Ensign T'Fearne delved deeper into the recertification interview with Lieutenant Gila Sadar, her mind calculating the weight of unanswered questions. A growing suspicion of a potential shapechanger threat loomed over her like a dark cloud. As she navigated the interrogation, T'Fearne sensed a tumultuous undercurrent of emotion from the Mizarian officer—a swirling blend of anxiety and something deeper, perhaps fear—that only heightened her resolve to get to the bottom of things. The responsibility of safeguarding her crew weighed heavily on her shoulders, fueling T'Fearne’s determination to uncover any hidden truths that could jeopardize their safety.
T’Fearne: To your best judgement, do you have any prior relationships that ended badly that could lead to a compromise in the security or safety of your crewmates or the Federation?
Sadar: …
A heavy silence fell. T'Fearne glanced up to catch Sadar’s reaction to the question but was hit with a flood of nuanced emotions that were difficult for her mind to translate. Beneath the grey-blue hues of uncertainty, there was a sickly yellow ember of failure that struck T'Fearne like a shock to the system. She didn’t even realise she was holding her breath, waiting for the emotion to bloom and then slowly fade. When it finally dissipated, she winced, a dull headache forming at her temples. She cleared her throat.
No response.
Looking at the Mizarian, T’Fearne realised she seemed trapped in a painful reverie, considering the kind of emotions that had momentarily brushed her mind, and wondered what memories haunted the woman. That she was taking so long to answer was also concerning. The question of whether Sadar could be a shapechanger circled in her mind like a star being pulled into a black hole. Under the cover of the table between them, her hand rested on an object inside her pocket.
T’Fearne: Leutentant. oO If she were a shapechanger who had successfully infiltrated Starfleet as a Doctor no less, why would there be a sense of failure regarding that question? Why not triumph? Oo
No response.
T’Fearne: Lieutenant Gila Sadar. :: tone gentle:: Do you need a moment, Sir?
Sadar: Oh, uhh, sorry... No.
The response was vague, and T'Fearne suspected it was less about needing a moment and more about avoiding the question entirely. The subtle shifts in Sadar's body language spoke volumes, planting seeds of doubt in T'Fearne's normally logical mind.
T’Fearne::: voice carefully casual:: That question seemed difficult to answer. Could you elaborate on what you are considering?
Sadar took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly.
Sadar: P-Part of service as a Doctor means that you deal with people at their lowest. Sometimes, you lose patients and the news shatters the lives of those left behind... But, in response to your question, no, I don’t think anyone’s grudge against my shortcomings as a physician are grave enough to risk the safety of the Federation.
T’Fearne had to concede that the answer was logical, and many physicians and security officers, for that matter, had to deal with the risks associated with their line of work. Seeing and feeling how much these questions were impacting the other officer, despite herself, she began to feel slightly guilty.
T’Fearne: Thank you, Sir. These questions can be difficult. I appreciate your patience and if you need a moment, I can pause this, and we can resume in a few moments.
She reached for the recording device, but Sadar’s voice stopped her.
Sadar: Response
T’Fearne: Very well. I can appreciate that. I will try to make this brief, Sir, so you can continue your day.
In an attempt to reassure the Mizarian officer, if that was what she was, T'Fearne offered a smile, only to remember too late that her attempt at warmth might be disconcerting if the other officer’s perception of her was of a full Vulcan… and that the next question was worse than the last one. She dropped the grin abruptly and then mentally smacked herself for being so awkward with the senior officer.
T’Fearne: Are there any deceased family members whose deaths were connected to Federation actions—whether friendly or hostile? If so, do you harbour any resentment or ill will toward the Federation or its representatives?
Sadar: Response
T’Fearne pressed on, aware of the delicate terrain they were traversing.
T’Fearne::: a subtle wince:: If an adversary of the Federation were to offer you something of great personal value in exchange for confidential information, are you confident you would refuse the offer and report the incident to the nearest security officer or your chain of command?
After everything Starfleet officers gave of themselves freely, to have their honour and integrity questioned was personally distasteful to the ensign.
Sadar: Response
T’Fearne: Have you ever faced a situation like this in the past?
Sadar: Response
[[Tags/TBC]]
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Ensign T'Fearne
Security Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
R240107T14
