Post 517: Judgment Day Part Three

Stardate: 71023.0030
Title: Judgment Day, Part Three
Author: =/\= Zanh Liis
Scene: Bridge, USS Independence
Time: Following Part Two
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Instead of being intimidated by his barely veiled threat, she leaned toward him and placed her lips as close to his ear as she could stand to.
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"It'll be a cold day in Hell before Yensul IV gains admission into the Federation. It won't even be considered unless and until you have a serious change in policy when it comes to your treatment of females. Until you stop sending them off world just because they've become inconvenient for you."

She drew another breath. "On the other hand, I think that the Federation will be very interested to enter into immediate talks with this leader of the fifth planet. Because you see, the monocrystal cortenum down there is worth far more than anything you've got back on the farm."

Tegget looked as if he might explode, he was so livid.

"Now, I would rather that all the planets in the system reunite and heal. That some process of repatriation begin today, right now, this instant. I'd be happy to help you bring these people back to your planet myself, using every bit of technology and aid I can offer. But somehow, I don't think that's an offer that you'd take me up on, would you?"

The man craned his neck proudly, shoulders thrust back, refusing to reply to her. Refusing to even look upon her- lower form of life that she was.

"I didn't think so." Liis whispered, actually disappointed, even though she had known from the outset what his answer would be.

She moved the center of the bridge, and took her rightful seat in the command chair.

"Until the time when all Yensuli citizens are granted the basic needs of life, and are cared for without regard to their sex, you should know that I will do everything that I personally can, as an individual and as a Starfleet captain, to shine the brightest possible light on your repugnant system of," she choked out the last word of the sentence, "justice. You may have been able to keep this quiet before, but everything that has happened here will be told far and wide. So you see, Proconsul, your way of life as it has been ends here. In this room, aboard this ship."

Zanh nodded to the two security officers who had been guarding the lift.

"Escort our guests back to quarters, and confine them there. They will remain our guests until the last member of Alchemy's crew, and every women and child from the planet, are safely aboard Independence. Get them out of my sight."

As soon as the delegation vanished into the lift, Zanh seemed to sink into the chair, holding her head in her hands.

No one on the bridge spoke, until Fox informed Zanh a few moments later that Blane was working on the rescue of Grace and Reece, and that Salvek was hailing again.

"Put him through,." Zanh asked softly, her voice hoarse. "Please."

[Captain, when will we be able to begin beaming up the inhabitants of the planet? There are small children here and we are running out of time.]

Zanh, having looked at the scientific readings from the planet, knew this was easier said than done.

"We have to adjust the transporters to compensate for the atmospheric anomalies surrounding the planet, Salvek. It should take," Zanh paused, looking at Dengar. He was about to answer when Corbinsky interrupted, answering for him.

"We should have it done in a matter of minutes, Captain, if we work together."

Zanh gave Corbinsky a small, tired smile, and nodded. Silently, she mouthed the words "Thank you."

"Stand by, Salvek. Assemble everyone and we'll begin as soon as we can. Anything else?"

[Yes, Captain. The leader of these people, Andara Maffe, is a courageous and capable person. You should speak with her at your earliest opportunity.]

"I look forward to it. We'll also begin beaming down repair teams to work on the Alchemy."

[I'd like to oversee the repairs,]

"We'll discuss that after you're home. Zanh out." The captain tapped her combadge. "Zanh to Sickbay. Bring the EMH online and have every member of your staff standing by," she instructed. "We're going to have company."

She turned to Fox Margolis next. "Lieutenant, please begin replicating enough new clothing for all of the women and children. Assign them guest quarters," Zanh felt a lump in her throat. "Feed them. See to it that any need they have that's in our power to meet, is met."

[[May I assist, Captain?]]

"Yes, thank you, Vedek. Please, in any way that you can."

Jariel followed Margolis into the turbolift, and as the doors closed, Liis watched him sign one last sentence.

No one else caught his meaning, but everyone on the bridge knew that whatever it was that he had said to her, judging by her expression, it meant a lot.
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=/\= Zanh Liis
Acting Commanding Officer
USS Independence NCC-90791