Act Two, Scene Two

[a magical taco]

Stardate: 53832.8
Just outside of the system: UIH-0351
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Admiral Tate and Captain Campbell
Turbo lift

Jackson kept his eyes on his friend. He had already planned to reveal to him everything that he had learned thus far, even being genetically enhanced. He hadn't even considered keeping it a secret from him. Jackson had known Tate since the academy. Back then he had been a mentor to Jackson, teaching him everything he knew about being a tactical officer. Jackson worked hard to impress his mentor, never willing to do anything to tarnish the man's reputation. Tate had seen through a facade of arrogance Jackson had enter the academy with to hide how nervous he had been back then. Thanks to Tate, Jackson became the youngest tactical officer in Starfleet. He had been the Tate's adjunct before being given this command, his own ship. Now he was Jackson's best friend, his brother for all the ways he figured it.

The accusation took the Captain in the stomach and twisted, actually forced him to take a step back to steady himself. He had expected the Admiral to question him, to get to the bottom of whatever was going on. The Admiral wasn't stupid, a little hot under the collar at times, but not foolish. What he had not expected was for his best friend to accuse him of treason. To suggest that he had somehow managed to betray the Federation. The Captain opened his mouth but his words stuck in his throat so instead he took a breath, trying to lower the volume of the ringing in his ears. The Captain closed his eyes for a moment, afraid he might take a swing at the man. Then he took another breath and opened them.

Then he punched the Admiral in the jaw. "How dare you accuse me of Treason"

[Kunanaki]

Stardate: 53832.68
Just outside of the system: UIH-0351
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Ensign Townsend, Ensign Habachi, and Lt. Jr. Noonia
Location: Holosuite 3

Heard the synopsis of the Commander, and frowned a bit. Not saying anything, Noonia hand knuckles pressed against the hip bones, quietly thinking to himself. Lifting head up, Noonia inquired. "What was the Tactical Situation? It's all well and good to sling that sort of thing about, but what details am I lacking? Abandonment is a serious thing to consider for a leader." Noonia then smiled. "That and it's easy to judge a man by hindsight. Let's form our own opinions with a clean slate. If it comes to it, at least we're informed no?"

[Akirapryde]

Stardate: 53832.8
Just outside of the system: UIH-0351
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Admiral Tate and Captain Campbell
Turbo lift

The blow caught the older Admiral by surprise as he stumbled backwards. However he wasn't called the Bulldog for nothing. Reeling back he quickly regained his footing and balance. With great power he lunged forward unleashing a combination one, two punch to Captain Campbell's gut then to the side of his head. The twin powerful blows were each like ten pound sledge hammers slamming in to Captain Campbell's body. The twin blows cause Captain Campbell to fall back, "Damnit JACK! You are as hot headed as I am!" The Admiral cursed as he backed up. The two men had been close personal friends longer than either cared to admit. This was not unusual behavior for either of them. Admiral Tate had actually gone to bat for Captain Campbell in securing the command of the Thunderchild out from under Captain Phillips. "Computer, pause lift" he ordered and in that second the lift stopped.

Both men paused their attacks long enough for Admiral Tate to continue, "You don't understand Jack! That girl for some reason thinks YOU are a traitor to the Federation. I heard it myself a few months." The shock look on Captain Campbell's face was enough for Admiral Tate to continue. "Jack I was at a party on Earth when she broke in and started talking crazy. Like the Dominion War wasn't over. She lunged at me with a knife. Hell if it wasn't for Phil" he said using the nickname of Captain Phillips. "I would have been killed by that crazy girl. When she was stun, she collapsed in my arms." There was no doubt that the Admiral was telling the truth as far as he knew it. "I heard her say your name, then say the word traitor."

Admiral Tate pulled back and lowered his fists as he pulled out a clothe. "I would have spoken to you sooner but Phil assured me she was lying. That you two had no history together. Hell, from what he found out, you two never once crossed paths. We both agreed to keep your name from any official records. Something like that could have cost you your command, Jack." He explained while whipping the blood from his busted lip. Admiral Tate turned to face Captain Campbell once more, "Damnit Jack, I am not your enemy. And if you are innocent of this, then I will not stop till I can prove your innocence. But you need to be truthful with me. What ever it is, it wont leave this lift." Admiral Tate paused long enough to look at the blood on his lip, "you have my word, Jack" he knew it wasn't necessary but he wanted it said nonetheless.

Stardate: 53832.68
Just outside of the system: UIH-0351
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Ensign Townsend, Ensign Habachi, and Lt. Jr. Noonia
Location: Holosuite 3

Ensign Townsend looked around and sighed heavily. "I know what you mean about a clean slate. I don't think you met her. The former Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Luther, I think was her name. She left the ship because she felt he was a coward. And that is not the only one. A lot of the crew left. Or at least that is what I have heard. All of them hated the Commander. I have heard a lot of roamers floating around the transporter techs." he paused a moment as he was in deep thought before continuing, "I just don't know. I met him once and he seemed like a nice guy. I guess."

Ensign Habachi got up and his frustration was clear by the way he carried himself. He walked over to the stand that held their weapons, "I don't know what you all think. But I can't think of a situation where I could ever justify leaving someone behind. In my book, based on what I know so far, the man is a coward and not worthy to wear that uniform." He turned and looked right at Noonia, "Tell me something. You are my friend and my superior. I would gladly take a phaser for you. Any time, any where. Would you so easily follow a man that would leave me behind to die without a second thought?"

---

OOC: Captain Campbell and Lt. Jr. Noonia please hold your replies till V'rol can post and I can reply to him. Thank you

[Kunanaki]

Stardate: 53832.68
Just outside of the system: UIH-0351
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Ensign Townsend, Ensign Habachi, and Lt. Jr. Noonia
Location: Holosuite 3

Lt. Jr. Noonia had a peculiarity about him when he focused on a job related task. He tended to get excited, but tempered it back until it was his turn to speak. In this case, Noonia did not have that same excitement, for the reason was that his friend and junior officer was asking him a question that could impact the relationship between them, as well as his professional growth in the future. In that, Mordecai would treat the situation as delicately as he would treat a Bonsai tree and pruning. "If life was as simple as black and white, then the Federation wouldn't need to exist. If you want to relieve that moment, with all the information that was given, I can make a holosuite program based on the recordings for us. When one is in command of the ship, they don't get to have the luxuries of what ifs or second guessing."

Lt. Jr. Noonia then walked over to the computer and started dragging details. Everything that was available of that situation was expertly compiled as the Engineer worked on constructing a rudimentary program. He wanted to see WHAT happened for himself. It wasn't an act of subtle nature, just using his personal access to construct the program for his friend Habachi. Ensign Habachi NEEDED this experience to grow, and for his friends there was absolutely no hesitation.

Within minutes, the Holosuite would change to all available information, a carefully recreated scenario but where one of them would play the role of Commander. Though the computer was relentless in the facts, flexible as their technology was it was all a game of percentages. "Go ahead Ensign Habachi. Start the Holosuite program Mark-44H. We'll all see what the Commander was up against. I want to see it, and I want you to take his position as Commander of the ship temporarily."

[aipsylon]

Stardate: 53832.87
Just outside of the system: UIH-0351
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Captain Vakath and Commander V'rol
Corridor of the Thunderchild


V'rol listened to the Captian, raising an eyebrow when he heard that the error had vanished after the encounter. "I assume that you have checked to see if somehow they affected anything else on your ship." The question was one he was fairly sure ogf a negative answer, however, it was important to address the frequency. His own voice was kept at the same volume as the captain's.

He pulled up a PADD and made a note to speak with chief engineer about implementing real time scanning for these sort of changes.

[Akirapryde]

Stardate: 53832.87
Just outside of the system: UIH-0351
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Captain Vakath and Commander V'rol
Corridor of the Thunderchild

The seasoned Vulcan Captain nodded as he listened. The question was a logical one. He understood the importance of not making assumptions. "Yes I had my people check to see if any other modifications had been discovered. Aside from a virus which was uploaded in three parts. One part was uploaded while the Repulse was in Utopia Yards for engine refits. A second part my science and security teams have been unable to identify how it was uploaded, but our suspicions are that it came in to contact with our computer systems via a holographic recording. Though we have been unable to identify who or when the upload actually occurred. The third part of this virus was uploaded when we attempted to recover the stolen data from the USS Susquehanna. The data stream was used as a carrier for the last part of the virus. Then it infected our two sister ships before becoming active."

He paused a moment, "Its strange, we did not come to the conclusion that the two issues with the computer systems might be linked. It was in technique which was where they differ. The virus was very cleverly designed to remain hidden till it was too late. The modifications were more sloppy. No one in my staff or I consider these two issues to be from the same person. Unless you might have other information that might help our investigation."

---

Stardate: 53832.68
Just outside of the system: UIH-0351
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Ensign Townsend, Ensign Habachi, and Lt. Jr. Noonia
Location: Holosuite 3

The battle was brutal as wave after wave of Jem'Hadar fighters made their attacks on the ship. While the fighter wings of the Thunderchild fought them back, the acting Captain, Ensign Habachi was forced to deal with a pair of Jem'Hadar attack cruisers. The battle was clearly pushing the young ensign to his limits as the damage reports keep coming in and the losses were mounting. It didn't take long for the holographic bridge of the Thunderchild to become a nightmare to any seasoned officer. For his credit Ensign Habachi held his cool much better than Lieutenant Noonia might have suspected. There were moments when the young ensign became flustered but he was able to regain his composure as the next wave of attacking Jem'Hadar fighters came in.

The young ensign was neither brilliant nor gifted. But hind sight was prefect vision. Using what he knew of the battle and how it played out, he was able to keep the ship alive. To even his own surprise, he was able to hold the lines long enough for the Thunderchild's wayward fighters to fight their way back from behind enemy lines. Keeping the fighters protected, he gave them a chance to land safely back aboard. The pounding that the Thunderchild took during the simulation was the same as of what really happened. With only a few more casualties, Ensign Habachi was able to save the five pilots before withdrawing from the battle ahead of the Breen warships' arrival.

With a smile on his face, he turned to Noonia, "See, it was possible to save the pilots" he said with that mater of fact tone in his voice. It was clear the battle had taken its toll on him. But the look in his eyes only solidified his opinion of Commander Bonham. He picked up his things and walked for the door. "It was an eye opener Noonia, I will give you that" he said pausing at the door, "The next time you are on an away mission and your life is on the line. You should pray that Commander Bonham isn't the one you have to count on to save your life."

Ensign Townsend looked to Lieutenant Noonia, "So those pilots could have been saved?"

Not wanting to let the experiment go on that, Lieutenant Noonia ran the simulation over sixteen times. For the rest of the day they watched holographic images of both Commander Bonham and Ensign Habachi. During each battle the computer played the roles of both Commander Bonham and Ensign Habachi. Each time the Thunderchild took a beating, each time the pilots' lives were on the line. Each time, Noonia had the parameters set so that the person in command would make all efforts to save the pilots. To Ensign Townsend and Lieutenant Noonia's surprise each had a equal chance of both success and failure. The only thing that the simulation proved was that the defining moment was in that choice.

Once main power was restored, the Thunderchild could flee the battle. It was a window which Commander Bonham had created in the way he positioned the ship during the battle. It was an untimely change of events which caused the fighters to become trapped behind enemy lines. A change that was completely unforeseen. The protagonist had a choice that would define the rest of the battle. To stay and continue fighting while attempting to rescue the fighters or flee and save what crew members remained. Failure in all the simulations meant the loss of the ship and all hands aboard. Success was no clear victory either. It ranged from being able to limp away with over half the crew dead or wounded to having similar out comes of what really happened. There was even a simulation where all five trapped pilots were killed before they could be rescued. Beyond that moment and choice, there was simply no way of being sure of success or failure.

Ensign Townsend looked to Lieutenant Noonia after waiting for the last of the simulations to run their course. "So what does all this mean? Were the pilots able to be saved?"

[a magical taco]

Stardate: 53832.8
Just outside of the system: UIH-0351
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Admiral Tate and Captain Campbell
Turbo lift


"Honestly Tate, the only thing I am sure of is that I am not a traitor, that I am not involved with this...whatever is going on". Campbell leaned back against the turbo lift wall and scratched his chin, the pain from the assault of the Admiral was already a forgotten ache. "Running an investigation on this Seona has lead us down some paths that I'm not sure I understand yet. But you have MY word..." he said poking himself in the chest with his thumb, "that before the attack on my ship, I have no memory of ever meeting Seona MacConnell and Maura MacConnell was nothing more to be than a hero I enjoyed reading about in the intelligence reports". The Captain paused but the Admiral didn't respond, perhaps the Captain hadn't really given him much time either. "Tate, if you really want to help me then help me get in contact with my father, he should have some of the answers I am looking for, they might be able to explain what is going on." The Captain turned the turbo lift back on.

[aipsylon]

Stardate: 53832.88
Just outside of the system: UIH-0351
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Captain Vakath and Commander V'rol
Corridor of the Thunderchild

Only that a number of ships at the Utopia Plancea shipyards seemed to have similar problems. The figure that opened the files was somehow concealing their identity from the surveillance cameras. Also, be wary, the one that beamed aboard our ship was quite skilled in combat. Beyond that I have only supposition."

The calm manner with which he talked about the issues that must have been frustrating. It was fortunate the other captain was Vulcan, as he had observed others often found the neutral state indicative of indifference.

[Kunanaki]

Stardate: 53832.68
Just outside of the system: UIH-0351
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Ensign Townsend, Ensign Habachi, and Lt. Jr. Noonia
Location: Holosuite 3

Lt. Jr. Noonia had been impressed, though it seemed statistically as if it could go either way. At least, that's what constant running of the simulations lead him to believe. Lt. Jr. Noonia instead changed the parameters of the test to a Commander that would prioritize the survivability of the ship in question and ran the simulators for an equal amount of time. Then would compare the survivability percentages of the Ship and Crew between the two. After that he'd have a proper answer for the question proposed. "My take is for the sake of the Souls and fighters, the Commander was not willing to bet the lives of the whole crew and ship. He hedged his bets to increase survivability for as many people as he possibly could."

[Akirapryde]

Stardate: 53832.8
Just outside of the system: UIH-0351
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Admiral Tate and Captain Campbell
Deck Two, VIP Quarters

David listed to his friend while he wiped the blood off his lip. The bruise was already starting to turn colors. "Jack, you tell me your no traitor then I believe you." David Tate said after waiting for his old friend to finish. "hmmmm" he mumbled softly. "Seona MacConnell?" he said almost seeming more puzzled than before. "I was under the assumption that her name was Seònaid Melville" he added truthfully. Captain Campbell knew his friend well enough to know that the man was speaking the truth.

Just in that moment the lift doors hissed open on deck two. Lieutenant Kinchlirah was standing just off of the doorway as the doors opened. Her eyes quickly scanned the captain then the admiral. Her mouth opened as if to say something but Admiral Tate cut her off as he motioned to leave the lift, "at ease lieutenant." On that note she closed her mouth and moved aside. Admiral Tate and Captain Campbell moved from the lift. Once they were clear of the lift she replaced them. Just as the doors were closing, she commented about Captain Campbell, "no wonder why he wanted to fight me. He is more Klingon than I am."

Ignoring the comment made by Lieutenant Kinchlirah, Admiral Tate continued to his quarters while he spoke. "Jack, you have no idea how this has gotten Starfleet Command up in knots. The fact that she impersonated Yeoman Traver all this time was just the tip of the ice brig. Thanks to your Science and Engineering teams, we now know what we are looking for. Her little viruses have popped up at New Berlin, Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards as well as Proxima Maintenance Yards." He explained as he turned to enter his quarters.

He moved through the quarters as the door closed behind the two men. "Hell Jack, wherever this Melville...." he said then paused and turned to face Captain Campbell, "Melville?" he said again almost questioning the last name. "Whatever her damn name is" he added in frustration not waiting for a comment from his old friend. He then turned and continued over to his closest. His staff had already moved his clothes over prior to coming aboard. He continued as he reached in and pulled out a new uniform. "Wherever she has gone, Starfleet Intelligence has been able to trace her steps through these little viruses."

Jackson knew that this issue was more than what it seemed as the admiral spoke. "Starfleet Command has put the pressure on me. They want her stopped. Jack it was made clear to me that the 4th Fleet has to stop her and bring her to justice. If we can't do this, than" he paused and shook his head, "Starfleet Command might loss faith in us." There was more that Admiral wasn't saying. Captain Campbell could hear it in what his friend wasn't saying.

---

Stardate: 53832.88
Just outside of the system: UIH-0351
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Captain Vakath and Commander V'rol
Corridor of the Thunderchild

"Indeed Commander," Captain Vakath said calmly. "Admiral Tate will be briefing Captain Campbell about how Starfleet Intelligence has been able to locate her virus on a number of ships that were undergoing maintenance at Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards and Proxima Maintenance Yards. According to reports from Starfleet Intelligence, only select ships were targeted with this virus. The latest report that we were given about an hour ago give little details on the over all virus."

His voice was calm and detached from the topic. He continued to explain the information that was issued. "While its functions are still uncertain at this time as it is only part of the larger program. What is known, is that this virus is not like the one that crippled our ships yesterday. These are two separate viruses with completely different codes within them." He raised an eyebrow as he added, "the confusing issue about this virus is that it was not designed to infect Starfleet systems. Our ships were only meant to act as carriers of the virus."

On that note he paused for a moment before continuing, "This virus had been designed to infect other near by ships through communication channels. According to Starfleet Intelligence, it seemed that she was targeting Cardassian ships specifically. Starfleet Intelligence fears that the virus may have already spread beyond containment thanks to the current situation. Estimations place well over half of Cardassian ships could already be infected thanks to the joint operations to stop the fugitive before she carries out her threat against Cardassian Prime."

He paused once more to allow the information to sink in before continuing. "Admiral Tate will be informing the Detapa Council once more information regarding the nature of the virus can be discovered. However he feels that giving too much information to the Cardassians too soon could lead them to overreact. Thus risking the safe capture of the fugitive. Already he fears for her safety as it is. Somehow word of the manhunt has reached bounty hunters. There are a number of reports that multiple groups have taken interest in this manhunt. I will not hide the fact that at times I am confused by the Admiral's actions verses the his words. Admiral Tate is a very emotional and passionate man. I generally believe that he means to have the fugitive captured alive despite his anger filled words."

On that note he paused and turned to face Commander V'rol "your teams are to be commended. Without your crews' discoveries, the second virus would have gone undetected." With a nod he added, "however, it still does not indicate her over all goals in all of this."

---

Stardate: 53832.68
Just outside of the system: UIH-0351
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Ensign Townsend, Ensign Habachi, and Lt. Jr. Noonia
Location: Holosuite 3

Ensign Townsend nodded, "So the Commander is not a coward after all" he said softly walking through the frozen image of a burning bridge of the Thunderchild. He came to a stop in front the holographic image of Commander Bonham. The blood covered face of Commander Bonham looked with distress at the main view screen. With the bridge smashed and the dead piled up, the scene was right out of a holohorror show. "You know that no matter how this played out. Habachi would have never changed his mind. In his eyes, the Commander will always be a coward." He paused to take a breath before adding, "nearly his entire family had been killed by Cardassians."

He paused and turned to face Noonia, "Habachi never really talks about it. I only know because we were friends when it happened. So I had the sad fortune of watching first hand what it did to him. We were in the Academy together when his family had been murdered. His mother and father were doctors before the formation of the Demilitarized Zone. His family used to live on Juhraya. When the former Federation colonists were run off of world by the Cardassian Government most of them joined the Maquis resistance. His mother sent him and his younger sister to live with their aunt back on Earth. His two older siblings stayed with their parents and all joined the Maquis. No they were not foot soldiers. They provided medical services to the wounded. His older sister and brother acted as medical assistants. He told me that his parents resented violence, but couldn't turn a blind eye to the suffering going on around them."

He continued, "thanks to the help of the Dominion, Cardassians were able to hunt down the group of Maquis that his family belonged to. They located their medical station within the Bad Lands. The station had minimal protection and the few Maquis ships that protected it were quickly out matched. I read the reports, it was a slaughter carried out by the Cardassian 41st Militia. Some two hundred wounded and medical staff were all murdered by the Cardassians."

Ensign Townsend looked down, "I can't imagine losing my whole family like that. But I understand where his hate comes from. Sadly, it fills and consumes him. When word of the murders reached him, he changed his classification from the Medical Field to Security and Tactics. He used to keep me up late in to the night studying battles and tactics. He was actually disappointed when the end of the war came before he could join the fight. Though he never mentioned it. I think he is actually hoping that Seona will be successful in her attack on Cardassia. You know, I don't think he is the only one either."

Ensign Townsend looked at Noonia "however, what you showed me today has changed my opinion. There is no doubt for me anymore. The commander is not a coward. I have no idea what I would have done in his shoes. And I am glad I will never be in that situation to make that call. To hold the lives of others in your hand. That's just too much for me." He stopped talking as he scanned the ruins of the bridge within the holosuite. He took in the whole scene and sighed heavily.