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Table of Contents
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Janeway was pleased with the progress, so far, of the hearing, but she was still concerned. Why had Tom been summoned and why hadn't he returned? More importantly, where were Tuvok and Kim? Had they found anything and why hadn't they contacted her with a progress report?
So far, seven of her Maquis crew had been 'reviewed and approved' by the board with little or no difficulty. The most any one of them had been questioned was Chakotay, regarding his solo mission to a Kazon ship. He explained that his action was an attempt to rectify a situation he was responsible for. Janeway was not pleased with that action and she noted that he had received a reprimand and that he was put on report. The circumstances of the event and the subsequent results of a successful defeat of the Kazon plan, followed by Janeway's actions, seemed to satisfy the review board.
Following Chakotay; Torres, Tabor, Carlson, Jarvin and O'Donnell had all passed with flying colors. Janeway and the others began feeling confident of a favorable outcome, but everyone still had doubts. Janeway's biggest concern centered on the missing data. Should the review board need to consult the logs, it could become a major problem for the Maquis crew. That kept nagging at Janeway, but she moved forward with the process of 'clearing' each of the Maquis.
Next was Doyle. Janeway had a special feeling about the young man. During their journey home, he had lapsed into a coma but it was soon discovered he had been subjected to a post hypnotic suggestion. Once diagnosed and treated, the man had proved himself as an able crewperson. Janeway 'rolled up her sleeves' mentally and put the data loss to side and started her defense of Doyle in earnest.
Paris and Kim were, in a manner of speaking, working hard aboard Voyager, looking into the mystery of the undocumented repair. While Tuvok was checking the last suspect, Paris and Kim were using tricorders and other instruments to make a thorough search of the computer system failure and repair.
After several hours of work with no results, Kim hit on an idea. "Tom, if somebody replaced defective neural packs, where did they get new ones?"
Paris lit up, "Of course! Let's check ship's stores, yard supply and the fleet quartermaster!"
Quickly the two set about doing just that. In short order, they found two packs missing from ship's stores. Then they performed scans, looking for evidence of who had done it. Unfortunately, they found that the storage area had been scrubbed clean and the quartermaster's records had been altered. Also, there was no evidence of the defective packs. Harry was visibly disappointed. Evidently the packs had been disposed of or destroyed; again, why?
By the time Tuvok returned, the pair had a full report waiting for him, but he spoke first. "Regretfully, I have nothing to offer. Our last suspect was not involved, of that I am sure."
"How so, Mr. Tuvok?"
"Miss Bonet was scheduled to work on Voyager's main computers. However, due to an unforeseen shortage of labor in her company, she was redirected to work in engineering in order to make a deadline. Upon completing her work there, another deadline of sorts forced her return to her company headquarters in Bearn, which is why she is there now." Tuvok sighed and then turned to his friends, noting their eagerness. "Do you have something?"
Quickly, the two relayed all they had discovered and presented their evidence using the data on their tricorders. After almost fifteen minutes of that, the Vulcan security officer sighed again. "It would appear that our methods do not reveal anything useful to our investigation. If anything, we are acquiring even more questions than answers."
"Then we're giving up?" The young man sounded disappointed.
"Hardly; we must continue, but we need another approach." Tuvok stepped closer to Kim. "So far, you have offered several helpful suggestions regarding our investigation. Do you have any other ideas?"
Kim felt trapped, even guilty when he finally responded, "No, sir, sorry."
Tuvok then turned to Paris, "And you, Lieutenant?"
"Actually, sir, I do."
As Janeway explained to the review board, her reassurances regarding crewperson Yosa, she noticed the ship's doctor abruptly leave the courtroom. At this rate, she'd have no witnesses left; just what was going on? Was this the result of the data loss? She wasn't sure what was transpiring, but was forced to refocus on the matter at hand by a stern look of disapproval from Wainwright. It was then she realized she had been asked a question and the man was waiting for a response. Apologizing, she asked for the question to be repeated and vowed to herself not to let that happen again. She also vowed to get answers from Tuvok and the others before the day ended, regardless of what happened in the courtroom.
She would get the answer much sooner than that.
It was only an hour later when a question was raised by one of the board members and it was suggested that the only means of resolving the issue would be through reviewing not only the ship's logs, but also the personal logs of Lieutenant Ayala and Captain Janeway. This was regarding Ayala's taking temporary command of Voyager during its encounter with the distortion ring.
Janeway swallowed hard. The log issue would become apparent very soon. She tried to offer a detailed explanation of what happened regarding Ayala's command. However the board seemed set on reviewing the logs.
Rather than call for a recess to do so, the board chairman motioned for a yeoman to retrieve the records in question and make them available to the review board.
In an attempt to delay the inevitable, Janeway now found herself rising slowly. "If it pleases the board, may I suggest a recess while the logs are located and transferred." Dramatically stifling a mild yawn to emphasize the point, she crossed her fingers mentally, hoping for a favorable ruling.
Wainwright seemed to agree with the idea and arched his back as if to ease a cramp or ache. "So ordered; we will take a fifteen minute recess." He gaveled lightly and before the echo faded, Janeway was out the door of the large room. Maybe she could warn her people or at least get an update that would placate the review board.
Immediately after leaving the room, she tapped her comm badge, "Janeway to Tuvok!" She was disappointed when the Vulcan failed to respond. Immediately she tried Harry Kim but he didn't acknowledge her attempt either, nor did Tom or the doctor. Just what was going on? She continued trying to no avail and her frustration level was building rapidly when she noticed people were returning to the hearing room. "So much for warning the investigation team," she shrugged and headed back to her seat disappointed and bewildered.
As soon as she sat down, Wainwright stared at her with a stern look. 'Uh oh, here it comes,' she thought.
Gaveling the hearing to order a bit louder than his usual manner, he had indicated his displeasure. Accordingly, he got right to business. "It has come to the attention of the board that certain records are missing, specifically the logs of those persons being reviewed. I find it very disconcerting that the exact records we need are missing, not only from court records but Starfleet as well. Perhaps there is something in those records that the Maquis people do not wish us to see."
Chakotay was about to rise to the challenge when Janeway spoke. "I wish to assure the board that the missing data is not due to any actions by any persons sitting before you and I have several of my crewpersons working to determine the reason for the missing data."
Wainwright now glared at Janeway, his displeasure was very evident in both manner and tone of voice. "You mean you knew about this before we began these proceedings?"
"Yes, but I was confident that the person or persons responsible could be located and the data reinstated."
Before Wainwright or the other board members could speak, another yeoman approached Wainwright and delivered an additional data padd.
While he reviewed the information, Commander Solac took the opportunity to voice his displeasure as well. "I too am bothered by the fact that the personal logs are missing and wish to go on record as such. It is too much of a coincidence that the very records we need are missing. I presume they are also missing from Voyager as well."
A very embarrassed Janeway responded quietly, "Yes, Commander."
Now Santer joined in. "I am also... disappointed concerning this revelation, Admiral Janeway. I expected much better from you and your crew." The JAG officer from Luxembourg was particularly harsh and continued. "If this is an example of how the Maquis members of your crew operate, perhaps they should be considered for further investigations and even prosecution. Maybe they haven't mended their 'old ways' after all."
The admiral was about to apologize again when she heard a noise behind her and turned to see Torres on the verge of attacking Santer. Quickly, she calmed her chief engineer, "Relax, I'm sure Tuvok and the others will resolve this. Besides, you're not affected. Your records are intact."
Surprised, Torres relaxed and calmed down.
Then Chakotay offered some sage advice to his engineer. "Please don't kill one of the board members as it may prejudice our case." He finished on a smile to emphasize the ridiculous statement.
When Janeway turned back, she found Wainwright staring at her with a smirk on his face. "It appears that the attempt to remove certain logs was in vain, Admiral Janeway. Memory Alpha's records are still intact and we have those before us now. Whatever the reason for the removal of the records, it did not work. We shall proceed --"
At this point, the doors at the back of the large room opened and a none-to-quiet group of people entered.
Now the entire review board was extremely agitated and Wainwright used his gavel as if he were attempting to kill something. "Order! ORDER!"
The noise subsided slightly, but not enough as the chairperson continued to take out his displeasure on the defenseless gavel and table. "I will have order or you will be removed from this hearing!"
Upon those words a security team seemed to appear from nowhere and moved quickly towards the group which had caused the disturbance.
Janeway had already left her seat and moved to greet the noisy group. Tuvok, Kim, Paris, Doc and a young lady were moving towards her. Tuvok spoke quickly and briefly in a whisper as by now the room was now becoming quiet.
The senior Voyager officer spun on her heels and spoke before any of the board members had a chance. "Mister Chairman, I have some information regarding the missing data."
Very annoyed, Wainwright reluctantly gave in. "Very well, but I must caution you I am not in the mood for any more... theatrics. Is that understood?"
"By all means, if you'll just give me a moment to consult with my associates." Without waiting for approval, Janeway huddled with her friends and spoke very quietly. "What is going on?"
Tuvok stepped in even closer. "I believe we have determined source of our data loss."
Looking past her security officer and friend, Janeway noticed Wainwright's scowl. "You better explain it to the board, Commander, and right now!"
The Vulcan turned towards the review board, "May I please address this hearing? I believe I can provide answers to the mystery surrounding the missing data. I am Commander Tuvok, Chief of Security on the U.S.S. Voyager."
Totally unimpressed Wainwright never-the-less conceded. "Very well; step forward and address the board, but be brief."
"I shall endeavor to do so." Tuvok produced a data padd and gave it to Wainwright. "On that device, you will find evidence proving all that I say is true. Voyager's computer system was entered by one of the workers currently refitting the ship. This person altered records and removed the logs of all the Maquis crewpersons, except one, B'Elanna Torres. That was due to the fact that her logs were stored in the engineering computers."
The board members seemed doubtful but said nothing, passing Tuvok's data padd to each other.
Continuing, Tuvok explained. "We believe this person removed the records from Voyager as well as those stored in the JAG's office. However, they did not remove the records from Memory Alpha. This was done in order to discredit the Maquis crewpersons gathered here today."
Still skeptical, Wainwright questioned Tuvok. "And how did you come to that conclusion?"
"If the intent was to eradicate all records then why leave the logs on Memory Alpha? The logs that were removed were targeted and timed to coincide with this hearing solely to cast a shadow of doubt on the Maquis people."
Janeway stepped next to Tuvok. Although addressing her friend, she spoke loud enough for the board to hear. "That plan seemed to have had the desired effect. Just prior to your arrival, Commander, the board was on the verge of condemning all of the Maquis people out of hand."
Wainwright looked guilty but masked it with more skepticism. "If all you say is true, Commander, then where is the person who is responsible for the data theft?"
At that moment Paris pushed through the group with a reluctant Marna Mayra in a firm grip. Mayra had recovered from her earlier emotional state and was now less than quiet, aggravating Wainwright again. Janeway made a point to placate the man before he raised a question regarding protocol and procedure. "If the board will please be patient just a bit longer and allow me to consult with my associate."
Without speaking, Wainwright reluctantly nodded an approval. Evidently Janeway's mild chastising regarding the out-of-hand condemning of the Maquis, made him think twice about tangling with the admiral again.
She moved quickly and in less than a minute approached the review board with Kim, Paris and Mayra close by. "Chairman Wainwright, with your permission, I will let the others speak for themselves."
First, Kim stepped close to the board and spoke in an unusually authoritarian voice. "This is a simple matter of revenge. During the height of the difficulties concerning the Cardassian peace accord and the subsequent rise of the Maquis, Miss Mayra..." he indicated her with a motion "...lost her father and brother during a running battle between Maquis forces, Cardassian military, Starfleet and the Bajoran home defense. While it was unclear as to who was actually responsible, in her mind, the Maquis were guilty as they had challenged the Federation's decision to agree to the terms in the peace accord. To 'get back' at the Maquis, she used the only means she had, that of altering computer records."
"And you know that she did this, how?" Santer was still not sold on the explanation.
Paris now moved forward, "As part of our investigation we discovered that bio-neural packs had been replaced at the same time of the data removal. We questioned why this happened until I remembered a previous incident when the ship's gel packs were infected with a virus. Therefore we wondered if someone had encountered a similar problem. Since the replacement process was not logged, it was only natural to assume there was an underlying reason for concealing the work."
Now the doctor appeared, "That's when the team asked for my assistance." He was being his usual self, grandstanding and theatrical. "It was brought to my attention that the neural packs may have been infected by the person who was stealing the data. It became a matter of isolating the specific infection and then locating the host. I located the infection within the bio-neural pack compartment. The person responsible for the theft had attempted to eradicate all evidence of their presence. However, I was able to locate traces of Thelusian Flu."
The doctor looked proud and the board members were less than impressed.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but Thelusian Flu isn't exactly uncommon, is it?" Solac seemed to doubt the entire explanation.
"Very true; however, Thelusian Flu, like many other similar disorders, have specific strains and this one is no exception. When Lieutenant Paris informed me that one of the people they interviewed regarding the data theft was ill, I compared readings that Commander Tuvok had taken to my own findings. The results were indicative of a similar strain. It took a closer exam of Miss Mayra's condition to conclusively prove her involvement. Her strain matched the samples taken from Voyager exactly. Also, I took the liberty of checking the health records of all the workers currently conducting repairs and upgrades on Voyager and the Maquis crewpersons as well, just to be sure there was no chance of... mistakes."
Solac's eyebrow arched considerably. "That would be an enormous task, would it not?"
Smiling confidently and proudly, the doctor continued, "For any humanoid, yes. However, as a photonic life form, I was able to scan all the records in less than two hours. There is no doubt Miss Mayra is the person responsible for the missing data." He then produced a data padd and handed it to Wainwright. "If you have any questions or doubts, I am confident you will find all of my research and tests are flawless and documented within this device."
Now there were muted exchanges of congratulations within the Maquis crew as well as the hearing room in general. Everyone seemed surprised and pleased with the results of the investigation. All, except the review board. The three members exchanged looks and Wainwright gaveled the room quiet again. "The board will recess until 0900 hours tomorrow in order to review the information presented by Admiral Janeway's crew." Two more very hard raps of the gavel preceded the exiting of the board.
Once the board had left, there was a general celebration in the room. Janeway wanted to join in, but she instead approached the investigation team. They were enthusiastically shaking hands and smiling broadly with each other and the various Maquis personnel now gathering around them. The admiral approached the team, "Well done, all of you. But why didn't you answer my calls?"
Tom looked sheepish, "My idea, Ma'am, sorry. We deactivated our comm badges in order to... sneak up on Miss Mayra."
Janeway laughed, "What?"
Harry Kim explained, "She had refused to see us for a second visit, or at least her friend did; she blocked all our attempts."
"So we had to wait until Mayra left her house," Paris explained. "We suspected she was on to us and was getting ready to leave."
"We were hidden in an area of low growth vegetation," Doc offered.
"Bushes, Admiral." Paris continued with the story, "We sort of ambushed her when she exited her house and while her companion was out of sight."
Now Janeway was genuinely worried. "You didn't kidnap her, did you?"
A horrified doctor responded, "Absolutely not! We merely confronted her with my flawless evidence and I checked my findings, just to be sure. She gave in relatively easily and became quite emotional. After all, my work is hard to argue with."
Suppressing a smile, Janeway had to agree with him. "I suppose so."
"What's next, Admiral?" The voice came from behind Janeway and she turned to see a smiling Chakotay, surrounded by the other Maquis, all were very curious.
"I'd say things are looking pretty good. Hopefully, we can wrap up all of the cases, maybe by the end of tomorrow's session. Right now, though, I'd say we need to celebrate the resolution of the data loss!"
A resounding cheer was evidence of a full endorsement by everyone present.
All except Marna Mayra, of course, who was now in the custody of the security team.
Tom Paris watched as she was led out of the room and wondered if the young lady felt it was worth it. Her actions hadn't really damaged the reputations of the Maquis personnel but hers was forever tarnished. He also wondered if she would ever be able to find work again. More important, since sabotaging a Starfleet vessel was a very serious offense, she would no doubt find herself doing serious time in a penal colony. Maybe the same one he had been in.
Janeway was feeling confident when she entered the hearing room. Already seated were the Maquis crew members. The previous day had witnessed the review and approval of many of the remaining Maquis. Only a three remained and it looked as if this day would see the end of the hearing and the reinstatement of the Maquis crew into Starfleet. They all appeared to be in good spirits and relaxed.
All that changed when the review board entered. Santer and Solac came in first with Wainwright close behind. Each one had a determined look on their faces. That was understandable for the Vulcan Solac, but Janeway would have sworn the other two had previously 'eased up' their attitude somewhat. All that had changed now, but why, she was unsure.
Once the board had taken their seats, Wainwright gaveled the hearing to order and spoke. "After reviewing the data provided by the Voyager crewmembers, the board has decided to ignore the incident concerning the missing logs, especially since all of them have now been recovered. Also, we accept the evidence presented by Commander Tuvok and the ship's doctor as to who was responsible. Miss Mayra is now in custody and will face charges concerning her actions aboard Voyager."
Then the trouble began.
Commander Santer spoke in a very accusatory tone and manner. "It has come to our attention that there is another situation concerning the Maquis personnel currently being reviewed in this hearing; specifically, those who had served previously on the ship known as the Valjean."
Taking a breath, she read from a data padd. "Shortly before encountering Voyager in the Delta Quadrant, the Maquis Valjean was involved in multiple actions in an area of space known as the badlands. While there, a Maquis stronghold called Meldan came under observation from a Starfleet team assigned to scout out Maquis strength. During that event, all of the Starfleet personnel were lost. There is reason to believe that personnel of the aforementioned Maquis ship Valjean may have participated in the action and were therefore directly responsible for the deaths of those Starfleet personnel."
It was easy to see where this was going and Janeway didn't like it one bit and stood abruptly. "The board members know there were many such encounters between Maquis and Starfleet forces. Most usually avoided combat, but regrettably there were casualties on both sides of such incidents. We acknowledge that and hope that this particular incident will nor influence the current hearing."
Now it was Solac's turn. "Regrettably, the board must insist on clarifying who amongst your crew, if any, participated in that particular action."
Janeway was confused, why now and why this particular incident? "May I ask the board why this is necessary? It is my understanding that both Starfleet and the Federation have declared the Maquis issue as no longer relevant."
Solac was firm, "While the Maquis issue may no longer be relevant, the circumstances concerning this particular incident dictates otherwise."
"How so?" Janeway needed to get to the heart of the issue.
"You are entitled to review the entire report. However, the reason for our interest centers on how the Starfleet personnel died, by prolonged torture and execution and not through what would be considered normal combat actions."
Now it was all clear. Disturbing, to say the least, and there was no getting around the issue. Janeway would have to do her best to get to the bottom of the issue. "May I have time to review that report?"
"Of course, Admiral," Solac now seemed a little more agreeable.
"Also, I would like time to determine my course of action concerning this hearing."
JAG officer Santer seemed agreeable, probably due to her legal background. "It's a reasonable request, Admiral. The board will consider your motion."
The trio spoke briefly, then Wainwright used his gavel once again. "This board will be in recess for... forty-eight hours." Twice more he rapped the gavel and the three board members left the room without further comment.
Janeway now turned to Chakotay, "Is that true? Did your people participate in the action at Meldan?"
Chakotay was dumbstruck and offended. "We participated in many actions in that area, but never committed such an act!"
"We need to check those reports, carefully, and find out if we can resolve the issue in favor of the Maquis who served with you. Otherwise, your entire crew will be blocked from ever serving in Starfleet and may even be brought up on charges of war crimes." Janeway had a firm jaw set and turned to Tuvok, Paris, Kim and Doc. "Looks like your work isn't done yet, are you up to another investigation?"
The group all nodded in agreement and Tuvok was the first to speak. "First, we need a copy of the report and go over it in detail to determine if we can identify the guilty parties."
"Agreed, Commander," Janeway was discouraged but still put up a brave front. "Let's get started!"
Within an hour, the group was back aboard Voyager in the conference room. The room still had a generous amount of incomplete work, open panels and missing equipment. However, the report was read, analyzed and discussed at length.
"The visual records are particularly upsetting, Admiral." Kim almost looked sick.
"No argument there, Lieutenant, but why would anyone do such a thing?"
"Certainly not the Maquis and definitely not my crew," Chakotay was adamant almost to the point of anger. "You can question every one; use a psychotricorder and any other method you choose if you wish."
"It's a good start, for sure. Maybe we could get Mr. Tuvok to do a meld as well." Kim was only joking but the others nodded with approval.
"Not a bad idea, Lieutenant." Tuvok surprised all present by his response.
Kim was confused, "But I thought you could tell if someone was lying just by watching their reactions?"
"Quite true, in most circumstances, however, I believe the review board would require more substantial or, at least, verifiable evidence. Still, a basic questioning of each person could prove most beneficial and may even reveal the guilty party, if they were part of Commander Chakotay's crew."
Chakotay was about to respond to Tuvok's suggestion of guilt when Tom interceded to avoid a confrontation. "It's a good start, Mister Tuvok, meanwhile Harry and I can do a detailed investigation of the report and we can also review the personal logs of the Maquis people as well, agreed?"
Reluctantly, Chakotay agreed, "Yes, I suppose so. I just can't believe my people would do such a thing."
"There is a possibility, Commander," the Doctor hesitated, but still offered a counterpoint, "It might have been the work of Mister Suder."
"I forgot about him," Paris said quietly.
"That brings up an interesting point." B'Lanna was in deep thought. "Even if it were someone from the Valjean, suppose the person or persons responsible are dead like Suder?"
"That's a real concern, to be sure, but let's concentrate on those who are still alive first. That may placate the board." Janeway then tried to refocus the group. "Chakotay, did you and your crew take part in an action at Meldan?"
"We were in the Badlands, you know that, but we were in and out of that particular sector time and again. It was an active area of Maquis operations, which is why the outpost was there. But my ship did not engage Starfleet forces prior to encountering Voyager. It's difficult to recall all of the actions, but yes, we were there. I just can't remember when."
"If only we had the Valjean's logs." Torres was still lost in thought.
"We didn't really have time for a data transfer." Chakotay was mildly chastising his friend.
The jibe hit a raw nerve and B'Lanna lashed out, angrily. "I thought we were almost through with this hearing. Maybe we should just give up!"
"Maybe that's what someone is counting on, wearing us down and out, hoping we'll give up." Chakotay was now on the offensive. "Frankly, I'd like to resolve this. Even if we don't get into Starfleet, I'd like my name, as well as the others, cleared. We did not commit an act as described in the report. Someone else had to do it, even considering Mister Suder. After all, he couldn't have done it all himself, could he?"
"Let's find out." Janeway got to the business at hand. "All of you have your assignments. Meanwhile I'm going to 'knock on some doors' at Starfleet Headquarters. Maybe I can find out more about the incident and see if there is anyone who can talk about it. Right now I believe the review board is ready to 'hang everybody' so let's get busy. Dismissed!"
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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