Post 381: Hearts of Darkness Part Two

Starfleet:70812.0500
Title: Hearts of Darkness Part Two
Author: =/\= Zanh Liis
Scene: Bridge, USS Independence
Time: Following Part One
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Tension permeated the air as everyone waited to hear what the response to Zanh's words would be.

"Mr. Maak, arm torpedoes, keep our shields up and phasers ready. Helm, be prepared to take evasive action."

Salvek, Reece and Zanh all took turns exchanging glances.

"What if they still demand we turn over Grace?" Reece asked nervously.

"They won't." Zanh shifted her weight uneasily from her heels to her toes and back again several times while they waited, betraying that she was a little nervous herself about what was going to happen next. "They're about to throw George under the bus, big time. Trust me."

"It's been sixty seconds, Captain," Erma said.

"Give them thirty more." Zanh replied, as the rest waited in silence. "Let's be generous."

Erma watched the chronometer, then spoke again. "Ninety."

"Okay, time's up. N'Dura, prepare to transmit those data files to,"

"Captain," Erma interrupted again,"we're being hailed by the Advocate General of Trill."

A slow smile crept across Zanh's face. She suppressed it. "On screen."

[Captain, I am Erlan Lat. I wish to inform you that even as we speak, authorities are taking Admiral Trenton George into custody. He will be delivered to you shortly. We. . .apologize for any. . . inconvenience that this matter may have caused you. We are also prepared to offer you additional evidence against him, to aid in Starfleet's formal investigation into his activities.]

"Well, thank you kindly, Advocate. Sounds like you've been keeping your eye on George for awhile, then?"

[There have been. . .concerns. . . that perhaps he was accepting bribes from one or two dishonest members of Symbiosis Commission council in exchange for favors. We were, in fact, about to present these findings to Starfleet and request they remove the Admiral from his position here.]

"Is that so?"

[Yes, but then all of this unpleasantness- which I assure you is a very isolated incident- unfolded so rapidly.]

"Isn't that always the way though?"

[I want to reassure you, and everyone involved in this unfortunate business, that it is in no way representative of the conduct of the majority of those who so carefully watch over the Symbiosis Commission, or our government as a whole.]

"Glad to hear it. Though, I wonder. If it's just an isolated incident, what does it matter if it gets out? Surely the people's faith in the Symbiosis Commission is unshakable, no matter what happens to one little symbiont and its seventh host."

The man hesitated.

[Again, I assure you the unfortunate incidents surrounding February Grace are such as have never happened before, nor will they happen again. We will prosecute those at fault to the fullest extent of our laws, and allow Starfleet to handle the Admiral. There truly is no reason to disturb the general population of our planet with this. . .situation.]

"But the bright light of a formal public inquest might be just the thing that you need to help get your house in order, sir. To serve as a warning to others with power who might,"

[There is no need, Captain Zanh,] the man paused, clearly becoming ruffled by her questioning. [. . .no reason at all to disturb our people. Now, I would ask that you assist me in bringing this matter to a close by allowing us to beam Admiral George up to you as soon as possible. Then you and your crew can continue on your way and return him to Starfleet Command.]

"I have your word there will be no charges filed against anyone from my ship, and February Grace goes free as well?"

[We will consider the matter of this incident officially closed. So long as I have your word that you will not release that data to the news media.]

She pondered for a long moment, and then nodded.

Within seconds, the two large ships altered course. They gave the Independence a wide berth but stood by watching, port and starboard, in order to make sure that she actually left.

[I thank you for your help and attention in this matter.] Advocate General Lat smiled, the channel closed, and Zanh Liis felt absolutely sick to her stomach.

"The only people who are afraid to be held up to the light are those whose hearts hold darkness," she concluded softly.

"Indeed." Salvek replied.

"Erma, could you please put Admiral Kelly back on main viewer?"

Kelly's expression was indescribable. "I have been reviewing your data files while listening in. This is truly a disturbing turn of events."

"I have a feeling that the corruption at the Symbiosis Commission goes far deeper than this, Sir. They just used George along the way and today, he took the fall for them."

"I agree. We must be careful, however, not to interfere in the natural evolution of their society. Even though we may disagree with their tactics and methods,"

"But, Sir, they must be held accountable by the Federation! Especially when innocents- people like Grace. . .Starfleet officers, " Zanh stammered.

"I understand your frustration, Liis," Kelly replied sympathetically. "You always did hate politics. But there are steps that must be taken in order here. First the grand jury review of the situation overall. . .possible charges against Admiral George. Then we will see where that takes us."

"The data files?"

"They are considered classified as of this moment."

"Understood. Orders, Sir?"

"Bring George back to Command on Earth with all possible speed."

"Aye, Sir."

[Zanh Liis, one more thing,] Kelly seemed truly troubled by what he'd read of the data so far, even though he'd just barely scratched the surface. So much so, that he was compelled to ask a final question. [Did the girl make it?]

"Salvek?" Zanh asked, knowing he had more information on Grace's current condition than she did. He whispered in her ear.

"The jury is still out on that, Admiral," Liis replied sadly. "We are hoping for the best."

[As will I. We'll see you when you get here. Safe journey.]

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=/\= Zanh Liis
Acting Captain
USS Independence NCC-90791