2013 Silver Merit Award Confidence

[Lawliet 0]

 

Confidence - Joint Log: Lt Lawliet and Captain Chirakis

 

 

After several minutes of standing by in the Control Tower’s Science station, the doors to Captain Chirakis’ office finally open as Commander Roberts, Commander Coleridge, and Rov walked out into Operations. Grabbing his PADD, Lt. Lawliet stood up and proceeded over to the Captain’s office, pressing the chime button.

 

A sharp, “Come in, Lieutenant,” accompanied the door swooshing open. The captain was just turning from the conference table. “I’ve been expecting you,” she added over her shoulder as she tossed a PADD on her desk and eased into her chair, then waved him into the one opposite and gave him her full attention.

 

 

Noticing the tone in her voice, Lawliet was taken back a brief step...mentally. He knew asking would more than likely result in greater hostility, so he decided to disregard it and proceed sitting down across from Chirakis. “Captain,” handing over his PADD as he spoke, “I’ve finished my investigation into the matter we discussed during our last meeting.”

 

“Your investigation into the MS3 virus?” A quick tap silenced a beep from the console embedded in her desk and the lights in the office dimmed to a secure pale yellow as she took the PADD and began to read.

 

 

“To an extent, I was able to use a recursive algorithm to reconstruct some of the data files that had been lost. I sent what medical data I recovered to Dr. Pavilion and I sifted through the rest, however…”, Lawliet looked off to the side trying to think about the implications he was about to shed light on. “...have you ever heard of Particle Synthesis?”

 

 

“I have. However, if you would refresh my memory….” a hand gesture called for elaboration.

 

 

Lawliet reached over to highlight a section on the PADD. “As you can see here Captain, particle synthesis was first discovered by the Voyager crew in the Delta Quadrant. It has the ability to “mimic” any material it comes in contact with. Only a modified spectral scan can detect it.”

 

She nodded, following his illustration.

 

 

“I’ve spent the last five hours scanning all the components we confiscated from the Mist Station. Nearly 60% has been manipulated using particle synthesis and according to my results…” Lawliet took a moment to breath in, “...is Federation in origin.”

 

 

Captain Chirakis’ interest heightened. After a long pause, she raised her gaze from the PADD and leaned forward, choosing her words carefully. “Exactly what components are we talking about, Lieutenant? All the samples taken from the Mist Station, or those pertaining to the virus?”

 

 

“Not all Captain, most of the components manipulated are standard construction material, but there were a few items that may be of some concern.” Reached over again to bring up the manifest. “Two computer processors, one manifold, and seven medical instruments.”

 

 

“Just so I understand… of the samples taken from the Mist Station, 60% of them have undergone particle synthesis and appear to be Federation in origin. Within that 60% are questionable items, some of which may have been used for medical purposes?”

 

 

“Correct, Captain.”

 

 

“And why do you believe that these medical materials are objects of concern?”

 

 

“As far as I can determine, those particular components are used in experimental medical facilities. If you want, you can cross-check with medical and get a second opinion.”

 

 

“And did you collaborate with medical in your investigations, as instructed?”

 

 

“Up till the point when I relayed the medical files from the Mist Station database to medical. After discovering this...I thought it best to report it up through the chain of command.”

 

 

“...because of the sensitivity of the situation?”

 

 

“Yes Ma’am.”

 

 

A moment of considered silence ensued as she regarded him thoughtfully. She closed the PADD and handed it back to him, clearly a precursor to an extended comment.

 

“Mr. Lawliet,” she began with considered expression, “I appreciate your caution, especially regarding all matters pertaining to Mist Station 3, and especially regarding matters pertaining to the virus. However, I believe in this case you would be safe enough discussing your findings with Dr. Pavilion and her senior staff.

 

“You’ve been an integral part of our crew for… just over three months. Even with your extended abilities as an El Aurian I would not expect you to have come to the full understanding of our crew: whom to trust, whom not to trust.

 

“Of course, there are those I do not trust, as is always the case with any crew. But those who have been put in high positions, such as Dr. Pavilion and her senior staff, are there for a reason, hand-picked by myself and a close group of trusted individuals. Those who came with us to Mist Station 3 are some of that group and, Mr. Lawliet. I trust them even with my life.”

 

 

She took in a deep breath followed by a slow exhale while she continued to regard him with a serious, yet calm expression. “I tell you this as a preface to my order, Mr. Lawliet. Take your findings to Dr. Pavilion and her senior staff and collaborate with them to see if there is any connection between this medical equipment and the virus. Then look for any connection, no matter how minute, between this virus and the Federation and/or the allied powers. If this virus was manufactured and if it was manufactured for a purpose other than altruistic,it is imperative that the source and purpose be found. I know you understand the importance of that, especially because you felt compelled to bring your findings only to me.”

 

 

Lawliet nodded at the Captain’s statement and stood to leave. “Thank you for the vote of confidence Captain. Let this advice help guide you as you may require it: When those closest to you can’t all be trusted, walk the narrow path….I know it might not make sense, but hopefully it will be of some help to you down the road.”

 

After considering that a moment, Captain Chirakis simply nodded. “Thank you, Lieutenant. Carry on.”