The Game is Afoot (PM Marco to join)

[Marco Benitez]

Several words popped into Marco's mind but they were all improper to say in front of a commanding officer.  He remained cool outwardly but allowed the Commander to handle the engineering ensigns report on the virus.  He had to deal with the dead body sprawled on the floor.

=^= Recovery Team to Crewman Benitez.  We're ready for transport. =^=

The voice on the other end of the combadge sounded like an angels choir to Marco.  He could not deal with the weapons systems at the moment and besides it wasn't his job to do so.  Not at the moment anyway.   He smoothly crouched besides the body and placed a hand over it feeling the coldness seeping through the dead man's uniform.   He reached over and activated the man's combadge grateful that it was still working.

=^= Affirmative.  Lock into Lt. Reynaldo Guerrera's combadge and beam him into the morgue and run thorough forensic scans before autopsy.  =^=

=^= Aye, sir. =^=

Soon the body was flowing with energy as it was transported neatly away leaving the area feeling a little bit less gloomy.  Marco stood easily, careful not to hit his head on the roof of the enclosed area.  He turned to Commander McConnell, "Perhaps the Chief Engineer should take a look at the area, and with your permission, I would like to start the investigation.  I'd like to know who Ensign Torngate was talking too."  He frowned in concentration, this was a full blown investigation now, and Marco, like a boomer on shore leave, was eager to get deep into it. 

[Cayden McConnell]

Cayden tapped his commbadge and opened a channel to Operations.

=/\=McConnell to OPS. Recall all ships that have left within the past two days. Also, nothing is to leave the Starbase until I say so. I'd ships don't turn back, send out the Gibson to escorts them back. Also, lock out the weapon systems, authorization: Mcconnell six-four-nine-zulu. McConnell out.

Looking back to the two that stood before him, he wore an impatient expression on his face.

"I have recalled all of the vessels that have left in the past two days. I will leave you two to investigate. Use whatever resources needed to complete it."

[Marco Benitez]

Cayden tapped his commbadge and opened a channel to Operations.

=/\=McConnell to OPS. Recall all ships that have left within the past two days. Also, nothing is to leave the Starbase until I say so. I'd ships don't turn back, send out the Gibson to escorts them back. Also, lock out the weapon systems, authorization: Mcconnell six-four-nine-zulu. McConnell out.

Looking back to the two that stood before him, he wore an impatient expression on his face.

"I have recalled all of the vessels that have left in the past two days. I will leave you two to investigate. Use whatever resources needed to complete it."

Marco tilted his head to one side in a slight nod of acknowledgement.  Here was a nonsense man that he could definitely understand, "Yes, sir, I'll get on it right away.  You'll have my reports as soon as possible."  He responded and stood waiting for the Base Commander to leave.  Already his mind was starting to work, he'd have to assign people to search the logs and the cargo, but he had a feeling that the killer was still on board and still waiting to conclude his or her devious plans.

As soon as the Commander left, he turned to Dylan, "Ensign Torngate!  Let's go speak to the Chief Engineer, I am sure that he'd like to know what's going on on his base."

[Dylan Torngate]

Marco tilted his head to one side in a slight nod of acknowledgement.  Here was a nonsense man that he could definitely understand, "Yes, sir, I'll get on it right away.  You'll have my reports as soon as possible."  He responded and stood waiting for the Base Commander to leave.  Already his mind was starting to work, he'd have to assign people to search the logs and the cargo, but he had a feeling that the killer was still on board and still waiting to conclude his or her devious plans.

As soon as the Commander left, he turned to Dylan, "Ensign Torngate!  Let's go speak to the Chief Engineer, I am sure that he'd like to know what's going on on his base."

Dylan was still fiddling with the diagnostics and readings he'd taken. "uhh.. I... Aye... We can do that." he said, blinking around after being absorbed by the data he had and avoiding the station commander's gaze. "I'm sure he would, especially as this involves one of his own men. I'll follow you." he said and followed the man as he ducked out of the compartment. He shot another backwards glace at the area, trying to think through more problems, and trying to determine exactly how many infiltration nodes he was dealing with here.

He stood out, the light of the deck blinding for an instant, as his eyes had been adjusted to the light from inside the maintenance tubes, which were a sight less bright than outside. He turned and followed the security crewman down to Engineering.

[Marco Benitez]

Dylan was still fiddling with the diagnostics and readings he'd taken. "uhh.. I... Aye... We can do that." he said, blinking around after being absorbed by the data he had and avoiding the station commander's gaze. "I'm sure he would, especially as this involves one of his own men. I'll follow you." he said and followed the man as he ducked out of the compartment. He shot another backwards glace at the area, trying to think through more problems, and trying to determine exactly how many infiltration nodes he was dealing with here.

He stood out, the light of the deck blinding for an instant, as his eyes had been adjusted to the light from inside the maintenance tubes, which were a sight less bright than outside. He turned and followed the security crewman down to Engineering.

Marco's long, sure stride got him to the lift quickly and he was expecting the equally tall Engineering Ensign to keep up.  Once on the lift he remembered to be a bit more human and social with his Starfleet compatriot and cleared his throat to ask awkwardly, "I'm assuming this is your first crime scene."  He placed his large hands behind him and stood erect, his spine painfully straight and shoulders locked, "How are you feeling?  Do you need to go to Sickbay first?"

He frowned but instead of an angry frown it was one filled with worry.  A first timer would probably be feeling sick and a bit in shock.  It wasn't natural for a human not to feel anything upon seeing something dead whether it was a little animal or another human being.  "If you'd like we can detour to Sickbay first?"

[Dylan Torngate]

Marco's long, sure stride got him to the lift quickly and he was expecting the equally tall Engineering Ensign to keep up.  Once on the lift he remembered to be a bit more human and social with his Starfleet compatriot and cleared his throat to ask awkwardly, "I'm assuming this is your first crime scene."  He placed his large hands behind him and stood erect, his spine painfully straight and shoulders locked, "How are you feeling?  Do you need to go to Sickbay first?"

He frowned but instead of an angry frown it was one filled with worry.  A first timer would probably be feeling sick and a bit in shock.  It wasn't natural for a human not to feel anything upon seeing something dead whether it was a little animal or another human being.  "If you'd like we can detour to Sickbay first?"

Dylan followed and entered the turbolift. He wasn't completely knowing what to do, still feeling a numbness and confusion inside. He kept his emotions in check, however, and presented a calm and composed facade. He looked around as the man cleared his throat, and he listened. "Aye, it's my first time seeing the body of a murdered person." he said, intentionally wording it the way he said it. "It is my first crime scene as well, yes."

"I'll be fine, we have a job to do so let's get it done." he said, steeling his nerves and doing what he could to calm himself. "No need to divert to sickbay, let's just get going and find the dirtbag before too long." he said, and waited for the turbolift to stop. When it did he exited, looking around and following the security crewman again. It was obvious he was uneasy, but other than that he would do his job as he was supposed to.

[Marco Benitez]

Marco was dubious but the other man was putting up a brave front and he respected him for that.  He wasn't about to coddle him in any way and instead nodded his head and responded curtly, "Good man, here we go."  He announced once the lift stopped Deck 234 which housed the Chief Engineer's Office.  The deck was in the bowels of the base and exactly where engineers liked to be, so Marco assumed.

He stepped out, expecting Ensign Torngate to follow, he tapped his combadge and briefly asked where the Chief was.

=^= Lt. Tian is in his office, Deck 234 =^=

The tall security crewman turned to Dylan and shrugged his lips.  They were lucky he was in his office and not crawling around some conduit or knee deep in some engineering crisis.  "It's our lucky day."  He offered, although the dry humor was lost somewhere.  If they were truly lucky they wouldn't have a murdered Engineering Officer on their hands.

He walked up to the Chief's door and waited for the chime to alert the man that they were there.  "I am assuming that he knows who you are, Ensign."  Marco expressed carefully and waited to be allowed in.

[Dylan Torngate]

Marco was dubious but the other man was putting up a brave front and he respected him for that.  He wasn't about to coddle him in any way and instead nodded his head and responded curtly, "Good man, here we go."  He announced once the lift stopped Deck 234 which housed the Chief Engineer's Office.  The deck was in the bowels of the base and exactly where engineers liked to be, so Marco assumed.

He stepped out, expecting Ensign Torngate to follow, he tapped his combadge and briefly asked where the Chief was.

=^= Lt. Tian is in his office, Deck 234 =^=

The tall security crewman turned to Dylan and shrugged his lips.  They were lucky he was in his office and not crawling around some conduit or knee deep in some engineering crisis.  "It's our lucky day."  He offered, although the dry humor was lost somewhere.  If they were truly lucky they wouldn't have a murdered Engineering Officer on their hands.

He walked up to the Chief's door and waited for the chime to alert the man that they were there.  "I am assuming that he knows who you are, Ensign."  Marco expressed carefully and waited to be allowed in.

Dylan exited into the bowels of the ship. He recognized the place, having been here once before. "Aye, I checked in with him this morning telling him that one of his engineers wanted to switch with me. Or at least, someone pretending to be one of his engineers." he said. He wasn't sure why the man had his office in the depths of the station, but to each their own was the saying.

He coughed once, the dust in the air getting into his lungs. It was obvious this wasn't a place many people traveled, as there were no shops, people, or lights.

"Lucky. Yeah. Right." he said, rolling his eyes. "Because there's so much good about our current situation" the sarcasm dripping off his voice like a melting icicle in the desert. He strode up to the main office of the Engineer, waiting to be admitted.

[Ezac]

[Hallway outside the Security Office]

As the door to the Security Office closed behind Ezac, he found himself wondering what could have led to the Sec/Tac Chief being so shaken up. It's expected behavior in battle...and on a starship. But they were neither in a battle, nor were they on a starship. He began walking, slowly at first, despite not knowing where he needed to go or what he might find when he got there.

Crewman Benitez, this is Crewman Ezac. I was just informed that you may have a need for some assistance looking into an urgent matter. Please advise.

[Marco Benitez]

quote author=Dylan Torngate link=topic=6254.msg126109#msg126109 date=1467231931]
Dylan exited into the bowels of the ship. He recognized the place, having been here once before. "Aye, I checked in with him this morning telling him that one of his engineers wanted to switch with me. Or at least, someone pretending to be one of his engineers." he said. He wasn't sure why the man had his office in the depths of the station, but to each their own was the saying.

He coughed once, the dust in the air getting into his lungs. It was obvious this wasn't a place many people traveled, as there were no shops, people, or lights.

"Lucky. Yeah. Right." he said, rolling his eyes. "Because there's so much good about our current situation" the sarcasm dripping off his voice like a melting icicle in the desert. He strode up to the main office of the Engineer, waiting to be admitted.
[/quote]

Engineering Deck 234

Marco turned to him, the frown deepened on his face, "Lucky that it wasn't you."  He then gave him a tidbit of information that he was keeping to himself, "It seems to me that the victim was random.  He was just some unlucky fellow who was investigating at that moment.  It could have easily been you."  If Marco could smile he would have done so, but he let the information sink in as the Chief Engineer called them in.

Engineer's Office

Chief Tian sat behind his desk engrossed with something on his monitor.  "Yes?"  He began in an occupied voice but didn't look at them.  "what is it?"

Marco cleared his throat and in his most stern voice, which wasn't that different from his regular one, responded, "Chief, I'm Crewman Benitez with security.  I have to inform you that Lt Junior Grade Reynaldo Guerrera was found dead at exactly at 14:34 hundred hours."  Marco let it sink in before he ended with, "It is clearly a homicide, but there is more."

He turned to Dylan and nodded, "Ensign Dylan Torngate from the USS Athena is assisting me, he can explain things better than I."  Marco stepped back and allowed Dylan to take it from there, "Ensign."  He nudged just as he got the call from another security crewman.

[Hallway outside the Security Office]

As the door to the Security Office closed behind Ezac, he found himself wondering what could have led to the Sec/Tac Chief being so shaken up. It's expected behavior in battle...and on a starship. But they were neither in a battle, nor were they on a starship. He began walking, slowly at first, despite not knowing where he needed to go or what he might find when he got there.

Crewman Benitez, this is Crewman Ezac. I was just informed that you may have a need for some assistance looking into an urgent matter. Please advise.

Marco quickly responded, not wanting to disturb Dylan but not wanting to miss anything either.

=^= Affirmative, Crewman Ezac, please meet me on Deck 280 and come armed.  =^=

With that he placed his hands behind his back and listened quietly. 

[Ezac]

Marco quickly responded, not wanting to disturb Dylan but not wanting to miss anything either.

=^= Affirmative, Crewman Ezac, please meet me on Deck 280 and come armed.  =^=

With that he placed his hands behind his back and listened quietly.

[Turbolift]

Crewman Benitez, this is Crewman Ezac. I am in the turbolift and on my way.

Ezac stepped into the turbolift and watched the door slip shut. He let out a quick "Deck 280" and looked down at the holster on his waist. His right hand rested atop the Type II Phaser that he kept within arm's reach at all times. It had become standard operating procedure, and although he seldom needed it, he felt that it was worth carrying.

And as the turbolift descended further into the starbase, he found comfort in being armed.

[James H. Hawk]

[Deck 280]

Most people would be glad to be on leave but James wasn't. At least when he was on duty he had something to do, on leave there was little for him to do and he hadn't yet made good friends with anyone so there wasn't really anyone for him to socialise. As he went for a walk through the Starbase he encountered a closed section with security crewmen making sure no one got past. "Whats happening here crewman?" James asked. "There has been a murder, sir," the security crewman said in a formal and composed tone. A murder? That's strange. How the hell did someone get away with that in the middle of a Starbase? I wonder if they've yet to catch the bastard? "Have you got a suspect yet?" James asked, trying to get as much information as he could. "I'm sorry, sir if you want anymore information I'm afraid you'll have to speak to Crewman Benitz. He's in charge of the investigation," the crewmen said in the same formal tone. Right then. Too Crewman Benitz. I've got nothing better to do than lend a hand. James tapped his combage in an attempt to reach the crewman.

Crewman Benitz. This is Ensign Hawk, I'm a tactical officer on the Athena. I understand you have a murderer on the loose. If you'll have me, I'd like to offer my expertise to aid your investigation

[Dylan Torngate]

Dylan was offered to explain to the Engineer what had transpired. He kept it brief but informative, from the staff substitution that he was covering for, to the murdered crewman, to the compromised weapons, to the fact that the man that Dylan was covering for wasn't the one who called Dylan to cover.

He kept it as streamlined as best he could, and then stood back to let the other man talk. It was clear that the weapons could neither be traced or modified, and that they currently were sitting on the galaxy's largest dead-man's-switch. Dylan also presented the unauthorized dongle, in an evidence bag, to the man to observe.

[Marco Benitez]

Chief Engineer's Office

Another call came in, offering assistance and Marco took it.  He would definitely need the manpower especially since they had all those ships to inspect.  Tapping on the combadge he responded to Ensign Hawke:

=^= Stand by, I shall be there momentarily, please arm yourself. =^=

He then listened quietly to the information Dylan gave the Chief Engineer who was taking it all in with an impossible calm.  As he inspected the crime scene evidence he was seriously frowning but nothing else showed what Marco knew was sheer terror.  The chief stood up and nodded, "Understood, we will get on this immediately."  He turned to Marco, "I am assuming that the crime scene will be cleared and available for us to use."

"Yes, sir, you can have your staff clean it up and inspected, unless you want the recovery team to do it.  All the forensic information we can gather has been gathered."  He looked to the nervous young ensign next to him then back to the chief.  "I shall leave Ensign Torngate with you, but I will need to interrogate several of your staff.  Commander McConnell has closed up all ships leaving the base and those arriving will be halted for a time being.  I will send you the list of those on your staff that I will need to talk too."

The chief nodded quietly and sighed, "We will cooperate fully, Crewman, please get the person that did this and I will inform Lt. Guerrero's family if you don't mind?"

"Of course not, sir, and I will keep you informed."  Marco nodded and then turned to Dylan, "Thank you for your assistance, Ensign, I will inform your superiors of the fine work you've done.  Gentlemen."  He nodded briskly and made his exit.

[Civilian Docks - Deck 280]

During the lift ride to the docks, Marco made sure to bring up the files of the two security members that had offered their assistance.  Crewman Ezac was an old hand but a Breen, that didn't really bother Marco.  He needed all the help he could get and perhaps the shock of seeing a Breen Federation Security Crewman would scare the culprits out in the open.  Ensign Hawke was human and would be easily recognizable.

Both men were waiting for him as he made his way towards the crime scene which was being cleaned as he arrived.  "Crewman Ezac."  He nodded to the Breen, "Ensign Hawke."  He spoke to the fair haired young human male, "Thank you for offering to help."  He nodded to a few of his security crewman that grouped around behind Marco.  "Gentlemen."  He addressed them as a group knowing each one personally as he worked closely with them on a daily basis.

"These civilian ships are waiting to leave, but cannot as Commander McConnell has stopped all transports until they are allowed to leave.  Our jobs..."  Marco's voice was strong and clear and easily reached anyone within ear distance, "...is to inspect the ships, the crew and the cargo carefully for any evidence that could lead to finding the murderer.  You will work in groups of two and report anything unusual to me and I will inspect it.  I, as you all know, was the one that found the body.  The murderer is desperate, be sure you have set your weapons to stun and don't be afraid to use them."  He pursed his lips, "You all will be given a PADD with ship information.  Do you have any questions?" 

[Ezac]

[Deck 280]

Exiting the turbolift, Ezac was understandably cautious. Sure, it's unlikely that Benitez would have directed him to Deck 280 without a bit of forethought, but having a disregard for the seriousness of potentially life threatening situations was--as far as Ezac was concerned--the perfect recipe for disaster. He looked all around and saw just a handful of civilians making their way about the deck. As far as he was concerned, any one of them could have been the murderer.

Crewman Benitez, this is Crewman Ezac. I have arrived at Deck 280. I will surveil the deck adjacent to the turbolift until I receive further direction from you.

Just then, Ezac noticed a security Ensign exit the turbolift and walk by with a wariness much like his own.

[Deck 280]

Most people would be glad to be on leave but James wasn't. At least when he was on duty he had something to do, on leave there was little for him to do and he hadn't yet made good friends with anyone so there wasn't really anyone for him to socialise. As he went for a walk through the Starbase he encountered a closed section with security crewmen making sure no one got past. "Whats happening here crewman?" James asked. "There has been a murder, sir," the security crewman said in a formal and composed tone. A murder? That's strange. How the hell did someone get away with that in the middle of a Starbase? I wonder if they've yet to catch the bastard? "Have you got a suspect yet?" James asked, trying to get as much information as he could. "I'm sorry, sir if you want anymore information I'm afraid you'll have to speak to Crewman Benitz. He's in charge of the investigation," the crewmen said in the same formal tone. Right then. Too Crewman Benitz. I've got nothing better to do than lend a hand. James tapped his combage in an attempt to reach the crewman.

Crewman Benitz. This is Ensign Hawk, I'm a tactical officer on the Athena. I understand you have a murderer on the loose. If you'll have me, I'd like to offer my expertise to aid your investigation

Tactical officer on the Athena, Ezac asked himself silently in his head. He was surprised to find someone else here from the Athena. He had never met Ensign Hawk. He stood there in silence. He knew that he'd likely meet the ensign once Benitez arrived.

Ezac turned around at the sound of the turbolift and watched as Benitez emerged.

[Civilian Docks - Deck 280]

...

Both men were waiting for him as he made his way towards the crime scene which was being cleaned as he arrived.  "Crewman Ezac."  He nodded to the Breen, "Ensign Hawke."  He spoke to the fair haired young human male, "Thank you for offering to help."  He nodded to a few of his security crewman that grouped around behind Marco.  "Gentlemen."  He addressed them as a group knowing each one personally as he worked closely with them on a daily basis.

Ezac had no interest in interrupting, so he just merely offered a subtle nod of his head and allowed Benitez to continue.

"These civilian ships are waiting to leave, but cannot as Commander McConnell has stopped all transports until they are allowed to leave.  Our jobs..."  Marco's voice was strong and clear and easily reached anyone within ear distance, "...is to inspect the ships, the crew and the cargo carefully for any evidence that could lead to finding the murderer.  You will work in groups of two and report anything unusual to me and I will inspect it.  I, as you all know, was the one that found the body.  The murderer is desperate, be sure you have set your weapons to stun and don't be afraid to use them."  He pursed his lips, "You all will be given a PADD with ship information.  Do you have any questions?"

Eager to begin, Ezac spoke up first. "I have no questions, Crewman. Should I pick one of your cohorts and begin conducting a search?