Chapter 8.
Ex Post Facto.
(Scott POV)
I was in my ready room waiting For Paris and Kim to return from their away mission.
"Captain to the bridge," Tuvok said.
I headed out.
"What's wrong Tuvok," I said.
"We have Mr. Paris and Kim shuttle but there is only one left sign," Tuvok said.
"McCall to sickbay," I said.
"Captain, What can I do for you?" Doctor said.
"We've got an incoming shuttle with an injured crewman on board," I said.
"Any details?" Doctor said.
"It's either Ensign Kim or Lt Paris," I said. "We haven't been able to raise them,"
"Sensors indicate damage to Various Subsystems," Tuvok said.
"You sure there is only one life sign," I said.
"That is confirmed Captain," Tuvok said.
"Transport him to sick bay, I'll be down there. Tuvok with me," I said. Getting to the Turbo-lift. "Deck 5,"
When we got to sickbay.
"No sleep," Kim said.
"Neodextraline Solution?" Kes said.
"Prepare an IV," Doctor said.
"Can you tell us what happened to Tom, Harry," I said.
"They made me leave without him, They said he'd committed a murder," Kim said.
"Do you have any idea who the victim was?" I said.
"An Engineering physicist we were working with. His name was Tolen Ren," Kim said. "The Banean Minister of Science introduced us to him just after we'd arrived, He invited us to Dinner to go over the detail, There was no reason to say no. But if we never went none of this would've happened. We went into the other room and started to work on the Navigational beam specifications, It was pretty dry stuff. You know rewriting baseline code algorithms, Tom got bored he left us alone for a while, I guess he was with Mrs. Ren, I know they saw each other again the next day That was the night Professor Ren was Murdered,"
"Did you talk to Lt Paris after he was detained?" Tuvok said.
"No they never let me see him They interrogated me for almost 2 day straight They asked a lot of questions about the Numiri, At first they must have thought we were Numiri agents or something Professor Ren was the inventor of Banean Warship technology." Kim said.
"He's completely exhausted,Can some of this wait until he's had a chance to rest," Doctor said,
"We'll find out about Paris, Harry," I said. "McCall to Chakotay,"
"Go ahead," Chakotay said.
"Set a course for the Banean homeworld, Commander," I said.
"Aye Captain," Chakotay said.
Then we headed to the Bridge then I got Tuvok to get Neelix up here as I went into my ready room.
Not too long later, the Door bell went.
"Come in," I said and Neelix walked in
"You sent for me,Captain," Neelix said.
"Yes. Lt. Paris has gotten himself into trouble I'm taking Voyager into orbit to risky sending another shuttle To sort this out," I said.
"Be prepared to be intercepted by Numiri Patrols," Neelix said. "They always try to intimidate Travellers,"
"I want to show our flag and make it clear that we mean business, based on your experience or Information what can we expect the Numiri to do to intimidate us," I said.
"Information I'm afraid Captain. I know from knowledgeable sources that they have Directed energy weapons and regenerative Shield that may even give them an edge against us in a fire fight," Neelix said.
"What about them as a people," I said. "Are they aggressive, Technical, Intellectual, Emotional,"
"They are different from the Banean. Even though they once coexisted on the same planet,"
"Captain, to the bridge," Chakotay said.
"On my way," I said heading out, "Report,"
"We're scanning a Numiri vessel approaching," Chakotay said. "They're at combat readiness,
"Shields up, Red Alert," I said. "On screen,"
"Neelix," I said.
"A standard patrol vessel, curious," Neelix said.
"Why," I said.
"I would have expected them to send out more than 1 ship to meet a vessel like this," Neelix said.
"Hail them," I said.
"They're responding," Tuvok said.
"Open a channel, I am Captain Scott McCall of the Federation starship Voyager," I said.
"What is your business in this system," He said,
"One of my crew is being held on the Banean planet we are on our way to investigate," I said.
"Consider this official. That you are entering a war zone, you do so at your own risk," He said.
"Understood," I said.
Then started with the whole aid or supplies crap as an act of war.
"You have my word that we want to remain neutral in your conflict, Our only interest is in our own crewman," I said.
"Proceed," He said then end ed the channel.
"Very, Curious, That Numiri greeting was downright friendly," Neelix said.
"Stand down Red alert go to Yellow alert and long range scans for Numiri patrol around the clock," I said.
"Aye captain," Tuvok said.
"Take us into orbit," I said.
Once we were in orbit.
Tuvok and I beamed down to find out what the hell is going on.
"Captain, It's unfortunate we must meet under these circumstances," He said.
"My Chief of security Lt. Tuvok. Exactly what are these circumstances, Minister only thing we know a member of our crew has been accused of murder," I said.
"I'm afraid he has been more than just accused. He's been convicted and punished according to our law," Minister said.
"Minister, Under Starfleet Rules No one is allow someone of a my of my crew convicted if I wasn't present at the trail as their superior officer. Surely Mr. Paris would have told you that," I said. "Now what form of punishment?"
"The perpetrator of a murder is forced to relive the crime through his victim's eyes," Minister said.
"How is this achieved," Tuvok said.
"I can have our chief Medical officer describe the procedure in detail if you wish, we have the capability of isolating memory engrams in the brain we take them from the final moments of life," Minister said. "After they are used in the trail they're transplanted into the perpetrator's brain,"
"These memories are used in the trail as evidence?" I said.
"Yes," Minister said.
"Minister you must also understand that memories can also be modified,"
"I do, However the victim's last memories clearly show, Mr. Paris caught in an embarrassing episode with Mrs. Ren," Minister said.
"I want to talk with my crewman," I said.
"Of course, But It will be held here," Minister said.
"Of course," I said then he left to do that.
"Captain," Tuvok said.
"Memories can be messed with Tuvok, Only way to know is if I could see them," I said.
"You believe Mr. Paris is Innocent," Tuvok said.
"Yes," I said.
"How?" Tuvok said.
"Let's just leave it as I can tell people really well when it comes to this kinda thing," I said.
Then the Door opened and Paris was brought in.
"Captain," Tom said.
"Are you all right Tom?" I said.
"I've been better," Tom said.
"May we speak to him alone?" Tuvok said.
Then the Banean people left the room.
"That rehab colony back in New Zealand doesn't seem so bad right now," Tom said.
"Lt. Did you murder professor Ren?" Tuvok said.
"No," Tom said and he was telling the Truth.
"But the victim's," Tuvok said.
"Stop, Tuvok. Tom telling the truth," I said.
"How did you come to that decision," Tuvok said.
"Let's just say Tuvok. I can tell when someone is lying," I said. "Tom isn't,"
"Captain, right, I didn't kill him," Tom said.
"Were you having improper relations with his wife?" Tuvok said.
"No we just talked. She said their marriage was over. But I didn't do anything else but talk with her," Tom said.
"Tom I need you to tell us everything," I said.
"Harry said you spent sometime with Mrs' Ren," I said. "while He and the Professor was working,"
"I was bored. you how it is when 2 science guys get together. I came out of the other room, looked over and saw her in the atrium her Eyes were a million kilometers away. staring at star I'd just flown bu the day before," Tom said. No. I,"
"Tom, What's going on?" I said.
"No," Tom said then he just collapsed.
"Tuvok," I said.
"Aye captain," Tuvok said. leaving the room.
"Is this normal?" I said.
"We had some problem integrating the Banean Engrams into his alien Neurology," The Doctor said. "But this is first time he's lost consciousness,"
"I'd like to take him back with us to our Doctor," I said.
"I'm sorry but I can't authorize that,"Minister said.
"Minister, If our investigation comes up with Mr. Paris not being the killer and this kills him. There will some very unlikable questions," I said.
"He is correct minister. We don't want to rick general synaptic failure," The Doctor said.
"All right but you're not to leave orbit with him," Minister said.
"Minister, we aren't going anywhere till we prove his innocence," I said.
"Tuvok to Voyager 3 to beam directly to sickbay," Tuvok said.
Then we beamed up to Voyager's sickbay.
"The neural pathway damage it seem to be causing progressive," Doctor said.
"In over words causing serious brain damage," I said.
"Yes, Sir," Doctor said.
"Captain. I request permission to return to the surface," Tuvok said.
"What do you have in mind," I said.
"I would like to examine the murder scene and Speak with Mr's Ren," Tuvok said.
"Granted," I said. "I'll be on the Bridge,"
Then I left Sickbay and headed up to the Bridge and into my ready room.
An hour later.
"Captain to the bridge," Chakotay said.
Then I headed out.
"Report," I said.
"We got 2 Numiri vessel approaching," Chakotay said.
"Hail them," I said.
"No responsive," Harry said.
"Chakotay take comn," I said.
"Aye Captain," Chakotay said.
"Try again," I said.
"Still no responsive Captain," Harry said.
"Captain, They charging Weapons," Tactical said.
"Shields up, Red alert," I said.
"Chakotay to Tuvok, We're under attack by 2 Numiri ship. We need you up here," Chakotay said.
"On my way Commander," Tuvok said.
Then we got hit twice.
"Shields are holding," Kim said.
"Aft phasers target their weapons," I said.
"Phasers locked," Tactical said.
"Fire," I said. "Evasion pattern Beta 140, Duel attack mode,"
"Evasion pattern Confirmed," Chakotay said.
"They're attempting to lock a tractor beam on us," Kim said.
"Reserve shield polarity, Throw them off," I said.
"Captain," Kim said.
"Just do it," I said.
"Aye captain," Kim said.
That is a standard tactic for the Numiri. When they intent to board your vessel," Neelix said.
"But why now? Why an unprovoked attack? What are they after," I said.
"The Numiri, have never needed an excuse to attack anyone," Neelix said.
"Shields at 90% and holding," Kim said.
"Chakotay prepare to initiate attack maneuver Kappa 010," I said.
"Captain, if you don't mind there's a Maquis trick we sometimes use to get out of situations let this," Chakotay said.
"Let me guess Teluridian 4," I said.
"Yes," Chakotay said.
"Do it," I said.
"B'Elanna. Remember Teluridian 4 the 2 starfleet runabouts," Chakotay said.
"I'm with you blowing out the dorsal phase Emitter. Torres to Engineering Vent a couple of LN2 exhaust conduit along the dorsal emitters make it look like we are in serious trouble," Torres said.
"Cut all engines," Chakotay said.
"Engines offline," Torres said.
"Tuvok lock phasers on their Navigational deflectors," Chakotay said.
"Acknowledged. Numiri vessel are closing. 4000 kilometers," Tuvok said.
"You know this is an old trick right," I said.
"It worked on those Starfleet Runabouts," Chakotay said.
"You're lucky I wasn't commanding one of them," I said.
"2000 kilometers," Tuvok said.
"Besides out here in the Delta Quadrant ever old trick is new again," Chakotay said.
"1500 kilometers," Tuvok said.
"They sending out tractor beams again," Kim said.
"Reserve Shield polarity," I said.
"That's our queue, Fire Phasers. Engage impulse engines," Chakotay said.
Then We shot back hitting them as Chakotay piloted us away from them.
"Both Numiri vessel are disabled Captain," Tuvok said.
"That's one trick you won't be able to use again when we get back," I said.
"I have more," Chakotay said.
"Cancel Red alert, Take us back into high orbit," I said.
"Captain, More Numiri will be coming. I promise you," Neelix said.
"Tuvok any progress with your investigation?" I said.
"Based on the ARA I am convinced Lt Paris believes what he is saying, however I can offer no tangible evidence on his behalf," Tuvok said. "Considering the urgency of the situation, I believe the only logical alternative at the time is to witness the crime myself,"
"Mind Meld," I said.
"Yes, Captain," Tuvok said.
"Get ready," I said.
"Aye Captain," Tuvok said leaving the bridge.
"Commander, Any Numiri vessel show up go straight to Red alert status," I said.
"I take it that means we are treating them as the Kazon," Chakotay said.
"Yes," I said.
"I'll be in Sickbay, Commander the Bridge is yours," I said.
Then Headed down to Sickbay. Where from what I could tell Tuvok had already to the Doctor about the Mind Meld.
Tuvok did it and then wanted to speak with Mr. Kim. Because he had access to Professor Ren's research.
"Tuvok With me," I said Then went back t my quarters and got Tuvok to show me the cycle.
Then I knew that Tom was framed.
"Tom was framed," I said.
"How?" Tuvok said.
"Tom in that was exactly the same height as Mrs. Ren. But he is taller than that. What about those symbols and Numbers," I said.
"That is why I would like to speak with Kim," Tuvok said.
"Do it," I said. "I will let the minister know," I said.
"Captain, I requested that you don't inform him," Tuvok said.
"I have no intention too," I said then I headed up to the Bridge and my ready room.
"His condition has continued to deteriorate. The Implants must be removed before he gets serious brain damage," I said.
"We are not a barbaric people Captain This was meant as punishment not torture, I see no alternative but to remove the implants, Do you?" Minister said.
"None. We can petition the courts immediately," Doctor said.
"I cannot assure you'll find an alternative to your liking," Minister said.
"Minster Till my Chief of security I found Mr. Paris guilty or Innocent there will be no alternative till after that," I said,
"Very well, When will you return him to our custody," Minister said.
"Due to his condition it will be by Shuttle craft. It will be too dangerous to transport him down. Mr. Kim will be the one shuttling him down there they will leave the ship in 1 hour," I said.
"I will make the necessary preparations ," Doctor said.
Then we ended the Channel. Then Tuvok came over.
"Time to see if our theory is right," I said.
Then Tuvok left.
An hour later I was on the bridge. Harry and Tom just left in the shuttle.
"Numiri patrol approaching, bearing 067 mark 24," Tuvok said.
"Red Alert," I said. "On screen,"
"Range, 100,000 kilometers and closing, They're changing course Captain," Tuvok said.
"They're going straight for the shuttle," Chakotay said.
"And for Harry and Tom, Get a transporter locked and be ready," I said.
"Aye Captain," ops said.
"Kim to Voyager they've locked a tractor beam on us," Kim said.
"Let them pull you in Harry," I said.
"Acknowledged," Kim said.
"Begin arming sequence," I said.
"Sequence armed," Chakotay said.
"Hey Tuvok I know it's to late to ask but you sure you got this logic sorted out," Tom said.
"If I an incorrect we know it shortly," Tuvok said.
"That makes me fell a whole lot better," Tom said.
"We're being boarded," Harry said.
"He is the one," Numiri said.
"Energize," I said.
"Get them Captain," Ops said.
"Open a Channel," I said. "This is Captain Scott McCall of the Federation Starship Voyager, you have illegal seized one of our shuttlecraft," I said.
"I warned you were entering a war zone at you own risk," He said.
"Yes, And we took appropriate precautions. If you read the sensor read out about you. You will see the that shuttle is carrying 40 tons of thalmerite explosives Enough to destroy you ship. I am prepared to detonate those explosives in 30 second of you don't release our vessel End transmission," I said. Ending the channel.
"Our shuttle is being released. The Numiri are withdrawing," Chakotay said.
"Tractor the shuttle and and take us into a low orbit," I said. "Cancel Red Alert. Tom how before your next cycle,"
"7 hours," Tom said.
"Tuvok," I said.
"With your permission Captain, I would like to invite all parties to the murder scene in 2 hours," Tuvok said.
"Do it," I said. "You got the bridge, Commander," Then I went into my ready room.
2 Hours later.
We are back down on the planet where Professor Ren was murdered. Tuvok, Harry and Tom were with me.
"Lt Paris was not the man Professor Ren saw before he was murdered," Tuvok said.
"Not the man, But it was clearly established at the trail," Minister said.
"Minister remember what I said at our first meeting, Memories can be altered," I said.
"It is true however. Paris' image was seen in the memories examined during the trail. however, that is because someone altered the engrams from Professor Ren's Brain," Tuvok said.
But that dimply isn't possible for this procedure," Doctor said.
"I would suggest, Sir. That there is no such thing as a technology that is entirely safe from tampering,"Tuvok said.
"You're forgetting one thing, I was here and I saw him do it," Mrs. Ren said.
"On the contrary, I have not forgotten your statement, Mrs' Ren,However I now know it i clearly false," Tuvok said.
"Is this just idle speculation or do you have some Evidence," Minister said.
"Mr. Paris will go and stand next to Mrs. Ren," I said.
"What for?" Mrs. Ren said.
"If you wouldn't mind?" I said. "The man professor Ren observed with his wife was virtually equal in height to her, Mr. Paris is several centimetres taller,"
"How do you know what my husband saw?" Mrs. Ren said.
"Vulcans have the ability to meld telepathically with another's mind. I shared what I witnessed to my Captain," Tuvok said. "I watched as the killer stabbed Professor Ren right here through the intercostal space between the 8th and 9th ribs the exact location of the Banean heart,"
"The killer known Banean anatomy, Lt. Paris however doesn't," I said.
"Are we supposed to take your work for all of this?" Doctor said.
"There is additional evidence," Tuvok said.
"For example, Lt. Tuvok and I can now say for certain that professor Ren was murdered by a Numiri agent," I said.
"What?" Minister said.
"Lt, Do you notice the stream of symbols and numbers that were superimposed on the images," Tuvok said.
"Yes but I though it was just part of the Procedure," Paris said.
"In researching this procedure, I found no other reference to this phenomenon," Tuvok said. "I have now confirmed that these symbols and numbers were equations to professor Ren Weapons Research,"
"Someone intended them to be delivered to the Numiri, Somebody was using my Officer's brain to get that information to the Numiri. Not long after Tuvok, Paris and I returned to Voyager we were attacked by 2 Numiri vessels. Then again when Kim and Paris was on they way down here by shuttle,Someone on this planet was informing the Numiri of Lt Paris movements," I said.
"Who," Minister said.
"Minister you knew when Mr. Paris was in transit. However, The doctor here was the one that encouraged you to release him to our custody, Also he was there when I informed you about Mr. Paris returning by shuttle. And He was also the one who preformed the procedure on Mr. Paris," I said.
"I know no one else who had the opportunity and knowledge to carry out this plan," Tuvok said.
"I'm not going to listen to any of this," Doctor said.
"Doctor with all due respect. Quit Bullshitting. I can tell when someone lying and I am really good at it," I said. "You were the one who informed the Numiri of my officer's movements. You were also the one who framed my officer and Also the one who killed Professor Ren,"
"Would you please stand again. Mrs. Ren," Tuvok said.
"So what, we are the same height It proves nothing I never saw this woman prior to the death of her husband," Doctor said.
"You are forgetting Doctor that there was another witness who was here on the night of the Murder. Would you mind asking her to come in?" Tuvok said and the Doctor went over and opened the door where the dog came in and knew him.
"It appears that you are no strange to Neeka, Doctor," Tuvok said.
Then Mrs Ren told the truth. Then they got taken away.
"It seems that we were wrong Captain, I will be able to get the implants removed right away from this new set of Evidence," Minister said.
"Thank you, Minister, Now if you will excuse me. I'm needed back on my ship," I said.
"Of course not Captain, However in case we don't speak again. Good luck on your journey," Minister said.
"Thank you, Minister," I said then Tuvok and I went to the Transport site while Kim waited with Paris. "One hell of a day,"
"Agreed," Tuvok said.
"Just glad that we did it," I said.
"Agreed," Tuvok said.
Then we reached the transporter site.
"McCall to Voyager 2 to beam up," I said.
Then we were transported to Voyager Room 2. Then Tuvok and I got into the turbolift and headed for the Bridge. Once there.
"How did it go Captain," Chakotay said.
"It's all sorted out now, They are removing the Implants now. Then Kim and Paris will beam back to the ship. Have the Doctor go over Paris again just to make sure there are no lasting side effects. And once there are on board, Resume course for home," I said.
"Aye Captain," Chakotay said.
"You have the Bridge," I said then headed for the Turbo lift as That was my shift over and Everything was the way it should be. So I headed for my quarters and got showered and got into a pair of Jeans and My Red T shirt. As then I sat down at my desk working on the weapons list for Tuvok.
"Computer, Access my Music database. Play Chasing Legacy From Fast and Furious Spy races," I said.
Then the music started playing.
Then I got to work on that list.
9MM Pistol,
M9,
.44 Magnum,
.357 Magnum,
Colt M1911,
Beretta,
5-7,
Desert Eagle,
Corsskill,
.45,
MP5,
P90,
AK47,
FMG9,
MP7,
M14,
SCAR-H,
Remington 870,
M249-SAW,
Which what I put onto a Data pad which I can give it to Tuvok tomorrow.
Then I went to my setup which I had finish fully now and Went onto my PS4 after connecting up the hard Drive with all my games on it and Put on Last of Us Remastered Continued playing off from where I finished it last day.
By time I was finished. I was in an area called Bill's Town when I saved it I was only at the started of it.
Then I called it a night and went to bed.
That's all for this chapter.
More to follow.
Stay tuned and Safe.
Love Y'all
PEACE!