Lt. Cmd. Silveira: The usual suspect.
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btv.abreu
Apr 14, 2026, 5:23:35 PMApr 14
to USS Artemis-A – StarBase 118 Star Trek PBEM RPG
(( Afalqi Project Launch Control - Meranuge IV ))
Vitor narrowed his eyes after they materialized. He couldn’t help recalling the last visit to Meranuge IV. Back then they were on a rescue mission.
Now they were here for an investigation.
He had a feeling that different as it might be, something was also terribly wrong.
The launch pad was rather empty, which didn't really surprise him. Zie made her way to the Da'al Secretary for the “formalities”.
MacKenzie: Secretary Jetripar, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Captain MacKenzie. Allow me to present my officers: Commanders K'Wara and Silveira, and Ensign Breys.
Jetripar bowed politely .
Jetripar: I am honoured by your presence, Captain, and I thank you for your offer of assistance.
Tamio smiled and mimicked the bow.
K'Wara: We will do our best, Secretary.
Vitor noticed Breys stood quietly and offered his wide smile and bowed as well.
Silveira: The honor is our Secretary.
Zie offered a smile and bowed slightly.
MacKenzie: We're glad to be back on Meranuge - the last time we were here it was a... trying time. Commander Silveira and I were both here during the recovery effort...
Jetripar: Our people are doing the best we can to put that business behind us and look to the future, Captain. I regret that you are seeing us in another time of trial now.
Vitor nodded.
Silveira: We will endeavour to successfully assist as we did before.
Zie also nodded, and went straight to business.
MacKenzie: We're happy to lend a hand. Maybe you could start by showing us around your facility here - walk us through what happened... We'll see what we can uncover. I'm sure my officers will no doubt have questions.
Jetripar: I would be happy to do so. Please, follow me.
Vitor kept himself slightly to the rear of the group glancing around. Tamio was the first to speak.
K'Wara: Are the staff who discovered the Afalqi’s absence still here?
Vitor thought to add another question to compliment Tamio's
Silveira: And is this facility so short staffed as we see?
Jetripar: You've no doubt noticed that we have very few staff here. I sent most of them home as, without the Afalqi here, their jobs were redundant. It was actually our custodial staff that first noticed its absence. They followed procedure and reported it to the appropriate staff, who then came directly to me. I am certain the civic authorities would be able to provide their debriefing to you.
MacKenzie: Maybe so. It would be helpful to have a list of those personnel, should it be necessary for us to ask any questions of our own…
Vitor nodded, anything that the Da’al could share would help.
K'Wara: What kind of person was this ‘Chief Engineer Havun’, in your opinion?
Jetripar: A detriment to this project, Commander. He bumbled his way into the position, against my better judgment, and he undermined my authority at every turn. I would have removed him if his contract had allowed it.
MacKenzie: Surely if you felt he wasn't competent, there could have been a clause that ensured his removal...
Vitor furrowed his brows at the Secretary's reply. The reports appear to “paint” Chief Engineer Havun as the prime suspect.
But it was logical to assume that if he was part of the project that meant he was skilled for the task.
The Secretary's words showed some backstage conflict that might complicate things.
Silveira: Interesting.
Vitor disregarded completely the security set up. Everything indicated this was an inside job and he was more interested in the reasons behind it.
Jetripar's posture signaled he was a politician which automatically placed him under Vitor’s “person of interest” list.
K’Wara: How many people would be manning the control centre during the interims between tests?
Jetripar: The procedures for the control centre included 32-hour security at both of the entrances to the Afalqi's bay, as well as security at the flight control booth's single entrance. Four 8-hour duty shifts a day of at least 2 scientists a shift so that the various specialists could do their work without interfering with other specialists. The short version is that this was a facility that never slept.
MacKenzie: Certainly doesn't seem to be the case now...
Zie eyed him and he grinned and shrugged.
Silveira: As the Portuguese say… No reason to keep guard when the safe has been taken…
They were getting closer to what looked like the Afalqi launch bay.
Jetripar: Tell me cleanly. Do you see a path to resolution on this?
Vitor looked at Zie, not being able to properly see her expression.
MacKenzie: Well, I think that depends on what you mean by resolution. Do I think it's possible we'll be able to recover the Afalqi? (beat) I think my officers are some of the best in Starfleet.
Vitor almost cracked one of his classical jokes, but he managed to control himself. After all they were on the “diplomatic” team and he was a Lieutenant Commander again.
Duty and proper officing obliged him to not say “You never say that loudly Captain…”
Silveira: We are only now starting our trek on this path…
K'Wara: Response
Jetripar moved on, showing his clearance to gain access to the bay, and gesturing for them to enter.
Jetripar: Please, please. Go on in.
Vitor smiled at Breys awkward bow, and Zie moved next. Vitor stepped a little closer to Tamio and whispered so that Jetripar couldn’t hear.
Silveira: This was an inside job, no matter how secure it is there is always a way around it.
K'Wara: Response
(( Launch Bay - Afalqi Project Launch Control - Meranuge IV ))
Jetripar joined them once they got inside. Vitor had to admit the site was impressive, and he wondered how big the Afalqi was.
Jetripar: Impressive, isn't it? No expense was spared. I poured my heart into it from inception.
Vitor arched an eyebrow. But before he could say something Breys, apparently more in tune with the setting, spoke up.
Breys: It really is a marvel of science. It seems like you are processing substantially more data than even a Galaxy class would have put out in its heyday.
Vitor looked around. Considering they were building a prototype that was to be expected.
Silveira: Da’al technology at its best…
K'Wara: Response
Zie nodded, pulling out her tricorder.
MacKenzie: Let's get to work.
Vitor nodded as Zie and Breys began to take some readings.
Breys: Were you concerned about the effects of any of your new technologies on the crew?
Vitor took a few steps to look at the consoles and assorted machinery. Whatever they were building it was, in his estimate, around the size of an Intrepid. Certainly the size of a Nova.
Silveira: I think every aspect of ship building must be considered…
K'Wara/Jetripar: Response
Breys: It’s just, these consoles are a lot more like what you’d find in a sick bay than a launch bay.
MacKenzie: Partially, but not exclusively. ::gesturing with the hand holding the tricorder:: There seem to be more related to the ship and its construction on higher levels.
Vitor chose to, as the expression goes, drop the question in the air.
Given they were looking out for a ship it made sense.
Silveira: I wonder if it is possible that we have access to the flight and test logs?
K'Wara/Jetripar: Response
Breys: These were being used to monitor the ship? What exactly can you tell us about what made the Afalqi experimental?
Vitor grinned as Breys was making all the right questions.
K'Wara/Jetripar: Response
Zie listened to Jetripar reply and glanced briefly at him.
Vitor nodded slightly
MacKenzie: Secretary Jetripar, I know you outlined the extensive security presence already... Was that the same level of security present on the day the Afalqi was stolen?
Silveira: And was there any flight scheduled for that day?
Jetripar/K'Wara/Breys: Response
Zie ticked her head slightly to the side.
MacKenzie: And you consider the security staff to be trustworthy? Can you think of anyone else who might be here that would have helped them steal the ship?
Vitor waited before posing another question.
Jetripar/K'Wara/Breys: Response
Vitor took another step away from the group. His eyes rested on what looked like a control station, then he turned around, looking for what could be the control center.
MacKenzie: We're going to do our best to get to the bottom of this, Mister Secretary. ::to the others:: Where would you like to begin?
Vitor narrowed his eyes and looked at Zie as if signaling “my turn”
Silveira: Who figured out that it was Chief Engineer Havun who took the Afalqi?
Jetripar/MacKenzie: Response
K'Wara/Breys: Response
It was Vitor’s time to put on his “charming diplomatic smile” as he stepped closer to Secretary Jetripar.
Silveira: I see… Secretary if you don’t mind me asking… ::he glanced at Zie:: Where were you when the ship was reported missing?
Jetripar/MacKenzie: Response
K'Wara/Breys: Response
Vitor kept his smile, he couldn’t see Zie’s expression and he wasn’t sure if she was mentally facepalming herself. Or tapping the “express airlock” button on her desk.
As the old expression went, lost by a hundred, lost by a thousand.
Silveira: I am trying to figure out the motive, that usually helps in finding out the truth. And honestly I am not ruling anyone out of a potential suspect list. Maybe Chief Engineer Havun is being framed…
Jetripar/MacKenzie: Response
K'Wara/Breys: Response
TAGs/TBC
Lt. Cmd. Vitor S. Silveira
Chief Tactical Officer
USS Artemis-A, NCC-81287
O238907VS0
Vitor narrowed his eyes after they materialized. He couldn’t help recalling the last visit to Meranuge IV. Back then they were on a rescue mission.
Now they were here for an investigation.
He had a feeling that different as it might be, something was also terribly wrong.
The launch pad was rather empty, which didn't really surprise him. Zie made her way to the Da'al Secretary for the “formalities”.
MacKenzie: Secretary Jetripar, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Captain MacKenzie. Allow me to present my officers: Commanders K'Wara and Silveira, and Ensign Breys.
Jetripar bowed politely .
Jetripar: I am honoured by your presence, Captain, and I thank you for your offer of assistance.
Tamio smiled and mimicked the bow.
K'Wara: We will do our best, Secretary.
Vitor noticed Breys stood quietly and offered his wide smile and bowed as well.
Silveira: The honor is our Secretary.
Zie offered a smile and bowed slightly.
MacKenzie: We're glad to be back on Meranuge - the last time we were here it was a... trying time. Commander Silveira and I were both here during the recovery effort...
Jetripar: Our people are doing the best we can to put that business behind us and look to the future, Captain. I regret that you are seeing us in another time of trial now.
Vitor nodded.
Silveira: We will endeavour to successfully assist as we did before.
Zie also nodded, and went straight to business.
MacKenzie: We're happy to lend a hand. Maybe you could start by showing us around your facility here - walk us through what happened... We'll see what we can uncover. I'm sure my officers will no doubt have questions.
Jetripar: I would be happy to do so. Please, follow me.
Vitor kept himself slightly to the rear of the group glancing around. Tamio was the first to speak.
K'Wara: Are the staff who discovered the Afalqi’s absence still here?
Vitor thought to add another question to compliment Tamio's
Silveira: And is this facility so short staffed as we see?
Jetripar: You've no doubt noticed that we have very few staff here. I sent most of them home as, without the Afalqi here, their jobs were redundant. It was actually our custodial staff that first noticed its absence. They followed procedure and reported it to the appropriate staff, who then came directly to me. I am certain the civic authorities would be able to provide their debriefing to you.
MacKenzie: Maybe so. It would be helpful to have a list of those personnel, should it be necessary for us to ask any questions of our own…
Vitor nodded, anything that the Da’al could share would help.
K'Wara: What kind of person was this ‘Chief Engineer Havun’, in your opinion?
Jetripar: A detriment to this project, Commander. He bumbled his way into the position, against my better judgment, and he undermined my authority at every turn. I would have removed him if his contract had allowed it.
MacKenzie: Surely if you felt he wasn't competent, there could have been a clause that ensured his removal...
Vitor furrowed his brows at the Secretary's reply. The reports appear to “paint” Chief Engineer Havun as the prime suspect.
But it was logical to assume that if he was part of the project that meant he was skilled for the task.
The Secretary's words showed some backstage conflict that might complicate things.
Silveira: Interesting.
Vitor disregarded completely the security set up. Everything indicated this was an inside job and he was more interested in the reasons behind it.
Jetripar's posture signaled he was a politician which automatically placed him under Vitor’s “person of interest” list.
K’Wara: How many people would be manning the control centre during the interims between tests?
Jetripar: The procedures for the control centre included 32-hour security at both of the entrances to the Afalqi's bay, as well as security at the flight control booth's single entrance. Four 8-hour duty shifts a day of at least 2 scientists a shift so that the various specialists could do their work without interfering with other specialists. The short version is that this was a facility that never slept.
MacKenzie: Certainly doesn't seem to be the case now...
Zie eyed him and he grinned and shrugged.
Silveira: As the Portuguese say… No reason to keep guard when the safe has been taken…
They were getting closer to what looked like the Afalqi launch bay.
Jetripar: Tell me cleanly. Do you see a path to resolution on this?
Vitor looked at Zie, not being able to properly see her expression.
MacKenzie: Well, I think that depends on what you mean by resolution. Do I think it's possible we'll be able to recover the Afalqi? (beat) I think my officers are some of the best in Starfleet.
Vitor almost cracked one of his classical jokes, but he managed to control himself. After all they were on the “diplomatic” team and he was a Lieutenant Commander again.
Duty and proper officing obliged him to not say “You never say that loudly Captain…”
Silveira: We are only now starting our trek on this path…
K'Wara: Response
Jetripar moved on, showing his clearance to gain access to the bay, and gesturing for them to enter.
Jetripar: Please, please. Go on in.
Vitor smiled at Breys awkward bow, and Zie moved next. Vitor stepped a little closer to Tamio and whispered so that Jetripar couldn’t hear.
Silveira: This was an inside job, no matter how secure it is there is always a way around it.
K'Wara: Response
(( Launch Bay - Afalqi Project Launch Control - Meranuge IV ))
Jetripar joined them once they got inside. Vitor had to admit the site was impressive, and he wondered how big the Afalqi was.
Jetripar: Impressive, isn't it? No expense was spared. I poured my heart into it from inception.
Vitor arched an eyebrow. But before he could say something Breys, apparently more in tune with the setting, spoke up.
Breys: It really is a marvel of science. It seems like you are processing substantially more data than even a Galaxy class would have put out in its heyday.
Vitor looked around. Considering they were building a prototype that was to be expected.
Silveira: Da’al technology at its best…
K'Wara: Response
Zie nodded, pulling out her tricorder.
MacKenzie: Let's get to work.
Vitor nodded as Zie and Breys began to take some readings.
Breys: Were you concerned about the effects of any of your new technologies on the crew?
Vitor took a few steps to look at the consoles and assorted machinery. Whatever they were building it was, in his estimate, around the size of an Intrepid. Certainly the size of a Nova.
Silveira: I think every aspect of ship building must be considered…
K'Wara/Jetripar: Response
Breys: It’s just, these consoles are a lot more like what you’d find in a sick bay than a launch bay.
MacKenzie: Partially, but not exclusively. ::gesturing with the hand holding the tricorder:: There seem to be more related to the ship and its construction on higher levels.
Vitor chose to, as the expression goes, drop the question in the air.
Given they were looking out for a ship it made sense.
Silveira: I wonder if it is possible that we have access to the flight and test logs?
K'Wara/Jetripar: Response
Breys: These were being used to monitor the ship? What exactly can you tell us about what made the Afalqi experimental?
Vitor grinned as Breys was making all the right questions.
K'Wara/Jetripar: Response
Zie listened to Jetripar reply and glanced briefly at him.
Vitor nodded slightly
MacKenzie: Secretary Jetripar, I know you outlined the extensive security presence already... Was that the same level of security present on the day the Afalqi was stolen?
Silveira: And was there any flight scheduled for that day?
Jetripar/K'Wara/Breys: Response
Zie ticked her head slightly to the side.
MacKenzie: And you consider the security staff to be trustworthy? Can you think of anyone else who might be here that would have helped them steal the ship?
Vitor waited before posing another question.
Jetripar/K'Wara/Breys: Response
Vitor took another step away from the group. His eyes rested on what looked like a control station, then he turned around, looking for what could be the control center.
MacKenzie: We're going to do our best to get to the bottom of this, Mister Secretary. ::to the others:: Where would you like to begin?
Vitor narrowed his eyes and looked at Zie as if signaling “my turn”
Silveira: Who figured out that it was Chief Engineer Havun who took the Afalqi?
Jetripar/MacKenzie: Response
K'Wara/Breys: Response
It was Vitor’s time to put on his “charming diplomatic smile” as he stepped closer to Secretary Jetripar.
Silveira: I see… Secretary if you don’t mind me asking… ::he glanced at Zie:: Where were you when the ship was reported missing?
Jetripar/MacKenzie: Response
K'Wara/Breys: Response
Vitor kept his smile, he couldn’t see Zie’s expression and he wasn’t sure if she was mentally facepalming herself. Or tapping the “express airlock” button on her desk.
As the old expression went, lost by a hundred, lost by a thousand.
Silveira: I am trying to figure out the motive, that usually helps in finding out the truth. And honestly I am not ruling anyone out of a potential suspect list. Maybe Chief Engineer Havun is being framed…
Jetripar/MacKenzie: Response
K'Wara/Breys: Response
TAGs/TBC
Lt. Cmd. Vitor S. Silveira
Chief Tactical Officer
USS Artemis-A, NCC-81287
O238907VS0
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