Ensign Richard Matthews - Finding a Common Language
Matthew Gough
((Alpha Trionus Prison Facility ~ Warden's office))
Tram: My duties are more overseeing the residents of the facility.
Yes, yes that was what a warden did. There were no questions about that. Richard was pretty sure the ‘overseeing prisoners’ aspect of this whole situation and who was in charge of it. Was very well and truly understood.
It just seemed that the ‘how’ of the overseeing was starting to come into question. Which was fine. Oversight was important. And Richard would never try to rush the process or give a review for people’s care anything but the full attention it deserved.
It was just. Imminent attack and destruction was weighing on his mind. But maybe he was overreacting? It hadn't come up in conversation yet.
A.Dewitt: The err ‘residents’. Have you learned anything from them?
Tram: The communication is...simplistic. The Sheliak speak in a bastardized version of Federation standard. Beyond basic life care, I am not in the business of playing dutiful host. Previous attempts at motive have stalled. It seems they view us as nothing more than an inconvenient infestation requiring cleansing as they expand on their empire. Rather straightforward and simplistic. A similar sentiment held by the Changelings.
Shayne: The fact that you’ve made any kind of progress understanding their language is… remarkable.
And even with some subtle prodding, the attack that their future visitors had warned them about was not coming up. Nonchalantly, he played with the tricorder in his hands. Closing the messenger app. Flipping it around in his hands a few times before moving to place it on his belt. Then for a lack of things to do with his hands. He stood there at rest, hands folded behind his back. Looking around the room while the others talked.
A.Dewitt: Mr Tram :pause: How did you achieve that?
Tram: Response
Shayne: And these… examinations… they were voluntary?
Coldness seeped into his spine. Slowly wrapping its long thin fingers around him. Fighting the shiver, least he look like he was shaking in fear, Richard’s gaze trained back onto Tram.
Tram: Response
A.Dewitt: How long did it take to establish?
Matthews: Except the Sheliak language is complex, so much so that while we are still grappling with it. The ‘bastardized’ version of federation standard you’re talking about. It is one of several federation languages, they have mastered. They find federation standard incoherent or something along those lines. They just don’t deem to use it.
Shayne / Tram: Response
A.Dewitt: Do they understand what you are doing?
Matthews: And have they been given the chance to consent?
Shayne / Tram: Response
A.Dewitt: Mr Tram would it be possible to visit one of your :pause: subjects?
Did they have the time for that? More and more Richard found himself wanting to push for an evacuation. Now in light of possible abuse to the war criminals in this facility. Getting them out of here felt even more important.
Watching the captain out of the corner of his eye. Richard said.
Matthews: It might be a good idea for us to check up on the prisoners then after all, sir. I think I’d like to speak with them.
Shayne / Tram: Response
Matthews: :: Fingering the tricorder at his side :: I know a few of the languages listed that the Sheliak are fluent in. It should be fine. Maybe I can call in a communication officer for backup? B’Ella maybe?
Shayne: Response
TAGS/TBC
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Science Officer
USS Khitomer (NCC-62400)
A238908RM0