Nice. Class and race prejudice...Fichtner's going to have her hands full here.
USS Accipiter - Buried History
- Thread starter mirandafave
- Start date
Buried History - Chapter 4 - Relief Measures [contd]
Gedasada, The Undiscovered City in the R'Uye Caves
Vaughan dared not to believe the words he had heard or the proof of the data contained in Kh’ién’s tricorder. But there was no denying the evidence. A series of remote controlled bombs partially encircled the city. The work to eradicate all evidence of its existence incomplete.
“Care to explain.”
Vaughan levelled his gaze on the wearisome sycophant. Weran had visibly paled and fought the impulse to stammer a response. Believing, vainly in hope, they had discovered a way out rather than this secret he chose now to keep his mouth shut. Silence was not going to be permitted by Vaughan however.
“I’m waiting for an explanation.” His tone was cool but carried a quiet threat. Seeing the man squirm but remain tight-lipped, Vaughan marched away towards the Prime Governor, surrounded by a cohort of civil servants and ministers in hushed circle of worried panic.
“Perhaps you have an explanation for our finding.” He directed this directly at the Prime Governor.
Dr Wintrict ran up to Vaughan appalled at his lack of his diplomacy. “What is the meaning of your impertinence?”
Forcibly slapping the tricorder, held in his clenched fists, into Wintrict’s chest he caused the man to stagger backwards. Appalled he deigned not to look at the proffered evidence but started to rail against Vaughan.
Many, many years in command as a long living Lamachian gave Captain Eugene Loren Vaughan a deep penetrating stare of resounding authority. This stare compelled the diplomat to stop and look at the ptricorder information. He read it carefully, not as proficient reading a tricorder as a Starfleet officer would be. But as he read slowly and checked the details of what the device was telling him, Wintrict looked to Vaughan and then to the Prime Governor.
“But why ever would someone set explosives around this site?”
Eugene answered him but by now levelled his stare at the Prime Governor. “I don’t know. That’s why I want answers.”
Petok stood by his Prime Governor’s side snarled, “What does it matter? Answers won’t find us a way out of here!”
“We are going nowhere until I know the truth.”
Raising himself up to his full haughty height, Petok stepped in front of the Prime Governor. “We don’t need your help Captain. We can dig our own way out.” He turned as if he had won the argument but the resigned face of the Prime Governor halted his victory walk.
“I think that your boss believes otherwise. So Prime Governor Hespik, do you care to explain?”
The man flinched. As Prime Governor he was neither use to being talked to in such a manner, having information demanded of him, nor indeed since his ascension to the position of Prime Governor had he been named by his given name. Tradition required until he stepped down from the position, he was to be always called by his title, Prime Governor. It was a fact Vaughan was well aware of but he chose to ignore to great effect to further unnerve the man and convince him of his precarious standing with Vaughan at this current moment.
“It has not been fully decided. Or should I say it hadn’t. The world has been ravaged by the violence of ardent terrorists who call themselves the New Con, or The Cause. Conmenian troublemakers. They cause trouble for their own people not just the Gedan whom they hate and wish to see dead or brought to heel.”
Petok took up the Prime Governor’s defence. “They are bloodthirsty thugs, whose only purpose is to murder and violate and wreck havoc on our society. They use the simple minds of common conmenian folk by telling false lies and wicked propaganda! They deserve to die! This stone age city can be bombed back to the dust it belongs to.”
“What my dear colleague is trying to say Captain is that they are dangerous and corrupt. They have no true cause they simply enjoy death and destruction. We thought their activities had been more or less halted by our firm and resolute actions some years ago to rid ourselves of the terrorist elements. But alas we were mistaken in our belief. Graffiti and protest actions have become the least of our worries of their re-emergence. They have become much more active and terrifying. They massacred a school of children. They use such acts as a talisman for their organisation. When the remains of this city were found, we hoped to shroud its discovery in secrecy fearing that it would become a new rallying card for the terrorists. But as is the nature f these things, rumours have started to circulate. So we embarked on a course, that though it violates our consciences and our normal practices was our only choice, to destroy the city and its history so that they could not usurp the true significance of its discovery. Everything was to be examined, studied and archived for future generations that learned to be more tolerant of each other.”
Vaughan paused to take in all the man had said. He had said so little and now it spilled out of him. Yet it spilled too readily and the explanation was well crafted to try and absolve the Gedan authorities of the crime they planned to perpetuate in the name of their people. It was a politician’s answer. It was the answer of a liar. ‘A skilled and authoritative liar,’ mused Vaughan.
Declining to believe the answer given, Eugene knew at least part of the reason. He had his answers. The Gedan authorities wanted to wipe out any trace of this historical site because it was important to the Conmenian. The fact it could act as a rallying call implied much about the current affairs of this world.
‘Could this catastrophe be that that brings the two people together? Might they learn to cooperate and live in harmony in order to survive and rebuild?’
It was hopeful thinking on Vaughan’s part but there was every possibility if they managed it right. Therefore, Vaughan chose not to haul them up on the lies they told now or had already told the Federation to pave the way for the trade negotiations. It would need a deft hand and a careful game of diplomacy.
“Ok then. We’ll have to talk more about this later. First, our priority is to get out of here and help with the recovery above surface. We’ll break for camp. We’ve journeyed for a long time and need to rest and attend to the injured too. I’ll have Mr Law break out the rations and organise distribution.”
“Camp here?” Weran, relieved now Vaughan had his answers, quailed at the thought.
“It is not as if we have any choice. Though this city is made of rudimentary materials and seems somewhat backward,” he looked at Petok with hooded eyes as he spoke this, “whatever technology the people who built this city had it was advanced enough, to not only withstand millennia of age and abandonment but to continue to be heated by geothermic devises. And of course not forgetting the clever use of the natural lining of the cavern walls.” Vaughan pointed upwards to the pale milky white walls and roof of the massive cave that cradled the city within. Large stalactites loomed downwards, daggers threatening to envelop them.
The faces of the cabinet officials did not register what Vaughan was alluding to. Galek did however. “The walls have a natural luminescence. Of course, we have spent all this time travelling through this city as if in daylight and never thought how was it possible.”
“Exactly my little friend. It’s an unusual property and careful planning and construction by the creators of this city lined the walls with whatever substance that allowed for an almost perpetual source of light. Ingenious really. Now as for camping, we all need to rest and some of the surrounding buildings are of a sound nature and will do you Prime Governor and your cabinet for now. The rations will be with you shortly.” Vaughan bid them a polite farewell and moved off to Kh’ién stood a short distance away.
“You really want to feed these people?”
“Yes Mr Law I do.” Wintrict came up to Vaughan, eying him curiously. He was unsure as to the path they were taking with the Gedan. By Federation norms, their actions and behaviours made them unsuitable bedfellows but the Federation was facing dire days in the war against the Dominion. “Wintrict you may wonder too, but we can achieve little in our present situation. When we get out of here we need to be able to work the government to help fix the problems of this society. Shouting the odds won’t necessarily be the best means to achieving those ends.”
“I can understand that. But you acted so civilly to them after everything the Prime Governor told you.”
“I know Wintrict but I had bridges to mend and I need to keep them onside if we are to have any future good from this situation. Law, see to the rations and see that the bombs are unarmed. Wintrict I’d like you to return to the Prime Governor, help him get settled and reassure him as best you can.”
They both agreed with Vaughan and set off to fulfil their orders. Leaving Vaughan to contemplate his next actions.
Petok whispered into Weran’s ear, away from the others from the cabinet. “What do you make of the Captain?”
“He’s been easily fooled. Let’s be thankful for that.”
“I do not believe for a second he has been so easily convinced of our course of action. He bears careful watching.” He looked back at Vaughan stood alone as his officers moved off to do his bidding. Petok then looked to Galek stood away from the cabinet party. His insights and insistence on this outing had been the source of all their troubles. “As does that one.”
“He doesn’t need your watching Petok.”
Petok’s eyes narrowed angrily at Weran. “Oh no, and why not?”
“I have my plans for him. You need not worry about his interference.”
“If you say so.” He looked at the weedy frame of the civil servant darkly. He wished many cruel deaths for the thorn in his side. Weran though smiled malevolently and this assured Petok of Galek’s numbered days. Weran went to move off but Petok hissed after him. Weran stopped short and turned on his heel, indignant but restraining his anger against his superior. “One more thing Weran. Where is the remote device for the bombs?”
Weran patted an inner pocket of his jacket robe. “I have it safe.”
“And near to hand should we need it.”
“Yes should we need it I will obliterate this place and Captain Vaughan with it.”
Petok smiled triumphantly. “Good, good.”
Gedasada, The Undiscovered City in the R'Uye Caves
Vaughan dared not to believe the words he had heard or the proof of the data contained in Kh’ién’s tricorder. But there was no denying the evidence. A series of remote controlled bombs partially encircled the city. The work to eradicate all evidence of its existence incomplete.
“Care to explain.”
Vaughan levelled his gaze on the wearisome sycophant. Weran had visibly paled and fought the impulse to stammer a response. Believing, vainly in hope, they had discovered a way out rather than this secret he chose now to keep his mouth shut. Silence was not going to be permitted by Vaughan however.
“I’m waiting for an explanation.” His tone was cool but carried a quiet threat. Seeing the man squirm but remain tight-lipped, Vaughan marched away towards the Prime Governor, surrounded by a cohort of civil servants and ministers in hushed circle of worried panic.
“Perhaps you have an explanation for our finding.” He directed this directly at the Prime Governor.
Dr Wintrict ran up to Vaughan appalled at his lack of his diplomacy. “What is the meaning of your impertinence?”
Forcibly slapping the tricorder, held in his clenched fists, into Wintrict’s chest he caused the man to stagger backwards. Appalled he deigned not to look at the proffered evidence but started to rail against Vaughan.
Many, many years in command as a long living Lamachian gave Captain Eugene Loren Vaughan a deep penetrating stare of resounding authority. This stare compelled the diplomat to stop and look at the ptricorder information. He read it carefully, not as proficient reading a tricorder as a Starfleet officer would be. But as he read slowly and checked the details of what the device was telling him, Wintrict looked to Vaughan and then to the Prime Governor.
“But why ever would someone set explosives around this site?”
Eugene answered him but by now levelled his stare at the Prime Governor. “I don’t know. That’s why I want answers.”
Petok stood by his Prime Governor’s side snarled, “What does it matter? Answers won’t find us a way out of here!”
“We are going nowhere until I know the truth.”
Raising himself up to his full haughty height, Petok stepped in front of the Prime Governor. “We don’t need your help Captain. We can dig our own way out.” He turned as if he had won the argument but the resigned face of the Prime Governor halted his victory walk.
“I think that your boss believes otherwise. So Prime Governor Hespik, do you care to explain?”
The man flinched. As Prime Governor he was neither use to being talked to in such a manner, having information demanded of him, nor indeed since his ascension to the position of Prime Governor had he been named by his given name. Tradition required until he stepped down from the position, he was to be always called by his title, Prime Governor. It was a fact Vaughan was well aware of but he chose to ignore to great effect to further unnerve the man and convince him of his precarious standing with Vaughan at this current moment.
“It has not been fully decided. Or should I say it hadn’t. The world has been ravaged by the violence of ardent terrorists who call themselves the New Con, or The Cause. Conmenian troublemakers. They cause trouble for their own people not just the Gedan whom they hate and wish to see dead or brought to heel.”
Petok took up the Prime Governor’s defence. “They are bloodthirsty thugs, whose only purpose is to murder and violate and wreck havoc on our society. They use the simple minds of common conmenian folk by telling false lies and wicked propaganda! They deserve to die! This stone age city can be bombed back to the dust it belongs to.”
“What my dear colleague is trying to say Captain is that they are dangerous and corrupt. They have no true cause they simply enjoy death and destruction. We thought their activities had been more or less halted by our firm and resolute actions some years ago to rid ourselves of the terrorist elements. But alas we were mistaken in our belief. Graffiti and protest actions have become the least of our worries of their re-emergence. They have become much more active and terrifying. They massacred a school of children. They use such acts as a talisman for their organisation. When the remains of this city were found, we hoped to shroud its discovery in secrecy fearing that it would become a new rallying card for the terrorists. But as is the nature f these things, rumours have started to circulate. So we embarked on a course, that though it violates our consciences and our normal practices was our only choice, to destroy the city and its history so that they could not usurp the true significance of its discovery. Everything was to be examined, studied and archived for future generations that learned to be more tolerant of each other.”
Vaughan paused to take in all the man had said. He had said so little and now it spilled out of him. Yet it spilled too readily and the explanation was well crafted to try and absolve the Gedan authorities of the crime they planned to perpetuate in the name of their people. It was a politician’s answer. It was the answer of a liar. ‘A skilled and authoritative liar,’ mused Vaughan.
Declining to believe the answer given, Eugene knew at least part of the reason. He had his answers. The Gedan authorities wanted to wipe out any trace of this historical site because it was important to the Conmenian. The fact it could act as a rallying call implied much about the current affairs of this world.
‘Could this catastrophe be that that brings the two people together? Might they learn to cooperate and live in harmony in order to survive and rebuild?’
It was hopeful thinking on Vaughan’s part but there was every possibility if they managed it right. Therefore, Vaughan chose not to haul them up on the lies they told now or had already told the Federation to pave the way for the trade negotiations. It would need a deft hand and a careful game of diplomacy.
“Ok then. We’ll have to talk more about this later. First, our priority is to get out of here and help with the recovery above surface. We’ll break for camp. We’ve journeyed for a long time and need to rest and attend to the injured too. I’ll have Mr Law break out the rations and organise distribution.”
“Camp here?” Weran, relieved now Vaughan had his answers, quailed at the thought.
“It is not as if we have any choice. Though this city is made of rudimentary materials and seems somewhat backward,” he looked at Petok with hooded eyes as he spoke this, “whatever technology the people who built this city had it was advanced enough, to not only withstand millennia of age and abandonment but to continue to be heated by geothermic devises. And of course not forgetting the clever use of the natural lining of the cavern walls.” Vaughan pointed upwards to the pale milky white walls and roof of the massive cave that cradled the city within. Large stalactites loomed downwards, daggers threatening to envelop them.
The faces of the cabinet officials did not register what Vaughan was alluding to. Galek did however. “The walls have a natural luminescence. Of course, we have spent all this time travelling through this city as if in daylight and never thought how was it possible.”
“Exactly my little friend. It’s an unusual property and careful planning and construction by the creators of this city lined the walls with whatever substance that allowed for an almost perpetual source of light. Ingenious really. Now as for camping, we all need to rest and some of the surrounding buildings are of a sound nature and will do you Prime Governor and your cabinet for now. The rations will be with you shortly.” Vaughan bid them a polite farewell and moved off to Kh’ién stood a short distance away.
“You really want to feed these people?”
“Yes Mr Law I do.” Wintrict came up to Vaughan, eying him curiously. He was unsure as to the path they were taking with the Gedan. By Federation norms, their actions and behaviours made them unsuitable bedfellows but the Federation was facing dire days in the war against the Dominion. “Wintrict you may wonder too, but we can achieve little in our present situation. When we get out of here we need to be able to work the government to help fix the problems of this society. Shouting the odds won’t necessarily be the best means to achieving those ends.”
“I can understand that. But you acted so civilly to them after everything the Prime Governor told you.”
“I know Wintrict but I had bridges to mend and I need to keep them onside if we are to have any future good from this situation. Law, see to the rations and see that the bombs are unarmed. Wintrict I’d like you to return to the Prime Governor, help him get settled and reassure him as best you can.”
They both agreed with Vaughan and set off to fulfil their orders. Leaving Vaughan to contemplate his next actions.
***********
Petok whispered into Weran’s ear, away from the others from the cabinet. “What do you make of the Captain?”
“He’s been easily fooled. Let’s be thankful for that.”
“I do not believe for a second he has been so easily convinced of our course of action. He bears careful watching.” He looked back at Vaughan stood alone as his officers moved off to do his bidding. Petok then looked to Galek stood away from the cabinet party. His insights and insistence on this outing had been the source of all their troubles. “As does that one.”
“He doesn’t need your watching Petok.”
Petok’s eyes narrowed angrily at Weran. “Oh no, and why not?”
“I have my plans for him. You need not worry about his interference.”
“If you say so.” He looked at the weedy frame of the civil servant darkly. He wished many cruel deaths for the thorn in his side. Weran though smiled malevolently and this assured Petok of Galek’s numbered days. Weran went to move off but Petok hissed after him. Weran stopped short and turned on his heel, indignant but restraining his anger against his superior. “One more thing Weran. Where is the remote device for the bombs?”
Weran patted an inner pocket of his jacket robe. “I have it safe.”
“And near to hand should we need it.”
“Yes should we need it I will obliterate this place and Captain Vaughan with it.”
Petok smiled triumphantly. “Good, good.”
***********
Buried History - Chapter 4 - Relief Measures [contd]
Junsoon Medical Facilities, Mouyr City, Gedasada
“Please do come this way doctor Fichtner.” Herasdth gestured with his arm towards a clinically austere and clean corridor that led from the ward towards a series of other wards connected by long corridors, sealed by hatches.
Fichtner complied amiably. She had requested a tour of the facility where casualties were only now slowly beginning to be carried to. The original negotiations she was to have been part of ould have been to secure these newly built advanced medical facilities as a base for Starfleet Medical operations as part of the war effort. Ideal because the location of Gedasada was safely behind the frontline but similarly easily accessible to it. In return, the Federation promised to assist the planet to further its warp capabilities and build strong trading links. Most notably in its dilithium mining which appeared to have resulted in the terrible incident that had devastated the system.
Donna raised a disapproving eyebrow at the shopkeeper politics being played. As yet, the Federation had not resorted to bribing planets with membership to the UFP, but then considering the Federation was at war it probably would not be a sufficiently alluring incentive or bribe. Nevertheless, the Federation was playing a different ball game with other worlds since the onset of the war. Not even the protracted wars with the Cardassians or the different conflicts with the Klingons had caused such a change of mindset in the Federation.
Considering Gedasada, Donna wondered at its people and the sights she had so far seen. Much of the planet was at a premium for space with a vast population density. The cities lacked for greenery or parks of any kind. Rather they were just an unending sprawl of skyscrapers and grey. But with the expansion of the city conditions worsened and crime and squalor had become rampant and so the administrators of the planet had tried to build taller into the sky but there were constraints to just how far they could go. The only recourse was to build into the ground, many, many layers into the subterranean levels. All of which had compounded the problems faced by the rescue teams following the shockwave.
One benefit of building subterranean cities was the advanced and thankfully well-protected facility they currently toured. After helping to oversee the transfer of personnel, supplies, equipment and lastly patients Donna had requested a tour to see how effectively her plans had been put into action and just what had the facilities to offer in this emergency situation.
Herasdth was the liaison officer appointed to Fichtner, and he was actually quite a likable character, not quite as stolid as the rest of the ministers who acted as the bureaucratic leaders for the planet. Dr Medajalen remained working with his patients and Donna was thankful for her remove from the man who had only tried to tell her something of the truth of the situation on the planet. It was Herasdth who explained that the idea to build deep underground had come from the Conmenian people who originally lived in caves and dwellings under the surface. Donna in turn remarked at the apparent segregation she noticed. This had clammed Herasdth up briefly before he continued with his tour.
It was a rather strange reaction; but she also wondered at the condescending tone used by Herasdth when he talked of the Conmnenian species that appeared to live side by side with the Gedan. Then again, she had seen some strange behaviour and attitudes shown during the immediate relief crisis after the moon explosion towards the Conmenian people. And as she had toured the facilities she deduced that the Conmenian people appeared not to be patients in any of the wards.
Just how second-class are they in this society? She decided to phrase the question somewhat more diplomatically to Herasdth.
“Oh never fear Dr Fichtner. There are of course Conmenian patients. However, because in some cases they require different medicines to the Gedan we find it more useful and medically safer to segregate the two species. But I assure you it is based on sound medical reasons.”
Fichtner nodded approval and mock acquiescence before asking, “So will it be possible to tour their wards now. I’d be most interested to see the differences in medicinal care and practices that are required. It is quite an unusual situation to see two dominant species on a planet living side by side, hand in hand. I would be very interested to see how it is handled from a medical standpoint. You yourself have pointed out a number of conundrums that most medical practitioners don’t have to contend with on such a fifty-fifty circumstance.”
He flustered a little and stalled before answering, “Well surely in such a cosmopolitan society as the Federation, doctors have ample opportunities to deal with differing species.”
“Oh yes and might I say not without some difficulties on occasions. Therefore, I think it would be very illuminating to see it in practice here. It could very well be written up as a paper. Your assistance in which would be extremely helpful and we could have joint authorship on the paper. Imagine a paper read across the system by the top medical practitioners in the quadrant with your name on it!” Donna knew she was laying it on thick but she was beginning to feel very suss and angry about the situation.
As they crossed a juncture of corridors, Donna noted a flurry of activity at one end of the corridor that crossed the corridor they were touring. She noted also that the corridor with the activity denoted with green script therefore meaning it was off limit to her tour. It was not something though that stopped her asking Herasdth what was happening. Suddenly she saw the persons in the middle of the disturbance were conmenian.
Herasdth nervously began to move her on quickly, putting himself bodily between her and the furore. “I’m afraid we have to move on. We don’t want to be late for the relief status meeting.” His voice was shaky and held nervous fear.
“Herasdth! What’s so wrong? What are those conmenian people doing here?”
She noticed he really was fearful now as the fracas in the corridor they were now hurriedly leaving was spilling out onto their corridor, getting much noisier and violence now broke out. A medical technician and a guard were kicked into the wall. An angry dirt covered crowd flaying weapons tore down the corridor towards Fichtner’s group. Herasdth pulled Fichtner along as he belted down the corridor. Behind them, the remainder of the group were clubbed to the polished ground. Fichtner felt sick in her stomach at the fury held in their eyes. Herasdth slapped the medical emergency seal on the hatch they dived through. The corridor was now securely sealed from the rampaging mob.
“Who are they? Where did they come from?”
Looking around in blind panic Herasdth blurted out what he probably would not have if he weren’t so scared. “Subterraneans! Evil butchers. Terrorists! We have to get to one of the upper floors. They must have tunnelled into the complex. I can’t understand how. It’s been built especially so to withstand any incursion by them.”
“What do they want?”
“Us! Most probably you. They’re nothing but terrorists.”
Fichtner then collected herself. This was easily taken care off. The Accipiter was just in orbit and security personnel were all over the surface as part of the relief teams. She tapped her badge. “Fichtner to Forrest”
She awaited a reply as Herasdth ran to a computer link on the wall. He tapped in an emergency code, and was put through immediately to the facility’s security. At that moment, the right wall exploded in a flash of flames, sparks, metal shards, conduit piping, and a mass of earth and rubble. Fichtner crashed to the floor as rubble and dust cloaked her form.
She coughed wildly. Her ears were ringing so she never heard Nathan Forrest’s reply. She looked over to see Herasdth lying on his back with a shard of metal protruding from his chest. His eyes glazing over. She scrambled to her feet, and tripped her way over to him. She dropped beside his body and began to assess his status.
“Forrest to Dr Fichtner! Come in. What’s happening down there? … Prepare to beam her aboard Roan.”
Just then, hands and arms grabbed her. One swiped her badge away to land amongst the rubble. A voice called out to her. “Come with us now!”
Her badge dissolved in the transporter lights and Fichtner realised she was trapped here. “Now!” The voice barked and jerked her sharply towards the hole in the wall. The hole opened onto a crudely mined shaft. She stumbled in an effort to delay her kidnapping. But a whack to the base of her neck sent her into a pit of darkness as she felt her body hoisted up onto a shoulder.
“We got her. Go. Run.” As they tramped down the shaft, they dropped grenades and the entire room exploded and crashed down on itself.
Junsoon Medical Facilities, Mouyr City, Gedasada
“Please do come this way doctor Fichtner.” Herasdth gestured with his arm towards a clinically austere and clean corridor that led from the ward towards a series of other wards connected by long corridors, sealed by hatches.
Fichtner complied amiably. She had requested a tour of the facility where casualties were only now slowly beginning to be carried to. The original negotiations she was to have been part of ould have been to secure these newly built advanced medical facilities as a base for Starfleet Medical operations as part of the war effort. Ideal because the location of Gedasada was safely behind the frontline but similarly easily accessible to it. In return, the Federation promised to assist the planet to further its warp capabilities and build strong trading links. Most notably in its dilithium mining which appeared to have resulted in the terrible incident that had devastated the system.
Donna raised a disapproving eyebrow at the shopkeeper politics being played. As yet, the Federation had not resorted to bribing planets with membership to the UFP, but then considering the Federation was at war it probably would not be a sufficiently alluring incentive or bribe. Nevertheless, the Federation was playing a different ball game with other worlds since the onset of the war. Not even the protracted wars with the Cardassians or the different conflicts with the Klingons had caused such a change of mindset in the Federation.
Considering Gedasada, Donna wondered at its people and the sights she had so far seen. Much of the planet was at a premium for space with a vast population density. The cities lacked for greenery or parks of any kind. Rather they were just an unending sprawl of skyscrapers and grey. But with the expansion of the city conditions worsened and crime and squalor had become rampant and so the administrators of the planet had tried to build taller into the sky but there were constraints to just how far they could go. The only recourse was to build into the ground, many, many layers into the subterranean levels. All of which had compounded the problems faced by the rescue teams following the shockwave.
One benefit of building subterranean cities was the advanced and thankfully well-protected facility they currently toured. After helping to oversee the transfer of personnel, supplies, equipment and lastly patients Donna had requested a tour to see how effectively her plans had been put into action and just what had the facilities to offer in this emergency situation.
Herasdth was the liaison officer appointed to Fichtner, and he was actually quite a likable character, not quite as stolid as the rest of the ministers who acted as the bureaucratic leaders for the planet. Dr Medajalen remained working with his patients and Donna was thankful for her remove from the man who had only tried to tell her something of the truth of the situation on the planet. It was Herasdth who explained that the idea to build deep underground had come from the Conmenian people who originally lived in caves and dwellings under the surface. Donna in turn remarked at the apparent segregation she noticed. This had clammed Herasdth up briefly before he continued with his tour.
It was a rather strange reaction; but she also wondered at the condescending tone used by Herasdth when he talked of the Conmnenian species that appeared to live side by side with the Gedan. Then again, she had seen some strange behaviour and attitudes shown during the immediate relief crisis after the moon explosion towards the Conmenian people. And as she had toured the facilities she deduced that the Conmenian people appeared not to be patients in any of the wards.
Just how second-class are they in this society? She decided to phrase the question somewhat more diplomatically to Herasdth.
“Oh never fear Dr Fichtner. There are of course Conmenian patients. However, because in some cases they require different medicines to the Gedan we find it more useful and medically safer to segregate the two species. But I assure you it is based on sound medical reasons.”
Fichtner nodded approval and mock acquiescence before asking, “So will it be possible to tour their wards now. I’d be most interested to see the differences in medicinal care and practices that are required. It is quite an unusual situation to see two dominant species on a planet living side by side, hand in hand. I would be very interested to see how it is handled from a medical standpoint. You yourself have pointed out a number of conundrums that most medical practitioners don’t have to contend with on such a fifty-fifty circumstance.”
He flustered a little and stalled before answering, “Well surely in such a cosmopolitan society as the Federation, doctors have ample opportunities to deal with differing species.”
“Oh yes and might I say not without some difficulties on occasions. Therefore, I think it would be very illuminating to see it in practice here. It could very well be written up as a paper. Your assistance in which would be extremely helpful and we could have joint authorship on the paper. Imagine a paper read across the system by the top medical practitioners in the quadrant with your name on it!” Donna knew she was laying it on thick but she was beginning to feel very suss and angry about the situation.
As they crossed a juncture of corridors, Donna noted a flurry of activity at one end of the corridor that crossed the corridor they were touring. She noted also that the corridor with the activity denoted with green script therefore meaning it was off limit to her tour. It was not something though that stopped her asking Herasdth what was happening. Suddenly she saw the persons in the middle of the disturbance were conmenian.
Herasdth nervously began to move her on quickly, putting himself bodily between her and the furore. “I’m afraid we have to move on. We don’t want to be late for the relief status meeting.” His voice was shaky and held nervous fear.
“Herasdth! What’s so wrong? What are those conmenian people doing here?”
She noticed he really was fearful now as the fracas in the corridor they were now hurriedly leaving was spilling out onto their corridor, getting much noisier and violence now broke out. A medical technician and a guard were kicked into the wall. An angry dirt covered crowd flaying weapons tore down the corridor towards Fichtner’s group. Herasdth pulled Fichtner along as he belted down the corridor. Behind them, the remainder of the group were clubbed to the polished ground. Fichtner felt sick in her stomach at the fury held in their eyes. Herasdth slapped the medical emergency seal on the hatch they dived through. The corridor was now securely sealed from the rampaging mob.
“Who are they? Where did they come from?”
Looking around in blind panic Herasdth blurted out what he probably would not have if he weren’t so scared. “Subterraneans! Evil butchers. Terrorists! We have to get to one of the upper floors. They must have tunnelled into the complex. I can’t understand how. It’s been built especially so to withstand any incursion by them.”
“What do they want?”
“Us! Most probably you. They’re nothing but terrorists.”
Fichtner then collected herself. This was easily taken care off. The Accipiter was just in orbit and security personnel were all over the surface as part of the relief teams. She tapped her badge. “Fichtner to Forrest”
She awaited a reply as Herasdth ran to a computer link on the wall. He tapped in an emergency code, and was put through immediately to the facility’s security. At that moment, the right wall exploded in a flash of flames, sparks, metal shards, conduit piping, and a mass of earth and rubble. Fichtner crashed to the floor as rubble and dust cloaked her form.
She coughed wildly. Her ears were ringing so she never heard Nathan Forrest’s reply. She looked over to see Herasdth lying on his back with a shard of metal protruding from his chest. His eyes glazing over. She scrambled to her feet, and tripped her way over to him. She dropped beside his body and began to assess his status.
“Forrest to Dr Fichtner! Come in. What’s happening down there? … Prepare to beam her aboard Roan.”
Just then, hands and arms grabbed her. One swiped her badge away to land amongst the rubble. A voice called out to her. “Come with us now!”
Her badge dissolved in the transporter lights and Fichtner realised she was trapped here. “Now!” The voice barked and jerked her sharply towards the hole in the wall. The hole opened onto a crudely mined shaft. She stumbled in an effort to delay her kidnapping. But a whack to the base of her neck sent her into a pit of darkness as she felt her body hoisted up onto a shoulder.
“We got her. Go. Run.” As they tramped down the shaft, they dropped grenades and the entire room exploded and crashed down on itself.
****************
End Chapter 4
End Chapter 4
Re: Buried History - Chapter 4 - Relief Measures [contd]
This story is coming along nicely. A kidnapping, a desperate Federation, double-dealing diplomatic intrigue--all an explosive combination.
Your writing is also very much improved--you're developing a very good natural style.
This story is coming along nicely. A kidnapping, a desperate Federation, double-dealing diplomatic intrigue--all an explosive combination.
Your writing is also very much improved--you're developing a very good natural style.
Buried History - Chapter 5 'Necessary Actions'
Thanks for the comments and I hope the next segments keep you interested.
Junsoon Medical Facilities, Mouyr City, Gedasada
The shimmering blue condensed into a security team led by the formidable Dagon Axon Ghangannorr. He stood centre of the security team, the only one not to present his weapon but no one doubted his readiness to defend or attack. He did not bark orders as one might expect of one so domineering. Instead, his black hooded eyes darted around the ruined corridor. His team followed his eyes and sprung into action sweeping the area and securing the points.
He turned then to Roan Cutter who alone remained beside the security chief turning 360 as he scanned the immediate vicinity. “Well?” The low growl travelled the length of the corridor. The others turned their attention to whatever Roan would report.
“No sign of Dr Fichtner. I detect several signs of explosives and it appears they imploded their route into the facility.”
“Can you detect beyond the rubble?”
“It should be possible with help from the Accipiter.”
“Liaise with Lt Nikochevski.”
Crewman Warren Kent approached his Chief. “Immediate area secured. There is no sign of the insurgents and the planet’s security and medical teams have yet to reach this area. The attack was coordinated on a large scale. Scanning their records it appears several areas were broached.”
Dagon scanned the area with his own eyes to check the validity of the crewman’s assessment. Imperceptibly he nodded approval; the crewman was an experienced security officer despite his youth. Initially Dagon was wary of the man’s abilities because he was by human terms described as a ‘hunk’. Or so he had overheard the petite blonde nurse Jade Stone refer to him as such.
In his own assessment Dagon believed a good security officer tended to have some rough edges to their appearance. Though he considered too that because Kent bore no scars or visages of run ins it meant he had fared well in any such encounters or had the foresight to avoid trouble.
“Are there any survivors in this section?”
“None.” The lad spoke plainly, which was another characteristic Dagon approved of the muscular crewman.
“If we can secure their escape route and clear the rubble we should be able to track them down. Do you concur?”
“Yes sir Mr Dagon.”
“Good. Prepare the team and request support from Engineering. Mr Keresh has experience in subterranean excavations so ask for him. Chief Hashap will be too busy leading up the rescue teams involved in engineering projects.” He referred to the work of the engineering department in rescuing those trapped in the subterranean levels. In actuality Keresh was the one leading the more complex situations with previous experience in this field of structural engineering. Dagon sensed the young man wanted to say as much. “Chief Hashap is too close to Dr Fichtner to work objectively and safely. It would be best if she were not yet informed of the doctor’s kidnapping.”
“Yessir.”
USS Accipiter, Main Bridge
On the bridge of the Accipiter Nathan remarked to Moira that he felt very redundant as they received orders and listened in to the open link from Dagon. He took the moment to work a tension knot in his lower back. Perhaps if the doctor but knew she would free herself and give me a good talking to, similarly relieving me of command. Nathan joked inwardly to himself. The reality was that they were all tired and frustrated by the rescue work, their missing Captain, and now the CMO was kidnapped. He was thankful for Dagon’s approach but resented being at the sidelines, listening on and doing little of anything constructive.
Dagon was straightforward and uncomplicated. Why bother issuing the orders himself or converse through the commanding officer when he could dictate to his subordinates and have them speak to the relevant parties. Nathan ought to be angry but he knew Dagon knew his business and it was imperative that they quickly act and locate the doctor.
All Nathan had been able to do so far was reorder the duty rota and rotate some of the more experienced officers to the ship to help coordinate the search party for Fichtner. Nathan worried if a similar fate had unknowingly befallen the Captain, perhaps he was kidnapped but resumed missing.
Moira rubbed her eyes and reported to Roan Cutter whom she had relieved in order that he could form part of the away team. Dust and dirt still clung to her uniform from her efforts on the planet below. Nathan told her to open a comlink to his academy friend Sanjeev Keresh. The English/Iranian’s voice came clear over the link as he replied to his hail. Nathan then informed him of the situation and Dagon’s view to hold back the information from Laura.
“It might be for the best Nathan. She won’t hear it from any of the engineering staff that’s for sure. They’re quite protective of their boss. I need to beam back to the Accipiter for some tools and equipment and then I can join Dagon and his team.”
“Very well, Moira beam him aboard when he’s ready.”
In fifteen minutes, Keresh was beamed back to the planet to a location near to Dagon with the necessary equipment. Moira had also furnished him a specially calibrated tricorder that continually updated the ship of their surroundings and location and whatever new information the Accipiter collected from orbit.
In the meantime, Nathan had informed Captain Tiana of their situation so she could reassign personnel to cover the work Donna was overseeing. He also arranged with Major Raleigh the deployment of her troops to protect the medical teams, hauling off those who were assisting in the dirty work of rubble removal and triage.
It was a distressing situation removing such valued help to simply stand guard but they could not risk harm to any of the medical teams from the Accipiter or Carling Paul Linnaeus. Nathan now found himself eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Galaxy class Manhattan to help shore up the medical teams and security. The situation was more fraught than they dared to believe.
Moira raised his hopes when she then declared, “Vessel entering the system.”
“Thank goodness. We need the manpower the Manhattan can provide.”
“Sir ... the ship has entered the system from the opposite direction we expected the Manhattan. And as yet I do not detect a Federation prefix.”
“Dominion?”
“There’s too much interference from the explosion but at a guess yes. The approximate size from our limited scanning abilities would be congruent with a Jem’Hadar battle cruiser.”
“Get Dagon up here now. Forrest to Commander Harrison.”
The commanding officer of the Valkryie squadron assigned to the Accipiter answered promptly. Nathan barrelled on to explain. “I need you to pull your fighters off scan and patrol and enter high orbit again, rendezvous with the Accipiter as go out to meet the Jem’Hadar. We cannot allow them to get to the planet.”
“Acknowledged.”
Moira beamed Dagon straight to the bridge after explaining to him the situation. He marched over to the tactical station and declared as he went, “Lt Commander Keresh has taken charge of the detail and will continue to search for Dr Fichtner. Shields up Lieutenant Nikochevski.”
Moira complied by the force of his voice before she looked to Nathan for acknowledgement. Gareth Hayes ran onto the bridge and excused himself before taking the helm. Nathan was thankful that Moira had thought to call the young man to the helm back from his shuttling duties on the surface. “Mr Hayes take us out of orbit and then meet the Jem’Hadar vessel, full impulse when ready.”
“Aye sir.” He slid into his chair and tapped the controls swiftly and the Accipiter peeled away from orbit and soon made its way through the system towards the approaching vessel.
Moira relayed the better scans they now received and confirmed their worst fears. As they progressed, the Valkryie fighters formed up in formation surrounding the Accipiter. It looked a formidable sight but Nathan and Dagon both knew from a tactical point of view that they were in a position of weakness. Firstly, they had a corner to fight for, their people and the inhabitants of Gedasada. Secondly, the ship itself was undermanned crewed by a skeleton crew despite Nathan’s rushed efforts to get more personnel back up to the Accipiter. The Battlecruiser would be full to the brim of eager Jem’Hadar soldiers.
“In weapons range in twenty seconds.”
“All weapons charged and ready Dagon.”
“Torpedoes are prepped already.”
Nathan did not doubt the readiness of the Trammealean. To Moira at Ops he called, “Open a communication to the Jem’Hadar.”Gareth Hayes looked back to Nathan disbelieving that the Jem’Hadar would not attack. “You never know Mr Hayes, they might just be in the mood for talking. Dagon be ready to open fire. I don’t necessarily want to be the one who shoots first but ...”
The Trammealean finished his sentence for him, “Be assured it will be only a split second after that we fire.”
“Exactly.” Nathan nodded appreciatively.
“Ten seconds until weapons range.” Both vessels slowed.
“Still no answer to our hails.”
“Weapons range in ... five ...”
“Bring us to a stop Hayes.”
“ ... three, two,” Onscreen the Battlecruiser came to a stop too. “We are within weapons range. Battlecruiser's weapons are charged and shields are raised.”
He looked to Moira awaiting the establishing of a comlink. “Any response Lieutenant?”
She shook her head sadly. It would come down to a bare-knuckle duke out then. A fight the Accipiter might not win.
Thanks for the comments and I hope the next segments keep you interested.
********************
Chapter 5 ‘Necessary Action’
********************
Chapter 5 ‘Necessary Action’
********************
Junsoon Medical Facilities, Mouyr City, Gedasada
The shimmering blue condensed into a security team led by the formidable Dagon Axon Ghangannorr. He stood centre of the security team, the only one not to present his weapon but no one doubted his readiness to defend or attack. He did not bark orders as one might expect of one so domineering. Instead, his black hooded eyes darted around the ruined corridor. His team followed his eyes and sprung into action sweeping the area and securing the points.
He turned then to Roan Cutter who alone remained beside the security chief turning 360 as he scanned the immediate vicinity. “Well?” The low growl travelled the length of the corridor. The others turned their attention to whatever Roan would report.
“No sign of Dr Fichtner. I detect several signs of explosives and it appears they imploded their route into the facility.”
“Can you detect beyond the rubble?”
“It should be possible with help from the Accipiter.”
“Liaise with Lt Nikochevski.”
Crewman Warren Kent approached his Chief. “Immediate area secured. There is no sign of the insurgents and the planet’s security and medical teams have yet to reach this area. The attack was coordinated on a large scale. Scanning their records it appears several areas were broached.”
Dagon scanned the area with his own eyes to check the validity of the crewman’s assessment. Imperceptibly he nodded approval; the crewman was an experienced security officer despite his youth. Initially Dagon was wary of the man’s abilities because he was by human terms described as a ‘hunk’. Or so he had overheard the petite blonde nurse Jade Stone refer to him as such.
In his own assessment Dagon believed a good security officer tended to have some rough edges to their appearance. Though he considered too that because Kent bore no scars or visages of run ins it meant he had fared well in any such encounters or had the foresight to avoid trouble.
“Are there any survivors in this section?”
“None.” The lad spoke plainly, which was another characteristic Dagon approved of the muscular crewman.
“If we can secure their escape route and clear the rubble we should be able to track them down. Do you concur?”
“Yes sir Mr Dagon.”
“Good. Prepare the team and request support from Engineering. Mr Keresh has experience in subterranean excavations so ask for him. Chief Hashap will be too busy leading up the rescue teams involved in engineering projects.” He referred to the work of the engineering department in rescuing those trapped in the subterranean levels. In actuality Keresh was the one leading the more complex situations with previous experience in this field of structural engineering. Dagon sensed the young man wanted to say as much. “Chief Hashap is too close to Dr Fichtner to work objectively and safely. It would be best if she were not yet informed of the doctor’s kidnapping.”
“Yessir.”
******************************
USS Accipiter, Main Bridge
On the bridge of the Accipiter Nathan remarked to Moira that he felt very redundant as they received orders and listened in to the open link from Dagon. He took the moment to work a tension knot in his lower back. Perhaps if the doctor but knew she would free herself and give me a good talking to, similarly relieving me of command. Nathan joked inwardly to himself. The reality was that they were all tired and frustrated by the rescue work, their missing Captain, and now the CMO was kidnapped. He was thankful for Dagon’s approach but resented being at the sidelines, listening on and doing little of anything constructive.
Dagon was straightforward and uncomplicated. Why bother issuing the orders himself or converse through the commanding officer when he could dictate to his subordinates and have them speak to the relevant parties. Nathan ought to be angry but he knew Dagon knew his business and it was imperative that they quickly act and locate the doctor.
All Nathan had been able to do so far was reorder the duty rota and rotate some of the more experienced officers to the ship to help coordinate the search party for Fichtner. Nathan worried if a similar fate had unknowingly befallen the Captain, perhaps he was kidnapped but resumed missing.
Moira rubbed her eyes and reported to Roan Cutter whom she had relieved in order that he could form part of the away team. Dust and dirt still clung to her uniform from her efforts on the planet below. Nathan told her to open a comlink to his academy friend Sanjeev Keresh. The English/Iranian’s voice came clear over the link as he replied to his hail. Nathan then informed him of the situation and Dagon’s view to hold back the information from Laura.
“It might be for the best Nathan. She won’t hear it from any of the engineering staff that’s for sure. They’re quite protective of their boss. I need to beam back to the Accipiter for some tools and equipment and then I can join Dagon and his team.”
“Very well, Moira beam him aboard when he’s ready.”
*********
In fifteen minutes, Keresh was beamed back to the planet to a location near to Dagon with the necessary equipment. Moira had also furnished him a specially calibrated tricorder that continually updated the ship of their surroundings and location and whatever new information the Accipiter collected from orbit.
In the meantime, Nathan had informed Captain Tiana of their situation so she could reassign personnel to cover the work Donna was overseeing. He also arranged with Major Raleigh the deployment of her troops to protect the medical teams, hauling off those who were assisting in the dirty work of rubble removal and triage.
It was a distressing situation removing such valued help to simply stand guard but they could not risk harm to any of the medical teams from the Accipiter or Carling Paul Linnaeus. Nathan now found himself eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Galaxy class Manhattan to help shore up the medical teams and security. The situation was more fraught than they dared to believe.
Moira raised his hopes when she then declared, “Vessel entering the system.”
“Thank goodness. We need the manpower the Manhattan can provide.”
“Sir ... the ship has entered the system from the opposite direction we expected the Manhattan. And as yet I do not detect a Federation prefix.”
“Dominion?”
“There’s too much interference from the explosion but at a guess yes. The approximate size from our limited scanning abilities would be congruent with a Jem’Hadar battle cruiser.”
“Get Dagon up here now. Forrest to Commander Harrison.”
The commanding officer of the Valkryie squadron assigned to the Accipiter answered promptly. Nathan barrelled on to explain. “I need you to pull your fighters off scan and patrol and enter high orbit again, rendezvous with the Accipiter as go out to meet the Jem’Hadar. We cannot allow them to get to the planet.”
“Acknowledged.”
Moira beamed Dagon straight to the bridge after explaining to him the situation. He marched over to the tactical station and declared as he went, “Lt Commander Keresh has taken charge of the detail and will continue to search for Dr Fichtner. Shields up Lieutenant Nikochevski.”
Moira complied by the force of his voice before she looked to Nathan for acknowledgement. Gareth Hayes ran onto the bridge and excused himself before taking the helm. Nathan was thankful that Moira had thought to call the young man to the helm back from his shuttling duties on the surface. “Mr Hayes take us out of orbit and then meet the Jem’Hadar vessel, full impulse when ready.”
“Aye sir.” He slid into his chair and tapped the controls swiftly and the Accipiter peeled away from orbit and soon made its way through the system towards the approaching vessel.
Moira relayed the better scans they now received and confirmed their worst fears. As they progressed, the Valkryie fighters formed up in formation surrounding the Accipiter. It looked a formidable sight but Nathan and Dagon both knew from a tactical point of view that they were in a position of weakness. Firstly, they had a corner to fight for, their people and the inhabitants of Gedasada. Secondly, the ship itself was undermanned crewed by a skeleton crew despite Nathan’s rushed efforts to get more personnel back up to the Accipiter. The Battlecruiser would be full to the brim of eager Jem’Hadar soldiers.
“In weapons range in twenty seconds.”
“All weapons charged and ready Dagon.”
“Torpedoes are prepped already.”
Nathan did not doubt the readiness of the Trammealean. To Moira at Ops he called, “Open a communication to the Jem’Hadar.”Gareth Hayes looked back to Nathan disbelieving that the Jem’Hadar would not attack. “You never know Mr Hayes, they might just be in the mood for talking. Dagon be ready to open fire. I don’t necessarily want to be the one who shoots first but ...”
The Trammealean finished his sentence for him, “Be assured it will be only a split second after that we fire.”
“Exactly.” Nathan nodded appreciatively.
“Ten seconds until weapons range.” Both vessels slowed.
“Still no answer to our hails.”
“Weapons range in ... five ...”
“Bring us to a stop Hayes.”
“ ... three, two,” Onscreen the Battlecruiser came to a stop too. “We are within weapons range. Battlecruiser's weapons are charged and shields are raised.”
He looked to Moira awaiting the establishing of a comlink. “Any response Lieutenant?”
She shook her head sadly. It would come down to a bare-knuckle duke out then. A fight the Accipiter might not win.
********
********
Junsoon Medical Facilities, Mouyr City, Gedasada
Keresh looked at the dematerialising image of Ghangnanorr Dagon. Squaring his shoulders, Keresh chose to forget the information quickly passed to him by Dagon. He had a mission and it needed him to focus and concentrate on it alone.
“Mr Kent, you can help me to lay these charges.” Kent smartly nodded his understanding while Roan Cutter scanning the debris of the tunnel used by the kidnappers looked warily at the explosives. “Not to worry Cutter. I’ve had quite some training in the use of explosives, particularly for mining purposes. And Mr Kent here is proficient in all things explosive.”
Roan Cutter was not too convinced but before placing the charges, Keresh consulted with his readings to help decide the placing of the explosives. A sharp contained crack, a small lurch of the ground and a cloud of dust marked the explosion ten minutes later. Sanjeev Keresh led the way out of cover, steeping carefully into the dust cloud and over strewn rock. He peered down the length of the newly opened tunnel. Large slabs of rock remained in places along the length, merely re-shifted than destroyed in the controlled explosion but enough room was provided for the team to walk down the tunnel in search of the doctor.
Tricorder held in front of him and phaser ready in his other hand Keresh quietly gave out orders to gather the equipment and prepare to enter the tunnel. A team of Gedan militia trundled down the ruined corridor finished securing the remainder of the base. Dropping the tricorder to his side, Keresh stepped up to meet them stopping their progress. Dr Medajalen followed in their wake with Keresh's longtime friend and ship's Helm Officer Huyio Ferria and several security personnel from the Accipiter.
Medajalen made his way forward placing a hand on the lead militia officer. “Lt Commander Keresh? I am Dr Medajalen if you recall, in nominal charge of this facility.”
“What is it I can do for you?”
Huyio suppressed a smile. He remembered all too well the seriousness with which Sanjeev always took his work at the Academy and from his very first posting. There was no one more friendly and genial than his good friend Keresh but he was methodical and to the point in the discharge of his duties. He did not therefore entertain flowery words and sentiments, especially in the line of duty.
“Sergeant Huyrek and his men wish to escort you and your team as you search for Dr Fichtner. They are both aggrieved at the kidnapping of a woman so compassionate and skilled as Dr Fichtner but they also have much more experience in dealing with these insurgents and in tracking them in the labyrinth of the city below.”
“Duly noted. However, Dr Medajalen I do not think their presence is necessary. A small team will move more easily through these tunnels and beyond. We also stand a greater chance of stealth with such an approach.”
“Yes but I do not think you understand the nature of the warren of underground tunnels, corridors and access ways below the surface or the ability of the insurgents to become lost in them.”
Huyio stepped forward, “Your offer is kind Dr Medajalen but your men would be best remaining here to protect the facility and the patients. Lt Commander Keresh and his team will use their technology to help them track down the doctor. Also we would not like to place your men in harm’s way in the pursuit of our doctor.”
“But we would be only to glad to assist as a means of repaying the services so far kindly offered to Gedasada by the Federation.”
Huyio took his elbow leading him away kindly, “There is no need, honestly.” Huyio moved off down the corridor further convincing the doctor and his militia men. Keresh watched as the militia men moved off slowly. Sergeant Huyrek giving Keresh a baleful look before turning away.
“Mr Kent, you and I will take point. Organise the remainder of the team as you see fit.” Keresh turned to watch Huyio return. “Did you succeed in preventing them from crashing our search and rescue party?”
Huyio smiled. “For now.” He looked back expecting to see the militia men lingering awaiting their opportunity to follow behind them. Both men had no doubt that was their intention and there was nothing they could do to stop them doing so. Hopefully, Keresh and his team could put enough space between them before their gun ho approach threatened the recovery of the doctor.
“Captain Vaughan will be most impressed with your diplomatic skills. Perhaps he will put you in for a transfer.” They laughed at the meagre joke. Keresh thought how alien it was to see Huyio Ferria away from the helm controls of a ship. It was as if he expected his friend to suffer a kind of ‘sea legs’ adjustment to walking on land. “We will try to keep contact with you until the Accipiter returns.”
“Let’s hope it does.”
“I have every faith in Nathan. He will safely return.”
Huyio clasped Sanjeev’s shoulder. “As do I my friend. I guess going off to battle a Jem’Hadar cruiser with a skeleton crew is the price he pays for making commander before us.”
“Not to worry, we might beat him to the post of Captain yet.”
“Somehow I can’t imagine you giving up your engines quite so easily Sanjeev. You’d best be off. Good luck.”
“You too.”
“Oh and why’s that?”
“Because you are going to have to be the one who explains to Caitlyn why Nathan hurried off without her.”
Huyio laughed. “I don’t think I want that task.”
Sanjeev waved over his shoulder as he quietly whispered to Huyio, “I do not think you have a choice in the matter.” Keresh then turned, picked up his pack and slung it over both shoulders, then hoisting a phaser rifle over one shoulder he and Warren Kent led the team into the tunnel and beyond.
Huyio turned to face Caitlyn Ryan storming up to his position. “Lt Commander Ferria. Can you tell me what is going on?”
Her anger was clear but contained. Huyio explained about the kidnapping of Dr Fichtner and Keresh’s mission to try and track down her whereabouts. Caitlyn moved as if to follow but Huyio continued, “Which leaves us to lead the relief teams. We are now even more short staffed, especially with the Accipiter currently out of orbit.”
“Worse Lt Commander Ferria. We have to prepare for an assault by Jem’Hadar forces. We may have no choice but to fight them on the surface.”
“I have every faith that Nathan will avert that possibility.”
“Faith does not stop Jem’Hadar soldiers Lt Commander.” Her combadge chirped then. “This is Lt Commander Ryan, Go ahead.”
“Lt Commander Ryan, this is Captain Tiana.”
The voice sounded worried. Caitlyn looked Huyio in the eye, both fearing Nathan had failed already. “What is it Captain?”
“Another vessel.”
Further down the corridor along a different intersection Dr Medajalen talked in hushed tones to Sergeant Hujrek. “The doctor’s safety is imperative sergeant.”
The looming hulk of the militia man looked at the doctor stonily. “Quashing the rebels is our greatest concern. The doctor is not important to us.”
“She is. Her expertise is greatly needed. Already we are getting reports of sickness breaking out in the refugee camps. The doctor is an expert in viruses. We might find ourselves in dire need of her help.”
“I have heard the reports from my colleagues. Those reports tell me the disease is only afflicting the Conmenian. You need not fret over their fate. Nor the fate of the doctor. We will find her first and ... we will see whatever happens to the interfering outsider.”
“Be careful just what you do. We do not need the Federation on our backs.”
“Correction Dr Medajalen, we do not necessarily need the Federation.”
Junsoon Medical Facilities, Mouyr City, Gedasada
Keresh looked at the dematerialising image of Ghangnanorr Dagon. Squaring his shoulders, Keresh chose to forget the information quickly passed to him by Dagon. He had a mission and it needed him to focus and concentrate on it alone.
“Mr Kent, you can help me to lay these charges.” Kent smartly nodded his understanding while Roan Cutter scanning the debris of the tunnel used by the kidnappers looked warily at the explosives. “Not to worry Cutter. I’ve had quite some training in the use of explosives, particularly for mining purposes. And Mr Kent here is proficient in all things explosive.”
Roan Cutter was not too convinced but before placing the charges, Keresh consulted with his readings to help decide the placing of the explosives. A sharp contained crack, a small lurch of the ground and a cloud of dust marked the explosion ten minutes later. Sanjeev Keresh led the way out of cover, steeping carefully into the dust cloud and over strewn rock. He peered down the length of the newly opened tunnel. Large slabs of rock remained in places along the length, merely re-shifted than destroyed in the controlled explosion but enough room was provided for the team to walk down the tunnel in search of the doctor.
Tricorder held in front of him and phaser ready in his other hand Keresh quietly gave out orders to gather the equipment and prepare to enter the tunnel. A team of Gedan militia trundled down the ruined corridor finished securing the remainder of the base. Dropping the tricorder to his side, Keresh stepped up to meet them stopping their progress. Dr Medajalen followed in their wake with Keresh's longtime friend and ship's Helm Officer Huyio Ferria and several security personnel from the Accipiter.
Medajalen made his way forward placing a hand on the lead militia officer. “Lt Commander Keresh? I am Dr Medajalen if you recall, in nominal charge of this facility.”
“What is it I can do for you?”
Huyio suppressed a smile. He remembered all too well the seriousness with which Sanjeev always took his work at the Academy and from his very first posting. There was no one more friendly and genial than his good friend Keresh but he was methodical and to the point in the discharge of his duties. He did not therefore entertain flowery words and sentiments, especially in the line of duty.
“Sergeant Huyrek and his men wish to escort you and your team as you search for Dr Fichtner. They are both aggrieved at the kidnapping of a woman so compassionate and skilled as Dr Fichtner but they also have much more experience in dealing with these insurgents and in tracking them in the labyrinth of the city below.”
“Duly noted. However, Dr Medajalen I do not think their presence is necessary. A small team will move more easily through these tunnels and beyond. We also stand a greater chance of stealth with such an approach.”
“Yes but I do not think you understand the nature of the warren of underground tunnels, corridors and access ways below the surface or the ability of the insurgents to become lost in them.”
Huyio stepped forward, “Your offer is kind Dr Medajalen but your men would be best remaining here to protect the facility and the patients. Lt Commander Keresh and his team will use their technology to help them track down the doctor. Also we would not like to place your men in harm’s way in the pursuit of our doctor.”
“But we would be only to glad to assist as a means of repaying the services so far kindly offered to Gedasada by the Federation.”
Huyio took his elbow leading him away kindly, “There is no need, honestly.” Huyio moved off down the corridor further convincing the doctor and his militia men. Keresh watched as the militia men moved off slowly. Sergeant Huyrek giving Keresh a baleful look before turning away.
“Mr Kent, you and I will take point. Organise the remainder of the team as you see fit.” Keresh turned to watch Huyio return. “Did you succeed in preventing them from crashing our search and rescue party?”
Huyio smiled. “For now.” He looked back expecting to see the militia men lingering awaiting their opportunity to follow behind them. Both men had no doubt that was their intention and there was nothing they could do to stop them doing so. Hopefully, Keresh and his team could put enough space between them before their gun ho approach threatened the recovery of the doctor.
“Captain Vaughan will be most impressed with your diplomatic skills. Perhaps he will put you in for a transfer.” They laughed at the meagre joke. Keresh thought how alien it was to see Huyio Ferria away from the helm controls of a ship. It was as if he expected his friend to suffer a kind of ‘sea legs’ adjustment to walking on land. “We will try to keep contact with you until the Accipiter returns.”
“Let’s hope it does.”
“I have every faith in Nathan. He will safely return.”
Huyio clasped Sanjeev’s shoulder. “As do I my friend. I guess going off to battle a Jem’Hadar cruiser with a skeleton crew is the price he pays for making commander before us.”
“Not to worry, we might beat him to the post of Captain yet.”
“Somehow I can’t imagine you giving up your engines quite so easily Sanjeev. You’d best be off. Good luck.”
“You too.”
“Oh and why’s that?”
“Because you are going to have to be the one who explains to Caitlyn why Nathan hurried off without her.”
Huyio laughed. “I don’t think I want that task.”
Sanjeev waved over his shoulder as he quietly whispered to Huyio, “I do not think you have a choice in the matter.” Keresh then turned, picked up his pack and slung it over both shoulders, then hoisting a phaser rifle over one shoulder he and Warren Kent led the team into the tunnel and beyond.
Huyio turned to face Caitlyn Ryan storming up to his position. “Lt Commander Ferria. Can you tell me what is going on?”
Her anger was clear but contained. Huyio explained about the kidnapping of Dr Fichtner and Keresh’s mission to try and track down her whereabouts. Caitlyn moved as if to follow but Huyio continued, “Which leaves us to lead the relief teams. We are now even more short staffed, especially with the Accipiter currently out of orbit.”
“Worse Lt Commander Ferria. We have to prepare for an assault by Jem’Hadar forces. We may have no choice but to fight them on the surface.”
“I have every faith that Nathan will avert that possibility.”
“Faith does not stop Jem’Hadar soldiers Lt Commander.” Her combadge chirped then. “This is Lt Commander Ryan, Go ahead.”
“Lt Commander Ryan, this is Captain Tiana.”
The voice sounded worried. Caitlyn looked Huyio in the eye, both fearing Nathan had failed already. “What is it Captain?”
“Another vessel.”
*********
Further down the corridor along a different intersection Dr Medajalen talked in hushed tones to Sergeant Hujrek. “The doctor’s safety is imperative sergeant.”
The looming hulk of the militia man looked at the doctor stonily. “Quashing the rebels is our greatest concern. The doctor is not important to us.”
“She is. Her expertise is greatly needed. Already we are getting reports of sickness breaking out in the refugee camps. The doctor is an expert in viruses. We might find ourselves in dire need of her help.”
“I have heard the reports from my colleagues. Those reports tell me the disease is only afflicting the Conmenian. You need not fret over their fate. Nor the fate of the doctor. We will find her first and ... we will see whatever happens to the interfering outsider.”
“Be careful just what you do. We do not need the Federation on our backs.”
“Correction Dr Medajalen, we do not necessarily need the Federation.”
*********
Buried History - Chapter 5 'Necessary Actions' [contd]
Gedasada, The Undiscovered City in the R'Uye Caves
Vaughan watched as Sam Martin and Kurt Ramsey readied a campsite for themselves and the Captain. He gave some polite praise for their efficiency. He noted too the surreptitious looks Ramsey made at him. “Is there something on your mind Ensign?”
He stood to attention. “No sir.”
Martin looked on interested. Palms open in an encouraging gesture Vaughan said, “Permission to speak freely is granted.”
Despite the invite not being addressed to her Martin challenged, “Why are we playing nice with the officials? We discover their bombs and hardly believe their version of the truth completely.”
“No we do not Martin.” Vaughan chose to ignore that he had not specifically spoken to her but he saw that it was a means of getting the opportunity to clear the air with Ramsey. “However, we are not in the full possession of the facts. We must remember there is some truth to what they say. After all we have seen the results of one terrorist attack.”
“I suppose but why are you acting so nice to them?”
“It is a necessary bluff Ensign. We try our best to keep them on side and use our good relations to build towards a better Gedasada. I have no doubt whatsoever the Conmenian people on this planet are being discriminated against. To what degree and severity I do not know. But we need to start from a strong basis of trust and acceptance.”
“It’s hardly trust if we are just pretending to like them.”
“I agree Mr Ramsey. But sometimes it helps to pretend in the beginning in order to accept the reality later and develop a true relationship of trust.”
Martin snorted, with a not quite derisory comment, “What’s that Captain, diplomacy 101? I don’t recall you teaching that at the Academy.”
He smiled benevolently at Martin. “Not quite, just something I learned along the way. When you meet alien species for the first time with cultures and societies completely different to our own such a tactic can prove useful in the beginning.”
“Is it something you learned to do regards working with others?”
Vaughan stopped to think about the surprise question from Kurt Ramsey. Kurt obviously referred to Vaughan’s relationship with his father. “Not per se. For example, when your father first became my Executive Officer aboard the Icarus I found it difficult to adjust because Russell Barnes had filled that role for a long time. However, your mother told me to give this brash new commander a chance. Perhaps he was not as bullish as he first appeared. So I gave him a chance but I didn’t pretend to like him. It all happened naturally. Now as for certain Admirals! Pretending to like them ...”
“Gee I never realised your father was the big gun for the Captain. So Mammy Ramsey worked for you too Captain?”
“She was one of the finest engineers I ever worked with. She was a grease monkey.”
“Grease monkey?”
“An NCO. Never cared much for the Academy boys until a certain Commander came aboard.” Vaughan smiled at the memories and at the effect Sarah Ramsey had on mellowing her future husband.
She was good for him; to begin with. Then they started a family and the relationship soured as they fought over what was the best for their child. She wanted to leave Starfleet behind. Tyler Ramsey wanted to wait. The Galaxy class vessels were in production and promised the opportunity for families to live onboard. The Miranda class Icarus just wasn’t able to do that but Tyler had greater ambitions to serve aboard one of the new Galaxy class and bring his family too.
They just had to wait. One last mission, Sarah had declared, leaving newly born Kurt behind on Earth with his grandparents. One last mission ..
“What was my mother like ... on the Icarus?”
“Firstly, she was a damned fine engineer. Dedicated but able to cut loose once the duty shift finished. She often joked to me and the Chief that it was for the HoDs, Heads of Departments, to worry and fret after work hours not the lowly minions such as she. Sarah was friends with practically everyone aboard. Whether enlisted or officers. She knew the Icarus inside and out.”
“Yeah how?”
Ramsey answered Martin’s question, “It was only her second command ever. Once she went onboard she stayed with the ship for years, until ...”
“Until? Oh right.” It dawned on Martin they talking of her in the past tense. Keen as she was to learn more Sam knew not to pursue it, at least not in front of each other. Alone perhaps she might hear more.
“Captain ... did she ... was she happy?”
“Always, even in the difficult times. She helped me to overcome the death of my wife but rescue me from my work. After you were born, she was so excited and couldn’t wait to leave her engines behind and be your mom. She had never been happier than when you were born. That’s a story in itself! Stranded in a nebula with no working warp core and an Orion raider seeking to finish us off. To be honest you’re lucky you weren’t called Nebula or Stardust! I’d best see Mr Law and let you two get some rest. We’ve a big day ahead of us tomorrow again.”
Vaughan moved away watched by Ramsey who in turn was studied by Martin. “So what happened your Mom?”
“Depends on whose word you believe.”
Martin frowned at the cryptic answer. She expected Kurt to sharply tell her to mind her business. Normally she herself would. She didn’t play the part of gushing and fawning and playing sentimental with any. But she worked closely with Ramsey since they both came aboard as newly minted ensigns from the Academy. Had met him back in their Academy days too; where they had flirted with each other but bedded each other’s best friends. Any thoughts entertained about hooking up aboard the Accipiter were dashed by the apparent infatuation Kurt had developed for helm ensign Zxerya. Not that Martin had entertained those thoughts greatly, apart from to question what he saw in a freak show like Zxerya.
Chancing her arm she said, “Well give us one version.”
“According to my dad, if you’d choose to believe him, Vaughan killed my mother.”
“Oh!” How? But she chose not to ask the question as Kurt turned to his pack and readied himself to rest. Sam Martin just wondered what the truth that lay behind it all was.
*********
Gedasada, The Undiscovered City in the R'Uye Caves
Vaughan watched as Sam Martin and Kurt Ramsey readied a campsite for themselves and the Captain. He gave some polite praise for their efficiency. He noted too the surreptitious looks Ramsey made at him. “Is there something on your mind Ensign?”
He stood to attention. “No sir.”
Martin looked on interested. Palms open in an encouraging gesture Vaughan said, “Permission to speak freely is granted.”
Despite the invite not being addressed to her Martin challenged, “Why are we playing nice with the officials? We discover their bombs and hardly believe their version of the truth completely.”
“No we do not Martin.” Vaughan chose to ignore that he had not specifically spoken to her but he saw that it was a means of getting the opportunity to clear the air with Ramsey. “However, we are not in the full possession of the facts. We must remember there is some truth to what they say. After all we have seen the results of one terrorist attack.”
“I suppose but why are you acting so nice to them?”
“It is a necessary bluff Ensign. We try our best to keep them on side and use our good relations to build towards a better Gedasada. I have no doubt whatsoever the Conmenian people on this planet are being discriminated against. To what degree and severity I do not know. But we need to start from a strong basis of trust and acceptance.”
“It’s hardly trust if we are just pretending to like them.”
“I agree Mr Ramsey. But sometimes it helps to pretend in the beginning in order to accept the reality later and develop a true relationship of trust.”
Martin snorted, with a not quite derisory comment, “What’s that Captain, diplomacy 101? I don’t recall you teaching that at the Academy.”
He smiled benevolently at Martin. “Not quite, just something I learned along the way. When you meet alien species for the first time with cultures and societies completely different to our own such a tactic can prove useful in the beginning.”
“Is it something you learned to do regards working with others?”
Vaughan stopped to think about the surprise question from Kurt Ramsey. Kurt obviously referred to Vaughan’s relationship with his father. “Not per se. For example, when your father first became my Executive Officer aboard the Icarus I found it difficult to adjust because Russell Barnes had filled that role for a long time. However, your mother told me to give this brash new commander a chance. Perhaps he was not as bullish as he first appeared. So I gave him a chance but I didn’t pretend to like him. It all happened naturally. Now as for certain Admirals! Pretending to like them ...”
“Gee I never realised your father was the big gun for the Captain. So Mammy Ramsey worked for you too Captain?”
“She was one of the finest engineers I ever worked with. She was a grease monkey.”
“Grease monkey?”
“An NCO. Never cared much for the Academy boys until a certain Commander came aboard.” Vaughan smiled at the memories and at the effect Sarah Ramsey had on mellowing her future husband.
She was good for him; to begin with. Then they started a family and the relationship soured as they fought over what was the best for their child. She wanted to leave Starfleet behind. Tyler Ramsey wanted to wait. The Galaxy class vessels were in production and promised the opportunity for families to live onboard. The Miranda class Icarus just wasn’t able to do that but Tyler had greater ambitions to serve aboard one of the new Galaxy class and bring his family too.
They just had to wait. One last mission, Sarah had declared, leaving newly born Kurt behind on Earth with his grandparents. One last mission ..
“What was my mother like ... on the Icarus?”
“Firstly, she was a damned fine engineer. Dedicated but able to cut loose once the duty shift finished. She often joked to me and the Chief that it was for the HoDs, Heads of Departments, to worry and fret after work hours not the lowly minions such as she. Sarah was friends with practically everyone aboard. Whether enlisted or officers. She knew the Icarus inside and out.”
“Yeah how?”
Ramsey answered Martin’s question, “It was only her second command ever. Once she went onboard she stayed with the ship for years, until ...”
“Until? Oh right.” It dawned on Martin they talking of her in the past tense. Keen as she was to learn more Sam knew not to pursue it, at least not in front of each other. Alone perhaps she might hear more.
“Captain ... did she ... was she happy?”
“Always, even in the difficult times. She helped me to overcome the death of my wife but rescue me from my work. After you were born, she was so excited and couldn’t wait to leave her engines behind and be your mom. She had never been happier than when you were born. That’s a story in itself! Stranded in a nebula with no working warp core and an Orion raider seeking to finish us off. To be honest you’re lucky you weren’t called Nebula or Stardust! I’d best see Mr Law and let you two get some rest. We’ve a big day ahead of us tomorrow again.”
Vaughan moved away watched by Ramsey who in turn was studied by Martin. “So what happened your Mom?”
“Depends on whose word you believe.”
Martin frowned at the cryptic answer. She expected Kurt to sharply tell her to mind her business. Normally she herself would. She didn’t play the part of gushing and fawning and playing sentimental with any. But she worked closely with Ramsey since they both came aboard as newly minted ensigns from the Academy. Had met him back in their Academy days too; where they had flirted with each other but bedded each other’s best friends. Any thoughts entertained about hooking up aboard the Accipiter were dashed by the apparent infatuation Kurt had developed for helm ensign Zxerya. Not that Martin had entertained those thoughts greatly, apart from to question what he saw in a freak show like Zxerya.
Chancing her arm she said, “Well give us one version.”
“According to my dad, if you’d choose to believe him, Vaughan killed my mother.”
“Oh!” How? But she chose not to ask the question as Kurt turned to his pack and readied himself to rest. Sam Martin just wondered what the truth that lay behind it all was.
*********
Buried History - Chapter 5 'Necessary Actions' [contd]
USS Accipiter, Main Bridge
Moira suddenly exclaimed, “Jem’Hadar vessel receiving our hail and responding. Onscreen?”
With relief, Nathan blew out air. “Please do. Jem’Hadar vessel, I am Commander Nathan Forrest of the USS Accipiter. You are in neutral space. Explain your presence.”
A mealy-mouthed Vorta with eyepiece obscuring one of his lying eyes appeared on the viewscreen with the usual ubiquitous sickening smile. “Ah Commander Forrest. It is a pleasure to speak like this. I am Vorta Keevan”
The emphasis on the 'commander' did not escape Nathan’s ears. Does the Vorta think to use it as leverage against me?
Forrest motioned to Hayes to hold position just on the edge of weapons range. The Battlecruiser similarly took up a holding position, for now. He then texted a message on the sidearm of the centre chair to Moira requesting information on this particular Vorta. He recalled the name.
“Our presence is easily explained but since it is neutral space I do not think it is my prerogative to explain.” The Vorta cocked his head slightly to the right.
No wonder when we first made contact with the Vorta we thought it possible they might have telepathic abilities as well as telekinetic. With that cant to their head and penetrating stare and sneering smile as if they’re in on some secret.
“But in the interest of avoiding an unnecessary conflict I shall explain. The Dominion, despite the lies of the Federation are interested only in peaceful relations and trade with all members of the Alpha Quadrant.”
“I’ve heard the propaganda Vorta. Explain why here specifically.” To strong arm the Gedans before they opened trade negotiations with the Federation I dare say.
Keevan laughed. “Please Commander, I try to be accommodating to your ... request. We registered on our scans a massive explosion in this sector. We came merely to investigate. Imagine our surprise when we discover a Federation ship of the line in the sector. Perhaps I should ask your purpose Commander. Testing a new weapon perhaps? Or forcing the government of Gedasada to the negotiation table?”
“No, we don’t stoop to such antics.”
“And yet can you deny that you were indeed here to open trade relations with Gedasada?”
“We were until the moon explosion on Tuvros IV. An explosion that was the act of sabotage. We believed it was the possible act of terrorists but then a Jem’Hadar Battlecruiser shows up and one begins to wonder just who might have been behind the atrocity.”
“My, my Commander. You do have a suspicious mind. No, you mistake our intentions. The Founders in their wisdom wished only to open trade agreements with Gedasada and to ensure peace between our domains. We seek no quarrel with these people. Now in their hour of need we come to offer our assistance to the people of Gedasada.”
“An honourable sentiment however I very much doubt the ability of your Battlecruiser or Jem’Hadar soldiers to offer much aid, Keevan.”
“A valid point Commander. It is not a speciality of the Jem’Hadar. They are more designed for the purpose of killing.” He laughed lightly as if in polite company. “I am sure though the government officials of Gedasada could find a use for the Jem’Hadar. The Founders put them at the disposal of the Gedasadan government for whatever purpose they so wish. I am sure at this time some purpose may be found. Even grunt work or helping to police the streets of the ruined cities. Especially if there are terrorists at work.”
The Vorta smiled serenely through the viewscreen, a looming presence. Nathan cursed himself for giving so much away. Or had he? They seemed to know a good deal already. “Your offer is kind but I think we can handle the situation.”
“Perhaps so.” He paused for a moment before he savoured his reply, “However, I cannot but help to notice that your ship is understaffed and you await another Federation vessel to bring more assistance. Might I also point out Commander that it is not your decision to make. It is neutral space, or more precisely, Gedasadan space. It is their world and their decision to make.”
He was a man who held all the cards in a poker game and he knew it too. “Shall I give you time to deliberate it Commander? In one minute shall we say?” The image winked out. Nathan seethed, the Vorta was dominating the agenda but he felt helpless.
“We can’t really allow the Jem’Hadar to come closer to the planet!”
“It is not the ideal situation Mr Hayes.”
Moira rejoined dejectedly to Dagon’s comment, “But they are correct. It is the decision of the Gedan government to make and we are out of our jurisdiction.”
“Nikochevski if you have nothing useful to offer don’t bother.” Hayes quarrelled with Moira. The two lieutenants had an uneasy relationship since their days on the Archangel. Gareth Hayes begrudged the career and accolades received by Moira in comparison to his own.
“Stow it Hayes. Moira is correct in her assessment. We have no choice.”
“That does not mean we have to put ourselves in a position of weakness.”
“No it doesn’t Mr Dagon, thank you. Moira re-establish contact. As you state it is not our decision to make. However, in the interests of safety and to assure both us and the Gedasadan people I have to insist your vessel powers down all weapons, they remain so, as do your shields. You are also to limit the number of soldiers you put on to the surface. And you will coordinate with the Gedans as to the deployment of your soldiers so that we our well informed of your positions and numbers.”
“Your terms are ... strict and show a lack of trust Commander.”
“That would be because of my complete and utter lack of trust in you. Nevertheless, if you wish to seriously offer help these conditions must be met in order to satisfy all concerned.”
“All concerned? Surely you mean the Federation presence here.”
“Yes that is an overriding concern.”
“What if the Gedasadan government wish to make use of all of our soldiers? Surely I could not refuse such a request.”
“I would if I were you. For if that situation arises I will be forced in the interest of safety to remove all Federation personnel from Gedasada and leave you to provide the relief. I doubt the Gedan will agree to such consequences.”
“Here I was thinking the Federation prided itself on its humanitarian interests.”
“It does as do I. Hence my reluctance to put much faith in yourself Vorta.”
“Very well, we have an agreement.”
Holding an index finger aloft, Nathan said trying not to sound too smug, “One other thing.”
“Oh.”
“Yes. When the Gedan wish for you to leave their space you will do so without dissent or we will be forced to act.”
The Vorta’s smile spread more widely and more sincerely, “Of course Commander. We will do as the Gedan wish and honour their sovereignty over their space.”
A chill ran through Nathan. He could not work out why. For a fleeting moment Nathan thought he had managed to turn the tables on the Vorta and his Jem’Hadar. Now he believed Keevan had thrown in his pot as a stake more assured than ever of his holding the winning hand.
*********
USS Accipiter, Main Bridge
Moira suddenly exclaimed, “Jem’Hadar vessel receiving our hail and responding. Onscreen?”
With relief, Nathan blew out air. “Please do. Jem’Hadar vessel, I am Commander Nathan Forrest of the USS Accipiter. You are in neutral space. Explain your presence.”
A mealy-mouthed Vorta with eyepiece obscuring one of his lying eyes appeared on the viewscreen with the usual ubiquitous sickening smile. “Ah Commander Forrest. It is a pleasure to speak like this. I am Vorta Keevan”
The emphasis on the 'commander' did not escape Nathan’s ears. Does the Vorta think to use it as leverage against me?
Forrest motioned to Hayes to hold position just on the edge of weapons range. The Battlecruiser similarly took up a holding position, for now. He then texted a message on the sidearm of the centre chair to Moira requesting information on this particular Vorta. He recalled the name.
“Our presence is easily explained but since it is neutral space I do not think it is my prerogative to explain.” The Vorta cocked his head slightly to the right.
No wonder when we first made contact with the Vorta we thought it possible they might have telepathic abilities as well as telekinetic. With that cant to their head and penetrating stare and sneering smile as if they’re in on some secret.
“But in the interest of avoiding an unnecessary conflict I shall explain. The Dominion, despite the lies of the Federation are interested only in peaceful relations and trade with all members of the Alpha Quadrant.”
“I’ve heard the propaganda Vorta. Explain why here specifically.” To strong arm the Gedans before they opened trade negotiations with the Federation I dare say.
Keevan laughed. “Please Commander, I try to be accommodating to your ... request. We registered on our scans a massive explosion in this sector. We came merely to investigate. Imagine our surprise when we discover a Federation ship of the line in the sector. Perhaps I should ask your purpose Commander. Testing a new weapon perhaps? Or forcing the government of Gedasada to the negotiation table?”
“No, we don’t stoop to such antics.”
“And yet can you deny that you were indeed here to open trade relations with Gedasada?”
“We were until the moon explosion on Tuvros IV. An explosion that was the act of sabotage. We believed it was the possible act of terrorists but then a Jem’Hadar Battlecruiser shows up and one begins to wonder just who might have been behind the atrocity.”
“My, my Commander. You do have a suspicious mind. No, you mistake our intentions. The Founders in their wisdom wished only to open trade agreements with Gedasada and to ensure peace between our domains. We seek no quarrel with these people. Now in their hour of need we come to offer our assistance to the people of Gedasada.”
“An honourable sentiment however I very much doubt the ability of your Battlecruiser or Jem’Hadar soldiers to offer much aid, Keevan.”
“A valid point Commander. It is not a speciality of the Jem’Hadar. They are more designed for the purpose of killing.” He laughed lightly as if in polite company. “I am sure though the government officials of Gedasada could find a use for the Jem’Hadar. The Founders put them at the disposal of the Gedasadan government for whatever purpose they so wish. I am sure at this time some purpose may be found. Even grunt work or helping to police the streets of the ruined cities. Especially if there are terrorists at work.”
The Vorta smiled serenely through the viewscreen, a looming presence. Nathan cursed himself for giving so much away. Or had he? They seemed to know a good deal already. “Your offer is kind but I think we can handle the situation.”
“Perhaps so.” He paused for a moment before he savoured his reply, “However, I cannot but help to notice that your ship is understaffed and you await another Federation vessel to bring more assistance. Might I also point out Commander that it is not your decision to make. It is neutral space, or more precisely, Gedasadan space. It is their world and their decision to make.”
He was a man who held all the cards in a poker game and he knew it too. “Shall I give you time to deliberate it Commander? In one minute shall we say?” The image winked out. Nathan seethed, the Vorta was dominating the agenda but he felt helpless.
“We can’t really allow the Jem’Hadar to come closer to the planet!”
“It is not the ideal situation Mr Hayes.”
Moira rejoined dejectedly to Dagon’s comment, “But they are correct. It is the decision of the Gedan government to make and we are out of our jurisdiction.”
“Nikochevski if you have nothing useful to offer don’t bother.” Hayes quarrelled with Moira. The two lieutenants had an uneasy relationship since their days on the Archangel. Gareth Hayes begrudged the career and accolades received by Moira in comparison to his own.
“Stow it Hayes. Moira is correct in her assessment. We have no choice.”
“That does not mean we have to put ourselves in a position of weakness.”
“No it doesn’t Mr Dagon, thank you. Moira re-establish contact. As you state it is not our decision to make. However, in the interests of safety and to assure both us and the Gedasadan people I have to insist your vessel powers down all weapons, they remain so, as do your shields. You are also to limit the number of soldiers you put on to the surface. And you will coordinate with the Gedans as to the deployment of your soldiers so that we our well informed of your positions and numbers.”
“Your terms are ... strict and show a lack of trust Commander.”
“That would be because of my complete and utter lack of trust in you. Nevertheless, if you wish to seriously offer help these conditions must be met in order to satisfy all concerned.”
“All concerned? Surely you mean the Federation presence here.”
“Yes that is an overriding concern.”
“What if the Gedasadan government wish to make use of all of our soldiers? Surely I could not refuse such a request.”
“I would if I were you. For if that situation arises I will be forced in the interest of safety to remove all Federation personnel from Gedasada and leave you to provide the relief. I doubt the Gedan will agree to such consequences.”
“Here I was thinking the Federation prided itself on its humanitarian interests.”
“It does as do I. Hence my reluctance to put much faith in yourself Vorta.”
“Very well, we have an agreement.”
Holding an index finger aloft, Nathan said trying not to sound too smug, “One other thing.”
“Oh.”
“Yes. When the Gedan wish for you to leave their space you will do so without dissent or we will be forced to act.”
The Vorta’s smile spread more widely and more sincerely, “Of course Commander. We will do as the Gedan wish and honour their sovereignty over their space.”
A chill ran through Nathan. He could not work out why. For a fleeting moment Nathan thought he had managed to turn the tables on the Vorta and his Jem’Hadar. Now he believed Keevan had thrown in his pot as a stake more assured than ever of his holding the winning hand.
*********
Re: Buried History - Chapter 5 'Necessary Actions' [contd]
Very good character work and some serious intriguing at both the local and galactic levels. It'll be fun watching how it all shakes out--who are truly the pawns and who really the players...
Very good character work and some serious intriguing at both the local and galactic levels. It'll be fun watching how it all shakes out--who are truly the pawns and who really the players...
Buried History - Chapter 5 Neccessary Actions [contd]
USS Manhattan, Captain’s ready room
Tyler Ramsey stabbed the button to end the communication with Captain Tiana of the Carling. If arriving in the system with the possibility of meeting Eugene Loren Vaughan was not going to be enough he discovered Vaughan’s executive officer had swanned off in the Accipiter to return with a Jem’Haddar Battlecruiser in tow. In the interim, he had to receive updates from Captain Tiana and her manner of speaking had fuelled his building anger. The updates informed him of the desperate plight of the people below, the terrorist act that exploded the moon, the kidnapping of Dr Fichtner and the unknown fate of Vaughan.
Whilst he sympathised with the people of the planet he would sooner return to the theatre of war where his crew could affect real change. Another hospital ship would be much more appropriate to the situation. Of course, that was until the Accipiter returned escorting the Jem’Hadar now ensconced with the interim government of the planet.
The door to his ready room chimed and Tyler restrained himself from bellowing at his guest to enter. Nathan Forrest, dishevelled and haggard, entered the room. Tyler wasted no sympathy on the man. “So Commander Forrest how the hell do you let a shitty situation become right royally frakked up?”
Nathan remained standing to attention biting his inner lip at the obvious discomfiture the Captain intended him to endure whilst he was to be grilled. “Captain I do not believe I contributed to the worsening of any situation.”
“You certainly did little to improve it. When I heard Vaughan was missing in action, I actually had high hopes that this mission might not be totally frakked by his incompetence. Instead, I find his minion is quite capable of the very same incompetence I expected of Eugene Vaughan. I didn’t realise Vaughan made such shoddy choices for his command staff.”
Forgetting protocol and professionalism in light of Ramsey’s disposition Nathan barked back, “He chose you to be his executive officer - sir.”
Standing abruptly, Tyler slapped his table causing pads to hop into the air. “And it is a choice I’ve regretted and a burden I’ve lived with ever since! Don’t presume to come in here and trade insults with me Commander.”
“Then do not hurl insults at me, or my commanding officer, especially with so much at stake and so much to do. The Accipiter has been caught up in these events by virtue of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. We suffered injuries and damage, albeit minor, in the shockwave from the moon explosion; we’ve people trapped and missing and now our CMO has been kidnapped. I’d like sir for you to point where exactly is that I have screwed things up or where you would have done something different. You have been ordered here. You had better start acting on them instead of going over old ground between yourself and Captain Vaughan.”
“You know nothing of what has gone on between me and Vaughan, Commander. So do not presume to lecture me on that score.”
“No but your son has the ability to work with him. So can you.”
Nathan’s words stalled Ramsey and he thought he had calmed the situation. Alas, he was mistaken. “My son has nothing whatsoever to do with it. I will never work with Eugene Vaughan and as far as I am concerned he can remain lost, buried below the soil of Gedasada. I care not where his grave will be but I’d like the opportunity to dance on it.”
“And your son’s too?”
Tyler’s eyes flashed angrily at Nathan as he was about to retake his chair. “What do you mean?”
“Kurt Ramsey is one of the security detail missing with Captain Vaughan. Shall I tell your Ops manager to start searching for Vaughan, the Prime Governor and his cabinet, and your son? Or shall I let them rot with Captain Vaughan?” Nathan could see Tyler chew the inside of his cheek. “We can work together Captain as Starfleet expects us or let the situation go to pot. Considering the Dominion presence we need to be careful of the front we put up and the actions we take.”
“Don’t think yourself too clever Commander. We will work together because it is necessary but remember it was you who made a deal with the Dominion.”
“A necessary action Captain since you had not yet shown up.”
“Might I suggest you liaise with my First Officer. I have a meeting to attend on Gedasada. Apparently the emergency government and the Jem’Hadar would like a meeting to discuss their role.”
“I should attend it too. I can have Lt Commander Ryan liaise with your XO.”
“No you’ve bargained our hand away as it is.” He waved off Nathan’s protests. “I will allow your Lt Commander Ryan to come with me in your stead.” He smiled a grim smile of satisfaction.
“Very well. Permission to leave sir?”
“Permission granted. Have Ryan ready in five minutes.” Nathan retreated out of the ready room to return to the Accipiter. Leaving Tyler to stew angrily on the circumstances.
‘So Vaughan had managed to get himself lost, with my son. Will he cost me another of my family?’
He would not allow that to happen again. If it meant he had to rescue Vaughan to save Kurt then he would swallow his pride, briefly, in order to do it. Whatever was necessary to safeguard and protect the family destroyed by Vaughan’s actions. Whatever was necessary.
Gedasada, The Undiscovered City in the R'Uye Caves
Stretching himself, Vaughan roused himself from a rough sleep. I must be getting old. “Morning Martin.” He winced at the crooks in his back as he stood and at the young ensign seeing her Captain as an aged relic. He decided to joke about it. “I must be getting old.”
“You are pushing one hundred and twenty Captain. Surely that makes you old even by Lamachian standards.”
“Sadly, it does. I’d like to think that I’m not over the hill.”
“Yeah, but you’ve a pretty good view from the top!” She laughed and handed him a brew of tea. He gratefully accepted the cup forgetting the jibe and remarking at the resourcefulness of Kh’ién Law in packing a small supply of rations, and blessed beverages such as Vaughan’s tea, for their excursion to the caves.
Kh’ién and Ramsey approached with stern expressions. “Any joy locating a possible route out of here Law?”
“Not yet but the ensign has an alternative idea.”
“Oh. Well what is it Ramsey?”
“We take one of the explosive devices and use it to blast our way back out of the tunnel. They have a big enough yield to do so.”
“Yikes Ramsey! Your idea is to blow us up! Actually I think I like it.”
He gave Sam a small smile before looking back at Vaughan for approval. For some reason it seemed important to prove himself to Vaughan. Vaughan mused over it. “Ensign it would be appreciated if you could come up with the plans to blow us up after I’ve had breakfast. Kh’ién could it work? Do the bombs have a sufficient yield?”
“They do. But it is also sufficient by their nature to bring the roof down on us. It is what they were designed to do. But I don’t see a way out and we don’t have supplies and no organic material has survived so long down here.”
“Ok then. Get Wintrict up here. We need to borrow one of the Gedan bombs.”
USS Manhattan, Captain’s ready room
Tyler Ramsey stabbed the button to end the communication with Captain Tiana of the Carling. If arriving in the system with the possibility of meeting Eugene Loren Vaughan was not going to be enough he discovered Vaughan’s executive officer had swanned off in the Accipiter to return with a Jem’Haddar Battlecruiser in tow. In the interim, he had to receive updates from Captain Tiana and her manner of speaking had fuelled his building anger. The updates informed him of the desperate plight of the people below, the terrorist act that exploded the moon, the kidnapping of Dr Fichtner and the unknown fate of Vaughan.
Whilst he sympathised with the people of the planet he would sooner return to the theatre of war where his crew could affect real change. Another hospital ship would be much more appropriate to the situation. Of course, that was until the Accipiter returned escorting the Jem’Hadar now ensconced with the interim government of the planet.
The door to his ready room chimed and Tyler restrained himself from bellowing at his guest to enter. Nathan Forrest, dishevelled and haggard, entered the room. Tyler wasted no sympathy on the man. “So Commander Forrest how the hell do you let a shitty situation become right royally frakked up?”
Nathan remained standing to attention biting his inner lip at the obvious discomfiture the Captain intended him to endure whilst he was to be grilled. “Captain I do not believe I contributed to the worsening of any situation.”
“You certainly did little to improve it. When I heard Vaughan was missing in action, I actually had high hopes that this mission might not be totally frakked by his incompetence. Instead, I find his minion is quite capable of the very same incompetence I expected of Eugene Vaughan. I didn’t realise Vaughan made such shoddy choices for his command staff.”
Forgetting protocol and professionalism in light of Ramsey’s disposition Nathan barked back, “He chose you to be his executive officer - sir.”
Standing abruptly, Tyler slapped his table causing pads to hop into the air. “And it is a choice I’ve regretted and a burden I’ve lived with ever since! Don’t presume to come in here and trade insults with me Commander.”
“Then do not hurl insults at me, or my commanding officer, especially with so much at stake and so much to do. The Accipiter has been caught up in these events by virtue of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. We suffered injuries and damage, albeit minor, in the shockwave from the moon explosion; we’ve people trapped and missing and now our CMO has been kidnapped. I’d like sir for you to point where exactly is that I have screwed things up or where you would have done something different. You have been ordered here. You had better start acting on them instead of going over old ground between yourself and Captain Vaughan.”
“You know nothing of what has gone on between me and Vaughan, Commander. So do not presume to lecture me on that score.”
“No but your son has the ability to work with him. So can you.”
Nathan’s words stalled Ramsey and he thought he had calmed the situation. Alas, he was mistaken. “My son has nothing whatsoever to do with it. I will never work with Eugene Vaughan and as far as I am concerned he can remain lost, buried below the soil of Gedasada. I care not where his grave will be but I’d like the opportunity to dance on it.”
“And your son’s too?”
Tyler’s eyes flashed angrily at Nathan as he was about to retake his chair. “What do you mean?”
“Kurt Ramsey is one of the security detail missing with Captain Vaughan. Shall I tell your Ops manager to start searching for Vaughan, the Prime Governor and his cabinet, and your son? Or shall I let them rot with Captain Vaughan?” Nathan could see Tyler chew the inside of his cheek. “We can work together Captain as Starfleet expects us or let the situation go to pot. Considering the Dominion presence we need to be careful of the front we put up and the actions we take.”
“Don’t think yourself too clever Commander. We will work together because it is necessary but remember it was you who made a deal with the Dominion.”
“A necessary action Captain since you had not yet shown up.”
“Might I suggest you liaise with my First Officer. I have a meeting to attend on Gedasada. Apparently the emergency government and the Jem’Hadar would like a meeting to discuss their role.”
“I should attend it too. I can have Lt Commander Ryan liaise with your XO.”
“No you’ve bargained our hand away as it is.” He waved off Nathan’s protests. “I will allow your Lt Commander Ryan to come with me in your stead.” He smiled a grim smile of satisfaction.
“Very well. Permission to leave sir?”
“Permission granted. Have Ryan ready in five minutes.” Nathan retreated out of the ready room to return to the Accipiter. Leaving Tyler to stew angrily on the circumstances.
‘So Vaughan had managed to get himself lost, with my son. Will he cost me another of my family?’
He would not allow that to happen again. If it meant he had to rescue Vaughan to save Kurt then he would swallow his pride, briefly, in order to do it. Whatever was necessary to safeguard and protect the family destroyed by Vaughan’s actions. Whatever was necessary.
*******
Gedasada, The Undiscovered City in the R'Uye Caves
Stretching himself, Vaughan roused himself from a rough sleep. I must be getting old. “Morning Martin.” He winced at the crooks in his back as he stood and at the young ensign seeing her Captain as an aged relic. He decided to joke about it. “I must be getting old.”
“You are pushing one hundred and twenty Captain. Surely that makes you old even by Lamachian standards.”
“Sadly, it does. I’d like to think that I’m not over the hill.”
“Yeah, but you’ve a pretty good view from the top!” She laughed and handed him a brew of tea. He gratefully accepted the cup forgetting the jibe and remarking at the resourcefulness of Kh’ién Law in packing a small supply of rations, and blessed beverages such as Vaughan’s tea, for their excursion to the caves.
Kh’ién and Ramsey approached with stern expressions. “Any joy locating a possible route out of here Law?”
“Not yet but the ensign has an alternative idea.”
“Oh. Well what is it Ramsey?”
“We take one of the explosive devices and use it to blast our way back out of the tunnel. They have a big enough yield to do so.”
“Yikes Ramsey! Your idea is to blow us up! Actually I think I like it.”
He gave Sam a small smile before looking back at Vaughan for approval. For some reason it seemed important to prove himself to Vaughan. Vaughan mused over it. “Ensign it would be appreciated if you could come up with the plans to blow us up after I’ve had breakfast. Kh’ién could it work? Do the bombs have a sufficient yield?”
“They do. But it is also sufficient by their nature to bring the roof down on us. It is what they were designed to do. But I don’t see a way out and we don’t have supplies and no organic material has survived so long down here.”
“Ok then. Get Wintrict up here. We need to borrow one of the Gedan bombs.”
Buried History - Chapter 5 Neccessary Actions [contd]
Gedasada, Chamber of the Prime Governor
“So it is settled then Captain.” The Vorta extended his hands wide full of himself. “My Jem’Hadar soldiers take over the security of the various vital services of the planet from terrorist attack freeing your security teams and the militia to provide their important assistance to the relief measures. If only the Dominion and Federation could work so amicably together in other situations we might have averted war.”
Tyler Ramsey clenched his fists and swallowed the tirade he so desired to vent against the Vorta. Keevan had proven wily in his use of his tongue but the Gedan had so readily accepted the Dominion’s help and presence in the system. And for Tyler Ramsey it meant humiliation and frustration.
“Of course we are also eager to help you locate the Prime Governor and Captain Vaughan too.”
“We can do that ourselves. In fact I have the area narrowed down. Your assistance will not be needed.”
“I insist Lt Commander.”
“As do we. The importance of retrieving the Prime Governor and the rest of the Cabinet is paramount.”
Caitlyn turned to the speaker of the cabinet and replied, “No the care and rescue of your people is the most pressing concern. But be assured we are doing everything to locate them and I expect success in a short time.”
“That is good. But an extra ship looking for the Prime Governor is to our advantage. Please give Keevan’s ship all of your information to help him in the search.”
Caitlyn smiled thinly. “Why of course Mr Speaker.”
“If that is everything we have work to do.” Tyler bowed to the acting cabinet fractionally, a measure of his esteem for their judgement and hurriedly fled the chamber offices not bothering to see if Caitlyn Ryan followed.
As he turned to make his way to the courtyard where they would beam up from she caught up with him but to her credit did not try to placate him. She did however spew her frustration. “The Gedan have essentially handed the planet’s security and infrastructure to the Jem’Hadar! It’s a callous act by them. No need for the Jem’Hadar to fight for the planet it has been offered up to them on a plate with a carving knife.”
“I know all that Lt Commander Ryan! However, there’s nothing we are in a position to do. You will not however hand that information over to them. I don’t care for Vaughan but I do not want my son to be captured – rescued by the Jem’Hadar! Nor do I want the Prime Governor to be ingratiated any further to the Dominion. We must find them first.”
They trotted down the steps to the courtyard, once festooned with ornamental fountains now smashed by the blast. “Yes but the Speaker has ordered it.”
“He is not the President of the Federation, nor is he your superior officer!” He shouted without looking at Ryan.
“I understand that. But in the interest of good relations I do feel it necessary to provide the information requested. Though ... Ignatius is sometimes possessive of her current scans if they have not been fully analysed. So when requested for information she will tend to give the most comprehensive results as opposed to the most recent.”
Tyler stopped and smiled a feral smile. “Tsk, tsk. It’s so difficult to get good help these days."
“I know.”
"Make sure she does. Why are they so dammed keen to find Vaughan and the others?”
"That I do not know."
“Damn! Tyler to Manhattan, one to beam up.”
Caitlyn watched the commanding presence of Tyler Ramsey dematerialise. She had to credit the man for keeping his temper. They had been brow beaten by the Vorta’s smarmy words. All because the Gedans believed it necessary. She tapped her badge and a moment later was beamed aboard the Accipiter.
On a balcony overlooking the courtyard Keevan, shadowed by his Jem’Hadar First, stood beside the speaker. They watched the two Starfleet officers beam up to their respective ships. Keevan smiled as the speaker marvelled at the technology that had brought so much relief and people to their world from vessels orbiting above.
“The transporters are a marvellous piece of technology don’t you agree Speaker?”
“Yes, yes. We thought are warp engines were an advancement and then we met the other worlds. But as yet we have not been able to procure or develop transporter technology.”
“Ah yes, bordering with the Federation does sometimes limit such possibilities with their principles of non-interference and so forth. Lofty ideals yes, but it does hamper trade and enterprise. Not to mention create a lot of red tape.”
“I assume the Dominion do not have such ... qualms.”
“We seek merely to betterment of the members of the Dominion and to serve the Founders faithfully. Helping to secure your world is one such act.”
The Speaker carefully measure his next words as he held the balcony railing. “You do understand and appreciate all of our security concerns?”
“Yes. We have had recent experience of dealing with a similar situation. The Cardassians have been most grateful. The Maquis have been a thorn in their side for years.”
“Good so we understand each other. Our security depends on swift and decisive action.”
“And so it shall. Swift, decisive and necessary action will meet the Conmenian, I mean insurgents, once the Federation leave.”
The Speaker smiled. “Good. Then we do have an understanding.”
Gedasada, The Undiscovered City in the R'Uye Caves
Kh’ién backed down the tunnel towards Vaughan, Ramsey and Martin pressed in against the side behind an outcropping of rock used as cover. “The explosive is primed and ready Captain.”
“By all means Mr Law.”
Kh’ién held the trigger out to Vaughan, “You don’t care to do the honours?”
“And spoil your fun! Though since it is Mr Ramsey’s idea perhaps he should have the fun of pushing the button.”
Kurt fumbled for the proffered trigger as Sam Martin mouthed, “His idea so he should push the button. That way if it all goes wrong, it’s doubly his fault.”
“Thanks for that. Ok. Three, two, one.”
******
Gedasada, Chamber of the Prime Governor
“So it is settled then Captain.” The Vorta extended his hands wide full of himself. “My Jem’Hadar soldiers take over the security of the various vital services of the planet from terrorist attack freeing your security teams and the militia to provide their important assistance to the relief measures. If only the Dominion and Federation could work so amicably together in other situations we might have averted war.”
Tyler Ramsey clenched his fists and swallowed the tirade he so desired to vent against the Vorta. Keevan had proven wily in his use of his tongue but the Gedan had so readily accepted the Dominion’s help and presence in the system. And for Tyler Ramsey it meant humiliation and frustration.
“Of course we are also eager to help you locate the Prime Governor and Captain Vaughan too.”
“We can do that ourselves. In fact I have the area narrowed down. Your assistance will not be needed.”
“I insist Lt Commander.”
“As do we. The importance of retrieving the Prime Governor and the rest of the Cabinet is paramount.”
Caitlyn turned to the speaker of the cabinet and replied, “No the care and rescue of your people is the most pressing concern. But be assured we are doing everything to locate them and I expect success in a short time.”
“That is good. But an extra ship looking for the Prime Governor is to our advantage. Please give Keevan’s ship all of your information to help him in the search.”
Caitlyn smiled thinly. “Why of course Mr Speaker.”
“If that is everything we have work to do.” Tyler bowed to the acting cabinet fractionally, a measure of his esteem for their judgement and hurriedly fled the chamber offices not bothering to see if Caitlyn Ryan followed.
As he turned to make his way to the courtyard where they would beam up from she caught up with him but to her credit did not try to placate him. She did however spew her frustration. “The Gedan have essentially handed the planet’s security and infrastructure to the Jem’Hadar! It’s a callous act by them. No need for the Jem’Hadar to fight for the planet it has been offered up to them on a plate with a carving knife.”
“I know all that Lt Commander Ryan! However, there’s nothing we are in a position to do. You will not however hand that information over to them. I don’t care for Vaughan but I do not want my son to be captured – rescued by the Jem’Hadar! Nor do I want the Prime Governor to be ingratiated any further to the Dominion. We must find them first.”
They trotted down the steps to the courtyard, once festooned with ornamental fountains now smashed by the blast. “Yes but the Speaker has ordered it.”
“He is not the President of the Federation, nor is he your superior officer!” He shouted without looking at Ryan.
“I understand that. But in the interest of good relations I do feel it necessary to provide the information requested. Though ... Ignatius is sometimes possessive of her current scans if they have not been fully analysed. So when requested for information she will tend to give the most comprehensive results as opposed to the most recent.”
Tyler stopped and smiled a feral smile. “Tsk, tsk. It’s so difficult to get good help these days."
“I know.”
"Make sure she does. Why are they so dammed keen to find Vaughan and the others?”
"That I do not know."
“Damn! Tyler to Manhattan, one to beam up.”
Caitlyn watched the commanding presence of Tyler Ramsey dematerialise. She had to credit the man for keeping his temper. They had been brow beaten by the Vorta’s smarmy words. All because the Gedans believed it necessary. She tapped her badge and a moment later was beamed aboard the Accipiter.
*****
On a balcony overlooking the courtyard Keevan, shadowed by his Jem’Hadar First, stood beside the speaker. They watched the two Starfleet officers beam up to their respective ships. Keevan smiled as the speaker marvelled at the technology that had brought so much relief and people to their world from vessels orbiting above.
“The transporters are a marvellous piece of technology don’t you agree Speaker?”
“Yes, yes. We thought are warp engines were an advancement and then we met the other worlds. But as yet we have not been able to procure or develop transporter technology.”
“Ah yes, bordering with the Federation does sometimes limit such possibilities with their principles of non-interference and so forth. Lofty ideals yes, but it does hamper trade and enterprise. Not to mention create a lot of red tape.”
“I assume the Dominion do not have such ... qualms.”
“We seek merely to betterment of the members of the Dominion and to serve the Founders faithfully. Helping to secure your world is one such act.”
The Speaker carefully measure his next words as he held the balcony railing. “You do understand and appreciate all of our security concerns?”
“Yes. We have had recent experience of dealing with a similar situation. The Cardassians have been most grateful. The Maquis have been a thorn in their side for years.”
“Good so we understand each other. Our security depends on swift and decisive action.”
“And so it shall. Swift, decisive and necessary action will meet the Conmenian, I mean insurgents, once the Federation leave.”
The Speaker smiled. “Good. Then we do have an understanding.”
******
Gedasada, The Undiscovered City in the R'Uye Caves
Kh’ién backed down the tunnel towards Vaughan, Ramsey and Martin pressed in against the side behind an outcropping of rock used as cover. “The explosive is primed and ready Captain.”
“By all means Mr Law.”
Kh’ién held the trigger out to Vaughan, “You don’t care to do the honours?”
“And spoil your fun! Though since it is Mr Ramsey’s idea perhaps he should have the fun of pushing the button.”
Kurt fumbled for the proffered trigger as Sam Martin mouthed, “His idea so he should push the button. That way if it all goes wrong, it’s doubly his fault.”
“Thanks for that. Ok. Three, two, one.”
BOOM!
******
End Chapter 5
******
End Chapter 5
Buried History - Chapter 6 'Digging for Answers'
Beneath Mouyr City, Gedasada[/B]
“Human DNA.”
Roan Cutter waved his tricorder in the direction of his findings. Keresh searched the ground with his flashlight. It played over litter, leaking pools of vile liquids from corroding pipes, detritus of hidden squalid living. Venting gases hissed and glowed in the play of his searchlight. Pipes and conduits groaned and clattered above, below and to the side of them percolating with steam, gases and sewage. A putrid, trapped smell permeated the stale, hot air. A miasma of mephitic air spoiled the lungful of air each team member gasped for. The search team’s uniforms clung to them sopping with sweat. Sweat dripped from their grime coated faces tracking lines through the dirt.
Sanjeev stooped low and brought his own tricorder closer to a strand of hair. “Human. Another of the Doctor’s. It is a good thing our doctor is such a fighter. Otherwise we would have lost their trail miles ago. We continue heading in this direction Mr Kent.”
Warren Kent mopped his brow and acknowledged the order. He turned back in their original direction and continued to move carefully and slowly down the corridor hunched over because of the low ceiling and lower power lines hanging in loose arcs over their passage. His head ducking round plumes of steam, his eyes looking deep into every shadow and nook as Keresh walked behind waving his tricorder back and forth for a further clue of the doctor.
When they climbed out of the rock blasted tunnel they found themselves immersed in a hive of like tunnels and corridors. The image that came to Sanjeev’s mind was of the interior of a Borg vessel. A rather fetid, squalid vessel with a listless forlorn quality to it though. A veritable warren of tunnels, stairwells and exposed shafts that dropped hundreds of feet to even deeper levels. Noise rattled throughout the tunnels. A constant tapping on pipes relayed coded messages. This planet’s version of Morse code for the Conmenian hiding away down here. And the traffic of elevators, and people on the more public levels funnelled down the conduits and shafts.
They had passed through two such levels. There the air flowed more and provided blessed relief from the heat in the narrow confines. The smells of exotic spices and fossil fuels combated with the dank smells that solely existed in the tunnels that weaved between these open public corridor streets. The streets were filled with people and Keresh could imagine a busy bustling market environment such as those he visited on New Hong Kong.
However, with the moon shockwave the streets were reduced to scores of injured and broken people. Little of the relief supplies had made it this far. Certain sections collapsed by the blast, the earth above stabbing through the ceiling with huge boulders and slabs of rock trampling the street scene below. In other sections the collapse showed layers of tunnels and streets from above. Pipes spilling their content. Shards and protrusions of metal stabbing and crushing inhabitants unlucky enough to be underneath.
And Keresh could do little but inform the Accipiter work crews of the location and hope help would reach the people soon. Then he would order the team on down into the confined tunnel corridors again. Seeking desperately for the clues to follow Donna. The people numbly looked at them as they passed. Eyes hollow and frightened lingering on the exit route the kidnappers took without saying a word.
At another intersection of tunnels Warren Kent stopped and allowed Keresh and Roan to sweep their tricorders in search of a breadcrumb to follow. A long moment passed without either man giving a hint of the direction to take. A tense foreboding settled on the team. To have journeyed so far and now loose the trail would be devastating. “I hope somebody remembers the way back.”
Warren’s joke appeared to have fallen on deaf ears. Keresh looked up from his tricorder with a serious to Warren. Sensing the mounting tension, he was relieved to have the crewman try to lighten the mood. So Keresh rejoined, “Haven’t you been using a big ball of string?”
“Damn must have left it in my locker!” The others laughed and returned to sweeping the different corridors with their phaser rifles.
“Anything Roan?”
“No.”
“Ok we take a corridor and traverse a length of it. If we don’t find a trace of the doctor we backtrack and try a different corridor.” They did just that and on the third corridor tried discovered scrapes on a pipe where Donna had grabbed at a pipe. Their joy was soon deflated when the next trace they discovered was a smudge of her blood. For a short time intermittent droplets of blood laid a trail.
“We must be getting closer at least.” Roan worried. Not too sure what they were going to find and whether or not the doctor would still be alive at the end of it all. He also wondered just how far the kidnappers would go.
“I expect so. However ...” Keresh turned and looked back the way they had come. Pounding metal and grunts from far off spoke of Keresh’s concern. “ ... neither are the militia too far away.”
Warren squared his shoulders as if about to throw the first punch in a fist to cuff. Roan frowned. “Surely we could do with their help.”
“I think their help might only complicate matters. We don’t know their agenda. They could be searching for retribution for the moon explosion. Let’s keep moving.”
********************
Chapter 6 ‘Digging for Answers’
********************
Chapter 6 ‘Digging for Answers’
********************
Beneath Mouyr City, Gedasada[/B]
“Human DNA.”
Roan Cutter waved his tricorder in the direction of his findings. Keresh searched the ground with his flashlight. It played over litter, leaking pools of vile liquids from corroding pipes, detritus of hidden squalid living. Venting gases hissed and glowed in the play of his searchlight. Pipes and conduits groaned and clattered above, below and to the side of them percolating with steam, gases and sewage. A putrid, trapped smell permeated the stale, hot air. A miasma of mephitic air spoiled the lungful of air each team member gasped for. The search team’s uniforms clung to them sopping with sweat. Sweat dripped from their grime coated faces tracking lines through the dirt.
Sanjeev stooped low and brought his own tricorder closer to a strand of hair. “Human. Another of the Doctor’s. It is a good thing our doctor is such a fighter. Otherwise we would have lost their trail miles ago. We continue heading in this direction Mr Kent.”
Warren Kent mopped his brow and acknowledged the order. He turned back in their original direction and continued to move carefully and slowly down the corridor hunched over because of the low ceiling and lower power lines hanging in loose arcs over their passage. His head ducking round plumes of steam, his eyes looking deep into every shadow and nook as Keresh walked behind waving his tricorder back and forth for a further clue of the doctor.
When they climbed out of the rock blasted tunnel they found themselves immersed in a hive of like tunnels and corridors. The image that came to Sanjeev’s mind was of the interior of a Borg vessel. A rather fetid, squalid vessel with a listless forlorn quality to it though. A veritable warren of tunnels, stairwells and exposed shafts that dropped hundreds of feet to even deeper levels. Noise rattled throughout the tunnels. A constant tapping on pipes relayed coded messages. This planet’s version of Morse code for the Conmenian hiding away down here. And the traffic of elevators, and people on the more public levels funnelled down the conduits and shafts.
They had passed through two such levels. There the air flowed more and provided blessed relief from the heat in the narrow confines. The smells of exotic spices and fossil fuels combated with the dank smells that solely existed in the tunnels that weaved between these open public corridor streets. The streets were filled with people and Keresh could imagine a busy bustling market environment such as those he visited on New Hong Kong.
However, with the moon shockwave the streets were reduced to scores of injured and broken people. Little of the relief supplies had made it this far. Certain sections collapsed by the blast, the earth above stabbing through the ceiling with huge boulders and slabs of rock trampling the street scene below. In other sections the collapse showed layers of tunnels and streets from above. Pipes spilling their content. Shards and protrusions of metal stabbing and crushing inhabitants unlucky enough to be underneath.
And Keresh could do little but inform the Accipiter work crews of the location and hope help would reach the people soon. Then he would order the team on down into the confined tunnel corridors again. Seeking desperately for the clues to follow Donna. The people numbly looked at them as they passed. Eyes hollow and frightened lingering on the exit route the kidnappers took without saying a word.
At another intersection of tunnels Warren Kent stopped and allowed Keresh and Roan to sweep their tricorders in search of a breadcrumb to follow. A long moment passed without either man giving a hint of the direction to take. A tense foreboding settled on the team. To have journeyed so far and now loose the trail would be devastating. “I hope somebody remembers the way back.”
Warren’s joke appeared to have fallen on deaf ears. Keresh looked up from his tricorder with a serious to Warren. Sensing the mounting tension, he was relieved to have the crewman try to lighten the mood. So Keresh rejoined, “Haven’t you been using a big ball of string?”
“Damn must have left it in my locker!” The others laughed and returned to sweeping the different corridors with their phaser rifles.
“Anything Roan?”
“No.”
“Ok we take a corridor and traverse a length of it. If we don’t find a trace of the doctor we backtrack and try a different corridor.” They did just that and on the third corridor tried discovered scrapes on a pipe where Donna had grabbed at a pipe. Their joy was soon deflated when the next trace they discovered was a smudge of her blood. For a short time intermittent droplets of blood laid a trail.
“We must be getting closer at least.” Roan worried. Not too sure what they were going to find and whether or not the doctor would still be alive at the end of it all. He also wondered just how far the kidnappers would go.
“I expect so. However ...” Keresh turned and looked back the way they had come. Pounding metal and grunts from far off spoke of Keresh’s concern. “ ... neither are the militia too far away.”
Warren squared his shoulders as if about to throw the first punch in a fist to cuff. Roan frowned. “Surely we could do with their help.”
“I think their help might only complicate matters. We don’t know their agenda. They could be searching for retribution for the moon explosion. Let’s keep moving.”
****
Beneath Mouyr City, Gedasada
Donna unceremoniously dropped to the ground. With a silent fury she propelled herself back onto her feet and faced the thug who had hauled her over his shoulder. Bruises and a gash to her temple testified to the rough treatment received by Donna in response to her struggles.
“Welcome Dr Fichtner.”
The cool polite voice causing Donna to stall came from a preening man a leg lounging over a crate as he sprawled on a pile of rags for blankets entwined with a young doe faced youth. The girl looked pretty except for her dirty face and the wide-eyed fear etched on it. Standing he buttoned his shirt as the girl slinked away with a rag covering her partial nakedness. Her eyes the whole time penetrating Donna’s stare framed by the lifeless dirty blonde hair. She slinked away into the shadows and the man watched Donna follow her retreat.
“Do not fret over Pet. She is well fed and clothed. Which is more than can be said for others.”
Donna quietly spoke, “Really. She didn’t look too clothed there now.”
“You caught me unaware. I was not expecting your arrival so soon.”
“I was caught rather unaware myself.”
The man who carried Donna answered to the man with the polite voice. “We were being followed by people from her ship. Our sentries tapped word of their pursuit and of the militia men following behind them.”
“So word reached me Vehnet.” He approached the doctor. His moves were graceful and economic and then in a swift move he grasped Donna roughly at her throat. Turning her head from one side to another he stopped her speaking as he examined her injuries. He suddenly snarled at Vehnet. “I told you to be careful with her!”
“She put up a struggle when she regained consciousness.”
Still held by the throat Donna spat furiously through her cleched teeth, “You think that was a struggle. Once I am free I’ll show you.” The man stepped back releasing his hold on the doctor.
“But doctor you are free.”
“Oh so I can turn and walk out of here?”
“We had to ensure we could meet and I do need for you to remain until I have explained certain things to you. I was hoping you would be the one person willing to listen.”
“Willingness hardly comes into it when someone is abducted and held against their will.”
“Perhaps not but I will free you once you have had the chance to listen and see for yourself the truth of certain matters.”
“I’m free so long as I listen to what you have to say?” He nodded to her question. “In that case then.” She swung and punched Vehnet squarely on the chin. He crumpled to the ground as Donna grasped her fist in pain and tried to shake off the pain.
Vehnet however got to his knees and pulled out a gun. “Stop!”
“She struck me Janek. I will not suffer it.”
“We have suffered far worse. The doctor is key to us getting our side aired. I order it Vehnet. Leave us be.” Slowly, almost defying the man he had called Janek, Donna’s bully and abductor put his gun away before standing and taking his leave.
As he reached the doorway, Donna smugly pronounced, “I told you I’d show you. And that was only a taster.” His eyes narrowed and he grunted but a gesture from Janek sent him on his way.
“Now we are alone we can discuss things more amicably.”
“What makes you think I won’t punch your face too?”
“I have no doubt you are capable of it doctor but you are also someone who wants to protect those who cannot protect themselves. You will listen. You might punch me afterwards but you will hear me out. I speak the truth do I not?”
She considered him. He was a loathsome man, bedding with frightened young girls, orchestrating her abduction and an important figure to these insurgents. Despite these faults, he had a commanding presence and was sure of himself.
“So speak.”
“I am Janek. I am de facto ruler of the insurgents in Mouyr City.
“Leader of a bunch of terrorists, your mother must be so proud.”
“Yes she was, before she was brutally killed by Gedan militia. Don’t feel too bad Donna, you weren’t to know.”
“I’d sooner you call me doctor.”
“Ah so we won’t be best friends.” He jostled on a waistcoat and strapped one of his firearms to his belt. “Follow me won’t you please doctor.”
Her eyes focused on the sidearm. “I thought you wanted to talk.”
“We can walk and talk. I have some things I want you to see.”
Showing no sign of fear, she walked ahead of him through the entranceway and followed the few directions he gave before walking out into a larger space. It looked to Donna like the cargo bay of freighter but instead of stowed goods was filled with a pall of sickness surrounding a huddled mass of desolate Conmenian. Unprepared for the sight Donna stepped back. She was expecting an execution or squadrons of guerrilla troops.
Stooping low she started to check the vitals of a young baby swaddled in dirty rags and cradled in the skeleton arms of what must have been her older sister. With no equipment she checked the vitals through sense of touch, feeling for a pulse and a fever, lifting the eyelids and checking pupil dilation and eye colour.
“Who are these people? Why are they not at one of the relief centres? They need medicine and attention.” She looked around the room. Each face was pathetic or dying, trapped in a living misery of suffering and starvation. “These people have had nothing to eat. Why aren’t you feeding them? How have they gone so long without food? It’s only been a matter of days. They have eaten for over a week. They’re malnourished.”
“This is just part of what I wanted you to see doctor. They have not been allowed access from their borough to the medical centres. The militia have them under curfew and have so for three months. It was only with the explosion that my men were able to break into their sector and rescue them.”
“Curfew?”
“They foolishly decided to protest at the government restrictions imposed upon each sector’s usage of power and water. Each night to help conserve the planet’s resources the utilities are shut off from eight cycles until nine cycles in the morning. Because they didn’t accept the infringements on their rights by the government but chose to hold peaceful protests and work strikes they were punished. Their borough was put under martial law. Their utilities were restricted even more. They found their food running short. They were not allowed to go beyond their sector and no one was allowed in.”
“That’s preposterous. It is barbaric.”
“Yet it is the truth. This is but a taste of what I have to tell you.”
“Before you carry on with your story don’t think you can try to convince me that your cause is noble and just and therefore exonerates you for the terrorist crimes you have committed. One man’s terrorist might be another man’s freedom fighter but it changes not the fact that he terrorises and kills others. I’m a doctor with a sworn oath to protect others. I cannot justify such actions.”
Janek led her by the elbow into another room. Donna reluctantly allowed herself to be led looking back at the young baby and the blank stare of his sister who did not even plea for help. “Those are fine sentiments doctor. However, I am not in the position to be privy to such high morals. Nor do I seek to convince you my cause. I only wish you to be convinced of my people’s great need. To educate you of the great evils perpetuated by the Gedan government on the Conmenian people. Look here, people from the Deyser Borough, who were brutalised, raped, tortured because of a terrorist cell in their sector killed ten of the militia in a bomb. I might call myself a freedom fighter but I know the full ramifications of my actions. Even my own people are terrorised.”
“Then stop. Violence begets violence. Freedom fighters never win freedom. Talk and reconciliation movements do that.”
“But first people must be brought to the table. That can only ever happen when enough blood has been bled. Before the peacemakers have their day men like me must cause enough attrition to the Gedan people to convince them to make peace, make us an equal people. For now, it is simply a game of mathematics. Once the numbers start to stack up they will listen.”
Donna whirled on him. “Well does your blowing a moon to kingdom come stack up enough dead bodies for your liking? Of course, the only side effect is that the blast of devastation it rained on this world was not so discriminating! Thousands have been killed; thousands more will die, trapped beneath rubble and from sickness and starvation. The road to recovery for the planet will be a long arduous one. How possibly have your actions helped your people in any way? How does it serve your precious cause? What price freedom?”
“Because doctor, the truth of the matter is, we did not destroy the moon.”
“I hate to inform you but the massive destruction on this planet begs to differ. All evidence gathered points to sabotage and communication records testify to insurgents making calls from Tuvo IV to Gedasada before the explosion to get the go ahead. All evidence shows that your cause was behind it all!”
“I know. But I have evidence that shows that my men were used by the Gedan as part of an elaborate set up. Our cause has been framed.”
“Why would they do that? If what you say is true, the Gedan authorities have discriminated and brutalised your people without compunction so far. That means they don’t need to justify their actions with a set up.”
“What you say is true. However, I would never condone such a drastic action. We have always targeted Gedan militia or politicians. Never civilians and never have we allowed Conmenian to be collateral damage. Reprisals for our actions take enough Conmenian lives without risking harm in the actions we take.”
“How heartfelt of you. You’re a real bleeding heart liberal Janek! None of that counters the evidence we have.”
“No but as I say I have evidence that will prove otherwise. Evidence I will give to you to show your captain the truth of what we say. Along with records that demonstrate the evil deeds and horrible acts carried out by the Gedan over the years. With this information you can convince your Federation Council to help us. You can publicise and verify the truth of what we say and let all the people of Gedasada know the reality. They have failed to believe what we tell them thinking it to be lies or propaganda. If you can confirm it we can convince people – Conmenain and Gedan alike – to stop the government and sweep in changes. We can have those peace and reconciliation talks you spoke of. We can end this futile war.”
With earnest words and eyes he pleaded directly to Donna, “You are our only hope.”
“But why would they blow up the moon? Why cause so much damage to themselves?”
“That’s what scares me doctor. I do not know why.”
Donna unceremoniously dropped to the ground. With a silent fury she propelled herself back onto her feet and faced the thug who had hauled her over his shoulder. Bruises and a gash to her temple testified to the rough treatment received by Donna in response to her struggles.
“Welcome Dr Fichtner.”
The cool polite voice causing Donna to stall came from a preening man a leg lounging over a crate as he sprawled on a pile of rags for blankets entwined with a young doe faced youth. The girl looked pretty except for her dirty face and the wide-eyed fear etched on it. Standing he buttoned his shirt as the girl slinked away with a rag covering her partial nakedness. Her eyes the whole time penetrating Donna’s stare framed by the lifeless dirty blonde hair. She slinked away into the shadows and the man watched Donna follow her retreat.
“Do not fret over Pet. She is well fed and clothed. Which is more than can be said for others.”
Donna quietly spoke, “Really. She didn’t look too clothed there now.”
“You caught me unaware. I was not expecting your arrival so soon.”
“I was caught rather unaware myself.”
The man who carried Donna answered to the man with the polite voice. “We were being followed by people from her ship. Our sentries tapped word of their pursuit and of the militia men following behind them.”
“So word reached me Vehnet.” He approached the doctor. His moves were graceful and economic and then in a swift move he grasped Donna roughly at her throat. Turning her head from one side to another he stopped her speaking as he examined her injuries. He suddenly snarled at Vehnet. “I told you to be careful with her!”
“She put up a struggle when she regained consciousness.”
Still held by the throat Donna spat furiously through her cleched teeth, “You think that was a struggle. Once I am free I’ll show you.” The man stepped back releasing his hold on the doctor.
“But doctor you are free.”
“Oh so I can turn and walk out of here?”
“We had to ensure we could meet and I do need for you to remain until I have explained certain things to you. I was hoping you would be the one person willing to listen.”
“Willingness hardly comes into it when someone is abducted and held against their will.”
“Perhaps not but I will free you once you have had the chance to listen and see for yourself the truth of certain matters.”
“I’m free so long as I listen to what you have to say?” He nodded to her question. “In that case then.” She swung and punched Vehnet squarely on the chin. He crumpled to the ground as Donna grasped her fist in pain and tried to shake off the pain.
Vehnet however got to his knees and pulled out a gun. “Stop!”
“She struck me Janek. I will not suffer it.”
“We have suffered far worse. The doctor is key to us getting our side aired. I order it Vehnet. Leave us be.” Slowly, almost defying the man he had called Janek, Donna’s bully and abductor put his gun away before standing and taking his leave.
As he reached the doorway, Donna smugly pronounced, “I told you I’d show you. And that was only a taster.” His eyes narrowed and he grunted but a gesture from Janek sent him on his way.
“Now we are alone we can discuss things more amicably.”
“What makes you think I won’t punch your face too?”
“I have no doubt you are capable of it doctor but you are also someone who wants to protect those who cannot protect themselves. You will listen. You might punch me afterwards but you will hear me out. I speak the truth do I not?”
She considered him. He was a loathsome man, bedding with frightened young girls, orchestrating her abduction and an important figure to these insurgents. Despite these faults, he had a commanding presence and was sure of himself.
“So speak.”
“I am Janek. I am de facto ruler of the insurgents in Mouyr City.
“Leader of a bunch of terrorists, your mother must be so proud.”
“Yes she was, before she was brutally killed by Gedan militia. Don’t feel too bad Donna, you weren’t to know.”
“I’d sooner you call me doctor.”
“Ah so we won’t be best friends.” He jostled on a waistcoat and strapped one of his firearms to his belt. “Follow me won’t you please doctor.”
Her eyes focused on the sidearm. “I thought you wanted to talk.”
“We can walk and talk. I have some things I want you to see.”
Showing no sign of fear, she walked ahead of him through the entranceway and followed the few directions he gave before walking out into a larger space. It looked to Donna like the cargo bay of freighter but instead of stowed goods was filled with a pall of sickness surrounding a huddled mass of desolate Conmenian. Unprepared for the sight Donna stepped back. She was expecting an execution or squadrons of guerrilla troops.
Stooping low she started to check the vitals of a young baby swaddled in dirty rags and cradled in the skeleton arms of what must have been her older sister. With no equipment she checked the vitals through sense of touch, feeling for a pulse and a fever, lifting the eyelids and checking pupil dilation and eye colour.
“Who are these people? Why are they not at one of the relief centres? They need medicine and attention.” She looked around the room. Each face was pathetic or dying, trapped in a living misery of suffering and starvation. “These people have had nothing to eat. Why aren’t you feeding them? How have they gone so long without food? It’s only been a matter of days. They have eaten for over a week. They’re malnourished.”
“This is just part of what I wanted you to see doctor. They have not been allowed access from their borough to the medical centres. The militia have them under curfew and have so for three months. It was only with the explosion that my men were able to break into their sector and rescue them.”
“Curfew?”
“They foolishly decided to protest at the government restrictions imposed upon each sector’s usage of power and water. Each night to help conserve the planet’s resources the utilities are shut off from eight cycles until nine cycles in the morning. Because they didn’t accept the infringements on their rights by the government but chose to hold peaceful protests and work strikes they were punished. Their borough was put under martial law. Their utilities were restricted even more. They found their food running short. They were not allowed to go beyond their sector and no one was allowed in.”
“That’s preposterous. It is barbaric.”
“Yet it is the truth. This is but a taste of what I have to tell you.”
“Before you carry on with your story don’t think you can try to convince me that your cause is noble and just and therefore exonerates you for the terrorist crimes you have committed. One man’s terrorist might be another man’s freedom fighter but it changes not the fact that he terrorises and kills others. I’m a doctor with a sworn oath to protect others. I cannot justify such actions.”
Janek led her by the elbow into another room. Donna reluctantly allowed herself to be led looking back at the young baby and the blank stare of his sister who did not even plea for help. “Those are fine sentiments doctor. However, I am not in the position to be privy to such high morals. Nor do I seek to convince you my cause. I only wish you to be convinced of my people’s great need. To educate you of the great evils perpetuated by the Gedan government on the Conmenian people. Look here, people from the Deyser Borough, who were brutalised, raped, tortured because of a terrorist cell in their sector killed ten of the militia in a bomb. I might call myself a freedom fighter but I know the full ramifications of my actions. Even my own people are terrorised.”
“Then stop. Violence begets violence. Freedom fighters never win freedom. Talk and reconciliation movements do that.”
“But first people must be brought to the table. That can only ever happen when enough blood has been bled. Before the peacemakers have their day men like me must cause enough attrition to the Gedan people to convince them to make peace, make us an equal people. For now, it is simply a game of mathematics. Once the numbers start to stack up they will listen.”
Donna whirled on him. “Well does your blowing a moon to kingdom come stack up enough dead bodies for your liking? Of course, the only side effect is that the blast of devastation it rained on this world was not so discriminating! Thousands have been killed; thousands more will die, trapped beneath rubble and from sickness and starvation. The road to recovery for the planet will be a long arduous one. How possibly have your actions helped your people in any way? How does it serve your precious cause? What price freedom?”
“Because doctor, the truth of the matter is, we did not destroy the moon.”
“I hate to inform you but the massive destruction on this planet begs to differ. All evidence gathered points to sabotage and communication records testify to insurgents making calls from Tuvo IV to Gedasada before the explosion to get the go ahead. All evidence shows that your cause was behind it all!”
“I know. But I have evidence that shows that my men were used by the Gedan as part of an elaborate set up. Our cause has been framed.”
“Why would they do that? If what you say is true, the Gedan authorities have discriminated and brutalised your people without compunction so far. That means they don’t need to justify their actions with a set up.”
“What you say is true. However, I would never condone such a drastic action. We have always targeted Gedan militia or politicians. Never civilians and never have we allowed Conmenian to be collateral damage. Reprisals for our actions take enough Conmenian lives without risking harm in the actions we take.”
“How heartfelt of you. You’re a real bleeding heart liberal Janek! None of that counters the evidence we have.”
“No but as I say I have evidence that will prove otherwise. Evidence I will give to you to show your captain the truth of what we say. Along with records that demonstrate the evil deeds and horrible acts carried out by the Gedan over the years. With this information you can convince your Federation Council to help us. You can publicise and verify the truth of what we say and let all the people of Gedasada know the reality. They have failed to believe what we tell them thinking it to be lies or propaganda. If you can confirm it we can convince people – Conmenain and Gedan alike – to stop the government and sweep in changes. We can have those peace and reconciliation talks you spoke of. We can end this futile war.”
With earnest words and eyes he pleaded directly to Donna, “You are our only hope.”
“But why would they blow up the moon? Why cause so much damage to themselves?”
“That’s what scares me doctor. I do not know why.”
*****
Nice...the Gedan are being played for suckers by the Gedan, but that doesn't mean the Conmenaian are going to be any better. The underdog often has a bad habit of turning into a wolf once he gets the upper hand...
Well I hope I'm not painting one side too unfavourably, I certainly do not intend for the Conmenian to come out looking as martrys or an innoncent party. Donna has her own suspicions of Janek and his insurgents but as you say David they might just turn out to be a predatory wolf indeed.
Don't we all but they do make for great writing material and bring out the most devious and crawling in most people they deal with. I think it's fair to say the Gedan have a pretty dark streak to them so they don't need the Vorta influence.Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, there's going to be a bit more of the Vorta to come.
But first we must track down the Captain ...
Thanks for reading so far. Some answers will soon be forthcoming.
Buried History - Chapter 6 'Digging for Answers' [contd]
USS Accipiter, Main Bridge
“Drat!” Caitlyn’s fists smacked the console.
Ensign Rowan Casey frowned at the outburst from his department head. The frown pronouncing further the Bajoran bridge of his nose. “It is going to require a realignment at Deflector control.”
“Yes and a waste of our time too. Damn, should have thought about how the background radiation of the explosion would impair our sensors.”
Rowan stepped back from the console and turned in the direction of the nearest turbolift but Caitlyn Ryan placed a hand on his chest to stop his progress. “I’ll go ensign. You remain and continue to scan for any sign of the Captain or the cave location.”
‘Which is what we have been doing for the last number of days!’ Rowan sourly noted. But the area specified by the Gedan authorities as the site of the caves visited by Vaughan had had so far yielded no results. The area had a hive of caves many of which had collapsed in the shockwave impact. The rock composition greatly reduced scanning abilities forcing exacting scans carried out in small blocks.
The arrival of the Manhattan allowed it to take up a share of the workload for scanning the planet in helping to coordinate relief efforts and identify areas of difficulty. This freed the Accipiter to concentrate on finding the Captain and the government officials trapped with him. The Jem’Hadar wading in only added to the problems rather than helping to alleviate the workload because it was now a race to beat the Dominion forces to locating the Captain.
Just as possible sites were located and a shuttle flew or team beamed to the destination Jem’Hadar soldiers appeared too ready to swoop in to claim the victory. Commander Forrest had been adamant that was not to be the case. Caitlyn Ryan was even more adamant to Rowan Casey as she assisted him in scanning the surface.
Caitlyn left the bridge without a word. Rowan sighed. He feared he might have disappointed the Lt Commander. She was unlike the Head of the Engineering department, Laura Amos Hashap, a friendly social head who created a familial atmosphere in her team building. Caitlyn Ryan was a colder, dispassionate fish they all agreed in Science but she equally inspired her team members by her dedication, skill and sheer talent. She might be a hard nose and have exacting standards but as scientists they appreciated such attributes. The department personnel also knew Ryan had a fierce demeanour to back up her exacting standards. No one wished to err on the wrong side of their department head. They all had heard the stories of her time in the Cardassian prison camp and the cold-blooded actions she took to preserve her crew and eventually rescue them.
Rowan forced himself not to think overlong about Cardassians; though graduating as an ensign at the outbreak of war with the Dominion allied to the Cardassians did keep them to the fore of life aboard a starship. As yet they had not dealt with any Cardassian enemies but they would soon enough. Rowan worried about how he would react then in light of the horrors they had visited upon his family members.
Moira Nikochevski hovered nearby with an update from one of the small search parties on the surface. She carefully approached the ensign and offered the information as a token to soothe his mood. Though she had to admit the Bajoran was normally dour of expression, Moira sensed his frustration at his so far joyless task and at being hard driven by Lt Commander Ryan. It was hardly a loyalty inspiring command style but the ambitious Moira was equally enamoured of the beautiful and talented Science Officer. To Moira she represented ability triumphing over obstacles. A mantra drummed into her head as a young child in Kiev by her Grandfather when he was her swimming coach and as words he voiced to her on the death of her mother. It was a message she repeated to herself following the death of her brother Yuri, originally slated as the Head of Ops before he was killed in the attack at Starbase 49. Vaughan appointing her as his replacement served to confirm her mantra that ability overcame obstacles.
“Thank you for the information Lieutenant. It should help us with our scans.” Rowan levelly replied as he received the information.
Moira smiled down at the reseated ensign. “Not to worry Rowan you’ll find something soon enough. At least now we can concentrate on the task as the Manhattan takes over the coordinating efforts.”
“I’m not too sure. There’s been nothing so far and Lt Commander Ryan is not impressed by our lack of progress.”
Moira offered in a sympathetic tone, “It’s only understandable for her to feel so. Considering the Captain of her last assignment was killed and of course, her capture on the Foxly she feels overprotective of her commanding officers or at least knows the dangers of losing them. She’s just worried the same might happen here.”
“I’m not so sure if that is it.” Inwardly Rowan thought less diplomatically, ‘Certainly not protective! I remember hearing her curse Vaughan when she first came aboard the Accipiter.’
He continued on to steer the conversation away from what might be uncomfortable territory. “She doesn’t appear to trust me. She goes herself to Deflector control.”
“She’s a D.I.Y. commander. Considering her past experiences she probably doesn’t find it easy to depend on others. It is just easier to do it yourself in such a case. Give her time. When she knows your abilities she will learn to trust them. Remember she has left you here to scan for the Captain. Trusting you to be able to adjust for the distortion of the background radiation and to continue your meticulous work.”
Rowan bowed his head, partly embarrassed, partly grateful for the words of encouragement and reassurance. “I must return to my scans then.”
“Of course.” Moira stepped away and returned to Ops. She gave a restrained smile passing Nathan Forrest. She had heard the onboard scuttlebutt gossip about herself and Nathan. It was not true. However, Nathan had been a good friend to her following Yuri’s death and helped her to settle into her unexpected berth aboard the Accipiter. She in turn helped to adjust to his unexpected promotion to Executive Officer. The difference in rank and age though did lend their ‘friendship’ an inappropriate air to others and if Moira stopped to consider it she did feel a certain attraction to Forrest.
Nathan watched Moira take her station at Ops again. He returned the smile and then looked to Rowan Casey bent over his station. He smiled to himself at the words of kindness Moira must have spoken to the ensign. It was such thoughtfulness coupled with her skill which held the promise of Moira’s career in Nathan’s opinion.
From tactical Dagon asserted, “Keresh reports that have picked up the trail again but are attempting to shake off their pursuers first.”
“I hope it doesn’t waste them too much time.”
“It is a risk they must take. They cannot jeopardise the doctor’s rescue by leading a possible hostile force into the target zone.”
“I understand that Mr Dagon.” Sometimes you forget I was head of security Dagon!
Long quiet moments passed until Caitlyn returned. Rowan informing her as she approached that the adjustments had significantly cleared the readings.
“There’s still a discrepancy ensign.” More kindly she added as an after thought, “However, we have rectified everything we can do for now.” Rowan was slightly mollified by this qualification.
A chirp from the console drew their attention. Quietly they conferred with one another but Nathan noticed their interest.
“What is it Lt Commander Ryan?” Nathan raised himself from the centre chair and approached Caitlyn stood beside Casey at the science stations. The Bajoran looked up from his console with his superior at the approach of Nathan.
“Ensign Rowan has detected an anomalous power surge.”
“What does it appear to be Ensign?”
Caitlyn quizzically looked at Nathan, for she was about to furnish him with the possible answer. Then she understood again the reasons Vaughan had for promoting the Commander to be his Executive Officer. Nathan had the interests of other officers’ careers and learning curves to heart even at a time when short staffed. Encouraged by Nathan’s soft approach the ensign ventured, “It was only a short spike and it registered in area we were not assigned to search.”
“Ok who is searching that area?”
“The Jem’Hadar were allocated that area by the Gedan. The nature of the short spike of energy indicates something akin to an explosive device.”
“Jem’Hadar weapons perhaps Rowan?”
“No it doesn’t match Jem’Hadar weapon signatures.”
“Caitlyn?”
She pulled a face mulling it over. “Captain Vaughan. He may have found his own way out from the caves. Rowan check to see if you can read any lifesigns.”
He tapped the console as if playing a piano. “No, but there are strange heat signals.”
“Body heat?”
Dagon walked over to listen to the discussion.
“It might be Commander Forrest. I’d suggest an away team to scout the area.”
Rowan interjected quickly, “I’m detecting Jem’Hadar troops being beamed down to the surface in the general area.”
“Ok Ryan we don’t have time for a runabout. We’ll beam you down and out. Rowan you’ll go assist in the scans. Dagon you take some security with you. Get a medic or nurse from medical to go too. Quick as you can. Moira will try to pinpoint the heat signatures from Ops.”
They trooped out quickly with Dagon and Caitlyn talking over their combadges to get the team assembled hurriedly.
Nathan walked over to Moira at Ops and watched as she started more scans of the area specified by Rowan. “There are some things I don’t understand Commander.”
“What’s that?”
“The Jem’Hadar beam down site is a good distance away from the heat signatures we detect. Also this is not the area specified by the Gedan as the location of the caves.”
Nathan ran a hand through his hair exasperated by this stage. “Nothing appears as straight forward as it could be. Relay the information to Ryan and Dagon. I hope they can make more sense of it than I can.”
Caitlyn rematerialised with her phaser rifle raised. The scientist in Caitlyn did not forget her past in a Cardassian prison camp. She was not going to find herself unprepared. She waited till Dagon gave a signal for the all clear.
Taking in her surrounds she noticed the mountainous range some clicks to their west where the majority of possible sites had been found. The region they had beamed down to was in the foothills. Meandering meadows and boggy terrain. Not where she expected to find any cave locations.
Lowering her phaser rifle, she raised her tricorder and started moving in the direction of the heat signatures. Her rifle remained ready to fire.
“Over the brow of that hill.” She gestured with her tricorder.
Rowan ran ahead up the hill ahead of the security escort. Caitlyn started after him shouting as she did, “Rowan! Rowan!”
Shocked at the fierceness of her voice he stopped atop the hill and looked back appalled to have caused the rather reserved senior officer to holler so. The security escorts trooped up alongside him even more alert by the shouts from Caitlyn. She stopped in relief that the ensign had come to no harm walking into a Jem’Hadar troop or ambush.
Rowan flushed red at his correction. He turned away from Ryan to face the direction he had been headed and gasped. The security escorts who had come up to meet him also stared blankly down the hill, their faces paling as they did. Caitlyn and Dagon looked at one another askance worried as to what their subordinates had spotted hidden from their viewl. Raising their rifles, they trooped up to the hillcrest ready to open fire. When they got to the top, they too froze at what lay before them.
Caitlyn took her tricorder up and started to scan but Rowan cut through her scans by proclaiming quietly, “They’re dead. All dead.”
USS Accipiter, Main Bridge
“Drat!” Caitlyn’s fists smacked the console.
Ensign Rowan Casey frowned at the outburst from his department head. The frown pronouncing further the Bajoran bridge of his nose. “It is going to require a realignment at Deflector control.”
“Yes and a waste of our time too. Damn, should have thought about how the background radiation of the explosion would impair our sensors.”
Rowan stepped back from the console and turned in the direction of the nearest turbolift but Caitlyn Ryan placed a hand on his chest to stop his progress. “I’ll go ensign. You remain and continue to scan for any sign of the Captain or the cave location.”
‘Which is what we have been doing for the last number of days!’ Rowan sourly noted. But the area specified by the Gedan authorities as the site of the caves visited by Vaughan had had so far yielded no results. The area had a hive of caves many of which had collapsed in the shockwave impact. The rock composition greatly reduced scanning abilities forcing exacting scans carried out in small blocks.
The arrival of the Manhattan allowed it to take up a share of the workload for scanning the planet in helping to coordinate relief efforts and identify areas of difficulty. This freed the Accipiter to concentrate on finding the Captain and the government officials trapped with him. The Jem’Hadar wading in only added to the problems rather than helping to alleviate the workload because it was now a race to beat the Dominion forces to locating the Captain.
Just as possible sites were located and a shuttle flew or team beamed to the destination Jem’Hadar soldiers appeared too ready to swoop in to claim the victory. Commander Forrest had been adamant that was not to be the case. Caitlyn Ryan was even more adamant to Rowan Casey as she assisted him in scanning the surface.
Caitlyn left the bridge without a word. Rowan sighed. He feared he might have disappointed the Lt Commander. She was unlike the Head of the Engineering department, Laura Amos Hashap, a friendly social head who created a familial atmosphere in her team building. Caitlyn Ryan was a colder, dispassionate fish they all agreed in Science but she equally inspired her team members by her dedication, skill and sheer talent. She might be a hard nose and have exacting standards but as scientists they appreciated such attributes. The department personnel also knew Ryan had a fierce demeanour to back up her exacting standards. No one wished to err on the wrong side of their department head. They all had heard the stories of her time in the Cardassian prison camp and the cold-blooded actions she took to preserve her crew and eventually rescue them.
Rowan forced himself not to think overlong about Cardassians; though graduating as an ensign at the outbreak of war with the Dominion allied to the Cardassians did keep them to the fore of life aboard a starship. As yet they had not dealt with any Cardassian enemies but they would soon enough. Rowan worried about how he would react then in light of the horrors they had visited upon his family members.
Moira Nikochevski hovered nearby with an update from one of the small search parties on the surface. She carefully approached the ensign and offered the information as a token to soothe his mood. Though she had to admit the Bajoran was normally dour of expression, Moira sensed his frustration at his so far joyless task and at being hard driven by Lt Commander Ryan. It was hardly a loyalty inspiring command style but the ambitious Moira was equally enamoured of the beautiful and talented Science Officer. To Moira she represented ability triumphing over obstacles. A mantra drummed into her head as a young child in Kiev by her Grandfather when he was her swimming coach and as words he voiced to her on the death of her mother. It was a message she repeated to herself following the death of her brother Yuri, originally slated as the Head of Ops before he was killed in the attack at Starbase 49. Vaughan appointing her as his replacement served to confirm her mantra that ability overcame obstacles.
“Thank you for the information Lieutenant. It should help us with our scans.” Rowan levelly replied as he received the information.
Moira smiled down at the reseated ensign. “Not to worry Rowan you’ll find something soon enough. At least now we can concentrate on the task as the Manhattan takes over the coordinating efforts.”
“I’m not too sure. There’s been nothing so far and Lt Commander Ryan is not impressed by our lack of progress.”
Moira offered in a sympathetic tone, “It’s only understandable for her to feel so. Considering the Captain of her last assignment was killed and of course, her capture on the Foxly she feels overprotective of her commanding officers or at least knows the dangers of losing them. She’s just worried the same might happen here.”
“I’m not so sure if that is it.” Inwardly Rowan thought less diplomatically, ‘Certainly not protective! I remember hearing her curse Vaughan when she first came aboard the Accipiter.’
He continued on to steer the conversation away from what might be uncomfortable territory. “She doesn’t appear to trust me. She goes herself to Deflector control.”
“She’s a D.I.Y. commander. Considering her past experiences she probably doesn’t find it easy to depend on others. It is just easier to do it yourself in such a case. Give her time. When she knows your abilities she will learn to trust them. Remember she has left you here to scan for the Captain. Trusting you to be able to adjust for the distortion of the background radiation and to continue your meticulous work.”
Rowan bowed his head, partly embarrassed, partly grateful for the words of encouragement and reassurance. “I must return to my scans then.”
“Of course.” Moira stepped away and returned to Ops. She gave a restrained smile passing Nathan Forrest. She had heard the onboard scuttlebutt gossip about herself and Nathan. It was not true. However, Nathan had been a good friend to her following Yuri’s death and helped her to settle into her unexpected berth aboard the Accipiter. She in turn helped to adjust to his unexpected promotion to Executive Officer. The difference in rank and age though did lend their ‘friendship’ an inappropriate air to others and if Moira stopped to consider it she did feel a certain attraction to Forrest.
Nathan watched Moira take her station at Ops again. He returned the smile and then looked to Rowan Casey bent over his station. He smiled to himself at the words of kindness Moira must have spoken to the ensign. It was such thoughtfulness coupled with her skill which held the promise of Moira’s career in Nathan’s opinion.
From tactical Dagon asserted, “Keresh reports that have picked up the trail again but are attempting to shake off their pursuers first.”
“I hope it doesn’t waste them too much time.”
“It is a risk they must take. They cannot jeopardise the doctor’s rescue by leading a possible hostile force into the target zone.”
“I understand that Mr Dagon.” Sometimes you forget I was head of security Dagon!
Long quiet moments passed until Caitlyn returned. Rowan informing her as she approached that the adjustments had significantly cleared the readings.
“There’s still a discrepancy ensign.” More kindly she added as an after thought, “However, we have rectified everything we can do for now.” Rowan was slightly mollified by this qualification.
A chirp from the console drew their attention. Quietly they conferred with one another but Nathan noticed their interest.
“What is it Lt Commander Ryan?” Nathan raised himself from the centre chair and approached Caitlyn stood beside Casey at the science stations. The Bajoran looked up from his console with his superior at the approach of Nathan.
“Ensign Rowan has detected an anomalous power surge.”
“What does it appear to be Ensign?”
Caitlyn quizzically looked at Nathan, for she was about to furnish him with the possible answer. Then she understood again the reasons Vaughan had for promoting the Commander to be his Executive Officer. Nathan had the interests of other officers’ careers and learning curves to heart even at a time when short staffed. Encouraged by Nathan’s soft approach the ensign ventured, “It was only a short spike and it registered in area we were not assigned to search.”
“Ok who is searching that area?”
“The Jem’Hadar were allocated that area by the Gedan. The nature of the short spike of energy indicates something akin to an explosive device.”
“Jem’Hadar weapons perhaps Rowan?”
“No it doesn’t match Jem’Hadar weapon signatures.”
“Caitlyn?”
She pulled a face mulling it over. “Captain Vaughan. He may have found his own way out from the caves. Rowan check to see if you can read any lifesigns.”
He tapped the console as if playing a piano. “No, but there are strange heat signals.”
“Body heat?”
Dagon walked over to listen to the discussion.
“It might be Commander Forrest. I’d suggest an away team to scout the area.”
Rowan interjected quickly, “I’m detecting Jem’Hadar troops being beamed down to the surface in the general area.”
“Ok Ryan we don’t have time for a runabout. We’ll beam you down and out. Rowan you’ll go assist in the scans. Dagon you take some security with you. Get a medic or nurse from medical to go too. Quick as you can. Moira will try to pinpoint the heat signatures from Ops.”
They trooped out quickly with Dagon and Caitlyn talking over their combadges to get the team assembled hurriedly.
Nathan walked over to Moira at Ops and watched as she started more scans of the area specified by Rowan. “There are some things I don’t understand Commander.”
“What’s that?”
“The Jem’Hadar beam down site is a good distance away from the heat signatures we detect. Also this is not the area specified by the Gedan as the location of the caves.”
Nathan ran a hand through his hair exasperated by this stage. “Nothing appears as straight forward as it could be. Relay the information to Ryan and Dagon. I hope they can make more sense of it than I can.”
****
Caitlyn rematerialised with her phaser rifle raised. The scientist in Caitlyn did not forget her past in a Cardassian prison camp. She was not going to find herself unprepared. She waited till Dagon gave a signal for the all clear.
Taking in her surrounds she noticed the mountainous range some clicks to their west where the majority of possible sites had been found. The region they had beamed down to was in the foothills. Meandering meadows and boggy terrain. Not where she expected to find any cave locations.
Lowering her phaser rifle, she raised her tricorder and started moving in the direction of the heat signatures. Her rifle remained ready to fire.
“Over the brow of that hill.” She gestured with her tricorder.
Rowan ran ahead up the hill ahead of the security escort. Caitlyn started after him shouting as she did, “Rowan! Rowan!”
Shocked at the fierceness of her voice he stopped atop the hill and looked back appalled to have caused the rather reserved senior officer to holler so. The security escorts trooped up alongside him even more alert by the shouts from Caitlyn. She stopped in relief that the ensign had come to no harm walking into a Jem’Hadar troop or ambush.
Rowan flushed red at his correction. He turned away from Ryan to face the direction he had been headed and gasped. The security escorts who had come up to meet him also stared blankly down the hill, their faces paling as they did. Caitlyn and Dagon looked at one another askance worried as to what their subordinates had spotted hidden from their viewl. Raising their rifles, they trooped up to the hillcrest ready to open fire. When they got to the top, they too froze at what lay before them.
Caitlyn took her tricorder up and started to scan but Rowan cut through her scans by proclaiming quietly, “They’re dead. All dead.”
*****
Mistral you must be a mind reader, or have a twisted nature always expecting the very worst.
Ok so the set up was a little obvious but we need to ramp up the stakes at this stage. Things have to get worse before they get better.
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