Contractual Obligations

 Episode Name:  Contractual Obligations

   Written By:  Daedalus

         Cast:  Adansae, Alarbi, Casya, Daedalus, Donavon, Goodwin, Green, Kran'dok, Phipps and Takamura.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Daedalus

     Aired On:  Fri Aug 12 16:31:50 2005

     Stardate:  55184.4

Time: Sat Aug 06 14:05:50 2005

Stardate: 55169.7

Casya lifts her mug to her lips for another sip, then lowers it, letting out a soft, bitter laugh. "Left alone. That, my dear Kran'dok, is not a fate I would wish upon anyone." She shakes her head slightly, moving to take a seat at the counter nearby.

Adansae enters the coffee shop and heads directly to the counter, where she joins the short line to wait for service.

Kran'dok stands by the counter, near Casya as he speaks. The Romulan is out of uniform and giving the woman a bit of a worried look. "I suppose that is true as well. I take it the last couple of months have gone badly then. Are you ready to come out of the shadows then?"

Casya gives another humorless laugh, looking at Kran'dok over the rim of her mug. "In a manner of speaking... you might say that."

Alarbi makes his own way towards the counter, at a leisurely pace, in no real rush. He doesn't seem to be waiting for service, though, in that he makes no move to fall into place behind Adansae. Indeed, it is behind the chattering Orion woman and Romulan he comes to stand, a moment's shadow across the ambient lighting. He says in Orion, "Excuse me."

Adansae dictates her drink-request, a complex mixture of coffee, dairy products, chocolate, cinnamon, and several ground herbs. She thanks the server with a smile, then turns in search of a table. She's about to step away from the counter when she spots Kran'dok. She pauses to wave.

Kran'dok looks up as they are joined suddenly. The Romulan's worried and friendly expression fades as he tries to place this new face. "I am assuming you are not here to speak with me." He turns and sees Adansae, giving the woman a friendly grin in response.

Casya starts visibly, her eyes widening for a moment as she hears a male voice speaking her native tongue behind her. Composing her face quickly, she turns slowly to look up--and up--at the fellow. She says in Orion, "Yes?" She's trying to be casual, but the way her breath catches in her throat as she looks up at the man speaks rather clearly... somehow, she knows this guy.

Alarbi gives a hesitant little smile. He says in Orion, "I want to talk to you."

Adansae still doesn't say anything but lingers off to one side, watching the exchange with curiosity.

Kran'dok gives the Orion woman a pleasent look before stepping back. "Excuse me then Casya. We will have to catch up later then. Have a good day," he says as he drifts away in the direction of Adansae.

Casya swallows, shooting Kran'dok a look. ''No, Kran'dok, there's no need to leave. I was...enjoying our conversation.'' To the Orion, she replies, summoning a smile, She says in Orion, "About what? I'm afraid this isn't a good time for me. Perhaps later."

. o O Casya thinks, "No, Kran'dok. By whatever deity you call holy, please don't leave me alone now!"

Alarbi frowns. He says in Orion, "If you mean that, then alright. I assure you I am here ... on my own." He gives Casya a once-over glance. He says in Orion, "I don't know how long that will be the case. But I'll be sitting right over there if you change your mind."

Adansae smiles warmly as Kran'dok approaches, but some of her attention remains with the conversation the Romulan just removed himself from -- perhaps she's picking up on some of Casya's anxiety. "Hi, Kran'dok," she greets him quietly. "It's good to see you again."

GAME: Kran'dok contests his Security vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Casya spends a courage point.

GAME: Casya contests her Security vs Routine and Fails.

Kran'dok nods understandingly and stops, taking a step back to where he was. He glances back to the human woman and gives her a slightly apologetic grin. "Great," he says to Casya. "As was I. Do you mind if Ensign Adansae joins us?" he asks as he looks back at the woman. "Hello. It is good to see you too. Perhaps I have not been up late enough recently."

Takamura steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Takamura has arrived.

GAME: Adansae contests her Presence/Empathy vs Moderate and Marginally Fails.

Alarbi is standing by Casya, a tall man speaking below his height level to her seated self. What nervousness he may be causing in this either is completely passing him by or he's a very good actor.

GAME: Adansae contests her Presence/Empathy & Medical Sciences/Psychology vs Moderate and Fails.

Adansae watches Casya out of the corner of her eye, the warm smile she'd had for Kran'dok fading as she observes the woman's discomfort. "In the gardens, after midnight," she responds, looking back to the Romulan after a beat. "I'm almost always there."

Casya sits at the counter, clinging tightly to a mug of what would appear to be cocoa of some kind, judging from the smell wafting from the mug. In fact, it's entirely possible she doesn't even realize just how tightly she's clutching that mug. If it weren't durasteel she'd probably have crushed it by now. She's looking more than a little spooked as she looks up at the large Orion man standing before her. She says in Orion, "I, ah... I don't think my... husband... would like that very much, me going off to talk alone with an Orion man."

Casya forces a little laugh. "He might think you were trying to steal me away from him."

. o O Casya thinks, "Please, gods, let word not have reached them that I'm not married to Lux..."

Green steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Green has arrived.

Alarbi looks a bit uncomfortable, but only for a moment, then he seems to rally. He says in Orion, "Well, he'd be right." A smile. He says in Orion, "But I'm getting ahead of myself. As I said, I don't have much time. I'm leaving soon enough. I just ... wanted to talk to you before I did."

GAME: Adansae contests her Presence/Empathy & Medical Sciences/Psychology vs Moderate and Marginally Succeeds.

Kran'dok stands near Casya at the counter, ignoring the man and grinning at the Orion woman. "In that case we will just have to continue our conversation here. So you say that you have decided to change your habits? What are your plans for the immediate or short term future? I believe the doctor would agree that you need a good plan to succeed," he says gesturing to Adansae and looking at Casya carefully as he speaks. "You have friends here who will help you out of your lonely state and get you back on track, planning for the long term future and happiness."

Takamura passes through the doors to the coffeehouse, giving the room his usual galnce. Spotting Casya at the counter, he heads over to join her. The smile on his face begins to fade when he detects the nervousness in her mood. "Hello, Casya. How are you doing today?" He then glances over to the Orion man, dipping his head politely.

Alarbi gives Takamura the once over, returns the polite nod.

GAME: Takamura contests his Security/Law Enforcement vs Moderate and Dramatically Fails.

Adansae lingers at Kran'dok's side, her eyes turning to study Alarbi as the Romulan poses his stream of questions to Caysa. She glances from him, to Casya, and then back again before she's distracted by the arrival of Takamura. She smiles at him, but seems a touch distracted.

Green heads into the Core, rubbing the back of her neck. It must have been a long day. In any case, she makes a firm beeline for the counter itself, her gaze focused only on the barista for the nonce. "Tea. Orange pekoe. Make it a double."

Casya goes just a bit pale beneath her emerald skin at the Orion's words. When Kran'dok speaks up, her lips compress slightly, but she nods slightly. ''Thank you for that, Kran'dok. I'll... I'll keep that in mind.'' As Takamura approaches and makes his presence known, she looks up at him with a touch of desperation in her eyes. ''Hiro. It's good to see you. I... have something I've been needing to talk with you about. Could you wait here for a moment? I... I have to see what my... /old friend/, here, wants, but it won't take long. She says in Orion, " She looks up at Alarbi then, and nods toward an empty table nearby. " Let's talk, then. I wouldn't want to delay you. She says in Orion, ""

Casya stands and leaves counter.

Goodwin steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Goodwin has arrived.

Casya goes just a bit pale beneath her emerald skin at the Orion's words. When Kran'dok speaks up, her lips compress slightly, but she nods slightly. ''Thank you for that, Kran'dok. I'll... I'll keep that in mind.'' As Takamura approaches and makes his presence known, she looks up at him with a touch of desperation in her eyes. ''Hiro. It's good to see you. I... have something I've been needing to talk with you about. Could you wait here for a moment? I... I have to see what my... /old friend/, here, wants, but it won't take long.'' She looks up at Alarbi then, and nods toward an empty table nearby. She says in Orion, "Let's talk, then. I wouldn't want to delay you."

Kran'dok nods. "You are welcome Casya." He looks up as he sees Green and Takamura enter. Smiling faintly, he steps back from the counter. "Would you care to have a seat and a drink with me Ensign? I have been standing for too long today," he says to Adansae with a slight grin. The Romulan hesitates for a few moments then finaly sets his sights on a table far away from Casya, but where he can keep an eye on them, pulling out a chair for Adansae where she will likely be safe if she cares to join him.

Seeking respite of the land of the report shuffling, Goodwin appears on his mid-afternoon coffee and sweet-gooey-thing run. "I wish I had a yeoman still," he mutters to the barista, but mostly to himself. "I have to go and get my coffee myself these days." Mutter.

Takamura nods to Adansae and Kran'dok as he moves to stand next to Casya, facing the other Orion. "Certainly, Casya. I'll wait right here for you while you talk to your friend. Come back soon."

"Sure," Adansae replies to Kran'dok, but a touch of strain lingers in her voice. After a moment, she follows him over to the table he selects, and takes a seat. She moves her chair so that she's able to see both Kran'dok and Casya.

Green, leaning on the counter, gives a sideways look toward the station's second officer, an eyebrow arching. "I thought you had one, sir?" She glances around briefly, a greeting nod aimed toward Takamura. Her gaze settles on the Orions for a moment, before passing on as if they hadn't been seen.

"He got sent home," says Goodwin, a bit more seriously, going to take his coffee and apple fritter from the counter. "His sister passed away, so he was returned to Earth to be with his Mom." He takes a sip of his coffee, and follows the general set of eyes going that way, but doesn't seem to quite catch what's going on from his puzzled look.

Kran'dok sits down at formica table.

Kran'dok smiles at the young doctor as he nearly ends up sitting next to her. He looks around for a server before turning his attention back to the table. "So how have the last few weeks been treating you? I must say that this may be the earliest I have seen you out."

Alarbi motions towards a table, and then proceeds to move towards it, a sideways shuffle as if to make sure Casya really is following.

GAME: Green contests her Security/Law Enforcement vs Routine and Succeeds.

"Busy, busy," Adansae replies to Kran'dok as she attempts to make herself comfortable. She samples her drink, smiles, then looks up at the Romulan. "You know how things are, and we've been especially busy in Counseling now that it's just Lieutenant Nabrun and I. It's a good thing that we love our work."

Alarbi sits down at bridge chairs.

Adansae sits down at formica table.

Green winces slightly. "Sucks when family gets in the way of duty," she nods toward Goodwin sympathetically. "If you're in need of a temporary yeoman, though, I'm sure something could be managed..." She trails off a bit, shifting her gaze on the counter sideways slightly.

Casya leaves Tak's side reluctantly, lifting her mug of cocoa to her lips for a deep swallow--almost more of a gulp--then sets it down beside Tak. "I'll be back for this. Don't you dare try to come between me and my chocolate." She tries to smile, but it's a rather sickly looking thing as she moves to follow the other Orion, taking a seat opposite him.

Casya sits down at bridge chairs.

Kran'dok smiles happily. "It is good that people are coming to you two then. What would be worse is that no one stopped by your office. I would hate to imagine that station." He finally manages to place an order for a spiced cider before turning his attention back to the doctor.

. o O Green thinks, "Odd... Now why would that big burly greenskin be afraid of /Casya Cross/? It's not as if she's dangerous."

Goodwin shrugs his shoulders. "Or I could just walk down here," he admits as he reaches for a napkin and continues to watch her movements. "Of course, usually, it means that as soon as I walk to get coffee, a war breaks out somewhere I need to stop."

At his place, Alarbi says "So. I'll be brief."

Adansae grins back at Kran'dok. "And just think of Barana and I," she continues. "Taking turns sitting in that office all alone, hour after hour, with nothing to do but watch those damn fish."

At her place, Casya nods slightly, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. "What do you want?"

At his place, Alarbi nods. "There's a dozen different rumors about what's going on here the past few months. I don't know how much of it is you, how much is Ambassador Lux, how much is the Boss" -- he pauses, and then frowns, as if annoyed at himself for using that word, but then rallies and continues -- "and how much is Starfleet trying to play a fast one. But half of those rumors say the rules have changed here. So I'm just going to lay it on the line." He takes a deep breath, as if prepared to let out a big rush of words.

Takamura returns Casya's faint smile with one of his own. "I'll be sure to guard your chocolate from predators." Glancing over to the barista, he orders a cup of green tea. Slowly, he sits down on a stool where he can quietly watch the Orions.

Green deadpans, "Obviously, your walking down here to get coffee is the cause of wars. So, stop walking. Make a delivery order." She takes a sip of her tea when it arrives.

Casya shifts in her seat uncomfortably, her gaze flicking around the room as she listens to the Orion speak.

Donavon steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Donavon has arrived.

Kran'dok chuckles and looks a little excited. "You have fish? Maybe I should schedule that appointment then." He pauses as some ideas run through his head. "Thank you for the decorating tip. I was working on redoing my quarters and I love fish."

"I could maybe get one of the administrative crewmen to do it," reflects Goodwin, nodding his head. "That legalman first class doesn't have enough to do. We're too well behaved."

At her place, Casya says"You shouldn't have come here. Why... why didn't you just contact me through the... usual channels? You're going to blow my cover all to hell, and then where will I be? The... Boss... won't be happy about that."

At his place, Alarbi says "I guess that's *why* I'm here. To see if you still want or need cover." He shakes his head. "If even a third of the rumors are true, you no longer have to stay with the Ferengi. You know I never laid a hand on you all those years, Casya, not once, and you know why. I'm leaving Minos' employ, and I'm striking out on my own. I'd like you to consider coming with me."

. o O Alarbi thinks, "You just made it too obvious, nitwit."

. o O Alarbi feels flushed and embarassed.

Adansae arches a brow at Kran'dok, still grinning. "You don't have to schedule an appointment in order to meet the fish," she notes. "Just hail me before you drop by, and I'll be happy to let you stare at the tank. It is," she pauses for a sip of her coffee, eyes flickering briefly to Casya, "rather relaxing."

Casya stares at Alarbi, looking stunned for a moment.

GAME: Adansae contests her Presence/Empathy & Medical Sciences/Psychology vs Moderate and Dramatically Fails.

Takamura sits down at counter.

Donavon's balancing act between holding her coffee thermos and shoving her sleeves to her elbow is carefully undertaken when approaching the counter. A light yawn signals her slight tiredness. Arriving, she nudges her thermos to the barista, ordering quietly, "The usual," before glancing towards the current occupants.

Green's eyebrows lift a bit. "There's no such thing as 'too well behaved." She finds a stool, and shifts onto it, in such a way that she can casually watch the rest of the Core as she sips her tea.

Green sits down at counter.

"Sure there is. Such that we have a person up in the administrative offices is available to go get my coffee. I want to point out I'm not complaining, just observing," parries Josh as he goes to dig into his sticky bun.

At her place, Casya blinks at Alarbi for a moment, then clears her throat softly, trying to stop gaping like a fish. "You-- you're a brave man. Or a fool. You really think he's going to let you go that easily?"

Takamura nods briefly to Green and Goodwin in greeting. When his drink arrives, he thanks the barista and takes a sip. Every now and again, he glances over to check on Casya.

Phipps steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Phipps has arrived.

Kran'dok smiles at the woman then follows her gaze back to Casya and the other Orion. He has been glancing over there rather regularly. "Ok, we will start with a simple visit to the fish. I have never kept them myself so I could use some tips."

Adansae suddenly sits up straight and leans across the table, grabbing Kran'dok's hand. "Help her," she hisses. "He's going to force her out of here. He's going to hurt her." As she speaks her words of warning, she jumps to her feet as if ready to intervene herself.

At his place, Alarbi says "He's letting me go," firmly, "because my apprenticeship is done. Don't get me wrong -- I'll always be greatful to Evanginor, and he'll get his yearly kickbacks my contract calls for. But I've served my time, and with Nausicaa still in a power vacuum, well, I think there's opportunity there. You've played at being Lux's wife for the past few years, you know how much of a shambles that planet is. I know I don't have much. I'm just starting out. But I can make a good home and ..." Suddenly, quite gloomy, "I must sound like a complete rube to you."

Green returns Takamura's nod, even as she says, "Well, at least coming down here gives you a bit of exercise, Comm-" Her gaze whips toward Adansae abruptly.

Casya stares at the other Orion in disbelief for a few moments, then shakes her head slightly, letting out a soft laugh--though there's not much humor in the sound.

"Yeah," says Goodwin with a nod of his head in agreement. "I suppose, but now no wars will be started while I -- huh?" When Green turns he does, too, but is less aware of /why/ he's doing it.

Alarbi looks away for a moment, ashamed, turning a darker shade of green.

And that's when there's a booming voice -- familiar to at least two people in the room -- from the door. "It would seem," says the third Orion man, who steps out from between two burly bodyguards -- one Romulan and one Klingon -- "that the young woman is holding out for a much, much better offer." The man takes only one or two steps from his bodyguards, enough that either one of them could dive in front of him in half a heartbeat. "What do you say, Casya?" the clearly wealthy Orion calls across the room, "Care to come home?"

At her place, Casya says "This is a test of my loyalty, isn't it? He sent you here. One last task before you fly on your own. He may be letting you go--if that's not a complete fabrication--but I think I'd know if he were letting me out, too, and I haven't heard any indication of it. I'm not as stupid as I look, Alarbi. I'm--" she lets out another ironic chuckle, "--I'm not suicididal.""

. o O Green thinks, "Home? Oh hell!"

Kran'dok stands and grabs a hold of the doctor's wrist to heep her where she is. 'Settle down,' he says louldy enough for others to hear before he quiets down. Kran'dok whispers to Adansae, "There are pleanty of trained officers here...." the Romulan looks up and sees the comotion at the door. He motions for her to head to the counter as he slowly begins to make his way in that direction.

Casya's head snaps up, all traces of laughter gone from her face as she leaps to her feet, scrambling backwards away from the door, her eyes wide as saucers. "M-minos! I-- mean... My Lord!"

Alarbi hisses something after the woman as she backpedals. Alarbi whispers to Casya, "Damn it. I wasted too much time. Me, he's letting go. My contract is done. I was going to try and offer you a way out. He still thinks you can do right by him with Lux. We haven't much time."

Noise attracts as does the arrival of the new players to the dramatic game; Donavon impassively observes, scrutinizing the expression of those inside the Core but slowly begins to raise a questioning brow when regarding Casya. The barista nudges her elbow to detract attentions. She turns to murmur thanks but then Casya's shout -- Donavon stands, coffee mug in hand, and she wanders to a table for a better view.

Between Adansae's plea and the wealthy Orion's booming statement, Takamura pauses drinking his tea in mid-sip. Slowly, he places the cup back onto the counter to free up his hands. When Casya identifies the man at the door, the Japanese man's eyes narrow, becoming cold.

Donavon sits down at metal table.

Green's gaze snaps to the newcomer, then she drops her teacup on the counter, surging up from her stool. She moves swiftly forward. "Minos... Evanginor," she says grimly. It's nearly a hiss.

Despite Kran'dok's reassurances, Adansae attempts to wrestle away from his grasp -- a fight that ceases at the entrance of the third Orion. Now that the situation is clear, she half-settles back into her chair, but her gaze moves to Goodwin. "Help her," she implores him, but her voice doesn't carry above the others.

. o O Donavon thinks, "Let things play out. Now isn't the time for hysterics."

Green stands and leaves counter.

. o O Donavon empathizes with Casya's predicament. Worrying about the Orion but not letting it control her actions.

Minos 'Oh, Hell' Evanginor, indeed. And he steps forward, bodyguards still in tow. "Oh, relax, Casya, relax. I can hardly kidnap you from a roomful of people." He waves a hand. "I see young Alarbi's made his pitch. I rather figured he would. His feelings for you were always obvious. I almost killed him the day you got married, you know. He got very drunk and threw up on my favorite blousy pants. And contrary to the rumors, those things don't grow on trees. What with my second favorite pants sliced up by Michael Edwards a long, long time ago, I am now here, in my third-best pants." A smile. "A metaphor for life, don't you think? You, for instance ... are you willing to trade down yet again? From me, to the Ferengi, to my young pup of a former trainee here?"

Goodwin keeps his hand down by his side where his Type I sits in his holster -- ah, standard operating procedure. "Is there a problem, here, Ms. Casya?" asks the second officer, attempting to keep his cool despite the obvious charged turn this stop for coffee just took.

Kran'dok gives the woman's shoulder a reassuring squeeze before he slips away further towards the door. "Good work doctor," he says quietly. The Romulan slowly begins to position himself nearer to Casya and the door, but not too near.

Phipps is, by the time the booming voice...booms, halfway between the door and the counter, where he was headed. He halts, without turning, eyebrows arching above grey-blue eyes that swivel to find Green immediately, questioningly. His hands remain still, several inches from either hip. Prom that point onwards he remains still, perhaps waiting.

. o O Green is furious. "I can't arrest him for things he did in the last timeline... Dammit dammit dammit!"

. o O Casya thinks, "How in the hell am I going to bluff my way out of THIS?"

When Kran'dok departs from their table, Adansae rises to her feet and slips over to where Takamura is seated. She gives him an anxious look, but remains silent as she watches Casya, Minos, and Alarbi.

Casya looks desperately from face to face around the room, her chin trembling. Swallowing hard, she draws a slow, shaky breath, and shakes her head, slowly. "N-no, my Lord. Of... of course not." She forces a scornful smile, glancing over toward Alarbi. "What could he possibly offer that you or Lux could not provide?"

Alarbi looks mortified, for his own part. He steps closer to Casya, still hissing quietly at her, but clearly taken aback by the trickle of venom in her reply to Minos. Alarbi whispers to Casya, "Let's go. We can get out of here. He won't try anything with these witnesses. We can get away while they're dealing with him. Equal partners. Fifty-fifty. You know you won't get a better deal. I don't even care if you're no longer willing to kill. Just ... come with me."

A firm voice interjects, a cold remainder. "Pardon me, Mrs. Casya Cross," Donavon says, "you are a free citizen and not required to call any man your Lord. Mister Evanginor or if you're bold, Minos." Eyes narrow when locking Casya in her sights from her over rim of her thermos. Sip. "And if any of these individuals are bothering you, feel free to speak up. Security is present." With that she regards her PADD quietly.

Green casts a look toward Casya, a look of annoyance, then she looks back toward Evanginor as she plants herself a bit sideways of a direct line between him and Casya. "And Security is most happy to deal with any... harassers that you might meet up with, Mrs. Cross." Yes, that's /hate/ in her eyes, as they remain on Minos.

Takamura nods slightly to Adansae as she joins him. He gestures with one hand for the counselor to step behind him. While he continues to watch the scene, he remains on his stool for the moment.

Adansae moves a half-step behind Takamura as directed, but she's tense and wary, still looking ready to spring forward -- Security and Command be damned -- should Casya require assistance. She rests a hand on his arm, which could be used either to restrain him or to propel herself forward.

Minos simply laughs. "An appropriately fawning answer, Casya, but hardly necessary. Young Alarbi at once both acknowledges, and promptly forgets, that I have taught him everything he knows." A wolfish smile. "But barely a third of what *I* know. Let me guess: He just now offered you a third of whatever business venture he has in store if you'll flee with him right now, while I am forced to deal with these Starfleet officers who have some fantasy of detaining me."

Kran'dok sighs slightly and locates an empty table near the door to have a seat at. He begins to look around for a server to see if any are still working or if they are watching the comotion. The Romulan sits back and begins to watch the scene unfold. Keeping his back to the nearest wall and his eyes on all orion related guests.

Casya closes her eyes briefly, letting out a sound that could be a laugh... or a sob. It's really hard to tell, and the mixed emotions on her face don't help a whole lot in figuring it out. She looks from Donavon, to Green, to Tak... and then finally to Evanginor, straightening her shoulders a bit as she draws a deep breath, summoning what little courage she has left. "I'm... I'm afraid I won't be leaving with either of you, gentlemen. You see.... the rumors are true. Things here have changed. And I... well... I just don't want to be associated with you, anymore."

There's a lot less waiting-to-pounce-ness to Josh, but the second officer remains standing, watching the scene unfold.

Alarbi looks smug for a moment. Apparently, Minos' guess was at least a little off. But then Casya's answer slaps a crestfallen look on his face. He says in Orion, "Please reconsider. I ... I will find another partner in this if I must, but .... it wouldn't feel the same."

Adansae watches Casya's pained expression with a reflection of it playing across her own features. Once the young woman says her piece, she looks anxiously back to Minos, clearly concerned that he's going to try something unexpected.

Phipps remains quietly still. Which means that his hand really isn't going towards the Type I at his right hip. His eyes flicker between Goodwin and Green, bottom lip faintly depressed where his teeth grip and tug, behind.

Donavon sets her thermos down after the sip. Relaxed, hardly tense, a faint smile surfaces. "You heard the lady, Mister Evanginor. She refused your offer. Business concluded." She taps her PADD to draw up another report.

Green glances toward Casya, then her gaze returns to Minos. "That sums it up quite nicely," she says coldly. "Not to mention intelligently." A gesture to Phipps, waving toward Alarbi.

Takamura places the heel of one foot on the bottom rung on his stool while firmly planting the opposite foot on the deck. His eyes dart between the three Orions, but end up on Minos and his body guards.

. o O Phipps thinks, "So he's the one that she was talking about. The one who had her so afraid. - The male Orion near the female?"

Kran'dok pauses in his search for a drink to look again in the direction of the Orions. He takes the time to let his gaze linger on the Romulan, giving a scornfull look, before crossing over the others. He remains seated at his table near the door and away from the counter.

. o O Casya thinks, "somebody, please... just shoot the bastard. Let this farce end, once and for all."

. o O T'Pral begins to experience something that might be called 'feeling alarm' or growing unease, to accompany disorientation.

Minos takes another few steps forward. "Casya, I can hardly force you to come with me, of course. I have no need to. All I can tell you is that all agreements and contracts between us will be held to the letter, as always. Our relationship is unchanged, no matter what you think. I have merely come to offer you incentive to remain, a" -- motion of his hand -- "bonus, for services rendered. All you have to do is agree to remain here, under our current arrangement."

. o O Green thinks, "Remain here... Why does he want her to remain here? Unless..."

GAME: Adansae contests her Presence/Empathy & Medical Sciences/Psychology vs Challenging and Marginally Succeeds.

. o O Green thinks, "Oh @#$#2280 I /told/ them, and they refused to believe me! She was up to no good when she married a Timefleet officer. I knew it!"

Casya steps back toward the counter, reaching past Tak to grab the mug she'd left beside him. Chocolate. She needs chocolate. Taking a long, fortifying swallow, she sets the mug back down and shakes her head. "No, Minos. It's over. It's been over for months.... you just didn't know it. I am not the woman you think I am. I -am-" she shoots a glance toward Donavon, briefly, "--Mrs. Casya Cross. I am a citizen of the United Federation of Planets. And I have /no/ contracts or agreements of any sort with the likes of you, or any of your associates. I will go where I please. When I please."

Adansae tenses as Minos moves towards Casya, frowning as she listens to his words. That frown only deepens as he continues. After listening to Casya's response, she leans over and murmurs something to Takamura.

. o O T'Pral thinks, "Meditative activity is not helping... Something is wrong."

. o O Donavon thinks, "And there's the final answer. Say good afternoon, Mister Evanginor."

Green nods once, shortly, her gaze remaining on Minos. "She does. Sorry." Not that she sounds sorry, in any stretch of the imagination.

Phipps relaxes marginally; his head turns, slowly, but, not being an owl, it isn't towards Minos. Rather, he focuses his gaze unwaiveringly on Alarbi. Neither hand so much as twitches, which is probably wise, considering his high level of exposure to unpleasant happenings. His left foot, however, shifts slightly further out. A small shift of weight to that leg.

Adansae whispers to Takamura, "He's lying. I'm sure of it. I don't know why, but I think he's trying to get some sort of reaction out of us."

Donavon's eyes meet Casya in that split moment. No amount of encouragement or nudging is expressed. It is a plain stare merely urging Casya to make up her -own- mind. Her head half lowers when the Orion speaks against Minos, a brief sigh stolen. Head lifted now, she merely observes.

Alarbi looks at Minos for a long moment, then at Casya. He says in Orion, "You won't reconsider, then? Evaginor is right. I know I'm a distant third best behind him and the Ambassador, but ... I would be good to you. Our ventures would be profitable and you would be free. He can't risk trying to stop us, Casya. We can go now, and he won't...." He just shakes his head. He says in Orion, "No, you've clearly made up your mind again, and yet again I won't be able to talk you out of it. For what it's worth, I'm sorry."

Goodwin continues to watch the situation unfold. But he allows it to carry on naturally, since nothing untoward has happened.

Takamura nods his head slowly in response to Adansae's words. However, he refrains from comment. Instead, his attention stays focused on Casya and Minos, observing them carefully.

Kran'dok sighs slightly and gives up his feeble attempts to locate a drink. He now gives his undivided attention to Minos and his guards as he listens.

Minos sighs. "Oh, very well. I suppose we might as well get started with all this, then. It is clear you won't go with the boy. It is equally clear you won't come with me. It is just as equally clear that you won't, for whatever reason, stay here with Lux, since you are intent on repudiating your marriage." He shakes his head. "A pity, really. I had high hopes for our continued working relationship, Casya. I came here today to protect my business interests and enforce certain ... contractual obligations. That is all."

Alarbi, for his own part, starts to slink away from the Orion woman. Like a boy denied a kiss and a grope after the homecoming dance, he courts only the embarassed look on his face.

. o O T'Pral thinks, "It cannot have been the soup..."

Casya shakes her head at Alarbi. "You don't know me. I'm not the woman you think I am. The Alarbi I remember used to laugh when Kureg would randomly activate my slave collar, just to hear me scream. And you're no better. I have no intentions of leaving this station in the company of an Orion pirate." Glancing to the Starfleet officers present, she draws a deep breath. "Gentlemen. I suggest you place this man," she indicates Minos, "under arrest. Commander Goodwin, you have in your possession evidence that he is the employer of both my counterpart, and Jim Mulwray's former fiancee, Neya. I believe that evidence that he mistakenly sent me orders meant for my counterpart, instructing me to make an assassination attempt, should be enough to put him away for a good long while?"

Minos just laughs. No, really, he just laughs. His bodyguards move closer to him, but The Man himself, just ... laughs.

Adansae widens her eyes as she listens to Casya's story -- tense situation or no, it's a good tale, and those who know her well can almost see her filing it away for later retellings.

Alarbi says in Orion, "Alarbi, however, looks up, and the hurt look on his face becomes a momentary mask of venom. "So *you* are allowed the luxury of being different than we remember, and we must excuse you for it, and make allowances, but *you* can still judge us based on memories that don't match reality?" He shakes his head. "Rot here, then, Casya, for all I care." Amd with that, the younger of the two alleged Orion pirates in the room stalks for the door."

Alarbi, however, looks up, and the hurt look on his face becomes a momentary mask of venom. He says in Orion, "So *you* are allowed the luxury of being different than we remember, and we must excuse you for it, and make allowances, but *you* can still judge us based on memories that don't match reality?" He shakes his head. He says in Orion, "Rot here, then, Casya, for all I care." Amd with that, the younger of the two alleged Orion pirates in the room stalks for the door.

Surprise is not found upon Donavon's features. Casya could have discussed the weather and Donavon still would be reviewing her reports, sipping coffee. Though Minos' laughter, she looks up momentarily to mark positions.

. o O Donavon thinks, "If there was a mastermind behind that plot, it would be Evanginor. Why am I not surprised?"

Since Takamura is no longer in security and not the seniormost officer here, he remains seated on his stool. However, he still looks ready to move if necessary.

"Yes." Casya answers Alarbi simply, her eyes narrowing as Minos begins to laugh, "Because you're still a pirate. You've made that much clear."

There's a long pause from Goodwin, and simply, slowly, he shakes his head. "No, I really don't have a warrant to arrest him with. You may be a sleaze, but I'm at least going to follow the law here." He presses his lips into a thing line. He doesn't like it, for certain.

"In point of fact," says Minos, "he's an ex-pirate. Like that Earth play about the apprentice on his twenty-first birthday." He gives Alarbi a backhand salute as the other man slips for the door. "Good fortune, my young friend. No hard feelings. You might have convinced her if I hadn't shown up."

Donavon carries on with her reading, coffee sipping when wanted. Again, no surprise registers.

. o O T'Pral thinks, "My legs... like fire in the joints. Am I dying?"

Phipps still watches Alarbi, his gaze steady, body turning to track. His right hand shifts inwards towards his hip and the phaser stowed there, very slowly, inching in a way that implies more subconscious influence than conscious. Gaze flickers to Green.

. o O Donavon thinks, "The nine-hundred ninety nine other times the Federation has tried to peg a crime against him, he's slipped through the court system. What makes this time any different? Takes more than hands to capture the slippery fish. Need a hook."

Casya's eyes narrow as she moves close to Goodwin's side, trying to hold his gaze with her own. "You really are just a desk jockey, aren't you?" she murmurs contemptuously. "What do you want me to do, gift wrap him for you? Tie a bow around his neck? Gods, if you'd have just /listened/ to me... You're a fool, Josh Goodwin. How in the hell you ever got promoted up so high is beyond me."

. o O T'Pral feels an upswelling of terror.

GAME: Casya spends a courage point.

GAME: Casya contests her Coordination/dexterity & Sleight of Hand (claiming Advantage) vs Goodwin's Coordination/reaction and Succeeds.

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "Well that might be the first entirely true thing I have heard since I got here this morning."

Adansae winces at Casya's harsh words, shrinking slightly behind Takamura as if wanting to escape the nasty turn this already-difficult situation has taken. She looks away from Casya for the first time since moving to Takamura's table, her eyes searching Goodwin's face.

Takamura's com badge chirrups. "Lieutenant JG Matheson to Lieutenant Takamura."

The red alert klaxon sounds throughout the station.

Takamura taps his com badge. "Lieutenant Takamura here."

GAME: Casya spends a courage point.

Over Takamura's com badge, Matheson says, "Sir, there is a medical emergency in Consul T'Pral's quarters. Two to beam directly to infirmary."

GAME: Casya contests her Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon/phaser (claiming Advantage) vs Alarbi's Coordination/reaction & Dodge and Marginally Fails.

GAME: Casya contests her Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon/phaser (claiming Advantage) vs Alarbi's Coordination/reaction & Dodge and Fails.

And that is when, all at once, hell breaks loose.

Casya makes a fast move and comes up with Goodwin's phaser in her hand, and fires. Red Alert goes off. One of Minos' guards is fast enough to take the shot meant for The Boss, shoving Minos to one side in the process. The shot, in turn, merely grazes, but since it wasn't dead on, the fellow might yet still be alive, though he goes down like a wet sack of Ferengi.

"Oh, dear," says Minos, as he ducks down behind a table, "clearly, someone has spread the word I am here."

. o O T'Pral feels disoriented and panicky.

Kran'dok stands and looks over at Goodwin. "Orders sir?" The Romulan glances around the room to take in the situation as the red alert sounds. He is clearly ready for whatever needs to be done. "I can not help unless you ask me to do something."

Takamura's tea has gotten cold as he's been busy keeping an eye on things. When his commbadge goes off, he replies to it quickly.

GAME: Goodwin contests his Intellect/Perception vs Routine and Succeeds.

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "I'm not in Ops at the moment and have my own emergency to deal with. Contact Operations and have them send a security team to the Warp Core."

Over Takamura's com badge, Matheson says, "Understood."

Takamura's com badge clicks as Matheson drops off channel. The channel closes.

Takamura resets his com badge.

Donavon immediately snaps her PADD upon her belt and locks sights on Casya. "Mrs. Cross, killing him won't solve your problems. It puts you on his level. You're above that. Cross was above that." She shoves to her feet, softly approaching the Orion woman in a non-threatening manner. Softer eyes meet. "Why don't you return the phaser to the Commander? We'll sort this out. I promise."

Adansae stands frozen, her eyes on the fallen guard. Regardless of who he is or what he's done, she's clearly fighting her natural inclination to help him. The report from Takamura's combadge only adds to her clear distress.

Takamura springs to his feet as the red alert klaxon goes off and Casya starts shooting. "Casya, please put the phaser down. This won't help anything."

Phipps' eyes widen fractionally at the phaser blast which sizzles through the air nearby. Rather than doing the obvious thing and moving -away- from the area under fire, he does exactly the opposite - he puts himself on the selfsame trajectory that the beam just cut through, moving that way instinctively to block returning fire at Casya.

Alarbi, for his own part, starts to make for the doors, but the red alert protocols seem to stop him in his tracks, and he dives for cover himself.

Minos, meanwhile, taps his wristband. "Evanginor to Rutoven. Prepare to transport me out of here. Protocol Alpha-Gamma."

Casya edges away from the counter, away from those who might take that precious weapon away from her. There are tears at the corners of her eyes and a frustrated yet determined expression on her face as she thumbs the setting on the phaser in her palm to maximum, saying, "No. I'm not his puppet any longer, and it's well past time to make sure those strings are /cut/. Meg, Hiro, all of you, just... stay back. I... I need to do this. It's the only way I'll ever find peace." She levels the phaser at Evanginor again, sidestepping to get Phipps out of the way.

. o O Donavon thinks, "Strings aren't cut this way. Killing as a result of killing isn't the answer."

Either not trusting the power of speech or simply acting on instinct, Goodwin watches the phaser - his phaser - come up, and the Orion woman dial up the power. He makes a lunge for her wrist, looking to twist it and grab the phaser back for himself.

GAME: Goodwin spends a courage point.

GAME: Goodwin contests his Coordination/reaction & Unarmed Combat/starfleet martial arts (claiming Advantage) vs Casya's Coordination/reaction & Dodge and Succeeds.

GAME: Goodwin spends a courage point.

GAME: Goodwin contests his Fitness/strength vs Casya's Fitness/strength and Fails.

Perhaps the desk jockey comment hurt his feelings, and maybe it even threw him a little, but the man's hands are quick enough to shove the Orion's arm to one side, causing the shot to go a little wild. A full power shot hits the fluffy plush couch, on which so many buttocks have perched. And the fluffy plush couch goes the way of all stardust and subatomic particles.

Adansae stands frozen, her eyes on the fallen guard. Regardless of who he is or what he's done, she's clearly fighting her natural inclination to help him. That concern, however, is almost immediately eclipsed when Phipps steps into the line of fire. "Frank," she cries, but no directions follow -- things just happen too quickly. Fortunately, it's the couch that takes the phaser hit.

. o O Krylow thinks, "Set the ionic plasma emitter and the ionic auxillary beacon. And the chrono-linear impulse node. That should be everything. I hate tachyons."

And Tay Green dives instinctively- not for cover, as would be natural. Even as her hand thrusts inside of her uniform to pull out her Type I phaser, she aims to throw herself into the line of fire between Minos Evanginor and Casya Cross. A move she will no doubt be grumbling about later. Yes, it's a very good thing that the shot goes wild. Very /very/ good.

Kran'dok moves closer to the nearest guard and the door, still staying out of reach. He makes no agressive move other than closing the distance with his hands up defensively. "Do not draw a weapon. Please allow them to handle the situation," is all he says and all he can do. There is a frustrated and almost angry look on the Romulan's face.

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "There is a red alert and a dangerous situation here. We have already lost the couch! Some one please give some orders here. I can not do anything without them."

Donavon acts once the opportunity presents itself. Moving in since Casya's restrained by Goodwin, Donavon strikes in hopes to disarm the woman.

GAME: Donavon has the merit of Martial Artist at 2.

GAME: Donavon contests her Coordination/reaction & Unarmed Combat/starfleet martial arts (claiming Advantage) vs Casya's Coordination/reaction & Dodge and Succeeds.

GAME: Donavon contests her Fitness/strength vs Casya's Fitness/strength and Succeeds.

Takamura races toward Casya to disarm her. However, Donavon appears to have beat him to the punch. So, instead, he reaches out to try pin her free arm behind her back.

. o O Phipps thinks, "Cows with bells, how many more times is a phaser beam going to zip past nearby? Coffee never cost this much before."

GAME: Takamura contests his Coordination/reaction & Unarmed Combat/aikido vs Casya's Coordination/reaction & Dodge and Fails.

. o O Green thinks, "What I would do to have /mace/ at hand..."

Phipps barely flinches at the disintegration of the couch, although his eyes pinch at the corners. He moves, no doubt deciding that the swarm of other Fleeters should be able to suppress Casya, because the movement is away, a few steps back, turning, one hand laid on his phaser. His gaze - more a glare - is directed at Alarbi. "Please stay where you are, sir," he informs him, coldly.

Alarbi shouts at Phipps, "We're the ones she's shooting at, you damned fool!"

Minos, for his own part, seems to agree. "Master," comes the disembodied reply through Minos' com-wristlet, "the station has shields up. We cannot beam through." Minos replies, "Bother. We'll be along presently, then. A bit hairy right now. Minos out."

Green, for her part, doesn't bother piledriving on the Orion woman. She simply levels her phaser at Casya Cross, takes a half-second to aim, and pulls the trigger.

GAME: Green spends a courage point.

GAME: Green contests her Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon/phaser (claiming Advantage) vs Casya's Coordination/reaction & Dodge and Succeeds.

GAME: Donavon contests her Intellect/Perception vs Routine and Fails.

GAME: Green contests her Intellect/Perception vs Routine and Fails.

GAME: Goodwin contests his Intellect/Perception vs Routine and Fails.

GAME: Kran'dok contests his Intellect/Perception vs Routine and Marginally Succeeds.

GAME: Adansae contests her Intellect/Perception vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Takamura contests his Intellect/Perception vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Phipps contests his Intellect/Perception vs Routine and Marginally Succeeds.

. o O Phipps feels marginally afraid, although the fear is tempered by a rather strong dislike directed at someone nearby. All of the above is held firm by a layer of disciplined calm. (New BB message (2/65) posted to 'Announcements' by Raijin: My presence)

Casya screeches, lashing out like a caged animal as Goodwin, Donavon, and Takamura seek to restrain her, making liberal use of her stiletto-heeled boots and long fingernails, struggling to get free. "NO! Damn you, let me go! You don't understand! YOU CAN'T LET HIM GET AWAY AGAIN! Let me at h--" --and that's when Green's deadly aim with a phaser kicks in. The Orion widow slumps to the deck with a thud, stunned.

Green takes a deep breath, drawing herself up once the threat has been neutralized. "Dammit," she mutters, her phaser lowering. She eyes Takamura, Donavon, and Goodwin for a moment, before turning toward Phipps. "Get a team down here to secure this location, Ensign."

Goodwin takes a deep breath and shakes his head as the thrashing Orion woman is finally subdued. He reaches for his commbadge, but shouts out some orders first. "Place Ms. Cross under arrest. We're going to need you to give some statements, all of you." He waves vaguely at Minos and the crew.

Goodwin taps his com badge. "Lt. Commander Goodwin to Operations."

Over Goodwin's com badge, someone says, "If you're calling about the weapons fire on Deck 19, we have a team already standing by outside the door. Is all clear?"

Into his com badge, Goodwin says, "The situation is under control. We have Ms. Casya Cross in custody and Minos Evanginor and his...companions, will give statements. We have one wounded."

Phipps' hand tightens on his phaser, his gaze turning to Minos for a fraction of a second in the commotion, but his eyes return, unseeing, to Alarbi. The hand starts to pull at the phaser - and then Green speaks. The hand relaxes, his lip receiving a rather savage bite. "The location is secured, sir," he observes, tightly, grinding the words out; his eyes squeeze shut for an instant. They reopen quickly, a tight breath out, and his voice returns to a calmer pitch. "There's a forcefield over the door." He points, slightly.

The station stands down from its alert status.

Over Goodwin's com badge, Ghorev says, "Understood. Out."

Goodwin's com badge clicks as Ghorev drops off channel. The channel closes.

. o O Phipps thinks, "I'll kill him. He deserves to die, she's right, damnit. For her and for... Just like all the Jem'Hadar who helped massacre ... Secure?"

Takamura couldn't seem to actually bring himself to lay hands on Casya. Fortunately, Green managed to subdue her without his help. He steps back from the woman and turns to face Minos. "Commander, as soon as we drop the shields, Evanginor will try to beam out."

Donavon flips the phaser to a comfortable grip, shutting it down to normal levels, before offering it to Goodwin. "Sir," she states but refrains from further comment. Once Goodwin takes the weapon does Donavon depart to her previous table where her coffee has grown cold. Disgusted, her nose wrinkles once she sits to permit Security to handle the rest.

And, in fact, as soon as Phippsy notes that, the field drops. Four security guards are outside as the doors open. They start to move in.

Minos, from behind one of the tables, says "Statements? Are you telling me, Commander Goodwin, that you did not see exactly what happened here?"

Kran'dok sighs slightly and remains standing near the door and Minos. He relaxes a bit as the situation seems to be handled. After a minute or so he goes back and takes a seat at his table again.

Green nods at Goodwin's unnecessary order, then she whirls on Evanginor. "Federation justice, Evanginor. Red tape. It's a monster, but a necessary one." She gestures toward Phipps. "I'm sure you can handle the statement taking, Ensign." And another gesture toward one of the team that boils into the Core. "Let's get Mrs. Cross down into a cell." Yet another gesture indicates Casya.

Green taps the com terminal. "Lieutenant JG Green to Lt. Commander Park."

"I was preoccupied. Besides, we're under quarantine protocols so you'll need to hang tight until we figure out what exactly's going on with that. I'm sure you'll want to assist in the administration of justice after all, Mister Evanginor?" Goodwin nods his head in agreement with Green. He then shakes his head a bit, placing his fingers to the bridge of his nose.

. o O Donavon thinks, "No. He wouldn't. If this Minos is like the other. Only agrees if it's to his advantage."

"Absolutely not," says Evanginor. "Absolutely, abundantly not." He motions to the Romulan bodyguard, the one still standing.

The Romulan, for his part, steps forward, "Commander, I formally surrender myself for the crime of an authorized weapon discharge on your station, placing your people at jeopardy. I throw myself on the mercy of Federation justice."

Minos smiles. "Since you clearly have no witnesses, Commander, and since you now have a confession, I assume that this business against that poor Orion woman you were about to charge with a crime is done with. And since my readout," -- he holds up his wristband -- "shows the quarantine to be mandatory only for Federation ships, not for non-Federation ships heading for non-Federation ports, I am departing on one of the two Warbirds outside, unless you care to tell two D'deridex warbirds that they cannot depart your space. Good day to you all."

"Unfortunately," states Goodwin. "Federation law imposes a requirement on all security officers to investigate the factual basis for a confession, a confession aside." Josh waves his hand. "So get up off the ground and get the hell off my Station."

Green throws Evanginor an utterly disgusted look, then her gaze goes to the Romulan. "You're also under arrest... for obstructing justice." Her gaze returns to Minos, and, slowly, she smiles. "And so are you."

Donavon recovers her PADD to resume her previous report reading, then chooses to write. A twitch of her lips rises at Minos' words but not the least surprising. "Always a scapegoat present," she murmurs to herself, watching this scene repeat.

Takamura stares at Evanginor. "You are mistaken, sir. I witnessed Casya's assault on you. And your bodyguard did not discharge a weapon and is lying."

Phipps' lip is a dark, vivid red where his teeth sunk through the skin moments ago. A quick lick of his lips removes the current stain. His scowl matches the dark foreboding of the blood on his lip - he does not bother to mask the glare fixed on Minos as the Orion speaks. At Green's remark, he smiles, but remains silent, hand ready on his weapon.

Donavon starts to chuckle lightly at the absurdity yet -- coffee sip.

Minos says, "Ah, witnesses," with a smile like a cat eating a canary. "Then you clearly do not need my statement." He gives Goodwin a look, and Green an obscene gesture. "Commander, I have been studying your laws since fifty years before you were born. I am older than I look. I am leaving." A pause, as the transporter beam envelops him. "Also, I remember who Sinclaire was. Enjoy pondering that. Sleep well." And in a wink, like a Cheshire Cat, Minos Evanginor is gone.

. o O Donavon thinks, "Edwards' wedding? He had a scapegoat then. We had witnesses. He still slipped through. Clearly, no one here knows who we're dealing with. It's why Casya felt so desperate."

Green's com badge chirrups. "Lt. Commander Park to Lieutenant JG Green."

. o O T'Pral thinks, "On the up side, the station has never felt so like home in temperature."

Green's eyes widen a bit, and her face darkens. She stifles the urge to curse, though, and snaps at the security team, "Cross. Romulan. Cells. /Now/."

Donavon's chair shoves back at the last remark, eyes grown wider than tea cup saucers. "It's him," is whispered. "She knew it."

"All right, folks. Let's wrap this up." Goodwin waves his hand at those around him. "And I'm going to go...get something to eat or something, because my head is killing me. Lieutenant Green - all you." Josh is left to ponder the issue of Sinclaire.

Green taps her com badge. "Commander..."

Over Green's com badge, Park says, "You rang?"

Into her com badge, Green clears her throat. "We have a prisoner that took a phaser stun shot. I would appreciate it if one of your personnel could meet us at the security station to make sure she's alright."

Over Green's com badge, Park says, "I don't have the bodies right now, Lieutenant, but if you want to bring them up here I'll take a look."

Green closes her eyes briefly.

Daedalus goes home.

Daedalus has left.