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Table of Contents
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Tuvok and Kim transported in front of a house that appeared to be about 300 years old, but in very good condition. It was located in an unusual setting, the middle of an area of North America called the Badlands. The area was striking in a rugged and almost primordial way. Kim checked the coordinates on his tricorder then turned to Tuvok. "This is the right house, Commander."
Quickly, Tuvok approached what appeared to be the main entrance. He looked for a traditional doorbell but found an antique style twist lever chime and gave it a gentle flip. After a few moments of waiting, he was about to use the device again when the old hinged typed door swung open. An elderly human of American Native descent appeared in the doorway. She was very old and looked tired. "Yes?"
"Sorry to bother you, but I am looking for a Miss Marna Mayra. She works for Universal Yards as a computer technician."
"Yes, but she is sick. It's the reason she's not at work. Is that why you're here? She called in and told her supervisor." The old lady was genuinely concerned and confused.
Harry Kim tried to clarify the issue. "She's not in any trouble. We just wanted to be sure she was all right and ask a few questions. Could we see her?"
Still confused, the woman shrugged, "If you don't mind taking a chance of getting sick yourself." She stood aside and let the two Starfleet officers in and pointed. "She's in there."
Again, Tuvok took the lead and entered into a small bedroom to see a much younger lady resting in bed. As the two entered, Mayra turned to see who it was.
Surprised by the visit, she sat up and raised her bed covers to preserve her modesty. "I wasn't expecting company, especially from Starfleet." She finished on a weak smile.
"Sorry to bother you," Tuvok began, "but we need to check on a problem. It's a matter of security."
Slowly, she nodded in agreement.
"You were aboard Voyager recently, correct?"
"Yes, of course, as part of my job, upgrading the computer systems. I completed all my work. They should be working fine, is there a problem?"
"A case of missing data; did you experience any... difficulties during your work?" Tuvok took the tricorder from Kim and began recording Mayra's testimony.
Without hesitation, she spoke confidently. "Everything went as planned. I logged my work in and it was confirmed and inspected by your people the same day."
Consulting the tricorder, Tuvok responded, "Yes, that is what the records show." He then adjusted the tricorder and stood closer to Mayra.
Kim was curious. "Did you notice anything unusual that would explain data loss?"
Searching her memory, the lady began to speak but wound up in a coughing fit instead.
Both Kim and Tuvok backed off slightly and watched as the elderly woman entered and pushed past the two visitors with a tray of medical supplies. "You'll have to leave now! She needs her rest!"
Mayra finally got her cough under control and protested to her companion. "No, I want to tell them!"
Reluctantly, the older woman stepped to one side and Mayra continued. "There was nothing wrong!" She was insistent and indignant, "Everything was fine when I left. There weren't any problems!"
The older woman suddenly became adamant. "Now she's getting upset! You must leave now!"
Reluctantly, Tuvok and Kim withdrew and left without being directed or escorted. Outside the house, Kim studied his mentor closely as the Vulcan reviewed tricorder readings. Abruptly, he closed it in what Kim perceived as mild frustration.
"Well?" Kim was reluctant to interrupt the man's train of thought.
Tuvok looked up at Kim, "Well what?"
"Did she display a... tell?"
Sighing, the Vulcan seemed reluctant to speak, "Unfortunately, no. However, she was somewhat difficult to... read."
"How so?"
"Her illness for one instance, it was genuine according to the tricorder. That alone can affect how I perceive her stress levels and such."
"And?"
"The presence of her... friend or whoever she was. I generally try to question a suspect while they are alone. Regardless, she seemed fairly confident and adamant regarding her work and the circumstances regarding it. We must therefore press forward and check out the other suspects. Who is next on the list?"
Straight from memory, Kim responded quickly, "A civilian yard worker, Rodger Pauley. He's located in Alberta, North America. Do you want me to go with you?"
"Not necessary, Lieutenant. Return to Voyager and continue your research work on the data breach. Perhaps you can uncover something else equally useful to our investigation. I will contact you once I complete my interview with Mister Pauley."
Kim was visibly disappointed. "Okay, I suppose so, if you think it's really necessary."
"I am counting on you, Lieutenant."
Now the new Lieutenant smiled and was feeling more confident. After all, Tuvok was counting on him!
For the Maquis crewmembers of Voyager, Starfleet set up a board of review. It was to be carried out in a courtroom setting, much like a court martial, but without the formal setting and requirements that went with it. This was to be a simple process and a good indication that Starfleet wanted it to go quickly. All the Maquis would be present, but each would be reviewed individually. The final ruling would be on all of them and decided at the same time. Not exactly what Janeway was hoping for, as she preferred an individual case-by-case system, but the there was little she could do about it. It seemed that Starfleet wanted to get through the process as quickly as possible.
She would be on hand to act as a representative and advisor of sorts but mostly to testify. Starfleet would hear open testimony if needed, but mostly, the review board would rely on ship's logs, after action reports and other such sources. Testimony would be used only to clarify points or expand on log entries and debriefings.
The session was called for by the Chief of Starfleet Personnel and she recommended the members of the review board. Personnel would provide the chairperson, Commander Charles Wainwright. Another would come from security, Commander Solac and finally, just to make sure everything was done legally, the JAG office provided the final member, Lt. Commander Michelle Santer.
To Janeway, the relatively lower ranked members were a strong indication that Command did not place a very high priority on this case. Maybe that was due to the perceived reduced threat by the Maquis
Proceedings started with the assembly of the former Maquis crew. There were twenty-four left from an original crew of thirty-two who were aboard the Maquis ship Valjean at the time of its destruction. Six more of the Maquis were lost aboard Voyager during the return voyage to the Alpha Quadrant. The losses were not extraordinary and somewhat lower in proportion to those of the Starfleet crewmembers. However, not all of the survivors were at the hearing as four decided not to remain with Starfleet. They had had enough space travel, battles, excitement and danger to last a lifetime and were treated like the two Maquis who weren't previously in Starfleet; all were off the hook. This was due to the fact that the Maquis no longer existed, they were no longer perceived as being a threat by anyone, particularly Starfleet. Federation legal authorities agreed with that assessment, so it was a dead issue.
Therefore twelve Maquis filed into the hearing room and took up a position facing the review board. Directly in front of them, Admiral Janeway sat with Lieutenant Paris, both looking confident and cheerful. The Maquis defendants tried their best to look the same although not all of them were succeeding in their attempt.
Before the review board entered the room, a yeoman approached Janeway with a data padd in hand. He gave it to her with simple instructions. "These are the procedures the tribunal wishes to follow, Admiral. You'll have twenty minutes to refresh yourself. If you have any questions, please let me know." The young man finished on a weak smile and then took a seat nearby. Janeway read it in just five minutes, then looked at the yeoman and shook her head, indicating no questions. The yeoman retrieved the data padd and left promptly without further comment.
Now, ten minutes later, Janeway was having second thoughts about her decision regarding the hearings. She would have asked for more time to prepare, but with the report she received from Tom concerning the missing logs... well, it was moot point. If only the Maquis people hadn't been so anxious to get the process over with once and for all. While she understood their reasoning it didn't help their situation any.
The data padd was an outline of the process of review. Each person would have a simplified version of their service record read and reviewed by the board. Janeway would comment regarding their overall performance rating. Testimony from other Starfleet officers who had been aboard Voyager would be called only if needed. It was to be a quick process and Janeway was hoping to wrap it up in just a few days, that is, if all went well and there were no problems or complications. Judging by the outline, that was also the way the review board perceived it as well. So, with any luck, the whole business of resolving the Maquis issue could be concluded fairly quickly. It was beginning to look like the review process just might be easier than she thought.
Janeway turned to look at the crewmembers seated behind her. For no particular reason she focused on B'Elanna. The engineer smiled weakly and mouthed, 'Good luck.' The admiral returned the smile and nodded in acknowledgement.
Returning her view forward, she noticed a very nervous Paris studying her. "Ready, Admiral?"
"Ready as I'll ever be, Lieutenant."
Paris returned the smile but was startled back to a more somber mood by an opening door as the tribunal entered the room and nodded to Janeway. "I hope so, because it's about to start."
While the board members took their seats, the chairperson, Commander Wainwright, remained standing and gaveled the room to order and silence. All business-like and, more than a little stern, he spoke. "This hearing is now in session. In order to minimize our time here, I wish to get underway immediately. Admiral Janeway, do you have any questions before we begin?"
Genuinely surprised by the question, she was caught off guard. "My only question is, where do you wish to begin?" She finished on a broad smile.
The smile was not returned. Instead, Wainwright replied in an emotionless voice, just a little more condescending than Janeway liked. "At the beginning, of course, Admiral; we'll hear from the most senior officer first, Mister Chakotay. Is he present?"
On cue, Chakotay stood quickly and faced Wainwright, "Yes, sir."
Satisfied, Wainwright spoke. "Be seated Mister Chakotay and let's begin with your command experience while on board Voyager. Admiral Janeway?"
As Wainwright sat, ready to get to the matter at hand, Janeway thought, 'So much for a day of preliminaries!" Now she was really starting to worry. She had hoped there would be time for Tuvok and Kim to determine who had taken the missing data. But, regardless, it was now time to get started.
Tom Paris was about as confused as a person could be. Only minutes ago, he was sitting next to Admiral Janeway in court, doing his best to assist her with the procedures against his fellow crewpersons. A yeoman had delivered a cryptic message from Tuvok and now he was on his way at great speed to meet Harry Kim in the Starfleet Headquarters Building lobby.
After excusing himself from the courtroom, Tom made his way through the maze of people while seeking out Harry. Walking as quickly as possible in the crowded lobby, he finally spotted his friend, who was also having difficult time moving about.
"Tom! Glad you made it!" Kim put his arm around the out-of-breath officer.
A still confused Paris spoke quietly. "What's going on, Harry? Is this related to the hearing?"
Checking the immediate area, the young officer pulled Paris to one side and whispered. "Tuvok is on the way, too. We're here to see a senior officer... someone you know."
Now Paris was really confused. "You mean my father? He was at the court --"
"No, no, Admiral Bennington."
Recognition lit up Paris' face and then he slumped visibly and emotionally, "Oh... her."
Now it was Kim's turn to be confused, "What makes you say that?"
"She was the one who investigated the accident at the Academy and the reason I had to leave Starfleet." Suddenly, Paris felt depressed just thinking about the incident. "Do I really have to see her?"
"It's Tuvok's idea, Tom." Kim sounded apologetic. "He should be here --"
"Mister Paris!" Tuvok made his voice heard over the din of multiple conversations in the lobby without actually shouting.
Quickly, the Vulcan made his way to join his crewmates. "I regret my late arrival; it was unavoidable. However, I did learn that Mister Pauley of Starfleet Yards is no longer a person of interest in our investigation. While he may possess the skills necessary to accomplish the tasks of removing the data in question, he displayed no outward signs of guilt."
"Who is Pauley?" Paris was still confused as to what was going on.
"He was one of the visitors to Voyager during the window of opportunity." Before Paris could ask for clarity, Kim explained. "That window began from the time of the last data download of personal logs to the time that the logs were discovered to be missing."
"And the motivation?" Paris was intrigued.
"In my estimation, an attempt to make the former Maquis crewpersons look guilty or to discredit them, perhaps for retribution of some type. Either way, it would be detrimental to the current courtroom procedures." Tuvok studied Paris closely after his explanation but still perceived confusion.
"So why talk to Admiral Bennington?"
Tuvok was still uncharacteristically out of breath but was recovering quickly. "First, because she was aboard Voyager during the time in question. Second, she has the necessary skill set. Finally, she does possess a possible motivation."
"What motivation?" Paris was truly surprised by the accusation.
"I will refrain from revealing that for now, but it is why we, or more specifically you, are here."
Tom was now becoming uncomfortable, "Why me, specifically?"
"I want you to act as a visual reminder of Voyager's 'questionable' crew and, as there is 'history' between you and the admiral."
"Yes, Commander, but how does that help the investigation?"
Tuvok paused as if to make a point. "I wish to provoke a reaction, if possible, by your presence. It will assist me in my assessment of Admiral Bennington's possible complicity concerning the missing data."
"It's nice to know I'm needed." Paris let the sarcasm show intentionally.
"I am sorry, Mister Paris, but it is the most expedient means of moving our investigation forward and time is not on our side. Shall we proceed?"
"Commander, I don't think the Admiral will give you the reaction you are looking for."
Tuvok appeared displeased by both the reaction and comment. "Lieutenant, I shall be the judge of that." The Vulcan then spun on his heels and headed towards the nearest turbolift.
Paris turned to look at his friend. Harry shrugged and followed Tuvok with Paris close behind.
In short order, the trio of Voyager officers were standing in the corridor outside Admiral Bennington's office. Tuvok turned to face Paris. "Please remain here for now. I want you to enter exactly three minutes after Mister Kim and myself."
"Are you sure she is in or that she will even see you if she is?" Paris was still not completely sold on the idea.
A very indignant Tuvok sighed. "I am a member of Starfleet Security on an active investigation, so yes. Command has endorsed my effort due to the data theft and cleared it with the admiral in advance."
Paris was now subdued but not entirely convinced. "I see. Very well, Commander, I'll do as you order, but I believe the admiral --"
Tuvok cut him short. "Never the less, we will proceed." Tuvok then entered the adjacent office with Kim.
In a brief moment, Tuvok and Kim were seated in Bennington's office. The admiral was cordial and very curious. "What can I do for you, Commander?"
"You were aboard Voyager recently, correct?"
"Yes, as part of my duties. I checked the progress of the refit and filed a report with Command the same day. That report is part of the record if you wish to examine it."
"Unnecessary, Admiral; however, while aboard you accessed the ship's computers."
"Again, as part of my duties, the refit includes a computer upgrade by adding more bio-neural circuitry. It seems your trip nearly overloaded the ship's memory capacity. Command doesn't want that to happen again, so assessing the system was necessary."
"I see." Tuvok nodded in understanding. "Someone who accessed the computers also removed certain records."
Bennington now lost her friendly demeanor and became defensive. "And you think I did that?"
"Not at all, Admiral; however, I did wish to determine if you witnessed anything unusual during your visit. Or did your computer work reveal any unusual activity that could be attributed to an illegal or forced entry?"
The senior officer now relaxed, but before she could speak her intercom sounded.
"Admiral, Mister Tuvok's associate has arrived and wishes to see him."
"Yes, Lieutenant, send them in."
Immediately the door snapped open and Paris entered reluctantly. "Sorry to interrupt, but Admiral Janeway wishes an update at your convenience, Mister Tuvok."
Admiral Bennington was surprised by the appearance of Paris, but smiled. "Lieutenant Paris, it is good to see you. I was pleased to learn of your reinstatement."
"Thank you, ma'am. It's good to be back."
"I know your future will be bright, Mister Paris. I have complete confidence in you."
Tuvok looked surprised by the admiral's comment and friendly manner. Bennington picked up on it. She looked at Paris and smiled warmly. "I had a long conversation with Tom which led to his admission of guilt and subsequent resignation from Starfleet. It was a good first step in his inevitable redemption." She paused briefly then turned back to Tuvok. "As to your inquiries, I did not witness any irregularities concerning Voyager's computers."
Tuvok nodded and then spoke quietly. "Thank you, Admiral. I must report to Admiral Janeway then continue my investigation."
"Good luck, Commander", Bennington said, smiling again.
Once the Voyager team assembled in the corridor, Tuvok confessed. "I had hoped to provoke a different reaction from the Admiral. I thought your 'history' with the Admiral may have given her a reason to see you and the others fail.
Stifling a smile, Paris explained, "I told you she wouldn't respond the way you thought. She and I are almost... friends."
An exasperated Tuvok looked at Kim, "Who is next on our list?"
"List of what?" Paris asked innocently.
"Suspects, Tom." Kim replied. Then he added, "Two more, Mister Tuvok. One in Switzerland and the other is in Scotland. Do we split up the time to save time or go together?"
Tuvok responded rapidly and firmly, "We go together." The Vulcan tapped his comm badge. "Commander Tuvok to Starfleet Transport."
"Transport here, sir. How may I assist you?"
"I need first available transport from Starfleet Headquarters to..." He looked at Kim.
"Inverness, Scotland, Commander," Kim offered quietly.
"... Inverness, Scotland, Transport."
"Aye, sir; shuttle will be at your location in seven minutes in the main shuttle hanger, hull number 6312, the Berkshire."
"Acknowledged; Commander Tuvok out!"
Within three minutes, the trio arrived in the hanger. In four more minutes, they were on their way and while aboard, Tuvok and Kim brought Paris up to speed. The shuttle pilot seemed to ignore the conversation, concentrating on the flight, during which there was time for a quick lunch, or was it dinner? Crossing so many time zones made it difficult to be sure.
Finally, they arrived in Scotland at the offices for Highlands Technologies, Tuvok wasted no time and located the manager who visited Voyager, Angus MacLeod.
MacLeod was seated at his desk when Tuvok, Kim and Paris appeared in the doorway of the 18th Century office building. The Scotsman was surprised by the sudden appearance of three Starfleet officers but not fearful or even apprehensive and even smiled.
"To what do I owe this visit?"
Stepping forward, Tuvok took the lead. "Mr. MacLeod, you were aboard the starship Voyager recently, correct?"
Beaming with pride, the man replied, "Absolutely, as well as Ticonderoga and Royal Oak, as part of my job, why?
"We are looking into certain issues. Ship's logs show you accessed the computer system on Voyager, several times."
MacLeod didn't flinch. "Yes, to check how our systems integrated with the upgraded computers. Our systems passed with flying colors and that was noted by the supervising Starfleet engineers and yard personnel. After that, I went to the Ticonderoga. So what's the problem?"
"Did you notice anything unusual with the computers while you were working?" Tom was trying to feel useful and asked what he considered a routine and straight forward question. He did not anticipate the response.
"Actually, yes."
A very surprised Kim became excited, "In what way?"
"An atypically slow response time, which was surprising considering the recent system upgrades." MacLeod shook his head then continued, "The problem was corrected quickly, so it wasn't really an issue for long."
"When did this occur?" Tuvok now consulted his tricorder.
"Let's see, that would have been on my last day aboard, the day we passed inspections. That will be in the logs."
Tuvok nodded, "Yes, I have it here, but there is no reference indicating the problem you spoke of."
"Not surprising, it was simply a matter of changing out a few of the bio-neural circuitry packs, they were... contaminated... or something like that."
"Anything else?" Paris was anxious to wrap up the interview and get back to court, where he could feel more useful or at least not as out of place.
MacLeod thought for a moment then shrugged, "No, that's about it. Hope I helped."
"Unquestionably, sir. Thank you for your time." Tuvok closed his tricorder and exited the office quickly with a bewildered Kim and Paris following.
Once clear of the building, Kim asked an obvious question. "Why the quick exit, Commander?"
The Vulcan was still closely studying his tricorder and did not look up as he spoke. "Why was the computer malfunction not logged? All such problems are logged regardless how simple or regardless of the speed at which the difficulties are corrected."
Kim was now caught up in Tuvok's thought process as well. "Agreed; do you think the loss of data and the defective computer circuits are connected?"
"The defect could not have caused that type of loss. It would have been more of a general loss, not specific to just the personal logs, right?" Paris sounded doubtful.
"I am suggesting nothing. However, I do not like coincidences. I will talk to our last suspect alone to see if there are any other surprises. Meantime, I need both of you return to Voyager and conduct tests and reviews of the ships computers and logs. Also, check for any other anomalies." Tuvok finished his thoughts just as the small group reached their shuttle.
Paris was clearly annoyed. "Mister Tuvok, I need to get back to the hearing to help Admiral Janeway and the others!"
Exasperated, Tuvok confronted Paris. "We need to resolve this issue so we will be more able to assist the Admiral and the others. We must determine who is responsible for the missing data. There may be other connections to the case that we are not currently aware of and need to be. Is that understood?"
Although he wasn't completely happy, Paris had to agree with Tuvok's logic. "Very well, Commander, I'll return to the ship."
"Thank you, Lieutenant. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated. Take the shuttle and I shall contact Command for alternative transport arrangements."
Without waiting, Kim and Paris boarded the shuttle and headed for Voyager.
During the shuttle flight, the two junior officers mapped out their plan of attack. By the time they arrived on Voyager, they hit the decks running, literally. Kim did so because he was caught up in the investigation and was looking forward to the challenge. Paris just wanted to get the project completed and go back to the courtroom to support B'Elanna and the others. Just a quick check of Voyager records and he'd be gone!
As agreed, Paris began checking the computer system in general while Kim looked into the defective bio-neural cells. Both would check into the missing data concerning the Maquis and look for any other issues. With any luck, the two would have their work completed by the time Tuvok returned from his last interview.
Working from bridge stations quietly, both motivated by their own individual goals, Kim was the first to come up with something. "Tom, I found out why there's no record of the defective memory cells and subsequent repairs."
Paris moved quickly to Kim's console. "What is it?"
"Whoever stole the data also removed the evidence of the repairs."
"But why?" Paris was truly dumbfounded.
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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