Episode 33 The Refit pt. 3

*"The past always has a way of haunting us."*
—**M'Qrell**

### **Pre-Break**

The episode resumes where "The Refit pt. 2" left off. MCPO Theq has informed LTCDR M'Qrell that his brother's remains have been found on Caratas IV, and M'Qrell has just lied to him about the circumstances of his death.

Theq asks M'Qrell if his brother, Reku Lynadas, had done anything that would cause embarrassment to the family; he wants to know before anything goes public. M'Qrell answers evasively; she simply says that Theq has nothing to worry about anything coming out that will hurt his brother's reputation. Theq continues to press for more details, and M'Qrell continues to evade. Eventually, she lets it slip that Reku died in battle. Theq says that he doesn't understand why Reku would be fighting anyone, since he was just a medic. M'Qrell replies that Reku was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and he was flying a shuttle where he shouldn't have. Theq is confused; he excitedly tells M'Qrell that his brother loved the rules, and he would never disobey orders or go where he wasn't supposed to. M'Qrell just repeats that Reku was leaving to go get help for the Cardassian refugees that they had discovered. Theq questions why M'Qrell wasn't on the shuttle; she replies that she was the more experienced doctor, and so she could do the most good while the other went to get more help.

Theq asks M'Qrell for advice on dealing with Reku's remains, since he doesn't know enough about how Reku died. M'Qrell vaguely responds that Theq's family deserves closure; Theq counters that they already have it. M'Qrell says that Reku loved him very much, and that she's glad his remains were found. Frustrated, Theq says that there is no point in finding the remains, since he didn't learn anything new about Reku's death. He says that he should just hide the fact that remains were found from his family; that will spare them the pain of resurfacing the old wounds. M'Qrell says that he should do what he wants. Theq says that his family might want more information than he can provide, so he needs time to think about it. He pointedly reminds M'Qrell that he is available if she wants to share any more information about Reku. M'Qrell just says that she is sorry for Theq's loss. Theq starts to walk out; he says that he wishes things would stay in the past, and he leaves before M'Qrell can respond. As he disappears down the corridor, M'Qrell says to herself that the past has a way of haunting the present. Theq tries to get back to work, but he can't shake the feeling that M'Qrell was hiding something from him. He decides to go to his quarters to do his own research. ENS Dari watches him silently leave his post in Main Engineering. She steps up to take over his work.

He enters his quarters and sits at his computer. He engages his own encryption, and he begins searching for classified information on Caratas IV and Reku Lynadas. He quickly finds that his brother's remains were discovered 4 weeks ago. When he searches for information on the manner of Reku's death, he finds that it is restricted medical data. Theq hacks into the database, and he opens up Reku's file. He sees that M'Qrell is listed as the primary eyewitness of his death. He opens the report; it shows the exact same details as M'Qrell had told him. Halfway through reading it, his screen goes red. He immediately tries to close out, but he can see that his login was identified as responsible for unauthorized access. He gets a communication chirp. When he answers, it is CDR Sivek, the chief security officer of Narendra Station. He directs Theq to report to his office immediately, or he will throw him in the brig. Theq moves as fast as he can.

Meanwhile, CDR EXEO has been very busy with counselling appointments. A lot of the crew have taken the refit as an opportunity to catch up on counselling sessions. EXEO has discovered that the increased intensity of her emotions has made counselling more complicated. Her empathy has increased greatly, and with it, the risk of over-empathizing. However, she is currently sitting in her office with nothing to do; all of her appointments are over. EXEO paces back and forth, full of restless energy, trying to figure out what do to next. She blips to her quarters and begins a personal log. After half a sentence, she stops, frustrated. She walks to the mirror, looks at herself, and then changes into civilian clothes. The entire time, she speaks to herself about everything, including about speaking to herself. She changes her hair; she rubs her eyes; she sighs repeatedly. Finally, she says "screw it, I'm going out" to no one. She blips to the transporter room (still in civilian clothes).

When she arrives, she startles both Theq and PO2 Rovass. Theq nervously asks if she is going to the station, and if she will accompany him. EXEO agrees, almost relieved to have something to do. Theq and EXEO both notice a slight note of confidence in Rovass' voice ("The Refit pt. 2"). Once on Narendra Station, Theq announces that he is headed to Sivek's office and suggests she go with him. She loops his arm, leans in, and starts walking him along. She tells him that she is getting a drink, but she'd like to know what's happening. Theq quickly explains the situation about his brothers remains, M'Qrell's deception, and his hacking of the database. EXEO stops walking and takes a large breath. She puts her hands on his shoulders. She tells him that he needs to speak truthfully and without emotion to Sivek, or he might be arrested. She tells him that he is going to be punished. Theq collects himself, with her help. They walk to Sivek's office outside of ADM Hebert's offices.

Before entering, EXEO calls YEO3 Azzmi to give her a quick summary of the situation (though she does say that it was an accident). Azzmi is incredulous about a database being "accidentally illegally accessed", but agrees to begin researching. Azzmi informs EXEO that she needs to be told the truth if she is going to help; EXEO says that she has, except it wasn't an accident. She informs EXEO that this action will cost Theq his career, and she asks for any extra information. EXEO says that the information was on his brother, and Azzmi says that she knows of a loophole to help Theq: ADM April Hebert. She says that Hebert will most likely go easy on Theq, because he has a good record and was looking into his brother's death. However, she also says that Sivek will have Theq sent to the brig, shipped back to Starbase 1, and dishonorably discharged. EXEO says that they are literally about to walk into Sivek's office; Azzmi tells EXEO to stall while she contacts Sull.

Sull gets the info-dump from Azzmi. Sull considers their options, and who they might contact. They discover that Sivek is the station Executive Officer, chief of security, and chief legal counsel. He is judge, jury, and executioner. They decide to bring in ADM Hebert as a "neutral party". EXEO and Theq sit in the antechamber of Sivek's office, waiting for the others to arrive. Sull and Azzmi are transported directly outside the offices; both are in civilian clothes. Azzmi tells Sull she just came out of the shower; Sull says they were busy learning tango. They both enter and Theq immediately apologizes to them both. Sivek arrives, and he immediately places Theq under arrest. Two security officers escort him to the brig. Sivek nods to Sull. Sull requests a full copy of Sivek's report and the official charges. Sivek immediately provides them. Sivek informs Sull that he will keep them notified of the progress of Theq's court-martial.

At that moment, Hebert walks in. She asks the room "who is getting kicked out of Starfleet, and for what?" Sivek informs her that Theq had hacked into restricted medical files. Hebert looks at the report and asks about the name "Reku Lynadas". Sull and EXEO inform her that Theq was looking up information about his brother. EXEO tells them that Theq had just been informed that Reku's remains had been found. Hebert turns to Sivek. She implies that he should know her well enough to know she wouldn't approve of a strict punishment for this kind of incident. She suggests that Theq spend 8 hours in the brig; Sivek says that he would find that "acceptable". Hebert announces that she is going to return to her drink. Sull asks if they can join her. She invites EXEO and Sull, and they both accept. EXEO suggests that Theq be required to attend counselling sessions as part of his "parole". Hebert declares that it shall be so. Hebert, EXEO, and Sull walk out, leaving Azzmi behind with Sivek. She lets out a sigh of relief.

Meanwhile, AMB Olyn has been spending their time in the Federation embassy on Narendra Station. Olyn receives a mysterious communication on their PADD. All it says is "Meet me in the main shuttle bay". Intrigued, Olyn grabs Patience and heads out. They enter the cavernous shuttle bay and look around, unsure of themselves. As they approach a stack of containers, they hear someone clearing their throat. Olyn's empathic powers sense someone with an excited eagerness to speak to them. Olyn slowly moves towards the sound, trying to be inconspicuous. They see a figure standing in the shadows, and Sorex's voice comes from it. He says that he felt this was a better way of meeting clandestinely than the last time ("Prologue"). He also calls Olyn his friend, to their surprise. Olyn asks how they can help him, but he says that *he* is going to help *them*. He says that AMB P'jeeno has tried to recruit him.

### **Post-Break**

The scene resumes in the main shuttle bay of Narendra Station. Olyn asks Sorex about what he knows. Sorex says that P'jeeno is very interested in GEN Kargan. Olyn says they are going to entrust him with a secret, but he needs to ensure that Sull never finds out that they gave him the information. Sorex agrees. They tell him that Kargan may be tied to the House of Duras, and therefore to Sela. Sorex says that he thinks P'jeeno is recruiting him as a way of currying favor with his father, ADM Mendak. He thinks P'jeeno has ambitions to high office in the Romulan Senate, and that moving to Narendra Station was a calculated decision. Olyn speculates that P'jeeno may have known that Sorex was aboard USS *Ross*, and that USS Ross was headed to the Shackleton Expanse.

Sorex says that P'jeeno has asked him to "prove his loyalties". He asks Olyn for information that he could give P'jeeno which would appear sensitive. Then he could tell P'jeeno that he stole it from USS Ross and gain P'jeeno's trust. Olyn asks if he has anything in mind, but Sorex says that he doesn't. He specifically says that he doesn't want to do anything that would betray Sull, even though knows they would not approve of what he's doing. He asks Olyn if they are sure they want to join him on this "path". Olyn says that they want to keep Sull out of the world of spycraft as much as they can, and so they agree. Sorex promises not to take them too far down the path. He says that he believes P'jeeno has good principles, but that he isn't virtuous enough to use the right methods to make them possible. He believes P'jeeno is determined to be come praetor (leader of the Romulan Star Empire). Olyn says they have a similar opinion of P'jeeno. Sorex suggests that they make P'jeeno think that he is getting what he wants.

Olyn asks Sorex if he is sure he wants to engage in this. Sorex emphatically says that he does; this is his way of paying back Sull and USS *Ross*. Sorex says that P'jeeno is very angry with Olyn; he recommends that Olyn pretend to be sorry for insulting him. He says that they need to keep P'jeeno from causing problems for USS *Ross*. Sorex offers to teach Olyn "the trade". Olyn asks what he thinks going down "that path" will do to someone like them. He says that they will find out who they really are, and that it will equip them with tools that will help them deal with people who don't play by Federation rules. He says that they don't have to cross the line; they don't have to pick up a disruptor. He will just teach them how to read people. He promises that whenever Olyn wants to stop, they will stop. He warns them that, once they find out they are good at this (spycraft), they won't want to stop. He says that they don't need to decide now; for now, they just need to apologize to P'jeeno, and do it well. Olyn agrees. Sorex disappears into the shadows. Olyn stands alone in the busy hangar. They consider Sorex's offer. They think about their engagements with Nadran and P'jeeno; they think about how their own honesty sometimes made it harder to deal with duplicitous people. They become aware of Patience sitting calmly at their side. They kneel down for a hug, and the two leave for some fetch.

The focus changes to Theq in his cell in the brig on Narendra Station. It's been three hours, and he has still had no news. A guard brings him dinner. Theq stands silently at attention in the corner, tears streaking down his face. He ignores the food completely. Theq hears the door to the brig open, and then he hears a compassionate, lyrical voice say that they have brought food for him. The guard announces that Theq has a visitor, and Theq looks up to see Solun. They've brought him a home-cooked meal and some sympathy. Solun enters the cell and lays out the spread. They sit and get ready to eat. Theq sits and almost instinctively starts to shovel food into his mouth. Solun starts the conversation; they ask about the "news" that Theq received that day ("The Refit pt. 2"). Theq, still crying and eating, begins to explain that his career is over, now, and he has disappointed his brother. Theq suggests he could work at the bar, and then says that he should go on the run; he needs a new identity.

Solun agrees that Theq needs a new identity; he needs to start living for himself, and not for his brother. Theq breaks down, and says that his brother should have survived, not himself. He calls himself a fraud, and he apologizes to Solun. Solun says that he understands how difficult it is to silence the voice of criticism from your own mind. He offers the empirical data that Sull is a smart captain, and they chose Theq. Theq cuts Solun off, and says that he was chosen as a favor, because Sull knew him. Solun counters that Sull would never be willing to put their ship in danger by appointing someone unqualified to be their Chief Engineer. Theq is obstinate. Solun says that he is allowed to feel that way, but he's wrong. They tell Theq that he's not going to be discharged from Starfleet. They that everyone understands why Theq did what he did, and the importance of him learning things about his brother's death. Theq, frustrated, replies that he didn't learn anything new. He says that he only confirmed that his suspicions of his friend M'Qrell were wrong. He wonders aloud why he can't just accept what happened to his brother. Solun says that it's hard to let go of family. They explain that some of their family will never speak to them again, because they are different (they don't follow the teachings of Surak). Solun says they sometimes still wish they could speak to their mother. Solun suggests that Theq doesn't need to forget his brother, he just needs to move in a new direction. Theq says that he doesn't know where to go. Solun says that he should sleep, take his tongue lashing from Sull, and go back to making USS *Ross* a better ship. Theq asks if Solun can get him a pillow. Solun removes their silk robe, and they roll it into a ball. They hand it to Theq to use. Theq thanks them, and Solun leaves.

Meanwhile, at *The Wasted Space*, Sull, EXEO, and April Hebert are sharing a drink of synthahol. Hebert realizes that EXEO doesn't drink, and Sull takes hers. EXEO sips one of her holographic memory drinks made by Theq. Hebert tells them that Starfleet wants to promote her. Sull says they unsure if they should offer congratulations or condolences. Hebert says they will have to wait and see. Hebert gestures to the busy station and says she is happy to see it bustling, and happy to see USS Ross back to go exploring the neighborhood. Sull inquires about negotiations with the J'Shashians. Hebert says they are going well. However, she is nervous about how quickly the Federation is considering them for membership. Hebert has formally protested it, but the Federation Council is pushing their admission and other planets, as well. Hebert says that it is dangerous to move too quickly, and that she thinks J'Shashian subspace technology is enticing Starfleet to want more contact. Hebert says that Starfleet is looking into propulsion applications for the subspace theories that USS Ross obtained from the J'Shashians.

The conversation turns to Theq. Hebert says that he needs to learn to trust his crew to help him. She says that she gets the impression from Theq that he's not sure what he's doing in Starfleet. EXEO is a little surprised that Hebert has noticed, and realizes that just about everyone must have. Hebert says she had a similar case of impostor syndrome when she was first made admiral. Even as recently as when she was first appointed to Narendra Station. She says that USS *Ross* has the eyes of the Federation Council upon it, and so she is responsible to make sure it doesn't get broken. Sull says that the best parts of the ship are the new, untested technologies, and they look at EXEO. EXEO gets a notification on their PADD. It's a long, apologetic, and rambling message from LT Vrenn, requesting a meeting, right now. EXEO excuses herself.

Hebert watches her leave, and then muses about how fast technology has moved to allow someone like EXEO to exist. Sull praises EXEO. Hebert says that some of the controversy around EXEO's appointment has not gone away, and that some of her detractors are on the Federation Council. Sull is dismissive of such people. Hebert adds that some interesting people have come to EXEO's defense. The Doctor. The commanding officer of USS Titan (CAPT William T. Riker). Sull is a little surprised, but Hebert points out that he was directly involved in an important legal case about synthetic rights (TNG: "The Measure of a Man"). Hebert gets serious for a moment. She says that USS *Ross* has been doing great work, but it is still under great scrutiny. There are members of the Federation Council that are eager to see EXEO fail. Sull says that they are the first Orion captain in Starfleet; they understand what it's like to be an example. Sull also points out that EXEO will never make a mistake. Hebert says that she will ensure that no one is allowed to fabricate one, either. The two toast.

EXEO arrives at Vrenn's quarters. He looks exhausted and disheveled. He seems unsure of if he called her. He invites her in. She asks if he wanted a meeting with her as a counsellor or commander. He says the first one sounds better. She transforms into her blue uniform and they sit down. He says that he's been preparing for this meeting. He's prepared a few drafts of what he wants to say. EXEO invites him to read them. He starts to read "Hey, Lakat", before he corrects himself. He apologizes, and he says that he was originally going to speak to Lakat about it. EXEO reassures him that it is perfectly fine to want to talk to friends. He says that Lakat is going through a lot of her own problems right now, and he didn't want to burden her. EXEO asks what the burden is. Vrenn says that he has been acting stupid. He confirms that EXEO won't use what he says against him in her duties as Executive Officer. He continues to deflect a bit. EXEO suggests that he put the PADD down, and try to express himself in a different way. She starts by saying that he is good at flying. Vrenn appears to have an epiphany. EXEO is confused, and asks him to "fly" her through what is going on in his head. Vrenn says that he's been spending a lot of time on the holodeck, *a lot* of time ("The J'Shashia"). He barely spends any time in his quarters. She asks what he's been doing, and he says he's been flying. Flying everything he can get his hands on. He says that he's been replaying the mission where he "killed 30 people".

He drops his head into his hands and exhales. He says that he knows it wasn't his fault, and he begins to explain the mission ("Farther from Home pt. 3"). He says that he was flying through a nebula and hit a mine. He tried to land the damaged shuttle on the asteroid, and he failed to account for the movement of the asteroid when he calculated his approach. He was the only survivor on his shuttle. He adds that there were two other shuttles tied to his controls. When he went down, they followed him and crashed into the asteroid as well. They all died. So he likes to fly. He doesn't like it when he's not flying. EXEO asks him how many times he's said these things out loud. He says he's not sure, but it's been a lot of times, and the holodeck records will show that (he seems to think the question was about how often he's run the simulation). He says that he'd been doing fine, but he thinks his body is going to fall apart. He doesn't want USS Ross to be taken from him. EXEO reassures him that no one is going to take his position. She reminds him that it wasn't his fault, and that he doesn't have to be perfect. She says that he's not had the chance to properly grieve yet. She tells him that she need to tell him something very difficult for him to hear. Vrenn psychs himself up for it.

She says that he needs to take a week off, and he agrees that it was very hard to hear. She says that she is not taking USS Ross away from him, and that she wants him to remember that. She also says that she is banning his program from the holodeck. Vrenn starts to keel over. He acknowledges that he knows she is right, but his body is very unhappy with this plan. EXEO says that she doesn't judge him; she has never experienced war like so many of the people on USS Ross have. She will never understand it. She acknowledges that telling him to work on it and take a week off seems silly, but it's a good starting place. Vrenn asks what he should do next. EXEO tells him to "feel it", and to talk with Lakat. He says that he is very tired. EXEO suggests that they could do a sleep study to help him. She says she has given Lakat a book to read to help her sleep, and that it might help him, too ("Who We Are pt. 4"). Vrenn asks for permission to hug her, and she gives hit. Vrenn walks up and collapses into her. She holds him a moment, and she guides him to the sofa. After about 30 seconds of her holding him on the couch, he falls asleep. She stays in his quarters, holding him. She waits until he is in deep enough sleep that she can move him. She tucks him in and makes him comfortable. She downloads some literature onto his PADD. She slowly walks back to her room, making a point to not just "blip" there. She reflects on all of the trauma on the ship from the war. In her quarters, she pulls up the official report on Reku Lynadas; the report that Theq got in trouble for accessing. She reflects on something she said to herself in the mirror earlier that day. Everyone is a galaxy.

The focus shifts between different characters on the ship. It starts with the engineering teams and Debluch Marrone upgrading the ship. It moves to Olyn, by themselves on the promenade, reading the files on Sorex and P'jeeno, weighing an important decision. It shifts again to M'Qrell, in sickbay, staring at the invitation to the Carrington Award nomination, trying to summon the courage to accept. She does, but she isn't sure if winning it will even feel good. It changes to Sull, looking at a possible future in Admiral April Hebert, clinking glasses and sharing stories. It moves once more to Theq waking up in the brig, with Aulyn Dari looking down at him. She hands him a PADD, and tells him to get back to work.

Meanwhile, Lakat sits in her quarters, looking at a small relic ("The Refit pt. 2"). She holds the gem-like computer core up to the light.

## **Cast**

* Eric Campbell - Game Master
* Revati Dhomse - Jane Lakat (absent)
* Gina DeVivo - EXEO
* Sam de Leve - Azeri Sull
* Aki - Olyn Madzhin-Nil
* Xander Jeanneret - Theq Lynadas
* Bonnie Gordon - M'Qrell

## **Non-Player Characters**

* Aulyn Dari
* Sivek
* Rovass
* Azzmi Shanto
* April Hebert
* Sorex
* Patience
* Solun
* Zhyliss Vrenn

## **Notable Lines**

*"The past always has a way of haunting us."*
—**M'Qrell**

*"Screw it, I'm going out."*
—**EXEO** to herself

*"I just talked to myself in the third person."*
—**EXEO** to herself

*"I'm not showing any emotion."*
—**Theq Lynadas** to EXEO while crying

*"Do you want to follow me down this path, Ambassador?"*
—**Sorex** to Olyn Madzhin-Nil

*"I certainly was going to pull a leaf from Captain Sull's book: lean forward, arch an eyebrow, and say 'then don't get caught'."*
—**Olyn Madzhin-Nil** to Sorex

*"No one knows how long this peace is going to last now that the Dominion War is done. But, my people have shown every indication that they have not changed. I estimate five more years of this supposed peace before my people are back at the throat of the Federation."*
—**Sorex**

*"I warn you, Olyn. As Captain Sull has discovered, once you discover you're good at this, you won't want to stop. You'll try, and you may even make overtures that you want to. But, deep down, there's a reason you keep getting drawn back into it. It's because it's **who you really are**."*
—**Sorex**

*"I gotta go on the run! Solun, I need a new identity."*
*"Yes, Theq, you do. You've been living for your brother. You've been wearing that uniform for your brother. You've been trying to behave for your brother. You do need a new identity. Because this isn't working for you."*
—**Theq Lynadas** and **Solun**

*"He should have lived. He should have lived; he was helping people. They should have taken me. I don't do anything. He's valuable. I don't deserve this. I don't deserve the things that I have, the position that I've got. I'm a fraud, and I'm sorry."*
—**Theq Lynadas**

*"The J'shashian people are adorable, if you don't mind me saying so."*
—**April Hebert**

*"I am so tired."*
*"I know."*
—**Zhyliss Vrenn** and **EXEO**

*"Everyone is a galaxy"*
—**Eric Campbell** paraphrasing EXEO