Dra@annpc#557:- the Zimani. It would be better for me to communicate with the Zimani military to see if they are willing to assist in the case, and if not, then report to the Queen to have her force the Zimani's - Evanne Dra@annpc#557:- hand.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"We were assigned to this by the King Ambroz of Ziman. It might be better if we brought this to him instead.†Mia@crystyl:"Or perhaps - if this is escalating a little too far for comfort - we could push it to our Capitaine? She was directed to assist in this-" looks to Eva, "Yes, exactly!†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Ola nods, "Yes, if the Zimani King would cooperate, that would be for the best.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Ola: "I'll hold off on reporting our findings until you manage to question the Count, then.†Mia@crystyl | Silvestrie nods, "Very well then. We'll report back to the Valley Forge immediately and let the Captain take things up with Ambroz.†Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Ola: "I'll wait for word here." --- NPC@annpc#557 | After Keelah is briefed on the results of the investigation and seeks an audience with King Ambroz of Ziman, she is instructed to beam onto the Vigilant Falcon, which has joined the VF and - NPC@annpc#557:- civilian ships to receive Keelah. Keelah@crystyl steps off the transporter pad. NPC@annpc#557 | Instead of being received by an officer like when she visited the military base on Czostak, the transporter room door slides open and King Ambroz himself strides in to meet Keelah. NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "Captain. Welcome to the Vigilant Falcon.†Keelah@crystyl bows her head, "King Ambroz, thank you for having me.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "Thank you for coming, Captain." He turns to head out and lead the way, "I have some good news for you.†Keelah@crystyl walks at his side, "Oh? That would be a welcome change of pace for the day.†NPC@annpc#557 | As they exit the transporter room, Keelah notices the two armed guards outside who fall in line behind Keelah and King Ambroz, though they keep their distance and allow the two to walk ahead. NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "I've managed to convince High Queen Runata to speak with Emperor Mihal and formulate a more formal accord signifying the end of hostilities between the Lodzki Alliance and the Cidrian - NPC@annpc#557:- Empire, provided that the Cidrians were not involved in causing this present matter, of course.†Keelah@crystyl:"There I have news for you, though it may be something of a double-edged sword.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "I am curious to hear it. But let us save discussion on the investigation until we reach my office.†NPC@annpc#557 | As they proceed through the halls of the Vigilant Falcon, Keelah sees that it is for the most part a similar design to other Lodzki ships with very elegant decorated interiors. However, Keelah - NPC@annpc#557:- notices that the sculptures and imagery look like more occult variations on the traditional motifs of imagery seen in other ships. Much of the text and iconography is also incomprehensible to the - NPC@annpc#557:-- translator, despite it now being fine-tuned for Lodzki languages. Keelah@crystyl studies this curiously. NPC@annpc#557 | It looks to Keelah like some of the imagery may have a deeper meaning, not in a subjective interpretation sense, but that they are literally concealing some messages or codes within. She -- NPC@annpc#557:- is unable to tell what they may be with only passing examinations and a lack of context, but they all seem to be very cryptic in nature... Keelah@crystyl fondly imagines a number of people who would take great pleasure in trying to decipher said hidden messages. NPC@annpc#557 | After a short trip on a rather Gothic-looking lift whose most prominent feature were three avian heads staring down from the walls, they arrive at an office. The two guards take - NPC@annpc#557 - position outside while Ambroz steps in, "Would you like something to drink, Captain?†Keelah@crystyl:"I welcome every opportunity to sample new things, thank you" she smiles. NPC@annpc#557 | King Ambroz steps over to a replicator and replicates two glasses of a red drink with ice cubes within, setting them on the table as he takes a seat, gesturing for Keelah to join him. Keelah@crystyl sits, taking the offered drink with a curious sniff and taste. NPC@annpc#557 | The drink has a slight fruity smell to it and doesn't seem to be a form of alcohol. Keelah@crystyl hmms, enjoying a sip, "Quite the charming beverage, thank you.†NPC@annpc#557 | King Ambroz smiles and takes a sip from his drink before asking, "So, what have you found?" Keelah@crystyl:"At the risk of sounding terribly cliché... the butler did it.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "Ah yes, butlers...always in the best position to assassinate their masters, aren't they?†Keelah@crystyl:"And seduce their Princess wives, apparently. Or be seduced by them, perhaps.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "You are certain it is not the Cidrian spy, then? You have found conclusive evidence pointing to the butler?†Keelah@crystyl nods, "And a confession from. This is the part you may not like..." NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz sets down his drink and looks at Keelah, "Go on.†Keelah@crystyl:"During the interrogation where he confessed, the butler also let slip that he was acting under the direction of the Princesses father; Count Zegor Winowsi.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "Do you have any other evidence besides the butler's word that Count Zegor was involved?†Keelah@crystyl:"On the Count's involvement? No. But the interrogation was conducted in the presence of a telepath who can testify to the honesty of the statement. And if you listen to the interview, the + Keelah@crystyl:+ circumstances of the reveal indicate truth. There are communication logs, but not actual messages. It... may be feasible to retrieve the messages from the corresponding terminal if they have not + Keelah@crystyl:+ been cleansed from there.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "I do not believe it will be possible. Zimani privacy measures are very thorough. If it cannot be retrieved from the recipient's terminal, there is no chance it will still be - NPC@annpc#557:- intact on the sender's terminal.†Keelah@crystyl:"Regrettable but not surprising. Given the nature of this revelation, you can see why I wanted to bring this to your attention before the investigation is officially closed.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz nods, "So how do you wish to proceed with the investigation?†Keelah@crystyl leans back, sipping her juice, "I... honestly do not know what is best. This has quickly escalated from a crime of passion to political intrigue at the highest level. Given the delicate balance of + Keelah@crystyl:+ power within the fleet, I am not well enough versed to make a sound deduction without taking advice.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "Then allow me to advise you. As far as the Rownian Queen and the rest of the Lodzki Alliance is concerned, keep it a crime of passion. Our society does not have telepaths, and the - NPC@annpc#557:- senses of one is not admissible as evidence. Say simply that the butler did not wish to implicate his lover the Princess but sought to shift some of the blame to another, and decided to name her - NPC@annpc#557:- father as a part of a wider plot where there is none.†Keelah@crystyl nods, "That makes sense. What of the father and the implied wider plot where we know there actually is one?†NPC@annpc#557 | King Ambroz: "Sometimes, it is better for the truth not to be disclosed. But for all you have done, you deserve to know it- so long as it remains between us.†Keelah@crystyl nods, "That is all I ask; to provide my own peace of mind that our action here will not endanger the stability of the fleet. Or those it will soon be taking shelter with.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "It will not. Only releasing the truth will. Your people performed their job well. A little too well, if I may say. I did not expect you to uncover Count Zegor's involvement. But his - NPC@annpc#557:- involvement was minimal, largely only as a relay for information and instructions. You see, Count Zegor reports...to me.†Keelah@crystyl:"So knew what had transpired here all along.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "That's correct. I set up this situation. The Count had discovered that his daughter was having an affair with the butler, and in his private investigation, uncovered the true - NPC@annpc#557:- identity of the Cidrian spy by accident. But where he saw concern, I saw opportunity. I instructed Count Zegor to use the butler's relationship with the Princess to tempt him into the crime, and - NPC@annpc#557:- Count promised that he would the butler to marry his daughter should the Prince be removed from the picture, as she will have little choice but to marry below her status after such an incident.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "Why would I do this, you ask? Because of the Cidrian spy. Once the murder occurred, the authorities would naturally dig into the backgrounds of everyone close to the Prince and - NPC@annpc#557:- present at the scene. Knowing that one of them was a Cidrian spy, Ziman would provide this information to the Rownian military security, who would quickly identify the spy as the prime suspect. - NPC@annpc#557:- As a result of this, tensions would briefly re-escalate in the midst of the evacuation- but of course, the spy was not the real culprit. Once that is discovered, the fleets would stand down, and - NPC@annpc#557:- upon seeing what she had to lose, the danger her pride has placed us all in, the High Queen would come around to the option of diplomacy with the Cidrians.†Keelah@crystyl:"I see. So you encourage a reunification of the factions by first bringing them to the brink of adversity, thus solidifying the resulting arrangement even more than it would be through traditional + Keelah@crystyl:+ diplomatic formation. A most cunning strategy, matched only by it's riskiness.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "It is a gamble, but a calculated one. Such an escalation was bound to happen sooner or later. At least this way, I was the one moving the pieces, not someone else whose intentions may - NPC@annpc#557:- not be in the best interests of the Lodzki people. Originally, I had intended to resolve this entirely internally. The Princess is Zimani and I hoped to use that to allow my own people entrance - NPC@annpc#557:- into the investigation. Your people were my secondary option, and I apologize for involving you in this affair.†Keelah@crystyl:"It is nice to feel wanted" she teases at the thought of being second choice. NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "I understand that you do not wish to become too heavily involved in our internal politics. But I hope you see the importance of resolving this case simply as a crime of passion.†Keelah@crystyl:"Of course. Most importantly, I am more relieved that everything played out to your design. Tell me now though; what will become of the spy?" NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "Queen Rozala will not seek to execute her, as she was not responsible for the death of her son. She will likely be imprisoned for espionage for a brief time, but the Cidrians still - NPC@annpc#557:- hold prisoners from the civil war. It is my hope that we will be able to trade her back to her own people during the negotiations in exchange for ours." Keelah@crystyl:"Sounds reasonable. As an alternate option, we may be able to find a place for her on the Valley Forge if desired.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "If you wish. One less prisoner to trade will not change much, and she may not even wish to go back.†Keelah@crystyl:"I have no specific desire in the matter either way. I simply wanted to present the option" she smiles, "So where does this leave us on the reunification now?†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "Once you present your evidence that the butler, not the spy, was responsible for the murder, the fleets will stand down, and we will begin arranging for talks with the Cidrian - NPC@annpc#557:- leadership. We may not see full reunification for some time still, but at least this is a step in the right direction. And with Mihal having declared the ceasefire before the evacuation and Queen - NPC@annpc#557:- Runata requesting a formal treaty now, it shows both sides willing to compromise- a good start.†Keelah@crystyl:"Indeed. I will be happy to assist with further talks.†Keelah@crystyl:"Though I will not be so happy to be played and manouvered like a piece on your gameboard again." NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz: "I understand. As I said, I would have resolved this all internally if I could, but unfortunately Queen Rozala insisted that it was her son who was murdered, not the Zimani princess. I - NPC@annpc#557:- was able to turn the situation around by stating the clear bias in the investigation, but the only route that left me was to seek your assistance as the least biased party. I will make sure not - NPC@annpc#557:- to involve you in such matters again, of that you have my word.†Keelah@crystyl smiles, "I am not adverse to involvement. I simply prefer to know the nature of my involvement.†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz nods, "Then I will inform you of all the facts at hand the next time I may require your assistance.†Keelah@crystyl:"That is all I ask. With that done, I believe that concludes our business here unless there is anything more?†NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz shakes his head, "You may have your investigators speak to the spy further to see which option she desires more. I should be able to make arrangements if she does not wish to be - NPC@annpc#557:- captured and traded to the Cidrians.†Keelah@crystyl stands, "Very well, I shall instruct my investigation team accordingly. Thank you King Ambroz, and congratulations" she smiles. NPC@annpc#557 | Ambroz sips his drink and smiles, "Thank you for your assistance, Captain Keelah.†Keelah@crystyl heads out with that. --- NPC@annpc#557 | RKS Wrath of Winter NPC@annpc#557 | Several hours later NPC@annpc#557 | A middle-aged Rownian woman in an elegant blue, white and grey gown sits on a raised command platform. Two guards drag in the butler Konnrat Jeskan, his hands bound together with cuffs. NPC@annpc#557 | The guards roughly throw the butler on the ground in the bottom of the platform. NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "Your Majesty, please...have mercy…†NPC@annpc#557 | Queen Rozala: "You know full well what you have done. I would not expect mercy if I were in your position, Konrat.†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "Please, my lady, I was used! It was-†NPC@annpc#557 | Queen Rozala waves her hand dismissively, "Yes, yes, Count Zegor, the guards have told me of your ramblings. Do you still deny your involvement, even now, when we have clear and irrefutable - NPC@annpc#557:- evidence of your guilt?†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "N-no, Your Majesty, I...I plead my guilt. I h-humbly place myself at your mercy. I only wish to explain that I was-†NPC@annpc#557 | Queen Rozala: "So you choose to continue making excuses, then. Very well.†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "No! Please! Don't have me executed!†NPC@annpc#557 | Queen Rozala: "Oh, I won't.†NPC@annpc#557 | The Rownian Queen motions and an armoured ceremonial guard steps up to her NPC@annpc#557 | Queen Rozala: "You've gathered the other members of the Jeskan family already?†NPC@annpc#557 | Guard Captain: "Yes, my lady.†NPC@annpc#557 | Queen Rozala: "Good. Throw them out the nearest airlock.†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat's eyes widen as he stares up at the Queen, "What?! You can't!†NPC@annpc#557 | Queen Rozala: "Clearly you've proven that the Jeskan family can no longer be trusted as servants. You took one of my sons from me, and now I will take everything from you.†NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat tries to get up and rush at the Queen, but the two guards who brought him in quickly grab him and hold him back. He struggles like a rabid beast in their grasp while the Guard Captain - NPC@annpc#557:- casually strolls down the platform. NPC@annpc#557 | Konrat: "No! You can't! They didn't do anything wrong! Please, Your Majesty! You can’t do this!†NPC@annpc#557 | Queen Rozala: "Oh, and take him with you. Have him watch, and then lock him away in a prison ship. I don't want to see him ever again.†NPC@annpc#557 | The camera pans out as the guards drag the struggling butler off the bridge. It continues zooming out past the bridge walls to show the hull of the Lodzki dreadnought as airlocks open and - NPC@annpc#557:- several bodies are sucked out into the vacuum of space. The camera continues zooming out, showing the huge Rownian dreadnought in full, then the rest of the Czostak fleet as it makes its way - NPC@annpc#557:- towards Vue-En. The camera doesn't stop however, moving through empty space, then past the Czostak sun, then the gas giant Nietak and Czostak orbiting around it. NPC@annpc#557 | The camera flies past the familiar planet of Vasomir, then Cidria, with the debris of the Horde vanguard and the destroyed orbital station, and even further into deep space, where it pans - NPC@annpc#557:- over a veritable swarm of ships, many times larger than the Czostak fleet, and of drastically different designs, both between themselves and from the Lodzki ships. The Horde fleet...
NPC@annpc#557 | After Keelah sorts out everything with King Ambroz, the investigation team returns to the Palace of Pleasure to decide what to do with the Cidrian spy. The ship is much more sparsely populated - NPC@annpc#557 - now that Konrat has been taken away for sentencing, but a token force still remains with two guards standing outside Lumini's room. NPC@annpc#557 | Silvestrie: "The Captain wants us to talk to her, see if she would prefer to be taken in by the Rownians and traded back to the Cidrians. If not, the Captain can make arrangements for her to - NPC@annpc#557:- stay with us for the time being.†Mia@crystyl smiles, "Generous as always!†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Should the two of us go in like last time, or?†Mia@crystyl:"We see no reason why not.†NPC@annpc#557 | Silvestrie nods, "We'll be out here.†Mia@crystyl heads in with Eva. NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini is sitting on the sofa and looks up at their entrance, "You're back. How is the investigation going?†Mia@crystyl:"You should be pleased to know that it is now resolved!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Really? This isn't some trick, is it? With how well you were seeing through me, I think you know I've told you everything I know.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva smiles, "I know. Don't worry, this isn't a trick.†Mia@crystyl:"You are officially cleared of the murder charges!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I suppose I'm still going to be incarcerated for espionage, but thank you. At least it should be a less severe punishment.†Mia@crystyl:"That is actually why we are here…†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Really? I would've expected the Rownians to take me into custody, as soon as the investigation was concluded.†Mia@crystyl:"That is still a possibility, leading to short term incarceration before being traded back to the Cidrians.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I suppose with the recent war, Cidrian's probably still holding prisoners from the Czostak kingdoms. Being used to trade makes sense. But you say that's a possibility, not a certainty?†Mia@crystyl nods, sitting across from her. Mia@crystyl:"We made our Capitaine aware of your... reservations about any future outcome, and she has authorized an alternate option for you.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva follows Mia, standing beside her. NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini looks at Mia curiously, "An alternate option? What might that be?†Mia@crystyl:"She has sent us to inform you that - should you wish it - there is a place for you on the Valley Forge.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "A place, as in...not as a prisoner?†Mia@crystyl nods, "That is correct! She said your skills as an infiltrator will not go wanting, and you may be able to convert your flight training to join one of the wings we support.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Really? You're willing to take me in...as a known spy?†Mia@crystyl:"She is willing to give you a chance. That's not to say it will be easy; you will have to prove yourself and the loyalty and respect seen amongst the rest of the crew. But we can tell you that it can+ Mia@crystyl:+ and has been done before. It is down to the individual and their resolve.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods, "I've been away from Cidria for a long time already. They've already forgotten about me, and I've never sworn loyalty to this new dynasty either. It's...not exactly home anymore.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I will go with you, if you will have me.†Mia@crystyl beams, "Yay! It will be our pleasure to help you settle in!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini smiles, "Thank you. I'm ready to go whenever you like. There's nothing here in particular I need to take with me, and probably more I prefer to leave behind…†Mia@crystyl looks to Eva, "Does the Lieutenant need to process any transfer documents before she is allowed to come with us?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "We had them ready now in case she wanted to come. He only needs to present them to the guards outside.†Mia@crystyl beams again bounding to her feet, "Then let us show our newest crewmember around!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods and stands, "Let's get off this yacht.†Mia@crystyl & co. head out to beam back to the ship. NPC@annpc#557 | The guards outside look to Lumini uncertainly as they exit, while Silvestrie looks to Mia, "She's coming with us, then?†Mia@crystyl nods, bouncing excitedly as usual, "Oui!†NPC@annpc#557 | Silvestrie takes out a Lodzki PADD and passes it to one of the guards, "You'll find the appropriate documents in here.†NPC@annpc#557 | The guard scrolls through before giving a nod, "I'll take this to my superiors. She's all yours." NPC@annpc#557 | The group materialize in the Valley Forge's transporter room. Silvestrie steps off and looks to Mia, "I trust you'll show our new arrival around?†Mia@crystyl:"We consider it our honoured duty as Executive Assistant!†NPC@annpc#557 | Silvestrie nods, "I'll leave her with you, then." The rest of the team disperse from the transporter room while Lumini steps off the pad and looks around. Mia@crystyl:"We hope the doorways will not present any difficulty…†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I've never been on a non-Lodzki ship before. It's built more to your size, but I'll manage. I'm not the tallest Lodzki," she chuckles. Mia@crystyl smiles, "We should start by showing you to your quarters. This way please!" she chirps, leading the way. Mia@crystyl leads her through the ship, chattering away the whole time about the ship and the people they pass. NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini follows Mia, looking to Miadrone curiously, "This drone that follows you around, is it...yours?†Mia@crystyl:"It is us!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "It's...you? Not yours?†Mia@crystyl:"Correct! We are what is technically called an Isomorphic Amalgamation, or Iso for short. It means we a networked consciousness of two independent and self aware AIs.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini widens her eyes and looks over Mia closely, "You're an AI? I thought you were a...biological person. Is this an advanced robotic body?†Mia@crystyl shakes her head, "Non! It is derived from a holoprojection - our pre-networked form, but utilizes a technology more comparable to replicators to generate our physical form now.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "So it's being generated..." her gaze trails to Miadrone, "...from the drone?†Mia@crystyl:"In essence, yes! Our droneshell replicates the projection unit, which then runs on an independent powercell to sustain our avatar!" she pats her stomach, indicating its presence inside. Mia@crystyl:"We maintain a data link in order to process sensory information, and express ourselves through the avatar. But our hearts and minds are in there" she indicates the drone. NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Your people have such interesting technology!†Mia@crystyl:"Oh, we are not truly Starfleet native technology!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Did you come on board like I did?†Mia@crystyl:"Non, our origin is rather more complicated! You see, our avatar began life as a Starfleet holoprogram - a history teacher! Our drone shell was a personal assistant to it's Arshai creator. We met + Mia@crystyl:+ after she got stranded away from her people and found a home with Starfleet, and evolved from there with the addition of some improved technology and reprogramming!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "A very interesting origin indeed. So you're mostly Arshai technology, then?†Mia@crystyl:"In terms of the physical technology which makes up our existence, yes.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods and pauses as they reach the quarters, "So this is where I'll be staying?†Mia@crystyl:"Oui! This is you!" she taps the panel to open the door and let Lumini find her way in. NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini steps inside and looks around, "You have very nice rooms. It's not far off from the luxury yacht, except from things being a little smaller, but I can get used to that.†Mia@crystyl:"These are standard crew quarters, so the decor may be somewhat... lacking. But it is your personal space to do with as you see fit!†Mia@crystyl:"A personal replicator is installed over her, and your console there has standard public access.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini smiles and nods, "Thank you. I'm allowed to decorate it up if I wish to?†Mia@crystyl:"Of course! On board supplies are minimal, though we do have access to the civilian vessels of the fleet so if there are any flavours of home you desire, we can help find them for you!†Mia@crystyl beams proudly, "We have numerous provisions which we are permitted to use for trade negotiations.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I'll let you know if there's anything I need, but it looks quite comfortable as it is already. I noticed you had quite the variety of people on your crew as well. Do they all live in - NPC@annpc#557:- rooms like this?†Mia@crystyl nods, "For the most part" exploring the room a little as well, "There are larger quarters for families, and smaller - shared - quarters for the enlisted personnel.†Mia@crystyl:"Some species have specific environmental requirements too! Though we do not have any aquatics on board, they are among the more challenging to cater for" she chuckles. NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Aquatics? I can imagine..." she chuckles. "I suppose there's separate environmental controls for them then?†Mia@crystyl:"Yes, you can have the computer configure your personal space however you like. This is Starfleet default, but you can adjust temperature, lighting, gravity, air mix all to your personal preferences.†Mia@crystyl:"Of course, public areas are a little different and tend to be maintained at this uniform standard, outside of any specific needs.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods, "I can manage in this temperature, though I might set it a little lower here in my room. Speaking of uniform standard...do I need to wear one of your uniforms? I noticed you're - NPC@annpc#557:- wearing something very different from the others, but with similar heraldry.†Mia@crystyl:"Our uniform is that of our original avatar! We have grown... fond of it, as it represents a period where - in our heart - we herald from. You however are not required to wear Starfleet uniform as + Mia@crystyl:+ you are not a Starfleet officer, nor do you hold a Starfleet rank. Basic dress code details are covered in the induction, but generally speaking you can choose to either wear your native uniform as+ Mia@crystyl:+ long as it conforms to basic requirements for public dress, or a nondescript Starfleet issue generic uniform.†Mia@crystyl she says, heading over to the desk to indicate a PADD lay on it with said detail. Mia@crystyl also picks up a combadge that she presents, "This is the one exception, your combadge!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini steps over to examine the PADD and looks over to the combadge, "I thought I would need one of those.†Mia@crystyl:"All duty personnel have one and are required to wear it at all times. As well as being your personal communicator, it provides the ship a constant sensor feed of your presence and condition. It also+ Mia@crystyl:+ serves as an emergency beacon should something ever happen to you.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Oh, it's a communicator as well. That's a useful little device.†Mia@crystyl:"Isn't it just! Well, you have your full orientation at 0800 tomorrow. That will get you fully up to speed on ship protocol and the like. Following that, you have your assignment briefing with the + Mia@crystyl:+ Capitaine at 1600. Until then, you have basic public access on the ship and the computer can accommodate any queries and help you find your way around!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini smiles, "Thank you for informing me. Will you be giving the full orientation as well?†Mia@crystyl:"As an overview, yes. A number of the department heads will also contribute.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods, "I'll read up more on your protocols and customs in the meantime, then.†Mia@crystyl:"We do not know if you have experience in circumstances like this, but we do know what it can be like to feel like an isolated outsider on a ship like this. These people... they have been through an + Mia@crystyl:+ immeasurable amount of experience together. They have grown from a simple crew into a family, and that can be difficult to embed into. We want you to know that we are here to facilitate that for + Mia@crystyl:+ you, and help you find your place in this family" she smiles. NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini smirks, "I did manage to successfully infiltrate the Rownians, so I am sure I'll be able to manage here. I'll let you know if there's anything I need, though.†Mia@crystyl:"What we are trying to say is, there is a lot of social activity on the ship and we welcome you to join us in any of it that you desire.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini smiles, "I will be happy to join in. Are there specific parts of the ship dedicated to such activities, or do you just socialize with others wherever convenient?†Mia@crystyl:"There are numerous areas!" she taps the desk console to call up a MSD showing them all. Mia@crystyl:"There are a number of lounges, which are the most commonly used social areas. There are also gym's, gardens, and of course the holodecks.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Gardens? You have gardens on your ship? Only our Kings and Queens and the wealthiest of nobles have that on ours…†Mia@crystyl:"In limited capacity" she nods, "But it is important to remember that this is an exploration vessel first. That means a large portion of the ship is dedicated to all varieties of scientific study, + Mia@crystyl:+ and botanical is very important when charting new worlds!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "That explains it. But I imagine it is nice to have gardens to visit on board as well.†Mia@crystyl smiles fondly, "After we first gained true sensory perception, it was one of our favourite places to spend time on the ship!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini smiles as well, "I'll be sure to visit it. I have one more question, if you do not mind…†Mia@crystyl smiles, "Please! We are here to assist.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "All the different people you have on board- did many of them come here like I did? Or did you all set out on this as a type of...joint exploration endeavour?†Mia@crystyl:"Well the overall complement of this vessel is around 1000 people, so the majority of that number are Starfleet personnel who set out on our primary exploration mission here. However, since becoming + Mia@crystyl:+ an integral part of the Coalition we taken on board a number of representatives from other Coalition parties, and a significant number of personnel - not just diplomatic representatives - have + Mia@crystyl:+ joined the ship during it's mission. You may have already noticed a large portion of Orions on board specifically. They are the taller green skinned folks who always look pleased to see you. They + Mia@crystyl:+ were colonists from Vue En who joined us when we first passed through there! Not all of the Orions on board did mind, but most now!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods, "I did notice them! They are closer to my height, and good looking as well." She grins. Mia@crystyl smiles, "They are renowned throughout the galaxy for their... allure, especially females of the species like Ms. Lennie and Ms. Emma! But you will get to know them all in good time, we are certain.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini smiles, "I look forward to it. Thank you again for taking me on board and showing me to my room." Mia@crystyl smiles, "All a part of the service! We shall leave you now to get yourself acclimatized, and see you in the morning for orientation!†Mia@crystyl:"Unless you require anything in the meantime, in which, please do not hesitate to comm us!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I will make sure to contact you if I need anything. See you soon!†Mia@crystyl beams and gives a cheery wave, "Enjoy settling in!" --- NPC@annpc#557 | At 1600 the next day, the doorbell to Keelah's ready room rings. Keelah@crystyl 's voice calls out, "Enter.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini steps into the room, "Captain Keelah, I presume?†Keelah@crystyl looks up with a smile, "And you must be Lumini. Please; come in, come in" she gestures, standing to move over to the sofa herself. NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini smiles back and nods, moving to the sofa, "I am. Thank you for taking me on board, Captain.†Keelah@crystyl:"Welcoming new people on board has become one of the rarer luxuries of my position in recent months. Care for a beverage? I don't have any Lodzki patterns programmed in here yet, but I have just + Keelah@crystyl:+ about refined the Vulcan Spiced Tea now.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I would be happy to try something new. It will probably be good to get used to your tastes here anyways.†Keelah@crystyl smiles, returning with her traditional tray of tea. She sits and pours them both out a cup, "One distinct pleasure we can derive from life on board a vessel such as this; the more diverse cultures + Keelah@crystyl:+ we have on board; the more variety there is to experience. I for one, look forward to sampling more Lodzki cuisine in due course.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini smiles back, "It is good that I came here, then. Cooking was part of our general training. I don't claim to be a master chef, but I can make many Lodzki foods from across the different - NPC@annpc#557:- Kingdoms.†Keelah@crystyl:"Excellent!" she sips her tea, "So how was your induction day? Are you suitably acclimatized and brain-numb from all the monotonous protocol?†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini chuckles, "It is a lot to remember, but luckily remembering things is my specialty.†Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, I imagine it comes it handy as an information gathering espionage agent" she says rather bluntly.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods, "As does cooking, actually. It is a good way to gain favour, especially among high society. But learning to remember information was a larger part of our training, of course.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Anyways, I suspect you probably didn't bring me on board to cook, and I don't imagine you are seeking to infiltrate the Lodzki either…†Keelah@crystyl:"Indeed" she chuckles, taking another sip before setting the cup down and turning to Lumini, "In truth, I simply wanted to ensure that you received a fair chance to continue making something of + Keelah@crystyl:+ yourself. You were caught in an unfortunate position not of your making, and with tensions as high as they are it would have been all too easy for one unlucky person to become the outlet for all of+ Keelah@crystyl:+ that.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini smiles, "I appreciate it very much, Captain. With the state of affairs as it is, I do not doubt that the Rownians would have convicted me of Ryzard's murder, even without sufficient - NPC@annpc#557:- evidence. My association with a different Kingdom that has been warring with them would've been evidence enough for the Queen. But now that I am here, and you've had Mia and your staff take their - NPC@annpc#557:- time to acclimate me, I imagine you would like to make use of my skills as well here.†Keelah@crystyl:"Naturally" she smiles, retrieving her drink, "I believe very strongly in second chances. But that's not to say that I would bring someone onto my ship who I didn't feel could grow to be a valuable + Keelah@crystyl:+ member of my crew" she sips, considering Lumini a moment, "The question is; what contribution is that to be for you…†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Well, my specialized training was in piloting. It was determined that I had good reaction times and spatial sense and it was the best fit for me. Pilots are something every crew needs - NPC@annpc#557:- I imagine. There's only so much you can rely on autopilot for. And I doubt you need a chef, a spy or a dancer on board," she chuckles. Keelah@crystyl perks a brow, "A... dancer? Well, it's not exactly a Starfleet career but I happen to know there are a number of enthusiastic dancers on the ship. As for your professional skills; yes, your piloting+ Keelah@crystyl:+ aptitude is certainly a promising start. We mostly operate shuttlecraft from this ship, though there is a combat wing now as well. I would like to think however, that your espionage experience will+ Keelah@crystyl:+ not go wanting either. We may not have need of infiltrating the Lodzki, but we do operate a small intelligence service here.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Dancing is part of our infiltration training. It's another good way to impress high Lodzki society, though there are many uses among any population," she smirks. "Some of us even - NPC@annpc#557:- specialize as bards. My talents were better suited for piloting, but we learn all the basics of the arts as well.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I did not expect you would have an intelligence service here. Your ship really has everything, doesn't it?†Keelah@crystyl:"I would not go that far, but it certainly has... enough. It has to, it is our home not just our place of work. Do you know how long it is since we left Federation space on our current mission?†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini shakes her head, "Not the specific length of time, but I'm under the impression that it's been quite a while. Over a year, at least.†Keelah@crystyl:"Almost 4 years now, in fact. That is 4 years for my crew not seeing the place they once called home, those they called family. 4 years of knowing nothing else but these bulkheads, and the shipmates.†Keelah@crystyl:"This is why a ship like the Valley Forge has to have everything. Why we have families on board, schools and nurseries, entertainment centres. It is not simply a starship in service, it is more akin + Keelah@crystyl:+ in many ways to a small colony, just one that doesn't stay in one place" she smiles. NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods, "That makes sense. I imagine your intelligence service here is more about gathering and sorting through data and communications, rather than active field work?†Keelah@crystyl nods, "Very astute, though that is not to say it is always the case. There is always the possibility of subtractive methods having to be used on away missions. To that end, how would you feel about + Keelah@crystyl:+ split duties? Focus primarily on your piloting, but with time also spent supporting our intelligence activities?†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini smiles, "I like the sound of that. You do have facilities for preparing non-replicated food as well, I imagine?†Keelah@crystyl nods, "Most of the lounges around the ship operate a kitchen of some description now. These are often somewhat limited by the rationing of our perishable supplies. Sometimes, we may even ration + Keelah@crystyl:+ replicator use to ensure that perishables are used in good time.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I may use some of my off-time to work in one of your kitchens and see if I can create some Lodzki foods for your people to sample. Assuming it fits their palette, but with such a - NPC@annpc#557:- diverse crew, someone is bound to enjoy it.†Keelah@crystyl smiles, "That will be something for us all to look forward to. Now, whilst we will continue to make every effort to help you find a home here; we do still have the proverbial elephant in the room of+ Keelah@crystyl:+ your background. Because of your professional history, you may find yourself subject to a certain amount of scrutiny - perhaps moreso than other new recruits. It can not be helped, and only you can+ Keelah@crystyl:+ work past it to earn the trust and friendship of the crew.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods, "I understand, and expect as much. Thank you for the second chance, Captain. I'll do my best to prove my trust to you and the rest of your crew.†Keelah@crystyl:"And in turn, we will do our best for you. I will assign you to flight training; while our shuttlecraft will likely be little challenge for you to master, they are required for all flight wings. FLT + Keelah@crystyl:+ Baelai wll be your instructor and wing commander. At her discretion, I am confident that you will very quickly progress to working with her squadron. Though we only have a single Interceptor craft + Keelah@crystyl:+ which she pilots, it's interface is quite unique and worth exploring. The rest of the wing is made of up Nuhar hybrids who are capable of operating with an onboard pilot, but also without. We have + Keelah@crystyl:+ invested heavily in the squadron in recent months, so I am particularly eager to see another experienced pilot join them.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I'll speak to her about it." Keelah@crystyl passes her a PADD, "Excellent. Here are your orders for the new posting and provisional duty roster." NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini takes the PADD and stands, "Thank you, Captain. I'll head over and meet the people I'll be working closely with." --- NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini strides in the shuttlebay, looking around and taking in her surroundings as she makes her way through, the tall Lodzki woman drawing a few gazes from the crewmen. Jenni@crystyl - as always - is working on Eon with a couple of deckhand. NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini steps over towards the Eon, examining the Forged Earth craft as she does. NPC@annpc#557 | She soon makes her way to Jenni and the deckhands, asking, "I presume this is the lead fighter I was told about?†Jenni@crystyl peeks out from under a wing, stepping around with a proud smile, "The one and only! She's called Eon.†Jenni@crystyl:"You must be, um, Luminous was it?†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini smiles, "Lumin/i/. I take it the Captain's told you all about me already?†Jenni@crystyl:"Lumini! Right, sorry about that. Yes, she said we'd be gaining a new pilot. Apologies for the confusion, I've just been pulling double shifts to get the squadron ready. FLT Jennifer Baelai, or Jenni+ Jenni@crystyl:+ for short" she smiles, extending a hand. NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "A pleasure to meet you. There is a lot of work in getting the squadron ready, then?†Jenni@crystyl:"Always! You're a combat pilot?†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Well, I was trained in combat piloting alongside those who do fly in combat, but I haven't actually flown in a war. Only drills and civilian ships and shuttles outside of that.†Jenni@crystyl nods, "Fair enough" turning to face the ship, "Well, I'm sure you know already that we have a mix on board here. But my current prep work is in getting the fighter wing up to spec. Eon here built + Jenni@crystyl:+ for it, but they-" she turns to the Nuhar squadron further down the hangar, "Well, we don't exactly know about them. We /think/ they were made for it, but we're still getting to know them.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini looks over at the Nuhar squadron curiously, "The Captain said that these ones use Nuhar technology and can operate without a pilot?†Jenni@crystyl:"It's more than that, they /are/ Nuhar Constructs. The first - and to everyone's knowledge - only Constructs to have been created from new since the demise of their Empire eons ago.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Really? Interesting. And the Nuhar created them for your ship?†Jenni@crystyl:"We think so. At least they will... or..." she scratches her head, "They... will have... going to... had made them...?†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini tilts her head, "Are...you alright?†Jenni@crystyl:"No, I hate temporal mechanics. They are from an alternate future where we believe the Nuhar of that time period created them to serve as a fighter wing for the Valley Forge of that time. Suffice to + Jenni@crystyl:+ say they found their way to us. I've run a few missions with them, and..." she nods and smiles, "...they are remarkable to fly with.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "That's quite a complicated history they have. Do you fly with them in the Eon, or have you tried flying in one yet?†Jenni@crystyl shakes her head, "I only fly physically in Eon, though the interface is so... interconnected it is like flying each of them as well.†Jenni@crystyl:"I understand their design and they are made to accomodate independent pilots as well, but it is not something I have field tested yet.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini smiles, "Maybe with me along, we'll be able to test how that works. I think the Captain mentioned that there's only one Eon?†Jenni@crystyl smiles again, looking over the ship, "That's right! Despite appearances, I am not of the same species as the other Humans on board. Eon and I come from our world and are the first to travel beyond + Jenni@crystyl:+our solar system. That is why Eon is so different to Starfleet ships, even their fighters. But as different as appearances are, the functionality is even more different.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini looks to the Eon curiously, "Is this the interface you mentioned?†Jenni@crystyl nods, "Go ahead, take a look inside!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini makes her way over to peer inside Eon. Jenni@crystyl inside she can see the windowless interior housing the gyroseat and seemingly no functional controls around it. NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini examines the setup curiously before looking back to Jenni confused, "Am I looking in the right place?†Jenni@crystyl watches her and chuckles, "Yep! That's where it all happens.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini looks back to the gyroseat, then to Jenni again, "How do you operate this? I don't see any form of control…†Jenni@crystyl:"Eon uses a total neural connection routed through the headgear. When you link up in that seat, it's like the ship is an extension of your body. And when flying with the Nuhar - because they're AI's + Jenni@crystyl:+ - it's like they are all extensions of that. It is quite the surreal experience, and it doesn't suit everyone. We have created a training simulator in the holodeck so you can see for yourself.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "That sounds very interesting! I've never had experience with such a control mechanism, and it'll probably take a while for me to get used to it. Assuming you do want me as a backup - NPC@annpc#557:- for you that is. I'll try the simulation anyways, it sounds like quite a unique experience.†Jenni@crystyl:"Yes, it is a good measure of a pilot's ability to interact fully with the Nuhar as well, since they seem to have been designed to follow Eon's lead and so work through the same connection.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "They use the same control mechanism then? Not the standard physical controls that most craft I've seen have.†Jenni@crystyl:"As far as we can tell" she nods, "It is similar at least, I suppose it has to be to give the pilot a fighting chance of making decisions and acting fast enough for an AI to respond to.†Jenni@crystyl:"It will be interesting to see, regardless! But we also have the Starfleet shuttles to work with. They are more run-of-the-mill, but see more flight time.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods and turns back to Jenni, "It will probably not take long for me to get used to them. I'll be able to start flying those soon, if you want me to begin working quickly.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Or are you only leading the fighter squadron and not the standard shuttles?†Jenni@crystyl:"I only lead the fighter wing, the shuttle duties are generally rostered across all duty pilots - myself included. We'll have to get you through Starfleet's flight training to get you authorized to + Jenni@crystyl:+ fly. But I'm sure you won't have any trouble there!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods and smiles, "I'll get started on the holo-sim as well and begin getting accustomed to your more unique method of control. Hopefully one day I might be able to join you in the - NPC@annpc#557:- fighter wing. I think the Captain would like more combat-trained pilots with you.†Jenni@crystyl:"As would I! It's a hug liability with the limitations on Eon's pilot. I've got a couple of the crew trained up to a point, but few people here fly anything beyond the occasional shuttle trip, let + Jenni@crystyl:+ alone in a combat squadron.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "You said your people developed separately from the others like you? Is it common for your people to use fighter wings, but not Starfleet?" Jenni@crystyl:"Yes, you see, on my homeworld we lacked the resources to implement traditional warp travel, our technology evolved instead around transporters to move about our star system. It is only within fairly + Jenni@crystyl:+ recent years that we were able to put a functioning sublight fleet into service for planetary defense. Eon here was the first of these ships and led the PD wing back then.†Jenni@crystyl smiles fondly, "I still remember the day I was on patrol around the asteroid belt when I got a glimpse of something actually /approaching/ our system. That turned out to be the Valley Forge; a sign + Jenni@crystyl:+ from the Ancestors if ever there was one!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "So this ship found you, and you joined them?†Jenni@crystyl:"Eventually, yes. A lot happened during that first contact which ultimately led to the reason we're out here now. You know about the Iconians?†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini shakes her head, "I don't think I've heard of them. The Lodzki Kingdoms do not deal often with outsiders- we Cidrians are among the most open, but I don't believe I've heard of a group - NPC@annpc#557:- or species by that name before.†Jenni@crystyl:"It is no surprise, they were once a vast empire spanning most of this galaxy. But they disappeared around 200,000 years ago - back when the Nuhar creators did.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "200,000? That is a very long time, even by Lodzki standards," she chuckles. Jenni@crystyl:"Indeed! That is why nobody really knew much about them for the longest time. See, they managed this vast empire through these gateway things. Like portals than instantly transport you to any other + Jenni@crystyl:+ on the same network. Well, it turns out that Forged Earth - my homeworld - was once one of these worlds. Or at least, another planet in our system was. That's why we had no resources for warp + Jenni@crystyl:+ drives - because it was all mined out by the Iconians! The fuel source we use now in limited form is an exponentially concentrated byproduct that now remains from their operation.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Interesting. Did you know you had one of these portals? Is it still functional?†Jenni@crystyl:"We had no idea! It was buried deep beneath the surface of the world we were mining. The crew of this ship helped us investigate the place and that's when we discovered an intact gateway!†Jenni@crystyl:"Well, then things got interesting as we were able to activate it and find a stable connection to a previously uncharted gateway. One far out to the galactic rim…†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Oh! Is that why you've gone so far from your homes?†Jenni@crystyl:"Yes! We were able to track a bearing for the connected gateway, but not a distance. Since it presented a potential risk to the Federation as an active gateway from an unknown region which could + Jenni@crystyl:+ enter Federation space, and also because of the exploration opportunity, Starfleet sanctioned this mission to come out here and locate the connected gateway.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Interesting! So you came along because your home system was the other end of the gateway, then?†Jenni@crystyl:"Yes, given the significance of this discovery on our doorstep my people recognized it as a possible way to make our mark on the galactic community and so arranged to have me join the Starfleet + Jenni@crystyl:+ mission.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini looks back to the Eon, "And you brought your interceptor with you," she smiles. "You are certainly making a mark already.†Jenni@crystyl grins, "That's the plan! Besides, I wouldn't be much use to this mission without her.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "It is certainly a unique and impressive craft! I look forward to seeing it in action.†Jenni@crystyl:"I could say the same of you" she grins. NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini grins as well, "I hope to give you the opportunity to. I'll start practicing with the simulation as soon as I can.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "In the meantime, let me know if you want to get a drink or a meal together sometime. It's good for fellow pilots to know each other.†Jenni@crystyl:"I couldn't agree more!" --- Sin@crystyl sits at the bar in the main forward lounge enjoying a drink after coming off duty. NPC@annpc#557 | Eva enters the lounge, spotting Sin and waving over as she approaches, "Hello Sin.†Sin@crystyl looks up, "Eva, hey! What's new?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva glances back out the window, where one of the Lodzki civilian ships can be seen flying alongside the VF in the distance, "Well...quite a bit is new, but you've probably heard all about it - NPC@annpc#557:- already, haven't you?†Sin@crystyl follows her gaze, "You mean that whole royal assassination thing?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva nods, "It was a complicated affair, but you've heard the basics at least, I imagine.†Sin@crystyl:"Pretty much" she shrugs, "Sure I saw Mia bouncing around earlier so I assume things all turned out well?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva chuckles, "That's always a good sign, isn't it? But yes, it all went quite well.†Sin@crystyl raises her glass, "Well then, good thing I'm poised to celebrate!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini steps into the lounge from the other door Eva entered through. Eva spots her quickly and waves over and Lumini smiles and waves back. NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "And speaking of which...here's our latest addition to the ship!†Sin@crystyl looks over her shoulder, and up, "Oh joy. Weren't we due to ingratiate ourselves with midgets next?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva chuckles, "I think the two of you might have quite a bit in common actually. If you look past the height difference…†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva beckons Lumini over and she steps up to the counter. NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Hello again, Eva.†Sin@crystyl gives Eva a curious glance before turning to size up the newcomer over a sip of her drink. NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "It's good to see you settling in. This is Ensign Sin. Sin, meet Lumini Parasu.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini towers above the sitting Sin, a good head taller than her from this position, "A pleasure to meet you, Ensign Sin.†Sin@crystyl:"So, the bard isn't the only one to be drawn to this little utopian franchise like a moth to a flame. Welcome to our dysfunctional little family!" she says with a jovial tone. NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini tilts her head curiously, "Utopian franchise?†Sin@crystyl snorts, "Yeah, you know; this whole Federation ideal picture.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Actually...I don't know much about your ideals. I'm learning them as I go," she smiles. NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "She was one of the suspects during our investigation. She didn't have anything to do with the murder, but regardless she was going to be taken in for espionage. It was being imprisoned - NPC@annpc#557:- and traded back to the Cidrians, or come with us.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I've been away from Cidria for years now, and I don't even know many people in the new regime. So I chose to come here.†Sin@crystyl smirks wickedly, "Aah, so you're our illustrious Captain's new pet project! Guess that means I'm finally off the hook.†Sin@crystyl 's face drops into one of dread, "But... that means I'm accepted..." looks to Eva with faux-shock, "I'm one of you now!†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "You do realize you're wearing the uniform now, right?†NPC@annpc#557 | Meanwhile Lumini looks to Sin curiously, "Pet project? I assume you joined under similar circumstances as me, then?†Sin@crystyl:"Yeah, pretty much. Only difference is' I didn't come in with professional training. I was just a merc on a kill job.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva smiles at Sin, "I told you you'd have quite a bit in common.†Sin@crystyl:"It would seem so. And for the record, I always wore the uniform, it just seems to fit now…†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini pulls up a stool and takes a seat beside Sin...and is still easily more than a head taller, "A mercenary? Like the ones the new Cidrian Emperor is hiring? I don't know much about how - NPC@annpc#557:- mercenaries work in the wider galaxy.†Sin@crystyl:"Yeah, pretty much. You see one merc, you seen them all; it's all in the name" she chuckles, downing her drink and tapping the empty to call for a refill while pointing for two more. NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I'm sure you're more different than that. If all the different people I see on the ship is barely a fraction of the species in the galaxy...there has to be more differences than that.†Sin@crystyl:"Oh no doubt. But when it comes to mercenaries..." shakes her head, "I'd consider them a universal constant.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "But not all of them end up joining a crew like this one, though. Can I ask about how exactly you ended up here, with the...kill job and all?†Sin@crystyl:"Sure, it ain't no secret anymore. You know that other ship that travels with us - the little black one that cloaks?†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I...think I may have seen a cloaked ship appear once or twice when I was at the helm of the Palace of Pleasure- Prince Ryzard's yacht, that is. We don't see many ships like that. Is - NPC@annpc#557:- it Toroki?†Sin@crystyl shakes her head, "Klingon - they're a warrior people whose empire borders the Federation.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I'm not familiar with them. But go on, you were saying…†Sin@crystyl nods, welcoming her new drink with a sip, "I took a contract to assassinate their captain, so forged my way onto this crew - my species is a Federation ally, so it was easy to be accepted as one of + Sin@crystyl:+ their own and get lost in the crowd.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "So you infiltrated this crew? I assume you were discovered before you could complete your mission?" Sin@crystyl nods, "My merc crew gave the game away. I had taken so long that they decided I must have been captured so they staged a 'rescue'. In reality..." she sighs, "...I guess when we started learn about + Sin@crystyl:+ Horde threat, I... kinda maybe got a little invested in our mission.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "And you chose not to go ahead with your contract and join in the ship's mission instead?†Sin@crystyl:"In a nutshell, yep! Of course after that, I was found out and spent considerable time just locked in my quarters. I was only kept around because previous encounters had already highlighted my + Sin@crystyl:+ powerful telepathic skills and suggested my capacity to play an integral part in the campaign." NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Telepathic skills?†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Oh, yes- that's how I was able to tell if you were holding back information during the investigation. Sin is a fellow telepath, like me, but stronger.†Sin@crystyl grins, "Yes, my people are exceptionally capable with such things.†Sin@crystyl looks between the two and smirks, "So... you got in her head to catch her out? Sneaky. I approve.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods, "Oohhh. I've heard of such powers, but it's not known among the Lodzki.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Not exactly. I was only using my ability to scratch the surface, make sure she was telling the truth, and telling us everything she knew.†Sin@crystyl:"Pfft! May as well have sent a Human in to 'read the body language'. You're capable of so much more Eva, but always reserved with it…†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "I don't like to use more if I don't have to, especially without permission. Besides, reading the surface was all that was needed in this case.†Sin@crystyl:"I guess. Untrained minds do tend to require less effort..." she pauses, looking up at Lumini, "Err... no offense.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini chuckles and shakes her head, "I for one am glad you did not dig too deeply in my mind. But yes," she looks to Sin, "you were discovered, but the Captain kept you around, and now you - NPC@annpc#557:- have officially joined the crew?†Sin@crystyl:"They call it a field commission. It's a convenient loophole that allows Captain's to bring people into service on their ship without having gone through all the years of academy training.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini smiles, "The Captain is certainly a major proponent of second chances, isn't she?†Sin@crystyl nods, "For the longest time I saw her as a 'soft touch', a pushover. But I was wrong... it may not always work out for her, but I've seen it for myself. She has this... sickening charm that somehow + Sin@crystyl:+ bends people to her will. I might be a powerful telepath, maybe more, but even I can not come close to the kind of power she wields.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini chuckles, "It's a good feature to have, especially in a leader. If she can manage Lodzki politics, she has to be /very/ persuasive.†Sin@crystyl:"Pfft! Lodzki politics are nothing compared to some of the stuff I've seen here" she spins her stool around, drink in hand and gesturing towards the window, "See that fleet of yours out there?†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini glances towards the window and nods, "Yes. What about it?†Sin@crystyl:"Imagine looking out there and seeing two, three, even four times more Nuhar Constructs - maybe thousands of them!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I have not even seen one before, only in holodisplays.†Sin@crystyl:"So you know at least that they're big and menacing, some dwarfing even this ship. Now... imagine those thousands of Constructs are divided between their two factions; split for hundreds of thousand+ Sin@crystyl:+ of years by the lack of the creators' presence to drive them, to give them purpose. Hundreds of thousands of years of fighting for their very survival against each other as much as the galaxy + Sin@crystyl:+ around them.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "And I thought Lodzki had long feuds…†Sin@crystyl nods, "Those things are in a league of their own! But now here's the best part" she leans in, "Imagine those thousands of ancient and angry Constructs all encircling this ship and all looking + Sin@crystyl:+ to the Captain to fix their dispute; one which all those thousands of ancient AI's with insurmountable volumes of knowledge between them could not fix.†Sin@crystyl grins, "Now /that's/ a diplomatic dance that takes balls!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini widens her eyes, "Wow. Really? The Captain actually managed that?†Sin@crystyl:"Yep! If they were biologicals they'd have all been hugging and shaking hands by the end of it!†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Well...it was more like hundreds, not thousands, but everything else Sin said was as it happened.†Sin@crystyl:"Ssshh! It's a story, it's supposed to sound better when retold!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I think it is impressive enough already without any exaggerations.†Sin@crystyl:"Yeah, but where's the fun in that" she chuckles, turning back to the bar, "But you're right; when even one Construct can cut through any starship with it's main antiproton weapon, to have hundreds + Sin@crystyl:+ surrounding you and hanging on your decisions..." she nods, raising her glass, "Respect where it's due.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini smiles and nods, "The Captain is certainly a leader worth following. What about the rest of the crew? I imagine they might've been a little wary of you at first- after your crew exposed - NPC@annpc#557:- you, that is.†Sin@crystyl snorts, "Yeah, you're not wrong. I didn't just inflitrate a crew, I betrayed the trust and friendship of a family who welcomed me as one of their own. At least that's how they saw it at the time. + Sin@crystyl:+ I don't blame them really, I'd have been just as sour I guess.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "The Captain mentioned that I may have to earn some trust with my history as a field agent...though I never infiltrated this crew or betrayed anyone's trust here. I suppose your task - NPC@annpc#557:- was much more daunting than mine.†Sin@crystyl:"It wasn't easy, and I was all for giving up to be honest. But I had a few advocates here who persisted. Then of course, Belyia happened. I suppose that shifted all our perspectives for good…†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini smiles, "I'm glad you were able to do it. And if you can manage it, I'm sure I will be able to.†Sin@crystyl:"You'll do fine, I'm sure! So what is your deal anyway? Second chances aside, I can't see many benefits to having a Lodzki royal family infiltrator around…†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Well, my specialist training was in piloting, and my cover identity was as a pilot for Prince Ryzard. The Captain thinks I might be able to help with the new fighter wing, and she's - NPC@annpc#557:- given me split duties in the situations when my other training might be useful as well.†Sin@crystyl:"Aah so you get to play with the baby Nuhar! Nice.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Well, I have to try the simulation first and learn the control mechanisms...the Eon and Nuhar work very differently than standard craft. I have to obtain the ceritification for your - NPC@annpc#557:- standard shuttles as well, though that should be much easier.†Sin@crystyl:"Yeah, jumping through hoops is always a pain. Never much had the patience for it myself, life's too short!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini chuckles, "I often forget your lifespans are much shorter than ours.†Sin@crystyl:"Aah, you already know about my people? I'm impressed.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Oh, I meant most other species in general. Though I am glad I did not assume wrongly with you.†Sin@crystyl:"I take it you are long lived compared to most folks around here then?†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods, "That's what I've heard, at least. One to two centuries counts as old for many of the people here.†Sin@crystyl:"Aww, dammit! Okay, next people we start recruiting; midgets who don't live more than a year. That's the new rule!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Less than a year? That's...barely any time at all." Sin@crystyl:"Yeah, exactly! Give me a chance to feel like an old timer for once.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "How young are you? If I may ask, of course.†Sin@crystyl grumbles a little, "Four this year…†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini widens her eyes and looks Sin over closely, "/Four/? That is...I was expecting something more like forty…†Sin@crystyl scoffs, "I don't think any Ocampa has ever reached an age like that! Well, maybe one... but I'm not even sure that counts…†Sin@crystyl slumps, looking distracted and trouble. NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "You do not even reach forty? That's younger than most…†Sin@crystyl:"We've evolved considerably in recent generations, so if I'm lucky I might reach 10. But our biology is... complicated, and also a mystery even to us.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Ten? That is very little time. I thought the Clenduros were short lived, but I believe even they often reach forty. You do not even understand your own biology?†Sin@crystyl shakes her head, "As far back as our history records, we expire at that age and it is a controlled action. There was rumour of one though - the first to leave our home with a passing Starfleet ship.†Sin@crystyl:"They say she surpassed that natural expiration by allowing a natural evolution to occur where she became omnipotent.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Maybe you'll be the second? You've also left your home with a Starfleet ship…†Sin@crystyl:"Many have since that time, but for the most part my people are frightened of their own existence and refuse to explore their potential. They don't hone their natural senses, and don't let + Sin@crystyl:+ themselves grow to the point of facing that possible evolution.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Why is that? Is it an uncomfortable thing?†Sin@crystyl:"Nobody really knows. They are just... scared to find out I guess.†NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "And you criticize me for not using my abilities much…†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "These abilities, they're the same ones you said were useful to the crew?†Sin@crystyl nods, "That's the theory. When we met the Trinity Alliance they reached out to me and gave me visions. One of them joined the crew with the sole purpose of working with me to train my abilities and + Sin@crystyl:+ prepare me.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Was this after you had already joined the crew, or?†Sin@crystyl:"Technically yes, but I was still on mission at the time. I suppose you could say that was the real turning point for me where I started to buy into this whole setup.†Sin@crystyl snorts, "That, or it coincided with a midlife crisis!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "But if you live up to ten, you're only just reaching the middle of your life now…†Sin@crystyl:"Yea, that's a good age to reach. Some don't make it past 7, and that means I'm already on the downward slope.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "That is still a very strange concept to me. I'm nearly two hundred, and I'm still considered rather young by modern Lodzki standards…†Sin@crystyl:"No stranger than living that long is to me! All that time... I wouldn't know what to do with myself!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Quite the opposite for me...I would not have enough to do anything for seven years. I've been working on the Palace of Pleasure for that long…†Sin@crystyl chuckles, raising her glass, "Here's to diversity!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini chuckles, "I have not seen so many different species in one place before. It is very interesting, learning about all of you.†Sin@crystyl:"There are certainly plenty of interesting characters. You've probably met some already.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I have indeed. The fighter wing leader- Jenni, seems to have quite an interesting history. Her and her home, which apparently has deeper ties to this voyage than I imagined.†Sin@crystyl:"Yeah, and then the whole thing of her people's ancestry being tied to this ship by it's namesake. Crazy stuff!†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Oh! That was why she said this ship's coming was like a sign. I did not make that connection…†Sin@crystyl:"I'm surprised she didn't tell you all about it. I heard it sparked quite the religious rebirth there.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Really? We were mostly speaking of the Eon and the Nuhar fighters. I will have to ask her more about her home sometime.†Sin@crystyl:"Aah, of course. That ship is like the one thing that she will get more excitable about than the whole Valley Forge thing!†Sin@crystyl:"But that's Jenni. Any other interesting characters you've met so far?†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Well, Mia showed me around the ship, and she's quite a unique character. Aside from that, I've only had the chance to speak at length with you, Eva and the Captain, but I look forward - NPC@annpc#557:- to meeting more of the crew. I am certainly curious about the Orions, from what I have seen and heard of them…†Sin@crystyl chuckles, "Yeah, most people are 'curious' about them after hearing about them. Well, there's plenty here to enjoy" she stands, "I'm sure you'll find your place though. Nice to have met you. Oh! And+ Sin@crystyl:+ one word of advice; keep an eye out for Essex. He gets... 'handsy'" she emphasizes with jazz hands and a smirk before waving and heading of.†NPC@annpc#557 | Lumina: "It was a pleasure speaking with you as well, Sin. And I will keep that in mind...whoever Essex is..."