S4:E12 - Trapped in Amber

[Ian Galloway]

[Captain's Ready Room - USS Challenger]

Ian sat alone in his ready room. His cup of black chai tea long cold untouched in front of him. Normally, we would make his log entries on the bridge, but this one was so painful that he didn't want to share it with anyone. Not that he wanted to make it at all, but duty required he did so and according to the ancient Japanese Imperial Rescript to Soldiers and Sailors, 'duty was as heavy as a mountain'. After a moment more of reflection, he sighed and started speaking.

"Captain's Log. Stardate 76494.1. The freighter Heidi Schwebach has just entered orbit over Beta Lankal. During the hijackin', the raiders, which turned out ta be Orions with Nausicaans providin' muscle, made off with cargo worth roughly 500 bars of gold pressed latinum. A very large sum, but less than three percent of the total cargo value on the freighter.

"The bigger cost was, of course, measured not in latinum, but in lives, which came in at the cost of twenty dead, nineteen from the Schwebach and one from Challenger. The hardest part is knowin' that the Nausicaans were only directly responsible for two of those deaths. Although the Nausicaans had a hand in the other deaths, those deaths were precipitated by the actions of a member of the Challenger's security department, Ensign Silverback.

"Ensign Silverback is currently bein' held in the Challenger's brig as we head back ta Starbase 84. We are en route at our maximum cruising speed of warp 8.2 and will arrive in 72 hours. It is impossible ta state how deeply the botched boardin' action on the Schwebach has affected the crew. We've lost people before, had multiple casualties before, hell, we watched thirty million people die in nuclear fire on Trellion, but nothing has hit with such power as the 'Schwebach Incident' as Starfleet Command has dubbed what happened.

"I believe a major contributin' factor in the hit the crew's morale has taken is that we are on our way ta a court martial, so the trauma of what happened isn't over yet. Thus a pall still hangs over the crew and prevents us from movin' on. The effect of this slow movin' train is readily apparent everywhere. Jokes fall flat, banter is strained, and the eyes of the crew nae shine like they should.

"I have already written ta the family of Crewman Jesse Foster, the lone fatality from the Challenger. Of all my responsibilities as captain, tellin' someone's family that they will nae seem them again is, by far, the worst. The Rescript might say that while 'duty was as heavy as a mountain' it goes on ta add that 'death is a light as a feather', that is only for the fallen. For those who must carry on without them, death is far, far, heavier.

"Regardless of the burdens we must bear or whatever adversities we must face, the very name of our ship will see us through. We will challenge whatever lies before us and we will rise above this moment and will arrive at a better place, stronger for endurin' the crucible we must pass through ta get there. End log."

[Silverback]

"Hello Ensign. I'm Lieutenant Lagar, a doctor." he began. "Off-shift." he added, in case the prisoner might think he was here to assess his medical condition. The mugato had been treated by others back in Sickbay, and for serious wounds sustained in combat, too. "I wanted to visit you. I hope to ask you whether I have your permission to do that."

USS Challenger - Brig

Sitting in the brig reflecting on his own actions to lead him to such a state, he looked up as a rather odd looking plant creature came shambling? into the brig and spoke to him.  "You can stay, though I am not sure why but to witness my journey to the shadowlands." Silver said with a hint of remorsefulness in his voice.  Where did it go wrong? why was I impatient?, was the blood of his ancestors demanding a price to be paid for his treachery against being the only one to survive the culling of his tribe?.  Was he dishonoring those who saved him from a fate worse then death?, or perhaps it was just to postpone the evitable fate he is to suffer.  Who knows? time will tell as others of this vast tribe decides his fate.  Those who do not even know him decides if he lives or dies.  Oh how he wished right now that he was back in the forests where everything seemed more simple.

[Lagar]

Sitting in the brig reflecting on his own actions to lead him to such a state, he looked up as a rather odd looking plant creature came shambling? into the brig and spoke to him.  "You can stay, though I am not sure why but to witness my journey to the shadowlands." Silver said with a hint of remorsefulness in his voice.  Where did it go wrong? why was I impatient?, was the blood of his ancestors demanding a price to be paid for his treachery against being the only one to survive the culling of his tribe?.  Was he dishonoring those who saved him from a fate worse then death?, or perhaps it was just to postpone the evitable fate he is to suffer.  Who knows? time will tell as others of this vast tribe decides his fate.  Those who do not even know him decides if he lives or dies.  Oh how he wished right now that he was back in the forests where everything seemed more simple.

Lieutenant jg Lagar
[Deck 12 - USS Challenger]

Lagar knew little about mugato faith practices or culturally-specific terms, but he inferred from context that the 'Shadowlands' was not a desirable place to be. "I suspect you aren't journeying to the shadowlands just yet, Ensign." he said, the automated voice calm and reassuring. The Phylosian noticed he was not rejected, not turned away from the cell by its occupant. This was a good sign, perhaps. Perhaps.

"I am here because I want to know you, at least as much as I can. I want to listen to you... If you're interested in speaking. Or I can talk, if you'd prefer to listen."

Lagar had studied Starfleet uniform code and legal proceedings extensively. He knew that a court martial was coming for this young Officer, and that Silverback would be held in the Brig until they arrived at their destination Starbase. The Phylosian struggled to imagine the pain and loneliness that might be felt by any sentient being, being locked in a field, with their only companion being their own feelings and memories and fear of the future. Briefly, Lagar felt his upper body slump slightly, that old wound in his side suddenly showing its weakness as his structural integrity wavered. He moved his weight over to another area, hoping gravity would keep him stable.

[Silverback]

Lieutenant jg Lagar
[Deck 12 - USS Challenger]

Lagar knew little about mugato faith practices or culturally-specific terms, but he inferred from context that the 'Shadowlands' was not a desirable place to be. "I suspect you aren't journeying to the shadowlands just yet, Ensign." he said, the automated voice calm and reassuring. The Phylosian noticed he was not rejected, not turned away from the cell by its occupant. This was a good sign, perhaps. Perhaps.

"I am here because I want to know you, at least as much as I can. I want to listen to you... If you're interested in speaking. Or I can talk, if you'd prefer to listen."

Lagar had studied Starfleet uniform code and legal proceedings extensively. He knew that a court martial was coming for this young Officer, and that Silverback would be held in the Brig until they arrived at their destination Starbase. The Phylosian struggled to imagine the pain and loneliness that might be felt by any sentient being, being locked in a field, with their only companion being their own feelings and memories and fear of the future. Briefly, Lagar felt his upper body slump slightly, that old wound in his side suddenly showing its weakness as his structural integrity wavered. He moved his weight over to another area, hoping gravity would keep him stable.

"Price of death be paid with death.  Being in this cage says I am to journey there soon.  As journeying to the shadowlands is what must be paid for the life that is lost.  One cage to another cage and life is a cage in itself.  Tribes of the galaxy are also a type of cage.  Starfleet is a cage.  When the time comes, we all are in cages for the rest of our lives and will journey to the shadowlands together.  My journey is almost at its end when the overseers convene to pass judgement on my next cage which will lead closer to my journey to the shadowlands." Silver said remorsefully as he knew this to be true.

[Lagar]

"Price of death be paid with death.  Being in this cage says I am to journey there soon.  As journeying to the shadowlands is what must be paid for the life that is lost.  One cage to another cage and life is a cage in itself.  Tribes of the galaxy are also a type of cage.  Starfleet is a cage.  When the time comes, we all are in cages for the rest of our lives and will journey to the shadowlands together.  My journey is almost at its end when the overseers convene to pass judgement on my next cage which will lead closer to my journey to the shadowlands." Silver said remorsefully as he knew this to be true.

Lieutenant jg Lagar
[Brig - Deck 12 - USS Challenger]

The Phylosian listened carefully, attempting to interpret the Mugato's metaphors and predictions. "And what is your role during this journey? What do you want to do, as you go through this court martial?"

He wondered whether the Ensign was surrendering, and whether he was interpreting this Starfleet justice in a spiritual way. Did he have any desire to explain his actions? Or would he accept whatever interpretation all these others chose to make on his behalf?

[Silverback]

Lieutenant jg Lagar
[Deck 12 - USS Challenger]

The Phylosian listened carefully, attempting to interpret the Mugato's metaphors and predictions. "And what is your role during this journey? What do you want to do, as you go through this court martial?"

He wondered whether the Ensign was surrendering, and whether he was interpreting this Starfleet justice in a spiritual way. Did he have any desire to explain his actions? Or would he accept whatever interpretation all these others chose to make on his behalf?

USS Challenger - Brig

"My place is with my tribe if the journey demands it.  However, part of the journey is to learn from ones path along the way to the destination where the journey leads.  This act of being in this cage will determine which path I take for the journey ahead." Silver said as he knew the plant creature had no idea what he was talking about as he prepared himself accordance to his peoples way of dying.

[Lagar]

USS Challenger - Brig

"My place is with my tribe if the journey demands it.  However, part of the journey is to learn from ones path along the way to the destination where the journey leads.  This act of being in this cage will determine which path I take for the journey ahead." Silver said as he knew the plant creature had no idea what he was talking about as he prepared himself accordance to his peoples way of dying.

Lieutenant jg Lagar
[Brig - Deck 12 - USS Challenger]

Lagar thought about this for a moment, allowing a few beats to pass. "What do you think of the legal process that is going to take place in a few days? The judicial process, that is? My understanding is that there will be a legal event where you will be questioned, and where your actions will be questioned." He opened several free tendrils outward, as though opening his 'arms' to beg the question. "May I ask how you plan to handle that? It will be humanoids, thinking people, passing judgment on you."

[Silverback]

Lieutenant jg Lagar
[Brig - Deck 12 - USS Challenger]

Lagar thought about this for a moment, allowing a few beats to pass. "What do you think of the legal process that is going to take place in a few days? The judicial process, that is? My understanding is that there will be a legal event where you will be questioned, and where your actions will be questioned." He opened several free tendrils outward, as though opening his 'arms' to beg the question. "May I ask how you plan to handle that? It will be humanoids, thinking people, passing judgment on you."

USS Challenger - Deck 12 - Brig

Silver looked confused at the mention of these strange words this creature used a second time 'Judicial Process', Though, heard before he was still unsure of its meaning.  "The Journey is the same for all whether you look from the outside of a cage or looking out from inside the cage.  Those who look from outside the cage only see a beast.  They do not see a beast with fire within.  They were not there as a caged animal fought for survival.  How do you pass judgement on such a beast when you are not the beast yourself.  When the journey calls, I will answer the call to join my brethren on the path to the shadowlands.  Unless those looking from the outside truly with to be fair in there own lifes journey's then they need to ask their own questions.  'What would you do in the same life or death cage if you were in my place'.  That is what the spirits should ask themselves before judging where my journey goes and how my path ends." Silver said as he looked at the creature.  Still unable to read him outside of tendrils moving.

[Lagar]

USS Challenger - Deck 12 - Brig

Silver looked confused at the mention of these strange words this creature used a second time 'Judicial Process', Though, heard before he was still unsure of its meaning.  "The Journey is the same for all whether you look from the outside of a cage or looking out from inside the cage.  Those who look from outside the cage only see a beast.  They do not see a beast with fire within.  They were not there as a caged animal fought for survival.  How do you pass judgement on such a beast when you are not the beast yourself.  When the journey calls, I will answer the call to join my brethren on the path to the shadowlands.  Unless those looking from the outside truly with to be fair in there own lifes journey's then they need to ask their own questions.  'What would you do in the same life or death cage if you were in my place'.  That is what the spirits should ask themselves before judging where my journey goes and how my path ends." Silver said as he looked at the creature.  Still unable to read him outside of tendrils moving.

Lieutenant jg Lagar
[Brig - Deck 12 - USS Challenger]

The inability to read body language went both ways as the two being spoke to each other through the forcefield. Lagar certainly saw the mugato's expression change, saw new wrinkles form on the face and watched as the corners of its lips shifted, but the Phylosian had not studied his species to any serious extent, and had no idea that Silverback was showing confusion. He pressed forward, gentle modulated voice continuing on as they made a dialogue with each other.

"I wonder, Ensign, whether my path 'outside of the cage' is meant to follow your path, at least for a little while. Though I can't prove to you what I see, I'll tell you that I see a person rather than a beast. I see someone with feelings, and dreams, and I see you placed in this"¦ thing"¦" he said, gesturing to the cell and to the field emitters. "Has anyone briefed you on what your path is going to look like, soon? Has the Captain charged you, told you why you're here in the Brig?"

[Silverback]

Lieutenant jg Lagar
[Brig - Deck 12 - USS Challenger]

The inability to read body language went both ways as the two being spoke to each other through the forcefield. Lagar certainly saw the mugato's expression change, saw new wrinkles form on the face and watched as the corners of its lips shifted, but the Phylosian had not studied his species to any serious extent, and had no idea that Silverback was showing confusion. He pressed forward, gentle modulated voice continuing on as they made a dialogue with each other.

"I wonder, Ensign, whether my path 'outside of the cage' is meant to follow your path, at least for a little while. Though I can't prove to you what I see, I'll tell you that I see a person rather than a beast. I see someone with feelings, and dreams, and I see you placed in this"¦ thing"¦" he said, gesturing to the cell and to the field emitters. "Has anyone briefed you on what your path is going to look like, soon? Has the Captain charged you, told you why you're here in the Brig?"

USS Challenger - Deck 12 - Brig

"Cage is a cage for the beast within us all." Silver said simply.  "The Tribal leader did come and see me while I was being tended to by the shamans of this tribe.  He explained to me how I would be here inside this cage meant for the beast.  I was, however, in what was a dream state when he came so what was said by him was a bit hazy.  But whatever it was made sure the beast within would be caged, within for all to see when my path intertwines with his once more.  As for my journey's end? the path has yet to be revealed." Silver said simply.

[Lagar]

USS Challenger - Deck 12 - Brig

"Cage is a cage for the beast within us all." Silver said simply.  "The Tribal leader did come and see me while I was being tended to by the shamans of this tribe.  He explained to me how I would be here inside this cage meant for the beast.  I was, however, in what was a dream state when he came so what was said by him was a bit hazy.  But whatever it was made sure the beast within would be caged, within for all to see when my path intertwines with his once more.  As for my journey's end? the path has yet to be revealed." Silver said simply.

Lieutenant jg Lagar
[Brig - Deck 12 - USS Challenger]

Over the course of the next several days, Lagar continued to visit Silverback. They continued to speak about Silverback's beliefs and understanding about the paths that living beings walk, and the Journey, and the nature of the Cage. Lagar gradually found that he could teach the mugato about the judicial process awaiting him; the Phylosian had taken classes in Federation jurisprudence and the Starfleet justice system, and he was bringing this knowledge to bear in his sessions with Silverback. Lagar was volunteering to serve as Silverback's legal guide, as it were, in the hopes that he would be able to fully engage with the process.

[Silverback]

Lieutenant jg Lagar
[Brig - Deck 12 - USS Challenger]

Over the course of the next several days, Lagar continued to visit Silverback. They continued to speak about Silverback's beliefs and understanding about the paths that living beings walk, and the Journey, and the nature of the Cage. Lagar gradually found that he could teach the mugato about the judicial process awaiting him; the Phylosian had taken classes in Federation jurisprudence and the Starfleet justice system, and he was bringing this knowledge to bear in his sessions with Silverback. Lagar was volunteering to serve as Silverback's legal guide, as it were, in the hopes that he would be able to fully engage with the process.

"If you believe your journey has prepared you for this, then you are more then welcome to be my shield." Silver said asking and accepting Lagars offer to be his lawyer.