S4: E13 - Justice Be Done

[Rhymus Cleroux]

[USS Tigris - Aft Compartment]

As the search on Starbase 84 began, the being in question, Rhymus Cleroux, along with Jettis, Lisa, and Ricky were discussing a means of escape when the man they knew as Johnson returned, but this time he wasn't wearing a uniform, he was in civilian clothes of a rather rakish sort.

"How are the escape plans going? Anything creative yet? I do so enjoy originality when captives attempt escapes. The old 'so and so is sick' ploy is just embarrassing these days. When did that ever work anyway, the 18th Century?

"Anyway, I just wanted to inform you that I've been in contact with my associates and for whatever brilliant plan you are hatching, you only have twenty minutes to make it happen before we reach the rendezvous. Do be creative, I don't like being disappointed."

He then turned and left, humming as before, which was just as chilling as it was earlier.

[U.S.S. Tigris, Aft Compartment]

The cool and laid-back nature their captor took with them was nothing short of arrogance. As if he had already won. It would be his downfall. As he left the compartment, Rhymus spoke to his fellows once again.

"Very well, Lieutenants. You heard the man, twenty minutes to escape or we may never see the stars again. I think I have a plan.

Rhymus turned to the Chief Medical Officer, Lieutenant Vasilisa Belmont.

"Doctor, I am going to trust in your journeys you've had to perform medical assistance from... less than optimal angles, positions, and locations. If you find such pleasing, I'd like you to disconnect the securing links holding my jacket. As time is of the essence, you will need to use your teeth to pull or tear. Once you have done so we can pull the article off my shoulders and across the chain links, hopefully, this will provide enough muffling for Lieutenant Jyur."

Rhymus then turned to the Chief Science Officer, Lieutenant Jettis Jyur.

"Lieutenant Jyur, Sir, once the jacket is muffling the chains, it would be pleasing were you to begin striking the linkage between the chains themselves and the wall. Given the nature of your task, I recommend rolling onto your back or side and using your feet but remember, violence of execution and precision are the cornerstones of victory here. Strike hard, strike swiftly, but most importantly, strike accurately."

Looking between the handful of officers, Rhymus shuffled forward as far as he could to bring the chain to full tautness.

"Hopefully, the jacket along with the compartmentalized nature of starships, compounded by the arrogance of our foe, will see us escape unnoticed. Good luck, Lieutenants, your actions here may just decide our fates. No pressure."

[Ian Galloway]

"Unless you were there yourself, you could not understand the full extent of the situation that I was under, My people do not know what failure is, we know what learning from ones mistakes are, it is the only way to survive on my home world, this word 'Failure' does not exist for my people.  I accept my actions were not the best but they were required.  By acting as I did, I was trying to minimalize the casualties that would have taken place regardless if I acted or not, pirates, slavers, I know these terms well as I as kidnapped by such people, my tribe I was born into wiped out and only by what you call 'luck' I was saved but I was the only one to be saved.  I had a personal link to what was happening, so I was not in my right mind.  Even the most stalwart of minds no matter the experience or lack of it will fail when your own personal experience has been triggered.  Mine was triggered, Captains, and that trigger may cost me.  So yes, I am sorry for the loss of life and I am sorry that that I cost lives but in my society, right and wrong do not exist but learning from your mistakes will insure survival.  We all make mistakes and we all learn from them." Silver explained a bit about his people and kept an even tone while making his defense, while looking at Lagar hoping he was using the right words to convey what he truly meant.

"If you do not believe me, I give permission for a Betazoid to read my mind.  He will feel just how powerful a Mugato's emotional state can be and more so when your entire tribe is wiped out and your treated like a beast to be experimented on, it will also show him the emotions I have when I am very mournful at loss and failure.  I believe Admiral Kirok is half Betazoid." Silverback said as he wanted to give himself the best defense he could.

[Courtroom Starbase 84]

As Ian had spoken his bit, he did not reply to Silverback's answer. Instead, Th'avythrath rose and on getting permission to proceed, he began to speak.

"The court appreciates the defendant's explanation to his background and his insights to his frame of mind on the day in question. However, having an impaired ability to function does not obviate an individual's responsibility. In this case, if you felt that 'triggered' by the events of the mission, it was your duty to notify someone in authority that you were unfit for duty and to turn command over to a proper subordinate. This you did not do, instead, you allowed your personal history to color your decision making to the point that you declined to take advantage of the ample resources at your immediate disposal or soon to be available. You declined to even ask Chief Cleroux what he was working on. Instead, you stated that his actions were putting you and your team at risk by playing it safe, even though you had no evidence such a threat existed.

"Despite these revelations, you still maintain that you took the only option you could, when all the evidence tells us that is not true. You had a duty to protect those in your tribe as you describe the members of your team, but within the Starfleet tribe, the hostages should have been part of your tribe and you completely failed to protect them. None of what you have said here today mitigates your failures as a leader or lessens your guilt. I must again ask the tribunal to find the defendant guilty."

After Th'avythrath finished speaking, Ian motioned for the Andorian to come closer so that he could speak in private.

"Commander, I have an uneasy feelin' about Chief Cleroux. I know this will sound paranoid, but I want your Operations Center ta recall the entire crew and families of the Challenger ta the ship. Please ask Lieutenant T'Kel, my head of security ta conduct a by name roll call and report if'n anyone else is missin'."

"Absolutely Captain, I'll get that started immediately."

At this point Ian spoke to the other members of the tribunal.

"Captains, I'm prepared ta rule. However, I fully understand if'n you need ta hear from Chief Cleroux before you wish ta do so. How say you?"

[Kirok]

[Courtroom Starbase 84]

As Ian had spoken his bit, he did not reply to Silverback's answer. Instead, Th'avythrath rose and on getting permission to proceed, he began to speak.

"The court appreciates the defendant's explanation to his background and his insights to his frame of mind on the day in question. However, having an impaired ability to function does not obviate an individual's responsibility. In this case, if you felt that 'triggered' by the events of the mission, it was your duty to notify someone in authority that you were unfit for duty and to turn command over to a proper subordinate. This you did not do, instead, you allowed your personal history to color your decision making to the point that you declined to take advantage of the ample resources at your immediate disposal or soon to be available. You declined to even ask Chief Cleroux what he was working on. Instead, you stated that his actions were putting you and your team at risk by playing it safe, even though you had no evidence such a threat existed.

"Despite these revelations, you still maintain that you took the only option you could, when all the evidence tells us that is not true. You had a duty to protect those in your tribe as you describe the members of your team, but within the Starfleet tribe, the hostages should have been part of your tribe and you completely failed to protect them. None of what you have said here today mitigates your failures as a leader or lessens your guilt. I must again ask the tribunal to find the defendant guilty."

After Th'avythrath finished speaking, Ian motioned for the Andorian to come closer so that he could speak in private.

"Commander, I have an uneasy feelin' about Chief Cleroux. I know this will sound paranoid, but I want your Operations Center ta recall the entire crew and families of the Challenger ta the ship. Please ask Lieutenant T'Kel, my head of security ta conduct a by name roll call and report if'n anyone else is missin'."

"Absolutely Captain, I'll get that started immediately."

At this point Ian spoke to the other members of the tribunal.

"Captains, I'm prepared ta rule. However, I fully understand if'n you need ta hear from Chief Cleroux before you wish ta do so. How say you?"

[Courtroom Starbase 84]

Kirok watched as this sad drama unfolded.  He agreed with Tekin.  Ian was complicit in this mess and the court was being overly harsh on Silverback.

"If Mr. Cleroux is not readily available to be sworn in, then the prosecution has failed to provide an eye witness, a key witness, to these events.  And without that testimony, severely weakens the prosecutions case.  Possibly to the point to the point of saying that it has failed to prove its case" he said flatly.

He tuned back to Silverback and Lagar.  "I am willing to read Silverback's emotions if needed, for the record.  But I sense that he is telling his truth.  The one question I have though is this this.  Hindsight being 20/20, what would you have done differently?" the half Vulcan asked.

[Silverback]

[Courtroom Starbase 84]

Kirok watched as this sad drama unfolded.  He agreed with Tekin.  Ian was complicit in this mess and the court was being overly harsh on Silverback.

"If Mr. Cleroux is not readily available to be sworn in, then the prosecution has failed to provide an eye witness, a key witness, to these events.  And without that testimony, severely weakens the prosecutions case.  Possibly to the point to the point of saying that it has failed to prove its case" he said flatly.

He tuned back to Silverback and Lagar.  "I am willing to read Silverback's emotions if needed, for the record.  But I sense that he is telling his truth.  The one question I have though is this this.  Hindsight being 20/20, what would you have done differently?" the half Vulcan asked.

"In hindsight, sir.  I would not have charged and given my support teams to arrive and called in the Challenger for support as it was not my place to make deals with the likes of him and be able to honor it." Silverback simply responded, he knew he might not be welcome on the Challenger after this or in Starfleet.  A mistake was made and recovery of the trust of those under and below him may not be easily redeemed.

[Ian Galloway]

[Courtroom Starbase 84]

Kirok watched as this sad drama unfolded.  He agreed with Tekin.  Ian was complicit in this mess and the court was being overly harsh on Silverback.

"If Mr. Cleroux is not readily available to be sworn in, then the prosecution has failed to provide an eye witness, a key witness, to these events.  And without that testimony, severely weakens the prosecutions case.  Possibly to the point to the point of saying that it has failed to prove its case" he said flatly.

He tuned back to Silverback and Lagar.  "I am willing to read Silverback's emotions if needed, for the record.  But I sense that he is telling his truth.  The one question I have though is this this.  Hindsight being 20/20, what would you have done differently?" the half Vulcan asked.

"In hindsight, sir.  I would not have charged and given my support teams to arrive and called in the Challenger for support as it was not my place to make deals with the likes of him and be able to honor it." Silverback simply responded, he knew he might not be welcome on the Challenger after this or in Starfleet.  A mistake was made and recovery of the trust of those under and below him may not be easily redeemed.

[Courtroom - Starbase 84]

It was gratifying to hear Silverback finally admit that there had been other options, that wasn't his primary concern. Ian was more concerned that Chief Cleroux was missing than his testimony at the trial, but to say his testimony was so critical that it exonerated Silverback was too much to accept.

"Captain, I've spoken to the Chief and he fully stands by his after action report which is part of the record for this trial. In addition, the communications logs more than substantiate his report. If you feel you cannot proceed without his testimony, then I must ask for a continuance while we locate Chief Cleroux."

[Tekin Nevir]

[Courtroom - Starbase 84]

Nevir sat back with arms folded again, but this time shaking his head.  "I disagree with you, Kirok.  The case has been presented and the defendant has expressed in his own way his thinking and actions.  The Chief is by no means a key witness, and it is not the prosecution's fault that he is not readily available, since I only gave the request recently." he stated, however his eyes did go from Ian to the prosecutor.

"Is there a problem, Captain?" he asked, as it was apparent there was concern on his face. Evidently the fact that he couldn't be reached was not usual.

When Kirok finally got the Ensign to state a different course, he took the time to lean forward.

"I will state here and now that Mr. Cleroux's testimony will not have an effect on my judgement.  However, what it will affect is what we deem as an appropriate course of action.  As well as ensure this will not happen again." he stated, before turning to Silverback.

"Captain Kirok asked what you could have done differently, and waiting was by far the right move.  I want you to know that the point where you stepped into view and called your surrender was where the issue lies.  You have stated that we weren't there, we weren't in that situation, and to a degree you might be right.  Except I have already been in a similar situation you were in.  And I can tell you the proper course of action would have been the deception of surrender.  You used that as a means of taking action; however in your shoes I can say that I would and did use the opportunity to stall the assailant.  Had you kept up the act and tried to feign surrender, while doing the bare minimum to keep him from firing at others, you would have been able to keep their attention long enough for your team to arrive.  As long as you keep eye contact and remain calm, you retain control of that situation." he stated, giving himself a break to breath.

"Has he not been contacted yet?  I feel it is important to hear from him before we conclude this trial." he stated, frowning at Ian.  Looking at the other two now, Nevir sat up straighter.

"Computer.  Locate Rhymus Cleroux."

Chief Cleroux is not on the station.

Nevir sat back.  "Why is Mr. Ceroux off the station?  Where else is there to go?"

[Derek Rodwell]

[USS Challenger - Starbase 84]

Derek had gotten with Lieutenant Tharn and together, they had worked out a schedule for the department that would allow everyone to get some down time and be able to go over to the base. She had insisted that Derek take his time first so thanked her and made his way to his quarters and proceeded to change out of his uniform. A few moments later, he was exiting the airlock and headed for the Promenade. He walked around for a few minutes and finally found a bar. Going inside, he made his way to the bar and ordered a drink before taking it to a table with a window seat. He sat down and had a very nice view of several Federation ships that were docked there.

I think I could get use to station life. he silently thought as he downed his drink and raised his hand to order a second.

[Hanir Seph]

[Starbase 84 | Courtroom]

Huna blentyn ar fy mynwes, clyd a chynnes ydyw hon.

Hanir Seph. The sharp tang of ozone, the disruptor beam hitting her, energy leaking through, the second degree burn. The screech of a bird high in the sky.

Breichiau mam sy'n dynn amdanat, cariad mam sy dan fy mron.

Betazoid female. Phaser rifle coming up, the thud and scream of a woman in the corridor. A rainbow on the horizon.

Ni chaiff dim amharu'th gyntun, ni wna undyn Á¢ thi gam.

Counsellor. Cleroux and Silverback arguing. Silverback, covered in blood. The sound of children laughing.

Huna'n dawel, annwyl blentyn, huna'n fwyn ar fron dy fam.

Papa saying calming words, gently rocking his daughter back and forth. The Cadillac of the skies...

The high speed diplomatic courier had dumped her onto Starbase 84, whereupon she was directed towards the Courtroom. Discretely slipping into a seat, she possessed a thousand yard stare and her hands shook if she wasn't tightly gripping them together. Dully, she watched the proceedings.

[Ian Galloway]

[Courtroom - Starbase 84]

Nevir sat back with arms folded again, but this time shaking his head.  "I disagree with you, Kirok.  The case has been presented and the defendant has expressed in his own way his thinking and actions.  The Chief is by no means a key witness, and it is not the prosecution's fault that he is not readily available, since I only gave the request recently." he stated, however his eyes did go from Ian to the prosecutor.

"Is there a problem, Captain?" he asked, as it was apparent there was concern on his face. Evidently the fact that he couldn't be reached was not usual.

When Kirok finally got the Ensign to state a different course, he took the time to lean forward.

"I will state here and now that Mr. Cleroux's testimony will not have an effect on my judgement.  However, what it will affect is what we deem as an appropriate course of action.  As well as ensure this will not happen again." he stated, before turning to Silverback.

"Captain Kirok asked what you could have done differently, and waiting was by far the right move.  I want you to know that the point where you stepped into view and called your surrender was where the issue lies.  You have stated that we weren't there, we weren't in that situation, and to a degree you might be right.  Except I have already been in a similar situation you were in.  And I can tell you the proper course of action would have been the deception of surrender.  You used that as a means of taking action; however in your shoes I can say that I would and did use the opportunity to stall the assailant.  Had you kept up the act and tried to feign surrender, while doing the bare minimum to keep him from firing at others, you would have been able to keep their attention long enough for your team to arrive.  As long as you keep eye contact and remain calm, you retain control of that situation." he stated, giving himself a break to breath.

"Has he not been contacted yet?  I feel it is important to hear from him before we conclude this trial." he stated, frowning at Ian.  Looking at the other two now, Nevir sat up straighter.

"Computer.  Locate Rhymus Cleroux."

Chief Cleroux is not on the station.

Nevir sat back.  "Why is Mr. Ceroux off the station?  Where else is there to go?"

[Courtroom - Starbase 84]

Ian offered Tekin a pained expression as he replied.

"I don't bloody know Sir. Commander Th'avythrath has been unable ta locate him. I nae like how this feels and I've recalled the crew ta ship for a headcount. It will take a bit as unlike Discovery, bonnie lass that she is, Challenger's got more than three times her crew, five hundred and fifty ta be precise. The count is in progress right now, but I've got a bad feelin' about this."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Aft Compartment - USS Tigris]

As Jettis kicked at the linkage to the bulkhead, despite their best efforts to muffle the sound, his actions weren't quiet. In addition, even though the makeshift detention area wasn't a proper brig, the links were stronger than they looked and as he prepared for another kick, a familiar voice spoke behind the prisoners.

"Brute force? That was your plan? I have to admit, I am extremely disappointed. You might as well as tried chewing off your hand if this was the best you could come up with. I'm going to have to speak to my associates about killing you again as I really can't see what you could possibly know that would be worth keeping you alive.

"In any case, you have run out of time. My associates were early and they are ready to meet you. We've docked inside their ship, the Tigris needs a few modifications for what they have planned. I suppose I could say, enjoy your stay, but you won't. Should you survive interrogation, I may see you later. Good day."

And with that, Johnson left the aft compartment. The captives could hear a muffled conversation before they were joined by new faces, half a dozen Romulans.

"Don't attempt anything stupid humans."

Four of the largest guards stepped forward with stout batons ready for action and the way they held them indicated they knew how to use them. Two guards stayed back with disruptor rifles leveled and they seemed more than ready to use them. One of the guards had a device that released the chains from the captive's wrists and removed the leg restraints. This same guard pulled Jettis, Lisa, Rhymus, and Ricky to their feet, one at a time and in that order, with the other three ready to strike should anyone decide to escape.

Once everyone was on their feet, their wrists still restrained behind them, they were led out of the runabout and they could tell they were inside a Romulan ship, what class was difficult to tell from the inside. Regardless of class, it was obvious the captives were in deep trouble.

[Don Damien Addams]

[Starbase 84 - Courtroom]

Shazham found it was weird a crew member was missing as the trial was running. He thought Captain Galloway made a good choice getting the crew back to the ship for a head count.

The situation of the case was so far he had noted that Captain Galloway might be carrying the guilt weight on his shoulders on his choice of a commander. He will see if he can get Galloway to speak out and work things out in the near future.

He will have recommended that Silverback needs extra training in diplomacy, security protocol and team work. Unless they decided to put in prison for his crime of choice. He kept his focus like a pet that was honing on the toy. Like an old dog has that attention which makes them look younger. The eyes are like joy which was adorable to see on animals.

He had seen Seph come into the courtroom. He nodded to her as he spotted her, and he went back watching, listening and observing.

[Jettis Jyur]

[Courtroom - Starbase 84]
[Aft Compartment - USS Tigris]

As Jettis kicked at the linkage to the bulkhead, despite their best efforts to muffle the sound, his actions weren't quiet. In addition, even though the makeshift detention area wasn't a proper brig, the links were stronger than they looked and as he prepared for another kick, a familiar voice spoke behind the prisoners.

"Brute force? That was your plan? I have to admit, I am extremely disappointed. You might as well as tried chewing off your hand if this was the best you could come up with. I'm going to have to speak to my associates about killing you again as I really can't see what you could possibly know that would be worth keeping you alive.

"In any case, you have run out of time. My associates were early and they are ready to meet you. We've docked inside their ship, the Tigris needs a few modifications for what they have planned. I suppose I could say, enjoy your stay, but you won't. Should you survive interrogation, I may see you later. Good day."

And with that, Johnson left the aft compartment. The captives could hear a muffled conversation before they were joined by new faces, half a dozen Romulans.

"Don't attempt anything stupid humans."

Four of the largest guards stepped forward with stout batons ready for action and the way they held them indicated they knew how to use them. Two guards stayed back with disruptor rifles leveled and they seemed more than ready to use them. One of the guards had a device that released the chains from the captive's wrists and removed the leg restraints. This same guard pulled Jettis, Lisa, Rhymus, and Ricky to their feet, one at a time and in that order, with the other three ready to strike should anyone decide to escape.

Once everyone was on their feet, their wrists still restrained behind them, they were led out of the runabout and they could tell they were inside a Romulan ship, what class was difficult to tell from the inside. Regardless of class, it was obvious the captives were in deep trouble.

[USS Tigris - Aft Compartment]

Jettis nodded as Rhymus explained their plan. He waited as the struggled to shrug a jacket off while cuffed, and then toss it over the chains. Taking a deep breath, he twisted, and with as much accuracy as he could, deliver a swift kick the bulkhead. Jettis winced as the reverberation of the blow echoed through his ears - the gravity of the situation made it ring fifty times louder than it was in actuality. Tensing, he tried to shuffle the jacket to muffle the sound more, before going to take another kick at it.

He halted, however when he heard that sinister, mocking voice behind them. Gritting his teeth, he rolled his shoulder back as he untangled himself, and shot a cool stare at the man. Johnson - or whatever his real name might be, had the kind of grating voice that made you want to deck someone. Not necessarily for their personality - although him betraying the group certainly didn't help - just because it was annoying. His attempts at psyching them out, while valiant, refused to shake Jyur.

"Tough talk for someone taking orders from someone else." The words were uttered neutrally, an icy tone running underneath them as he made intense eyecontact with the man. When he left to conversate with his apparent higher-ups, Jettis turned to the group for a short, hushed conversation. "We need to be united in our next attempt, whenever we may get the chance. If I see an opportunity I'll signal. Our priority is stopping this attack, whatever it may be." He waited for any other hushed, whispered back words, before their captors re-entered the room, flanked by half an army it seemed. As the cuffs unlocked, Jettis winced, wanting to rub them to ease the stinging sensation, but they were quickly restrained behind his back once again. The four of them pushed out of the runabout, his stomach sank as he saw their new location. If the entirely Romulan crew weren't evidence enough, a quick glance told him it was also a Romulan ship. Whatever this group was planning, it had to be big.

Subtly craning his head around, he tried to get a grasp of what type of ship it might be, to assess what kind of staffing they might be  in for. As well as how large scale the attack would be. He imagined they'd be taken to the bridge to meet whatever Captain wanted them alive, allegedly, but only time would tell.

[Ian Galloway]

[Courtroom - Starbase 84]

As the revelation that CPO Cleroux was missing had brought the trial to a halt, which did have the benefit that it left Ian time to confer with Lieutenant T'Kel in command of the Challenger as well as conducting the headcount. It took the better part of an hour to get the entire crew back on the ship and once they were there, the news was even worse than expected.

"We've checked three times Sir and between station security and our own scans, it is confirmed. In addition to Chief Petty Officer Cleroux, Lieutenant Jettis Jyur, Lieutenant Richard Litt, and Lieutenant Vasilisa Belmont are all missing.

"Extensive scans and physical search have not found them or their remains on the ship or the station. Station logs do not report any of the missing to have boarded any registered vessel that has departed the station since the Challenger docked. However, in consultation with the station's Ops chief, a small vessel, believed to be runabout sized, but with some sort of scrambling device did leave the station two hours ago.

"On closer inspection of this ship's departure authorization, the access code proved to be counterfeit. It is logical to assume that the missing crew are aboard that ship. The Chief Engineer assures me that all in progress repairs were either completed or suspended while the headcount was in progress and that the Challenger can depart at any moment Sir."

Ian listened to T'Kel's report with growing incredulity. Four members of his crew missing, potentially kidnapped, and removed from the station on an essentially unregistered ship. How was such a thing possible and more importantly, what was in progress by whoever was responsible. Although it pained him to no end, he knew what he had to do.

"Captains, I've heard enough evidence ta render a verdict. However, if you do not feel the same, then I must ask that this trial be given an continuance while I investigate the disappearance of four members of my crew."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[USS Tigris - Aft Compartment]

Jettis nodded as Rhymus explained their plan. He waited as the struggled to shrug a jacket off while cuffed, and then toss it over the chains. Taking a deep breath, he twisted, and with as much accuracy as he could, deliver a swift kick the bulkhead. Jettis winced as the reverberation of the blow echoed through his ears - the gravity of the situation made it ring fifty times louder than it was in actuality. Tensing, he tried to shuffle the jacket to muffle the sound more, before going to take another kick at it.

He halted, however when he heard that sinister, mocking voice behind them. Gritting his teeth, he rolled his shoulder back as he untangled himself, and shot a cool stare at the man. Johnson - or whatever his real name might be, had the kind of grating voice that made you want to deck someone. Not necessarily for their personality - although him betraying the group certainly didn't help - just because it was annoying. His attempts at psyching them out, while valiant, refused to shake Jyur.

"Tough talk for someone taking orders from someone else." The words were uttered neutrally, an icy tone running underneath them as he made intense eyecontact with the man. When he left to conversate with his apparent higher-ups, Jettis turned to the group for a short, hushed conversation. "We need to be united in our next attempt, whenever we may get the chance. If I see an opportunity I'll signal. Our priority is stopping this attack, whatever it may be." He waited for any other hushed, whispered back words, before their captors re-entered the room, flanked by half an army it seemed. As the cuffs unlocked, Jettis winced, wanting to rub them to ease the stinging sensation, but they were quickly restrained behind his back once again. The four of them pushed out of the runabout, his stomach sank as he saw their new location. If the entirely Romulan crew weren't evidence enough, a quick glance told him it was also a Romulan ship. Whatever this group was planning, it had to be big.

Subtly craning his head around, he tried to get a grasp of what type of ship it might be, to assess what kind of staffing they might be  in for. As well as how large scale the attack would be. He imagined they'd be taken to the bridge to meet whatever Captain wanted them alive, allegedly, but only time would tell.

[Brig - Romulan Warbird]

The captives were escorted to the warbird's brig under heavy guard, uncuffed, and each placed in individual cells. Whatever was planned obviously weighed heavily on their minds as they waited for what might happen next, the promised interrogation at the forefront of the likely options. However, as a small blessing, they didn't have to wait long, but when they saw who had them in their grasp, the 208th Rule of Acquisition immediately came to mind "Sometimes the only thing more dangerous than a question is an answer", as Commander Thelal walked in and regarded each of them coldly.

"I must say, I wasn't expected much when I was informed of how easily you were captured, but on seeing you, it is clear you have failed to meet even the lowest bar of expectations. Regardless, you will have to do. I know you each feel that you will not cooperate, but you are wrong. Once my interrogators have had their way with you, you will beg to cooperate. Until then, make the most of what remains of your miserable lives."

Thelal left without another word or looking back.

[Kirok]

[Courtroom - Starbase 84]

As the revelation that CPO Cleroux was missing had brought the trial to a halt, which did have the benefit that it left Ian time to confer with Lieutenant T'Kel in command of the Challenger as well as conducting the headcount. It took the better part of an hour to get the entire crew back on the ship and once they were there, the news was even worse than expected.

"We've checked three times Sir and between station security and our own scans, it is confirmed. In addition to Chief Petty Officer Cleroux, Lieutenant Jettis Jyur, Lieutenant Richard Litt, and Lieutenant Vasilisa Belmont are all missing.

"Extensive scans and physical search have not found them or their remains on the ship or the station. Station logs do not report any of the missing to have boarded any registered vessel that has departed the station since the Challenger docked. However, in consultation with the station's Ops chief, a small vessel, believed to be runabout sized, but with some sort of scrambling device did leave the station two hours ago.

"On closer inspection of this ship's departure authorization, the access code proved to be counterfeit. It is logical to assume that the missing crew are aboard that ship. The Chief Engineer assures me that all in progress repairs were either completed or suspended while the headcount was in progress and that the Challenger can depart at any moment Sir."

Ian listened to T'Kel's report with growing incredulity. Four members of his crew missing, potentially kidnapped, and removed from the station on an essentially unregistered ship. How was such a thing possible and more importantly, what was in progress by whoever was responsible. Although it pained him to no end, he knew what he had to do.

"Captains, I've heard enough evidence ta render a verdict. However, if you do not feel the same, then I must ask that this trial be given an continuance while I investigate the disappearance of four members of my crew."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Brig - Romulan Warbird]

The captives were escorted to the warbird's brig under heavy guard, uncuffed, and each placed in individual cells. Whatever was planned obviously weighed heavily on their minds as they waited for what might happen next, the promised interrogation at the forefront of the likely options. However, as a small blessing, they didn't have to wait long, but when they saw who had them in their grasp, the 208th Rule of Acquisition immediately came to mind "Sometimes the only thing more dangerous than a question is an answer", as Commander Thelal walked in and regarded each of them coldly.

"I must say, I wasn't expected much when I was informed of how easily you were captured, but on seeing you, it is clear you have failed to meet even the lowest bar of expectations. Regardless, you will have to do. I know you each feel that you will not cooperate, but you are wrong. Once my interrogators have had their way with you, you will beg to cooperate. Until then, make the most of what remains of your miserable lives."

Thelal left without another word or looking back.

[Courtroom - Starbase 84]

Kirok's attention had shifted from Silverback to mostly Ian.   He had just met the Captain so he was unsure if the man was acting normally or not.  But the news that Rhymus and 3 other crew members were mission was beyond troubling -which, of course, be the reason for Galloway's behavior.

"Perhaps we should take a 5 minute recess.  To speak privately.  Just us three Captains" Kirok suggested.

[Ian Galloway]

[Courtroom - Starbase 84]

Kirok's attention had shifted from Silverback to mostly Ian.   He had just met the Captain so he was unsure if the man was acting normally or not.  But the news that Rhymus and 3 other crew members were mission was beyond troubling -which, of course, be the reason for Galloway's behavior.

"Perhaps we should take a 5 minute recess.  To speak privately.  Just us three Captains" Kirok suggested.

[Courtroom  - Starbase 84]

Ian was grateful someone other than him had called for a break,, he nodded at Kirok and said.

"That would be an excellent idea. Events are occurrin' faster than these proceedin's can handle. Besides, the ion trail of that unregistered ship will nae last long and I'd really like to get movin' before it fades."

[Tekin Nevir]

[Courtroom - Starbase 84]

Kirok's attention had shifted from Silverback to mostly Ian.   He had just met the Captain so he was unsure if the man was acting normally or not.  But the news that Rhymus and 3 other crew members were mission was beyond troubling -which, of course, be the reason for Galloway's behavior.

"Perhaps we should take a 5 minute recess.  To speak privately.  Just us three Captains" Kirok suggested.

[Courtroom  - Starbase 84]

Ian was grateful someone other than him had called for a break,, he nodded at Kirok and said.

"That would be an excellent idea. Events are occurrin' faster than these proceedin's can handle. Besides, the ion trail of that unregistered ship will nae last long and I'd really like to get movin' before it fades."

[Courtroom - Starbase 84]

The Captain turned to the other two Captains, and after a time he nodded his head.  "I agree... regardless of whether we have a decision or not, there is a more pressing matter." he said, turning back to the court.

"In light of higher priority issues, this court will stand in recess.  We will reconvince once matters have been settled before hand.  The judges will now retire." he stated, standing up with the others, and waiting for Kirok to toll the bell, before they can head out.