Episode 2.02: Rivulets of Copper, Eyes Aflame

[socrates200X]

OOC: Ah, I wasn't sure where in the "running time" of the episode we were! 😅 If we're winding down the episode, feel free to have this inquiry go nowhere or get wrapped up real quick.

With the main thrust of the case finishing up behind him, Voshen left the interrogation chamber, moving towards Main Engineering.  Some time later, Voshen and Lt. Kolesnikov both looked down at the seemingly innocuous device on a workbench reserved for fine mechanism repair and troubleshooting.

"The simplicity of this device cuts two ways.  It can transport using pre-programmed destinations.  But, without a large amount of resident memory, it needs depend on a source for those destinations.  Our suspect may have been resourceful enough to attempt this alone from the remove of the monastery, but if there were accomplices in the planetary transporter grid or elsewhere, that is information it would prudent to gather before the resolution of the case."

[Davy, aka GM]

OOC: Okay, we're going to make this a Reason + Engineering task at Difficulty 3. We're going to assume you also brought with you the programming app on Kavoran's data padd, since that is where the device gets its coordinates.

Chev and Kolesnikov can assist with either Control + Engineering (to disassemble/reassemble the device properly), Insight + Conn (for communications/transporter network protocols knowledge), or Reason + Science (basic principles).

Chev can choose for himself. Socrates can choose for Nikolai.

[socrates200X]

Voshen's rolling Reason + Engineering, Difficulty 3, no Focus.  Spending 1 Momentum to buy 1d20.

Nikolai will assist with Control + Engineering, Electronics Focus to study the circuitry of the PADD and device as power and signal flows through them.

Voshen

Rolled 3d20 : 10, 16, 3, total 29

Nikolai

Rolled 1d20 : 18, total 18

[socrates200X]

OOC: Forgot to note, TN 13 for Voshen on that, TN 14 for Nikolai.  So, 2 Successes so far...  😬

[Nolmir]

"It is becoming clear that continued questioning will yield little further insight," T'Vaana-Sath steeples her fingers. "Regardless, I will be filing a notice of emotional compromise once a judge has been assigned to this case."

Tobin looks troubled as he nods in the direction of the solicitor. "I agree, T'Vaana-Sath. Kavoran has admitted his guilt and explained his motivation, even if I still do not fully understand it. Please convey my greetings to your daughter, in the case that you speak to her before I do."

Perhaps T'Kalla can help me understand, he adds silently to himself.

The science officer looks toward the monk. "I cannot in any way condone what you have done, Kavoran. Nevertheless, I do hope you someday find peace."

"If you have no further questions, Lt. Cole?"

[Renny]

"No sir", Cole says quietly, "I'm satisfied that we have the right man in custody."

[Chev ch'Valk]

Chev will roll Reason + Science (basic principles) against a TN of 14 to assist.

Rolled 2d20 : 2, 9, total 11

[Davy, aka GM]

OOC: Acknowledging spending 1 Momentum to Create Opportunity.

2 Successes from Voshen, none from Nikolai, and 1 from Chev. 3 Successes vs. Difficulty 3. Success!

Current
Momentum 1
Threat 3

Voshen and the others scan and carefully dismantle the transport call device, as well as pore over the control code of the app on the data padd. Disassembly and inspection of the component parts provides little insight, except that it was likely assembled from materials found on Altair VI (not that it was necessarily assembled there) and that the work, including the manufacture and shaping of the casing, were done largely by hand.

The principles behind the device, however, are quite clear. It uses standard Vulcan Transport Network protocols to  create an automatic transport call. When activated, the network will then function as it normally does; however, the log generated by the call is modified, by the device pulling from network logs other identity tags, splicing them to replace the anonymous ID tag placeholder in the log, and directing the network to pull the spoof log entry into its database. This is what made it difficult to track the killer, as it was impossible to tell who was going where. That several transports could be loaded onto the device for "one touch automated" transports makes this device perfect for those who wish to travel anonymously within a highly-structured society like most in the Federation core.

What this doesn't ultimately explain is how Kavoran could have acquired the device; however, even on Vulcan, there are those who rebel against the strictures and structures of a governed society. And the foreign quarters of Vulcan's major cities do contain some less-than-fully-compliant residents and visitors. Kavoran wouldn't even have to know any of them personally - just determination to find what he needed and get the device delivered quickly. The delay between the end of the conference and the commission of the first murder could be explained by the delivery time?

While there may be a conspiracy somewhere, there also may be just a couple anonymous contacts - even with rogues who have since left Vulcan. The true answer to the question may have to be left up to the local authorities...

OOC: Any Momentum spends you wish to pursue, or are you good with leaving this as is?

[Renny]

OOC: I'm ok with leaving this as it is.

[socrates200X]

Lt. Voshen considered the dismantled device in front of him, its control PADD blinking idly.  At the end of the hours, it was simply black-market technology.  Accessible through specious means, assembled with the precision of a determined madman. 

He found his thoughts of conspiracy suddenly foolish.  Somehow, shadowy cabals and religious assassins were more palatable than the simple hate of one murderous Vulcan.  He swallowed a bitterness in his mouth.

Lt. Kolesnikov watched him askance.  "Anything more to see here?"

"I certainly hope not."  Voshen switched off the power and the PADD went dark.

OOC: Done!

[Chev ch'Valk]

Ensign Ch'valk curiously regards the call device. "Can we take it with us?" he asks the senior officers. "I shouldn't think it would take long for Engineering to do a complete reverse-engineer of it." He looks around. "Never know, might come in handy!"

OOC: Nothing more from me!

[Davy, aka GM]

Captain's Log, Supplemental: Our investigation concluded, the principal members of the task force have been summoned to the preliminary inquest and plea entry hearing in Ta'Vistar. As promised, Kavoran's solicitor has entered an affirmative defense of emotional compromise, and the monk will be evaluated by a panel of independent psychiatrists - given the sectarian nature of the crimes, the panelists will include adherents of all three major philosophies to help avoid creating an appearance of bias.

The principles involved in the investigation are all gathered in the lobby of the V'tel Ak'tur Province Tribune Hall, where the three judge panel has just concluded the preliminary hearing.

Treyva
Treyva and Asha stand together near the others, watching the others mingle about. She points out Sorak and T'Kiri talking to Commodore Santiago some distance away.

"What do you think that's about?" she wonders.

Tobin
"You acquitted yourself admirably," T'Kalla-Nahs says to the science officer as she absentmindedly straightens out his uniform cuffs with her good hand. "My mother commented that you could have a career in law enforcement. I reminded her your talent in and knowledge of multiple scientific fields have you exactly where you need to be."

Her expression remains neutral, save for a slight bit of affection behind her eyes as she continues, "My apologies for the non-sequitur, but what do you know of Commodore Krane and his leadership of Starbase 11?"

Cole
The security officer files out of the courtroom and is surprised to see a familiar form exit the doors on the other side. Flanked by a pair of adult Vulcans who could only be his parents, Sadek meets Cole's eyes with recognition, and the boy says something to the others, who shift their attention to Cole.

Chev
Lt. Thadis find Chev just as he exits the courtyard.

"I heard we picked up a new Andorian. Ensign ch'Valk, right?" he asks. "Thadis keth Dra. Where does your clan call home?"

Voshen
The navigator nearly bumps into Dr. Dourap as they exit the courtroom. Voshen notices the Tellarite looks incredibly tired - he knows the good doctor has been personally looking after the three survivors of Kavoran's attacks (Specialist Banks, N'Varas' widow, and Crewman Spunkmeyer).

The chief surgeon seems to suddenly become aware of Voshen's proximity and glances up at the Zaranite. "Oh, it's you. How's your apparatus working for you? The reagents holding up?"

[socrates200X]

After the third adjustment of his uniform's stifling collar, Lt. Voshen excused himself to find a private spot out of doors.  Fresh air was out of the question, but often focusing on a far horizon would see him through episodes like this.  His lungs radiated with a steady burn and he slowed his respirations out of long practice.

Nearly bowling over a small form in his distraction, he looked down to see the Drake's stout physician and saw a measure of his own weariness mirrored there.  Schooling his expression beneath his mask, he crossed his arms and placed his back against the cool wall, effecting a smile.

"My good doctor.  I am well.  Although, truth to be told, I will be more than content to leave the arid Vulcanian atmosphere behind us.  The warmth is a boon, but the dryness.  It..."  He cleared his throat.  "I must have a kilogram of sand lodged in my filters.  But enough about my mild discomforts.  How does Mr. Spunkmeyer fare?  Hopefully better under your ministrations than mine."

[Renny]

Cole
The security officer files out of the courtroom and is surprised to see a familiar form exit the doors on the other side. Flanked by a pair of adult Vulcans who could only be his parents, Sadek meets Cole's eyes with recognition, and the boy says something to the others, who shift their attention to Cole.

Cole hesitates for a brief moment, debating whether or not the young Vulcan would welcome his greeting but his curiosity is piqued and so he walks across the chamber towards the other group. He approaches the Vulcans with a gentle smile on his face, but stops at a respectful distance.

"G'day, Sadek. It's good to see you again. How did your..." he pauses, searching his memory for the correct word..."kahs-wan turn out?"

[Nolmir]

Tobin
"You acquitted yourself admirably," T'Kalla-Nahs says to the science officer as she absentmindedly straightens out his uniform cuffs with her good hand. "My mother commented that you could have a career in law enforcement. I reminded her your talent in and knowledge of multiple scientific fields have you exactly where you need to be."

"Well, the principles of inquiry can be applied in many fields," he responds with a slight smile. "But I do believe you're right -- I am where I need to be," he adds, gently taking her hand in his.

Her expression remains neutral, save for a slight bit of affection behind her eyes as she continues, "My apologies for the non-sequitur, but what do you know of Commodore Krane and his leadership of Starbase 11?"

Tobin's eyebrows raise at the tangential question. "From what I know of the man, he seems a capable officer. And I believe he has a good sense for people. My understanding is that when they retired the old Drake, he was instrumental in keeping the crew together. Now that I'm part of that crew, it's quite clear to me he made the right call.

"Why do you ask?"

OOC: I'll edit if there's something Tobin would know about Krane that I've forgotten.