Is Resistance Futile? Part 2

Posted on Wed Nov 10th, 2021 @ 7:57am by Lieutenant Commander Rin & Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: Season 5: Episode 3: CAPETOWN
Location: XO's office
Timeline: Before away mission
1301 words - 2.6 OF Standard Post Measure

Rin walked briskly to the XO's office. She had been on board less than 24 hours and she was already making waves, which she really would prefer not to do. And she did agree with McKay about her tech falling into the wrong hands. But, Rin reminded herself, McKay was the one who created the situation in the first place.

So now she had to making this official. Maybe CDR Taylor would agree the quieter the better.

At least it gave her the opportunity to meet the XO. She hit the chime on his office door.

Inside his office, Gary was getting back up to speed and settling back in as XO. He had rearranged the room back to the way it was before his transfer to CDO. Now he was reviewing and reading on the new crew transfers when his chime sounded. Indicating he had a visitor. He placed the PaDD to one side, sat a little straighter in his chair and called out "Enter".

The short, dark-haired xB walked into the office and remained standing. "Lt. Rin, sir, your new Chief of Intelligence. I have a matter I'd like to discuss with you."

Gary rose as the new officer entered the office. "Lt. Rin, a pleasure. I've been wanting to meet you." He gestured to one of the two chairs in front of his desk. "Please have a seat. Would you like anything from the replicator? before we discuss the matter you are to see me on."

"Water, thank you, sir," she replied, stiffly sitting in one of the offered chairs.

"Certainly." Gary replied as he walked over to the replicator, stopping to look back at Rin. "You didn't say, do you want the water chilled?"

"Yes, thank you, sir."

Nodding, Gary retrieved the glass and returned to Rin. "Here you go Lieutenant." He spoke as he moved behind his desk and sat down. Looking across the space between them he asked. " Now, what is this matter you wish to discuss?"

Rin sipped her water. "I've been informed you science department was granted access to Borg nanites to research technologies that might assist in recovering drones. Unfortunately, Dr. McKay, by her own admission, has turned those nanites into a personal project searching for Eternal Youth. She's made herself the guinea pig, and it's killing her. She's ignoring half a dozen security protocols, and she refuses to entertain following them without an order from a superior officer. She insists she has everything under control, but, clearly, she wouldn't be in her current situation if it was. Thus, my obligation to bring it to you."

Gary listened as Rin explained the situation involving Dr. McKay and her improper use of Borg nanites. When she had finished he spoke. "This indeed a serious matter and I thank you for bringing it to my attention. I have several questions. First, Is there anyway to stop the nanites from killing Dr. McKay? next I will give you authorization to implement proper security measures involving both the nanites and Dr. McKay's research. Finally, does McKay's mental state seem affected by the nanites? If so, I will have her relieved of duty and confined to Sickbay." He looked at Rin, "I think the less people who know about this the better do you agree? "

"I do agree, sir," Rin responded. "While I acknowledge there are acceptable uses of Borg technology - such as what Starfleet originally intended - it's a dangerous path, not to mention morbid. Many see it as mere machinery, but to us its trade is a trade of body parts. Dr. McKay searches for a serum of eternal youth. If we discovered that such a secret resided in, say, the processing of Klingon organs, I doubt the Federation would support such a harvest."

"And there is a market for Borg parts, although most traders don't have access to Borg corpses, so they make do with those of us still carrying the tech. "

Rin decided she welcomed the water after all, taking a steady drink while she considered if she had provided too much personal opinion. After all, this was a matter of real-world consequences. She didn't expect the XO to act in support of her feelings.

"As to her mental state," Rin continued, "I cannot judge, as I do not know her usual personality. I am neither a scientist nor a doctor. I understand the basic tech - perhaps even the occasional insight that has not yet occurred to scientists - but McKay probably knows more than I on the specifics. I did offer suggestions, but she assured me they would not work in her case, and I have no reason to doubt her. Is there a method of saving her? I could not say, and she has yet to find it."

"The Federation indeed would not support such a harvest." Gary replied adamantly. "They would condemn such a practice in the strictest and harshest terms possible. They would also see that those that had participated in this practice be severely punished to the full limits of the law."

Gary shook his head as Rin commented or rather non commented on McKay's mental state. "Perhaps I should ask, is Dr. McKay a danger to anyone else in her present mental state? Especially if her mental state starts to erode due to the fact the she is unable to find a method to stop the nanites from killing her? I ask for you have stated she refuses to listen to enacting any of the security protocols involving the nanites."

He looked at Rin. "I think this needs to be stopped before a full fledge disaster occurs. We are already facing the possible death of one member of the crew. Dr. McKay needs to stop her work, turn it over to you and let the medical staff here see if they can help her." Gary spoke firmly.

Rin considered what she could offer the XO. She didn't like presenting herself as being without answers, but she also did not like presenting theories without enough evidence. "The doctor is exhibiting signs of paranoia. She is afraid of what might happen if a "spook' gets hold of it. She seemed convinced that weaponizing science without consideration is just something Intelligence does. But it's not just a distrust of "spooks." She is adamant that only she can properly protect it. If her mental state further deteriorates, I can envision her being increasingly drastic in her handling of the material."

"If I can make a suggestion," Rin continued, taking another sip. "You and I go to her together. She seems more open to a senior officer directing her. That way we avoid confrontation and a need for Security. Hopefully, she cooperates with you and hands over the material. You confine her to sickbay. Dr Sthilg can determine who else needs to be read in. You have a counselor determine her mental status, and we go from there."

"The fact that she is exhibiting signs of paranoia as well as her refusal to trust anyone else with her work, to me is a sign of unhealthy thinking and like you, I believe her thinking will only get worse the longer this situation drags on."

He paused for a moment before he continued, "I think your suggestion is a good one Lieutenant. It shows a unity in dealing with this current situation and hopefully Dr. McKay will see this as a sign of unity and not one where we're ganging up on her, which could lead to the good doctor doing something rash which would further complicate this entire situation."

Rin nodded. "Thank you, sir. Shall we go now?"

Gary nodded, "By all means Lieutenant. Let us go and talk to Dr. McKay while we can still keep control of this situation."