Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Apr 17, 2014 23:54:52 GMT
~ Part One ~ She wasn't in any hurry. The meeting was over an hour away, and she wanted to see the magnificent building before she entered. The Ruling Council of the Central Government had commissioned the construction to celebrate the millennium on their world, where the whole planet was in what could only be described as a 'party mood' ... The spire was the center piece of a three kilometer diameter plaza, a perfect circle with numerous smaller, but similarly designed buildings. Even with today's building materials, the spire was astounding to behold, two hundred meters at the base, it rose through the gossamer cloud layer and continued upwards. Twelve hundred floors, with a one hundred meter golden needle atop, the building was meter's short of five kilometers in height and almost protruding into the very space surrounding the planet. The outside of the building was polished to a mirror finish, making it look exactly like it's title, the Ice Spire ... Checking the time, she decided to go inside. Making her way towards the building, she marveled at the optical illusion that made it look as if it was not actually in contact with the marble flooring of the main foyer and concourse area's. The concierge approached her as she walked through the almost invisible doors, taking the offered Identification Card, he ran it along the wrist-padd he was wearing and smiled. "The Ambassador is awaiting you Madam. If you could follow me I will escort you to the private scenic conveyance ?" She accepted the card back and followed the man through what she took for an opening in the wall. She was pleasantly surprised when she suddenly seemed to lift of the floor and began rising along the 'outside' of the building, "This always seems to get the attention. You are suspended on pure energy, protected from the breeze and high winds of the higher levels, but fear not, you are perfectly safe." he said, obviously proud of the building and his position in it. She could actually 'feel' the dampness of the cloud layer as they passed through, the slight breeze moving her long hair gently. She had to admit, it was one hell of a way to promote your building. Over three kilometers from the ground far below, the concierge held out a hand to allow her to step back into the tower then followed her. He informed her the Ambassador was waiting in the conference room opposite. She marveled at the view, it seemed there were no actual walls to the building, just vague inconsistencies in the view as she turned through a full circle. even with her visual acuity, the reflective stanchions, walls, beams, even floors and ceilings, all reflected the clear blue sky outside the structure. "It is, impressive, yes ?" a man said, making her turn in the direction of the newcomer, "If I may introduce myself, I am the Senior Aide to the Ambassador, she is waiting to greet you, so, Please, follow me." The Ambassador was stood in front of her desk, smiling as her guest approached. The two embraced, taking a long moment to release before the Ambassador held her at arms length and looked her up and down. "It is agreeable to see you again my child." she said, frowning as her guest seemed to be ignoring her, "My dear, are you unwell ?" she asked, concern on her face as her Aide's moved closer, suddenly wary of their employer's possible vulnerability, she smiled, locking eyes with the woman, who waved her Security people away, relaxing somewhat. "Were you aware that it takes only five milliseconds for the wings of a honey bee to flap just once ?" she asked, making the Ambassador step back, puzzled as her life-long friend continued, "It takes one thousand milliseconds for one hertz of energy to cycle through one oscillation." "I'm not quite sure wha ...." the Ambassador said, eyeing her guards nervously as her guest continued: "It takes three hundred milliseconds for a Human eye to blink, did you know that, no ?" The Ambassador suddenly realized what had been worrying her since her guest arrived, she hadn't blinked once, until now, "So, three blink's of the human eye could oscillate one hertz of electrical energy, allowing it to activate, or trip, a switch ....." The Ambassador was stepping away from her guest quickly now, concern growing. Her Aide's had moved much closer as she watched the woman before her deliberately blink, once, before smiling and taking a step forward. She blinked a second time. "You had a lovely building here ...." she said, a sad expression on her face as she blinked for a third, and final time ! ..... The micro-antimatter explosion obliterated sixteen floors of the Ice Spire instantaneously. The remaining floors above the explosion had nothing to support them and fell toward the ground as gravity took hold. Within two minutes, nothing remained of the once majestic building, and over thirty thousand people had lost their lives ..... ********** After long long moments, Elena opened her eyes, unable to accept what she had just witnessed. The room was silent as everyone contemplated the ramification's should the 'weapon' for want of a better description, be deployed throughout the known systems. She got up from her seat and moved forward to the large screen, looking at the aftermath of the devastating blast, the remains of the building covered approximately a kilometer in diameter. She turned to the others in the room, who seemed pleased at the outcome. She asked why they would be smiling ... The group looked at each other as if deciding on letting her in on some private joke. One of the men approached her and took her hand, leading her back to one of the seats, he tapped instruction's into a PADD then turned to Elena: "You only watched one view." he said, taking his own seat before continuing, "Maybe we should allow you to view the 'episode' from another angle." "How can you do that ?" Elena said, confused, "I was under the impression I was asked here to help. You said nothing of having multiple recording's of the incident." the man, in fact, everyone in the room remained silent as he accessed the recording and began a play-back ... This time, through the eyes of the Ambassador. She was sat at her desk, signing numerous official papers when her Chief Aide informed her that her guest was on her way up. Finishing the papers quickly, she stood and came around the desk as the doors opened. The concierge was stood outside in the outer office as one of her aide's brought in her guest ...
"It is agreeable to see you again my child." she heard herself saying, frowning as her guest seemed to be ignoring her, "My dear, are you unwell ?" Elena's heart almost stopped, a cold, icy shiver running down her spine as she looked at the woman before her through, the eyes of the Ambassador, because, impossibly, she was looking at .... Herself ! ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Apr 19, 2014 0:09:47 GMT
"Tell you what." the Ambassador said soothingly, "I'll have one of my Aide's take you to a suite. You can rest and get yourself settled. Once you have had some rest we will continue our discussion, OK ?" the woman said, as one of the Aide's took her by the arm and led her from the office. Minutes later she was all but 'deposited' in a luxurious suite of rooms, obviously reserved for visiting dignitaries ... She allowed the aide to show her where everything was, than smiled as he left her alone. "What the hell !" she said, trying to recall what had just happened. She tried to recall the series of events leading to her being here, but no matter how much effort she put in, it wouldn't come to her. This too was unsettling, given her eidetic memory, nothing should be beyond her reach, unless .... 'They drugged me' she thought, realizing instantly that it was the most obvious explanation for what was happening. 'You are due an evaluation, right ?' she said to herself, postulating that there was no other viable reason why she would be drugged and placed in, 'YES' it was a holo-suite ! She had to admit, the Intelligence Division had surpassed themselves this time round. She had been the subject of regular assessments, it was a given in her profession, and each time she had seen through the ruse in minutes then played the game out how she was expected to. But this one ... She smiled to herself at the realism induced throughout the simulation, the Ice Spire was inspired 'Pardon the pun' she thought with a chuckle. But something at he back of her mind was still itching to get out, so she let the thought run out loud: "OK, so I enter the building, intent on killing who, the Ambassador, the people in the tower, civilian's on the ground and working in the spire ... Normally, my scenario's run through a 'start' point, and then an 'end' point, usually encompassing three or four days' worth of operation. But this one was, different, in that it took place over a maximum of what, two hours !"
She went to the replicator and requested coffee, hot, double sweet, then took the mug and sat back on the end of the bed looking through the panoramic window, suddenly realizing she had no clue as to her 'actual' location. "So, I go in, and at some point I detonate, or cause a deton ....
The door's chime brought her out of her reflections, "Come." she said, eyeing the door. "I am sorry to disturb you Madam." the Aide said, seemingly genuinely concerned, "But the Ambassador was called away and instructed me to bring this beverage to you personally. Apparently, it is some form of herbal relaxant handed down through her family, I am alas unsure. But the Ambassador told me to impress upon you that it would help you sleep." "Leave it there. I'll drink it later. Thank you." she said, looking at the thick, steaming liquid in the glass. But the Aide was insistent, and said the Ambassador would be 'upset' should she refuse to take the beverage. Elena looked at the man, realizing he was doing as asked, and nothing more, no hidden agenda, no ulterior motive, just a man assigned to serve the Ambassador, who didn't want to go back with a glass full of the handed-down recipe. 'Hell it is hardly likely to be drugged, that would just be too obvious' she thought, accepting the glass and breathing in the aroma of honey, pineapple, cinnamon. She took a sip of the hot liquid, enjoying the fragrance and taste. She looked at the Aide who seemed nothing more than happy that she had drank. She was about to ask the man to thank the Admiral, when she felt the first effects ... 'Paralyzed, well well.' she thought, realizing she could no longer move any limbs as the neuro-toxin shut off billions of synaptic connections quicker than even her mind could react. Three hundred milliseconds popped into her head as gravity took over from her musculature. She began a slow fall backward's watching in fascination as the aide reached out and took the glass from her then casually moved around to prevent her from hitting the deck. She vaguely recalled trying to thank him for saving her from a monumental headache, but her eyes closed and all hope of consciousness vanished with the light. ********** The children had been frankly running her in circles for the last two hours, but she loved every second she was with them. At three and four years old, they were at the age that they could realize when something they did got the better of their babysitter, and they took every advantage of their somewhat unique ability at every opportunity. She was running after the two in the garden, accidentally 'tripping' over toys, or cushions as she tried to catch them. Every fall of tumble induced fits of giggles from the children. She was about to catch Ellor, the little girl when their Mother came out of the house. Elena looked up, then called off her chase telling the children to play together for a moment, then walked over to her employer: "I see you are having fun." the Mother said, smiling contently. "Did you know ..." Elena began, a look of detachment appearing on her face, "That it only takes three hundred milliseconds for the Human eye to blink ?" ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on May 1, 2014 12:14:17 GMT
She looked around the room, an office, she remembered now, it was the outer office of the Ambassador, so she was still in the simulation she guessed. Vaguely, something was at the back of her mind, a family, little girls playing. She and taken the mother into the house, stabbing her through the neck as she passed into the kitchen. The Aide seemed oblivious to the confused look on her face as he continued to ramble on about the garden's outside the building, and how much effort it had taken to get it looking exactly right. He glanced at her and stopped speaking for a moment: "Elena ... I do need you to concentrate. Do you think you could do that please ?" the Aide asked. "Sorry, I was, I seem to remem ..." she began, as images of the children, and their fate sprang to the forefront of her thoughts. "Yes, you did well Elena. But now we need to prepare you for your next task. This one will be much harder to accomplish, and will require your full attention. Should you fail, the consequences would be, undesirable in the extreme, so please, let's not dwell on your last assignment." She looked at the Aide, puzzled as to why he constantly referred to her 'tests' as assignments, Command had never used the terminology as far as she was aware. Intelligence had certainly not. She looked at the Aide, trying to give the impression that he had her full attention, but her concerns were growing exponentially ... It worried her that the last two scenario's involved 'killing' either individuals, or causing the deaths of hundreds of people. She wondered if they were preparing her for something that would involve such actions, if so, she would be declining the assignment, she didn't join the Intelligence Division to wantonly murder innocent by-standers ... The loud report of the Aide's palm slamming onto the desk brought her back to reality ! "I will 'NOT' ask you again Elena, if you cannot control your meanderings, I will take action to ensure you do as instructed without your consent. Now, if I may continue ..... The Human eye takes ........" ********** The room was cold, she could see her breath as she exhaled. There were other's in the room, all listening to someone on a stage of sorts. He was preaching, no, orating, steering the crowd towards a goal. She looked around, the men and women all seemed totally engrossed, children too seemed to hang on every word the man was saying. She turned to face the stage and watched the man closely. His face seemed familiar for some reason and she wondered if she had seen him before somewhere. For some reason, her normally eidetic memory was failing her, a massive cheer arose and people waved their arms and leaped into the air, the man stood back from the dais and smiled, patiently waiting for the cheering to subside. Two men on the stage stood and began waving their arms gesturing for everyone to quiet. "So, my friends ..." the man on stage began again, but so quiet it would be almost inaudible if the room wasn't dead silent, "We shall be triumphant in our goals and aims, and we shall be free of the dreaded Federation before much longer !" The crowd erupted once more, deafening screams of joy and congratulation to their leader. Elena too was drawn in, caught up in the euphoria of the moment, she began to cheer along with the other's shouting so loud it hurt her throat. She looked at the man stood before them, the confidence of a man knowing he had the listeners in the palm of his hand, the expression of serene contentment that he would be obeyed and had the total loyalty of his followers. Elena knew without a shadow of doubt that she would die for this man, he had only to ask ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on May 13, 2014 19:33:36 GMT
She watched the man, listened to his oration, she was transfixed with what he had to say, everything made sense when it came from him. She looked around her seeing all those around her mesmerized, engrossed, bewitched by the man on stage. Again he spoke, quietly, but clearly heard by all those present. He wanted to bring down the Federation, the vile, putrid overseers of thousands of innocent worlds. Again, she found herself agreeing, willing, wanting, to help the man, to do his bidding, to be ... Noticed ... After maybe two hours, the man left the stage. People fell to their knee's almost in worship of this speaker who had held them, before rising and forming into smaller groups ... Finally, 'HE' entered the hall, moving among the people, holding hands, whispering words. She found herself yearning for the chance to be spoken to and began moving towards him. It was then she noticed the two others. They were watching her as she was watching the man before her. almost imperceptibly they began to close the distance and she began to worry. Had she done something to displease the man, had she not bowed deeply enough, had something told them she was not a true follower, why would they be approaching her and her alone ! She began to inch away from the men, but one took her arm and guided her to the side of the room. Fear and panic coursed through her as the two eyed her as if deciding on a course of action to rid the man of her presence, but then one spoke to her: "You seemed very, engrossed in the speech. May I ask your name ?" the first asked almost soothingly. "Vyri." she answered, not knowing where the name sprang from, but somehow content to retain it. "Vyri ..." the second man repeated, smiling as the two men seemed to commune in silence before he continued, "I am Ren, and this is Akahi. John would like you to attend a, private, gathering. He sometimes likes to speak in a more, intimate setting. Would you like to attend ?" "Yes. Yes I would." she said, almost a whisper ... ********** The room was sparsely furnished, ornate leather high-back chairs, one seemingly more decorative that the other's and set in a circle. Several of the seats were occupied as she entered, the first man guided her to one of the empty chairs, almost directly opposite the largest, and instructed her to sit. One or two of the other's looked in her direction, giving a nod of acquaintance before returning to their various conversations. The first man Ren, was sat to her right of the large chair, he was smiling at her exuding reassurance and calmness and she found herself relaxing into the sumptuous warm leather of her chair. There came a sudden single crack, like the hardest granite hitting another piece of granite. Everyone stood, and she followed suit. She could hear the other's repeating a name, almost inaudibly 'Lughaid, Lughaid' ... Akahi appeared and took his seat as one of the group pulled the large chair back a little, then pushed it forward as the man who had been speaking earlier took his seat. Only then did everyone else sit, heads bowed as if waiting permission to raise them. "The Circle shapes us ... Body and Mind." the man named John said. "Heart and Soul are One." the group responded instantly, then sat waiting for John to continue. He looked around the circle, seeming to bestow his smile upon those present, until his eyes fell on her. He watched her for a moment, the other's waiting patiently, then he stood and walked into the center of the circle. He held out both arms to her, and with a nod from Akahi, she too stood. "We have someone new with us today. This is Vyri. Some of you would have seen her at the meeting. I felt she would appreciate being in one of our gatherings." he said, looking around the circle before continuing, "Did you know that Viri means 'Otherworld' in some ancient religions ?" he said, coaxing her back into her seat before returning to his own. She sat, mesmerized, as if nothing else in the room around her existed, there was nothing but his voice, and his eyes, those almost blue black penetrating eyes ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on May 25, 2014 0:52:36 GMT
Nine day's later:"We have a little task for you to take part in, if you are willing Vyri." John was saying as she sat in the garden enjoying the warm caress of the sunlight on her face, "It will mean you leaving us for a short time, but you will return once your task is completed." "Is this another test John ?" she asked, worried she may have offended him in some way. "Yes, let's call it another test, but not of your loyalty or devotion, but to your own commitment to what we are seeking to do here." he said, in that soothing, hypnotic tone she could not, nor did she want to, resist. She took his outstretched hands in hers and smiled, "Body and mind Vyri." "Heart and soul, John." she replied as he lowered her trembling hands to her lap before releasing them. ooo000ooo The Embassy was packed with dignitaries from countless worlds, each enjoying the occasion and talking with the other guests. It wasn't often an Ambassador was the least important person at a function, but today, Michael Remington, Federation Ambassador on the Vessinu Home-world, was giving his only Daughter away to the Regent's only Son and heir. To say the wedding was a lavish affair was the ultimate understatement ... The whole planet was enjoying a week-long holiday and the wedding itself would be seen by everyone, including neighboring worlds and systems. Vyri entered the main reception hall dressed in a gossamer dress, almost see-through and flowing almost to the floor. She looked around, seeing other's of the group already in attendance. Moving forward she took he seat in the Great Hall where the wedding was to take place ..... Music ... Hauntingly beautiful, began to play as the Bride was escorted down the long center aisle to stand next to her future betrothed. Remington smiled as he stepped back. He was happy the wedding was to be a traditional Earth ceremony first, intermingled with the vows used in the Vessinu Joining of Hearts Ritual. The aged official began, taking the hands of Bride and Groom before stepping back and reciting the vows to be made. Vyri sat quietly watching, her own heart going out to the betrothed as they were to begin a new life together. They sang several Earth and Vessinu hymns, then the official began the Wedding itself. In the corner of her eye, Vyri noticed someone stand and begin moving forward, she was carrying a garland of flowers that would be placed alongside the groom, she rose, carrying a similar garland and placed it beside the bride. The two women stepped back allowing others to place their offer's of well-being and long life. Vyri moved back along the center aisle watching the proceedings closely. As the official instructed bride and groom to stand inside the line of garlands Vyri bit down on the ceramic denture that had been fitted earlier ... There was a tiny 'click' as the membrane protecting the micro-switch was broken and she closed her eyes ........ Earth:Sato Tetsutaro was at his Geneva home. The search was not going well, and his health was suffering ... He was beside the pool when a Captain from Star Fleet Headquarters arrived. Sato's Aide brought the man through the house to the pool:
"Admiral Tetsutaro. Please forgive the intrusion, but Command thought you needed to see this." he placed a data-chip on the table beside the Head of Federation Security and stepped back, obviously waiting for the man to pick it up ... He was disappointed as Sato remained looking out over Lake Geneva showing no interest. Helena Richmond, Sato's Aide, picked up the chip and inserted it into the reader slot on the table. A holographic image sprang to life. She looked at the content then looked at Tetsutaro:
"It is a recording from the wedding of Ambassador Remington's Daughter ...." Helena ordered the invisible protective force-field around the villa to change to opaque. No light got in or out now as she hesitated for a few seconds, then continued, "You need to see this, Admiral." something in her voice made Sato look up, she activated the recording and stood in silence as he watched the wedding proceedings. The bride, the groom, the flower carriers, women in almost see-through gowns, the men in white robes, all placing garnets around the betrothed, then .... The explosion !
"Computer ..... Rewind to time index fourteen two six ..." Helena said, looking at Sato before continuing, "Enhance grid delta seven and play." The view changed, showing a close-up of the girl's laying the flowers beside the bride and groom. She let it run then instructed the computer to rewind to index fourteen one nine. She could see the Admiral lean forward a fraction as he watched the recording, yet again she instructed the computer, "Rewind to time index fourteen two four point eight and freeze image."
She turned away as her long-time boss, and close friend got shakily to his feet and approached the holographic recording in front of him. He shook his head, unable to believe what he was seeing, because there, carrying the garnet of flower's that was responsible for the deaths of over thirty men, women, and children ....
Was his Daughter ... Elana ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Jun 5, 2014 20:31:25 GMT
Vyri was enjoying the joining ceremony. Something in the back of her mind made her wonder why she was content to be here, and had only warm feeling for the Bride and Groom in their lifelong endeavor together. As the elderly official brought the proceedings to a close, she stood and began to move forward. She moved back down the main aisle, smiling at the guests as they applauded the newly joined couple. 'You are far enough back now Vyri, you should do what you came here for now' she thought, as the other woman took another step back, eyeing Vyri now she had stopped ... Silence filled her, the applause, the cheering, the congratulations, she heard non of this as something compelled her to bit down on the recently fitted denture. Frowning, unable to remember the significance of the action she was required to do, she hesitated. The other garland carrier, a young girl, stepped in front of her and Vyri could see her lips moving as she finally began to apply pressure to the tooth. There was a tiny cracking sound, almost like wood splintering under stress, then ..... ********** The alter, along with those stood close by, vanished in a phosphorous explosion. It took the shock-wave less than a hundredth of a second to reach the girl stood in front of Vyri. Her fragile body disintegrated as the force of the blast hit her. The decimated body slammed into her, boiling skin and burning clothing causing her skin to blister and her own clothing to smolder. It was this, and only this fraction of good fortune that saved Vyri from the same fate as the other guests around her ..... Opening her eyes, she could see little. Dust, fragments of paper, books, burning clothing, all seemed to be defying gravity as it swirled around the room. She had no idea of how many had been killed or injured, all she knew was the overriding impulse to get herself free of the genocide, away quickly, before someone asked her questions ! ... Climbing to her feet unsteadily, she stumbled towards the back of the room and the only way out into the warm summer sunshine. Hands clawed at her legs as she passed the maimed and injured, but she could not, dared not, allow herself compassion. If she was caught here they would most certainly find the device embedded in her jaw, the would know she was responsible for the mass deaths. She had to go, to get away ... She pushed herself through the myriad of guests, all trying to escape for fear there would be a second explosion, and this time they would not be among the fortunate. Police Official's and what looked like Medical Personnel had arrived and were trying to cope with a situation never before faced in the planets' long history. Confusion reigned, which was the very thing that allowed her to get through the cloying mass and into the garden's opposite. From here she would go back to ... Where ? ... It suddenly occurred to her that she had no plan, no means of escape. She sat on the warm grass as people rushed past, all hoping to offer aid. No-one took any notice of her at first, then a woman approached her: "Are you alright. Where you in the Hall, are you injured ?" She looked up at the woman, her ruptured eardrums trying to make sense of the sounds coming from her, it was as if she was hearing sound from deep in the ocean, only her ability to read lips helped her and she shook her head, suddenly realizing she had not understood the question and could have answered wrongly, but the woman was kneeling beside her now, dividing her attention between the smoldering ruins of the Hall, and Vyri herself. " ....... ome with me .. ow." she was saying as she lifted Vyri unsteadily to her feet. Putting an arm around her the woman pulled her further into the garden's and into the arboretum. She held Vyri close and said something ... Suddenly, there came the tell-tale sensation of a transport in progress and the two women vanished from the surface of Vessinu. ********** The fragrance of the gardens, myriad of colors, the greens and browns of the tree's in the garden vanished, replaced by the sterile, slightly scented aroma, and grey / blue bulkheads of the ship ... Vyri collapsed to the transporter pad as the woman released her unceremoniously, walking away without a second look. Her hearing was thankfully returning and she heard the woman complaining, 'should have let her die' and getting in harms way for no reason. The man, who's voice she thought she recognized, told the woman to return to her duties then knelt beside her. He moved the damp, bloodied hair away from her face and lifted her chin: "You are safe now Vyri. You did very well ... Better in fact than we could have ever envisioned. I am sure Lughaid will be most pleased with your performance today. Now take this and rinse your mouth out, then you can drink a little, you have dust in your lungs and we don't have the facilities here to fix that." he gave her a flask and she did as instructed before looking up at the man. "Akahi ?" she said, confused. "Yes, now, let's get you to bed where you can rest. You are looking a little worse for ware, but nothing that cannot wait. We will be heading home shortly, but need to take a somewhat roundabout route due to the Federation's response to our little wedding gift." He led her to a room and eased her onto the bunk. She suddenly realized how tired she actually was. She closed her eyes, allowing Akahi to pull a blanket up to her shoulders. He wiped her brow, looking at the grey / black dust for a second, even now still able to detect the cloying smell of burned flesh. He smiled then stood up, looking down at the sleeping Vyri. He was sure now that they had chosen well, their new weapon ..... She fell into a deep, dreamless sleep almost instantly ... She had no recollection of the last five day's ... Where she had undergone intense programming and induced suggestion, until the only thing on her mind was carrying out the task she had been blessed with. To detonate the explosive device and murder the Federation Ambassador ! ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Jun 8, 2014 21:20:53 GMT
It had taken over a week for the ship to return to the system where they could remain hidden. In that time, Vyri had been unconscious, or confined to her room. For some reason, unknown to her, Akahi had been asked to keep her away from the rest of the crew until John himself had spoken to her. She couldn't understand it, but had no option ... She was sitting at the small deck, looking at the permanently blank screen when the door opened: "Mind if I come in ?" "I didn't realize I had any choice in the matter." she said, annoyed at his sudden appearance. Akahi sat down on the neatly made bed, smoothing out a single crease he had made with one hand while keeping his eyes locked on Vyri. He took a long time to begin speaking, but eventually broke the silence. "You are having doubts about what you did ?" he said, his head inching to one side then nodding as if some invisible companion was agreeing, "That is understandable my child, but you need not worry, what you did was necessary and vital to our cause. I am sure John will be most pleased with the results of your first task with us. Now, I need to know how you feel. I have been informed that you are not eating, and are having trouble sleeping, is there anything I can do to help you with this ?" She had sat in silence, not even looking in his direction when he began to speak, but the last comment's got her attention and she turned to face him. "You are watching me !" she stated. "Only from a genuine concern for your well-being Vyri. The last thing we want is for you to fall ill, and not eating or sleeping will contribute to that happening. Would you like to talk about it ?" Akahi said, leaning forward and locking his eyes on hers. For some reason she found it impossible to turn away from that stare as his eyes caressed hers like a warm blanket around a newborn child ... Nothing else existed only his eyes, and his deep, soothing voice as he reassured her that she needed to sleep, to rest. She had much to do and must keep her strength up to accomplish her role fully. "Take this ....." She looked down at what he was holding, a bowl of something hot, aromatic, and inviting, "Don't worry, It is only soup, it will fill you up and help you get a good nights' rest." She took the bowl, feeling the warmth through the palms of her hands, before resting it on her lap. She took the offered spoon, and with a nod of encouragement from Akahi, she took a small spoonful and put it in her mouth. She was pleasantly surprised at how nice and welcoming the soup tasted, and took a second spoonful. Before long she had forgotten the fact she couldn't remember the last part of the conversation with Akahi, or why she had been watching him so closely. The soup warmed her inside, and somehow evaporated any worries or stress she had been feeling. Finishing the bowl, she managed to place it on the side table before she lay on the bed ... She was in a deep sleep before her head touched the pillow ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Jun 14, 2014 23:07:55 GMT
The sun was warm on her face as she lay beneath the silken sheets on her bed. She guessed, by the shadows that it was past midday and she was shocked to have slept so late, it wasn't her ... Climbing out of bed she went to the window that looked out over extensive gardens, all immaculately manicured with flowers of all descriptions in full bloom. It was almost like paradise ... After showering, in 'real' water, and dressing in the coolest garments she could find, she left her room and made her way down the long staircase to the ground floor. Judging by the length of the corridor she had walked down to reach those stairs, she guessed the building must be of considerable size indeed. An elderly gentleman approached, he asked if there was anything he could do for her and when she hesitated he introduced himself as the 'Butler' ... "Sorry ?" she said, confused for a moment, because servants were a thing of the past in her eyes. "Help Ma'am, is there anything I may help you with ?" the man asked. "I would like a cool drink." she said, unable to think of a way of simply dismissing the man out of hand, "Could I have it in the garden please." The Butler nodded and disappeared from site as if using levitation. ooooo For almost an hour she wandered through the garden's increasingly impressed by what she saw. The house even spanned what looked like a river, or lake. It was almost as if she had stepped back in time. Finally she made her way back to the house, 'If you could call the place a house that is' she thought, still impressed. She sat at a table overlooking a pool, three maybe four meters in diameter, where orange gold fish swam aimlessly around their own little word. The butler appeared and placed a drink before her, then seemed to wait to see if was acceptable, taking a small sip she said thank you and the man disappeared yet again. "They are Koi Carp. Practically the only one's that remain in existence." She turned to see John stood behind her, that angelic smile on his face as he took one of the seats at the table, the impeccable butler serving another drink before blending into the scenery, "Do you like my home. It is old, French I believe, it is sixteenth century, Earth that is, called the ChΓ’teau de Chenonceau. I had it brought here from Earth and restored to it's former elegance, do you approve ?" Vyri stood and looked at the expanse of white marble and ornately crafted glass in the windows, then turned to look on the garden's, stretching as far as the eye could see ... 'Extravagance' was the first word that sprang to mind, but she managed to keep that to herself. Instead, she turned and replied with a question of her own: Why am I here John ?" For a fraction of a second she detected a change in his demeanor, the friendly, caring fatherly impression vanished, to be replaced by the steely glare of a man who wasn't used to be being questioned ! "Let's say that I was very impressed by how you conducted yourself in your first task for me Vyri." he said, the melting, soothing smile returning to his eyes, "This ... Is my way of thanking you personally. It isn't everyone of my, congregation, that are allowed to see my private side, but you deserved the chance to rest and relax before I need you once more." "I have yet to do anything worthy of this." she said, frowning. "Oh but you have my child, and I will need you to do something for me once more in a few day's time, but you need not worry yourself about that for the moment ....." John said, getting out of his seat and picking up his glass, "Please enjoy my home, alas, I have been called away, but the servants will tend to your every need." She watched him walk away, puzzled at what she could have done for this man that warranted such favor, and it occurred to her that she couldn't remember arriving at the ChΓ’teau, let alone working for this man who for some reason she could never doubt. So why the doubt !
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Jul 6, 2014 21:50:45 GMT
After four days at the ChΓ’teau Akahi arrived ... She was in the pool, lazily swimming from end to end when she realized she was being watched. Dropping below the surface, she swam the full fifty meters to the other side then came up, her back to the ornately tiled wall of the pool. Lughaid's deputy, had sat down on one of the loungers and was watching her intently ... After a moment she pushed off and swam back to where he was waiting. She climbed out of the pool and allowed Akahi to help her on with the robe he was holding. "I see you are taking full advantage of the ChΓ’teau. Have you been horse riding yet ?" "Yesterday." she answered, wondering about the sudden familiarity. "John is waiting for you." he said, nodding towards the sprawling building, "You are to go on a small 'vacation' where he will expect you to carry out a small, almost insignificant, task for him. You will then be brought back here ... Providing you complete the task of course." Suddenly wary of the comment, she hesitated and turned to look at Akahi, who smiles sedately and motioned towards the house. they made their way to the large office, where Lughaid was sat at his desk. He got up and hugged Vyri as she entered, then asked he to sit in one of the ornate chairs beside the real fire. Sitting opposite, he stared into her eyes without speaking, and she could once more feel herself falling into his beep blue gaze. He spoke, almost inaudibly, but every syllable seemed crystal clear in her mind. The room vanished from her thoughts as the man before her whispered to her, then ..... She suddenly realized he was standing over her, a glass of golden liquid in his hand, waiting for her to accept the glass. "That is Armagnac, a Brandy from the region of France on Earth by the same name. Very rare indeed. I understand you have spent a lot of time in the gardens. They were pleasing to you I hope ?" he asked as he sat on the lounge chair opposite her, holding his glass up to view the naked flames from the burning logs in the hearth ... She sat in silence, listening to the man before her ...... oooooo She had gone to the park for the last three days, watching the children play, watching the enjoyment on their faces while she soaked in the warm sunshine. Now, on time, a young woman appeared, a little girl at her side, as usual itching to be allowed to run to her friends and play. It was just past noon and the young woman was the child's guardian. Her Mother, sadly passed away during the child's birth, her Father, a minor dignitary, was as usual in the Central Regulators Offices. Taking out one of her sandwiches, she watched the children play as another woman entered the playground. This woman moved among the parents and child-minders as if looking for someone, then approached the child's guardian ... They spoke for a moment then the young woman looked at the child, swinging back and forth, one of her friends pushing her ever higher to screams of excitement. The two women moved to the far side of the park, the guardian listening intently to the newcomer. Vyri put her sandwich down on the bench, then with one last check of her surroundings, she walked to the swings ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Jul 13, 2014 13:29:19 GMT
Tallac Embassy - Phycor III ...Akahi and Ren entered the Embassy, they knew where they were going, but made a point of asking reception for directions to a nearby officer. Once the young woman had helped them, they entered the turbo-lift and rose the three hundred and four floors. At this time of day, most of the employees would have left for home, only a few remaining to finish off. Ren pointed towards an office at the far end of the corridor and they made their way there ... Entering, they knew the outer office would be empty, having watched the man's assistant leave fifteen minutes earlier. They knocked on the inner door and were beckoned in: "May I help you gentlemen ?" the middle aged man asked, then sat open-mouthed as Ren pointed a phaser at the man's head. "Do not move Minister Eminx. I will have no qualms about firing this weapon." "What do you want ?" the Minister asked, eyes locked on the phaser as Akahi turned his Computer screen round and attached a small interface device, before turning the screen back, the screen remained blank. "You are in charge of access allocation's for the Desilli Corridor, are you not ?" Akahi asked, a little disappointed when the Minister denied any knowledge of the Corridor, "Minister ... I don't want us to start on the wrong foot here, so I will ask you again ... The Corridor, traversing the Desilli Nebula. Location of the main Deutronium Mines, supplying the Federation. You are the man responsible for allowing passage through this Corridor, are you not ?" "I am afr ....." the Minister began as Akahi activated the screen, Eminx choked back the remainder of the comment as he watched, his blood running cold at the sight, for there was his Daughter, playing happily in the park her child minder took her to every day, but the child minder was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a young woman with dark hair was standing behind the swing, pushing the child easily. "Now. Your child's guardian is sat with one of my colleagues, she is being held there. As you can see, another of my associates is helping entertain your lovely daughter for the time being. So, once we have your full co-operation my colleagues will leave the park and your guardian may return to your daughter and take her home ... Should you prove to be unhelpful then that situation will change rapidly. I hope you understand me Minister." Eminx nodded, it was all he could do as he watched his only child, oblivious to the danger she was in. Ren placed a PADD before the Minister and activated it. "You will transfer 'ALL' access codes and clearances for the Desilli Corridor to this device. Once my people can confirm their authenticity we will depart and allow you to continue your life with your Family." Eminx hesitated for a few seconds and Ren spoke into a concealed Comm. The woman pushing the swing began to send it a little higher, and higher, until Eminx could see his daughter beginning to ask to slow down. He immediately accessed the information and transferred it to the PADD, the swing began to slow and the child once more began to laugh. Akahi took the PADD and set up a sub-space transmitter on the desk. Connecting the PADD he sent the information then waited. A moment later a confirmation signal came through. Akahi ordered them to proceed before packing away the miniature device and nodding to Ren ... "You will need to accompany us Minister. Don't worry, your daughter and her charge will be perfectly save unless I fail to keep a scheduled contact. We are going to go to the roof, more private, and less chance someone may interrupt our little meeting." Taking the turbo-lift to the Observation Level they walked to the large plexi-glass screens around the perimeter of the building, Ren motioned to one of the chairs and the Minister dutifully sat down. Akahi set up the sub-space transmitter once more then went to the bar. He ordered drinks for the three of them from the auto-dispenser before returning to their table. Desilli Nebula ...
The ship approached the Corridor and received the request for clearance. They transmitted the code and were given access. Dropping to impulse they traversed the corridor and were assigned to a loading slot. Once their containers of spent Deutronium were unloaded, the fully automated mine began to replace them with full containers. On the moon above, personnel in the control center monitored the loading procedure and confirmed the ship was free to depart. Once again they were warned to remain at impulse through the corridor as any forming warp field would instantly destabilize the plasma filaments within the corridor ... The ship rose from the pad slowly, angled up at ten degrees, and began to climb away from the complex of mines. Once inside the corridor they jettisoned their cargo and exited. Clear of the corridor they jumped to warp one then opened a Comm link:
=^= Package delivered =^= was his only comment, then, Light-years away, Akahi entered a code then pressed the 'execute' button.
The spent Deutronium cases, all packed with a volatile explosive and flasks of Anti-matter ... Detonated ... The Desilli Nebula erupted in a cataclysmic holocaust, over one billion cubic kilometers gasses burned as plasma and anti-matter merged. It was doubtful the burning gaseous residue of the explosion would ever extinguish itself. A large portion of the Sector would be contaminated beyond levels previously unknown. But, more importantly, there would be no more Deutronium for the Federation for the foreseeable future. Yes, they had other sources of supply, but non on the level of the Desilli Mines ..... Phycor III ...On the Observation Roof of the Tallex Embassy, Akahi looked at the images from the ship with a smile on his face. Ren too knew that they had been successful once again. The Minister looked from one to the other, waiting to be allowed to go. Ren activated a small view-screen and turned it to face Eminx. The Minister wached, relief flooding through every fibre as he watched the child minder and another woman approach the swings. The child was clearly telling her guardian about enjoying the swings and the lady that had played with her while she was busy ... "Your child minder has been told she must show no outward sign that anything is wrong. She will remain on the park for fifteen minutes, at which time she will be allowed to take your daughter home. She will be watched until she enters the house, and 'ANY' attempt to inform the authorities, will result in the immediate death of the child." Akahi said, taking his equipment and standing, Eminx and Ren followed suit. "I .... I am free to go ?" the Minister asked, his voice shaking with both fear and relief. "You did as asked Minister, so yes, you are free to go." Akahi said, motioning towards the turbo-lifts. Eminx took a step away from the table then began to move towards the 'lifts when he suddenly felt himself grabbed from behind. Before he could react, Ren lifted the man bodily and stepped to the plexi-glass barrier ... Eminx screamed in fear as he was throw into open space and began his fall of over two kilometers to the ground below ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Aug 3, 2014 10:33:51 GMT
Standing beside the child on the swing, Vyri smiled then looked across the play area. There, the girls minder was sat, wide-eyed as she looked at the girl, the woman beside her talking softly and pleasantly about the weather, the time of year, anything that should a passer-by hear, would seem normal conversation. She nodded the Vyri who moved behind the girl on the swing. "Would you like me to push you for a while until your friend comes back ?" The girl looked back at the nice young lady and smiled, nodding and yelping as Vyri pushed her higher and higher, but not too high to frighten or upset her. She looked around the park for any signs they had been seen, but could see nothing. mother's pushed their babies along the winding pathway, Children ran and played ball, everything was fine. She kept the little girl amused and watched her companion closely for word they needed to kill the girl and escape, or they could leave and let the minder return unharmed. Another child jumped onto the swing next to the one they were using and shouted for her Mother to push her. She urged her to push until she was level with the girl beside her, and both Children laughed and giggled at the apparent competition between them. The woman made small-talk, saying she loved the dress her Daughter was wearing, and how little time she had to enjoy the park. Vyri smiled, saying pink suited her Daughter in return. As she looked at her companion the woman beside her continued to talk, Someone was walking up to the minder, saying something. Her companion began to look up but suddenly seemed to lean back, a male caught hold of her before she fell. Vyri never felt the tiny needle pierce her neck, the anaesthetic working quicker than her mind could process the fact the toxin was present ..... ~ Star Fleet Medical Center ~ ~ Earth ~ Slowly, she opened her eyes ... White ceiling, too white, it hurt her eyes for a moment and she had to close them for a few seconds ... This time she opened them slowly, allowing the light to filter in less harshly. She turned her head left and right, puzzled. White, everywhere, the wall's a curtain pulled back to one side of her bed. Suddenly someone spoke and she turned her head in the direction of the voice: "Ahh, good, you are awake my Child." the woman said, and she turned to see a nurse watching over her. She struggled to remember how she had got here, had she been in an accident, she must have been to be in, what, a hospital, "Don't try to speak for the moment, I will have someone help you sit up a little, then you can have a sip of water while we wait for the Doctor." Another woman, a nurse too, came in and the two helped her. They raised the headrest allowing her to lay back but more upright. A glass was held in front of her and she sipped at the cold refreshing liquid ... An elderly gentleman entered and looked over her head at readings on a screen before smiling at her while she drank. "You may leave us now Sister." the man said, waiting while the two women left the room, he moved a chair close to her bed and lifted her left arm, placing two finger's on her radial artery, "I still like to check the pulse myself." he said almost sheepishly. "Wher ....." "Don't try to speak for a moment." he said, recovering the glass from the bedside table and coaxing her to drink a little more, it seemed to do the trick. "Where am I .... Is thi .... This a hospital ?" "Yes, it is, of sorts." the doctor said, "I am Doctor Marcus Phynes, professor of Medicine. Can you tell me who you are ?" "Who I am ?" she asked, confused. "Yes my dear. Can you tell me your name ?" he said, lowering her arm to the bed and smiling reassuringly down at her. He took a hypo-spray and placed it against her neck, injecting the cold fluid, "This should help you a little. Now, can you remember your name for me ?" "It is ... Vyri." she said, a slight frown forming as if she wasn't sure. "OK. I don't want you to worry unduly, you are not injured in any way, but you 'have' suffered a trauma of sorts which could be affecting your recall ... Now then, what is the last thing you remember before waking today, can you describe anything you were doing ?" he asked, seeing the frown deepen as she tried to recall .... It was sunny, very warm, she could feel sand, almost white caressing her toes like silk. She was in a park, a see-saw, a long silver colored slide, children, children playing. She could see a little girl, swinging back and forth, the sand was warm and the sun shone in a cloudless sky. She was, pushing, yes, pushing the little girl, she was asking to go higher and higher, but she was afraid of her falling and hurting herself. She could see someone else there, another woman, trying not to cry, worry on her face as she looked at the little girl on the swing. Vyri was upset, a small tear forming in the corner of her eye ... Why was she there, who was the child, her's, no, that didn't sound right, she couldn't recall ever having a baby of her own, so who was ...... No, it wouldn't come. Another name, a woman, a friend maybe, she knew her she was sure. "It's OK my dear. Not to worry, I'm sure we will help you bring everything back in due course." Phynes said, raising from his seat and lowering her back down, "You should get some rest my child, and I will come and see you again tomorrow." he finished, moving out of her line of sight. She closed her eyes, suddenly feeling tired, and drifted into a deep sleep in seconds ... Phynes joined the man looking through the observation window into the room. "It is early day's yet. These things can take time if we are to return her to you as she was." "I appreciate you taking this on personally. I shall be here in the morning. But please, do not hesitate to contact me immediately should there be any change Professor." Sato said, not taking his eyes off his Daughter ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Aug 6, 2014 21:36:50 GMT
After several day's of what she had come to call the 'Q and A' sessions, where the Professor would come to see her, ask her numerous seemingly un-connected questions on a myriad of subjects, she began to play the game ..... She had been told, several times in fact, that her name wasn't Vyri. She knew this to be wrong, and had argued the fact to the point of having to be restrained by orderlies one one occasion, this she decided quickly, was not the way forward, so. She allowed the Professor, the Doctor's and Nurses to treat her with respect and compassion. In return, she became more and more compliant to their 'treatment' and even ceded that her name 'may' not actually be Vyri, but something else. Finally, during a visit from Doctor Phynes, he decided she was looking a little pale. "I think we should take advantage of the summer Sun, what do you think my child, a stroll in the gardens perhaps. In fact ..." he continued, answering his own query, "I think it's an excellent idea. You'll love the gardens." he finished, pressing a button over her bad and continuing the small talk util the sister arrived. "Outside ?" Vyri asked, sudden concern crossing her face. "Ahh, Sister. Let's get a chair for our patient. I think a walk around the garden's will do her the world of good, don't you ?" "Yes Professor." the woman said, waving in an orderly pushing what Vyri could only describe as a relic from times-gone-by ... They helped her out of bed, then into the wheelchair. The Professor leading the way, Vyri was pushed out of her room and into the sunshine. It was indeed warm, she could feel the caress of the sun on her face and arms as the orderly pushed her to a small section of the gardens set aside for privacy. The Sister placed a blanket over her knees, explaining that the sun at this time of the day could burn even the experienced, before she headed off for refreshments ... Phynes had sat himself in the shade of the oriental tree's as the orderly pushed her beside the table. The Doctor told her they may have guests joining them later if she was up to it. The orderly leaned in to put the breaks on the chair to prevent it from rolling away from the table ... Without hesitation, she flung both arms around his neck, and before he could react, she slammed her right knee into his face. Blood exploded over her white pyjama's and the man fell to the floor unconscious. She leaped from the chair looking round for the best direction to flee. She looked at Phynes, who seemed more disappointed than shocked at her actions, he was slowly shaking his head as he tapped his Comm badge. The gardens were enclosed on three sides by low, sprawling buildings, so she picked the obvious escape route and began running. Two orderlies appeared in her path, but held her up for seconds only as she dispatched both within as many seconds. She was running hard now, bare feet on the soft grass allowing her to sprint of evade as required. She had gone maybe three hundred meter's when four orderlies entered her line of sight and she altered her run to intersect the closest two first. It occurred to her that they could, if they so wanted, simply shoot her with some concoction, so maybe they were enjoying being the 'hounds' as mush as she was relishing playing the part of the 'hare'... As she removed the first of the obstacles, she eyed the second pair closing the distance to her, but there was another person too. An elderly gentleman, in Star Fleet uniform, sadness filled his eyes as he watched the young woman. She was about to pass the man when her spoke one word that almost, but not quite, stopped her in her tracks: "Elena !" ..... As she turned to look back at the old man, she sensed rather than felt, something penetrate her neck. Raising one hand she didn't complete the move, nor did she continue running as she fell face first, unconscious, onto the exquisitely manicured grass of the hospital grounds ..... ~~~~~~~~ Sato looked through the plexi-glass wall at the single occupant of the room. He couldn't ignore the leather strops around the young woman's wrists or ankles, nor the wide band across her hips, all effectively securing her to the bed beneath her. Marcus Phynes was stood beside him, watching as the nurses looked after their patient with tender, loving, care. A tear of sorrow found it's way from Tetsutaro's eye as he looked on. "Admiral. There 'are' quicker, more efficient, and proven, ways to break this programming. I urge you to let me begin treatment, before your Daughter is irreparably damaged mentally." "NO !" Sato said, a little too quickly, belying his anxiousness, "You will do this my way Professor, or if you prefer, I shall take Elena away from here and employ specialist's of my own." "..... And the restraint's ?" Sato took a long time in replying. "Professor. My duties as Head of Star Fleet Security, and Director of Intelligence Services, will, take me away from her bedside, but rest assured, I will be fully informed. You will do as you deem fit ..... Within reason ..... You will 'NOT' under any circumstances, begin any treatment without my prior consent, or that of my Adjutant, Captain Nya Leemond, who will remain with Elena at 'ALL' times !" "Understood Admiral." the man said, nerves frayed beyond anything he had previously encountered. With one last look at his Adopted Daughter, Sato touched the PADD that darkened the glass until it was completely black. With a nod to Phynes, he walked to Nya and spoke quietly, then left ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Aug 11, 2014 21:58:36 GMT
When Nia arrived at the room the next morning, two Security Officers stepped either side of the door to allow her to enter. Elena was asleep, but the nurse was already there waking her, Nia stayed to one side while the woman got on with her job, then walked to the bed. "How are you this morning Elena ?" she asked. "Vyri ... My name is Vyri, and I do not know you !" Nia pulled the nearby chair close to the bed and took hold of Elena's hand, conscious of Elena's eyes narrowing in suspicion. "No, Elena, your'e name isn't Vyri ... That was a pseudonym you took for the assignment. You don't remember me at all ?" Nia asked, receiving a shake of the head from Elena as she withdrew her hand, "We are friends Elena. We have been since I became Admiral Tetsutaro's Adjutant four years ago. We have actually been on holiday together, and you are my Daughters Godmother ... You don't remember any of this ?" "I don't know you. I'm sure you think you know me, but that isn't the case. Now, I'd prefer to be left alone." Vyri said, making sure there was no misconception regarding her statement, "NOW ... Please." A nurse enter the room, busying herself smoothing her patient's bedsheets before holding out a PADD: "What would you like for breakfast ?" she asked pleasantly, but Vyri just pushed the PADD to one side. The nurse had seen patients like this countless times, she was about to leave, shrugging, when Nia took the menu from her. "I think I'll have grapefruit, toast, butter, fresh orange, oh and a coffee please ... And so will she." she finished, handing the PADD back and watching the nurse leave, she followed her to the door and told the Security Officer's to decide among themselves who was taking a break first then sat back with Elena, "Now, where were we, yes, that holiday ....." Entering the lobby of Star Fleet Medical, Akahi and Ren casually moved to the open waiting area and sat down. They watched the movements of everyone, from Medical staff, to patients, to visitors. An orderly approached them casually and whispered to Ren:
"She is on the seventeenth floor, room one seven three eight. One of the Security Officer's should be going for a break soon. There's an auxiliary Room to the right of the turbo-lift, you'll find everything you need in there ready." the woman smiled, asking again if they were sure they didn't need anything, before heading off to her duties ...
Going to the floor above the one they needed, Akahi and Ren walked down the flight of stairs and into the room the orderly had informed them about. Five minutes later they left, dressed now in surgical blues and deep in conversation over information on the PADD Ren was holding. as they approached the lone Security Officer, he stepped aside, one hand drifting to the phaser on his belt as Ren dropped the PADD. He looked at the man stood off to the side, then at Ren, who was already raising the hypo' and sedating the man before he realized what was happening. Akahi carried him into the room opposite then sealed the door. Satisfied they were still undetected, they entered the room they needed ....... Nia lifted her head as the door opened, surprised to see two surgeon's entering, but the two intruder's hadn't realized that there was anyone else in the room, so there was a single second of 'stale-mate' before Ren headed toward Vyri, and Akahi moved around the bed to ensure the other woman didn't interfere. Ren was raising a phaser, obviously intent on killing Elena. Nia raised the phaser she had concealed under her blouse and fired at the assailant as Akahi slammed into her, knocking the weapon from her grasp. Ren had dropped his weapon as the beam from Nia's phaser slammed into his shoulder, numbing his arm for a second. He climbed onto the bed, sitting astride Vyri and put his hands to her throat. "I'm sorry." he whispered as he increased pressure, choking off her air supply instantly. Suddenly, the nurse who had taken the breakfast order entered, her eyes on the tray she didn't see what was happening for a fraction of a second, but then the tray dropped from her grasp and she slammed the 'panic strip' on the wall, backing into the corridor shouting for help ... Akahi and Ren both knew that then needed to get out, capture was simply not an option. With one last effort at strangling Vyri, he jumped from the bed and joined Akahi at the door ... They had only one chance to escape, and Ren activated the 'Fire Suppressant System' using the remote supplied by John. In the confusion they escaped the Medical facility. With the help of Security and nursing Staff, Nia managed to get to her feet, moving to the bedside of her friend and Sato's adopted Daughter. If Elena was dead, she would never forgive herself ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Aug 15, 2014 21:36:45 GMT
Akahi and Ren moved through the Medical center, looks of confusion on their faces as the order to evacuate the building had been announced. They left the area without being questioned as Star Fleet Security began to flood into the building. Within the hour they were back at the place they were to meet John ...
Entering the house, both men looked at each other, fear in their eyes as they approached their leader.
"Where is she ?" John asked.
"We couldn't get her out of the building." Akahi began as John came around his desk to stand before his two most trusted disciples, "There was a woman in the room with her. We got past the guards using the information supplied by our follower, but she failed to inform us that she was being guarded inside the room also."
"You will go back." John said simply, menacingly.
"It will be imposs ....." The back of John's hand slammed into Ren's face like a bolt of lightening, knocking the shocked man back and off his feet. He wiped the blood running from the tear in his lip but remained on the floor, fearing further punishment for their failure.
"With respect ....." Akahi began, hesitating for a second as John's piercing eyes locked on his, "They will undoubtedly move Vyri now."
John looked back at Ren, still prone against the wall, blood flowing from the deep cut in his lower lip. He moved back to his desk and sat down. His patience was wearing thin, his plans to use Vyri were now useless. But he needed to know if it was possible she was being held against her will, and if so, would she have come willingly if asked. He looked up at Akahi, who somehow knew what John was thinking.
"You said she was not alone. Were they talking, was it a Star Fleet Officer ?"
"No ... It seemed to be ... A woman, a friend, or at least that was the impression we got before the firing sta ....." he stopped speaking quickly, knowing it was too late.
"Firing ?"
"You gave strict instructions John. If we were unable to persuade Vyri to come back, then ...." Akahi said shakily, "The woman fired on us, we had no option but to kill her and, and ensure Vyri could not reveal any information about you or our plans. We had to work quickly when the alarm was raised."
"How did she die ?"
"By my own hand." Akahi said, kneeling before the ornate desk and awaiting john's wrath, but it didn't come, and after a long moment Akahi dared looked up. John was still in his seat, elbows on the desk, his head resting in his hands. Both men knew that their Leader had feelings for their new member, and that he was grooming her to take on a more substantial role within the society once she had proved herself, maybe even eventually taking the place of one of the two stood before him now. Akahi dared not say that he wasn't one hundred percent sure Vyri had died.
"Get out." John whispered ........ Less than a kilometer away, Sato was in a meeting of Security Senior Staff when he was informed of a problem at the Medical Center. Leaving the meeting without explanation, he listened intently to the report supplied before ordering a full lock-down of the building and surrounding area. No-one was to enter or leave the Medical Facility without exception. On arrival he went straight to Elena ..... The floors above and below the one his Daughter was on had been cleared of all patients and personnel. He entered the room to see a scene from a war zone. Equipment was strew around the room, blood on the wall's and floor showed there had been a struggle. Several medical staff were treating Nia for her injuries, but the most frightening sight was that of his Daughter, arms out at her side as Doctor's fought to keep her alive. The thyroid cartilage had been crushed as Akahi had slammed his fist into her throat in frustration, and she was bleeding internally. One of the medical staff took hold of Sato and ordered him to leave the room. The Admiral almost argued, but thought better and reluctantly stepped into the corridor. One minute became five, then ten, then thirty ... Finally, the Chief Medical Officer came out of the room. "We have managed to stabilize her Admiral." the man said, seeing the elderly man before him physically slump from the relief, "She isn't out of danger. We had to synthesize a section of trachea and have now placed her in stasis until the graft takes hold. We need to move her to the Intensive Care Unit immediately." Nia came out of the room, unable to stop the tears at the sight of Tetsutaro. "I am so sorry Admiral. I tried to ....." Sato put his arms around the young woman and allowed her sob into his shoulder for a moment as she regained her composure. Two orderlies, flanked by Security Officer's came along the corridor, an anti-grav bio-bed between them. But Tetsutaro was not allowing his Daughter to remain in any form of danger: "NO !" he said, halting the men in their tracks, the orderlies looking at the Head of Medicine for guidance, "I want my Daughter ready to leave in five minutes. I am taking her somewhere safe." "I cannot allow this ... With 'ALL' due respect, your judgement may be impaired, given your relationship with the patient. I must insist she be allowed to remain in the Facility until her condition is stable. At that point I may be open to allowing her to be moved, but only then, and only on my express order, do I make myself clear, Admiral ?" "Ten minutes Doctor. If I have to have you removed from your position, I will do so. I will personally undertake full responsibility for my Daughters' well being, and once I have her safe from harm she will be cared for until recovered." Sato turned to Nia, ignoring the protests of the Chief of Medicine. He ordered a shuttle and asked for the Hinoiri to be ready to depart once they were on board. Captain Leemond tapped her Comm badge and contacted the Admiral's Flag Ship. then she followed him into the room and stood beside him as he held onto Elena's hand ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Aug 17, 2014 21:42:39 GMT
The orderly watched as the Doctor's placed the body into the stasis chamber. She was confused. Why place a dead body in a stasis chamber to move it to the hospital morgue. Then it occurred to her, the woman wasn't dead ! Inconspicuous, she moved towards the room carrying supplies and a medical tricorder. Kneeling beside one of the injured she began to treat the man's injuries as four Security Officer's came out of the room, the stasis chamber hovering between them. The woman, the one who had been sat with Vyri was there too, brushing off attempts from a medic to examine her more thoroughly. She got off her knees and began moving along the corridor, meter's behind the bed hoping to hear where they were taking her. She was in luck ... ooooo "I am positive Master." she said, kneeling before John. "You saw her. Alive !" "well, she was being placed in the stasis chamber, but there would be no need to do so unless there was a fear of immediate contamination, or ... Or she was severely injured but alive. They could move her easier with little chance of any injury escalating." "Where have they taken her ?" John asked, looking directly at Akahi, who knew he was in trouble. "They, I think they are taking her to a ship, either in orbit or in the Space Station ... I heard the Admiral demand she be moved there without fail. He seemed to be, concerned about her well being." "The Admiral is Tetsutaro, Head of Star Fleet Security ..." Akahi offered, hoping it would save his life, "He was there when we were in the foyer, talking to two of the medical staff. He was giving instructions for her to be guarded." Ren was sat to one side, a computer terminal before him. He entered the Admiral's name and got the usual Star Fleet information available to member's of the general public, but it also mentioned his Flag Ship, the USS Hinoiri, currently docked at the Star Base. If they were taking the woman there it was going to be almost impossible to reach her. He waited patiently while John thanked the orderly, telling her that she would be rewarded for her vigilance and hard work, something others should take note of ... When the orderly left, John sat down, eyes locked on Akahi. Ren informed them of what he had found. "By your own hand." John said quietly, seeing his most trusted disciple wither under the stare, "You said you had killed her by your own hand, isn't that correct Akahi ?" "I ...." "Go to the ship. I don't care how you do it, but get on that ship. Take whoever you need, but ... If you fail me Akahi, there will be no forgiveness !" John said, tapping information into his own screen, "There is a shuttle leaving for the 'Base in thirty minutes, you will be on it. You should have no trouble entering from the cargo area." ..... ooooo Moving to the roof of Star Fleet Medical, the entourage quickly boarded the waiting shuttle that had been dispatched from the USS Hinoiri. securing the stasis chamber the shuttle lifted smoothly and headed into orbit. Seven minutes later it was entering the dome section of the massive orbiting Star Base moving to dock with Tetsutaro's ship. They quickly transferred the chamber from the shuttle and up to Sick Bay, where two of the best surgeon's were waiting.
They waited patiently, going over what they needed to do as Elena was removed from stasis and prepared, then, with one final nod from the Admiral sitting in his office on Earth, they began ..... The operation itself took over two hours, in which time the surgeons replaced the crushed epiglottis, the oesophagus, the thyroid and cricoid cartilage. Surface skin regeneration would be carried out and finally, Elena was moved to a side room off the main operating area to begin her recovery ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Aug 23, 2014 15:07:10 GMT
The orderly had confirmed what John had been thinking, Vyri wasn't who she had claimed to be ! He had acquired a visual record from the hospital and had gone through it to identify all those involved. Now, Akahi and Ren were on their way to the Space Station, they needed new instructions. John thought for a moment then opened a secure channel to one of his operatives, she would inform his two disciples of the task they needed to perform. He closed the Comm and looked at the image of the young woman: "Elena De Luca. Adopted daughter of Admiral Sato Tetsutaro .... You're time is limited my dear !" he said through clenched teeth. ooooo Stepping from the cargo shuttle, Akahi and Ren moved to the back of the cargo bay to await instructions as to when they could leave safely. Within the hour the doors opened and a woman casually stepped into the room, a crewman with her. She was explaining that the chest she was picking up was in here somewhere and had persuaded the man to go find it. They watched the man move deeper into the bay and edged around until they were close to the door. A nod from the woman told them they were safe to leave ... They waited patiently while the woman apologized for the error and promised to chastise whoever had supposedly send her the chest. With a smile she left the man and made her way out of the cargo area, John's two disciples close behind. Once away from the cargo area she stepped into a small bar and sat at a table, the two men joining her. "I have instruction's ....." she said, falling silent as the bartender asked for their orders and departed, "The woman ... You are to kill her quickly." "Kill her, no, John want's her bringing ba ....." "Kill her !" the woman spat, "She is the daughter of the Head of Star Fleet Security. A Colonel in Intelligence no less, and John want's her dead before her conditioning is broken and she reveals information that would certainly damage our leader." the woman said, watching the two closely as she had been ordered to, "We watched the arrival. the woman was taken by shuttle to the Admiral's Flag Ship, the USS Hinoiri. It is a given that she will be under less scrutiny while aboard her Father's vessel, and this should present you with the opportunity to get aboard the ship and carry out your task. It has been arranged that you will be taken off the base once you have confirmed her death." She looked around, making sure they were not being observed, then took a small phaser-like weapon from her pocket. She told Akahi not to move then placed the device against his thigh, pressing the trigger. Akahi felt the compressed pellet shoot into his muscle. She turned to Ren and repeated the action, before returning the gun to her pocket. The barkeep arrived with their drinks and she made small talk about how happy she was about the wedding. "What did you put into my leg ?" Ren asked dangerously. But the woman just grinned, looking from one to the other before sipping at the cool drink, "I won't ask you again. What did you put in my leg !" "The capsule contains a neuro-toxin from the Arcllya System. The toxin is impossible to duplicate synthetically, as is the antidote. The Arcllya are extremely adept at designing such things ... The capsule is undetectable and time-sensitive ... On contact with any 'DNA' source it begins a countdown. In precisely twenty four hours, to the second, the toxin will be released. Without the antidote you will be dead five seconds later. A further minute, and all traces of the capsule and it's contents will vanish completely ... Oh, so you are aware, the capsule is programmed to defend itself against tampering or attempted removal. Should you try, it will release the toxin immediately. You need to make sure you fully understand that !" "Why would John do this ?" Ren asked, confusion and worry on his face. "It is obvious. We failed him." Akahi said, touching the point on his thigh where the capsule was injected, "He feels we need to prove ourselves once more, thus the precautions. He fears we may speak if captured and questioned and cannot allow that to happen." He finished, knowing full well that anyone defying the Master usually ended up dead, so their 'encouragement' to complete the task at hand was their last chance of remaining with the Sect, and possibly in their high-standing positions. Should they fail, they simply die ..... "I must leave." the woman said suddenly, "Remain here for fifteen minutes. A dockworker will sit at the next table, he will supply you with phaser's and Security Passes to allow you to move freely within the Docking Area. You will get aboard the Hinoiri and kill the girl. Once you have completed your task you will return here ... You have twenty three hours fifty four minutes. I suggest you allow time to return to Earth in your calculations of your remaining lifespan." "Earth !" Ren said, attracting the attention of several other's in the bar. "You expect John to give 'ME' the antidote ?" she asked grinning at his obvious naivety, before getting up to kiss Akahi on the cheek telling them they should meet after her duty shift. Then she was gone, leaving the two men, dumbstruck at the turn of events ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Aug 30, 2014 12:18:08 GMT
In isolation aboard the USS Hinoiri, Elena slept, but it was a restless, uneasy sleep: The building was high, too high. Standing on the narrow ledge she was almost transfixed by the view ahead. She had been standing on the ledge for only a moment, but already her calves and feet were beginning to ache from the strain of holing herself against the wall. Her hands were resting on her thighs, she dare not move them for fear of over-balancing, if she did so her plummet to the ground below would take only a few seconds.
She was trying hard to remember how or why she had climbed out onto the ledge, but it was impossible, she was simply 'there' and that was the end of it, the reasons seemed moot at this point in time she decided.
"Look down my dear. Go on, you won't fall, but I need you to look down toward the ground below."
Yet again she ignored the bodiless voice, she knew it was inside her head anyway, so no point in trying to find the speaker.
"I am beginning to loose patience my dear, now, look down !"
She was fighting the voice, trying so hard not to do as it was demanding, but she was faltering. She knew that to follow the instruction would mean her certain death as vertigo overwhelmed her muscles and she fell forward. She concentrated on the spire of the building opposite, watching as the sun reflected from it's metallic surface, she knew deep down that if she could stay fixated on the spire she would have a chance, however small, to fight against the voice in her head.
Suddenly, impossibly, she felt something in the small of her back. Her mind identified what it was, a hand, fingers spread, it seemingly caressed her skin, warm to the touch. It couldn't really be there, she knew that, but her senses defied and overrode her logical mind, telling her the hand was very real ... She was fighting the impulse to lift her back away from the hand, but knew that if she took it off the wall she would fall. One finger began making a slow circle before the hand moved up her back, then slowly downwards until it was resting against her behind. In any other circumstances it would have been almost seductive, a prelude to something more intimate, and her body was beginning to react to the foreplay, a warm feeling building, her hands clenching in anticipation of the promised sexual encounter.
"You must look down my dear ... Look down NOW !"
Suddenly the hand began to apply more pressure to the small of her back. She could feel her backside coming away from the tentative safety of the wall. Fear welled inside her as the hand applied yet more force. Her pelvis was now seemingly thrust forward, only her heels and shoulders in contact with the wall. She raised her eyes, looking at the very tip of the spire before her, fighting with every fibre of her mind to deny the voice and it's demands.
"You disappoint me my dear. I really did think you would have one day succeeded me in my efforts, but alas ...."
The hand applied yet more pressure, her shoulders lost contact with the wall and she could feel herself loosing the fight to balance, then it happened .... Gravity overcame her bodies' desire to survive and she slowly, ever so slowly, pitched forward. She lost sight of the spire as the wind began to flow through her hair, the first second of weightlessness passed and she began her fall to the ground far below. She didn't tumble end over end, but seemed to fall face-down, watching the ground race up to meet her. Everything seemed to be moving in some bizarre slow motion now, as she looked at the faces of the shocked, frightened people looking up at her. She saw them stepping back, almost making way for her to impact the unforgiving surface.
She looked sideways, in that last micro-second of life, and stared into the eyes of a child. The girl, maybe four or five, holding on to a red baloon was smiling sweetly, almost as if she had been waiting for Elena to arrive at ground level, then ..... The scream shocked everyone in Sick-bay. Doctors and nurses rushed to the isolation room. Security Personnel, posted outside to protect Elena almost jumped out of their skins at the terrifying scream that came from the room behind them. They rushed in, stopping instantly at the sight before them. Elena was sat bolt-upright in the bed, her hair a tangled mess, her hands before her as if trying to protect herself against some unknown foe. Blood from her nose was running freely over her lips, her eyes impossibly wide, but everyone was looking at her hands. Her fingernails were torn and bloodied, dirt and cement dust encrusted on the palms of her hands, but their attention was drawn to what she was holding, because there floating innocently above her head, tethered by a fine thread .... Was a red balloon ! ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Sept 6, 2014 20:15:38 GMT
Akahi and Ren watched the woman leave, she waved at the door as if they had been long friends. Neither spoke for a moment, each coming to terms with what was happening to them, and both wondering if they had a future, they had witnessed John's wrath on numerous occasions, and he was anything but forgiving of failure by a Disciple.
A man in work coveralls sat down at the next table, he began to eat the sandwich brought from the bar and read something on the PADD he had in front of him. Akahi and Ren sat watching the man silently, neither wanting to speak for fear this wasn't their contact. But they needn't have worried as he put down the unfinished fare and turned to them casually.
"You're the new arrivals. I expected you over an hour ago." he said, making sure he was overheard by those on the tables close-by, "You were told to meet me in Maintenance Four on this level, and I find you both sat here whiling the time away. Hardly a good start !"
".... Apologies." Ren said quietly. The man passed the PADD to him and told them both to get changed. Instructions were on the PADD and he would meet them here in thirty minutes. As they walked out the man fired another scathing comment on temporary staff and their confirmed unreliability.
~~~~~
Walking back into the bar, they were shocked to see their contact enjoying small-talk at the bar. They walked over and handed the PADD back.
"Ahh, about time." he said, handing a satchel-type bag over to Akahi, "You're Security Identification is in there, get them out and pin them on, you'll get nowhere fast without them. OK, lets take a look at what I can put you to work on first." he said, grinning to the barman as if he was playing with the newbies, Good, something right up your ally ... Waste disposal issue on the USS Hinoiri ... Report to my Deputy on-board, he'll get you to work ... Oh, and if I catch you in here again without reporting you'll be scrubbing plasma conduits into your sixties. Now Get over to the Hinoiri."
Akahi and Ren looked at the satchel then at the man, who's eyebrows were raising in anticipation of having to kick the two over there bodily. They left quickly.
~~~~~
Five minutes saw them stood opposite the walk-way onto the Excelsior Class Hinoiri. They began to chat casually as they approached, seeing the Security Officer stationed at the entrance begin to step into their path, he waved a hand-scanner over their identification badges and waved them on. Akahi took the PADD out of the satchel and pulled up a schematic of the ship, then asked the ships computer for the location of their contact and were directed to Deck Ten - Maintenance Section ... five minutes later they met the woman they had been directed to:
"About bloody time !" she said without preamble before heading to one of the side rooms. Once inside she handed Ren a small bag, inside were two type One phaser's then a work order to get them to Deck Seven, and Sick-bay, "Don't look at those as if they are going to bite. it took a 'LOT' of favours to get hold of those things, they have been modified to fire a modulated narrow beam. Whatever you do, don't allow them to be taken from you. It has one setting and that's maximum, you can cause an overload by trying to reset the output level, so try not to unless you want to remove yourself from existence. There is an issue with the data transition modulators outside Sick-bay, that is where you are going to be working. how you get inside is your problem, but I would seriously advise you do so, or don't it makes no difference to me, but it will to John !"
They had questions, but the woman left them the second she had done speaking ..... Without waiting, they left the Maintenance Section and entered the nearest turbo-lift:
"Deck Seven." Akahi requested.
Stepping off the 'lift they touched the wall panel, which lit up asking them if they needed help:
"Which way is Sick-bay."
"Turn to your right and follow the green indicator lines." the ship replied helpfully illuminating a moving line of green on the wall beside them.
"How the hell do we ge ....."
"Be quiet !" Akahi spat as Ren began to speak, "We'll have to figure that out when we get there, Oh, we're here ... open the panel, let's at least 'look' as if we are supposed to be here OK." he said, dropping the satchel to the floor and taking out a diagnostic tricorder. Handing it to Ren he leaned against the wall, trying to give the appearance that he had countless other places he would rather have been at this point in time, but he was watching the doors to Sick-bay, trying to see how many personnel were in there and if they could simply walk in. he felt the small phase in his pocket, wondering vaguely if it actually worked, and for a second doubted it, but John needed this woman dead, so giving them defunct equipment was defeating the object before they even started, and all it would get him was these two under arrest, and Vyri very much alive he decided ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Sept 10, 2014 0:18:41 GMT
Akahai and Ren worked on hoping to find a window of opportunity to enter Sick-bay and carry out their task, but it was impossible, the large Medical Center of the Hinoiri was constantly staffed. There was no way at this point in time they could simply walk in, kill a woman, then walk out freely.
"How long before we need to be back on Earth ?" Ren asked nervously shifting from foot to foot.
"Will you relax. You are going to attract attention, and while 'you' may want to get caught, I want this thing out of my leg before it 'KILLS' me !"
"Crewman, what are you doing here ?" The two turned at the voice. It was a Lieutenant Commander in the gold of Security, he was looking into the open panel between them. He stepped back when the two turned and was obviously suspicious of their activity, "Do you have work orders to be in there ?"
Akahi took out the PADD and handed it to the man, who scrutinized the instructions to swap a faulty relay.
"Why do you need access to Sick-bay ?" he asked, studying the blank faces on the two crewmen, "Step away from the panel gentlemen while I check these orders." he tapped his Comm badge and spoke to the Maintenance Crew Officer. He asked for their identification passes and scanned them before handing them back, "These orders require you to enter Sick-bay to check the system is repaired, you can do that from out here, so I'll ask once more, why do you need access to Sick-bay ?"
"Sorry Commander ? ... We didn't even know that we needed to go in there. Maybe it was a mistake when the maintenance chit was drawn up. You know how these things happen." Akahi said, shrugging the order off as an error.
"Get your work completed and move on to your next job." the man said, tapping his Comm badge:
=^= Commander Walsh .. Can you sand an Officer to deck seven section four delta .. Sick-bay main entrance .. I need the door covered during maintenance =^=
=^= On the way Commander =^= Walsh looked at the two men who had stood motionless while he was having the conversation.
"Get on with it." he ordered, leaning against the bulkhead opposite watching them closely.
Akahi and Ren turned back to the open panel and began to work ... Both had some knowledge but nowhere near enough to fool someone looking over their shoulder. Taking a bio-gel relay from it's fitting Ren knelt on the deck and took out a portable scanner. Setting the gel-pak on the device he ran a sequence of checks while Akahi replaced a second piece of the large relay system. The commander was beginning to loose interest as his replacement arrived. Theo two Security Officer's stepped off to one side and spoke quietly, before the new arrival took up position opposite them, Walsh walked past eyeing the two.
"Evening gentlemen." he said.
Fifteen minutes pasted and both John's disciples knew there was nothing more they could do to the relay without arousing more suspicion ... Packing their equipment away they referred to the PADD for their next assigned repair.
"Zero-G gymnasium, Deck Fifteen." Ren said, looking up and down the corridor for the nearest turbo-lifts. They nodded to the Security Officer as they passed him, hoping he wasn't going to follow them. They were wrong ... As they approached the turbo-lift he was standing a few meters away eyeing them both. As they stepped inside and the doors closed, they could see him tap his Comm badge .....
"Deck Fifteen." Akahi requested, then a second later, "Halt ... Deck Seven."
"What are you doing ?" Ren asked, instantly falling silent as the back of his associates hand slammed into his mouth ... The doors opened and Akahi quickly headed back to Sickbay, followed closely by a bleeding Ren. As they reached the door Akahi grabbed him and shouted for assistance ... One of the nursing staff ran over and took Ren's arm leading him to the nearest Bio-bed. Akahi was explaining that an access panel had blown open and hit his colleague in the face, he had been knocked unconscious for a second but as they were so close be decided to bring him than asked for Medical assistance. The nurse was agreeing that he had done the right thing and luckily the injury was only cut lips, a couple of loose teeth, and a bruised jaw ...
Akahi was looking around Sick-bay, realizing his target was only meter's away in one of the two side-rooms. But which ! ..... He knew he had seconds before Security realized they hadn't gone to Deck fifteen. Reaching below his coverall Akahi took out the phaser and placed it against the nurses, cheek:
"Don't shout out. This is set to maximum ... Now ..." he said, looking around to ensure his actions hadn't been noticed, "You have a woman in one of those rooms. I need to know which one, and right away. Believe me, you need to answer or I'll kill you, then everyone in here, and go look for myself !" he whispered in her ear as Ren sat motionless on the bed.
"Room two ... To your right." the young woman said nervously.
"OK, now, we're going to wander over there and step inside. My injured friend here will lay down and rest for a few moments. Should we encounter any difficulties, or you have a change of heart he will kill everyone in here. Do we understand each other my dear ?" the nurse nodded silently, stepping away from the bed and walking as casually as she could manage toward the side room. Suddenly, someone across the room spoke to her and she turned, it was all Akahi could do to stop the increasing pressure on the phaser's activation pad.
"Yes, you can release the Ensign now Emily, make sure he uses the muscle stimulator for the next couple of days, then we'll look at his return to duty." she answered as if nothing was wrong before continuing into the private room, Akahi close behind ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Sept 12, 2014 21:25:33 GMT
"Who's been in here !" the doctor shouted, looking at the balloon now lazily bouncing off the ceiling.
"No-one Doctor. I have no idea how that got in here." the Head Nurse said, as confused as her Boss.
It took fifteen minutes to calm Elena down to the point where she would sleep unaided. They left the room and continued with their assigned task's while checking on the Deputy Security Chief hourly. No-one noticed the two technician's as they entered Sick-bay, nor did they give it a second thought what they were seen speaking with one of the junior nursing staff.
Elena had managed to sleep for a grand total of ninety minutes what she woke ... Nothing unusual for her, as she was the lightest of sleepers at the best of times. Checking the chronometer over the door, she was surprised to see it was almost midnight, so she had slept for almost fourteen hours ! ... She wasn't surprised when the door opened and a young nurse entered. In fact, she had already turned away when she realized the girl wasn't alone. Something instantly put her on her guard as the two men looked back at the main area beyond the door before closing and locking it. She was too weak to move so simply watched the men expressionless ...
"Sit over there. Don't move, and don't try to raise the alarm ... You won't live to see that door open, do you understand ?" Ran asked the nurse, who nodded silently.
One of the men approached the bed and took out an aged phaser from his coverall's. He checked the setting then pointed it at her face:
"Well Vyri ....... It seems you have upset our leader somewhat. John has sent us here to kill you, and apparently, our escape, or indeed survival, is of little concern to him." Akahi said venomously as he stared down at the woman before him, "You don't have anything to say in your defence ... No pleading that we don't shoot ?" Elena lay watching the man before her, refusing to look at the weapon that would cause her imminent death. She could see her refusal to plead, or beg, was annoying him, and a wry smile crossed her lips for a second.
"Get it done !" Ren said, eyes flicking between the door and the bed. If he had been watching the nurse, he would have seen her taking a hypo-syringe from under her tunic. she placed it under her leg and waited for the man to turn away, then she slipped off the seat and knelt behind the man. Placing the syringe against the man's thigh and pressed the activation button. He dropped like a stone ... Akahi spun and raised the phaser, but it was kicked from his grasp by Vyri before she climbed to her knees and grasped the man by the throat pulling him onto her knees. With two fingers securely pressing against his carotid artery, he began to loose consciousness quickly, bed bed cover impeding his attempts to free himself ... The nurse steeped close to the bed and slammed a fist into Akahi's temple and as darkness fell on his consciousness, Vyri released her grip and allowed him to fall to the deck ......
~~~~~
"Ahh, we're awake then." Vryi said casually as she noticed Akahi and Ren regaining their senses before looking around confused, "You can attribute you're current situation to nurse Nightingale here, and 'please' no puns about her name. You can call her Jen. She is damn good at her job, and totally loyal to my continued survival ...... Now, I think it is time we all scrambled onto the same page, don't you ?"
"What the hell are you talking about !" Ren spat, receiving a smack in the mouth from Jen, who seemed to be enjoying herself.
"Now now. No need to be disrespectful here." Vyri said, running her fingers through Jen's untethered hair, "As you might, or obviously might not have, noticed, I'm not up here on my own .... I recruited my young friend here some time ago, but to be totally honest, it never occurred to me that I would need her help so soon. So .... Let's recap, OK ?"
"DON'T !" Jen suddenly said, aiming one of the antiquated phaser's in Akahi's direction as he tried to stand, "I'd hate to kill you at this point."
"Right ... We're on a Star Ship." Vyri stated unnecessarily, "It just so happens that John has need of a Star Ship, and this one we thought, was as good as any." she sat on the Bio-bed watching the two men before her trying to work out what was happening, almost pleased when both seemed to realize their situation simultaneously, "Ahh, the proverbial penny drops, so to speak. You are both former Fleet Officers, and as such, will come in handy for what I ha ........"
"Know your 'PLACE' Vyri !" Akahi spat, ignoring the weapon in his face, "You are a disciple of John, and as such, you are an underling of both myself and Ren. You would do well to remember that. Not that it matter's" he said, touching his thigh where the capsule was implanted. Vyri and Jen grinned, and Ren realized that 'SHE' was the woman in the bar !
"Hmm, the poisonous capsules, well ..." Vyri said watching the two men as they checked the time remaining before their deaths, "Saline I'm afraid, nothing more ..... If the information John gave me is correct, both of you were once a graduates of the Academy, one in Command, the other as Navigation, correct ? .... Don't test my patience here gentlemen. I fully acknowledge your position within John's group, as I accept mine, but I, not you, was in the best position to get us all aboard this vessel, and as such, shall remain in charge for the time being. I am sure John is willing to listen to any argument you may have if, or when, we return to the compound. I welcome, indeed, 'need' any input from both of you as to how we proceed, but it will ultimately be 'MY' responsibility, not yours, if we fail in our task, OK ?."
Jen checked the door once more, nodding to Vyri that they were safe and no-one had raised any alarm. Then she handed the phaser's back to Akahi and Ren, telling them to get off the floor. She handed Ren a small satchel, opening it so he could see what it contained:
"That is a sub-pre-process module interface. Inserted into the right console it will automate numerous stations on the Bridge and allow a minimal crew to fly this ship. You will need to get it to one of the tertiary multi-purpose sub-systems, like the replicator system. The program will insert itself undetected from there, and as long as we have the master override, we should be able to do whatever we need to. Ren, you'll see a work order on your PADD to repair the secondary transporter relay in the cargo-bay. There's a replicator there for harness and fixtures, you will insert the program there then come back here." Vyri said, glancing at Jen before continuing, "Akahi, you will need to get onto the Bridge. Enter this access code into any station then leave." shesaid, handing him a slip of paper.
"What about Secur ......" Ren said.
"Do as you are told. If you do that, and don't look as if you want to get caught, everything will be fine. If not, then you die, I get more treatment and eventually they will admit defeat and dump me in some sanatorium or other, from which John will get me." she said, laying on the Bio-bed and closing her eyes, as if the 'interview' was over. Jen opened the doors and the two men left Sick-bay. They had a task to perform, and while they didn't understand the nuances of John's plan, they didn't need to ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Oct 30, 2014 14:48:48 GMT
~ Part Two ~ Ren :::Taking the satchel, Ren left Sick-bay and headed towards the nearest turbo-lift ..... As he stepped in he almost reversed his direction as he came face to face with two of the Hinoiri's Senior Officers. They ignored him as he tentatively stepped inside and requested Deck Fourteen. He stood with his back to the man and woman, hoping neither would deem to engage him in conversation. With luck, they left a moment later leaving him alone.
The 'lift halted and he stepped out casually making his way along the corridor seemingly engrossed in the information on the PADD he was carrying. Several Officer's and Crew passed in the opposite direction and he chose to ignore each in turn, until he finally reached his goal ... Taking a breath, he stepped up to the doors that opened as he approached, then he was inside. Looking left and right he located the cargo bay control system's panel on the wall and released the cover. His Star Fleet training and experience on training vessel's had prepared him, but nowhere near enough !
The open panel revealed a myriad of connection's, truncated conduits, fibre-optic and bio-neural transport units. His mind was spinning at the complexity before him and he wondered vaguely how things could have advanced in the five years since he left Star Fleet. He checked the PADD, hoping beyond hope that Vyri had supplied some sort of schematic he could work from, but no such luck. He considered replacing the panel and going back to her, but he knew his failure would be reported to John, and he was already receiving unwanted attention from their Master. He moved his eyes left to right, then found what he hoped he was searching for, but the panel was half hidden and there were umpteen strands of optical cable between him and the connection ... Reaching up, he inched his hand toward the fist cable, so engrossed in his task, he failed to hear the cargo bay doors slid open, or the fact that someone had entered. He was a mere millimeter from his first cable when:
"Crewman ..... What are you doing here ?"
His heart almost stopped as the voice entered his head. He could feel himself loosing control and fought to regain some sort of composure before turning to face the questioner. The man was thick-set, rough, and wearing a Master Chief insignia, "Lost you're tongue ?" the man asked, inching menacingly closer to scrutinize him.
"I ......." Ren began, trying to control his voice before the man lost patience and throttled the information out of him, "I was ordered to replace the sub-processor relay for the replicator's on decks twelve and thirteen, I've just been assigned and to be honest I'm still trying to find my way around without having to ask every thirty seconds." he said, trying to look sheepish.
"You learned the layout of the Excelsior Class when you were assigned didn't you ?"
"Yes, but this is my first Star Ship, and I felt a little overwhelmed .... I would be grateful if my idiocy didn't get back to the Chief Engineer, I'm already in his bad books."
"Get on with you duties Crewman. We're de-compressing this bay in forty five minutes to bring equipment aboard, so you need to be done and out by then ... Understand."
"Yes Chief, and thank you." Ren said, nodding appreciatively at the man's understanding then turned back and pulled out the first fibre-optic cable he could lay his hands on. The Chief watched him work for a long moment before turning on his heels and leaving him alone. Managing to continue breathing, Ren disconnected numerous cables, watching as their designated task was automatically re-routed. Satisfied he had managed to fool the Chief he allowed a small smile to form before he doubled his effort to finish the task and get the hell out of there.
Outside the cargo bay the Chief looked back at the doors, a frown forming ... He tapped his Comm badge:
=^= Chief Tesniak to Bridge =^= ..........Akahi ::: He looked at the woman in the bed as if he wanted to kill her where she lay, but Jen, the nurse, still held onto her own phaser, and while it wasn't aimed directly at the man, he knew it would take minimal effort to ensure his death before he could bring his own weapon to bare ... He looked at the paper and read then re-read the code before handing the paper over to Jen, who secreted it inside her tunic.
"You 'will' remember the code, won't you ?" the nurse asked sarcastically as possible.
Without replying, Akahi left Sick-bay and turned right ... Inside he was fuming beyond anything he had experienced before, his craving to kill both those women outright was building by the second and he needed to calm himself for the task ahead. Their time would come, and it would be at his own hands, that much he could look forward to .....
Stepping into the turbo-lift, Akahi took a breath. If Jen, or whoever had supplied their access had got it wrong, he would find out the second he spoke:
"Bridge."
He began to breath as the 'lift began to rise from Deck Seven to Deck One and the Bridge of the Hinoiri itself ..... The doors slid almost silently aside and he had to will his legs to move forward. he looked at the layout, wanting a station that no-one was looking at or interested in. There were six men on the Bridge, five were 'base personnel, upgrading various stations or replacing inferior dΓ©cor. The single Hinoiri Officer was a young Lieutenant, she was reading from several PADD's at once, signing off on this or that job completion, she didn't give the newcomer a second glance ... The Science Station at the back of the Bridge was unoccupied, and no-one was working close-by, so he picked that one and extracted the seat. Opening his bag he took out two PADD's and sat down then activated the station. He busied himself with two 'genuine' minor upgrades to the visual layout of the numerous screens before him, all the while keeping the second PADD on his knee. When he was almost through the second upgrade he casually activated the other PADD and synced to the station. The data transfer would take twenty seconds, so with luck, he had timed it so both the upgrade and data sync would end simultaneously ... The twenty seconds seemed an eternity as he sat watching the screens, but the PADD in his lap beeped once followed half a second later by the other one. He checked that the data transfer, along with the codex masking his additions had worked, then he packed up both devices and stood, returning the seat to it's stored position. Now for the part he wasn't looking forward to ...
Stepping into the lower section of the Bridge he approached the young woman, who was still signing off work done. He handed her his PADD and waited while she read.
"Layout upgrade, plus data transfer protocols to main computer ... Did everything go OK ?" she asked, almost disinterested.
"Yep, no problems." Akahi said casually.
"You can't look at this console while you're here can you ?" she said, pointing to the small panel set into the right arm rest of the Command seat, "This intermittent flickering is on the list, but no-one seems in a hurry to get to it, and to be totally honest, it's driving me nuts."
"Sorry ....." he said, shrugging as if it wasn't his fault, "Not on my job-list I'm afraid. Though I'll chase it up for you when I get back to Maintenance ... Best I can do."
"Fine." the Lieutenant said before taking a napkin from the seat beside her and placing it over the offending console. She shrugged at the man and returned to her pile of reports. Akahi turned and entered the turbo-lift. He needed to get as far away from the Bridge, and this damn ship as soon as possible he decided. On the Bridge the young Lieutenant uncovered the console and tapped one of the controls. =^= He's left the Bridge .. We're tracking both Comm badges =^= ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Nov 15, 2014 20:43:15 GMT
Both men, having completed their assigned tasks, began to make their way back to Sick-bay to report. Neither had the slightest idea that their actions had been monitored throughout ... Jen was waiting for them and quickly spoke:
"You did as instructed ?" she asked.
"Yes, we did." Akahi said, a dark look forming, "I do not appreciate being instructed like some form of menial worker."
"Well, you will have to learn to live with it, won't you ... Now, she is waiting for you." the woman said, turning to leave without dignifying them with her intentions. Moments later both men were stood in the private room with Vyri:
"OK, everything is in place. There are weapon's in the bag over there. Take a phaser each and conceal it. If you are caught from here on you will receive no help, do we understand each other ?" both men nodded, deciding not to comment on her sudden elevation to their apparent superior, "Jen has arranged for me to be certified fit and well. I will be released from Sick-bay but Admiral Tetsutaro has left instructions that I remain aboard for the time being to, recuperate. Which suits our purpose ... Jennifer will contact John momentarily, and if he is ready we shall begin our takeover of this ship."
"If I may ask ?" Akahi said, clearly making sure it wasn't taken as a request, "Once we control the ship itself, how do you propose to engineer our successful departure from here ?" he said, waving his arm as if encompassing the Docking ring.
"That is taken care of. Try not to overtax yourself with matters that do not concern you Akahi."
"I have had 'ENOUGH' of this !" he suddenly shouted, slamming a fist into the table beside her bed, "You presume to command here, while in truth you are but a pawn in our leader's plans. Take care Vyri, this escapade will be over at some point, and at that time I promise you and I will be having a conversation of a much different kind. I could strangle the life out of you here and now, and no-one would be the wiser." he leaned forward, arms extended to take hold of the object of his wrath, and leaned straight onto the business end of a phaser !
"One more word Akahi." Elena whispered, menace in every syllable ... He stepped back, a wry grin forming, but remained stolidly silent. Elena knew she would have to deal with the man before he took the opportunity to carry out his threat. Jen entered the room and looked at each in turn, before reporting to Vyri.
"All is ready. John is standing by to be transported. Our man is in place to open the space-dock doors on our command. There are forty one personnel situated throughout the ship at this time. All our people are currently in their designated area's awaiting the next step." she finished, eyeing Akahi, who was brooding over his last actions. Jen handed Vyri a PADD, it contained her release order's and her assigned temporary quarters, she told the two men the allocation number and told them to go there should anything go wrong, they would transport to a cloaked vessel laying off the station.
Elena got off the bio-bed and brushed past Akahi to the door which opened at her approach. Only one technician was in Sick-bay and she called the young woman over before stepping back into her room. As the technician entered, Ren placed a hypo-spray against her neck, catching her as she fell unconscious. He placed her on the bio-bed and secured her there. Jen quickly sealed the Sick-bay doors and activated a console:
"Flood the ship with neurazine gas." Elena said ......
~~~~~
Two minutes later the four left Sick-bay and headed for the Bridge ...
"Have your people move all the unconscious personnel into quarters and seal them there. I don't want any unexpected interruptions once John arrives." Elena said, taking a Comm badge from her pocket:
=^= Transporter room .. Are you ready ? =^=
=^= Yes =^=
=^= Beam John directly to the Bridge .. Now =^=
The tell-tale shimmer began and then the leader of their group materialized before them, a warm smile forming as he saw Vyri and Jen. He nodded to his two trusted Lieutenants then sat himself in the Command chair ... Rubbing his hands on the material as if contemplating a purchase he nodded with satisfaction. He listened in silence as Vyri and Jen offered their reports of the successful takeover of the Excelsior Class Star Ship. The chronometer above the screen showed it was coming up to zero three hundred hours ....
"Contact our man in Dock control. We're leaving." John said casually ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Nov 23, 2014 21:45:31 GMT
Ren and Akahi stood next to the Command seat as if awaiting approval for their efforts, but it was Vyri who John asked to take the ship out .... Ensuring all external running lights were out, she told Akahi to take the Helm.
=^= The external doors will open as you begin your rotation .. I am leaving now =^= their contact in Dock control informed them.
"Release all external moorings, thrusters only. Back us away from the dock and align us with the space doors." Elena ordered, glancing down at the seated John.
The massive vessel began to move away from it's birth and then slowly rotated to port until it was lined up with the doors. As the ship move forward those doors began to part showing the vastness of space beyond. Ren suddenly said that Command was asking why the ship was moving and requests we return to the dock immediately.
"Tell them we have authorization then close the Comms. If our man has done his job we shouldn't be challenged further." John said. The Excelsior Class Hiniori passed through the doors into space .....
~~~~~
Admiral Tetsutaro sat in the Command Center watching his ship leave. he wasn't happy about how things had gone, but he trusted his adopted Daughter, and had allowed this farce to play out. While the ship had been in dock and information regarding the possible taking came to light, Tetsutaro's personnel had been making numerous changes to the command codes governing vital systems. At this point in time, John was under the misguided impression that he now had a fully armed Star Ship at his disposal ... It still didn't make the theft any easier on Sato ......
"Open a channel to Commander Jur." the Head of Star Fleet Security said.
=^= Admiral ..... =^= the elderly Klingon Commander said.
=^= Do you have them Jur ? =^=
=^= They have gone to warp .. We are one thousand kellicams behind your precious ship Admiral .. Do not worry we shall keep in close contact =^=
=^= We have them on long-range scanners on a heading of one three six mark two five .. Towards the Gerretti System =^=
=^= Yes .. I will contact you with any further developments .. When are you departing the station ? =^=
=^= Fifteen minutes .. Don't loose my ship Jur =^= Tetsutaro got up and turned to Admiral Torek.
"Shall we ?" Sato asked, with a slight bow. Carl nodded and tapped his Comm badge:
=^= Torek to Raven .. Two to transport =^=
~~~~~
The Bridge of the newly refurbished USS Raven was pristine, and a hive of professional activity as Torek and Tetsutaro stepped off the turbo-lift. Carl took his seat, Sato taking the Exec's ... Within a minute the massive Galaxy Class vessel was moving through the doors and seamlessly transitioned to high warp. They didn't want to get 'too' close to the Hiniori so ensured it remained at the very edge of their sensors. The cloaked K'vort Class Klingon ship would track the Hiniori and ensure it didn't evade capture when the time arose ..... It had long been suspected that John was not the leader of the fanatical group that had carried out numerous killings and acts of devastation throughout the region, and now they had a star ship, Tetsutaro was gambling on John going directly to his superiors .....
Everything possible had been done to make John think he had a fully operational vessel, while in fact the truth was different ... While the codes the rebels had inserted into the ships systems did work, they could be overridden easily. In fact, every system on the ship could be controlled remotely. but once the leaders of the group were discovered, Tetsutaro would make it clear that they in fact had nothing more than a very expensive prison cell ! ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Nov 30, 2014 20:09:27 GMT
"Are me being followed ?" John asked.
"Nothing ..... As far as the Star Base is concerned the ship departed on an authorized journey. It is doubtful anyone will question it unless Tetsutaro suddenly decides he want's go go somewhere." Ran said.
"Good, how long before we reach the Gerretti System ?"
"Four hours fifteen minutes." Lord.
John got up from the center seat and walked around the Bridge of his newly acquired vessel. It had been much easier than he had first thought to commandeer the ship, which in one sense worried him ... If taking a Star Ship was so easy, why were they not being taken by unscrupulous factions on a daily basis. It didn't matter in the long run, he had the ship he needed, and once they reached their rendezvous they would pick up their leaders and then, then, the Federation would feel the wrath of their enemy ! ... He looked toward the back of the Bridge where Akahi was speaking loudly to Vyri. Walking over to join them both fell silent at his approach. Asking what the issue between them was, Akahi was only too happy to voice his concerns about the newcomer and her sudden elevation through the ranks of the organization. Vyri in turn simply said she had done all that had been asked of her and more, if the man was threatened by her presence, it was his problem to solve, not hers.
John stood by while the argument continued but Elena could see he was slowly loosing patience with either one or both of them. She decided to walk away, hoping it would defuse the situation enough as to no longer warrant John's attention, but as she turned away he grasped her by the shoulder, spinning her around and slapping her across the face, hard. It was all she could do not to retaliate as John grasped the oncoming fist of Akahi.
"THIS STOPS HERE !" he said, eyes locked on Akahi, "Who I use and in what capacity is for me and me alone to decide ...... You are already causing me concern Akahi. Your jealousy of Vyri is open for all to see, and it must be controlled. If you strike this woman again I will relieve you of your throat and throw you into space ... Do we understand each other ?"
"Yes my Lord, I apologize for my inappropriate behaviour. It will not happen again, you have my word of honour." Akahi replied, kneeling before John.
"Vyri has been most useful to our cause Akahi. She is not replacing you, nor is she attempting to do so. You would do well to learn from her patience and dedication." John said, before releasing his arm and leaving the Bridge ....
Four hours later:
As the ship entered the Gerretti System Elena contacted John ..... She had stood at the back of the Bridge, monitoring Engineering and ensuring whoever was following wasn't discovered, Akahi was in the center seat and Ren at Operations. For the past four hours neither man had spoken a word to her, but she knew they were discussing her, that was plain for anyone to see. Each time one of them looked at her she smiled sweetly, driving their annoyance to extremes. She found the whole thing petty, but given Akahi's promise to kill her once the mission was over, she still had to be wary. Not that his threats bothered her, because unless he shot her at long range then he would be the one dying !
"My lord." Ren said as John entered the Bridge, "We are receiving a communication from the second moon of the third planet. It is encoded."
"Put it through to the Captain's ready room." John ordered, leaving the Bridge ........ Five minutes later he returned, "Ren. You have been sent co-ordinates. Lock onto the two people at those co-ordinates and transport them directly to the Bridge. Once they are aboard you will leave the System on a heading of zero nine five mark three zero."
Elena sat in silence as John gave his orders. A moment later the tell-tale hum of a transport in progress could be heard and two people began to materialize before them. One, a man in his late sixties, grey hair, frail build and a sallow complexion. But it wasn't the man that startled her, it was the woman .... She was in her late forties, black hair ... This was Vice Admiral Dana Markham, formally Head of the Science Division at Command Headquarters on Earth, and she had gone missing while returning from a conference almost eight months earlier. After an extensive search she had been declared 'missing presumed dead' ...
Elena's heart raced and she hoped the woman didn't recognize her, because they had met once before ! ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 265
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Post by Elena de Luca on Dec 12, 2014 23:26:02 GMT
Markham wasted no time in pleasantries as she dropped into the command seat and glared at John for a long moment. Elena could see he was un-nerved, even frightened but fought to regain his composure quickly. Markham threw a PADD at the man then told him to go to the co-ordinates specified. John handed the information to Ren who turned the ship away from orbit and jumped to warp.
"Two containers were transported to your shuttle bay, they will need to be prepared before we reach our destination. Everything you require is on there ...." Markham said, pointing to the PADD Ren was holding, "You must ensure everything is ready John, I would hate to disappoint our buyers. Send someone to look over the containers and prepare them. we will drop into orbit and transport both containers to the surface in a shuttle. Once prepared it would be, unwise, to use the transporter."
He took the PADD and handed it to Akahi. Nodding for him and Elena to go but Markham turned and told them to stop ! .... She looked at Elena, trying to decide something:
"What is your name ?"
"Vyri."
"You look, familiar for some reason, and I do not enjoy puzzles." the former Admiral said, walking around her as if appraising a purchase, she turned to John, "Where did you find this child John ?"
"She has been with our group for some time, she has proven herself on numerous occasions ... I trust her implicitly Dana." he said, not taking his eyes off Elena.
After a moment Markham seemed to make up her mind, she waved the two away and returned to the command seat. John sent them to the hanger bay without another word ......
~~~~~
The two cylinders were approximately one point four meters tall with a diameter of maybe half a meter. A panel was attached on the side wall just below the complicated rim ... Taking the PADD she read the instructions carefully and as she was doing so she realized that Akahi had not spoken to her, but was watching her very closely. She ignored his stare and continued to work. The control were settings for the slow-release mechanism fitted to the top of each canister and she suddenly realized what they contained .... The toxin that could effectively eradicate anything from a room full of people, to a planetary-wise genocide ! .... Somehow she had to ensure these canisters failed when activated, but to do so would give her away and she knew that. She turned to face Akahi who had sat on a nearby cargo container and was still watching her.
"You just going to sit there ?"
"You seem to have everything under control." the man said, the merest grin forming as if he suddenly had something he was keeping from her, "Funny how her Ladyship acted when she saw you, don't you think .. Almost as if she knew you from somewhere ..... Star Fleet Command maybe ?"
"Yes Akahi, you caught me out." she said, walking towards the man slowly, using her training to keep note of his posture, arm hand position, readiness to jump forward if the need arose, "My other job, when not working for fanatical sects' is as a secretary in Star Fleet Headquarters. I was hoping to keep it secret, you know, just in case this job didn't work out I'd have something to fall back on !" she shrugged as if he'd found her secret. She was a meter from him now, eyes locked on his, but using her skill to watch the peripherals as he leaned forward a centimeter, leg muscles tensing, he was preparing to jump at her ... He was bigger than her, taller, heavier, and likely much stronger, but training negated those advantages if you knew the signs. But he was below her and would have to come up, where she could strike from where she was stood and hit a vital area quickly ... She smiled:
"I really wouldn ...." she began, but it was too late, he was already releasing that tension in his legs, bringing his arms up to reach for her. She reached out, hands grasping his face, thumbs pushing into his eye sockets and applying pressure, "SIT ..... DOWN .... Or I will pop them like grapes !" Akahi went limp instantly, lowering himself back onto the crate and asking for her to release him. She applied a little more pressure and a trickle of blood ran down the side of his nose where her fingernail had scraped. His eyes were unharmed, but he now knew they wouldn't be unless he complied fully. Pushing his head against the bulkhead and placing a knee against his groin to hold him in place she released her left hand, but tightened her hold with her right, thumb still securely against his eyeball. She tapped her comm badge and spoke:
=^= John .. Please come to the shuttle bay immediately .. There is a problem =^= she threw the badge to one side without waiting for a reply, the shivering Akahi silent.
Within minutes, John, Ren, and Markham entered ...... Ren moved to grasp Elena but John slammed him against the bulkhead and approached.
"I think you should release my Disciple Vyri ... NOW !"
"Tell John what you told me a moment ago Akahi." she said, "Tell him now, or I guarantee you will loose your sight before they can reach me !"
"I ....... I accused Vyri of ...... of being, being Star Fleet, my Lord." the man stuttered.
"I am tired of having to prove myself to your most senior, disciples John. If you do not trust me then dispose of me and be done, but I cannot allow Akahi and Ren to goad me or bring my loyalty into question any further." Elena said, releasing her prisoner and allowing him to stand. He held a hand to his sore eye, grateful he could still see through both of them as he staggered to John and Markham. She stood off to one side watching the cowering Akahi quickly regain his composure, then turn to face her, hate in every fibre of his being. He began to walk towards her and she in turn readied herself for his attack, but it didn't come, because the sudden discharge of a phaser not only halted his approach, but vaporized him into nothingness !
John handed the weapon back to Ren, who stood wide-eyed at what had happened as John turned to Elena:
"You have caused me to take this action against my most trusted of followers Vyri. Akahi had been with me many years and had never given me cause for concern. But his obsession with you had become such that his judgement was compromised to the point of recklessness. This I could not allow." he said, glancing at Markham as is awaiting approval, which unfortunately wasn't forthcoming, "Please do not give me cause to regret my actions."
"Shall we continue with the task at hand ... Are my containers ready ?" Markham asked, turning to face Elena and locking eyes for a second as Elena said yes, "Then load them onto a shuttle and be ready to depart on arrival. You chose this ship well John, it is doubtful any other ship in the Fleet could overwhelm us easily." she said before turning to leave the shuttle bay.
Elena looked at John, who looked decidedly like someone who had dodged the proverbial bullet while loosing his best friend in the process. He ordered two of his people to begin loading the containers making sure they fully understood how 'delicate' they were. He told Ren to ensure the task was completed and told Elena to follow him ...
"I am placing a lot of faith in you Vyri. Akahi had been at my side for many years, his 'dismissal' will not go well with some followers who saw him as my successor, Ren in particular. I am appointing you my trusted second, this too will likely infuriate Ren, but he has a much better temperament than Akahi, and will be less inclined to kill you at the first opportunity. He is devoted, and I will speak to him on this personally to alleviate any animosity between you. Ensure this task is completed successfully and I am sure any doubts our Ladyship has will also be forgotten." he placed a hand on her shoulder for a second, bowing his head as if anointing her into her new role, then he turned and followed Markham. Elena looked at the canisters being loading into the shuttle, the remote access in place to allow dispersion of the gas from well outside the system, and wondered how she could prevent what could only be, planetary genocide ! ..........
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