USS Illuminar

Mission: The Tholian Brief
Day: -2
Stardate: 2446.09.08
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(Starbase Freedom - Level 14 Promenade- Just for the Trill of It Bar - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston -
0948 )

Day 1
Stardate: 2446.09.10

(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge - 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt. Commander T’Mur - 1100)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 11- Main Engineering - 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt. Commander T’Mur - 1110)
(USS Illuminar -- CMO Office -- Deck 5 -- CMO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1112)
(USS Illuminar -- Personal Quarters -- Deck 2 -- CMO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1130)
(USS Illuminar -- Main Shuttle bay -- Deck 10 -- CMO Commander Quinna Solice -- 11:50)
(USS Illuminar Main Shuttle Bay Deck 10 - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1151)
(USS Illuminar - Main Shuttle bay - Deck 10 - ASC - Lt. Andy Taylor and CMO Commander
Quinna Solice - 1152)
(USS Illuminar - Main Shuttle bay - Deck 10 - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1153)
(USS Letterman - Flight deck - CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1220)
(Infirmary -- Starbase Freedom -- CMO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1225)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1226)
(Starbase Freedom - Infirmary - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1227)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- Chief of Emergency Medicine - Dr.
Sondra Peele - 1228)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- CMO Commander Quinna Solice 1229)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1230)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- CMO Commander Quinna Solice- 1231)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- Chief of Emergency Medicine - Dr.
Sondra Peele - 1232)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center - ASC - Lt. Andy Taylor - 1234)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center SPA LT Ariel Trei - 1235)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1236)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1239)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1245)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1246)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1256)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1257)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center - ASC - Lt. Andy Taylor - 1258)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1259)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- Station CO - Captain Casian Dahr -
1300)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center-Illuminar CMO Commander Quinna Solice
- 1310)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1312)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 14 Promenade - Security Officer - Lt. Lyle Parker - 1324)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 14 Promenade - ASC - Lt. Andy Taylor - 1325)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 14 Promenade - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1326)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 13- Main Security - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1336)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 13- Main Security - Chief of Security - Lt. Hank Samuels - 1337)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 13- Main Security - SPA - LT Ariel Trei 1338)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 13- Main Security - Chief of Security Lt. Hank Samuels and SPA Lt.
Ariel Trei - 1340)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1345)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1350)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1351)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1355)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1400)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1405)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1410)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1411)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 13- Main Security - ASC - Lt. Andy Taylor - 1415)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1416)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 13- Main Security - ASC - Lt. Andy Taylor - 1417)
(Freedom - Level 18- Civilian Quarters - ASC - Lt. Andy Taylor - 1422)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1423)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SFI - CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1425)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - ? - ? - 1426)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SPA LT Ariel Trei - 1427)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 13- Main Security - ASC - Lt. Andy Taylor - 1428)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1429)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 183 Guest Quarters - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1431)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 23 - Guest Quarters Corridor SO Lt. Lyle Parker -- 1435)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 1- Main Engineering - CEO Commander Zerin - 1437)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 23 - Guest Quarters Corridor SO Lt. Lyle Parker -- 1438)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 23 Guest Quarters -- CMO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1440)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1441)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1442)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1444)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1445)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters SPA LT Ariel Trei - 1446)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - ? - ? - 1450)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1452)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1453)

(Starbase Freedom - Level 1- Main Engineering - CEO Commander Zerin - 1455)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 1- Main Ops - CO’s Offie - CEO Commander Zerin and CO Captain
Casian Dahr- 1500)
(Starbase Freedom - Level 1 - Main Ops- CO’s Office - Station CO - Captain Casian Dahr -
1550)
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(Starbase Freedom - Level 14 Promenade- Just for the Trill of It Bar - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston -
0948 )

When the Illuminar left Mars Michael had requested time to get his affairs in order. He was
looking to put an end to this blackball situation he had going on with the Intelligence community.
There was nothing worse for him than to be thought of as an unreliable source of information, or
worse, untrustworthy and traitorous.

Sure there were certain people or groups who would want to use him for his skills and abilities.
He had met many of them over the past month. But even they would not trust him, or give him
the information that he needed with some form of… motivation.

So how would Michael Weston work out this dilemma? He wanted back into the Intelligence
community, but since his reputation had been, shall we say, tarnished, it was difficult to get a
foot in the door. So he needed something big to show that he was not what he had been
portrayed to be, and still be considered a useful asset to SFI. That was when this fell into his
lap.

People had died throughout the quadrant. They seemed random, at first glance. Unrelated and
disassociated from each other, unless one took a much closer look. And taking a closer look at
unlikely coincidences was what Michael Weston excelled in. Yet still, there was little sign of a
connection between them. Other than the fact that each one of them were on one list. A list that
he possessed. And the file that he had acquired on DS4, that he still had not been able to fully
access.

It’s not often that one runs across that level of encryption from what looked like a civilian file.
That, in and of itself, was enough to make Weston curious. The one thing that he did know was
that every other single person who had run across this list and file was also dead. Dying under
the most unusual circumstances in some cases. Including his buddy, Alex Dyson, who died
under mysterious circumstances after he deserted from Starfleet. However, there was a
connection there to that file. His daughter, one of his daughters, was a file clerk on Q’onos and
had handled the file.

His left hand moved to fiddle with the data card that continued the file in the hidden pocket of his
jacket. There were connections, but they were all very thin connections. But they did leave a
trail of breadcrumbs. And those breadcrumbs had led him here. Starbase Freedom.

Starbase Freedom. A political hotbed. It was a base created by several races who were in,
rejoining, or in the process of contemplating rejoining the Federation of Planets. Six different
technologies went into creating this monstrosity of a starbase. It wasn’t pretty to look at, and
even uglier to run.

In the short time that he’d been there Michael had learned two things about the base. One was
that nothing was as it seemed. Whether he was dealing with a known criminal element who had
some semblance of scruples, whether he was talking with a trusted ambassador who was
clearly lying through his teeth.

The second was that Captain Casian Dahr was not a Trill to be trifled with. He had earned his
respect, retired a hero, and came back against his own better judgment, to command the
craziest political scene that Michael Weston had ever experienced. He was not a fool and little
got past him.

All the evidence he had uncovered so far had led him to this point. So he sat in a patio cafe
drinking what was passing as coffee when a voice came from behind him.

“Enjoying the coffee Mr. Weston?” It was Captain Dahr.

Dahr was an impressive looking Trill. The best word that he could muster was distinguished. He
was tall and broad shouldered. The look of a man who worked hard to get his shape, not simply
worked out. The look of a farmer. His age showed around his eyes and in the peppered hair.

“Captain,” Weston nodded at the Trill. “Care to join me?”

“Not just now,” Dahr replied. “I just thought I’d stop by and see how you’re settling in.”

Michael smiled, “I didn’t realize I was settling in.”

Dahr shrugged, “Perhaps it’s too strong of a commitment for you. I will say that I was surprised
that you accepted a commission.”

“Not as surprised as I was,” Weston admitted, “that you got back into the command saddle.”

“I suppose we all have our motivators,” the captain replied. “I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

As the captain walked away he had a weird feeling that the Trill meant something by that but he
wasn’t really sure what.

Then another voice caught his attention. One he hadn’t expected to ever hear again, or at least
hoped he wouldn’t.

::Hello, Michael,:: the voice was of the Carir, the Bandi who had been there when he’d been
burned.
He jumped to his feet and turned. The beautiful telepath stood a ways a way. She’d managed to
reach out with her mind to “talk” with him.

“Hi Carie,” he said, holding onto his mental guards.

::This is a surprise. I never thought I’d see you again. Alive, at least.::

Michael shrugged, “Disappointed?”

::No, my lover, relieved.::

Now he was surprised since her last act was to try and disintegrate him with an illegal weapon.

“Are you here to kill me?” Weston asked.

::No, sweet Michael. But you and I have unfinished business.::

With that she disappeared in a crowd of people walking by. Michael looked for her, thinking it
was odd to see her under any circumstances. Then he looked at where she had been and
noticed a small box left behind. Before he could do anything else the box exploded.

All Michael Weston saw was the flash before he felt the concussive force throw him against a
wall.

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir)
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Day 1
Stardate: 2446.09.10
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(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge - 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt. Commander T’Mur - 1100)

=^=He’s alive, Lt. Commander. That’s the best news I can give you.=^=

Captain Dahr from Starbase Geneva had contacted them as soon as he find out that Michael
Weston was a member of the crew.

“We appreciate everything that you and your people are doing for him,” T’Mur replied.

=^=He is being treated by our best doctor.=^= Dahr's voice was trying to sound reassuring.

“The Illuminar will be at the base in two hours, twelve minutes,” T’Mur said.
=^=Excellent. The USS Elizabeth Blackwell is already in orbit and ready for you and
Commander Verin when you arrive. =^=

“We will be ready when we arrive,” T’Mur replied. She knew that Sienna was tearing apart their
quarters making sure that she had everything that they needed and that Kenna was ready to
make the transition to a new ship.

=^=We will see you then, Lt. Commander. Freedom out.=^=

The screen shifted back to the starfield. T’Mur turned to Taylor at the Tactical station as she
stood up and said, “Mr. Taylor, you have the conn.”

“Aye sir,” Taylor said as he stepped away from the station.

As they passed each other, the Vulcan added, “I’ll be in sickbay. Let me know if anything
changes.”

She stepped onto the turbo lift preparing herself to give the news to Quinna.

(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Sickbay - 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt. Commander T’Mur - 1110)

T’Mur entered sickbay and headed to the CMO’s office. She knocked on the open door jam to
announce herself.

“Good morning Quinna,” she said, “Do you have a moment?”

(reply Quinna)

T’Mur stepped into the room and put her hand on the panel to close the door.
“I have some news,” T’Mur said, “about Michael Weston.” She let that announcement sink in
before she spoke again. “Did you know that he was on Starbase Freedom?”

(reply Quinna)

“Apparently there was an incident on the base and Mr. Weston was caught in an explosion. He
is alive, but he has been in a coma for the last two days.”

(reply Quinna)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Illuminar - Deck 11- Main Engineering - 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt. Commander T’Mur - 1110)
T’Mur left Quinna and headed to Main Engineering. She found Pex working on something, as he
usually was. She always wondered why he was never satisfied with the performance of the ship.
But this was not the time for such ponderings.

“Mr Pex,” T’Mur said as she stepped next to the Trill.

“Lt. Commander?” Pex replied with a nod.

“I understand you were planning on taking shire leave while we were at Starbase Freedom,” she
continued.

“Yes ma’am,” Pex replied. “I wanted to take the opportunity to visit with my family while we were
near the Trill homeworld.”

“Indeed,” the Vulcan said. “Would you be willing to postpone your visit briefly?”

The Trill made a thoughtful face and asked, “What would you like me to do?”

“Michael Weston has been injured in an explosion on Freedom,” she informed him. “I would like
you and some of your more trusted people to help investigate the explosion.”

“Surely Freedom has their own engineers and investors?” Pex asked. “Shouldn’t we let them do
that?”

“Perhaps,” T’Mur agreed. “But I have a…” she paused before saying it, but her time with Sienna
had greatly influenced her, “feeling that those wheels are going to turn slowly. I would prefer to
have our own people, at the least, involved in this investigation.”

Pex thought for a moment then called over to Ssvresh. “Ensign Ssvresh, a moment.” Then his
eye caught MacGuyver, whom he knew had a personal stake with Weston. “Angus, a moment.”
The two men joined them. “Would you be willing to join me on a little adventure on Starbase
Freedom for your shoreleave?”

“What?” MacGuyver exclaimed, heavy with sarcasm. “And miss the opportunity to scrub the
warp plasma manifolds again? I’d be so disappointed. But I think I can pull myself away.”

(reply Ssvresh)

Suddenly Cadet Adams appeared, “I’m sorry but I couldn’t help but overhear. I’d like to help
too.”

Pex looked at T’Mur who raised an eyebrow and shrugged. “Welcome to the team, Cadet.” Then
he turned back to T’Mur. “We’ll get in on the action as soon as we arrive at the base.”
“Thank you, Lieutenant,” T’Mur said then headed out.

Pex looked at his team and nodded. “Meet me in transporter room 1 in two hours. Dismissed.”

The engineers split off and went back to their business. There were things to be done before
they arrived at Freedom.

(reply Ssvresh)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Illuminar -- CMO Office -- Deck 5 -- CMO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1112)

Quinna was just sitting at her station desk playing a little computer solitaire. Even after the
invention during the late 20th century, it was still a favorite. Everyone had been cleared
medically from the last mission.

It was no secret that Quinna was missing a certain someone and all she was doing was trying to
occupy her time. She started with inventory, ordering supplies, cleaning, and organization. Her
day was then disrupted when T’Mur entered. She was hoping that this would be a good
disruption but she could not read the Vulcan to save her life.

“Good morning Quinna,” she said, “Do you have a moment?”

“Of course I do. I always have time for you, my friend. Come on in and have a seat. What do
you need? Is everything ok?”

“I have some news,” T’Mur said, “about Michael Weston.” Quinna’s smile seemed to sink a bit.

“Did you know that he was on Starbase Freedom?”

“I know he had some unfinished business but He did not privy me to all the details. He is rather
protective in that respect. What is this all about?”

“Apparently there was an incident on the base and Mr. Weston was caught in an explosion. He
is alive, but he has been in a coma for the last two days.”

Quinna took a deep breath. She was taking in the information. She wanted to remain rational
in front of T’Mur. “I will have a bag packed within the hour. I think it is time I take that
much-needed leave.”

(Reply T’Mur)

“What would you do if it was Sienna?” Quinna asked the Vulcan then she continued, “What
would Sienna do if it was you?”
(Reply T’Mur)
(Posted by Kris B)
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(USS Illuminar -- Personal Quarters -- Deck 2 -- CMO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1130)

Quinna stared at her bed. She was making her checklist for her bag. The more she thought
about it, the more she knew that Michael needed to be back on the Illuminar. With the burn
notice still active on him, he was protected on the illuminar. She could protect him more on the
Illuminar. Right now, with Michael on Starbase Freedom and in a coma, he was vulnerable.
This put him in a position that she knew would kill him if he knew what position he was in.

The medical shuttle, which was a project she had overshought the creation, was essentially a
Sickbay on the go. The problem came when her Frield medic pilot left the project. But now
Quinna had enough experience to pilot the shuttle herself.

Quinna looked at her terminal and remembered that she needed to complete the transfer
paperwork. As a member of the command team and currently the highest-ranking officer on the
Illumnar, it was acceptable for her to sign the paperwork.

(USS Illuminar -- Main Shuttle bay -- Deck 10 -- CMO Commander Quinna Solice -- 11:50)

Quinna was checking the supplies on the shuttle. She wanted to make sure she had everything
she needed to transport Michael back to the Illuminar. Everything from sponge baths to the
EMH. There was an additional bunk for her to rest when needed. She would have added more
but she preferred to go alone. It gave her more time to plan without the additional stress of
keeping others entertained as well. Although this affected her personally, she managed to keep
her emotions and professionalism together, and any mind reader onboard who dared to read
her mental state would notice that she was thinking rationally and strategically.

(Reply any)
(posted by Kris B)
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(USS Illuminar Main Shuttle Bay Deck 10 - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1151)

She had her bag packed for the trip to Starbase Freedom in an effort to get Micheal Weston
back on the Illuminar. She saw Quinna getting ready to take a medical shuttle over to the
starbase to get Weston back to the Illuminar. Ariel understood the great intent from Quinna but
she couldn't let her do it alone. She knew that quinna and Weston have worked together a
couple times in a covert manner but Quinna was not experienced in the messy circumstances
that can happen in a operation like this. She wanted to protect Quinna from that for her sake
and try to control the situation as best it could be controlled. She did not doubt that quinna can
take care of herself but Weston and Ariel have been through many situations to know what to do
and when to do it. She did not want a confrontation but it looked like she will have to convince
Quinna to let her come with her on the trip.

"Quinna. You probably don't want to hear this but you need me on this trip to protect your back
when you do what you need to do to get Micheal back to the shuttle and back to the Illuminar. I
commend your passion to save Micheal. Let me handle the covert perations and you take care
of Micheal. I have been on many operations with Micheal so I am invested in this too. Let me
help you please."

(Reply Quinna)
(Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Main Shuttle bay - Deck 10 - ASC - Lt. Andy Taylor and CMO Commander
Quinna Solice - 1152)

When Taylor had heard the news about Michael Weston he was not quite as dispassionate as
T’Mur, although he tried to keep a lid on his emotions. He owed Cap’n Mikey his life. Many still
on the crew did. He had kept them alive in the alternate dimensions when Dieter Gregory fell.
Taylor doubted that Gregory would have fared any better; he may not have done as well as the
SFI operative had.

Taylor had come to know Weston pretty well during those adventures, and in so doing, he’d
come to know Quinna Solice as well. He knew that she would be driven to get to Starbase
Freedom as fast as possible, even if the manner of her arrival was not… logical.

The Illuminar was headed to Freedom now and would arrive in a little over an hour. But Quinna
would be driven to get there sooner. She would be worried about his safety as he lay
unconscious.

When he saw the request for immediate leave appear he called his relief to his station. The plan
for the Illuminar was to be moored off Freedom until Sekal was done with his business there. It
would be a while as the admirals he needed to talk to were not there yet. So he wouldn’t be
missed for a while.

He nodded to the others and headed to the shuttle bay. As he stepped into the bay there was
only one shuttle that was showing signs of life. Solice’s medical shuttle. He stepped onto the
shuttle only to hear Ariel Trei’s voice.

“Let me handle the covert operations and you take care of Micheal. I have been on many
operations with Micheal so I am invested in this too. Let me help you please."

He shook his head. To his knowledge, she had only been on a single operation with Michael.
But now was not the time to bring that up.
Quinna turned to Ariel. She slimmed her eyes out of curiosity to Ariel’s statements. Suddenly a
new voice joined them.

“You know,” Taylor said, “we are only an hour away from the Starbase?” He turned and looked
at Trei, ”Besides, I don’t think that this is that clandestine of an operation, Lieutenant. Unless
you’re privileged to more information than I am, and know why he was on Freedom to begin
with, I don’t think there is anything more covert with our status than recovering an officer who,
apparently, was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Which is his forte, to be honest.”

Quinna did not want to argue and Taylor got to the point Quinna was about to make before she
did. “Well if we are going, then we better get going. I want to make my assessment of Michael
before I can have him moved.

“You don’t think that they’ve assessed him there?” Taylor asked.

“I am sure that bubbling idiot of that doctor they have did a fine job. I would feel better if I did
my own. He needs to be home.” But she stopped just short of saying that they could protect
him better. She was not sure what Taylor knew but assumed he did not know much more than
he was an intel officer.

Taylor shrugged, “I get that. And I wouldn’t argue the point with you even if I didn’t. But how
much faster can we get there in this shuttle.” He hadn’t hidden the word “we” in that statement.

“We can get there in 20 minutes. And that time can make a difference in medical terms.”
Quinna said.

“I didn’t get the impression that he was dying,” Taylor said, but he also figured the urgency was
more for herself than anything else. “However, if you’re gonna be insistent then the sooner we
get going the better. Don’t know what you’re looking for but if ya don’t have it now we can…
acquire it at the base.”

“I heard that word ‘we’ again. Look I have my reasonings to go,” though Quinna holds that tight
to her chest. “Besides this is my opportunity to fly the initial trip of this shuttle. That is exciting
too.”

Andy nodded and said, “I get that, and you are welcome to fly this bucket, but if you think you’re
going over there without me then, if you excuse my impudence, you can forget that. Many of us
owe Cap’n Mikey more than just our lives for what he did on the Rhyne. So like it or not, I’m
coming with you.”

“Sure, why not. And Ariel, you are coming to because I don’t have time to argue but I have to
know,” Quinna started, “What do we need protection from? This a standard medical
assessment and transition of care to the Illuminar.”
(Reply Trei)

Quinna turned to Andy “I think we need to leave before anyone else shows up.” Quinna turned
to Ariel. “Have a seat, I am afraid you will have to sit in the back.

(Reply Trei)

“Just so we are clear…We are not on some special ops mission. Right?” Quinna restated.

(Reply Trei)

Taylor hadn’t packed anything. He figured that they’d either be back on the Illuminar or the ship
would be orbiting the station before he needed anything. He moved to the flight deck and sat in
the copilot’s seat. When moved to the front of the flight deck. She looked at and thought she
was partially happy that the second seat was still there. Initallyit was removed so that there
would be more room for medical needs.

“Did Michael ever tell you about the time he saved the Rhyne from the evil Betazoids?”

“A story for Trei.” Quinna smiled as she hit the controls to lift the shuttle off the deck and exited
the Illuminar.

(reply Trei, any)
(posted by Al and Kris)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Main Shuttle bay - Deck 10 - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1153)

Ariel listened to the discussion between Quinna and Taylor. She understood what Quinna was
saying but you can't be too careful. She accepted that she will ride in the back. She took the
precautions of a security action even though it was not supposed to be one. Quinna will thank
her later if it came to that. The story of the evil betazoids intrigued he. She will have to learn of
that later.

"Understood Ma'am."

(Reply Quinna, Any)
(Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Letterman -- Flight deck -- CMO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1220)

The shuttle approached Starbase Freedom and they were cleared to dock. The shuttle handled
better than expected as it practically flew itself. Quinna stood and gathered her backpack with
her portable medical needs.
“Well, We are here. I am going to go and get the transfer going with Michael.” Quinna said.

(reply Taylor, Trei)

“You are welcome to come to the infirmary with me but I prefer to see him alone.” Quinna
signed, “We are not entirely sure what state he will be in.” and Quinna just wanted to have a
moment with him.

(reply Taylor, Trei)

(Infirmary -- Starbase Freedom -- CMO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1225)

“Ok, I am going in. Do what you need to do but be ready in case I call you.” Quinna told Andy
and Ariel

(reply Taylor, Trei)

Quinna entered the infirmary. She spoke to a nurse and showed her the transfer orders.
Quinna could see a bit of a shocked look on her face but showed Quinna the way to Michael.

“Leave us,” Quinna walked over and bent over to talk into Michael’s ear. “Hello, I am here.
Sorry, I’m late.” She took hold of his hand as she kissed his cheek.

(Reply any)
(posted by Kris B)
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(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1226)

When you’ve been in the intelligence game as long as Weston has when you were on the job
you needed to always be alert. And you were always on the job. Even in moments like this.

The soft, silk sheets felt good on his naked flesh. The warm body laying next to his felt even
better. She moved her body closer to his so that she was pressing her soft, yet muscular
buttocks into the crock of his waist. His body responded almost automatically.

He wrapped his arms around her, smelling her hair, her flesh. That was when his alert went off.
He could feel her try to enter his mind. Immediately his mental defenses went up.

He began to weave a lattice of mundane memories and thoughts, songs, poems, and , of
course, the most erotic images he could conjure up. He knew how to distract her. The
movement of her body became stronger, and more rhythmic.

“Oh Michael,” Carir said out loud, “you know what a girl likes. Are you sure you’re not a
telepath.”
Michael turned the girl over and stared into her eyes, “Certain. But then again, you aren’t a hard
read.”

Carir giggled, “Speaking of hard.”

Michael smiled and pressed his mouth against hers.

The room shifted and Weston was in a room full of crates. He was tied to a chair, surrounded
by four men with disruptors. And not the standard Klingon or Romulan style. He knew what
these were, and they were no for sale on the open market. At least, not yet. His ears picked up
the voices in the shadows.

“How much does he know?” a man’s voice asked.

“He knows nothing of our plans,” a female voice replied. It was Carir. “He knows about the
weapons and that is all.”

“Are you certain?” the male voice continued, sounding unconvinced.

“He is a hard read,” Carir admitted. “He is skilled at protecting his mind. But I know that he
loves me. I can… feel it.”

Michael almost winced at the statement. When you are undercover you often do things that
are… unsavory. Making someone believe that you have an emotional connection is not his
favorite, but in this case it was most expeditious.

“We should kill him,” another voice, a woman. It sounded familiar.

“I agree,” the man said.

“No,” Carir objected. “He is mine. I… I love him. He wouldn’t hurt me that way.”

“We’re too close to our objective,” the man said, his mind sounding made up. “Kill him.”

Michael knew that it was time to go. While he had been listening to the conversation over his
fate he had also been working his way out of the restraints keeping him in the chair. His left arm
had already been freed. He found the knife hidden in his boot and freed his left leg. The next
part was going to be tough. And he was going to have to move fast.

Micael was running through a shipyard hoping that the Illuminar was on time. It would be a bad
time for typical fleet punctuality to fail. However, considering his luck as of late.
Another explosion erupted and he smiled. He thought that last explosive might have been a
little too much, but now it provided the cover he needed. The crate beside him suddenly
exploded and he changed direction again. He finally reached the location he had given for his
pick up.

He looked back and saw Carir. Boy was she mad. He couldn’t really blame her though. He
had done his job well.

“Damn you Michael Weston, I thought you loved me,” she cried as she lifted the weapon he
recognized.

This was where timing would be critical. If she got him with that… well… it would disrupt every
cell in his body. That would probably hurt pretty bad. He felt the transporter effect take hold of
him as the blast from her gun hit his shoulder.

And there was Quinna looking over him. He smiled.

The Klingon home world was never a friendly place, as far as he was concerned. But clerks
and administrators were even less highly regarded than they were in the Federation. So well
placed words, and heavily greased palms went a long way, even in this world of “honor”. He’d
been able to trace the steps of Dyson’s daughter and get the list of names he’d been after
before the gang of Klingon thugs caught up to him.

Michael Weston had two black belts and years of experience in combat techniques. But even
he had his limits, and five large Klingons, apparently, was his limit. He’d been beaten and
bruised but had managed to get away. ~On the run again,~ he thought to himself.

He made his way to the rendez-vous in time and was transported to a small transport vessel.
The Klingons would not pursue him, nor would there even be a report. They would not want it
known that their security had been breached. At worst, an assassination squad might be sent
after him. But he doubted that since the information he had gotten was innocuous to the
unknowing.

Names, and death certificates of certain administerial people that, individually, seemed
unimportant, or at best, coincidental. But if you looked at all of them together there was a
pattern starting to emerge.

“How you feeling, big guy,?” the woman’s voice asked.

Michael smiled and then winced in pain, “I’ll live.”

“Those bruises look fantastic,” she said. “Bet they hurt.”

He nodded but said, “I’ve had worse.”
The Andorian siddled in beside him and put a gentle arm around him. She leaned over and
kissed his neck, “Perhaps I can make it feel better?”

He shook his head and chuckled. ~Andorian women.~ He knew that there would be a price for
this flight. “Perhaps. It’s a long way to Starbase Freedom.”

He closed his eyes and all he could see was Quinna Solice.

When he opened his eyes… all he could see was Quinna Solice.

“Sorry I’m late,” she said.

He realized that she was holding his hand. He squeezed her hand back. The act hurt a little.

“You’re not late,” he croaked. “You’re right on time.”

(reply Quinna)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Infirmary - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1227)

The shuttle Letterman docked at the base without incident. She was glad for that. The less
resistence they received in transferring Micheal to the Illuminar, the better the situation will be.
They made to the Infirmary but Quinna insisted she go in alone. Ariel understood that and took
a post outside the Infirmary entrance. She stood in a defensive stance ready to act when the
call was made. She wished Quinna luck and turned to defend the entrance.

"Good luck Ma'am. Give my regards to Micheal."

(Reply Quinna, Any)
(Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- Chief of Emergency Medicine - Dr.
Sondra Peele - 1228)

Dr. Peele stood with her back against the wall going through the notes from today's rounds.
Emergency medical care on a station like this was typically pretty mundane. Work injuries
topped the list, along with sports injuries, followed closely by stupid stuff people do. Once in a
while something interesting comes along. This guy with the concussion was one of those.

The fact that he had a concussion wasn’t the big mystery. She’d seen a few of these over the
last few months, since Trill rejoined the Federation. But there was the series of bruises and
contusions that clearly weren’t caused by the explosion. This included a scar on his left shoulder
blade that she was not able to heal even after three attempts with the dermal generator.

The concussion had already been taken care of, so it was odd that he was still in a coma. She
began digging back through the medical data she had until she sensed the nurse coming
towards her.

Looking up she noticed the concerned look on her face and asked, “What is it Janice?”

“It’s that patient,” Janice replied, “Lt. Weston. Someone’s come for him.”

“What?” Peele took the orders from the nurse and made a face at them. “We’ll see about this.”
She tapped her comm badge. “Med Center to Captain Dahr. Somebody is trying to take Michael
Weston with them. They have medical orders.”

=^=That can’t be right. The Illuminar didn’t make such a request. Keep them there. I’m on my
way down.=^=

“Yes, sir,” Sondra replied. She looked at the nurse and said, “You heard the man. Keep them
here.”

As she moved towards the room they were keeping Weston in the PADD in her hand began. To
flash an alert. She tapped the alert as she kept walking and saw it was the same room. Weston
was conscious.

As she stepped to the entrance she saw two security types in front of the door. Well, one looked
like a typical jarhead security type. The other was some kind of Klingon hybrid who looked a
little small for that kind of a job. She glared at them as she pushed past.

“Move it or lose it,” she said to them then went into the room.

(reply Taylor, Trei)

Once inside she saw a woman in a blue uniform holding Weston in a manner that did not look
very professional.

“Excuse me,” she said, “am I interrupting?”

(reply Weston, Solice, Trei, Taylor)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- CMO Commander Quinna Solice 1229)

“Sorry I’m late,” she said.
He realized that she was holding his hand. He squeezed her hand back. The act hurt a little.

“You’re not late,” he croaked. “You’re right on time.”

Quinna was happy to see Michael open his eyes. “Well, Maybe I should have come sooner.
You scared me. Tell me how you feel?”

(Reply Weston)

Quinna leaned over and looked into Michael’s eyes and then at his biobed scans.

“Excuse me,” she said, “am I interrupting?”

“No, Of course not, Doctor.” Quinna started. “I am Doctor Quinna Solice. I am the Chief
Medical Officer of the USS Illuminar. I am also this man’s Primary care physician.” Quinna
introduced herself.

(Reply Peele)

“I am here to facilitate his transfer to care back to the Illuminar. The ship should be here within
the hour. What is your assessment for transfer?” Quinna stated. She was playing it cool for the
moment. She was trying to gage the Doctor's reaction.

(Reply Peele)
(posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1230)

“Well, Maybe I should have come sooner,” Quinna said with a serious look on her eyes. “You
scared me. Tell me how you feel?”

Michael reached up and touched her cheek softly, “Sorry, I had me pretty scared too. How do I
feel? I feel like somebody blew me up.”

Quinna looked into his eyes. Clearly she had something to say. He watched her eyes move to
the booked scans. It was one of those new boomers with holographic displays. But there were
still LED displays for continual monitoring.

He became aware that they were not alone and he turned his head to look past Quinna. That
was a mistake since his neck ached from the movement.

“Excuse me, am I interrupting?”
“No, Of course not, Doctor,” Quinna turned to the intruder l. “I am Doctor Quinna Solice. I am
the Chief Medical Officer of the USS Illuminar. I am also this man’s Primary care physician.”

Peele crossed her arms across her chest and looked at her flatly, “And…”

“I am here to facilitate his transfer to care back to the Illuminar. The ship should be here within
the hour. What is your assessment for transfer?”

Sondra gave a sardonic smile, “My assessment is that he is not ready to be moved for so many
reasons. First of he has just come out of a two day coma and I have yet to examine him. And
although you may be his personal physician I am the physician on record for this instance, and
so he goes nowhere until I say so.”

Before Quinna could reply she continued, “Secondly, he was involved in an explosion on the
station and I’ve been beating our security off with a stick wanting to question him, so I’m not
about to release him to anyone until Captain Dahr says so.”

She stood a little taller and said, “And those are only my top two. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like
to examine my patient.”

Michael grabbed Quinna’s hand, “She’s right babe. I have questions to answer and questions to
ask Captain Dahr.”

(reply Solice)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- CMO Commander Quinna Solice- 1231)

Quinna was getting a vibe that this Doctor was very territorial. Quinna kept her composure.
She stood a little taller and said, “And those are only my top two. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like
to examine my patient.”

Michael grabbed Quinna’s hand, “She’s right, Babe. I have questions to answer and questions
to ask Captain Dahr.”

“Oh, I understand, Of course. When I arrived, I was under the impression that you were in a
much different medical state.” Quinna moved over so Dr. Peele was able to check Michael out
but Quinna held tight to his hand slightly stroking it with her thumb.

(Reply Peele, Weston)

Quinna took a step back and released Michael’s hand when Dr. Peele came closer. She
certainly wanted to keep things civil but also was not going to let the woman push her around. It
was important to Quinna that Michael was going to be ok. She kept a close eye on Dr. Peele
and watched what she was doing. She had no reason to be worried about her. After all, Quinna
was just as defensive of Michael when she first met him in her sickbay.

(Reply Peele, Weston, Any)
(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- Chief of Emergency Medicine - Dr.
Sondra Peele - 1232)

Peele nodded as the woman stepped aside. She watched as they slowly released each others
hands, confirming her suspicion that their relationship was a little more than a personal
physician. She had to stifle a smile. It was actually kinda cute.

“When I arrived, I was under the impression that you were in a much different medical state,” Dr
Solice was saying.

“When you arrived,” Sondra said, leaning over the booked, “he was. He’d been unconscious for
two days with sign of awakening and no real way I could confirm as to the cause.”

She put her palm on the red dial at the head of the bed and a full holographic display of Michael
Weston’s anatomy appeared over him. She adjusted the angle of the display so that it turned
towards them.

“And when he arrive,” she continued, “you can see that some of his injuries were pre-existing,
before the explosion. Many had already begun to heal.”

She pointed to several dark spots on the display, “Note the deep hematomas in these sections.
The bruising on his knuckles.” She pointed to the display of his skeletal structure. “He had two
broken ribs, and a hairline fracture across his jaw, here,”

She looked down at Weston, “You’ve been a busy boy, Lt. Weston.”

Michael shrugged, “I like to stay active.”

“Well some of that damage came with Klingon DNA attached,” Peele replied.

“I stay active in… exotic places,” Michael continued with his dodging of her questions.

“You also had Andorian DNA on your body,” she continued.

“Wow,” Weston said, looking over at Quinna for a
moment, “you were quite thorough.”
“Quite,” the Trill said. Then she turned her attention back to the visitor. “I’ve made his file
completely accessible to you Dr. Solice. I must say that I’m a little stumped. I don’t know why
you were in a coma, Mr Weston, and I’m less certain why you woke up.”

Michael looked over at Quinna and smiled, “I think I know why I woke up.”

Sondra watched as the monitor showed a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure. She
smiled and shook her head. “Well I still want to watch you for a few hours, just for my own
peace of mind. But your body is mostly healed. I’d offer you an analgesic but I’m assuming that
you’re the type of person who’d turn it down.”

Michael nodded, “You’re probably right.”

“Then I’ll leave the two off you alone,” the doctor said as she headed out. She stopped as the
door opened and turned around to say, “And just so you know, although this room is private
there are monitors and sensors always in effect sooo… .” She let her voice trail off as a warning
against too much PDA.

When the door closed she looked at the two security people still standing at the doorway. “At
ease, guys, I think he’s gonna make it.”

She walked away chuckling.

(reply Solice, Weston, Trei, Taylor)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center - ASC - Lt. Andy Taylor - 1234)

Solice had made it clear when they arrived that he and Trei would wait outside the room. That
was fine by him. He figured she’d need “a moment” with Mikey to herself. He looked at Trei and
shrugged.

“Makes the whole trip worthwhile, doesn’t it.”

He hoped the sarcasm wasn’t lost on her, since he really hadn’t had a great deal of experience
with the woman. She mostly kept to herself and usually seemed unsure on whether she was
Klingon or Betazoid.

(reply Trei)

Suddenly the base doctor came out with a chuckle. “At ease guys,” she said. “I think he’s going
to make it.”

Andy nodded, feeling somewhat relieved. “Well that’s good. At least we didn’t waste the trip.”
Peele stopped and looked at the Security Office. “You… are a funny little man, aren’t you.”

“I like to think I’m practical, ma’am,” Taylor replied.

“Indeed,” she said and smiled at him. Then she went to her office.

Andy looked over at Trei, “I think she likes me. What do you think?”

(reply Trei)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center SPA LT Ariel Trei - 1235)

She did not know Andy Taylor well but he clearly was trying to relate to her with sarcasm. She
was not totally familiar with human sarcasm but understood the humor in it. It is true that she
didn't relate dominantly with either her Betazoid side or her Klingon side. She acted with the
side that was more suited for the task at hand. She eventually will have to mesh the sides
together to perform at her best self but for now she was using her Betazoid self to figure out this
Dr. Peele. Andy asked her if Dr. Peele liked him. Ariel didn't scan the doctor so she couldn't
give an insightful answer but gave her impression on the doctor.

"She may well like you. I get the impression that Dr. Peele runs a tight operation. Her strong
will against Dr. Solice's strong will can be a conflict. She made it clear she didn't want me to
help her so it is up to her to do what she has to do."

(Reply Taylor, Any)
(Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1236)

Quinna was happy when Dr. Peele seemed to calm down a bit. Quinna listened intently but was
not interrupted. As she walked away she turned back to Michael. “What the…” Quinna placed
a hand over her eyes and then looked back at Michael. “I think there is quite a bit to discuss
here. Who should we talk about first, Klingons or Andorians?”

(Reply Weston)

“Oh, Michael, Michael, Michael,” Quinna shook her head, “I can’t leave you alone for a second.
Keep going.”

(Reply Weston)
“Both Taylor and Trei would not let me come alone so they are outside this room.” Quinna
thought, “Trei seems to think I need her for some clandestine mission.” Quinna smiled. I should
let them in so they can see you are ok.”

(Reply Weston)

Instead of moving to the door, Quinna moved closer to Michael and leaned over. She kissed
him grateful that he was still alive. She Whispered, “I will let the others in.”

(reply Weston)

Quinna moved to the door and it wooshed open. She wished she was alone, but she was not
going to let the two ruin her reunion. “OK, you two. You can come in but take it easy.”

(Reply Taylor, Trei)

When the door closed again, Quinna moved closer to Michael again. “So…”

(Reply Taylor, Trei, Weston)
(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1239)

Quinna let Ariel and Andy come into the room. She told them to take it easy. Ariel understood
this and took a seat at the edge of the room. She let Quinna do what she had to do and waited
to be informed of what was going on. The information that Weston had to give will determine
what they did from this point on. She listened intently but let Quinna control the situation.

(Reply Quinna, Taylor, Any)
(Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1245)

Michael watched as Quinna looked down at him, “I think there is quite a bit to discuss here.
Who should we talk about first, Klingons or Andorians?”

Michael smiled and struggled to sit up in the biobed. The bed automatically adjusted to support
him in a more upright position. Peele had left the monitors on and it was clear that the effort
took a bit of a toll. But once he settled back he was able to bring his heart rate back in check.

“The Klingons is easier,” Michael said, trying to keep the conversation light… and general. This
was not the place to talk freely. “My “research” took me to an administrative complex in Klingon
space. Apparently they didn’t appreciate me poking my nose into their secured files. So they
decided to… ask me to stop in the most clear manner Klingons know.”
“Oh, Michael, Michael, Michael,” Quinna shook her head, “I can’t leave you alone for a second.
Keep going.”

“Well, as my father said,” Michael smiled, “you can only take me places twice. Once there, and
once back to apologize. Anyway, I secured transport to and from Klingon space through a…
rather nefarious Andorian I’d worked with before, and one of the few beings in the universe that
would still talk to me. She got off the Klingon planet and here. I must have gotten her DNA on
me during our… negotiations for her services.”

He looked at Quinna for a sign of a reaction to his story. She turned away and changed the
subject. She knew who he was and what he was capable of to get a job done.
She told him, “Both Taylor and Trei would not let me come alone so they are outside this room.
Trei seems to think I need her for some clandestine mission. I should let them in so they can
see you are ok.”

He looked at her seriously and asked, “Am I? Am I okay?”

She leaned over him and looked at him deeply with those eyes that could bore into his soul.
Then she placed her lips on his, gently at first and then with a little more passion.

When they separated she Whispered, “I will let the others in.”

He smiled at her and nodded, “If you feel that you must.”

He watched Quinna move over to the door. He couldn’t help but appreciate the view of the
beautiful woman from behind her. Even if she was moving a little more stiff than usual. He
knew that there was more to discuss later.

Trie and Taylor entered the room. The analyst found a seat against a wall, while Taylor smiled
hugely and moved over to the bed.

“Hey Cap’n,” Taylor said brightly. Michael had to stifle a chuckle but he couldn’t hide the smile.
These two had share more than their fair share of life and death sceanarios.

“Andy,” he said, “I’m glad to see you.”

“Glad to see me?!” Taylor asked excitedly, “:I’m glad yo can see me. We thought you were on
death’s door.”

“Not yet,” Weston replied, then looked at Quinna, “but maybe a little later I might have to call for
some back up.” He looked over at Trei, “Ariel, glad to see you too.”

(reply Trei)
Quinna moved closer and said, “So…”
Michael shrugged, “Soooooo…,” he stalled looking around the room. “Can’t talk right now. To
many sensors, and anything I have to say about what I’m doing would have to be kept between
us. Too many lives are at stake.”

He let that one lay for everyone to digest it.

(reply Solice, Trei)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1246)

Ariel smiled when Michael said it was good to see her too. She listened to the small info he was
able to tell. The part about the Klingons she will need to know when there is a secure room.
The part about the Andoran was not her business but she understood sensual persuation was
part of the job. She never had to use tactics like this but more than likely she will in the future.
She would prefer flirting tactics over intimate contact. Intimate contact with a telepath tended to
get complicated. She will deal with the Andoran when she has to. Right now she listened and
observed the surroundings.

"It is good to see you Michael. There is much we need to talk about."

(Reply Weston, Taylor, Quinna, Any)
(Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1256)

Quinna watched the interaction between the other two officers and Michael. She needed to
know more about what had happened. She looked at Trei and Taylor, “I think Michael needs
rest. Why don’t you two step out with me.” Quinna turned to Michael. “I will be right back.
Don’t go anywhere.” Quinna then leads Andy and Ariel out of the room.

(Replies Weston, Trei, Taylor.)

Just outside Michael’s room she quietly turned to talk to Ariel and Andy. “I am going to stay with
Michael. Do you two think you can find out the story about what happened? Perhaps there
were some recordings.”

(Reply Trei and Taylor)

“I want to know what you find, but I also do not want you to go behind the investigators' backs."
Quinna said.
(Reply Trei and Taylor)

“I trust you two” Quinna assured them.

(Reply Trei and Taylor I will back sim my replies)

Quinna stopped for a moment. She took a deep breath. She wanted to walk back in that room
strong and ready for anything. The doors slid open. “I am back and I gave the other two
something to do so we can be alone.” Quinna winked at Michael. She looked at Michael’s
monitors.

(Reply Weston)
(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1257)

Quinna walked Ariel and Andy out of the room to quickly talk with them. Quinna tasked them to
find out what happened without stepping on the base's investigation. Ariel understood that and
left Quinna alone time with Michael . Ariel turned to Andy and set the most logical action she
could do in her authority without causing much trouble. She will ask the base computer where
the security center is and search video records for clues to what happened on the base.

"Come on Andy. Lets give Quinna alone time with Michael. The first place to check is the
security center. We will look at the base video feed for clues on what happen on the base."

(Reply Quinna, Taylor, Any)
(Posed by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center - ASC - Lt. Andy Taylor - 1258)

Taylor followed Solice and Trei out of the room and stood, leaning against the edge of the door
jam.

“I am going to stay with Michael,” Solice said, stating the obvious. “Do you two think you can
find out the story about what happened? Perhaps there were some recordings.”

“Sure,” he replied. “We can dig around.” He didn’t really think they’d get anywhere with station
security nor any recordings. After all, what would they notice that was out of place? But he did
have some ideas of what he’d like to do

“I want to know what you find, but I also do not want you to go behind the investigators' backs."
Quinna said.
“Trust is doctor, we will be the paragon of diplomacy,” Taylor said with a smile that would melt a
normal woman’s heart.

“I trust you two,” Quinna assured them.

"Come on Andy,” Trei said. “Lets give Quinna alone time with Michael. The first place to check
is the security center. We will look at the base video feed for clues on what happened on the
base."

Taylor watched Quinna reenter the treatment room and looked at Trei. She got awfully familiar
with him in a short time. He shrugged the thought aside and let that go. He was fine with
familiarity. He just wondered how far that would go.

Then he shook his head and said, “I don’t really think that will help. I’m sure that the security
people here on the station went through any recordings they have, and they know this station
and what would look “off” far better than we would. We can talk with them, and if you insist on
looking at video recordings feel free. Personally, I’d rather see the scene of the crime, as it
were. We should probably stop off at the site of the bombing.”

(reply Trei)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1259)

The conversation was light and welcoming for Michael. The last month had been far too full of
tension, but the cause of all that tension was never far from his mind, and he seemed to drift off
in thought periodically.

“I think Michael needs rest,” Quinna suggested to the others. “Why don’t you two step out with
me.” She turned to Michael and said. “I will be right back. Don’t go anywhere.”

“Where would I go?” he asked. “I’ll see you two later.”
Taylor put a hand on Michael’s shoulder, “I’ll be close, Cap’n. See you soon.”

Michael smiled and put his hand on top of Andy’s, “Thanks for coming.”

They all left, leaving Michael by himself. He lay back and closed his eyes trying to make sense
of the memories of the explosion as they came to him. The vision Carir came back to him. If
that really was her it could not mean anything good. And how was she involved in all of this with
the brief. It was beyond what she was capable of.

The door opened and Quinna returned. “I am back and I gave the other two something to do so
we can be alone.”
Michael looked at her inquisitively, “Really? Andy and Trei? That should be an interesting pair
up. If he gets into trouble with her at least he can blow her up.” He patted the side of the bed
and scooted over to make room for her to sit.

“So tell me about the last month. What have I missed?”

(Reply Solice)
(Posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center- Station CO - Captain Casian Dahr -
1300)

When Dahr heard that the CMO from the Illuminar had turned up to collect her fallen officer he
was a little surprised. They weren’t expected for another hour. The fact that she was trying to
get him released was another surprise. He was their only living witness to the attack.

Such incursions, though not every day, had become more frequent since he had taken over the
base a few months ago. And this Michael Weston wasn’t going anywhere until he’d had a
chance to chat with him. After all, he was the only one caught up in the explosion on a
promenade that was not empty. The Trill was not one to live with coincidences.

When Weston arrived three days ago he hadn’t checked in with anyone. It took some doing to
identify him at all. His file had been tagged highly classified. He was only able to get what he got
because of his own status. Then, what he got was so heavily redacted that it read like random
words written in pages. However the last thing he read in the file thrilled him even less.

Michael Weston is currently considered an unreliable source of information and is not longer
considered a viable operative for Starfleet Intelligence.

He’d been burned and was now hiding out on the Illuminar for the past six months. Now Dahr
was not familiar with Captain Sekal, but he did know his father, Saleke. If the son was anything
like his father he would not have suffered someone like that without a reason. It wasn’t the
number one reason, but it was at the top of a short list of reasons Dahr didn’t just jettison him
out of an air lock already.

He wasn’t fond of the Intelligence community. They served a purpose, but the general way that
they served that purpose didn’t usually sit well with Dahr. and this Weston seemed to be the
same. He brought with him a ship load of trouble. The fact that he didn’t make two days on his
station before things began to explode around him. He did take the precaution of bringing his
chief of security with him.

They stepped into the Medical Center and he looked around for Peele. A nurse indicated to her
office and Dahr made his way there. He stepped inside.
“Doctor,” he said, announcing his presence.

“Captain,” Peele replied. She looked at Samuels and nodded. “I think we can step down from
DefConn 4, sir. I don’t think the Illuminar is here for trouble. Just an overly concerned CMO
and her… well, I might as well say it… her romantic entanglement.”

“But he is awake?” Hank Samuels asked, always the consummate security chief.

“Yes, Lt. Samuels,” she said, a little exasperated, “he is awake, and you can talk to him.”

“Good,” the security chief said and headed out the office.

Dahr and Peele followed as Casian asked, “How is he doing?”

“Surprisingly well,” she replied. “His injuries have all, for the most part, healed. He doesn’t seem
to have any long lasting affects of the concussion. I get the impression that he kept himself in
that coma so his body could heal quickly.”

Dahr stoped and looked at her in surprise as she answered the lol, “No, he’s most assuredly not
Vulcan. But it seems to be something like that.”

They continued walking. “And it’s just too damn convenient that he woke up just as Dr. Solice
arrived.”

“Almost like he planned it?” Dahr asked.

“Maybe,” Peele agreed. “But how would he know she’d come.”

“How indeed?” the Trill asked, more to himself than to her.

As they entered the room Peele noted that the two security people from the Illuminar were no
longer there. She assumed they were inside but when they went in they were gone.

Dahr stepped forward, Lt. Michael Weston, I’m Captain Casian Dahr, the CO of this station.”

Michael struggles to sit up a little better. “Captain Dahr, yes, of course. It’s an honor to meet you.
I’d stand but I’m afraid one of these doctors would throw me back down on this bio-bed in a
most inglorious manner.”

Dahr nodded and stepped up to the bed to shake the man’s hand. He was, if nothing else, quite
personable. “No need for that. I’ve been intrigued to meet you as well.”

“Intrigued?” Weston looked at the Trill with curiosity. “Not sure I’m worth all that consideration.”
“Well ,you’ve gotten the attention of my security people,” he motioned his head towards
Samuels.

“I guess it’s not every day someone blows someone up on your station,” Michael said, trying to
keep the conversation light.

“More often than one might think,” Dahr admitted.

Samuels stepped forward and interrupted, “I’m thinking that you might have an eye for detail
that others might not notice. Did you see anything odd before the explosion?”

Michael shook his head, “It’s still all kinda fuzzy. I was just there for a cup of coffee. Really.”

“What brings you to Freedom?” Samuels asked.

“Just doing some research,” Michael said.

“Research? What kind of research could you possibly be doing on a diplomatic starbase?”

“Just some stuff for a report I’m working on,” he replied, not committing himself any further.

The security chief wasn’t going to be put off that easily. “What kind of a report?”

“I’m sorry,” Michael said, sounding confused, “why would that be important?”

“To be honest, you show up in the company of a known Andorian spy, sporting some serious
injuries that appear to have been given to you by Klingons, and then you are caught in an
explosion. Excuse me if I’m curious.”

Michael thought for a moment and replied, “What can I say? I’m into full contact research.
Beyond that I’m not at liberty to say.”

“You’re not at liberty to…,” the security chief stepped forward but was held back by Dahr.

“Easy there, Hank,” he said calmly, Then he turned to Weston. “Okay, Lieutenant. But you will
oblige me to stay on Freedom until we get to the bottom of this explosion.”

Michael nodded, “Of course. That was my plan anyway.”

“And perhaps we can discuss your… research… at a later time,” Dahr suggested.

“I hope so, Captain Dahr,” Weston said.
“Then I will leave you to your recovery,” the Trill said. “I’m sure that you are in good hands.” He
turned to Quinna, “Doctor, a pleasure.” Then he turned to Peele, “Doctor, good luck with this
one.”

“Yeahhhh,” Peele replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm, “thanks.”

With that the CO turned to leave, the security chief following. Peele looked at Weston and
shook her head. “Well, looking at these readings, and gauging by your conversation with
Casian, I think I can safely release you from sickbay, under the watchful eyes of Dr. Solace.”

She nodded at Quinna and smiled.

(reply Quinna)

“But if anything comes up,” she said, pointing a finger at him, “and I mean any problem, your are
to get your butt back here on the double. Is that clear, mister.”

“Crystal,” Michael said with a smile.

She looked at Solice and put out a hand. “A pleasure to meet you Doctor Solice. Perhaps we
can get together over the next few days and get to know each other.”
(reply Quinna)

With that she left as Michael turned his body to get up from the biobed. He stopped, realizing
that his clothes hadn't exactly survived he explosion.

“Ummm… some clothes might be nice,” he said, looking at Quinna playfully.

(reply Quinna)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center-Illuminar CMO Commander Quinna Solice
- 1310)

“So tell me about the last month. What have I missed?”

“Oh, the same thing as always. Take an away team to a planet. Met alien Artificial intelligence
(AI) with a child like mine of curiosity. As true to a child mentality, AI had a tantrum and kicked
us out. Mission over. But it was an intergalactic zoo. There is that.” Quinna said in a “Just the
unusual tone.”

Quinna turned to find a chair and bring it closer to the bed. She figured she might as well set
herself up to sleep there as well. “I think you would have found it interesting, however, it would
not have been up to your specialized position.”
The doors opened to the room cutting their conversation short. The Captain if the station, Dr.
Peele, and a third person, a security officer entered. Quinna jumped to her feet as respect to
the senior officer in the room.

Dahr stepped forward, “Lt. Michael Weston, I’m Captain Casian Dahr, the CO of this station.”

Quinna turned to the struggling Michael to help him. She wanted him to lay back down but was
as stubborn as always. “Captain Dahr, yes, of course. It’s an honor to meet you. I’d stand but
I’m afraid one of these doctors would throw me back down on this bio-bed in a most inglorious
manner.”

Quinna stood there and listened to the conversation but was careful not to interfere with the
discussion. Michael was being cryptic and knew that when the Illuminar arrived, she as going to
get more to the story. She also knew that this research was probably more personal.

The Captain seemed to accept Michael’s answers for now but to Quinna, “Okay, Lieutenant.
But you will oblige me to stay on Freedom until we get to the bottom of this explosion.”
Michael nodded, “Of course. That was my plan anyway.”

“And perhaps we can discuss your… research… at a later time,” Dahr suggested.

“I hope so, Captain Dahr,” Weston said.

“Then I will leave you to your recovery,” the Trill said. “I’m sure that you are in good hands.” He
turned to Quinna, “Doctor, a pleasure.” Then he turned to Peele, “Doctor, good luck with this
one.”

“Yeahhhh,” Peele replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm, “thanks.”

 “Well, looking at these readings, and gauging by your conversation with Casian, I think I can
safely release you from sickbay, under the watchful eyes of Dr. Solace.”
She nodded at Quinna and smiled.

“Got it.” Quinna winked at Michael.

“But if anything comes up,” she said, pointing a finger at him, “and I mean any problem, you are
to get your butt back here on the double. Is that clear, mister?”

“Crystal,” Michael said with a smile.

She looked at Solice and put out a hand. “A pleasure to meet you Doctor Solice. Perhaps we
can get together over the next few days and get to know each other.”
“I think that can be arranged. Thank you, Dr. Peele.” And then Quinna and Michael were in the
room alone again.”

Quinna turned her attention back to Michael. She noticed him sitting up. “Hey, take it easy.”
Quinna started/

“Ummm… some clothes might be nice,” he said, looking at Quinna playfully.

Quinna moved along the storage in the biobed. Traditionally, that is where she kept extra
scrubs for patients. Sure enough, she found some for Michael, including a pair of slippers. This
would be good enough until she could get him with his clothing.

“Here, this should fit. Do you have a room on the station, or other clothing, or anything?”
Quinna asked.

(Reply Weston)

Quinna helped Michael get dressed. She made sure she was there to help steady him if he
needed it when he stood. She did a visual assessment and noted the scars and the bruising.
“You know you are damn lucky,” Quinna commented.

(reply Weston)

“Ok then, let's go.” Quinna took Michael close and held his hand. All he needed to do is lean a
bit to be more steady.

(Reply Weston)
(posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 11 - Main Medical Center - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1312)

Ariel thought for a moment then agreed that going to the scene of the crime was the best course
of action. If there was any evidence of a cover up they will find it there.

"Ok. I agree. Lets go to the explosion site."

Andy was smart and she can cooberate information from him. She felt that something was
going on here and they were going to find out.

(Reply Andy, Any)
(Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 14 Promenade - Security Officer - Lt. Lyle Parker - 1324)
Lyle walked around the station making sure everything was in order. He may not be the head of
security but he made it his business to know the station better than anyone else. That is when
he came upon two officers in security uniforms who were not station security. Normally since
they were on a space station, it would not be unusual but it was when there was no new
starship docked. Lyle approached the two.

“Can I help you two, you seem to be a bit lost. You are about to enter a closed section of the
station.”

(Reply Trei and Taylor)

“Well, you did cross a couple of warning beacons back there a few meters. I cannot allow you
to proceed any further.” Lyle insisted.

(Reply Trei and Taylor)

“I will be happy to take you to meet the Chief of Security and you can take it up with him.” Lyle
stated.

(Reply Trei and Taylor)
(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 14 Promenade - ASC - Lt. Andy Taylor - 1325)

Taylor led the way through the Promenade levels of the station. He had to admit that he was
impressed. It did look like a station built for people to live on rather than a military installation.
He’d seen all manners of beings, including a Horta that seemed to be meandering through the
area making a noise that sounded a little like harmonics and music.

But he was focused on his target of getting to the areas of the explosion. It wasn’t hard to miss.
Although it seemed to have been repaired it was still cordoned off with warning beacons. He
looked at Trei and smiled.

“Look like you belong here,” he suggested.

(reply Trei)

The good news was that nobody seemed to be paying attention to the area. How quickly people
became desensitized to an area of trauma. As they crossed the warning beacon line Andy
pulled out his tricorder and began to scan.

Even though the walls and deck plating had been cleaned and sanitized, they had not been
replaced, which meant that the residual energy signature from the explosion was still evident.
He began to focus his sweep on the deck plating and taking a full range of spectral analyses of
the area as he crossed into restricted area

He was interrupted by a voice coming from behind him. “Can I help you two, you seem to be a
bit lost. You are about to enter a closed section of the station.”

Taylor nodded at the station’s security officer, “Not lost. Just interested.”

“Well, you did cross a couple of warning beacons back there a few meters. I cannot allow you
to proceed any further.” Lyle insisted.

“I am sorry,” Andy said, in his usual southern disarming southern drawl. “I’m Lt. Andy Taylor and
this is Lt. Ariel Trei. We’re from the Illuminar and we’re just curious about the area that the bomb
blew up a couple of days ago. I have a particular set of skills I’ve acquired over the years and I
thought that perhaps we might be of service.”

“I will be happy to take you to meet the Chief of Security and you can take it up with him.” Lyle
stated.

He looked over at Trei knowing that she was going to get her wish to go to the security center of
the station.

“That would be great, wouldn’t it Ariel?” Andy said, hiding his hopes of getting more done before
before they had to go this path.

(reply Trei)

“Lead on Lieutenant, lead on,” Andy said gregariously.

(reply Trei)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 14 Promenade - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1326)

When they got to the explosion site Andy did some tricorder scans. She could see the deck
was cleaned. Andy did some scans with the tricorder but he will have to tell her later what the
scans told him. They were in a restricted area evidenced by the red flashing warning beacons.
They had as much right as anyone to do their own investigation on what happened here. The
investigation was cut short by a visit from LT Lyle Parker of base security. He asked if there was
anything he could do for them. Andy said they were just looking around. LT Lyle informed them
that they were in a restricted area. The quick response of Lt. Parker confirmed to her that this
was a cover up. They followed LT Parker to the security center. She walked with Andy texting
him with the PADD on the way of her thoughts so far.
(Reply Andy, Any)
(Posted by Edward )
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 13- Main Security - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1336)

Ariel listened to Andy trying to establish a connection with Chief Samuels with little success.
The Chief had the impression that all starfleet officers were rigid in their thinking and entitled in
they way they operated. For the most part he was not wrong, but Ariel was not a typical
starfleet officer and had much to offer. She will not use her telepathic abilities unless asked for
but what she can do is offer some insight in who would conduct an explosion such as this.

"Chief. I am the profiler on the Illuminar so I can provide insight on who would conduct an
explosion such as this. I respect that this is your investigation. If there is anything we can do to
help your investigation we offer that to you. If you provide what you know so far we can work
together to solve the case."

Ariel tried to not make a face like this guy is going to be a hemroid as best as she could. She
didn't want to bring up her Klingon ties just yet but it may come up in the investigation because
Klingons are part of the scenario here. She awaited the Chief's response.

(Reply Chief Samuels, Andy, Any)
(Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 13- Main Security - Chief of Security - Lt. Hank Samuels - 1337)

Samuels contemplated the young woman’s offer and decided that it couldn’t hurt. Is it possible
that they missed something. It is. Unlikely, but not impossible. And to be honest, right now they
had nothing.

“Very well,” the El Aurian said, “let me show you what we’ve got.”

He led her over to a computer console and accessed the the video data that had been compiled
around the time of the explosion. He offered Trei a chair, then sat down himself.

As the video played it showed the sparsely populated concourse of the Promenade level.
Everyone seemed to have a place to go, with the exception of one person. Michael Weston. He
just seemed to be wandering. He sat down at a table outside the cafe. Suddenly something
caught his eye and he moved. An instant later there was an explosion. The video feed cut of
there.

Samuels looked at Trei and said, “And that’s really all we have.”

(reply Trei)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 13- Main Security - SPA - LT Ariel Trei 1338)

She watched the recordings before the blast and saw Weston moving randomly around a cafe
before the blast. Something caught his attention. That was what Ariel wa looking for. If the
recording can be slowed down to see who he was looking at, they may get a clue who caused
the blast and clser to solving the case. There had to be cameras to catch who he was looking
at. She turned to Samuels.

"Run the recording back to a few seconds before Weston reacted to something he saw then
slow it down frame by frame so we can see who he was looking at. If there are cameras in his
line of sight I need to see that recording too. If I am right. We should see one of the suspects
and a clue closer to solving the case."

(Reply Samuels)
(Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 13- Main Security - Chief of Security Lt. Hank Samuels and SPA Lt.
Ariel Trei - 1340)

Samuels looked at the woman and nodded. “You got it.” He tapped in the command and the
recording went back to his index. “Starting at time index… 0951.3.”

The recording faded back to Weston as he sat down at a table.

He slowed the feed down to half its normal speed and he began to play. "This is your show,
Lieutenant," Hank said, "what are you looking for?"

"I am looking for strange movement just before the blast. My theory is that whoever caught the
attention of Weston is responsible for the blast. I don't want to suspect the Klingons but it is
possible they are involved. We need to go to the blast site and recorstruct the crime scene.
When you are ready to do that, we can proceed."

Ariel didn't want to step on the Authority of Chief Samuels but if her theory is right the suspects
will come back to finish the job. They didn't have much time to build the case and protect the
base. They will have to work together well to achieve that.

"I am looking for strange movement just before the blast. My theory is that whoever caught the
attention of Weston is responsible for the blast. I don't want to suspect the Klingons but it is
possible they are involved. We need to go to the blast site and recorstruct the crime scene.
When you are ready to do that, we can proceed."
Ariel didn't want to step on the Authority of Chief Samuels but if her theory is right the suspects
will come back to finish the job. They didn't have much time to build the case and protect the
base. They will have to work together well to achieve that.

“And did you see such a movement?” Samuels asked. “You barely looked at the video feed, and
now you want to go the blast site?” He was a little confused. “I’m not sure what you saw that
would help “reconstruct the crime”. Are you thinking of setting off another explosion? I mean
we didn’t see where the bomb came from and I really didn’t see anyone acting as though they
were going to set off a bomb.”

It was time to put her Klingon connections on the table. She didn't say anything about it in the
beginning because she was sure it wouldn't inpress Chief Samuels but now she can convince
him of how urgent the situation is. If the Klingons are involved, they had to move quickly.

"I am going to be totally honest with you. I didn't say this earlier because you wouldn't have
respected me if I told you then. Now I need to tell you. I am part Klingon and high majority
Betaziod. I went through the ritual Klingon Rite of Ascension. That is just a point of information
you can do what you want with it. As I passed the Rite and other circumstances, I was given
the position of Head of the House of Mogh on the Klingon High Council. The position should
have no bearing on the investigation at hand but if Klingons are involved it might come in play. I
want to go to the blast site and do a holographic reenactment of the blast before and after.
When we find out how the blast happened it will lead us to why and the case will have a solid
foundation of facts."

She let him respond looking for any sign he respected her for the disclosure of information.

The El-Aurian worked at not rolling his eyes and simply shrugged.

“Well thanks for sharing,” he finally said. “Not that any of that makes a difference on this station,
unless you trying to claim a diplomatic status. In which case I’m not nearly high enough on any
hierarchy to make such claims. For that you’d need to see Captain Dahr. “

He paused for a moment and said, “What makes you think that Klingons are involved?”

"The blast is fairly controlled in scope. That suggests it was a planned explosion for what
purpose we don't know yet. If it was an unplanned explosion it would produce a much bigger
blast than it did. This was a calculated explosion. I know my own kind enough that they don't
do anything without a reason. Cardassians on the other hand do things with a reason but it is
always a devious reason. The difference is Klingon have honor and Cardassians do not. We
find the reason for the blast we solve the case."

Hank shook his head, “That has not been my experience with the Cardassians. They may just
have a whole different sense of honor. That doesn’t mean they all act within the order of their
military structure. But then again, I know some Klingons that are quite disreputable, even
dishonorable. You haven’t presented any evidence to support your claim that this might be a
Klingon action. For all I know it might be some variant Vulcan group involved.”

He paused for a moment and said, “We work on hard evidence on this station so let’s leave the
speculation out of it shall we. As for your idea to run a holographic simulation, what we have is
what you see. We can run a simulation but we’d have to do it here, in the security holodeck.
This station does not have free running holo technology.”

The chief is going to be a hard nut to crack so it seems. She has dealt with this type before.
Her first assignment on a Klingon War Bird for one. She can deal with this.

"Yes I have dealt with some dishonorable Klingons and have acted accordingly to the honor
code. Very well. Run the simulation."

Once again, Samuels shrugged. This Trei seemed to have a need to show herself as an
honorable Klingon type, although she is clearly not just Klingon. But he would have assumed
her position of honor just by the uniform she wore.

“Follow me,” he said with a heavy sigh.

He led Trei to a side room and the door opened leading them into a small holodeck. Hank went
up to the control center and began to tie the data from the investigation into the matrix and hit
play.

“There you go Lieutenant,” he said, “look away.”

She was looking for something to cause a contained explosion. Something that will create a big
enough blast to explode an area but not a large part of the deck. It would have to be contained
in a vial or container. She found someone with a vial but could not make out well enough to
identify the race. The vial was placed on a crate and the suspect walked a good distance away
before hitting the vial with an energy beam. It would be great to tell what weapon it was but she
could not see that.

"The suspect placed a vial on a crate and hit it with an energy blast. The kind of weapon is
undeterminable from the simulation."

Samuels nodded, “So we know the method of delivery, but little more than that. “It’s odd that
they would initiate the explosion that way rather than a timer, or remote. It gives the whole thing
a more… personal touch. It also makes me wonder who or what the original target was. Mr.
Weston’s appearance seemed to have caused the perpetrator to ignite it earlier than intended.”

She agreed. Mr Weston is a link to solving the case. She will be talking to him later. Perhaps
she can find the answer to that then.
"Mr. Weston is a link to the explosion. We need to talk with him. Perhaps he can connect some
dots to piece together some information. From the look on his face he knows whoever
encountered him in the cafe. I will probably talk to him later. He can give me the information
then. We are getting close to solving the case. Check back with me later. I should have some
information by then."

What Samuel’s didn’t ask was why the station sensors didn’t note that an energy weapon had
been discharged. There should have been alerts, at least in Main Security. But that wasn’t
something he was going to bring up right now with her. He’d gotten as much from her as he
could.

“Then I’ll leave it to you to question Mr. Weston,” Hank said.

He stood up and led Trei out of the security area. I’ll check in with you soon.”

(reply none)
(posted by Al and Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1345)

As they made their way to the quarters he’d been assigned as a guest he could feel the strength
returning to his legs and his mind clearing. They continued to talk about mundane things, ship’s
happenings, Verin and T’Mur taking command of a medical ship, Sekal actually taking a leave,
(which was probably more of a major event than minor, but led to more mundane conversation),
and the latest exploits of the infamous doctors Penn and Teller.

When they arrived he used his palm print to gain access to the room and they walked, in hand
in hand. Once inside Michael put a finger to his lips and moved over to his travel bag. He pulled
out his personal tricorder and began to scan the room for any recording devices. He then set it
to emit a low level EMP that would neutralize anything that might come on at a later date. Every
time it went of it sent out a low tone that sounded almost musical.

Finally he sat down on a sofa against the wall. He patted the seat next him for Quinn’s to join
him. When she did he pulled her into a huge hug.

“I really wish you hadn’t come,” Michael said, anguish in his voice. “But now that you have, I’m
glad you’re here.”

(reply Solice)

“This is about so much,” he began to explain. “I think it may have started with my burn notice. I
was getting close to something. I didn’t know what it was at the time. I’m lucky that that alone
didn’t almost kill me. Then Alex Dyson happened. You know that he does under mysterious
circumstances after his desertion. He and his children. Tracing that back, all of his, shall we
say… dalliances… also seemed to have died under similar circumstances.”

He leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees. “I began looking into them all and realized
that there was a list of people that all had one thing in common. They all had had access to a
certain file that it seemed someone was trying to bury. Everyone who had anything to do with
that file met with an awkward accident, strange but lethal illness, heart attack, or simply, like
Dyson, assassinated.”

“I’ve been following the trail of this file through the line of dead bodies, which is rather extensive,
and interesting in who they were. The last was a criminal type on Deep Space 4. The bad news
was that I believe that I have been compromised. I tried hard to keep you out of it and safe. But
now you’re here… and now you’re in danger.”

(reply Solice)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1350)

Quinna held tight to Michael once he had done all his scans in securing the room.

“I really wish you hadn’t come,” Michael said, anguish in his voice. “But now that you have, I’m
glad you’re here.”

“So are you ready to tell me what this is about? I am willing to be you being in an explosion is
not just being at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

As Michael was explaining things, Quinna moved to sit on the table in front of him. She sucked
on the lower left side of her lip as she concentrated on what he was telling her,

“I’ve been following the trail of this file through the line of dead bodies, which is rather extensive,
and interesting in who they were. The last was a criminal type on Deep Space 4. The bad news
was that I believe that I have been compromised. I tried hard to keep you out of it and safe. But
now you’re here… and now you’re in danger.”

At this point, Quinna could not believe what she was hearing. She wanted to protest but now
was not the time. “I came because of you. Being in the state you were in, you were vulnerable
and I knew you needed protection. You have to realize, you cannot do this alone anymore.
This has gotten too big and out of control. And now that I am here, let’s end this. I am not
leaving now.” Yeah, Quinna told Trei that this was not a clandestine mission, but this was
certainly something that could turn into one. “So I think you should completely read me into
everything.” Quinna paused, “and leave nothing out.”

(Reply Weston)
Quinna was firm and wanted in on everything now. She wondered if Michael really knew how
intent she was in helping him clear his name. “You said you think you have been compromised,
any suspects there?

(Reply Weston)
(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1351)

Michael watched and enjoyed Quinna’s concentration on her face. It was cute. But he
maintained his serious look as she spoke.

“I came because of you,” she told him. “Being in the state you were in, you were vulnerable and
I knew you needed protection. You have to realize, you cannot do this alone anymore. This has
gotten too big and out of control. And now that I am here, let’s end this. I am not leaving now.
So I think you should completely read me into everything… and leave nothing out.”

He wasn’t surprised by Quinna’s request/demand. And she was right. She was already in
danger so she might as well know everything now. Although there’s little left to add.

“I think I’ve told you the most of it,” he said.

“You said you think you have been compromised,” Quinn’s probed, “any suspects there?”

Michael sighed, “In fact I do. Right before the explosion I saw someone I never thought I’d see
again, or at least hoped I wouldn’t. Remember the wound that I had when I first came on board
the Illuminar?”

(Reply Quinna)

“I saw the woman who gave me that injury,” he said. “Although she seemed to be as surprised
to see me as I her. I’m pretty sure that explosion wasn’t actually meant for me. It was simply a
moment of serendipity for her.”

(reply Quinna)

“Her name is Carir,” Michael continued. “I… used her to infiltrate the organization that had been
selling the illegal weapons that we were looking for on the station in the Altair system. I have a
feeling they may be the ones behind my conspiracy.”

(reply Quinna)
Michael got up and moved to a panel beside the door control. With a solid thump he hit the
panel and it popped off. He reached in and pulled out a data card. The very card he had
received on DS 4. He brought the card back holding it carefully between his fingers, as though
it were hot.

Sitting down he held out the card to Quinna. “This is what they’ve all been trying to hide or
destroy. It’s a list of names. Names of the people that have died and their connection to some
Federation legislation. All of the names on the list were against the legislation.”

(reply Quinna)

“It was legislation to give the Tholians the opportunity to acquire certain regions of space for the
Assembly. Included in the areas are regions that are currently occupied by the new Romulan
government. Space that has been an area of contention for a while.”

He opened a second list of names. “These names are the people who took the place of those
killed. Once they’d been installed the political stance on the Tholians took a shift. Take a look
here. Not only was the position of the Tholians screwing territory more positive, there were
invitations to join several Federation counsels, including the security council.”

(reply Quinna)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1355)

“You said you think you have been compromised,” Quinna probed, “any suspects there?”

Michael sighed, “In fact I do. Right before the explosion I saw someone I never thought I’d see
again, or at least hoped I wouldn’t. Remember the wound that I had when I first came on board
the Illuminar?”

“Of course, kind of a defining moment there. In many ways.” Quinna said

“I saw the woman who gave me that injury,” he said. “Although she seemed to be as surprised
to see me as I her. I’m pretty sure that explosion wasn’t actually meant for me. It was simply a
moment of serendipity for her.”

“So who is she?” Quinna asked curiously. She was not sure if she wanted to know what she
was to him.

“Her name is Carir,” Michael continued. “I… used her to infiltrate the organization that had been
selling the illegal weapons that we were looking for on the station in the Altair system. I have a
feeling they may be the ones behind my conspiracy.”
“But, you are not the reason why she is here, or related to the explosion… so connect the dots.”
Quinna watched Michael retrieve something and bring it to her. Quinna took hold of the data
Rod that Michael held out to her, looked at it, and handed it back.

“This is what they’ve all been trying to hide or destroy. It’s a list of names. Names of the people
that have died and their connection to some Federation legislation. All of the names on the list
were against the legislation.”

“What legislation was so precious that it was worth dying for?”

“It was legislation to give the Tholians the opportunity to acquire certain regions of space for the
Assembly. Included in the areas are regions that are currently occupied by the new Romulan
government. Space that has been an area of contention for a while.”

He opened a second list of names. “These names are the people who took the place of those
killed. Once they’d been installed the political stance on the Tholians took a shift. Take a look
here. Not only was the position of the Tholians screwing territory more positive, there were
invitations to join several Federation counsels, including the security council.”
“This is damning evidence,” Quinna said. Quinna was silent for a moment. “We need a game
plan. It is time to end this and clear you.”

(Reply Weston)

“I think when the illuminar arrives, we need to move to the ship, at least move this data rod to
the ship. You have a more secure onboard.”

(Reply Weston)

“Now that we are certain that the explosion was not about you, perse, we can focus on this
woman and getting cleared. I still want to keep Trei and Taylor on the explosion. We cannot
completely rule things out. Carir may not have any idea about you being here, but that does not
mean someone else doesn’t”

(Reply Weston)
(posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1400)

“We need a game plan,” Quinna suddenly said, her voice full of righteous conviction. “It is time
to end this and clear you.”

Michael laughed and pulled Quinna to him. “That’s what I love about you. You’re an all in kinda
gal. You’re right, we do need a plan, but we still need more information. And I need to know
who’s behind all of this. These are not random, coincidental acts. They are well thought out and
well planned. Perhaps years of planning. And if my investigation is right it is all coming to a
head here, on Starbase Freedom. And soon.”

“I think when the Illuminar arrives, we need to move to the ship,” Quinna added, “at least move
this data rod to the ship. You have a more secure place onboard.”

Michael shook his head, “No. I’m not going to put the ship or anyone else in jeopardy. These
people will stop at nothing for their agenda. Do you really think they’d not consider destroying a
whole starship? No, right now we’re on our own. As far as anybody is concerned, I am the last,
and now you. At this point nobody else is in danger.”

He didn’t want to say it but right now he was no longer Lt. Michael Weston of the Illuminar, he
was now Michael Weston, SFI operative. He had to operate on that premise if he wanted to
keep them both alive.

He could see Quinna wanting to argue but she didn’t. She moved on to her next point. “Now
that we are daily certain that the explosion was not about you, perse, we can focus on this
woman and getting cleared. I still want to keep Trei and Taylor on the explosion. We cannot
completely rule things out. Carir may not have any idea about why you are here, but that does
not mean someone else doesn’t”

Michael paused for a moment and his eyes opened wide, “Ariel! She was with me on DS 4
when I received the data rod. She’s in danger. And if Andy is with her he is as well. We need
to warn them.”

(reply Solice)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1405)

Quinn’s suggested that they recall Trei and Taylor.

“Should we have them report here or to the shuttle?” she asked.

Michael thought for a second then said, “No, nobody’s been watching the shuttle. The likelihood
that it’s already been compromised is too great. This place is more secure than anywhere else.”

He could see the disappointment in her eyes. And the concern. But they were in this to the bitter
end now. There was no going back.

“Does Trei know what was going on when the exchange happened?” Quinna asked.

Michael shook his head, “No. To her it was a simple illegal drug operation we put an end to. I
think she may suspect that there was more to it. But she didn’t get anything more from me.”
He stood up and began to pace, angry with himself. “Damn it. I wish I had been thinking earlier.
At least they’re in the security section. So they’re relatively safe. But let’s get them back here as
soon as possible. I’ll be happier when we’re all together.”

(Reply Quinna)
(Posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1410)

“Damn it. I wish I had been thinking earlier. At least they’re in the security section. So they’re
relatively safe. But let’s get them back here as soon as possible. I’ll be happier when we’re all
together.”

“Calm down,” Quinna said, “Why don’t you go and rest a few minutes and I will call for Trei and
Taylor.”

(Reply Weston)

Quinna placed a hand on Michael’s cheek, “You know you can trust me, right?” Quinna wasn’t
quite sure if he knew.

(Reply Weston)

Quinna took a deep breath and hit her comm badge, “Solice to Trei and Taylor”

(Reply Trei and Taylor)

“I need you two to meet with me on Level 18 in the Guest Quarters area,” Quinna said. She
really thought that maybe she should have gone to get them instead but she turned to look at
Michael who definitely disrobed.

(Reply Trei and Taylor)

The communication ended and Quinna followed Michael to the bathroom where she really got a
look at his wounds from the explosion. He was lucky he survived. She began to wonder how
many more lives he had left.

(Reply Weston)
(posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 23 - Guest Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1411)

“Why don’t you go and rest a few minutes and I will call for Trei and Taylor,” Quinn’s suggested
Michael stood up and stretched out his back and shoulders then looked down at Quinn’s with a
wry smile, “You’re always trying to get my clothes off me. But a shower sure sounds good.” He
rubbed his chin, which two days of growth on it. “I need to get cleaned up a bit. Being
unconscious for two days can take a lot out of a man.”

Quinna stood up and put her hand on his cheek, “You know you can trust me, right?”

He looked into her eyes, matching the seriousness of her gaze. “I trust you as I trust no other,
my love.”

He leaned in and kissed Quinn’s, softly at first, then with a little more force. He held her for a
moment, allowing himself to relax for a moment in her embrace. Then he straightened up and
turned for the shower, removing his shirt as he walked away. He could hear her call Trei and
Andy.

He slipped out of clothes and stood in the shower. Turning on the hot water he let it soak into his
body, feeling some of the tension wash away. He shook his head as he stretched at himself.
~How much more can my body take.~

“This quiet life is going to be the death of me,” he said to himself. Then he could feel Quinna’s
eyes on him and he turned around. “You wanna scrub my back?” he asked.

(reply Quinna)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 13- Main Security - ASC - Lt. Andy Taylor - 1415)

Andy sat back in his chair and grabbed his stomach as he laughed. He’d never really associated
with a Horta before, but this one had a wicked sense of humor, dry and full of sarcasm. Their
conversation went back and Ditmers between the data on the explosion to more interpersonal
and… borderline inappropriate conversations.

“You are a hoot, Jinx,” Andy said, with his full southern drawl. “I wish I had more time to get to
know you better.”

The box on her back gave her mild metallic sound to her voice, “Why Andy, that sound like an
invitation to a date.”

Andy paused, considering the proposal for a moment. Then what must have been a chuckle
came from the vox. “I am not what most would consider… warm and cuddly.”

Andy laughed, “Perhaps not, but you are emotionally outgoing. So there’s a give and take.
Besides, I don’t think I’ll be here long enough to work out the… logistics of that relationship.”
“Perhaps,” Jinx said. Then she was back to business. “”Maybe we should send the tesults of
our tests to Captain Dahr and Commander Zeron.”

“Indeed,” Taylor agreed. “It is all very interesting.”

Suddenly his comm badge chirped. =^=Solice to Trei and Taylor.=^=

“Go ahead Doctor,” Taylor replied.

=^=I need you two to meet with me on Level 23 in the Guest Quarters area.=^=

He instinctively nodded and looked at Jinx with a sad expression. “Duty calls. I lol forward to
seeing you again.”

The box made a subtle change that made the Horta’s voice sound more feminine. “And can’t
wait to see more of you.”

Andy couldn’t help but catch the innuendo and chuckled as he tapped his bade. “On my way.”

He headed out of the office to meet up with Trei.

(reply Trei)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 23 Guest Quarters - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1416)

She saw a simulation of the explosion but it didn't confirm much of anything. She needed
Weston to fill in the blanks. She saw Andy there so she asked what he found out.

"Hello again Andy. What did you find out?"

(Reply Taylor, Any)
(Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 13- Main Security - ASC - Lt. Andy Taylor - 1417)

Andy waited outside the door for Ariel. When she was escorted out by the Chief of Security he
wasn’t sure if that were a good sign or a bad one.

"Hello again Andy,” Trei said, smiling at him. “What did you find out?"

“Well, hello yourself,” Taylor replied glibly. “I found out that Horta’s are quite pleasant to talk to
and have a wicked sense of humor.” He paused to see that she had a serious look on her face.
He nodded and started to walk down the corridor towards the turbolift. “Well, we found out that
the explosion was caused by an interesting combination of Romulan and Tholian chemicals.
How about yourself?”

(reply Trei)

The turbolift door opened and they stepped inside. “Level 18,” Andy said and the turbolift began
to move. It slowed down several times and the lights would dim. It seemed more like power
failures rather than intentional lapses.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Freedom - Level 18- Civilian Quarters - ASC - Lt. Andy Taylor - 1422)

When the lift opened the pair stepped out. Andy looked left, then right, then at Trei. He
shrugged. “Which way?”

(reply Trei)

He followed the woman down the corridor. As they walked he had the odd feeling they were
being watched. And not the typical watchful eye of security cameras. He could feel eyes boring
into the back of his head. A couple of times he would turn his head quickly, but there was
nothing there. Like a ghost.

Finally Trei stopped in front of a door. Andy reached out and tapped the door chime.

(reply Trei, Solice, Weston)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1423)

Ariel informed Andy that she didn't find much in the videos. She did find that Weston knew
whoever came in the cafe that day. That is a line of questioning they should follow up on. It is
good that the Horta has a sense of humor. That can be explored later. The chemicals were
also interesting. She pressed the door chime to announce they had arrived at the quarters.

"Lt.s Ariel Trei and Andy Taylor reporting as requested Ma'am."

They entered and took a seat at the couch

(Reply Taylor, Weston, Quinna, Any)
(Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SFI - CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1425)
“This quiet life is going to be the death of me,” he said to himself. Then he could feel Quinna’s
eyes on him and he turned around. “You wanna scrub my back?” he asked.

Quina giggled, “You can do that better than I can. I am going to go wait for the others.” Quinna
motioned herself back into the other room.

Quinna had picked up a PADD to read some information about what was happening. Suddenly
the door chimed. Quinna stood up and walked over to the door before opening it.

"LTs Ariel Trei and Andy Taylor reporting as requested, Ma'am," Ariel stated.
“Come in,” Quinna said as she moved to the side to allow them in. “Please sit. Michael is in the
shower right now, but have you learned anything?” Quinna wanted to run down before Michael
came back into the room. Quinna moved and grabbed the PADD that was next to the spot
where Ariel was sitting as she was sitting there earlier. She placed the PADD on a side table
and sat in an adjacent chair.

(Reply Trei, Taylor)

Quinna looked at Ariel, “From what I understand, this time, Michael was at the wrong place at
the wrong time, Do you think Michael knows more than what he telling us?” Quinna believed
Michael but she did not want to discount Ariel’s thoughts and was curious where she was going.
Quinna knew that Ariel was not accusatory, so there was no reason for Quinna to get angry or
defensive. And she wasn’t.

(Reply Trei)

“Mr. Taylor, What are your thoughts?” Quinna asked.

(Reply Taylor)

“We will talk when Michael gets cleaned up and comes to join us,” Quinna said.

(Reply Taylor, Trei, Weston)
(posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - ? - ? - 1426)

She sat on the edge of her bed, rigid but relaxed. This was the worst part. The waiting. There
was never a question of what was to be done, only of who it was to be done to.

The message she received said that her original arrangement had to be postponed. This would
need to be taken care of first. She did not understand why. She did not need to understand.
What she did need to do was take care of the issue. Much had been promised.
Suddenly the door chime rang. She stood up and moved to the side of the door. It had been
programmed only to open on command. She touched the comm panel.

“Yes.”

=^=Ms. Smeller. Ms. Janice Sneller.=^=

“Yes.”

She could hear a tap on the door and then the footsteps walk away. After waiting a full minute
she opened the door and picked up the package from the ground. She looked to ensure nobody
saw. Her choice of room had been careful, keeping clear of all surveillance from the station.

Returning inside she opened the package to find a palm recorder. Four images appeared then
the words: Twenty-four hours. By any means.

Well that made the job infinitely easier than making look like an accident. She sat down at the
table in the room and began to plan.

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SPA LT Ariel Trei - 1427)

Quinna took a seat at a table next to the couch. She asked Ariel if she found anything out. Ariel
didn't have much to report. She realayed what she found.

"I couldn't find much on the tapes but it looks like Michael knows whoever came in the cafe that
day before the explosion. Andy may have more to tell than me."

It is better for Michael to tell what he knows first then she can bring up the vial in the cargo bay.
If her theory is right, they are in great danger. Michael will have to fill in the blanks to solve this
case.

(Reply Quinna, Andy, Weston, Any)
(Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 13- Main Security - ASC - Lt. Andy Taylor - 1428)

Solice asked the pair to sit. Trei automatically took a seat close to the doctor. He opted to stay
on his feet and lean against the wall. She asked what they had discovered in their investigation.
"I couldn't find much on the tapes,” Trei said, “but it looks like Michael knows whoever came in
the cafe that day before the explosion. Andy may have more to tell than me."

Quinna looked at Ariel, “From what I understand, this time, Michael was at the wrong place at
the wrong time. Do you think Michael knows more than what he’s telling us?”

(Reply Trei)

“Mr. Taylor, What are your thoughts?” Quinna asked.

Taylor shrugged his shoulders. “I can’t say if he’s holding anything back. I can’t say he’s never
done that before during our time on the Rhyne. But usually he had good reason, if he did. As for
what I found out, the bomb was made from a mixture of Thollian and Romulan elements, which,
even for me, is a mighty odd combination.”

“We will talk when Michael gets cleaned up and comes to join us,” Quinna finally said, and the
conversation came to an abrupt halt. A moment later Michael walked into the room, pulling a
black shirt over his head. When he finally got his head through the hole he noted that everyone
was looking at him, and nobody was talking.

He looked at them all and said, “What I do?”

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1429)

“Let’s go over it again,” Quinna said. “Someone has gone into great detail to cover up any of
this. Let's start with the events leading up to the explosion. What did you notice? Anything
looking suspicious?”

Michael frowned. There was still something hanging in the air that wasn’t being said. He had a
general idea of what it was. He was used to not being trusted, but with these three he thought
that he’d earned a spot away from that.

“Like I told you,” he said, looking at Quinna, “the only thing I saw was Carir. I saw her, then…
boom. I really hadn’t been on the station long enough to piss anyone off that much without
putting in some effort. It can’t be just a coincidence that I see her then… well… you know.”

“We need to find this person,” Quinna put a little emphasis on the person knowing the past with
Michael, “you saw before the explosion.”

Micheal smiled at the obvious dislike that Quinna had put onto a woman she’d never met.
Granted, Quinna was the one person in the room who knew what Michael had done. He’d
made a telepath believe that he was totally in love with her. No small feat. So Quinna did,
understandably, own an ounce of jealousy towards her.”

The door chime rang and Qunna went to the door. There was a station security officer there
explaining that he’d received a complaint about the noise in the room, which was odd since they
all just got there.

Michael stood up and moved behind Quinna. “There must be some mistake. We haven’t been
together long enough to have a ‘domestic disturbance’. Who filed the report?”

“Wow this is rather embarrassing,” Parker said, “looks like everything is good here. I will let you
all be.”

He turned away and the door closed.

“Odd,” Quinna said.

“Odd does not begin to describe it,” Michael said and went to the door. The security officer was
gone already. “Don’t you think he’d spend time looking for the domestic disturbance he
offered?”

“Well I would,” Taylor replied as he stepped into the hallway and walked up and down it,
listening for anything. “Nothing and no sign of our buddy Lyle.”

(reply Solice, Trei)

“Look,” Michael said as he went back into the room, “I know you all are thinking that I am the
Lord of all conspiracies, but I’m telling you that that,” he pointed at the door, “was no
coincidence. Not is Carir being on this station at this time. She is the connection to the group we
were investigating back on Sigma Draconis. Which, coincidentally, is connected to my burn
notice. They are all connected to this Tholian brief. Someone, some group, is trying to control
the path of decisions being made in the Federation council.”

He sat down and finished with, “ I must have been getting to close to something that I had no
idea of back then, and making me an unreliable source of intelligence kept me from getting any
closer. And that worked.”

He looked at Quinn’s, “You’re right, we need to find Carir.”

(reply any)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1430)
Quinna listened to the findings and concerns of both Ariel and Andy. Quinna turned when
Michael entered the room.

“What I do?” he asked.
Quinna was admiring the view, and as much as she was going to say that she knew that this
moment was more serious than her flirtation.

Taylor started, “Well Mike, let me start by saying that the explosion was caused, using Romulan
and Tholian elements.”

“Really?” Michael said thoughtfully. “That is interesting. It would seem to imply a connection
between the Tholians and the Romulans.” He thought for a moment. “No, it’s too easy.
Someone wants us to think that there’s a connection. But why?”

He’d started talking with himself, then he looked at the others, still looking at him. He took a
breath and then sat in a chair beside Quinna,

“Okay, I'll ask again,” he said, “what did I do?”

“Let’s go over it again. Someone has gone into great detail to cover up any of this. Let's start
with the events leading up to the explosion. What did you notice? Anything looking
suspicious?”

(Reply Weston, Trei, Taylor)

“We need to find this person,” Quinna put a little emphasis on the person knowing the past with
Michael, “you saw before the explosion.”

Suddenly the chime rang at the door. Quinna looked at Michael and placed a hand on his
taping it. She indicated to stay in his seat and she would go to the door. Instead of calling out
for the person to enter, she was standing at the door when it opened.

“Hi, I am Lt. Parker, Security. There has been a domestic disturbance report coming from this
room.” Lyle peered into the room to see Michael, Ariel, and Andy. “Oh, hello,” Lyle said to
Andy and Ariel and then he gave Ariel a wink.

Quinna stood back a bit so they could see him.

(Reply Weston, Trei, Taylor)

“Wow this is rather embarrassing, looks like everything is good here. I will let you all be.” and
Lyle left.

“Odd,” Quinna said.
(Reply Weston, Trei, Taylor)
(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 183 Guest Quarters - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1431)

She heard what Michael had to say. She didn't have to use her abilities to sense that he has
sincere in what he told them. She felt some jealousy from Quinna and that will be dealt with
when she has to deal with it. Ariel thought it was time to get some answers. The visit from LT
Parker was no coincidence. She will suggest that She and Andy go to this cafe and try to get
some answers.

"I suggest Andy and I go to this cafe and try to get some answers. Our presence there should
bring the attention we want to draw them out. Quinna you stay here with Michael and cover our
back."

This ought to be interesting.

(Reply Quinna, Andy, Weston, Any)
(Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 23 - Guest Quarters Corridor SO Lt. Lyle Parker -- 1435)

Lyle walked down the corridor. He had a mission to complete and the quicker he did it, but
better.
He stopped at the door and rang the chime. It seemed to take a few bit before someone
acknowledged his chime but when the door opened, he did not expect to see a person standing
there in front of him. Her long blond hair was braided per Starfleet regulations.
“Hi, I am Lt. Parker, Security. There has been a domestic disturbance report coming from this
room.” He was able to look around and he saw the two officers he had seen earlier at the sight
of the explosion. “Oh, hello,” Lyle said to Andy and Ariel and then he gave Ariel a wink.

The blond woman stood back a bit but Lyle already gathered all the information that he needed
to know.

(Reply Weston, Trei, Taylor)

“Wow this is rather embarrassing, looks like everything is good here. I will let you all be.” and
Lyle left.

Taking a few steps down the corridor, Lyle pulled out a small device and started typing a
message into it.
‘Confirmed, the target is in the room with two officers at the site and a fourth person.’ Then Lyle
hit send.

(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 23 - Guest Quarters Corridor SO Lt. Lyle Parker -- 1438)

Lyle walked down the corridor. He had a mission to complete and the quicker he did it, but
better.

He stopped at the door and rang the chime. It seemed to take a few bit before someone
acknowledged his chime but when the door opened, he did not expect to see a person standing
there in front of him. Her long blond hair was braided per Starfleet regulations.
“Hi, I am Lt. Parker, Security. There has been a domestic disturbance report coming from this
room.” He was able to look around and he saw the two officers he had seen earlier at the sight
of the explosion. “Oh, hello,” Lyle said to Andy and Ariel and then he gave Ariel a wink.

The blond woman stood back a bit but Lyle already gathered all the information that he needed
to know.

(Reply Weston, Trei, Taylor)

“Wow this is rather embarrassing, looks like everything is good here. I will let you all be.” and
Lyle left.

Taking a few steps down the corridor, Lyle pulled out a small device and started typing a
message into it.

‘Confirmed, the target is in the room with two officers at the site and a fourth person.’ Then Lyle
hit send.

(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 23 Guest Quarters -- CMO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1440)

Quinna listened back and forth and Ariel did have a solid suggestion.
"I suggest Andy and I go to this cafe and try to get some answers. Our presence there should
bring the attention we want to draw them out. Quinna you stay here with Michael and cover our
back."

Though Quinna could see the good intentions about protecting her and Michael, it would not
work this time. “Unfortunately, we cannot play it laying back. I think our play is to go fishing with
delicious bait.” Quinna turned and looked at Michael.
“Our goal is to end things so let’s end them. Michael needs to be seen to lure out, let’s call them
the perps. Michael is seen in public areas, I can be hanging on his arm as the adoring girlfriend
I am. It should get some attention.” Quinna said.

(Reply Trei, Taylor, Weston)

“Counter Suggestions?” Quinna asked.

(Reply Trei, Taylor, Weston)
(posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1441)

Michael shook his head at Ariel’s suggestion for him to stay behind. It was not in him to let
others go into danger while he sits back in relative safety.

Fortunately Uinna was of a similar mind. She had an idea that he could get behind.

“I think our play is to go fishing with delicious bait,” she said, turning to look at Michael. “Our
goal is to end things so let’s end them. Michael needs to be seen to lure out, let’s call them the
perps. Michael is seen in public areas, I can be hanging on his arm as the adoring girlfriend I
am. It should get some attention.”

The last part didn’t thrill him, but Michael was well aware that they beyond a point where he
could do this alone. He nodded at her.

“Counter Suggestions?” Quinna asked.

“I agree,” he finally said. “To catch the bigger fish we need the bigger bait.” He looked over at
the others and smiled. “Sorry guys, I hate to call you small bait, but the truth is I’m what’s going
to move things along fastest. Now it’s a matter of timing. I suggest we wait until the concourse of
the promenade is a little more active. Perhaps at a mealtime. Remember that I am still not the
real target in this whole escapade. I’m not really sure who is. But I’m certain my presence has
created a wrinkle in the schedule.”

He looked to see if anyone had anything to add. He could tell Andy was already on board.

(reply Trei, Solice)

“We should probably all get some rest,” he suggested. “I know I could use it.” He reached
across his body and rubbed at his aching shoulder.

(reply Solice, Trei)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SPA - LT Ariel Trei - 1442)

Ariel agreed they needed rest but she had a suggestion for a double date scenario to get the
answers they were looking for. She relayed her thoughts.

"How about a double date scenario where Michael and Quinna are one couple and Andy and I
are the other couple. We go to the cafe and have a seat. Quinna and I excuse ourselves to the
ladies room. When we get enough distance from the table, we observe the reactions in the
cafe. We return to the table after a few minutes and go from there. What do you think?"

(Reply Quinna, Michael, Andy, Any)
(Posted by Edward)

(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1444)

Quinna had her say. It was time to step up and not let others know she was not as weak as
they think she is.

“Counter Suggestions?” Quinna asked.

“I agree,” he finally said. “To catch the bigger fish we need the bigger bait.” He looked over at
the others and smiled. “Sorry guys, I hate to call you small bait, but the truth is I’m what’s going
to move things along fastest. Now it’s a matter of timing. I suggest we wait until the concourse of
the promenade is a little more active. Perhaps at a mealtime. Remember that I am still not the
real target in this whole escapade. I’m not really sure who is. But I’m certain my presence has
created a wrinkle in the schedule.”

"How about a double date scenario where Michael and Quinna are one couple and Andy and I
are the other couple? We go to the cafe and have a seat. Quinna and I excuse ourselves to the
ladies room. When we get enough distance from the table, we observe the reactions in the
cafe. We return to the table after a few minutes and go from there. What do you think?"
Quinna tried to picture the scenario, she wondered what effect that would have, “I am not
opposed to the idea, but I am also not quite sure. This is just thinking so I am sure I could be off
base but wouldn't it be harder to bite the bait with a larger group?” Quinna said as food for
thought but she was hoping for confirmation of what she surmised.

(Reply Trei, Taylor, Weston)

“I think another couple could be around but at a distance as backup. But not group dating.
Since we would be in the public areas then it would not be unheard of.” Quinna stated

(Reply Trei, Taylor, Weston)
As the others went on Quinna looked around at the faces around her.

“We should probably all get some rest,” he suggested. “I know I could use it.” He reached
across his body and rubbed at his aching shoulder.

“I agree, after that, we can come together and finalize our plans.” Quinna was not tired. She
wanted to finish reading the data. She wondered if Andy and Ariel would leave or stay. Quinna
got up and looked at Michael, “Let me help you and give you something for that shoulder.”

(Reply Weston, Taylor, Trei)
(posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1445)

Michael groaned inside his head when he heard Ariel’s scenario of a “double date.” Quinna
wasn’t all against it but she was concerned that a large group might scare off their quarry.
Michael’s concern was more pragmatic, more people meant more targets, and a good assassin
could easily take them all out if they were all in one place.

“Look, he started, “the first rule of any op is never do anything that you wouldn’t normally do.
Now while it is true that Quinna and I would be seen together, you and Andy are a whole other
matter. And a trained eye can tell when you’re faking it. Unless there’s something the two of
you would like to share right now?”

Andy shifted on his feet uncomfortable about where this conversation was leading. “No,” he
said, “there is nothing between Ariel and I,” he looked at the woman, “that I know of at leaset.”

(reply Trei)

Michael nodded, “Then let’s just skip all of the play acting and stick to what we all know best, the
truth.” He sat up and put his elbows on his knees. ”Look, if we keep our heads about us we will
live through this, and perhaps even find out what’s going on here. But we have to be smart
about this. And we absolutely must follow my lead. I am willing to put my life in your hands,
are you willing to do the same for me?”

Andy stood tall and smiled. There was the pirate captain Mike that he had grown to love an
respect. “You know I am, Cap’n.”

Michael smiled.

(reply Quinna, Trei)

Quinna reached out and began to rub Michael’s shoulders. He rolled his neck and smiled. “We
should probably all get some rest,” he suggested. “I know I could use it. I agree, after that, we
can come together and finalize our plans. Let me help you and give you something for that
shoulder.”

Weston stood and stretched his back. He looked up at Ariel and Andy and smiled. “Sorry guys,
I onl;y rated a single. But if you can get some rest on this sofa or on the floor I’d take Quinna up
on her suggestion. Please, don’t leave the apartment.”

With that he walked with a minor limp into the bedroom, with Quinna behind him. He lay down
on the bed and groaned. “Uhg, shoot me now.”

He opened his eyes and tapped the bed beside him. “I could sure use a hug.”

(reply Solice, Trei)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters SPA LT Ariel Trei - 1446)

She listened to Michael rejecting the double date idea. She understood why he put it down but
thought she could pull it off. She curled up on the sofa to rest. She felt bad for Andy that he
had to rest on the floor. She will bring up a meeting with LT Parker after they all rested. The
pillow was soft and she realaxed into a restful state.

(Reply Michael, Quinna, Any, Any)
(Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - ? - ? - 1450)

She hated working with amateurs. They were messy and usually needed to be cleaned up
afterwards. Parker had been given a simple task, secure the location of Michael Weston. He
had done that job but neglected the cardinal rule; no witnesses. Success in her business
meant leaving no traces of her being there, or evidence of her even having been in the sector.
And she was very successful. That was usually why people were willing to pay her fees.

Using Parker had not been her idea. However, he’d been chosen to do his part and it was easy
enough, but he wanted to have eyes on rather than simply tag the location. And in doing so
he’d been seen. Now he was a liability.

It wasn’t as if Parker knew much, but to a man such as Michael Weston it might be enough to
unravel her mission. That meant only one thing. Her orders had been clear. Perform her job
and do whatever it takes, as long as she followed her code. With a sigh she waited in the
shadows until he walked by her.

Once she saw him she followed him. Not too closely, but close enough. He didn’t know what
she looked like, who she was, or even what her purpose was, but he did know she was there,
and that was enough. If she got too close he might form some kind of awareness. So she
waited until he was going to be vulnerable. Fortunately she didn’t have to wait long.

He had made his way to a public area and waited briefly until the urge cam upon him. Then he
headed into a public restroom. She thought it humorous that even in today's modern advances
there was still a need for a public place for the less fortunate to meet and use the facilities.
Such was life on a starbase. She made sure that the restroom was not busy and headed in
herself.

Inside she turned to the men’s area and made sure that nobody else was there. When she
entered Parker was standing in front of a urinal, relieving himself. As she moved behind him
she drew the thread like fiber and wrapped them around her gloved hands. She could sense
that he felt her movement, but it was too late. With a swift motion of her arms she wrapped the
garrote around his throat and pulled.

Parker started to struggle until she put her knee into his back and pushed him forward against
the urinal. Then it was just a matter of seconds before the lack of oxygen to his brain caused
him to pass out. The crushed windpipe would make sure that he would not regain
consciousness.

She dragged the dead weight of Parker's body into a stall and locked it. Positioning him in place
she then left the stall and the public restroom. She headed back to the room to decide where
and when she should strike to put an end to the threat posed by Weston.

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - CMO Commander Quinna Solice - 1452)

Quinna had followed Michael to the room where she helped him lay down, “Uhg, shoot me
now.” Quinna let out a chuckle. She was about to reply, but he continued, “I could sure use a
hug.”

Quinna sat on the bed next to him, “I much prefer that than shooting you.” She leaned over and
encompassed herself around him being careful of his injuries.

(Reply Weston)

“You know we do much for friends and family, and I know you do not like this but, you have
become both,” Quinna said.

(Reply Weston)
“Get some rest. You are going to need it,” Quinna said as she kissed him. Quinna knew that
when all this went how it was supposed to, Michael would be free and lives would be changed.

(Reply Weston)

Sitting on the side of the bed, Quinna lightly ran her fingers along Michael’s face and hairline
until he fell asleep. She moved back into the other room, noting that Ariel had spread out
across the couch. Taylor was in a chair with his feet on the coffee table. Quinna went to the
replicator to order a cup of coffee. She crossed back to pick up her PADD and then found a
quiet corner of the room. She slid down to sit on the floor, picked up her coffee, and started
reading the data again.

(Reply any)
(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 18 - Guest Quarters - SFI - Lt. Michael Weston - 1453)

“I much prefer that than shooting you.”

Michael chuckled as he felt her weight on him, “Thendays still young.” Then he made a
pleasant sound and added, “You have no idea how good that feels.”

Suddenly Quinna said slowly and seriously, “You know we do much for friends and family, and I
know you do not like this but, you have become both.”

He could feel his body relax and fatigue moved across him, “Mmmm… I feel the same way.
Must be losing my edge.”

“Get some rest,” Quinna said, giving him a kiss on the cheek “You are going to need it.”

He was enjoying the sensation of Quinna’s caresses and mumbled something the sounded
something like, “I love you.”

Then he was asleep.

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 1- Main Engineering - CEO Commander Zerin - 1455)

It had been two long days. Fortunately for Zerin his Vulcan physiology and training allowed him
to work long hours under stress. The station was still a work in progress and required his team
to be creative. He was famous for his daily diatribes about the idiots in the Federation whose
brilliant idea to build a station piecemeal with sections donated by different members of the
federations. Sure, it was a sign of unity that was needed, and it brought Trill back into the
federation, but the ones who make the decisions never have to deal with the consequences.
And consequences abound.

The engineering space on the station had three times the storage of normal stations, with
special parts that connected Vulcan to Trill, Trill to Ferengi and so on. Many of his team had to
redesign everything they were told.

Of course, he also cursed his friend, the commander of the station, Dahr, who pulled strings to
reactivate his Starfleet Commission more than once. People who didn’t know Zerin were always
surprised at a Vulcan showing emotions, expressing frustration and anger, joy and happiness.
Right now the ensigns in front of him were looking uncomfortable as he reviewed their folders.

“So, it seems I am stuck with you. Well, I can use the bodies. I hope you are ready for some
real seat of your pants engineering. Nothing like what they teach at the academy or on your
cruises. If you can’t think of a solution, call for help. We have all mixes of technology so it will
require a lot of creative thinking, now you’re off to deck 5, section 7.”

“And what are we to fix, Sir?” James asked.

“That is your first test. We have reports of sporadic power outages. People getting trapped in
their rooms and more. Figure out what is causing the power outage and fix it. Once you do
that, test that it is fixed. Then report back to me. I’ll give you three hours.”

The Klingon standing next to the human nods, “Aye Sir,” he said with typical Klingon stoicism.

“Good, you are dismissed,” he said and turned his attention to the other problems he had on his
plate. The PADD before him contained the results of the structural analysis of the bombing and
its impact on the station. His team had been working around the clock repairing the physical
damage. There was the additional impact on the orbit. A small wobble had been introduced
into the orbit, which was going to be complicated to correct.

“Incoming transmission,” the computer said, disturbing his thoughts. He swiveled his chair to
look at the screen. “Great, we’re getting a Steamrunner too. Let’s just split the efforts of
engineering.”

He tapped his com badge, “Ziran to Dahr, we need to talk.”

=^=Of course we do.=^=. Dahr’s voice sounded a little too tired for so early in the day. =^=Come
on up to my office. Drinks are on me.=^=

Ziran nodded, “Be right up. Clear your schedule, this might take a while.” he replied.
The one advantage that Ziran had was that he had served under Dahr, and had developed a
deep and lasting friendship. As he took the turbolift, he considered the time their ship was
caught in an unstable neutron field from a pulsar they had been sent to study. Only some back
of the pants engineering and Dahr’s nerves of steel saved the day.

The turbolift door opened to the command center. Not a bridge as this wasn’t a starship, but it
might have to be. Ignoring the hello’s from the engineers working on the systems there, he
breeze past the officer on duty and walked into Dahr’s office without invitation.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 1- Main Ops - CO’s Offie - CEO Commander Zerin and CO Captain
Casian Dahr- 1500)

He lightly tossed the PADD onto Dahl’s desk and plopped into a seat. “There are about 23
major issues, at last count, on this station. And those are the ones we have found. That
explosion had some major downstream impacts on this bucket of bolts.”

The Vulcan paused, “But let’s talk about the first two. The station's orbit has been impacted by
the explosion, more than I can compensate for with the reaction control system. And will put
more stress on this station than I think it can handle. With enough time, I am sure I can do the
math to figure out how to fix the orbit, but with everything else going on around here, I could use
some heavy hitting brains to help with figuring out how to stabilize the station and move it back
to a safe orbit. But we have a couple weeks before it gets disastrous. I think.”

“You think?” Dahr repeated as a question and gave his old friend a wry smile. He knew Zerin’s
propensity for exaggeration, but let him continue.

“The second issue is why is Starfleet sending us a ship? A Steamrunner? I looked up the
history of that ship. It’s going to need some major work too, so you my dear Captain, have to
set priorities. Oh, and the explosion showed traces of bio-genovesium and lauritson solid 451.
An odd combination, don’t you agree?”

Dahr frowned at that announcement and began to access his PADD. “Odd indeed. If I’m right,
one is Romulan in origin and the other,” he tapped on his PADD, “Tholian?”

“The mixture suggests someone trying to frame either, or both, of these governments. Or they
are in cahoots together. At least some agency of theirs. But that’s above my pay grade.
Nevertheless, knowing this mixture is out there, I’ll get the station's scanners tuned for it.”

He looked up Zorin seriously, “As for the Stramrunner, the USS Iron Horse, somebody thought it
would be a good idea to have some kind of a backup and a modified Stramrunner seemed to fit
the bill for the station. It has been retrofitted to have a higher cruising speed than a typical
Stramrunner. Shields have had upgrades and it maintains the lack of energy bleeding. It is,
however, and again, par for the course, unfinished. I am considering it a… project ship.
Something we can work on.”
Zorin chuckled, “It is a good thing that Vulcan’s don’t need much sleep. I will be pulling double
shifts.” He paused, “If it is a project ship, does that mean we can paint racing stripes on the
hull? I have heard that was an Earth tradition from their 20th century.”

Dahr chuckled, “As long as you don’t want to take her out and.. drag race?”

“East bound and down,” he replied with a smile.

He looked thoughtful for a moment and changed the tack of the conversation. “What are your
thoughts about this explosion and this guy Weston?”

“You know spies, bunch of bitchy little girls,” Zorin replies. “Why?”

Dahr shrugged, “Maybe it’s just my natural distrust of SFI. He seemed okay, for a spy, but that
mixture or residue from the explosion and him showing up at the same time. I just don’t like
coincidences.”

“There are no such things as coincidences, our time together has shown that. It's not a "why”
would someone be after an SFI operative, but “who”. Again, my job is keeping this station
working. I hate mysteries.” Zorin

“Amen,” Dahr nodded. He wasn’t particularly a religious type, but when you agree with
something so wholeheartedly. “Okay, priority number one, keep the station from blowing up, so
let’s get the power problems solved. Then we can work on pushing us back into orbit. The
Illuminar should be docking soon, so we may be able to tap a couple of brains there. We can
send your analysis of the explosions over to Hank and let him work that out. Then we can have
a look at our new toy.”

(reply none)
(posted by Al and Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Starbase Freedom - Level 1 - Main Ops- CO’s Office - Station CO - Captain Casian Dahr -
1530)

Dahr sat behind his desk ruing the day that he accepted to take command of a station that had.
Even built by seven different species trying to work in cooperation, all the while trying to figure
how they could stick it to the other worlds.

And now this issue with an explosion on the promenade, of all places. They had been lucky that
nobody had really been hurt. With the exception of young Lt. Weston. And there was something
behind that they hadn’t gotten to the bottoms of yet.
But worst of all was the daily drudgery of paperwork. Requisitions for supplies and materials.
Even in the days where on could replication almost anything, there was still a need for raw
materials and real food. Suddenly his comm panel beeped.

=^=Captain Dahr, we have the Illuminar on the comm.=^=

He looked at the chronometer and nodded, “Right on time in true Vulcan manner. Put them
through.”

The image of Sekal came on the screen. Dahr nodded and said, “Captain Sekal.”

=^=Captain Dahr. Live long and prosper.=^=. He gave a Vulcan salute.

“Same to you,” Dahr said. Casual had made it no secret that there was any love lost between
himself and the Vulcan people. He didn’t dislike them, but he also knew that Vulcans consider
the Trill, joined Trills, to be against their own sense of logic.

However, it was also well known that Sekal’s father, Saleke, had been instrumental in bringing
the Trill back into the fold of the Federation.

“Welcome to Starbase Freedom,” Dahr said.

=^=Thank you,=^= the Vulcan said. =^=It appears a part of my crew has already arrived. How is
Lt. Weston?”=^=

“He is alive,” Casian said. “Our CMO has released him from the medical center. And yes, you Lt.
Commander and her entourage have arrived and made their presence known.”

=^=I hope they have not been an inconvenience.=^=

Dahr chuckled, “Hardly. I hope they keep it that way.”

=^=That is my desire as well. Is my crew cleared for shore leave?=^=

Dahr nodded, “They are. Just make sure my security chief your manifest of partakers.”

=^=I will have it available before the first shift are beamed across.=^=

“Excellent, enjoy your time on Freedom,” Dahr said and closed the channel.

Why did he suddenly feel as though he’d become the hotel manager of a resort.

(reply none, any)
(posted by Al Muir)
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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>