Searching Part 4, The Truth, Eirly Cont.

Posted on Sat Aug 3rd, 2024 @ 3:07pm by Captain Remy Johansen & Lieutenant Eirly Andersen

2,056 words; about a 10 minute read

Mission: Helping Brunel
Location: Earth, The Himalayas
Timeline: MD 14, After Part 3

Eirly was starting to feel funny again, but it wasn't the same nauseous feeling as before, "Being in uniform would make us stand out even further than if we weren't in uniforms. And I'm pretty sure that looking for a scientist who may hold the answers to our problems is the legal part? Something about some sort of technology, I know the Captain told me what it was, but I can't remember what she called it exactly."

"If you find this scientist... what then?" Brandon asked as he watched Eirly carefully.

Eirly shrugged in reply, "I guess we see if we can get what we need from her, then go back to the ship and then hope and pray it works on the boy so he can get better." Truth be told, she had no idea what else was going to happen beyond that. "Maybe if it works, then I'll have some of this guilt lifted off my shoulders and things can go back to normal?"

"Why the blank communicators?" Brandon asked. Eirly seemed too together still. He wasn't sure the serum would take effect without a booster.

She took another sip of the water and replied, "We were trying to not be detected and identified by Starfleet."

The corners of Brandon's mouth turned up into a curious smile. "Now what could you be up to that you wouldn't want Starfleet to know about?"

"Obviously you know that the Captain used to be a scientist before she went down the Command track, right?" Eirly got herself as comfortable as she could and continued, "Well, she mentioned that there was some sort of technology that her and another scientist were working on before the synths ban, I think that name was Rebecca Lange? I'm not sure, a lot of things have happened over the last few weeks. As for what the technology actually did, I have no idea. From what I understand, it's prohibited and we need to get our hands on it."

"And Captain Johansen thought that this scientist would be in possession of synth technology? The ban has been in effect for four years now," Brandon prodded. "Starfleet intelligence give her that information?"

"To be honest, I have no idea how she got that information." Eirly admitted, "But I don't think it would be from Starfleet Intelligence though. My guess is that she was just hoping the scientist still held onto it or would have the plans for it. I'm sorry I'm not more use to you for knowledge of what she's actually after."

"I'm sure if anyone did have a hold of synth technology, they wouldn't be likely to share that knowledge," Brandon stated as he walked closer to Eirly, stepping into her personal space. "One might even be suspicious of an undercover operation to find and prosecute them. Are you undercover Eirly?"

Eirly looked straight at him and moved slightly, "If I was undercover, I have no recollection of it. I'm simply the Chief of Security and Tactical." She hoped he would go feel her emotions and be able to detect there was no deception there.

As Brandon continued his conversation with Eirly he asked, "No recollection of being undercover. That's an interesting answer. Have you had your memory wiped before?"

"Nope, I've led a rather boring life and there are no gaps in memory or anything that I wouldn't no be able to confirm with friends or family." Eirly shook her head.

"What is most important to you about this quest that you're on?" Brandon asked. He took a seat on the same bench, but kept space between them.

Eirly felt compelled to tell the truth for some reason. Brandon hadn't threatened anything, hadn't displayed anything that would portray he would hurt her in any way if she didn't co-operate, so why wouldn't she tell the truth? "What's most important to me is that we get this technology to our medical team so they can save the boy, help his people and possibly others as well. If we're able to do that, I'll be happy."

"Are you saying you wouldn't have a problem breaking Federation law and taking possession of and using technology that has been banned - in no uncertain terms by the Federation?" Brandon asked, looking at her seriously. He reached out and took her glass of water from her and placed it on the ground behind him.

And there it was: the main question. "Of course I would have a problem with breaking Federation law. I got told that it wasn't exactly Federation approved and that I could've backed out at any stage." Eirly's brow furrowed, "I'm a good person, Brandon, and I struggled with the decision to say yes to come along with the Captain, but like I said, I wanted to save the boy and help his people, even if it meant unfortunately breaking a law."

"What about this alleged person you are looking for. You think there might be an underground project operating in defiance of the laws? Would you plan to keep their secret.. if they do exist?" Brandan asked.

"I honestly have no idea if they exist, and I'd have to think about it long and hard before I was to commit to keeping a secret." Eirly replied.

Brandon picked up the glass of water and stood up. "Well that last part is certainly good to know," he stated giving her a concerted look.

"Can we get you anything? Time zones probably mean very little to you right now. If you'd like a private room while we proce-- talk to the others, you could have a rest. Or you are welcome to stay here, have a bite to eat."

Eirly nodded her thanks and smiled. Her limbs were starting to feel light and it was an odd sensation, was this what being high felt like? HOW was she high though? But why did she like the feeling? It was blissful, in a way. "You know, one of the doctors on board, Malcolm, he's actually quite brilliant and smart," She giggled at the thought of him, "He would be able to tell you what the technology is and how it's used and whatever... And he likes everyone as well."

She continued on, "I don't think I've been mistreated since I've been here, so if he came, he wouldn't be mad. I'd actually like to go back to the ship and see him sooner rather than later, if I'm being honest. But if you've got something that's not overly packed with carbs, that'd be great. And if the lights could be dimmed down just a fraction, I know my eyes would definitely appreciate that too.. Sorry, I feel like I'm saying too much." She made herself a bit more comfortable again.

"Computer, dim lights, 20%," Brandon called out, causing the lighting to dim. "Is that better? Now what can we get you to eat? Not a fan of carbs?" Brandon asked. This was the fun part of the interview. He hadn't been certain that the drugs were going to work to this extent on the security officer.

The immediate change of light was a welcome comfort to Eirly's eyes and she relaxed a bit, "Come on, too many carbs would ruin this figure I've tried so hard to maintain over the years." She gestured to her entire self and she was proud of how she looked and maintained it, then how Malcolm's... she didn't finish the thought, instead saying, "A Caesar salad with bacon in it, if you've got anything like that, please?"

"Sounds simple enough for the kitchen to prepare. Fresh greens are easy to come by here on Earth. We'll have a proper table and chairs brought in as well." Brandon shifted gears. "While they are working on that, you mentioned a Dr. Malcolm and said he wouldn't be upset about coming here? Can you tell me more about what he knows while we wait?"

As Brandon talked a six foot long table appeared on the far end of the room away from the door, along with three chairs. It was comfortable, though somewhat sterile in terms of decorative qualities and looked like something that could be used for conferences or for dining purposes.

"He knows more about medicine than I do... My specialty is Security and Tactical." Eirly moved over to lean on the back of one of the chairs and noted there were three of them, "Of course he would be upset because essentially I've been taken against my wishes and interrogated, but he'd be relieved to know I'm not hurt. That's what I meant. As for what he knows, I have no idea. Our time together isn't exactly spent talking about what we know and what we don't know." She gave Brandon a grin, "Who's the third chair for?"

"You're getting a bit cheeky aren't you there," Brandon quipped. "As for the chairs, I'm guessing your friends might be close to being finished with their interviews. I've been here with you, so I haven't had a chance to check in. Why don't you give me a moment."

Eirly raised an eyebrow in response, "I promise I'm not trying to be intentionally cheeky; I'm just answering the questions you've been asking me. But I do have one question for you though: who is it that you are working for?"

"I merely ask the questions. I know what you're looking for. Someone else would have to take you there," Brandon answered.

Eirly twisted her mouth to the side as she looked at him and thought for a moment, "Hmm, so that's all I get: that there's someone higher than you and you're not able to tell me who they are?" She wasn't being sarcastic, just merely speaking what was on her mind.

"There are people risking a lot to keep certain technology. I am told it is for the greater good - to help people like the boy you describe," Brandon stated. "There are many safeguards to keep their location and identity a secret. We know what Starfleet would do. Section 31, Department of Temporal Investigations - both enormous risks to our project. I do not know, and I do not attempt to find out. If you were an undercover agent, I am exposed. Therefore, it is of upmost importance that I not know anything that could put the project in harm's way."

"Come on, I don't think I can be any clearer, Brandon: I'm not an undercover agent. I'm just a plain human being." Eirly said in response. "I understand there would be safety and security protocols to keep certain technology safe, so it doesn't fall into the wrong hands, but I also understand the position you are in and I respect that you're only doing your job."

"I wasn't implying that you were. Not at the point anyway. But, you did seem dubious that I might know more than I was letting on. Most of us who work here, deliberately stay in the dark," Brandon explained.

Eirly tried to get a bit more comfortable by crossing her legs beneath her, "Look, I get it. You've got this organisation for you that keeps the secrets and you don't want to know any more about it. But wouldn't curiosity end up getting the better of you at some point and wouldn't you want to know more about what's going on? I mean, I would." She shrugged.

"Perhaps one day when the paranoia is over, and the Federation finds its way again, we'll all meet and come together. Until then, to keep this little underground railroad operating, we make sacrifices." Brandon eyed her curiously. "Anything else?"

"Aside from the obvious question of when would you be planning to let us go, the only other question I have for you at the moment is what do you go home to of a night, Brandon?" Eirly asked with just as much curiosity as he offered her. He was making sense, and she thought there could be a possibility that everyone would meet and come together, it was a nice sentiment. "Knowing all of this is going on, I mean."

Brandon smiled. "I better go check on your friends."

She knew he'd say that and wouldn't answer the question, "Please let me know they're okay."

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