Star Trek: Starbase 777

Essen poked her head in to see what was going on inside the prop room. She half-expected jumpscares of some sort, but she decided to just take a look first before she made any reaction. Who knew what sort of props would be in here? Circussy themed of course. Circussy...? That was a weird way to describe it...

Prop storage was more populated than most of the circus tent so far, not just with props and setpieces, but also with people, invariably wearing masks and carrying crates of stuff about. A little ways away from the normal walking routes, there were three people huddled around a mess of rope, gesticulating wildly as they argued about something.

Right! Okey-dokey! Jena led the team into the prop storage, looking around to see any signs of other people probably here, probably fixing the net as The Spider said. Sussy Circussy props room.

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Erra also popped her head. Well, certainly tensions would be high if someone got hurt, but people arguing about something? That raised a red flag inside her mind. Without even realizing it, in response to the arguing masked circus people, Erra's mouth let out a few simple words, no louder than a whisper. "Whoa, hello Via-- I mean-- whoa, hello, nurse," Erra corrected herself. Thankfully she didn't speak very loud, she hoped no one heard it... (edited)

Four looked around the new room and immediately honed in on the three people huddled into a corner. They silently surveyed them but said nothing as of yet. They just kept their survey up and did their best to be in-between any of the officers and the yelling group just in case something were to go wrong they would be first in the way.

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Unfortunately Essen caught her mother's slip-up, and invariably her eyes trailed off to Erra, who she looked at with a raised eyebrow. "Um--okay," Essen said, deciding not to comment, before she looked back to the arguing people. "Hi, um--hi," Essen began. "Can I ask what's going on here?" As opposed to the FBI OPEN UP from earlier, Essen wanted to be kind and just find the facts.

Erra was proud of Essen's shifting of her behavior just to see what was going on and what she could find. Meanwhile, Erra, while still looking at the scene before them, leaned to Four. "Lieutenant, you finding anything noteworthy?"

Four turned to Lieutenant Commander Erra. "Yes, we have Lieutenant Commander." Four nodded and waited if there were any further orders, since they fulfilled the one given by Erra. "We will also say that we do not have the rank of Lieutenant, nor one that is commensurate with such a rank. Our rank is erei'arrain, which is commensurate with a Lieutenant Junior Grade. We are part of the Romulan Republic Flotilla Fleet, and an exchange officer on this station. We will also note that soon we may be getting demoted, to Errein, which is commensurate to an Ensign, due to our request having been only recently submitted. We apologize for the confusion, but hopefully it will get sorted out swiftly."

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Essen looked back at Four, and finally made the connection. "Wait... you're Four," Essen said. "Essen. Although I don't think right now is the best time for introductions, heh..." She laughed nervously. "That's my mom by the way. We can chat after this whole fiasco is over, yeah?" Before she turned back to look at the props people.

Immediately, all three faces turned to Essen, and she got pulled into their argument. "Yes!" one of the three responded, a high voice corresponding to a butterfly mask, "tell this idiot that he needs to take better care of our supplies! This net is forfeit, and none of our acrobats will be able to trust it even if it does get fixed!" She pointed towards the person opposite her, a willowy man with a brass mask comprised of cogs, who responded meekly. "Violet, please, we should be sparing with our supplies..."

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Rozamal hummed as he looked at the three workers. “Please sirs, can we take a moment and collect ourselves. What seems to be the actual problem between you?”

Essen, being one to remember she was a Starfleet officer, decided to take things slowly. Holding up her hands in front of her, she wanted to listen to the facts, and not the argument. "Alright, let's just bring it back," Essen said, her voice commanding authority even though she spoke at a volume wayyyy less than the arguing faces. "And provide me the facts, if you can." Before she heard what Rozamal said. "Yes, what sparked this argument? Just so we can provide the best assistance possible." (edited)

Erra was shocked at how well Essen handled the shouting people. This was an incredible show of maturity and strength. "That's my girl," Erra said, half to herself, half to Four.

Four noticed the other officers walked over and interjected. They followed and stood nearby to make sure they could interpose if necessary. Four didn't recognize the statement Erra made towards them. They were not a girl, even if they were Erra's. They were a Borg and their gender wasn't entirely something of note for them.

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She recognized the reaction on Four's face. "Oh, Essen, I meant," Erra said. "You're fine, I was talking about Essen."

Essen decided she was going to handle this as safely as possible. "I want each of you to speak in turn without interrupting each other," Essen said, not breaking eye contact with the three arguers. "So we can best absorb the information you can provide to us." Before she looked to and gently pointed to the leftmost one. "Starting with you, please."

The leftmost one was in fact the third one, wearing an ornate carnival mask in white, purple, and gold. They simply shook their head at Essen, and pointed towards the man with the brass mask. "Aurum doesn't speak to strangers, or, well, they can't. So, only Violet and I can answer your questions," he explained, wringing his hands nervously.

Well. That was going to make things more difficult. "Understood," Essen responded. "I am Lieutenant Junior Grade Essen, Tactical, Space Tactician aboard this starbase. There! Not strangers anymore, are we?" Essen quoted her favorite horror movie, IT, in doing so. "But I understand communication may be a difficulty for you, Aurum. So, I'll shift to you two, Violet first, please," Essen maintained a mediating hold on the conversation.

Aurum just shook their head, as if to communicate that that was not how things worked. They also put their hand on Violet's shoulder, as if to keep her from jumping out of her seat at the first chance she got. It seemed to help, as Violet was markedly calmer responding this time. "In my opinion," she started out, slowly sounding out the words as if she was thinking of how to phrase her thoughts, "we should simply replace the whole net, as one failure means more can happen, and we shouldn't take that risk, nor should we ask our acrobats to do so." When she'd finished speaking, Aurum patted her on the shoulder as if to say "good job".

Essen actively listened and kept her eyes on Violet, as to make sure she felt like she was being heard. "Alright, so what I'm hearing is that you believe replacing the whole net will prevent future accidents?" Essen said to Violet. "Okay." Before she looked to the man in the brass mask. "And now you, please."

Erra, meanwhile, jotted this down - this was WAY easier than trying to get all of the information in the middle of an argument.

The man with the brass mask started wringing his hands more, clearly nervous. It seemed like he wasn't too keen on speaking to strangers, either, but he didn't want to just let Violet plead her point, so he spoke up. "I'm just saying that the net itself is fine, it's just the attachment hook that failed. So if we replace the attachment hook, the net is as good as new, and we don't have to go through the hassle of replacing the whole thing," he said, stuttering the whole way through.

Essen also actively listened to the man with the brass mask, and nodded to show she was listening. "Okay, so what I'm hearing is that you believe just replacing the part that failed would suffice in preventing future accidents?" Essen asked. "Alright. So you both have differing opinions and that's okay. You, on the one hand, believe the hook should be replaced, while Violet, you believe the whole net should be replaced. Violet, if I'm understanding correctly, only a single hook wouldn't prevent future accidents, and then you on the other hand, replacing the net would be a hassle to fix. But in the end... don't you both have one common goal?" Essen asked. "Just to prevent future accidents like this. So that's where you both share an objective. You're on the same team. It's just how you get there that's the issue. Have you checked with your supervisor to see what they think is possible or doable?"

Four wondered if it would be possible to replicate either part. They had replicators, and they did state supplies were an issue. Four would be more than willing to give some latinum if that was required, but that wasn't their objective. The objective was to find evidence in regards to the missing persons case. So, they waited for the other's response. Further information was needed.

"They haven't," a voice behind everyone confirmed. "And I agree with both sides, actually. Replacing the entire net is nonsense, but we could absolutely spare the time and resources to replace all the hooks, so we know all of them are sure to be in working order." The sentence wasn't phrased as an order, and yet, without a word, the three figures stood up, the brass mask picking up the net and carrying it off, presumably to do what was just suggested. The new person turned to the group, their mask comprised of two faces that seemed to melt into one. "Greetings. I believe you may have been looking for me," he said, unconcerned. "I am Lord Janus, the ringmaster of this circus."

Essen kept herself still and respectful towards the man who just revealed himself to be Lord Janus. "Greetings, sir," Essen said. "I am Lieutenant Junior Grade Essen of the Federation Starbase 777. Do you mind if we ask you some questions, please?"

Erra began a new document to be able to write down everything she found out from Lord Janus, but kept quiet unless he spoke to her directly.

Oh fuck, that one was spooky. Syrax looked visibly lost for a minute, trying to figure out which eye...s he should be looking at. It reminded him of one of the Rihannsu theater masks, the name of which he couldn't remember, not that it currently mattered really.... "Hello!" he smiled, meanwhile watching the circus performers just... get up and leave as soon as the ringmaster spoke to them. Huh. Something going on there, or just discipline? "I have to say, the aesthetic is immaculate. Sorry that some problems popped up, though..."

Four watched as the others walked away and turned to see Lord Janus. They had only heard about him in passing, and the mask was a rather odd design. It wasn't nearly as symmetrical as they had expected it to be. Four tilted their head as they attempted to take in the full range of the man's mask.

"Thank you," Lord Janus told Syrax sincerely. "Yes, I dare say I would apologize for that, too. The purpose of a circus is to entertain, not to worry." He turned to Essen. "Feel free to ask, Lieutenant Junior Grade Essen of Federation Starbase 777. I cannot promise I have all the answers."

Essen motioned to Erra. "Mom," Essen said, before she turned back to Lord Janus. She decided to start off slow, not really poking or prodding too much. Could it be seen as wasting time? Arguably. But the more she could warm Lord Janus up, the more likely he could answer what they needed him to answer in short order. "Alright, sir, thank you. If you could please tell me how long you've been the ringmaster for this circus?"

Erra began writing down. As soon as she listened to Essen ask how long Lord Janus had been with the circus, she didn't quite understand immediately either - but once she figured out her tactic, Erra went along with it. This was just her asking some questions after all.

He eyed Janus carefully. “Hm, Janus. Roman god!” He said with a hum, noticing the mask. He did spend time on Earth after all.

As soon as Essen heard that, she turned back to Janus. "Hm! Interesting point, commander," Essen said. "Yes, Lord Janus, as a follow-up question, when you're ready, of course: I'm interested to hear the choice behind your name, and if it is a moniker or if it is your given name." (edited)

"Very astute," Lord Janus told Rozamal, all of it in that neutral tone of voice that seemed to portray little of his personal feelings. "God of beginnings, and endings, of the past and the future, and of doorways and crossroads. By many, regarded as a god of death, and a god of war." He turned to Essen again, to answer her initial question. "I have been active with the circus coming up on ten years now. I have been her ringmaster for the entirety of it. I earned that, as it was my idea in the first place, and I wanted to be the face of it."

Essen actively listened to Lord Janus as he provided his answers, and that definitely gave her more insight as to how Lord Janus had the potential to run the circus. "Okay, god of death and god of war, fascinating choice," Essen replied. "And thank you for both answers, you certainly have made a splash with the circus and provided it long-standing upkeeping." If compliments were a way to win the man's heart over, she would absolutely go ahead and do so. "Alright. If I may ask you to describe the relationship you have with your staff? How would your staff describe working under you?"

A seemingly innocent question - but framed to figure out what the man's mindset was. A genius move on Essen's part - and if Janus was untruthful, the other members of the team would be able to provide evidence against it. So Erra kept on writing down what she heard, letting Essen warm the man up. "If you all have things to ask Lord Janus here, if you elect to, please, don't hesitate, Essen isn't the only one in our group," Erra gently encouraged Four and Syrax if they would like. (edited)

Four turned to Erra and shook their head. "We have no things to ask the Lord. We are not proficient with investigative questioning and find that the more we speak the more tense others are around us for the vast majority of our experiences. So, our contribution would most likely not be conducive to the process at hand, Lieutenant Commander." Four said before they continued their watch around the group.

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Erra shrugged in understanding. "Understandable, erei'arrain, whatever you're most comfortable with!" She said quietly to Four.

"I understand," he nodded along to the man's words, finally deciding of just... keeping visual contact with the middle eye. "Getting someone from a squad hurt is always harrowing... hope they recover soon!" He slinked back into the background for the time being. There were enough questions thrown the ringmaster's way - he'll ask few of his later.

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"I am not any different from the other performers, and we work together with the people behind the scenes seamlessly. They are not working "under" me, we all contribute to putting on shows that leave the audience dumbfounded." He seemed... slightly offended, at the notion that the people working here were his employees. "If any comparison must be made, I would consider us all a family. Just because my opinion is well-respected because of my many years of experience does not mean I don't respect each and every one of them right back."

Four tilted their head. They were like a collective. Another one in the quadrant it seems. They seem to be working with a unified vision. The Lord whom everyone listens to and then everyone enacts such wills. Four felt at least somewhat comforted that there were other structures similar to their own out in the quadrants organically. That other sentient beings would also always lean towards perfection if given the chance. Four continued to keep their silence however. They didn't have much to add.

Essen kept her demeanor calm and polite as she actively listened once more to the ringmaster speak. Only when she was sure he was finished did she reply. "Ah, my apologies, I didn't fully understand the way things operated around here until you mentioned as such, I appreciate your insights, and it does give me ease knowing you respect the members of your circus family well." Essen felt that there was a sense of pride in the man. "If I may ask about a specific member of the circus family? Can you tell us more, in your own words and to your own understanding, about the incident we are by now all aware of?"

Erra wasn't quite sure what Essen was doing, beating a dead horse - but perhaps there was a detail that only Lord Janus had to divulge.

"Ah, a family!" How cute! Definitely nothing raised Syrax's red flags there! "How did you all meet each other, if it's not too personal to ask? Lucky responses to employment calls?"

"Is that not a waste of your time? You're not here to investigate the incident, and The Spider and Porter gave you all the details you need to confirm that indeed, it was an accident, and it was most likely the best choice for Mathra, or Morowa Rina, to be taken into surgery." Lord Janus sounded exasperated at the line of questioning. Porter seemed to be the stage name of the brass-masked man. "You are here to investigate the missing persons case, which you will now proceed to ask me about." To Syrax' question, he visibly paused, and answered very slowly. "We provide those who want to join the circus with all the necessary things to live, as well as a job and a purpose. It is only natural to become close to those who are of a similar mind as oneself, to the point of considering one another family."

Essen was slightly taken aback by how affronted Lord Janus seemed to become when she asked him about the incident. That he knew who Mathra and Morowa Rina were. But she didn't let that show on her face, or in her body language. Instead, she kept herself calm as to maintain the bond she had begun to create. "I wouldn't consider it a waste of our time, everyone has different viewpoints, and yours matters just as much. Although if you wish for us to cut to the chase, we won't be any barrier to that and we shall kindly cut to the chase." Essen kept her demeanor calm and careful. "Could you tell us more about Morowa Rina's joining the circus, and her purpose, as you call it?" She kept the question vague on purpose.

"It's difficult to have a different viewpoint from the facts, I'm afraid." He really was done with that line of questioning. "Mathra joined with the circus seven years ago, right as we were about to leave Vulcan after a month of successful shows there. I was one of the few still awake at the time, looking over our stuff to make sure we were all good to go, and so I received her. She was meek, despondent, but flexible, and determined to join the circus. I did for her what I would do for anyone; I offered her a listening ear, a place to stay, and a job. I let her worry about whatever life she left behind, and it seemed like she didn't. Who was I to question that? I didn't want people to ask after whatever I left behind, either." It was a brief overview, and he was obviously leaving out details, but on the whole, it seemed to align with what the Oni had said before.

Erra took down more notes as Lord Janus spoke, adding emphasis where he did, and comparing it with previous notes she had already made.

Four heard what the Lord said. They toyed with the pendant they had received from the bunnies as they began to try and think about what was truly going on. Janus seemed composed and had an answer for everything. However...there was much still left unknown. It was good to know where Mathra was picked up, but there was something that nagged at Four. "Lord Janus, may we ask why everyone wears masks? From all the vendors we have seen they all wear masks, everyone within the tent, even yourself wears masks. Your names all different than presumably from the ones you received at birth, perhaps inline with your chosen persona of a God of new beginnings and ends. We are familiar with such transitionary periods and designation erasure." Four then got a bit more to the point. "Are the masks always worn, and if so, are they to reinforce new identities given or taken? To forget about your past and to start anew? As you yourself have stated you wouldn't wish for others to ask what happened before your new beginning here?" Four's golden eyes stared closely as they met their gaze with Janus' mask.

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Essen, hearing Four's inquiry, merely smiled at Four, before she looked back to Lord Janus for his explanation.

Lord Janus seemed genuinely surprised at the line of reasoning, but when he spoke, a smile was almost audible. "Yes," he sighed relievedly at Four, "You are very right. The masks are of course able to be removed in private, and in emergencies, as I do recall a particularly nasty fire that broke out in one of the side act stands once and we all had to evacuate with air filters over our mouths and noses. But it provides a sense of privacy we wouldn't have if our faces were exposed, and personally, I do think it adds to the general feeling of the place. It provides a sense of homogeneity, as if we are all moving as one."

... Huh. Perhaps his own experiences were influencing his train of thought, but... what Lord Janus told them sounded like Rina was trying to escape. "She isn't a unique case for you, is she?.."

Erra couldn't shake the feeling that this man was still hiding something. A lot of things, honestly. But it was just a feeling. She hoped they would keep him talking.

"Oh, far from it. Nan'dala, The Spider, and Aurum and their brother all have very similar stories. And we have treated them all the same, and they are all equals here." Violet and Porter seemed to have joined differently, but still, a large amount of the people encountered so far were in this group.

Four tilted their head and nodded softly. "Thank you, Lord Janus. We can understand such a feeling and have attempted to follow such communal engagements within our own life. Even if we do not wear a physical mask." Four said simply before they then surveyed their surroundings again. They seemed deep in thought, and Four hoped that line of questions would allow for a closeness to be created with Lord Janus that could potentially facilitate further garnered knowledge. Perhaps he would see themselves as someone to join their collective. It wasn't the first time it had happened. Perhaps they could get lucky again. (edited)

Treated them all the same? That set off alarm bells in Essen's mind. Treated them all the same could mean treating them with respect. But that could also mean something else. Treating them all the same to ensure they stayed within the ranks. Perhaps they had also gone through incidents like hers. Measures of keeping them in the circus. "Treated them all the same, do you mind elaborating on that? Did they get any special perks for joining the circus, in addition to what you've already told us?" Something in Essen's mind sparked with the possibility of this circus not being a circus after all. Perhaps it was a cult. (edited)

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"How come that is a cause for concern? I provide them with a listening ear, and, if they insist, I give them a place to stay, with all the necessary things to survive, as well as a job. We treat each other with dignity and respect, Lieutenant Junior Grade Essen, as it should be. We are a family, after all. One's family should be treated well." Lord Janus seemed surprised at Essen's question, but defended himself well. Only one thing stood out: where before, it had all been about what the circus did for its people, and what they did for one another, suddenly Lord Janus spoke mostly of what he did for new performers. (edited)

Four tilted their head. They looked up at Lord Janus with a curious glance. "One's family? Would you say that you are the head of this family so to speak? Or perhaps the guide and protector of them? That you are their new beginning and newly ordained end to whatever they wished to leave? We only ask due to your title of Lord and you being the main head of most of the induction of new members, distribution of supplies, and leadership as many have told us you run this circus. We do not believe the Roman God Janus ever used such a title, and none of your other familial members so to speak have equivalent titles. However, due to everyone being equal and facilitating each others flourishing, we have assumed that we have not understood the names of the others around here. That they have titles within their names but due to our lack of awareness of definitions of certain words and phrases we have been unable to identify them." (edited)

Essen took this and right away responded back in her same calm tone of voice. "I can't help but notice what you're providing to members of the circus," Essen said. "As for what they're doing for each other, the common goal they're trying to reach. But from the way you mentioned you're giving the members all these benefits... perhaps it's a goal that you created first. If I may ask... is Morowa Rina the first to be injured while on the job, then for other staff members to blatantly turn others outside the circus away, saying that they've dealt with situations like that before?" Other members trying to escape through means such as Morowa Rina's, meant the cult members trying to escape, not being given everything they were promised. (edited)

Erra had to stop typing to cover her mouth with one hand, as she could piece the dots together of what Essen was trying to say...

"Essen," Lord Janus said, done with formalities, "Your team has been told several times that we employ doctors to help deal with injuries and accidents. You've met one of them, Aurum and Argentum do some fine work for any unfortunate occurrences that may pop up. Yes, we turn away the aid from outsiders, as our privacy is important to us. We do not put our own in danger, and I resent the implication." He seemed to be getting angry now, and Essen was clearly pretty far off the mark here.

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"If I may," oop, danger, danger, need for the tall guy to step in and yap as a diversion - something Syrax was good at. "Sorry for the assumption, you know, assuming makes an ass out of you and me-- but I'm also getting a nagging feeling that the lot of you came together because you didn't have anywhere else to go? And you're, like, the main head of it. If it makes sense. A three-eyed one."

Right away, Erra felt the need to stand up for Essen. "Lord Janus, that is my daughter--"

"Mom," Essen said, holding up a hand to keep Erra out of it, before she turned back to Lord Janus. "There's something you're not telling us about what you give to your members of the circus. What you are promising them. It almost feels like you're promising something you can't fulfill."

"Ladies, now is really not the time!" he threw at them somewhat cheerily, yet the slight showcase of the Romulan's canine teeth suggested otherwise.

"Your daughter? Oh, I was under the impression that you both were Starfleet officers, trained to deal with delicate matters. I didn't know someone's feelings had to be spared because her mommy was present?" Janus seemed to only get more ticked off at Erra's comment, and he turned to Essen again, only getting angrier and angrier. "I promise nothing to the members of this circus, but to be a safe haven. And it seems to me that in my ten years of being her ringmaster, the only people who have caused a disturbance to that promise, are you lot." He took a deep breath through his nose, pressing his fingers to his thumbs one by one in a repeating pattern until he breathed out again, this time through his mouth. He bodily turned away from Essen and Erra, facing Syrax instead. "Yes, I do concede that joining the circus is not the first choice for a great many people. I do my best to make the transition as comfortable as possible for everyone, and I have quite a lot of sway here, so I tend to be able to make a lot of things happen. We're the Circus of Solace, after all, I must live up to that name."

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Four looked around and was slightly confused. They were overstepping their bounds. Unless Mathra wanted to leave they didn't really have any further cause to stay here. The missing person's report could be updated but if it was someone who had left of their own free will that was a personally matter that would have to be resolved through an interpersonal dispute. Four just stepped back and bowed to Lord Janus. They knew it would most likely not help if they continued to ask questions. "We have also found that rhythmic stimulation of our fingers is a helpful exercise for concertation. We though typically require multiple fingers tapping in unison to mimic binary helps us best. However, we understand that doesn't really apply to everyone." Four said as they attempted to calm down all parties before they finished their step back and bow.

Ok, good, stay focused on me, he thought, offering the masked man who he just witnessed express rather... bombastic, amount of emotions, a nervous smile. "Sorry for that. We mean no disrespect on your turf. People that come to you seem to do it with purpose, to start something new... I get that, to some extent. Um... what do you mean by transition, though?" Solace. Comfort. Yeah, maybe they should've seen it coming.

"Simply that from a life outside of the circus to one inside of it, sir. For most people, joining a nomadic lifestyle surrounded by people you do not know yet is an adjustment. One we seek to ease, in whatever way possible." Lord Janus was still breathing regularly, as if timed, in order to keep calm. He responded far better to the questions Syrax was asking, than the thinly veiled accusations Essen had thrown his way.

Kirio had been totally here the whole time, yes yes. "Do any of you remember life before the circus?" They asked out loud. That was still standing out and super weird to them. And they wanted to know if these were dots they could connect.

Lord Janus turned to face Kirio this time, speaking slowly once more to choose his words carefully. "Many of us do, yes."

"Many? Not all?" They pressed, stepping forward.

"You spoke to The Spider," Lord Janus simply responded. No way to deny that one.

"It is in my right to do so, sir." Kirio inclined their head a little. "Please answer my question."

Essen refrained from saying anything else in the moment. Both Lord Janus and Syrax were right. She recognized when she wasn't in the right mind to continue further questioning as she was getting too worked up. So, she backed off, and allowed others to take the lead. It was best for her to leave the investigative skills to those who were trained in it anyway, as this was out of her wheelhouse. (edited)

Erra also refrained from saying anything else in the moment, and made a mental note to consult with medical once all was said and done to counter her anxious tendencies. For now, she remained quiet once more.

Lord Janus sighed, and shook his head. "No, not all of our performers and crew remember their life before the circus. I guarantee you, it is because they do not want to."

"Can you provide a reason as to why not?" Kirio's voice was more flat, less genuinely curious, as they pressed on poker-faced.

Lord Janus rolled his shoulder back, suddenly appearing to have gained about two inches as he stood up straight. He was no match for Syrax' height, of course, but he looked just that much more imposing now. "That would be because I prevented them from remembering."

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Kirio was getting kind of sick of this guy's dramatic pauses. It was theatrics, something embedded in his very nature, but damn. ".. Explain, please?" They did shuffle just a little closer to Sy, though. Strength in numbers?

Essen's eyes POPPED OPEN. Taking a step back, Essen looked up at the Lord who had just gained two inches. Looks like she was right after all. Unconsciously, her feet dug into the ground beneath her to gain traction in case she needed to leap into action. But for now... she eyed this man with hawklike eyes.

Ayo? "Hey can you-- explain what you mean, because that statement highkey sounds scary if just left like that?.." His eyes stayed focused on the ringmaster, but Syrax could feel the Trill's shift closer to him. The Romulan did nothing, staying where he was - he had experience, and this was no fighting situation, didn't feel like one either. Still, Kirio's unease was... very understandable, because holy shit?

Rozamal raised an eye ridge, that did not sound right. The Gorn stood taller as he looked to the Lord. “Yes, elaborate please.”

Finally Essen spoke up, in a calm voice, yet still perturbed enough to display how utterly wrong that idea even was. "Yes, please... tell us more."

"It's very simple. Some people express a desire to forget about their past, when they join the circus. I can facilitate that, so I do. It brings peace, to their minds, allowing them to focus on a fulfilling life in the circus." The explanation was indeed very simple, and left out a lot of important details. Also, he had to know that it didn't sound less suspicious, that last sentence.

Essen then asked the question that would definitely change things. "Some people? Not all of them? Does this mean you're also doing this without the explicit consent of some of your members?"

Ah, okay. That did not sound great. “…Do they express a desire to have their minds altered? As in give you their consent?”

Kirio sighed. "He said only some people lose their memories, at first. And then he said he only alters them if they want to forget." Guys...

"I have them sign contracts!" Jan said, cheerfully. A bit too cheerful, perhaps, for the subject, but it seemed he had something to be happy about. "It requires them to describe to me what they wish to forget, and sign it, while handing me their legal documents so that we can bring them across borders, if necessary. They are aware of the fact that I can reverse it, if they want, and that they only need to ask. Wait here." He disappeared into the chaos of prop storage, and within a minute, he was back, holding a piece of paper. "I will allow you to read this one, and this one only. For any others, you will have to come back with a warrant, as it does concern the identities of my people, who I have promised to keep safe." *The paper was printed on both sides, and listed the person who filled it out as Jude Hunter. There were tear marks in some places, though the readability of the document didn't suffer for it. Jude's heritage was listed as human, with some Denobulan ancestry. There was a lot of text describing the fact that Jude would under no circumstances be forced to partake in the mind-meld required for the procedure, and that they could always ask for the memories back. Under the portion describing what he wanted to forget, it simply read: Everything.*

Essen scanned the document, having seen that the person Jude on the document wished to forget everything, looked up at the man with a devastated look on her face. "They really come to you wishing to leave their whole lives behind?" She asked.

"Contracts..." Kirio felt sick. Sick to their stomach. They swallowed thickly, scanning over the paper. "Can we— is there any chance we can have a copy for our records?" Just to get a look at the fine print for later..

“Hmm, while I am not technically a lawyer, this does look up to snuff.” He said as he looked it over. “And so long as this is done with consent, which having contracts would require. I see no technical issue.” At least with how Janus presented things, he didn’t love this at all. Something felt off, but that could wait till Janus was out of the room.

Essen had absolutely every want to bash in this man's head for his methods. But at the same time, the contracts stated everything, and that the members agreed to it. So legally, Starfleet nor the Federation could do anything about it. "What has happened to all these people that they wish to leave their whole lives behind, even if they can ask for their memories back?" Essen asked, her voice noticeably shaken up.

Erra outright burst into tears, although silently...

"Not this one, no. I will send you a copy of the blank contract, if you insist, but again, this is a matter of privacy for my people." Lord Janus seemed to be chuffed to bits with the fact that he was actually completely fine to do all this. He also ignored Essen's question, for the most part. "Speaking of which. You know now what happened to Morowa Rina, insofar as that you know where she went. I do have one piece of advice, though. Before you go telling the world where she is, and that you found her, consider taking a closer look at where she came from. What kind of situation you'd potentially be exposing her to." He sounded... very solemn, as he said this. "Oh, and talk to Mathra about it, of course. But I'm sure you were going to do that anyway, right? You're all such upstanding citizens, our brave enforcers of... the law."

"Oh, yes, a blank one would do just fine." Kiro handed back the contract, swallowing thickly. "I — yeah. That makes sense. We can do that. And we were going to." For the record. They don't like being patronized.

“Ah! We are not enforcers, that word sounds much too… militaristic for the actuality.” He said with a hum. “And please, don’t patronize, my friend. It is much below you.”

Syrax decided to stay quiet on his part - not to reveal to the disturbed officers that some part of him felt... agreeable to all of this, and oh so bitter. The tall Romulan averted his gaze after skimming through the contract, perhaps guiltily so.

Well, they got what they came here for and then some. They now had a new objective. And it absolutely pained Essen that they legally could not detain Lord Janus for anything he was doing. So, instead, all Essen did was turn to Janus. "We appreciate your time and your cooperation, Lord Janus," Essen said professionally. "Please direct any questions of your own to Starfleet Security."

Then, Erra spoke up. "And, I apologize on behalf of myself and my daughter for how she and I treated you," she said to Janus. "We will collectively ensure that we will not do this again, to you or anyone else in your circus."

"Ma'am, remember that you are at work, and that you are officers, not mother and daughter while at work. At best, you are coddling an adult, and at worst, you are actively sabotaging her career. Your behaviour betrays a lack of professionalism that will hurt you both." Lord Janus still seemed miffed at Essen and Erra both, and his tone was flat. "Now that you all have what you came for, I must insist you all get out of my circus. I meant what I said earlier. You are upsetting the calmness of this place, and I have people to take care of."

"Yes, sir. I'm sorry again for the disruption." Fuck. Fuck. Fuck! Kirio was first to go, their thoughts racing. Was there nothing at all they could do!?

With a respectful bow to Lord Janus, Erra followed after Kirio!

Essen also bowed respectfully to Lord Janus, and followed after Erra and Kirio!

Rozamal didn’t bow. “Have a pleasant day, and tread carefully, Lord Janus.” He said, stepping out.

Syrax looked like he wanted to say something, but... he just shut his mouth with a click of his teeth, nodded to the ringmaster, and followed the rest out of the tent.

It’s never easy, and honestly there’s a part of him that isn’t too shocked that the circus is throwing them for a loop. With a light huff from his nose, he gave Lord Janus a nod, “Have a fine show,” He muttered, following behind the others. It’s never easy…

Four turned and looked to Lord Janus as everyone made their leave. They were very intrigued. Lord Janus seemed to take enjoyment in the destruction of other's memories. Even if they attempted to not show it. Four tilted their head before they bowed. "We are sorry for any disruption of the calm of this place that we may have incured. We would not wish to upset our friends...even if they are not currently within this particular tent at least to our knowledge." Four then took a breath. "Please keep them safe...Black and White...we would be quite distraught if you actually have ill intentions for them. We cannot tell, but due to our lack of evidence to such conclusions we shall not assert such claims." Four handed over a copy of their PADD's communication code. "For Black and White among any others who may wish to contact us." Four then turned and followed the others. Unsure of the feelings that they had felt. They recognized them as similar to when they were hugged or potentially engaged with positively. Further investiagtion was warranted, and Four would do just that.

"Keeping people safe is all I have ever wanted to do," Lord Janus said simply, taking the code from Four and sticking it into an inner pocket of his coat as he watched them go.