<div dir="auto"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Day: 2</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Stardate: 2445.12.02</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">(USS Exeter - CTO Office  - CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez & CTO/3O Lieutenant Ravok - 0531)</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Sitting at the desk, Erin's mind was whirring. ~what is this all about? I haven't done anything unless you count bringing that denubian chocolate on board.~ </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Ravok walked in. " Good morning Lieutenant "</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Good morning to you. What is this all about?"</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">He motioned towards the walls. Blue strips illuminated the wall panels. " This conversation is being recorded. If at any time you wish to say anything off record, you may tap that button next to your right hand." He said as he sat down.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Erin looked down at the button and then at Ravok, "I understand but what is this all about? I haven't done anything to warrant this."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">" Lieutenant, what was the nature of your relationship with Commander Tyko Nix?" Ravok asked her. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Raising an eyebrow,  Erin looked at him, "Do you want me to answer that truthfully?"</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">" You are under no requirement to answer my questions with honesty, but dishonesty would be detrimental." He responded </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"We slept together, once."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">" How would you describe the last time you spoke with the commander ? " Ravok asked. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Honestly,  difficult. "</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">~ Not good.~ " Difficult because of rank ? Time restraints? " </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"He… well, not to put to fine a point on it, he propositioned me."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Ravok leaned forward and his chair and rested his arms on the desk. " Lieutenant the commander was found dead " </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">It took her mind a second to realize what he had actually said and it was then that she realized that her hand was at her mouth.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">He sat and watched Erin process the news. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"He's dead?"</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">" Yes, cause of death has not been determined. He did however contact security with an emergency before he was found dead. "</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Wait…. Is that why I am here? You can't think that I would have…?"</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Ravok took a deep breath. " You are here because of your interaction with him in Bean me up. Can you account for your whereabouts from 2300 to 0200 ?"</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Sitting back in the chair, Erin went quiet. The news of Nix's death had hit her hard. ~he's dead….~</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">" Lieutenant?" He knew this was hard for her to hear.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"I'm sorry.. I was in bed, asleep. And before you ask, I was alone."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">" Was there anything you accessed during that time in your quarters to prove you were there ? " He asked. He didn't want to mention the hacking of the ship's biometric systems. So he was thinking of anyway to prove she was where she claimed she was.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Accessed…. No. I got back after the meal we were both at and went to bed. Look, I know how it looks but, nix and I were old news. I'm with someone now."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">" Lieutenant,  I am not trying to find you guilty of anything. The cause of death hasn't been determined , I am however trying to rule out all possibilities. You were with him yesterday. I watched the security file. Your entire conversation. Then later he is found dead. The man was a fellow officer. I am trying to help him and help you. "</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"I… lieutenant, I wouldn't do this. Yes, he asked for sex. Yes, I told him no. In fact i think i may have said how dare he suggest that. He… will always be someone special to me for reasons i don't want to go into. But kill him? No."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">" In any of your interactions with the commander  did he ever mention anyone who may have had a problem with him? " Ravok asked.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Our conversations… we didn't talk much the first time. But the last time I spoke to him, no he mentioned nothing. In fact the only real thing he did tell me was something personal about himself and his past."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Ravok nodded.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Taking a deep breath, Erin closed her eyes for a moment and then looked at him, "Do whatever you need to do. If it means locking me up to prove my innocence,  fine."</span></p><br><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">" I'm not locking you up Lieutenant. You mentioned his past, something personal. I know as an intelligence officer he probably had loads of secrets but if this is information that could lend help to the investigation. I need to know ."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Just an old tale about naussicans. Something that happened to him. He was making a point about how I used to be, hiding behind what happened with Dulon."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Ravok looked down at a silent alert on his screen. " Lieutenant did you talk to anyone about your dealings with Commander Tyko Nix? "</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"The only other person who knew was Commander Bracken. "</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">" Are you sure?" Ravok asked.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Looking at him, Erin felt a sudden pang of worry, "what do you mean am I sure? She was the only person I told."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">" Lieutenant I am just asking. I think I have everything I need. I am going to recommend you speak with counselor Corsica and keep your doors locked." Ravok said.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Okay." Erin responded quietly. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">" I can have a member of the security teams to check on you periodically to ensure your safety." Ravok said as he ended the recording process. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"My safety? Why would I be not safe?"</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">" Your comfort and safety is one of my highest concerns Erin. I will make sure you are kept safe. "</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Does this mean I am benched? Can I work?"</span></p><br><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"I don't have the authority to make that call. I do however suggest you don't try to leave through an airlock anytime soon." He said with a hint of humor to ease the tension.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"I just… I'm concerned now. Why would I be at risk?"</span></p><br><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Your close connection with Tyko could make you a potential victim or a suspect if this is in fact ruled a homicide. Which I hope it's not. " </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Close…., sleep with a guy once and it marks you."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Ravok stood up. " You're free to go, If anything comes to mind or you need anything let me know. Your compliance will only help you in the long run. "</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Standing, Erin nodded. Her mind was still reeling from the news. She turned away and then turned back,</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"I didn't…. " she paused a second and then continued,  "He was a character,  yes. But he was a good man at heart. He didn't deserve this."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Ravok took a deep breath. " I believe you. If this is ruled a homicide and you are declared a suspect. I will have Counselor Corsica handle the aspects of the investigation that deal with you. Our friendship makes this situation difficult,  but I will perform my duties as required.  As your friend I urge you to seek legal counsel if this is indeed a homicide . As the Head of security on this vessel I urge you to not consider my friendship a weakness to exploit. "</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Erin nodded, didn't say any more and left the room. She could feel the news weighing heavily on her mind and needed the solitude of her office. She needed to be alone.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Ravok sat down and placed his head in his hands. He read the alert on his screen, it was from starbase freedom. It was an odd report from a betazoid woman who was present during one of Tyko's conversations of interest.</span></p><br><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">( reply none)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:georgia;color:rgb(29,34,40);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">( posted By Rob and Jackie )</span></p><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br></div>