CHAPTER FOURTEEN

(Empire)

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"Wake her," D'Ras ordered when he and his guards entered the holding cell.

One of the guards threw a bucket of water on Ramsey who was lying on the bunk.

D'Ras laughed as Ramsey jumped when the ice-cold water hit her.

"And, a very good morning to you, also," Ramsey said.

She stood slowly and turned to face him. D'Ras noted that despite the contempt in her voice, her downcast eyes refused to meet his gaze and he smiled. She may have been able to win one battle yesterday, but she is starting to understand and accept who is in control of her situation. Of course, she would not have won the battle yesterday, if she had not had help, D'Ras thought with a glance at Ta'les.

What he had seen in his dealings with Ramsey before this told him she was as proud as any Klingon. He was sure she knew there was a chance she would have lost yesterday without Ta'les' intervention; that should affect her pride. Despite that, there was still a hint of defiance in her stance and tone. Let's see if we can strip some more of that pride and defiance from you, Commodore, D'Ras thought.

"Your sense of humor has returned, I see," D'Ras said. "We'll have to do something about that. Ta'les reported you managed to kill two of my guards yesterday, by taking their weapons away from them. He recovered two d'k tahgs, do you have any more weapons on you?"

"Do you honestly expect me to tell you if I did?" Ramsey asked.

She finally looked up at him and D'Ras noticed a faint spark of fire in her eyes. "No, I don't," he said. "Strip her." D'Ras nodded to two of the guards with him.

D'Ras watched Ta'les, who was standing to the side, and noted the anger on the previously impassive face. I was right about you my friend, he thought. Too bad. You traded your soul to me when you told me she had those plans in order to save your own life. A Klingon would have died before doing what you did. Now, you regret your decision and are trying to help her. I will enjoy watching you suffer with the knowledge you betrayed the daughter of Raynia.

"There are no other weapons hidden on the prisoner," one of the guards finally announced.

D'Ras motioned the guards out of the holding cell. "Now, that you had a night to think about it, what did you really do with those plans?" he asked.

"I've already told you. Why don't you talk to your guards? Maybe one of them has the computer tape and is planning on betraying you," Ramsey said. She straightened her back and locked her eyes with his. "Just as you have betrayed the Empire."

D'Ras backhanded Ramsey across the face with a closed fist. He was surprised when she continued standing. The amount of time she had been subjected to the agonizer, combined with the fight yesterday shouldn't have left her with this much strength.

D'Ras nodded, turned towards the door of the cell then spun around hitting Ramsey again. This time she fell back against the bunk. "Where are those plans?" he demanded.

Ramsey glared at him as she stood back up. Even without her clothes, she managed an air of defiance. He had expected her to try wrapping the blanket around herself. Again, he had guessed incorrectly in his dealings with this Earther and it was upsetting him.

"I don't remember," she said calmly. Ramsey continued to glare at him as she used the back of her hand to wipe at the blood on the corner of her mouth.

"Until your memory improves, you will remain here just as you are now. You will receive no food or water until you decide to be more cooperative." D'Ras turned and left the cell.

"Korang," he said, stopping several yards down the corridor and turning to one of the guards. "See the temperature of the holding cell is lowered. There is no need for the traitor to be comfortable."

"Yes, Lord." The guard saluted then left.

D'Ras turned to Ta'les. "How long will she be able to hold out?" he asked.

"It is hard to estimate. K'Lyssia has a very strong will," Ta'les said.

"In her current state, how effective do you think the use of hypnotics would be?" D'Ras asked.

Ta'les looked from him back towards the holding cell. "It is hard to say, but I would expect them to be very effective. She has been drained both physically and emotionally. That should increase the drug's effectiveness."

"That's what I was thinking also, but I have underestimated her too many times. She showed exceptional strength just now, are you sure they will be effective."

"If you doubt me in this, then wait a few days. Going without food or water will take its toll on her as well," Ta'les said.

"That may be the best choice. We will need Starfleet uniforms. See to it," D'Ras said.

Ta'les looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "If I may ask?

"You'll find out at the same time she does!" D'Ras turned then stalked down the corridor.