LTJG Lhandon Joseph Nilsen - All I Could Do Was Crate And See
Lhandon Nilsen
(( T-1 Independent Bay, Operations Centre Lower Floor, Deck 7, USS Octavia E Butler ))
As he dived into what started as a minor mystery, the more things didn't add up.
This would have been fine on its own; a mystery could have been fun. However, the suspicions that Richards seemed to display towards Toxin put Lhandon in an uncomfortable position. Lhandon didn't know which side to take. He initially stood up for Toxin, but Richards' insistence started to instill a bit of doubt into Lhandon's mind. These were the kind of doubts that Lhandon would have very much liked to dismiss.
Nilsen: I dunno, something isn't adding up but I think we should put this crate back, like we never touched it but ::beat:: we should put a subspace beacon, something small we can hide, a passive one that only gets pinged by navigational buoys. Then we watch to see where it goes.
Arlill: What if we lace it with a decaying isotope, nothing that sensors will pick up, unless you’re looking for it.
Richards: Without anything more to run on, that seems like the best move.
Nilsen: That would work perfect.
Arlill: Agreed, I’ll get the isotope, we can’t replicate it, but we should have some in storage in the Quartermaster’s office. (beat) Be right back.
Toxin left the room again, Lhandon saw where Richards eyes were going, and he didn’t like it.
Richards: It doesn’t look like anyone has been in the cargo bay since we left it.
But what to say?
Nilsen: Aye.
Lhandon had been at a loss for words; the relationship seemed to have nosedived. At first, Lhandon had liked Richards; he was easy to get along with, conversation had flowed, and they were as light-hearted as each other. However, even though Richards was just doing his job, casting a glance of suspicion towards Toxin had made Lhandon's blood boil. How dare he even suggest that?
They continued in silence, watching the crate and the security footage
Toxin returned a few minutes later with the isotope.
Arlill: Here we go ::sliding the isotope tube into the crate:: let’s get this crate back where it was.
Anton nodded, as did Nilsen, who seemed to have nothing left to say…except the singular unpleasant thought, what if Richards was right?
Richards: Good to go.
Arlill: =/\= Computer, access Toxin Protocol 118 and initiate return transport when ready, please ensure the destination site is clear of personnel. =/\=
Computer: =/\= Transport not ideal, stand by. (beat) Transporting. =/\=
The crate was transported back and thus ended that chapter.
Richards: There it goes!
Arlill: Now we monitor and wait?
Richards: I guess that’s all we can do for now.
Nilsen: =/\= Computer, set up a security alert for any movement on crate ::pausing to look at his PADD:: Delta Victor Three Five Seven Zulu Zulu, alerting myself, Lt Arlill, and Lt Richards…=/\=
The computer didn’t respond at first. He sighed and rolled his eyes to the celing, he was going to have to ask nicely.
Nilsen=/\= …please =/\=
Computer: =/\=Alert set and confirmed. =/\=
Arlill: Response.
Richards: It still isn’t making much sense at all. The whole thing almost feels like one big prank.
Nilsen: Yeah, I’m getting that too.
Arlill: Response.
Richards: Well. We probably won’t be arresting anyone today.
Nilsen: That alert will let all three of us know if something happens. We’ll be able to review the footage and follow.
Arlill: Response.
Richards: Response
Nilsen: Richards, I appreciate your help today.
Lhandon subtly steered the conversation to a close with Richards, his eyes already drifting towards Toxin, eager for a private word.
(A few minutes later)
Once Richards had left the room, Lhandon took himself and Toxin's aside, away from prying ears.
Nilsen: Mate, he was sniffing around when you were out, like he was convinced it was you.
Arlill: Response
Nilsen: Look, if it is, I’d understand cos I know you’d have your reasons. ::beat:: but…
Arlill: Response
Nilsen: I know, I know. Just tell me straight, is this you?
Arlill: Response
Nilsen: Alright, I believe you.
And he was honest. This left a bad taste in his mouth, at least after this he had something to look forward to later in the week. Sherlock had set up something for him with her partner and someone called Taggart, he was intrigued, apparently it was something to do with diplomacy. Lhandon decided there and then, that he'd try to forget the whole matter of this crate, and just focus on what is next.
[End Scene]
((OOC: This story is to be continued.))
Lieutenant JG Lhandon Joseph Nilsen
HCO & Acting Asst. Chief
USS Octavia E Butler
O240007LN1
He/Him/His (Both player and character)