Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Aug 30, 2012 23:15:33 GMT
Dal Veno III (Pre-warp civilization) ...
"Get her into theater now. She is bleeding internally. If we cannot stop that she will die for sure ... Do we have a count yet ?" the man said as the gurney was wheeled into the sterile operating theater.
Seventy eight confirmed thus far, but that is sure to rise with the collapse of the central spire." his colleague answered, preparing the anesthetic's, "I have no idea how to proceed from here. This woman is obviously not of our world. We could be killing her by trying to save her life."
The surgeon looked at the doors. Two men, heavily armed, in a world where weapons were rarely seen, had positioned themselves to prevent any escape attempt. The man almost laughed at the irony as he was informed all was in readiness.
The person on the table had, not by design, been the bringer of death to countless of his people when her vessel slammed into the city, but he could not, would not, allow that to influence his actions. He picked up a scalpel. Then feeling along the line of the woman's chest bone, he pierced the skin ..........
One month earlier ...
She had been sat in the bar for what seemed a week now, and still no sign of the person she had come to meet ... It hadn't been the quietest of waits either. Three fights, one which she lost miserably, two that she won, the last culminating in the attacker leaving minus one ear and several teeth. The entertainment had earned her a few free drinks. She didn't look her best, but ironically, that was in her favor as the last thing she needed to appear was 'out of place' here. It tended to get you dead, and quickly !
"Refill ?" someone asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Go away. I'm busy." she said, without turning around.
"Is that any way to tre ......" he didn't finish the sentence. The hand vanished from her shoulder as he was flung across the room.
"Don't bother offering." she said, finishing her drink and signaling for another still without turning, "You can go join your friend in the corner."
But this man wasn't taking 'NO' for an answer and grabbed her, trying to turn her to face him. She slammed the wafer-thin blade into his side just below his armpit. The mans eyes widened in shock, but he managed to signal for his companions to remain motionless as he grabbed the bar for support.
"Wise move ....." she said, turning the blade through a mere five degrees, satisfied as a wave of pain flashed across the man's face. "Now ..... When I remove this weapon you are going to start bleeding, a LOT. I have punctured a major artery with the blade and I would suggest your friends here get you to medical attention quickly. The alternative is well, unwise." she said, shrugging, before using her other hand to accept the drink the barman had brought her. Taking a long drink she looked at the blood beginning to run down the blade toward her hand, "Are you ready ?" she asked, then pulled out the knife ... The man fell to his knees instantly, blood flowing freely from the cut in his aorta just below the heart. If they were quick, as suggested, the man would survive. If not, well that was his hard luck she decided as the man was dragged away quickly, presumably to some nearby hospital facility. She didn't really care.
"I'm impressed ..." a man further along the bar said smiling, "Just so you know, I'm the man you are meeting, so try not to kill me will you." he said, signaling to the barman, who seemed to know his drinking preferences.
"I hear you have been looking for a job ....." he said, pausing for a reply that wasn't forthcoming, "Well, if you are as good at your job as you are with that blade, then I may well have an opening ... Especially as you have just put my head of security in the hospital." he finished, emptying his glass and receiving a refill.
"You are Darim Gann." she said, more a statement then a question. The man bowed elegantly, but was still keeping out of arms reach. 'You learn quickly' she thought, "You can tell your monkey to relax. I'd hate that trigger finger to suddenly twitch and take my head off." she said, referring to the man who had come up behind her, phaser pointing at the back of her head ... Gann waved the man away and smiled. 'An annoying habit' she decided instantly.
"What do I call you ?" he asked, then waited patiently while she seemed to mull the question over.
"You can call me ... Mia." she said with a shrug of her shoulders.
"Just 'Mia' ?" he asked, getting no reply, "OK, cargo bay fourteen, it's in the amber quarter, zero eight hundred hours, that's eight in the morning sweetheart. Don't be late, I don't suffer tardiness lightly." Gann said and began to leave the bar ... The twang of the blade as it embedded itself in the wall less than six inches from his head made him start, but he recovered quickly and turned to face her. The grin was back.
"Don't call me SWEETHEART !" she said, expressionless, as Gann retrieved the blade and walked to the bar. He placed it in front of her, watching her closely.
"Zero eight hundred." he said, turning and leaving the bar.
She couldn't miss one of Ganns' men sat further round the bar. He was trying hard to look indifferent to the proceeding's and failing miserably at it.
"Amateurs." Elena said under her breath as she tapped the bar again ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Sept 1, 2012 16:58:18 GMT
Elena ordered another drink, the drug she had taken was neutralizing the alcohol content almost instantly, but she still needed to look as if it wasn't ... Slamming the glass on the bar she shouted for her refill, seemingly annoyed at the slow service. "Carry on with that racket and you'll be heading out the door lady. I don't care HOW many little knives you have hidden on you ... Understand !" the barman said, putting the drink in front of her and moving on. She mumbled some derogatory remark under her breath, and in her head, began to go through the details of the report she had been sent: Federation Security had first received information on the missing vessels almost four months ago. The first instance was equipment suddenly appearing on the open market from a cargo carrier, lost in the Quallem System, no survivors. nothing unusual in itself, as sometimes parts can be salvaged if found drifting. But then, sections of a second ship were found for sale by traders. again, inconsequential and hardly worthy of an investigation. But once a federation designed warp core came up, it raised flags. Federation Security were sent to retrieve the core for investigation into the cause of the loss of the ship, but the traders had been warned and the core and all other item's vanished from sight ...
It was decided an investigation should be carried out on Dennar Nine, location of the cores' original availability. Parts from no less than six vessels, including one transport lost with over three hundred souls were found. But before the investigation could move forward, the security team lost their lives in a shuttle accident during a supposed severe storm. Their replacements could find no evidence of wrong doing when they arrived. For all intents and purposes, the security officers had never arrived on the surface, at least alive and their deaths were registered as accidental. Their bodies were recovered from the crash site along with evidence of a catastrophic drive failure that led to the crash. Subsequently the investigation put 'on hold' pending further developments.
One month ago, equipment from a deep research vessel became available for sale. Several of these items were purchased by a trader who became suspicious of damage on one item during a routine overhaul. Micro-fractures were spotted that in his opinion could have been the result of weapons damage. He reported this to the Federation and the pieces were confiscated for investigation.
After re-opening the initial investigation, evidence of weapons fire was found on several of the items recovered and it was thought that someone was possibly attacking the vessels and selling off equipment for profit. Comm traffic was also located at this point, to a vessel in deep space. The worry was the Comm traffic had been transmitted on a federation carrier signal. The file was handed to Starfleet Intelligence ... After exhaustive inquiries were made, it was ascertained that federation or star fleet personnel, in partnership with a rogue trader, Darim Gann, known to have been involved in numerous actions against federation locations and personnel may be involved. It was agreed that someone would attempt to infiltrate Gann's organization. Intuition told her something was wrong and she looked up to see the barman watching her closely. "For such a, petite woman, you seem to be able to hold your drink lady ... I'm beginning to wonder if I'm not making it strong enough." he said menacingly. "And my ability to put up with your swill without throwing up or passing out is your problem why !" As if for effect, the man did a three sixty look around his establishment. 'The Last Drop' as he'd named the bar, wasn't exactly a place for fine wines or fine dining, but he prided himself in supplying what he liked to refer to a 'potent' beverages. So someone downing half a dozen doubles and remaining vertical, was like a red flag to him. Without taking his eye's off her, he reached under the bar and retrieved a device. Elena knew what it was instantly, a blood analyzer ... If the substance preventing her getting royally drunk was found, she wouldn't leave the bar alive. She needed to think quickly ... "Hold out your arm." the barman said, making sure it wasn't mistaken as a request. Elena downed the last of her drink and demanded a refill. "Top that up. This coat is heavy, not to mention expensive. I'm not about to rip a sleeve to satisfy your curiosity." she said, standing, and almost falling to the floor as she clumsily tried to pull the sleve up one arm. As the barman turned away to fill her glass then waited patiently for her to reach out for the drink slammed the analyzer against her arm with the other. He watched the device as it checked her blood alcohol levels, then nodded appreciatively. Elena looked at the man as if deciding on how to kill him, but knowing the suppressant antidote would be fully in her bloodstream within minutes, at which point she 'would' be extremely drunk, and vulnerable, she downed her drink and flung a well aimed insult at the barman, who grinned at her profanity. Heading for the door she could feel the alcohol oozing from her blood stream into her brain. She had to get out quickly. Knocking into tables and patrons alike, she managed to make it to the street. The cleaner, oxygen saturated air outside hit her like a phaser blast and she turned to one side as vomit exploded from her mouth. After a few moments of dizziness, she wiped her mouth and made her way unsteadily toward her lodgings ... 'Hell the things I do' she thought wryly. In the shadows, an Andorian male stepped forward and began to follow her. Once satisfied she had reached her rooms safely, he returned to the bar. But not before reporting on the subcutaneous transceiver embedded in his throat that she had made contact and all was going to plan ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Sept 6, 2012 21:40:36 GMT
Precognition, second sight, forewarning, call it what you like ...
Elena made the transition from deep sleep, to fully awake, in less than five seconds. Outwardly, there was no change in her posture or breathing. Her eyes remained shut in relaxed and restful sleep. But she could hear the person moving around her bed.
It was beginning to annoy her. Not the fact someone had been sent to maim, interrogate, kill her, but the fact that they were so mind-numbingly stupid at it, now that royally cheesed her off.
Guessing at the approximate weight of the sheet covering her legs, she figured it was going to be close ... As the intruder leaned forward she could feel his breathing on her cheek ... First mistake ... Without warning she moved her legs slightly. It did the trick, as the assailant's attention went to the wrong end of the bed. that was his second mistake. Opening her eyes her arms shot upward, her left hand gripped the persons neck, compressing the carotid artery and cutting off blood flow to the brain, her thumb pushed deep into his neck alongside the Adams apple, while her right hand gripped the hand holding the weapon. Twisting quickly, her knee came up and impacted with the mans nose. He pulled Elena out of bed as he fell to the floor, a single sheet between her nakedness and his filthy clothing.
She took her time. The man was going nowhere now, the grip on his throat was slowly depriving his mind of oxygen. She looked at him as if uninterested.
"I have a shuttle to catch ... So ... If that but-wipe Ganny sent you, he's going to be disappointed when I turn up. If not then no harm no foul. You broke in, I killed you in self defense ... So as the saying goes ... Talk !"
"I wa ....." he began, but couldn't continue, so she eased the grip on his throat slightly, "If he finds out I'm here he will kill us both. I am the go-between for his contact in the Federation. If you decide to kill me then to be honest, it will be a relief. I know you are not who you say you are."
"And who am I then ?" Elena asked, keeping her expression as neutral as possible.
"Two years ago ... Does Star base four nine one ring any bells ?" the man said, growing in confidence by the second, something Elena put a stop to by tightening her grip for a moment, but he had a point so she reluctantly eased off, "Thought so ... I wasn't too sure before, but you just confirmed my suspicions. Thank you."
"What are you doing here ?" she asked, her mind racing through options.
"He has my children." the man said, matter-of-factly.
Elena watched the mans reactions closely. Eye movement, perspiration level, agitation, pulse rate ... Everything said he as telling the truth. 'But then, a trained operative would be able to do just that as well as I can' she thought.
"I think I'll cut my losses and turn up. You're sudden disappearance is his problem not mine." she said, tightening her grip on his throat. But the resignation that he was going to die, that he was never going to see his children again, showed in his eyes ... She eased the grip on his weapon hand slowly, then took her hand from his throat, "How old ?"
"Four and six ... Both boys." he answered instantly.
Taking the phaser from him, she got up and sat on the bed. Pulling the sheet around her before waiting patiently while the man recovered. She had fifteen minutes to get what information she could ......
~~~~~~~~~~
"You are LATE !
"You waited." Elena shrugged, stepping past Gann into the shuttle, I had a 'guest' to get rid of. And as I've mentioned, I don't let other people dictate my movements. So, are we sitting here watching the scenery, or are you planning to take off anytime soon ... I could have had a lay-in at this rate."
Gann's annoyance was a picture.
"I'm waiting for one of my cre .... Oh here he is now." he said, eying the newcomer with disdain, "Teal Kalak, meet Mia, our newest member ..."
Elena nodded to Teal and settled into her seat. It hadn't gone un-noticed that Kalak had bruising around his throat. moments later the shuttle moved off, rising through the atmosphere quickly. Elena wondered what kind of ship Gann had managed to get his hands on ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Sept 18, 2012 16:04:53 GMT
As the small shuttle made orbit, Elena tried to fathom the relationships between Gann, Kalek, and the only other occupant, who Gann had chose not to introduce ... It was obvious that Gann was holding something on each of them. Their 'loyalty' for want of a better word, was not born out of devotion or regard, but rather from the threat level the man could command.
She was looking out of the forward window when her eye's widened for a moment.
"You can't be serious !" she said under her breath, as what they were approaching was hardly larger than what they were in, "A Danube Class Runabout ....... REALLY !"
It pays to let people think we have a much bigger vessel I've found." Gann said, a sickening grin forming, "You see, our little ship gives out an energy signature that makes it look like a heavily armed battle cruiser ... Cheating, I know, but it helps if you need to be somewhere and don't want to fight you way in. But don't be mistaken honey, our little Danube has had a few lets say, unconventional, modifications. She will hold her own against must ships if the need should arise. Bring us alongside." he finished.
The transfer to the runabout took moments, and he gave the shuttle pilot further instructions quietly. Seconds later it vanished from sight ...
"Familiarize yourself with the 'extras' we have had fitted Mia." Gann said, seating himself next to the pilot, While your primary function is to enforce my bidding, you may be required to perform other duties during our enterprise." Elena looked at the impressive array of instrumentation fitted into the Aft interior cabin area ..
"I'm here to keep you safe and 'dispatch' those who would see you dead ... I don't do chores !"
She didn't even see the blow coming ...... One second she was glaring at Gann, the next she was shaking off the dizziness of an expertly landed smack in the mouth and inching herself off the deck-plating .. Looking at her attacker, she was a little surprised that it had been the petite silent woman Gann hadn't introduced ... The girl, hardly a woman, held out her hand and helped Elena to her feet, an apologetic smile forming for a second.
"That is Marial." Gann said by way of introduction, "While you are here as lets say our 'security' blanket, her sole reason for being, apart from her job in our little family of course, is to enforce order among the chaos of our universe ... Marial, meet Mia, your new boss ....." The girl looked as if she was about to explode at this revelation, but held her tongue, holding out her hand to Elena, who promptly slammed a yonhon nukite, a four-fingered spear strike just below her sternum, impacting the solar plexus ganglia and dropping the woman like a stone. Elena didn't hang around for the subsequent vomiting her blow caused, but moved forward and inspected the cockpit area.
Gann couldn't help laughing out loud at his Science and Tactical Officers predicament, then issued orders to warp to their next assigned co-ordinates.
"There's a Vulcan freighter we need to procure items from." was his only explanation to Elena.
Taking her seat she sat impassive as the Danube Class runabout showed her impressive turn of speed, increasing to warp six easily ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Sept 24, 2012 21:48:09 GMT
Elena couldn't help being impressed at the amount of 'upgrades' the runabout had received. It wasn't something any old yard could have managed either, so this thing had been modified in a Federation level dock, which lead to umpteen other questions she frankly didn't want to contemplate at this juncture.
Getting to her feet she moved around the cabin then up to the cockpit. Again she was impressed at the configuration changes that had been made. Heavier shielding, better phaser array's, four photon launchers ... Yes, this little gnat could pack a punch if the need arose !
"So. We're going after a Vulcan ship." she said, almost disinterestedly.
"None of your damn business !" the pilot spat.
"Now now San ... Tut tut ... We're all going to be one big happy family here, so be nice to my Assassin." Gann said without turning from what he was doing.
"Yes, we are going to stop a Vulcan freighter." San said, eying Gann nervously, "Two person crew, so no big problems for you to worry about, unless of course you're not as good as you make out."
"Care to test your theory ?" Elena said menacingly, relaxing her posture noticably.
"You don't have anything to worry about Mia." Gann continued, "You will only be required should things not go to, plan ... Though I fail to see any problems, it's a freighter after all ... Isn't it."
~~~~~~~~~~
Six hours later they dropped from warp and slowed her forward motion to less than two hundred kilometers per hour. Gann re-checked his data and told everyone to ready themselves. Elena was still pondering how, where, they were going to store freight on the runabout, given the apparent lack of free space.
"OK, you know the routine San."
The pilot tapped a few controls and alarms began to sound. The lights dimmed, then went out altogether ... All she could see by was the display illumination, casting an eerie ghostly hue around the cabin. Suddenly she felt the artificial gravity fluctuate and she began to drift out of her seat as the runabout began a lazy roll to port. She had a distinct feeling that the air was getting thinner too, though that could have been her imagination.
They were playing dead !
Fifteen minutes passed, then twenty. The air was beginning to taste stale, and she wondered how far Gann would take his little ploy for authenticity.
Suddenly the Comm crackled to life.
=^= ....... you require assis ....... Vulcan freighter Talsek ...... =^=
=^= Talsek .. We are the long-range runabout Spartan .. We have had a coolant breach .. We require help NOW .. Oxygen levels falling to critical .. Help us please =^= the pilot stuttered convincingly.
=^= Stand by for transport of your personnel =^=
=^= NO .. NO .. DO NOT attempt to transport .. Our core is fluctuating and could cause signal degradation .. Can you hard-dock Talsek ? =^=
=^= Stand by Spartan =^=
Moments later they felt the tell-tale thud of a hard dock. Elena could hear the lock cycling. She couldn't say the Vulcan's who stood on the other side of the hatch when it opened looked surprised, momentarily confused may have been a better description. Gann and Marial were pointing phasers at the bemused duo ...
"There is no need for your weapons." the lead Vulcan said, raising an eyebrow when the phasers remained, "Am I to assume that you are in less distress than you led us to initially believe ?"
The pilot got up and moved past the Vulcan Officer. He checked the air-lock then activated the internal scanners. Checking the freighter thoroughly, he seemed satisfied.
"As you can see from our records, we are a freighter, en-route to Deleb Minor. We carry no cargo at this point in time. So, alas, you have been unfortunate in your choice of, victim."
Elena was watching the Vulcan's closely, she knew well their ability to react, and react quickly, should the need arise, but these two seemed more saddened by their lack of available plunder.
"Let's go." Gann said walking onto the freighter followed by Mia. San and Mariel had the Vulcan's follow their leader up to the Bridge. Once there Gann looked around, "So you are resolute in your protestations that this vessel carries no vital cargo ?"
"Indeed." was all the Vulcan Commander replied.
"Watch them." Gann said, "Mia, you will come with me."
The two left the Bridge and headed down what she assumed was a random corridor. Consulting a PADD, he made several turns until he came to a seemingly dead end.
"Oops." Elena said shrugging, "Diagram not up to spec eh. That's what you get for buying second hand."
Gann just grinned ... She was really beginning to get annoyed with that grin, and knew that at some point she would have to slap it right off the smug mans face ... He turned back to the bulkhead and made a few inputs on the PADD. To Elena's surprise, the wall moved silently aside to reveal a well furnished room beyond ... But the major, and totally unexpected shock, was the two young children sat on the bed against the back bulkhead !
"There is no need to be afraid children." Gann said quietly.
"You are in error Sir. We are not afraid." the boy said defiantly, though Elena didn't miss him taking his sisters hand in his own.
She looked at Gann, who simply shrugged, the wry smile reappearing ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Sept 30, 2012 11:56:24 GMT
"You are in error. We are not afraid." the boy said defiantly, though Elena didn't miss him taking his sisters hand in his own.
Gann's wry smile reappeared.
"A word." Elena said, making it plain it wasn't a request, as she moved away from the door and waited for Gann to join her, "I have little or no idea what you have planned Gann, but I don't do kidnapping. If you are getting into hostage taking then I'll be taking my leave of this little party of yours !" she almost hissed.
Smiling Gann was back ... He looked at the children, sat hand in hand, then turned back to Elena. He seemed to fixing what he needed to say in his head before beginning. Once satisfied he spoke:
"OK ... The children are simply a means to an end. Their Father is Senior Ambassador S'Peen. Along with his 'public' role, he is also deputy director of the Vulcan Sciences Directorate ... Just so you are aware, it is the section of Vulcan medical that, lets say, uses more unconventional routes to get things done." he held up a hand for her to remain silent as he continued, "He has the access codes I require to enter their medical facility on Gellox IV where a friend of mine is being held ... Once we have freed our colleague, the children will be allowed to go home. We have an escape pod ready and we'll send co-ordinates to the nearest outpost. They should only be adrift for a day or so." he finished, shrugging as if it wasn't his concern.
"It's kidnapping Gann ... Pure and simple, and I'm out !"
She turned to walk away, but Gann grabbed her and slammed her against the bulkhead, his grasp cutting off her air supply instantly. Instinct had her reaching for her knife. She could, would, gut him before he could injure her further, but her concern for the children made her hesitate. She left the blade hidden and looked at Gann.
"Let's get something clear Mia my dear." Gann began, his voice pure menace, "You are part of our little family now, and you WILL do as you are told. If you ever speak out of turn in my presence again I will kill you where you stand. If you cause me any problems during our upcoming negotiations, I will kill both of the children ... Then YOU ! ... Do we fully understand our working relationship now ?" he finished in a whisper.
Elena couldn't answer for a couple of reasons, his grip had not lessened any, thus she was rapidly running out of oxygen going to her brain, she was suffering the first signs of ischaemia and she was now slipping into unconsciousness.
Satisfied he had managed to get his point across, he looked at the children, as if his actions should be taken as a warning, then looking at Mia, he released his grip and let her fall to the deck.
Elena had never envisioned being strangled to death. Every fibre of her body had been telling her to fight, but oxygen starvation was winning, and her mind was telling her to simply accept the inevitable and sleep ...... Someone was in front of her, the little girl, she was speaking soothingly to her, but Elena couldn't understand. The girl was touching her face, blackness was closing in on her rapidly now. She could feel the little girls fingers on her temples and cheeks, she was telling Elena that she was a juvenile and not yet fully capable. She was looking into her eyes, such lovely blue eyes, so, so, blue. Elena hadn't seen such a blue in her lifetime, and now it was over, would never see it again .....
A feeling was washing over her, one of serenity, calmness, of all being well ... Elena opened her eye's to see the little girl smiling down at her as she removed her hands from Elena's face.
"I am sorry it took so long, but I am not fully proficient in synaptic pattern displacement, I tried to instil a calmness to help you recover. I hope I did not injure you." she said.
Elena looked at the girl.
"No ... No T'Vena, you didn't hurt me." Elena said, wondering how she knew the girls' name.
"You have retained some of my being. I did not wish to inflict my mind on you so harshly. I must apologize." she said as Elena got shakily to her feet and took the girls hand, she had the distinct feeling that the transfer had not been one way. The two walked back to where her brother was watching impassively.
"Very touching. very touching indeed." Gann said, amused by the apparent drama he had caused, "Let's get them to our ship. I assume I can leave that task in your hands Mia ?" he said, raising his eyebrows.
"Yes ... You can." Elena said, feeling her already bruising throat. She was going to be sore in the morning, but sore was preferable to the alternative. She took the children to the runabout and got them seated. Seconds later they broke the dock and jumped to warp, en route to Gellox IV ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Oct 10, 2012 16:03:31 GMT
Vulcan Embassy, Earth ...Ambassador S'Peen was tired of waiting on the Napean deligate. They were trying to ascertain blame for a catastrophe that the Napean claim was caused by excavations being carried out by Vulcans, but it wasn't going well ... The man had gone off once again to 'confer' with his governing body. S'Peen was thanking his Vulcan upbringing for not reaching over the table to throttle the answer of who was actually to blame into the man.
His door opened and an Aide entered:
"Sir ... You have a visitor. I have explained you are unavailable, but he insists you will see him once I ask how your children are ?"
S'Peen frowned, curious as to why anyone would ask about his children. He looked at the anteroom door and thought the Napean wasn't going to return for a while given the shouting he could hear, he asked the Aide to send the man in .....
"You wish to speak to me ?" S'Peen asked, eying the Bolian cautiously.
"My name is unimportant, but you may call me Carras for the moment. I have a message for you Ambassador." the man said approaching the large desk and taking out a PADD, "Before you activate the message, I have been asked to inform you that any attempt to delay my departure, any attempt to attack me, or sign that you have informed the authorities, will result in immediate termination of this conversation, and would be 'unfortunate' for those concerned ..... " Carras said, handing the Vulcan the PADD and impassively taking a seat.
S'Peen watched the man for any clues as to the nature of this intrusion, but in the end could find nothing in the man's almost casual manner ... He activated the PADD.
It showed an image of his two children. They were obviously on an unidentified vessel, and were clearly being held against their will.
"You should listen to the message Ambassador." Carras said. S'Peen activated the dialogue:
"Greetings Father. As you can see my sister and I have been taken from our vessel. We are currently en-route to Gellox IV, where my captors will be taking charge of a man who is currently being held there. You must supply all access codes for the medical facility. You will also contact the facility directly, when instructed to do so, and arrange for this person to be released to my captors. I must inform you Father, that any deviation from my captors instructions, will result in the immediate expiration of both T'Vena and myself ... You must inform the bearer of this message of your understanding of the instructions and subsequent consequences should you fail to comply. Details of the man to be released, our arrival time at Gellox IV, and the sub-space frequency that will be available for you to confirm all is in readiness is attached. I am sorry that our capture has put you in this position Father, and we are sure you will do everyth .........." The message ended there and the details of what was to happen appeared. S'Peen read them thoroughly before looking at Carras:
"You have no other option but to comply Ambassador, so there really is no point in preventing my leaving, or attempting to gleam information from me. I know only that I was to deliver the message to you, them await your reply. In due course I would assume I will be contacted should the preparations not be set in place before my employers' arrival at the Gellox System. Also, 'ALL' communications to Gallox IV are being monitored, so any attempt at warning the research station will result in the aforementioned solution."
S'Peen remained silent and outwardly impassive. but inside his mind was in turmoil. It was unheard of for a Vulcan to be held to ransom. He was fining it difficult to comprehend that someone could 'take' children for gain ... He checked the PADD once more. It would take the vessel thirty one hours for the man holding his family to reach the Gallox System, so he had that amount of time to agonize his decission ......
Would 'logic' dictate that he refuse to succumb to the threats and knowing allow his children to be murdered. Should he comply immediately with the demands, and deal with the consequences later, or ... Should he attempt to defy the people holding his children and fight them ?
"You may leave now." he said to Carras.
"I was instructed to remain with you at all times." the messenger replied.
"Your continued presence is not going to affect any decisions I need to make. You will leave my office now. I give you my word I will make no effort to defy your employer in this matter. I have no wish to be responsible for the deaths of my children Carras !" the messenger simply shrugged.
"I will return tomorrow. It would be unwise to underestinate my employer Ambassador, so I would respectfully suggest you make yourself available on my arrival." he said, getting up and leaving the office.
S'Peen looked at the images of his children, his Daughter T'vena was only four years old, his Son S'Korvil was seven, and mature for his years. He would look after his Sister. But he knew they must both be frightened ... S'Peen had a decision to make ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Oct 14, 2012 16:32:49 GMT
It was zero seven twenty, going off the chronometer above the view-screen ... Elena was sat at the Opps station; she was sharing the Bridge with Teal Kalak, the informant. Neither had spoken for some time and she thought she should try to engage the man, see if there could be a chink in the man's loyalty to Gann:
"So .... You agree with this kidnapping then ?" she asked casually, getting no reply from the man, "I mean, what the hell is it coming to when you need to take 'children' to get what you want ?"
"I would suggest you do the job you were hired for, and keep your 'opinions' on how Lord Gann operates to yourself."
"Lord !" Elena said, laughing out loud, "Since when has he been a LORD ... He's the leader of a gang of mismatched useless criminals from what I can see, and in 'MY' opinion, anyone that needs children to get what they want isn't worth the oxyg ........"
The blow landed at the side of her head, spinning her out of the seat and onto the deck plates. Before she could react a boot landed in her midriff almost making her vomit. She was regaining her senses, but not quickly enough to fend off the next blow. But she was recovering fast ! ... Watching the figure kneeling over her begin to draw his arm back to deliver another blow, she slammed a fist into his groin. It was a safe bet as regardless of species, most kept their reproductive organs in approximately the same area.
The man gasped, grabbing at his groin and Elena lost no time in making her second attack. Grabbing him by the hair she pulled his head downward, bringing her knee up to meet the oncoming skull. The sickening thud signalled she had managed to break something, and the profusion of blood confirmed it. Rolling the man over so she straggled his chest, she pulled out one of the concealed blades, and was about to slam it into his neck when she felt the unmistakable cold of the wrong end of a phaer weapon being pushed against her temple. She halted the downward thrust instantly and waited ...
"This is the second time in a many days you have come to my attention Mia ...." she recognized Gann's quiet threatening voice close to her ear, she took her time replacing the blade as she waited, "You really do have a knack for trouble don't you. Get up off my pilot, slowly, I would hate for this to go off unintentionally." Gann said, moving back to allow her to stand.
San got slowly, painfully, to his feet, a definite stoop to his stance. He looked at Gann then threw a punch at Elena. She dodged it easily and slammed her fist into the mans celiac plexus, temporarily paralyzing the diaphragm and dropping him to the deck gasping. She lifted her hands in submission and stepped back as Gann lifted the phaser once more.
"She wants to release the children Lord." Kalak said.
"Does she now ..... Hmmm." Gann said, seemingly deep in thought, "Well she is going to be disappointed, isn't she Kalak. Mia, I am seriously regretting taking you into my employ, regardless of your skill and reputation, you seen to be causing me more trouble by the moment, so .... I am going to ask you one final time, do you wish to remain, or would you prefer the, alternative ?"
"Kill her Lord, she will make you more trouble." the weasel Kalak said grinning.
"If you attempt to injure the chi ........" Elena began, but Gann interrupted her.
"I will injure, or 'KILL' just who I please, when I please. You had better get that into that pretty head of yours Mia. But in deference to your request, and the fact that you are more use to me alive, for the time being, I will give you my word that the children will not be harmed by me." Elena raised her eyebrows, "OK, by me, or anyone in my employ, is that better, because believe me, if it is not, then you may join them in their quarters and I will deal with the three of you once I have the information I require."
Elena remained silent for a long moment, watching Gann closely.
"I accept your word." she said glancing at San, " Oh ... Next time one of your pets attacks me, he will loose more than just his ability to reproduce. I hope that is understood ?"
"I would much prefer it if you didn't kill off my crew before I can complete my ventures ...." he said, seeing San, Kalak, and the newly arrived Marial grin in satisfaction at their Lords protection, "But should any of them be stupid enough to try to kill you, then they will have to hope they are the winner of sad encounter ... Won't they !" Gann said, almost amused at the crews' sudden discomfort.
"Fine." Elena said, "Then if I am no longer needed here I will go and see the children get something to eat ?"
"As you wish." Gann replied handing the phaser to Marial.
As Elena left the Bridge she knew she had made enemies of all of these people. 'Comes with the territory in my line of business' she thought ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Oct 25, 2012 19:41:46 GMT
Earth ...Carras went back to his favorite haunt when not working, which tended to be often at the moment. At the bar he ordered a large Romulan ale, the barkeep said nothing, simply held out his hand.
"You know I'm good for it." Carras said.
"Yes ... You are ... I also know that you have been reimbursed for shall we say, services rendered, so I'd appreciate it if you paid off your considerable tab, and the rent owing on your room ... NOW." Carras took out a credit chip and handed it to the man. Without hesitation he placed it in a reader and grinned. After making a few inputs he handed the chip back, "I'm guessing you'll be staying with us for a while, so I took the liberty of taking some 'advance' rent. Now, I'll go get your drink Sir."
A man appeared beside him and ordered himself a drink from the retreating barman before turning to Carras.
"You passed on our message I assume ?" when Carras nodded fearful of looking at his companion, the man continued, "We need you to take a small trip. There is a woman who has, unfortunately, acquired information on out little scheme, you will need to explain the error and see to it that she is in no position to repeat the digression within the hour."
"You want me to tal ......" but the man was shaking his head slowly, Carras almost choked, "You want me to ...... Kill someone !" he spluttered.
He almost jumped out of his seat as the thin blade entered his thigh. His companion placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled. The blade moved a centimeter deeper and Carras suddenly lost all feeling in that leg.
"Keep still ... The blade is in you femoral nerve, so one tiny slip and you could loose the use of the leg for good ..." the man whispered sweetly, "Now, I am leaving a small pouch under your seat. It contains the location of the woman we need, dealing with, along with the instrument to be used. You already have an appointment, so turn up and wait your turn, simple .. You really do know you have no vote in this Carras, we had you well before the first payment, and please don't think you can leave. You wife and child could meet with a very nasty accident if you chose to ignore your employer. I am removing the blade now. Don't worry, you'll still be able to walk ... Contact us when you are done." the man finished. when Carras had the nerve to look, he was alone .....
~~~~~~~~~~
He walked into the Medical center and checked the directory. It wasn't necessary of course, he already had the details off the PADD in the bag. He'd also seen the other thing that was in there. Stepping into the turbo-lift he requested level two three one and tried to calm his racing pulse as the 'lift rose. Someone in a white coat asked if he was OK and all he could do was nod, he didn't trust himself to reply.
Stepping into the corridor he checked the PADD once more then moved to the room he needed. Entering, he could see a receptionist and several people waiting. His heart almost gave out, but he took a seat and waited.
Someone tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention.
"You can go in now Mister D'lane."
He looked at the receptionist blankly for a moment until he remembered the alias set up for his appointment. He got up and went into the treatment room ... Taking the offered seat he grasped the device in the bag and waited.
"Give me a moment and I'll be with you." the woman said, turning her back to replace instruments in a glass cabinet. But Carras didn't wait. He pulled out the hypo-spray and got up. He rammed it against the back of the woman's neck and pressed ... The effect was instantaneous ! ... She spasmed into the glass, shattering it, then fell to the floor. Carras looked on in stunned silence, thinking the noise alone would have people rushing in, but no-one entered the room. He could see the area he'd injected was not black, and it was spreading rapidly. He realized what he'd injected ... Nano-bots !
Her neck and face were turning black as the 'bots spread and multiplied. Now her arms and hands, legs, feet, were almost jet black in color. He was petrified at what he was watching. But the worse was yet to come ... Her eyes, wide with shock, fear, god-knows what, suddenly fell into themselves, consumed by the nano-bots, leaving empty orbs of white bone, then that too began to almost, dissolve. Next, her cheek bones, jaw, neck, chest. Arms, hands, finger tips, everything was being EATEN !
Three minutes of shocked, horrified silence was all it took to leave a pile of nothingness on the floor, and that too, along with the feeding nano-bots, soon vanished completely ....
Carras almost screamed as the bag suddenly began to chirp. He reached in to see a Star Fleet Comm badge at the bottom. Confusion almost overwhelmed him as he lifted it out and activated it.
=^= Is it done ? =^= the voice asked.
=^= I said .. Is it DONE ! =^= the voice demanded.
=^= Yee .. Ye .. Yessss .. It's .. Done .. Oh god it's done =^= Carras sobbed.
=^= You have done well Carras .. Leave the bag on the floor and leave the building .. Don't worry, her last appointments were canceled as the good Doctor had to leave unexpectedly .. Go home Carras .. I've opened a little tab for you at the bar but be sure to go visit out Vulcan friend tomorrow .. OK =^=
The Comm went quiet and no matter what Carras did it remained thus. He dropped the inert badge into the bag and walked into the reception area. It was deserted ... He headed for the turbo-lift in the corridor, then to the foyer. From there he went into the street. He turned in the direction he wanted and began to walk, but suddenly felt something rising. Ducking into a doorway he vomited, and vomited, until he was in agony and retching violently. Images of the woman dying flashed through his every fiber for long long minutes, until his body finally started to relax from the cramps. At last able to move, he headed for his lodgings for drink, and hopefully, though he doubted, a nightmare free rest, in fact he knew he would never sleep soundly again.
They did, indeed ... Have him ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Oct 31, 2012 23:29:14 GMT
Earth ...Carras woke ... The stench of stale vomit hung in the air and he quickly headed for the bathroom to wash and change. Less than forty minutes later he was heading back to the Vulcan Embassy and his pre-arranged meeting with S'Peen. Truth be known, he didn't want to go through with this. But the circumstances should he decline, had been made plain. Entering the building he avoided the reception area and headed for the turbo-lifts ... He was trying hard to hold in the previous nights' stomach contents, and was pretty sure he would fail miserably in the near future. The doors opened and he stepped out. Taking a deep breath, he put on his 'game face' and walked into the outer office.
"May I be of assistance ?" the Vulcan woman asked, not hiding her obvious disdain at the newcomers appearance.
"I am ... I have, erm, an appointment, with the Ambassador." Carras said. She consulted her screen for a long moment, then, pointing toward a seat, asked Carras to wait. But the door opened and an Aide motioned for him to enter. He did so and took a seat as the Aide handed him a PADD.
"Please check the information." he said.
"You have no need for concern Carras." S'Peen said, "T'Nols is my most trusted, loyal, and long-serving Aide. he will speak of this with no-one ! ... You have my word, and the life of my Children on that count. So, please check the information ... Quickly !"
Carras activated the PADD and looked at the codes:
Secure Communication Access ::: Delta 54379 95824 5827 Gamma Defense Perimeter Override ::: Epsilon Delta 58761 86958 99129 Omega Facility Access Master ::: Gamma Zulu Kilo 27460 42869 82376 Delta Pi
Carras looked from the PADD to the Aide, then finally at S'Peen.
"You do know the consequences should these be incorrect ?"
"You do not have the slightest notion of the consequences Mister Carras ... Now. Please transmit your information. I have established all the required security protocols to ensure the message will remain undetected. One word of warning Carras. Should your 'employer' fail to comply with our agreement, there will be ... Repercussions."
Carras grinned and checked the designated contact frequency. Once satisfied he hit 'Send' then waited ........ Aboard the Spartan ...Gan was sleeping. He'd retired early the previous night because he knew they would need to be ready before entering the Gellox system. He heard a quiet notification, and could see the faint red glow coming from the PADD beside his bed. Reaching out he looked at the screen: He grinned and tapped the envelope. Then, after reading the contents, confirmed receipt of the communique. Satisfied he had all the information he needed, he lay back down ... Yes, he would release the children, he wasn't a monster after all. But he just needed them for a little while longer. Once he had what he wanted, they would be dumped in space for anyone to come across ... 'Eventually' he thought with a shrug of indifferance as he tapped the Comm link to the Bridge: =^= San .. Time to the Gellox System ? =^= =^= Six hours fourteen minutes =^= the startled Pilot replied. =^= Fine .. Wake me in six hours =^= He closed the Comm before getting a reply and settled back for a little more sleep. Earth ...S'Peen heard the chirp confirming the Comm had been both received and read. He looked at Carras.
"I await confirmation that my children have been released as per our 'agreement' ?"
"Well .... I'm afraid my employer will need to keep ....." he didn't finish the sentence as the beam from the Aide's phaser hit him square in the back. S'Peen nodded and the Aide opened a side door. Two orderlies entered silently, retrieved the unconscious man and left the office the way they came in. The Aide checked the room for anything out of the ordinary, then nodded.
"You have canceled my appointments ?" S'Peen asked.
"Yes Mister Ambassador. You are free for the remainder of the day."
"Very well." S'Peen said as he rose and opened the concealed door the orderlies had just passed through ... He intended to get answers ... And Quickly ! ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Nov 11, 2012 17:06:25 GMT
There was less than thirty minutes before the Spartan entered the system. Elena had been on the Bridge for over an hour, and in that time no-one had spoken a single word to her.
She got up from her console and headed off the Bridge:
"Where are you going ?" San asked.
"What business is it of yours ?"
"We don't trust you MIA !" Marial said, "Gann was wrong to employ your, so called 'services' and we think he will come to regret that decision."
Elena walked up to the Security Chief, making sure to keep eye contact as she got toe to toe. She looked him up and down then grinned. She knew people, she could read expressions, mannerism's, demeanor. But her strength was in reading peoples' eyes ! ..... She could tell a second before someone reacted that they were planning on making some sort of move on her. She could tell the others had closed in on her position, no doubt hoping to be the one to kill her should the opportunity arise.
She spoke, still holding eye contact with San:
"If you move one more step I'm afraid your friend here will need to forfeit his sad little life. So I would suggest you go sit down and let me finish my conversation."
"Is there something I should be aware of ?" Gann said from the doorway.
"No, just having a chat." Elena said, stepping back from San, who clearly sighed in relief, "I was just going to see to the children. Mister San was offering to go in my place." she finished, heading toward the door ... She was relieved when Gann didn't question her further.
~~~~~~~~~~
She went to the room holding the captive children and prepared something for them to eat. Not because they were hungry, more because she needed to keep them busy.
"You have done some bad things." T'Vana said suddenly, "But you are not one of these people who are holding us. How is that possible ........ Elena ?"
Elena stopped in her tracks. How, how could they kn .... Then it struck her, the four year old had delved deeper into her mind than she first admitted, and it worried her. Not for her own safety, but if Gann suspected, then he would torture the children to get the information. Needless to say, in that situation, neither the children, or Elena, would survive. She knelt in front of the girl and took her hands.
"You must keep this secret T'Vana. You too S'Koril, your lives could depend on it. Do you understand me ?"
Both nodded.
I need to get back to the Bridge. I will come back soon .... I will not allow you to be hurt in any way. I promise OK." Elena said, then locked the door as she left.
~~~~~~~~~~
=^= .... ter your secure communication access please =^=
Marial was entering the code: Delta 54379 95824 5827 Gamma
=^= Please state your reason for approaching this facility =^=
=^= We have been instructed to question the person you are holding .. You are ordered do de-activate your security protocols and allow us to dock immediately =^= she heard Gann saying as she entered the Bridge area.
There was the slightest of delays in the reply, but it was enough to alert Gann. He was already in the process of blocking all communications, apart from the ship to base link.
=^= We are contacting the Vulcan Science Directorate and will request confirmation of your validity .. Please remain outside the defense screen until contacted =^= the Vulcan said, then closed the Comm.
"Enter the perimeter override code Marial."
"Defense shields down ... Docking procedures enabled."
"Enter the master access code and give me full control of the facility."
Marial entered the code: Gamma Zulu Kilo 27460 42869 82376 Delta Pi
"Do we have full access ?" Gann asked.
"Yes."
"Locate and seal the recreation area."
"Done." Marial replied.
"De-compress that section." Gann said, watching Mia closely.
" ...... And done !"
"OK ...... Open a channel." he ordered, then grinned as San nodded they had contact.
=^= I will vent all area's with the exception of Medical and Detention sections in fifteen seconds unless you signal compliance =^=
It took less than ten ....
=^= We will comply with your request =^=
Gann smiled and ordered San to dock with she base.
Elena realized suddenly how ruthless and dangerous Gann really was ... Whoever they had come for must be worth the efforts ... she now knew, beyond and doubt that he had no intentions of letting the children go. He would prove a point by murdering innocent children ... And Elena knew, Mission objective or no, she would not allow the children to be armed ! ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Nov 18, 2012 12:44:43 GMT
=^= I will vent all area's with the exception of Medical and Detention sections in fifteen seconds unless you signal compliance =^=
It was at that moment Elena knew that this man would murder without hesitation to achieve whatever sick goal he had set for himself. Whoever he was working with, or for, or against, he was one hundred percent determined on self preservation, and if that meant killing his way through life, then he would do it without remorse.
He was watching her closely now ... Too closely for her liking. She needed to do something to reaffirm her loyalty to his cause ... But what !
She felt the shudder as the Defiant Class ship hard-docked with the orbital station. Gann neither spoke or moved, he just sat watching her intently.
"Something on your mind ?" she asked, trying to appear uninterested in his reply.
"Oh I usually have quite a lot on my mind Mia, much more than you could know." he replied, leaning forward in his seat, "But at this point in time, I'm worrying about your recent attitude. It bothers me that members of my crew are having 'difficulties' convincing themselves of your, reliability, shall we say ?"
She looked around the Bridge. Kalak, San, and the woman she had been forced to fight with, Marial, were all looking at her like a pack of wolves, waiting on the alpha male to strike.
"Hmm ... she said, returning his stare with an icy edge, "What would you like me to do ... Cut the throat of one of the children ! .. Or why not go for both. After all, it would save you an escape pod wouldn't it ... HEY !, maybe the three stooges here came come watch." she finished, standing and brandishing one of the numerous hidden blades she carried.
Gann smiled, and there was a second when Elena thought he may just call her bluff, but he shook his head.
"No, no, I don't think that will be necessary Mia. After all, I did give my word I would not harm the children, now didn't I." he said rising, "We shall keep an eye on you Mia, and I'm sure that any 'indiscretion' on your part, or any attempt to hinder our mission, and these three stooges, as you amusingly named them, will be only too willing to terminate your employment with us ... OK ... San, go bring the children here. Marial, open a channel to the station."
The screen lit up showing three impassive Vulcan's. They stood in silence for a moment, then one spoke:
=^= I am Yarim .. Chief Scientist of this facility .. You must be aware that Vulcan will not let this outrage go unpunished. You vented an area that was occupied by eight of our colleagues. They lost their lives needlessly and you will be forc ........ =^=
=^= YES YES ! .. Forced to pay I know, heard all that before I assure you. Yet .. Here I am .. Now .. We are coming aboard the station .. I want all remaining members of your team to assemble in the recreation area .. We will be with you shortly =^=
=^= This is a peaceful research facility nothing more .. What right have you to ...... =^= Yarim began, but stopped speaking as San moved the two children into view. He whispered to the girl and she stepped forward:
=^= Sir .. I am T'Vana .. Daughter of S'Peen .. Ambassador to the Federation on Earth .. This is my Brother .. S'Koril .. We are as you can see being held against our will to force your coercion =^=
=^= Have you been harmed in any way Children ? =^=
=^= We are unharmed and have been treated reasonably well given our situation =^=
Yarim looked at Gann, with for a Vulcan, was close to loathing. He was having great difficulty comprehending how someone could use a child to force compliance, but alas, nothing about 'outside' races could shock him more than what actions a needy Human could devise. He looked at the children.
=^= Please do not make me feel I need to prove my determination in this Yarim. Because I would hate to have to do so ... But make no mistake, If the need arises ...... =^=
=^= There is no need for threats .. Given the circumstances .. We will comply fully with your orders =^= Yarim answered then closed the Comm before any further discussion could be had.
"Temperamental these Scientists." Gann said with a grin of satisfaction, "Take them back then meet us at the air-lock."
"I'll take them." Elena said, placing her arm around T'Vena protectively.
"Suit yourself, but be quick !" Gann said dismissively, before walking away.
~~~~~~~~~~
The five of them stepped onto the station and Marial checked her PADD before pointing to the left. Within minutes they entered the recreation area ... There was fifteen Vulcan's assembled. Gann looked around the room and approached Yarim:
"You have another member here, please don't tell me he was one of the unfortunate people in here earlier."
"You are mistaken. There is no-one els ........" Yarim began, but a phaser beam lanced from the weapon in Marial's hand. It slammed into the chest of a young Vulcan female. Her body vanished from existence before it could hit the floor ! ... Yarim looked at Gann but remained silent.
"You have another member here ... 'PLEASE' don't tell me he was one of the unfortunate people in here earlier." Gann repeated.
Elena was feeling ill. She had to stand and watch the wanton killing of innocent people in order to complete her mission. She was convinced more now than ever, her fears for the lives of the two young children aboard the Spartan were warranted. Gann would never allow them to live ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Nov 24, 2012 19:26:03 GMT
Yarim looked at each of the Spartan crew in turn before looking back at Gann. But even after watching one of his personnel murdered in cold blood, he remained silent. Elena knew it could only end one way ... "Speak up Vulcan." she said, stepping forward, so the others' could not see her expression, and looking deep into the mans eyes, willing him to co-operate, "We can kill you all and simply go in search of the person we have come for ... You could make it much easier." "Enough." Gann said suddenly, moving Mia to one side and pointing at one more of the Scientists. Marial raised the weapon again ... "Very well !" Yarim said, moving slowly to one of the stations, tracked closely by Marial as he opened a Comm link, "Come to the recreation area now." he said then waited. ~~~~~~~~~~She was watching the Vulcan's and trying to keep an eye on Gann. His compulsion to kill was getting out of hand, and she was terrified he would eventually use the deaths of the children to achieve his goal, 'Whatever the hell that was' she was thinking, when she suddenly felt s sharp spike of pain in her temple. Rubbing the spot she thought she must be developing a damn headache, just what she needed now. But then she had the impression of one word ... 'DANGER' ... She looked around the room, then at the captive Vulcan's, but non seemed to be taking any interest in her personally ... DANGER' ... She realized it was in her head, and it was coming from T'Vana ! Before she could give it more thought a man walked into the room. She recognized him immediately ... Robert Echman, the mass-murderer Geneticist. His research had been ridiculed and discredited. He had proved his ability by infecting, and subsequently killing several members of the Scientific Commission. Branded a mass murderer, he was sentenced to a penal colony for the duration of his natural life. One year later, he escaped, and informed the Federation they would regret their decision ... Four months later, he infected the people of Amentta Zee III, resulting in over three million deaths. All male ! ... To further prove his point, he repeated his genocide by murdering all the Females of another world ... This was who Gann was here to free, but while she was recalling this information, she hadn't taken note of the second man entering the room ... She looked at him as they made their way into the center of the group, and she suddenly felt her blood run cold ! The man was over two meters tall, with a large build, he had shoulder length hair, clearly unkempt, and was another Vulcan. But the thing that made her panic, was his face ... The left ear was withered and black, burned, his left eye was a milky white opaque orb, and a large portion of the left side of his face was scarred from burning. The man had suffered horrific damage to his face and left side ... She knew this, because it was her that had caused those injuries ! Four years ago:
"You need to surrender J'Sat there is no way you can escape. We have the compound surrounded. You can be treated, we can take you back to the Vulcan Home-world. There is no need for more deaths."
"I attained Kolinahr. For many years I was content to serve, but then I began to doubt." the Vulcan explained, still holding the detonator tightly, "The Vulcan was is is flawed, I know this now, and I need to ensure all Vulcan's progress beyond this abomination I have become, lest we will devolve into the mindless waring, killing, species we were always meant to be !"
Elena, then Xa Na, stepped into the open, her dark skin and long black hair becoming the focus of his attention. She looked at the group of hostages he was holding, and spoke reassuringly to them. But he suddenly snapped his head to the right. He had seen the men attempting to move behind him and he lifted the detonator !
"You have deceived me Xa Na, after all your promises it has come to this."
But it didn't matter. She had already thrown the thermal grenade when he looked away. It would kill the man instantly, but more importantly, would prevent any nerve signal reaching his hand, so the detonator would fall to the floor without being activated ... The grenade exploded less than a meter from the man, but the protective shield J'San had activated took a substantial amount of the blast before failing. Elena thought he was dead, and that was confirmed by the Security Officers after the hostages were freed. The case was subsequently closed as completed and Elena moved onto her next assignment .......... Elena could not believe her eyes ! J'Sat moved to stand with Echman, then looked at Gann: Elena's mind was in turmoil, questions came quick and fast !. What the hell was going on here, how had J'Sat survived, what did he have to do with this assignment, and countless others she just didn't have time to think about as Gann approached Echman: "I have been hired to facilitate your departure from this base." he said, looking at the deformed Vulcan, You, i have no need for." "I must beg to differ." the Vulcan said, raising his remaining eyebrow looking at Gann intently, "You have been instructed to respond to a particular phrase. Am I correct ? Gann stopped in his tracks, puzzled. "What is the phrase if you think you know it." he asked, ready to killl everyone should this freak disappoint him. "If I am able to provide the phrase, are you willing to accept I am who I say I am ?" "Yes." Gann conceeded. "Alea iacta est." J'Sat said. "So ....." Gann said, trying hard to get his head round the fact he was apparently freeing the man who had hired him. "Yes ... I am indeed your employer Mister Gann" J'Sat said quietly, and Elena suddenly realized that the whole of the Vulcan research personnel were working along side this maniac. She kept her head down as J'Sat looked at Gann's team. He looked closely at Marial before taking the phaser from her, then at San and Kalak. He looked at Mia and moved away, then turned back ... He looked at Elena closely ... TOO closely. She held her nerve though. "Problem ?" she asked. J'Sat took a long time replying as he looked at her. "I know you. I am not sure where from, but I am sure we have met somewhere before." he said, touching the scar on his face ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Dec 9, 2012 17:47:40 GMT
Earth:S'Peen knew the instant the messenger began to speak, that it was unlikely he would see either of his beloved children again, thus the actions of his Aide. He had informed their mother that they were being held captive, and at some point would need to inform her of their demise ... 'But not just yet' he thought.
~~~~~~~~~~
"You have him fully sedated ?" he asked the medical personnel as he entered the examination room.
"Yes Mister Ambassador." one of them replied, "He should be fully compliant."
"Good ...... Leave me." S'Peen ordered, waiting patiently as the room cleared.
He looked at the man, and then at his trusted Aide T'Nol. It mattered not to S'Peen that the unconscious man was sedated, drugged, incapacitated. He was going to use 'other' methods of extraction to get what he needed. He moved to the bio-bed and slowly placed his fingers on the required points, thumbs against the temples, fore-fingers on the jawline, the remaining fingers against the mans neck and upper thorax, to achieve the perfect bonding ... Once satisfied he began to probe ...
"Who is holding my children ?" "Where are they being held ?" "How may I secure the safe return of my children ? "Who can supply me with the information I seek ? "What are the co-ordinates ?"
T'Nol could see the blood vessels in the mans temples beginning to swell and the pulse rate begin to rise disturbingly.
"Sir, you will permanently damage him if you continue. He has answered your questions with the information he is aware of. You must break the bond." he said quietly.
S'Peen was frustrated at the lack of information Carras had been able to supply, he probed deeper into the mans mind. He was a little closer to knowing the location, and the people responsible for the abduction of his children, but the most disturbing detail T'Peen accessed, was how Carras viewed this Gann ... He would murder the children without doubt, before allowing them freedom !
"Ambassador ... You must cease this action." T'Nol said, placing a hand on the mans arm.
Reluctantly, S'Peen withdrew from the almost feeble mind of the go-between. He was unaccustomed to the joining and felt a slight nausea for a few moments. He looked at the unconscious man then nodded to his Aide. T'Nol formed the identical mind-meld but this time implanted the suggestion that Carras had not been taken, instead he had gone to his local tavern and drank himself into his usual stupor, before returning to his lodgings. Once finished, T'Nol ordered two of the Security contingent to take Carras to his rooms and leave him there ...
"Did he furnish the information you sought ?"
"No ... But he did supply the name of someone who could furnish said information, along with a location." S'Peen said, leaving his Aide to deal with the go-between.
~~~~~~~~~~
S'Peen was sat at his desk when T'Nol returned to his office. The elderly Ambassador looked drained, the meld had obviously taken it's toll on him.
"You must rest Ambassador."
"Is that vermin back in his burrow ?" S'Peen asked.
"Yes Ambassador. He will have no recollection of today's events and should visit you tomorrow as pre-arranged."
"Then. Alas, he is going to be disappointed !" S'Peen said decicively, "Inform my ship we will depart orbit within the hour. Make my excuses to the Council, citing a diplomatic issue that requires my attendance. Ensure Carras is appeased and does not panic ... We are leaving Earth !"
T'Nol acted instantly. He left the Ambassadors office to make all the relevant arrangements. Within the hour they were beaming to their vessel and preparing for departure ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Dec 11, 2012 12:02:37 GMT
"Looks like you made a friend for life there Mia." Marial said, sarcasm oozing from every word.
"Oh I've had better, and worse, friends ... Most of the worst ones are shall we say, no longer friends." Elena replied, hoping the woman got the inferred meaning of the comment, "I'm going back up to the ship to check on the children, we need to make arrangements for their release."
"Shouldn't you ask Gann if you can go back ?" Marial asked.
"The last time I checked, I wasn't on a leash. I'll go where I like, unless you'd prefer to run to Gann and inform him yourself ?"
"No. I'm sure he'll know soon enough without my help. Besides, maybe your new friend will miss you sooner than Gann." Elena shrugged, showing no outward sign of the worry that comment caused.
~~~~~~~~~~
Several of the crew seemed puzzled by Mia's sudden appearance, but no-one commented. They were low on the ladder and had no idea's of how those 'at the top' conducted their business, and frankly, as long as the pay was good, and regular, they didn't care.
"What is happening ?" S'Koril asked when she entered.
Elena told them all they needed to know, reassuring them that their captor would honor his word and release them soon. T'Vana voiced her opinion that they would not be leaving the ship and would not see their Father again. Elena hugged the five year old and tried to ease her fears. She was about to contact Gann to ask about them when the Comm sprang to life:
=^= Mia .. You must come to the Bridge =^=
Asking the children to be patient, she left them alone and headed for the Bridge of the Spartan.
"What's the problem ?" she asked, almost expecting one of them to pull a weapon and throw her into the transporter for Gann to deal with.
"There is a ship ... It is on the outer edge of the system and approaching, "Long-range scans type it as a Vulcan science vessel ... We must depart the system or we'll be caught !"
"Calm down, contact Gann." Elena said.
=^= Gann .. There is a ship entering the system .. It looks like a science ship .. They haven't seen us yet but they will eventually =^=
=^= What are you doing aboard the ship without my permission ? =^=
=^= I am not your 'PET' to do with as you please Gann .. I came back to ensure the children were being treated well and to prepare them for their release =^=
=^= You are testing my patience beyond limits Mia .. I am beaming aboard now =^=
The Comm closed and Elena noticed that several of the crew were watching her closely. They didn't like the idea of Gann in a foul mood, he tended to take it out on the lower ranks, and they were less amused at the fact that the newcomer had angered their leader ! ...... Gann appeared on the Bridge and walked straight to Mia. The strike from the back of his hand threw her off her feet and into one of the consoles. Blood ran freely from the deep cut her teeth inflicted on her cheek. Gann approached and landed a kick to her ribs. She felt at least two break under the force of the impact that doubled her up in pain ...
She was expecting more, but Gann turned away and sat in his seat, ignoring his victim completely. Struggling to breathe, Elena began to get to a sitting position, but a hand on her shoulder prevented that.
"If you value your life, I'd suggest you stay where you are." the woman whispered, "Gann beat the last person to death right on this Bridge who tried to stand after his punishment." that was fine with Elena, she couldn't have stood if she wanted to anyway at the moment ... She looked at her attacker:
=^= ...... deal with this vessel =^= Gann was asking.
=^= Take your ship to the second moon .. Where you will remain hidden .. It is our normal supply vessel .. They will remain for less than one hour then depart =^=
=^= What about our arrangme ........ =^=
=^= Do 'NOT' question me Gann .. Do as instructed .. Ensure there is no possibility of the supply ship detecting you .. I would hate to find it necessary to 'test' my research before I am ready to do so .. You're crew will be safe here .. J'Sat out =^=
Gann gave orders for the Spartan to move behind the second moon as directed then turned to look at Elena:
"Put her with the children until she can convince me of her loyalty and ensure there will be no further need for me to reprimand her."
Two pairs of hands lifted her off the deck roughly. Pain lanced through her chest and lungs and she was struggling to breathe again. It was obvious that the broken ribs had either cut, or punctured her lung. She needed medical treatment, and quickly ! ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Dec 22, 2012 22:48:44 GMT
She knew she was in trouble, but her mind decided to shut her down to prevent further damage ... Over the next hour she had fleeting glimpses of consciousness, a woman, the one who had warned her against standing, was working on her. The pain was ever present as Gann had forbid any medication to be used on her as part of his punishment for disobedience !
She slept fitfully until her subconscious felt a presence, a soothing, warming voice inside her head. She opened her eyes to see T'Vana, her hands were either side of her face. When the Vulcan child noticed Elena was awake, she slowly, tentatively withdrew from her mind.
"Wha ......"
"I must apologize for the intrusion Elena." the little girl said quietly, "You were in a great deal of pain, and it was causing you harm. I am not skilled but I hoped to ease the strain."
Elena sat up, still feeling the pain in her chest, but knowing the broken ribs had been repaired. The woman must have treated her while she was out cold she figured, realizing she may have an ally there.
"How long ......" she asked.
"Seven hours fourteen minutes forty five seconds." S'Koril said, "We have been underway for a substantial portion of that time."
Before she could comment the door slid open and Marial entered.
"Hmm ... You're alive ... Pity, I almost thought Gann had killed you earlier. I have been instructed to make sure you are conscious. Apparently, the Vulcan mad man wants you to witness his first test of whatever the hell it is he's cooked up ... Frankly, I'm all for dropping the bunch of pointy-eared freaks off somewhere and heading out with my pay, but ...." she shrugged, "You need to come to the Bridge." she finished, glaring at the children as if relishing the idea of throwing them out the nearest air-lock, before leaving the room, a battered Elena behind her.
~~~~~~~~~~
The Spartan was in orbit around a large moon. Elena could see it below them as she entered the Bridge and leaned against a bulkhead, pain lancing through her chest in waves.
" ........ how many are in the camp ?"
" ........ Two hundred forty six ... The facility is isolated from the indigenous population." San was replying.
"Very well." J'Sat said, "Send the weapon to the surface."
Elena watched as a single photon torpedo casing was released from the ship. It entered the atmosphere on a pre-set parabolic trajectory and minutes later, exploded well above the surface. A cloud of superheated oxygen nitrogen gas expanded to some two kilometers before dispersing. On the surface, it would have looked much like a cloud forming, quickly spreading outward from a central point, and eventually vanishing in the normal air currents ... No-one would have any apprehension as to the meaning of the deadly formation above them, and even if they had, could do nothing about it's purpose !
"We will beam to the surface in thirty minutes." J'Sat announced to Gann, "You will bring your wayward crew members, along with the children." no-one commented as the clearly insane Vulcan who was paying them left the Bridge .....
~~~~~~~~~~
Elena held the hands of the two young children as they stepped onto the transporter platform. J'Sat, Gann, and Marial had already gone down ... She told them to be brave, not knowing what fate awaited them on the surface. but as the transport ended, she could never have envisioned what they would be faced with !
They were in the middle of a small compound, but the location was the last thing of importance ... What faced them was death ! ... Nothing, nothing, could have made her think that the mind of anyone, least of all a Vulcan, could have devised such a form of killing.
"BRING THEM !" J'Sat shouted from middle of the square. Marial pushed Elena forward, ensuring the children followed. Even the Security Officer was having trouble keeping her last meal down as they walked to where the Vulcan and Gann were stood.
"Close your eyes." Elena said quietly, but neither child complied, instead, they looked at each body in turn, their expression blank. Elena looked at the dead too. Each one had, melted, for want of a better word ... It was as if all were made of the finest porcelain that had been subjected to too much heat, or a wax candle that had begun to melt due to excessive heat. The dead had suffered, unimaginable pain and agony. It was apparent that some died quicker than others, the children of the colony first, ensuring their parent's could only stand by, holding their loved ones, helplessly watching their final moments as their entire body began to melt but were still recognizable as people, but not 'any' random race of people ... VULCAN'S ! ......
J'Sat looked at the dead, almost relishing in the death he had caused.
"T'r'varatr !" S'Koril said defiantly.
"Murderer .... No child .... I seek not to murder, but rather retribution." J'Sat said as one of the crew approached:
"Sir !" the man said, looking directly at Elena, "Our contact within the Federation has informed us that the woma ........."
He didn't finish the sentence as J'Sat slammed a fist into his temple. The man was dead before he hit the floor. Elena gave no outward sign that she had heard the conversation, but she now knew that someone within the federation was assisting, or even controlling the Vulcan killer. Thankfully, J'Sat was too impatient to learn the full content of the message, or he may well have learned her true identity.
"We will beam up now. I must make a second, more thorough, test. You will set course for the Vulcan colony on Beta Lyrae IV."
Elena felt T'Vana stiffen for a second. She knelt painfully and looked at the girl:
"You know this colony T'Vana ?"
"It is the home of my Grandparents." the girl replied, looking at the bodies, "Elena, I fear J'Sat is about to repeat this genocide."
"How large is the colony ?" she asked, helplessness cursing through her.
"I am unsure, I was very young when we last visited. But if memory serves, there are approximately two point eight million Vulcan's on Beta Lyrae IV." S'Koril answered.
Elena knew then that she could not allow this mad man to carry out his final 'test' but she must also find the identity of the traitor within the Federation ! ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Dec 24, 2012 1:48:27 GMT
Earth ...
He had spent the last twelve hours working, his position not letting him leave as and when he decided. But now, he needed to make excuses, he needed a reason to be elsewhere, he was beginning to be annoyed by the contact ...
"Frankly, this conversation is beginning to bore me, and I don't bore easily. I think I am airing toward having you killed and taking the information from your dead hands." he said simply. Instantly, phasers appeared in the hands of the contacts' associates, but he wasn't concerned. The show of force, the game of oneupmanship, proving who had the biggest guns etcetera, was all well and good. But he frequently tired of the 'game' and this was one of those occasions ...
He raised his arm slowly, and pulled back the sleeve, everyone could see the small device on his wrist and the green light that was intermittently flashing:
"This is a sub-dermal relay ... I had it placed on my outer skin so my intention would not be, misinterpreted, shall we say." the man informed them, "You should take note of the light, it is neurally connected to my heart rate. Should anything bring a sudden end to that heart beat, a vessel in orbit will destroy whatever location the last signal was located ...... Oh I am fully aware that you may think this some form of, how do you say, 'Bluff' ... But if you would permit me. It will in no way harm anyone I assure you." he said, placing his finger close to the device, then without waiting for approval, he tapped the rim ... A sphere, five centimeters in diameter, materialized between the two groups ... It was hovering one point two meters from the ground and emitting a constant tone.
"What the hell ....." one of the group said, lifting his phaser.
"I wouldn't if I were you ... This is a visual representation of the focal point of my ships' weapons. Like myself, if it ceases to function, the ship will fire on this location. You will not survive !" the man said, "Now ... You have information that I require, we shall hear nothing more about your greed, Supply the information ... NOW !"
The contact clearly withered under the threat, all hopes of gaining more finance from this had gone for good. He looked at his companions, then turned back to the man:
"We have word that the first test was a success. He is taking the ship to Beta Lyrae IV to test it out on a larger population. The Human, Gann, has been having trouble with a newcomer on the ship. She has taken pity on the hostages. He wishes to be rid of both."
The man thought for long moments before replying:
"The antidote, J'Sat is one hundred percent sure it will prevent the degeneration ?" The contact shrugged, how the hell was he to know, and frankly, why would he care as long as the pay was good and on time, "No .. Instruct J'Sat he must divert to a small research outpost on Vexxa Minor. It will be a test to ensure we can be immune. There are thirty people assigned to the station, half the personnel are Vulcan, the others are Human. He must send one of the children to the outpost. He will infect said outpost, then beam the child back to the ship where he will have the antidote administered then relay the results."
"As you wish." the contact said.
"Oh ... On second thoughts, Instruct J'Sat to beam to the surface with the child. I want to be sure our formula is one hundred percent officiant. Should he refuse, instruct your contact to dispose of him immediately and take his place. He will of course be, rewarded. Understand !"
Without waiting for a reply the man left the room ... Thirty minutes later he was back in his office working through the back-log of files he'd received ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Jan 1, 2013 17:47:24 GMT
Elena was bruised, battered, but she knew she must recover and put an end to this mad man and his scheming confederate within the Federation, but how could she do this without help ...
She opened her eyes, T'Vana was again in mental contact with her. This time she relaxed and allowed the will of the young child to aid her recovery.
"How, can you do this at such a young age ?"
"T'Vana is, unique ..." S'Koril said beside her, "She was in the womb when an accident caused a bio-chemical explosion in the laboratory or Mother was overseeing. T'Vana was taken from our Mother on her death bed. Everything, and more, was taken from her dying mind by the child within her. Though undisciplined, her abilities began to surface even before she could speak or walk, and are increasing exponentially as each year of her life passes. It has been said by our philosopher's and scientists, that T'Vana could attain Kolinahr, and achieve a state of total logic before reaching her fifteenth year."
The girl withdrew from Elena's mind and sat back cross-legged, a very 'Human' thing to do, Elena thought.
"I cannot heal your physical injuries. But I have implanted the means for your own mind to cope with the pain, This in turn will help your body heal itself."
Elena sat up, noticing instantly the suppression of pain that would have caused her to scream aloud where it not for the child.
"We are close to Vexxa Minor." S'Koril said quietly. But before she could reply, the door opened. San and Marial entered the room. Neither was armed, though given the condition Elena was in, they had nothing to worry about regarding retaliation. San grabbed the girl roughly by the arm and began to pull her toward the door ... But suddenly stopped ! ...
"What's the matter with you, take her to J'Sat ... NOW !" Marial ordered, clipping the girl on the side of her head with the back of her hand, "Don't let this little witch into your head." but it was too late.
San turned and slammed his fist into the woman's jaw, lifting her off the deck plates. The second blow caught her on the way down and she hit the deck unconscious.
"Engineering." Elena said through gritted teeth, "We need to reach Engineering T'Vana. Can you do this ?"
"I ..... I think so, yes. He is mine now." the girl said, taking San's hand without breaking the physical link between them.
The three moved through the ship. It was dangerous, because should any one of J'San's people see them, it would be over. But T'Vana was controlling the Spartans' pilot easily, and San simply eased past any of the crew with an air of authority that no-one in their right mind would have questioned ... Five minutes and they entered the engineering section ........
"We are approaching orbital status." T'Vana said, in what unnervingly sounded like San. Elena leaned against the bulkhead, beginning to feel the pain of the broken ribs and punchered lung. She instructed T'Vana to have San override the Helm and lock out the Bridge. Second, she ordered the ship to enter orbit as pre-programmed .. San would then set a ten minute delay into the system to allow the group to, hopefully, return to their quarters undetected.
"Are we ready ?" Elena asked.
"He has done my bidding." the girl said, causing San to wince in pain suddenly as punishment for what he inflicted on her friend. They began their return to the cell.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Where are your people with the child ?" J'Sat said.
"Standard orbit Lord." the relief pilot said as Gann hit the Comm link:
=^= Gann to Marial .. Where are you ? =^= There was no reply. J'Sat nodded to two of his people and they headed off the Bridge.
In the cell, Elena was unconscious, as was Marial and San. The children were huddled in one corner as if terrified. The Vulcan grabbed T'Vana but had no time to act as the ship lurched, throwing him off his feet. Alarms began to sound throughout the Defiant Class runabout, then the ship jumped to warp ! ... So close to a planet, the warp field began to buckle, and safety procedures moved the ship out of orbit, it automatically threw the ship out of the system to preserve life as the core began to exceed it's one hundred and fifteen percent maximum output.
On the Bridge, Gann, and the others were trying everything to avert the one conclusion to the core's overload ... The total destruction of the Spartan.
"One seventeen and rising !" Kalak shouted over the noise, We' can't stop the overload while we still have the warp core !"
"FIX IT !" Gann screamed, fearing J'Sat would take this as his doing, and wishing to remain in the land of the living a while longer.
"WE CAN'T ... Not without ejecting our warp core, and we don't have a replacement. We'll be adrift until sub-light power can be restored !"
J'Sat screamed in frustration and threw the pilot across the Bridge, killing the man instantly. They were well out of the system now, and in open space. He scanned the controls quickly, realizing that there was no other course of action ... To live, they must sacrifice their source of power. He quickly transferred auxiliary power to life support and the communications array then looked at Gann:
"You will 'PAY' for this ... Mark my words !" he spat, then hit the control to eject the warp core. On screen it fell behind them, seemingly glowing more by the second until it reached critical mass, and exploded ... It took three seconds for the enormous shock wave to reach the Spartan, one second too long, as J'Sat lifted Gann off his feat by the neck. Then everything failed ... Life support, artificial gravity, inertial dampers, everything ceased operation. For thirty seconds, the Spartan was dead in space, then the auxiliary systems began to cut in. Air was restored, as was gravity, but attitude control wasn't a priority, so they drifted, end over end, in a lazy rotation, moving further and further into the darkness, and further away from their target ...
Earth ...
"Sir ! .... We have just received Vexxa Minor's daily report. What we arranged should have been done by now. That means J'Sat was unsuccessful in testing the ....."
"Is there word from J'Sat ?" the man asked.
"No. I have heard nothing from my contact aboard the ship as yet."
"And the hostages ?"
"Nothing." the contact said.
"Send a message to J'Sat on a secure encrypted channel ... I want to know if he has let us down once again. Also, send to your 'contact' priority one, that their services may be required on two counts now. I am tiring of this incompetence. I require confirmation of both elements before we proceed. Should it become necessary, I will use the specimen sent to us for replication ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Jan 3, 2013 21:45:24 GMT
Elena opened her eye's ... She looked left and right quickly, concerned for the children should either of Gann's' personnel inform him of their activities. "Do not worry yourself Elena." S'Koril reassured her, "Neither San or Marial will have any recollection of what happened. They were rendered unconscious during the ship's erratic, maneuver's." "Where are they ?" she asked, looking at T'Vana. "Two men entered earlier and removed them. Do not worry, T'Vana tired after her exertions. She is sleeping. J'Sat is enraged, he has vented his anger on several of the crew. I believe Darim Gann has also been, injured, though he still lives. We are unaccustomed to such venting of feeling from a Vulcan adult. He is very, damaged." Elena got unsteadily to her feet and walked over to where the girl was sleeping, she thought it was the injuries, but S'Koril informed her that artificial gravity was fluctuating. Maybe it was a maternal thing, but she was worried for the children and needed to reassure herself that she could keep them safe. She was turning away when T'Vana took her hand: "Thank you." the little girl whispered, "I was tired, I apologize. We need to be cautious ... As my brother has informed you, J'Sat is deranged with anger, his mental abilities could injure, or kill, someone quite easily ... If he should probe either of our minds he would know the truth about what has happened, and I fear that in his incensed state, he would have no hesitation in killing us instantly to vent his frustration." She took a sharp breath and winced in pain suddenly. S'Koril took her hand and spoke quietly to his sister. Elena stood up, looking at the doorway as if expecting J'Sat to enter there and then. "J'Sat ...... I can feel his anger ... His emotions are undisciplined, chaotic ... He fears retribution for his perceived failure ... I ... I must close my mind to him, please allow me to sleep." T'Vana said. Elena nodded and put her arm around the young girl, surprised at how quickly she fell into a deep sleep ... S'Koril reassured her his sister would be OK once rested and suggested she to the same ........ On the Bridge ...J'Sat looked at the body of the man he had killed and seemed to hesitate for a second, then his rage and anger rose once more. He spun on the injured Gann, still rubbing his injured throat and trying hard to breathe. Kalak shouted: "We are being contacted .... Secure channel." he said, looking at J'Sat. "All of you ... Get off the Bridge ... You remain Gann." J'sat ordered, "Take that with you." he said, pointing to the twisted body. Then, entering his access code, activated the Comm: =^= Explain to me why my instructions were not carried out =^= the man on screen said. =^= It was beyond my control .. The ship suffered a malfunction of it's drive system and we were forced to eject out warp core .. I must assure you tha =^= =^= YOU CAN 'ASSURE' ME OF NOTHING J'SAT ! =^= the man shouted, before finally regaining his composure and smiling dangerously before continuing: =^= Do you not find it most 'convenient' that you should suffer a malfunction moments before you were to deliver the test pathogen .. Someone you should have been weary of .. Darim Gann, or maybe one of his puppets .. No .. In your deranged state it obviously did not occur to you .. The logic of the insane mind eh J'Sat .. Now .. When will you be able to complete the test ? =^= =^= We .. The ship requires a replacement power source .. We were forced to eject the warp core to prevent our destruction .. Along with that of the pathogen =^= On-screen, the man turned to someone and spoke quietly. He glanced at the screen several times but gave nothing away as to his train of thought, or what he would do if J'Sat continued to displease him ... After several moments he turned back to the screen: =^= I have arranged a vessel .. It will bring you a replacement warp core .. I am also sending a representative .. You would be wise not to 'displease' them as they have my full confidence .. Unlike you J'Sat .... Be aware any more failure and our association will be terminated =^= The screen went blank as the communication ended, then changed to a view of the slowly rotating stars. J'Sat watched the screen as if daring the stars to continue their rotation. But something the man had said was playing on his irrational mind. ..... Someone you should have been weary of .. Darim Gann, or maybe one of his puppets ...... He touched the scar on his face ... Trying to recollect something from his past ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Jan 15, 2013 3:11:19 GMT
The next morning Elena was informed that she was expected back on the Bridge, her apparent 'punishment' served. She was about to ask what Gann expected her to be doing when J'Sat entered and told her she will bring the children with her to the Bridge.
~~~~~~~~~~
Everyone fell silent as the Vulcan looked at each in turn, lingering on Elena for a few seconds longer than the others:
"When will we have warp power ?" he asked Gann, who looked visibly afraid of his inquisitor.
"We ...... We have no warp 'CORE' ... As you are well aware."
"Then how long will it take at our maximum speed ?" J'Sat asked, menace in every word. San checked their position again:
"Thirty seven days." she informed him, "But the ship with our new core will be here in sixteen hours."
J'Sat walked around the Bridge without replying. He took his time seemingly amused at the fear he was instilling in everyone. It was obvious he was trying to keep his temper in check. Everyone now knew that he wasn't the leader of this enterprise, but simply another employee of whoever was pulling the strings.
"Who has access to the Engineering section of this ship ?" he asked quietly.
"Well, everyone." Gann said, wondering where this was going. He didn't have to wait long.
J'Sat randomly chose one of his men, slamming him against the bulkhead then grasped his face in both hands. No-one moved or uttered a word as the insane Vulcan initiated a mind-mend with the hapless crewman ... It took seconds for J'Sat to know the man was innocent, but he continued to probe ever deeper, sharing every depraved, insane thought. When he finally released him, he was little more than an empty shell, his mind wiped clean by the joining before he died of heart failure ... J'Sat let the man go and grinned as he slid to the flood dead. He took a long time to speak, then:
"How many of these people do I need to 'ask' before I find the one responsible I wonder." J'Sat said, moving slowly around the Bridge toward Elena and the children, "Death. It is something Vulcan's have long learned is not the end of intellect ......"
"That statement is inaccurate." S'Koril said simply.
J'Sat looked at the boy as if surprised at his comment, then looked at Elena.
"What is that old Human phrase, let me think, ah yes ... 'Out of the mouths of babes oft come gems' ... Yes, that was it." he said suddenly grasping Elena by the throat and lifting her off her feet, "Now 'CHILD' why is it I am having such difficulty in remembering you. Maybe I should find out eh." he said, walking Elena to the bulkhead and placing one hand against her face. He positioned his fingers on the receptor nodes that would allow him to join with her mind, a mind that was racing with fear. Not for her, she had faced death before, but for the children who she had promised to protect.
"My mind to your mind. My thou ....." he began as Elena tried to break free of his grip.
"NOOO ... I will not allow this !" S'Koril screamed, jumping onto the Vulcan's back and grasping his head in both hands. J'Sat reacted instantly, breaking the mind-meld with Elena he clutched the boy by the hair with his free hand and flung the child across the Bridge. The child slammed into one of the support beams with a sickening thud that no-one could miss. His lifeless body fell to the floor. J'Sat was in a rage and would likely have killed anyone and everyone if he hadn't seen the weapons pointed directly at his head. Gann, Kalak, and Marial had drawn their phasers and were aiming directly at the Vulcan !
J'Sat stood motionless, moving his fingers to allow the thick, blood-soaked hair to fall to the deck, as T'Vana ran to her brother, kneeling and cradling his head in her arms rocking back and forth.
"Let het go J'Sat ......" Gann said, motioning toward the almost unconscious Elena, as she regained he senses J'Sat waited, "Mia, go to the children, I think the girl may need you at this moment .... J'Sat, you have relieved us of half of our bargaining assets. Do you think, in that obviously warped mind of yours, that their Father will ......."
"I care 'NOTHING' for what their Father will think !" J'Sat said, "They are no longer useful to us. Also, I would be cautious in your comments regarding my mental well-being, it has proved less than fruitful for other acquaintances of mine."
Elena looked at the Vulcan, ignoring the weapons:
"You should have killed me 'VULCAN' because if it takes my very last breath, I will ki ......" she coughed, her throat suddenly succumbing to the choking grip the man had on her moments earlier, causing her to drop into a coughing fit.
"This is ... Amusing." J'Sat said, looking around the Bridge, pointedly not looking at the children before fixing his gaze on Gann, "But we seem to be employed by the same person, and one who, might I remind you, will not take kindly to failure of the plan they set in motion. The child was an, accident, but none the less necessary to ensure loyalty. It still remains that someone on this vessel has betrayed the trust placed in them, and until that person is identified, we could all be at risk." he finished, looking directly at Elena.
"Mia, Marial, take the, take the children off the Bridge and back to their room." Gann said, watching J'Sat closely, "We are going to lower our weapons now J'Sat. I want your assurance that you will make no attempt to injure, or kill, anyone." J'Sat nodded compliance.
Elena picked up the boy and with Marial and T'Vana, left the Bridge. T'Vana held her brothers' hand all the way the their room and insisted on helping dress her brother in the ceremonial death shroud Elena had replicated.
~~~~~~~~~~
As the little girl, for all her advanced Vulcan knowledge of their philosophy, and the IDIC they live by, tried, then failed, to keep her emotions in check, crying into Elena's lap for almost an hour, Elena knew that she could stop this easily by releasing T'Vana and her brother in an escape pod then blowing the ship into atoms .... But there was someone responsible for all what was happening, and she needed to find the name of that person and get it to Federation Security .... Quickly ! ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Jan 22, 2013 14:58:21 GMT
She sat on the bed with the sleeping girl in her lap for almost two hours, waiting for the child to relax into a deep sleep, then she slowly, gently lay her on the pillow before standing. Moving to the door she half expected it to be sealed, effectively confining her to this room, but it opened at her approach. The corridor was empty, so no-one was watching her movements, 'At least for the moment' she thought. as she made her way to the Bridge of the Spartan ...
It was quiet when she entered, J'Sat was nowhere to be seen, Gann was in the Command seat, the others at their assigned stations during flight. She approached Gann, trying to hold the anger in check.
"Don't bother Mia ..... I know exactly what you are going to say, and no, I won't have the mad Vulcan killed to satisfy your thirst for revenge ..... We still have one of the children, and that's what counts. Ambassador S'Peen will never find out that his Son has, passed away, at least, not until we have what we need and are well out of harms way !"
"He 'KILLED' that child in cold blood !" Elena shouted, slamming her hands on the arms of the seat, her face only centimeters from Gann's, "I want your assurance that he will 'NOT' be allowed near the girl." she said, stepping back and looking at the others, who had half drawn their phasers.
"Given recent events, I'm going to let that outburst of yours slide, but believe me, if you sho ......"
"SHOULD WHAT GANN !" she yelled, "Should get annoyed that half of our bargaining power has been killed, and knowing that 'LUNATIC' back there could inflict the same fate on the other half. Well pardon me for wanting to get out of this farce 'ALIVE' won't you !"
"Gann, she is right." Marial said, stepping forward, "This is no time for you to punish anyone. Like Mia, I too would like to come out of this with my life, as would the rest of us here. You need to ensure J'Sat is prevented from getting near the girl. Because it isn't beyond possibility that the Ambassador would want confirmation that his children are safe and well. If both are dead, he is under no compulsion to continue helping us, and could suddenly find a reason to come from behind that fancy desk of his on Earth !"
Gann took his time thinking ... They were right of course. He just didn't suffer challenges to his leadership lightly. But he would hold himself back for now. He needed these people, but that wouldn't always be the case. He turned to Marial:
"Find four people you can trust. Position them either side of the girls' room. If the Vulcan approaches, they are to kill him !" he said, watching Mia, " trust that meets with your approval."
Elena nodded then left the Bridge .....
The next day ...
"Sir, a ship has appeared on long-range sensors ... Romulan Scout Ship ... Heading right for us." San said.
"Remain at our present speed, allow the other ship to come round us and match velocity." J'Sat said from the back of the Bridge. Gann waved to do as instructed. J'Sat had commented in passing about the sudden 'appearance' of guards around the child, pondering if such a precaution was necessary for a prisoner only five years of age. He seemed to think it was amusing ...
The Scout ship passed them and turned in a wide arc until on the same heading as the Spartan. It matched speed and heading but remained eerily silent for almost thirty minutes, as if the occupant was deciding on a course of action ... Suddenly the Comm chirped to life:
=^= Spartan .. Prepare to receive transport direct to your Bridge =^=
Everyone watched as the shimmer of a transport in progress completed it's cycle. No-one in Gann's crew knew the woman who appeared before them, but J'sat obviously did, given his sudden intake of breath !
"I am Major Rekun ... Anything more you need not know." she said to everyone in general, before approaching J'Sat, "You ... You know of me." It was a statement of fact, not a question.
"I was informed someone would be coming, I was not informed 'who' that person would be." Rekun seemed amused at the mans obvious discomfort, despite all his inner control.
"I require quarters." she said, Gann motioned to Marial to arrange it quickly, "Proceed with transferring the new warp core from my vessel. I will speak with the child, then you and I J'Sat, will need to have a long talk. Be warned ... If I am not satisfied, this vessel, and those on it, will be going no further !"
She left the Bridge behind Marial. Elena was watching J'Sat closely, she never knew it was possible for all the color to drain from a Vulcan's face ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Jan 26, 2013 20:31:28 GMT
Elena would have loved to provoke the distressed Vulcan at that moment, but she needed to be with T'vana. She was not going to let the Romulan intimidate the five year old. She followed Rekun into the girls' quarters.
"You will leave. I wish to speak with the child alone."
"No !" T'vana said defiantly, "I want her to stay, she is my friend." the girl said, taking Elena's hand and sitting on the bed.
"As you wish child ..." The Romulan looked around the room, her eyes falling on the covered body of the boy. Elena wondered what the woman was thinking, apart from the fact half her bargaining power was now dead. She couldn't imagine the woman having a sympathetic bone in her body.
"It is, unfortunate, that your brother received the full force of J'Sat's rage. I would hope no further harm comes to you during this time. If you remain co-operative then you shall be returned to your Father once our business is conclu ....." Rekun suddenly stopped speaking as T'vana locked eye contact with her. Elena could see she was struggling to break the link the five year old had established. Eventually, T'vana looked away, there was an audible sigh of relief from the Romulan before she continued speaking, ".....cluded. I will ensure J'Sat causes you no more distress." she finished, confusion crossing her face for a moment before she turned and left the room ...
"What did you do ?" Elena said, turning the girl to face her.
"She is lying. She has no intention of allowing me to return to my Father." T'vana said, laying herself on the bed exhausted, "I can sometimes join with another mind on the most basic of levels, it is one of the effects my Brother told you of ... I have never before attempted it on an adult, and certainly not on a Romulan. She will not remember the link, or possibly as an afterthought, I cannot be sure."
"I need to get you off this vessel T'vana."
"You need to reconsider this action Elena. You require information that will lead to the capture of the person behind this. Aiding my escape will not only put you in grave danger, but put an end to any chance you have of getting the information needed ... I doubt the Major will break her word regarding J'Sat, though I am convinced she will not allow anyone to escape her wrath once she is convinced of the weapons' reliability. You must return to the Bridge Elena, it could be bad if you are missed for too long."
Elena kissed the little girl on the forehead and pulled a quilt over her. T'vana was in a deep sleep before she left the room ......
~~~~~~~~~~
"You are remaining on the Spartan ?" Gan was asking the Romulan.
"You have objections to my remaining ?" Rekin asked, raising her eyebrows, "Good ... My ship will follow. Do not worry, I do not intend to stay here for the duration. Once I have been convinced of the reliability of J'Sat's serum, I shall take my leave ... Now, I have been informed that your new warp core is now installed, maybe we should set course for Vexxa Minor ... I must contact our 'employer' please set up a secure channel for me in your ready room."
"Kalak ... Run full diagnostics on the new core." Gann said, watching Rekun, "I want to be one hundred pecent sure we are not going to have any problems once we go to warp ... San, establish a secure channel for the Major from the ready room." Gann pointedly watched the stars on the view-screen. He had not challenged the Romulan, but he knew he couldn't push too far, or the consequences could be life-threatening.
Elena moved to the Science station and established a direct link with San's station. She watched the pilot open the secure channel and made a mental note of the frequency. All she needed to do now, hopefully, was ensure the log was duplicated to an encrypted file she had hidden within the computer systems. Once she had that she could at least make an attempt to find the termination location of the call. That was a start ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Jan 28, 2013 20:47:18 GMT
The Spartan was less than three hours from Vexxa Minor, and the certain death of hundreds of Vulcan's. Not only adults, but children too. Elena was helpless to prevent the massacre at this point, but she would ensure T'Vana was not subjected to the pain ... She had entered the Bridge and was listening to a heated exchange between Gann and J'Sat, who's hold on the Spartan crew had diminished considerably with the Romulan Majors' arrival.
For some reason, Rekun was seemingly enjoying the sparing until her private Comm chirped to life:
=^= What is it ? =^=
Rekun moved to one side of the Bridge, the crewman stationed nearby making a swift exit. She stood listening for a few moments then shouted:
=^= When were you informed of this ? =^=
=^= We received the communication only moments ago Major .. Gann is to divert to Dellon XII immediately .. A file has been sent with details .. We have separate instructions which you can access once the Spartan is underway =^=
=^= I will return shorty .. Prepare for warp =^= Rekun finished, closing the Comm.
"It seems our plans have altered somewhat. Ambassador S'Peen has taken it upon himself to kill our representative and has left Earth, presumably in search of his children ... Vexxa Minor has had a very lucky escape. You are to change course to Dellon XII. I will give you your instructions before I depart." she said, glaring at J'Sat for a moment, "You will leave two samples of the pathogen with 'Captain' Gann, who will carry out our instructions to the letter. As for you, You shall accompany me. We have another task to perform ... The child will come with me."
"NO !" Elena said, stepping in front of the Romulan, I will not allow her to be placed in any more danger, and having her on your ship with, 'HIM' is not my idea of keeping our only bargaining chip alive !"
Major Rekun fought hard not to kill the woman outright. She looked directly at Gann, ignoring Elena completely:
"That is the second time your 'dog' has spoken out of turn Gann. I suggest you 'educate' her before our next meeting ... Very well I will leave the child in your care." she threw a PADD to Gann, Everything you need is on there. I will await your confirmation within the next twenty four hours. 'DO NOT' fail in this Gann." she said, tapping her Comm link. Seconds later she vanished from the Bridge. Less than a minute later her ship turned to port and jumped to warp. Gann looked at the PADD then threw it to Marial:
"Put the information on the main screen." ........
~~~~~~~~~~
"I promise I will be back soon. I have to go with Gann, I may be able to get closer to the information I need on the surface." Elena was saying to T'Vana as the Comm chirped:
=^= Whenever your 'babysitting' duties allow .. We are waiting ! =^= Gann said, sarcasm seeping from every word.
"He will kill you Elena, you know this !" the little girl whispered.
Elena kissed T'Vana and left the quarters. Moments later she was in the transporter room. Gann and Marial were already there. They stood on the pad and vanished from sight ...
The transport finished ... The room was dirty, disused, almost derelict. Gann placed the pack he had brought with him on the floor. Opening it, he took out two hypo-spray's and checked the contents. Satisfied, he concealed one inside his jacket, the other he gave to Marial, who did likewise, looking less assured of what she was doing, and Elena noticed the hesitation in her eyes.
"OK ......" Gann said, handing Marial and Mia type one phasers, "These have been modified and now have only two settings, heavy stun, and kill, so be careful, we don't want anyone killed who needn't be !"
"What the hell are we doing here Gann !" Elena asked.
"We are visiting someone in hospital Mia." Gann said, checking the room looked as untouched as before they arrived, "While there, we may need to seek the advice of a certain 'Vulcan' Doctor."
"You're testing that stuff again, what has this Vulcan done to merit attention ?"
Gann picked up the bag before replying. As he came to his feet he slammed the back of his hand across Elena's face. It took all her will-power not to shoot the man where he stood.
"You know, that Romulan witch was right ... You 'DO' tend to talk a lot too much ... Out of curiosity, do you see any of my other crew questioning me on a constant basis ?" he asked, watching Mia wipe the blood from her lips, "No, you don't, and that is because they know their place. You are alive because I need your, talent's, but my patience has now reached it's limit. Speak once more out of turn and I will have your little friend thrown out of an airlock, before cutting your throat ... Do I 'FINALLY' make myself clear on this ?"
Elena nodded, making sure not to make eye contact with Gann, but she could see Marial watching the proceedings with both fear, and uncertainty in her eyes.
"Let's go visit." Gann said, leaving the room.
Marial watched Elena for a long moment, before the two followed their employer into the sunlight ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Jan 31, 2013 22:58:37 GMT
As they left the building Gann checked the tricorder he was holding.
"This way." he said, walking off without waiting for the others.
Elena wondered why an obviously accomplished Vulcan Doctor would be doing on some backward world on the edge of nowhere. Maybe be was on the verge of some scientific discovery, or even dedicating himself to helping the needy, who knew. It was all she could do not to ask, because Gann had made himself perfectly clear regarding her 'insubordination' ...
"So who's this Vulcan we are visiting ?" Marial asked, as if reading her mind.
"We're not visiting the Vulcan, we're going to see a young man that needs to be taken to a Federation Hospital for treatment of a nerve condition this backward planet cannot supply, while there we will solicit the advice of one Doctor S'otal ... But i'm guessing he won't be known under that name, nor will he look like he did when he was compelled to, lets say, move into a new line of business. It won't matter of course, as he will need to authorize the realeas himself, so no need to go looking for him all over the hospital." Gann said without turning.
Elena was searching her memory for S'otal ... Then it suddenly came to her !
"Didn't he murder his wife and child ?" she asked ... Gann stopped walking and turned, he was smiling. It un-nerved Elena instantly.
"Hmm .... And just how would you know that my dear ?"
"His wife was suffering from Bendii Syndrome if I remember the news reports rightly." she said, making the reply as neutral as possible, "Didn't he try some sort of unorthodox method of combating the disease by using stem cells from his Daughter, who alas died during the operation. When it all went wrong he used some form of mind-meld to end his wife's life."
"Yes .... He was convicted of the murders but someone helped him escape the Vulcan Home-world and he vanished from sight ... Until now that is." Gann finished, turning and walking away.
~~~~~~~~~~
The hospital was decrepit, like something out of the dark ages in comparison to the medical facilities now seen on most worlds. They entered and took the stairs to the third floor. From there along the corridor to a turn. Elena could see eight doors off the corridor, four either side. Gann again checked his instructions, then entered the second room on the left. The boy could not have been more than thirteen or fourteen, and obviously seriously ill. Gann introduced himself as the doctor who will be moving the patient, he motioned Mia to the far wall where she could cover the door:
"Is he ready to leave ?" he asked, checking the chart hanging on the end of the bed.
"You require the signature of the attending physician. I will inform him of your arrival." the nurse said, leaving the room.
Gann moved to the head of the bed and looked at the boy. Elena took out her phaser, but held it at her side. If this maniac moved to kill the child she would have little choice but to act, regardless of the outcome. She would get back to the ship and take T'Vana before anyone knew Gann was dead !
Taking a hypo-spray from his bag, Gann placed it against the boys neck:
"Don't worry Mia." he said, as if he knew she was holding the weapon on him, "With this serum he will recover within a day or so with no side-effects ... You see, I can be the humanitarian if the need arises." then without waiting for a reply he injected the boy ... Satisfied, he replaced the hypo and took out the second, the one he had placed inside his coat. He walked over to Mia and handed her the device with one hand, and placed a phaser against her hip with the other. The implied intent left unspoken.
Elena had seconds to react ... She took the hypo' without breaking eye contact, then moved to sit beside the child on the bed. Moments later a tall Vulcan entered the room. He checked the chart and readings from the diagnostic monitors, then turned to Gann:
"You will need to take certain precaut ........" he began, but stopped speaking as the contents of the hypo-spray surged into his bloodstream, "Wha ........" he said, confusion on his face as his legs gave way. Elena watched as the serum did what it had been designed to do. The man's skin turned to a porcelain look, before seemingly melting from his skeletal structure ... Within seconds he was dead, and Elena had murdered him !
"I assume we're done here ?" she said, as if satisfied the job she was employed for was successful. Gann took the empty hypo' from her and smiled:
"One down ... Three to go." he said, picking up the bag and tapping his Comm badge:
=^= Transport .. Now ! =^=
Seconds later they were back on the Spartan. Elena headed straight for the little girls' quarters, but couldn't shake the foreboding she felt remembering Ganns' last comment ..........
|
|
Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
|
Post by Elena de Luca on Feb 7, 2013 20:41:28 GMT
T'Vana sat on the edge of her bed facing at the door ... She wasn't actually 'looking' at the door, as her eyes were closed. She had taken fifteen minutes to clear her mind as much as possible before making her attempt.
She pictured the man stationed either end of the corridor and focused hard ... Slowly he began to feel drowsy, then turned toward the door. No-one seemed interested in his movements as he approached the door and entered the access code:
The door opened silently and the man entered the room. He stood for long moments, seemingly unaware of his surroundings, then he walked toward the bed. Looking down at the girl, her eyes still closed, he knelt before her and waited ...
T'Vana reached forward with her left hand, feeling the rough, unshaven face of the man. She slowly moved her fingers until they were placed in approximately the correct locations. She knew she couldn't get them exactly, as her hand was simply too small. But it would be close enough for her needs ... Her lips moved silently as she instructed the guard on what she required of him. Once satisfied, she slowly removed her hand and let it rest on her lap. She opened her eyes to see the man looking directly at her. It un-nerved her for a second, fearing her control had not worked, but the man remained motionless.
"You can stand now." she said, waiting while the man stood and stepped back, smiling with satisfaction but still worried he would waken, she stood in front of him and whispered ...... ~~~~~~~~~~As the transport completed it's cycle, Elena stepped down. The man operating the transporter seemed distracted, but recovered as Gann barked orders for everyone to return to stations and prepare to leave. She waited until he had finished then said she would look in on the girl, Gann grunted as if uninterested and headed for the door ... Entering the corridor she stopped dead. The guard was missing ! Taking out the phaser she had been issued with, she moved forward to the door. Placing her ear against the cold metal she could hear no movement. Tapping in the code she opened the door and entered, stepping to one side quickly to avoid being framed in silhouette ... Panning the weapon left and right she spoke one word: "Lights." ... the computer complied, illuminating the room. It was empty ! She quickly searched the other rooms, and then tapped the Comm link beside the door: =^= Gann .. You better come to the girls' quarters .. Now .. We have a problem =^= ... She closed the Comm before he could ask questions, then sat on the bed, worry running through every fiber of her body. Moments later the door opened and Gann, along with Kalak, Marial, and the Vulcan J'Sat, entered. "Where is she ?" Gann asked, looking round the room. "You're guess is as good as mine. The guard you assigned is missing too !" Elena said, making a point of looking directly at the Vulcan, who was stood impassive, "She was OK when I left her. Was 'HE' left alone at any time ?" "Watch how you address me ... WOMAN ... I have limited patience for ....." "I could care 'LESS' about your 'limits' Vulcan !" Gann said, turning to face the man, "If any harm as come to the child at your hands, you will not live to face Major Rekun. 'THAT' you can count on !" "Why would I want her harmed ?" J'Sat asked, seemingly bemused. But Gann ignored him: "Search the ship, I want that girl found, and unharmed .... GO .... Mia, help find her !" It suddenly occurred to Elena what she had noticed in the transporter room. The man looking distracted, almost day-dreaming, until the shout from Gann brought him back. T'Vana had somehow managed to control the guard. 'It couldn't have been for long' she thought, remembering their joining and how it had tired T'Vana. But then, S'Koril had said her abilities were advancing exponentially. Maybe she was even stronger now ... Either way, she had managed to force the guard to the transporter room and what, beam the five year old where ? ... There was only one explanation, T'Vana was on the surface ! Elena's mind was in turmoil ... The thought of a five year old child on a strange planet all alone was almost unthinkable, but she was also thinking that Gann no longer had her, and his bargaining ability was now lost. If T'Vana could find someone in authority, she could contact her Father and give him all the information he needed to capture the group. She was so distracted with her thoughts that she didn't hear or see Gann's approach: "She's not here !" he said looking at Mia, "You .. You know where she is don't you, I want to know what you have done, or I'll kill you where you stand." "The man who brought us aboard ....." J'Sat said quietly, watching Elena for any reaction, "He was ... Distracted. Might I suggest you check your transporter logs ?" They almost ran to the transporter room and Gann checked the logs. He slammed his fists into the console and screamed in frustration ... The logs confirmed that two people had transported off the ship less than an hour before they returned to the ship. The logs had been encrypted and the target destination deleted ... The Vulcan child had escaped him ! "Turn us around. Get back to the planet. J'Sat, use that twisted Vulcan intellect of yours for something useful for a change. I want these log encryption's removed and I want to know where they beamed down. Believe me. Should she reach safety we are all dead. So get the information I need, and quick !" he said, storming out of the room. J'Sat raised his eyebrows in true Vulcan fashion and moved to the transporter console. The others headed for their stations ... Elena went back to the girls quarters and sat on the bed. "Run T'Vana ...... Run !" she whispered ..........
|
|