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Just before the Maquis review board was due to begin, Tom took some time to walk the corridors of the building to stretch his legs one last time. If he had learned anything from his pervious encounters with the legal system, be it civilian or Starfleet, it consisted largely of sitting and waiting. Waiting for people to talk, waiting for people to decide, waiting for even more talk and so on. The phrase 'hurry up and wait' must have been conceived in the courtroom. If so, it was entirely understandable and perhaps even logical.
As he rounded a corner of the longest corridor, he noticed Harry Kim looking into the courtroom that was to be the location of the hearing for Voyager's Maquis crewpersons.
Not wanting to shout, Tom hurried his steps, which caught the attention of several people, including Kim. Evidently running in this building was as unacceptable as shouting.
Kim waited to speak until he was face to face with his friend. "Tom, do you know where Admiral Janeway is?"
"She went to check on Seven's progress with her family. It seems they are having a reunion of sorts. She should be here any minute. Court will be convening in the next few minutes; why?"
The younger officer looked embarrassed or even uncomfortable. "Well, I'm supposed to be here to testify, but..." He stopped and moved even closer to Paris. "... we're having trouble with the ship's personal logs."
"Whose logs, specifically?"
"Other than B'Elanna's... all the Maquis crewpersons. For some reason, we can't find them."
Paris was stunned. "How did you find B'Elanna's?"
"Hers were in the engineering computer system, but the others... are just... gone! Tuvok is trying to figure out what happened."
Staring blankly for a moment, Tom Paris considered what he had heard. "I know Command and all the other interested parties have already downloaded the pertinent logs, so we don't have to worry about that. The courts all have the records as well. Question is, why would anyone want to remove or delete the logs?" Then something struck him. "Why were you looking for them?"
Now Kim looked really nervous, "Because Command asked for them. They couldn't find their records either."
Paris was really puzzled and deeply worried. "If Command thinks one of the Maquis people did this... there goes any chance of a reprieve."
"I need to get back to the ship and help Tuvok. Will you tell the Admiral?" Harry Kim looked panicked. Tom wasn't sure if it was his need to return quickly to help Tuvok or the fear of being the messenger who gets killed for delivering bad news.
"It's okay, Harry. You help Tuvok in any way you can, we need to resolve this fast." Again he thought of something. "Why didn't you just use the Admiral's comm badge?"
"Tuvok was concerned she might be in an important meeting and didn't want to disturb her." Kim looked over her shoulder. "Also, we didn't want to communicate this on an open frequency or where it might be overheard."
Without pausing, the young officer hurried off, leaving Paris to figure out how to tell Janeway. Hopefully he'd have enough time to formulate a way... or maybe not. He heard her voice long before he saw her. She was in a good mood, at least for now, deep in conversation with another Starfleet admiral. Who it was, Paris did not know.
Still smiling, Janeway approached Paris and instantly recognized his less than happy face.
"What's wrong, Tom? You look like you just lost your best friend."
"We need to talk, in private, Ma'am, right now." He tugged gently on her sleeve and nodded to an art alcove across the lobby.
Starfleet's new admiral was now getting concerned. Once the pair was more or less alone, she asked, "What is it?"
Whispering, Paris explained, "Brace yourself. Harry just reported to me that all the personal logs from Voyager concerning the Maquis are missing, except B'Elanna's. But not just there, the duplicates we sent to Command and JAG are missing, too."
"How is that possible? Who --?"
"Tuvok and Harry are looking into it as we speak. Harry came by to tell me and to let you know that he and Tuvok won't be available for testimony unless absolutely necessary."
Janeway's mind was racing, "Does the review board know?"
"We're not sure, Admiral, but Command contacted Voyager about the issue, so it's just a matter of time."
Frustrated, Janeway tried to control her outward emotion. "Unfortunately, two of our best people are in the courtroom, otherwise I'd put B'Elanna and Chakotay on the problem right away."
"What about Harry and Tuvok? They're listed as witnesses and should be here." Tom was genuinely worried. He didn't want anything to 'upset' the court and thereby hurt B'Elanna's chance at a reprieve. He watched Janeway closely and swore he could see her mind at work through her eyes.
"We'll have to hope for the best. Today's time will probably be taken up with preliminaries, charges and other items. Testimony probably won't start until tomorrow."
Paris wasn't convinced, "You hope... Sir. What if they do call for Tuvok or Harry?"
Janeway shrugged and smiled slyly. "I'll tell the court I gave them a hall pass."
At that moment, the lights in the corridor dimmed briefly. It was the court's way of signaling they were ready to begin.
"We better get in there, Tom. It wouldn't help our friends any if their advocates were late."
Paris sighed heavily and followed Janeway into the courtroom. This was going to be an interesting day, to say the least.
The Maquis group was finally getting close to their day in court. Tom had been released from probation by the civilian penal system and then cleared for duty by Starfleet with only a few minor and very agreeable provisions.
The last group to be reviewed would be the five Equinox crewpersons and their situation was none too enviable. However, the Maquis had a major consideration in their favor. As Tuvok had revealed earlier, the Maquis aboard Voyager had resigned from Starfleet, or the Academy, prior to joining the 'terrorist organization,' as Starfleet called it. With that fact, all concerned were fairly confident they would be exonerated, especially considering they had performed their duties admirably as part of Voyager's blended crew for over seven years.
Given those two factors, the Maquis group felt good, but the deciding factor for them was having Janeway on their side. She would testify on their behalf as to their performance as excellent. In addition, she had already performed brilliantly as an advocate for Tom, so her assistance would be most beneficial. In addition, many of the regular Voyager crew would be on hand to testify on their behalf if called to do so. Whether or not they would be needed was anyone's guess. Since the board of review members had all seen the after action reports, debriefings and logs. It was expected that very few crew members would be called to actually testify. After all, none had been called for either of Tom's appearances in court. However, there were several waiting in the wings, just in case. Janeway had made the assumption based on Tom's previous cases as she had been the only one that offered any testimony as part of her job as Tom's advocate.
As soon as Command announced its intention to bring the Maquis before a formal board of review, the group decided to appoint a spokesperson and it was only logical to choose Chakotay. He had been captain of the ill-fated Maquis ship Valjean and was later made first officer of Voyager when the crews were merged. He was therefore in an excellent position to not only represent the other Maquis, but to also explain their thought processes, reasons for joining the Maquis and why they agreed to serve aboard Voyager.
Chakotay had accepted the appointment with honor and vowed to do his best for his friends. After all, they had been his crew and decided on an 'all for one and one for all' defense.
Although the group was fairly confident about the eventual outcome, they weren't so sure about the actual process. The formal courtroom setting, to some, was more intimidating than anything they had encountered on their long trip home. While a battle with the Kazon, Vidiians, Borg or Species 3479 could be very dangerous, there was always the possibility that new tactics, weapons or strategies could help. They all understood that and had even helped in those scenarios. The courtroom was totally foreign to them and completely out of their control. Very little could be done by them as individuals and even more frightening, it was all or nothing. If they weren't allowed to remain in Starfleet, it would be a disappointment, for sure. However, if Command pressed for a criminal conviction, they could find themselves in a Starfleet prison for a long time and that is what frightened many of them.
Still, Tom's case had gone well and Janeway seemed confident. They still had a touch of 'celebrity pull' due to their unique adventure aboard Voyager. In addition, they had been responsible for many discoveries of all types. Voyager's memory core had been on the verge of overload before finally reaching Earth. Unlike her sister ships, which were able to do periodic downloads, Voyager had to retain virtually all its memory and the crew even contemplated using supplemental memory sources before returning home.
The former Maquis captain and acting Voyager first officer was brought out of his deep thought by a question from B'Elanna Torres.
"What do you think our chances are?"
"For what? Exoneration? Reinstatement? Federation Medal of Honor? Full retirement pay..." He cracked a small smile, just to irritate his friend.
"Really? We're about to be fed to the 'Starfleet lions' and you're making jokes?"
"A sense of humor can't hurt, right?"
A dismayed Torres fired back, "Humor will play a very small part in the courtroom, Commander."
"I'm not a commander anymore, remember? You and I lost our acting rank as soon as we returned to the Alpha Quadrant."
"Okay. So what are our chances, mister? I mean in all respects, unscathed and returned to duty in Starfleet."
"I'd say about 85%, to be realistic. "100% is not allowing for the unexpected. We should be the poster children for that particular axiom. After all we went through, it was practically our motto, 'Expect the unexpected!'"
B'Elanna sighed heavily, "I just wish it was already over. I have a lot to do."
"On Voyager or at home with Miral?"
Finally smiling, Torres relaxed. "Both, actually, I'd like to work on Voyager's refit with her at my side."
"When this is over, I'll make that recommendation to Janeway and Command."
Torres became serious again and studied her friend closely. "I'm glad you made it back with the rest of us. We couldn't have done it without you." She smiled again as if to put an exclamation mark on the statement.
Admonishing her gently, Chakotay reminded her of an obvious point. "We were a team, B'Elanna, all of us, the Maquis and the Starfleet crew, okay? If I learned anything in the last seven years, it's that we accomplished a lot more as a blended crew, all dependent on each other, drawing on the strengths of many ideas and abilities. It's the basic tenant of the Federation... and it's right."
Torres looked perplexed. "You mean we were wrong to join the Maquis?"
"No, but I am seeing things in a different light. Essentially, the Maquis filled a void to protect the Federation colonies left behind after the treaty with the Cardassians. We did the right thing, no matter what anyone says. However, I really liked being part of the Voyager crew, working with people who we might have considered an enemy and perhaps even destroyed them. It's difficult to think of that possibility now, almost painful. Because of that, and the fact the Maquis no longer exists, nor does the reason for its existence, I think I'm more than ready to rejoin the Federation and Starfleet. How about you?"
"I never thought I'd say so, but, yes. Not because of the reasons you stated but mostly due to Tom and Miral. They offer hope for my future. I've never really considered that before. Now it's almost all I can think of. Of course, you understand that, right?"
"How so?"
"You and Seven... ?"
"That's on hold for the time being. She's trying to get re-acclimated to being a true human amongst an entire planet of humans. Being aboard Voyager was a good start, but she still has a way to go. Right now she and her aunt are getting along well and she's meeting the rest of the Hansen family. Of course I'm doing some 'reacquainting' of my own. I've had a lot of time to think about my relationship with my family, their traditions and culture. So Seven and I both need some time. If our relationship was to be, well... it will happen."
"Meanwhile, I'm tied up with our current situation. Seven continues her meetings with Starfleet engineers, xenobiologists and all the other agencies interested in her, not to mention her work with Miral."
Again, Torres displayed a dazzling smile and then teased Chakotay. "It seems she does have a real flair with children."
Embarrassed, Chakotay smiled, "I'll keep that in mind."
At this point, a Starfleet lieutenant entered the room and caught Chakotay's eye. "The hearing is ready to convene. Will you and the others please follow me?"
Chakotay rose and the others followed silently and slowly. The Maquis group made their way into the courtroom. As they did, Chakotay turned to Torres and spoke quietly. "Here we go, keep your fingers crossed."
A surprised Torres responded, "What for?"
"I heard it was an old Earth tradition to bring you luck."
Torres was very skeptical. "Really?"
He shrugged it off, "Couldn't hurt."
She harrumphed loudly, then discreetly crossed her fingers as she entered the courtroom.
Tuvok was genuinely perplexed. How could anyone have removed the Maquis personal logs from, not only Voyager, but Starfleet as well? More importantly, why and who could have done it?
As he continued his work, he took a moment to study his coworker. The recently promoted lieutenant was deeply immersed in his work and rarely moved behind his console other than to tap various controls. The two had been working non-stop for hours and, judging by the young officer's facial expressions and body language, he was becoming both frustrated and agitated. As with most humans, or even humanoids for that matter, it was a condition not conducive to efficient work. Therefore the Vulcan security specialist decided to 'take a break.' Not that he needed it, but he knew that the human would not do so unless directed to, even if it became necessary to order him to do so.
Moving from behind his console, Tuvok approached Kim, "Any progress to report, Lieutenant?"
Kim looked over to the Vulcan, almost afraid to admit defeat. "No, sir."
Sympathizing, Tuvok moved next to Kim. "We need to take a moment and review the facts concerning the data loss. Perhaps if we determine who did it, it may provide the why and how as well."
Nodding with understanding, Kim agreed. "Sounds reasonable... even logical," he then managed a slight smile.
"Thank you, Lieutenant. I shall take that as a compliment." Pausing for a moment, he steepled his fingers before his face and spoke quietly. "Since arriving, Voyager has been visited by numerous people for a variety of reasons. However, the missing data occurred within a very narrow time frame, which should limit the numbers considerably. In view of the fact that all visitors to Voyager must log in, it may behoove us to examine those records. In addition, we can cross-reference that list with anyone who would have access to Starfleet files. In addition, it might be advantageous to check with Memory Alpha to determine if any of the Voyager records are missing at that location as well."
Kim almost jumped at Tuvok's last statement, "You think someone could actually alter Memory Alpha records?"
"It is highly doubtful. However, we must check all possibilities."
Again, Kim responded eagerly, "Yes, sir; do you wish for me to check with Memory Alpha?"
"Yes, while I complete a list of visitors Voyager has had during the time in question."
Returning to his work station, Tuvok began the search. It was remarkable that within such a relatively short time frame so many people had been aboard the ship. The list included a variety of V.I.P.'s, Starfleet engineers, yard workers, civilian contractors and an impressive number of specialists. His thoughts were interrupted by Harry Kim.
"Mister Tuvok, I have accessed the files, but not the contents. It requires a much higher clearance."
"Transfer the files to my console, Lieutenant. I have the required clearance."
"Yes, sir."
In a moment, Tuvok's screen was filled with many files from Voyager. Tuvok entered his codes and began a rapid scan of each file. "All appear to be intact, which begs another question. Why bother to remove or delete the files from Voyager and Starfleet yet leave Memory Alpha untouched? The records show that you and I are the first to access these files since they were transferred there."
"Maybe the person didn't have access like you or lacked the skills to gain entry at the higher level."
"Virtually everyone has access to Memory Alpha, Lieutenant, and the index of files is available to the general population, but even that wasn't accessed. However, it does suggest they may have not even tried... yet."
"Or maybe they never intended to totally remove all the records." Kim then continued, "Maybe someone was simply trying to make the Maquis people look guilty, as if they had something to cover up."
Tuvok's right eyebrow rose appreciably. "An astute supposition. We shall proceed from that assumption, at least for the time being. Log out of the Memory Alpha site and assist me with reviewing the list of Voyager visitors. We must locate a person or persons with a proper motive for such an endeavor."
Now Kim was eager, motivated and reinvigorated. After trying to determine how someone got into Voyager's systems and then trying to figure out who did it, he was now looking for the person responsible. He and Tuvok were reversing the investigation process. At least it was something different.
After Tuvok and Kim had compiled a list of Voyager 'guests' the two began running a background check on every person, regardless of rank, importance or the type of work they did. Thankfully, Tuvok's status as senior security officer on Voyager allowed him to access virtually any personnel file with no exceptions. Given that, and Lieutenant Kim's eager assistance, he was able to narrow the focus down to just six reasonable suspects.
"Okay, Commander, we have six names, where do we begin?"
"Logically, with the persons most readily available, Lieutenant."
A very confused Kim responded, "How do we know who is 'most readily available?'"
"A Mister Norwolski, who is currently working aboard ship on the computer system upgrades"
Suitably humbled Kim agreed. "Okay, when do we start?"
Tuvok moved towards Kim at a brisk pace. "Immediately, we need to resolve this issue as rapidly as possible to preclude any difficulties concerning the current legal proceedings. We must be able to provide Admiral Janeway with a solution to our mystery, preferably one which does not implicate our fellow crewpersons. But if it does, we can only hope it is only one and not the entire group."
Without any further explanation, Tuvok turned and headed to the turbolift, leaving Kim to quickly scramble to catch up.
Several decks below the bridge, Tuvok and Kim moved around small work parties, tool boxes, test equipment, replacement parts and many other such obstructions. They were looking for Phillip Norwalski, an employee of Cochrane Industries, who had once been an officer in Starfleet. He was a suspect for two reasons: first, his abilities with computers and second, his Starfleet training would give him a special insight as to the specifics of starship operations and methods to circumvent security codes.
After five minutes, Tuvok and Kim found the man at his work, performing computer upgrades. Once the upgrades were completely finished, the entire system would be checked for proper function and 'bugs' as the humans called them.
Tuvok paused a moment, waiting for the man to reach a stopping point, before disturbing him, then spoke quietly. "Mr. Norwalski?"
Turning to see who was calling, the elderly human smiled with recognition. "Commander, it is good to see you again. Are the new bridge systems operating up to spec?"
"Indeed, Mr. Kim and I have been 'putting them through their paces.' I believe that is the correct terminology, is it not?"
"Correct!" Norwalski stepped away from his work and approached Tuvok, friendly and relaxed. "What can I do for you?"
"There is a matter of missing data from Voyager's memory banks. It occurred only in a selected area of interest."
Norwalski thought for a moment, "Do you have an exact time frame?"
"Yes," referring to his tricorder, the Vulcan stood side by side with Norwalski. It would be easier for the human to read the unit's display but more importantly, this close Tuvok could 'read' the human as well.
"Looks like it happened during the initial computer rebuild and upgrade." Now completely engrossed by the tricorder data, Norwalski missed Tuvok's subtle study of the human's actions and reactions. "Looks like a small segment of logs were lost... right?"
"Precisely, would you have any explanation as to how this could have occurred?"
After a moment of thought, he responded. "No; if it was a general loss or time specific for all data, I'd say it was a power surge or radiation leak of some type. But here, in a dockyard, with the engines powered down and very little activity... it's a real mystery all right. Sorry, Commander."
A sympathetic Tuvok took the tricorder, "No need to apologize. I understand completely. I thought, given your expertise, you might have had an insight to our problem. Good day, sir."
Norwalski simply nodded and returned to work. Tuvok studied the man for a moment then motioned for Kim to follow him.
After they left the area, a very confused but curious Kim posed a question to his friend and mentor. "You didn't question him very much, why not?"
Continuing to walk, Tuvok explained, "Actually, I did, Lieutenant. I was monitoring his actions and responses to my inquiries. Humans have a habit of 'displaying' indications when uneasy or confronted regarding illegal or questionable activities. Physiological changes of various types are a reliable indicator of prevarications. I believe Mister Paris refers to that as a 'tell' while playing poker."
Now Kim looked nervous. "Have you always had that ability?"
Entering the turbolift, Tuvok responded honestly, "Of course, it is one of the reasons that Admiral Janeway selected me as chief of security."
Back on the bridge, Kim busied himself. He had previously discovered that another visitor, an engineer with a strong computer background, had been aboard during the timeframe of the missing data. Now he had found that Marna Mayra lost a brother during a Maquis attack on a Federation ship. While there was no direct evidence to support the supposition that any of the Voyager people were involved with that loss, it may have been her way of striking back at the Maquis, even at this late date. After all, the Maquis were all but 'extinct' and locating any remaining members would be difficult if not impossible.
Voyager's return and the subsequent hearings changed all that. Now there was a fairly large group of Maquis located in one place. Altering data to make them appear guilty would be one way to strike out at them in a non-violent, yet effective, way and she might have gone completely unnoticed. He related this to a very surprised Vulcan.
Tuvok suddenly appeared at Kim's side and the young officer explained what he had discovered in detail. Tuvok's raised eyebrow said it all but he explained regardless, "An astute deduction, Lieutenant; one that bears further investigation."
"Thank you, sir."
"Do you have a location for Miss Mayra?"
"Yes, sir. She's on the North American continent; a small town in South Dakota. She works for a large ship building company, Universal Yards. However, she's currently in her hometown, Rapid City, on sick leave."
A very impressed Tuvok studied Kim, embarrassing him.
"I was doing a follow-up investigation on the entire list of our suspects."
Again an impressed Tuvok studied the young man. "Have you ever considered security as a career? You seem to be quite adept at anticipating my needs and avenues of investigation."
Surprised and elated by Tuvok's comment and complement, Kim became serious. "Maybe I should consider that possibility. Thank you, Commander."
"Why don't you accompany me while I question Miss Mayra?"
"Gladly. Let me download my findings on the remaining suspects and we can continue the investigation after our trip to South Dakota."
"Another excellent suggestion."
In just five minutes Kim was ready to go, eager and more than a little excited. The investigation would be a change of pace as well as a learning experience and an adventure!
Tapping his comm badge, Tuvok called out, "Bridge to security."
"Security here, Lieutenant Forsythe, sir."
"Mr. Forsythe, Lieutenant Kim and I will be leaving the ship. You have the conn. I will be available by communicator if you need me."
"Understood, sir. Forsythe out!"
Tuvok turned to leave the bridge as Kim followed obediently. "I trust you had the foresight to download the transporter coordinates for Miss Mayra's residence?"
"Absolutely, sir!"
Shaking his head almost imperceptibly, Tuvok commented, "Your abilities are truly commendable."
A very happy and confident Kim grabbed his tricorder and followed Tuvok to the transporter room at a clip.
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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