U.S.S. Corsair - Progeny of the Progenitors

Major Character Listing

Captain Taverain Ramius CO, USS Corsair	Commander Alanis Novada XO, USS Corsair	Commander Keith Durandal CMO, USS Corsair	Captain Zane Akina Intelligence Operative, Starfleet Intelligence
Father Frederick Dakota Pastor	Alistair Merikai President, NeoDyne Defense Corporation	Aditus Religious Cult Group of Brainwashed Religious Zealots

Locations

Starship USS Corsair

Starbase 343

D’aisnenn - Uninhabited Planet in Romulan Space

Progeny Of The Progenitors - Part 1

USS Corsair - NX-011979

Nebula II Prototype

"Sic Parvis Magna"

Motto: "Greatness From Small Beginnings"

Captain Taverain Ramius leaned against the shiny metallic railing of Starbase 343’s grand observation deck. Beyond him were massive windows and still further beyond them in her moorings was the only lady currently in his life; the USS Corsair. Her dark hull was in sharp contrast to the shiny silvers and sterile whites of the station’s interior and exterior. The entire vessel exuded a menacing aura. Its sleek lines and red exterior lighting announced it was not a ship in which to be trifled or underestimated.

Yet despite its powerful imposing stature it was taking a small army of engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel to piece her back together after her latest mission. Two weeks had passed since he had entered port his ship badly damaged hunting for evidence to use against the mega-conglomerate the NeoDyne Defense Corporation. The mission had taken a high toll on both men and machine. Corsair had suffered in combat and more than a few of the crew had made the ultimate sacrifice.

Ramius took a deep breath as his eyes traced the lines of his starship. Estimates had the Corsair docked for at least another week perhaps longer given the extensive damages to the forward hull and saucer decks. More than likely his chief engineer and the station’s repair yard would insist on several days of shakedown time to ensure repairs were satisfactory and to reveal any lingering problems.

He didn’t like the idea of sitting around waiting when NeoDyne was on the move. While he had dealt them a blow, they were no doubt off licking their wounds, time was against him. The longer he sat here the less time he could be out there searching for clues and following up on leads with the goal of ending NeoDyne’s power and influence, but most of all stopping its sinister and corrupt leader, President Alistair Merikai. The corporation’s top officer had been engaged in significant biological and genetic experimentation for years to fulfill some terrible purpose. Whatever his goals or aims one thing was clear. He had to be stopped – at any cost. He needed a smoking gun to wave before generals, admirals, and politicians or else nothing would be done to end the threat. He was confident he would find it, but the price that was being paid in blood, sweat, and equipment was monumental. The final price tag would be astronomical however how could one put a price on eliminating a mortal threat to freedom, peace, and the rule of law?

Ramius took one last look at his injured lady. He had taken a few minutes aboard the station to relax and get away from his duties aboard his ship. The doctor had demanded he take a few days shore leave, but there was far too much work waiting for him. Leaving the ship periodically for lunch or dinner was enough to keep Doctor Durandal and his spy network temporarily at bay. With NeoDyne at work throughout the galaxy, Ramius had no time for vacations or relaxation. Too much depended on him stopping the corporation and ending its reign of horrific crimes against man and nature.

Leaving the observation deck, Ramius proceeded back to the Corsair by way of the docking platform where other ships, civilians, and cargo arrived and departed. A busy location the docking platform buzzed with different cultures and a variety of vendors, goods, and services. Moving past a substantial crowd of people, Taverain noticed something was out of the ordinary as one of the airlocks was cordoned off and had grown several station security officers. A crowd had formed but had been pushed back by officers and barriers. A news affiliate was also nearby its field agent engaged in a live broadcast.

“What is going on?”

Deciding to investigate, Ramius pushed his way through the crowd reaching a line of crime tape and several security officers with annoyed expressions.

“What happened here”, Ramius asked.

“Sorry sir, I cannot comment on the situation. It is a security matter. If you would respectfully move along sir we both have work to do here.”

The officer’s obstinate answer only served to further peak Ramius’s interest.

“LOOK..SOMEONE SUSPICIOUS”, Ramius shouted pointing into the crowd. The momentary distraction gave him time to slip past the barriers and yellow tape before the guards could stop him.

“WAIT A MINUTE”, the guards yelled in tandem. This is a crime scene! YOU CAN’T GO IN!”

Ramius was growing tired of playing twenty questions with the hired help. He was only interested in what had caused so much commotion. Ignoring the guards, Ramius continued rounding the corner which was filled with station security taking photos, interviewing witnesses, and performing other crime scene tasks. He didn’t stop walking until a hand forcefully grabbed his shoulder and yanked him backwards eliciting more than an annoyed look from the captain.

“HOLD IT RIGHT THERE”, one of the guards said shoving the business end of his weapon into Ramius’s back. “You had better have a good explanation captain or else I am afraid we’re going to have to ask you to answer a few questions back at station security.”

Tav pushed the guard’s hand from his arm freeing himself. He was done playing with amateurs.

“Captain Taverain Ramius, Starfleet Intelligence, Special Projects Division. Does that answer your questions?”

“Let’s see some ID.”

Ramius produced his identification which he snatched back after the guards had inspected it.

“I apologize captain, however we…”

“Following orders. I get it. Why don’t you two get back up to the front lines and keep those dangerous crowds in check and I will try to forget about this incident.”

“Come on”, one of the guards sneered heading off leaving the captain alone.

“Finally”, Ramius muttered as the guards left him. Proceeding forward Ramius noticed half of the station’s commercial street had been closed off. Dozens of businesses were closed and evacuated. Someone had thrown out a wide net however the question was why. Something highly unusual was going on and Ramius couldn’t ignore the tiny voice within him which was warning of potential trouble on the horizon.

Progeny Of The Progenitors - Part 2

Like a kid in a candy store, Ramius thrived on danger and continued down the lane of shops and booths until he encountered a rather animated human security officer and a stoic Vulcan.

“Give me that”, the human shouted snatching a padd from the Vulcan’s hands. “We don’t have time for this!”

“If I may quote regulation 146 paragraph 12 on proper procedure when dealing with…”

The human interrupted the Vulcan. “Do you have any desire to solve this case?”

“Of course, however in order to maximize our efforts in data collection, forensics, and…”

“If we follow every rule and regulation and line the walls with red tape, WE’LL NEVER CATCH THESE GUYS”, the human roared.

The flustered human looked up having spotted someone out of place and stepped passed the Vulcan directly into Ramius’s path.

“Just who are you and what are you doing here”, the man demanded.

Ramius shot the Vulcan officer a glance. The Vulcan merely returned his gaze with inquisitive eyes.

“Captain Ramius. Starfleet Intelligence.”

“Intelligence? I didn’t request any backup. Why are you here”, the man asked gruffly his voice shrill and hard on the ears.

“I was touring the station and noticed the commotion. Given the crowds and security presence I thought I might see what all the excitement was about.”

“None of your business”, the man snapped. “This is an internal matter and I don’t need Intelligence operatives snooping around fouling things up. You can just take your curiosity back with you wherever you came from. This isn’t your jurisdiction and I don’t need your help Captain.”

Ramius gave the man a sour expression. He wasn’t meddling in this officer’s case or his affairs…yet.

“Hayes, what the hell is going on down here”, a voice shouted from the distance. Ramius looked up to see the station commander approaching.

“Captain! Sir. We’re investigating the incident and searching for any trace the perpetrators may have left at the scene.”

“Investigating? While you investigate I’m losing half my station to terrorism! Do you know how many complaints I have received from the merchant’s association? You aren’t the one speaking to the media with a camera in your face! Nor do you have to deal with the public outcry. There’s a lot of people aboard this station, myself included, who are damned scared by recent events! I won’t stand by while these assassins tear apart my station!”

The captain turned noticing Ramius. “Captain Ramius isn’t it?”

Tav politely nodded.

“Captain Fujinata. Pleasure to meet you. I saw your ship arrive. Hell of a mess. How are the repairs coming?”

“Fine. However from the looks of things you too seem to have some difficulties of your own.”

The station commander nodded his face quickly losing its momentary brightness. “This is the third time in two months. A religious zealot and his followers are tearing my station apart. We do not know much about them, but there is strong evidence to believe some of the more devout are engaged in some kind of ritualistic cleansing of those they deem impure having fallen from the pure faith or perhaps wanting out. Whoever these people are or have hired they are expert professionals. No evidence, no traces, no witnesses – nothing. Worst their calling card is brutal and violent. The people targeted have all met gruesome ends. I suspect someone is sending a message, but we have few leads to follow.

The station residents and crew are on edge about recent events and we have little to show for our efforts. The damn news networks are only fueling fear and paranoia. I have Starfleet asking questions as well as several civic groups and other civilian agencies. My hands are tied when it comes to dealing with the situation for fear of being intolerant or abusive with Starfleet power. It has been a hell of a month.”

“Well I am sorry to hear of your troubles captain. Based on what you have said I would concur that someone wants to present a strong show of force. If you were dealing with professional hits I would suspect it would be a far quieter and less public affair. Can you tell me any more about this religious group you claim are behind the incidents?

Fujinata nodded. “This group showed up about a year ago here on the station. They filed the correct permits and followed normal channels. They established a small temple near the cargo bays down on deck 19. Rough area of the station. It’s more or less a cult run by some mysterious leader. We do not have any records on the group’s leader and no one has seen this man. Sermons are carried out by local faithful and this leader sends out recorded messages to his followers. They worship some alien race that went extinct several millennia ago. Rumor has it they controlled much of this area including large areas of the Neutral Zone and beyond extending into present day Romulan territory. The group claims these beings were some divine super race who endowed the universe with life possessing vast knowledge and technologies.

They have some nearly unpronounceable name for them. These alien deities are more commonly known around here as the progenitors. It’s a nickname that has sort of stuck.

Anyway these guys were perfectly peaceful until a few months ago. They suddenly became radical and we quickly received complaints of threats and violence. The group then became increasingly secretive and secluded. Members who wanted out have disappeared or been eliminated with extreme measures. The shop behind me was the latest victim. A follower was killed by a micro-explosive of some type. Fortunately no one was hurt other than the victim, however I am sure the trauma of such an experience will be with the witnesses for a very long time.”

Fujinata’s face twisted with anger. “Damn it. I can’t come down on them or else they’ll scream about religious intolerance and…I have no proof. We have been unable to find any traces of evidence linking the group and recent attacks. I can’t risk the fallout from what would be a public relations disaster if we attempted some type of action without evidence. I am forced to sit back until we can find something concrete to stop these killers. My hands are tied, but we have to do something!”

Ramius mulled over the information just as the captain turned toward him with an unusual expression.

“Captain Ramius, you work for intelligence. Perhaps you and your crew could assist us in this matter? Your ship will be undergoing repairs for at least another week or two and we could certainly use the extra help not to mention your experience and perhaps intelligence resources. I am afraid our security forces here are just not equipped to deal with such violent and professional criminals.”

“We are making progress captain”, Detective Hayes shouted. “I don’t need them in our way!”

“Hayes, you have yet to provide a single credible lead in this matter! I have residents and civic leaders ready to hunt me down if we don’t get a break in this case.”

“With all do respect sir it takes times to analyze data and interview witnesses..”

Ramius enjoyed a good mystery and these fiends terrorizing the local station population needed to be brought to justice before anyone else could be harmed.

“I will look into it”, Ramius answered interrupting the detective. “It would appear I have the time for the moment with the Corsair under repair. I will need access to your files on this group and all case materials. I will have my staff look over the data and files and I can work a few contacts to see if we cannot learn more about this group and its mysterious leadership.

With your permission captain I would like to beam aboard a small team to look at this scene. Perhaps my team can find something useful which could generate a lead?”

“Of course captain. I will ensure you receive my staff’s full cooperation. Hayes, see to it Captain Ramius and his staff have access to anything they request. I do not want any trouble or else YOU can explain to the public why our security forces have failed them time and time again. Do I make myself clear?”

“Perfectly”, Detective Hayes snapped.

“I apologize captain, but I must speak to the media about this latest incident and attempt to shore up the public’s deteriorating confidence. I pray you can find something to end the violence.”

Ramius nodded as the captain left.

Once Fujinata was out of earshot the detective quickly spoke up. “I’ll cooperate captain but this is my collar. I do not need Intelligence operatives and a bunch of cloak and dagger and special ops being conducted on my station. This is still my jurisdiction and you will run everything past me before taking matters into your own hands.”

“Detective, your passion for this case is admirable, but I wonder if it is not clouding your judgment? I am not here to steal your glory. Far from it. You have dangerous individuals threatening lives and property who must be brought to justice. We both want to see these criminals apprehended. You have your methods and I have mine. My intention is not to interfere, but to determine who and why. Surely we share the same goals? I am not here by request. I only stopped out of curiosity nothing more.”

“Just stay out of my way Ramius.” The detective turned and stormed off leaving Ramius alone wondering why the man was so irritated with his presence. If anything he thought he would appreciate the help.

Progeny Of The Progenitors - Part 3

“You must forgive the detective”, a calm voice said from afar.

Taverain turned to look at the lone Vulcan who was nearby. “He is obviously a proud and dedicated officer. He may be brash but I do not hold it against him.”

The vulcan’s eyebrow lifted slightly. “You are not what I expected.”

Tav offered a mild smile. “What did you expect? You seem to have me at a disadvantage.”

“I took the time to read your dossier when your ship docked. It is quite unusual to have such a ship, with a black hull and no paperwork, dock for repairs. I was intrigued. Your ship is as interesting as your colorful history captain.”

“I have few regrets”, Ramius offered. “However I like to know my company before speaking about my history.”

“Yes of course. My name is T’Shian. I am one of many detectives aboard the starbase.”

Ramius nodded. “Are you working on this case?”

“Affirmative. I am most gratified that you will be assisting our efforts. The perpetrators of these crimes are highly skilled and have access to sophisticated technology.”

“If your duties will permit, would you show me the crime scene?”

“Yes of course captain. Please follow me.”

Restaurant – Crime Scene

Taverain and T’Shian entered the small café where the latest murder had occurred. It was a grizzly scene. A dark, small crater in the center of the restaurant was the remaining testament to what was once a living individual. Overturned tables, chairs, broken glass, and a fine mist of blood coated the small eatery. Despite what had happened there was surprisingly little damage.

Taverain made his way to the crater and squatted down visually examining the charred floor.

“Hmm, blast was carefully focused and powerful. Has anything been moved inspector?”

“Negative captain. Everything is as it was after the incident”, T’Shian answered with a cool voice.

“This looks like a photonic blast, but confined and extremely precise. The victim was vaporized within a contained field otherwise there would be more evidence. The blast also incinerated the device itself leaving no traces. Clever. The Romulans have a device similar to this however they are expensive and highly customized units. They would not be available publically nor sold in the black market or elsewhere.”

He stood and surveyed the rest of the room before heading back outside.

“Well you won’t find much more in there. The victim was likely wearing the device before entering this establishment. Such a device would be small and easy to plant on a target without their knowledge. Has the victim been identified?”

“We are working on that now. There were some DNA fragments remaining and trace blood remnants. The security computers should have a match soon.”

“I am not as interested in the victim as I am in those he or she had contact with. Once we identify the victim we need to pull surveillance recordings in addition to locating friends, family, or other persons who may have an idea of where the victim was today and who they may have had contact with. Perhaps we can uncover a trail to the victim’s assassin by connecting a few dots.”

“How will dots aid us in solving this crime captain”, the Vulcan asked with a cool, inquisitive voice.

Ramius looked up with a slight band of amusement upon his face. “An Earth expression inspector. Forgive the usage. I believe with some coordinated effort we may be able to piece together several facts and derive a person or persons of interest who may be connected to this crime.”

“A logical course of action. Unusual to see such clarity from a former fighter pilot. My experience with such individuals reveals them to be highly emotional, erratic, and egotistical, but typically genuine. You however are quite different.”

“I am thorough. Though do not mistake me for something I am not inspector. My heart is still that of a pilot. I simply have the benefit of experience to help keep it in check most of the time.”

“Most?”

Ramius only smiled. He tapped his comm. badge.

“Ramius to Corsair.”

“Commander Novada here sir.”

“Number One, there’s been a murder committed here on the station. It appears that such incidents have been occurring with some frequency and I have been asked by the station commander to assist in the ongoing investigations while we are docked for repairs. Assemble a team to conduct an investigation of the crime scene and have them beamed over when ready. I want a full intelligence grade sweep. Have the team report their findings to me when completed. I will be returning to the Corsair within the hour. Ramius out.”

“Well T’Shian the team should arrive soon. Your help is greatly appreciated. Would you be willing to assist my team? Your familiarity with the case will greatly aid them.”

The Vulcan nodded quietly in acceptance.

“I have one additional favor to ask of you”, Ramius said his eyes dropping to the female’s slender waist.

<<NO..its not what you think! Geesh people lets not let our minds wander here. Focus. Focus!>>

“Yes captain”, came the reply as the Vulcan carefully watched the path of the human’s eyes as they settled upon her.

“Your sidearm. May I borrow it?”

“May I inquire as to why Captain Ramius?”

“I would like to pay a visit to the temple of this mysterious religion. I would like to learn more about these progenitors as well as speak with the group’s membership.”

“Captain I must warn you this group is wary of outsiders. You will not be welcomed.”

“Perhaps not as a Starfleet captain, but as a civilian, I might get a different result inspector. Especially for one interested in the faith.”

The Vulcan gave the human a perplexing look which lasted several seconds before she unholstered her phaser and extended it toward the captain. “Do you require…”

“No. I work alone. It is safer that way”, Ramius quickly answered anticipating the inspector’s question. “Thank you and I shall return this to you.”

Taverain bowed slightly before turning and heading off. Inspector T’Shian watched the man leave. “Fascinating”, she said quietly before returning to her duties.

“Ramius to Akina.”

“Akina here. Go ahead.”

“Zane, I’ve stumbled into a murder investigation here on the station. I’ve been asked to look into the matter. From what I’ve seen we’re dealing with someone with access to expensive, sophisticated weapons used primarily for clandestine assassination. The weapon used here was top quality and had to be stolen tech. I’m heading over to an area of the station that might shed some light on matters. Interested?”

“Let me get this straight Ramius – you stumbled upon a murder? And you want my help to solve it?”

“Yes.”

“Taverain, we are supposed to be hunting NeoDyne not solving crimes. Let the local authorities handle their own problems.”

“I have a feeling this is more than just a random killing Zane.”

There was a audible sigh over the channel. “The last time you said that we nearly ended up dead.”

“I was right wasn’t I?”

“Fine. Give me your position. I’ll beam over momentarily.”

“Oh and Zane, leave your uniform and put on something comfortable. You might wear something appropriate for obtaining religious enlightenment.”

“Come again?”

Ramius chuckled. “Meet me on Deck 27, Section 12 in twenty minutes. Ramius out.”

Closing the channel, Ramius headed off to change into something a little less conspicuous and to meet up with Captain Zane Akina, one of Starfleet Intelligence’s brightest, if not unorthodox, operatives. Tav had the feeling the next few hours would prove to be highly educational.

Progeny Of The Progenitors - Part 4

USS Corsair

Intelligence officer, Captain Zane Akina adjusted his civilian jacket and stepped up onto the transporter pad. He had no idea why Ramius has asked him to dress out of uniform and meet him in an unusual section of the nearby starbase. Ramius’s requests and actions seldom made any logical sense. Why was he trying to analyze someone as unpredictable as the Corsair’s captain?

“Do you have the coordinates”, Akina asked his voice bereft of any enthusiasm. He could only imagine what sort of fun Ramius had in store for him.

“Captain Ramius just transmitted them and is standing by sir”, came the confident reply of the Corsair’s transporter operator.

“Let’s get this over with. Energize.”

Deck 24 – Starbase 343

Akina gazed through a blue and white miasma as machines reassembled his body an atom at a time aboard the starbase. His skin prickled and tingled as the transporter beam completed its delivery having once again torn the captain’s body apart into billions of particles, converted his essence into energy, and successfully reassembled him. How such a device repeatedly worked without error never ceased to astonish the veteran intelligence officer.

As the transporter beam’s momentary after effects quickly faded, Akina quickly took stock of the environment in which he had been deposited. His nose was suddenly assaulted by a stale odor he couldn’t identify laced with overtones of oil and dirt. The area around him was illuminated by poorly maintained industrial lighting. Several overhead lamps loudly buzzed while others simply flickered on and off in various states of disrepair. A foreboding and irritating yellow light barely held back the darkness leaving large voids of black where the imagination could easily run wild.

A sudden hiss from somewhere unseen caused the captain to jump slightly as the machinery around him groaned and labored to provide necessary functions to seemingly every deck with the exception of this one.

“What sort of place had Ramius dragged him to this time”, he silently mused as his eyes traced the corridors and crammed with pipes, wiring, and electrical equipment.

“I thought you had gotten lost”, a familiar voice said behind him. Akina spun around as Captain Tav Ramius emerged from a darkened corner with a subtle grin. Akina was less startled by Ramius’s sudden appearance than by that tell tale smile on his face. As experience had proved in more than one instance, Ramius’s jocular demeanor was the ultimate predictor of coming trouble.

“Why have you dragged me into the station’s abysmal underbelly”, Akina asked. “Grease and grime isn’t exactly my thing.”

“It should be”, Ramius responded. “You’re an intelligence officer. You of all people should know that getting important intelligence information, the so called “dirt” on people and events, means you usually have to crawl through it.”

“I just like to do my crawling on my terms Ramius, not yours”, Akina replied with a coarse tone. “So what filth have you obviously asked me here to climb through with you”, the captain asked with a questioning, stern gaze.

“No climbing this time. I just needed a wingman.”

“A wingman? For what may I ask?”

Ramius pointed to what appeared to be a storefront across a busy deck teaming with merchants, shippers, supplies, crates and scores of less than savory individuals.

“It’s a religious group. Local word is it’s a cult that worships an extinct race of beings rumored to have possessed superior technologies and uncanny abilities. The followers believe they were responsible for seeding life through the galaxy perhaps even through the universe. They call these beings the ‘Progenitors’ and they supposedly controlled vast sections of the galaxy including most of the current Romulan Empire.”

“Fascinating”, Akina answered with mock enthusiasm. “And I should care about some bizarre cult why?”

“Didn’t you read my message?”

“I skimmed over it.”

Ramius continued despite his sour expression. “Station security believes this group is behind a recent wave of violent murders here aboard the station. They do not have any proof, but the individuals targeted have been members, former members, or people connected in business dealings with the group. Information indicates the group has recently become secretive and is rumored to be building an elaborate network with substantial underworld figures.”

Akina sighed. “Ramius, why are you involved in police work? It sounds like normal criminal activities. This is probably just some two-bit hoods using the cult as a front for black market or other criminal activities. The murders are probably initiation rituals or perhaps a rival is moving in. Why are you trying to get involved? Let the local authorities handle this. We have far more pressing matters to deal with than chasing around local syndicate thugs or a few zealous criminals.”

“Well seeing as the Corsair is grounded for the foreseeable future due to repairs I offered to assist the local security forces on this one given our experience and talent.”

“I go after the large fish that are too smart and quick to be caught. I am not keen on playing exterminator for the station’s local pest problems especially when NeoDyne is a far larger threat that must be eliminated. Let’s not lose sight of the target Ramius.”

“Akina where is your sense of adventure? Should be an easy collar and I could stand to make a few friends and allies in this neck of the quadrant. It is a long way back to Earth from here. Besides, the Corsair isn’t going anywhere which means we can do little in regards to NeoDyne for the time being.”

“Fine. Fine. Look, you want to play detective ok…don’t expect me to enjoy being your sidekick ok? You want a wingman. You got one. Go play. Have fun! I’m sorry I just don’t get as thrilled and excited taking on local scum.”

“Getting off the ship will do you good Zane. It might even help brighten that dark disposition. Come on, let’s go.”

“Uh Ramius, just a second. If I am not mistaken, using my so called talents as you said, I seem to see several rather imposing figures near the entrance to this cult’s base of operations. Forgive me for being the naysayer but those guys do not look like a friendly welcoming committee and judging by their movements and demeanor I’m fairly confident they are armed. I can also say with a fair degree of confidence they probably will not let either of us simply walk into their place of worship with just a wink and a nod.”

“Well we will just have to convince them we are both true believers!”

Ramius quickly turned and headed into the crowded deck failing to notice the deadpan expression and rolling eyes behind him.

“How do I get myself talked into these things”, Akina muttered to himself as he set off after the captain wondering just how much carnage would be left in their wake this time…

Progeny Of The Progenitors - Part 5

Deck 24 – Starbase 343

“Ramius”, Akina shouted grabbing the captain by his arm. “We cannot just walk in there pretending to be one of the faithful. They would see through us instantly and blow any chance we have of getting in there.”

“We”, Ramius asked with an amused tone.

“You, me, us! Look. If you want in there why don’t we do things my way for once huh? No phasers, no rushing in, no fistfights, no injuries. We can play this calm, cool, and still get whatever it is you think you are going to find in there.”

Ramius took a quick look at the heavily patrolled door and then looked back at Akina. “Alright captain. What do you have in mind?”

Sometime Later

“I should have listened to my instincts”, Ramius muttered as he followed Akina through a crowded corridor. “This is never going to work!”

Zane quickly stopped and turned toward the captain. “Just keep your head down and your mouth shut and this is going to work perfectly. Whereas you would prefer piloting a shuttle right through the door I prefer a more subtle approach. Just let me do the talking. Agreed?”

“Fine. It still isn’t going to work. The guards are not that dense.”

“No they are denser. I’ve done this routine dozens of times on everyone from well trained mercenaries to high tech criminals…it always works.”

Rounding the corner the pair arrived at the entrance to the suspicious cult’s place of worship. Their presence was immediately noticed by the three followers nearby who quickly moved to block access to the door.

“What do you want”, an imposing male stated with a gruff voice.

“I’m Ted Berkin and this is Mitch Wilkins. I..I am terribly sorry to intrude gentlemen but we have a serious problem inside that needs some attention.”

“Problem? What problem? Who are you?” Ramius bit his tongue wanting nothing more than to jump these two bit hoodlums and make his way inside. It was taking a sizeable amount of restraint to stand quietly watching Akina make a fool of himself.

“Oh I am terribly sorry. We’re from deck 7, maintenance division. You see a Ferengi captain was caught attempting to sell some well…illegal merchandise. Well I don’t want to name names, but it seems that tribbles were among some of the confiscated contraband and well some of them escaped into this area. Needless to say we have to take every precaution to avoid a serious problem from developing. Yes indeed. Have you ever seen these rascals? I mean they can breed like a ….well they can really um…”

The men were glaring at the both of them making Ramius doubtful of Akina’s confidence. Despite his misgivings he would grant the captain a few additional moments before taking matters into his own hands.

“Alright so some merchandise went missing pal. What does this have to do with us?”

“Oh, well tribbles are terrible pests. They reproduce exponentially, has something to due with some accelerated reproductive genes or something, but anyway they can get into ventilation systems and electrical conduits and wreak havoc. One becomes two becomes ten and before you know it you have thousands of these critters everywhere chewing on wires, falling out of the ceilings, literally crowding you out of house and home. Well in your case that’s house of worship, but you get the idea. To make a long story short we need to install some traps and bait as a precaution. Shouldn’t take long we just have to ensure we don’t end up with a major infestation on our hands here. Uh, may we go inside?”

The imposing men glanced at one another before returning their gazes to the two maintenance workers before them.

“Alright mac, do your inspection, but make it quick. We don’t like outsiders within the temple. And don’t touch anything while you’re in there or else you’ll have more problems than these furballs you’re after!”

“Don’t worry. Mitch and I are both extremely respectful of all cultures and beliefs aboard. Comes with the job if you know what I mean. Uh, yes well we’ll just go inside and set a few traps and bait and get out of your way as soon as possible. I just hope they aren’t chewing on the power cables like the last time. Nothing worse than a smoldering lump of scorched hair.”

“Get movin pal”, one of the men muttered.

Akina nodded and dragged Ramius along with him as they stepped through the doors and into the unknown interior of the cult’s house of worship.

Progeny Of The Progenitors - Part 6

The hallways of the temple were devoid of life making navigating the interior of the cult easier than Ramius and Akina had anticipated. Quickly moving from room to room the pair made their way into what appeared to be a small office with a small computer terminal. Akina quickly took a seat and to his surprise the terminal was unlocked.

“Look here Ramius. The group is called Aditus…that’s old Earth Latin for beginning or a means…if I recall. Hmm…not much here. Some clerical files. Lists of members. Several of the names are crossed out. I don’t know if they correlate to your murders or not.”

Akina quickly poured through the system. “Look at this”, he said stopping on several documents. Ramius leaned over to gaze at the screen. “Supply manifests. Shit. Look at this stuff! What does a religious group need with heavy excavation equipment? Phaser drills, shuttles, mining equipment, explosives? What the hell?”

“I told you I smelled something funny Zane”, Ramius said with a hint of indignation. “This cult of yours is quite sophisticated and organized. These records indicate a well laundered money trail and a carefully concealed network of suppliers, merchants, and black market sources. This isn’t the work of religious zealots Tav, this is a front operation for something big. I can tell by the patterns that this is a carefully crafted cover for something. It could take weeks or months of work to shake down suppliers and follow up on purchases. Whoever is behind this is not only clever, but I would suspect professional and well funded.”

“Syndicate?”

“I don’t think so”, Zane replied pouring over the files. “It doesn’t seem like their MO. No this feels more sophisticated. My instincts point to someone in the shadows pulling strings but I can’t tell from these files. It’s just a feeling.”

“Go with your gut. It works for me most of the time.”

“Yes, I’ve noticed. Your feelings and instincts would drive a Vulcan to madness I’m afraid.”

Footsteps in the hall caused both the men to jump as Akina quickly attempted to restore the computer to its original settings. Quickly the men pressed themselves up against the wall as the footsteps passed and eventually tapered off somewhere down the hallway.

“That was close.”

“Too close. Come on, let’s check out the rest of the facility and get the hell out of here.”

Still Later...

The pair quietly entered a large room which resembled a converted cargo hangar. Red banners bearing the cult’s name “Aditus” hung from the walls. There were few lights with much of the rooms haunting illumination emanating from dozens of candle racks that surrounded the room.

As the two captains pushed deeper into the chamber it quickly became clear Ramius’s suspicions were in part justified.

“Look at this”, Akina noted examining the floor. “It looks like a holographic projector.”

Ramius nodded. “I was told the group’s leader communicates via recorded message. This must be the method. Damned peculiar though. A preacher who preaches from afar where no one knows his identity or his whereabouts?”

Akina confirmed the sentiment as he continued to inspect the holo-emitter.

Ramius took the opportunity to scout the room more specifically the altar draped in dark, crimson cloth. To his shock he discovered why the cloth was crimson.

“AKINA”, he loudly whispered. The captain approached Ramius and the mysterious alter.

“Take a look.”

“What is that…blood?”

“Sure looks like it. I think there is more going on here than anyone knows.”

Akina produced a tricorder and took several quick scans of the altar. “It’s humanoid blood. Various species. Some of it older…some of it more recent. What the hell is going on here? Ritual sacrifice?”

“No..I bet it’s meant to look that way though to those followers missing a few billion brain cells”, Ramius indicated retrieving a sinister looking blade from the alter. “I would bet the group captures and eliminates its adversaries under the guise of ritual.”

“Whatever. It’s still murder!”

“No proof”, Ramius interjected. “Just blood and lots of it. Without a body this evidence is circumstantial and won’t hold up in court or anywhere else.”

Akina pulled himself up onto the imposing stone alter. “Get up here Ramius and give me a boost. I need to install a tribble trap.”

“You weren’t serious about those were you?”

“Of course not! Covert surveillance tech. We can see and hear everything that goes on in here.”

Ramius quickly helped Akina upwards so he could install the device on the ceiling concealed by a convenient air duct and vents.

An opening door and the sounds of rapid footsteps broke the silence of the room as Akina rapidly worked on fastening the device.

“Akina, hurry up. We’ve got company”, Ramius whispered. “Almost done.”

“Running out of time.”

“There.”

The pair leapt from the alter and made their way several meters away before they encountered one of the guards from the outside door and two robed figures who faces were not visible.

“Who dares to defile our place of worship?”

“Defile? Nope, nothing like that. We just finished checking the place for those pesky furballs. Nothin to worry bout now. Laid out some deterrents which should keep the area clear of those damned varmints should any try to infest the conduits and air ducts round here. Damned annoying pests.”

“Those who have tainted this holy place must provide penance for their sins”, one of the robed monks shouted.

“Well we’ll just be on our way. Sorry for the disturbance but your average tribble can be a costly problem not to mention dangerous near machinery. Do you have any idea what those things can do to a type 29 RXN Air Conversion Module. One tribble and foom thing goes up like a warp core breech. Now I’m sure…”

“SILENCE! You cannot leave this place until you have paid the penalty for your transgressions.”

“Paid? Penalty? Look, we’ll gladly return to duty and…”

A pistol produced by the guard prevented any further protest from either Ramius or Akina. It seemed Akina, despite his fast talk and slick moves, was unable to sway the devout before him. Ramius silently cursed under his breath. With the weapon pointed at them he couldn’t get to his own phaser in his jacket pocket. Any sudden movements would likely result in a poor outcome. Despite his unique abilities he was unsure if he could move fast enough. No the risks were just too great. He could only wait for an opportunity to present itself. He only hoped both of them were still in one piece when it came.

“Hold them until Father Dakota determines their punishment and fate.”

Doors slammed open in the hall as Ramius and Akina turned their heads at the sudden commotion. Ramius almost took the momentary distraction to attack, but held off. It was still a gamble getting to the guard quickly enough to avoid one or both of them from being seriously or mortally wounded.

As the pair looked in the direction of the sudden noise a tall, slender man clad in a long black jacket pushed his way through the heavy wooden doors as he approached. Clad in all black attire and military style boots the man was far from the postcard version of a holy man. His eyes and dark, jet black hair matched his clothing. Only a tiny strip of white at his collar was visible which was the only thing that appeared to denote him as a man of the cloth. Ramius was intrigued despite their situation. This man looked more like a character from the ancient old west than a preacher.

“What is going on here brothers”, he shouted his voice echoing off the walls with an imposing tone.

“Father. These men were found in the sanctuary. No doubt they have offended the progenitors and tainted this holy place of worship. They must be punished for their actions.”

The man stopped before the group and turned his dark eyes scanning Akina and Ramius. Tav looked back at the man and his intense dark eyes. There was something within them that was reassuring despite their fierce intensity.

“What business do you have here”, the man firmly asked.

“Maintenance. Ran a few checks for tribbles in the ventilation system. Had a few of the critters get lose in this section. We didn’t mean any harm and are sorry for the trouble.”

“If your work here is complete then go.”

“Father! We cannot..”

The man swiftly cut the monk off. “These men have done nothing wrong and know nothing of our ways. Save your condemnation for the wicked and impure. Maintenance must be performed on occasion and these men have the gifts to perform such tasks. Unless you also possess these skills then be silent less I deem the three of you unworthy!”

“Forgive us father”, the three men said in unison.

Akina and Ramius simply looked at each other in shock as the guard and monks bowed. Ramius was further intrigued when the father quickly motioned with his eyes and head for Ramius and Akina to make their exit. There was something about the man which didn’t fit, but Ramius had no time to contemplate such matters. Without arguing the pair quickly left the facility and emerged back into the safety of the open courtyard free of the cult’s armed guards.

“What just happened”, Akina stated as the two headed for a lift.

“I think we were just saved”, Ramius answered still pondering the recent events.

“Saved? As in…spiritually?”

“No! Saved as in let go. Geesh. There was something about that preacher. I can’t put my finger on it, but this cult gets more bizarre by the second.”

“Oddly dressed for someone devout, but I’m not complaining. I’m just glad to be out of that place.”

Ramius had more questions about the cult now than he did going in. What was the cult up to? Who was this mysterious leader? Why had the preacher let them go so easily and who was he? Too many questions demanded answers.

“Let’s get back to the Corsair. We have some homework to do. I also want to activate your toy and see what we can observe.”

Progeny Of The Progenitors - Part 7

A solar day had passed since Ramius’s narrow escape from the Aditus temple aboard the starbase. With Akina’s help and skill they had managed to install a surveillance unit to quietly spy on the group’s activities. It was highly illegal of course, but Ramius was accustomed to operating outside the law and had the jurisdiction to do it when needed. If these religious zealots were guilty of murder and were perpetrating the killings aboard the station then they deserved justice.

Akina was aboard the Corsair reviewing the files they had lifted from the group’s computers as well as keeping an eye on the video and audio feeds. So far they had yet to come up with anything concrete, but Tav had a feeling the preacher they had run into was not what he seemed. It was just a feeling he had. The man’s intense eyes were not those of a clandestine leader or mindless follower. There was intelligence behind those dark eyes and perhaps something more. Be it pure, black, or otherwise, Ramius could not know only that he had seen something that was worthy of additional investigation.

He bit into an apple leaning against a cold bulkhead outside of the Aditus group’s temple. The maintenance corner he inhabited was dark keeping him hidden from view while he carefully observed those who came and went from the group’s facility.

He had barely made his way half way into the apple before his target emerged into the street. The apple in Tav’s hand hit the deck as the captain cautiously emerged from his vantage point and pursued his quarry at a reasonable clip behind.

The man’s pace was formidable as Tav struggled to keep him in view dodging obstacles and a thick stream of people as he attempted to stay on the man’s trail. He noticed the father turn down an alley and Tav followed. Breaking clean of the crowds, Tav entered the dark alley. To his dismay the man had disappeared. He increased his pace checking several doors. All of them were locked. He continued down the dirty, dark passage until a solitary metallic click broke the silence of the alley forcing Ramius to stop dead in his tracks. Standing motionless Tav slowly raised his hands. It was all too obvious who and what was behind him.

Slowly turning, Tav came face to face with the mysterious Aditus representative aiming a sinister looking weapon at point blank range.

“You”, the man said with some surprise. “I did not expect to see your face again. Why does a maintenance worker slink about in the shadows and why have you followed me? Choose your next words carefully.” The man’s grip on his weapon tightened. “I have no tolerance for lies or those who create them.”

“Heavily armed for a man of faith”, Ramius replied with a slight smile. “A type 16 Consolidated Firearm Corp Model 1232 Raptor isn’t the sort of thing you would expect your local preacher to be carrying these days. It is a little flashy and expensive for those under vows of poverty and the like.”

“I had a feeling you two were not who you claimed to be.”

“Is that so? Then why did you let us go?”

“Simple. You had committed no crime. Only the wicked deserve punishment. However, I am beginning to have my doubts about your intentions. Who are you and what do you want? It is obvious you are not who you say you are and are far more than you appear.”

“What gave me away?”

“Your eyes.”

“Really?”

“They are not the eyes of the guilty which dance about and are unable to remain still. Your gaze shows you are a man in search of something and who is determined to find it perhaps at any cost. I hope murder is not your intention as the wicked will be judged in either this world or the next.”

“And I assume you are judge, jury, and executioner?”

“I protect the righteous from the darkness in this world. Those that seek to destroy that which is righteous and good shall be judged by the hand and word of god.”

“And me? Am I in the light or in the dark”, Tav asked.

“You…you walk a fine line between good and evil. I sense a determination to right some terrible wrong, it shines within your eyes, however I fear that you could easily end up an agent of evil if you are unable to find or stop whatever it is you seek.”

Taverain was now even more intrigued by this so called preacher. Just who the hell was he?

“Starfleet Intelligence. I am Captain Taverain Ramius. And you are?”

The preacher slowly lowered his weapon and returned it to the dark folds of the black overcoat. “Frederick Dakota.” “What is it you want captain? I assume you are following me to learn more about Aditus and its activities?”

Tav nodded. “Well you seem to be very well informed or else you are quite good at guessing. Yes. My ship is docked for repairs and I’ve been asked by the local authorities to assist in recent troubles which your organization appears to be linked to. I find it odd that someone who speaks with such convictions allows his organization to commit such violence.” “It is not my organization captain. Much like yourself I too am investigating Aditus and its activities.”

“You’re one of them. How can…”

“I joined Aditus several months ago and have steadily risen in its ranks as I seek out the wicked who are afflicting the innocent. I go where I am needed much like yourself captain directed not by Starfleet, but a higher power. A terrible evil has infected and corrupted Aditus and is using its misguided clergy and members for some unknown ends. I am unable to stop all of the groups evil deeds, but I have been able to slow its activities. So long as time marches forward evil will prey on the righteous. So long as there is evil men like me must answer the holy call and defend those incapable of defending themselves.”

“A noble cause”, Tav answered. “And a difficult and dangerous path to walk. What have you learned? Perhaps we can work together? We both seek the same end.” The man quietly considered Ramius’s offer.

“Very well captain. I will share what I know, but not here. It is not safe. If you could provide an alternative location to talk perhaps aboard your starship?”

“Consider it done”, Ramius answered.

Producing his communicator, Ramius called up his transporter chief. “Ramius to Corsair, site to site transport. Two to beam to my ready room. Ask Captain Akina to join us there please.”

“Aye captain, locked in and ready.”

“Is now a good time?”

“As good as any.”

Tav nodded. “Energize.”

The two men shimmered out of existence in the dark alley leaving no trace of their existence as the transporter beam shimmered briefly in a flash of blue and white before fading into nothingness.

Progeny Of The Progenitors - Part 8

Captain Taverain Ramius and his unusual guest, a one Father Frederick Dakota, emerged from the grip of a transporter beam within the confines of Ramius’s Ready Room aboard the USS Corsair still within drydock undergoing repairs. Sitting patiently on the nearby sofa was intelligence operative Captain Zane Akina who quickly stood upon seeing the two men.

Ramius moved to his desk and beckoned for the father to have a seat. “I have invited Captain Akina to join us. He also works in intelligence and is assisting our efforts in this matter regarding recent events aboard the station. Father Frederick Dakota, Captain Zane Akina, Starfleet Intelligence.” The two men nodded at one another as Ramius took a seat, leaned back, and threw his boots on top of his desk.

Akina muttered something incoherent under his breath which Ramius promptly ignored.

“I am quite interested to know Mr. Dakota why a member of the clergy finds the necessity to arm himself with a powerful and expensive weapon that is military issue and not available to the general public.”

Akina’s eyebrows shot upwards at Ramius’s brazen question.

“You do not mince words do you captain”, Dakota replied. “I like a man who speaks his mind. However as to your question I carry many things in my travels, but as you no doubt know there is evil in this universe and it cannot be stopped by words alone. One must carry a sword if they are to step onto the field of battle. To do so unarmed would be suicide would you not agree?”

“It depends on the battlefield and who is being fought”, Ramius answered.

“Does Evil require a reason to be vanquished? Does it truly matter where the battle is fought so long as it is indeed fought? You captain I am sure have seen your share of battle. The Hero of Anatarain should already know this?”

Ramius smiled at the comment though he noticed Akina’s face tighten with a degree of concern.

“You appear quite well informed for a simple preacher Mr. Dakota.”

“I never said I was simple captain.”

“Indeed. You did not.”

“Excuse me, Captain…I am sure you didn’t bring the Father here to engage in mere conversational banter. Does this meeting have some relevance to the case”, Akina asked being unaware of what had occurred on the station between the two men.

“Akina is right. Let’s get straight to the point. You indicated Father that you are not a member of Aditus, but that you have infiltrated their ranks? If so, why? And what have you learned about the group’s leadership and activities?”

“It is an organization that is not to be trifled with nor underestimated. I warn you captain this is no ordinary organization. It is populated with the darkest henchmen with access to large sums of funding and lethal equipment. Its members are ruthless, brainwashed souls beyond redemption and salvation. I have yet to uncover the sources behind the group yet someone dark and powerful controls Aditus from the shadows. Their motives are as black as their actions and they must be exposed and stopped but such things are far easier said than done.”

“We managed to get a look at the group’s shipping records”, Akina stated. “I’ve been analyzing the records we obtained earlier. While there are no direct clues as of yet the activity strongly suggests the possible presence of such criminal activities as money laundering, weapons smuggling, black market operations. Do you have any knowledge of such things?”

“Yes and no. Yes in the sense I know the group is involved in all manner of illegal trade. They are so very careful though and meticulous to a fault. Even I do not have a full picture of their operations. It is too well managed, too clean, too surgical to be anything more than a carefully controlled front for some other, darker purpose. Be it syndicate, black market, pirates – no one runs operations this efficiently and ruthlessly. There is always someone inside who lusts for power or is overcome by greed or whose loyalty can be bought or sold – but not here. The group is run like a corporation.”

Ramius’s eyes widened for only and instant as his blue-grey eyes immediately locked with Akina’s. The mention of the word corporation had a chilling effect on the two captains.

“This leader”, Ramius stated, “who is he?”

“He is known only as Lord Icarin. I know virtually nothing about him. His messages to his followers delivered in sermons and teachings are transmitted via holographic projection. I have tried to trace the source but have been unsuccessful. Other messages are recordings delivered by courier who has no knowledge of where the packages come from or who sends them. The man is a vexing, dark mystery. His soul swims within the darkest and most foul waters. He must be found. He must be stopped.”

“What does he look like?”

“I cannot say. He face is always covered by a cloak. All that I know for certain is that he is human and male or at least that is what the images reveal if indeed they are to be believed. Who can say if this Icarin even truly exists?”

Ramius promptly stood and moved to a nearby cabinet where he opened its doors and fumbled around inside for something. Turning around he gripped a phaser in his hand and leveled his cold blue eyes upon the man sitting nearby.

“I appreciate your information father, if indeed that is who you really are, but now I suggest you talk about yourself and how you came to be in Aditus’s company. Please spare us no detail.”

Dakota stiffened at Ramius’s actions.

“Ramius”, Captain Akina said standing. “What are you doing? Why are you threatening our best source of information in this case?”

“Because Akina, he is not who he claims to be.”

“And how do you know that”, Akina shouted angry that the captain was again exhibiting cryptic, unpredictable, and unusual behavior.

“Simple. On the station the good father was able to catch me off guard. Only someone with exceptional skills would recognize a stranger following them. In addition the father caught me by surprise, a feat which is no small task to be sure, but one executed with the stealth of a trained professional. Third, the father has an unusual marking on his forearm which was visible to me several times despite his attempts to conceal it. Such markings are reminiscent of those who have served in the fleet. The marines perhaps? Fourth, is the father’s expert handling of some expensive and illegal firearms. Only a man trained in their use would carry such a weapon. Fifth is the way the father carries himself. Again, only a military man walks with such precision no doubt from countless years of discipline and training.”

Ramius leaned against the cabinet with ease but kept his gaze squarely upon Dakota. “So you see Captain, this holy man, was or is something more. What we must ascertain is who is he, why he is here, and how much of a danger he poses to us and others. You will forgive me father, but I find it hard to trust those who go to lengths to conceal the truth from others.”

Ramius fell silent as Akina’s protest faded amazed at Ramius’s skill and observational acuity. The two captains simply waited for the father’s explanation for a series of facts which seemed to cast a cloud of doubt over everything they had been told.

Progeny Of The Progenitors - Part 9

Captain’s Ready Room – USS Corsair

“There is no need for that weapon captain”, Father Dakota stated seeming unaffected by being held at gun point.

“That has yet to be determined”, Ramius quickly replied. “Unless you tell us who you really are and what your connection is within the Aditus organization I will have no choice but to arrest you and turn you over to station authorities for assault and possession of illegal weaponry. If you resist I will add attempted murder to those charges.”

Dakota smiled at the captain much to Akina’s surprise. Was the man not frightened by Ramius’s threats?

“Tell me something first captain Ramius. Why involve yourself in these matters? A starship captain has other more pressing duties than to worry about local crimes. What warrants your involvement and tenacity?”

“Crime Mr. Dakota, no Evil, has no schedules, no orders, no places to be or duties to perform– it is eternal and must be fought when encountered not when it is convenient. Evil, crime, abuse – only grows if unchecked. Like a weed it flourishes in the harshest conditions and if not pruned will consume a garden in time choking out the roses, grass, and indeed its very life. At that point it ceases to be a garden and instead becomes a treacherous thicket filled with brambles and thorns ensnaring the innocent and pure and enabling misery, hardship, and all manner of darkness.”

“A poetic and noble response. Quite unusual for a Starfleet captain. You are quite different from your peers Captain Ramius. However I too have made several observations.

First, your tenacity in following this matter excludes you from a typical fleet captain. Such would not bother with local concerns unless ordered. Seeing how this ship is undergoing extensive repairs I surmise you have the time to investigate, but that you have also been asked by station personnel. If they have indeed asked for your help then you must belong to Fleet intelligence as no doubt your resources would be of great use to the local authorities. Second, you are not an officer by choice. You hold the rank of captain, but you wear it with disdain. That implies you were given or forced into your position against your will. I might have said former security, but your actions are not consistent with that initial assessment. Your weight and size are of interest and you seem quite willing to take risks following me alone and without backup. Hmm. I would have to say you fit the mold of a former…fighter pilot and one quite versed in risk taking and snap decision making. You appear to be headstrong and given Captain Akina’s objections to your actions I believe I am correct in my assessment.”

Ramius nodded slightly. “Impressive. One might say you are blessed with certain gifts of observation, however you have yet to answer my questions. You have my complete attention Mr. Dakota if you would please continue.”

“Very well captain. If you insist. I have nothing to hide. My name is Frederick Dakota. I served in the first Dominion War as a marine. I was a Major and my company was nearly destroyed during the campaign. Some of us were captured during one particular mission where I saw my fair share of cruelty, death, and hatred. A few of us managed to escape from our Dominion captors after a hellish nine months. We found no glory after our return only boards of inquiry, interrogations, and were witness to the end of the conflict. Upon the war’s conclusion we were told we were no longer needed. The grand armies assembled to fight the enemy were dismantled and my men and I were discharged along with thousands of others with only a meager thank you and deep scars from our service and experiences.

I turned to religion to help cope with my deeds and transgressions in that war. I felt I might be able to atone in some small way for what I had done and ordered other to do. That seemed to be enough for a time until a local syndicate gang murdered several of my parishioners and other colonists where I was attempting to rebuild and heal a colony devastated by the war. The event was just as it had been in the war. Nothing had changed. Jem’Haddar were exchanged for gangs, pirates, and syndicate leeches who preyed upon the colony like parasites. Starfleet sent no armies to combat the threat as civilians paid in blood. No men, no garrison, no aid – nothing. Finally, after a family was cut down by a local gang for failing to pay their monthly protection money I knew I had to take matters into my own hands to use my former skills to combat a new threat in a silent war.

Two months later the colony was a far safer place. The misery there began to fade and those who insisted on living by the sword…died by it one way or another.”

“You mean to say that…”

“Please continue”, Ramius said cutting Captain Akina off in mid-sentence with a stern glance.

“I had found my calling captain just as you have found yours. I go where I am needed. I forgive those who seek absolution for their misdeeds, council those whose spirits are thirsty, and help those who cannot help themselves. The wicked who refuse to repent and turn away from the darkness and those who insist on tormenting the living bringing nothing but misery and death meet with the cold hand of justice. No matter how black the darkness the hearts of the wicked cannot escape the light and truth of the Almighty.

My travels eventually brought me to this station some months ago. It was here I became aware of a sinister presence that infected a misguided, but harmless group of people. I saw dark tendrils take root and bear toxic fruit which even as we speak is slowly poisoning the people of the station. Some have died and I fear more will follow if nothing is done.

I managed to join the group early on as a devoted follower and claimed to be several things to gain trust and standing as evil penetrated the group. I am part of a seven man council which is responsible for this chapter though I have little real influence and am not especially liked. I do what I can to protect the innocent, stall plans, and obstruct the group but I can only do so much. I want nothing more than to see this group freed from the dark sickness that has infected its members, but I fear I have neither the strength nor the power to single-handedly eradicate the source. This evil is far more powerful than I imagined and runs deep.

The local council members are just brainwashed pawns. Someone or something vile is manipulating people and events from the shadows. I do not know their purpose, but I fear a great calamity may occur if indeed they are allowed to continue. I can provide you with what details I know, but be warned Captain. This Icarin real or fictitious is a dangerous man. He is well connected, seemingly impossible to trace or track, and appears to have nearly unlimited resources in men, capital, and equipment. If you chose to pursue him I can offer only blessings and prayers for your safety and success.”

“Sound familiar Akina”, Ramius said with a grin.

“You just can’t say no can you? Out of the frying pan and into the fire I believe is the old saying! Why do I get the impression I’m going to get burned, again, and very soon!”

“Calm yourself captain. We need to find out more about this Icarin character. Once we know where to find the snake’s head we can work on a way to sever it.”

“So you’re just believing him and his story?”

Ramius nodded returning the phaser to the cabinet and again taking a seat. “Yes”, he replied coolly. “I can spot a liar from a parsec away and this man’s eyes hold no deception. However, father, you will not mind if we do indeed verify your story.”

“Not at all. I will gladly provide you with my old service number if you indeed wish to check my records.”

“Ramius! This man is a vigilante! He acts as judge, jury, and executioner and you’re just going to trust him just like that? We are going to arrest him and hold him for questioning?”

“No.”

“NO!?”

“The father must live with his conscious and his past. I’m not here to judge him or his actions. What he had done he alone must atone for. Right now we have this mystery man to investigate. The father here is willing to help us, plus he can work the inside. I doubt either one of us can show our faces in there again.

Father, if you can smuggle us one of Lord Icarin’s sermons we can run the hologram and its program through our computers and see if we can learn anything. Perhaps we can match a face or find some other vital clue. Akina, I want you to contact your sources and run this Icarin past them. Pull some strings, shake some trees – something has to fall out on who this person is.”

Ramius stood. “Father, you have my appreciation for your help.”

“I am only too happy to help if it aids in ridding the station of this man’s murderous and vile influence.”

“We will see justice served”, Ramius said confidently. “That I will assure you.”

“Akina, show our guest to the transporter room.”

Akina muttered something before motioning toward Dakota to follow. He was unhappy with Ramius’s decisions, but decided now was not the time or place for a disagreement. With the Corsair in drydock their mission to stop NeoDyne was at a standstill. Stopping a local crime boss might prove to be a reasonable distraction while they waited on repairs.

Ramius watched the two leave before he turned toward his window. There was something about this affair which bothered him. He couldn’t put his finger on it. Perhaps it was just a feeling.

Discovering the identity of this so-called holy man was their first priority. Once they knew who they were up against they could fill in the blank of where to look for him and eventually the how of stopping him and his plans.

Progeny Of The Progenitors - Part 10

Captain Taverain Ramius briskly walked down the hallway toward sickbay. Upon reaching its doors he paused but only a moment to engage a nurse with a stern tone. “Where is Captain Akina”, he firmly asked his blue grey eyes seemingly more piercing than usual. He had only just received word that Captain Akina had been beamed aboard with substantial injuries after calling for an emergency beam out from aboard the station. Ramius had wasted no time arriving in sickbay to learn of his friend’s condition.

“The captain is in the operating room sir”, the nurse replied. “Doctor Durandal is seeing to his injuries.” Her words sent a cold shiver through the captain, but he made no outward sign of his distress.

Ramius left the nurse who quickly turned to restrain the captain. “Sir, he is in surgery. You cannot go in there!”

“Like hell I can’t”, Ramius answered breaking free of the nurse and proceeding toward the operating room doors which he strode through like a mechanized tank powering through a helpless brick barrier. Upon entering the room he could see Doctor Keith Durandal and two nurses hovering over the body of Akina on the operating table.

“What has happened doctor”, Ramius demanded standing at the doorway.

The doctor who had stopped at the sudden intrusion did not hide his displeasure at Ramius’s unannounced presence even if he had anticipated the captain’s arrival. Ramius, despite his unconventional and unusual methods could at times be incredibly predictable.

“Nurses, I think I can finish up from here. You are dismissed. Oh, would one of you be so kind as to procure a mask for Captain Ramius? I should be most displeased if any of his high ranking germs attempt to commandeer my patient as he has no doubt done to my operating room.”

The nurses obtained a surgical mask and handed it to the captain before exiting leaving the three men alone. Ramius begrudgingly affixed the mask to his head as the doctor’s look clearly indicated he would not be speaking until he had donned the protective gear.

“What is going on doctor? I only just received word a few minutes ago. What is Akina’s condition? What happened and who did this to him?”

“Hold your horses”, the patient doctor replied using an instrument to seal several lacerations on Akina’s body. “As for how the captain ended up in this state I cannot say. You will have to ask him yourself. He transmitted a distress signal however due to his location upon the station our transporter operator was unable to obtain a solid lock on his position due to interference I am told. I am afraid we didn’t get him back quickly enough given whatever trouble found him.”

Ramius looked at Akina who lay unconscious on the table with several nasty bruises, dozens of small and large cuts, and possibly a broken nose and a split lip. Someone had taken a great deal of pride in their work. Ramius was all too keen to discover the name of this artist so he could compliment them in his own way.

“Will he be alright doctor? How bad is it”, Ramius asked coldly in part to hide his own emotions which were rapidly gathering behind his cold blue eyes.

“He’ll be fine with some rest. His injuries were mostly superficial. He managed a broken arm and a few fractured ribs. Nothing too serious, but I’m glad we got him when we did.”

“Any chance I can talk to him?”

The doctor nodded. “Let me finish up here. He needs rest but I think he can manage a few minutes to talk if you go easy on him. Perhaps in a few hours.” Durandal noticed Ramius wasn’t moving.

“Captain, I am sure you have more important duties than to watch an old surgeon work. I can heal Akina’s injuries much faster without babysitting you at the same time.”

“You never were one to mince words doctor”, Ramius answered pleased that Akina was going to recover from whatever trouble he had stumbled into.

“You’ll let me know when he is awake?”

“Yes of course.”

Ramius nodded and turned to leave headed back to the bridge. Whoever had attacked Akina had done so to silence him in connection with the Aditus group or perhaps to send a message. He knew the two were somehow connected. Akina had probably attempted to follow up on some clue and ran into the wrong company.

In the mean time Ramius had many questions that needed answers and if he had to tear apart the starbase to find them – then so be it.

Progeny Of The Progenitors - Part 11

Sickbay

Ramius moved down the corridor like a man possessed as he approached sickbay. During the last four hours he had made much progress in identifying Akina’s attackers. With a contingent of Corsair security officers and the tenuous cooperation of station security, Ramius had blanketed the deck Akina had been beamed from his teams searching for witnesses and clues. His staff found traces of blood and then several witnesses who with some incentives, were able to further direct his security forces. The trail led to three local thugs who upon examination were found with traces of Akina’s DNA thus implicating them in his assault. It was fortunate for Ramius that he had found them about ten minutes prior to the local authorities who he had his staff quietly stall. After a few moments alone with the men he was able to convince them to divulge the name of the person who had paid them a tidy sum to make Akina disappear.

Upon obtaining a name, Ramius, still several minutes ahead of the slow and pedantic station security officers called up a platoon of marines from the Corsair and had them forcibly storm the storefront of a local Ferengi merchant. Though his interrogation of the merchant was short lived due to the rapid response and stern objections from station security and from the station commander, Ramius had at least been able to communicate his extreme displeasure. He had also managed to find several items of contraband and a modest smuggling operation which helped to exonerate his actions. Given that the starbase was under mostly Starfleet jurisdiction he did not have to concern himself too much with the proper obtainment of warrants and other such infuriating red tape. Indeed, Ramius had made it quite clear to the Ferengi in terms only Ramius could convey that if he ever crossed paths with the captain in the future he would require a small army to protect him, among other valuable things….

Ramius was satisfied the Ferengi wouldn’t be a problem moving forward, but that still left the question of why he had felt the need to go after Akina. He hadn’t managed to pry that from the tight-lipped merchant before the authorities arrived and forced a conclusion to their discussion.

Entering sickbay, he quickly located both Doctor Durandal and his patient, Captain Zane Akina.

“Doctor, how is the patient”, Ramius asked moving up to Akina’s bedside.

“He’s doing well. See for yourself.”

“Ramius”, a fragile voice said as Akina turned his head.

“You look terrible”, Ramius said with a slight grin.

“I look better than I feel thanks to the doc”, he replied with a raspy voice.

Ramius wasted little time with pleasantries and jumped straight to business. “Why did the Ferengi come after you? What did you walk into?”

“You really need to work on your bedside manner Ramius. You have lousy tact.”

“If you want tact, chat up the doctor here. I found out who did this, but I wasn’t able to pry the why out of him before station security arrived and interrupted.”

“You didn’t waste any time. I suppose I would have done the same if our positions were reversed. I had the computer look for patterns or similarities in the shipping manifests we were able to download from the Aditus computer. Turns out there were two entries for shipments which were handled by our mutual Ferengi friend. The group uses intermediaries at every turn. Most of the transactions involve phantom delivery services and well disguised suppliers and shippers hidden behind a staggering number of aliases and false identities. Tracking down anything concrete could take a small eternity given the level of secrecy involved. Someone somewhere is being careful to the point of paranoia to cover their tracks.

I can tell you this much; the level of sophistication coupled with these shadow brokers and transports reeks of corporate or government influence. No local group could be this organized. Top level syndicate and organized crime is seldom this careful or cautious. This is big Ramius and I fear it is just the tip of something much larger and far more dangerous.”

“Well judging by your injuries I would concur with your assessment captain, but why was the Ferengi bent on silencing you?”

“I noticed the two occasions where Aditus had utilized this Ferengi merchant so I located his shop and scouted the area for a time. I chose a moment and confronted him near closing having noticed some obvious backroom dealings. I suspected the Ferengi was involved in far more than egitimate business given certain professional instincts. Things became heated and after folding the man’s ears a few times he finally coughed up where he had sent the items. I also learned he is responsible for certain transport activities.”

Akina paused and reached for a glass of water which the doctor assisted his patient with.

“Well don’t stop. Keep going Akina”, Ramius demanded.

“Give the man some slack”, Durandal tersely snapped. “This isn’t an interrogation Ramius!”

“Please continue captain”, Ramius said with a less demanding tone not bothering to hide the faint note of sarcasm in the statement directed at the doctor.

“Seems Aditus is involved in far more than simple murder. Did you know the station has over one hundred unsolved missing persons cases open?”

Ramius’s eyes widened. “One hundred?”

“Well they didn’t all occur at once, but they have been building over the last year. The cases have been mounting with station security. I fear there are many more undocumented incidents as well. Aditus members appear to be preying on individuals who have fallen on hard times or simply want to clean start by convincing them to move to some utopian colony. This Ferengi merchant organizes the transports for these poor souls who are never heard from again after departing for this so called promised land.”

“Where are they disappearing too?”

“You’ll love this. It’s a planet inside Romulan territory.”

“What?”

“That’s exactly what I said to myself Taverain, but it appears to be true assuming the Ferengi’s confession is to be trusted.”

“What the hell is Aditus doing kidnapping people and sending them to this planet?”

“That I cannot answer. I suspect the local murders are possibly escapees from the group or are those who change their minds about leaving. They probably are seen as being liabilities knowing too much and are quickly executed to prevent any of them from discussing matters with local security.

However there’s more.”

“More?”

The doctor turned from his stool nearby and stopped what he was doing. “There’s more?”

Akina coughed several times but nodded. “I can’t prove it, but there are a number of transactions that I uncovered involving transfers of money. While the trails is too well disguised and expertly laundered my instincts tell me these are payoffs. Someone in station security, perhaps multiple people are on the Aditus payroll. I have no proof but it makes perfect sense and explains why the local authorities have such a poor record in addition to a huge backlog of cases that are not being solved.”

Ramius’s expression hardened as anger swept over him. “That would explain why I’ve received a frosty reception from station security. If they’re being bought then I agree we are dealing with something much larger than a simple local disturbance.”

“Taverain, I can see you are upset, but swallow your anger for a moment. You cannot barge onto the station and demand heads. You’ll tip our hand plus we have no proof just a theory which fits the available facts which are few. We need to find out who’s running this show. Cleaning up the small fry is something we can do later once we have exposed and stopped the kingpin of this operation. If there’s anyone who wants some payback, it’s me for what those punks did to me, however I’m willing to wait to see this case through. If I can wait, so can you.”

Ramius nodded though his anger at the station security forces he had been relying upon was evident to both Akina and the doctor.

“What is the name of this planet”, Ramius asked after a short moment of silence.

“It’s called D’aisnenn. From what the Ferengi said it’s a small planet somewhere near Morendor within Romulan space.”

“I’ll look in to it. Meanwhile Doc, get Akina patched up.”

Akina struggled to sit up only to be pushed back down by the doctor. “You have that look in your eye Ramius! What are you planning?”

“Nothing. I think it’s high time I lean on a few people aboard the station so I can have my hull and engines put back together. It would seem we can no longer trust certain officers aboard the station and if this infiltration runs deeper than security we’re exposed sitting here in spacedock at the mercy of its repair teams and possible infiltration or worse.

However none of this is your concern. I want you to rest and that’s an order Akina.”

“Doctor, would you inform Ramius of my rank. I think he’s forgotten.”

Durandal put up his hands. “I’m not getting involved in any of this gentlemen.”

“Just shut up and get some rest Akina. You may not have to follow my orders, but there’s a few dozen security officers aboard who do”, Ramius said with a slight smile. “Would you like to take a bet on whose orders they would follow?”

“Don’t you have work to do”, Akina muttered with a sour note to his voice.

“Indeed. Doc, take good care of him”, Ramius said turning to leave.

“Don’t I always”, Durandal muttered turning back to attend to his patient. “Someone has to look out for you two boy scouts around here.”

Progeny Of The Progenitors - Part 12

Bridge – USS Corsair

Captain Taverain C. Ramius stood at the center of his command center as dozens of technicians and repair crews scurried about like ants busy with repairs and other such duties. The bridge was alive with activity spurred on by the insistence of its lord and master who was becoming less impatient with each passing hour.

The viewscreen, constantly obscured by passing crewmen, was filled with the image of the station’s chief dock officer who was protesting the schedule being forced upon him by an unflinching and determined captain.

“Repairs to the Corsair must be completed in 48 hours”, Ramius shouted over the repair activities that surrounded him.

“Captain, I have limited staff and your damage is extensive. What you are asking for is impossible.”

“Commander, I have orders to depart at once and am expected, given the nature and sensitivity of our missions and assignments, to be punctual. I cannot tell my superiors I will be delayed.”

“Captain, surely they must realize the damage that occurred to your ship and the time it takes to repair such things. A few additional days of repair time should be easy to obtain given the circumstances.”

“The security of the Federation waits for no one. Intelligence matters often make the difference between peace and war and they very often hang on a few precious moments. However if you cannot motivate your crews then I will submit my reports indicating my ship is unable to leave due to repairs and I am sure that someone will indeed want to talk with you further regarding the matter. I am simply attempting to spare you such a conversation with Fleet command.”

The commander swallowed. “Fleet command? But… Ok, I’ll see what I can do. Please. Don’t file that report captain. We’ll do what we can to patch things up as quickly as possible and get you on your way. I’ll personally keep you informed on our progress.”

Ramius nodded and motioned for the channel to be cut. “Have the chief engineer report to my ready room”, Ramius ordered with a subtle grin. Finally, things appeared to be looking up. With any luck the Corsair would be operational again in 48 hours well ahead of the plodding schedule that had been proposed. It was amazing how quickly all manner of tasks could be completed whenever ‘fleet command’ became involved whether directly or in Ramius’s particular cases…decidedly indirectly.

Later - Captain’s Ready Room

“You rang”, chief engineer Sai Kusinagi stated stepping through the captain’s doorway.

“Indeed I did. Come in Sai. Please have a seat.”

“Forgive me captain. I prefer to stand. There’s a lot of work to be done around the ship. If my crews cannot take a break then neither can I.”

“Your dedication is admirable and appreciated as always Sai. Very well. I will be brief.” Ramius stood from his desk and moved to the rear of the room where he produced a large silver case secured by the best locking mechanisms currently employed.

“If that’s what I think it is Ramius you can forget it”, Sai quickly said before Ramius had finished dragging the case into view. “I have an entire starship to put back together and I don’t have the time to play with a toy that could very well rip it apart or worse. It’s a dangerous toy and one I’m not willing to play with. Play with fire long enough and you eventually end up burned.”

Ramius appeared unphased by the engineer’s remarks and in fact expected them. His engineer would be remiss in his duty if he did not object to using what was tightly locked in the case at his feet.

“Sai.”

“Forget it. I am not touching it. You can throw me in the brig for disobedience and insubordination but I am not risking my life or those aboard gambling with that infernal device again. The risks are too high.”

“Yes they are. Do you remember when you came aboard?”

Sai nodded.

“I handpicked you Sai from dozens of candidates for the chief engineering position. There were many more that had better qualifications and experience, but you were young, daring, and out to prove you were one of the best and brightest. And you have done just that. However, do you also remember what I asked before you accepted the position?”

“Vividly”, the chief answered. “You asked if I could accept working on a ship where danger would be a constant companion. The stakes and risks would often be high and doing the impossible against all odds would be routine. The pressure would be great yet the rewards would be equally grand.”

“Almost word for word”, Ramius answered. “You accepted my proposal Sai and I need a favor. I wouldn’t have asked you here otherwise if I didn’t think you could do it.”

“But captain!”

“I won’t make this an order Sai. I cannot given the…circumstances. However, here is what we are up against. I will let you make the choice.

Captain Akina and I have been assisting local security aboard the station in a rash of murders they have been unable to solve. Our investigations have led us to an unusual religious group with dark criminal ties. Someone sinister is manipulating the group’s followers and using them to carry out murder and other crimes in addition to kidnapping innocent civilians and shipping them off to a planet for an as of yet undetermined reason. This planet is located within Romulan space. This raises two concerns. One, if the Romulans are aware of this we have a serious diplomatic and political issue to address and two, if they are not then whoever is orchestrating and conducting this affair has found a safe haven outside of Federation jurisdiction and is using it to escape justice. In either event we must determine who is behind this and what activities are being conducted on this planet. Captain Akina was injured attempting to obtain information on these people and I have a gut feeling that whatever we have stumbled into is just the tip of a very, long and poisonous snake.

Those are the facts. I would ask you to keep them to yourself for now. As for my request, the risk is high, perhaps even extreme, but if we do nothing more innocent lives will be siphoned off of the station and I suspect these souls meet a poor fate. These criminals must be stopped.”

Sai rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Can we not forward our findings to fleet command and have them pursue this matter with the Romulans or at least file a complaint? If we’re caught or that device malfunctions I can’t even begin to contemplate the hot water we will be in. I for one like hot showers, but being boiled isn’t something I can say I am found of sir.”

“It could take months for a formal protest and complaint to be followed up on by both sides – if ever. How many lives will be lost in that time”, Ramius asked.

“How can you be sure they are being lost now captain? Kidnapping is a crime, I’ll stipulate that. However, you cannot say they are being murdered. Abused – perhaps. Sold into slavery, likely. The risk is too great to go chasing after a few individuals who have wandered into a spiders web no matter how dangerous the spider.”

“Suppose that web grows larger and entangles more people? How dangerous does the spider have to become before you exterminate it?”

“What if this is just organized crime? We cannot go trawling the quadrant looking for every pirate, cutthroat, and smuggler who has broken the law, smuggled a life, or worse taken it. You’d need a fleet a million times the size of the Starfleet to police the entire Federation. Without hard facts this mission is as dangerous as it is illegal. Captain. Taverain. I know how you feel about bringing criminals to justice, but this is one time we shouldn’t get involved.”

Ramius sighed and took a seat at his desk.

“I’ve never been a cautious man Sai. And your arguments are not with merit. For the last two hours I’ve been sitting here telling myself the same thing yet I just have a feeling there is something more to all of this than everyday crime. I can’t explain it. Call it a gut feeling or a sixth sense, but I can just feel something sinister in the air. Too many loose ends are lending themselves to something substantial, but you are correct. I have no proof. Just a few loose facts, an injured officer, suspicions, and unreliable testimony from one of the group’s alleged members who wants to help.”

“I don’t know. Am I a fool for even considering this?”

“You are no fool sir. Far from it. The cause is noble and just, however there are certain realities involved that are larger than any of us. Charging into the Neutral Zone is fraught with danger not only to us but could involve the entire Federation. The needs of the many, sadly, outweigh the needs of a few.”

“Perhaps you are right”, Ramius replied drumming his fingers on his desk. “Breaking in through the Romulan’s backdoor, while infinitely more exciting, is not without a heavy dose of danger and risk.”

“Have you reconsidered then sir?”

“Indeed. Thank you Sai for your insight.”

The engineer smiled briefly catching the captain’s attention.

“Oh, sorry sir. I just never thought you were one to alter your convictions so easily at least not without a fight. In any event may I ask permission to give my staff some time off? We have all been working overtime to glue the Corsair back together given your orders.”

“Negative”, Ramius answered. “I may have changed my mind on method, but we are still going to help those people one way or another. I want this ship warp capable in 48 hours as we have an appointment at the Romulan Neutral Zone.”

“But captain I…”

“I think we will try knocking on the front door. Who knows? Perhaps the Romulans might let us in to take a look. It is worth a shot anyway before having to employ other methods.”

Sai wrinkled his nose as his hope for a breather from hours of endless work faded. “Very well sir. I won’t guarantee anything else aboard will work, but if you want warp drive in two days I’ll find someway of making that happen. You know you are going to put me into an early grave.”

“You couldn’t be happier down there in Engineering and I suspect you’d trade a few years for this opportunity than to be bored to tears on some normal starship surveying comets or escorting diplomats and the like.”

“You’re probably right. Well I should get back so I can jump back into the fire and inform everyone of your gracious orders.”

“Get me to the Neutral Zone in once piece and I’ll personally buy a bottle of Romulan ale for everyone on your staff including that ensign who has yet to fix the replicator in my quarters.”

Ramius laughed and put his hands up. “I’ll live with the problem. Just focus on getting those engines back together and Sai...keep your eyes open. I also have reason to believe that members of the station are on this group’s payroll. They might attempt to sabotage the Corsair to keep us quiet.”

“Now you tell me? Could you spare a few extra security guards? I don’t have time to check identities and fix the engines at the same time.”

“I’ll have security put a few menacing looking guards down there. Hopefully that will deter any persons wishing us ill will.”

“Never a dull moment aboard this ship”, the engineer grumbled. “At least the yard finished repairs to the spaceframe and outer hull. Although I’m sure you’ll find a way to ruin the new paint job they just finished applying in short order.”

“Never can tell”, Ramius replied.

“Why do I bother. Am I dismissed sir?”

Ramius nodded as the engineer turned and left the ready room. Tapping his fingers against his desk Ramius wondered if indeed the Romulans would even be inclined to listen to his request. He desperately wanted to keep this off the official radars and out of the purview of diplomats if possible. Involving them and making the issue public would only tip their hand to the mysterious puppet master behind this affair and Ramius was sure the trail would go cold as a result. He had few dealing with the Romulans. In the war he had flown with some of them against Dominion forces and was impressed by their tenacity and skill. However they were a cryptic race difficult to predict and not exactly worthy of blind trust. If they could use the situation to their advantage Ramius could expect a knife in the back delivered with a smile. He would have to be wary.

In many cases breaking in through the back door and making a run through Romulan space under cloak would be so much easier than dealing with them, however Sai was correct, the stakes were too high to risk such a course of action. Perhaps he could convince them to permit a short visit provided the Corsair did not overstay its welcome.

Even if he managed by some miracle to convince them to allow an inspection he would still require a hidden ace to play just in case the Romulans attempted to play a trump card of their own. He had a few outstanding favors owed by various individuals. Perhaps now was a good time to call a few of them in. He could think of few better causes than rescuing the lives of people forced against their will to a mysterious planet for some unknown purpose.