Pilot Episode, Act II

Hamilton sits back in his seat, clearly thinking it over. He appears to reach a decision and says, "Very well. Proceed to the colony. Maintain a reasonable speed, but don't be in too much of a hurry. Give Oobadek as much time as possible."

Looking at Oobadek, the admiral says, "Benificent auspices, liaison. Hamilton out."

The Starfleet insignia replaces the image of Admiral Hamilton on the viewscreen.

Oobadek slumps after the message ends. In a soft voice he sighs, "I hope that this hasn't made your job harder, Tabitha. I suppose the next two days will be the decider of that. So, how do you feel about doubling my replicator rations?"

He smiles weakly at his attempt at a joke.

Edgar darts a glance over at Oobadek, surprised by his joke, but trying to hide it.

"You haven't made my job any harder than I already have," replies Tabitha, a sharp laugh wrenching its way out from between her lips. She too seems to have lost some tension from her shoulders as the message ends.

That moment of vulnerability ended, she gets back to business. "I will be honest, Oobadek, I also don't like the idea of dropping my shields upon entering Inphirian space. Not because I don't trust your people, and not because I don't understand your expected hierarchy of events when making contact, but because I don't particularly trust what else might be out there," she says, pacing slowly as she speaks. It's a familiar habit of hers already -- she does not stand still well.

"We know the Vruxil may be out there. In Inphirian space, even. Going in without shields is an invitation to a party I don't want to attend. I'm very willing to go in with weapons powered down. That we can recover from quickly, but no shields?"

She comes to a stop and pivots on her heel to look at Oobadek seriously. "If you can get to the bottom of this request and help us resolve the issue, doubling your replicator rations is the least I can do."

Oobadek laughs. "I would never have let that recommendation stand. If the Admiral hadn't forced my hand, I was going to demand an explanation from the Inphir Institute before it came up in practice. I'll go make those inquiries."

He looks at Edgar, his eyes narrowing and his tendrils vibrating. "Doctor patient privilege?" he asks.