Chapter 40.
The Chute.
(Scott POV)
I woke up to find not only Clara and Chloe laying next to me. I managed to get out and gentle get out of their arms and then went for a shower and into my uniform and grab something to eat and got some Coffee. Then I headed up to the Bridge and into my ready room.
"Computer. Begin Log entry," I said as the Computer responded. "Captain's Log, Stardate 50156.2. After 72 hours Lt Paris and Ensign Kim are still missing, and I'm starting to lose patience with the Akritirian authorities. they continue to deny us access to the surface, and they've yet to confirm whether our crewmen were killed in the bombing, End log," Then I headed back out. "Anything?"
"I have completed another full sensor sweep, including a multispectral subsurface scan, I still cannot locate their life signs or combadge," Tuvok said.
"Captain," Chakotay said. "Ambassador Liria is Hailing us"
"On screen," I said. "I'm only in the mood for good news today, Ambassador,"
"I'm afraid I can't oblige," Laria said.
"Are you saying they're dead?" I said.
"No they're very much alive," Laria said.
"Then where are they?" I said.
"Your men have been convicted of the Terrorist Bombing at the Laktivia Recreational facility, which resulted in the death of 47 off duty patrollers" Laria said.
"Ambassador, I can assure you, My people had nothing to do with this attack," I said.
"We found chemical traces of the explosive used in the bombing on their hands and clothing," Laria said.
"Of course you would, The explosion would have left traces on them," I said.
"I'm sure the same could be said of anyone who was near the Explosion," Chakotay said.
"Which is Hardly enough evidence for a conviction," I said.
"The Explosive was Trilithium based, there is no source of trilithium anywhere in our system, So you can imagine our surprised when our investigation revealed that your ship is powered by Dilithium Which out scientists tell is is convertible into Trilithium," Laria said. "We have long suspected that the so called open sky terrorists had off world collaborators, Now we know who they are,"
"Captain 2 Akritirian ships are approaching at bearing 271 mark 64," Tuvok said.
"Prepare your ship for inspection Captain," Laria said.
"If it will help confirm our innocence and my officers I'll Consider it," I said. "But first, I want to know where my people are being held, and I want to talk to them immediately,"
"Communication with inmates is not permitted," Laria said.
"If you want my coopetition Ambassador, You're going have to do better than that," I said.
"Perhaps you've misunderstood me, Let me clarify our position, Your vessel is being impounded. You and your crew are under arrest," Laria said. "Prepare to be boarded,"
"Ambassador, I thought you would know by now I don't respond well to threats," I said.
"Captain, their ships are powering weapons," Tuvok said.
"Shields up, Chakotay take the conn," I said. "I'd like to resolve this situation peacefully ambassador. But let me clarify my position. I will not allow this ship to be boarded,"
"That, Captain is an error in judgment," Laria said.
"No it's not, That's protecting my crew and ship from a hostile Species, Return my people immediately, And we will leave this system and never return," I said.
"No Captain, Last Chance Surrender," Laria said.
"No," I said. "Red Alert," As the Klaxon's went Red. "Tuvok, Lock Phasers on their Weapons and Shields,"
"Aye Captain," Tuvok said.
"This is the last chance I'm giving you Ambassador, Order those Ships to Stand down. Or we will disabled them," I said.
"Direct hit to our shields, They're holding, Should I return fire," Tuvok said.
"Ambassador Last chance, you already committed an act of war here. Order them to stand down. Return our Crew members and we will leave," I said. "If you don't Call this off. I will disabled them,"
"No," Laria said. "Surrender,"
"I warning you if one of my crew dies from this attack. Those ships will pay that price," I said.
"No," Laria said. "Prepare to be boarded,"
Then we got hit again.
"Shields are holding at 95%" Tuvok said.
"Lock on to they weapons and return Fire," I said.
"Aye Captain," Tuvok said as we got the first ships weapons down as well as the second. "Both ships are disabled Captain, No injuries Reported,"
"Chakotay, get us out of here, We find Tom and Harry ourselves," I said.
Then He got us clear.
XXX
Once we were safe we held our position and called for a conference.
"There is no indication that they followed us," Chakotay said.
"I guess they're more interested in getting rid of us than finding out the truth," I said.
"We've got to go back for Harry and Tom," B'Elanna said.
"B'Elanna," I said.
"We have no information as to their whereabouts," Tuvok said. "And if we return to Akritirian space, We are sure to encounter further hostilities,"
"Tuvok is right, Let's concentrate on proving Harry and Tom's innocence, Besides, The Akritirian's Started shooting at us first. We defended ourselves. And if we were terrorist. Wouldn't we have destroyed rather than disabled those 2 ships," I said. "So we either find the real bombers or we locate Harry and Tom and stage a breakout,"
"How do we do that?" B'Elanna said.
"We know the Bomb explosive was Trilithium based, If we find the source of that Trilithium, We find the bombers," I said.
"Our long range scans indicate that Liria was right, There is no Trilithium in this sector," Chakotay said.
"What about Paralithium," B'Elanna said.
"Isn't that used as fuel for Ion-based Propulsion," I said.
"Yes, and It can be converted into Trilithium," B'Elanna said.
"Review our sensor logs of ships entering and leaving Akritirian space during the time we were in orbit, If anybody's using Paralithium for fuel, I want to find out who they are and where they went," I said. "And Get Neelix to check with a few of his friends if he has any out here to find out where Tom and Harry are. Dismissed,"
XXX
"Captain's Log Supplemental, So far, we've located 3 ships with Paralithium Plasma Emissions, But none of them appears to have produced explosives, We're currently in pursuit of a fourth Vessel, Also Neelix Hasn't found out where Tom and Harry Have been taken, End Log," I said Then Headed out.
"We're in hailing range of the Akritirian Freighter, Captain," Chakotay said.
"I'm only reading 2 life signs aboard," Tuvok said.
"Hail them," I said. "This is captain Scott McCall of the Federation Starship Voyager, to the captain of the Akritirian Cargo Vessel,
"I'm the captain of this vessel," This guy said. "What do you want?"
"2 of my crew members were convicted by the Akritirian's of a terrorist bombing, We're trying to prove their innocence, And we have reason to believe a ship like yours, which uses Paralithium for fuel might have been involved in the production of the Explosives," I said.
"Let's get out of here," The girl whispers.
"Quiet, This is a cargo vessel," He said.
"The you won't mind if a few of my crew members, come aboard to have a look around," I said.
"Not if they don't mind having their throats cut," he said.
"There's no need to be abrupt," I said as they cut the channel.
"I guess you're not the only captain who doesn't want their ship boarded," Chakotay said.
"Captain, I'm picking up residual traces of Trilithium They're faint, but they're there," B'Elanna said. "I think we may have found our bomb makers,"
"Tuvok send a security detail to transporter room 2, Chakotay engage a tractor beam in case they try to escape, B'Elanna beam them aboard," I said. "Then bring that ship into the shuttle bay,"
"Aye captain," B'Elanna said.
Once that was done I had them brought to the conference room.
"You have no right to hold us," He said.
"My people have been accused of aiding a terrorist group called Open sky, What do you know about them?" I said.
"They're not terrorists, They're patriots," She said. "one day they'll lead the legitimate government of our people,"
"We don't have to answer any of their questions, Piri," He said.
"It sounds to me, like your young friend here sympathizes with these patriots," I said.
"She's not my friend, She's my sister," he said. "And our political views are none of your business,"
"I don't know much about your world, But I do know that my people are being held for a crime they didn't commit, and I'm going to do everything in my power to get them out, Do you understand that? Because when my crew is involved it is my business," I said.
"We have confirmed that explosives were indeed produced aboard their ship," Tuvok said.
"Escort them to the brig," I said.
"Aye captain," Tuvok said.
"And have Chakotay lay in a course for the Akritirian border," I said.
"Let my sister go, She didn't have anything to do with the bombing, and she's only 14," He said.
"Prison doesn't scare me," Piri said.
"Quiet Piri, Please you don't know what you are saying," he said. "Nobody ever gets out of prison on Akritiri, They'll just let her rot in there for the rest of her life,"
"I admit, I know you desire to protect your sister, But that's not up to me, is it," I said.
"Tell them what we know," Piri said.
"Tell me what?" I said.
"Piri, don't," He said.
"Our brigade found out where the maximum security detention facility is located," Piri said. She was telling the truth.
"My sister has quite a vivid imagination," He said.
"Funny, But I going have to call your BS," I said.
"With this ship you can attack the prison and get your people out," Piri said.
"That's not how we do things where we come from," I said.
"Coward," Piri said.
"Lt," I said.
As Tuvok took them out of the room.
XXX
We got back but it wasn't going well.
"Unless you've decided to relinquish control of your vessel Captain, I suggest that you do not proceed across our border," Liria said.
"Ambassador, We've captured the ship and crew responsible for the bombing at the Laktivia canteen," I said.
"I see," Liria said.
"I'm prepared to trade them for the immediate and unconditional release of Lt Paris and Ensign Kim," I said.
"Your crew men have already been tried and convicted," Liria said.
"Are you saying those convictions can't be reversed, No matter what new evidence is brought to light?" I said.
"You are correct," Liria said.
"That is an outrageous policy," I said.
"I assure you, it has proved to be a most effective deterrent, Good day Captain," Liria said Cutting it.
"Piece of Shit," I said.
"So much for negotiating," Chakotay said.
"What should we do with the prisoners," Tuvok said.
"Bring Vel to my ready room, Now, Chakotay get us out of here," I said.
Then I was in there and Tuvok brought him in.
"I want the location and shield code to the maximum security detention facility," I said.
"What's wrong? the Akritirians didn't agree to your terms?" Vel said.
"No as a matter of fact, but you will," I said.
"And what makes you so sure?" Vel said.
"Because if you don't you and your sister are going to spend the rest of your lives in prison," I said.
"I'll take you to the prison," Vel said. "I'll get you in, But there are members of Open Sky in there and I want to get them out too,"
"No, You get you and your sister free, And if you don't try to BS me again, I may consider it," I said.
"Captain," Tuvok said.
"As you were Lt," I said.
"Agreed," Vel said.
"Crewman Foster Please Take the prisoner to Commander Chakotay," Tuvok said. "He will upload the coordinates and codes,"
"Captain, that was a bad call," Tuvok said.
"Easy Tuvok, he's not the only one who can bullshit," I said.
"Then how do you purpose to get past the Akritirian patrols?" Tuvok said. "no doubt they will attack as soon as Voyager crosses the border,"
"That is why B'Elanna is putting the cloak from a jumper onto Voyager's systems, Voyager will follow us in under cloak. The rescue team won't be aboard Voyager," I said.
"Captain?" Tuvok said.
"We still got Neelix's ship is still in our shuttle bay," I said.
"Yes," Tuvok said. "how ever Neelix's vessel has extremely limited combat capabilities,"
"That is why Voyager is following us in and out under cloak unless we get attacked which Voyager uncloaks and starts disabling those ships,"
XXX
After a bit My team was aboard Neelix's Ship and we just left Voyager's shuttle bay and she cloaked. We headed in and docked at the place then I went down first.
"I got him," Someone said which I stunned.
"Hands on your heads," Tuvok said.
"Do it Now," I said.
"Neelix to Tuvok," Neelix said.
"Go ahead," Tuvok said.
"We've got company, 2 Akritirian patrol ships on an intercept course," Neelix said. "I'm not sure how long I can hold them off,"
"We are moving as quickly as we can, Mr. Neelix," Tuvok said.
"Chakotay you hear that," I said.
"We're ready to decloak Captain if they give us any problems," Chakotay said.
"Captain," Harry said.
"Harry, Where's Tom?" I said.
"He needs help," Harry said.
"Foster With me," I said as we got Tom and Back up to Neelix's Ship and sealed the doors. Where we had Kes onboard with the med kit working with Tom.
"McCall to Neelix," I said.
"Go ahead Captain," Neelix said.
"We are all boarded get us out of here," I said.
"Acknowledged," Neelix said. "I know it's a little Cramped back there,"
"Neelix, Go," I said.
"Of course Captain," Neelix said.
"Captain," Chakotay said.
"Go ahead, They just fired on Neelix's Ship shall we engage," Chakotay said.
"Not yet," I said.
"Neelix to McCall," Neelix said.
"Go ahead," I said.
"We are clear Captain," Neelix said.
"Go, Chakotay decloak Voyager and clear us for Docking then resume course for home, Warp 8," I said.
"Aye Captain," Chakotay said as we docked.
Where we got Harry and Tom to Sickbay.
XXX
"I've always though of my piloting skills as modest, at best, and the conditions were extremely dangerous, Still, I did out maneuver those Akritirians, Didn't I," Neelix said.
"You did a terrific job, Neelix," Tom said.
"I agree Excellent Piloting," I said.
"I'm glad to hear you say that, Captain, because I've been thinking," Neelix said.
"Oh no, that's dangerous," I said. as we all laughed.
"Until Tom here gets back on his feet, perhaps I could try my hand at conn for a while," Neelix said.
"Doc," I said.
"That won't be necessary, Lt Paris is just fine, Thanks to excellent Doctoring I finished analyzing these implants, and you'll be happy to know that the treatment I provided will successfully counteract their effect on you," Doc said.
"What was the effect?" I said.
"My readings indicate that the implants are designed to stimulate the production of acetylcholine in the hypothalamus," Doc said.
"That would explain the agitation," Kes said.
"Hm, Acetylcholine is a brain chemical common to the neural structures of most humanoids, Essentially it helps stimulate one's aggressive tendencies," Doc said.
"To make them kill each other," I said.
"Zio was right," Harry said.
"Come on Harry, We are over do for that Steak dinner," Tom said.
"I guess so," Harry said.
"What do you mean you guess so? it was the thought of that dinner that kept us going," Tom said as they lefted and I was with Kes.
"Dinner my place tomorrow night," I said.
"Meet you there," Kes said. Kissing me then headed back into Sickbay.
That's all for this chapter.
More to follow.
Stay tuned and safe.
Love Y'all
PEACE!