Season 4 Episode 4 - A Diplomatic Song and Dance

[James A. Hawke]

[XO's Office]

James was in front of his desk and he rested on top of it for a second as he listened to questions.  He appeared to be relaxed.  He crossed his arms and took a deep breath as he was waiting for some discussion on how to proceed.

In his talk, Hawke seemed to avoid one topic.
"Has the Cardie government sent us their legal case for wanting the miners back?" she asked.

Hawke took a second as he wondered how to answer the questions.  He controlled his breathing and responded "They are Cardassian Citizens and the victims or rather the deaths were also Cardassian Citizenship.  As much as I want to avoid another government and want to keep it completely in house, they do have jurisdiction to investigate the death of their citizens.  I want to find out what is going on." .  There was also the issue that they were their allies and they might need their help in this side of the galaxy.   Hawke knew that when citizens die, they often investigate.  However, the speed and the forcefulness of their request had been a red flag for the First Officer.  Something was going on and for the moment, he felt blind.

[Lex Costa - XO's Office]

"So we back in the habit of grantin' asylum ta criminals, then?" She lowered her hand and replaced it against her bicep. Fingers began tapping against the synthetic arm; a sign of her restlessness. Her voice remained quite low, her tone flat. "'Cuz wha' those Cardies did on tha' mine was at best criminal negligence. 'Side from the material they was minin', they constructed the facility at such speed an' with such disregard for standard safety protocol tha' they should be held 'sponsible for all the deaths racked up in the run-up ta that mission, and durin' it."

Her eyes zeroed in on the Bossman, wondering if this was something they'd even considered. "They face Fed charges for wha' they've done. I hope ya've reminded them tha' they've zero negotiation power here."

She gestured toward the PADD she'd just disregarded, her eyes losing their sharp edge when she made her next statement. "We need ta know now if they were operatin' under a private contract, or at the order of the Cardy gov'ment."

As Hawke listened to Costa's word, it appeared that she was not in love with the situation with the Cardassians. Hawke looked down for a second and slightly bit his lips.  He wondered how to respond; he did not have an excellent logical answer to why they need to consider asylum for them. He could come out and say it was part of the plan to extract information from them.  However, the reality is that if someone in fear for the lives they owed a duty to protect them.

The First Officer responded "You are right; they are probably criminals.  They place themselves and us in jeopardy.  We lost good men and women trying to rescue them." .  Hawke mentioned solemnly.   He knew that they died executing his plan of a Space Jump and some of them got injured.  He remained silent and continue "We don't know why they risked soo much soo quickly.  And I agree we need to find out what happened.  I fear that if we hand them over to the Cardassian government, we might never find out.  So my idea is to talk to our rescued Cardassian while stalling time with the diplomatic team...maybe have a 12-course dinner with them based on the ancient earth tradition of stalling....send them papework and bury them with paperwork?, or debate on whether grant them asylum, take them to the Casino?"   Hawke tossed ideas out there but he wanted to see if anyone wanted to do anything in particular.

Hawke was in the middle of the meeting when he heard a chirp.  Barrows to Hawke,  there has been a murder on the Station.  The victim was a member of the Cardassian Delegate

James looked down and then said "Shit!"

The First Officer already has a diplomatic issue and it became more worse. Hawke to Chief Halgerdur.  Drop everything that you are doing and take a security squad with you to the marked quarters.  This is Code Black As Hawke finished he knew that Fells would know that it meant a murder took place and did not want to discuss the details in open.

Could this be related to the Cardassian Situation James wondered but it was too early to come up with a reasonable theory on this. He also needed a Forensic team to help gather evidence.

Hawke to T'Prina, assemble a Forensic Team...Code Black, please coordinate with Security    As Hawke finished he thought today just got more complicated.

[Eydis]

[Volskene's quarters]

The correct time point had approached for Volskene to present his findings to the Primary Scientific Castemember. The Tholian donned his sadly familiar, yet still uncomfortable environmental suit, fetched his data slate, and engaged the atmospheric cycling program. Force fields sprung up, barricading the passageway around his quarters and allowing him to exit. The doors shut, and Volskene confirmed his egress. The air then cycled to the lethal humanoid atmosphere. The suit was still protective... if it had a puncture, half of this section of the station would know.

[Heading to the turbolift]

There had no doubt been rearrangements aboard the station since his last occupation of this station, so Volskene availed of the computer to direct him.

"Computer, state the location of the Primary Scientific Castemember's operations chamber."

"Deck 313."

Volskene proceeded to a turbolift and input the directions to the correct deck. It would be some time before he arrived at his destination... Eydis had not yet responded, which was concerning. Indeed, it showed in his thoughtspace as a dark blue. Once again, he spoke over the Lattice, "You have not said anything for some time, Eydis. Are you perhaps lost in thought?"

[Deck 313]

After what seemed to be an eternity, Volskene arrived at the deck where he expected the Primary Scientific Castemember. He located the message which she had sent him earlier and appended a secondary response to it.

[Cruiser Acrux] Eydis would reply to the science cate members Volskenes quiry. Yes I have been thinking, I apologize for any delay. Your data has been passed along to the Assembly. And I stand ready to offer any further assistance to your endeavors Science caste memeber Volskene. I'm currently going over the many forms of music they have available, a most curious thing indeed. I do believe they are rather busy as no response has been received. I shall inform you of any changes in that regard, perhaps you should set it up.

[Judith Eastman]

[Lex Costa - XO's Office]

Costa listened, her expression as blank as usual. The nature of her thoughts stayed hidden throughout the briefing, she glanced only once or twice at the PADD, before putting it down on a nearby shelf. She leaned back again, re-crossed her arms against her chest and considered how best to respond to this new information.

She glanced over at Eastman when she asked her question. The woman must have arrived after her, because Costa was sure she'd have noticed the counselor she'd had that nightmarish exchange with straight away. She turned back toward Hawke, wondering over his answer. A short time later she raised her index and middle fingers of her right hand to signify she had something to add. They were observations really, though framed as questions.

"So we back in the habit of grantin' asylum ta criminals, then?" She lowered her hand and replaced it against her bicep. Fingers began tapping against the synthetic arm; a sign of her restlessness. Her voice remained quite low, her tone flat. "'Cuz wha' those Cardies did on tha' mine was at best criminal negligence. 'Side from the material they was minin', they constructed the facility at such speed an' with such disregard for standard safety protocol tha' they should be held 'sponsible for all the deaths racked up in the run-up ta that mission, and durin' it."

Her eyes zeroed in on the Bossman, wondering if this was something they'd even considered. "They face Fed charges for wha' they've done. I hope ya've reminded them tha' they've zero negotiation power here."

She gestured toward the PADD she'd just disregarded, her eyes losing their sharp edge when she made her next statement. "We need ta know now if they were operatin' under a private contract, or at the order of the Cardy gov'ment."

[XO's Office]

James was in front of his desk and he rested on top of it for a second as he listened to questions.  He appeared to be relaxed.  He crossed his arms and took a deep breath as he was waiting for some discussion on how to proceed.

Hawke took a second as he wondered how to answer the questions.  He controlled his breathing and responded "They are Cardassian Citizens and the victims or rather the deaths were also Cardassian Citizenship.  As much as I want to avoid another government and want to keep it completely in house, they do have jurisdiction to investigate the death of their citizens.  I want to find out what is going on." .  There was also the issue that they were their allies and they might need their help in this side of the galaxy.   Hawke knew that when citizens die, they often investigate.  However, the speed and the forcefulness of their request had been a red flag for the First Officer.  Something was going on and for the moment, he felt blind.

As Hawke listened to Costa's word, it appeared that she was not in love with the situation with the Cardassians. Hawke looked down for a second and slightly bit his lips.  He wondered how to respond; he did not have an excellent logical answer to why they need to consider asylum for them. He could come out and say it was part of the plan to extract information from them.  However, the reality is that if someone in fear for the lives they owed a duty to protect them.

The First Officer responded "You are right; they are probably criminals.  They place themselves and us in jeopardy.  We lost good men and women trying to rescue them." .  Hawke mentioned solemnly.   He knew that they died executing his plan of a Space Jump and some of them got injured.  He remained silent and continue "We don't know why they risked soo much soo quickly.  And I agree we need to find out what happened.  I fear that if we hand them over to the Cardassian government, we might never find out.  So my idea is to talk to our rescued Cardassian while stalling time with the diplomatic team...maybe have a 12-course dinner with them based on the ancient earth tradition of stalling....send them papework and bury them with paperwork?, or debate on whether grant them asylum, take them to the Casino?"   Hawke tossed ideas out there but he wanted to see if anyone wanted to do anything in particular. 

[Lt. Cmdr. Judith Eastman(-Williams) - XO's Office]

Judy sighed at both Hawke and Costa and their demeanor. They weren't seeing the most powerful weapon on the table.

"My friends, the Federation is a nation of..."

Hawke was in the middle of the meeting when he heard a chirp.  Barrows to Hawke,  there has been a murder on the Station.  The victim was a member of the Cardassian Delegate

James looked down and then said "Shit!"

The First Officer already has a diplomatic issue and it became more worse. Hawke to Chief Halgerdur.  Drop everything that you are doing and take a security squad with you to the marked quarters.  This is Code Black As Hawke finished he knew that Fells would know that it meant a murder took place and did not want to discuss the details in open.

Could this be related to the Cardassian Situation James wondered but it was too early to come up with a reasonable theory on this. He also needed a Forensic team to help gather evidence.

Hawke to T'Prina, assemble a Forensic Team...Code Black, please coordinate with Security    As Hawke finished he thought today just got more complicated.

And then came the hails.
"Oy vey izt mir."

Judy could piece together that there had been some kind of serious situation, but Hawke didn't clarify what.

"As I was saying, the Federation is, at least on paper, a nation of laws. We can use that. They want asylum? We're going to need to do some fact-finding. Government wants them back? What does the legal system think? Follow the system, play by the rules, walk down the yellow brick road, and you can easily buy a few months under an injunction; enough for us to figure out what really happened - if we can maintain some order here."

She stepped forward, towards Hawke.
"What exactly was that?"

[T'Prina]

[Promenade - Upper Level ~> CSO Office - Deck 313]

T'Prina found it difficult to make it back to her office in a timely manner, due to the crowd. The wait for a turbolift was ridiculous. She was already looking forward to the conferences being over so things could get back to normal. Well, as normal as they'd be while she stayed with Hawke. The one good thing about the delay, she managed to look over all the data Volskene had sent her. It seemed he'd made decent headway with the spider ship. Once ensconced in a turbolift on her way to the office, a message pinged on her PADD.

I have arrived per our scheduled appointment. If you do not appear soon, you will be tardy. That is not advisable.

The Vulcan sighed, lightly frustrated. Of course the Tholian was early. When was he ever not early? At least she'd arranged for her things to be moved to Hawke's quarters so they were no longer cluttering her office. Now if she could only do the same with the thoughts of him cluttering her mind. The impulsive kiss she'd given him still lingered at the forefront. They'd both been surprised, but perhaps it was good for them.

With long strides, despite her diminutive stature, T'Prina reached her office door, coming up on the towering Tholian from behind.

"Ah, Specialist Volskene. You arrived early to our meeting. No doubt you are eager review the data and make your suggestions. From what you have sent, it seems... promising."

Her hand was placed on the door control to open her office to them both, however her commbadge chimed.

Hawke to T'Prina, assemble a Forensic Team...Code Black, please coordinate with Security

A single eyebrow raised. Code Black? If he was requesting her personally, undoubtedly the victim was someone of some importance. She held up a single hand, to motion to the Tholian.

"My apologies, Specialist. I will need a moment to answer this."

T'Prina quickly tapped her commbadge and replied to Hawke.

"Affirmative, Commander. I would request a skilled medical examiner to attend the scene as well. T'Prina out."

With a quick roll of her shoulders that sent her long braid tumbling, she tapped her badge again to make another call.

"LtCmdr. T'Prina to Chief Halgerdur: Ensign Maryllis and myself will be attending the scene to perform the forensic investigation regarding the Code Black. Please send the location to my PADD and we will meet you there."

Messages sent, she returned her full attention to Volskene.

"My apologies again, Specialist. This is not how I prefer to conduct meetings. Circumstances are not... ideal. If you prefer, we can reschedule, or have this conversation on the go. I will need to collect one of my scientists for a task."

T'Prina really had enough on her plate, without surprise added tasks. She couldn't remember a time she'd looked forward to her post shift meditation more. Of course, at this rate, the end of her shift was getting farther and farther away. Stoically, she repressed the sigh she felt building.

[Fells Halgerdur]

[Arboretum]
Fells was slightly bored as he walked away from the smokers with the confiscated pipe.
He has just reached Lea to have a chat when his com badge beeped and signaled that a call from Hawke came in. The last thing he expected today was a code black though.

His head whirled around to locate his team.
Then he handed Lea the pipe.
"Understood, Commander. I'll be right there."
He had no idea how much the people around him had heard but his eyes connected with Lea. "Hang on to this....it's confiscated but I have to head away right now. I don't have time to turn it it."

Then he radioed his team.
"Tominsa, Petriel. Stay here. Follow Petty Officer Fhawque. Ryah, I need your sniper skills."

On his way out of the arboretum he met up with the second team leader there. He selected two of his men, both with special training.

On the way he explained the situation.
"There has been a murder in the Cardassian quarters. We'll secure the scene and also search the perimeter. I need you to keep your eyes open, report anything suspicious to me. We have no idea what we're dealing with."

All of them were armed with low key weapons as well as light under armor only, which worried Fells.

Then T'Prinas call came in.
"LtCmdr. T'Prina to Chief Halgerdur: Ensign Maryllis and myself will be attending the scene to perform the forensic investigation regarding the Code Black. Please send the location to my PADD and we will meet you there."
"Sending you the location now....see you there."

[Descant to-Harmony]

[Arboretum]
Fells was slightly bored as he walked away from the smokers with the confiscated pipe.
He has just reached Lea to have a chat when his com badge beeped and signaled that a call from Hawke came in. The last thing he expected today was a code black though.

His head whirled around to locate his team.
Then he handed Lea the pipe.
"Understood, Commander. I'll be right there."
He had no idea how much the people around him had heard but his eyes connected with Lea. "Hang on to this....it's confiscated but I have to head away right now. I don't have time to turn it it."

Then he radioed his team.
"Tominsa, Petriel. Stay here. Follow Petty Officer Fhawque. Ryah, I need your sniper skills."

On his way out of the arboretum he met up with the second team leader there. He selected two of his men, both with special training.

On the way he explained the situation.
"There has been a murder in the Cardassian quarters. We'll secure the scene and also search the perimeter. I need you to keep your eyes open, report anything suspicious to me. We have no idea what we're dealing with."

All of them were armed with low key weapons as well as light under armor only, which worried Fells.

Then T'Prinas call came in.
"LtCmdr. T'Prina to Chief Halgerdur: Ensign Maryllis and myself will be attending the scene to perform the forensic investigation regarding the Code Black. Please send the location to my PADD and we will meet you there."
"Sending you the location now....see you there."

[Arboretum --> Crime Scene]

Ryah double-tapped her combadge to acknowledge Fells call and made her way as quickly as possible out of the arboretum to meet him. This was somewhat easier for her than it might have been for others since she was small enough to duck through tiny openings between people.

She trotted to keep up with the others as Fells explained what was going on. Her brow furrowed in concern. Chief, do we have time to stop at a weapons locker? I'd feel better if I could get a rifle in hand, though I'm as good a shot either way, she said with a shrug.

[Fells Halgerdur]

[Hallway]
Her smaller steps resonated on the artificial floors when she fell into step with the three men.
Fells checked his padd while he was walking.
"There's a locker on the way. You get one minute there."

Just before they arrived he asked her with a bit of concern. "You're a sniper...you've seen bodies before, haven't you?"
He didn't want her to freak out.
"Okay....one minute."

[James A. Hawke]

"As I was saying, the Federation is, at least on paper, a nation of laws. We can use that. They want asylum? We're going to need to do some fact-finding. Government wants them back? What does the legal system think? Follow the system, play by the rules, walk down the yellow brick road, and you can easily buy a few months under an injunction; enough for us to figure out what really happened - if we can maintain some order here."

She stepped forward, towards Hawke.
"What exactly was that?"

[Xo's Office]

Hawke listened to first Judy's suggestion as he pondered what she was saying.  He agreed with her that the Federation was a Nation of Law and they needed to do an investigation.  The more significant issue was going to be the Cardassian.  Saying no to someone and forcing them to go to court it's not exactly the best way to keep allies.

"I'm not an attorney, nor I play one on the holodeck.  Papework is not exactly my strong suit. But you might have a point there; my concern would be that the Cardassians might see it as stonewalling. We want to keep good relations with them if possible.   Regardless, I think the first part is to get more information from them.  I would like this to be more an interview than an interrogation.  But we might coordinate with your JAG Office. .  Hawke mentioned.  In truth, he would not know where to begin with the paperwork.  All he knows is that their JAG office has a big sign that says "DO NOT APPROACH UNDER PENALTY OF READING REPORTS."  At least it's implied for him.  He would swear he is allergic to the situation.

As she asked for the second question, James took a deep breath. "To make matters more complicated one of the Cardassian Government diplomats was found dead.  Code Black is that we firmly believe that there is foul play". James explained.  It was not an ideal scenario.

"Affirmative, Commander. I would request a skilled medical examiner to attend the scene as well. T'Prina out."

James then pressed his comm   =/\=All right, I see what I can do.  .

Hawke turned to Judy and asked "Can you please make the arrangement to have a Medical Examiner to coordinate with Commander T'Prina?"

"Suggestions on a course of action?"  Hawke asked as he wanted to hear options on how to proceed.  Before finishing the meeting.

[Fells Halgerdur]

[suite 35-08 Cardassian body]

The door slid back as if nothing had happened. But when Fells and his team entered they walked slowly. Almost as if they'd trip over the body if they didn't.
The one person, who was already on the scene, nodded his head at Fells.
"Finally, security."
The man was visibly pale and shaking. "We had a meeting this morning but Nurtek Jurati didn't show up, so we attempted to contact him. When he didn't respond, I came here and found him."
He pointed to the living room.
After exchanging a brief glance with Ryah, Fells nodded and asked the man to stay but sit in the arm chair.
"We will ask you a few questions later."
He then carefully walked around the corner to see the Cardassian on his side in a puddle of blood.
He wrinkled his brow because he hadn't seen anybody, who had been shot loose that much blood lately.
Fells indicated for Ryah and the two men to keep their eyes open. "I doubt he's still around but watch out....We need images, secure all evidence so noone touches or moves anything and later we'll get the feeds of the camera in the hallway. "
He slipped on a pair of gloves and then walked closer. Even from his position he could see the small hole in his back.
"Doesn't look like a phaser to me."
He had no idea how the man could loose so much blood so he bent down to get a look at his front. "Large exit wound...." He looked up at Ryah for her opinion. But had already drawn his own....it had to be some sort of high velocity projectile from a close distance. Now he was waiting whether the expert marksman came to the same conclusion.

[Volskene]

[Promenade - Upper Level ~> CSO Office - Deck 313]

T'Prina found it difficult to make it back to her office in a timely manner, due to the crowd. The wait for a turbolift was ridiculous. She was already looking forward to the conferences being over so things could get back to normal. Well, as normal as they'd be while she stayed with Hawke. The one good thing about the delay, she managed to look over all the data Volskene had sent her. It seemed he'd made decent headway with the spider ship. Once ensconced in a turbolift on her way to the office, a message pinged on her PADD.

The Vulcan sighed, lightly frustrated. Of course the Tholian was early. When was he ever not early? At least she'd arranged for her things to be moved to Hawke's quarters so they were no longer cluttering her office. Now if she could only do the same with the thoughts of him cluttering her mind. The impulsive kiss she'd given him still lingered at the forefront. They'd both been surprised, but perhaps it was good for them.

With long strides, despite her diminutive stature, T'Prina reached her office door, coming up on the towering Tholian from behind.

"Ah, Specialist Volskene. You arrived early to our meeting. No doubt you are eager review the data and make your suggestions. From what you have sent, it seems... promising."

Her hand was placed on the door control to open her office to them both, however her commbadge chimed.

A single eyebrow raised. Code Black? If he was requesting her personally, undoubtedly the victim was someone of some importance. She held up a single hand, to motion to the Tholian.

"My apologies, Specialist. I will need a moment to answer this."

T'Prina quickly tapped her commbadge and replied to Hawke.

"Affirmative, Commander. I would request a skilled medical examiner to attend the scene as well. T'Prina out."

With a quick roll of her shoulders that sent her long braid tumbling, she tapped her badge again to make another call.

"LtCmdr. T'Prina to Chief Halgerdur: Ensign Maryllis and myself will be attending the scene to perform the forensic investigation regarding the Code Black. Please send the location to my PADD and we will meet you there."

Messages sent, she returned her full attention to Volskene.

"My apologies again, Specialist. This is not how I prefer to conduct meetings. Circumstances are not... ideal. If you prefer, we can reschedule, or have this conversation on the go. I will need to collect one of my scientists for a task."

[Deck 313]

The Primary Scientific Castemember had arrived; Volskene had hoped that she would be slightly more punctual given the serious matters to which he had to attend. The Tholian had made motions to begin presenting the data on his slate when a sudden interruption shattered the concentration within his thoughtspace, and was enough to cause the colours within to turn a violent crimson. Volskene planned to call attention to this fact shortly, but Eydis' response over the Lattice took precedence.

[Cruiser Acrux] Eydis would reply to the science cate members Volskenes quiry. Yes I have been thinking, I apologize for any delay. Your data has been passed along to the Assembly. And I stand ready to offer any further assistance to your endeavors Science caste memeber Volskene. I'm currently going over the many forms of music they have available, a most curious thing indeed. I do believe they are rather busy as no response has been received. I shall inform you of any changes in that regard, perhaps you should set it up.

Volskene received the harmonious blue thoughtcolours and radiated the same in assent.

"Your offer is acknowledged and appreciated. I am currently attempting to address the Primary Scientific Castemember, though it seems they may not have an interest in my data; I was interrupted before I could speak. I must question your decision to pursue humanoid culture, but I am, of course, powerless to stop you. As for your attempts at communication, whom have you already addressed?"

This telepathic conversation, Volskene knew, would be completely unbeknownst to the Primary Scientific Castemember, even as she proceeded to finish her clearly important conversation to speak to him once more.

"Whatever you were preoccupied must SURELY have been reason enough to prioritize over my data which could redefine subspace physics as we know it.. However, I will not be deprived of my appointment. Retrieve your subordinate and I will observe from a safe distance."

[Descant to-Harmony]

[Hallway]
Her smaller steps resonated on the artificial floors when she fell into step with the three men.
Fells checked his padd while he was walking.
"There's a locker on the way. You get one minute there."

Just before they arrived he asked her with a bit of concern. "You're a sniper...you've seen bodies before, haven't you?"
He didn't want her to freak out.
"Okay....one minute."

[Corridor]

Ryah's lips quirked in a small, humorless smile as she used her thumbprint to key open the weapons locker. She grabbed a standard holster for her phaser so she could move it out from under her uniform and a phaser rifle. She checked the power cell and grabbed an extra one before slinging the weapon over her shoulder.

It's not my first time, Ryah said as she closed the locker and followed the chief to the diplomatic quarters.

[suite 35-08 Cardassian body]

The door slid back as if nothing had happened. But when Fells and his team entered they walked slowly. Almost as if they'd trip over the body if they didn't.
The one person, who was already on the scene, nodded his head at Fells.
"Finally, security."
The man was visibly pale and shaking. "We had a meeting this morning but Nurtek Jurati didn't show up, so we attempted to contact him. When he didn't respond, I came here and found him."
He pointed to the living room.
After exchanging a brief glance with Ryah, Fells nodded and asked the man to stay but sit in the arm chair.
"We will ask you a few questions later."
He then carefully walked around the corner to see the Cardassian on his side in a puddle of blood.
He wrinkled his brow because he hadn't seen anybody, who had been shot loose that much blood lately.
Fells indicated for Ryah and the two men to keep their eyes open. "I doubt he's still around but watch out....We need images, secure all evidence so noone touches or moves anything and later we'll get the feeds of the camera in the hallway. "
He slipped on a pair of gloves and then walked closer. Even from his position he could see the small hole in his back.
"Doesn't look like a phaser to me."
He had no idea how the man could loose so much blood so he bent down to get a look at his front. "Large exit wound...." He looked up at Ryah for her opinion. But had already drawn his own....it had to be some sort of high velocity projectile from a close distance. Now he was waiting whether the expert marksman came to the same conclusion.

[Suite 35-08]

Okay, the phaser rifle was probably overkill, Ryah acknowledged to herself as they entered the Cardassian's quarters. She trod carefully as they approached the body, her eyes darting around the room, watching their backs and seeing if anything unusual jumped out at her.

Ryah dropped into a squat to get a look at the entrance wound while Fells was examining the victim from the other side. Her brow furrowed. Definitely not a phaser.

She glanced up in surprise at the other officer's words and straightened to walk around and see for herself. There was no need to crouch to look at the wound. Ryah shook her head. They certainly seemed to want a messy death. Projectile weapon of some kind. I'm afraid I'm not terribly familiar. I mostly focus on energy weapons. With an exit wound like that...

She turned to face the opposite wall, looking for shrapnel that might have been embedded. The odds of the projectile still being intact were slim.

[Fells Halgerdur]

[cardassian suite]
While the other two were sealing off the entrance to the suite and getting the witness to state his name and everything he knew, Fells motioned for Ryah to have a look around for projectiles. "Who uses these kind of weapons? I only know them from very old movies." He shook his head. "But it's smart....they are deadly and we don't scan for them. None of our automated scanners would pick up on these types of weapons."
He pointed out a small hole in the wall behind the body. "Check the hole. Maybe there's a second projectile."
He stood up from his crouched down position.
"Now...who would kill this guy?"
He looked to the witness. "Did Mr. Jurati have enemies? What was he here for?"

Petty Officer Jamall approached him. "The door is sealed. The finger print scanner on it is broken."
"Okay." Fells nodded.

[Eydis]

[Deck 313]

The Primary Scientific Castemember had arrived; Volskene had hoped that she would be slightly more punctual given the serious matters to which he had to attend. The Tholian had made motions to begin presenting the data on his slate when a sudden interruption shattered the concentration within his thoughtspace, and was enough to cause the colours within to turn a violent crimson. Volskene planned to call attention to this fact shortly, but Eydis' response over the Lattice took precedence.

Volskene received the harmonious blue thoughtcolours and radiated the same in assent.

"Your offer is acknowledged and appreciated. I am currently attempting to address the Primary Scientific Castemember, though it seems they may not have an interest in my data; I was interrupted before I could speak. I must question your decision to pursue humanoid culture, but I am, of course, powerless to stop you. As for your attempts at communication, whom have you already addressed?"

This telepathic conversation, Volskene knew, would be completely unbeknownst to the Primary Scientific Castemember, even as she proceeded to finish her clearly important conversation to speak to him once more.

"Whatever you were preoccupied must SURELY have been reason enough to prioritize over my data which could redefine subspace physics as we know it.. However, I will not be deprived of my appointment. Retrieve your subordinate and I will observe from a safe distance."

[Tholian Cruiser Acrux] Eydis pauses the song Rasputin as she recieves volskenes thoughts and emotions over the Lattice. " We have made a general hail to the command caste of the station and have received no reply. Even in this Strained Relations with Federation, do you science caste member Volskene believe that those that make up the federation ever truly accept us. However different the bipedal humaniods are from each others. The can still see themselves in each other, relate with each other. They can see beauty in their fellow federation memebers species. They can even sometimes interbreed with each other. Tell me science caste memeber Volskene, Do any abroad the starbase view you as a rather pleasant looking Tholian science caste member a prime example of tholian concept of beauty and handsomeness  . Can they see their own image reflect in yours ?

The tholian assembly, our people will always be alone even if we do not terminate current relationships with the federation. The federation memeber species can not alter their perception of us, they recognize us as intelligent but alien and dangerous. The tholian warrior caste did consider the ones called the Borg by the federation to be a better alliance for us. For the borg do not hate or dismiss others, they want only to grow and advance.  The federation is a ticking explosive device we can never be sure of at least entirely. Which one do you think science caste member volskene would treat with us better ?  Do you think the federation would come to assist us, if a tholian Colony was under threat ? Currently and for the foreseeable future at least from what I have seen we are alone. Should the endless void close around our home world, the eyes of our people will not look up to the heavens above expecting to see federation arrive to stand by us. Only by our own will and strength do we fight the endless and ceaseless march of a void. Only through your knowledge and through the warrior castes strength does the song of our home-world carry on.  And when and if we end that song will never be heard by any others. We are alone in a galaxy brimming with life. And the death of our people will not be mourned or remembered. These are some of the thoughts that plague me as I go over the music. I can see beauty in them, yet they will never see our faces as their own

Eydis pauses and then runs her digits over the interface of the console and generates another message to the starbase.    Warrior caste member Eydis Commander of the Tholian Cruiser Acrux. I'm, attempting to communicate with any available command caste of the starbase.  I wish to address personal grievances against the science memeber Volskene. It is my Belief you are currently in a quagmire of events all taking place at once. When you can muster the capabilities to do so, It would be appreciated if a time to address the grievances could be made. We are ready to host any you might wish to send to deal with this as well the science caste member Volskene.