USS Seleya - 10412.12

"Free Trade" = Part 3

SUMMARY: The Melridian Ambassador keeled over during dinner, apparently from asphyxiation... but was it really? And why would someone want to kill him? Stay tuned and find out.

Host SM-Lyon says:
<<<<<<< Resume Mission >>>>>>>>

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: In his Ready Room ::

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Opens a channel to Starfleet Command ::

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Directs his transmission to Captain Lyon ::

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
::Checks the Seleya's ETA to the Melridian homeworld::  XO:  ETA to Melridian system, approximately one hour...mark.

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
FCO: Understood lt.

CNS_Modalis says:
::sat in her chair, trying to sense anything from anyone anywhere::

Host Capt_Lyon says:
@COM: CO: Captain. Anything I can help you with?

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::In his office rereading his autopsy report::

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
*CMO* Darklighter to Atreides

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
::Listens intently to the discussion between the XO and CMO::

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
*XO*: Atreides here go ahead.

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
COM: Lyon: I doubt that, unfortunately, however much that help may be appreciated. This is more of an informing call. The Melridian Ambassador died during a ship's dinner to honor his presence aboard.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::Quickly kills the music he was playing::

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
COM: Lyon: The Seleya is en route now to the Melridian homeworld to return the Ambassador and allow their authorities to mount an investigation.

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
*CMO* Doctor have you finished your autopsy of the ambassador yet?

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
*XO*: Just finishing off my report.

Host Capt_Lyon says:
@::raises an eyebrow:: COM: CO: I trust it wasn't from the cooking? ::smiles faintly:: Very well, I'll inform the higher-ups. Have you questioned the Ambassadors entourage?

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
COM: Lyon: At this time Doctor Atreides is conducting an autopsy, but we have reason to believe such a sudden death may have been caused by fowl play.

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
*CMO* Excellent, i'll be down there in 5, Darklighter out. ::stands up::

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
COM: Lyon: Not as much as we could have, yet.

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
FCO: You have the bridge Lt. ::heads for the TL::

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
XO:  Aye sir.  ::Secures the helm, stands and takes the center seat::

Host Capt_Lyon says:
@COM: CO: Very well, Captain. Keep me appraised of the situation. Co-operate with the Melridians as much as is needed.

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
::Turns to the CSN::  CNS:  Anything new from the entourage?

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
TL: Deck 5.

CNS_Modalis says:
FCO: Nothing, sir.  Just the same.....murkiness.

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
<edit to deck 7>

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
CNS:  But no indication that any of them had anything to do with the Ambassadors death?

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
COM: Lyon: Understood, I'll inform you if anything changes.

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
COM: Lyon: Muir out.

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::exits the TL and enters sickbay::

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::Uploads his report onto a PADD then goes back to filling out the Ambassador's death certificate::

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
::Checks in with the security teams on watch at the quarters of the Ambassador and his entourage::

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Exits the Ready Room onto the Bridge ::

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: Report? :: Moves towards the Captain's chair ::

CNS_Modalis says:
FCO: No, sir.

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::knocks on the door frame of the CMO's office:: CMO: Doctor?

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
::Stands::  CO:  Captain on the bridge.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
XO: Come in.

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::steps into the office:: CMO: So, did you discover how the ambassador was killed?

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Nods at the FCO ::

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
CO:  Nothing so far sir.  Councelor Modalis hasn't picked up anything new from the Ambassadors entourage, and security is holding outside of all of the visitors quarters.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
XO: Something was lodged in his throat. ::Hands the XO a PADD with the report on it::

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
CO:  The doctor has just finished up his report, Commander Darklighter is with him now.

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
::Moves back to the helm::

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: Thank you. :: takes his seat ::

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: ETA?

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
XO: Some sort of organic material which expanded, slowly shutting off his air supply.

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::takes the PADD and looks at the data:: CMO: What's it's origin? Did it come from the food or was it there before he came to the mess?

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
::Checks the Seleya’s current course and speed::  CO:  ETA 45 minutes.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
XO: Seems to have been in his throat since before he came onboard.

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::pauses:: CMO: And in you professional opinion, how would someone plant such a thing in your throat without you noticing?

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
CNS: Join Commander Darklighter in Sickbay.

CNS_Modalis says:
CO: Yes, sir.  ::gets up out of her seat and enters the turbolift::  TL: Sickbay.

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
::turns back to the CO::  CO:  Begging the Captains pardon, but when we do arrive in system, who exactly will be leading the investigation, Starfleet or the Melridians?

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
*XO* Commander, Starfleet Command suggests a more detailed questioning of the Ambassador's entourage. I'm sending Ensign Modalis down to sickbay to meet you; I want you both to conduct some interviews. Should anything important arise, contact the bridge.

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: I assume there will be two separate investigations

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
*CO* Understood captain, I’ll get on it once I’m done here.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::Paces around his office for a while:: XO: I'd try and get it in while he's asleep, or I'd plant it in his food, covered in some sort of organic glue so it attaches itself once swallowed.

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: That's not to say that we won't be sharing information, of course. It's just that two opinions are always better than one.

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
*XO*: Outstanding. Muir out.

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
CMO: So in other words, there's hundreds of ways this could of been planted in the ambassador's throat?

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
CO:  I understand sir, my concern is with unfamiliar personnel running around on the Seleya.  Given that this is probably political in nature, things could get messy.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
XO: Exactly. I'd be interested to find out how they did it.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
Self: You never know when it might be useful ::coughs loudly::

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
CO:  Not to mention that, if the killer is still here, they may not be done.

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::raises an eyebrow at the CMO:: CMO: Is there any residue on the metal, food? DNA? Anything to give us an idea of how it got there?

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
XO: Metal?

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
CMO: Sorry the material, my mistake doctor.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::Points to the passage of his report which covers the structure of the organic sphere in the Ambassador's throat and the fact that it degraded shortly afterwards::

CNS_Modalis says:
:;enters sickbay::  XO: You wanted to see me, sir?

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: You make some very good points Lieutenant, but due to the complexity of the situation we can't close off the Seleya from their investigators, to do so would imply we have something to hide.

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
::Checks the Seleya’s progress again::

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::looks at the passage:: Self: Great. ::turns to the CNS:: CNS: Yes, yourself and I will be having a little chat with the ambassador's entourage soon.

CNS_Modalis says:
XO: Sir.

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
CO:  Understood sir.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
XO: Will that be all?

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::Nods to the CNS after only just noticing her::

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::nods:: CMO: yes doctor, thank you for your time, excuse me ::turns to leave:: CNS: Lets go.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::Watches them leave then settles back in his chair::

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: What's our current speed?

CNS_Modalis says:
XO: Yes, sir  ::follows Darklighter::

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::exits sickbay and enters the TL, waits till Modalis is in then calls for deck 3::

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
CO:  Currently holding at Warp 9.7

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
CNS: I have the quarters opposite to the ambassador's set up for us to question the entourage, we'll sit and talk with them one at a time, I’ll need you to see if you can find if there hiding something, understand?

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: sighs ::

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
CO:  We'll make it there sir, but I recommend taking it easy on her till engineering gives the warp core a once over.

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: It's times like these I wish we could go even faster.

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: Are you concerned about the warp core?

CNS_Modalis says:
XO: Yes, sir.

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::nods to the CNS and exits the TL::

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
::Give the Captain a little grin and a shrug::  CO:  She's got it were it counts sir.  My concern is pushing the ship, I don’t think she's made of glass, but if we can, I think its best to make sure she's in top shape.

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: Under normal circumstances I'd agree, but to be honest I feel this situation warrants us pushing things a little

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
CO:  I'm just trying to err on the side of caution.

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
CO:  I agree sir.

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: nods ::

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::enters the quarters he had set up and waits for the counselor to get comfortable::

Host SM-Lyon says:
ACTION: The rooms for the XO & CNS to question the entourage looks like any other visitors quarters. One by one the members of the entourage gets shown in.

CNS_Modalis says:
::sits down in her chair, visibly unsure of this whole situation.  There's STILL something bothering her::

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::looks at his PADD and then motions to the first member of the entourage:: Lackey: State your name please.

Host SM-Lyon says:
<Martek> ::shuffles his feet:: XO: I am Martek of the Sixth House of Ghrislat. I was his Excellency's valet.

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
::turns back to the helm, monitoring the Seleya’s progress and flight systems::

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::takes note:: Martek: And how long have you been the ambassador's valet?

CNS_Modalis says:
::tries to delve into Martek's mind::

Host SM-Lyon says:
<Martek> XO: For seventeen years, m'lord.

Host SM-Lyon says:
ACTION: Martek seems to be who he says he is... just a lackey.

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
Martek: Seventeen years....that’s a long time. What was your profession before you became the ambassador's valet?

CNS_Modalis says:
::nods to Darklighter::

Host SM-Lyon says:
<Martek> XO: I was a student at the Valet college in the capital. This is all I have ever done.

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
::Wonders how the XO and CNS are getting along::

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::nods slowly and gives the counselor a quick glance:: Martek: and tell me, after seventeen years of working with the ambassador, how do you feel now that he's gone?

Host SM-Lyon says:
<Martek> XO: Disturbed that something like this could happen. I wouldn't say I will grieve for him, but he was a good man in his own way.

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::looks at the counselor::

CNS_Modalis says:
::nods::

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
Martek: One more question, has there ever been an attempt to take his life before by someone?

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::Grabs his list of recent medicals::

Host SM-Lyon says:
<Martek> XO: He's an ambassador. Assassination attempts are part of the job. It happened a few times, but not like this. Knives or other weapons maybe.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::Puts on his coat then leaves sickbay::

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
CO:  ETA 15 minutes....mark

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::nods:: Martek: Thought so, ok you may leave, I’ll have to ask you to still remain in your quarters till told otherwise.

Host SM-Lyon says:
<Martek> ::nods and shuffles out the room::

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::moves to the counselor and lowers his voice:: CNS: Anything?

CNS_Modalis says:
XO: Nothing, sir.  He's exactly who he says he is.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
TL: Bridge.

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::nods:: CNS: Ok, if you sense anything from the next one, jump in at any time.

CNS_Modalis says:
XO: Yes, sir.
Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::Stands straight and moves back to the center of the room:: Entourage: State your name please ::motions to the next in line::

Host CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: Thanks.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
Self: OPS, check. CTO, check. Ah forgot about her when she transferred over. ::Schedules an appointment::

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
::Nods to the CO::

Host SM-Lyon says:
<Kleris> XO: Kleris of the Ninth House of Trelast. I was the Ambassador's bathing attendant.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::Steps off the TL and onto the Bridge::

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::stops for a moment:: Kleris: Bathing attendant? OK, so you run the ambassador's baths?

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
::Sees the doctor exit the TL::  CMO:  Afternoon doctor, anything new on the Ambassador?

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
FCO: Yes, he's dead. Apart from that not much. Just came up here to see how everything's going. ::Looks around for a victim::

Host SM-Lyon says:
<Kleris> XO: No. We bathed him. It is a part of our culture. People of high station never do anything like that for themselves.

CNS_Modalis says:
::nods::

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::nods:: Kleris: And do you check the water before he gets in? Or are you summoned after he enters the bath?

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
::shakes his head::  CMO:  I take it then you couldn’t find anything that might help us determine who killed him?

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
FCO: Could've been anyone, from what I've found his death was set in motion before he came onboard.

Host SM-Lyon says:
<Kleris> XO: We are in the bath by the time he is ready. One at each corner of the bath.

FCO_Lt_Aan says:
CMO/CO:  Well.....that complicates things a little.

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
Kleris: Riiiiiight, so you actually are in the bath, you don't just reach in a scrub your actually in the bath? ::looks at the CNS::

Host SM-Lyon says:
<Kleris> XO: That is correct.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::Nods::

CNS_Modalis says:
::nods uncomfortably to Darklighter::

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
Kleris: Oooookay, you may leave, again I’ll ask you to stay in your quarters till told other wise, thank you for your time.

Host SM-Lyon says:
<Kleris> ::frowns over these people's apparent discomfort with the concept, and walks out of the rooms::

Host XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
::turns to the CNS:: CNS: I think we'll take 5 and get a drink before we interview the next one.

CNS_Modalis says:
::gulps in relief::  XO: Yes, SIR!

Host SM-Lyon says:
<<<<< Pause Mission >>>>>