S1E2 - Love Thy Neighbor

[Charlotte Fawkes]

[{NPC} Lieutenant Savar | Operations Center | Deck One | Outpost Solaere]

"And I you, Ensign," Savar said. "I recommend we take one of the labs in the Medical Area; a disease of this caliber may need some assistance from any available medical personnel. With your permission, of course, Commander," he added, looking at Kinley.

[Main Ops]

Kinley nodded to Charlotte. She would have loved to be investigating the water in the labs alongside her, but the situation  they were currently in required her to be in charge, unfortunately, what with a murder, and whatever the heck was happening .  " Go for it. Let me know if you need help on that." she said, noting the scientist.

Hearing Torra's remarks, she nodded. "Let's reply. I guess we will need to talk with this Koto at some point.  I want to know who this man is."

| Ensign Fawkes | Science Officer | Deck 1, Ops Center | Outpost Solaere |

"Understood, Lt. Savar. I'll meet you on deck 14, lab 3. It may take me a while. I'm holding the evidence in a jar and don't wish to contaminate it further." With a nod to Commander Garrison, Charlotte moved to medical via the turbo lift. "Next time, Commander," she said with a smile.

| Ensign Fawkes | Science Officer | Deck 14, Sickbay | Outpost Solaere |

Entering the lab, Charlotte politely nodded to the Vulcan lieutenant and two medical personnel. Handing the container to Lt. Brody, Fawkes stepped back, standing beside Savar. It wasn't long before the lab assistant concluded.

"Cholera bacteria, but not a strain I'm familiar with," said Brody as she prepared the water for proper storage.

"A mutated strain, perhaps?" asked Fawkes. "The Vulcans affected succumbed to symptoms almost immediately."

Brody shrugged. "Usually, cholera is transmitted through the feces of an infected individual via contaminated water source. That's one of the many reasons proper sewage treatment is so important."

"Cholera bacteria doesn't act that fast," said the second assistant, a Bolian ensign.

"Hmmm." Fawkes furrowed her brow. "It seems like we have just as many questions as answers, like how did a mutated strain of cholera get into the sewage?" Charlotte turned to her immediate superior. "We should notify Commander Said and Garrison of this development and see if samples taken from the aquifer wells match our samples. I would suggest testing the other wells and the ... ehm ... sewage." Fawkes made a face as she bit into a lemon.

[Nira Said]

| Ensign Fawkes | Science Officer | Deck 1, Ops Center | Outpost Solaere |

"Understood, Lt. Savar. I'll meet you on deck 14, lab 3. It may take me a while. I'm holding the evidence in a jar and don't wish to contaminate it further." With a nod to Commander Garrison, Charlotte moved to medical via the turbo lift. "Next time, Commander," she said with a smile.

| Ensign Fawkes | Science Officer | Deck 14, Sickbay | Outpost Solaere |

Entering the lab, Charlotte politely nodded to the Vulcan lieutenant and two medical personnel. Handing the container to Lt. Brody, Fawkes stepped back, standing beside Savar. It wasn't long before the lab assistant concluded.

"Cholera bacteria, but not a strain I'm familiar with," said Brody as she prepared the water for proper storage.

"A mutated strain, perhaps?" asked Fawkes. "The Vulcans affected succumbed to symptoms almost immediately."

Brody shrugged. "Usually, cholera is transmitted through the feces of an infected individual via contaminated water source. That's one of the many reasons proper sewage treatment is so important."

"Cholera bacteria doesn't act that fast," said the second assistant, a Bolian ensign.

"Hmmm." Fawkes furrowed her brow. "It seems like we have just as many questions as answers, like how did a mutated strain of cholera get into the sewage?" Charlotte turned to her immediate superior. "We should notify Commander Said and Garrison of this development and see if samples taken from the aquifer wells match our samples. I would suggest testing the other wells and the ... ehm ... sewage." Fawkes made a face as she bit into a lemon.

[{NPC} Lieutenant Savar | Operations Center | Deck One | Outpost Solaere]

Savar nodded at Ensign Fawkes and then he transmitted a message to Sickbay before he left.

From: Lieutenant Savar
To: Emergency Medical Hologram Mark XII

I have a science officer who has a sample of what may be plaguing the colony below. Can you please join us and lend us your expertise? We will be in the medical laboratory in the Sickbay Facilities nearby.

He got a reply back from a comm call.

"Sickbay to Savar. I think I can be spared. My patients are out of trouble now, so I'll gladly join you. Incidentally, you can always comm me."

"Apologies, but I would feel it odd to call Sickbay and ask for the EMH," Savar said.

"Feeling's mutual, Lieutenant, seeing as us holograms are the best medical personnel currently. That also includes Counselor Drylo, if psychiatry can be included. Out."

Savar then arose. "Excuse me commanders, but I need to see what my department will see with the sample Ensign Fawkes has brought along."

[{NPC} Emergency Medical Hologram Mark XII | Medical Lab | Sickbay | Deck Fourteen | Outpost Solaere]

"Excuse me, Counselor, but I need to confer with some Science personnel regarding this bacteria. Activate the EMH Mark One." Once the Mark Twelve set the Mark One to relieve him in treatment, he headed to the medical lab.

The medical lab was a good place to work on treatments in the past, but it had long been neglected. The Science Department had been helping to patch it back up, with help from the Operations officers, and it was an excellent place for Science and Medical to confer. As with now.

For his part, the EMH informed Feeva where he will be, activated the Mark One for treatment assistance, and walked over. It felt like a nice change to walk somewhere, rather than transmit over.

As he and Savar watched the Science personnel work, he could see that it was confirmed to be the cholera strain. What was more, he recognized the strain. But there was something odd about the sample as he observed, giving his medical expertise.

"If I may," the EMH said, "I've examined the bacteria myself in treating the patients nearby. There's something about the bacteria..."

He pulled up the microscopic details of the bacteria to the Science officers. They were the same in shape, owing to how lean and oval they were, like hot dogs or bratwursts or macaroni noodles. However, there was a difference.

"Look at the samples from the scans," he said, beginning with the right handed image. "The bacteria in the bloodstream in particular. The pili from the cell wall is highly extended, bearing semblance to a Terran fugu fish, only making the pili look extremely hairy. The bacteria in the water, however, looks different, the pili look so...dormant, withdrawn..."

As he gestured to the left hand image, he perked up, realization dawning on him. He then turned to Savar. "Mister Savar, might I have a blood sample?"

"What for?" he asked.

"I have an inkling," he said, getting a hypospray. Savar said nothing, but stood by to indicate he was ready. The EMH then drew out some blood from the hypospray. He then got a beaker, poured some contaminated water in, and then erected a forcefield, for Savar's sake, around a microscope and table and brought the samples together. He had a holographic screen on and he showed the images from the microscope.

The cholera bacteria from the beaker showed it still, but when Vulcan blood was introduced and the water greened up, the bacteria instantly poofed pili, like how a cat puffs its tail or when a fugu puffs its spines (earning it its more popular name, "puffer fish"). Instantly, the bacteria began attacking the blood cells, latching onto each cell in its puffiness, and sending some sort of substance out in the process.

"I knew it," the EMH said. "The bacteria seems to activate once exposed to Vulcan blood cells. It seems like it attacks the blood cells the same way Borg nanoprobes do so, and begins expelling its internal ribosomes to spread the disease, attacking the blood vessels before eventually clogging up.

"Look at the ribosomes," he added, "see how they themselves look to be like the shingles virus in miniature, spreading about to cause symptoms of shingles, particularly to cause pain to the afflicted for a long time."

"Curious," said Savar. "If I didn't know better, I'd say this is more than just a mutation. It's entirely possible this bacteria was genetically modified. Given the reports of cholera in Oaish'le, I would wager a hunch the Romulans are suffering similar symptoms, but not as fast as this particular strain. Besides, some Vulcans share some genetic similarities to Romulans, so it's entirely possible this strain was amplified for greater effect."

"Oh, I shudder to think this was engineered," the EMH said as he sent disinfectant sprays around his station and himself. "If this was potentially weaponized...who could have done this?"

"And in any case, how do we know it won't affect any non-Vulcans, let alone non-Romulans?"

"It did occur to me," the EMH said. "Ensign Fawkes, if it's all right with you, I'd like a sample of your blood. I want to see how the bacteria will react to a non-Vulcan blood sample."

[Nira Said]

[New Jericho Well | New Jericho Colony | Ciden IV]

After several minutes passed with no response, Therem stared at his padd with a frown. If there was a deadly bacteria loose in a mine, the mine would but shut down for safety (plus the potential cost of training new workers. However, the governor didn't seem to care about cholera, and the ambassador might have her head stuck in one of those oversized, vintage hair driers.

"How many wells are there in New Jericho, Talinn? Can you shoot me coordinates or a map? We need to test them all before people get stabby over finding untainted water. I'm going to try to call up some help..."

As he spoke to the Vulcan, Therem rapidly wrote a message to all of his prospector contacts within New Jericho. If things went well, then he could bill the Federation once this was all settled.

<Who needs work? Test the water wells in Jericho and send me the results.>

[New Jericho Well | New Jericho Colony | Ciden IV]

Most of the prospector contact at New Jericho didn't respond at all. Those that did scoffed at the idea, explaining that they had not a problem with cholera in their wells, and there was no trace of cholera anywhere. There seemed to be a jovial feeling regarding the plaguing of the wells in Oaish'le, however, reveling in a cruel undertone of the responses in the idea of Romulans dying from the bacteria. However, they will send some samples a demonstration of proof.

[Therem Estraven]

[New Jericho Well | New Jericho Colony | Ciden IV]

<Oy, don't let your dislike of Romulans get in the way of an easy paycheck. Federation is paying per sample, just label with location and time. Keep em coming for now.

Therem wasn't lying to his contacts, but he was already formulating the expenses that could be billed to the ambassador for future payment. Testing the wells was a good start on finding the source of the bacteria, but the actual scientists would have to actually find a way to eliminate the disease from the water supply. With no real other options, he used his comm badge to hail Outpost Solaere's dispatch operators for more info.

"This is Therem Estraven down at New Jericho, I'm working for Ambassador Ecks on some water issues at the colony. However, she fainted before telling me who to send the samples to on the science team. Could anyone point me in the right direction?"

With that out of the way, Therem turned towards Talinn for one last request. He wasn't sure how long the vulcan would want to help out, seeing as the governor didn't seem to care about having cholera in the water supply.

"Well, Talinn, the last place to check would be the aquifer itself. Is there a deep, mainline well that we can check? It'd be a good idea to see if the whole aquifer is infected while the other samples are being tested."

[Danjar-Torra Addams]

Lieutenant Danjar-Torra Addams
[Outpost Solaere - Deck One - Operations Center] (5:45 pm)

[Commander Nira Said | Operations Center | Deck One | Outpost Solaere]

"Oh, bullocks," Gillespie groaned. "Those separate sec/tac mercenaries, mucking aboot...Kinley, are there any vessels in the Tarod Sector? I'll let them noo to get to Ciden and impoond the Washington."

Torra was quiet as Nira spoke to the Admiral.  She was a little surprised that it was Nira who addressed him and not Commander Garrison (being the actually Commander of the station)... but then Nira had always been one to speak to speak out of turn.  Nira and Dersch were a lot alike in that respect.

At hearing Gillespie's question to Nira, Torra anticipated the order to look for vessels in the sector and began a search.  She sent the results to Commander Kinley's PADD.

[Charlotte Fawkes]

[{NPC} Lieutenant Savar | Operations Center | Deck One | Outpost Solaere]

Savar nodded at Ensign Fawkes and then he transmitted a message to Sickbay before he left.

From: Lieutenant Savar
To: Emergency Medical Hologram Mark XII

I have a science officer who has a sample of what may be plaguing the colony below. Can you please join us and lend us your expertise? We will be in the medical laboratory in the Sickbay Facilities nearby.

He got a reply back from a comm call.

"Sickbay to Savar. I think I can be spared. My patients are out of trouble now, so I'll gladly join you. Incidentally, you can always comm me."

"Apologies, but I would feel it odd to call Sickbay and ask for the EMH," Savar said.

"Feeling's mutual, Lieutenant, seeing as us holograms are the best medical personnel currently. That also includes Counselor Drylo, if psychiatry can be included. Out."

Savar then arose. "Excuse me commanders, but I need to see what my department will see with the sample Ensign Fawkes has brought along."

[{NPC} Emergency Medical Hologram Mark XII | Medical Lab | Sickbay | Deck Fourteen | Outpost Solaere]

"Excuse me, Counselor, but I need to confer with some Science personnel regarding this bacteria. Activate the EMH Mark One." Once the Mark Twelve set the Mark One to relieve him in treatment, he headed to the medical lab.

The medical lab was a good place to work on treatments in the past, but it had long been neglected. The Science Department had been helping to patch it back up, with help from the Operations officers, and it was an excellent place for Science and Medical to confer. As with now.

For his part, the EMH informed Feeva where he will be, activated the Mark One for treatment assistance, and walked over. It felt like a nice change to walk somewhere, rather than transmit over.

As he and Savar watched the Science personnel work, he could see that it was confirmed to be the cholera strain. What was more, he recognized the strain. But there was something odd about the sample as he observed, giving his medical expertise.

"If I may," the EMH said, "I've examined the bacteria myself in treating the patients nearby. There's something about the bacteria..."

He pulled up the microscopic details of the bacteria to the Science officers. They were the same in shape, owing to how lean and oval they were, like hot dogs or bratwursts or macaroni noodles. However, there was a difference.

"Look at the samples from the scans," he said, beginning with the right handed image. "The bacteria in the bloodstream in particular. The pili from the cell wall is highly extended, bearing semblance to a Terran fugu fish, only making the pili look extremely hairy. The bacteria in the water, however, looks different, the pili look so...dormant, withdrawn..."

As he gestured to the left hand image, he perked up, realization dawning on him. He then turned to Savar. "Mister Savar, might I have a blood sample?"

"What for?" he asked.

"I have an inkling," he said, getting a hypospray. Savar said nothing, but stood by to indicate he was ready. The EMH then drew out some blood from the hypospray. He then got a beaker, poured some contaminated water in, and then erected a forcefield, for Savar's sake, around a microscope and table and brought the samples together. He had a holographic screen on and he showed the images from the microscope.

The cholera bacteria from the beaker showed it still, but when Vulcan blood was introduced and the water greened up, the bacteria instantly poofed pili, like how a cat puffs its tail or when a fugu puffs its spines (earning it its more popular name, "puffer fish"). Instantly, the bacteria began attacking the blood cells, latching onto each cell in its puffiness, and sending some sort of substance out in the process.

"I knew it," the EMH said. "The bacteria seems to activate once exposed to Vulcan blood cells. It seems like it attacks the blood cells the same way Borg nanoprobes do so, and begins expelling its internal ribosomes to spread the disease, attacking the blood vessels before eventually clogging up.

"Look at the ribosomes," he added, "see how they themselves look to be like the shingles virus in miniature, spreading about to cause symptoms of shingles, particularly to cause pain to the afflicted for a long time."

"Curious," said Savar. "If I didn't know better, I'd say this is more than just a mutation. It's entirely possible this bacteria was genetically modified. Given the reports of cholera in Oaish'le, I would wager a hunch the Romulans are suffering similar symptoms, but not as fast as this particular strain. Besides, some Vulcans share some genetic similarities to Romulans, so it's entirely possible this strain was amplified for greater effect."

"Oh, I shudder to think this was engineered," the EMH said as he sent disinfectant sprays around his station and himself. "If this was potentially weaponized...who could have done this?"

"And in any case, how do we know it won't affect any non-Vulcans, let alone non-Romulans?"

"It did occur to me," the EMH said. "Ensign Fawkes, if it's all right with you, I'd like a sample of your blood. I want to see how the bacteria will react to a non-Vulcan blood sample."

Fawkes stood back and watched as the Mark XII EMH brought up the hologram of the cholera strain from New Jericho. The EMH was thorough in his explanation and its unique attributes, though the implications of the mutated cholera were troublesome. And watching the bacteria react to Savar's sampled blood, Charlotte found herself in agreement with the Vulcan lieutenant.

Once asked for a sample of her blood, the ensign allowed the EMH to extract the necessary amount.  "There's an old earth saying – if it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck. I'd say we have a duck here, but more tests are needed." As her blood sample and the bacterium were combined, Fawkes addressed Savar. "As I indicated before, I think it would be prudent if we tested all the aquafers for leaks and the sewage for signs of this specific bacteria, if such tests aren't already in progress. If this is a bioweapon and we can determine how it was engineered, that may lead to a suspect."

[Stryker]

[Dersch Planet]

"Captain Dersch,"   Nira retorted, emphasizing the word "captain" with a vein of disdain, sarcasm, and an undertone of disappointment,  "seeing as you are now a civilian, you are not in any position to order me around. I suggest you stand down any weapons you have and cooperate with Lieutenant Aune. Come quietly with him, and hand over all you have found out about Suvin to us and to his team. Surrender your weapons as well. And whether you are a civilian mercenary or not: I. Am. Giving. You. An. Order.

"And I have one more tidbit to part with you, Captain,"   Nira finished with contempt, again giving her previous tone at the word "Captain."  "Order me around again, and you're going to find yourself worthy of a court martial. Is. That. Understood?"

Dersch was now beyond pissed. "Yes Mam, And Also I wasn't ordering, Just asking" Dersch then had all the weapons beamed up to the Washington and even their suits revaling their uniforms. "Alright, Aune, We are now unarmed, and Out of our suits, All I ask is you don't cuff us like dogs, We aren't the regular theft merncarys We server to protect, Not to steal

|lt. Sven Aune || New Jericho, Suvik's resident.|

Sven gave Dersch the "oh really" look and rolled his eyes.

"Jus' tack on resisting arrest t'yer growin' line of infractions." He said matter of factly.

"Now, ya can run. An' I'll jus' put a warrant out fer yer arrest. All the member states will be notified by the Unified Criminal Network, as you are fully aware of. An' it certainly won' look good when yer tribunal come's around. Ya really 'ave a way of diggin' yerself a 'ole, don't'cha? So, I'm glad ya decided t'cooperate."

He pressed his communicator.
lt. Addams, if you would be obliged t' t'do a full security beam in t'our most luxurious five star brig cells for Emperor Dersch an' his court o' clowns"   he stage whispered this next part to the man loud enough for Addams to hear it, "ya really ought t'figure out 'ow the chain of command works buddy. Seems y'ave some trouble with it." Then back to a normal voice, continuing his conversation with the senior ops officer,  "It seems there's a ship that follows around his highness like some lost puppy. If ya have any information on it, I'd love for ya t'get it impounded. Its computer core might have some useful intel on the death's of the ambassador's an' possible other terrorist activities. I wan' it ripped out an' held securely in th' science lab. Any suspicious components, modifications, or tech should be removed and quarantined." This next part is hard. Suvik is dead, an' we found Dersch with the body. I'll need t'meet with the Judge Advocate before I proceed with a formal inquiry an'question Dersch. I'll be sendin' down lt. Marsh t'do a forensics investigation of the site. In the meantime could I also ask ya to beam his body to sick bay. I know ya will handle him with care an' I'm sure his family would appreciate the respect we afford him. Thank-you."

He turned his attention back to Dersch. "Next time, think before abandonin' yer post. An' speakin' of sherkin' yer responsibilities, what exactly did you do with your family? I 'ope fer yer sake y'didn't leave them to the wolves while ya yer playin' Rent-a-Cop."

[Feeva Drylo]

Outpost Solaere
Medical

Feeva was doing scans of the fallen woman, plus all the other bodies as they trickled in. A viral outbreak was definitely not something they needed right now. "Nurse, I need a few vials of whatever kind of fever reducer we have," she said to the young man standing there. "Well, go on then!!" She shook her head and turned back to the EMH.

"He's about as useful as a chocolate teapot, isn't he?" She sighed. "Well, she'll be fine, but...I don't know about the others." Just then, they were interrupted by a call from the CO's office.

Feeling's mutual, Lieutenant, seeing as us holograms are the best medical personnel currently. That also includes Counselor Drylo, if psychiatry can be included. Out.

"Well, that's quite rude! At least I am alive," she called out after the Hologram as he left. She shook her head. "Alright, Nurse Teapot, thank you. I need you to attend to the Petty Officer there, and whomever this is," she said, indicating a biobed to her front right and the next one to that.

She went to work, using the machines and hyposprays and her own abilities to calm people, provide pain relief, and tend to injuries. She was prepped for an influx of new patients. She'd need a lot of patience, though. 

[Kinley Garrison]

[Main Ops]

Savar was correct in his assumptions. While Kinley was no medical specialist in any regard, she knew well enough that an outbreak of this potentially dangerous pathogen planetside could be at least debilitating, if not devastating to those who may be susceptible to it. " Let's do it. Time is of the essence."

Noting Cloten's unease, she nodded sympathetically as she listened to him.  She still didn't like the scumbag of a hairball, but given everything,  he was still one of the people she was in charge of taking care of on this station, and she had to put her people first, whether she personally liked them or not.    "Fair enough.  Do we have the manpower to send a team to get him?  Or should we get him ourselves?"

"Thanks, Torra," she said, trying to hide her reluctance. Some of the Admirals tended to make her uneasy.  Sure, they were people too, but there was always something a bit distant or intimidating about them. With this tense situation involving mercenaries and other ships and everything,  she noted that Nira was the first one to fill them in on the situation.  Unorthodox, given the chain of command, but she had a lot on her plate in terms of simultaneous crises.  Talking first wasn't her specialty.

"Good day, Admiral.  Yes. We are currently dealing with the Washington situation, she said. She was going to ask Torra to bring up a map of the nearby ships, but it seemed like Torra was one step ahead and had already sent her the stats on her PADD. "Yes. We have a few ships in the system; The Megistus and the Endurant. " She nodded to Torra, temporarily muting the feed to the Admiral.  "Could you send in a request to said ships to assist in impounding the Washington?"

Unmuting herself again, she nodded to the Admiral. "In other news, We have other problems as well.  Ambassador Sot was found murdered and we have uncovered a potentially devastating disease outbreak that may be related to said murder. We have teams on the case."

[J.B Dersch]

|lt. Sven Aune || New Jericho, Suvik's resident.|
Sven gave Dersch the "oh really" look and rolled his eyes.

"Jus' tack on resisting arrest t'yer growin' line of infractions." He said matter of factly.

"Now, ya can run. An' I'll jus' put a warrant out fer yer arrest. All the member states will be notified by the Unified Criminal Network, as you are fully aware of. An' it certainly won' look good when yer tribunal come's around. Ya really 'ave a way of diggin' yerself a 'ole, don't'cha? So, I'm glad ya decided t'cooperate."

He pressed his communicator.
lt. Addams, if you would be obliged t' t'do a full security beam in t'our most luxurious five star brig cells for Emperor Dersch an' his court o' clowns"   he stage whispered this next part to the man loud enough for Addams to hear it, "ya really ought t'figure out 'ow the chain of command works buddy. Seems y'ave some trouble with it." Then back to a normal voice, continuing his conversation with the senior ops officer,  "It seems there's a ship that follows around his highness like some lost puppy. If ya have any information on it, I'd love for ya t'get it impounded. Its computer core might have some useful intel on the death's of the ambassador's an' possible other terrorist activities. I wan' it ripped out an' held securely in th' science lab. Any suspicious components, modifications, or tech should be removed and quarantined." This next part is hard. Suvik is dead, an' we found Dersch with the body. I'll need t'meet with the Judge Advocate before I proceed with a formal inquiry an'question Dersch. I'll be sendin' down lt. Marsh t'do a forensics investigation of the site. In the meantime could I also ask ya to beam his body to sick bay. I know ya will handle him with care an' I'm sure his family would appreciate the respect we afford him. Thank-you."

He turned his attention back to Dersch. "Next time, think before abandonin' yer post. An' speakin' of sherkin' yer responsibilities, what exactly did you do with your family? I 'ope fer yer sake y'didn't leave them to the wolves while ya yer playin' Rent-a-Cop."

|| JB Dersch || New Jericho, Suvik's resident.||

"Jus' tack on resisting arrest t'yer growin' line of infractions.. Dersch just sighed. If Aune waa gonna play the dick card move, go right ahead.

"Now, ya can run. An' I'll jus' put a warrant out fer yer arrest. All the member states will be notified by the Unified Criminal Network, as you are fully aware of. An' it certainly won' look good when yer tribunal come's around. Ya really 'ave a way of diggin' yerself a 'ole, don't'cha? So, I'm glad ya decided t'cooperate."

JB shook his head. Aune was trying to make Dersch the villain here when he wasn't, When Starfleet wasn't there to help they were and Aune seemed to be forgetting that. Dersch then sent a quick com burst to the Washington

"It seems there's a ship that follows around his highness like some lost puppy. If ya have any information on it, I'd love for ya t'get it impounded. Its computer core might have some useful intel on the death's of the ambassador's an' possible other terrorist activities. I wan' it ripped out an' held securely in th' science lab. Any suspicious components, modifications, or tech should be removed and quarantined." This next part is hard. Suvik is dead, an' we found Dersch with the body. I'll need t'meet with the Judge Advocate before I proceed with a formal inquiry an'question Dersch. I'll be sendin' down lt. Marsh t'do a forensics investigation of the site. In the meantime could I also ask ya to beam his body to sick bay. I know ya will handle him with care an' I'm sure his family would appreciate the respect we afford him. Thank-you."

Activate the Cloaking Device and Do not Deactivate till further notice Within seconds the Washington was no longer on scanners. "Sorry Aune, But no one is touching the Washington"

He turned his attention back to Dersch. "Next time, think before abandonin' yer post. An' speakin' of sherkin' yer responsibilities, what exactly did you do with your family? I 'ope fer yer sake y'didn't leave them to the wolves while ya yer playin' Rent-a-Cop."

Dersch was a bit taken back by this. "No they are safe and sound, And By the way your wasting time with me, Koto is on the Station as we speak and I am 100% positive that's he looking for either my family or me, But he won't get my family, They are safe and sound on the Washington, Besides, there's 14 Secuirty Tactical Marines Standing Watch over them, So Koto ain't gonna get them, And also I wasn't play rent-a-cop, I was tying up loose ends" Dersch was not going to let Starfleet take his ship. That ship had saved Starfleet asses more than he could count. So why now, All the sounded they want to take it, Rip it to pieces and bascily salavge it. Damn Star fleet basterds

[Nira Said]

Lieutenant Danjar-Torra Addams
[Outpost Solaere - Deck One - Operations Center] (5:45 pm)

Torra was quiet as Nira spoke to the Admiral.  She was a little surprised that it was Nira who addressed him and not Commander Garrison (being the actually Commander of the station)... but then Nira had always been one to speak to speak out of turn.  Nira and Dersch were a lot alike in that respect.

At hearing Gillespie's question to Nira, Torra anticipated the order to look for vessels in the sector and began a search.  She sent the results to Commander Kinley's PADD.

[Main Ops]

Savar was correct in his assumptions. While Kinley was no medical specialist in any regard, she knew well enough that an outbreak of this potentially dangerous pathogen planetside could be at least debilitating, if not devastating to those who may be susceptible to it. " Let's do it. Time is of the essence."

Noting Cloten's unease, she nodded sympathetically as she listened to him.  She still didn't like the scumbag of a hairball, but given everything,  he was still one of the people she was in charge of taking care of on this station, and she had to put her people first, whether she personally liked them or not.    "Fair enough.  Do we have the manpower to send a team to get him?  Or should we get him ourselves?"

"Thanks, Torra," she said, trying to hide her reluctance. Some of the Admirals tended to make her uneasy.  Sure, they were people too, but there was always something a bit distant or intimidating about them. With this tense situation involving mercenaries and other ships and everything,  she noted that Nira was the first one to fill them in on the situation.  Unorthodox, given the chain of command, but she had a lot on her plate in terms of simultaneous crises.  Talking first wasn't her specialty.

"Good day, Admiral.  Yes. We are currently dealing with the Washington situation, she said. She was going to ask Torra to bring up a map of the nearby ships, but it seemed like Torra was one step ahead and had already sent her the stats on her PADD. "Yes. We have a few ships in the system; The Megistus and the Endurant. " She nodded to Torra, temporarily muting the feed to the Admiral.  "Could you send in a request to said ships to assist in impounding the Washington?"

Unmuting herself again, she nodded to the Admiral. "In other news, We have other problems as well.  Ambassador Sot was found murdered and we have uncovered a potentially devastating disease outbreak that may be related to said murder. We have teams on the case."

[Commander Nira Said | Operations Center | Deck One | Outpost Solaere]

Nira can especially sense from Torra her feelings when she spoke to Gillespie. It was that Nira had a bit of a rapport with Gillespie, with his having to give her Starfleet Security assignments in the past. She couldn't help it when he often came on. She had that before from Ian Galloway. On the other hand, Nira had felt something from Kinley, something that made Nira wonder if Kinley didn't like talking first...

Gillespie furrowed his brow further when he heard the news. "Now that is interesting," he said. "If the outbreak is related to the murder, what does the murderer have to gain from it?"

"Perhaps not letting the Romulans of Oaish'le have so much of a drop of that aquifer," Nira said. "It may be possible they want to have New Jericho have that aquifer to themselves. And if that disease is connected to the murder, perhaps all water sources in Oaish'le could get poisoned in an effort to drive the Romulans out. Which would benefit New Jericho most of all, because a lot of the Federation colonists in New Jericho hate the Romulans, hate that they've descended upon the planet in large numbers looking for a new home...and despise us for aiding them..."

It had occurred to Nira. An inkling of suspicion formed. Somebody in New Jericho must've must've known about Solaere's effort to recruit a diplomatic team to negotiate rights with the Romulans to the aquifer, given that a diplomatic team selected by the administration would be as biased as the rest of the colony and predisposed to negotiate that the Romulans not get a drop. Perhaps that same somebody hired Koto to thwart that effort.

"Well, bullocks," Gillespie sighed. "If I dinnae ken better, I would presume somebody in New Jericho hired that evil git Koto to stop your efforts."

Nira had to smile. Once a detective, always a detective. It was why Gillespie was where he was in Starfleet Security, and why he and Nira get on very well.

"I'll be standing by, in case yeh lassies need more assistance. Gillespie oot."

The viewscreen cut off. Nira then turned to Torra. "Torra, if the line to Starfleet Medical is still open, once you send the message to the Endurant and the Megistus, get in contact with Sot's examiner over there. We're going to need to have a word with that person," she added, looking over to Kinley.

She then looked at the results on the PADD. The Endurant and the Megistus, she could see, were top of the line ships, and were thus suited for quantum slipstream drive. The former as a Ross class ship, the latter a Sagan class cruiser. Nira felt a bit of satisfaction in knowing that, however much the Washington had, the Endurant and the Megistus were ahead of it by twenty or thirty years.

Cloten had chanced a brief look at the console to see what was going on, and he, too, saw the ships incoming. Despite his fear of Torra, the prospect of two Starfleet ships going after a merc ship made him excited. He had his own PADD and started writing a memo to send to his database: "Two Ships go after Merc Ship Washington. What Are The Odds?"

His own PADD connected to the computer in his office, he sent it over, eager to see what bets can be placed...

[Nira Said]

Fawkes stood back and watched as the Mark XII EMH brought up the hologram of the cholera strain from New Jericho. The EMH was thorough in his explanation and its unique attributes, though the implications of the mutated cholera were troublesome. And watching the bacteria react to Savar's sampled blood, Charlotte found herself in agreement with the Vulcan lieutenant.

Once asked for a sample of her blood, the ensign allowed the EMH to extract the necessary amount.  "There's an old earth saying – if it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck. I'd say we have a duck here, but more tests are needed." As her blood sample and the bacterium were combined, Fawkes addressed Savar. "As I indicated before, I think it would be prudent if we tested all the aquafers for leaks and the sewage for signs of this specific bacteria, if such tests aren't already in progress. If this is a bioweapon and we can determine how it was engineered, that may lead to a suspect."

[{NPC} Lieutenant Savar | Medical Lab | Sickbay | Deck Fourteen | Outpost Solaere]

Savar watched as the bacterium was combined with her blood sample. Hearing Fawkes' analogy, the famous phrase to go with it, he said, "I can see what you mean. Here in this case, as much as it looks like a Cholera bacteria, it doesn't look and behave the way it does. I can see here that it doesn't react to human blood the way it does Vulcan blood. I concur we have to conduct more tests, but we can see the first sign as to how this strain is designed in a way to specifically affect Vulcans, and as such, potentially, Romulans."

"I don't know," the EMH retorted. "We'd have to send somebody down to the water sources in Oaish'le where people are being afflicted with Cholera so that we'll know, but I don't know what medical officer we can spare..."

[James Koto - Outpost Solaere]

"Jimmy," she called in "Hagon's" voice. "You're not going to believe this. Dersch has been arrested by the Starfleeters. If you still want him...it's too good a chance to pass up."

"Ohhhh Really?, Find the location of his wife and daughter for me, I am going to kill them first. Hiurt him from the inside then end with the outside...." Koto then clicked off the comm and went and hid in Clotens office

[Cloten's Office | The Jackal | Deck Ten | Outpost Solaere]

The memo came in to the computer in Cloten's Office. It was still accessible; Cloten had always kept it free to use, unlocked and free to use. He had trusted on his thugs' fear of his wrath that ensured his confidence nobody would get it open.

Unfortunately, not all of his security features were up, which meant anybody who could sneak in could notice what was going on on his computer. And there was more than one way past Cloten's thugs guarding his office.

[{NPC} "Captain Hagon Ral" | Freighter Dock Three | Deck Eleven | Outpost Solaere]

"Hagon" acknowledged. She had to step out of their base ship and access a computer console.

"Computer, locate the Dersch family."

The computer gave her the information. The Dersch family was gone. They were really one step ahead, weren't they? Or was it Dersch himself? She returned to the base ship and did a scan...saw three Federation starships in the system...two top of the line vessels, registered as the Endurant and the Megistus...and an older Yeager class, registering as the Washington...

"Hagon" recognized the name. Jimmy served on the Washington...and "Hagon" put two and two together.

"Jimmy," she called in Hagon's voice, "Dersch's family are gone. However, your old ship is in the system. Is it entirely possible your old friend got them out?"

[Stryker]

Activate the Cloaking Device and Do not Deactivate till further notice Within seconds the Washington was no longer on scanners. "Sorry Aune, But no one is touching the Washington"

Sven made a dismissive noise, bordering on the side of mockery. "Huh. Just add, failure t'comply with enforcement, and failure t' relinquish evidence critical for a criminal investigation. Ya got some sort of criminal infraction bingo card that yer tryin' t'fill out?"
He shrugged. "I guess it can't be helped then."

He tapped his communicator

"lt. Aune to lt. Addams. Sorry t'keep bein' a thorn in yer side. But could ya reley an warrent for asset seizure for the Washington when ya get a hold of the Judge Advocate? Our esteemed guest seems t'think that rent-a-cops are above the law, and have it posted on the Integrated Criminal Network? I want to make sure that when that ship decloaks anywhere in the Federation our member states know that it's to be apprehended immediately. Thank you."

He turned back to Dersch.  "Ya know, for a person that spends an inordinate amount of time in the holodeck reenactin' late 20 century police shoot-outs an' crime scenes yer rather obtuse when it comes t'criminal law. But fret not. Yer gunna get a crash course in it soon enough.

You may have some uber starship, Dersch, some war vessel tha' can obliterate an entire planet when ya turn on the high beams. Ya may have a legion of juiced up genetically augmented supersoldiers at yer beck n' call. But I have somethin' that is much more powerful than those two things combined. Somethin' so powerful ya can't even fathom it depths. An infinite void that will suck everything you have. It'll suck yer out yer soul an' very will t'live. It's the power of the Bureaucracy.

Tha's right Dersch. I'm gunna wrap yer ship up in so much red tape, that yer great grand children will long be dust in the ground before it's relinquished back t'ya.

I'm curious Dersch. Ya got only 14 marines protectin' yer family. How do you afford them? I mean they gotta eat. Gotta pay wages and I doubt your salary as a junior grade lieutenant was enough t'keep them on yer payroll. An' I doubt they would sit around in a cloaked ship twiddling their thumbs waitin' fer ya maybe give an order, when ya have free time workin' full time for the Federation?

You know what, don' answer that. I don't what t'know. But I do think it was awful convenient that yer ship jus' happen t'be there when ya called for it. Convenient that it has a cloaking device. Convenient that you have an extensive crew that somehow magically gets compensated for sittin' around on their thumbs waitin' fer ya t'tell them what to do in yer free time. And that's why I think you've been runnin' a side gig smuggling weapons to Oashl'ie t'pay for it all.

That means, I'm gunna have t'get an investigation ordered fer yer ship once we seize it. Do you know how much paperwork that takes? First well have to prescreening done t'ensure safe occupancy of the ship for the workers. A project plan will have t'be drawn up and approved by the bass. An' because the Romulans are involved the plan will have t'be sent t'them. They'll have 300 days t'respond with any revisions, or changes. That'll get sent back t'the Federation and they will have 300 days to approve the changes an' the revisions. An' as you know, stuff crops up and stuff slips through the cracks an' they typically get around t'it a few weeks before it's due. Those revisions will be sent back t'Romulans who will then have 300 days t'respond. It takes frikken forever and once that's done the document heads off t'clerical for final formatting and dependin' on how busy they are... An don' forget, the Federation loves t'change procedures every couple of years so we'll have to stop and revise the document and start that whole process over just t'keep it updated. An' that's for the safe occupancy sweep just t'let Federation personnel on board t'even start investigating it for smugglin. I won't even bother tellin' what's involved t'get that actual project plan approved t'do the actual investigation of the ship.

Ya diggin' what I'm sayin' here? It's gunna take us years just to get this done. Not to mention any other kind of investigation that could be warrented which will just extend the time it spends in the impound."

He gave Dersch a decisive look. "An' don't worry. I'm not wastin' any time on you. Unlike you, I trust my people t'do their job. They are capable, trained, and qualified, so I'm sure this Koto character won't be a problem much longer. But right now, yer my main issue."

Sven thought for a moment. "First rule of mercenary work. Don't trust yer employer. An' certainly don't expect any kind of loyalty. Their loyalty goes as far as their Latium. We won't be requirin' yer services anymore."

[Danjar-Torra Addams]

Lieutenant Danjar-Torra Addams
[Outpost Solaere - Deck One - Operations Center] (5:50 pm)

[Main Ops]

Savar was correct in his assumptions. While Kinley was no medical specialist in any regard, she knew well enough that an outbreak of this potentially dangerous pathogen planetside could be at least debilitating, if not devastating to those who may be susceptible to it. " Let's do it. Time is of the essence."

Noting Cloten's unease, she nodded sympathetically as she listened to him.  She still didn't like the scumbag of a hairball, but given everything,  he was still one of the people she was in charge of taking care of on this station, and she had to put her people first, whether she personally liked them or not.    "Fair enough.  Do we have the manpower to send a team to get him?  Or should we get him ourselves?"

"Thanks, Torra," she said, trying to hide her reluctance. Some of the Admirals tended to make her uneasy.  Sure, they were people too, but there was always something a bit distant or intimidating about them. With this tense situation involving mercenaries and other ships and everything,  she noted that Nira was the first one to fill them in on the situation.  Unorthodox, given the chain of command, but she had a lot on her plate in terms of simultaneous crises.  Talking first wasn't her specialty.

"Good day, Admiral.  Yes. We are currently dealing with the Washington situation, she said. She was going to ask Torra to bring up a map of the nearby ships, but it seemed like Torra was one step ahead and had already sent her the stats on her PADD. "Yes. We have a few ships in the system; The Megistus and the Endurant. " She nodded to Torra, temporarily muting the feed to the Admiral.  "Could you send in a request to said ships to assist in impounding the Washington?"

Unmuting herself again, she nodded to the Admiral. "In other news, We have other problems as well.  Ambassador Sot was found murdered and we have uncovered a potentially devastating disease outbreak that may be related to said murder. We have teams on the case."

Torra gave a slight nod to Commander Garrison in answer and while the higher ups continued to discuss the situation, the Grazerite sent out an aid request to the two nearby Starfleet vessels.

|lt. Sven Aune || New Jericho, Suvik's resident.|

He pressed his communicator.
lt. Addams, if you would be obliged t' t'do a full security beam in t'our most luxurious five star brig cells for Emperor Dersch an' his court o' clowns"   he stage whispered this next part to the man loud enough for Addams to hear it, "ya really ought t'figure out 'ow the chain of command works buddy. Seems y'ave some trouble with it." Then back to a normal voice, continuing his conversation with the senior ops officer,  "It seems there's a ship that follows around his highness like some lost puppy. If ya have any information on it, I'd love for ya t'get it impounded. Its computer core might have some useful intel on the death's of the ambassador's an' possible other terrorist activities. I wan' it ripped out an' held securely in th' science lab. Any suspicious components, modifications, or tech should be removed and quarantined." This next part is hard. Suvik is dead, an' we found Dersch with the body. I'll need t'meet with the Judge Advocate before I proceed with a formal inquiry an'question Dersch. I'll be sendin' down lt. Marsh t'do a forensics investigation of the site. In the meantime could I also ask ya to beam his body to sick bay. I know ya will handle him with care an' I'm sure his family would appreciate the respect we afford him. Thank-you."

He turned his attention back to Dersch. "Next time, think before abandonin' yer post. An' speakin' of sherkin' yer responsibilities, what exactly did you do with your family? I 'ope fer yer sake y'didn't leave them to the wolves while ya yer playin' Rent-a-Cop."

|| JB Dersch || New Jericho, Suvik's resident.||

Dersch just sighed. If Aune was gonna play the dick card move, go right ahead.

JB shook his head. Aune was trying to make Dersch the villain here when he wasn't, When Starfleet wasn't there to help, they were, and Aune seemed to be forgetting that. Dersch then sent a quick com burst to the Washington.

Activate the Cloaking Device and Do not Deactivate till further notice Within seconds the Washington was no longer on scanners. "Sorry Aune, But no one is touching the Washington"

Dersch was a bit taken back by this. "No they are safe and sound, And by the way you're wasting time with me. Koto is on the Station as we speak and I am 100% positive that's he looking for either my family or me, But he won't get my family. They are safe and sound on the Washington; besides, there's 14 Security Tactical Marines standing watch over them, so Koto ain't gonna get them; and also I wasn't play rent-a-cop, I was tying up loose ends" Dersch was not going to let Starfleet take his ship. That ship had saved Starfleet asses more than he could count. So why now, all of a sudden, they want to take it, Rip it to pieces and basically salvage it. Damn Star fleet basterds

Aune's request to beam Dersch and his crew to the Brig, came in while Torra was waiting for a response from the Megistus and the Endurant.

"Acknowledged.

The Grazerite began her transporter scan to determine the number of individuals.  She frowned.  With the numbers she was seeing, she would need to do multiple beam outs and make use of the empty quarters once more to hold them all.

Then unexpected her scan was scrambled and the ship vanished from her scans.  Torra gaped at the realization of what that meant.  The mercenary vessel had access to cloaking technology!

"Addams to Aune.  The Washington has somehow cloaked.  I can't read her at all.  I'll beam you and Dersch to the Brig though."

No sooner had  she relayed this information to Aune than Nira had another task for her.

[Commander Nira Said | Operations Center | Deck One | Outpost Solaere]

The viewscreen cut off. Nira then turned to Torra. "Torra, if the line to Starfleet Medical is still open, once you send the message to the Endurant and the Megistus, get in contact with Sot's examiner over there. We're going to need to have a word with that person," she added, looking over to Kinley.

Torra frowned slightly.  The comm line to Starfleet Medical had been over a half hour ago.

"I'll open a new channel to them afterwards, ma'am."

But Murphy's Law wasn't finished with Torra, because Aune called again.  Oh she missed having both her and Nelois working the same shift!

"lt. Aune to lt. Addams. Sorry t'keep bein' a thorn in yer side. But could ya relay an warrant for asset seizure for the Washington when ya get a hold of the Judge Advocate? Our esteemed guest seems t'think that rent-a-cops are above the law, and have it posted on the Integrated Criminal Network? I want to make sure that when that ship decloaks anywhere in the Federation our member states know that it's to be apprehended immediately. Thank you."

"Yes, Lieutenant, I'll have that done.  Please stand by for transport."

It was at this moment that she received responses from the Megistus and Endurant.  They would assist but were several hours out.. as Fleet Command hadn't authorized use of the slipstream drive since Frontier Day as it was based off Borg technology and it hadn't been vetted as safe yet.  This was unfortunate news for the station - being as remote as they are.  No wonder the colony and refugee camp relied so heavily on private freighters to ship in goods.

"Acknowledged.  Thank you for your assistance.  Please keep us updated with your progress hourly,  Solaere Ops out."

The Grazerite then returned her attention to the transporter controls on her console.

"Ops to Aune. Energizing."   Aune and Dersch would find themselves in the Brig processing area, outside of the holding cells.

Torra then contacted the Judge Advocate to request a seizure warrant for the USS Washington and arrest warrants for her crew.  After that was sent off, Torra, put in a comm to Starfleet Medical and requested a direct line to the doctor who had signed off on Administrator Sot's medical.

Torra paused then, mentally going over all the various tasks she'd been assigned in the past ten minutes and tried to confirm that all were accomplished.  Presently, she was just waiting on the two warrants before posting them to the ICN as asked.

Torra sat back in her seat and noted the Antican on his PADD.  Torra frowned.  She doubted whatever he was doing was good or legal because he seemed to be smiling.  She reached out to grab for the PADD.

"What are you doing? While you are in this place, you are banned from using your electronic devicees.  I don't trust you." she stated.  This was a bold statement for the Grazerite, who normally was tolerant and accepting of all sorts.

[Kinley Garrison]

[As Talinn]

The Vulcan nodded. "We do have one. I would be happy to show it to you, albeit it has been off-limits for retrofittings  as of recently. " he said, noting  the miner as he escorted the civilian contractor to the next part.

[The Aquafer]

As they came to the aquifer, it looked like it was clearly under construction, however there seemed to be a critical panel open and tampered with, a single vial left behind.

[As Steve]

One perk of being a holographic being connected by the computer, was that Steve had access to the transport buffer patterns and other computer records. Maybe a bit of an oversight for now, but it gave him opportunities to explore the planet.  He'd be back before his portable emitter

Steve found himself behind the Big Hooman he liked who helped him when there was the scary pterodactyl lady.  It looked like he was in a place where he was probably not supposed to be....