Part 5: Touch and Go
Sorry, but this is another long one, folks.
I'd like to thank DarKush for the use of Lt. Cmdr. Daneeka; Gibraltar for loaning me Pava Lar'ragos; and CeJay for allowing me to use the
Eagle and Captain Owens and Commander Edison. I hope I've done justice to your characters guys!
And now...on with the show...
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Part 5: Touch and Go
“Please inform our mutual associate…” Admiral James Leyton said as he addressed the middle-aged Trill on his monitor, “…that I fully intend to honor our agreement. After a year, we shall agree on the composition of a new Federation Council—one whose delegates fully appreciates both the danger of the changeling menace and the need for the Federation to return to its traditional roots. Once he is named President, I will step aside and resume my duties as Commander-in-Chief, Starfleet.”
“He shall be glad to hear that, Sir.” The Trill replied, “And he wants you to know that he will do likewise. Our party will give you our full support and, once he is made President, you will receive whatever you need to deal with the Dominion and changeling infiltration.”
“Thank you.” The admiral said as his enunciator chimed. “Excuse me, but my security chief is at the door.”
“Of course.” The Trill acknowledged. “Until later.”
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“Commander Daneeka…” Admiral Leyton smiled as the youthful Bolian lieutenant commander entered his office, “How are our ‘guests’?”
“Mad enough to split anti-matter, but behaving themselves, Sir.” The gold and black clad officer responded with a grin.
Chuckling, the admiral responded, “That’s to be expected, Alynna Nechayev, Owen Paris, J. P. Hanson, and Thuosana Shanthi are easily four of the most stubborn people I have ever had the pleasure of serving with.” His laughter vanishing, he continued, “That’s why it’s important we continue to try to get them to see that this is the only way to preserve the Federation and our way of life.”
“And Ben Sisko?” The Bolian security officer inquired, asking about their mutual acquaintance who had also served on the
Okinawa. “How long do we keep him in lockup?”
With a dour expression, the admiral replied, “Sisko has made his decision.” Seeing his security chief about to protest, Leyton raised his hand to silence her, “Don’t worry, Daneeka, I’ll keep my promise to him and let him go after we remove the President and secure our position. I’m even thinking about retaining him at Deep Space Nine afterwards if he gives me his word that he’ll take no action against us because, even with everything that’s happened, he really is the best man to have out there.” Shaking his head, the admiral lamented, “I think the biggest mistake I made was taking him off that station and bringing him here. I misjudged his character completely. I really thought that he, more than anyone else, would have understood the necessity of our actions.”
“It’s too late to be second guessing ourselves now here, Sir.” Daneeka interjected politely, yet firmly.
“You’re right.” Leyton responded, a smile returning to his face as he stood up. “Well…I better see to our guests…”
“And I need to make my rounds…” Daneeka replied as she turned towards the exit. “Good luck, Sir.”
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“Hey, Mom.” Sam Lavelle smiled at the image of his mother on the computer screen. “I’ve thought about what we talked about earlier…”
“You mean the Ops. position on the
Potemkin?” Charlotte Kincaid inquired, her heart beating quicker as she gazed into the eyes of her son. “Have you decided on whether you’re going to take it or not?”
“Well…” Sam replied, deliberately drawing out his sentence to appear as if he was being unsure of himself, “…I have to be honest. I was going to turn it down flat…” Seeing the crestfallen look on his mother’s face, the Canadian helmsman flashed a reassuring smile, “But then I thought more about it.”
“And…” Charlotte prompted; hope once again rising within her.
“And well, I decided that I wanted to talk more with you about it…and maybe have a talk with Captain Taras as well…that is if it’s ok with you and him.”
“I’d love to!” Charlotte exclaimed, a pleased look on her face, “And I’m sure the Captain would want to talk to you…” She then lowered her voice conspiratorially, “I’ve been kind of laying the groundwork for you with him.” Her smile growing wider, the dark haired science officer invited, “Why don’t you beam on over and we’ll talk and I’ll see if the Captain can see you.”
“That’d be great, Mom.” Sam smiled back. “I’ll see you in a few.” Immediately after his mother’s image disappeared, Sam touched his comm badge, “Lavelle to Captain Shelby. Phase One is in motion. We’re on our way to the
Potemkin.
“Very good, Mr. Lavelle.” Captain Shelby’s voice responded, “Carry on and good luck.”
“Well, Maria…” Sam quipped as he turned about to face Ensign Django, the dusky skinned Ensign’s expression a mixture of nervousness and anticipation, “Ready to meet Mom?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” She answered back as she slipped one of the padds containing the incriminating evidence concerning Leyton’s plans in her satchel, “I just hope she believes us.”
“So do I…” Sam replied glumly, “So do I.”
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“Permission to come on board.” Captain Michael Owens requested formally from the
Sutherland’s transporter pad.
“Permission granted.” Commander Christopher Hobson replied in an equally formal voice, completing the traditional formula.
“My First Officer, Commander Eugene Edison.” Owens introduced as the other officer, also wearing the red and black of command stepped off the transporter pad, hand outstretched.
“Call me Gene.” The Eagle’s executive officer said with an affable grin.
“Commander.” Hobson acknowledged in his usual patrician tone as he took his fellow first officer’s hand in his in a firm grip. Addressing both officers, Chris announced, “If you will accompany me, Captain Shelby and the others are waiting in the captain’s ready room.
“Lead on, Commander.” Owens replied as the doors to the transporter room slid open.
As the two officers from the
Eagle made their way down the
Sutherland’s corridors, they found that life on the
Sutherland by and large followed the usual routine for a starship: officers and enlisted ratings rushed to and fro to and from their duty stations, officers engaging in brief conversations before resuming their routines. “Culsten’s going to be disappointed.” Commander Edison muttered to his commanding officer, referring to the
Eagle’s youthful Krellonian flight control officer.
“How so?” Owens whispered back.
“He was convinced that the
Sutherland held naked races in the corridors.” He replied with a chuckle.
“That’s on Fridays.” Hobson deadpanned as the officers transited the bridge en route to the captain’s office. “Just before the alpha shift orgy.”
“He is joking…isn’t he?” Eugene whispered, lowering his voice even more as Captain Owens laughed quietly and as he heard discreet snickers coming from the Deltan woman sitting at the operations console.
“I think so.” The
Eagle’s skipper responded somewhat dubiously as the door to Shelby’s office whooshed open.
“Come in, Captain Owens…Commander Edison…” Captain Shelby called out from the large wooden desk behind which she stood with a dark haired lieutenant wearing a gold and black uniform on one side of her and a humanoid male wearing a beige Bajoran militia uniform on the other. “This is Lieutenant Lar’ragos.” She introduced, motioning with her hand first towards the lieutenant and then in the direction of the other man, “And this is Constable Odo from Deep Space Nine. Please…be seated. We have a lot to talk about and not a whole lot of time.”
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Stepping off the
Potemkin’s transporter pad, Sam Lavelle managed a slight smile as his mother approached, “Mom…I’d like to introduce you to Ensign Maria Django…”
Giving the dusky skinned ensign an appraising look, Lieutenant Commander Charlotte Kincaid frowned, “Why did you bring her here, Sam? I thought you wanted to discuss the ops position with Captain Taras.”
“I do, Mom!” Sam answered back, his tentative grin turning into a frown as Maria glared daggers at his mother. Subtly pressing the small of the Brazilian ensign’s back with his free hand, the Canadian helmsman smoothly lied, “You should be thanking Maria, Mom. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here now. She’s talked me into at least hearing what Captain Taras had to say.”
“Sam’s right.” Maria interjected, barely maintaining her temper. “I told him he needed to think of his career first and that this was too good an opportunity to pass up without at least talking about it.”
“Well, then…” The dark haired science officer declared, her attitude towards the petite ensign suddenly shifting, “…I’m glad to hear that Sam has one friend, at least, on that ship with a good head on her shoulders.”
Smoothly segueing before his volatile companion could speak, Sam quickly suggested, “Why don’t we go to your quarters, Mom? I’ve got a lot of questions to ask and I was hoping that you might give me some idea as to how to approach Captain Taras so I don’t make an ass out of myself.”
“Of course!” Charlotte exclaimed, readily agreeing. “After all, we wouldn’t want to have a repeat of what happened between you and Commander Riker back on the
Enterprise now, would we?”
“No, Mom…” Sam uttered, plastering a fake grin on his face as Maria gave him a sly look, “…we wouldn’t want that.”
“And everyone says I’m a bitch…” Maria muttered under her breath as the trio left the transporter room.
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As Captain Owens and looked over the evidence for a third time, his jaw clenched with silent rage. You’re sure about this?” The
Eagle’s skipper asked for the second time, not wanting to believe the incriminating data before him.
“I wish I weren’t.” Captain Shelby responded with a sigh. “But yes, it is genuine.”
“And confirmed…” Constable Odo interjected, “…with testimony from one of the participants…”
“Yes…” Captain Owens interrupted testily, “Cadet Shepard from Red Squad. I read the report of his interrogation.”
“Captain…” Liz intervened as hers and Owens’ eyes locked, “…we don’t have time for this…”
“You’re right.” Owens conceded, nodding his head once in response, “It’s just…” he shook his head, “…for Leyton to do this…”
How could you, Erika? Michael asked to himself.
What could have made you take part in something like this?
“I know.” Shelby commiserated, “I felt the same way.” Taking a deep breath as she leaned forward against her desk, resting her weight on her balled up fists, she declared in a grave voice, “We’ll have time for recriminations later. I need to know and I need to know now…can I count on your help? Leyton’s people control the planetary defense grid’s center of operations. I need you to neutralize them while Pava’s team frees the admirals and Odo frees Captain Sisko.”
“We’ll do our part…” Owens vowed as Commander Edison cleared his throat. “Go ahead, Gene…” Michael encouraged as Captain Shelby nodded her head.
“Sirs? I’d like to make a suggestion…” He began, “I know Commander Mark Dennison on the
Concord. He’s a good man and a fine officer. I’d hate for his life and career to be ruined here. If you let me, I think I can talk him down.”
“As far as we know…” Captain Shelby mused as she considered the
Eagle’s executive officer’s suggestion, “…he might be completely innocent and not even know what’s going on here. He hasn’t committed any open acts that I’m aware of. He’ll have to answer of course, for any acts of omission should it come out that he did know details of Leyton’s plot and didn’t tell anyone—but I’ll let the JAG deal with that.” Flashing a brief smile at Edison, Shelby decided, “Very well, Commander. If Captain Owens agrees, then you can go ahead and try to talk Commander Dennison into going to Captain Lynwood on his own.”
“Of course I agree.” Owens immediately confirmed as he placed a friendly hand on his first officer’s arm, “Good luck, Gene.”
“Thanks, Captain.” Edison smiled back before turning back towards Shelby, “So…when do we start?”
“Phase One has already begun.” Elizabeth replied. “You can beam over to the
Concord from here if you want. Phase Two…” Shelby continued, “…begins as soon as Captain Owens is ready.”
“We’ll be ready in fifteen minutes.” Owens replied confidently. “Lieutenant Nora Laas…my tactical officer, will handle the operation from our end.”
“All right.” Liz sighed as she walked out from around her desk. “We’ll commence Phase Two on receiving word from you.” Taking a deep breath, the blonde captain concluded the meeting. “Good luck, everyone. I have a feeling before this is over we’re going to need as much of it as we can get.”
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Immediately after the door to his mother’s quarters slid shut, Sam Lavelle shoved a padd into her hands. “Read this…but before you do, I’d suggest you sit down.”
Taking her son’s advice with a quizzical glance, Charlotte Kincaid sat down in a brown armchair, motioning for her guests to be seated as well. Making herself comfortable, the
Potemkin science officer began to peruse the padd in her hands. The expression on her face changing from mild curiosity to disbelief to outrage, the Ottawa native swore, “Do you honestly expect me to believe this? Hell, for all I know you’re the changelings and this is all part of your plot to start a civil war.” Her eyes flaring with anger, she spat out as her hand hovered over her comm badge, “Give me one good reason not to call security right now and have you thrown in the brig!”
“You really are an idiot!” Maria spat out as she leaped to her feet, “The evidence is staring you right in the face and you’re too stupid to see it. You think we’re changelings? Ok…” She growled as she took out a hypo. Rolling up her sleeve, she placed the hypo against her bare arm. Gritting her teeth as she pressed the button on her hypo, she extracted a small sample of her blood. Replacing the ampoule with an empty one, she gestured for Sam to roll up his sleeve. Repeating the procedure with him, she turned towards the stunned science officer and smirked as the two blood samples showed no change. “Satisfied now, Mommy Dearest?” Putting in yet another empty ampoule into the hypo, Ensign Django tossed it to her companion’s mother, “Now it’s your turn.”
Seeing the stunned and shocked expression on his mother’s face at the fiery ensign’s outburst and her subsequent actions, Sam, placing a restraining hand on Maria’s shoulder, pushed her back down to her seat as he leveled his gaze at his mother. “Mom…do you honestly think that if Maria or I were really changelings that you’d be able to hit that comm badge of yours before you were stopped?” Taking a more conciliatory stance, the dark haired lieutenant pleaded, “I know this is a lot for you to take in…but we’re…I’m…telling you the truth here. Because of Leyton, over five thousand people are dead and if he’s not stopped, that number’s going to grow—by a lot. If we’re wrong, then you can just say that we coerced you…that you didn’t have a choice but to do what we told you to do. We’ll be the ones taking the heat and your career and reputation will remain intact. But…if we’re right and you did nothing—or you tried to stop us—do you really want to have that on your conscience?”
“No…” Charlotte replied in a soft voice as she rolled up her sleeve and, repeating the actions of the two younger officers, took a sample of her blood, “I wouldn’t.” Tossing the blood sample back to the dusky skinned ensign, the older woman remarked with a steady glare, “Satisfied?”
“Yeah.” Maria responded with a smug grin as she examined the unchanged blood sample. “Now, I’m happy.”
“Good.” Charlotte answered back, her face taking on a grim look as she turned her attention back to her son, “So…what do you want me to do?”
“We need to get in to see the Captain.” Sam replied, relieved that his mother had now come around, “Hopefully, we can convince him not to follow Leyton’s orders…or if we can’t…that we can stop him before more people are killed.”
“Well…” Charlotte suggested, “I did tell him that you wanted to speak to him about the ops position, so he is expecting to see you…”
“Great!” Sam exclaimed with a grin. “That’ll give us the perfect opportunity. So…when do we meet him?”
“Give me ten minutes to freshen up…” Charlotte replied, “…and I’ll meet you in the lounge. We can go on from there to the Captain’s office.”
“Ok…” Sam smiled as he and Maria got up out of the chairs. “We’ll see you then.”
Flashing a sly grin as Maria made her way towards the door, the older woman asked, “Oh…Ensign Django…are you always this…”
“Bitchy?” The young Brazilian replied with a smug grin as she looked back at her friend’s mother.
“I was going to say confrontational…” Charlotte rejoined with a twinkle in her eye, “But bitchy works just as well.”
Shrugging her shoulders, Maria quipped as she exited the room, “Actually, I’m usually much worse. You’re lucky. You caught me on a good day today.”
Laughing as the door to her quarters whooshed open; Lieutenant Commander Charlotte Kincaid made her way to her dresser drawer. Her laughter fading away as she opened the drawer, the dark haired science officer took out the small hand phaser that she had hidden there under her clothes. Concealing it in the small of her back, the protective mother squared her shoulders as she took a deep breath. Exhaling, she recorded brief messages for her husband, children, and brother and then strode confidently out the door and down the corridor, her decision made.
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As a haggard Elizabeth Shelby took the center chair, she gratefully took the cup of coffee offered to her by an ensign wearing the gold and black uniform of operations. Taking a sip of the hot beverage, the petite captain sighed in gratitude as she noticed the green light flashing on her armrest. Reluctantly setting her cup down, Captain Shelby punched the intercom button with her index finger, “Pava…Manuele…your teams are clear to go. Commence Phase Two and…” She quickly added, “Good luck.” Swiveling her chair, she addressed the young ensign who had earlier brought her coffee and was now standing at the tactical station. “Bring the ship to yellow alert, but do not charge either weapons or shields unless I say so and give the ‘Go’ signal to the
Eagle.”
“Aye, Captain.” The young woman crisply acknowledged as she moved to carry out her commanding officer’s orders.
Picking her coffee cup up, Liz took another sip.
Nothing to do now…the captain mused…
but wait...and hope.
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Glancing down at his arm rest, Captain Michael Owens, also sitting at the center seat of his ship, took a deep breath. “Bring us to yellow alert.” The
Eagle’s skipper ordered as he activated his intercom, “Lieutenant Nora…Now.”
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Bolting up out of his chair as two figures materialized in his private office, Rear Admiral Barzhan glowered at the human officer wearing gold and black and the young Troyian woman wearing the gray and red togs and insignia of a third year cadet. “What is the meaning of this Lieutenant…Cadet?” The Bolian Starfleet Academy Commandant growled.
“You are under arrest, Sir, for conspiracy to commit mutiny and insurrection.” Seeing the admiral making a motion with his right hand towards his desk, Manuele warned as he drew his phaser, pointing it at the flag officer, “Don’t, Sir. Please, Admiral. I would hate to have to stun you.”
“Very well…” Barzhan sighed as he slowly raised his hands, “Where are we going?”
As Lieutenant Atoa and Cadet Atris took their positions to either side of the admiral, Manuele activated his comm badge, “Atoa to
Sutherland. Mission accomplished. Three to beam up directly to security holding.”
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“Hello, Ben.” Lieutenant Commander Daneeka smiled down at her old friend from behind the forcefield of the confinement cell he had been locked up in. “How’re you doing?” Benjamin Sisko, still wearing his red and black uniform, lay back on the bed, his head and back supported by the headboard, hands clasped behind his head. While he gave the appearance of being relaxed, the Bolian security specialist knew full well that her former shipmate from the
Okinawa was carefully observing his environment, looking for any weaknesses he might exploit to make his escape. “I know what you’re thinking, Ben—I’d be doing the same thing if I were in your shoes, but please, don’t try. I’d hate to have to bring you down. In any event, Admiral Leyton has promised to let you go.” Holding out a peace offering, the youthful Bolian added, “He even said that he’d be willing to reinstate you as commanding officer of Deep Space Nine.”
“That’s mighty generous of him.” Sisko responded, his toothy grin not at all hiding the sarcasm of his tone.
“Ben…” Daneeka shook her head, “Why won’t you understand? Jaresh Inyo is an incompetent jackass—he’s totally unfit for the job.”
“It’s not our place to make that decision!” An outraged Benjamin Sisko retorted, rising to his feet. “Starfleet has to stay outside politics!” His anger fading, the dark skinned captain pleaded, “Don’t you see, Daneeka? Once Starfleet starts down that road—once it becomes involved in politics—that’s the beginning of the end for our way of life!”
Shaking her head, the young Bolian countered, “You’re wrong, Ben. Admiral Leyton’s way is the only way to preserve the Federation and our lives.”
Sitting down on the edge of his bed, Benjamin shook his head somberly as he regarded his former shipmate, “Tell that to the five thousand people who’ve already died because of this. And if Leyton isn’t stopped now—they’ll be the first of many more.”
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“Gene!” Commander Mark Dennison, the first officer of
USS Concord, grinned as he saw the face of his old friend, Eugene Edison. Grasping his friend’s hand in a firm handshake, the dark haired, bearded light skinned Dennison remarked, “How long has it been? Five years?”
“At least.” Commander Edison grinned back as he shook his old friend’s hand. Releasing his grip, Edison asked, “Can we go somewhere and talk, Mark?”
Seeing the serious, foreboding actually, look on his old friend’s face, Dennison replied, “Sure…how ‘bout our lounge?”
Shaking his head, Gene answered back, “I’d rather go someplace a bit more private. How about your quarters?”
“Ok…” The
Concord XO remarked, a mystified expression still on his face, “What’s this all about, Gene? Has something happened?”
Taking a deep breath, Edison exhaled with a sigh, “I’ll tell you when we get to your quarters.”
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Materializing on the main transportation pad at Starfleet Command Headquarters, Lieutenant Pava Lar’ragos, along with the rest of his party, were politely accosted by a petty officer wearing the gold uniform tunic of a security specialist and carrying a phaser rifle at port arms.
“Morning, Petty Officer.” Pava said with a crooked grin as he made ready to step off the pad.
“One moment please, Sir.” The noncommissioned officer instructed as he signaled another enlisted rating manning a console. “Weapons scan.”
“That’s quite all right, Petty Officer.” Pava replied in a reassuring tone as the crewman manning the console announced, “No weapons or other contraband devices scanned.”
“You can step down now, Sir.” The petty officer declared; his posture relaxing somewhat. “I’m sorry about the scans…” he said apologetically, “…new directives…”
“That’s all right, Petty Officer…”
“Duncan…” The security officer supplied, his lips turning up in a slight smile.
“Petty Officer Duncan.” Lar’ragos smiled back. “We all have our orders. Speaking of which…” His smile growing wider, he gestured towards Constable Odo and the rest of his party: Lieutenant Nyota Dryer and Cadet T’Pren, “…we’re under orders to escort Constable Odo to Starfleet Intelligence for further debriefing and you know how Captain Elack gets when he’s kept waiting…”
“Don’t I!” Duncan sighed sympathetically, being very well acquainted with moody Bolian intelligence chief’s sense of punctuality. “You’re clear, Sir.” The petty officer declared, waving Pava and his party through, “Have a good day.”
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“What’s this all about, Gene?” Commander Mark Dennison asked as he and his friend entered Dennison’s quarters.
Pausing for a moment as he regarded the portrait of his old friend standing next to a blond haired man, Eugene Edison flashed a wan smile, “How’s Eric doing?”
“He’s ok…” The
Concord’s first officer replied, “We don’t get to see each other as often as we’d like since he took that job with the Federation Development Program, but I’ve got some leave time coming to me and he’s planning on taking some vacation time so we’re planning on meeting up at Risa the end of next month.” Motioning for his old friend to be seated, Dennison remarked, “But I’m sure you didn’t want to talk to me about my relationship with Eric. So…what is it?”
Handing the padd in his hands to Commander Dennison, Gene sighed, “Please tell me you don’t know anything about this, Mark.”
His eyes reflecting his astonishment and disbelief as he read the information on the padd that Edison had just handed him, Mark Dennison remarked in a hushed tone, “You think I’m involved in this?”
“You’re saying you’re not?” Gene asked; desperately wanting to believe his friend’s innocence.
“Of course, I’m not!” Mark answered back heatedly as he shot up out his seat. “I’d never betray my oath like that!” He growled as he paced angrily, “I can’t believe you of all people would think that I’d have any part in something as monstrous as this!”
“I believe you.” Gene replied in a sincere tone, adding, “I was hoping you weren’t part of this…that’s why I asked my captain and Captain Shelby to let me talk to you first—before they contacted your captain. I wanted to give you the chance to clear yourself.”
Calming down as he heard his friend’s words, Commander Dennison sighed. “And if I were involved, to do the right thing.” Taking a deep breath as his friend nodded his head in affirmation; the dark haired commander cracked a smile, “I’m glad you did, Gene. Now…let’s go see Captain Lynwood and get this settled.”
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“Well…that went easier than I thought it would.” Lieutenant Dryer whispered once the group was safely out of earshot of anybody.
“We got lucky this time.” Pava replied, his smile vanishing as they approached their destination. “This is one of the security monitoring stations.” Turning towards Odo, the El-Aurian raised his hand just as the constable began to melt. “I’d hold off on that if I were you—this room is probably set up to run automatic phaser sweeps to detect changelings.”
“Good point.” Odo conceded, returning immediately to his usual humanoid form. “So…how do we proceed?”
“You and T’Pren wait out here for now.” Pava instructed, “Leave this one for Nyota and me.” Flashing a wicked grin at the lovely dark skinned woman, the El-Aurian quipped, “You ready?”
“I’m always ready.” Dryer rejoined with a smirk of her own as the door slid open to reveal the solitary occupant of the room.
Turning about quickly at the sound of the door opening, the security specialist immediately jumped out of his seat, coming to attention on recognizing the insignia of the two lieutenants. “Sirs!”
“Stand at ease, Crewman.” Pava smiled as he and Nyota approached closer. “We’re just doing a security sweep.”
“Security sweep, Sir? Commander Daneeka didn’t mention anything about any security sweeps.” His expression suddenly suspicious, the crewman requested, “Wait a moment, I’ll ask her.”
“That’s all right, Crewman.” Lar’ragos replied, his lips turning up into a cold grin. Striking before the guard’s hand could touch his comm badge; Lar’ragos felled the younger man, the edge of his hand striking the back of the guard’s neck, rendering him instantly unconscious.
Picking up the slumping crewman, Nyota dragged him to the far edge of the room. “Smooth, Lieutenant.” The ebony skinned security officer remarked with a toothy grin.
“Thanks, and it’s Pava.” Lar’ragos responded as he motioned for the rest of his team to enter, “Ok T’Pren…” he quipped as he bent over one of the security consoles, “It’s time to show me how good you really are.”
“Just watch, Sir.” The young Vulcan rejoined as she quickly inputted a series of numbers and letters on to the computer station that she occupied. Flashing a triumphant grin, she announced, “All done!”
“Done here.” Pava exclaimed at nearly the same time. Turning towards Odo, he explained, “We’ve uploaded a program that disables the security alerts while at the same time appearing fully operational to anyone making a cursory check.”
“Very good.” The constable remarked, his lips turning up in a sardonic grin, “I’ll just have to make sure Quark doesn’t find out about this.”
“It won’t hold up if someone looks real close.” T’Pren cautioned, “But, so long as we avoid alerting any live guards, it should buy us the time we need to accomplish our mission.”
“It’ll be enough to get the job done.” Pava pronounced as he turned towards Odo, “Constable, you should find Captain Sisko in Security Confinement. Go back to the last intersection we passed, take the corridor going left, then the next corridor right and you should be there.”
Watching as the changeling constable exited the room, Pava turned towards the remaining members of his team. “Ok…let’s go. Leyton probably has the other admirals locked up in the main conference room.”
“Why there?” Nyota asked, “Wouldn’t it make more sense for him to put them in a cell.”
“Not really.” Pava explained. “You see, he still wants them on his side—their support would go a long way towards swaying most of the rest of the Fleet to go along with his coup, so he’s not going to want to alienate them by locking them up in a cell.” The El-Aurian’s lips turning up in a crooked grin, he concluded, “I’m betting that he’s been sweet-talking them constantly since he made his move.”
“Then…” Lieutenant Dryer grinned, “What are we waiting for? They’re probably bored stiff by now.”
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“Well…good news for a change.” Liz Shelby exclaimed, addressing her first officer as she came on to the bridge. “Manuele has just taken Admiral Barzhan into custody and I just got off the line with Captains Lynwood and Owens and Commander Edison.” Sighing in relief as she took the center seat, she continued her narrative, “Commander Dennison denies having anything to do with Leyton’s plot and a check of his subspace communications logs verifies that he’s had no communication with Leyton or any other known conspirators.”
“That’s one piece of good news at least.” Commander Christopher Hobson agreed; his poker face still in place. “It would have been a shame to have his life and career ruined by this reckless…stunt.”
“Yeah…” Liz muttered somberly as her thoughts drifted to her former lover now sitting in the center seat of the
Lakota, “…a shame.”
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“Ah…Commander…” Captain Taras smiled, his antennae twitching slightly as he rose from his seat, “Come on in. All of you…” His grin widened as he regarded the dark haired young man and dusky skinned woman who entered along with his science officer. “Be seated…” He genially insisted as he sat down again. “So, Charlotte…this is the young man you’ve been telling me about?”
“Yes, Sir.” Lieutenant Commander Kincaid responded with a shaky grin, “This is my son—Lieutenant Sam Lavelle. And this…” She continued, “Is his…friend…Ensign Maria Django.”
“Well, Mr. Lavelle…” The Andorian captain remarked as he called up the young lieutenant’s service record on his padd, “Lieutenant Commander Kincaid says that you would be a good fit for the operations officer’s position.” His smile growing wider as he perused Lavelle’s record, Taras declared, “Your Academy record and your service on the
Enterprise and
Sutherland as well as a recent commendation from Admiral Glover would seem to bear that out. So…” The captain queried as he gave the young human an appraising look, “Why do you want the job?”
“Sir…” Sam began, clearing his throat as he offered the captain the padd he was holding in his hands, “Before we continue, you might want to read this first.”
“Hmmm…” Taras vocalized, his antennae pointing at the younger officer, “Very well…let’s see what you’ve got.”
As he read the incriminating evidence on the padd, the genial expression on the Andorian captain’s face quickly vanished as his antennae twitched in a manner that the experienced science officer quickly recognized as a mixture of nervousness and anger. Her hand surreptitiously dropping to the small of her back where she had concealed her phaser, Charlotte pleaded in a somber, pained voice, “Tell me you’re not a part of this, Captain…please!”
“I’m sorry, Charlotte…” Captain Taras replied as he slowly rose to his feet, grasping the phaser secured under his desk as he did so, “…but Admiral Leyton’s right. If we don’t do something now, the Federation is doomed.”
“I’m sorry too, Sir.” Sam interjected as he and Maria stood up, “But, per Captain Shelby’s orders, we’re going to have to place you under arrest.”
Sighing, the Andorian captain drew his phaser, pointing it at Sam and Maria, “I’m afraid I can’t allow you to do that.” Punching his intercom button, Taras spoke, “Number One? I need a security detail in my office immediately.” Turning his attention back to his guests, his smile returned, “I’m afraid I’m going to have to confine you to our brig for now. I promise your confinement will be as brief as possible.”
Drawing and firing her phaser, Charlotte Kincaid cried out as her captain’s body slumped on to his desk, “I’m sorry, Sir.” Dropping her weapon as the first officer and two security guards stormed into the ready room, a tearful Charlotte, responding to the executive officer’s demand to know what had just happened, pointed to the padd on the captain’s desk.
Picking up the padd and reading it, the Potemkin’s XO frowned, “Are you sure about this?”
“Yes, Sir.” Lieutenant Commander Kincaid responded, nodding her head.
“Captains Shelby and Owens will confirm it.” Lavelle added as both he and Maria stood under the phasers of the two security guards.
“We’ll see…” The first officer responded, “For now…” He ordered, motioning to his security officers, “Confine them to the brig and take the captain to sickbay.” Pausing for a moment, the commander further instructed, “And then inform the doctor that Captain Taras is to be restricted to sickbay or his quarters until I get to the bottom of this.” Seeing the confused look on the two guards’ faces, the commander barked, “Now, gentlemen!”
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Entering the security monitoring station, Lieutenant Commander Daneeka frowned as she saw that the specialist who was supposed to be monitoring the consoles was not at his station. “Crewman?” The lovely Bolian called out as she cautiously advanced further within the room. Looking about, she very quickly found the man in question slumped against the far wall, arms crossed on his chest. Shaking her head, Daneeka rushed to the crewman. Shaking him back into awareness, she barked out, “What happened here?”
“I don’t know…” The crewman groggily replied as he struggled back to consciousness, “There were two lieutenants…security officers…and then…” As the crewman slumped back to the deck, Daneeka touched her comm badge, “Security alert. All levels. At least two intruders wearing Starfleet security uniforms. All individuals not carrying proper authorization are to be immediately apprehended.” Approaching one of the security consoles, Daneeka called up a diagnostic check. Immediately recognizing the tampering, the young Bolian growled, “Attention all security personnel! Ignore all security alert monitors—they have been tampered with.” Nodding her head as a trio of security officers burst into the monitoring room, Daneeka spat out, “You’re with me. I want the bastard and/or bitch who did this.”
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Security alert. All levels…Attention all security personnel! Ignore all security alert monitors—they have been tampered with.
“Well…they’re on to us.” Nyota remarked as she and her companions moved cautiously down the corridor.
“Then be thankful we’re almost there.” Pava replied as the trio advanced to within sight of the main conference room.
“Hopefully…” T’Pren interjected, “We can get the admirals and Admiral Leyton in one go.”
“First things first…” Lar’ragos cautioned as he pointed to the two security guards standing in the corridor. “This time we’re not going to be able to bluff our way past them.”
“So…” Lieutenant Dryer asked as she readied her phaser, “Do we take them out now?”
“Wait.” Pava said, his lips curling up in a sly grin. “I have an idea.”
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“Admiral Leyton?” Daneeka called out, touching her comm badge, “Respond please.” Growling at the lack of response from her leader, the Bolian lieutenant commander turned towards two of the three security guards accompanying her. “Go to the admiral’s office…” she ordered, “…find out what’s going on and tell me yesterday.” Turning to the remaining specialist, she commanded, “You’re with me—we’re going to the main conference room.”
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Pava and Nyota advanced towards the two security guards, their phasers trained on the young Vulcan woman walking between them. Coming to a halt before the guards, Pava announced, “We caught this individual with an accomplice.”
“Where’s the other?” One of the guards, an Andorian, asked, his antennae twitching suspiciously as the other guard trained her phaser on the three standing before her.
“Sickbay.” Lar’ragos promptly replied, maintaining his usual crooked grin as he surreptitiously sized up the Andorian standing before him.
“Why don’t you check in to be sure?” Lieutenant Dryer thoughtfully suggested as she made ready to strike.
“Just one moment.” The Andorian replied as his hand moved to his comm badge.
Seeing their opening, Pava and Dryer simultaneously struck as T’Pren snatched the phaser out of the human security officer’s hand. As both officers slumped to the deck, the trio heard a voice coming from behind them. “Not bad! Too bad you’re not on our side.” Pivoting about, weapons drawn, they saw a Bolian security officer with another trooper standing beside her, their weapons leveled at them. “I wouldn’t…” She quipped, “Waking up after a heavy stun blast is a bitch and a half.” Smirking triumphantly, she motioned with her weapon, “Your phasers…drop them…now.”
Catching Nyota out of the corner of his eye, Pava flashed a crooked grin, making as if to drop his weapon. “Sure…whatever you say.” Seeing that his ebony skinned companion was in position and that T’Pren had steeled herself for what was about to happen, the El-Aurian sneered as he and Dryer dived for the cover offered by the intersecting walls, “Come and get them!”
Firing simultaneously, T’Pren’s phaser hit the security trooper accompanying Daneeka as the beam from the Bolian hit her square on the chest. Snapping off return shots, both Dryer and Pava cursed as the lieutenant commander took cover behind a corridor wall.
“Damn.” The El-Aurian swore, “We can’t afford to let that Bolian bitch tie us down.”
“I think I might have an answer.” Nyota grinned as she dragged the stunned female trooper back behind the cover of her wall. Searching the security officer’s satchel, the ebony skinned woman smirked triumphantly as she presented a tiny photon grenade. “Found it!” She exclaimed as she set the grenade to a heavy stun setting.
“What are you waiting for?” Pava cried out as a phaser beam narrowly missed him, “Throw the motherfrinxing thing!”
“Damn!” Daneeka cursed as she just missed the tricky El-Aurian. “Stay still, why don’t you.” Then, hearing a clanking sound beneath her feet, the Bolian woman looked down to see the photon grenade. “Frinx me.” She uttered as the grenade went off, sending her slumping down to the floor.
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Shielding their eyes from the light flash, Pava and Nyota listened carefully from behind their positions before taking a tentative look. Peering around the corner, the El-Aurian grinned, “You got her, Nyota.”
“Hope she’s ok…” Dryer responded, flashing a toothy grin of her own. “Even on stun settings it's rough getting slammed by those things.”
“Eh…she’ll be all right.” Pava replied with a grin of his own, “That woman is too tough to kill.” His eyes falling on their fallen comrade now being tended to by Lieutenant Dryer, the El-Aurian asked, “How’s our future security chief?”
“She’ll be ok…” Nyota replied confidently as the young Vulcan stirred, “Take it easy, dear…” The ebony skinned woman said, speaking in soothing tones, “You just got hit by the equivalent of a charging mugato.”
“You did good, Cadet…” Pava said, adding in his praise, “…taking one for the team like that.” Watching with concern as Dryer helped the youthful T’Pren to her feet, the El-Aurian asked, “You sure you’re up for this?”
“I’ll be fine, Sir.” The cadet replied in a shaky voice. “Just give me a few moments to catch my feet.”
“No can do.” Lar’ragos said with a rueful grin, “We need to get to the admirals now before Leyton can send more troops to stop us.” Motioning for Nyota to help the younger woman, Pava made his way to the conference room door. Receiving no response as he punched the enunciator, the El-Aurian cursed as he removed an access panel. “I’m going to have to hotwire the door.” Jerking his head towards the corridor, he ordered as he removed and replaced chips and relays, “Keep an eye out for party crashers.” Several moments later, Lar’ragos cried out triumphantly as the door slid open, “Done!”
Entering the large chamber, weapons drawn, the three officers found the four admirals as well as the President of the Federation seated at a large circular conference table. As all three officers lowered their weapons, Pava called out respectfully, “Mr. President…Admirals…”
Admiral Nechayev spat out angrily, “Who are you? And where is that bastard Leyton?”
“You can tell that son of a bitch…” Admiral Hanson spat out, “That we haven’t changed our minds.”
“We will not support his coup!” Admiral Thuosana Shanthi declared, her nostrils flaring.
“You can tell your superior…” Jaresh-Inyo declared in a soft tone, “…that neither I nor these other officers will comply with his wishes.”
“I’m glad to hear that, Sirs…” Pava replied, flashing his winningest grin, “But we’re not with Leyton.”
“We were sent by Captain Shelby…” Lieutenant Dryer interjected as she guided a still groggy T’Pren to a nearby chair.
“The lieutenant’s right.” Pava confirmed, “We were sent to free you.”
“Shelby…rescue…” Shanthi mouthed, her voice reflecting her relief at being freed as well as her distaste at the fact that the author of her freedom was the captain she despised so thoroughly.
“I knew we could count on Liz!” Admiral Hanson slapped his thigh triumphantly. “Didn’t I tell you Alynna?” Cracking a crooked grin, he added, “…Thuosana?”
“Are all of you all right?” Lieutenant Lar’ragos inquired as he made his way to a communications console.
“We’re fine.” Admiral Paris responded, “But what about everyone else?”
“Just a moment, Sir…” Pava replied respectfully, “…and I’ll find out.” Smiling victoriously, the El-Aurian activated the comm channel. “Sirs, I’ve raised Captain Sisko. One moment and I’ll put it on the main monitor.”
Moments later, the image of Captain Benjamin Sisko filled the monitor screen. “Mr. President…admirals…” the dark skinned officer declared respectfully, a smile on his face. “Admiral Leyton…” He said, gesturing with his hand at the sullen admiral seated beside him, “Is in my custody and
Defiant has just arrived along with the
Lakota with additional information regarding the admiral’s conspiracy…” Pausing for a moment, his smile vanished as he continued his report, “I regret to inform you that both
Defiant and
Lakota suffered severe damage with loss of life on both ships.”
On hearing the news, the earlier ebullient mood within the conference room became much more somber as Shelby and Owen’s images appeared on screen as well, “We received Captain Sisko’s communication the same time you did…” Captain Shelby politely interjected, “And we’re glad you’re all safe and sound. We’ve taken Admiral Barzhan in custody and Captain Taras is being held in confinement on the Potemkin as well as my people and the
Potemkin’s science officer who aided them.
Potemkin’s first officer has further informed me that he would not release any of them until he receives confirmation by Command.”
Turning towards Pava, Admiral Hanson ordered, “Get the
Potemkin for me, Lieutenant.” Addressing Shelby, the balding admiral grinned, “Don’t worry about your people, Captain, I’ll get them out for you.”
“Thanks, Sir.” Liz smiled. “I appreciate that.”
Adding his voice to the discussion, Captain Owens reported, “Lieutenant Nora Laas and her team reported that they were able to successfully retake the planetary defense center from Admiral Leyton’s people with no loss of life on either side.”
“That is good news.” The President sighed as he struggled to his feet. “Captains…” He declared in a solemn, dignified voice as he addressed the images of the three officers on the split screen, “You and your people have rendered the Federation…all of us…a great service. We are in your debt.” Pausing for a moment he added in a lower, gentler tone, “I am also personally indebted to you…”
“You should all be proud.” Admiral Nechayev added, a rare smile on her face as she regarded the three captains—all quite different in temperament and individual style, yet all equally loyal to the Federation and its values. “What you and your officers and crew have done today will be remembered by us all. A great deal of work though…” The admiral declared, her smile vanishing, “…still remains to be done. Stand by for further orders.” Turning towards the El-Aurian and Lieutenant Dryer, the Russian admiral smiled, phrasing her order as a request. “I would appreciate it if you two would remain on hand to assist us in coordinating our efforts to restore order.” Glancing down at the still dazed cadet, Nechayev further ordered, “And if you would, please see to it that this young lady receives immediate medical attention.”
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Nodding her head as Liz acknowledged the orders she had just been given, the petite captain turned towards her first officer, “Commander Hobson? Tell Lieutenant Atoa to send as many security troopers as he can spare to Starfleet Command. Captain Owens is doing the same for the planetary defense network.”
Aye, Sir.” Chris answered back in a crisp voice, tapping his comm badge. As the first officer relayed his captain’s orders, the young ensign standing at Lieutenant Atoa’s normal station interrupted, “Sir? I’ve just received a message from the
Potemkin. Commander Akala says that he has just received confirmation from Admiral Hanson to release Commander Kincaid, Lieutenant Lavelle, and Ensign Django. The lieutenant and ensign will be returned to the
Sutherland as soon as possible.” Pausing for a moment, the crewman added, “I’m also receiving a message from the
Defiant from Commander Dax. She says that she is unable to speak now, but wanted to let you know that she is fine as is Captain Benteen.”
On hearing the good news regarding both her best friend and her former lover, Liz sighed in relief, allowing her command chair to possess her weary body. “Sir?” Commander Hobson’s voice snapping her out of her reverie, the youthful captain looked up, “Are you all right?”
“Yeah…” Liz replied with a tired grin, “I’m Ok…just tired…very, very tired.”
“It would seem, Sir…” Chris observed, “That the crisis has been averted.”
Nodding her head, the captain took a sip from her now cold coffee, making a face at its bitterness, “Yeah, Chris…” She agreed in a sleepy voice, “We dodged a bullet. Now…” She remarked as she set down her cup, “…comes the hard part. We have to try to put everything back together again.”
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)
Seriously, though, a great segment that demonstrates Starfleet’s determination to police its own. Leyton didn’t get what he had coming, of course, but as we know, there’s always the future. I hope they enjoy their time at the Supermax, I’m sure Daneeka will be popular with the Ferengi. 
