Chapter Thirty Eight
"Greetings to the Enterprise group. I am Fe'relltis, the head astronomer of this city. I would like to ask Commander Spock if he would be willing to meet with me sometime tomorrow for a discussion of the differences between this solar system and all the others he has seen." Fe'relltis said.
"Greetings Fe'relltis. It would be most agreeable to have a discussion about such a topic when there is a suitable moment." Spock replied.
"Thank you Commander Spock. I have no further questions of the Enterprise group at this time." Fe'relltis said.
"Greetings to the Enterprise group. I am Un'peewdis, the head cook of this city. My question is for Doctor McCoy. You asked what food the Altaxi eat earlier during the meal. Now I would be most curious to know what food both Humans and Vulcans eat." a stout Altaxi said.
"Hello. Well, Vulcans are strictly vegetarians which means they don't eat any animals. Humans are omnivores, which means we eat all the food that was here today such as meat, grains, and vegetables. We also also eat fruit, fish, nuts, and legumes in a wide variety. There are some food and drink that is poisonous to us. But if we get into a discussion of that then we'll be here all night." McCoy answered.
"Thank you Doctor McCoy. I have no further questions of the Enterprise group at this time." Un'peewdis said. The head biologist De'peelris spoke next.
"Greetings to you all. I have a question to ask of Commander Spock, Lieutenant Uhura, and Ensign Slater. As you have no doubt noticed this room contains a holographic imager. That device can also be changed to a holographic scanner. If you would be willing then I would like to take a holographic scan of first Commander Spock, then both Lieutenant Uhura and Ensign Slater to add to our exploration files. This scan would only be used in Welcoming Ceremonies such as this and among senior figures on the Planetary Alliance Council so that we could identify your race. The scan does not reveal any internal anatomy as it is only a surface scan. You are free to decline this request if you so wish. In which case we will simply tell any subsequent aliens we encounter only the name of your race and that you were a very reclusive people." De'peelris said.
"Provided I am able to examine your holographic device more closely then I will consent to this scan. Lieutenant Uhura, Ensign Slater, do either of you have any objections to this scan?" Spock said.
"No Commander Spock." said Lieutenant Uhura.
"No sir." said Ensign Slater.
"Thank you. Then if Commander Spock would like to follow me to the control panel for the holographic device on this wall…" said De'peelris as he stood and gestured to a panel on the wall that faced the U shaped table they sat at. Spock rose and followed him. Then McCoy heard the two men enter into a discussion that had something to do with Ph levels of skin and frequencies of light and blood chemistry that he didn't fully understand. But he couldn't deny this piece of Altaxi holographic technology was impressive. The Federation didn't have anything with this amount of image resolution aside from his diagnostic wrap. With a final nod Spock walked over to the imager and stood in the middle of the round embedded device on the floor.
"Are you ready to proceed Commander Spock? Nod your head if you are." De'peelris said. Spock closed his mouth and nodded but he kept his eyes open.
"Computer change holographic device from image to scan mode. Then proceed to scan the living being on the pad. Authorization De'peelris 39075." the head Altaxi biologist said.
"Acknowledged and verified." replied the computer. A moment later there were yellow lights around the edge of the device. Before now the lights around the edge of the device had been white. Then a yellow wave of light that looked like the sanitation devices in the washroom waved over Spock twice. First from his toes to his head and then down again from his head to his feet. Then the wave of light disappeared.
"The scan is now complete Commander Spock. You may step aside from the device now. Computer file most recent scan under new exploration file with the heading alien race Vulcan. Standby for next scan." De'peelris said.
"Acknowledged. Now standing by." the computer replied as Spock resumed his seat beside McCoy.
"Lieutenant Uhura, Ensign Slater, if I could ask you to stand on the pad next? Keep your mouth closed at all times though your eyes can remain open. Stand apart facing away from each other and do not touch each other. Nod when you are ready for me to proceed with the scan." De'peelris instructed them. They both did as he requested. The beam of light acted in a similar fashion as the first scan which hadn't taken much time at all.
"The scan is now complete Lieutenant Uhura, Ensign Slater. You may step aside from the device now. Computer file most recent scan under new exploration file with the heading alien race Human. Label the image on the right female and the image on the left male. Then switch to standby mode." De'peelris said.
"Acknowledged and confirmed." the computer said. A moment later the yellow light around the edge of the device shut off. De'peelris sat down before he started talking again.
"Thank you to Commander Spock, Lieutenant Uhura, and Ensign Slater. I have no further questions of the Enterprise group at this time." De'peelris said.
Te'relldis cleared her throat.
"I have a question for Doctor McCoy and Commander Spock? Would it be possible to take a blood sample from both of you? The blood would only be analyzed by the healers of the Planetary Alliance Medical Exchange for the purpose of research. Your blood would also be kept under constant armed guard as is customary since the Galactic War. You are under no obligation to provide a blood sample if you do not desire to do so." Te'relldis requested.
"Well, the Altaxi have proven to be peaceful so far so why not? What do you think Spock?" McCoy said.
"I will consent to this action Te'relldis." Spock agreed.
"Thank you." she said and picked up the black kit that had sat in front of her on the table the entire time. She walked over to them and stopped in front of Doctor McCoy before she opened the kit. It contained two blood sample vials and what looked like a scanning device. Te'relldis held one of the blood sample vials up then handed it to McCoy.
"Uh, I can't take my own blood you know." he said.
"Of course not. But I was thinking it would be easier for you to take the blood of Commander Spock and then hand it to me. As a touch telepath he would be much more accustomed to your emotions then my own." Te'relldis explained.
"Oh. I guess that makes sense." McCoy said and took the vial from her outstretched hand.
Then he turned to Spock who was already rolling up his sleeve to his elbow. McCoy kept one hand on the table while he used the other hand to draw the blood from Spock's arm. He preferred to hold the arm of any individual he was drawing a blood sample from but Spock had quickly protested at that because of his touch telepathy. As he did not want to get inside Spock's head either, McCoy had decided on this alternative where Spock would lay his arm flat on the bio bed or a flat surface if he needed blood to be taken by anyone when he was conscious. McCoy quickly finished filing the vial with Spock's blood and then handed the vial back to Te'relldis. She looked at the green blood for a long moment before she placed it back in the kit then took out the second blood sample vial. McCoy quickly rolled up his own sleeve to his elbow.
"Ready Doctor McCoy?" Te'relldis asked as she placed one hand on his arm and the vial close to the crook of his elbow. He nodded. The draw of blood was painless as usual but he didn't watch the vial fill with his blood. Blood samples were as routine as hyposprays for him and alien ones weren't that much different then Human ones. A few moments later he saw Te'relldis finish filing the vial. Then he pulled his sleeve down as she looked at his red blood for a long moment. She put that back in the kit then closed it up.
"Thank you very much Doctor McCoy, Commander Spock. I have no further questions of the Enterprise group at this time." she concluded, then grabbed her kit and went to sit back down.
"Do any of this group have any further questions for the Enterprise group?" asked Ve'naatis once Te'relldis was seated. There was a long moment of silence then Ve'naatis nodded. "In that case the Welcoming Ceremony will conclude with a drink to assist the Enterprise group to rest before the next time of light. Head attendant if you could place the tray in front of Doctor McCoy please." he said.
An Altaxi who had spent the ceremony after they had finished eating standing near the wall came forward to a table against the right wall and picked up a stone tray. There was a large jug with five smaller cups beside it. The Altaxi placed it before McCoy. As the attendant walked away McCoy pulled out his medical scanner. I'm probably just being cautious, he thought as he waved it over the jug of liquid once. Then his scanner beeped and he turned the display more fully toward him. Wanting to confirm his results he slowly ran the medical scanner over the drink again. I damn well hope this medical scanner is malfunctioning or this is very bad, he thought.
"Is there something the matter with the drink Doctor McCoy?" asked Ve'naatis.
"This drink is poisonous to all five of us. I thought you said the Altaxi were a peaceful people. Were you just lying to us?" McCoy snapped.
There was stunned silence in the room for a long moment. All the Altaxi shrank back in horror at what he'd just said. Well, all of them except for four Altaxi who exchanged a deeply grim look with each other. Those four seemed to be the only ones who knew this might happen. The expressions on the face of the other Altaxi told him they knew nothing.
"You all have my deepest apologies Enterprise A group. An explanation will be forthcoming. But this discussion must be held in private. Do you understand and accept these terms?" asked We'loonris.
"Yes, just get on with it already." McCoy snapped as he handed the medical scanner to Spock. Spock quickly took the device and looked at it himself before scanning it over the drink.
"Computer activate Beta Protocol. Authorization We'loonris 19563." said the head guard.
"Authorization confirmed and accepted. Next authorization required." the computer responded.
"Computer activate Beta Protocol. Authorization Te'relldis 38504." stated the healer firmly.
"Authorization confirmed and accepted. Next authorization required." the computer intoned.
"Computer activate Beta Protocol. Authorization Ce'melltis 26014." said the head leader.
"Acknowledged and confirmed. Recipients of communication?" the computer requested.
"All the head leaders and all the head guards of Number Two, Number Three, Number Four, Number Five, Number Six, Number Seven, Number Eight, Number Nine and Number Ten. Contact the Altaxi representative of the Planetary Alliance Council on a grey level secure channel. Contact Captain Kirk of the Enterprise A on a grey level secure channel." Ce'melltis ordered.
"Acknowledged. Now initiating Beta Protocol." the computer confirmed. McCoy heard the hiss of the metal doors locking. A moment later the grey holographic imager was lit up with a blue light. A moment after that a holographic projection of an Altaxi appeared onto the device and stepped off. The projection was followed a moment later by another Altaxi who both went to stand together close to the wall on the right side of the table. More holographic projections of Altaxi appeared from the holographic device until there was eighteen Altaxi in total who were all standing against the wall. How were projections of light able to move around freely in the room, McCoy wondered.
"Interesting." said Spock who looked equally intrigued. Before McCoy could reply a communications panel on the left wall of the room flashed blue and an image of an Altaxi appeared on the screen. Ce'melltis rose and then bowed at the waist to the other Altaxi.
"You have my apologies for disturbing you lady. But your insight into this matter would be appreciated." Ce'melltis said. The female Altaxi looked into the room for a long moment and then her eyes widened.
"By my horns! Are all the aliens in good health?" she asked.
"Yes they are. I see you understand the situation fully. I've always admired that keen mind of yours lady." Ce'melltis said.
"Don't flatter me outside of the mating season Ce'melltis! Simply because we have a child together doesn't mean you can act like a seductive Cireeni. I won't stand for that from any male outside that time. Now has the leader of their group on the spaceship in orbit been informed or do you wish me to do so?" she asked.
"He has been informed and should be…" Ce'melltis said, but stopped himself when the other communication panel beside the first one flashed blue for a long moment. A moment later the screen showed Jim who sat behind the desk in his office with a security officer who stood behind him.
"Hello? If anyone can hear me, I'm Captain James Kirk and this is Lieutenant Commander Giotto. Who am I speaking to?" Jim asked.
"Greetings Captain Kirk and Lieutenant Commander Giotto. I am Ce'melltis, the head leader of this city where your group arrived. We have contacted you and others to inform them of the current situation. Before I allow my head guard to explain the situation more fully, I can assure you that due to Doctor McCoy's vigilance your group is all safe and unharmed." Ce'melltis said.
"Is that true Doctor McCoy? You and the rest of the away team aren't feeling hungry for some peach cobbler?" Jim asked.
That phrase was a code to verify that him and the rest of the away mission team were all right after an alien had told Jim so. Jim had implemented it after Spock had suggested that not all aliens would be entirely forthcoming with them as he put it. That had proven to be an understatement so far on this five year mission.
"Neither myself or anyone else on the away team are feeling any hunger for peach cobbler at the moment Captain Kirk. I suggest you and Lieutenant Commander Giotto just listen to to the Altaxi before you speak." McCoy told him.
"I'll do that Doctor McCoy." Jim replied neutrally. But McCoy could hear the relief in his voice at the response. We'loonris cleared his throat. Everyone in the room and on the screens turned to look at the Altaxi.
"Greetings to you all. I am We'loonris, the head guard of Altaxi City One. For the sake of the aliens present here I will explain the regrettable events that have recently occurred among our nine worlds. Twelve rotation cycles ago the Planetary Alliance, of which Altaxi is a member, ended a devastating war with an alien species known as the Ra'veni. Millions of lives on each of our nine worlds had been lost and our advanced technology had been virtually eliminated. After all of this death and destruction the forces that had fought in the war determined to forge bonds of peace among them. Thus was the Planetary Alliance formed one rotation cycle after the war had concluded."
"Three rotation cycles after the formation of the Planetary Alliance some of our head leaders and head guards on this moon became aware that there were a very small group among the Altaxi that did not share the ideas of the Planetary Alliance about welcoming aliens. This Altaxi group is known as the Restorers. Instead of working together in peace with other alien races to rebuild and restore our worlds this group believes that the Altaxi should be returned to a time before we met aliens as they believe that our society was a better place at that time. They have looked to an imaginary perfection in our past in what they claim will be an better attempt then the Planetary Alliance to forge a future for us."
"The actions and words of the Restorers have been monitored by all our head leaders and head guards. But we have not let anyone else become aware of this group because of the discord they could spread through all of Altaxi society. You see, the Altaxi believe that having an idea itself is not a crime but acting on certain ideas definitely is. Before now the Restorers did not violate any Altaxi law and so we could not act against them. But now that they have attempted to poison the entire Enterprise group we can act against them all. I will begin with suggestions for punishment against the Restorers from Captain Kirk and Lieutenant Commander Giotto. Then I will request suggestions for punishment from the Altaxi, beginning with the Altaxi representative on the Planetary Alliance Council. Our esteemed legislator will speak next then our head judge. Finally the head leader of Altaxi One will speak and will offer an opportunity for the other head leader and guards now present in this room to speak. We will find a consensus among us for action as is the Altaxi way. You may begin speaking now, Captain Kirk, Lieutenant Commander Giotto." We'loonris stated.
"Thank you We'loonris. Spock, can you confirm Doctor McCoy's results?" Jim stated seriously.
"I can confirm the drink in front of us is poisonous to us all. Though given the glare Doctor McCoy is now giving me I am uncertain why you needed to question his medical expertise in the manner." Spock replied. McCoy sighed and looked away.
"I'd never doubt your medical expertise, Doctor McCoy. After all, the first thing I learned about you was that you were a doctor dammit. But you know that Starfleet requires a second opinion in such cases. Ce'melltis, the Federation treats murder and attempted murder as a serious crime. There is a thorough investigation after which a fair trial is held. If the accused is found guilty, which is never assumed, they are sentenced to spend the rest of their life in a secure detention facility. The Federation outlawed death for this crime on any of your member worlds. So if this group you call the Restorers is responsible then I want them found and punished. But I'm not comfortable with execution and neither is any member of my away team. What is the usual Altaxi way to punish this crime?" Jim stated.
"Greetings to you all. My name is Ne'maadis. I serve as the Altaxi representative on the Planetary Alliance Council. I also retain a ceremonial seat on the Council of Families. Captain Kirk, despite tonight's evidence to the contrary I can assure you that the Altaxi people are a peaceful race. Before now there has only been one murder in all our recorded history. Once the victim had been killed the murderer took it upon himself to act in the same manner and accepted responsibly for his actions. In other words he killed himself."
"You see, to quote one of our philosophers, ideas generate choice, choice generates action, action generates consequences, and consequences generate responsibility. That is the basis for the Altaxi legal system Captain Kirk. Every Altaxi who breaks the law receives the same thing done to them in return in order to understand the point of view of the victim. For example, if I was to steal a piece of bread from the kitchen then I would also have an item of the same value taken from me. It would be returned once I understand and accepted responsibility for my actions. In this case that would mean the individual responsible for creating this poison would drink it themselves. Knowing that I suspect this vile mixture is not fatal to an Altaxi but only to your group."
"As for the Planetary Alliance, we created a legal charter that guaranteed a right to a fair trial, no self incrimination, and a impartial investigation into all crimes committed against a member of the Planetary Alliance. We have also outlawed death for any crimes. So I would prefer this thrice cursed individual or group who is responsible to be put on trial and locked away for life in a detention facility. The Kanar operate one that could serve our purposes very well."
"However I highly doubt the Restorers would recognize the authority of the Planetary Alliance in this matter. They consider any Altaxi who is affiliated with the Planetary Alliance to care only for aliens. So they would not recognize the legal authority of the Planetary Alliance charter. I know they would not recognize the legal authority of your alien United Federation of Planets even though your group are members of that organization." Ne'maadis took a deep breath and paused before she continued speaking.
"Given that the Restorers wish to return to the ways of the Altaxi before we met aliens then that leaves only one possibility in my opinion. If this Restorer happens to be a member of my family then I will take full responsibility for their actions. I intend to call for a ceremony of compromise to be held during the next time of light at the gathering place in Quadrant Number Three after one segment of time has passed after planetary sunrise. What do my fellow Altaxi have to say about this matter?" Ne'maadis said.
The Altaxi had quite a lot to say as McCoy quickly found out. There was a brief period of stunned silence in the room then overlapping voices as all of the Altaxi spoke at once. They were speaking so fast the universal translator couldn't make it all out. But from what he could hear they didn't agree with whatever this ceremony was.
Suddenly Ce'melltis pounded both his hands on the table and let out a loud sharp whistle. The noise in the room suddenly faded.
"Thank you. I believe when Ne'maadis asked for our suggestions she meant one at a time. So as head leader of this city I will give my opinion first. If you differ in opinion you may say so one at a time. If you agree then remain silent. In that manner we will know how many of us agree with such extraordinary measures to be taken against another Altaxi." Ce'melltis said.
Lieutenant Uhura cleared her throat. "Pardon me for interrupting Ce'melltis. But I would be most eager to understand what this ceremony of compromise is and why it has not been described to us in this welcoming ceremony." she said.
"Of course Lieutenant Uhura. De'vainitis will explain as head of ceremonies for this city." Ce'melltis said. De'vainitis expelled air sharply through his nostrils and then turned to face both the group and the open comm channels on the wall behind them.
"Greetings. I am De'vainitis, the master of ceremonies for Altaxi City One. Lieutenant Uhura, I did not explain the ceremony of compromise to you because it is not something that has been practised since the Council of Families was founded during the Time of Enlightenment. You see, the Council of Families is not only our only legislative body for the Altaxi. They also work in council with our judges to be a dispute resolution mechanism for any two or more Altaxi who has a grievance. If it is a criminal matter under Altaxi law it is handed entirely by the judges. Otherwise the Council decides what is to be done in the dispute and their word is binding under Altaxi law. The Council's power in this manner is one of the main reasons that this moon has remained at peace."
"But before the Council of Families was founded the ceremony of compromise served a similar function. The parties that had a dispute against each other would come before the heads of both or all of their families and an impartial judge. This judge was deemed impartial by not knowing anyone involved in the case, not being a member of either family, and by having at least one hundred rotation cycles of experience serving as a judge. Both or all sides would first drink a cup of kavas root tea to reaffirm that despite their differences they could agree they were Altaxi."
"Then the ceremony would move to the first stage which was that of explanation. Each party in turn would explain their grievance with each other and why in as much or as little detail as they wished over no longer then one section of time. After that the ceremony would then proceed to the second stage which was that of questioning. Any individuals who had direct knowledge of the dispute would come forward and give evidence as to why the dispute had started and how they had seen the dispute continue to the point that it had been reported to a judge or the head of one of the families. This questioning would last no more then two sections of time."
"Finally the ceremony of compromise would conclude with the impartial judge giving their verdict on to resolve this dispute. Their word was considered binding and legal. It could not be changed only followed. If either of the parties in question choose to reject it however then the head of the family of the party in question would pass judgement on him or her. That judgement was considered final and legally binding."
"If the Altaxi still did not agree with the judgement of their head of family then they were expelled from our cities and told they could never be seen among us again. This was because the Altaxi had refused two opportunities to accept responsibility for their actions, refused to show any willingness to compromise, and showed complete disrespect for not only a legal representative but the oldest member of their extended family. These combined social offences meant they were not recognized as welcome among us. These Altaxi wandered through the desert and mountains for the rest of their lives. Sadly not all survived for a long period of time."
"The ceremony of compromise was ended not by the creation of the Council of Families but by the first and only murder of an Altaxi that Ne'maadis alluded to. One rotation cycle after our first settlements were formed the last ceremony of compromise was held. This ceremony was abruptly stopped when it quickly became clear that one of the disputed parties had poisoned the kavas root tea. Before we could seek medical aid for the victim he was dead. All Altaxi present were horrified and demanded that the other Altaxi take responsibility for his actions. Not wishing to be expelled to the desert or mountains where a slow death was likely the murderer instead chose to drink the rest of the victim's tea and kill himself. After that no ceremony of compromise has ever been performed since. Though the ceremony of compromise is still legally binding under Altaxi law unless I'm mistaken. That is all I wish to say about the ceremony of compromise." De'vaintis said. The Altaxi seated to his right cleared his throat.
"Greetings. I am Se'lisdis, the head judge of this city. De'vaintis is correct that the ceremony of compromise is still legally binding. That is a clerical oversight but it does give us a chance to root out the entire group of Restorers. As the Enterprise group was on Altaxi when this crime occurred then our legal jurisdiction applies and not that of the Federation. In any case the Restorers will not recognize your legal code as it is an alien one. But if they are punished in the ceremony of compromise then all Altaxi will accept that judgement as valid. The most likely punishment is that the Restorers will be sent to Kanar Detention Facility Three where they will be sterilized and then held in a detention cell for the remainder of their lives. Does that punishment for this serious crime meet with your approval Captain Kirk? I would not wish to offend the Federation or cause trouble with your superiors." Se'lissdis said.
"Lifelong detention for attempted murder sounds appropriate. But why sterilization?" Jim replied.
"One item on the Planetary Alliance legal charter was that if any member of a Planetary Alliance world tried to inflict lethal violence or in fact did inflict lethal violence on another member of the Planetary Alliance or any other alien race then they will be sterilized before they were detained for life so that their ideas about violence did not spread to another generation. It was an attempt to prevent any more death after the cataclysm of the Galactic War. Until today this clause has not been tested as there was no need for it. I can only hope that it will be respected by the Restorers." Se'lissdis stated.
"Might I make a suggestion?" came the voice of Lieutenant Commander Giotto. Ce'melltis nodded.
"The Federation is committed not to interfere in the interplanetary affairs of the alien worlds we encounter. So would it not be more appropriate for the Enterprise crew to stay on the surface of the planet for now until there is a large gathering of Altaxi? If you revealed that the Enterprise group were still alive during such an occasion then the Restorers would act then and there. In that case you would have a reason to arrest them all rather then just whoever is responsible for this attempted poisoning. Then you can eliminate the entire group at once and have a Federation trial." Lieutenant Commander Giotto proposed.
"No, that is not an option here Lieutenant Commander Giotto. Altaxi are not given to congregating in large groups. You cannot interrupt a mating ceremony as the males are very aggressive and will harm anyone who is not an Altaxi, But I agree with your suggestion of hiding away the Enterprise crew until the ceremony of compromise can be arranged. We can announce this ceremony as soon as possible in all our cities. Both the fact that this ceremony has not been held in our recent past and the presence of the Enterprise crew will ensure that all of the Restorers will be there to witness the ceremony. We will call forth the one who made this poison and the others will share the punishment after the leader has been dealt with. Thus will justice be served and peace restored among us again. This is my final decision. If you agree then say aye. Those who disagree will remain silent." Ce'melltis stated. All the Altaxi in the room said aye as did every member of the away team, Jim, Lieutenant Commander Giotto, and Ne'maddis.
"Then it is decided. Captain Kirk, Lieutenant Commander Giotto, Ne'maadis, we will meet you at Quadrant Three at the specified time during the next time of light. I trust you can find your own way there, Captain Kirk, Lieutenant Commander Giotto?" Ce'melltis stated.
"Spock, do you have any idea where exactly this Quadrant Three is?" Jim asked.
"From what the Altaxi have told us, Quadrant Three is the middle of the desert of this moon. If you monitor our bio signs then you can land a shuttlecraft nearby and walk from there." Spock replied.
"Why can't I just beam down?" Jim asked. Ne'maadis and all the Altaxi in the room inhaled sharply at that question. Several of them also closed their eyes and looked away to the floor for a long moment.
"Jim, don't you dare. Use a shuttlecraft dammit. I'll explain more once we're alone but just trust me on this." McCoy quickly replied. Witnessing a transporter would bring back painful memories from this Galactic War, he realized. That was the last thing McCoy wanted to do.
"All right Doctor McCoy. Lieutenant Commander Giotto and I will see all of you tomorrow. Kirk out." he replied. A moment later his screen went black. Ne'mmadis nodded to them all and then her screen went black too. All the holographic Altaxi formed a line. One after the other disappeared after they had stepped onto the holographic imager. All the Altaxi in the room except for the head guard made for the turbolift. We'loonris approached their group.
"I will escort you all to a room to rest now. It is a different one then the previous one prepared for you. Someone will come with necessities before the next segment of night but not through the door. If you hear three knocks then it is this individual. They will stay with you during the time of night and then guide you to Quadrant Three during the next time of light. Do you understand?" he stated.
They all nodded. We'loonris waited for all the other Altaxi to leave the room before their group got onto the turbolift, which quickly moved sideways and made several turns before it headed downwards. McCoy had no idea where they were going and he hoped that these damned Restorers didn't either. If any of these Restorers tired to harm any of this away team again then he'd have a nasty hypospray waiting for them. He knew enough about Altaxi biology by now to come up with something to render one of them unconscious for hours if he needed to, McCoy grimly thought.