And again into the Story

Posted on Tuesday, 1 December 2020 - 6:42pm by Lieutenant T'Lanna Vali

Mission: Operation: Ouroboros
Location: Grol’s Quarters + Various
Timeline: 2393

ON:

As per Alex’s suggestion T’Lanna made her way to Grol’s Quarters to speak with him regards the incident with the Admiral and Commander Stillwater. She had no doubt he’d already been asked a hundred and one questions by Starfleet security so she didn’t want to appear like she was accusing him of anything. Arriving at his door she pressed the chime and waited for an answer.

Grol removed the cold compress from his face. "Yes," He stood. "Enter."

“Hello Grol” T’Lanna smiled warmly as she stood out by the door. “Do you mind if I ask you a few questions? It won’t be the Spanish inquisition I promise!” She offered a warm smile.

Grol sighed, he' been through this with Security, Soral, Mac, Starfleet Sec, now her. He sighed. "Sure. I have to go find Commander Soral as well. We can walk and talk." He didn't want questions in his quarters. It was his one sanctuary and he'd be damned if he'd pollute that.

T’Lanna nodded. “By all means.” She stepped aside to let him exit so she could walk with him. “I’m sorry you’ve obviously been through a lot today. For what it’s worth I know you had nothing to do with what happened. Commander Stillwater holds you in very high regard.”

Grol snorted. "I'm an annoyance to him." He sighed. "It's alright councelor." He headed out of his quarters. "Alright. Ask away."

T’Lanna nodded. “The bottle that you brought to the meeting, was it ever out of your sight? If even for just a moment?”

"No. I went to the storage area and the ops people opened the box. They verified it being taken and I came down. Nothing happened. I mean someone bumped into me and the bottle fell but the ensign caught it. I fell and he helped me up. It was a matter of seconds."

“The bottle fell?” T’Lanna looked at Grol curiously. “Do you remember who the Ensign was who handed it back?” She had to consider the possibility that in a matter of seconds the bottle was somehow switched with one that looked identical.

"No. Although I told Mackenzie it was a farce since I picked up the bottle."

“Have you stopped to think that maybe the bottle that was handed back to you was switched?” T’Lanna looked at Grol curiously. “It would only take seconds and a well rehearsed plan.”

"I...I don't know. There was so much that happened. I didn't think much. I knew I had to get the bottle down there." He stopped at the lifts and leaned against the wall. "The blaime is still mine. I took the bottle to them...." He looked haggared and tired.

“No Grol, it’s not your fault.” T’Lanna offered a reassuring smile. “You were just doing as you were ordered to do, even Commander Stillwater has vouched for you. He left me instructions to make sure you don’t get the blame. Whatever happened this was a well orchestrated plan, one that’s taken a lot of orchestrating.”

"But why...? What is to gain with Stillwater being injured?"

“We’ve yet to figure that out but it’s possible that bottle was meant for him, we’re not 100% sure as yet.” T’Lanna shrugged her shoulders. “There’s so much going on at present it’s hard to know for sure.”

He sighed. "I do not envy your duty counselor."

T’Lanna nodded. “On a personal note Grol, do you have any spare time? I have reports and requests for appointments coming out of my ears at present. I’ve got help from Doctor Rose and Emerick but I’m just not catching up at the moment!”

"Of course." He perked up. "I am happy to assist. I have to report to the commander for a moment and then I shall meet you at your office?"

T’Lanna nodded. “That would be absolutely wonderful, thank you Grol.” She smiled warmly.

He gave a nod. "Until then Counselor."

“I will see you there” T’Lanna nodded again and headed for her office.

OFF: