Lt. JG T’Fearne - Evanidus Capulus
Teayl Thorn
((Brew Continuum, Deck 14, USS Ronin))
T’Fearne gestured to the espresso machine that now sported a flagrantly illogical handwritten sign taped to the front of the grinder.
“We regret to inform you that the Klingon bean varietals are temporarily unavailable due to a supply inconsistency. Please direct all questions to Security.”
Captain Niac followed the gesture, then his eyes shifting to his mostly empty cup solemnly.
T’Fearne: ::indicating the chair across from him:: May I join you? I have some questions.
Niac set aside both PADD and cup and gestured towards the seat with a small smile.
Niac: By all means Lieutenant, but if you're planning to interrogate me don't you need somewhere around four or five lights?
Her eyebrows shot up as she took the seat. The Captain gave a self amused huff. Subtle and overlapping emotions that were less distinct radiated from him. She supposed it was the effect of having a symbiote, layering their empathic auras. It was like brushing against a chord instead of a single note.
T’Fearne: I’m not suggesting you had something to do with it, Captain. Only that you might be able to assist with my initial enquiries. I believe it was during our first meeting that you observed that starship life run on PADDwork and a fair amount of coffee and tea. The importance of coffee to the Ronin culture is clear to me, Sir.
She lifted her hand slightly toward the Brew Continuum around them, a hole in the wall establishment, carved out of Deck 14, but it had become a staple of Ronin shipboard life. Seeing, the Captain broke into a warm smile.
Niac: Absolutely Lieutenant...on that subject, I can't help but notice you're absent a cup. Am I to believe you're not only investigating this crime, you're one of its victims?
She had felt that the universe was crueller than she’d previously imagined that morning. Perhaps as a Captain, and as a joined Trill, Niac had an unusual level of observation and experience with reading people. T’Fearne tilted her head with a faint admission.
T’Fearne: I’d thought it to be less obvious, but yes, I prefer the Q'Onos Kav’ten beans particularly... and I’ve not had a cup yet today, neither has the rest of Alpha shift coming on duty and as a security officer, the safety of the crew is my concern.
She said it in a serious voice, but the Captain’s clear amusement at such a petty matter was infectious. After the rigors of what they had all been through on the recent mission, disappearing beans—no matter how delicious—was a laughable report to be filing and investigating.
Niac shook his head with theatrical severity, thumping the table like he was handing down a sentence.
Niac: This kind of injustice will not stand on my ship, Lieutenant. What do you recommend? Full lockdown? Phaser rifles? Blood screenings?
One corner of her mouth curled in a mutinous smirk, holding up both hands in a mock ‘hold' gesture.
T’Fearne: That might not be necessary, Captain. Though, if I fail to locate the issue, there could be cause for going to yellow alert. If you could, to the best of your recollection, describe the events of your visit here on stardate 240211.20?
The Captain shifted back in his seat, seeming deeply contemplative, T’Fearne set her PADD on the table between them to dictate his response.
Niac: What I can tell you is that this happened very recently...I only got my second cup a short time ago and there was no question about the supply then. There were...seven people in the room, five if you don't count the barista and myself...until you walked in...::He did a quick headcount and his eyes widened::...that means nobody has left. The thief could still be in this room!
She blinked and casually glanced around. Mentally cataloguing the faces of the other patrons. The Captain was observant and precise to an unusual degree. If he was sure as he seemed then there was already a glaring discrepancy with the investigation.
T’Fearne: You're getting ahead of my investigation, Sir. I’d hold off on accusations of theft until it is confirmed. For now I’d prefer to consider it a disappearance. ::serious tone, eye still holding a spark of amusement:: As things stand, I can’t rule out the barista yet… nor yourself.
Her tone was apologetic, and the subject of disappearance in question was as trivial as beans, but the Vulcazoid was also deadly serious.
Niac: Response
T’Fearne: Based on your account, there is already a contradiction. The barista reported stepping away briefly—to refresh himself—and returning to find the Kav’ten beans missing. You, meanwhile, recall he was present continuously, along with yourself and five others. Are you certain no one stepped out? Not even momentarily?
Niac: Response
T’Fearne: ::casual shrug:: At this stage, I can not assume the beans were taken by someone. There are other possibilities. While your accounts differ, the inconsistency alone is not enough to establish guilt.
Niac: Response
T’Fearne felt her pointed eartips flushing green with embarrassment.
T’Fearne: Captain, I trust you. I did not intend to imply your recollection was faulty. This is about… coffee beans. You lack the motive to take the beans and deprive the crew. As yet I have not determined why the crewman would fabricate being absent. He did seem somewhat vague and nervous when he gave the report.
She folded her hands over the PADD, thoughtful. She cast her thoughts back to the crewman's demeanour, nervous, shifty, but no empathic aura of deception.
T’Fearne: Perhaps I failed to ask the correct questions.
Niac: Response
[Tags / TBC]
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Security Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
R240107T14