MSNPC Joakim Aduko - Paying Respects
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Tess Evinrude
Apr 7, 2026, 5:22:38 PMApr 7
to sb118...@googlegroups.com
((Sickbay Complex, Deck 10 - USS Ronin, Orbiting Gas Giant A, Ross 580 System))
Aduko: ::Suddenly feeling as if he'd said enough.:: It was
just a story I learned from a visiting human contractor, one of our
hired minds. Another time, perhaps...just know that the energy supply
would be limitless, clean...none of the brutal instability that the
Alliance forced on our work.
His comrades seemed to understand the need for discretion.
tr'Kharis: It could have been an elegant solution…to the hardships of the Romulan Free State and others. ::Opening his eye to look assessingly at Rurat’dari:: What of you? Have they treated you for radiation damage?
Rurat'dari: Partially. I managed to slip into here when nobody was looking. I have no doubt they'll come looking for me when they return. ::She paused, watching the others.:: What do you think will happen to us?
tr'Kharis: It could have been an elegant solution…to the hardships of the Romulan Free State and others. ::Opening his eye to look assessingly at Rurat’dari:: What of you? Have they treated you for radiation damage?
Rurat'dari: Partially. I managed to slip into here when nobody was looking. I have no doubt they'll come looking for me when they return. ::She paused, watching the others.:: What do you think will happen to us?
Aduko: After
this? :: He laughed, though the smile didn't quite make it his eyes.:: I
expect to be questioned by the Federation for the rest of my peak
working years. Perhaps I'll open up a sad little bar on one of the Rigel
colonies in twenty years.
His sarcasm was palpable.
tr'Kharis: ::dry:: You? Dispensing beverages… and sharing old Earth anecdotes… to transient clientele? I would visit, just to see this, my friend. But I suspect… your talents would be… repurposed… long before that outcome is realized. Same for you ‘dari. ::tone growing sharper:: Now listen. I am…was the Project Administrator. I was in charge of the base personnel. I will take any blame or fault for things the Federation wants to bring against us. If this is the last order I ever give you… you are to lay all responsibility on my shoulders. Is that understood?
Rurat'dari shook her head vehemently, and Joakim's eyes narrowed.
Rurat'dari: No. I'm as responsible as you are.
Aduko: Will all respect, that isn't why I kept meticulous records. The truth will show that none of us are wholly responsible.
tr'Kharis: The Lattice is responsible for most of it. I will take responsibility for anything else. You two are to keep your names clear. ::A pause:: It is an order Joakim.
His gaze cut between them, first on the Jem'Hadar scientist and then on Aduko.
Rurat'dari: Yes, Sir.
Aduko: If that is your wish, I'll honor it. ::With a touch of sadness.:: Old friend.
tr'Kharis: ::dry:: You? Dispensing beverages… and sharing old Earth anecdotes… to transient clientele? I would visit, just to see this, my friend. But I suspect… your talents would be… repurposed… long before that outcome is realized. Same for you ‘dari. ::tone growing sharper:: Now listen. I am…was the Project Administrator. I was in charge of the base personnel. I will take any blame or fault for things the Federation wants to bring against us. If this is the last order I ever give you… you are to lay all responsibility on my shoulders. Is that understood?
Rurat'dari shook her head vehemently, and Joakim's eyes narrowed.
Rurat'dari: No. I'm as responsible as you are.
Aduko: Will all respect, that isn't why I kept meticulous records. The truth will show that none of us are wholly responsible.
tr'Kharis: The Lattice is responsible for most of it. I will take responsibility for anything else. You two are to keep your names clear. ::A pause:: It is an order Joakim.
His gaze cut between them, first on the Jem'Hadar scientist and then on Aduko.
Rurat'dari: Yes, Sir.
Aduko: If that is your wish, I'll honor it. ::With a touch of sadness.:: Old friend.
A brief pause befell them.
tr'Kharis: ::almost to himself:: We opened a door. They were in turmoil in that universe, an event of cataclysmic proportions rippling through their reality. Think of the resources we could mine from a universe that unstable. Access to that power alone could advance the Romulan Free State by centuries.
Rurat'dari: We'd be able to advance this universe.
Aduko: To take from a doomed place...is it not better that something good comes from its end?
Rurat'dari: We could change this universe drastically, especially if we're not constrained by any afilliation.
Joakim nodded, following what 'dari was insinuating.
Aduko: To have no affiliation...I'm not sure if it's wise to go it alone. But I know that I'm done following the Lattice Alliance's orders.
tr'Kharis: Response
Rurat'dari: What do you mean?
Their Jem'Hadar colleague flicked her hair back in annoyance. Aduko leaned back reflexively.
tr'Kharis: Response
Aduko: He's not wrong, Rurat'dari. Right now, we are our own best support system...but we'll need allies.
Rurat'dari: If we must, I understand. It would be incredibly risky for us all.
tr'Kharis: Response
The doors to their wing opened again, filling the room with more caterwauling. Two members of the Ronin's medical staff walked in, looking harried.
Aduko: We have plenty of time to discuss this. ::He looked meaningfully at tr'Kharis.:: But I intend to spend some time with this crew...to lean trends, loyalties...and determine if they can be trusted with our work. ::He lowered his voice.:: With parts of it, anyway.
tr'Kharis/Rurat'dari: Response
[Tags/Potential Scene End for Aduko]
--
Joakim Aduko
2IC & Research Lead
The Lid
--as simmed by--
2IC & Research Lead
The Lid
--as simmed by--
Lieutenant J.G. Tess Evinrude
[he/him]
Operations Officer
USS Ronin
R240111TE1
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