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STAR TREK: THE THIRD GENERATION on Shadowlands BBS Created and Edited by Rebecca J. Anderson Ver. 2.0 (93/01/01) EPISODE #5: "Elements of Danger" -------------------------------------------------------------------- CHARACTERS: WRITTEN BY: Acting Captain Jacqueline Picard...........Rebecca J. Anderson Commander (Dr.) James N'Dok................Tim Ingram Lt. Commander Barnabas Cole................Warren Postma Lt. Commander Nikctalos D'pyrann...........Geza A. R. Reilly Lt. Commander Mac Scott....................Dan McMillan Counsellor T'Pryn..........................Rebecca J. Anderson Centurion Salek............................Adam Gilchrist Lt. Maverint Slike.........................Steve Mahler Lt. (JG) Konnu.............................Russ Foubert Moriarty...................................Rebecca J. Anderson -------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Lt. (JG) Konnu Konnu managed to catch Jack as she fell faint to the floor. Konnu rested her head gently on the floor. He tapped his communicator. "Lt. Konnu to sickbay..." He waited for a reply. No reply. "Konnu to sickbay..." Still no response. Konnu turned to Salek. "Communications must still be out. Go to sick bay and tell them I will be bringing the Captain down." Konnu looked down at Jack's burnt and bleeding hands. "Tell them she has incurred electrical burns to her hands and forearms." "Right. I'll get Ensign Stone to remove the Borg... trash." Salek pivoted and ran out of the ready room. Konnu took what was left of his tunic and ripped it into long strips and carefully bandaged Picard's bleeding wounds. Then the Klingon heaved her into his arms and made for the door. On the bridge, Maverint looked with concern at the sight of the bare-chested Klingon carrying the motionless form of the Captain. "Konnu! What happened in there?" Slike asked. "Later." Konnu walked into the turbo lift. "Destinaaaashun-n-n-n?" The still malfunctioning computer blurted out as the doors closed. "Sickbay." Konnu growled. Suddenly, that male voice spoke again. "Oh dear... What has happened to Jacqueline?" "Look, whatever you are, " Konnu barked. "I will publish a novel about it after we get to sickbay." "I was only trying to express my concern for..." Konnu ignored the voice as the turbolift came to a rest, and the doors hissed open. He began a fast walk towards the sickbay. "Uhhh... What?!" Jack mumbled. As she opened her eyes, she found a Klingon looking at her. "Sorry, I did not mean to startle you." Konnu apologized. "Uh, that's okay... where are we?" "Just outside sickbay. Your hands were burnt." "Thanks for reminding me. I can't feel my fingers... ouch." "Here we are." Konnu set the Captain on her feet. "I would not embarrass you, by carrying you into the sickbay." "I don't understand." "You must show your strength and walk into the sickbay by yourself." "A Klingon thing right?" "Yes Captain. You bear your pain well." "I'm trying to." Jack tried to straighten her tunic but found her hands completely bandaged. "Get word to Mr. Slike to proceed to Starbase 643 at Warp 2." "Aye, Captain." Konnu turned to leave. "Lieutenant, thank you." "Qapla'!" Konnu made his way to his newly assigned quarters. The windows looked out towards the back of the ship, and provided a view overlooking the shuttlebays, aft torpedo launchers, and the room was filled with the reddish light of the Bussard Ramscoops on the Warp engines. Dark, red, and with a slight musty smell. "Just like home." Konnu said to no one. The room was sparsely furnished, but that would change when he received his personal belongings from the _Pach'Iw_. He wondered if his brother, Krador, knew that he survived the Borg... They would have quite a celebration during the _Enterprise_'s layover. Then there was the unpleasant business of the memorial services that had to be planned for Martinez, Wolffe and Morden. That would have to wait for the moment. Konnu was tired. When the Borg had appeared, he had already completed two shifts in the _Pach'Iw_. The Klingons had chased the Borg for five hours after that, until meeting the _Enterprise_... Konnu hadn't slept for over a day. Konnu paged the bridge and relayed the Captain's instructions to Maverint. He yawned a growl and moved towards the bed. He grunted in disgust. A mattress! He flung the mattress off of the bed and lay down on the hard surface underneath. The Federation certainly made comfortable beds... Konnu awoke to the sound of the alarm he had programmed to wake him. It was 0600 hours. It was too early. He sat up in bed and the alarm turned off. He had only gotten about 4 hours of sleep, but it would have to do. He wanted to start his first day as Chief of Security early. There would be some procedures to familiarize himself with, actually, he had to become familiar with the whole ship. He groaned after realizing that the should have given himself more time. The humans seem to have this thing about personal hygiene, which included... bathing! Security station one: 0700 hours. Konnu walked into the Security Station. He passed the empty brigs, and came upon the only person on duty at the guard's post. The guard stood at attention. "At ease, Ensign..." "Sarah Hickock, sir." Konnu looked at the empty brigs. "A most dangerous post, wouldn't you say?" "The only danger is falling asleep and getting caught by the new Chief of Security, sir. Pleasure meeting you sir." They shook each other's hand. "I'll show you to your office, sir." The slender Hickock led Konnu through an area of work stations, where the security personnel worked. Konnu noticed a plaque on the wall. " `The Precinct' ?" Konnu asked. "Oh, it's a bit of a joke around here sir. A long time ago, on Earth, Police stations used to be called `Precincts'. Lt. Morden thought of it. If you want me to take it down..." "No. It will remind us of him, and of his valiant sacrifice. The plaque will stay." "Very good, sir." Konnu noticed a bit of drawl in Hickock's speech. "Where are you from Ensign Hickock?" "New West Virginia, Earth, sir. Here we are." A glass door opened, and the two walked into the Security Chief's office. There was a box by the door, probably filled with Morden's personal effects. On the wall was a large tactical display of the _Enterprise_. From this room, all Security related functions could be monitored and controlled. Konnu picked up a hand held PADD computer from the desk. "Ensign Hickock, I will need an assistant. I would like you to fill this position." "Really?" Her eyes betrayed excitement. "Thank you Chief? I can call you Chief can't I sir?" "That would be fine. Assemble security division one in holodeck three at 0900 hours. I want to `assess' their combat readiness." "Yes sir. Is there anything else Chief?" "No. Dismissed Ensign." Konnu sat down behind a large desk with many displays on it. Ensign Hickock was a blur of shoulder length black hair as she rushed to make preparations. Konnu concentrated on the PADD's display. He was reading the recent General Log entries: E.T.A. Starbase 643: 56 hours, 34 minutes. Medical officer report: Capt. J. Picard responded well to treatment. Assigned to bed rest for 24 hours. Lt. Cmdr Nikctalos D'pyrann returned to active status. Engineering report: All systems normal. Level 1 diagnostics being run on all systems. Require dilithium crystal restructure at Starbase 643. Require Cloaking systems maintenance at Starbase 643. Shuttle replacement scheduled in 64 hours, 12 minutes. Location: Starbase 643. Konnu added in a security report: Security report: Memorial services for Ensign Martinez, Ensign Wolffe, and Lt. Morden scheduled at 1600 hours today. Holodeck 2. He then concentrated on the headlines in the GNN database. Peace? Federation, Klingons, and Romulans to sign joint peace treaty in 1 month. Details on screen 4456-A. Who's the enemy? The past century has seen the three greatest powers in this quadrant form peaceful relations with each other: The Federation, Klingon Empire, Romulan Star Empire will be one happy family next month. Who will our adversaries be? Catch the complete Adversary report on Screen 697856-B. To'ntro Blejabs wins the Galactic series! Relive the Holo-ball Champ's roller coaster ride to the top. See screen 445865-S(ports). Suddenly, a new entry was added to the newsbase. The latest Borg invasion repulsed! U.S.S. _Enterprise_ returns triumphant to Starbase 643, with no significant losses. Experts hopeful that new strategies can be employed. See the minute by minute details on screen 321189-A. Konnu was disgusted. No significant losses! The news travelled so fast it was `warped' far beyond the truth journalism was supposed to represent. Suddenly, Konnu's communicator was paged. "Lieutenant Konnu, this is Doctor N'dok. Could you please report to the Sickbay... There's been a murder." From: Lt. (JG) Konnu Konnu had Ensign Hickock postpone the skills assessment, and meet him in the sickbay. Dr. James N'Dok led the two into an operating room, and sealed the doors. "The deceased is Lt. Surnal, from Engineering. His current assignment was in the Environmental systems team. The time of death was approximately 0230 hours last night. Cause of death..." N'Dok pulled the sheet off of the top half of the body. "Projectile penetration of the upper brain. Death was instantaneous." James showed Konnu the projectile which had been removed from Surnal's head. "A... bullet?" Hickock suggested. "That's kind of primitive." "Yes, but with the proper type of delivery system, a gun, it would be undetectable to the ship's computer. A phaser would have set off the alarms." informed Konnu. "Ah, but that isn't all Lieutenant. A post-mortem scan revealed high concentrations of UniTheriEdelene, or UTE in the subject's body." "UTE? The use of that drug is illegal in all but the most barbaric cultures in the Quadrant..." Konnu remarked. "Its euphoric and strength enhancing qualities are quite attractive for some." N'Dok said. "Yeah," Hickock started, "it's ability to rapidly cause insanity or death must also be quite attractive. 1 in 3 go nuts after permanent addiction." "The question remains:" Konnu growled, "How did such a drug get aboard the ship? The transporters would detect any such drug..." "Another question for you to ponder Konnu:" N'Dok's face grew quite serious. "How are these people administering the drug? It has to be injected with a hypo-sprayer." "Did you check your stock of medical hypos?" Konnu asked. "Of course. They are all accounted for." the Doctor replied. "A hypo is a very delicate instrument isn't doctor?" Hickock said. "It couldn't be replicated in conventional replicators." "Well, a hypo consists of four main parts. Three of which could be made in a common replicator. But unless you had the specific schematics and a hotwired replicator, there's no way any one could make the injector mechanism." N'Dok covered up the body. "Why don't we try?" said Konnu. Several hours later, the threesome had rewired one of the sickbay's replicators, and had programmed it to replicate an injector mechanism. N'Dok began the process while Konnu and Hickock monitored the procedure with their tricorders. So much power was involved that the replicator began to smoke. Finally, after several seconds of agonized humming an injector mechanism sprang into existence on the now deceased replicator's terminal. N'Dok examined the instrument. "Hmm. This thing is good for at best, four maybe five injections." "After which, a new injector unit would have to be made. Doctor, how frequently would an addict take an injection?" Konnu asked. "I'm not quite sure. Perhaps two to three day intervals, during the early stages. I'd have to say every day after prolonged usage. Either that or a person would have to increase the dosage to prolong the use of their homemade hypo." "Ensign Hickock..." Konnu called. "Chief?" "Take our tricorder readings and scan all replicator power records since the ship's last layover in Starbase." "Why a Starbase layover?" "It's my guess that the last supply of narcotics was brought aboard the ship not through a transporter, but through a docking hatch. No one would have been looking for contraband then." "Wow. Do you think the underworld is involved?" "I do not know. Also, look for any replicator replacements ordered recently. Go over all the logs and security records over last night. Maybe we can find out who killed Surnal." "I'll get right on it, Chief." With that Ensign Hickock left the sickbay. Konnu turned to James. "Doctor, this is a highly delicate investigation. I'm must ask you not to reveal anything that has happened to anyone, even the Captain." "Jack would never...!" N'Dok protested. "I know. Nevertheless, procedure dictates that everyone is under suspicion. Hopefully this will be over soon Doctor." "Let's hope so. I bring you an autopsy report later on today, Lieutenant." "Thank you doctor. One more thing, perhaps you can tell one person... The Borg." "Nikctalos? Of course he's the only one on the ship who could never be affected by UTE, but why?" "Perhaps Surnal knew too much for his own good. You must agree that we know too much ourselves... If we should go the way of Surnal, Nikctalos would be able to continue the investigation." "All right, enough." James said. "You're really depressing me." "Sorry. I will see you at the memorial service then?" "Of course Lieutenant." Security Station One: 1530 hours. Maverint Slike walked into Konnu's office. He was wearing his ceremonial uniform for the memorial service to be held in half an hour. Konnu, in his ceremonial uniform, with his warrior's sash proudly displayed across his chest, rose and offered his good friend a seat. Konnu polarized the windows to his office so that no one could look into the office from outside. Privacy was assured. Konnu, knowing that his friend was completely trustworthy, gave Maverint a brief description of the drug problem onboard the ship. Konnu took the slug that had killed Surnal from a drawer in his desk and gave it to Maverint. Maverint shared his father's interest in marksmanship and the collection of rare and antique firearms. Slike investigated the bullet. "Hmmm... Looks like a 5.56 mm. Here! See these grooves here in the side?" Maverint showed Konnu. "They are from a device called a silencer. Good silencers completely muffle the explosive noise of a gun. This was used at point blank range... the silencer really reduces range." "Well, so far, that's all that we could discern. Can you see anything we missed?" "Uh.... I don't think so... wait! Here! There's a small burn mark at the back end of the bullet. A gun made of composite materials really heats up a bullet when fired. That's the only way a bullet could be scarred like that. The murder weapon must have been quite a piece of work. No metal parts to be detected by. It probably separates into pieces that can be easily concealed. Good luck trying to find this gun buddy." "You should wish us both luck Maverint." said Konnu grimly. "My aide has found some log evidence which point to 8 people possibly involved in this unpleasant business. We need evidence before we can make any charges though, and the best evidence we can get is the next shipment of UTE into this ship." "Well, that should be no problem. There are only two ways into the ship. The transporters would be out of the question, and no doubt you'll have personnel scanning at all the docking ports while we're at Starbase 643. I don't see how any UTE could make it into the ship." "Surnal was killed for a reason. Perhaps he was going to reveal his problem to us, and to avoid implication, someone shot Surnal. There's just too many possible explanations for his death right now, but two things are certain. 1 - We aren't scheduled for another Starbase layover for 5 months. The addicts will want to stock up on UTE before we leave Starbase 643. 2 - The killer knows the death of Surnal has alerted us. He knows that the docking ports will be guarded. However, Starbase 643 presents a unique opportunity for him to get his shipment of UTE." Konnu passed Maverint his PADD computer. The shuttle replacement time was displayed. "Oh, smooth. Real smooth. They're going to bring the drugs in on the new shuttle!" Maverint deduced. "As soon as that shuttle touches down, you are going to board it to perform a `routine' flight safety inspection." "Oh really? And where are you going to be?" "Don't worry. You'll have a tricorder to record everything you find. I'll get you a concealable phaser..." "Wait... I said where are you going to be?" "Don't worry Maverint. I'll have you covered." "Well, it's not like I have anything else to do..." A sudden beep emanated from Konnu's desk. It was 1550 hours. Time to go to the memorial service. "We'll talk about this later." Konnu said. Together the friends left for holodeck two and the memorial service. From: Capt. Jacqueline Picard Jack swam out of unconsciousness slowly, to find herself lying on soft grass in the warm sunlight. The sky above her was cloudless, as blue as any sky she had ever seen. Close by, a troupe of beech trees, graceful as dancers, stretched out their arms and rustled their green leaves at her as if in welcome. She could feel the grass beneath her hands, feel it prickling through her uniform. But her head was raised up, pillowed on something firm and smooth and oddly warm. She tilted her head back, opened her eyes, and found herself looking up at Moriarty. He smiled down at her and brushed a strand of hair from her face with a quick but strangely gentle gesture. "Where--where am I?" she asked. She wanted to move, but her body ached all over; she couldn't make her muscles work. And somehow it was good, too, to lie here with her head in Moriarty's lap, feel his strong hands stroking her hair, watch the familiar- unfamiliar face he had chosen for himself in all its subtle nuances of expression. Why had he chosen that face? It was not a handsome face: the eyes were too narrow, the nose too hooked, the mouth thin-lipped and almost cruel, hidden in the close-trimmed beard like a dangerous secret. It was a face with character rather than beauty, its aspect one of powerful, almost ruthless intellect. Yet it had life, and humour, and by some miracle it could even be tender-- like now. "Jacqueline," he said. The voice was deep, clear, perfectly enunciated as a trained Shakespearean actor's. And yet there was nothing artificial about it, nothing forced. "I persuaded your crew to let you rest here a while. They would have preferred Sick Bay or your quarters, of course, but I suggested you might benefit from a more fully relaxing environment. I hope, Madam, that I have not been presumptuous in anticipating the sort of thing you might find most pleasant to wake up to." She was too exhausted to argue about anything with anybody. "It's... fine," she murmured. She wanted to ask what he thought he was doing here, what made him think he had the right to hold her and to look at her like this, but she couldn't find the words. "Moriarty," she said, "what... why are..." The dark eyes hypnotized her then, and she forgot what she'd meant to ask. Suddenly it just seemed eminently sensible for her to be lying in the middle of a field of daisies with her head in the lap of the ship's computer. No, no, she shouldn't think of him that way; he wasn't, not really. What was Moriarty, anyhow? Part fictional creation, part holographic persona, partly a character of his own invention, and possessing control of the totality of the _Enterprise_'s computer functions... there had never been anyone else like Moriarty, and never would be again. Was that why she found him so fascinating? Perhaps. But how did that explain his fascination with her? Why did he speak her name in a way that nobody else on the whole ship, nobody else in her whole life, had ever spoken it? What did he want from her? And why was his face suddenly so close to hers? Jack sat bolt upright in her bed, clutching the covers against her, the memory of Moriarty's kiss burning on her mouth as if it had been real, and not a dream at all. She shook her head and pushed her hands through her hair, staring at her own white, scared face in the cheval-glass opposite. What on earth was she thinking of? Where had she managed to come up with a crazy dream like _that_? Obviously she had been under far too much pressure lately. To dream about being kissed by Moriarty, she'd have to have something seriously wrong with her mind. She resolved to ask T'Pryn about it tomorrow. The great advantage in Counsellors, especially Vulcan ones, was their complete confidentiality. And the most comforting thing of all was that she could be absolutely sure T'Pryn wouldn't laugh at her. Which was more than she could say for herself. With a little, rueful grin at her own weird imagination, Jack lay down again and pulled the covers over her head. By the time morning came, she'd have forgotten the whole thing. She hoped. By the next day Jack's hands seemed to be mostly healed, if still a little stiff. She could still feel fatigue tugging at the edges of her mind, and according to James she was supposed to spend another 12 hours in bed, but the inescapable, ruthless sense that she was abandoning her duty to the _Enterprise_ forced her out of bed at a tidy 0700 hours. She read and made notes on a couple of Psalms, whispered a prayer, dressed herself carefully, ate a light breakfast and then headed for the bridge. "Captain!" said Barnabas in surprise when she appeared in the turbolift door. "You're--" "Yes, I know," said Jack. "But I couldn't stay in bed. You know me." "All too well," said Barnabas dryly. But he did move out of the Captain's chair and let her sit down. "So, what's the current state of affairs?" she said. "Commander Scott reported all computer functions back to normal as of 0600 hours. The Borg didn't do the computer any damage, they just rerouted or blocked some of the bitstreams to suit their purposes." "Good," said Jack. "Lt. Surnal failed to report to Engineering for duty. Dr. N'Dok has him down in Sick Bay. He's dead, but we don't know what of yet. The Doctor says he's still working on the report, but that he is certain there is no threat of contagion." "That's a relief, anyway." "Yes. The only other major event is the funeral for Lt. Morden and Ensigns Wolffe and Martinez to be held on Holodeck Two at 1600 hours. I was going to conduct it, but since you're up..." Jack nodded. "I will take that responsibility. Thank you for your report, Number One." The funeral was a brief and simple one. Jack chose Westminster Cathedral as the setting, as befitting officers who had died valiantly in the line of battle. Well, perhaps it was a little extravagant, but it wasn't the _real_ Westminster Cathedral, and she was sure the families of the deceased would be touched by the gesture. The officers, in full dress uniform, surrounded the three caskets--which were purely symbolic, of course, as the bodies had been vaporized in the Borg attack. Jack gave a brief speech about the finer qualities of each officer, and how the crew would miss their presence on the _Enterprise_. There really wasn't anything more she could say than that, but as the crew filed silently out of the holodeck she couldn't shake the feeling that she ought to have said _something_. "You shouldn't be here," chided James as he followed her down the hall toward the turbolift. "I told you to stay in bed." "I am sufficiently rested to carry out my duties," Jack told him. "And my hands are healing well. Don't worry. I know my limitations, and I _am_ pacing myself, James. I know as well as you do that a ship can't function too well with a burned-out Captain." James looked dubious. Jack decided to change the subject: "How is the report on Lt. Surnal going?" The Doctor blanched. "Um... fine. I'm just compiling the report. I've had a lot of other things to do, so it may be a little while." "But there's no threat to the rest of the crew." "What killed Lt. Surnal," said James a little too carefully, "wasn't something anybody else could catch, I can say that much." He was hiding something. "James, what have you found?" "I can't tell you yet. Please--" he lowered his voice-- "just trust me, okay? I swear I'll tell you as soon as I can. This _is_ according to Starfleet Regulations, Jack. I'm not out of line." "I trust you," said Jack. "I'll await your report." She quickened her stride, leaving him behind so that she could be alone with her thoughts. He hadn't needed to tell her what was going on. She could guess. There was really only one kind of death that would produce this kind of reticence in a Chief Medical Officer. Jack was just glad James knew her well enough not to take her seriously as a suspect. She was also glad to have found an explanation for all the skulking around Lt.'s Konnu and Slike were doing. Well, she'd leave them to it. From: Capt. Jacqueline Picard Three days had passed since the end of the Borg encounter. Jack, alert and well-rested, her hands now completely healed, sat in the Captain's chair and watched as Maverint Slike expertly piloted the ship toward the Starbase sprawling out before them. Starbase 643 was one of the Federation's largest bases, equipped with full starship repair facilities and a docking bay so huge it could accommodate four or five _Enterprise_-sized ships and still have room to spare. It housed several scientific facilities of great renown, including the Federation's foremost propulsion lab, where the newest warp technology was tested. Admiral Hethor and his staff presided over the Starbase with an efficiency that had made Hethor one of the most respected officers in all of Starfleet. It also meant that the crew of the _Enterprise_ was in for a tough review. Jack closed her eyes. Just as she was getting used to being Captain, too... just as she was starting to like it. It hardly seemed fair, but then, it was not her place to question Starfleet's judgment in these matters. She only hoped the new Captain would be easy to get along with. Since Gabriele had been summoned back to HQ for review, her judgment in selecting officers for the _Enterprise_ was also in question. What would happen to Nikctalos, Salek, and T'Pryn? Jack would stand behind them 100%--especially after how invaluable each one of them had proved during the Borg crisis--but she wondered if Hethor and his staff would be as impressed with them as she was. Well, at least Barnabas, James and Mac had nothing to fear. Their sterling reputations and non-controversial background would make their part of the review a breeze. Barnabas would have to go back to being at Ops when Jack resumed her duties as First Officer, of course... would he feel the same way she felt when that happened? He had been a fine First Officer, and she had been almost positive he'd enjoyed it--as much as Barnabas Cole could be said to enjoy anything. "The Starbase is hailing us," said Salek, interrupting her thoughts. "On screen, Mr. Salek." Jack straightened the tunic of her uniform and sat up stiffly in her chair as the yellow-eyed, vaguely feline-looking face of Admiral Hethor appeared. "To Starbase 643 you are welcome," trilled the Admiral. "Heard we have of your battle with the Borg. Our safety to you we owe, Acting Captain Picard." "My crew responded most bravely to the unexpected crisis," said Jack. "I am very pleased with their performance. I trust that you will find likewise." The almond-shaped eyes narrowed. "That shall we see, Commander." There was a very faint emphasis on Jack's proper title, and inwardly she groaned. No, this wasn't going to be easy. "Cleared you are for entry to Docking Bay 1," said Hethor crisply. "Report you will to me all senior officers at 1300 hours. Hethor out." The image faded. "Take us in, Lieutenant," said Jack to Maverint. The Lieutenant nodded, flicked a hand over the touchpad, and the _Enterprise_ glided toward the open docking bay under impulse power. As they headed in they met another ship coming out, the U.S.S. _Bonaventure_. It was an old Olympus-class ship, and quite disconcertingly huge. Jack had seen Olympus-class ships before, but there was something different about this one--a number of things different, actually. Still, not until it had lumbered past them and all but vanished in the starry blackness did she remember what she had read about the _Bonaventure_: Starfleet was using it to test the new Gravity-Warp technology. Not that long ago she'd read a paper by the renowned Dr. Kethkin, head of the team that developed the drive, in which he spoke of how the _Bonaventure_'s overhead warp engine made it ideal for projection of the warp field necessary to initiate G-Warp. It looked as though the _Enterprise_ had arrived at Starbase 643 just in time to witness G-Warp testing in its final stages. She exchanged a glance with Barnabas and knew that he was thinking the same thing. Then the _Enterprise_ swam into the immense docking bay, and the Starbase swallowed it up. From: Lt. Konnu Maverint skillfully piloted the _Enterprise_ through the vast interior of the space dock. Mav stopped the ship in its designated berth, right beside the U.S.S. _Paladin_, an Aegis class carrier. The _Paladin_ was easily a match for size with the _Enterprise_. The carrier had a contingent of 90 space fighters aboard which made it easy to see why it was one of the most powerful ships in the fleet. Presently, the _Paladin_ was ferrying the Brass around. Things were really moving quickly for the peace treaty signing in two months' time. When the time came, the _Paladin_ and the _Enterprise_ would be escorted into Romulan space, through the Neutral Zone and all the way to Romulus, the homeworld of the Romulans. Then, all of the Brass would be aboard the _Enterprise_, including the President of the United Federation of Planets. Tradition dictated that such a historic document should be signed on the Flagship of the fleet. "All moorings secured. All gangways, locked on and pressurized." reported Nikctalos. "Wait..." "What's wrong?" said Barnabas as he walked over to Nikctalos at Ops. "Security teams have taken position at all exterior gangways. No order for such activity has been given by Acting Captain Picard or yourself, Commander Cole." informed the Borg. "What's going on?" Cole thought aloud. "I think this has something to do with our new Chief of Security," said Jack. The turbolift door hissed open and Ensign Stone walked onto the bridge. "Captain, Commander..." Stone began. His face was covered in perspiration. "I'm sorry to disturb you, but has anyone seen Lieutenant Konnu, or Ensign Hickock today? I've looked all over the ship, and I found their communicators on the Lieutenant's desk, in Security." Barnabas shot Picard a blank look. Jack turned towards Stone to reply. "Sorry, Ensign. The Chief of Security is probably hard at work someplace where he doesn't need interruptions. If he needs you he'll most likely come for you. Can you tell us why security teams are in place at all of the gangways to the Starbase?" asked Jack. "uh.. Sorry Captain. When we all showed up this morning in Security. Our orders of the day were already posted. Searching for contraband at all exits was on the list of things to do..." answered Stone. "Permission to be dismissed Captain? The new shuttle is coming over shortly, and I have to do a flight check on it." "Very well. Please tell us when Lieutenant Konnu wants to search the ship and interrogate us all." Jack quipped. She never liked being in the dark about anything. Stone was almost at the turbolift when Maverint spoke. "Captain, may I inspect the shuttle?" asked Maverint. "May I ask why?" said the Captain. "It's alright Lieutenant Slike... uh, I can take care of it." stumbled Stone. "No, I insist. I think that if the shuttles were inspected more frequently by the people who have to fly them, problems might be picked up better than by a regular sensors scan. No offense, Ensign, but Security officers don't fly shuttles, I do. Martinez did," said Maverint. Konnu was right. The reference to Martinez struck home with the Captain. It was imperative that Maverint was the first person to look at the shuttle, but Picard did not know that. "Ensign, we have to give Mr. Slike something to do now that we're docked for awhile. Go about your other duties Mr. Stone. Maverint, go look at your shuttle," decreed Jack. Maverint followed Stone into the Turbolift. Jack sighed. When was she going to find out what was happening? A beep from Salek's position. "Captain, a message for you from Admiral Hethor," reported Salek. "In my ready room please." said Jack. What could the Admiral want now? Jack sat down at her ready room's desk. How long would she be able to remain on this side of the desk? Would she be the Captain of the _Enterprise_ when it pulled out of the Starbase? Admiral Hethor would have the answers to those questions. It was still thirty minutes away from the Admiral's original meeting scheduled for 1300 hours. What could he want now? Jack accessed the terminal on her desk. "Once more Commander, greetings." began the Admiral. "Hello Admiral. Do you want to begin the crew review early?" asked Jack. "Anxious you are." Jack thought she saw a smile trickle from the Catian Admiral's mouth. "1300 hours is our meeting scheduled. Deviate from schedule will we not. Unexpectedly some free time have I found. Never before have I seen a Class-Nova Starship." "I see... You want the nickel tour of the only active Nova Class starship." Jack was somewhat relieved. "I am prepared to meet you at Gangway-2, for your visit." "Much thanks, Commander. Awaiting you will I be. Hethor out..." The display screen flickered into blackness. Picard got up from her seat and looked out the window. The replacement shuttle `Kepler' was flying to the shuttle bay. Off in the distance, an old Excelsior class starship was being scuttled. Jack noticed two of the workers in their EVA suits begin to move towards the _Enterprise_. Curious... Suddenly, Jack remembered about the security teams in place at all of the Gangways... Some welcome the Admiral would receive... getting frisked as he came aboard! She hurriedly left the ready room and made for Gangway-2. Maverint cast a sideways glance at Ensign Stone. The man was sweating as if he were a raincloud. His uniform was practically soaked. The turbolift stopped one deck above the shuttlebay. Stone quickly moved out of the transportation device. Maverint noticed an oddly shaped bulge underneath the back of Stone's tunic. The doors hissed shut and Maverint continued down one deck to the shuttlebay. As Slike entered the shuttlebay, the door-hatch on the new shuttle, `Kepler' opened and the pilot walked out. The pilot from the Starbase gave Maverint a scrutinous look. The man walked to a small lift and rode it up to the control booth which overlooked the shuttlebay. Strangely, the windows of the control booth had been polarized. Slike could only make out a few shadowy forms moving around in the booth... about six or seven. Hadn't Konnu mentioned something about nine or ten possible suspects? Maverint silently wondered where Konnu was. He walked into the shuttle and closed the hatch. As soon as the hatch had shut, Maverint walked into the cockpit area and began to scan the craft with his tricorder. He passed the device over the pilot and copilot seats. Nothing. He moved towards the back of the shuttle. The tricorder beeped a few notes. Maverint passed the scanning tricorder over the passenger benches. The tricorder bleated out a confused symphony of beeping and shrieking. Maverint pushed back the starboard seat to access the storage area which should contain survival gear. Instead of enviroment suits, medical kits and ration packs, there were dozens of vials of U.T.E. suspended in small racks. Maverint's eyes widened... there was at least 3 Mega-Credits worth of UTE in this shuttle! He double checked to make sure the Tricorder was recording all of this. Maverint picked up a vial of UTE. The substance looked like Mercury. It was silvery, opaque... like a tiny mirror. Maverint regarded himself in the liquid. Suddenly, he noticed a figure moving in the liquid's relfective surface... There was a person behind him! Mav wheeled around and hurled the vial into the assailant's face. The woman shrieked in pain as shards of glass splintered into her eyes. The blonde-haired woman was clad in an EVA suit. Maverint noticed that she had been hiding in the storage area on the port side of the shuttle. The woman was on the floor grasping her face. Maverint picked up her weapon, a stun phaser. Thinking quickly, Maverint stunned the woman with the weakly powered phaser. Konnu stared into the shuttle bay. Through the visor of his EVA suit's helmet he could see a person exit the shuttle that Maverint had entered. That person was also wearing an EVA suit. The mystery person's helmet was polarized, his, or her identity a secret. This was not good. Maverint had entered the shuttle, then five people had come down from the control booth to surrond the shuttle's hatch. They were clearly brandishing weapons. To add to the mayhem, this mystery person in an EVA suit had appeared... What had happened to Maverint? Konnu saw one of the five that had descended from the control booth approach the mystery person. The person, obviously from the science division due to his blue and black tunic, offered a small case to the EVA person. The EVA person took the case and made for the still open hangar door. Suddenly a man in a yellow and black tunic began pointing at the EVA person. It was Ensign Stone! Without warning, the EVA person threw the case into the face of the man who had originally offered the case to him, and skillfully shot two of the other people on the deck. The EVA person then ignited the thrusters on the EVA suit and flew across the deck and behind a pile of heavy cargo containers, all the while the other persons were firing at him. Konnu gave the signal to Hickock who was also in an EVA suit not more than 5 metres from Konnu. Together, they rocketed towards the shuttle bay. Konnu hit the deck of the shuttle bay and rolled. when he came out of the roll he fired his phaser on heavy stun and nailed the fourth attacker on the deck. The Klingon saw the fifth person fire and hit Hickock in the arm. Konnu growled an ancestral war cry and fired at the fifth person. His shot, combined with the shot from the wounded Hickock threw the remaining attacker into the wall, and after a loud cracking noise, the attacker fell limp to the floor. Konnu threw off his helmet and ran to Hickock. "Are you hit bad?" asked Konnu. "I'll make it, Chief. Just a burning phaser." said Ensign Hickock as she struggled to remove her helmet. "I think there's at least two more of them in the control booth..." Konnu looked up and saw Stone and the shuttle pilot taking aim with their phasers. Three phaser shots hit the control booth, the resulting explosion sent razor sharp pieces of instrumentation flying into the shuttle pilot. The blast knocked Stone to the floor of the control booth. Konnu and Hickock looked towards a pile of cargo containers and saw that their attack was supplemented by Maverint. Slike ditched his EVA's helmet and walked towards the security officers. "Next time, tell me to look for assasins hidden onboard a shuttle loaded with narcotics!" yelled Maverint. "You whine too much!" growled Konnu. "Besides, that was no `assassin'. Judging from the stunner you took from the person, I'd say our unexpected friend was a courier. That case you were given..." Konnu retrieved the case and opened it. It was full of credit chips, and data crystals. "They pay for their drugs with credits and information. These data crystals most likely contain confidential information about the _Enterprise_." Konnu set the case down. "Alright, if I was supposed to be the `courier' why did they start shooting at me?" asked Maverint. "That's easy, sir," drawled Hickock. "You didn't open the case to inspect its contents. A courier would always check to see that the payment was there." Maverint nodded in agreement to Hickock's explanation. It made sense. You would want to know you were being paid 3,000,000 credits for the UTE. A bizarre laugh suddenly filled the shuttlebay. The three looked up to the control booth to see Stone drop something to the floor below. Stone turned and ran into the hallways, laughing like a maniac. Maverint dove and slid across the floor to where Stone's object had dropped. He fiddled with something, and then got up. He was holding Stone's phaser. Konnu and Hickock could tell from the way that the phaser was smoking that it had been set to overload. Maverint dropped the burnt-out phaser to the floor. Konnu turned to Hickock. "Get down to the security station. Sound red alert, and seal all of the gangways... deactivate all of the transporters... seal off the saucer section, and monitor Lt. Slike and myself." "Right away chief!" responded as Hickock ran ot of the shuttlebay clutching her wounded arm. "Monitor us? Where are we going Konnu?" Maverint nervously asked. "After Stone, of course." Slike and Konnu ignited the thrusters on their EVA suits and flew up and into the control booth. They then began to hunt for Stone. "Sorry Admiral. Orders say every person entering or leaving the ship must be searched." Said Ensign Gerrold. He passed his tricorder over the protesting Admiral, just as Picard rounded the corner to meet the Admiral. "Alright, Admiral. You're clean sir." reported Ensign Gerrold. "Inform you of that myself, I could have. Hmmmph!" spat the Admiral. Catians really hated being scanned, it was against their religious beliefs. Admiral Hethor turned to Picard. "This indignity, the nature of which you will explain!" "My apologies Admiral. My security officer is currently involved in a sensitive investigation. This is only a routine precaution, I assure you." said Jack. "An affair internal presume I. Unbroken are laws at Starbase 643." stated the Admiral. Jack was somewhat shocked by the Admiral's implication that the 120,000 people on the Starbase were uncorruptable. "I will file a report to you, Admiral, as soon as I receive a report myself. Now if you will follow me, I will take you to the bridge." "Acceptable that is. Oh, Admiral Data, his greetings conveys. Visit you he would if he was not preoccupied extremely." "Well, maybe he might find some time for a visit. I haven't talked to the Admiral for quite some time." said Jack. They had left the gangway far behind and were coming to the turbolift. Suddenly, the hall was illuminated with the all too familiar glare of Red-Alert. The Klaxxons were blaring their usual song. A strange, laughing sound came from down the hall. Konnu and Maverint had an easy time of following Stone. He was obviously bleeding. Maverint and Konnu rounded a corner and saw Stone running down the hall in front of them. they raised their weapons and fired. The heavy stun beams hit Stone in the back. There were no obvious effects. Stone continued running. Maverint threw the useless stun phaser to the floor. Konnu adjusted the power level on his phaser to setting 7. Setting 7 was the heaviest setting a Federation issue phaser could fire at while onboard a Starfleet ship. The phasers were all tied into the computer. A phaser could fire at full power, but its security protocol would have to be overridden by the Security office. Konnu hoped that Hickock would get to the Security station, and overide his phaser. Suddenly, Red alert was initiated. The hall was bathed in a red glow, and hunters and hunted were serenaded by the klaxxons. Stone was obviously affected by his addiction to UTE. Konnu doubted if setting 7 would get to Stone. Konnu fired. His beam hit Stone in the back of the head. Stone flew to the floor, but did not stay there long. The crazed Ensign quickly got up and drew a strange looking weapon from the back of his tunic. Maverint recognized the weapon, and kicked Konnu into a doorway, and threw himself into a doorway on the other side of the hall. Four loud shots rang out, as four bullets whizzed by the spot where the Klingon and his human friend had been standing only a moment before. It was obvious, by the noise, and increased range that Stone was no longer using the silencer on his gun. Stone laughed and turned down another hall. Konnu and Maverint gave chase. Suddenly there was shouting and a general commotion around the corner where Stone had gone. Konnu and Mav leaped around the corner and found that Stone had bumped into Admiral Hethor and Jacqueline Picard. Stone had grabbed the Admiral and was holding his gun to the temple of the feline like humanoid's head. Picard picked herself off of the floor, and joined Konnu and Maverint. She decided that she would comment on the EVA suits later. "Let the Admiral go Stone!" shouted Picard. "No way! I want a warp shuttle... and... and 4 million credits... and the UTE from the shuttle!" "Alright, we'll play it your way Stone." Picard stalled. "But the Admiral's health isn't too good... take me as your hostage!" "Tough luck! Hehehe... The good old Admiral's health is gonna be real bad if ya don't start listening to me! Now call off your guard dog there!" yelled Stone as he motioned towards Konnu. "...Dog! Let the Admiral go Stone so I can rip your arms off and beat you to death with them!" roared Konnu. Stone fired his gun at Konnu and hit the Klingon in the knee. Konnu fell in a heap on the floor. "Awwwww.... gee did I hurt the mean little puppy? Hahahahah!" laughed Stone. "Surnal was gonna come to you, you Klingon dog.... but looks like you're gonna go to him! Hahahaha!" "Stone, let the Admiral go, please... no one else has to get hurt!" pleaded Picard. "Give me what I want by the count of three, or... BANG! Instant kitty litter! Heheheh!" "Stone! Don't!" shouted Jack. "One....." A strange beeping noise from Konnu. "Two!" shouted Stone. His finger tensed on the trigger. Suddenly, Konnu's phaser flew into Maverint's hand. Maverint took aim.... "Three!" yelled Maverint as he fired. His phaser blast hit Stone in the center of the forehead. Stone shrieked as flew into the air, glowed orange-red and then dissipated into atomic mist. Stone's gun fell steaming to the floor. Jack rushed to the Admiral, who was badly shaken. Maverint sighed as he picked up Stone's gun and placed it into a utility pocket in his EVA suit. Then Mav looked at Konnu's phaser. Setting 16. A maximum power phaser shot that would have no problem dissolving 50 cubic metres of tritanium ore. Slike thanked the powers that be that his aim was true-- two centimetres to the right, and the whole deck would have smelt of burnt cat hair. Jack turned to Slike and Konnu. The Klingon was barely able to stand. "Lieutenant Slike, take Mr. Konnu down to sickbay, and remain there yourself. I will take the Admiral to the conference room, and come down in 10 minutes for a VERY GOOD explanation for all of this!" shouted Picard. She and the Admiral stormed away. "Do you need a hand?" asked Maverint. "I am fine. It is only a small cut. I can.. whoah!" Konnu promptly fell flat on his face. "Very well. You can help me." Maverint and the wounded Konnu were almost at the Sickbay. "Do you think she's...angry?" asked Konnu. "What do you think?" replied Maverint. "She's mad." Konnu grunted. His knee was really banged up. "By the way, why `Three'?" "What are you talking about?" "You said `Three' before you shot Stone." "Well, it was a tense moment...." "`Three!' Hahahaha!" laughed Konnu. "You're just jealous because Klingons are too dense to think of things to say in... I hope they have to cut your leg off!" "NO! They wouldn't!" For a moment, Konnu almost thought that his leg would be amputated, but then he realized Maverint was only getting back at him. "`Three'!" "Hack-Hack!" "`Three'! Haw-haw-haw!!!" "Hey! We could have tlhIngan'uS* for dinner tonight!" "The meat would be too tough for your weak human jaws to chew!" laughed Konnu. Dr. N'dok turned in surprise from attending Ensign Hickock's arm as Konnu and Maverint entered the Sickbay laughing hysterically. * tlhIngan'uS is Klingon for `leg of Klingon'. -Author. From: Maverint Slike Maverint bid his friend Konnu goodbye, as his slight injuries allowed him to leave the sickbay soon after a simple inspection by the good doctor. Maverint snickered to himself thinking back on his comment to Konnu and his friend's surprisingly good natured reaction to it. "I never thought he'd be one to laugh at himself like that..." Mav smiled to himself as he walked down the corridor on his way back to his quarters. The doors to Maverint's quarters hissed open and he walked through into the living area. Mav threw himself down into his easy chair, snickering just a little more, letting his arms and legs relax and fall over the sides of the chair. His laughter subsided quickly, but Maverint still felt the rush of adrenalin through his system. Immediately a trip to play his custom holodeck program popped into his mind... While Maverint was growing up, his father had made sure his son had been given a taste of everything life had to offer. He would take Mav to play sports, out to listen to classical music in the grand halls in their colony, and any other culturally enriching activity he could expose Maverint to. Maverint grew to appreciate the arts and develop the desire to try as hard as he could at everything he tried, but of all the goings-on in Maverint's early life, he had only one great fascination. Maverint's father was an avid collector and part-time practitioner in the use of weapons and his collection was something fantastical to Mav. Among his father's vast collection could be found swords and knives used in some of the greatest assassinations in recorded history, as well as firearms that had brought peace, or war, to worlds. Some of the pieces dated back as far as the early twentieth century, but there was one piece in particular that captured Maverint's attention. Maverint's favourite piece was an old Mark I Phaser Rifle, according to his father to have been used by the famous Captain James Tiberius Kirk on the planet Delta Vega. Seeing his son's interest piqued by something, even if it was something as questionable to Mav's mother as weaponry, he didn't discourage it, knowing the value of being able to defend oneself in the depths of space. Maverint's father agreed to teach his son the use of the weapons when he proved he could handle the responsibility. Maverint thought that everyone had one thing that they were the best at, and he decided that he was going to be the best phaser marksman in the quadrant... to start. After a couple years, and at an age that was 'far too young' as far as his mother was concerned, Maverint went for his first trip to a target range. The first time Maverint used a hand held phaser at that target range, his father could see his son had a truly uncommon 'eye' for it. With his father's encouragement and support, as well as years of self-imposed, relentless practice and entering sharp-shooting competitions, Maverint earned enough trophies to start a collection of his own. After his marriage to Kate and subsequent appointment to the _Enterprise_, Maverint only kept with him the Mark VII Phaser Rifle his father gave him when he graduated the academy, leaving his collection of markmen phasers and trophies in his room at home for his father to take care of... and proudly show off to his friends. Maverint jumped up from his chair and walked into the bedroom. He walked over to his dresser and depressed the lock release on the drawer, the drawer opening silently and the black metal case inside gathered the dim light of the room into a glint. Maverint moved the case over to the bed and opened it gently, like a monk would care for an age-old manuscript. Lifting the Mark VII Laser Rifle out of its moulded foam casing, he ran his usual checks over the frame for scratches as well as the inner mechanics for any problems. Satisfied with his diagnostics, Maverint changed into his exercise suit and shortly ended up standing in front of the com panel for Holodeck 5. "Computer, load program Slike 1." Maverint said quickly, almost tripping over the words in his rush. "Program loaded. Override for grav coils required." "Personal override code 8852." "Personal override code accepted. Adjusting internal holodeck grav coils simulate 1/6 normal gravity..." A few seconds passed. "Enter when ready." Maverint stepped in front of the doors as they opened, walked through the arch and stepped up to the ceiling... Maverint turned around in the air as the holodeck doors shut behind him. He had discovered the workout of his original program had become too boring with just the standard 'run-around-pick-them- off' style program locked into the computer memory. So Maverint engineered his own program designed around the jungle-like vegetation of Ordan but with the gravitatonal pull of the earth's moon. Having the backlash of the rifle to deal with, albeit very small but enough in the reduced gravity to push him forcefully backwards, helped to increase the demands of his agility and aim when dealing with the holographic monsters he had borrowed from his friend Konnu's library of Klingon mythology. Time never had a meaning to Maverint when he got really involved with the program. There was always another target to be had... all it had to do was pop up. Sometimes his obsession with his 'sport' would overshadow his conscience as to what he should be doing instead of practicing with his rifle. After what seemed to Maverint to be only about 20 minutes, but was in reality an hour and a half, the holodeck com beeped and Kate's voice carried through the holodeck. "Maverint? Are you there?" Maverint took the butt end of his rifle and thrust it into the dargos' stomach, or at least where its stomach would be if it had the same organization of organs as a human, turned, ran a step then jumped into the air. The dargos had just started to run on the ground after him, giving its screeching growl which still gave Mav a chill when he heard it. Mav twisted his body sideways in the air so he could get a shot off and fired his rifle after getting a 2 second glance backwards at the creature's position. The beam hit the creature square between the eyes seconds before Maverint slammed backwards into an Ganler tree and floated gently back to the floor. "No dear, of course not. I'll be right out..." Maverint panted as his feet settled on the 'floor'. "Arch." The door appeared a few feet away from him and he walked out into the corridor, still panting a little and smacking his lips, trying to get some moisture down his throat. "Computer, store program and discontinue." Kate stood in the middle of the corridor with her arms crossed, still in her blue medical duty uniform, her long brown hair down around her shoulders. She was tapping her boot on the floor slightly to give the impression of motherly impatience, her eyes glittered and her lips puckered when she talked. "Maverint Slike, you look like hell." she said in a stern motherly voice, a smirk now on her lips. "Gee, sorry Mom..." he replied. "My poor baby..." Kate said, giving Mav a hug. "Let's go back to quarters and relax." "I was relaxing..." Maverint said a little indignantly, but wisely understanding his wife wanted some time together. "So what happened to you today?" Kate asked as they walked slowly down the hall hand in hand. Maverint turned his head, looked at her and smiled. "How much time before your next shift?" From: Capt. Jacqueline Picard "Where is Lt. Slike?" asked Jack. Konnu was sitting on one of the examining tables, having his wounded knee cleansed and dermasealed. He looked up at her blankly. "He was discharged, Captain. His injuries were minor." "Of that I am quite aware, Mr. Konnu. However, in his enthusiasm to return to duty, he has forgotten the minor detail that I wished him to be present for this meeting." Konnu looked grim. "Then I owe you an apology, Captain. I should have prevented him from leaving, but the matter had escaped my memory as well." He paused, and Jack waited for the inevitable excuses: "We had a lot to think about... so much excitement... he needed to blow off some steam... his wife was worried about him..." But the excuses didn't come. Just that simple acknowledgement of guilt, that simple apology. Jack was impressed. She liked that in an officer. She didn't need them to think up excuses to make to her; she could think up excuses for them herself if she felt like it. Right now, despite the fact that she was officially annoyed, she was unofficially pleased with them both. Except for this little matter of forgetting a meeting with one's Captain, which wasn't something that should be let slip. Well, she would deal with that later. "Mr. Konnu, it seems to me that now is not the time to have our little talk. I will give you sufficient time to be properly treated and for Mr. Slike to return from wherever he might be at the moment. At 1100 hours I will see you both in my Ready Room. Is that understood?" "Perfectly, Captain," rumbled Konnu. "Good." She turned on her heel and left. "To _intolerable_ indignities absolutely subjected have been I." Hethor was literally bristling, and his speech was even more torturously backward than usual; he was clearly more agitated than he knew how to deal with. Jack helped him into the most comfortable chair she could find and breathed a silent prayer before replying in her calmest voice: "I can only offer you my sincere apology, Admiral. I myself was not aware of the seriousness of the investigation which my Acting Chief of Security was conducting with the help of Lt. Slike. Had I known of the danger, I would never have brought you to the _Enterprise_. May I get you some tea?" Hethor's yellow eyes narrowed to slits. "Think you that this problem solved will be by tea?" "No, but I could certainly use a cup to calm my nerves." Jack turned to the replicator. In seconds a familiar glass mug materialized; she cupped it in her hands and breathed in the faint, fragrant aroma, feeling her taut muscles beginning to unwind. She took the chair across from Hethor and put the cup down between them on the table. "Lt. Konnu is only newly arrived on the _Enterprise_," she said. "When he has come to know me and my crew better, he will realize that there are some of us above suspicion. However, he did not violate Starfleet regulations in his investigation: he was obliged to suspect everyone." "Except Lt. Slike." "And Dr. N'Dok, and Ensign Hickock. One can hardly blame Konnu for trusting Slike; they are close and long time friends. And in taking Dr. N'Dok into his confidence, he had the approval of a superior officer. His selection of Ensign Hickock showed commendable discernment, also. She performed excellently in the crisis." "Aware of all that I am," said Hethor, a little snappishly, but he did not look quite as displeased as he had before, and his fur was beginning to lie flat again. "And," said Jack, "It is a very good thing Mr. Konnu brought Mr. Slike into the matter, or you and I would very likely not be sitting here arguing about it." Hethor lifted one whiskery brow. "Excellent shot was he." Then he frowned again and said, "But use of violence do I not approve." "Nor do I, Admiral," said Jack. "Nevertheless, at times it is regrettably necessary." She glanced down at the faint burn-scars on her hands. "If you will excuse me, sir, I must attend a brief meeting with Mr. Konnu and Mr. Slike. If you wish to continue your tour of the _Enterprise_, I would be happy to have Lieutenant Commander Cole oblige you--" Hethor held up one elegant hand. "Unnecessary will be, Captain. To your business will I leave you, and to Starbase will return. Expecting you I will be at the appointed time." Jack nodded. "I will be there, Admiral." "...and next time, Lieutenants, I expect you to report any suspicious activity to me _immediately_. I realize that you were following procedure, but in future I would appreciate it if you did _not_ follow procedure where I am concerned. By keeping me in the dark, you created an extremely dangerous situation. Admiral Hethor could very well have lost his life this afternoon, and if he had, the two of you would have been court-marshalled. Am I understood?" "Understood, Captain," said Konnu and Slike in unison. "You performed commendably in your investigation of Lt. Surnal's murder, and now that I have had the full story, I am not unaware of the debt the _Enterprise_ owes to your quick thinking. However, there are times when youthful exuberance can be dangerous. I would advise you to curb it." Jack tried not to smile at the irony of the lecture: she wasn't that much older than Konnu and Slike herself. "You are dismissed, gentlemen." The Lieutenants filed silently out the door, outwardly meek, but as the door closed Jack saw Maverint jab Konnu in the ribs. She sighed. Those two were a good team, but they'd also be trouble, she knew it. Now if only she could get over that wretched cross- examination... From: Lt. Maverint Slike "You were ill advised to take leave of the sickbay so quickly, my friend." Konnu said as he and Maverint walked across the bridge to the turbolift. "The Captain was awfully good hearted about it. Captain Faeren would have had my head if I had wandered off like that aboard the _Valiant_." Maverint replied. The doors to the bridge hissed shut behind them. "Deck 12." "Yes, you are correct." "About what?" "The Captain would have had your head... on a platter." "Hehehe. I know. Of course, you know the _Valiant_ didn't have holodecks to easily draw your mind off things..." Maverint said. The two just stood there for a time as the lift passed each deck, the interdeck tube lights flashing past the tube window in a steady rhythm. Konnu looked up from the floor to face Maverint. "In the long time I have known you, I have never seen you act so recklessly in the face of duty. It is... disturbing." Maverint turned his head to look at Konnu from his inspection of the turbolift com panel. "I assure you, it was completely unintentional. My mind has just been really clouded by a lot of things lately." "Practicing your aim was obviously one of them." "Yes, albeit one of the lesser important ones..." Maverint trailed off. "'Reckless in the face of duty?'" he asked, pretending to sound offended. "All I did was forget a debriefing." Konnu just looked at him... and they both smirked.