Post 371: Exit, Stage Left

Stardate: 70809.2240
Title: Exit, Stage Left
Author: R.J. Gilmore
Scene: Waiting Room, Symbiosis Commission, Trill
Time: Before and after "Can I Get a Volunteer?"

R.J. Gilmore was only half listening to Lily T'Ana as she spoke softly to him of her holodeck misadventures, trying to distract them both from what was going on in the next room.

Too much time had elapsed. It had been well over five hours since the symbiont had been removed from February. Either Trind and Hood had found a way to rejoin them, or February was already gone.

*Perish the thought.*

R.J. glanced over at Vedek Jariel, who was seated on a chair in the opposite corner of the room, praying. He had done this several times throughout the day, at one point even insisting he find the hospital chapel to do it in.

Gilmore had a new respect for the Vedek, after watching him negotiate with the Trill authorities during that closed-door meeting at the Embassy earlier.

There was no doubt Jariel had the skills and experience of a diplomat. Not to mention a natural way with people that had been greatly helpful to their cause. So helpful in fact R.J. was certain that had Jariel not come on this trip things would have already ended very badly.

He'd originally questioned Starfleet's decision to offer Jariel the post of ship's chaplain aboard the Independence. He doubted the need for such a position on the flagship at all, with all of the counselors and doctors they had. Professional people who had done their time at the Academy and paid their training dues to Starfleet.

He had even gone so far as to think this must have been something that Zanh Liis had pulled strings to accomplish. An excuse to make Jariel's presence on the ship seem necessary, and valid in some fashion.

He knew now though how wrong he'd been to think that way. Jariel Camen was a man of honor, as much as any Starfleet officer could ever be. Never again would Gilmore question the wisdom of making Jariel a permanent part of the crew.

Ashlyn Trind appeared, looking beyond exhausted. She opened her mouth to speak but before she could, Lily asked the question that everyone was thinking but afraid to ask.

"What's the news?"

-----------*See post, Can I get a Volunteer*----------

"Rela Nev, what is it?" Gilmore asked, concerned. He stood up and approached her.

"It seems, Captain Gilmore, that word of this situation and your presence here has begun to spread around the hospital. I am afraid that if you do not leave soon the decision will be made that February Grace will not be allowed to leave Trill at all, ever again."

"The Commission can't do that!" Ashlyn protested.

"They can, and they will, if they feel threatened to any greater degree than they already do." the old woman cautioned."You must gather up your people and leave as quickly as possible. I've already disabled the surveillence equipment in the service corridor between this floor and the service entrance of this wing. I will buy you what little time I can, but there is nothing else I can do to help you now."

"I appreciate everything you've already done, thank you." Gilmore replied.

"You need to go now." she repeated with emphasis.

"Right now?"

"Yes, you must hurry." She looked nervously over her shoulder, and then turned to Trind."You must destroy the data rod after you've gone. I beg you," Rela Nev said as she retreated toward the doors. "I cannot be seen speaking with you again. I wish you well. All of you."

"You figure out where we're going," Ashlyn told Gilmore. "I'll start preparing February as best I can for the trip." She vanished back into the recovery room, and Gilmore frowned. He and Blane spoke quietly, formulating their strategy.

"We'll have to beam everyone back to the Independence directly. Transporters must be online by now."

"Likely it'd be bad for February to transport, though, as sick as she is Captain." Lily interjected.

"We should not split up," Blane warned. "Because honestly, Captain, I'd like to see as many of us stay close by to protect February as possible." He clearly still thought like a security officer before anything else.

"Definitely," Biggs concurred. "in case the Commission tries to make good on those threats."

"Agreed."
"Reece's runabout?" Lily offered,

"An option but I'd prefer another," Gilmore replied.

"Wish we had the option of the Starion,"

"As do I, Mr. Blane, but we don't. We do however have one other." R.J. tapped his com badge. "Gilmore to Independence,"

[Zanh here. Everything all right Captain?]

"No. I need for you to do something for me. Very quickly, and very discreetly assign someone well qualified to fly the Callisto down here to pick us up. There is a designated landing area just outside the main part of town in the Embassy district. Tell them to land there."

[Understood. Do you need any specific supplies for the trip back?]

"Medical monitoring equipment."

[Acknowledged. Will you be waiting at the designated landing site?]

"We'll wait aboard the runabout Hiawatha, which is already there. Have the pilot contact me when he's preparing to land and Zanh Liis, accomplish your task with the greatest possible speed. Tell whoever is flying my yacht to hurry."

[Immediately, Captain. Zanh out.]

------------------------
Captain R.J. Gilmore
Commanding Officer
USS Independence