by TC Blane
80821.2239
Concurrent with parts of Resigned
-=Tryst Residence, Betazed=-
80821.2239
Concurrent with parts of Resigned
-=Tryst Residence, Betazed=-
TC watch as Zanh Liis ran off. This was bad and he knew it, even worse was that the captain knew it, she was walking to her undoing and she wanted him to stand idly by and watch the whole ordeal.
That was something he could not do. He spun on his heel and made his way back to where his black shorts had been dropped. He quickly put them on then canned the crowd for Commander Salvek.
He quickly spotted the Vulcan among the crowd and he made a beeline to the Alchemy’s first officer knocking several people out of the way in the process. Any thought of a curt reply from a ruffled guest was stifled by TC’s menacing look.
TC was talking as he approached interrupting a conversation that Salvek was having with one of the guests.
“We have a problem commander that requires us to return to the ship.” He glared at the Vulcan. “Now.”
TC’s attitude and stance instantly caught the first officers attention and he scanned the crowd to find the captain to see if TC sense of urgency was also written on her face. When he could not find her he returned TC gaze.
“What is the situation Commander Blane.” He asked with perfect professionalism.
TC inhaled in an obvious attempt to calm himself before speaking. “Sir, the Gauntlet arrived in orbit, with Vox, and he ordered the captain to report to him immediately.” He nodded over his shoulder. “The captain has already departed.”
The news caught Salvek’s attention but if he was startled or concerned it did not show except for the fact the he quickly set down his glass of water.
“Perhaps the admiral needed to discuss our next assignment with the captain.” Salvek offered an logical explanation.
TC quickly shook his head. “No I don’t believe so.” He lowered his voice. “I saw her face. She does not believe that she is coming back.”
Salvek stood in silence for a moment thinking. “Why would she believe that?”
TC took another deep breath; he was not sure how much about the current situation the captain had told her first officer. She had been specific in asking TC not to tell Salvek or anyone else about how much she had been able to recall after the Sylph incident.
“Commander Blane?” Salvek prompted.
“She thinks that because she remembers.” TC finally answered. “Everything.” He figured that no further explanation would be required, that the Commander would know exactly what he was referring to.
He was right.
“I will meet you on the bridge.” Was all that Salvek said as he turned to look for his wife.
TC nodded and then made a hasty exit from the party. As soon as he was out of site he removed the comm. badge from his shorts and pressed it.
“Commander Blane to the Alchemy, Beam me directly to my quarters.”
=Alchemy=
Ten minutes later Commander Blane walked onto the darkened bridge of the Alchemy, fully clothed, and walked directly to the forward view screen.
“Damn.” He growled at the vision of the Gauntlet.
“Lights to full.” He barked. The bridge lights instantly rose to full causing the skeleton staff to squint their eyes. Worry glances were exchanged between them.
Blane made his way back to the center seat and stood to the side folding his hands behind his back. Eve though he was currently the senior officer on the bridge and the chair was rightfully his he did not feel comfortable sitting into it. Not until he was sure his captain was safe and sound back on board. His mind was working at full speed going over the various possible scenarios and the most likely responses, that would accomplish that goal.
“Has commander Salvek returned from the surface yet?” He asked.
“Not yet sir.” Came the curt reply.
TC rocked back and forth from his toes to his heels as he thought about his next move. He had to come clean with Salvek about exactly how much Liis remembered and how much he knew about the whole situation.
Of course there was another issue that pressed on his mind. If Vox did pull the captain up to the Gauntlet because of what she remembered, how did he find out?
Did Dane report what he had found? TC hoped that was not the case, if so the young man would find himself floating home. How ever the possibility of Dane being the culprit seemed unlikly to TC after the show the man put on for TC and Zanh on the surface.
There had to be another spy.
What bothered TC more then anything was that they truly did not know for sure why Zanh Liis had been summoned to the Gauntlet.
TC was determined to find out.
“Open a channel to the Gauntlet.” He ordered.
There was a beep. “Channel open.”
“Commander Blane to the Gauntlet. What is the status of Captain Zanh Liis?” He asked obvious irritation and a hint of menace in his voice.
At first there was no reply only a very long and uncomfortable silence during which Commander Salvek walked onto the bridge followed closely by Commander Blakeslee.
Suddenly the channel came to life. [Commander Blane this is Commander Yeager, XO of the Gauntlet. Captain Liis is under arrest and will not be returning to the Alchemy. Details and orders will be given in due time. Yeager out.] The channel closed with a beep and without allowing for any reply.
“Arrested.” TC repeated. His voice revealing that he was not surprised as he looked back to Salvek.
Salvek slowly took a seat in the captain’s chair.
“What are the charges?” He asked.
TC folded his arms across his chest. “I did not hear any listed.”
Salvek rubbed his chin. “Raise the Gauntlet again.” He ordered.
There was a beep followed quickly by another. “They are not accepting the channel sir.”
Salvek turned to TC. “Perhaps it would help me to make accurate command decisions if I knew all of the facts Mr. Blane.” He stood and walked towards the conference room. TC followed close behind.
“You have the bridge Mr. Blakeslee.” Salvek called out as the doors slid shut behind TC and himself.
Zander moved to the center chair and sat down and looked at the image of the Gauntlet.
“Never a dull moment.” He commented to no one in particular.
Commander TC Blane
Second Officer
USS Alchemy
Second Officer
USS Alchemy