Post 382: Under Arrest

Stardate: 70813.1820
Title: Under Arrest
Authors: Simon Biggs and Zanh Liis
Scene: Sickbay/ Transporter Room/ Brig of Indy
Time: An Hour After Hearts of Darkness Part Two
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=/\= Acting Captain's Log, Supplemental.

We have just been advised of the imminent arrival of Admiral George. We have orders to escort back him back to Earth, to face a Grand Jury investigation into his activities while in command of fleet forces on Trill.

I wish I felt confident that the outcome of those hearings would be the resounding call for a full court martial. I have a sinking feeling, though, that this particular Admiral has friends who wield a great deal of power.

We've already received a list of questions that are to be asked of those who were down on the planet. We are to record their answers as depositions that will be added to the body of evidence. Those questions are. . .unsettlingly vague.

My fear, and prediction, is that at the end of the day no one will have to answer for what has been done to February Grace, or what could have happened to the Independence this day.

Meanwhile, Captain Gilmore is "resting comfortably" in Sickbay, while undergoing tests that will hopefully determine the cause of the 'spell' he suffered during the return trip up from the planet. End Log. =/\=

-----------------=/\=---------------------------

Simon Biggs was also in Sickbay, receiving further regenerative treatments for the burns on his arms.

Zanh Liis had come on down to quickly check in on Grace and Gilmore, and frowned as she saw Simon perched on the edge of a biobed. Ensign Logan, one of the ship's nurses, was running a dermal regeneration unit up and down his left arm, which looked pretty badly burned to Liis.

"Biggles? You all right? I don't like what I'm seeing here." Zanh wore concern plainly written on her features. "What happened?"

"TC and I were sent on a little 'adventure' by our friend Admiral George. When we stopped at the Embassy to drop off the computer virus sample, we were speaking to him about our plans to take in the Tenaran Ice Cliffs. He told us that he knew the best route to take in order to see the best views, and provided us instructions how to get there. Those instructions were, apparently, his idea of a joke."

"What do you mean, joke?"

"They took us around all the normal tourist routes and sent us through the back woods, where I promptly got roasted by a flying fire beast."

Zanh growled. Just another thing for her to hate about this Admiral George. "Well, I'm glad that you made it through. What about TC?"

Simon was far too humble to tell her what he'd done in the forest as far as the beast and TC. He nodded. "Nary a scratch, Sir."

"Well, I'm proud of you. Dr. Trind finally went to go get some sleep, but before she left, she made it a point to tell me that you did a hell of a job piloting that ambulance. I'm fresh out of merit badges I'm afraid," she teased him gently,

"But I do have a surprise for you later. Remind me if I forget to give it to you by the end of the day."

"Yes, Sir."

"And Biggs," Liis reached up and put her hand on Simon's shoulder. "Are you finished here?" Simon questioned Logan with a glance.

"Another treatment in eight hours, Ensign. Don't be late." With that, Logan moved on to check on February Grace.

"I'm at your service, Captain. Did you need something?" Simon asked, ignoring the pain he was still in to offer his help.

"Not need, specifically. I just thought that you might enjoy being the one who gets to clap the irons on Admiral George."

A smile overtook Simon's features. He didn't know what to say. He nodded to her.

"Go down to transporter room two. Read him his rights, cuff him, then throw him in the brig."

"Yes, Sir!" Simon rose from biobed, and made his way to the transporter room with all possible speed.

--------------Moments Later------------------

"They're ready to release the Admiral to our custody," Crewman Jennings, the transporter operator informed Simon as he walked through the doors.

"Energize." Simon said, his teeth clenched and his eyes narrowed.

Admiral George materialized a moment later, looking like a man with an awful lot on his mind. Simon stepped forward.

"Trenton George, you are hereby placed under arrest. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be considered evidence and can be used against you by the Federation courts. Your hands, Sir."

"Is that really necessary Ensign. . .wait," George paused, "You're familiar to me. Have we met?""Yes, Sir."

"On the planet?"

"Yes, Sir. My crew mate and I brought you the computer virus sample, Sir."

"Oh, yes, Mr. Biggs, wasn't it? Is all of this really necessary? Come on, now. Don't do this."

"Captain's orders, Sir." Simon replied mechanically. "Your hands. Please."

George sighed and extended his wrists. Simon put him in cuffs and led him toward the turbolift.

"Main Security." Simon commanded, and the lift whirred to life. He stared straight ahead, saying nothing. The Admiral looked at him sideways.

"Did you enjoy your little tour of Trill?"

"Oh yes, your joke was quite funny Sir. So funny it could have cost both myself and Mr. Blane our lives."

George didn't know what to make of Simon's answer, and said nothing more until Simon had him in his holding cell and activated the force field. Finally his curiosity got the better of him. "Come now, ensign. Surely you're being dramatic."

In answer, Simon pulled up the sleeves of his uniform, displaying the burns on his arms. "You had to know there were fire beasts in those woods. We found out the hard way."

George coughed, and turned away, taking a seat on the bunk in his cell. "So, that's why they call them fire beasts." He shrugged. "Rather you than me."

Simon wanted so badly to take down the forcefield and show this man what he really thought of his prank. Instead, he simply turned away.

"I think that I'd prefer, Sir, to face a forest full of fire beasts, rather than the board of inquiry which awaits you on Earth." He turned away, and left George in the care of the security staff on duty.

Simon was still off duty, per medical orders, and was glad of it. After all, he'd made a promise earlier, to participate soon in a ritual that was supposed to be very important to a good friend.

As he walked through the hallways and headed to get something to eat, Simon was aware of the Indy jumping to warp. They were headed for Earth.
*Headed for home,* he thought. *It'll be nice to meet up with Mum and Dad. . .*

Ensign Biggs
Security
USS Independence

and

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