As the Enterprise orbited Earth, Data studied his reflection in the window
of the captain's Ready Room. The red uniform still seemed unusual.
He had worn it before, but he was accustomed to seeing Cmdr. Riker and
Capt. Picard in command. Necessity had thrust the responsibility upon him.
The door chimed, then slid open.
"Commander . er . Captain, sir," Kim stumbled over his words, "I believe Cmdr. Laforge and I have made some interesting discoveries during our sensor sweeps around the San Francisco bay area."
"Ah, yes," Data realized. "Inform all project staff to meet in the secure communications station on deck 25 in 15 minutes."
"Aye, aye, sir," Kim responded. As he boarded the turbolift, a petite blonde ensign also joined him.
"Which deck, Ensign .?" Kim tried to recall her name.
"Ensign Lara Maxwell," she beamed. "I've been on Ops here for about six months. And it's deck 10."
"Computer, deck 10," Kim announced. The lights streamed past as the turbolift descended.
"The junior officers are beginning to wonder, Ensign," Maxwell blurted out. "With all the Voyager crew here, Acting Captain Data in charge . there's something big about to happen, isn't there?"
"There's nothing unusual, Ensign," Kim laughed. "Starfleet technology has evolved in the seven years we've been away. We're just getting up to speed."
Maxwell paused. "But, Ensign T'Ral in engineering told me that Cmdr. Laforge has been conducting experiments all by himself after hours. The command ships of several sector fleets are either in dock or enroute." Kim's silence only fed her curiosity.
"Is there another Borg invasion? Or is it the Dominion? Has Cardassia broken the armistice?" she wondered.
"Ensign, I think your imagination is getting the better of you," Kim protested. "These are coincidences - nothing more." He exhaled in relief as they arrived on deck 10.
"But, how about the unusual sensor readings from last night," Maxwell continued, "or Cmdr. Worf's training sessions with the Voyager crew?"
"Good morning, Ensign," Kim waved goodbye, as the doors mercifully shut. "Computer deck 25."
The turbolift appeared. Senior members of Project: Undertow had already assembled.
"I guess we're waiting for Capt. Data to arrive," Kim observed, as the officers waited outside the communications station.
"Only Data has the clearance codes to get in," Laforge replied. "Ensign, have you noticed that some of the crew are starting to put two and two together? Ensign T'Ral's been begging to help me with my `experiments'."
"Tell me about it," Kim sighed. "Ensign Maxwell just gave me the third degree in the turbolift. She thinks the Cardassians are poised to sweep into Sector 001!"
"There are over 1,000 crew members aboard the Enterprise," Tuvok noted. "We can only maintain the appearance of routine for so long . before the rumours begin to multiply."
"The presence of over 50% of the fleet in this sector does seem odd," Worf added, "especially during a time of relative peace."
The turbolift doors opened again. "Here's our fearless leader now," The Doctor nodded towards the android.
"Computer," Data announced, "Erect a Level 8 force-field around this section. Disable the turbolift between decks 23 and 27." He approached the station and tapped the console.
"Security protocol Epsilon. Authorization: Data, Acting Captain. Code 00237."
The doors to the communications station opened.
"Doctor, let the record show that I am ordering Cmdr. Laforge and Ensign Kim to decode the encrypted communications from Admiral Hall," Data stated.
"Duly noted," The Doctor stated. He shuddered. With each order, Data was wading deeper into dangerous waters. Project: Undertow was designed to undermine the Cavalry Faction, whose supporters were some of the most powerful admirals and captains in Starfleet. Failure would surely end Data's career.
"We masked our subspace tapping optics beneath a series of random geological sweeps," Laforge explained. "We were able to eavesdrop on that secret meeting."
Kim switched on the speakers. "It took much of last night to filter out the interference from Starfleet's communication firewalls," he added. There were a few crackles.
"You cannot build trust among the rank-and-file if you promote an atmosphere of mistrust," a voice had declared.
"Admiral Paris," Tuvok noted. "Lt. Paris will be pleased to know his father is not a war hawk."
Another voice yelled. "You would have us abandon our vigilance for the sake of appearance! The Federation is mired in indecision! We must not allow ourselves to grow soft."
"Sounds like a `Cavalry' admiral," Worf grumbled.
"Starfleet Security has cited the presence of Section 31 operatives throughout HQ," an admiral had remarked. "With over half the fleet in this sector, the chance for mischief is there."
"That would be Admiral Jellico," Data frowned. "It appears the risk of Section 31 involvement is greater than we had thought."
The communications crackled again. "We had to cut our sensor sweeps then," Kim admitted. "Several starships had just arrived from the Romulan neutral-zone."
"We picked up our link about 10 minutes later," Laforge replied. "Computer, index the communications for 21:20 hours."
"The Maquis Inquiry will continue," another voice demanded. "We must cleanse Starfleet of questionable elements."
"Admiral Ravvik," Kim grumbled. "Voyager's favourite man of the hour."
Several voices mumbled in the background. "It seems rather odd," Admiral Paris had observed, "that half the fleet would be here - now - for debriefings and exercises. Why the need to concentrate our ships here?"
"I simply felt that it was time to update our captains from every corner of the Federation," Ravvik had replied. "We should all be certain what our purpose is. Where we stand vis-à-vis Starfleet's goals."
"Hold as many meetings, debates and lectures as you like," Jellico groaned, "but our ships should be in space doing their duty. I expect the bulk of the fleet to be deployed again by 1200 hours tomorrow. Any ships still here better damn well have the proper security clearances."
Several admirals agreed. A few voices complained, but they soon fell silent.
"This meeting is adjourned," Admiral Paris declared. "We can resume if the Federation Council deems it necessary."
The communications crackled, dissolving into noisy static. "That was all we could get," Laforge apologized. "With all the space traffic flying around, we were lucky to even get that much."
"Ensign Kim, make a record of these discoveries," Data ordered. "With the crew starting to question our don't-ask-don't- tell policies of late, we need to keep them busy. Only when danger is imminent . should we inform them of the nature of the crisis."
"That's better said than done," Laforge remarked. "We can play like nothing's wrong - maybe another day. After that, they'll be expecting some explanations."
"We will proceed with Project: Undertow until further notice," Data ordered. "Please return to your duties. Try to discourage the spread of rumours. The fact is, there is no proven crisis. We are simply preparing for potential problems."
As the conspirators left, he turned to Tuvok. "May I have a word with you?"
Tuvok waited until they were the only officers in the room. "You are aware that over 50% of the fleet is either in Sector 001 or enroute?"
"Yes," Data replied. He tapped a console, generating a digital view of starships docked all along the California coast. "It is unusual to see so many ships together, but not unprecedented. Still, we must plan for the worst."
"If the Cavalry Faction is rallying its forces," Tuvok continued, "we must execute Phase II of the project if we are to succeed. We will have to act quickly."
Data thought of the perils of Phase II:
Worf and Seven would slip into the Starfleet Armoury and secure a large supply of phasers, rifles and power cells. They (and a company of Enterprise security officers) would go to Admiral Hall. They might have to rescue Diplomat Faction admirals and captains who may be in danger. Beamed aboard the Enterprise, they could rally their allies in the fleet.
Lt. Paris and members of the Voyager crew would infiltrate the restricted Operations Section of Starfleet Security. There, they would need to disrupt its ability to deploy security personnel to Admiral Hall. Laforge and Kim would scramble Starfleet communications, temporarily paralyzing the fleet. The Cavalry Faction would likely have countermeasures, but that was unavoidable. Voyager would retrieve the insertion team, but in the event that fighting broke out between factions . their rescue would not be a top priority.
Saving the leadership needed to preserve Starfleet (and thus, the Federation) was paramount.
"Should Capt. Janeway become injured or ." Data began. He paused. Contingencies. That was the key. Any sloppiness on their part could be costly.
"In the event of a leadership vacuum," Data revised himself, "with Janeway and Chakotay captured or killed . you effectively become captain of the Voyager. Your executive officer?"
"I would grant a commander's field commission to Lt. Paris," Tuvok stated confidently, "with Ensign Kim as tactical chief."
He passed Data a tiny disc. "The self-destruct codes to the Voyager."
"And here are those of the Enterprise," Data passed over his own data disc. "Cmdr. Laforge would be captain, should I be incapacitated. Let us hope it does not come to this. If the Cavalry Faction takes the Enterprise, you are ordered to destroy it. As the flagship, it has a symbolic value."
"Understood," Tuvok grimaced. "We must deny them such credibility." He clutched the self-destruct codes. Was all this necessary? He prayed that it wasn't.
Before he exited the room, he turned around. "We may not be able to speak face-to-face again if we must execute Phase II. I want to say that . it has been an honour to serve with your crew. The Voyager crew will complete its duties admirably."
Data shook Tuvok's hand. "I believe I speak for the Enterprise when I say that your crewmates demonstrate the finest qualities of Starfleet. I wish you well."
Tuvok nodded politely, then left for the turbolift. He sighed, as he considered how the next 12 hours could affect Starfleet forever.
Moments later, The Doctor received a transmission from Tuvok. The code word that would activate Phase II of Project: Undertow. He would have to send that code to Cmdr. Worf and Lt. Paris. Then, there would be no turning back.
Restore, The Doctor observed. The word that could save the Federation from corruption. A word that might set the entire quadrant ablaze, as Starfleet tore itself apart over its core values.
"Do no harm," The Doctor muttered. "How ironic that I, a medical officer, would hold the word that could send thousands of lives to their doom."
At Starfleet Intelligence, the morning dragged on. The Maquis Inquiry dismissed Riker's attempts to present testimony supporting the defense. Chakotay and Torres were not even present during the attack on the USS Hadrian, but Admiral Ravvik argued that they must be responsible. Members of their own Maquis cell had participated in the attack, so the chain of command had to lead to them.
"Do you have any further evidence regarding the Hadrian incident?" one of the commissioners asked.
"No, I do not," Riker grumbled, "since you've obstructed my ability to summon former Maquis members to testify in my clients' defense!"
"The Maquis have no standing here," Ravvik sneered. "This inquiry is not a forum for their extremist views."
"Yet, you've accepted evidence from the Hadrian crew!" Chakotay barked. "How can this be an impartial inquiry if our people have no right to tell their side of the story?"
Ravvik pressed a console button, which rang a chime. "We will recess for one hour and return after the lunch break." Chakotay and Torres shook their heads as they left, stunned that Starfleet Command had allowed this unjust inquiry to continue for two years.
Two years ago, the inquiry was simply a hearing. The Maquis and the Federation would be able to air their grievances before an impartial panel. When the Cavalry Faction gained influence in the Admiralty, it became something insidious -- to be used for persecution, not prosecution.
"Cmdr. Riker, might I have a word with you?" Ravvik asked.
Riker gathered his files. What's next, he wondered privately.
Ravvik nodded towards the two commissioners, who promptly left the room.
"I can appreciate the stress you are under, Commander," Ravvik said. "The political climate at Starfleet Command is quite tense. One never knows whether the Admiralty is basing its decisions on facts or raw instinct."
"I suppose you prefer decisions based on fact," Riker remarked to the Vulcan admiral.
"Facts are defined by the environment around them," Ravvik observed. "This is a time of uncertainty. This makes it difficult to ascertain how correct some facts truly are."
"Is there a point you're trying to make?" Riker demanded. He had grown weary of the nuances and innuendo of this political crisis.
"A man of direction, hmm," Ravvik noted. "Then you are well suited to these times. I'll get right to the point. There will be a shift in Starfleet Command, as I'm sure you are aware. We now have the ability to set a course for the Federation that will ensure not only its survival, but its predominance. Think of it, Commander! The Federation banner flying throughout the Alpha Quadrant, in the Gamma Quadrant . and soon within the Delta Quadrant. Imagine the progress we could make!"
"You speak of the Federation as if it were an empire," Riker scoffed. "when it should be a partnership of equals. I may not command my own ship, but I know when someone's putting on a poker face. What do you want of me?"
Ravvik sighed as he skimmed through the endless data tablets of evidence. "You have done well as advocate for your colleagues. A performance worthy of a faithful Starfleet officer. You must realize that Chakotay and Torres' Starfleet careers are over, do you not? Their commissions were granted during extraordinary circumstances . with the Voyager assumed lost. Do you really think they would be in Starfleet now, had the Voyager captured them and brought them home? They would be charged with sedition. This inquiry merely corrects that oversight."
"Chakotay and B'Elanna aren't bureaucratic errors," Riker insisted. "They're people who have spent the past seven years carrying the flag for the Federation in the Delta Quadrant, when it could have been far easier to forget its values. I don't pretend to think that it will be easy for them to win over those in Starfleet who see the Maquis as terrorists. No doubt, some of them were . and we should hold them to account. But these people you've charged aren't murderers and thieves! Their friends on those outposts felt abandoned by Starfleet. They wanted to defend their homes."
"As am I, Commander!" Ravvik snarled, having lost his restraint. "You heard them! They believe the Maquis were justified to rebel against the Federation. How can we trust officers who cannot even accept the authority of the very body that legitimizes their uniforms? They are traitors, nothing more."
"So they're damned - however I present my case?" Riker demanded. The inquiry was a farce. His friends were judged guilty even before they set foot in this room. Why waste all this time, he wondered. To what purpose? Why did they insist that he work diligently in their defense?
Riker sorted through his data pads. "Why all this work, Admiral? Why ask me to wade through hours of logs, database files and communiqués? Let me tell you what I think. I think you want me to go through the motions. To give this inquiry the façade of legitimacy. Justice has been done, you'll declare. Chakotay and Torres had their `fair' trial. With the celebrated Voyager crewmates disgraced in the eyes of Starfleet, you can use this verdict as a signal that whoever you represent in the Admiralty will not tolerate dissent or any hint of disloyalty. That sounds like a cleansing of political thought, where only those deemed pure can serve in Starfleet. You may create a band of loyal followers, but at the cost of freedom of association, freedom of speech and freedom of thought."
He pushed the pads away from him on the table. "No, sir. I won't be a patsy to your inquiry. I'm withdrawing as an advocate."
"If that is what you choose," Ravvik replied. "I see you have inherited Picard's political acumen. Without an advocate, your friends will be summarily found guilty of all charges and sentenced to life at the Federation prison on the Jupiter moon of Europa. They will find nothing but frigid winds and endless oceans. A fitting fate for traitors who would paralyze our Federation with their corruption! You are a card player, are you not? If you play the right hand, you can go far. Your own ship, perhaps, along with a captaincy? Command of a sector fleet? There will be a purging of other traitors, leaving vacancies in the Admiralty. Our side needs men of both intellect and action. There will be a place for the ambitious. I hope, for your sake, you don't fold your hand."
Riker smiled. "I'll call your bluff. I will be here for the afternoon session. And you're right, I know how to play cards . very well. You want to raise the stakes, eh? Let's see how impotent the Federation Council is. Janeway is addressing the Council at this moment. If anyone's running out of time, it's your faction. For the record, I'm not folding my hand because you have no idea what sort of cards I might have. Have a nice lunch."
When he left the room, he joined Chakotay and Torres in the cafeteria.
Chakotay noticed that Riker seemed more upbeat. "You seem chipper, Commander. Have our odds improved since this morning?"
Riker seized upon a clubhouse sandwich. "No, they've actually gotten worse. We all knew this hearing is a fraud. He told me as much. He even had the nerve to offer me a captaincy, if I just played along."
"So, where does that leave us?" Torres worried.
"Ravvik and I anted up," Riker mumbled between bites, "I'll play along. But when the dealer's crooked, who says we have to stick to the rules? Let's hope we're holding better cards than he is."
TO BE CONTINUED
Riker enters a dangerous game with Ravvik. Are the stakes too high for the Enterprise commander? The next few hours are critical, as both factions in the Admiralty jostle for position. Is Starfleet on the brink of civil war, with over half the fleet in Sector 001? And where is Capt. Picard? The future of the Federation hangs in the balance. Careers can be made - or broken - in a moment. Stay tuned for the conclusion to 'Pledge'.
The door chimed, then slid open.
"Commander . er . Captain, sir," Kim stumbled over his words, "I believe Cmdr. Laforge and I have made some interesting discoveries during our sensor sweeps around the San Francisco bay area."
"Ah, yes," Data realized. "Inform all project staff to meet in the secure communications station on deck 25 in 15 minutes."
"Aye, aye, sir," Kim responded. As he boarded the turbolift, a petite blonde ensign also joined him.
"Which deck, Ensign .?" Kim tried to recall her name.
"Ensign Lara Maxwell," she beamed. "I've been on Ops here for about six months. And it's deck 10."
"Computer, deck 10," Kim announced. The lights streamed past as the turbolift descended.
"The junior officers are beginning to wonder, Ensign," Maxwell blurted out. "With all the Voyager crew here, Acting Captain Data in charge . there's something big about to happen, isn't there?"
"There's nothing unusual, Ensign," Kim laughed. "Starfleet technology has evolved in the seven years we've been away. We're just getting up to speed."
Maxwell paused. "But, Ensign T'Ral in engineering told me that Cmdr. Laforge has been conducting experiments all by himself after hours. The command ships of several sector fleets are either in dock or enroute." Kim's silence only fed her curiosity.
"Is there another Borg invasion? Or is it the Dominion? Has Cardassia broken the armistice?" she wondered.
"Ensign, I think your imagination is getting the better of you," Kim protested. "These are coincidences - nothing more." He exhaled in relief as they arrived on deck 10.
"But, how about the unusual sensor readings from last night," Maxwell continued, "or Cmdr. Worf's training sessions with the Voyager crew?"
"Good morning, Ensign," Kim waved goodbye, as the doors mercifully shut. "Computer deck 25."
The turbolift appeared. Senior members of Project: Undertow had already assembled.
"I guess we're waiting for Capt. Data to arrive," Kim observed, as the officers waited outside the communications station.
"Only Data has the clearance codes to get in," Laforge replied. "Ensign, have you noticed that some of the crew are starting to put two and two together? Ensign T'Ral's been begging to help me with my `experiments'."
"Tell me about it," Kim sighed. "Ensign Maxwell just gave me the third degree in the turbolift. She thinks the Cardassians are poised to sweep into Sector 001!"
"There are over 1,000 crew members aboard the Enterprise," Tuvok noted. "We can only maintain the appearance of routine for so long . before the rumours begin to multiply."
"The presence of over 50% of the fleet in this sector does seem odd," Worf added, "especially during a time of relative peace."
The turbolift doors opened again. "Here's our fearless leader now," The Doctor nodded towards the android.
"Computer," Data announced, "Erect a Level 8 force-field around this section. Disable the turbolift between decks 23 and 27." He approached the station and tapped the console.
"Security protocol Epsilon. Authorization: Data, Acting Captain. Code 00237."
The doors to the communications station opened.
"Doctor, let the record show that I am ordering Cmdr. Laforge and Ensign Kim to decode the encrypted communications from Admiral Hall," Data stated.
"Duly noted," The Doctor stated. He shuddered. With each order, Data was wading deeper into dangerous waters. Project: Undertow was designed to undermine the Cavalry Faction, whose supporters were some of the most powerful admirals and captains in Starfleet. Failure would surely end Data's career.
"We masked our subspace tapping optics beneath a series of random geological sweeps," Laforge explained. "We were able to eavesdrop on that secret meeting."
Kim switched on the speakers. "It took much of last night to filter out the interference from Starfleet's communication firewalls," he added. There were a few crackles.
"You cannot build trust among the rank-and-file if you promote an atmosphere of mistrust," a voice had declared.
"Admiral Paris," Tuvok noted. "Lt. Paris will be pleased to know his father is not a war hawk."
Another voice yelled. "You would have us abandon our vigilance for the sake of appearance! The Federation is mired in indecision! We must not allow ourselves to grow soft."
"Sounds like a `Cavalry' admiral," Worf grumbled.
"Starfleet Security has cited the presence of Section 31 operatives throughout HQ," an admiral had remarked. "With over half the fleet in this sector, the chance for mischief is there."
"That would be Admiral Jellico," Data frowned. "It appears the risk of Section 31 involvement is greater than we had thought."
The communications crackled again. "We had to cut our sensor sweeps then," Kim admitted. "Several starships had just arrived from the Romulan neutral-zone."
"We picked up our link about 10 minutes later," Laforge replied. "Computer, index the communications for 21:20 hours."
"The Maquis Inquiry will continue," another voice demanded. "We must cleanse Starfleet of questionable elements."
"Admiral Ravvik," Kim grumbled. "Voyager's favourite man of the hour."
Several voices mumbled in the background. "It seems rather odd," Admiral Paris had observed, "that half the fleet would be here - now - for debriefings and exercises. Why the need to concentrate our ships here?"
"I simply felt that it was time to update our captains from every corner of the Federation," Ravvik had replied. "We should all be certain what our purpose is. Where we stand vis-à-vis Starfleet's goals."
"Hold as many meetings, debates and lectures as you like," Jellico groaned, "but our ships should be in space doing their duty. I expect the bulk of the fleet to be deployed again by 1200 hours tomorrow. Any ships still here better damn well have the proper security clearances."
Several admirals agreed. A few voices complained, but they soon fell silent.
"This meeting is adjourned," Admiral Paris declared. "We can resume if the Federation Council deems it necessary."
The communications crackled, dissolving into noisy static. "That was all we could get," Laforge apologized. "With all the space traffic flying around, we were lucky to even get that much."
"Ensign Kim, make a record of these discoveries," Data ordered. "With the crew starting to question our don't-ask-don't- tell policies of late, we need to keep them busy. Only when danger is imminent . should we inform them of the nature of the crisis."
"That's better said than done," Laforge remarked. "We can play like nothing's wrong - maybe another day. After that, they'll be expecting some explanations."
"We will proceed with Project: Undertow until further notice," Data ordered. "Please return to your duties. Try to discourage the spread of rumours. The fact is, there is no proven crisis. We are simply preparing for potential problems."
As the conspirators left, he turned to Tuvok. "May I have a word with you?"
Tuvok waited until they were the only officers in the room. "You are aware that over 50% of the fleet is either in Sector 001 or enroute?"
"Yes," Data replied. He tapped a console, generating a digital view of starships docked all along the California coast. "It is unusual to see so many ships together, but not unprecedented. Still, we must plan for the worst."
"If the Cavalry Faction is rallying its forces," Tuvok continued, "we must execute Phase II of the project if we are to succeed. We will have to act quickly."
Data thought of the perils of Phase II:
Worf and Seven would slip into the Starfleet Armoury and secure a large supply of phasers, rifles and power cells. They (and a company of Enterprise security officers) would go to Admiral Hall. They might have to rescue Diplomat Faction admirals and captains who may be in danger. Beamed aboard the Enterprise, they could rally their allies in the fleet.
Lt. Paris and members of the Voyager crew would infiltrate the restricted Operations Section of Starfleet Security. There, they would need to disrupt its ability to deploy security personnel to Admiral Hall. Laforge and Kim would scramble Starfleet communications, temporarily paralyzing the fleet. The Cavalry Faction would likely have countermeasures, but that was unavoidable. Voyager would retrieve the insertion team, but in the event that fighting broke out between factions . their rescue would not be a top priority.
Saving the leadership needed to preserve Starfleet (and thus, the Federation) was paramount.
"Should Capt. Janeway become injured or ." Data began. He paused. Contingencies. That was the key. Any sloppiness on their part could be costly.
"In the event of a leadership vacuum," Data revised himself, "with Janeway and Chakotay captured or killed . you effectively become captain of the Voyager. Your executive officer?"
"I would grant a commander's field commission to Lt. Paris," Tuvok stated confidently, "with Ensign Kim as tactical chief."
He passed Data a tiny disc. "The self-destruct codes to the Voyager."
"And here are those of the Enterprise," Data passed over his own data disc. "Cmdr. Laforge would be captain, should I be incapacitated. Let us hope it does not come to this. If the Cavalry Faction takes the Enterprise, you are ordered to destroy it. As the flagship, it has a symbolic value."
"Understood," Tuvok grimaced. "We must deny them such credibility." He clutched the self-destruct codes. Was all this necessary? He prayed that it wasn't.
Before he exited the room, he turned around. "We may not be able to speak face-to-face again if we must execute Phase II. I want to say that . it has been an honour to serve with your crew. The Voyager crew will complete its duties admirably."
Data shook Tuvok's hand. "I believe I speak for the Enterprise when I say that your crewmates demonstrate the finest qualities of Starfleet. I wish you well."
Tuvok nodded politely, then left for the turbolift. He sighed, as he considered how the next 12 hours could affect Starfleet forever.
Moments later, The Doctor received a transmission from Tuvok. The code word that would activate Phase II of Project: Undertow. He would have to send that code to Cmdr. Worf and Lt. Paris. Then, there would be no turning back.
Restore, The Doctor observed. The word that could save the Federation from corruption. A word that might set the entire quadrant ablaze, as Starfleet tore itself apart over its core values.
"Do no harm," The Doctor muttered. "How ironic that I, a medical officer, would hold the word that could send thousands of lives to their doom."
At Starfleet Intelligence, the morning dragged on. The Maquis Inquiry dismissed Riker's attempts to present testimony supporting the defense. Chakotay and Torres were not even present during the attack on the USS Hadrian, but Admiral Ravvik argued that they must be responsible. Members of their own Maquis cell had participated in the attack, so the chain of command had to lead to them.
"Do you have any further evidence regarding the Hadrian incident?" one of the commissioners asked.
"No, I do not," Riker grumbled, "since you've obstructed my ability to summon former Maquis members to testify in my clients' defense!"
"The Maquis have no standing here," Ravvik sneered. "This inquiry is not a forum for their extremist views."
"Yet, you've accepted evidence from the Hadrian crew!" Chakotay barked. "How can this be an impartial inquiry if our people have no right to tell their side of the story?"
Ravvik pressed a console button, which rang a chime. "We will recess for one hour and return after the lunch break." Chakotay and Torres shook their heads as they left, stunned that Starfleet Command had allowed this unjust inquiry to continue for two years.
Two years ago, the inquiry was simply a hearing. The Maquis and the Federation would be able to air their grievances before an impartial panel. When the Cavalry Faction gained influence in the Admiralty, it became something insidious -- to be used for persecution, not prosecution.
"Cmdr. Riker, might I have a word with you?" Ravvik asked.
Riker gathered his files. What's next, he wondered privately.
Ravvik nodded towards the two commissioners, who promptly left the room.
"I can appreciate the stress you are under, Commander," Ravvik said. "The political climate at Starfleet Command is quite tense. One never knows whether the Admiralty is basing its decisions on facts or raw instinct."
"I suppose you prefer decisions based on fact," Riker remarked to the Vulcan admiral.
"Facts are defined by the environment around them," Ravvik observed. "This is a time of uncertainty. This makes it difficult to ascertain how correct some facts truly are."
"Is there a point you're trying to make?" Riker demanded. He had grown weary of the nuances and innuendo of this political crisis.
"A man of direction, hmm," Ravvik noted. "Then you are well suited to these times. I'll get right to the point. There will be a shift in Starfleet Command, as I'm sure you are aware. We now have the ability to set a course for the Federation that will ensure not only its survival, but its predominance. Think of it, Commander! The Federation banner flying throughout the Alpha Quadrant, in the Gamma Quadrant . and soon within the Delta Quadrant. Imagine the progress we could make!"
"You speak of the Federation as if it were an empire," Riker scoffed. "when it should be a partnership of equals. I may not command my own ship, but I know when someone's putting on a poker face. What do you want of me?"
Ravvik sighed as he skimmed through the endless data tablets of evidence. "You have done well as advocate for your colleagues. A performance worthy of a faithful Starfleet officer. You must realize that Chakotay and Torres' Starfleet careers are over, do you not? Their commissions were granted during extraordinary circumstances . with the Voyager assumed lost. Do you really think they would be in Starfleet now, had the Voyager captured them and brought them home? They would be charged with sedition. This inquiry merely corrects that oversight."
"Chakotay and B'Elanna aren't bureaucratic errors," Riker insisted. "They're people who have spent the past seven years carrying the flag for the Federation in the Delta Quadrant, when it could have been far easier to forget its values. I don't pretend to think that it will be easy for them to win over those in Starfleet who see the Maquis as terrorists. No doubt, some of them were . and we should hold them to account. But these people you've charged aren't murderers and thieves! Their friends on those outposts felt abandoned by Starfleet. They wanted to defend their homes."
"As am I, Commander!" Ravvik snarled, having lost his restraint. "You heard them! They believe the Maquis were justified to rebel against the Federation. How can we trust officers who cannot even accept the authority of the very body that legitimizes their uniforms? They are traitors, nothing more."
"So they're damned - however I present my case?" Riker demanded. The inquiry was a farce. His friends were judged guilty even before they set foot in this room. Why waste all this time, he wondered. To what purpose? Why did they insist that he work diligently in their defense?
Riker sorted through his data pads. "Why all this work, Admiral? Why ask me to wade through hours of logs, database files and communiqués? Let me tell you what I think. I think you want me to go through the motions. To give this inquiry the façade of legitimacy. Justice has been done, you'll declare. Chakotay and Torres had their `fair' trial. With the celebrated Voyager crewmates disgraced in the eyes of Starfleet, you can use this verdict as a signal that whoever you represent in the Admiralty will not tolerate dissent or any hint of disloyalty. That sounds like a cleansing of political thought, where only those deemed pure can serve in Starfleet. You may create a band of loyal followers, but at the cost of freedom of association, freedom of speech and freedom of thought."
He pushed the pads away from him on the table. "No, sir. I won't be a patsy to your inquiry. I'm withdrawing as an advocate."
"If that is what you choose," Ravvik replied. "I see you have inherited Picard's political acumen. Without an advocate, your friends will be summarily found guilty of all charges and sentenced to life at the Federation prison on the Jupiter moon of Europa. They will find nothing but frigid winds and endless oceans. A fitting fate for traitors who would paralyze our Federation with their corruption! You are a card player, are you not? If you play the right hand, you can go far. Your own ship, perhaps, along with a captaincy? Command of a sector fleet? There will be a purging of other traitors, leaving vacancies in the Admiralty. Our side needs men of both intellect and action. There will be a place for the ambitious. I hope, for your sake, you don't fold your hand."
Riker smiled. "I'll call your bluff. I will be here for the afternoon session. And you're right, I know how to play cards . very well. You want to raise the stakes, eh? Let's see how impotent the Federation Council is. Janeway is addressing the Council at this moment. If anyone's running out of time, it's your faction. For the record, I'm not folding my hand because you have no idea what sort of cards I might have. Have a nice lunch."
When he left the room, he joined Chakotay and Torres in the cafeteria.
Chakotay noticed that Riker seemed more upbeat. "You seem chipper, Commander. Have our odds improved since this morning?"
Riker seized upon a clubhouse sandwich. "No, they've actually gotten worse. We all knew this hearing is a fraud. He told me as much. He even had the nerve to offer me a captaincy, if I just played along."
"So, where does that leave us?" Torres worried.
"Ravvik and I anted up," Riker mumbled between bites, "I'll play along. But when the dealer's crooked, who says we have to stick to the rules? Let's hope we're holding better cards than he is."
TO BE CONTINUED
Riker enters a dangerous game with Ravvik. Are the stakes too high for the Enterprise commander? The next few hours are critical, as both factions in the Admiralty jostle for position. Is Starfleet on the brink of civil war, with over half the fleet in Sector 001? And where is Capt. Picard? The future of the Federation hangs in the balance. Careers can be made - or broken - in a moment. Stay tuned for the conclusion to 'Pledge'.