Embedded Files
Location: The Axel, Deck 1
Timeline: 12 days after the explosion in Cargo Bay 5
Vidar, having been on this ship for only a day, was already finding it hard to fit in. He had been spending over an hour now, just pacing around the ship, waiting for someone to tell him what to do. Since his meeting with the Vulcan who helped him control his emotions many years ago, he had spent his life working toward a goal. He didn't know what that goal was, but it kept him busy. Perhaps his life long goal was to be part of a crew. Now that he was, he had nothing to do with his life. He decided to report to Commander Korav and ask for an assignment.
So he went on his way to the Main Bridge. A few moments later, he was at the door to the bridge, just far enough away so that it would not open. He stopped for a moment and thought about what he should do or say. Nothing came to mind. So he decided to just step in and see. He stepped forward. The door opened. He went into the main bridge. It was.... he didn't know what to think of it. He had never been in the bridge of a ship before.
He saw the captain in his chair in the middle of the room. He didn't look to busy at the moment.
"Greetings captain. I am Vidar. The new marine who just got here. I was wondering if there was anything I can do, as a member of this crew, at the moment."
Korav glared at the man through his pale white eyes and thought for a moment before finally speaking.
"First off, buddy, there ARE no marines on this ship. You're a hired gun and you work for me. I don't see a jarhead haircut, and I don't see no uniform, so you aren't a marine, got it?" He pointed a finger at the Romulan.
"Sorry sir. I guess I misunderstood my orders."
"Good. I hate marines." Korav got up and shook the man's hand. "Welcome aboard. I'm Captain Korav. You are...?"
"Um....... Vidar, sir........ captain."
"Well, if you're looking for something to do, Kim down in sickbay could use some muscle to help move equipment and such." Korav handed Vidar a PADD. "You can get yourself a physical too while you're down there."
"Yes captain."
Vidar, quite embarrassed from his mistake, quickly left the bridge. He then hurried to the medical bay. Once inside, he was amazed by how clean it was. He hadn't been in a real medical facility in over 3 years. As he returned to the present. He saw the nurse standing in front of him, waiting for some kind of greeting.
"Hello. I'm Vidar, the new hired gun. I've been instructed by the captain to come down here to get a physical and aid you in moving equipment."
“Welcome aboard,” Kim said. She looked over at Selvani, and he seemed to be resting comfortably. Turning back to Vidar, she said, “We’ve been pretty busy lately, and you seem to be in relatively good health, how would you feel about postponing the physical until tomorrow.”
"Very well." responded Vidar as he tried to keep his imagination in check.
“Don’t look so disappointed,” Kim teased. “If you’d be good enough to help me carry these heavy boxes, I’ll give you the grand tour. I might even introduce you to a few people. What do you say?”
"That sounds like a fine plan." answered Vidar.
“Excellent!” Kim said with genuine enthusiasm. She started putting boxes of medical supplies in the young man’s arms as she talked. “If you found your way here from the bridge, then you already passed the Captain’s ready room and quarters, you would have had to come down from there. We’re pretty much centrally located here in Sickbay. The Executive Officer’s quarters and main computer are aft, or in the front of the ship. Behind us, or astern, would be the Armory and Mess Hall.” Kim paused, and asked, “You’re not hungry, are you?”
"Starving." said Vidar.
“Terrific, I’m hungry too, and we’re bound to meet some of the guys there,” Kim told him, as she headed for the door. “We have to put this in storage, that’s on Deck 3 along with a transporter, gym and crew’s quarters. Most of us have to share a cabin, and there’s a time limit on the showers. You have to have seniority or have done some outstanding work to get a cabin of your own around here.”
"Well depending on my roommate, I might never want a promotion." said Vidar with a smile.
Kim blushed a deep scarlet, but she was also smiling brightly, when she said, “No, you can’t share a cabin with me.” The Oriental girl stopped next to the ladder and set her packages down. “If you would just hand these to me, after I get to the bottom.”
"Okay."
Kim stacked the boxes as Vidar handed them down to her one-by-one. “Come on,” Kim said, “the storage area is at the end of this hall. Then, we can have lunch.”
"After you." They started walking down the hall. "This is a big ship," said Vidar, in an attempt to start a conversation.
“Engines are Deck 4 along with a small hydroponics area for growing fresh food,” Kim explained, “and Deck 5 is cargo space. It takes up almost half of the ship, and there’s even a shuttle parked in there.”
"Wow."
Kim opened the cupboard and put things away. “Shall we see how much you remember? How about we race back to the Mess Hall?”
"I wouldn't want to show off." said Vidar. "But if you insist."
They ran from the medical bay to the mess hall. As they ran, Vidar noticed that they didn't pass anyone along the way. He then remembered that this wasn't a star fleet ship. Due to his life long goal to make it onto a ship, he started imagining much grander vessels. Only at this moment, did it sink in that he was only a mercenary on a ship of outlaws. However, he didn't want to show any weakness so early into his time on the Axel, so he pushed the thoughts out of his mind, and thought about the enjoyable lunch he was about to have.
They made it to the mess hall. There were a few other people there, enjoying their lunch already.
"So what kind of food do they have here?" asked Vidar.
“Bad,” the girl replied simply.
"Ah," responded Vidar. "I don't know what that is."
Kim wondered what the Romulan word for ‘bad’ was. Maybe he was teasing her. “No, seriously--BAD. Lunch starts with whatever we can find on sale, and then the Ferengi cook ruins it completely.”
"Sounds good," said Vidar.
Kim looked up to the Romulan to see him smirking at her--he was teasing. “I guess there’s no such thing as bad food when you’re hungry,” Kim said. “What do you usually eat?”
"Well to be honest," answered Vidar. "I used to steal most of my food, and usually didn't know what it was called."
“Steal?”
"It's a long story," said Vidar. He didn't feel right about telling her about his desperate life as of yet. "So what kind of stuff usually goes on, on a ship like this?"
“Well, we’re better equipped now that we work for SAI,” Kim started to explain. “We take supplies and other help to people who need it. Other help would be guys like you. You see, most decent people struggle to make a life for themselves. They’re pretty much defenseless, when someone with lawyers, guns and money comes along, and takes everything from them. Big guys have hired muscle. Good people in trouble have SAI, and SAI has you.”
"I mean what should I expect? Lots of battles? Trading? What kind of stuff does Siridon Arms get us into?"
Kim thought about how much she should tell him. The Captain wouldn’t like it, if she scared away new mercs. When she came aboard, it was as a slave. She was being tortured while the crew assassinated a crime lord. She murdered her Ferengi master as the Axel fought a space battle. The first passengers she met were vampires, and their last mission -- to deliver a simple message to a human family living on Quo’Nos -- had them on the front lines during a Klingon civil war.
Roquel had walked up on the two crewmen. She'd recognized Kim as the nurse in the infirmary. The other guy was apparently new...newer than her, and that surprised her, alot! She interposed herself close and between the two, so everyone could easily see each other. "We're just about to find out. Really we don't know yet, this Siridon Arms deal is new to everyone....even Korav."
Seeing the expression of surprise on the young Romulan's face made Roquel smile, briefly. In as friendly a manner as possible (without flirting), she extended her hand to the man. "Hi, my name is Roquel, Roquel Atrell, and I'm the new shuttle pilot aboard. I can't tell you too much, so you'd best just listen to...Kim, is it?" She looked over to the even younger Asian woman for confirmation.
“Yes, it is,” Kim replied, “and your friend is doing much better.”
"I hardly know the man." Roquel corrected, shaking her head side-to-side. "He was just assisting me with an inventory of their medical gear. But, I'm glad he's getting better; that was awful." With an expression of near awe, she added, "I'll give him this though.....He's one brave damn S.O.B. I would've been outta there in a heartbeat."
Kim wanted to know more about the fire that had nearly killed the poor lizard man. She suspected that it was no accident, but this was hardly the time or place to discuss it.
"Well, if you'll excuse my butting-in, I just thought maybe I could find out a little more of the who's-who and what's-how myself. I've got to get back to work, in a few though. The cargo is finally ready for a good check-over now that the foam suppressants have dissolved."
“I’ve been meaning to ask you about that,” Kim said. “The next time you have a free moment, maybe you could join me for a cup of tea?”
'FINALLY' Roquel thought, 'I've been approached with a genuine offer for a social encounter. Since I've been here, not even my old friend Daius has approached me except in a matter of crew business. Her smile was unmistakeable upon her face, though she tried to contain herself. "I'd be delighted. Do you like Oolong? That's my favorite. I keep a stash aboard the Bee. I can bring some with me, unless the cook has got any in here." Roquel appraised the mess hall selection of dried goods that she could see.
"Somehow, I doubt that!" She emphasized her opinion by rolling her eyes. "Tell you what, you name the time and place....I'll be there."
“How about this Sunday afternoon?” Kim asked, “Around three?”
"So what should I do next? asked Vidar
“I think the next thing for you to do, would be to meet some of your team mates,” Kim said. “How do you feel about Jem’Hadar?”
"I'm impartial," stated Vidar,"Sure."
The stocky Ferengi, Pleg entered the mess hall, gave a cursory nod to Roquel and Kim, and finally approached Phemeril. Pleg appeared to question him about something, in a manner that indicated previous conversation. Phemeril, on his part, answered negative and went into a lengthy explanation, which the group could not here. A slip of Latinum exchanged hands from Pleg to Phemeril, and the former Ferengi quickly exited from whence he came.
Roquel looked askance at her companions. "Now, what the heck was that all about?"
"Why is there a Ferengi on this ship?" inquired Vidar.
“I have no idea,” Kim stated flatly. “I try to avoid Ferengi. So far, every one I’ve met has been trouble.”
----------------------------------------------------
Location: Med Bay
He opened his eyes, and it took a moment to realize he had control. It had been a long time since he had control of a body. He took a moment to try and remember the controls and sent the thing falling to the deck.
Kim set down the tray of instruments, and ran to the Trill’s side. Taking him in her arms, she was able to pull him up a bit, but lifting was another matter. “Selvani, Selvani,” Kim tried to get him to focus. “Are you okay? What happened?”
“Get your hands off me!” he said in a voice that was not his own. He stood shakily and looked at the nurse. She was pretty, and in the back of his head he knew something that made him smile that devious smile that had once won elections for him. “Ah, you… Selvani has told me about you. You’re the one he fancies.”
Kim knew she was holding Selvani’s body, but she also knew that wasn’t the way Selvani talked or moved. He was having trouble controlling the very strong personalities he was joined with, and Kim hadn’t found any useful information in the medical files that would tame the symbiote without harming it’s host.
“Ernie!”
“Look,” Kim said matter-of-factly, “you picked the wrong ship to be weird on. You think you’re going to scare me with a different voice? Hey, I have killed vampires. I see at least three things weirder than you whenever I go to the Mess Hall.” Kim let go of Selvani’s body and pushed against his left shoulder, causing him to fall backward. She got up, and brushed off her uniform. “You want to be all weird and scary on this ship, you have to stand in line--a line that starts with our captain and goes around the ship twice!” Nodding in the direction of the EMH, Kim said, “You tell him, Ernie.”
"Oh dear...." Ernie said as he materialized directly behind Selvani. "Multiple personality disorder, or is this a previous incarnation that I'm speaking to?"
He laughed severely, “I am of the Torr, I was once the leader of men, and now I serve a mindless child.”
"I see...." Ernie said in an irritatingly analytical tone. "Perhaps you would care to grace us with a name? Some stories perhaps? Certainly a name at least. You know in some cultures, I'm sure Trill being one of them, it's considered extremely rude to show up in somebody's sickbay, receive medical treatment
“I am Konra Torr.” He gave a short military bow and smiled at the doctor. “It is good to see one as weak as you interested in the stories of battle, even the Trill who are not known as a race of warriors, have some who fought.” He smiled and looked as if he were going to be begin a story, but mercifully he never got the chance.
While Ernie was distracting whoever had Selvani’s body now, Kim grabbed a vial of aneshezine. Ernie had never liked the captain, so he was a very entertaining distraction.
Selvani could see and hear everything that was going on, but the other personality was too strong. He knew that they would never quite be joined like normal trill but he had to do something to solve this. As he was thinking he felt a hypospray against his neck, seizing the opportunity he took control from a now-unconscious ancestor and pulled himself to the surface.
Selvani grabbed a nearby biobed fighting the physical effects of the aneshezine while using it as a chance to regain composure. “I am in control!” he yelled out loud his eyes unfocused seeming to ignore his surroundings. “This is my life and these are my choices,” he continued talking just below a yell, “Now either make like good ancestors and advice while practicing non-involvement, or I WILL MAKE YOU GONE!” he finished falling to the ground as at last the aneshezine was too much for him to fight.
Aneshezine was, as the name suggested, an anesthetic. Administered in much the same way as ‘smelling salts’ of old, it numbed all physical sensation, while leaving the mind alert. Ernie had told her about it only recently. It was routinely used with people of vital importance, or people carrying information, such as captains, spies, ambassadors, etc. It was often used in the field when a squad had to carry their injured and keep moving.
"Well....we'll just have to deal with that one, I guess." Ernie sighed. "Traumatic joinings are always problematic. I suspected his wasn't a normal joining, but there's no doubt now."
He looked up unable to move, he felt as if his entire body were asleep with his brain just unaware of the situation. He managed to smile and whispered, “I think they heard me.”
Saliss had been awake for several minutes. The sight before him made him wonder what kind of drugs the crew was using during their leisure time. While everyone was distracted, he took a look at the way the new skin was replacing the old on his legs and arms. 'Faster than I'd expected.' He thought. Maybe, the medical staff would let him out of here, so he could get back to the cargo bay and see what the damage was there. Hopefully, nothing was lost. He'd tried so hard to save it all.
"Somebody needs a psychiatrist." Saliss interjected quietly. "Hey, if you can loosen these restraints....I'm fine. Just let me up, and I'll be one less headache to deal with in this room."
"Hmmm..... your vitals read stable, and your new skin looks to be fully grown.... Very well, Miss Lee, if you would please...." Ernie said, gesturing towards the Saurian.
Kim nodded respectfully at her teacher, and began unfastening the restraints. The lizard man still looked very weak. He’d gone through a terrible ordeal. “You know, you’re more than welcome to stay,” she offered.
Somewhat painfully, the Saurian swung his legs over the side of the bio-bed; long strips of dried skin crumbling and falling to the floor. "Thanks." He said. "Sorry, I caused you such trouble." Sheepishly, he walked to-and out the door, while casting a wary eye at the Trill.
Selvani waved at the Saurian as he walked out of the medical bay. He knew he was going to be viewed as the ship’s madman for a while, but he finally had control of himself for once. A bit of odd looks was the least of his worries.
----------------------------------------------------
Location: Shuttlecraft Bee/ Axel
Timeline: Sunday 3 P.M. & Just Before Arriving Cretanus System
It was as tidy in the shuttle and cargo bays as it was going to get. Saliss had returned to pick through the mess and clean up the medical equipment that Siridon Arms was transporting. He had declared everything except a few of what he called 'inconsequential pieces' to be fully functional; a blessing to be sure to the needy people on the Eagle's Nest Facility and the planet Cretanus. Andy had stopped by, too, to confirm the assessment.
Roquel had then turned her attention back to the business of readying the Bee and the Kobayashi Maru for any need that may arise in the days ahead. The Company had done an exceptional job of providing for the loadout of the two craft. Each was fully loaded with micro-torpedoes, environmental gear, food provisions and whatever else would be needed. All systems were FINALLY functional aboard the Bee following the Klingon incident and Roqi was feeling proud of the ole girl again.
As a way of showing this off, she had called Kim over the comm system to take her up on the offer of sharing tea, getting to know one another, and comparing notes on the Seiklon Axel experience. Kim had expressed some surprise that Roquel had wanted to meet here, but she seemed to understand the pilots affinity for her ship and gave in. Roquel, now had oolong tea steeping on the counter/ bar below her personal replicator unit. The rear hatch was lowered to allow her companion to arrive and a small dinette had been prepared in the equally small rear cargo area. All in all, Roquel was satisfied with her set-up. Hopefully, the Korean girl would be pleased if not impressed.
Kim walked softly through the main cargo bay. It’s ceiling was four times as high as the other decks. It was bigger than four football fields. There were skids of medical supplies and weapons waiting to be transported to the surface, and there were two fighter-type personal shuttles. Kim wasn’t sure which one was the Bee. “Hello…Roquel?” her voice reverberated off the walls.
"Come in!" Roquel shouted, as she pulled the teapot from the bar and brought it to the table. "I'm glad you could make it!" She really was happy to have someone meet her on her own turf for a change. The Axel was so new to her still. "So, would you like the mini tour before we chat?"
“Yes, please,” Kim replied politely. She was looking around the ship’s interior, amazed at the luxury and technology she saw there.
"Excellent!" Roquel responded, beaming. "Well, as you can tell, back here is where cargo is stored when necessary. It also doubles as sleeping quarters for passengers when on longer jaunts....but, I don't have many passengers, typically. Straight ahead is the cockpit area. Go on up and check it out. My chair..." She said with pride. "...is the front left one."
Kim reached out gingerly to tough the soft leather, and admire the console, when an alarm suddenly went off. She instantly withdrew her hand, and jump backwards.
Amused, Roquel walked up front and turned off the klaxon. "Sorry, I couldn't resist. I set you up. You didn't do anything harmful."
"Greetings Ms. Lee." The computer voice of the Bee added just in time to add a little more mirth to the moment. "Welcome aboard."
“Thank you?” Kim said tentatively. Some ship’s computers were A.I., and she didn’t want to offend it.
"Like I said..." Roquel replied, now a bit ashamed at her decision to show-off for company. "...I couldn't resist. O.K., now as we go back to the rear the first compartment on the left is the head, aka bathroom. The second, is the kitchenette. The larger compartment on the right is my...Deluxe Accommodations."
“Why would you stay on the Axel, when everything here is so nice?” Kim wondered aloud.
"Well, that's the mini tour. Have a seat." Roquel offered as she sat herself opposite her guest and began pouring some of Gods Special Blend into the two cups. "I'm glad you told me you like oolong." She explained. "Some of the heavier teas make me gag. For, example: Earl Grey, YUCK! Now, what would you like to talk about?"
“Have you ever tried Chai tea?” Kim asked. “I enjoy it with coconut milk?”
Smiling pleasantly, Roquel followed the lead. "Well, fact is, I've tried a great many varieties and flavors of teas. I'm good with several. Chai isn't one of them. It's a bit more spiced than I like. I prefer Oolong because it's simple...light...and delicious! But..." she added turning serious, "...I doubt you actually meant to discuss tea blends as we drank, did you?"
“You’re right, of course,” Kim said. “There are many more pressing matters at hand. Have you heard anything more about the fire. There seem to be too many things that went wrong all at once.”
"You can say that again!" Roquel shot up out of her chair and started walking round and round the table, while Kim sat there. She ran her fingers through her curled hair nervously a couple times as she paced. "The conduit exploded, the door jammed, the auto-suppression system failed, the comm system failed...a little too coincidental if you ask me." She returned to the chair after three rounds and sat down visibly trying to regain her composure. "Sorry." She said taking another sip. "Someone caused that fire and all the subsequent failures to contain it and the news of it from spreading so it would rage through the cargo bay unchecked. I feel it in my gut!"
“What possible motive would someone have?” Kim asked. “I mean, we’ve practically arrived at Cretanus. Those people need help right away, or they’ll die…” Kim’s voice trailed off, “Did I just answer my own question?”
Roquel's expression was dour. "Yeah, I think you did.
“I never thought to ask about this mission,” Kim said. “Bring help to people who desperately need it--it seemed decent, even noble. I was happy to be a part of it. But, someone on board wants those people to die. Why?”
"That's the question I'd really like the answer to. It's far more important than how they did what they did. And another big question is, what will that person do next?"
“If someone is trying to cover up something,” Kim whispered, “then, it is not enough to kill the sick and the dying. They will have to get rid of witnesses. They will have to kill the rest of us.”
"Take it easy." Roquel soothed. "That's not necessarily the case. If the saboteur/ murderer is sly enough, we may never even know who it is. Unless they tip their hand, we may never know who they are. But, that requires a method of sabotaging this mission that is untraceable to them. I'm going to suggest we keep our eyes open, until it feels right to blow the whistle."
Kim took another sip of tea, and tried to process this advice. “Are you saying that we should remain watchful, but hope that we don’t see anything?”
"Well, I know that sounded vague, but that's all I've got." Roquel concluded.
“Pulling burnt flesh away from the lizard man, then gently wiping away the smelly, slimy puss, may not be the most disgusting thing I’ve done since joining the Axel, but it’s definitely in the top five,” Kim said, setting her cup aside, as the memory killed her appetite. “I don’t think it was very pleasant for him, either. Someone tried to kill him. Was it personal, or was he unlucky?”
Kim bowed her head, deep in thought. “Any one of us could be unlucky next, but it would help, if we could eliminate some suspects from the list. Any one that could not have started the fire, for reasons of proximity or talent, would be ‘safe’ and we could concentrate on those without alibis.” Kim lifted her head, and looked into Roquel’s eyes, “I don’t suppose you know anything about security tapes, do you?”
"Hey," she smiled.
---------
Calvin watched as Daius left his tiny quarters. For a few seconds afterward, he only stood, mute and senseless, in the quiet room. “Ok, then, let’s do this.” He announced to the furniture, before kneeling down and pulling a small tool-chest from underneath his bed. He carefully examined and sorted through the jumble of loose cabling, metal fasteners and miscellaneous tools, pulling one out a time and placing them carefully on the bed. After a few additional seconds spent inventorying his tinkerer’s toys, he simply clasped the tool-box shut, shoving it back under the bed.
Cal then stood back up, pausing to double check his tool-kit contents. He then turned around and opened one of the top drawers of his dresser, and pulled out a makeshift, combination tool & gun belt. After he fastened the bulky accessory around his waist, he began rummaging through another drawer, tossing random articles of clothing out and flinging them over his shoulder, or tossing them to the floor below. Calvin (D’eVo) then retrieved a vintage Klingon disruptor pistol, jammed it into the holster, and turned back around. He then started to attach the meager assortment of hardware to the belt, before – “Oh crap! Almost forgot …” he muttered, kneeling back down in front of his bed. He pulled out the same tool-box, rummaged through it for a few seconds, and eventually pulled out a thumb-sized vial of a clear, slightly yellowish liquid. D’eVo packed away the vial, and grabbed a ratty, oversized leather jacket off of the desk chair it was draped over, and put it on (making sure that the length of the coat covered the bulky tool-belt at his waist). He then headed out of his crew cabin (but not before peeking out, checking the corridor in both directions) …
D’eVo stood in the empty hallway, fumbling through the pockets of his jacket. He then pulled out a palm-sized quadcorder and switched it on. “Computer” he whispered at the device “I need the current locations of all AXEL crew on board, visual display only.” He watched for a few moments as the screen displayed the whereabouts of each member of the crew currently on-board the frigate. Luckily, none of them were within several meters of the cargo bay … even as he breathed a sigh of relief at this good news (“Good! I really don’t have a convincing story about why I’d be wandering around the cargo bay”), he realized there was more to do; “Computer: include search to scan for any BlackSkulls or Siridon Arms personnel.” Again, the quadcorder showed no signs of any nearby threats. He then programmed the device to conduct a passing, low-energy biosigns scan as he walked. D’eVo kept his eyes planted firmly ahead – knowing the limitations of even the best technology – and began to ‘casually’ march towards the cargo bay.
…
Pleased – and slightly amazed – at his good fortune, D’eVo conducted one final scan for life-signs within the cargo bay section. After making sure the coast was clear, he headed toward the bay doors.
Seemingly out of nowhere, a sudden fit of panic and doubt seized him. “What if I’m wrong?” he thought, surprised by his reaction almost as he was alarmed by its horrifying implications. He shook away the troubling idea – chalking it up to the usual apprehension felt before ANY dangerous mission – and proceeded to the blast-doors, still feeling slightly haunted by his intentions and his plan.
D’eVo opened the cargo bay’s blast doors, softly stepping aside and drawing a disruptor from it’s hip holster. He understood, with deadly seriousness, the need for caution, especially given the risky nature of his current ‘extracurricular’ mission. Although he read no life-signs in the bay, and knew they weren’t any crewmembers in the area; “I’m not taking any chances.”
After a brief peek inside, he tossed a marble-sized, silent stun grenade into the cavernous, darkened chamber. D’eVo then stepped back into the hall, and waited for the whispered explosion inside. As soon as he saw the blue-white flash, he prowled back through the – still-open – doors. “Well, if there IS anyone in there, I’m sure they’re not too peppy right now!” D’eVo thought, even as he scanned the area in front of him with his eyes and handgun.
As his eyes adjusted to the flickering light switching on in the cargo bay, D’eVo patrolled the aisles of miscellaneous cargo crates stacked in rows of the bay. Finally confident that he was, indeed, alone, he proceeded directly to the transporter console.
D’eVo carefully removed the access plate that covered the wires, circuits, and computer systems of the main cargo transporter. He then carefully snipped a select group of wires. Satisfied that the job was sufficient for the results he was looking for; he replaced the panel again (returning the micro-spanner too his utility belt) and carefully wiped away all prints and signs of tampering to the casual observer. “There should be no reason (short of a full systems check) for anyone to find about this” he thought. “Let's see them make a drop of weapons and ‘medical supplies’ now! These people deserve better than to die because of some arm dealers’ greed. I won’t let that EVER happen again!”
D’eVo then replaced his sidearm, zipping his oversize leather jacket over the incriminating anarchist accessories belted at his waist. He started to casually stroll out of the bay – retrieving the quadcorder from an inside jacket pocket. After a few feet, he stopped, and turned back to the cargo transporter.
He then pulled an ancient medical hypospray off his tool-belt, and reached under the console. D’eVo then proceeded to spray a liberal amount of a misted liquid on the underside of the console. Careful not to get even a single drop on his skin or clothing, he then retrieved a small plastic baggie out of a pants-pocket. He wrapped the hypospray up in the bag, and waited a few seconds for the quantum polymer mesh to seal itself around the hypo, turning a deep brown color as it obscured it’s caustic contents. “Attric acid … that should burn through the casing, and rot any important backup relays I might’ve missed. Take that, fuckers.” He thought, covering his growing apprehension at getting caught – not to mention the nagging doubts about his intentions (that were growing loudly with each step).
--------
It was done. Calvin strolled back to his quarters, the quadcorder in his jacket pocket emitting a soft, muted beep every 30 seconds – indicating an ‘all-clear’ reading of any nearby life-signs.
Cal felt no small measure of pride and satisfaction at his sneaky sabotage of the cargo bay transporter system. These feelings were muted, however, as if they were misplaced, somehow. “Did I forget something?” he fretted, even as his hands ran over the tool-belt at his waist, searching for any missing tools or other equipment he may have left behind. Finding nothing out-of-place (“Nah, I KNEW I didn’t leave anything in the bay!” he thought, his panic over leaving incriminating evidence replaced by the relief at the confirmation that he, indeed, HADN’T done so), Calvin (D’eVo) continued on. But something still didn’t feel right …
“What if I’m wrong?” D’eVo thought, again. The deed was done, he just had to wait for the next heavy transporter load to find out if his tampering was successful. “Why am I bothered about this?” he questioned himself. D’eVo wasn’t one to second-guess himself: his intentions or his actions. “So, why do I feel like I just made a HUGE mistake?!” he wondered. “I didn’t believe Uncle Vos’tok at first, and I found out later than he was a lying, backstabbing traitor! Do I REALLY want to make the same mistake twice?”
Within line-of-sight at the end of his starship-hike, the hallway seemed to expand in length – extending on, seemingly forever – and the flooring underneath his feet suddenly felt like soft clay, making his steps heavy, unsteady and slow. “What if their ‘cover story’ was actually TRUE?” D’eVo couldn’t believe that a gang of cutthroat assassins and mercs like the Blackskulls would be involved in a ‘mission of mercy’ – especially if part of the mission included a blatant theft of Starfleet technology … “If they were the charitable sort, why would they need to sneak around?”
Dismissing the obvious hypocrisy of that last thought, D’eVo continued his soul-searching, feeling less and less sure about what he had just done (even as the sudden wave of nauseous irritability passed). “Well, either way, they’re planning on running a subversize op against a Starfleet installation AND a Discovery class starship! I can’t let that happen on my watch, I just can’t!”
As he finished the final leg of his journey, the swelling pride and sense of self-accomplishment D’eVo felt earlier had, by now, completely disappeared. It had been replaced by guilt, the fear of getting caught, and a powerful, nagging aura of self-doubt. The following thought made him stop – pausing in the corridor as if hit, point-blank by a stun-ray: “If I’m wrong … how many people did I just condemn to die?” After this thought, his legs began shuffling, automatically, under him, moving him towards the door. “That’s not … possible … there’s no way …” he muttered, to no-one. But, D’eVo (Calvin) wasn’t so sure …
When he finally arrived at his crew-cabin, Calvin turned around, checking the hallway in both directions - almost as an unconscious afterthought (even as the pocket ‘corder kept beeping it’s stifled, ‘all-clear’ signal). D’eVo quickly and angrily went through the elaborate process of getting into his crew quarters – turning off the forcefield, submitting to a retinal, fingerprint, and full DNA scan, and entering the 10-character passcode into the wall keypad. His forced, angry movements echoed the inner turmoil that was raging in his thoughts. It was almost as if he was trying to run from the troubling thoughts that plagued him, the inner voice of conscience and rational hindsight that threatened to drown out whatever rationalizations he had about his actions.
Once safely inside his quarters, Cal tore off his jacket, unhooked the utility-belt from his waist (letting it drop to the floor, around his feet), and slid the – still beeping - quadcorder under his bed.
Calvin then dropped to his knees, clutching his midsection and rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet, his apprehension and doubt blooming into a full-fledged panic attack. In nervous desperation, Cal’s hands poked around under the bed for his suitcase. “I think I have enough for a joint in here …” he muttered, frantically searching for an ‘attitude adjustment’ to calm his nerves (and hopefully, steel his - suddenly shaky resolve)
After a few minutes of hurried searching, Calvin (D’eVo) found a small, ornate china-box buried under a pile of dirty laundry and half-used toiletries (“Good to know I packed soap and cologne for a trip to the Qo’Nos!” he thought, his anger and nervousness obscuring the sarcastic humor of this comment). He then peeked inside, frowning at the box’s meager contents; “Yeah, that’s not enough to get a Terran schoolgirl high! Great!!!”
After carefully placing the box on top of the dresser behind him, D’eVo dove back into the – still open – suitcase. Seeing a thin, metallic, arc of technology half buried in some gear, he reached forward and yanked it out; “CNS [Central Nervous System-kc/ooc] manipulator!” The device consisted of an adjustable headband with synthetic neuro-interlays; one on the right and left sides of the temple, one in the center of the forehead, and one located at the back of the skull. The apparatus also included a small remote control unit, which D’eVo now quickly disconnected and activated. Setting the release code for ‘extreme mental and emotional stress’, he then curled up into a ball on the floor, and waited for the nervous system regulator to work it’s magic. As D’eVo (Calvin) meditated away all the horrible implications of his acts (“If I’m wrong …”) the device kicked in, flooding his system with the necessary neuro-chemicals and electrical current necessary to bring him back from his paralyzing fit of nervous exhaustion.
Soon, the C.N.S.m had flooded Cal’s system with enough endorphins that he was able to doze off into a peaceful slumber …
About 45 minutes into his sleep cycle, he was able to relax enough to enter REM sleep. The machine, detecting this, shut itself off, allowing Calvin’s own body to take over.
His dreams were not pleasant.
----------------------------------------------------
Location: Axel - Cargo Area
Two hands carefully removed the access plate that covered the wires, circuits, and computer systems of the main cargo transporter. The owner of these same two hands carefully snipped a select group of wires. Satisfied that the job was sufficient for the results he/ she was looking for; He/ she replaced the panel again and carefully wiped away all prints and signs of tampering to the casual observer. 'There should be no reason (short of a full systems check) for the damage to be uncovered', he/ she thought. 'Let's see them make a drop of weapons and medical supplies now! These people aren't worth the effort Siridon Arms is trying to make. Let them die!"
----------------------------------------------------
Location : Eagle's Nest
Timeline : After being "Evicted" off Troubadour
Korav switched to a shipwide intercom broadcast. =/\= Attention all hands, attention all hands, we have arrived at the Cretanus system. We're running silent so that means DON'T DO NOTHING STUPID! Zoss, Selvine, and Kirshov, please report to the bridge immediately! =/\=
Bendano was eating when he heard the message. He'd taken a bit of a habit to get his meals when the mess hall was quiet. Sighing over his now inability to enjoy what remained of his steaming plate of Pörkölt,
he took one last big spoonful and threw down his napkin. He marched down the corridors and up the hatch to the first deck, then on to the bridge. As the doors slid open, he noticed that he was the first one in. He decided to wait for the rest to arrive.
"Glad to see everyone's here." Korav said with a caustic grin. "Mr. Kirshov, as the Siridon rep, you get to call the sorry bastards. Open a channel to the Troubador."
Bendano snorted. "What, we don't get to see more o- oh right, channel's open."
He cleared his throat…"This is Bendano Kirshov aboard the starship Seiklon Axel. We come by order of our employer, Siridon Arms incorporated to provide you with aid. Please respond."
The scarred face of a human man appeared on the screen. Bendano was momentarily taken aback by his unseemly visage, but didn't flinch.
"This is Petersen, We don't have you on our sensors."
"Ah, Mr. Peterson. No, our ship is cloaked. You can trace the transmission if you're intent on knowing where exactly we are."
"That's ok, I trust you."
"Yes, well, I don't know to what extent you are at liberty to do so, but we won't be able to start transferring goods until we are out of the Discovery's immediate sensor range. Docking at the Eagle's Nest would be a preferable solution."
"I don't know about that, Mr. Kirshov, I don't know what the Discovery is doing right now beside's sitting there, and I think she would notice us opening a docking port to nowhere."
"Hrm. We may be able to do some transports, but we'd be detected and would have to get out of here if it was more than a small one. Erm... Excuse me a moment."
He turned, "Audio off please."
There was a beep as Petersen went silent. Bendano sighed and thought for a while.
"Right. Captain Korav, how much are you willing to risk to transport here?" he inquired.
"Shouldn't be too much of a risk." Korav said, glimpsing at the sensor readings. "If we can't board the station directly, we can simply land on the planet to drop off the mercs and supplies, or we could go ahead and transport the stuff directly to the Eagles' Nest. What do you think they'd go for, Mr. Negotiator?" Korav propped his head up on a hand, shooting Kirshov a bored look.
"There's no way I can say. I suggest we just stick to transporting over the medical supplies and the Blackskulls - if only to get them off the ship - and get out of here. We can return later when the Discovery is gone. It's your call."
Zoss glared at Bendano for a second, saying nothing.
"I say we give them a call. Find out which would work better." Korav said, punching in the comm frequency.
-------back on the station----------
Chance had been storming around, and just gotten more angry has the time had passed. He stormed into the bridge of Eagle's Nest, only pausing when he realized John was in comm with someone. Chance paused, slightly disgusted with the day and eavesdrop a bit. Finally he had reached the limit.
"Oh really? More of that wonderful assistance.. .just not while the Discovery is around. That's it! I for one have been jerked around enough for one damn day. Then they show up to offer aid and equipment? Where the hell were they like two hours ago when they were taking our damn ship?"
Chance was fully on a rant now, moving around the entire bridge with theatrical gestures and full of fire and brimstone. The scene would have seemed more at home in an ancient church than on the Eagle's Nest. Chance paused to look at Petersen. "Oh come on, What??"
"Calm down Chance." Petersen said calmly, almost coolly, his calm eyes radiating the same. "Let's keep a level head here."
"Fine." Chance's voice took a mocking tone. "Calm down Chance, don't get angry Chance." Chance scoffed. "Just tell them to send us our damn supplies and they can run and hide until that devil ship leaves."
"Keep it down, Chance. They are here to help."
"And I don't care if they can hear me, or if they say they want to help. That's what that bastard Lochnivar said too and look where it got us."
"I don't have any more faith in the Federation than you do, Chance, you know that." He didn't mention the return of the Troubadour probably got the Federation off their back for a little while and gave them time to breathe.
"Besides, this is help from a different source."
Chance turned towards the screen. "I have had all the help I can stand for one day thanks." Chance spun towards John. "And as for you. Ah to hell with it." Chance couldn't find it in himself to turn his anger on his friend, no matter how pissed he was.
--------back on board ship---------
The first words out of the comm were:
=/\= I have had all the help I can stand for one day thanks. And as for you..... Ah to hell with it.=/\=
"Mr. Peterson?" Korav said, raising an eyebrow.
"You'll have to Pardon my friend, today hasn't exactly been kind to him." Petersen's voice was calm and collected, the calm of an eye in a hurricane.
"If you would be so kind to tell Mr. Chance....." Zoss growled in his menacing baritone. "That we are carrying enough weapons to turn the Eagles' Nest into a FORTRESS and enough weapons to outfit an ARMY. How many people have offered you that kind of help today??? And would you tell Mr. Chance that if that's not enough for him, we've brought approximately three metric tons of medical supplies and trained medical experts???"
"Well said, scary guy." Korav said, rubbing his eyes. "Please shut up now."
"As you may understand, Mr. Petersen," Bendano said, "The commander is slightly over-exaggerating. However, the aid we are supplying you with is substantial. Weapons, medical supplies, trained combat specialists, you name it."
"All of which are much appreciated. I'm glad that D'Vek didn't let me down. Yet again, I owe him one." The first trace of a smile crossed Petersen's lips and then disappeared. "The question is gentlemen, what's in this for you? I'm sure this isn't your Christian duty to bring us supplies, supplied by D'Vek Kartz or not, to us. Though I could believe your horned friend there is probably an employee of D'Vek, as well as Kirshov. So, Korav, I ask again, what's in it for you?" Petersen settled down and calmly waited.
Chance of course couldn't resist. "Maybe they want to take the Eagle's Nest? Well, fine, but only if they brought cookies. And I mean the little chocolate ones with the white creamy insides." Chance saw the rather annoyed look on Petersen's face. "Oh come on. They are really good. I'd trade a space station for them." And then his voice dropped to a more subdued tone. "At least it'd be something in trade instead of outright robbery."
"Mr. Petersen," Bendano interjected, "I must insist that you end this line of questioning, our power reserves are not capable of hovering about by your station indefinitely. If we do not act, we will be spotted, and it is a good chance that our long journey from the Alpha quadrant will have been in vain - for you, that is."
Petersen's mental alarms began to warm up, these guys seemed awfully eager to "help"
"We must decide whether to transport a portion of the supplies to your station, or that we land and take care of the transaction on the planet surface. I must point out that any form of transaction, as well as our landing on the planet will show up on the Discovery's sensors. Large transportations will be immediately detected, but whether the other options go unnoticed depends on how alert they're currently being."
Petersen began to respond but Chance interrupted before he could get a word out.
"Hell, John if they brought the cookies I'll do a spacewalk and collect it all." Chance was laughing, and possibly dangerously close to finally plunging right over the side into madness.
"I second that motion!" Korav laughed. "I recommend doing it without a suit too! Hey Peterson, could we have him? He's a barrel of laughs!"
He heard the incipient madness in Chance's voice. "Settle down, old friend, come on back to me." he whispered to Chance. A little louder. We'll do the transfer here on the Nest, The Discovery will notice anything trying to enter atmosphere than she will she will a mid-space transfer. Keep the station between you and the Discovery during the transfer. I'll alert the cargo bays to expect the arrivals.
"We shall get right to work, then." Bendano said. "First order of business will be the medical supplies and our military personnel. They will be transported over as soon as possible. I would like to meet you in person, Mr. Petersen, so I shall beam over myself if there is a window. Axel out."
He turned to Zoss. The large Jem-Hadar was looking menacing as always. "Commander, I want your men ready for departure in the transporter room on the double. We've little time to lose. Transport as soon as possible, I shall join you at the station if I can."
"Yes.....sir." Zoss growled. Kirshov was.......irritating....even for a Human.
He then turned to the communications officer. "I'd like a shipwide channel, please." It really was more of an order than a request. Bendano knew he was somewhat bypassing Korav's authority as captain of the ship here, but then again, should he protest, he'd be able to justify it as being Siridon business - which was his department.
=/\= Attention all crew. I need a few volunteers to help me in the main cargo bay, we're transporting out some cargo and we're in a hurry. I shall meet you all there in three minutes. Remember that we're running silent, so if you're afraid you might drop something, you're excused.=/\=
"Now, then, captain Korav, if you'll excuse me, I have work to attend to. I'm sure your bridge crew will be able to give timely warning if we're detected."
"Have fun, buddy." Korav waved. "Give us a holler if you need anything."
"Very well." Bendano turned on his heel and walked out the entrance, heading down to deck 5.
----------------------------------------------------
Location: Seiklon Axel, cargo bay 3
As Bendano wandered into the cargo bay, some people had already shown up. Without really stopping walking, he addressed those present.
"People, we need to get the medical supplies lined up for transportation to the Eagle's Nest. Keep in mind - I don't want any more accidents! These supplies are valuable, and we're lucky the fire that took place was discovered in time."
Though Bendano had decided not to bother with trying to find out the reason for the fire in the cargo bay that took place a while ago (he'd decided to blame it on poor maintenance), he wasn't looking for more trouble. If anything would happen to the supplies now, there'd be a serious problem.
Andy was unnerved by recent developments. He was prepared to risk his life pulling someone to safety. It was the idea of being shot in the back he was uncomfortable with.
Ali had been on edge ever since the fire. Partly because he didn’t trust any of these other guys, and partly because he didn’t have an alibi for that night. If they looked too closely at his record, they’d discover that he’d been in trouble before.
He manned the terminal by the transporter and started to inventory the goods that needed to be transported. "I want this stuff beamed over in batches of two hundred kilos at the most. We can't afford more at risk of being detected by the Discovery. Get to work!"
Saliss spoke up. "Mr. Kirshov, may I recommend that this group here be the first batch." He indicated a small selection of supplies in the first row. " It is the least critical composed mostly of bandages, anti-biotics, and sterilizing equipment. We have more of the same in another batch over there." He pointed to the far right grouping.
Roquel was impressed with the suggestion of the Saurian medic. Considering that the fire appeared to have been sabotage, it only made sense to err on the side of caution here.
"You know, we could send over a test cannister, first. What do you guys think?"
“It takes almost no time to test the system, and all of our efforts are wasted, if the supplies don’t make it there intact,” Andy said.
"Well..." Roquel added, "...you never know." She shrugged to confirm her uncertainty. "Weirder things have happened ... Recently, I might add. Anyway, it's not my call. I'm just making a suggestion here!"
Bendano tapped buttons on the terminal, but then paused, looking up. He hadn't noticed the Saurian while walking in but only now realized - what was he doing here?
"Mr. Saliss!" he called.
Saliss was surprised by the autoritative bellow of the overseer. "Mr. Kirshov, sir?"
"Though I cannot fathom what brought you here, I would care to remind you that your squad is supposed to be preparing for departure!"
"Sir, I felt it necessary....." He started stammeringly.
Bendano interrupted him. "I care particularly little, we don't need you to transport the medical supplies, we need you to administer them. And for that, you need to be on the station."
"Yes sir. Reporting at once." Saliss dropped the satchel he was holding as though it as on fire and briskly exited the bay.
Bendano sighed, and resumed work at his console. "Now then, as for the brilliant suggestion of a test canister - we cannot afford to waste a possibly-detected transportation on making sure the system works. I personally see no risk if the engineering department's been doing their job, but we can start with the basic supplies."
Andy made eye contact with Ali, and tipped his head in the direction of the supplies. Ali reluctantly slung his rifle over one shoulder, and helped move boxes to the transporter area.
The goods were moved onto the transporter pad, and Bendano activated the array. As the goods were loaded into the transporter buffer, the console bleeped. Alarmingly. "Oh, crud."
Rapidly tapping some buttons, he tried to get the goods back in. There was a loud crack and a flash of sparks from the transporter pad.
“Hey, Andy,” Ali said, as he brought his rifle back down, flipped off the safety and allowed it to charge. “Can that tri-corder of yours pick DNA signatures off surfaces?”
“I suppose. Why?” the Andorian asked.
“Because I don’t think we’re unlucky, or that the ship has maintenance problems,” Ali replied. “I’m bringing the CEO back with me.” The Arab stormed out, taking the ladder up to the next floor and engineering.
Smoke billowed into the cargo bay, as the transporter's blue light, flickering, produced a heap of, well... It looked a lot like someone had emptied their first aid box into a blender, and then turned it on. The only intact thing in the pile was a crate that had been covered in bandages.
"Oh, no." Bendano said, momentarily before slumping through his knees and slamming his head on the terminal. He hadn't fainted, he just lay there, as the console produced angry beeps caused by the improper and repetitive pressing of the buttons on it.
Roquel bent down and whispered in his ear, so only Kirshov could hear. "We should've used the test cannister."
Not getting up, he spoke, calmly and collectedly. "Contact the bridge. Cargo transporters down. Get engineering in here. And find out who's responsible so I can wring off their necks."
Moving to the comm panel on the wall, Roquel prayed that it would work this time. As she hit the broadcast button, she was instantly rewarded with the tone signaling the open comm. "=/\= Bridge, this is Roquel. There was a catastrophic failure of the cargo transporter in Bay 3 during transport. The entire first package is a near-total loss. Mr. Kirshov is requesting Engineering support to report down here immediately. =/\="
=/\= Aww....hell.... =/\= Korav replied. =/\= Looks like you've got yerself a problem. I'll get Daius. =/\=
"=/\= If you need assistance in transport, I can have the Maru and the Bee ready for lauch within the hour with a full load, assuming we have the people necessary to get it loaded up. =/\=" Hoping that sounded more helpful than accusatory, Roquel closed the comm channel. She returned to Kirshov, still where she'd left him, and offered him a hand. It was obvious that the big man was severely frustrated and angry at his inability to control the circumstances around the transport. She respected his verbal composure, but laying on the floor looked bad for one in command.
It was then that Zoss came on the line: =/\= Attention all Blackskull unit members, report to shuttlebay for departure. Repeat, all Blackskulls, report to shuttlebay for departure. =/\=
=/\= Mr. Kirshov, we're taking the Maru to the Eagles' Nest and the Bee to Cretanus. Could you spare Miss Atrell to fly us down there? =/\=
=/\= What about the Discovery? =/\=
Korav's coarse voice came on over the comm. Sounded like he'd just taken a swig of something especially potent. =/\= Ar-HEM!! Just checked sensors. Discovery's standing down, passive scanners only. Doesn't look like she wants trouble. =/\=
=/\= I see. =/\=
Roquel slipped into her zone. "I'll be in the shuttle. I'm going to do a quick alteration of the sensor jammers. If we move out in tandem, I should be able to cover the Maru's departure as well. Mr. Kirshov, have the Blackskulls and any extra hands you can find load up the Bee with all the med equipment they can fit in, they may have to do some picking and choosing. I'm sure Saliss and Andy know what can be sacrificed if necessary."
He made a dismissive gesture in her direction, and watched her walk out.
=/\= I myself shall return to my quarters, I have work to do, please contact me there if I'm needed or there are developments in finding out how this could happen. Also, I need people to move cargo to the shuttle bay. Send someone down here, there's nobody left. =/\=
=/\= Ok. Have fun with that. =/\= Korav replied.
=/\= Kirshov out. =/\=
He got up, and addressed the few people left present in the cargo bay.
"If you have work to do, get to it. If you do not, start moving cargo from here to the shuttle bay as soon as possible. And for goodness sake, do NOT touch anything on or even near the transporter until engineering gets here."
With that, he exited the cargo bay, heading, without a detour, straight to his quarters.
----------------------------------------------------
Location: Axel, Engineering
Tags: Bridge, Daius
“Hey!” Ali knocked insistently on the metal beside the open door, "Anybody here?"
A figure came walking over, wiping her hands on a oil spatter rag, she looked pissed. Daius looked at the Terrian, Arab from the looks of him, and not too devout either. Sighing as she walked up to him, "Yes, can I help you with something?"
“I’m looking for your boss,” Ali eyes traveled down the Romulan woman’s body and back up again--not a bad view, if you don’t mind green. Ali wondered vaguely, if Romulan women tasted like grass.
She felt her skin crawl, as his eyes looked her over like a piece of meat. Daius wasn't new to lustful looks, or sexist comments, from the like of this Terran, if anything it pissed her off.
"I am the chief or Boss if you prefer."
“Sure you are, honey,” Ali said. “Someone’s sabotaged the teleporter. Before you rachet-heads ‘fix’ it, we want to go over the damage with you.”
"Rachet-head? Look here Buddy, I have a whole ship to get back to spec, and I have NO TIME for holding your hand. I don't like other people getting in my way as I work. I'm sure you understand. So let us do our jobs, and we can go about our business."
“I am in no mood to take ‘no’ for an answer, darling,” Ali said, as he pointed the rifle directly at the engineer’s chest.
[3 shots, center mass,] he thought. [Give me an excuse, … please, … pretty please.]
“If all the prints, DNA and tool marks belong to you, then you had better have a very good reason for wanting to kill us,” Ali explained, “but if there’s evidence of someone else, we can eliminate you as a suspect.”
Go ahead make my day you piece of trash, she thought. She knew what he was wanting to do. She'd seen it before. She closed her eyes and rubbed the bridge of her nose, so much for getting my job done for now. She looked him over and thought of a few ways she could hurt him without leaving a mark.
"You think who ever did this would leave DNA or anything else for you and your friends to find? Boy are you naive. If what you said is true then you have your work cut out for you. Go ahead and just remember to clean up after yourselves. I'm not a wet nurse."
With that she turned on her heel and listened to the replies behind her. D@mn I gotta find Cal, she thought.
Ali reached out and grabbed the young woman by the arm, and pulled her roughly toward him. “You know, a less trusting individual might think you’re already setting up a plausible defense. I know that if I were an engineer, and somebody f***ed with my ship, I’d be running to the teleporter.” Ali twisted the girl’s arm hard before shoving her toward the door and letting go. “As for being my ‘wet nurse’” he leered down at her, “maybe later.” He used the rifle to point the way, and said, “Move, or I shoot one leg out from under you. Walk or crawl, you’re going to explain why that teleporter was set to mangle anything, or anyone, it was meant to transport.”
She shot back over her shoulder, "You try it and your life will be a living hell. I am not bluffing. I know people who would eat you for a snack"
“So, you think that you swim with a few sharks,” Ali told her, “I am a shark.” He pushed her against the wall, and said, “I’m p***ed as hell, but I’m giving you a chance here. Prove to me that you had nothing to do with destroying those medical supplies, almost killing somebody and ruining our mission, and I’ll apologize. If you know something about this little ‘malfunction,’ tell me now, and I’ll turn you over to your own captain for discipline. But, if it turns out that you’re responsible, and that you’ve been less than honest with me, there will be blood. Sharks love blood.”
=/\= Bridge, this is Roquel. There was a catastrophic failure of the cargo transporter in Bay 3 during transport. The entire first package is a near-total loss. Mr. Kirshov is requesting Engineering support to report down here immediately. =/\=
“You see,” Ali said, “I wasn’t just huffing. That’s about as close to a written invitation as you’re likely to get, but before I let you up off this wall, I want to reiterate that this is your last chance to tell the truth, … without torture.”
----------------------------------------------------
Location: IKS, Valkyre - Sickbay
Diana woke up a few hours later. Her mouth felt dry, and tasted bad. She’d drooled on the pillow, and worst of all, it felt like some guy was trapped inside her head, and trying to beat his way out with a hammer. [Note to self: Drinking is not all it’s cracked up to be.]
She got up off the bio-bed, and stumbled over to the mirror over the sink. Looking in the mirror, she quickly looked down at herself, then back at her reflection once more. Apparently, the zombie in the mirror was her. She opened the OTC medical drawer, and tried to remember what was good for a hangover. She finally decided to take several headache tablets, a multi-vitamin--[couldn’t hurt,] she reasoned--and an ice pack from the drawer. She returned to the mirror, and stuck her tongue out at her reflection. She took the pills, put the ice pack to her forehead, then sat down on the floor to think.
[Things I have to be thankful for:
1. I’m going to live
2. I have family and friends
3. I have a bird of prey
Now, there’s something a lot of other people with broken hearts can’t say.
4. I’m strong
5. I’m going to get through this]
It felt like cold fingers had her heart and were squeezing the life from her. [I will not cry. I will not cry. I will NOT cry!] She closed her eyes--they burned, and a single tear ran down her cheek. She wiped it away, and exhaled slowly. She tried to concentrate on the things she had to do.
[Today’s action Items:
1. Talk to Klag
2. Repair ship]
Her father’s second marriage had been one of convenience. They still had children. They talked. They seemed happy. Maybe, there is no such thing as love. What if, it’s all infatuation and attraction? What if, it’s more important to find someone you can get along with, than someone who makes the whole room seem brighter just by walking into it? What if, it’s all a lie?
The only reason for Lee not being by her side, holding her hand, kissing her lips or whispering ‘I love you’ even once--after all the times she’d done the same for him--would be that he didn’t care enough to. Diana tucked her legs up next to her and rocked. She hated him for not loving her enough. She hated herself for believing that he did. [What do I do next?] she wondered.
[Call Gril’ka and have a supply of ice cream,
and cheap china plates waiting in my room.
Get retainers ear plugs, because I’m going to play
break-up songs until the ice cream is gone,
and then, I‘m going to throw plates just to hear them shatter.]
[Sounds like a plan to me,] she thought. [Time to work the plan.]
Diana stood up, and set the ice pack to one side. She brushed her teeth, washed her face in cool water, and fixed her hair. She looked almost normal, when she looked into the mirror. She leaned her head over the sink until her face touched the glass. She breathed out, and stood back. She used her index finger to trace the lines of her face, and looked intently at the foggy image. All the disappointment, frustration, rage, confusion, and feelings of betrayal came to the surface in a single moment. Hating Lee, Warner, the High Council, and most of all, herself, Diana made a fist, and punched the blurred imprint between her and her reflection. The silver glass seemed to fracture in slow motion. First fine lines like a spider web cracked the smooth surface, then shards of broken glass fell away from the wall. She looked at her hand; one moment it was alright, the next, blood was running down it. Diana wrapped her hand tightly in gauze, and picked up the mess.
Time to visit the bridge.
----------------------------------------------------
Location: IKS Valkyre - Captain’s Ready Room
Klag had made no secret of the fact that he wanted Diana’s house, ship and fortune. He had said that she had many qualities he admired, and he had saved her life. If she had to marry someone, why not Klag? They made a good team, and he was strong enough to protect and defend the family from both danger and insult. That would be especially important, if they were blessed with children.
Klag wasn’t too bad looking. He had a sense of humor, could rein in his temper when the situation called for it, and was very intelligent. She could do a lot worse than Klag, Diana decided.
She stood and walked around the large desk, when Klag entered. She stopped him before he could salute, saying, “Is that the way old friends greet one another?” She hugged him, and said, “Thank you, Klag. I would not be here today, if not for you.”
“I feel that I owed that to you,” Klag confessed. The experienced warrior looked down at his feet, and then into Diana’s eyes, “I was the one that…”
“Reprogrammed the replicator?” Diana finished the sentence.
“You knew?” Klag asked.
“I was wondering how long it would take a true Klingon warrior of House Beir’ckan to tell me,” Diana told him.
Klag was embarrassed. “You would have made a fine Security Officer.”
“I like to think that I make a fine Captain,” she told the Klingon. “You don’t get to fly a ship by ignoring clues.”
“I don’t understand,” Klag said. “Why didn’t you tell the captain, or Lee?”
Diana hesitated, then said, “I thought it too personal. I don’t think any real damage was done, and I know that you didn’t mean to hurt me. All the time I was aboard the Cromwell, you looked out for me. The good things you did far outweigh the ‘love potion’ thing. Besides, you don’t need it. Lee isn’t here, and you are. If you’re still interested in…”
“I can’t,” Klag interrupted. “I told Candy that I’d take her to Roq’s home, introduce her to his parents, tell them about the baby. But, they’re not going to accept her, or the baby--especially not now, after this civil war. Even my word will not be enough. The child will never be head of his father’s house.”
Klag had been very close to his cousin, and still missed him. “I’m going to ask Candy to marry me,” he said. “I’m of the same family, so the child’s crest will be like mine. I can teach him how to fight, and more. I promised her that everything would be okay, if she stayed with me, and this is the only way I can see to keep that promise.”
Diana smiled, “I hope that’s not how you intend to propose.”
“What should I do, then?” Klag asked.
“Tell her what’s in your heart. Tell her what she means to you,” Diana told the Cromwell’s former Klingon Security officer.
Klag nodded his head. “There is one more thing.” He saw that Diana’s arms were crossed, but she was attentive. “Candy and the baby need a place to stay. A Klingon house that is tolerant of other races?”
“Is that all?” Diana said. “You and your family are welcome in my house; it would, in fact, be a great honor for us to have you as members.”
“Thank you,” Klag said. Before he turned to go, he said, “There’s something you should know about Lee.”
“I don’t want to hear it, Klag,” Diana stated firmly. “I made the High Council a promise, and I intend to keep it. Lee chose to stay with Warner. May he die under that petaQ’s command.”
Klag knew that look and tone of voice. There was no point in arguing for the Major. He never liked Lee, and Diana’s life would be forfeit, if she reneged on her oath. It was probably for the best. “Yes, Mistress,” Klag said. He saluted and left the room.
[Now who do I marry?] Diana wondered.
----------------------------------------------------
Location: Axel, Bridge
Selvani stepped off the lift on the bridge and looked around, the captain sat in the middle chair looking at least acceptably sober. He walked up and smiled. “Korav, sir.” He said to catch the man’s attention.
Korav spun around, staring at the helmsman for a bit. "Wow, I never knew my last name was 'sir'. Kinda like the sound of that. What do you want?"
He laughed, “I believe I am finally in control of my selves, all they needed was some manhandling. I believe I am ready to return to duty if there is anything you need me to do for you.”
The Captain made a dramatic sweeping gesture towards the helm console (which wasn't being manned). "I ran out of invitations and crap, so there you go."
Selvani looked over the console and looked over at the Captain, “I see you couldn’t find anyone to man her?”
"Hope I did a good enough job with the autopilot." Korav said, lacing his fingers behind his head. "Never could figure out how the damned thing worked, so I just hit a few buttons and made sure our destination was in there somewhere."
Selvani looked at the helm and groaned inwardly, “What happened?”
"Weelll.... every couple minutes the thing would beep, the collision alert would sound, and I'd have to manually steer the thing until we weren't gonna hit something, then I'd just leave it alone for a few more lightyears." Korav said, checking his nails. "Yeah....I was never much of a helmsman."
Selvani laughed, “Everyone has their job on a ship I guess.” He was about to make a glib comment about how bad the days must have been when alcoholic captains were expected to pilot their vessels when he heard the collision alert go off again.
"Better get that." Korav said as he took a swig from his flask.
Selvani didn’t answer as he dived for the controls and strafed the ship away from the obstacle. He breathing heavily he looked behind him, “Remind me to comment on your astounding lack of knowledge of this, your, vessel when we aren’t moving.” He added a good natured laugh as he took over for the “direct route” option.
"Hey, I only signed on to kick ass and kill things." Korav slunk down in his chair. "Be really freakin good with a phaser. THAT was my job, and I did it well. As evidenced by the fact that we're all still very much alive and breathing."
Selvani looked back good naturedly at Korav, “The world revolves around Korav eh? Well what about flying your own ship?”
"That's what I pay you for, isn't it?" Korav spread his arms in a 'duh' gesture.
Realizing he had just been beaten by a man who hadn’t spent a day sober in nearly a decade Selvani laughed and returned to his job. After a couple of lightyears without a single collision alert he turned back to the man. “Is it just me or are we always alternating between sitting on our thumbs and nearly dying?”
"Keeps life interesting, doesn't it?" Korav chuckled. "We're mercs. It's what we do."
“Riiight Mercenaries, that explains everything.” Selvani said but decided not to pursue the matter any further. Sitting back he set the autopilot correctly and decided to learn the weapons systems for good measure. When you were a decent pilot, life could get a bit boring.
"The rail guns aren't operated from the bridge." Korav said, peeking over Selvani's shoulder all the way from the Captains' seat.
Selvani spun around with a confused grin on his face. “How is it that you can see what I am after from over there?”
Korav tapped a finger to his temple. "I may look blind, but I see a hell of a lot better than you." He gestured towards the console, "Go to the 'alternative systems' menu and pull up the 'utilities' subsection. The weapons' controls are under 'weapons'."
Selvani laughed, “He can memorize ships systems and backups but he cannot read the writing on the piloting controls.” He pulled up the menu and stared blankly at the controls, he had used ships weapons before but it had been a while and they were a different sort from these.
Selvani found the controls for the different weapons systems and began slowly familiarizing himself with the controls. He looked up at Korav who seemed to still be watching passively. “Figured in the work we do weapons often are of more use than engines so it might help to know them.”
“So what has been going on with the Siridion people anyways? I was a little out of the loop in sickbay.” Torr asked while switching weapons settings and poking through menus so unused that they seemed to defy his initial attempts to activate them.
----------------------------------------------------
Location: Valkyre, Captain’s ready room
Diana had gone through both the personnel records, and Phelm’s notes, regarding all the eligible bachelors on board. Most of these fell into two categories: (1) sons her neighbors were trying to secure a future for--the youngest, the permanently injured, the dull-witted. (2) ruthless men who would have sex with a grish’nar cat, if there was a house and ship waiting for them afterwards. Still, there were a few interesting candidates.
An unbidden memory struck her. She felt frozen in time, as she watched herself and Lee in the corridor outside Sikorski’s cabin. She’d had a vision of the two of them in their 70’s--with children and grand-children. They were happy, and still very much in love after fifty years. Reality came in swiftly. Diana looked down to see her knuckles white on the padd she was holding. She felt flushed and sick to her stomach. [I will not think of him again!] she swore, but she knew she couldn’t keep this promise to herself. What they had may have been a lie, but it was a beautiful lie. She couldn’t stop the memories from overwhelming her senses, because she didn’t want to.
She walked over to the replicator and got a raktajino, extra sweet. She let the mug warm her hands, and considered her next move. Out of courtesy, she would have to meet with all of the men who came aboard in order to meet and marry her. There were four warriors that stood out from the others--one had accompanied Kor’Nan on his diversionary assault on the Honor Blade, one was an engineer, (something they desperately needed aboard the Valkyre), and two bridge officers. The communications officer was an older warrior, experienced in battle, yet more temperate of spirit. Then, there was Max’s friend, the helm officer they all referred to as ‘the new guy.’
Might as well get started.
----------------------------------------------------
Location: Shuttlecraft Bee
Timeline: Departure for Cretanus
"Almost got the Jammers configured. How's it going back there?" Roquel called to the two medics in the rear of the Axel. They had been filling every spare nook and cranny of the Bee with the medical supplies and equipment that had been brought to them by the assembled mix of Axel crewman and Blackskulls members. It was obvious that they didn't want to leave anything behind.
"Fine." Saliss returned. "Do you need these?"
"Hey! That's my personal stuff!" The pilot yelled, unbelieving of the audacity these two were showing. "And, get out of my cabin!"
"Sorry, Miss Atrell. We need the space." Saliss explained. "Now, if you need this during the mission, you can keep it. If not...it's getting left behind. My apologies."
'Was that a smile?' Roquel wondered. 'Was Mr. Lizard actually happy he and the Andorian were getting to trash her shuttle?'
Andy watched the give and take between the Risan pilot and the Saurian medic. He felt sure that, even though Saliss was very through and conscientious, some of the bags where being moved around in order to get the pretty woman’s attention. He couldn’t help but smile as he watched his friend at work. Playing along, he held up a small duffle bag, of what he assumed to be laundry, and asked, “Where do you want these?”
"Shove them in the head (aka bathroom)." Saliss recommended.
Roquel turned around in her chair and stood up facing the two medics. "I sure as hell hope nobody has to pee! Is this really necessary?"
"I'm afraid so." Saliss said sidelong as he tossed her stuff out the back of the shuttle casually.
Andy could tell the pilot wasn’t used to taking orders on her own craft, and wondered if Saliss hadn’t gone too far. The lizard man’s genteel manners toward Roquel, and his cavalier attitude toward her belongings, must have been a vexing combination for the girl. It almost seemed like she wanted to lose her temper, but couldn’t bring herself to lash out at anyone so polite.
-----Several Minutes Later-----
"=/\=We're ready when you are, Maru.=/\=" Roquel called over the comm system.
"=/\=Now, don't forget the plan. I'll drop out of the bay, first. Then, you descend in front of me. I'll stay at station keeping until you head out. You, must stay within 50 feet in front of me in order for the Bee's jammers to cover the Maru.=/\="
Selvani hung his head a little jokingly, =/\= Sounds like an uninspired plan, shouldn’t we try to avoid the whole straight line thing?=/\=
"=/\= Hey! I'm not kidding here! Nothing fancy, O.K.? Just straight flying on a direct course for the Eagle's Nest. I've got your back. Once we've gone 5,000 Kilometers, we should be out of range of the Discovery's short range scanners. THEN, we can split off. We'll handle the return run the same way.=/\="
Selvani laughed inwardly, this was going to be fun. =/\= How about I do some tricks and you try to keep up? Feel like proving that superior attitude you tote so well?=/\=
'Men!' Roquel screamed inwardly. She looked over her shoulder to make sure the medics were buckled in the rear seats. She was still fuming over the notion that they wanted her to remove the co-pilots chair in favor of more cargo room. "When Hell freezes over!" Roquel had responded. Now, he had the smart-a$$ on line two to deal with as well.
"=/\= Bridge, The Bee's leaving in 3-2-1, Mark. Switching to the designated scrambled frequency for ship-to-ship with the Maru, Now.=/\=" As the shuttle descended, she tapped the comm panel to bring up the new channel. Hopefully, they'd thought of everything to keep the Discovery off their heels.
As she maneuvered the shuttle Selvani watched her descent and corrected her flight path, he knew it wasn’t necessary but he was enjoying messing with the neo-feminist.
"=/\= You've got the lead. =/\=" Roquel said, signaling the Maru that she was ready. "=/\= Safe journey. =/\=" Only then, did the thought occur to her that if the transporters had not been sabotaged, none of this would be necessary.
--------end journey--------
Roquel deployed the landing skids of the Bee and descended to the platform to which she had been directed. A sigh of relief escaped her. Saliss cocked one eye at her while keeping the other solidly on the view out the front window. She was relieved, she couldn't deny it. The trip had gone off without a hitch. At the marked distance, the Kobayashi Maru with it's Black Skulls compliment had headed on toward the Eagle's Nest, while the Bee had veered off to it's destination at Cretanus. Midway to the planet, Roquel picked up the Discovery's warp jump on her long range scanners. That had removed most of her tension, but other things could have gone wrong, and didn't.
" =/\= Cretanus Control, Shuttlecraft Bee is disembarking 2 persons. Please have assistance on hand to remove the medical supplies aboard. =/\=" The call was a formality the pilot deemed necessary. It wouldn't do any good to deliver 2 medics and then have them shot on the the landing pad!
<Cretanus--pilot landing instructions>
"=/\= Roger that.=/\=" She powered down the engines and turned on exterior lights. It was dark outside. Large flood lamps lit the majority of the area, but having the additional illumination seemed a good precaution. "O.K. gentleman, let's get this over with." She winked at her two passengers and stood, placing her hand on the seat back to give herself the added leverage.
“What, is the rollercoaster ride over?” Andy asked factitiously. “You know, there was a patch of open space back there where you could done another loop. Maybe we should go back and try again.”
"Alright..." Roquel responded, a bit unsure. "Well now that we're here, it's your mission...your call. I'm just the taxi driver." She smiled ruefully and hit t he overhead switch to open the aft door. "Lead on."
"I hope the Maru didn't get a reception any more troubling than our own." Saliss said, concernedly. "It would seem that their landing could become more heated with our team of armed personnel walking into a recently aggressive situation."
Roquel just shrugged.
“They probably got the hero’s welcome with the confetti and pretty girls, while we get stuck unloading all the life-saving drugs and medical equipment,” Andy smirked as he watched Saliss make another pass at their lady pilot.
The Risian woman glared at the two medics and with a hint of amusement in her voice took control of the situation. "Don't you two think it's time to get this crap off my ship? She gestured widely at all they had piled to the ceiling in every available space.
Saliss made a saluting gesture. "It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ms. Atrell. I hope that in future we have another opportunity to work together."
The Saurian's propriety seemed funny to Roquel. He had a way of being stiff and impersonal, while at the same time being over gracious. Quickly, she threw her arms around him and gave him a familiar hug. "Me too." Seeing the man's lost look at her gesture, she giggled. "Get out of here, you lug."
The duo descended the ramp and met the group that had come out to meet them. After a few moments of discussion, a local team of handlers started pulling all of the medical supplies and tech out of the Bee. Roquel busied herself by handing stuff to any waiting pair of hands. When she looked back outside, Saliss and Andy were gone.
Once the ship was completely unloaded, Roquel made her pre-flight arrangements with Cretanus Control in preparation to return
----------------------------------------------------
Location: Kirshov's quarters
Bendano downed the vodka in one gulp, put down the small glass and leaned back in his chair, feeling the liquor burn its way into his stomach. He waited for a moment, sighed, and leaned forward, tapping some buttons on his terminal. A small viewscreen slid up, and the face of a Bolian woman appeared on it.
"Siridon Arms HQ, how can I help you, sir?" she said.
"Get me Kartz." Bendano replied.
The screen went black for a moment, and the unmistakable blue face of D'vek Kartz appeared on the screen.
"Yes Kirshov?"
"Sir, we've got a bit of a problem. There's a saboteur aboard the ship." Bendano said.
"Thank you for the update, I'm sure." He let his voice show the irritation he felt. "Do you perhaps know who they are?"
"I'm not sure, but he appears to be targeting our operations." Bendano said. "One of the Blackskulls was administered recently with severe burns due to an accident with a fire. I shrugged it off as a regular malfunction, but now the cargo transporter array has been tampered with as well. We only lost some trivial supplies, but this can't go on."
"I agree, Koroshov." It was a measure of Kartz's irritation that he correctly use Bendano's last name.
"We're almost done here, the ship will be returning to Qo'Nos soon. I'm not a detective. I need help if I want to find out who this is."
Kartz could feel his Andorian temper rising and fought hard to keep it in check.
"What exactly do you expect from me, Koroshov? Any help I send is going to be a week getting to you, at the very least, two weeks is more likely."
"Sir, I meant that after the ship returns to-"
"Enough, I hired you to ensure the mercs that I hire are completing the jobs that I'm paying them for. You are my factor aboard that ship, Koroshov. You can either get the job done, or I will find somebody else that will. If that takes putting on a detective's hat, then that is what you must do."
"I understand the need for action, sir, but the Blackskulls are to depart the ship, together with all the supplies, within the hour. I cannot get away with solving this without delaying the mission further than it already has."
Kartz took a deep breath to calm himself further. "Look, the job I hired you for requires resourcefulness on your part. You are out there, alone, far from any assistance I can send you."
Bendano swallowed. "Noted. Thank you for your time, then."
He pressed the button and cut the transmission. This wasn't going anywhere. Bendano wasn't fit for detectiving. He knew this from experience. Besides, if the culprit - however unlikely that seemed - was one of the Blackskulls, they'd probably get away with it, quite easily, too. And other suspects, well. He could always get a scapegoat.
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