Previously, on the QIb

The crew are on Q'onos in order to attend a hearing to determine the cause and outcome of the destruction of the QIb.  After a rather vicious attack during the initial meeting with Admiral Rix from a Klingon who felt that the crew had dishonored the ship, the crew were ordered to take a "relaxing" exercise with the crew of the U.S.S. Stornoway.  Unfortunately, that also ended in disaster upon the sudden death of Captain Adekunle.  Lieutenant T'pucnamushi was implicated as the culprit.  He has subsequently been arrested.  And now, the continuation.......

Star Trek: A Call To Duty presents

I.K.S. QIb

Starring:
Bryan Allen as Commander Kalen Mordane

And:
Zach Farland as Lieutenant Commander Zachariah Bauer

With:
Anna Marie Novick as Lieutenant Commander Tigs Ravenprowler

Bruce Oriani as Lieutenant T'pucnamushi

Rebecca Shirley as Ensign Starlight Rose

John Summers as Ensign Shras Tyret

Special Guest:
Nick Beckwith as Admiral Ko'Hath

Based on "Star Trek" created by Gene Roddenberry

Executive Producer
Nick Beckwith

"Endings and Beginnings, Part Three"

<TO_Tyret> ::escorting the CEO to the brig::

<Cmdr_Mordane> Bauer: This just seems to get more and more fun as we go doesn't it? 

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> MORDANE: I wonder if I shouldn't go with them?

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::nods::  Bauer: Take charge of this investigation.  I'm going to have to deal with the 'other' issue. 

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> MORDANE: I could act as Counsel for the CEO there, if he wanted. It isn’t as investigator that I was thinking, Sir.

<Adm_Rix> *Mordane* Commander Mordane, this is Rix.  Report to my office immediately.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> MORDANE: That would be a conflict of interest.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> MORDANE: I think I should leave the "Investigating" to those more qualified.

<TO_Tyret> CEO: Don't worry. You are innocent until proven guilty.

<Cmdr_Mordane> Bauer: To be honest, I think anything here would be a conflict of interest...we haven't got the manpower to separate jobs.  Oversee Ens Shyret's investigation from a purely administrative stance...that will allow you to act as Counsel should it come to a hearing.  Just make sure things stay impartial. 

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::taps his com badge::  *Rix*: I'm on my way Admiral. 

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> MORDANE: Aye, Sir.

<Cmdr_Mordane> Bauer: Off to the chopping block...good luck.  ::heads quickly down the hall for Admiral Rix's office:: 

<Adm_Rix> ACTION: O'Shea and his crew remain with the body of Captain Adekunle

<TO_Tyret> ::opens the doors to the brig::

<Adm_Rix> ::sat in his office tapping his fingers against the desk, somewhat anxiously::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::arrives at Admiral Rix's office door and rings the chime:: 

<TO_Tyret> CEO: In you go.

<Adm_Rix> ::calls out::  Enter.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> SELF: Now, I'm a detective.  Hmmmmm.  I feel like Goliath should be here as my trusty bloodhound, Scooby Doo.

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::opens the door and steps through::  Rix: Reporting as ordered sir. 

<Adm_Rix> Mordane:  Good.  We've been summoned by the Klingons.

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> ::enters brig, noticing the grate overhead::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::looks in shock::  Rix: Now...but...without preparation...  Admiral, we're not even close to ready for this. 

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> ::Thinks - Gary would be happy with the pop culture reference::

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> ::thinks the TO chose this one on purpose, but says nothing to him::

<Adm_Rix> Mordane: Tell me about it.  Between you and me, I think this is deliberate.  They're out for blood.  Starfleet blood.

<TO_Tyret> CEO: Your choice on cell.

<Cmdr_Mordane> Rix: If we don't get a miracle, they might end up with it.  Let's hope the recent murder hasn't reached their ears yet, or they'll be even more distrustful. 

<Adm_Rix> Mordane: Agreed.  Let's go.  ::strides purposefully out of the office::

<TO_Tyret> ::closes the forcefield::

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> ::Goes off to the brig to find Tyret::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::follows close behind::  Rix: Have you had experience with these things before...all I've heard are bad rumors about decisions being made before the defendants even arrive. 

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> ::Enters the Qo'noS brig::

<TO_Tyret> CEO: Don't worry, at least you still have us. We will get to the bottom of this. As a former CEO I will. After all engineers are in a brotherhood.

<TO_Tyret> ::notices Bauer::

<Adm_Rix> ::nods::  Mordane: The Klingons usually have an idea of their decision before the trial, but they're not nearly so biased as the Cardassians.  So long as you've a good argument, they're willing to hear it.

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> ::notices a dark shadowy corner of the cell, and disappears into it, so that I will be unseen from the outside looking in::

<Adm_Rix> ::stops at a door and rings the chime::

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> TO/CEO: I'd like you to add my name to those who would like to assist you, with your present situation.

<Cmdr_Mordane> Rix: Guilty until proven innocent is certainly better than guilty because we said so.  ::remembering his years among the Bajorans and the stories of the occupation:: 

<TO_Tyret> Bauer: Good.

<Adm_Rix> Mordane:  Whatever you do, don't interrupt anyone, or argue out of turn.  You might get hurt.

<Cmdr_Mordane> Rix: I'll keep that in mind Admiral.   

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> TO/CEO: Officially I am to oversee your investigation.  Unofficially I'd like to help, if I can.

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> ::voice from the shadows:: Bauer: What can you do?

<Adm_Rix> ACTION: The doors open and the officers walk into a dark chamber, lit with flames.  At a large stone table sits five large, oppressive Klingons.

<TO_Tyret> ::listens intently::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::the room's layout and the presence of the Klingon tribunal successful instill intimidation into Kalen...as it as designed to do:: 

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: I'm a Counselor. Trained to act as advocate for those in your position.

<Adm_Rix> ::walks slowly to a seat at the side of the room, nodding to the Klingons before he sits down::

<TO_Tyret> Bauer: There is no need for a lawyer, We must gather evidence in his defense.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: And to be honest. Not a bad guy to have defending you.

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::follows suit, politely acknowledging the council and taking a seat next to the Admiral, feeling very small at just being a Commander:: 

<TO_Tyret> Bauer: Wait until the Trial.

<Ko'Hath> ::stands up::  This meeting is in order.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> TO: That is your job. Mine is to offer council and representation.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: But it is your choice.

<Adm_Rix> ACTION: A large gong is sounded

<TO_Tyret> Bauer: I will go.

<TO_Tyret> ::leaves for the holodeck::

<Ko'Hath> This meeting is to determine the fate of those who caused the wreckage of the Imperial Klingon Ship QIb.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> ::Waits for CEO to appear with his response::

<Adm_Rix> ::whispers::  Mordane: Our first surprise.  They told me this was just an enquiry.

<TO_Tyret> ::arrives at the holodeck and scans for anything out of the ordinary::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::nods, unsurprised at the falsity...Klingons don't waste time asking questions:: 

<Ko'Hath> We will learn the events leading to the QIb's destruction, and subsequent treachery of her crew by abandoning the way of Kahless.

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> Bauer: Considers yourself honoreds to be allowed to help. I hope my trusts in you isn't misplaced. Bad for you, it will be, if it is.

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::feels like he is the one on trial, despite his distance from the events:: 

<Ko'Hath> Those without honor will be shown no mercy.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: Thank you for letting me see you.

<Ko'Hath> Rix: Admiral Rix, from Starfleet, you will tell us your version of events, seeing as you are in charge of the Starfleet crew.

<TO_Tyret> *MED*: I need a medteam to come get the body and perform an autopsy.

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> ::steps from the shadows, directly in front of Bauer, hoping to scare the Beegeezes out of him, stares him down:: Bauer: Don't be thanking me yet.

<Adm_Rix> ::nods::  Ko'Hath: My crew were operating under the jurisdiction of Starfleet Command, sir.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: ::Is slightly startled at the CEO's sudden emergence:: CEO: There you are. Please, in the future? Don't do that.

<TO_Tyret> ::opens a hatch and looks over the ODN chips and computer programming::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::hopes the Admiral has a lot more explanation to fit with that, because that's not going to be good enough for Klingons:: 

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: If I am to help you I have to be able to trust you too, and at present...I don't.

<Ko'Hath> Rix: So you are saying that Starfleet are responsible for the subsequent treachery by the crew of the QIb?

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: You need to change that.

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> Bauer: ::innocently:: Do what?

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: Why should I believe you didn't kill the Captain.

<Adm_Rix> Ko'Hath: No.....::is already a little flustered::  Their subsequent actions were undertaken without the knowledge or consent of Starfleet Command.

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::wonderful, this isn't an inquiry, or even a trial, it's a scapegoating...I wonder what happened with G'Val, I haven't heard back about that:: 

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> Bauer: Well, let's looks at the facts.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: Ok

<Ko'Hath> Rix: Then your crew were operating of their own volition?

<Adm_Rix> Ko'Hath: Not entirely.  There has been mention of a G'Val, but he cannot be found.

<Adm_Rix> ACTION: The Klingons whisper to each other

<TO_Tyret> ::gets an engineering kit and probes deeper at everything::

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> Bauer: 1. He was found, with serious internal injuries that had killed him.

<Adm_Rix> ::glances at Mordane, beads of sweat on his brow::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::scoffs to himself...he probably doesn't even exist::   

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: Correct.

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> Bauer: 2. These injuries were of an atmospheric pressure change in nature.

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::returns the Admirals glance, worried about his composure, but unsure of what can be done in the situation:: 

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: Computer generated, yes.

<TO_Tyret> ::Discovers a hint of an encrypted code and probes deeper to trace it::

<Ko'Hath> Rix: We have no knowledge of this man.  We can only therefore assume that your crew were operating under the orders of her Commanding Officer, who, in turn, was operating for his own self-purpose.

<Adm_Rix> Ko'Hath: Then am I to assume that the Klingon Intelligence Service has had no part in this?  ::blinks, this was a provocative question::

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> Bauer: 3. Such computer generated injuries can only be created, by altering the program from the main computer, and firing a computer generated I.D.B. also known as an Ionic Disruptor Beam of high concentration, directly at the intended victim.

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::and now is when we die....:: 

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO:...and the computer said you did it.

<TO_Tyret> ::discovers the computer has been tampered with and tries to reconstruct the original data to find by whom ::

<Ko'Hath> Rix: Are you implying that the Klingon Empire knew of their actions?

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: Did you?

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> Bauer: 4. The key factor in this....I don't know where the main computer is, much less have access to it.

<TO_Tyret> *Bauer*: The entire computer has been tampered. I think it was giving us false answers.

<Adm_Rix> ::swallows::  Ko'Hath: Only in the exact same way that you are implying that we also knew.

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::feels a little more comfortable as the stalemate has been restored:: 

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: Either way I will help. I just need to know the truth. I gotta tell ya, I got an empathic thing so I'm real good at spotting liars.

<Adm_Rix> ACTION: Ko'Hath growls.....

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: So your saying your innocent?

<Ko'Hath> Rix: So, what conclusion has Starfleet come up with?

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::stands to be recognized:: 

<Ko'Hath> ::looks over to Mordane::

<TO_Tyret> ::discovers what appears to be a video link and tries to track it to the source::

<Cmdr_Mordane> Admirals: Clearly this situation goes further than any of us are aware.  I don't believe we will get an answer to the questions you both seek by questioning each other.  I know little of the situation, but the whisperings that have come to my ears suggest that intelligence operatives from both governments were involved...and it would appear, without the knowledge of their superiors. 

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> *TO*: I’m not surprised. Thank you.

<Ko'Hath> ::looks angrily at Mordane::

<TO_Tyret> ::gets to computer to show a visual of before and up to the simulation::

<Adm_Rix> ::looks angrily at Mordane::

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> ::looks at him with a look of "DUH". Bauer: I am all to familiar with this "injury". I know what it takes to pull off a stunt like this, and I didn't have access to the main computer.

<TO_Tyret> *Mordane*: I found something which might help.

<Cmdr_Mordane> Ko'Hath: We have attempted to interrogate the remainder of the Starfleet crew, only to be confronted with a gag order they claim comes from this Admiral G'Val.  It is my belief that a similar situation is occurring with the Klingon crew. 

<Adm_Rix> ACTION: The Klingons whisper

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::looks embarrassed at the intrusion and curses to himself::  *Tyret* Not now Ensign, report to Lt Cmdr Bauer on this matter. 

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: Ok, Ok. You're a strange fellow but, I believe you.

<Adm_Rix> ::looks even angrier at Mordane::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::now he's the one with sweat on his brow:: 

<Ko'Hath> Mordane: We have no knowledge of any Klingon crewmembers of the QIb acting in this way.

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::Returns the look at Rix::  ::whispers::  Rix: Do you want to go back and forth on this and let them scapegoat us, or do you want to find a mutually beneficial conclusion? 

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> Bauer: Thank you

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> *MORDANE*: Commander, some new evidence has been unturned. When would you like to discuss it?

<Adm_Rix> ::whispers::  Mordane:  I don't think there is one.

<TO_Tyret> *XO*: I have discovered a video link in the computer and that it has been tampered to give us false answers and the video link is linked directly to Klingon HQ and evidence they might be the true culprits in this matter.

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::Curses again::  *Bauer*: Bauer, I'm in the middle of something here, it's going to have to wait.  ::snapping:: 

<TO_Tyret> *CO*: I have discovered a video link in the computer and that it has been tampered to give us false answers and the video link is linked directly to Klingon HQ and evidence they might be the true culprits in this matter.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> *MORDANE*: Aye, Sir.

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::sighs and composes himself:: 

<TO_Tyret> ::views the true visual log::

<Ko'Hath> We have no other option but to assume that our original conclusion is correct.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: So, let's trust Tyret can figure it all out. He seems a capable man, huh?  

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> Bauer: Yes, he is.

<Ko'Hath> Consequently we are led only to believe that the crew of the QIb are guilty of treason and mutiny.

<Ko'Hath> ::looking directly at Rix::  Against both Starfleet and the Klingon Empire.

<Adm_Rix> ::closes his eyes in despair::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::addresses the council::  Sirs...it is apparent that there is minimal knowledge of this situation on all sides.  And with the crew unwilling to come forward in their defense, I do not see any meaningful way to draw any valid conclusions.  We cannot condemn several dozen people on an assumption. 

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> *TO*: Mr. Tyret, I have requested a meeting with Cmdr. Mordane. He is busy now but, when free I will have him join us here in the brig. And you can give him your report.

<TO_Tyret> :: makes sure this info is low enough for only the admiral to hear::*ADM*: I have discovered a video link in the computer and that the computer has been tampered to give us false answers and the video link is linked directly to Klingon HQ. I got evidence they might be the true culprits in this matter.

<Ko'Hath> Mordane: You are in no position to question the decision of this enquiry.  After all, you have no more knowledge than we do.

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> Bauer: Got anything to eats. I'm hungries.

<Adm_Rix> ::ignores the comm, knowing that his crew is about to be sentenced to a show trial and painful death::

<Cmdr_Mordane> Ko'Hath: Then what position are you in to draw a conclusion?  ::takes probably one step too far:: 

<TO_Tyret> ::moves toward the brig::

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: I was thinking the same. ::Sees a replicator across the room::

<Ko'Hath> Mordane: You will question us no more, unless you wish to find the answer at the tip of a blade.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: What would you like.

<Adm_Rix> ACTION: The Klingons start to get uneasy

<TO_Tyret> *Mordane*: Give this to the Admiral Immediately I have discovered a video link in the computer and that the computer has been tampered to give us false answers and the video link is linked directly to Klingon HQ. I got evidence they might be the true culprits in this matter.  ::enters the brig::

<Cmdr_Mordane> Ko'Hath: What I wish Admiral, is to find the answer...it is apparent that not all of this at this table are interested in that.  ::sits down:: 

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> TO: Ahhh, Mr. Tyret, we were just about to have some refreshment. Join us?

<Ko'Hath> Mordane: And we have.  This session is concluded.

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> ::low voice:: Self: A Klingon on a bed of overloaded phasers. Bauer: Whatever Your having.

<Adm_Rix> ACTION: The gong sounds again.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> REPLICATOR: One Cranberry Juice.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> REPLICATOR: Make that two.

<Adm_Rix> ACTION: The Klingons start to leave

<TO_Tyret> Bauer: Yes.

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> ::slight but unnoticed grin at the TO:: TO: Nice work, Tyret.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> TO: I tried to tell him.  I think he would rather not be disturbed just now.  We will just have to wait. In the mean time, sit. Drink? ::Lifts glass::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::whispered:: Rix: We need to get to the bottom of this, or we're going to have an interstellar incident on our hands.  I wouldn't be surprised if we're in the middle of a cover-up. 

<TO_Tyret> ::watches the download visual records::

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> ::Hands a glass to TO:: TO: Can you drop the thing on the cell and give your CEO his juice?

<Adm_Rix> Mordane: I fear we're already too late.

<TO_Tyret> :presses the button::

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO/TO: Relax guys, its a misunderstanding. The truth is the CEO is innocent and the truth always comes out, sooner or later.

<TO_Tyret> Bauer: Give it to him.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> ::Hands the glass to the CEO::

<TO_Tyret> ::raises the Shield back::

<Adm_Rix> Mordane: I think you should tell the crew to prepare for trial.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: I'm sorry I have to tell you.  I can't pronounce your name.  

<TO_Tyret> ::goes over his data to see if he missed something::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::nods in understanding:: 

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> ::takes juice:: Bauer/TO: A toast to my innocence and the future of the QIb crew.

<TO_Tyret> ALL: I will drink to that.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> ::Lifts glass and drinks:: CEO: Cheers.

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> Bauer/TO: May the winds be at our backs

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> ::drinks juice::

<TO_Tyret> ::drinks::

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> CEO: Hey that's nice. Like poetry or something.

<LT_Cmdr_Bauer> ALL: I'm sure the Commander will contact us soon enough.  You two seem like you need to relax a bit.  Breath, it's habit forming.

<Adm_Rix> Mordane: I'll be in my office if you need me.

<TO_Tyret> Bauer: I can't wait till we get to go back to our real jobs.

<Cmdr_Mordane> Rix: I'm sure I'll be by soon... 

<CEO_LtT`pucnamushi> Bauer: Just something I heard Admiral Kirk say on a recording once.

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::taps his com badge on the way to the brig::  Bauer: I've got some bad news gentlemen...we're going to trial, and it's not going to be a fair one. 

<<<<<<<<<<<<End Mission>>>>>>>>>>>>