Surefoot 53: Deep Six

Kami shifted Sreen in her arms when the infant insisted on hissing at Sakuth again. "47 confirmed dead onboard, though more were lost in the Shuttlebay breach and were irretrievable; the Morgue Unit is filled, but they've converted Cargo Bay 6 to handle the... surplus. 187 evacuees have survived to date: 20 are in the Stasis Units, including our Second Officer Lt Neheru, another 24 in the Intensive Care Beds, and the medical teams are now dealing with the minor physical injuries."

"Excuse me," asked one of the representatives, a tall, statuesque walnut-skinned human female with a short crop of sable hair, Commander's pips on her collar, and a Wakandan accent lacing her words. "Onwa Zirangi, Chief Engineer, USS Iberia... well, former Chief Engineer, anyway."

"Yes, Commander," Hrelle responded. "What is it?"

"There are those of us who have lost people since our arrival. We haven't been given the opportunity to... view the bodies, to pay our respects... to say goodbye."

Hrelle studied the woman; he had met Wakandans before, found them as stoic as Capellans, but he could tell she had lost someone today. Possibly someone close. So he nodded sympathetically to her. "I understand, Commander Zirangi. We don't have the facilities onboard to prepare formal viewings or perform ceremonies-"

"Acknowledged, Captain," she interrupted sharply. "I don't think any of us are looking for elaborate funerals or grand wakes, not now. But for most of us, all we have to confirm our losses are second-hand accounts from medical personnel. We just need the opportunity to look on those we've lost today... and accept it for ourselves."

Hrelle nodded. "Of course, Commander. We'll provide a list of those we have, and we'll arrange for escorts on a regular schedule. What's our Security status?"

Neraxis cleared her throat as attention focused on her. "I've run a physical search of every square centimetre of the ship, and have cleared us. Phasers remain on full power, quantum torpedo supply is at 80%, all Security personnel are fully armed, and I've altered the work patterns to four shifts instead of the usual three to give them a break.

Sir, I should also disclose that one of the Cardassian prisoners, an officer, informed me that the Dominion apparently keep the Jem'Hadar under control through the use of a substance called Ketracel White, and that without it, they'll go into withdrawal, and become violent and uncontrollable."

Price snorted, "You mean, as opposed to the gentle, charming creatures we all know them for being? Have you seen them in action, Missy?"

Neraxis fixed her gaze on him. "I've done more than see them, Sir, I've fought them. Have you?"

Price frowned. "There's no need to be a smart aleck, Young Lady."

"Then don't encourage it, Captain," Kami countered, looking to the others. "Is it possible? That the Dominion would enslave an entire race like that?"

"Yes," Sakuth confirmed. "This reaffirms reports SI have received, that Ketracel White is both an addictive substance and an endemic nutrient for the Jem'Hadar; this, in addition to the social conditioning imprinted on the Jem'Hadar from their hatching, ensures absolute loyalty. But I am curious as to why a Cardassian prisoner would reveal such information to us."

"Because they're sharing the same cell as the Jem'Hadar," Neraxis informed her, looking to Hrelle. "He requested that he and his men be moved into the adjacent facilities."

"Did he indicate how long it would be before the Ketracel White withdrawal would take effect?"

"He seemed to imply just a matter of hours now."

Hrelle looked to Sakuth, who responded, "I have no further information on the subject. But now would be an ideal opportunity to witness the effects on them. The intelligence we gather could be invaluable."

"Or," Kami suggested, "We could get our medical teams to examine them, and perhaps even find a cure for their addiction?"

"Excuse me, Counselor?" Price demanded indignantly. "You want to help them? The enemy? Are you insane, or just naive as hell?"

Hrelle started to respond, but his son beat him to it, slamming his tiny fists down on the tabletop as he shouted, "YOU BE NICE TO MY MAMA, OR YOU FIGHT ME!"

Sreen hissed.

Hrelle leaned in, resting a hand on one of Misha's forearms. "Stand down, Cub of Mine. Go into my office, find the box of snacks that someone put under my desk for some reason -- I have no idea where it came from -- and help yourself to one thing... and I mean just one, understand?"

Misha growled, but nodded, pointing a warning finger, claw extended, at Price and glaring as he departed. When the door slid shut, Price breathed out, appearing a little shaken by the outburst. "That's quite a... spirited youngster of yours, Captain."

Hrelle glared at him, watching as a scowling Kami settled Sreen down again. "That 'spirited youngster of mine' pre-empted a very similar warning from me: watch what you say... to any member of my crew, not just my wife. You and the others on your side of the table are here right now as a courtesy, not a consultation."

"Captain Hrelle is correct," Sakuth supported. "And Counselor Hrelle's suggestion is both ethically and strategically sound."

Sasha folded her arms, her expression taut. "It's so pleasing to get the Ethical Seal of Approval from you, Captain."

"Counselor," Hrelle interrupted, not wanting this to descend any further. "Inform Doctor Masterson, have him devote whatever people or resources he can to examine the Jem'Hadar -- under the strictest security conditions -- and confirm this dependency on the drug."

"I would respectfully request any data gathered on this matter, Captain," Sakuth asked, "One of my missions with the Fleet involved collecting all intelligence on the Dominion's soldiers. Any information on the Jem'Hadar that can be exploited could save Federation lives... even if it leads to freeing the Jem'Hadar from Dominion control. In this light, they may even be seen less as biological weapons of the Dominion, and more as their victims."

Hrelle considered her. The woman was making every effort to support and ingratiate to him, and he could practically feel how his side were reacting to that. "We'll see, Captain." He looked to Jonas. "What's our Engineering status?"

Jonas straightened up. "Warp and impulse engines are operational, Sir, and I've ensured the subsystems are running fully on the original ODN lines. I had a check of your bioneural gel packs, and confirmed the reason for their malfunction: polaron radiation affected them, the way it would our own biological nervous systems."

Hrelle nodded at that. "And the damaged parts of the ship?"

"Chief Maryk and Lt Madison from the Ajax have been supervising the team repairing the damage to the Shuttlebay doors and floors, the rest is minor, cosmetic... but, Sir, I would recommend that we recruit more from among the evacuees to offer additional support. Your Engineering teams have been through an ordeal, particularly the cadets-"

"I'd have to agree with Jonas, Sir," Neraxis piped up. "The casualties among your Security team are significant, plus they have the added stress of having to monitor the POWs. I'm happy to cover for Lt Shall until she's released from Sickbay, and remain in service under her, but your people need a break."

"Excuse me," Price picked up again. "But we've all been through an ordeal today-"

"-Thus I am certain you will understand and coooperate, Captain," Sakuth finished for him. "Given that we are alone out here, and must depend upon each other to survive."

Hrelle noted how Price reacted to the interruption, but sensibly ended any further potential protest. "Thank you. Lt Ostrow -- the Chief of Security one -- will escort you back to the Shuttlebay, and we'll examine our records to determine those among the evacuees best qualified to provide support. And Lt Ostrow -- the Chief of Engineering one -- will proceed to the Bridge and assume command from Lt Velkovsky until relieved."

Jonas looked to him. "Command, Sir?"

Hrelle nodded, though he kept staring at Sakuth. "Proceed... all but you, Captain Sakuth."

The Vulcan remained seated as the Ostrows and the other evacuees departed. Once the door slid shut, Sakuth leaned forward, folding her hands on the table and regarding the four adults and one cub staring back. "May I assume that, given our notable shared history, that you have questions for me?"

"'Notable'," Hrelle echoed with a growl. "The first time you were here, you tried to blow us to the Seven Hells to suppress the details about a secret weapon."

"The second time," Kami continued. "You tried to shoot my cub with a phaser, believing he was a Changeling."

"The third time," T'Varik added coldly. "You conspired in a cover-up of a telepathic assault on my person by one of your fellow operatives."

"And today," Sasha concluded, scowling, "I learned you forced a mindlink on Giles Arrington, claiming you did it because he panicked while serving under you on the Cooper." Her sneer punctuated what she thought of that idea. "And you probably helped the spy your boss planted on the Ajax, the one who framed Lt Madison and sabotaged our systems. You're a real piece of work, you and the rest of your Section 31 pricks."

Sakuth raised an eyebrow. "Most of the incidents mentioned were, as explained at the time, necessary actions taken in defence of Starfleet and the Federation... but not necessarily taken with ardency." She looked to Kami. "The incident with your son was regrettable, Counselor, and I apologise for frightening him, and you." She turned on Sasha. "I make no claim of being part of any organisation named Section 31, nor even of acknowledging the existence of such, nor do I know of any operatives that may or may not have been on the Ajax.

As for Mr Arrington, the explanation I provided your associates was partly true."

"Partly true? As much as that?" T'Varik noted archly. "Such levels of honesty must have caused you acute dyspepsia."

"You'd better be prepared to give us the full truth," Hrelle demanded with a growl. "If you want to walk off my ship alive."

Sakuth stared at him for a moment, her disbelief at his naked threat clear on her face, before she regained her composure, folding her hands on the table. "The intensity of your loyalty towards your former cadet does you credit, Captain. The account I gave Mr Arrington's associates regarding his behaviour was a necessary obfuscation."

"A lie," T'Varik corrected sharply. "Call it what it is, for once."

Sakuth eyed her former lover, but only for a moment, focusing on Hrelle again. "Disinformation. Mr Arrington did not panic while on the Cooper. On the contrary, he demonstrated remarkable calm under duress, as well as tactical acumen, and ensured we survived long enough to download our accumulated intelligence into secure drives, and make our escape. He is a testament to the training and influence you have all given him, and I will commend his actions in my report-"

"Then why did you really mindmeld with him?" Kami snapped, provoking a growl of punctuation from Sreen.

"Because in the process of assisting me, he inadvertently became privy to data far above his current security level, knowledge of which would have been dangerous in his possession. My actions were as much to protect him as to safeguard the data."

"How noble of you," Sasha sneered.

"Was the link consensual?" Hrelle asked.

"Yes. Starfleet Intelligence operatives at particular security levels sign waivers offering consent to telepathic amendment when necessary." She looked to T'Varik. "You may speak with him, of course, and verify all of this. Is there anything else I might do to assist you?"

"Yes," T'Varik responded first. "You are being open, patient, cordial, ingenuous, complimentary, welcome. All of these qualities are totally uncharacteristic of you. If you are seeking to lull us into a false sense of security, it is doomed to failure."

"While you're onboard our ship," Hrelle continued. "You'll not attempt to access any system. Or any mind. If you do either, you'll regret it. That's a promise."

Sakuth regarded him, and the others. "I understand your hostility towards me, Captain. But you must be aware that with my connections in Starfleet Intelligence, you cannot intimidate me. None of you can."

"No, bubulah?" Sasha countered, crossing her arms. "How about my grandmother? We all know who Ma'Sala Shall is, beyond her role in the Caitian Planetary Navy.

Is she capable of intimidating you?"

Sakuth stared back, blinking.

Then she turned back to Hrelle. "I will comply with your conditions."

Before anyone can respond, Hrelle's intercom chirped, and Jonas' voice filled the air. "Captain, please report to the Bridge, at once."

"Acknowledged." He rose. "Commander, escort Captain Sakuth back to the Shuttlebay, in case she gets lost along the way. Counselor, collect our cub before he empties my snack box, and update Masterson about the Jem'Hadar situation. Lieutenant Hrelle, you're with me." He winced.

Kami frowned at him, and he saw it, but neither brought it up in front of Sakuth, as all departed, Hrelle striding onto the Bridge, pushing down his pain as he looked around. The cleaning crew had done a good job of clearing up after the attack here... except for the lingering scent of Neheru's blood in the air, and on the bulkhead, noticeable only to experienced Caitian noses.

He also noticed Velkovsky, still at the Helm, despite his earlier insistence to her that she finally take a break, after all that had happened in the last twelve hours. But he had no time for dealing with it now, as he approached Jonas at Tactical, standing with Security crewman Xinn Chaf. He noted the display readings. "What is it?"

Jonas faced him, his expression grave. "Captain, our long-range sensors are detecting sudden changes in the flight plans of a half-dozen Galor-class warships."

"All towards us. At Warp Nine," Hrelle finished, prompted by the display. It was true: six vessels in various positions, around the sector, all suddenly moving in their direction. "We must have caught the attention of one of their probes." He glanced at Sasha. "Take us to Yellow Alert, and get T'Varik and Neraxis back up here." He returned to the display. "On our present course and speed, and at theirs, they'll converge on us in two hours, maybe less."

Chaf looked to the display as well, his bald blue Bolian head creasing with study. "If we increased our speed to Maximum-"

"-We'll gain perhaps an extra half-hour, but make our position stand out all the more clearly for their sensors. We'll still have nowhere to go, we'll just get there a little faster."

Seven Hells...

*

Deck 4 Mid -- Sickbay 3:

Peter Boone swung his legs out over the side of the biobed and sat up, wincing as he reached for his undershirt, ignoring the approaching nurse until he was practically in Peter's face. "Lie back, Mister, you're not going anywhere."

Peter still kept looking away. Not out of rudeness, but to save himself embarrassment; Nurse Errem Etrusi was Betazoid, and handsome as hell with those broad shoulders and wavy copper hair and black eyes and Peter really needed to keep his thoughts to himself... "I'm needed, we're in the midst of an emergency-"

Etrusi rested a hand on his shoulder. "Peter, you were lucky the disruptor blast didn't hit a vital spot, and that they had coagulant treatments handy."

Peter paused, controlling his reactions as best he could at the touch -- he had to get out now before Doctor Kline returned and glowered the rebellion out of the human -- before shrugging it off and hopping onto his feet. "I'll take it easy, I promise."

"Listen, Handsome, if I have to call up the EMH-"

"Then I'll ignore him."

"Excuse me, Son?"

Peter and the nurse turned at the approach of another human in civilian clothes, a male in his fifties with a broad, hangdog face, receding greying hair that reached his shoulders, and bright, mischievous eyes flanking a broad nose. Etrusi straightened up and faced him. "Sorry for leaving you like that, Mr Clemonds. Your injuries are all fixed, we'll get someone to escort you back to the Shuttlebay, as soon as someone is free-"

"Someone's free," Peter declared, stepping around the nurse and finishing dressing in a fresh undershirt and jacket left him earlier when Zir came to visit. "I'll take you there, Sir."

"You're not going anywhere." Etrusi smiled as he touched Peter's forearm again. "Besides, now that you're conscious, we can finally get to know each other..."

Peter's pulse quickened... but then he looked over the Betazoid's shoulder, and saw Clemonds grinning and shaking his head.

Peter pulled back. "Another time, maybe." He grabbed his jacket, hid his discomfort as he slipped into it, and approached the other human. "If you follow me, Sir?" He waited until he was outside before asking, "I was being played in there, wasn't I?"

Clemonds chuckled. "Like a prize fiddle, Son, like a prize fiddle."

Peter grimaced. "He's a Betazoid, he must have read my mind."

The older man patted Peter's shoulder sympathetically. "I hate to break it to you, Buddy, but you don't have to be psychic to see you had the hots for him."

Peter looked at him, felt his skin heat up, and then looked away once more. "I don't believe it. This keeps happening to me. I have no Pokerface whatsoever. I must be the laughing stock of the ship."

"Hey, don't be thinking like that," Clemonds assured him. "There's nothing wrong with wearing your heart on your sleeve; at least people know where they stand with you. Unless you were one of my ex-wives." He stopped and grinned. "We ain't been formally introduced: L.Q. Clemonds, but my friends call me Sonny."

Peter stopped and faced him; the man had an accent like their Chief Medical Officer, and he wondered if he had come from the same planet, where everyone behaved like cowboys. "Peter, Peter Boone, Medical Cadet."

Clemonds shook his hand enthusiastically. "Pleasure to meet ya, Petey." He glanced around at the people striding past him. "I've been in the future ten years now, and I'm still surprised by some of the folk you got running around. Hey, you don't know where I can get me a replacement six-string?"

"'Six-string'?"

"Yeah, a guitar! I've been a strummer for four hundred years, give or take a few decades on ice! I was a civilian entertainer on the Iberia when we had to abandon ship, and I had to leave my old axe behind."

Peter frowned to himself. Four hundred years? He wondered if perhaps the man had an undiagnosed concussion, the way he talked. "Well, maybe our Chief Medical Officer Doctor Masterson will let you borrow his; he likes to sing songs about cowboys and horses and whiskey and-"

Clemonds stopped again, eyes brightening. "Well, now, sounds like a man after my own heart..."

*

Deck 1 Fore -- Ready Room:

Hrelle ignored the continued pain in his side as he and his senior officers examined multiple displays and related data. Hrelle winced as he leaned forward over his desk, running through scenarios. "This system we're passing- what have we got here?"

Sasha reached out and indicated the arrangement of planets around the small red binary stars. "Two small inner planets, both Class-D; a Class-I ice giant just outside the Temperate Belt, and a larger than usual Oort cloud due to the lack of a typical gas giant to act as a sweeper."

T'Varik nodded to the holodisplay. "The Oort cloud could offer a number of opportunities for seclusion."