[Crazy Horse] Coil of Darkness - SD 241510.20 - BackLog | "Damn that Dodgy Pint" | LtCmdr Jin "Voodoo" Rha-Yaleii

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Commander Jin Rha-Yaleii
Mission: Coil of Darkness
Location: Earth
Timeline: 2412

=/\= Galway, Ireland, Earth =/\=

"Alright, what's she done this time?"
"Afternoon. Ah, fierce drizzly still?"
"Begging your pardon?"
For a moment the two males standing in the small, cozy room that managed not to look like a police station at all, stared at each other in a deadlock of mutual incomprehension. Then Rafi shrugged off his soaked overcoat, causing the puddle at his feet to rapidly become a small lake.

"Yes, good afternoon as well. I apologize for storming in here like that. Now will you please tell me what she's done?" Heaving a deep sigh the tall and at the moment rather drenched Trill accepted the silently offered towel and watched with growing bemusement as the young human turned towards an urgently whistling ancient pot.
"I was just about to wet the tea. Will you have some, then?"
"No, thank you. Listen,-"
"Ah, go way outta that. Will only take a minute."
"Mister Garda, I appreciate your-"
"Ciarán will do. Milk?"

Rafi gave up. "No, no milk. But sugar, if you have it. Or better yet, some whiskey."
"None of that around I fear. But O'Dale's is just across."
"Of course it is."
Outside the rainstorm was gaining speed, battering against the windows. Trying his best to shake water out of his ears, Rafi located a coat hanger no less ancient than the odd little pot and finally resigned himself to sitting down. Rocking chairs. Fireplace. Good grief. If the slight, dark haired human wasn't wearing a uniform Rafi might have believed the locals had sent him to the wrong place. A museum, from the looks of it.

"So," the young human handed over a cup of steaming, admittedly delicious smelling tea "if yer wan is who I think it is I'm afraid you'll have to take a number."
"Excuse me, but do you speak English?"
"I thought I did."
"Not the kind I learned."
It wasn't merely the accent. Nor the strange expressions tossed into every sentence, seemingly at random. It was the gentle drawl, the almost musical delivery of one non sequitur after the other which apparently even defeated Rafi's universal translator. Ironically, the one person he knew who'd be able to decipher all this in three minutes flat and happily chatter back after five more was the one he was looking for. Slowly a migraine crept up the Trill's temples as he wondered whether he hadn't come to the wrong place after all.

"Ah, there you are, lassie. Conas ata tu?"
"Like goat slept on my head. Damn that dodgy pint. Oh, hey Rafi."
As if his thoughts had summoned her, Jin appeared in a doorway, looking for all intent and purpose as if said goat and all its cousins had chased her up and down the island. But her glacier blue eyes were bright and clear, her warm and happy smile as radiant as ever.
"An toigh leat tae?"
"What do you think made me drag my carcass out of bed?"
"Right you are, lass."

Of course. Of course she would understand every damn word, of course she would waltz into the room with the insouciant grace of a little cat, albeit one that had spent the night fighting much bigger cats and was worse for wear in the bargain. For a second Rafi's heart constricted in his chest as he saw her limp over to the fireplace, stopping next to his rocking chair with that oh so familiar smirk as she leaned forward to press her warm cheek against his face.
"Don't tell me. Came charging to my rescue again?"
"Your knight in rusty armor, chérie. Toujours."
"You do look like you swam over here."
"Well, when I heard there was an incident involving an Efrosian fighter pilot…"
"You naturally assumed it was me. Not sure if I should be flattered or insulted."

"So you'd be with the Federation News Service then? I was wondering why ye would be bothering with a pub brawl." Ciarán produced some cookies which were enthusiastically greeted by the bedraggled little elf that had been dropped into his keeping. Not that he minded, the pixie was as cheerful as house guest as you could wish for. And the little incident with Mr. Feeney's shack being at a different address now – namely the bottom of the harbor – could hardly be blamed on her. As for appropriating a Garda horse without authorization – he was willing to let that slide, what with said horse not having kicked the gal in the face. Rather, he'd had to push Shergar's big face back outside more than once as the horse insisted on checking in on his new pal. Every ten minutes.
Also one could not dispute said appropriation had taken place in a state of general mayhem and old Durkin might have ended up taking an impromptu cold bath in the harbor if the pixie and Shergar had not intervened. Public health and safety thus preserved and horse cheerfully munching on the carrots of an overturned market stall, it had seemed only practical to offer the drenched and hiccupping stranger a place to sleep it off.

What Ciarán had not anticipated was that his informing the main station of having a temporary guest whose Starfleet ID identified her as a pilot – go figure – would generate so much interest. First from Starfleet, which really had bigger problems right now you should think, and then those persistent newspeople. At least that mystery was solved now. A worried buddy. The young Garda could certainly approve of that.

"Yes, I am." Having regained somewhat of his dignity if not exactly his usually cultivated and elegant appearance, Rafi made to produce his credentials but was stopped by a dismissive gesture.
"But you still haven't told me what Jin is charged with. Look, I'll give you a character reference or stand bail if you-"
"No need. Shergar already gave me the former and as for the latter, there'll be many a one who would, old Durkin top of the list. Ossified as he was. But yer wan isna charged wit anything. She just needed a place to get out o the rain and some scratches patched up. The horse woulda been miffed at me if I'd a dumped her at a hotel."
"The horse."
"Yes."
"And Mr. Ossified Durkin."
"The very same."
"Toto, I don't think I'm in Paris any more."

Jin for her part had curled up in a massive old rocking chair, cradling the tea in her hands and following the exchange with a cocked head. The very image of a broken down pilot, from her rumpled pants to the Starfleet issue tank top that looked as if it had been through the wars; from the white hair that she had never let grow as long as it was now, wild and disheveled but still looking as soft as an Efrosian snow fox's fur, to the sorry state of her duffel and heavy boots, sitting forlornly by the fireplace.
And still that familiar indomitable spirit seemed to radiate off her like heat from the fire. Tempered, perhaps, at once deeper and honed by dark undercurrents, hinting at the steel Rafi had always known was there at the core of his little friend. A lost, stray kitten on the surface, yet somehow the Trill sensed she was more dangerous now than she had ever been before. And Gods help him, more beautiful. Despite everything. Because of it.

Rafi's deep sigh earned him a Vulcanesque quirked brow and one of those long looks out of glacier blue eyes. One of those looks that you never expected from a cheerful, irreverent fighter pilot, that seemed to go straight for your soul, never bothering with the superficial.
"Jin …?"
"Yes, Rafi?"
"Are you going to go? You could … I don't know, tell them your leg still isn't up to it. I mean, Gods, you're still limping. What good would you be-"
"Go where?"
"What?"

"Ah, this be about the Starfleet, then?" Ciarán set down the tea and absentmindedly patted the big kitty's head, looking between the Trill and his houseguest "they've been asking for the lass, too. But I told them the same as your friends, that they should try again later."
"You did what?" Rafi's incredulous expression was met with a shrug from the young Garda, even as Jin snickered into her tea.
"I find that if somethin's really important, people will come yellin' sooner or later. If they've time to prattle on, the house isn't quite on fire yet, is it? Does the kitty want some more ham?"
"Mrroaaauuww."
"Right ye are."
Rafi nearly jumped out of his chair when the ball of fur that had been curled up at the human's feet stretched and yawned, revealing razor sharp fangs in the process. Not quite as big as a Terran lion but muscular as a Vulcan le-matya, with the pointy ears of a bobcat and the massive, furry paws of a tiger. But that wasn't the unsettling part. There was intelligence in the luminous turquoise eyes; quiet mischief and playful menace and a decidedly amused gleam over having startled the biped into staring. If this wasn't Jin's pet, he would buy a hat and eat it.

"Kitty? What on all the worlds … never mind. Jin, does that mean you don't know?"
"Evidently I don't. What's going on?"
"Le Moose. Whatever that means. Scuttlebutt has it an officer by that name was throwing his weight around to get the Fighting Chickens back together. I guess Fleet was getting tired of being shouted at, and with the Tholian mess going on-"
"The Chickens? All of them?"
"Evidently." Rafi's wry statement was slightly ruined by his pained expression, though he hadn't missed the deeply affectionate timbre surfacing in the little Efrosian's voice.
"Well I'll be damned. When do I leave?"

"Jin…" ah, he should have known. All his arguments for telling Starfleet to take a hike, to stay, spend some time on Earth, give that leg and Gods know what else time to heal, they would amount to nothing. All his reasonable objections evaporated before that bright light suddenly shining in glacier blue eyes.
But this was Voodoo sitting suddenly straighter in the ancient rocking chair. Yes, it was also Jin Rha-Yaleii, his dear friend and lover, cheerful, tender, with depths in her vast soul that few people ever cared to acknowledge. The lover…and the warrior. And it was the latter whose face took on a faraway expression now, like a warhorse hearing the far off sound of battle.
"If my sources are right, and they usually are, your orders are waiting for you at Fleet HQ. You're scheduled to ship out on the USS Reykjavík the day after tomorrow."
"Not wasting any time, are they?" the young Efrosian's deep, almost husky laugh filled the small room and for what must have been the 100th time Rafi pondered trading the world of Federation politics for the dangerous and exciting life of a reporter on the front lines. And for the 100th time he wondered what it might be like-whether he could really do it.
"I told you, you'd be good. Real good."
"Reading my mind again, are we?"
"I just know that look on your face."

Jin slowly unfolded herself from the rocking chair and stretched. "Tapadh leat, Ciarán. Iocfaidh mise don gach rud."
"Ach no, lass. Not yer fault the whole thing went arseways. But you take care out there, ya hear? Ye can buy everyone a round when you come back." The uniformed human got up as well, pulling the little pixie into a hug and patting her back.
"You better believe it."
"Ah, here. For luck." Pulling a leather necklace out from under his shirt, Ciarán slipped it gently over the little pixie's head. "Slán agus beannacht leat."
"Faol saol agat, gob fliuch, agus bás in Éirinn." One hand over the pendants of a little anchor and the three-leaved plant that grew so abundant on this pretty island and the other pressed against her friend's chest, Jin smiled.
"Rafi?"
"Hm?"
"I'm ready when you are. Just need to say goodbye to Shergar and get Cat out of the pantry. And maybe find an umbrella. Or a boat."
"Business as usual, then."

=/\= USS Reykjavík, three days later =/\=

"Ma'am?"
"Buddy, unless you've come to offer me a coffee, this is a bad time."
"Sorry, ma'am, replicators are down. Again. This is about your pet."
"Of course it is."
Yawning profusely, the hungover little pilot lifted her head from her arms and eyed the young yeoman standing at nervous attention in the officer's lounge's dim lighting. This whole 'going-to-sprain-something any second now' business aside – Drawers of the Sea King, who went around ma'aming fighter pilots? - it was strange to be on active duty again. Not that she had anything to do on this bucket, but even a 70 year old Starfleet vessel was … well, Starfleet.
"He … ah, we can't seem to get him down from the plasma flow regulators. The Chief Engineer is getting a bit annoyed."
"Ah, sleeping off the ale, is he? If he's not budging, try waving some ham under his nose. Should work a treat."
"Yes, ma'am. Only no one wants to become the main course. If you wouldn't mind …"
"Alright. Sleep is overrated anyways. And as for the coffee – remind me to show you a little trick you can do with a phaser."


=/\= End Log =/\=

LtCmdr Jin "Voodoo" Rha-Yaleii

&

Rafi (apb I-Chaya)

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[Crazy Horse] Coil of Darkness - SD 241510.20 - "A Captain's Conscience - Part 3" - Duty Log - Cpt. Taverain Ramius

A Mission Post by Captain Taverain Ramius
Mission: Coil of Darkness
Location: Starbase, Earth Orbit
Timeline: Current

Ramius reentered the interrogation room and took a seat. He asked Durandal and Redstone to wait outside. If he was going to be successful he felt the need to make this attempt alone. This man was his responsibility to save. If he failed the man who sat motionless before him would be given little quarter, mercy, or compassion. The lieutenant would be relegated to all manner of techniques both subtle and reprehensible in attempt to gather information. The stakes were simply too high to allow morality to get in the way of security. As morally repugnant as it was this man's future would be sacrificed in an attempt to preserve peace and security. Or at least that is how it would be justified. Few would disagree given the current crisis. What was it about crises that brought out both the best and worst in humanity? Why were some more predicated to adhering to one side of the coin or the other?

He shook his head. He was grappling with questions that individuals had been seeking answers for since the dawn of human existence. He wasn't qualified to deliver an answer and at the moment lacked the time to further indulge his own conscious. He had a duty to perform as a loyal dog of the state. If he failed to perform that duty there would be severe repercussions both to himself and to those around for which he also had a duty to protect. This mission had placed him into a difficult position and at present he saw no means of escape from what was shaping up to be a no-win scenario.

"Lieutenant Chellan. You've stated you did what was asked of you to protect the life of your sister. If that is the case then I need you to help me locate her. As I stated earlier, I am Captain Ramius with Starfleet Intelligence. If you can give me more information on those who forced your hand we can attempt to locate and rescue her. I have the emergency authority to make anything happen. I need you to help me. Please. Let me help you lieutenant! If not for me then talk to me to at least help locate and or save your sister. Do it for her. Help me find her attackers!"

"She's already dead", a weak voice stated in the silence of the rectangle room. There was a pause as the buzz of overhead lighting and equipment filled the void of silence.

"There isn't anything you or intelligence can do. That commander told me she was already dead. Why would he lie? I tried to hold out hope, but for what? They already killed her. They used me as a guillible patsy to kill hundreds on Earth. My efforts to save her were in vain! Everything I did was in vain! I didn't want any of this to happen! Oh god, why? I tried to save her! I tried to save her." His voice trailed off as his body shuddered under the weight of extreme emotional and psychological distress.

"Now…now I'm just a common murderer who has sacrificed his future and his sister's life for nothing…"

"That isn't true", Ramius quickly stated elated that he had gotten some sort of response from the lieutenant. His elation was quickly tempered by the tone of the man's voice and his words which were like daggers that cut to the core of his soul. He had to steel himself against the emotional tension that was present. He felt for this individual. He could pity him, but he couldn't allow him to cloud his judgement or impede his efforts. There were times, albeit few, that he loathed intelligence work and what he was at times forced to become to fulfill his duties. If there was a monster in the room he was sure it wasn't the lieutenant sitting before him.

"We don't know conclusively what happened to anyone. Your sister's whereabouts are unknown, but that doesn't mean she's gone. There is always hope lieutenant. I'll prove it to you."

Ramius tapped on the table's recessed keypad which activated the nearby holographic display that was built into the wall. "Commander Osbiton? Can you hear us?"

"Yes captain. I understand you have a problem located here on Rigel IV?"

"Indeed. A Federation citizen, Evelyn Chellan, has been reported missing. She's the sister of Lieutenant Chellan here with me. I understand an investigation has been launched, but I need intelligence to work this one behind the scenes. Given the problems here on Earth we don't have time for the usual red tape. Everlyn's life may be in severe jeopardy."

"What do we know about her? I'm pulling up our records as we speak. If I could have more information I can dispatch agents to her home immediately and begin searching for clues."

"Lieutenant Chellan? Can you provide the commander with information on your sister? The sooner you tell him the faster we can send help."

Chellan looked up for the first time that afternoon. Bloodshot eyes barely able to hold back intense emotions shimmered in the interrogation room lights. Tear stained cheeks coupled with a haggard expression made the lieutenant that much more pitiful. He slowly turned and looked the screen squinting at its brightness.

"I have three of my best field agents standing by", Osbiton stated. "Evelyn Chellan, ah here it is. 17634 Section Two, Floor four, of the Hennerac building in Zumo province. Is that correct?"

"Yes."

"Very well. I'm sending our agents now. If there is anything there we will find it lieutenant. I'm also distributing her image to local law enforcement and we're passing it to all points of transit. If she or anyone looking like her attempts to leave Rigel we will intercept them. Additionally her image is being placed on all video and information displays on a plant wide basis as well as placed in the planet wide information networks. If she's here and someone has seen her then we should see results soon. If she has been kidnapped then her attackers will soon be on notice that the heat is on – so to speak. Everything that can be done to locate your sister lieutenant is being done or will be done in short order. You have my word that we are using all available resources at our disposal."

Ramius watched as several tears fell from the man's face glimmered from the light of the bright display before splashing onto the surface of the tabletop.

"Thank you."



== Three Hours Later ==


Ramius walked through the round umbilical walkway that connected spacedock with the port airlock aboard the USS Corsair. It had been a long and difficult day. Chellan was finally talking about his interactions with the people who had coerced him to cooperate with their nefarious plans. He had provided far more information that was anticipated. He had even saved one of messages he had received which intelligence was currently analyzing for clues. It would take time to sort through his statements and related information, but it was a promising start.

Redstone's last minute suggestion had indeed been the very lever needed to pry away the man's tough defensive shell. After some food and drink the haggard, exhausted expression he had first seen slowly faded. Chellan was an affable, likable man despite the choices he had made. He would have to answer for them, but at least there was some small measure of solace to be had regarding recent matters. The man had regained hope and some measure of faith be that in intelligence, himself, others – Ramius couldn't be sure. Seeing Chellan with a tiny, sorrowful smile as he departed at least gave him hope for the future and spared him from resorting to actions he was sure he would have ultimately regretted.

"You think he'll be ok doc", Ramius said as they headed back down the long arm toward the Corsair.

"I think he'll be alright. He has to answer for what he's done, but with the level of cooperation he's given this afternoon and the amount of information he retained I suspect the prosecution will go easy on him given the evidence and circumstances."

"I've put in a good word. Hopefully, others have the wisdom not to punish this man too harshly for his actions. If I had been in a similar position I'm not sure I could say I would have acted differently. Punishing him won't undo the damages on Earth and it won't bring those responsible to justice."

"What about that sir", Redstone asked. "Did he provide any new information on those responsible?"

"Too soon to tell. Science is currently washing the video recording through the computers. We've also sent it off for analysis at HQ. Between the two of us hopefully we can extract some threads that lead us to those involved."

"Captain", a voice called out from behind. Ramius turned to see his chief engineer running toward him down the tunnel.

"Chief. We were just talking about you."

"We were", Redstone asked cocking his head.

"Of course we were", Ramius stated. "You didn't think I had forgotten about the chief?"

Durandal rolled his eyes.

"I have the results you asked for. I didn't find any evidence of tampering. Lt. Chellan altered some inventory records, but he did a sloppy job of it. It was only good enough to cause a minor delay – long enough for him to extract and deliver the trilithium. If it hadn't been for the all Romulan hoopla as of late, I'm not sure he would have succeeded."

"He did succeed and sadly his success injured or killed a lot of innocent people. How does one weigh the life of a loved one against the lives of others? It takes a strong will to sacrifice someone dear or at least risk their safety when weighed against complete strangers. I'm not sure any of us can say we wouldn't have made a similar choice in the same situation."

"I feel sorry for him. I mean the lieutenant. He did what he thought he had to in order to protect his sister."

"He made the right choice when the time came. He could have surrendered to his pain and fear. In fact, without your suggestion Lt. Redstone, I suspect he already had. You lieutenant deserve an ice cream for your efforts today."

"Stop treating my like a kid", Redstone shouted. "Sorry sir. I would prefer it if you did not say such things in front of the crew."

The doctor and chief engineer laughed.

"You did good Alex", Ramius stated patting the young lieutenant on his back. "I'll make sure I put that in my report to fleet as well."

The tactical officer smiled having earned the captain's approval which didn't come easily or often.

"Captain Ramius. There's an incoming call from a Commander Osbiton from Rigel for you." Ramius tapped his communicator badge on his chest. "Put him through here. Ramius speaking."

"Captain, I have good news. We've located the lieutenant's sister and she's alive and well."

Ramius couldn't hold back a wide smile that formed on his face as a result of the news. "She's alright?"

"Yes. It appears she and several friends received some sort of paid vacation voucher to Rothmos. It's an exotic and remote destination. We're checking into this 'vacation'. My sources indicate that she won this vacation as part of a sweepstakes. We're currently checking into the specifics of the business entity behind the vacation giveaway. I don't expect to find much however if our suspects are this adept at manipulating people and events. I doubt this business is a shell company or anything adversely nefarious. They were probably manipulated just as the sister and brother were."

"I agree, but keep at it Commander. We might stumble upon something and get lucky. Please continue to follow up on all possible leads. I'm sorry to distract you from your normal duties, but I must insist that this matter take priority."

"Not at all captain. It isn't too often we get this much excitement here on Rigel. The diversion is not unwelcomed. I'll rely our findings to you as they come in. Should I communicate this to Lieutenant Chellan?"

"Please do. He's provided us with everything he knows on the subject. He deserves to know his sister is unharmed. He's suffered enough."

"Whoever these people are Captain, they must have access to sophisticated resources and are also well funded. If they convinced Chellan his sister was in danger they must have created a pretty elaborate holographic copy of her."

"That could have been obtained at any time or while she was on this so called vacation. At this point it would seem few things are beyond our adversaries reach or capability."

"We'll keeping searching on our end. Again, if we turn up anything further I'll contact you. Good hunting Captain."

"And to you also."

"Osbiton out."

Ramius looked at his colleagues with a grin he couldn't quite contain.

"Looks as though this bleak situation has at least a single ray of sunshine" the doctor commented.

"I'll take whatever I can get doctor given the circumstances. Hope was the last thing released from Pandora's Box after it filled the world with demons, darkness, and despair…perhaps we've glimpsed some small fragment of it here today."

"I hope we find the bastards responsible for all the misery they've caused", Redstone stated clenching his fists. "They deserve no quarter after everything they have done."

"When we find them, and find them we shall, then they will be hard pressed to find any", Ramius stated with a colder tone.

"Ramius to Corsair. Warm up the engines and prepare to leave spacedock. We're on our way home."

~ FIN ~

==============================

Captain Taverain Ramius
CO, USS Corsair
Starfleet intelligence

Doctor Keith Durandal
Chief Medical Officer
USS Corsair

Lt. Alexander Redstone
Tactical Officer
USS Corsair

and

Cmdr. Sai Kusinagi
Chief Engineer
USS Corsair

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[Crazy Horse] Coil of Darkness - SD 241510.20 - "A Captain's Conscience - Part 2" - Duty Log - Cpt. Taverain Ramius

A Mission Post by Captain Taverain Ramius
Mission: Coil of Darkness
Location: Starbase, Earth Orbit
Timeline: Current

Ramius entered the detention facility's interrogation room two as Doctor Durandal and Lt. Redstone followed. The door behind them slid quietly shut followed by the faint sound of a locking mechanism. Before him was a shabby individual who hadn't shaved or done much for his personal appearance. The man hadn't even looked up at their entrance. His head was drooped hiding his face while his body posture gave the impression of someone who was completely submissive or dismissive of his environment. If this Chellan was lying so far he was putting on a superb act.

Ramius took a seat opposite the suspect who still hadn't moved or shown any sign of acknowledging his surroundings.

"Lieutenant Erikk Chellan. I am Captain Ramius. These are my associates. The man on my left is Doctor Durandal and the man on my right is Lieutenant Redstone. Doctor Durandal would like to perform some brief scans to ascertain your health and condition. Would that be ok? I hope you have not been mistreated. If you have been mistreated I would hope you would be forthcoming with specifics."

Silence.

Ramius motioned to Durandal who produced his medical tricorder. "My name is Keith", the doctor said taking his first set of scans while applying his usual brand of affable bedside manner. "Are you feeling ok? When was the last time you had anything to eat or drink?"

Again there was no response.

Ramius carefully examined the man before him looking for any clues that could assist him. There was little useful information he could glean or deduce from a sitting man that he did not know already. How did he break the ice then and get this man talking. It was evident that station security had already poisoned the situation with heavy handed tactics. Predictably, Chellan probably believed more of the same was to come.

"Lieutenant Chellan, my scans indicate that you are dehydrated. As a doctor, I must insist that you eat and drink something."

"Redstone, get some food and water for the lieutenant."

The lieutenant knocked at the door and was released by the guards on the other side.

"Lt. Chellan, Erikk. We are not here to yell, accuse you, or cause you any additional grief or hardship. It is unfortunate that certain colleagues of ours have chosen to behave in a manner inconsistent with certain principals however recent events on Earth have put everyone on edge. I'm sure you can appreciate the gravity of current events.

We need to talk to you regarding the explosion on the surface. You are the only person who has had contact with those responsible. I understand you know little about them, but if we can talk through what you do know we may be able to arrive at facts that will bring us closer to locating them. It's possible you remember facts that seem inconsequential, but may be vital to security forces. These people are ruthless, sophisticated murderers. They've taken countless lives on Earth. They may plan to strike again. If you help us we might be able to stop them before they get that chance."

The doors opened as Redstone appeared carrying a tray of food and several glasses of water. He set them down on the table and resumed his position behind Ramius.

"Erikk, please take a moment to eat and drink something", the doctor stated closing his tricorder. He turned to look at Ramius silently conveying the man's status. He walked over and whispered in the captain's ear.

"He's dehydrated and malnourished, but otherwise appears to be healthy. Recent events seem to have taken a toll. Without a full psychological workup I can't give you anything more, but be cautious. He may be more fragile than we anticipated."

Ramius nodded. "Erikk, can we talk?"


== One Hour Later, Outside Interrogation Room ==


"Without a full physical I can't give you anything more captain", Durandal stated examining his tricorder readings. Their suspect, Lt. Erikk Chellan hadn't said a word since they had entered the interrogation chamber an hour ago or moved much beyond shifting in his chair.

"If he's faking this he's the best damn method actor I've ever seen. If not, then he's retreated into himself possibly as a psychological defense mechanism. It would take a few hours of observation and testing to…"

Ramius interrupted. "We don't have a few hours", he snapped at the doctor. His eyes flashed with a momentary glint of frustration and anger. For a split second, like a lightning bolt illuminating the darkness the captain's darker side appeared and then faded from view.

Ramius placed a hand on the doctor's shoulder as his expression cleared and returned to normal. "My apologies Keith. We're running out of time. I need answers from this man and cannot afford to wait. I do not wish to resort to harsher methods but he's trying my patience. What can we do short of causing this man more misery?"

"Captain, Doctor." Lt Redstone appeared carrying two cups of hot coffee.

"Thank you lieutenant. Just what the doctor ordered", Durandal stated blowing softly on the cup's head of wispy steam. Ramius took a cup rolling his eyes at the doctor's 'unique' sense of humor.

"I'm not sure captain", the doctor answered finishing a sip of coffee. "If he's unwilling to cooperate then we are limited to few options. The options I speak of, you know I will not be a party to. We've had this discussion before and I will disobey your orders if we must go down the road I am speaking of." The doctor's expression hardened his green eyes resolutely confirming his words.

Ramius nodded. Fortunately, he had never had to order his friend and chief medical officer to perform any action that might harm a patient under his care. Durandal had joined the Corsair's crew at Ramiu's request on one condition – that he would never ask him to perform any action that could jeopardize a patient's care in the pursuit of intelligence goals or objectives no matter the situation or the stakes.

Ordering the doctor to attempt a procedure to forcibly compel Chellan to talk would strain their friendship if not end it completely. He couldn't ask the man to break his oath to do no harm, however he had also been tasked with obtaining results at any cost. The two were in conflict and at present he was faced with two unsuitable courses of action.

"Security has already attempted the big stick approach and got little from him. In his present state subjecting him to more of the same is unlikely to achieve anything am I correct doctor", Ramius asked taking a large sip of coffee while rubbing the bridge of his nose contemplating possible actions.

"Given my assessment of the patient any further physical or mental techniques designed to compel him to speak would only worsen his current mental state and could cause irreparable harm."

"Then my only option is to use medical techniques to attempt to forcibly extract information from him", Ramius stated his voice almost at a whisper. Durandal could tell even saying such a thing was causing the captain no small amount of personal anguish.

"What if he has nothing more to tell", Keith asked. "Is damaging or destroying a man's mind on a chance there's some nugget of intelligence to be had worth the price? More to the point, are you willing to accept the responsibility for the costs and can you yourself live with the decision?"

"I don't know doctor. I'm no philosopher and I'm certainly no saint. I do know that my superiors want results and they don't have to face the ethical and moral implications and to be blunt, they don't care. That's why I exist. I'm their dog which they conveniently keep on a long leash. They let me out of my cage in extraordinary times like these to do the things no one else has the courage or stomach to do. I've been lucky perhaps, but this time I don't have the luxury of taking the moral high ground. Worse still, if I don't do what needs to be done, someone else with less of a conscious than I will do what is required. It's that simple. If Chellan won't talk then his fate is already sealed if it comes as a result of my orders or someone else's. Walking away claiming a moral objection won't save the lieutenant. How do I help someone who doesn't want to be helped?"

Ramius turned from the doctor and his tactical officer and swallowed the last of his coffee crushing the paper cup in his hand and allowing it to fall to the floor at his feet. Durandal said nothing. He had no more advice to give the captain. The man had to make a difficult choice which no person should ever have to make. Destroying a man's sanity and possibly his mind was a high price to pay for an uncertain reward. He had come to learn that intelligence work was a cruel mistress. It was like a vampire in many ways slowly draining its victim's souls, morality, and character until all that remained was an emotionless husk that was cold, unfeeling, and uncaring. Fortunately, Captain Ramius had a strong will and had so far successfully resisted, but he had been injured before. How many injuries could one man take before he lost the will to resist and fight? He didn't know and it pained him to see a close friend grapple with adversity especially adversity of which he could offer no assistance.

"Captain", Redstone stated breaking the uncomfortable silence. "What of this man's sister? I was reviewing the video and transcripts and he seems genuinely concerned for her wellbeing. If we could locate her or at least make some concerted efforts to find her perhaps we might get through to him. Her sister was the reason he claimed to have agreed to the demands made by the unknown third party. If we could use that as a lever somehow."

Ramius turned to his tactical officer. Alex Redstone was the last person he would have guessed who would offer an alternative at this juncture. The headstrong lieutenant was more apt to charge into a situation guns blazing than to formulate a softer approach. If anything he had been certain Redstone would advocate doing what was required even if that necessitated getting one's hands dirty or worse…

"Let's not use it as a lever", Ramius stated his voice suddenly stronger. "Let us approach him as human beings as see what happens. I'm not quite ready to abandon this man just yet. The doctor is correct. He may know nothing. I'm not willing to sacrifice so much for so little."

Ramius rubbed his chin as his mind turned over the possibilities. Redstone, have the station setup a subspace link with where was the sister last located…Rigel IV?"

"Affirmative."

"Find out what intelligence assets we have there. I want the highest ranking officer you can find on the horn in ten minutes. I hope this works for Lieutenant Chellan's sake and possibly our own."


~ To Be Continued ~

==============================

Captain Taverain Ramius
CO, USS Corsair
Starfleet intelligence

Doctor Keith Durandal
Chief Medical Officer
USS Corsair

Lt. Alexander Redstone
Tactical Officer
USS Corsair

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[Crazy Horse] Coil of Darkness - SD 241510.20 - "A Captain's Conscience - Part 1" - Duty Log - Cpt. Taverain Ramius

A Mission Post by Captain Taverain Ramius
Mission: Coil of Darkness
Location: Starbase, Earth Orbit
Timeline: Current

"Haven't seen this place in a while", Ramius stated looking around the corridor. "Hasn't changed much." In fact he never liked this station with its sterile, white, bulkheads and omnipresent lighting. He took in a breath of air which also smelled the same in that it had no smell at all. Filtration and ionization processes removed all traces of anything almost everywhere aboard the giant, metallic mushroom. As such, the location lacked character and uniqueness. It felt more like a holographic simulation than an actual place.

"Are you familiar with the spacedock detention facility sir", Lieutenant Redstone, the Corsair's tactical officer, asked his superior officer.

"I've spent a few nights here in the past – yes", Raimus replied with a smirk saying nothing more. "Chief I need you to look over the computers in the trilithium storage bays. According to our information the shipment records were altered or tampered with. I need to know if this suspected crewman was solely responsible, if he had assistance, or if we are dealing with a sophisticated systems breach."

"Yes sir. I'll run a full systems and diagnostic check. If there's any sign of advanced tampering, I'll find it."

"Good man. I've been informed that our subject's name is Lieutenant Erikk Chellan. He has a sister. No living relatives. His condition is listed as unstable. Recent events appear to have left him shaken. Doctor, I would appreciate it if you would monitor the man's condition and offer any advice as needed. We need to keep Chellan calm, cooperative, and communicative. Lieutenant Redstone, we're going to play this by ear so stay alert. It may be necessary to switch tactics to keep him talking. Watch for my signals and play along as needed. Any questions?"

Seeing none, Ramius nodded. "Chief, let me know what you find on those computers. Doctor, Lieutenant, you're with me. Let' go."


== Detention Facility, Spacedock, Earth Orbit ==


Stepping through the sliding doors, Ramius and his crew entered the detention facility. The cramped facility seemed like an architectural afterthought. Massive grey conduits ran over head carrying a dizzying array of waters, coolants, and power throughout the station. Large industrial systems protruded from the walls each humming with a deep rhythmic tone that was at times soothing and others maddening. The air was warm as it passed over various mechanical and industrial systems picking up heat that blead through the station's aging shielding and insulation.

"Are you sure this is the correct place", Redstone asked surveying the surroundings. "This seems more like an engineering maintenance corridor."

"No lieutenant we're in the correct place. We're in the heart of this station surrounded by a dozen power generators and industrial systems. The EM interference produced by the mechanical and electrical systems and their corresponding shielding makes it difficult if not impossible to transport anything out of here and since we're surrounded by a labyrinth only an engineer could love or understand it makes any attempts at infiltrating or escaping difficult as well. Trust me, I know."

"Remind me to never to get thrown down here", Doctor Keith Durandal stated.

"Don't. The environmental systems never quite keep up with the waste heat that seeps through some of the insulation and shielding given we're surrounded by EPS mains and plasma streams. But if you ask me, I think security keeps it uncomfortable down here on purpose."

"Sir, may I ask how you know so much about this place?"

"No", Ramius quickly replied a fleeting grin flashing across his lips.

A lone officer could been seen approaching from the long corridor that stretched out before the trio. "Our welcoming committee gentlemen. Prepare for a frosty reception despite the warmth here. I expect security won't be thrilled to have us interfering with their affairs."

The officer approached and stopped. "I am Commander Sutton. You must be Captain Ramius?"

Ramius nodded and shook the man's hand despite an icy stare. "I've heard some interesting stories about you captain."

"Just interesting", the captain inquired. "Hmm…well they are from some time ago. Perhaps some of my exploits have lost a bit of their varnish over the years", he stated with a hint of mischievousness in his voice. "However", he stated his voice hardening, "I've not come to discuss the past. I am here to speak with Mr. Chellan."

Mechanical clangs sounded overhead as some large piece of machinery moved in the conduits overhead. Ramius cringed. He really did hate this place.

"Yes, I received your request. We've already spoken to him at length since he was brought into custody. I'm afraid he hasn't been particularly helpful. He claims to know very little about the people he claims were coercing him."

"You don't believe his story?"

"Tell me you don't Captain? This is nothing more than a desperate man acting in any way he can to escape justice. Why else did he attempt to escape when confronted?"

"If he is being uncooperative to lessen criminal penalties explain to me how he is responsible for the attack on the surface? He has no motive that has been ascertained as of yet, he certainly doesn't have influence or connections of any relevance, and he hasn't been on the surface in three months. I would hardly label him as a criminal mastermind at this point or even a petty criminal. He appears to be a man who was exploited with his sister used as a pressure point for others to obtain trilithium. Speaking of his sister, has anyone attempted to locate her?"

"Talk to him. I think you'll change your tune. He's feigning ignorance. He knows more than he's telling. As for the sister I made some inquiries. What does the sister have to do with this? If she isn't just a fictitious red herring designed to throw us off the trail then she's of little consequence."

"Little consequence", Ramius repeated. "Since when is any life of little consequence commander? The real crime here is that we may have acted too slowly to save a life by allowing ourselves to be caught up in emotion and personal bias."

"Are you taking this criminal's side Ramius?"

"Not at all, but he's hardly a criminal until he has been found guilty or innocent by a court of law. We are not here to judge or pass sentence on the man. I am here to gather the facts in this matter. I can see that may now be more difficult since you have already tried and convicted the man before his side of events has been fully heard."

"Whose side are you on", Sutton shouted. "It's no wonder Earth has been attacked so many times with people like you working for intelligence. Chellan is in interrogation room two. Talk with him and you'll see what I have been talking about. He's complicit in the attack. The proof is undeniable. His access, codes, and clearance was used to transfer the trilithium. We even have surveillance video of him doing it. He didn't even bother attempting to tamper with the video or many of the computer records which means he had to have an escape plan which was foiled by Commander Canaris. That proves he's still working with the enemy!"

"Your assumption is at odds with the facts however I have no more time to debate the matter with you here", Ramius stated his voice turning harsh.

"Whatever. You know where he is. I'm sure you and your people can take it from here. My orders are to stay out of your way and that's what I'm doing. Just don't kill the bastard while you're in there with whatever methods you have for extracting information. Someone needs to stand trial for what has happened. Given your recent track record, I don't put much stock in intelligence these days.

Good day captain."

Sutton turned and disappeared down the hallway.

"What does he take us for", Durandal muttered. "Savages? We aren't here to injure the suspect."

"Whatever he thinks doctor, it is clear he has a low opinion of our chances. Why don't we see if we can prove him wrong and get some answers?"

"Aye."

"Let's go."

The trio of officers set off down the corridor to speak with the lieutenant who appeared to be responsible for at least in part the calamity that had befallen Earth and who also provided a spark for far too many latent hatreds, prejudices, and misconceptions.


~ To Be Continued ~

==============================

Captain Taverain Ramius
CO, USS Corsair
Starfleet intelligence

Doctor Keith Durandal
Chief Medical Officer
USS Corsair

Lt. Alexander Redstone
Tactical Officer
USS Corsair

and

Cmdr. Sai Kusinagi
Chief Engineer
USS Corsair

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[Crazy Horse] Coil of Darkness - SD 241510.16 - "Down The Rabbit Hole" - Duty Log - Cpt. Taverain Ramius & Adm James Valtren

A Mission Post by Captain Taverain Ramius
Mission: Coil of Darkness
Location: USS Corsair
Timeline: Current

Bridge, Intelligence Starship – U.S.S. Corsair
======================================

"Captain, incoming communication from Admiral James Valtren."

Captain Taverain Ramius stood from his chair on the bridge of the USS Corsair which was presently speeding toward Earth at full impulse. "I'll take it in the ready room."

Entering his office, Ramius turned to the large display on the wall and initiated communications. The image of the admiral flickered into view. Valtren looked tired. The past two years seemed to have taken a toll on the man whose salt and pepper hair contained more of the prior and far less of the latter. Now another calamity had befallen Earth, Starfleet, and the Federation ensuring more than a few sleepless nights would be forthcoming for anyone remotely connected to security or intelligence roles.

"Ramius, you've no doubt heard about the situation on Earth?"

"No doubt", the captain replied.

"Whoever is responsible for this affair picked the time, date, and second to deliver a concentrated blow to security, intelligence, diplomatic relations, and galactic politics. Someone is attempting to manipulate events and the balance of power for a yet unidentified agenda.

I want the Corsair to return to Earth. Those responsible must still be nearby likely hiding in plain sight. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if their plan is in fact to remain in place on Earth until political pressures force us to cancel emergency powers and lift security lockdowns allowing them to quietly slip away."

"The Corsair is only ten minutes from Earth orbit. I took the initiative of anticipating orders from above given the criticality of events."

"I'll reprimand you later for disobeying my orders even if they are most welcomed. Right now I need someone to take charge of investigating this abject mess. Fleet command has already assigned that task to Khiy Kanryth."

Ramius rubbed his chin for a moment. "Kanryth...eh? Isn't he Romulan by birth if I recall?"

"Affirmative. The admiralty and others feel his heritage will carry more weight with the Romulans. This is as much a political decision to make him the chief investigator as it is a logical decision. Kanryth is suited for the task, but all eyes will be on him and his efforts. I want to use that to our advantage."

"In what way?"

"If we have a traitor in our ranks who has helped coordinate this attack then they will be focused on Kanryth. You're our insurance policy while their attention is otherwise diverted should said persons exist. Time is of the essence captain. The longer we delay the more time we give those responsible to slip away. I need a thorough investigation and I need it quickly."

"I assume I have my usual latitude to operate?"

"You have the authority to take any actions required given the current state of emergency. Unlike others you aren't encumbered by red tape, policy, politics, or the usual rulebooks. Stay out of the spotlight - Intelligence doesn't need any additional attention given the situation. I want the people responsible for this, those who may have aided them, their motives, objectives, and plans. It's a tall order, but I'm sure you can handle it captain."

"These recent reports from Commander Canaris, have they been verified", Ramius asked.

"I've only just seen a preliminary report, but security appears to have an officer in custody in spacedock who was coerced into providing some amount of trilithium resin to our attackers. There were reports of missing trilithium supplies destined for disposal or storage not long before the Romulan's arrival on Earth. I'd start there, but looking at Canaris's report it appears that it could be a dead end. Our suspects appear quite adept at covering their tracks. Canaris's reports are exceptionally thorough and I trust his instincts. This may be a wild goose chase, but at present it's the best lead we have."

"I applaud the commander's initial efforts. This is quite the impressive bit of detective work for a lone commander in his particular position."

"I wouldn't have put him there otherwise", Valtren replied, "even if he doesn't fully realize that yet himself. In any event, you have your orders captain. We need answers and we need them quickly before this situation really does spiral out of anyone's control. Valtren out."

The image of the admiral faded replaced by an artistic image of the Corsair orbiting a blue planet. Ramius made his way back to the bridge and took a seat.

"Helm, contact spacedock and tell them we're on approach. I want priority docking clearance. Also, their security teams are holding a suspect in matters relating to the explosion. I want to speak with him as soon as we complete docking."

"Captain, what did the Admiral have to say", First officer Alanis Novada quietly asked her commanding officer.

"We've been ordered to silently investigate the recent attack. There is a suspicion that there may be traitors or sympathizers in our own ranks that have aided or are continuing to aid the suspects involved. Our job is to hunt for those responsible, but perhaps more importantly expose any officers or officials that may be compromised or could be complicit in recent events."

"What is the current position and status of the USS Crazy Horse?"

"She's listed as being in spacedock finalizing repairs and refit."

"We need to give the ship and crew a wide berth. I don't want our paths to cross for the time being - at least not yet. Keep an eye on their activities and her commanding officers."

"Spackdock is online sir. They are insisting that we cannot dock due to security restric…."

"Tell them to check our authorizations instead of summarily dismissing our initial requests", Ramius interrupted. "They'll find we have the authority to paint the station pink if that would aid in our investigations. Inform them that we're on final approach and have them clear all traffic. And let them know this isn't a request - it's a directive from Intelligence Central Command."

A few moments passed. "We've been granted docking clearance sir."

"Excellent. It is refreshing to know spacedock operations can read and follow intelligence orders these days." Ramius shook his head at some of the frustrating obstacles he often had to deal with in tense situations. Docking, a mundane process, could become agonizingly difficult with just the right paper pushing bureaucrat involved.

"Standard operating procedures apply. We are not officially docked here in any capacity. I want no records of our arrival or departure. If anyone has any inquiries or questions refer them to Commander Novada."

Ramius turned to his executive officer. "Let's keep a low profile. I'd like to get in and out of spacedock as quickly as possible. I don't like the idea of being confined and caged inside this giant station given the current situation. Oh and have operations top off the fuel tanks while I'm out."

The commander nodded and turned to make the necessary arrangements for their arrival.

"Helm, - status?"

"We're on final sir. ETA to hard dock is four minutes."

"Mr. Redstone, have yourself, the good doctor, and the chief meet me in the port airlock in ten minutes. We need to have a little chat with a few individuals."

~ To Be Continued ~

====================================
Captain Taverain Ramius
CO, USS Corsair

Commander Alanis Novada,
XO, USS Corsair

Admiral James Valtren
Starfleet Intelligence

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[Crazy Horse] Coil of Darkness - SD 241510.16 - "Admirals and Acrimony" - Duty Log - Commodore Sebastian Ascari , SFI & Admiral James Valtren

A Mission Post by Admiral James Valtren & Commodore Sebastian Ascari
Mission: Coil of Darkness
Location: Starfleet Intelligence, Earth, San Francisco
Timeline: Current

Location: Starfleet Command, Earth, San Francisco - Office of Starfleet Intelligence Director, Sebastian Ascari
=====================================================================

Again. For a second time on his watch calamity had stricken Earth. A burning crater smoldered at the site of what was to be a historic moment of peace its dark, acrid smoke obscuring casualties, rescue and aid personnel, and the dead. High ranking personnel from the Federation, Starfleet, and the Romulan Star Empire had been caught in the blast which had erupted at the beginning of talks between peoples who had long harbored deep mistrust, resentment, and animosity. Any hopes that were present for some sort of budding peace with the Romulans had been dashed like glass shattering upon jagged rocks. The Federation and perhaps the entire quadrant now stood at a precipice. The specter of war with the Romulan Star Empire was omnipresent. Only a miracle could stave off what seemed to be inevitable given what had recently happened.

Those responsible for this heinous, cowardly act almost did not matter. If he had those responsible in custody this moment he could not be sure that presenting them to the Romulans along with ironclad facts, motive, and opportunity would be enough to placate them. The next few hours would be telling. Either the Federation would manage to avert this crisis by the narrowest of margins or yet another conflict loomed on the horizon; one of which would undoubtedly spill innocent blood, ravage peaceful citizens, colonies, and planets, and forever alter the politics and balance of power across the quadrant and perhaps beyond.

He ran a hand through his hair pinching the skin between his eyebrows somehow hoping this was a bad dream he would soon wake from. He stood in silence for a moment concentrating on nothing more than the gentle pressure above his nose when reality intruded confirming that this nightmare was indeed the reality with which he would need to contend.

"Ascari, what the hell is going on", Admiral Jonathan Fullbright shouted barging into the commodore's office along with a young adjutant that seemed pale perhaps at attempting to come to terms with the enormity of the current events. "An explosion just erupted at the most important diplomatic event in years which may have eviscerated both our own Federation and the Romulan delegations and your people can't even tell me what the hell is going on! It's chaos out there! Someone said Martial Law has been declared. There's bodies and casualties all over the place. It's Paris all over again!"

"What would you have me say Admiral", Ascari replied. "I'm just as shocked, stunned, and outraged as you or anyone else is over what has just occurred."

"Say? I want you to explain to me how the hell this has happened? How did these terrorists slip past our security? What did they use to create such a devastatingly effective explosion? Where were your people? Why didn't they, no…why didn't you see this coming? You assured the entire admiralty that everything that could be done regarding security and intelligence was being done. And now we have utter chaos and destruction on the streets of Earth! And adding to that – you have nothing to say?" The admiral heaved, his face flushing, at the verbal assault he had entered into upon the Intelligence Director, Commodore Sebastian Ascari.

"No organization can prepare or defend against every contingency Admiral. You've been on the bridge of a starship and out on a battlefield. There is always an adversary you can't see; an unknown factor. I have no idea who has perpetrated this horrible crime. Do you want me to say intelligence was blindsided? Fine. We were blindsided. There are thousands of people out there at that event today. It is impossible to monitor everyone, every second, of every moment for any signs of suspicious activity. If you want that level of surveillance then I hope you are prepared to explain to the people of Earth why you believe they should have no freedom or liberty. We do not live in a police state sir and with all due respect I wouldn't work for one if we did.

Now I can sit here and debate with you why failures occurred or you can get the hell out of my office and let me do my job! Time is precious given recent events. Are the people that have been terrorized by this atrocity better served by us arguing with one another or can we shelve this discussion for another time and focus upon the critical matters at hand, I ask you sir?"

Fullbright held out a stern finger waiving at the commodore. "Don't talk to me like that commodore! I'll bust you down to lieutenant and send you packing to the stockade for gross insubordination if you ever dare to speak to a superior officer with such a tone again mister. This entire situation is your fault Ascari. It is the job of Starfleet Intelligence to identify, warn, and prevent these types of events. This is the second time you have failed to do that commodore! The first time a Cardassian Fleet broke through all of our SOL system defenses and attacked Earth killing the Federation president, the Security Council, and dozens of high ranking Starfleet officials many of whom were close personal friends. Now, at the eve of historic diplomatic talks with the Romulan Empire, all chances of peace have been destroyed due to another clandestine attack you and your people failed to detect! Twice Asacri. You have blood on your hands and I'm going to make sure you pay for every drop that has been spilled as a result of your gross incompetence!"

"You speak of incompetence", a voice stated sternly from Ascari's office doorway. "I should think you would do well to take a look in the mirror Fullbright."

Ascari leaned slightly to the left peering around the fuming Admiral. In his doorway stood the welcomed face of a fellow intelligence officer, Admiral James Valtren.

"I came as soon as I heard Ascari", Valtren stated entering the office and stepping past Fullbright as if the man didn't exist. "What is the situation?"

"Just a moment Valtren", Fullbright shouted. "You are intruding on a personal discussion between myself and the commodore. Your presence is unwelcomed and is out of order."

"Admiral Fullbright", Valtren stated with an acerbic tone, "The commodore here has done an exemplary job of pulling together an organization that had fallen into complacency with various issues in funding, morale, and vision as a result of his predecessors. The attack on Paris by a Cardassian fleet happened on his predecessor's watch not his. He was thrust into the aftermath of that event with the charge to right the ship and he has done that with a passion, dedication, and skill that few in Starfleet possess. We have a crisis situation on our hands. None of us have time or energy to waste on assigning or ascertaining blame. Might I suggest that you kindly leave intelligence matters to the professionals and assist with efforts to rescue and aid those impacted by this catastrophic event. We need everyone at their posts doing their jobs. Bickering wastes time, talent, and opportunities and none of us can afford to give a second given the current situation."

"You intelligence types are all the same. Sticking up for one another. The Admiralty isn't going to sit idly by this time while the Fedeartion is made a laughing stock again! If we have to gut intelligence operations to the last man to clean house and finally obtain an organization that delivers results and which can restore the honor and reputation of Starfleet then that is what we will do. I want our enemies to cower in fear at our name. Right now they are laughing at us! I'm not sure our intelligence departments would spot a burning star on a collision course with Earth at this point!

As for the dead and dying, this is the fault of intelligence and security. You should have seen it coming and stopped it. What the hell do you exist for if you cannot protect Federation citizenry?"

"Fullbright you pompous idiot", Valtren shouted. Ascari took a step back. He had never seen Valtren lose his cool. The man was typically as level headed and cool under even the toughest of conditions. It was one of the reasons he had admiral bars on his uniform.

"We're in the middle of an emergency and you barge in here wanting a head to place on a pike! Do you think anyone cares about placing blame or our reputation at this point in time? My god man, there are people dead and dying out there as a result of a terrible act of terrorism. Our priority is to see to the wounded, ascertain the specifics of the situation, secure the area, and quickly move to collect data, clues, and evidence to determine who and what was involved. Bickering with ancient Starfleet admirals who have been stuffed behind a desk for longer than should be allowed isn't a priority.

Furthermore, as a full Admiral that outranks you as a Vice Admiral, I hereby order you to leave the premises and assist with support operations. Failure to do so will result in me busting you down far beyond that of cadet and shipping you off to the farthest stockade I can find for gross insubordination. Also, Commdore Ascari has my explicit permission to speak candidly with any member of the admiralty as he sees fit without the risk of repercussions or retribution regardless of rank. I will not have a valued member of intelligence degraded and mistreated by desk jockeys who are too preoccupied with reputation and appearance to grasp the big picture. Now do I make myself clear Admiral!"

"Yes sir", came the two word answer dripping with scorn and recalcitrance.

"You're dismissed."

Fullbright, whose face was bright red, snorted before turning and leaving the office with his adjutant, who seemed pale before and now appeared sickly, trailing quickly behind him.

Ascari waited for a moment before speaking. He too he had to admit was still stunned at the recent exchange between the two admirals.

"Thank you", he stated, "I could have handled Fullbright sir."

"Nonesense. The man needed a dressing down. He's spent far too much time behind a desk, on the golf course, or chatting with his usual gang of cronies to have his finger on the pulse of anything within Starfleet besides the odd political appointment. He was out of line. Don't you agree or would you prefer that I had remained outside?"

"I don't make it a habit to pick fights with the Admiralty sir. It's bad for my health. I do however appreciate your kind words."

"I wasn't complimenting you Ascari. Don't thank me. What I said was nothing more than fact. But enough of this. Down to the matters at hand. What do we know?"

Ascari's expression which had softened slightly suddenly hardened as again reality took precedence. "Very little sir. I have been in contact with personnel on the ground. Security and intelligence personnel are on the scene of are en route as we speak attempting to ascertain the current situation. It's a damn fine mess down there. I don't have any solid facts, but judging by the blast radius and damage level I believe this isn't the work of amateurs. This was a deliberate and planned attack. Perhaps it had been planned for some time. Whoever did this had experience, training, and access to sophisticated tools and resources."

"I concur. We aren't dealing with rank amateurs which rules out a substantial number of suspects. If this was indeed a sophisticated attack like we believe then we have highly skilled persons involved with access to tools, resources, and funding not typically within reach of most individuals or groups."

Ascari pressed a button on his desk bringing up several muted news feeds on nearby monitors. "My people are currently working with security to secure the area. Transporter activity has been suspended planet wide. All ships in orbit have been ordered to hold position. A security quarantine is being put into effect. Whoever did this won't be escaping if that was part of their plans."

"Of all the times and places. It seems too contrived somehow, too expertly executed…"

"Excuse me sir?"

"Nothing. Just the ramblings of a man who's perhaps seen far more than his fair share of pain, destruction, and catastrophe." Valtren gazed at the displays as the feeds showed the area blanketed in clouds of smoke. There was little to see other than the scale of the attack.

"I want regular updates Commodore. If you need additional assistance or personnel contact me. We'll be in the hot seat to explain this one as the dust settles. Fullbright was right about that point. Let's make sure we obtain as many answers as possible as quickly as possible. What we discover in the next few hours might very well be a critical factor in determining relations with the Romulans. I sure as hell don't want another conflict of any type. There have been far too many in my lifetime already and with far too little to show for them beyond ruined lives, destruction, and wasted resources.

Let's find those responsible Commodore."

"Yes sir", came the reply.


~ To Be Continued ~


==================================

Commodore Sebastian Ascari
Director, Starfleet Intelligence

Admiral James Valtren
Starfleet Intelligence

and

Vice Admiral Jonathan Fullbright

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[Crazy Horse] Coil of Darkness - SD 241510.16 - Plot Log | Eclipse | EnRiov Shiarrael t'Rehu, Admiral Nanthrissa Raazh

A Mission Post by Captain Khiy Kanryth
Mission: Coil of Darkness
Location: Multiple
Timeline: Current

[Neutral Zone – Outpost 7]

"Damn. If it's not one thing it's another. Starfleet has us on priority alert incase the Romulans decide to retaliate for whatever happened on Earth this time." The Bolian stroked the ridge on his forehead "though Intelligence says the Klingons will keep their hands full."

"Intelligence lacks Intelligence Reb." Larisa chortled "honestly are you going to trust anything they say after everything that's happened? They may as well be reading tea leaves. The have failed to predict every major incident the past few years. I don't think we'll have to worry about Romulans but I am not as persuaded by those Intel dispatches anymore."

"Well, you are right…" Reb suddenly choked on his words as the monitoring station's klaxons went off. It was a fairly routine affair for the alarm to sound but the timing was unnerving. "Goodness my heart." He ran a fat finger over his console and silenced the alarm "damn thing always startles me. What are we looking at Larisa? Another transport stray again? I swear these transport Captains have the directional aptitude of blind man who went deaf. Larisa?" He looked at the Lieutenant Commander whose face was bathed crimson by the emergency lighting. As she stared at the screen her jaw hinged open. "Larisa!" He shouted "what is going on?"

Snapping out of her stupor Larisa turned to the Bolian "the gravitic sensor net has detected a massive fleet of cloaked ships!"

"Oh no! The Romulans are invading. We have to contact Starfleet and warn them be-"

"No…no…they're not entering Federation space. They're leaving it!"

"What?" The Bolian felt his heart suddenly sink back into his chest "what do you mean?"

"Computer is analyzing trajectory but it seems they probably originated from Tholian space- from the calculations they are entering Romulan space but on a path that will take them towards the Klingon border…"

"How many ships?"

"Hard to say…but the computer estimate is in the thousands…"

"Open a priority one channel to Starfleet Command. I think they're going to want to hear this."

[Earth, London]

Standing above the surgical theater Shiarrael watched as a cadre of Vulcan doctors worked tirelessly on the mangled Galae'Riov. Emerald droplets stained their opaque cream colored gowns while drenched gloves sorted through his organs. Next to her the Hhveir Ri'hwathech's own surgeon watched the procedure closely.

"They are talented."

"I don't care for talent Imin…I only care about results. Will he survive?"

"Survival with such injuries?" Imin frowned looking below and shook his head "I do not believe so…not in any capacity the Galae'EnRiov would wish at least."

"That is my fear." Shiarrael felt her chest tighten as she continued to watch the scene below. A sudden spurt of emerald lifeblood splattered onto a surgeon's visor but whereas another might have flinched the Vulcan continued unperturbed. What now? The Praetor was alive but the Galae'EnRiov would soon be gone. Takaram! Curse you! After you talked me into returning you will now die leaving me with such a mess? She gritted her teeth and pressed her palms into the viewing glass. We must call your son at least…he should be here. Pushing off the glass she stepped away to the back of the surgical viewing room and tapped her wrist communicator "Rehu to Lai- contact Khre'Riov tr'Thrai and inform him to come to my location immediately."

"Ie rekkhai. There is something you should also know EnRiov. Shortly before you contacted us we were informed that the fleet had passed through the Federation's gravitic sensor net. We have been monitoring local communications and transmissions indicate that the Federation is aware of our fleet movements now. What would you like us to do?"

So, this was it. She was hoping the subterfuge would have gone unnoticed long enough for the conference to end. Now…it was simply a mess. Shiarrael shook her head and laughed causing Imin and the others in the room to suddenly look at her as if she had gone mad. She lifted her hand at them "I'm sorry, I have lost my senses for a minute. Please excuse me." She pushed open the door and stepped into the stale perfume of the hospital's sterile air. As the door shut behind her she spoke into the communicator "How is the Praetor?"

"She is still sedated, Rekkhai. The doctors want her to rest. She was quite hysterical after returning.

Of course. Shiarrael closed her eyes and stretched. Both the Praetor and Galae'EnRiov were now incapacitated. The latter likely permanently so. This was not what she envisioned five years ago when the thought of vengeance and the necessity of retribution coursed through her veins. Now that she had her revenge…now that she had killed the murderer of her parents she wondered what she was still doing here. The future? A better future for her children? Was she so benevolent or did she crave the power she had denied she ever wanted? No. She knew the answer to the last question. It was never about power. It was now about her children. Their future.

"If the Federation contacts us I will deal with them myself. Let the Praetor gather her wits…"

[Starfleet Command, San Francisco]

"How many?"

"The precise number is unknown but we believe the force consisted of the vast majority of the surviving Tholian invasion force. At least 1500 vessels."

A sheet of air passed through pursed cobalt lips as Nanthrissa eyed the screen indignantly "1500 ships were able to pass through our space undetected?" A stylus spun between her fingers as frustration showed through the creases on her forehead. She had half the mind to fling the thing at the man in front of her. Instead the Andorian Admiral simply shook her head.

"When we repositioned our ships for the conference we inadvertently created a corridor. Our border with the Tholians has been porous ever since the triad conflict."

"What a headache." Nanthrissa finally slammed the thin device against the glass conference table "at least this proves that they will be too occupied by the Klingons to threaten us."

"It will also occupy the Klingons. An infusion of 1500 battle tested ships will change the dynamic of their little border war." Jolias sighed from the opposite end of the conference table "we may be seeing the precursor of a larger conflict in the making." The President looked at Nanthrissa "prepare contingency plans for the evacuation of border colonies and facilities. I have already instructed the diplomatic corps to begin making overtures to the Klingon government. Hopefully we can broker a cease fire before things spiral out of control."

"You are too optimistic mister President." Nanthrissa sighed and stood up. "It makes me wonder if this was all a Romulan ploy…" She frowned. "They must have known with our limited fleet resources we would have had to reposition our forces to compensate…"

"It's possible. I have contacted the Praetor for an explanation and am waiting to hear back."

[IRW Hhveir Ri'hwathech]

Darkness blanketed the room as polarized window filtered away the turquoise glow of the Terran's home world spiraling below. Arrenhe sat with knees propped against her chest shivering and running fingers through the raven curls of her hair. "No…this cannot be." She whispered "we must not…we must…we…must…return…to" She shook her head violently "no!"

[To be continued….]

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