LtCmdr Tamio K'Wara - Never Trust a Consultant (unless they have purple hair)

[LtCmdr Tamio K'Wara]

(( Afalqi Project Launch Control - Meranuge IV ))

Vitor had been testing the waters with their political escort for a little bit, poking and prodding as was his way, and it had revealed some interesting tidbits, though nothing damning. For one, First Secretary Jetripar really didn’t like Chief Engineer Havun, who had been identified as the mastermind behind the Afalqi theft. Havun’s wife had been brought onto the project, and then missed work in the days leading up to the theft, giving her reasonable opportunity to prepare for something of this scale. And finally, they’d learned that any who sought access to this area had to go through biometric scans to do so.

That didn’t mean it was impossible for there to still be some duplicity going on, but it did mean that they now had a concrete place to start.

K’Wara: I think it’s an avenue worth pursuing, Captain. Perhaps Commander Silveira or myself should accompany the First Secretary to cross-reference that list?

The First Secretary hesitated in response to that. It wasn’t altogether too unsurprising. Even if the Artemis’ crew was here to assist with the investigation, this project was his baby, and leaving them with something even remotely resembling ‘free reign’ of the Afalqi’s berth was likely not easy for him.

Jetripar: I would be happy to take you to our security office. Perhaps there might be further information there as well that could assist in your investigation.

The Secretary left them for a few moments to access a communications relay, speaking to someone through it, though Tamio couldn’t clearly hear what was said, but they didn’t need to. The reason why was apparent soon after, as a security guard came in through the door.

Jetripar: I will be leaving these Starfleet officers here. Please attend to them in my absence.

Now, that they could hear. So not even remotely resembling ‘free reign’. They looked back towards the Captain, who nodded her agreement to the plan.

MacKenzie: Commander K'Wara, go with Secretary Jetripar.

K’Wara: Understood, Captain. ::looks to Jetripar:: Please, lead the way, First Secretary.

Considering Vitor’s prodding, it was likely the better choice in order to still maintain an amiable working relationship, frankly.

Jetripar: Of course. Please, follow me. ::turning to MacKenzie and bowing:: Captain, it was a pleasure making your and your crew's acquaintance. I remain at your service, though we are parting for the moment.

The remaining crew all took turns bowing their farewells to the Secretary.

MacKenzie: I have no doubt we'll see one another soon.

Silveira: The pleasure was ours.

Breys: Thank you for your time.

Following the First Secretary through the door and into the corridor, Tamio fell into an easy step next to him.

Jetripar: What are your thoughts so far on our conundrum?

The corridor was silent with nothing but their footsteps for a few breaths as Tamio considered the answer to that question, and how to put it.

K'Wara: Time is of the essence. It is clear that the Afalqi will be a momentous accomplishment, and the longer the headstart we allow it, the more difficult it will be to catch up to it and bring it back so your important work can continue.

Jetripar: ::genuinely:: You surprise me. To this point, I had suspected the Federation harboured a bit of disdain for the Da'al.

K'Wara: Nothing could be further from the truth, First Secretary. We are neighbours in this area of space, and it is our hope to keep building our relationship towards true collaboration. ::amiable smile:: I hope you will allow us to prove that to you.

Granted, the sentiment would’ve no doubt landed more earnestly if the crewmember joining the Secretary had been present at the other encounters with the Da’al that the Artemis had had thus far, but it was still an honest one. One didn’t have to have a personal stake in the relationship to wish for better cooperation between neighbouring powers. Peace and friendship was always the worthiest of goals.

This was the point that the two of them arrived at the security office, and as soon as the First Secretary opened the door, two guards rose with an abruptness that Tamio recognized all too well. It was the ‘caught redhanded’-look, and sure enough, it would seem that they’d interrupted a healthy game of cards.

The First Secretary didn’t seem particularly impressed.

Jetripar: I see even the guards know they're guarding nothing now. Ah well. Where would you like to start?

K'Wara: The security technology you described, I think, should be the first step. As Ensign Breys said, it is important to verify - beyond any reasonable doubt - that none of the biometric data has been tampered with, so we know that our list of potential collaborators is reliable.

Jetripar: Response

Listening to Jetripar’s explanation, Tamio nodded along. While they were no engineer, they did have a minor in Security to base their analysis on, and the first step to implementing any security system always remained the same: identifying and mitigating the inherent vulnerabilities of the system.

K’Wara: Interesting. Is this the same kind of security system as used in other governmental buildings?

The more widespread the system, the higher the likelihood that fringe elements were already working on breaking through it. Especially in a society as politically fractured as the Da’al.

Jetripar: Response

K’Wara: I hope you understand that I only ask this because I wish to be thorough and finalize our investigation as quickly as possible. Every security system has to have been tested multiple times for potential workarounds, to verify that no one can sneak past it. Was the testing of this system done entirely in-house, or did you bring in consultants from outside?

Jetripar: Response

TAG/TBC

LtCmdr Tamio K’Wara

Chief of Ops

USS Artemis-A
A240006GS1