Part One

* * * * * *

Annoyed by the incessant knocking, the elderly man reached for his cane. "I said I'm coming dammit. Keep your shirt on." Seeing a younger man in a black trench coat and fedora he snapped brusquely.

"What the blazes do you want?"

"Are you El Gringo Loco?"

"Who's asking?"

The man repeated his question. I blocked his attempt to push his way in. "I heard you the first time buster. For your information this is my home. And I don't recall inviting you. So you can either tell me who you are and state your business. Or get out before I call the cops to pick up what's left of you."

Thinking *I don't get paid enough for this* the man took off running. Satisfied the man poured himself a fresh cup of coffee, sat down at his computer and lit a cigarette.

About a half hour later a feeling of electrical current washed over him. And a strangely shimmering column of light appeared in the room. Pulling himself to his feet the man braced himself and with both hands swung the heavy wooden cane at the head of the rat faced being taking shape within. The being crumpled, then it and the column disappeared.

Shaken the man reached for his cigarettes, lit one, then jammed the pack and lighter into his pocket. A moment later a similar column enveloped him. The room went dark then disappeared.

After what seemed a short eternity he found himself within a strange vestibule. Something almost but not quite human, with a mass of heavy bone over his eyes, was holding his cane and pointing a pistol like device at him. Tapping his chest the creature spoke in a gravely voice. "Worf to Commander Riker. We have him commander. He appears to be in some distress."

A woman's voice came thru the device. "Crusher to Worf. What kind of distress?"

"He appears to be in considerable pain and is having trouble breathing. He just collapsed, doctor."

"Beam him over to sickbay."

A moment later a redheaded woman in a lab coat was running a scanner over the man's chest. "He's having a heart attack and based on these readings it's not his first." Pressing an injector to the man's arm she went on. "I've given him medication to stabilize his condition. When it does he'll need surgery and monitoring for several days."

* * * * * *

Several hours later the man woke in a strange bed surrounded by alien looking machines. The same red headed woman moved to his bedside. "Hello. There wasn't time for introductions when you were brought in. I'm Doctor Beverly Crusher, Chief medical officer aboard the United Starship Enterprise. They told me you're sometimes called El Gringo Loco. Is that what you want to be called?"

"It'll do for now."

"Are you sure? You were carrying what appear to be identity documents identifying you as -?"

"You didn't ask my name. You asked what I wanted to be called."

"Alright. But I have to enter a name in the medical log." Producing my driver's license she asked. "Is this the one I should use?"

Resigned I sigh. "Yes. You'll find my insurance card in there as well."

"I won't need that. But since you clearly don't want to use your name. What do you want us to call you?"

"Look doctor. I appreciate your concern but I didn't ask to be brought here - wherever this is. So since you want to call me something. How about calling me a cab so I can go home and die in peace?"

At that moment a man stuck his head in the door. "If you have a moment doctor."

The doctor stepped out. I strained to hear, but couldn't make out what was being said.

A short time later both entered. I asked. "Will someone please tell me what's going on?"

The man spoke first. "Do you always carry high explosives in your pocket?"

Stunned by the question, I then realized why he was asking. "Let me guess. You found a small brown bottle filled with white tablets marked Nitroglycerine in my pocket."

"Why were you carrying it?"

"If it's any of your business."

"You brought it onto this ship which makes it my business."

"Like I told the doctor. I didn't ask to come here. Nor was I given any choice in the matter. But if you must know it's medication for my heart."

"High explosives - used as medication? Do you know anything about this doctor?"

"No. But let me check. Computer, scan old earth medical files, pharmacological data base,, 21st century, for any mention of nitroglycerine being used as medication."

A mechanical sounding voice replied. "Working" Followed a moment later by "Several references found for use of Nitroglycerine preparations in treatment of cardiac patients."

"Ask that thing if it shows anything about low dose preparations being given patients to use at home."

I confess to being a bit startled when the computer answered. "Affirmative. Several preparations found. Displaying relevant files."

A moments glance brought the man's grudging apology. "We didn't know. So we confiscated it when our transporter sensors classified it as a weapon."

"You might want to fix that before you kidnap another heart patient."

Judging by their reactions I knew I'd hit on a relevant and rather touchy subject. My status here and more importantly, to me at least, my prospects of getting home again. In for a penny I thought and decided to press the issue. "You took me from my home and brought me here against my will. Why?"

The man answered. "You didn't leave us any choice."

"I don't recall being offered one."

"We tried inviting you twice. But you weren't very cooperative. In fact you assaulted one of our messengers injuring him rather severely."

"What messenger? That rat faced thing with the huge ears?"

"Yes him. Why did you hit him?"

"He broke into my home. I was defending myself. You wanted to get in touch with me you could have picked up the phone."

"We had our reasons."

"I'm sure you did. But speaking of reasons. You still haven't told me why you brought me here?"

"We'll get to that."

"Now would be a good time. Am I under arrest? And if so for what and by what authority?"

"I wouldn't call it arrest."

"Then what would you call it?"

"Protective custody pending further orders of the court.

"Further orders of what court? I want a lawyer, now, before I -" I fell back on the bed as my chest tightened and it again became difficult to breath.

Again the doctor leaned over me. Telling the man called Riker, "Save it Will. This man had a heart attack a few hours ago. I'd barely gotten him stabilized when you got here. And the stress you're creating is costing him big time. Nurse, prep the surgical unit for cardio stat."

"Sorry Beverly I didn't realize."

"Tell that to him if he survives. Now get out of here and let me do my job."

* * * * * *

Later in Judge Stone's chambers.

Mr. Mason raised the delicate issue. "Your honor. Our next witness is unable to testify at this time due to a medical emergency, caused no doubt by the prosecutions ham handling of this whole affair."

"Objection your honor. This witness suffered a heart attack in transit and is being treated aboard our vessel."

"Does he have a history of heart problems?"

"Apparently so your honor. According to our chief medical officer he's suffered at least two serious heart attacks in the past. She says he has other conditions, all previously unknown to us, that left untreated would make him a transporter risk under the best of circumstances."

"I'll need her statement to that effect. So. Are you telling me he's stuck - up there?"

"No your honor. We just can't bring him back yet or the same way we took him."

"Would it be possible for us to take his testimony aboard your vessel?"

"I'd have to clear that with my captain your honor. But rather than transport all of these people. Might I suggest setting up a video link?"

"A question your honor."

"Go ahead Mr. Mason."

"Would this video link be a filmed deposition with the defendant answering prepared questions? Or would we be able to communicate both ways?"

"Commander."

"It would be a live two way communication between our sickbay and this courtroom."

"If it pleases your honor. I'd reserve the right to object, but won't at this time."

"So noted. Commander, I'll need your chief medical officer's sworn statement in my hands by tomorrow morning."

"I'll see to it your honor."

"Fine. Then we'll call it a day and have the jury back in the morning to hear Mr. Mason's next witness."