Exploring the Resort

Posted on Thu Nov 21st, 2019 @ 11:40pm by Commodore Jacob Kane

Mission: Shakedown
Location: Aquilon - Resort
Timeline: MD-03
876 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:
As the security chief and surgeon sauntered off together, Kane glanced over at Mortigar. It would be a good opportunity for his new science officer to prove his talent, at the very least.

"Well, Lieutenant, we have precious few leads. What would your recommendation be in this situation?"

The Evoran rubbed his chin in thought. To say that they had few leads was a bit of an understatement. "Unless Commander Parr can locate anything using the ship's sensors, we may have to resort to searching for the Ensigns.... the old fashioned way. Perhaps we could show the locals what they look like and ask if they've seen them."

"All right. So long as we're not causing too much of a stir for the guests. I don't like the idea of having to field calls from Starfleet Command that we've ruined their golfing buddy's holiday, if you know what I mean," Kane replied. "Let's start with reception staff and work our way through any other employees that they might have crossed-paths with."

Mortigar nodded at the Captain's suggestion. It wouldn't do them any good if they annoyed the residents to the point where their progress was hindered. As they walked, the Lieutenant connected his tricorder to the Athena's main computer where he accessed the Starfleet database to retrieve the profiles of Ensigns Stonn and Drake. Within seconds, Morty got the data that he needed. He showed his tricorder to Kane. "I have their images, sir," he said.

Stonn looked much like he had when Kane had known him. The girl looked like a typical academy graduate; fresh-faced and enthusiastic, red hair practically billowing down her shoulders like a mane. "All right. The obvious first step is check-in. Why don't you ask at the desk while I see if I can find out if there's any surveillance footage they might have captured."

"Yes Sir," the Science Officer acknowledged. After they'd entered the resort's primary lodging establishment, Morty walked over to the reception desk to speak to the person working there. He cleared his throat and held out his tricorder. "Ahem, excuse me, I was wondering if you might be able to help me? Have you seen these two people recently?" he asked the receptionist.

The receptionist stared at him for a few seconds, eventually spying the uniform and deciding that she'd better respond. "I'm sorry, we're obliged to keep the details of all guests staying with us private. I'm sure you understand..."

"Hmmm... yes of course," Mortigar said before choosing to explain the situation further. "This is Ensign Stonn, and Ensign Drake," he informed the receptionist whilst pointing to each of the images. "They were on Aquilon for rest and recreation. If Starfleet discovers that this lodging was withholding important information regarding their whereabouts... well, my superiors won't be pleased." He leaned in closer. "They're not as nice as I am," he said with a small smile.

The lady looked at the images, then at Mortigar, then at the pictures again. Her stony exterior cracked a little. "I cannot say whether they were guests here at the resort, but...they do look familiar to me. Perhaps a few days ago..." She glanced around, wondering if this was a trick to catch her out. "That's all I can say."

The Lieutenant nodded in appreciation. "I thank you for your assistance," he said to her before leaving the desk to rejoin Commander Kane.

"No leads on the surveillance," Kane said grimly, approaching the Lieutenant. "I'm concerned. They claim a computer malfunction corroded several days' worth of archives." He rubbed his beard momentarily. "Any security system worth its salt must have backups stored somewhere...what did you find?"

Mortigar was starting to wonder if this resort was some kind of shady installation instead. "The receptionist believes that she may have seen them recently although she did not divulge more than that. I do not know if it is because of policy, or if she was advised to answer in such a manner. Either way, I am beginning to suspect there may be more to this place than meets the eye," the Lieutenant suggessted. To find the answers they were looking for, they were going to have to keep looking.

"I'm having the same suspicions." Kane glanced around the atrium, considering. "How are your hacking skills, Lieutenant? Think you could break into the resort's backup security logs?"

"Hacking, Sir?" the Evoran repeated. He bit his lip softly. "It isn't my... forte," he finally said uneasily. "However, I can't imagine that this resort's security systems would be too difficult to penetrate."

"Good enough. Their backup storage is on a sublevel, in a basement area under the main buildings. I can probably get us inside, but I'll need you to get what we need," Kane nodded. "And don't worry, Lieutenant. I'll take full responsibility if they do end up bringing us up on charges for this..."

"I will do my best, Sir," Morty told his superior. It was all that he could do at the moment. Once they got to the security system, he'd have a better idea of their chances of success.



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Lt Commander Jacob Kane
CO
USS Athena

Lieutenant Mortigar
Chief Science Officer
USS Athena