Prefect Tegril made his way cautiously past the various guard positions on subfloor three. As he approached the hallway to his right, the Jem'Hadar guarding the door opened it and let him in. Once inside, the door was closed behind him. He looked around to see the faces of several fellow politicians who, just yesterday, he was having an animated discussion with on taxation. The fact he was the lone head of the new Cardassian Union, and no longer bound to such debates, offered him little comfort. He met with their eyes, which glared at him, convicting him further of his traitorous ways. There were roughly three dozen Cardassians in the room and almost twenty Jem'Hadar, in pairs. Most people were sitting on the floor. A couple were allowed to pace.
With all the people in the room, it took several uncomfortable moments to locate the Federation delegates. He found them on the opposite side of the room, near the back corner, sitting on the floor. With help from a pair of Jem'Hadar soldiers, he made his way to the far corner. Every step he took had a comment, sneer, or actual spit attached to it from the nearby prisoners. As he approached, he saw that Elim Gerak was sitting with them. The group of six eyed him suspiciously.
Gerak was the first to speak. "Don't tell me they finally threw you in here as well. I always thought the Dominion rewarded loyalty." His gaze was icy and intense, even for Gerak.
Ross shook his head. What had he been thinking? He had no plan. He had no ideas. He truly didn't know what to do. Now, he found himself in a room filled with people who, if given three seconds, would dismember him. "I... just... wanted to talk." He answered slowly.
Gerak smiled sarcastically. "Oh, I'm sorry... I'm afraid our traitorous vermin discussion ended just a few moments ago. You'll have to come back tomorrow." He folded his arms. To Gerak's mild surprise, the nearby Jem'Hadar guards smiled.
It was then that Ross noticed all other discussions in the room had ceased. Every eye and ear was on him, including the guards. Even IF he had an idea, there was no way he could share it without everyone hearing it. Besides, even if he had an idea to share, there was obviously no way any one would listen to him... well, nobody from Cardassia. Ross' eyes turned from Garek to Admiral Picard. "I am truly sorry that you and your people were caught up in all this."
Gerak scoffed.
Picard considered his words as well as his expression. For a moment, Jean Luc could actually see regret on Tegril's face. "While I appreciate the sentiment, I'm sure we would all feel better if we knew something was being done to rectify the situation. We've been here for several hours without any contact from the outside, or even food or water."
Tegril was geniunely surprised. "Oh?" He looked at the Jem'Hadar near him, who carelessly turned back towards each other and began talking. "I'll have that fixed as soon as I can. I had no idea." Ross' heart raced. With the guards talking among themselves, he had a chance to at least speak his peace. "I'm trying to get everyone released, but..." hopefully someone would pick up on what he was about to say. "I'm having difficulty arranging it on my own." He shot Picard a quick, desperate look.
Jean Luc picked up on it immediately. "I see... the mantle of leadership can seem a lonely burden to bear at times." He nudged Gerak. "Perhaps you know of someone who could help Ross negotiate our release?"
Gerak, realizing what was being said, refused to trust Tegril. "Why? So you could have him thrown in here with us? Publically executed, perhaps? Is this some way of securing your position with them?" Gerak was becoming irate and raised his voice.
"Gerak..." Picard insisted, attempting to quiet the man. Certainly, Tegril's motives and even his sincerity may not be truthful, but any form of counteroffensive would have to be staged from the outside. Tegril was their only, albeit desperate, option.
The commotion caused the Jem'Hadar to cease their discussions and turn back towards the group. Gerak stood to his full height and stared Tegril straight in the face. "Forget it, Admiral," he answered without looking away, "Whatever plans Ross may have for us, I don't know... but I'll be damned if I'm going to willingly drag anyone else in on it." His glare became even more intense as a look of defeat crossed Tegril's face. "You'll have to look somewhere else to find someone as spineless as yourself, Tegril. The only people you'll find here are patriots."
That statement brought about a round of cheers from the Cardassian prisoners who raised their hands in victory. The Jem'Hadar instinctively pointed their weapons at the ceiling and began firing, warning the crowd to settle down. In defiance, several of the Cardassian military officers lunged themselves at their captors. A brief, but intense fight broke out, causing the Jem'Hadar to quickly move to the walls of the room. They quickly opened fire on the Cardassian troublemakers, knocking them to the ground unconscious. Gerak took the chaotic opportunity to slug Tegril in the jaw as hard as he could. The blow caused Tegril to stumble back and sit down on the floor, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth.
Gerak's action was rewarded by a stun beam to the chest, sending him flying across the room into a handful of other surprised Cardassians. With two Jem'Hadar slightly wounded and eight Cardassians unconscious, order was quickly restored. Four guards carefully made their way to the stunned Tegril and helped him up. Tegril staggered out of the room, wiping the blood on his shirtsleeve, dejected. He had never felt so lost and helpless in his life.