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After an abbreviated search, Tom Paris located Tuvok in Voyager's officer's lounge. The Vulcan was dining on an unfamiliar dish. He was also reviewing a data padd and seemed oblivious to the work going on around him.
Several technicians were installing new equipment and furnishings in the lounge and they, too, seemed not to notice the Vulcan or, for that matter, Tom.
Paris approached Tuvok quietly, not really wishing to disturb the man, but there was an issue which needed discussion.
Surprisingly, without looking up, Tuvok spoke first. "Mister Paris, did you wish to see me?"
"Actually, yes; I hope I'm not disturbing your dinner."
"Not really, I was merely enjoying a Vulcan delicacy that I have not had since our departure from the Alpha Quadrant."
Whistling low, Paris showed his appreciation of the statement. "That's a long time between favorite snacks."
"Indeed; still, it could have been much longer, but we did have a few interesting... diversions."
The human brightened with realization, "Courtesy of Mister Neelix! You know, I really do miss him."
"I would not normally admit to such a... feeling. However, the lack of his presence is noticeable from time to time."
"But not all of his dishes; there were a few that fell short of being... great."
"Agreed, Lieutenant. Was Mister Neelix what you wished to talk about?"
"Actually, no; may I?" Paris indicated an empty chair.
"Of course, excuse my manners. I sometimes forget the pleasantries and customs of humans despite living with them for so long."
As he sat, Tom Paris studied the Vulcan's implacable face. "I know there are certain subjects that you people are reluctant to discuss, but I feel compelled to do so."
"Such as?"
"Mind melds. I understand that it is both a very personal and sometimes disturbing process."
"Correct." Tuvok placed his hands together in the now familiar manner of the steepled arrangement, then continued. "Is there a reason for your inquiry? I trust it concerns our current investigation."
"Yes, sir." Trying hard not to offend the man or place him in an uncomfortable or awkward position, Tom proceeded slowly. "It's my understanding that you conducted an extensive meld with Lon Suder in an attempt to learn the reason for his killing crewman Darwin."
"True, however the process did not have the desired result, as you know, and left me in a most... unsettled state."
"I understand, but you did establish that he had a long history of disturbing behavior."
"Also true," Tuvok was studying the human closely.
"Is there a chance he may have been responsible for what happened at Meldan?"
Tuvok was now stunned and took a moment to recover. "Possibly, but as the doctor pointed out, we no longer have Mister Suder for questioning."
Now Paris 'stepped lightly.' "Is it possible for you to return, mentally, to the original meld and 'review' your impressions and images?" Tom became very quiet and sympathetic. "I know what I ask is... difficult, perhaps even distasteful, but it might clear the Maquis crew. I do not ask this as a personal favor, even though B'Elanna is affected, but rather to clear all those who had nothing to do with what happened at Meldan."
Tuvok remained silent for a long period of time but Tom did nothing to prompt him, not wishing to disturb the Vulcan who was deep in thought.
Finally, Tuvok spoke. "I am not sure that has ever been attempted before." He seemed distant and distracted, but intrigued.
Encouraged, Paris pressed his questioning. "You had stated that Suder had been responsible for several violent crimes before killing Mister Darwin. Is it possible he could have been the person who killed the Starfleet team at Meldan?"
Now Paris could see the Vulcan in deep thought. "A most intriguing thought; however, I was not aware of such an impression at the time."
Prompting his friend, Paris offered a possibility. "Perhaps that was due to the fact that you were focused on determining Suder's guilt concerning Mister Darwin and not any other specific crime."
"Quite true," Tuvok now unsteepled his fingers and sat back. "Fascinating." Once again, Tuvok studied the Human. "I will need to... contemplate this in meditation for some time, then we can revisit your proposal. Will that be satisfactory?"
Now, finally relaxed, Paris agreed. "Yes, sir; I will wait your decision and, regardless of your decision, thank you for hearing me out."
Without waiting for Tuvok to respond, Paris left quickly to let the man finish his favorite food.
The investigation into the incident at Meldan would be difficult at best. The outpost itself no longer existed. Records showed it had been totally destroyed by a combined force of Cardassian and Jem'Hadar military. Any possible Maquis witnesses were long gone, virtually wiped out, also by the Cardassians and Jem'Hadar. Therefore the area would be incapable of providing any useful information. There just weren't any witnesses to interview. Scratch one avenue of investigation.
Therefore, efforts were increased on the remaining choices. Tom and Harry had had much success working on the previous investigations and so had a confidence of sorts in this type of work. Currently, they were reviewing Maquis logs with the assistance of B'Elanna Torres.
The search was tedious, but thankfully did not take long. A search for key words and names in the logs turned up absolutely nothing. Scanning the logs, it became painfully obvious that they centered on events while on board Voyager. There were a few references to the Maquis in general and a few accounts regarding missing old friends, but that was it. Torres even noted that almost all references to the Maquis disappeared once the news of their defeat and elimination had been received.
On that note B'Elanna excused herself. She said she wanted to check on Miral but Tom suspected it had more to do with not being able to deal with old memories from her days as a Maquis and the loss of so many friends.
Next on the agenda were the formal reports from Starfleet regarding what was now being referred to as the Meldan massacre.
The two friends worked hard and quickly to locate anything that might be useful. Unfortunately they weren't very lucky. Most reports were brief and had little in the way of useful information. Worse yet, the investigating officer had himself been killed in battle not long after the Meldan incident. His after action report revealed little, other than specifics on the deaths by way of a surgeon's autopsy report. Most of the remaining report was focused on a tactical evaluation and merely assumed the Maquis, in general, were responsible but no specifics were offered.
Both men were exhausted and frustrated. It was painfully obvious that there just wasn't any useful information, at least as far as their needs were concerned. Hopefully, the other teams would have better luck.
Janeway had done just as she promised. She knocked, sometimes literally, on many doors. Unfortunately there were no answers to her questions, but no evasions either. All tried to help but to no avail. Finally, there was only one door left.
Arriving at the office of the Grand Admiral, Janeway wasn't sure if she'd even be seen, but at this point, it was worth a try.
Much to her surprise, Janeway was shown in to the 'old man's' office almost immediately. She suspected it had something to do with her being 'the hero of the Delta Quadrant' or something like it. In any case, she welcomed the opportunity to meet who was actually the 'old lady.'
Upon entering the large office, Admiral Petra Velez stood to welcome her visitor. Janeway was immediately struck by the most senior officer of Starfleet. Not just her manner, but also her appearance. She was tall, slender and striking. The Mexican woman would not have looked out of place at a Paris fashion review. Her hair was cut shorter than many males and as dark as her eyes and olive skin. Her appearance defied her age of seventy-one. The looks were accented by a pleasant manner and genuine smile. All these features hid the best mind in the fleet, a highly competent officer and someone who could evaluate a situation, no matter how critical, with just a moment's thought.
"It's good to see Starfleet's newest Admiral. I trust all is well with the refit of Voyager." She indicated a seat and then returned to her own chair. "How may I help you?"
Janeway launched into a planned speech of sorts. "Actually, Admiral, I'm here regarding a different matter. I'm in the middle of a board of review concerning my former Maquis crewpersons."
Nodding, Velez spoke quietly, "Yes, I've been following that."
Her answer surprised Janeway but she continued, "They have been linked to the incident at Meldan. I am trying to obtain any information that will provide answers as to who exactly was responsible. So far, I've been unsuccessful with Starfleet Security, Intelligence, Operations and several other divisions and agencies. I was wondering if you could help in any way. I would be extremely grateful."
Grand Admiral Velez was quiet for a moment. "Sounds like you covered all the obvious possibilities. What exactly do you wish to find?"
"Anything that would indicate who exactly was responsible. Failing that, a way to prove my people weren't responsible; witnesses, physical, evidence, logs... anything!" Embarrassed by her small outburst and desperate tone, Janeway apologized. "Sorry, sir, I'm under a deadline and we're so close to resolving the issue of my Maquis crew re-entering service with Starfleet."
"Entirely understandable... Kathryn isn't it?"
"Yes, Ma'am." After calming down, Janeway tried again. "Can you think of any way you might be able to help me?"
Again, the senior officer became thoughtful. "That's why I'm here. I've only been on the job for a few days, but it's time I rolled up my sleeves and got to work on something that sounds interesting. Besides, it's part of my job and one I perform gladly. I'm not sure exactly what I can do. However, I will make inquiries. What is your deadline?"
"The board took a forty-eight hour recess. That means I have less than thirty-two hours left."
"First of all, I'll see if I can get that deadline changed. Next, I'll make some inquiries of my own. I'd like to see this resolved as well." Smiling she added, "Starfleet can always use more qualified and experienced people, right?"
"Absolutely! I mean, affirmative, sir."
Standing, Starfleet's most senior officer smiled again. "Continue with your own investigation, Admiral Janeway, I'll see what I can do."
It was a pleasant dismissal, but a dismissal none-the-less. Still, she had seen the one person who might be able to make a difference.
"By the way, do you still plan to ship out with Voyager on its next assignment?"
As the two made their way out of the admiral's office, they continued their conversation. "Yes, I'd like to complete at least one mission within the Alpha Quadrant." Janeway laughed at her own statement.
"Touche!" Velez stepped into the outer office and Janeway followed. "I don't usually like to have my flag officers commanding starships, but I think I can make an exception in your case."
The two stopped at the door leading to the corridor. "Thank you again, Ma'am." Janeway then left the office and found herself in a very busy corridor. It was now time to take a break from 'door knocking' and check on the progress of the others. To that end, she moved quickly to the headquarters building transporter centroplex. On the way, she hoped that the others did better than she had.
On board Voyager, Paris and Kim were very surprised to see Chakotay and Tuvok enter the ship's bridge. Even on the Vulcan's face it was obvious that their results were less than stellar.
"Mister Paris, any luck?" Chakotay tried to sound upbeat but it didn't work very well.
"Not really, sir, all we've had is dead ends and no productive avenues."
"Agreed." Kim sounded greatly disappointed, "How about you and Mister Tuvok, Commander?"
"No, all the people we interviewed are above suspicion. I detected no attempt of deception or aversion to questioning. Each one, I believe, is without guilt."
There was a moment of silence which was interrupted by Janeway's sudden appearance. One look at the faces on the bridge told her all she needed to know. "I take it, it didn't go well, gentleman."
"And you, Admiral?" Chakotay was just confirming what he suspected as well.
"The same, I'm afraid. However, there is hope. I talked to the Admiral of the Fleet herself. She said she would look into the matter and see about getting our deadline with the review board delayed."
"That's at least encouraging," Kim offered hopefully.
"Is there anything we may not have thought of previously? Something we might have missed"? Janeway sounded desperate.
"Well, Admiral, there is one thing. Tuvok and Chakotay interviewed all of the Maquis crewpersons, but what about those who decided not to join Starfleet?" Harry Kim explained.
Tuvok stepped next to Kim, "As I have asked before, have you considered switching to security? You seem to possess an affinity towards investigatory methods and procedures."
A very surprised Janeway studied the young man. "Did I miss something?"
"Mister Tuvok has suggested I might want to consider changing specialties to security." Kim was almost apologetic.
"Any decisions yet, Lieutenant?" Janeway was only half serious, but it embarrassed Harry to no end.
"Not yet, Admiral."
"Let's follow through on Harry's suggestion, just in case." Janeway continued, "We don't want to leave any stone unturned. Tuvok, you and Chakotay take care of that. Tom and Harry, look at the records of Starfleet Operations in the Badlands. Check for key words and phrases, to assist in your search."
The two junior officers exchanged looks that Janeway picked up on. "Did I say something wrong?"
Paris smiled, "We've been doing that since you left, Admiral."
She studied Kim and shook her head, "Maybe Tuvok is right. Let's see if our new Lieutenant comes up with anything else. Meanwhile, I'm going to check on the ship. The Admiral of the Fleet asked if I was pleased with the progress on the ship's refit. Frankly, I've been so busy with court appearances and hearings, I really wasn't sure what to say. That's not very professional for a ship's captain."
"Especially not for an admiral either." Chakotay smiled as he followed Tuvok off the bridge.
When Tuvok entered Voyager's sickbay, he found the EMH waiting for him. The Vulcan vocalized his supposition, "I assume that you received my communication."
"Do you still wish to proceed?"
Tuvok looked around the facility as if he were searching for something.
"Is there something wrong, Commander?"
"I am somewhat surprised to find your facility in good repair."
At first the doctor wasn't sure what the Vulcan was referring to. Then it struck him. "Oh, you mean the refit and upgrades. A ship's medical facility always has the highest priorities, even in dry dock. I suppose it has something to do with being available for the technicians who may become injured or ill while working on the ship. Anyway, rest assured, I am completely ready."
The sickbay doors opened and Tom Paris entered. Tuvok was surprised but the doctor welcomed him. However he noticed Tuvok's reaction and commented. "While they may have completed the upgrades to the facility, Voyager's sickbay is still not completely staffed. Some things never change; I'm still alone. So, naturally, I requested the assistance of Mister Paris. I trust you don't object."
"Not at all, Doctor."
With a guilty tone, Paris explained quietly, "Since this was my idea, I thought I should lend a hand."
"I greatly appreciate your presence, Lieutenant." Tuvok then turned back to the doctor. "Are you ready?"
"Question is, are you?"
The Vulcan attempted to ease the doctor's concerns. "I have been in meditation for several hours which followed extensive research into the possibility of revisiting prior melds. I also conducted searches of historic Vulcan records on the subject and reviewed my training with a Vulcan master from my youth. He was very helpful in many respects. With the research plus extensive and specialized meditation, I feel I am quite prepared for the pending... experiment."
The doctor conceded, "Of course. During your attempt to access the meld, I will monitor the activity in your mesiofrontal cortex to be sure there are no... surprises. Will that be satisfactory?"
"Indeed, quite satisfactory," after a moment, the Vulcan seemed resigned to the process. "Then we shall proceed." He moved to the main exam table and assumed a reclined position.
Doc began arranging various medical devices and monitors, while adjusting controls to ensure a safe procedure. Paris helped whenever possible and followed the doctor's lead. In just a few short moments everybody and everything was ready.
After settling in and becoming comfortable, Tuvok spoke to his friends. "I shall require a brief moment to prepare."
"Quite understandable, Commander," the doctor stood quietly next to Paris and the two waited patiently.
It didn't take long and finally, Tuvok indicated his readiness. "I shall begin, please monitor my progress closely. I have no desire to experience the Vulcan Rage again."
"I dare say," the doctor smiled and added, "The moment I detect a problem, I shall administer a low grade stimulant that will initiate a signal of sorts to your subconscious."
"Agreed, doctor and thank you." At that moment he closed his eyes and relaxed.
In what seemed like a mere fraction of a second, Tuvok found himself moving in an unfamiliar world. Slowly and cautiously, he proceeded. It took some time and he actually began to wonder if the memories were lost forever. After even more exploring, he finally began withdrawing. The experiment was a failure. He was disappointed to say the least.
Then he noticed a dark corner. Logically, it would be an ideal place for... undesirable memories. Perhaps his own subconscious mental discipline had created the area and guarded it closely. Should he enter or not? The memory of his emotional pain from the previous meld with Suder was very strong. However, at this point, he was accomplishing very little... so, it was time to take the plunge, as humans say.
Moving cautiously, he quickly realized this was the proper place. He would take a careful route.
The surroundings became more confused and darker. Soon, images came into focus; not all at once and not one hundred percent clear to be sure, but much easier to perceive and navigate.
Now Suder was present, not visually, but Tuvok could sense his presence. Suder's mental power was almost overwhelming, but Tuvok could keep him at bay. The time he had spent in deep meditation was working, at least, so far. It was now time to move forward.
Still cautious, Tuvok searched. He located a number of disjointed memories regarding several... incidents and began to look into them. They were disturbing, but perhaps this is what he was looking for. He moved forward again. If he did so and the memory was too violent, he could withdraw without endangering himself.
It took only a brief moment to realize that the experience was not what he was looking for. However, it was something worth investigating, none-the-less. He found a young lady, a humanoid Suder had killed when he was young. Perhaps this was his first victim, but it wasn't the Starfleet team that was the focal point of his mental journey. Tuvok noted details and moved out of the memory and on to the next. He discovered several more of these and realized he was witnessing a macabre history of Suder's activities as a killer. Fortunately, Tuvok's preparations were working to minimize the effect on his mesiofrontal cortex. At least he knew the process was working.
The next dark corner concerned another Suder victim, an elderly Andorian. Again, not the Starfleet team so Tuvok moved along, cautiously.
Now he was seeing another area, shadowed even more. Maybe this was what he was looking for. There were no discernable images for what seemed like a long time. What was transpiring? Why could he not perceive any images? Moving further into the dark corner, Tuvok finally recognized the area, just before seeing the image of Voyager crewperson Darwin. He felt the familiar tingle. This is where he lost control during the previous meld with Suder. No need to revisit this area. But he did make note of an interesting point. He had started with what Tuvok perceived as Suder's first act of violence. Now he was witnessing his last. Where was the incident with Starfleet? If Suder had been responsible, he should have witnessed the event by now.
Tuvok now felt... empty. There was no connection to the Meldan incident. He had failed. Suder wasn't involved after all. There would be no reprieve for Voyager's Maquis people. Tuvok felt... failure and began withdrawing. Slowly he 'crawled' out of the meld memory. It had been a commendable effort, but to no avail.
Then a thought struck the Vulcan. He had withdrawn prematurely from the images concerning the death of crewman Darwin. That was because it wasn't related to the Meldan massacre.
He took a moment. Maybe his mind was trying to protect itself. Perhaps it was masking a more horrific scenario and that would cause him to withdraw before he had a chance to look closer. It was a real possibility. Maybe that was part of his subconscious way of preventing another disturbance of the mesiofrontal cortex. He hesitated, not wanting to initiate another episode of uncontrollable emotion. Then he remembered the ship's doctor was monitoring that. He could move back to that corner, if only for a moment, just to be sure.
He did so, slowly. There would be no sudden moves and once again, he found the memory of crewperson Darwin. There was a reaction, the one that caused him to move away previously. This time though, he moved forward. It was a strange sensation, one he hadn't had before, why? This was familiar territory.
Now the images were shifting, no more was he aboard Voyager. He was someplace unfamiliar and he was with Maquis. There were several, armed and in a combat situation. What was this? What was he witnessing?
Then there was an exchange of fire between Maquis and... Starfleet!
There was confusion... a low energy weapon... no, a stun setting. Now the Starfleet people are down, but alive. The Maquis move to get reinforcements, help and a senior officer to make a decision as to what to do next. They leave someone to keep an eye on the stunned Starfleet team... they leave... Suder! He has volunteered to remain behind. There is more weapons fire from a distance. It is a general battle... many Maquis are killed or wounded... there is much confusion.
Now Suder moves to the stunned Starfleet team and it begins... Tuvok feels the rage --
Tuvok saw the light... then he saw the doctor's face and then. He knew he'd be okay.
"Mister Tuvok, are you... well?" The doctor was genuinely concerned.
"Yes, no doubt due to your astute observation and timely ministrations."
"Mister Paris first noticed the abnormal readings and I immediately administered the stimulant. It appears that my evaluation and timing was impeccable, as usual."
Tuvok rose slowly and studied Paris. "You have your answer, Lieutenant. It was Mister Suder who was responsible for the Meldan massacre after all."
Tom was grinning, then thought better of it. "You're okay, right?"
"Quite well, actually."
"But you were disturbed by revisiting the meld. The readings showed that. I know you discovered what we were looking for, but at what cost?"
"You worry too much, Mister Paris. It may take some time to fully recover, but it was worth the effort, if that is what bothers you."
"Are you sure?" Paris looked and sounded guilty.
"While I was reviewing the Suder meld, I discovered other... incidents. No doubt, they are unresolved crimes. My discovery should go a long way towards giving relatives a resolution of sorts. In any case, the authorities will be able to close the case files."
"Okay. I just wanted to be sure."
"Again, I do not hold you responsible for what was essentially, my decision. Consider the issue closed. And... thank you, Lieutenant."
Paris was more than a little confused, "Why?"
"Your suggestion to revisit the meld with Mister Suder gave me an opportunity to confront what I believe humans call 'a skeleton in my closet.' I was hesitant about attempting to do so otherwise. You simply provided an... opportunity to do just that."
"Thank you for telling me that. Do you need anything, maybe another serving of your favorite dish?"
"Not at present, but I will remain here in sickbay for now. The doctor will be able to monitor my progress, just in case of a relapse."
"Don't worry, Mister Paris, I can assure you that he will be just fine." The doctor smiled broadly in confidence, then added. "Don't you think you should contact Admiral Janeway regarding Tuvok's discovery?"
Realization hit Paris and he bolted out of sickbay at warp speed!
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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