Seventeen
Stardate 59436.9, USS Aegis, in orbit of Romulan Moon Lleiset
zhNon entered the briefing room of the Stack with purpose. Her ship had been endangered multiple times. Her crew, threatened with bodily harm. One had lost his life. And to add insult to injury, her captain had been taken hostage. All while on a mission of mercy and relief. She didn't regret any of their choices. But the situation requiring action called to her blue, militaristic blood. Never had she so looked forward to working with Major Bullock.
"Thank you everyone for responding so promptly. I've invited daise C'Ulos to join us, as he seems to be just as out of the loop as we are."
C'Ulos nodded appreciatively.
"Ensign, bring us up to speed." She said.
Contreras made his way to the front, no longer timid and looking years older. "Based on all the data compiled, we have a pretty good idea of what's going on. The daise has agreed to be more forthcoming, and I would like him to give a clearer picture of the current status his world is in."
C'Ulos cleared his throat, the arrogance in his eyes and posture gone. "The empire found this world not long after the Neutral Zone was established. As you know, we utilized its abundance of salt water to harvest vast quantities of deuterium."
Utan interrupted. "But it wasn't just salt water, the sodatium-chlorinite became a health hazard almost instantly. Why did you stay?"
"It was determined to be an acceptable risk." He said. "We had just lost the War, and your Coalition of Planets was solidifying into the Federation. Species that had been centuries long enemies were suddenly working together in mutual cooperation and trust. It was seen as a threat."
"That didn't answer my question." She said.
"Greed." Bloss huffed. "The Federation brought multiple economies in-line with one unified market. They established trade deals, standards, and safer means for space fairing civilizations to acquire goods. Including deuterium. Isn't that right, daise?"
C'Ulos nodded. "It was our intent to disrupt your markets. If we could not beat you ourselves, we would have other fight our battles for us. Constantly supplying them with fuel and energy at a discounted premium."
"But we continued to add member worlds and make peace with former enemies." Goritan said.
"You did. When it became apparent that we would not be able to affect your markets, the contingent here was greatly reduced. That is how Lleiset became a world of bruchonis."
Contreras picked back up. "I've confirmed with the daise that our profiles are accurate. The newest threat we have to face comes from how they've weaponized the super salt."
Carver asked, "How exactly was that possible? With your deuterium, your people have a much more efficient way of creating weapons."
C'Ulos shook his head. "This may be difficult for the lot of you to believe, but we were not creating weapons…I wasn't when I authorized the research."
"Go on." zhNon said.
The daise paused. zhNon was sure he was considering how much to tell them.
"daise, this is not the time to be concerned with secrets. Our captain's life is in danger, and it's all because you continue to keep vital information from us!"
He looked at her and nodded. "Approximately one of your terran weeks before Ambassador Spock informed Romulus of its impending demise, a researcher at our fuel processing centers made an incredible discovery. We believed that the super salt as you call it, only provided for a higher abundance in deuterium to be extracted from the oceans. She discovered a new method of refinement. Because of the level of purity of the compound, it yielded an isotope that contained not only a neutron and proton in its nucleus, but also an anti-proton and anti-neutron."
"That's impossible!" Contreras shouted.
"There's no way that could have occurred naturally." Carver added. "Your researcher must have modified the hydrogen in some way."
C'Ulos looked at both the officers with a serious face and said, "I assure you, it is very possible. We were just as surprised as you. The possibilities that this opened up were staggering."
"Chief?" zhNon asked.
Bloss had his arms folded and his head bowed slightly, seeming search his vast knowledge of engineering practices before answering. "All modern fission generators primarily use deuterium as a fuel source. Without dilithium to regulate an anti-matter reactor, it's the next safest generator of the amount of energies most societies use. At it's basic, the normal isotope acts as a neutron moderator to slow them down to allow them to react with fissile material."
"And with the addition of the two new anti-particles, that reaction just became levels more efficient." Carver said.
"That's why we detected inorganic compounds at the detonation sight on the second planet." Contreras said.
"So, you understand now?" C'Ulos asked. "My sister was that researcher. She showed me the potential, and how our world could thrive by becoming the most useful outpost in the Empire. But after the delivery of the news from Spock, the attention of my government was not focused on scientific endeavors.
"She was allowed unrestricted resources, for all we had. And after Romulus was destroyed, she convinced me to allow her to test the limits of the powers she was dealing with. We agreed to do it off planet, less an unfortunate accident befall our world as well. The reports she submitted, demonstrations she allowed me to see, they were all to keep me pacified while her true purpose was to develop weapons."
C'Ulos finished and though he tried to hide it, zhNon could see the pain of betrayal in his eyes. She wanted to pity him, wanted to beat him to a pulp with her own hands. But nothing would come of it. If it was one thing she had learned during her time with Starfleet is that the only thing that surpasses the vastness of space was the ambition of sentient beings.
"Commander," Contreras said, "we need to stop her."
"One thing at a time, Ensign. First we need to work on a plan to rescue-"
"This takes priority!" He shouted.
zhNon wasn't upset, more surprised at his outburst. "Sergio?"
"He's right." Bloss said.
"Ma'am, this has to come first." Carver added.
zhNon looked to Contreras and he composed himself before speaking.
"Ma'am, it's safe to say that R'Navta weaponized the deuterium with the intent to use it. We're not just talking about containment pods or projectile weapons; utilizing the sodatium-chlorinite, she could make massive inorganic compounds that appear inert but in actuality are explosives."
"I hadn't considered that." Goritan said. "Commander, we're looking at a threat as serious as unregulated bio-mimetic gel. Just as it can be used to make bio-weapons and explosive that are difficult to detect, so can this."
Bloss huffed. "It would only take access and a quick query to the Federation systems net to find all the information and materials needed to make super salt as stable any run of the mill rock. But combine it with a fuel source and energy current…"
"And you have explosions measured in isotons." zhNon finished.
"Exactly." Contreras confirmed.
She looked to C'Ulos and asked, "Your people obviously have a small fleet. How many more ships can we expect to run into?"
"All the ships we have you have encountered." He said. "However, I cannot guarantee there won't be more. Y'Borom has always been resourceful, and R'Navta lead all naval forces in space. There were reports of engagements with ships from the emergency Romulan Council, they always reported chasing them off, but now I am not sure."
"We'll have to chance it. Major, what's your status?"
Bullock had been quiet during the entire briefing and zhNon knew she was waiting for this moment.
"Just say the word Commander. My MACOs are itching for a chance to even the score. Every asset we have is at your disposal, and after this meeting I just need your approval for my assault plan."
"You'll have it. For now-"
"Bridge to Commander zhNon, we're being hailed by the surface. It's Y'Borom."
"Put it through down here."
"Aye ma'am."
The holographic window flickered, and the image resolved into Y'Borom with R'Navta standing by his side. They both wore smiles of satisfaction and stood with an air of superiority that they had achieved their goals.
"Hello brother." R'Navta said sharply. "I didn't expect your cooperation, but this betrayal of your own people is sickening."
"You speak of betrayal?!" He shot back. "How could you? After everything our people have been through."
"And that which is yet to come if we continue to follow you down such a weak path!" Y'Borom said.
zhNon walked to the front of the window and cut them all off. "I'm not interested in your family issues or political struggles. You have taken my captain and attacked my ship. The only reason I haven't crippled your world is because I want him back. Immediately!"
"You Starfleet officers speak as if the entire galaxy doesn't know the rules and regulations your Federation uses to bind your hands. Your Prime Directive, rules of engagement, if you had the stomach or authorization to use that kind of force, you would have done so." R'Navta said.
"On the contrary," Goritan spoke, "none of that applies in this situation. We know now who is responsible and by your own admission, C'Ulos had no prior knowledge or intent to endanger us. Our enemy is clear, and we are more than authorized to take whatever action we deem necessary to protect our crew and retrieve our captain."
"If we detect any launch of shuttles your captain is dead." Y'Borom said flatly. "We've also activated transporter inhibitors around the city, so I wouldn't recommend that either. But again, if we see any Starfleet personally, he dies."
"What do you want from us?!" zhNon demanded.
"Nothing." R'Navta said.
The channel closed, leaving everyone confused. Particularly zhNon.
"Major," she said, "modify your assault for a stealth extraction, we can't go in phasers blazing."
"Yes ma'am." She said.
"Bridge to zhNon, ma'am two Mogai-class Warbirds have just decloaked and have moved to flanking positions. They're keeping their distance, but both have weapons fully charged."
"On my way." She said. zhNon nodded to everyone who stood to leave for their stations. As they left, she stopped Bullock and said, "Get this done Major, I'm tired of having weapons on safe."
Romulan Moon Lleiset, Location Unknown
"You can end this at any time." Y'Borom said.
"A-actually, I've enjoyed the time off." Theus said in a rasping cough. "Commanding a starship is pretty stressful."
"Oh, Captain." He said.
When he was taken by R'Navta and transported away, Theus rematerialized in a separate location from his captors. He was bound at his ankles, wrists, waist, and neck to a wall. His first question had been answered by a blow to his head. Followed by repeated hits from a probe that left multiple plasma burns across his torso.
He must have angered his torturer, as Y'Borom jabbed the probe underneath his chin and held it there. Theus grit his teeth as the searing hot blinding pain made his jaw feel like it was being torn off. An acrid smell of burning flesh reached his nose, even through the pain. Still he didn't cry out, said nothing.
"Your constitution is stronger than I would have given you credit for. Not only as a Starfleet captain, but as a man of science." He said.
Theus tried to speak but it was agony to even part his lips.
"Nothing to say?" Y'Borom laughed. "It's just as well, I tire of doing things the hard way."
Through a swollen eye Theus saw him touch a hand communicator. Soon, what had to be a technician came in and doused his head with water. It was extremely cold, and soon Theus felt two small diodes being placed on his temples.
"I'm sure you know what comes next." Y'Borom said.
The device turned on with a sharp whine. Instantly he felt a pressure and stabbing pain in his head. He tried to focus, but felt the constant onslaught of the probe trying to reach deep into his mind.
"He's resisting." The technician said.
"They all do." Y'Borom said back. "But in the end, it won't matter. Either he will allow it to happen, or his cerebral cortex will be turned into Owon eggs.
USS Aegis, In orbit or Romulan Moon Lleiset
"Report." zhNon said while taking the command chair.
Mok made her way to the conn while speaking. "The Warbirds are under the command of R'Navta. They've only responded via messages, but they say they're here to ensure the safety and sovereignty of their planet."
"Now they claim encroachment rights." She sighed. "Tactical?"
"Shields and weapons nominal." Goritan said. "Say the word, and we can give them all we got."
"Good to know." She said aloud. Internally zhNon wasn't as confident.
The Aegis was a powerful ship, but even she knew better than to take on two heavy cruisers alone. Escorts of the Defiant-class and its variants worked best when fighting in tandem with larger starships. They could get in close, beyond the firing arcs of enemy vessels when larger ships drew their fire to inflict massive damage. Mogai-class Warbirds were heavily armed, and extremely maneuverable. If every action by R'Navta up until this point had been a deception, then it was a safe bet to assume the same about her tactics in a ship to ship fight.
"Utan to bridge, Commander, it's Centurion Keln. He left sickbay."
"What?" zhNon said aloud. "Doctor, how…where did he-"
The door to the bridge whooshed open and out stepped Keln. He was looking exceptionally better, with only small bandages holding slight cuts closed that the Doctor had yet to heal while working on his more serious injuries.
"You're no allowed up here unless requested." Goritan said while stepping in front of him.
"Where's the Captain?" He asked, not paying attention to the acting First Officer.
"He's been captured." zhNon said. "Centurion, I appreciate your dedication, but right now you need to return to sickbay."
"We need to get him back."
"That much is clear." She said.
"Now!" Keln roared.
zhNon stood from her chair. She walked over to face Keln but first signaled the security MACO's to come flank him from behind.
"Is there something you know, Centurion?"
Keln furrowed his brow and said, "I know my people. They're probably torturing him as we speak. And I assure you it's much worse than I endured.
As he finished, the doors to the bridge opened once again and Major Bullock stepped out. She too, like the bridge MACO's, was completely armored with a weapon.
"It's time to return to sickbay, Keln." Bullock said gently, but still placed a hand on her stun asp.
"You don't understand, they didn't capture him to make you all impotent in action, it was to learn his secrets. No matter how many treaties we've signed, Romulans still use mind scanners." He said.
zhNon tensed. She had learned about them from her tactical training, but never imagined she would have to deal with the sheer barbarism of a people using a technology to extract memories at the expense of the physical and mental health of those that they detained.
"That's what she meant when she said they had what they wanted." zhNon said.
"Which is why we have to move now!"
"No." zhNon said. "If they're willing to go to such lengths to get information from him, then maybe we can bargain for it."
"You cannot be serious!" Keln said.
Goritan went to her side. "Ma'am I agree. We need-"
"There is no 'we' Lt.!" She snapped. "We need to stop whatever mental damage they are doing to the Captain immediately. The only way to do that, is to offer them the information they want. It's pointless to get him back if he's a shell of the man that left." She looked to Carver and said, "Get me Captain Williams on subspace."
"That will take too long! Starfleet will want to send a negotiation team. Send me down, I'll get him back."
"Major!" zhNon said.
"Let's go, Keln." Bullock said, and she took his arm.
Keln snatched back and immediately had three weapons trained on him.
"Don't make me do this." Bullock said sternly, in an almost pleading tone.
"Fine." He scoffed. "Computer, activate program Compliance, authorization Keln, 8329 phi-red!"
Acknowledged, transferring commander codes and authorization, the computer said.
Bullock rushed him and pinned Keln against a wall. He held up his hands as the computer consoles flickered and lockout screens began to replace their readouts.
"I've lost helm control." Mok reported.
"Same for tactical." Goritan said.
"All stations are locked out!" Carver reported. We have internal comm, sickbay is untouched, but all primary systems are no longer responding to our command codes."
"Bloss to bridge, what the hell is going on up there?!"
"Standby, Chief." zhNon said. "I don't know what you did, or how. But you will release my ship!" She seethed at Keln.
"Maybe I wasn't clear." Keln said back, not looking phased at all. "We're getting him back. Now!"