Road Trip (Part 2 of 2)

Posted on 09 May 2018 @ 1:17pm by Lieutenant Amaranai Franklin & Lieutenant Lake ir-Llantrisant & Lieutenant JG Manuel Lucero & Commander Allyndra illm Warraquim & Commander Marisa Wyatt
Edited on on 21 Aug 2023 @ 2:08pm

3,818 words; about a 19 minute read

Mission: Episode 16 - A Far Sun
Location: Pleoine - Main City
Timeline: MD 01, 2200 hrs

[ON]

The doctor walked along and it did not take too long before they came to a sort of plaza with a big pyramidal structure in the middle with several surrounding smaller buildings. He lead them across and there was a line of people that where slowly moving into the building and he got in line with the rest. As they entered, people made a complex sort of movement with their hands as did he.

Marisa was as excited as the rest of the tourists about seeing the pyramid. The first time she saw the hand gesture, she was afraid they would never be able to duplicate it, but after watching over a dozen people enter, she had a close approximation. She really needed to practice it a few times to get it perfect, but that would only draw attention. When it was her turn, she let her awe and excitement show as she repeated the complex gesture, hoping any flaws would be put down to enthusiasm.

Lake was flanking Marisa as she entered, his eyes cutting to her as she performed the genuflection with her hands. He mimicked her arm movements boldly, and tried not to think about it. He followed Marisa into an antechamber of the pyramid.

Manuel lagged behind slightly as he was distracted by the size and design of the structure itself. When he looked ahead and noticed everyone making the indications with their hands, he quickly tried to mimic the nearest patron with forced nonchalance. Once he completed his shoddy iteration of the gesture, his eyes quickly darted from place to place hoping that none of the natives had really seen it.

The line moved slowly but one woman just behind moved toward one of the guards. She whispered something and he in turn nodded to others.

The doctor and the woman he was with where ignored but they had their attention on the rest of the party. "Please step out of line," one said that seemed to have some sort of insignia that was rank of some sort.

Snapping his head towards the authoritative man, who wearing the insignia, Lake replied with a booming, "Pardon me?" He gambled to act as if he belonged there, as if he bloody well owned the pyramid. Authority figures respected other authority figures, Lake wagered. He blustered with a condescending, "May I help you with something?"

Amaranai was surprised when they were pulled out of line. She had been following Lake and was ready to perform the same hand motions that the doctor and Marisa had. But now, something wasn't right.

The doctor grabbed the woman's arm and leaned over and said, "Do not interfere they will arrest us as well." He held onto Marisa's arm tightly. "If they say anything you are my wife."

Marisa met his gaze for a moment. She gave him a very brief inclination of her head to indicate that she heard and agreed. It might come to the point that she and the doctor would have to rescue the others, so she would go along. For now, the doctor seemed like someone they could trust and right now, they needed that. "Marisa," she whispered, giving him her name.

The other three of the party the guards hustled out of line amid talk and murmurs from the crowd started up. Finally one shouted, "Subversives! Lock them up!"

"Wait--" Lake said, recoiling his arm from the grasp of the guards. "This--" he said, but he was sputtering, "Wait-- wait--" The guard just grabbed him with a tighter grip and dragged him more forcefully. Lake's mind was spinning; he couldn't comprehend how little control he had over his own body right now. Starfleet officers ventured on away missions all the time. Lake had read about it. Lake had studied it. His patients, his hundreds of patients over his career on the starbase had gone on hundreds of away missions all the time. But his one-- on this one his handle over what was happening to him in this environment was careering dangerously out of control.

Amaranai was tempted to use her hand-to-hand combat skills in order to free Lake from the guards, but she reminded herself of the Prime Directive and those they were the ones already interfering in another culture. She knew that Marisa and the doctor would find a way to help them. She just had to give them time.

"There must be some mistake," she said demurely. "We've made this special trip just to see the pyramid."

"Quiet you three," the one guard said curtly. "Bad enough, you subversives but I do not need a riot. These folks are scared tear you apart, now move."

Manuel gave only the slightest breath of hesitation before one of the guards grabbed his arm and twisted it to the point where his right wrist was across his back and behind his left ear. He hissed in pain and swallowed a mumbled curse as he was jerked away from the line into the pyramid.


The Doctor and Marisa

The doctor held tight onto this woman's arm and kept his eyes forward. Finally after a few minutes when things settled down he spoke quietly.

"Things are very paranoid here at the moment, the slightest difference gets noticed and people get crazy. Hopefully they will only be question and released after the captain realizes that they are just from out of the capital. Anyway," he changed the subject as they got into the more central space and there was a big metallic looking pyramid that the whole building was built around. It shone with a smooth polished surface that gleamed.

"The pyramid of the protectors," he said and nodded his chin. "They say that it has looked like that since the day it was discovered and long before the main building built around it. "No one knows who or what built it and exactly what it is made of.

"Fascinating," Marisa said, looking at it carefully. "Tell me more."

Doctor Lensher looked at her funny. He pulled her off to one side where the crowds were not so thick.

"Just who are you?" he asked with concern. "Every school child everywhere knows about the pyramid of the protectors. You act as if you know nothing."

Marisa looked at him for a moment. She needed to trust someone, and he'd proven himself so far. "I'm not from here," she said quietly. "I came here because of the solar flares. I want to help."

Lensher looked puzzled. "What do you mean exactly by that? You sound like a mad woman and you are going to get both of us in trouble you keep talking nonsense." He seemed quite perturbed at this point. "I just might turn you over to the authorities with the note that you have lost your mind."

"No, I haven't lost my mind," she said. "I can prove it to you, but not here. Can we finish the tour and go somewhere quiet?" She hoped there would be something to help her understand what the connection was between the pyramid and the solar flares. All data said that the sun should have destroyed this world a long time ago, but it was here, and the most logical answer was that the pyramids--and the protectors--were behind it.

The doctor was torn, it was visible on his face. He really thought this woman was mad or had some sort of mental lapse. He wanted nothing more to do with her and yet if she persisted she would get arrested and people had a way of disappearing as well. Finally he decided to go along with her psychosis just for a little while.

He took a deep breath. "Very well, if you have forgotten it is traditional to make three circuits around. We will do that and there is a cafe not far away that we can have a modicum of privacy." He remembered her friends.

"We should hurry, if your friends are just as deficient as you are, it will not take long before the authorities will be seeking us as well. Come on," he said.

The doctor wasted little time making the required the circuit looking at the guards that stood around. So far they had made no move and when the time came to leave they were not detained. He quickly guided this strange woman to a place that was down the streets and off the main areas. It was really more a shop for tea and it was quiet this time of day for the most part. Only a few people here and there sipping tea here and there. He got her settled in a back table, got tea and came back.

"Well so you are not some woman that has lost her mind you claim, and can prove it. So?" He left the question there

Marisa nodded and picked up her teacup. "My friends and I are from a society that uses advanced technology. We travel through space in ships. We came here to investigate the solar flares. We're here to learn why your sun didn't destroy this system a long time ago." She took another sip of her tea and set the cup down. "Now, for the proof."

She carefully made sure no one was nearby and dug one nail into her arm until one drop of green blood appeared. She showed it to him and then wiped it away. "My species has copper-based blood, so we bleed green. Do you require more?"

Lensher looked at the little welling of the fluid, puzzled as well as what this woman told him. He was almost sure it was a trick and conditioning screamed at him to turn her in or denounce her. Yet a part of his mind, a more rational part argued that it was possible. He sure wished he had a microscope at that point to examine the fluid more closely.

The later part fed curiosity and more or less won out and he looked at her. "So you say species, an alien being then. Are all of you from the same place?"

"Yes and no. We are all from the same ship, but we grew up on different worlds." She was acutely aware that, while the table was relatively private, it wasn't private enough for an open discussion. "I was born on a planet called Vulcan. My blood is copper-based and my heart is closer to my kidneys. But that's just physical evidence that I'm different. I believe there's something about the protectors and their pyramid that have kept you alive far longer than physics would dictate. If there's a way to fix the pyramid so it works as it should, I want to help. I also want to keep you, me, and my friends out of trouble."

Lensher frowned. He too was nervous about this and what would happen if someone over heard the conversation and or observed that napkin. He picked up the stained napkin and stuffed it into a pocket and then said pleasantly, "well come dear let's go the park, it is a fine day yet." He stood and offered his hand.

Marisa took his hand and smiled. "That sounds lovely." She was grateful that she'd been trained to be observant as she pretended not to pay close attention to her surroundings.


Interrogation

The captain led the three off to a set of rooms and they were split up into individual rooms. Each room was obviously for interrogation, with a couple of chairs, plain desk and mirror that was obviously two ways.

After a point the door opened into the room that Lucero was in and a guard and another man that was in civilian clothing came in. The civilian clothing man was short and older.

"Good day," he said taking the seat across from Lucero. "First off I want to say that this is merely a matter of formality. These days’ people are scared and to keep things calm we have to keep that peace. I am Tanian, of the office of security. So let's get started shall we and I think we can get you on your way. Now," he opened a notebook and took a pen from his jacket to take notes. "Let us start with your name, and where you are from."

Manuel gave a forced sigh of mild irritation before beginning. Inside his head he was a ball of anxiety and impending doom. "Fair enough. I'm Manuel Lucero. I'm from Aragon. It's an island to the North; unlikely you've heard of it." He crossed his arms around his chest and marveled at how calm he just sounded.

The little man scribbled down the information. "That is an unusual name sir. Indeed I have not heard of the place." He then looked up. "And I take it you where here to make a pilgrimage to the pyramid of the protectors?"

Manuel uncrowded his arms and sat a little straighter. "Yes. I've been waiting to make this trip for quite some time. My island's a very secluded place, and things there are obviously not exactly the same as they are here."

"I see, well I am not sure how things are done in...Aragon.." the man referred to the notes. "But the sign of the protectors must be a little different." He made face thinking. He then tapped his pencil on the desk and closed his notebook and motioned to the guard. "You are free to go but I suggest that perhaps you are careful with your Aragonese ways while here. Some people may not understand."

Manuel immediately stood up and straightened up his suit as he began for the door. "Well, thank you." He stopped "And... Protectors bless." He said remembering what the vagrant in the alley had told the crew right before his words of caution.

After an awkward couple of seconds of eye contact with Tanian, he continued through the door, carefully trying not to sprint away from sheer anxiety. His heart was racing, and that interrogation was ridiculously close to being very bad. But he took a deep breath, realizing that he didn't have the time to be too off-kilter; he had to figure out how the team was going to regroup. The team was locked in other rooms... Or worse. He could possibly try to get a hold of Marisa and the Schofield , then break them out once they've got a clear escape. Besides that, there isn't much he can do without bringing undue attention to himself. His best bet seemed to be to find Marisa and see if she's in a better spot with better ideas.


Meanwhile, in the next interrogation room over...

Perched on the edge of the uncomfortable metal chair, Lake ir-Llantrisant's posture wasn't nearly as dignified as any of his colleagues. His hat had been thoughtlessly tossed into a corner. Curled up in on himself, Lake buried his elbows in his thighs, and he clutched at his down-turned face between his hands. Gently, he rocked his body back and forth on the chair, while he slowly hyperventilated. His breathing, Lake knew he should slow his breathing, but he had about as much control over his heart rate and respiratory system as he had over the rest of his body. Which is to say no control, restrained and detained as he was.

It took a bit but the same short and older man entered and took up a seat. This time two guards entered right behind him and took up positions by the door and pointedly placed their hands on weapons that hung on a belt.

He shuffled papers for a moment and then looked up. "Let us hope that you answer a bit better than the other did. First off, your name and where are you from?"

Pure incredulity was seething through Lake's eyes, and pores, and intonation when he looked up at the older man. "Where am I from? That's first?" Lake asked and he laughed nervously. "What's even happening?" Lake demanded to know.

The little man looked up. "You are being detained because there is something not right with your actions being at the pyramid of the protectors. I would suggest you just cooperate. Now what is your name?"

Shaking his head wildly, Lake sputtered for twenty second, rather than saying anything intelligible. And then rather than answering the question, Lake asked, "Who are you?" his timbre growing even more desperate.

"That is irrelevant, if you do not answer the question i will have no recourse but to have you arrested and jailed. Now then for the final time, your name and where are you from?" The little man asked still keeping that mild tone but he looked over his glasses. The guard in the corner shifted slightly putting his hand on what was obviously a weapon.

"I've already been arrested," Lake retorted, his panic levels rising, his anxiety clearly exploding through the roof. "You're holding me here, aren't you? I'm called Lake. I'm not supposed to be here. I can't stay on this realm."

"Lake," the man made a note. "A bit odd but what do you mean realm?" He peered at the man across the desk.

"I don't. Understand. Where I am," Lake affirmed. For all the panic in his voice and his intensely darting eyes, his old security blanket of condescension was wrapping around his shoulders again. "None of this makes any sense, is what I mean. I can't even conceive of where I am, of what's happening. Do you understand? Do you understand now?"

The short man just shook his head and closed his book. He then waved at the guard who nodded and opened the door saying something and two more came in.

The interrogator simply said, "I am not sure if you are drunk, or on something else or just mentally defective. We shall proceed when you have had a night in the cells. Guards please escort our guest to the holding cells please." He then left while the three guards surrounded Lake and got him up and took him off toward the lower levels to a series of barred cells.

Dragged off the guards, Lake had enough presence of mind to reflect on how he'd managed not to reveal anything about aliens, starships, or whatever was going on with this planet's sun. Being restrained in a cell without any method to contact his starship almost felt like a win. Almost.


Meanwhile...

Amaranai sat quietly. As a security officer, she had been trained to interrogate prisoners as well as how to keep from being interrogated. No one had spoken to her since she had been placed in the small room. She looked around the room as she waited but knew that these people would not keep anything in the room that could be capable of helping a prisoner escape. She sat quietly, waiting. And waiting. And waiting. Her thoughts went to Lake and Manuel. Whatever story they offered was most likely not going to match up with what Amaranai had to say.

Eventually, a person entered and rather than acknowledging the entrance, Amaranai focused on the wall in front of her and waited to be engaged instead of making a fuss.

The same little man entered along with two big burly guards that took up positions by the door. "Your name and where are you from, and while I might have been take for a fool once I won't allow that again. I already have the service looking for one that I let go."

Amaranai listened to the man as he spoke. When he mentioned having let one go, she wondered if he meant Marisa, Lake or Manuel. She didn't answer when the man asked for her name or where she was from. Instead, she stared forward at the man.

He looked up from his notepad when he did not get an answer. "Remaining silent will only hurt you. Now then, what is your name and where are you from."

Still silent. But she had a feeling that he would want something or he would simply imprison her without giving her a chance.

"The protectors sent me to guide you," she said plainly.

The little man stared at her for a moment aghast. He then waved toward the guards. "This one is obviously insane or on something. Perhaps some time in the cells might help."

He stood and closed his little notebook and the guards moved forward to escort Amaranai away.

Amaranai stayed calm. She knew if she attempted to resist that it would just make it worse for her and the others. Instead, she looked at the man as he left.

"The protectors will judge you," she said. "They know all and see all."

She looked to the guards as they approached her.

"You will all be judged."

The small man turned briefly and looked at her and then shook his head. The guards moved forward with another coming into the room. Two approached her and unlocked the cuffs from the bar on the table while the one by the door kept a hand on what was obviously a weapon ready to pull it if needed.

"Alright miss come along quietly," the second guard said. Their tone broached no refusal.

The cuffs were unlocked and Amaranai was very tempted to take down the guards. She could easily take them all. Her skills were most likely superior to these guards. She still held back, though. Despite her own opinions of the Prime Directive, she knew she shouldn't disobey it. She stood up gently.

"I'll come," she said. "But you will see soon enough that you should have listened to me."

The man said nothing to her but only remarked to the guards, "Well I thought she might be a subversive denying the existence of the protectors but to claim to be one clearly is the height of insanity. Put a suicide watch on her to make sure she does no harm to herself."

The lead guarded nodded and the group made its way out of offices and down to an elevator that went down to where the cells were. They were basic things, steel bar doors with concrete walls, basic facilities. She was taken to one side and two female guards took over and put her in a cell. One pulled up a chair and took a seat then opened a book. This was going to be boring duty.

[OFF]

--

Doctor Lensher and Interrogator
Pleione Citizens
[NPC Warraquim]

Lieutenant Amaranai Franklin
Assistant Chief Security / Tactical
USS Schofield

Lieutenant Lake ir-Llantrisant
Chief Counselor
USS Schofield

Lieutenant (j.g.) Manuel Robert Lucero, V
Asst. Chief Science Officer
USS Schofield

RSS Feed