Chapter 30.

Meld.

(Scott POV)

I woke up, And I went to see Clara, who was with Chloe, Who was the girl from what happened with the Warp 10 thing. They really got on well, together, but there was something else going on, Onboard Voyager.

Tuvok came to see me less than a week ago and we found something odd which Tuvok suspects that someone else is contacting with the Kazon. But we didn't know which faction, But I was betting it was the Nistrim. So that was when we came up with a plan, Tuvok and I called Tom in to assistance us with this and to find out who it was.

Chloe, When she woke up back in sickbay the next day after we got back, Straight away who I was.

I was on my PS4, When Clara got up and sat down next to me.

"Where's Chloe," I said.

"Still asleep, She really likes it," Clara said.

"Not surprised," I said.

"I just still can't believe it, When she got here and called you Mum," Clara said.

"That's not going to go away, and Even I know it," I said. "Just keep an eye on her when I'm not round,"

"I will beside, I swear she keeps going the way she's going," Clara said. "She is like a Sister, I never had,"

"Tuvok to McCall," Tuvok said.

"Go ahead," I said.

"Captain, I need to see you straight away," Tuvok said.

"My Ready room, 5 minutes," I said. Ending it and went to get my uniform and headed up to my Ready room.

Then my door bell rang.

"Come in," I said.

Then Tuvok and Chakotay came in.

"Crewman Darwin has been murdered, At first glance there is no obvious motive, Crewmen Darwin didn't have any known enemies on board," Tuvok said.

"I've looked over his Starfleet record, His Training instructor recommended him as an officers candidate. He turned it down to come with us, He has 3 sisters back home," I said.

Then B'Elanna came in.

"Sorry, I'm late, There are the duty logs from last night, Lon Suder was the only one in Engineering when Frank Darwin came on duty," B'Elanna said.

"Something wrong?" I said.

"No, not really, I've just never been comfortable with Suder, That's all," Chakotay said. "It's not like he ever did anything wrong, It's just,"

"As a Maquis, he did what he had to do a little too well," B'Elanna said.

"As in," I said.

"As in killing Cardassians," Chakotay said.

"I don't recall observing anything unusual about Mr. Suder's behaviour while I was on your ship," Tuvok said.

"You weren't with him in Battle, Around us he was the quietist most unassuming guy you'll ever meet, Typical Betazoid, kept to himself, I never knew much about him," Chakotay said.

"In the Maquis, we didn't ask for Resumes, We needed all the help we could get," B'Elanna said.

"A lot of us were doing what we were doing to protect our families, but Suder had his own reasons, I wish I could tell you what they were, In combat, there was something in his eyes," Chakotay said.

"Maybe he had something personal against Cardassians," I said.

"Sometimes I had to pull him back, stop him from going too far, and once or twice when I did, he looked at me with those cold eyes, and I just knew he was this far away from killing me," Chakotay said.

"I find it curious that none of this was included in your initial crew evaluation, Commander," Tuvok said.

"I don't put down hunches or bad feelings in my crew evaluations, Lt, A Vulcan should appreciate that," Chakotay said.

"Considering the fact that your Maquis crew included Malcontents, outlaws and mercenaries, I believe it would have been Appropriate," Tuvok said.

"I wasn't gonna make it harder for any of them here, Suder did his job when he was serving with me, and he's done his job since he's been on this ship," Chakotay said.

"It seems clear where you investigation should begin Lt, But let's make one more thing clear, Anyone doesn't matter Maquis or not we aren't judging people on past experience unless like is like Suder, in this case," I said. As Tuvok, Chakotay Nodded and then they left.

Then I went to my quarters where I was working on the weapons I had then and I place micro Transporter buffers on them connect to the one I had in my ready room. Which then I went back there to grab a few other things and back to my quarters. Where I place them down and started to get it all ready so It was just in case.

"Tuvok to McCall," Tuvok said.

"Go ahead, Tuvok," I said.

"Can I see you in your ready room," Tuvok said.

"On my way," I said.

Then I headed up to the Bridge and into my ready room where I got some coffee.

Then my door bell rang.

"Come in," I said.

Then Tuvok walked in.

"Well," I said.

"It was crewmen Suder that murdered him. So It ultimately turned out to be a worthwhile and enlighten experience," Tuvok said after he had told me about the Meld.

"Did you get any of the answers you were after?" I said.

"It is difficult for me to accept, Captain, But Mr Suder was telling the Truth as he knew it, He is a man with an incredibly violent nature living in an environment without any outlet to express it, I am surprised he was able to maintain his self control for as long as he did," Tuvok said.

"I guess in his earlier life, he always found ways to release those impulses, like volunteering for the Maquis, What do we do with him?" I said.

"if we were home, he'd be sent to prison," Tuvok said.

"The Brig is the closest thing we have, but I don't think, we can just leave him down in our dungeon for the rest of the trip," I said.

"Nor would it be appropriate to leave him in custody of someone in this quadrant," Tuvok said.

"I agree," I said.

"Captain, He is prepared to die for his crime," Tuvok said.

"An execution?" I said. "You're not seriously suggesting that we,"

"I only mention it because of the extenuating circumstances, and because he feels it would be an appropriate punishment," Tuvok said.

"I don't," I said. "I prefer to rehabilitate him, not to end his life, We'll confine him to quarters, Work with Harry to install maximum security containment,"

"Pardon me, captain, but allowing him the comfort of his own quarters doesn't seem an appropriate punishment for murder, "Tuvok said.

"If we don't get home soon, he'll be in that room a long time, Tuvok, I think this is the best we can do under these circumstances," I said.

"Crewmen Darwin's 3 sisters might not agree," Tuvok said.

"How is Suder since the mind meld?" I said.

"Quite calm and controlled," Tuvok said. "Clearly, the meld initiated some high cortical activity in his brain,"

"And you Tuvok, Any adverse effects?" I said.

"I will admit that I am more disconcerted than I anticipated," Tuvok said.

"Why don't you take a day or 2 off for meditation?" I said.

"Thank you but I am already taking steps to purge these residual feelings, I don't believe time off will be necessary, I will of course advise you of any further complications," Tuvok said.

"Tuvok, Take care of yourself," I said. Then he left.

Not too much longer, I headed back down to my Quarters where once I got in and closed.

Then I swear there was a missile hitting me.

"Mum," Chloe said.

"Hey, kiddo," I said. "When did you wake up,"

"Not long, Clara was here so we played a bit on that console of yours," Chloe said.

"What Driving again," I said.

"Maybe," Chloe said.

"I got a few more things to do then we can get dinner ready, okay," I said.

"Alright," Chloe said letting go and headed back towards Clara who was at the sofa.

Then I went and got started to organise my weapons.

"Captain McCall, Lt Tuvok is no longer fit for duty," Computer said.

"Computer, Locate Tuvok," I said.

"Lt, Tuvok is in his quarters," Computer said.

Then I headed out.

"McCall to Security meet me outside Lt Tuvok quarters," I said.

Heading down there was One of my crewmen there.

"Captain, there's a security seal in place," She said.

"Computer, lift the security seal from Lt, Tuvok's quarters," I said then it lifted it and I opened the door. "Wait here," I said to her.

Then looked back into his room where was a mess.

"I would advise you not to enter, Captain," Tuvok said.

"Tuvok," I said. Heading in after seeing him next to the sofa.

"Please do not come any closer," Tuvok said.

Moving a tiny bit closer. "Talk to me," I said.

"I said, Don't come any closer," Tuvok said.

"We need to get you to sickbay," I said.

"It would be safer for the crew if I were to remain in these quarters," Tuvok said. "I remind you, I am trained in the Martial arts of many Alpha Quadrat cultures, Sitting here attempting to meditate, I have counted the number of ways I know of killing someone using just a finger, a hand, a foot, I had reached 94 when you entered,"

"The Doctor is fully versed in Vulcan medicine," I said.

Then Tuvok got up. "Again for safety reasons, I recommend you sedate me before you initiate transport," Tuvok said.

"Crewmen," I said as she passed her Phaser. "Better safe than Sorry, Tuvok," telling him setting it to maximum stun.

"I understand, Captain," Tuvok said.

Then I shot him knocking him out, Then I passes it back to the Crewmen.

Then Beamed with him to Sickbay and got him on the bio-bed and placed a forcefield.

"Level of neuropeptides in the limbic system are down 15%," Kes said.

"There's a definite Neurochemical imbalance in the mesiofrontal cortex," Doc said.

"Which means what?" I said.

"That's where the Vulcan psycho-suppression systems are located, this maybe the result of a incompatibility with the Betazoid telepathic neural center, I'm not sure," Doc said. then walked through the forcefield. "Vulcan mind meld, utter foolishness, Anybody with an ounce of sense wouldn't share his brain with someone else, Would you? I certainly wouldn't, and of course when something goes wrong and believe me, it does, more often than they'd like to admit, the first thing they call out is Doctor,"

"Can you help him," I said.

"I wish I could tell you," Doc said. "There's a recommended course of treatments that should begin immediately,"

"What does it involve?" I said.

"First we have to take away his ability to control his violence we do this in short bursts over a period of time and hope it provides a shock to his system If it works, his own neural controls will take over again," Doc said. "I believe we're about ready, revive him,"

Then Kes revived him.

As I was over near her. I could tell she was a bit worried, so I put my hand on her shoulder as she looked at me. Then we turned back to Tuvok.

"Something has changed," Tuvok said.

"We've temporarily removed all of your emotional suppression abilities, Lt, How do you feel?" Doc said.

"I feel," Tuvok said.

"Tuvok do you know where you are?" I said.

"Of course I know where I am, Captain, I'm just not sure I know who I am," Tuvok said.

"Try to relax, the treatment still has about 3 minutes to go," Doc said.

"Oh, it must be working, because I feel very strong, Very powerful, Quite euphoric, this must be how my ancestors felt, Doctor would you consider allowing me to remain this way for a while?" Tuvok said. "It would be a valuable opportunity for me to study primal Vulcan behaviour,"

"Sorry, I'm not prepared to do that, the course of treatment is very specific," Doc said.

"You are not invulnerable hologram," Tuvok said. "A few well chosen commands to the computer, and you will cease to exist,"

"2 minutes 30 seconds left," Kes said.

"You looked shocked captain, You must be asking yourself what if this doesn't work," Tuvok said. "What do we do then? I have an idea, I'll just stay in my quarters for the rest of the trip, I'll just relax, and read, eat the ships food, use the ship's energy, all in the comforts of my own room, Why even Mr. Suder and I could get together for a few hands of Cardassian pinochle once or twice a week, That is how we treat violent offenders on this ship, Isn't it,"

"You are not a violent offender, Tuvok," I said.

"I could be, Just like Suder, you know Captain, I don't mind telling you something the other Tuvok never would," Tuvok said. "You are wrong, Sparing Suder's life is a sign of weakness, you disgust me, all you humans do, Admit it, part of you feels as I do, Part of you wants him to die for what he did,"

"No part of me feels that way," I said.

"Lair, he has killed and you know he deserves to die, on behalf of the victim's family captain, I bed you to reconsider, give them the satisfaction of his execution, I have a radical suggestion captain, release the force field, and I'll kill him for you," Tuvok said. "Release the forcefield,"

"No," I said.

"My student, my protégé, there is so much to learn for each of us todays, isn't there?" Tuvok said.

"You'll be all right Tuvok, This will be over in 30 seconds," Kes said.

"Listen to what I tell you, Release the forcefield," Tuvok said.

"I'm sorry, I had them disable your telepathic abilities too, you can't reach me Tuvok," Kes said.

"Release the Forcefield," Tuvok said. Then hit the forcefield.

"10 seconds, 5 seconds," Doc said. "It's over," As Tuvok fell back.

"He's lost consciousness," Kes said.

"He might be able to fool the sensors, Sedate him again," Doc said. "Computer remove the forcefield,"

Then we got him back onto the bed.

"How many treatments do you think will be necessary?" I said.

"I wish I knew, Captain, in a sense Mr. Tuvok mind is fighting a classic battle between good and evil, The battle may be won in a day, a year, or it may never be won," Doc said.

Not long later, Kes was going off duty, So we went back towards mine.

"So how is Chloe," Kes said.

"She's doing well, Her and Clara really is getting on," I said.

"Sorry I haven't," Kes said.

"Kes, I know," I said. Pulling her against me. As the Turbolift stopped where we head onto my quarters where, Clara had everything ready, even a spot for Kes too.

So as we ate, then Clara and Chloe went into their room.

As Kes and I sat for a bit, before, Kes want to go back to her quarters, So I kissed her and then Kes left not before smiling towards me as she headed out.

Then I went onto my PS4, and went onto my Assassin's Creed Valhalla. And Started to play the Story mode for it.

"Chakotay to the Captain," Chakotay voice came through as I paused my game.

"Go ahead, "I said.

"Captain, Some how, Suder managed to call for a medical team and Tuvok is there," Chakotay said.

"Is a medical team on it way," I said.

"Yes," Chakotay said.

"I'll meet them in Sickbay, McCall out," I said.

Then I was headed down there.

"Captain's log, Supplemental, Ensign Suder has been incarcerated in secured quarters, where he will likely spend the rest of our journey home, But it is unclear. as for Lt Tuvok, he remains under observation in sickbay, End log," I said.

As I reached sickbay.

"It may be hard for you to believe Lt, but what happened is encouraging Your inability to complete the act of murder, shows your suppression systems are starting to function again, You're on your way back to being normal," Doc said. "Although I'm not sure how the word normal applies to a species that suppresses all their emotions,"

"Captain, I must apologize for my inappropriate behaviour," Tuvok said.

"I'm just glad to have you back, Tuvok," I said.

"I was most insulting to you," Tuvok said.

"Don't worry about it, I've been insulted before," I said.

"I hope you understand, that I have always had the greatest respect for you as a captain and consider you a friend," Tuvok said.

"That means a great deal to me, Enough said. Get some rest. Tuvok, no more mind Melds, without my permission," I said. "Understood?" As he nodded.

Then I headed to see Suder. Then went in.

"Captain," Suder said.

"As you were," I said.

"How is Tuvok?" Suder said.

"Responding well, now, he is making a recovery in sickbay," I said.

"Thank good, Tuvok was trying before to get the rest of those thought I have had about killing," Suder said.

"But you managed to pull them back into you, let Tuvok recover," I said.

"Yes," Suder said.

"I won't be here, longer Mr. Suder, but Hopefully if this works out, you may be able to work among the crew again," I said.

"If this work you mean captain," Suder said.

"Exactly what I mean, I need every man I can to get us home, But I want to be this is actually working, and will take every method to making sure it has worked before I consider releasing you back into the Crew," I said.

"I understand, Captain," Suder said.

"Good, Now, I'll should go, When Tuvok has recovered, He will be the one to go through the process with you," I said.

"Understood, Captain, Good day," Suder said.

I nodded before heading out and reactivating the seals again before going back to my work.

That's all for this chapter.

More to follow.

Stay tuned and safe.

Love Y'all

PEACE!