Tangled Webs Part II
Episode Name: Tangled Webs Part II Written By: Lace Cast: Ghorev, Lace, Rivers and Sulok. Produced By: Starfleet Directed By: Lace Aired On: Sun Mar 31 01:07:39 2002 Stardate: 52231
Time: Sat Mar 30 21:56:54 2002
Stardate: 52230.7
The transporter beam deposits..a mess. Cargo containers are in haphazard stacks, knocked from where they were probably once neatly stacked. Set somewhat apart from the rest of the cargo, two long containers bearing what appears to be Romulan markings sit side by side. Each container appears to be approximately 6 1/2 feet in length, and about three feet high and equally wide. The container on the right shows an inset computer panel, which may have been concealed by the square piece of metal laying on the cargo bay floor in front of it. A rather heavy looking container rests haphazardly on the top of it where it has fallen.
Rivers reveals her Tricorder.
Sulok looks to Rivers as he enters and pulls out his tricorder, flipping it open as he starts towards the container on the right with the computer panel.
Rivers nods to Sulok and busies herself with the rest of the cargo, scanning for anything harmful or potentially dangerous.
<CONTEST> Sulok contests his Personal Equipment (Tricorder) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!
<CONTEST> Rivers contests her Personal Equipment (Tricorder) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!
Turning towards the second container, Sulok speaks, "The first container appears to contain biosigns, Romulan, sir," towards Rivers, his voice clearing the cargo bay towards his superior. "They are quite faint, I cannot discern whether they are that of someone dying, or because of the fact that they may be in stasis or through this container."
Rivers pops her head up at that. "Biosigns?" She crosses the bay to join Sulok in front of the container and gives it a lookover. "I don't see any obvious way of getting it open." She glances aside to the other container, frowning. "Notify Lt Dakin in Ops, Ensign," she orders and moves over to scan the second container as well.
Sulok taps his comm badge, "Ensign Sulok to Lieutenant Dakin."
<CONTEST> Rivers contests her Personal Equipment (Tricorder) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
Over Sulok's comm badge, someone says, "Go ahead, Ensign."
Into his comm badge, Sulok says, "Sir, we have detected faint biosigns in one of the containers. They are that of a Romulan."
<CONTEST> Sulok contests his Personal Equipment (Tricorder) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
From Sulok's comm badge, Dakin says, "Acknowldged. Get someone from Medical down there to aid you if the life signs are that faint. If it looks as though their life's in danger, crack it open."
Into his comm badge, Sulok says, "Yes sir."
From Sulok's comm badge, Dakin says, "Good work, Mr. Sulok, keep me informed, Dakin out."
Sulok's comm badge ends its transmission.
Sulok says towards Rivers, "Sir, the second container here seems to contain a second stronger biosign. Its field seems to be intact."
Rivers frowns at her tricorder. "Something is interfering with my scans." She glances up to Sulok and nods. "That would explain it." Her attention turns back to the first container. "We need to get these open, if we're to find out anything." She examines the computer panel. "I'm guessing there's a computer lock code or something."
Sulok taps his comm badge, "Ensign Sulok to Infirmary."
From Sulok's comm badge, a female voice responds. "Infirmary, Ensign Dailey here."
Sulok speaks into his combadge and nods towards Rivers, saying into his badge, "A medical team is needed in cargo bay one."
Rivers nods back, letting Sulok handle calling Medical. She herself is still intent on the computer panel of the container. A moment later she taps her own badge to make a report.
Rivers taps her comm badge, "Lieutenant JG Rivers to Lieutenant Dakin."
Over Rivers's comm badge, someone says, "Dakin here."
From Sulok's comm badge, the voice answers again. "Acknowledged. We're on our way."
Sulok reaches up and taps his comm badge, ending transmission.
Sulok moves around to look at the panel, saying, "If I may, sir?" and he looks towards Rivers, perhaps wondering if he can get a better look.
Into her comm badge, Rivers says, "Lieutenant..there are two containers, both with Romulan biosigns. Only one appears to be weak, and medical is on their way. The containers appear to contain some kind of statis field, but they're locked. We're examining the one that has a visible computer panel to see if we can get it open. Any instructions, sir?"
From Rivers's comm badge, Dakin says, "Get someone from Engineering to assist you. If it's boobytrapped, I don't want to risk their lives by ham-handing our way into it."
Rivers nods to Sulok, moving over a bit to allow him access. She looks again to the second container and then moves over to it and examines the identical area on that container, looking for some kind of pop off panel.
Into her comm badge, Rivers says, "Acknowledged, Sir. Rivers out."
Rivers reaches up and taps her comm badge, ending transmission.
Sulok spends a few moments looking over the panel before rising to his feet to remark, "These are unusual containers," and then lifts up his tricorder and taps it a moment before lowering to continue scanning.
Rivers taps her comm badge, "Lieutenant JG Rivers to Lieutenant Ghorev."
Rivers nods her head. "Aye, they are. They'd have to be, if there's a person inside there."
Over Rivers's comm badge, someone says, "Go ahead."
Into her comm badge, Rivers says, "Akeen? Can you come up to Cargo bay one? We've got some cargo containers up there that may need your..expertise."
From Rivers's comm badge, Ghorev says, "On my way."
Rivers's comm badge ends its transmission.
<CONTEST> Sulok contests his Personal Equipment (Tricorder) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
Ghorev steps through the doors from the corridor, and the doors loudly clang shut behind him.
Ghorev has arrived.
"I am having difficulty reading beyond the stasis field," Sulok says towards Rivers as he rises to his feet and then to nobody's surprise, points out, "The panels are composed of Romulan characters."
Rivers stands with Sulok over a pair of long cargo containers, each of them being about 6 ft long. Sulok is scanning one that appears to be damaged, Rivers is hovering over the second, running her hand over the surface while scanning the container. The first container shows a visible computer panel inset into the top, and Rivers is evidently searching for a like panel on the second container.
Ghorev peers about the cargo bay as he enters, and then finds his way to them. "Situation?"
Sulok straightens up a bit and looks to Ghorev, explaining, "We require assistance in opening this container, it contains a fading biosign, and we likely will need to get it to the infirmary, there is a medical team on the way at the moment, sir."
Rivers pops her head up. "Both containers, actually. They both contain Romulan biosigns." She nods to the container on the right that Sulok is speaking of. "That one's is fading. The statis field was probably damaged."
Ghorev says "Right. Plasma is out, therefore. Let me see the computer panel on that one." He moves to it. "I don't know Romulan, but if you'll give me a hand prying this panel loose, I may be able to convince the multitronic circuits to let go good and proper."
Sulok nods towards Ghorev and moves towards the panel.
Ghorev, with Sulok's help, has the panel off the one container soon enough, exposing the circuitry behind, which flashes the usual unfiltered flickers of activity. "Stand back, both of you. Borva only knows what security measures the Romulans use on these things."
Sulok moves back slightly, watching Ghorev quietly.
Rivers slides over a bit more, though she still works at finding the hidden computer panel on the second container.
Ghorev says "Keep an eye on those biosigns. I don't want to rush this unless it's critical."
The cargo bay doors open, and Ensign Dailey from Medical hurries through, a medkit firmly in her hand.
Sulok lifts up his tricorder and seems to aim it at the case again, then noticing the medical officer he backs away a few more feet before turning and walking towards the ensign, saying, "There is a fading life sign of a Romulan in this container, its stasis field has been damaged."
Ghorev nods as he works the circuits behind the panel swiftly, gingerly. "Stand back," he warns again, as he works whatever engineering magick he does, working against the clock.
GAME: Ghorev spends a courage point.
<CONTEST> Ghorev (claiming advantage) contests his Material Engineering skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
Ghorev growls. "It's not working. One of you give me your tricorder. I need to get a better read on these circuits. Damn Romulans have everything backwards."
Dailey nods and approaches the container, pulling her medical tricorder free and adjusting it for Romulan readings. She gets as close as safety will permit. "One Romulan male," she intones, frowning. "His biosigns are fluctuating pretty erratically."
Rivers hands Ghorev her tricorder. "Here, Akeen." She crosses her arms then to watch.
Ghorev says "ALright. We're going to try something different. Ensign Dailey, tell the infirmary to prepare for site-to-site transport. If I can't pop this thing open, I'm going to try to take the stasis field down so I can beam the patient over."
Sulok stands back, allowing the specialists to do their work, slowly making his way towards Rivers, he says, "I was thinking, one reasonable explanation for these containers might be that they were holding prisoners of some sort, in transport. They may be dangerous."
<CONTEST> Ghorev (claiming advantage) contests his Systems Engineering (Computers) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
Ghorev says "I ... think I have it. Stand back." As he likewise steps back, he hands Rivers her tricorder back and takes up his own PADD, set down atop the crate as he began work. "I'm patching through to transporters."
Rivers takes back her tricorder, nodding. She glances to Sulok. "I don't think the Romulan government makes a habit of transporting prisoners in cargo containers. Especially on a civilian cargo transport that isn't Romulan."
Ghorev gestures to Sulok with his PADD. "Help her find the panel on that other one. We're going to have to repeat this experiment any minute now." And with that brusque order, he tries to get a transporter lock on the first life sign.
Sulok nods a bit and says, "Sir, the other life sign is under stasis still and quite strong. It is not in need of transport, doing so may cause more damage than good," but still he moves towards the container and goes about looking for the panel.
Dailey continues scanning the container, tapping her combadge once. "Ensign Dailey to Infirmary. Stand by to recieve a Romulan patient, condition unknown."
<CONTEST> Ghorev (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Transporter) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!
Ghorev says "Lock achieved. I'm transporting .... NOW!" And from within the container, there is the sound of that superheterodyne whine, even though the substance of the container itself. "Romulan away. Now for this second container."
Sulok taps his comm badge, "Ensign Sulok to Lieutenant Dakin."
Rivers mutters something to herself about alien technology. The muttering turns more cheerful though as she finally finds the outline of the panel. "Aha! We need something to pry it off with.."
From Dailey's combadge, a voice answers. "Romulan recieved. Placing him under statis. He appears uninjured.."
Sulok moves over towards Rivers as he waits on the return from his badge.
Over Sulok's comm badge, someone says, "Dakin here."
Into his comm badge, Sulok says, "Sir, Lieutenant Ghorev has managed to transport the Romulan with the fading life sign to the infirmary."
From Sulok's comm badge, Dakin says, "Good, what about the other one?"
Into his comm badge, Sulok says, "We are currently working on that, sir."
From Sulok's comm badge, Dakin says, "All right, I've got the freighter's captain in Ops at the moment, so keep any further communications non-specific so as not to throw him off by overhearing something."
Ghorev frowns at Rivers' discovery. "Dana, they wouldn't make a container like this without some way of sliding back the panel. Scan with your tricorder for some kind of voice or biometric sensors in the crate that we might be able to cut into and deceive into opening. Obviously, if you can't, then we can still try brute force."
Into his comm badge, Sulok says, "Aye sir, Sulok out."
<CONTEST> Rivers contests her Personal Equipment (Tricorder) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!
Sulok reaches up and taps his comm badge, ending transmission.
Rivers passes her tricorder over the area where the panel hides. A moment later she nods. "Biometric sensors detected." She glances to Ghorev. "Tricky little contraption, isn't it."
Ghorev says "Yes. Let's see how tricky *we* are. You and Mr. Sulok are the experts on security systems, so let us brainstorm: what would *you* do to fool a biometric security scanner expecting an unknown, presumably Romulan, biosign?"
Sulok pauses a moment in consideration and looks at the panel a moment, then says, "Give it a biosign that it expects. Perhaps the one of the Romulan from the other container?" and he points towards the other case.
Rivers frowns in concentration, nodding once. "That might work. If its coded to react to any Romulan biosign."
Ghorev says "That would require, of course, some way to fool the sensors into accepting the fake biosign without an actual bod----" He considers. "Mister Sulok, pardon me if I'm about to ask something rude ... but how *close* are Vulcan and Romulan physiologies?"
Sulok replies, "They are quite similar," and tilts his head towards Ghorev, saying, "However, if the sensors are exacting, they may detect the differences to an unknown affect of those in this room, and to the occupant inside. It would be logical to simply take this container to the infirmary, seeing as how the occupant is currently quite healthy, and not risk lives."
Ghorev tsks at Sulok. "That's assuming your initial leap of *faith*, that the other Romulan's biosign will work, is factually correct, of course." He looks at Dailey. "However if the two of you, and Nurse Dailey, are willing to take custody of this container and advise me that I'm not needed to force it open just yet, I can withdraw back to my power core and the work on my desk.
Rivers shakes her head. "I don't think it would make that much difference what room it's in. And the infirmary doesn't really have room for this thing." She steps away from the container. "Its worth a try, Sulok. If it causes an ill effect on the occupant, we'll just have to act faster.
Sulok shakes his head a bit and says, "I am saying that the Romulan will have a zero percent difference in genetic coding, and that by your own reasoning, sir, that this container functions based upon biometric readings from a Romulan that is familiar." Pointing towards the container, he further explains, "The current occupant is not in any danger, and it may even be logical to assume that by interacting with it, we are endangering the occupant unecessarily. I would further state that the captain of whom is responsible for this container and the occupant may have input that will allow the container to be opened, if that is necessary without any risk to anyone. Sir."
Ghorev says "Mr. Sulok, you're entitled to your opinion, of course," but he frowns. "However, I must point out that I simply noted that this biometric sensor would want a 'familiar' biosign. And that it would most likely be Romulan. You were the one who, from there, made the blind leap to assume that any Romulan's would do. That is from facts not in evidence. It was a blind assumption." His tone is a warning, indicating that a certain level past which no further argument will be brooked by the senior officer is about to be reached. "Now, that said, I want answers, so we're going to open this thing. Because every second we don't know from these people why they're in here is a second wasted."
Rivers nods her head in agreement. "My question is, how do we mimic a Romulan biosign." She passes her hand over the panel. "Obviously it doesn't repspond to human." She glances to Sulok, and then to Ghorev as she steps back. "Give it a try, Mr Sulok. We may be making a mountain out of a molehill here."
"That is not a blind assumption, the key pad is in Romulan, the occupants are Romulan, and you yourself said that the security system was expecting a Romulan biosign, you are the one who suggested that I myself might be a viable alternative to a Romulan," Sulok replies, standing quietly, regarding the console, he says, "Yes sir," and approaches the panel, lifting a hand towards it.
Surprise, surprise. The covering panel slides aside, dissapearing into the casing of the container and revealing an identical computer panel to the other container.
Ghorev grunts. "Mister Sulok," and his tone leaves no doubt that his tolerance level on backtalk from junior officers has been reached, "some Vulcans are masters of logic. Others are brilliant security guards. As a Vulcan logician, you're a brilliant security guard. Now, if you'll step aside and let me see that panel."
Sulok moves aside without comment, his hands clasping behind his back, watching Ghorev patiently.
Rivers glances between the two, stepping out of the way. "Now that that is settled..provided we get this container open, we'll need to figure out what to do with the occupant."
Ghorev says "I presume whoever is handling the situation in Ops will want him detailed and questioned." He raises the PADD. "Now that I know what circuits do what on this thing, let me see if I can bypass some of them without pulling the panel off."
Sulok suggests towards Rivers, "Seeing as how the occupant is healthy, that he be put through medical to assure that he doesn't carry any diseases or parasites, questioned if that is the desire, and then released, sir, as he has not done anything in violate of Starfleet laws," and then he backs away a bit further.
Rivers nods her head. "I imagine Ops will want to know what's going on." She reaches a hand toward her combadge. "Mr Sulok, once we figure out who he or she is, and why they're traveling in such a manner..provided they aren't a security risk..we'll see."
Rivers taps her comm badge, "Lieutenant JG Rivers to Lieutenant Dakin."
Over Rivers's comm badge, someone says, "Go ahead, Dana."
Into her comm badge, Rivers says, "Sir..we're attempting to get the second container open, now. Requesting instructions as to what to do with the occupant."
<CONTEST> Ghorev (claiming advantage) contests his Material Engineering skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
Ghorev, this time, manages to pop the seal on the thing without having to go the long way around and do a site to site transport. "I've got her unsealed, people. Get ready in case whatever's in there pops out on its own."
From Rivers's comm badge, Dakin says, "Cease activity on that, Dana. Leave that container alone."
Rivers winces. "Damn. Hold up, Akeen," she says, holding up a hand.
Sulok just quirks an eyebrow, and draws out his phaser, setting it to stun, just in case. Looking to Ghorev, a moment before looking to the container again.
Into her comm badge, Rivers says, "Um, Sir? It might be a bit late for that. I don't /think/ the stasis field has been disrupted, but the locking panel is open now. Are we going to leave this one in stasis then?"
From Rivers's comm badge, Dakin says, "That's correct, Lieutenant."
Ghorev grunts. "Well, then clearly my work here is done. I leave this thing with the two of you. Don't open the lid or you'll break the stasis field."
Sulok stands quietly, phaser in hand, attention on the case.
Rivers sighs. "Dammit. That'll teach me to be curious. I wanted to know who was being smuggled into Federation space." She nods to Ghorev, smiling slightly. "Sorry for the trouble. I guess we can leave it be."
Ghorev nods. "Not your fault. Frankly, we *should* get what's in there, out of there. But you're under orders from your superior officer and I frankly don't feel like forcing the issue."
Into her comm badge, Rivers says, "Understood. Awaiting further instruction then."
From Rivers's comm badge, Dakin says, "Standby, Lieutenant."
Sulok is a statue, watching the container. Obviously not about to leave it to gravity to keep that thing locked down and safe. Phaser held loosely in his right hand.
Rivers eyes the container criticaly. "I'd give my right arm to be a fly on the wall in Ops right now. They must have some idea of who's in there by now, maybe. This is all just very..odd."
From Rivers's comm badge, Dakin says, "Dana, make sure the passenger's healthy, then close it backup. We're going to beam the container elsewhere on the station."
Ghorev shakes his head with a sigh-like trilling noise. He heads for the door. "Don't open it or the field goes down. Let him know. He can't have it both ways."
Rivers gestures to Ensign Dailey, the nurse who is still present on the scene. Dailey moves closer and runs a medical scan over the container. She nods to Rivers. "Biosigns are steady. There's no change in the field, sir."
Into her comm badge, Rivers says, "So far so good, sir. As long as we don't open the container, the field will remain intact."
From Rivers's comm badge, Dakin says, "Understood. Then stand by for transport. Dakin out."
Rivers's comm badge ends its transmission.
Ghorev heads out, and the doors slide shut with a heavy clang.
Ghorev has left.
Sulok steps forward towards the container, suggesting, "We should make sure that the container doesn't open during transport, sir," and he looks towards the contaier, one hand still holding his phaser absently.
Rivers watches Ghorev leave with a sigh. "Okay. So now we wait." She steps back from the container and folds her arms, glancing to Sulok. "You can put the phaser away, Mister Sulok. The occupant is in stasis. He's not going to wake up on his own and jump out like Dracula from a coffin or something." She nods toward the container. "The seal is still intact. That thing isn't going to open unless the computer code is entered or we jimmy the locks."
Sulok looks towards the container and then nods a bit, putting his phaser away. Standing quietly, he simply waits for whatever it is to happen.
The container is caught in a transporter beam within a few moments, and dissapears, transported to another section of the station.
Rivers watches the container dissapear. "Well. That was interesting." She turns back to the rest of the cargo in the bay and gives it a final scan.
Sulok doesn't nod at that, but he does move to assist in the scanning bringing out his tricorder.
Sulok heads out, and the doors slide shut with a heavy clang.
Sulok has left.
