Chapter 2
„Kai Elani…what exactly are you accusing us of?"
Alina Nechayev was sitting in her office, at her desk, a grim expression on her face. She was supposed to have seen this coming; yesterday had been too nice to to be followed by today, which had all the symptoms of a day turning into disasterous. Not that interplanetary incidents such as this one usually were labeled as a disaster right away. But during her years in Starfleet, Nechayev had learned to recognize such events at an early stage, with the help of little signs.
The expression on the face of the Bajoran woman on the screen was categorized as that right now.
Elanis Thessa was somewhere in her thirties. She was not really handsome, but there was something about her, something coming from within. Her hair was long and blond, while her eyes were of a chestnut color. She was well known for her easy-going and soft temper, and her eyes were always carrying a gentle look within them. Now, however, the emotion within them varied with strictness. That, Nechayev thought to herself, could definitely have meant nothing good.
"I am not accusing you of anything, Admiral Nechayev. I am merely stating things as they are." The Kai spoke quite crisply, "Three people of your race, from your planet, have broken Bajoran law. We demand that you explain this too us."
"Kai Elani." Nechayev raised her eyebrows, giving the younger woman a rather bleak look, "As I'm very sure you know, the people of my race are numerous. You can't expect me...or anybody...to control the whims and the outbursts of each and every one of them."
"Believe me, I am well aware of the numer of humans and the citizens of Earth. But your people haven't broken some small, tiny law, Admiral." The Kai leaned closer to the screen, "They have disturbed Bajoran sacred ground."
Personally, Alina Nechayev had never been a pious woman. Personally, she also didn't believe anyone should be reprimanded for stepping on 'sacred ground'. But years in interplanetary relations had thought her to put that aside and act accordingly with all the laws and the treaties, respecting ohter culture just as her own.
"Have they attempted to explain?" She questioned.
"No. They refused to speak without Starfleet. I fail to see why, for they are not officers..."
Nechaye sighed; "They most likely wanted to be trialed on Earth..." Yes, when it came to dealings with the Bajorans, such incidents required an actual trial. Stupd... "...you do know that Starfleet Command has recently taken over even the civillian trials." Unfortunately, she thought. Too much work...But this trial was not going to be much work. Even though such an offense did require a trial, it required it for one puprose-formalities. The three were going to be released right away.
"Which is, of course, out of question." At first, the Admiral didn't get what Elani was referring too, so she sent a quizzical look her way. The Bajoran explained herself.
"It is out of question for them to be trialed anywhere but on Bajor, and anyhow but by Bajoran laws."
The determination in Elani Thessa's voice had hit a nerve within Nechayev. Who did she think she was, making such statements? She certainly was not going to decide about this. I knew it was going to end up a disaster.
"With all due respect, Kai Elani, you are not the one who shall dictate that. You should be happy that they are getting a trial at all, for by our laws..."
"Your laws do not matter. They have commited a crime on Bajor, an insult against the Prophets and---"
"Kai Elani." Nechayev interrupted her, "Here is what we'll do. I have no intention of arguing over a comm-link. I'll send a representative over to Bajor, and they will negotiate everything with you. But whatever the outcome is," Her voice took on a slightly dangerous note, "Rest assured, I will not allow a punishment too severe to be inflicted upon those people. Nechayev out."
It was such a relief, turning off the annoying Bajoran woman. The Admiral could be patient, but she had her temper, and when it was about such unimportant things, she had no desire to hold it back. Frankly, she did not feel like making such a fuss and ruining her day because a bunch of tourists had entered some place Bajorans had decided to name holy for no apparent reason.
Oh, no. She was going to send someone else to do that instead of her. That's why I am in charge around here. She thought, turning towards her computer. There, she entered the list of available ships and their commanders. Who was going to be as lucky as to earn themselves a trip to Bajor...
Bajor. What an interesting history it had. Fifty years of Cardassian Occupation...then the Federation, and the Dominion War...so many people had been lost--
Suddenly and idea hit her. Surprisingly, it happened just when she had reached a certain name on the list.
Admiral Elizabeth Bashir; U.S.S. Victoria.
Now, Alina Nechayev was, undeniably, a very curious woman. And when something intrigued her, she tended to satisfy that curiosity. Admiral Bashir certainly intrigued her. And her history was so connected with Bajor..:Deep Space Nine, the War...and, something Nechayev had not missed, her weakness at the mention of Gul Dukat...
Yes, it would be very interesting indeed, sending her to Bajor. Of course, someone else would have to go with her as well...someone who'd keep her informed...Captain Chakotay. The only person in Starfleet she could entrust with anything at all.
Within seconds, a plan had formed within her mind. Within minutes, she tapped her comm-link again.
"Lietuenant McCormack, send for Admiral Bashir."
"How long will you be gone?" Kathryn Janeway looked at Chakotay, her husband, concern in her eyes.
He laughed, shaking his head.
"Kathy, I find it nearly impossible to think that you were my Captain once...you seem to worry so much now!"
Kathryn let out a sigh.
"I know...I'm sorry. But a mission with Admiral Bashir..."
"Could it be possible you're jealous?" Chakotay moved closer to her on the sofa, placing his arm around her. Now it was her turn to chuckle.
"Of a woman about sixteen years younger? No. Besides, I don't think she's your type." Then she continued, more seriously, "But there's just something about her..."
Chakotay knew what she meant-it had nothing to do with his fidelity.
"I know, Kathy, I was there too. The way she spoke...now, it was a hero's speech, undoubtedly...but now that I give it some better thought...I was not sure whether she spoke like a hero of our side." Again he felt guilty for judging Bashir that way, but his instincts got the better of him. And his instincts were usually right.
"Don't feel guilty. I felt the same." His wife could read him like a book, "There was something dark deep within her. There still is. I just can't put my finger on it."
"Bad memories. We should know." Chakotay pointed out sadly.
"Let us not bother with that now." Kathryn dismissed it all with a shrug, "When will you be back?"
"In a few weeks, most likely. Word has it Kai Elani is really keen on this matter for some reason." Chakotay could understand religious people, he really could. But he believed that mistakes, if not intentional, were not supposed to be punished so severly...just as he saw no justification for Elani's severe attitude.
"What happened at all?"
"Oh." He frowned, "Three humans...civillians...were found in the Bajoran Fire Caves on Bajor. The Bajorans could not determine why exactly were they there, and the...accused refuse to speak without Starfleet presence."
"The Fire Caves? I think I read something about that place...Isn't it supposedly the resting place of the Pah-Wraiths?" Janeway had always been interested in other cultures, and their religions. She often did freee research.
"That's right." Chakotay nodded, "I believe that it's also where Benjamin Sisko had died."
Circumstances of his death were unclear as well. While Bajorans claimed the Prohets had taken him and made him one of them, Starfleet had chosen to believe he'd been killed by either Dominion Forces or in an accident. Admiral Bashir had explained it as an accident somewhere on Bajor, in a shuttle crash.
Kathryn let out a very long exhale, leaning against her husband's shoulder.
"Why can't some people just let the unimportant things and the past behind and move on?"
"I don't know." He planted a soft kiss on her head, "I don't know. But I certainly wish they could."
"Admiral." Chakotay greeted his superior officer with respect. Elizabeth Bashir returned the greeting, and he couldn't help but once again feel guilty for judging her. The woman only deserved admiration. In spite of everything, she held her head up high, opposing and defying everything.
"Welcome to the Victoria, Captain Chakotay...and to the bridge."
True---he had entered the bridge. The ship was a Sovereign class, one of the newest and the most proficient in the fleet. The bridge seemed to be justifying that title-everyone was working focusedly, and every station was functioning perfectly. Before, during his younger days, Chakotay had yearned for command of such a ship. Now, he was wiser, and realized that passing on knowledge was much more important and noble.
"Thank you. It certainly looks nice." He said pleasantly, comign closer to the Admiral, "I only hope our mission turns out to be half as nice."
"True." She bobbed her head, "Ensign Edmer has already set a course for Bajor." A shadow crossed her face, "Unfortunately, I can't say I am thrilled."
"You have bad assumptions about this mission?" Chakotay was quite surprised. Elizabeth Bashir had seen tons of action and diplomacy; could it be possible she felt uneasy because of a simple negotiation mission?
"You could say so." The Admiral sat gracefully into her chair, motioning at him to do the same, "You'll find that I dislike...and have always disliked working with Bajorans."
"Working with Bajorans?" Chakotay sat down, and froze in surprise, "Didn't you work with them during your assignement on DS9?"
"Unfortunately, I have." Her voice was cold, "You have dealt with them too, I will assume correctly, and have a different opinion of them. But I consider them a weak species deeming themselves far too important than they truly are. They are ignorant enough not to be able to accept the...Prophets as beings, but they bow to them as if they were Gods." A smirk crossed her face, "They could've just as well bowed to the Cardassians then."
Her sharp, dark eyes met his, and when she saw his hesitation, she chuckled.
"Perhaps you will find me heartless, cruel or something among the lines, but trust me, Captain, I am merely being objective. I have my business opinions and my private ones. I only divulge the former."
For some reason unknown to him, this made the Captain feel a lot better and easier. Inhaling, he leaned back. Elizabeth Bashir had no dark secret. She had merely gone through a lot and had learned to be professional. Bajorans were hard to deal with, so she didn't like doing so. It was just the same as his dislike to deal with the Romulans. There was nothing wrong about it.
Chakotay was unsure of why he wanted to have a good opinion of Bashir. Most likely because of the fascination he'd discovered earlier. And because he didn't want to feel bad about a woman admired throughout Starfleet.
The ship moved smoothly, and during the trip, Chakotay had attempted to intiate a conversation with the Admiral for more than just a few times, yet without any fruition. She'd dismiss him so quickly and with such grace he wouldn't even notice it until it was too late. His fascination slowly grew. Sometimes, Elizabeth would get up and take a walk around the bridge, checking up on everybody. Then she would sit back, her eyes glued to the screen. Her hair was in a long braid, and it looked excellent on her. When his eyes would wander to her face, Chakotay could see a look bordering with tense. He also spotted she looked rather pale. Again he encountered a mystery-why?
A few hours later, they reached Bajor.
"We're here, ma'am Admiral." Ensign Edmer sounded, turning around in his chair. The screen displayed Bajor. Chakotay had always greatly admired the planet and considered it wonderful, so he regarded it with curiosity. A lot of his friends were Bajoran. he wondered whether he could go visit Ro Laren, if he could find the time.
"Hail the the Bajorans." Elizabeth Bashir pushed away from the chair, nearing the scree.
"Aye, aye, ma'am." Edmer moved his fingers over the console, "Hailing Kai Elani."
In a couple of seconds, during which the Admiral's face hardened, and Chakotay's relaxed, the face of Elani Thess appeared on the screen.
"Identify yourself." Alina had not lied to me, Chakotay thought right away. There was strictness in the usually soft eyes of Elani.
"I am Admiral Elizabeth Bashir of the Federation Starship U.S.S Victory." She spoke with a dose of arrogance...as if conversing with someone...lower, Chakotay couldn't help but see, "We've been sent for the three civillians you have captured."
"Sent for them?" Elani spoke what was on Chakotay's mind, "Surely you don't mean to take them from us?"
"That is exactly what I mean." Bashir's tone was nearly snappy, "You are to return them to us immediately."
"Admiral.." Chakotay began, but a swift movement of Elizabeth's hand and a sharp look silenced him right away. Edmer gave him a sympathetic look.
"She knows what she's doing, sir." He whispered. Chakotay felt embarassed-everybody could trust Bashir. Why couldn't he as well?
"This is absurd! They have broken Bajoran law and committed a serious offence.--"
"What serious offence...Kai Elani?" Elizabeth nearly yelled, mockery discernable in her voice, " Stepping onto one of the million places you've decided to name holy?"
The open attack seemed to have left the Bajoran dumbfounded, for panick was clearly seen on her face.
"It-It was the Bajoran Fire--"
"I know what it was." Bashir shot back readily, "And I also know that you have no proof those three people have done anything punishable."
"That's a lie." The Kai protested, " We do--"
"Then go ahead, Kai Elani." Bashir folded her arms, "Give me that...proof, as you call it:"
Again Elani was left stupefied. She started at Admiral Bashir wide-eyed, opening her mouth as if trying to say something, but then closing it again. Bashir seemed to have expected it, for she laughed out loud.
"What, Kai Elani? Forgot it? Fine with me." She leaned into the screen, "Because I know you have no prrof whatsoever, just as I know you have no idea of why those three civillians were in the caves. And that gives you no right to keep them."
"But--" The strictness from the Kai's eyes was replaced by fear. Chakotay shook his head unconsciously. The Kai was supposed to be a stronger figure.
"So it is mutual agreement that you return them to us. Fine. I will be intiating transport within five minutes. Have them ready. Bashir out."
And she signalled Edmer, who turned off the commlink.
Chakotay's jaw dropped, and he was too surprised to say a word until the Admiral approached him.
"Captain...let us go to the transporter room for our three...prisoners."
There was nothing he could do but follow, even though he was secretly certain they were not going to get the prisoners. Elani was most likely going to call the Starfleet Headquarters, and this was going to grow into an interplanetary incident. Bashir was most likely going to get into trouble.
During the ride with the turbolift, he couldn't helpt but wonder why no one else seemed preoccupied in the slightest. Everybody seemed to have complete confidence in their leader, and when they left the turbolift, the security that met them in the transporter room seemed at ease too.
"Three more minutes." Bashir stated, standing in the centre of the room, drawn up to her fullest height.
Those three elapsed soon, and for some reason, Chakotay felt relieved when nothing happened. His hypothesis could not have been wrong-not if the Federation world was still the same. This was not a technique anyone had ever used...and succeeded.
"Make that another two." Bashir was relaxed, "Bajorans were never known for their timing."
Two elapsed.
"Admiral, I think--"Just when Chakotay had decided it was time to finally react and prevent the incident from becoming even greater, a beeping sound was heard.
"They're ready for transport." The engineer announced.
"Beam them up."
And within five seconds, three humans were on their transporter pad.
Again Chakotay found himself dumbfounded. This had worked? It certainly wouldn't have worked had he been down on the planet. It certainly wouldn't have worked with humans. Had the Bajorans chosen to fight back, they could've had the Admiral court-martialed, demoted or in any way reprimanded for breaking the Federation codex...Of course, nobody was going to complain now that they didn't...and now that Bashir had accomplished what she had wanted.
As the intial state of surprise had passed him, Chakotay finally got to assessing the prisoner, to call them so, as the security seized them(not that they fought them at all). One, the one he first noticed, was a woman with long, blond hair and blue eyes, slightly plump. She looked a tad scared, but within parameters of what one would call composed. The two men, both dark haired and strong looking(they did look like mercenaries to him) didn't seem worried at all. Chakotay felt the feeling of guilt creeping into him again, but a different sort of it. Now he was feeling sorry for the Bajorans-he wouldn't be surprised if the two men, if not the woman as well, had had some ulterior motive for getting into the caves.
"Mr. Dunner," Elizabeth addressed the Chief Security officer, "Take them to the brig. We'll question them."
Then she turned away, tapping her commbadge.
"Bashir to bridge. Raise maximum shields." Her eyes darted to Chakotay's, "We wouldn't want the Bajorans to make a recovery attempt if they change they minds, now would we?"
He smiled back, nodding his head, but was again perplexed. Bashir seemed so much happier now; all the tension was gone from her face, even though there was still a chance the Bajorans were going to contact Starfleet Command about this. It appeared as if she had enjoyed this little...game. Without a word, he followed the Admiral towards the brig. In the turbolift, he'd intended on remaining silent(for she hadn't seemed really keen on talking to him before), but she broke that silence.
"You seem surprised, Captain...if not shocked."
She stated it matter-of-factly, two slight pimples on her cheeks being the only evidence that she was teasing him, in a way. The Captain felt a bit relieved...maybe because he thought he was going to get an explanation out of her-finally.
"Well, you certainly have a way with negotiation, Admiral." He grinned, "No one has managed to leave me speechless for such a long time so far."
Elizabeth laughed, shaking her head.
"Thank you...for both compliments. But I also see that you are perplexed, if not in disagreement with this little strategy of mine."
Chakotay could've hugged her for stating it first and sparing him the pain of beginning the conversation.
"I do admit I've never seen this on any Starfleet---"
"That's because this isn't a Starfleet technique." Bashir cut in, "It is of...another source." Before he could ask anything more, she sighed, "I've been taught this by a...friend. A long lost one."
Chakotay was too polite and tactful to ask further, for the look of pain on her face was the same he'd already seen on her, during that conference...but right now, he was too overhwelmed to remember when. He gathered that she'd been taught this by one of her friends killed in the Dominion War. That sufficed it for him, and he remained quiet.
The brig...actually, the brigs...not a very nice place to find yourself within. Chakotay tried his hardest to remain indifferent when they entered, and not to show his curiosity. How was the Admiral going to deal with the questioning?
The room was large, but all the three prisoners had been placed in the same cell. He would've done it otherwise...but it wasn't his ship, and it wasn't his command. The woman still looked slightly scared, but something peaceful came across her eyes when Bashir and Chakotay came in. The men appeared emotionless.
"Prisoners." The Admiral began, her voice flat "I am Admiral Elizabeth Bashir, and you are aboard the U.S.S. Victoria. I assume you know why?"
The three exchanged looks, and then, surprisingly, the woman spoke.
"We were on a visit to Bajor. We wanted to explore the caves, we're speleologists...after series and series of tunnels, we entered a cave...and were seized by Bajorans! They claimed we'd entered their sacred ground and that we must be trialed...tiraled!" She appeared annoyed now, "Knowing the Bajorans, we refused to speak without your presence."
"The Bajorans arrested your right away? Without asking any questions?" Elizabeth continued to ask briskly.
"Yes." The woman confirmed, and the men nodded.
A slight frown crossed Bashir's face. Chakotay could see she was pondering over something.
"Your names." The pondering was over soon.
They hesistated a bit, and once more the woman made a surprise by speaking first.
"Catherine LeRose."
"Edward Jones."
"Luis Lonner."
Elizabeth signalled the Security officer to take down the names. He did so, and then she came closer to the cell.
"Now, listen to me. I believe that you are innocent. If you were...hired by someone or intended any...sabotage of whatever one can sabotage down there at all, then you were all very, very stupid." She articulated every word specially, especially the last one; "But I know that Bajorans can be a...pain in the neck when it comes to their religion. And as much as I hate it, we do have to show them at least a dose of respect, in spite of all I've just said. So...tell me again, what exactly are your charges?"
"Disturbing Bajoran sacred ground." LeRose said again.
"And they believe you had a hidden motive?"
"Yes."
"Which they suggest is...?"
LeRose shook her head; "I don't have any idea. They never said a word about that to us."
"And they have no proof...apparently." Bashir pursed her lips, "We will conduct an investigation. Unfortunately, I will have to keep you confined while we do so. Rest assured, though-we'll do everything in our power to get you out of this."
With those words, she left the room, beckoning Chakotay to follow.
"What do you think, Captain?" She asked as the door closed behind them and they began heading towards the turbolift.
He shrugged; "I believe we should..." He hesitated, "With all due respect, we should show more respect for the Bajorans."
"After they've imprisoned three of our people, and without any proof decided not to let us have them? No, Captain. I'm showing them enough respect as it is."
Her words were cold and flat, but something shined in her eye. Chakotay chose to ignore that. He could understand her point of view, but he couldn't get rid of the feeling that carefully planned neogitations were...
"As you've seen, Captain, my negotiation methods tend to get us where we want to be."
This was spoken with a light tone, but that did not lessen its impact on the Captain-she was right. Face reddening slightly, he fastened his pace to keep up with her. Elizabeth Bashir was a professional after all, he decided. I should let her lead this, and just sit back and relax myself.
"So..." He began carefully, "What is our next move?"
"Conducting an investigation, of course." Elizabeth pressed the panel at the turbolift, "Tomorrow, we'll be transporting down to Bajor and checking everything out."
"Do you--" Chakotay felt unsecure, "Do you think the Bajorans are going to allow us to do so after...what we did now?"
The Admiral laughed.
"Oh, Captain, of course they are. If they don't, there won't be any chance that they could prove those three guilty at all."
"But if they discovered the proof---"
"Captain," Bashir leaned against the turbolift, which was just opening, "Did I honestly strike them like a person who would care for that?"
All he could do was nod his head in astonishment.
Her plan was, he began to realize, perfectly made. The careful manipulation of those Bajorans through negotiations that seemed the complete opposite implemented a gut feeling of fear into his bones.
She was frightening, but astonishing. In the full meaning of both.
I hope you enjoyed that! It certainly took me a long time to write it, but I enjoyed every second of it. Third chapter should be coming out soon!