Subject: Grail: "Great Brightness" - 'Report'

<<Stardate 47307.31 - 09:43>>

<<Deck 38>>

Tifa stepped out of the TL as the ship was once again rocked. Red

lights flashed everywhere and the sirens were a torture to her sensitive

Caitan ears. Her tricorder still in her hand and the box she found in

Hargen's quarters tucked under her arm, she approached Castle's office.

But as she got there, the doors opened and the man in question walked

out. He seemed surprised to see her.

"Tifa? What are you...?" he started, but stopped as he noticed her

bare feet, "Why aren't you wearing boots? And where is your commbadge?

Is something wrong?"

Tifa nodded her head.

"I think so, sirrr. We may have a spy onboarrrd." Urged on by

Castle's surprised look, Tifa continued, "I believe Janice Harrrgen, our

chief engineerrr, has been kidnapped and rrreplaced by an andrrroid."

Castles eyes widened in surprise at Tifas revelation. "And how did

you reach that conclusion?", he asked skeptically, but without doubt

that Tifa had a good explanation.

And he listened as she detailed her first indication at the last

staff meeting. An all too `nuetral' odor. Then, Hargens squeaky clean

medical record. In themselves, not condemning. But still odd enough to

warrant investigation. However, it was the tricorder readings of Hargens

`blood' that kept Castle from dismissing the notion entirely.

"Herrr furniture was smashed beyond what you orrr I could do with

ourrr barrre hands.", she explained.

Castle nodded, considering any other steps they could take to

support Tifas supposition. He still had his doubts that his officer had

drawn the proper conclusion, but there was something odd about the

details she offered. It required further investigation. Definitely. He

tapped his commbadge.

"Castle to Dr. Ramius.", he called out.

=^=Ramius here.=^ "Doctor...", Castle looked at Tifa while he spoke. "Have you tested

the blood of Comm. Hargen for possible antibodies that might counteract

the Romulan virus?"

=^=No, lieutenant. But there are many who have not been tested.=^

Castle nodded, still looking into Tifas eyes. "And did you find any

oddities in Comm. Hargens initial duty physical?"

=^=Of course you realize that that would be privileged information

if I had.=^=, the Doctor replied. =^=But I was not her examining

physician for that physical. Her physical was done on Earth and the

records forwarded to the Grail.=^

Tifas smile became satisfied, though Castle had to admit it proved

nothing. "Thank you Doctor.", he tapped his badge again.

"A lot of the information we're basing our suppositions on...",

Castle said holding up the tricorder. ".. was gained illegally. Before

we can make any accusations, we'll need something harder. More concrete.

I trust your senses and your instincts, but I can't go to the Captain

with an accusation based upon `she smells funny'." Castle laughed

without humor. "If we're wrong, we'd be violating her basic civil

rights."

Tifa considered his words with irritation, but she did not miss a

critical point. Castle had said `If WE'RE wrong' and `WE'D be'. He

believed her. And he had committed himself to her investigation. But the

Boy Scout in him wouldn't let him do it any other way than `by the

book'.

Just then, Castle's commbadge chirped.

=^=Brinn to Castle=^

Logan tapped his badge.

"Castle here, go ahead Major." he answered.

=^=Meet me in the Main Shuttlebay with a security contingent.=^=

came the reply.

"I'll be there in two minutes." He then tapped is badge again to

open another channel. "Castle to ensigns Dimitri and Lo Pan. Report to

the Main Shuttlebay and await me outside. Castle out."

He then turned back to Tifa.

"We'll continue this another time, Tifa. For now, come with me."

and he led her to the turbolift.

Joint post by

Logan Castle and Tifa Charr

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