Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie - Not Exactly Forthcoming

[Addison MacKenzie]

(( Launch Bay - Afalqi Project Launch Control - Meranuge IV ))

The captain's group of officers walked with the secretary into the Afalqi Project's main launch control area. It was impressive, both in size and scope. After a round of visual observations, they were now working on conducting their investigation, both in gathering data but also gathering information from the secretary. So far, they'd established that there were consoles dedicated to medical practice as well as standard launch procedures. Perhaps they were concerned about the technology's effects on its crew.

Silveira: I wonder if it is possible that we have access to the flight and test logs?

Jetripar: I would be happy to provide you with all relevant data.

The secretary moved to a nearby console and entered a few comments, after which a data stick was ejected from the port and handed to Silveira.

Jetripar: There you are, sir. All data pertaining to the ships performance in flight tests.

 

K'Wara: ::shakes head:: First time outside the system, and it’s like this.

Breys: These were being used to monitor the ship? What exactly can you tell us about what made the Afalqi experimental?

There seemed to be a hesitation from the secretary, as though he was considering just how much information to share with them.

Jetripar: It operates around a novel, self-regulating core. Most importantly, it redefines the way dilithium is used, reducing dilithium decay and consumption to a fraction of the standard.

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: I can assure you, Captain. Security remained of utmost important , and we retained a consistent level at all times. A test had indeed been scheduled for the following day, which is no doubt how Havun was able to pull off his heist. Much of the work of preparing the ship would already have been done for him.

K’Wara: Like any other day, hm... Breys: Response
The commanding officer 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?

K'Wara: Maybe someone who hasn’t shown up for work since?

Jetripar: He brought his wife on to the project as well. Oh, she was mysteriously ill and unable to report for her duty shift the day prior, of course. And you're correct that I haven't spoken with her since, but I have reported her connection and circumstances to the civic authorities.

Breys: Response

She offered a sympathetic gaze. MacKenzie had been in plenty of other frustrating situations and knew that this wasn't easy for the Secretary, especially if the project had meant so much to him personally.

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?

Silveira: Who figured out that it was Chief Engineer Havun who took the Afalqi?

Jetripar's eyebrows raised over wide eyes.

Jetripar: Who else could it have been? I knew immediately when I heard it was missing.

MacKenzie: It sounds like you had suspicions of the Chief Engineer for a while...

Breys: Response

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: I was on my commute to the office when my assistant informed me. It seems the custodial staff was running behind that morning, but they reported the irregularity immediately upon discovery.

The secretary paused, but spoke again before anyone else could begin. His posture stiffened slightly, a look of indignation on his face.

Jetripar: Surely you aren't attempting to imply that I could have played a role in this horrendous theft!

MacKenzie: We're simply trying to get a more clear picture of what happened, Mr. Secretary.

Breys: Response

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: Havun is most assuredly responsible for this heinous crime. He was observed here the night of the theft, outside of his usual duty shift, and his codes were used to access the bay. Surely that was in the report provided you and should make it clear that he is the one who has absconded with my ship!

MacKenzie: Well, just because it was in the report doesn't make it true, though we'll absolutely take that into account...

Breys: Response 

K’Wara: Well, that rules that out. oO Provided we’re done with having Changelings running about, obviously. Oo It would still be helpful if we could have a list of potential co-conspirators that helped him from inside launch control though… ::looks to Jetripar:: Do you keep extensive records of anyone who enters the control room throughout the day?

Jetripar: Everyone who passes through a security check is logged automatically, matching their ID with their biometric data. Launch control itself is also protected by a pass code, individual to each employee.

Silveira/Breys: Response

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?

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.

Jetripar went to a nearby comm panel.

Jetripar: =/\= This is Secretary Jetripar. Could you secure your post and come inside, please? =/\=

A moment later, the door opened and admitted the guard who had admitted them to the room.

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

The unspoken command being "Make sure they don't try anything funny." But it wouldn't have done to say that out loud. The guard nodded and took up their post by the door, this time on the inside of the room.

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

Silveira/Breys: Response

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

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.

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

Silveira/Breys: Response

Jetripar and K'Wara disappeared into the corridor, leaving the rest of the team behind under the watchful eye of the guard.

MacKenzie: ::softly:: Not exactly forthcoming, is he?

Silveira/Breys: Response

She paused for a moment, pretending to study the readings on her tricorder.

MacKenzie: Do you think he had anything to do with it, or do you believe his story that it was definitely the Chief Engineer?

Silveira/Breys: Response

MacKenzie nodded.

MacKenzie: Let's see if we can uncover any evidence or any data that might be helpful. ::gesturing toward a console::

Silveira/Breys: Response

Tag, and TBC!

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Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie, M.D., Ph.D., FASFS
Commanding Officer
USS Artemis-A

Executive Council Member

V239601AM0