USS Malinche NCC-38997-A

[USS Malinche, Day One, Sickbay, 2130hours]

Thea marched around sickbay inspecting every workstation, every bio bed as if it were her own private sanctuary. Of course she was only the Assistant Chief Medical Officer onboard the USS Malinche but, when the CMO was out sickbay was all hers. ?Can I help you?? A voice called out from the surgical bay. Turning she was greeted by quite possibly the sternest face she?d ever seen. The woman must have been no more than five feet tall and easily as wide. Thea walked over to the woman. ?Thea Saunders??

?Oh, yes the new doctor. A non Comm., how very novel.? The woman stated, in a high pitched nasal voice with a distinctly British accent before returning to what Thea was guessing was a recalibration of the surgical beds sensor array. Thea walked over to the other side of the surgical bed. ?That?s right, and you would be?? Thea asked keeping her smile inplace despite her almost overwhelming feeling to give the woman a piece of her mind the size of the crab nebula. ?Ensign Jacqueline Smythe-Higgins, one of?.? The Ensign looked down her nose at Thea before continuing ?Your Nurses, it would appear.?

?Really, Nurse.? Thea replied emphasis on the nurse. ?Well my I be the first to say, wipe that snot nosed attitude and look of pure superiority off of your face before I wipe it off for you with the back of my hand.? ?YOU CAN?T?? ?I?m not finished yet, Yes I?m a Non Comm, yes I?m the Assistant CMO and more importantly yes I now what the hell I?m doing and I have no problem whatsoever about changing the duty roster so that you end up spending the next six months manually recalibrating every medical tricorder, cortical stimulator and life support waste extraction apparatus by hand during the graveyard shift. Do I make myself clear, nurse!?

Smythe-Higgins looked upon Thea, first in shock, then disgust back to shock before settling for something that resembled an apologetic look. ?Of course Doctor, as clear as crystal doctor.?

?Excellent, well now that we have that little situation sorted. If you would be so kind as to page anybody who is waiting for there medical exam and have them make there way to sickbay, I?ll be waiting in the office till then.? Thea didn?t even wait for the nurse to reply before marching off to the office to get a cup of coffee and to review the medical records of the crew, she had the strangest feeling that her time on the Malinche was going to be interesting to say the least.

USS Malinche, Day One, Bridge 2135 hours]

Mason arrived on the bridge moments later to find Kersare no where to be found. All he saw was a few ensigns and a Lieutenant on duty. He knew that kersare had not left the ship at least not yet so he figured she might as well be in the ready room. Having felt somewhat odd standing there waiting to be let in to discuss leave, Mason just brushed it to the side and waited.

As he stood there debates as to what he would do on the base, eating exotic foods was his hobby of sorts and he had in fact heard numerous crewman in the corridors talking about such. Mason was hoping if the skipper had no plans she want to join him for a tour of the base and taken in some of the cusine. A pair of technicians from the base appeared on the bridge carrying suit cases and heading over toe both Kersare's and Mason's chair. The XO frowned since no one had told him that work needed to be done on the center chairs.

"Excuse me who authorized these upgrades and the extra padding to the command chair?" asked Hunt not really minding the extra cushion. One of the techs got up with dirt on his face. "Base command sir also the quarter master of starfleet operations these upgrades are being put on all ship in this sector." said the young man. "Very well, please continue." said Mason oddwordly looking back as the men continued to work.

Once again he stood at the door this time without the door chime and knocked. "Captain its Mason may I come in." asked the XO.

<Tag Kersare>

OFF: Tag Kersare

[Starbase 259, Enroute to the Malinche,Day 1, 2135 Hours]

Sara had found the small caf? restful, she even thought of going back there sometime even though her training cautioned against doing that. Her entire life seemed to be dictated by training and she was simply a pawn in a game of chess without rules, where there wasn't just black and white but gray, green, and red. The months she was away from the Malinche were hell, she had seen things which would have made anyone that was anywhere close to being right in their mind puke. Did that make her insane? Maybe it did, after all you have to be a little insane to do what she does.

Sara was tired of being a pawn to causes she didn't exactly go along with, tired of being forced to do things she didn't want to do. The parts she was suppost to pick up on Maran, were nothing more then a trap one she saw through and turned around on the man who double-crossed her. Did she really need the parts? No. After all she knew how to repair, and fabricate just about every part of her equipment she would need, if the situation called for it she could aquire equipement in the field.

Soon she found herself entering the airlock to the Malinche, taking out her identification chip for the guard waiting just on the otherside. Seems there had been a breach of security, she could tell by the number of guards stationed at the airlock hatchway. Sara handed the chip to the guard then waited for him to return it, which seemed to take hours while he double-checked it and checked it again. Once returned to her, Sara placed the chip back into the pocket she took it from before heading off to a turbolift.

For a moment she thought of checking to see if the locking module she had placed on the door to her quarters was still there, wondering if it had made some engineer drop his tools and find something more worth while to do with his time. There was no way it could have been cut off since the lock was on the inside of the door, and no one had entered her quarters durring the entire time she was gone so why bother checking on it. After all she had better things to do at the moment, like getting the Pheonix Dawn aboard the Malinche.

Taking the turbolift to the deck where the intel department found space to setup offices, Sara smiled at the idea of bothering Mr. Grayson with a simple transfer authorization not that he would show it but she knew it bothered him never the less besides the fact that this "Delta Flyer" was suppost to already be aboard the Malinche. Arriving outside the door to the small and cramped room Grayson called his office, she pressed the door chime then waiting for a few minutes before noticing he wasn't in there at all. Glancing around for one of the intel officers on duty for a few seconds before finally finding one.

"Excuse me, would you happen to know where Lieutenant Grayson is at the moment?"

"No ma'am im sorry. He left here an hour ago but where he went, your guess is as good as mine."

"Thank you, I guess I'll have to find him then."

=/\= Ensign Rayne to Lieutenant Grayson =/\=

Computer Voice: "Lieutenant Grayson is not aboard the Malinche nor Starbase 259."

With a sigh Sara turned to head towards the turbolift, deciding to check on her quarters while she figured out who was in charge of the intel department since Mr. Grayson didn't seem to be anywhere at the moment. About to walk away Sara finally noticed someone in the ACIO's office. For a moment she wondered if someone finally decided to take over the office space or if the Malinche actually found a person to take the position, either way it was worth checking on. Stepping over to the door she pressed the chime then waited wondering who it was in there.
With luck it would be someone who could authorize that shuttle transfer, without giving her too much trouble.

<Tag Hawkins>

OFF: Tags Hawkins(Your it and I hope I didn't place your character someplace it couldn't be.)

<<ACIO Office, 2135, day 1>>

Jack was pleasantly surprised to find he had an office assigned to this position, however as he stood in it he couldn?t help but think ?office? was slightly exaggerated, it wasn?t much more than a cupboard, with a desk, a desk that was currently covered in engineering equipment, boxes of power relays, self sealing stem-bolts and isolinear relays among other things lay all over ?about the office, it had clearly becoming the dumping ground for maintenance teams on this deck.

He would have to go see an engineer about getting the stuff moved, he also needed to go and see one of the medical staff before he set his plan in motion to keep an eye on Jaran.

As he stood accessing the wall panel with a PaDD in the other hand he heard the door chime sound, ?Come in?, he replied, resulting in the doors sliding open?

It opened to reveal a tall, red haired Intelligence Officer, by now he had had a chance to glance through the departments staffs files and knew the woman in front of him was Ensign Rayne. He turned to face her, ?Good evening Ensign Rayne, anything I can do for you??

Sara wasn't in the least bit surprised to be called by name, she was used to that but she didn't expect was having to deal with the ACIO. "Well normally I would take this sort of thing up with Lieutenant Grayson, but he seems to be unreachable at the moment. I have a shuttle transfer that needs to be authorized, but its not a standard shuttle that?s being transferred. I can't go into more details about it but all I can say is it's a Intel matter. If necessary you can see the shuttle yourself to know what I mean."

?Well I can transfer it from this end, I guess I?m in charge while our ?illustrious? leader is away, but you may well need to see a?? he looked down at the PaDD which contained the crew manifest and pushed a few buttons, ?Warrant Officer Lirad Folen, he?s the shuttlebay manager, you?ll need to see him about space, especially with the damage done to the bay earlier? Jack extended his hand to take the isolinear chip containing the transfer request.

"Hmm what exactly did happen to the shuttlebay? I heard something had happened but didn't hear much more then that. I don't really want to scratch up the hull of that shuttle on debris takes more time then..." Sara cut off figuring she probably gave away who the shuttle really belonged to. Quickly she took the chip with the transfer request on it and handed it to Hawkins.

Jack raised one eyebrow at the last comment before continuing, ?Well I?m not quite sure myself, there was a rather large explosion there apparently, haven?t found out exactly why, downside to it being my first day, spent most of it wandering around getting used to this place?

He placed the chip into the small chip reader on the wall panel and authorized the request before removing it and handing it back to the ensign, ?Well its done, but like I said, you?ll need the shuttlebay managers final say so before you bring your shuttle on board.?

"Well I?m sure that won't be hard to get if the damage control crews managed to clear out enough debris for a de...shuttle of it's size to fit in without scratching up the hull. I?m guessing your the new ACIO, but then who else could you be since that must be your office." Sara smiled. "Though you probably already know, I am the Infiltration Specialist here aboard the Malinche. Lieutenant..?? She paused for a second acting as though she didn't catch his name even though she knew it already.

?Hawkins, and yes, I?m the new ACIO? Jack replied, not wanting to get dragged into any Intelligence agent mind games, despite the fact he was one of them, he knew never to trust a thing they say, there was always a ulterior motive, it was what he really disliked about this grey uniform., its what he really disliked about himself?

?Anyway ensign, I have something I need to get sorted out fairly quickly so I?m going to have to cut this meeting short, was nice meeting you and all that? He offered the ensign his hand.

Sara took his hand and shook it. "Well despite what a few people around here might think, I don't bite." She smiled again. "Perhaps once I have dealt with the Shuttlebay Manager, you wouldn't mind being there to see to it no one but the bay manager and yourself see that shuttle come aboard?" Sara said the last part just loud enough for him to hear, then smiled again

?Well I have some things to take care of before I head over to the Starbase, but I?ll try and make it down, though bear in mind, the shuttlebay manager is required to make a report to his department head and then most likely the captain, hard to keep a secret on a starship? Jack said stepping over a large crate on the floor towards the door.

"Oh I'll deal with the secret part." Sara said with a smile before walking off with a small wave towards Hawkins, leaving him to wonder what she meant exactly

Jack watched as she rounded the corner and he set off towards the Engineering department, he still had a lot to do before he went to meet Jaran, it was going to be a long night?


OFF:

A JP by

Ensign Sara Rayne
Infiltration Specialist

And

<<Club Teardrop, Starbase Prominade, 1925 hours, Day One>>

The dashingly handsome man took a seat next to Yrel, a bright smile worn carefuly on his face. His eyes never left from looking deeply at Yrel, almost piercing into her soul. She sputtered in response to her being called by her given name by someone clearly unfamiliar.

"Do I know you?" she asked, eyebrow raised curiously.

He laughed, shaking his head. "No, I wouldn't image you would. I'm a betazoid."

"Oh..."

"I know this sounds a bit...strange...but I've been unable to tear myself away from you since you stepped on board with that cloud of uncertainty and depression surrounding your every move." He took a breath. "I try not to hear people's thoughts, but your a special case, I suppose. Your desire for motherhood has consumed you so much, that It was hard not to listen to your thoughts."

Yrel turned slightly off to the side, a bit bashful. When the man placed his warm, soft hands on her bare leg, sending an anxious chill up her spine, she turned back to him.

"So, you tell me all this now, so you ca-"

"I'll help you," he said bluntly, cutting her off. Yrel closed her mouth from being left in mid sentence and stared at him.

'Well, there goes the whole I-am-woman-here-me-roar thing,' she thought with a sigh.

Getting up, he gestured for the entrance. "I'm sure my quarters are closer than yours."

Yrel nodded, smiling innocently. "Lead the way, good sir."

TBC

ON:
<<USS Malinche, Day One, 2200>>

James Benson stretched a bit after his log entries and walked out for a gentle walk around the ship. He sighed and popped his back and neck, walking slowly as he looked around, lost in his thoughts.

Sara left the Intel offices in what seemed to be a slight hurry, as she headed towards a turbolift so she could head down to the shuttlebay and see what had happened there for herself. While she was down there, she planned on getting the Shuttlebay Manager to see that a space was cleared for her Delta Flyer. "Good thing I decided to take the Phoenix Dawn, with me after all." Sara thought to herself, thinking about the explosion that had happened there sometime before she arrived at the starbase. Completely unaware that someone was just on the otherside of the corner she was about to turn. Normally she would have known but there were too many things on her mind.

James rubbed his brow to stave off a headache from his thoughts on his past. He sighed and turned the corner on his little walk and slammed into a younger female in a gray uniform.

"Gah! I'm sorry ma'am." James said, jumping back to avoid colliding too heavily with the young woman.

Sara had seen him just soon enough to brace herself to avoid falling down, though she mentally cursed at herself for not being aware. "Its quite alright Lieutenant..?" She in truth knew who he was but, he didn't know that so she thought anyhow. Even if he thought she did, she still acted as though she didn't.

"Lieutenant Benson. Jim Benson the Third, Chief Security and Tactical Officer." The tall Texan said with a nod as he gave her a soft smile and extended a hand.

"Ensign Rayne, Infiltration Specialist but since Im mostly off duty at the moment you can call me Sara." She said with a smile taking his hand to shake it. "Im sure you would know something about what happened in the shuttlebay earlier wouldn't you? I need to get a shuttle in there and I was wondering how badly it was damaged." Sara said still smiling.

"Apparently badly enough that we're going to be taking on starbase engineers to fix it." James nodded to her.

"That bad huh? You wouldn't happen to know what caused it would you?" Sara was simply curious but she knew eventually he would start thinking she had some hidden reason for asking which in a sense she did, but she had been honest when she said she needed to get a shuttlecraft onboard the ship. Still she intended on pressing her luck as far as it would go.

"Oh absolutely I do..." James said with a nod and looked at the Ensign. She probably had clearance to find out, so he saw no harm in informing her what he knew about Jaran, giving her most of what he knew, along with his personal bias against the Bajoran murderer and poster child for capitol punishment's rebirth.

"Hmm. Its sad to see a former special ops agent end up like that, probly seen too many things." She said in a whisper without realising it. "Well I am sure he has seen things as bad if not worse then I have durring my career, not everyone is cut out for what spec-ops does still rationalizing it doesn't solve the problem. Even I..."She cut off, not wanting to go into details more then she had.

"We've all seen, done, and been a part of things we don't like and aren't proud of, but Jaran's twisted little mind has turned that into an excuse to murder people in cold blood. It's what I refer to as the 'poor me' syndrome. Someone gets hurt or sees something violent and they cry and say 'poor me' and begin hurting others to get revenge." He said with a nod.

"Still that does imply he isn't sane, maybe he is in his own mind but people like that need help. Its unfortunate he didn't get help sooner. Still I can't help but feel somewhat sorry for the man, I almost turned out like he did..." She trailed off pushing back the ghosts from her mind. "Perhaps if it would help any I could speak with him, I know how he thinks in a sense. That is if you think it could help?"

"I don't know what good it would do if you talked to him, but if you think you can make a difference, go for it." James said with a shrug. He wasn't about to extend any courtesies to that madman.

"Well normally I wouldn't have even thought of helping someone in his position, but in this case I've decided to try. I doubt I'll be able to do anything more then tell you something you already know but maybe I'll get through to him long enough to find out why he snapped." Sara's smile dimmed a bit but it never left her face. "I'd better get down to the shuttlebay and speak with the manage about.."

"I'm not really that interested in why he snapped to be honest... I don't care what his rationale is. He's murdered and proven his treasonous motives by leading a small mutiny on the Malinche. He should be put to death for that." James said with a nod.

"getting that shuttle aboard. If you need help I'll be around." She said ignoring the interuption. She was used to that like most things that happened aboard the Malinche. Slowly she turned to walk off towards the turbolift nearby, waiting just long enough for the Lieutenant to say something more if he chose to. Then she realised what he had said. The Lieutenant had mentioned something about death, and knowing what he had been thinking she turned back towards him. "Two wrongs won't make a right no matter how justified it might seem. But it will of course fall to a court marshal to decide what happens to the man. Well I had best get back to what I was doing. It was nice meeting you Lieutenant." With that said Sara turned and slowly walked away.

"Nice to meet you too." James said with a nod.

OFF:

A JP by:

Lieutenant James Samuel Benson III
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Malinche NCC-38897-B

&

[[Maran]]
[Maran Intelligence Offices, 1945, Day 1]

Jason didn't like what was going on. Never once had the Marans brought him, or anyone from Starfleet in this far. He had a sneaky idea that Mark was some how invovled with that. Adam (NPC) appeared to be taking everything in, although Jason could tell that he was slightly un-nerved by the situation.

"So, why did they bring us here?" Adam asked. "I thought that we were going to look for Commander Darkhelm."

"We will, soon enough," Jason chimed in. "Besides, its not like the Marans are our enemies."

Mark was not happy with what was going on. He hated when Nasser (NPC), the Maran Chief of Intelligence, started doing pysch games with him. It only proved that whatever was wrong was bothering the Maran Council too.

As they walked through the corridors, Mark noticed that several new security measures were put in place. Not bad, he considered. Still, Nasser was going a bit too far with that particular game.

They soon arrived outside Nasser office. Mark threw an annoyed look at the Maran guards and then glanced at Jason. "Alright, Lieutenant. Show time...", he whispered.

"I just hope you are right about this," Jason said, carefully concealing his words under his breath.

The door opened and the trio entered the room. Nasser was an impressive looking Maran, who obviously had gone too far during a firesaber fight. There was an scar that crossed his face, right to left.

Mark waited until the door closed and then approached Nasser desk. Both men shook hands - a habit that Nasser had learned with Mark.

"Good to see you, Nasser", said Mark with a smirk. He waved his hand to Jason and Adam. "You probably know who they are, but, this is Lieutenant Barrett and Ensign Townsen."

Nasser nodded. "Of course I know the two. But I don't think they know me", he said looking at the two men.

"You two seem to talk like you are old friends," Adam (NPC) pointed out, as they all took seats.

"Oh I won't go into all the details," Nassar said, waving his hand around. "But what I will tell you is that I am glad that you are all here."

"Why exactly are we here?" Jason asked, leaning forward.

He generally liked the Marans. They tended to be straight forward in thier actions and thoughts. Like the Klingons they had a strong code of honor; loyalty to ones friends was one of hte Marans strongest held beliefs. They were honorbound to thier friends in ways that had always inspired Jason. He could only hope that Nassar would continue to be as forthcoming as Marans generally were.

"There are many reasons," Nassar shrugged. He looked at Jason before continuing to speak. "Despite what some may say, you are an expert in alien technology, computer systems, and new weapons technology."

"And me?" Adam asked.

"Your work on the Hale and then the Malinche has caught our eyes, you have an impressive talent for forensics and biology."

"And what about Mark?" Jason asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Why else would he be here?" Nassar smiled. "He's intelligence."

Mark tried not to chuckle. "You're still trying to charm me into joining the Maran Intelligence, Nassar?"

Bursting into laughter Nassar shook his head. "I have to try... You know our dental plan is better than Federation's", joked him.

Mark shook his head, amused. "You spent too much time trying to learn Human jokes, Nasser". His face became serious. "So, what's the situation concerning Lt. Commander Darkhelm? Is the reason the two here came to Maran?"

Nassar face became serious too. "Her condition is unknown, but, the last time she was sighted, she was in good health."

Mark nodded. It was the truth, but half of it. If Barrett made the right questions he would find out where she was, because Nassar was her contact.

"I think they want to know if she's in any danger, Nassar", insisted Mark.

"Actually she is not a safe as I thought. No one is...", he said.

Jason really didn't like the way that sounded. He never really knew the Marans to over exggerate a situation; in fact they tended to downplay pretty much everything in short of an full scale invasion.

"And what does that mean?" Jason asked, doing his best to keep the annoyed tone out of his voice. "No more riddles or half answers, I want to know where she is and what she was doing here."

Nassar seemed to look at Mark, who only nodded. He turned back to look at both Jason and Adam.

"Commander Darkhelm was working with one of our intelligence moons on Endria 8. Its near the edge of Maran and the borders of the known galaxy. Her and her team disappeared nearly three days ago during a mission to investigate a large downed craft in the system."

"What kind of craft?" Jason asked, leaning forward.

"Thats precisly what we were trying to determine."

OFF: More to come!

A JP by

Lt. Mark Grayson
Cheif Intelligence Officer
&

ON:

[USS Malinche, Bridge, 1951 Hours, Day 1]

Before the doors opened, Mason looked at the viewer seeing all of the ships with their crew going to and from. He was ready to take that leap of always being on duty to having fun. Although his idea for fun was eating, having grown up bouncing from one place to the other he couldn?t help but want to try out the local restaurant and bars.

The Malinche was close enough to the base for Mason to see an old school chum he hadn?t heard nor seen in years. John Taylor(NPC) he and Mason went threw the academy together until he dropped out and ran for political office on andoria prime. ?My, my I wonder if he is still bad at playing cards. He never could keep up with me.? said Mason quietly as two ensigns passed him looking at him frowning.

Holtman(NPC) walked over to him after handing her padd back to the science officer on duty, she had been wanting to speak to the XO for sometime just to introduce herself but never had the nerve. ?Excuse me sir, is something wrong?? she asked nodding to crewman walking passed her and into a lift.

?Hello Holtman(NPC) ah no just waiting for the Captain to let me in. Say how come you are not on the base enjoying leave. Most of your department has gone and unless im mistaken your duty shift ends in just a few mins.? he stated checking the console near him.

Caitlyn(NPC) looked at her stomach because it was making a lot of noise, noise that Mason couldn?t help but smirk at the young woman. ?Sorry sir, I will be going over shortly perhaps lunch or dinner? If I am not out of line for asking?? asked Holtman(NPC)

Hunt gave her a passing stunned look and smiled. ?I may take you up on that the Captain and I are going over in an hour or so to meet up with other members of the crew.? said Mason watching Caitlyn smile brightly and walk away.

OFF: Tag Kersare

[[Maran]]
[Maran Intelligence Offices, 1949, Day 1]

Jason was confused by his words to say the least. Although for them to act the way they were acting, he knew that something was up. Mark leaned forward; Jason had a sneaky feeling that Mark knew much more then he was letting on.

"And why would Commander Darkhelm be helping you in the first place?" Adam (NPC) asked.

"Because Commander Darkhelm was working for the Omega Operative," Nassar (NPC) explained. "Which, before you ask is a joint Federation/Maran intelligence service known only to a few people in both goverments."

"Is this true?" Jason asked, looking at Mark.

"Yes, Lieutenant... I'm one of the founders of the Agency", said Mark quietly. "Before you get angry with me, let me explain the reason for lying to you."

Mark leaned back on his chair. "I couldn't trust no else in the Malinche and since I had... some leverage with you, I knew you would come with me and lend your expertise to identify the threat. Darkhelm was the first I recruited... I would say she volunteered before I could finish my speech."

Jason was sure whatever poker face that he had put up was now falling away as Mark spoke. He always thought that Amanda hated combat; hence why she left the Marines.

"Don't look so shocked," Mark smiled. "Darkhelm doesn't like blood or violence but she does have a good eye for detail, thats why I recruited her."

"And she agreed?"

Mark nodded. "Yes, she seemed very happy about the it...I mean the analzying part. She took the job knowing that would be her primary focus."

"I don't suppose that her combat background and tactics had anything to do with it?" Adam asked, an annoyed tone creeping into his voice.

"Indeed," Mark nodded. "She was highlyl decorated. Besides, I knew that she was good friends with both of you and I knew that eventually we might need your expertise."

"Alright, so you have our attention....what do we do now?" Jason asked.

"Now, Mr. Barrett", answered Nassar, "You'll help me locate a spy in our midst. It's our belief - Mark's and mine - that the spy isn't a Maran. He or she is something else."

Mark lift his hand and stopped Nassar's speech. "Hold on. Before we go on, I need to know that you'll keep any information you find here a secret, under the Federation Law and disclosing will be high treason. If you can't accept this terms, I'm sure I can arrange a passage back to the Malinche.... But I would advise against"

"Why's that?", blurted Adam.

"Because Civilian Transportation can suffer massive damage and blow up without warning", replied Mark, in a very civil tone and yet with an edge to it.

Nassar (NPC) chuckled at the way that both Adam (NPC) and Jason responded to what he was saying. Personally, he found it all very amusing. Clearing his throat he brought them back to the discussion at hand.

"In addition to locating the spy, we have another task in front of us..."

"You aside from figuring out where Darkhelm disappeared too?"

"That job will be up to myself and Mark," Nassar explained. "I need you and Adam to accompany a team back to the crash site. I need you both to take a look at it and then I need Adam to look at the bodies that we recovered."

"There are bodies?" Jason asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Yes," Nassar nodded. "That was partly what Amanda and her team were doing, searching for more."

"Myself and Nassar can handle tracking down Darkhelm but we need you," Mark said, gesturnig toward Jason. "To help us flush out this spy."

"Alright," Jason nodded. "But what are we talking about?"

"Extra-galatical," Nassar responded. "And judging by thier ship, I doubt they are here to talk."

OFF: To Be Continued....

A JP brought to you by...

Lt. Mark Grayson
Cheif Intelligence Officer
USS Malinche
&

ON:
<<Brig Holding Cell, Starbase 259 ? 2000 hours, MD02>>

Doctor Cameron Fairbairn observed the Bajoran who sat in the holding cell beyond the forcefield. He was not exactly bulky but particularly muscular with a toned physique that glistened with strength. The man didn't move as he sat facing away from the security crewmen and the doctor - whether this was a method of discipline or the effects of not caring, Cameron wasn't quite sure. He turned to the security officers who were on guard at the adaptor. "I need access to holding cell 2, I have authorisation to see a Lieutenant Abubakar Jaran..." He trailed slightly as he handed over a PaDD to the CPO. "I'm the chief medical officer aboard the Malinche and Captain Kersare would like for me to perform a quick medical examination on this - individual."

The security crewman nodded at the PaDD, reading the right authorisation codes. But with a scowl he folded his arms and looked up at the soft-featured doctor. "I'm not happy about it. He's been known to be dangerous and could easily make our lives very difficult in the next few seconds."

"You're carrying phasers, Chief, if he makes a move feel free to bring him down." He turned now to glance at the Bajoran, then locked his eyes back onto the guard. "However - I've been asked to examine him and that's what I'm going to do whether you're happy with it or not. Can you please lower the forcefield?"

The senior security officer turned to his partner and nodded the order silently. But sure enough before the energy field was dropped, the bulky guard pulled out his type 2 phaser and leveled it at his waist. "Go ahead, Doctor." He said.

Cameron offered a genuine smile. "Thank you, Chief." And with a swallow and slight intake of breath he stepped into the holding cell and unslung the medical pack from his shoulder. "Abubakar? As you'll have heard I'm here to perform a quick medical check up."

Jaran slowly moved his head to look at the intruder into HIS space. He tired to jump up, he had every intention of knocking a large dent in the face of the invader, but whatever gas they had fed into the cell earlier was still affecting him. He could feel his eyes were bloodshot and they were very heavy. "Kersare..." he muttered, barely able to talk still. He struggled again with his hands, trying to rub his eyes, but even now the stupid irons made it impossible for him, with them attached to him, his arms were just too heavy to lift now. He shook with anger, "Kersare!" he barked, slurred against the numbness of his mouth.

Cameron held up a hand sharply. Not in an aggressive manner, it was more like a father scolding a child who had spoken out of turn. "Captain Kersare will be here to shortly. I just have to make sure that you're healthy." He reached into his put-sack and lifted a hypospray, fixing in a small vial of Estelanine to push away the Bajoran's groggy demeanor. He injected it softly into the man's neck.

Jaran blinked rapidly as the drug took effect, he felt his head clear and he regained a lot of motor control. He didn't feel energetic by a long shot, but certainly the relatively light irons no longer felt like neutronium weights. He looked at the Doctor in a questioning manner. Why the hell was he doing this? "Thank you, now kindly piss off"

"Really, Lieutenant, that's not the attitude I expected?" Cameron said sarcastically. He really didn't want to deal with this - he felt it was beyond his judgmental capacity. With a sigh he leaned against the wall and stared back at the Bajoran. "They ordered me, right? This is me carrying out a Starfleet order and I need to get it done. Please - for at least my own sake - won't you cooperate?"

Jaran eyed the man cautiously. At least he was being honest. "Orders..." he mumbled absent mindedly. "So doc, what do you need me to do to cooperate huh?" He paused for a few seconds, "did Kersare send you?"

He nodded. "Aye - she sent me. She wants you examined medically, wants to make sure you've not been unfairly treated and of course I want to ensure HER safety." He locked eyes with the prisoner now, trying to get the point across. "I'm going to give you a quick medical check then I want to have a look at your phaser wound."

He stared back straight into the other officers eyes. "What exactly do you mean her safety?" he demanded. He looked away, "And I'm fine, believe me I've had worse." He sighed heavily and then scratched his thighs with the irons to satisfy an itch, since the Doctor had injected him, he had felt prickly all over.

"Pins and needles?" The Doctor commented. "That means that the stimulant's beginning to fade, I need a heavier dose..." He trailed off and after another silence answered the man. "I'm concerned, you're volatile both emotionally, mentally and somewhat physically. The Captain could be a vulnerable prisoner and - if you'll forgive me being blunt - I don't want to deal with that."

Jaran darted forward and stopped suddenly after a wave of nausea hit him. "Listen to me you arrogant sunnava bitch, I would never hurt Captain Kersare!" He locked eyes with the Doctor again and slumped backward, he quietly muttered; "I never meant to hurt anyone...no one."

The Doctor regarded him for a long long time. He watched the man grow slowly limp and sigh out with his last effort - the drug's effects were fading. Yet he didn't feel superior. He couldn't fight away that feeling of concern and care despite the way Jaran reacted to him and despite everything he had heard from other crew members. And the concern for Isabel seemed very genuine, a bonus note in Cam's eyes. He reached into his bag, pulled out a hypospray and inserted a vial of the stimulant of sufficient size and slowly, tilting the man's neck he injected him with it. As he came round, though, he didn't move away - but remained close. And softly he murmured to him. "Listen, pal, I don't give a shit what you done. I don't care who died, who got hurt or who was at the forefront of the blame for this thing. But you're hurt and I'm here to fix you - okay?"

Jaran looked at the man and regarded him too for a while, it was highly unusual - Jarans guard should have gone right back up and shoved the Doctor away, thumped him or something. Anything other than what followed; a tear rolled down Jarans cheek and he just nodded solemnly. "Yeah" he rasped. Jaran looked away again and out into the detention facility, all the guards were looking in.

Fairbairn didn't follow his gaze, he moved back to his proper posture and asked intently: "So can I examine you then?"

Jaran looked back to the Doctor. "Yeah, why not" he replied, not all too happy with the idea but lacking in the will to stop him, besides if Kersare wanted it done then he would do it. Despite everything, words couldn't describe how much he respected the Captain, and this Doctor guy seemed to have an interest in her wellbeing, so he seemed like a safe enough person to deal with.

Going back to his medical knapsack, Cameron removed his medical tricorder and scanner, and slowly activated it and began taking readings on Jaran - everything from vitals to neurals, to fitness to mental state. "I don't care what you did, but what I need to know is what's happened to you in the time that's passed since your arrest." He said as he read his readings. "Roughed up at all?"

He stared at the doc' "Not yet but I'm sure it'll come soon, Benson will see to that" he replied frankly. "I wouldn't worry Doc', I've been through far far worse than that even when it does happen. All that's happened is I been chucked in her for god knows how long, and had some gas pumped into the cell to keep me quiet" He looked around the cell, he still couldn't locate a vent at all.

The Doctor read the readings and made a murmuring noise of contemplation - Jaran was fit but the sedation was severe. Clearly the security staff on 257 found him a threat. He glanced up at him when he had finished. "The phaser wound - how's that feeling?" He asked then continued reading his data on the tricorder.

"Damn hurts, this relaxant or whatever they've pumped in here stops me from tensing the area, so its just been loose" he winced as he automatically tensed the area on his shoulder now he had use of his muscles again. He sighed," in all honesty my wrists are hurting a lot more than anything else" he made reference to his last-second attempt to kill himself in the crashed ship. "I can't see how they're healing though." He lifted up the irons to show the doc' as if he needed to. Jaran looked away, he was embarrassed. Not that he had done it, that was part of training - capture was not an option in SpecOps, he was embarrassed that it hadn't worked, that he hadn't found a way to kill himself quickly. He winced again as he remembered the feel of the cold metal crunching through his flesh.

Cameron glanced away from the readings, then placed his tricorder slowly onto the floor beside the pack as he began to gaze at the mans wrists. "I don't know whether to say that was lucky or not." Slowly he reached out and took hold of one, examining the light scarring. "You cut very deep and glanced this artery here. See the bruising? That's blood that's seeped into the tissue a little. I can give you a quick graft on both wrists, that should null the pain and sort everything out." Then he paused, lowering his wrist and locking eyes with him again. "If you'd been in a steadier environment with a healthy mental state - that would have worked without question."

Jaran cocked his eyebrows, "how would a different environment make a difference?" He deliberately side-stepped the 'mental-state' remark. He pulled his arms away. "I'm fine, ironicly a little pain never hurt anyone Doctor"

"Wherever the hell you were, something happened. Your hands weren't steady as you did it - and that caused you to nick the vessel at the edge." The Doctor said as he rummaged in his pack, then turned, scowling slightly. "You should get it treated just in case - you'll have to live with the pain from your wound anyway."

"No" he said flatly. "I'll not accept any further treatment than what they already did in the starbases infirmary." He looked out into the facility and at the doors. "Did you come here straight from Malinche?" he asked, hoping to catch the Doctor off guard with the relatively random question.

Having faced it all before in his years of experience, Cameron didn't take the bait. But he tugged on the hook - sighing to show his irritance - and placed the grafting closer back into the knapsack. "I did, yes." Then he turned back and folded his arms, deciding if he couldn't do any more it was conversation time. "I've been serving on the medical staff here at the starbase for a little time, just waiting on the Malinche to get here. But I'll be transferring as her CMO." He hesitated again. "Rumor has it you used to call her home."

Jaran nodded, "I used to." he confirmed. 'Good' he thought to himself, "wow, must have been a long trek from the Malinche to here? With the size of this base I mean" He didn't make the mistake of looking at the doctor, a clear sign that someone wanted information was when they 'looked for it'.

There was a very strong and very resounding silence as Cameron considered how to divulge his information. In the end, he found himself supporting Jaran's plight - despite his relationship with Benson - and deciding Starfleet didn't always know best. Besides, something in the mans actions and words made him consider that perhaps it wasn't all his fault. So he smiled and nodded. "It certainly is. The Malinche is in the final docking bay at the other side of the promenade." He spoke more quietly on purpose. "And it takes a good ten minutes just to get by all the people who swamp that area, let alone into an active turbolift to get to the highest bloody deck. I personally thought it was a nightmare."

Jaran mulled it over in his head, he mentally tried to visualise where on the base the detention facility was and found he could narrow it from that information to a rough area, but still nowhere near small enough an area to be of much use to him. "Hm" he simply made the sound. "I've laid my hay lots of placed, but there are only two places I've called home. Egypt and Malinche."

"Egypt, eh?" The Doctor mused. "An interesting place I hear - you're of Bajoran descent though. Where you raised on Earth?"

Jaran nodded. "I was a refugee" He sighed. "Sort of" he added. He didn't like talking about Egypt, the memories were painful places to be in. "I was raised on Earth and left as soon as I could. Tried to get assignment to DS9 but it got refused." Jaran shifted his position on the floor. "Where are you from?" Normally he wouldn't care, but something compelled him to ask.

"Em...Scotland." Smiled the Doctor in return. "Nothing incredible, Mr. Upper Class boy who became a doctor and joined Starfleet because apparently that's what good people did in those days."

Jaran rolled his eyes. "Another one" he grumbled. "There was something earlier, you know Captain Kersare don't you? I mean, before this assignment came up - before today. You care for her Doctor." He stated it all more than asked it, Abubakar Jaran was perceptive no matter what his physical condition.

"She's an old friend, from an older ship and someone I owe a lot to. It's a long story and not one I'm really allowed to discuss...but we've been a help to each other in the past." Cameron noted that all people seemed to pick up on this, it concerned him somewhat. "And you. Why do you want to see her so badly?"

Jaran looked at him; "She is Isabel Kersare, I owe her a lot too. Not least of all, I need to apologise to her in person." Jaran caught a lump in his throat, "I betrayed her and she needs to know why. She's my Captain" He looked away, hanging his head. Images of the escape flashed before him.

Another long silence filled the cell, suffocating the occupants. Eventually the Doctor turned and began closing up his medical pack. "Well, Lieutenant, I need to leave you for now. It's my understanding that Captain Kersare wishes to see you." He turned as he lifted his pack and folded his left hand into his pocket. "Funnily enough it was a pleasure to meet you..."

Jaran let out a small laugh, "not often people say that to me you know." He awkwardly rubbed his eyes, finding it difficult because of the irons. "I'm glad the Captain wants to see me. Please, pass on my regards to Lieutenant Sovereign if you see her." He smiled slightly at the corners of his mouth.

Cocking an eyebrow with curiosity, Cameron began to ask then stopped himself, only smiling politely. "Goodbye, try not to struggle and try to stay relaxed, that'll keep you in good health." With that he left, nodding to the guards to reactive that forcefield and allow him to exit through the door.

A JayPee by:

Dr. (Lt.) Cameron Fairbairn
Chief Medical Officer
USS Malinche

and

[[Maran]]
[Maran Intelligence Offices, 1953, Day 1]

Jason didn't like how that sounded. In fact, he really didn't like how that sounded. Swallowing a lump in his throat he was about to ask another question when Nassar (NPC) held up his hand to stop him.

"I realize that you all must have questions and I plan on answering everyone of them in time but for now I feel that its best that you all rest, we can start fresh in the morning. Quarters have been prepared for you just a level down."

"Want to keep an eyes on us eh?" Mark asked.

"I wouldn't be much of an intelligence head if I didn't."

No more then 15 minutes later Jason and Adam (NPC) were settling into there room, doing thier best not to worry about the days to come. Although Jason knew that would be nearly impossible for him...and Adam too. They both wanted answers and wanted to know where Amanda was.

At least Nassar was honest with them and Mark was too, so he had to be thankful for that.

"Do you think what they were saying was true?" Adam asked. "I mean about some extra-galatical threat?"

"Could be," Jason shrugged. "You and I both know that the Marans don't really get worked up unless they consider something a threat."

"That makes me feel loads better," Adam sighed.

"Come on, we better get some sleep...our day starts bright and early tomorrow morning at 0700."

OFF:

ON:

[USS Malinche, Bridge, 1955 Hours, Day 1]

Mason was growing a bit weary if waiting to see the Captain, he figured she was rather busy with something important otherwise he would have been allowed to enter. He shrugged it off and left the bridge for his office.

He had some late paper work to finish up before he indulged himself on the luxuries of the base. As he walked into his office he asked the replicator to make some ginger sticks with lemon tea until he got over there to pig out on the exotic food.

?Computer, call duty roster with tomorrow maintenance repair schedule.? said Mason sipping on his tea. The log showed repairs being done on the command chairs. He was surprised to see that the upgrades they were getting interfaced more with every department and division on the ship.

The door chime to his office had rung, Mason turned to the door only to see that is way Holtman(NPC) waiting to be let in. It was indeed a surprise for him as he smiled allowing her in. ?Well this is a surprise, please do come in and have a seat. What can I do for you today?? he asked as she sat down.

?Well, sir I was coming off duty and wanted to hand in my report for communications. I?m heading over to the base now I can smell that food calling me.? she said laughing. Mason smiled as well wishing the few files he had to finish up would pass by more quickly. ?The Captain and I were suppose to head over soon ourselves. I guess she was busy. Go ahead and get over there we will catch up with you later on and save some food for me ok?? said Mason.

Caitlyn(NPC) nodded and smiled as she left the room. Mason couldn?t help but smile himself as he went back to reading the report she had given him.

OFF: Tag Kersare and Crew!

[Temporary quarters of USS Antares crew aboard Starbase 85, 16 days ago]

In his temporary quarters on Starbase 85, Ensign Bryce Bondurant straightened up and looked from the PADD he was reading to the door, which had suddenly slid open to admit his roommate.

The unannounced arrival was unusual. Not that Ens. Akios needed to ask for permission to enter their shared quarters, but Bryce had been seeing Ensign Mossimo on and off, and he'd forgotten to warn his roommate a couple of times. Turuas'ta had taken to hitting the doorchime on his way in, as if a one-second warning would have really made a difference.

The tall blue-feathered Aurelian crossed the room rapidly to start pulling open the drawers of his wardrobe. The nonhuman looked tense to Bryce; his movements were even more abrupt than usual, and Bryce could see that the Aurelian's feathers were, quite literally, ruffled.

"Turu, what's going on?" Bryce asked, deactivating his PADD and setting it on the nightstand. "The XO getting on your nerves?" Antares had just gotten a new Executive Officer, and according to his service record he was something of a hardnose. The ship had sustained heavy radiation damage in the section under the XO's office on their last mission, and Bryce knew Akios had proposed some modifications to the office area.

Turuas'ta stopped what he was doing and gripped the sides of the wardrobe drawer he'd been emptying. Then, turning to face Bryce, he said, "I'm being transferred! Again!"

Bryce barely had time to say, "Are you kidding?" before the Aurelian was throwing a PADD towards the bed where Bryce was sitting. He managed to catch it before it bounced off the mattress and looked at the screen. Transfer orders.

"I thought the games were over with last time," Akios said, pulling a rumpled carryall out of a drawer and roughly beating it into shape. "I was told that my situation was being investigated, and I was pretty sure my transfer to Antares was Starfleet Intelligence's doing. I guess I was wrong. Whoever's been pulling my strings is still pulling. I'll have to get to the bottom of this." He began emptying the wardrobe into the carryall.

Bryce was only half listening to what the Aurelian was saying. Most of his attention was focused on the PADD. Several officers had transferred on or off the ship since the completion of her last mission, the fact that Akios was being transferred again wasn't necessarily a reason for paranoia. "Hey, this actually doesn't sound that bad," he said, reading from the PADD. "Engineering Officer, U.S.S. Malinche. She's a Prometheus Class."

"Wait, what?" Akios said, crossing the room and grabbing the PADD. Bryce tried to hang on to it, but the bird-man was too quick. "Prometheus Class..." Turuas'ta mumbled, scrolling through the document. "That's crazy. Only experienced officers and top Academy grads get assigned to Prometheus Class vessels."

"If someone's still messing with you, maybe they screwed up," Bryce said, lying back on the bed and looking up at the tall avian. "Or maybe it's someone's way for apologizing to you for what you've been put through. Either way, I know I wouldn't have a problem with that transfer."

Akios sat down on his own bed, still reading. "But I barely have the requisite holodeck simulation time for that class's unique system! I've never even been on a Prometheus!"

"Too bad you're not a specialist. Now, if I were transferring, I'd know that there's not all that much different with their transporter systems. But you, poor "general" Engineer that you are, are gonna have to hit the books, my friend."

The Aurelian laid back on his bed, wing feathers dangling to the floor. "I molt again in about five months. I was really looking forward to having my normal feather color back," he said in a resigned tone.

"You could always use dye. Anyway, I don't think there's any reason to be concerned. You told me you made it through the Academy without your feathers getting banded.

Akios made a whistling noise that Bryce had learned was the Aurelian equivalent of a grunt. The avian got up off the bed and went back to filling his carryall. "Regardless, I need to get moving. There's an Intrepid Class leaving for Starbase 259 in a couple of hours. I get passage on her, I get there in a little over two weeks. If I'm lucky, Malinche will be in port."

"You could find a slower ship, you know. Give yourself more time to get ready."

The bird-man whistled again.

----------------------------------------- ==_-o-

[2000, MD1, approaching Starbase 259]

Sixteen days later, Akios sat in the crew lounge of the Walkabout, PADDs on the table in front of him and his bags by his feet. The PADD he was reading was titled, "Test Results, Field Implementation of Multisynchronous Warp Field Dynamics In Quadranacelle Drive System", and the words on the page seemed to have a mind of their own as the the order in which they appeared on the page.

The document was just one of dozens Akios had been studying. He felt like he was going through Academy finals again, but at least he'd refreshed his knowledge of the Prometheus Class's systems. In all likelihood it wasn't even necessary that he push himself that hard. Odds were that he'd be assigned to turbolift maintenance, or some other system that was the same on Prometheus Class vessels as on any other. Despite his exhaustion, though, he realized he felt no more nervous now than the first time he'd been about to go to work on an active, operational vessel. That is to say, he was plenty nervous, but he felt like he could handle it.

+"All hands prepare for docking maneuvers,"+ came the voice of the Chief of Ops over the comm.

Akios gathered up his PADDs and stuffed them in a bag, and when Ops announced that the ship was moored, he made his way to the airlock and onto the station. His first order of business was to find where Malinche was docked, so that he could report for duty.

<Tag, any?>

<<Bridge, 2010, Day 1>>

Once again he stood at the door this time without the door chime and knocked. "Captain its Mason may I come in." asked the XO.

Isabel looked up and replied, "Come on in."

Mason walked in trying to wake his foot up from falling asleep on him as approached Kersare's desk. "Captain, I thought about what you said and I think i will go on leave. In fact i was planning on heading over to the base." said Mason.

"Glad to hear it Mason," Isabel smiled. "How soon are you heading over?"

"Probably in a few minutes, why care to come with? asked Hunt smiling.

She nodded, "I was planning on going to find Jaran and see what I can find out. Now is as good a time as any, and I could use a break from my Ready Room."

The XO nodded walking behind Kersare as she was to enter the lift. "Ensign(NPC) you have the bridge mind the store while we are gone. The skipper and I will be aboard the base should we be needed. And don' t forget to get some r and r time in." he said as the lift doors closed. "I know how you feel my office is to stale for my tastes was thinking about getting some paintings." said Mason.

"Good idea, I'm sure you should be able to find a few things for your office," Isabel commented. "I've not been to this Starbase before, but it should have a good variety of stores."

"From what i hear its got a new exotic food resturant I have been wanting to try called San Draes. Serves a multtitude of dishes from all of the alpha quadrant. Oh well here we are." said Mason as the lift slowed.

"Interesting, I've not heard of that one," she replied. Stepping out of the lift, Isabel headed down the corridor to the airlock. The officer there nodded at the two senior officers and let them pass. "And here we are."

Mason stepped over to the console and placed his hand on it as did Kersare. Much after the long drawn out war security aboard starships had in fact been beefed up. "Computer recognize Hunt Mason Commander. Open airlock seal authorization Hunt gamma one five three beta." said Mason stepping back as the hard sound and whisk pressure seal was released.

Isabel stepped forward and walked through the air lock. "Oh, I wanted to apologize for taking so long when you were at my door - I was taking care of another transfer."

Hunt waved one hand and smirked. "Don't worry Captain, i figured you were busy or something and besides it gave me a chance to meet and greet some of the new crewmembers that have come on board. Alot of them were command crewman. So were are we off to once we pass the security check point to the base?" asked Mason as the two walked down the corridor.

"Well, I need to see Jaran - from what I hear, Cameron checked on him earlier. If you'd like I could stop in some shops with you to find some things for your office first though," she replied. "Do you know how Britny's getting along, being on a starship? I've not gotten the chance to talk to her or the Sirion crew since we got here."

"I haven't had the chance to further speak to her myself although I have been wanting to. Let's go in here I see some paintings; they may darken the grey walls in my office. Going back to Britny I would like to think she would be finding it difficult to live on a starship. I know I did before I was assigned to the Malinche. Having served on three starbases and a few planets was a hard adjustment in itself."

Isabel nodded, "I'll make a point to check on her. Lieutenant Armand has been reassigned already..." After Mason walked into the shop, Isabel followed.

Hunt looked at her with a suprised look, according to his memory Armand had just arrived - it was rare and seldom that any new officer would have been reassigned so quickly. "Really what happened? It wasn't bad replicator food was it?" asked Mason laughing. The paintings in the store were ones created and designed by earth and vulcan artists of the mid twenty second century. He was hoping to find something from old earth. He continued on down with Kersare to the rear of the store hoping one of the paintings would catch his eye.

"I'm not entirely sure, to be honest. I just know that she's been reassigned. I'm not entirely sure if she requested it or if the orders came from higher up. Too bad too, I had a good feeling about her," Isabel said regretfully. Slowing down as she neared the back of the store, Isabel looked at the paintings, "See anything you like? Or what should I look for? How about this one?" She pointed to one directly behind Mason.

The painting had a label on it that read <Artist, Banner, Monroe earth 1997> it was a painting of three anicent sailing ships somewhat reminincant to christopher columbus. Mason liked it and told the shop owner to charge it to his account. "Captain, there is a store just over there filled with more pictures and knicknacks would you like to go there who knows you may find something you like there? I have the feeling it had to have been higher orders that sent her away." said Mason.

"Nice choice on that picture, Mason," she said. Looking over to the direction Mason indicated Isabel replied, "Sure, let's go see what they have. And you're right, probably it was higher orders."

Hunt wanted something for his desk, he was tired of seeing the clear glass and the one terminal that was on it. He wanted a model of the Malinche and some paintings of past starships with that name so far he had not seen. "Have you noticed that in past months command has been issuing unusual orders to promote and reassign officers." asked Mason seeing some flowers and ficus he would like to have in his office.

"Sadly, I think I'm starting to get used to it. Sometimes their orders seem to make sense, sometimes not. We've seen several good officers go, but we've gained several good ones as well," Isabel said. Looking around the shop, Isabel spotted a beautifully carved box on a shelf. Carefully, she picked it up and slowly opened the lid, which started a lovely melody playing.

He looked at box and thought it was nice, it had reminded him of the one his aunt had on a shelf he always wanted to touch and play with when he was just a child. Over to his left he saw a collection of old rugs that looked to be from anicent india. "That is nice, oh how about this china plate with the bonzi tree glued to it." said Mason. He wanted very much to suuround his office with things that reminded him of home and peace plus his being a fan of chinese art and culture.

Isabel smiled, "That's pretty. I take it you enjoy chinese art?" Closing the lid to the music box, Isabel kept it in her hand as she continued to browse. Hearing the sound of trickling water, she turned and saw a small tranquility fountain with three levels and some loose rocks along the bottom. "Perhaps this and the music box..."

Mason saw the fountain too and picked two for each corner of his office, he had one in his room - that was until it was stolen some months before he left for the academy. The two left the store and walked out into the main walkways of the promade. So many stores and places to eat, Mason's stomach was growling so loud he placed both his hands on it. "Sorry about that, how much time do we have left until we meet up with Jaran?" asked Mason.

"I should be going fairly soon, but I am a little thirsty. I can get something to drink then go see Jaran. Perhaps you could invite Britny or one of the others over, if you'd like," Isabel suggested. It would be a nice way to get to know some more of the crew, and she knew Mason was trying to get more involved with them.

"Good idea, I will send her a message through this console here while we grab something to drink. Drinks are on me what will you have?" asked Mason.

Isabel thought for a moment, "I think I'd just like an Italian soda, raspberry flavored. And thank you, Mason."

"Not at all, my pleasure I will have a raspberry/orange juice with a twist of kiwi lime please." said Mason.

OFF: JP brought to you by:

Commander Mason Hunt
Executive Officer
USS Malinche NCC-38897-B

and

<Detention Facilty. Starbase 259, 2030, Day 1>

Jaran sat crossed legged on the floor with his eyes shut, he was uncomfortable due to the heavy irons weighing on his thighs and his wrists hung limp in them causing irritation to his skin. "Small price" he muttered as he became aware of his discomfort. He could feel the forcefields in front him, he could feel the closeness of the walls. It was suffocating but he felt an odd lack of emotion about the captivity, and he felt an even stranger lack of energy to do anything the hell about it. Most dismaying however, was that some bastard guard had ripped off his red arm band, the symbol of his faith and something he drew strength from.

Jaran drew in a slow breath, he dizzied as the breath entered his lungs. The combination of what Cameron had given him to ease the discomfort of the sedating gas, and the gas itself, had created a weird effect. Jaran felt almost drunk, but he didn't care. Abubakar Jaran had given up caring a long time ago, but it always ate at him that he didn't care, but now he just didn't care that he didn't care. He smiled as that thought went through his mind. "Funny sentence" he grumbled. Jaran opened his eyes a snapped them shut again as he saw a bloodied man standing at the cells mouth, someone from the shuttlebay. "Go away" he mumbled.

"Don't want to see what you did?"

Jaran shook his head and squeezed his eyes. "I didn't do it" his voice was still slurred from the gas, it was obviously some kind of rather strong muscle relaxant. "Go away" he repeated. In his memory, he followed the beam that lanced from his phaser into the metal of the walkway, he experienced the explosion that brought the metal crashing down onto the fire team beneath it. He gasped in horror.

The man laughed bitterly, "Didn't do it? That must be the most amusing thing I've heard. You and I both know you did, and now you'll pay for it."

"Kersare, Kersare bring me I want Kersare, bring her NOW!" he string off the sentence, which didn't make perfect sense, quickly and fell backwards when he shouted the last word. The headrush was too overwhelming. He slowly sat back up, "go away..." he mumbled with as much authority as he could muster. "I am a Lieutenant of the Starfleet, I order you to go away..." he mumbled still.

"Not for long, scum. You'll never be rid of me."

Isabel heard Jaran calling her name as she rushed into the detention facility. She held out a PADD with her clearance orders to the guard quickly, then moved forward as she saw the guard nod. Not far away, she found where Jaran was being held. He looked a bit confused, but that could be due to his injuries... "Jaran?"

Petty Officer Clive Davies stepped behind the Captain. "He's been mumbling for hours, keeps seeing things, people I guess, and telling them to go away. He's calmed down a bit since your Doctor came, but he's still delusional sir"

He tried to block out the haunting words of the dead man, it was no use. Jaran winced as he heard his name. "I'm not stupid you know" he stated. "I'm not opening my eyes... I'm not stupid I know its you"

As her grey-green eyes looked back to the petty officer, Isabel nodded, "So I see. Thank you, I'll take it from here." As Clive moved away, she moved closer to Jaran's cell. His back was turned from her as she spoke, softly but firmly, "Jaran, it's me, Isabel. It's Captain Kersare."

Jaran turned his head back slightly, he cautiously opened his eyes and studied the figure of Kersare. "Captain..." he whispered. He was in disbelief, it wasn't her. "Get out!" he tired to shout but still he speech was slurred. He was so damned frustrated at the gas.

"Lieutenant Abubakar, I'm not going anywhere and neither are you. Turn around and look at me," she ordered. Though Isabel wasn't entirely sure how to snap Jaran out of his delusions, she thought that if she tried enough different methods, one had to work...

There was something carried in her voice, something unique - "It's you, Captain" Jaran fell off towards the wall for support. He pressed himself against it and slid up it, not being able to maintain his new position, he fell to the other side and landed awkwardly on the floor. "Captain..." he muttered, he coughed and opened his eyes to look at her.

"Yes, it's me, Jaran." Isabel looked in at Jaran, then back at the guards motioning towards the forcefield. After a moment of hesitation, the forcefield was lowered and Isabel stepped through. Kneeling down next to Jaran her eyes slowly passing over his injuries, "Has Dr. Fairbairn been in to see you?"

He shuffled away from her, he moved towards the furthest wall and looked back at his Captain. "The Doctor came in" he shook his head, trying to get rid of the dizziness. "He is an interesting man Captain. I've seen Lieutenant Benson too" he coughed again and rubbed his sweaty temples.

She stayed where she was and answered, "So I've heard. Not a fan of him, I take it."

"No ma'am. Mr Benson did not take kind to my..." he couldn't find the words, "He didn't like my uniform Captain" He coughed again

"I see," Isabel said, quirking an eyebrow. Deciding to leave it at that, she continued, "I hear you've been asking for me."

He locked eyes with her, and attempted a smile, he felt something bubbling up inside him like an erupting volcano. In a second, he went from calm to crying hystericaly, he couldn't deal with the flash of thoughts that raced through him. "To apologise" he managed to say through his tears and damned convulsions of grief.

Somehow, Isabel had the feeling Jaran wasn't the type to be comforted. Part of her nature made her want to reach out to him, but considering the things he'd done, she also couldn't trust him. "Apologize?" Before saying any more, she wanted to give him the chance to say more.

He sobered himself suddenly, as if a switch had been flicked his tears stopped and his voice became level again, though still slurred. "I let you down, I betrayed you." He rolled his head to the side and looked down, "I caused the..." he still couldn't admit it - "Crew died under my command, I betrayed you." He shivered. "I'm sorry"

She nodded, "Unfortunately, 'I'm sorry' won't cut it in this case, Jaran. People died. Your actions won't simply be forgotten. This wasn't a special ops mission where everything is classified - this was a ship with real people that witnessed horrible events, my ship. You went against my orders, you plotted an escape, you wreaked havoc on my ship and people were injured and killed."

The words, Jaran pictured his feelings; hit his skin and bounced off. He just nodded slowly. "I know..." he whispered, his voice cracking as he made the words. When she mentioned SpecOps, he was transported back to Inferno planet, he watched the young corporal die and remembered the green glow before he was beamed out. Painful images flashed across his eyes. He shook his head slowly.

"Why did you do it, Jaran? Disagreeing with my orders is one thing, but you took it much, much further," her eyes watched his.

He looked down. His mouth opened to say something but he didn't know what. "I never meant... I mean, I..." he just shook his head and then lowered it, bringing his knees up he rested the irons on them and then his head on the irons. He looked up again and right at Kersare. "You know my background Captain, it was supposed to be surgical, out before anyone realised. Bridge regained control quicker, fire teams were deployed quicker, everything happened quicker than we thought." He made a sharp nasal laugh, "In one way, the crew are a testament to you Captain, how well you trained them and how well they operate" 'yes' he thought, he found his absolution; it was Kersares fault, if she hadn't trained them so well, none of this would have happened.

For a few moments, Isabel had nearly believed that Jaran was sorry for what he had done. Instead, it seemed he was simply transferring the blame elsewhere. "I know you better than that, Mr. Abubakar. You meant exactly what you did. Perhaps you did mean to be out before anyone noticed, but someone with your experience should've also had a contingency plan. This happened because you chose for it to happen. My question was why did you choose to do this; I didn't ask for excuses."

Jaran stared back at her. "There was none" he said simply. "Until we were pinned down, and we had to fire back." He sat up straighter. "Then that was the contigency, fight our way out."

"Yes, that you did. Fired on your fellow crewmembers to save yourselves," Isabel shook her head. "I'm disappointed in you, and the others who accompanied you. I suppose that I answered my own question - you chose to do this to save yourself. And now, here you are."

He couldn't argue with that in all honesty. "Here I am" he settled for, instead of acceptance. He lifted his hands and the irons against a great physical struggle, "yeah, here I am Captain"

"Have they told you when the court martial will begin, and who will be presiding?" Isabel asked him, rather curious. She hadn't had the opportunity to find out yet, unfortunately, but knew she would be there.

"They only tell me what scum I am" he replied, dropping his hands. "Captain may I make a request of you?" he made an effort to stand again, he once more shuffled up the wall, though this time he wasn't stupid enough to try his own two feet, this time he just leaned against the wall, but he was standing.

Isabel watched him quietly, "You may ask."

"Captain will you act in my defense?" he left his request short and to the point, much like the working relationship they had developed, she seemed to understand him on some level, and he would want nobody but her to act as defense counsel for him.

Isabel quirked an eyebrow, "You disobey me, mutiny, make a mess out of my ship, injure and kill members of my crew, and you want me to act in your defense?"

He realised the irony, it was certainly not lost on him. "Yes ma'am" he answered flatly. "You'll forgive me if I spare you the emotionaly sluggish explanation"

Slowly, Isabel shook her head, "I can't, Jaran. I can't. I can't in good conscience defend the person who damaged my ship and put lives in danger or destroyed them." A small part of her did understand what he did and felt sorry for him, but she just couldn't condone what he had done, the choice he had made.

His will, not his legs, gave way and he crumpled to the floor. "I see" he whispered. "How..." he swallowed, "How many?"

"Three thus far, a few aren't quite out of the woods yet and others are still recovering," she replied. To be honest, they were lucky more hadn't been killed.

He sighed and looked at her. "Three..." he said, almost in disbelief. Half that three people that died, half that more hadn't. "What's going to happen Captain? Will I be able to speak with the families?"

"I'm not entirely sure. Some of them may not want to speak with you, though. I imagine if they can make it to the court martial, some may be present," Isabel said.

He nodded. "What will happen at the trial? What do you expect the outcome to be?" He looked towards one of the guards. "They say I might be executed, they're running a pool to be in the firing squad" He felt a wave of nausea.

She sighed, "I have no idea what exactly will happen. Part of it will probably depend on who presides over the court martial. I expect some punishment for sure - stripped of your rank at the least...imprisonment...I don't know. I'll be at the court martial though."

His spirits were lifted somewhat at the prospect of her being there, although he noticed she didn't outright deny execution. "Do you think the crew will be there?" he asked, he really didn't want anyone there. Especialy Benson.

"I have no idea. Some of the crew who were injured may be, or friends of the ones who were killed, possibly others. None of them have outright told me they'll be coming, though."

He thought he may as well ask her; "Will you please ask Mr. Benson not to be there? It may surprise you Captain but James Benson is the last person I want in proximity to me when I'm told I'm going to be executed" He tried to rub the back of his neck but found the irons that could not pass through his face prevented him from reaching. He tried another approach, failed and gave up.

She nodded, "I'll ask him not to be there. Anything else I can do for you?"

He sighed, "would it be too much to ask, seeing as though I'm being gassed with a relaxant, and there are three forcefields, to please get these bastard irons off of me Captain?"

"I'll see what I can do. They'll probably still want you in some kind of restraints though," Isabel forewarned him.

"Yeah I understand for the trial, but in here too?" he questioned. "Could you also perhaps get me a candle, and my red arm band back? I find it disgusting that I'm stripped of a religious item, regardless of everything."

"I'll certainly get you the arm band back and will do my best about the candle - I'm not entirely sure they'll be alright with that, but I'll try," she told him.

He nodded, genuinely thankful. "My thanks Captain. What will happen now, will they make me speak to some damned counsellor?" He paused for a second, "No of course not, why waste personnel resources on a dead man"

"They may do just that, to get some insight into your state of mind. It would be up to the person residing over the court martial, I believe. I'll try to find out who that'll be and when - I expect soon though."

Again he sighed. "I understand. I don't want to die." It was the first time he had said it, and immediately wished he hadn't. "Never mind Captain, thank you for seeing me."

"Time will tell what is to come, Jaran. Don't lose all hope just yet. I'll see you at the trial, if not before," she said.

"I'll try Captain" he looked up at her and nodded. "Thank you again for seeing me, and again I'm sorry."

She nodded, "Until then." Part of him was sorry, she knew, but part of him wasn't - couldn't be sorry. That other part of him, the part that couldn't be sorry, wasn't entirely his fault. Perhaps this would pull him back to reality, as he so desperately needed - whether he realized it or not.

He nodded back at her, part of him, that part that was sorry - was sad to see her go. The other part of him, the part he had created as a mask to hide behind, was just bitter that she couldn't do more, she was Captain Isabel Kersare for crike sakes - Isabal Kersare -, and if she of all people couldn't help make things right, it was hopeless.

"Guard, I'm ready to leave," she called out. One of the guards appeared in front of the cell a few moments later and nodded back to the other guard. The forcefield went down and she stepped out. "Thank you," she replied. With one last look and nod to Jaran, she left the detention center.

He closed his eyes as she left and thought for a moment, what it was going to be like to feel the white hot phaser beams lance into his flesh. He had a damned good feeling Benson, however many string he needed to pull, was going to be on that firing squad.

OFF:

JP brought to you by:

Lieutenant Abubakar Jaran
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Malinche NCC-38897-B

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