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CHAPTER 9
The rest of her delta shifts had passed uneventful. Both Susan and the delta shift crew were grateful for the peace. She was surprised to find herself liking the people who worked this shift. Granted they were a different breed- otherwise why would the work this shift- but she found them to be a very well-trained, efficient team. The peace had also given Susan time to complete the backlog of paperwork that had accumulated over the last few weeks. Since her promotion, it seemed that the volume of her paperwork load had doubled… if not tripled. Her briefing each morning with the Captain had indicated that the rest of the shifts were having the lull as well. After all of the upheaval on the station, it was good for the personnel to get a bit of a breather. With all of that said, she was just appreciative for these shifts to be finally over. But on a personal level, it had been a frustrating week as well.
Other than a few voice messages each day that passed between them, Susan had not seen Talia since the breakfast they had shared after her first shift ended. Talia had been up early and out of her quarters before Susan's shift ended in the mornings, and home very late in the evenings. Talia's first meeting earlier in the week had resulted in her being swamped with long negotiation meetings between Centauri and Narn, which meant that she had to deal with the volatile ambassadors- Mollari, and G'Kar. Each evening, she awoke to find a voice message from Talia apologizing for not feeling up to getting together.
With each message, Susan could tell that the meetings were wearing on Talia both mentally and physically. She noticed the tiredness to her eyes, the increased pallor of her skin with darken shadows under her eyes, and the barely contained frustration reflected in her voice. More that once, Talia had questioned the wisdom of her participation in this negotiation no matter the hefty fee she was to receive. Susan could really empathize as well as sympathize with Talia's situation. She herself had been involved in more that one long meeting with those two, and could not count the number of times she had to mentally restrain her thoughts from physical fruition resulting in her tossing both of the them out the nearest air lock.
The message from Talia that she had received last night stated she hoped to be finished early this morning with the negotiations. If no other last minute problems arose, all that was left was the signing of the agreement. Even though she was tired, Susan could tell Talia was very proud of the end results of her work. Talia wanted to go out this evening and celebrate– her treat, of course. If Susan was interested, Talia wanted her to quote 'dress nice' and she would come to Susan's quarters at 1900 hours to pick her up for their date. The message gave no clue as to where they were going, but Talia's seductive smile had Susan intrigued.
Susan had sent her an acceptance message to be delivered this morning a few minutes before Talia left for her scheduled morning meeting. She found that she had really missed the telepath's company, and was looking forward to seeing her this evening. Dinner out sounded like a nice way to get their evening started. She had planned to go to her quarters, rest, and relax most of the day then dress carefully for their time together. Throughout the night, she had mentally reviewed her closet but rejected every outfit for one reason or another. Finally, she decided to amend her plans for the day, and treat herself with some shopping time and the purchase of a new outfit. She found she wanted to try to look nice for Talia.
After reporting off to the Captain, Susan had stopped in at O'Grady's- the local coffee bar- for breakfast. As she sat there over her after breakfast cup of coffee, Susan found she was drifting off. I'm more tired that I thought, she sighed. Sleepily, she paid her tab and wandered slowly towards her quarters. She never saw the shadowy figure that followed her from the Zocalo. As she keyed her quarter's door open, she didn't sense the person that snuck behind her. She only briefly felt the twinge of the hypo-spray as it delivered it sedative through its contact to the back of her neck, before she passed out.
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He had spotted her at O'Grady's having breakfast. Once again, he noticed she was alone without the security detail from the week before. As he trailed discreetly behind her, he observed the tired droop of her shoulders, and the slowness of her step. He, also, noticed that she was not paying attention to the surroundings, or those around her. He decided now was the time he had been waiting for. He doubted he would find a better opportunity. He checked his inner pocket to reassure the accessibility of the hypo-spray that was filled with a fast-acting sedative.
Once she reached her door, he checked both ways for a final time. Finding the hallway deserted, he struck. He sedated her before she could react, and pushed her collapsing body into her quarters before someone caught him. He deposited her on the nearby couch. He removed her com-link, and PPG tossing them on the nearby table. "You won't be needing those where you are going, Commander."
Taking her Ident-card, he left to get the transportation he had arranged some weeks before. With in a few minutes, he was back with a covered cart. He had changed into a delivery service uniform to match the logo on the cart. After securing her ankles and wrists, he gagged her before he placed her in the cart. Stepping to the BabCom unit, he obtained access to a Gold Channel, and sent one message. It read:
I have her. You need to come.
He inserted a data crystal in the reader, and used the program there to remove any trace of his call. With that completed, he pushed the cart out of the Commander's quarters, and left for the area he had secured in DownBelow.
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1845 found Talia Winters outside of Commander Ivanova's quarters. It was finally a good day. The week had been frustrating, exhausting, and any other euphuism one might think of. Ambassadors Mallori and G'Kar both have very volatile personalities, and their arguments throughout the negotiations had been loud and long- both verbally and mentally. Several times throughout the week, she had questioned the validity… and her sanity of agreeing to put herself through this 'torture'. The money was too good to turn down. Or at least that is what she kept telling herself when she had come close to quitting.
The messages from Susan had been the only thing that had sustained her throughout this ordeal. She had left funny, supportive messages that Talia would receive just before she left for her morning sessions, and also had one waiting for her once she got to her quarters in the evenings. Talia was sure few people knew the Commander had not only a very wicked sense of humor, but a sweet, silly one as well. The evening messages had helped to ease the stress headache she developed after each session.
Talia had felt much regret that she had not felt up to seeing Susan after those sessions, but Susan had made sure to say that it was more important for her to rest. Furthermore, Susan had reassured time and time again that they would get together just as soon as their workload settled back to a more 'normal' schedule. In the meantime, they would continue to send messages to each other. She said it was enough… for now. Susan had stressed the last part.
The final draft of the territorial treaty had been accepted as is and she not received any requests for changes to it by either side. She had been filled with a tremendous feeling of relief when both Ambassadors had affixed their signatures to document. The tightness that had surrounded her chest finally eased, and she took her first easy breath of the morning. Although it was only 1000 hours, both Ambassadors had insisted on her accompanying them for a celebratory drink to seal the end of their business. It had turned into an impromptu celebration. Of course, she should have expected it. The Centauri were always in the mood to 'celebrate'. It was after 1300 before she had been able to slip away unnoticed- not that she hadn't tried before but had been stopped by one or the other of the Ambassadors. By then both parties involved and their attachés were very inebriated. She, on the other hand, only had one glass of white wine. But consuming an alcoholic beverage that early in the day combined with the fact that she had not been sleeping well all week had left her feeling slightly tipsy.
After checking the time, she decided it was too early to try to reach Susan. Her message this morning had said she was looking forward to going to dinner with her this evening. So, Talia decided to take a nap.
She had felt refreshed when she awoke. She had made reservations for them at The Fresh Air Café. Normally, one would have to wait weeks for reservation, but she had done a favor for the maitre'd a few months ago, and he had been only too happy to give her a decent reservation time. Afterwards, Talia hoped they would end up spending the evening in one or the other's quarters.
For the second time, Talia chimed Susan's door. She checked her watch and saw that she was a little early, but not that early. Still no answer. Talia began to worry. Had she misunderstood Susan's message this morning? She had not thought so. She knew that she had checked her BabCom for messages just before she left for Susan's and found no new messages. This was just not like Susan. After trying the door chime one more time, knocking on the door as well resulting in no response, Talia decided to go back to her quarters to see if she had missed a message.
When the transport tube opened, she found Mr. Garibaldi on board. "Mr. Garibaldi." Talia was relieved to find him here and that she had not had to seek him out. She didn't notice his grimace of discomfort.
"Ms. Winters," he replied. For once he had not been on the tube for the express purpose of see her. He hadn't really talked to her since… she had started dating his best friend. He took in her appearance. She wore a sapphire sleeveless dress that snuggly enveloped all of her curves in just the right spots and ended just below her knees… nice. But try as he might he could not bring himself to make eye contact.
"Uh, Mr. Garibaldi… " She hesitated, before continuing. She could feel his discomfort, but she didn't have time to deal with his feelings. "Michael, have you spoke to Commander Ivanova today?" Talia inquired, but couldn't keep her concern from her voice.
Michael stopped to think for a moment. He could sense something was wrong. It was confirmed when he looked into her eyes. He saw her concern reflected back at him. "No, I haven't talk to her for a couple of days. Why?" A bad feeling gripped his gut.
"Well, I was suppose to meet Susan at her quarters about fifteen minutes ago. We had plans for dinner. I arrived a few minutes early. At first, when she didn't answer the door, I thought that that must be the reason for no answer. But I rang the door chime and knocked for almost ten minutes without an answer."
Even though she appeared outwardly to be calm, Michael had over the year learned to sense when she was upset, and she was upset. He knew it was unlike Susan to stand anyone up. Now, his gut really began to hurt. Turning to Talia, he said, "Let's go check it out, Ms. Winters. Maybe she is just sound asleep." He had tried to reassure her, though he didn't believe him. He tapped his com-link, "Garibaldi to Ivanova." No response. He repeated, "Garibaldi to Ivanova." No response. "Computer location of Commander Susan Ivanova. "
"Commander Ivanova, Susan is located in her quarters."
"Computer Security Override Garibaldi, Michael Command password peek-a-boo."
"Security Override confirmed," the computer replied as the transport tube slowed to a stop.
"Proceed to Blue Level 22," Michael ordered then he turned to Talia. "Let's go wake up the sleeping giant, shall we?" He tried to smile for Talia's sake.
Talia saw through his attempt at trying to soothe her worries. She, however, sensed his concern… for Susan. Furthermore, she sensed he was hiding something else from her, and she was damn sure she was going to find out what 'it' was. "Mr. Garibaldi, why did Commander Ivanova want to talk to you alone the other evening?" She noticed his grimace and the fact he wished that the transport tube would speed up. "Why are you so worried about Susan not answering her com-link?"
Still, no answer from Michael.
Talia grabbed his arm and stared steely at him, "Mr. Garibaldi, you will either tell me what is going on, or I find out for myself from your mind as to what you are hiding from me." She paused to let her words sink in. "That is a promise not a threat," she replied to his appraising look.
Michael was granted a reprieve when the tube doors opened. He stalked from the tube with Talia only one step behind him. He arrived at Susan's door and tried the chime. No answer. He pounded on the door and called loudly, "Susan, opened this damn door now!!!"
When he still didn't get an answer, he pulled his Ident-card from his pocket and swiped the lock. The door swung open. The quarter's interior was completely dark. "Susan… are you in here?" No answer. "Lights," he called.
Talia moved past Garibaldi, and proceeded toward the bedroom.
"Damnit, Talia! Come back here," Michael said as he tried unsuccessfully to grab he arm. Drawing his PPG, he followed her. He scanned the room and found no dangers. He returned his PPG to its holster. Damnit, Susan. Where are you? He growled to himself.
The bed was made and appeared to have not been slept in. She checked in the ensuit, and found it empty as well. Returning to the living area, she stood with her back to him as she whispered, "Michael, she is not here." When he didn't response, she looked over her shoulder at him.
She found him looking down at his hands. He was holding a com-link, and another PPG.
"They're Susan's," Michael told her. Gathering himself, he activated his com-link. "Computer location of Captain Sheridan."
"Captain Sheridan is in his quarters."
"Garibaldi to Sheridan." Michael did not want to be the one to make this call, but he had no choice. His eyes quickly scanned the room. Other than the objects he found on the table, nothing else seemed to be out of place.
A few seconds later, the Captain's voice come over the link, "Sheridan here."
"Captain, this is Garibaldi…" he debated as to what to say especially with Talia standing there, but decided she had the right to know. "Sir, are you alone?"
"Yes, Michael. What is going on?" Concern could be heard in his words.
"Captain, I am in Commander Ivanova's quarters, and she is not here. Her com-link and PPG are here, but she isn't."
There is a pause, before the Captain spoke again, "Is there any reason to believe she is just out for the evening?" God, he hoped that was all it was.
"No, Sir. I am here with her date. The date contacted me when Susan didn't answer the door."
"I'll be right there. Sheridan out."
"Garibaldi to Allen."
"Allen here."
"Zack, I need you to get to the Commander's quarters on the double. We have a problem."
"I'll be right there. Allen out."
Michael now turned to Talia. He noticed that she had moved to the couch and sat on it watching him… and waiting. He noticed the pallor to her skin, but also the set to her jaw, and the flare in her glare. He moved to sit next to her. He decided to come clean. She deserved to know. "Talia…" he started. When she didn't answer him, he began to wonder if she was looking at him, or just through him. Reaching out, he touched her shoulder and repeated, "Talia…."
"She's gone, isn't she?" Talia voice was very low and forced.
"Yes, I think she had been taken," he replied.
"By whom?" She asked.
"Let me start at the beginning. About ten days ago, a man was found dead in Brown Sector. Of course, that is not uncommon as you might think. But what concerned me was that dead man was in possession of how to get to Commander Ivanova's quarters. It turned out that he was a known assassin. I- along with the Captain- finally convinced her to accept a security detail to follow her until we could find out how he came into possession of these directions, and why."
It now made sense to Talia why Mr. Garibaldi was so irate when they had come back from retrieving the chocolate. She voiced her thoughts. "So, that is why you were so angry the other night? 'We' gave your men the slip, didn't we?"
Michael grimaced. He stood and began to pace the room. "That's right. To be honest, I was the one that the two of you gave the slip. I couldn't believe she would take such a chance so I was careless in keeping a very close eye on the Commander," he laughed harshly. "Actually, I can believe it especially when she spotted me. But that evening she gave me her word that she wouldn't to do it again. After she thought about it, I think she realized she had endangered you with her antics. She was unwilling to do that again."
"That's why those two nights before she started her delta shifts, she insisted I either spend the night here, or she walk me home," Talia thought aloud.
"Talia, I don't think that was the only reason," Michael replied. "I have known Susan for years, and this is the first time in a long time that I have seen her happy…" He hesitated before continuing. "And you are that reason."
Talia shyly smile at the compliment. "So, if the assassin is dead, who would have her now?"
The door swung open and both of them looked at it expectantly, but it wasn't Susan. It was Captain Sheridan.
Talia stood and looked expectantly at the Captain. But all she could sense was his concern… and fear.
John was a little shocked to see Ms. Winters here in Susan's quarters. He turned to Michael. "Michael, what the hell happened? I thought you had a Security Detail on her."
Michael looked at the floor and cleared his throat. Finally, he looked up at the Captain. "She and I talked about this after she finished her first delta shift. Neither my team, nor Susan had seen anyone following her. Other than the hanger incident, she had not observed anything strange. I agreed to end the detail with the understanding that she would contact me if anything changed."
Angrily, Sheridan said, "Obviously, something has changed." He moved to stand directly in front of Garibaldi. "What are you going to do about this, Michael?"
Before he could answer, the door chimed. "Come," Michael called.
It was Zach Allen. He paused to survey the people in the room before he entered. "You called, Chief?" He asked.
"Zach, I need a quiet, but through sweep of the Station started. Start with Brown Sector and DownBelow." At Zack's questioning look, Michael replied, "Commander Ivanova has disappeared."
"Are you sure, Chief? She might have done what she did the other night?" Zach liked the Commander but she had her own way of doing things and she didn't like for anyone to tell her how to do anything.
Michael pointed to the objects on the table. "She has been known to purposely leave her com-link behind, but not her PPG. We need to track her from the time she left the C&C this morning. Check all the security tapes for any trace of her, and check for anyone who should not have been in this section of the station especially early this morning. Get a list of all ships that have left since 0700. Also, it is time to really push all of your informants especially the ones that were 'real nervous' the last time we questioned them. I want her found and I want her found NOW!"
"Yes, Chief… Right away, Chief," Zach replied. He didn't think he had ever seen the chief this upset. "I let you know as soon as I have something."
"Zach, use whatever or whoever you have to… Just find her," Sheridan quietly added.
Zach stood at attention as he replied, "Yes, Sir." Smartly he about faced, and left the room. Once the door slid close, he slumped against the wall for a moment. "I wouldn't want to be in whoever's shoes that has been involved in this," he mumbled to himself as he walked away.
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Taking a deep breath, John turned to Michael and said more calmly, "Any ideas?"
Michael rubbed his face as he tried to think. He didn't have a clue, and it was eating him alive. "At the moment, no."
He turned to Talia, and noticed if possible, she was even paler. He stepped to her side, and encouraged her to sit down, and he knelt beside her. "Talia, we will find her. I promise." He noticed the Captain staring at the two to them. But now was not the time to explain, he thought. Susan was… is my first priority. "Ms. Winters… Talia, when was the last time you saw Susan?"
Talia was having trouble thinking. Where are you, Susan… Without thinking about it, she began to mentally reach out looking for Susan. Where are you, my love… It wasn't until Michael touched her shoulder to encourage her to sit down, that she realized that he was near her and was talking to her. "Excuse, Mr. Garibaldi, what did you say?"
He repeated, "When was the last time you saw Susan?'
"She came over for breakfast the morning after her first delta shift. Later that day, I had a meeting with Ambassadors Mallori and G'Kar about a territorial treaty that they wanted me to help broker. Susan and I have exchanged several messages over the last four days, but we haven't spoken in person, or seen each other since. We…" her voice broke, and she paused to get her emotions under control. "We were going to dinner to celebrate my success with the treaty, and that she had survived her delta shifts."
Michael went to the kitchen and returned with a glass of water. He forced it into her shaking hands, and encouraged her to drink. "Did you notice any thing 'off' when you were together last?"
Talia paused to take a sip of the water as she reviewed their last two days together. To be honest, she hadn't paid much attention to those around them; she had been too enthralled with the dark beauty she was with. "Other than what she reported to you about the hanger bay, no…" Tears filled her eyes as she looked at Michael. "To be honest, I wasn't really paying attention." She took another sip of the water. "I'm sorry Michael. I wish I could be of more help." She said just above a whisper.
She stood and walked across the room putting some distance from these concerned men as she tried to get her own emotions under control. She didn't want to cause any trouble for Susan with the Captain. Maybe it would be best if she left. Cloaking herself with her Psi Corps façade, she straightened her shoulders, and turned. "Well, I am going to get out of the way. I'll be in my quarters. Mr. Garibaldi, Captain Sheridan, please, feel free to contact me if you think I can be of assistance." She started for the door.
Michael moved to stand in her path. He waited until she would look at him. "Ms. Winters, I would feel a lot better if you would wait and let me arrange an escort to your quarters," Michael stated. He didn't wait for her reply. He hit his com-link, "Garibaldi to Security."
"Welch here," came the reply.
"Lou, this is Garibaldi. I need you to come to the Commander's quarters and escort Ms. Winters to her quarters."
"I'll be right there, Chief. Welch out," Lou replied.
"Mr. Garibaldi, I can find my own quarters. Besides, keep all of your staff looking for her." Talia hadn't been able to keep her voice from cracking.
"Talia, I want to make sure nothing happens to you." He didn't want her to disappear as well. Who knew what this sick puppy wanted with Susan, but he was going to make sure they didn't try to use Talia against
Susan. "You have been seen with her lately. We don't know why she has been taken, and I want to make sure no one else on this staff disappears." Besides, when I find Susan if something has happened to you, she's kill me. For once, he hoped she read that thought.
Talia could tell he was concerned for her and she sensed his fear of what Susan would do to him if something happened to her. She slightly smiled in spike of herself. She padded his shoulder, and nodded her agreement.
The door chimed once again. Captain Sheridan called out, "Come."
Lou Welch walked into the room, and waited. He could sense a lot of tension in the room. Both the Captain and the Chief looked grim to him.
Michael spoke to him first, "Lou, please escort Ms. Winters to her quarters… I want a 24/7 guard at her door, and with her when she leaves her quarters until further notice. Make sure to tell them to be noticed," he emphasized.
Talia started to protest, but Sheridan interrupted her. "Ms. Winters this is not a subject open for discussion." He had questions about what was going on here between his Second in Command and the resident telepath, but they could wait until he had Michael alone. "We will want your help especially when we find a suspect or a lead to someone. Will you be willing to use your 'talents' with the interrogations?"
"Anything you need, Captain Sheridan," she promised him. She turned to Lou and said, "Mr. Welch if you please.' She moved towards and through the door.
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That's it for now… Hope to have more soon…Feedback as always is greatly appreciated… even negative but constructive is accepted…