A wolf in sheep’s clothing Part 20

Posted on Mon Jul 22nd, 2024 @ 5:42pm by Captain Kevin, Lord Kilbane of Sanquhar & Lieutenant Commander Wyatt Steele

Mission: The missions never over.
Location: Security department, USS Thall/Base One Security section.
Timeline: Current.

Entering the Security department, Kevin saw Wyatt waiting patiently on the two prisoners to be brought out. Walking over to him he said, "The Captain has asked me replace Lieutenant Steele in helping you escort the prisoners from here to Base One Security. I take it you're waiting on them being brought out?"

Wyatt looked up as Kilbane entered the brig. "You are absolutely correct Commander." Wyatt answered with a smile. "Just waiting on them to finish being prepped and secured for the trip to the Starbase."

Kevin smiled back, though more in what Wyatt had said. "I take it you've never been to Base One?" he asked rhetorically, "It's emmm...how do I put this...more of a lay over than a Starbase. Basically it's a shit heap masquerading as somewhere you want to be, you'll see what I mean when we go over there. A heads up, it's a bit basic, so no transporters, you actually walk into an airlock from your ship into...oh, it doesn't matter, suffice to say it's as basic as it gets.

At that point, a shuffling sound came from the cell area and a Security guard came out followed by T'Klar and Jara,both in five point restraining suits. Another Security guard brought up the rear of the party and all were set to go.

"Ok, let's get this freak show on the road" Kilbane said. Just before he stepped off, he turned to Jara, "Oh, something for you on behalf of what happened with Karadis."

"What's that?" Jara asked curiously.

Kilbane punched her in the stomach and as she bent over with the force of the punch, he head butted the back of her head,

"That's for shooting and almost killing her" Kilbane answered. He looked at the two Security guards and said, "Pick that piece of shit up, looks like she stumbled and fell over. Not used to the restraints yet probably."

The two guards mumbled their agreements as they bent over and picked a dazed looking Jara up and propelled her forward.

Soon afterwards, they arrived at the Thall's airlock and Kilbane sent a message to ask if they could have permission to enter the base. A few seconds later an affirmative came back and a Klaxon sounded as the door on the Thall side opened, air pressure pulling them forward slightly as it equalized.

Kevin turned to Wyatt, "I'll let you go through first Commander, I don't want to spoil your first impression of Base One."

Wyatt watched in silence as Kilbane punched Jara savagely in the stomach. he watched as the brig officers helped her up. He understood Kibane's reasons. He had been there as well when Karadis had been shot and they both thought she had died. Wyatt would have killed her on the planet but punching someone while they were helpless, he wasn't fan of. However, Kilbane was his senior so, he kept his mouth shut.

They arrived at the airlock without incident. After getting the signal from the base security, the klaxon sounded, and the door slid up. Wyatt looked at Kilbane with a curious expression on his face. "I've seen a starbase before Commander but suit yourself." He replied and stepped onto the starbase.

Kilbane followed Wyatt through the airlock and the Security guards brought the prisoners. Seeing the state of the area they entered, he looked at Wyatt and said "I've been trying to tell you Commander, this isn't a Starbase, it's a staging post, a layover, a restocking and refit base. This is the furthest place from being a Starbase that you can get, it's a shithole."

"Then why is it referred to as Base One? and not Dump One? Because that's what this looks like a dump." Wyatt replied as he eyed the area they were in with disdain.

"Because it was the original base built for Starfleet Intelligence, they were building four and someone imaginatively thought that naming them by number was a good idea" Kilbane replied. It does have what passes for eateries, but they're not exactly the Ritz, more like falling to bits.

"Now, the Security department is one level down, the 'lift' is over there. I have a question for you, T'Klar and Jara, after they're questioned, they'll get tried and obviously found guilty, what sentence do you believe they should receive?" Kilbane asked.

Why are we having this conversation, Commander Kilbane? The only death sentence is for going to Talos. So....." Wyatt paused looking at Jara and T'Klar then deciding. "Life imprisonment."

"Then you're not thinking like a member of Starfleet Intelligence Purple Squad, you're not ready, you don't have what it takes" Kilbane replied, "they'll never see prison..." and walked towards the lift.

Wyatt followed and got in front of him. "I'm just as much a member of Purple squad as you, Karadis or the Captain!" Since when did Starfleet intelligence become judge, jury and executioner? I'm prepared to kill Commander but those two." He jerked a finger at T'Klar and Jara. " Need to be tried and sentenced."

Kilbane squared up to Wyatt and said "We've always been judge, jury and executioner, that's what you don't get, that's why you're not ready. Do you see any orders, have we got any documentation to say they're being handed over to Security here Commander? No is the answer you're looking for by the way, and the reason is because their fate was already decided before we arrived here. Oh sure, they'll be questioned and we'll get the information we're after, and a trial will be held...of sorts, but their sentence will be 'executed' before they leave the room. When you get that, when you understand that and come to terms with it, then you'll be ready. You may be ready to kill Commander, but are you ready to do so when due process takes a back seat to orders, that's the difference."

"If what you say is true and I say if, why do we even bother? We could have gotten the information from them without wasting everyone's time by going through the motions." Wyatt challenged.

"The point being, think of who we have Commander" Kilbane replied, "T'Klar is the antithesis of the Federation, his knowledge of Klingon affairs far exceeds that of our own mission to Sestus One and why he was there, and that's why we didn't question then waste him. Nobody knows he's here, nobody will look for him here, it makes his demise so much easier. Jara also gives us a route into the dealings that go unnoticed by the Federation with the outer colonies. She didn't dream up the plan to work with the Klingon's herself, she's to stupid for that, but, if we can find out who approached her, then that was a price worth keeping her alive for, for a little bit longer anyway. After their questioning, they're of no further use."

Wyatt cursed silently to himself. He had to admit Kilbane was right. Not that he liked it one damn bit because he didn't. "You don't think T'Klar and Jara don't know they're on borrowed time? That the time they have left can be measured in days if not hours. That they won't try to make a deal?"

"I would think they have an inkling that they're not in a great position" Kilbane answered, "as to whether they think they're on borrowed time, I doubt that would occur to them. There is the possibility that they'll think to cut a deal and if I'm honest, Security here on the base will lead them on letting them think that. However, once their questioning is finished, they'll come to the conclusion a deal's no good to either of them."

He was thoughtful for a moment, "It's very strange to see that someone who was so deep undercover for Starfleet Intelligence eventually became that which he was lyingly portraying."

"Well, neither one of them are stupid and to think so is a mistake. I think they know their fate. Therefore, I also think they are going to make an attempt to escape. Not for us to think otherwise makes us stupid." Wyatt answered.

"Do you think we fell off the banana boat this morning Commander?" Kilbane asked rhetorically, exiting the lift now they had reached the deck Security was on. He turned to face Wyatt, "Here's how they're going to be treated. They'll be in a solid metal cell with complete three sixty surveillance running all the time. Lighting will be on, constantly, they'll have chains fixed to their neck collars, and those collars will have a circuit breaker, that unless deactivated before they leave their cell, will send a shock current of five hundred volts along the chain and into the collar. The key to the collar is a fourteen digit code, changed every three minutes and only the Security Chief will have the code. When they're in the cell they'll sleep on their back with their arms outside the one blanket. A guard will be in the cell with them all the time and there will be three guards outside and concentric guard circles between those three guards and the entrance to Security itself. They will have no visitors, the only people they'll see are those questioning them 'in' their cells. And in case you think anyone can take a kill pill on with them, those who will be questioning them will be fully body checked before they go in, and when I say fully body checked, I mean fully. Food will be prepared and checked three times before being passed to them to eat. They're not going anywhere, they're not escaping."

Wyatt listened as Kilbane laid out and explained the security measures that would be in place. When he finished, Wyatt nodded and replied, "All very impressive Commander and thorough. I am duly impressed. I am however, reminded of one thing though and that is never say never."

“If you’re concerned Commander, I can speak to Security and allow you to oversee the process?” Kilbane said.

Wyatt shook his head from side to side, "Nope. That is quite alright Commander. I take your word about the security measures in place to deal with the prisoners."

"Good" Kilbane replied. They arrived at the Security offices of Base One and entered them, Kilbane greeting the officer at the desk, "Captain Gerald Dixon you old scoundrel, you're still alive, how the devil are you?"

The officer looked up and grinned at Kilbane, "Well as I live and breathe, Kevin Kilbane...oooooh, Commander Kevin Kilbane now, how the hell did you manage to wangle that?"

"Oh, you know me, grease a palm here, blackmail someone there, the usual" Kilbane laughed.

Turning to Wyatt, Kilbane said "Commander Wyatt Steele, let me introduce you to Captain Gerald Dixon, one of my trainers for Purple Squad. The Captain here had me down as a DOR from the get go, didn't think I would make it through his training,but I proved him wrong."

Wyatt studied Dixon, he looked rock hard and several hears older than Kilbane. His eyes were alert and Wyatt doubted that he missed much. " Captain Dixon, it is a pleasure sir." He replied as he thrust his right hand forward.to shake Dixon's.

Dixon took the offered hand and shook it firmly, “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well Commander, so tell me, what do you think of this pompous windbag, be honest” he smiled.

"Professional, a good officer, knows his job and does it very well. Personally, I don't know him well enough to have an opinion. Other than to say, he cares deeply for his friends." Wytt answered.

Looking at Kilbane, Dixon raised an eyebrow, “He must have changed then, I saw him as a slapdash, weakling with a penchant for the obvious and a poor taste in women.”

“All right, all right, enough with the character assassination” Kilbane laughed, “We’ve brought the two prisoners from the ship here for their questioning.”

“Ah yes, T’Klar and Jara” Dixon answered, “We’ve got everything set up as per Kerr’s instructions. Care to inspect the cells and surrounding area?”

“No, that’s ok Sir, we’ll take your word for it things are in place” Kilbane replied.

Turning to Wyatt he said, “Commander, can you bring the prisoners in and see to it they’re placed in their cells please, I just need a quick word with Captain Dixon.”

Wyatt gave a quick nod, "Yes sir." He replied, turning to carry out the order. "Nice meeting you Captain, perhaps we'll have a chance to talk again." He said as he left to take T'Klar and Jara to their cells with all security measures in place and active.

Kilbane watched as Wyatt and the Security guards took T'Klar and Jara away,and once they were gone he turned back to Dixon, "Did you receive Captain Kerr's orders Sir?"

"It's just you and me Kevin, Gerald's fine" Dixon replied, "and yes, I got his orders, everything will be carried out."

"As a favour for me, make sure Jara suffers during her questioning, she shot Karadis, we damn near lost her" Kilbane said.

"She's going to be alright?" Dixon asked.

"You know Karadis Gerald, she's tough as old boots" Kilbane replied, "she came through but she's been benched by Bird."

"Mmmmm, she'll not like that" Dixon said, "Oh, there is something else, and it's the weirdest thing. We got a request for a special interrogator to be present during the prisoners questioning."

"A request from who?" Kilbane asked.

"Admiral Brown, he contacted me personally, it didn't come through channels" Dixon replied.

Kilbane stared at Dixon and said "Have you replied?"

"Not yet, should I ignore it, after all, we have our own interrogation team here?" Dixon said.

"No...no..." Kilbane said thoughtfully, "Don't ignore it, reply back and say that's fine, also say that you'll have accomodation set up for them please."

"Something I should know Kevin?" Dixon asked.

"Not from me" Kilbane replied, "but I have to let Bird know about this."

"Ok, I'll send the reply ASAP" Dixon said.

"Thanks Gerald, listen, I better go and see that the prisoners are settled in, I'll catch you later" Kilbane replied, turning and walking off. He caught up with Wyatt and nodded off to the side to show he wanted to speak to him on the quiet.

"Admiral Brown contacted Captain Dixon, telling him he wants a special interrogator present during the prisoners questioning" Kilbane said.

Wyatt had reached the security cells and was in the process with the base security of getting Jara and T'Klar secure. Seeing Kilbane's nod he moved away and a moment late stood beside him. Once he was, Kilbane told him of Brown's special request for a special interrogator. He frowned at the news. "That's odd sir. Doesn't the base security have their own interrogator? Why would Admiral Brown want to send his own?"

“They have an entire team” Kilbane replied, “and I think Brown’s made his first mistake. We’re going to stay and meet this special investigator, ask him some questions of our own” he finished, raising his eyebrows.

Wyatt nodded in agreement. "Sounds good to me Commander. Perhaps once we meet who he is sending we can can come up with a definitive game plan of our own."

"Oh, I already have a game plan" Kilbane replied, "this...special investigator will give us Brown's whereabouts or he'll be minus his bollocks. I have no intention of leaving here without some kind of link between him and Brown. One way or another, they'll give us the information we want. You see, Brown will know there's no orders or information that we've brought T'Klar and Jara here, therefor, there'll be no logging or orders of the investigator coming here. Brown's thinking we'll be to scared to do anything to him, but he's in for a real shock, we will get information out of him. When we do that, the special investigator will know he's screwed so he won't return to Brown, he'll have to go on the run. I'll say one thing for him though, he's got real guts coming here in the first place, either that or he's just stupid."

Wyatt listened ad Kilbane relayed his plan to him in regard to the special investigator. "Just how do you plan to get the information from the special investigator sir? Beat him? Torture? Get them drunk or drugged? The options are almost
endless." Wyatt finished. While he was half serious in the methods, he proposed he didn't put anything past Kilbane in getting
the information he needed.

"All those suggestions are very good Commander, yes, we could beat them, torture them, get them drunk or drug them" Kilbane replied, "but I'm actually going to tell him the truth. You see, though they may be on Admiral Brown's staff, the one thing all Intelligence officers detest is anyone who uses the service to further their own agenda. This guys a special investigator, that means he's from the legal side, and they abhor anyone who tried to further their own agenda rather than fulfill the Intelligence services agenda. They may be reluctant to speak at first, after all, Admiral Brown has a good record...on the surface. But if we tell him what we know about T'Klar's situation, and corroborate that with evidence that Brown facilitated Jara taking over governing on Sestus One, he'll see Brown for what he really is...a would be dictator. Think about it, Brown would have contacts inside the Klingon High Council, I have no doubt about that. He also knows who T'Klar really is, a deep undercover SFI agent. It would be easy for Brown to manipulate T'Klar to get many of the Senior Klingon Officers to come to his aid by telling them the High Council is corrupt. Brown then manages to get Jara elected to be the head of the government on Sestus One, she puts her people in strategic positions in her government and then contacts T'Klar to tell them about the dilithium mines and how she can help get the ore extracted...for a price. T'Klar, now having convinced his own officers that they need the ore to power their ships in order to bring down the supposed corrupt Klingon High Council, has been contacted by Brown and told that Jara will help him get the ore he needs for his ships. Brown knows that if T'Klar gets the ore, builds his own fleet up, and defeats the Klingon High Council, he has a ready made ally he can control. If this investigator believes this information, there's no way he's going to agree to be anything other than an interested party in the questioning of T'Klar and Jara to seek the truth. I believe that once he finds the truth, he'll give us information on Brown."

Wyatt listened as Kilbane revealed his plan to deal with the special investigator coming from Admiral Brown. Which was tell him the truth about Brown. "A good plan indeed sir and while I agree he will be none too pleased by what you tell him in regard to Admiral Brown and how he is using the Intel department. In addition, how do we know he isn't as corrupt as the Admiral which would blow the entire plan to bit." Wyatt looked at Kilbane, "We have to hope he is as moral and honest as you think he is sir." Wyatt added.