Lt. Haukea-Willow: Emotional Research.
Aly Drolet
((At the Orion Perimeter, Drakos Prime))
Visually, numerous machines, disassembled, were being placed into large fortified crates, subsequently loaded into cargo holds on several waiting shuttles, tents were equally being packed away. And right in the mists of the move, two unknowing Orions had been communicating, allowing them to eavesdrop.
Willow: We can’t get much closer without running the risk of being caught. However, we may do well at following them for a time.
Sylvax: If they're abandoning the site, whatever answers we're looking for may be leaving with them.
Leda: We can’t let that happen.
Ivalyan: Response
Willow: What do you say?
Naturally, as usual, Haukea, herself, had already considered it pertinent to create a tracking perimeter of the two Orions. However, she waited, patiently, for confirmation from Sylvax, Leda or even Ivalyan. Sylvax was the first to speak.
Sylvax: I say we follow. ::A slight pause.:: Quietly. ::His gaze shifted toward the nearest shuttle.:: We came here looking for answers. Right now, those crates appear to be carrying them away.
Leda: Follow the shuttle? Unless Lurtz has access to cloaking equipment I don’t know about, I don’t see how we could.
Ivalyan: Response
It was Sylvax, an ever observant Trill, who was the first of the quartet to narrow in on the specific contents of the crates present at the Orion’s feet. One such crate, partially open, was littered with numerous transparent cylinders, sealed data modules. Haukea directly noticed as the realization bloomed on Sylvax’s face.
Sylvax: That's not mining equipment.
Leda: Then what the hell is it?
Ivalyan: Response
Leda, her own facial expressions, while appearing quizzical, seemed to suspect the next answer, though Haukea was unsure, unaware of the full scope of what lay before them, not having the correct background knowledge to decipher the contents properly.
Sylvax: They're moving research.
Willow: Research on the Grevad.
Taking in the full scope of the realization, Leda, as could be expected, did not take well to knowing the Orions were highly likely conducting research on her chosen home planet, even more so regarding the exact creature that had terrorized her every waking hour, causing her nostrils to flare in agitation.
Leda: ::a strangled growl:: They were never trying to stop these monsters, were they…
Willow: Yes, it appears so.
Ivalyan: Response
Closer still, the previous two Orions continued to communicate, grunting, fully oblivious to having four individuals eavesdropping upon their conversation.
Orion 1: Careful with that one. Onzion said if those cultures get contaminated he'll have our heads.
Orion 2: Better ours than Nysari's.
A hiss from Leda as the two Orion figures laughed in response to their own words.
Sylvax: Leda...::His voice remained barely above a whisper.:: Did the Grevad exist before the Orions arrived?
An emotionally charged topic with which to initiate a conversation. Yet, practical, logical.
Leda: I… I didn’t think they could possibly… All our orbital scans of the planet were within safety limits, but… We sent expeditionary parties down to the surface and they reported creatures living in the caves, but we hadn’t pressed forward yet to see what they were. When the Orions turned up, they said those creatures were the Grevad. It made sense with the reports I had so far and they had physical evidence and I…
Willow: It is possible that the Orions could have exacerbated the initial ferocity of the Grevad population.
She considered it not as a fabrication, though, that the Orions could have, using scientific research, enhanced the dormant nature of what previously existed.
Ivalyan: Response
True in emotional intensity Leda, without warning or word, extracted one of her remaining flashbang grenades from the depths of her canvas bag - Haukea naturally, attempting to be a precaution, stepped forwards, hoping to deter the woman from setting it alight. Yet, through the encouragement of a whispering wind, the fight left, sinking her to her knees in defeat.
Leda: What can we do? Distract them long enough to get closer? Maybe I… I could speak to them. They may not know me personally, but they know of me. They know they’re breaking our deal by leaving. It would make sense for me to have questions.
Willow: Perhaps not until after we consider it through more thoroughly.
Ivalyan/Sylvax: Response
Leda: ::Leda bit her lip, continuing:: And if they’re distracted, we might be able to disable the shuttle. Keep them grounded as long as possible. Or even get in the cockpit and figure out their destination. Their watch on the perimeter is slack at best - if I approach them from the western side of camp and you sneak through the woods on the eastern side, you might be able to access the back of the shuttle without them noticing.
Willow: Likely, though what would occur if they became aware of our presence?
Ivalyan/Sylvax: Response
Leda: ::She fixed them all with a steely gaze:: This is my fault. ::far more than they knew:: I owe my people something better. Let me help you do this. Please.
Haukea, having dealt with numerous individuals propelled by emotion - although difficult to ascertain motivation - saw the desperate, illogical reason they possessed. Often, the outcome resulted in guilt, regret and further rash behavior - yet, a generalization, perhaps not a direct representation of Leda’s own actions.
Willow: Explain to me what it is you wish us to do.
Ivalyan/Sylvax/Leda: Response
Willow: I only guard you against using your emotions to fuel a rash course of action. I sympathize with how this is particularly difficult for you, a perceived failure for your people, yet, we must plan logically in order to avoid catching the attention of the Orion. I fear for your safety and that of your people too.
Haukea spoke in her up extreme air of professionalism, dripping with sympathy, emotional attachment and compassion, which she wholeheartedly believed. Perhaps Leda would pause, if only briefly, to consider her options.
Ivalyan/Sylvax/Leda: Response
Willow: Take it slow and explain it one more time. Please.
Ivalyan/Sylvax/Leda: Response
Lt. Haukea-Willow
Chief of Security - Crisis Response
Starbase 118 Ops
M239512BG0
Ad Astra Per Aspera/To The Stars With Difficulty - Una Chin-Riley
