Sean O'Toole
Civilian
The Luck O' the Irish
Registered: Aug 13, 2016 0:12:33 GMT
Posts: 59
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Post by Sean O'Toole on Sept 1, 2019 10:31:58 GMT
~~~ ORIENT INVITATION ~~~
Two weeks ago, Sean and Kara had received a gold embossed invitation to attend a Grand Gala Ball To be hosted by Emperor Franz Joseph I at his Summer Palace, Schönbrunn, in Vienna
Sean had dismissed the invite as someone playing a practical joke. But twelve days later, the Tailor from a nearby establishment arrived He was carrying five suits, and five dresses, all of the period. The man explained the garments had been ordered and payed for They were informed that they were to attend Holosuite Four on Level One Five Five Two at two in two days time
Realising Kara and he had been together for almost ten years to the day, he assumed this was something his staff had orchestrated to get them away for some personal time So despite his misgivings, he agreed to go, much to the delight of Kara
Arriving on the morning stated, they stepped through the doors finding themselves on the platform at București Gara de Nord, Bucharest's main train station There before them, rested the ornate carriages of the iconic Orient Express. Burgundy and black, lined with gold trim, it was a sight to behold They were met by a man introducing himself as Lord Horace Pomfroy, Queen Victoria's Equerry. He escorted them to their berths on the train Explaining certain protocols which would need to be adhered to on the trip, he then left them to refresh as the train began to move slowly away from the station
As they watched the onlookers waving as the train began it's journey through Bucharest en-route to Paris. Later, as instructed, Sean and Kara changed for dinner then walked to the Dining Car
He realised they were both thoroughly enjoying their experience, and was looking forward to the rest of the trip
That was, until the first murder was discovered !
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Sean O'Toole
Civilian
The Luck O' the Irish
Registered: Aug 13, 2016 0:12:33 GMT
Posts: 59
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Post by Sean O'Toole on Sept 1, 2019 11:12:46 GMT
"Sorry, but I look a bloody fool in this get-up." Sean sad as he looked himself up and down in the mirror. Pin-stripped trousers, jacket, a shirt so stiff he was convinced it would stop a phaser shot, an attachable collar equally as stiff, and something the tailor called a 'tie' ... "And what in Murphy's britches is this !" he asked.
"It's called a top hat Sean, you've read what the tailor said now just get it on and go wait in the bar, I'll be out in a moment." Kara said, putting the final touches to her outfit.
"In the BAR !" Sean said, dumbfounded.
"YES .... In the bar." his long-time fiancée said darkly. Reluctantly he did as instructed, to be met with a chorus of 'whoops' from his staff, to be replaced by 'Awws and ooos' when Kara came out. The girls flocked around her, all envious of what was to come, it wasn't every day anyone got to take a journey on the fabled Orient Express, and to be attending a Ball in the presence of Royalty, well, who could want for more splendour.
"I'm going to feel a damn fool walking along the Promenade dressed like this." Sean said self-consciously, but the others dismissed his moaning to concentrate on Kara. Thankfully, the tailor had supplied full-length capes for them, so the embarrassment would at least be minimised, he hoped ..... Giving last minute instructions about the Bar, they finally left, to yet another chorus of cheers, several of the nearby establishment owners coming out to join in ..... Thankfully, the holosuite assigned to them was only one Level down, and it was still relatively early, so the time out in public wasn't too prolonged, again Sean thanked some unknown deity for that.
**********
Outside the holosuite, the tailor was waiting for them:
"The trip should take three days, then you will attend the Ball, after that you can return on the train, or choose from the alternatives on this data-chip. Personally, I'd go with the train but it's your call." he said, fidgeting with Kara's dress telling her what she needed to do to get the best out of her appearance, Sean drew the line at the man trying to adjust her neckline, "Professional interest in my work Sir, nothing more, nothing less. These dresses took considerable time to produce." he said with a slight bow before motioning to the doors.
With a sigh, he turned to the doors, Kara took his hand and smiled. Shaking his head they stepped forward, the doors parting at their approach ... Both couldn't help gasp at the sight and sounds before them, the station, still cloaked in a fine morning mist, was nothing short of exquisite, baggage handlers ran too and fro, large trunks were being loaded into the baggage carriages, but it was the train that got their full attention ..... Depp burgundy in colour, trimmed with black and ornate gold, it looked every part the most expensive and desired train on the planet. Sean had already been told that to travel on the Orient Express could cost as much as a years wage for the working man, thus those availing themselves of the grandeur were anything but working class !
Sean heard a polite 'cough' to his left and turned:
"If I may introduce myself." the man said, removing his hat and bowing, "I am Lord Horace Pomfroy, Personal Secretary to Her Majesty Queen Victoria."
"Good morning." Sean replied, he and Kara both nodded, Kara curtsying for good measure.
"Oh no Madam, there is no need to ...." Pomroy said quickly, taking her hand as she rose, "Your luggage is already in your State Room, if you would allow I will take you there now, and if I may, I will inform you of numerous protocols you will need to adhere to whilst on the train and later at the Emperor's Palace."
Sean and Kara remained silent as the top-hatted Gentleman led the way ..........
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Sean O'Toole
Civilian
The Luck O' the Irish
Registered: Aug 13, 2016 0:12:33 GMT
Posts: 59
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Post by Sean O'Toole on Sept 2, 2019 20:35:52 GMT
Walking through the narrow corridors they reached the dining car and were met by a man introducing himself as Monsieur Alarde, the maître d' ... He escorted them to a table then handed them menu's ...
"Your waiter will attend shortly, Madam, Monsieur." he said, leaving them to peruse the fare. Sean looked down at the table, suddenly confused at the shear number of utensils, how they hell were they supposed to know what to use for what ? ... Kara looked up and smiled, she was thoroughly enjoying their experience, and Sean's apparent inability to pick which fork to use wasn't going to spoil it for her.
"Outside to in." she whispered, glancing around to make sure no-one had overheard her, Sean frowned, "Work from the outside, in, each course, different fork, knife, it's easy."
"Right." he said, not convinced, "At least they are giving us something special to eat on this trip .... Have you seen what we can have ?" he asked, suddenly hungry .... Their waited seemingly glided into view, picking up the water carafe to top up their glasses, then he asked for their order. They both ordered the Steak Tartare for starters, Sean ordering the Cutlet and Filet of New Season Lamb for his main, while Kara asked for the Dover Sole, both went for the Crêpes Suzette for desert. The sommelier approached offering a selection of wines. Kara asked the man to recommend them, the sommelier obliged, offering a list neither had heard of.
The first course arrived and Sean looked at the almost minuscule portion sat in the center of what he thought was a much too large plate. leaning forward he sniffed then touched the tartare:
"Erm, this is cold ?" he said to the waiter, who with complete professionalism, explained quietly that it was supposed to be, "Riiiiiight then." Sean replied, unconvinced.
"We're meant to be experiencing the most luxurious travel nineteenth century Earth could offer here Sean ..." Kara whispered with a grin, "... The chances of a double targ burger are pretty slim."
"I don't serve 'targ' burgers. My menu is authentic fare." Sean replied, feigning hurt as he picked up what he hoped was the correct piece of silverware for the task at hand and dug a small piece off. He had to silently admit that it was much better than he had expected, but made a mental note never to serve cold food in the bar.
The main arrived and he was on firmer ground, though hesitated when the waiter replaced the knife he was about to pick up with one better suited for meat. Kara couldn't help but grin.
It was during the main that they heard a disturbance presumably from the carriage in front of theirs. The maître d' walked the length of the carriage reassuring everyone that there was nothing to be concerned about then ordered the sommelier to refresh everyone's glasses at the companies' expense.
"None of our concern Sean." Kara said quietly as he watched the door at the head of the carriage.
"Maybe it's all part of the program ?" he replied with a shrug, but Kara simply told him to eat and enjoy.
~~~~~~~~~~
After their desert, their glasses were refilled yet again, by this time both Kara and Sean were feeling the effects of their alcohol intake, both commenting that whoever had set the program up had clearly programmed 'real' rather than synthesised drinks ... Not that either were complaining, apart from the momentary disruption the evening had been superb, fine dining, excellent wines, and the dusk-lit countryside passing beyond the windows.
"We're on here for almost three days." Kara said, clearly excited at the prospect.
Later they were invited into the seating carriage they had passed through earlier ... Plush seats, a five piece band playing in the far corner ... As they sat, enjoying their drinks when the Gentleman they had met on boarding approached and asked to sit. He leaned forward and spoke quietly:
"There has been a minor incident. I am afraid your journey may be compromised."
"Compromised .... ?" Sean asked, ".... What are you talking about ?" Lord Pomfry looked at Sean as if seeing him for the first time.
"You are aware that the documents you carry are vital to the continued security of the Realm, are you not ?" Pomfry demanded.
"Docu ...." Sean began, but Kara put a hand on his arm and squeezed.
"Yes Lord Pomfry, we are indeed aware." she said, clearly getting the idea faster than Sean.
"Good ... Good." Pomfry said, clearly relieved, "The accord must be signed, the ramifications of any one party failing in their duty could precede the ending of civilisation as we know it ... You must remain on your guard. We will be stopping in Sinaia in the morning, you will depart the train and stay at the Savoy Hotel overnight, there are sight-seeing tours arranged, you will be boarding the train again the following day to recommence your journey. Be cautious, and if approached you must contact me immediately."
"No problem." Sean said.
"I fear you are not taking your obligations seriously Sir, nonetheless, you must adhere to my instructions. I bid you good night." Pomfry said, clearly annoyed. Both said goodnight alas to the back of the closed door.
"So it's a murder mystery weekend then." he said with a grin as the steward refilled his brandy and her champagne, "I didn't think the girls had it in em."
"Girls ?" Kara asked.
"The girls, at the bar, my Staff .... I'm assuming this is all their doing to celebrate our being together. Maybe they were hoping we'd finally set a wedding day." he said with a wry grin.
"They didn't have anything to do with all this, we thought it was all your idea." Kara replied.
"Me ? .... I didn't set this up." he said, glancing along the carriage with a frown ..........
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Sean O'Toole
Civilian
The Luck O' the Irish
Registered: Aug 13, 2016 0:12:33 GMT
Posts: 59
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Post by Sean O'Toole on Sept 2, 2019 22:43:40 GMT
As they enjoyed their drinks, he thought that if someone had gone to the trouble of getting them on this 'train' the least he could do was oblige, at least for the time being. He couldn't help check out who else was on the train with them, at least those he could see. They made for a diverse group of people. Most appeared to be either Royalty, Diplomatic, or something close to. Coloured sashes adorned with numerous medals and orders, he assumed they all meant something. Several of the women wore tiara's along with the sashes. In his opinion it was all a little over the top.
He could hear several different accents: American, German, possibly South American, Russian, one possibly Chinese, plus a few others ... The Chinese Gentleman was stood leaning against the wall looking out into the darkness, or maybe he was watching the others in the carriage using the reflection in the glass, who knew.
"Jeez, I must be getting a little paranoid." he muttered as the waiter again filled his glass.
"Sorry ?" Kara said.
"Nothing, just wondering about our fellow passengers." Sean replied, taking her hand for a moment.
"Can't you just relax." she said, squeezing his hand.
They were spoken to by several of the passengers as the evening went on, Lady Isabelle Vickers, a Lady in Waiting to Queen Victoria, who was travelling ahead to make sure everything was ready for Her Majesty's arrival. The Chinese Gentleman was Chen, a Diplomat, and there was Count Olaf Markov, he was somewhat vague about his presence, and more-so concerning his profession, which immediately led a now drunk Sean to fantasise that he was likely to be some assassin, on a mission to end the accord. Then again it could be the Chinese man, he looked every inch the five foot tall killer. He inwardly laughed the notion off as the drink talking, or rather 'whispering' at the back of his mind.
Lord Pomfry entered, making his way over to them while exchanging pleasantries with the others as he passed them. Lowering himself into a seat he accepted the offered drink from the steward then asked how they were. Both said they were fine and full from the meals, though a little worse for ware from the drink.
"You have had time to acquaint yourselves with your fellow passengers I assume ?" he asked.
"Kinda 'weird' bunch if you ask me, which you didn't." Sean replied with a lopsided grin.
"Indeed so ....." Pomfry said, nodding to himself, "You should know that each and every one have a reason to be at the Schönbrunn Palace, alas, some for reasons known only to themselves."
"..... And we're here why ?" Kara asked suddenly.
"Because Her Highness the Queen wishes it." Lord Pomfry said decisively. Kara raised her glass in a mock toast then drained it, the steward refilling it almost instantly.
"Wow, you are really going all out to get us well n merry now ain't ya's." she said, throwing her full Irish lilt into the sentence. Pomfry completely ignored her. Sean leaned close to the Queen's Secretary:
"The Chinese guy, he's just 'got' to be some kinda assassin, don't you think ?" he asked conspiratorially.
"Mister Chen is a Senior Diplomat. As for his 'extra curricular activities' I would suggest you do not find yourself alone with him." Pomfry confided.
"You 'know' all this isn't real ... Right ?" Kara said, hiccuping to emphasise her point.
"Excuse me ?" the Queen's Secretary asked.
"Forget it your Lordship, she's no used to the fine dining and the copious amount of drinks this train seems to hold." Sean said apologetically. Pomfry nodded understandably.
"I believe Lady Vickers introduced herself earlier, please feel free to call on her if you have any questions regarding protocol in my absence." the Secretary informed them as he stood, "I will once again bid you a goodnight, I shall of course see you at breakfast." again he took Kara's hand to kiss the back then nodded to Sean before leaving the carriage. Sean couldn't help think that several sets of eyes were on them during the exchange ... He waved for the steward:
"Fella, can I ask if you have anything approaching 'beer' in your cabinet ?"
"We have several Sir, Lager's Beers, Ales ... Would you like to see a list ?"
"No, tell ya what my good man, I'll be trusting you to get me something suitable." Sean said with something approaching his best inane grin.
"As you wish ... Sir ... And for your Lady ?"
"Oh she'll stick with the champers 'till she passes out I suppose." Sean replied, glancing at the drooping eyes of his partner. The steward nodded then retreated, returning moments later with a frosted glass of gold liquid:
"This is one of our finest Lager's Sir, from Russia I do believe." he said, handing Sean the glass.
"Thank you, erm ...."
"Teulet Sir, at your service."
"Thank you again Mister Teulet, I think we'll be calling it a night after these."
"As you wish Sir." the French steward said with a nod. Sean enjoyed the lager, managing to quash his admittedly over-imagination after seeing a carriage full of spies, killers, adulterers, and countless shifty professions .... He rose, helping Kara to her feet, then they shakily made their way back along the train to their cabin. After several false starts, they finally found their berth and managed to get the key into the lock. Swinging the door open both stood looking into the room, a mixture of shock and confusion on their faces. 'Wha the hell ?' Sean thought as he looked at the dishevelled room, clothes were strewn all over the place, toiletries, the whole room was a complete mess.
"Begorah ... We've only gone and been robbed." Kara said, laughing uncontrollably, Sean too couldn't help but grin ..........
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Sean O'Toole
Civilian
The Luck O' the Irish
Registered: Aug 13, 2016 0:12:33 GMT
Posts: 59
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Post by Sean O'Toole on Sept 3, 2019 22:49:30 GMT
Other passengers were coming out of their cabins to see what the commotion was, Carriage stewards were apologetically coaxing them back, Kara, still laughing was trying to tell the Steward that they would sort their cabin out, but he and Lord Pomfry were already trying lead them into the next carriage. Sean noticed the Chinese Diplomat, he was watching proceedings expressionlessly. "Shouldn't I be going in to find if anything was missing ?" Sean asked secretively, winking at the Queen's Secretary. But Pomfry said they could do that once the cabin was tidied, "Fine, have at it Gentlemen." he said, waving the stewards forward. They went back to the other carriage, still amused at the sudden turn of events, both declined further drinks but did ask for coffee which was duly supplied. Thirty minutes later the Steward informed them that their cabin was now ready. It was almost two in the morning now, and the train was due to stop at Sinaia at ten, so they needed to get some sleep. In the cabin they undressed and dropped into bed exhausted ... "You still want to go on with this mystery Kara ?" Sean asked sleepily. "Oh yes, don't you think all this is exciting ...?" she asked, yawning, "Besides, what can happen, we're in a holosuite, if it all goes queer we just leave." "True enough." he said with a shrug in the darkness. "Catch 'urself on Sean, we're having some fun, enjoy the break, OK." she said, kissing him fondly before falling into a deep sleep .... Sinaia, Romania :: They had been up a while, none the worse for their over-indulgence the night before. He had dressed in the suit provided, thankful that it wasn't anywhere near as stiff as the evening suit from the night before. Kara was in a long dress, but light, flowing, much easier to wear. She had called a halt to wearing the crippling undergarments preferring to be able to breath she had said. They had gone to the dining car for breakfast and were enjoying the sights through the windows as they rolled into the station ..... Stewards assisted the passengers onto the platform where coaches were waiting to take them to the Savoy Hotel ..... In the lobby they were given an itinerary but told they could go on the tour or go out on their own. "There's a castle !" Kara said as she skimmed through the itinerary. The day was spent sight seeing, having lunch in a small cafe, then going up to the Peles Castle, home of yet another King, before heading back. At the Savoy, they went to their rooms to change for dinner, Sean was a little surprised that his dinner suit from the night before appeared to have been cleaned and pressed, but then, nothing about this era was going to shock him he'd decided. At eight they went down to the main dining room and shown to their table. As the meal progressed they were entertained by a live band, not too loud as to drown out conversation, but excellent as background music. Later they went into the bar for drinks, both silently promising not to allow themselves to get in the state they were the previous evening ... Around one in the morning, guests began to retire, leaving only a few in the bar. "At least that bloody American idiot has gone to bed." Kara said, enjoying her cocktail, "Hell he was certainly fond of the sound of his own voice." "Wasn't he though." Sean agreed. The American Politician was going on and on about how much America could do for the Empire until someone had finally asked him to keep his voice, and his opinions, to himself. Alas, that only made the man more annoying. "You would have thought that he would have taken the 'hint' when everyone began to move to the other end of the bar." he said with a grin. Finally they decided to have the last of several 'nightcaps' then go up to their room, but one of the hotel porters was walking quickly through the bar, he spoke to the Head Waiter then both went over to the high-backed chairs either side of the burning fire. The waiter was sent off to get the Night Manager and the Hotel Doctor. Sean picked up his glass and began approaching the group around the chair, but was asked to go back to the bar, unfortunately he wasn't one for following instructions, especially from a holographic waiter. He gently moved the man aside and went around the chair until he could see what the issue was. Sat in the chair, brandy glass in one hand, cigar in the other, ash dropping onto the plush carpet, sat Boyd Hamilton, the American Politician ... All things aside he looked like any other overweight Gentleman who had enjoyed a good meal, excellent after dinner drinks, and an expensive cigar. Well, that was if you didn't count the ornate sword, almost half the length of it's blade buried in the mans chest ! The Manager had sent one of the waiters off to get a sheet. When he returned he instructed the sheet be thrown over the chair and it's occupant. The Manager was about to grasp the sword when Sean grabbed his hand: "You're not going to call the Police ?" "Monsieur ...." the French Manager said, taking Sean's arm to guide him aside, ".... I am sure you can appreciate, we cannot have a dead body in the middle of the bar, it would be somewhat, off putting I believe ?" Kara had been sat at the bar but curiosity had got the better of her and she had walked over to see what was happening. "Holy Hell, he was annoying but b'jesus, that's going a little far." Someone who had been watching proceedings closely, approached Kara and Sean: "I believe it would be wise to, disassociate yourselves from this, unfortunate event." "Oh ? ... And why's that then ?" Kara asked. "Apologies, allow me to introduce myself, I am José Miguel Durán, I am a reporter for an Argentine newspaper, La Nación ... We too hope to profit indirectly from the accord, but there are, factions that would like to see it fail, clearly, those factions believe our former Politician to be detrimental to our progressing." "Is that sooooo." Sean asked, glancing at the chair, now covered with the sheet. "It is indeed, so ...." the Argentine said, clearly annoyed, "But I see my 'advice' is falling on dead ears, so I will bid you farewell. I do however insist you keep our conversation, and my employment, confidential. It would be unfortunate should there be another sad occurrence." the man bowed then with a glance at the covered chair, walked back to the bar to order another drink.: "Is that some sort of threat Mister ?" Kara asked to the mans back, but the 'reporter' chose to ignore her query, "Idiot." "Think he's going to turn out to be one of those Spies ?" Sean asked with a sly grin, Kara just laughed, "Soooo is it bed for us, or another drink ?" he asked cheekily. "Hey, we're only on holiday once." Kara said, pulling him to the bar, were she accidentally knocked the drink from Durán's hand ..........
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Sean O'Toole
Civilian
The Luck O' the Irish
Registered: Aug 13, 2016 0:12:33 GMT
Posts: 59
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Post by Sean O'Toole on Sept 6, 2019 13:36:08 GMT
They were enjoying their drinks when two men entered, both seemed to be in authority given the hotels' night manager was almost cowering behind them ... They came over to the bar then instructed the manager to gather all those who were present to come down. Kara grinned, whispering something to Sean that got the attention of one of the newcomers: "Madam, If I may introduce myself ... I am Principle Agent Funar of the Sinaia Police Department. You have something to contribute to this investigation ?" the man asked, Kara just looked at him as if he was strange. "You might want to cover him up when you move him, he's dripping all over the carpet." Sean answered for her, forcing the Agent to slowly turn in his direction. "You discovered the body, yes ?" "No ... We were enjoying your 'hospitality' when the alarm was raised." Sean said. Clearly annoying the man beyond his limits. "Good, well I am sure you will have more to say once we get around to interviewing you both." he said, turning to one of the uniformed Officers, "Private, please escort this people to their room." "HEY !" Sean said, as the Officer approached, "We've done nothing wrong, you have no right to ....." "Then if you wish to remain here, I can assume your co-operation ?" Funar asked, raising his eyebrows while holding one hand up to halt the Private momentarily, both nodded and the Officer was sent back to the doorway. Kara and Sean sat quietly listening to the questioning. Each and every one of the guests protested, threatening to inform the Consulate or Embassy, but these protestations fell on deaf ears as the Agent continued his investigations ... One thing that did come to light was the fact that the only people in the bar at the time of the death were the Orient Express passengers ! "So someone on the train killed him then ?" Kara asked quietly. "It would seem so." Sean replied. "Hmm, this is turning into every bit the murder mystery isn't it." she said. Sean watched as a littler was brought in and the body, still sporting the sword, was placed upon it, the two men in white carried the body out of the room as Funar once again began his questioning. Unfortunately, everyone chose this point to claim Diplomatic Immunity or likewise, preferring to have the stewards supply them with drinks at the hotels' expense. The Agent singled out two of those present who couldn't hide under the Immunity umbrella, Lady Vickers, the Lady in Waiting, and Molly Greves, the Palace Housekeeper: "I am somewhat confused as to why you two ladies would be traveling on such a prestigious train." he asked darkly. "I'm afraid you will have to continue being confused Monsieur." they turned to see Lord Pomfry entering the room, he was holding a thick folder baring the seal of the British Royal Family. He handed the letter over then instructed the two women to return to their rooms. Funar's frustration was clearly growing as he read the document, finally handing it back to the Queen's Secretary as if it were on fire. He came to the bar, smiling at Kara and Sean as the steward asked for his order. He requested a brandy, and refills for his two guests then sat tentatively on the stool to smile at the glaring Romanian Police Agent. "It is clear that any investigation is going to be thwarted at this time, therefore I believe we shall speak tomorrow following the coroners report. I shall bid you all goodni ....." "Alas that will not be possible." Count Olaf Martov said, forcing Funar to turn to face the Russian, "We are due to depart at ten am in the morning, and we intend to do just that." "I fear Sir, that you, or your fellow passengers, will be going nowhere. The train will be impounded and you detained until I can ascertain the murderer of the unfortunate gentleman." Funar couldn't help glance at Pomfry, who was seemingly enjoying his late night drink unconcerned at the mans declaration. He knew that the Police Agent couldn't prevent them boarding the train, nor could he prevent the train from departing, but he obviously felt it prudent not to completely undermine the Agent in front of his Officers, he just raised his glass fractionally as if toasting the man ..... Morning :: As they dressed, Pomfry called on them ... "It has been decided that in the circumstances we shall breakfast on the train if that is acceptable." "You think that Agent will try to keep us here ?" Sean asked. "He has apparently asked several Governments to allow us to be held for twenty four hours while he concludes his investigation. I fear he may be allowed to do so if we are still in the station when he receives his replies." An hour later, with everyone aboard the train, the Stationmaster had no option but to wave the Orient Express onward ... In their cabin, Sean couldn't help noting the Police Agent on the platform ... Rather than watching the train depart, his full concentration was on Sean as their eyes locked, he couldn't help get a cold shiver down his spine as he looked back at the retreating station, Funar still stood, eyes locked seemingly on him rather than the train itself ..........
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Sean O'Toole
Civilian
The Luck O' the Irish
Registered: Aug 13, 2016 0:12:33 GMT
Posts: 59
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Post by Sean O'Toole on Sept 12, 2019 23:12:05 GMT
At midday they sat down to eat in the dining carriage ... Surprisingly it was almost empty, with only four of the tables occupied ..... "Can I ask you something ?" Sean asked quietly as they read the menu's, Kara nodded but continued to read, "Has it not begun to worry you about why we're here at all ?" "To be honest, I'm still not convinced you haven't set this whole thing up. The murder was a nice touch I have to admit given I was beginning to think this was going to be a few days of tedious sight-seeing then back to the bar." "I told you I had nothing to do with this, which is something that has been on my mind if truth be told." "Well, whoever got us in here, good on them, ya can't beat a good murder mystery in my humble opinion." Kara said putting the menu on the table before her, "You should enjoy yourself so ya' should." Their Steward arrived, waiter in tow and took their orders. Sean had to silently admit that he was actually enjoying the time away from the bar, and as Kara said, everyone enjoyed a good murder mystery, maybe they were supposed to be involved at some point. He began to ponder if their journey had some hidden meaning, but dismissed the thought as frankly idiotic ... Their meals arrived as did several of the other passengers: Lady Vickers, accompanied by Lord Pomfry entered the dining carriage and said hello before taking their table, presumably deep in discussion about the upcoming gala in Vienna no doubt. Sean hadn't been taking much notice of the other passengers, he casually looked along the carriage as they ate, making a mental note of who was and wasn't present. He couldn't be sure but he was almost convinced someone from the Hotel in Sinaia was missing, apart from the deceased American that was. Dismissing his pondering he began to enjoy the meal. After lunch they went to the observation carriage, lowering themselves into plush seats as the waiter took their drink order ... He had to admit, whoever had produced the holosuite program had certainly done their homework, the landscape was superb, raw, untouched by progress, woodlands, farmland was being worked by local farmers. They passed through a tunnel and found themselves with a steep mountainside to their left, to their right the view was almost breathtaking as they looked down on a deep lush green valley, blue waters of a large inland lake shimmered in the midday sunshine, he could almost forget that this was all simulated ..... They had been talking for some time when Lord Pomfry approached them: "May I join you ?" he asked politely. Kara motioned to one of the empty chairs and signalled the waiter. Pomfry ordered then seemed to concentrate on the passing scenery until Sean spoke. "Problem ?" he asked cryptically. "It appears another 'guest' has disappeared." Pomfry confided. "Really ?" Kara asked, a sudden glint in her eye. "Indeed." the Private Secretary assured her sternly, "It seems that Señor Duran, the Argentinian Military Advisor was not dining." "Hardly cause for concern." Sean commented, draining his glass then holding it up for the waiter, "Maybe he ate in his cabin, or who knows, he could have stayed at the Savoy, that Agent 'was' talking to him for a while, hey, it could have been him that killed off the old American !" he finished, apparently satisfied with his diagnosis. "No, he boarded the train with the others." Pomfry insisted. "Then send someone to his cabin, have the Stewards look for him, he can't have got off the train, so if he got on, then he's still on for sure." Kara interjected. It was then that several of the train staff ran passed through the carriage clearly in a hurry, Sean raised his eyebrows, "Whoa, maybe your missing Advisor has been found, shall we go see ?" Taking their drinks, the three followed the staff through several carriages until they reached the baggage compartment ... several of the female staff were heading away, some in tears, some holding a hand to their mouth. As they reached the double doors where the carriages joined, Pomfry went first, with Sean and Kara following. Entering the carriage they could tell something was clearly amiss. The trains Staff Manager was practically herding his people out instructing them to return to work and not to speak of what they had seen. At the far end of the carriage, trunks had been moved aside leaving the last five meters clear, except for the body ... Suspended from one of the roof supports was the Argentinian ... He was hanging by the neck, a burgundy chord wrapped around the support and his neck. It was clear the mans neck was broken, likely in the initial drop. "Well, there's your missing Argentine." Kara said quietly. "Cut him down." Pomfry ordered, but no-one moved, he strode to the Manager and repeated his instruction. Reluctantly, the man conscripted two of his staff to assist as they cut through the cord before lowering the body onto a sheet. They covered the corpse then the Manager, seemingly mustering every ounce of authority ordered everyone, including Lord Pomfry himself, out of the carriage. He would see to the removal of the body back to his cabin where he would remain until authorities could begin an investigation. As they returned to the observation carriage, Sean noticed the train was rounding a bend as it followed the mountains' steep side, he counted six carriages plus the massive locomotive in front. "How many passengers are on the train ?" he asked Pomfry as they retook their seats. "I couldn't tell you ... Why do you ask ?" "Call it idle curiosity, can you indulge me and find out ?" Sean asked, something niggling at the back of his mind. Pomfry thought for a moment then got up to approach the carriage steward, then returned: "I have used my diplomatic position to compel their compliance to my request." moments later the train Manager approached with a piece of paper, he handed it to Pomfry clearly displeased at the apparent usurping of his authority. Ignoring the man Sean took the paper, it seemed to be a list, a very short list ! "You are seriously telling me that there are only 'twelve' people on this train ?" Sean asked in disbelief. "Thirteen, to be precise Monsieur." they turned in unison to see someone stood a few feet away. "Principle Agent Funar .... May I ask how you come to be aboard this train ?" Lord Pomfry demanded. Sean and Kara looked at each other but neither commented, they had both seen the Detective stood on the platform as the train left the station at Sinaia, both were also silently wondering how he had managed to get aboard ! "I do believe, my reasons for being here are somewhat obvious, given the newly deceased Argentinian ... As to the means of my arrival, that seems to be somewhat, how do you say in the civilised world, inconsequential, at this point in time, does it not." he said, eyes locked on Sean's, the sickening smile back ..........
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Sean O'Toole
Civilian
The Luck O' the Irish
Registered: Aug 13, 2016 0:12:33 GMT
Posts: 59
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Post by Sean O'Toole on Sept 16, 2019 19:01:50 GMT
Agent Funar sat in one of the plush seats .... He was apparently unwilling to expand on his means of arrival .... One by one, those on the train entered the carriage, all looking seriously perturbed at being instructed to come here.
Count Olaf Markov, entering with Lord Pomfry walked directly to the Police Agent and demanded an explanation, both were told to take a seat ... Finally, Funar stood, looking at each of those present in turn.
"I have brought you all here due to not one, but two murders that have occurred since you boarded the train to Vienna ..." he began.
"How did you get on the train ?" Kara demanded.
"It has become clear tha ...."
"I asked you a question." She reiterated, standing defiantly.
"As I was saying ....." Funar continued, clearly ignoring Kara, "..... It has become clear that the person or persons responsible for the two, shall we say, suspicious, deaths, can only be aboard this very train. I intend to carry out a full and thorough investigation, at which time he, they, or indeed, she, will be removed from the train and be charged. The penalty for murder, should any of you be wondering, is of course death by firing squad."
".... HA ! .... This is a bloody holo-program !" Kara said, clicking her fingers at her sudden revelation, "You were simply replaced from the platform section of the program to the train, presumably by whomever is running this program !" she said, dropping into her seat with obvious satisfaction. The fact that the others were looking at her as if her mental faculties had left her at some point, didn't phase her one bit. Sean put a hand on hers and smiled.
"Maith thú grá." he said in his best Irish brogue, turning to grin at the Agent, who again ignored them.
"I will be interviewing each of you in turn, failure to cede to my 'request' will of course see you held for interrogation when we arrive in Venice."
"We are going straight to Venice ?" Lady vickers queried, Funar simply nodded.
"This is intolerable, you have no autho ...." Chen, the Chinese Diplomat said defiantly. Funar raised a hand then waved one finger. Four Officers entered, two from each end of the carriage. All were carrying pistols. Given the fact that two people had already died in the program thus far, Sean had the feeling that anyone unfortunate enough to find themselves on the wrong end of a shot would be dead before they hit the extremely expensive carpet, ".... You believe you can intimidate us with your Officers, everyone on this train holds Diplomatic Immuni ...." One of the newcomers stepped forward and slammed the butt of his pistol into the mans face, Chen dropped to the carpet, blood flowing freely from the gash in his cheek. The Steward, Toulet, knelt beside the man holding a cloth to the wound as the Chinese diplomat got shakily to his feet.
"You will be stripped of authority the moment I contact my Government !" Lord Pomfry said as a second Officer stepped forward, thankfully Funar held up a hand before the British Lord could be struck.
"I think you will find, Ladies and Gentlemen, that I have been afforded all relevant authority by your Governments. It may not come as too much a surprise, but both the American and Argentinian governments are eager to find, and punish, the killer of their respective Diplomats. As for contact, I am afraid I have had to restrict use of the telegraph to my Officers and Myself for the time being." he finished, the sickening smirk back as again he looked directly at Sean.
"Something I can be helpin' you with there ?" the Irishman asked pleasantly.
"All in good time. All in good time, I assure you."
Sean got to his feet, grasping the arm of the Officer who was leaning forward to prevent him from getting out of his seat. Turning the arm at the elbow there was a sickening crack as the joint gave way. The Officer dropped his pistol as Sean pulled him over the back of the chair and unceremoniously dropped him yelping in pain at Funar's feet. Three pistols were pushed into his face as he glared at the Agent, Sean remained still, as if daring him to give his men the order to shoot. But Funar was having his own issues as he felt the business end of the fallen Officers' pistol pushed into his neck.
"It appears we have a somewhat unforeseen problem." Funar said with a smile, "I suggest, young lady, that you very cautiously hand that over to one of my men, before someone, get's hurt ?" Sean had leaned forward, slowly, and had placed his hands on the arms of the seat the Agent was sat in. His face only inches from the mans, Sean grinned:
"Computer .... End program ...." he said.
"Computer .... End program ...." he repeated, beginning to frown.
"Computer .... SHOW ARCH ......" he ordered. Funar was shaking his head sympathetically.
"Sean ?" Kara asked, the muzzle of the pistol pushing harder into Funar's neck, so hard it was almost cutting off the carotid artery blood supply, she could see everyone in the carriage looked at them with puzzled expressions.
"What have you done ?" Sean asked Funar.
"I am sorry, but I do not know what you are referring to." the Agent replied, the sickening grin reappearing, "Now ... If you have had your fun, perhaps you can return my Officers' weapon so I may continue with my investigation ?"
It took long moments in which Sean seriously contemplated getting his hands around Funar's throat before his Officers filled his head with lead shot. Finally he reached up and slowly placed his hand around the barrel of the pistol Kara was holding. Hesitantly she released her grip and Sean handed the weapon to one of the Officers as he stood up and away from Funar. He took Kara's hand then returned to their seats .... Funar stood, rubbing the area of his neck where the pistol had rested. He moved to the burning log fire and ordered a large brandy. While the Steward complied he turned to his Officers:
If he moves out of that chair, shoot the woman in the face." he said as casually as he had ordered his drink.
"Sean, why can't we stop the program ?" Kara whispered, but all he could do was watch Principle Agent Funar enjoying his brandy ..........
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Sean O'Toole
Civilian
The Luck O' the Irish
Registered: Aug 13, 2016 0:12:33 GMT
Posts: 59
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Post by Sean O'Toole on Sept 23, 2019 16:50:53 GMT
Funar finally stood, handing the empty glass to the Steward for a refill .... He turned to the group:
"Now, as you are undoubtedly aware, there has been another murder, this, I may say is somewhat surprising, but not totally unexpected."
"You 'expected' someone else to loose their life !" Olaf Markov said, the disdain in his tone obvious.
"Let us say, I had the feeling there could be something more to the murder of the American." Funar said cryptically, taking the offered glass off the Steward, "The American had contacted his government and informed them of a possible plot to assassinate Emperor Franz Joseph during the Gala in Vienna. I was duly assigned to lead the investigation, but given you were all due to depart, and my efforts to have you held in Sinaia failed, I had little option but to request I join the train ..... Now it seems, someone else, possibly in possession of the very information our recently deceased American held, has also been murdered."
"But as I understand it, the gentleman took his own life." Lady Vickers commented.
"Ahh, it would appear that way m'lady." Funar said with an exaggerated bow.
"I do 'NOT' appreciate your flippancy Monsieur !" Lady Vickers said, but her comment fell on deaf ears as the Principle Agent continued:
Sean had been sat completely still, eyes on the Officer instructed to watch them, or rather, to watch Kara and shoot her should he decide to move. The man was almost salivating as he stood over Kara and finally he couldn't stand it.
"Funar ! .... Tell this ape of yours to watch where he is looking, I'm getting a little annoyed at his gawping my Fiancé." Funar looked from Sean to the Officer, who had now snapped to attention, his eyes locked on the curtains. After being spoken to he moved away, but maintained his line-of-sight to the two of them, scowling at Sean constantly, presumably hoping he would get the chance to shoot the woman, despite her exceptional looks.
"I believe we are being detained unlawfully ...." Lord Pomfry began as one of the Officers turned their weapon towards the Queen's Private Secretary, but he was unperturbed, "If, as you say, the communications on this train are defunct, I demand we stop at the next station along the line where I can contact Buckingham Palace." The Agent spoke to one of his Officers, who left the seating carriage immediately.
"There will be no stops, My Lord." Funar said, draining the last of the brandy from his glass and again requesting a refill, "In fact, given the obvious seriousness of the situation, along with a possible threat to the life of the Emperor, I have decided we shall be changing our destination. I believe having you all in the Capital can only serve to assist the Assassin in his, or indeed, her, task. I have therefore instructed the Engineer to change our destination."
"This is INTOLERABLE !" Pomfry shouted as the other dignitaries all voiced their displeasure but Funar simply smiled that sickening smile of his as he looked again at Sean and Kara.
"This is bloody redicu ......" O'Toole said, rising from his seat, the sound of the shot was almost deafening in his ears and he spun in horror, but Kara was still in her seat, ashen, with tears running down her cheeks, frozen in fear, there was a five centimeter diameter hole in the back of the chair millimeters from her right ear. Kneeling he took Kara in his arms then looked at the Officer, surprised to see him grinning.
"That was your one any only warning, Mister O'Toole ...." Funar said casually, "... Now, if I may continue ?" he sat and waited while each of the passengers retook their own seats and fell silent.
"I'm so sorry." Sean whispered over and over, rocking Kara to and fro.
"As I was saying, I feel that given the murderer is almost definitely aboard this train, to take you to Vienna would be tantamount to incompetency on my part ... As a consequence of finding the second body, i have instructed the Engineer to clear the tracks directly to Leipzig."
"We cannot be expected to go to GERMANY !" Markov spat.
"I am afraid you have no option Count." Funar replied, his voice calm and level, "On arrival at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof Station, you will depart the train and be transported to the Sanatorium situated on the rather picturesque outskirts of the city named Leipzig Bay, where you will stay at the Castle ...." Funar seemed a little disappointed at the fact that no-one had realised the significance of their destination, nor should they, "You will be given accommodation, and of course, given your, high status among the Ruling Gentry, you will be kept separate from the common patients, the ill, the poor, the degenerate." the Agent seemed to smile inwardly at the thought of their situation.
"I shall be leaving." the Chinese Diplomat informed Funar.
"Feel free." Funar said, motioning towards the door as the Officer stationed there stood off to one side. Chen reached the door and looked back at the Agent, who was sat impassively looking into his glass, but as the elderly Diplomat reached for the handle of the door a shot slammed into his back and he dropped to the carpeted floor dead.
"Now, would anyone else like to leave the train .... ?" Funar asked, handing the glass to Teulet, ".... I thought not .... Then in that case, we shall I believe be arriving in Leipzig in nine hours approximately. I suggest you return to your berths and get some rest, any possessions will of course be packed and brought to the Castle by my Officers, so please leave everything but what you will be wearing .... Ladies, Gentlemen, I bid you a goodnight." he left the carriage and two of the Officers dragged the lifeless body of Chen out. The silence in the carriage was deafening as Sean continued to comfort Kara ..........
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Sean O'Toole
Civilian
The Luck O' the Irish
Registered: Aug 13, 2016 0:12:33 GMT
Posts: 59
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Post by Sean O'Toole on Sept 27, 2019 14:02:20 GMT
Twice in the next couple of hours Sean attempted to leave his cabin, each time frustrated by the sudden appearance of one of Funar's Police Officers, finally giving up he lay on the upper bunk listening to Kara breathe ... He tried to speculate options for either halting the program, or finding a way to exit the holosuite, alas nothing came easily to mind, and despite his frustration he knew that thus far only holo-characters had been killed. He had spoken to Kara before she finally managed to fall into a fitful sleep, and had said that he thought this wasn't some trivial 'holiday' scenario, despite her love of murder mystery novellas. He had long ago realised that this was personal and whomever had derived the program was leading up to a possible face to face confrontation, given his frustration he hoped that were so ... He decided to rest his eyes, so closing them he again listened to the almost hypnotic sound of the trains' wheels on the track ... Third Morning ::
"Sean ....""Sean ........"He heard the voice in that part of rest between sleeping peacefully, and waking. He turned over and opened his eyes to see Kara looking down at him. "Wakey wakey." she said with a grin before standing and walking away. It was then that he realised they were no longer aboard the Orient Express, but in a bedroom clearly situated in some almost Medieval Castle. He sat up, eyeing the room as Kara sat at the table and began her breakfast, "Come on before it get's cold." she said, waving a piece of toast in his direction before breaking into one of the two boiled eggs on her plate. It took him a few moments to clamber out of the bed, wondering vaguely when he had changed into the silk pajama's he was now wearing, then across to the table, all the while trying to decide where if any, an auxiliary control panel may be situated. He took the offered coffee cup and sipped at the hot welcoming liquid. He stood and walked to the large window, seeing a steep valley, a river flowing and and in the distance forests stretching as far as the eye could see. He tentatively took hold of the handle on the full length doors, not surprised when it remained stolidly closed. "Sean, breakfast !" Kara chided as she ate. He returned to the table, smiling at Kara before realising suddenly how hungry he actually was ..... There was a knock on the door and after a look with raised eyebrows from Kara, he said 'enter' ... A man came into the room, bowing deeply before going to the bed where he lay a suit and a dress, returning to the door he returned with shoes and placed these at the foot of the bed before leaving. "Hmm, I suppose that's what we'll be wearing then." Kara said before continuing to enjoy the opulent breakfast ... Later, having bathed, and in Sean's case, shaved with something that resembled more weapon than grooming accoutrement, thankfully he managed to get through the task without slitting his throat. "Very suave." Kara said with a sly grin as he donned the jacket. He was going to comment when there was a knock on the door, this time he walked over to open it himself, outside stood two of Funar's Officers: "Your presence is required in the Chapel." both stood away from the door clearly expecting them to leave their room ...... The walk through the castle was interesting, if only for the amount of detail their 'host' had gone to to make it realistic. Several corridors were roped off, and now and then they could hear cries. unfortunately, neither Officer was in the mood to reply to their questions, so they walked in silence. Taking three sets of stone stairs down they traversed a large area, ballroom, banquet hall, Sean could'n tell, then through a smaller door at the far end into a small Chapel. All the passengers on from the train were in attendance, apart from the murdered Chinese Diplomat ... After a few moments of conversation, Funar himself appeared: "Good morning to you Ladies and Gentlemen. I hope you enjoyed breakfast and approved of the rooms you were assigned to." he said, taking the offered cup from one of his Officers, "Now, we are in the private wing of the Sanatorium, so should be able to conduct the business of the day uninterrupted, please, you should relax, I know this is clearly somewhat annoying to some of you, but if you will allow me, then we shall see a conclusion to business in due course." "I strongly suggest you enjoy your moment Sir .... " Horace Pomfry said, ".... I fear your future will be greatly curtailed once I have been in contact with the Queen !" Again the Police Agent smiled, clearly non-pulsed by the Vicount's threats. he handed the empty cup to one of his Officers then continued. "I will be interviewing you all individually to ascertain your blameworthiness in the murders of the American Politician, and that of the Argentinian Military Advisor." "..... and who will be investigating the cold-blooded murder of our Chinese Colleague may I ask ?" the Russian Diplomat asked. "Mister Chen's death was, unfortunate, but had he ceded to my instruction he would still be among the living, no ?" Funar asked, but Markov could only drop into his seat scowling at the Agent, "Now, with whom shall we begin ....." "You can take me first." Sean said, standing but keeping hold of Kara's hand. "Oh, oh no, I'm afraid you will have to wait Mister O'Toole." Funar said with a sickening smirk as he grinned at his Officers, "Now, it would be remiss to expect you all to remain in this charming Chapel during my, investigations. So ... The door there will allow you all to go into a small enclosed garden, it is light, breezy, with a quite pleasant across the valley if I do say so myself. I would caution you not to approach the wall too closely, it is under repair and I would hate to discover one or more of you have fallen into the gorge below this side of the castle. Anything you need, blankets, refreshments, sandwiches, can be brought out to you there." "Why do I have to wait ?" Sean insisted. "Because I wish it Sir .... Because I wish it." the Agent said darkly, changing the instant he looked at one of the others, "OK, shall we begin with you, Lady Vickers ?" The group sat or stood in silence as Queen Victoria's Lady in Waiting was led from the room, the two guards followed, as did Funar himself. Left alone no-one immediately moved until Olaf Markov tried the aforementioned door which opened easily. He looked at the others then stepped through, returning a moment later he confirmed there was indeed a garden, larger than expected at the end of the corridor. Hesitantly everyone filed through into the morning sun. There were tables and chairs, along with several long padded settee's facing the valley. Sean couldn't help wonder if the two footmen were actually the Police Agent's men in disguise. "Sean this is gorgeous." Kara said, arms outstretched as she enjoyed the sun on her face. He smiled, inwardly wondering how long their 'host' would keep this charade going before confronting him ! ..... O'Tooles Bar & Grill Alpha Promenade ::
Entering the bar David was met by Sharon, the Night Manager he had spoken to a few nights earlier. She took his arm and led him to the office at the back of the bar:
"David, I'm sorry for dragging you here but I'm a little concerned."
"Well, I'm not the best barman on the Starba ....." Tan began, but the woman interrupted him.
"No, no, Sean and Kara were supposed to be back by now, I've heard nothing from either of them and I'm getting to be concerned."
"You said they were enjoying a well-earned holiday in the holosuite wasn't they ?" David asked.
"Yes, but it all seemed a little, strange if you ask me, which you didn't o'course, but still ...." Sharon said, clearly concerned.
"Who's running the bar now ?" he asked, mistakenly thinking her concern was for the bar itself.
"I'm no' worried about the bar David, Jenny the Assistant Manager is here, she'll be coping no trouble, it's just that ......"
"Look, maybe they have decided to add a day or so onto their 'holiday' hell, it isn't like they don't deserve the break is it." David said trying to reassure the Night Manager.
"Aye, perhaps you're right there." Sharon ceded, getting up feeling a little self-conscious for getting him involved, "C'mon I'll treat you to a glass."
"I've somewhere to be actually, but I'll drop in later for that drink ... Look, if you haven't heard from them by this time tomorrow, give me a shout OK, I'm not one for intruding on private holo-programs, but they can't live in there for ever." he said giving Sharon a hug as they left the office. He waved over to jenny as he left the bar. Entering the turbo-lift he couldn't get rid of the niggling feeling at the back of his mind ..........
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Sean O'Toole
Civilian
The Luck O' the Irish
Registered: Aug 13, 2016 0:12:33 GMT
Posts: 59
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Post by Sean O'Toole on Oct 10, 2019 11:33:14 GMT
Waking he stretched, enjoying the warmth of the Sun through the ornate windows ... He turned to his left expecting Kara to be lay there, but he was alone ... Rising, he went into the outer room but again this room was empty. He wondered if Kara had risen early and had gone out to the garden area for breakfast without him. Returning to the bedroom he dressed, beginning to be a little concerned at Kara's absence. He couldn't put his finger on it, but he increasingly believed something was amiss, the room was the same, the clothing, the cool fresh air coming over the mountains .... Leaving the room he headed down the corridor to the dining area hoping to find Kara sat waiting, but instead he realised only two other people were there. "Good morning. I trust you, slept well." Agent Funar asked breezily. "Where is Kara ?" Sean retorted. "Oh, she is well, you will be reunited with her in due course should our morning go well." the Agent said, taking a bite from the piece of toast he was holding, "Please, sit, you should eat something." Sean looked around the room, something was wrong here and his anxiousness about Kara was rising. It was then he looked back at the Police Officer stood beside the door leading out to the garden. He was holding a phaser ! ... He spun to face the still seated Funar, who smiled amicably and motioned to the chair opposite, across the room the 'Officer' waved the phaser towards the table, Sean had little option but to comply ... "Kara ?" he asked again, but Funar simply raised his eyebrows. "Eat, you should try the marmalade, it's fresh .... Hmm, exquisite ...." he said taking another bite before savouring the taste and texture, "Got to keep up your strength." he said, pushing the toast rack towards Sean. "Now, I'm not one for mixing business with, pleasure, but we really do need to get on. You're questions will be answered in due course I'm sure, so, if you would eat ......" Thirty silent minutes later :: "OK, the marmalade was enjoyable was it not ?" Funar asked as he dabbed his lips with his napkin before rising, "Shall we adjourn to the sitting room, our discussion will be much more pleasant there I believe." Funar began to leave without looking to see if Sean was following, the Officer had taken several steps into the room and was now pointedly aiming his phaser at O'Toole, with no option but to comply, he stood and followed the Agent. Sitting in one of the high back chairs he watched the man closely, keeping the Officer in his peripheral vision as much as he could. "What's going on Funar ?" Sean demanded. "All in good time Sir, all in good time ....." the Agent replied leaning forward to pour coffee into one of the cups on the table between them. He poured one for Sean and handed it to him before continuing, "Now, you are no doubt wondering about the sudden turn of events, well, shall we say that one of your more 'enthusiastic' employees has been wondering about the nature of the prize you won and has been asking questions. This has forced us to, accelerate our operation somewhat ... It had been thought we could get you to the Palace in Vienna but alas that had to be changed, thus your arrival here." Funar explained. "What the hell are you talking about ‽" "Relax Mister O'Toole, loosing your temper will only prolong our conversation, and may well result in some nastiness I would think both of us would much rather avoid." Funar said, eyes narrowing perceptibly, "So ... Now that we have established some 'ground rules' so to speak, I think we can begin ..." "Someone will come looking for us." Sean said. "That may well be the case, but they will not find you, at least until our business is concluded ..... As to 'how' they eventually find you is completely dependant on you." "I'm not answering any of your questions until I see Kara is safe and well." the Bar Owned said defiantly. Funar looked over to his colleague then smiled. The Officer went over to the fireplace, tapping one of the bricks a section of the stonework slid silently upward to reveal a viewscreen. Seconds later Sean could see an image of Kara, she was sat in the garden looking out over the valley to the mountain range beyond. She was drinking orange juice and looked relaxed. behind her, seated at another table was a man dressed in what looked like Bavarian traditional dress, but it wasn't the outfit that caught Sean's eye, it was the phaser held below the table top, pointed directly into the back of his Fiancé ! "If you hur ...." Sean began, his patience finally reaching breaking point. "Threats are of no consequence Mister O'Toole ...." Agent Funar said, raising a hand to halt the approach of the Officer, "My 'employer' merely needs to be assured of your compliance." "Employer. Couldn't he, or she, have simply come into the bar ?" Sean asked as he lowered himself back into the seat tentatively. "I cannot answer that I'm afraid. Needless to say,, my employer was keen to disorientate you prior to your meeting, but as I previously stated, circumstances have required we expedite proceedings." "You realise that once Security are informed of my disappearance all they need do is enter the holosuite ?" O'Toole asked, feeling he was gaining ground on the conversation. "That may well be so, but they will find nothing I assure you." Funar replied, the sly grin returning, "For, despite your 'adventure' thus far, you have not been in the holosuite for almost three days." "What ‽" was all Sean could reply as a sense of foreboding began to rise within him. Funar smiled his sickening smile as he retrieved a small device from his pocket, tapping a control he returned his attention to his guest: "If you would cautiously raise your left hand up to your temple, you will feel a small device, feel free to remove it ...." Funar leaned back to wait on O'Toole. Sean did as instructed, reaching up he felt something small attached to his skin, he took hold and tentatively pulled it away. The instant contact was broken the room changed dramatically. He was no longer in a dining room in a castle in Germany, but in some sort of dull grey room ... Funar's attire had changed as had the Officers'. They were both now wearing black one-piece suits ... Sean looked down to see he too was wearing similar garb. Funar walked over to the wall / bulkhead, he tapped a concealed control and a panel slid down and out of sight. Sean's eyes widened ! "Well .... I fear they can look to their hearts' content, but will not find you or your companion, for as you can see, you are no longer 'on' your Starbase." Sean could only lay in complete silence as beyond the window, Starbase Forty Seven floated serenely beyond the window ..........
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Sean O'Toole
Civilian
The Luck O' the Irish
Registered: Aug 13, 2016 0:12:33 GMT
Posts: 59
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Post by Sean O'Toole on Oct 19, 2019 14:54:41 GMT
"Ah, I see you are experiencing some confusion ...." Funar said as he walked across the room to retake his seat, ".... You see, we have been looking for an opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with you for some time. Admittedly, it was somewhat of a double-edged sword when we found ourselves on the Starbase when the disaster occurred, but we adapted, as people in a position to do so tend to do." "I have no idea what you are talking about, Funar, if that actually 'IS' your name." Sean said, very quickly processing his precarious position. "If is indeed my name, not that having that snippet of information is going to be usable in any way to the situation you find yourself in." "Any chance you could speed up your revelation. You do seem to be enjoying the sound of your own voice, so y'do." O'Toole said, hoping to irritate the man before him if nothing else. "Hmm, patience is a virtue, isn't that how the saying goes ? .... But as you wish .... Now, as I was saying, double-edged sword. Yes, we have lost contact with our home, but on a, fractionally bri ....2 "You're at it again." Sean interrupted, this time seeing the mans fists tighten as they rested on the arms of the chair. alas, both of the guards had noticed this subtle change too and had taken a step closer to O'Toole, their phasers now aimed roughly towards his midriff. Shrugging he sat back and waited, grinning at the guards who he assumed could not act independently of their bosses' wishes. "As I was saying. We had lost contact with home, but then one of our operatives entered your establishment, purely by chance I might add, and against explicit instructions. We have been operating for some time as you may expect, even assisting that child Serova and her band of disillusioned lackeys .... So, imagine our surprise when he returned with news of who was running said establishment !" "Again, I have no idea what you are talking about. my Family has owned and run O'Toole for generations, first in Ireland, before we expanded, the one here, well, there ...." Sean said, pointing at the Starbase close-by, ".... Was opened by my Father and mother over three years ago. Once it was up and running they sent me up to run the place. So, truth be told it's clear you have the wrong person." "Seven years ago. You, and your fellow Intelligence Officers were responsible for extensive losses accrued by my employer when you closed down several of his off-world enterprises. Oh, you didn't fare as well as you expected, incurring the loss of nine of your colleagues in the process, not to mention the four lost when you attempted to take my employer into custody, one of those being your best friend at the time if memory serves ?" Funar stopped talking, presumably to allow what he was saying to sink in, but also to gauge Sean's reaction to the information being supplied. It was taking all O'Tooles willpower not to leap from the chair, despite the two guards who were watching him too closely. Grinning, Funar continued: "The losses were felt on both sides I assure you. I lost my wife when you raided our storage facility on Mars, and my employed didn't do well, but survived." Sean rose, very slowly, the two phasers tracking his move across the room to the small window. He looked at the Starbase, four kilometers of safe haven. But it may as well have been in another Galaxy to all the use it was. "You can go on with this till your hearts' content Funar, but as I said earlier, I'm not the man you are looking for." "I am merely passing the time with civilised conversation Mister O'Toole, you validity of your identity is not my concern. What is, is the fact that regardless of your protestations, here you are .... My employer is convinced he has the right person, and that is all that counts. But let me fill in a few small details, maybe they will convince you to drop the pretense that you are simply a bar owner ......" he took a PADD from the table beside his chair and began to read: We'll dispense with your early years, so ...
Stardate 2378.0802: You were seconded into Starfleet Intelligence, rising quickly through the ranks I believe. Stardate 2394.1126: You were assigned to lead the task force against my employer. Stardate 2398.0114: You and your forces attacked sixteen facilities throughout the Sol system ans other locations. Stardate 2398.0229: You and several of your colleagues disappeared after giving testimony against my employer. "Now, you whereabouts become somewhat sketchy from there. In fact, despite extensive efforts you remained out of reach. alas, that was not the case for many of your fellow Intelligence Officers. Stardate 2304.0228: We were en-route to the Persei Sector, but needed to stop at Starbase Forty Seven to wait a contact. Stardate 2304.0302: ..... Well, we are all aware of the sequence of events on that date ..... "So here we are today." Funar shrugged as if he had explained everything that needed explaining. One of the guards took a Comm badge from his pocket and turned away. After a moment he turned to whisper to Funar, who was watching O'Toole with an amused expression on his face. He spoke quietly to the guard who retook his previous position before raising his phaser again, "Well, it seems my employer has been listening in to our conversation and feels you may need time to 'appreciate' your predicament. Now, given we can't simply return you to the simulation, we are going to give you a room here on the ship ..." he waited while one of the guards stepped forward and pulled Sean's left hand up before placing a metallic band over his clenched wrist. The second he released it it tightened until it fit snugly, "I trust you will be on your best behaviour during your liberty Mister O'Toole. Failure to comply will of course be detrimental to your, health, and that of your lovely fiancé, whom for the moment is blissfully unaware of proceeding, but the man behind her has instructions to terminate her should you prove troublesome." The guard stepped away and both lowered their phasers. Sean couldn't help but touch the band around his wrist realising instantly that removing it meant having Funar's blessing, or the removal of his left hand, obviously not something he wanted to contemplate at this juncture. "One of my associates will show you to your quarters, we shall meet again in the morning." Funar said as he began to leave. "I want Kara with me." Sean said as defiantly as he could, eyes locked on Funar's. his captor seemed to be silently deliberating his demand for a long moment then came to a decision. "Sedate her ... Remove the cortical stimulator ..." Funar said to one of his men, "... Have her taken to Mister O'Tooles quarters Oh, lets put one of those on her shall we, I've known women to be less than co-operative at times like these. Until tomorrow Mister O'Toole, I believe we can leave you to provide the necessary explanations to your lovely fiancé." he turned and left the room, one guard followed, the other stood passively waiting on Sean. With no option but to comply, he began to leave the room with a glance at the Starbase beyond the plexiglass. "Don't worry, your quarters has a much better view. turn left down the corridor please." the man said as if showing him to a table in a restaurant .........
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Sean O'Toole
Civilian
The Luck O' the Irish
Registered: Aug 13, 2016 0:12:33 GMT
Posts: 59
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Post by Sean O'Toole on Nov 3, 2019 14:42:43 GMT
It was early hours when Kara woke from the sedation, Sean tried to explain the circumstances leading to their capture, but she was less than impressed ... "So this is all to do with your PAST !" she demanded. Sean could only nod as he watched the Starbase, a silver blue jewel hanging in the darkness of the vast void beyond. "Yes, it was well before I came to the Starbase, long before we met." Sean was saying, unable to turn to face the one he loved, the one he had swore never to put in harms way. "This man, I'm assuming it's some man, he came here when the Starbase moved, so why has it taken him so long to, to ...." "Act ?" Sean finished for her. "Yes." "I don't know. I don't even know who the hell took us Kara." he was saying as the steel door groaned open. One of the men who had brought them to the room told the two to follow him, "She has nothing to do with this." Sean said, standing between the guard and his fiance, but he was thrust aside, a phaser millimeters from his face. It was clear the guard was itching to fire, presumably only holding off so as not to incur the wrath of his employer. Slowly Sean got to his feet, arms held out hoping to ease the guards anger, at least until he could fight back .... They were taken to a large room, it looked similar to an Officers' lounge but the decor was anything but adequate. The bulkheads were rusted, windows coated in grime, the deck was sticky with something both he and Kara dared not speculate upon. They were told to sit and the guard took up a position beside the door, phaser held loosely in his grasp as he watched the two. After a hour, they heard someone approaching, Sean couldn't help himself when the man entered ! "Profaci !" The man smiled, eyeing Sean up and down as he was wheeled further into the room. Kara looked at the man ... He was wheelchair bound, having lost both legs below the hips. She couldn't understand why in this day and age he hadn't acquired prosthetic limbs but chose to be wheeled about like an, invalid. A scar ran the length of the left side of his face, passing through the left eye and finishing beneath the mans right ear. "You remember ..." the man said to Sean, before propelling himself over to Kara before taking her hand, ".... It is somewhat unfortunate that you had to be here my child, but needs must." he said, releasing the hand as if he'd received an electric shock. "What the hell ....." Sean began, halting his approach as the guard raised the phaser. Profaci ignored him continuing to look at Kara. "You are no doubt wondering about my, appearance .... Well, following our last, and for me somewhat unfortunate, meeting. I vowed to remain thus until I had exercised my right to vengeance upon those that did this to me. Mister, O'Toole here, took it upon himself to ensure the facility I was in was completely destroyed, despite orders to the contrary I might add. He was convinced that my employer was within the facility, so he ordered it destroyed !" "THAT'S A LIE AND YOU KNOW IT !""Have it your way ...." the man said, smiling, ".... Yet here I stand, or rather, sit. The result of your Officers detonating explosives despite our surrender." "He's lying Kara !" Sean spat, eyes flicking from his seated captor, to the guard and back, "It was his own people that blew up the facility whilst he cowardly attempted to escape in a shuttle. It was hit during take off and crashed. It had been thought everyone aboard had perished, but during the search we fou ...." "My legs ?" Profaci interrupted, wheeling himself to the table in the center of the room, "Yes, a somewhat unfortunate circumstance I will admit, but as you can see. I prevailed, so much so that I eventually took my 'former' employers' fortune and began rebuilding ... I have to admit, coming across you was a pleasant surprise." "You'll be shopping for legs then ?" Sean asked, the sarcasm obvious. "In due course." Profaci replied, "I just wanted to meet with you one last time before we conclude our business in this region of space." "Where have you been ?" Kara asked. "Oh well, that is too long a story, but needless to say, I made the acquaintance of raiders that had boarded the Starbase almost a year ago. I convinced them of my usefulness, and have done so since. This vessel, is owned by a nomadic race known as the Korowia. They traverse vast stretches of space, sometimes in search of viable food supplies, sometimes to settle conflicts, of which they have won many I might add. We had come back to the Starbase for numerous supplies when one of my men came upon your 'boyfriend' here. As you can imagine, I could not leave without paying my respects." "So why the holosuite farce ?" Sean asked. "It was necessary to facilitate your absence for a few days. You were only actually in the holosuite for little under an hour, once inside you were sedated and brought to this ship ... Alas, I need to conclude our reunion sooner than I would have liked" Profaci answered, clearly pleased with his ingenuity. Kara had been listening to the wheelchair-bound man but was watching the guard in her peripheral vision. He had relaxed as his employer spoke, moving around the room to sit only a meter from her, his eyes locked on Sean. As Profaci moved his chair, indicating he was done with the conversation, the guard began to rise. Kara shot forward, two fingers entering the mans eye socket. He screamed in agony, dropping the phaser in an effort to save his eye. She snatched it up, firing point blank at the second guard who had entered as the commotion had begun. Sean kicked the first guard in his face, no doubt increasing the torment he was suffering. As he looked to where Kara had been stood he saw her grasp the bedraggled hair of Profaci pulling his head back and stopping his headlong dash to escape. She slammed the phaser into his face and spun the chair back into the room. Seeing Sean grab the chair she rushed to the door just as another guard appeared, he fired into the room barely missing Sean but fell as she shot him ... closing the door and locking it she turned to Sean. He had overturned the wheelchair and Profaci was now sprawled on the dirty deck, eyes burning into O'Toole as he spat. "You think this is helping you ?" their former captor asked, giving up trying to right the chair in favor of dragging himself to a seated position. "You're done Leon ..." Sean said, taking the phaser from Kara who sat down trying to stem the shaking throughout her body, "... You shouldn't have let your urge for vengeance get the better of you. You are going to order your men to deactivate whatever cloaking technology this ship employs, then you are coming back aboard the Starbase." Both Kara and Sean were surprised when Profaci simply laughed. "I have over twenty people on this ship. Not to mention the Korowia, who will no doubt be less that enthusiastic to give up their vessel, so, shall we cease this nonsense ?" Sean waled forward slowly, until he was stood over the murdering smuggler. After a few seconds he raised one foot before placing it on the stump of Profaci's left leg. Smiling he applied pressure. Yelping as the pain lanced through his thigh into his back and upwards he raised a hand. "Well ?" O'Toole asked. gathering himself, Profaci glared at him then his face changed. "You know, I never did fully trust those who worked for me, even in the early days, you never can tell when someone acquires ideas above his station, so to speak, so I always have contingency plans in place just for such eventualities." "Well, it seems you ran out of contingencies. Order the cloak deactivated .... Now !" Sean demanded, his boot returning to Profaci's thigh, he quickly pointed towards the Comm link on his wrist. As Kara moved to the door Sean warned him not to call for more guards, "You'll never see them come through that door Leon, so play nice an accept your fate." Profaci nodded resignedly as he tapped the Comm link: "Computer .. Sequenza di autodistruzione." Sean kicked the man unconscious, but not before he had sent an instruction to the ships computer. "What did he do ?!" Kara asked urgently. "I don't know, I don't speak Italian, but it can't be good !" he replied with a sense of foreboding ..........
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Sean O'Toole
Civilian
The Luck O' the Irish
Registered: Aug 13, 2016 0:12:33 GMT
Posts: 59
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Post by Sean O'Toole on Nov 13, 2019 17:04:29 GMT
"PROFACI ! ..." Sean and Kara turned to see three people in the doorway, two were levelling phasers at them, the third, clearly one of the aforementioned Korowia. "Get the hell away from him, now !" one of the men said as the other righted the wheelchair and began to lift their still unconscious leader into it. "He attempted to destroy my SHIP !" "Well, he didn't did he. Prepare to leave." one of the men ordered. "I think you underestimate our relationship." the Korowia said, looking at the Starbase less than a kilometre away, "You realize had he succeeded that base of yours would be totally destroyed." the man who had been helping Profaci spun and reached out to snatch the Korowia, but he stapped deftly aside slamming a blow to his attackers temple, the man dropped unconscious. "Profaci won't be too happy at what you have done, we had an agreement " "I'm afraid our 'agreement' as you call it, is to be terminated. Your, employer has admittedly been of use to us, but the course he chose to travel is, detrimental to both him and us. I have spoken with my superiors and it has been decided we are to part company immediately. Oh, I feel it only prudent to inform you that all of your people have been taken and are being held in the cargo lock. Should you decide to be less than helpful as we terminate our then they will find themselves struggling to breathe in the vacuum of space. It is doubtful your former colleagues aboard the facility will be able to rescue them before their deaths, so ... I assume you will be compliant ?" "Profaci will hunt you down, you do know that !" "It is somewhat doubtful. Had we not come across your disabled craft we are confident you would have no knowledge of us. Further, you have no awareness of the locations of our other Life Vessels, which are spread throughout the Galaxy, so you see my former friend, your threats are meaningless." the Korowia was saying as Profaci come around ... He wiped the blood flowing from his split lips on the sleeve of his jacket, seemingly studying the deep red liquid with interest. Finally, he looked around the room, eyes widening with both shock and anger. He glared at Sean and Kara then turned his chair around: "You prevented me from killing him !" he spat at the Korowia. "You intended to forfeit our lives to satisfy your compulsion for revenge against this man. That is unacceptable." "KILL HIM ... KILL HIM NOW !" Profaci screamed in frustration as several more of the Koroeia entered the room to relieve the Hunan's of their weapons. "We cannot do so I am afraid." Leon Profaci wheeled himself forward until he was within arms reach of O'Toole, eyes filled with hate as he spat phlegm into his face. Sean slowly raised his hand to wipe away the mucus then took a cloth from the nearby table to remove it from his hand. Profaci tried again but Sean put a foot on his chair and kicked the man out of range. "Are you going to allow us to leave ?" Kara asked. "We are discussing that very problem young lady." the Korowia answered quietly, "You see, we are a race of nomads. We chose this way of life tens of thousands of your years ago. It is conclusive to our needs. We came across this man and his colleagues, who were in distress. After saving them, they rapidly ingratiated themselves into our society, even aiding us in some of our 'necessary' ventures. After helping us we felt it only fair to help in return, thus, after a long search we located your facility. It was shortly after our arrival that Mister Profaci's full intentions became known to us." "So why not just leave him here and go ?" Sean asked. "We pride ourselves on the satisfactory fulfilment of agreements. So you see, once here we had no option but to allow them to carry out whatever 'scheme' they had. The abduction of you both was worrying, and we voiced our concerns. His attempt to access our computer and instruct the ship to self-demise was as you say, the last straw." the Korowai tried to explain, "So you see our conundrum. Should we return you to your facility, the knowledge you have of us will go with you while taking you with us forcibly is most unacceptable indeed." "But we know nothing about you." Kara said, clearly upset at proceedings. "You know of us, of our existence, of our presence, however fleeting, in this Star system, that cannot be allowed." "Look ...." Sean hesitated, "You seek familiarity, that too is something you could not achieve. We are, joined, in mind not body, the need for titles, names, designations is long in our past." "Fine ...." Sean continued, taking Kara's hand before continuing, "You say you are nomads, living your lives in the deepest regions of the Galaxy. Leaving us here when you depart using your cloaking technology will make it impossible for us to come after you even if we had the means to do so .... Scan or Starbase, check for yourselves." "We have done so on numerous occasions, we are aware of your, Starships, we are aware of your investigations into finding a means to return to your home." the Korowia said seemingly thinking over possible options. "So you know there would be no way for us to follow or even contact you once you leave !" Sean reiterated. ".... And what of these men, who only moments ago tried to end the lives of you and all those on your Starbase, what would you have us do with them ?" "We would take them also, they will be incarcerated, stand trial for their crimes." Sean assured the Korowia. "We have little knowledge of your justice system, but from what we have learned, you would not terminate their lives for the lives they themselves have taken ?" "No, we don't do that !" Kara said before Sean could reply. "Unfortunate indeed ... I feel that someone such as this man and his associates are well overdue for the final reckoning." the man said, shaking his head in sadness. "Move these out." the Korowia instructed, then once alone with Kara and Sean he looked at them, sorrow in his expression, "We shall consider," he said, turning and leaving the room without another word ...... Command Center Main Floor ::
Commander Teigue, Duty Command Center Officer was walking past one of the stations when the operator muttered something:
"Lieutenant ?"
"Sorry Commander, I was reviewing proximity scans of the Starbase. Several days ago an anomalous reading showed, only for a fraction of a second, but there nonetheless."
"... and ?"
"Well Sir, It just appeared again, only for the same fraction of a second and impossible to localise other than it was approximately one kilometre off and around Auxiliary Sensor Arrays on Level One Seven Zero Zero."
"Hold on, we have who knows how many crews working out there on the Array's, how come no-one else has spotted these readings ?"
"Beats me Commander." the woman shrugged.
"OK, log the readings and let's keep an eye on that area. Could be a simple sensor glitch given all the work out there." he mused, "Instruct the Dock Master and Engineering Heads working out there to keep a close eye out."
"Aye Sir." the woman confirmed, her brows furrowing as she scrutinised the reading yet again ..........
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Sean O'Toole
Civilian
The Luck O' the Irish
Registered: Aug 13, 2016 0:12:33 GMT
Posts: 59
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Post by Sean O'Toole on Nov 22, 2019 21:10:54 GMT
We have little knowledge of your justice system, but from what we have learned, you would not terminate their lives for the lives they themselves have taken ?"
"No, we don't do that !" Kara said before Sean could reply.
"Unfortunate indeed ... I feel that someone such as this man and his associates are well overdue for the final reckoning." the man said, shaking his head in sadness.
"Move these out." the Korowia instructed, then once alone with Kara and Sean he looked at them, sorrow in his expression, "We shall consider," he said, turning and leaving the room without another word ......~~~~~~~~~~ Sean and Kara had sat in the small room alone, apart from the guard beyond the door they had no indications that anything was happening until the door opened once again: "We have undergone much consideration to your, predicament ...." the Korowia said, "You see, we cannot reconcile ourselves that these men who abducted you will suffer no more than mere incarceration for their crimes. Mister Profaci had been useful to us, as no doubt we had to himself. But his deception in bringing us here resulted in needless deaths. That, we cannot condone." "You can rest assured Sir, they will no be in any comfort, hard labour is what they can look forward to no doubt about that !" Sean replied as a second Korowia entered and spoke quietly to the other before leaving hurriedly. "It appears our time together much be concluded ..... Due to Mister Profaci's tampering your Space Station momentarily detected our presence. They are at this moment endeavouring to identify and locate us." "They pose no harm, I can assure you of that. Lower your cloak and identify yourselves, you will be welcomed with open arms I'm sure." Sean said, suddenly concerned. "Alas, we cannot do that. As I previously explained, we are a nomadic race. We have travelled the stars for longer than I care to remember. We chose to forego interaction with other species regardless of how helpful they could be ... So, we have a quandary to resolve do we not. ...." the Korowia said seemingly deep in thought for a moment before continuing, "We have decided to return you to your Station." he nodded to another of his race who spoke into a device on his sleeve, the Starbase beyond the window appeared to be sinking as they slowly rose upwards along the four-kilometre height. "What about Profeci and his men ?" Kara asked. "It has been decided that they will remain with us, where a more suitable punishment will be forthcoming." "They are federation citizens, you have no right to detain, let alone punish them !" Sean said forcibly. "You may, of course, remain here, advocate for them at their trial. That would result in your permanently staying with the Korowia ?" "Sean ...." Kara whispered, clearly frightened at the prospect of never getting back to the Starbase. "Then it is decided. If you would please follow me we shall accommodate your safe return." They followed the two Korowia along the corridor to what looked like a cargo area. Profaci and his men were stood in the middle of the room, clearly expecting to be returned to the Starbase with Kara and Sean, but the look on their faces told Profaci everything he needed to know. "You cannot allow them to keep us here ... O'TOOLE ... If you leave us here we will be KILLED !" Sean looked at the man with something approaching sympathy. truth be told there was nothing he or anyone else could do to save them. The Korowia were hardly going to de-cloak and remain sat a kilometre off the Starbase awaiting the actions of the Starbase dwellers, no, they were going to return Kara and Sean and vanish from sight. The two were led to a glass-like disk set into the deck, meters away, the Leader of the Korowia spoke to one of his personnel, Sean felt the beginnings of a transport in progress ..... Command Center Main Floor ::
"Sir, there it is again !" the Lieutenant said, but before the Duty Commander could reach him the man spoke again, more urgently this time, "SIR ... Detecting something, possible transport in progress !"
Before anything could be actioned to prevent the incursion, two figures began to materialise on the Mezzanine Level above their heads. Phasers were drawn and Officers ran to cover the intruders, frowning confusedly as two Civilian-clad Humans appeared before them. Almost before they had fully materialised Sean was shouting:
"SCAN NOW... There's a cloaked vessel off our hull !"
"Stand still or you will be incapasi ....."
"SEAN O'TOOLE ... Intelligence Division ... Clearance code: 'SIGMA-TWO-ONE-PHI ... Check it now, check it quickly, but 'SCAN' out there before we lose that SHIP !" the Commander nodded but continued to hold numerous weapons on the two interlopers. Someone below confirmed the code but even then the weapons remained in place. Sean was already shaking his head as he walked back to his fiancé completely ignoring those around him. The Lieutenant shook his head as the doors to one of the turbo-lifts opened and several Department Heads rushed in, including Admiral Nia Lemond, who had been informed of the new arrivals.
"Nothing Sir, but the transport did originate one thousand seventy meters off our hull Commander."
"Lower your weapons." Lemond ordered as she approached the two, "Begin full checks, I want to know what was out there... Couldn't just visit by using the lift like everyone else Sean ?" she asked with a grin that belied her concern. She led them to her office were her Adjutant, Commander Paquin had just arrived. She asked for tea for as everyone dropped into seats.
Sean began to narrate their story ..........
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