Chapter Twenty-four
After leaving Joanna Salen knew that he should be getting back to the Black Diamond. However during their brief mind meld he had picked up on a memory of hers that he couldn't seem to get out of his mind. Slinking through the ventilation shafts Salen made his way deeper into the belly of the Intrepid.
When he came to the sprawling heating and cooling system of the Starship Salen dropped down onto one of the water recycling tanks. Being careful to keep out of sight he searched the intricate network of machines until he found what he was looking for. Perching like a panther on top of a large heating unit Salen stared down at his prey.
Michaels was humming quietly to himself as he worked on some wiring through an open access panel. Salen narrowed his eyes in a growing jealous rage. Grinding his teeth together Salen looked around to make sure that they were alone. With no one else in sight Salen bunched up his muscles and leapt off his perch.
Falling fifteen feet Salen came down hard on Michaels causing them both to collapse in a tangled heap on the grated catwalk floor. The surprised Engineer managed to cry out once before Salen clamped his hand over his mouth. Salen had grabbed him by the shoulders and hauled him backwards to the floor. Somewhat pinned to the floor by his opponent Salen wrapped his legs around Michaels' waist to capture him. After a brief struggle Michaels found himself unable to free himself. Salen brought his lips to Michaels' ear.
"Joanna McCoy is my mate," Salen growled darkly "you are never to touch her!"
Michaels whimpered as Salen strained his neck nearly to the point of breaking it. Salen had to take a deep breath and remind him that the man in his grip was a member of Starfleet to keep himself from murdering him. As the temptation became stronger Salen released his victim with a powerful shove. Michaels slammed into the panel that he had been working on and was knocked unconscious.
Salen felt a wash of satisfaction course through is veins. Getting to his feet he licked his lips and looked around. They were still alone, but he could hear others approaching. He checked to make sure that Michaels was still breathing. Salen suddenly had an idea and touched Michaels' temple. He forced a thought into Michaels' mind before letting him go and scrambling back up into the piping and scaffolding. Hiding in the shadows Salen waited for the others to arrive.
"Michaels?" One of them called. "Are you okay?"
"Urgh..." Michaels moaned as he woke.
"What happened?"
"I...uh...nothing...I just tripped." Michaels lied.
"Well we'd better take you up to the Doc."
"No." Michaels said quickly with an edge of fear. "No, that's okay, I'll be fine..."
Smiling to himself Salen retreated back to the ventilation system. He returned to the hiding place where he had left his communicator and requested to be beamed back to the Black Diamond. Quickly finding himself on the transport pad on the Black Diamond Salen looked around. Beckett was standing there with a sly grin on his face.
"Feel better?" Beckett chuckled.
"Yes, Sir." Salen answered truthfully. "Thank you."
"No need for thanks, I just thought it would be important to get you out on another mission to get your confidence back."
"I do not believe you. You sent me to the Intrepid because you knew who was aboard."
"No idea what you're talking about." Beckett winked. "In any case you did a fabulous job, the Intrepid has no idea she was boarded."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Steal anything while you were over there?"
Salen reached into his pocket and handed Beckett the access card. Nodding in approval Beckett took the card and broke it in half. Salen gave him a confused look.
"It's a security risk to have this left whole. The mission was just to see if we could take something, we don't need to keep it." Beckett informed.
"Why did you need anything at all?"
"Proof. My superiors don't believe that even we are good enough to sneak onto a Starship. The next time maybe we'll trying hitting the Enterprise." Beckett smiled. "The data from this mission will help us improve Starship security so that next time I ask you to do this it won't be so easy."
Salen nodded and Beckett dismissed him. Walking through the halls of the Black Diamond Salen had to admit that he did feel better. It helped to have Joanna's approval. Salen had been instructed to get some rest, but he was feeling far to energetic. He was about to head for the gym when he caught sight of someone who he had previously been avoiding.
"Toby?" Salen called.
The Black Diamond's main interrogator turned around upon hearing his name. Catching sight of Salen he smiled and walked over to him.
"Hey there, Dingo."
"May I speak with you?"
"Sure, I don't think you've ever said more than a word or two to me."
"I have been fearful of you."
"Me? Why?"
"When I looked into Garris' mind I experienced your torture of him first hand."
"Oh shit," Toby breathed in horror "I'm sorry, I had no idea."
"It is not something you could have known. However, I must ask: do you have that knife aboard this ship? The one that causes pain without harm?"
"The force blade, yeah, I've got it. Why?"
"I need your help." Salen looked around to make sure they were alone. "I need you to use it on me."
"What?"
"I need you to cut me."
"Are you out of your Vulcan mind?" Toby asked seriously.
"No, but I was. During my mission with Razor to bring down Evans I was confronted by one of my greatest fears and I was completely paralyzed. I can not allow that to happen again. I must face my fear of knives and conquer it."
"I don't know..."
"Please. As a Vulcan I am supposed to be able to block pain, it is a construct of the mind to be controlled. However I have never had the chance to practice such control."
"I think we should ask the Colonel..."
"No, please, I do not wish anyone else to know in case I fail. Please, I almost got my partner killed because of this."
Toby thought about Salen's reasoning and nodded. Salen knew that Razor was a good friend of Toby's and he'd be willing to do anything to help protect Razor. Shaking his head sadly Toby lead Salen to the underbelly of the ship to a room that Salen didn't even know existed. Toby put his hand against the access panel and it read his biometrics before the heavy metal door slid open.
"You know you are the first Dog who has ever asked to come down here."
"I can not see any reason for the others to ask you to cut them."
"I didn't mean it like that, I meant in general. The boys respect me, but no one wants to know what it is that I do. They don't call me 'Pariah' for no reason."
"Pariah?"
"My nickname...no one uses it to my face, but I've heard it."
Toby disappeared through the archway that had opened up. It took Salen a moment to swallow his fear and follow the professional torturer. He expected the room beyond to be straight from his nightmares and he was not disappointed. The center of the room held a metal chair that looked much like one that would be found in an dentist's office. Rather than advanced ion restraints it had traditional leather and metal buckles. The walls were lined with various cruel looking tools that gleamed in the low blue light.
"Don't worry about the shit on the walls, I don't use any of it."
"Why is it there?"
"For show." Toby shrugged. "I've had more than one customer who sat in the chair just staring at the metal on the wall for five minutes before telling me everything he ever knew. The imagination is a powerful tool when torturing someone for information. Anticipation is often worse than any pain that can be inflicted."
"It was the mere threat of pain that stole my courage on the planet."
"Not uncommon."
Feeling like he was learning something already Salen tried to force his racing heartbeat to slow down. There was no sense in fearing the pain if he wasn't currently being harmed. Toby went over to a set of drawers and pulled out a black case. He brought it over to Salen and opened it revealing an ornate knife handle that had a glittering blade.
"The blade is a hologram, there is nothing there other than the nerve splicing field." Toby explained. "Go ahead, take it."
Salen swallowed hard and reached out to take the blade. With the unusual knife in his hand he felt some of the fear draining away. He inspected the blade and handed it back to Toby. Toby nodded his head over towards the chair.
"Take a seat."
Frozen in renewed fear Salen found himself unable to to move.
"We don't have to do this." Toby said quietly. "Truth be told, I'd rather not hurt you."
"I have to do this."
Straightening his back Salen purposefully walked over to the chair and sat down. He could almost hear the cries of the other men who had been brought her by force. before he lost his brush with courage he reached down and strapped his ankles in tightly.
"I don't think there is any need to tie you down." Toby said.
"It is for your safety, I have attacked people I know and love before. It will also help me with my fear of restraint."
"This is a bad idea."
"Perhaps, but I wish to continue."
Toby sighed and helped Salen with the rest of the restraints. Salen tested the strength of the leather and found himself unable to break free.
"Are you sure about this?"
"Yes." Salen said firmly.
"Okay, the room is sound proof so feel free to scream. If you need me to stop say 'Diamond'. Repeat that now."
"Diamond."
"Good, remember it."
Toby gave Salen a moment to calm himself before stepping up and placing the force blade close to Salen's chest. Looking at the blade was too much for Salen to handle. He looked away and closed his eyes. He could feel every muscle straining against the restraints as his instincts told him to not do this.
"No, don't tense up like that." Toby instructed. "Half of surviving torture is to accept it, don't try to shield yourself from what is happening, embrace it."
"Embrace it?"
"I know it sounds strange, but try and convince yourself that you enjoy it. Pain lets you know you're alive."
"Has anyone ever tortured you?"
"Yup, the man who taught me how. He took the expression 'learn by example' to heart. I've never done anything to anyone that I haven't experienced myself. If you are going to control your fear you can't start by letting it control you."
"Thank you for the advi..."
Salen was cut off as Toby suddenly slashed open his chest with the force blade. Taken by surprise Salen arched back and cried out in pain. Trembling already he was instantly taken back to his dark past. Angry at himself for so quickly falling prey to fear he pushed thoughts of his former life to the side.
"Again." Salen instructed.
Toby wordlessly followed the order and drew a line down Salen's stomach. Salen fought tears as the knife repeatedly bit into his flesh. He panicked when the pain proved to only escalate as Toby continued to bloodlessly cut him. Determined to control his mind Salen concentrated on the pain rather than trying to block it out. The concentration brought a new level of awareness that actually helped reduce his fear.
"Salen?" Toby asked concerned.
"Continue...I am not afraid."
"Good."
With his eyes still weld shut Salen grit his teeth together as the knife sliced through his arm once again. Remembering to not tense his body Salen took a deep breath and relaxed. The next cut had a different sensation along with it, although still painful he found that it wasn't entirely unpleasant. Focusing on the odd reward Salen slowly began to gain control of both the pain and his own fears.
"You are not trying hard enough," Salen hissed "try to make me scream."
"I take that as a direct challenge."
"You will fail."
Salen opened his eyes and stared Toby down with a smile. Smiling himself Toby sunk the phantom blade into the side of Salen's ribs where his heart was. Arching his back Salen took a deep breath and released it as a deep growl. When Toby twisted the blade Salen chuckled.
"Does that tickle?" Toby asked.
"No, it is intensely painful, but it has no power over me."
"I still get to try and get you to sing unless you say 'Diamond'."
Salen shook his head, refusing to give in. Toby ripped the knife out of Salen's side and drew an X across his chest before forcing it into Salen's stomach to the hilt. Panting for breath Salen smiled once more. The blade slashing his flesh now only brought a wash of adrenaline. Toby pulled the knife back out and looked Salen over.
"Okay, I give in." Toby chuckled. "Diamond...there I said it for you."
"Why?"
"Because after all these years I know when someone can't be broken and I'm looking at one of them right now. Salen, that was amazing, you went from quivering in terror to practically enjoying this in less than twenty minutes."
"I am not sure that I am to the point of enjoying this. However, I can truthfully say that I do not fear the blade as I once did. Thank you, I believe this has helped."
"I hope so. Do not come to me if you start having nightmares about what just happened here."
"I will not."
Toby released Salen from the restraints and he got back to his feet. After thanking Toby once again Salen stepped back out into the halls. Feeling a familiar tingling behind his ear Salen scratched at it. Rather than having less energy he felt more awake and alive than ever. Returning to his original course Salen hunted out the gym. He glanced at the treadmills, but decided that the fight simulator was more what he was looking for. Setting the equipment to the highest setting Salen surrounded himself with holographic foes. Locked in an endless battle he quickly began to lose track of time.
Sitting in his office Beckett was completely unaware of Toby and Salen's treatment session. Believing the Vulcan to be back to an even keel after his visit with Joanna Beckett had returned to his office and was going over some paper work. It wasn't until six hours later that Beckett was disturbed by a knock at his door.
"Come in."
Razor stepped inside and walked over to Beckett's desk.
"Sir, there is something wrong with Salen."
"Again?" Beckett sighed. "What is it now?"
"He's been in the fight simulator for nearly six hours straight."
"Six hours?" Beckett repeated. "Well he is a Vulcan..."
"You keep saying that, but I'm telling you there is something not right. He has far too much energy, his violence is practically out of control. I came in here because I honestly think that if he's not stopped soon Salen is going to drop dead in that simulator. If I hadn't stopped him down on the planet I think he would have killed everyone down there."
"Calm down, Razor. I'll take care of this."
"That thing behind his ear isn't a hearing aid, is it?" Razor growled.
"No." Beckett admitted.
"What does it do?"
"Don't worry about it. Its job is done, I'm going to go have it turned off."
"Sir..."
"You're dismissed, Razor."
"Sir..."
"Stand down, Sam." Beckett ordered. "It is none of you concern. Every Dog needs to be trained, some more than others. Salen just needed a push, he'll have more control over himself from now on."
"I certainly hope so, Sir...for all our sakes."
Razor gave Beckett a shallow bow and left. Beckett went down to the gym where a small crowd was watching as Salen skillfully tore the digital life out of enemy after enemy. No one had every lasted even a fraction of this time on the hardest setting. The holograms were given substance by force fields that made them punch and kick as hard as any human. Seeing the Colonel the crowd quickly dispersed.
Beckett went over to the programming and shut it down. It took Salen a moment to realize that there was no one left to fight. Panting hard and dripping in sweat he looked around for something else to kill. Spotting Beckett he smiled brightly and stepped up to him.
"Hello, Sir. I was just getting some exercise."
"So I can see." Beckett nodded. "Hit the shower and met me in sick bay."
"Sick bay? No, Sir, I'm feeling better than I ever have."
"I'm sure you are. This is just a routine check."
"Yes, Sir."
Beckett went to the sick bay to wait for Salen. The doctor already knew about Salen's implant, in fact he had originally developed it. When Salen arrived they had him lay down on one of the biobeds. The doctor asked him some questions about how he felt and Salen reported once again that he felt perfectly heathy.
"Are we nearly done here?" Salen asked. "I would like to get back to the gym."
"The gym? Six hours isn't enough?" Beckett asked.
"Six hours? Really? I did not realize how much time had passed. I still feel like I have energy to burn."
"Just one last thing and you can go." The doctor answered.
Beckett watched as the doctor brought a small scanner like device up to Salen's ear. He typed in a deactivating program and the jewel lost a little of its brilliance. With the device off the doctor gave Salen the go head to get up.
"Thank you." Salen said.
"No problem." The doctor smiled. "How are you feeling?"
"A little more tired than I was a few minutes ago, but other than that I am fine."
"Good." Beckett said. "Go get some rest."
"Yes, Sir."
Salen jumped down from the biobed and went to leave. He only got a few steps before he looked like he was dizzy. Taking a staggering step forward he reached up as bright green dripped from his nose. Confused he turned around to face Beckett and the doctor who both gasped in surprise.
"Salen?"
"Sir, I..."
Salen suddenly collapsed to the floor. Acting fast Beckett gathered him up and hauled him back onto the biobed. The doctor looked at the new readings with concern. Grabbing the scanner he quickly turned the device back on. Salen reacted instantly and sat up. He looked a little dazed, but it passed.
"Sorry about that. I guess I stood up too fast."
"Are you okay?" Beckett asked concerned.
"Yes, Sir. In fact I think I will head back to the gym."
"Actually, I'd like you to stay here for a while."
Salen looked disappointed, but he nodded. The doctor had him laying down and instantly sunk a hypospray into his throat. Salen slowly closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep. Beckett paced back and forth for a moment.
"What the hell was that?!" Beckett demanded.
"That has never happened before. I'm not sure exactly what went wrong, but I do know one thing: the instant I turned the AmygdaStim off he started to die."
"Die? Of what?"
"I have no idea."
