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Post by Lt Cmdr Billie Jo Spencer MD on Apr 5, 2015 0:47:53 GMT -5
Operation: Fraus
Lieutenant Morgan Hale stepped off the turbo lift and cut to the left sharply. His facial expression was his typical blank mask. The “poker face” worn by a master of deception, honed through years of practice. The blank expression hid smoldering feelings of anger and frustration lingering just below the surface. At time he thought if his discipline wavered for even a moment those emotions might burst forth, with terrible results. But, the never did. Today it was Commander Steven Laird that was causing him a great deal of annoyance. He liked the guy, but that only went so far. With this “Fort Apache” situation developing and the recent disappearance of Doctor Hathaway, he had enough on his plate with out this distraction.
Morgan moved quickly through the station corridors toward Laird's office. He had no idea what the man needed, but he wanted to find out quickly so he could get back to more important problems. Laird didn't offer any details, he only stated that he had a problem he needed Morgan's help with. Morgan had to admit he was slightly intrigued, Laird was being a lot more circumspect than was typical for him regarding this matter, whatever it was.
Morgan approached the last officer at the end of the corridor, he paused just outside the closed door and pressed the door chime. From inside he heard Laird, “Come in.” He said sharply.
Morgan opened the door and entered, “You wanted to see me, Sir.” He asked, not making a great deal of effort to mask his annoyance. Laird was standing at the window across the room staring distantly off into the space beyond. His hands clasped firmly behind his back.
“Yes. I need your expertise.” Laird replied quickly. His he noticed any hint of irritation from Morgan he failed to mention it.
“Regarding?” Morgan asked, his tone curious.
Laid didn't move from his position, “You received the report from Captain Raven Renner, regarding the attack on the Ryormir colony.” Morgan nodded slightly, “Yes sir. A horrible situation.” he replied flatly. He recalled the report filed some time back by Captain Renner, about thousands of Romulan colonists dead in what was presumed to be a terrorist attack, using some form of thalaron torpedo. It was tragic, but there was nothing he could do about it. Starfleet intelligence was investigating the matter.
“We may have a lead in the matter.” Laird stated flatly.
At the mention of a possible lead Morgan's eyebrows raised, “A lead sir?”
“Yes. Intelligence officers working on an unrelated case on Nimbus Three came across some data that indicated that this attack may have been carried out by the same terrorist cell responsible for that HC-19 disaster.” Laird explained.
Morgan nodded, “So exactly where do I fit into this?”
Laird approached Morgan and handed him a PADD. Morgan accepted it and skimmed over the information quickly. “Fraus?” Morgan asked, his confusion obvious.
“Our sources on Nimbus, also indicated that the subject of that report has ties to some of the ex-Tal'Shiar members of this terrorist group. Her real name is Nemala Jeliai. She is a former member of Star Fleet and a Tal'Shiar spy.”
“I remember that case, the one caught attempting to pass advanced slip stream specs from the USS Pilgrim, to the Tal Shiar.” Morgan responded, “So what exactly do you want me to do?”
“I want you to go and find out what she knows. She is a tough nut to crack and you are one of the best interrogators we have.” Laird told him, almost pleading.
Morgan nodded, “Fine, where is she.”
“She is currently confined at Facility 4028. I just want you to make a trip over there and see what you can get out of her.”
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SITREP-345-4853747 To: 22nd Mobile Command. CC: Commander TF From: Captain Raven Renner, Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Valkyrie-NCC-99731 Star Date: 92381.07
On stardate 92378.01, while on patrol of the Azure sector, the USS Valkyrie picked up a distress call from a Romulan agrarian colony on Ryormir just inside the neighboring Hyralon sector. By the time we arrived in the system the colony had been destroyed. All the structures remained intact, but all organic matter withing the colony and for several kilometers in every direction surrounding it had been destroyed. From orbit we detected residual levels of thalaron radiation. My science officer advised me that it would be safe enough for an away team to beam down in EVA suits to investigate the scene. So I sent a minimal away team to the surface.
After send the team to the planet's surface, we picked up the warp trail of a ship that had just recently left the system. Assuming that these were the perpetrators I set a pursuit course. We managed to overtake a Nausican frigate. The crew of the frigate attempted to engage us, but were no match for the Valkyrie and her crew. We disable the frigate and took the surviving members of her crew into custody. Initial statements by the crew stated that they were hired by an unidentified Reman to launch an unspecified type of “probe” into the atmosphere of Ryormir. They claim that they did not know it was a weapon. I don't know if they are telling the truth and personally I don't care, they can rot in hell as far as I am concerned. But, if they are telling the truth, it means that the people behind this attack are still out there.
Preliminary reports from the surface indicate that all 5700 colonists were killed. Their bodies basically turned to dust. Given the sparse records kept by the colonists it may not be possible to get a complete death toll. Additionally, I recommend contacting the Romulan Republic for help in contacting any surviving relative any colonists may have had on other Romulan worlds.
One more strange piece of information about this case. There was what appeared to be some sort of research facility on the surface. The facility was destroyed by spacial charges several hours prior to the destruction of the colony. The two events may or may not be related.
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Post by Lt Cmdr Billie Jo Spencer MD on Apr 6, 2015 12:49:57 GMT -5
Location: Interrogation Room 22B, Facility 4028, Ayala system, Kassae sector.
Morgan Hale sat at the table studying the briefing material that Laird had provided him while he waited for the subject of this interview to be brought to him. The file included all known information regarding Nemala Jeliai, from her known history as an orphan on the Romulan colony in the Eirhess System to the circumstances of her capture by Starfleet security forces. The file now included information provided to Starfleet by Romulan Republic Intelligence. The latest data coming from a joint operation between Starfleet Intelligence and Romulan Republic Intelligence.
The latest data came from a raid on a suspected Tal Shiar base on Nimbus III. The place turned out to be some sort of training facility. Morgan studied one of the images the teams pulled from the base's computers. It was of a group of Tal Shiar agents standing in a group outside a large building, possibly some sort of industrial building, possibly on Nimbus. Starfleet Intelligence identified one particular man from the image as possibly being connected to the terrorist attack on the Ryormir colony. But, they had no name or frankly any other data to go on.
Morgan looked up slightly as the door on the opposite side of the room slid open. The two holographic security officers escorted the prisoner in. The Romulan female was considerably smaller than either of the guards towering over her. Her face looked pale from living under nothing but artificial light and she looked tired. Morgan could see the faint dark circles under her eyes. Morgan at this point could only imagine the stress that her confinement was causing her. He imagined that it would take its toll on a person. In fact, he was counting on that to give him the advantage he needed in this interrogation.
“Please, have a seat Miss Jeliai.” Morgan stated, motioning to the chair across the table. Nemala complied quickly but said nothing and didn't look him in the eyes. Morgan took that as a good sign.
Morgan continues to look over the files and after several minutes of that he looks up at Nemala and grins. “So, it says here you had a bit of trouble trying to contact your handlers after the Pilgrim returned from the Delta Quadrant,” Morgan stated flatly, Nemal responded with silence and mysterious expression. Morgan studied her intently for several moments.
“Of course in your defense, there is no way that you could have known that your contact had defected to the Romulan Republic during your absence,” Morgan stated with a smirk.
“Is there a point to this?” Nemala asked. Her voice was soft but tinged with annoyance.
“No. Just making polite conversation,” Morgan stated with a smile. “Why? Do you have something more important you need to be doing?”
Nemala gave him a hateful look before responding, “I just thought I could save you some trouble and let you get down to business.”
Morgan nodded, “Fine. We can get down to business. I need your help.”
“What is in it for me?” Nemala asked flatly. “Nothing.” Morgan responded coldly, “Except maybe the opportunity to do the right thing.” Morgan explained and Nemala responded with a slight eye roll. “But, make no mistake your hopes of ever getting out of here before the flesh falls off your bones hinges on your cooperation.”
Morgan could almost feel the young woman's tension from across the table. He felt like he had adequately stressed the gravity of the situation and now had her full attention. He slides the image of the Tal Shiar officers in front of her and pointed to the subject of interest.
“Who is this man?” Morgan asked.
Nemala looked at him blankly, “How should I know?”
Morgan gave her an incredulous look as he slides another image in front of her. This one was taken in front of the orphanage on Eirhess III. The same man, many years younger, was posing with a group of young Romulan children. Morgan pointed to the image, to one young Romulan girl in particular.
“That is you, right?” Morgan asked. Nemala stared at the picture for several moments before replying.
“Yes.” She stated.
“We also have evidence that indicated you were on Nimbus three with the man as well, so perhaps you would like to change your answer.”
“What do you want to know about him?” Nemala asked.
“Everything, but we can start with a name.”
“His name is D'Elon Suran.” Nemala started, “At the time when I was at the camp on Nimbus he was a commander with the Tal Shiar. He ran the camp. When I was at the orphanage he would come around periodically test some of the children and take them with him when they were old enough. Eventually, he came and took me. I wound up at the camp. It's where they trained us.”
“I see.” Morgan nodded as he spoke, “I am more interested in his career after that.
“I wouldn't know anything about that.” Nemala shook her head as she spoke, “After I left the camp I returned to Eirhess and began trying to get into Starfleet Academy. I never saw had any contact with him after that.”
Morgan looked at her for several minutes before speaking, “That is unfortunate. That means you won't really be of much help to me.” He stated as he stood up and began to collect his thing.”
Nemala had a desperate look on her face a Morgan stood up and turned to leave, “Wait!. I can help you track him down.” She cried out as she leaped to her feet. The security detail visibly tensed up at the sudden motion, going into alert mode. Morgan secretly smiled, he could sense the desperation in her voice. He turned around to face her.
“And, just how would you help me do that?” Morgan asked.
Nemala remained standing as she spoke, “I was provided contacts to get a hold of him. I am sure that at least one of those contacts is still valid. I could set up a meeting.” She explained. “But, you have to get me out of here.”
“You could just give me the information.” Nemala shook her head no, “He is too smart and would never agree to meet with someone he didn't know.”
Morgan agreed that her logic seemed sound, “But, What exactly prevents you from trying to escape?” He asked
“And, go where?”
Morgan nodded, she was quite right. The Tal Shiar was notorious for rewarding failure with quick and efficient execution and the Romulan Republic hated the Tal Shiar. At this point, there was really nowhere for her to run to that that didn't hold a future of imprisonment or death. The reality was the Federation was her best option for humane treatment.
“I will take your offer to my superiors and get back to you,” Morgan replied and then turned to leave. He thought to himself about the possibility. This development seemed intriguing.
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Post by Lt Cmdr Billie Jo Spencer MD on Apr 8, 2015 19:04:56 GMT -5
After the interview the security staff transferred Nemala back to her cell. The process was fairly long as it involved several checkpoints and the procedures involved many redundancies to prevent the possibility of escape. That was the point of a facility run entirely by holograms, they never got tired and they never deviated from defined security protocols like a biological guard might, so opening for prisoners to exploit never occurred.
After the guards finally activated the security field and closed the outer door to her tiny three and a half meter by five-meter cell, Nemala stood there looking around the tiny space. The room was composed of some sort of metal, There was a sink and toilet unit, a small table and stool, a metal cot with attached padding, and a sonic shower unit (on a timer.) She was in this unit 23 three hours a day, on permanent lockdown. Even her time in the yard was scheduled so she was alone. Her only contact with actual living beings came when someone like this Lieutenant Hale came to interrogate her. It was true she never enjoyed a lot of company, but past a certain point, even the most solitary person begins craving some form of companionship.
This visit had turned out different than previous interrogations. She had seen an opening and took it. It was not much of an opening. Offering to help find a trained Tal Shiar operative who didn't want to be found was not exactly an easy task. She had a feeling that if they took up her offer they would expect results. Nemala wandered over to the cot and climb onto it and curled up into the corner, with her arms wrapped around her legs. She peered out at the empty cell over her arms.
She contemplated the possibility that she could, in fact, deliver on her claim she could deliver D'Elon to Starfleet. She really didn't know, but she figured she had as good a chance as any. More importantly, it got her out of this hell, where escape was impossible. Sure Taris had escaped. But, it took the freak occurrence of a full-scale Jem Hadar assault to create the opportunity for her to do so. Nemala doubted anything similar would happen again any time soon. She tried not to consider the fact that even if she did try an escape after getting out of here, she truly had nowhere to run to.
“One problem at a time.” She told herself.
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Post by Lt Cmdr Billie Jo Spencer MD on Apr 17, 2015 6:03:23 GMT -5
Morgan Hale stared at the image of Commander Laird on the computer screen as he waited for Commander Laird to formulate a response to everything he had just relayed to him. Laird simply rubbed the bridge of his nose and remained silent for several more seconds before responding.
“Let me get this straight Lieutenant, she wants us to let her out of prison so she can potentially lead us to some Romulan that we can't even sure exist? Is that about right?” Laird asked. “Yeah, that about sums it up sir,” Morgan replied.
Morgan had to admit, there was absolutely no compelling reason to trust her on this issue. Yet, the reality was that this was, in fact, the closest thing to a lead that they had on this particular group. They so far had remained in the shadows and the extent of the organization and their true goals remained a mystery. If it was up to him he would run with it. The worst-case scenario was Nemala escaped from custody. As she herself said, she had nowhere to run to. The possible rewards seemed to out weight the risks on this one. But, it wasn't up to him.
Laird sighed heavily, “Look, lieutenant, I will make some inquiries to the Romulan Republic Intelligence regarding this D'Elon Suran. Depending on what I find out I might take it to the admiral. But, I can't really promise anything.” Laird explained.
Morgan simply nodded, he could tell by the tone of his voice that Laird did not really expect much to come from this. In fact, Morgan did not expect this to proceed any further up the chain of command. But, there was another way to proceed, one that circumvented the normal chain of command. Unfortunately, those other paths all currently required him to deal with Commander Elizabeth Razzor.
“I will probably know more by the time you get back to Starbase 234.” Laird stated, “Have a safe trip home, Mister Hale.”
“Thank you, sir,” Morgan answered.
“Laird out.” Commander Laird said just before his image blinked off the screen, replaced by the Starfleet command logo. Morgan leaned back in his chair. The trip back to the starbase was going to be another twelve hours at the runabouts current speed. He decided there was very little he could do but try and get some sleep.
Half a day later at Starbase 234...
Morgan stepped through the door to his apartment and let the door slide closed behind him. He quickly scanned the room, taking note of its condition. It was not quite as he had left it, indicating that someone had been in the place since he had last been here. Morgan picked up the Starfleet uniform jacket that had been carelessly discarded on the back of the couch. Across the room on the dining table, a used soup bowl and spoon and been abandoned. An annoyed expression flashed across Morgans face but was quickly replaced by a lighthearted smile. He found it amusing that at times like these he could easily count at least a dozen things that Billie Jo Spencer, or simply Billi as he called her, did that he found really annoying. Yet for some strange reason when they were apart all he could manage to recall were her positive attributes. With that thought in mind, he grabbed the dishes and carried them to the disposal, before making his way to the bedroom.
There Billi was, laying there on her stomach, in the middle of the bed. Her arms and legs spread out as she slept as if claiming the entire surface of the bed for her own. Morgan tried to decide which annoyance topped his list, getting crowded out of his own bed or being rudely awakened in the middle of the night with a knee or foot to the back during one of Billie Jo's restless nights. For some reason it simply made him smile. He wandered over to the closet and slid the door open quietly and pulled out a hanger for the jacket.
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Post by Lt Cmdr Billie Jo Spencer MD on Aug 31, 2016 18:40:39 GMT -5
Location: Starbase 33, detention level Stardate: 95421.39
Nemala's breathing was well controlled as she slowly performed each Planche pushup. Breathing in as she lowered herself to the ground and exhaling as she once again raised herself back up to the starting position. Her breathing was slow and rhythmic, keeping time with her workout. The calisthenics was just one part of her highly regimented daily life now. It was just as much intended to stave off the boredom as it was meant to maintain her physical fitness.
As she continued her workout she considered her new situation. She wasn't sure what had changed, only that something had. They had not sent her back to the Romulan Republic, nor had they sent her back to Facility 4028. For the time being, they were keeping her here at Starbase 33. She did not know why. She was also uncertain if the change was for the better or worse. But it was interesting none-the-less.
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Post by Lt Cmdr Billie Jo Spencer MD on Nov 3, 2016 19:57:10 GMT -5
Nemala sat in the back corner of the passenger compartment of the runabout as it sped along toward Starbase 220. With an enigmatic expression on her face, she studied her surroundings. Originally it was training that prompted such behavior, now it had become a habit. The inside of the runabout was bigger than the cell she had been locked in for the last couple of years, but still, it made her feel claustrophobic. She wasn't sure if it was the confined space or the feeling of being watched that aroused the uneasy feeling.
She glanced furtively toward the human male in a suit on the opposite side of the compartment. She had made him as an intelligence operative almost from the beginning. He just wasn't very good at his job. She figured he was likely still new at it. She imagined that Starfleet Intelligence wanted her to know she was being monitored. The man glanced up at her and she gave him a playful wave. He quickly looked away awkwardly. Nemala grinned wickedly.
She returned to her own personal thoughts. Her situation was quite fluid. Someone with some pull had arranged things so she would be released as part of some sort of some rehabilitation program. She simply assumed that it was all bullshit and someone was manipulating things for some unseen agenda. She didn't care as far as she knew her situation had vastly improved. It was the second chance she had been hoping for, she had no intention of letting it slip away.
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DGM Angelboy
Game Master Group
DGM of the USS Protector
Posts: 1,295
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Post by DGM Angelboy on Nov 3, 2016 20:09:35 GMT -5
R'Tol paces back and forth in the cockpit area, taking another look at the console nearby.
"You know that won't make it go any faster, sir."
A young human female in the pilot's seat speaks without turning to face the Romulan. He turns to her and scoffs.
"It won't make it go any slower either, Ensign."
"You know sir there's a old human saying...a watched pot never boils."
"A rather stupid saying...why would something not occur only because you watched it?"
"It would just seem like it took forever, sir."
The Romulan shakes his head in disbelief at this stupidity and heads back into the passenger compartment. His general annoyance quickly turns into a smile at the sight of Nemala.
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Post by Lt Cmdr Billie Jo Spencer MD on Nov 3, 2016 20:54:08 GMT -5
Nemala continued to maintain her vigilance. She couldn't think of any reason why she would realistically be in any danger right at this moment, but that was no excuse to let her guard down. Her Tal Shiar instructors used to say, “Only the paranoid survive.” And, she had every intention of surviving. The passenger compartment was not overly crowded and other than the one intelligence operative, no one really stood out as being suspicious.
Of course, there was the blonde-haired woman sitting next to her. She was rather attractive, but not all that bright. Worse than that, though was that she wanted to make small talk. Nemala endured the intrusion as best she could.
The blonde woman smiled warmly, “So are you coming here from Vulcan.” she asked.
Nemala glanced over at the woman, there was a hint of annoyance on her face. Then she smiled warmly. “No.”
The woman seemed undaunted, “Oh so where are you from?”
Nemala's expression was blank, “Somewhere else.”
The woman looked confused, then she smiled. “I'm from Earth. I headed to Starbase 220 to visit my brother. He is in Starfleet.”
Nemala sighed, She did her best to tune the woman out. She looked across the cabin and spotted R'Tol emerging from the cockpit area. She had almost forgotten he was on board. He had so far kept his distance from her. But, she figured that would not last. She studied him suspiciously and she made no attempt to hide it. She wanted to know what his business here was and she figured the direct approach was probably best.
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DGM Angelboy
Game Master Group
DGM of the USS Protector
Posts: 1,295
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Post by DGM Angelboy on Nov 3, 2016 20:58:37 GMT -5
R'Tol takes a seat next to Nemala, his disarming smile continuing as he relaxes for a moment.
"My dear Miss Jeliai...how has the ride been?"
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Post by Lt Cmdr Billie Jo Spencer MD on Nov 3, 2016 21:21:21 GMT -5
Nemala offered R'Tol a polite smile as he sat down. She quickly looked the man over making a quick assessment.
"My dear Miss Jeliai...how has the ride been?"
"comfortable." she replied in a curt manner. Obviously offering as little information as possible while still answering the question. "You seem anxious R'Tol. Either that or you have a crush on the pilot. Are you in a hurry to get somewhere?"
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DGM Angelboy
Game Master Group
DGM of the USS Protector
Posts: 1,295
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Post by DGM Angelboy on Nov 3, 2016 21:24:08 GMT -5
R'Tol's expression remains disarming as he stretches out next to her.
"We have a schedule to meet and there were certain...unanticipated delays. I am eager to arrive to make up for said delays."
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Post by Lt Cmdr Billie Jo Spencer MD on Nov 3, 2016 21:43:48 GMT -5
Nemala looked at R'Tol skeptically, "We? I wasn't aware we were traveling together. Or were you talking about your friend across the cabin? Anyway, was it something you wanted to talk about? If you are having difficulties it is often helpful to talk about it." she smiled coyly as she spoke.
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DGM Angelboy
Game Master Group
DGM of the USS Protector
Posts: 1,295
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Post by DGM Angelboy on Nov 3, 2016 21:46:43 GMT -5
R'Tol chuckles a bit and lets an arm lay across her shoulder.
"My dear, you would be rotting in a cell had I not petitioned D'Tan himself for your release on a provisional basis. Starfleet certainly didn't like the idea after the incident on the Pilgirm...but they were made more than willing with the right negotiation."
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Post by Lt Cmdr Billie Jo Spencer MD on Nov 3, 2016 21:55:16 GMT -5
Nemala gives the Romulan man a frigid stare as she lifts his arm off of her shoulder. "While I am most appreciative of any intervention on my behalf. It only buys you so much good will. Anything beyond that will require additional ... negotiation." she states in a tone that is business like, with a hint of playfulness.
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DGM Angelboy
Game Master Group
DGM of the USS Protector
Posts: 1,295
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Post by DGM Angelboy on Nov 3, 2016 21:57:53 GMT -5
R'Tol gives her a warm smile as he allows her to move the arm off, letting it hang at his side.
"You are a shrewd negotiator, then?"
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