Conflict

[Jorahl 0]

Joint log between Hannah McDowell, Jorahl, DJ, and Mimi

 

The Aegis officers comprising the scouting team moved slowly in their radiation suits towards the main exit of the colony base. The sound of Hannah McDowell dictating something into the computer and then giving orders to those of her staff able to get out of bed drifted into the distance as they neared the doors. It seemed they had left that storm behind just as the doors opened in front of them, a single silhouette standing in the way.

 

Having ducked out the side exit Hannah now stood in front of the Romulan named Jorahl, showing no fear. She was too mad to consider fear at this point. "Listen, I asked for your help with the sick here but I did not and will not authorize any of you to do one thing more to my site!"

 

"Your site is the cause of the sickness...which we plan to deal with and not with half thought out fantasies but with some facts about what we're dealing with. So unless you have those facts handy, leave us be!" As the argument spilled out into the corridor, it was impossible not to overhear. DJ wasn't going with the team to inspect the contaminated site. She would be staying behind to keep an eye on the recovering colonists. From the sound of the ongoing squabble, she was concerned she might soon have a new patient. She stood a few meters down the small hallway and listened as Jorahl and Hannah McDowell debated their differing points of view.

 

"I've already told you I believe the containers can be removed safely by usin the transporters, and then force fields can keep the site from cavin in after the containers are gone. Hell and damnation, I'll even let you have two of the containers if you want them! All I'm askin is that we have a care and proceed carefully with the site." Hannah took a deep breath. "Mr. Jorahl sir, these ruins are perhaps older than the Iconians. They could also tell us alot about this region of space, about the people who lived here and where they went, but if you and your people do not heed me, you'll ruin any chance of us discoverin what's buried out there."

 

"And if your transporters can't penetrate shielded containers? The leak remains. What if your beam disrupts what containment is left? The leak becomes a flood. And what do you do with the contaminants even if this does work? Our scientist," pointing a gloved finger towards Aliana, "has also thought of using the transporters but we don't know how to clear the buffers of the radiation or what to do with it after that. We have the same problem again except instead of a small leak under the ground we have a time bomb in our midst. We have no idea what containment system they used, physical shielding, force fields, a small Dutch boy with his finger in a hole for all we know at this point!" Jorahl glared down at the Administrator. "We are your best bet to stabilize this situation."

 

Dr. McKinny continued listening. Both had valid arguments. Jorahl was an engineer and a pretty good one at that, if his credentials were bona fide. DJ had no reason to doubt they were. The Romulan was highly intelligent and apparently well educated. She was downright impressed by his reference to a "Dutch boy with his finger in a hole." At the same time, engineers often possessed tunnel vision. There was a problem to resolve. In this case, a serious radiation leak. It wasn't out of the question that in order to rectify the situation, the engineers wouldn't place a lot of importance on protecting the remains of this ancient civilization. DJ could understand Hannah's concern.

 

"Have ya not listened to a word I've been sayin?!" A Gallic curse nearly tripping over her lips, held in place only by years of raising children. The Romulan was just not going to listen. "I hand picked every single member of my team to deal with situations like this. Mineralogists, cryptographers, linguists, archaeological engineers, xeno-computer specialists, and any one of them with ten times the experience than the whole lot of you combined. And THEY won't destroy what fragile remains are left. You have no idea what you're doin here!"

 

"If any of your vaunted team has powered down a Dominion control computer actively trying to engage a self destruct in their face...they can polish my boots. Otherwise you can take your experts and..."

 

As their "discussion" continued, DJ considered her options. For now, she wouldn't get involved. But if this wasn't settled in the next five minutes, she would contact Aegis personally and apprise them of the situation. Then she pondered exactly what type of sedative she could use on a Romulan if things really got out of hand. As she thought over this a new voice rose up from the other room. "That's enough!" Mimi shouted. "We're all trying to do the same thing here. If we've overstepped our authority, we apologize. But, we really need to find out what is leaking and if anyone's plans have a chance of working. We will take anyone you require with us, respect whatever limitations you place, but we are here to help and we can only do that by going in there sooner rather than later. If you would like, Dr. McDowell, we could hail Aegis and see what they have to say. My only concern here is the health of you and the others on the planet as well as my team."

 

Hannah stood there glarin at Jorahl while listenin to Dr. Pavilion. She knew she had a decision to make and quick. There was no doubt the colony needed the help of Aegis to properly dispose of the resin and containers. She had no problem with that. What she had a problem with was Aegis thinkin they could take over her colony and her site and destroy the ruins. She'd be damned if she would let them. However, a compromise was called for here.

 

"Thank you Dr. Pavilion," Hannah started while still looking at Jorhal. "I have already sent a message to Aegis requestin assistance. However, I am willin to compromise to some degree. The site is under my jurisdiction; however, I will allow the engineers to remove the resin and containers under the watchful eye of myself and Dr. Asgar. Only work to remove the resin and containers is authorized. No other site work will be undertaken. After the resin and containers are removed, I might even release two of the containers to Aegis for study providin they remember where they got them. Are we agreed Mr. Jorahl? If not, then you and your team will stand down until official word from Aegis is received." Hannah finished.

 

Jorahl nodded firmly, "Agreed."