[[BACKSIM]] JP: Lt. JG T’Fearne & Lt. JG Evinrude - A Private Investigation [Part 3]
Teayl Thorn
((OOC: This storyline is set in a previous shore leave on Proxima Sigma IV and begins with Prequel Sims Uniform Not Required [1] and For Your Eyes Only [2], and is a continuation of JP - A Private Investigation [Part 1] & [Part 2].))
((Federation Investigation & Security Headquarters or F.I.S.H., City Center, Proxima Sigma IV))
A storm continued to stalk them from the train station, and the Starfleet officers were practically blown through the entryway of FIS Headquarters in a torrent of wind and mist—as if the weather itself resented their presence.
T’Fearne brushed the moisture from her dark coat.
T’Fearne: ::quietly:: The weather patterns have worsened since the last report.
Evinrude: ::Shaking off rain, he replied softly.:: Must be hard to predict the weather with an immense space elevator and its attached station disrupting the atmosphere…
The foyer beyond was stately in the way Federation buildings often were, if a touch outdated, with smooth stone-veneered pillars flanking the main thoroughfare, supporting a symmetrical, terraced ceiling overhead. But the elegance was abruptly interrupted.
Something loomed ahead, out of place—a stark and utilitarian security checkpoint. The scanning archway impeded all who would enter, flanked by force-field emitters and a pair of armed and armoured officers waited with no-nonsense expressions.
Beyond the checkpoint, the headquarters opened into a wide atrium of transparent steel, polished dark stone. Holo-lanterns suspended in a controlled orbit overhead cast deliberate pools of light into the floor. A massive Federation Security crest dominated the far wall, haloed in solemn blue light.
T’Fearne: ::low:: This is new. They didn’t have this level of security when I visited previously.
One officer, a broad-shouldered Denobulan, stepped forward.
Checkpoint Officer: Identification, please. State your business and who you are meeting with.
T’Fearne and Tess produced their PADDs in a synchronised motion that was practised without ever having been rehearsed.
Evinrude: Lieutenant Evinrude, Operations. USS Ronin.
T’Fearne: Lieutenant T’Fearne, Ronin Security Department. Deputy Investigator zh’Dara is expecting me to meet with her.
The Denobulan’s expression softened—barely.
Checkpoint Officer: Welcome to the FIS Headquarters, Lieutenants. Step through the scanner. Any weapons to declare?
The Vulcazoid conceded with a nod.
T’Fearne: Yes. If they cannot accompany me, I’d appreciate it if they could be secured here. I assisted planetary security in the immediate aftermath of the disaster a few weeks ago. ::glance around:: I see security measures have been improved since then.
The Ronin security officer gave a nod of approval at the enhanced level of security. Then without ceremony, she began unloading her arsenal, with the casual efficiency of someone for whom weaponry was simply the tools of their trade.
From the pockets of her slacks emerged a matched pair of akai sticks. A palm-sized blade seemed to materialise in her hand. A compact phaser pistol and powercell reloads appeared from her pack, followed by several innocuous-looking devices.
She handed over the collection to security for safekeeping, then glanced sidelong at Tess, stepping to the side with an open palmed gesture as though giving him space to unload his weapons.
The Denobulan officer blinked, visibly recalculating his expectations as the awestruck Evinrude placed a singular, palm-sized type 1 phaser on top of his comrade’s arsenal.
Checkpoint Officer: ::clearing his throat sack:: Yes, all weapons will remain with me. Following the orbital bombing, the colony is undergoing a full security overhaul. You—Ma’am, and you as well, Sir—please stand in the archway while I confirm your clearance with my supervisor.
He stepped away for a moment to make a comm. The archway came to life, emitting a rising hum that prickled faintly across their skin as it scanned them from head to toe, searching for hidden weapons or contraband.
Evinrude: Expecting a fight?
T’Fearne: ::innocent shrug:: Always.
Evinrude: ::Smiling, Tess rolled his eyes playfully..:: Better to have it and not need it…
He didn’t finish the adage, as the increased whining pitch of mechanical actuators announced the archway had finished its scan, then abruptly ceased. Internal components quickly reset back to their start position with a mechanical sigh and the archway grew quiet.
The checkpoint officer returned, glancing over at the device’s terminal one last time before nodding. Satisfied with the result, and apparently his comm call too, he paced back over to the two officers.
Checkpoint Officer: I’ll be locking up…all of this. ::indicating their weapons:: A claim ticket was sent to your PADD, come back and retrieve your weapons before you leave.
T’Fearne: ::glancing at her PADD to confirm receipt of the ticket:: Thank you.
Checkpoint Officer: Will you both be meeting with Deputy Investigator zh’Dara?
Tess looked over to T’Fearne briefly.
Evinrude: Actually, I was hoping to take a look through your records from the day of the attack. Scans and sensor logs, communications…
Nodding, T’Fearne arched an eyebrow, looking back at the officer, an unspoken “is that acceptable?” on her face.
Checkpoint Officer: Very well. D.I. zh’Dara can set you up with viewing permissions remotely. ::The Denobulan turned and pointed down the hall to a set of security doors at the far right side of the atrium.:: Data Archival Division is that way. Stop at those doors, wait for an escort.
The Denobulan’s tone turned mildly forceful, but Tess understood. The officer probably wasn’t used to dealing with Starfleet officers, a breed of uniform well accustomed to protocol. He nodded, and turned to meet T’Fearne’s gaze.
Evinrude: Well, call if you need anything. ::He took a slow, halting step away, as if hesitant to leave.::
T’Fearne: ::reaching out, a brief touch on Tess’s shoulder:: And you. See what you can find out. I’ll do the same.
Evinrude: ::Smiling, Tess quickened his pace.:: See you soon.
It wasn’t long before the operations officer reached the security doors, and when he turned back, T’Fearne was gone.
[JP / TBC in Part 4]
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Lieutenant J.G. T'Fearne
Security Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
R240107T14
&
Lieutenant J.G. Tess Evinrude
Operations Officer
USS Ronin
R240111TE1