Episode 10
Accusations
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Back to the story
Chapter 1
{Ryan Sable's Quarters}
She woke up slowly. It almost felt if she had a headache, but the
faint throbbing didn't feel concentrated in just her head. Looking
around she recognized her quarters. Quickly she realized what had
woken her: the morning alarm. She groaned before ordering the
computer to shut it off. Her voice came out surprisingly weak and
raspy.
Suddenly she had a thought. If it was morning, then either she'd only
slept half a night or...
The doors to her quarters opened. Soon she saw Doctor Stone enter her
bedroom.
"Oh," he said with slight surprise, "You're awake. That's a good
sign!" He moved to her side and began scanning her with a tricorder.
"How long have I been asleep?" she asked.
"Nearly two and a half days," he replied. "I bet you're hungry.
Would you like me to replicate something for you? I recommend only
liquids for now. I believe you're still feeling pretty weak."
She took stock of herself for a moment and found what he said to be
true. So she just nodded.
"Very good. I'll just get some soup to start with," he said as stood.
"And perhaps if you're feeling up to it by then, I'll let you join me
at this morning's staff meeting. I hear it's not one to be missed."
{Conference Room - 0900 hours}
Priscilla took her seat and looked around the table at her senior
staff. As usual, everyone was present for the daily meeting, with one
notable exception. She didn?t let her gaze linger very long on Yuri's
empty seat, instead jumping right in.
"Just a couple announcements today," she said, beginning meeting.
"First, Happy New Year!" The greeting sounded less jubilant than it
had the year before, but still just as sincere.
"Happy New Year, Captain!" Jaquelle and Scott replied.
"Happy new year," Rinali, Ryan, Gordon, Anna and Jack also chimed in a
second behind. Rinali and Ryan suddenly remembering from the year
before that for some reason the Captain celebrated the rolling over of
the stardate. Gordon, Anna and Jack knowing the old Earth tradition
of celebrating the change of numbers of the calendar, whether or not
they understood why people did so.
"Happy New Year," a voice added after all the others, the sound of the
conference room doors closing just afterwards. Everyone turned to see
Yuri heading for his seat with a smile. "If you don't mind, Captain,
I have two hours before I can leave, and I'd like to sit in on one
last meeting?"
"By all means. Captain," Priscilla replied with a smile of her own,
gesturing towards the chair. "You're just in time!" Once he had sat,
she turned back to the table at large. "Okay, next. I'm please to
announce Captain Ivanof is not the only one receiving a promotion or
honor." She winked at Yuri. "I suppose this is the trickle down
theory," she chuckled at him as she stood. After retrieving some
items from the replicator she began to walk around the table behind
each officer, passing Yuri by first.
She placed her hand on Jack's shoulder as she passed the Doctor also.
It was to let him know he was still a part of the group even though
he wasn't receiving anything. Knowing he was still new to the ship he
didn't mind too much, he figured before that he'd be missing this
round. From across the table Gordon gave Jack a sympathetic 'I've
been there too' look.
Priscilla's first stop was with her Chief of Security. "Rinali
Travin, you are hereby promoted to Lieutenant Commander," she said
smiling. Rinali tentatively reached out for the dark pip Priscilla
offered her.
"Thank you Captain," she replied with her characteristic
non-emotion-betraying voice.
"You're welcome," both Priscilla and Yuri replied. Priscilla looked
back at Yuri and laughed lightly, then moved on.
"Lieutenant J.G. Anna Krasinski, you have been awarded the Legion of
Merit for your skill and achievements in service to this ship during
its times of crises." She placed the small medal before Anna, who
just looked down on it dumbfounded. Priscilla rounded the end of the
table to begin working the other side.
"Lieutenant Gordon C. Freeman, you have been given a Distinguished
Service Commendation for your exemplary performance and consistent
creative solutions," she said handing him a PADD with his updated
record on it. "Keep up the good work!"
He nodded and she moved to the next chair.
"Scott McInnis, you are hereby promoted to Full Lieutenant."
Priscilla smiled down at him as he took the gold pip from her, and
with a smile of his own placed his former black pip in her hand. Then
he looked over at Yuri. The two nodded once to each other. Priscilla
moved on, only able to guess at what had just happened between the two.
"Jaquelle Daem," she began, and paused upon seeing the look on the
Counselor's face. Somehow she had a sense of what was coming. "I
regret to inform you that you are being removed from the position of
Ship's Counselor," Priscilla informed her with a slight frown. A
couple gasps were heard from around the table. The only face that
didn't look confused was Yuri's. "However," she continued as her
emotions began to betray her and a smile crept to her face, "you are
hereby promoted to the rank of Commander, and as Second Officer shall
be assuming the job of Acting Executive Officer due to the sudden
vacancy that has just been created in the XO position."
Jaquelle accepted the new gold pip with a small smile and nod. "Thank
you Captain," she replied. Then she turned to Yuri. "And thank you
and Good Luck, Captain." He nodded in reply.
Finally Priscilla turned to Ryan. "Lieutenant Commander Sable, you
have been given a Distinguished Service Commendation," she informed
her, then paused for a brief moment. "And on recommendation are being
given the opportunity to assume the job of Acting Second Officer.
That is, as soon as Doctor Stone clears you as fit to return to duty."
Ryan looked up at Priscilla with surprise. "I... uh... Yes," she
said, trying to figure out what had just happened. It hadn't quite
settled with her yet. "Thank you, sir."
Priscilla nodded with a warm smile and returned to her chair.
Yuri looked back and forth between Ryan and Jaquelle. "I have no
doubt you two will quickly earn your positions, making them
permanent." He then looked around the table. "Good Luck to you all.
It's been a pleasure working on the Griffin!"
"That sounds to me like a good note to end on," Priscilla said,
placing her hands on the table. "The only other thing I have to say
is that while we're waiting for the Diplomatic ship from Starfleet and
our newest orders from Starfleet Command, we've been invited to a
thank you dinner on the planet with Euraysh and his crew. Anyone who
wishes may go, just let Commander Daem know beforehand."
She looked around. No one moving to say anything else, Priscilla
stood. "Dismissed!"
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Chapter 2
{Griffin - Commander Ivanof's Office}
Yuri looked over his various notes one last time. Already, his mind was
occupied with the challenges his new position would present, but he was trying
to stay focused on the more immediate challenges that leaving the Griffin was
presenting. He took his farewells to the other members of Senior Staff quite
seriously. There was no telling when he would have an opportunity to see them
again.
The door chimed and Ivanof put aside his notes.
"Come in."
Rinali Travin entered the room in her usual former manner, the very model of an
upstanding Starfleet officer. Or so it would seem. Over his time on the
Griffin, Yuri had started to notice little incongruities with the stoic face
Rinali showed. That same almost unnoticeable awkwardness was still present as
Rinali stood before Ivanof's desk, though he couldn't tell today if it was due
to the inherent contradictions in the life she chose to lead or the promotion
she had only just received. Rinali always seemed completely taken aback by any
award she received for her work on the Griffin.
"Captain," she said, nodding her head.
"Until I've actually set foot on my ship, "Commander" will be fine." Rinali
smiled in response.
"I had heard," Rinali said as she seated herself in the chair Yuri offered,
"that your recommendation was a large part of why I received my promotion.
"Rumors travel fast, especially in security," Rinali continued by way of
explanation. "I wanted to thank you for the honor."
Yuri smiled a little. "No matter what it may seem like, I didn't recommend
promotions so the Griffin will remember me fondly when I'm gone. Anything you
received was entirely due to your own hard work."
Rinali was silent. After a brief pause, Yuri decided to continue.
"Before I have to depart, I wanted to tell you that I've been very pleased with
your work as security chief on the Griffin. You have shown great courage and
involvement in your work. Your presence on this ship has been a great asset."
Yuri leaned forward in his chair.
"But I get the impression that you aren't as satisfied with your performance."
Rinali was still for a minute, contemplating her response. Then she turned to
look at one of the walls, away from Ivanof. Yuri had never seen her do this
before, but he said nothing.
"Anyone who is completely satisfied with their abilities finds themselves
demoted or dead before long", she grunted.
"True," Ivanof conceded. "I wouldn't expect you to become complacent. But I
think it's also important to acknowledge you successes. You can recognize that
you've made progress without using it as excuse to stop progressing further."
Rinali took heavy breaths through clenched teeth. Again, Yuri called no
attention to it. He realized that what she was about to say was likely
difficult for her.
"It...isn't so much my performance as chief of security," she began. Rinali
inhaled sharply and turned abruptly to face Ivanof again, her composure
regained.
"When I came aboard the Griffin, I initially sought to isolate myself from the
majority of the ship, in order to avoid any...emotional situations that might
hinder my work. I have recently realized that this was a mistake and I am
working to rectify the situation."
Yuri guessed by the finality of Rinali's statement that she did not want to
discuss the matter further. He spent the rest of the allotted time going over
records with Rinali, never steering away from areas that might need
improvement, but always trying to stress the positive. He thought Rinali
seemed receptive to his comments, both good and bad.
As their time drew to an end, Rinali stood to leave. She thanked Ivanof once
more and started out the door. Yuri had said everything he had planned to, but
he felt one more point needed to be made.
"Lieutenant Commander Travin," he said. Rinali turned slowly and Yuri guessed
it was the first time she had been addressed by her new title.
"Don't think of it as work," he said. "I've had the pleasure of getting to
know this ship and I'm sure they'll make it easy for you to do the same."
Rinali gave Ivanof a genuine smile in return.
"Thank you Commander. Good luck with the new ship."
"Good luck to you too," Yuri said as the doors closed behind Rinali.
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Chapter 3
{Nauklon IV}
Euraysh and Priscilla walked through a beautiful garden under the
clear starry night sky. It was just this side of warm out, but
comfortable enough with the slight breeze that occasionally blew by.
Euraysh had wanted to show her around, but everyone at the dinner had
decided it would probably be best to not introduce the new aliens to
the world by a stroll through the capital. And especially not without
Security escort, Rinali had made it a point of insinuating. So
Euraysh settled for just giving Priscilla a tour of his property.
"Thank you for the lovely dinner," Priscilla said. "I always find it
fascinating to try another culture's food. You can learn a lot about
a people by their food."
"And by their manners," Euraysh added. "Thank you again, Captain, for
coming to our aid, and even standing by us when the Hadren attacked."
Priscilla frowned. "I'm happy we were able to save both your crew and
your new ship. But it is unfortunate we couldn't establish relations
with the Hadren as well."
Euraysh laughed, or at least made the sound that Priscilla had come to
learn was their equivalent of laughing. "Always the diplomat, I see.
Do not trouble your mind about the course of events. The Hadren are
not a hospitable race. They dominate or destroy, and that includes
themselves. For them there is nothing else."
Priscilla just sighed.
"I am certain you will fare as well as you desire tomorrow," Euraysh
commented, trying to change the subject.
"Yes," Priscilla replied. "I am looking forward to formalizing the
First Contact between our two governments. I'm very happy mine
allowed my ship to stay and be the ones to do so!"
The pair walked and talked for at least half an hour more before they
finally bid each other good night. Priscilla tapped her comm badge
and had herself beamed up to the Griffin.
{Next morning}
As planned, Priscilla beamed down with her small contingent,
consisting of Rinali and Sarorto, to Euraysh's home. They were to
meet with Euraysh and his crew and then proceed to their government's
central building.
Instead they were greeted by the local authorities and raised weapons.
Shocked, Priscilla had to steady Rinali's hand with a quick motion
before someone got jumpy. "What's going on?" she asked, looking
around for someone she recognized.
"Captain Priscilla Myst. You are under arrest for the murder of
Euraysh, First Prirate of this city," the group was informed by the
apparent man in charge.
"What? I didn't-" Priscilla began to say.
"You were the last to be with him. The two of you spent time alone
walking the grounds last night. Neither of you returned. He was
found this morning dead in the garden. There are no other suspects."
Rinali tapped her communicator. "Griffin, emergency beam-"
"No!" Priscilla yelled, turning to face her crew members. "I didn't
do it, and we all know it. I'm not going to start a First Contact out
on a bad foot by not adhering to their customs and laws." She turned
back to the law enforcement officer in charge. "I'll go with you, as
long as there is a chance to prove my innocence."
The officer bobbed a couple eye stalks. He knew coming here that he'd
have to explain procedures to the aliens. "You are neither innocent
nor guilty until evidence supports one or the other. Once all
evidence it collected, a judgment is made. Currently, evidence
supports your guilt, and therefore you are under arrest. Temporarily,
it is only a preventative arrest. Ten days are allowed for evidence
to be collected by any interested party." He moved past Priscilla, to
just in front of Rinali. Handing her something, he said: "You may
contact us at these coordinates and on this frequency if you come up
with anything you wish to share."
Rinali frowned, but accepted the documentation. She looked at
Priscilla. "Captain-"
Priscilla cut her off again. "Return to the Griffin and confer with
Commander Daem," she ordered. "I'll be fine, it sounds like for at
least ten of their days." She looked to the authorities for
confirmation. The reply was the Nauklon equivalent of nodded.
"Yes, sir," Rinali replied crisply.
Jurmin stepped up from behind the authorities as Priscilla was being
lead away. "We know you didn't do it," he whispered to her,
indicating the rest of the Grueso's crew. "We'll talk to your crew
and see if we can help in anyway."
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Chapter 4
Jaquelle sat in her office wrestling with her counseling appointments.
They would have to all be reassigned. She felt lucky that she was always so
persistent in keeping them up to date because having to do transfer memos on
each case would be daunting. She could hear old Professor Ekeh's stuffy high
pitched voice in her head.
*Your files should be kept so that, Saint's forbid, you are killed in a
airlock accident, your client would not miss his afternoon session with the
next counselor.*
Who would have thought, two years ago when she was an ensign on board an
outdated ship that not only would she have been the counselor on a newly
refitted state of the art star ship but would have to be sure that her
clients were not going to miss their sessions because she had to assume the
duties of the first officer.
For the first time in her career she heard that small voice in the back
of her head. *Are you sure you are not an imposter? And will they (whomever
"they" are) find out? Can I maneuver a star ship into a space dock without
computer controls using thrusters only? Can I unstick the intake manifold on
the warp core injectors to avoid a mix of mater and anti-mater to stop the
resulting warp core breech? * OF COURSE NOT, Jaquelle almost said out
loud. But I do know who on my crew can, she thought. And I know how to get
it done, and that is what a First officer must do. That and care for the
crew. Something she already knew how to do.
Jaquelle squared her shoulders back, stood straight up and addressed the
replicator.
"Computer, red command uniform size Jaquelle prime," she said. She
took her new Commander pips and placed them on the new red uniform. No
longer would she wear the blue uniform which signified her status as Medical
and Counseling .
Jaquelle walked from her cabin to the bridge. It would be her first
shift actually commanding the Griffin. Captain Myst would be beaming to
Nauklon IV to formalize the first contact between the two governments.
Jaquelle knew that these diplomatic matters could take hours. Hopefully it
would not take days.
{Griffin, Bridge}
As Jaquelle walked onto the Bridge, Anna Krasinski looked up from the
science station and didn't even try to hide a big smile.
"Commander," was all she said.
Captain Myst walked out of her ready room in her dress uniform. Rinali
and Sarorto followed similarly attired. Jaquelle noted that Rinali always
seemed to look uncomfortable in that uniform. She was almost sure that it
was not the uniform, but the type of situation Rinali had to wear it for.
"You have the bridge Commander," Myst said.
"Gentle thoughts and honest words, Captain" Jaquelle answered. It was an
old Betazoid sending forth, given when initiating a diplomatic mission.
Jaquelle stood near the captain's chair for a minute. She wasn't quite
ready to sit in it. She ambled her way back slowly to the science station
where Anna sat, stopped for a minute to see what she was working on, then
sauntered back towards the captain's chair. Just as she was about to sit,
Sable turned to her.
"Commander, the away team has just beamed back aboard, without the
Captain." Jaquelle stood still for a moment. She had done extensive
research into the customs of the Nauklon people and had advised the Captain.
No where did it report any need for diplomatic relations to proceed one on
one.
"Commander Travin," Daem called out through the comm system, "report."
"The Captain has been taken into custody for the murder of Euraysh."
Rinali answered coldly.
"The Conference room please Commander," Daem said unemotionally.
{Conference Room}
"What happened?" Daem asked.
"We were met by the local authorities and raised weapons. We were told
that the Captain was being arrested for the murder of Euraysh. The Captain
was the last to be with him. The two of them spent time alone walking the
grounds last night and neither returned. Euraysh was found this morning dead
in the garden. There are no other suspects." Travin explained.
"I take it you tried to beam the Captain up." Daem stated.
"Yes," Travin answered.
"And the Captain wouldn't let you," Daem went on.
"Yes," Travin answered.
"She ordered you to return," Daem continued.
"Yes," Travin answered.
"I take it you want to be back down there," Daem understood.
"Yes," Travin answered.
"Did the Nauklon give you any information on the next steps?" Daem asked
although she was relatively sure she understood the Nauklon legal system from
her studies. Travin explained what had been told to her and turned over the
coordinates and frequencies given.
"Let me see if I can convince the Nauklon to allow you a security guard
with the Captain," Daem stated as she move to the door.
"I would not allow a murder suspect of another race to have one of their
own as an armed guard in my brig," Travin countered.
Daem didn't answer, she had something else on her mind.
{Bridge}
Daem was standing in front of the captain's chair addressing the law
enforcement officer in charge.
"I am sure you can understand our concern," Daem stated. "You have one
of our most honored females without a proper chaperone." Daem had studied
enough of the Nauklon customs to hope this line of reason would get Rinali
what she wanted.
The officer cut the sound of the transmission and talked with someone off
screen. Then came back.
"We will allow a chaperone for your Captain," the officer said.
"And of course you understand that the Captain is our highest ranking
diplomat in this sector. I'm sure that we don't have to even question that
she and her chaperone's accommodations reflect that.
"Of course" answered the officer.
"End transmissions," Daem ordered. She then turned to Travin.
"You need to assign an unarmed guard." Daem said stressing unarmed.
"I will take a 16 hour shift for the next 10 days and Zosin will take the
other 8 hours." Travin said without hesitation. She would have suggested
that she take the assignment 24 hours but she knew the Captain would object
to her being away from the Griffin that long, and she did not want to
dishonor Zosin by not showing complete trust in him.
"Don't you think you would be more useful conducting the investigation
from the Griffin," Daem suggested.
"I can conduct the investigation from the planet," was all Travin said.
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Chapter 5
Freeman was sitting in his seat on the bridge, keeping an eye on the various
ship's systems when his communications icon began to flash. Bringing the
display up, he saw it was from Travin on the surface. He opened the channel
immediately, wondering why it was secured.
"Travin to Daem."
Daem looked up from a PADD, setting it on her lap and out of the way, though
she still kept a finger on it. "This is Daem," she replied. "What is it Travin?
You left only a few moments ago."
"I know sir ... but I'm not going to be able to investigate a thing here. I
thought wrong sir .. my hands are tied baby-sitting the Captain," Travin
replied a second later.
"Oh," Daem relied simply.
"Requesting permission to return to the ship, and assume command of the
investigation."
"Hold on, Travin. I'd still like the captain to have a guard," Daem huffed
slightly, trying to think as quickly and logically as possible under the
circumstances. "I've studied their culture a bit further and there are a few
things regarding their criminal justice that make me nervous."
"Sir?" Travin replied, not getting the answer she wanted. "I ask you to
reconsider, I think I could be of more help on the ship."
"I understand, but I don't think that is the answer here," Daem spoke firmly.
"Remain with the Captain, while I figure a few things out up here."
"Aye sir," Travin said sharply, closing the channel.
"Lieutenant Freeman," Daem turned on him quickly. "Send a message: Senior Staff
meeting now, in the conference room."
"Aye aye sir," Freeman answered, instantly sending the message. A moment later
he stood up and followed Daem and Sable into the briefing room.
{Briefing Room}
Daem had quickly given the lay of the situation to the staff, and gazed on them
expectantly. "Suggestions?"
"Well sir ... I have experience in forensics. Perhaps Zosin and I can head down
and see what we can root up?" Freeman said thoughtfully, looking at the XO.
"It sounds like a good idea. Travin can remain as guard and maybe keep an eye
on the investigation from afar," Sable concurred. "But I would like to also
suggest that we go through the Griffin's transporter records. Somehow that
evidence slipped our minds."
"That's a good idea." Freeman added.
Daem nodded immediately. "Do it."
"I for one would appreciate a chance to study the body," Doctor Stone added
with a perk from his brow.
"All right. I'll contact the government and see if you can do an autopsy," Daem
replied.
"Any other suggestions?" Sable called, eyeing McInnis and then Freeman -- map
reading seemed a subject that he could have been attended to after the meeting.
"Yeah ... " Freeman spoke up. "Permission to go armed."
Daem shook her head, "Request denied. We don't want to give them the impression
we're hostile. This is merely an investigation."
"Well I don't want to be jailbait, but okay," Freeman answered.
McInnis interjected, "We shouldn't forget the sensor logs. If she wore her comm
badge the whole time, her locations could be in there."
"McInnis, you check the transporter. Sable, you get the sensor log," Daem added
a second after. "Is there anything else?" the XO added in finality.
The Staff shook their heads, satisfied with the outcome of their short, hasty
meeting.
"All right then, get to it!" the XO concluded. Instantly the crew sprang to
life, heading for their assigned tasks.
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Chapter 6
{Nauklon IV - Nauklon Judicial Center, Holding Center}
Zosin had seldom seen a look of such relief on Lieutenant Commander Travin's
face. It was no secret on board the Griffin that Rinali was not happy being
tied down guarding the captain at a time when Rinali felt guarding was hardly
necessary. Zosin wondered whether she would take the break his shift offered
her to sleep or to investigate. He figured it would be the latter.
"Is there any news?" Rinali asked as Zosin came down the hallway towards her.
"Dr. Stone has just received permission to perform an autopsy, provided that
the Nauklon Medical Association heads may attend. It seems that Nauklon
society only values a few particular vital organs in memorial services, so
bodies are normally cut open anyway. Plus, I think the Nauklons are quite
eager to check out our medical technology."
"Indeed," Rinali nodded. "What else has happened?"
"Well," Zosin began uneasily. "Commander Daem has been going over Nauklon
criminal justice codes. Apparently, Captain Myst is currently suspected of
'unjustified murderous attack'. This could change depending on what we
uncover, but the usual sentence for this crime is that 'the guilty party must
take the life of the victim'."
"Isn't the problem that they already suspect her of doing that?" Rinali said
slowly, wondering if she was missing something.
"We were confused by that too," Zosin answered. "When we talked to Jurmin
about it, we learned that 'take on the life of the victim' is a little more
accurate. The convicted must live out the life of the victim in the
community, acting as a replacement for the dead."
Rinali looked grave. "Thank you for the information" she said. She headed
off down the hall as Zosin took up his position by the door.
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Chapter 7
"Well ... let's head down and see what we can see," Freeman said flatly,
stepping up onto the transporter pad. He checked his tricorder one more time
before nodding to the transporter officer. Zosin stepped up on the pad beside
him.
"Energize."
The two officers appeared in the garden a moment later, and began scanning the
area with their tricorders. They were very relieved to see that none of the
locals were interfering.
Back on the Griffin, Lieutenant Commander Sable was scanning sensor log after
sensor log from Freeman's usual seat. The search was going slow due to her
carefulness, but that was what the situation demanded - the utmost care.
Behind her, Commander Daem was reading a report, and contemplating the
situation. It was a very unfortunate situation indeed that her first real
chance to command as the Executive Officer was on a first contact mission gone
terribly wrong.
Back on the surface of Nauklon IV, Lieutenant Freeman and Zosin were carefully
looking at the murder scene.
"Zosin ... I'm not getting any thermal traces here that would be even close to
the Captain's. They match the victims ... and the only others from the time
frame are coming from two other indigenous life forms."
Zosin looked up.
"I know ... strange isn't it. The Captain's thermal traces are hours older than
the victims."
'Very ..."
"I'm forwarding this to the Griffin now," Freeman replied, tapping a few keys
on the transporter, and dumping it's data into the operations console. A dull
beep and flashing icon alerted Sable to it.
"Commander Daem ... Lieutenant Freeman has sent this up, and I think you should
see it."
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Chapter 8
{Nauklon medical chamber}
Doctor Stone again conferred with the Nauklon Doctor standing next to him. The
autopsy was going very slow since Jack didn't know much about Nauklon
physiology. Before starting he had gone over the basics that had been provided
to him by the medical facility so he'd at least have a clue while working. But
it didn't keep him from having to check every specific thing with the other
Doctor. Mostly because he wanted to make sure the autopsy was accurate.
After nearly seven hours he was done. If it weren't for the reason behind
having to do the autopsy, Jack would have considered the experience a very
successful exchange of medical knowledge and techniques. However, since he
didn't quite know what the results meant in relation to the investigation, he
wasn't sure it was a success yet. Especially when he considered the reaction
he thought the other Doctor had. He still didn't know how to judge the aliens'
unique habits, but he could have sworn the other Doctor was either afraid of
what they had found, or as utterly confused as he was himself.
{Griffin, Conference Room}
"I'm not sure what the implications of it are," Jack reported as he turned over
his autopsy report, "but it seems he died of an injected poison that has many
of the same effects as radiation poisoning."
Jaquelle looked over his report then handed it over to Rinali. "So the next
step is to try and find what on the planet this matches to, where it comes
from, and who has access to it."
{Griffin, Main Engineering}
McInnis smiled at Ugalesh's approach. "Any news?" he asked.
"I was going to ask you the same thing," Ugalesh replied.
The two men regarded each other for a few moments while silent in thought.
Finally Ugalesh spoke again. "Jurmin and I came aboard to let you all know
there's a bunch of rumors starting to run around. I thought you might be able
to help me reason through them and see if we can't dispel a few."
"Well, first I need to know what they are," McInnis replied with a nod.
"The first one is that the government somehow got news of the dinner and set
the whole thing up."
Scott was taken back. "Why would they want to do that and frame the Captain?"
"Because your Captain has much more experience in space travel and interspecies
relations than anyone on our planet," Ugalesh replied. "It would make sense.
They will have forced her into a position in our society to significantly
advance the extraterrestrial program."
"Uh... I suppose," McInnis replied, trying to absorb all the implications of
what Ugalesh had just said. "But I've never heard of a government being able
to do anything that complex so quickly."
"Actually, our government is very efficient," Ugalesh replied with what seemed
like pride. "Ever since the Hadren..." his four arms curled in as his voice
trailed off. Soon he shook himself and returned to normal. "Someone like your
Captain could really help us against them," he commented.
Scott exhaled and shook his head. "What are the other rumors?"
"One is that the disarray Euraysh had left his personal affairs in when we
launched the Grueso escalated while we were gone. Though I have very little
information on what all was going on there. We'd have to do some personal
investigating to figure that out. The other is that the anti-space group did
it to force the government to shut down the extraterrestrial program. If you
all are portrayed as being like the Hadren, the government would have to see
how dangerous what we're trying to do is. That we might attract or run into
species after species like them that we'd have to deal with."
"Well now that sounds like a reasonable theory," Scott replied. "Unfortunately
they all could be plausible. But the murder had to have been accomplished
with some measure of stealth or there would be more evidence. And stealth
means special equipment. Is there anyway to distinguish the other groups'
resources from your governments?"
{Griffin, Bridge}
Jurmin approached Sable. "How's the search coming?" she asked.
Ryan shook her head. "Very slowly. It turned out that the records of the
transporter lock we had kept on the Captain contains more information than our
sensors. So I'm searching through them now. All we can say for certain is
that Euraysh was alive when the Captain left him. However, I just heard that
Doctor Stone's autopsy showed he died of an injected poison."
"Which the authorities could claim she may have injected him with and then
left," Jurmin replied, her whole body seeming to shrink a little.
Both women fell into thought. After a few moments Jurmin spoke again. "May I
see the report of the poison? Perhaps I can help identify it?"
Ryan nodded. "Let's go ask Commander Daem."
"That is good," Jurmin replied, "I have a few things I need to tell her and
Lieutenant Travin."
Back to Top
Chapter 9
{Previously, Griffin, Conference Room}
"I'm not sure what the implications of it are," Jack reported as he turned
over his autopsy report, "but it seems he died of an injected poison that has
many of the same effects as radiation poisoning."
Jaquelle looked over his report then handed it over to Rinali. "So the
next step is to try and find what on the planet this matches to, where it
comes from, and who has access to it."
{And now ...}
Jaquelle was glad she had a talk with Rinali about the "chaperone" on the
planet for the Captain. It had never been her intention that Rinali would
stand guard at the Captain's door. Instead, the request for the appropriate
quarters for the "chaperone" was so that Rinali could put someone there who
could do some on planet investigation and be close to the Captain if needed.
"One other thing, Commander," Dr. Stone added, "I may not be an expert on the
Nauklon's unique habits, but I am positive that their Doctor was either
afraid of what we had found in the autopsy, or as utterly confused about the
poison as I was."
"Meaning?" Jaquelle asked.
"I don't know, but I think you should." Jack waited a second, then left.
"I think we should also give the poison information to Lt. Krasinski. There
may be something scientific about a poison that gives the effect of
radiation."
Just then the door chimed.
"Come," said Jaquelle. Ryan came in with Jurmin following.
"Commander," Ryan stated, "Jurmin wanted to see if he could identify the
poison found." Jaquelle nodded to Rinali who handed Jurmin the padd.
As Jurmin looked over the report, Jaquelle could sense his reaction. She
now fully understood what Dr. Stone was talking about when he commented on
the Nauklon doctor's reaction. It was clearly fear. Jaquelle waited for him
to stop staring at the padd.
"What is it, Jurmin?" Jaquelle asked.
"The poison is actually a high dose of a substance once used in early
experiments to allow us to transport ourselves short distances. It was made
to help the molecules in our skeletal structure break down to facilitate
transport. But then we found that those who used it were slowly and at first
not perceptibly being altered. The substance was banned and all forms of it
was supposedly destroyed," Jurmin explained.
Back to Top
Chapter 10
{Nauklon Detention area}
Rinali beamed down. She nodded to Zosin.
"Nothing notable has happened," he informed her, returning the nod.
"Very good. You are relieved," she informed him.
He simply called the ship and a moment later was beamed out.
Rinali looked around the adequately furnished attaché room the Captain's guard
had been given to stay in. Then she proceeded to the door that separated the
two rooms and knocked.
Priscilla opened the door and smiled. "Lieutenant," she acknowledged.
Rinali noted Priscilla was in a robe. "Sorry to bother you Captain. I am just
checking in for my shift."
"It's not a problem," Priscilla assured her. "I was just about to take a nap,
but wasn't asleep yet."
"I will let you sleep then," Rinali replied and closed the door.
{Same time, Euraysh's home... somewhere}
Priscilla woke slowly. Her head hurt. Her arms hurt. (Uh oh,) she thought.
She recognized this feeling...
She opened her eyes carefully and tried to take stock. Yup, she was quite
bound in an unfamiliar place. Surprisingly though, she discovered she was on a
bed.
Then, as expected, broken memories started coming back: figures, unnatural
rustling of leaves, a sharp pain in the back of her neck...
She and Euraysh had been ambushed on their tour. Priscilla squirmed a bit so
she could move her head to see the entire room. She sighed. There was no sign
of Euraysh.
Just then the door opened. Two Nauklons entered.
"She awake," Priscilla thought she heard one say. But it was just her best
estimation in translating. Now she didn't have to check her chest to know she
didn't have her communicator anymore.
"Yes. Time when they said would happen," was her best guess at what the other
replied.
They both looked at her. One moved hesitantly towards her. "Understand we?"
he asked.
Priscilla weighed her current options. Finally she sighed. "More or less,"
she replied as best she could in their language.
The two looked at each other. The woman motioned to the man, who retrieved a
small dark device out of his clothing.
The man tapped the top of the device. "Do you understand us now?" she heard
him ask in Federation Standard (that's English).
"Yes," she replied carefully.
"Good," the woman replied, pulling out what looked like a writing pad. "We
have a few questions for you to answer."
{USS Griffin, Sickbay, medical lab}
Doctor Stone peered over the data once more, finding his eyes returning to the
same point for the third time. Something there attracted his interest greatly,
but he could not yet meditate on it or analyze it clearly. There was important
information missing no doubt.
The information under question was the data recovered from Euraysh's autopsy.
The unusual radiation was like a taunting puzzle. He had been told that this
radiation was used by the Nauklon's primitive transporter targeting systems
(among other components), but the nature of the radiation within Euraysh's body
caused him to wonder otherwise. In comparison to other Nauklons, his body was
missing several key elements. As Doctor Stone looked over the composition of
the radiating atoms he found he was hard pressed to discover the catalyst that
had turned the missing elements into the present poison which had killed the
Nauklon.
Stone sat back a moment, reviewing in his mind the short amount of information
he had received regarding the poison. His mind continually returned to the
Nauklon transporter as he pondered, and each time he felt the urge to shake his
head. Transporters were not catalysts... then at once it struck him. How
ridiculous to immediately judge the Nauklon technology by Federation
technology, as it had every possibility to operate in a manner very different
to that which Doctor Stone was familiar.
With a sharp press against the floor, Stone spun his chair to face an adjacent
console. A few buttons were keyed, and the records regarding Nauklon
transporter technology requested. The computer informed him of a wait time
approximately ten minutes. During that down time he tapped his badge,
requesting the presence of the ever genius, chief engineer, McInnis.
Ten long moments later, Stone grinned over the console as he read, while
McInnis peered idly over the doctor's shoulder from the distance as he waited.
The article which delighted Stone began, "Dael is an element injected ... to
facilitate travel by quantum level destructuring and restructuring (i.e.
transportation/beaming) ... due to the nature of this element, the chemicals of
the [Nauklon] body, and the process of destructuring ... acts as a catalyst,
combining Dael and bodily chemicals ... which resulted in the first cases of
high electromagnetic energy bombardment (i.e. radiation poisoning) ... use of
destructuring was subsequently banned until prevention of bombardment or an
advancement in destructuring achieved..."
Back to Top
Chapter 11
{USS Griffin - Conference Room}
Doctor Stone looked on his audience expectantly, though it seemed too few were
intrigued. Though perhaps it was more stress and a lack of sleep than boredom
in their expressions.
"So, you're saying this radiation poisoning is a result of Nauklon
transporters?" Commander Sable questioned, more to insure the facts were
straight.
"Correct," Stone answered and nodded.
"And this dael is not radioactive until after transport, so Euraysh would have
to be transported for it to become radioactive and kill him, correct?"
"Yes," Stone answered again, gazing at Sable with some puzzlement over her
questions.
"So, how could this exonerate the Captain?" Freeman questioned in turn.
Doctor Stone had obviously prepared for such a question, as he straightened and
his expression hardened with intellect. Of course, he had probably prepared to
inform the crew about his findings and answer their possible questions in one
move, but as usual they had interrupted him mid-game.
"Lieutenant McInnis and I reviewed the transporter filter logs. If the Captain
had been injected with the substance it would have registered in the filter,
but the filters did not detect a trace of dael," Stone replied.
"With all due respect, Doctor, that doesn't necessarily prove Captain Myst
wasn't behind his murder," Zosin retorted, who's superior was on the planet's
surface with the Captain.
"No, it doesn't," Stone agreed, he then brought a diagram up on the view
screen. "But this does." He moved to point various points of the screen as he
spoke. "The regular dael dosage used with the Nauklon transporter would not
have killed Euraysh. He was given nearly ten times as much, and subsequently
the Captain should have been bombarded with radiation once he was beamed back
the garden. But the filters did not detect radiation."
"That seems a sloppy arrangement if the murderer planned to permanently pin
this on the Captain." Sable commented to herself.
Stone nodded, an odd exuberance emanating from him as he spoke. "Yes, but I
believe the murderer wanted him killed instantly. Any less of dael in the
Nauklon's system and he would have died a slow death, but with the amount
Euraysh had been given, it was quick and a little messy--logically leaving
behind trace radiation. And logically, that radiation should have transferred
to the Captain... if..." Then came more of the ifs.
"You assume that the murderer beamed Euraysh away and immediately back?"
Commander Daem asked.
"Yes, my tests say that he was beamed and returned to the sight at
approximately the time Captain Myst returned to the Griffin. Transport could
have occurred no later," Stone replied.
"Hypothetically speaking," Sable interjected, "what if Captain Myst didn't
really walk the gardens with Euraysh. What if they left and she had him
transported immediately, and then returned later?"
"Again, my tests suggest that Euraysh was beamed and returned to the sight at
that particular time. If he had been beamed away earlier, his system should
have shown further signs of degradation than they do."
"What if the Captain remotely controlled the transporter from the Griffin?"
Krasinski ventured to ask.
McInnis finally spoke, shaking his head. "I've gone over the Nauklon's
transporter and the radio frequencies they understand how to use. The sensors
didn't detect any anonymous signals from within the ship to the planet." He
then added as Freeman opened his mouth, "And I also checked for other
frequencies on regular radio and subspace radio bands, not to mention for
signals using carrier waves as a mask. Nothing." Freeman shut his mouth, his
question thwarted.
"You sure we've got a case here?" Freeman then asked.
McInnis nodded. "Stone has the medical evidence, and you've looked over the
garden."
Sable continued the thought with, "The Captain held no traces of dael or
radiation, though the surrounding area of the garden where Euraysh was found,
did. Euraysh was transported to ... anywhere, and back around the same time
the Captain transported to the Griffin, plus the Captain was transported from
the same area that Euraysh was found dead..." she looked to Freeman and Zosin
for confirmation and they nodded. "We haven't detected any remote radio
signals from the Griffin to Nauklon... am I missing anything?" Sable asked.
Daem began to count on her fingers as she went through the facts again out
loud. "Captain Myst transported to the Griffin around the same time Euraysh is
killed with a Nauklon transporter. No dael or radiation is detected on the
Captain. Euraysh was found dead where the Captain left, and the area is
saturated with radiation. No unusual signals were sent from the Griffin to the
surface. And no time elapsed between the time Euraysh was killed and the
Captain left that could cause suspicion." The executive officer looked around
the room for agreement. It seemed all the evidence they needed was in order.
"Good work," Daem commented. "Let's go free Captain Myst."
Back to Top
Chapter 12
{Same room, somewhere on Nauklon}
When Priscilla next awoke, she continued to find herself in the same
restraints on the same bed in the same room. This time, however, they
were waiting for her.
The woman started to ask more questions. For the last, what... three
days? That was Priscilla's best guess as to how long it had been
since she was kidnapped, assuming she hadn't been unconscious the
first time for more than one night. And ever since that first time
she awoke, the same pair had been showing up almost exactly to the
moment to question her. Each time the questions built upon whatever
little information they had managed to get from Priscilla the time before.
This time, the woman's words sounded garbled. Not due to a
malfunction in their translator box, which Priscilla had determined
was only programmed to handle Nauklon to English and back. She just
wasn't hearing properly... Maybe she wasn't fully conscious yet this
time?
Her stomach rumbled loud enough to be heard across the room. The two
Nauklons jumped slightly. (At least my eyesight is working properly,)
Priscilla mused. (I think.)
Again her stomach growled it's great protest. Priscilla had realized
the last time she had woken that they weren't going to feed her. And
she had started to worry. If they weren't feeding her it could only
mean that they didn't intended to hold her long enough to bother with
food. Which could only mean one of two things, either they were
planning to let her die, or... or she had no idea what the other
possibility was.
"Wa-ter," she asked with a raspy voice.
The man said something that Priscilla again didn't catch.
"I. Can't. Under. Stand," she beseeched. "Water. Plea-se..."
She watched the man and woman exchange sentences. The woman seemed to
get more upset at each reply from the man.
Priscilla just watched, letting her mind drift off behind her eyes.
This was the first time in a while that she had been given time to
think, to try and piece this strange puzzle together. They wanted
information from her, it seemed specifically relating to space travel
and such things found in 'the great beyond'. But they weren't
concerned for her health. Her crew hadn't found her yet, which could
mean they weren't looking, as it should be easy to find a part human
person on a planet of only Nauklons, or that there was some sensor
blocking effect in place, which she doubted since the Nauklons weren't
technologically advanced enough for that yet. There was the
possibility that something natural on the planet could block sensors,
but she didn't believe that either as Science should have detected it
on approach to the planet and let her know. So she was back to that
her crew wasn't looking for her. Why, she had no idea... though there
could be any of a number of reasons. Or, perhaps they were trying to
rescue her, and she just didn't know it because her captors kept her
unconscious whenever they weren't in the room. Which also struck her
as odd. Why keep a prisoner unconscious? Well, most logically, to
keep her from escaping. But what if she had no apparently viable
means of escape? Perhaps to keep her from crying out and being heard
by someone passing by? It was possible... she did appear to be in a
fairly nice room, and there was a window through which the sun shown
when she was awake during the day. She could tell from it that she
wasn't on the ground level. But... they could just make sure no one
passed by the room. Not like she could call out in any event. Her
voice was weak, and had been for awhile. Her other option for calling
out would be telepathically, not like there was anyone on this planet
who would be able to receive such a communication. Unless...
Priscilla blinked as an object was passed quite near before her eyes.
Could it be a container of water? She refocused and saw the note pad
the woman had brought with her on every visit. She mentally sighed.
It was getting too long, without anything. It took a week or more to
die of starvation, but dehydration, that went quicker. If she didn't
get something soon, one of these time she wouldn't wake up.
"If. No. One time. I. Won't. Wake," she tried to explain.
Her statement brought another set of words from the male. The woman
looked back at him.
"Then we get all we can now," she replied, and turned back to
Priscilla. "Can you hear me when I stand here?"
Priscilla nodded slightly.
"Good," the woman replied, having learned some of the humanoid
gestures that held meanings. "I want to know-"
Priscilla half listened and half tried to think of how to avoid the
answer, as usual. But something kept tripping her up. He had been
thinking of something before... but what was it? She felt it was
important, but she couldn't remember.
"-and when you communicate with-"
Communicate! That's what it was. Telepathically! But there was no
one on this planet who could receive it... unless... Unless what was it?
Unless her crew was still around, she finally remembered. If the
Griffin hadn't left yet. There were enough telepaths on the Griffin,
if even one of them was on the planet for whatever reason then that
person should be able to hear her. Not that Priscilla could tell if
any of them were, or even if such a person was if the person received
her, since she didn't have the full capabilities of a telepath. She
could only send, and receive what was sent out, she didn't have any of
the sensing abilities. But it was worth a try... perhaps they had
been keeping her unconscious because of that very reason?
"You're not paying attention!" the woman called out, bringing
Priscilla's thoughts back to the moment at hand. She saw the man
react to that statement by pulling out the needle he always used to
sedate her.
"-can't risk it," Priscilla heard him say as he approached.
(Help!) Priscilla called out mentally, as 'loud' as she could. She
didn't know if she'd have another chance.
She shied away from the needle as best she could. (Help!) she tried
again.
The woman turned away, with what may have been disgust, and walked out
of the room. The man pricked Priscilla with the needle and injected
her with whatever compound it was that they used to put her under.
As she was falling away, she caught something. A reply? (Captain?)
it asked with a mixture of caution and alarm. The voice seemed
familiar...
(Rinali!) she tried to call back, and darkness took her.
{Detention area}
Rinali looked over the most recent information that she had requested
be sent down from the ship. She was getting more and more frustrated
over finding nothing, absolutely nothing to help show the Captain's
innocence. She frowned. It almost seemed like things were *too*
perfect in keeping from proving the Captain hadn't been the murderer.
Suddenly she jerked her head up. She though she had heard something,
and it had sounded like the Captain's voice. As she carefully
listened, she quickly moved to the door between her room and the
Captain's.
Then she heard it again. (Help!) It was definitely the Captain's
voice, but...
(Captain?) she replied telepathically, opening the door at the same
time without announcing herself. Something was clearly wrong, but what?
She saw her Captain sleeping, or maybe just laying, in her bed. The
Captain sure had been sleeping a whole lot, ever since she had been
arrested. "Captain?" Rinali asked aloud.
"Rinali!" the Captain exclaimed, startled, and sat up. At the same
exact time Rinali heard the same exclamation in her mind.
Rinali frowned. "Are you alright, Captain?"
"Yes, fine, I was just sleeping," she hastily replied. "You startled me."
"I'm sorry, Captain, but I her-"
Rinali was interrupted by the sound of a transporter whine. She
turned to see Daem, Zosin, and Stone materialize. Rinali raised an
eyebrow at them as Priscilla walked over to see what was going on.
Jaquelle was smiling. "We believe we've found evidence to clear the
Captain's name," she informed them.
Rinali immediately moved to take a look at the PADD the Doctor was
carrying.
A shocked look crossed Priscilla's face, followed by reflexive frown,
which, realizing Zosin was watching her, she quickly covered with a
smile. "That's wonderful. Good job, Commander," she said with a nod.
Jaquelle looked over. The Captain's word had initially struck her
as... off, somehow. But the smile reassured her. "As soon as we go
through this with the Nauklon legal authorities, we'll get you back to
the ship."
"Very well," Priscilla replied. "I would like to still go through
with the official meeting with the Nauklon government, as was planned
two days ago," she informed the four before her.
Jaquelle raised an eyebrow, but then nodded. "I understand, we want
to show them that we respect their laws and have not taken any offense
by all this. I will ask about it as soon as this issue is settled."
"Yes, and thank you," Priscilla replied. "We can't let this tragedy
derail what good might come from establishing relations with these
people."
Back to Top
Chapter 13
Jaquelle, knew something was wrong, and it occurred to her that was the first
time she was on the planet since the Captain beamed down. She looked over at
Rinali and without even trying to sense her mind set she knew Rinali also
realized there was a problem.
"Very well Captain," Daem said. She turned to Rinali. "If you will leave
Lt. Zosin for awhile, I need your assistance in completing the report."
Rinali called for the beam out.
(Immediately upon their re-materialization on the Griffin)
"That's not the Captain," Daem said to Rinali and Stone. "Right before I
beamed down I sensed the Captain almost screaming out, then a sense of
overwhelming hunger, thirst and pain."
Rinali interrupted. "I also heard her calling out telepathically. That is
why I was with her when you beamed down. The captain in that room said she
was asleep, and you arrived before I could question her more. Then there was
nothing I could read."
Rinali was using her powers. Daem was even more worried just by that
occurrence. She activated her communicator.
"Lt. Krasinski, search the planet for Captain Myst's life signs. The woman
being held is not her. When you find her, beam her directly to sickbay."
Daem ordered. Daem then opened her mind to see of she could sense the
Captain as the three walked to sickbay.
Lt. Krasinski knew this was serious, not by the order but by the way Jaquelle
used her last name.
"So much for diplomacy and first contact protocol," Dr. Stone said to Daem.
"Don't you think the Captain and Starfleet will be very upset if you are
wrong?"
"Since I'm only an acting first officer, I only have the unofficial First
Officer's guide and it tells me something about what Ambassador Spock called
'cowboy diplomacy' and that my ultimate duty is to protect every person on
this ship, including the Captain. If the Captain is fine, we can beam her
back immediately. Daem looked back to Rinali. (was that a hint of approval
in her eye?)
Daem could not get another fix on the captain. There were just too many
minds and emotions flooding in on her and none were the emotions of the
Captain. Then came the question that Daem was not so sure she ever wanted to
ask Rinali.
"Commander, I am very sorry to ask you to do this, but the Captain maybe held
in a place that our senses can not detect---
"Commander Daem," the voice came from the comm. "I have Commander Concord on
a secured channel.
Victoria Concord, Jaquelle thought as the group entered sickbay, maybe I
don't have to impose on Rinali.
"Put her through to sick bay," Daem ordered.
The Captain's face, in the gold uniform of a Commander came up on the screen.
"Commander Daem, I heard my sister in pain calling telepathically for help,"
Victoria stated in a concerned but unexcited voice.
"Yes, Commander," answered Daem, "those of us who are at least somewhat
telepathic also heard it. We are searching for her now. If you have the
ability to pin point her whereabouts, we--"
At that moment a transporter beam initiated in sick bay.
"It's the Captain," Stone confirmed.
"Commander Daem," Krasinski's voice rang out in triumph over the comm, "I've
got her. She is unconscious and her life signs are somewhat weak but stable.
She seems dehydrated and somehow drugged. She was located in a small room
some 10 meters above what we thought her actual location was. Apparently
they some how placed her in the same position as the fake captain in an
attempt to th--"
"Thank you Anna, I will hear your full report later," Jaquelle said as kindly
as possible. Jaquelle thought, Anna had to be the only science officer in
Starfleet that would try to perform a complete physical while beaming the
Captain on board. And she knew Anna would go through every detail if allowed
and right now she had a sick Captain, a concerned telepathic sister and
possibly a diplomatic disaster on the planet.
Victoria, being Starfleet and hearing enough to know her sister was in good
hands quipped:
"And I will await a full report from my sister if she wants to tell me,
Concord out."
Jaquelle turned her attention from the monitor to Dr. Stone who was working
on the Captain.
"What is the prognosis Doctor?" Jaquelle asked.
"Well, 'Dr.' Krasinski's assessment was accurate. I am clearing the drug
from her system, hydrating her and administering nutriment. She should be
fine."
With the concern for the Captain quite literally off her mind, Jaquelle
turned to Rinali,
"I think we need to talk with Ugalesh and Jurmin about this turn of events,"
she said. (And maybe evoke a little of the 'cowboy diplomacy,') she thought.
Back to Top
Chapter 14
{Planet's Surface}
"You bloody incompetent morons. I TOLD you not to let something like this
happen. I gave you all the tools you needed, and still, your genetically
deficient carcasses blundered it!" the captain, or rather the impostor that
looked like Captain Myst, shouted into a secure landline to an unknown source.
Out of the corner of her eye she watched Zosin and the Nauklon guard with him
outside. The Nauklon's on the other end wavered nervously, mumbling something
unintelligible.
"Consider the arrangement OFF." Before she could get a reply, she closed the
circuit. Fuming, she closed her eyes, and when they opened she appeared as calm
and serene as she had before. Pocketing something, she stood up from her desk
and headed for the door of her office, the door of which Zosin and the other
guard were standing sentry duty at.
Zosin swiveled to face her on his heal as the captain appeared, greeting her
with the professional nod of his head. "Captain." The Nauklon guard also gave
a friendly smile and greeting, though his eyes seemed to tell of something
more. A sort of knowing nervousness, which made the 'captain' sneer within.
"Let's get back to the ship," the 'captain' replied, looking at the two guards.
"Are you ready Zosin?" she asked flatly, eyeing the other guard with hidden
contempt, and through the eyes of a predator.
The Nauklon guard seemed to blanch at the 'captain's' statements, if Zosin
wasn't mistaken. "Yes, ma'am," he replied flatly, also eyeing the guard, but
with deep curiosity.
"Good. Have us beamed up to the Griffin immediately," she ordered, smiling at
the guard when Zosin was busying himself with making sure his weapon was secure.
Zosin nodded again, tapping his badge. "Zosin to the Griffin, the Captain is
ready to return." He was slightly puzzled to the reason the Captain had
remained on the planet while he was left as guard. Surely, he would have been
informed if something was amiss he reasoned. Of course, Daem still had the
task of giving the government the evidence to acquit the Captain, he then
recalled.
Suddenly the 'captain' exploded into action, snapping a kick at Zosin's head
that sent teeth and blood splattering. Before the Nauklon guard could react he
found a very pointy piece of steel in his gut, exactly where his voice box was.
Making sure Zosin was down for the time being she grabbed the hilt of the
strange knife and jerked it upward, splitting the hapless guard in two from the
torso up. Reaching in her pocket, she dropped a handwritten note in the
Nauklon's archenemy's language warning them about bringing in outside help.
"Hapless fools," she hissed, making sure her artificial Hadren fingerprints
were all over the crime scene. When she was done, she was beamed away, but not
to the Griffin. On the chest of an unconscious Zosin, a combadge chirped with
the transporter chief's voice. "We're unable to beam up at this time, we're
receiving some sort of interference, sir. And Commander Travin would like to
speak with you. ... Zosin? ... Zosin...?"
The 'captain' Rematerialized in the meeting hall of the Nauklon Cartel. They
all looked up surprised, then horrified as they were all coldly and
methodically shot with a stolen Hadren energy disrupter. None escaped, and the
call for help only fell on a tapped and intercepted source. At the same time,
all over the planet, family members and spouses suffered a series of fatal
accidents (including those who had held Captain Myst captive), and strategic
files suddenly disappeared.
The 'captain' stood over the last Nauklon as she lay wounded -- purposely. "I
warned you if you ever failed us, or betrayed us you'd never live to tell your
tale." The Nauklon coughed up blood, trying to plead for mercy. The Nauklon
found it in a blast to the face.
Now having completed her task, the 'captain' disappeared. She left Nauklon,
the system, the area of space, unknown, undetected, and unmolested. Gone
forever, never to be seen again by anyone, returned home to where she had
sprung from. Her mission was complete. It was not the original mission, but
there were always contingencies, dozen upon dozens planned for such occasions.
It mattered little to her.
{USS Griffin}
With the concern for the Captain quite literally off her mind, Jaquelle turned
to Rinali.
"I think we need to talk with Ugalesh and Jurmin about this turn of events,"
she said. (And maybe evoke a little of the 'cowboy diplomacy,') she thought.
At that moment her combadge beeped.
"Commander Daem," Freeman reported from the bridge over the intercom. "There
is an urgent message for you from the surface. I tried to take a message but
they insisted they speak with you."
Daem fought a sigh. "That's all right, Lieutenant. Please send it to Doctor
Stone's office," she said, looking to the busy doctor for approval. He merely
shrugged, and resumed his check over Captain Myst. Travin followed Daem from a
silent waving command.
Daem settled into the visitor's chair at the doctor's desk, turning the screen
to face her. She opened the channel, met by a Jurmin that appeared to be very
agitated and frightened. The Nauklon dismissed any pleasantries, opening with
his immediate point.
"Commander Daem, we have been ambushed," he spoke quickly, with fear and even a
taste of regret. "And your Captain has disappeared."
Daem did her best to calm him. "Our Captain is fine," she replied, though
suddenly thought better of giving the captain's location. "What do you mean
you were ambushed?"
The Nauklon's eyestalks shook violently. "The Hadren, they somehow attacked us
secretly. They broke into the chamber where your Captain was staying. Our
guard is dead and your officer is unconscious ... we think. And several of our
prominent citizens and leaders have been murdered! We think they kidnapped
your Captain!"
Daem's mind was boggled and could have rolled with this shocking information.
It seemed so sudden, and unexplainable. Behind her, stood Travin, soaking the
information in.
"How do you know it was the Hadren?" Travin questioned, her composure utterly
professional.
"Because they gave us a note, saying they had warned us about bringing you
here. And we have found knives and detected traces of their other weaponry.
There were rumors that a strong leftist group was working with the Hadren, and
many of the families killed were members of that group. We are lost!" he
wailed, falling to depression. "Lost! We wish to apply for membership with
your Federation. It is our only hope for protection!"
Back to Top
Chapter 15
{Planet's Surface - Outside of Military Hall}
"Daem to Travin."
"Travin here."
"What is the situation on the planet?"
"For the moment, we have things under control. Most of the Nauklon's
equivalents of generals are dead, so they were more than eager to let me aid in
the deployment of troops. All remaining potential targets are being guarded
and we have a military presence throughout the city. The citizens are being
reassured that the Federation has no intention of leaving their planet in such
a state."
"Well done, Lieutenant Commander. Keep me informed of any further
developments."
"If I may ask, Commander, is Captain Myst recovering?"
"She's doing fine. Once we have the OK from Doctor Stone, we'll talk to her
about her abduction."
"Thank you, Commander. The Nauklons seem to have things in hand for the
moment, so I am going to see Ensign Zosin. Travin out."
{Planet's Surface - Location Unknown}
"They killed them?"
Nal looked into Asurgen's enraged eyes, waving about wildly on their stalks.
"Yes. The streets were in chaos when I left. The Federation ship is assisting
in restoring order. I believe..."
"Our operatives too?" Asurgen demanded. Nal sighed.
"Yes, they're all dead. But the important thing is that we've secured
Federation interest. I believe that the temporary government has already asked
to join."
"What's the point!" screamed Asurgen, waving her arms furiously. "The social
recovery alone will take decades! I say we show them we're not just pawns!
Take the initiative!"
Nal straightened up and faced his second in command.
"I am still leader here and I say we do not move until our allies give the
word."
"And who," Asurgen said, her voice dangerously raspy, "who do you think our
people will follow when they learn that our so called allies have abandoned us?"
{Planet's Surface - Room in City Hospital}
"Rinali."
That was far more startling than Zosin's injured appearance. When had Rinali's
steady, professional second ever referred to her by her first name?
"Ensign Zosin," Rinali replied, trying to restore a sense of formality to the
exchange. "How are your injuries?"
Zosin ignored the question. "Are we alone?"
Rinali nodded. She had managed to get the Nauklon guards and doctors to give
them some privacy, in case something problematic was revealed when she spoke to
Zosin.
"Where..." Zosin began haltingly, "where is Captain Myst?"
Rinali decided to start at the end of that story, then work backwards to cover
anything Zosin didn't know.
"The real Captain Myst is on the Griffin recuperating from her abduction."
Zosin nodded. "The Captain, the other one, attacked me, and the guard I
assume. Something about this....it feels wrong. I don't....."
To Rinali's alarm, Zosin trailed off. She made a quick check of his vital
signs and was relieved to find them normal, as far as she could tell. The
strain of recovery must have simply tired Zosin out. Rinali frowned at the
numerous crude bandages over Zosin's wounds. She tapped her communicator and
called for transport.
"One to beam to sickbay," she ordered. Zosin's unconscious form shimmered and
disappeared from the bed.
Rinali had only a brief moment to contemplate her next move before she heard
it. She had been subconsciously shutting out the sounds of fighting and
calamity for most of the day as she dealt with citizens in a panic and
leaderless soldiers in shock. But these sounds were significantly closer.
Rinali turned just as the door behind her burst open. A group of twelve
Nauklons burst in, armed with what Rinali recognized as Nauklon weaponry. They
were clad strangely, wearing armor that looked either makeshift or outdated.
"We are the Nauklon Army of the True Blood!" one of the Nauklons barked at
Rinali. "We have taken this facility and you are our prisoner! Surrender!"
Rinali let a grin smile play about her lips.
"I find that unlikely to happen."
Back to Top
Chapter 16
In truth the Nauklons had rarely been left to their own development once placed
on the spatial map of many different species. Numerous peoples had approached
the government and it's political parties promising technology, relocation, and
some even boasted they would conquer the Nauklons. It seemed the world had a
buried treasure that the inhabitants did not understand, a coveted treasure.
Then the allies arrived, negotiating with the Army of True Blood protection and
technology. It was best offer they thought they had yet to receive and openly
accepted. The Nauklons began to learn and understand the mechanical miracles
of their heavenly neighbors, and soon learned what
treasure lie beneath their rocks. And being a generous people, they saw no
harm in sharing it in abundance with their new found allies.
But then the Army of Blood all too soon discovered that they were not the only
political power with an ally. The Cartel, their great enemy, had gained one as
well, and they were advancing and prospering far quicker than the Army of
Blood. They felt threatened ...
-Replay-
{Planet's Surface - Location Unknown}
"They killed them?"
Nal looked into Asurgen's enraged eyes, waving about wildly on their stalks.
"Yes. The streets were in chaos when I left. The Federation ship is assisting
in restoring order. I believe..."
"Our operatives too?" Asurgen demanded. Several agents from the Army of Blood
had infiltrated the Nauklon Cartel the day they discovered their largest
political enemy had gained an unknown outside ally. Yet, they had failed to
positively identify the intruder, and now they would never know.
Nal sighed.
"Yes, they're all dead. But the important thing is that we've secured
Federation interest. I believe that the temporary government has already asked
to join."
When they had first been approached by their own ally, they had been promised
an abundance of technology comparable to the Federation, but soon the
organization, boosted by stories of a great technological, exploratory empire,
had become enamored with idea of joining them. Yet some within the ranks still
felt distaste to the idea of joining the Federation, and their ally felt
similarly, attempting on several occasions to guide the Army of True Blood
leader away from the idea. Their ally had also strongly cautioned against
following the impostor Myst (as she was of the Federation) should she
be found guilty, though he had not known she was an impostor.
"What's the point!" screamed Asurgen, waving her arms furiously. "The social
recovery alone will take decades! I say we show them we're not just pawns!
Take the initiative!" Asurgen had been one to show some sort of indifference,
yet a strong opinion that the Nauklons should establish themselves in the
galaxy before joining a Federation; and perhaps she felt it even unnecessary to
join if they more than successfully established their society in space.
Nal straightened up and faced his second in command.
"I am still leader here and I say we do not move until our allies give the
word." Nal still hoped their ally--who had mysteriously abandoned them when
the impostor Myst had disappeared and the Hadren had finished their murderous
rampage--would miracle a return to guide them.
"And who," Asurgen said, her voice dangerously raspy. "who do you think our
people will follow when they learn that our so called allies have abandoned us?"
{Room in City Hospital}
Rinali had only a brief moment to contemplate her next move before she heard
it. She had been subconsciously shutting out the sounds of fighting and
calamity for most of the day as she dealt with citizens in a panic and
leaderless soldiers in shock. But these sounds were significantly closer.
Rinali turned just as the door behind her burst open. A group of twelve
Nauklons burst in, armed with what Rinali recognized as Nauklon weaponry. They
were clad strangely, wearing armor that looked either makeshift or
outdated.
"We are the Nauklon Army of the True Blood!" one of the Nauklons barked at
Rinali. "We have taken this facility and you are our prisoner! Surrender!"
Rinali let a grin smile play about her lips.
"I find that unlikely to happen."
A female Nauklon, her presence possessing and assertive, stood forward from
what was most likely her posse. "Do not be so confident, prisoner. We have
set up a dampening field that will disrupt your transporter." Her expression
seemed pleased as Travin calmly attempted a transport without success. The
Chief Security Officer seemed momentary mystified, but far from rattled.
The other Nauklons filled the room, surrounding Travin.
Travin titled her head slightly with the rise of her chin, eyes narrowed.
"When I do not report to my ship, they will come looking for me," she informed
them firmly.
The female Nauklon waved her hands and stalks in a gesture that Travin was
unsure of the meaning, but it seemed she held no amount of regard for the
information, confident beyond a doubt of their abilities to withstand.
Travin was not impressed. "Why are you holding us prisoner?"
"Because we don't need you," the leader hissed. "We are more than capable of
being our own great empire. We must convince our own of this, and you,
prisoner, will help."
"Some great empire ... look out the window, you were nearly obliterated by a
few fighters," the only other security officer with Travin mumbled.
Travin was slightly taken back by this comment, studying the Nauklon for a
moment. "You feel threatened by us," Travin interpreted.
"You and others have threatened us, it will stop today."
The scenario seemed all too familiar and sickly at that. "Who put you up to
this?" Travin questioned, hoping that she might find the source behind the
chaos on Nauklon--prove her theories correct.
The Nauklon was deeply offended, her stalks twisting and cracking in vexation.
"No one put us up to this. We are our own people," she growled.
"But there was someone before," Travin pressed, grimacing at the leading
question, but it seemed necessary. "Someone that told you what to do?"
The Nauklon was silent a moment, obviously contemplating whether to reveal the
information Travin was asking for. "We were allied," the Nauklon replied after
a moment in some hesitation. "They promised us protection from the Hadren and
other hostiles, if we would someday let them have a substance from our planet."
Travin instantly jumped on the moment, her mind accelerating for the crowning
moment. "Who was this ally?"
"They were the Lrexians, mortal enemies of the Hadren," the leader responded.
Travin mentally slumped, that had not been the answer she had been expecting.
Yet perhaps ...
In the distance, the dull CRUMP CRUMP CRUMP of conventional warheads landing
from an airborne source became clearly heard. The lights flickered, and dust
trickled down from the ceiling. At one edge of the city, four Hadren attack
fighters came in low dropping a type of cluster munitions as well as
conventional type bombs. On the street several dozen Nauklons were obliterated,
and a Starfleet security officer was seriously injured. The alarmed cries of
warning, and the more organized orders of the Federation personnel to take
cover began ringing out, the shrill scream of the fighter's engines getting
closer to Travin's position.
In orbit, Freeman's monitors lit up with the appearance of Hadren craft.
Turning to face the Center seat, he spoke loudly.
"Sir, four Hadren attack craft are bombing the city below. The jamming field
around Travin is gone sir. Should I bring our people back?"
Myst sat in her seat, contemplating a moment. She still looked rough around the
edges. A curt nod gave him the answer he needed. Immediately Freeman forwarded
the order to recall the exposed personnel back to Griffin.
"Our people have been brought back." Freeman reported a moment later. Myst
nodded, and scarcely before he could look back at his sensor panels the alarm
sounded again. "Another contact, coming in low and fast from the East. On an
intercept course for the Hadren vessels. Does not match any known Nauklon types
..."
Back on the planet, the Nauklons were cringing as the bombs came down. Above
them the Hadren rained down fire without retribution. All of a sudden a fifth
craft appeared (Lrexian), engaging the Hadren with some type of energy
projectile weapon, and exploding one Hadren fighter like a plastic toy. The
other three broke off their run, and jettisoned their ordinance, the explosives
vaporizing cubic meters of the streets. In an acrobatic dance that lasted a
moment, another Hadren craft went down in flames, followed by the Lrexian
fighter that came to relieve the beleaguered Nauklons.
The wreckage crashed to the ground and exploded, incinerating everything for
meters around. The damage was done however, the Army of True Blood explosively
rent apart in the center of the street and hospital building. When the Lrexian
had come to offer protection, it had ironically offered an end with its own
demise, incinerated beyond recognition.
Back in orbit, the Griffin was at red alert, breaking orbit to intercept the
Hadren craft. The larger, more advanced Federation starship caught up easily,
and was preparing to lock her tractor beam on target when the Hadrens fired a
weapon that resembled a photon torpedo.
The weapons hit the forward shields, shaking the ship violently. Travin's
replacement on the bridge reported the damage.
"Ten percent drain on the forward shields sir."
Myst stood up, and calmly gave the order to return fire. "Engage the enemy. We
have to protect the Nauklons."
Travin's replacement wasted no time, and the primary phaser array on the dorsal
surface of the saucer energized and fired two quick bursts, exploding the
Hadren attack fighters into clouds of vapor. The whole 'battle' lasted about
twenty seconds. Upon it's completion, Freeman tossed a quick glance to Sable as
Myst gave the order to return to the planet.
"Form up security details and medical teams."
Back to Top
Chapter 17
{Two hours later: Griffin, Ready Room}
Priscilla fell into her chair behind her desk. As she waited for the
connection to Starfleet Command to be made, she lay her head in her
hands being propped up by the desk. She was tired, oh so very tired.
Not mentally, her mind was racing at trying to figure out what the
next step was based on all she had been filled in about the last few
days, but physically. Doctor Stone had made sure all of the Nauklon
drug was out of her systems and she was fully hydrated and fed before
releasing her from sickbay, but there was no medicinal quick way to
solve her body's deep desire to simply not move.
The next thing she knew, someone was calling her name. She sat up
with a start. Then exhaled as she realized where she was. She
blinked a couple times as her eyes focused on the location of the
voice. "Admiral," she stated upon seeing that the comm screen before
her was looking back at her with concern. She said it more as a
realization to herself than as a greeting, but it worked either way.
"Are you alright Captain?" he asked. "What happened?"
"I'll be fine after a good day or two of sleep," she replied with a
slight shake of her head. "The *really* short version is that the
Nauklon military is practically decimated, a few of their prominent
leaders have been killed as well, and the Nauklon government is asking
to join the Federation. The planet *is* united under one government,
but as you know they only just made their first warp attempt.
However, it is *quite* clear that they need protection, and not only
from the Hadren."
"Hadren?"
"That's the name the micro-wormhole using people are called by the
Nauklons," Priscilla explained tiredly.
The Admiral nodded, then shook his head. "Even if they did manage to
get themselves admitted, the process takes a minimum of months. I
assume from what I see and hear that their situation is more immediate..."
Prisillca nodded. "Oh, I know membership is highly unlikely for them
at this stage. But from all I've gathered, we're the only ones who've
approached in kindness. I wouldn't be surprised if there was actually
a reason behind the Hadren and whoever else keeping the Nauklons out
of the Federation's sight before now..." she closed her eyes and shook
her head. She was beginning to ramble. "My official report is that
they have requested and are in need of immediate humanitarian aid,"
she finally informed him.
The Admiral nodded thoughtfully. "I will see what I can do about
getting at least preliminary relief there within the next two days.
And I await your full report," he informed her before signing out.
Priscilla sighed. (Yet another thing that must get done before
sleeping...) But a moment later she had another thought.
"Myst to Commander Daem, please come to my ready room."
"On my way," Jaquelle replied.
Seconds later, as she had been on the Bridge, Jaquelle entered.
"Captain?"
"As you were in charge these last few days and so have first hand
knowledge of all that's gone on, as your first official act as First
Officer I want you to write up a full report for Starfleet Command."
Priscilla stood and smiled. "Congratulations, Number One. I know it
wouldn't take you long to earn the promotion."
Jaquelle smiled back. "Thank you Captain."
Priscilla nodded and started to move around her desk. "Now, since
Travin, Freeman and the Doctor are coordinating the teams on the
surface, and you and Sable are coordinating with them and things up
here, and I believe everything is under control, I'm heading to bed
for the next dozen hours or so," she finished with a flourishing
gesture of her arm.
"Sleep well, sir," Jaquelle replied as she followed Priscilla out of
the office.
"Oh I will, I don't have the option," Priscilla replied with a slight
laugh.
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