Matters of Concern
Posted on Thu Jun 14th, 2018 @ 3:30pm by Executive Officer Valiyi Uhin
Edited on on Thu Jun 14th, 2018 @ 4:18pm
Mission:
Mission 7 - Sabotage
Location: Deck 02: First Mate's Office
Timeline: MD2 : 0813 Hrs
1075 words - 2.2 OF Standard Post Measure
Always having put patient confidentiality in extremely high regard, Lhaes was concerned there was a severe breach in sickbay security now. Even as an intelligence chief, he had never revealed the identity of his resources and had never simply breached someone's privacy to get the information he needed.
He strode onto the bridge, a determined look on his face, his eyes nearly black with concealed rage. "First Officer Uhin...your office please. This discussion is for your ears only." His voice betrayed a hint of the doctor's fury as he stalked right by the woman, restraining himself from simply grabbing her arm to drag her along.
"It's-" Valiyi stopped herself from correcting Lhaes when she realized his tone. The bridge had, for the most part, been silent up until this point, so the doctor's curt manner jarred Valiyi into concern. She stood, making one gesture toward the door and another to the nearby crewman at security to take the middle chair. "Of course, Doctor. Shall we?"
Lhaes had already walked past her and was now, visibly impatiently, waiting for her to catch up. Once they were off the bridge and into the office, the Romulan turned towards her. "We have a breach of security, or too many people with access to certain files," he stated flatly. "How many people on this vessel have access to personnel records?"
Valiyi was not used to people being so impatient; that was typically her job. However, once the doors shut and the question was asked, the Betazoid tilted her head curiously. "I believe that would be myself, the Captain, and Mr. Robertson. When it comes to medical files, however, only you and your medical staff are allowed access."
"Well then we have a problem ma'am, because someone not on my staff has been accessing crew medical files." The Romulan's eyes hardened. "I doubt any of you have reason to access them, but someone did, and I don't recognize the algorithm used."
"If any of us accessed your medical files," Valiyi began, eyes narrowing, "It is likely you would have been made aware before the files were accessed. As for whoever accessed those files, would you happen to have that algorithm? Perhaps with two sets of eyes, we can track down who might be responsible."
"I do yes." Fortunately his background in intel did give him an eye for such detail. He produced a PADD and shoved it across the desk. "I don't recognize the algorithm, it's not one I've ever seen before." Perhaps it was time to reveal his true background to her, but it was a leap of faith and he wasn't sure he wanted someone else besides the captain to know just yet.
Valiyi had limited training deciphering algorithms, but she knew when something seemed not quite right. She also knew not many outside of security-trained personnel knew about how to decipher an algorithm. "I can certainly tell you it isn't mine. I at least know what that one looks like. I'm not sure I recognize it from any of the others I would have run into either. How odd. What time were they accessed? Perhaps we could get Mr. Robertson to look at security tapes for you?"
"They were accessed several times, starting from when we left Azzia," Lhaes revealed, "I've run the checks several times but someone security trained might see more than I have so far." he looked up, catching the woman's eye with his own gaze. "What I am about to tell you, must not go further than this room," he started, "for my safety and that of the crew, beyond you, and the captain, who already knows, no -one else must know..."
"This wouldn't have anything to do with the 'CLASSIFIED' seals written all over your Starfleet Record, would it?" Valiyi asked with a small quirk of her brow. She had little access to everyone's files, but her connections had afforded her more than she could have asked for in regards to information. But with Lhaes, Valiyi would have had to dig deeper, as portions of his files were sealed. "I was a Starfleet Captain, Doctor. I believe I can keep sensitive information to myself."
"I am a Starfleet intelligence officer," Lhaes acknowledged, "but my cover as a doctor is no ruse. I do actually have an up to date medical degree. I was sent here to investigate Captain Gregnol, but prior to my boarding I did make the captain aware of my mission. I have also vowed to him that it would have no impact on my duties as a physician. Those come first. As such, with my training in intelligence I was able to recognize algorithms that are out of place. While I cannot interpret them, I know they don't belong here and someone with training in cryptology should have a look. My area of expertise, obviously, is infiltration and, if required, assassination. I have never done that while in service with Starfleet however, but priorly...as a Tal Shiar operative, yes I have."
"Tal Shiar..." Valiyi's voice trailed off as she thought. Finally, she set her hand down on the desk, looking to the doctor. "Well, if we are going to get down to the bottom of this, then I recommend we find someone who has some training in the matter. I once again urge that we inform our Security Chief. If he doesn't have that experience, then I am certain he would have someone within the department who can."
"Tal Shiar," the Romulan confirmed, "and I agree, security should be informed however I would appreciate it if my cover can be maintained."
Valiyi waved a hand, standing up. "I don't need anyone pointing fingers at you simply because you've had experience in Romulan covert operations. Have a little faith, as they say on Earth, that your secret is safe. But for the moment, I shall return to the Bridge until the Captain comes to relieve me, while I recommend you take a headstart trip to Security to see what Chief Robertson can uncover. I will meet you down there, or perhaps sooner if you two manage to uncover who may be responsible."
"Thank you ma'am...your silence is appreciated and your trust valued." The Romulan managed a smile. "I'll get with Chief Robertson as soon as possible."
Lhaes Sommers
Senior Medic
SS Mary Rose
Valiyi Uhin
First Mate
SS Mary Rose
