<<Engineering>>

The problem in 10-forward has been solved. However, the looping diagnostic program was very sophisticated. It was designed to be hidden among the regular ships routines and not picked-up by security systems. Whoever programmed it had a very sophisticated knowledge of programming and ships systems. The program was not present in spacedock, and must have been added in the last several days. There is very little chance a program of this level could have been done as a prank; there is a high degree of likelihood of sabotage. Additionally, there is a high likelihood that the program was downloaded from a computer counsel in the VIP section of deck 10, the only unregistered computer access was on that deck.

<<Security>>

The powers problems in 10-forward appear to have effected local audio and visual sensors readings during each of the "malfunctions." Further sensor research will reveal an abnormal energy spikes coordinated with each of the malfunctions. Engineering will be able to confirm the energy spikes were not cause by faulty equipment or EPS relays (all function normal) and appear to be external to the equipment.

Dr. Jayngo has determined that the Vedek died as a result of chemicals and herb derived from Cerebus II. Admiral Mark Jameson died as a result of these same chemicals while on duty at Mourned IV. Obsidian Order member, Retell, was last believed to be selling weapons on Moden IV, before his capture at Mars.

Dekelley entered the ready room, "Captain…"

Starkin stood up and pointed to the chair across from her desk, "Counselor, please have a seat."

"Sir before you brief me on the ongoing situation, I'd like to know how you are. What is your state of mind?"

The Captain offered a somewhat weary smile. "I had a bit of a rough start this morning, so I'm a little on the cranky side."

Dekelley looked at her with just a glint of rebuke in his dark, understanding eyes. Though he said nothing, Starkin responded like SHE was reading HIS thoughts. She shook her head and stated tersely, "I appreciate your concern, Counselor, but I assure you that I don't need to be counseled now." She looked at his unwavering stare and answered. "You and I both know Starfleet captains face life and death every day." She turned away. "It was just so… senseless."

At the opening, the counselor spoke, "Senseless, unexpected, trying, painful, yes? I can sense you're having doubts about your commission, the ships security, engineering… You're tying to find someone to blame. Its not necessary to find someone to blame, Starfleet is not in the habit of finding scapegoats. Death can come naturally, by accident, or by intent, but it is inevitably for all of us."

Uriell was clearly frustrated by the counselor's message, "This wasn't some sort of accident, this was murder. He was under MY protection and he was murdered... on MY SHIP!" Her words were accentuated as she pounded on her desk.

"Fine if that's true, then we'll find the killer and bring him justice. This is no ship of fools; we are trained and skilled officers. Don't start second-guessing yourself on your second day in command of this vessel. Your officers are going to be looking to you for strength. They are just a hurt and surprised as you are. If you have doubts they will too."

The Captain reflected on the counselor's words, "You're right of course." She started to relax, "But it's far easier said than done."

Rory smiled, "Then do what all of the other captain's before you have done: Fake it, until you make it."

A smile from the Captain eased the tension on the room. "Alright. But you know," she said, pointing right at him, "I'm not doing this alone."

"You're not alone."

Her eyebrows raised as her tone became somewhat exaggerated. "No, I mean I'm bringing you personally in with me, Counselor." She relaxed her expression and explained, "To help field questions from the crew and civilians, to help the people on this ship deal with this."

"Of course - that's part of MY job. But I'll need to know what happened."

Starkin took several moments to explain the situation. She finished with, "Now you know what I do. I've been studying the Vedek's file; he had quite an amazing life. This is going to be a major loss for Bajor."

Dekelley solemnly responded, "I'm sure that's true. Each life has a value that cannot be measured in latinum. But I'm sure the Vedek was worth more than his weight in latinum."

"True enough, true enough. I would like you to join me; I'm going to the Vedek's quarters to break the news."

The counselor nodded, "It never gets easier, does it? Not at least if your doing your job right. I'd like to bring a nurse, we may need sedatives or antidepressants for the Bajoran party."

Shaking her head, "Agreed, we'll meet the medical staff outside the Vedek's quarters."

Dekelley tapped his comm. badge, "Counselor Dekelley to sickbay…."

Doctor Jayngo was reviewing his notes on the Tow case when Ensign Corbin entered the Sick Bay with a purpose. "What can I do for you, ensign?"

Stepping to the entrance to his office, she laid eyes on the doctor for the first time as he arose to greet her, practically having to pick her jaw up off the ground in her own mind. Bringing herself back to the task at hand, she returned to the peak of professionalism, even though to the common observer there had never been a difference. "Lt. Klaus asked me to come and see you, sir."

"Is there a problem with the DNA specimens I sent him?"

"I wouldn't know, sir. This is on a different matter."

"Well, then, once again, what can I do for you. And please call me Jayngo."

Corbin found herself smiling at the doctor, though she didn't know when she had started. "The Chief sent me to see what kind of trouble it would be to have tracking communicators for the ambassadors outfitted with biosign relays."

"Actually, it would be quite simple, as long as they all agree to wear them. Your standard communicator is equipped with something similar to enable ships to do quick locks on away teams. All we would need to do is replicate communicators that will do constant scans, along with a limited communication directory and clearance levels. I'm sure Klaus doesn't need the ambassadors bothering the captain with any little thing. I'll assume he wants the readings sent to his office." Jayngo walked over to the replicator and programmed it for the communicators. "How many does he want?"

"Better make up about three dozen, just to play it safe. How much work would it be to make those things subdermals, so we could just hypospray the ambassadors?"

Jayngo turned to look at the security officer. "Much more. I doubt you are going to find very many ambassadors that are going to be willing to have a homing devise put into their bodies, especially among the Klingons, Romulans and Cardassians."

"There isn't anything that says they have to know."

"Yes there is. If the Klingon Empire, or any of the others, ever discovered that people put under Federation protection were bugged, it could cause an intergalactic incident."

"Hmmm. Good point."

The replicator next to Jayngo hummed to life, depositing three cases of communicators on the pad. "Here you go, Ensign. Anything else I can do for you?"

:: Take me out to dinner tonight. :: "That should do it, Doc .... er, Jayngo. Thank you." She managed to control a shiver as their hands brushed against each other in the passing of the cases. "Have a good day."

"You too. I'm sure I'll be seeing you again soon."

"Why is that?"

"You are probably scheduled for your introductory exam sometime today."

"I'll look forward to it. See you then." The ensign turned on her heal and sauntered out of Sick Bay.

Jayngo smiled to himself as he started to take his seat once more, only to be interrupted by his communicator being activated. =^= Counselor Dekelley to sickbay. The Captain and I are preparing to speak with Vedek Tow's staff. Do you have a member of your staff available to assist in case sedation is needed? =^=

"Yes, Rory. Yures is just finishing up with the preparations for transport of the body. I'll send him to assist immediately. Jayngo out."

Yures was the best choice, so that if any questions needed to be answered, he could be on hand to answer them. Plus, with him being half-Bajoran himself, it would provide a friendly face, even if he didn't overly embrace that heritage. Stepping out of his office, Jayngo said "Yures, I have another job for you."

Prologue	Part 1	Part 2	Part 3	Part 4	Part 5	Part 6
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