Star Trek : Wisconsin - 8 Reap what you Sow

by Mashal Wisconsin

Senator Jameson leads the Starfleet Oversight Committee in holding a hearing on the first year's voyages of the USS Wisconsin. His objective is to discredit Starfleet and use that to win the Presidential Election. Come join as Captain Jacobs, the Wisconsin, and Starfleet try to overcome a crooked politician to get the truth out!

4. Chapter 2

Chapter 802

KLINGON HIGH COUNCIL CHAMBER

QO'NOS

Kang and Kor walked into the chamber. The Moderator said, "The Council recognizes Kang and Kor."

Kang and Kor walked to the center of the chamber. The Moderator said, "Kang state your intentions on the Chancellorship."

Kang said, "I do not wish to be Chancellor. My purpose was to avenge my Jup-qorDu, Captain Joshua Jeremiah Jacobs." Kang looked intently into the council members that survived the purge they did earlier. "The challenge that Kor and I made to the High Council was to address the corruption that is infecting our Empire. As for those of you that remain, Kor and I had no evidence against you or your subordinates, and that is why you weren't challenged." In the background, General Chang, not a council member but a military advisor, breathed a little easier.

Kang continued to look around. "The Challenge of the Chancellor was because of his attack on my family's honor. The challenge of corruption was as a Dahar Master, to deal with the corruption. It was not to ascend to the Chancellorship. Since it was two that made the challenge, such a move would be dishonorable as to become a Chancellor must come from a duel."

The Moderator asked, "Do you bestow your rightful spot to an individual?"

Kang shook his head, "No, I do not. Since I have refused Chancellorship, I do claim the right to name the Arbiter of Succession."

The council room exploded in angry yells and calls. The Moderator raised his hands indicating silence. After a short time, the hall quieted. The Moderator said, "Kang is in order as to name the Arbiter."

One of the council members said, "He will choose someone he can control! They will select a weak opponent for their true intention."

Other council members started yelling their own objections. The Moderator yelled, "Silence! Kang is within his right. If one of you wish to challenge that right to name the Arbiter, make your challenge now!" The room fell silent. Kang kept his eyes on the Moderator, who in turn looked at each of the High Council members. "There is none to challenge you, Kang. Name your Arbiter!"

Kang said sternly, "I name Koloth son of Krinak, Dahar Master as the Arbiter of Succession." The doors opened up and Koloth entered the hall. There was some murmuring as Koloth strode up to stand next to Kor and Kang. Koloth was relatively thin, almost wiry, and tall. Koloth had been known to have a sense of humor, somewhat insulting but there. Today, he was all business. All Klingon business.

Koloth said loudly, "I accept Arbiter of Succession."

The Moderator asked, "How do you, Koloth son of Krinak, intend to proceed?"

Koloth said simply, "Who right now would be interested in being Chancellor?"

Gokh said, "I know that Admiral Kukh wishes to lead the Empire."

Some murmuring in the hall happened. Kang's impassive face hardened slightly. Kang thought, did he make a mistake? Kukh had some allegations of not honorable dealings in the past. He was always able to prove himself innocent, but the reputation of Kukh was not solid. "Where is Admiral Kukh?"

Gokh said, "He is on the Cardassian front."

Koloth stated, "Inform him that the Arbiter of Succession requires his decision on participating in the Rite of Succession. I require his answer immediately." Koloth knew the round trip time was going to be a few days. "Is there a challenger to Admiral Kukh?"

Droth said loudly, "Ambassador Gorkon will want the chance to lead the Empire."

More murmuring. Kang thought that Gorkon was definitely more honorable, but he did not have much of a warrior history. His was mostly political. Kang waited patiently. Koloth asked, "Is there any more?" The High Council was still decimated with Kang's purge, as it was now known. This was actually a fragile time in the empire, as a leadership void existed not only with the Chancellorship, but several High Council seats. Koloth waited patiently and then said, "Then as Arbiter I adjourn the initial stage and wait for the answers back from each party." Koloth turned and walked out of the Hall.

The High Council started working on other relatively mundane business. Kang looked at Kor and nodded. The two of them turned and left the hall. Outside was Koloth. The three greeted each other.

Kang nodded without smiling. "Koloth, it is good to see you again."

Koloth smiled his mischievous smile, "Kang, you are still trying to imitate Vulcans." The two embraced forearms. Koloth turned to Kor and cooled off a little. "Kor, the very fact of you being alive in Kang's presence surprises me."

Kor smiled warmly, "If you want, I have much to tell."

Koloth motioned towards the front gate. The trio started walking. "It will take time to get answers back. I look forward to some time back here on Qo'nos to be with my family. But for now, let's all go to the nearest tavern and enjoy some blood wine!"

Kang cracked a smile. "That sounds agreeable."

Koloth mentioned, "I am thankful for your asking me to be Arbiter. It really hasn't been my concern to get this close to High Council politics, this is about as close as I ever want to get."

Kor mentioned, "There are only two candidates. Let them fight it out."

Koloth shook his head, "No, I have to decide based on their petition if they are worthy to fight. Remember Skrag the cunning."

Kor shook his head, "I don't remember."

Kang said, "Sixty years ago, the Arbiter denied his petition. Not enough battles to distinguish himself worthy to be Chancellor."

Kor's brows furrowed. "I don't remember him. What happened?"

"Skrag challenged the Arbiter, they dueled and the Arbiter lost. After they got a new Arbiter, that one said Skrag was worthy, then him and K'orin'al dueled. K'orin'al won." Koloth said. "Honor in the process was preserved.

Kor nodded, "I never fancied you a historian."

Koloth nodded thoughtfully. "True, I've played the fool too much, but I've always been interested in the conquests of old. As I've studied the battles, the history became alive. When one starts comparing history with what is happening nowadays, we are sliding backwards into dishonor. The Klingon name was always to be feared, but our name was also synonymous with honor. I fear what the recent events have done to our name." Koloth looked at Kor, walking beside him. "Speaking of which, it is known that the two of you have a blood feud. How is it that the two of you are now allies? I never thought to see the two of you standing together in battle."

Reaching the Tavern Kang reached for the door and pulled the massive door open. "As long as you have time, we can tell you the tale."

Koloth asked, "Does it involve this Captain Jacobs you insist on having as your friend?"

Kor stepped in the offered door. Kang said, "Yes, it does."

Koloth said, "Then I eagerly await the tale." He stepped in and Kang followed.

KLINGON HIGH COUNCIL CHAMBER

QO'NOS

THE NEXT DAY

The doors opened and Koloth, Kang, and Kor walked in and stood in the center of the chamber. Koloth said sternly, "I am here. What is it?"

Droth stepped forward and reported, "Ambassador Gorkon accepts. He wishes us to appoint a new ambassador to the Federation and return home."

Koloth blinked, "How did an answer return so fast?"

Droth said, "Between here and Earth we have a new high-speed communication system."

Koloth asked, "And yet the Council enacted war with the Federation before declaring war?" Koloth turned to Kor and Kang, "If I were here I would have added my blade to theirs. You all deserve to die to allow the Empire to falter in honor as this!"

Droth explained, "The device isn't reliable it…"

"The more reason to plan around it. Why did Ambassador Gorkon depend on this device?"

Droth said, "He actually told us that it wasn't reliable. He wanted the war declaration earlier."

Koloth nodded slowly. "Then his honor remains intact. Inform him to return home."

The Moderator shook his head, "We can't do that Arbiter. In the aftermath of the Battle of Starbase 5, the Ambassador's ship was told to leave the Federation.

Koloth turned and looked at Kang and Kor. "Kang. Take your ship and organize a trip to Earth to retrieve Ambassador Gorkon." Koloth looked at Kor. "Kor, you accompany Kang. Right now the Federation is hostile territory to us and your expertise may be needed." Kor nodded.

The Moderator said, "It will take a while for them to get back."

Koloth nodded, "That can't be avoided. In the meantime, the candidates can transmit their worthiness for review. Kang, Kor, leave at the earliest opportunity."

Kang and Kor nodded, turned and left. Once out of the Chamber, Kor asked, "Don't take offense, brother. But why did Koloth assign me to come with you?"

Kang said, "Koloth knows the Federation will never attack a diplomatic ship. They have always been rule-followers. I suspect it more a chance for us to get to meet Jacobs once again. We can plan to stop by Starbase 5 on the way in."

Kor smiled deviously, "It is along the way. And our orders are very vague."

CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

USS WISCONSIN

Cdr Leonaidas and Lt Cdr Santini were sitting at the desk with Captain Jacobs looking on the screen on the wall. Santini said, "Overall, the repairs are just about done, once we get that new nacelle, we'll have to do the typical balancing and calibration of the warp coil system, but we should be done."

Leonaidas added, "All other departments are reporting that they are fully operational. If the Klingons dropped in, we would let them know we are here."

Jacobs nodded, "That is good. I don't like hanging around here dragging that nacelle around. Dom, have you done any more surveys on the nacelle?"

"Hasn't been a priority, my people got to sleep too. I figure…" Just then the com beeped.

Jacobs pushed the button, "Jacobs."

Lt Jareau's voice came through the speaker. "Captain, Admiral Adama is on visual for you."

"Put him through, JJ."

All turned to the screen mounted on the wall. Adama's image came with him sitting at his desk. "Gentlemen, I'm pleased to catch you all together. How are you and the Wisconsin doing?"

Jacobs said, "We are doing fine, could use a little rest. The Wisconsin will be ready as soon as we get the new nacelle."

"That's first on my list Josh. The Nacelle is going to get retasked to the Andretti. Their nacelle is too badly damaged for warp, and as it is if you need to you can warp with only one."

Jacobs said wryly, "Like a wounded animal."

"Almost two hundred years ago Zephram Cochran couldn't even dream of the speed you can do on one nacelle." Adama said bemused.

Santini said, "Zephram Cochran didn't know any better."

Adama nodded, "True enough. I do owe you an explanation. The Andretti gets me a fast scout immediately. Plus Starfleet Science wants your slagged nacelle to figure out more about that weapon."

Leonaidas said, "That weapon should be in the lower atmosphere of that gas giant by now."

"Yes, but we still don't know how the Klingons made it to begin with, and we don't know if they can make more. Starfleet wants to dissect your nacelle with the best assets we have and that is back at Earth. Easiest way is to have you lug it back on your ship." Adama said.

Jacobs shrugged, "Aye aye sir. We'll plan on it. When do we leave?"

"In about a week." That got the attention of everybody. "It turns out we have some company coming." Jacobs gave a quizzical look. Adama said, "The Excalibur is going to the border to escort Kang and Kor here. Then you and the Excalibur will escort Kang's ship to Earth."

Jacobs couldn't suppress a smile. "That is a surprise. What is going on?"

Adama said dryly, "Your buddy Kang and his newfound friend Kor did quite a number on the Klingon High Council. There probably is some shuffling of the Klingon Administration going on. What do you know of Klingon politics?"

Jacobs said, "Not much. Kang isn't coming to attack, that would be a suicide run doomed to end in failure. Is he transporting anyone?"

Adama said, "Not that we know of. Of course, the Klingons are a do first, notify later kind of people. We just know they specifically requested a stop here at Starbase 5 before coming to Earth. Ideas?"

Jacobs looked at Santini then at Leonaidas. Leonaidas shrugged. "I have made a connection with Kang and Kor. Maybe they want to talk off-the-record about something? I'm guessing."

Adama nodded. "Normal protocols when they arrive. We have transmitted their zone to either drop their disruptor coils and orbit here or they can wait there and let us ferry passengers. So far no response."

Jacobs looked at his two officers. "We'll be combat ready. Just no high warp speeds."

Adama nodded. "That is prudent. If Kang contacts you let me know. Adama out."

"Aye aye sir." Jacobs

Leonaidas said, "This will be interesting. What do you think sir?"

Jacobs gave a wry smile, "Believe it or not, I think it is a social call. There is no real reason to attack. Like we said earlier, it would be suicide. With one ship they can't set up an attack of any kind. I'm just puzzled on why."

Santini offered. "I'll get Mr. Grimm what he needs to make sure the weapons are ready. The warp reactor is nominal. You'll have full power, just no speed. We are like a two-prop ship with only one prop."

Jacobs nodded, "Thanks Dom." Jacobs stood up and the two others did as well. "I'm going to go take a Raptor out and survey the ship from outside. Want to come Dom?"

Santini nodded. "I think it'll be a good flight. Let me bring Mr. Knabe along as well. We can put a sensor package on a hardpoint."

Jacobs smiled, "That sounds like a good idea. Leo, what about you?"

Leonaidas said, "I do not think so. No more windows to look out. I'll keep the office open while you are gone."

Jacobs leaned down and pushed a button. "Captain Jacobs to the Hangar deck."

"Hangar deck, Lt Tyrol here."

"Prep a Raptor for launch. Orbital ops only. I'm going to survey the repairs of the ship so put on a sensor package for that. I'll have Lt Cdr Santini and Lt Knabe with me and they will operate it."

"Aye aye sir, I'll get it all ready for you."

"Thank you, Jacobs out." Jacobs stood up again. "Well, we have guests to prepare for. Let's get to work."

MALUAKA ISLAND BEACH RESORT

MALUAKA ISLAND

STARBASE 5

Lopaka smelled the fresh air. This was so much like Hawaii it was uncanny. Amazingly, it was completely untouched in the attack and now the workers were getting the construction equipment restarted again. Lopaka was overlooking the plans. The foundation was barely laid along with some of the services, but everyone was still living out of temporary shelters.

His communicator was lying on the table went beep. Lopaka flipped it open and said, "Lopaka."

"It's Sam, Lopaka. How are you this morning?"

"Good, another bright day in paradise is going to happen. What's up Sam?"

"I just got a message from Josh. Can you prepare a luau in about a week to week and half?"

Lopaka smiled. "Depends on how many people and how fancy."

"I figure about twenty. I'll ask Josh to firm that up a bit."

"That will be easy. What about the fancy part?" Lopaka asked.

"Should be easy. Not fancy at all. Rustic Hawaiian is good. Guests of honor will be Klingons and they are not into creature comforts." Cogley said.

"Klingons? You mean the ones we just defeated?"

"Sort of, these are good Klingons." Cogley said. "One of them killed the Chancellor and the other helped kill the bad guys on the Council."

Lopaka looked around and said, "I did not realize. Ok, I'll be ready. Any other instructions?"

"No, Josh wants to blow them away with hospitality. I think he is returning a favor Kang did to him. Kang hosted a feast for the Wisconsin officers." Cogley thought a little. "Come to think of it, you may want to have some Klingon dishes too. Kang had human food in case the crew did not want the Klingon cuisine."

Lopaka was bewildered. "I'll try."

BRIDGE

USS EXCALIBUR

Captain Jackson was watching the blip on the navigation display grow closer. It's funny, but after being in combat, this process seemed like it was taking entirely too long. At the predetermined point, Lt. Holt turned around and said, "The IKV Klolode is hailing us."

Jackson replied, "Put them on the main screen."

Soon, Kang's image of him sitting in the captain's chair on the bridge filled the screen. In the background was Kor. There was a third Klingon standing in the background with a stern scowl. Jackson said evenly, "We meet once again, Kang."

Kang nodded without smiling. "Captain Jackson. May I introduce Kor, and Ambassador Schuck. We stand ready to be escorted to Starbase 5."

Jackson nodded. The last time they saw Kang, it was around the planet Maghreb. Kang was representing the Klingons in negotiating a mining treaty and Jackson had brought along Admiral Clayborne to perform the same function for the Federation. Klingons was always about a show of force and not showing any weakness. Jackson instinctively kept his stern look and said, "Engage warp 6, standard acceleration in thirty seconds. We will follow on your left, aft position as agreed earlier."

Kang nodded and then the screen went off. Commander Morrow said sarcastically, "Warm welcome."

Jackson commented, "At least they weren't shooting at us."

BRIDGE

IKV KLOLODE

Ambassador Schuck said, "I will return to my quarters. Contact me when we get to the Starbase."

Once Schuck left Kor murmured, "No sense of humor."

Kang added, "He doesn't like being posted to Earth."

Kor explained. "I'm talking about the humans. Jacobs has a good sense of humor, so does his preacher, one called Octavian."

Kang shrugged, "Not many humans have a sense of humor. They could use one."

RAPTOR 1

IN ORBIT AROUND STARBASE 5

"Captain, can you bring us left about ten meters? I want a deep scan of that patch over there." Santini asked.

Jacobs tapped gently the translation control to the left. The Raptor drifted to the left along the underside of the saucer section. Lt Knabe was sitting right behind Jacobs, at a temporary station that was created by removing the first couple of seats. He was facing the wall and the displays were mounted on the wall. His seat was mounted to the floor. Santini sitting in the copilot seat could look over his shoulder and get a very nice look at the scans coming in. Santini said, "Captain, can you stop all motion? For a good scan?"

Jacobs said, "No problem." He turned on the autopilot and selected the appropriate mode. The Raptor stopped all motion relative to the Wisconsin's hull.

Santini turned around and asked, "How does that patch look Lieutenant?"

Lt. Knabe was working the scans. "The welds definitely went deep enough; it looks like the welders kept the temperature profile right. Metal crystallization is good." Knabe worked a few more controls. "I call this patch good."

Santini turned to his display and tapped the segment as good. "Ok, Captain, the next one is twenty meters radially outboard." Santini saw the captain work the controls and the Raptor started drifting towards the next patch point. "Captain, if I may ask."

Jacobs kept his eyes on the ship's hull. "Sure."

Santini said, "You think it's a good idea to have a luau for Klingons?"

Jacobs shrugged. "Who is going to complain?"

Santini thought aloud. "Starfleet Command."

Jacobs nodded knowingly. "I hear what you are saying, but I don't think so. Kang, we have a special relationship with, and remember he was the one who tipped us off that we had a deep mole somewhere. Kor, in the end he not only allowed me to leave, he risked a lot to save my life in my return. Then you add that those two together they did more in avenging the attack on us than we ever could. Kang and Kor are not threats to the Federation."

Santini asked, "Ok, so what about Senator Jameson?"

Jacobs chuckled, "He would be a problem no matter what we do. So, I make the choice to return some hospitality that was shown to us around Maghreb."

Santini added, "That simple?"

Jacobs smiled, "That simple. Dom, remember to keep it simple. Simple works." Jacobs slowed the Raptor and re-engaged station keeping mode on the autopilot. "How is this position?"

COMMANDER'S OFFICE

STARBASE 5

The com whistled. Admiral Adama was sitting at his desk reviewing some reports on his datapad. He reached over to the button and pushed it without looking up from the reports. "Adama."

Commander Williard's voice came over the speaker. "Sir, we just got communiqué from Starfleet. It's a message from Admiral Nogura himself."

Adama sat the pad down and turned to face his desk. "Transfer it to here." He activated his desktop computer.

"Aye aye sir."

Soon, Nogura's image came on the screen. "Bill, I wanted to make this a video message so that you can see my expression." Fine chance, Nogura could be a world-class poker player. Probably comes from Nogura's being raised in Las Vegas.

"Bill, the Starfleet Oversight committee is up to something and I'm not sure what. They just sent a subpoena to Captain Jacobs, Captain Jackson, and you to appear in front of them in two weeks. Enclosed are the subpoenas. I believe that it is related to the action with the Klingons and may be about your call to move the fleet to intercept the Klingons. Because it is Senator Jameson ultimately behind this, there probably is something else going on too. Please alert Samuel Cogley, that wise old bird can see around corners and may have a good idea as to what is really happening."

"Either way, I look forward to seeing you in two weeks. I feel comfortable in your leaving Starbase operations to Captain Barnes in the meantime, I do not see the need to appoint an Admiral to replace you in the interim. Take care, and see you soon. Nogura out."

Adama leaned back in his chair. Nogura admits he can't really tell what the committee's agenda is. It's a no-brainer that Jameson is up to no good. He pushed his com button, "Adama to Cogley."

In a short time, Cogley's voice came through. "Bill, how are you doing?"

"I'm fine Sam. How are you?"

"Learning to live with heat again. I've never seen haze over the city like this. I guess that's one of the aftermaths of a hurricane hitting the desert. What's up?"

Adama said, "Business, dinner?"

"Orion's at six?"

"At six. See you then." Adama pushed the com button, ending the conversation. He will deal with that later. In the meantime, there is a lot to keep abreast with the fleet.

COMMANDER'S OFFICE

STARBASE 5

THE NEXT DAY

Captain Jacobs walked in and greeted Admiral Adama and Sam Cogley. "Good morning." He shook hands with the Admiral and with Cogley.

Adama asked, "How did the survey go?"

Jacobs handed over a datacard. "Very well. Commander Santini is reviewing the sensor data, but will probably not find anything. He certifies the patches as good as new."

"Coming from him, that's a complement." Adama said.

"He did say to pass on to the Starbase workcrews as a job well done." Jacobs added.

Adama smiled, "I will. Now to the matter at hand. Yesterday, we got a message from Admiral Nogura." Adama pushed the play button.

Jacobs watched the video, then commented after it was done. "So, we've been served papers then?"

Cogley nodded, "Yes, I have the subpoenas on file."

Jacobs asked, "What's the game?"

Adama explained. "First, we must obey the subpoena. You and Hank were going there anyway. Now I'm roped in with it. Nogura did not fight the removing of a front-line Admiral from a Starbase. He is allowing me to put Captain Barnes in charge while I'm gone."

Jacobs mentioned, "He's a good man. He held the Starbase well during the attack."

Adama nodded. "It'll be fine. Our question is what is going on?"

Jacobs looked at Cogley. "You're the wise old sage."

"I'm 65, I'm not old yet." Cogley said.

Jacobs laughed. Cogley started. "I think that this is Jameson's positioning for the Presidential Campaign. Because of his shenanigans this past year, I've switched my thinking that he was going after you, Josh and going after Starfleet. Now, while I still believe he is going after Starfleet, I think his ultimate goal is to turn Starfleet's latest win into a scandal or something. He will try to discredit you, Admiral and you Josh any way he can."

Jacobs asked, "But we have done everything right, and we still won."

Cogley nodded, "Yes, but this won't be a trial, it will be a hearing. The normal rules of jurisprudence do not apply. Worse yet, since Jameson's party controls the committee, they will determine what the rules of the hearing will be. And they can change them too. We will have to be flexible."

"What do you think they are planning?"

Cogley said, "I believe they will question the action with the Klingons heavily. We know they have contacted Paoto and the Planters. So they are going to go after how a Starfleet Captain interprets the Prime Directive. I've received word that they have gotten a hold of Admiral Clayborne. That I would have thought would be a liability to Clayborne, but Jameson has something else planned."

"I had to straighten out what Clayborne messed up." Jacobs said.

"Yes, but it will be spun differently." Cogley said. "We are not talking about simple 'finding the truth' but his spinning information for his agenda. I am going to be leaving today for Earth."

"Why don't you come with us?" Jacobs asked.
"I'd love to, but I need to get ahead of the committee. I need to meet and see the members." Cogley said.

Adama looked at Jacobs knowingly. "He needs to use his Jedi mind-trick."

Jacobs chuckled, "I can see that. Ok, we'll meet you on Earth. Anything we can do here?"

Cogley shook his head, "No, and that's why I need to get to Earth. The Starbase can transmit anything that comes in from Planter's world. Which brings up another point." Cogley looked at Adama. "They were promised a Colonist's package. I'm going to lobby that they get it."

Adama caught the hint. "I'll tell Barnes to start assembling the material together. If it gets approved, then it can ship right away."

SIGNATURE FBO

SASKATOON SPACEPORT

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN

Mitchell stepped off the shuttle with his … friends? They walked on the ramp a short distance to the business aviation terminal. As Mitchell looked around, he could see a strange collection of craft. Some airplanes, some orbital shuttles, some of the shuttles looked like first century spacecraft. The air was cool and fresh. He reached the terminal and they were ushered into a conference room.

Mitchell looked while his handlers were greeted by two others and the handlers left. The two turned and introduced themselves. "Mr. Mitchell, we are from the Starfleet Oversight Committee. You can call me 'Abel' and my partner is 'Baker'."

Mitchell looked at both of them suspiciously. "This is on the up-and-up. I'm not an escaped convict, right?"

"Absolutely. You are in our custody. You saw the documents yourself."

Mitchell looked hard at Abel. "Why the corny names?"

Abel smiled, "Because of what we have to talk about."

"You mean my testimony? I…"

Baker cut him off. "Not here. We can talk in the plane."

"Plane?"

"Yes, they are used a lot up here. They may be ancient, but they work, are very efficient, and."

Mitchell looked at both of them in the silence. "And?"

Able smirked, "After three hundred years, they are still almost impossible to plant a listening device. We have a suite at a resort north of here, our people there have already swept it."

Mitchell shook his head, "I'm going to be out in the middle of nowhere. Why?"

"We don't want Cogley's people to get at you."

Mitchell said, "Too late, they already did."

"We know that. That's part of what we will talk about. We need to find out what you said. More on that later."

An attendant opened the door and said, "Your plane is ready. It's the red one outside."

Mitchell stood up and started walking out with the others. "I still don't get this."

They stepped outside and started walking along the ramp. "We don't want anyone to get follow up questions with you. Your interview was too short, they could not have gotten that much information from you."

Soon, they saw their plane. It was a large, high-winged plane that had a pair of floats underneath the main body. The floats had wheels on them as well. Mitchell said, "You're kidding."

"Another benefit to using this form of transportation up here is that it's untraceable. No one will be able to find you. You will only make an appearance when we want you to show up."

The three climbed up and sat down. The pilot was already sitting in the seat and turned around and said, "Welcome to Canada! Strap in, we are starting up shortly."

Mitchell was a pilot himself, trained by Starfleet. This was one of those ancient vehicles the Academy made him learn, or at least similar. The one he flew was smaller with a wing on top like this, but didn't have floats. Suddenly, an image of that helicopter at that ranch Admiral Adama went through his head. It was of the same era, probably same lack of technology. Primitive junk. And now he is riding in it.

He heard the engine start up. It was quiet initially but that thing on the front, the propeller, made noise as it came to idle. Mitchell remembered that one of the cowhands at that ranch mention that the ancient vehicles they had were powered by fusion engines or something. A micro fusion reactor driving a propellor, crazy.

They taxied for takeoff. Funny thing is that there was not just this heap of spare parts. There were tens of ancient planes. People still flew them? Why? A shuttle on antigravity drive could get anywhere.

"It's far less expensive." Baker said loudly over the noise of the prop.

Mitchell looked back, "What?"

"You said something like 'why props'?"

Mitchell blinked, "I did?"

"Yes, most people do. Antigrav units are reliable and offer a lot of capability, but are horrendously expensive. You aren't in Starfleet anymore."

"Why not just beam me there?"

"That's traceable. We'll beam you to the Senate when it's time. But for now, we don't want anyone to know where you are."

Mitchell nodded. He heard that before. Soon, the propeller spun up to what must be takeoff power and the plane accelerated and soon lifted off. The noise was deafening. Able said loudly, "Ok, now we can talk."

Baker said, "We are going to go over exactly what happened to you on the Wisconsin. We want the whole story."

"That will take a bit of time."

"Time we have. What we need is a story. Senator Jameson needs something to create a scandal. We need to destroy this Captain Jacobs and his superiors. Do you have a problem with that Mitchell?"

Mitchell cackled and sneered, "No. Why?"

"Because after we got the straight story, we start working on your testimony. We are going to spin this the best way we can, Obviously, the Senator thinks you will be able to come through."

Mitchell said, "And if I do, I can get away from Lunar Penal?"

"If it's good enough, we'll get you released. You will probably have to lie at some point. Do you have a problem with lying to the committee?"

Mitchell thought a bit. "Our object is to hurt Starfleet, specifically Captain Jacobs."

Able nodded, "As much as you can."

Mitchel cackled again. "I have no problem with that. Just tell me what to say. I can pull it off."

Able and Baker smiled, "We hoped you were going to say that."

COGLEY'S SHUTTLE

ENROUTE TO EARTH

Samuel Cogley relaxed in one of the seats that was sitting at a small desk-table attached to the wall. His shuttle was a repurposed Orion Blockade Runner. Very fast, almost unique in the Federation. The way he acquired it was a long story, and it came in very useful. The only tradeoff was that quarters were tight. He could look forward to see the cockpit, and he could see his pilots working on their course. During the enroute time, they would be single pilot trading off shifts, one always being on duty. They just entered warp and were getting the ship settled in at warp cruise.

Cogley was reviewing documents. This was one time he rarely used a computer. Most of the time he liked physical books and paper and pen. Paper and pen he still had. Limitations of being on a ship required use of the computer. That's fine, when he arrived on Earth he will be surrounded by books and be comfortable again.

His computer let him know he had just received a message. Cogley opened it up and his associate appeared with a message. It was Meg Austin, with her Texas drawl.

"Hey Sam, it's Meg. I just got back from meeting with Mr. Mitchell. I have got to say the guy is just slimy. I don't doubt the reports of him hitting on female crewmembers. The guy thinks he's a gift to women or something. I'd like to take him to by brother's ranch and let him meet some real men."

"Enough about that. The recording from the meeting is appended and I'll let you review it. Short story is that I got him admitting he will do anything to hurt Captain Jacobs. It is a great sound bite, and I think you can use it."

"You should know that Mitchell had another visitor. They were from the Committee and I requested the recording from the meeting, and the Penal Colony didn't make it easy. Eventually, I went straight to Justice and got the recording from them. Those jokers had a jammer or something because there is no audio. I'm working on trying to find a good lip-reader to try to get some of the conversation. I have that included in this message as well. Mitchell was released into their custody, and has dropped off the grid. I'm thinking of making a good show of trying to make Senator Jameson reveal where he has Mitchell holed up, but ultimately, Mitchell won't cooperate with us."

"Sam, on second thought, I'll get one of the interns on that, just to make them think that is where we are focusing. A little misdirection won't hurt. Right now, I have my hands full on the other stuff you tasked me with. I'm looking forward to seeing you and Dad is planning on making a trip to Paris just to say hi. Figure that. An old cowpoke in Paris. That will make me chuckle."

"See you soon, Sam." And the screen went dark.

Commander Austin was a good friend. One of his first clients. It would be good to see him. Cogley opened and viewed the recording. It was good quality. Nothing too surprising there. Next, he looked at Mitchell's recording. Sure enough, the sound was completely unusable. That's ok, he didn't need sound.

Cogley watched the video and replayed it to make sure he did not miss anything. Interesting. So, Mitchell is excited at whatever was discussed. Hopeful. Well, Lunar Penal would do that to people. The lawyer was interesting. He tried so well to keep his facial expression under control. Cogley had a knack for reading people, on top of that he took classes and was virtually a walking lie detector. Or mind reader.

This was a little more difficult. He could not read lips but from the expressions he could read. The Lawyer, proposing something. Sell job. The lawyer lies about something, probably about how much power can be wielded, a common thing in negotiations. Yes, this was a negotiation. The lawyer proposes something. Mitchell does not believe it, probably the capability of the proposal. The lawyer truthfully tells the capability. Interesting. The capability is large enough to surprise a convicted Starfleet officer. The lawyer is confident of what he says he can do. Mitchell is elated, looking forward earnestly to the offer. Probably freedom.

But then the lawyer shows something. Disgust. Deceit. He has no intention of following through with his promise. That is interesting. He has the capability but no intent. He is also disgusted either at Mitchell himself or the proposal. Lawyers propose things all the time they do not like, it's part of the business. But disgust?

Interesting, very interesting. Cogley closed his computer and leaned back and looked out at the stars gliding by.

Cogley's pilots were finalizing the start of cruise procedure. Will Hadley was sitting in the Captain's seat for this trip and his buddy, Bruce Kendall was copilot. Hadley said, "Well, Snake, you ready for your nap?"

"Yeah Pounder. We're all set now. Just a couple days of boredom ahead of us."

Hadley turned around and looked at Cogley. "Oh oh, Sam's in one of his moods."

Kendall looked back. "He's just done that Jedi mind trick thing of his. He's digesting info. I've seen that before."

Hadley nodded. "Yep. Must be big. Go back and get a nap. See you in six hours."

"Gotcha Buddy. Don't you fall asleep on me."