Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie - Big Brother's Watching...
Addison MacKenzie
(( Xal-Kor’Za
City Center – Kobyar Capital, Galaris IV ))
With the Central Government Building identified as their destination, MacKenzie
and the others started to move in that direction, with Major Oolwi in the lead.
Before their walk, the Major had warned that they may not receive any
engagement from the locals – they had been informed of the reason for Starfleet’s
visit and didn’t want to interfere with the team’s work. As they walked across
the plaza, the cityscape seemed to identify their presence, as the text
along some of the nearby buildings changed to Federation Standard.
MacKenzie: You mentioned potentially participating in a cultural
function of some sort, Major? Did you have one in mind? We are, after all,
representatives of the Federation and are interested in maintaining peaceful
relations while we conduct our investigation.
Oowli: That will be determined by the Central
Government representative whom you speak to. What education they believe would
benefit you most after your introduction. If I were to guess, a ritualized
tactical simulation. In order to familiarize yourselves with our forms of
combat -- Kobyar and Grunden -- so you will be better prepared should fighting
resume while you are here.
MacKenzie’s eyes
narrowed ever so slightly, skeptical of the “education” proposed by the Kobyar
officer. Fortunately, she seemed to anticipate Starfleet’s apprehension, and
made it a point to explain further reasoning behind the request that they
participate in a tactical simulation.
Oowli: Please, if that be the
case, do not take out introducing you to our ways of warfare as a means of
tricking you into joining the fight on our side. Maintaining your neutrality
and non-combat status is of highest priority to all of the Services. Extricating
you from conflict may be easier if you know for yourselves what form that
conflict may take.
Bergmen/Jovenan/Imril/Silveira: Response
MacKenzie: We are here at your request. At both yours
and the Grunden’s requests. We have a team of equally skilled officers who are
embedded with them now going through this same process. We appreciate your
willingness to engage in a ceasefire while we get to the bottom of this, though
I regret that it appears to not have been completely successful…
Drones continued to zip by overhead as they made their way toward the
intelligence center.
Oolwi: ::A more serious tone:: I cannot go
into details of the recent flashpoints out here. But there is much to discuss
once we are all inside.
MacKenzie nodded, suddenly very aware that their pace had quickened, though
without approaching a pace indicating urgency. She wondered what information
the Kobyar might have to reveal, but it was clearly sensitive if they were unwilling
to speak about any of it in public. As they walked toward the building, several
of the Kobyar civilians eyed the Starfleet team, some taking interest in
Richards’ stomach.
Bergmen/Jovenan/Imril/Silveira: Response
Richards’ pace increased to meet MacKenzie. The civilian scientist’s eyes shifted
between her tricorder and the commanding officer, her voice lowered to ask a
discreet question.
Richards: Captain? Do you think the Grunden
know just how advanced ::Gesturing around:: all of this is?
Addison took a slow breath through her nose before finally shaking her head.
MacKenzie: I can’t say for sure, but I doubt
it…
((Central Government Building – Kobyar Capital, Galaris IV))
The steps of the
Government Control Building were covered in the same material as the plaza
grounds, though a different shade which better suited the crystalline walls. Oolwi
guided the team up to the large, gilded doors, which swung open to offer them
admittance. There was an unnoticeable difference between the air inside and the
air outside – it was identical in temperature, humidity, and scent.
The building’s main concourse took the shape of a many-storied cylinder rising majestically upwards, its walls covered in many arched doorways leading to assorted wings, offices, conference rooms. Noticeably absent on this level were many desks or information kiosks. Oolwi moved with intention, carefully avoiding contact with the symbol of the united Kobyar people, which was set into the floor in large scale.
The air was filled
with holograms. More text (some Federation Standard). Images of part of the
city and the world beyond. A three-dimensional rendering of the Artemis-A.
A globe that projected potential hotspots, none of which MacKenzie could distinguish
from another. Other assorted images
scrolled on the screen.
MacKenzie: This is an incredibly impressive facility… Built for efficiency.
Bergmen/Jovenan/Imril/Silveira: Response
Oolwi: This way. Move like you
know where you are going, and that you belong there, and no one will impeed
you.
MacKenzie raised an eyebrow but followed Oolwi, and did as instructed. Who was
she to argue, after all?
((Central Government Building, Starfleet Guest Suite – Kobyar Capital, Galaris IV))
Oolwi brought the
Starfleet team to a decently-sized suite of rooms, the doors to which once
again swung open without incident. Next, was a modestly-furnished foyer with a
selection of plants from across the Kobyar’s region. In this room, another holostream
of text. The Kobyar must value being informed.
Oolwi: This suite is henceforth
given over to you as a politically neutral base-point from which you may
conduct your investigation. ::Pointing to doors:: Briefing room, computer lab,
common area, study, holo-com booth. Bedrooms and hygienic facilities are down
that hallway. I have full-access status, all other Kobyari have invitation-only
status. A suite near the main entrance was selected so that you may host
persons who otherwise do not have status to access the overall building. For
whatever reason you see fit.
The commanding officer of the Artemis didn’t think it would be necessary
for them to assume residency on the planet, but perhaps Oolwi knew more than
they let on.
MacKenzie: We appreciate the comprehensive access to your equipment and appreciate your anticipating our needs. I hope that we’ll be permitted to use our resources on the Artemis to aid in our investigation as well… ::turning to her officers:: Where shall we start?
Bergmen/Jovenan/Imril/Silveira: Response
Indeethl instructed both drones to land upon one of the tables in the computer room and shut themselves down.
Oolwi: ::To Imril:: I trust this will be sufficient a workspace to start on your analysis of the drone software? ::To all:: You will find additional forensic resources there and in the other rooms, and I am at your disposal as well to furnish anything that is needed.
Bergmen/Jovenan/Imril/Silveira: Response
Indeethl next moved towards a small control panel to the side of one wall of the foyer, sided with crystal.
Oolwi:
Speaking for myself, the reservation some of you showed with the eye-scan did
not go unnoticed, and I apologize for any discomfort. Speaking on behalf of my
government, I appreciate your willingness to operate within the tenants that we
choose to live with and within. Your acceptance of our ways means a great deal
to us. And we recognize that they are not your ways, and these rooms are
provided to be a temporary home as much as a workspace. In that spirit, within
these walls, you can disengage the system and ‘escape’ the unblinking eye. ::A
theatrically mischievous flutter of her airsacs:: May I demonstrate how to do
so?
Bergmen/Jovenan/Imril/Silveira: Response
MacKenzie: ::nodding:: I think that would be
prudent, Major.
Major Oolwi keyed in
several commands into the console. There was no audible cue or change in
lighting that suggested the disabling of the system, but the slight relaxation
of Oolwi’s posture seemed to denote the change in obedience of protocol…
Oolwi: Response
MacKenzie: Forgive me for being direct, Major, but what is it you wish
to share with us that you prefer not to do so in full view of your people?
Oolwi: Response
Bergmen/Jovenan/Imril/Silveira: Response
MacKenzie nodded slowly.
MacKenzie: What evidence do you have to support this claim?
Oolwi: Response
Bergmen/Jovenan/Imril/Silveira: Response
Addison walked slowly around their complex, her hands clasped behind her back. Whether
or not the claim was true was for them to uncover. One thing was certain, however:
the Kobyar certainly believed that the claim was true.
MacKenzie: I get the sense that in telling us, you’re operating outside what
might be sanctioned by your government…
Oolwi: Response
Bergmen/Jovenan/Imril/Silveira: Response
Tag, and TBC!
---
Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie, M.D.,
Ph.D., FASFS
Commanding Officer
USS Artemis-A
Captains Council Member at Large
V239601AM0