Disclaimer: I don't own Star Trek, though MACO Lt. Kaitlyn Donovan does belong to me.
Hummingbird2 - Thank you again for the review - you have been very encouraging throughout the writing of this story.
This story has one more chapter to go. The sequel will be titled "All's Fair in Love and War".
Reviews are much appreciated. Thank you to all of the readers following this story.
The End Justifies the Means
Chapter 21
2340 - Donovan's apartment
Kaitlyn Donovan put the PADD on the coffee table and sat back. Lt. Reed's report stated that some of the basic components in the dampening device on the target were from the same components in the bombs on Enterprise, therefore they concluded that they were made by the same people. He had determined from watching the security footage that the device had been transported in at 1045, shortly after a group of former MACOs had come in and had their regular monthly target practice. Reed's co-worker, Lawson, was trying to pinpoint the location the device was transported from - but he hadn't had any luck yet breaking the encryption algorithms. Reed had discovered that the computer in the Armory had been hacked into just shortly before the device had been transported into place. The Weapon's Complex was having the Armory computers' firewalls strengthened to prevent such a thing from happening again. She quickly sent Lt. Reed a personal message of thanks for investigating this matter himself.
After she had reviewed Reed's report, she had turned her attention to the PADD Martus had given her on Terra Prime. It turns out that Terra Prime had its beginnings as a sort of secret society that searched for aliens on Earth, or people that consorted with aliens, and terrorized them. Evidently they followed some of the same philosophy as Colonel Green after World War Three, and they wanted a United Earth that was free from the influence and corruption of aliens. Martus had documented at least thirty-seven abductions by Terra Prime, and at least three murders.
Kaitlyn wondered why Martus hadn't shared this information with Starfleet previously. The PADD had any extensive listing of people that had been, or were current followers of Terra Prime. Of course, after looking at the list - she could understand why he hadn't. There were names on the 'had been' list of quite a few high ranking officials. She decided that she'd give the information to Harris. He would keep the information contained and run checks on everyone listed. He knew how to inquire discretely.
She picked up her PADD and quickly sent Harris a message to meet her at the Early Riser at 0630. She walked over to the window and looked out over the street lights that glowed around the city. She wondered if it would be recorded in history that the testing of the Enterprise's Engines had almost been thwarted by bombs and that Terra Prime had manipulated and used people to try and destroy Starfleet. Probably not. It would probably be a footnote in the history books that Terra Prime had caused a stir before the launching of the Enterprise. That is, if they managed to thwart Terra Prime's plans to assassinate Admiral Forrest and they could keep the Enterprise on schedule to launch.
Kaitlyn turned and went to her bedroom and laid down. She turned off the lamp next to her bed and stared at the ceiling and watched the shadows dance across it. She knew there was a lot to do in the next two days, but she had to get to sleep. She took a few deep breaths and closed her eyes.
0630 - Early Riser
Kaitlyn sipped her coffee and nodded as Harris sat down beside her.
He thanked the waitress as she sat his coffee down in front of him, then left when he waved her off. Harris sat back in the chair, "This had better be good, Kaitlyn - you know I don't like meeting you in broad daylight."
"It's worth it." Kaitlyn smiled and handed a PADD over to him. She had moved all of the information from Martus' PADD to another one, so that it couldn't be traced back to him. "It contains almost everything you could learn about Terra Prime without being in their organization. I trust you will keep it in a safe place?" she questioned.
Harris quickly looked over some of the information and raised his eyebrows in surprise. He looked at Kaitlyn, "Where did you get this from?"
"A friend - evidently, you're not the only one with connections." she shrugged.
"How do I know this isn't all fabricated?" he asked.
"I'm sure you will make inquiries. I have no reason to believe he would deceive me. He advised me to be cautious around Terra Prime." Kaitlyn pointed out.
"How did he know you are involved with them?" Harris frowned. They'd already had enough security breaches to last a lifetime.
"There are pictures from the festival the other night, I'm in one of them." she stated. She watched as he continued to look over the information.
"This indicates that Paxton is heavily involved in Terra Prime." Harris stated.
Kaitlyn nodded, "I believe my father's expedition team is in danger. General Casey is sending a squad of MACOs to check on them."
Harris turned the PADD off and put it in his vest as he carefully assessed their surroundings again. His gaze fell upon her, "You know you shouldn't have contacted Lieutenant Reed directly - you should have gone through the Weapon's Complex."
Kaitlyn shrugged, "I knew he was up to speed on everything that has been happening. You wanted me to get someone else involved in this investigation? Someone that could be working with Terra Prime?" she shook her head. "No, thanks. This assignment is already complicated enough as it is."
Harris watched her for a few more moments, "Keppler wants to talk to you." he stated.
She raised an eyebrow, "Why?" She took another sip of coffee and watched as a shuttle landed on the other side of the street. It had no markings, no identifiable symbols. "Are you expecting a ride?" she asked as she put her hand on her phase pistol.
Harris looked quickly at the shuttle, "No. Come with me, Kaitlyn." he directed as they swiftly made their way into the restaurant and out the side door. They quickly walked down the block and into the park. "Pick up immediately at the south gate of the park." he directed into his communicator as he kept glancing behind them. "How did you send the meeting location to me?" he questioned as they slowed their pace.
"Over my secured PADD." she frowned.
He held his hand out for it and she handed it over. "I'll have our people analyze it."
Kaitlyn thought back to the recent problems with communications. "You know, they could be intercepting messages and encryption files from a receiver close by the sender. We found a device like that in the MACO Communication Center, Torres had put it there to capture the emergency shutdown code. If the PADD checks out okay, have them go through my apartment." she suggested.
Harris nodded as his shuttle landed and the hatch opened. "Come on, I'll give you a ride." he offered as he climbed in.
She closed the hatch after she got in, then sat down beside him.
"When do you have time to speak to Keppler today?" Harris questioned as he handed her another PADD from the storage bin.
"Now - the Admiral's day is wall to wall meetings." she looked at her watch.
Harris quickly spoke to the pilot, and the shuttle changed directions. "Keppler said he has information - and that he'll only give it to you."
"Since when do we bend to terrorist's request? You tell him to give you the information or he'll rot in a cell wishing that he had." she stated firmly.
Harris frowned, "Prisoners are afforded certain basic requirements." he reminded her.
"Really? Because I don't remember them offering me any such thing!" she pointed out. "They just strung me up and beat me as they asked questions, then they drugged me." She clenched her fists as she tried to remain calm. It wasn't working. She rubbed her temples tiredly. She took a few deep breaths and let them out slowly.
Harris watched her carefully, "Do you want me in the room with you?" he offered.
She glanced at him and gave him a small smile, "Are you worried that I'll harm him?"
"No, I think you'll do just fine." He nodded as the shuttle landed. Besides, he thought to himself, the way she was tempering herself right now might just shake Keppler up enough to sing like a bird.
They walked quickly into the secured building and Harris brought her to one of the interrogation rooms.
"He's already inside." Harris checked.
Kaitlyn handed him her phase pistol and two knives, "Whatever happens - don't come in, even if he tries to attack me. Got it?" She picked up a spare PADD from the shelf.
Harris nodded slowly.
Kaitlyn went in the room and shut the door behind her. She walked to the opposite side of the table and sat down and put the PADD on the table. "What information do you have that you can only tell me?" she questioned.
Keppler smiled slowly, "I didn't say that I couldn't tell anyone else - I said I wouldn't tell anyone else." he corrected her. He hadn't been sure if she would really come. Someone must have pushed her into coming.
She shrugged, "Semantics." She turned on the PADD and activated a card game and started to play solitaire.
"What are you doing?" he questioned. What sort of tactic was this? Nothing that he'd ever done in his career during interrogations.
Kaitlyn glanced up at him as she continued to play the card game. "I already asked you what information you wanted to tell me." she pointed out. "If you're just going to sit there, I plan on doing this." She focused her attention back on the game.
"What kind of ruse is this? I could sit here all day." he stated.
She nodded, "You could, but I have somewhere else to be in an hour. So, you see - I told them I'd come in here and listen to whatever you have to say. If you don't start talking at least twenty minutes before I have to leave, then I get to run this interrogation my way. It's your choice." she shrugged. She raised an eyebrow.
He smirked and leaned back. "You're bluffing. There are rules on the treatment of prisoners." he pointed out as he crossed his arms.
"I guarantee you the same niceties that you showed me." she leaned back and mirrored his posture. She glanced at her watch. "You have twenty more minutes to sit there." She informed him, then went back to playing her game.
Keppler decided to play along. He sat and waited.
Kaitlyn turned the chair slightly and put her legs up on the table. She continued to play the card game as she gently rocked back and forth on the back two legs of the chair - giving off the illusion that she hadn't a care in the world. She knew her attitude was eating away at him because he was starting to shift in his chair. "Ten minutes." she reminded him when the time came.
Keppler decided that enough was enough - he would bring her down a few notches. He slowly eased his hands on the table. Just when she leaned back, he would push the table and cause her to fall back.
Kaitlyn watched his movements surreptitiously.
He pushed the table.
Kaitlyn shoved it back with both of her legs and flipped the table and caused him and his chair to slam against the wall. She glanced over at him, "You really shouldn't mess with these tables." she stated.
He stood up slowly and rubbed the back of his head.
"Now," she stated firmly, "pick up the table and your chair and sit your ass down and start talking."
He stood where he was and glanced at the door. He was sure someone would have come in by now to check and see that she was okay. It dawned on him that no one was coming to check on either of them.
Kaitlyn stood up slowly, "Don't make me repeat myself." she warned him.
Keppler swallowed hard. He set the table up and picked up his chair, then sat down.
Kaitlyn nodded and turned off the card game as she sat down, "Now, Robert - what is it that you wanted to tell me?"
He quickly started to rattle off information that he knew about the plot.
Kaitlyn frowned, "We already know about all of this, anything else?" she asked.
He desperately tried to think of something else. "Your father - he's in danger. They are going to use him to get to you."
She nodded, "I realized that the other day. Why don't you tell me who Rhodes got the explosives from?" she suggested.
Keppler shifted, "I don't know."
Kaitlyn leaned forward, "Yes, you do - I can see it in your eyes." She glanced at her watch and smiled slyly, "Three minutes." she warned him.
He started to sweat, "I remember thinking it was ironic, I mean him getting the explosives from an alien." It was a weird name, what was it? He looked down at his hands and started to shake his head. The guy's name just wouldn't come to him.
She slammed her fist on the table, "What's his name?" she demanded.
Keppler startled, "Tal. Mardock Tal." he quickly said as the name flashed in his mind.
Kaitlyn nodded, "Do you happen to know who the assassin is?" she questioned.
Keppler shook his head, "No. My job was to stop the launching of the Enterprise. I only went after the Admiral when we saw an opportunity." he explained.
She handed him the PADD, "I want you to detail out what you know and who else is involved. No detail is too small - understood?"
He nodded slowly as he accepted the PADD, "So, what do I get for my cooperation?" he inquired.
Kaitlyn stood up, "If we actually manage to stop this plot - we'll talk later." she shrugged and headed to the door.
Keppler watched her, "You weren't really going to harm me - you're too by the book for that."
Kaitlyn tilted her head slightly and came back over to his chair. "Interrogations can come in many forms, Robert." she touched his arm and quickly sifted through his mind for his worst fears. She smiled and removed her hand. "You have a fear of being gnawed to death by rats - that's very disturbing."
His eyes widened.
She leaned closer and spoke next to his ear, "How about you don't question what I'm willing to do, and I won't show you just how far I'll go." She tapped the PADD, "Everything you know - put it on that PADD." She left the room and closed the door firmly.
Harris stepped out of the next room and walked over to her slowly, "That was a very unique tactic." He handed her back all of her weapons.
Kaitlyn shrugged as she put her weapons back in place, "Contact me if he comes up with any useful information. Do you have the shuttle ready for me?"
He nodded and watched as she walked out of the building.
Kaitlyn rolled her shoulders as she stepped out of the shuttle at Starfleet HQ. It had taken a lot of will power for her to not harm Keppler, but she had managed and she'd put enough fear into him that he shouldn't resist any further questionings.
She sent Lieutenant Reed the name of the Weapons Supplier, then she headed upstairs to the Admiral's office. She quickly reviewed the Admiral's meetings for the day before she got to the office.
1930 - 602 Club
Lieutenant Kaitlyn Donovan placed herself a respectful five feet away from the Admiral's table as he, Captain Archer, Commander Tucker, and Commander Williams took a little time to unwind with a beer. She was at an optimum spot to watch his table, the rest of the patrons, and the door as customers came and went. She raised her eyebrow as a tall, dark-haired man stopped beside her. She recognized him from his Starfleet record's photo.
He had his beer stein in hand and was watching Archer thoughtfully, "You know, I was supposed to be the Captain of the first Warp Five ship in the fleet." he mentioned.
"Is that so, Commander?" she remarked, trying to keep her attention on the other customers.
He grinned, "You can call me A.G."
"Well, Commander Robinson - at least you get to pilot it tomorrow during the testing of the Warp Engines." she pointed out.
He tilted his head curiously, "How did you know who I am?"
Donovan glanced at him, then the door as a few more people entered. "I'm familiar with everyone who has any part in tomorrow's testing." She frowned slightly when he didn't give any indications of going back to the table. "I'm working right now, Commander - perhaps you'd like to go back to the table?" she suggested to him.
He grinned and took a long sip of his beer, "What if I want to stay right here?" he questioned.
"You can stand there as long as you don't get in my way, Commander." she explained.
"I haven't met too many female MACOs, in fact - you're the first one. Do you go through the same training as the guys?" he asked as he took another sip.
"Yes."
"Do you train all together, or separately?" he inquired.
"Together." she silently sighed in relief as Commander Williams came over and struck up a conversation with Robinson.
Williams looked at the man, "I think the Admiral said he needed to tell you something about tomorrow."
Robinson nodded and headed back to the table.
"Sorry about that." Derek Williams apologized.
Donovan shrugged, "He's just curious - though this isn't exactly the best time." She surveyed the surrounding again as she spoke to him softly, "Did you get a chance to speak to Lieutenant O'Dell today?"
Williams nodded, "He was very apologetic for his actions." He frowned, "He's going to need a lot of counseling."
Donovan glanced at the door as Captain Gardner came in.
Gardner nodded to her, then sat on a stool at the bar and spoke to the waitress named Ruby.
Kaitlyn thought about Jerry O'Dell's condition, "He will need counseling, but I think he'll eventually be okay."
"You really think so?" Williams asked.
She nodded and noted the men's conversation at the table grew quieter and they huddled a bit closer together. "You'd better get over there and find out what they're discussing." she indicated the table.
Commander Williams nodded and took his seat.
She watched as Admiral Forrest pulled out his PADD and showed them something on it. She couldn't tell what he was showing them. She turned her attention back on the other patrons. She found it intriguing that she and Ruby were the only females in the place. She wondered if that was because this establishment catered to pilots, engineers, and command personnel - and there just weren't that many females in those positions, or if it was because of something else.
Donovan gave a nod to Corporal Buchannan as he entered and came over to relieve her for the evening.
"Good evening, Ma'am." he stood beside her and surveyed the surroundings. "Corporal Tinner has the position outside." he explained.
"Very well. Everything has gone on schedule today. I don't know how long the Admiral will stay here tonight." she stated.
"That's fine, Ma'am. The team is already at his house for the evening. I'll see the Admiral to his office in the morning." Buchannan said.
Lt. Donovan smiled softly, "I will be there by 0730." she promised. "Contact me, if needed."
"Yes, Ma'am." he acknowledged.
Kaitlyn Donovan headed over to the bar to see Gardner before she headed home. "Are you doing okay this evening, Captain?" she inquired as she stopped beside him.
Sam Gardner smiled brightly indicated the stool next to him, "I'm doing fine. Take a seat - I see you're off duty now." he glanced back at Buchannan.
She nodded as she sat down on the stool, "It's been a long day." she admitted to him.
"Let me get you a drink." he offered as he motioned for Ruby to come down to them.
Kaitlyn looked at Ruby, "A White Russian, please."
Ruby smiled at the request, "It's been a while since I made one, but I pretty sure I remember." she usually didn't get too many mixed drink requests. She quickly went to work mixing the drink.
Sam turned in his stool towards her, "I hear that everything is ready for the testing tomorrow."
She thanked Ruby as the woman sat her drink in front of her, then turned her attention back to Sam Gardner. "It is." She could tell he was agitated.
Sam Gardner glanced at the Admiral's table and frowned slightly. He focused his attention back on his glass. "Keppler was arrested?" he asked softly.
Kaitlyn nodded, "He was." She took a sip of her drink and noticed that the men at the Admiral's table kept glancing at her and Gardner. She raised her eyebrow at them, and they turned their attention away. She looked back at Gardner - he was looking at her intently.
"What are you after?" he questioned.
Kaitlyn watched him as she sat her drink down, "You'll have to be more specific."
Gardner frowned, "You're cleaning house - what are you after?" he demanded in hushed tones.
"I'm simply after the people who tried to sabotage the Enterprise, and those that wish to do harm to the Admiral." she stated carefully, then stood up. She placed money on the counter for the drink and tip. "Good evening, Captain."
He stood up quickly and blocked her departure, "Are you coming after me next?" he inquired.
Kaitlyn glanced swiftly at Buchannan as he looked ready to pounce on Gardner. She shook her head slightly and indicated that she didn't need assistance. She looked back at Gardner slowly, "Have you done anything wrong?"
He stepped back - shocked that she would even ask such a question. "No, of course not."
Kaitlyn shrugged, "Then you have nothing to worry about. Paranoia does not become you." she said softly. "Good night, Captain." She stepped around him and left the club.
She went to her apartment and found a note on her table that said they had swept her place and found two devices and had removed them. She went to her bedroom and quickly took off her weapons and uniform and stepped in the shower to wash up.
Kaitlyn came out of the bathroom with her hair wrapped in the towel and went to her kitchen and got a glass of water. She picked up her PADDs and reviewed tomorrow's schedule once again.
She lowered the PADD, she had a gnawing feeling that Sam Gardner was worried about something - or else he wouldn't be acting so paranoid. She read over his movements and contacts the past few days and didn't note anything unusual. She'd have to check with his surveillance team in the morning.
She quickly typed up her report to Harris and sent it in. She finished her water and headed to bed. Thank goodness they didn't have pt in the morning - tomorrow was going to be long and stressful enough. She usually looked forward to working out in the morning, but for some reason she felt really drained - and the extra hour of sleep was looking quite good to her at the moment. She hung the towel up in the bathroom and pulled the covers down and climbed in. She turned off the lamp and quickly fell asleep.
"Team Three to Lieutenant Donovan." a voice called.
Kaitlyn's eyes flew open and she sat up quickly. She touched the communication implant as she reached for her phase pistol. "Donovan here, go ahead."
"Ma'am, I'm sorry to bother you this late - but Captain Gardner is heading for your door. He's been out here pacing for almost an hour." Paulason explained to her.
She threw her covers off and got out of bed. She certainly wasn't going to the door in just her tank top and shorts. She grabbed a sweatshirt and put it on and put her phase pistol in the front pocket. "I'll talk to him outside." she acknowledged and slipped on a pair of walking shoes, then picked up her key and opened the door.
Sam Gardner's eyes widened in surprise, he hadn't even had the chance to knock.
"What do you want, Sam?" she asked as she shut her door.
He followed her as she walked back down the stairs and sat down at one of the tables in the courtyard. How did she know he was there? He looked around quickly, "You're having me followed?" he demanded an answer.
She glanced up at Sam and indicated for him to take a seat.
He didn't move - he wanted an answer. Where did she get off having him followed?
"If you don't sit down and lower your voice, I'm going back upstairs. I've only had an hour of sleep and I'm not really in the mood to make nice." she pointed out.
He sat down and leaned forward, "I'm a Captain in Starfleet - why are you having me followed?" he repeated.
"I've been assigned to protect Admiral Forrest because there is a plot to assassinate him. There has also been several attempts to destroy the Enterprise."
Sam Gardner sat down in the chair as he watched her, "That's why you've been assigned to the Admiral?" he asked softly. "And you're in charge of all of the MACOs involved?" She was obviously in a higher echelon of authority in the MACOs. "If you were in Starfleet, you'd have to be at least a Commander to be in charge of an operation like this." he commented.
"The MACOs are a bit different, there are fewer Officers and its harder to move up in rank - but responsibilities start earlier." Kaitlyn pointed out. "I'm having you followed because you have an obvious grudge against Captain Archer and Admiral Forrest." she stated.
He sat back and shook his head, "No, I don't."
Kaitlyn frowned slightly, "You might not want to admit it - but the looks you give them give your true feelings away. You feel slighted that you aren't the Captain of Enterprise. That's understandable, you worked hard to get into the final selection."
Sam Gardner rubbed his face tiredly, "I didn't realize how much I blamed them for not getting selected." he admitted quietly. "But, you think I've done something wrong? That's why you are having me followed?" He didn't want her to think of him as capable of doing anything against Starfleet, that wasn't him - he only had the best interests for Starfleet in mind.
"Not that you would do something wrong on purpose, but someone could use how you feel to get you to do something for them. Has anyone asked you to talk about the Enterprise, or the Admiral, or even the Space Program in general?" she questioned him.
"No. The only people I talk to are Starfleet." he shrugged.
"What about Paxton? Has he asked you about anyone, or anything about Starfleet's programs?" she inquired.
Gardner shook his head, "In fact, he knew about you when I mentioned your name at the lecture." he pointed out. "What does Paxton have to do with this?"
Kaitlyn shrugged slightly, not wanting to say anything about Paxton's involvement in the situation.
Sam Gardner reached for her hand and held it gently, "You don't trust me?"
She smiled softly, "You followed Commander Williams and I last weekend." she reminded him. "He stayed at my place because we knew we were being followed."
"I'm sorry, Kaitlyn." he patted her hand, then let it go. "There's no excuse for my behavior - I can see why you don't trust me." He sighed and sat back in the chair. He glanced around the area, "So, how many MACOs are watching us right now?" he smiled softly.
"Enough." she shrugged. "Sam, I trust you. Please promise me that you'll tell me if anyone asks you for information that they shouldn't." she requested.
He nodded, "I will." he stood up slowly. "Are you going running in the morning?"
"No, tomorrow is going to be a very long day." she shook her head. "Good night, Sam." she smiled softly.
He touched her arm gently, "Good night, Kaitlyn. I'll see you tomorrow night." He walked down the path and left her apartment complex.
Kaitlyn walked back to her apartment and shook her head slightly. At least she'd learned that Paxton had already known about her before they'd met - it was a bit unnerving to think he had started some of this plan three months ago when Starfleet had started inquiring about the mining equipment for her father. She closed the door to her apartment and locked it and headed back to bed. Hopefully she could get six hours of uninterrupted sleep in before she had to get up again.