A Wealth of Information

 Episode Name:  A Wealth of Information

   Written By:  Daedalus

         Cast:  Daedalus, Kryn Endilev and Matael.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Daedalus

     Aired On:  Mon Sep 26 22:31:11 2005

     Stardate:  55293

Time: Mon Sep 26 17:44:04 2005

Stardate: 55292.5

Footsteps -- a mixture of the heavy lumbering of Nausicaans and the lighter footfalls of Ferengi, with this confirmed by the foot-height snake's eye view -- down a hallway.

There is an overvoice, or rather two of them, in conversation.

Kryn Endilev taps his com badge. "Lieutenant JG Kryn Endilev to Lieutenant Takamura."

Over Kryn Endilev's com badge, someone says, "Lieutenant Takamura here."

Into his com badge, Kryn Endilev says, "Lieutenant, there's been an incident Commander Goodwin needs to be aware of."

Over Kryn Endilev's com badge, Takamura says, "What sort of incident?"

Into his com badge, Kryn Endilev says, "The 'Headache at Sector Command Because There Was a Fatal Firefight Involving Diplomats' kind, sir."

Over Kryn Endilev's com badge, Takamura says, "Which diplomats were killed? And is the situation under control at the moment?"

Into his com badge, Kryn Endilev says, "The situation has been secured, sir. Fortunately, none of ours were injured beyond the bumps and bruises associated with getting them down to the deck ASAP. A Ferengi Nagus was killed, a businessman of some sort. He was killed by his business partner. There was an exchange of fire in which I stunned an accomplice and my Klingon counterpart killed the shooter. The local law enforcement authorities have since assumed jurisdiction and taken the captured suspect into their custody."

Over Kryn Endilev's com badge, Takamura says, "Have any of our people been taken into custody? Or only the shooter's accomplice?"

Into his com badge, Kryn Endilev says, "The Nausicaans do not appear to be overly concerned. The Ferengi Revenue Cutter Service was rather understanding. None of the Allied staff has been taken into custody nor do I believe we are under any suspicion. However, I have been asked to attend the interrogation of the prisoner."

Over Kryn Endilev's com badge, Takamura says, "Very well. If your presence was requested, attend the interrogation. Does anyone require medical attention? And does your mission require any other assistance from the Thomas Paine?"

Into his com badge, Kryn Endilev says, "Yes, sir. No one requires medical attention, however, Consul T'Pral seems...uhm...Taken aback by the situation. It may be in her best interests to return to the Thomas Paine and speak with her superiors. *The quotes around several of those phrases are audible*"

Over Kryn Endilev's com badge, Takamura says, "If Consul T'Pral or anyone else wants to return to the Thomas Paine, we will transport them aboard at their request."

Into his com badge, Kryn Endilev says, "Understood, Lieutenant. I will speak with the Consul and see to it that she's aware."

Over Kryn Endilev's com badge, Takamura says, "Is there anything else to report or that you require at this time, Lieutenant?"

Into his com badge, Kryn Endilev says, "Negative, sir."

Over Kryn Endilev's com badge, Takamura says, "Very well. Keep us updated on any further developments. Thomas Paine out."

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

And the view of footfalls ends as the door opens to a waiting room with two inhabitants. "Lieutenant, Kel. We're ready for you now," says the Ferengi voice. "The prisoner is about to be interrogated. Please follow."

Kryn Endilev is following along with the Ferengi guide, still wearing his dress uniform and hrisal from earlier. "Thank you," he states as he follows their guide into the interrogation room.

Matael walks behind Kryn and the guide, hands clasped behind his back, looking straight ahead. He looks a little annoyed, but probably not from having to participate in an interrigation.

Panaflex Camera has left.

The Ferengi, and his two Nausicaan 'companions' lead the two Allied officers back down a corridor. "I warn you," says the Ferengi, decked out in a military uniform of his own, "he doesn't look pretty. He ... resisted arrest a bit, when he woke up."

"Indeed?" Endilev asks with a tone that suggests more politeness than any real interest in that particular matter. "I trust that he can still answer questions, yes?"

Matael hmms and just follows and listens, pondering what will be effective against a Nausicaan. He is broken out of his silence when Kryn finishes speaking, "I assume he is restrained properly...no chances with Nausicaans.."

"His manacles have only a little latitude. His mandibles still work, and it's been made clear to him that if he wants them to continue to work, he will answer truthfully", is the reply. "Ah, here we go." The Ferengi opens the door. The Nausicaan can be seen at a table, hunched over, looking rather roughed up. Another Ferengi stands nearby. "Gentlemen, this is far as I go. Doctor Roygo will take you from here."

Kryn Endilev steps into the room and to the side to make space for the rest to enter. He hmms to himself as he looks the prisoner over. "Not so bad, really. Usually when they coach the reality of a situation in such terms, it means they've really done something bad," he comments to Matael.

Matael walks in the door and stops next to Kryn, basically ignoring the Ferengi. He looks over the prisoner and rubs his chin, nodding as Kryn speaks.

The door shuts behind the two Allied officers, leaving them in the room with the Ferengi -- presumably, 'Doctor Raygo', and the Nausicaan-with-no-name. "Now," says the Ferengi, "the large Andorian and the nice Cardassian are going to ask you a few questions. When they're done, Lieutenant Udo will come back in and ask you a few more. If you behave, things will go well, as we discussed. Do you understand?"

The Nausicaan nods, makes a little grunt. "...understand..."

Kryn Endilev shifts his weight from one foot to the other and clears his throat. "Ah. I didn't realize we'd be taking an active role. Alright then. I've done this once or twice before." The Andorian officer moves along the wall and then back until he's just at the edge of the prisoners peripheral vision. "Let's start with something simple, shall we? Your name."

Matael walks towards the table and kicks out a chair with his foot. He props his foot on the seat of the chair and leans in a little towards the Nausicaan, resting his arms on his raised leg. He looks over the Nausicaan closely as Kryn asks his question.

The Nausicaan looks up through shaggy bangs that have fallen down into his eyes. This one being easy enough, he says "Vur'hizh'aw."

"That's a name I assume," Endilev states and settles into a relaxed position off to the side of the prisoner. "We're off to a good start then. Next question." He pauses to glance at Matael and then asks, "What exactly is the nature of your relationship with the late Mr. Ku'reh'ta?"

"Who?" Then a pause and a flinch, as the Ferengi moves towards him. "Oh. Was that the one who got killed? The one who grabbed my arm?"

Matael nods, gazing deeply at the Nausicaan prisoner, "Yes, tell us what you know about him and how you are affiliated with him." He frowns as he asks.

Kryn Endilev nods, whether or not the Nausicaan can see him, and folds his hands behind his back. "The one and same. We are very curious about your relationship with him. We're also curious about the conversation your group had with him just prior to the shooting."

Vur'hizh'aw starts to lift up his hands, as if to get more comfortable, but the manacles pull up short. "Only saw him that morning. My people and I were having a drink. He told us he was going to be having a party there a little later, and we should stick around." He looks back and forth. "Said that he was entertaining some VIPs. Wanted to give them some local color."

Matael thinks for a moment, then speaks up, "He told you there would be VIPs around?" A frown, "...and who could have overheard that comment he made to you? Or...who else did you tell that information to?"

"Just in case you're unfamiliar with Federation technology, not an altogether unlikely prospect considering the fact that you seem to have just discovered electricity on this wonderful little dustball, you should be aware of something," Endilev comments as though bringing up a bit of trivia in a pleasant conversation. "We can tell if you're not being altogether truthful, either in part or in whole. We have scanning devices that can detect the changes in your bodily state. We have people that can detect what you're thinking. See these?" He points at his antennae. "You don't even want to know what they can do. So please, continue."

GAME: Kryn Endilev contests his Presence/willpower & Intimidation vs Daedalus's Presence/willpower and Succeeds.

The battered Nausicaan captive starts to say something, then just grunts, mandibles clicking, as his body shrinks inward, deflating as he hunches forward over the little table. "He had told us there'd be some VIPs, that's all I know." He inhales, exhales. "We were supposed to get drunk with you all, and take you to some pit fights. That Ferengi, the one that got shot, was going to be paying. When the shooting started, my first thought was that the bastard set us up. If he weren't dead, I'd be chewing on his face myself!"

Matael listens to the story as it unfolds, he then looks at Kryn and then back to the Nausicaan, "...taking VIPs to pitfights, doesn't that seem dangerous?" He ponders, "And you have no idea where the shot came from? Many seem to believe that it came from your tables direction...what do you have to say to that, eh?"

Kryn Endilev snorts after the Cardassian asks his question. "Believe?" he asks, addressing the other Allied officer. "I saw the damn thing myself. There's no believe about it. However, we're heading in the right direction." He turns his stare back on the Nausicaan. "You do understand what the problem is here, right?"

"No," with a snort and a mandible click. "I'm an absolute idiot." Then, at the forward motion of the little Ferengi doctor, he pulls back, raising his manacled hands as if to ward off a blow. "Alright, alright! Look, you people think we had something to do with it, my people and I, but I've told you what I know. WHen you all first showed up and started kicking people out, he told us on one of his passes around the room we could stay, like he'd told us before. The drinks were on the Ferengi's tab! Check ... " He looks fearfully at the Ferengi doctor, the swallows, then back to the Andorian and the Cardassian. "Check with the bartender yourself if you don't believe me!"

Kryn Endilev rocks forward up onto the balls of his feet, back onto his heels, and then resumes his normal standing posture. "We can do that easily enough so we'll assume it's true for now. But the question still remains, why would this complete stranger pick you and your fine group of friends to show us a good time? Why would he approach your table and have a chat before killing the Ferengi?"

Matael lowers his head to peer at the floor for a moment, then looks up. He places hit foot on the floor and walks slowly to Kryn, whispering once he gets close, "This won't go anywhere. The fool Klingon vaporised the one we NEED to interrogate and this one is a nobody...I don't know if he is even involved.." He looks back and sneers, "...he's a cowering mess, what do you think?"

The Nausicaan says, "That's what happened, I'm telling you! He came over while you all were drinking, put his hand down on my arm, and said something about ho wwe needed to keep the noise down, because something was about to happen! He pulled a sleeve disruptor and ... well, the rest.... you ... know." He trails off as the two men converse amongst themselves.

Kryn Endilev's antennae turn slightly as Matael speaks, but the Andorian keeps his gaze on the Nausicaan until he's done with the explanation. "What I think," he begins as he turns and starts walking back to the front of the room, "Is that I've heard enough for the moment. Perhaps we should speak outside?"

The Ferengi says "I can start asking him my questions if you two need ... a break."

Matael nods to Kryn, "Then let us speak in private."

Kryn Endilev gestures toward the Nausicaan with a 'be my guest' kind of wave. "Ask away. Though as long as I'm present, I'd prefer that you keep it to just questions. Understand?" He doesn't wait for an answer. With Matael, he heads out of the room. "We need to speed this process up," he says once the door is closed.

Matael walks out next to Kryn, "What do you have in mind?" He pauses for a second, "I do have some....friends...that I could inquire to about special obsidian order interrogation techniques." Its probably not what Kryn had in mind...but he had to ask. "Unless, of course, you have a quicker idea?"

"Quicker and less likely to get me court-martialed," Endilev clarifies. He looks back over his shoulder at the closed door and then back to Matael. "I don't particularly like torture. The moral dilemmas of the ends and means and one and many aide, if someone was hurting with the impossible to resist methods afforded by modern technology, I'd tell them anything they want to hear. Therefore, it leaves us with two options. Polygraph with a med tricorder or we get a telepath off the Paine. I like the latter and since the Federation isn't prosecuting a case against him, we don't have to worry about admissible evidence. The crime wasn't committed against us. We just want answers."

Matael hrmps. Figures..."Well, if you have a telepath on call for such situations...it seems the best solution for it. Although, if my memory serves me, aren't your Federation telepaths bound by a duty not to read a mind unless given permission...especially with potential suspects that might very well be innocent?" He shrugs, "If not, go summon one..."

GAME: Kryn Endilev contests his Law vs Challenging and Fails.

Kryn Endilev glances up, getting the expression equivalent to a computer accessing data. "Uh. I don't think so. Like I said, we're not prosecuting a case here. Or even investigating a crime per se. We're troubleshooting a threat to the security of various VIPs." He looks back at Matael. "That gives us broad discretion and the information we're gaining isn't going to be used against anyone. Let me see what Commander Goodwin thinks." He taps his commbadge.

Matael nods, "Of course." He patiently claps his hands behind his back and keeps alert.

Kryn Endilev taps his com badge. "Lieutenant JG Kryn Endilev to Lt. Commander Goodwin."

Over Kryn Endilev's com badge, someone answers the channel. "Thomas Paine here. Go ahead, Lieutenant. How's it going down there?"

Into his com badge, Kryn Endilev says, "We're taking a recess from interrogating the prisoner, sir. So far professes his innocence and we have no rapid way to confirm or disprove his version of events. We'd like to bring a telepath down if one is available."

Over Kryn Endilev's com badge, Goodwin says, "Lieutenant, setting the ethics aside, I'm not going to ask any of our Betazoid crewmen to assist in what's clearly a violation of the Code of Sentience."

Matael grumbles to himself.

Into his com badge, Kryn Endilev says, "I'm not suggesting we go cave diving through his brain, sir. I want to know if he's telling the truth and what his emotional state is. Last time I checked, that's not illegal or unethical."

Over Kryn Endilev's com badge, Goodwin is curt. "It may not be illegal, but I'm not a big fan of it, Lieutenant." His voice then grows perplexed, "I'm not sure if I get it, though. Everyone saw him draw a weapon and vaporize a Nagus. Now, I'm no security officer, but isn't this something of a slam dunk on the 'guilt or innocence' question?"

Into his com badge, Kryn Endilev says, "Yes, sir, it would be, provided he had fired the shot. However, our Klingon compatriot put a disruptor bolt through the back of the gunman and he is unfortunately no longer available for questioning. The prisoner we do have was involved in conversation with the gunman and was observed fleeing the scene."

Over Kryn Endilev's com badge, Goodwin says, "Well, it looks like it's time for some good old gumshoeing then, Lieutenant. If this was quick or easy, then we wouldn't need trained professionals like yourself."

Kryn Endilev is careful to be silent, but his allows his body language to suggest a certain level of frustration as he looks over at the Cardassian.

Matael shrugs back at the Andorian, a slight look of 'I told you so' escaping from his brow. He looks back at the closed door, then to Kryn.

Into his com badge, Kryn Endilev says, "Yes, sir. If I were prosecuting a case, I would agree. But I'm investigating a threat to the security of the various diplomatic personnel on this mission and celerity is most desirable aspect at this point. Plus, I should note, that the authorities here are intent on questioning the man as well and there is evidence that they've already done some "in depth" questioning of the suspect. In fact, I believe the Ferengi doctor is asking some questions right now."

Over Kryn Endilev's com badge, Goodwin sounds exasperated. "Then we'll guard against the diplomatic threats as they come, Lieutenant. I'm not sure how much clearer I can make it, but: no. The Ferengis' consciences are their own, but there's no way I'm going in good conscience to a Betazoid and asking them to participate in your interrogation." A beat. "Is there anything else?"

Into his com badge, Kryn Endilev says, "Was a medical or security officer trained in polygraphy assigned to the Paine for this mission?"

Over Kryn Endilev's com badge, Goodwin says, "Not really. I think Ensign Adansae might be kicking around. But really, Lieutenant, I don't see our particular benefit to knowing whether /this/ particular individual is guilty or innocent. He's pretty well out of commission. I think we ought to be worried about /future/ threats."

Matael blinks as he listens to Goodwin speak. He whispers, "I thought more of Commander Goodwin than THIS..."

Into his com badge, Kryn Endilev says, "I'm worried about his friends, but it's your call, sir. I'll advise the local authorities of how we intend to proceed."

Over Kryn Endilev's com badge, Goodwin says, "If you're going to go in again, I'll see if Counselor Adansae will join you? You going to take another crack at the nut?"

Into his com badge, Kryn Endilev says, "Unless she's a Betazoid, I don't think she can bring any skills to the table not already covered, sir."

Over Kryn Endilev's com badge, Goodwin says, "All right, then. You're on your own. Keep me posted. Paine out."

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

Matael crosses his arms across his chest, "Now what? Back to question and answer time?" He sighs, "Or do we write him off as ineffective?"

Kryn Endilev taps his commbadge and terminates the channel. Then he reaches up and rubs the bridge of his nose. "I stand corrected." He drops the hand to his side with a quiet slap. "I have no further questions that interest me. The local authorities can deal with his guilt."

Matael nods, "I do not think intimidating him will work very well either, it doesn't seem that he has any loyalties to anyone." He hrms, "A shame we could not look around this planet for a telepath for hire...I'm sure Starfleet hasn't lapped up every single telepath..."

Kryn Endilev shakes his head at that suggestions. "Nuh uh," he replies. "I don't have anything to pay them with and I can't draw from the ship's stores without a good reason. Plus, if Goodwin comes out, he'll likely think I'm trying to circumvent him." Once more, he looks over his shoulder at the interrogation room. "I'll inform them that we're done and we don't think he's of any use. Other than that, we do our thing and shoot first, ask later. We'll blend right in with the locals."

Matael says, "Very well, then. Just remember to tell the Klingons to keep it on stun...for once."

Kryn Endilev grunts in response and turns around toward the door. "Let's go."

As the door opens, the Ferengi is leaning back against the wall, watching the Nausicaan, whose face is down on the table. He is twitching. It is not a good twitch.

Matael walks in with Kryn and stops when he sees the brutalized Nausicaan. He looks from him to the Ferengi, "What did you do to him?"

. o O Green thinks, "I can't believe he's really /alive/."

"Questioned him in depth, I'd wager," Endilev opines, using the euphemism from earlier. His nose wrinkles up in obvious distaste.

The Ferengi pushes away from the wall. "I have finished questioning him, but the poor man grew most agitated, and I had to sedate him. Unfortunately, he fought me, and I think I accidentally overdosed him." He leans forward and kicks the Nausicaan, who has clearly stopped breathing, off the chair. "I would consider it a pity, really, if I felt any pity for these animals. I've already ordered my people to start looking for that bartender to corroborate his story. So far, though, I am convinced that the other one, the one the Klingon Ambassador's guard is alleged to have disintegrated, was working alone. My people are seen as easy targets, I think. I also think that will soon change." He looks to both Matael and Endilev. "Did you gentlemen need anything more, or have you all the wealth of information you need at this time?"

Matael gives a half shrug, "I have the same feeling he was working alone." He shows no outward feelings for the dead/dying Nausicaan man, but furrows his brow out of curiosity at the "soon change" comment, but then just lets it gloss over, "I think we got all we could out of this one, right?" A look to Kryn.

Kryn Endilev looks at the twitching body for a long moment and then at the Ferengi doctor. "This is disgusting. You knew he was likely innocent and you still killed him? I think we're done here." He turns around and walks out.

The Ferengi looks at Matael as the doors close behind Kryn, "Clearly, there walks an honorable man, and I am" -- and his hand comes up to touch his chest mockingly -- "well rebuked. Good evening to you, Cardassian. Mind your friend. He seems agitated."

Matael turns and walks out with a serious pondering look on his face, barely listening to the Ferengi speak and not giving him any sort of farewell. He hastens a bit to catch up to Kryn and slows when he gets to his side, "We are at a wall, Andorian. I don't see where else we could turn. All that seems left is to file a report and close this event." He sighs softly, "Nothing has gone properly since exiting that meeting room."

And to that there is, again the snake's eye view of two booted feet -- Starfleet and Cardassian issue boots -- moving down the hall, in silence except for the footfalls.